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 Several lawmakers, political advisors propose stimulus for childbirth at China's 'two sessions' Global Times) 10:06, March 07, 2025 In line with the 2025 China's Government Work Report's mention of policies to boost birth rates, the Global Times learned that several lawmakers and political advisors have raised proposals about maternity leave, subsidies born by both employers and government, and fertility protection. Chen Jing, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, has proposed establishing a maternity leave system through legislation. Another NPC deputy and former vice president of the All-China Women's Federation Tan Lin also proposed improving the maternity leave system to help build a fertility-friendly society, the Paper reported. While Tan suggested prolonging the statutory maternity leave to 126 days from the current 98 days and appropriately extending paternity leave and parental leave as reported by the Paper, Chen told the Global Times that besides specifying the exact number of days for maternity, paternity and parental leave, more importantly, the allowance for these types of leave should be covered by a maternity insurance fund, which is financed by both the employer and the government. Chen called for sharing the cost of childbirth leave for companies with female employees giving birth in that year, including through a certain percentage of tax reductions to the companies. Political advisor Lu Weiying, who is also the chief expert from the Reproductive Medical Center of Women and Children's Medical Center in South China's Hainan Province, proposed increasing leave days to allow young people to undergo premarital examinations and fertility assessments prior to marriage. Lu told the Global Times that she suggested women should undergo a fertility assessment when getting married so that they can better plan for childbirth while balancing career development. She also advocated for encouraging childbirth by promoting affordable and high-quality childcare services and flexible employment options to support young mothers in balancing work and parenting. Echoing Lu's suggestion on understanding one's fertility status, NPC deputy Ruan Xiangyan emphasized the protection of fertility health throughout life, not just for women at childbearing age, but also for children and men. Ruan, also the founder and chief expert of the gynecological endocrinology department at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, told the Global Times that she proposed that national and local health authorities formulate or strengthen regulations governing medical disclosure for children and reproductive-age patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. "For patients undergoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or ovarian surgery, doctors are obligated to explicitly inform them in the informed consent form at the earliest opportunity that subsequent treatments may cause irreversible damage to their fertility," Ruan said. Ruan said that doctors should also be responsible for informing patients about how to preserve their fertility, including methods to protect the ovaries, eggs, sperm, and embryos. "For female pediatric patients and women of reproductive age facing ovarian function impairment from disease treatment, doctors must provide timely, effective, and scientifically sound fertility preservation options and recommendations to them," Ruan added. We will formulate policies on boosting birth rates, provide childcare subsidies, vigorously develop integrated nursery and childcare services, and increase public-interest childcare services, read the 2025 China's Government Work Report released on Wednesday. The childcare subsidy policy has been implemented in many regions in China. According to the National Health Commission, 23 provinces have explored and implemented subsidy policies, with the provincial-level policy coverage achieved in Southwest China's Yunnan Province, Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and East China's Anhui Province. The assisted reproductive medical services have been included in the scope of basic medical insurance coverage in nearly 20 provinces including Beijing and South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Wang Xiaoqing also contributed to the story (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Marcus DeFreitas, Managing Director of DIHL, from whom the properties were acquired, contends that the government still owes his company approx. $2.7 million. Marcus DeFreitas, Managing Director of DeFreitas Investment Holdings Limited (DIHL), and a former New Democratic Party (NDP) Parliamentarian and Minister of Government, Marcus has challenged the Government to provide evidence of all payments made to his company. The payment is in relation to the (governments) acquisition of three properties along Murrays Road, owned by DeFreitas Investment Holdings Limited (DIHL), trading at the time as Trans Caribbean Traders Ltd. DeFreitass challenge to government came after a claim by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made in Parliament on January 8, 2025, that government had made payments totaling EC$4.7 million towards the acquisition. DeFreitas countered the Prime Ministers claim saying in a public broadcast that in fact, only EC$3.7 million was paid. In a press release dated February 28, 2025, DeFreitas, Managing Director of DIHL, stated that since the Prime Ministers claim was widely reported in local media, it was his duty to refute the statement made by Dr. Gonsalves in Parliament DeFreitas stated in the release: "I, categorically state that the Prime Ministers utterance is very far from the truth in material aspects. I further state that the Government only paid EC$3,743,785. Payments made by government According to the businessman, a payment was made on or about January 2005 amounting to EC$1,743,785; a second payment was made on or about June 30, 2022, which amounted to EC$1 million. He acknowledged a payment made by the Government in 2022 which amounted to EC$1.5 million and another in an amount of EC$500,000 in 2024. However, according to DeFreitas, that money was credited to interest and based on the judgement order rendered by the Tribunal, the Government still owed the company EC$2,357,000 plus interest. Subsequent payments were made on or about September 5, 2022 (EC$500,000) and on or about February 20, 2024 (EC$500,000). Initial valuation not accepted As was explained by Gonsalves and supported by DeFreitas, the initial Government valuation of the properties under consideration was EC$1,743,785, an amount with which the owners disagreed. As per the procedure, the matter was sent to a Tribunal. The hearing occurred in March 2007 and the Tribunal, headed by then High Court Judge, Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle, ruled in favour of DIHL, awarding EC$4.1 million inclusive of the value of the properties, EC$370,000 for loss of profits and an additional EC$20,000 cost. The Government was also ordered to pay 5 percent interest effective November 2007 on the unpaid amount. DeFreitas explained in the release that the Government appealed this Tribunals Order on the grounds that the Tribunal failed to allow the Chief Surveyor at the time, Adolphus Ollivierre, to respond to a Valuation Report issued by Stanley DeFreitas of DeFreitas and Associates, a professional practice of chartered accountants, management consultants and business advisors, providing public accounting, tax, audit and business advisory services. "Mr. Adolphus Ollivierre was found not to be credible by the Tribunal and this fact was so stated in the findings of the Tribunal and perhaps, this could have been the reason why the Tribunal did not see it fit for his rebuttal of Mr. Stanley DeFreitas evidence, the release stated. Government Appeals and thereafter But, in his referenced presentation in Parliament, Dr. Gonsalves disclosed that the Government appealed the Tribunal Order and the matter was heard on November 25, 2010. The Justices of Appeal referred the matter back to the Board of Assessment for a new assessment. That being the case, a new Board of Assessment had to be established. Although a chairperson and a representative of government was named to the Board, DIHL failed to appoint anyone, Gonsalves told Parliament. Gonsalves contended that with the Board of Assessment unable to convene a meeting and given that government was moving towards expediting plans for the construction of the Hall of Justice on the acquired property, it was he who decided to get closure on the matter. Accordingly, payments against what was owing were made in 2022, 2023 and 2024, Dr. Gonsalves disclosed, with the last payment being EC$500,00 made in February 19, 2024 and collected by DIDL. Notwithstanding the governments position, DeFreitas contended in his statement, that while they paid $1.5 million in 2022 and $500,000.00 in 2024, these monies were credited to interest. According to the Judgement Order rendered by the Tribunal, the Government still owes my Company $2,357,000.00 plus interest. The construction of the $22m residence for the Governor of the ECCB continues unabated and when completed will rival any residence in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. The Eastern Caribbean Central Banks (ECCB) decision to spend EC$22 million on building an extravagant official residence for its Governor, currently Timothy Antoine, has not escaped the ire of at least one OECS Prime Minister. Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, described the expenditure as "an absolute scandal and an "unacceptable extravagance, and criticized the "lack of transparency and insufficient oversight by the ECCBs internal review mechanisms, the Banks Board of Directors, and the Monetary Council. Dr. Gonsalves sentiments on the issue were expressed in what was described as a confidential letter (3 pages) that was leaked. The letter is dated February 17, 2025, and was addressed to Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who chairs the ECCB Monetary Council. The ECCB Monetary Council is made up of the Minister of Finance from each of the eight member countries of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). The ECCB is the monetary authority for these island economies. Prime Minister Gonsalves denounced the lavish spending as both irresponsible and out of touch with the situation of the regions people who, according to him, were facing "huge economic challenges, inclusive of rising food prices and increasing poverty. Such opulence, he said, was unacceptable. The Vincentian leader pointed somewhat of an accusatory finger at the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew. He questioned how Dr. Drew could not notice "this blatant waste of finances, when it was taking place just a stones throw away from his own Prime Ministers residence, at the luxurious gated community of Beacon Heights in St. Kitts. In this vein and considering that construction of the Governors new residence was into an advanced stage and therefore must be completed, Dr. Gonsalves suggested selling the mansion to the government of St. Kitts and Nevis for alternative use, possibly as the official residence for the Governor-General or a high-end tourist accommodation. The sitting Governor of the ECCB did not escape the purview of Dr. Gonsalves rampage. In referencing that previous ECCB Governors have lived modestly, he proceeded to express what he said was "deep personal disappointment in the current Governor, whom he had once admired for his intellect and Christian virtues, including prudence. Dr. Gonsalves went further, slamming the ECCB Governor for demonstrating "a total lack of sensitivity and prudence, and called on the Monetary Council to consider whether the Governors continued leadership is "tenable in all the circumstances. Dr. Gonsalves acknowledged that the ECCB Governor "deserves comfortable accommodation, but called for a revaluation of the current $22 million project. He urged the Monetary Council to take immediate action to prevent further damage to the Banks reputation, acknowledging the likely public backlash over what he calls the "Governors Palace. Meanwhile, Dr. Gonsalves sidestepped a question about whether he was prepared to confirm the letter he was purported to have written in which he registered his utmost disgust with the EC$22m residence for the governor. He said he was not confirming or denying any correspondence he might have sent on the issue at hand. by Maralyn Ballantyne LLB. Hons. Peggy Antrobus has a long and impressive record of public service to the Caribbean region and the international feminist community. In 1974, when she was appointed advisor on Womens Affairs to the government of Jamaica, under the then prime minister, Michael Manley, I had already observed her interest in contributing to development in our Caribbean region. In many ways, 1974 marks the beginning of the development of her feminist consciousness. Peggy says, that hitherto, she knew nothing at all about feminism. Dear readers, permit me to open in Vincentian dialect, as it best captures my sentiment: When it come to Peggy, ah dorn no way fo start! Giving organization to her mission In 1985, Peggy set up the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA), of which I am a founding member, inspired by Peggys vision. In 1987, she established the Women and Development Unit (WAND) at the University of the West Indies (UWI), where she served as its head until 1995, elevating its stature and influence. Peggy was a founding member of Development Alternatives for Women in a New Era (DAWN), serving as General Coordinator from 1990 to 1996 and as a member of its steering committee until 2004. A global feminist and one of the pioneering voices for womens rights in the Caribbean, she continues to be actively engaged in life. She is the author of The Global Womens Movement: Origins, Issues, and Strategies (Zed Books, 2004), a seminal work that examines the intersections of gender, economics, and global politics. It was through the many gatherings of Caribbean women, organized by Peggy during her work with UWI in the 1980s, that I came into close contact with so many like-minded peoplewriters, poets, activists, and creativesincluding Caribbean writers; Olive Senior, Jamaica Kincaid, Elizabeth Nunez. These were not just meetings; they were gatherings of intellectual and creative energies that catalyzed our collective spirit of activism. Peggy had a unique ability to bring people together, creating spaces where ideas could be born and fed, where everyone, regardless of status or background, felt empowered to speak their truth. Her presence, her impact - keeping discussion alive Peggys worldview of women and her focus on gender equity and related policy issues, had a significant impact on me. Her influence shaped my own understanding of womens issues and guided my work with the United Nations, on gender and equity matters. I remember discussions on how the role of women in the Caribbean is tied to the survival of our societiesnot just as caregivers but as pivotal economic actors. Peggys conviction in the economic value of womens labor was a revelation to many of us who had internalized the invisibility of that work. Peggy, still full of life and ideas today at the age of 90, aims to surpass her beloved mother, who lived in Trinidad until the age of 105 . During the COVID-19 pandemic, Peggy, though in retirement, was an active participant in Zoom sessions, demonstrating her determination to persevere even in difficult times. She focused on how feminist activists could respond to emerging opportunities, especially as the pandemic threatened to derail Caribbean economies. Her central point was, and still is, how to guide Caribbean development toward a more equitable and sustainable future. She argues for rethinking our economic models, pointing out that the pandemic laid bare the vulnerabilities of a system dependent on tourism and external debt. Our conversations often return to the changing contexts of feminism during the 1980s and 1990s. One topic we discussed was the question of funding for non-governmental organizations, particularly advocacy groups. In many countries, government approval is required before funding can be granted, which creates barriers. To this day, funders are not favourable towards projects focused on social justice advocacy. Peggy reminds of the Haitian situation, where the poorest citizens put Jean-Bertrand Aristide in power, only for civil society organizationsmany funded by the U.S. governmentto undermine and eventually oust him. This is not just a historical anecdote for Peggy; it is a stark reminder of how international politics could be manipulated to serve hegemonic interests, often at the expense of the people who need the most support. Vincentian womens rights activists, Nelcia Robinson, Jeannie Mc Donald and others are carrying on the fight and deserve support, as we struggle with violence against women here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. When I boarded a plane to Mexico in 1975 for the first-ever conference on women, supported by Agnes Catoan outstanding Vincentian woman lawyer of blessed memoryI knew, prescient as I am, that to get action on uplifting the status of women in the Caribbean, someone like Peggy was needed. Upon Peggys formal entry into the arena, it felt as if a prayer had been answered. Her voice brought coherence to our collective desires, her insights grounded our activism in both theory and practice, and her commitment to social justice created the fire that kept gender issues on the front burner. We had talked about womens issues, especially vulnerable women, on Peggys visits to my mother-in-law, of precious memory, Olive Ballantyne, a genuine out of the limelight champion for the rights and interests of women, in particular, young girls; Olive took many girls into her home, cared them, loved them, educated them and lifted their self-esteem. Her message for women Peggy stresses that men should take an interest in womens issues and that our Caribbean people in the diaspora have an important role to play in uplifting our women living in the Caribbean. Peggy Antrobus embodies the spirit of Caribbean feminismgrounded, resilient, unapologetic, and striving for a better, more equitable world. Peggy has a message here- "Womens advocacy against violence is often too polite and too muted. Where is the sense of outrage that can galvanize us into action? Surely the sources of that passion lie in womens own experiences of violence and violation. It was only when my two sisters were murdered by the boyfriend of one (as she tried to leave him) and my sons fiancee was murdered as she tried to resist a rapist, that I realized the extent to which my commitment to the movement for justice for women is driven by such acts of violence. When women try to claim bodily integrity they often place their lives in jeopardy. I continue to be a major advocate for economic justice, but I do not separate gender justice from economic justice. Sexuality and reproductive rights and health, including freedom from violence, are the foundation of womens ability to engage in the political struggle against inequality and injustice, not just for women but for everyone. (Editors Note: The following is carried verbatim) The New Democratic Party (NDP) is deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved party stalwart, the Honourable Allan Cruickshank, who departed this life on March 1, 2025. A towering figure in the political landscape of our nation, Mr. Cruickshank dedicated his life to public service, leaving an indelible mark on the people of South Central Windward and the entire nation. Born on May 25, 1951, Allan Cruickshank served as a Member of Parliament for South Central Windward from 1984 to 2001, representing the NDP with unwavering commitment and integrity. His distinguished career in government saw him hold several ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Education and Health, Minister of Communications and Works, Minister of Agriculture, Industry and Labour, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, and Information. His leadership in these roles contributed significantly to the development of our nation and the betterment of countless lives. Mr. Cruickshanks transformative impact on South Central Windward remains a cornerstone of his legacy. During his tenure, he constructed the Greiggs and New Grounds Primary Schools, providing quality education to countless children in the constituency. He built hardcourts in San Souci, Lauders, Lowmans, and Greiggs, as well as playing fields in Lauders and North Union, fostering community development and youth engagement through sports. His commitment to improving living standards ensured that pipe-borne water was accessible to every home in his constituency. Additionally, he oversaw the construction of village roads throughout South Central Windward, connecting communities and enhancing accessibility for all. These achievements stand as a testament to his dedication to improving the lives of his constituents. Beyond his ministerial duties, Mr. Cruickshank served as the General Secretary of the NDP, where his strategic vision and dedication helped shape the partys direction and growth. His tireless efforts in nation-building and his unwavering commitment to the people of South Central Windward will forever be remembered as a testament to his selfless service. The NDP would like to thank his family for sharing him with us. Dr. Godwin Friday also commented on the loss of Brother Allan saying, "today, we mourn not just the passing of a political colleague, but the loss of a dear friend, and a nation-builder. Allan Cruickshank was a man of principle, passion, and purpose. His dedication to our party and his unwavering commitment to the people of South Central Windward and our nation as a whole were unparalleled. His passing leaves a void in our hearts and in our nation, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all. Senator Israel Bruce, the NDPs current candidate for the constituency of South Central Windward, also paid tribute to Mr. Cruickshank, stating: "Mr. Cruickshank was a mentor, a beacon of hope and a tireless advocate for progress. His work in South Central Windward laid the foundation for the development we continue to strive for today. I am deeply inspired by his legacy and remain committed to building on the remarkable work he began. May his soul rest in eternal peace. The NDP extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mr. Cruickshank during this difficult time. We join the nation in mourning the loss of a true patriot, a visionary leader, and a devoted servant of the people. His contributions to our party and our country will never be forgotten. May his soul Rest in Peace. "Exemplary leadership is what Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says is being shown by Minister of Tourism Carlos James. Dr. Gonsalves comment comes following Minister James being awarded with the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) "Excellence in Governance-Sustainable Tourism Award while under his leadership, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been bestowed with PATWAs accolade of "Destination of the Year-Eco Adventures. Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves said the PATWA awards are relied upon to provide a requisite guidance, measurement and assessments about how tourism is going in relation to the various destinations. "so, when the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association pronounces on a jurisdiction, being a jurisdiction of quality, and when it pronounces that the minister, being a minister of excellence in governance, I reiterate that we are on the right track, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves commented recently. Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves said that when you have an independent body like PATWA give both SVG and the tourism minister an award of destination of the year, and excellence in governance, what is being indicated through these independently awarded accolades is that we are on a path where we are doing some things right. "It has been the policy of the government for us to make our tourism optimally sustainable and self-sustaining, Dr. Gonsalves said recently while stressing that this independent recognition is a testament to the effectiveness of the countrys tourism policies and the dedicated efforts of Minister James and his team, who he said "are doing a remarkable job. Notwithstanding the accomplishments to date, Dr. Gonsalves cautioned, "We have to make sure that the tourism is sustainable in relation to the environment, that we dont spoil the environment in the production of our services and goods. He said our plan is derived from the sense and sensibility of our Caribbean and Vincentian civilizations and these things are matters which PATWA recognized when they gave these particular awards. "There are the things which you do not see physically, but which are there. The way in which our people, because of the education revolution, people are being better trained and are easily more trainable. "People understand the significance of tourism, and the farmers and fisherfolk and craftsmen and entertainers are coming in and playing their role in this real, giant effort where tourism is becoming a more vital part of the economic growth and development of the country, Dr. Gonsalves said while highlighting the critical role of Vincentians in shaping the industry. Addressing the economic resilience of the tourism sector, Dr. Gonsalves acknowledged concerns about external dependencies but reinforced that tourism remains a pillar of the countrys development. He stressed that under the leadership of James and his team, the necessity of eco-friendly development, alternative energy sources, and responsible construction practices to preserve the nations pristine environment is being looked at. UWI Toronto honours Philanthropists Myron and Berna Garron, whose generosity has transformed pediatric healthcare in Canada and beyond, will be honoured at the 16th annual University of West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards, for their lifelong dedication to improving childrens lives. Hailing from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Berna, alongside her husband Myron, have deep ties to the Caribbean. In 1973, the Garrons lived in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where their youngest son, Anthony, was born. At the time, Myron was working in banking and had accepted a transfer to Montego Bay with Scotiabank. During their time in Jamaica, their eldest son, Michael, who was initially misdiagnosed with a common ganglion cyst at the age of three in Hamilton, Canada, experienced worsening health concerns. A specialist in Kingston, Jamaica, conducted exploratory surgery and urged the family to return to Canada for further medical care. Tragically, Michael was later diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Motivated by the devastating loss of their son at age 13, the Garrons became champions in the fight against childhood cancer in Canada and beyond. In his memory, they established the Garron Family Cancer Centre at SickKids Hospital, supporting groundbreaking pediatric cancer research and significantly advancing pediatric cancer care. In recognition of their remarkable contributions, the couple will receive the prestigious G. Raymond Chang Award at the 16th annual UWI Toronto Benefit Awards on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto, Canada. Over nearly a decade, their philanthropic contributionstotalling well over the $50 million pledge Berna made with her sonhave enabled the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and supported critical research and treatment initiatives. Their generosity has not only transformed care for young Canadians but also extended to helping children with cancer in the Caribbean through SickKids global outreach efforts. The Garrons passion for giving back is evident in their support of numerous healthcare institutions, including SickKids Hospital, St. Josephs Health Centre, and Michael Garron Hospital, which was renamed in honour of their son. Their belief in sharing what they have to help others continues to inspire hope and improve lives for countless families facing pediatric cancer. "This is a proud night for the Caribbean diaspora and it does more than just bridge gaps; it builds and strengthens communities, uniting us in a shared vision of education, empowerment, and recognition of leaders and mentors who guide the way forward, says Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Co-Patron. The 2025 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards promises an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, celebration, and recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations that are shaping a better future for all. Others to be honoured at this years Benefit Awards are: * Luminary Award: Dr. Jason Drew Harrow (Kardinal Offishall), multi-platinum rapper, producer, Def Jam Global A&R, and judge on Canadas Got Talent; * Chancellors Award: Onyx Initiative, a non-profit founded by Wayne and Nigela urboo; * Vice Chancellors Award: Dr. Mark Beckles, RBC Royal Banks Community Investment Initiatives and President & CEO of the Nelson Mandela Childrens Fund (Canada); Ms. Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, co-founder of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, and Black Law Students Association of Canada; Ms. Leslie Woo, CEO of CivicAction and Founder of shebuildscities.org Venezuela Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino Lopez did not hesitate to inform that Venezuela stands regard to militarily defend its sovereignty. (Photo Source: Reuters) DESPITE sharp condemnation from Guyana and the international community, including the US, Venezuela continues to defend its actions regarding the latest maritime incident in the disputed Essequibo region. On March 2, Venezuela Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino Lopez issued a statement saying that the national armed force (FANB) categorically rejects the statements made by Guyana president Dr Irfaan Ali on the incident that occurred "in waters pending delimitation. "It is imperative to remember that the aforementioned dispute has a valid legal instrument in force, deposited in the General Assembly of the UN, which governs its practical, political and satisfactory solution: the Geneva Agreement, Lopez said. "Therefore, Guyana has no legal basis or legitimacy to unilaterally dispose of a space where it cannot exercise sovereignty or jurisdiction. Ali had denounced what he called an incursion, alleging a Venezuelan Coast Guard (CG) vessel entered Guyanas exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on the morning of March 1. The vessel then approached the offshore platform Prosperity FPSO (floating, production, storage, and offloading). Guyana news outlet News Source shared an audio of the alleged exchange between a representative onboard the CG vessel and the captain of the FPSO via radio. The speaker claimed the FPSO was operating in Venezuelas EEZ. Shortly after Ali made the public announcement of the dispute, the US Department of State accused the Venezuelan naval vessel of threatening workers of the US-based oil and gas giant ExxonMobils FPSO. Lopez, though, continued to assert his countrys position, saying, "Faced with these incessant attacks, the armed institution, faithful to its anti-imperialist nature, prepares itself in perfect popular military-police fusion to respond to any threat and preserve the territorial integrity and peace of the Republic. On January 10, a statement from the US State Department listed Lopez as a wanted man and offered a US $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Gia xang dau trong nuoc hom nay (3/7) uoc du bao co the giam tu 6,8 - 7,5% so voi ky ieu hanh truoc o. Cu the, gia ban le xang E5 RON 92 co the giam 1.412 ong (6,9%) ve muc 19.118 ong/lit; xang RON 95-III co the giam 1.440 ong (6,8%) ve muc 19.670 ong/lit. Trong khi o, dau hoa co the giam 7,5% ve muc 17.631 ong/lit; dau mazut co the giam 7,2% ve muc 15.730 ong/kg; dau diesel co the giam 7,1% ve muc 17.977 ong/lit. The Blues will return to action with a weekend trip to Molineux where they will face Wolverhampton Wanderers. Everton players made good use of the 10-day break between matches and spent the last week at a warm-weather training camp in Abu Dhabi. While there are no fresh injury concerns, manager David Moyes continues to deal with a depleted squad. However, a couple of players might return to the fold soon. Speaking at Finch Farm, Moyes said that Seamus Coleman is nearing fitness but wont be rushed back. Meanwhile, Armando Broja could make the matchday squad for next week but it depends on the medical teams clearance. "Seamus is nearer [to being ready to play]. Whether he's ready to be involved [now], I'm not quite sure yet. He's still training and we're obviously trying not to get him reinjured so we're giving him every opportunity to make sure he's fine. "Broja is training. He's joined in a little bit but he's not fully right yet. I'm hoping that maybe after the international break might be the right time. There's an outside chance that maybe he could be fit for next week, maybe, but, at the moment, I can only follow the medical team. If I was guessing, it looks more like after the international break. Moyes will also be able to count on Youssef Chermiti and Nathan Patterson as both players were on the bench for the clash against Brentford. Abdoulaye Doucoure, who missed the last match due to the birth of his son, will also enter the matchday squad for the Blues. However, Iliman Ndiaye (knee), Orel Mangala (knee), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (hamstring), and Dwight McNeil (knee) are still far from recovering. "The likes of Dwight [McNeil], Iliman [Ndiaye] and Dom [Calvert-Lewin] fall into our forward players who we're needing back our creative players as well. I don't think any of those three, at the moment, are really close, but Ili is doing much better. He's not running or anything yet but he's certainly improving from his injury, Moyes added. Everton are on a seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and will look to secure the three points here after holding Manchester United and Brentford to draws in their last couple of fixtures. Wolves, 17th in the table, have lost three of their last five games and will be without top-scorer Matheus Cunha who received a straight red against Bournemouth. The hosts will also miss the services of Emmanuel Agbadou, Sasa Kalajdzic, Leon Chiwone, Enso Gonzalez and Yerson Mosquera, while Goncalo Guedes and Rodrigo Gomes face late fitness checks. Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () There are no responses so far to this article. Be the first to offer a comment using the form below. How to get rid of these ads and support TW ToffeeWeb You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Following a public resignation that called for an audit to be done, the Natrona Collective Health Trust wanted to provide their own input. Jenn True resigned from the board of the Natrona Collective Health Trust during a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. True had been appointed to the board by county commissioners just one year ago. In her letter of resignation, True outlined several reasons why she felt she could no longer stay on the board. Many of these concerns focused on the fiscal decisions of the collective. New building The collective recently purchased a new building in downtown Casper to move its office space into. Since its inception in 2020, the collective has operated out of a leased space. Beth Worthen, CEO of the collective, said that this decision was not made without consideration. The collective spent a couple of years crunching numbers to determine if they should continue to lease or look into owning their own space. The lease for the current space ends in April 2026, according to Worthen. In the end, the collective decided on owning due to the compounding cost of having to lease a space indefinitely. The idea is that this trust is going to be around forever, serving the residents of Natrona County, collective board chair Eric Nelson said. So when you look at that time horizon to continue to lease and not have an asset, [it] doesnt pencil out. Changes to expenses True complained that the trust has increased the salaries of employees across the board while also spending less on grants. True acknowledged that these salary increases were in line with a consultants compensation review. However, she says that the salary of the CEO is much higher than anyone in a similar position located in Casper. Worthens salary recorded on the 2023 990 tax form was $265,000. Nelson said that the trust used The Croner Company to conduct a market analysis of similar private funds. The Natrona Collective Health Trust is a specific type of private fund called a health conversion fund. It is the only fund of this type in the state, according to Worthen. Based on information gathered from 990 tax return forms from various health conversion funds in the region, the Natrona Collective Health Trust paid its CEO thousands of dollars less than the other funds. However, the most recent data currently available is from 2023. True said that the 14% salary increases came within the last few months. Part of Trues complaint against the salary increases was that this happened congruently with a 4% decline in grant funding. Worthen explained that this decrease in funding was not because the trust was inherently spending less on grants to make up for salary increases. Rather, the trust is required to give 3.3% of the trusts net assets to the Banner Wyoming Medical Center. Worthen said that the money set aside for Banner makes up roughly 60% of the budget and it fluctuates year-to-year based on the market. Our endowment portfolio performed really well, and so what that meant was a 5% increase or about $500,000 more than what we had given Banner Wyoming Medical Center in the previous year, Worthen said. So that required distribution impacted our budget. Agenda pushing True claimed that the trust had become political and was pushing a specific ideological agenda with how it decided to grant funds. She specifically pointed to the fact that the Wyoming Rescue Mission was recently denied a grant from the collective. True believed that this was due to the missions religious affiliation. The trust does have an inclusivity statement on its website and built into the grant funding rubric. We try to approach this from a very data-driven viewpoint and I think, fundamentally, health care is not political, Nelson said. The trust has funded other faith-based organizations in the past, including Interfaith of Natrona County and the Christ United Methodist Church in Casper. Oversight True advised individuals to push for an independent audit to be done on the collective. According to Nelson, the trust has one done every year and they can be found on the trusts website. Its not necessarily required, but because we want to be transparent, we want to ensure that were being good fiscal stewards, you know, we have retained an outside auditor and they have presented an annual audit every year since weve been in existence, Nelson said. In a follow-up interview, True said that she did not believe the trust was misappropriating or hiding funds. Im not saying that theyre hiding, necessarily, where theyre spending the money, just that its inappropriately allocated, True said. I dont think its meeting the needs specific to Natrona County. Bilateral trade between Trinidad and Tobago and India reached a record TT$1.2 billion (US$368.96 million) in the last fiscal year, according to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. She disclosed this as she announced that her Government aims to expand exports to tap into Indias market of 1.4 billion consumers, and will pursue a Partial Scope Trade Agreementthe first from a Caricom countrywhile laying the foundation for a new Bilateral Investment Treaty. This years Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) results have revealed a concerning learning gap among primary school students, Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath has said. Speaking at a recognition ceremony for the top five performers in the 2025 SEA yesterday at the ministrys head office in Port of Spain, Dowlath said the data will be analysed for better performance moving forward. A federal court ruling will allow a civil case to continue against the Tucson Police Department claiming officers used excessive force during the March 2020 arrest of a man that led to his death. In the incident, Damien Alvarado, 29, ran from a car crash in near the intersection of North Campbell Avenue and East Prince Road. An officer and a witness grabbed Alvarados legs as he tried to climb over a cinderblock wall. The officer brought him to the ground and punched Alvarado, whose hands, the officer said, were moving toward his gun. More officers arrived. Alvarado resisted handcuffs and threatened them. Police shocked him several times with a Taser and used two devices to restrain his legs, according to a detailed account reported by the Associated Press. During the four minutes they held him down, an officer put a knee on Alvarados back. Both officers and paramedics put a spit mask over his face. When Alvarado complained he couldnt breathe, one officer profanely told Alvarado to shut his mouth. Alvarados breathing became labored, then stopped. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. The Pima County Medical Examiners Office concluded Alvarados cause of death was an accident caused by cardiac arrest in the setting of acute methamphetamine intoxication and restraint. All officers were cleared for their use of force, but two were disciplined for their use of foul language during the incident. In the last 25 minutes of his life, Alvarado was disrobed, punched, tased, hogtied, forcibly spit-hooded, and as a previous court described the maneuver had his breath squeez[ed] from him, Paul Gattone, who is representing Alvarados mother, Irene Briseno, said in a news release. In a rare move, the court also denied qualified immunity an immunity that shields officers from liability for engaging in a range of otherwise illegal actions. In denying immunity to the officers, the judge questioned whether Alvarado could have mustered enough resistance to justify such force. The partial summary judgment by U.S. District Judge Raner Collins says the excessive force claim in the case can proceed to a settlement conference with another judge. In court documents, Gattone concedes that Alvarado was attempting to flee a car crash prior to the incident, did not comply with police orders and resisted arrest. That said, he argued against how much resistance Alvarado could have mustered up once he was handcuffed, restrained and Tased. Court records filed by Gattone point to body camera footage during which several officers are seen ignoring pleas from Alvarado and sometimes mocking his groans and moans of pain before his heart stopped. (Irene Briseno) believes that her son was murdered by the police, and a part of that struggle is to get some accountability and some justice for their actions. It was critical to file a suit and get some judgement, Gattone said. Attorney General Kris Mayes is positioning herself as the leader of opposition to Pres. Trump in Arizona. On Feb. 10, she announced her alarm at the administrations early actions, arguing There is an ongoing coup against the Constitution of the United States happening as we speak. On Wednesday night, Mayes joined three other attorneys general Minnesotas Keith Ellison, New Mexicos Raul Torrez, and Oregons Dan Rayfield at an event in Phoenix that they labeled a community impact hearing. They heard from a handful of speakers from the relatively sparse crowd, discussing losses of jobs or services that have resulted from the Department of Government Efficiency cost-cutting effort. The Constitution provides clear avenues for reforming the federal government, Mayes said. Congress the peoples representatives is empowered to oversee and shape the federal agencies that serve this country. Changes to federal programs and funding must be made through the legislative process or other lawful means, not by executive overreach or backdoor maneuvers that disregard the rule of law. The group of attorneys general plans to hold similar hearings around the United States. Mayes office has filed or joined five lawsuits against the Trump administration: - Challenging the National Institutes of Healths reduction in payments to universities and other research-grant recipients - Attempting to invalidate the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency and the appointment of Elon Musk Mayes and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes have both been rumored to be considering a primary challenge to Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, although Mayes has said she plans to run for re-election as attorney general. In contrast to Mayes approach, Hobbs has picked her battles with the Trump administration. She declined to join a coalition of Democratic governors challenging Trump and has pledged to work together where possible, including on border security. Whether Mayes runs for governor or attorney general, the anti-Trump efforts carry political risks: While Mayes won the AGs office by just 280 votes in 2022, Trump won Arizona by 5.5 percentage points, or 187,382 votes, in 2024. Ciscomani, Hobbs do border tours Rep. Juan Ciscomani, back from a narrow vote in favor of the GOP budget resolution, is taking a group of freshman Republican representatives on a border tour. He wont be the only one landing in Nogales Friday, though. Gov. Hobbs will, too. Jaime Chamberlain, president and CEO of Nogales-based Chamberlain Distributing, said the Greater Nogales-Santa Cruz Port Authority will have a lunch with Ciscomani, a Tucson Republican, on Friday. And after that, hell be attending another lunch with Hobbs, in town to discuss trade and tariffs. Ciscomanis tour with the nine freshmen will include stops at the port of entry and border wall, as well as meetings with the cross-border trade industry, his office said in a press release. Ciscomani is just back from a controversial vote in favor of the GOP majoritys budget resolution. Before the vote, Ciscomani had stated his opposition to cuts in Medicaid spending, Pell grants and SNAP benefits. The resolution, which passed 217-215 with Ciscomani voting in favor, does not call directly for the cutting of those programs, but it requires drastic cuts by the committees who handle those programs, likely necessitating cuts to Medicaid and these other programs. Ciscomani has said he considers the vote one in favor of beginning discussions toward a final outcome, not as an outcome in and of itself. Border sheriffs reverse Hobbs support The decision by two Democratic border sheriffs to bow out of Hobbs newly announced border task force represents a sharp turnaround from Hobbs campaign in 2022. Both Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway appeared in an ad for Hobbs that year, pumping her border credentials. When it comes to the border, Katie Hobbs gets it, Nanos said in the ad, as the trio walked along the border fence. Hathaway added, As a border sheriff, let me tell you, Katie Hobbs is on our team. But now, as Erika Wurst reported in the Star Thursday, Nanos and Hathaway are declining to be part of her new border team a federal-state-local task force shes calling Operation Desert Guardian. In my opinion, this is nothing more than a political issue that has very little to do with public safety, Nanos said. Grijalva introduces bill Rep. Raul Grijalva still is not back in Congress, but his office says he has introduced a new bill. Grijalva, a Tucson Democrat, and New Mexico Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Lujan have introduced an effort to reform the 1872 mining law, called the Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025. The bill would, among other things, begin charging royalties on mining operations on public lands and force mining companies to clean up abandoned mines. Grijalva has been largely absent from Congress for a year, after being diagnosed with cancer and returning home to receive treatment. He was the only member of the House absent when the chamber voted on the budget resolution last week. One member, Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado, brought her newborn son to the House floor to cast a ballot, after House leadership denied her request to vote by proxy. Schools cant ban parents from campus because they said something offensive or inappropriate, a federal appeals court has ruled in a case out of Marana. In a unanimous ruling, a panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said there is nothing wrong with a school having a policy that prohibits interference with or disruption of an educational institution. But the judges said Marana Unified School District expanded on that to also include use of speech or language that is offensive or inappropriate to the limited forum of the public school environment. If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable, wrote Judge Milan Smith for the panel. Because the districts policy allows it to prohibit such speech, it runs afoul of this principle. The ruling does not mean Rebecca Hartzell, who filed the lawsuit, will ultimately win her case against the district. But, unless overturned, it gives her a chance to convince a jury that her words are what got her banned from schools her children attend. There was no immediate response from the district. According to court records, the case stems from what had been a years-long dispute between Hartzell and the district, going back to 2008 when she expressed numerous concerns to district personnel about issues ranging from event scheduling, to children allegedly accessing pornography on school computers, to restrictions on children speaking with one another during lunch. Hartzell testified that her advocacy resulted in a district employee telling her she was not welcome at any school except those attended by her children. In 2020, the Dove Mountain school hosted an event where students presented their projects. Hartzell complained to Principal Andrea Divijak about two of her children presenting at the same time. She acknowledged being sarcastic. Divijak said when she tried to walk away Hartzell grabbed her wrist. Hartzell characterized it as accidentally touching the principals arm and saying, stop, Im talking to you. That eventually resulted in a call to Marana police. An officer told Hartzell she could not enter school property and would have to arrange for someone else to drop off and pick up her children. That order eventually was lifted, and misdemeanor charges of assault against her were eventually dropped at the request of the town prosecutor. Hartzell filed suit in federal court. A trial judge threw most of it out before trial, citing a number of legal and procedural issues; a jury subsequently sided with the school on a separate claim of defamation. But Smith noted that the trial judge did not allow Hartzell to pursue her complaint of a First Amendment violation. That was an error, the appellate court said. A reasonable jury could have concluded that Hartzell was unconstitutionally banned based on official district policy, Smith wrote. The provision of (the policy) banning speech that is offensive or inappropriate would be unconstitutional if applied to ban Hartzell for criticizing Divijak, the appellate judge continued. And Hartzell presented sufficient evidence to conclude that the district relied on this policy, rather than Hartzells alleged assault on Divijak, to ban Hartzell from the Dove Mountain school premises. Smith said the district defends the policy on the basis that schools have substantial authority to regulate speech on school grounds. It is certainly true that courts must apply the First Amendment in light of the special characteristics of the school environment, he wrote. Even so, for school officials to justify prohibition of a particular expression of opinion, they must be able to show that their action was caused by something more than a mere desire to avoid the discomfort and unpleasantness that always accompany an unpopular viewpoint. What that could include, Smith said, is a showing that the conduct materially and substantially interfered with the need to maintain appropriate discipline in school operations. Here, the district failed to make this showing, he wrote. For example, the appellate judge said schools may have an interest in protecting children from some types of language. But although Hartzells speech was critical and sarcastic, it was not vulgar or lewd, he said. The district cannot constitutionally prohibit all speech on school property that it finds offensive or inappropriate, Smith said. Nor can the district prohibit that speech by defining it as disruptive or intrusive. An Arizona Supreme Court justice is publicly warning of danger to democracy if the president gets to claim only he decides what is the law. The most dangerous notion floated by the revisionists is that the president should get to decide his own constitutional authority which would mean he has no limits, wrote Clint Bolick in a commentary published in Real Clear Politics. Subordinating the judiciary to the executive branch is a favorite device used by authoritarian regimes on both left and right, he said. If that happens here, the framers design of a government of limited and defined powers will cease to exist. Bolick does not call out the current president by name in his commentary. But he told Capitol Media Services that it was the reelection of Donald Trump and his administrations unilateral actions taken without consent of Congress that got his attention. I started hearing disturbing comments that are the focus of the article pretty much right away, he said of the new administration. I felt that a judge should weigh in, Bolick continued. And I wanted to be a part of the conversation from the earliest possible moment. Bolicks comments are particularly significant as he clearly does not fall into the category of either Democrat or liberal, groups that have been openly hostile to the presidential actions. He had been registered as a Republican until 2003 before becoming politically independent. And he was appointed to the bench in 2016 by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey. Prior to that, he was with the conservative Goldwater Institute. His commentary is spurred by how current events are affecting the independent judiciary with the power and duty to protect individual rights and to hold the political branches to the constitutional boundaries, Bolick said. It is under grave attack from people in powerful positions and their legal sycophants who are giving currency to notions intended to delegitimize and neutralize the courts vital role in our constitutional system, he wrote. Bolick said this isnt entirely the fault of one side of the political spectrum, saying there have been attacks from across the board from those who say the courts are obstructing their political agendas. Of course, politicians and their supporters are free to slam courts and their decisions, he said. In fact, Bolick said, it is the role of courts to protect their freedom to do that. But lately, Highly dangerous tactics and arguments are being urged to counter court rulings with which the government and its powerful allies disagree, he said. That specifically includes contending court orders should be defied, saying that judges should be impeached, and arguing that the president, when he takes unilateral action through executive orders or emergency decrees rather than legislative enactment, has the power to define his own constitutional authority. That last point came into sharp focus last month when Trump posted on his Truth Social network that he who saves his Country does not violate any law. The White House never responded to requests for the president to clarify his comments. At the same time, Elon Musk, who has become the presidents top advisor, has criticized judges on his X platform, calling them evil and corrupt. And not just that. The only way to restore rule of the people in America is to impeach judges, Musk wrote. Bolick pointed out that only 15 federal judges have ever been impeached in the history of the country and only eight removed. And he said thats for good reason as they must be found guilty of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. Disagreeing with a judges opinions or thwarting a presidents agenda are not among impeachable offenses, he said. And while Bolick did not lay blame for who is behind the current desire to ignore court orders or impeach judges, he pointed out it appears to be a more recent development that more or less coincided with the change in administration. Until November 2024, most conservatives supported a robust and independent judiciary, he wrote. Consider, he said, the decision by Democratic President Barack Obama to create and expand on his Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. He said conservatives went to court and got rulings in their favor, most recently in a case out of Texas where an appellate court questioned the legal basis for the program. Ditto, he said, of successful challenges to moves by Democrat Joe Bidens administration to cancel student debt. Bolick said conservatives also were behind moves contesting the emergency orders issued by the president and governors during the COVID pandemic. Our principles should not shift based on who occupies the White House, he said. He had a warning for conservatives if they are successful in undermining the legitimacy of the judiciary and the role of judges as the ultimate arbiters of what is and is not constitutional. Going forward, the rules we set today will be the rules that apply tomorrow, he said. A future liberal president, unbound by judicially enforced constitutional limits, might decide to constrain rights that conservative cherish, such as property, guns and religion. The image of the samurai a solitary, sword-wielding Japanese warrior recognizable as much for his elaborate armor as for his skills in battle has been a source of public fascination for centuries. The new exhibit at the Philbrook Museum of Art, "Samurai: Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum," which opens to the public Wednesday, March 12, includes an acknowledgement of this fascination. One section is devoted to the ways samurai have been depicted in popular culture, from films such as Akira Kurasawa's "Ran" and the twice-adapted TV series "Shogun" to cartoons such as "Samurai Jack." But the true nature of the samurai, whose history can be traced back to the late 12th century, is a much richer story, one that the exhibit "Samurai" tells through some 100 objects ranging from ornate arrows designed to inflict severe damage to complete suits of armor for both warrior and the steed upon which he rode into battle. Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller began collecting objects related to the samurai tradition about 30 years ago, said Jessica Liu Beasley, curator of art for the Dallas museum, who is in Tulsa to oversee Philbrook's installation of the exhibit. The Barbier-Mueller collection is one of the largest of its type in the world. "They were drawn to the artistry and craft that went into the making of these suits of armor," Beasley said. "The collection has doubled in the last 10 years so that the museum now has about 1,200 objects, with about 100 full suits of armor." Beasley said about 80 to 100 objects are on display at any time at the museum, housed in a historic school building in the Harwood neighborhood of Dallas, and that traveling exhibits such as the one at Philbrook have been shown throughout the United States, Canada, South America and Europe. "One place we've not traveled to is Japan," Beasley said. "But the museum gets hundreds of visitors from Japan every year, and they tell us that there is nothing comparable to this collection in Japan." The Barbier-Mueller collection focuses on the Edo period of Japanese history, approximately from 1600 to the late 1860s, following the unification of Japan and ending as Western influences began entering Japanese society and culture. This latter change is even reflected in some of the objects in the exhibit, such as helmets that were modeled after the ones used by Portuguese soldiers and metal face masks that exaggerate Western features in almost comical ways. Beasley said that when it came to constructing these suits, "form and function were essential." Helmets would start with a fairly basic dome-like cap, to which would be added a collar piece that would protect the neck, crests that signify one's family and status, and elaborately fashioned metal face masks, with special drains to allow the wearer's sweat to escape. "Cast iron doesn't breathe," Beasley said, laughing. "But what's truly remarkable about many of these masks is the way they were made artisans would hammer these features, which could be very delicate and complicated, from the inside out. It was a skill few artisans mastered." Because the samurai were a hereditary class during this period of Japanese history, suits of armor were often passed down to subsequent generations, who might augment or alter them to make use of the latest designs and materials to make them more useful. "There is also a great deal of symbolism in Japanese armor, from Buddhist and Shinto traditions," Beasley said. One example of this is a unique item in the Barbier-Mueller collection: a suit of armor based on the tengu, a mythical creature that is half-man, half-bird, that was often seen as a harbinger of war and was renowned for its ability with a sword. "This is one of the items in the collection that hasn't been on display in a very long time, and it's great to see it here," Beasley said. One area of the exhibit features what Beasley calls the "Exploded Armor" display, showing all the many individual pieces that made up one samurai's armor. "The surprising thing about this is that everything was designed to collapse, so that most of the pieces could be stored within the torso portion of the armor," she said. "That was how the suit could be stored, or transported." While the collection has never been exhibited in Japan, many of the objects in "Samurai" have been to the Land of the Rising Sun to be refurbished and restored. "When a suit needs conservation work, it's sent to artisans in Japan who literally break down the piece and reconstruct using the same techniques and often the same materials as were originally used," Beasley said. 'Samurai' in conversation Jessica Liu Beasley, curator of art for the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum in Dallas, will discuss the exhibit "Samurai" in a conversation with Philbrook curator Kalyn Fay Barnoski to discuss the expansive nature and influence of the Samurai. The event will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 9. Cost is $33, which includes museum admission and admission to the "Samurai" exhibit. For more: philbrook.org. Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Columnist Follow Ginnie Graham Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today If anyone wonders where we are in history, it would be at the September 1938 Munich Agreement. That's when an appeasement policy gave away the largely ethnic German portion of Czechoslovakia known as Sudetenland to Nazi Germany as a way to broker peace. The peace held for only six months. Rarely are homicidal dictators who are bent on world domination appeased. Adolf Hitler had already re-militarized the Rhineland, the area between France and Germany, with no international resistance. So he kept going and entered Czechoslovakia. It's not like his ruthless dictator qualities were unknown. In 1934, he had gone on a murderous purge of political enemies and elites and dismantled Germany's democratic processes, naming himself fuhrer. Only then did British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain decide to intervene, bringing in French Prime Minister Edouard Daladier and Italy's Benito Mussolini to help with negotiations. Hitler pledged to go no further and signed a statement expressing a "the desire of our two peoples never to go to war with one another again. Chamberlain called it a "peace for our time" and was cheered by his country's majority for avoiding war. Daladier was equally championed. Mussolini used his fascist propaganda machine to paint himself a strong leader who was able to mediate a crisis. Meanwhile, Hitler told his foreign minister not to take it seriously, saying: "That piece of paper is of no significance whatsoever." The European masses were so focused on peace that they didn't consider the cost or the character of those involved. Except for Winston Churchill. The documentary "Churchill at War" on Netflix is the latest to detail how the unpopular Victorian-era politician rose to become among the most prominent and venerated figures in history. Churchill stood in the British minority in Parliament on Oct. 5, 1938, calling the pact a "total and unmitigated defeat," and portrayed Hitler an untrustworthy liar. "This is only the beginning of the reckoning. This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigor, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time." That 45-minute speech to Parliament didn't move the needle. Several conservatives blasted him and called for a vote of confidence to retain his seat. We know what happened next: Germany pushed into Czechoslovakia, claimed Austria and finally launched World War II on Sept. 1, 1939, with an invasion of Poland. Churchill became prime minister and, with U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, won the war. Don't think those lessons aren't fresh in the minds of Europeans. What happened nearly 90 years ago reverberates in the Ukraine battle against Russia aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin, with his history of human rights abuses and broken treaties, isn't to be trusted. Several ceasefires were negotiated in his invasion of Georgian provinces in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014, all of which were violated. He's ignored promises around nuclear weapons and inspections. He broke the 2015 ceasefire when going over Ukraine's border to slaughter its civilians. Putin has leveled villages and cities, killing tens of thousands of Ukrainians. As Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated, Putin is a liar. Human Rights Watch states that Russia remains the most cited country in the world for abuses, including kidnapping about 20,000 Ukraine children during this invasion and taking them to Russia. The country has no right to free speech, expression, assembly, association or religion. Putin routinely imprisons political opponents, who tend to die under mysterious circumstances. The courts are a sham, with only 0.4% of defendants acquitted or cases terminated, according Amnesty International. Internationally, Russian and affiliated cyberterrorists seek to disrupt American institutions, from health care to media. U.S. Sen. James Lankford, as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, has long warned Americans about Russia, particularly around the latest tool of warfare cyberterrorism. He said Russia has created an industry of hackers seeking to disrupt and steal from American institutions. In a recent interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," Lankford reiterated Putin's dangers. I understand Zelenskyy is rightfully concerned that Putin has violated every single agreement hes ever signed and that he cant be trusted," he said. "No, were not turning our back on Ukraine, nor should we. Putin is a murderous KGB thug that murders his political enemies and is a dictator. Lankford deserves praise for speaking so clearly against Putin and Russia. He has never wavered in this position, putting American interests over partisan loyalty. Too many conservative politicians who unequivocally supported Ukraine three years ago are either quiet or twisting themselves sideways to explain the U.S. realignment with Russia in the conflict Putin started. President Donald Trump positions himself as the great negotiator. His staunchest supporters cite his tough-talking leadership as an admirable quality. But what we've seen so far in policy is appeasement the failed tactic used by Chamberlain those decades ago. Trump's goal is to give parts of a free democracy to a fascist tyrant under the misguided belief that Putin will stop there. Granted, the Allies likely wouldn't have won World War II without the Soviet Union and its brutal communist dictator, Josef Stalin. That was a union to stop Hitler sort of an "enemy of my enemy is my friend" mindset just before the Cold War. Now the U.S. is uniting with Russia against a pro-democracy government regardless of Russian attempts to portray Zelenskyy otherwise. In the disgraceful Feb. 28 meeting Trump hosted with Vice President JD Vance with Zelenskyy, Trump maintained that there is no Russian alliance. His actions do not match his words. The U.S. recently voted against a United Nations nonbinding resolution that backed Ukraine. Among others voting that way were Russia, Syria and North Korea. China abstained, but its president later confirmed that it stood against Ukraine. China is watching closely as it rattles the sabers to take over Taiwan. If the U.S. is viewed as a paper tiger, unwilling to stand up for its allies, China will pounce. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called off a U.S. cyberoperations program against Russia. Trump stopped all aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The Moscow Times reported last week that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Trump's actions are about building ties with Russia: "The new administration is rapidly changing all foreign policy configurations. This largely aligns with our vision." The president called Zelenskyy a "dictator" while praising Putin as a "strong leader." He's stated having "good talks" with Putin and "not such good talks" with Ukraine. He has a complicated past with Zelenskyy. It was a phone call with the Ukraine leader in which Trump asked him to dig up dirt on former President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, that led to Trump's first impeachment. Ukrainian soldiers and civilians continue fighting for democracy. They took up arms to defend their freedoms against tyranny. They are showing the kind of courage to which Americans aspire. Their fight has rallied European nations to financially donate (not loan) to their fight, and previously neutral countries have joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. While European countries debate whether they will contribute soldiers, none appears to have an appeasement position. That seems to be mostly a U.S. solution. To that, Churchill had this to say: "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." The Tulsa World is where your story lives. Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Columnist Follow Ginnie Graham Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today The aftermath of a cyberattack comes with more anxiety than just the annoyance of losing all computer files and communication ability. It's a stress of wondering what personal information might end up on the dark web or accessible public sites. No one wants to deal with erroneous credit reports, stolen credit cards or identity theft. At least my life is so boring that the most exciting websites I visit are rom-com writers. The bigger threat is disruption of services. Readers have been patient as the Tulsa World staff works through the problems from the Feb. 8 hack into our parent company, Lee Enterprises. Editor Jason Collington detailed in an earlier column the logistical miracle it's been keeping the newspaper going through the tech challenges. Specifics about cybersecurity breaches are often slow. International cybercriminals make it hard to track, and law enforcement don't like to release a lot while the episode is ongoing. But it's been reported that the likely cyberattack on Lee Enterprises came from a Russian-affiliated group. Russian groups have also in recent years hacked into the city of Tulsa and the companies of two local hospitals. That was on my mind when U.S. Sen. James Lankford held a teleconference Wednesday with local journalists. For about a decade, he has been a fierce critic of Russia, citing the country's increasing cyberattacks on the U.S. My question to Lankford was about his thoughts regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to halt cyberoperations against Russia. He was quick to say he wanted more answers about that, too. He was confident the Trump administration wouldn't abandon national security by dropping cyberoperations. Lankford embraced my definition of Russia's tactics as cyberterrorism. "Cyberactivism, cyberterrorism or cyberwarfare, if you want to be very, very blunt," he said. Lankford describes a thriving model of Russia cyberterrorism that ought to put every American on notice. The Russian government has its own system of military-led cyberwarfare tactics. But the country has encouraged its citizens or Russian-friendly actors to hack into foreign targets and find assets valuable enough to sell to the government. He said the Russians have this mix of cybertheft and espionage along with Iran. That tracks with his warning in 2018 that Russia was sharing lessons about cyberattacks with other anti-American countries. Since then, China has been added to this list, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "So they've literally privatized cyberattacks," Lankford said. "It's a lethal model. It literally puts entrepreneurs in Russia trying to be able to find ways to break into every university, every newspaper, every research facility, every part of government, both state, local and federal. "It is remarkable how fast that they're attacking us and all the issues that are happening there." The U.S. is in a weird place where a growing number of Americans are admiring Russia, pointing to President Vladimir Putin's tough-guy image. President Donald Trump once called Putin "a strong leader," which didn't help. Last year, journalism impersonator Tucker Carlson perpetuated this myth with his love letter of a feature on Russia and softball interview with Putin. It only takes about five minutes on a Google search to find scores of international reports from human rights groups, media and U.S. government agencies to find atrocities and other crimes committed by the Putin-led Russia. Putin is known to lie, distort and steal both cyberinformation and land controlled by democratic governments. Cyberwarfare has become the new Cold War attack on the U.S., having been a target of Russian tech hackers for at least 25 years. Optimistically, it appears the Americans with sympathetic views of the tyrant are in the minority. Last year, the Pew Research Center found 88% of Americans say they have no confidence Putin will do the right thing regarding world affairs (down from 90% the previous year), and 86% have an overall negative view of Russia. A growing number of conservative politicians are setting the record straight about Putin and Russia. Lankford is among those. His last words to my questions were these: "Russia is most definitely a threat to us. They mean to be a threat to be able to do it, and they're doing it very, very intentionally. And encouraging their own citizens to be able to go after the United States and every other independent state." The Tulsa World is where your story lives. Senate Joint Resolution 6 sailed through the Rules Committee recently and, if successful, would ask voters to eliminate Oklahoma's current system of judicial selection to mirror the federal process. The last thing Oklahoma needs is the theatrical spectacle that has become the hearings over U.S. Supreme Court judges and other federal courts. In times of tense partisan congressional gridlock, federal judge seats go unfilled, clogging court systems. Congressional lawmakers use those appointments as political pawns, inserting partisan ideology into a system meant as a check on the legislative and executive branches. Not so in Oklahoma. The state's system of using a Judicial Nominating Commission to vet, interview and forward the three best candidates to the governor for selection has worked without scandal since 1967. It focuses on judicial qualifications, not politics. But some conservatives, led by the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, have criticized the process. A reason given is that it isn't transparent. If so, then craft legislation to make it subject to the Open Records and Meeting Act require more openness. That's not really what's behind it. Some lawmakers and conservative activists are frustrated top courts overturn their laws, particularly regarding religion in education and public spaces, women's reproductive rights, and other culture war topics. In arguing for the resolution, Sen. Brian Guthrie, a first-term Republican from Bixby, said the change would better represent Oklahoma values as reflected by the governor. We suspect he would feel differently if the state had a Democratic governor. Oklahomans must remember why the Judicial Nominating Commission system was implemented. In 1965, three Oklahoma Supreme Court justices were found to have taken bribes for more than 20 years in exchange for favorable rulings. It led to removals, resignations, convictions and embarrassing national headlines. Cult Network 10 comedy Let the Blood Run Free once ran amok on the set of Prisoner, in the same Nunawading building where it was filmed. The interactive comedy starred Peter Rowsthorn, Lynda Gibson, Jean Kittson, Brian Nankervis & David Swann.and was born at improv nights at the Last Laugh where the audience would suggest ideas for a Young Doctors-style skit. In this 1992 scene, Jean Kittson as Nurse Pam is temporarily incarcerated by Officer Vinegar Lips. Let the Blood Run Free ran for 2 seasons from 1990 1994 and was sold to 70 countries including to Germany, which loved the show so much they financed the second season. Former Matchbox Pictures Chief Operating Officer Matt Vitins (pictured left) is joining Northern Pictures as Managing Director and Executive Producer. Northern Pictures current Managing Director Peter Anderson (pictured right) will step down from his role after seven years, but remain in a part-time advisory capacity. Under Andersons leadership, Northern Pictures has established itself as a leader in factual and drama programming, earning numerous awards including an International Emmy and US Primetime Emmy Awards, the Screen Producers Australia Production Business of the Year in 2022, the Human Rights Media & Creative Industries Award in 2023 and a listing in Realscreens Global 100 Production Companies in 2022. Leading Northern Pictures has been an extraordinary journey, said Peter Anderson. I am incredibly proud of the team and everything weve accomplished together. With Matt taking the helm, I know the company is in the best possible hands for its next phase of growth. Matt Vitins joined Matchbox Pictures in 2015 becoming COO in 2018, also playing a key role in Tony Ayres Productions (TAP) since 2016. He was an Executive Producer on Stateless (ABC), Creamerie (TVNZ) and The Survivors (forthcoming, Netflix). Northern Pictures has built an exceptional back-catalogue and forward slate of world-class television projects. Im honoured to join the company, said Matt Vitins. Peters leadership has positioned Northern Pictures as a leading international production company and I look forward to continuing on the ambitious trajectory he and the team have established. Northern Pictures is part of RACAT Group which owns and operates Australian Geographic, Australian Geographic Society, Junkee Media and New Zealands independent game developer and publisher, Runaway. Chair of RACAT Group, David Haslingden said, Peter has been the driving force behind Northern Pictures success, and we are thrilled that he will continue to provide his invaluable expertise in an advisory role. Matt is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in the industry, and we are excited for him to build on our strong foundation and lead Northern Pictures into the future. Matt Vitins begins on 28 April 2025. A Current Affair reporter Seb Costello has resigned from Nine after more than 12 years with the network. After more than a decade at Nine, I have resigned from my role to seek a fresh challenge. I would like to thank Nine and wish them all the best, he told The Age. The resignation comes after Nine launched an internal review into a November incident when ACA filmed a story on finance company executive Peter Aquino, who closed his business Construct Homes after taking loans from Oak Capital, a Melbourne private credit firm being sued by ASIC. When Aquino reportedly spotted Oak Capitals Mo Ahmed, the crew followed Ahmed to the nearby Intercontinental Hotel. But when Ahmed locked himself in a toilet, ACA cameras and Costello allegedly followed. The footage did not go to air. A Nine spokesperson declined to comment on whether the review has been completed or not, but confirmed the resignation. We wish him all the best, the spokesperson said. Seb Costello was Nines European Correspondent from 2017 2018 and previously had roles at 3AW, Triple M and regional radio stations. Aquino, told The Age, I cant thank ACA enough and thank Seb Costello enough. Losing my business was like losing my child. Costellos father, former federal treasurer Peter Costello, departed as the Nine Chair last June after clashing with a News Corp journalist at Canberra Airport. Abdul Alim Jafri, TwoCircles.net Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Two Muslim youths in Madhya Pradeshs Ujjain district were allegedly assaulted by a group of police officers, who then paraded them through a crowded street for almost a kilometre and forced them into chanting, Gaay Hamari Mata Hai, Police Hamara Baap Hai (The cow is our mother, and the police are our father). Support TwoCircles Caught on camera, the disturbing incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism over the states alleged deteriorating law and order situation. Meanwhile, the survivors remain traumatised, unable to speak about the ordeal they reportedly endured. A video of the incident, in which the duo can be seen being beaten by a policeman, has gone viral on social media. In one of the videos, a police officer can be heard questioning the two survivors Saleem and Aaqib about the reason for their public humiliation. The duo, in response, state that they were paraded for their alleged involvement in the business of cow slaughter. Speaking to TwoCircles.net, Ghattya Police Station In-charge DL Dasoria said, We received a tip-off on the intervening night of February 16-17 regarding a cow slaughter taking place in the Ghattya area of Ujjain. Acting on the information, a team was immediately formed under the instructions of Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma, Additional Superintendent of Police Guruprasad Parashar and Deputy Superintendent of Police Bharat Singh Yadav. He further stated that the accused, Saleem alias Mithiya, Aqib alias Akku and Sheru Mewati, were preparing to slaughter a cow and a calf using iron rods and knives in an empty plot near Jaithal Tek intersection within the police stations jurisdiction. However, upon the arrival of some locals, the accused fled the scene in a Baleno car. The police swiftly took action, seizing the culprits vehicle, mobile phones and the recovered cow meat. While Saleem and Aqib have been arrested, the third suspect remains at large. Teams have been formed to track down and apprehend the remaining accused, Dasoria added. A case has been registered against the accused under Crime No. 68/2025, Section 4, 6, 9 of the Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act and 11 (d) of the Animal Cruelty Prevention Act. The police officer further alleged that both Saleem and Aaqib are habitual offenders. A total of 24 criminal cases are registered in various police stations of Ujjain, Dewas, Shajapur and Indore against Saleem, while four cases are registered against Aaqib alias Akku. A Betul-based lawyer, Deepak Bundele, has written to the state Human Rights Commission to take action against police officers for humiliating the Muslim youth on the street and forcing them to chant Gaay Hamari Mata Hai, Police Hamari Baap Hai. The procession taken out by the police is not only against the basic principles of judicial process but also violates the right to dignity and privacy of the individual under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The parade of any accused by the police is a violation of the principle of dignity, privacy and innocence. Besides, it also violates the provisions of the declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, he wrote in the letter seen by TwoCircles.net. Advocate Deepak, while talking to this reporter, said, Law and order has collapsed in Madhya Pradesh. The police are also acting like right-wing activists. They should have produced the accused before the court following. Beating and parading them is a violation of human rights and constitutional rights. Earlier, many such cases have come to light when the police persecute people of a particular religion on religious grounds. After this incident, the police were honoured by the Bajrang Dal, which clearly shows the polices stand. 2 ! VHP pic.twitter.com/aGijzmFjdk Zakir Ali Tyagi (@ZakirAliTyagi) March 5, 2025 Meanwhile, a video of a right-wing activist garlanding and offering sweets to the police officer who allegedly beat up a Muslim youth has gone viral on social media. In June last year, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the governments strict surveillance on cow slaughter cases had led to the rescue of over 7,000 cows within a month. All districts have been directed to enforce these laws rigorously. Anyone found violating the prohibition on cow slaughter will face severe legal consequences. We are also closely monitoring enforcement measures at the state level, he told the media. According to an official data, more than 550 cases related to cow slaughter prohibition were registered in July 2024, contributing to the protection of thousands of cattle. We have taken decisive action against those involved in such activities, and our crackdown will continue without any leniency, the chief minister affirmed. Local Muslim leaders have also condemned the police action of the parade. This is not just a parade of Saleem and Aaqib, but a message to the entire community that we are vulnerable. We demand immediate and strict action against the guilty officers who think they are above the law, said Mohammad Asif, a local activist. Family fears lynching Ever since the parade of both Muslim youths was taken out in the crowded Ghattya town, nearly 50 km from Ujjain, their families have been in fear that they might be lynched by the right-wing after their identities were revealed by the police. Aaqibs relatives in Indore said, This is an inhuman act. They were assaulted inhumanely due to their religious identity. My brother is in trauma and scared. If he has committed a crime, he should have been dealt in accordance with law. Which legislation says that we can beat and humiliate someone publicly and force them to chant that cow is our mother, and the police is our father? If he is proven innocent, who will restore his lost dignity? Or should we accept that Muslims do not have honour in society? Maariyah Siddique, TwoCircles.net Religious festivals in India, particularly Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti, have in recent years increasingly become platforms for asserting dominance and spreading fear, particularly targeting Muslim communities. What once were occasions for celebration of faith have now allegedly been weaponised to stoke communal tensions, fuel violence and deepen societal divisions. Support TwoCircles This alleged shift has been driven not just by political forces but also by digital mobilisation and the manipulation of cultural narratives, making these events focal points for communal polarisation. Having an incorrigible trust in the rich legacy of our composite culture, it shattered my dream of an India that boasts of its Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb (syncretic culture) , says Manzar Jameel, secretary general of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (West Bengal Chapter). A well-known social rights activist and joint convenor of the Forum Against CAA-NRC, he is not alone in feeling suffocated by the alleged growing weaponisation of religious festivals in the country. This sentiment was echoed by many others at a recent panel discussion held at Kolkatas Iran Society. The event, organised on the occasion of the release of the book Weaponisation of Hindu Festivals: Communal Violence During Ram Navami Processions 2022-23 by Irfan Engineer and Neha Dabhade, brought together a diverse group of activists, journalists and academics to explore the issue in depth. The launch of this book, hosted by the Hashim Abdul Halim Foundation and the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, aimed to raise awareness about the alleged increasing violence and social division during religious ceremonies. The event included panel discussions with experts who analysed the systematic rise of violence during religious festivals and the states role in enabling such incidents. Weaponisation of Festivals: A Pattern, Not an Isolated Incident Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti processions were not traditionally events where swords, firearms and bulldozers were paraded, observed Jameel. He highlighted how these festivals have now transformed from simple religious observances to occasions for asserting dominance over minorities. He pointed out how even places of worship are increasingly embroiled in the politics of Hindu nationalism, with hate-preaching figures parading in saffron robes and inciting violence against Muslims. Jameel alleged such violence is not sporadic but part of a broader, systematic pattern Over the years, he said, incidents of communal clashes, from the torching the Madrassa Azizia in Nalanda in Bihar in 2023 to clashes in Howrah and Hooghly, have grown more frequent and widespread. He said local religious processions in BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have witnessed not just religious assertions but also economic boycotts of Muslim traders and aggressive political posturing. Even peaceful festival observances have been affected, such as the controversy over worship at the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling in Kalaburgis Laadle Mashak Dargah, he elaborated. The increasing weaponisation of festivals has caught the attention of both national and international organisations, with groups like Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) and Human Rights Watch warning against the rise of anti-Muslim violence at these events, often fuelled by police bias and lack of state condemnation. The State and Market: Key Players in Communal Polarisation Reflecting on recent riot data, Sabir Ahamed from the Pratichi Institute explained communal violence is no longer confined to urban areas but has expanded to rural regions. He also said that the role of the market has become crucial in fostering communal polarisation. Armed processions, which deliberately pass through Muslim-majority areas, are often backed by local administration, turning religious celebrations into flashpoints for violence, he said. Thess views are reinforced by the findings in the book, where the authors argue that communal riots have become a calculated strategy for Hindu nationalists. They describe the existence of an institutionalised riot system that operates with unbelievable precision and grand-scale coordination across states. Such violence is exacerbated by the absence of condemnation from political leaders, enabling hate to fester. A particularly striking example of this is the 2022 Khargone violence, where state ministers and police were seen supporting violent mobs, further emboldening the attackers. Digitalisation of Hate: A Psychological Tactic The rise of digital platforms has played a significant role in the spread of hate and communal polarisation. Sana (name changed), a youth activist and historian, shared her personal experience of how the digital space has contributed to the creation of social divides. Once an active participant in her non-Muslim friends Diwali celebrations in Vadodara, she now faces alienation during festivals like Holi, where social interactions are limited to the transaction of food. She pointed out that these divisions are not just a result of personal experiences but are rooted in a long history of communal tensions, dating back to the British era, which have been manipulated and magnified by digital narratives in recent years. The digital manipulation of history and culture has only exacerbated the situation. Sana mentioned how self-proclaimed political influencers and social media platforms have promoted distorted versions of Indias past, discrediting freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. These narratives, disseminated through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, deepen societal divisions and fuel hatred. Pratik Sinha, co-founder of Alt News, called the process cultural and digital manipulation, pointing out how the Hindutva ecosystem has now captured the information sphere, from mainstream media to Netflix, further polarising society. However, while some like Sana have given up on engaging with online trolls, others like Jameel remain hopeful about countering the spread of hate through intellectual resistance and street-level activism. Psychological Impact and Long-Term Fear Jameel emphasised the violence during religious festivals is no longer just about physical intimidation but is aimed at creating a sense of psychological fear among Muslim communities. He argued these events are not merely about attacking Muslims but about disciplining Hindus into a hyper-masculine and militant religiosity, which is more psychological than physical. The increasing weaponisation of festivals is thus not about immediate confrontation but about creating long-term fear psychosis among Muslim youth. Sana, who was present in Howrah during the 2023 Ram Navami communal clash, narrated how the entire Muslim community lived in fear, too afraid to even venture out for basic necessities. This fear is part of a broader strategy to stifle Muslim youth activism in areas like Howrah, Hooghly and Shivamogga, where police intimidation is used to curb any potential dissent. From Staff Reports A Tyler man was convicted this week of federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin Jr. announced Thursday. A jury found Francisco Cisco Martinez, 23, guilty of selling a firearm to a person intending to use it in drug trafficking crimes and possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The verdict was reached March 4 following a trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle. This verdict continues to demonstrate how relentless the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorneys Office and its FBI and ATF partners will work to combat violent crime, McGlothin said in a release. As promised, my office and our law enforcement partners will find drug and illicit gun dealers and take them off the streets. Martinez was known to law enforcement as a black-market source of firearms in Tyler. While conducting a drug trafficking investigation, authorities located Martinez accompanying a known cocaine dealer to a drug purchase in a grocery store parking lot. Martinez provided an AK-47 firearm as part of the drug transaction. Every family should have the opportunity to live in a safe community, said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. Along with our law enforcement partners, we remain firmly committed to providing protection for the residents in our area of responsibility and to disrupting and dismantling threats that endanger our neighborhoods. Martinez was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 18, 2023. He faces up to life in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. As the old adage goes, guns and drugs just dont mix. Unfortunately for Mr. Martinez, he has found this out the hard way, stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. ATFs priority will always be to keep our communities free of violent actors. This conviction does just that. I would like to thank all our partners who helped in this investigation and continue to keep East Texas safe. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justices violent crime reduction efforts. This case was investigated by the FBIs Dallas Division Tyler Resident Agency; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Tyler Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Farahnak and Lucas Machicek. From Staff Reports On Tuesday, March 11, Grassroots America will host a assessment of the Texas state government and provide an update on Smith County Road bond projects. The meeting will feature key speakers discussing legislative challenges, government transparency, and local accountability efforts. Speakers will present details about how Texas House Republicans have blocked Democratic efforts to obstruct key legislation related to border security, ending taxpayer subsidies for non-citizens, election integrity, protecting children from sexual predators, and property tax reform. Tom Fabry, Local Government Watchdog Chairman, will report on the ongoing call for a full accounting of the Smith County Commissioners Courts Road Bond Projects, which the Grassroots group says remain far behind schedule. JoAnn Fleming, Executive Director of Grassroots America, will provide a legislative update on key bills in the Texas Senate and explain how House Republicans actions have allowed Democrats to maintain influence over critical policy decisions. Brett Rogers, a data analyst and information technology tool developer for Grassroots America, will demonstrate the organizations new state government transparency tool, designed to offer the public greater insight into government operations. The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, located on 5701 S. Broadway Ave. in Tyler. There is a $12 fee for a buffet dinner and opens at 5:15 p.m. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude at 8:30 p.m. There is no fee needed to attend, and registration and membership are not required. The group encourages dining to help support local business and jobs. EAGLE PASS With Mexico at his back, Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday said migrants without legal documentation should self-deport to their home countries. Vance was the highest-ranking federal official to visit the U.S.-Mexico border since President Donald Trump began his second term Jan. 20, and his visit signaled the importance of border security for an administration seeking to sharply increase the number of arrests and removals by federal immigration officers. We dont want to have to go around and arrest every person, Vance said from Shelby Park, an Eagle Pass greenspace on the banks of the Rio Grande. If youre here illegally, the message from our administration is you should go back home. Joining the vice president in Eagle Pass, a town of about 28,000 people about 150 miles southwest of San Antonio, were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. In brief remarks to reporters, Hegseth said border security is national security. Earlier Wednesday, Vance, Hegseth and Gabbard participated in a roundtable discussion about border security efforts with Gov. Greg Abbott and state Attorney General Ken Paxton at the Eagle Pass Border Patrol station. Abbott thanked the federal officials for participating in the discussion. Texas will continue to work with the Trump administration to arrest, detain, and deport illegal immigrants and stop the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl into our nation, Abbott said. The Texas visit by key members of the Trump administration came one day after the presidents speech to a joint session of Congress. Trump highlighted a number of executive actions and policies designed to fulfill a campaign promise to launch a mass deportation initiative. If we truly care about protecting Americas children, no step is more crucial than securing Americas borders, Trump told Congress. In February, Trumps first full month in office, unauthorized crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border plummeted as Customs and Border Protection agents encountered 8,326 migrants in February, far below the 189,913 encounters in February 2024. The drop in unauthorized crossings continued a trend that began in the final few months of President Joe Bidens term. In November and December, the Border Patrol reported fewer than 50,000 encounters in each month. Vance highlighted the decline, saying Trumps policies were the key reason for the drop in crossings. It turns out we didnt need new laws, we didnt need fancy legislation, Vance said. We just needed a new president. The administration has worked to increase the number of undocumented immigrants arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement away from the border. With border czar Tom Homan previously expressing disappointment in the number of interior arrests, Vance on Wednesday asked for patience. Rome wasnt built in a day, he said. The vice president spoke for about 20 minutes from a makeshift podium at Shelby Park. Choosing Eagle Pass as the destination of his first vice presidential trip to the southern border, Vance visited a town that played an outsized role in the national immigration debate during Bidens time in office. Eagle Pass was often in the news as unauthorized crossings surged, leaving local officials overwhelmed and pleading for help from the state and federal government. Vance said he has heard from mayors and other local officials on the impact the crossings had on their communities. Ive already heard heartbreaking stories of people who are still picking up the pieces, local mayors who are still dealing with the budgetary consequences of what the Joe Biden administration allowed to happen at the American southern border, Vance said. In January 2024, Abbott ordered a state takeover of Shelby Park, erecting razor wire and other barriers along the Rio Grande to deter crossings. A line of large orange buoys also was placed in the river. Shelby Park remains under state control, although locals have access to the greenspace. Editors note: This column was originally published in March 2019. The news came through my Facebook feed as if it was no big deal. But it was. The last Lubys in town had abruptly closed. According to a sign on the door, the closing of the Tyler Lubys was temporary due to issues with the building, which is old. But someone else reported that the restaurants employees had been told otherwise. They were all let go. If you arent familiar with Lubys, it is a cafeteria. You enter and grab a tray, then a set of silverware wrapped in a cloth napkin. You place your tray on the tray slide that runs the length of the food line and move your tray as you go. It is similar to the lunchroom setup we all grew up with in elementary and junior high, but the food isnt even close to the same as what we endured in school. Everything Lubys makes is excellent. Especially their liver and onions. If you just turned up your nose, I know that youre not in my camp on this one. But, I will tell you that Lubys is just about the only place that I would actually eat, much less like, liver and onions. I have no idea how they make it so darn good, but its so tasty that when Lubys published a cookbook in the 1990s, I sought the book out and bought it just so that I could try and make liver and onions like they do. Even though Ive tried more than once, it never tastes anywhere close to the liver and onions at Lubys. Mine comes out more like the leather used to make boots. Growing up in Ashdown, Arkansas, after church on Sunday, if we kids were lucky and my parents felt like taking us, we would go to a movie at the Oaklawn Cinema in Texarkana. The movie theater was in the shopping center of the same name, which also contained many other businesses, including Lubys. Before shopping malls, there were shopping centers. And in the early 70s, Oaklawn Shopping Center was a newer one with lots of great stores. The Lubys there shared a wall with a mens clothing store. Wisely, the clothing store had put windows in the shared wall, so that as you made your way to get to the serving line of Lubys, you would see different items it offered for sale. That is, most items. There was one that wasnt. One thing that had caught my dads eye for years was a gold, decorative sword that sat in one of the windows. It was a display piece. It wasnt for sale, but my dad would go into the clothing shop on weekdays and try and buy the sword anyway. The manager wouldnt sell it. As we made our way through the Lubys line each time, dad would tell mom that he was going to buy that sword one day. When we got to the front of the line, my mom always ordered liver and onions. I was baffled that anyone would want to eat such a thing. I always played it safe and got a beef cutlet or chicken fried steak, until one day my mom convinced me to try a bite of hers. I did. To my surprise, I liked it. The visits to Lubys after that almost always included a plate of liver and onions on my tray. Every now and then, Id get their fish almondine or chicken fried steak, but my mainstay was always liver and onions. Eventually, the new mall in Texarkana drew away the shoppers from Oaklawn, and that Lubys closed. They relocated in Texarkana, and we followed them. When I moved to Tyler in 1987, there were three Lubys restaurants. One was on Rice Road, the other on the North Loop, and one, the oldest, off of Broadway. It reportedly had been there for 55 years. A Montgomery Ward once sat across the street from that Lubys. It had an escalator. I used to shop there for lawnmowers, household items, clothes, and many other things. Afterwards, we would often go to Lubys. That is no longer an option. The last Lubys in in my town is gone. Someone with Lubys corporate says theyll be back. But, when asked about a timeline by a local reporter, they were vague about when. Thats why Im glad that just the week before their abrupt closing, we opted to eat there. My mom came to town and she, my wife, and I decided to spend our lunch hour there. They had changed the layout of the checkout process so that you paid as you exited the serving line instead of after the meal. I commented on how much that improved the process and flow of getting your food and only having to stand in line once. The good news is that my dad was able to buy that sword. He finally wore the manager down. It has hung on the wall in in my parents living room for many years. And I still have my Lubys cookbook. Im glad that I do. Someday, Ill make another attempt at making liver and onions. But, I know itll never be the same. Ill miss Lubys. A lot. Since taking the oath of office a second time on Jan. 20, President Trump has been an activist chief executive, governing in a positively breathtaking manner. Both friends and foes of Trump will agree that the times they are a-changing. Trumps Cabinet is now complete, though controversy attended many of his picks, from Pete Hegseth to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. There have been a steady stream of executive orders, many of which overturned previous executive orders of Joe Biden. And overwhelming all else, it seems, is the emergence of DOGE, the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency headed up by billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk. DOGE is producing much apoplexy among progressive bureaucrats and the oligarchs of the legacy media. Numerous examples of waste, fraud, and abuse have been brought to light, exposing the rot of leftist ideology and its incessant promotion via our tax dollars during the past several years. Some striking examples of this were discovered in the U.S. Agency for International Development. Created by the Kennedy administration in 1961, the original purpose of USAID was to unite numerous foreign assistance programs under one umbrella. More than six decades later, we are learning that millions of dollars have been wasted by the agency on such oddities as transgender comic books in Peru, a DEI musical in Ireland and the promotion of atheism in Nepal, among countless other examples. Similar waste has been found elsewhere, including the U.S. Department of Education, which recently announced that $600 million in grants had been ended money that had been going to divisive ideologies such as DEI and critical race theory. Meanwhile, at the U.S. Treasury, DOGE announced that it had identified $4.7 trillion in government expenditures that are untraceable because of missing account identification codes. Also, Musk posted on X that the Social Security database lists millions of people no longer walking this Earth, including more than 3.9 million in the 130-139 age range, more than 3.5 million in the 140-149 range and more than 1.3 million in the 150-159 range, all listed as though they were still alive. And on it goes, ad infinitum. In shining a light on government malfeasance, DOGE has performed a welcome public service. But it is facing many legal battles. While Trump is well within his constitutional prerogatives as president to examine the workings of executive agencies for which he is accountable, the leadership of Musk over DOGE raises some constitutional questions. Former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy, writing in National Review, observes, The issue is straightforward: If an executive branch official exercises important powers without supervision, then that official is an officer of the United States. Such an officers appointment must either be subject to Senate confirmation or pursuant to a statute. As necessary and important as the work undertaken by DOGE has been, more clarification of Musks role is needed in order for its mission to continue unimpeded. HCM CITY Lenders in HCM City reported outstanding real estate loans of VN1.09 quadrillion (US$42.7 billion) last year, up 12.3 per cent year-on-year and making up 27.5 per cent of total loans, according to data from the central bank. Of this total, 66.6 per cent were for home purchases, renovations, new construction, and land use rights for residential projects. Loans for real estate businesses also grew significantly, with outstanding loans for industrial park infrastructure reaching VN55 trillion (5 per cent of total real estate credit), an increase of 34.8 per cent. Outstanding loans in the office building sector totaled VN25.8 trillion (2.38 per cent of the total), up 22.5 per cent from the previous year, while loans for restaurants, hotels, and resorts reached VN26.5 trillion (2.44 per cent of total), a 31.7 per cent increase. Nguyen uc Lenh, deputy director of the State Bank of Vietnam's (SBV) HCM City branch, noted significant growth in real estate lending for business and production in 2024, driven by an expanding tourism and investment sector. "This trend is positive for the economy," he said. He added it was essential to continue to address challenges in the real estate sector, such as simplifying project documentation and legal requirements. Lenh also mentioned the role of preferential credit packages from commercial banks aimed at individuals under 35, which could further stimulate credit growth in the coming period. The SBV reported that total outstanding real estate credit has, as of now, reached VN3.48 quadrillion, up VN590 trillion, or 20 per cent, compared to the end of 2023. Market recovery Experts believe 2025 could be a crucial year for the city's real estate sector. After navigating the challenges brought on by the pandemic and economic downturn, a full recovery is anticipated by 2026. While 2023 was undoubtedly a tough year for the market, signs of recovery are emerging. Many projects are now resuming, developers are launching new initiatives, and investors are expressing renewed interest in the market. According to the HCM City Real Estate Association (HoREA), the market faced negative growth throughout 2023, culminating in a 0.5 per cent decline. However, a notable upswing began in the second quarter of 2024, leading to overall growth of 9 per cent for the year. Despite these positive signs, Le Hoang Chau, chairman of HoREA, cautioned that challenges remain, particularly concerning limited supply in the housing market, especially for affordable homes priced below VN30 million per square metre, as well as in the social housing segment. Experts stressed the importance of 2025 as the government and relevant agencies work to resolve legal issues affecting projects and introduce more housing options to the market. With an increase in supply, it is expected that home prices will gradually rise, making homeownership more attainable for a larger segment of the population, they added. VNS A NANG The central citys leadership group is appealing for investments and cooperation from partners, businesses and investors from Singapore and Dubai, to support a Nang in the building of a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) project and International Finance Centre (IFC). The group, led by the citys party secretary, Nguyen Van Quang, spent a working session with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to consider what is needed to establish the countrys first ever international finance centre. Quang urged DIFC to help them in making a Nang a unique financial hub, offering DIFC the opportunity to share their management and operation experience in IFC operations and help with workforce training and education. The CEO of DIFC, Alya Al Zarouni, suggested that a Nang should identify its unique advantages in building and operating the future IFC building effectively. She offered support to a Nang in establishing an IFC, in training manpower, and in developing operational skills. The citys working group also spent a session with Al Tamimi & Co, a leading corporate law firm, in how to build the legal framework for an IFC and FTZ in a Nang. The a Nang Investment Forum was jointly organised by the Singapore-based Terne Holdings and a Nang to call for investment in the IFC and FTZ projects and involved more than one hundred businesses from Singapore. The citys working group had discussions with the Lobb Heng company, a leading business operating in logistics, warehousing, global industrial resources, trading and supply chain management, in designing the future growth model for a Nang. The two sides also talked about commodities transaction, material supply for hi-tech industries, aviation and crafts spare parts and accessories manufacture. a Nang and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore agreed to cooperate in dealing with conflicts and disputes concerning intellectual property during the building and operating process. Andy Khoo from Terne Holdings said that a Nang was an open opportunity in terms of the sea and airports, an international maritime system and its access to economies in the region. They include access to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). He added that the city's regional IFC would be an important financial service, with the region needing around $200 billion per year in investments. a Nang has allocated a 6.2ha land area for an IFC, a 9.7ha site to develop 33 fintech services close to the newly launched Software Park No 2, and an additional area of 62ha for the IFC's infrastructure development to attract investors. A series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have already been signed on educational cooperation and developing a Nang's IFC between partners including Makara Capital, Newtechco Group, Deutsche Bank Vietnam, United Oversea Bank, JP Morgan Chase, Terne Holdings, TMC Academy Singapore, Yuan Ze University in Taiwan, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the Viet Nam Blockchain Association at the IFC Conference in January. The beach city also inked a trilateral MoU on the development of the a Nang International Financial Centre (a Nang IFC) with Consessor AG company, a Swiss strategic advisory firm focusing on internationalisation and market entry, and VinaCapital Group during the World Economic Forum (WEF), Switzerland. VNS HA NOI Over the past 30 years, Landesbank Baden-Wurttemberg (LBBW) has financed many infrastructure and manufacturing projects for local enterprises in Viet Nam, a high-ranking official of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) said. Speaking at a ceremony in Ha Noi on March 6 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of LBBW in Viet Nam, Mr. To Huy Vu, Director of the SBVs International Cooperation Department, added that the German bank also provides short-, medium-, and long-term funding for leading commercial banks and securities companies in Viet Nam. According to the official, foreign banks and foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises have made important contributions to the success of Viet Nam's renovation. He hopes that LBBW will continue to promote its strengths, act as a bridge connecting Vietnamese enterprises with German and European counterparts, and continue to provide new banking products and services suitable to the needs of Vietnamese and European enterprises in Viet Nam. "I believe that with more than 200 years of tradition at LBBW and the great achievements that Viet Nam and Germany have made over the past 50 years, LBBW will continue to develop more strongly and make positive contributions to the strategic relationship between the two countries," he emphasised. Mr. Dirk Kipp, member of LBBWs Board of Managing Directors, shared that three decades ago, when LBBW established a representative office in Ha Noi, Viet Nam had just started its extraordinary transformation. The country was opening up to the world, welcoming innovation, investment, and growth, especially after joining the ASEAN Free Trade Area. LBBW is also proud of its contributions to Viet Nams green energy transition. The bank has participated in the consortium financing the first-ever LNG-to-power project in the country, marking a significant step forward in energy diversification and sustainable development. In addition, LBBW has supported approximately 10% of all wind power projects operating in Viet Nam, helping to harness natural energy to drive a sustainable future. LBBW also places a strong emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing. The bank has worked closely with partners in Viet Nam, including banks, corporations, and non-bank financial institutions, providing expertise and advisory services to meet the needs of a growing economy. Together, they are paving the way for sustainable development, fostering innovation, and empowering communities. In recent years, LBBW has also begun to engage in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory in Viet Nam. Recent successful M&A transactions, especially in the renewable energy sector, have marked an important turning point in the challenging global economic context. This success is considered a testament to the long-term commitment of FDI in Viet Nam. To further expand the services provided in Viet Nam in the future, LBBW has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank) and Techcom Securities (TCBS). The document focuses on supporting German companies in Viet Nam, as well as expanding cooperation in financial solutions and capital markets. "In order to provide even more comprehensive support to German companies operating in Viet Nam and Southeast Asia, we want to position LBBW more broadly. The cooperation with Techcombank and Techcom Securities is an important step in this regard and confirms our desire for further growth in the region," said Mr. Dirk Kipp. LBBW is one of the three largest banks in the Federal Republic of Germany, with over 200 years of history. The bank offers a wide range of products and services, including retail banking, corporate banking, and financial institutions, and acts as a central bank for savings banks in the Baden-Wurttemberg region. VNS HA NOI Viettel has reinforced its digital leadership at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 with two major partnerships. Viettel Digital teamed up with Visa to enhance digital payments and expand the financial ecosystem, while Viettel Cyber Security partnered with France-based InnoSynthex, marking its entry into the European cybersecurity market. The collaboration between Viettel Digital and Visa is seen as a strategic move that leverages the strengths of both companies to drive inclusive digital finance. With its extensive customer base and Viettel Money platform, Viettel Digital will help Visa expand its presence in Viet Nam and other emerging markets. In return, Visa will offer its global payment solutions, enhancing connectivity, security and user experience on Viettel Digitals platform. Through this partnership, customers will benefit from modern payment solutions, including co-branded Viettel-Visa cards, contactless payments, tokenisation and real-time fund transfers directly between Viettel Money and Visas global network. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will also gain improved access to flexible credit options, boosting their competitiveness and long-term growth. Beyond digital finance, Viettel is also strengthening its presence in the cybersecurity sector. Viettel Cyber Security signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InnoSynthex, marking a key milestone in introducing 'Make in Vietnam' cybersecurity solutions to the European market, which is known for its stringent security and compliance requirements. Under the agreement, Viettel Cyber Security will provide high-level cybersecurity services, including advanced threat intelligence updates, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments and attack simulations to help enterprises enhance their cyber resilience. With a team of top-tier experts who have uncovered zero-day vulnerabilities in major technology firms such as Microsoft and Oracle, Viettel Cyber Security brings strong technological capabilities and extensive security expertise. Meanwhile, InnoSynthex has an established European client base and deep experience in implementing security solutions that comply with GDPR and ISO 27001 standards. This collaboration will help European enterprises proactively safeguard their systems against evolving cyber threats, minimise data breaches and ensure business continuity. Currently, Viettel Cyber Security is delivering cybersecurity services in 15 countries, including Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Laos, further reinforcing its competitive edge in the global security market. The partnership with Visa and the expansion into the European cybersecurity sector represent crucial steps in Viettels digital transformation strategy. These initiatives not only solidify Viettels standing in the financial and cybersecurity industries, but also bring Viet Nam closer to global technology and security standards. MWC 2025, the worlds largest mobile technology event, took place from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. As a key event in the tech industry, MWC gathers leading technology firms, experts and start-ups from around the world to showcase the latest advancements in mobile devices, connectivity solutions and future technology trends. VNS HCM CITY Vietnamese wood product exporters must be prepared with solutions and various possible scenarios to adapt to imminent US trade policy changes, reduce their risks and optimise opportunities, a forum heard in HCM City on Wednesday. Speaking at the Viet Nam Furniture Industry Outlook 2025, o Ngoc Hung, trade counselor and head of the Viet Nam Trade Office in the US, said last week American President Donald Trump signed a memo ordering the US Department of Commerce (DOC) to initiate an investigation into lumber imports under a 1962 trade law which he recently used to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. The DOC would review the demand for wood products, both current and future, domestic production and the role of foreign suppliers in the US supply chain. The US is Viet Nams largest export market for wooden products, Hung said. So, if the US increases tariffs, it will have a negative impact on Viet Nam's wood industry." Ngo Sy Hoai, vice-chairman and general secretary of the Viet Nam Timber and Forest Products Association, said export of wood products fetched Viet Nam US$16.3 billion last year, a 20.3 per cent increase from 2023, with the US accounting for $9.1 billion. More than two-thirds of the wood products exported to the US were furniture items, which are high-value products and requiring intensive processing, while export of plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood with HS code 44 were worth around $1 billion, he said. Viet Nams wood industry has set a growth target of 10-15 per cent in 2025 and reach $18-18.5 billion. Under normal trade conditions, this is a rather modest target that we can certainly achieve. However, given the current global trade fluctuations, it is difficult to say if the industry will be able to realise this goal. Vietnamese enterprises in the sector are concerned over the possibility of the US tariff policy changes that would impact their operations and exports, he said. He also spoke about the mutual benefit arising from the wood trade between the two countries, noting that Viet Nam is the second largest importer of US timber. A wide range of US woods such as oak, ash, beech, yellow maple, and walnut are imported into Viet Nam and processed into high-value products to serve the domestic market but mostly exports to various markets, including the US, he said. So he hoped the US would consider the mutual benefits when deciding tariff policies. Strong foothold in US Viet Nam's wood products hold a strong position in the US since customers there trust their quality and admire the reasonable prices, experts said. Vietnamese manufacturers also comply with US timber trade regulations and demonstrate reliable delivery capabilities, Hoai said. Hung believed that if Vietnamese wood products are not subject to discriminatory tariffs - meaning they face the same general tariff rates as products from other countries - their exports would fare well. He urged Vietnamese businesses to remain calm and closely monitor market trends and information on tariff policies. With Viet Nams direct competitors such as China and Canada facing high export tariffs in the US, Vietnamese wood exporters could boost exports to the market but should avoid sudden spurts in export growth to not attract trade defense investigations, he said. He said ministries, industries and business groups need to consider importing more wood from the US to narrow the trade surplus with it and prevent accusations of origin fraud. Hoai said firms need to bolster their competitiveness, create new models, accelerate digital transformation, and strengthen trade defense capabilities. He pointed out those businesses that operate transparently, utilise modern management software and establish a reliable supply chain would be best prepared if the US carries out trade investigations. Ngo Chon Tri, chief operating officer of Yes4All, one of the leading brands in home sporting goods and furniture in the e-commerce market, said the US' tariff increase on goods from certain countries offers an advantage for Vietnamese businesses. But for that they must strengthen their capabilities and build a sustainable supply chain to seize this opportunity, he said. With a strong commitment to delivering high quality and reasonable prices, we see tremendous opportunities in the US market. Yes4All is confident in the strength of Vietnamese manufacturers. By working closely with local producers and e-commerce platforms, we will continue to bring high-quality, reasonably priced products to US consumers. Vo Quan Ha, chairman of TAVICO Group, said China has halted imports of US lumber in response to Trumps tariffs and so Viet Nam now has the chance to access higher-quality raw materials at better prices. Themed Decoding the Wood Industry amid Global Economic and Political Turbulence, Viet Nam Furniture Industry Outlook 2025 was held on the sidelines of the Ho Chi Minh Export Furniture Fair (HawaExpo 2025) being held at White Palace Pham Van ong from March 5 to 7. VNS HA NOI Vietnam Report Joint Stock Company officially announced the FAST500 rankings on Friday, highlighting the top 500 fastest-growing enterprises in Viet Nam. The rankings are primarily based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of revenue, along with supplementary factors such as total assets, equity, pre-tax profit and media reputation. Now in its 15th edition, the FAST500 rankings reflect significant changes, with only two companies from the top 10 in 2024 maintaining their positions this year - Taseco Land and Binh Thuan Plastics. The most notable shift saw Ngan Tin Investment Group rising to the top spot for the first time, while FPT Long Chau secured second place, highlighting the dynamic nature of the current economic landscape. Statistics reveal that the average CAGR for the period 202023 was 22.0 per cent, marking a 3.29 per cent decline from the previous year. This downturn underscores the challenges faced by businesses amid economic headwinds and a less vibrant market environment. Survey data from Vietnam Report indicates that most businesses have regained financial stability after recent difficulties. Around 72.2 per cent of companies reported revenue growth, while 80.6 per cent recorded higher profits compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the proportion of firms experiencing declining business performance has significantly decreased. Investment in technology continues to shape business trends in 2025. The Information Technology/Telecommunications sector remains the leading industry in terms of growth potential for the fourth consecutive year. Additionally, the Transport/Logistics sector has climbed to second place, with 44.4 per cent of businesses selecting it as a high-growth industry, driven by the expansion of e-commerce and Viet Nams increasing role in global supply chains. The Real Estate/Construction/Building Materials sector has seen a strong resurgence, with a 20 per cent rise in business interest compared to last year. This growth has propelled the industry back into the top five sectors with the highest growth potential in 2025. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev met with Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Vietnamese business representatives in Ha Noi on Friday as part of his official visit to Viet Nam. Kasimalyev said that the meeting represents an important opportunity to strengthen co-operation between the two countries. In the past four years, multi-dimensional reforms implemented by the Kyrgyzstan government have helped promote the stable development of its economy, with an average GDP growth of about 9 per cent, he said. Kyrgyzstan now offers a favourable business environment to foreign investors, as well as various incentives in terms of customs duties, export procedures and administrative procedures, which have opened up investment opportunities for foreign businesses, including those from Viet Nam. The Kyrgyz Prime Minister stressed that Viet Nam and Kyrgyzstan have potential for co-operation in agriculture, hydropower, renewable energy, tourism, information technology and the digital economy. The co-operation between the businesses of our countries has been strengthened through investment projects by Vietnamese businesses in Kyrgyzstan, he said. "I hope that through this event, our economic and investment collaboration will continue to thrive. Kyrgyzstan is always ready to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to co-operate and invest," he added. Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said that since official diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992, Viet Nam and Kyrgyzstan have built a good partnership based on strong friendship and mutual understanding. The two sides have recorded many positive developments through close co-ordination and mutual support in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Co-ordinating Conference on Actions and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which laid the foundation for economic, trade and investment co-operation between the two countries, Dien said. Bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Kyrgyzstan has seen positive growth in recent years, especially since the Viet Nam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement of which Kyrgyzstan is a member came into effect in 2016, he added. Last year, bilateral trade reached its highest-ever growth rate of 172 per cent, making Viet Nam the largest trade partner of Kyrgyzstan in ASEAN, and Kyrgyzstan the third-largest trade partner of Viet Nam in central Asia. "We congratulate Kyrgyzstan on the economic achievements it has made in recent years, thanks to the dynamic and effective policies that help to exploit and leverage the countrys natural potential and strategic location as one of the important links in the Asia-Europe corridor," Dien said. Viet Nam and Kyrgyzstan need to further strengthen co-operation in trade, industrial development and investment to live up to their strong political relationship, he said. Minutes of co-operation were exchanged between Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibraev and Vietnamese businesses at the meeting. BIZHUB/VNS SINGAPORE Efforts made by Viet Nam and Singapore to elevate their bilateral relationship are expected to contribute to further promoting the Green-Digital Economic Partnership initiated two years ago, according to Prof. Bilveer Singh from the National University of Singapore (NUS). In an interview granted to Singapore-based Vietnam News Agency correspondents on the threshold of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lams official visit to the city-state, Singh said that Singapore seeks to foster cooperation in developing digital economy within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly with Viet Nam. Singh highlighted Viet Nams rapid development, expressing his hope that the two nations will strengthen digital economic cooperation at this time, in line with commitments made by their top leaders, given the models great potential and promising future. For this sector to thrive, Viet Nam needs to continue improving its legal framework in areas such as e-commerce and digital services, and developing high-quality human resources, he stressed. Sharing Singhs opinion, Prof. Vu Minh Khuong, from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy under the NUS, said the digital economy is characterised by rapid growth driven by science and technology, noting that with Viet Nams large IT workforce, further cooperation with Singapore will provide significant development momentum for both countries. In fact, Viet Nam and Singapore are actively strengthening cooperation in various fields to promote the Green-Digital Economic Partnership. Speaking at an online seminar on March 4 about the Viet Nam -Singapore Strategic Partnership, organised by the Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) of Singapore, Singaporean Ambassador to Viet Nam Jaya Ratnam stated that the two countries have expanded their bilateral cooperation to new areas, particularly renewable energy, food, infrastructure, digital economy, and innovation. These areas of cooperation are being implemented under the Green-Digital Economic Partnership, which enables the two sides to support each other in addressing common challenges and playing a key role in ASEAN, he stated. Regarding green economy, Ratnam emphasised that Singapore sees Viet Nam as a key destination in ASEANs energy network due to its huge renewable energy potential. Both nations have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with Vietnams energy products playing a crucial role in this goal, he said, adding that in addition to energy exports, Viet Nam has the potential to develop energy production and service facilities. Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Phuoc Anh underlined the need to further encourage Singaporean investment in high-tech industries, renewable energy, and digital transformation in Viet Nam, while facilitating Vietnamese businessess investment expansion in Singapore. Established in February 2023 during Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Singapore, the Green-Digital Economic Partnership particularly focuses on clean energy and innovation co-operation. VNS HCM CITY Entrepreneurial spirit is high among women worldwide, as they and particularly those from younger generations hope to pursue their dreams, gain financial independence, improve work-life flexibility and make a difference in the world. New research from Mastercard released ahead of International Womens Day 2025 reveals that half (51 per cent) of women worldwide have considered running their own business. This figure is significantly higher among younger women, with Gen Z (71 per cent) and millennial (65 per cent) women far more likely to say this than Gen X (49 per cent) or Baby Boomers (34 per cent). The data alludes to a generational shift, with younger people embracing entrepreneurship. Nearly half (48 per cent) of Gen Z women believe their generation is more entrepreneurial than the generation before. As well as formal business ventures, 42 per cent of women globally want to start a side hustle to make money outside of their main job, a number that is once again higher for Gen Z women (61 per cent). For many women, the entrepreneurial spirit is inspired by an appetite to earn more money (59 per cent), gain financial independence (54 per cent) and improve work-life flexibility (37 per cent), but motivations differ among generations. The survey found that education and childcare are among the top sectors that Gen Z women would like to start a business in. The most popular industry is cosmetics and beauty, potentially driven by rise in beauty influencers on social media, with a 22 per cent rise in beauty content on TikTok year-over-year. Despite an evident appetite for entrepreneurship, the research shows that for many women, including those who have already started a business, there are still barriers in place. Women are less likely to say they feel confident in general business-related skills particularly financial decision making (30 per cent vs. 41 per cent for men), public speaking (26 per cent for women vs. 34 per cent for men), networking (23 per cent vs. 34 per cent) and identifying new business opportunities (13 per cent vs. 24 per cent). Women who have already founded a business also say they struggle disproportionately with responsibilities and work-life balance, with women founders twice as likely as men to say childcare arrangements were a challenge when starting their business (12 per cent vs. six per cent). According to the survey results, women said that training on how to develop a business plan (28 per cent) and more widely available and accessible grants (24 per cent) would make them feel more confident in starting their own business. Younger women are also more likely than older generations to feel theyd benefit from a support network, with 31 per cent of Gen Z women saying having a business partner would make them more confident, and a similar proportion (29 per cent) saying access to a mentor would help. Interestingly, these factors score even higher than access to grants (25 per cent) for this generation. Winnie Wong, Mastercard's country manager for Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos, said: This research highlights the remarkable entrepreneurial spirit among women worldwide, particularly within younger generations. Despite the progress made by women entrepreneurs, the findings also underscore the challenges that still exist. These barriers emphasise the need for fast and meaningful change to create an environment where all entrepreneurs can thrive. Mastercard is spearheading numerous initiatives around the world that support entrepreneurs. Since 2020, Mastercard has provided over 50 million small businesses, including 37 million women entrepreneurs, with support and solutions that can help them grow their businesses. VNS BAC LIEU The first festival celebrating Vietnamese salt production kicked off in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Bac Lieu last night. The Vietnamese Salt Craft Festival Bac Lieu 2025: 100-Year Journey of Salt is co-organised by the provincial Peoples Committee and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to honour, preserve and develop the salt industry, raising the value of Vietnamese salt production overall, and particularly Bac Lieu salt. Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasized that salt was not only an essential product for daily life but also a cultural heritage, playing an important role in the economy and other fields. Viet Nam has advantages in salt production and processing, including a 3,200km coastline and favourable natural conditions. The country has 21 salt-producing provinces and cities, nearly 11,400 hectares of salt fields, and an average output of 1 million tonnes per year. Some localities have geographical indication certificates and export to foreign markets. Ha pointed out that the development of the domestic salt industry has faced many challenges, including low-skilled workers, degraded infrastructure, scattered production, limited technology, low competitiveness, weak supply chain links, and low brand identity in domestic and international markets. He asked ministries, departments and agencies, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and coastal localities with salt production, to provide more support for salt production and salt-related products, contributing to developing the marine economy and meeting the needs of society and exports. He suggested policies to give financial and technical support to salt farmers, connect them with scientists and businesses, and improve training for salt workers and manufacturers in applying new technologies to approach international markets. The Deputy PM mentioned the necessity of developing new agricultural tourism products related to the salt craft and building more tours to improve incomes for salt farmers. With its theme Enhancing the Value of Vietnamese Salt in Bac Lieu Province, the festival includes different cultural and arts programmes featuring performers from art troupes of Bac Lieu and other provinces in the region, and activities to promote the production, processing and trading of salt products. A trade fair consisting of 200 stalls is set up at the Hung Vuong Square in Bac Lieu City to introduce salt products and OCOP (one commune one product) products from local enterprises, salt production equipment and technology, and tourism products. The fair includes forums and seminars on production, business and entrepreneurship within the salt industry. A photo exhibition highlighting Bac Lieus history, culture, heritage, people, and salt industry is open to the public at the event. Bac Lieu is one of the countrys largest salt-producing provinces. It has nearly 1,500ha of salt fields, with ong Hai District alone accounting for around 1,300ha, and salt output of 76,000 tonnes in 2024. The salt-making craft in Bac Lieu has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage. Bac Lieu salt has received a geographical indication certificate from the National Office of Intellectual Property. The festival remains open until March 8. VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary To Lams state visit to Indonesia, official visit to the ASEAN Secretariat based in the country, and official visit to Singapore from March 9-13 will lay the foundation and open new spaces of cooperation for Viet Nam's relations with the two countries, and ASEAN, according to an official. In an interview granted to the press ahead of the trip, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong said that this is the first visit by a Vietnamese Party chief to Indonesia after nearly eight years (since August 2017), and to Singapore after nearly 13 years (since September 2012). It is a historic trip, marking the first time a Party leader of Viet Nam has visited the ASEAN Secretariat. The trip takes place at a time when Viet Nam is celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Indonesia and the 30th anniversary of its ASEAN membership a historic milestone marking the start of Viet Nam's regional and international integration. It demonstrates the consistent implementation of Viet Nam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development, and multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations. It underscores the importance Viet Nam attaches to its relations with neighboring countries in the region, particularly Indonesia and Singapore its two key partners. The visit also reaffirms the strategic significance of ASEAN in Viet Nam's foreign policy, further reflecting the proactiveness, responsibility, and innovation of Viet Nam, with practical contributions towards realising the bloc's future aspirations, stated Cuong. The tour will not only strengthen political trust and deepen existing areas of cooperation between Viet Nam and the two countries, as well as between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the political parties of the two countries, but also create momentum to explore new and promising collaboration fields, particularly in science and technology, digital economy, green economy, and innovation, he went on. The goal is to set a model for international relations, based on respect for international law, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the political systems of each country, bringing practical benefits to their people, contributing to the development of each country and Vietnam's progress in the era of the nations rise. Strengthening and tightening bilateral relations between Viet Nam, and Indonesia and Singapore, as members of the ASEAN family, and sharing common voices on regional and international issues will also contribute to the overall development of the group, for a united, self-reliant, and developing ASEAN. Regarding Viet Nam's bilateral relations with the two countries, the official affirmed that both Indonesia and Singapore are important partners of Viet Nam in the region. In recent years, political trust between Viet Nam and these two nations has been increasingly strengthened, and cooperation in all areas, through Party, State, National Assembly, and people-to-people channels, has become more closely-knit and effective, and achieved many significant results. Indonesia was the first Southeast Asian country to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam in 1955. At present, Indonesia is Viet Nam's second-largest trading partner in ASEAN, while Viet Nam is Indonesia's fourth-largest trading partner in ASEAN. Bilateral trade has increased fourfold over the past decade, reaching US$16.7 billion in 2024. Defence and security cooperation has been strengthened through dialogue mechanisms, exchanges, and joint training. Many effective collaboration agreements have been signed and implemented in areas such as transnational crime prevention, counter-terrorism, and maritime cooperation. Other important fields, such as culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, continue to receive significant attention. Meanwhile, Singapore is currently Viet Nam's largest investor in ASEAN and the second-largest in the world. One of the success symbols is the Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP). To date, there are 18 VSIPs in 13 provinces and cities, attracting over $18.7 billion in investment and creating jobs for more than 300,000 workers. Viet Nam has 153 investment projects in Singapore, with a total registered capital of over $690 million. Bilateral trade in 2024 was estimated at $10.3 billion. Notably, the Green Economy Digital Economy Partnership between the two countries is opening up many new prospects for bilateral cooperation in key sectors with significant future potential. In terms of security and defence, the deputy minister said that the two countries have signed a bilateral defence cooperation agreement and are implementing effective cooperation in new security areas such as cyber security and transnational crime prevention. Both countries essentially share common stances on regional and international issues, aiming to build an international order based on international law and global standards. At the same time, Vietnam and Singapore maintain close people-to-people exchanges. Currently, there are about 20,000 Vietnamese people studying, working, and living in Singapore. For Viet Nam's relationship with ASEAN, Cuong said that the three decades since Viet Nam joined ASEAN in 1995 have been a journey filled with many memorable milestones for both sides. Over these 30 years, Viet Nam has gradually matured and developed, becoming more proactive and ready to contribute further to common efforts. Its contributions are closely linked to the blocs meaningful development, helping strengthen a united, self-resilient, and open ASEAN Community. Throughout its participation in ASEAN, Viet Nam has always prioritised maintaining the unity and solidarity of the grouping, the official added. VNA/VNS Pham Quang Vinh, chairman of the Viet Nam-USA Society and former deputy foreign minister, attended the ASEAN Future Forum 2025. On the event sidelines, The World & Viet Nam Report asked the diplomat about the importance of ASEAN centrality and of a more proactive, faster and effective decision-making process in the bloc. The theme of the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 is 'Building a United, Inclusive and Resilient ASEAN'. Why is this an urgent issue, and what are the key factors that ASEAN member states need to focus on to create the best momentum to achieve the ASEAN Community Vision 2045? ASEAN is facing a changing international context, with the world and the region both focusing on the profound shifts in the competition of major powers, the new policies of the US administration, economic supply chains, models for the digital transformation and green transition, as well as a technological revolution. This years forum highlighted several important points. First, ASEAN has been operating for 58 years in a dynamic region. ASEAN has its own strengths as a collective and a point of connection between regions and global partners, and it can engage even with the most competitive partners. ASEAN not only thrives as an organisation, but also has the collective power of its member states. Each member state must therefore align with this development momentum. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has emphasised the importance of strategic autonomy and developing policies that are suitable for the region while still engaging with partners, especially in the face of challenges related to peace, development and both traditional and non-traditional security issues. Second, ASEAN must strengthen its economic integration, self-reliance, resilience within the bloc and the strength of regional connectivity. ASEAN has successfully completed the integration process in the past few decades and must now upgrade to improve intra-regional connectivity and trade-economic relations with partners. In this new context, ASEAN must catch up with the trends of digital transformation, green transition and innovation. Third, regarding ASEANs working processes, the bloc has traditionally worked together on the basis of consensus and active contributions to common missions. To enhance its central role, ASEAN needs to enhance its decision-making process to be faster, more proactive and more effective, alongside its principle of consensus. ASEAN must maintain mutual consultations, connections and exchanges both within the bloc and with other partners. Many issues are emerging regarding the competition between major powers, whose interests do not always align with ASEANs. However, certain topics or issues among them may overlap with ASEANs interests, such as ensuring the sustainability of supply chains. China, the US and various smaller multilateral mechanisms have all been discussing these issues. This forum is a reminder that ASEAN is in a dynamic and strategically important region. Over the past 58 years, ASEAN has harnessed its strength, and now the association needs to innovate, upgrade and enhance its proactive role in a changing world. Viet Nam is stepping into the era of the nations rise. Meanwhile, ASEAN is also on an optimistic development journey as a beacon of hope, as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim put it. How is the ASEAN Future Forum contributing to this process in terms of regional integration and innovation? This event is an initiative of Viet Nam. In terms of proactivity, Viet Nam should prioritise ASEAN policies within the broader context of the countrys foreign affairs. Additionally, Viet Nam needs to share its vision to encourage regional engagement. While the first forum has achieved a consensus for further engagement from other countries, this second forum has garnered much greater support, with expectations for more effective and substantive contributions. Both forums were attended by the high-level ASEAN Chair, and the second brought together many senior leaders from different countries. They appreciated that Viet Nam not only demonstrates proactivity, but also holds a significant position in the region, which was why they agreed to participate. Having been part of ASEAN for three decades, Viet Nam has made significant contributions and implemented foreign policies that align with the regions approach. Viet Nams economic integration holds substantial potential and accomplishments in both the region and the world. Delegates came to the forum with many ideas and expectations for the forum to provide more practical contributions. Numerous useful recommendations were put forward in the keynote session with Prime Minister Chinh and his Malaysian counterpart, who is also serving as the ASEAN Chair, as well as in plenary sessions. This years forum focuses on many pressing topics - from the megatrends in the world, ASEANs foundational principles and sub-regional cooperation to technology governance - all initiated lively and inspirational conversations and contributed to the events overall success. What were the recommendations that stood out to you? It is often said that ASEAN must have a higher quality of integration, as economic power will generate a significant driving force to help ASEAN assert its position in the region. Moreover, in the current competitive context, ASEANs strength lies in its ability to connect when the competing countries are all key partners of the association. Therefore, the challenge is how ASEAN can cooperate with these countries. ASEAN must have an aligning stance and principles, and must create opportunities that benefit both itself and its partners. ASEAN not only focuses on the US and China but also collaborates with other key partners, including India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Europe. ASEAN is enhancing connectivity not only within the region but also with other partners, such as through the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Ministerial Meetings and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus. Currently, the nature of competition weakens multilateral and international cooperation, but ASEAN has multilateral mechanisms that attract the interest of various countries, so the association must leverage this advantage. ASEAN now not only needs to adapt to the new global context but also must actively engage in building the code of conduct within the region. From this code of conduct, ASEAN can expand its impact to contribute to the broader regional mechanisms, aiming for objectives of maintaining peace and economic development and fostering ties based on respect, equality and mutual benefits. VNS NAIROBI Viet Nam and Kenya are set to elevate their diplomatic and economic partnership, as Vietnamese Ambassador Vu Thanh Huyen reaffirmed her commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation during her tenure. In a significant diplomatic move, Ambassador Huyen presented her letter of credence to Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto in Nairobi on March 5 (local time). She expressed her hope for strong support from the Kenyan government and proposed the swift appointment of honorary consuls in both nations to serve as key facilitators for economic and trade collaboration. She conveyed Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong's invitation to President Ruto to visit Viet Nam and attend the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit, scheduled to take place in Ha Noi in April 2025. President Ruto praised the growing friendship and cooperation between Kenya and Viet Nam, emphasising the robust bilateral engagements across multiple sectors. He expressed confidence that Ambassador Huyen will play a vital role in further strengthening the partnership. In a discussion with Ambassador Eliphas Brine, Director-General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs at Kenyas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Huyen highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation through delegation exchanges and strengthened coordination between the two foreign ministries. This effort builds upon the success of a recent visit to Kenya by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang in February. Ambassador Eliphas Brine agreed on the need to boost delegation exchanges, deepen bilateral cooperation, and enhance mutual support in multilateral forums. As part of her visit to Kenya, Huyen also paid courtesy calls and held meetings with several ambassadors from ASEAN countries in Kenya. Viet Nam and Kenya established diplomatic relations on December 21, 1995. VNS GENEVA A Vietnamese inter-agency delegation led by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Van Hoi attended a session for defending reports on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the UN headquarters in Geneva on March 6. In his opening remarks, Hoi stated that Viet Nam's Party and State highly prioritise the rights of the group as seen in the implementation of a system of support policies to ensure favourable conditions for the disabled to equally exercise political, economic, cultural, and social rights while bringing into play their capabilities to stabilise their lives and integrate into society as in line with the CRPD, to which Viet Nam is a party. He said to enforce the Constitution and fulfil international commitments, the Vietnamese National Assembly enacted the law on persons with disabilities in 2010 and incorporated disability-related provisions into various legal frameworks. While a related social assistance programme and an action plan on CRPD implementation have been launched, a national committee on persons with disabilities established. As a result, over 1.6 million people with severe disabilities have received monthly social benefits, 96 per cent of the disabled population are covered by health insurance, and children belonging to the group are supported in both inclusive and specialised education settings. Additionally, Viet Nam has standardised the sign language and Braille nationwide. Nearly 4 million persons with disabilities in the workforce have received vocational training, employment support, or preferential loans to develop livelihoods. The official noted that Viet Nam has responsibly engaged in and actively contributed to the UN Human Rights Council, the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee of the UN General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the UNESCO Executive Board, UN human rights-related forums, along with regional and inter-regional discussions on the rights of persons with disabilities, contributing to multilateral and bilateral cooperation efforts in this regard. Notably, the country has introduced many initiatives for building and implementing regional action plans on human rights, promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, women, and children, as well as combating human trafficking. Despite these achievements, Hoi said Viet Nam acknowledges ongoing challenges, with disabled locals facing difficulties in accessing health care, employment, infrastructure, transportation, sports, and cultural activities, and still struggling to compete in the labour market. On this occasion, the deputy minister expressed his hope for continued support from the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, international organisations, and UN member states. He called for resource and technical assistance to help Viet Nam address relevant issues, and invited knowledge sharing on best practices, ensuring that no person with disabilities is left behind during the countrys socio-economic development. VNA/VNS NEW YORK Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations Ambassador ang Hoang Giang affirmed Viet Nam's strong commitment to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons at the third meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in New York from March 3-7 (local time). In his speech, Giang said amid the complex and unpredictable geopolitical landscape, nuclear deterrence remains a pressing concern, necessitating united action to avert potential nuclear catastrophes. He called on nations to prioritise the ratification and accession to the TPNW to boost its universality, fully deliver on nuclear disarmament commitments, attach importance to nuclear-weapon-free zones, continue reinforcing multilateralism in disarmament efforts. Nuclear-armed states must lead the way in adopting verifiable, irreversible, and legally binding measures to eliminate nuclear weapons, he asserted. On the occasion, Giang reaffirmed the right of nations to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in accordance with international law. As a signatory to key non-proliferation and disarmament treaties, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), and one of the first ten countries to ratify the TPNW, Viet Nam stays committed to working with the international community toward a world free of nuclear weapons, for the sake of peace, security and sustainable development, he added. The event brought together representatives from 94 signatory and ratifying countries, observer states, and over 100 international organisations, all united in their dedication to nuclear disarmament. The TPNW, adopted in July 2017 and enforced on January 22, 2021, is the first international treaty to comprehensively ban the development, testing, production, stockpiling, transfer, use, and threat of use of nuclear weapons. Viet Nam played an active role in the TPNW negotiations and was among the first countries to sign the treaty on September 22, 2017. It later became the 10th country to ratify the agreement on May 17, 2018. By signing and ratifying the treaty early, Viet Nam reaffirmed its unwavering policy of promoting peace and supporting nuclear disarmament worldwide. VNA/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam and the Kyrgyz Republic on March 7 issued a Joint Statement on the results of the official visit to Viet Nam by Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev on March 6-7. The following is the full text of the Joint Statement. JOINT STATEMENT On the results of the official visit of the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Adylbek Kasymaliev to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam 1. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam H.E. Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Adylbek Kasymaliev paid an official visit to Viet Nam from March 6 to March 7, 2025. 2. This visit marks the first visit by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, creating significant momentum to bolster political trust and enhance the enduring friendship and fruitful cooperation between Viet Nam and Kyrgyzstan. During his visit, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H.E. Mr. Adylbek Kasymaliev held talks with the Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, paid courtesy calls on the General Secretary H.E. Mr. To Lam and the President H.E. Mr. Luong Cuong, and the National Assembly Chairman H.E. Mr. Tran Thanh Man. He also paid tribute at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, laid a wreath at the Monument to the Heroes and Martyrs, and met with representatives of the Vietnamese business community. 3. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, both sides acknowledged the achievements in socio-economic development of each country in recent times and expressed their satisfaction at the positive and effective progress in Viet Nam-Kyrgyzstan relations across various areas. Building on the successful outcomes achieved and the rich potential for cooperation, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas, with the aim of upgrading the Viet Nam-Kyrgyzstan relations to a Comprehensive Partnership at an appropriate time. On political and diplomatic cooperation 4. Both sides agreed to enhance the exchange of delegations and contacts at all levels, particularly at the high level, through all channels between the authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Communist Party, Government, National Assembly and local authorities of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. Both sides emphasised the importance of enhancing contacts, exchanges, and establishing intergovernmental and intersectoral cooperation mechanisms. 5. Both sides acknowledged the positive development of inter-parliamentary ties between the two countries, emphasising the importance of further strengthening activities within the framework of the Parliamentary Friendship Group. They highlighted the need to enhance interactions among members of the parliaments to promote cooperation between the two legislative bodies. 6. Both sides agreed to bolster political consultations between the two Foreign Ministries to exchange views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern, coordinate and consider supporting each other at international organisations and multilateral forums, particularly within the framework of the United Nations and other international organisations and forums. Both sides also agreed to promote inter-regional connectivity, with Kyrgyzstan supporting Viet Nam in strengthening relations with Central Asian countries, and Viet Nam supporting Kyrgyzstan in enhancing cooperation with ASEAN and Southeast Asian nations. 7. Both sides agreed to continue improving cooperation mechanisms and legal frameworks to establish a solid foundation for bilateral relations. Both sides welcomed the signing and adoption of various documents and cooperation agreements within the framework of the visit. 8. Both sides exchanged viewpoints on international and regional matters. The Vietnamese side informed about the current situation in the South China Sea. They acknowledged the significance of upholding peace, security, and stability, along with advocating for the peaceful resolution of all disputes based on international law and the UN Charter. 9. Both sides expressed their support for the appointment of Honorary Consuls in each others country to promote bilateral relations. Economic, trade, and investment cooperation 10. Both sides expressed their desire to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, including economic and trade, investment, infrastructure, transportation, industry, agriculture, energy, renewable energy, digitalisation, and tourism. 11. Both sides agreed to consider establishing a Viet Nam-Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation in the near future, viewing this as an essential mechanism to further advance bilateral economic and trade relations. 12. Both sides commended the positive outcomes of the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union, recognising its contribution to enhancing trade exchanges between Viet Nam and Kyrgyzstan. Both sides affirmed their readiness to capitalise on the advantages of this Agreement to further promote bilateral trade. 13. Both sides agreed on the need to enhance the exchange of information on market trends, policies, and legal frameworks, and work towards the conclusion of cooperation agreements between the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and relevant authorities, especially agreements on economic cooperation, double taxation avoidance, promotion and protection of investments, and others; actively support and facilitate enterprises and local authorities of both countries in sharing experiences, and establishing direct partnerships, particularly in sectors where both countries have potential and strengths, such as processing industries, textiles and garments, agriculture, leather and footwear, timber and wood products, mining, and tourism, while also expanding cooperation in circular economy, green economy, and climate change response. Furthermore, both sides agreed to enhance trade promotion activities, including participation in trade fairs and exhibitions organised in each country through appropriate formats. 14. Both sides noted with satisfaction the increasing number of Kyrgyz tourists visiting Viet Nam and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing tourism cooperation. This includes encouraging air transport or chartered direct flights between the two countries, simplifying travel procedures for each others citizens, enhancing exchange of information and expertise in tourism development and human resources training, and facilitating the promotion of each countrys tourism potential. 15. Both sides agreed to continue working with relevant countries to strengthen cooperation in international railway transport and to encourage the expansion of multimodal freight transportation to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost bilateral trade volume. Cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges 16. Both sides reaffirmed that cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges play a crucial role in strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, contributing to advancing comprehensive and enduring bilateral relations. 17. Both sides agreed to promote cooperation in research on each countrys cultural and natural heritage and to actively explore the possibility of organizing cultural events, festivals, and cultural days, enhancing contacts and delegation exchanges in such fields as theatre, cinema, music, and sports. 18. Both sides expressed their willingness to expand cooperation in education and human resources development, and areas where both countries have strengths, particularly in technical disciplines, tourism, and other specialised areas. 19. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining cooperation to facilitate the travel, study, and employment of Vietnamese citizens in Kyrgyzstan and Kyrgyz citizens in Viet Nam, recognising their roles as bridges between the two peoples and their active contributions to the consolidation of Viet Nam-Kyrgyzstan relations. Conclusion 20. The Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Adylbek Kasymaliev expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements extended by the Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, as well as by the leadership and the people of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H.E. Mr. Adylbek Kasymaliev extended an invitation to the Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Pham Minh Chinh to visit Kyrgyzstan at a mutually convenient time to continue discussions on directions to further elevate bilateral relations. The Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Pham Minh Chinh expressed his gratitude and graciously accepted the invitation. The timing of the visit would be arranged through diplomatic channels. VNA/VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Kyrgyz counterpart Adylbek Kasymaliev visited the President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace in Ha Noi on Friday within the framework of the latters official visit to Viet Nam. Previously, Adylbek Kasymaliev laid a wreath in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. At the relic site, Chinh introduced the guest to the stilt house, as well as the life and career of the late leader -- a great national liberation hero and a world cultural figure. The Vietnamese Government leader also shared that Viet Nam has determined its path of protecting and developing the country based on Marxism-Leninism, President Ho Chi Minh's thoughts, and the nation's thousand-year cultural and historical traditions. This approach is creatively applied in accordance with the conditions, circumstances, and regional and international context. Currently, Viet Nam continues to promote the studying and following of the late Presidents thoughts, ethics, and lifestyle. On this occasion, PM Chinh invited the Kyrgyz PM to enjoy Vietnamese coffee at the Presidential Palace and discussed the two countries' histories and cultures. Adylbek Kasymaliev expressed his admiration and respect for President Ho Chi Minh -- the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people. He said he is impressed by Viet Nam's culture and historical traditions, and also appreciated the taste of Vietnamese coffee and the countrys coffee culture. The President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site is a special national monument where the late leader lived and worked during the last 15 years of his life (1954-1969). VNA/VNS HA NOI The Vietnamese Government has issued Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP dated March 7, 2025 on visa exemptions for citizens from 12 countries across the world. These countries include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. The resolution states that citizens of these countries will be exempted from visas for a temporary stay period of 45 days from the date of entry, regardless of passport type and purpose of entry, on the basis of fully meeting the entry conditions as prescribed by Viet Nam's laws. The visa exemption policy when entering Viet Nam for citizens of the above countries will be implemented from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028 and will be considered for extension according to the provisions of Viet Nam's laws. The Governments Resolution No. 32/NQ-CP dated March 15, 2022 and Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP dated August 14, 2023 delineating the list of countries for visa exemption are set to expire on March 15, 2025. In addition, from March until the end of 2025, visitors from three European countries -- Poland, Czech Republic, and Switzerland -- are also enjoying visa-free travel to Viet Nam under the tourism stimulus programme. VNS HA NOI Dr Le Thi Mai, head of the treatment division at the Central Dermatology Hospital, always holds close the words of her mentors: "To treat leprosy, you must see the patients as family." "Leprosy is a rare and often forgotten disease," she said. "Stigma has driven countless lives into the shadows, where patients have spent decades in isolation within leprosy colonies." When she joined the Central Dermatology Hospital in 2004, she never imagined that her work would turn into a lifelong commitment. Originally trained in dentistry, Dr Mai's path took a profound turn when she married into a family of doctors dedicated to treating leprosy. She developed a deep connection to the fight against the disease through them. She is the daughter-in-law of Dr Tran Huu Ngoan, a pioneer in leprosy treatment in Viet Nam. The late expert, former director of Quy Hoa Leprosy Hospital, famously injected himself with Mycobacterium lepraethe bacterium that causes leprosyto prove that the disease was not as contagious as feared. In 1961, after graduating from Ha Noi Medical University, Dr. Ngoan volunteered to work at the Quynh Lap Leprosy Treatment Area in Nghe An Province. Since then, he devoted his life to leprosy patients, a disease that was heavily stigmatised at the time. In 1995, the Indian Leprosy Mission International awarded Dr Ngoan the Gandhi Peace Award for his contributions. However, he turned down the prize, believing he had not done enough to deserve it. Dr Mai recalled that when she became a daughter-in-law in Dr Ngoans family, she often heard her father-in-law and husband talk about leprosy patients. The family still kept souvenirs from leprosy patients, including spoons and slippers. Mai said: "His whole life, until his death, was tied to leprosy patients. When he passed away, a leprosy patient who was close to him came to mourn. "He told me you should study dermatology.'" After seeing her father-in-laws dedication and hearing stories from her husband about growing up with leprosy patients, Dr. Mai decided to pursue dermatology and later became deeply involved in the fight against leprosy. Over the past 20 years, she has devoted her life to caring for and fighting this forgotten disease. Now, as a line command at the Central Dermatology Hospital, she continues her familys mission to prevent leprosy, especially honoring her father-in-laws legacy. Dr Mai has witnessed a positive change in public awareness. Earlier leprosy patients were once shunned, feared and reluctant to seek treatment because they feared isolation. But now they are now more open. One of the principles when treating leprosy patients at the hospital is never wearing gloves. Leprosy is hard to transmit, usually only through open wounds or mucous membranes. Leprosy patients feel more comfortable and cooperate better when treated with familiarity, Dr Mai said. "At the leprosy care centre, many patients suffer severe disabilities. Some are over 100 years old, others have lost limbs, are blind or have distorted faces due to the diseases effects. They long for societal attention, and we try to bring them even small moments of joy," she told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Concerns and hopes Dr Mai noted that while the epidemiological landscape of leprosy has changed significantly, the challenge of identifying and treating patients remains formidable. Each year, around 100 new cases are discovered across the country. "One of my greatest advantages in leprosy prevention is the strong leadership and support of the hospital's administration, particularly from Associate Professor Le Huu Doanh," she said. "On many occasions, he has personally visited difficult cases and provided gifts to leprosy patients nationwide. His close involvement inspires us to give our best." Detecting new cases has become increasingly complex, as clinical symptoms have evolved and, in some instances, there is no clear source of transmission. In Ha Noi, for example, some patients are diagnosed with leprosy, yet doctors struggle to determine where they contracted the disease due to its long incubation period. "In 2018, a 50-year-old woman in Ha Noi spent years seeking a diagnosis, visiting multiple hospitals without success. Only after an examination and specialised tests at the Central Dermatology Hospital was she finally diagnosed with leprosy. However, tracing the source of her infection proved nearly impossible," Dr Mai recalled. Resistance to treatment remains another challenge. Although stigma surrounding leprosy has lessened, some patients still refuse to accept their diagnosis. "Some simply dont believe they have leprosy," she said. "I once had to ask the hospital director for a car and send a doctor to personally visit a patient to convince them to begin treatment." A hope for a leprosy-free country Viet Nam aims to eliminate leprosy by 2030. Currently, 63 provinces and cities across the country have already been recognised as free from leprosy. Mai said her hospital is currently building a strategy for leprosy eradication for the 2025-30 period, with the goal of leaving the country 'without leprosy: no transmission, no new cases, no disability and no discrimination'. This is not just a plan. It is the passion of the doctors and staff at the Central Dermatology Hospital. It is a hope for the last remaining leprosy patients in Viet Nam, she said. VNS HA NOI The progress of public investment capital allocation and disbursement in many sectors and localities across the country is currently slower than the planned schedule, said the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The total allocated capital is nearly VN799trillion (US$33.8 billion), which is 96.65 per cent of the planned capital assigned by the Prime Minister. However, 24 of the 47 ministries and central agencies, along with 49 of the 63 localities, have not yet fully allocated the assigned capital. The ministry has proposed comprehensive solutions to speed up the progress of public investment capital allocation and disbursement. MoF said that the 96.65 per cent rate includes Central Budget of VN313.5 trillion ($13.3 billion), of which domestic capital is 291.3 trillion ($12.3 billion), and foreign capital is VN22.2 trillion ($946 million and local budget of VN484.6 trillion ($20.6 billion). During the allocation process, ministries, central agencies, and local areas prioritise allocating capital to important projects, such as expressways, inter-regional projects, coastal roads, and other key projects. The total capital allocated to these projects reached VN116.9 trillion ($4.97 billion). According to the ministry's statistics, the total capital that has not yet been allocated by 24 ministries, central agencies, and 49 localities is VN77.6 trillion ($3.3 billion), accounting for 9.42 per cent of the total assigned capital. The unallocated central budget capital amounts to approximately VN36.6 trillion ($1.6 billion), primarily because many newly started projects have yet to complete investment procedures or are awaiting the adjustment and supplementation of the 20212025 medium-term public investment plan. Additionally, some ministries and agencies proposed returning the capital due to no demand for use or because projects have not been licensed, leading to prolonged capital allocation times. These difficulties contribute to the slow progress in detailed capital allocation for key projects. Some bodies have not completed the decentralisation process under specific mechanisms for the national target programme capital, leading to unmet capital allocation requirements. Capital has not been fully allocated at the local budget level due to incomplete revenue transfers from land use and lotteries and a local budget deficit. Although the 2025 capital allocation plan was meticulously developed, gaps still exist in the process of detailed capital allocation among units. MoF assessed that the unallocated capital would affect the disbursement rate of public investment capital from the State Budget in the early months this year. Most unallocated capital is expected to be allocated to projects completing investment procedures. Regarding disbursement, the cumulative disbursement from the beginning of the year to late February was 60.4 trillion ($2.57 billion), achieving 6.83 per cent of the total plan. Central budget capital disbursement reached 5.6 per cent of the plan, lower than the 7.52 per cent of the previous year, while local budget capital disbursement reached 8.58 per cent of the plan, similar to the 8.36 per cent of the same period last year. Some units achieved good disbursement rates, such as the Voice of Vietnam (73.82 per cent), Viet Nam Bank for Social Policies (41.16 per cent), Ministry of Public Security (12.67 per cent), Hue City (22.97 per cent), Tien Giang Province (27.62 per cent), Vinh Phuc Province (21.49 per cent), Tuyen Quang Province (21.26 per cent) while most ministries, central agencies, and localities have not disbursed (27 units) or have low disbursement rates (26 units). To accelerate the 2025 public investment capital disbursement rate, which will exceed 95 percent of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister, the MoF has proposed that all relevant bodies urgently complete the detailed allocation of capital for projects before this month. The ministry said that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued Official Telegram No. 16/C-TTg on February 18, urging the acceleration of public investment capital allocation and disbursement for 2025. The telegram requests ministries, central agencies, and localities to "urgently complete the detailed allocation of the 2025 State budget public investment capital within the first quarter of 2025 in accordance with regulations". Therefore, the ministry urged other ministries and others to swiftly finalise the detailed allocation of capital plans for tasks and projects before March 31. Additionally, they are encouraged to actively implement tasks to accelerate the disbursement of the 2025 State Budget public investment capital as directed by the Prime Minister in the telegram. After March 31, the ministry will report to the relevant authorities to cut and reallocate funds to ministries, central agencies and localities that require additional capital for 2025. These funds will be allocated to important and urgent projects and strategic infrastructure projects with high disbursement potential, including projects under the Prime Ministers direction in Notice No. 23/TB-VPCP dated January 20, concerning the issuance of Government bonds for investment in national key projects. On March 1, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued Directive No. 05/CT-TTg, directing strong measures to boost economic growth and public investment capital disbursement. VNS AN GIANG The Mekong Delta province of An Giang plans to spend over VN300 billion (US$11.7 million) for repairing and eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses. The An Giang Provincial Party Committee recently held a conference to implement a programme to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses in the province. According to the People's Committee, total demand for temporary and dilapidated houses elimination in the province amounts to 4,906 households, including 4,280 households needing new houses and 626 requiring house repairs. The households eligible for support include those who have contributed to the revolutionary cause, poor and near-poor households under national target programmes, and those under the local initiative to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses. Based on a review conducted by local authorities, 3,335 households meet the conditions to proceed with construction or repair, while 1,571 households have yet to meet the requirements due to issues like lack of residential land, living on borrowed land, or being in the process of legalising land use rights. The total estimated budget for this project is over VN301.3 billion. Of this amount, the central government will contribute more than VN50.1 billion, the provincial budget will add over VN2.6 billion, and more than VN248.4 billion will come from a national fundraising campaign and local contributions. As of now, An Giang has mobilised VN139 billion for this initiative. The province has also introduced eight standard house designs to assist poor and near-poor households. By early March 2025, the province had started construction on 773 houses, including 701 new builds and 72 repairs. Among them, 360 houses have already been completed and handed over, comprising 306 new constructions and 54 repairs. To accelerate the elimination of temporary and dilapidated houses, An Giang aims to largely complete the programme by the end of June 2025 and fully wrap it up by the end of September 2025. Long Xuyen City and Chau oc City are set to complete their respective programmes by the first quarter of 2025. To ensure timely and effective implementation, the An Giang Provincial Peoples Committee has instructed localities to promptly disburse the funds allocated by the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and strictly manage the programme to avoid any misuse, waste, or wrongdoing. An Giang Provincial Party Secretary Le Hong Quang urged districts to swiftly implement the programme and regularly monitor and inspect the progress. VNS BA RIA-VUNG TAU Over the past 24 years, the Coast Guard Region No.3 Command (CGR 3) based in the southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau has become a crucial force in enforcing maritime laws, ensuring security, order, and safety at sea and contributing significantly to safeguarding the nation's sacred maritime sovereignty. Looking back on its 24 years of development and growth (March 7, 2001 - 2025), CGR 3 under the Viet Nam Coast Guard (VCG) has attained remarkable milestones. Colonel Le Van Tu, Political Commissar of CGR 3, said since its establishment, the unit has been entrusted with executing the functions, tasks and responsibilities of the VCG over a vast area. This jurisdiction stretches from Cu Lao Xanh in the south-central province Binh inh to the northern boundary of the inh An estuary in the Mekong Delta province Tra Vinh, including the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago and the southern continental shelf of the nation. The officers and soldiers have accomplished many heroic feats, such as rescuing vessels attacked by pirates, intercepting illegal oil transportation, conducting search and rescue operations, and assisting fishermen in distress under extreme weather conditions. One exemplary mission occurred in December 2022 when CGR 3 successfully rescued the fishing vessel BV 92412 TS. The vessel was left adrift in a stormy sea after its engine failed. Onboard, exhausted fishermen faced a dire situation with dwindling supplies and an increasing sense of despair. Upon receiving the distress signal, the CGR 3 immediately deployed its ship 8005 to the rescue. Upon arrival, officers swiftly provided food, water, and first aid to the fishermen while conducting urgent repairs to restore the vessel's engine. Their unwavering efforts and expertise ensured the safe return of the vessel and its crew to shore. Participating in search and rescue operations, protecting and assisting fishermen in their livelihoods at sea is not just a duty but a mission from the heart. It embodies the fine nature and tradition of the Uncle Ho's soldiers and VCG force, Tu said. Regardless of the complexity of the situation or the harsh weather conditions, CGR 3 always mobilises its personnel and equipment promptly to assist those in need. Achievements in law enforcement, international cooperation Colonel Le Van Tu said the CGR 3 has been steadfast in its fight against various maritime crimes. Over the years, the unit has conducted hundreds of patrols and inspections, rigorously combating smuggling, commercial fraud, illegal fishing, and violations of national sovereignty. Thousands of cases have been detected and handled, helping to protect marine resources and ensure maritime security. The unit has actively engaged in military diplomacy by adhering to the policies of the Party, State, Ministry of National Defense, and the VCG Command. It has successfully organised joint training sessions, search and rescue drills, and law enforcement capacity-building exercises with the coast guards of South Korea, India, Indonesia, and the U.S. These collaborative activities have contributed to fostering regional maritime security and promoting cooperative relationships with international law enforcement agencies, Tu said. At the same time, CGR 3 remains committed to social welfare initiatives. A programme called "The Coast Guard accompanies fishermen has provided substantial assistance to fishermen, ensuring they can safely pursue their livelihoods at sea. These initiatives include medical check-ups, free medicine distribution, scholarships for underprivileged children, and community outreach programmes. The unit also actively promotes a contest called I love my homeland's sea and islands, engaging thousands of students and teachers in raising awareness about maritime sovereignty. It remains dedicated to its mission of defending maritime sovereignty, enforcing laws, and fostering a professional and modernised force. It continues to prioritise advanced training, emphasising law enforcement, sovereignty protection, and discipline. By maintaining strict operational procedures and closely monitoring maritime developments, CGR 3 ensures proactive responses to emerging challenges, safeguarding peace and stability at sea. Moving forward, the Guard will enhance the effectiveness of its community outreach programmes, ensuring that the Coast Guard accompanies fishermen initiative remains a source of support for those who make a living at sea, Tu said. This effort strengthens the all-people defense posture and maritime security, contributing to a stable and prosperous nation, he said. With a strong legacy and a clear vision for the future, CGR 3 continues to be a beacon of security and humanitarian support in the countrys territorial waters. It stands ready to embrace new challenges and further its mission of safeguarding the nations maritime integrity. Impressive achievements over 24 years Conducted thousands of successful maritime patrols, inspecting over 2,173 vessels. Investigated and handled 146 cases involving 174 ships engaged in illegal transportation and trade, issuing fines worth over VN341 billion (US$13.3 million) contributing to the state coffers. Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to dismantle 137 criminal cases related to drug trafficking, resulting in the arrest of 265 suspects. Carried out 153 search and rescue missions, saving 88 vessels, 1,133 crew members, and recovering 40 bodies from maritime incidents. Organised social welfare programmes across nine provinces, distributing 21,125 gifts and conducting thousands of community activities to support local residents. Hosted maritime awareness campaigns, engaging thousands of teachers and students in educational initiatives about the protection of national sovereignty. VNS HAI PHONG The trial of two foreign defendants for the crime of theft opened in Hai Phong City on March 7. Defendants Yoo Ju Hyoung and Choi Gi Tae (both South Korean nationals), and four Vietnamese accomplices, were jointly accused of stealing steel from a construction site. They appeared at the Peoples Court of Hai Phong City for theft as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 173 of the Penal Code. The alleged crime took place in the Trang Due Industrial Park, An Duong District, Hai Phong City. According to the investigation, the defendants admitted that although they did not discuss or assign roles beforehand, they acted together in a series of criminal acts. After Yoo Ju Hyoung came up with the idea to steal property from the construction site of MDA Company in Trang Due Industrial Park, the other defendants, Choi Gi Tae, Phung Van Phong, Phung Van Minh, o Van iep, and ao Van Bien coordinated through their actions. Yoo negotiated with Tae to sell 20 tonnes of brand-new steel, in the form of galvanised pipes for Zeit Company's project, at a low price, without any documents of origin, sales contracts, or the presence of buyers, sellers or representatives of the owner. Only images of the goods and their location in the warehouse were shared, enabling Tae and the Vietnamese group to remove the goods from the warehouse. Tae then resold the goods to Minh, who agreed to take them from the warehouse for resale. Minh directed iep to meet with Yoo and Tae to collect the warehouse key, find buyers, facilitate the removal of the goods, and deliver the proceeds to Minh for a profit. Minh also co-ordinated with the AT Company's security team to safely transport nearly twenty tonnes of steel out of MDA's warehouse, valued at more than VN612 million (US$24,000). After the prosecutor presented the case, the defendants acknowledged their wrongdoing and requested leniency from the court, hoping for an early return to their families. A representative from the South Korean Embassy in Viet Nam attended the trial, expressing regret over the involvement of South Korean citizens in a crime in Viet Nam. The embassy also requested the court to show leniency towards Yoo and Tae, hoping they would benefit from Viet Nam's humanitarian policies. At the conclusion of the trial, the court issued sentences at the lower end of the penalty framework, ensuring fairness by taking into account the defendants' roles, the nature of their actions, and the severity of their crimes. VNS JAKARTA - Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) have signed a letter of intent (LoI) on cooperation in developing the Kayan hydropower plant in North Kalimantan, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, with a total investment of US$17.8 billion. For Indonesia, the Kayan hydropower plant is not just an infrastructure project within the framework of the Asia Zero Emission Community but also a strategic investment for Indonesias energy security and decarbonisation efforts, Deputy Minister for the Coordination of International Economic Cooperation Edi Prio Pambudi said. He emphasised that as a strategic partner, Japan will help Indonesia implement energy transition projects and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. Therefore, the Indonesian government has urged Japan to strengthen cooperation in implementing practical, scalable, and inclusive energy transition projects in the country. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs at the METI Masanori Tsuruda said that the LoI on the development of the Kayan hydropower plant needs to be immediately followed up by both governments. Although the development of the plant is challenging, he is confident that the good bilateral relations between Japan and Indonesia are a strong foundation for the development of this project. Once completed, the hydropower plant, with a capacity of 9,000 MW, will supply renewable energy to Indonesia's largest green industrial park in Tanah Kuning, North Kalimantan. It will also support Indonesia's target of bringing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix to 23 per cent by 2025 and 31 per cent by 2050, as a part of its commitment to a sustainable energy future. VNS SEOUL South Korea's National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik held talks on Thursday with his US counterpart Michael Waltz in Washington, where the two reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea. During the hourlong talks, Shin and Waltz also agreed to work closely to devise and implement policies to counter North Korea in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions, Shin told reporters at a press briefing in Washington on Thursday. Shin said the National Security Council of Seoul and the White House would work together to lay out pangovernmental efforts by Seoul and Washington in the field of shipbuilding. According to Shin, topics discussed at Thursday's meeting included current hurdles in building, maintaining, repairing or operating US ships in South Korean shipyards. Regarding the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, Shin explained that tariffs are barely imposed on US goods under the bilateral Free Trade Agreement. Shin also asked for productive communication and cooperation regarding trade matters between the two countries. According to Shin, his explanation was met with understanding from Washington. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said in a speech to a joint session of the US Congress that countries, including South Korea, are unfairly imposing "tremendously higher tariffs (on the US) than we charge them," adding that South Korea's average tariff is four times higher than those of the US. On Wednesday, the Industry Ministry refuted Trump's claim, explaining that the effective tariff rate on US imports was about 0.79 percent in 2024. The ministry also added that although Koreas Most Favored Nation tariff rate on World Trade Organization member countries is 13.4 percent -- four times higher than US' 3.3 percent -- the rate does not apply to US goods under the Korea-US FTA. Shin, however, noted that his talks with Waltz did not touch on the potential renegotiation of a defense cost-sharing deal over US troops' stationed in South Korea, or Trump's complaint that Washington's security treaty with Tokyo is not reciprocal. He also declined to comment on the matter. It was Shin's first meeting with Waltz. Shin said he had not scheduled his next meeting with Waltz. In a press release by impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's office on Friday, Shin and Waltz stressed the Seoul-Washington alliance's role in peace, security and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and at a regional level at their talks. Shin also met Republican congressmen Sen. Roger Wicker and Sen. Pete Ricketts on the sidelines of his Washington visit. Shin is scheduled to return to South Korea Saturday. THE KOREA HERALD/ANN The collaboration between ACCA and KPMG is a forward-thinking yet necessary step, delivering tangible value to finance and accounting professionals while laying a solid foundation for Vietnamese businesses to confidently integrate and stay ahead in the global sustainability movement. At the signing ceremony, Dam Xuan Lam, deputy general director in charge of the Hanoi office at KPMG Vietnam, expressed his honour in the longstanding and ever-growing strategic partnership between KPMG Vietnam and ACCA. "We share a common vision of enhancing human capital quality and fostering the development of Vietnams finance and accounting community. Beyond recognising ACCA as a provider of a prestigious international certification for KPMG employees in auditing and accounting, we aspire for ACCA to become a key strategic partner in advancing our impact plan." Dam Xuan Lam, deputy general director in charge of the Hanoi office at KPMG Vietnam. Photo: ACCA Vietnam These actions reflect KPMGs commitment to building a greener future and supporting Vietnams goal of planting one billion trees. At KPMG Vietnam, all employees are well aware of the impact of climate change and the importance of reducing corporate emissions," added Lam. Adopting international sustainability reporting standards, which accurately reflect enterprise value, will enhance the standing of Vietnamese businesses, improve market appeal to foreign investors, and lower the cost of capital by increasing credit ratings. However, to implement these standards effectively, finance, accounting, and auditing professionals must continuously update their expertise and stay aligned with evolving global requirements. The MoU signing marks a significant milestone, demonstrating ACCA and KPMGs strong commitment to advancing professional knowledge and ensuring the consistent application of sustainability reporting standards, preparing a solid foundation for Vietnamese businesses to expand onto the global stage. To Quoc Hung, country manager of ACCA Vietnam, emphasised that for over 20 years in Vietnam, ACCA and KPMG have remained key strategic partners. Todays renewal of our cooperation reaffirms both organisations commitment to enhancing the quality of financial, accounting, and auditing talent, while also collaborating on projects and sharing international expertise to help businesses meet global standards, strengthen competitiveness, and integrate into the global economy, he added. To Quoc Hung, country manager of ACCA Vietnam. Photo: ACCA Vietnam With the rapid evolution of both international and domestic regulations, companies that embrace environmental, social, and governance standards will be better positioned to integrate into global supply chains, enhance their credibility, attract investment, and contribute to sustainable development. Hung further noted that, "One of the biggest challenges for businesses is the shortage of high-quality professionals in green transition and sustainable development management. This is not only a challenge in Vietnam but a global issue. Currently, university and postgraduate training systems are struggling to meet the growing demand for talent in this field." Recognising this challenge, in 2024, ACCA launched the Professional Diploma in Sustainable Development to equip professionals worldwide with the necessary expertise. "This certification provides deep insights into international sustainability regulations and their impact, while also equipping professionals with practical skills in sustainability governance, strategy execution, sustainability reporting, and assurance or auditing of sustainability disclosures," added Hung. "With a vision to transform the accounting industry to meet future business needs, ACCA and KPMG remain committed to supporting the business community in strengthening capabilities and aligning with both local and international sustainability standards." PVI becomes ACCA Approved Employer PVI received ACCA Approved Employer certification on January 17 from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), marking a significant milestone in the development of its high-quality accounting, finance, and management workforce in accordance with international standards. PVcomBank and ACCA collaborate in developing high-quality human resources The ceremony to award the "ACCA Approved Employer" certification and the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Vietnam Public Joint Stock Commercial Bank (PVcomBank) concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone in PVcomBanks ongoing efforts to elevate its workforce and strengthen its global integration. ACCA publish guide to sustainability reporting ACCA released its latest report in the sustainability reporting series on February 5. Titled 'Sustainability Reporting: Risk and Materiality', it provides practical guidance for businesses to determine the material information they need to disclose in their sustainability reports. Techcom Securities achieves market first as ACCA Approved Employer Techcom Securities' recognition as an ACCA Approved Employer marks a significant milestone in its development strategy, serving as a solid foundation for aligning with international standards, attracting top talent, and strengthening its market leadership. On March 6, the representative of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Finance briefed the performance of the city's socioeconomic development in the first two months of the year, showing many positive results. Accordingly, Ho Chi Minh City has lured $365.8 million in FDI capital, up 87.1 per cent on-year. 153 ventures were awarded investment licences with a total investment capital of $89.15 million. The total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue reached approximately $10.7 billion in the first two months of 2025, up 15.9 per cent against last year's period. Retail sales of goods grew 25.6 per cent, while accommodation and F&B climbed 40.5 per cent. Exports saw impressive growth with a turnover of $7.86 billion, up 19.17 per cent. Tourism revenue reached $1.5 billion, recording a 30.2 per cent increase. International tourist arrivals stood at 1.04 million, jumping 15.7 per cent on-year. The public transport system shows many positive signals in the given period. The volume of passengers carried via public transport rose by 18.9 per cent, while Tan Son Nhat airport received over 7 million passengers passing through, marking an increase of 5 per cent. Metro Line No. 1, connecting Ben Thanh and Suoi Tien, has transported over 3.8 million passengers in the first two months of the year. Ho Chi Minh City has accelerated the progress of key projects to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. Infrastructure, transportation, and new urban projects were actively implemented, contributing to transforming the facade of the municipal city. Besides these positive results, Ho Chi Minh City also faces challenges amid a challenging economic environment. The city witnessed a 37.6 per cent decrease in the number of newly established enterprises and a 47.9 per cent decline in their registered capital. Meanwhile, the number of enterprises temporarily suspending operations grew by 12.3 per cent from last year's period, equivalent to 15,800 enterprises. Ho Chi Minh City targets 64,000 hectares of land for TOD Ho Chi Minh City will reserve more than 64,000 hectares of land for public transit-oriented development (TOD). Ho Chi Minh City welcomes Indian businesses to invest in high-tech projects Ho Chi Minh City aims to establish extensive cooperative relationships with Indian businesses, from leading technology corporations to potential startups to jointly implement high-tech projects. The investment proposal was shared at a working session between the company and Ninh Thuan People's Committee earlier this week. The representative of VFT Bio Fuels UG noted that the green steel initiative was designed with a capacity of 11 million tonnes per year, supplying to the Vietnamese and European markets. The project spans across 250 hectares and comprises two phases. It is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to ensure environmentally friendly and closed-loop production. When fully operational, the venture will generate employment for 500 to 10,000 people. In addition, the plant is expected to generate carbon credits worth $100 million per year by significantly slashing carbon emissions. Tran Quoc Nam, Chairman of Ninh Thuan People's Committee, evaluated that VFT Bio Fuels UG's green steel initiative is of special importance and is being implemented for the first time. The venture's unique selling point lies in carbon credit generation. Nam pledges assistance for such large-scale, sustainable projects. Ninh Thuan is creating the most favourable conditions for the investor. Following the meeting, VFT Bio Fuels UG also visited Cam Ranh Port in Khanh Hoa province. The German firm noted that it was scouting other emerging investment destinations in Vietnam in line with the company's long-term development strategy in the country. The company is also keen on potential collaborations with port operations and logistics services providers to formulate appropriate partnership plans. Germany's PNE to develop a $4.6 billion wind farm in Binh Dinh German wind power group PNE AG plans to inject $4.6 billion into the 2,000-MW-capacity Hon Trau offshore wind farm in Binh Dinh province. German businesses explore investments in Dong Nai A delegation of over 45 German enterprises and investors have explored investment opportunities in Dong Nai province thanks to its favourable investment environment and improved connectivity. WATERLOO Nonprofits and federal agencies that bring a variety of services to the Cedar Valley say they are all facing the consequences of federal spending cuts. Representatives of groups such as Black Hawk County Public Health, the National Resource Conservation Service and the Iowa Food System Coalition spoke at a community forum Thursday, discussing how federal funding freezes and layoffs are directly affecting resources in the community. The discussion at Hawkeye Community Colleges Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center was led by Black Hawk County Supervisor Chris Schwartz and Kamyar Enshayan. Schwartz is also the executive director of the Iowa Food System Coalition, an organization that works to create an equitable and sustainable food system in the state. Enshayan, who is retired from the University of Northern Iowa, is a supporter of many nutritious food and environmental efforts. The forum comes a few weeks after many federal employees were emailed termination letters. CNBC also reported this week that one-third of the total layoffs, or 62,242 employees, in the U.S. were from federal job cuts across 17 government agencies. In addition, the Trump administration placed a freeze on billions of dollars of federal funding. On Thursday, 23 state attorneys general secured a preliminary injunction of that order, blocking the freeze. The funding freeze and federal layoffs came as part of a broader effort of the administrations newly created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to save money in the federal government. One of those federal workers laid off in Iowa is Brianna McNulty. She was a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Public Health Associate Program and worked with the Iowa Cancer Consortium. She said she received a termination letter a few months after getting a rave performance review. On February 15th, I received the really startling letter that said I was terminated for my under-performance and lack of ability and skills and knowledge and that I didnt meet the agencys needs, she said. The underperformance part was just a blatant lie. After being laid off, McNulty found a new apartment and a new job at her alma mater, Penn State. As she was doing her last errand in Iowa this week, she received another email. I checked my email just one more time and there was a new message saying that, after a further review, my termination was now rescinded and I was expected to return to work immediately the next day, she said. Although she got her job back, she said she is not going back to the federal agency, saying there is too much uncertainty. The decision was a tough one, she said, because Iowa has the second highest cancer rate in the U.S. My firing and the potential dismantling of programs like the (Public Health Associate Program), its really removing these much-needed hands from the field and leaves Iowans at a disadvantage, she said. Schwartz, speaking from his county position, noted the larger presence of Veterans Affairs in Black Hawk County. He said part of this is due to the influx of federal dollars and jobs from the Biden administration, as part of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, which looked at the effects of burn pits in the Middle East and Agent Orange in the Vietnam War. The VA is expected to remove 80,000 positions. That is incredibly, incredibly concerning to see all those hard-earned benefits, to finally have the government admit that we wronged these veterans by exposing them to these chemicals, he said. To finally have us going in the right direction, to correct those wrongs, to now be seeing that were going to go the other direction and unfund the VA. Another community health resource is the Black Hawk County Public Health Department. Kaitlin Emrich, the departments director, said one-third of their funding, or $1 million, is from the federal government. Emrich said when she looked into all the federal funding that would be frozen, she realized every funding source she used was included. She said this would affect programs like emergency preparedness, such as the response to COVID-19; nutritious food education for children; sexually transmitted infection prevention and food inspector services. Schwartz said if $1 million in federal funds is taken away, the county does not have a way to make up for the gap in funding due to state restrictions on how much a government can tax its residents. Even if we wanted to tax you that much, we couldnt, its just not even possible, he said. That could be awful layoffs. It would mean seeing increased STI rates. We would see, you know, increased cancer rates. All the good services that the public health department does to keep us safe and keep us healthy could just evaporate. Schwartz said his organization, the Iowa Food System Coalition, is still waiting on the federal government to reimburse payments for fulfilled contracts. Jeri Thornsberry, the president of the Conservation District of Iowa, which works with the National Resource Conservation Service, said the organization has $300,000 in unpaid bills from the federal government. She said although the government has not paid her invoices, she received communication that a contract for a project in Waterloo will be terminated. The project aimed to look at urban and small-scale agriculture for underserved groups such as Burmese, Congolese, Hispanic and Black populations. She was told the project does not fit in with the federal governments stance on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Her organization also supports county soil and water conservation districts. Thornsberry serves on the Black Hawk Soil and Water Conservation District. We have done so much work in Black Hawk County to try and prevent our soil erosion and improve our water quality, Thornsberry said. To be on such a high and then to be thrown off the cliff is just unfathomable. Chinese FM calls for jointly building community with shared future for humanity Xinhua) 10:31, March 07, 2025 BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called for building a community with a shared future for humanity at a press conference. An increasing number of countries have participated in the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, with over 100 countries supporting the three global initiatives, namely, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. Wang added that over three quarters of countries across the world have joined the family of the Belt and Road Initiative. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) After the Abundant Life Christian School shooting left their 14-year-old son River clinging to life, Brett and Christina Clardy said an outpouring of support from the Madison community helped them see good amid the bad. Its very easy to find the ugly in the last few months, Brett Clardy said in one of the couples first interviews since the Dec. 16 incident, which left two students and a teacher dead and six people injured. But if you look beyond the ugly, theres so many beautiful moments. >> Complete coverage of the shooting From nurses working extra shifts and restaurants donating food to Culvers organizing a large fundraiser and friends and even strangers offering money and meals, benevolent actions renewed their faith, said Christina Clardy, a teacher at the school. God is still good when circumstances arent, she said. River, who returned to school Feb. 5 after 46 days at UW Healths American Family Childrens Hospital, almost didnt survive, said Dr. Adam Brinkman, the hospitals medical director of pediatric trauma care. He was shot at least three times, injuring six parts of his body, with significant blood loss in the back of his throat and key arteries in his neck, Brinkman said. When the boy arrived at the hospital, he was unconscious, with low blood pressure and a rapid heart rate, signs of distress. We were very much against the clock, Brinkman said. Had this been an adult, theres no way this adult would have survived. On the first day, surgeons repaired the injury to the back of his throat. On the second day, they placed a stent in his right carotid artery to stop bleeding. On the third day, they removed a blood clot on the left side of his neck and stitched up another bleeding artery. Two additional surgeries, on Dec. 20 and Dec. 26, removed a drain from Rivers neck and repaired a groin injury from a catheter used in one of the initial surgeries. Two fractures in his left hip and one in his right hand healed without surgery, Brinkman said. Another fracture to his left shoulder blade, which may have been caused by a bullet or from falling after being shot, also healed without surgery, he said. Another student who was critically injured, known as Samy, remains in the hospital in good condition. The others injured were treated and released shortly after the shooting, which killed teacher Erin West and student Rubi Vergara, 14. Police said the shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Samantha Rupnow, took her own life before they arrived. Their investigation of the incident continues. What happened that day For the Clardys, who live near Sun Prairie, the ordeal has been a test of their faith, which they said has helped them maintain calmness during the ups and downs and find compassion for Rupnow and her family. The Clardys are active at Cornerstone Church in Waterloo. I think Ive forgiven her; I dont hold any hate towards her, Christina said of Rupnow. We grieve for that family because they lost a child, Brett said. Shortly before 11 a.m. on Dec. 16, Christina was teaching a seventh-grade Bible class on the first floor of Abundant Life, on Madisons Far East Side. River was in a study hall on the second floor, and two of his sisters were two doors down. There was an announcement, that it was a lockdown, but that it wasnt a drill, Christina said. She didnt hear shots but recalled the active-shooter training she and other staff had received. She heard people running but kept her students in her classroom, as instructed, until police arrived. Officers guided teachers and students next door to City Church. Christina saw her daughters in the balcony of the sanctuary, mouthing, Wheres River? Soon, they learned he had been taken by ambulance in uncertain condition to the hospital. Police drove them there. Brett, an executive at Oxford Global Resources staffing agency in Madison, was in Chicago for a meeting. A friend called to tell him about the shooting, and he started driving back to Madison. Christina, who had left her cellphone in her classroom, eventually contacted him too. At the hospital, doctors told the couple River was in surgery, with stable vital signs. They didnt know what that meant for his prognosis. Later that night, they finally got to see him. He was wrapped in tubes and bandages, unable to talk because a breathing tube was down his throat. You could tell it was him, but you couldnt tell where his neck began and his chin began, Brett said. Its hard to see your kid suffering, Christina said. Turning point For several precarious days, they didnt know if River would make it. Frustrated by not being able to hear his voice, Christina tried a type of communication she had previously used with River, who was adopted at age 3 and struggled early on with speech. In the hospitals intensive care unit, she squeezed his hand three times, their sign for I love you. He squeezed back. Christina said it felt like a turning point. I knew he was still in there, she said. It gave me more hope. After Rivers breathing tube was removed Dec. 27 and he left the intensive care unit Dec. 31, his recovery, though gradual, seemed certain. As he did physical, occupational and speech therapy, each milestone sitting up, walking two steps with a walker, walking down the hall was cheered. River remembers being able to eat again, which was challenging even after the breathing tube was gone because his neck injuries made swallowing difficult. First came apple sauce and then pureed versions of corn and sausage. Finally, he got to order his favorite meal: shrimp scampi, with extra shrimp. It really felt great, he said. I preferred the real food instead of the pureed food. On Jan. 20, 10 days before he left the hospital, the Clardys took River to Abundant Life so he could walk through the building, as other students did before classes resumed Jan. 10. The school was empty because it was Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Joined by a family friends therapy dog, River sat in the room where the violence had erupted. He discussed his feelings with his parents and later with a hospital psychologist. He didnt sweat it at all, Brett said, adding that he and Christina never considered sending River to a different school after the shooting. Its not a building that did it, Christina said. Its a person that made those choices. Back at school When River returned to his ninth-grade classes Feb. 5, many of his classmates wore bow ties, in honor of his fondness for them. It was amazing being back at school (and) a little a scary, he said. He continues to do physical and occupational therapy, to strengthen his shoulder and hip, improve his walking and increase dexterity in his right hand, which sustained nerve damage from the gunshot. He is left-handed. At first, with as many injuries as he had, it took a lot of energy to even do something as simple as sitting on the edge of the bed, said Mindy Hoffman, his physical therapist while in the hospital. Hes definitely a very hard worker, willing to do whatever he needs to do. He still gets tired easily, taking a nap during study hall most days, but returned to karate class last week. A fan of Lego sets, model kits and mystery novels, River said he looks forward to going swimming this summer. Brinkman said its likely a bullet entered the right side of Rivers neck and exited the back of his throat. A second bullet likely hit the left side of his neck before exiting, he said. A third bullet, believed to have caused the hip fractures, remains in the boys abdomen and is scheduled to be removed in June. One of the three bullets, or a fourth, likely hit his hand. He was shot multiple times, at least three, Brinkman said. We cant really confidently say it was this-many times with this-many bullets. What is clear is the severity of the neck wounds. He was in probably the top 10% of injured trauma patients weve seen in the last five years, Brinkman said. During Rivers time in the hospital, some 263 UW Health staff members cared for him, from doctors and nurses to therapists and child life staff. I think hes going to have a really great outcome from this, Brinkman said. But I think there will always be a part of him that has some psychological suffering and stress. No easy answers Brett Clardy said he tries to process what happened through the biblical story of Joseph. After his brothers sold him into slavery, Joseph helped save many people during a famine in Egypt. What you intended for evil, God intended for good, Brett said, paraphrasing Genesis 50:20. Christina agrees with that sentiment but said nothing will ever fully explain the devastation. We arent going to get answers to our why questions, even in the end, after all the investigation has occurred, she said. Plaid Cymru urges UK Government to review destructive inheritance tax changes for farmers This article is old - Published: Friday, Mar 7th, 2025 Plaid Cymru urged the UK Government to pause and review planned changes to inheritance tax for farmers, warning the impact could be destructive in rural Wales. Llyr Gruffydd said the problem with the policy is it does not distinguish between millionaires buying land to avoid tax and family farms scraping a living from the land. Raising concerns about far-reaching consequences, he told the Senedd: Wales isnt a nation of lavish-living millionaire farmers. Our family farms operate on tight margins and theyre cash poor; many live a hand-to-mouth existence and too many are in debt. Mr Gruffydd warned the changes, which will see 100% agricultural property relief to inheritance tax restricted to the first 1m from April, will force family farms to sell land. The shadow rural affairs secretary said: The policy is utterly counter-productive at a time, of course, when we need to be strengthening our food security not undermining it. Caught in the cross-fire Recognising a need to crack down with multi-millionaires who buy up land for tax avoidance purposes, Mr Gruffydd warned working family farms are being caught in the cross-fire. This isnt just bad news for farms, he said. Its bad news for the wider food sector, for the wider rural economy and for jobs in the supply chain. It will reduce local economic activity and, of course, itll further weaken the social fabric of our rural areas. Leading a debate on March 5, he pointed to proposals for an alternative clawback system which would levy inheritance tax if assets are sold by the beneficiary within seven years. He explained clawback is used by other European countries to discourage buying farmland to minimise tax bills, adding that such a policy could raise 7% more for the UK Treasury. It feels very often like a sector under siege these days, Mr Gruffydd said. But this proposal on inheritance tax goes deeper the one thing you cling onto is your ability to pass your farm on to the next generation, to give your children a livelihood. Draconian Peter Fox, the Conservatives shadow rural affairs secretary who is a retired farmer, backed calls to pause the draconian decision to remove agricultural property relief. He said: Lets also be clear: average farm incomes are low, certainly nowhere near even half of what any of us get paid in this place. Theres no way the average farm can generate enough money to pay inheritance tax, even if spread over 10 years. The fact is farms would have to be broken up. His colleague Samuel Kurtz criticised the Welsh Governments delete-all amendment to the motion which rides roughshod over this Senedd in trying to gain a unified voice. Mr Kurtz, the son of a farmer, pointed out that Steve Reed, the UK rural affairs secretary, told farmers Labour had no plans to change inheritance tax rules before the election. Frozen in fear Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds said farmers and their families are frozen in fear as she accused the Labour UK Government of repeatedly picking on the little people. Families are genuinely worried about their futures, she said. Young people are concerned about whether they can carry on. This policy discriminates against the widowed, the widower, the terminally ill and older farmers. Pointing out that 43% of the sector speaks Welsh, Plaid Cymrus Sian Gwenllian warned the change could have a disproportionate impact on the language. Party leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, whose son is an agriculture student, warned the change will be a heavy blow to an industry already under so much pressure. He said: Welsh family farms need a Welsh Government that stands up for them and genuinely makes the case that this inheritance tax change should be delayed until its impact is honestly and carefully assessed. Catastrophic Huw Irranca-Davies, the deputy first minister, said the UK Government inherited a catastrophic financial situation, with a 20bn blackhole. Mr Irranca-Davies, who is responsible for rural affairs in Wales, acknowledged significant concerns about the proposed changes to agricultural property relief which is not devolved. He said: Many farmers have met with me and shared their worries about passing on their farms to their children, reflecting a widespread anxiety amongst our rural areas. I have made and will continue to make strong representations to the UK Government about the need to understand and respond to the specific concerns of our Welsh farmers. Plaid Cymrus motion was narrowly voted down, 26-25, before the Welsh Governments amended version was agreed, 26-14 with 11 abstentions. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter The Reno Ballroom will host the 20th Annual 'Shave for the Brave' event TODAY, Friday, March 7th. The family-friendly event starts with registration at 5:30 p.m. The Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation (NNCCF) invites the public to come out, support the cause, participate, and get their heads shaved. The local non-profit encourages people to "Shave for the Brave" and go bald in support of childhood cancer research every year around St. Patrick's Day. Since 2006, NNCCF's yearly Shave for the Brave activities, in partnership with the St. Baldrick's Foundation, have shaved 4,930 heads to raise nearly $3.6 million for research on youth cancer. In 2024, out of the 5,822 St. Baldrick's fundraising events worldwide, NNCCF's "Shave for the Brave" event came in at number twelve. The goal of NNCCF is to promote more funding for research in the hopes that one day our kids will grow up cancer-free. This year, Phil Ralston, a board member of St. Baldrick's, will be joining the event to help NNCCF in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Shave for the Brave. Ralston is the president of American Nevada Company (ANC), a company that focuses on the planning and construction of residential, commercial, and master-planned communities. He became one of the leading fundraisers in Las Vegas after initially joining the St. Baldrick's Foundation to help a friend's daughter who was given a cancer diagnosis. Since 2008, Ralston has been a St. Baldrick's volunteer shavee, raising over $485,902 for research on childhood cancer that could save lives. In addition to his team, Bald by Design, raised another $1,203,692 to help combat childhood cancers. This year the event aspires to raise $200,000 for research into children's cancer. Like at a walk-a-thon, participants collect pledges or donations to raise money for the opportunity to shave their heads on stage. Pre-registration for participants, or "Shavees," is required online at https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/45/2025. Shavees can either sign up as an individual or form a team. In order to participate in this event, participants are asked to raise at least $50.00. The barbers shaving the heads are either certified cosmetologists or barbers who volunteer for the event. You can join or donate for the event by clicking here. UPDATE - MARCH 7: A Sparks man found guilty of battery by strangulation received a sentence of up to 48 months in prison, but he must serve at least 19 months. ORIGINAL STORY - JANUARY 16: A jury has convicted a Sparks man of strangling another man, after a two-day trial. The Washoe County District Attorney's Office says Brock Rogers attacked a man at Deer Park in June 2024. The jury convicted him of battery by strangulation. The DA's office says while the victim was on hold with police, he started recording as Rogers got closer and tried to hit him again. Prosecutors say the victim ducked, and Rogers wrapped his arms around the victim's neck, but as the victim tried to escape, Rogers bit him twice on the back. The DA's office says Rogers then then applied more pressure to the victims neck to the point he was not able to breathe and was close to losing consciousness. Eventually, prosecutors say Rogers released the victim and left the park. Sentencing is set for March 6th. (Washoe County District Attorney's Office contributed to this report.) The STARBASE program that partners with the Nevada National Guard is dealing with ongoing funding issues, but it will still be able to operate until its fiscal year ends in September. The Nevada Department of Education, Training and Rehabilitation was able to help with some temporary funding, for both the Reno and Henderson locations. However, whatever happens after September, is still up in the air. Curiosity, learning and grins from ear to ear were had by students in Thursday's class. Fifth graders from Maxwell Elementary School are one of the Title 1 schools in the STARBASE program. Title 1 schools include students from low-income families. STARBASE provides these schools in Washoe County a STEM education, outside of the regular classroom. Each school takes a field trip to STARBASE once a week for five weeks. "So, a student on day one may have said I'm not sure what this is about or what I'm going to, but by day five we may have some tears," said Tiffany Young, Program Director, High Sierra STARBASE. Some of the students say it's been a lot of fun. "Yeah, after the first time here, when I'm older I might want to be an engineer because it's really cool," said Milo Stoner, fifth grade student, Maxwell Elementary School. "Because in school we like just write with a pencil and then over here we get to do stuff with our actual hands," said Aislinn Acosta, fifth grade student, Maxwell Elementary School. However, things could soon be coming to an end for the program. "We are in a continuing resolution so we have lost funding and we have some challenges with those funding gaps," Young said. STARBASE requested $60 million and were only granted $20 million back in December, resulting in more than 50 programs nationwide having to shut down. However, leaders in the silver state were able to help keep the ship afloat. "Where we were potentially going to have our doors closed, and through our state and our governor and our state offices we were able to get some funding," Young said. 600 Nevada students will now be able to take the program due to the funding from the state. However, for the future next Friday will be the ultimate decider. That's when Congressional leaders are set to decide if it will be fully funded at the $60 million. "This kind of stuff does help change lives," said Captain Emerson Marcus, Public Affairs Officer, Nevada National Guard. "So, as the government looks to downsize right now, we want to make sure we are not cutting important programs like STARBASE across the country." In the event, that funding gap is not closed, STARBASE will look to other avenues at the state level or from nonprofit organizations. To keep the Reno one open, they need about $630,000 a year. Its spring! Or pretty close to it, anyway. That means flowers blooming, warmer winds and a welcome flood of new reads. Below, weve highlighted a stack of fun, Richard Osman-style mysteries with older sleuths, plus literary fiction from stellar writers such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ocean Vuong. Youll also find seriously dark suspense novels by Stephen King and Linwood Barclay, memoirs by Christie Brinkley, 71, and Tina Knowles (Beyonces mom), 71, and a weighty biography of Mark Twain from Pulitzer Prize-winner Ron Chernow of Alexander Hamilton fame. We could have added dozens of other worthy reads (The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue! Twist by Colum McCann! Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh! The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner!) but tried to keep the list manageable by winnowing it down to these 44 standouts. Members only Notable novels Spring's notable novels include Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong, Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins, and Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley. (From left) Penguin Random House, Penguin Random House, Macmillan, Penguin Random House Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (March 4) The first novel by the Nigerian author of Americanah in over a decade? Yes, please. Worth the wait, this book follows the intertwined lives of four women, beginning with a lonely writer spending the pandemic lockdown searching for meaning in her string of failed relationships. Then theres her best friend, who feels she must exude strength despite being abandoned after announcing her much-anticipated pregnancy; her cousin, a lawyer who wears her success like armor against the world; and finally, her housekeeper, whose poise and integrity persist in the face of profound systemic injustices. Its a sometimes heart-wrenching, complex web of stories about love, belonging, mother-daughter relationships and so much more. Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley (March 11) Oakleys newest situational comedy about a midlife date night gone wrong is as escapist as they come. Jane and Dan won the lottery: reservations at a remote fancy-pants restaurant frequented by celebrities. They might as well splash out on their 19th anniversary, Jane reasons, before dropping the bomb: She wants a divorce. Minutes later, the restaurant is invaded by a cabal of gun-toting climate activists. Even stranger, the captors seem to be following a plan ripped straight from Janes not-so-bestselling novel. Though chaos ensues (why cant Dan read her lips after all these years?), Jane starts to ponder whether shes been wrong about marriage. What if its more about liking and relying on someone despite it all and less about being head-over-heels in love? The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong (May 13) The author of 2019s brilliant On Earth Were Briefly Gorgeous focuses his new novel on Hai, a young Vietnamese-American man in the down-and-out, fictional New England town of East Gladness (actual Gladness doesnt exist anymore) who forges an unlikely, lovely bond with Grazina, a Lithuanian widow with signs of dementia. The richly drawn characters are each struggling financially and emotionally and living with lies to make their perceived failures bearable. The storys no joyride, but youll surely close this beautiful novel feeling richer for having read it. Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins (May 13) This moving novel by the author of the 2018 bestseller American Dirt jumps through time to tell the stories of three generations of women, beginning with Rafaela, who reluctantly moves from her Puerto Rico home with her young daughter, Ruth, to St. Louis, where her husband is from. Decades later, Ruth, now distanced from her roots, is bewildered as her adult daughter, Daisy, forms a deep connection with the island. A crisis and an unburied secret compel them to wrestle with where they truly belong. Also of note: The Jackals Mistress by Chris Bohjalian (March 11): The authors 25th novel, set during the Civil War, is a love story based on a real-life relationship between a Vermonter brigade officer and the wife of a Virginian prisoner of war. The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick (April 22): A group of suburban women in the 1960s have their minds blown by Betty Friedans The Feminine Mystique. My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende, translated by Frances Riddle (May 6): The esteemed Chilean American writer sets her latest in the late 19th century, with a heroine, Emilia, born to a Catholic nun in San Francisco and a wealthy Chilean father who didnt stick around. When Emilia, a journalist, heads to South America to cover the Chilean civil war and meet her father, she finds herself in danger (and in love). The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (May 6): Lamb (Shes Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True) explores issues of forgiveness and grief in this emotional story about a young father whose life is derailed by a tragic accident. My Friends by Frederik Backman (May 6): An aspiring artist finds herself on a transformative journey when she investigates the identities of three figures depicted in a painting, by the author of A Man Called Ove. Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen (May 13): This is another wacky Florida-set adventure where a famously incompetent man gets involved in a chaotic mystery. Expect lots of wildly colorful characters, Hiaasen-style. Heart, Be at Peace by Donal Ryan (May 20): The twice Booker Prize-longlisted author writes about drug trafficking and secrets in the small Irish town where his 2014 novel The Spinning Heart was set. Fun mysteries with older sleuths Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz, Kills Well With Others by Deanna Raybourn, and Vera Wongs Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto are fun mysteries that feature older sleuths. (From left) Haper Collins, Penguin Random House, Penguin Random House Kills Well With Others by Deanna Raybourn (March 11) Raybourns witty follow-up to her huge bestseller Killers of a Certain Age again features four women in their 60s Billie, Helen, Mary Alice and Natali who work as elite assassins for an organization known as the Museum. Antsy after their year off from killing, theyre ready to take on a tough case involving an Eastern European gangster seeking to kill the Museum assassins whove obstructed his evil plans. The fantastic foursome sets out on an international adventure to find their trigger-happy nemesis. Vera Wongs Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto (April 1) The lovable but exasperating tea shop owner Vera Wong is getting bored: She needs a murder to solve, so she begins a search for the killer of a young high-rolling TikTok influencer named Xander by seeking out everyone connected to him and plying them with questions and home cooking. Like its predecessor, Vera Wongs Unsolicited Advice for Murderers (2023), its a fun mystery with heart. Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz (May 13) If youve read Horowitzs Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders the basis for the PBS mystery series you know how wonderful he is at creating fun, twisty mysteries with layered plots: books within books. His third novel in the series brings back editor Susan Ryeland, who was nearly killed in Moonflower Murders and is now tasked with overseeing the writing of the next novel featuring fictional detective Atticus Pund. With the former author of the series, Alan Conway, in jail, the publisher has hired a new writer: the erratic grandson of a famous childrens book author named Miriam Crace, now deceased, who was privately cruel to and despised by her grandchildren. As Susan reads installments of the new book (which we read along with her) about the sudden, mysterious death of a wealthy matriarch, she realizes that the author has left clues to his grandmothers demise. When Danny Glover uttered the famous exasperated catchphrase I'm getting too old for this s---! in 1987's Lethal Weapon, he was 41. Now that doesn't seem very old at all. Since then, Hollywood has churned out action-movie heroes who are well into their 50s, 60s and 70s. Like a fine wine, these rock em-sock em characters just seem to get better with age. Below, our roundup of 15 movies featuring heroes who've already received their AARP cards in the mail. Members only Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) The grownup hero: Michelle Yeoh Before earning a Best Actress Oscar for this wonderfully bizarre sci-fi mindbender about a struggling Chinese-American businesswoman sucked into the multiverse, Yeoh (then 60) had already established herself as a global superstar in both straight-ahead dramas and punishing martial-arts action flicks. In the States, the Malaysian legend had previously been best known for her acrobatic heroics opposite Pierce Brosnan in the 1997 James Bond installment Tomorrow Never Knows and and her gravity-defying turn in another Oscar-winner, 2000s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Still, it was her performance in the Best Picture-winning EEAAO hat became the ultimate showcase for her vast range and one of a kind skill set. Watch it here: Everything Everywhere All at Once, on Max The Equalizer (2014) The grownup hero: Denzel Washington Okay, this isn't necessarily the film that Denzel Washington will be remembered for. After all, his resume is stacked with Oscar-caliber performances. But there's something about the pulpy hard-boiledness of this underappreciated neo-noir that really works. A 59-year-old Washington plays a haunted figure who tries to put his shadowy past behind him and lead a quiet life until some violent Russian gangsters won't let that happen. If The Equalizer starred anyone else, it probably wouldn't work and it certainly wouldn't be memorable. But Washington gives every scene a doomed sense of grace. Watch it here: The Equalizer, on Google Play, iTunes, Vudu, YouTube John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum (2019) The grownup heroes: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry Like Tom Cruise, Keanu Reeves is another actor who seems to be not only defying the laws of aging but actively thumbing his nose at them. While The Matrix made him a bankable A-list action star, it's the wildly inventive and balletically violent John Wick films that have kept him there. In this third chapter of the franchise, then 54-year-old Reeves teams up with then 52-year-old Halle Berry to fend off a globe-spanning legion of assassins who want the bounty on Wick's head. Needless to say, they all end up in a bloody heap by the time the end credits roll. Don't miss Reeves as John Wick in the June 6, 2025 spinoff movie The Ballerina. Watch it here: John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum, on Google Play, iTunes, YouTube The Mother (2023) The grownup star: Jennifer Lopez Two decades after she established her action-movie bona fides with 2002s Enough, Lopez returned to the genre at age 54, looking pretty much exactly like she did back then. In this Netflix revenge flick, the ripped and ruthless Lopez plays an assassin whose deadly line of work once forced her to give up her daughter. But now, her enemies have kidnapped her child and well, you dont want to cross Mama Bear, especially when she can crank out one-armed pull-ups with the same ease that she uses to squeezes the trigger on her snipers rifle. Watch it here: The Mother, on Netflix The Old Man & the Gun (2018) The grownup heroes: Robert Redford, Danny Glover When this beautifully told and sadly under-seen drama came out, Robert Redford said that it would be his final film as an actor. If that ends up being the case, he couldn't have chosen a better project with which to ride off into the sunset. Based on a true story, Redford (then 82) plays a career thief who busts out of prison and keeps doing what he was born to do: rob banks as politely as possible with his pal played by Danny Glover (then 72, still not too old for this). A romantic spark with Sissy Spacek (then 68) almost leads him to give up his thieving ways, but he is who he is. The Old Man & the Gun is a beautifully elegiac film full of sly humor and narrow escapes from Johnny Law. It's a rare gem worth discovering. Watch it here: The Old Man & the Gun, on Amazon Prime, Fandango Now, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu, YouTube (MUSIC INTRO) [00:00:01] Bob: This week on The Perfect Scam. [00:00:03] Fr. Robert Banzin: I googled it, and I found a phone number for PayPal. They emailed me and they would call me each day to tell me how are things going. Now my money is saved. Don't worry, PayPal took care of everything for you. I said, "Well this other money that I bought the bitcoins, when am I going to get that money back?" They said, "Oh, you'll get it back, don't worry about it." (MUSIC SEGUE) [00:00:31] Bob: Welcome back to The Perfect Scam. I'm your host, Bob Sullivan. Father Robert Banzin has devoted his whole life to the service of others. The retired Chicago area priest spent many years as a teacher and even into his 80s he still teaches every Sunday with a carefully crafted homily that he spends all week preparing. That keeps him young, he told me. Okay, so why am I talking about a priest on The Perfect Scam? Well, criminals target anyone and everyone and recently, Father Bob, as former students and parishioners call him, got an alarming email saying his PayPal account had been used for purchase on eBay. It was fraud, he was told, and within weeks pretty much every penny of this humble man's humble life savings had been stolen. But this story has a happy ending because former students Father Bob hadn't heard from in decades came running to the rescue. Let's meet Father Bob. [00:01:34] Fr. Robert Banzin: Father Robert Banzin, Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago. I'm retired now but I still work on Sundays. I do Mass on Sundays which I enjoy doing to keep my mind going, you know to prepare a, you know prepare a homily. A homily hopefully that makes sense to the community. So that's what I like doing. [00:01:54] Bob: One of the things I read about you is that right when you finish Mass on Sunday, you already start thinking about next Sunday's homily. [00:02:00] Fr. Robert Banzin: Right, right. Yeah, I start on Monday morning, you know, and look at the readings and see how they hit me. I use the old thing I learned in seminary from way, way back is you hold the newspaper in one hand, I should say the internet in one hand today, and the Bible in the other hand and then you see what happens. [00:02:20] Bob: Father Bob preaches at St. Mary Church in St. Paul VI Parish in Riverside, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. And as you can tell, he doesn't take himself too seriously. I spoke to him right before the Christmas holiday which was going to be his 60th Christmas as a priest. [00:02:39] Bob: I hope your Christmas season isn't too busy. [00:02:41] Fr. Robert Banzin: No, it isn't now that I'm retired, but I, Im still working on my Christmas homily. I said, "God, what could I say, I, this is even my 60th Christmas homily." [00:02:52] Bob: Oh my gosh. [00:02:53] Fr. Robert Banzin: What could I say that I haven't said before? And I don't like repeating, Bob, I like to try to find a fresh approach, you know a deep, a different approach, but it's kind of hard for Christmas. [00:03:05] Bob: (chuckles) You know I'll be that 12th Christmas homily was really good. [00:03:09] Fr. Robert Banzin: Yes. [00:03:10] Bob: Good enough to do it again. [00:03:11] Fr. Robert Banzin: I should have kept them all, but I didn't. [00:03:13] Bob: (laughs) [00:03:14] Bob: So I can tell you have a, the heart of a teacher too. So can you just tell me a little bit more about what you were teaching? [00:03:20] Fr. Robert Banzin: Basically theology and uh, what I would call cultural course of like trying to understand film today in, in those days, you know. The biggest one I used was Cool Hand Luke all the time, (chuckles) if you remember that ancient film. [00:03:37] Bob: And how were you teaching? [00:03:38] Fr. Robert Banzin: High school students. [00:03:40] Bob: High school students, so like kids who are teenager, young teenagers. [00:03:42] Fr. Robert Banzin: Right, right. [00:03:44] Bob: Father Bob, the teacher, became Father Bob the student recently when, well it all started with a surprise message he got from PayPal. [00:03:54] Fr. Robert Banzin: But I did get an email saying that I spent maybe 45 or 50 dollars on PayPal. And I realized I do have PayPal, but I only use it rarely, maybe once or twice. I said, I can't, I don't know what this charge is. [00:04:12] Bob: Alarmed, Father Bob goes right to his computer to try to figure out what is going on. [00:04:18] Fr. Robert Banzin: So what I did, I tried to reach PayPal. I didn't know how to find them so I googled it, and I found, and I, and up came a phone number for a PayPal. And so someone answered, "PayPal, can we you help you," so forth and so on." I told them my story, and they said they would check into it, and uh they said they would give me to a supervisor. Now in the background I heard voices, I heard typewriters and everything seemed so legitimate. [00:04:48] Bob: So after a few moments, a new person gets on the phone and says he's a PayPal supervisor. [00:04:54] Fr. Robert Banzin: I was told that my bank account has been compromised and they will help me get, get the compromise settled. And so what I would have to do is I take money out, out of my bank account and then place it, and uh, send it to them and they would put it in another bank temporarily, and then a few days when it settled, they'll send the money back to me. [00:05:23] Bob: His bank account is compromised. In order to protect his cash, Father Bob will have to follow their instructions carefully, and that includes using wire transfers to move money into a new bank account. [00:05:36] Fr. Robert Banzin: There were two people talking with me. The main man and supervisor. They were very friendly, very nice, very cordial like you felt they, they're doing their job. And they became almost like, set up like a friendship with you. You know they, they're going to help me, don't worry, so forth and so on. These were my life savings, and uh, I was worried about it because someone hacked into my bank account and they're going to take, they could take all the money out. [00:06:03] Bob: Oh I see. So a criminal already has access to your money. [00:06:05] Fr. Robert Banzin: Right. [00:06:06] Bob: So we're moving your money to keep it safe. [00:06:07] Fr. Robert Banzin: We're taking your money to keep it safe. [00:06:09] Bob: Got it, yeah. [00:06:11] Bob: At first, the supervisor tells Father Bob to put a modest sum into this new account. It'll only have to be there for a short time, and then will be returned to him. And that's exactly what happens. [00:06:23] Fr. Robert Banzin: I did check out the bank and so forth. There was a bank, I can't remember, I think it was in Delaware or somewhere. But there was a bank that had my money. And then it came back to me. So you had the trust factor going there. You know, I got it back. Then it started again. [00:06:41] Bob: It starts again. They call him and say he'll have to move essentially all his money into that new account. Since things worked the first time, Father Bob trusts them, so he sends a couple more wire transfers following their instructions and then they make a much larger request. This time they tell him to move $25,000 or roughly half of Father Bob's entire life savings, and this time they require him to make the transfer in a new way. [00:07:10] Fr. Robert Banzin: What they told me, if you do it differently this time to, to buy bitcoins in a machine, and they told me exactly what store in Chicago has that type of a machine to do it. And that's what I did. [00:07:25] Bob: It takes a long time to put $25,000 into a bitcoin machine, right? [00:07:28] Fr. Robert Banzin: Yes. It does. It was like crazy. But I felt... [00:07:32] Bob: I mean your heart must be racing when you're standing in front of this machine, right? [00:07:36] Fr. Robert Banzin: Yes. Yes. Uh... [00:07:39] Bob: Did, did anyone talk to you or, or you know like interrupt or anything while you were doing it because that... [00:07:43] Fr. Robert Banzin: No. [00:07:43] Bob: ...that probably took a half an hour, right/ [00:07:45] Fr. Robert Banzin: Yes, at least that. [00:07:47] Bob: During the next few days, Father Bob gets several more calls from the folks who say they're from PayPal reassuring him that everything is going according to plan. [00:07:57] Fr. Robert Banzin: They emailed me and they would call me each day to tell me how are things going. They gave me their phone number so I could call them. So it was now my money is saved, that there's nothing to worry about. So don't worry, PayPal took care of everything for you. [00:08:13] Bob: And they have to make a few more wire transfers, so in the end, all of Father Bob's $60,000 has been protected by this set of transfers. But while the retired priest waits for the money to be returned to him, well they call and ask for more. [00:08:30] Fr. Robert Banzin: They kept calling me every day practically, or I could call them, and I, you know, they were getting friendly and I, well one said he lived in California, and uh, he has a house, he told me had a home and a wife and kids and all this stuff, and blah, blah, and don't worry about my money, and all that. Then they were asking, then they finally got, do I have any more accounts anywhere? And I was a little nervous at that and I said, "No, I don't." And they said, "Well you're sure about that because we could help you with investments." And then I said, "No, not really." [00:09:07] Bob: And that kind of talk, well that doesn't sit too well with Father Bob, so he starts asking questions. [00:09:14] Fr. Robert Banzin: And I, and I said, "Well this other money that I bought the bitcoins, when am I going to get that money back?" They said, "Oh, you'll get it back, don't worry about it." [00:09:22] Bob: And within a few more days, he's downright suspicious. [00:09:26] Fr. Robert Banzin: And so I said, I told them, I said, "I suspect that this is not real, that you're, you're ripping me off." And they said, "No, no-no-no-no-no. You're, we're your friend, we're going to guide you, don't worry. We're part of PayPal," and so forth and so on. [00:09:42] Bob: But the protests start to feel fake, and after a couple more confrontational calls... [00:09:49] Fr. Robert Banzin: I called their personal number, and there was no more, they said, "disconnected, disconnected." [00:09:54] Bob: Oh wow. [00:09:55] Fr. Robert Banzin: So I just got cut off from them, and there was no possible way of reaching them. [00:10:00] Bob: So Father Bob calls the police hoping they can do something to help. [00:10:05] Fr. Robert Banzin: So what I did, I called a, a friend of mine who was a lawyer and then he said, "Why don't you report this to the police," which I did. And then I reported it to the FBI, the state's attorney in Illinois, telling about this whole situation. And then the Chicago police were absolutely, you know they get such a bad rap, but they were su--, wonderful to me. They actually came over to the house, two police officers, who were experts in that field of fraud, and they spend at least an hour with me in the home, my house. And then they sent another expert over the following day to go through my computer system to find out all these contacts that I was having with these guys. And so the police were very helpful. And they said they, they handle this every day, and I kept beating myself up, and they kept saying, no, you're a victim, you're a victim, you're a victim. [00:11:01] Bob: You're a victim. But a victim without much recourse. It's very likely he'll never see any of the money again, the police tell him. [00:11:10] Bob: Well what was that like when they told you you probably would, couldn't get your money back. What was that like? [00:11:14] Fr. Robert Banzin: Horrible feeling. Horrible. No, I just, I think that was my life savings, you know. [00:11:21] Bob: His entire life savings, $60,000 is gone. [00:11:26] Bob: People might not understand what it means to be a retired Catholic priest, if they're not familiar, so I might just ask you to explain that a little b it. [00:11:33] Fr. Robert Banzin: Sure. [00:11:33] Bob: But you, you don't live in a rectory, you're the, you have to basically pay your own rent, buy your own food, right? [00:11:38] Fr. Robert Banzin: Right. [00:11:39] Bob: But, but you, you had $60,000 after a lifetime of work, and you needed that to make sure your, your 2003 Mercury Cougar was operating, right? [00:11:48] Fr. Robert Banzin: Right. It's still going. Hah. [00:11:50] Bob: Had to get some new tires or something like that? [00:11:52] Fr. Robert Banzin: Yeah, I had to do that, but it's still going. I always run a car till it ends. I, I always said, I, I didn't spend my money on cars or clothes. I used to travel on my days off because I loved learning stuff, you know, from other parts of the world, traveling and learning and so forth. [00:12:10] Bob: I mean I just want people to understand how serious an issue this was for you and for many other victims I speak to. [00:12:14] Robert Banzin: Oh yeah. [00:12:15] Bob: What, when, when your $60,000 was stolen, I mean you had nothing, right? [00:12:19] Robert Banzin: Right. Just about nothing, yes. [00:12:21] Bob: And so if your car broke down or when the taxes came due, you weren't going to be able to pay them, right? [00:12:26] Robert Banzin: Nope, not right away. [00:12:28] Bob: Father Bob is now despondent, and while he keeps his troubles to himself, he can't really hide this. [00:12:35] Fr. Robert Banzin: What happened was a, a deacon from the parish where I was going, I, I really didn't tell anyone about this except one or two friends, and I told a deacon friend of mine from the parish where I was, where I go on Sundays. [00:12:50] Bob: The deacon and his wife want to start an online fundraiser to help Father Bob, but he's pretty uncomfortable with that. [00:12:57] Fr. Robert Banzin: And I says, "No, I, I'm just so embarrassed." And she says, "No, let's do it, let's do it and see what happens." Itt was, I mean a miracle. [00:13:06] Bob: Within a few days, word of Father Bob's struggles spreads far and wide. Donations start to pour in. [00:13:14] Fr. Robert Banzin: Within a week I got money back. And I, and I had to uh, stop the fund because it was going over what I lost, and I didn't want to, so I shouldn't take that money from people. And so I, I got people I knew, most of the, most of the funds came from ex-students of mine that I had in school. I remember one, I couldnt believe it. There were a lot of them that came in that were totally, totally uh, unknown. I got one letter from a lady in California saying she's very sorry, with a $5 bill in it. I said, "Oh my God." You know I; I was crying, you know I couldn't believe that. It, it showed how wonderful people are at the same time you're, you feel like crap, but you, you still realize there are so many good people out there to help. [00:14:06] Bob: Within a week they have to shut down the fundraiser as every last dollar that had been stolen from Father Bob had been replaced by a donation. So many from former students. [00:14:18] Bob: What an amazing experience to have all these former students... [00:14:21] Fr. Robert Banzin: Yes, oh yeah, definitely, definitely. I couldn't believe it. I mean some of the guys I haven't heard from in years and years. You know I'm in; I'm still in touch with a number of them that I've known all, all the time, but some came out of the woodwork as it were, and wow. [00:14:37] Bob: Well I, it's amazing when something terrible happens and then something wonderful happens at the same time, right? [00:14:41] Fr. Robert Banzin: Yes, yes. That's, so it makes you want to believe more in the goodness of people, you know. [00:14:49] Bob: At the same time, it's important to know these scam criminals really will steal from anyone. [00:14:57] Fr. Robert Banzin: At the very end I did mention to them, I said to one of them, I said, "You're, you're taking over my entire savings and I'm a Catholic priest, and that's all I have left for my retirement." And they, that sort of didn't hit them at, at all. [00:15:12] Bob: It's just another thing about the story that can't help but strike you that these criminals are so brazen. [00:15:17] Fr. Robert Banzin: Right. [00:15:17] Bob: They'll take every last dollar from a Catholic priest. [00:15:21] Bob: The whole experience left Father Bob with some important questions. The biggest of all... [00:15:27] Fr. Robert Banzin: But the big question that which we couldn't understand is, how did I, I got a phone number for PayPal on Google, and it was their number. [00:15:37] Bob: Hmm. That is a good question. [00:15:39] Robert Banzin: Yeah, PayPal then contacted me also and, and put out a statement that this is all fraud, it's not them and so forth and so on. [00:15:47] Bob: Right. Yeah. [00:15:48] Robert Banzin: So PayPal found out about it too. And then I think they found out through the state's attorney in Chi--, in Ill-, in Chicago that all this was going on. And probably from the police. The FBI was included. I, I just called everybody. [00:16:02] Bob: And even though he was embarrassed, Father Bob decided it was okay to talk with local television and with us at The Perfect Scam about what happened to him. [00:16:12] Fr. Robert Banzin: And I said I'll only do for, on one reason to, to help people not to get caught up in this. I said... [00:16:19] Bob: What do you want them to learn from your situation? [00:16:21] Fr. Robert Banzin: I think the key is uh, when someone calls regarding your money or finances is let that be a red light and just stop and just say, you know I'll, you know I'll call my bank, I'll call my lawyer, I'll call a friend before I do anything with you. You know unless-, unless you just, you got to just take precautions. Don't accept it like I did, you know. Or if you see it in, in uh, print and, and in an email or something, just don't open those things up if you're not familiar with it. And even if you're not familiar with it, do not open and do not respond with a phone call or with giving them any information of who you are. That's my key right now. And I, I just still try not to think about it myself of how I got caught up in that. I don't think I'm stupid. But how did I get caught up in that? That's what I'm trying to, I keep thinking about. How did I do, let myself let that happen to me, you know? It still blows my mind. [00:17:22] Bob: Well one thing for sure, a big theme of our podcast is you, you've expressed it 10 times in this conversation; you feel dumb, you feel embarrassed, ashamed. You don't want people to know about it. And that works to the advantage of the criminals. So... [00:17:35] Fr. Robert Banzin: Yes. [00:17:36] Bob: ... this is a very humbling experience. [00:17:38] Fr. Robert Banzin: Yes, definitely. I mean and it's, it's a reality. It's a fact of life for me. It's a reality, so I, I can't escape reality. I, here's the picture, here is what happened, don't let it happen to you. [00:17:50] Bob: Yeah, but, but also there's no reason to be, you shouldn't be ashamed, what, the people who should be ashamed are the people who stole every last dollar from a Catholic priest. [00:17:56] Robert Banzin: Sure, sure. Well I don't think they even care who it is. [00:18:00] Bob: Did this experience shake your faith at all? [00:18:02] Fr. Robert Banzin: Not really. I mean I, I think it made it stronger in the sense that uh, I had something to pray about and think about and ask help for. And the help came through the police and the FBI and maybe that was the answer. I don't know. I don't think God works that way, but maybe God does, who knows? You know. [00:18:24] Bob: Many things went wrong in Father Bob's situation, but as he said, it all began when he went online to find a customer support number for PayPal and was instead directed into the waiting arms of criminals. That's not a unique situation. How can this happen and how can you protect yourself? Here to help with that is Teresa Murray, Director of the Consumer Watchdog Program at the US Public Interest Research Group. [00:18:48] Teresa Murray: I mean unfortunately I have heard variations of this story a bunch of different times where somebody gets sucked into some kind of scam just trying to do the right thing and what we see a lot of times is the bad guys, I mean the bad guys are smarter than what we are because this is their full-time job. Whereas you and I may only take a few minutes a week trying to protect ourselves. So it's perfectly understandable that this gentleman, you know he was, he saw something about a PayPal security alert or activity alert, and he knew it was bad, so you know he does what he thinks he's supposed to do which is look up the number for PayPal so he can put a stop to it. [00:19:27] Bob: But criminals have discovered a way to essentially insert their rogue phone numbers into search engine results. Well, actually they've been doing that for years. [00:19:37] Teresa Murray: A lot of con artists have set up fake websites and Google numbers that are aimed at being able to show up at the top of search engine results. So you know the FTC has done work on this, the Social Security Administration, but it's not uncommon to see that a, a bad guy someplace, they may not even been in this country, but that a bad guy will set up a phone number and make it look like it's the Internal Revenue Service customer service number, or Delta Airlines, or Amazon. And so unfortunately, this gentleman stumbled across what obviously was a fraudulent phone number, and followed their instructions, had probably no reason to think that anything was amiss because again, these con artists are smooth talkers, and you know here that this gentleman lost his life savings, it's just heartbreaking. [00:20:23] Bob: I'm going to ask what seems like a simple question, but may, may not be a simple answer, but how is it that I can google PayPal customers service and be presented with a criminal's phone number? [00:20:36] Teresa Murray: Well if said criminal has done what they need to do to create a website or create a, a listing and get that listing to rank high on the search engines, then that's how it happens. I mean it, that in and of itself is not illegal, and I mean it happens all the time. Again, with the, the kinds of entities that I have talked about, I mean you see it a lot with the US Postal Service, with the IRS, with the Social Security Administration, probably all the major companies in this country, certainly PayPal, Amazon, you know a lot of the major banks and even some of the airlines, they are able to just set up a website or setup a, a listing so that when somebody types in PayPal customer service or IRS customer service, they will see that phone number pretty high up on the listings, on the search engine results. And it's super sad, it's very unfortunate. Yes, some of the powers that be try to take, you know try to get these d-listed, get these down, but um, it's like playing whack-a-mole, you know they get rid of five listings and 10 more appear the next day. [00:21:44] Bob: In fact, Teresa says, one industry is hit a bit harder than others with this scam. [00:21:49] Teresa Murray: The ones that we see more of in recent years are the ones that are really trying to capitalize on a particular issue. So, for example, back in 2023, there was, it was the fall of 2023 and there was a huge storm that was really disrupting a lot of flights in the New York/New Jersey area. And lots of cancellations, lots of delays. And so a lot of people would get to the airport, they'd find out, oh gosh, my flight has been delayed or cancelled. So they would look on a search engine and google their, their airline. And there were cases where people would contact somebody that they found online and, and the people are pros, and in this case, it was Delta. So somebody would say, you know, "Delta Airlines, may I help you." And they would say, "Yeah, my flight just got cancelled and I need to rebook this." And it's like, "Okay, Mr. Whoever," um, you know, "Yes, we show you on this flight and by the name--, by the way my name is Maxine and I could help you with this and we can get you rebooked and I just need your credit card number." And I mean they're just super smooth and this was a thing that was a real thing that, that lots of people got caught up in again back in late 2023. What we see a lot during tax season, I guarantee you since the tax filing season has already started, there are fraudulent phone numbers out there that you or I could find. And we see a lot of it during the holidays with the, the proverbial FedEx, UPS, USPS fraudulent numbers where you're afraid that your gift for Aunt Betty isn't going to get to your house, and so the bad guys capitalize on that. [00:23:15] Bob: You know the airline example is a really good example to talk about because it always happens when people are under pressure, right, and like, oh my God, my flight's been cancelled, I've got to do something immediately to get home, and so, you know, you make a quick search, you make a quick phone call and, and boom, that's exactly the circumstance that criminals can take advantage of, right? [00:23:32] Teresa Murray: Oh yes, absolutely. The con artists are, they are banking on you not being in the exact right frame of mind. They are banking on you wanting to do something quickly and being a little freaked out, and they take advantage of that. So whether we're calling, we're talking about in this case, an airline flight that, that got cancelled, and it legitimately got cancelled, and you're just trying to rebook it. Or if we're talking about a call that you get in your home that, you know your grandchild has been kidnapped or your Social Security deposit has been hacked or whatever, people, like it just trips something emotionally in us and we think, oh gosh. And a lot of times people don't take a couple of seconds to take a breath and think it through and say, well wait a minute, you know, I should verify this. They have no reason to suspect that they're dealing with a bad guy who has been, who spends 40 hours a week or more trying to scam people. [00:24:25] Bob: But you know I want to go back to the, the main proposition here which is, I go to Google, and you know and I'm, here I think and, and it's not Google, right, I go to a search engine and they have spent billions of dollars making their search engine good, but somehow a, a criminal in a boiler room can essentially hijack those results and and rate even higher than, than a gigantic company's phone number, like Amazon. That just, honestly that seems like something's really broken to me. [00:24:50] Teresa Murray: Yes, I mean it's astounding, right? You would think that these search engines would be able to deal with that a little bit better, and I don't have an answer about why they, they can't. I mean even in some cases where you know a little bit easier; say a bad guy created a fraudulent web site that mimicked the callers and the logos and the everything of a major bank or whoever; Amazon, Pay Pal. I mean a lot of times even though you can go onto the website and see that this is a fraudulent website then a lot of times the search engines, it takes them a while to even get those things knocked down. And with the phone numbers, you know the, the bad guys, they may only have those phone numbers operating and have those results able to be seen perhaps for a few hours or for a few days, so by the time that somebody files a complaint with whoever, and then they look into it, they're already gone. So I mean clearly something in the system is broken because people's lives are being devastated. [00:25:45] Bob: Okay, so what is it that people can do in this situation, and I think thing one here is to acknowledge that search results can be wrong, right? [00:25:55] Teresa Murray: Oh, absolutely. I mean we would never recommend that people do an online search for any kind of customer service number or, or anything. You know you should go to the source. So if you're calling a bank, you call the number that's on the back of your ATM card or that was on your statement. You're calling a utility, same kind of thing. Look on your last bill. Um, a lot of these cases you can actually log into the account. So in this case perhaps if this gentleman could have logged into his PayPal account or you know maybe some people have an app. You can log into your Amazon account. And so we recommend that people go and, you know, they go to the priority source. And you know that's the same way if you get a voice mail that from somebody you weren't expecting. It's like, oh hey, you know, this is Margie from Case, from Chase Bank calling. You know don't call back the phone number that's on the voicemail unless you were expecting that phone call. So we really want to instill in people, don't trust what you see. Don't make random searches, don't respond to numbers left on voicemails or in text messages. And that's like, that's thing one that you need to do to protect yourself. And then, you know, I mean we, a lot of us do do online searches for various things, and if you do that, just make sure of the website that you're actually going to, and so make sure that it's, you know, Chase.com or IRS.gov. And that requires a little bit, a little bit extra on our part, but that's what you need to do. [00:27:20] Bob: So flat out, just don't trust search engines when looking for customer service numbers. [00:27:25] Teresa Murray: Without backstopping it in some way, yes. I mean you shouldn't trust search engine results, and then even said it another way, it's like we all get emails that claim to be from XYZ company or whatever government office, and then if you actually hover over the, the email address, it shows it's coming from something else completely different that's like 30 letters long and so people, unfortunately, need to take extra steps to protect themselves because there's just, there's a lot of opportunities out there to be scammed. [00:27:55] Bob: And Teresa has one piece of really solid advice about how to avoid these kinds of scams, well any scam really, and that centers around the word "unexpected." [00:28:06] Teresa Murray: We certainly should talk about this with our loved ones and our, our friends that you know whether they're younger, whether they're older, and, and I, the one thing that we really, really try and stress to people is, 'cause I, I have people who will say, well how do I know if this phone call is a scam? How do I know if this text is legitimate? You know, how can I tell if this website that I'm going to is the real thing? Like, you know what, you can't. You can't. Because the bad guys are better with this than you and I are. What we really just beg people, remember one word: Unexpected. If a phone call is unexpected like this gentleman, while he had initiated the phone call, but then the request to transfer money was unexpected, and you know to, to transfer a whole bunch. So any time that any of us encounter something that's unexpected, we really need to have muscle memory that we hit the pause button and just stop a minute. And how, whatever that looks like. So is it like, oh hey, I'll call you back. Or is it, you know, and then you look up the phone number that you're really supposed to be calling by logging into your account or whatever. Or you call a, a trusted relative or you talk to a coworker and you say, look, here's what happened. Does this sound right? And what we find a lot of times is that when somebody says it out loud, then they automatically like it's, you can just see like the look on their face. They're like, oh, snap. I don't think this is a good thing. And we just want people to hit pause when it's unexpected. [00:29:34] Bob: I, I really like that, having a, the word unexpected in your mind all the time is really handy. [00:29:40] Teresa Murray: Yes. I mean we; we've talked about different things, you know and a lot of consumer advocates, I mean they've, there's been amazing work that's done putting like warning placards at checkout counters for people who go and buy thousands of dollars worth of iTunes gift cards or Amazon gift cards. And you know I had thought at one time it would be great if people would put like a, a magnet on the refrigerator, or even just put something on their phone. And but it, it's just that's the one word that we really need to instill in people's brains. Unexpected. Just take a breath, because you know back to what you said earlier, a lot of times people think they need to act with urgency, but if they don't do this right this second then their grandchild is not going to get out of jail, or that somebody's going to show up on their doorstep, you know, from the IRS. Or that they're not going to be able to book that flight. And any time that people are, are asked to react right now, then a lot of times that's trouble. [00:30:33] Bob: And another piece of critical advice, always talk with someone else about any kind of financial crisis or unexpected email or phone call. In fact, it's important to prepare for situations like this before they come up. [00:30:48] Bob: You know I interviewed um, an expert in veterans affairs not too long ago, um, specifically about scams targeting veterans. And he talked about the concept that comes from military service of having a battle buddy. And you know the other thing I thought you said that's really important is, is have someone that you can talk to because... [00:31:06] Teresa Murray: Yes. [00:31:07] Bob: ...it does seem like when the words come out of your mouth you, you feel differently about it. And of course, also, bouncing anything like this off a second person is always a good idea. [00:31:16] Teresa Murray: Yes. Yes, battle buddy, I like that. But somebody who's your trusted go-to person, you know, some people have like at church you might have an accountability partner or something like that. So whatever you want to call it, accountability partner, a battle buddy, but somebody that you can turn to if you, if you want to bounce something off of them and you don't want to be judged. [00:31:36] Bob: Well what more could you, could you and I do to help people we care about with this problem? [00:31:41] Teresa Murray: One of the two options I would explore for people is you know if you have a bank account, especially one with a lot of money in it, you may want to consider having a second person on that account, not to oh watch over your shoulder and see what you're doing, but that if a transaction above a certain amount, you know, above $1000, above $5000 or whatever, that it would require authorization from a second person. So they could, you know, a trusted, if you don't have a partner, it could be a child or a cousin or somebody that you have a close relationship that would have to authorize any transaction that, that would go through that would exceed the amount that you have preset. Now, you know, some people may not feel comfortable with that and, and I, I understand that. [00:32:27] Bob: Also Teresa said, don't be afraid to talk with your bank about fraud before it happens. [00:32:33] Teresa Murray: I would recommend that everybody who has a bank account really regardless of how much money you have in it, but especially if you have a lot or if you have an investment account, I would recommend that people initiate a conversation with this bank, with this financial institution, with this investment firm, and say, hey, you know, I know there's a lot of scams going on out there. What can I do to protect myself? And maybe that's putting limits on transactions, you know, only so much per day. Or if a new payee is added, then maybe there's a waiting period, you know, something like that where there would be a flag. And, and you would hope that that would actually stop any of, any of the scams to go through, but the good thing is even if for some reason if a scam did go through and, and someone lost a huge amount of money, that you know they didn't follow the rules, then at least you would have recourse and be like, okay, I have this signed agreement, I signed up for these services back in 2022, and now look what happened. So it would give people more ammunition to fight back against the banks because the banks just don't, they don't care. And then a couple other things is, I do think that we all need to do more to protect our loved ones, to protect our friends. [00:33:49] Bob: Is there anything that financial institutions could do better? [00:33:53] Teresa Murray: So what we would very much like to see is, I mean this is a, a multi-pronged problem, and it needs lots of different kinds of solutions. In the case of this gentleman, if he had had more backstops through his bank, you know, this wouldn't have happened. I don't know whether he routinely wire transferred anything or not, but we hear in a lot of these cases where somebody has never done a wire transfer in their whole life, or they have never used Zelle in their entire life, and then all of a sudden you have this big bazillion dollar transaction that has gone through. So we really would like to see the banks step up and, and allow people to do more to protect themselves, because I mean we've all done online shopping with a credit card or even in person in some cases, and sometimes the transactions will get flagged by the credit card company, you know they may block it, they may call you and say, hey, is this you? And, and they do it in other ways. Like if you have a paper check that's forged, then you know you can get your money back for that, but they're just, banks are not doing enough to protect us from these bad guys whether it's a transaction that you've never initiated before in your life, or somehow allowing somebody to get into your bank account. There are lots of ways that banks can do better. [00:35:04] Bob: The Public Interest Research Group where Teresa works, would like to see legislators act to protect consumers too. [00:35:11] Teresa Murray: and then we would also like to see um, Congress take action particularly against these instant P2P payment systems like Zelle, like PayPal, like Venmo, but especially Zelle because the banks tout this that it's instant payments and in our minds, instant payments means instant fraud. And consumers oftentimes have no recourse. Once the money's gone, it's gone. Now I realize that this didn't involve Zelle, but any of these, you know instant payments are just problems, and certainly, I mean we've had fraud in this country, you know going back decades and decades, but it's only been really in the last 15 to 20 years with technology that it's so much easier to get scammed, and we want to see Congress take action. [00:35:56] Bob: But, Teresa says, all of us could do more. [00:36:00] Teresa Murray: And we as a society need to reduce the stigma of getting scammed because I think you know even, even in recent years you hear about someone like, like this gentleman or some young person, or you know, some whoever, you hear about these scams all the time. And it's real easy for you and I to sit here and say, well gosh, you know, I'm too smart for that. I would have never let that happen. How did that person allow that thing to happen? And, and that's just not the right, the right approach. As we have seen, even in the last year, you had a lot of really smart, highly educated people who have gotten sucked into scams. So I point to about a year ago Andy Cohen had got, was a victim of a scam, went on The Today Show to talk about it, so good for him, you know, not good that he got scammed, but he went on and talked about it and talked about how it happened. And then there was this, a case that came out with Mark Cuban having got kind of sucked into believing that the person who contacted him was from Google Security, and so he gave a bad guy access to his Gmail account. Now he never said whether he lost any money or anything like that, but then we need to sit back and realize, it's like gosh, all these people, these kinds of people and hundreds and thousands of more people like them who are super smart, super savvy, this happens to them. So as a society, we need to reduce the stigma of falling for a scam so that we talk about it more and we get it out in front. We need to encourage our loved ones to reach out for help and not feel like, oh gosh, I did something wrong. You know we need to; we need to reverse it here. And I mean and the other thing too is that I recommend that we do is you know maybe it's family gatherings, maybe it's when you see your parents or your grandparents and in the course of talking about the weather and the kids and life and this and that, you know you bring up it's like, you know what, I heard about this really weird scam the other day, it was in the news, and it's like, here's how it worked. And it involved Medicare or it involved PayPal or whatever. And so just to bring these things up to people and let them know that this is going on, and you would kind of hope that if they end up coming across this, that maybe something would trip in their mind and it's like, oh, wait a minute. Yeah, I remember. She said something about, you know, scams with health insurance and Medicare and or you know there was this PayPal scam going around. Wait a minute. Maybe I should just stop and take a breath. So we really hope by, by elevating the conversation that we can all be more aware and we can all do more to protect ourselves and our loved ones. (MUSIC SEGUE) [00:38:30] Bob: Anything we can do to make us all more aware so we can protect ourselves and our loved ones. For The Perfect Scam, I'm Bob Sullivan. (MUSIC SEGUE) [00:38:46] Bob: If you have been targeted by a scam or fraud, you are not alone. Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. Their trained fraud specialists can provide you with free support and guidance on what to do next. Our email address at The Perfect Scam is: theperfectscampodcast@aarp.org, and we want to hear from you. If you've been the victim of a scam or you know someone who has, and you'd like us to tell their story, write to us. That address again is: theperfectscampodcast@aarp.org. Thank you to our team of scambusters; Associate Producer, Annalea Embree; Researcher, Becky Dodson; Executive Producer, Julie Getz; and our Audio Engineer and Sound Designer, Julio Gonzalez. Be sure to find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. For AARP's The Perfect Scam, I'm Bob Sullivan. (MUSIC OUTRO) END OF TRANSCRIPT Distribution of company announcements to the professional platforms, finance portals and syndication of important corporate news to a wide variety of news aggregators and financial news systems. By Jon Palin, Partner and Senior Longevity Consultant at Barnett Waddingham The jump in mortality in 2020 was exceptional and not indicative of the short-term trend, as we hope it will be decades before another pandemic of that size. The pandemic led the CMI to make a series of changes to the model. CMI_2020 and CMI_2021 were relatively straightforward, as the CMI ignored the extreme mortality data for 2020 and 2021. However, CMI_2022 and CMI_2023 were more of a challenge as the industry debated whether mortality rates in 2022 and 2023 were further outliers or the start of a new trend. The CMI gave data for 2022 and 2023 partial weight in the model, focussing on a plausible outcome for cohort life expectancy rather than a realistic path for mortality. That wasnt unreasonable, and the model continued to be widely used. But there was unease from the CMI and model users about the level of subjectivity and the difficulty of understanding what a partial weight really meant. We saw a range of views in the industry and a number of insurers in particular taking a different approach. The CMIs proposal for CMI_2024 represents the biggest shake-up of the model since CMI_2016 and aims to return the model to a more data-driven approach. Explicitly modelling the pandemic The first big change is to explicitly model the shape of mortality through the pandemic with a jump in 2020 and a subsequent fall. This is achieved by simultaneously fitting underlying mortality and an overlay for the pandemic, while giving full weight to every years data. The overlay applies from 2020 and models the short-term impact of the pandemic, while the underlying reflects longer-term changes in mortality. Chart one shows how the CMI_2024 proposal models the shape of mortality through the pandemic, while CMI_2023 smooths through it. Source: BW calculation based on CMI Working Paper 197 We know of some firms that have modelled the pandemic by taking a view of underlying mortality purely based on pre-pandemic data and then adding an overlay to that. In that case, the underlying mortality would never reflect changes in economic, social, or medical trends since 2019. In contrast, a key feature of the CMI proposal is that both underlying mortality and the overlay take account of more recent mortality data and will adapt as further data emerges. The CMIs proposal is that the overlay halves each year. So overall mortality is about 12% higher than underlying mortality in 2020, about 6% higher in 2021, and by 2024 the difference is less than 1%. The half-life assumption The half-life (the time taken for the overlay to halve) will be a key assumption for users of the model. While the CMI had a slight preference for a half-life of one year, it notes that nine months would also have been reasonable. Using nine months would make the overlay fall more rapidly, implying that a greater proportion of mortality in 2021-2024 was due to underlying mortality, and lead to life expectancy at older ages being about 0.5% lower than the CMIs proposal. Variations by age The proposal assumes that the overlay has the same relative impact at all ages, with the same percentage jump in mortality in 2020 and the impact reducing at the same rate for all ages. That doesnt quite match the data for example, mortality at younger ages peaked in 2021 rather than 2020. The CMI approach feels like a pragmatic assumption for a model designed for a wide age range, at least for now, but users focussing on younger ages could test sensitivity to an overlay starting in 2021. Other populations One thing to be aware of is that the proposal, and the CMI model more widely, is based on general population data for England & Wales and the timing and shape of the overlay is tailored to that. The impact of the pandemic on other populations has been different. For example, the CMIs analysis for pensioners in UK defined benefit (DB) pension schemes suggests that they had a smaller jump in mortality in 2020, and their mortality in 2021 was similar to 2019. Similarly, caution will be needed if using the model for international data. The pandemic didnt cause a material jump in mortality in Australia until 2022, and the Netherlands has seen a slow decline in excess mortality, with the Dutch actuarial profession effectively using a half-life of around 2.4 years. Better modelling of trends at different ages The second big change is better recognition of differing trends at different ages. The CMIs analysis shows that while mortality for older ages hit a record low in 2024, that was not the case for younger ages. Mortality for ages 20-44 was lowest in 2012 and mortality for those ages in 2024 was higher than in any year from 2011-2019. That was a challenge for the existing model, which expresses mortality as a combination of terms that vary by age, calendar year (period), and birth year (cohort). With only one period term, trends over time reflected a broad average of trends at all ages. The proposal for CMI_2024 is to extend the model to have three period terms, corresponding to young, middle, and old ages. That allows the model to simultaneously reflect mortality falling at older ages but rising at younger ages, rather than averaging the trends. Chart two has the same format as chart one, but shows how patterns of actual and fitted mortality differ for younger ages (20-44) and older ages (75-100). Mortality at younger ages under the CMI_2024 proposal is much higher than for CMI_2023, reflecting recent mortality being persistently higher than years before the pandemic. But mortality at older ages is lower for CMI_2024 than CMI_2023, leading to higher cohort life expectancy than CMI_2023 at older ages. Source: BW calculation based on CMI Working Paper 197 The specific implementation of the three period terms leads to a kink in the age-period component of mortality improvements at age 60. The CMI could consider a slightly different method to smooth that out, but that shouldnt detract from the wider benefits of three period terms. Refinement of cohort constraints The CMI has previously constrained cohort (birth year) components of mortality improvements in the model to be nil at ages 20-30. Thats due to concerns that cohort terms at those ages might not be reliable due to uncertain population data, with high net migration at those ages, or artefacts of the model. Previously, the constraints were applied during the fitting process but taking the same approach for CMI_2024 would have led to the constraints having a material and undesirable impact on cohort terms at older ages. To avoid that, the CMI proposes to apply the constraints as a separate step after the main fitting process, rather than during it. That seems a sensible approach and is similar to the method used for earlier versions of the model from CMI_2009 to CMI_2015. A smarter approach to calibration The final change is an upgrade to the method used to calibrate the model to historical data. This was needed as the existing method didnt cope well with the added complexity of the overlay and three period terms. The proposed method uses an approximation to the existing Poisson measure of deviance (i.e. the goodness of fit to the data) and then a refinement of that approximation to fit the model more quickly and robustly than before. The approach could be adapted to other models, including the Cairns-Blake-Dowd family, and be of particular use when looking at risk and Solvency II capital, as this can involve re-fitting a model many times to stochastically generated data. Another fringe benefit of the new method is the possibility of better understanding of the model. The large matrix used to fit the model under the new approach relates the parameters to the calibration data and could offer insight into the practical impact of the somewhat abstract smoothing parameters. Review policy creates clarity and consistency As well as proposing four changes in method, the CMI has set out a policy for when it may make further changes to the model to react to unusual mortality experience. Its setting guidelines rather than rules, to avoid tying its hands, and notes two numerical triggers that would cause it to consider a change: The new years mortality being more than 3.5% from the previous trend; or Cohort life expectancy changing by more than 0.5% compared to the previous model. Thats helpful to see and should provide greater clarity and predictability for users, particularly as they can track emerging mortality using the CMI mortality monitor. How will these changes impact life expectancy? The combined impact of the proposed changes on cohort life expectancies, compared to the standard version of CMI_2023, is shown in table one. Cohort life expectancy for a typical annuity portfolio would increase by around 1% between CMI_2023 and CMI_2024, but the impact on a typical insurer may be less as insurers have tended to adopt a more cautious parameterisation of CMI_2023. Overall, a positive step for mortality modelling Its good to see the CMI responding to some of the criticism of CMI_2023, effectively retiring the use of weights, which were hard to interpret, and setting out a sound basis for future versions of the model. An increase in life expectancy for typical pensioner and annuity portfolios compared to CMI_2023 is reasonable. This partly reflects lower mortality at those ages in 2024 but also the ability of the proposed model to better reflect stronger mortality improvements at older ages compared to younger ages. While there will undoubtedly be some points of debate during the consultation, including the choice of half-life, the proposals are welcome. Well hopefully see more of the industry using the model more directly, albeit with their own parameter choices, rather than the more fragmented approach of recent years. But a key challenge will be basis risk, and how appropriate an overlay calibrated to the general population will be for specific portfolios. Delhi asked, 'IKEA when?'and the city finally has its answer! As IKEA, the worlds most loved 82-year-old Swedish home furnishings retailer, starts deliveries in North India, a high-energy marketing campaign has painted Delhi-NCR in IKEA colours. From billboards capturing real consumer excitement to a Delhi Metro wrapped like an iconic flat pack and pop-ups at top mallsthe city is buzzing with IKEA. IKEA will now deliver across Delhi-NCR and 9 important cities, including Agra, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ludhiana, and Varanasi. Hitting the streets with billboards to metro wraps Billboards feature comments from consumers, blending online chatter spilling into the streets and then back into social feeds, keeping the conversation buzzing from digital to physical and back again. Adding more eyeballs is the Metro wrap, designed to resemble the brands signature flat packs and IKEA-branded cars cruise through Delhi with the message, "IKEA is now delivering in every corner of the city." Experience IKEA firsthand at the travelling pop-up To bring IKEA even closer to customers, a travelling pop-up will let people experience the brand firsthand at some of Delhi-NCRs busiest locations: - Nexus Select City Mall, Saket (until 9th March) - DLF Mall of India, Noida (7th 16th March) - DLF CyberHub, Gurugram (24th March 5th April) Jayendra Gupta, Country Integrated Media Manager, said, "Weve been overwhelmed by the incredible love from consumers across North India. Our marketing campaign reflects the excitement and anticipation for IKEA in Delhiwhether through OOH that captures this longing or by wrapping the citys lifeline, the Delhi Metro, in our signature flat pack. With nearly 1 lakh IKEA Family members already on board in the North, this is just the beginning. As we become part of more homes and hearts in the region, we remain committed to making everyday life better and brighter with our home furnishing solutions. Starting March 1, customers from these markets will be able to seamlessly explore and shop its range of 7000+ products and solutions through the IKEA app, www.ikea.in website, and using its shop by phone assistance. Customers will not only enjoy the ever-so-iconic DIY way of assembling IKEA furniture but also benefit from the brands home furnishing expertise through remote planning, interior design services, and seamless assembly and installation support. Pravin Sutar, National Creative Director, Leo India, said, IKEA has arrived in North India, but this wasnt just a launch, its a moment. We turned the anticipation for IKEAs arrival into engagement by literally wrapping the city in suspense and excitement. From the playful IKEA is typing teaser to metro and newspaper takeovers. Every touchpoint was to make one thing clear, that IKEA is here to win hearts. Also Read: New IKEA campaign will make you to pause and playwith the best deals! As discussions around Googles dominance in digital advertising continue, a key question emerges: How will the future of Google's Privacy Sandbox unfold, especially in light of potential regulatory actions? Additionally, given Google's extensive measurement capabilities through platforms like Android, Chrome, and YouTube, what further steps should be taken to create a truly level playing field in the digital advertising market beyond the proposed divestitures? Also read: Googles Standard Oil moment: Start of a fair marketplace or a new power struggle? Privacy Sandbox: A Game-Changer or a Collateral Casualty? Googles Privacy Sandbox has been positioned as a bold step toward a more privacy-centric web, aiming to phase out third-party cookies while maintaining effective digital advertising. However, the initiatives fate could take a dramatic turn if regulators push for a forced divestiture of the Chrome browser. As the US Department of Justice intensifies its antitrust scrutiny, the possibility of Google relinquishing control over Chrome raises pressing questions about the future of online privacy, competition, and data access. At the heart of this debate is whether Privacy Sandbox remains viable without Googles direct oversight of Chrome. If divested, would an independent Chrome operator maintain or alter the framework? More importantly, could this restructuring truly enhance competition, or would it create new challenges for advertisers and publishers navigating an already complex digital landscape? Beyond Google, the broader implications are profound. A shift in Chromes ownership could redefine the balance of power in ad tech, influencing how user data is collected, processed, and monetized. It could also accelerate industry-wide efforts to develop alternative identity solutionspotentially reshaping the future of targeted advertising and consumer privacy. As regulators weigh their options, the industry braces for a transformation that could either curb Googles dominance or introduce a new era of fragmentation and uncertainty. , notes that Google Search, which generates nearly 57% of the companys revenue, has long relied on Chrome as a crucial entry point for growth. She adds that Chrome has not only anchored Googles self-preferencing for distribution, but also served as a major source of digital signal harvesting. Losing Chromes 3 billion monthly users will be a significant blow, likely impacting Googles search operations in the short-term. However, Celine Gauthier adds, Google will quickly overcome the impact by re-establishing its ability to harvest digital signals from its wider ecosystem, including Gmail, SSO, Google Pay, YouTube, Google IoT hardware and more. Additionally, Google will quickly shift its focus from browser to its OS and Gemini AI engine. Google has been anticipating the departure from browser-based search for a while, so while it will cause short-term disruption, they are well positioned to adapt quickly. Googles dominance in search is intrinsically tied with its control over the buy-side, sell-side, and measurement ecosystems in digital marketing. To foster real competition and drive better outcomes for consumers, brands, and publishers, this hold must be broken, she adds. According to her, intensifying competition from Microsoft, Amazon, Apple and others will push Google to open its AI engines to third-party platforms, enabling new consumer interfaces. This reality will drive the growth of diverse platforms, ending the era where digital journeys begin by Googling it. Marketers will need to embrace a multi-platform and more balanced channel strategy to navigate this fragmentation effectively. For brands, relying solely on Google PPC as we know it risks diminished visibility and performance. Ultimately, diversifying communication channels will be essential to building resilience against technological disruption and thriving in a constantly evolving digital landscape, she explains. Googles Privacy Sandbox is a cornerstone of its efforts to balance user privacy with the needs of advertisers, points out Meher Patel, Founder, Hector. However, he adds, if Google is forced to divest Chrome, the Privacy Sandbox initiative could undergo significant changes: New Ownership & Direction: A divested Chrome browser may lead to alternative governance over privacy initiatives, potentially affecting implementation and oversight. A divested Chrome browser may lead to alternative governance over privacy initiatives, potentially affecting implementation and oversight. Regulatory Scrutiny: Policymakers may scrutinize whether Privacy Sandbox truly enhances privacy or merely shifts control from one Google-owned ecosystem to another. Policymakers may scrutinize whether Privacy Sandbox truly enhances privacy or merely shifts control from one Google-owned ecosystem to another. Competitive Market Effects:The divestiture could lead to a wider variety of privacy-preserving solutions from other ad tech players, fostering innovation and consumer choice. Ultimately, Patel adds, the broader ad tech industry may need to adapt to a new regulatory and competitive landscape where privacy standards are defined collaboratively rather than dictated by a single dominant player. Additional measures Considering Googles extensive measurement capabilities through tools like Android, Chrome, and YouTube, some additional measures need to be taken to ensure a level playing field in the digital advertising market beyond the proposed divestitures. According to Meher Patel, while breaking up parts of Googles ad tech empire is a step toward fairer competition, additional measures are necessary to ensure long-term market equity: Regulatory Oversight: Continued monitoring of both existing and emerging players in the ad tech space to prevent new monopolistic structures. Transparency & Data Sharing: Enforcing transparent data access policies that allow advertisers and publishers to use measurement tools without being locked into a single ecosystem. Interoperability Standards: Creating industry-wide standards for cross-platform advertising measurement and attribution to reduce dependency on Googles tools. According to Patel, ensuring a level playing field requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond divestiture and actively fosters a balanced, competitive digital advertising ecosystem. The outcome of the Google antitrust case could reshape digital advertising as profoundly as the Standard Oil case did for the petroleum industry. If divestitures are enforced, we may enter a new era of heightened competition, transparency, and innovation. Marketers, advertisers, and publishers must stay agile and proactive to navigate these shifts successfully. The strategies that will thrive in this evolving landscape are those that prioritize adaptability, privacy-conscious practices, and open-market collaboration, he concludes. Celine Gauthier-Darnis says that while discussions with Google are a step forward, much more is needed. Regulators should consider separating the entire Google Ad Manager platform (that is, AdExchange and Adserver). Transparency, innovation, and healthy competition in digital advertising are crucialprinciples at the heart of Equativs mission. In summary, if Google is forced to divest Chrome, it could reshape digital advertising, privacy standards, and competition. While Google is well-positioned to adapt by leveraging its broader ecosystem, the industry must embrace diversified strategies and regulatory measures to ensure a balanced and competitive landscape. The coming years will test whether this transformation fosters true innovation or leads to further market fragmentation. Also Read: Levelling Up: How brands can win big in the social gaming revolution BJP's 2,500 Aid for Delhi Women Set for Launch, AAP Calls It a Poll Gimmick 2 The BJP government in Delhi is set to roll out its much-awaited Mahila Samriddhi Yojana on March 8, under which women aged 21-60 years with an annual income of up to 2.5 lakh will receive 2,500 per month, sources confirmed on Thursday. The eligibility criteria were discussed in a high-level meeting attended by the Delhi Chief Secretary, after which officials stated that a draft proposal has been finalized for Cabinet approval. Once cleared, the registration process will commence, enabling thousands of economically weaker women to benefit from the scheme. The launch event, to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on International Womens Day, will see BJP chief J.P. Nadda, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, and other senior party leaders overseeing the online registration and symbolic fund transfers to select beneficiaries. The BJP had made this scheme a key poll promise during the Delhi Assembly elections. However, the AAP has slammed the ruling BJP for the delay in implementation, accusing it of misleading voters. Opposition leaders criticized the government for not approving the scheme in its first Cabinet meeting, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modis promise. AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha led protests across Delhi, vowing to hold the BJP accountable. We will continue our demonstrations from the streets to the Assembly. The BJP cannot get away with false promises, he declared. Party leader Rituraj Jha further accused the BJP of betraying women voters, alleging that Modi had assured them that the first installment would be credited by March 8. Meanwhile, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari assured that the government is working on finalizing the list of beneficiaries and aims to complete the distribution process within one and a half months. With political tensions heating up, all eyes are now on whether the BJP delivers on its ambitious promiseor if it turns into yet another electoral controversy. China Calls for 'Ballet' with India, Downplays Border Tensions Amid Global Power Struggle 2 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday urged India to embrace a ballet of cooperation with China, asserting that mutual success is the only right choice for both nations. His remarks come as India and China take steps towards normalizing ties after the four-year Ladakh military standoff. Speaking at his annual press conference during Chinas parliament session, Wang, a senior leader in the Communist Party of China (CPC), underscored the need for collaboration rather than competition. There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undermine each other or undercut each other, he said. India-China relations froze in June 2020 following the Galwan Valley clashes, but Wang highlighted positive strides after last years disengagement of troops from the Depsang and Demchok areas. He pointed to the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan in October 2023 as a turning point, stating that both nations have since strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation. Reiterating Chinas long-standing stance, Wang argued that border disputes should not define overall ties, dismissing Indias insistence on peace at the border as a precondition for diplomatic progress. We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question or let specific differences affect the overall picture, he stated. In an apparent dig at U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific, Wang emphasized that India and China, as major forces in the Global South, must resist hegemonism and power politics. He suggested that a China-India alliance could reshape global governance, promoting greater democracy in international affairs. With 2025 marking the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, Wang extended an olive branch, expressing Chinas willingness to sum up past experience and forge a path forward. His remarks come amid Indias deepening security ties with the U.S. and Quad allies, a move Beijing has repeatedly criticized. The next steps in India-China relations remain uncertain, with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang Yi holding high-level talks in Beijing last December, followed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misris visit in January 2024. Whether these diplomatic engagements will ease long-standing tensions or merely mask deeper geopolitical rivalries remains to be seen. Congress Gears Up for Fierce Battle Against Waqf Bill, Calls It 'Undemocratic' 2 Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Friday reaffirmed that his party will take all democratic routes to oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is set to be tabled in Parliament. He asserted that the INDIA bloc is firmly against the content, intent, and extent of the proposed legislation. Ahead of the second half of the Budget session, Ramesh revealed that extensive consultations will take place among INDIA bloc parties to formulate a joint strategy against the bill. Leaders of opposition in both Houses will soon coordinate with allies on this matter. In an interview with PTI, Ramesh emphasized that there is absolutely no doubt about Congresss opposition to the bill, adding that several political parties share similar concerns. According to him, the entire INDIA bloc is aligned in its resistance to what he described as an attempt to subvert parliamentary democracy. He accused the BJP-led government of pushing the bill through Parliament in a manner that mocked the joint committee process. Calling the bill controversial, Ramesh declared that the Congress will oppose it lock, stock, and barrel. He criticized the way the joint committee functioned, alleging that certain witnesses were called selectively while others were excluded. For the first time in parliamentary history, a joint committee has submitted a report on a bill without a clause-by-clause discussion, he pointed out. The Congress leader, who was previously part of the JPC on the data protection bill chaired by a BJP MP, claimed that despite ideological differences, a proper clause-wise discussion took place in that instance. However, he alleged that such democratic procedures were ignored while drafting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The Congress is in touch with INDIA bloc partners, Ramesh said, adding that party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi will soon initiate discussions with allies. He claimed that while opposition parties are united against the bill, even JD(U) and TDP MPs are privately uneasy about it but are allegedly being pressured by the BJP to fall in line. I dont know how JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu will act, but their real stance will be exposed, Ramesh remarked. He also expressed uncertainty about when the bill would be listed, but assured that the Congress would use all democratic means to resist its passage. Regarding the second half of the Budget session, Ramesh detailed the parliamentary agenda, which includes discussions on ministries demands for grants, the finance bill, and the appropriation bill. Congress has proposed focusing on key ministries such as home, education, social justice, railways, and health. The 31-member joint committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, after multiple sittings, recommended several amendments. However, opposition members objected to the final report and submitted dissent notes. The 655-page report was presented to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on January 30. The panel adopted it by a 15-11 majority vote, which Ramesh described as a BJP-driven move to destroy Waqf boards. The bill was initially introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on August 8, before being referred to the joint committee. Opposition parties have since criticized the process, alleging that the bill aims to centralize control over Waqf properties while sidelining stakeholders. Asked about INDIA bloc tensions in recent assembly elections, Ramesh downplayed differences, emphasizing that the alliance was primarily formed to contest the Lok Sabha elections. He acknowledged that Congress competes with the Left in Kerala and the TMC in West Bengal but reiterated that state-level dynamics do not undermine the broader opposition alliance. Despite setbacks in some state polls, Ramesh insisted that the INDIA bloc remains strong and will closely coordinate in the upcoming parliamentary session. With the Budget session set to resume on March 11 and conclude on April 4, all eyes will be on the oppositions strategy to counter the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and other contentious legislations. Congress vs. BJP: Telangana Govt Calls All-Party Meet, Accuses Centre of Anti-South Bias in Delimitation 2 The Telangana Congress government has announced plans to convene an all-party meeting on the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, citing concerns that the state may face injustice in the process. After a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy accused the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre of using delimitation as a tool to discriminate against South India. He argued that the number of constituencies in southern states must increase proportionally to any rise in the north. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and senior Congress leader K. Jana Reddy will lead the all-party meeting, though no specific date has been announced. The decision follows Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalins similar move, indicating growing concerns among southern states over the Centres delimitation plans. In a politically charged move, the Cabinet also approved a draft bill to increase Backward Classes (BC) reservations from 23% to 42%, fulfilling a key Congress poll promise. This comes after the state conducted a caste survey, a commitment made by Rahul Gandhi ahead of the elections. The government has also decided to introduce legislation on Scheduled Caste (SC) categorization, rejecting a judicial commissions recommendation to exclude the creamy layer from reservations. Beyond politics, Telangana is gearing up to host the Miss World pageant from May 7-31, with the Cabinet ensuring top-tier arrangements for guests from over 140 countries. Meanwhile, the government has announced a governing board for the Yadadri temple, modeled after the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). As Telanganas Congress-led government locks horns with the BJP at the Centre, the delimitation debate, reservation policies, and high-profile global events are set to dominate the political landscape in the coming months. Mumbai Attack Conspirator Tahawwur Rana's Last-Ditch Plea Rejected by US Supreme Court 2 In a major development, the US Supreme Court has rejected Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Ranas emergency plea to halt his extradition to India, bringing him one step closer to facing trial for his alleged role in the 26/11 attacks. Rana, 64, is currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. In a last-ditch legal move, he had filed an Emergency Application for Stay with Associate Justice Elena Kagan, seeking to block his extradition. However, the Supreme Courts website confirmed the rejection with a simple note dated March 6, 2025: Application denied by Justice Kagan. With this verdict, Rana has exhausted another legal avenue, making his extradition to India increasingly imminent. Indian authorities have been seeking his custody to prosecute him for his alleged involvement in planning and facilitating the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people and shook the nation. As the legal barriers diminish, all eyes are now on the final steps of his extradition process and Indias preparations to bring him to justice. SC Rejects Plea to Halt Adani's Dharavi Redevelopment Amid Controversy 2 The Supreme Court on Friday declined to halt the Adani Groups 5,069-crore Dharavi redevelopment project, despite a challenge from UAE-based Seclink Technologies Corporation, which claimed its 7,200-crore bid was unfairly scrapped. A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar sought responses from the Maharashtra government and Adani Properties Pvt Ltd on a petition challenging the Bombay High Courts December 20, 2024, verdict. The high court had cleared the mega-redevelopment project, dismissing claims of bias and stating that the process was fair and transparent. Seclink Technologies, which was initially the highest bidder in 2018 with a 7,200-crore offer, saw its tender scrapped by the government, which later awarded the contract to Adani Group in 2022. The companys legal counsel argued before the SC that it was willing to increase its bid by 20% to 8,640 crore, but the court did not intervene, instead directing Adani Properties to make payments through a single bank account and submit an affidavit regarding future commitments. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Adani, defended the progress of the 259-hectare Dharavi project, stating that construction had begun, funds had been deposited, and 2,000 people were already employed. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also noted that railway quarters had been demolished to make way for new constructions. The high court had earlier rejected Seclinks claims that the 2022 tender was tailor-made for Adani, pointing out that three bidders had participated in the process. The Maharashtra government maintained that the cancellation of the 2018 tender was due to factors such as COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, which impacted economic conditions. Dharavi, one of the worlds largest and most densely populated slums, is set for a massive transformation under this redevelopment project, but the legal battle over its execution continues. The matter will be heard again in the week of May 25, with the court emphasizing that no special equities would be granted to either party. Sri Lanka Navy Arrests 14 Indian Fishermen 2 The Sri Lankan Navy on Friday said it arrested 14 Indian fishermen and seized a fishing boat for allegedly poaching in the countrys territorial waters. The Navy arrested the Indian fishermen during a special operation conducted in the sea area south of Mannar on Thursday night. The seized boat and Indian fishermen were brought to the Talpadu Pier in Mannar and will be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for onward legal proceedings, the Navy said in a statement. The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing boats, taking into account the impact of those practices on the livelihood of local fishermen, the statement said. Sri Lankan authorities on February 23 arrested 32 Indian fishermen and seized 5 fishing boats for allegedly venturing into the countrys territorial waters. The Navy has so far this year arrested over 140 Indian fishermen for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan waters. The Sri Lanka Navy said they arrested over 550 Indian fishermen in 2024. The fishermen issue is a contentious one in the ties between India and Sri Lanka, with Lankan Navy personnel even firing at Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait and seizing their boats in several alleged incidents of illegally entering Sri Lankan territorial waters. A 32-year-old man has been convicted in the 2023 shooting death of another man in Birmingham. A Jefferson County jury found Courtney Darnell Dennis guilty of murder in the slaying of 24-year-old Jarvis Conley Jr. Dennis was also convicted of attempted murder in the wounding of a woman, and of discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Michael Streety revoked Denniss bond following the jury verdict. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail Thursday to await sentencing, which is set for May 7. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Isabella Colombo, Kylie Jernigan and Blake Owens. Attorney Emory Anthony represented Dennis. Birmingham police are investigating a shooting that killed one man and injured a woman on June 20, 2023, in the 900 block of 25th Street S.W. West Precinct officers were dispatched just before 9 p.m. that Tuesday, June 20, 2023, to the 900 block of 25th Street S.W. following a ShotSpotter alert indicating that gunfire went off in the area. When police arrived on the scene, they found Conley lying unresponsive near a vehicle. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead on the scene at 8:59 p.m. The injured woman was hospitalized but survived. Eric Wendell Scott, 28, is accused of shooting three people in separate incident in roughly 36 hours in Montgomery. (Montgomery County Detention Facility) A 28-year-old man is behind bars, accused of shooting three people one of them fatally - in separate incidents in roughly 36 hours in Montgomery. Eric Wendell Scott Jr., 28, previously convicted of attempted murder for shooting a man in 2016, is now charged with capital murder, two counts of attempted murder, first-degree robbery and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, Montgomery police announced Friday. The bloodshed began about 12:10 a.m. Wednesday in the 100 block of Victor Tulane Circle, a complex where Scott also lives. Charging documents state Scott pulled a gun on a woman while she was sitting in her Toyota Camry and shot her nine times, including wounds to the chest. The victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Scott is charged with attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle in that case. Then, less than 12 hours later, Scott is charged with fatally shooting 31-year-old Micael Ligon. Scott and Ligon, according to court records, were sitting in Ligons Hyundai Sonata when Scott shot Ligon and removed him from the car. Fleeing in in Ligons car. The shooting happened at 11:30 a.m. in the 2200 block of East Third Street, said Sgt. Tina McGriff. Ligon was pronounced dead at the scene. Scott is charged with capital murder in Ligons killing. On Thursday, about 12:16 p.m., police say Scott robbed a 16-year-old boy at gunpoint and shot him in the leg. The assault happened at an apartment building on Gas Light Curve. Scott then followed the victim in the parking, stole the keys to the young victims Honda Odyssey van and shot him in the face. Scott fled in the stolen van, according to arrest records. The victim is hospitalized, but his condition was not immediately known. Scott was initially taken into custody in the shooting of the 16-year-old boy. Investigators used the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, also known as NIBIN, to then link Scott to the other two shootings, Scott was booked into the Montgomery County Detention Center at just before 7:30 p.m. Thursday, where he remains held without bond. Court records show Scott was convicted in 2018 of attempted murder in the 2016 shooting of a man. That shooting happened also while the victim was sitting in his vehicle, and he was struck multiple times. Scott was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with five to serve. Scott was later charged with violating his probation. That case went to court in October 2024, at which point Scotts probation was not revoked, but he was ordered to serve 45 days in the Montgomery County Detention Facility. Upon his release, he was ordered to enroll in anger management class. Bruce Mendenhall, right, an Illinois truck driver suspected in the slayings of women at truck stops in several states and standing with his attorney, Amy Harwell, waives his right to a preliminary hearing in the Davidson County General Sessions Court on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007 in Nashville, Tenn. (Associated Press) A 73-year-old man known as The Truck Stop Serial Killer was sentenced this week for the 2007 slaying of an Indianapolis mother, and now Alabama authorities are reviewing his charges in the killing of a woman in Birmingham. Bruce D. Mendenhall is charged in a string of serial killings of at least a half dozen women in multiple states, including Alabama, Indiana, Tennessee and Georgia. In Birmingham, Mendenhall is charged in the slaying of Lucille Greta Carter, a 44-year-old transient who was found dead July 1, 2007, on Finley Boulevard. Investigators said Carter was shot with a .22-caliber weapon and dumped nude next to a trash bin on a service road. She had a plastic bag over her head and duct tape around her neck. Lucille "Greta" Carter, a 44-year-old transient, was found murdere July 1, 2007, on Birmingham's Finley Boulevard. (Contributed) Mendenhalls victims mostly sex workers were all left nude, their heads covered in plastic bags secured with tape and shot in the back of the head. Their bodies were then dumped. On Tuesday, Mendenhall was sentenced to 65 years in prison for the killing of Carma Purpara, whose body was found along a Kentucky Highway more than four years after she was last seen at an Indianapolis truck stop. With Mendenhalls latest sentencing he is already serving two life sentences for the murders of two women in Tennessee Jefferson County prosecutors are working to determine their next steps. Chief Deputy District Attorney Joe Roberts said Mendenhall could be extradited to Alabama, and prosecutors are looking for family members of Carter to talk with them about the case. Mendenhall was first arrested in Nashville on July 12, 2007. A detective there spotted a truck at the TA truck stop on Interstate 24 that matched surveillance footage from the night 25-year-old Sara Nicole Hulbert was murdered at the same truck, which happened on June 26, 2007. A search of his truck, which prosecutors would later describe as a killing chamber turned up bloody clothing, the identified of another victim, and blood splattered around the inside of his trucks cab. Police confiscated a rifle, knives, handcuffs, latex gloves, several weapons cartridges, black tape, a nightstick, and sex toys. He was convicted in 2010 of first-degree murder in Hulberts death and sentenced to life. Bruce Mendenhall, 73, has been convicted in the slayings of three women and is charged with the murder of a Birmingham woman. (Tennessee Department of Corrections) Mendenhall also received a 30-year prison sentence for soliciting the murder of three witnesses in Hulberts case. Prosecutors say Mendenhall tried, from a jail cell, to hire someone to carry out the killings of two Nashville police detectives and three witnesses. In 2018, Mendenhall was convicted and sentenced to life in the slaying of 48-year-old Samantha Winters, whose body was found inside a trash can at a truck stop in Lebanon, Tennessee, on June 6, 2007. She had been shot in the head. Mendenhall was convicted last month in Purparas murder. He has since been returned to the Tennessee Department of Corrections. He is also suspected in multiple other similar murders. Family members of Carter are asked to call Chief Deputy District Attorney Joe Roberts at 205-325-5252. A federal grand jury this week indicted Megan Tillery, a former employee for the Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Huntsville and Limestone Counties, for misusing over $15,000 in federal funds, according to court records. Throughout 2022 and 2023, the indictment alleges that two unnamed individuals who reside in Madison County bribed Tillery to use over $15,000 in funds allocated to CAP for the states Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to cover utility bills for themselves and others. This federally funded program provides assistance to eligible households to pay their utility bills and expenses, according to the state website. CAP is responsible for dispersing the funds. Although the two individuals did not qualify for the program, they bribed Tillery through CashApp to use LIHEAP funds to cover their bills. Between 2022 and 2023, the two individuals sent Tillery nearly $2,000, according to records included in the indictment. Yashika Ray, Tillerys direct supervisor at CAP, said Tillery stopped showing up to work two years ago when investigators first started looking into the case. Any time that anything is done against the citizens of our community it is unfortunate, Ray told WAFF. In 2018, three years before she was hired at CAP, Tillery was arrested for stealing her elderly patients checks and cashing them after their death, according to court records. Ray told WAFF it didnt show up in her background check. This t-shirt from 1984 is the 1st tshirt produced by the UA Gay Student Union on the celebration of their 1st year. This is a guest opinion column This week, student reporters at The Crimson White revealed that The University of Alabama tacitly endorsed discrimination against its own LGBTQ students by a conservative campus organization. The group, who call themselves Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), refused to adopt the universitys standard non-discrimination policy required for all campus organizations. Instead, they insisted that under the First Amendment, they reserved the right to discriminate against their classmates on the basis of gender identity, gender expression, [or] sexual identity. Abandoning students and alumni like me, university administrators acquiesced, providing the group an exception to [the] required non-discrimination clause. The president of YAF, Trenton Buffenbarger, immediately began to rally other student groups to eliminate non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ students. When I first visited The University of Alabama as a high school senior in 2013, the student tour guide used a slur as a joke when we passed a table set up by the Queer Student Association. It didnt get better. A university-provided alcohol awareness training warned that excessive drinking could result in your worst nightmare coming true, before cutting to a jumpscare of two men waking up in bed together. Everybody laughed. My statistics professor used our lesson on correlation to hint that queer identities might actually be a form of mental illness. And I cant even count how many times strangers called me a variety of unprintable homophobic insults over the years. When I was a student, at least there was one space on campus that students like me could turn to: the Safe Zone, a small but incredible LGBTQ community center on campus. But university administrators shuttered Safe Zone alongside the Black Student Union at the beginning of this school year. And now this. It is a familiar, if disappointing, story. The University of Alabamas first LGBTQ student organization, the Gay Student Union (GSU), was formally recognized in September 1983. But it took a fight. When queer students began the process of registering the GSU, none other than you guessed it Young Americans for Freedom launched a vicious opposition campaign. Describing their classmates as sick pervs who should face criminal punishment for being gay, the group threatened to sue both The University of Alabama and the individual queer students who were organizing the GSU. After the university finally recognized the Gay Student Union in September 1983, Young Americans for Freedom displayed a poster at Get on Board Day The University of Alabamas annual student organization fair reading: How does YAF spell relief? AIDS. Our mass death was their punchline. As a University of Alabama graduate who has gone on to attend Stanford Law School, I know that the Young Americans for Freedom have a juvenile understanding of the First Amendment. But pretending that this is about the law intellectualizes and distracts from the heart of what is actually at stake: being a decent person. Pitching a fit about your right to discriminate against people who are different from you just isnt good raising. It reflects a stunted, airless, incurious worldview. Its ugly. The irony is that the Young Americans for Freedom stand for anything but their namesake what draws them together is a shared inability to conceive of or tolerate anyone having freedom besides themselves. Queer and trans people across Alabama are, in important ways, more free than they can imagine. Often at great personal risk and cost, we insist upon being fully ourselves. We are mothered by necessity and invention to make our own ways through the world. We choose our families. We cut against the grain. We dance and make beauty in the face of a world that wants us dead. We refuse to disappear. The students who are in Young Americans for Freedom today are no different than their predecessors. They have no new ideas, just the same strange hatred and fixation on LGBTQ people. The truth is that the world is so much bigger and more interesting than the Young Americans for Freedom assume. So is Alabama. I hope that they realize that someday. But in the meantime, university administrators should not give them a hall pass to discriminate against LGBTQ people. Trans and queer people have always been a part of Alabama, and we always will be. At a time when our trans siblings in particular face rising hostility, we all LGBTQ people and our allies must hold together and speak out whenever we see nonsense like this. The issue is not that LGBTQ people would even be interested in joining these students club (I can assure you, were not). The issue is that discrimination is wrong, and the university should not stomach it. Dana Sweeney is a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford Law School. He graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of English in 2017. Originally from Camden County, Georgia, he lived in Alabama for more than a decade before attending law school. Jefferson County Schools superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin poses with board members after accepting the state's first National Superintendent of the Year award on March 6. 2025. Jefferson County Schools A Jefferson County superintendent has become Alabamas first school leader to be named National Superintendent of the Year. Walter Gonsoulin, who has led the district since 2020, received the award at The School Superintendents Associations national conference in New Orleans on Thursday. He is the first superintendent from Alabama to earn the title in the 37 years that the prize has been awarded. In a speech to the School Superintendents of Alabama this week, Gonsoulin recounted advice he was given from his great grandmother, also a former teacher, during his first year in a classroom. Many of his students were 15- and 16-year-olds who had failed the class at least once, and in search of answers, his great-grandmother suggested he make a visit to the students' homes. During one of those visits, he realized a student who had not been completing her work didnt have electricity to keep the lights on at night. Learning cannot occur where there is no light, he told the crowd, noting a career-long goal to improve opportunities for local students. State leaders praised Gonsoulin for his strategic vision and collaborative approach in a resolution honoring him in December. In recent years, Gonsoulin has worked to expand the districts magnet programs, improve career tech offerings, and to offer the chance for students to earn a college degree alongside their high school diploma. But those opportunities, he said, wouldnt be possible without strong support for public schools. As the state considers its own school funding overhaul, Gonsoulin has been an advocate for more equitable resources for public schools. We hear that students want choice, he said. Im here today standing firm on the belief that school choice is not the issue, but rather leaving public schools out of the conversation is. Public schools in Alabama know how to provide school choice, and many of us already are. And truth be told, public education is overwhelmingly the only choice that many children have. As educational leaders in Alabama, we must insist that we receive the recognition and the funding to offer choices and opportunities to all students. Jefferson County is the states second-largest school district and serves about 34,000 students. The district received a score of 82, a B grade, on its most recent report card. Gonsoulin has been an educator for more than 30 years, serving as a teacher, administrator, and consultant for school districts across the southeast. He holds two bachelors degrees from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and a masters degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge. He obtained his Ph.D in curriculum and instruction from Mississippi State University. Walter as well as our other three finalists are future-driven ambassadors in their respective learning communities who are empowering their students and staff to lead us into the future and working to ensure that education is an innovative, vibrant and transformative force, David R. Schuler, executive director of AASA, said in a news release. As part of the award, a $10,000 college scholarship will be given to a student at Gonsoulins alma mater. This is an updated version of an article from 2017. When you ask Alabamians what their favorite restaurant in the state is, The Bright Star in Bessemer is likely to come up early and often. After all, its eclectic menu full of Greek-style steaks, desserts, seafood and more has kept its loyal customers from across the Southeast coming back for over a century. Of course, when a business has so much history, theres plenty to know about the beloved eatery. With that in mind, heres 14 things you might not know about The Bright Star. The door of the The Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer (Courtesy The Bright Star) The Bright Star Fact #1 The Bright Star first opened in Bessemer as a 12-seat bar in 1907, but had to move to larger buildings in both 1910 and 1913 due to its growing popularity. It settled into its current location in 1915. The Bright Star Fact #2 The Bright Stars original owner Tom Bonduris immigrated from Greece. His cousins Peter and Bill Koikos, who immigrated from the same small village, bought interest in the restaurant as well. Now owned by Nicky Koikos, Andreas Annastassakis and Stacey Craig, The Bright Star remains in the same family today. Greek-style snapper throats at the Bright Star restaurant in Bessemer, Ala. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com) The Bright Star Fact #3 One of Bright Stars signature items, the fried snapper throats, dates back to the 1930s, when Bill Koikos decided the tender, meaty upper part of the snapper would be a great addition to the lunch menu rather than being thrown out. Read more: The story behind a must-try dish at this classic Alabama restaurant The Bright Star Fact #4 The Bright Star has been featured on several national food shows, including an episode of Travels with Darley on PBS as well as an episode of Andrew Zimmerns Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations on the Travel Channel. Read more: Go on an Alabama food road trip with PBS star Darley Newman Sandra Bullock, shown here in 2022, has eaten at The Bright Star. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images) GC Images The Bright Star Fact #5 Its also popular among the famous. In 2010, Academy Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock flew into Alabama to eat there with her dad, John Bullock, for Fathers Day. She flew in and wanted to take her daddy to his favorite restaurant, Bright Star co-owner Jimmy Koikos said at the time. Read more: Sandra Bullock treats dad to Fathers Day dinner at Bright Star in Bessemer The Bright Star Fact #6 While several Alabama restaurants have won a James Beard Award, The Bright Star was the first restaurant in Alabama to receive the James Beard Foundations Americas Classic award in 2010. Each year since 1998 the James Beard Foundation Awards Committee has recognized our nations beloved regional restaurants, the foundations website says. Distinguished by their timeless appeal, they serve quality food that reflects the character of their communities. Read more: James Beard Awards: 7 Birmingham restaurants and chefs honored by Oscars of the food world The Bright Star restaurant in Bessemer, Ala., started its New Orleans-themed dinner event in 1989. The late Jamie Shannon of Commander's Palace was the first guest chef at the Bright Star's annual event. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com) The Bright Star Fact #7 Every year, The Bright Star hosts its Night in New Orleans celebration, which brings chefs from the Crescent City to Bessemer during a 3-night event that attracts more than 1,000 diners each year. In 2024, Eric Cook, the executive chef and owner of the New Orleans restaurants Gris-Gris and Saint John, and Bradley Marshall, Cooks executive sous chef at Gris-Gris, returned to headline the event for the third straight year. Read more: Meet the woman who helps this classic Alabama restaurant continue a New Orleans tradition The Bright Star Fact #8 The Bright Stars original dining room from 1915 is still used and features intricate marble tile floors as well as hand painted murals, which have been renovated and are still on display today. The Bright Star restaurant opened in Bessemer, Ala., in 1907, and has been recognized by the Alabama Tourism Department as the oldest restaurant in Alabama. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com) The Bright Star Fact #9 While theres been some debate over whether its officially the oldest restaurant in the state, one title The Bright Star absolutely holds is Alabamas oldest family-owned restaurant. Read more: What is Alabamas oldest restaurant -- Bright Star or Golden Rule? Dolly Parton sent fans, via social media on Thursday, a love note to thank them for their support after the death of her husband. Carl Dean died Monday at the age of 82. This is a love note to family, friends, and fans, Parton posted. Thank you for all of the messages, cards, and flowers that youve sent to pay your respects for the loss my beloved husband Carl. I cant reach out personally to each of you but just know that it has meant the world to me. He is in Gods arms now and I am OK y with that. I will always love you. RELATED: How DollyS Jolene was about recently-deceased husband Carl Dean Parton married Carl Dean on May 30, 1966. They were just months from celebrating their 59th anniversary. The pair married in 1966 in Ringgold, Georgia. Dean, who was born in Nashville in 1942, was one of three children born to Virginia Ginny Bates Dean and Edgar Ed Henry Dean. Not much is known about Deans personal life. Parton kept her marriage with Dean, who was a businessman, mostly private. Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily. The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals issued a ruling today that the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission hailed as a victory in its long-delayed effort to issue business licenses. A company that sued the AMCC after it was denied a license also called the ruling a victory, saying it would ensure a process that identifies the qualified applicants. Justin Aday, an attorney for the AMCC, said some issues remain pending in the courts before licenses are issued but that todays ruling helps. The Commission will continue to pursue a speedy resolution of those matters, Aday said. The Court of Civil Appeals decision released today provides a roadmap on how those matters may be disposed of to allow the investigative hearings to begin sooner rather than later. In todays ruling, the appeals court ordered the Montgomery County Circuit Court to vacate a temporary restraining order that prohibited the AMCC from proceeding with the disputed license awards. Cultivators are growing the plants for the medical cannabis products, but the licensing delays have stopped companies from fully launching the new industry authorized by a law passed by the Alabama Legislature four years ago. On behalf of the many long-suffering patients in Alabama who have waited far too long for access to the benefits of medical cannabis products, we are pleased with todays decision from the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, AMCC Director John McMillan said in a press release. We are hopeful that this decision will remove the obstacles that have prevented the Commission from completing the licensing process and doing the work the law charged it to do. Alabamas law sets a limit of five licenses for integrated companies that will grow, process, and sell medical cannabis. More than 30 companies applied. Alabama Always, which built an integrated facility in Montgomery but was denied a license, has claimed in lawsuits that the AMCC failed to follow the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, among other claims. Other companies filed similar claims. Montgomery County Circuit Judge James Anderson, who has held multiple hearings involving numerous license applicants, ruled last year that Alabama Always had a reasonable chance of prevailing on its claims and issued a temporary restraining order to stop the AMCC from issuing licenses to the companies it picked in December 2023. Lawyers for the AMCC opposed the temporary restraining order and maintained that the challenges to the licensing decisions were premature because the decisions were not final. Companies denied licenses can ask the AMCC for an investigative hearing on the decisions. Todays decision is consistent with the Commissions position that its license award decisions are not final until the statutorily prescribed investigative hearing process is completed, the AMCC said today. Upon the conclusion of investigative hearings, the Commission will consider the findings and conclusions of an impartial hearing officer and enter a final order that will then be subject to judicial review. The Commission has long argued that lawsuits and judicial intervention are premature before the administrative review process is completed. Will Somerville, attorney for Alabama Always, said todays ruling was a victory for the company after a year and a half of litigation because he said it ensures that the investigative hearings must be done under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, which he said will require companies awarded licenses to prove they are qualified and allow Alabama Always to demonstrate its qualifications. This means that companies who were awarded licenses by the Commission will be required to appear at a hearing conducted by an Administrative Law Judge and prove that they satisfy the requirements that the Alabama Legislature set for getting a medical cannabis license, Somerville said. We can appear at that hearing and offer facts and offer proof that they are not qualified under the state cannabis law. The Courts ruling also guarantees that after we have been denied a medical cannabis license, we are entitled to the same hearing in order to prove that we are entitled to a license. Somerville said he expects the hearings to take several months with all the license applicants able to participate. Somerville said he would like to see the Legislature revise the law to speed up the process. We will be able to conduct discovery to get the facts relevant to whether the applicants who got a license are able to comply with the statutory requirements, Somerville said. To avoid that delay, the Legislature should use this Court Ruling as a template to fix this broken process. They can devise a faster process to get these hearings conducted and get the cannabis program underway. Once the program starts, certified doctors will be able to recommend medical cannabis to patients with autism spectrum disorder; cancer-related pain or nausea; Crohns Disease; depression; epilepsy or conditions causing seizures; HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss; panic disorder; Parkinsons Disease; persistent nausea; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); sickle cell anemia; spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury; Tourettes Syndrome; a terminal illness; or conditions causing chronic or intractable pain. The medical cannabis products can include tablets, capsules, tinctures, gelatinous cubes (gummies), gels, oils or creams for topical use, suppositories, transdermal patches, nebulizers, or liquids or oils for use in an inhaler. Raw plant materials, products administered by smoking or vaping, or food products such as cookies or candies will not be allowed. As Ive said time and again, the singular objective of the Commission is helping Alabama patients through access to the benefits of medical cannabis products, AMCC Chairman Rex Vaughn said in a press release. Today we have hope for those patients hope that we can proceed with our hearing process and get those products into their hands. The AMCC has completed the investigative hearing process and issued licenses in the cultivator, processor, secure transporter, and state testing laboratory license categories. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled against claims made by retail-liquidation business owners involved in a dispute after the failure of businesses they had jointly managed, sending the matter back to a lower court on Friday. The case involves the owners of several retail-liquidation stores, like Mikes Merchandise, in Pelham, and the Crazy Cazboys chain, that re-sold discounted inventory. The chain, which carried multiple bins of random overstocked and returned merchandise, all new, caught on quickly, opening locations in several states and a megastore in Hoover. However, the venture eventually failed and all locations closed, according to the Alabama Supreme Court ruling. A manager at Mikes Merchandise on Friday afternoon told AL.com that the store in Pelham is currently open for business, and someone who answered the phone at the business said they are open. Two of the former members of the LLCs that ran the stores claim that a third owner improperly took corporate assets, leading to the closure of the stores. The third owner made similar claims about the other two. The court ruled Friday to dismiss three petitions, including ones filed by both sides, to review orders from the trial court. Jason T. Carrick and Ryan McAllister had alleged in Shelby Circuit Court that John Cassimus, the founder of Zoes Kitchen, and his associates misused and improperly benefitted from corporate assets. Cassimus denied this and alleged McAllister and Carrick used the stores to divert profit to Xcess Limited, a wholesale company they separately ran. The Cassimus defendants have not established a clear legal right to dismissal of the derivative claims asserted by Carrick and McAllister, the court said in its ruling Friday. In their appeal before the state supreme court, The Cassimus defendants had asked the court to reconsider their petition to the lower court to block claims against them and to have the court appoint someone to review the discovery process. Carrick and McAllister challenged the lower courts decision to dismiss one of the defendants, East Hampton Advisors, LLC. We deny the mandamus petition filed by Carrick and McAllister because they have not shown that they lacked another adequate remedy, the court said. An attorney for Cassimus, John Michael Rediker, declined to comment. Attorneys for Carrick and McAllister did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Update: After publication of this story a representative of Mikes Merchandise contacted AL.com to say the story remains open. An Amtrak passenger train rolls up to the site in downtown Mobile, Ala., where a future train platform will be built to service Gulf Coast service. The train served as a backdrop to a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, to commence the work needed before Amtrak service can restart sometime in early 2025, between Mobile to New Orleans with four stops in coastal Mississippi. John Sharp Amtraks Gulf Coast route isnt ready for the proverbial Yall aboard quite yet, but signals are starting to crank up. By next month, details about a start date and fares should be disclosed. The Southern Rail Commission, a quasi-governmental agency that has long advocated for the restoration of passenger rail from Mobile to New Orleans, met for the final time on Friday before the trains return. The groups next meeting is scheduled for June 6, in Bay St. Louis, Miss. But that meeting is likely to be rescheduled to coincide with the start of the Amtrak service. While Amtraks official timeline is summer, the inaugural trip between Mobile and New Orleans, with four stops in coastal Mississippi, is expected sometime in June. What we are shooting for, and (Amtrak) doesnt like to put out dates, but the goal is to have something out in April, said Knox Ross, chairman of the SRC. Ross said by April, Amtrak should have enough confidence on citing a start date. Also by next month, details are likely to be disclosed about the trains name and brand, fare prices, and food and beverage offerings. Thats the goal we are working toward. Ross said SRC representatives, Amtrak and others are meeting regularly to discuss hitting targets, while ramping up marketing efforts ahead of the summer start date. Once the service starts, Amtrak will operate twice-daily connections between Mobile and New Orleans. The Mississippi stops are in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis. Final steps A rendering of the future platform for Amtrak in downtown Mobile is displayed during a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, in downtown Mobile, Ala., to commence the work needed before Amtrak service can restart sometime in early 2025 along the Gulf Coast connecting Mobile to New Orleans. John Sharp The meeting on Friday included some reflection and giddy anticipation over the train services revival following what has been a nearly two-decade journey for the organization in getting passenger rail restarted along the Gulf Coast. Amtrak service has not operated routinely along the Gulf Coast between Mobile and New Orleans since the Sunset Limited ran a cross-country, long-distance route between the two cities. The rail line was heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, and passenger trains have not operated on a regular schedule since the storm. That corridor took 17 years to the point where we started to hopefully where we will be in June, said John Robert Smith, chairman with Transportation for America that has also led efforts in getting the service restored. A lot of lessons nationally have been learned. The final steps needed for the train service include: The completion of a train stop in downtown Mobile moving ahead. Also, in Mobile, CSX is working to completed work on a track extension off the main freight line. The site along Water Street is a construction zone, where work is ongoing. According to Amtrak, utility relocation work is nearing completion and the grading for a new track is underway. Operational agreements need to be finalized between Amtrak and the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. Officials say the final approvals are imminent. In Alabama, the operational agreement was the subject of some sticky Mobile City Council meetings last year. The council ultimately approved a three-year, $3 million agreement to support the service, with a future commitment from the state and a $1 million offset by the Alabama State Port Authority . SRC members in Alabama are in discussions about a longer-term agreement with the state. Preparation is underway with the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration for safety documentation along the route. Amtrak is also planning to roll out a public safety campaign alerting the public about the need to be mindful about train crossings along the corridor. With the safety part of this, there is a lot of work that has to be done, Ross said. Its important to know that there are trains coming and they will be operating faster than a normal train. Expanding commission After decades of operating under a congressional charter limited to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, the commission is considering expansion. Adding Texas, Florida, and Georgia would require approval from each states legislature and subsequent approval from the legislatures of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. There are a lot of moving parts to doing this, Ross said. Officials say the idea for expanding the commission is to gather additional voices, including politicians, and support for passenger rail initiatives in Washington, D.C. The addition of Florida could draw some interest and potential pushback in Mobile. The City Council, last year, voted on an operational agreement based on a commitment that Amtrak service would not venture east of the citys downtown area and into the Port of Mobile. If the service goes beyond the twice-daily Mobile-to-New Orleans connection, then the council could vote to rescind its financial commitment. Bills in the Florida Legislature indicate the goal in joining the SRC is to revive service to Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Orlando by connecting to New Orleans. The Florida legislation acknowledges the Gulf Coast project, referring it to the Mardi Gras service. Ross said that the goal in Florida is to offer a train from Jacksonville to Tallahassee, home to Florida State University. He also said that talks are underway about getting a bus service connected to the Mobile train stop that will take Amtrak passengers east to Pensacola. Ross said that everyone is aware of the issues over continuing an eastward expansion of the Gulf Coast route from Mobile to Pensacola. But he said that the SRC has friends they have worked with for years in the Sunshine State interested in expanding passenger rail. That is going to have to be a Florida-led initiative. An Amtrak train carrying 164 passengers from New Orleans collided with a vehicle Thursday afternoon in Alabama. The train was headed to New York City when it hit a vehicle obstructing the tracks in Vance, according to Amtrak. On March 6, Amtrak train 20 was traveling from New Orleans to New York City at approx. 4:10 pm CT when a vehicle obstructing the track came into contact with the train in the town of Vance, Alabama, an Amtrak spokeswoman told AL.com Thursday night. There have been no reported injuries to the 164 passengers or crew onboard, the spokeswoman continued. Amtrak is working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident. Further information was unavailable. FILE - Alabama state troopers attack voting rights demonstrators in Selma, Ala., in this file photo from March 7, 1965. Despite being known worldwide as a beacon of voting rights, the city and surrounding Dallas County had one of the worst voter turnouts in Alabama for the 2020 presidential election, and some are trying to increase voter participation. (AP Photo/File) AP This is an opinion column Coretta Scott King wrote in 1970 that almost anyone who can read or look at a television screen knows what happened in Selma that sunny, bloody afternoon. I dont know if that was ever true. Its not true now, 60 years to the day after men and women seeking the right to vote, to be seen as human in a state that balked at that, stepped on a bridge named for a Klansman and marched to a Bloody Sunday. If America remembered, the country might be different now. Its easy to recall the moment atop the Edmund Pettus Bridge, when John Lewis and Hosea Williams led 600 peaceful marchers over the Alabama river. They crossed that bridge to face a phalanx of white state troopers. Major John Cloud told them to stop. He gave them two minutes to turn back. Before they could kneel to pray, Cloud ordered Troopers, forward. The world saw that. Alabama lawmen, strongarms of the state, swung batons. Lewis fell, his head cracked open by a club. Others collapsed, crying from tear gas, as men on horseback charged with whips as if in battle. Like overseers on a plantation. The whole nation was sickened by the pictures of that wild melee, Mrs. King wrote. I know thats not true. Ive seen the picture that ran in Alabamas Huntsville Times the next day, with the almost gleeful caption: Negro marchers are put to rout. Which is why Selma is so much more than a beating. Especially today. Try to put yourself in the black-and-white world of Alabama in the 60s. Its a place where black people are allowed to vote only on the whims of white bureaucrats who give arcane poll tests (The Constitution limits the size of the District of Columbia to what?) to rob them of their voice. Cities close pools rather than integrate them, white mobs spit on kids as they try to enroll in schools. Preachers are beaten, churches bombed, little girls killed. Martin Luther King Jr. was noticeably missing from the Bloody Sunday march. Hed wanted it to happen another day. But he had worked to put Selmas racial obstinance to the test. He knew, as he said two months earlier, that Alabamas reaction could touch the nations conscience. Those words, captured in an AP story by Rex Thomas, appeared all over the country, with very different headlines. The Grand Rapids Press: King sees massive test to end violence. The Staten Island Advance: Dr. King hails new round of bias tests. Or the Huntsville Times in Alabama, under this sinister headline: Selma awaits Negro assault. The same was true the day after Bloody Sunday. On March 8, 1965, 60 years ago tomorrow the Ann Arbor News wrote: Mauled Negroes seek court aid. The Newark Star Ledger: Tear gas and clubs crush Selma march. And Alabamas Huntsville Times: Inevitable Selma violence was not long in arriving. Inevitable violence. Selma, and the killings of Jimmie Lee Jackson and Viola Liuzzo and James Reeb, did touch a nations conscience. The Voting Rights Act became law five months later, giving assurance that skin color is not the key to citizenship. What is often lost in Selma was what Lewis and King both knew. People of color would never find equality under Gov. George Wallace or his troopers. Black people in Selma would never fulfill a promise of freedom under cattle-prod-wielding Sheriff Jim Clark. They had to get the attention of America, and its government, to assure freedom in places like Alabama that were eager to deny it. Next time, Lewis said after he stumbled bleeding off that bridge, we may have to keep going when we get to Montgomery. We may have to go to Washington. In 1965, at a time Alabama politicians preyed on fear, when crimes against black people went unsolved, when voting was a right for only some, the U.S. courts and the government were the hope for freedom. Thats the story of Selma. Thats the story of America today, too, a country marching across a bridge. In need of courage and determination and grit. For the first time in 60 years, the government is not coming to help. John Archibald is a two-time Pulitzer winner. A former Mobile postal worker and her accomplice will spend several years in federal prison for a multimillion dollar check fraud scheme targeting U.S. mail. According to a press release from the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Alabama, Kalaijha Tomeco Ranier Lewis and Brian Christopher Williams III defrauded various banks and credit unions from November 2021 to June 2023. Lewis, who was a postal worker, was allegedly recruited by Williams to steal and sell him valuable business checks. The stolen checks equaled over $17 million and Williams sold them to other scammers through a Telegram channel. In June 2023, federal investigators began surveillance at the Saint Joseph Street post office where Lewis worked, according to court documents. Lewis was arrested by officials after she was caught stuffing stolen checks down her pants. On June 23, 2023, agents confronted Lewis after capturing her on video stuffing a large stack of stolen checks into her pants before the end of her work shift, the press release stated. Lewis confessed that for several months, she stole business checks for Williams, who paid her $2,000 to $3,000 for each stack of stolen checks that she brought him. Williams was arrested the same day at a gas station where he was waiting to receive the stolen checks from Lewis. Williams admitted to having $10,000 in cash that included proceeds from the check scheme. $417,000 worth of stolen checks were also found in Williams vehicle during his arrest. Williams was sentenced to serve 100 months in federal prison while Lewis will serve 60 months. Williams and Lewis were both ordered to pay $234,246 in victim restitution and a total of $300 in special assessments for their crimes. The National Weather Service has 122 offices across the nation monitoring weather and issuing forecasts. Alabama is served by four offices in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile and Tallahassee, Fla. National Weather Service Wondering whether recent federal government cutbacks affected Alabamas National Weather Service offices? Officials are being tight-lipped about any possible job losses in the state. The National Weather Service this week referred questions about possible cuts to the weather services Public Affairs Office. The Public Affairs Office also wouldnt divulge any information, saying that per long-standing practice, we are not discussing internal personnel and management matters. Rumors were swirling last week of layoffs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which includes the National Weather Service. NOAA is an agency of the Department of Commerce. According to The Associated Press: Hundreds of weather forecasters and other federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees on probationary status were fired last week. Probationary status can generally mean someone serving in their first year in a new role or job. Some agencies may require a longer probationary period, but other agencies may not require it at all, according to USAJobs, an official website of the federal government. 154 1 / 154 Lee County tornado damage According to The AP, Federal workers who were not let go said the afternoon layoffs included meteorologists who do crucial local forecasts in National Weather Service offices across the country. The Trump administration has not disclosed what positions are being lost at NOAA, AP reported. Former leaders of the agency have said the firings will have wide-ranging negative impacts on flight safety, shipping safety and warning networks for tornados and hurricanes. The possible firings come as billionaire Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency shrink a federal workforce that President Donald Trump has called bloated and sloppy. The people voted for major government reform, and thats what the people are going to get, Musk said from the Oval Office last month. Thats what democracy is all about. The possible loss of meteorologists was met with considerable concern in the weather community, notably by Alabama veteran meteorologist James Spann, who recently offered public support for my friends who work for the National Weather Service. NWS meteorologists work long, hard hours serving the people of this country, not only during times of severe weather, but on the routine days as well. Their surface and upper air observation networks along with computer models, radars, and satellites are critical for all meteorologists, including those of us in the private sector, Spann wrote in a post on his very popular Facebook page. Many high-level politicians follow this page, both Democrats and Republicans. I would encourage them and all of you to support my colleagues at the National Weather Service during this time. Their service is absolutely invaluable. It remains unclear whether any of those who lost their jobs were in the weather services offices that serve Alabama. Those are the National Weather Service offices in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile and Tallahassee, Fla., which covers five counties in southeast Alabama. Staffing at weather service offices across the country can vary but generally have the following positions: Meteorologist in Charge (supervisor and administrator of the weather forecast office and its programs) Warning Coordination Meteorologist (interacts with emergency managers, storm spotters, and media) Science and Operations Officer (science and training leader) Electronics Systems Analyst Information Technology Officer Senior Forecasters General Forecasters Observation Program Leader Electronic Technicians Administrative Support Assistant The weather service also relies on a vast network of volunteers. Meteorologists generally work rotating shifts that include nights, weekends and holidays. NWS Public Affairs Office said the weather service will still be on the job: NOAA remains dedicated to its mission, providing timely information, research, and resources that serve the American public and ensure our nations environmental and economic resilience. We continue to provide weather information, forecasts and warnings pursuant to our public safety mission. People shoot in the air as they celebrate the fall of the Syrian government in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. Ugur Yildirim/Dia Photo via AP The U.S. State Department has updated its travel warning for Syria, a war-torn country thats long been on the do not travel list. The warning was updated March 3 to reflect a risk of unjust detention related to the Syrian conflict. The latest alert cites the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, armed conflict and the risk of being jailed without cause. The U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria, the State Department noted. Do not travel to Syria for any reason. No parts of Syria is safe from violence. The warning particularly extends to private U.S. citizens who are considering traveling to Syria to engage in armed conflict. The U.S. government does not support this activity. U.S. citizens who undertake such activity face extreme personal risks, including hostage taking by armed groups, unjust detentions, injury, or death, the alert noted. Syria is among the countries under the Level 4: Do Not Travel category, the highest warning issued by the State Department due to violence, terrorism and other dangers. On the Level 4: Do Not Travel list are: Construction is beginning on Huntsville Hospitals $150 million expansion of its Madison Street Tower. The hospital was issued a permit on Feb. 13 for a $112 million addition as part of the expansion. It was the largest project issued a permit in the past month in the Huntsville area. Overall, $242 million in new construction has begun since Feb. 6 in Madison, Morgan, and Limestone counties, according to Southern Exposure Information. That includes a new building at Cummings Research Park, a new Starbucks, an addition to the Downtown Rescue Mission and a new Jim N Nicks barbecue restaurant. Here are the building permits issued in the Huntsville area: City of Huntsville: 143 permits totaling $170 million Madison County: 174 permits totaling $39 million City of Madison: 50 permits totaling $15.8 million City of Athens: 29 permits totaling $14 million City of Decatur: 20 permits totaling $2.6 million Hospital expansion The Huntsville Hospital expansion includes adding 154,000 square feet of new clinical space. The Alabama Certificate of Need Review Board unanimously approved the five-story addition late last year. Most of the work will take place at the northeast corner of the hospital facing Madison Street and St. Clair Avenue. Construction is expected to take about two years. The $150 million project includes: A new Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit, made possible by a $10 million philanthropic donation the largest private gift the hospital has ever received; A new Neuro Intensive Care Unit for neurosurgical and stroke patients; Three floors of new acute medical space; 120 new private patient rooms; and A new and improved Emergency Department vehicle entrance When construction is finished, HH Health Systems flagship facility will have a total of 931 patient beds up from 881 currently. Seventy existing patient rooms are being converted from double occupancy to single occupancy. Robins & Morton, which built the Madison Street Tower in 2006, is serving as general contractor for the expansion project. It is not the only project started by Robins & Morton in the last month. The firm is working on a $3.7 million, 28,000-square-foot buildout at 9700 Advanced Gateway. The facility will include office space and high bay space, Robins & Morton spokesman Chris Yazbec told AL.com. The company is working on other high-profile projects in the Huntsville area, including the $25 million terminal project at Huntsville International Airport. See story: Planning Commission approves Huntsville Hospitals $150 million expansion plans - AL.com Other projects Turner Construction is the contractor for a $16.5 million building at 905 Mark C. Smith Drive in Cummings Research Park. The Huntsville-Madison Chamber was issued the permit for the work. A permit has also been issued for a $5.5 million addition to the Downtown Rescue Mission at 1400 Evangel Drive. The Downtown Rescue Mission broke ground on the addition earlier this week. It will allow the mission to expand its capacity for women and children. Johnsonkreis Construction Company of Birmingham is the contractor. Jim N Nicks was issued a permit for a $2.7 million restaurant at 2001 Cecil Ashburn Dr. in southeast Huntsville. Blue Origin was issued a permit for a $1.7 million new building on its campus at 646 James Record Rd. The rocket engine company has undergone three major expansions in Huntsville in the last five years. M & D Mechanical Contractor is the projects builder. A new Starbucks is being built at 4849 Moores Mill Rd. A permit was issued for the $1.2 million building on Feb. 27. Copeland Contracting Services is the builder. Davidson Homes was the leading home builder during the month. It was issued 50 permits totaling $11.6 million. Lennar Homes of Alabama was issued 20 permits totaling $5.4 million. The most expensive home being built in the area? It is located at 15900 Saban Lane in Athens. Trinity Homes is the builder for the $1.1 million, 4,496-square foot home. Growth in the Town Madison area is behind Crestwood Medical Centers pursuit of a freestanding emergency department on Madisons southeastern side, according to a hospital executive. The citys zoning board unanimously approved Crestwoods request for an exception to the zoning of a 4.3-acre, undeveloped parcel of land at Madison Boulevard and Research Boulevard during its meeting Thursday. According to documents filed with its zoning board application, the hospital anticipates a one-story building of about 12,000 square feet with an on-site helipad. Drew Davenport, Crestwoods chief development officer, told the board the immense growth around I-565 led the provider to seek to build the freestanding ER. It will offer an alternative choice for people seeking emergency treatment, he said. When we went and looked through the analytics for health care needs in the Madison area, we discovered that the southern portion of Madison the southeast and southern portion - is under-served from an emergency services standpoint, he said. Crestwood employees will staff the ER, Davenport said, which will be outpatient only. It will include lab, X-ray, C-T, ultrasound and MRI capabilities. If a patient needed to be admitted for longer than 23 hours, they would be transported to a hospital facility, Davenport said. Crestwood operates a large, private hospital in Huntsville and multiple, smaller medical facilities in the area. Freestanding emergency departments are becoming more common in Alabama. They are designed to provide round-the-clock outpatient emergency medical services in a smaller-footprint building that is easier for patients to access and navigate than an acute care hospital campus. Last year, Crestwood opened a 10-bed, $22 million freestanding ER in Harvest. Davenport said Thursday the Madison facility will be of similar size and similar look to that one. There are 10 freestanding emergency departments in Alabama, AL.com reported in January, with others located in Baldwin, Mobile, Jefferson, Shelby and Lee counties. The five-member Huntsville City Schools Board with Superintendent Clarence Sutton, third from right, at the July 30, 2024, meeting. Kayode Crown The Huntsville City Schools district is seeking partial release from its federal court desegregation order. The district will be seeking to remove federal supervision over faculty and staff, activities and facilities, school board attorney Christopher Pape said at a public meeting on Monday. Next week (March 11) will be the 62nd anniversary of a lawsuit filed by parents including Sonnie Hereford - of five Huntsville public school students seeking the right to be enrolled in schools operated by Huntsville on a nonsegregated basis. On Sept. 2, 1970, the federal court entered an order requiring a plan for a unitary school system not based on race which meets the requirements of law, according to a court document. Since then, the federal court has overseen and has had to approve certain operations of the system, including construction and zoning. The release would mean the Huntsville City Schools Board of Education has done what it said it would do in the desegregation case related to these three factors, he said. If the school board approves the motion at its meeting on March 25, the district is expected to file the motion in April. The district is in the process of seeking public comment about its motion. Public comments can be submitted on the districts website through March 18. The public can also submit feedback to the Desegregation Advisory Committee. We think its appropriate for the board to seek this motion, Pape said. We wouldnt bring it if we didnt. Pape said the boards legal team believes the district has eliminated the vestiges of segregation in the areas in which the school board seeks control. Pape said the motion does not affect current faculty, staff, students, activities or the districts 10-year, $60 million capital plan. He said the court approved the capital plan last September. A partial release would not mean the end of the case, Pape said. To resolve its desegregation case, the board must prove that it has eliminated the remnants of segregation to the extent practical and that it has complied with the courts desegregation orders in good faith. Partial release would narrow the scope of the case considerably, Pape said. Student assignments, equity access to course offerings and student discipline areas would remain under federal supervision. Pape also said the granting of the motion does not mean the school system is immune from all other future lawsuits. It doesnt mean the school system cant be sued under various federal laws related to discrimination and harassment, he said. For more information on the desegregation efforts, visit: Motion for Release from Federal Supervision as to Staff, Facilities, & Extracurricular Activities | Huntsville City Schools See video: Huntsville City Schools ETV Members of the Baldwin County Planning and Zoning Commission during their March 7, 2024 meeting. The commission tabled Cambridge Subdivision, a 377-lot subdivision in between Silverhill and Robertsdale. (Photo by Margaret Kates | mkates@al.com) Margaret Kates Baldwin Countys planning commission, tasked with regulating new developments in one of the states fastest growing counties, tabled consideration of a 377-lot subdivision Thursday to find a way forward on a development that is deeply unpopular with nearby residents. There are a lot of developers trying to make money in this county, Ricky Strickland, a resident of the area, said. Maybe we need a DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency] in Baldwin County. DOGE, the newly created agency in the Trump administration, has been eliminating what it says is waste within the federal government, including jobs and leases on buildings. Cambridge Subdivision is a planned 377-lot development off County Road 55 and County Road 54 in between Silverhill and Robertsdale in Baldwin County. Developers had initially proposed building 445 lots on the property, which is around 152 acres, last fall; but the Baldwin County Commission voted to deny that application in November, after residents expressed their concerns about the density of the development. This new proposal is an attempt to respond to the concerns raised the first time Cambridge was considered, said Dwayne Smith of Anchor Engineering in Mobile. Smith, the engineer of record on the development, said the developers varied the lot sizes, leaving the smaller lots at the south end and adding larger lots on the north end, closer to the agricultural land, to match the existing land use pattern. But the new proposal was still unpopular with neighboring residents, who expressed concerns about how the subdivision would impact drainage, traffic and schools in the area. Residents issues with Cambridge are part of a larger concern about growth in Baldwin County, the second-fastest growing county in Alabama and home to the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley Metropolitan Statistical Area, the tenth-fastest growing metro area in the United States. Neighboring resident Terry Whiteside said there are six other subdivisions under development within a five-mile radius of Cambridge. Greg Warren, who said he worked for Baldwin County Public Schools and lives in the area, warned that the brand-new Silverhill Elementary School will be at capacity within a few years if growth is not slowed. The new building, which opened last month, currently enrolls less than 500 students but has capacity to hold around 1,200, according to WPMI. Until the infrastructure is set, I dont know how you can approve any more subdivisions, Cathy Elgie, a nearby resident of the area, said. This might be a good idea in 10 to 15 years, when we have more four-lane roads. Rather than deny the proposal altogether, Planning Commissioner Michael Mullek proposed a compromise: the commission could table the application and allow the developer time to revise the development application to scale up the width of the lots. That would lessen the density without dramatically reducing the number of homes on the property. In doing so, Mullek said, the commission would be more amenable to approving the development. Cambridge Subdivision will be reconsidered by the planning commission at their monthly meeting in April. As a planned residential development (PRD) application, the Baldwin County Commission will have final say on whether the development is approved. The listed owners of the property on which Cambridge Subdivision would be built are Bill Bengston, Jr. and Steven Childress. Hosea Williams and John Lewis leading marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on Bloody Sunday 1965. Albert Turner and Bob Mants are walking directly behind Williams and Lewis. Alabama Media Group Alabama Media Group This is a guest opinion column The world reacted with shock and horror as news filtered out of Selma 60 years ago. There, Americans had merely peacefully protested in support of their civil right to vote. The resistance was swiftand violent. Local law enforcement, Alabama State Troopers, and a vigilante mob on horseback beat and bloodied the men and women who had gathered at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It was a brutal assault that injured hundreds. Six decades later, the story of that Bloody Sunday in Selma shouldnt be confined to the pages of history books. It is a story of enduring constitutional principles; it is a story about every Americans right to stand up and speak out without fear of governmental retribution. The First Amendment prohibits the government from interfering with the right of the people peaceably to assemble. But it is rarely that simple. When individuals come together in peaceable pursuit of a common goala goal that is frequently related to the furtherance of constitutionally-protected rightsthose with opposing views are often quick to respond. And if their response is aligned with the views of those who hold the reins of governing power, that constitutional right becomes that much more difficult to exercise. And thats exactly what happened that fateful day in Selma. A United Press International reporter detailed the disaster that unfolded: The troopers and posseman, under Gov. George C. Wallaces orders to stop the Negroes Walk for Freedom from Selma to Montgomery, chased the screaming, bleeding marchers nearly a mile back to their church, clubbing them as they ran. Ambulances screamed in relays between Good Samaritan Hospital and Browns Chapel Church, carrying hysterical men, women and children suffering head wounds and tear gas burns. A federal judge later ruled that the state of Alabama could not restrict the marchers' right to assemble, protest, and petition the government. Weeks later, state officials did just that during a subsequent march from Selma to Montgomery . The price of freely exercising those constitutional rights should not have been that high. The biggest ally for those who wish to advance liberty and defend their rightsindeed, our biggest ally and your biggest allyis none other than the First Amendment. And it serves as your constitutional shield regardless of whether you want to assemble in public or private. Last year, advocates of the freedom to peaceably assemble celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of NAACP v. Alabama ex rel. Flowers , a landmark 1964 ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States. Finally, after eight long years, the NAACP was free to return to Alabama . That state had ousted the civil rights organization, saying it could not conduct business in the Heart of Dixie unless it turned over its membership lists to the state. A unanimous Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment prevented such compelled disclosure. But threats to associational freedom continue, six decades later. Although groups today may not face the same scale of violence as civil rights activists in Selma, politically motivated harassment persists. The growth of the Internet and the expansion of disclosure laws, especially at the state level, have made it easier than ever to identify and harass supporters of a cause. Its a nonpartisan issue. No matter who holds power, donor privacy can come under attack because threats are motivated by retribution, not ideology. Exposing donors to groups that advocate on issuesfrom Black Lives Matter groups and Tea Party chapters to longstanding organizations like Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, or Americans for Prosperitychills free speech by silencing important voices critical of powerful government officials. Nonprofit groups like the NAACP were pivotal in organizing the peaceful assemblies of the civil rights movement. If their donors had been exposed, history may have unfolded differently. The First Amendment helped to ensure that this didnt happen. So, 60 years later, the lessons of Selma remain very relevant. If you want to speak out, then speak up. Take a stand, because the First Amendment stands for you. Helen Knowles-Gardner is the Director of Research at the Institute for Free Speech; Tiffany Donnelly is the Deputy Director of Communications at the Institute for Free Speech President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP The White House is doubling down on President Donald Trumps recent claim suggesting the Biden administration spent more than $8 million making mice transgender. The rodent remarks came during the presidents address to Congress on Tuesday, as he highlighted what he called wasteful federal spending uncovered by the Department of Government Efficiency, including the millions of dollars allegedly put toward transitioning mice. This is real, Trump emphasized, triggering a prompt response from the fact checkers at CNN. The network initially speculated the president was referring to a $477,121 pot set aside between 2021 and 2022 for three different projects aimed at better understanding how feminizing hormones can affect the immune system. They all involved testing on monkeys. The Fake News losers at CNN immediately tried to fact check it, the White House fired back in a press release Wednesday, but President Trump was right (as usual). It then provided a list of $8.3 million in federal grants for six different health studies on the potential impacts of treatments used in gender-affirming care, all of which involved mice, according to the White House. That list included $299,940 awarded by the National Cancer Institute in 2023 for a project examining breast cancer risk among transgender men. It involved comparing cancer rates among female mice and those receiving testosterone therapy. An additional $455,000 was doled out by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to a study aimed at examining how gender-affirming care could impact the efficacy of an HIV vaccination. A third study awarded $735,113 looked at how the gut microbiome could be interacting with hormone therapy, while another granted $3.1 million sought to better understand the effects of asthma in all people, including those who are transgender. A fifth study used $2.5 million to analyze how testosterone affects reproductivity in transgender men. The rest of the pot, $1.2 million, went toward examining how hormones, like testosterone, influence the brains control of reproductive hormones and fertility. That study, however, relied on transgenic mice which means the mouse had been genetically altered in some way not transgender mice. _____ 2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The push for group-based preferences that began with affirmative action in the 1960s and evolved into todays Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) movement is now in decline. Merit, not skin color, sex or sexual peccadilloes, may soon decide everything from hiring to college admissions. Hopefully, Americas half century of failed social engineering will be replaced with what Thomas Jefferson called a Natural Aristocracy. Nevertheless, the battle over merit is far from over. The sad reality is that the anti-merit impulse runs deep in human history. Yes, merit has promoted civilization, but anti-merit identity politics is hardly a historical abnormality. Nepotism and ethnocentrism, both of which are antithetical to merit, are probably hardwired into our DNA; the desire for meritocracy is not. To appreciate this aversion to ability, consider what occurred in Nazi Germany. On April 7, 1933, just two months after assuming political power, Adolf Hitler issued his infamous Law for the Restoration of Professional Civil Service ordering the immediate dismissal of any government official who had at least one Jewish grandparent or opposed the Nazi regime. Since all German academics were state employees, this edict applied to every professor along with judges, police officers, and countless bureaucrats. A mass exodus of researchers and professors ensued, some of whom while not themselves Jewish had Jewish spouses. Others who were Jewish or had Jewish ancestry were not Germans, but as residents of nearby countries, they saw the handwriting on the wall and fled. German physics was devastated. Among those escaping were Hans Bethe, Felix Bloch, Max Born, Albert Einstein, James Franck, Otto Frisch, Fritz London, Lise Meitner, Erwin Schrodinger, Otto Stern, Leo Szilard, Edward Teller, Victor Weisskopf, and Eugene Wigner. ThreeEinstein, Franck, and Schrodingerwere Nobel Prizes winners and five others would eventually receive that prize. Several, notably Bethe and Teller, played major roles in the Manhattan Project or contributed to the physics underlying the atomic bomb. The exodus was a windfall for countries accepting the refugeessome 2500 of these scientists and academics fled to the United Kingdom. U.S. patents increased by 31 percent after 1933 in fields common among German refugees. When the eminent German scientist Max Planck personally pleaded with Hitler not to fire Jewish physicists, Hitler said that the Reich did not need them. The expulsion of highly talented people is hardly unusual. Amy Chuas World on Fire describes how ethnically distinct market-dominant minorities such as overseas Indians in East Africa, Lebanese in West Africa, the Chinese in Indonesia, among countless others have suffered this fate. In Indonesia, for example, the Chinese were once a mere three percent of the population but controlled 75 percent of the economy, and this dominance often instigated anti-Chinese violence. The United States likewise illustrates how group over-representation in inner-city business can be the object of ethnic strife. The elimination of colonialism in sub-Sahara Africa similarly exhibits the dire consequences of disregarding competence. When South Africa ended apartheid in 1994, blacks replaced whites in both government and the private sector and the result is soaring crime, widespread unemployment, rampant corruption, collapsing infrastructure and a declining economy. White-run Rhodesia went from a thriving agricultural economy to a black-run nation (now re-named Zimbabwe) plagued by famine. According to Chua, the animus towards the economic dominant minority is fueled by widespread beliefs about their dishonesty (sharp practices) and clannishness versus attributing success to their work ethic and business acumen. Chua argues that the push to expel successful minorities is facilitated by democracy insofar as democracy encourages demigods to appeal to popular resentments against foreigners. Why the urge to eliminate merit? Can people be that stupid to believe that lowering the standard for airplane pilots in the name of racial justice will be cost-free? Surely the historical record on what occurs when merit is abandoned is unambiguous. The reality is that people often reject merit as the primary value. It is not that competence is unimportant; rather, it is less vital than other values. In some cases, the animus is driven by envy or anti-intellectualism. The appeal of ideology and religion can be blinding. Hitler probably knew that expelling Jewish physicists would weaken German science, but given his overpowering antisemitism, the cost was bearable. Those who expelled the Jews from Spain in 1492 likely anticipated the loss of economic and intellectual talent, but making Spain totally Catholic was paramount. Consider cities such as East St. Louis, Missouri and Jackson, Mississippi where life resembles living in a third world countrymunicipal services are spotty, crime commonplace, city streets often unnavigable, schools barely function, all while the city is ruled by corrupt incompetents. Nevertheless, these dreadful conditions are self-imposed since residents knowingly vote for and then repeatedly re-elect incompetents. Indeed, when the state or federal government intervene to remedy the mess, such intrusions are resisted. Yes, the schools are ineffective but given a choice between local though inept control versus better schools run but run by competent outsiders, the former option is preferred. A clueless, dishonest mayor can be an economic bonanza for the politically connected, at least until the city goes bankrupt. Personal self-interest and the more general benefits of upholding merit often collide. The hiring of unqualified faculty based on race or sex bestow immediate rewards to those hired, and may burnish a schools reputation for promoting diversity, but the costspoorly educated graduates, inferior research and diminished academic prestigewill only be incurred decades later. A medical school admissions officer may be financially rewarded if he achieves greater racial diversity, but he will unlikely seek medical treatment from an unqualified applicant he personally admitted. Incompetence is also easily defended by claiming that the very idea of merit is a socially constructed concept whose true but hidden purpose (white supremacy) is to exclude people of color. From this perspective, measures of merit such as a bar exam are arbitrary barriers whose real purpose is to reject the less powerful, and with a more equitable access to the proper training, anybody could be a lawyer, doctor or rocket scientist. So why not just hire based on race and gender? After all, no group monopolizes talent. Unfortunately, it is difficult to reject this reasoning except by eliminating existing merit-based job criteria, a policy that invites disaster. Who would fly with an airline that hired its pilots according to race and gender? Fans of racial preferences are seldom, if ever, swayed by mountains of evidence. Africans living under British or French colonial rule probably knew from first-hand experience or what occurred elsewhere that the colonial administrators were more capable, but their desire for independence outshined the material benefits of colonialism. Recall how voters in many American cities regularly re-elect incompetent officials. These voters know what they are getting and truly want these results. In both instances incompetence is not a problem; it may even be an advantage for those seeking office. Todays battle over merit is part of the larger culture war insofar competence is a value akin to promoting strong families, public safety and quality education, but not everybody prioritizes merit. Many would be hurt economically if merit were the primary value. The desire for merit may now be in ascendancy, but no victory can be final. Image: Free from Pexels. In 1796, George Washington bequeathed to posterity a prescient admonition: steer clear of permanent alliances that could shackle the fledgling republic to the whims of foreign powers. His Farewell Address, burnished by Jeffersons later flourishentangling alliances with nonewas no mere relic of a parochial age. It was a clarion call to safeguard sovereignty, a principle now imperiled by a web of commitments that conservatives must urgently reassess. Today, as America navigates a fractured globe, Washingtons wisdom demands not blind reverence but a bold reimaginingone that honors our founding ethos while confronting the complexities of 2025. The conservative soul recoils at dependence. Self-reliance, rooted in the rugged individualism of the frontier and the moral clarity of the Constitution, defines our creed. Yet behold the paradox: the United States, champion of liberty, finds itself tethered to a lattice of alliancesmilitary, economic, and culturalthat threaten to erode the very autonomy we extol. NATO binds us to Europes defense, trade pacts dictate our markets, and supranational bodies whisper in our policymaking chambers. These are not mere partnerships; they are entanglements, subtle chains forged in the name of progress but forged nonetheless. Consider NATO, a Cold War artifact now stretched beyond its original mandate. With 31 members as of 2025, it has ballooned into a leviathan, its tendrils reaching into the Baltics and the Black Sea. Conservatives cheered its birth as a bulwark against Soviet tyranny, and rightly so. But what once shielded us now ensnares us. The 2022 Ukraine crisisstill smolderingdrags America into a proxy war with Russia, not out of direct threat but because alliance loyalty demands it. Article 5, a noble pledge, becomes a tripwire: an attack on Estonia or Poland could summon our sons and daughters to die for borders we scarcely comprehend. Washington foresaw this perilalliances, he warned, could entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition. Balance compels acknowledgment: NATO deters aggression, a fact etched in the relative calm of post-1945 Europe. Yet deterrence need not mean entanglement. A conservative vision would reframe it as a coalition of convenience, not a sacred covenant. Why not a tiered structurecore members bearing mutual defense, peripheral ones offering cooperation without compulsion? Such innovation preserves strength while unshackling us from obligations that serve Brussels more than Boise. Economically, the entanglements deepen. Trade agreements like the defunct Trans-Pacific Partnershipor its successors lurking in 2025s diplomatic shadowspromise prosperity but deliver servitude. Conservatives laud free markets, yet these pacts often bind us to rules crafted by unelected technocrats, eroding the sovereignty of our legislatures. The World Trade Organization, with its 164 members, adjudicates disputes that can override American lawrecall the 2000s steel tariff saga, when WTO rulings forced U.S. concessions. And China, our economic frenemy, exploits these frameworks, flooding markets with subsidized goods while we subsidize their ascent through tangled supply chains. Jeffersons commerce with all never meant ceding control to globalist Mandarins. A conservative reclamation demands originality: renegotiate or retreat. Bilateral deals, forged with nations sharing our valuesthink a fortified U.S.-UK pactcould replace sprawling multilateral traps. Tariffs, wielded judiciously, might resurrect domestic industry without sparking trade wars. The goal is not isolation but independencetrade that enriches us, not ensnares us. Culturally, the entanglement is subtler yet more insidious. The United Nations and its satellitesUNESCO, WHOpeddle ideologies at odds with American principles. In 2024, UNESCOs push for global citizenship curricula infiltrated U.S. schools, diluting the civic education conservatives once cherished. The WHOs pandemic edicts, still echoing from 2020, clashed with our federalism, pressuring states to bend to Genevas will. These are not alliances of steel but of ideas, entangling our minds in a progressive orthodoxy that mocks borders and faith. Washingtons warning resonates: foreign influence corrupts not just policy but identity. Yet conservatives must not retreat into a hermits shell. The world of 2025pocked by climate crises, cyber threats, and Chinas risedemands engagement. The error lies in permanence, in alliances that ossify into obligations. A nimble America, unbound by rigid pacts, could lead coalitions of the willingad hoc, purpose-driven, dissolving when the task is done. Imagine a cyber-defense league with Japan and India, disbanded once the threat wanes, or a climate compact with Canada, free of supranational baggage. This is not isolationism but strategic liberty, a doctrine conservatives can champion without apology. History buttresses this stance. The 19th century, when America heeded Washington most, saw us thriveexpanding westward, trading globally, yet dodging Europes wars. Contrast the 20th, when entanglements birthed Vietnam and Iraqquagmires costing blood and treasure for scant gain. Today, Afghanistans 2021 collapse, after two decades of NATO-linked nation-building, mocks the permanence we embraced. The lesson is stark: alliances must serve us, not rule us. Critics will cry naivete. A multipolar world, they argue, requires unbreakable bondsChina and Russia lurk, eager to exploit our withdrawal. Fair enough. But strength lies not in entanglements rigidity but in freedoms agility. A disentangled America, armed with a robust military and a vibrant economy, can deter foes and rally friends without being yoked to their fates. Reagan, our conservative lodestar, grasped thishis alliances were muscular but flexible, his peace through strength unbound by foreign vetoes. Innovation seals the argument. Conservatives can pioneer a sovereignty doctrine for 2025: alliances as contracts, not marriagesrenewable, revocable, tethered to clear American interests. Exit clauses, sunset provisions, and mutual benefit audits could transform NATO or trade pacts into tools of our will, not masters of our destiny. This honors Washingtons spirit while adapting it to a wired, warming, warring world. The conservative heart yearns for a nation unshackledfree to chart its course, defend its values, and prosper on its terms. Entangling alliances, in their modern guise, betray that vision, binding us to agendas not our own. Let us reclaim Washingtons counsel, not as dogma but as inspiration, forging a path that marries principle with pragmatism. The hour is late, the stakes eternal. America must bewareand act. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. In a breathtaking act of judicial self-aggrandizement, a single district court judge seized control of $2 billion in taxpayer fundsmoney that the Trump administration had lawfully put on hold. Worse, a narrow 5-4 majority of the Supreme Court has inexplicably blessed this overreach, elevating the dictates of an unelected judge over the executive branch's constitutional authorityat least for now. Justice Alito, joined by Justices Thomas, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh, did not mince words in his dissent: Does a single district-court judge who likely lacks jurisdiction have the unchecked power to compel the Government of the United States to pay out (and probably lose forever) 2 billion taxpayer dollars? The answer to that question should be an emphatic No, but a majority of this Court apparently thinks otherwise. I am stunned. Stunned is the right word. This ruling is more than legally indefensibleit is constitutionally dangerous. As a former public servant who has served both as a chief judicial officer and the chief executive officer of a state executive agency, I see this case from both perspectives. At the executive level, I was always mindful that taxpayer money was the peoples moneynot my agencys. My approach was simple: underspend where possible, maintain a high level of service and ensure a surplus. That is not the norm in government, however. Many agencies burn through every last dollar to justify a larger budget in the next cycle. But this ruling goes far beyond that irresponsible mindsetit kneecaps the executive branchs ability to freeze funding and evaluate programs at the start of an administration. A Flimsy Legal Basis Heres what happened: A coalition of aid organizations sued the Trump administration, claiming its temporary pause on USAID foreign assistance payments violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The case landed before Judge Amir Ali of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, an appointee of President Biden. Judge Ali issued what he styled as a temporary restraining order (TRO)barring the administration from enforcing the funding freeze. But that wasnt enough. When the administration did not move fast enough for his liking, Judge Ali demanded the immediate release of $2 billiona sum that may never be recovered. This was not a true TRO, though. Justice Alito exposed this misnomer: The order here, which commanded the payment of a vast sum that in all likelihood can never be fully recovered, is in no sense temporary. Nor did the order merely restrain the Governments challenged action to preserve the status quo. The APA explicitly excludes this lawsuit from injunctive relief. The APA does not allow courts to override executive decision-making with immediate monetary demands, yet Judge Ali ignored this explicit statutory limitation. This was an egregious overreach that no court following constitutional principles should have allowed. Judges are not policymakers. They are not electedor, in this case, appointedto dictate executive decision-making. Yet that is precisely what happened here. The judge ordered an agency that answers to the president to spend funds in direct defiance of a presidential directive. If this ruling stands, what happens next? If the Navy postpones building a new submarine despite a prior appropriation, can a shipbuilder now sue for injunctive relief to force construction? If the Air Force scraps an aeronautics project, can a contractor demand that the court force the project forward? If an executive agency temporarily freezes grant funding to assess its necessity, can recipients now go to the courts and demand immediate payout, bypassing executive discretion entirely? As extreme as this example may sound, that is actually what happened here. If left unchecked, this ruling invites chaos. The executive branch makes daily business decisions about whether and when to expend funds. Now, a judge has inserted himself into that processnot just temporarily but by compelling immediate, irreversible spending. And this isnt even a dispute between the legislative and executive branches. Its a group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) demanding cashand a judge agrees. This is rule by judicial fiat. A Dangerous Precedent The most egregious part of this case is the flagrant disregard for sovereign immunitya foundational principle of federal law. Private parties cannot sue the federal government for monetary relief unless Congress explicitly waives sovereign immunity. As Justice Alito pointed out: Sovereign immunity bars a suit by private parties seeking to impose a liability which must be paid from public funds in thetreasury. But that is exactly what the District Court ordered here. The APA contains only a narrow waiver of sovereign immunityallowing for judicial review in cases seeking relief other than money damages. That phrase means what it says. Yet here, the judges order blatantly violated this restrictioncompelling an immediate payout that cannot be undone even if this decision is later overturned. This ruling sets a dangerous precedent: Any single district judge can now force the federal government to spend taxpayer money at willunchecked unless the appellate courts step in to restore order. While this precedent may not be binding, rest assured that like-minded judges are watchingand taking notes. If the appellate courts fail to act, this pattern will repeat, with activist judges sidelining executive authority until they are finally brought to heel. Not the Last Word Some will say, Impeach the judge. That will not happenremoval requires a two-thirds Senate vote, and the votes arent there. But this cannot stand. Congress has a role to play, assuming that the House and Senate leadership can rally support for action. With majorities prohibitively small, however, I err on the side of pessimism. At its core, Judge Alis order is a textbook case of outcome-based jurisprudencehe seemingly determined his preferred result first and then worked backward to justify it. It is the antithesis of originalism. The Supreme Courts refusal to vacate the lower courts order does not mean the administration has lost on the meritsit means the fight must continue in the lower courts. Justice Alito made it clear: the Court should have issued a stay of Judge Alis order while this case was fully reviewed. Instead, the Trump administration is now forced to comply with an order that tramples on sovereign immunity, disregards fundamental jurisdictional limits, and emboldens activist judges to wield unchecked power. Simply put, the judiciary was never meant to governand is ill-equipped to do so. It is past time for the Supreme Court to rein in this overreach and restore the constitutional limits on judicial power. Justice Alitos warning could not have been more unambiguous: Today, the Court makes a most unfortunate misstep that rewards an act of judicial hubris and imposes a $2 billion penalty on American taxpayers. And when this case returns to the Supreme Court, conservative justices must be ready to correct this grave mistake. For now, judicial activism wins the day. And once again, the American taxpayer is left footing the bill. Charlton Allen is an attorney, former chief executive officer, and chief judicial officer of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. He is the founder of the Madison Center for Law & Liberty, Inc., editor of The American Salient, and the host of the Modern Federalist podcast. X: @CharltonAllenNC Image: Joe Ravi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered. Andrew Tate is a social media figure with a large audience, estimated in the millions. He is an experienced boxer and mixed martial arts fighter. His audience includes many disaffected men and Muslims. His messaging is misogynist and endorses violent death for nonbelievers. In other words, traditional Islam. Recently, President Trump interceded on his behalf with Romanian authorities who were holding Tate and his brother, Tristan, on human/sex trafficking allegations. This has been an ongoing matter since 2022. Andrew Tate holds dual British and American citizenship. President Trump asked that restrictions against Andrew and Tristan Tate be lifted. Its unclear why our president would involve himself in a foreign civil matter involving a sovereign absent extraordinary circumstances. I certainly would not want a foreign government attempting to interfere with our legal system. Nevertheless, Romania yielded to the Trump administrations demands, and Tate has been returned to the U.S. (although he is not in good odor in Florida). YouTube screen grab. To appreciate why Trumps intercession is strange, it helps to understand just how unsavory Tate is. According to the Middle Eastern Media Research Institute, writing in 2022: Controversial British-American online influencer Andrew Tate, who recently converted to Islam, said in a now-deleted viral TikTok video that ISIS are the real Muslims. The TikTok video was shared on October 25 by a pro-ISIS media outlet on Telegram, which praised Tate for his statements. Later, on October 29, Tate discussed his conversion and beliefs in an October 29 podcast with British Muslim podcaster Mohammad Hijab, saying that elites in Western cultures promote feminism so that women are forced to work outside the home while their children are indoctrinated through schools, the internet, and the matrix. A former professional boxer, Tate gained notoriety for his provocative remarks on social media, many of which have been widely condemned as sexist and misogynistic. Several social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube consequently banned Tates accounts, yet he retains a presence and following online, with both his supporters and detractors continuing to widely circulate his video clips. [End note omitted.] Tate seemed to take his conversion seriously, posting (again from MEMRI): Any Christian who believes in good and understands the true battle against evil must convert. So be patient, indeed the promise of Allah is TRUTH. MEMRI also shares Tates praise for ISIS in a since-deleted video from 2022 that hed posted on his TikTok account: ISIS are the real Muslims because ISIS do exactly what the book says. Kill everyone whos not a Muslim and chop peoples heads off and set them on fire and be fucking raging lunatics. But all the other Muslims go: theyre not real Muslims because I read the book and ignore those parts. Well then, youre not f**king Muslim, because youre ignoring the f**king book. Although Tate deleted the video, he has not walked back the sentiments. There are two take-aways from this. First, this is a vile human being for whom President Trump has gone to bat. Second, Tate is correct that those who call Islam a religion of peace are delusional or liars. What Tate described is what was done on 10/7 by Hamas, who, according to him, were following the dictates of Islam. So why did our President become his advocate? The simple answer is President Trump has no idea who Tate is. I believe this error in judgment is due to his relationship with Tucker Carlson, a relationship I hope he reexamines in the very near future. Tate has been on Carlsons show several times, before and after Fox canceled Carlsons in April 2023. His appearances drew large audiences, because he was careful to focus on the seemingly virtuous idea of man regaining their manliness from the femininity the left demands of them. Some suspect that, because Carlsons son, Buckley, works for JD Vance, this gives Carlson himself a White House connection, and may explain the administration reaching out on Tates behalf. Becoming president and maintaining the power of the office is no simple task. It is at times a difficult balancing act. For that reason, when it comes to some of President Trumps friends, these relationships bear review. Sadly, thats true for Tucker Carlson, who has recently been exposed and recognized as someone who has serious and disturbing issues with Jews and Israel. His position on the Jewish community, and Israel is something that goes beyond mere isolationism. This is no longer a secret. Here are three examples from previous American Thinker pieces: Other sites have noticed too: This last link is the most powerful condemnation of Tucker Carlson when you consider the source. Laurie Cardoza-Moore has an audience that reaches billions globally through Focus on Israel. While she affirms President Trumps support for the Jewish state, she argues that Carlson should be nowhere near the White House after seeing him pictured with the President and Elon Musk, How sad is it that President Trumps supporters have to make excuses for him. If Carlson was aware of Tates background, this only reinforces why the President should part ways with him. As I said earlier, I hope our President reexamines his actions as it concerns Tate and his relationship with Carlson. Per NPR, the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday reined in some of the Trump administrations sweeping effort to eliminate foreign aid that has been authorized by Congress. The thing is, though, that the Executive is a co-equal branch of government. As such, it is permitted to have its own views on what is constitutional or not. The founders view was that the Supreme Court being a co-equal partner in governance with the president has not the power to compel executive compliance with any judicial ruling, even its own. In a letter to William Charles Jarvis, dated September 28, 1820, Thomas Jefferson wrote these words: [T]o consider the judges as the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions [is] a very dangerous doctrine indeed. ... [T]heir power [is] the more dangerous as they are in office for life, and not responsible ... to the elective control. ... [A]ll the departments [are] co-equal and co-sovereign within themselves. If the legislature fails to pass laws ... as prescribed by the constitution ... the judges cannot issue their mandamus [a judicial order] to them; if the president fails to provide the place of a judge ... the judges cannot force him. They can issue their mandamus ... to no executive or legislative officer ... any more than the president or legislature may issue orders to judges or their officers. John Adams, in the hours before the end of his presidential term, appointed 16 Federalist judges to the circuit courts and 42 to lesser courts. These hastily ratified appointments were called the Midnight Judges. Although President Adams had ordered the commissions for these posts to be delivered, the clock ran out on his administration before all the commissions could be dispensed. In one of his first presidential acts, Jefferson canceled delivery of the remaining commissions. As a result, William Marbury would file suit for not being made a federal jurist. Eventually, the Marshall Court would issue a unanimous ruling, in Marbury v. Madison, declaring that the non-delivery of Marburys commission, although in violation of law, had no legal remedy, since the executive was a co-equal branch and not an entity that could be issued a mandamus commanding compliance with judicial opinions. However, John Marshall declared, in an obiter dictum to Marbury an opinion bearing only passing relevance to the case that when a conflict arose between federal law and the Constitution, the Court must side with the Constitution when rendering its decision. He further wrote that the Supreme Court is the superior authority in deciding questions of whether a law is constitutional, setting the Court above the other branches of government. Lincoln, during his presidency, took the position that the Supreme Courts decision in the Dred Scott case was against the proposition in the U.S. Constitution that all men are created equal. In retrospect, it would appear Lincoln was right. In a speech supporting his constitutional opinion with respect to Dred Scott, Lincoln quoted President Andrew Jackson: [T]he opinion of the Supreme court ... ought not to control the co-ordinate authorities of this Government. The Congress, the Executive, and the Court must each for itself be guided by its own opinion of the Constitution. Each public officer, who takes an oath to support the Constitution, swears that he will support it as he understands it, and not as it is understood by others. In office, Lincoln both rejected and disregarded the Dred Scott ruling, having found it unconstitutional as well as being based on fake history. To wit, Lincoln quoted Judge Curtiss dissenting opinion: The Constitution was ordained and established by the people of the United States, through the action, in each State, of those persons who were qualified by its laws to act thereon in behalf of themselves and all other citizens of the State. In some of the States, as we have seen, colored persons were among those qualified by law to act on the subject. These colored persons were not only included in the body of the people of the United States by whom the Constitution was ordained and established; but in at least five of the States they had the power to act, and, doubtless, did act, by their suffrages, upon the question of its adoption. Lincoln believed it to be important that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. In other words, Lincoln did not believe in government of the Judiciary, by the Judiciary, and for the Judiciary. His view was that it was eventually a matter for the people to decide, at the polling place, all matters constitutional. In the Dred Scott case, the seven justices voting in the majority were Democrats, whereas the two dissenting jurists identified politically as a Whig (Justice Benjamin Curtis) and a Republican (Justice John McLean). Of course, Lincoln, who agreed with the proequal rights minority, would not only, in time, free America from an unjust ruling of a racist Democrat majority, but also go on to liberate the slaves of the Democrat-governed South. During the past century, Democrat-controlled corporatist media have prosecuted the notion that the Judiciary determines the only legitimate interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. In Trumps America, however, a constitutional restoration of government of, by, and for the people is now underway. It is a state of affairs that Jefferson, Jackson, and Lincoln would certainly condone. Paul Dowlings book on the Constitution is Keeping a Free Republic downloadable for $1.99. Additionally, Paul has contributed to the Independent Sentinel and Free Thought Matters. Image via Pixabay. The integrity of the U.S. judicial system is fundamental to maintaining public trust and the rule of law. Federal judges play a crucial role in interpreting laws and ensuring justice under the Constitution. To fulfill these responsibilities effectively, judges must adhere to strict ethical standards that promote impartiality, integrity, and independence. When judges violate these standards, the impeachment process acts as a vital mechanism to address misconduct and preserve the Judiciarys credibility. Federal judges are guided by the Code of Conduct for United States Judges, established by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Judges must be independent and impartial. They must remain free from external influences, ensuring their decisions are based solely on legal principles and evidence rather than personal biases or public opinion. Judges are expected to uphold high standards of honesty, integrity and transparency, both personally and professionally. Judges must maintain a professional demeanor and avoid any actions or relationships that might compromise their impartiality or the dignity of their office. Judges are responsible for safeguarding the confidentiality of sensitive information obtained in their official capacity, respecting privacy, and maintaining the integrity of judicial proceedings. Any violations of these ethics can lead to a higher court overturning their rulings, ethics charges, and even impeachment proceedings. Impeachment of federal judges is rare but significant, reflecting the gravity of judicial misconduct. As of October 2023, 15 federal judges have been impeached by the House of Representatives. Charges included... John Pickering (1804) Drunkenness and unlawful rulings. Convicted and removed. Samuel Chase (1805) Political bias and misconduct. Acquitted by the Senate. West Hughes Humphreys (1862) Supporting the Confederacy. Convicted and removed. Robert W. Archbald (1913) Improper business dealings. Convicted and removed. Harold Louderback (1933) Favoritism in bankruptcy cases. Acquitted by the Senate. Halsted L. Ritter (1936) Tax evasion, favoritism, and corruption. Convicted and removed. Harry E. Claiborne (1986) Tax evasion. Convicted and removed. Alcee L. Hastings (1989) Perjury and conspiracy to solicit a bribe. Convicted and removed. Walter L. Nixon, Jr. (1989) Perjury before a grand jury. Convicted and removed. Samuel B. Kent (2009) Sexual assault and obstruction of justice. Resigned before the Senate trial. G. Thomas Porteous Jr. (2010) Corruption and perjury. Convicted and removed. Impeachment proceedings begin in the House, where any member can introduce a resolution calling for an investigation into a judges conduct. The House Judiciary Committee typically conducts this investigation. If the committee finds sufficient evidence, it drafts articles of impeachment. These articles are debated and voted on by the full House. A simple majority of those present and voting is required to approve at least one article, officially impeaching the judge. Following impeachment, a trial is conducted, and the Senate acts as the jury, with the chief justice of the Supreme Court presiding. House managers (acting as prosecutors) and defense counsel for the judge present their cases. To convict and remove the judge, a two-thirds majority vote is required in the Senate. In partisan times like these, it would be rare for Democrats to vote to impeach any judge. The integrity of the Judiciary is fundamental to the democratic fabric of the United States. Ethical judges ensure fair and impartial justice, providing a crucial check on the powers of the Legislative and Executive Branches. This impartiality is vital for both political parties, as it guarantees that laws are applied consistently and that individual rights are protected regardless of political affiliation. A Judiciary perceived as biased or corrupt can erode public confidence, leading to skepticism about the fairness of legal proceedings and the rule of law. This perception can have far-reaching implications, influencing everything from civil rights to economic stability. Ensuring that judges adhere to ethical standards is not just about maintaining the reputation of the Judiciary; it is about safeguarding democracy itself. For political parties, maintaining ethical judges is crucial, as it ensures that political motivations do not undermine the judicial process. Both parties benefit from a Judiciary that decides cases based on law and evidence rather than political pressure or personal bias. Judicial appointments have become increasingly politicized, with both parties recognizing the long-term impact of appointing judges who align with their ideological perspectives. However, whereas the ideological leanings of judges may vary, the expectation of ethical conduct remains constant. Unfortunately, the number of federal cases that are perceived as biased has risen sharply in the last ten years, many featuring opposition to President Trump and his policies, with a corresponding drop in trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch from 75% in 2000 to 50% in 2022. Ensuring that appointees adhere to ethical standards is a bipartisan priority. The Senates role in confirming judicial nominees involves rigorous vetting processes aimed at evaluating not only the qualifications and judicial philosophy of candidates, but also their ethical standards and past conduct. The process to remove judges is daunting, but simply bringing official charges and exposing unethical behavior of conflicts of interest and personal bias in the House of Representatives may begin the process of reining in biased judges. A good start would be federal judge John McConnell from Rhode Island whose daughter, Catherine McConnell, is a senior adviser to the Department of Education. Parading a dozen or more judges in front of the Judiciary Committee and watching them try to justify their biased decisions will go a long way toward ending partisan bias in our federal courts. There is a court that may be even more important than the Supreme Court: the court of public opinion. Call your representatives and senators, and demand that they begin impeachment hearings for corrupt and biased federal judges. Jack Gleason is a conservative, commonsense political writer. If you have connections to the Trump team, his email is JackGleason9@protonmail.com, and his always free Substack is jackgleason.substack.com. Image via Raw Pixel. Todays buzzword for cleaning up the political messes left by the anti-natural policies and parasitic money-grubbery of progressivism is the term common sense. The best commonsense solution to permit physical survival, and grant genuine refugee status and safe escape for the Gazans, who are mentally enslaved in a sadistic suicide cult and physically trapped in an atoll of rubble, is a ten-year joint U.S.-Israeli military protectorate. The purposes are to end the 80-year war against Israel, which has been prosecuted through terrorism launched from Gaza; to create a mechanism of evacuation and controlled resettlement of Gazans who have the sanity to choose life for themselves and their children; and to rename in Hebrew, level, and rebuild the former Gaza Strip, with the affirmative intention to fulfill Israels manifest destiny of expansion to the Mediterranean sea. This full political incorporation of the former Gaza into Israel will have special agreements to benefit the interests of the United States. The founding documents of the protectorate will 1) Confront the crimes and abuses committed by the United Nations against Israel and discredit and terminate any authority or involvement of the United Nations regarding the former Gaza. 2) Declare that the Palestinian Authority is a failed, obsolete, and irrelevant governmental device, long complicit in maintaining suffering and death for the residents of the former Gaza for the sake of the PLAs own enrichment, wholly unable to overcome the entrenched terrorist control of Hamas. 3) Rename the former Gaza, from its negative biblical references, to positive meaning in modern Hebrew, with a suggestion to name an area devoted to recreation Ir Bibas. 4) Organize international, controlled, supported resettlement of former Gazans, galvanizing the resources of humane people to resettle the Gazans in small communities across the world. 5) Build in the former Gaza a modern economic base offering a secure, prosperous, and happy future to Israeli citizens and visitors from other nations, with special agreements in gratitude for American national interests. 6) After no more than ten years, the protectorate status dissolves, and the former Gaza is fully incorporated into the nation of Israel. Many territories are defended by a stronger protector nation through a protectorate status. Following its surrender in 1945, the nation of Japan, an ancient people of extraordinarily distinctive culture and national identity, accepted seven years of American occupation before restoring full independence in 1952. There are said to be 17 protectorate nations in the world today, called non-self-governing territories. But the people of Gaza are the first nation in world history who need to be protected and removed not from so-called enemies like Israel and America, but from brother Arabs in supposedly allied nations, who strive to keep the Gazans confined to a territory they have demographically outgrown. Penned up like hungry attack dogs, they permanently threaten and sink claw and tooth into Israel. With friends like these, the Gazans need their reliable enemies to facilitate a sane existence for them, resettled away from the degrading state of perpetual hate and rescued from the demolished land stealthily purloined from Israel after 1948. Thomas Jefferson explained why the Israelis could not face their imminent endangerment when he wrote of human nature that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. Modern psychologys resilience theory has explored Jeffersons observation regarding human adjustment to difficult conditions. No birthright community in world history has evidenced more resilience and tolerance than the Jews. But the outrages committed on October 7, 2023 by the people of Gaza against the people of Israel established once and for all that the evils of living cheek by jowl with the villains of Gaza are no longer sufferable. In this moment of Americans welcoming stunning innovations, including bold solutions to the problem of war, and in light of the special spiritual bond between America and the nation of Israel, may this proposal be considered. Please visit Dr. Tylers Substack article President Trumps Newburgh Address 2.0. Image via Pxfuel. The recent Supreme Court decision ordering the Trump administration to disburse $2 billion in foreign aid has ignited fierce debate over the courts role in U.S. governance, with critics questioning its legitimacy and constitutional boundaries. The ruling, which drew sharp dissent from Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh, has intensified scrutiny of the judiciarys influence over executive powers. The decision mandates that the administration release funds despite objections from President Trumps team, who argued that it restricts their duty to American taxpayers and overlooks alleged fraud in aid distribution. Critics, including legal analyst Mike Davis, have accused the court of overstepping, with Davis posting on X: When the federal judiciary loses its legitimacy, it must lose its funding. In his dissent, Justice Alito expressed disbelief, writing, Does a single district-court judge have the unchecked power to compel the Government to pay out 2 billion taxpayer dollars? The answer should be an emphatic No. The ruling has fueled claims that the Supreme Court is encroaching on the executive branchs authority under Article II of the Constitution, which grants the president control over foreign policy and national security. Dissenting justices warned that the decision sets a precedent for courts to dictate economic and strategic policy, areas traditionally reserved for the executive. Public and Political Backlash The reaction on social media has been swift and vocal. Along with Mike Davis, who called the majority five justices allowing a radical Biden judge to undermine the president, others, including commentator Mike Benz, sarcastically remarked on X, Supreme Court mandates your salary must be spent this year on transgender dance festivals in Botswana. George Behizy, another X user, criticized the court for ignoring USAID fraud allegations before issuing the ruling. This decision follows other controversial moves by the court. In a prior case, it reinstated Hampton Dellinger as head of the Office of Special Counsel despite the administrations security concerns, ruling the president lacked authority to remove him. (Late this whis week Dellinger dropped his suit and agreed to resign.) Additionally, the courts handling of the Marchand/Bragg Hush Money case -- allowing sentencing to proceed despite executive immunity claims -- has drawn accusations of inconsistency after its earlier presidential immunity ruling. Critics also point to 2020, when the court declined to hear election fraud cases brought by Trump, citing lack of standing. A Shifting Perception Historically a pillar of Republican support, the Supreme Court now faces doubt from both sides of the political spectrum. Democrats have long criticized its conservative leanings, but now some Republicans, who once championed its rulings, question its impartiality. Mike Engleman, posting as @RealHickory on X, warned, When the highest court wont uphold the Constitution, you are no longer a Constitutional Republic. Legal experts are divided. Some argue the court acted within its authority to check executive power, while others see it as a dangerous overreach that could erode the separation of powers. The rulings implications -- coupled with instant public analysis via social media -- have thrust the court into an unprecedented spotlight. What Lies Ahead? As public trust wavers, the Supreme Courts latest decision raises broader questions: Has it set a precedent for judicial control over executive policy? And can it maintain its legitimacy amid growing partisan mistrust? With the balance of power at stake, the fallout from this ruling could shape the courts role -- and the nations governance -- for years to come. Image: Kjetil Ree via Wiki Every January, a howling can be heard in and around Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sometimes, its just the wind coursing through the nearby Sangre de Cristo mountains. More often, the howling is coming from the members of the New Mexico state Legislature, which convenes every January for a 30- or 60-day session. The howling is the annual complaining about the fact that the New Mexico Legislature is the only one in the country that does not receive an annual salary. Instead, it receives a daily per diem based on the IRS travel reimbursement rates for Santa Fe. This year, the amount is $247. Strangely silent from the complaining legislators is any discussion of a need to modify their retirement plan. You will soon see why. The primary statutes controlling legislators retirement pay are contained in New Mexico Statutes at Large (NMSA) 10-11-43.1 to NMSA 10-11-43.5. It is an extraordinarily generous defined benefit plan. Unlike any other state legislator pension plan in the country, a legislator in New Mexico can retire after only ten years of service and immediately start receiving a pension regardless of his age. It is not uncommon for ex-legislators in their thirties and forties to start receiving pensions. To show the generosity of the plan, I will use the following hypothetical. A 28-year-old man is elected to the New Mexico Legislature and serves for ten years from January 1, 2015 until December 31, 2024. He starts receiving his pension in 2025, when he is just 39 years old. His life expectancy in 2025 is another 35.94 years. He makes the following plan contributions during his ten years in the Legislature: Year Amount 2015 $600 2016 $600 2017 $600 2018 $600 2019 $1,000 2020 $1,000 2021 $1,000 2022 $1,000 2023 $1,000 2024 $1,000 Total $8,400 The formula to determine the retirement benefit after ten years of service is the per diem for Santa Fe in 2025 ($247) times (14%) times (90) times years of service (10). $247 * .14*90*10 = $31,122 annual pension. When the annual pension is multiplied by the life expectancy of 35.94, the total comes to an astonishing. $1,118,524. That figure is 140 times the $8,000 pension contribution amount made by the legislator. But wait. Cost of living increases are permitted in the pension two years after the pension begins. Here are the figures, assuming a 3% cost of living increase beginning in year 3 and each year thereafter until the end of the 36-year actuarial period. Year Annual payment 3% cost of living increase Yearly total 2025 31122 31122 2026 31122 31122 2027 31122 933.66 32055.66 2028 32055.66 961.6698 33017.33 2029 33017.33 990.5199 34007.85 2030 34007.85 1020.235 35028.09 2031 35028.09 1050.843 36078.93 2032 36078.93 1082.368 37161.3 2033 37161.3 1114.839 38276.13 2034 38276.13 1148.284 39424.42 2035 39424.42 1182.733 40607.15 2036 40607.15 1218.215 41825.37 2037 41825.37 1254.761 43080.13 2038 43080.13 1292.404 44372.53 2039 44372.53 1331.176 45703.71 2040 45703.71 1371.111 47074.82 2041 47074.82 1412.245 48487.06 2042 48487.06 1454.612 49941.67 2043 49941.67 1498.25 51439.92 2044 51439.92 1543.198 52983.12 2045 52983.12 1589.494 54572.62 2046 54572.62 1637.178 56209.79 2047 56209.79 1686.294 57896.09 2048 57896.09 1736.883 59632.97 2049 59632.97 1788.989 61421.96 2050 61421.96 1842.659 63264.62 2051 63264.62 1897.939 65162.56 2052 65162.56 1954.877 67117.43 2053 67117.43 2013.523 69130.96 2054 69130.96 2073.929 71204.89 2055 71204.89 2136.147 73341.03 2056 73341.03 2200.231 75541.26 2057 75541.26 2266.238 77807.5 2058 77807.5 2334.225 80141.73 2059 80141.73 2404.252 82545.98 2060 82545.98 2476.379 85022.36 2061 85022.36 2550.671 87573.03 Total 2000396 With an assumed cost of living increase of 3% per year beginning in year 3, the total comes to the extraordinary figure of two million dollars after 36 years. This is 250 times the original contribution of $8,000. Mexican drug cartels would be envious of the profit margin. Gluttony, thy name is the New Mexico state Legislatures pension plan. Image via Pxfuel. Strong dissent by the four actual conservative justices in a case of blatant judicial hubris. The Supreme Court this week allowed an activist federal judge to assume the powers given by the Constitution only to the president under Article II and permitted him to order the government to pay out the mind-boggling sum of 2 billion, with a b, taxpayers dollars to NGOs under the auspices of the thoroughly corrupt United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Very briefly, as the procedural background is convoluted, a group of contractors and non-governmental organizations sued to have a court order the government to release $2,000,000,000 that it had frozen through the operation of the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE). The court agreed with them and ordered the government to pay out this amount, which only in Washington would be considered a routine amount of money. The government apparently didnt move fast enough for this federal judge, and he ordered the government to abide by a totally unreasonable deadline, resulting in the governments appeal to the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, which, predictably, affirmed the order against the government. With a tight deadline facing it, the government filed a motion to have the Supreme Court enter a stay of the order. I described the background here: In issuing his order, the district court judge assumed the powers of the presidency in directing that the administration immediately, repeat: immediately, release two billion dollars in foreign aid. ... The chief justices order was historical in that it was the first time the High Court has acted in any way to show some willingness to rein in what has become a torrent of arbitrary orders from activist judges as part of the new lawfare against President Trump and his program of reshaping federal government functions, including deep spending cuts. Sadly, in a bit of overly optimistic bombast, hoping for any sign that these activist judges would, at long last, be reined in, I concluded, Just a tiny little glimmer of hope that we might be seeing a course correction by the High Court in sending a strong message to these Obama-Biden far-left activists in robes? Yes, but a healthy and encouraging first step, nonetheless. Alas, it was not to be at least not yet. Chief Justice Roberts voted with the liberal wing of the Court, and, continuing her display of more liberal tendencies than were expected in her appointment, so did Justice Amy Coney Barrett, in denying the application for a stay of the lower courts obviously overreaching decree and sending it back for further hearings on whether to make the order permanent. Justice Alitos dissent, joined by Justices Thomas, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh, contains some of the most direct language ever seen in a Supreme Court opinion about the action of a federal district judge. His words are worth examining: Does a single district-court judge who likely lacks jurisdiction have the unchecked power to compel the Government of the United States to pay out (and probably lose forever) 2 billion taxpayer dollars? The answer to that question should be an emphatic No, but a majority of this Court apparently thinks otherwise. I am stunned. [snip] With nowhere else to turn and the deadline fast approaching, the Government asked this Court to intervene. At the last moment, THE CHIEF JUSTICE issued an administrative stay. Unfortunately, a majority has now undone that stay. As a result, the Government must apparently pay the $2 billion posthastenot because the law requires it, but simply because a District Judge so ordered. As the Nations highest court, we have a duty to ensure that the power entrusted to federal judges by the Constitution is not abused. Today, the Court fails to carry out that responsibility. [snip] The District Court, however, failed to mention (much less reckon with) [applicable cases] before plowing ahead with its $2 billion order. [snip] One might expect more care from a federal court before it so blithely discards sovereign dignity. [snip] Today, the Court makes a most unfortunate misstep that rewards an act of judicial hubris and imposes a $2 billion penalty on American taxpayers. While fully admitting, as I must, that my track record on glimmers of hope is not looking very promising right now, I do take solace in the wise words of the esteemed legal scholar Jonathan Turley, who noted that the district court has ordered a hearing to be held on the preliminary injunction. It is plain to see that it will be granted, and then an appeal can be taken (again) to the Supreme Court, where it will take only four justices to grant a writ of certiorari, or review. One does not have to be overly optimistic to note that there are four justices just waiting to get their hands on this decision. And with the tone of some parts of this dissenting opinion, I think a 5-4 reversal is highly likely. I just hope Im not looking for glimmers of hope too hard, as I did last time. We may finally be coming to a day when the High Court is going to start sending stern messages to some of these Obama-Biden judges that judicial hubris of the sort displayed by this judge will not be tolerated. Hope springs eternal. Image via Picryl. Has Alphabet, Googles parent company, been playing favorites when it comes to content moderation? Does it happen to moderate one administration more than the other? Thats what the House Judiciary Committee, led by Republican Chairman Jim Jordan, wants to figure out. The officials have subpoenaed Alphabet to discuss communications between the company and the Biden administration related to content moderation practices. Alphabets content moderation practices The Trump administration and other Republicans claim that Alphabet, along with other tech giants, has suppressed conservative viewpoints under the pretense of content moderation. This subpoena wants to uncover conversations around politically sensitive topics, including moderation decisions linked to former President Joe Bidens administration. Metas Mark Zuckerberg admitted to Jordans House panel last year that the Biden administration had pressured it to censor content, potentially fueling the notion that Alphabet and other tech companies have been playing favorites. Meta later agreed to dial back on its content moderation practices early this year in January. However, Alphabets lack of admission did not sit well with Jordan, who, in his letter to the company, said, Alphabet, to our knowledge, has not similarly disavowed the Biden-Harris Administrations attempts to censor speech. Google has defended its content moderation practices. In a statement made by Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda, he said that the company will continue to show the committee how we enforce our policies independently, rooted in our commitment to free expression. The bigger picture Now, whether or not Alphabet and Big Tech have been playing favorites is one thing. The bigger picture here is that it underscores transparency when it comes to moderation in politics. It also sets a precedent for how regulators and future administrations might want to regulate tech companies further, especially when it comes to politics. Despite this, big tech companies appear to be more cooperative with the Trump administration. President Trump has been aggressively pushing for tariffs on imported goods from countries such as China. Many tech companies, such as Apple, rely heavily on China. This is why some of these firms have been making moves that attempt to stay in Trumps good graces. This includes hundreds of billions of dollars worth of investments in the US company. Youd think that working for one of Americas largest carriers would be amazing, right? Turns out that isnt the case, according to T-Mobile employees who have shared their experiences with PhoneArena. In the report, employees revealed that T-Mobile is ripping off customers by charging them for things they dont need and, in some cases, denying employees lunch. T-Mobiles alleged deceptive practices According to one of the employees, T-Mobile stores are apparently ripping customers off by bundling the price of phone insurance and accessories with the price of the phone. This implies that T-Mobile is silently charging more for things that the customer might not want to buy. However, T-Mobile comes across as generous because the carrier makes it look like theyre giving those things away for free. If you thought that this only happened at third-party retailers, think again. T-Mobile employees have attempted to escalate the situation to their higher-ups, but despite being reassured that they would look into the matter, nothing has been done. No lunch breaks In addition to these alleged deceptive selling practices, T-Mobile treats its employees poorly. Another story involved how some stores with limited resources do not allow employees to leave for lunch. This is because these stores require employees to be available throughout their shifts. T-Mobile has also actively discouraged employees from speaking out about incidents they deem unfair. This is not the first time weve heard about disgruntled employees at T-Mobile. Recently, there was a story about how T-Mobile is forcing employees to push the T-Life app onto customers. However, customers dont want to use the app due to its poor design and usability. As if that wasnt bad enough, higher-ups are forcing employees to write detailed reports explaining why customers refuse to use the app. For a carrier that once prided itself on being the Un-carrier, T-Mobile is starting to look a lot like the competition it used to bash on. That being said, these are anecdotal reports. It would be difficult to confirm if these incidents and practices are happening at every T-Mobiles branch. If they are, its uncertain that the carrier will do something to change the situation. There have been reports of other companies, such as Amazon, mistreating and underpaying their workers. However, Amazons lights are still on at the end of the day without any real repercussions. So, dont be surprised if T-Mobile gets away with it too. DeepSeek has taken the world by storm over the past few months. And now, The White House has taken notice. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the Trump administration may be taking steps to restrict the Chinese artificial-intelligence app. This could include banning the chatbot from government devices due to national security concerns. According to the report, the government is worried about how DeepSeek handles user data. The servers for DeepSeek are located in China, as you might expect for a Chinese company. The Trump Administration also believes that the company has not sufficiently explained how this data is stored and who has access to it. Currently, the US is looking to bar government employees from installing the app on US government devices like smartphones and laptops. This is the same thing the government did to TikTok before ultimately attempting to ban it entirely from the US. The US could move to ban DeepSeek from US app stores The Journal also notes that another move the government is considering is, banning DeepSeek from US app stores (Apple App Store and Google Play Store), and putting limits on how US-based cloud service providers are able to offer DeepSeek AI models to customers. The report also notes that these talks are in the early stages, so things could change and quickly. The US would not be the first government to limit the access to DeepSeek, as the app has already been removed from Italian app stores, while South Korea suspended new downloads of the app. This came after the company was unable to address regulators concerns about its privacy policy. Australia, Canada and Taiwan have also banned the use of DeepSeek on government devices. Here in the US, some major cloud vendors have been providing DeepSeeks AI models as part of their services to customers. Restricting this access could affect some pretty major cloud providers. TSMCs $100 billion investment in the US was supposed to help put the company in President Donald Trumps good gracesor was it? Despite TSMCs eye-watering investment, there is a chance that the company could still end up paying tariffs on its chips, which is part of Trumps plan to bolster the US economy by encouraging local manufacturing and production. A play on words By doing it here, he has no tariffs, said Trump to reporters, referring to TSMC and its CEO, C.C. Wei. However, according to a person familiar with the matter, this might simply be a play on words. Yes, TSMC making its semiconductors in the US wouldnt result in tariffsthat much is obvious. But at the same time, it doesnt mean the company wont escape tariffs on its products imported from overseas, like China. The Trump administration is currently deliberating the idea of imposing chip tariffs on TSMC and other Taiwanese chipmakers. This could result in tariffs as high as 100%. In one version of the plan, officials propose applying these tariffs not just to the chips themselves but also to products using them, such as Apples iPhones. If Apples iPhones werent expensive enough, these tariffs could push their prices through the roof. Its not so easy However, there is a chance that these tariffs, if implemented at all, would be as effective as Trump hopes. This is due to how the semiconductor supply chain works. The semiconductor industry relies on components made by companies all over the world. If Trump imposes 100% tariffs on imports from Taiwan, companies will find a workaround to bypass the restrictions. For example, they could assemble its chips in a different part of the world. That is, unless Trump decides to impose tariffs on all countries. These tariffs might also not be as devastating as one would think. According to Chris Miller, a history professor at Tufts University, TSMC might make a bit less money, the fabless company that designs the chips might make a bit less money, and the end company that actually sells the products that the chip is assembled into might also find their product margin squeezed. Taiwan-based semiconductor industry insider, known by the alias Hsu Mei-hu, also expressed their doubts about these tariffs. The industry around the world has never dealt with chip tariffs like this before. Its theoretically possible, but nearly impossible in practice. Need a little something to boost your serotonin levels after a long, dreary day (who doesn't need that, am I right)? If so, I've got just the thing. Get ready to get your good vibes on, because it's time for a sing-along with animal rescuer Ryan Phillips and his best pal on four hooves, Jenna the stylish horned cow! Ryan Phillips rescued Jenna from a dairy farm when she was a calf back in 2018, and they've been inseparable ever since. Jenna has a passion for fashionshe loves wearing scrunchies on her hornsbut more than that, she loves listening to Ryan play his acoustic guitar and serenade her with Phil Collins tunes. Lucky Ryanif I had an adorable cheerleader like Jenna on my shoulder, there'd be nothing I couldn't accomplish! Jenna is Ryan's biggest fan, and according to Ryan, she's done wonders for his vocal prowess over the course of their friendship together. "This [Against All Odds] is one of my favorite songs and also a song I never thought I'd be able to sing. In fact, it wasn't until I started to sing to Jenna that my vocal range expanded to where it is now," Ryan explained in his caption. "If only she'd been around inspiring me back when I was a kid, I would have been so much better by now, maybe even had my rock and roll dreams come true. But, I'd much rather spend my days with Jenna than be playing to stadiums. So life worked out exactly as it was meant to!" Ryan and Jenna frequently get together and jam out for TikTok in their "Tunetastic Tuesday" seriesJenna with her horns adorned in scrunchies and flower headbands, Ryan with his acoustic guitar and a mental catalog of rocking tunes. The charismatic duo never fails to draw a crowd and always brings good vibes to their appreciative fans. "Look at her face, eyes closed, just loving this. You, sir, are in heaven," said @yorkielove4. Other TikTokers were equally entranced, with one @peoplearepeople73 sharing that their singalong "made me smile in a world that is hard to smile in." The comments were full of heartfelt feedback from people who really needed a smile... along with a few punny responses. "This was a very MOOving performance," quipped @cjr72104. I guess we can't deny that! Jenna's Story It's heartbreaking to think that Jenna almost didn't get this magical life with her friend and adopted dad Ryan. According to her bio on the website for the Life With Pigs Farm Animal Sanctuary, Jenna was born in 2018 on a North Carolina dairy farm. Because she was born with a twin brother, she was a Freemartin cow, or a masculinized female cow that likely would never produce milk or have babies of her own. The dairy farmer wanted to put the twin calves down, but his daughter, Jenna, convinced him to let her find someone to give them a home first. Ryan Phillips adopted the female calf when she was three days old, naming her "Jenna" in honor of the woman who saved her and her brother's lives. Jenna "mooved" out to the Life With Pigs Sanctuary in Williamsburg, VA, where she joined scores of other cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and other farm animals (along with a few "wild card" animals, like their adopted conure Sassy). Jenna has lived at the idyllic farm sanctuary ever since, where she's free to live like a contented calf for the rest of her daysand since cows can live up to 15-20 years or more, that means she and Ryan can look forward to many, many "Tunetastic Tuesdays" together in their future. Supplies of bananas should return to normal after shoppers were left disappointed by empty shelves in some supermarkets this week, as shipments were delayed by stormy weather. Tesco is understood to have been affected by delays to a ship transporting the fruit to the UK. Customers took to social media to complain of empty shelves in shops and bunches of bananas being out of stock online. One user wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: Yes, we have no bananas! Empty shelves at Tesco on the sun-kissed Isle of Sheppey today following the non arrival of the banana boat. They shared a photo of a customer notice placed on the empty shelves which said the shortage had been caused by shipment delays. Another user shared a photo of empty shelves at a Tesco in Bournemouth, Dorset. Packs of six small bananas are currently out of stock on Tescos website. Tesco was contacted for comment but could not be reached on Friday. Some customers reportedly spotted shortages of the fruit in M&S, but supplies are understood to have now returned to normal. Sainsburys said it checked its supplies and had no issues. Retail insiders suggested that any shortages were temporary and not widespread, and delayed shipments were on their way again. But experts have warned that farmers who grow the staple fruit are increasingly struggling against climate change and adverse weather conditions. Bananas cannot be grown in the UK so must be imported from other countries such as Colombia, Costa Rica and Ecuador. Higher temperatures along with an increased frequency and intensity of drought, floods, pests and disease have contributed to reducing banana quality and yields. Nahuel Tunon, head of sustainable sourcing at the Fairtrade Foundation, warned that businesses need to build more resilient supply chains to avoid shortages in future. It is clear is that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, posing a growing threat to global food supply chains, he said. At Fairtrade, we see the consequences of climate change on banana production. Farmers are battling with the growing impacts of climate change, which has resulted in unpredictable weather patterns, hurricanes and increased cases of plant diseases such as Fusarium TR4. All these have had a disastrous effect on banana production, making supply chains more vulnerable to disruption. Bananas are one of the UKs most popular fruits, but their availability cannot be taken for granted. Unless we act now to support farmers in the face of climate change, disruptions like this will become more common. Ben Fogle and Catherine King in New Lives in the Wild. (Channel 5 screengrab) (Channel 5) Ben Fogle has made an emotional appeal to help save a New Lives in the Wild widow's sinking home in California. The adventurer, 50, travels all over the world to stay with people who are living an alternative lifestyle off-grid in his Channel 5 series New Lives in the Wild. Among the brave individuals, Fogle visited Catherine King and Wayne with their Chihuahuas Joy and Huckleberry when they were celebrating 30 years of marriage at their floating home Freedom Cove off Vancouver Island in Western Canada. Their episode aired in series six back in 2017. Catherine, now 68, has been living there alone since her husband Wayne died in 2023 three years after he was diagnosed with cancer. Ben Fogle pictured on the most recent series of New Lives in the Wild. (Channel 5) What happened? Now her levitating home, which was built 33 years ago, is "sinking" and she is seeking $200,000 (108,149) to rebuild a floating house. As per her GoFundMe page, she has a starting goal of $35,000 (18,926). Fogle who told Yahoo UK that he stays in touch with everyone from New Lives in the Wild due to the close friendships forged on the show asked his followers if they could help save her home by donating via the GoFundMe page. The home is no longer livable in its current condition because the foundation beneath the home is rotting, according to the GoFundMe page. Ben Fogle visited the floating home on New Lives in the Wild in Canada. (Channel 5 screengrab) (Channel 5 screengrab) Fogle wrote on Instagram to his 640,000 followers: "Sadly Wayne passed away a few years ago now and Catherine has been living there alone, maintaining their much loved home. Its a tough place to live alone and time has caught up with the grieving Catherine. "The Pacific weather has taken its toll and her home is sinking and she wants to save it and all the memories she has of her beloved husband Wayne. She has been working with students from the University of British Columbia who have a solution but with a cost. Catherine has been living by herself since her husband Wayne died. (Channel 5 screengrab) (Channel 5) "There is a go fund me link in my bio if you want to help Catherine save her magnificent home." Fogle has fond memories of meeting Catherine and Wayne to film New Lives in the Wild. He also said: "One of the most incredible New Lives in the Wild stories was that of Catherine and Wayne who built Freedom Cove off Vancouver Island in Western Canada. Like an artists canvas in the wilderness, Freedom cove was lovingly built by the couple from recycled salmon farm floats over the course of 30 years." Upon meeting the couple on camera for the first time, Fogle told them on New Lives in the Wild: "The first thing that really stands out is the colour. You really haven't tried to blend in!" Fogle told Yahoo UK that he stays with the individuals for seven days or two weeks to film New Lives in the Wild where they are living alongside each other, often getting up to film at 5am, leading to the formation of forever friendships. "I stay in touch with everyone," Fogle previously said. "They become real friends. It is an intense friendship formed in a very short time." New Lives in the Wild house Ben Fogle visited Catherine and Wayne for New Lives in the Wild in 2017. (Channel 5 screengrab) (Channel 5 screengrab) Catherine and Wayne dreamed of living surrounded by nature and they decided to build Freedom Cove using materials they salvaged. People from all over the world from Sweden and Australia to Japan travelled to see their home which had become like an art installation, according to the GoFundMe. Having escaped the rat race and living an alternative lifestyle, the couple were able to focus on their passions: dancing, painting, writing and carving. When Wayne become ill in 2020, there was little time or resources for the pair to continue to maintain their home like they once had when their house was battered by winds and waters. Ben Fogle has fond memories of visiting the floating home in Canada in New Lives in the Wild. (Channel 5) (Channel 5) Catherine has set out her plans to rebuild her home using the money raised by the GoFundMe to hhire help and purchase materials. To build the floating home, the widow needs materials transported across water and a crew who are willing to live on site in Freedom Cove throughout the building work. She has designs for a "sturdy metal platform", rather than the current wooden structure that has now rotten, where she will continue to grow her own food. Aurimas Mockus feared for his life after running into trouble about 740km east of Mackay while attempting a 12,000km Pacific Ocean crossing from San Diego to Brisbane in his solo rowing boat. Photograph: James Gourley/The Guardian Aurimas Mockus finally made it to Australia, but not in the manner he imagined. Instead of triumphantly paddling in on the Kursis, the one-seater boat hed been rowing for nearly five months across the Pacific Ocean as part of a solo mission from San Diego to Brisbane, he arrived in Sydney Harbour, relieved and alive, onboard a 16,000 tonne Australian naval ship. Had it not been for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, he likely would have completed the 12,000km journey, and joined just a handful of people to have rowed across the Pacific solo. Related: Cyclone Alfred live updates: Brisbane, Queensland and NSW BoM path tracking map; landfall time and category; weather forecasts TC Alfred rain and flooding warnings latest Australia news But Alfred, which was directly in the path of the Lithuanian rower, thwarted him. Monster seas hit the Kursis, causing it to roll over and over again and again. For three days, he could not rest or sleep as he battled giant waves, in a boat constantly filling with seawater and all communication with his support team lost. I was like a cat in a washing machine, he told reporters at the HMAS Kuttabul naval base in Potts Point, just east of Sydneys CBD, on Friday morning after disembarking from HMAS Choules and finally, after nearly five months at sea, touching dry land. More seriously, he said, his voice breaking, he knows he was very close to death. As his boat flipped again and again in giant seas, he focused his energy on keeping the promise to his wife and teenage children when he embarked on the journey last year: that he would return to them. [I was] rolling maybe 30 times, Im not counting them, maybe more. Many times [I thought] may be last time, he said. Related: Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the Queensland coast in pictures These last three days in the ocean I have to many times, many hours fight [for] my life, because my boat is sinking; all navigation stops, I just have VHF radio, I have problems in my body. I feel like, if I lost my mind, if I lost my belief [that] I can fight for my life, I [would not be here] together with you today. Now I know hell is not hot, its actually wet and very strong winds. Mockuss wife, Sonata Mockuviene, was at the naval base in Sydney waiting to greet her husband, whom she had not seen since he set off from San Diego on the US west coast in mid-October. She flew in to Australia from Lithuania on Thursday. We were worried, it was too long After walking down the gangway from the ship, Mockus fell to his knees in front of his wife and, sobbing, buried his face in her stomach, as she hugged his head and kissed him. Mockuviene said the rowing trip was not the craziest thing her husband had ever done, but it was the longest crazy he had attempted. She was in almost daily contact with him throughout the journey, receiving a message or short phone call to hear that he was safe and well. But last week the communications stopped. When he missed all the connections, we did not have any information, we were worried, it was too long not getting the message from him, she said. Then, at about 10pm on Friday 28 February, Mockus activated his emergency SOS beacon, transmitting a signal to a satellite that bounced to a 24/7 response centre in Canberra, and setting off a chain of action that would eventually lead to his dramatic rescue from cyclone-battered high seas by HMAS Choules. As you can imagine, its no small task finding an object that small in the middle of our ocean, said Mark Morrow, the executive director of response for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa), which coordinated the search for Mockus. Adding to the difficulty was the cyclone, which was producing winds in excess of 130km/h and heavy seas in excess of nine metres. Normally, we would be in a position where we could divert a vessel to assist us, said Kevin McEvoy, the Amsa response centre manager. But TC Alfred meant that there were no ships in the area. We didnt have that luxury. Mockus was eventually spotted by a Challenger aircraft. Amsa was able to make radio contact with Mockus, using a Lithuanian translator, whom Mockus thanked emotionally on Friday. The team made six flights over three days, maintaining contact with him. Mockuss voice broke as he recounted seeing the aircraft above him for the first time. I thought I am not alone. But how he can help, I dont know. HMAS Choules was deployed from Brisbane and Mockus was rescued on Monday. I dont have words for this, Mockus said, when asked how he felt to see the Royal Australian Navy vessel coming to his aid. Just love. Their journey back to Sydney was fraught. HMAS Choules encountered 12-metre seas and was pitched on 28 degree rolls or a 90ft roll from one side to the other causing some damage to equipment onboard the ship, including sending hospital beds through bulkheads, though no one was injured. Mockus said that after being brought aboard HMAS Choules and being checked by medical staff he has some cuts and bruises from being thrown around in the savage conditions, but nothing serious or life-threatening he was just focused on getting horizontal. When Im sinking, Im thinking about a clear bed, because three, four days, I spent in the wet and rolling sea. Elation An elated Darius Degutis, the Lithuanian ambassador to Australia, thanked the Australian government, defence force and people for the rescue. Its a very special day, because we have Aurimas. We have a saying in Lithuanian language, sveikas ir gyvas, healthy and alive. He is healthy and alive. Degutis read aloud a letter from the foreign minister of Lithuania thanking Australia for rescuing the rower. Lithuania is profoundly grateful to your unwavering commitment to saving lives and we will always remember this extraordinary act of solidarity and cooperation, the letter said. For now, Mockus and his wife will spend some time in Australia before returning to their children in Lithuania. Mockus said he had no regrets about the trip. But asked if he would be attempting it again, to see if he can complete the voyage, he laughed. Not yet, he said. When Mockuviene was asked if she would approve of his husband trying again, she said it was out of her hands. I cannot keep him at the house. Its impossible. Additional reporting by Daisy Dumas Read more of Guardian Australias Tropical Cyclone Alfred coverage: SNCF employees pass an information screen at Gare du Nord in Paris updating passengers about cancelled services. Photograph: Geoffroy van der Hasselt/AFP/Getty Images A second world war bomb found on rail tracks north of Paris was successfully defused on Friday after a day of transport chaos in which the Gare du Nord, used by Eurostar trains from London as well as other high-speed and local services, was shut, roads were closed and dozens of residents were evacuated in the suburb of St-Denis. The unexploded bomb weighing 500kg was found in the middle of a set of tracks during maintenance work in the early hours of Friday morning in the Parisian suburb, about 1.5 miles (2.5km) from the major station. After a day of police bomb disposal work, cancelled trains, closed roads, the evacuation of dozens of people whose homes had windows facing the site, and a lockdown of six local schools, the device, which contained 200kg of explosives, was successively deactivated at about 5pm local time (1600 GMT). Bombs from the first and second world wars are regularly discovered in France. The device was found 2 metres below the ground in a location known for potential second world war debris. The rail maintenance work had been carried out with special precautions. When the device was found, work stopped and experts were called in, with the perimeter extended to 1km on Friday morning. Local authorities in St-Denis said people were evacuated from some buildings whose windows faced towards the site where the bomb was being deactivated. Six schools and a care home in the area were also locked down for an hour, although local authorities said there was no risk to them. Part of the Paris ring road and the A1 motorway was closed to traffic owing to the disposal operations, the police prefecture said. Matthieu Chabanel, the head of the rail infrastructure management unit SNCF Reseau, said that finding a bomb of such size was really quite exceptional. We know that during world war two, the rail network was heavily bombed, especially here north of Paris where there were also many factories, he told reporters. So we are particularly vigilant when we carry out work in this area and we detect an abnormal situation, which is what happened last night. He added that police teams had been notified immediately. It was not clear at first when and by whom the bomb was dropped and if it dated to before or after the 1940 occupation of Paris by Nazi Germany. All rail traffic to the Gare du Nord, Frances busiest railway terminal, was stopped as Paris police worked to disable the device. The Gare du Nord is a major European transit hub, serving international destinations such as Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as the main Paris airport and many regional destinations. The station, in the north of the French capital, serves an estimated 700,000 people each day, according to the SNCF national rail company. The French transport minister, Philippe Tabarot, said defusing operations were finally over, they went well. Earlier, he told French radio: Theres nothing to be afraid of, but there are procedures we have to respect. Tabarot said the teams worked as fast as possible within a large security perimeter. Eurostar advised passengers to change their tickets to travel another day. There will be no Eurostar trains into or out of Paris on Friday, affecting travel to and from London St Pancras. Services from London to Brussels and from London to Amsterdam, which do not go via Paris, were running normally, Eurostar added. The mood was downcast at St Pancras station on Friday morning as travellers waited for updates on their journeys. Julie King, who had planned to visit Paris to celebrate her daughters 18th birthday, said the disruption had left them really upset. Some French regional trains to northern destinations were leaving instead from the Gare de Lyon. The train operator TER said its services in the northern Hauts-de-France region would not resume before the go-ahead from French authorities. Passengers planning to travel by train to Charles de Gaulle airport were advised to take a bus from Opera. Eurostar has suspended services between London and Paris after the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb near tracks in the French capital. Thousands of passengers are disrupted as the cross-Channel operator cancelled 10 services on Friday morning. A large crowd of people who were booked on affected services gathered outside the check-in area at London St Pancras. We would have thought there would be more Eurostar staff, to be honest, said Lauren Romeo-Smith, part of a group planning to travel for a weekend away to celebrate a birthday. Were looking up flights, but our options are limited. French transport minister Philippe Tabarot told broadcaster Sud Radio that trains will be strongly disrupted throughout the day, with only a limited service resuming in the afternoon. Eurostar told passengers to expect disruption because of an object on the tracks, and advised them to change your journey for a different date of travel. Fridays are one of the busiest days of the week for Eurostar, as many leisure travellers embark on international weekend breaks. The bomb was discovered at around 4am. A spokesperson for Eurostar said it was found during work on tracks in the St Denis area, north of central Paris. This resulted in the suspension of all services to and from Gare du Nord, which is Eurostars station in Paris. Services will only be permitted to resume once mine clearance operations by the French police are completed, the spokesperson added. Bombs left over from the First and Second World Wars are regularly discovered in France, but it is rare for them to be found in such densely-populated areas. Gare du Nord also connects Paris with other international destinations such as in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, as well as being used for domestic services. It is considered the worlds busiest railway station outside of Japan. Frances national train operator SNCF said in a statement that services at Gare du Nord would be suspended until mid-morning at the request of the police. It added: We invite travellers to postpone their trip. Eurostar is giving passengers whose trains have been cancelled the option of either requesting a refund or voucher for the value of their booking, or to re-book for travel on an alternative service. Trains between London and Brussels are unaffected. Five of the six flights that British Airways is operating from Heathrow to Paris Charles de Gaulle on Friday after midday are full. A ticket for the one with spare seats, which departs at 6.20pm, is being sold for 264. I've been gaga for beluga whales ever since I was a little kid (along with probably every other 80s/90s kid who grew up listening to Raffi's "Baby Beluga" song). Turns out, though, baby belugas don't just live in the deep blue seathey also live at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, where one particular little baby beluga is making big waves! Several months back, beluga parents Naya and Beethoven welcomed their own baby beluga into the Shedd family. After officially confirming the boy beluga's gender last month, the Shedd Aquarium has been trying to find the perfect name for himand as of March 6, they finally did it! Everyone, meet Opus. Opuswhich, among other definitions, refers to a musical composition or a set of numbered musical compositionsis reportedly named in honor of his father Beethoven and as a reference to belugas being the "canaries of the sea" due to their unique vocalizations. The Shedd Aquarium held a baby beluga naming contest last month, and over 50% of respondents voted for the classical music-inspired moniker. It's a fitting name in more ways than one, because this baby beluga is certainly his parents' magnum opus! Related: Sweet Update on 6-Month-Old Beluga Whale at Shedd Aquarium Has People in Love Opus has been stealing hearts left and right ever since he was born back in July. The little whale has passed tons of important development milestones in that time, and now that he finally has his own official name, fans of the Shedd Aquarium are more obsessed than ever! "I LOVE YOU WITH MY WHOLE HEART OPUS," cried the aptly named @belugawhalelover on TikTok. User @juliagoolia89 shared those sentiments, saying, "Opus is my motivation to survive 2025." Several TikTok users even dubbed Opus as a "Knight of the Rotund Table," referring to an adorable art trend started by TikTok user @indipine depicting famous chubby 'n' cute animals from around the internet (including Moo Deng and Pesto the Penguin Chick) as valiant knights of the aforementioned "Rotund Table." I think Opus would be a shoo-in for such a noble crew! What's New With Opus? Besides his christening, Opus has been making all sorts of big strides behind the scenes. In a press release last month, the Shedd Aquarium revealed that Opus had grown nearly three times his size since birth and was crossing off other important "big boy" milestones, including "eating solid fish, swimming in new spaces, forging relationships with the animal care team and meeting members of the pod." Fortuitously coinciding with the reveal of his musical name, Opus is now working on another important beluga skill: singing. "Opus, the beluga calf at the aquarium, is still learning the chirps, clicks, whistles and squeals used to communicate," the Shedd Aquarium shared in their March 6 press release. "He regularly interacts with the care staff at Shedd, who remark on his curious nature and willingness to explore, try new things and test his abilities." If you'd like to see Opus in person (whale-son?) and congratulate him on his christening, you'll find him "out and about" at the Shedd Aquarium swimming with other members of his podyou'll be able to recognize him as the smallest in size and darkest in color of the bunch. Here's to you, Opus! Fair enough for US to expect Europe to do more on defence, suggests minister It is fair enough for the US to expect Europe to do more on defence, a minister has said, after Donald Trump suggested the US would not defend allies who do not spend enough. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer is due to speak to European leaders on Friday, as the UKs diplomatic push for peace in Ukraine continues. The Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron have been seeking countries who would be willing to defend a peace deal. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated on Friday that Russia must be forced to stop its attacks as a first step to peace, after Moscow bombarded Ukraines energy infrastructure overnight. And this is something that can be effectively monitored. Silence in the skies banning the use of missiles, long-range drones and aerial bombs. And silence at sea a real guarantee of normal navigation, he posted on X. Overnight, the US President expressed uncertainty that America would come to the aid of other countries in the alliance if they do not meet military spending targets. Health minister Stephen Kinnock said a challenge has been laid by the US. Speaking to Sky News on Friday, Mr Kinnock said: Donald Trumps not actually the first president to say that the European arm of Nato needs to step up. More needs to be spent on defence, military capability needs to be made fit for purpose. As always, I had a good meeting with @SecGenNATO Mark Rutte. We discussed real steps needed to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. I informed Mark about the development of a plan that will include a unified European vision for ending the war, concrete security pic.twitter.com/pziyrTAIiP Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) March 6, 2025 He suggested the armed forces were hollowed out by the last government and said its about now rebuilding our military capability to look after our own backyard. And, you know, I think thats fair enough the challenge has been laid and we must now show that we are equal to that challenge. When asked on Thursday if he was making it US policy that America would not defend Nato countries that do not meet military spending targets, Mr Trump said: Well, I think its common sense, right? If they dont pay, Im not going to defend them. No, Im not going to defend them. Mr Trump also expressed uncertainty that Nato countries would come to Americas defence if asked. Stephen Kinnock said a challenge had been set by the US (Victoria Jones/PA) Earlier this week, Mr Trump paused military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, following his clash with his Ukrainian counterpart Mr Zelensky in the Oval Office last week. However, negotiations between Kyiv and Washington appear to be getting back on track, as Mr Zelensky confirmed talks will take place in Saudi Arabia next week, after a Trump administration envoy previously said that they were in the works. Mr Kinnock welcomed the meeting. Asked how hopeful he was of it leading to progress, he told Sky News: Its very welcome that those talks are taking place, and I think it reflects absolutely what the Prime Minister has been saying, which is that weve got to get Ukraine to the table: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. We are LAZER FOCUSED on achieving @POTUS mandate for peace! FULL STOP. https://t.co/grs7CTBOFL Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) March 6, 2025 And what were also working to do is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for when these talks do start. Officials from around 20 largely European and Commonwealth countries took part in talks on Wednesday about the so-called coalition of the willing, it is understood. Not all the countries interested in the plan would necessarily provide troops to a peacekeeping force but they could potentially contribute in other ways. Defence Secretary John Healey has been in Washington for talks with his American counterpart Pete Hegseth. Mr Healey said that Mr Trump has asked Europe to step up and we are, while Mr Hegseth said it was very encouraging to see France and the UK say they are prepared to take a leading role. Rupert Lowe says Reform needs to change the way it is governed - Julian Simmonds Nigel Farage acts like a messiah and needs to learn how to delegate, a Reform MP has said. Rupert Lowe warned the Reform UK leader he would not be by Nigels side at the next election unless the partys governance was overhauled. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he said: We have to change from being a protest party led by the Messiah into being a properly structured party with a front bench, which we dont have. We have to start behaving as if we are leading and not merely protesting. Nigel is a messianic figure who is at the core of everything but he has to learn to delegate, as not everything can go through one person. However, Mr Farage responded to Mr Lowes comments on Thursday afternoon by saying: We are not a protest party in any way at all. That is utterly, completely wrong. We are an entirely positive party. Come to any Reform event and the positivity, the energy perhaps he should come to one or two. Speaking to The Suns political editor Harry Cole on Talk TV, Mr Farage said it was a good thing he has a personal following. The five Reform UK MPs (L-R) Lee Anderson, Nigel Farage, Rupert Lowe, Richard Tice and James McMurdock - Maja Smiejkowska/PA He said that if he didnt, Reform wouldnt have won any seats in Parliament at all on the fourth of July last year, and there would have been a cats chance in hell that Mr Lowe would have won his own Great Yarmouth seat. Hes on the front bench, so whats he talking about? Mr Farage said, adding: With only five people you cant really have a shadow cabinet can you? Weve got a lot of development to do but were absolutely not a protest party. He also told The Telegraph: Its difficult to have a front bench with only five MPs, isnt it? And hes one of them. Pressed on his colleagues remarks about his delegating skills, he said: Delegate? Ive delegated everything. He added: If we had 30 MPs, wed have a front bench, but with five, we cant. Asked why Mr Lowe was going public with his comments, Mr Farage said: Perhaps he wants to be Prime Minister most people in politics do... his comments are wrong, we are making gigantic strides. Richard Tice, the Deputy Leader of Reform, said theres no harm in a bit of challenge when asked about Mr Lowes comments on BBC Question Time on Thursday evening. Asked whether Mr Lowe should be an MP, Mr Tice said: Rupert is doing a good job. Hes working hard. Were all working hard. Weve got a small number of MPs. Were growing in the polls, and thats because weve got the policies to get this country growing before adding that Mr Lowe is a businessman, were all from the world of business, we get things done. He added: At the end of the day, I wouldnt make those comments, but theres no harm in a bit of challenge. The exchange marks the first public rift among the small group of Reform MPs that have sat in the House of Commons since their election in July. Chris Philp MP, the shadow home secretary, said the row exposed the internecine warfare at the top of Reform. Their MPs are more concerned with their own egos, and advancing their personal ambitions, rather than standing up for the British people, he said. With one of Farages most senior MPs doubting his leadership abilities and admitting that Reform is a protest party with no plan, it is clear that Reform [is] not serious, and will always put self-interest above our national interest. It comes after Mr Lowe appeared to be touted as a possible successor to Mr Farage by Elon Musk. The US billionaire criticised Mr Farage in January after the Reform leader distanced himself from Tommy Robinson, claiming Farage doesnt have what it takes. Elon Musk turned on Mr Farage in January, calling for a new Reform party leader - Stuart Mitchell/Reform UK/PA He wrote on X hours later: I have not met Rupert Lowe but his statements online that I have read so far make a lot of sense. Speaking about his popularity, Mr Lowe told the Daily Mail: Im barely six months into being an MP and Im in the betting to be the next Prime Minister. Its absolutely staggering. I dont know where this has come from. But in an apparent challenge to Mr Farages leadership, he added: We have to start developing policy which is going to change the way we govern. Im not going to be by Nigels side at the next election unless we have a proper plan to change the way we govern from top to bottom. We cant raise the hopes of people who are so frustrated with the way we are governed and then flunk it. Last month, Mr Farage signed away all his shares in the party and handed the ownership of Reform to its members. A constitution voted through by the members at the partys conference in September was introduced, which would allow Mr Farage to be removed. A no-confidence mechanism, requiring at least 50 per cent of Reform MPs or party members to request a ballot in writing, would allow him to be ousted. But MPs will only be able to do so when there are more than 100 of them in the Commons. Zia Yusuf, an entrepreneur, was appointed Reform chairman and was charged with professionalising the party and building national infrastructure. The party has since surged in the opinion polls, and was just one percentage point behind Labour and ahead of the Tories in the most recent YouGov Westminster voting intention survey. Derek Hatton was deputy leader of Liverpool city council in the 1980s and a well-known Militant figure on the Labour Left - News UK Ltd/Shutterstock Derek Hatton, the former Liverpool politician, has been charged with bribery, Merseyside Police has said. The 77-year-old is among 12 people, including Joe Anderson, the former Liverpool mayor, to be charged after a police investigation into the awarding of commercial and business contracts from Liverpool city council between 2010 and 2020. Mr Hatton was deputy leader of Liverpool city council in the 1980s and and a well-known figure of Militant, a Trotskyist group that infiltrated the Labour Party at the time. He and other members of Militant were widely blamed for making Labour unelectable and leading Neil Kinnock, the then Labour leader, to wage a prolonged battle to drive the hard-Left faction out of the party. The deputy leader was later ousted from the party and remained frozen out for 30 years until he was readmitted under Jeremy Corbyns leadership in 2019. However, he was swiftly suspended again over comments he had made about Israel in 2012, with his return lasting less than 48 hours. Derek Hatton, pictured here in 2018, has been charged with bribery and one count of counsel or procure misconduct in a public office - Peter Byrne/PA Mr Anderson, 67, became the first directly elected mayor of Liverpool in 2012, having previously led its city council. He was first arrested in 2020 on suspicion of witness intimidation and conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with a long-running police investigation into fraud in the city. Labour suspended his party membership pending the outcome of the case. In a statement posted on social media site X, Anderson said: I am innocent of charges and will fight to clear my name. Mr Anderson denounced his arrest as bizarre in an interview with The Telegraph in 2021, insisting the allegations were without merit. He said: I want to say as much as Im allowed to say and I want to actually let people know the absurdity of what Im being accused of. The idea there has been a mass conspiracy to make things happen is quite frankly absurd. He accused Labours leadership, including Sir Keir Starmer, of acting too hastily in suspending him following his arrest and considered running against the party as an independent mayoral candidate. Joe Anderson served as mayor of Liverpool from 2012 to 2021 - Peter Byrne/PA Others investigated include Mr Andersons son David, 37, of Wavertree, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office. Mr Hattons wife Sonjia, 49, formerly a planning officer on the council, has been charged with one count of misconduct in a public office. The councils former assistant director of highways and planning, Andrew Barr, 51, of Ainsdale, Merseyside, is charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office and bribery. Nick Kavanagh, 56, the councils former head of regeneration, of Mossley Hill, Liverpool, has been charged with two counts of bribery. Also charged are Phillipa Cook, 49, of Mossley Hill, Liverpool, who faces two counts of bribery, and Alex Croft, 29, of Aughton, Lancashire, who is charged with one count of bribery. Julian Flanagan, 53, of Crosby; Paul Flanagan, 61, of Knowsley Village; Adam McLean, 54, of Woolton; and James Shalliker, 38, of Downholland, Lancashire, and are all charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. A spokesman for Merseyside Police said they will appear at Preston magistrates court on March 28. Robin Weyell, a deputy chief crown prosecutor, said: The CPS has reviewed a full file of evidence from the Merseyside Police and has authorised the investigation team to charge 12 people with 12 offences related to bribery and misconduct in public office. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings. US actress Gillian Anderson and former prime minister Boris Johnson are among the nominated authors at this years British Book Awards. The X Files star Anderson, 56, has received a nod in two categories audiobook nonfiction and nonfiction narrative for her book Want: Sexual Fantasies by Anonymous, a collection of womens confessions about their sexual desires. Mr Johnson, 60, is nominated in the same categories for his memoir, Unleashed, which covers his time as London mayor, Brexit campaigner, foreign secretary and UK prime minister. Boris Johnson at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester talking about his memoir Unleashed (Danny Lawson/PA) Mr Johnson plugged his book on Channel 4, during its coverage of the US election in November, and appeared to depart the programme early with Krishnan Guru-Murthy explaining he had been fired for banging on about his book. In the audiobook nonfiction category the former prime minister and actress face competition from reality star Pete Wicks, who is nominated for his memoir Never Enough: My Words Unfiltered, and writer and presenter Dan Jones for historical book Henry V: The Astonishing Rise Of Englands Greatest Warrior King. In the audiobook fiction category, The Hotel Avocado by comedian Bob Mortimer is nominated alongside Matt Haigs The Life Impossible, narrated by Dame Joanna Lumley and musician Jordan Stephens. Another nominee in this category is Joe Whites adaptation of George Orwells 1984, narrated by stars including Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Scott and Tom Hardy. The nonfiction narrative shortlist includes Miranda Harts memoir I Havent Been Entirely Honest With You and a translation of posthumous memoir Patriot by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Navalny died in a remote Arctic prison in February 2024 while serving a 19-year sentence on several charges, including running an extremist group. Gillian Anderson is nominated for her book Want: Sexual Fantasies By Anonymous (Ian West/PA) Normal People author Sally Rooney has been nominated in the fiction category for her latest novel Intermezzo with the shortlist also featuring Dame Jacqueline Wilsons book Think Again and You Are Here by David Nicholls. One Day author Nicholls and Sophie Kinsella, known for her best-selling Shopaholic series, are among those battling it out in the author of the year category. Other categories include illustrator, debut fiction, childrens nonfiction and crime and thriller. Philip Jones, chairman of the British Book Awards judges, said: The British Book Awards shortlists showcase all of the talents: books nurtured by their authors, amplified by their publishers, shepherded by booksellers, and loved by readers. In these lists we see the contours of the year past and of the months to come, we see books that reflect, represent and reveal the world around us. These writers and illustrators thrill, challenge, inform, shock, and entertain in equal measure I am in total admiration and, yes, awe for the all-hands effort that puts them in front of readers. Alice OKeeffe, chairwoman of the books of the year, said: When our panels of judges meet this spring to discuss, debate and finally agree on the best books published in 2024, they have some tricky decisions to make. From esteemed novelists at the peak of their powers to narrative non-fiction that has literally changed peoples lives, from exciting innovations in the audio space to viral BookTok sensations, this years shortlists are filled with books to delight in, admire and celebrate. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in central London on Monday May 12. The Government is betraying our children and capitulating to big tech by gutting a private members Bill that would have included a ban on smartphones in school, MPs have heard. Conservative former education secretary Kit Malthouse described the Protection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) Bill, as a hollowed-out gesture before its consideration was adjourned. The version of the Bill introduced by Labour MP Josh MacAlister, would instruct UK chief medical officers to publish advice for parents on the use of smartphones and social media by children. It would also compel ministers to say within a year whether they plan to raise the age at which children can consent for their data to be shared without parental permission. Mr MacAlister had originally planned for the Bill to call for a legal requirement to make all schools in England mobile-free zones and committing the Government to review further regulation of the design, supply, marketing and use of mobile phones by children under the age of 16. Mr Malthouse said he told MPs he lamented the gutting of what could have been a landmark Bill and the Government has dithered, diluted and capitulated. He said: We should all be furious about this. We should all be furious about the delay and the prevarication that is being injected into what could have been a huge step forward for parents and children. I cannot then understand why the Government has pressured (Labour MP Josh MacAlister) to produce what is, frankly, a cosmetic plug, betraying our children and capitulating to big tech. Im afraid this Bill is a shell of what it could have been, and as a result, is yet another missed opportunity to improve the lives of our young people. Mr MacAlister a former teacher told MPs that the average 12-year-old spends 21 hours a week on their smartphone, adding: This is a fundamental rewiring of childhood itself and its happened in little over a decade. He said: We must act on excessive screen time today in the same way we acted on smoking back then, and like debates that were had on smoking and car seatbelts, it took a process of legislation rather than one big bang event. Thats why starting today with these initial steps and then following them through with major action soon will be so important. The House is now sitting. MPs will begin by debating the second reading of the Protection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) Bill. Watch today's proceedings live: UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) March 7, 2025 Conservative MP Sir Ashley Fox (Bridgwater) said he suspected a Government whip had told Mr MacAlister he had a very promising career ahead of him should he agree to do the right thing and water this legislation down to the point where it doesnt actually do very much at all. Intervening, Mr MacAlister said: Private members Bills are often a shot in the dark, and my aim from the beginning of this process has been, yes, to have the national debate, but also to put all of my energy on landing this with some action and progress. Sir Ashley then went on to say there is nothing in this Bill that requires legislation and Mr MacAlister should be a little bit ashamed of having campaigned so vigorously and then presented this Bill. Caroline Voaden, the Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, said she hoped the Bill marks the first step in a journey which will be far-reaching and hopefully fairly swift. She said: I know I am not alone to be somewhat disappointed that the Bill we see today is but a shadow of its former self, and that the Government has been so timid in what it is willing to do to try and save our children and young people from something that is clearly causing them considerable harm. In her contribution, Labour MP for Darlington, Lola McEvoy said theres no case for children to have their smartphones in schools and urged the Government to to get on with it and take as much action as we can. Conservative MP Damian Hinds, who like Mr Malthouse previously served as education secretary, said a lack of evidence around digital harms is no reason not to legislate, instead calling on the Government and researchers to prove online spaces are safe for children before they can be used. Former education secretary Damian Hinds called on the Government and researchers to prove online spaces are safe for children before they can be used (PA) It seems odd that we allow something to happen to our children because we cannot 100% prove it causes harm, rather than because we can prove that it is safe, he told MPs. That is not the way we deal with childrens toys, it is not the way we deal with childrens food, it is not the way we deal with childrens medicines. Data protection minister Sir Chris Bryant said he was not going to make any arguments today against action, adding: Everybody accepts that action is inevitable in this sphere. He said he wanted to secure the liberty of the individual at the same time as the protection of the vulnerable, and thats precisely what we need to be able to adopt as we move forward. Sir Chris said the Government was working to implement the already-passed Online Safety Act as fast as we possibly can, adding that illegal content codes will come into force this month, with new duties on social media companies to detect and remove some content including child sexual abuse and terrorism material. He said childrens safety codes are nearly finalised, and told the Commons that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is running a feasibility study into the impact of smartphones and social media, due to report in May so ministers have all the information that we need to make a considered view. MPs agreed to adjourn the debate, which will be listed to resume on July 11. Scotland will aim to avoid a third successive Guinness Six Nations defeat when they tackle Wales at Murrayfield on Saturday. For their part, Wales are on the back of 15 Test losses in a row that stretches back to the 2023 World Cup, although they displayed a considerable improvement under interim head coach Matt Sherratt against title favourites Ireland last time out. Here, the PA news agency looks at some key talking points ahead of the game. Scotland under huge pressure Gregor Townsends Scotland team have lost successive Six Nations games against Ireland and England (Jane Barlow/PA) Gregor Townsends team went into the Six Nations rated by many as title dark horses, but they have so far proved to be several furlongs off the pace. Following losses to Ireland and England, they now host a Wales side revitalised by Sherratt. Grand Slam-chasing Ireland might have toppled them 27-18 in Cardiff, but they were given a monumental fright as Wales produced their best performance for almost 18 months. Scotland have never finished higher than third in the Six Nations, and a spluttering campaign will fizzle out if Wales claim a seventh win from the last nine Murrayfield visits. Can Wales back up Ireland display? Sherratt and his players will be eager to show that the Ireland game was not a one-off. Wales began life after Warren Gatland in a way few people thought possible, leading Ireland 18-10 at one stage as long-suffering supporters finally had something to shout about. There was an ambition, creativity and freshness about Wales play, whereas for much of the 14 Tests before it, desolation and despair were the overriding emotions. One swallow does not make a summer, of course, and the challenge now is to not only build on that but find a way across the finishing line. Finn Russell still the magic-man The greatest pass in #GuinnessM6N history? Finn-tastic from Russell pic.twitter.com/eELpJC0qQV Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 21, 2025 Conduct a poll among Wales fans of the Scotland player they fear most, then Russell would unquestionably be a runaway winner. The Scots ooze talent in their back division, and Bath fly-half Russell remains the figure that controls all those moving parts. He was widely criticised for his goalkicking display during Scotlands 16-15 Calcutta Cup loss to England, yet there were more than enough opportunities elsewhere for the Scots to have won that game. On his day, Russell is box-office, and Wales will be on red alert to shut down his time and space at every opportunity. Captain Morgan leads from the front Captain Jac Morgan has starred for Wales in this seasons Six Nations (David Davies/PA) Wales have been good, bad and atrocious during this seasons Six Nations, but skipper Jac Morgan has excelled whatever the circumstances. Official player statistics after three rounds of action have him ranked among the top six in four different categories carries, tackles made, attacking ruck arrivals and defensive ruck arrivals with his performance level never dropping. He is a player who sets a stirring example to those around him. Murrayfield a happy hunting ground Wales 35-7 defeat against Scotland on their last Edinburgh visit two years ago was something of an anomaly when it comes to Six Nations results. Prior to that, Wales had won seven and drawn one from 11 Murrayfield encounters in the Six Nations, including a run of four successive away victories that saw the Scots frozen out between 2009 and 2015. Wales overall Six Nations record in the fixture shows a success-rate approaching 70 per cent, which will encourage the thousands of Wales supporters travelling north. Scotland, meanwhile, will claim a first hat-trick of Six Nations wins against Wales if they triumph. Watch: Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's wife has banned him from Bake Off after Celebrity Bear Hunt near-death experience What did you miss? Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has opened up on his near-death experience in Celebrity Bear Hunt, revealing that his wife has banned him from taking part in any more TV challenges even The Great British Bake Off. The interior designer stepped outside of his luxurious comfort zone for Netflix's challenge series set in the Costa Rican jungle and hosted by Holly Willoughby, where Bear Grylls taught the famous contestants survival skills and then attempted to hunt them down. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's wife says he is not allowed back on reality TV after Celebrity Bear Hunt. (Netflix) Llewelyn-Bowen suffered a scary moment in a challenge in the sea when he got trapped under a raft and blacked out from the lack of oxygen. Dramatic pictures showed him being hauled out of the water by production crew and having an oxygen mask fitted. He had previously told Yahoo UK that he thought he had seen an angel in the form of Willoughby and on Friday opened up further to ITV's Lorraine about the terrifying day. What, how, and why? Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen got into trouble on Celebrity Bear Hunt. (Netflix) (Tom Dymond/Netflix) Llewelyn-Bowen might be able to laugh about his near-death experience in Netflix's Celebrity Bear Hunt now, but he admitted his wife Jackie was so worried by it that she has banned him from doing any more TV challenges. He told Ranvir Singh on Lorraine: "The hilarious thing was that she's absolutely forbidden me from doing anything else again, even Bake Off she thinks might have hidden risks. If you imagine, the top tier of a wedding cake falling on top of me. "(Celebrity Bear Hunt crew) were so sweet, I was lying on a Costa Rican beach this extraordinary, strange blue colour, and they said would you like to ring your wife? I said absolutely no way, the last thing I want to do is worry her." Read more: Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen said his wife has banned him from any more reality TV appearances. (ITV screengrab) (ITV/Lorraine) Talking more about the terrifying moment, he joked: "The interesting thing about my near-death experience is the fact that coming so close to death, nobody wanted me. I obviously cheated death because there was no afterlife set up for me." He added: "I am making light of it. It was a very physically extreme thing that happened and what was incredible, you don't really get a sense of it from watching the footage, the support mechanism for things like that, the safety team. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen with his wife Jackie Bowen. (PA Images) (Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images) "The fundamental thing is that a 60-year-old grandfather oddly is not Aquaman and cannot quite cope with some of these very extreme underwater experiences." Llewelyn-Bowen explained: "I got a little bit snagged up under a raft, I then started hyperventilating, I couldn't quite breathe, I started blacking out, all of that kind of stuff. "But here I am, that bloke that does interiors. It was actually a really extraordinary moment outside the comfort of the tie backs and the cushion covers to see what real life is all about. Albeit, real life in Costa Rica." Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen 'saw Holly Willoughby as an angel' This isn't the first time that the TV star has opened up about his experience he previously told Yahoo UK that he believed he had seen presenter Willoughby as an angel on the beach. Llewelyn-Bowen told us: "I had a nasty moment where I was actually blacked out on the beach and I came to and I saw this beautiful blonde with sunlight behind her and lace... And luckily it was Holly! "When she leaned forward and said, 'You alright, Lawrence?' I knew it was Holly, it wasn't the angel Gabriel. But the angel Gabriel looks anything like Holly Willoughby, I think the angel Gabriel is gonna be very chuffed to hear that." Lorraine airs on ITV1 at 9am on weekdays. World champion Luke Littler beat Nathan Aspinall 6-3 to win night five of the Premier League in Brighton, where there were two nine-dart finishes. Littler who added the UK Open title to his growing collection last weekend had too much for Aspinall, closing out his second nightly win to keep the pressure on Luke Humphries at the top of the table. Earlier, world number one Humphries had hit a nine-darter in his quarter-final defeat to Rob Cross who then also produced a perfect leg as he was later edged out 6-5 by Aspinall. It's a BIG night for Luke Littler in Brighton Two nightly wins now as the Premier League Champion keeps the heat on at the top pic.twitter.com/lV8NRVr43x PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 6, 2025 Littler, who saw off Michael van Gerwen 6-2 in the semi-finals, had taken a 3-1 lead in the final, but Aspinall fought back with a break of his own to level at 3-3. The seventh leg proved the turning point when Littler grabbed another crucial break and then did again to secure another overall nightly win. Humphries, who also has two nightly wins, now only holds a two-point lead over defending Premier League champion Littler at the top of the table on 15. Aspinall and van Gerwen are both back on eight points each. Luke Littler (left) saw off Nathan Aspinall for another nightly win (Zac Goodwin/PA) Luke (Humphries) was clear, but with him losing I was just concentrating on my own game, Littler told Sky Sports. Coming off the back of the UK Open I was playing really well and I think I played very well tonight which is why I picked up another trophy. My main goal is obviously the top four and make it to the O2 which is where the proper title defence takes place. My eyes are now on the Euro Tour. Ive always been confident in my own ability, but the way my darts are going in at the minute, theyre probably the best Ive ever played on a consistent basis. CROSS COMPLETES THE NINE-DARTER! THAT IS ASTONISHING! After being on the receiving end of a nine-darter against Luke Humphries earlier in the night, Cross achieves perfection against Nathan Aspinall! https://t.co/CxOorrFXK9 #PLDarts25 pic.twitter.com/Ug8YREAtdK PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 6, 2025 In the semi-finals, Aspinall had battled past Cross in a last-leg decider with Voltage having taken out 141 after hitting treble 19, treble 16 and double 18 in the sixth leg to lead 4-2. Earlier in the quarter-finals, Humphries had also landed a nine-dart finish, but went on to lose 6-4 to Cross. Humphries had started strongly and hit a perfect second leg to move 2-0 ahead, but former world champion Cross refused to be swept aside, fighting back to level. Although Humphries then moved ahead 4-2, Cross fired off four straight legs to seal an impressive victory, finishing with a match average of 111 and seven 180s. Michael van Gerwen (left) beat Gerwyn Price in the opening match (Zac Goodwin/PA) In the nights opening match at the Brighton Centre, van Gerwen, a seven-time Premier League champion, built on a fast start to close out a 6-3 win over Gerwyn Price, who hit just three of his 17 attempts at a double. Littler also had some trouble on his checkouts against Chris Dobey, falling 2-0 down before coming back to level. There remained nothing between them as the match went to a deciding leg, which Littler took with a 110 finish on tops. Stephen Buntings search to get his first points on the board continued after a 6-2 defeat by Aspinall. Cities such as Dubai could see outdoor temperatures rise to intolerably hot levels. (Getty) (Lu ShaoJi via Getty Images) With record-breaking temperatures being recorded seemingly every month, experts are now warning large areas of the Earth could become completely inhospitable to humans due to the scorching heat. January was the world's warmest on record, despite a shift towards the La Nina weather pattern that should have resulted in cooler weather. Instead, January's temperatures extended a run of extraordinary heat, in which 18 of the last 19 months saw an average global temperature of more than 1.5C above pre-industrial times. Scientists described the results as "surprising". The impact of increasingly extreme temperatures on humans could eventually result in swathes of currently habitable areas becoming so inhospitable that people are simply unable to live there because of the heat. Some experts warn that some areas of the Middle East could soon be at risk, with some regions of China, Brazil and the United States potentially at risk further into the future. The resulting upheaval could lead to increased mass migration and even spark wars over water and food supplies, experts have warned. The world has seen 18 of the past 19 months with temperatures above 1.5C higher than pre-industrial times. (Climate.copernicus.eu) Aidan Charron, an environmental scientist and associate director of Earth Day, warned that the warning signs of extreme heat are already here. Parts of South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East - Dubai for example in the United Arab Emirates - are all going to face some of the worst impacts of climate change in the form of even worse extreme heat indexes," Carron told Yahoo News. In May 2024, India and Pakistan also saw record heat waves with temperatures hitting 50C. "This is all going to get worse," Carron continued. "New Delhi was especially badly hit with extreme heat. We could easily see heat indexes in this part of the world that make outdoor life virtually impossible, by the end of the century. In the US too this is going to be an issue for example, Chicago is becoming a severe heat zone. Some of the most populous areas in the world in Africa and South-east Asia are most at risk. As temperatures rise in Delhi-NCR, commuters cover their heads to escape the heat in Noida, India, last summer. (Hindustan Times via Getty Images) (Hindustan Times via Getty Images) Previous research showed that Yemenese cities such as Hudaydah could experience up to 56 days a year of intolerable heat, while Aden would have 34 days. Jeddah in Saudi Arabia would have 37 days, and Lahore in Pakistan would have 24, while Dubai would have 20 and Delhi would have six. Already in Iraq and Syria, droughts have been linked to heightened social tensions and mass migration," Charron said. "By 2050, parts of the Middle East could experience up to 30% less precipitation, turning areas that were once fertile into deserts. "These people wont stay and die, they will migrate north. We could easily see the precious resources of clean water and fertile soil being fought over. The worries of wet bulb temperatures Human beings can survive very high temperatures (well over 50C) when humidity is low, but in high humidity, we cannot survive temperatures of even 35C for long periods, because there is no way to cool down by sweating. In such circumstances, even the fittest people can die within hours in the most extreme conditions. In the coming decades, a measurement called wet-bulb temperature - the lowest temperature to which an object can cool down when moisture evaporates from it - could become crucial for determining which areas of our warming planet remain habitable. Wet-bulb temperature is measured by taking the temperature from a thermometer covered in a wet cloth, which is normally slightly cooler than dry-bulb temperatures'. This allows researchers to work out whether humans can sweat in such temperatures: if the water evaporates, the thermometer cools down, so that wet bulb temperatures are lower than dry bulb temperatures. Climatologist Dr Jennifer Brandon, founder of Wild Beacon Consulting, told Yahoo News: In terms of areas that will be too hot to be considered liveable, we often look at what we call the 'wet bulb temperature'. "Basically, it measures how our bodies cool down from sweating. Think about getting out of a hot shower. If the room is cooler, you cool down quickly. If the room is hot and humid, you cool down much slower. The fear in a heating world is that our bodies can never fully cool down, and so risks of heat stroke and heat exhaustion increase as the wet bulb temperature increases. The highest wet bulb temperature that humans can survive is 35C for about six hours. The places people predict are most vulnerable for being that hot, and thus becoming unliveable are South Asia, the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea by around 2050, and Eastern China, parts of Southeast Asia, and Brazil by 2070. How bad could things get? A study this year measured both uncompensable thresholds, where body temperature rises uncontrollably, and unsurvivable thresholds where the bodys core temperature rises to 42C within six hours. 'Uncompensable' means that humans cannot cool down by sweating, and 'unsurvivable' means that temperatures would be fatal to adults within hours. If the worlds temperature rises by up to 4-5C above pre-industrial levels, older people could experience uncompensable heat across 60% of Earths surface during heat wave events. The Climate Action Tracker predicts that today's policies could lead to 2.7C warming above pre-industrial levels by 2100: warming of 4-5C is unlikely, but not impossible. With a rise of this level, unsurvivable heat would also begin to affect younger people in tropical areas, the Kings College study found. With a rise of 2C, the area where even young adults could not keep a safe body temperature will triple to 6% of Earths land surface. The RCN says complaints to its hotline from carers who say they are being mistreated have shot up from just 12 in 2020 to 110 last year. Photograph: PA Ministers are dragging their heels on an investigation into the mistreatment of migrant carers, the countrys largest nursing union has said, as it continues to receive complaints about low pay, substandard accommodation and illegal fees. Nicola Ranger, the general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, has written to Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, to urge her to speed up her promised investigation into the abuse of foreign care workers. Despite the governments promises to clamp down on abusive practices by rogue employers and agencies, the RCN says it continues to receive more than 100 calls a year from nurses who say they are being mistreated. Ranger said in her letter: The RCN is deeply concerned by reports of exploitative workplace practices that many international educated nursing staff in the care sector face. Our members report a range of issues from long working hours, excessive repayment fees to exit contracts, substandard and crowded accommodation, and illegal work finding fees. Cooper promised last June to hold an investigation into the experiences of people coming to the UK to work in the social care sector, after the Guardian uncovered widespread allegations of mistreatment. The investigation showed how dozens of migrant nurses had been induced to pay tens of thousands of pounds for their visas on the promise of a job, only to find little or no work when they arrived. Some were sharing rooms, and even beds, with other migrant workers, to make ends meet. The problems stem from the decision by the previous government to relax the rules around sponsoring care worker visas, which ministers took in response to a staffing crisis in social care. Cooper said at the time the Guardians revelations were a disgrace, adding: There must be a full investigation into these reports to ensure standards are upheld, and exploitative employers are prosecuted. Since winning the election, Labour has indicated it will conduct this investigation through a new employment regulator which ministers are setting up as part of the employment rights bill. The government is yet to decide the exact remit for the new regulator, however, suggesting it will take several more months to establish. Ranger said in her letter: I am concerned that based on current timelines, the creation of the single enforcement body subject to the passing of the employment rights bill will not be until spring 2026 at the earliest. A subsequent investigation is likely to take several months to conclude. In the meantime, these exploitative practices will continue, and I fear, will become more frequent. I urge officials in the Home Office and across government departments to launch the promised investigation now to ensure that victims are not let down by lengthy processes. The RCN says that in the last few years, complaints to its hotline from carers who say they are being mistreated have shot up from just 12 in 2020 to 110 last year. Several people have complained about having to pay repayment fees when trying to leave a job to cover debts their employers say they have incurred during the hiring process. One nurse who contacted the union said she had been ordered to pay 25,000 to leave her job the highest the RCN says it has ever seen. The Home Office has been approached for comment. Cooking on a gas hob can create a higher level of indoor air pollution than levels found on one of the UKs busiest roads, according to a snapshot investigation by watchdog Which? The consumer group gave air quality monitors to five volunteers four with gas hobs and one with an induction hob in November in order to find out how everyday cooking activities affected levels of pollution inside the average home. The volunteers were asked to carry out a variety of cooking scenarios in addition to their normal usage over the course of a week. They all used extractor hoods and were asked to keep windows and doors shut, aside from one test scenario where they fully ventilated the kitchen. Investigators looked specifically at levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) two of the most damaging air pollutants. NO2 is a significant contributor to children developing asthma, as well as exacerbating other respiratory conditions in both children and adults. Graphs representing pollution levels during cooking on gas or induction hobs (Which?/PA) PM2.5 can be particularly damaging as the tiny particles can get deep into the lungs and even into the bloodstream. These particles have been linked to the worsening or development of several diseases, including respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, an increased risk of heart disease and Parkinsons disease. Which? found that NO2 rose with the use of a gas hob and increased in line with the amount of time gas was used for or the number of gas rings used. In a slow cooking scenario using one ring, all participants NO2 levels more than doubled. Once levels of NO2 had spiked, Which? found that they remained elevated for significant periods of time often several hours suggesting that people spending their evening in the same room where they have cooked, such as in open-plan homes, could be exposed to sustained elevated levels well in excess of World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Previous studies have highlighted the high levels of NO2 put out by gas hobs a by-product of burning natural gas. In line with this, the NO2 levels experienced by the volunteer in Which?s study who used the induction hob were background levels, mainly from outdoor pollution. Over the same period, average NO2 levels over an hourly mean near the Which? office on Londons busy Marylebone Road reached 33 micrograms per cubic metre, while average PM2.5 over a 24-hour mean for November 2024 was 14 micrograms per cubic metre. In Which?s experiment, three of the volunteers using a hob experienced PM2.5 peaks of over 100 micrograms per cubic metre on several occasions, and one volunteer experienced a peak PM2.5 of nearly 650 micrograms per cubic metre the WHO 24-hour mean guidance limit is 15 micrograms per cubic metre when frying padron peppers. Another experienced nearly 600 micrograms per cubic metre when frying peppers and tomatoes, and two volunteers had peaks of nearly 500 micrograms per cubic metre when cooking a fry-up. Overall, base levels before cooking varied from less than one microgram per cubic metre to no more than around 20 micrograms per cubic metre. Which? experts averaged out the PM2.5 over a 24-hour period for the five days each person used the air-quality monitors, finding one household averaged over the WHO guidance limit for four days, while two other homes exceeded the limit for two days. For one of the cooking scenarios, Which? also asked people to move their monitors into an adjoining room, or into the living area if their house was open plan. Levels of both NO2 and PM2.5 still reached high peaks and elevated levels for some hours afterwards, showing that air pollution spreads through the home rapidly. Which? also asked all volunteers to fry food in oil for 10 minutes, but with all windows and any external doors open during frying and for 10 minutes afterwards. The average peak PM level reached by the five participants was 27 micrograms per cubic metre, far less than in all the other frying scenarios, whereas the next lowest average for any of the frying scenarios Which? carried out was 100 micrograms per cubic metre. Crucially, PM levels returned to those recorded before cooking with doors or windows open in three out of five homes within 45 minutes. In a survey of UK adults about air pollution, only a quarter (25%) of those with gas hobs and one in five (18%) with electric hobs said they were concerned about the possible impact on their health. Around a third (36%) of people were concerned about outdoor air pollution coming in through open windows. Which? energy and sustainability editor Emily Seymour said: Its shocking to think that something as routine as cooking dinner could be releasing harmful pollutants into our own homes, but our snapshot research shows that once it spikes, air pollution can spread rapidly through the house and linger for long periods of time. We still dont know the full impact of indoor pollutants on our health but if it is something you are concerned about, ventilating by using your extractor hood and opening windows can make a big difference. If you are using a gas hob you could consider switching to induction when you next need to replace your hob. Deltapoll surveyed 2,002 UK adults between November 29 and December 2. Jeremy Clarkson wrote in 2022 that he loathed the Duchess of Sussex on a cellular level Agreeing with Jeremy Clarksons column that shamed the Duchess of Sussex has been ruled as sexual harassment. The former Top Gear presenter wrote in the Sun, and on X, in 2022 that the Duchess ought to be paraded through the streets naked. Now a employment tribunal judge has ruled that it is sexual harassment to agree with him. The issue came to light in the case of Helen Selkin, a marketing manager, who successfully sued her former company after she was sacked for allegedly imposing anti-men views. The tribunal in Nottingham was told that Mrs Selkin began working for Opico, an agricultural machinery company, in April 2017 and that it was a male-dominated industry. In January 2023, before an event show, Charles Bedforth, a sales director, made a crass comment to Mrs Selkin that he did not think Mr Clarksons tweet about Meghan was offensive. The judge said Mr Bedforths endorsement of Clarksons tweet resulted from an old school mindset - Instagram Mr Bedforth was referring to Clarksons statement that he loathed the Duchess on a cellular level and dreamed that she would be made to parade naked through every British town while crowds hurled excrement and chanted shame. Clarkson later apologised to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, saying he was sorry from the balls of my feet to the follicles on my head. Employment Judge Elizabeth Heap said: The tweet referred to a woman being paraded naked through the streets in a clearly offensive way related to the Duchess of Sussex and Mr Bedforth was endorsing that there was nothing wrong with that. Judge Heap found Mr Bedforth did not mean to cause offence but said his statement was the result of a lack of understanding and being of a clumsy and old school mindset. Director called employee a witch Separately, the tribunal found Mrs Selkin was sexually harassed when James Woolway, the companys managing director, called her a witch who should be left to stirring the cauldron and told her on one occasion dont spend too much, youre not shopping for a dress. Judge Heap said Mr Woolway did not mean to cause offence with his witches comment because he had a lack of awareness that what does not offend him could not offend anyone else. The comment was found to amount to harassment because the nature of the analogy was of a woman causing trouble or mischief and it was degrading and humiliating. Finding sexual harassment to be proven, Judge Heap said that Mr Woolway and Mr Bedforth had demonstrated little insight in respect of both of their actions. Judge Heap also said Mrs Selkin was unfairly and wrongfully dismissed for allegedly imposing anti-men views. She was sacked after an office discussion in March 2023 following the Roe v Wade ruling in America, in which she suggested all men should undergo a vasectomy. After a male colleague reported her, the tribunal heard a flawed investigation was carried out and Mrs Selkin was fired by Mr Woolway. Judge Heap said that no consideration had been given to the fact that those who were speaking to Mrs Selkin at the time said it was simply a conversation or debate. Mrs Selkins compensation will be revealed at a later date. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russias President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a joint news conference after their meeting in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018 - KEVIN LAMARQUE/Reuters This week, following unsuccessful attempts by Volodymyr Zelensky to repair the damage done during last weeks Oval Office row, Donald Trump cut all American military aid to Ukraine. It was a huge move that made clear once and for all that Zelensky is no longer in favour in Washington. The decision divided America, provoked widespread criticism in Europe, and was heartily cheered by Russia. So what has led to this? Trumps apparent dislike for Zelensky has not come out of nowhere, nor has his embrace of Vladimir Putins view of the war in Ukraine and NATO. There is a long and hugely contested history thats crucial to understanding the events of the last few weeks, and whatever will unfold in the coming months and years of Trumps presidency. On todays episode Venetia Rainey speaks with Orysia Lutsevych from Chatham House about the history of Trumps relationship with Zelensky, from Hunter Biden to the mysterious server, and Roland Oliphant looks at Trumps embrace of Putin, from KGB asset rumours to the Mueller investigation. Battle Lines, a podcast from The Telegraph, combines on-the-ground reporting with analytical expertise to help the listener to better understand the course of world politics, wars and tensions, as fault lines grind and slip in an increasingly dangerous and confusing multipolar world. Listen to Battle Lines using the audio player in this article or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast app. Dame Julie Kenny: revered by those who worked with her to save the structure and plan bold new uses for Wentworth Woodhouses quarter of a million square feet of space, she was a fundraiser to whom few could say No - Charlotte Graham Dame Julie Kenny, who has died aged 67, was a formidable South Yorkshire businesswoman and community leader who spearheaded the rescue of Wentworth Woodhouse, the Georgian mansion that was Britains largest private home until its decline towards dereliction. Julie Kenny rose to prominence as co-founder and chief executive of Pyronix, a Rotherham-based manufacturer of sensors and controls for security alarm systems. She became both a national voice in her own industry and a driving force in a multiplicity of bodies concerned with economic development, entrepreneurship and skills training for the South Yorkshire region. She also took on sensitive assignments in local government, serving from 2010 to 2014 as an intervention commissioner in Doncaster, appointed by the Secretary of State to oversee senior council appointments and governance issues; and from 2015 to 2018 as a commissioner in Rotherham, following revelations of child sexual exploitation in the town and damning criticism of its councils childrens services. Everyone who worked with Julie Kenny recognised her ability to command a room and knock heads together when necessary but also her innate warmth and kindness. Her talents were tested to the full at Wentworth Woodhouse, where she became chair of trustees in 2014. She described the campaign to purchase and repurpose the crumbling mansion as one of the most inspiring, yet hardest, challenges of my life Many people told me it was impossible. But my view is that nothing is impossible with time, energy, and belief. The original Jacobean house within what is now the metropolitan borough of Rotherham had been extended to more than 300 rooms with a frontage of 618 feet by the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham (1730-82), who twice briefly served as prime minister. Having passed to the Earls Fitzwilliam, it suffered the depredations of open-cast mining in its park after the second world war and was battered by the 30-year occupancy of a physical education college. Wentworth Woodhouse: it had more than 300 rooms with a frontage of 618 feet but more recently suffered the depredations of open-cast mining in its park and the 30-year occupancy of a PE college - James Mulkeen Sold off by the Fitzwilliam trustees in 1989, it was sold again a decade later before finally being acquired in 2017 with rain pouring through the broken roof into its staterooms for 7 million by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust. Four years later, with government support, major roof repairs had been completed, enabling internal restoration to advance. Revered by those who worked with her to save the structure and plan bold new uses for its quarter of a million square feet of space, Dame Julie (as she became) was a fundraiser to whom few could say No. To all who would listen, she preached not only the importance of the physical conservation project but also its significance as a catalyst for creating life-changing opportunities through community engagement, education and apprenticeships in a disadvantaged area to which she was passionately devoted. She had been due to deliver that message on March 13 to a fundraising banquet at the Mansion House in the City of London: urging City livery companies to support the event, Lord Mayor Alastair King described Dame Julie as a lady who walks through brick walls. Julie Ann Bower was born in the Hillsborough district of Sheffield on August 19 1957 and brought up in nearby Stannington. She would later say that her determination to succeed in adult life was a reaction to a harsh and unhappy childhood. She was the fourth of five children of Cyril Bower and his Dutch-born wife Hendrika, nee Klement, who divorced when Julie was five. At seven, she had to beg the grocer for tick until her mothers wage came in; at 10, she was cooking and cleaning for the family and caring for her baby stepbrother. In her own recollection, the household was violent and chaotic, with debt collectors regularly banging at the door and at 17 she had a nervous breakdown. A year later she decided to get out and never return. She took a train to Cornwall, found secretarial work in a solicitors office and blamed Sheffield itself for her rough start, but I was wrong, I should have been blaming the family She was later reconciled with her mother, but not with her stepfather. She went on to qualify as a solicitor through part-time study and to practise as a litigation lawyer until she met Paul Kenny, a fellow native of Sheffield, and returned north with him in 1986. Having sold her house to raise capital, they started Pyronix as a manufacturer of passive infrared receivers motion sensors which usually flash red but if youve got one that blinks blue, its one of ours. Julie gave up legal work to take a full-time role in the business and to lead it as chairman and chief executive after her divorce from Paul Kenny. It grew to employ 200 staff and export to 65 countries, achieving annual sales of more than 25 million by the time it was sold to a Chinese buyer in 2016. She chaired both the British Security Industry Association and the Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers Community, in which one colleague described her impact as like Fred Trueman [the fearsome Yorkshire fast bowler] among gentleman players. In later years she was chairman or non-executive director of several other businesses and maintained a vast portfolio of pro bono commitments and trusteeships, ranging from the National Coal Mining Museum and the Sheffield Theatres Trust to the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce. She was also the last chairman of the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward before its abolition in 2012. Julie Kenny was appointed CBE in 2002 and raised to DBE in 2019; she was a deputy lieutenant of South Yorkshire and its High Sheriff in 2012. In 2022 she was installed as Master Cutler in Hallamshire, only the second woman in 398 years to take that prominent role in Sheffields industrial community. She married first, in 1977, Robert Venton and secondly, in 1986, Paul Kenny, with whom she had two sons, Oliver and Laurence, and a daughter Charlotte. Thirdly, in 2017, she married Iain Hall, who survives her with her three children and three stepchildren. Dame Julie Kenny, born August 19 1957, died February 21 2025 (From left) Lucia Whittaker De Abreu, Cressida Gethin, Louise Lancaster, Daniel Shaw and Roger Hallam all had their sentences reduced. Photograph: Just Stop Oil A lengthy jail sentence handed to the Just Stop Oil cofounder Roger Hallam was manifestly excessive, the countrys most senior judge has said, as she reduced his and five other climate protesters sentences on appeal. Hallam was originally jailed for five years for conspiring to disrupt traffic by having protesters climb on to gantries over the M25 for four successive days in 2022. His sentence was reduced to four years. Daniel Shaw, Louise Lancaster, Lucia Whittaker De Abreu and Cressida Gethin originally received four-year jail terms for their involvement in the same protest. Shaws and Lancasters sentences were reduced to three years, while Whittaker De Abreus and Gethins sentences were reduced to 30 months. Gaie Delap, previously jailed for 20 months for her role in the protests on the M25, had her sentence reduced to 18 months. The other 10 protesters who were part of the mass appeal, including Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, who were jailed for two years and 20 months respectively for throwing paint on Vincent van Goghs Sunflowers painting at the National Gallery, had their claims denied. Lawyers said they were considering an appeal to the supreme court. In a two-day hearing last month, the activists, who were jailed for taking part in various disruptive protests in 2022, argued that their trial judges had erred by failing to offer the usual leniency afforded to acts of civil disobedience on conscientious grounds. In a written judgment handed down after announcing the outcome, Lady Justice Carr, the lady chief justice, said the judge who originally jailed Hallam was entirely justified in taking [a] serious view of [his] offending. However, we consider a sentence of five years imprisonment in Mr Hallams case to be manifestly excessive, she added. Shaws and Lancasters sentences were reduced by the same amount to maintain the differential between them and Hallam. Whittaker de Abreus sentence was reduced in light of her good behaviour since her arrest for her part in the conspiracy, while in the case of Gethin, Carr said: We accept her submission that [her] immaturity lowered her culpability. The lawyer who represented many of the protesters, Raj Chada, the head of criminal defence at Hodge Jones & Allen, said: The small reduction in the case of Roger Hallam recognises the extraordinarily excessive sentences that continue to be given out to protesters in England. It is, however, extremely disappointing that many of the other sentences were upheld. No country in Europe gives such draconian sentences for peaceful protests, proving we are out of kilter with the rest of the civilised world. We are reviewing the judgment and considering an appeal to the supreme court. In spite of the reductions, activists condemned the outcome, with more than 30 standing up in court, turning their backs on the judges and removing their jackets to reveal T-shirts saying corruption in court. In a statement, Just Stop Oil said the courts had been captured, lock, stock and barrel by the powerful [and] the ultra wealthy, adding: These judges would be sending those who hid Anne Frank to the cattle trucks while hiding behind the rule of law. But the environmental justice organisations Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace UK, which had supported the appellants case, described the partial victory as an important win, which goes some way to improving the law for those sounding the alarm about the climate and nature crises. But they called on the government to repeal the anti-protest legislation passed in recent years, under which some of the convictions were made. Friends of the Earth is pleased that the court of appeal has reduced at least some of the climate activists sentences, said Katie de Kauwe, a senior lawyer at Friends of the Earth. We welcome the point of principle in todays ruling that sentencing for peaceful protest needs to factor in both the defendants conscientious motivation, and protections afforded under the European convention on human rights. This is a positive development for the environmental movement as a whole, and for all peaceful movements holding the government to account. Areeba Hamid, a co-executive director at Greenpeace UK, said: This appeal has led to some important clarifications and a recognition that the trial judge was mistaken in denying the protesters the protection of certain legal rights and in discounting the conscientious nature of their motivations. But this ruling will not halt, let alone reverse, the UKs slide towards authoritarianism that began under the last government but is being enthusiastically embraced by this one. Nick Kitaruths profile picture on LinkedIn. A tribunal has ruled that his dismissal as a deputy security manager with OCS was unfair A security manager was unfairly sacked despite doing no tasks while working from home 200 miles away, a judge has ruled. Nick Kitaruth travelled from London to Cornwall to visit his parents for four days, during which the hearing found no evidence that he did any work. When his boss summoned him to a mid-week meeting in the office, he was stunned to discover Mr Kitaruth was hundreds of miles away. He was sacked for gross misconduct, but has won his case for unfair dismissal after the tribunal found the company failed to interview the boss during an investigation. The London hearing was told that Mr Kitaruth worked for OCS from December 2017 and at the time of his dismissal was the deputy security manager for the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster. His normal place of work was in the building, and his line manager from 2022 was Craig Stride, the security account manager. Nick Kitaruth worked as deputy security manager for the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster until his dismissal - UCG/Universal Images Group Editorial Mr Kitaruth told the tribunal that they had an informal arrangement in which he verbally agreed with Mr Stride the dates that he would work from home, sealed with a handshake. He would usually work from home once or twice a week, sending a calendar invite including the client the conference centre to show when he was doing so. August was a quieter time for the company, the tribunal heard, and in 2023 Mr Kitaruth claimed he asked Mr Stride for permission to work from his parents house in Cornwall for a few days that month. The tribunal found that Mr Kitaruth genuinely believed he had been given permission, and that there was possibly some misunderstanding between himself and his line manager. On Aug 14, 2023, Mr Stride messaged him on WhatsApp asking where he was and saying they needed to have a meeting, the hearing was told. [Mr Kitaruth] messaged back, Wont be able to, I told you working from home in Cornwall. Mr Stride insisted that nothing about him working out of London had been confirmed. No evidence that he did any work The tribunal heard that when he did go to Cornwall, he could offer no evidence to the tribunal that he did any work. The tribunal heard: [Mr Kitaruth] said there were no tasks to be completed during his time working from home and he had no physical meetings. He said he responded to calendar invites, phone calls, liaising with the officers and emails. He missed Teams and phone calls, failed to attend meetings and he did not even acknowledge emails which required immediate responses, the tribunal heard. A disciplinary meeting was held in September 2023, following which he was told he had been dismissed for gross misconduct. He appealed against the decision, but this was dismissed in March 2024. Employment Judge Tamara Lewis noted that it was extremely poor practice for the company to take just six weeks to investigate and dismiss Mr Kitaruth, then take seven and a half months to hear his appeal and provide the outcome. Compensation ruling However, the tribunal had doubts that he did any work, and ruled that Mr Kitaruths total compensation would be deducted by 50 per cent. The judge said: The reason for dismissal was conduct. [OCS] dismissed [Mr Kitaruth] because it believed he had gone to Cornwall without authorisation from Aug 14 to 17 in 2023, and that not only was this unauthorised working from home, but that the claimant had misled his managers and was not in fact working in that period, and had not completed tasks he had been given in that period. The judge said that if Mr Stride had been interviewed, then it would have shown how informal the arrangements were, and that such a system always had the potential for misunderstanding. However, for the reasons I have explained, I find that no reasonable employer would have failed to interview Mr Stride formally before reaching a decision to dismiss the claimant, the judge added. For this reason, the dismissal was unfair. The amount Mr Kitaruth is to receive in compensation will be decided at a later date. Aaqil Ahmeds post during musician Paul Wellers Gig for Gaza concert last year - X An Ofcom adviser who accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and espoused conspiratorial fantasies about Jews should be removed from the broadcasting watchdog, campaigners have said. Aaqil Ahmed posted on social media that the musician Paul Weller was spot on when he said we cannot let genocide be a legitimate thing during a Gig for Gaza concert last year. The former head of religion at the BBC also wrote on X that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, had hijacked the Middle East and every European capital. Mr Ahmeds social media comments have resurfaced just days after Lord Grade, the Ofcom chairman, wrote to the BBC to say the regulator could step in if an internal inquiry into the making of a documentary about Gaza was not satisfactory. The corporation removed the film Gaza: How to Survive A Warzone from iPlayer after it emerged the child narrator is the son of Ayman Alyazouri, who had worked as Hamass deputy minister of agriculture. Campaigners are writing to Lord Grade, the Ofcom chairman, to ask for the removal of Aaqil Ahmed from the watchdogs advisory committee - David Rose for the Telegraph Now campaigners are calling on Mr Ahmed, who worked for the BBC for 25 years, to be ousted from his advisory role at Ofcom over his comments. A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesman said it was writing to Lord Grade to ask for the removal of Mr Ahmed from Ofcoms advisory committee. Claiming that the prime minister of the worlds Jewish state has taken control of the USA and all of Europe is completely moronic and deranged, the spokesman said. Moreover, it engages the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Definition of anti-Semitism which states that the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions is an example of anti-Semitism. Mr Ahmeds message, posted alongside a television interview of David Mencer, the Israeli government spokesman, insisting Mr Netanyahu had not derailed peace negotiations in September, appeared as follows: Aaqil Ahmed's post about Benjamin Netanyahu which said: "I have an Israeli friend who has said for decades her country has been hijacked by Netanyahu. He's now hijacked the whole region and Washington, London and every European capital." The messages were highlighted by the Guido Fawkes website, which described them as eyebrow-raising following Ofcoms role in the Gaza documentary debacle. Alex Hearn, co-director of Labour Against Antisemitism, said that although Mr Ahmeds post raised legitimate criticism of Mr Netanyahu, his claim about special control over the Middle East and the Western world descends into classic conspiracy fantasy about Jews. On Friday, Mr Ahmed described the suggestion that he was anti-Semitic as utterly ridiculous, insisting that his comments were about a politician and made no mention of religion or ethnicity. I find this utterly ridiculous. To accuse me of anti-Semitism smacks of people trying to score political points, he said. My comments were based upon Israeli friends interpretations of their political experiences of their prime minister, and my experience of travelling to Israel. My comments were specifically about the politician and not about the politicians religion. I expressed views shared by many Israelis. Aaqil Ahmed has denied that the comments he made by about Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, were anti-Semitic - Amos Ben Gershom/Government Press Office Mr Ahmed added that throughout his career, including as head of religion at the BBC, he had been involved in commissioning numerous programmes about the Jewish communities around the world. An Ofcom spokesman said: All advisory committee members are independent advisers to Ofcom, who are bound by a strict code of conduct. We will raise this matter with the individual concerned. It is understood that Mr Ahmed is due to step down in May from his Ofcom advisory board role and has attended his final board meeting. He did not have a decision-making role at the watchdog. In 2023, Fadzai Madzingira, Ofcoms online safety supervision director, was suspended after she claimed Israel was an apartheid state on her Instagram account. The Guido Fawkes website posted screen grabs of what appeared to be posts from her account describing Israel as an apartheid state. Ofcom confirmed the suspension, pending further investigation. In another post she appeared to like a post calling Israel and the UK a vile colonial alliance. Global South should strengthen themselves, stand together in unity, strive for development: Chinese FM Xinhua) 13:16, March 07, 2025 BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The Global South should strengthen themselves, stand together in unity, and strive for development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday. "The hallmark of our era is the prominent, growing strength of the Global South," Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the national legislature. Accounting over 40 percent of global GDP and contributing as high as 80 percent of global growth, the Global South is a key force for maintaining world peace, driving world development, and improving global governance, according to Wang. "The Global South holds the key to bringing stability to the world and making it a better place," Wang said. Noting that Indonesia became a full member of BRICS at the beginning of the year, and nine partner countries have joined the BRICS family, Wang said BRICS is emerging as a backbone of cooperation and an engine of growth in the Global South. This year, China will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Brazil the BRICS summit, and South Africa the G20 summit. "We should speak in one voice to the world, safeguard our common interests, and steadily increase our representation and voice in global governance," he said. "We should keep development as a central item of international agenda, build up the momentum, enhance our capacity, and advance hand in hand toward modernization," Wang said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Johanna Robinson, Stephen Parkinson and Beverley Thompson are all members of the Sentencing Council Members of the quango behind controversial two-tier justice rules previously praised the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and Insulate Britain, The Telegraph can reveal. Under new guidelines drawn up by the Sentencing Council, judges are told that they should normally consider issuing pre-sentence reports on ethnic minority offenders. There are no such requirements for offenders of other ethnicities. The guidance has been branded two-tier justice by critics while the Government has distanced itself from the move. The Telegraph can reveal that Beverley Thompson OBE, one of the advisers on the council, has previously said that the British criminal justice system is beleaguered by the over-representation of BAME people in our justice system and that BLM should serve as a timely reminder for criminal justice organisations. Ms Thompson, a former probation officer who has worked as a diversity consultant in countries around the world, has also suggested that the criminal justice system suffers from systemic racism and racial inequality. In a foreword to a Prison Reform Trust report in 2021, Ms Thompson wrote: Through the efforts of Black Lives Matter (BLM), organisations have clamoured to pledge their commitment to identify, address and to eradicate systemic racism and racial inequality. Whilst the issues and concerns so powerfully articulated by BLM are timely, they are not new to the UK, particularly within our own criminal justice system, despite some narrative to the contrary. Writing about the prisons and probation services, she added: The over-representation of BAME people in our justice system and the under-representation of staff from those backgrounds, particularly at senior levels, has beleaguered both organisations. Combining the two as HM Prison and Probation Service, should be an opportunity to combine their learning and expertise. Stephen Leake, a judge who also sits on the council, once said he was inspired by green activists who blocked the M25 as he sentenced them. In April 2022, Mr Leake handed out fines to protesters from the group Insulate Britain but also told them: I have heard your voices. They have inspired me and personally I intend to do what I can to reduce my own impact on the planet. Other Sentencing Council members have also backed the BLM movement, which gained traction after the death of George Floyd in 2020. Stephen Parkinson, a council member and the Director of Public Prosecutions, has written about being an ally of BLM. In a blog from 2020, Mr Parkinson wrote: The Black Lives Matter movement is important. It shines a light on the disparity of treatment of black people compared to other ethnicities. The blog was published on the website of Kingsley Napley, the law firm where he was a senior partner before being appointed head of the Crown Prosecution Service in 2023. He told colleagues: Being an ally is not a full-time job, but it is something you should always be mindful of. He recommended that staff read the book How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi, an American author. Of the American criminal justice system, Mr Kendi said: We criminalise poverty, we criminalise blackness, we criminalise immigration and on and on down the line. Johanna Robinson, who was appointed to the Sentencing Council as a non-judicial member in 2023, has repeatedly referred to ethnic minorities as minoritised people. According to the UK Law Society, the recently coined term recognises that individuals have been minoritised through social processes of power and domination rather than just existing in distinct statistical minorities. Real allyship She has also spoken about real allyship and the importance of making sure we create space and ensure representation of black and minoritised women. In a post on X, Ms Robinson wrote: I take this call to action seriously and make it my absolute commitment. Ms Robinson also appeared to participate in an anti-racist counter-demonstration during the summer riots that followed the Southport killings. Responding to photographs of a counter-demonstration in Cardiff in August 2024, she wrote on X: Cardiff does not tolerate hate and racism. Join in in [SIC] this demonstration made proud of my city and the people living in it. Ms Robinson previously worked as an adviser to the Welsh Labour government on violence against women and girls. Chief Constable Rob Nixon, another council member, oversaw the introduction of mandatory diversity training at Leicestershire Police force. There are 14 members of the Sentencing Council, eight judicial and six non-judicial. The judicial appointments are made by the Lord Chief Justice while non-judicial appointments are made by the Lord Chancellor, a government minister. Restorative penalties A senior policy adviser to the Office of the Sentencing Council previously wrote an academic paper on the supposed effectiveness of restorative and non-custodial penalties to offending, which she hoped would help to inform the public better about the effectiveness of restorative criminal justice policies. Restorative justice aims to reconcile offenders with their victims and help to rehabilitate criminals. In the article, the adviser contrasted this approach with the punitivist attitude of the general public, an attitude that has developed and increased since the mid-1990s. Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, has threatened to pass new legislation blocking the Sentencing Councils decisions if necessary. She has asked Lord Justice Davis, the bodys chair, to reconsider the new guidance as soon as possible. Responding to the controversial decision this week, she said: As someone who is from an ethnic minority background myself, I do not stand for any differential treatment before the law, for anyone of any kind. Ms Mahmood has previously spoken in Parliament about a systemic problem of race in the criminal justice system and supported a campaign group that called the system institutionally racist. Before being appointed as Justice Secretary, she gave support to the Widen Windrush campaign, which sought government support for descendants and relatives of Windrush scandal deportees. In one of its pamphlets the groups refers to a criminal justice system that has been proven to be institutionally racist. In 2019, Ms Mahmood was listed as one of the groups supporters in Parliament. Pre-sentence reports are drawn up by the probation service to provide courts with information that could mitigate against jailing an offender in favour of suspending their sentence or handing them a community punishment. Lammy Review The Sentencing Council based its new guidance partly on an independent review of racial disparities in the criminal justice system carried out by David Lammy, the now Foreign Secretary. The introduction of regular pre-sentence reports for ethnic minority offenders was a key recommendation of the Lammy Review, which was published in 2017. Mr Lammys report recommended greater use of pre-sentencing reports to help judges better understand offenders with backgrounds unfamiliar to them after it found widespread racial discrimination in the criminal justice system. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, has said he plans to bring a legal challenge against the councils decision, which he claimed is biased against straight, white men. He said: Unless Labour acts urgently to fix this mess, we will have a two-tier justice system that is biased against men, white people and Christians. That would be a completely unacceptable outcome I will fight against it tooth and nail. A counter-terrorism chief has warned of the growing trend of Russia using criminal proxies to spy on British soil as a group of Bulgarians were convicted of carrying out operations on an industrial scale. Commander Dominic Murphy, the head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command vowed never to take his eye off the ball as he hailed his teams success. In an interview with the PA news agency, he said: This is one of the largest and most complex examples of a group working for a foreign state to conduct intelligence surveillance operations here in the UK so it is a very significant case and I am very proud of the investigation team and the success they have had. This investigation uncovered spying on behalf of the Russian state on an industrial case, in this case committed by a group of Bulgarians contracted by an individual to conduct that spying on behalf of Russia. As the UK becomes a more hostile environment as a result of our work we will see them increasingly use proxies to conduct their activities. On Friday, Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were found guilty at the Old Bailey of plotting to spy for Russia. They will be sentenced in May alongside three more Bulgarians who had admitted their part in the operation. The spies began operating within two years of a botched assassination attempt on Sergei Skripal in Salisbury in 2018 which led to the death of innocent member of the public Dawn Sturgess. Dawn Sturgess died in 2018 after being exposed to the Novichok nerve agent that had been discarded in a perfume bottle following the attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia (Met Police/PA) They carried out detailed surveillance and intelligence gathering on a number of people and places of interest to Russia and even discussed launching kidnap and honeytrap plots. On the threat they posed, Mr Murphy said: My concern has always been what that lifestyle surveillance was going to lead to and we have seen a long history of the Russian state conducting operations here in the UK, including lethal threat operations like the investigation in Salisbury. Certainly national security was at stake as a result of this investigation but, yes, there was physical threat to individuals here in the UK which is one of the reasons we treat investigations like this so seriously in counter-terrorism police. The ring was smashed in raids on properties in London and ringleader Orlin Roussevs address in Great Yarmouth in February 2023, where police uncovered a treasure trove of hi-tech spyware. A former guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, where police arrested spy chief Orlin Roussev in 2023 (Met Police/PA) Mr Murphy said: We conducted a warrant at an address in Great Yarmouth that was a former guesthouse, so a very large premises, and in that premises we found what I would describe as a treasure trove of highly sophisticated surveillance equipment, both audio and visual equipment devices, some very very sophisticated devices designed to gather digital information from their targets. I have never seen anything link this in my more than 20 years in counter-terrorism. It was an extremely sophisticated operation. Minion soft toys adapted into spy devices were found in a search of Orlin Roussevs address in Great Yarmouth (Met Police/PA) To give you some idea of the things we found, we found some cuddly toys, a Minion toy, that had been converted into an audio-visual surveillance device. We found some things you might be able to purchase online that had been heavily modified and even made by (Orlin) Roussev to look like everyday items, ties that had audio-visual devices in them, a rock that had (an) audio-visual device, lots of thing that can be hidden and used in order for them to conduct their surveillance. He said it was like something from a spy novel and provided an insight into the scale and sophistication of the operation. Even though the spies adopted names of Hollywood action stars in light-hearted messages, what they were discussing was deadly serious. Mr Murphy said: This group had nicknames for each other and reading some of the messages and seeing some of the content on the devices you might be tempted to think this is not a serious threat but behind those nicknames was an extremely sophisticated intelligence gathering operation that posed a real threat to national security and a real threat to individuals, including journalists. Of course we guard the free press proudly in the UK but this group was targeting people who were writing stories that were harmful to Russia so it was really important for us to disrupt the threat they posed. On the challenges faced by enemy states operating on UK soil, he said: Within counter-terrorism policing we are seeing more than 20% of our demand now coming from threat posed from foreign states to our national security so this is an ever growing challenge for us. We are committed to working closely with intelligence agencies in this country and our international partners to disrupt activity by foreign states. We have been working hard to make the UK a hostile working operating environment for these countries and this is an example of that because this group were contracted to operate on behalf of Russian intelligence services because this is a hostile environment for them to operate in directly here. So some positives but we will never take our eye off the ball working with our partners to keep the UK safe. He added: I think this is a good case to demonstrate to individuals why when they are approached on behalf of foreign states and conduct activities here in the UK they should say no to that activity and report it to the authorities. Reform UK MPs (from left to right) Richard Tice, Nigel Farage, Lee Anderson and Rupert Lowe - OLI SCARFF/AFP Reform UKs chairman has reported one of its MPs to police amid a deepening civil war in the party. Zia Yusuf has accused Rupert Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, of twice making threats of physical violence against him. The party also revealed that Mr Lowe had been accused of bullying two female members of staff and that a complaint had been made to parliamentary authorities. However, Mr Lowe, 67, who denies the allegations, claimed he was being targeted in retaliation for criticising the partys leadership under Nigel Farage. On Friday night, Lee Anderson, Reforms chief whip, withdrew the party whip from the MP, meaning he will sit in the Commons as an independent. In a joint statement, Mr Yusuf and Mr Anderson, the MP for Ashfield, said: Evidence was provided to us of workplace bullying, the targeting of female staff who raised concerns, and evidence of derogatory and discriminatory remarks made about women, including reference to a perceived disability. Zia Yusuf, Reforms chairman, claimed he had twice been the subject of threats - Hugh Hastings/Getty Images Europe Mr Lowe described the allegations as untrue and false, and said it was a lie to say he had ever made derogatory comments about women or disabled people. He accused Reform of a malicious circus after it stripped him of the whip. In a post on social media site X, he said: I feel so sorry for millions of decent British men and women from all over the country who put their faith in Reform. They have been let down by this malicious circus. You all deserve so much better. In a post on social media earlier on Friday, he said: It is no surprise that this vexatious statement has been issued the day after my reasonable and constructive questions of Nigel and the Reform structure. All I stated was that communication needs to improve, delegation needs to improve, structure needs to improve these are all reasonable requests of a party looking to form the next government. I stand by everything I said. In a later statement, he added: I asked reasonable and constructive questions of Mr Farage and Reforms leadership, following months of pushing for progress behind closed doors. The day after, I find a knife in my back over false allegations. Whip suspended. That tells you everything you need to know. It is understood that party headquarters was separately contacted last week by two members of staff. One of them is said to have worked in Parliament for more than a decade and claimed they had never seen any bullying like that allegedly engaged in by Mr Lowe. The statement from Mr Yusuf and Mr Anderson said the MP had been the subject of complaints about serious bullying in his offices. It said: One [alleged victim] worked in his parliamentary office, the other in his constituency office... We feel we have a duty of care to all our staff, whether employed directly or indirectly. Accordingly, we appointed an independent Kings Counsel to conduct an investigation into the veracity of these complaints. To date, Mr Lowe has yet to co-operate with this investigation. Rupert Lowe has been reported to police, according to Reforms chairman - Leon Neal/Getty Images Europe The statement added: In addition to these allegations of a disturbing pattern of behaviour, Mr Lowe has on at least two occasions made threats of physical violence against our party chairman. Accordingly, this matter is with the police. Reform stands for the highest standards of conduct in public life, and we will apply these standards without fear nor favour, including within our own party. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: On Thursday March 6 we received an allegation of verbal threats made by a 67-year-old man on Friday Dec 13. Officers are carrying out an assessment of the allegations to determine what further action may be required. Protest party row Senior party sources said that before the KC had had time to complete the investigation, Mr Lowe decided to go on the attack in an interview with the Daily Mail earlier this week in which he claimed that Reform remained a protest party led by the Messiah. When asked about Mr Farages potential to become prime minister, he said: Its too early to know whether Nigel will deliver the goods. He can only deliver if he surrounds himself with the right people. Nigel is a fiercely independent individual and is extremely good at what we have done so far. He has got messianic qualities. Will those messianic qualities distil into sage leadership? I dont know. Mr Lowe also suggested he could leave the party if it did not change before the next general election. We have to change from being a protest party led by the Messiah into being a properly structured party with a front bench, which we dont have, he said. We have to start behaving as if we are leading and not merely protesting. Two months ago, Elon Musk, the US tech entrepreneur, appeared to tout Mr Lowe as a potential successor to Mr Farage, whom he said did not have what it takes. Nigel Farage (right), pictured alongside Richard Tice, said recent comments by Mr Lowe about the party were completely wrong - Peter Nicholls/Getty Images Europe Mr Lowe said he was disappointed, but not surprised, to read Reforms untrue and false allegations. In his statement posted on X, he said: Let me be abundantly clear this investigation is based on zero credible evidence against me, as has been repeatedly stated by the neutral investigator. None has been provided. I have co-operated and spoken at length with the KC they instructed, at great cost to the party, to investigate a minor staff matter... Allegations of physical threats are outrageous and entirely untrue. I have never made any derogatory comments about women, or those with disabilities. This is a lie. These allegations are not even referring to me. I will be seeking legal advice immediately. He added: If they want to kick me out over false claims, theyll have to finally present some credible evidence against me. There is none, as the KC has just told me. Again. A complete inability to accept even the most mild constructive criticism without such a malicious reaction is not effective leadership. This is our party as much as it is Nigels. Before Reform confirmed it had withdrawn the whip from Mr Lowe, a Conservative spokesman urged the party to do so. He added: If they are not removing the whip, then it can only be seen as a stitch-up to ruin Lowes reputation and punish him for criticising their messiah. Ukrainian forces advanced deep into Russian territory in Kursk in August 2024 - Global Images Ukraine Ten thousand Ukrainian troops are at risk of encirclement after Russia broke through the front lines and advanced on a key supply line from two directions. Vladimir Putins forces advanced in Sudzha, 11 kilometres (about seven miles) inside of Russia, crossing the border into Ukraines Sumy Oblast from the north on Friday. Sudzha is in the Kursk region, which Ukraine seized part of last summer in a surprise offensive that has given them leverage in possible negotiations to end the war. It is believed that a significant number of North Korean troops were used in the offensive to cut the Ukrainian soldiers off, with the help of drone warfare to disrupt Kyivs supply chains and logistics. A junior sergeant, communicating with The Telegraph via a sporadic phone connection, said Ukraine was considering withdrawing from Kursk to avoid further losses. We want to avoid losses. The fear of encirclement is real, they said. Maps from the Ukrainian military blog Deepstate reveal that roughly three-quarters of the Ukrainian force inside Russia is nearly fully encircled and almost split in two. The remaining troops near the Russian border are connected by a corridor about one kilometre long and less than 500 metres wide at its narrowest point. The only Ukrainian road into Sudzha is now in range of Russias first person view drones, complicating efforts to hold the area and retreat if needed. Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraines Centre for Countering Disinformation, said Russian units were trying to take control of a key highway from Yunakivka in Sumy Oblast to Sudzha. Elite Ukrainian units, including the 95th Air Assault Brigade, the 115th Mechanised Brigade, and the 8th Separate Special Purpose Regiment, remain active in Kursk Oblast. Russian troops are said to be extending the combat zone to the villages of Novyenkiy and Basivka, with reports of them seizing control of Novaya and Stara Sorochitsa. Ukraines offensive in Kursk was intended to be used as a bargaining chip in potential peace talks - Yan Dobronosov/Reuters The Russian advance on the key road came shortly after the US cut off intelligence-sharing to Ukraine. By limiting surveillance, the US will have allowed Russians to operate more freely and plan attacks without Ukrainian knowledge, experts believe. A military intelligence officer in Kyiv told The Telegraph that the freeze amounted to more or less a total blackout. It was initially reported that the intelligence cuts only applied inside Russia, where Fridays assault took place. The assault came as President Donald Trump also banned private American companies and commercial services from providing satellite data for Ukraine, prompting aerospace company Maxar Technologies to cut off Ukraines access to its satellite imagery. Maxar is the main supplier of commercial satellite images to Ukraine, showing the movement of Russian troops, as well as the status of important operations, including those inside of Russia. There are up to 12,000 Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region - Global Images Ukraine The intelligence cuts also affect Ukraines ability to predict Russian missile and drone strikes. On Friday, Russia also launched a massive missile and drone strike on Ukrainian gas facilities, just hours after Volodymyr Zelensky called for a truce covering attacks on critical infrastructure. Kharkiv, Slovyansk, Kramatorsk, Odesa and Ternopil were targeted as Russia launched missiles from the sea and air. The operational command of Polish armed forces said it has scrambled fighter jets and put air defence systems on alert in response to Russias strikes. On Thursday, at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels, Mr Zelensky backed plans for a partial truce to stop air, sea and critical infrastructure attacks and test whether Putin is prepared to end his war on Ukraine. Senior Ukrainian and US officials will discuss the plans, as well as a large-scale prisoner exchange between Kyiv and Moscow, at a meeting in Saudi Arabia next week. Ukrainian troops took control of dozens of settlements in Kursk within days last summer - Alamy Ukraine invaded the Kursk region in August of 2024, initially capturing about 1,300 square kilometres of Russian territory. The offensive was intended to be used as a bargaining chip in potential peace talks, pushing Russia to agree to more equitable conditions. Ukrainian soldiers said that the end of the intelligence-sharing was even more catastrophic given the recent end of US military aid. It is impacting the soldiers morale, said a 30-year-old medic serving in the Donetsk region. With everything Donald Trump has done, it feels like we are being abandoned. The medic fears that the situation for Ukraine will deteriorate further in the coming weeks due to improving conditions on the battlefield. Clearer and warmer weather conditions cause a higher intensity of fighting, he said. According to Ukraines general staff, Russian casualties in Kursk have reached nearly 40,000 over the course of six months of fighting, with more than 16,000 killed as of February. Six members of a Russian proxy spy ring dubbed the Minions are facing years behind bars for one of the largest and most complex enemy operations to be uncovered on UK soil. Bulgarians Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were found guilty at the Old Bailey of spying on an industrial scale, putting lives and national security at risk. They engaged in a series of surveillance and intelligence operations over three years in which they were referred to as Despicable Mes yellow sidekicks. Instead of a cartoon evil mastermind Gru, the defendants acted as spies working for the Russian intelligence service, also known as GRU. Minion soft toy adapted with a spy camera found at Orlin Roussevs address (Met Police/PA) They were directed by alleged Russian agent Jan Marsalek, 44, an Austrian businessman wanted by Interpol after the collapse of German payment processing firm Wirecard. Marsalek acted as a go-between for Russian intelligence and ringleader Orlin Roussev, 47, in Great Yarmouth who received more than 200,000 euros (over 165,600) to fund the spying activities. He deployed the Minions with second-in-command Biser Dzhambazov, 43, who was in a love triangle with two of the team his partner Ivanova and beautician Gaberova, jurors heard. They targeted people and places of interest to the Russian state, even plotting to sweep up mobile phone data of Ukrainian soldiers thought to be trained at a US airbase in Germany before heading for the front line. They also discussed using lashes queen Gaberova as a honeytrap to snare a high-profile journalist, dropping 100 litres of pigs blood on the Kazakhstan embassy in London by drone, and kidnapping a man on UK soil. When police moved to arrest the spies in February 2023, they found Dzhambazov naked in bed with his lover Gaberova rather than at home with Ivanova. A treasure trove of spyware was uncovered in a raid on Roussevs operations centre in a former guesthouse in Great Yarmouth described in messages as his Indiana Jones garage. Biser Dzhambazov, who posed as an Interpol agent, wearing a protective vest (Met Police/PA) Among the haul were homemade audiovisual spy devices hidden inside everyday objects including a rock, mens ties, a Coke bottle and a Minions cuddly toy. Kit to make and test counterfeit identity documents was recovered from Roussevs address, with a stash of fake passports also found at the one-bedroom flat in Harrow that Ivanova and Dzhambazov shared. Police pieced together six operations dating back to August 2020 from more than 100,000 Telegram messages on Roussevs phone in which he and Marsalek made light of their dangerous plans. In the chat, Roussev was nicknamed Jackie Chan, Dzhambazov went by Mad Max and Jean-Claude Van Damme, and referred to his spies as The Minions. A jury deliberated for more than 32 hours to find Ivanova, of Harrow, Gaberova, of Euston, and Ivanchev, of Acton, guilty on Friday of plotting to spy for an enemy state. Ivanova was also convicted of having a stash of false identity documents with improper intention, which Roussev and Dzhambazov admitted along with the spy plot. A sixth defendant, Ivan Stoyanov, 33, from Greenford, London, had also admitted spying for Russia, it can now be reported. The defendants made no reaction as the verdicts were delivered. Mr Justice Hilliard KC remanded the defendants into custody until sentencing between May 7 and May 12. Katrin Ivanova during a spy op in Austria on September 12, 2021 (Met Police/PA) The defendants face sentences of up to 14 years in jail for the activities in the UK, Austria, Spain, Germany and Montenegro. Met counter-terrorism chief Commander Dominic Murphy told PA news agency: This was industrial-scale espionage on behalf of Russia. This is one of the largest and most complex examples of a group working for a foreign state to conduct intelligence surveillance operations here in the UK so it is a significant case and I am very proud of the investigation team and the success they have had. Really sophisticated devices the sort of thing you would really expect to see in a spy novel were found here, in Great Yarmouth and London. I have never seen anything like this in my more than 20 years in counter-terrorism. It was an extremely sophisticated operation. Reading some of the messages and content on the devices you might be tempted to think this is not a serious threat, but behind those nicknames was an extremely sophisticated intelligence-gathering operation that posed a threat to national security and individuals, including journalists. Had the group not been arrested, lives could ultimately have been lost as happened as a result of the 2018 Novichok attack in Salisbury. A surveillance image by Gaberova of Christo Grozev at breakfast in the Palace Hotel, Valencia (Met Police/PA) Mr Murphy said: My concern has always been what that lifestyle surveillance was going to lead to and we have seen a long history of the Russian state conducting operations here in the UK, including lethal threat operations like the investigation in Salisbury. Frank Ferguson, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: This was a high-level espionage operation with significant financial rewards for those involved in the spy ring. By targeting individuals in the UK fleeing persecution as well as journalists opposing the Russian regime, the group undermined the message that the UK is a safe country for those people. This prolonged activity also undermined the security and safety of the UK; and there can be no doubt that each of the defendants knew exactly who they were spying for. The court had heard how journalist Christo Grozev was targeted after he exposed Russian links to the Novichok poisoning and the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane in July 2014. He was followed from Vienna to a conference in Valencia in Spain, with Ivanova able to get close enough on the plane to record the PIN number on his phone with a camera on the strap of her bag after the spies acquired his flight manisfest. Gaberova befriended the 54-year-old on Facebook and took covert pictures of Mr Grozev having breakfast at the Palace Hotel with Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins. Roussev discussed with Marsalek deploying true sexy bitch Gaberova as a honeytrap against Mr Grozev, saying: We can definitely record something for Pornhub too. That girl is red hot, she is a swinger too. Marsalek discussed kidnapping another investigative journalist, Roman Dobrokhotov, by boat, opining: A successful operation on British ground would be amazing after the f**** up Skripal stuff. A box containing blood bags (Met Police/PA) Ultimately, he concluded Operation Boat was too dangerous, telling Roussev: If something goes wrong the UK authorities have a minimal response time between identifying your involvement and going after you. The court heard of plans to help Russian intelligence services ingratiate themselves with Kazakhstan counterparts. One idea was to offer intelligence after staging a fake protest outside the embassy, with Ivanova arranging a supply of blood in exchange for a bonus of 2,400. At the time she, Dzhambazov and Stoyanov were working for a medical courier company. Video of fake blood was shared and Roussev giving updates on the vampire team, which Marsalek said was bloody glorious literally. The group went on to carry out surveillance on Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, German, believing that Ukrainian soldiers were being trained there on how to use the Patriot Air Defence System. Roussev was instructed to get out his IMSI grabber a device to capture mobile phone data which was gathering dust in his Indiana Jones garage in Great Yarmouth. Swimmer turned painter and decorator Tihomir Ivanchev (Met Police/PA) In chilling discussions, Marsalek discussed kidnapping Russian lawyer Kirill Kachur in Montenegro, telling Roussev: We dont mind if he dies by accident but better if he manages to find his way to Moscow. Giving evidence, Ivanova claimed she was deceived by her long-term partner, Dzhambazov, and did not know she was providing intelligence to Russia. She told jurors: I purely believed what I was told and that was my mistake. Gaberova said she was lied to, manipulated, used and exposed by her boyfriend Dzhambazov, who she thought was an Interpol officer with brain cancer. She expressed horror at the honeytrap plot, saying: These people had horrible plans for me. Former competitive swimmer Ivanchev declined to give evidence but claimed in his police interview Gaberova manipulated him. Russian spy ring facing jail for one of most complex operations on UK soil Six members of a Russian proxy spy ring dubbed the Minions are facing years behind bars for their part in one of the largest and most complex enemy operations to be uncovered on UK soil. Bulgarians Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were found guilty at the Old Bailey of spying on an industrial scale, putting lives and national security at risk. They will be sentenced alongside ringleader Orlin Roussev, 47, his second-in-command Biser Dzhambazov, 43, and Ivan Stoyanov, 33, who admitted their roles. The network had engaged in a series of surveillance and intelligence operations over three years in which spies were referred to as Despicable Mes yellow sidekicks. Instead of cartoon evil mastermind Gru, the defendants acted as spies working for the Russian intelligence service, also known as GRU. They were directed by alleged Russian agent Jan Marsalek, 44, an Austrian businessman wanted by Interpol after the collapse of German payment processing firm Wirecard. Marsalek acted as a go-between for Russian intelligence and Roussev, who led the operation from a former guesthouse in Great Yarmouth. He received more than 200,000 euros (over 165,600) to fund the spying activities and had a treasure trove of sophisticated spyware stashed in his home. The Minions were deployed by Dzhambazov, who was in a love triangle with his partner Ivanova and beautician Gaberova, jurors heard. They targeted people and places of interest to the Russian state, even plotting to sweep up mobile phone data of Ukrainian soldiers thought to be trained at a US airbase in Germany before heading for the front line. They also discussed using lashes queen Gaberova as a honeytrap to snare a high-profile journalist, dropping 100 litres of pig blood on the Kazakhstan embassy in London by drone, and kidnapping a man on UK soil. A Minion soft toy adapted with a spy camera found at Orlin Roussevs address (Met Police/PA) When police moved to arrest the spies in February 2023, they found Dzhambazov naked in bed with his lover Gaberova rather than at home with Ivanova. Among the items found in Roussevs home were home-made audiovisual spy devices hidden inside everyday objects including a rock, mens ties, a Coke bottle and a Minions cuddly toy. Kit to make and test counterfeit identity documents was recovered from Roussevs address, with a stash of fake passports also found at the one-bedroom flat in Harrow that Ivanova and Dzhambazov shared. Police pieced together six operations dating back to August 2020 from more than 100,000 Telegram messages on Roussevs phone in which he and Marsalek made light of their dangerous plans. In the chat, Roussev was nicknamed Jackie Chan, Dzhambazov went by Mad Max and Jean-Claude Van Damme, and referred to his spies as The Minions. A jury deliberated for more than 32 hours to find Ivanova, of Harrow, Gaberova, of Euston, and Ivanchev, of Acton, guilty on Friday of plotting to spy for an enemy state. Ivanova was also convicted of having a stash of false identity documents with improper intention, which Roussev and Dzhambazov admitted along with the spy plot. Stoyanov, from Greenford, London, had admitted spying for Russia, it can now be reported. Vanya Gaberova (Met Police/PA) The defendants made no reaction as the verdicts were delivered. Mr Justice Hilliard KC remanded the defendants into custody until sentencing between May 7 and May 12. The defendants face sentences of up to 14 years in jail for the activities in the UK, Austria, Spain, Germany and Montenegro. Met counter-terrorism chief Commander Dominic Murphy told PA news agency: This was industrial-scale espionage on behalf of Russia. This is one of the largest and most complex examples of a group working for a foreign state to conduct intelligence surveillance operations here in the UK, so it is a significant case and I am very proud of the investigation team and the success they have had. Really sophisticated devices the sort of thing you would really expect to see in a spy novel were found here, in Great Yarmouth and London. I have never seen anything like this in my more than 20 years in counter-terrorism. It was an extremely sophisticated operation. Katrin Ivanova (Met Police/PA) Reading some of the messages and content on the devices you might be tempted to think this is not a serious threat, but behind those nicknames was an extremely sophisticated intelligence-gathering operation that posed a threat to national security and individuals, including journalists. Had the group not been arrested, lives could ultimately have been lost, as happened as a result of the 2018 Novichok attack in Salisbury. Mr Murphy said: My concern has always been what that lifestyle surveillance was going to lead to and we have seen a long history of the Russian state conducting operations here in the UK, including lethal threat operations like the investigation in Salisbury. Security minister Dan Jarvis has said the conviction should send a clear warning to those who wish to do the UK harm. Frank Ferguson, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: This was a high-level espionage operation with significant financial rewards for those involved in the spy ring. By targeting individuals in the UK fleeing persecution as well as journalists opposing the Russian regime, the group undermined the message that the UK is a safe country for those people. This prolonged activity also undermined the security and safety of the UK; and there can be no doubt that each of the defendants knew exactly who they were spying for. The court had heard how journalist Christo Grozev was targeted after he exposed Russian links to the Novichok poisoning and the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane in July 2014. Spy chief Orlin Roussev as police uncover a treasure trove of spyware at his operation centre in Great Yarmouth (Met Police/PA He was followed from Vienna to a conference in Valencia in Spain, with Ivanova able to get close enough on the plane to record the PIN number on his phone with a camera on the strap of her bag after the spies acquired his flight manifest. Gaberova befriended the 54-year-old on Facebook and took covert pictures of Mr Grozev having breakfast at the Palace Hotel with Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins. Roussev discussed with Marsalek deploying true sexy bitch Gaberova as a honeytrap against Mr Grozev, saying: We can definitely record something for Pornhub too. That girl is red hot, she is a swinger too. Marsalek discussed kidnapping another investigative journalist, Roman Dobrokhotov, by boat, opining: A successful operation on British ground would be amazing after the f**** up Skripal stuff. Ultimately, he concluded Operation Boat was too dangerous, telling Roussev: If something goes wrong the UK authorities have a minimal response time between identifying your involvement and going after you. The court heard of plans to help Russian intelligence services ingratiate themselves with Kazakhstan counterparts. One idea was to offer intelligence after staging a fake protest outside the embassy, with Ivanova arranging a supply of blood in exchange for a bonus of 2,400. At the time she, Dzhambazov and Stoyanov were working for a medical courier company. Swimmer turned painter and decorator Tihomir Ivanchev (Met Police/PA) Video of fake blood was shared and Roussev giving updates on the vampire team, which Marsalek said was bloody glorious literally. The group went on to carry out surveillance on Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, believing that Ukrainian soldiers were being trained there on how to use the Patriot Air Defence System. Roussev was instructed to get out his IMSI grabber a device to capture mobile phone data which was gathering dust in his Indiana Jones garage in Great Yarmouth. In chilling discussions, Marsalek discussed kidnapping Russian lawyer Kirill Kachur in Montenegro, telling Roussev: We dont mind if he dies by accident but better if he manages to find his way to Moscow. Giving evidence, Ivanova claimed she was deceived by her long-term partner, Dzhambazov, and did not know she was providing intelligence to Russia. Gaberova said she was lied to, manipulated, used and exposed by her boyfriend Dzhambazov, who she thought was an Interpol officer with brain cancer. She expressed horror at the honeytrap plot, saying: These people had horrible plans for me. Former competitive swimmer Ivanchev declined to give evidence but claimed in his police interview Gaberova manipulated him. Six protesters jailed for their roles in various climate demonstrations, including co-founder of Just Stop Oil (JSO) and Extinction Rebellion Roger Hallam, have had their sentences reduced at the Court of Appeal. The six were part of a group of 16 activists who challenged their sentences for their roles in four demonstrations held by JSO between August and November 2022, including climbing on gantries over the M25 and throwing soup over Vincent van Goghs Sunflowers. At a hearing in January, their lawyers claimed all 16 sentences were manifestly excessive and failed to consider the protesters conscientious motivation. The Crown Prosecution Service opposed the appeals, stating that they were not wrong in law. 16 activists challenged their sentences for their roles in four demonstrations held by JSO between August and November 2022 (Lucy North/PA) In a judgment on Friday, the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, Mr Justice Lavender and Mr Justice Griffiths ruled that six of the 16 should have their sentences reduced, while dismissing the other appeals. As Lady Carr read out a summary of the Court of Appeals ruling, several campaigners in court stood and turned their backs, wearing T-shirts that read Corruption in Court. Hallam, who was originally jailed for five years for agreeing to disrupt traffic by having protesters climb onto gantries over the M25 for four successive days, had his sentence reduced to one of four years. In their 44-page ruling, Lady Carr said that deterrence was a particularly important factor in Hallams case, but that it was his first sentence of immediate custody. She said: We consider that the shortest term commensurate with the seriousness of the offence in the case of Mr Hallam was one of four years imprisonment, not five. Several campaigners protested outside the court building on the first day of the appeal hearing (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Daniel Shaw, Louise Lancaster, Lucia Whittaker De Abreu, and Cressida Gethin originally received four-year jail terms for their involvement in the same protest. Shaw and Lancasters sentences were reduced to three years, with the judges ruling that the prison terms should maintain the differential between them and Hallam. Whittaker de Abreu and Gethins sentences were reduced to 30 months, after the court ruled that Whittaker de Abreus sentence was manifestly excessive. Gethin who was aged 20 at the time of her offence also had her jail term lowered as her immaturity lowered her culpability, the judges said. Gaie Delap, who was previously jailed for 20 months for her role in protests on the M25 during which they climbed onto gantries over the motorway, had her sentence reduced to one of 18 months. The judges ruled that two months should be taken off her original jail term, after finding that the fact that Ms Delap was subject to onerous bail conditions for so long was something which should have been taken into account when she was sentenced. The courts have been criticised by supporters of those who were sentenced (Lucy North/PA) Ten others had their appeals dismissed, including George Simonson, Theresa Higginson, Paul Bell and Paul Sousek, who were imprisoned for between two years and 20 months for their involvement in protests on the M25, during which they climbed onto gantries over the motorway. Larch Maxey, Chris Bennett, Samuel Johnson and Joe Howlett were jailed for between three years and 15 months after occupying tunnels dug under the road leading to the Navigator Oil Terminal in Thurrock, Essex, and also had their appeals dismissed. The Court of Appeal also threw out the challenges of Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, who were sentenced to two years and 20 months respectively after almost destroying Vincent van Goghs Sunflowers by throwing soup on its protective glass at Londons National Gallery. Lady Carr said: The appellants conscientious motivation was a factor relevant to sentencing in each case. It would have been an error for the sentencing judge to conclude on the facts that it had no part whatsoever to play in the sentencing exercise. She continued: However, conscientious motivation did not preclude a finding that any appellants culpability was still high. Responding to the ruling, lawyers for Hallam and the other protesters said that they were considering taking the case to the Supreme Court. Raj Chada, head of criminal defence at Hodge Jones & Allen, said: The small reduction in the case of Roger Hallam recognises the extraordinarily excessive sentences that continue to be given out to protesters in England. It is, however, extremely disappointing that many of the other sentences were upheld. No country in Europe gives such draconian sentences for peaceful protests, proving we are out of kilter with the rest of the civilised world. We are reviewing the judgment and considering an appeal to the Supreme Court. Environmental campaign groups Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth (FoE) intervened in the appeals, which were held over two days in London. Following the ruling, Katie de Kauwe, senior lawyer at FoE, said: Friends of the Earth is pleased that the Court of Appeal has reduced at least some of the climate activists sentences. Ultimately however, we believe that locking up those motivated by their genuine concern for the climate crisis is neither right or makes any sense and at a time when our prisons are so grossly overcrowded. Residents of San Bernardino, California, are being asked to keep their eyes open for a lost Chihuahua after a bizarre break-in resulted in dozens of shelter dogs being released overnight. Louise is a tiny, cream-colored Chihuahua with floppy ears, and she was last seen at the San Bernardino Department of Animal Services at 3:30 am on February 26. She was just one of 25 dogs released from the shelter's kennels when a woman broke in overnight in late February. The suspect used bolt cutters to open ten kennels at the Southern California animal shelter before running away, with the newly freed dogs not far behind. However, the story only gets stranger from there. The shelter shared the harrowing story with their Instagram followers merely hours later, and there was an overwhelming sense of relief when viewers learned that 24 of the 25 dogs were already back at the shelter with a clean bill of health. Wow! This story could have ended so differently, but the quick response from the shelter staff and San Bernardino police officers saved dozens of lives. Even so, people have a lot of questions about this strange incident. Related: Couple's Emotional Reunion with Missing Dog After 4 Days of Searching Is a Tear-Jerker "What is the point of even doing this for only to dump them?" asked one commenter. "So glad they all were recovered except the last poor baby. I'm praying she'll be found ASAP." So are we! Everyone is wondering what the motive is behind this break-in, especially since four of the shelter dogs were placed in a dumpster, supposedly by the same person, shortly after they ran from the shelter. As shelter staff revealed to KTLA, the same woman who broke into the shelter returned a few hours later to lead investigators to the dumpster where the four dogs were located. She was later arrested on unrelated charges. Thankfully, all 24 dogs who have returned to the shelter have gotten a thumbs up from the shelter's veterinarian. No dog has been injured, though a few needed a bath and grooming appointment. Now, the last piece of the puzzle is to bring Louise to safety. Help Reunite Thelma and Louise Rescued dogs Thelma and Louise were a pair while at the shelter, but Louise ran off in the chaos of the break in/break out. Sweet dog Thelma looked so relieved to be found that afternoon (she was only across the street!), so I can only imagine how Louise is feeling after being lost for nearly a week. "We urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of Louise to contact us," Kristine Watson, San Bernardino Animal Services Director, told CBS. "Her safety is of utmost concern, and we are hopeful that someone will recognize her and help us bring her back." If you believe you may have seen her or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please call San Bernardino Animal Services at (909) 998-4000. 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. Sir Keir Starmer will speak to European leaders on Friday as he presses on with a diplomatic push over Ukraine. The Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron are seeking countries willing to supply troops for a peacekeeping force to defend a potential deal an idea that Russia has rejected. Defence Secretary John Healey said Donald Trump has asked Europe to step up, and we are as he started talks in Washington with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth on Thursday. Mr Hegseth said it was very encouraging to see France and the UK say they are prepared to take a leading role. Defence Secretary John Healey said Donald Trump has asked Europe to step up, and we are (Yui Mok/PA) He also said suggestions that the US had moved to a pro-Russia stance were all garbage and that Mr Trump is working with both sides in a way that only President Trump can. Speaking to US news channel Newsmax after the meeting, Mr Healey said Britain and Europe were on a push for peace in Ukraine. He said: Its a lasting, secure peace that we all want to see. Weve got a big role to play in Europe and we are determined to do that. Negotiations between the US and Ukraine could be getting back on track as Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed talks will take place in Saudi Arabia next week, after a Trump administration envoy earlier said they were in the works. But the fate of the minerals deal that Mr Trump and the Ukrainian president were due to sign before a dramatic Oval Office row last week remains unclear. Since then, the US has paused military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The US president is very encouraged by the signs were seeing from Ukraine, Mr Hegseth said. Sir Keir has been seeking to support Ukraine to keep countering Russian aggression while showing the US that the UK is committed to stepping up its defence efforts. Officials from around 20 largely European and Commonwealth countries took part in talks on Wednesday about his coalition of the willing, it is understood. Not all the countries interested in the plan would necessarily provide troops to a peacekeeping force but they could potentially contribute in other ways. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the move would amount to the direct, official and unveiled involvement of Nato members in the war against Russia and it cant be allowed. The UK has signed a deal worth nearly 30 million with an Anglo-American security firm to provide Ukraine with more advanced attack drones and the Chancellor has signed off a 2.26 billion loan to Ukraine financed with the profits of seized Russian assets. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed more defence spending (PA) Rachel Reeves said the Government will work with Ukraine for as long as it takes. She said: The world is changing and thats why this Government is stepping up to take defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, funded by a reduction in the aid budget. And weve just signed off the extraordinary revenue acceleration loan agreement, to be repaid by the profits on sovereign Russian assets, to unlock 2.26 billion additional for Ukraine to help them fight this war after Russias illegal invasion. The first third of the loan a 752 million tranche was sent to Ukraine on Thursday. Ms Reeves visited RAF Northolt and met Armed Forces personnel and suppliers sending equipment to Ukraines military to mark the occasion. Now more than ever in this changed world, Ukraine needs our support as a reliable partner to secure peace following Russias unprovoked invasion, she said. European leaders meanwhile backed new defence spending plans aimed at freeing up billions of euros as the bloc grapples with the prospect of Mr Trump reducing security assistance for Europe. The 27 EU leaders signed off a move to loosen budget restrictions so that willing EU countries can increase their military spending, which could free up around 650 billion euros (545 billion). Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, and John Healey, the Defence Secretary, stand during an honour cordon at the Pentagon on March 6 - Win McNamee/Getty Images North America Donald Trump needs the support of the EU to end the war in Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen has insisted. The European Commission President made the declaration on Thursday as she announced that European leaders had agreed to relax fiscal rules for member states to spend more on their defence following pressure from Mr Trump. We all want a peace through strength, a just and lasting peace and this is also in the interest of President Trump to have a peace through strength, Ms von der Leyen said. And if he wants to achieve this, it is only possible with the support of the European Union and its member states. She added: We have been the ones, for example, who have secured the economic survival of Ukraine for the year 2025. We are the ones who now invest a lot in the Ukrainian defence industry and are providing military capabilities that Ukraine needs. European leaders have previously demanded a seat at the negotiating table with Ukraine, Russia and US officials in talks to bring the war to an end. At a separate press conference, Emmanuel Macron, the French President, said Europe had rallied to Ukraines cause because it was faced by an imperial nuclear power in Russia. 11:08 PM GMT Thats all for now Thanks for following our coverage. This live blog is now closed. 11:05 PM GMT The best security guarantee is the Ukrainians Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen is asked whether Europe can provide security guarantees without a US backstop. Mr Costa says that the best security guarantee [is] the Ukrainians themselves and vows: We [stood] with Ukraine since day one, and we will continue. Ms von der Leyen says the EU is working with member states to procure the necessary military capabilities that then can be given to Ukraine. 10:42 PM GMT von der Leyen: Trump needs EUs support Antonio Costa says that Hungary has isolated itself from the position of most of the EUs member states but insisted an isolated country does not mean division and that there is a common desire to support Ukraine. On Thursday, Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, voted against declaration of support for Ukraine at an emergency summit. We all want a peace through strength, Ursula von der Leyen says. This is also in the interest of President Trump... and if he wants to achieve this it is only possible with the support of the European Union and its member states. 10:36 PM GMT Support for Ukraine has never been more urgent, says von der Leyen Ursula von der Leyen says she and other European leaders met with Volodymyr Zelensky. We spoke about how to achieve a just and lasting peace, she says. Our support for Ukraines armed forces has never been more urgent, and therefore we will work very closely and Ukraine and the defence industry to ensure that Ukraines military needs are met. 10:34 PM GMT Europe is facing a clear danger Ursula von der Leyen says: I think today history is being written... we are determined to invest more, to invest better, and to invest faster together from Paris to London to Brussels. Europe is facing a clear and present danger, she says. Leaders have decided on a plan to give Europe the military capability it needs. It could mobilise up to 800 billion euros and it is about taking more responsibility on our shoulders for our own security because the urgency is legal. Member states will have greater fiscal flexibility... to invest in defence immediately and substantially, saying it could unlock up to 650 billion euros in defence expenditure. The EU will also provide 150 billion euros in loans to member states to accelerate the joint procurement, to pay for purchases from European producers. 10:30 PM GMT EU to invest much more in defence European leaders have agreed to invest in priority areas... reflecting the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, including air and missile defence, drones and anti-drone systems. We have decided to mobilise additional public and private funds for our defence. We will create a new European instrument up to 150 billion euros to support members states in boosting the defence capabilities that are urgently needed, said Antonio Costa, the European Council President. He continued: Member states will invest much more in defence and our common discal rules need to allow them to do so. Mr Costa said: We are putting our money where our mouth is. We are delivering on what we promised. To build our deterrence to strengthen the security of our citizens. 10:08 PM GMT Russia launches mass drone attack on Odesa Russian forces launched a new mass drone attack on Ukraines Black Sea port of Odesa on Thursday night, damaging energy infrastructure and triggering fires, Regional Governor Oleh Kiper said. On the outskirts of Odesa, three private homes are on fire and energy infrastructure has been damaged, Mr Kiper wrote on Telegram, adding that information on casualties was being clarified. 09:47 PM GMT Europeans back 650 billion plan to boost defence spending European leaders have backed plans to boost defence spending by 650 billion by loosening budget restrictions. They also urged the European Commission to explore new ways to facilitate significant defense spending at national level in all Member States, according to a statement. 08:50 PM GMT Trump: I wont defend Nato allies who dont spend enough Donald Trump has said he will refuse to defend Nato allies if they do not spend enough on their own defence. If they dont pay, Im not going to defend them, he told reporters in the Oval Office, adding: They should be paying more. 08:03 PM GMT Zelensky: First priority is ceasefire at sky and at sea Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia and Ukraine could agree a ceasefire in the sky and at sea following talks with European leaders. The proposal would mark the first steps to bring the Ukraine war to a close ahead of a full ceasefire and what Mr Zelensky calls a just and lasting peace. The Ukrainian president wrote on social media: The first priority could be to establish and fully control a ceasefire in the sky (stopping missile, long-range drone, and bomb strikes on energy and other civilian infrastructure), as well as a ceasefire at sea, meaning halting all military operations in the Black Sea, which will ensure peaceful and safe navigation. We consider these initial steps as a prologue to a broader and comprehensive settlement. The war must end as soon as possible, and Ukraine is ready to work 24/7 with our partners in the United States and Europe for peace. 07:55 PM GMT Zelensky to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for talks with its Crown Prince. The Ukrainian President will remain in the Gulf State for talks with US counterparts, which Axios has reported will take place on Wednesday. 07:53 PM GMT Ukraine brought aid suspension on itself, claims Trump special envoy Ukraine brought the suspension of US military aid on themselves, a senior adviser to Donald Trump has claimed. Keith Kellogg, the Trump administrations special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, said that the suspension of weapons shipments was already having an effect on Kyiv, adding that the Ukrainians brought it on themselves. The best way I can describe it is sort of like hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose... you got their attention, he said on Thursday. Ukraine was given fair warning before military aid was suspended, Mr Kellogg added. The move by the White House came days after a disastrous meeting in the Oval Office between Volodymyr Zelensky and Mr Trump, which ended with the Ukrainian President being thrown out. 07:11 PM GMT Ukraine ready for a ceasefire, Healey says Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire, the Defence Secretary said. Asked by the Telegraphs Danielle Sheridan what would happen if Ukrainian frontlines fell apart, John Healey said: They are ready for a ceasefire. They want the guarantees and the security to ensure they will not again face Russian aggression. U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks as he meets with British defence secretary John Healey at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C - KENT NISHIMURA/REUTERS 07:11 PM GMT Hegseth: US halt on military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine is temporary Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said the US halt on military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine is temporary. As the president has pointed out, it is a pause. Exactly what he said from the beginning. Pause - pending a true commitment to a path to peace, he said. He added that Donald Trump is paying a very keen eye to what Kyiv is saying and doing about committing to that peace process. And were very encouraged by the signs were seeing. Ultimately, he [Trump] will make the determination. 06:53 PM GMT Twenty countries could join Starmers peacekeeping coalition in Ukraine Twenty countries could join Sir Keir Starmers plan for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, as efforts to create a coalition of the willing stepped up in Brussels. Britain and France are leading proposals for a postwar settlement in the hope of ending the three-year war between Russia and Ukraine. Countries that have publicly indicated they will consider sending peacekeeping troops to enforce a deal include Australia, Ireland, Luxembourg, Belgium and Turkey, which has the second largest army in Nato after the US. A number of other countries have not ruled out sending troops, including Canada, Denmark, and Sweden. It is understood that nations involved in a meeting on Wednesday were largely European and Commonwealth countries. The plans will eventually be presented to Donald Trump as part of the efforts to win back his support and ensure US involvement in any peace agreement. It came as European leaders convened in Brussels on Thursday to discuss defence spending and the path to a peace plan in Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky, who is at the summit, thanked the EU for ensuring that Ukraine is not alone. Russia, meanwhile, said it would not accept any European peacekeepers in Ukraine, claiming it would mean direct Nato involvement in the war. 06:40 PM GMT Healey meets Hegseth at the Pentagon US secretary of defence Pete Hegseth welcomes UK defence secretary John Healey with the guard of honour at the Pentagon. 06:24 PM GMT US Envoy to discuss ceasefire with Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia The US special envoy to the Middle East said he will travel to Saudi Arabia to speak to Ukrainian officials about a ceasefire with Russia. Were now in discussions to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians in Riyadh, or even potentially Jeddah, Steve Witkoff told reporters. The idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire. 06:14 PM GMT US destroying world order, says Ukraines former army chief Ukraines former armed forces chief and current ambassador to Britain said the United States is destroying the current world order. Valeriy Zaluzhnyi said Ukraine had held onto its independence despite animus and threats coming even from friends. He said: Its obvious the White House has questioned the unity of the whole Western world. Because we see that its not just the axis of evil and Russia trying to revise the world order, but the US is finally destroying this order. Mr Zaluzhnyi added that Ukraine should receive security guarantees and should avoid the role of bargaining chip in any negotiations. 05:48 PM GMT Zelensky backs partial truce to test Putins peace intentions Volodymyr Zelensky has backed plans for a partial truce to test whether Vladimir Putin is prepared to end his war on Ukraine. Senior Ukrainian and US officials will discuss the air, sea and critical infrastructure, as well as a large-scale prisoner exchange between Kyiv and Moscow, at a meeting in Saudi Arabia next week. We all need to feel that the Russians are not deceiving us, the Ukrainian president wrote online after meeting with EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday. His willingness to discuss the conditions of any peace deal is designed as a concession to Donald Trump, who last week accused his Ukrainian counterpart of wanting to prolong the war instead of negotiating a ceasefire. Mr Zelensky said the truce would be a prologue to a full peace settlement backed up by security guarantees from Kyivs Western allies. The first discussions on the plan will be held between Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, and Mike Waltz, the national security adviser, and Andriy Yermak, Mr Zelenskys chief of staff, on Tuesday next week. 05:44 PM GMT Norway steps up Ukraine support Norway will increase its financial support to Ukraine, with prime minister Jonas Gahr Store announcing on Thursday that the country will more than double its aid package to 7.2 billion euros (6.03) for 2025. The boost comes in the form of an additional 50 billion Norwegian kroner (4.2 billion euros, 3.52) billion) on top of previously committed funds. Mr Store said: The Norwegian aid will help Ukraine oppose Russia and reinforce the peace plan on which the European countries are working. 05:29 PM GMT Zelensky urges EU to back idea of truce in air and sea Volodymyr Zelensky called on EU leaders in Brussels to support the idea of truce in the air and at sea towards achieving peace in Ukraine. Everyone needs to make sure that Russia, as the sole source of this war, accepts the need to end it. This can be proved by two forms of silence that are easy to establish and monitor, namely, no attacks on energy and other civilian infrastructure truce for missiles, bombs, and long-range drones, and the second is truce on the water, meaning no military operations in the Black Sea, he said. 05:19 PM GMT US and Ukrainian officials to meet in Riyadh on Wednesday Senior Trump administration officials will travel to Saudi Arabia to meet with Ukrainian officials next week, Fox News and Axios reported on Thursday. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Axios said, citing two unnamed sources. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, and Mike Waltz, US national security adviser, and others will depart for Riyadh on Tuesday for the meeting, according to reports. Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Volodymyr Zelensky, is expected to meet them. 05:16 PM GMT Zelensky praises Macrons clear shared vision Volodymyr Zelensky said he had spoken with Emmanuel Macron during a meeting of the military representatives of countries interested in coalition to support Ukraine. We discussed the upcoming meeting on March 11... We coordinated our positions and next steps, he said on X. We have an absolutely clear shared vision that real and lasting peace is possible through cooperation between Ukraine, all of Europe, and the United States. The war must end as soon as possible. I had a meeting with French President @EmmanuelMacron on the sidelines of the European Council meeting today in Brussels. I thanked Emmanuel for his clear and principled stance in support of Ukraine and the need for new, more substantial steps to protect our entire Europeour pic.twitter.com/lulIKiXAKI Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) March 6, 2025 05:12 PM GMT Twice as many Britons care if Ukraine wins than Italians Twice as many British citizens care if Ukraine wins its war with Russia than Italians, according to a recent YouGov poll. Out of those surveyed, 67 per cent of Britons said they want Ukraine to win and care if it does so, compared to just 34 per cent in Italy. For Spain, it was 57 per cent, Germany 52 per cent and France 50 per cent. The poll also revealed that Volodymyr Zelensky was considerably more popular than Donald Trump in Britain, France and Spain and slightly more popular in Italy. It also showed that most Western Europeans see Mr Trump as a big threat to peace and security in Europe, with 69 per cent of Britons saying he is a very big threat. Twice as many Britons care if Ukraine wins the war than Italians - YouGov Volodymyr Zelensky was more popular than Donald Trump in major European countries - YouGov 04:58 PM GMT Zelensky: US-Ukraine to have meaningful meeting next week Volodymyr Zelensky said he hopes the US and Ukraine will have a meaningful meeting next week. His statements come as the Ukrainian leader tries to repair relations with Donald Trump after the US cut off weapons deliveries and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv after a disastrous meeting in the Oval Office last week. Mr Zelensky this week said he will return to the negotiating table in a bid to win back US support and agreed to sign a long-contested US-Ukraine rare minerals deal. Speaking at the EU defence summit, he added that Kyiv wants peace, but not at the cost of giving up Ukraine. 04:32 PM GMT Analysis: Will Orban disrupt the EU defence summit? All eyes are on Viktor Orban and what he might do at todays European Council on Ukraine. The Trump-allied Hungarian prime minister has form when it comes to delaying or disrupting summit conclusions in Brussels. EU leaders are hoping to agree language calling for a peace deal for Ukraine, which involves Volodymyr Zelensky at the negotiating table and sending more arms to Kyiv. Mr Orban, who has previously railed against sanctions on the Kremlin, has said he disagrees with the modalities of peace being discussed. However, he has no problem with the conclusions relating to Europes need to rearm and ramp up its defence spending. The question is whether Mr Orban will try to water down or block the joint EU statements language on the peace negotiations. He has a friend in Robert Fico, another pro-Putin strongman, and the leader of Slovakia. But the latest draft of the conclusions has new language about restarting Russian gas supplies to Slovakia, a concession aimed at winning over the populist. The European Council calls on the Commission, Slovakia and Ukraine to intensify efforts towards finding workable solutions to the gas transit issue, including through its resumption, it reads. That could leave Mr Orban, who has clashed with Mr Zelensky at a previous summit, isolated. Mr Zelensky spoke to the gathered leaders over lunch before leaving. An EU diplomat told the Telegraph that Mr Orban said nothing and made no intervention during those discussions. The hope is that Mr Orban keeps silent, but if he doesnt arrangements have been made to ensure the statement is made without Hungarys support. The conclusions will be published with an asterisk to say they were agreed by 26 member states and not 27. 04:10 PM GMT Trump considers major change in Nato policy Donald Trump is considering a major change to the US participation in Nato, including possibly favouring members of the alliance that spent a set percentage of their GDP on defence, officials said. As part of the policy shift, the US might not defend a Nato member if the country doesnt meet the defence spending threshold, senior US and congressional officials told NBC News. The US president is also said to be considering choosing to prioritise military exercises with Nato members who spend more, as well as station more American troops in countries that do so. Mr Trump has repeatedly railed against Nato countries for not meeting the 2 per cent spending goal, arguing the US should not have to pick up the slack. 04:00 PM GMT Nato chief cautiously optimistic about Ukraine-US talks Mark Rutte, Natos Secretary-General, said he was cautiously optimistic that talks between Ukraine and the United States could lead to a positive result. I welcome very much that the United States and Ukraine are, as we speak, discussing ways to go forward, Mr Rutte said on Thursday. 03:46 PM GMT Healey to tell Trump that US security needs do not exist in isolation The Defence Secretary will warn Donald Trump he cannot ignore threats to Europe because Americas security needs do not exist in isolation, a minister has said. Luke Pollard, the armed forces minister, said on Thursday that Mr Trumps geopolitical priorities in the Indo-Pacific are inextricably linked to the war in Ukraine, showing we are better when we work and fight together. Speaking at a Chatham House event, he said that John Healey will be making the point during his trip to Washington, where he is meeting his US counterpart to discuss a possible peace plan. He also said the US remains a reliable ally to the UK despite pulling intelligence sharing with Ukraine, but added: We need to continue those conversations. It is the reason why the Defence Secretary is not sat here on this panel, but he is in Washington this week, speaking to his US counterpart, to make the case not just for our approach to bringing allies together on Ukraine, but making the case for why it is in all our benefits, including the USs, that we continue to invest in Nato, why we continue to invest in our security and why Americas priorities, looking at whats happening in the Indo-Pacific, dont happen in isolation, he said. Indeed, you have North Korean troops fighting on Europe. That is a perfect example of how the two theatres are interconnected, and the idea that they can be separate and not have a connection from one to the other, is an argument that I dont think stands a huge amount of scrutiny, but it is one that as a nation, we are making the case that we are better when we work and fight together. 03:21 PM GMT Ukraine knows it is not alone: Zelensky thanks Europe Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa for strengthening Ukraine and not leaving his country alone. During a meeting on the sidelines of a key EU defence summit, he said they discussed air defence, weapons and ammunition as well as boosting Ukraines defence industry and increasing sanctions on Russia. I am grateful for the leadership in discussing the enhancement of Europes defence capabilities and the strengthening of Ukraine, as well as for all the support on the path to a just and lasting peace. It is very important that Ukrainians are not alone we feel it and know it, he wrote on X. During a meeting with European Commission President @vonderleyen and @eucopresident Antonio Costa in Brussels, we discussed strengthening the defense capabilities of Ukraine and all of Europe. Air defense, weapons and ammunition for Ukraine, timely deliveries, strengthening pic.twitter.com/qRIll3liOL Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) March 6, 2025 03:08 PM GMT Belgium PM brands Trump a bully, considers sending troops to Ukraine Belgiums prime minister branded Donald Trump a real bully as he arrived for the European Council summit on Ukraine and defence. Bart De Wever also said it seems logical that Belgium would send troops as part of a European peacekeeping force but added, we are not there yet. Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have called on European allies to join a coalition of the willing, which would commit soldier to the joint force if it was backed by US security guarantees. What Trump is doing is very un-European, Mr De Wever said of the Presidents treatment of Volodymyr Zelenksy over recent weeks. He added, using the English word, He is also a real bully. The Flemish nationalist said that did not mean cutting ties with the US or that we should tear up decades-old treaties. The US historically remains our most important ally within NATO. That does not change with a single president, he said. Mr De Wever also suggested that Belgium might not be able to deliver F-16 jets to Ukraine this year. 02:57 PM GMT Pictured: Zelensky greets Meloni Volodymyr Zelensky greets Italys Giorgia Meloni at a round table discussion at an EU summit in Brussels - AP 02:53 PM GMT Orban: Empower Europe not Brussels bureaucrats Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, stressed that Europe must strengthen its defence, rather than Brussels bureaucrats. Writing on X in the midst of the EU defence summit, Mr Orban said: My meetings in France confirmed that while we may disagree on the modalities of peace, we do agree that we must strengthen the defence capabilities of European nations, & these efforts should empower member states rather than Brussels bureaucrats. The nationalist leader has previously been at odds with the EU over Ukraine, frequently tried to block military aid to the war-torn country, and has been accused of being Vladimir Putins closest European ally. 02:45 PM GMT Pictured: Ukrainian troops load artillery on the frontline Ukrainian soldiers reload artillery shells on the frontline in the eastern Donetsk region - Anadolu A Ukrainian soldier prepares Msta-B howitzer - Anadolu 02:25 PM GMT Russia rejects temporary ceasefire in Ukraine Russia has rejected the prospect of a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a truce in the sea and sky as a first step to ending the war. Mr Zelensky had been pressured by Donald Trump to demonstrate his willingness to enter peace negotiations. Firm agreements on a final settlement are needed. Without all that, some kind of respite is absolutely unacceptable, a foreign ministry spokesman said in a televised briefing. Moscow has repeatedly rejected the idea of implementing a ceasefire without a long-term settlement. 02:09 PM GMT Zelensky thanks EU for support ahead of key defence summit Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the EU for ensuring that Ukraine is not alone ahead of a key defence summit in Brussels. The comments came after the US cut off its intelligence channels with Kyiv, threatening Ukrainian operations in their war against Russia. Speaking this morning, Mr Zelensky made clear his appreciation for the EUs support from the very beginning of the war. During all of this period, and last week, you stayed with us, of course from all Ukrainians, from all our nation, big appreciation, the Ukrainian president added. We are very thankful that we are not alone. 01:52 PM GMT Starmer: US central to peace in Ukraine Sir Keir Starmer insisted Ukraine must be put in the strongest possible position. The Prime Minister told reporters: Its important that we are all focused on that and its important that if there is a deal and we dont know there will be that we defend the deal. I think Europe needs to step up into this space. Weve said for a long time that Europe needs to do more in terms of its security and defence and I think thats right, and the United Kingdom will step up when its required. It has to be done in conjunction with the United States because for many decades we have worked very closely with the United States. No two other countries are as close when it comes to defence and security as our two countries. Its that ability to work with the United States and our European partners that has kept the peace for 80 years now. In the meantime we need to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. We dont know that theres going to be a deal. Its a big mistake to think all weve got to do is wait for a deal now. 01:33 PM GMT Big mistake to wait for peace deal, says Starmer It would be a big mistake just to wait for a peace deal, Sir Keir Starmer said as he reaffirmed British support for Ukraine. During a question-and-answer session with defence industry employees, the Prime Minister said it was important to continue to work towards a lasting peace. Sir Keir argued that this would have to ensure that Ukraine is both sovereign, able to make their own decisions, and secure, so in a position where we dont just stop the fighting. But he added: In the meantime, we need to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. We dont know that theres going to be a deal Its a big mistake to think all weve got to do is wait for a deal now. 01:20 PM GMT Denmark refuses to rule out hosting European nuclear weapons Denmarks prime minister has refused to rule out hosting European nuclear weapons. Mette Frederiksen said she was not ruling anything out when asked about Emmanuel Macrons proposal for a shared nuclear deterrent. Im not going to say no to other peoples ideas, she said. Everything is on the table. 01:10 PM GMT In pictures: Zelensky enters EU chamber Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with Viktor Orban, Hungarys prime minister, a prominent critic of Ukraine - REUTERS Antonio Costa, the European Council president, meets with Volodymyr Zelensky inside the EU chamber 01:06 PM GMT US helping Russia to destroy world order, says Ukrainian ambassador The US is helping Russia destroy the world order, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK has said. Speaking at Chatham House in London, Valerii Zaluzhnyi said he had concerns Nato may not exist in the near future. Now Washington is trying to delegate the security issues to Europe without participation of the US so we can say that in the near future, Nato likewise can stop existing, the ambassador said. We see that its not just the axis of evil and Russia trying to revise the world order, but the US is finally destroying this order, Mr Zaluzhnyi said. And when those countries of the axis conclude a strategic agreement between themselves, we should have thought maybe this is an attempt to revise the existing world order. 01:01 PM GMT Ukrainian opposition rejects Trump election talk Earlier we reported that senior members of the Trump administration had held secret talks with some of Volodymyr Zelenskys top political opponents (see 9.39am post). Petro Poroshenko and Yulia Tymoshenko, both of whom were approached, backed a ban on elections until peacetime after the reported talks. In a statement Thursday, Mr Poroshenko said that his team has always been and remains categorically against holding elections during the war. We have said, and continue to say, that elections can only take place after a ceasefire and the signing of a peace agreement with security guarantees for Ukraine, he said. Ms Tymoshenko, meanwhile, said her team is negotiating with all our allies who are able to help ensure a just peace as soon as possible. Until then, and I have said this more than once, holding any elections in Ukraine is out of the question, she wrote. 12:51 PM GMT Your views... 12:36 PM GMT Twenty countries interested in coalition of the willing Twenty countries held talks at official level yesterday as efforts to create a coalition of the willing stepped up. Britain and France are leading on proposals for a settlement and post-war security guarantees in the hope of ending the three-year war between Russia and Ukraine. Their plans will eventually be presented to Donald Trump as part of the efforts to win back his support and ensure US involvement in any peace agreement. It is understood that the nations involved at the meeting on Wednesday were largely European and Commonwealth countries. The engagement is believed to have been welcomed by the Government although it is still thought to be early days in drawing up a more concrete partnership and deal. 12:13 PM GMT Pictured: Zelensky meets with Macron Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the Special European Council in Brussels - AFP 12:01 PM GMT Trump plans to deport Ukrainians Moving away from the summit in Brussels, Donald Trump is reportedly planning to revoke temporary legal status for nearly 250,000 Ukrainians who fled the country after Russia launched its invasion. The move, which could occur as soon as next month, had been planned prior to last weeks public falling out between Mr Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, sources told Reuters. It is part of Mr Trumps wider efforts to strip legal status from more than 1.8 million migrants allowed to enter the US under temporary humanitarian parole programs. 11:51 AM GMT Turkey could send troops to Ukraine Turkey, which has the second largest army in Nato after the US, has said it could contribute troops to a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. The issue of contributing to a mission will be considered if deemed necessary for establishing regional stability and peace, and will be assessed mutually with all relevant parties, a source told reporters in Ankara. Only Britain and France have publicly committed to the idea. 11:45 AM GMT Scholz: Lets not give up on the US Olaf Scholz, the outgoing German chancellor, has said Europe should not give up on US involvement in nuclear deterrence. Asked to comment on Frances offer to discuss extending the protection offered by its nuclear arsenal to its European partners, Mr Scholz said that what we have in terms of nuclear involvement ... I dont think that should be given up. However, he also warned against any dictated peace in Ukraine. It is very important that we make sure that Ukraine does not have to accept a dictated peace, but that it is a just and fair peace that guarantees (Ukraines) sovereignty and independence, Mr Scholz told reporters 11:19 AM GMT This is a watershed moment for Europe Arriving at the summit, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commissions president, said: This is a watershed moment for Europe. And Ukraine, as part of our European family, its also a watershed. Europe faces a clear and present danger, and therefore Europe has to be able to protect itself, defend itself, as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for lasting and just peace. EU leaders will on Thursday discuss Mrs von der Leyens plans for a 650 billion boost of the blocs defence spending, including a 150 billion loan to buy missiles and air-defence systems and the loosening of debt rules. 11:11 AM GMT Zelensky thanks EU for support Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked European leaders for their strong support. The Ukrainian president said: You have made a strong signal to the Ukrainian people, warriors and civilians, and its great we are not alone. We feel it. Thank you so much for everything and signals to increase [defence] production and a new programme to increase European security is a great decision. Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in Brussels ahead of an emergency EU defence summit - AFP 11:08 AM GMT Costa reiterates vow to make Ukraine EU member Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council, has told Volodymyr Zelensky the EU will continue supporting Ukraine as it has done since day one. We will continue with you now, and we will continue in the future in eventual peace negotiations when you decide it is the right moment to negotiate, and most importantly, as future member state of the European Union, Mr Costa told Mr Zelensky ahead of todays emergency summit. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, calls the meeting a watershed moment. We stand by Ukraine as long as it takes, she added. 11:04 AM GMT Analysis: Zelensky likely to leave summit disappointed Volodymyr Zelensky will arrive in Brussels expecting a united front of support from the European Union as the Ukrainian prepares to face down Donald Trump. Hell be seeking cast-iron guarantees of military support and perhaps enhanced intelligence sharing to plug the gaps left by Washingtons decision to halt aid. But much to his disappointment, Mr Zelensky will only receive warm words of assurance and some vague promises around security guarantees. EU leaders have decided its too soon, and premature, to discuss troop deployments. Instead, theyll explain that the bloc best sees Ukraine being defended by itself with the help of weapons deliveries and training from its Western allies. Achieving peace through strength requires Ukraine to be in the strongest possible position, with Ukraines own robust military and defence capabilities as an essential component, a leaked draft of a statement to be signed off by EU leaders, seen by the Telegraph, says. This applies before, during and after negotiations to end the war. 11:00 AM GMT US will reinstate support for Ukraine, says Tusk Donald Tusk has said he believes the US will reinstate military and intelligence aid to Ukraine. The Polish prime minister said the US had become a more demanding partner but added that an alliance with Washington was an absolute priority. Mr Tusk also said Europe would rearm quicker, smarter and more effectively than Russia. 10:46 AM GMT Merz arrives in Brussels Friedrich Merz, Germanys next chancellor, has arrived in Brussels for talks with European leaders, though will not attend the EU summit. Instead, Olaf Scholz, the outgoing chancellor, will represent Germany. Friedrich Merz, Germanys next chancellor, will attend todays summit alongside Olaf Scholz, the outgoing chancellor - Shutterstock 10:27 AM GMT Lavrov: No room for compromise on European troops in Ukraine Sergei Lavrov has said Moscow would regard European peacekeepers deployed to Ukraine as the official involvement of Nato forces in the war against Russia. Britain and France have floated the idea of sending a European peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine after any peace deal is secured. We are categorically against such actions, they will mean official involvement of Nato forces in war against Russia, Mr Lavrov said. It is worth noting Moscow made similar comments before the UK and US sent long-range missiles to Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia. Donald Trump has also claimed Vladimir Putin had no problem with European peacekeepers being sent to Ukraine. 10:19 AM GMT Analysis: A moment for Merz to make his mark No, you arent suffering from double vision: there will in effect be two Chancellors of Germany in Brussels. The first of course is Olaf Scholz, the outgoing lame duck Chancellor who presided over the worst ever result for his Social Democrats party in last months elections. The second is incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the leader of the centre-Right Chrsitian Democrats. He has taken a brief hiatus from coalition talks for this visit to Brussels. Even though Mr Scholz will officially represent Germany at the summit, Mr Merz has several good reasons for tagging along. His presence reflects a sense of urgency in Europe - it must move quickly in a new era where US security guarantees for the continent seem to be falling away on a daily basis. It also provides an opportunity for Mr Merz to have some face-to-face meetings with other EU leaders, in particular French president Emmanuel Macron. The pair are eager to strike a deal where Germany is brought under the French nuclear umbrella, in light of concerns about Donald Trumps ever closer shift towards Russia. Mr Merz has already shown himself to be much more hawkish on security than Mr Scholz, even though he hasnt even been sworn in yet. The reforms he announced this week, on scrapping borrowing limits for defence spending and setting up a 500bn euro infrastructure fund, mark a sea change in German fiscal policy. It may well be Mr Scholzs face that you see in most of the photographs taken of EU leaders at this summit. But the more important one is that of Mr Merz - even if he is mainly holding meetings behind the scenes this week. 10:10 AM GMT Kremlin blasts extremely confrontational Macron speech The Kremlin has accused Emmanuel Macron of directly threatening Russia after the French leader revealed that he is considering extending his countrys nuclear shield to protect European allies. In a series of vicious statements from Moscow, Mr Macron was compared to Hitler by Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, and told he was being extremely confrontational by Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putins spokesman. Konstantin Kosachev, a senior Russian senator, said that Mr Macron was a maniac, leading the world to the abyss. In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday night, Mr Macron said that he would launch a debate on extending Frances nuclear umbrella to European partners, following calls from Friedrich Merz, Germanys chancellor-in-waiting, for France and Britain to expand their nuclear protection. Condemning Mr Macrons plans, Lavrov warned: If he sees us as a threat... and says that it is necessary to use a nuclear weapon, is preparing to use a nuclear weapon against Russia, of course it is a threat. On Thursday, Peskov added: The speech is really extremely confrontational. He said that Mr Macrons tough rhetoric suggests France wants the war to continue. Elsewhere, Mr Macron said that a fast-rearming Russia was a threat to France and Europe, the Ukraine war was already a global conflict and the US may no longer be relied on to stand by us. Read the full article here. 09:59 AM GMT Defend Europe, Defend Ukraine Activists in Brussels are calling on EU leaders to seize 300bn of frozen Russian assets to help defend Ukraine. Activists display a 500 square meter banner in support of Ukraine in the European Quarter in Brussels - Shutterstock 09:39 AM GMT Trump team held secret talks with Zelensky opposition Donald Trumps administration held secret talks with some of Volodymyr Zelenskys top political opponents, it has emerged. Four senior members of the Trump entourage spoke with Yulia Tymoshenko, the opposition leader, as well as senior members of former president Petro Poroshenkos party, Politico reported. Discussions centred around whether Ukraine could hold quick presidential elections, according to the report. A rift has been growing between Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky, culminating in a public shouting match in the Oval Office and US withdrawal of military aid and intelligence to Ukraine. Mr Trump has publicly insisted that Ukraine hold elections and labelled the Ukrainian president a dictator for not holding a vote, despite it being banned under martial law. There were some signs that their relationship could be mended after Mike Waltz, Mr Trumps national security adviser, said the US president would consider restoring aid if Mr Zelensky came to the negotiating table. 09:34 AM GMT Norway should significantly raise its aid to Ukraine, PM says Norway should significantly increase its financial aid to Ukraine,the countrys prime minister told parliament on Thursday. I want to propose to the other parties in parliament that we meet this afternoon to discuss and agree on a significant increase in the Nansen programme for Ukraine this year, Jonas Gahr Stoere said. It marks the latest example of a European country scrambling to boost defence spending and maintain support for Ukraine after Donald Trump froze US military aid to Kyiv and fuelled doubts about its commitment to Nato. 09:06 AM GMT Physically impossible to hold elections, says Zelensky opponent Oleksiy Goncharenko, an MP from the Peoples Deputy of Ukraine, said it was physically impossible to hold elections in the country amid reports the US had sounded out Volodymyr Zelenskys opponents. He told the Telegraph: I am no fan of Zelensky but it is just not possible given our current security circumstances. The law forbids it. What would happen if people who are voting are being attacked? And youre not just speaking about voting day, elections occur over a campaign, its impossible. 08:52 AM GMT Analysis: How Trump blinded Ukraine with US intelligence blackout The suspension of US military aid dealt a devastating blow to Ukraine. The halt of intelligence sharing is potentially even more catastrophic. The munitions freeze will undoubtedly affect Ukraines ability to wage war against the invading Russians over time, but thanks in part to healthy stockpiles, the impact might not be felt for several months. The loss of vital intelligence, however, will make its mark immediately. It will, simply put, blind Ukraine. The intelligence partnership between Washington and Kyiv has repeatedly proved vital not just to Ukraines ability to attack its enemy or defend itself but also in saving the lives of its citizens. Attacking targets within Russia, providing vital intelligence to Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines and giving civilians in Ukraines cities sufficient warning to get to bomb shelters will now be much harder. 08:36 AM GMT In pictures: Russian air strike on village in Kharkiv Russia launched air strikes in the Kharkiv region overnight, destroying houses and cars in the village of Slatyne. Firefighters work at the site of houses destroyed by a Russian air strike in the village of Slatyne, Kharkiv - REUTERS 08:26 AM GMT British and American volunteers inside hotel struck by Russia British and American volunteers were inside a hotel that was struck by Russia overnight, according to Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian president said they had managed to survived after fleeing their rooms. Ballistic missiles hit an ordinary hotel. Just before the strike, volunteers from a humanitarian organisation - citizens of Ukraine, the United States, and Britain - checked into the hotel, Mr Zelensky said. They survived because they managed to get down from their rooms. But, unfortunately, four people were killed in the attack. 08:20 AM GMT Lasting peace in Ukraine impossible without US backing, says minister A lasting peace in Ukraine is impossible without the backing of the United States, a minister has admitted. Sarah Jones, the industry minister, echoed remarks previously made by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky insisting that a viable peace deal needs the backing of Donald Trump. Mr Trump has suspended military aid and intelligence sharing to Mr Zelenskys country in the wake of an extraordinary public fallout between the two leaders last week. Ms Jones told Sky News: We know in the conversations we are having on Ukraine, that we cannot have a lasting peace without the support of the United States, we need that relationship to be right. We are working the Prime Minister is working to try and get an agreement that includes the EU and the US but of course must start and finish with Ukraine and what they want to do. 08:15 AM GMT Putin appoints veteran diplomat as new US ambassador Vladimir Putin has appointed Alexander Darchiev, a veteran diplomat, as Russias new ambassador to the United States. Mr Darchiev will be tasked with leading a rapprochement with that has stunned Ukraine and Washingtons European allies. Russias foreign ministry said last week Washington had given it the green light at a meeting between Russian and US officials in Turkey to appoint Mr Darchiev. That six-hour meeting in Istanbul last Thursday, where the delegations worked to try to restore normal function of their embassies, was the latest sign of a thaw between the two countries. 08:10 AM GMT France shares intelligence with Ukraine France is in a better position than the British to fill the intelligence void left by America pausing cooperation with Ukraine, according to Frances defence minister. Cooperation with American agencies on satellite observation on everything else has been suspended since yesterday afternoon, Sebastien Lecornu confirmed on Thursday morning. Asked whether Europes intelligence take Americas place if it pulls out, he said: For our British friends who are in an intelligence community with the US, its more complicated. Our intelligence is sovereign, it has been longer to ramp up in recent years but the advantage is we have done so with our own means and so yes we have our own means of intelligence, which are now benefitting the Ukrainians, he told France Inter. 08:01 AM GMT Watch: Zelenskys hometown hit by Russian strike Credit: Social Media 07:40 AM GMT Musk accuses Europe of wanting forever war Elon Musk has claimed European leaders want the war in Ukraine to last forever. The Tesla billionaire and key Trump ally was responding to an interview with Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, who said claimed Russia would not stop at Ukraine. How many more parents with no sons? How many more children with no fathers? By their logic, it never ends, Mr Musk, a fierce critic of Ukraine, posted on X this morning. 07:29 AM GMT Zelensky to attend EU summit Volodymyr Zelensky will attend a summit of EU leaders in Brussels later today. The Ukrainian president is expected to hold a series meetings, including with Mark Rutte, Nato chief, and Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. The purpose of the emergency summit is to cement European support for Kyiv in the wake of Donald Trumps suspending all military aid and intelligence to Ukraine. It comes after Ms von der Leyen unveiled an 800 billion boost to EU defence spending, proclaiming it was time to rearm Europe. 07:19 AM GMT Moscow scolds Macron after address to the nation Russian officials have scolded Emmanuel Macron after he told French citizens that Russia posed a threat to the European order, warning the comments could bring the West closer to a new world war. The French president said in an address to the nation on Wednesday that Russia was a threat for France and Europe, that the Ukraine was already a global conflict and that he would open a debate about extending the French nuclear umbrella to allies in Europe. Such an erroneous analysis leads to fatal errors, Konstantin Kosachev, a senior Russian senator, said, claiming that Mr Macron had mistaken Russias reaction to Nato enlargement. Macron maniacally imposes on his citizens, allies and the entire world a completely false concept of what is happening - the Russians are coming! Such false conclusions and false suggestions lead to the abyss. Emmanuel Macron addressing the nation in a TV address on Wednesday evening - AFP 07:08 AM GMT Who are Zelenskys main political opponents? Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukraines opposition leader, is ruthlessly ambitious about reaching the presidency. She was prime minister in 2005, and again between 2007 and 2010 - the only woman to hold that position. Ms Tymoshenko finished second in two presidential elections in 2010 and 2014 - spending most of the interim period in jail in what was thought to be a politically motived prosecution. After being elected to Ukraines parliament in 2019, she has led her party in opposition. She is not thought to pose much of a threat to Mr Zelensky, garnering just 5.7 percent support in the latest poll. Mr Zelenskys nearest rival is Valery Zaluzhny, a former army commander who is now Ukraines ambassador to Britain, who trails the Ukrainian president by 20 percentage points. Petro Poroshenkos support has been hovering at around 10 percent. Mr Zelenskys poll ratings have been declining for several years, now sitting at 44 per cent after previously sitting above 50 - though he is still comfortably ahead in the race for the presidency, according to the latest projection. Despite claiming no interference in Ukrainian politics, several senior Republicans have attacked Mr Zelensky for not holding elections - including Mr Trump. Tulsi Gabbard, Mr Trumps intelligence chief, said earlier this week Kyiv had cancelled elections, despite them being banned under martial law. Elon Musk, a key Trump ally, has also criticised Mr Zelensky for not holding elections. Yulia Tymoshenko is the former prime minister of Ukraine - Julian Simmonds/The Telegraph 06:50 AM GMT Russian strike on hotel in Zelenskys hometown kills three A Russian missile strike on a hotel in Volodymyr Zelenskys hometown killed four people and injured 31 overnight, with about half of them in serious condition, authorities have said. Russian forces have kept up their bombardment of Ukraine even as rhetoric builds in Washington and Moscow on potential talks to halt the more than three-year war. Three people died in Kryvy Rig due to the night missile attack... Sincere condolences to the relatives, Sergiy Lysak, governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, said this morning. There are 31 injured... 14 are in serious condition. In addition to the hotel, 14 apartment buildings, a post office, almost two dozen cars, a cultural institution, and 12 shops were damaged, authorities said. A Russian missile strike on a hotel in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys hometown overnight killed three people 06:45 AM GMT Welcome to our live coverage Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine. Well be bringing you the latest news and analysis throughout the day. Donald Trump said: I hope youre going to negotiate, because its going to be a lot better for Iran. Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty Images Donald Trump has said he wants to negotiate a new deal with Iran to prevent its development of nuclear weapons and sent a letter to its leaders saying he hoped they would open talks. It is the first practical step taken by the US president to see if new negotiations on Irans nuclear programme are possible. Trump pulled the US out of the previous agreement which imposed curbs on Irans nuclear program in return for sanctions relief in 2018, and since then Tehran has built a stockpile of highly enriched uranium that is enough for use in multiple nuclear weapons. Ive written them a letter, saying I hope youre going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily its going to be a terrible thing for them, Trump told Fox Business in a clip broadcast on Friday. You cant let them have a nuclear weapon. The letter appeared to have been addressed to Irans supreme leader, the 85-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has recently opposed negotiations with the US so long as economic sanctions are in force. The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, responded by saying: We will not enter any direct negotiations with the US so long as they continue their maximum pressure policy and their threats. But this formulation does not prevent talks through third parties such as Russia, as has occurred before during the Biden administration. The Russian deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, discussed international efforts to resolve the situation around Irans nuclear program with the Iranian ambassador, Kazem Jalali, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday. The Trump administration has previously suggested the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, had agreed to act as a mediator with Iran, and Russian diplomats have already been advising Trump to keep any negotiations with Iran limited to the nuclear issue. The experienced Russian diplomat Mikhail Ulyanov earlier this week said Washington and Moscow had established a communication channel on Russias role as a mediator. He advised the US not to seek agreement on wider issues such as Irans missile program or its regional behaviour, a reference to its support to the resistance groups in the Middle East, also known as Iranian proxy forces. Ulyanov said it was not possible to kill three birds with one stone. Trumps strategy of reaching out to Russia would be enhanced if he could show a side benefit of his closer relations with Moscow was to reduce the growing risk of an Israeli attack on Iran to prevent Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons. The letter, the first step Trump has taken towards Iran since he announced the US was seeking to reimpose maximum economic pressure on Iran, comes at a time when the Iranian government is locked in a public dispute on the wisdom of negotiating with the US, and what pre-conditions should be set. In recent days hardliners opposed to reaching out to the US appeared to have gained a decisive upper hand with MPs impeaching the economy minister, Abdolnaser Hemmati, and the resignation of Javad Zarif, the vice-president for strategy and a long-term advocate of reviving contacts with the west. The ministry of foreign affairs also issued a strategy paper stressing that Iran was not prepared to lose its political independence. The paper said: Governments that set their policies in the hope of security guarantees from great powers in the end at critical junctures were left alone. Iran has learned this historical lesson well. Independence is not just a slogan, but an inevitable necessity. The loss of such key ministers reflected both the hardliner parliaments refusal to reconcile itself to the loss of the presidential election last year, and genuine public anger about the rapidly deteriorating state of the economy largely caused by the accumulation of years of economic sanctions. Iranian politicians for months have been contradicting one another about the wisdom of talks, whether there could be direct discussions with the US and whether the talks should simply focus narrowly on reimposing a UN regime to oversee the safety of Irans civil nuclear program. The last nuclear deal signed by Iran in 2015 and negotiated by the US, Russia, China, and three European powers, the UK, France and Germany, was fatally weakened in 2018 when Donald Trump pulled the US from the deal, and Europe said the breadth of US secondary sanctions meant European firms could not find a lawful way to continue trading with Iran. Gradually Iran, claiming it was taking a legitimate reprisal measures for the failure to lift sanctions, ended cooperation with most aspects of the 2015 nuclear deal, including breaching all the limits on stockpiling highly enriched uranium, the key material to make nuclear weapons. Recent goodwill gestures to allow more experienced nuclear inspectors into Iran never took place. A deadline of sorts is hanging over the process since the UNs nuclear weapons inspectorate is due to publish a comprehensive report this summer that will set out the level of Iranian non-compliance with the nuclear inspectorate, a report that would then in October trigger currently suspended UN sanctions coming into force. Rafael Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency director, told the IAEA board this week that Irans stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% had reached 275kg. He said: Iran is the only country that enriches uranium to this level without having nuclear weapons. Volodymyr Zelensky attends the UK-Ukraine summit earlier this week - Anadolu Donald Trump has threatened Vladimir Putin with new sanctions if Russia does not stop pounding Ukraine. Mr Trump said he was strongly considering large-scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached. His warning marked the first time he has challenged Putin directly since becoming president, following a week of high tension between the White House and Ukraine. Mr Trump stressed that Russia and Ukraine must get to the [negotiating] table right now, before it is too late. Meanwhile, in the first positive signal from the Kremlin in response to Mr Trumps calls for a ceasefire, sources told Bloomberg that Putin was willing to discuss a temporary truce if there was progress towards a peace settlement. The moves come with another crucial week of frantic diplomacy ahead. Kyiv is desperately trying to prove to the Trump administration it is ready for peace after Washington stopped weapons deliveries and cut off intelligence-sharing and satellite data, partially blinding Ukraine. Speaking later from the Oval Office, Mr Trump admitted he found it easier to deal with Russia than Ukraine in his efforts to end the three-year war, and insisted that he trusted Putin. I believe him, Mr Trump said. Im finding it more difficult frankly to deal with Ukraine and they dont have the cards It may be easier dealing with Russia. The US president once again positioned himself as the only person capable of ending the conflict. The Ukrainians dont know how to end the war, I know how to end the war, he told reporters. Mr Trumps sanction threats came in response to a major Russian missile and drone attack on Ukrainian energy facilities, hobbling the countrys ability to deliver heat and light to its citizens and to power weapons factories vital to its defences. US sanctions on Russia have squeezed its economy, cutting off big banks from the global monetary system, while Putin allies have been sanctioned and their assets frozen as trade between the two countries collapsed. However, serious holes remain. The Biden administration had been stuck playing a tedious game of whack-a-mole to try to catch sanction dodgers helping Putins regime fund the war. There was still a heck of a lot of room to put pressure on the Russian economy, Kevin Hassett, the director of the US National Economic Council, said, adding Mr Trump was using carrots and sticks to get everybody to the table. On Thursday, at a major summit of EU leaders in Brussels, Volodymyr Zelensky backed plans for a partial truce to stop air, sea and critical infrastructure attacks, and test whether Putin is prepared to end his war on Ukraine. Key meetings in Saudi Arabia Senior Ukrainian and US officials will discuss these plans, as well as a large-scale prisoner exchange between Kyiv and Moscow, at a meeting in Saudi Arabia next Thursday. Mr Zelensky will not take part, but will travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in advance of what he hopes will be meaningful talks. Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, and Michael Waltz, the national security adviser, are expected to be in Jeddah at the talks alongside Andriy Yermak, Mr Zelenskys chief of staff. Meanwhile, a large cohort of European defence chiefs will be gathering in Paris on Tuesday at the behest of Emmanuel Macron, who is pushing for a one-month ceasefire in Ukraine as the first stage to end the war. France will then host defence ministers from Britain, Germany, Italy and Poland to shore up support for Ukraine in the midst of rapidly receding US backing. The flurry of European diplomacy comes as Ukraine faces intense counter-attacks in Russias Kursk region that have put 10,000 of its troops at risk of encirclement. Kyivs foothold inside Russia is one of its key cards to play at negotiations, but military analysts fear this may soon be lost after Russia broke through the front line and advanced on a key supply line from two directions. Ukraine seized part of the region last summer in a surprise offensive, but has steadily lost chunks of it. On Friday, Russian forces advanced in Sudzha, some 11km inside Russia. Maps from Deep State, the Ukrainian military blog, reveal that roughly three-quarters of the Ukrainian force inside Russia is nearly fully encircled and almost split in two. It is believed that a significant number of North Korean troops were used in the offensive to cut the soldiers off, with the help of drone warfare to disrupt Ukrainian supply chains and logistics. A junior sergeant in Kursk told The Telegraph that Ukraine was considering withdrawing from Kursk to avoid further losses. We want to avoid losses. The fear of encirclement is real, they said. Elsewhere, Ukrainian analysts believe Russia could be planning an imminent large-scale aerial attack on western Ukraine after it carried out reconnaissance missions in the Volyn, Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions. Open-source analysts at the Ukrainian Telegram channel Your Lviv also reported Russia delivering new missiles to a major airbase in western Russia, indicating Moscow was preparing for fresh bombing strikes. 06:18 PM GMT Correction: Mike Waltz to fly to Saudi to get Ukraine peace deal back on track Mike Waltz is due to fly to Saudi Arabia next week as part of a push to get Ukraines peace deal back on track. Invited to speak in the Oval Office by Donald Trump, the presidents national security adviser said: Secretary Rubio, myself and Ukrainian delegation will be meeting in Saudi Arabia next week to get these talks back on track, Get a ceasefire in place and drive peace. Elsewhere in the press conference, Mr Trump confirmed that were meeting in Saudi Arabia some time next week, but didnt say if he would be flying to the gulf state in person. Correction: A former version of this blog post mistakenly claimed that Donald Trump had said he would be flying to Saudi Arabia. 05:57 PM GMT Thats all for today Thank you for tuning in to our Ukraine live blog. Well be back tomorrow to bring you all the latest updates. This blog is now closed. 05:54 PM GMT Trump pulled Ukraine aid to limit debt Donald Trump has said he decided to cut off aid to Ukraine to kerb US debt and ensure Kyiv is ready for peace. Asked why he had decided to turn of the taps on aid to Ukraine, of which the US is the biggest provider, Mr Trump said: If they dont want to settle, were out of there because we want them to settle. Warning that the European Union has not played its part in funding for Ukraine, Mr Trump said: This thing could end up in world war three if we dont get it settled. 05:26 PM GMT Its easier to deal with Russia than Ukraine, says Trump It may be easier to deal with Russia than Ukraine, Donald Trump has said. Speaking from the Oval Office, the president said were doing very well negotiating with Moscow but said he is finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. I find that in terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia, which is surprising, because they have all the cards, and theyre bombing the hell out of them right now, he said. 05:20 PM GMT France to hold Ukraine talks next week France will hold talks next week with Britain and Germany to discuss support for Ukraine, an aide to the defence minister has said. Ministers from Europes five main military powers, including Italy and Poland, are due to meet in Paris on Wednesday. In view of a recent American decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine, the ministers will discuss coordinating action of our countries in support of Kyiv, the source close to Sebastien Lecornu told AFP. They will also discuss necessary rearmament of Europe and our respective countries, which is essential to guarantee our collective security in the long term. 05:08 PM GMT Watch Live: Trump press conference 04:55 PM GMT Saudi Arabia welcomes chance to host US-Ukraine meeting next week Saudi Arabia welcomed the chance to host a meeting between the US and Ukraine next week, its foreign ministry said. The foreign ministry confirms the kingdoms continued efforts to achieve lasting peace to end the Ukrainian crisis, it said. Top level diplomats from Washington and Kyiv are expected to attend the talks in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. Volodymyr Zelensky will not be at the talks, but said he will travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. 04:34 PM GMT Russia gearing up for large-scale attack on western Ukraine Ukrainian open-source analysts believe Russia could be planning an imminent large-scale aerial attack on western Ukraine. In the wake of Russias major missile strikes across Ukraine on Wednesday, it has been carrying out reconnaissance missions across the west of the country in the Volyn, Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, Ukrainian Telegram channel Your Lviv reported. The channel said it is likely to indicate further attacks are being planned. The analysts also reported Russia delivering new missiles to a major airbase in western Russia, suggesting Moscow was preparing for fresh bombing strikes. 04:22 PM GMT Putin ready to agree to Ukraine truce with conditions Russia is willing to discuss the first stages of a truce in Ukraine with conditions, according to sources in Moscow. It would mark the first positive response from Vladimir Putin to Donald Trumps call for a ceasefire. Russias offer was conveyed last month at the US-Russian talks in Saudi Arabia, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. In order to agree to a temporary ceasefire, Putin wants progress towards and a clear understanding of a final peace settlement, two people with knowledge of the matter said. Russia will also demand in establishes the parameters of a peacekeeping mission and which countries take part, one of the sources said. 03:52 PM GMT Polish president wants at least 4pc GDP defence spending Andrzej Duda, Polands president, is proposing to enshrine defence spending of at least 4 per cent of GDP into the countrys constitution. Currently, Poland spends a higher proportion of GDP on defence than any other Nato member, including the US. Last year, it reached 4.1 per cent of GDP, which could rise to 4.7 per cent in 2025. Read more on the issue: How the return of the German army could help save Europe Polands President Andrzej Duda is pushing for 4pc defence spending to be enshrined in his countrys constitution - AFP 03:39 PM GMT EU preparing to give Ukraine access to Single Market in peace deal Ursula von der Leyen is ready to push EU rules to breaking point to give Ukraine privileged access to the blocs Single Market as part of a final peace deal, The Telegraph can reveal. Lucrative access to a market of 449 million consumers would bring a much-needed economic boost to help rebuild the war-torn country, which is a candidate to join the EU. The plan would see Brussels choose which sectors to open up to Kyiv and which to keep closed. Key to the plan is Ukraines booming defence industry, which is churning out large numbers of drones and provides 55 per cent of weapons used by its army. Read the full piece here. Ukraine access to the blocs Single Market would be part of a final peace deal - Getty Images Europe 03:20 PM GMT Trumps anger with Moscow intensifying over fresh strikes A senior White House official said that Donald Trumps anger has been growing as Russia escalates its strikes on Ukraine despite US attempts to broker a ceasefire. Trumps rage has been intensifying in recent days, the official told the Axios news website. 03:15 PM GMT Pictured: Ukrainian soldier practices using an anti-tank launcher Ukrainian soldiers practice with the AT4 anti-tank launcher during firing training in Donetsk Oblast - Global Images Ukraine 02:47 PM GMT Zelenskys approval rating jumps 10 points after Trump attacks Volodymyr Zelenskys approval rating in Ukraine has increased by 10 percentage points since Donald Trump called him a dictator, according to a poll released today. The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) survey found that 67 per cent of Ukrainians trust Zelensky, up from 57 per cent a month earlier. The poll was conducted between February 14 and March 4, a period that included Mr Trump calling Mr Zelensky a dictator and the Oval Office showdown which ended in a shouting match and the Ukrainian delegation being ejected from the White House. We are witnessing a process of unification of society against the backdrop of new challenges facing Ukraine, said Anton Grushetsky, the institutes executive director. Support for Mr Zelensky was consistent across most of the country, with slightly lower trust (60 per cent) in eastern regions 02:25 PM GMT Russia breaks through Ukrainian lines in Kursk Russian forces have broken through Ukrainian lines, severing the Kursk offensive in two and threatening a major supply route, Verity Bowman reports from Kyiv. Live maps of the front lines show major gains thought to have been made with the help of North Korean troops fighting for Moscow. The only Ukrainian road into the town of Sudzha could now be in range of Russian first-person view drones, complicating Ukrainian efforts to hold the Kursk region and carry out a retreat if needed. The move will put pressure on some 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers who are fighting inside Russia. Ukraine seized parts of the Kursk region last summer in a surprise offensive that has given it considerable leverage in possible negotiations to end the war. There are an estimated 10,000-12,000 Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region from around five brigades. They include elite Ukrainian units from the 95th Air Assault Brigade and the 115th Mechanised Brigade. Read more here. Ukrainian tank drives on the road on September 16, 2024 in Kursk Region, Russia - Global Images Ukraine 01:44 PM GMT Zelensky must acknowledge Europe will provide security guarantee, says Bessent Volodymyr Zelensky needs to acknowledge that security guarantees for his country will come from Europe, Scott Bessent, US treasury secretary, said. He went on to describe the situation regarding any potential peace deal to end Russias war in Ukraine as fluid. 01:21 PM GMT EU briefs Nato partners on Brussels defence meeting EU leaders have briefed several Nato partners about the outcome of Thursdays defence meeting in Brussels, where European Union chiefs agreed to strengthen the blocs defences amid concerns about potential US disengagement. Antonio Costa, the European Council president, and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, held a video call with leaders from Britain, Turkey, Canada, Norway and Iceland to discuss the results of the talks. Our cooperation with like-minded NATO partners is vital for international security, for Ukraine, for stepping up our joint efforts on defence, Mr Costa said. He added: Together with our partners in Europe, across the Atlantic, and beyond, we need to work to support Ukraine and ensure a just and lasting peace. An EU official reported that the non-EU leaders expressed their determination to contribute to joint efforts in supporting Ukraine as well as in stepping up the cooperation in the area of defence. Fridays briefing follows last weekends London summit, where European leaders pledged increased security spending and committed to forming a coalition to defend any future truce in Ukraine. 12:52 PM GMT Defence Secretary holds very constructive talks with US counterpart The Defence Secretary held very constructive discussions with US defence secretary Pete Hegseth during a visit to Washington DC, according to Downing Street. The two officials discussed deepening the UK-US defence relationship and finding a lasting peace for Ukraine, Number 10 said. A spokesman added that the US defence secretary said he was encouraged by Ukraines actions since last week. Upcoming US-Ukraine talks scheduled for next week in Saudi Arabia were described as a welcome development. President Zelensky has set out his readiness to move quickly and set out some possible elements for a first stage of a peace deal. And this provides a good basis for the discussions that will be taking place in Riyadh next week, the spokesman said. The spokesman added that the US defence secretary said he was encouraged by Ukraines actions since last week - KENT NISHIMURA/REUTERS 12:39 PM GMT Ukraine receives first funds from UKs frozen Russian assets Ukraine has received the first instalment of $1 billion from Britain taken from frozen Russian assets, the Ukrainian prime minister has announced. Denys Shmyhal said: The funds will go towards strengthening Ukraines defence capabilities. We expect all sovereign assets of the Russian Federation to be confiscated and transferred to benefit our country in the future. 12:31 PM GMT Watch: Trump says he will visit Saudi Arabia for $1 trillion deal in snub to traditional UK first visit 12:18 PM GMT Russia to launch drone production in Belarus Russia plans to construct a drone production facility in Belarus to ensure security for its ally. Belarusian state media reported that the project was proposed by Maxim Oreshkin, the Kremlins deputy chief of staff, during a visit to Minsk, where Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian president, supported the plan. Mr Oreshkin said: Its very important that Belarus has its own [drone] production facilities, which would strengthen both its economy and national security. According to officials, the factory could produce up to 100,000 drones annually when fully operational. The two countries will now discuss the facilitys location and other details, though no construction timeline was provided. Belarus remains under Western sanctions for supporting Russias invasion of Ukraine and for its crackdown on opposition to Lukashenko. 12:03 PM GMT Russia launches massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine gas plants Russia has launched a massive missile and drone strike on Ukrainian gas facilities, just hours after Volodymyr Zelensky called for a truce covering attacks on critical infrastructure. Ukrainian energy minister German Galushchenko said that it was clear that Russia is trying to hurt ordinary citizens as other strikes were reported on an apartment block in Kharkiv, injuring four people. The energy and gas infrastructure in various regions of Ukraine is under massive missile and drone shelling again, Mr Galushchenko said in a post on Facebook. Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by shelling energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without power and heating, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens. Kharkiv, Slovyansk, Kramatorsk, Odesa and Ternopil were targeted overnight as Russia launched missiles from the sea and air. The operational command of Polish armed forces said it has scrambled fighter jets and put air defence systems on alert in response to Russias strikes. Ukrainian emergency personnel work at the scene of a Russian Iskander ballistic missile attack on a residential building in the Kyivskyi district on March 07 - Diego Fedele/Getty Images Europe 11:48 AM GMT Pictured: Honour guard carries coffin of Ukrainian soldier Honor guard carries coffin during funeral ceremony for Ukrainian serviceman Serhii Solovei on March 6 in Chernihiv, Ukraine - Global Images Ukraine 11:42 AM GMT Your views... 11:25 AM GMT France to host European defence ministers for Ukraine support talks France will hold a meeting of defence ministers from Europes five major military powers next week to discuss support for Ukraine. Ministers from Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland and France will gather in Paris on Wednesday, following a separate meeting of European military chiefs of staff on Tuesday. This marks the third such gathering of the defence ministers group, which previously met in Berlin in November 2024 and Poland in January. 11:14 AM GMT Watch: Ukrainian troops shoot down a Russian drone Credit: Reddit/GermanDronePilot 10:48 AM GMT Erdogan backs Zelenskys call for air and sea truce Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed support for Volodymyr Zelenskys call for an aerial and sea truce in the Ukraine war. Mr Erdogan said: We support the idea of establishing a ceasefire as soon as possible and stopping attacks in the air and at sea as a confidence-building measure between the parties. The Turkish leaders endorsement follows Zelenskys call for a truce after a series of Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. 10:35 AM GMT Kremlin threatens response to EU defence buildup The Kremlin warned it may need to take countermeasures in response to what it described as European Union plans to militarise the bloc with Russia cast as its main adversary. We see that the European Union is now actively discussing the militarisation of the EU and the development of the defence segment. This is a process that we are watching closely, because the EU is positioning Russia as its main adversary, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The statement follows Thursdays meeting of European leaders, who backed increased defence spending and continued support for Ukraine amid shifting US policies under President Donald Trump. This, of course, could potentially be a topic of deep concern for us and there could be a need to take appropriate measures in response to ensure our security, Peskov added. The Kremlin spokesman also claimed that the confrontational rhetoric and confrontational thinking from Brussels and European capitals contradicts efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. 10:22 AM GMT Zelensky calls for air and sea truce after Russian strikes Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a truce in the air and at sea, as well as additional pressure on Russia, after a massive attack overnight that hit Ukrainian gas infrastructure. The first steps to establishing real peace should be forcing the sole source of this war, Russia, to stop such attacks, Zelensky said on the Telegram app. 10:15 AM GMT Trump: If Nato members dont pay Im not going to defend them, its common sense 10:05 AM GMT Ten people injured in Russian overnight strikes At least 10 people, including a child, were wounded in overnight Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, energy minister German Galushchenko said. Mr Galushchenko added that Moscow was deliberately trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by striking energy and gas production facilities. 09:55 AM GMT Moscow says it struck gas and energy targets in Ukraine The Russian defence ministry said its forces carried out strikes with long-range air, sea and land-based precision weapons against what it called gas and energy infrastructure supporting Ukraines military-industrial complex Ukrainian officials said Moscow had launched at least 58 missiles and 194 drones in the overnight barrage targeting energy facilities throughout the country. According to Ukraines air force, its defences managed to intercept 34 missiles and 100 drones during the attack. 09:36 AM GMT Russian strike forces shutdown of gas production facilities Ukraines largest private energy company, DTEK, announced on Friday that it has suspended gas production at its facilities in the central Poltava region following significant damage from an overnight Russian attack. The company did not provide details about the extent of the damage or how long operations would remain suspended. 09:28 AM GMT Watch: Ukrainian emergency services respond to huge blazes as Russia attacks gas plants Credit: State Emergency Service of Ukraine 09:17 AM GMT Zelensky to visit South Africa on April 10 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will make an official visit to South Africa on April 10, according to an announcement from the South African presidents office on Friday. President Zelensky will be visiting South Africa on the 10th of April, presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said. He added: The visit is a continuation of ongoing engagements held by President [Cyril] Ramaphosa with President Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky on an inclusive peace process that will provide a path to peace between Russia and Ukraine. 09:05 AM GMT Kinnock: US-Ukraine talks very welcome A minister has hailed planned talks between the US and Ukraine next week as very welcome. Stephen Kinnock, the care minister, told Sky News: Its very welcome that those talks are taking place, and I think it reflects absolutely what the Prime Minister has been saying, which is that weve got to get Ukraine to the table: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. And what were also working to do is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for when these talks do start. He added: The Prime Minister, I think, has played an outstanding role as a statesman and an honest broker between the United States and Ukraine, and our European partners and allies. Those are all the key factors that we need to bring together to deliver a just and lasting peace. 08:54 AM GMT Pictured: Ukrainian serviceman loads an anti-tank missile into a US Humvee In this photo provided by Ukraines 65th Mechanised Brigade press service, a Ukrainian serviceman loads a TOW into the US Humvee on the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, Thursday, March 6, 2025 - Andriy Andriyenko/Ukrainian 65 Mechanised brigade 08:44 AM GMT Ukraine downs 34 missiles, 100 drones in overnight Russian attack Ukraines air defence forces intercepted 34 missiles and 100 drones launched by Russia during an overnight assault targeting multiple Ukrainian cities, the countrys air force announced. Kharkiv, Slovyansk, Kramatorsk, Odesa and Ternopil were targeted overnight as Russia launched missiles from the sea and air. Western-supplied air defence systems are crucial for Ukraines fight but further US help is uncertain under US President Donald Trump. 08:32 AM GMT Russian strike wounds eight people in Kharkiv Eight people have been injured in a Russian missile attack on Kharkiv, Ukraines state emergency services reported on Friday. The enemy hit near a three-story building and a civilian infrastructure facility in the Kyivskyi district of the city, emergency officials said. Despite the threat, rescuers from the State Emergency Service continue to work at the scene, the statement added. Kharkiv is Ukraines second-largest city, located in the northeastern part of the country near the Russian border. 08:17 AM GMT Orban says EU cannot fund Ukraine military without US support Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban said the European Union cannot afford to finance Ukraines military efforts if US financial aid is no longer guaranteed. If now the US quits why would the other 26 member states have a chance to take this war to the end? Orban said in a state radio interview on Friday. His comments followed a meeting where leaders from 26 EU countries signed a statement supporting Ukraine without Hungarys participation. Mr Orban, who has refused to send weapons to Ukraine and maintained relations with Moscow, said Europe should support peace talks proposed by the US President Donald Trump. He said: Today it appears that I have vetoed. But within weeks they will come back and it will turn out that there is no money for these goals. Mr Orban announced plans for a domestic public consultation on Ukraines EU accession in the coming weeks, ahead of Hungarys 2026 elections. 07:58 AM GMT US firm cuts Ukraines satellite access Maxar Technologies, a US aerospace company, has reportedly terminated Ukraines access to its satellite imagery. Users received notification that the service was discontinued upon administrative request. Reports say the shutdown resulted from the United States government prohibiting American companies from providing intelligence data to Ukraine. The restriction, implemented by the Trump administration through the State Department, applies to both government and private users of satellite data services. The Ukrainian cyber community Cyber Flour confirmed on Telegram that they had lost access to satellite intelligence. Maxar has been a primary provider of satellite imagery for Ukrainian users, showing Russian troop movements and documenting destruction in occupied territories and Russia. 07:45 AM GMT Calling Trump pro-Russia is garbage, says Hegseth The US defence secretary has insisted it is garbage to say Donald Trump is pro-Russia. Pete Hegseth said the US president remained laser-focused on securing peace in Ukraine, despite criticism over his relationship with Vladimir Putin. The comments came as part of Mr Hegseths meeting with John Healey, his British counterpart, at the Pentagon on Thursday. Mr Healey was visiting Washington just a week after Sir Keir Starmers trip as Britain seeks to act as a diplomatic bridge between the US and Europe over Ukraine peace plans. Mr Hegseth became animated during the meeting as he insisted Mr Trump was not siding with Putin. He said: Our president is interested in peace. So we will get characterised one way or another. Oh, your stance is pro-Russia or pro its all garbage. Read more about the meeting here. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (R) welcomes UK Defense Secretary John Healey during an honor cordon at the Pentagon on March 6 - Win McNamee/Getty Images North America 07:35 AM GMT Poland scrambles fighter jets during Russian attack on Ukraine Poland has scrambled fighter jets and put its air defence systems on alert in response to Russias missile attack on Ukraine, the operational command of the Polish armed forces said. The defensive measures include deploying fighter aircraft, placing ground-based air defence systems on high alert, and enhancing radar reconnaissance. The operational command explained that the actions are intended to ensure security in areas bordering with the threat zones. 07:24 AM GMT Pictured: Aftermath of Russias overnight airstrikes Ukrainian emergency service firefighters extinguish a fire following Russian shelling in the city of Kostiantynivka - Anadolu Civilians are being evacuated from the frontline city of Pokrovsk by officials in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on January 26, 2025 - Anadolu Drones caused damage to energy infrastructure and ignited fires in three private homes. The number of casualties is still being determined 07:07 AM GMT EU to invest much more in defence European leaders have agreed to invest in priority areas... reflecting the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, including air and missile defence, drones and anti-drone systems. We have decided to mobilise additional public and private funds for our defence. We will create a new European instrument up to 150 billion euros to support members states in boosting the defence capabilities that are urgently needed, said Antonio Costa, the European Council President. He continued: Member states will invest much more in defence and our common discal rules need to allow them to do so. Mr Costa said: We are putting our money where our mouth is. We are delivering on what we promised. To build our deterrence to strengthen the security of our citizens. 07:04 AM GMT China pledges to support Ukraine peace process China has expressed willingness to work with international partners toward a resolution of the Ukraine conflict. Foreign minister Wang Yi: China is willing to cooperate with the international community in accordance with the wishes of relevant parties to achieve a final resolution of the crisis and lasting peace, and will continue to play a constructive role. China still has confidence in Europe, and believes Europe can still be Chinas trusted partner. If every country emphasises its own national priorities and believes in strength and status, the world will regress to the law of the jungle, small and weak countries will bear the brunt. Mr Wang did not provide specific details about what actions China might take to facilitate peace talks or what elements it believes should be included in any potential agreement. 07:01 AM GMT Zelensky: First priority is ceasefire at sky and at sea Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia and Ukraine could agree a ceasefire in the sky and at sea following talks with European leaders. The proposal would mark the first steps to bring the Ukraine war to a close ahead of a full ceasefire and what Mr Zelensky calls a just and lasting peace. The Ukrainian president wrote on social media: The first priority could be to establish and fully control a ceasefire in the sky (stopping missile, long-range drone, and bomb strikes on energy and other civilian infrastructure), as well as a ceasefire at sea, meaning halting all military operations in the Black Sea, which will ensure peaceful and safe navigation. We consider these initial steps as a prologue to a broader and comprehensive settlement. The war must end as soon as possible, and Ukraine is ready to work 24/7 with our partners in the United States and Europe for peace. 07:01 AM GMT Trump: I wont defend Nato allies who dont spend enough Donald Trump has said he will refuse to defend Nato allies if they do not spend enough on their own defence. If they dont pay, Im not going to defend them, he told reporters in the Oval Office, adding: They should be paying more. 07:01 AM GMT Europeans back 650 billion plan to boost defence spending European leaders have backed plans to boost defence spending by 650 billion by loosening budget restrictions. They also urged the European Commission to explore new ways to facilitate significant defense spending at national level in all Member States, according to a statement. 07:00 AM GMT Welcome to our live coverage Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine. Well be bringing you the latest news and analysis throughout the day. Malta's Eurovision entry Miriana Conte (YouTube screenshot/Eurovision) The question for a lot of Eurovision fans this last week hasnt been about who will represent the UK at this years contest in Basel, Switzerland. It has been whether Malta will be able to serve "kant". Ill backtrack if you havent got a clue what I am on about. Earlier this week the EBU, who run the Eurovision Song Contest, told Malta entrant Miriana Conte that she would need to tweak her entry, or she wouldnt be allowed to participate in this years contest. Why? Because the lyrics in the chorus feature the words "serving Kant," which is the word for "singing" in Maltese. The ban has been because of the words pronunciation, which if broadcast on the night it would have given Ofcom a field day and the BBC nightmares. "We definitely cant play a clip of it, ever, on the BBC," Scott Mills joked about the record recently on his Radio 2 Breakfast show. So, naturally, the song went viral and so have reports about how Eurovision no Kant do. "While Im shocked and disappointed," Conte wrote on Instagram, "especially since we have less than a week to submit the song, I promise you this: the show will go on Diva NOT down." It is this environment that the UK entrant all-female country trio Remember Monday has entered the fray, with What The Hell Just Happened? Its a catchy, and quite unpredictable, vocal ballad, which at times sounds like something you would hear on stage on the West End. Mark Savage from the BBC describes the song best: "Try to imagine, if you can, that Abba and Sam Ryder have teamed up with the cast of Six: The Musical, got blackout drunk and tried to recreate Bohemian Rhapsody from memory. (This is a compliment.)" The band co-wrote the record with Billen Ted, who has worked with Little Mix along with Thomas Stengaard, who wrote Only Teardrops, the winning Denmark entry, back in 2013. It also continues the recent tradition, which started with Sam Ryder's Space Man, where the UK does more than cobbling together something that sounds Eurovision-y (thank god). Remember Monday the UK's entry into the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. (BBC/Rob Parfitt) (BBC/BBC Studios/Rob Parfitt) The official announcement was accidentally spoiled early, and the record also leaked days ago so this announcement hasnt surprised any Eurovision fan. So the next, natural, big question: how well will it do on the night? To answer, I have to go back to Malta again, because some of the best performing songs at Eurovision have either fallen into one of two different categories. Either they have been genuine pop bangers that stick in your head weeks after the contest ends (like Swedens Loreens Tattoo and her performance inside a giant panini press), or they are ridiculous and funny anthems that people vote for in their droves because it is unlike anything you have seen on before, like Finlands Kaarija and his hard rock sea shanty Cha Cha Cha. Malta's Eurovision entry Miriana Conte (YouTube screenshot/Eurovision) You also need a record that impresses both the juries (who traditionally tend to like ballads and hate anything wacky) and the public televote (who vote for their favourite, not their second or third favourite) in order to be the overall winner. With so many entries and points available, it isnt always easy to predict the overall winner, but in my view if you dont fall within those categories, the fun or pop banger, you can end up literally anywhere on the results board. Last years UK entry, Olly Alexanders Dizzy, a Pet Shop Boys-ish record with homoerotic dance moves and the staging of a swimming pool changing area flying through deep space (no, really). It was a decent record, but not the clear favourite. It ended up 18th, out of 25. Malta certainly could exceed on the night itself as it falls under the fun category (Kant or no Kant), but is Remember Mondays enough to succeed in the pop banger one? The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will be held in Basel, Switzerland on 17 May, 2025. Andrea Michelle Reyes when she was a child. Photograph: DNASolves A woman who was abducted in Connecticut as a toddler has been found alive 25 years later in Mexico. Andrea Michelle Reyes was two years old when she was taken by her mother, Rosa Tenorio, in October 1999, according to a news release from the New Haven police department. Tenorio did not have legal custody of Reyes, who was in the care of her father at the time of the kidnapping, police said. New Haven police and the FBI obtained a felony arrest warrant for Tenorio, who was suspected to have fled with her daughter to Mexico, police said. Andreas father traveled to Mexico several times but did not make contact with either of them. Related: Atlanta child missing for seven years found safe in Colorado The missing persons case went cold until 2023, when a police detective began to re-investigate Andreas abduction. Using a combination of interviews, search warrants and social media, detective Kealyn Nivakoff determined that Reyes was residing in the Mexican city of Puebla with a population of more than 1 million people after her abduction by Tenorio, police said. Advanced DNA testing confirmed the relationship between Reyes and her father, who were finally able to reconnect after more than two decades. Over the years, Andreas father searched tirelessly, but never heard from his daughter or her mother, the DNA testing company Othram, which was involved in the case, said in a news release. The identification of Reyes was part of an initiative to resolve more than 500 cases involving minors and contained in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, the company said. This case reflects the hard work of our officers and detectives, the New Haven police chief, Karl Jacobson, said. While cases may have investigative leads exhausted at the time, no cold case is ever truly closed. We remain committed to resolving every cold case, and this is a perfect example of that effort. Reyes, who is now 27 years old, is a resident of Mexico, Othram said. An arrest warrant for Tenorio remains active and valid within the United States, according to police, adding that they believe the kidnapping suspect is still in Mexico. Watching a little dog, such as a Yorkie, throw a tantrum when they dont get their way is simultaneously adorable and hilarious. Just take Mr. Waffles the Yorkie in this video, for example. He is none too happy with his mama for letting his treats run out. And he lets her know just how upset he is by giving her enough sass to make a five-year-old blush. Needless to say, his tantrum is comedy gold. As you can see, Mr. Waffles does not believe it is acceptable for his treats to run out. And he makes it very clear to his mom that this is not okay. At first, he defiantly throws the empty treat bag to the floor. Then he stomps it with his paw! Mr. Waffles wants to make it very clear that he means business. When his mama still refused to cough up a few tasty treats, he stepped things up a notch. Mr. Waffles went over to his buttons, which have pre-recorded responses, and let his mom know exactly how he felt about the situation. And, wow, we didnt realize that Mr. Waffles had the mouth of the sailor, LOL! Related: NYC Foster Yorkie's Attempt to Conquer 'Coziest' Spot in the House Is Melting Hearts Mr. Waffless hilarious and aggressive antics had the Internet cracking up. Many people in the comments section just couldnt get over his muffed expression at the end of the video. Meanwhile, other people just loved the naughty way that he used his buttons to express himself with profanity. Another favorite moment amongst people in the comments section was the way Mr. Waffles stomped his little paw on the empty treat bag. And we have to agree, his defiance and indignation are just too precious! The Yorkie Temperament Yorkies are intelligent dogs. That means they are highly trainable and very good at communicating. And despite their petite stature, they can have very forceful personalities. Interestingly, these diminutive canines can also be very domineering without proper training. So, as cute as they may be, without firmly establishing that you are the boss in the relationship, they will likely misinterpret your love and care as a sign that they are in control. Remember, Yorkies, like labradors or wolves, are pack animals. Although they may not look anything like them, their behavior can be much the same when left unchecked. Fortunately, Yorkies, being the intelligent creatures that they are, are highly responsive to positive reinforcement. By firmly establishing which behaviors are unacceptable at an early age, you can mold your Yorkie into a very well-behaved dog. Conclusion Well, as you can see from the video, Mr. Waffles is clearly a very intelligent canine. He knows exactly what he wants: more treats. Too bad he probably ate all of them already, LOL! While it is tempting to say that Mr. Waffles is being disobedient in this video, we dont actually think thats the case here. Notice how he presses different buttons to communicate what he is thinking and feeling. He may be a very sassy little dog, but hes only doing what his mama has trained him to do, which apparently involves using some rather naughty words to give her a piece of his mind. Well, he feels how he feels. And hey, he doesnt bark or growl. He just uses his words like a good boy. Even though some of his language would result in some parents washing their kids' mouths out with soap, hes only expressing himself in the fashion that his mother has taught him to. We cant fault them for that. Although, if looks could kill, we do think we would have a doggy homicide on our hands, LOL. 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. Have you ever wondered what it would like if a raccoon and a dog were mixed? Well you might want to take a trip to Seoul, Korea, where they have wait for it raccoon dogs! Have you ever heard of something as cool as raccoon dogs?! The animals can be spotted in West Seoul Lake Park, but youll have to look really hard to spot them. Theyre ultra-rare to find! Weve always thought raccoons would make good pets. A raccoon dog is almost too good to be true! Can you imagine taking your raccoon out for a walk? Or better yet playing fetch with your pet raccoon? That would be so cool! If you really want to catch sight of the raccoon dogs, youll have to head out to the park after dark. The video, shared by The Korea Herald, shows just a few of these adorable creatures wandering around the park. Theyre so cute! We bet these little guys wouldnt go rummaging through your trash can in the middle of the night. Related: Kind Woman and Dog Rush to Save Little Raccoons Hanging Onto Frozen Sewer Grate for Dear Life Although we also wouldnt say that these little guys are particularly keen on hanging out with humans. These furry wild animals a canine species not directly related to North American raccoons pay little attention to humans and their pets, the news outlet explained in the caption. No matter, people in the comments section were still eager to meet one of these little guys. I'll need the full address. Thanks, joked one person. If not friend, why friend shaped? someone else wondered. Can I pet that dog? Yes or no? added another person. I love how people are just leaving them alone and they are coexisting all chilled, one commenter pointed out. About Raccoon Dogs Sadly, if you live in North America you wont be seeing a Raccoon Dog in the wild anytime soon. These little guys are native to Asia, Eurasia, and Europe, not the United States. It might also be disappointing to know that Raccoon Dogs (or Neoguri, as theyre called in Korea) arent related to raccoons at all! Admittedly, they do look very similar with their mix of brown, tan, gray, and black fur. Their tails are often black and they often have a black stripe across their shoulders. They have similar builds to raccoons, but thats sort of where the similarities end. Raccoon Dogs are actually related to another animal completely nope, not dogs. Foxes! So while these guys are undeniably adorable, they definitely arent raccoons. Sigh, we guess well have to keep dreaming of the day when we can all have raccoons as pets! 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. Research in mice shows how aspirin may boost the immune response against cancer, keeping secondary tumors at bay. Image credit: AsiaVision/Getty Images. This article originally appeared on Medical News Today Around half of all people will have a cancer diagnosis at some stage in their life, most commonly in their later years. Cancer that is confined to its original location is easiest to treat, but cancer cells can break off and spread to other parts of the body. Scientists studying how cancers spread have found that aspirin may help prevent metastases, or secondary tumors, by boosting the bodys immune response. In their mouse study, aspirin helped immune cells to destroy spreading cancer cells. Research is underway in people to investigate whether aspirin, or drugs that target the same pathway, could be used to help stop or delay the return of cancers. According to Cancer Research UK, half of all those diagnosed with any type of cancer in Wales and England will survive for at least 10 years after diagnosis, and the proportion is much higher for some of the more common cancers, based on data from 2010-2011. Based on data from 2013-2017, more than three quarters of those with a breast or a prostate cancer diagnosis in England will be alive 10 years later. Key to successful treatment is early diagnosis, before the cancer has a chance to metastasize, or spread, from its original location. More than 90% of cancer deaths happen after cancer has spread to another part of the body. Now, scientists from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, have discovered that aspirin, a cheap, widely available painkiller, could prevent some types of cancer from spreading, and how it might do this. The study, published in Nature, found that, in mice, aspirin acted on platelets the tiny cells that cause blood to clot making them produce less of a clotting factor, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) that suppresses immune T cells. With less TXA2 suppressing them, these T cells can then destroy any spreading cancer cells. Nilesh Vora, MD, a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist and medical director of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, CA, not involved in the study, told Medical News Today how important this study is: It generates a valid hypothesis on how to prevent cancer recurrence and spread, using a very easy to provide intervention for patients. The key part of this article is: Aspirin prevents cancers from spreading by decreasing TXA2 and releasing T cells from suppression. Study focuses on cancer window of vulnerability There have been huge advances in the treatment of early-stage cancers, but there is still a risk of recurrence elsewhere in the body if cancer cells have migrated from the site of the original tumor. Inside the microenvironment of the original tumor, the immune system is suppressed so is less able to kill cancer cells. However, once these lone cancer cells migrate, the immune system can target them. Rahul Roychoudhuri, PhD, lead author of the study, and professor of cancer immunology at the University of Cambridge, told MNT that: When cancer first spreads theres a unique therapeutic window of opportunity when cancer cells are particularly vulnerable to immune attack. We hope that therapies that target this window of vulnerability will have tremendous scope in preventing recurrence in patients with early cancer at risk of recurrence. Surprising new use for old drug The researchers had previously found 15 genes in mice that had an effect on cancer metastasis. They found that mice lacking a gene which produces a protein called ARHGEF1 had less metastasis of some primary cancers in the lungs and liver. From this, they worked out that ARHGEF1 suppresses T cells that kill metastatic cells. They then discovered that this gene is switched on when cells are exposed to the clotting factor TXA2. Aspirin inhibits the production of TXA2 by platelets, which is why people sometimes take it at low doses to reduce the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes although recent evidence now contradicts the data on heart attack and stroke prevention. In the current study, looking at the mouse model of melanoma an aggressive form of skin cancer the researchers found that mice which received aspirin developed fewer metastases than control mice. The aspirin released their T cells from suppression by TXA2, enabling them to kill cancer cells. It was a eureka moment when we found TXA2 was the molecular signal that activates this suppressive effect on T cells, said Jie Yang, PhD, one of the study co-authors, based at the University of Cambridge, in a press release. Before this, Yang noted, we had not been aware of the implication of our findings in understanding the anti-metastatic activity of aspirin. It was an entirely unexpected finding which sent us down quite a different path of enquiry than we had anticipated. Do the findings on aspirin and cancer also apply to people? Yang emphazied the potential of the research teams findings, noting that aspirin, or other drugs that could target this pathway, have the potential to be less expensive than antibody-based therapies, and therefore more accessible globally. However, the researchers do caution that aspirin can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Commonly, aspirin can cause stomach or gut irritation, nausea, and indigestion. Other side effects that are less common include worsening asthma symptoms, vomiting, stomach inflammation or bleeding, and bruising. Rarely, and particularly in those taking a daily dose, it may cause bleeding in the brain, kidney failure or haemorrhagic stroke. Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist, Chief of Medicine and Director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint Johns Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA, not involved in this research welcomed the findings, but told MNT that they must first be validated in clinical trials with human participants: Clearly clinical trials need to be done to validate these findings. Both aspirin alone in patients who have earlier cancers, and therefore not candidates for immunotherapy or chemotherapy, and aspirin as an adjunct to these therapies in more advanced cancers need to be evaluated. The good news is clinical trials in people are now under way. The researchers will be collaborating with Ruth Langley, MD, professor of oncology and clinical trials in the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, who is leading the Add-Aspirin clinical trial, to find out if aspirin can stop or delay the return of early stage cancers. Langley, who was not involved in the current study, advised that people should start taking aspirin only on doctors advice. In a small proportion of people, aspirin can cause serious side-effects, including bleeding or stomach ulcers. Therefore, it is important to understand which people with cancer are likely to benefit and always talk to your doctor before starting aspirin, she emphasized. View the original article on Medical News Today Firmbee.com | Unsplash (The Center Square) Support is growing for a recently-proposed Michigan state House bill which would restrict student cell phone use in schools. House Bill 4141 was introduced last week by three Republicans, but could receive backing from Democrats after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced she would support cell phone legislation. The bill would require school districts to have policies adhering to the specific requirements it lays out, which varies by grade. Students grades K-5 (elementary school) would not be allowed to have a wireless communication device on school grounds. Students grades 6-8 (middle school) would not be allowed to use a wireless communication device during school activities such as instructional time, breaks, lunch and recess. It would allow students to have it on them though. Students grades 9-12 (high school) would not be allowed to use a wireless communication device during instructional time. The bill does allow schools to implement additional restrictions, with the ones specified being the starting point. This is different from legislation passed in other states, which requires cell phone policies but allows school districts to specify the guidelines around phone use. The three-page bill also does not specify exemptions that might be allowed under the policy, such as for students with health conditions, disabilities or non-English speakers. Many schools throughout the state have already implemented cell phone policies, with the rules varying by district. For example, at Stephenson Area Public Schools, all students must power off and store phones in lockers or backpacks when entering the school building. Compare that to policies in other Michigan schools, where just certain grades have restrictions. Last year, Republicans introduced similar legislation addressing cell phones in schools, but it stalled out before the end of the session. State Rep. Tom Kuhn, R-Troy, introduced the bill last year. He said this issue needs to be an important focus for the legislature this session. Cell phones have paved a dangerous path for young students to be heavily engaged in social media platforms, resulting in harmful consequences for our students, said Kuhn. By keeping cell phones out of schools, this allows students to be more focused on their schoolwork, which has been shown to lead to increased success in the classroom. Whitmer also addressed the issue in her State of the State address in late February, highlighting its effects on students mental and physical health. It's hard to teach geography or geometry when you're competing against memes or DMs. Other states red and blue have taken action, as have most of Europe and Canada, she said. I understand the need to be connected to your child, but we can do better. This year, let's pass bipartisan legislation to limit the use of phones in class. She then went on to call for common sense restrictions for schools statewide. In December, the U.S. Department of Education released a recommendation that states and schools take action to put cell phone policies in place. So far, 18 states have passed legislation requiring that cell phones be restricted or banned during the school day. Just this year, Wisconsin and Tennessee legislatures are considering similar or have passed bills requiring cell phone policies in schools. The bill has been assigned to the Committee on Education and Workforce. Patrick Riviere/Getty Images David Hasselhoffs ex-wife Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff wrote about happiness and gratitude in her final social media message before her death. Bach-Hasselhoff, who died by suicide in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 5, at age 62, shared a poignant post via Instagram in January to ring in the new year. Happy New Year, everyone! As we step into 2025, my heart is full of gratitude, especially for my precious grandbaby, London, Bach-Hasselhoff wrote alongside a Reel that showed a photo of her standing in front of a Christmas tree before transitioning into a video featuring baby London smiling and laughing. Bach-Hasselhoff continued: Watching her grow and seeing her smile light up my world is truly the greatest blessing. My wish for all of you this year is health, happiness, and an abundance of love. May 2025 be filled with beautiful moments, laughter, and all the blessings your hearts can hold. Heres to a year of making cherished memories, spreading joy, and embracing every precious moment! David Hasselhoffs Ex-Wife Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff Dead at 62 According to TMZ, who were the first to break the news of Bach-Hasselhoffs death, paramedics were called to her house in response to a report of an unconscious female after 10 p.m. on Wednesday. Bach-Hasselhoff was pronounced dead at the scene. Hasselhoff, who was married to Bach-Hasselhoff from 1989 to 2006, mourned the loss of his ex-wife in a statement to TMZ. Our family is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Pamela Hasselhoff, he said. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time but we kindly request privacy as we grieve and navigate through this challenging time. Us Weekly reached out to Hasselhoffs rep and LAPD for comment. The former couple shared two daughters, Taylor, 34, and Hayley, 32. Taylor welcomed daughter London into the world in August 2024. Bach-Hasselhoff often gushed over her grandchild via Instagram posts. David Hasselhoff and Ex-Wife Pamela Bach-Hasselhoffs Complete Relationship Timeline Taylor celebrated London reaching the six month milestone in February and Bach-Hasselhoff took to the comments to send well wishes her way. Happy 6 month Birthday to my precious, sweetest and beautiful Granddaughter - London who has my whole heart and lights up our life with her magic- Gigi Loves you so so much Bach-Hasselhoff wrote. You've brought so much joy into our lives. I'm also so very proud of you @tay and @madison_fiore Youre wonderful first-time parents! If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images Daylight saving time is coming this weekend. On Sunday, March 9, most Americans will be changing their clocks at least the ones that still require changing by springing them forward an hour in observance of daylight saving time, which lasts until Nov. 2, when they fall back to standard time. Why do we have daylight saving time, anyway? In 1918, the U.S. passed a law called the Standard Time Act, implementing standard and daylight saving times. According to the Department of Defense, the measure was enacted during World War I as a way to save energy by extending the time of day when the sun set. It was reinstated during World War II but not standardized until 1966, when the Uniform Time Act established a system of uniform daylight saving time throughout the nation. Observing daylight saving time is up to individual states, and not all of them do it. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time, nor do the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Most Americans want to stop changing their clocks A 2023 YouGov poll found that 62% of Americans wanted to see the changing of the clocks eliminated entirely, compared to 21% who wanted to keep the current practice. Of those who indicated they would like to get rid of the practice of changing the clocks, 50% said they would prefer year-round daylight saving time, compared to 31% who would rather have standard time. Sleep doctors would prefer we switch to standard time permanently. The U.S. should eliminate seasonal time changes in favor of a national, fixed, year-round time, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine said in a statement published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine last year. Current evidence best supports the adoption of year-round standard time, which aligns best with human circadian biology and provides distinct benefits for public health and safety. Behind the push to make daylight saving time permanent There have been recent efforts at both the state and federal levels to end the twice-a-year ritual of changing the clocks. Lawmakers in more than a dozen states have introduced or passed legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent. But doing so would require an act of Congress. In 2022, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill that would have made daylight saving time permanent nationwide. Its time to lock the clock and stop enduring the ridiculous and antiquated practice of switching our clocks back and forth, said then-Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who co-sponsored the legislation. The effort stalled in the House, but the bill was revived by the current Senate in January. Where does Trump stand on the issue? In December, before taking office, then-President-elect Donald Trump said he wanted to put an end to daylight saving time and observe standard time year-round. "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldnt!" Trump wrote in a Dec. 13 post on Truth Social. "Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation." But Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, who is leading the revival of the Sunshine Act, said in January that he believes Trump is fully on board with the effort. I hear from Americans constantly that they are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year its an unnecessary, decades-old practice thats more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them, Scott said in a statement. Im excited to have President Trump back in the White House and fully on board to LOCK THE CLOCK so we can get this good bill passed and make this common-sense change that will simplify and benefit the lives of American families. Bryan Kohberger listens to arguments during a hearing to overturn his grand jury indictment on October 26, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. - Kai Eiselein/Pool/Getty Images (CNN) A recently unsealed defense motion in the capital murder case against Bryan Kohberger offers the most detailed picture of the suspects personality to emerge since his arrest in the brutal killings of four University of Idaho students. Attorneys for Kohberger claim in the motion the 30-year-old has autism spectrum disorder or ASD and executing him would violate the Eighth Amendments prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. Kohberger displays extremely rigid thinking, perseverates on specific topics, processes information on a piece-meal basis, struggles to plan ahead and demonstrates little insight into his own behaviors and emotions, the filing notes, citing a medical evaluation commissioned by his attorneys. Due to his ASD, Mr. Kohberger simply cannot comport himself in a manner that aligns with societal expectations of normalcy. This creates an unconscionable risk that he will be executed because of his disability rather than his culpability, his attorneys said. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty at his trial scheduled for August. Kohberger is accused of killing Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at an off-campus home in November 2022. Not guilty pleas have been entered on his behalf. The newly unsealed filing is the latest in a flurry of defense motions aimed at taking the death penalty off the table for the only suspect in the fatal stabbings that horrified the small college community of Moscow. The investigation culminated with the arrest in Pennsylvania of Kohberger, a criminology graduate student. The US Supreme Court has declined to hear previous arguments by capital defendants seeking to use some developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, to argue against the death penalty, a legal expert told CNN. What the new filing says about Kohberger Its unclear if or when Kohberger was previously diagnosed with ASD, but the new filing cites an evaluation by a neuropsychologist, who found Kohberger continues to exhibit all the core diagnostic features of ASD currently, with significant impact on his daily life. The neuropsychologist, hired by his defense, wrote in her evaluation of Kohberger that he displayed deficits in social-emotional reciprocity and impulsive tendencies, including compulsions around hand-washing and other cleaning behaviors, the filing says. In the filing, attorneys for Kohberger describe him as a highly distractable man with an intense gaze who demonstrates little insight into his own behaviors and emotions, citing the medical evaluation performed by Dr. Rachel Orr. Previous Supreme Court rulings have determined youth and intellectual disability create an unacceptable risk of wrongful execution because they hamper the defendants ability to present mitigation evidence, Kohbergers attorneys said. Likening ASD to an intellectual disability, they argue such defendants are unable to make a persuasive showing of mitigation in the face of prosecutorial evidence. While the evaluation found that Kohberger possessed strong verbal abilities, his language was often overinclusive, disorganized, highly repetitive, and overly formal, and he was highly distractable, the filing said. Kohberger was a graduate student at Washington State Universitys Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology and had finished his first semester as a Ph.D. student in the schools criminal justice program in December 2023, CNN previously reported. Police tape surrounds the residence where four University of Idaho students were killed as Moscow Police monitor the scene on November 30, 2022. - (Lindsey Wasson/Reuters/File) Kohberger subtly rocks his upper torso, especially while engaged in a cognitive task or listening to someone else, and exhibits atypical eye contact, including an intense gaze, the neuropsychologist observed, according to the filing. His facial expressions including a concentrated gaze are already being assigned sinister meaning by observers, Kohbergers attorneys claim, citing media coverage ahead of the trial. An Idaho judge already agreed to move the trial venue, citing media coverage of the case and concerns that the local community is prejudiced against the suspect. A jury in this case will be emotionally overwhelmed by the factual allegations, and simultaneously looking at a defendant who appears to be emotionally uninvested and unmoved and who cannot persuasively testify in his own defense amounting to an unconstitutional risk that Mr. Kohberger on account of his disability will be unreliably convicted and sentenced to death, the motion states. Legal duel over death penalty Kohbergers lawyers filed a myriad of motions last year listing reasons they believe the states intent to seek the death penalty is unconstitutional. Anne Taylor, the attorney for Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, appears at a hearing in Latah County District Court in January 2023. - Ted S. Warren/Pool/Reuters One focused on what Kohbergers defense team calls an ideological shift and evolving standards in the way Americans view the death penalty. Other motions argued Idahos death penalty statute constitutes a violation of international law and the fundamental precepts of international human rights. The motion unsealed this week also follows his defense teams failed attempt to convince a judge to suppress evidence related to investigative genetic genealogy, a relatively new technique authorities use to upload an unknown suspects DNA profile to a database in a bid to identify potential relatives. In a motion filed last Monday, the defense again asked that DNA evidence in the case be kept from the jury in the trial because jurors could believe the DNA gathered by prosecutors is Kohbergers, and according to the defense it is not. Kohbergers attorneys, led by Anne Taylor, also point in the new filing to the Supreme Courts prohibition on the death penalty in cases where a defendant has any characteristic that renders him less culpable, negates the retributive and deterrent aims of capital punishment, or creates a risk of an erroneous death sentence. They argue this applies to defendants with autism spectrum disorder. ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that can affect how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. People with ASD, including Mr. Kohberger, exhibit deficits in nearly all the same areas cited by the Court in concluding that it is unconstitutional for people with intellectual disabilities to be sentenced to death because such sentences are not proportional and cannot be reliably imposed, the new motion states. A diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder is as relevant to police and legal proceedings as a diagnosis of mental retardation or mental illness would be, no matter how bright, high functioning, and/or verbal the person may be, nonprofit advocacy group Autism Speaks said in a resource page on the judicial system. Likening ASD to an intellectual disability, Kohbergers attorneys also argue that such defendants are unable to make a persuasive showing of mitigation in the face of prosecutorial evidence. Supreme Court declined to hear previous claims based on autism defense in capital cases Kohbergers defense team cites Atkins v. Virginia in the new filing a case in which the Supreme Court prohibited executions of people with intellectual disabilities, identifying several characteristics making those defendants categorically less culpable than the average criminal. The prohibition includes those having diminished capacities to understand and process information, to communicate, to abstract from mistakes and learn from experience, to engage in logical reasoning, to control impulses, and to understand the reactions of others. But the Supreme Court has declined to review every attempt by capital defendants to extend the reach of Atkins to other developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, Robert Dunham, director of the Death Penalty Policy Project told CNN. Even if the motion doesnt succeed in barring the death penalty, Dunham sees good strategic reasons why the defense might raise the issue. Its not just because people with severe autism have the same type of adaptive deficits, have the same type of problems functioning in society, that individuals with intellectual disability have. Here, theres also a reason to raise the issue because Kohbergers autism is going to affect virtually every aspect of the case, Dunham said. They want the judge to know that his autism impairs their ability to confer with him about strategy. They want the judge to know that jurors will be looking at him and his behavior and making judgments about his likely guilt or innocence, when his demeanor has nothing to do with that it has everything, instead, to do with some of the off-putting behaviors that go along with autism, Dunham said. They want to educate the judge that, things that should be considered reasons for life, in this case, may be misinterpreted as reasons for death. If the court in Idaho accepts Kohbergers motion as a valid legal argument, prosecutors will have to figure out whether or not he qualifies as having ASD, Austin Sarat, a law professor at Amherst College said. In an earlier filing, prosecutors cited a state law that stipulates mental condition shall not be a defense to any charge of criminal conduct, except when expert evidence on the issues of any state of mind which is an element of the offense is introduced. Part of the problem in death cases, especially with their allegations about an intellectual disability, is to distinguish a claim that the defendant is not responsible, from a claim that while the defendant is responsible, the conditions under which they acted should mitigate the punishment and thats what I think theyre doing in this, Sarat told CNN. CNNs Jean Casarez, Hanna Park, Holly Yan, and Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Zelensky attended the special EU summit Thursday. - Omar Havana/AP European leaders agreed to significantly boost defense spending to ensure Europes security and voiced near-unanimous support for Ukraine at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, after the United States dramatically pulled back its assistance to the continent in a historic upending of transatlantic relations. At the summit in Brussels, 26 European leaders signed a text calling for a peace deal that respects Ukraines independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while including Ukraine in the negotiations. Hungary abstained. In a separate text, all 27 leaders of Europe greenlit proposals that could free up billions of euros to boost defense spending, calling on the European Commission to find new ways to facilitate significant defense spending at national level in all Member States. Leaders noted a proposal from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that would provide countries with loans totaling up to 150 billion euros ($162 billion) and said the plan would be studied ahead of another meeting at the end of the month. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky attended Thursdays special session, and thanked the leaders of the European Union (EU) for supporting him as his relationship with US President Donald Trump disintegrated over recent days. During all (of) this period, and last week, you stayed with us, Zelensky said at the meeting. From all the Ukrainians, from all our nation: big appreciation. We are very thankful that we are not alone. Following the Special European Council summit in Brussels, French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters on Thursday that the EU will give Ukraine over $33 billion in assistance, taken from Russians sanctioned by the EU. The priority is to support Ukraine and its army in the very short term, Macron said. In 2025, the EU will provide Ukraine with 30.6 billion euros, financed by Russian assets. In Washington meanwhile, Trump reiterated his criticism of unequal defense spending among NATO countries. I think its common sense. If they dont pay, Im not going to defend them, Trump said. Heads of the 27 EU nations had traveled to Brussels to find a path forward in the conflict; the latest in a string of sessions aimed at finding a ceasefire deal with Ukraines support before the US and Russia force one on Kyiv. But some fear that the involvement of ambivalent countries could derail efforts to put together a peace plan which might satisfy both Kyiv and Washington. And there is uncertainty across Europe that Trump would even be interested in any plan the continent presents him with. Asked about how Europe can convince the US to include them in negotiations over the war in Ukraine, von der Leyen said that all parties want peace from a position of strength. This is also in the interest of President Trump, to have a peaceful strength, and if he wants to achieve this, it is only possible with the support of the European Union and its member states, because pre-conditions have to be met, she said. A new era Europe is entering a new era, Macron admitted in a televised address on Wednesday night, describing an increased weariness over the shift in Trumps tone toward Moscow. The United States, our ally, has changed its position on this war, is less supportive of Ukraine and is casting doubt on what will happen next, Macron warned. And Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who was dismissed as Ukraines military chief last year in a major shakeup before becoming Kyivs ambassador to the United Kingdom, said in unusually blunt and potentially incendiary remarks that the US is destroying the current world order. We see now the White House takes steps towards the Kremlin, trying to meet them half way, so the next target of Russia could be Europe, he said at London think tank Chatham House on Thursday. Its not just the axis of evil and Russia trying to revise the world order, but the US is finally destroying this order. Hungary was the only country whose leader refused to sign Thursdays Ukraine text at the summit, though Prime Minister Viktor Orban did agree to the statement on defense. By doing so, Hungary isolated itself from the consensus of Europe, European Council President Antonio Costa said in a statement to press after the meeting. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined Zelensky to speak with the media on Thursday. - Omar Havana/AP A meeting with a key difference Thursday was the third hastily organized European meeting over the future of the war since the Trump administration dramatically pulled back its support for the continent. A Sunday summit in London saw some progress: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said a small group of European nations would work with Zelensky on a ceasefire proposal, then present it to the US a workaround that might avert another meltdown in relations between Trump and Zelensky. But this meeting had a key difference: It involves every nation in the bloc, not just the countries who opted to attend Starmers summit. And some countries are neither willing nor interested in supporting Ukraines fight for survival. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has repeatedly resisted calls to support Kyiv militarily. Unlike most of his European counterparts, he supported Trump following the presidents argument with Zelensky, writing on X: Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, right, is substantially less supportive of Ukraine's fight than his EU counterparts. - Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP The Ukrainian leader said on Telegram Wednesday that Kyiv and Europe are preparing a plan for the first steps to bring about a just and sustainable peace. We are working on it quickly. It will be ready soon. As talks gather to talk peace, Russia continues assaulting Ukraine on daily basis. Zelensky arrived to Brussels just hours after the latest wave of Russian drone and missile attacks targeted his home town of Kryvyi Rih. A strike against a hotel in the southeastern city killed four people and injured many more, the president said early Thursday, adding that foreign citizens including Americans and Britons were among those staying at the hotel. Sharing the burden A senior EU diplomat told CNN that discussions around burden sharing are likely to feature heavily in Thursdays summit, stressing that the burden for Ukraines aid needs to be shared more evenly between member states. Reaching an agreement on that will prove difficult. Without singling any countries out, the diplomat highlighted how the countries that arent paying their fair share when it comes to Ukraine are also usually failing to spend over 2% of their gross domestic product on defense. Some serious progress is nonetheless expected. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a plan to rearm Europe in the build-up to the summit, and said the bloc could mobilize funds up to 800 billion euros ($862 billion) to achieve it. We are in an era of rearmament, she said in a statement Wednesday. The question is no longer whether Europes security is threatened in a very real way, she added. Or whether Europe should shoulder more of the responsibility for its own security. In truth, we have long known the answers to those questions. A senior EU official told CNN that they expect EU leaders to give a green light allowing von der Leyens defense plan to be moved forward very swiftly. Firefighters evacuate a woman from a destroyed multi-story building after a missile attack in central Kyiv. - Anatolii Stepanov/AFP/Getty Images There are immediate discussions taking place too: including on what the peacekeeping force deployed to Ukraine to uphold a potential ceasefire might look like. First proposed just two weeks ago, the force has quickly morphed from an idea to an apparent condition of any deal. The UK, France and Turkey would likely contribute the bulk of any such force, a European official familiar with the negotiations told CNN in the build-up to the summit. But the official said Eastern European states that neighbor Russia were concerned that contributing to the force might leave their own borders vulnerable a fear that Poland has been particularly open about since it was first raised. European NATO has about 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) of eastern border, so you dont want to empty the eastern border, the official said. Most likely the boots on the ground, if there is to be such a component, will not come from countries like Finland or Poland who are frontline countries already and need to keep the boots on their own ground. The official said it was a reasonable assumption that most of the troops would come from Britain, France and Turkey. The official said a timeline for confidence-building measures was under discussion, but said it might prove challenging for a limited ceasefire in Ukraine and prisoner swaps to begin by Easter. Agreeing and implementing a full-blown ceasefire across the whole front line in that timeframe would be completely unrealistic, they added. CNNs Nick Paton Walsh and Svitlana Vlasova contributed reporting For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Earlier this week, a federal judge denied Elon Musks attempt to immediately block OpenAIs conversion from a nonprofit into a for-profit enterprise. However, that wasn't the end of the story. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers also said the issue could proceed to a full, expedited trial in the fall. And the judge homed in on one complicated unresolved question in particular, indicating that the entire case will hinge on the answer. That question is this: When Elon Musk shelled out around $45 million to establish OpenAI as a nonprofit organization nearly a decade ago, did he strike a binding legal agreement with cofounders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, in the form of what is legally called a charitable trust? If the answer is yes, the judge strongly indicated, she would be inclined to block OpenAIs effort to allow its current for-profit companywhich builds OpenAI's AI models and sells themto escape the control of the nonprofit board, which currently still controls it. If the answer is no, Musk would not have legal standing to challenge the agreement. If the donations created a trust, the balance of equities would certainly tip toward plaintiffs," Rogers said. But legal experts say that whether there was in fact a trust created remains up for debate. This case is not so dissimilar to the basic fact that a parent cannot control whether their grown child chooses a career in social justice or investment banking, Geeta Kohli Tewari, a business law professor at Delaware Law School, told Fortune. Without a binding legal contract, a donor cannot control a nonprofit's choice to convert to a for-profit entity. The question of whether a binding contract existed can now be decided in a trial that will begin in the fall, Rogers said. Four initial lines of argument, down to one Musk filed the lawsuit last August, later adding Shivon Zilisa former OpenAI board member who has helped to run a number of Musk's businesses, and who is also the mother of four of Musks childrenas a co-plaintiff. (He had previously filed a similar suit in February 2024, before withdrawing it without explanation in June.) The revived suit contained four claims, three of which Rogers dismissed completely in this weeks ruling. One of the allegations was that OpenAI and its partner Microsoft had violated antitrust law by banning OpenAIs investors from putting money into rival operations; Rogers said there was no evidence of this. A second antitrust-related claim was about Microsoft board member Reid Hoffman and Microsoft employee Deannah Templeton holding seats on OpenAIs boarda potential problem for the company if either Hoffman or Templeton were still OpenAI board members at the time Musk filed his suit, but they werent. Again, Rogers definitively scotched the allegation. Musk and Zilis also accused OpenAI of self-dealing by attempting a transaction in which OpenAIs own directors had a material financial interest. But, with neither Musk nor Zilis currently being involved in OpenAI, Rogers ruled that neither had legal standing to make that complaint. So out went that claim as well. The fourth injunction requestand the one that cuts to the heart of Musks bitter feud with OpenAI CEO Altmanwas different. OpenAIs core nature This claim was about OpenAI changing its mind about its core nature. According to Musk, who provided emails between himself, Altman, and Brockman as evidence, the cash he provided to OpenAI in its early days was contingent on the operation remaining a nonprofit. OpenAI was originally established in late 2015 as a research lab that had the goal of creating so-called artificial general intelligence or AGI (that is, AI that is as smart or smarter than humans) for the benefit of all of humanity. At the time, a big motivation was to avoid Googles Deepmind achieving AGI first; the idea was that OpenAI would open-source its technology, so it couldnt be controlled by any one company. But Musks relationship with his cofounders soured in 2017, when the Tesla owner fought with Altman and Brockman over control of the startup and how it should raise the capital it needed to train ever larger AI models. Musk soon departed, after which Altman became OpenAI's CEO and Microsoft came on board as the companys main sponsor, providing the funds it needed to support its rapidly growing computing requirements. But Microsoft and other backers were not willing to simply provide billions of dollars as charitable donationsthey wanted to make an investment on which they would stand to make a financial return. In order to facilitate that, OpenAI created a for-profit entity which could accept outside investment in exchange for a share of future profits (although unlike in a traditional equity arrangement, OpenAI capped the total upside these investors could earn.) Critically, these investors had no voting rights over OpenAI's management decisions. OpenAI's nonprofit charitable board retained ultimate control over the new for-profit entity. Fast-forward to today, and OpenAI is currently in the process of finally trying to become a normal for-profit entity, in which investors have board seats and voting control, and in which OpenAI's nonprofit board no longer has exclusive control over what OpenAI does. Altman and OpenAI's leadership sees the conversion as essential to continuing to attract big investors, especially after OpenAI's nonprofit board briefly ousted Altman in November 2023. That episode woke many investors up to the idea that the interests of OpenAI's nonprofit boardto ensure AGI is built in a way that benefits all humanitycould conflict with their own interest in ensuring OpenAI earns them an outsize financial return. The drama over Altman's firing and subsequent reinstatement shook investors, who have insisted to Altman that they don't want to be in a position again where their investment could be jeopardized by actions of the nonprofit board. The emails Musk brought to court seemingly demonstrated his displeasure with the prospect of OpenAI abandoning its original structure. Guys, I've had enough. This is the final straw, read one from September 2017, addressed to Altman. Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit. I will no longer fund OpenAI until you have made a firm commitment to stay or I'm just being a fool who is essentially providing free funding for you to create a startup. Discussions are over. Altman responded at the time that he remained enthusiastic about the nonprofit structure. And in December last year, OpenAI alleged that Musk himself had not only wanted, but actually created, a for-profit structure for the company. No formal agreement There may be a lot of emails and allegations floating around, but nobody ever drew up an actual contract between Musk and his OpenAI partners, nor any gifting document with terms and conditions. This is why Rogers refused to grant Musk an injunction against OpenAIs for-profit conversion. Injunctions are only granted when there is a very good chance that the plaintiff would succeed in a full trial. In this case, the judge said, the question of likelihood of success was a toss-up. But that does not mean Musk stands no chance of winning at trial. The billion-dollar question here, based on the extensive email exchanges between Musk, Altman, and Brockman regarding OpenAI's nonprofit structure, is whether the language used by Brockman and Altman resulted in a binding contract with Musk, their donor, regarding OpenAI's structure and purpose, said Kohli Tewari. Does Altman's written response to Musk's statement that he will no longer fund OpenAI if it moves towards a profit motive create a valid claim or is it an illusory promise? In her ruling, Rogers pointed out that OpenAIs own certificates of incorporation talk about creating the company exclusively for charitable purposes, with the technology being intended to benefit the public. If converting to a for-profit structure risks any of these endeavors, it would benefit the public to block that move, she wrote. Given the public interest at stake and potential for harm if a conversion contrary to law occurred, the Court is prepared to expedite trial to the fall of 2025, Rogers said. Ambiguity on this [charitable trust] issue requires an expedited trial, said Kohli Tewari. "A big win" Given that ambiguity, theres no way of telling whether Musk will prevail in the trial. However, Michael Dorff, who heads up the Lowell Milken Institute for Business, Law, and Policy at UCLA, told the independent journalist Garrison Lovely that this weeks ruling was a big win for the tycoon because a pending trial is a pretty big impediment to OpenAI pushing forward with its conversion. Thats partly because, if OpenAIs board members push on with a conversion that is then ruled illegal, they could be held personally liable. Dorff also pointed out that the California and Delaware attorneys general may yet challenge the conversion. Changing of a nonprofit's purpose is only supposed to be possible when the original purpose is defunct, he said. That's not the case here. This case is far from the only tactic Musk has employed in his attempt to stop the conversion. He also made a $97.4 billion offer to buy OpenAIs assets last month, later saying that he would drop the bid if OpenAI dropped its conversion plans. OpenAI formally rejected the bid the following day. But the existence of Musk's offer may mean that unless OpenAI's for-profit is given either cash or an equity stake in the new for-profit entity being created that is equal to or greater than $97.4 billion, then the state attorney generals may use that as an argument for why the planned restructuring is not in the public interest. OpenAI had not responded to a request for comment on the prospect of a trial at the time of publication. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com A substitute teacher in Florida was arrested on child abuse charges for allegedly instigating elementary school-aged kids to beat up their classmate last month, according to new details revealed Sunday. Geanene White, a sub at the YMCA Tiger Academy in Jacksonville, is facing charges related to a Feb. 12 incident in which she asked and encouraged four students to take turns hitting and kicking their peer, according to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, per Action News Jax. The victimized elementary school student supposedly ignored a request from White, 57, to split up into small groups to conduct school work enraging the sick sub who resorted to violence to solve the problem, according to a police affidavit filed Sunday. Who in here can beat him up? White allegedly asked her class, according to an arrest affidavit reviewed by multiple outlets. Geanene White faces a charge of child abuse and four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Four students then raised their hands to volunteer for the extra-credit beatdown and were called on by White to one by one pummel the victim inside the Florida classroom, the Miami Herald reported. After the four successive attacks took place, White then pushed the victim to the ground, causing him to hit his head on a desk, the affidavit alleges, according to local outlets. The ruthless sub then allegedly dragged the student on the ground by the collar and reported him to school authorities claiming he was in need of behavioral assistance, the Miami Herald reported, citing the affidavit. White has denied allegations that she instigated the assault on the poor student, claiming that the child partook in two fights in the classroom, according to that report. But classmates, including an accused assailant, said the substitute instigated the incident with one of the volunteer attackers telling cops the teacher told him to do it, Jacksonville police officers wrote in their affidavit. Those officers reported seeing cuts and bruises on the assaulted boys head when conducting an interview, the Miami Herald reported. White is facing a charge of child abuse and four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to the affidavit filed by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office on Mar. 2. YMCA Tiger Academy and Duval County Public Schools both claim the teacher was vetted, the YMCA said in a statement to the Miami Herald. Bernard Squarcini, the ex-head of Frances internal intelligence agency, was jailed and fined for misuse of public funds - Michel Euler/AP The former chief of Frances internal spy agency has been convicted of using public resources and his position of power to serve the private interests of Europes richest man, Bernard Arnault, the LVMH chief executive. On Friday, the Paris criminal court sentenced Bernard Squarcini, the former head of Frances central directorate of internal intelligence, to four years in prison, two of which were suspended, and a 200,000 (168,000) fine. He was tried on charges ranging from passive influence peddling, embezzlement of public funds, compromising national defence secrets and forgery of public documents. Squarcinis sentencing ended a lengthy and complex trial that spanned his career as Frances former spy chief between 2008-2012, and then as a private consultant between 2013-2016, whose main client was French luxury goods powerhouse LVMH. Squarcinis main client was French luxury goods behemoth LVMH, headed by Bernard Arnault, Europes richest man - Benoit Tessier/Reuters While working as head of intelligence, Squarcini assigned French agents to conduct surveillance operations and track down a blackmailer who was targeting Mr Arnault, in what the prosecution said was a flagrant and inappropriate misuse of public funds and resources. Agents were largely kept in the dark about the identity of the businessman they were protecting, and were dispatched to Paris and Aix-en-Provence. Instructions were given orally, and pains were taken not to leave a paper trail, according to testimonies given by agents in court documents obtained by Radio France. I asked why the business leader did not file a complaint with the judicial police, pointing out to him that this was not part of our anti-terrorist missions, one of the agents told investigators. None of my business He told me that it was none of my business and that the mission came from very, very high up. I understood that it came from above Bernard Squarcini. The blackmailer, Mr Arnaults former bodyguard, claimed to have photos of the billionaire and his purported mistress. Mr Arnault claims not to have known about the surveillance operation and insists that it was requested by his chief adviser at the time, Pierre Gode, who died in 2018. After being forced out of the spy agency in 2012, Squarcini then founded his own private consultancy company, Kyrnos Conseil, where he billed LVMH 2.2 million (1.85 million) in services. One of the biggest missions for LVMH was mounting an elaborate three-year surveillance operation between 2013-2016 against then journalist Francois Ruffin, who headed Fakir, an independent newspaper. Mr Ruffin, now a politician, was also working on a documentary Thanks boss!, a David and Goliath-type story in which he took up the plight of a French couple left unemployed and riddled with debt after LVMH relocated their Kenzo factory from France to Poland. As part of the film, Mr Ruffin was also planning to challenge Mr Arnault and disrupt an LVMH shareholder meeting. Mr Arnault claims that he was unaware of the surveillance mission against Mr Ruffin and that it was a request made from Mr Gode. Using money and power to evade justice Proceedings against LVMH were dropped in 2021, after the group agreed to pay a 10 million (8.4 million) settlement to close the criminal probe. Following the sentencing, Mr Ruffin criticised Mr Arnault, accusing the billionaire of using his money and power to evade justice. The judgement states that it was at the request of LVMH, that it was in the interests of LVMH, that it was at the instigation of LVMH. It is now clear that the worlds leading luxury group, with its perfumes and fine suits, has its feet in the mud and for years has been guilty of invading privacy and violating freedom of expression. Squarcini plans to appeal the conviction. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony in Philadelphia in 2022. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles, or CHIRLA, is one of a number of organizations that serve immigrants by helping lawful permanent residents earn U.S. citizenship. But those services were jeopardized last month, when the coalition got a notification from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stating that their congressionally approved funding had been put on hold. The funding freeze meant disruptions to students receiving civics instruction, taking classes to learn English and getting ready for citizenship interviews and exams. Over a hundred other organizations have also had their services interrupted, with no end in sight. Its not fair, Karla Aguayo, director of legal services at CHIRLA, told NBC News on Friday. The notification, which was received via email on Feb. 4, was no longer than five sentences. It read: Effective immediately, your grant from USCIS is frozen in accordance with the pause in activities, generally citing a Jan. 28 memo from the Department of Homeland Security without specifics. Payments are not available at this time. We recognize this will have an impact on your organization. We are unable to provide a timeline on this freeze. CHIRLA hasn't heard from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services after that email, Aguayo said. On Friday, 35 Democratic members of Congress sent a letter to USCIS Acting Director Kika Scott and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem seeking answers on the funding freeze. There has been no indication, evidence or even outright allegation that grantees have failed to meet their commitments or contractual obligations in good faith raising serious concerns over the justification for disrupting their ability to provide crucial services, reads the letter, which was first obtained by NBC News. If USCIS funding is not reinstated to this program, it will erase the progress made in reducing naturalization backlogs in recent years, the lawmakers said in the letter, spearheaded by Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., whose parents immigrated from Mexico. If backlogs grow, the time it takes to process citizenship applications will likely double. USCIS told NBC News in an email the agency has "nothing further to add on this matter" in addition to what's in the memo, which cites "concerns that these grants may not be an efficient use of government resources" as a reason for the funding freeze. DHS has not responded to a request for comment. As grantees of the Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Program, CHIRLA was set to receive $450,000 in federal funding from USCIS from October 2023 until September of this year to help hundreds of green card holders. "We want to create as many citizens as we can," Aguayo said. The funding freeze has sent the coalition on a race to find alternate funding to afford the labor needed to assist immigrants with their citizenship applications. Were not waiting because its already been over a month, and we havent heard anything from USCIS. We cant now abruptly pass on this inconvenience to the students. We cant just say, Oh, sorry, no more funding. Today is the last day of class, she said. In the letter, the lawmakers said the grant program has improved efficiency by "equipping eligible applicants with the tools to navigate the naturalization process more effectively saving USCIS valuable time and resources otherwise spent resolving errors, issuing requests for evidence, or reprocessing applications." Lawful permanent residents, or green-card holders, who may be eligible to become naturalized citizens this year may find the situation "disheartening," according to Aguayo. But "we always encourage people to apply despite the circumstances," she said. Kennedy News & Media (Left:) Ashley and Jasmin Robinson at their wedding in July; (Right:) Robinson in the hospital. A chef, who was planning his wedding, was told his symptoms like passing blood were just wedding stress, as doctors insisted he was too young for cancer. In May 2024, Ashley Robinson, now 35, was preparing to marry fiancee Jasmin when he started experiencing symptoms. I thought it was stress related, because it had come on rapidly while we were getting stuff ready for the wedding, said the chef, who hails from Dacorum in eastern England, according to The Daily Mail. We were planning on a 'princess wedding' but we were working very, very hard for it and I was working a minimum of 60 hours per week. Kennedy News & Media Ashley and Jasmin Robinson at their July 2024 wedding. 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. It got really bad and I passed the most insane amount of blood, Robinson said, sharing that his doctor told him to go to the emergency room immediately. 'When I saw the doctor I mentioned to him that my great nan had died of colon cancer but he said there was no chance and that I was too young. As the American Cancer Society says, colorectal cancer is more common as you age but there has been a steady rise in rates of colorectal cancer among young people. Doctors insisted that Robinson was too young for cancer, he says: I was being told by every health professional that I definitely didn't have cancer. They were saying "you're fine, don't worry, go and get married so I took their word for it. Kennedy News & Media Jasmin and Ashley Robinson at their July wedding. Related: Mom of Two Says 'Hemorrhoids Saved My Life' After Learning of Her Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis Instead, he says they told him he had hemorrhoids, and his symptoms would pass in a week. But in July after the wedding, Robinson quickly lost an incredible amount of weight approximately 28 lbs. prompting another visit to the doctor. His now-wife, Jasmin, stormed in and demanded they give her husband a colonoscopy. That's when they found a tumor the size of an orange in my colon, Robinson told the outlet. I was dreading getting the results back. I was told I had stage four colon cancer, which had spread to my liver. It was the worst news possible." Kennedy News & Media Ashley Robinson was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Related: I Was Told It Was a Gluten Allergy, but I Was Diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer at Age 26 (Exclusive) It absolutely crushed my wife. Aside from it happening to her, it was the worst possible news I ever could have had, said Robinson, who immediately began immunotherapy to treat the cancer. The tumor has since shrunk 90 percent with treatment. My oncologist was stunned, he said. However, if he had gotten a colonoscopy when he first sought medical care in May, then they might have been able to give me a treatment before it had spread to my liver. I was 34 at the time so I know when something's not right," he said. "You know your own body." Read the original article on People Jeremy Gudorf/ airplane/ Logan International Airport A JetBlue pilot who was arrested on his own plane and then freed on bail last month over a child sex charge killed himself Friday as police closed in for a second arrest. Jeremy Gudorf, 33, shot himself inside his car at a train station in Revere as troopers with Massachusetts State Police approached him Friday morning, according to NBC10 Boston. JetBlue pilot Jeremy Gudorf shot himself during an arrest. He had charges pending for child sex crimes and for being a fugitive. Massachusetts State Police He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The encounter took place at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authoritys Wonderland station after the state polices Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, Revere police and US Marshals had been searching for the commercial pilot from Xenia, Ohio. As authorities closed in, Gudorf revealed a firearm and abruptly shot himself, MSP spokesperson Tim McGuirk said, according to WCVB. Gudorf was initially arrested last month at Bostons Logan International Airport moments before his Paris-bound plane took off. Google Maps Gudorf was initially cuffed at Bostons Logan International Airport on Feb. 20 after US Customs and Border Protection discovered a warrant for his arrest out of North Carolina on a child sex charge. The pilot had been moments away from taking off for Paris when he was hauled off the aircraft. Gudorf, a commercial pilot for JetBlue, had been scheduled to fly from Boston to Paris moments before he was arrested on the aircraft last month. GREG LOVETT/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images He is charged in Huntersville, North Carolina, on second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He also had a charge in the Bay State as a fugitive of justice. A federal judge in Boston set his bail at $10,000 on the condition he turn himself over to law enforcement in the Tar Heel State. It was unclear if he ever did so. JetBlue said last month that when it learned of Gudorfs arrest, they placed him on indefinite leave. We are aware of and closely reviewing the arrest of one of our pilots upon reporting for work Thursday evening due to an outstanding warrant, the airline added. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org. Courtesy Everett Collection; Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Joshua Jackson in 'Dawson's Creek' and in March 2025 Pacey and Dawson are back! Sort of Joshua Jackson was one of host Jimmy Fallons guests on the Tuesday, Mar. 4, episode of The Tonight Show, where he gave Dawsons Creek fans a surprise treat. The Doctor Odyssey star, 46, opened the show by recreating a scene from the beloved teen drama with Fallon standing in as James Van Der Beeks character. Tonight, I will be reading the part of Pacey, Jackson said, referring to his own Dawsons Creek character. Jackson wore a Hawaiian print shirt similar to those he frequently wore on the show as Pacey Witter. Its been a minute since Ive had one of these on, Jackson joked as he and Fallon settled down in front of the Tonight Show house band. The duo proceeded to perform a scene that invoked a typical heart-to-heart chat between Dawson and Pacey, with Jackson lamenting his characters role as the town screw-up. You were never the town screw-up, Fallon said in character as Dawson. You just refused to play by the rules. And you refused to break them, Jackson responded. ABACA/Shutterstock Joshua Jackson and James Van Der Beek in 'Dawson's Creek' The two agreed that they or their characters never meant to hurt each other, likely a reference to Dawson and Paceys rift over their shared love interest, Joey Potter (Katie Holmes). So, what do we do now? Jackson asked as the band began playing Paula Coles I Dont Want to Wait. He and Fallon then burst into the Dawsons Creeks theme songs chorus as the studio audience cheered. The teen drama series aired for six seasons starting in 1998, with the two-part series finale airing in May 2003. Despite its notoriety, Van Der Beek has previously admitted he hasn't seen it. Ive never even seen the last episode, he previously admitted. Read the original article on People The corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams should be dismissed in a way that makes certain it cannot be reinstated, otherwise it "hangs like the proverbial Sword of Damocles" if Adams fails to cooperate with President Donald Trump's immigration agenda, a lawyer appointed to make an independent assessment of the case said Friday. The lawyer, Paul Clement, who served as solicitor general under the Bush administration, said that while the judge cannot force the government to "continue a prosecution against its will," the judge is authorized "to consider how the prosecution should be discontinued." Judge Dale Ho sought the independent assessment from Clement after the Justice Department moved to dismiss the Adams case without prejudice, meaning the charges could be revived. MORE: Timeline of how Eric Adams' bribery case led to resignations of federal prosecutors Clement said, "A dismissal without prejudice creates a palpable sense that the prosecution outlined in the indictment and approved by a grand jury could be renewed, a prospect that hangs like the proverbial Sword of Damocles over the accused." The Justice Department sought to free Adams from criminal prosecution so he could cooperate with Trump's immigration policies. PHOTO: New York City Mayor Eric Adams appears before a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing with Sanctuary City Mayors on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Washington. (Rod Lamkey/AP, FILE) "There is an inherent risk that once an indictment has been procured, the prospect of reindictment could create the appearance, if not the reality, that the actions of a public official are being driven by concerns about staying in the good graces of the federal executive, rather than the best interests of his constituents," Clement said. Dismissal with prejudice meaning the case could not be revived "avoids those concerns," Clement said. There is "more than sufficient" reason to dismiss the case against Mayor Adams as requested, the Justice Department said in a court filing late Friday evening, that included excerpts of private communications from the federal prosecutors who resigned in protest of the order to drop the charges. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, now the number three official in the Justice Department, quoted a draft letter from Danielle Sassoon, who resigned as acting US Attorney, that cast an unflattering light on an op-ed written by her former boss, Damian Williams, who brought the Adams case. Williams published an op-ed making the case for political reform shortly after he left office. "On February 12, 2025, the recently-resigned Acting U.S. Attorney sent herself a draft letter stating that she was personally disappointed in [her] predecessor's self-serving actions after his departure," Blanche and Bove said. The filing also quoted from a message sent by Hagan Scotten, another prosecutor on the Adams case who resigned, as saying "that it was 'pretty plausible' to him that [Williams] 'had a political motive in bringing this case." Blanche and Bove, who represented Trump during criminal proceedings prior to the election, requested the messages be filed under seal, so their context is not fully clear. "We have said all along this was a political hit job masquerading as a prosecution - the prosecutors' own words now reveal they thought the decision to prosecute this case likely was politically motivated," the mayor's attorneys Alex Spiro and William Burck said of Friday's filing. MORE: Federal prosecutors who investigated Eric Adams put on leave by Justice Department: Sources Adams was indicted last year in the Southern District of New York on five counts in an alleged long-standing conspiracy connected to improper benefits, illegal campaign contributions and an attempted cover-up. He pleaded not guilty and has defied calls for him to step down. Last month, the Justice Department instructed federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York to drop the charges against Adams without prejudice. The now-former acting US attorney for Manhattan, Danielle Sassoon, resigned days later in protest. MORE: NY governor won't remove Eric Adams as mayor In a letter sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi prior to her resignation, Sassoon repeatedly suggested DOJ leadership was explicitly aware of a quid pro quo suggested by Adams' attorneys, saying Adams' vocal support of Trump's immigration policies would be boosted by dismissing the indictment against him. Adams' lawyer denied any quid pro quo following Sassoon's resignation. Lawyer recommends judge dismiss Adams case without possibility of reinstating charges originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Luis Echeverri Urrea / Getty Images Colombian cuisine isnt exactly known for a light touch, defined as it is by hearty stews and soups. Take one of the countrys most iconic dishes, the popular bandeja paisa, literally a paisa tray, so named because its heaped onto an oversized oval platter and hails from Colombias Paisa region. That includes the Department of Antioquia and the mountainous coffee zone in the northwestern part of the country. Colorfully referred to as a festival of meat on a Frisbee-sized plate, this rib-sticking Colombian comfort food is an homage to meat and lots of it: pork sausages (both chorizo and morcilla, or blood sausage), chicharron (crispy deep-fried pork rind) and minced beef, marinaded in traditional Colombian seasonings. They share space on the tray with white rice, red beans, an arepa (a thick corn patty), fried ripe plantain for caramelized sweetness, sliced avocado for cool creaminess, and hogao (a savory tomato-and-onion sauce), all topped with a fried egg for its rich, velvety yolk. Its a symphony of tastes and textures. If that seems like culinary overload, its exactly the point. Though bandeja paisas origin is hazy, it likely served as a protein-packed meal that farmers would eat for breakfast before working in the fields. The meat-and-carb powerhouse kept them going all day long. Its roots trace back to the Spanish colonial era, when Indigenous ingredients began to merge with Spanish influences. The beans, corn, and tomato were native agricultural products, while the pork, beef, and sausages reflected the Spanish introduction of livestock. The dish may have evolved from culinary traditions specific to Antioquia, such as the seco antioqueno, which featured rice, beans, and meat, and grew over time into the signature meal of today. Its no longer considered peasant food but rather a source of regional pride for Colombians hailing from the Paisa region, which includes Medellin, the capital of Antioquia and Colombias second largest city. At the same time, its now eaten in many parts of the country. That has spawned several variants of the dish with the addition or replacement of ingredients. Related: Head to This South American City for Soul-Warming Soup Some Antioquian restaurants, for example, offer an expanded version known as "seven meats platter," which adds grilled steak, pork, and liver to the classic meats creating the ultimate carnivore experience. A lighter version is popular in Bogota, which replaces the pork with grilled chicken breast, the chorizo with a wiener, and the blood sausage with salad. In the Tolima region, its served with french fries instead of plantain. In 2005, the Colombian government tried to make bandeja paisa the national dish and even changed the name to bandeja montanera (mountain tray) to avoid the exclusive association with the Paisa region. But the move received pushback and never took off. Whether its officially the national dish or not, bandeja paisa is much more than just a meal. Celebrating the countrys agricultural bounty, it has become a culinary symbol of Colombian warmth, abundance, and hospitality. Often shared on special occasions, such as family gatherings and festivals, its a way to connect with the nations cultural and gastronomic roots. Related: Where to Eat and Drink on Colombia's Caribbean Coast I remember eating this classic dish at roadside country restaurants on family vacations during my childhood in Bogota. Though, admittedly, I could barely make a dent in it. No matter. Each mouthful was a flavorful burst of Colombia on a plate. Nearly every Colombian restaurant serving traditional cuisine has bandeja paisa on the menu, sometimes with its own touches. If youre planning a visit to Bogota, here are some places to try it. Bogota restaurants Javier Lizarazo Guerra / Getty Images Casa Vieja Located in a charming old house filled with antiques and chandeliers, this downtown restaurant specializes in authentic Colombian cuisine. With a 50-year history, Casa Vieja has stayed true to its roots of celebrating traditional dishes from around the country with time-honored recipes. Its bandeja paisa goes by an earlier name, plato del montanero (mountaineers plate), referring to the mountainous region where it originated. Las Cazuelas de la Abuela Popular with locals, this traditional Bogota restaurant serves a typical bandeja paisa along with other classic dishes on its 100% Colombian menu. Opened in 2000, Cazuelas de la Abuela (Grandmas Casseroles) maintains its authenticity by serving home-cooked-style food based on grandmas recipes. Restaurante La Herencia Take a gastronomic tour of Colombia at Restaurante La Herencia, a chic, country-style dining spot in Bogotas financial heart, which is often booked for special occasions. Its bandeja paisa is as classic as can be, based on a recipe from yesteryear. La Puerta de la Catedral Tucked into Bogotas historic center, La Puerta de la Catedral is a 300-year-old mansion with a storied role in Colombian independence. Among its signature dishes is a bountiful bandeja paisa, which also comes in a vegetarian version that replaces the meats with lentils, chickpea croquettes, vegan blood sausage, and vegetable-protein chorizo. Read the original article on Food & Wine Self-styled martyr Luigi Mangione said a jailhouse letter he got from a mom whos struggling to pay her daughters medical bills made him tear up as he promised to pin up their picture in his prison cell. The brief message, written on loose-leaf paper and dated Dec. 29, 2024, thanked Karen for sharing her grievances with the health care system in solidarity with Mangione, whose own frustrations allegedly led him to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Your letter is the first to make me tear up. I am so, so, sorry for what you and your daughter so senselessly had to endure, Mangione wrote in the anonymous mom. Luigi Mangione asked a mother to send a photograph of herself and her daughter, as well as a print of the Warrior Jesus. via REUTERS The 26-year-old UPenn graduate agreed to accept a photograph of Karen and her daughter, as well as a print of Jesus that the mother referenced in her letter which he promised to put up on my prison cell walls next to your letter. Your daughter is blessed to have a mother who loves her so much and fights for her so relentlessly, Mangione concluded the letter. The letter was published Tuesday by journalist Ashley Shelby on her substack, Bartleby on Trial, which chronicles Mangiones case. Karen told Shelby she was inclined to reach out to Mangione after witnessing his perp walk in December. Mangione said Karens letter made him tear up. Bartleby on Trial/Substack The alleged killer sent the letter from Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center. Bartleby on Trial/Substack I felt very weird about it, Karen told Shelby. Driven by some force that didnt make sense but couldnt be ignored. Karen had her own battles with UnitedHealthcare in the months leading up to Thompsons murder. The mother claimed the insurance company declined to cover her daughters treatment for what she described as a rare, life-threatening disease that requires constant care and medical treatment. In January 2024, her daughter had fallen into full catatonia and was hospitalized for 60 days in a year, but UnitedHealthcare continued to deny her prescribed treatment, she claimed. It took months of fighting before Karen won and was able to get her daughter the meds. What she and I went through as a result of insurance calling the shots rather than the doctors is a horrible story for another time. She is improving, but hardly close to her old self. I refer to UHC as those white collar criminals whenever discussing them and vowed to fight for reform for the rest of my life, Karen told Shelby. Karen said she was inspired to write to Mangione after witnessing his perp walk in December. Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images Mangione has received thousands of letters from supporters and fans since the December murder. Getty Images Karen relayed her story in her letter to Mangione, and included a blurry picture of the Christ in Majesty mosaic at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, or what Karen dubbed the Warrior Jesus. She also vowed to keep up the fight in Mangiones name. The letter is just one of thousands Mangione has received since his December arrest, and he acknowledged the outpouring in his first public statement last month. I am overwhelmed by and grateful for everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support, Mangione said in a statement posted to his website. While I cant reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future. Mangione is being held at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center on first-degree murder charges in furtherance of terrorism for killing the 50-year-old health care boss and dad of two. In his manifesto, the UPenn grad said he considered himself a hero for allegedly killing Thompson in a symbolic takedown of the parasitic health care system. He has since pleaded not guilty to a slew of state and federal charges. Massachusetts State Police Jeremy Gudorf A man believed to be a JetBlue pilot facing child sex abuse charges shot and killed himself this morning as officers approached him at a Massachusetts train station. Jeremy Gudorf, 33, of Ohio, was facing a second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor charge in North Carolina, according to a statement from the Massachusetts State Police; he had missed a court date. Officials from the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section found the man believed to be Gudorf parked at the Wonderland train station in Revere on Friday morning. As officers approached his vehicle, the man pulled out a gun and "abruptly shot himself," per the statement. Though officers on the scene rendered first aid, the man was pronounced dead by the time he reached the local hospital. State Police believe the man to be Gudorf, but he has not yet officially been identified by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Gudorf had been placed on indefinite leave from his job after he was arrested on a Boston plane immediately before it took off for Paris on Feb. 20. 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. Gudorf was taken into custody on the Boston plane because of an outstanding sexual exploitation of a minor charge in North Carolina, and was later charged in Massachusetts as a fugitive from justice. The alleged exploitation occurred in October 2024 when Gudorf lived in Huntersville, North Carolina, per a statement from the town's local Police Department. Read the original article on People Mayor Eric Adams appointed four new deputy mayors on Friday after half his team dramatically resigned last month in the wake of President Trump tossing his historic criminal case. Hizzoner tapped Adolfo Carrion Jr. to serve as deputy mayor for housing, economic development and workforce; Suzanne Miles-Gustave as deputy mayor for health and human services; Jeffrey Roth as deputy mayor for operations; and Kaz Daughtry as deputy mayor for public safety. The mayors announcement, though, failed to mention his pick for the next first deputy mayor. Mayor Eric Adams on Friday named Kaz Daughtry as deputy mayor for public safety. NYC Mayor's Office The fresh appointments come nearly three weeks after the Adams administration suffered a mass exodus when half of the Big Apples deputy mayors led by First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer suddenly quit. Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, Deputy Mayor for Health Human Services Anne Williams-Isom and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker quit their posts as controversy over the sudden order to toss Adams corruption case mounted. These exemplary public servants have decades of experience serving our city and their fellow New Yorkers, and I thank them for their willingness to step up and serve at such a critical time, Adams said of his new aides. Suzanne Miles-Gustave was tapped to be deputy mayor for health and human services. NYC Mayor's Office Jeffrey Roth will serve as deputy mayor for operations. NYC Mayor's Office I also want to say how much I appreciate all the good work of our outgoing team members: Maria Torres-Springer, Anne Williams-Isom, Meera Joshi, and Chauncey Parker. All four have been vital to our work reshaping New York City, he continued. Weve broken record after record together, and New Yorkers owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for their service to our city. I wish all four all the best in their future endeavors. Daughtry is slated to start his new role immediately, while the remaining three deputy mayors will start from March 15, Adams noted. Mayor Adams tapped Adolfo Carrion Jr. to serve as deputy mayor for housing. NYC Mayor's Office Roth, who has worked for the citys Department of Veterans Services and FDNY, currently lives in Westchester where, as recently as last month, he was running for a county seat. In the wake of his new appointment, Roth will have to establish a primary residence in the city due to an executive order that requires deputy mayors to be residents. City Hall said he is currently in the process of shifting his permanent residency. It wasnt immediately clear when Adams would name his first deputy mayor. A Missouri woman has been charged in connection to the death of her toddler after police said the child was not fed for almost two days. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said in a press release that its division of drug and crime control alongside the Cape Girardeau Police Department conducted an investigation into the suspicious death of the child. As a result of the investigation, 21-year-old Alyssa Wehmeyer was arrested on Monday after police alleged that the child suffered from malnutrition and neglect, which they said caused the childs death. Court records obtained by USA TODAY say that Wehmeyer is accused of not feeding her child for more than 40 hours. The same records say that the childs cause of death was determined to be dehydration. Apart from the lack of food, police said that the child had been left unattended in their crib for about 19 hours. Woman blamed a migraine, police say Investigators say the childs death happened Feb. 28 at around 1 p.m. local time. Wehmeyer told police the last time her child had food was the afternoon of Feb. 26. Wehmeyer told police the last time she saw her child alive was on Feb. 27, about 24 hours after the childs last meal, when her child woke up crying. According to court records, Wehmeyer told police the reason she had allegedly left her child unattended was due to a migraine. She told police that she had taken three Excedrin and laid down for a nap. Police said that Wehmeyer did not contact anyone to seek medical treatment for both the child's malnutrition or a severe diaper rash that the child had. In the press release, police said Wehmeyer was charged on Tuesday with one count of abuse or neglect of a child - resulting in death. Court records show that Wehmeyer is being held on a $100,000 bond. USA TODAY was not able to find an attorney representing Wehmeyer on Thursday. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Missouri woman charged in death of child, blamed migraine, police say By Ryan Woo, Ethan Wang and Laurie Chen BEIJING (Reuters) -Beijing will "resolutely counter" U.S. pressure on tariffs and the fentanyl issue, China's foreign minister said on Friday, adding that major powers "should not bully the weak", in a veiled swipe at the Trump administration's foreign policy. Top diplomat Wang Yi also presented China as a reliable global power in the midst of geopolitical turmoil and U.S. President Donald Trump's withdrawal from international institutions, part of a clear appeal from Beijing to Europe and countries in the Global South. The U.S. levied an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports this week over the continued flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl into the country, threatening to worsen an escalatory spiral of trade actions. "If one side blindly exerts pressure, China will resolutely counter that," Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary meeting. The U.S. "should not repay kindness with grievances, let alone impose tariffs without reason," Wang added, referring to the "various assistance" Beijing has provided Washington on tackling the flow of fentanyl precursor drugs into the U.S. No country can suppress China on the one hand and develop good relations with China on the other, said Wang, when asked how China would engage with the Trump administration over the next four years. Such a "two-faced" approach is not helpful to stable ties, he said, without identifying any individual in the U.S. administration. Wang's largely subdued remarks on the U.S., without mentioning Trump once by name, suggested Beijing wishes to keep the prospect of potential future trade talks alive, said Wen-Ti Sung, a Taiwan-based nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub. "They want to pursue any room for de-escalation with Trump when it comes to trade," Sung said. "One way of doing it is to keep the level of rhetorical intensity down to manageable size to preserve room for manoeuvre for both sides." UKRAINE STANCE On resolving the Ukraine war, China wants to achieve a "fair, lasting and binding peace agreement" acceptable to all parties, Wang Yi said. "China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in the final resolution of the crisis and the realisation of lasting peace, in accordance with the wishes of the parties concerned, together with the international community." Western countries have urged Beijing to take a more active role in using its economic leverage over Russia to stop the war, but Beijing has so far refused to publicly criticise its strategic partner or halt its economic support of Moscow. China-Russia relations are a "constant in a turbulent world, not a variable in geopolitical games," Wang told the press conference. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently reaffirmed Beijing's "no limits" partnership with Moscow in a telephone call with his Russian counterpart on the third anniversary of Moscow's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump has upended U.S. policy on Ukraine after taking office last month, showing a more conciliatory stance towards Russia that has unnerved Washington's traditional allies in the West. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday the Ukraine conflict is a "proxy war" between Washington and Moscow that needs to end, and has previously said that Washington wishes to "peel off" Moscow from Beijing. Analysts say Beijing wishes to exploit the growing transatlantic rift to bolster its ties with European countries, which have been strained over Ukraine and trade tensions. "China still has confidence in Europe, and believes Europe can still be China's trusted partner," Wang said. GLOBAL SOUTH Wang also urged developing countries to "continue to improve our representation and discourse power in global governance". "If every country emphasizes its own national priorities and believes in strength and status, the world will regress to the law of the jungle, small and weak countries will bear the brunt," said Wang in a veiled reference to Washington's actions. "Major powers ... should not be profit-driven, and they should not bully the weak." Within the first two months of taking office, Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from several multilateral organisations and climate agreements, suspended most foreign aid, and voted against a United Nations resolution condemning Russia for the Ukraine invasion. "At a time when the Trump administration's foreign policy is revising a lot of established expectations, China wants to present itself as preserving the status quo," said Sung, the analyst. "When the Global South sees a retrenching, inward-looking U.S., there's a fear of a strategic vacuum - one that China intends to help fill." (Reporting by Laurie Chen, Ryan Woo and Ethan Wang in Beijing; Writing by Laurie Chen; Editing by Tom Hogue and Lincoln Feast.) By Nathan Layne and Aleksandra Michalska PARKERSBURG, West Virginia (Reuters) -Jennifer Piggott proudly hung a red-and-blue Trump campaign flag outside her one-story home during the November election race. Now, after she was abruptly fired from her civil service job, her days of supporting the president are over. Piggott is among more than 125 people dismissed in February from the Treasury Department's Bureau of Fiscal Service in Parkersburg, West Virginia, unsettling a community that voted overwhelmingly for Republican President Donald Trump. "Nobody that I've talked to understood the devastation that having this administration in office would do to our lives," Piggott, 47, told Reuters in an interview, saying she would not have supported Trump if she knew then what she knows now. "As much as I think that President Trump is doing wonderful things for the country in some regards, I don't understand this at all," she said. Piggott worked at BFS for five years and had recently been promoted. That promotion made her a target as the Trump administration began firing thousands of probationary federal workers - a group that includes new hires but also existing workers moving from one internal position to another. The renunciation of allegiance to Trump by Piggott, a church-going conservative and three-time Trump voter, comes as political analysts are parsing early signs of a possible backlash in Republican strongholds where the government-slashing efforts of the president and his cost-cutting czar Elon Musk are beginning to be felt. A White House spokesman told Reuters that Trump had been given a popular mandate to overhaul the federal government to combat waste, fraud, and abuse. Trump edged out his opponent, Democratic former Vice President Kamala Harris, by 1.5 percentage points in the November contest. "The personal financial situation of every American is top of mind for the president, which is why he's working to cut regulations, reshore jobs, lower taxes, and make government more efficient," Harrison Fields added. The Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency did not respond to requests for comment. Spokespeople for Riley Moore, who represents Parkersburg in the House of Representatives, and Senator Jim Justice did not respond to requests for comment. Senator Shelley Moore Capito told Reuters that while she understands the concerns some have about the DOGE cuts, she supports the Trump administration's efforts to "right-size" government. Trump spoke at length about eliminating unnecessary programs during his address to Congress on Tuesday but made no mention of the mass government firings that have roiled the country. So far 100,000 workers have been fired or taken a buyout. Reuters/Ipsos polling shows Americans' attitudes toward Trump are so far essentially unchanged since he began firing federal workers in February. As of March 4, his approval rating was holding steady at 44%. West Virginia is also strong Trump country. He won the state in November with 70% of the vote, among his biggest victories. Still, the economic impact of the mass dismissals across America may not be felt immediately. A handful of Republican voters who lost their federal jobs joined Democrats for a rally of more than 100 people protesting the cuts near the two BFS office buildings in Parkersburg last week, cheering on a local union leader as he criticized Trump and Musk while standing next to a large "Fat Cat" balloon. Support for Trump's shrinking of government can, however, be heard in places around Parkersburg - a middle-aged couple singing DOGE's praises over breakfast at a local diner; a hotel patron saying remote workers deserved to be fired; a young bartender lamenting federal workers' relatively high pay. In interviews with three dozen workers, business owners and politicians in Parkersburg, which sits at the convergence of two rivers including the mighty Ohio, nearly all said Trump's focus on cutting government spending was a worthy goal. But most said they knew BFS employees to be hard-working and didn't see them as the right target if the aim was to eliminate waste. Scot Heckert, a Republican who represents parts of Parkersburg in the West Virginia state legislature, said he was worried that layoffs at BFS, which employs about 2,200 workers in Parkersburg, would "devastate" the local economy because the workers earned higher-than-average salaries, and because of the looming prospect of another round of cuts. He said his daughter-in-law was among those fired and that he was seeking more information on why so many jobs were eliminated in a seemingly indiscriminate manner before he would commit to backing Trump in the future. "People voted for Donald Trump to make a change," he added. "It's an unfortunate thing in our community that is plagued with many things as it is." BUSINESS IMPACT To the residents of Parkersburg, West Virginia's fourth-largest city with 29,000 people and the seat of Wood County, the cuts driven by Musk's DOGE feel like the latest in a series of economic blows. Parkersburg has lost a third of its population over the past five decades, mirroring a hollowing out of manufacturing across the state. The glass producer Corning sold its Parkersburg factory in the 1990s, and in 2005 a major shovel plant buffeted by Chinese competition closed. BFS, which manages the federal government's accounting and payment systems, is a provider of stable, solid-paying jobs in Wood County, where the median household income is two-thirds the national average and 14% of the population lives below the poverty line. The community is now bracing for another round of layoffs, with all government agencies ordered to make plans to cut career staff by March 13. That could mean hundreds more cut at BFS. Business owners in Parkersburg said they were worried that more job losses would ripple through the economy in the form of depressed spending on everything from clothing to rent. The owners of the Blennerhassett Hotel, a fixture of downtown Parkersburg for more than 130 years with its turreted brick facade, have already told staff that seasonal hiring will be kept to a minimum for the usually busy summer months. "It's a major economic disaster for our community," said co-owner Wayne Waldeck, likening the potential scale of the expected job cuts to another factory leaving town. Parkersburg Brewing, a local bar and eatery, is also worried about a hit to demand. Roughly one-sixth of the brewery's 65 members, who pay an annual fee for a larger pour and other perks, work at BFS, manager Samantha Gibbs said. "They have the extra money to come spend at places like this and give back to the community, and now a percentage of that is lost," she said. "That's going to affect us tremendously." West Virginia ranks third among the contiguous 48 states in the percentage of its total workforce 3.7% in federal jobs, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows. That's about double the national average. Only Virginia and Maryland, the two states closest to Washington, are higher at 4.6% and 5.9%. John Deskins, an economics professor at West Virginia University, said he is worried about potential job losses at other large federal facilities in the state. "We stand to suffer a disproportionate share when those jobs disappear, when that income disappears," he added. VETERANS CAUGHT IN LAYOFFS Roger Conley is a Trump supporter who left the Republican Party last year because he thought it was too liberal. In a Facebook post before BFS workers were cut, Conley said DOGE was acting like any successful business in boosting efficiency and wondered why anyone would question its moves to lower costs. Then his son lost his job at BFS, according to union members. In a February 20 Facebook post, Conley said while he still backed Trump, he questioned the need to fire so many people so quickly and whether Musk was the right person to lead the effort. When reached by phone, Conley declined to comment. His son did not respond to requests to be interviewed for this story. Meanwhile Piggott, who like other fired probationary employees received no severance, faces an uncertain future. She said she and her husband, a disabled military veteran, have been discussing ways to make ends meet including selling their home. She teared up when talking about how many veterans, who make up about 30% of the federal workforce, had lost their jobs at BFS and other agencies. One veteran caught up in the BFS layoffs was Chauncy James, who was promoted twice during his 18 months at BFS, the second time to building maintenance. James, 42, said he too worries about making his mortgage payment and feeding his five children. At last week's rally he marched with a sign criticizing Musk and said he regretted voting for Trump. "They are pretty much just coming here, chopping heads off, without really doing their homework," James said. "He got elected president and he's doing a lot of things that people never even imagined that he was going to do to us." (Reporting by Nathan Layne and Aleksandra Michalska in Parkersburg, West Virginia; Editing by Ross Colvin and Pravin Char) An easyJet flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Portugal after a brawl between families over The Karate Kid erupted in mid-air. The flight from Lanzarote to London Gatwick descended into chaos last year when a woman confronted a five-year-old boy for watching the 2010 remake of classic film on his iPad. The mother of the five-year-old, 26, claims that her son was watching with the volume set low, reported The Sun. But an irritated woman sat four rows in front of the family allegedly shouted racial abuse at the boy to turn off the film. When challenged for abuse towards her son, the mother alleges that the womans partner grabbed her other half, who is disabled, by the neck. Following the physical altercation, the pilot diverted for an emergency landing in Porto, Portugal. The Lanzarote to London flight descended into chaos over a child watching The Karate Kid (Getty Images) Local police met the aircraft on landing, with both families removed from the London-bound flight for their behaviour. The family from South London were travelling home from a holiday in Lanzarote when the brawl broke out. The mother, a lettings officer, is now threatening to sue easyJet over the incident that left her family scared and distressed. She told The Sun: This incident involved racial abuse, discrimination, and physical assault. My son was left extremely scared and distressed. Both families were left to make their own way home from Porto after being removed from the aircraft, with the airline said to have banned those involved in the mid-air brawl from future flights. The mother claims easyJet has not responded to complaints she has made in the nine months since the incident. A spokesperson for easyJet said: Safety is our highest priority and our cabin crew are trained to ensure that the safety of the flight is not compromised. We do not tolerate disruptive behaviour and will always take appropriate action against any passengers who are disruptive onboard, as we did in this case. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast By Francesco Canepa and Lefteris Papadimas FRANKFURT/ATHENS (Reuters) - The European Central Bank's payments crash last week meant salaries and welfare funds were delayed for thousands of people. It could have been much worse. If the same disruption had struck, or persisted into, the following day - the end of the month, and payday for many public-sector workers, pensioners and welfare recipients - the mayhem could have hit millions of people and businesses, and strained the banking system. "If it had lasted until Friday, there would have been big risk-management questions for banks," said Alistair Milne, a professor of financial economics at Britain's Loughborough Business School. "Bank risk managers would have to decide: Are we willing to credit the customer account on the trust that the money will eventually turn up?" Reuters can construct the most detailed account to date of the breakdown of the euro zone's main payment system, based on interviews with a dozen people familiar with the day's events including central bank officials, bankers and brokers, and a review of the ECB's messages to market participants. When the system went down on Thursday, the chaos that descended in the 10 hours it took to identify and fix the problem blocked the welfare payments of more than 15,000 mostly elderly and poor Greeks, a large number of salaries and pensions in Austria, plus several financial trades. At the heart of the escalating turmoil was a piece of malfunctioning hardware, but it took hours for the ECB's technicians to spot the problem after an initial, erroneous diagnosis of database issues, according to the ECB messages and officials at the ECB and three other euro zone central banks. This forced central bank staff across many euro zone countries to work throughout the night to fix the defective equipment and clear a backlog of transactions in time for payday, according to officials who like the other sources requested anonymity to discuss this sensitive matter. "A hardware failure is excusable, but not having a backup that can kick-in instantaneously in case of problems is not," said Markus Ferber, a member of the European Parliament who sits on the committee that oversees the ECB. "Critical infrastructure needs a backup - the ECB should know that." An ECB official told Reuters the affected hardware, which he declined to identify, did have multiple backups and the bank was analysing why they didn't kick in. The ECB had recently completed an overhaul of its payment system and crisis management before this incident, the official added, as recommended in a report by consultancy Deloitte following a string of outages in 2020. The Target payment system, which handles trillion of euros of daily transactions, is so vital to financial and economic stability in the 20-nation euro zone that the locations of its four servers are a closely guarded secret, with the ECB revealing only that they're sited in two different parts of Europe. ECB ACTIVATES EMERGENCY CHANNEL The situation started going south shortly after 8 a.m. Frankfurt time on Thursday when the ECB's system for settling financial trades, Target 2 Securities (T2S), crashed. The Target 2 (T2) network, which handles large payments between central banks and commercial lenders, followed suit two hours later, according to ECB updates to market participants. Both T2 and T2S are run by the ECB with the central banks of Germany, Italy, France and Spain. In phone calls that morning between crisis managers at the ECB and the other central banks, the blame was put on errors in the systems' shared database, which would make a transfer to a back-up version - or "failover" - impossible without copying over the same issue. This required staff at the central banks to laboriously parse through transactions to identify the mistake while the system was offline. At 11.30, the crisis managers activated the Target systems' emergency channel for critical payments, such as those involving foreign currencies or margin calls. This is to prevent any disruption from spilling over to other currencies or jamming the functioning of financial markets. This process, which requires participants to submit every transaction manually, is ill-suited for the hundreds of thousands of payments that go through T2 and T2S every day. A few dozen payments went through in that way but all others had to be placed in a queue, waiting for the problem to eventually be fixed. It was not until the afternoon that the ECB established there was actually what it later described as a "defective hardware component" at one of the system's four locations. Staff then began moving all transactions to the backup, or failover, shortly before 1600. The move was completed at 1715 and settlement resumed at 1800, lasting through the evening until a delayed midnight deadline, the ECB messages showed. The officials at the ECB and three other central banks said work continued until the early morning to clear most of the transactions that had been queued up over the previous day. PAYMENT SYSTEM THAT NEVER FAILS? The fallout didn't stop there. Some transactions had been cleared too late for the banks to process in time on Friday, leading to the delays of thousands of people in Greece and Austria receiving salaries, pensions and welfare payments. Brokers were also left fuming over delayed trades, according to three market sources who declined to give details about the affected transactions. One Dutch broker told Reuters some of his clients were charged interest for money they agreed to borrow but never actually received as a result of the outage. They were planning to seek compensation from the ECB, as is envisaged under Target rules. Paul Harris, partner at London-based law firm Osborne Clarke, said market participants would likely find it more difficult to get compensation from a central bank than when a private firm was at fault. "When (commercial) banks have problems with their architecture, the recriminations last for a significant period," he said. "But so far there doesnt look to be anything like the same level of accountability here, even though the damage to market stability could have been far greater." In a message after the event, the ECB described the breakdown as a "major incident" that had "adverse consequences for market participants as well as for their clients" and said it had started a "thorough analysis" of the episode. The ECB's latest annual report shows T2 was available at all times in 2021, 2022 and 2023. In 2020 it was up and running 99.46% of the time - below the targeted 99.7%. "A payment system that never fails may not be buildable," said Aaron Klein, a senior fellow at U.S. think-tank the Brooking Institution who specialises in financial technology. "And, if it is, it may be more costly than tolerating a few hours of delay." (Additional reporting by Sinead Cruise and David Milliken in London, Leika Kihara in Tokio, and Howard Schneider and Pete Schroeder in Washington; Editing by Elisa Martinuzzi and Pravin Char) PANAMA CITY (Reuters) -Panama will issue temporary permits for some migrants recently sent from the U.S. allowing them to stay in the Central American nation for up to 90 days if they do not wish to return to their home countries for security reasons, an official said on Friday. The measure may apply to 112 of the 299 migrants recently sent by the U.S. to Panama who are from other nations, and were transferred to a migrant center in the jungle area of the Darien Gap, Security Minister Frank Abrego told journalists. These migrants, including nationals from Iran and China, will receive a 30-day humanitarian permit, which has to possibility of a 90-day extension, in order to begin legal processes for resettlement or voluntary return. They will also be interviewed by authorities and placed under the protection of Panamas National Office for Refugee Assistance (ONPAR). The group of migrants had been moved to the Darien, a dangerous jungle region near the Colombian border and key transit route for many migrants crossing from South America on foot, in mid February, raising concerns from lawyers. They had earlier been in a hotel in Panama City, where local media reported they were not allowed to leave. Panama has an arrangement with the United States under which it accepts to receive third-country migrants deported from the U.S., and is then responsible for their repatriation of resettlement. This is part of the U.S. administration's policy of ramping up migrant deportations. (Reporting by Elida Moreno; Writing by Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Kylie Madry and Sarah Morland) TOKYO (Reuters) -SBI Holdings denied a Nikkan Kogyo newspaper report that it is negotiating with South Korea's SK Hynix and Taiwan's UMC about collaboration on a chips plant in Miyagi prefecture. The report is not true, said a spokesperson for the financial firm on Friday. SBI aims to collaborate with SK Hynix on back-end DRAM processes and with UMC on chips for vehicles, according to the Nikkan Kogyo report, which did not cite sources. SBI announced in September it was dissolving a joint venture with Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. The companies had been seeking government subsidies to build a foundry in northern Japan. SBI said at the time it would consider partnering with other firms on chip-related business. (Reporting by Sam Nussey and and Miho Uranaka; Editing by Leslie Adler and Tom Hogue) By Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's education ministry has agreed to freeze the number of new medical students at about 3,000 a year, it said on Friday, in a bid to end a 13-month dispute involving a walkout by trainee doctors and the boycott of classes. Thousands of such doctors have walked off the job since February 2024 to protest against a government plan to add more students in medical schools, as both sides disputed the remedies needed to fix the healthcare system in a rapidly ageing nation. Education Minister Lee Ju-ho set a deadline of the end of March for the return of all trainee doctors if the plan is to go ahead, however. "Our government's position that the medical school quota should be increased has not changed," Lee said. "But restoring trust between the medical community and the government is also very important." The long drawn-out dispute led to overstretched emergency care facilities, and delays or cancellations to surgeries. In a post on Facebook, Park Dan, the head of the Korean Intern Resident Association that represents the trainee doctors, said he felt no need to respond to the government's "threat". The main lobby group for doctors, the Korean Medical Association, said it was up to medical students to decide how to respond to the government's offer, but it called the plan to boost the quota a "failed policy" and urged fresh talks. Friday's offer from the education ministry is a step back by the government after the administration of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol took a firm line in trying to push through its medical reforms. The government had planned an increase of 2,000 in medical school admissions from 2025, versus 3,000 now, to meet a large projected shortfall of doctors by 2035. Authorities have said more doctors were required in remote areas, but many doctors said pay and work conditions were skewing the healthcare system and should be tackled first. In January, the health ministry said about 90% of trainee doctors had resigned, from 13,531 eligible for hospital appointments. Medical students also walked out of classrooms, and few have returned. Lee Jong-tae, president of the Korea Association of Medical Colleges, said he believed students would now return to school. "I am asking all of us to work to have our students come back now," Lee added. Yoon was impeached over his short-lived imposition of martial law last year. His December 3 decree set a 48-hour deadline for all medical personnel to return to work, including trainee doctors who had left their jobs. Much of the public initially backed the idea of boosting the number of medical students, but the impact of the walkout on the medical system had started to erode support. The government had little choice but try to resolve the stalemate now public support had soured, with the situation worsened by Yoon's impeachment, said Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University. "Now the majority want Yoon to be removed from office," he added. "The mood is not favourable for the government, and the government wants to minimise any problems." (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Ed Davies and Clarence Fernandez) By Faith Hung and Emily Chan TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's exports rose more than expected in February as demand for artificial intelligence related technologies got a boost from buyers trying to get ahead of new tariffs proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Exports rose 31.5% compared to the same month a year ago to $41.31 billion, the finance ministry said on Friday, nearly double the 17.0% that was forecast in a Reuters poll. The increase marked the 16th consecutive monthly rise. Taiwan firms such as TSMC,, the world's largest contract chipmaker, are major suppliers to Apple, Nvidia and other tech companies. "Some customers made orders ahead of the U.S. tariff uncertainty," the ministry said in a statement, adding business opportunities for new applications of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) remained solid. Trump has imposed tariffs on China, Taiwan's largest trading partner, and is considering the imposition of additional tariffs on Taiwan's chip imports. While the ministry said that tariffs and other geopolitical risks present a fair amount of uncertainty for this year, AI and its applications are accelerating, supporting overall momentum for Taiwan's exports. The export gains are expected to persist through the first and second quarters, the ministry added. It expected exports in March to fall 1% and rise 2% year on year. In February, Taiwan's exports to China rose 27.9%, versus a contraction of 11.72% in the prior month. Exports to the United States soared 65.6% year-on-year to $11.77 billion, compared with a 0.7% jump in January. Taiwan's total exports of electronic components climbed 24.6% in February on the year to $14.44 billion, with semiconductor exports up 24.6%. Imports jumped 47.8% to $34.76 billion, better than economists' forecasts for a gain of 19.2%. (Reporting by Faith Hung and Emily Chan; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Kim COghill) By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on Thursday he is in discussions with Ukraine for a peace agreement framework to end hostilities with Russia and that a meeting is planned next week with the Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia. "We're now in discussions to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians," Witkoff told reporters at the White House. He said it would likely be in Riyadh or Jeddah. Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had acrimonious talks at the White House on February 28 but since then the two sides have resumed work on a revenue-sharing minerals deal. At his speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, Trump said he had received a letter from Zelenskiy in which the Ukrainian leader said he was "ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible." Referring to the Saudi Arabia meeting, Witkoff said, "I think the idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well." (Reporting by Steve Holland and Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Chris Reese and Nia Williams) By Luc Cohen and Chris Prentice MIAMI (Reuters) -After Attorney General Pam Bondi on her first day in office last month said the U.S. would limit its enforcement of foreign agent laws, defense lawyer Edward Shohat spotted an opening to get a high-profile case dismissed. The Justice Department ultimately rebuffed his request to drop charges against former Republican Congressman David Rivera, who was charged in 2022 with acting as an unregistered agent of Venezuela's government, Shohat said on Thursday at a conference in Miami hosted by the American Bar Association. But Shohat's gambit came as defense lawyers more broadly are invoking the Justice Department's shifting enforcement policies under U.S. President Donald Trump to try to convince prosecutors to drop investigations and cases against their clients brought before Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration, three lawyers familiar with the trend told Reuters at the conference. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters could not immediately determine how many requests to drop cases the Justice Department had received, or what the results of those requests were. It is not unusual for defense lawyers to seek to have their clients cases revisited when a new administration comes into office, but in the past it has been less common for white collar cases. In her February 5 memorandum, Bondi said cases alleging violations of U.S. foreign agent laws should be limited to cases involving traditional espionage. Separately, on February 10, Trump directed Bondi to pause prosecutions of Americans accused of bribing foreign officials to win business. Those shifts came after, Trump, a Republican, signed an executive order vowing to end what he called the "weaponization" of law enforcement. Trump has long asserted, without evidence, that now-dropped criminal charges brought against him over his efforts to hold on to power after his 2020 election loss and handling of classified documents were efforts by former Democratic President Joe Biden to "weaponize" the justice system against him. Former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove cited Trump's "weaponization" executive order in directing federal prosecutors to drop a corruption case against New York mayor Eric Adams, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of taking bribes from Turkish officials. A judge is weighing the Justice Department's request to drop the case. Others are seeking similar treatment. Shohat said he sent an email to Bove and Bondi asking for Rivera's case to be dropped, and later had a Zoom call with a Justice Department official, who told him the agency would not be intervening without explaining why. Trump has tightened oil sanctions on Venezuela, whose socialist President Nicolas Maduro is a longtime U.S. foe. Trump says Maduro has not met conditions to hold fair elections, and is not cooperating on taking back Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States. Rivera was charged in 2022 with acting as an agent of the Venezuelan government in the United States without registering, as is required by law. Prosecutors say he sought to improve bilateral ties and prevent further U.S. economic sanctions against Venezuela, and in exchange his company received $15 million from a subsidiary of the south American country's state oil company PDVSA. Rivera denies wrongdoing. Shohat said the allegations against Rivera did not constitute traditional espionage. He said he may now argue that his client is being selectively prosecuted. (Reporting by Luc Cohen and Chris Prentice in Miami;Editing by Noeleen Walder and Michael Perry) Militants from the Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing, in Gaza City on January 19, the first day of a ceasefire with Israel. - Ayman Alhesi/Anadolu/Getty Images For most of the past 17 months, the idea of a political settlement to the war in Gaza, much less the Israel-Palestinian conflict, has appeared far from reality eclipsed by a devastating military campaign that has killed tens of thousands, and black and white rhetoric. Hamas members are sick and twisted, in the words of US President Donald Trump. The only option, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly pledged, is to eliminate the militant group his oft-vaunted total victory. And yet on Wednesday it emerged that the US president may be willing to settle for something far more practical: His government is breaking with its longstanding policy of not talking with groups it deems to be terrorist organizations. The special envoy whos engaged in those negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told reporters Wednesday. These are ongoing talks and discussions. Beyond Trumps rhetoric of expelling Palestinians from Gaza and taking over the enclave, it appears as though the US government wants to hear what Hamas might want in exchange for the release of 59 hostages it still holds. Only one American still believed to be alive, Edan Alexander, remains in Gaza. The group also holds four dead Americans. Previous talks have all been held through the intermediaries of Qatar and Egypt. Hamas, which grew out of the Muslim Brotherhood, was founded in the late 1980s and is dedicated to resisting the Israeli state. It had long advocated for the destruction of Israel, but in 2017 said that it was prepared to accept a Palestinian state in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem inside the borders that existed before Israel captured large swaths of territory from Jordan, Egypt, and Syria. Under international law, Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem are considered to be militarily occupied by the Israeli state. A central goal of Israels devastating war on Gaza has been to remove Hamas from power and to eliminate its ability to threaten Israel. On at least that first point, Hamas leadership abroad has been increasingly clear that it is willing to step aside. We say clearly that it is not necessary for Hamas to be part of the political or administrative arrangements in the next phase, spokesperson Hazem Qassem told Al Arabiya last month. When Arab leaders, scrambling to respond to Trumps Gaza plan, proposed this week an interim coalition government for Gaza which would not include Hamas, the militant group quickly endorsed the plan. Palestinians in Jabalya gather for the iftar, the fast-breaking meal, on the first day of Ramadan, on March 1. - Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images Governance has become a burden for the group, Mkhaimar Abusada, a Palestinian politics professor who fled Gaza in November 2023, told CNN. The mundane realities of providing schooling, healthcare, and basic municipal services is incompatible, he said, with resisting Israeli occupation. Since they won the elections in 2006 and they took over the Gaza Strip in summer 2007, it has become obvious to Hamas that they cannot do both things, he said. The fact that so many of Hamas political leaders who have for years live abroad in Qatar and Turkey were unaware of the plan to attack Israel on October 7 speaks to the relative supremacy of resistance over governance within the movement. But the central, unresolved issue is whether the group will disarm. I am aware that discussions on this matter are ongoing within Hamass leadership abroad, and opinions are divided, Gershon Baskin, a veteran Israeli negotiator-turned-peace activist who has a long history of speaking with Hamas, said recently. Theres no one left from the political command of Hamas in Gaza today, he told CNN on Thursday. And were relying on these young people who are holding the hostages and delivered so far, but there could be rift developing between the political leadership of Hamas outside and the military leadership of Hamas inside of Gaza today. And thats a very dangerous situation. Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh (left) and Yahya Sinwar (center) in Gaza City, in March 2017. Israel killed both men last year. - Mohammed Salem/Reuters Publicly, the group has been unequivocal. The idea that Hamas would lay down its arms is a red line and is not up for discussion or negotiation, Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesperson, said in a recent interview. The reality may be a bit more complicated. Hamas are not lunatics, said Hamze Attar, a Palestinian journalist and defense analyst from Gaza who has lived abroad for more than a decade. They know that there is a point where weapons mean nothing, and they will be more of an obstacle than a leverage. That point, however, will be hard for Netanyahu to stomach: a Palestinian state. For them it is inconceivable to ask Hamas to lay down their weapons or their arms before there is a meaningful political settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Abusada said. For them, according to international law, any occupied people like the Ukrainians for example have the right to defend themselves. The group is also very aware, analysts say, that any commitment to a state must be ironclad and backed by international actors such as Saudi Arabia, which has said that normalized diplomatic relations with Israel are conditional on Palestinian statehood. Even before October 7, the Israeli prime minister paid only the most passing lip service to the two-state solution. Since then, he has steadfastly vowed that a state would be a reward for terrorism. He has endorsed Trumps plan to encourage the emigration of all 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza, and his far-right coalition partners are readying their plans to re-establish Jewish settlements in the enclave. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump in Washington, in February. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Trump has proven over and again that he is willing to force longtime American allies into uncomfortable positions if he thinks it will benefit him. His administration negotiated with the Taliban to withdraw Western forces from Afghanistan, leading to the eventual overthrow of the longtime American-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani. Israels leaders are clearly nervous about what Trump might negotiate with Hamas. When it was revealed that the US was speaking with Hamas, the prime ministers office released a terse statement that Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas without saying what that position was. The question now will be how far Trump is willing to go. The US has almost no leverage on Hamas and US threats against Hamas are almost useless, Baskin said. The US is not likely to bomb Gaza or to have US boots on the ground. The main danger, in his view, is that the US would give a green light to further Israeli breaches of international law, such as cutting humanitarian supplies. Israel denies breaching international law in Gaza. There is no deal without ending the war and without Israel exiting Gaza. There is no end to the war without all of the hostages being freed. There is no real end to the war if Hamas militarily or politically continues to control Gaza. A Palestinian mother tends to her two-month-old baby, Yousaf, a hypothermia patient at Nasser Hospital, southern Gaza, on February 25. - Tareq El Hilou for CNN Trump may tell Hamas leadership that now is the time to leave Gaza, but his national security advisers will surely be telling him that America believes that the militant group has recruited more members than it has lost fighting Israel. A senior member of Hamas politburo, Osama Hamdan, said recently that the group has an opportunity to expand, and that any outside actor who comes into Gaza to do Israels bidding will be treated like Israel. Israels new military chief warned this week that the country must prepare for a prolonged multi-front war of attrition. That will not sit well with an American president who casts himself as a peacemaker. I understand that we are all still in a state of deep trauma, Baskin said of his fellow Israelis. I understand that the majority of Israelis today reject the idea of a Palestinian state. But the reality of more than 7 million Israeli Jews and more than 7 million Palestinian Arabs living on the land between the (Jordan) River and the (Mediterranean) Sea is much stronger and compelling than the current mood of Israeli public opinion. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Andrew Hay PHOENIX (Reuters) - Arizona farm groups and veterans brought together by Democratic attorneys general lashed out at U.S. President Donald Trump's federal cuts, saying the president was ignoring judges who blocked his executive orders and harming former service members. They spoke at a sometimes raucous town hall on Wednesday night organized by the country's 23 Democratic attorneys general, who have filed lawsuits to ask judges to block a string of Trump executive orders, including his suspension of trillions of dollars in federal grants, loans and financial support. With Democrats in the minority in both houses of Congress, and Democratic governors wary of crossing Trump, the attorneys general have emerged as an active opposition group. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, and counterparts from New Mexico, Oregon and Minnesota were greeted with cheers as they took the stage at a Phoenix high school auditorium, the same day Reuters and others reported that the Department of Veterans Affairs was planning to cut over 80,000 jobs. The reception contrasted with anger some Republican lawmakers have found during town halls in their home districts since the Trump administration began cutting federal jobs and spending. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Democrats and activist groups were responsible for disrupting the town halls and were doing it "for the camera," without providing evidence. Elyse Guidas, head of Activate Food Arizona, a non-profit which sells produce from small farmers, said federal grants her suppliers rely on had been terminated, despite the judicial block on Trump's funding freeze. "In the last 12 hours two of our direct suppliers have told me that their businesses will go under if these freezes aren't lifted," she said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provides the grants, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. To boos and jeers from an audience of around 400 people at the Phoenix meeting, U.S. Air Force veteran and federal worker Tim Cox held up a section of the Project 2025 plan he said Trump and billionaire Elon Musk were using to slash the federal bureaucracy. Project 2025 is a series of detailed policy proposals, some of which have appeared in Trump's early actions in power and some of which he has gone beyond. "In less than two months this administration has proved itself to be the most anti-veteran administration," said Cox, who expects to be laid off from his job ensuring federal contractors follow non-discrimination laws when hiring. A Reuters poll this week showed 59% of Americans supported the idea of downsizing the federal government, although only 40% backed the mass layoffs of civil servants. Wednesday's gathering in Phoenix was the first in a series of town halls planned by the attorneys general, the top law enforcement officials in their states, who meet each day on Zoom and spent over a year planning legal resistance to a possible second Trump administration. Filing multistate lawsuits, they have also temporarily blocked the president's order to curtail birthright citizenship and prevented Musk's downsizing team from accessing sensitive Treasury data. They have around four more cases working through the courts. Mayes said on Wednesday that the attorneys general could also launch a lawsuit against mass firings this week. "The federal firings situation is completely out of control, and we're working on it," she said. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has said Trump's executive orders are lawful, constitutional and the will of voters. In a February 12 briefing she said efforts to block them marked the ongoing "weaponization of justice" against Trump by judges who are "judicial activists." Mayes said the attorneys general were "thinking through and gaming out" the possibility Trump might not abide by likely Supreme Court rulings on his blocked executive orders. (Reporting by Andrew Hay; editing by Donna Bryson and Rosalba O'Brien) d3sign - Getty Images Balsamic vinegar is so widely used that we rarely give it the glory it deserves. While Ive not always held balsamic vinegar in its highest regard, Ive come to gain outside respect for it. It's a popular ingredient many have stocked in their pantry for salads or glazes, and it's easily accessible at the market, with options ranging from domestic brands to the real aceto balsamico, which is only produced in the Italian Emilia Romagna provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia. When it comes to authentic aceto balsamico there are multiple nuances to its viscosity, sweet and puckery nature, bottle shape, and labeling. Just like real Parmigiano Reggiano , true aceto balsamico follows strict guidelines. Especially if aged for many years, aceto balsamico is rich and sweet and also doesn't contain any additives or colors, compared to some that are not authentic. There are many wonderful domestic options, though while these products may be called "balsamic vinegar," they lack the protected status and often differ in production methods and quality from the traditional Italian varieties. It really comes down to your preference! However, true aceto balsamico can be more expensive, so it's good to know that you're getting what you're paying for! If you're interested in making sure the balsamic you're buying is authentic aceto, it's simple to do. According to Misi and Lilia Chef and Restaurateur Missy Robbins, Its easiest to look for clues on the bottle! Look for these indications on when shopping for this zingy ingredient: If It Only Says "Balsamic Vinegar," Look Further If the label on the bottle reads simply balsamic vinegar, its not aceto. To be authentic aceto, it should not be produced anywhere outside of the Italian Emilia Romagna provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia. It should read aceto balsamico di Modena PGI or aceto balsamico di Modena tradizionale PDO. This doesnt mean that all balsamic vinegars outside of this region are mediocre, it just means they're inauthentic. Excellent domestic brands to consider include Colavita or Brightland, both produced in the U.S. It Has Protected Labels Youll typically see bottles labeled PDO (or DOP) and PGI (IGP), acronyms referring to the Holy Grail of Italian food products. Any balsamic vinegar slapped with PDO protected designation of origin is confined to its area of originmeaning everything from the growing and production must happen right in Modena. As for IGP, some parts of the process take place in Modena. And typically, the aceto balsamico di Modena PGI are aged for at least 60 days. Youll also notice that the PDO sticker is red and yellow, while the IGP sticker is blue and yellow. There Should Be Minimal Ingredients Its vital to check out the ingredient label. In the case of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena PDO, the only ingredient listed should be "grape must" (the juice of grapes, including the skin, stem, and seeds). On Aceto Balsamico di Modena PGI labels, you will find "grape must and wine vinegar." Robbins mentions that some producers of inauthentic balsamic vinegar of Modena may use corn syrup, thickeners, caramels, and food colorings. Which is exactly what you dont want. Pacific Press - Getty Images Look For A Specific Bottle Material & Shape Whether a PGI or PDO youll never see authentic balsamic vinegar in plastic bottles. According to the Consorzio tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena, the consortium responsible for protecting and promoting Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, the PGI product will be bottled in ceramic, terracotta, glass, or wood vessels. And Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena PDO only ever comes packaged in a 100 ml, distinct bottle. If the bottle is any other shape, its not the real deal! notes Robbins. It Should Be 60 Days To 25 Years Old The minimum age requirement for a PGI balsamic vinegar is 60 days. Robbins explains that when Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI is aged for three-plus years, it earns an Invecchiato or Aged classification. As for PDO balsamic vinegar, it absolutely must be aged at least 12 yearsand up to 25. When it ages to 25 years, she notes, its labeled Extra Vecchio, or Extra-aged. Because it takes a long time and a lot of effort to produce, it is considered precious, Robbins says. David Silverman - Getty Images Pay attention to the label before snatching any bottle off the shelf. With these indicators, youll discover the right one. You Might Also Like Food & Wine / Getty Images A juicy, tangy orange is an undeniable sweet spot throughout the year, especially at the height of winter, when you need something that looks and tastes bright. That makes it all the more sad when you peel one only to find dry, flavorless segments underneath. A perfect orange offers a good balance of flavor, says Tony Marquez, who has owned and operated Pearson Ranch in Californias San Joaquin Valley for almost 30 years. You want that tanginess of the acid, and then you want to taste the sweetness. Heres how to pick the best of the citrus pile when youre at the grocery store or farmers market. Key things to look for in an orange Feels heavy for its size and firm Has a solid orange peel and smooth, tight skin Smells fresh and fragrant Brighter is better A good orange will be, well, orange. When eyeballing stacks of navel, Valencia, or blood oranges in the produce aisle, look for ones that are vibrant and uniform in color, says Marquez. Avoid white spots, which might indicate damage to the fruit during shipment. Look for smooth, tight skin Smoother skin without large pores generally suggests a juicier orange that has a thinner pith, aka more fruit inside. Stay away from wrinkly or saggy skin when buying most oranges. There are exceptions some citrus fruits like Sumo mandarins or clementines have naturally baggier peels. But if youre buying a Valencia, navel, or Cara Cara orange, the peel should feel smooth and tight. Dont worry about minor blemishes, though. Grocery stores want all the fruit to look perfect but [blemishes] dont impact the inside whatsoever, says Marquez. Related: Pomelos Are Grapefruits Sweeter Siblings Heres How to Use Them Size matters and so does heft Choosing oranges that are heavy for their size might be the most important takeaway. According to Marquez, smaller fruit tend to have smoother skins with thinner rinds, and therefore more concentrated flavor. The more weight [the fruit] has to it generally means its going to have more juice in it, he says. Give it a squeeze and a whiff When youre harvesting the fruits right off the tree, the oranges are generally nice and firm, says Marquez. That means firmer oranges are likely fresher, and also juicier. Squeeze the orange in your hand to assess how firm it is, and avoid oranges that are squishy or soft. A ripe, juicy orange will also have a sweet and citrusy scent, especially at the stem end. If the orange doesnt have a perceptible citrus aroma, it probably wont taste like much either. What to do with a dry orange What if you cant find a juicy orange? Marquez recommends making marmalade with limp or dryish oranges. Another tasty solution? Use swaths of the rind to garnish cocktails and take advantage of their aromatic oils, and discard or compost the centers. If you squeeze out some juice but it is less than delicious, add some zingy ingredients like ginger and soy sauce to make a bright marinade for chicken or shrimp. No matter what, youll get some acidity to boost the flavor of weeknight dinners. Read the original article on Food & Wine The Polish prime minister announced Friday that his government is preparing to require every adult male to undergo "large-scale military training" to more than double the size of the army in the event of a war with Russia. Donald Tusk added that Poland would also drastically expand its arsenal, saying the country must pursue the most advanced capabilities, including nuclear and modern unconventional weapons." Tusk unveiled the plans in a speech to the Polish Parliament on the same day that President Donald Trump, after weeks of weakening U.S. support for Ukraine and traditional European allies, threatened to impose expanded large scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia until it reaches a peace agreement with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. We will try to have a model ready by the end of this year so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war, so that this reserve is comparable and adequate to the potential threats," Tusk said. Many of Poland's leaders were shocked when Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago. Once behind the so-called Iron Curtain under Communism and controlled by the Soviet Union, Poland is a longtime enemy of Russia. Tusk told lawmakers he also wants to increase the size of the Polish army to 500,000, from its current level of around 200,000. Polish soldiers at the first part of the East Shield at the border with Russia, in Dabrowka, Poland, in November. Were talking about the need to have an army of half-a-million in Poland, including the reservists, he said. Polish women may also be required to undergo military training, Tusk said, but war is still to a greater extent the domain of men." That said, there are more than 7,000 women currently on active duty in the Polish army, according to government figures. And there is a long history of Polish women fighting for their country on the front lines, including as guerrilla fighters during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Germans. Currently, the Ukrainian army has 800,000 soldiers and is fighting a Russian force that numbers around 1.3 million, Tusk said. As a member of NATO, which was set up after World War II to counter the threat posed by the Soviet Union, Poland has been one of the most dependable U.S. allies as well as a stalwart supporter of Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. Russian troops occupying the Polish city of Vilno in 1939. But the Polish government has become increasingly worried about the countrys security since Trump made the false claim that the Ukrainians had started the war with Russia and then halted U.S. military aid and intelligence help to Ukraine. Trump also has a history of questioning the U.S.'s traditional responsibilities as a member of the U.S.-led alliance. Even as Trump was threatening Moscow with sanctions Friday, he complained that he was finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. A demonstrator holds a sign that reads "Russia is a terrorist state" as she stands between national flags of Ukraine and Poland in Warsaw. More than 7 million Ukrainians fled across the border into Poland in the early days of the war. And, as of February, nearly a million Ukrainian refugees remained in Poland, according to the latest statistics. Tributes have been pouring in for Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas since he died this week shortly after attending President Donald Trumps joint address to Congress. Turner died on Wednesday at at his home in Washington, D.C. the age of 70 just two months into his term as a member of the House of Representatives. He announced in 2022 that he had been treated for bone cancer and was cancer-free. His cause of death remains unknown. "This comes as a shock to everyone," Houston Mayor John Whitmire told the Houston City Council on Wednesday. "I would ask Houstonians to come together, pray for his family, join us in celebrating this remarkable public servant. Celebrate his life, which we will be doing." Turners last post on X, formerly Twitter, was a rebuke of Trumps policies, posted minutes before the presidents speech on Tuesday. Dont mess with Medicaid, he said. Here's what to know about Turner as those who knew him in Texas, Washington, D.C., and beyond pay tribute to him. Who was Sylvester Turner? Born and raised in Houston, Turner spent the majority of his life in the city he represented as a politician. "He rose from poverty but never forgot where he came from," Whitmire said Wednesday. "It is a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss for me." His family said in a statement that they were "requesting fervent prayers from all who knew and loved him." "Congressman Turner was the consummate public servant," they said. "But to us, he was our beloved father, grandfather, sibling, and relative." Turner served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for almost 30 years between 1989 and 2016. Turner then served as the mayor of Houston between 2016 and 2024 before he announced his candidacy to fill a Congressional seat left by the death of Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in July at the age of 74. She had been battling pancreatic cancer for several months. Lee was a member of the House for almost 30 years, serving between 1995 and 2024. Turner was elected in November to fill Lee's seat, and his term began in January. Rep. Sylvester Turner, left, and Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer speak about voting rights at a news conference at the Capitol on Monday Feb. 25, 2013. Turner will lie in honor On Thursday, the Texas House of Representatives voted unanimously, 148-0, to allow Turner to lie in honor at the Texas State Capitol. According to the resolution passed, Turner will lie in honor at the Hall of the House of Representatives on March 13 and 14 next week. Turner served as the Speaker Pro Tempore for the 78th, 79th and 80th Texas State Legislatures. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner throws out the first pitch at Minute Maid Field before the Houston Astros play the New York Mets in the first game after Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas, U.S., September 2, 2017. A devoted public servant Following the news of his passing, politicians from across the aisle mourned Turner. "Brenda Gail and I are heartbroken by the passing of my friend Sylvester Turner," wrote Republican Texas Rep. Randy Weber. "He was a devoted public servant who cared deeply for Houstonians. Just last night, we spoke on the House Floor life is too short." California Rep. Pete Aguilar, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, called Turners death tragic. He wasn't here very long, but his tenure will be felt by everyone, Aguilar told USA TODAY. Alabama Rep. Terri Sewell, a fellow member of the Congressional Black Caucus, told USA TODAY that all of us are reeling from the news. He may have only been a colleague for a short period of time, but he's left such an indelible imprint on our caucus, Sewell said. He was an amazing mayor. Sheila Jackson Lee's footsteps are hard to fill. He filled them and really made his own imprint and we will miss him. Rodney Ellis, a Harris County Commissioner in Houston, told USA TODAY that he was devastated by the news of Turners passing. Ellis had known Turner since they were both teens living in the Houston area. We carried numerous legislative proposals together, covered one another's backs, stirred up a lot of good trouble together, made some differences, Ellis said. Contributing: Riley Beggin and Deborah Barfield Berry Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rep. Sylvester Turner: The Texas Democrat who died after Trump's speech Shattered windows inside a bombed-out concert hall in Rylsk, Russia, on Thursday. RYLSK, Russia Air-raid sirens are greeted with a shrug in the small town of Rylsk in Russias southwestern Kursk oblast, where residents carry on with their day unconcerned as loud speakers warn, Attention, missile danger, proceed to shelter. Nearby, soldiers stand around smoking cigarettes or jump from vehicles to pick up packages from the Ozon store, a Russian equivalent of Amazon, in the thousand-year-old town. Today, Rylsk sits just behind the front lines of the war Russia launched with the invasion of Ukraine, abandoned by the students who used to come and study at its four colleges. Its population is now mostly Russian troops, elderly people and those who have left nearby villages that have been occupied or become too dangerous in the eight months since Ukrainian forces crossed their northwestern border in a surprise incursion that Russia has failed to fully push back. In the now militarized town that is dotted with traditional blue and white churches, the signs of missile and drone damage are clear on some of the buildings. Standing in the rubble of a destroyed elementary school, Mayor Sergei Kurnosov, 39, told NBC News that a concert hall and a teachers college had also been struck in December. NBC News could not independently verify this claim. Read more on this story at NBCNews.com and watch NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT. We hope that peace will come, and we will return to normal peaceful coexistence, normal, peaceful life, he said, emphasizing that civilians had been killed in the town as a result of the fighting. Here, almost every family has relatives in Ukraine and there are still street signs pointing the way to the town of Glukhov across the border. We hope that the leaders will come to an agreement and we will have peace, added Kurnosov, who carries a drone detector with him at all times. Rylsk Mayor Sergei Kurnosov in front of a bombed elementary school Thursday. Asked about the children killed across the border since Russia invaded Ukraine and the targeting of schools there, he called the question provocative. Draconian legislation means that people can be jailed up to 15 years for criticizing the Russian army and the conflict, but others have been influenced by three years of powerful state media messaging priming them for war. Even some who want peace said they did not want to compromise. There is deep resistance to the idea that President Vladimir Putin is responsible for the war, which rumbled into its third year last month. While people were keen to return to a normal life, Kurnosov said, this could only be achieved if Ukrainian forces left the region. We must liberate our territory, he said. This is clear. Elsewhere, Leonid Meshkov, a 39-year-old construction worker, said the war began with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. To end the war everything rests on Zelensky, and not on Putin, he said. While his administration has reached out to the Kremlin in recent weeks and cut off military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, President Donald Trump said Friday that he was strongly considering sanctions and tariffs on Russia in hopes of forcing a settlement to end the war. In a post on Truth Social he said they could remain in place until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. While Ukrainian forces remain in Kursk, its a very serious barrier for any talks, Andrei Fedorov, Russias former deputy foreign minister, told NBC News in an interview Tuesday. Without elaborating, he added that there is a kind of order to take Kursk back by the end of March, so maybe the problem will disappear. While this would mean more fighting and go against Trumps ambition to end the conflict quickly on the campaign trail he vowed to end the war within 24 hours of taking office Fedorov said he believed the Kremlin was hoping to set up a meeting between Trump and Putin. But he said it is demanding to know more about the White Houses ultimate goals before the Russian leader could commit. Meeting with Trump without results is not suitable for Putin, Federov said, adding that the Russian leader needed results and a visible victory. Talks between the two leaders were broached at high-level talks attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other officials in Saudi Arabias capital, Riyadh, last month. But while the United States and Russia agreed to re-establish the functionality of our respective missions in Washington and Moscow, there has been little movement since then. Clockwise from top left: A statue of Lenin stands outside a municipal building, inside halls the shattered remnants of a concert venue, and debris strewn outside a bombed-out elementary school in Rylsk, Russia, on Thursday. And according to Fedorov, who remains a Putin ally, the American delegation arrived without concrete proposals. Meeting Trump was like going to the desert, he added. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an interview Tuesday that her country was not in a hurry but we are ready for talks. It depends on both sides and the speed of both sides, she added. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Thursday that he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and that his team would stay on to hold talks with U.S. officials. Zelenskyy has been on the back foot following the disastrous Oval Office meeting last week with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The White House subsequently cut off Ukraines American intelligence feed that has helped it to anticipate Russian attacks and troop movements, and avoid nightly barrages from Russian drones on its cities and infrastructure. For Russia, an ultimate goal will be securing sanctions relief from the Trump administration. But Trump wont be able to do that unilaterally, said Maximilian Hess, author of Economic War: Ukraine and the Global Conflict Between Russia and the West. But while the White House has made no secret that it is interested in economic opportunities with Russia, he said the most important sanctions are shielded by legislation. That means those Russian individuals and entities blacklisted under certain executive orders cannot be lifted without congressional review, Hess added. With Republicans currently in control of both the House and the Senate a simple majority vote is all that would be needed to lift these sanctions, he said, adding the only obstacle would be whether the partys lawmakers were prepared to buck Trump on this issue. In Russia, people had been incentivized to fight, according to Fedorov, the former deputy foreign minister, who pointed to the fact that people receive around 2 million rubles, or around $20,000 when they sign up for the army, and then around 200,000 rubles around $2,250 a month. The average Russian salary is around $830 a month. Quiet scenes on the streets of Rylsk, in Russia's embattled Kursk region, on Thursday. So, people in the army understand they will lose all this money if the war stops, he said, adding that the other problem would be what to do with the military-industrial complex, which is now working 24/7. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based defense think tank, estimates that around 80,000 troops, including some from North Korea, are ranged against Ukraine in Kursk. Ahead of Putins invasion in February 2022, the region was a critical rally point for the massive buildup of forces along the border; columns of tanks from a major military base in the area were among the first to pour into Ukraines neighboring Kharkiv region. Today, camouflaged encampments, troop carriers and military checkpoints are ever present. Anti-tank defenses line the highway and plastered across a building in Rylsk is a quote from Putin. Being strong is a guarantee of national security for Russia, it reads. Standing outside a store selling military uniforms, Margarita Akhapkina, 35, said everyone wants the war to be over. The mother of four, who said her husband has been serving in Putins forces for three years, added that war had become normal. Many, including Stanislav Boikin, a 16-year-old high school student, are hopeful that Trump can help to secure a peace deal. Speaking in English, the teenager said the American president was a wonderful person. Keir Simmons and Natasha Lebedeva reported from Rylsk, and Matthew Bodner from London. South Korean fighter jets accidentally bombed homes during a live-fire drill with US forces, injuring more than two dozen people on Thursday, Seouls military said. Eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs were abnormally dropped from two KF-16 fighter jets and landed outside the designated firing range at approximately 10:07 a.m. local time, hitting civilian infrastructure in Pocheon city, northeast of the capital Seoul, according to the South Korean Air Force. South Koreas defense ministry said initial findings indicated the accident was caused by a pilot inputting incorrect bombing coordinates. An image that local media outlets said captured the aftermath of the explosions showed thick smoke billowing into the air in a rural area. At least 29 people, including 14 soldiers, were injured in the incident, according to authorities. Among 15 injured civilians, two people were seriously wounded. A South Korean fighter jet accidentally dropped bombs on a civilian area during training in Pocheon, South Korea on March 6, 2025. - Yonhap/AP The blasts destroyed two residential buildings, part of a church, and a truck. The scene of the incident is chaotic, resembling a battlefield, Pocheon Mayor Baek Young-hyun said in a televised statement. The aircraft were participating in a joint live-fire exercise with the South Korean Army and the US military, related to the annual joint US-South Korea Freedom Shield military drills, the South Korean Air Force told CNN, without providing further details. South Koreas military said all live-fire training would be suspended from Thursday until a probe into the incident had concluded. An accident response team has been formed to investigate and the air force said it would provide compensation for damages. The air force apologized that the abnormal bomb release has caused civilian damage and wished the injured a swift recovery. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of a malfunction, an air force official told CNN. A spokesperson for the United States Forces Korea (USFK) later said in a statement that no US Air Force aircraft were involved in the exercise. Besides the suspended live-fire training, the other planned military exercises would go ahead, and the USFK is coordinating with Korean authorities on the investigation, it said. Firefighters and police officers walk at an area cordoned off after MK82 bombs fell outside the shooting range during joint live-fire exercises in Pocheon, South Korea, on March 6, 2025. - Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters The Freedom Shield drills were scheduled to run from March 10 to March 20 to strengthen the US-South Korean alliances combined defense posture, Seouls Joint Chiefs of Staff said earlier Thursday. The annual drills often rile nuclear-armed North Korea, which views them as provocations. In a statement in state-run media on Friday, North Korean authorities condemned the exercises for infringing on its sovereignty and security interests, and warned that the US and South Korea would pay a severe price. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has accused the United States and South Korea of increasing tensions with their joint drills and Pyongyang often responds with bellicose threats. In 2023, as US strategic bombers took part in joint air drills with South Korean forces, North Korea carried out a ballistic missile test, according to the South Korean military. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com With all due respect to Charles Barkley, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are definitely worth talking about right now. Behind 40 points from their former MVP, the Warriors defeated the Brooklyn Nets 121-119 on Thursday. It was their 10th win in 12 games since trading for Jimmy Butler at the NBA trade deadline. Three of Curry's 40 points came at the end of the first half. Even by Curry's incredible standards, his high-arcing, turnaround jumper was a shot that defied belief. That shot was part of a 22-point comeback for the Warriors after a brutal first quarter. Curry ended up shooting 12-of-20 from the field and 7-of-13 from 3-point range, with four rebounds and four assists. It was also a big game from Butler, who matched a Warriors career high with 25 points plus six assists and three steals. Curry was the one who had the dagger. STEPH SAID NIGHT NIGHT IN BKN (via @warriors) pic.twitter.com/cuWDZidKSF Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 7, 2025 Since trading Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder and others for Butler, the Warriors have simultaneously looked like a different team, and somewhat familiar. So much was made about Golden State finding a next generation to take over after Curry, but the team ended up getting even older by adding Butler and hoping he still had the two-way prowess that wasn't showing up with the Miami Heat anymore. In their 11 games since the Butler trade before Thursday, the Warriors lead the NBA in defensive rating and rank fourth in offensive rating, adding up to the best net rating in basketball. Curry has gone from averaging 22.7 points, 6.1 assists and 38.9% 3-point shooting in 42 pre-Butler games to 29.4, 6.8 and 42.9%. Stephen Curry is once again finding his old form. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) There's no Klay Thompson this time around, but the Warriors' new plan is flanking Curry with two veterans who can facilitate and defend in Butler and Draymond Green, who had 10 assists Thursday. So far, it's working. The Warriors have gone from firm play-in territory to a 35-28 record, good for sixth place and the final guaranteed playoff spot in the West. They have significant competition right behind them in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers, but it took a single month for this season to feel very different. A total of 253 live rats, and more than 100 dead ones, were removed from a house at 1028 Wertz Ave. SW in Canton. Bones believed to be human were also found. A man living there is facing numerous charges. Suspected human bones, plus 253 rats and other animals both dead and alive, have been removed from "deplorable conditions" inside an Ohio home. A 45-year-old Ohio man who lived in a Canton home where remains and bodies were removed is facing seven counts of prohibitions concerning companion animals. He was booked into the Stark County Jail on Wednesday. He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Canton Municipal Court. Harry Campbell, chief investigator at the Stark County Coroner's Office, said Thursday that he does not know if the bones are connected to a homicide. He said they are believed to be from a human and appear to be quite old. The office may have the remains examined by a forensic anthropologist to determine whether it is possible to extract DNA. The Canton Police Department's complaint against the suspect says he knowingly caused serious physical harm to three dogs, two birds and two turtles "by confining the animals in deplorable conditions. The residence was filled with hundreds of rats, feces, urine, dirt, garbage, clutter, deceased animal remains, and other contamination." Police received a complaint Tuesday about suspected animal cruelty occurring at the address. Canton's Law Director Jason Reese said police, building and health departments executed search warrants at the home on Wednesday. He did not have a tally of the total number of dead animals found inside, but an animal rescue group collected more than 100 deceased rats. Law director: Multiple bags of dead rats found in Canton home A total of 253 live rats were removed from a home at 1028 Wertz Ave. SW in Canton on Wednesday. Bones believed to be human were also found, as were three dogs, two birds, two turtles and more than 100 dead rats. The live rats, and more than 100 dead ones, were removed from the home by The Pipsqueakery, an animal rescue organization from Bloomington, Indiana, and a representative of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "They showed up with brand-new cages and food and medicine and bedding for the rats," Reese said. "It was quite impressive to see this group go into action. "The place was in absolute deplorable condition and we're thankful for the individuals from not only our local humane society but the (Pipsqueakery) were very helpful in helping to remedy this situation and care for these animals." Too many animals: Stark County Humane Society struggles with overcrowding The Pipsqueakery plans to have the rats spayed, neutered and made available for adoption after receiving veterinary care. A Thursday post on its Facebook page said nine rat pups had already been born to the animals it collected Wednesday. The dogs and parakeets went to the Stark County Humane Society. Two turtles, a common snapper and an African side-necked turtle, were taken by another rescue group, Herps Alive, of South Euclid, Ohio. Jackie Godbey, executive director of the Stark County Humane Society, said she did not know the total number of dead animals removed from the home. A chicken, which still had feathers, was among those found. Reese said a second person is expected to be charged. He said the suspect is already being held in jail on another matter. Reach Nancy at nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Suspected human bones, hundreds of rats found in Ohio home A teenager in Australia was arrested for allegedly entering a commercial plane armed with a gun. According to reports from outlets citing witnesses at the scene, the weapon was a loaded shotgun. A 17-year-old from the Ballarat region in Australia has been charged with unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, traffic-related offenses, endangering the safe operation of an aircraft, endangering the safety of aircraft, having dangerous goods on an airplane, being a threat to the safety of an aircraft, bomb hoax and possession of a firearm, according to Victoria police. Officers responded to the Avalon Airport after being called about a male who allegedly entered the flight with the gun around 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, police said. According to the department, the teenager was first detained by the crew and passengers on the aircraft, which NBC News reports was a Jetstar flight bound for Sydney. A video of the incident obtained by Australian broadcaster 7News shows the armed teenager being restrained in a chokehold at the front of the aircraft before being shoved to the ground by several people. The flight was carrying about 150 people and was subsequently canceled, according to NBC News. Jetstar, a subsidiary of the Australian flag carrier Qantas Airways, told USA TODAY it was cooperating with the police and airport authorities' investigation. "The safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority and we can confirm there were no reported injuries," Jetstar said in a statement. "We know this would have been a very distressing situation and we are sincerely grateful to the customers who assisted our crew to safely manage the situation." USA TODAY contacted Jetstar and the Avalon Airport on Friday but has not received a response. An airport worker is seen with a Jetstar airplane, Airbus A320, at Avalon Airport near Melbourne March 19, 2010. Jetstar Airways is a subsidiary of Qantas Airlines Limited, it is a low-cost airline headquartered in Melbourne, servicing domestic and international routes. More travel news: Flight from Minneapolis bound for Mexico diverted to Texas for 'security concern' Suspicious bags belonging to teenager found on the plane Officers allegedly found two bags and a vehicle belonging to the teenager, police said. The department's Bomb Response Unit was called to help with the bags as a safety precaution. No one on the aircraft was physically injured during the incident, police said. The charged teenager remains in custody as he awaits to appear at a children's court at a later date, according to the department. Barry Clark, one of the passengers who subdued the teenager, told Network 10 that the boy posed as a maintenance worker but became agitated when questioned by a flight attendant at the entrance of the plane. I looked up and then, within a second, I saw the barrel of a shotgun, Clark, a former professional boxer, said, per the Australian TV network. When I saw the complete gun, I said: Were in trouble here." Daniel Defina, a passenger sitting next to Clark, told 9News in Australia about the incident. "He tried to walk into the cockpit, Defina said, per the outlet. "The airline (attendant) stopped him and asked if he was meant to be on the plane and asked for the boarding pass. He tried to point to the cockpit and said he needed to do something in there. That's when they turned around and saw a shotgun." Victoria police: Teenager allegedly acted alone Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid said the teenager was acting alone and headed to the plane after climbing through a hole in the airport's security fence, ABC News reported. No doubt, this would have been a very terrifying incident for the passengers of that plane, Reid told the outlet, adding that the police truly commend the bravery of at least three people who were able to overpower the suspect. Ari Suss, Avalon Airports chief executive, said in a statement obtained by the Washington Post that the airport has reopened and is "fully supporting the police investigation." As part of our ongoing commitment to security, we have implemented further measures across the airport, including within the terminal and surrounding areas, Suss said in the statement. We continue to work closely with authorities to maintain a safe and secure environment for all travelers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC News that the countrys airports had strong security. This incident is concerning for members of the public. I commend the work of police and aviation officials in responding to it quickly, Albanese said, per the outlet. Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teen arrested, accused of boarding plane in Australia with gun Two 13-year-old girls were charged with multiple felonies this week after seriously injuring another student with a Stanley cup during a fight at a Delaware middle school, officials said. Delaware State Police responded to the incident at Calvin R. McCullough Middle School in New Castle on Feb. 28. Its investigation revealed that the two students struck another 13-year-old girl multiple times in the head with a metal Stanley cup. A 12-year-old boy was also involved in the fight and struck the victim with his hands, according to police. He was charged with a misdemeanor offense. Calvin R. McCullough Middle School in New Castle, Del. The students were separated by school staff and the victim was transported to an area hospital to be treated for "serious injuries to her head." Both girls were charged with three felonies second-degree assault, second-degree conspiracy and possession of a deadly weapon as well as a disorderly conduct charge. Colonial School District said the students facing criminal charges will also face disciplinary actions, and the district is cooperating with authorities. "Violence in the Colonial School District is never condoned," a district spokesperson said in a statement. "Administrators are in touch with the families involved in this unfortunate incident." Both teenagers turned themselves in this week, and were released to their guardians on $7,500 bonds after being arraigned by New Castle County Family Court. Food & Wine / Clonakilty, Lost Irish, Waterford In the United States, Irish whiskey has long been overshadowed by bourbon and Scotch whisky. Where those styles have enjoyed the prestige often afforded premium spirits, Irish whiskey has often been thought of as a cheap dive bar shot, the base for an Irish Coffee, or something overindulged once a year on St. Patricks Day. Thats starting to change, and now, the Irish whiskey industry is surging. The Emerald Isle had less than 10 distilleries not very long ago, says Oscar Adrian Montes Iga, education team manager at Uncorked Vintage Academia in Austin. That is, the industry shrunk from the 22 distilleries in the 1870s. Today, the number has grown to about 40 distilleries. Its still nowhere close to the [nearly] 100 distilleries that were around in the early 1800s, but it seems like theyre on their way to increase production with surging demand. Americans have begun to realize that Irish whiskey can be complex, unique, and delicious. "I think the perception has moved on from being Jameson-dominant, and that consumers have begun to realize that there is more to offer from the category." Mark McLaughlin, director of Irish spirits, The Dead Rabbit, New York City I think the perception has moved on from being Jameson-dominant, and that consumers have begun to realize that there is more to offer from the category, says Mark McLaughlin, director of Irish spirits for The Dead Rabbit in New York City. With the industrys growth and the proliferation of fascinating premium expressions, its natural to wonder if Irish whiskey is merely having a moment. I think Irish whiskey is building momentum, rather than having a moment, says McLaughlin. There are a number of producers who have a long-term mindset that are producing whiskeys today that are laying the foundation for how Irish whiskey will be recognized in the decades to come. The best may be yet to come, but todays producers are experimenting with unique grains and aging methods. We spoke with a few experts and bartenders to find the bottles that best showcase the cutting edge of Irish whiskey. Related: Irelands Oldest Distillery Is Releasing the Oldest Irish Single Malt Ever Redbreast 18-Year-Old Food & Wine / Redbreast Whiskey Most fans of Irish single-pot still whiskey are familiar with Redbreast and the brands signature bottling, Redbreast 12. The 18-year-old expression adds further depth with components matured in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, along with cream sherry casks and ruby port casks. Great whiskey-making on display here, says McLaughlin. The precision of Dave McCabe as new master blender is on show here, perfectly balancing each element of flavor [in] creating a new classic in the Redbreast range [and] adding new depth in their cask choices. Lost Irish Food & Wine / Lost Irish Unlike bourbon and scotch, Irish whiskey producers have much more freedom with the barrels theyre allowed to mature their whiskey. Theres no better example than Lost Irish, which uses wood from six continents to craft a complex, unique spirit. The combination of ex-bourbon, rum, sherry, and brandy casks creates a hard-to-pin-down complexity. This whiskey has a multitude of flavors and a real depth of character, says Abigail Gullo, creative director at the Loa Bar in New Orleans. Egan's Fortitude Irish Single Malt Food & Wine / Egan's Although Scotland is most closely associated with single malt whisky, producers in Ireland also craft rich and complex single malts. Most whiskeys in Ireland and Scotland are aged at least partially in ex-bourbon casks, but this unique offering is aged completely in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. It has the characteristics of a single malt with some tack room accents and biscuit, cookies profile, says Montes Iga. But, it also highlights a rich date, fig, prune, bitter chocolate, coffee, tobacco nuance that is brought on by aging in ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. Waterford Cuvee Gaia Food & Wine / Waterford No distillery embodies the adventurous nature of Irish whiskey producers these days as Waterford. It focuses on the terroir of Irish-grown barley from organic and biodynamic farms. The Gaia Cuvee is a marriage of single malt distillate from five organic farms across Ireland, distilled and matured separately before theyre combined to create a flavor unique within the single malt category. Grain-driven with intense barley floral notes and nutty characteristics, it showcases that their pursuit of perfection through working with the farmers directly could pay dividends in years to come, says McLaughlin. [Waterford Gaia is], potentially, the best baseline distillate for maturation there is in the malt whiskey category globally. Clonakilty Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Food & Wine / Clonakilty Single-pot still whiskey, which is made from both malted and unmalted barley, is Irelands signature style. Just because this whiskey from Clonakilty embraces such tradition doesnt mean its not unique, exciting, or delicious. A very traditional profile of unmalted and malted barley showcase candied ginger, pastry, and orchard fruits, says Montes Iga. The diverse ex-bourbon, amontillado, and oloroso sherry elevage bring in some candied chocolate-covered orange and spiced caramel apple. Shortcross Distillers Duo Food & Wine / Shortcross The Distillers Duo is a unique blend of single malt whiskey and single-pot still whiskey, both produced at the Shortcross distillery. Theyre matured in ex-bourbon and virgin American oak casks for a minimum of five years before being blended. McLaughlin says this is the first time that hes come across single malt and single-pot still whiskey from the same distiller that was blended into a single expression. [This whiskey takes] advantage of the vibrancy of both malt and pot still distillates being combined, where you get the oily, spicy character of the pot still intertwining with the fruity, nutty character of the malt spirit, says McLaughlin. All of this is amplified by the fact it is a double-distilled, big, bold, youthful whiskey with tons of grain and distillate character, giving us a completely new flavor profile to enjoy in the Irish whiskey category. Read the original article on Food & Wine Jensy Machado was driving to work with two other men when he was stopped by ICE agents in Virginia. A naturalized Virginia resident said he's questioning his vote for President Donald Trump after agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained him this week when they were looking for another person on a deportation order. Jensy Machado said he's a U.S. citizen and provided NBC 4 Washington documentation of his legal status. Machado was driving to work Wednesday with two other men when he was stopped by ICE agents near his home, he said. Confused by the scene, Machado said he didn't know what was happening and why agents surrounded his pickup truck. They just got out of the car with the guns in their hands and say, 'turn off the car, give me the keys, open the window,' Machado told Telemundo 44s Rosbelis Quinonez, who first reported his story. Everything was really fast. According to Machado, the agents said the name of a man who had a deportation order, someone who had given Machados home address. Machado told them that wasnt his name he didnt know anyone by that name and offered to show them his real ID-compliant Virginia drivers license. They didnt ask me for any ID, Machado said. I was telling the officer if I can give him ID, but he said just keep my hands up, not moving. After that, he told me to get out of the car and put the handcuffs on me." An agent then asked Machado how did he get into the U.S. and if he was awaiting a court date or if he had a pending immigration case. "And I told him I was an American citizen," Machado said. "He looked at his other partner like, you know, smiling, like saying, can you believe this guy? Because he asked the other guy, Do you believe him? Machado said he was uncuffed and immediately released after showing his drivers license. The two men with him were taken into custody. He does not know why. News4 and Telemundo 44 have both contacted ICE for comment and are awaiting a response. Machado said the experience shook his faith in Trump's immigration enforcement efforts. I was a Trump supporter, he said. I voted for Trump last election." Machado said he thought the Trump administration would "just go against criminals, not every Hispanic looking, like, that they will assume that we are all illegals. Thats what theyre doing, now, Machado said. Theyre just following Hispanic people. Immigration lawyers advise residents and citizens to always keep ID with them. This story was first published on NBC 4 Washington. Digital transformation and ecommerce solution provider Niteco has appointed former HiAware chief revenue officer and partner YiLun Miao to the role of country manager of Australia, New Zealand (A/NZ) and Southeast Asia (SEA). Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Niteco holds expertise in ecommerce, content management systems, AI and digital transformation services. In the role, Miao will assist businesses to tap into Nitecos target areas. He is also expected to expand the providers regional footprint and service offerings. On the A/NZ side, he takes over from Paul Tannock, who has been hired by Eunexus as its general manager of sales. Meanwhile, the SEA part of the role is new for the company. On his appointment, Miao said he joined Niteco because of its agility and innovation, with contribute towards accelerating digital transformation. Miao enters the role with 20 years of generating growth in various organisations, with the last 10 months spent at HiAware, yet is still connected to it as a board member. However, ARN understands he is fully committed to Niteco in his new role. The Australian technology industry has broadly welcomed the recent Commonwealth changes on the definition of what makes an Australian business, stating these reforms were long overdue. Newly introduced, the Commonwealth Procurement Rules now define Australian business, in the context of the Commonwealth procurement framework as a business, including any parent business, that has 50 per cent or more Australian ownership or is principally traded on an Australian equities market; is an Australian resident for tax purposes; and is a business that has its principal place of business in Australia. Industry body the Sovereign Australian Prime Alliance (SAPA), made up of NIOA, DroneShield, Macquarie Technology Group, AUSTAL and Gilmour Space, welcomed the changes and said it has always maintained that definitions are an essential building block when designing and implementing industry policies. When policies are developed without accurate definitions to guide them, policy failure is almost certain, it said. Now, armed with a commonsense definition of an Australian business, government will be able to make accurate assessments of policies affecting Australias industrial base, both local and international and direct future policies with confidence. SAPA also welcomed the additional reform to Commonwealth Procurement Rules, introducing the Broader Economic Benefits in Procurement metric when making value judgements in government tendering. This reform will require future government procurement to consider a broader range of weightings, priority outcomes and contracting considerations when assessing submissions for government contracts, it said. In the country devastated by more than 10 years of war, there are very young children, even 13-year-olds, driving taxis or public transport. The hope of earning even small amounts of money to support impoverished families. UN: the crisis triggered by the conflict has disproportionately and devastatingly affected women and girls. Sana'a (AsiaNews) - In Yemen, devastated by war and poverty, children as young as 13 years old can be found driving commercial vehicles, starting with taxis, to support their families who have no other means of support due to the ongoing civil war and critical economic issues. These difficulties are fuelled by the lack of breadwinners or men able to work, because they have died in battle or as a result of violence; hence the need for children between the ages of 13 and 15 to drive vehicles to earn some money to lift themselves out of extreme poverty. Khalil Sasaga, 13, said he learned to drive from his father and now works to help his family after moving to Marib from another city. I work to support my family, Sasaga told the Turkish news agency Anadolu. Usually my father drives a minibus and I do the same to help him and earn money. So far I haven't had any problems driving. Crowded streets and heavy traffic don't bother me. Mursi Muhammed Salih Zevid, also 13, works in passenger transport and said he had to learn to drive out of necessity. I share my income with them. Even if the roads are busy, I have no problems, he said, because I'm just trying to earn a living. Muhammed Ammar Mebhut Cehlen, 15, says his father is disabled. Since I started driving, the income and quality of life of my family has improved, he says. In recent days, the United Nations has also raised concerns about the plight of the population in Yemen, particularly women and children. The crisis has had a disproportionate and devastating impact on women and girls. They have suffered discrimination and systematic exclusion for decades, Tom Fletcher, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the UN Security Council. It is a bleak picture, he continued, adding that some 9.6 million women and girls are in dire need of life-saving humanitarian assistance as they face hunger, violence and a collapsing health system. There is no sign of progress for them, the UN expert concluded. At the same time, Yemen's maternal mortality rate is the highest in the Middle East and 1.3 million pregnant women and new mothers are malnourished. More than six million women and girls face high risks of abuse and exploitation and 1.5 million girls in Yemen have no access to school. For this reason the United Nations wants to strengthen aid programmes in the education sector too, trying to revive a community already on the brink of the abyss and in which women and children bear the greatest burden. Yemen plunged into civil war in 2014, which morphed into a regional conflict in March 2015 when Saudi Arabia and a coalition of Arab countries intervened. So far, almost 400,000 people have died, including 10,000 children, in what the United Nations deems the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, made more devastating by the COVID-19 outbreak. At present, hunger haunts millions of people with children likely suffering the consequences for decades. Included are the more than three million internally displaced people who live in conditions of extreme poverty, hunger and epidemics of various kinds, not the least cholera. by Vladimir Rozanskij Every year a festival is dedicated to the kalpak, the typical white double-pointed headdress of the Kyrgyz people. Its shape is reminiscent of the snow-capped peaks of the country's mountain ranges. A symbol of dignity, wisdom and honour, according to tradition it cannot be thrown away or even donated or sold to others: it can only be passed on to one's descendants. Bishkek (AsiaNews) - On 5 March, the Ak Kalpak kunu festival was held in Kyrgyzstan, the Day of the Hat and national dress, officially established in 2016 to preserve the meaning of the typical white double-pointed hat, pride of the national traditions and culture of the Kyrgyz people. The Secretary of State, Sujunbek Kasmabetov, sent a message of congratulations to all Kyrgyz people, reminding them that the national dress of every people is an amazing sight, reflecting their history and their character. The message emphasises that every aspect of these clothes, their fabric, the cut or the decorations, has a deep meaning, which makes it possible to connect the generations. In the era of globalisation it is easier to forget and lose one's history, especially against the backdrop of increasingly rapidly developing technologies, and therefore it is even more important the task of passing on to our children the traditions, language and the entire legacy of our fathers. According to Kasmabetov, these symbols arouse wonder in people all over the world, emphasising the unique particularity of Kyrgyz culture. This year, it has been proposed that the Ak Elecek women's headdress, the conical white turban that also wraps around the neck, be included in the UNESCO list of the cultural heritage of humanity, to also enhance the female version of the historical Kyrgyz heritage. The hat festival began to be celebrated in the years prior to its approval by the Zogorku Kenes, when in 2011 the director Rysbek Zabirov launched the initiative at the beginning of March, the month of spring, to associate the national hat with the flowering of snowdrops, and the celebration immediately became very popular. The shape and decorations of the Kalpak are intended to convey the principles of Kyrgyz philosophy, as they can be used to determine the age and social status of the owners. It is still used today not only on solemn occasions, but also when going to work or visiting friends, and certainly at all local and national festivals. Donating a kalpak is also part of the etiquette of relations at a state level, and it is offered to foreign guests or assigned together with a new public office. In sporting events, Kyrgyz champions display it on the parade uniforms of international competitions. The Kalpak is considered to be the symbol of the mountains and of purity, with its shape reminiscent of the snow-capped peaks of the Kyrgyz mountain ranges. In the epic tale Manas, named after the legendary hero who unites the Kyrgyz people, we read that the Kyrgyz are the people who wear the white Kalpak, whose top is always as white as the peaks of the Tjan-San mountains, while the base is as dark as the ground beneath them. The kalpak must be kept in absolutely clean conditions, it can't be thrown or shaken, it must always be removed with both hands and placed in its dedicated place, or next to the wearer. It can't be donated or sold to others, and can only be passed on to one's descendants. The Kyrgyz believe that if the hat is lost or given to strangers, the person loses their dignity, wisdom and honour. Although Kyrgyz kalpaks have a variety of cuts, they are mainly sewn from four wedges that widen at the bottom, and the gores are not sewn on the sides, thus allowing the brim to be raised or lowered. The designs are traditionally embroidered with silk threads, the brim is often lined with black velvet and the top is decorated with a tassel that hangs down from the front. Behind the outward simplicity of this hat, comfort and practicality are confirmed, as they have been for centuries. It is also considered the most democratic headgear, worn by men from all social classes, from Khan to pauper, from young to old, even if the shape and colour reveal the personality of the wearer: senior officials and artists wear a taller Kalpak than normal people. On 5 March, the police give it as a gift to those who break the rules of the road instead of giving them a fine, to remind them of the right path of the Kyrgyz people. by Melani Manel Perera Sri Lankas Navy and Air Force seized 1,200 acres after the civil war in 2009, removing residents who were left without rights and livelihoods. Former governments played with us for such a long time, a leader of the Paanam Pattuwa Protection Organization told AsiaNews. Paanama (AsiaNews) People living in Paanama, eastern Sri Lanka, were forcibly removed during the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime, more than 15 years ago. They returned with the full right to do so but without legal recognition, and so are seeking government mediation to get their land back as soon as possible. On the evening of 17 July 2009, after the end of the brutal civil war that had broken out in 1983, armed men attacked local settlements, set houses on fire, destroyed a temple in Ragamwela, and expelled the residents. Later, the police and the military took control of the area, preventing residents from returning. Right after their forced eviction, the residents founded the Paanam Pattuwa Protection Organization (PPPO) to regain their lands. Their first concrete action was filing a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), which recommended that the seized land be returned to the residents. However, the Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force prevented residents from returning, and have occupied 1,200 acres of land for years. The displaced found themselves homeless, forced to take refuge with relatives, and deprived of their livelihoods, since most were farmers and fishermen. Several protests broke out against the land grab over the years and several legal actions have been undertaken. Eventually, in February 2015, the government decided to return the land to its rightful owners, but this was never done. In March 2016, residents decided to take matters in their own hand and occupied their lands, building temporary huts and resuming farming. The current Regional Land Commissioner, who has come to Trincomalee is good. She enforces the law, so we trust that if we can discuss our land crisis with her, we will be able to solve it. To get the best solution, we must discuss it with the commissioner," said Somasiri Punchirala, leader of the Paanam Pattuwa Protection Organization (PPPO), speaking to AsiaNews. We have written evidence and need to have good discussion because we have already received the court order to obtain our lands. But former governments played with us for such a long period without concern for the court order. They misled us. This new government might be thinking that the officials in government ministries or offices are following the rules and working properly. But it seems that we will have to go to court again to say that officials are going beyond the court's decision," the protest leader told media. "Since the current government has promised to work against corruption and injustice in Sri Lanka, we request the government to get involved in this issue, properly inform themselves about the current situation, find out the truth, and support us by returning all the lands in Ragamwela, Shasthrawela, Ulla, and Horekanda villages, she added. Previous administrations talked about promoting ecotourism in Paanama and buy more land for this purpose. However, the residents were excluded from these plans, even though they were eager to contribute and grow their crops, as they were already doing on a small scale. For this reason, Somasiri insisted on the economic benefits of resettlement. S Yasawathi, 70, and S Chandralatha, 69, are prominent figures in the fight to reclaim land. They spoke to AsiaNews about the situation. We travelled to Colombo, organised several protests, filed a lawsuit, they explained, but to date, we have not got back any of our land. Before we die, we need our own lands which were grabbed by governments. They also mentioned two relatives, Kusumawathi and Premawathi, now deceased, who fought hard for the cause but died without seeing a positive outcome. "We condemn this unjust act by police and, military stealing our land, other elders said. We have lived here for 20 years and tended coconut and cashew nut trees, as well as vegetables our sole source of income. Former governments did not care about our lives; they only wanted to boost tourism." The overtures from the new government raise some hope. We trust the new administration, but we shall monitor how they plan to resolve this ongoing conflict, Somasiri and others noted. Tamil Nadu rejects New Delhis three-language policy imposing Hindi in schools. As a result, the Union government blocked educational funding for the state, fuelling tensions. For his part, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is offering US$ 1 million to anyone who can decipher the Indus Valley script, which would boost his states Dravidian identity. Chennai (AsiaNews) Hindi is again pitting Indias central government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the government of Tamil Nadu, ruled by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). At the heart of the dispute is the Union governments New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which requires states to teach Hindi, English and a regional language, in a country with 22 official languages and tens of thousands of dialects. Tamil Nadu, which has historically opposed the imposition of Hindi, has always had a two-language policy: Tamil and English. The states chief minister, M.K. Stalin, rejects the NEP, clashing with the BJP over its policy of imposing Hindi. In response, New Delhi has frozen 20 billion rupees earmarked for Tamil Nadu's education until it adopts the NEP in its entirety. Stalin called this decision a blatant violation of cooperative federalism, while Tamil Nadu's Minister of Education, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, stressed that the financial shortfall will impact four million students and 32,000 teachers. The tensions were also reflected in some protests. Two weeks ago, pro-Tamil activists vandalised Hindi graffiti at the Pollachi railway station, as a show of resistance to the BJP's language policy. The DMK too organised several rallies against the NEP, and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has even warned that Tamil Nadu could come to a "language war" if the central government continues to push its three-language policy. The tensions reflect a broader debate over federal funding to Indian states, which are based on population: the areas with the most people (those in the North, who speak Hindi and generally support the BJP) receive more funds. But Tamil Nadu, along with the other southern states, contribute more to the GDP, yet receive less funding than the less developed northern states. This imbalance has led to an increase in the states debt to GDP ratio, from 22 per cent in 2013-2014 to 32 per cent in 2023-2024. Resistance to Hindi in Tamil Nadu has deep roots. The state has always rejected attempts to impose this language in education and administration since the 1930s and is still the only Indian state to have officially excluded Hindi from public schools, resulting in generations of people unable to understand the language and a population that is wary of Hindi. The most violent protests occurred in the 1960s, culminating in self-immolations and clashes with police. The unrest brought the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party to power, establishing a language policy based solely on Tamil and English. Today, many Tamils, especially students and workers, study Hindi for professional needs, but continue to refuse any imposition by the central government. Private schools, attended by about 42 per cent of students, often teach Hindi, and the number of people taking certification exams in the language is increasing. The rejection of what is perceived as an attempt at cultural hegemony has ancient roots in the state, which Chief Minister Stalin has recently leveraged, announcing a prize of one million dollars for anyone who can decipher the writing of the Indus Valley, an ancient system of signs dating back over 4,000 that has never been translated. This script was found on stone seals and artefacts in the cities of the Indus Valley civilisation, one of the most advanced in the ancient world. Deciphering them could provide crucial information about the culture and language spoken in this civilisation. According to some scholars, it could prove that Tamil and other Dravidian languages have older origins than previously thought, which could strengthen the cultural identity of southern India. Stalin's initiative is significant because it is part of the debate over the history of languages in India. Two theories dominate the debate: one holds that Indo-European languages, such as Sanskrit, arrived with Aryan migrations from Central Asia; the other states that Dravidian languages, such as Tamil, were already present in the Indian subcontinent and could even be linked to the Indus Valley civilisation. The prize has already aroused great interest among linguists and archaeologists around the world, but deciphering the codex is a complex challenge, because there are no bilingual texts comparable to the Rosetta Stone and known inscriptions are too brief to identify clear linguistic patterns. INDIAN MANDALA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO INDIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY FRIDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. The Holy See Press Office released the message of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue to Islamic communities for the Islamic holy month and the feast of Eid al-Fitr. It reads, in a world in search of hope [. . .] Do we want to be simple co-workers for a better world, or genuine brothers and sisters, bearing common witness to Gods friendship with all humanity? Vatican City (AsiaNews) The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue issued a message for Muslim communities around the world on the occasion of Ramadan. In it, the dicastery writes that, as our two spiritual traditions converge in celebrating Ramadan and Lent, we have a unique opportunity to show the world that faith transforms people and societies, and that it is a force for unity and reconciliation. Released today, the first Friday of the Islamic holy month, the statement is titled Christians and Muslims: what we hope to become together and is a reflection starting from the fact that this year Ramadan and Christian Lent overlap. This proximity in the spiritual calendar offers us a unique opportunity to walk side-by-side, Christians and Muslims, in a common process of purification, prayer and charity, write Card George Koovakad, who was appointed recently the dicasterys prefect, and its secretary, Mgr Indunil Kodithuwakku Janakaratne Kankanamalage. This year, we wish to reflect with you not only on what we can do together to live better lives, but above all on what we want to become together, as Christians and Muslims, in a world in search of hope. Do we want to be simple co-workers for a better world, or genuine brothers and sisters, bearing common witness to Gods friendship with all humanity? The practices of fasting, praying and alms giving, though expressed differently, remind us that faith is not merely about outward expressions, but a path of inner conversion. In a world marked by injustice, conflict and uncertainty about the future, our common vocation involves much more than similar spiritual practices. Our world is thirsting for fraternity and genuine dialogue. Together, Muslims and Christians can bear witness to this hope, in the conviction that friendship is possible despite the burden of history and ideologies that promote exclusion. The goal is to recognise that we are brothers and sisters in humanity who deeply esteem one another. Our trust in God is a treasure that unites us, far beyond our differences. What is more, We do not want simply to coexist; we want to live together in sincere and mutual esteem, write Card Koovakad and Mgr Indunil. The values we share, such as justice, compassion and respect for creation, should inspire our actions and relationships, and serve as our compass in constructing bridges rather than walls, defending justice rather than oppression, protecting the environment rather than destroying it. Our faith and its values should help us to be voices that speak out against injustice and indifference, and proclaim the beauty of human diversity. The message ends with best wishes for Ramadan and the closing feast of 'Id al-Fitr. May this feast be an occasion for fraternal encounters between Muslims and Christians, in which we can celebrate together Gods goodness. Such simple but profound moments of sharing are seeds of hope that can transform our communities and our world. May our friendship be a refreshing breeze for a world that thirsts for peace and fraternity! SYRIA Forces linked to the new Syrian government have clashed with loyalists of former dictator Bashar al-Assad in the coastal cities of Tartus and Latakia, strongholds of the Alawite minority, where a curfew has been imposed. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 70 people have been killed so far, and there are reports of clashes in Homs and Aleppo too. SOUTH KOREA This morning the South Korean Ministry of Education announced that it had agreed to freeze the number of new medical students at around 3,000 per year, in an attempt to end a dispute that has lasted 13 months. At the same time, a South Korean court cancelled the arrest warrant issued against President Yoon Suk-yeol, putting an end to a detention considered illegal. In the coming days, the Constitutional Court will rule on the indictment while the court cancels the arrest warrant for Yoon. NORTH KOREA A few weeks after reopening its borders to international tourism, North Korea has sealed them again. Last month some western tourists were able to visit the eastern city of Rason. In the last few days the local authorities have informed travel agencies, without giving any explanation, that all tourist visits have been cancelled until further notice. ROHINGYA After the announcement that food rations for the Rohingya hosted in refugee camps in Bangladesh will be reduced from 12 dollars per person per day to six dollars, the United Nations has announced that due to the cuts imposed by US President Donald Trump on USAID, they will not be able to provide healthcare and cash assistance to the 925 Rohingya refugees who have recently arrived in Indonesia. MALAYSIA A Malaysian court has ruled that hurting religious feelings is a crime, in a judgement relating to the film Mentega Terbang which tells the story of a teenager who questions some ideas in different religions. The film was released in 2021, but then, two years later, its distribution was blocked. GEORGIA The Tbilisi parliament has approved a new communications law that effectively introduces censorship and control over all opposition media and television channels in Georgia, prohibiting any foreign funding that incites the dissemination of information contrary to national interests, and in any case any audio and video recording and broadcasting must be agreed with the competent authorities. BELARUS The Belarusian president Aleksandr Lukasenko has invited Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyj to Minsk, to conduct peace negotiations without noise and without shouting, and the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitrij Peskov, commented that there has been no talk of such a three-way meeting so far, but Minsk is undoubtedly the best place for negotiations in our view. Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. 7 March 2025 16:55 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The world is currently undergoing profound transformations, driven by the rapid advancements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). As industries evolve, so too do the dynamics of the labor market, economic structures, and technological capabilities. Recognizing the immense potential of this revolution, Azerbaijan has been proactively implementing strategic initiatives to adapt and excel in the digital era. A key event in this ongoing transformation was the recent press conference held on March 5 by the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4SIM) under Azerbaijans Ministry of Economy. The conference focused on the outcomes and progress of initiatives in 2024, highlighting the countrys achievements in advancing toward Industry 4.0. According to Fariz Jafarov, the Executive Director of 4SIM, over 650 Azerbaijani companies are poised to participate in the Industry 4.0 program, which aims to propel them toward digital transformation. Understanding the Industry 4.0 Program The Industry 4.0 initiative, especially the "Industry 4.0 Readiness Program" (S4HP), is designed to help businesses in Azerbaijan achieve technological readiness, foster economic growth, and build a competitive advantage in the digital age. The program offers capacity-building sessions for companies, featuring the involvement of international experts who guide local firms through the process of digital transformation. Key components of the Industry 4.0 Readiness Program include: 1. Industry 4.0 maturity assessment: This phase evaluates the current technological readiness of companies, identifies their strengths and weaknesses, and provides tailored recommendations for their digital evolution. 2. Roadmap creation: A phased implementation plan is developed, highlighting specific actions and milestones for adopting Industry 4.0 technologies. These roadmaps are designed to prioritize initiatives based on their potential impact and feasibility. The transformation, according to Jafarov, will lead to measurable improvements for Azerbaijani businesses. He projected that companies involved in the program will reduce their warehouse costs by 20-40% and boost labor productivity by 15-30%. These outcomes are expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency, providing businesses with a competitive edge in the global market. The role of 4SIM in Azerbaijans digital transformation Azerbaijan's commitment to the Fourth Industrial Revolution is further underscored by the establishment of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4SIM). This public legal entity, created by a presidential decree on January 6, 2021, was launched to support the country's digital transformation. Notably, the Azerbaijan Center is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), marking the countrys pioneering role in the regions shift toward Industry 4.0. The mission of 4SIM is to guide the country through the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by fostering international collaboration, promoting technological innovation, and coordinating various initiatives aimed at strengthening Azerbaijan's position in the global economy. This includes active participation in global platforms such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital trade and economy. Additionally, 4SIM coordinates Azerbaijans cooperation with several international partners, including those from countries like Turkiye, the UAE, Israel, and Japan. These partnerships are designed to exchange knowledge, implement joint initiatives, and ensure that Azerbaijan remains at the forefront of digital and technological developments. Azerbaijans strategic vision and global cooperation Azerbaijan's pursuit of a digital and technological future was further cemented when President Ilham Aliyev signed a memorandum of understanding at the 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The memorandum with the World Economic Forum (WEF) laid the groundwork for establishing the Azerbaijan Center as part of the WEF's global network of centers dedicated to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The collaboration with the WEF positions Azerbaijan to adopt best practices, tap into international expertise, and align its efforts with global trends in the digital economy. In turn, the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to coordinate with over 30 international partners and more than 100 local organizations to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes industries worldwide, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a regional leader in technological innovation. The countrys strategic investment in Industry 4.0 readiness, supported by the efforts of the 4SIM, will ensure that local businesses are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in a digital-first world. By continuing to foster international collaborations, invest in technological infrastructure, and support local companies through targeted programs, Azerbaijan is on track to secure its place among the global leaders in the digital economy. As over 650 companies embark on their digital transformation journeys, the nation stands poised to reap the long-term benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driving economic growth, enhancing productivity, and fostering a sustainable, innovation-driven future. 7 March 2025 19:55 (UTC+04:00) by Ulvi Narimanli The European Unions increasing military engagement with Armenia, masked as security cooperation, is raising serious concerns about the regions stability. With Yerevan deepening its defense ties with Brusselssecuring arms deals, expanding military diplomacy, and embedding EU monitors along its bordersthe question arises: Is the EU genuinely promoting peace, or is it laying the groundwork for renewed conflict? The recent decision to station a military attache at Armenias mission to the EU and Belgium, following a similar appointment to NATO, signals a clear strategic shift. Coupled with growing arms supplies from France and military assistance from Germany, the EUs role in the South Caucasus is evolving from diplomatic mediator to active defense partner. Yet, while Brussels justifies these moves as "support for Armenias security," the reality suggests a calculated effort to militarize the region under the pretext of peacekeeping. A peace fundor a war chest? A key tool in this expansion is the European Peace Facility (EPF), which is set to funnel another 10 million into Armenias defense sector. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, a vocal proponent of stronger EU involvement, has been spearheading this initiative. But despite its name, the EPF has become an instrument for militarization rather than diplomacy. France has taken the lead in supplying Yerevan with Mistral air defense systems, Bastion armored vehicles, and long-range artillery. Germany, while claiming its support is "non-lethal," is laying the foundation for deeper defense ties. Meanwhile, Armenia continues to arm itself through extensive deals with India, acquiring rockets, anti-tank missiles, and drone technology. This buildup is reflected in Armenias soaring military budget, which has nearly doubled since 2020, jumping from $785 million to $1.4 billion in 2024. Yerevans pivot from Russian security guarantees to Western military aid is not merely a shift in alliancesit is a high-stakes gamble that risks plunging the region into another cycle of conflict. EUMA The EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA), which recently secured a two-year extension with an additional 44 million in funding, presents another layer of EU involvement. Marketed as a civilian initiative, its true function appears far more strategic. With over 200 personnel from 25 EU states and Canada, EUMA is operating under the radar as a de facto intelligence networkgathering data, advising Armenian forces, and reinforcing Brussels grip on the region. Despite claims of neutrality, the EUs one-sided policies tell a different story. By embedding monitors and expanding defense cooperation with Armenia, Brussels is not merely watching the situation unfoldit is actively shaping it. At its core, the EUs deepening security footprint in Armenia is about more than just Yerevans defenseit is about the EUs struggle to gain influence in the South Caucasus. With Azerbaijan asserting its independence and Georgia maintaining a delicate balance, Brussels sees Armenia as its last foothold in the region. But this military alignment comes at a cost. By pouring weapons and funding into Armenia, the EU is emboldening nationalist factions and revanchist narratives. This could encourage new provocations rather than fostering lasting stability. The post-2020 realities in the region are clear: Azerbaijan has fully restored its territorial integrity, and no amount of Western military aid can alter this fact. Brussels claims to be promoting peace, but its actions suggest otherwise. The steady militarization of Armenia, the embedding of intelligence-linked monitors, and the direct supply of arms raise a critical question: Is the EU preparing Armenia for stabilityor setting it up for another confrontation? No matter how many weapons Europe sends, Azerbaijan holds the geopolitical upper hand. If Brussels truly seeks peace, it must abandon its reckless one-sided approach and recognize that security in the South Caucasus cannot be achieved through military escalation. Otherwise, the EU may find itself not as a mediator, but as an enabler of the very conflict it claims to prevent! 7 March 2025 11:02 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan has reiterated its dedication to advancing global climate efforts during a COP30 briefing held in Brazil, Azernews reports. According to Azernews, the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations shared this commitment on its official X account, emphasizing the significance of COP29 in shaping climate action. COP29 in Azerbaijan was a turning point in the progress of climate action. We aim to strengthen COP-to-COP cooperation, ensure sustainability and coherence, building on the initiatives of the Action Programme launched in Baku. As we move towards COP30 in Belem, we respect the collective efforts that have brought us to this day and stand ready to support the Brazilian leadership in leading the next phase of climate negotiations at this critical juncture, the statement noted. Azerbaijan continues to position itself as a key player in fostering global climate initiatives as preparations for COP30 gain momentum. 7 March 2025 14:36 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Around 23% of entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan are women, contributing significantly to the country's sustainable economic development and employment, Azernews reports, citing the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA ) of the Ministry of Economy. SMBDA noted that women are particularly active in sectors like services, trade, and industry. Recently, a female entrepreneur opened a preschool educational institution in Ganja, which has branches in Baku, Sumgayit, and Khirdalan. SMBDA supported this project by assisting with documentation, coordination with state agencies, and other aspects of business development. The preschool now employs over 40 people, with the entrepreneur focused on increasing employment opportunities for women and expanding her operations to other regions. SMBDA has been instrumental in supporting women entrepreneurs, offering training, consulting, and financial assistance. In 2024, over 4,000 women entrepreneurs benefited from SMBDAs services, including business training and support in creating business plans. Grants totaling 167,000 manat were awarded to women-led projects, and several women received international professional development opportunities. SMBDA continues to promote female entrepreneurship by organizing exhibitions, providing access to trade networks, and implementing projects to foster the growth of women entrepreneurs. 7 March 2025 15:14 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. In February 2025, Turkiye's exports of ready-made garments to Azerbaijan decreased by 27.1% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $3.89 million, Azernews reports, citing the Turkish Ministry of Trade. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 7 March 2025 18:30 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more A meeting was held at the Ministry of Agriculture with representatives of the Azerbaijan Fish Producers and Processors Association Public Union to discuss the development of fisheries and aquaculture in the country. Officials from the ministry, industry leaders, and fishing enterprise representatives attended the event, Azernews reports. Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, Zaur Aliyev, highlighted the implementation of President Ilham Aliyevs decree on fisheries and aquaculture development, signed on December 19, 2024. He outlined the institutional framework planned for the sector and the objectives of the newly established Fisheries and Aquaculture Center. Zaur Salmanli, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Fish Producers and Processors Association, emphasized the importance of sustainable fisheries, modern technology adoption, and ecological balance. Discussions covered key topics such as improving productivity, management systems, environmental impact considerations, tax policies, and integrating the sector into local and global value chains. Participants exchanged views on advancing fisheries, with association members proposals recorded for further public-private collaboration. The ministry assured that further consultations would be held to enhance legislation and industry regulations. Additionally, the Azerbaijan Fish Producers and Processors Association held a general meeting to address current sectoral issues. 7 March 2025 13:29 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more An event on the theme of "Creative Azerbaijan" will be held at the Heydar Aliyev Center with the organizational support of the Culture Ministry, Azernews reports. "Creative Azerbaijan" is an initiative aimed at developing cultural and creative industries (CCI), carried out within the framework of the implementation of the "Strategy for the Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026", approved by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated July 22, 2022. The main goal of the project is to introduce the public to the potential of CCI in Azerbaijan and bring them to the world market. This includes cinema, animation, gaming technologies (Gametech), fashion, music, startups (Cultech) operating in the cultural sphere, and other creative areas. The Culture Ministry has implemented a number of important events to develop the CCI, held a grant competition for non-governmental organizations to promote the development of cultural and creative industries, and launched a special scholarship program "Culture and Creative Industries". Also last year, the Center for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries (Creative Center) was opened. In this regard, in order to familiarize yourself with the work done in the field of CCI to date, new opportunities and support mechanisms created for business entities, as well as new goals for 2025, representatives of CCI (film and animation studios, game studios, fashion houses and designers, music producers, publishing houses and persons working in the literary field, startups and companies working in the cultural sphere, advertising and media agencies, etc.) are invited to participate in a special presentation on CCI on the topic "Creative Azerbaijan". 7 March 2025 15:57 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more A meeting with People's Artist of Azerbaijan, senior lecturer of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory Zabit Nabizade has taken place in Gakh, Azernews reports. The event held in the House of Culture of Gakhingiloy village, was organized by the Culture Ministry's Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center of Culture (MEMIM) with the support of the Shaki-Zagatala Regional Department of Culture as part of the "Friend of the Master" project. The Acting Head of the Shaki-Zagatala Regional Department of Culture Emil Badalov and the Acting Director of MEMIM Vugar Humbatov participated in the event. In their remarks, they stressed that the project is aimed at promoting culture, stimulating the creativity of children and youth, identifying young talents in the regions, as well as organizing the exchange of experience between outstanding cultural figures and young talents. The meeting was moderated by Riad Jabrayilov. People's Artist Zabit Nabizade spoke about teaching mugham art, performing skills, concert activities and supporting talented youth. The meeting was held in the format of a master class. During the event, various folk songs and tasnifs were performed by students of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory - first-year student Rais Niftaliyev and third-year student Ruhangiz Musayeva, as well as students of Sheki Children's Music School No. 4 (Elmira Jafarli, Elvina Mammadova) and Gakh Children's Music School (Akshina Dostuyeva, Semy Sharifova, Aksana Jumayeva). The performers were accompanied on the tar by Altay Niftaliyev, Sakhavat Jumayev, Mohammad Mohammadkarimov, on the kamancha - Araz Aghaverdiyev, Hamil Latifov, Azad Guliyev, on the naghara - Khaladdin Asgarov. The event was attended by students from regional children's music and art schools, their teachers and parents. At the end, questions of interest to the participants were answered and a commemorative photo was taken. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az. 7 March 2025 17:54 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theater has graced the Lankaran State Drama Theater stage with their breathtaking production "The Five Wives of Molla Nasreddin", Azernews reports. This performance is part of a broader cultural outreach initiative organized by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, aimed at revitalizing cultural life across the country's regions. Through these performances, capital city theaters engage with local communities, enhance leisure activities for the populaceespecially the youthand foster a rich exchange of creative experiences. Audiences were treated to a delightful spectacle that follows the spirited escapades of Molla Nasreddin, the beloved folk hero renowned for his cunning wit and clever escapades. Despite his best efforts, Molla finds himself hilariously outmatched by his wives in a series of uproarious adventures. This character, a cherished figure throughout the Muslim East and among various Mediterranean and Balkan cultures, embodies a unique blend of sage wisdom and playful naivety. As a freethinker and a clever trickster, Molla Nasreddin cleverly lampoons human folly, exposing the greed, bigotry, hypocrisy, and corruption present in society. No matter the challenge, he navigates his way through with extraordinary ingenuity and masterful use of language, turning defeats into triumphs. The production of "The Five Wives of Molla Nasreddin" is lovingly adapted from a comedic play by the Uzbek playwright Ibrahim Sadygov. The talented cast is directed by esteemed artist Asgar Asgarov, and the imaginative set is designed by honored artist Nabat Samadova. Choreography was brought to life by the esteemed duo Zakir Aghayev and Elena Aghayeva, while Tamilla Aslanova contributed as the assistant director. The play's Azerbaijani text, thoughtfully translated from Uzbek by Dilsuz Mustafayev, ensures that the story resonates with local audiences. Notable performances are delivered by distinguished artists such as Akbar Alizade and Igrar Salamov, alongside a talented ensemble featuring Guljahan Salamova, Ulviya Aliyeva, Gulnara Abdullaeva, Gulnara Azizova, Turkel Tarigpeyma, Alimammad Novruzov, Farid Rzayev, and Ruslan Mursalov. This engaging theatrical experience not only entertains but also enriches the cultural landscape of Azerbaijan, leaving audiences with smiles and shared laughter. 7 March 2025 17:32 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijani fashion designer Gulnara Khalilova has successfully demonstrated her collection "Magic Threads" at - Samruq Fashion Week in Aktau, Kazakhstan, Azernews reports. The collection, which includes hand-knitted dresses, where all the accessories on the dresses, jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets and even buttons are made of threads, was created 25 years ago and has repeatedly represented Azerbaijan on international catwalks. "This year marks 25 years since the beginning of my creative activity. Therefore, I decided to present one of my favorite collections. The main message of the Samruq Fashion Week project is the evolution of fashion in the Turkic world. Today, the colorful Turkic style is actively developing in the world, designers boldly combine traditional clothing in everyday life, so the project was presented in the format of ethnofashion in a modern style," said Gulnara Khalilova. The visit was organized at the invitation of the founder and director of various ethnic fashion weeks in Europe and Asia, Turkish designer Aydin Achik. The organizers of Samruq Fashion Week are Umbet Aizada and Askarova Zhansaya. Note that Gulnara Khalilova is the head of the Azerbaijan National Costume Center. She is a member of the Eurasian Association of Ethnodesigners, a Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies, and the founder of the Cizgi brand. Her collections have been successfully showcased at fashion weeks and other international events in the USA, the UK, Sweden, Austria, Romania, Turkiye, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, Norway, Serbia, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and other countries. 7 March 2025 11:23 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan organized an iftar ceremony at the "Yldz" Hotel in Ashgabat to mark the sacred month of Ramadan, Azernews reports, citing the Embassy. Azerbaijans Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Qismt Gozlov, welcomed the guests and extended his congratulations to the participants on the occasion of Ramadan. He emphasized that this holy month represents unity, kindness, and mercy in the Islamic world. The Ambassador also highlighted Azerbaijan's significant contribution to Islamic values and solidarity, noting that it is one of the key countries supporting these principles. He further underscored that religious tolerance is a way of life in Azerbaijan, which is demonstrated in the country's society. Ambassador Gozlov added that the iftar event aimed to once again showcase the importance of unity and the elevation of Islamic values, while promoting friendship and cooperation. The iftar ceremony was attended by Turkmenistan's Chief Mufti, Yalkab Khodzhaguliev, as well as ambassadors of Muslim countries accredited in the country, along with their family members. During the event, Mufti Yalkab Khodzhaguliev recited prayers highlighting the significance of the sacred month of Ramadan. Traditional Azerbaijani dishes and sweets were served at the iftar table, allowing the guests to enjoy a taste of Azerbaijan's rich culinary heritage. 7 March 2025 14:13 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Ensuring the labor rights of individuals nearing retirement age is critical. This is especially important as some citizens, close to reaching retirement age, are dismissed from their jobs and later face difficulties in finding new employment, Azernews reports, citing Vuqar Bayramov, a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, as he said in his speech at todays plenary session. The MP emphasized that, according to Kazakhstan's Labor Code, the termination of an employment contract for individuals less than two years away from retirement is prohibited, except in cases of staff reduction or failure to pass a job evaluation. Bayramov proposed that Azerbaijan follow a similar approach, suggesting that citizens with less than two years until retirement should not be dismissed by employers. He stressed that this would be vital for safeguarding their social rights. 7 March 2025 16:52 (UTC+04:00) According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Bayramov will also hold several bilateral meetings as part of his visit. The agenda of the OIC ministerial meeting is expected to focus on pressing regional and international issues. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has departed for a working visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to attend an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 7 March 2025 19:18 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The U.S. administration may extend the postponement of the TikTok ban in the United States. This was stated by President Donald Trump in an interview with reporters, Azernews reports. When asked if he intended to extend the delay if a deal to sell TikTok was not reached by April 5, he responded, "If I need an extension, I'll probably extend it." However, Trump emphasized that "now there is at least another month, so an extension is not necessary." He added, "We [in the U.S.] have a lot of interest in TikTok. And China is going to play its part, so hopefully, China will approve the deal, but they are going to play their part," without specifying who exactly is interested in buying the social network. In early February, the president signed an executive order requiring the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Department of Commerce to submit a plan to create a sovereign wealth fund within 90 days. Trump previously suggested that this sovereign fund could be used, among other things, as part of a deal to acquire shares of TikTok, potentially facilitating the social networks sale to a U.S. company. The situation surrounding TikTok continues to evolve as the U.S. government aims to address national security concerns regarding the apps ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of digital trade and international relations between the U.S. and China. Moreover, the pressure on ByteDance to strike a deal highlights the increasing importance of data security in the global tech industry. 7 March 2025 21:46 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The Philippines and Canada have agreed to sign an agreement on the deployment of troops and joint exercises amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, Azernews reports. According to the Ministry of Defense, negotiations have been successfully concluded, but the exact date for the signing of the agreement has not yet been announced. "This agreement will lay the foundation for expanded cooperation," the statement read, adding that it will foster "closer collaboration between the defense and military departments of both countries." This agreement comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes involve several nations, including China, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian countries. The joint exercises and potential deployment of forces are seen as a way to bolster regional security and enhance the capacity of the Philippines and Canada to respond to emerging threats. The agreement also reflects Canada's growing involvement in Indo-Pacific security, as the country seeks to strengthen its defense partnerships in the region. Both nations aim to promote stability, freedom of navigation, and adherence to international law in the contested waters of the South China Sea. Experts believe that this partnership could serve as a counterbalance to China's increasing military presence in the area, offering a strategic alliance between Canada, an important Western ally, and the Philippines, a key player in Southeast Asia. The contract totals around $55 million and will convert a building in Pleasanton, Calif., according to a March 7 news release from Skanska. The new ASC will total 20,000 square feet, while the specialty clinic will total 40,000. The facility will feature four operating rooms, three procedure rooms, a full sterile processing department, and spaces for multiple programs including orthopedics, podiatry and ENT. Work on the facility is expected to begin in May and wrap up in the third quarter of 2026. Executives are considering the move since one third of Jeffersons footprint is now in the Lehigh Valley. The Oct. 1 merger with Allentown, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Health Network created a $15 billion organization and one of the top 15 largest nonprofit health systems in the country. Jefferson now includes 32 hospitals, more than 700 care sites and more than 65,000 employees. One of the things we have to think about is does it make sense for our headquarters to be [in Center City], CEO Joseph Cacchione, MD, told the Philadelphia Business Journal. A third of our health system is in the Lehigh Valley, so theres an inefficiency to that. While nothing is currently in the works, Dr. Cacchione said the health system is looking at potentially moving its headquarters elsewhere. Jefferson did not respond to Beckers request for comment. The for-profit health system, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January, told a U.S. bankruptcy judge that it only has the funds to keep the hospitals open through March 14, according to the report. An exact date of closure remains up in the air as FTI Consulting the receiver appointed for Upland, Pa.-based Crozer Health manages deteriorating financial conditions on behalf of the system. About 3,000 jobs are at risk by the closure of the two facilities, which would significantly reduce access to care in Delaware County, according to the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, a union representing more than 12,000 frontline nurses and healthcare workers. Our community health systems and the Delaware County Foundation must invest in our communitys well-being and continue working toward a solution that ensures these hospital facilities remain open and operational, PASNAP said in a March 6 statement shared with Beckers. The best path forward is a sale that preserves this vital institution, and negotiations must continue to secure a future where Crozer Health System serves the health and safety of Delaware County. In 2022, Prospect closed Crozers two other hospitals: Springfield Hospital and Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill, Pa. The closures included multiple rounds of layoffs. Pennsylvania officials hoped to transfer Crozer to a nonprofit backed by local health systems, but heavy liabilities deterred interest. The next bankruptcy hearing will take place March 11 in Dallas, either as a status update or a closure hearing, according to the Inquirer. Prospect expects to file its closure motion March 13. Delaware County has been preparing for months, learning from the abrupt closure of Delaware County Memorial. The county is coordinating with hospitals, emergency medical services and other stakeholders to be ready for a potential Crozer shutdown. It is infuriating to hear that Prospect has failed to keep their promises yet again to the residents of Delaware County, now that theyre done lining their own pockets at the expense of our communities, Delaware County Council Chair Monica Taylor, PhD, said in a March 6 news release. Our county government has spent months hard at work to prepare for the possibility that these hospitals would be closed. We remain committed to an orderly, calm and comprehensive process to helping ensure patients are transferred to other facilities that can provide the care they need. Neither Prospect nor Crozer responded to Beckers request for comment. Editors note: This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Dr. Shmerling joined Connecticut Childrens in October 2015 from Childrens Hospital Colorado in Aurora. Under his leadership, the organization has grown from a standalone medical center to a pediatric health system with more than 40 locations across Connecticut, Eastern New York and Western Massachusetts, according to a March 7 system news release. During his tenure, Connecticut Childrens has expanded its NICU network, formed key alliances with adult healthcare organizations, launched population health initiatives, started new programs and services, and increased access to specialized pediatric care. Connecticut Childrens is stronger than ever, thanks to the dedication of our incredible team, Dr. Shmerling said in the release. When I started, we needed to build scale to truly thrive, and together, weve done just that. As we near the completion of our Health Compass 2027 strategic plan, now is the right time to ensure a smooth transition for the organizations future leadership and next five-year plan. This transition is bittersweet for me, but I know the children of the region now have access to the best pediatric experts in the nation. Connecticut Childrens includes Connecticut Childrens Medical Center, a 205-bed nonprofit hospital in Hartford, and a system with locations in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. He most recently served as president and CEO of Dignity Health Arizona East Valley Market in Phoenix, overseeing multiple hospitals with more than 1,000 total beds, as well as outpatient services, according to a March 6 health system news release shared with Beckers. Before joining San Francisco-based Dignity Health, he was president and CEO of Baton Rouge (La.) General Health System from 2013 to 2016. He succeeds Robert Kenagy, MD, who is retiring after leading Stormont Vail Health since 2019. Stormont Vail Health employs 5,700 people and operates the flagship 586-bed acute care Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. Dr. Gavin, an emergency medicine physician, has held leadership roles at multiple health systems. He is the former chief of service in the department of emergency medicine at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn. He joined Mount Sinai in 2022 as system chair of population health and clinical innovation, according to his LinkedIn profile. In his new role, Dr. Gavin will lead a newly formed team focused on redesigning care delivery. His work will include identifying opportunities to shift inpatient care to ambulatory and home settings, partnering with technology companies to use Mount Sinai as a testing ground for innovation, and applying behavioral economics and data-driven insights to optimize patient and provider decision-making. Ms. Northern has served as the hospitals interim president since December. She joined Texas Health Resources in 2021 as chief operating officer of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. She joined the health system from MedStar Health in Washington, D.C., where she served as the vice president of operations for seven years. Before that, she served as an associate chief operating officer for HCA Healthcare in Las Vegas for seven years. Ms. Northern has a masters degree in health administration from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee and is a fellow of the American College of Health Services Executives. Texas Health Resources is a faith-based, nonprofit health system that includes 29 hospitals, 6,600 physicians and almost 29,000 employees, according to its website. Mr. Eblin has led the 108-bed community hospital since 2019, according to a March 6 hospital news release. During his tenure, he led quality and patient safety improvements while fostering a culture of trust and accountability, the release said. UNC Health Rockingham operates a 121-bed long-term care facility on its campus and an urgent care facility in Mayodan, N.C. Rural hospitals caring for communities in Americas heartland which are already struggling will be further devastated by these cuts, making access to quality health care another unobtainable element of the American Dream. The 13 hospitals that make up Hospital Sisters Health System serve small communities throughout Central and Southern Illinois, and Northeastern Wisconsin. The populations in these towns often reflect higher reliance on Medicaid, especially among children. According to the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, 25% of children in Macon County, Illinois, home to HSHS St. Marys Hospital, rely on Medicaid. In Brown County, Wisconsin, home to HSHS St. Marys Hospital Medical Center and St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, nearly 32% of children rely on Medicaid. As representatives of nonprofit, Catholic health care, HSHS views health care as a basic right. For us, health care service is more than an occupation it is a vocation. We treat every patient with the same love and compassion St. Francis showed to lepers banished to live outside medieval city walls. Medicaid along with Medicare was created in that same spirit in 1965, with President Lyndon B. Johnson noting the new health insurance program jointly funded by the federal and state governments reflected an American tradition, directing us: never to ignore or to spurn those who suffer untended in a land that is bursting with abundance. Who among us has not been vulnerable at some point in their life, or knows a relative, friend or neighbor who has? Public opinion polls bear out this sentiment, with the nonprofit health policy research group Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reporting two-thirds of U.S. adults have some connection to Medicaid. Additionally, more than three-fourths hold a favorable view of the program. The human toll of these cuts would be unconscionable, and the economic impact devastating. KFF estimates state governments could shoulder additional Medicaid costs of $1 trillion over the next decade if the federal government caps its contribution per enrollee and withdraws its 90% match to states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. We support the dignity of work, yet potential work requirements for Medicaid participants appear counterproductive, since KFF research shows nearly two-thirds of Medicaid adults are already working, usually at low-paying jobs that either dont offer insurance or do so at unaffordable rates. The overall result of these proposed changes: States would be forced to dramatically scale back their Medicaid programs, hurting enrollees and impacting practically every hospital across the country including those HSHS operates. Medicaid accounts for 24% of inpatient admissions in Illinois hospitals, according to the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, while the program makes up 14.5% of total gross patient revenue in Wisconsin hospitals, according to the Wisconsin Hospital Association. Hospitals across the U.S. are still grappling with COVID-19 fallout, facing workforce shortages and shrunken margins. As a nonprofit system, HSHS is not profit driven. Yet we must operate on some measure of solid financial footing to carry out the legacy of our founding and current Hospital Sisters. Our Sisters founded four of our Illinois hospitals 150 years ago this year, and within days of their arrival from Germany were knocking on doors, seeking donations. We keep that drumbeat alive today, but we cannot continue our mission on contributions alone. We urge Congress to maintain federal funding commitments for the Medicaid program to prevent structural changes that would rob coverage from those in need. Our federal lawmakers must remember their mission in representing all constituents for the common good. Damond Boatwright, MHA, MHS, FACHE, is president and CEO of Hospital Sisters Health System in Springfield, Ill. China remains confident in Europe: Chinese FM Xinhua) 13:31, March 07, 2025 BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said on Friday that China remains confident in Europe and believes that it can be a trustworthy partner, adding that the two sides can solve pending issues properly. Wang made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the national legislature. Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, Wang said in the half-century-long relationship, the most valuable asset is mutual respect, the most powerful impetus is mutual benefit, the greatest unifying consensus is multilateralism, and the most accurate characterization is partnership. Wang said that in the past five decades, China-EU trade has expanded from 2.4 billion U.S. dollars to 780 billion U.S. dollars. Investment has increased from almost zero to close to 260 billion U.S. dollars. China-Europe Railway Express has run more than 100,000 cargo trips and become a golden passage connecting Asia and Europe. "Fifty years on, China and the EU jointly make up over one-third of the world economy, and the cooperation between the two has a greater strategic value and global influence," Wang said, adding that a healthy and stable relationship will lift up both sides and make for a brighter world. "The two sides have the capacity and wisdom to properly resolve pending issues through friendly consultation and jointly usher in another promising 50 years," added Wang. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The move comes two days after 25% tariffs on nearly all goods from the two countries took effect. The exemptions apply to about half of all imports from Mexico and 38% of goods from Canada and will last until April 2, a White House official told NBC News. The decision to pause the sweeping tariffs came after a conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, President Trump said in a post on Truth Social. I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for President Sheinbaum, he wrote in the post. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States, and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl. While the post did not mention reprieves for Canada, they were included in executive orders signed later March 6. The pause is expected to last until April 2, though a senior administration official told reporters that Canada and Mexico may avoid the levies beyond then if they make additional progress on preventing fentanyl trafficking, NPR reported. No delays or exemptions were granted from China, where a 20% tariff on all imports took effect March 4. Meanwhile, a 25% global tariff on all aluminum and steel imports remains set for March 12. On April 2, the Trump administration also plans to impose reciprocal tariffs, aiming to align import duties with those imposed by other countries. Four more federal updates: 1. A second federal judge has blocked the Trump administrations attempt to pause agency grants, loans and other financial assistance programs, NPR reported March 6. Rhode Island District Judge John McConnell Jr. said in his ruling that the spending pause fundamentally undermines the district constitutional roles of each branch of government, the publication reported. In late January, the White House retracted its original Jan. 27 memo directing a funding freeze after Judge Loren AliKhan paused its attempt. The original memo ordered federal agencies to temporarily pause most activity and required them to complete a comprehensive analysis of all of their federal financial assistance programs to identify programs, projects and activities that may be implicated by any of the presidents executive orders. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed in a Jan. 29 X post that the retraction was NOT a rescission of the freeze, but a rescission of its original memo. The federal funding freeze attempt is part of the Trump administrations larger plan to cut government spending and restructure the federal workforce, which has been spearheaded by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency. On Jan. 28, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and 22 other state attorneys general sued the Trump administration regarding the freeze. The group filed a second motion Feb. 28 to stop the freeze, according to a March 6 news release from Mr. Platkins office. From the beginning, we have made clear that President Trumps federal funding freeze was blatantly illegal and now a federal judge has agreed with us and granted a preliminary injunction, Mr. Platkin said in the release. This funding freeze was not only unlawful, but also cruel and wrong yanking away Medicaid funding, disaster relief funding and even targeting drug-trafficking enforcement efforts. 2. President Trumps nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health, Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, faced sharp questioning during a two-hour hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee March 5, particularly over his views on vaccines and the administrations proposed cuts to NIH funding for indirect research costs. Dr. Bhattacharya, a Stanford University professor of medicine and health economist, expressed support for childhood vaccination when asked about an ongoing measles outbreak in Texas. He also said he is committed to fostering a culture of scientific dissent within the agency, where leaders will actively encourage different perspectives and create an environment where scientists can express disagreement respectfully. Dr. Bhattacharya largely sidestepped questions when pressed on the administrations plan to cap NIH funding for indirect research costs at 15%, stating he was not involved in the proposal which a federal judge has temporarily blocked from taking effect and plans to ensure scientists have the resources they need. If confirmed, he would oversee the agencys $48 billion budget for scientific research to more than 2,500 research institutions. 3. Marty Makary, MD, President Trumps FDA commissioner pick, had his first confirmation hearing before the Senate HELP Committee on March 6. During the hearing, Dr. Markay told the committee he will stick to science if confirmed and wants to help restore American trust in the FDA and its regulated products, NPR reported March 6. Dr. Makary did not directly answer controversial topics like abortion pill access and FDA firings, but promised an assessment if he becomes FDA commissioner. If confirmed as commissioner, you have my commitment that I will do an assessment of the staffing and personnel at the agency, he said, according to NPR. I have not been involved in any of the decisions regarding any of the personnel changes recently, but if confirmed, you have my commitment that I will do an assessment. Dr. Markay, who is a surgical oncologist at Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins, also touched on high prescription drug costs, and said that prices would drop if more drugs were sold without a prescription. He said he believes in price transparency and would work with Congress to tackle patent system abuse. Lastly, Dr. Markay said, if confirmed, he would have the FDA look into inflammation-causing chemicals in our food to help tackle childhood obesity and illness. 4. On March 5, the Trump administration asked for a dismissal of a yearslong lawsuit brought by the Biden administration concerning Idahos abortion law, according to court documents. Idaho has one of the most restrictive abortion bans, and physicians who terminate pregnancies can face imprisonment of two to five years. The Justice Department filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit the Biden administration had filed in 2022 that sought exceptions for emergency abortion care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, according to Politico and The Washington Post. The cases dismissal would no longer compel healthcare facilities in the state to provide abortions in certain emergency situations. Anticipating the Justice Departments withdrawal, Boise, Idaho-based St. Lukes Health System asked for a temporary restraining order March 4 to ensure that emergency abortions remain legal while its separate case proceeds. A federal judge granted the injunction, temporarily barring Idaho officials from prosecuting medical providers who perform emergency abortions. Systems are seeing a few common trends in the aging nurse population. During the pandemic, many systems saw nurses retiring early due to the strains of work. At Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health, 12% of all RN turnover in 2020 was related to retirement, compared to 2024, when the rate was 5.8%. Nurses tend to begin to consider retirement in their late 50s and early 60s when the physical demands of a 12-hour shift become too difficult. The typical retirement age for nurses is between 58 and 62 years old, Greg Till, chief people officer at Renton, Wash.-based Providence, told Beckers. Before the pandemic, it was on the higher end of that range, but COVID-19 accelerated early retirements, bringing that average down by a couple of years. At Bon Secours Mercy Health, the average age of a retiring nurse is 64 and 6 months. Every leader had one thing to say about experienced nurses: We have to keep them engaged in healthcare in some capacity. These nurses bring invaluable intellectual capital and resilience, Veronica Scott-Fulton, DNP, chief nurse executive at Bon Secours Mercy Health, told Beckers. They have been through every major healthcare crisis, from HIV to COVID-19, and their experience is something we dont see as often in nurses who are new to practice. Its just a different world today. With high turnover among experienced nurses, losing their expertise and skill has a major impact, Carolyn Santora, RN, chief nursing officer and chief of regulatory affairs at Stony Brook (N.Y.) University Hospital, told Beckers. To maintain that intellectual capital and prepare newer nurses for the field, systems are turning to alternative work options to keep experienced nurses at the hospital. Right now, the focus has to be on retaining experienced nurses as long as they want to stay, Syl Trepanier, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer at Providence, told Beckers. That means refreshing the work environment, making the work itself more sustainable, and creating new opportunities that keep them engaged and fulfilled. Each system Beckers spoke to offers a variety of alternative roles nurses can step into. At Bon Secours Mercy Health, 196 nurses aged 50 and up have moved to new roles since 2020. These include clinical education, preceptor roles, bedside care in 4-hour shifts, mentoring nurses in specialties and practice councils, and leadership positions. Nearly half of our market presidents are clinicians, including former nurses, Allan Calonge, chief people officer of core operations at Bon Secours Mercy Health, told Beckers. Two of them are registered nurses. Some nurses also switch from acute care practice to ambulatory care and to roles in population health, care management and revenue cycle. Many former Bon Secours Mercy Health nurses have transitioned into these roles, particularly those looking for more stable schedules, such as an eight-hour day shift or remote work, Mr. Calonge said. At Providence, many experienced nurses shift into home health, remote nursing, where they analyze data and support clinical teams without direct patient interaction, or virtual nursing, where they still provide assessments and care guidance to patients. Virtual nursing, in particular, was designed with experienced nurses in mind, Dr. Trepanier said. It requires a high level of clinical expertise, but allows nurses to continue working from home without the physical strain of 12-hour shifts. For nurses in their mid-60s or late 60s, this is a game changer. Instead of running up and down hospital hallways, they can stay connected to their teams, serve their communities, and continue their careers just in a different way. Stony Brook University Hospital has gone all in on per diem roles for experienced nurses, allowing them to work in clinical documentation improvement, case management, discharge teaching and legal nurse consulting. Like other systems, nurses also have the option to take on teaching opportunities in nurse residency programs of the school of nursing, or become supervisors, especially in evening, night or weekend shifts. All three systems added that many of their experienced nurses go on to volunteer in the community. I always say, once a nurse, always a nurse, Ms. Santora said. Even in retirement, many nurses still identify with the profession and want to contribute in meaningful ways. Although systems are making it easy for nurses to stay longer, staff will eventually retire for good. A silver tsunami is on the horizon with millions of adults turning 65 each year, and systems are deep in workforce planning to ensure operations will continue smoothly after experienced nurses retire. Were left with a less experienced workforce, which means we have to train differently, Ms. Santora said. When I started out as a nurse, you got one week of orientation, and then you were expected to work independently. That is impossible today. The expansion of medical knowledge, technology, and patient complexity has made nursing far more demanding. Patients have shorter hospital stays but are more acutely ill, which means new nurses cant just hit the ground running. To meet the gap in knowledge, leaders are strengthening their nurse residency programs and ensuring experienced nurses have many opportunities to train the upcoming generations. Bon Secours Mercy Health leaders identify where gaps may arise by tracking who is likely to retire in the next one to three years and who is in school for advanced roles. They ensure that experienced nurses have opportunities to step into leadership and mentoring roles to pass down their expertise. This allows us to create smooth transitions keeping retirees engaged part-time while training the next wave of nurses, Dr. Scott-Fulton said. The last thing we want is unexpected gaps that place additional burdens on our staff. Providence leaders look even further out three to five years to anticipate workforce needs and create a proactive plan for retirement and transitions. But leaders also focus on the needs of new nurses to ensure they stay at the system for longer. We believe that flexibility is the new engagement capital, Mr. Till said. And flexibility isnt just for administrators it should apply to every single position. The F W. Bert and Mae Dean Wheeler Nurse Leadership Academy will train the next generation of oncology nurse leaders, according to a March 5 news release from MD Anderson. The academys curriculum will be created in collaboration with MD Andersons Leadership Institute with an emphasis on longitudinal learning, the release said. The Center for Stress, Resilience and Personal Growth at Mount Sinai launched in April 2020, offering behavioral health treatment services for team members during COVID-19. Now open to all New Yorkers, the program offers evidence-based therapy, medication management, and resilience training provided by a team of clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and licensed clinical social workers. To date, the center has provided more than 18,000 behavioral healthcare visits to Mount Sinai staff and conducted more than 600 educational courses on mental health and resilience. On average, participating employees have reported a 40% decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms, a 73% decrease in PTSD symptoms and a 31% increase in well-being. To our knowledge, this center was the first of its kind in the United States to address the full spectrum of mental health presentations experienced by healthcare workers and would be a national model for others, Dennis Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and president for academic affairs at Mount Sinai Health System, said in a March 6 news release. We could not have anticipated the growing need in the community for these kinds of resilience and non-traditional mental health services and we are proud to respond with a solution that is proven to be effective. One radiology group, Evansville, Ind.-based Radiology Business Management Association, expressed concern over the proposed rule, called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Security Rule to Strengthen the Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information, in a Feb. 28 letter to HHS. Many of the additional requirements outlined in the proposed rule could be cost prohibitive without generating a commensurate level of additional protection for individual patients, their providers or business associates, RBMA President Pete Moffatt and co-executive directors Jessica Moffatt and Linda Wilgus wrote in the letter. The organization cited the increasing reimbursement cuts experienced by the radiology industry, compared to other specialties, as reason for their concern. The estimated costs of compliance are substantial, the letter said. The new requirements could lead to further consolidation in the healthcare industry, driving up costs and disadvantaging smaller, independent practices. The proposed rule comes at a time when cyberattacks on the healthcare industry are surging. Among them, a radiology practice in North Carolina was forced to close its doors in February due to a cyberattack. House Bill 1879 passed unanimously March 4 on a 95-0 vote, according to the chambers website. State senators will now consider the legislation. Under current law, hospitals are required to provide meal breaks between the first two to five hours of an eight-hour shift. However, many hospital workers shifts are often longer, according to a news release from bill sponsor Rep. Brianna Thomas. This bill allows workers to take breaks that make sense for their schedules, helping them balance taking care of themselves while taking care of us, said Ms. Thomas. Ms. Thomas said the bill would allow hospitals to waive break timing requirements, provided that workers and hospitals mutually agree and that the schedule changes are documented, according to a report in The Seattle Medium. Hes part of Whartons Executive MBA program, and he joined the Beckers Spine and Orthopedic Podcast to talk about the move, along with an area all spine surgeons can grow in when it comes to business. Note: This is an edited excerpt. Listen to the full conversation here. Question: You announced on LinkedIn that youre joining Whartons Executive MBA Program. Can you talk about why you decided to invest in this now, and what you hope to get out of this as a physician? Dr. Philip Louie: Im really excited for this, and everyone has a different reason to get an MBA. I think theres a couple big areas that spurred me, and one is that Ive always been interested in how we define value in patient care. The term value-based care is thrown around quite a bit, but I think that no one really understands it from a broad and holistic standpoint. And thats one of my goals on a broad level. How we determine value is going to determine how we get compensated in the future, and its going to guide how we even care for our patients. Were always trying to better understand all these new enabling technologies that are coming in, and we have to figure out the value of this technology or the return on investment, and being able to sort of start patching the micro-value systems to the macro value systems that guide what we do. The second area that really intrigues me is that healthcare seems to lag behind in a lot of different areas, and we can learn a lot from the other fields that are a bit more nimble. In musculoskeletal and spine care its really important to understand how we can continue to do things better. And what technology can help us be more safe and effective on what we do, and just to sort of grow in the network and learning from others, to think outside the box a bit better, and hopefully drive the field forward a bit more Q: What are some of the top business challenges that youre seeing in your work? PL: One of the biggest ones we deal with on a day-to-day basis is how to do more with less. Essentially staffing is more difficult. Its more expensive than what it used to be and what were asked to do is growing and growing and growing. So, you know, how can we be a better steward of our resources and be more effective with what we have, and even diminishing to do more and do better than how we did before? I think thats a challenge that were all facing. I think a second challenge that we face is, as you know, in healthcare, theres just a lot of different stakeholders, and I think we find ourselves arguing with each other all the time, trying to get on the same page. And so whether its the insurance companies and hospital leadership and the physicians and other providers or the patients themselves, industry we all want to do the right thing, and we just have to do a better job of communicating with each other and finding, again, where do we find the greatest value and drives our work, and where can we find overlap to move things forward. Q: Regardless if a physician has business training or not, whats a business skill that all spine surgeons should know? PL: Spine surgeons are really good at identifying problems and making that known. Its in our nature, and we think were really good at identifying a whole series of possible solutions. I think where we struggle is taking our identification of problems and then getting to solutions. I think theres a set of administrative skills that we as surgeons tend to lack in that area, and it makes us seem like we are just loud and complain and dont understand the process. Part of that is true, and so I think we just need to do a better job of learning to take a step back and figuring out how to get from point A to point B, C and D, and who needs to be involved and use all these different skill sets that we need to learn as far as part of the journey from the start to the finish. The closure of Connswater Shopping Centre has been called a sad day for east Belfast and a slap in the face by political representatives, as the fallout over todays announcement continues. Connswater is to close its doors in two weeks time on March 21, after having suffered a fall in business in recent years, with less than half the retail units still open. The owners say that it has become increasingly difficult to operate the centre in a viable way, and so have appointed BDO NI as fixed charge receivers. Michael Jennings and Brian Murphy of BDO NI will take control of certain assets of the company, and prepare Connswater for a sale. Mr Jennings of BDO said: Having assessed viability, we have, unfortunately, given notice to the remaining tenants of Connswater Shopping Centre, that the centre will close its doors in two weeks on 21st March. Over these next weeks, BDO will support the tenants through this transition while assessing potential future uses at Connswater and options to market the centre for sale. The closure and sale will not affect The Range store which is connected to the centre, nor the wider retail park and its tenants. Connswater opened in 1983 (Photo by Luke Jervis / Belfast Telegraph) The retail parks occupiers include Lidl, Tim Hortons, KFC and Better Gym, all of which will continue trading as normal during the closure and sale of the shopping centre. East Belfast MP and DUP party leader Gavin Robinson said: The closure of Connswater Shopping Centre next Friday marks a sad day for east Belfast. It has been a part of our community for decades; this shocking loss will be deeply felt. My thoughts are especially with those affected by uncertainty and job losses during this difficult time. While the centre has been in visible decline for some time, its vital that the site remains of benefit to the people of the Newtownards Road and surrounding areas. My colleagues and I will engage with the owners on forward steps and we will be available to assist anyone impacted in any way we can. East Belfast UUP councillor Jim Rodgers, who was involved in the original opening of the centre in 1983, said he: Knew things were in a bad state, and there had been rumours for some time that the whole centre was going to close down. But it's a major blow, and most of us who were involved in its inception have been very badly hit. With so many shops being vacated, it was clearly going to close, but the owners were making no comment. I would like to know what the owners are going to put in its place. It was a very good centre, and it's a bad blow for east Belfast. Im disappointed that the owners didnt think of consulting with political representatives. Connswater has been contacted for comment about what contact and consultation it had with political representatives prior to Fridays announcement. Mr Rodgers lobbied for the site to be occupied prior to it first opening, and says he has watched it going downhill since. My thoughts are with those who are going to find themselves unemployed, he added. Veteran UUP councillor Jim Rodgers I think the owners should have the decency to come out publicly and give the reasons why theyre closing it down. What do they plan to put in its place? Speaking about the closure, a spokesperson for Connswater said: The evolving retail landscape, the loss of anchor tenants and difficult market conditions have made it increasingly challenging to sustain operations in a viable way in Connswater Shopping Centre. So, very regretfully and after much consideration of different options, we have now appointed BDO as Fixed Charge Receivers for the centre. "We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, tenants, and staff who have supported Connswater Shopping Centre throughout the years. Your patronage and dedication have been invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of the community spirit that has been fostered here throughout our 20 years of ownership. We understand that this news will be disappointing to many, Connswater Shopping Centre has been more than just a shopping destination; it has been a part of the fabric of east Belfast. We deeply regret having to make this difficult decision. The centre has been part of east Belfast for decades both as a place for shopping and of work. One former employee is Glyn Roberts, the chief Executive of Retail NI, who said he was sad to see Connswater close. This very sad decision was not unexpected given that the Connswater has lost so many traders in recent years. Our thoughts are with the staff at this difficult and uncertain time for them and their families, he said. My first job was at Connswater and I have fond memories of working there as it was a part of the local community in east Belfast I hope that the centre is not allowed to fall into dereliction and will be repurposed to support local regeneration and economic development. Alliance Party MLA Peter McReynolds added: Connswater is located at the heart of east Belfast, and provides jobs and opportunities for local residents. "This news will have been a blow to the tenants whose businesses are within the shopping centre, and the many local residents who rely on their services. Alliance has reached out to Connswater to see how the process is being handled, and to ensure that any future decisions minimise staff disruption. His party colleague Councillor Fiona McAteer added: Connswater holds many cherished memories for the residents of east Belfast, and its unfortunate to see it closing, resulting in job losses for many people. I hope that in the future the shopping centre can be repurposed to create local jobs and opportunities, and become a hub where residents can shop and spend time together. SDLP councillor Seamas de Faoite added: The loss of Connswater will feel like a blow to many people across south & east Belfast, not just in economic terms but also as a loss of a somewhere which had been part of the fabric of the community. "I have many childhood memories of going there on Saturdays with my grandmother and her sisters, spending pocket money in Woolworths or Bargain Books, and having lunch in Pickwicks. Its clear that the current retail model wasn't working and that this part of the city needs something more to help it truly thrive, but that wont make it any easier for the staff who are losing their jobs and the people who regularly patronised these businesses. Lessons from the success of C.S. Lewis Square and EastSide also tell us that people value spaces which are welcoming, open and inclusive, with the potential for hosting events and creating opportunities to appreciate arts and culture. "This is the end of one chapter for this part of east Belfast, but all of us should grasp the opportunity to write a new one. Connswater News Catch Up - Friday 7th March Businesses in Belfast mall tell of anger at way announcement of closure has been handled Connswater Shopping Centre will close by the end of the month (Picture by Pacemaker) Tenants of Connswater Shopping Centre who were told about its closure only hours before it was publicly announced have expressed anger. The news on Friday morning was described as a sad day for East Belfast by local MP Gavin Robinson The 20 remaining commercial tenants in the centre, which opened in 1983, were informed it would be shutting in a fortnight. A senior manager of one charity with a lease at Connswater said it was a huge, huge shock. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Belfast Telegraph two letters confirming the closure were sent within minutes of each other on Friday morning. She said: We are disappointed with how the communication has been handled. To find out, as a tenant, that the very swift closure of the centre is expected on the same day that they made a public announcement is hugely disappointing. The charity uses its space to meet with its users, and has invested 20,000 in making it safe and welcoming. She added: As a charity, we worked very hard to raise that money. To have to relocate with no notice will significantly impact our financial viability. I will be meeting with our board and staff next week. Its a Friday, which is a very unfortunate day, when a number of part-time staff arent officially in work. It will be next week before I have an opportunity to look at next steps. It will be very costly to any charity to have to relocate, and it will significantly impact our ability to deliver services to our users. Were a very small team, and we would be unable to deliver a regular programme of activity. We need to relocate our premises, our office staff. All of our official registered addresses are registered to Connswater it is a huge bureaucratic and logistical issue to deal with. She added she had concerns about whether the way the closure news was communicated fulfilled the terms of the lease. Connswater opened in 1983 (Photo by Luke Jervis / Belfast Telegraph) Strand Arts Centre, which temporarily relocated to Connswater while its Belmont Road home is being refurbished, posted on Instagram: Like many of you, we only found out this morning that the landlord plans to close Connswater in just two weeks time. Whether this will happen remains uncertain. If you have booked for any screening, event, or workshop after the 21st March, we will be in touch as soon as we know if we have to relocate or refund events. Needless to say, we are devastated by the news weve received today. Weve invested a great deal of time and money in establishing ourselves at Connswater and weve been overwhelmed by the wonderful audiences weve attracted. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Lets hope this is not goodbye. Connswater informed tenants about the closure early on Friday morning, before receivers BDO NI sent further communication at 11am. A spokeswoman for Connswater Shopping Centre said: The evolving retail landscape, the loss of anchor tenants and difficult market conditions have made it increasingly challenging to sustain operations in a viable way. So, very regretfully and after much consideration of different options, we have now appointed BDO as fixed charge receivers for the centre. Connswater We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, tenants and staff who have supported Connswater Shopping Centre throughout the years. Your patronage and dedication have been invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of the community spirit that has been fostered here throughout our 20 years of ownership. We understand that this news will be disappointing to many. Connswater Shopping Centre has been more than just a shopping destination, it has been a part of the fabric of east Belfast. We deeply regret having to make this difficult decision. BDO NIs Michael Jennings and Brian Murphy have been appointed as fixed charge receivers, and will have control over certain assets. The goal of fixed charge receivers in the case of shopping centres is to recover funds owed to creditors. They are often appointed when money for a fixed charge has not been paid. They only have control over the asset linked to the charge, they do not have control over the business which owns the asset. In the case of a shopping centre, receivers will usually work towards preparing the property for sale. Review: This is the best Oasis have been since 96 some might say better... a rock reunion to end them all The manager of erotic dance group the Pleasure Boys believes it's ridiculous that the performers can no longer show full-frontal nudity in their Northern Irish shows, and said each dancer has now signed a waiver to say they won't fully strip in their return show to Belfast. A police officer told the boys inquest off-road vehicles were a massive problem province-wide A photo of nine-year-old Charlie Joyce at his funeral in 2022 A coroner has warned parents of the growing public safety concern posed by illegal off-road motorcycles as an inquest into the death of a child in Co Antrim who suffered catastrophic injuries in a scrambler crash concluded. Solicitors representing families of some of those killed or injured in the Enniskillen bomb have officially asked the Irish and UK Governments to conduct an independent cross-border investigation into claims that British security agents tampered with the IRA device. KRW Law requested that both governments establish a human rights-compliant probe into the Remembrance Day atrocity which claimed the lives of 12 people on November 8, 1987. The legal firm has sought guarantees of co-operation regarding the disclosure and compellability of evidence and witnesses on behalf of four families. The formal request was sent to the Minister for Justice Home Affairs and Migration in Dublin with specific reference to the original Garda investigation the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has also been asked to establish a statutory-public inquiry pursuant to the Inquiries Act 2005. Barry ODonnell, Associate Solicitor, KRW LAW said the attack is recognised as possibly making a turning point in the course of the Troubles and the consequences of the attack continue to scar the communities of Enniskillen and Co Fermanagh. Many rumours and much suspicion continue to surround all the circumstances about the PIRA bomb. Many of these allegations have persisted over many years, he said. Enniskillen bomb Most recently the work of Martin Dillon, who has written consistently on aspects of the troubles, has raised further matters of serious concern. Our representations today to the respective politicians in Dublin and Belfast request an independent cross-border ECHR (European Court of Human Rights) complaint investigation into all the surrounding circumstances of the Enniskillen Bombing 8 November 1987. We will be seeking meetings with both governments in due course. "This exercise must address continuing public concerns and allay the persistent rumours and suspicions regarding any political-security-intelligence agenda and or interference with the police investigation and which either enabled or failed to prevent the destruction of innocent lives and has subsequently protected the perpetrators and denied truth to the victims, their relatives and the survivors. Our clients make it clear that it was the PIRA who planted the bomb in Enniskillen on the 8 November 1987, however, these serious allegations need investigated and more importantly established if the bomb could have been prevented The blast killed 10 civilians and an undercover police officer in addition to injuring more than 60 others a twelfth man fell into a coma and died later. Many of the victims were elderly. KRW Law said the families it represents are deeply concerned about allegations made by journalist and author Martin Dillon in his new book The Sorrow and the Loss. "The families we represent know that it was the PIRA who planted the bomb that murdered their loved ones in Enniskillen on the 8 November, 1987. "However, the claims made by Martin Dillon, despite his caveat that such claims must be treated with considerable caution, raise issues of serious concern. The statement cites claims that the British and Irish Governments scrubbed files relating to the Enniskillen Bombing and allegations from several sources that Mr Dillon trusted insisting a key document was concealed among the concerns in addition to claims that both states knew about the PIRA attack and allowed it to happen. Assertions that M15 tampered with the bombs timing mechanism determining that the explosion would devastate PIRAs public image are also cited. A young Co Londonderry girl who was struck by a car while getting off the school bus will be laid to rest this weekend. Caitlin-Rose McMullan (11) died shortly after the collision which happened just outside the village of Castledawson on Wednesday afternoon. The former St Pius X College pupil will be buried following Requiem Mass in in Church of St Mary, Bellaghy, at 2.30pm on Sunday. The cortege will leave the family home on Broagh Road, close to where the tragedy unfolded, an hour before the service begins. Beloved daughter of Colm and Stella and dear sister of Shea, granddaughter of Mehall & Kate and Rosemary & Clement, the funeral notice states. Forever loved by her dad, mum, brother, grandparents and all the McMullan and McGinn families and their extended family circle and friends. "Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. A wake for the young girl, who has been remembered as bubbly and caring, will begin on Friday evening. Caitlin-Rose was rushed to hospital in Belfast following the accident, but succumbed to her injuries. Caitlin Rose McMullan. Photo: McCusker Bros Funeral Directors News Catch Up - Friday 7th March Staff at her school expressed profound sadness at the loss of one of its first year pupils and offered condolences to her grieving family and friends including Caitlins brother Shea who also attends the school. Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling," a statement read. "Her form teachers described her as a joy to teach due to her kind and fun-loving nature. She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike. "Over the course of Year 8, Caitlin-Rose earned numerous accolades for excellent effort and outstanding classwork, approaching every assignment with interest and enthusiasm. Caitlin Roses friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services. Meanwhile, local parish priest Very Rev John Gates said the community has been left distraught by the tragedy. Education Minister Paul Givan said he was deeply shocked and saddened by what happened. "As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news, he said. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident. Penelope Newman, who underwent surgery to restore her sense of smell because of long Covid (PA) People who lost their sense of smell, and accompanying taste, because of long Covid, have had it restored thanks to nasal surgery. Experts at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) used a technique for correcting blocked nasal passages on patients who have suffered a profound loss of smell after Covid infection. Researchers believe between 50,000 and 100,000 people in the UK are suffering the effects of smell loss because of long Covid. One 27-year-old patient in the new UCLH study has had her sense of smell return almost to normal and is now expanding the range of foods she can eat. All patients taking part in the research had an impaired sense of smell for longer than two years and had failed on other treatments, such as smell training and corticosteroids. The operation, known as functional septorhinoplasty (fSRP), is typically used to correct any deviation of the nasal septum, increasing the size of nasal passageways. This increases the airflow into the olfactory region, at the roof of the nasal cavity, which controls smell. The team behind the new study said the surgery allows an increased amount of odorants (chemical compounds that have a smell) to reach the roof of the nose, where sense of smell is located. They believe increasing the delivery of odorants to this area kick starts smell recovery in patients who have lost their sense of smell to long Covid. Penelope Newman, 27, from south London, took part in the trial. Her results have been published in the journal Facial Plastic Surgery. She said: Before I had the surgery on my nose, I had begun to accept that I would probably never be able to smell or taste things the way I used to. It seemed dire, and after around two and a half years of parosmia (impaired sense of smell), I had totally changed my lifestyle. For those who have experienced this, they will know how isolating it can be. The food I could cook and eat was so limited, and I couldnt go out to restaurants as I would feel unwell. Getting something as drastic as surgery was a risk I was willing to take on the small chance it might help. Since the surgery, I have begun to enjoy food and smells the same way I used to. I can now cook and eat garlic and onions and people can cook for me too. I can go out to eat with my friends and family. My taste and smell have almost returned to normal. Im not sure if it will ever fully return as I still have a small reduction in it, but I am so glad that I am no longer as isolated as I once was. I will never take my senses for granted ever again. The new research was led by Professor Peter Andrews, senior consultant surgeon in rhinology and facial plastic surgery, and Alfonso Luca Pendolino, then senior rhinology fellow at UCLH. It included 25 long Covid patients, with 12 of the patients undergoing fSRP, while the control group of 13 patients continued with smell training sniffing the same scents repeatedly for the study. Sense of smell was measured over the duration of the study by using the Sniffin Sticks test, a widely-used clinical test to detect smell. All patients who had fSRP reported an improved sense of smell compared with none of the patients in the sniff test group, where 40% actually reported a worsening sense of smell. The experts said the surgery was particularly good at increasing odour sensitivity by lowering the odour threshold the minimal concentration of an odour a person can actually smell which is specifically noted in long Covid patients with an impaired sense of smell. Prof Andrews told the PA news agency that sense of smell is bit like a muscle, adding: The more you use it, the stronger it is. Just like a muscle. He added: If youre breathing normally through your nose, you can just feel the air moving in the lower part of the nose, and you probably dont even notice it, but when you sniff, you can feel the air going up into the olfactory area, the roof of the nose. What this operation does is it increases that airway. The surgery increases the airway by about 30%, so air flow also increases by about 30%. Prof Andrews added: Theres a big group of patients who are still suffering with this problem of smell dysfunction following Covid infection three or four years ago. This study has shown impressive results if we apply the principle of increasing the nasal or olfactory airway, were getting a reactivation of the sense of smell and then an improvement of the sense of smell. With long Covid anosmia youve got patients, fundamentally, who cant smell or smell very poorly, so we need to somehow wake them up. And this operation sort of does that. It sort of wakes up the olfactory mucosa and then it builds on it through the increased nasal airway hitting that area, more odorants hitting that area and were getting this impressive recovery in the majority of the patients. All patients we operated on improved. Prof Andrews said persistent Covid anosmia is still a problem for an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 people. Its the sort of forgotten group of people, to be honest, he said. If you lose your sense of smell it has incredible consequences. Its not until youve lost your sense of smell (that you realise) how it affects your taste, how it affects your daily living. As a follow-up, researchers are now looking at the brain changes that happen following fSRP, which could explain its long-term benefits. Vanya Gaberova in spy glasses shown to the jury in the trial of Tihomir Ivanchev, Gaberova, and Katrin Ivanova at the Old Bailey (Metropolitan Police/PA) A counter-terrorism chief has warned of the growing trend of Russia using criminal proxies to spy on British soil as a group of Bulgarians were convicted of carrying out operations on an industrial scale. Commander Dominic Murphy, the head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command vowed never to take his eye off the ball as he hailed his teams success. In an interview with the PA news agency, he said: This is one of the largest and most complex examples of a group working for a foreign state to conduct intelligence surveillance operations here in the UK so it is a very significant case and I am very proud of the investigation team and the success they have had. This investigation uncovered spying on behalf of the Russian state on an industrial case, in this case committed by a group of Bulgarians contracted by an individual to conduct that spying on behalf of Russia. As the UK becomes a more hostile environment as a result of our work we will see them increasingly use proxies to conduct their activities. On Friday, Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were found guilty at the Old Bailey of plotting to spy for Russia. They will be sentenced in May alongside three more Bulgarians who had admitted their part in the operation. The spies began operating within two years of a botched assassination attempt on Sergei Skripal in Salisbury in 2018 which led to the death of innocent member of the public Dawn Sturgess. Dawn Sturgess died in 2018 after being exposed to the Novichok nerve agent that had been discarded in a perfume bottle following the attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia (Met Police/PA) They carried out detailed surveillance and intelligence gathering on a number of people and places of interest to Russia and even discussed launching kidnap and honeytrap plots. On the threat they posed, Mr Murphy said: My concern has always been what that lifestyle surveillance was going to lead to and we have seen a long history of the Russian state conducting operations here in the UK, including lethal threat operations like the investigation in Salisbury. Certainly national security was at stake as a result of this investigation but, yes, there was physical threat to individuals here in the UK which is one of the reasons we treat investigations like this so seriously in counter-terrorism police. The ring was smashed in raids on properties in London and ringleader Orlin Roussevs address in Great Yarmouth in February 2023, where police uncovered a treasure trove of hi-tech spyware. A former guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, where police arrested spy chief Orlin Roussev in 2023 (Met Police/PA) Mr Murphy said: We conducted a warrant at an address in Great Yarmouth that was a former guesthouse, so a very large premises, and in that premises we found what I would describe as a treasure trove of highly sophisticated surveillance equipment, both audio and visual equipment devices, some very very sophisticated devices designed to gather digital information from their targets. I have never seen anything link this in my more than 20 years in counter-terrorism. It was an extremely sophisticated operation. Minion soft toys adapted into spy devices were found in a search of Orlin Roussevs address in Great Yarmouth (Met Police/PA) To give you some idea of the things we found, we found some cuddly toys, a Minion toy, that had been converted into an audio-visual surveillance device. We found some things you might be able to purchase online that had been heavily modified and even made by (Orlin) Roussev to look like everyday items, ties that had audio-visual devices in them, a rock that had (an) audio-visual device, lots of thing that can be hidden and used in order for them to conduct their surveillance. He said it was like something from a spy novel and provided an insight into the scale and sophistication of the operation. Even though the spies adopted names of Hollywood action stars in light-hearted messages, what they were discussing was deadly serious. Mr Murphy said: This group had nicknames for each other and reading some of the messages and seeing some of the content on the devices you might be tempted to think this is not a serious threat but behind those nicknames was an extremely sophisticated intelligence gathering operation that posed a real threat to national security and a real threat to individuals, including journalists. Of course we guard the free press proudly in the UK but this group was targeting people who were writing stories that were harmful to Russia so it was really important for us to disrupt the threat they posed. On the challenges faced by enemy states operating on UK soil, he said: Within counter-terrorism policing we are seeing more than 20% of our demand now coming from threat posed from foreign states to our national security so this is an ever growing challenge for us. We are committed to working closely with intelligence agencies in this country and our international partners to disrupt activity by foreign states. We have been working hard to make the UK a hostile working operating environment for these countries and this is an example of that because this group were contracted to operate on behalf of Russian intelligence services because this is a hostile environment for them to operate in directly here. So some positives but we will never take our eye off the ball working with our partners to keep the UK safe. He added: I think this is a good case to demonstrate to individuals why when they are approached on behalf of foreign states and conduct activities here in the UK they should say no to that activity and report it to the authorities. Members of the Abed family warm up by a fire at a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in the Mawasi region, Rafah, southern Gaza Strip (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) The Trump administrations cuts to USAID have frozen hundreds of millions of dollars in contractual payments to aid groups, leaving them paying out of pocket to preserve a fragile ceasefire, according to officials from the US humanitarian agency. The cutbacks threaten to halt the small gains aid workers have made combatting Gazas humanitarian crisis during the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. They also could endanger the tenuous truce, which the Trump administration helped cement. A sprawling tent camp for displaced Palestinians sits adjacent to destroyed homes and buildings in Gaza City (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) USAID was supposed to fund much of the aid to Gaza as the ceasefire progressed, and the Trump administration approved over 383 million dollars on January 31 to that end, according to three USAID officials. But since then, there have been no confirmed payments to any partners in the Middle East, they said. The officials, who have survived multiple rounds of furloughs, spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. Two senior officials at aid organisations confirmed they have not received any of the promised funds, after spending millions of dollars on supplies and services. They said they could not afford to continue aid operations indefinitely. Some organisations have already reported laying off workers and scaling down operations, according to internal USAID information shared with the Associated Press. That could imperil the ceasefire, under which Hamas is supposed to release hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners and ramping up the entry of humanitarian assistance. The US established very specific, concrete commitments for aid delivery under the ceasefire, and there is no way to fulfil those as long as the funding freeze is in place, said Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International and a former USAID official. A displaced Palestinian woman sits in the doorway to her tent adjacent to destroyed homes and buildings in Gaza City (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) USAID has been one of the biggest targets of a broad campaign by President Donald Trump and Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to slash the size of the government. USAID payments frozen, some NGOs scale down Gaza response Before Mr Trump took office, USAID had roughly 446 million dollars to disperse to partner organisations in Gaza in 2025, the USAID officials said. But after Mr Trump froze global foreign assistance, USAIDs Gaza team had to submit a waiver to ensure the funds for Gaza aid could continue to flow. They received approval on January 31 to secure over 383 million dollars in funding, less than two weeks after the US-brokered ceasefire was reached. Some 40 million dollars was subsequently cut under a measure that no money be provided for aid in the form of direct cash assistance. USAID then signed contracts with eight partner organisations, including prominent NGOs and UN agencies, awarding them money to flood supplies and services into Gaza. Then, the officials said, they began hearing that organisations were not receiving the promised payments even as they had already spent millions, expecting USAID reimbursement. Trucks line up at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip (Mohamed Arafat/AP) Some of those organisations are now spending less and scaling back programmes. The International Medical Corps, a global non-profit that provides medical and development assistance, was awarded 12 million dollars to continue operations at two hospitals in Gaza. These include the largest field hospital in Gaza, whose construction was funded by USAID at the request of the Israeli government, according to internal USAID information. It has now requested payback of over one million dollars, said one USAID official, adding that the freeze has forced the organisation to lay off some 700 staff members and offer only basic services at the hospitals, with a skeletal crew. A former IMC worker, who quit citing lack of stability, said the programme providing life-saving treatment for malnutrition was almost frozen for lack of funds. The former staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the organisations details, said the current nutrition services were at a minimum level. Meanwhile, termination letters severing the contracts between USAID and Gaza partners were also sent out to organisations that were major providers of shelter, child protection and logistical support in the Gaza aid operation, a USAID official said. Some of the termination letters seen by the AP were signed by new USAID deputy chief Peter Marocco a returning political appointee from Mr Trumps first term. Palestinians queue to purchase bread outside a bakery in Gaza City (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) They instruct organisations to immediately cease all activities and avoid additional spending chargeable to the award, citing a directive from secretary of state Marco Rubio. USAID Gaza response in crisis as truce is tenuous In addition to the spending freeze, officials say USAID has been wracked by internal chaos and the introduction of arbitrary regulations since the new administration took office. During the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire, Israel had to allow at least 600 trucks of aid into Gaza a day, as well as 60,000 temporary homes and 200,000 tents. Two USAID officials said the agency was originally supposed to buy 400 temporary homes that would make it into Gaza by the end of Phase 1 of the deal, and over 5,200 more during the next phase. That figure has since been slashed to just over 1,000. USAID was never able to purchase the mobile homes because of newly-imposed policies requiring extra approvals for procurements. On February 2, some 40% of the Gaza team was locked out of their email accounts and software necessary to track awards, move payments and communicate with the organisations. Mona Al-Zebda, displaced from Gaza City, bakes bread at a tent camp for displaced Palestinians at the Muwasi, Rafah (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) An email sent immediately following the lockout came from Gavin Kliger, a DOGE staffer. Access to the servers has now been restored, the officials said, but the team is smaller after waves of layoffs. From an original team of about 30 people, only six or seven remain. Very few mobile homes entered Gaza during Phase 1 of the ceasefire, which ended last week, prompting Hamas to accuse Israel of violating the truce. Israel has cut off all aid shipments into Gaza in a bid to pressure Hamas to accept an extension of the ceasefire. That has sent aid groups scrambling to distribute reserves of food and shelter to the most needy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is considering cutting off electricity to raise the pressure on Hamas. With USAID in flux, the US risks losing its influence, said Dave Harden, the former USAID assistant administrator of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Aid and a long-time director of the agencys work in the Palestinian territories. US aid assistance to Palestinians never, ever equated to US assistance to Israel, never quite balanced, but always gave us a seat at the table, always helped us to have real discussions with both the Palestinians and the Israelis about what the future might hold, Mr Harden said. Now, he said: Were just simply not at the table in a meaningful way, and so I think the ceasefire is fragile. The Polish government is working on a plan to prepare large-scale military training for every adult male in response to the changing security situation in Europe. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said there is a need for an army of 500,000 soldiers, which would include reservists. In a major speech on security to the countrys Sejm, the lower house of parliament, he said: We will try to have a model ready by the end of this year, so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war. So that this reserve is really comparable and adequate to potential threats. Last year, the Polish government said the military encompassed about 200,000 soldiers and was to grow to 220,000 this year with the objective of increasing it to about 300,000. 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 But security fears have grown far more dramatic in recent weeks, as Russia continues to pound Ukraine with missiles and drones, and as the Trump administration in the US has withdrawn military and intelligence support for Ukraine while putting its commitments to Nato in question. Today we are talking about the need for a half-million army in Poland, Mr Tusk said. After his speech, he told reporters that he was not considering a return of universal military service, but rather a reserve system based on the model in Switzerland. There, every man is obliged to serve in the military or an alternative civilian service and women can volunteer if they choose. Poland, with a population of 38 million people, is located along Natos eastern flank and is deeply concerned by the war in Ukraine. There are fears that if Ukraine is defeated, Russia will turn its imperial ambitions next to countries like Poland, which Moscow controlled during the 19th century and during the Cold War. Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the head of Polands largest opposition party, the conservative Law and Justice, said a mental shift in society would also be needed in addition to the military training of men. We will have a return to the chivalric ethos and to the fact that men should also be soldiers, that is, be able to expose themselves, even to death, Mr Kaczynski said. Concern has grown in Poland and across most of Europe as US President Donald Trump has signalled a dramatically shifting US position to one that includes support for Russias position even though on Friday he issued a stern warning to Russia after it attacked Ukrainian energy facilities with dozens of missiles and drones. If Ukraine loses the war or if it accepts the terms of peace, armistice, or capitulation in such a way that weakens its sovereignty and makes it easier for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to gain control over Ukraine, then, without a doubt, and we can all agree on that, Poland will find itself in a much more difficult geopolitical situation, Mr Tusk said. Also on Friday, President Andrzej Duda said he was submitting an amendment to the Polish constitution for consideration which would oblige the country to spend at least 4% of its gross domestic product each year on defence. Poland is already Natos top spender on defence as a percentage of its overall economy, spending above 4% of its GDP this year. But Mr Duda said he wanted to take advantage of the consensus on the current political scene in Poland to enshrine it in the highest law. Mr Trump has suggested that the US might abandon its commitments to the alliance if member countries do not meet defence spending targets. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a meeting with a group of defence officials in Tehran (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) By Jon Gambrell and Will Weissert, Associated Press By Jon Gambrell and Will Weissert, Associated Press US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, seeking a new deal with Tehran to restrain its rapidly advancing nuclear programme and replace the one he withdrew America from during his first term in office. Iranian state media immediately picked up on Mr Trumps acknowledgment, given in portions of a Fox Business News interview aired on Friday. But there was no confirmation from Mr Khameneis office that any letter had been received. President Donald Trump departs after addressing a joint session of congress at the Capitol in Washington DC (Alex Brandon/AP) The interview is expected to air in full on Sunday. It also remained unclear just how the 85-year-old supreme leader would react, given that former US president Barack Obama had kept his letters to Mr Khamenei secret ahead of the start of negotiations for Tehrans 2015 deal with world powers. Mr Trumps acknowledgment comes as both Israel and the US have warned they will never let Iran acquire a nuclear weapon, leading to fears of a military confrontation as Tehran enriches uranium at near weapons-grade levels a purity only sought by atomic-armed nations. Ive written them a letter saying, I hope youre going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, its going to be a terrible thing, Mr Trump said. He later added that he had sent the letter yesterday in the interview, which was filmed on Thursday. Trumps outreach comes amid tensions The White House confirmed Mr Trumps comments, saying that he sent a letter to Irans leaders seeking to negotiate a nuclear deal. I would rather negotiate a deal. Im not sure that everybody agrees with me, but we can make a deal that would be just as good as if you won militarily, Mr Trump added. But the time is happening now. The time is coming up. Somethings going to happen one way or the other. I hope youre going to negotiate because its going to be a lot better for Iran and I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something because you cant let them have a nuclear weapon. Iran long has maintained its programme is for peaceful purposes, even as its officials increasingly threaten to pursue the bomb as tensions are high with the US over its sanctions and with Israel as a shaky ceasefire holds in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Since Mr Trump returned to the White House, his administration has consistently said that Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons. A report last month, however, by the United Nations nuclear watchdog said Iran has accelerated its production of near weapons-grade uranium. Mr Trumps first term in office was marked by a particularly troubled period in relations with Tehran. In 2018, he unilaterally withdrew the US from Irans nuclear deal with world powers, leading to sanctions hobbling the economy. He ordered the killing of the countrys top general in a Baghdad drone strike in 2020. Irans enriched uranium stockpile surges Under the original 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was allowed to enrich uranium only up to 3.67% purity and maintain a stockpile of uranium of 300 kilograms (661 pounds). The last report by the International Atomic Energy Agency on Irans programme put its stockpile at 8,294.4 kilograms (18,286 pounds) as it enriches to 60% purity. Irans accelerated production of near weapons-grade uranium puts more pressure on Mr Trump as he has repeatedly said he is open to negotiations with the Islamic Republic while also increasingly targeting Irans oil sales with sanctions as part of his reimposed maximum pressure policy. Mr Khamenei in a speech last August opened the door to talks with the US, saying there is no harm in engaging with the enemy. However, more recently he tempered that, saying that negotiations with America are not intelligent, wise or honourable after Mr Trump floated nuclear talks with Tehran. Belfast drug dealer who battered sleeping partner after row avoids prison Thug, 33, walks out of court again despite punching his partner in the face Warren Whiteside John Toner Fri 7 Mar 2025 at 07:14 A convicted drug dealer who attacked his girlfriend as she slept on a sofa has avoided prison a week after receiving a suspended sentence for assaulting police officers. Business Eyewear company Warby Parker will open its new location at the Old Mill District on Saturday. The company Opinion Here are some questions the candidates for the interim Deschutes County Sheriff should answer: Is there anything in 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. BENNINGTON The Select Board held what was termed an information session Thursday on a developers revised plans for the Chelsea Solar and Apple Hill Solar projects proposed in the Apple Hill area of town. However, some residents and local officials might have seen the two-hour discussion as a case of TMI, or too much information given that the commercial-size solar projects were first proposed a decade ago and have been argued exhaustively before the state Public Unity Commission [PUC] and in the courts. Both 2-megawatt capacity facilities have been revised over the years, as the developer, Allco Renewable Energy, LTD., unsuccessfully sought permits from the PUC and/or mounted appeals of denials to the Vermont Supreme Court and filed other actions in state courts. The bottom line, Select Board Vice Chair Ed Woods noted at one point, is that the board will be looking at whether the revised plans can be considered as on a preferred site under the Town Plan for solar development. PUC denials of permits for the projects have primarily focused on compatibility with the Town Plan and its energy section, but the developers contend the plans now allow the project to meet the definition of a preferred solar site. Board Chair Jeannie Jenkins said after the session that the next step will be to have the proposals reviewed by the town Planning Commission before the Select Board can consider commenting or otherwise participating in the PUC permitting process. One thing is certain, the permitting history of the projects including steadfast opposition from many neighbors and others in town continues to be way too complicated, in the words of Annette Smith, executive director of Vermonters For A Clean Environment, who has closely followed the process for several years and commented Thursday via Zoom. Project presentation As he has on other occasions, Rodney Galton, a senior project manager with the developer, provided a slideshow presentation on the status of the projects. He was joined by consultant Michael Buscher, a principal and landscape architect AT T.J. Boyle Associates. Galton said both project sites are north of Willow Road on a 27.3-acre parcel and would require 9.54 acres of site clearing for Chelsea Solar and 8.5 acres of clearing for Apple Hill Solar. The two arrays were shown on slides with the rectangular Chelsea site oriented north-south just east of Route 7 as it climbs toward Shaftsbury, and the Apple Hill project situated east-west below it and just north of Willow Road, which connects to the project access road. Referring to project opposition related to the sites visibility on the prominent scenic hillside, Galton said, This project was redesigned to avoid the same project visibility. The Town Plan has mapped areas where solar development is preferred and also allows a site to be considered preferred if it meets certain criteria, such as existing natural screening of a solar array. That is the provision the developer is trying to meet in its permit application. Community members also provided statements against the projects, including Dianna Leazer, who described the experience of residents of the Apple Hill housing development as they opposed the projects over many years. You folks have been at us for over ten years, Leazer said. You have sued everyone the town, the Apple Hill [Homeowners] Association. You have sued my husband and I individually; you have sued individuals in the AHAA. You have bullied and harassed us for over ten years. Every time you make a proposal, it is denied. When are you going to stop? She added, I would really like to thank the Select Board for upholding the Town Plan, for being thoughtful and taking great care and consideration over all of these years, no matter how much you have been harassed and sued. State Rep. Mary Morrissey, R-Bennington, who has been a supporter of the neighbors opposed to the projects, said the photo simulations of views of the project site were inadequate, despite the many years the projects have been proposed. Peter Lawrence questioned the information provided about views from Route 279 as it passes south of the project site and the state Welcome Center, and Wendy Lawrence, participating via Zoom, said more information was needed on views from other areas of town as well, especially in light of the possible impacts on visitors and the tourism economy. Buscher responded by saying a visual impact study and much other information provided by the developer for the project is extremely detailed and can be found in documents filed with the PUC. The documents can be accessed online at ePUC, which stores all comments, plans and plan revisions, PUC actions and other information on an energy project and can be reached through the PUC website. Projects can be searched by town or title or by providing a case number. The commission is the entity that determines whether a permit a certificate of public good will be issued. Bill Knight, president of the Apple Hill Homeowners Association, asked whether the changes in the site plan and removal of trees would require an updated noise impact study in place of one done about a decade ago. Michael Melone, senior counsel with the development firm, who participated via Zoom, said that previous study should still be accurate. Support voiced Among speakers speaking in favor of the proposals, Paul King, a resident of the Apple Hill housing development, make a point he has voiced before -- that not all residents of that area are opposed to the projects. There are people living on Apple Hill that are very much in favor of this, said. That sentiment was echoed by another resident, Carol Frome, who said she and husband also support the project, as did numerous others. However, Knight countered that, as homeowner association president, he doesnt believe more than four residents among 35 in the neighborhood support the projects. Joey Kulkin, who once opposed and now has publicly supported the proposals, said, After ten years, ideas change, perspectives change. Kulkin also read from minutes of a November Bennington County Regional Commission energy committee meeting, quoting retired executive director Jim Sullivan a recently elected Select Board member who will join the board in April on the suitability of the Apple Hill area for solar projects. Kulkin argued that BCRC and Sullivan considered that a prime solar site. Sullivan, who attended the meeting, said afterward that the November meeting included a general discussion of the topic of areas around the county that might be suitable for solar projects. He added that provisions in a town energy plan, such as Benningtons, would always be given deference on any specific site, and that any questions on the views of the BCRC should be directed to the current commission staff. Callie Fishburn is the BCRCs Regional Planner and Energy Program manager. Kulkin also prompted the board to summon town police when he did not stop speaking and sit down when asked by Jenkins. The chairwoman said the purpose of the meeting was to hear from experts with the development company about the project and that he was off-topic and eventually out of order. Asked to stop talking, Kulkin responded, No, call the cops, after which Jenkins asked Town Manager Stuart Hurd to summon police. Two officers responded but remained outside the meeting doorway, and there were no incidents. The informational meeting was recorded by CAT-TV and can be viewed through its Facebook page or YouTube channel. The town also plans to post the meeting link on its website. Allco also has a 2.2-megawatt project called Battle Creek Solar, which was approved and is operating on a site off North Bennington Road, and the company has received a permit for a 2.2-megawatt project called Stark Solar, which is under construction off Rice Lane, along with another proposed project on Rice Lane. PITTSFIELD Several educators at Stearns Elementary School have been placed on paid administrative leave following allegations that children were placed in "time out" in a closed bathroom, in violation of district and state regulations. In a letter to families, Superintendent Joseph Curtis said Stearns Principal Sara Luciani was made aware on Feb. 26 that staff in two classrooms Room 1 and Room 7 "were using a classroom bathroom in Room 7 as a place for students to de-escalate." Curtis said Luciani investigated immediately and informed district administrators, who filed a "51A" report with the Department of Children and Families. That number refers to the chapter of state law mandating that educators and others working with children report their suspicion of abuse or neglect. "The staff members allegedly involved in this practice to correct student behavior were placed on administrative leave on Friday, February 28, 2025," Curtis said. He did not identify the educators placed on leave, or how many were affected. The investigation and allegations come as the city schools are working to overcome multiple challenges, including allegations of misbehavior by staff at Pittsfield High School and Superintendent Joseph Curtis' unexpected resignation announcement last month. A parent of one of the students, speaking on condition their name not be used, told The Eagle that the incidents took place in an inclusive classroom at Stearns. Complaints have been filed with Pittsfield Police and the state Department of Children and Families, the parent said, adding that multiple parents reached out to police. Pittsfield Police Chief Thomas Dawley confirmed that officers were dispatched to Stearns School to assist on Feb. 28. This is an ongoing investigation and has been referred to another agency. The parent said they were told that an educator held the door handle so their child could not exit. Its a nightmare thats the only way I can put it, the parent said. As a [special education] parent its my worst nightmare. Youre putting your trust in these people and praying theyre good educated people. The use of seclusion as a form of time out is expressly barred by state regulations. Mechanical restraint, medication restraint, and seclusion shall be prohibited in public education programs, the regulation states. It's also expressly prohibited by district policy, and "violation of this policy by any employee will not be tolerated under any circumstances," Curtis said. "It is also important to mention that the bathrooms in Room 7 are designed without locks on either the bathroom or classroom side." For a child with special needs, the trauma of being held in an enclosed space lasts well beyond the time spent there, the parent told The Eagle. They're going to connect the behavior to the bathroom, the parent said. They're making them think, OK, you're in here because of bad behavior, youre here for a time out, you're here because you're having a hard time. You're in here because you're having a big emotions. They are going to link that to using the bathroom. They are going to develop a fear of the bathroom. According to the parent, Luciani has been covering the classroom since Friday, and every adult and staff member in that room was put on leave." They also said Luciani and interim Assistant Superintendent Matthew Bishop reached out by phone to apologize. Curtis' statement said families were notified "immediately" and families in Rooms 1 and 7 were contacted earlier this week, "informing them of immediate staff changes and support for all students in these rooms." "We recognize the deep concern this situation may cause for students, families, and staff, and we are committed to maintaining open lines of communication as we work toward a resolution," Curtis said. He encouraged anyone with additional questions or concerns to reach out to Bishop "as we navigate this process with the seriousness it demands." The parent said their child, who has autism, formerly was a student at another city elementary school, but transferred to Stearns because it offers inclusive classrooms with children of all learning types. Because the child does not readily communicate verbally, I have to go off what other parents say, the parent said. All you can do is hope for the best when you have a nonverbal child; they cant tell you. The district is still pursuing a "full and accurate account of the events," Curtis said. "We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and are committed to ensuring a thorough, transparent, and fair investigation. Our top priority remains the safety, dignity, and well-being of every student in our care. Any actions that compromise the trust placed in us by families and the community will be addressed with decisive and appropriate measures." The investigation comes amid a difficult year for the city schools. In December, Pittsfield High School Dean of Students Lavante Wiggins was arrested and charged with cocaine distribution. That was followed by allegations of inappropriate behavior against several other current and former employees, and investigations by the Department of Children and Families and by the Pittsfield Schools, employing a Springfield law firm. Dean of Students Molly West has returned to work at PHS after a third-party investigation headed by retired Superior Court Judge Mary-Lou Rup found the allegations against her "unsupported." School Committee Chairman William Cameron has said it's his understanding that DCF came to the same conclusion in its investigation of West, but did not know for certain. A message left with DCF Commissioner Staverne Miller's office was not immediately returned. In most cases DCF declines to confirm or deny its investigations. The Rup investigation has yet to return findings on allegations against Wiggins or PHS Vice Principal Alison Shepard. But Shepard told The Eagle last week that a DCF investigation into allegations against her has also ended with the agency finding those allegations "unsupported." Another former PHS faculty member, Robert Barsanti, is facing a federal lawsuit brought by a current PHS student, claiming sexual harassment. The schools are also named as a defendant in that lawsuit. PITTSFIELD When President Donald Trump recently called Ukrainian President Zelenskyy a dictator, it did not sit well with veteran Hector Rosa. He's not, said Rosa, a Pittsfield resident who served in the Marine Corps. He's the president of Ukraine. He should be treated with respect, just like anyone else that comes to this country to talk to our president, and [President Trump] treated [Zelensky] like hes a dog. Rosa and other local veterans recently shared their feelings about current events at the Oval Office, where after a contentious meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump halted military aid shipments to Ukraine and stopped sharing intelligence on Russia. The decision marks a significant shift in United States policy toward the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as the U.S. has been a key supplier of weapons and training for Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022. Lenwood Woody Vaspra, a Vietnam veteran and commander of the American Legion post in Pittsfield, strongly disapproves of the policy shift, and views it as a betrayal of democratic allies. We dont change directions in the middle of something, Vaspra said on Monday in between bites of his lunch at the Pittsfield Elks Lodge. Vaspra and Rosa were among the some dozen veterans who had gathered that day for the Building Bridges Veterans Initiative luncheon, which offered a free meal for veterans, their friends and family, or anyone concerned about veterans' issues. But for those gathered around the tables who served their country in different capacities spanning decades, countries and conflicts current politics made the list of concerns. As a Cold War veteran, Vaspra said the United States needs to maintain strong diplomatic ties with allies such as NATO or risk another major war. Our relationships with other countries are very important, and it comes from being allies and helping each other, because there are people that want to take over countries, as we know. We see it all over, all the time, said Vaspra, warning against the dangers of Russia. I don't care what political party you are What we need is a good, stable, diplomatic program. Rosa echoed Vaspras disapproval with an even more critical stance on the Trump administrations recent actions. I think the administration sucks, said Rosa. The man thats in there is very disrespectful. [Trumps] a bully, and in my opinion, he wants to be a dictator. Rosa also condemned Trumps perceived support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that Putin should not be trusted to stick to a ceasefire without security guarantees and that Ukraine should be directly involved in any negotiations. [Putins] taken over so much already," Rosa said. "He's not gonna give it back." For Rosa, the stakes extend far beyond Ukraine. He fears that if Putin succeeds, he wont stop there. If [Putin] moves into Ukraine, what's his next step? Is he going to go over to Poland, take over Poland, then what? Is he going to go further?" Rosa said. In a separate interview, the commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 448 in Pittsfield, Arnold Arnie Perras, emphasized that the United States must help defend democracies like Ukraine before the threat reaches American soil. It's better to fight a war on somebody else's battlefield, in another country that needs to be defending itself, compared to having to wait until that conflict is right here, Perras said. The same thing can happen in this country, just like what's happening in Ukraine. Perras believes that all parties should focus on reaching a peace agreement, but until then, the United States should keep sending aid to Ukraine as long as all of the funds are accounted for. When it comes down to it, the men only want one thing to come out of this unprecedented situation peace. War shouldn't be happening, Vaspra said. What we are here on Earth for is learning how to get along together as humans and all living things. The early 19th century barn, whose last residents were bats, is now headed to Egremont, where it will be restored in preparation for a new life and a new owner who cant wait to figure out exactly what to do with it. On Feb. 12, 1946, Sgt. Isaac Woodard Jr. was honorably discharged from the Army after nearly four years of service in a largely Black unit in the Pacific. That night, still in uniform, he was heading home to North Carolina on a Greyhound bus when it was stopped by local police outside Batesburg, S.C. The cops dragged him off, roughed him up and threw him in jail. There, he was beaten further with a nightstick by Police Chief Lenwood Shull, who was apparently angered by Woodards response of Yes to the chiefs questions instead of Yes, sir. The beating punctured both of Woodards eyes, blinding him permanently. At the time, Harry S. Truman was in the Oval Office, having assumed the presidency upon Franklin D. Roosevelts death two years earlier. Truman had grown up in the former slave state of Missouri, where his maternal and paternal grandparents owned slaves. He told racist jokes, supported segregation and opposed intermarriage. But the Woodard incident outraged him. Truman convened a presidential committee on civil rights and, in 1948, issued executive orders ending racial segregation in the armed forces and throughout the federal government. The Civil Rights Movement may be remembered as a hallmark of the 1960s, but it was President Truman who got the ball rolling. And now his latest successor is trying to roll it back. Encouraged by white nationalists and far-right ideologues, Donald Trump has launched a war against Black Americans as well as against women, immigrants, the disabled, gay and trans communities and other traditionally disadvantaged minorities. Much of this campaign is directed at the notions of woke (Civil Rights-era slang for being aware of discrimination) and DEI (the pursuit of diversity, equity and inclusion). Conservatives have demonized both tendencies as unfair to other Americans, especially straight white males. In his efforts, the president seems determined to undo more than a half-century of progress toward equality. Consider these recent federal decrees, pronouncements and policy changes: In the military, still perhaps the most racially integrated institution in the U.S. (thanks, Harry), Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth fired the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., along with several other commanders who happen to be Black or female or who have supported diversity. Hegseth has also ordered the expulsion of transgender troops from the military and disparaged the fitness of women for service. In the realm of education, where minorities have made considerable progress in recent decades, Trump has vowed to abolish the federal Department of Education responsible for many of those gains and purge curriculums and libraries of references to Black history, feminism and other now-taboo topics. The president signed an order banning diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring and promotion decisions at federal agencies and their private contractors. He also ordered an end to federal support for gender-affirming health care. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission asked judges to reject seven lawsuits it had filed earlier on behalf of transgender Americans over workplace harassment. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy claimed that diversity goals for hiring air traffic controllers contributed to a deadly Jan. 29 plane crash in Washington, D.C. Other Trump officials noted that the pilot of a military helicopter involved in the disaster was a woman. Indeed, almost every day there is some new assault on the competence of women and minorities. Several lawsuits brought by white males are wending their way through federal courts alleging reverse discrimination. The plaintiffs argument, echoed by the president, is that hiring decisions and college admissions choices should be based on merit rather than equity. Its hard to argue with that, at least in principle. In reality, however, things get fuzzy. The whole idea behind DEI efforts is that the merit of women and minorities is systematically undervalued in hiring and promotions for reasons of history, malice or the self-interest of whoever is doing the valuing. Research indicates that white males are more likely to be hired and promoted than their female and, especially, nonwhite counterparts regardless of qualifications. The National Bureau for Economic Research, for instance, reported in 2023 that Black men with college degrees tend to be paid less than whites with the same credentials. Several studies have found that female chief executives outperform males in several major categories, including corporate earnings. We might never know the real effects of diversity in the workplace, or at least not for the next four years. The Trump administrations war on DEI is likely to curb funding for new research on the subject. We should have seen all this coming. Republicans have opposed diversity efforts for ages, and Trump campaigned against them. His heavily white, male base is restive and facing serious crises of its own: rampant drug and alcohol abuse, worsening economic insecurity, a decline in blue-collar jobs, changing notions of masculinity. Instead of punishing women and minorities, the president should follow Trumans lead and create a presidential commission to examine these problems affecting, among others, Americas white males. The bros clearly need help, but trying to hold women and minorities back is not the answer even though it now seems appealing to many people. Back in 1946, Police Chief Shull eventually was indicted by a federal court in South Carolina for his assault on Isaac Woodard. As was common then in such cases, an all-white jury delivered a not-guilty verdict after 30 minutes of deliberation. Sgt. Woodard moved north after the trial and lived on his military and disability benefits. He died in 1992 at a Veterans Administration hospital in the Bronx. In the South Carolina town where he was beaten and blinded, veterans from all over the U.S. erected a memorial in his honor in 2019. The inscription on the monument includes a version in Braille, so that even the blind can see what many Americans didnt back in 1947 and some still dont today: Diversity is not a threat. It is Americas strength. When I was younger, many Christians held and expressed a certain perspective about the Bible. The God in the Old Testament was mean, angry, and vengeful. They pointed to passages describing his judgment over nations, especially Israel or Judah, and other accounts where God had his people wipe out whole kingdoms or cities. Transitioning to the New Testament, especially through Christ, God becomes loving, forgiving, and kind. They point to famous Scriptures like John 3:16 and the compassion Jesus shows to the sick and the marginalized. However, reading through the Bible in more depth, these views become limited and easily dismissed. The Old Testament continually reveals God as loving and compassionate. The New Testament expresses Gods wrath and judgment, as well. Once we begin seeing it, the Old Testament loudly proclaims Gods compassionate nature. What Is Biblical Compassion? Compassion and love definitely overlap, but the former deals with seeing a need in others and actively meeting it. Love generally and universally seeks the eternal best for all people, while compassion recognizes pain and suffering in some way and seeks to bring healing and relief. Like love, biblical compassion isnt a feeling, but intentionally putting love into action through mercy, kindness, and self-sacrifice. Biblical compassion desires to reflect Gods love and goodness. Several Hebrew words in the Old Testament describe Gods compassion. Racham expresses deep, tender mercy, and the word is closely related to recham, which means womb. In context, Scripture uses racham to express Gods compassion for his people. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him (Psalm 103:13). Scholars generally translate chesed to lovingkindness or steadfast love, but we can see the relation to compassion, especially when the writers use chesed with Gods covenant. This loyal love shows up in Lamentations 3:22. Because of the Lords great love [chesed], we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Finally, the word nichum means comfort and consolation, and Isaiah 49:13 uses this Hebrew word when sharing Gods compassion toward his people in need and under oppression. These words throughout the Old Testament reflect Gods compassionate character. He loves like a father, with loyalty and faithfulness, seeing and meeting the needs of his people. What Old Testament Verses Talk about Gods Compassion? God names himself often throughout the Old Testament, always revealing different parts of his character. As the only being who self-exists, he is the only one who can then self-identify. When God engages Moses on Mount Sinai, beginning to give the Law, God says, The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6). Here, early in the Old Testament, in a foundational moment, God doesnt define himself with anger or wrath but compassion, graciousness, and love. He does get angry (also seen in the New Testament), but his path to anger is slow and longsuffering because of his love. On the contrary, he abounds in love and faithfulness, not anger. Forty years later, after failure and drama with Israel and leadership, Moses preaches a final sermon before his death. Despite Israels sin and rebellion at times, Moses says, For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which He confirmed to them by oath (Deuteronomy 4:31). Moses defines God by his mercy, calling the people to follow the Lord for his blessings and compassion, not out of fear. The prophet Jeremiah writes generations later during the fall of Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel had been exiled and conquered as a consequence of their idolatry, oppression, and perversions. God proved his longsuffering and kindness through sending prophet after prophet to call his people back, to repent and be blessed. Yet kings and the people rejected God over and over, and during the fall of Jerusalem, the weeping prophet Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations. During the darkest time of Jewish history, when Judah suffers the consequence after centuries of warnings, Jeremiah writes in Lamentations 3:22-23, Because of the Lords great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. While the Israelites deserved to be consumed, Gods compassion wouldnt allow it. He still promised mercy and restoration while disciplining his people. His compassion gave them hope for an even better day in the future. What Old Testament Narratives Show Gods Compassion? Just like with his patience and longsuffering with Israel and Judah over generations, the Old Testament is full of stories revealing a God of love and compassion, extending mercy and love. In Sarah and Abrahams impatience, Abraham has a son (Ishmael) with Sarahs servant, Hagar. Over time, especially after Sarah has Isaac with her husband, Sarah begins mistreating Hagar and Ishmael. Eventually, Hagar and her son are banished into the wilderness. God sees their distress, appears to Hagar, and promises her son will be a great nation (Genesis 16:13). When Ishmael is about to die from thirst, God provides water and reminds her he cares for them (Genesis 21:17-19). God has great concern for the rejected and hurting. When God engages with Moses through the burning bush, the Lord reveals his motivation for sending a deliverer his compassion. I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering (Exodus 3:7). Gods compassion moved him to act. God delivered them from Egypt, and while in the wilderness, Israel complains and disobeys. Despite their rebellion and lack of thankfulness, God still provides food and water for them. After their rebellion at the edge of the Promised Land, the Lord doesnt destroy them but waits and allows the next generation to enter (Numbers 14). His compassion overwhelms his anger. God acts with compassion toward other nations besides his people. When Jonah preaches judgment and destruction to Nineveh (a disturbingly violent and evil pagan people), the people repent. Instead of destroying them, God forgives and doesnt carry out his dire warning. Jonah becomes angry that God would have compassion for Israels enemy, but God says, Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people? (Jonah 4:11). Here, God shows concern for every nation, willing to forgive even the most wicked if they will repent. Further, God shows his compassion by using non-Jews to further his redemptive plan. Ruth, a Moabite from a cursed nation (Deuteronomy 23:3), found an abundant life within the tribe of Judah because of her character and compassion toward her mother-in-law, Naomi. Rahab, a prostitute from a condemned city (Jericho), chose to help Israels spies, and God spared her, even bringing her into the people of God through marriage. God delivered these women, cursed and condemned, and brought them into the very lineage of Jesus. How Do We See Gods Compassion in the Law? Part of the reason people view the Old Testament as harsh or judgmental comes from the Mosaic Law. However, God gave the Law for a purpose to live a heavenly reality on earth through a people. Yes, there were rules, but Gods love and compassion sat at the root of the Law. God commands his people to care for the poor and provide for them. He doesnt allow any exploitation. If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). Within the command, God seeks their loving hearts toward each other, not being hardhearted or tightfisted. One amazing way God instructed them to care for the poor was to leave the edges of their land unharvested, leaving some gleanings for the poor, the hungry, and the foreigner, dignifying them with work while providing for them (Leviticus 19:9-10). Humans are naturally nationalistic and self-protective in groups. God commanded his special, chosen people to act differently, treating foreigners and strangers with dignity and kindness, treating them like one of the group, or native-born (Leviticus 19:34). In part, God reminded them of their own mistreatment in a foreign land, Egypt, and he didnt want them to repeat that evil, which he judged (Exodus 22:21). God also built in protection for women and children under the law to keep them from being mistreated or abandoned. Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry (Exodus 22:22-23). God himself will defend the most vulnerable of a society. He takes responsibility for them, and as his people and representatives on the earth, the Lord expected the same from Israel. Or else he would judge his own people. This applied to the foreigner, as well, to not oppress anyone (Deuteronomy 24:17). While getting a bad reputation, the Law actually revealed Gods compassion and love through the practical commands. God defends the weak, provides for those in need, and expects justice for all. What Was Jesus Testimony about the Law? Jesus rejected legalism, how the Jews applied the Law, but he affirmed the heart of the law: Gods love and compassion. He declared how he didnt come to abolish the Law but fulfill it in a more powerful way (Matthew 5:17). Jesus didnt see the Old Testament God as vengeful or angry. On the contrary, he taught his Fathers love through compassion and truth. When the religious leaders asked Jesus about the greatest commandment, they hoped to catch him in an argument. If he said one law, they could say he didnt care about another. Jesus answered with two laws (Matthew 22:36-40). First, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Deuteronomy 6:5). And the second, Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). Jesus gave the heart of the Law, of the Old Testament, saying, All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Even Christs detractors had to agree. Jesus challenged the Pharisees for focusing on minor laws and observance while neglecting the heart of God within the rules, justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Obedience is important, but the Law was meant to reveal Gods compassion and justice, and their hypocrisy taught the opposite about Christs Father. For example, Jesus healed on the Sabbath, which the Gospels show several times (Mark 3:1-6, Luke 13:10-16). The Pharisees accused Christ of breaking the Sabbath law when he healed people on Saturday, but Jesus answered with, Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill? (Mark 3:4). Jesus taught how his Father meant the law to be a blessing, but they used it as a burden, to oppress. In Luke 13:16, after healing a crippled woman and knowing the religious criticism, he said, Should not this woman be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her? His actions and words showed how mercy and compassion are the central messages of the Law and the Old Testament. As we engage the Old Testament, with Jesus Spirit within us, we can read and see many more examples of the Fathers compassion consistent with the New Testament. Peace. Related article: Is God More Violent in the Old Testament Than the New? Photo credit: Getty Images/rudall30 Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. PM inaugurates Namo Hospital in Silvassa, witnesses Indias first AI-powered knee replacement robot Misso March 07, 2025 | Friday | News Launch of Namo Hospital marks a crucial step in strengthening Indias medical ecosystem Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the 450-bedded Namo Hospital in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The Rs 460 crore facility is a state-of-the-art healthcare institution, designed to provide advanced medical services to the region. The Prime Minister also launched multiple public welfare projects worth over Rs 2,500 crore, including new hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing public services and healthcare accessibility. During his visit, PM Modi reviewed the 3D model of the upcoming hospital, appreciating its modern medical infrastructure. A significant highlight of the event was the demonstration of Misso, Indias first indigenously developed AI-powered robotic system for knee replacement surgery, presented by Merils CEO, MVivek Shah. This cutting-edge technology is poised to revolutionise orthopaedic surgeries in India, offering greater precision and improved patient outcomes. The Prime Minister expressed keen interest in the innovation and technological advancements driving Indias healthcare sector. He emphasised the importance of indigenous medical technology in making high-quality healthcare more accessible. The launch of Namo Hospital marks a crucial step in strengthening Indias medical ecosystem and reaffirms the countrys commitment to world-class healthcare infrastructure. 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. Help Our Community Please help local businesses by taking an online survey to help us navigate through these unprecedented times. None of the responses will be shared or used for any other purpose except to better serve our community. The survey is at: www.pulsepoll.com $1,000 is being awarded. Everyone completing the survey will be able to enter a contest to Win as our way of saying, "Thank You" for your time. Thank You! Take The Survey The clock is ticking on legislation that gives a financial boost to rural schools with federal land in their districts. In December, the U.S. House failed to take a vote on legislation reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program for 2025-26. Legislation was reintroduced in early February, co-sponsored by Congressman Glenn Thompson, R-Pa. Its currently in committee. The deadline for reauthorization is March 14, when the current Continuing Resolution for funding the federal government expires. Without reauthorization, payments will end this year. Kelsey Holt, communications director for Thompson, said, School districts that rely upon payments from the Secure Rural Schools program should not be put at a disadvantage because of Congress inability to pass a piece of legislation that has received bipartisan support for the past two decades. Its frustrating, and Congressman Thompson has sponsored legislation to ensure the program is reauthorized. Historically, rural communities and schools have relied on a share of receipts from timber harvests to supplement local funding for education services and roads. During the 1980s, national policies substantially diminished the revenue-generating activity permitted in these forests. The resulting steep decline in timber sales decreased the revenues that rural counties and school districts received from forest management activities. The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS), first enacted in 2000, provides funding for schools, roads and essential services in counties with significant amounts of tax-exempt tracts of land covered by national forests. Locally, Kane Area School District doesnt use the program, but instead opted for 25% of gross receipts generated on forest lands. They wouldnt be impacted by the end of the program, but Superintendent Jeannine Kloss said shes in favor of the programs reauthorization. Kane Area School District does not opt for SRS over the 25% (1908 Act) funding so we would not be impacted. However, we support the reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools as a lack of reauthorization would mean a significant loss of funding for Forest County and Forest Area schools, Kloss said. Rural schools in Pennsylvania are often the backbone of their communities; however, we face unique challenges and have limited resources. Any loss of funding could directly impact academic programs, extracurricular activities, maintenance of buildings, and other operations necessary to provide a quality education that will support students future success. If Congress doesnt reauthorize the program, funding will expire and counties could struggle to fund schools, roads and emergency services, stated the National Association of Counties. Looking back, since 2019, McKean County has received about $2.7 million from the program, while Elk County has received about $2.2 million, all from the Allegheny National Forest. When Thompson announced the legislation in February, he stated, Without reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools Program, many local education agencies may miss future payments, through no fault of their own. Since its enactment, SRS has provided $7 billion in payments to more than 700 counties and 4,400 school districts across 40 states. The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 1383 and Senate Companion Bill) Penn State Universitys community-based branch campuses have served as academic outposts for thirty years, providing higher education and economic mobility throughout Pennsylvania. But today, with changes to demography and the economics of education, they are overbuilt and financially unsustainable. Closures, finally announced last week, were inevitable. What was not inevitable was the level of uncertainty and anxiety PSU leadership has foisted on thousands of students and hundreds of faculty and staff, with their vague announcement that 12 of the universitys 19 commonwealth campuses are under threat. The seven campuses that PSU President Neeli Bendapudi announced are safe from closure are those with the highest enrollments: Harrisburg, Behrend (Erie), Abington, Altoona, Berks, Brandywine and Lehigh Valley. Meanwhile, among the 12 campuses under threat of closing are all four southwestern campuses: Beaver, New Kensington, Fayette and Greater Allegheny in McKeesport. Whether they will close will be decided, apparently, at the end of the semester leaving at least two months of uncertainty for the people most affected. This slow-burn downsizing is worse for students and staff than decisive and firm action. The closures, inevitably painful to the affected communities, will only be more damaging after false hope and mixed messaging. This is similar to the process that turned Pittsburgh Publics Schools facility closures into a drawn-out mess. While it is clear that not all 12 campuses can continue, it is equally clear that a number of them will, Ms. Bendapudi wrote in a statement. Her statement provides zero reassurance and zero guarantees for students and staff, and offers zero guidelines for what metrics will be used to decide which schools to close. The only thing worse than closing a branch campus entirely and decisively is leaving faculty and students without answers, tasked with investing time and energy at schools where they may not even be able to finish their degrees and who may not be able to continue at another school. While all branch campuses slated for closure will continue operating through the 2026-27 school year, Penn State is only promising to provide two years of undergrad education at those sites. Students can (in theory) transfer to another Penn State branch or the main campus. But many branch campus students are also only attending because the local campuses are close and affordable. Transfer guarantees, without static tuition and compensation for travel, mean nothing to students who are already stretching financial resources and cannot easily commute across the state. PSU should also work with the State System of Higher Education to make alternative arrangements, closer to home, for students who dont want to move to State College. The SSHE should also seriously consider combining campuses to ensure that a large region, like southwestern Pennsylvania, has at least one branch campus. While this downsizing is in response to undeniable demographic reality, this wont make it any less painful. The commonwealth campuses exemplify the boost in economic mobility the states flagship university is meant to provide. Branch campus students are more likely to be Pennsylvanians, first-generation college students and low-income, especially when compared to those at the University Park campus. For students in these demographics, the benefits of a college education are magnified and so are the costs when the opportunity disappears. Students and staff at these campuses are committed to PSU, and PSU has in turn made a commitment to them. That means not just offering spots at the University Park main campus, but offering the same tuition rates already agreed to, while covering travel costs. These students, the staff and the faculty, and their families, deserve to know what will happen to their schools and that . Penn State will honor its commitments to them. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via TNS Many Democrats seem aghast at the notion that a government job is anything less than a lifetime sinecure and property right. Witness their near universal hand-wringing in recent weeks over layoffs at the federal level. Democratic leaders across the nation including in Pennsylvania and New York have moved to expedite the hiring of U.S. government workers who have lost their jobs during the Trump administrations downsizing of the federal workforce. By filling open state positions with these former federal civil servants, Democrats insist the moves can reduce unemployment, ensure that essential public services remain strong and state governments can benefit from the expertise of former federal workers. There is nothing wrong with the suggestion, as long as candidates are qualified for the openings in question. Its also unfortunate when employees are let go through no fault of their own. This can indeed be traumatizing, financially and otherwise, for individuals and families. Compassion is in order. But the selective concern is revealing. Job cuts are nothing unusual in the private sector, where the great majority of workers toil without gold-plated, taxpayer-supported pension plans and other benefits. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nations unemployment rate from October 2022 to October 2024 fluctuated from about 3% to about 4%. During that time, millions of jobs were lost (and new jobs found) almost exclusively in the private sector. Yet, compared to the headlong race to succor terminated federal workers in recent days, theres only perfunctory consternation from Democratic lawmakers about layoffs of private-sector workers, which occur routinely in every sector of the economy. The disparity highlights how Democrats have become the party of government, for the government, and it underscores how uncommon it is for federal workers accustomed to ironclad job security to be subjected to the same marketplace churn that their private-sector counterparts navigate each day. Democrats and others are right to express concern about what the upheaval in federal agencies will do to the ability of getting benefits and services to Americans who depend on them but Democrats should focus less on political stunts and more on ensuring their states maintain business climates that encourage entrepreneurship and job creation while providing opportunity for their residents from both the public and private sector in need of employment. From Tribune News Services President Emmanuel Macron has said he will launch a strategic dialogue on extending the protection offered by France's nuclear arsenal to its European partners. Europe's primary nuclear deterrence comes from the United States and is a decades-old symbol of trans-Atlantic solidarity. Advertisement France has a much smaller nuclear arsenal than its Nato ally but Moscow has responded to Macron's remarks by saying his nuclear rhetoric poses a threat to Russia. Why is French nuclear deterrence being discussed now? US president Donald Trump's questioning of burden-sharing in Nato and his overtures to Russia as he tries to end the war in Ukraine have led to existential questions in Europe about the trans-Atlantic relationship and about Washington's commitment to helping defend its European allies. Friedrich Merz, who is likely to become Germany's chancellor, has said he fears Nato may not remain in its "current form" by June and advocated a closer look at French and British nuclear deterrence. The US has nuclear arms in Europe and tens of thousands of troops deployed in bases across the continent. It provides some military capabilities that Europe cannot match, from mid-air refuelling to its nuclear umbrella. Advertisement Nuclear deterrence is enshrined in Natos Article V collective defence pledge, and has for decades been backed by US politicians. But the assurances that nuclear weapons are a core part of the alliance's deterrence strategy are not legally binding. How big is France's nuclear arsenal? France is the European Union's only nuclear power following Britain's departure from the bloc and Paris takes pride in its independent nuclear deterrent. France spends about 5.6 billion annually on maintaining its stockpile of 290 submarine- and air-launched nuclear weapons, the world's fourth largest. It spends about 15 per cent of its annual defence budget on modernising its nuclear capabilities. The US and Russia both have more than 5,000 nuclear warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists. The US has 1,700 warheads deployed globally. Advertisement Britain describes its nuclear programme as "operationally independent", but sources missile technology from the US and depends on the US for acquisition and maintenance support. What does France's nuclear doctrine say? The doctrine is defensive, designed to deter potential aggressors by maintaining a credible nuclear threat and to protect France's vital interests. Macron has said those interests have a "European dimension" without giving details. A policy of "strict sufficiency" means the French nuclear arsenal is kept at the lowest level possible and is to be used only in extreme circumstances of self-defence. Macron, like earlier French presidents, has refused to place the French nuclear deterrent under EU or Nato command. He maintained that position in Wednesday's address. Advertisement How do the French and US nuclear umbrellas compare? Unlike the US, France does not offer an extended commitment to deter or respond to nuclear or non-nuclear threats on allies to defend them. France has only a fraction of the number of airborne nuclear weapons the US can provide. Any upgrade of its systems would be costly and require significant logistical and operational changes at a time when governments are already stretched financially. It could take France up to a decade to increase its arsenal by only 100 warheads, experts say. The US deploys its nuclear arsenal across Europe. France's nuclear doctrine has prohibited the stationing of atomic weapons outside France. "In the current situation, the French and British nuclear forces are a complement to US extended deterrence, but they would not constitute a viable solution in the event of an abrupt withdrawal of US nuclear forces," the Washington-based Centre for Strategic & International Studies said. Advertisement "France and the United Kingdom do not provide an extended deterrence guarantee the way the United States does in NATO." What could happen next? World France provides military intelligence to Ukraine a... Read More There is no suggestion of replacing the US nuclear infrastructure like-for-like. Allies could be integrated into French nuclear exercises and training through the provision of air escorts and by the development of supply and logistical support, aiming to create a degree of interoperability, analysts say. France possesses Rafale warplanes capable of carrying nuclear missiles. These planes could be deployed across Europe with the aim of creating "strategic ambiguity" for Russia. The issue of whether EU partners could contribute to the cost of maintaining or upgrading the French deterrence could be one option to be discussed, experts said. An appeal for information has been made about time spent in Belfast by a student who has been convicted of rape. Zhenhao Zou, 28, was convicted at Inner London Crown Court of drugging and raping 10 women. Advertisement The University College London (UCL) student is set to be sentenced on June 19th. An appeal for more victims of Zhenhao Zou to come forward (Metropolitan Police/PA) Police believe more than 50 other women may have fallen prey to the student, which would make him one of the worst sex offenders the UK has seen. Zou had previously been a student at Queens University Belfast, where he studied mechanical engineering from 2017-2019. It is understood that Queens has been liaising with the Metropolitan Police in relation to the case, but does not at this stage believe that any offences relate to his time at Queens University Belfast. Advertisement Sinn Fein MLA Linda Dillon raised the case at the Policing Board and asked what work is under way to determine if there were any victims in Northern Ireland. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the Met have been liaising with the PSNI, adding that now that Zou has been convicted, an appeal can be made in terms of his time in Belfast. He said that so far they have not seen any offending in Northern Ireland. However the very nature of the fact that we have now got the publicity we couldnt have before because that would have prejudiced the trial is again an opportunity to appeal for anybody to come forward who may have any concerns and have known this man around what he may have done, Mr Boutcher said. Advertisement Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said the PSNIs liaison continues with the Metropolitan Police Service (Liam McBurney/PA) The issue is that many of the victims do not know that they are victims. I would appeal to anybody who met him or in any way was alone with him where somebody may have been in his accommodation which has been investigated by the Met, but this is another opportunity to reinforce that, that they come forward and speak to us. We are in close dialogue with the Met. That will continue. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said: At this point I have not identified any victim or offending in Northern Ireland, however our liaison continues with the Metropolitan Police Service, we view this very much as still a live investigation in that regard. Advertisement Its important that we use this opportunity to really appeal to anyone who feels that they have been impacted by this case or by this offender to please make contact with ourselves. They will be supported by specially trained detectives. US president Donald Trump has signed a proclamation declaring March 'Irish-American Heritage Month'. It calls on all Americans to celebrate the contribution of Irish-Americans with "ceremonies, activities and programmes". Advertisement Designating March Irish-American Heritage Month is regularly done by US presidents. While signing the proclamation last night, he called Irish-Americans "great people". "They are great people... and they voted for me in heavy numbers so I like them even more. "You have to like them, you're not supposed to but you have to like them. So for the Irish-American people proclamation." Advertisement The ceremonial event comes ahead of Mr Trump's St Patrick's Day meeting with Taoiseach Micheal Martin. The Taoiseach has said he will tell Mr Trump that tariffs could cause damage to a "small open economy" like Ireland when the two meet in Washington DC. He has also promised to reiterate Ireland's support for Gaza and Ukraine. In messages sent to the Taoiseach's Office, seen by BreakingNews.ie after a freedom of information request, members of the public urged Mr Martin to sit out the Washington DC visit. Advertisement Ireland 'Don't bow down to a dictator': Messages to Taoise... Read More One email urged Mr Martin to "stand strong taoiseach" and "don't bow down to a dictator, bully and felon". The message, sent on Monday, January 27th, read: "I am asking you taoiseach to not attend the White house this year on St Patrick's Day. And for no other member of the government to attend. The reason is that it is showing that you agree and side with Trump [sic] and his views. "This person Trump is a bully and is hurting many people in his country and other places. I am 55 years old and have watched many issues from around the world happen and yet this issue I feel is one that I need you to solve by not attending. "If you don't attend and Trump attacks us as a country with tariffs then the world will see what kind of a weak person he is. Stand strong taoiseach and don't bow down to a dictator, bully and felon." Holidaymakers are choosing Ireland as a destination for its scenery and culture, according to new research from Tourism Ireland. The research was commissioned to understand the current views of consumers regarding international travel and what would compel them to choose the island of Ireland for a holiday. Advertisement Tourism Ireland partnered with RED C to conduct a study among thousands of potential holidaymakers in eight key tourism markets Great Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Canada and, for the first time, Australia. They use the findings of its research to continually refine its marketing programmes overseas, in order to grow the value of inbound tourism for economies and communities across the island. The research found the reasons visitors tend to choose Ireland include scenery (33 per cent), culture (11 per cent), sightseeing (9 per cent), history (7 per cent) and visiting friends and relatives (6 per cent). Barriers to visitors choosing Ireland include competition/other places to go (16 per cent), weather (13 per cent), cost (6 per cent), access/difficulty getting here (5 per cent). Advertisement Among overseas holidaymakers, 7/10 are interested in visiting Ireland some time, with 3/10 actively planning. In terms of competition, outside of sun destinations, those considering Ireland for a holiday are likely to also consider Scotland, Iceland, Norway and England as options. Value for money is on holidaymakers minds. Half of all overseas holidaymakers think Ireland will represent good value for money, in line with Scotland and ahead of Nordic markets. However, perception differs by country, with 7/10 holidaymakers in the US seeing Ireland as good value, with more challenging perceptions in Great Britain and Germany. Advertisement 1/3 of holidaymakers seeking to reduce costs would consider shortening their stay. When seeking holiday inspiration, recommendations (44 per cent) came from online search (38 per cent), travel sites (29 per cent), film and TV (24 per cent) and social media (24 per cent) are key factors. Ireland is Instagrammable, with 2/3 of visitors posting pictures to friends and family, helping to drive future word of mouth. Ireland Trump's Doonbeg resort agrees deal over temporary... Read More Speaking about the research, Alice Mansergh, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said: The latest sentiment tracker research, undertaken with RED C, offers valuable insights into the motivations of potential visitors and how Ireland can stand out in a competitive global landscape. Advertisement At Tourism Ireland, in the coming year well be focused on strengthening reasons to come to Ireland and working with government and industry partners to ease any barriers. "New trends to play to include the use of AI by one third of holidaymakers to help plan vacations, alongside channels of inspiration such as TV, film, online search and social media. "The good news is that once we bring holidaymakers to Ireland, two thirds of them then help spread the word, through recommendations, stories and photography shared with family and friends, with Ireland ranked by visitors as more Instagrammable than the average destination." A planned Johnny Ronan joint-venture 20-storey hotel at the former Irish Glass Bottle site in Dublin will not result in any over-concentration of hotels in the surrounding area, according to a report lodged with planners. Pembroke Beach DAC is seeking planning permission for the "landmark" hotel at the site in Poolbeg West, Dublin 4. Advertisement Brian Minogue, associate director at Tom Phillips + Associates, said the hotel would provide much-needed tourist accommodation in a suitable location within an emerging regeneration area of the city. Mr Minogue said in the 30-page visitor accommodation report that the nearest planned hotels are located a significant distance from the site and would not be considered nearby. He said it was clear that no other visitor accommodation is anticipated to be built within 1km of the site in the short-to-medium term. Pembroke Beach DAC is a joint venture made up of Ronan Group Real Estate, Oaktree Capital and home builder Lioncor. Advertisement Currently, the consortium is progressing with phase one of the redevelopment of the Irish Glass Bottle site with 894 residential units under construction. Advancing the case for a hotel, Mr Minogue said the proposed hotel scheme would not undermine the principle of providing a balanced pattern of development in the area, as tourist accommodation represented a small portion of the existing and emerging land use there. Business Johnny Ronan firm sells off Paris property to cove... Read More He said the introduction of a new hotel in this area, bringing the total to three hotels within 1km, would be acceptable. Mr Minogue told the council that the proposed development would assist in the creation of a vibrant mixed use neighbourhood, at a key regeneration site within Dublin city. He said the ever-increasing revenue per available room, a key measure of performance in the sector, for Dublin hotels highlights the demand for additional visitor accommodation within Dublin city. A separate 70-page planning report lodged by Tom Phillips + Associates with the scheme stated that the site lies vacant despite its location at a confluence of high-quality transport routes, and its close proximity to both Dublin city centre and the emerging docklands hub. The Department of Justice is on course to issue a record number of deportation orders in 2025, after already signing off on in excess of 700 to date this year. New figures provided by the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan show that 703 deportation orders have been issued so far in 2025. Advertisement If the Department continues to sign deportation orders at the current rate for the remainder of the year, it will be on course to sign over 4,200 deportation orders for 2025. This is significantly ahead of the 2,403 deportation orders issued for 2024, which was a multiple of the 857 issued for the 12 months of 2023. In written Dail replies to Deputy Alan Kelly TD, Minister O'Callaghan stated that last year, 1,116 people departed from the State under various mechanisms - enforced deportation, voluntary return - an increase of 252 per cent compared to the 2023 total of 317. He said, "This year, 311 persons have had their departure confirmed through these pathways. Advertisement Figures provided by Minister O'Callaghan show that the Georgian nationals were the top-ranked nationality deported last year at 66, followed by South Africa (19), Albania (15), Brazil (14), Algeria (7) and Nigeria (7). In addition to the enforced deportations and those that are otherwise confirmed to have left, a much larger number of people will have left the State without informing the authorities. However, as there are no routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to accurately quantify this number," Mr O'Callaghan said. My Department has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals. Last week, a chartered flight to Georgia removed 32 persons who were subject to deportation orders from the State. This is the first operation conducted under the contract my Department put in place for this purpose last November. Further operations will be conducted as the year progresses," he said. Advertisement Enforced deportation operations are complex and costly. They often involve investigations, detection, detentions in custody, legal challenges, flight costs and confirmation with the return country that the person is their citizen," the Justice Minister added. It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily, and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. In 2024, the number of voluntary returns increased to 934 compared to 213 in 2023." Mr O'Callaghan also said that the removal of persons who have been refused permission to remain in the State "is an essential requirement for the immigration system to work effectively and to ensure that our people have confidence in the application of our laws in this area. An unsuccessful Kerry general election candidate has gone to the High Court claiming voting ballots were torn out of boxes at a polling station in Kerry on election night. Michelle Keane, of Talbot Bridge, Knocknagoshel, ran as an Independent candidate in Kerry in November. She claims to have seen ballots removed from boxes in front of her. Advertisement She is seeking an order from the court to have the marked register of electors, which shows who voted, released to her and for documents in the case to not be destroyed. Ms Keane received over 1,500 first preference votes in the general election but lost out on the ninth court before Independents Michael and Danny Healy Rae, Sinn Feins Pa Daly and Fianna Fails Norma Foley were elected. At the High Court on Friday, Ms Keane submitted an ex parte application where only one side is represented naming the Clerk of the Dail, the Irish Government and returning officer Padraig Burke as respondents. Ms Keane told Mr Justice Garret Simons that she was seeking documents in the public interest and for democratic transparency and accountability and electoral fairness under Sections 130 and 131 of the Electoral Act 1992. Advertisement She is also seeking to compel the respondents to release a statement of explanation as to what happened with ballot papers Ms Keane alleges were tore out right in front of me on the night of November 29th, 2024, when I attended the polling station. Mr Justice Simons said any petition against an election should have been initiated within 28 days of the polling day, and it was now over three months after the election. Ms Keane said she was allegedly being fobbed off by officials in her efforts and said that six months after the election, documents sought by her can be destroyed. She told Mr Justice Simons that people had come to her telling her they had voted for her and she needed the marked register to cross check the election because people have a right to know where their vote went. We live in a democracy. Advertisement I physically saw a presiding officer tear out the ballots, and I made a formal statement to gardai, and that is still under investigation, she said. Mr Justice Simons asked if Ms Keane was seeking to set aside the election result in Kerry and was told that it was one of the aspects of her application. Election 2024 General election 2024: Where each party won the mo... Read More In her affidavit, Ms Keane claims she was in the Toureencahill polling station at around 8.45pm on the night when she claims she witnessed two election staff allegedly "tearing out ballot papers from the ballot box" and that she was the only other person in the room when this happened. Ms Keane submits that under the Electoral Act 1992, that "after an election, the marked registrar showing who voted is available for inspection by certain individuals or entities". Ms Keane submits that political parties and candidates have the right to inspect the register to check voter turnout or investigate the election's integrity. Mr Justice Simons said he would deliver his judgment in the case on Tuesday. Plans by MMA fighter Conor McGregor to construct a sprawling mansion in Co Kildare complete with two pools, a cinema and a bar is not an ambitious proposal, his architect has claimed. Jason Tyler told the appeals board that the new house plan is not an ambitious proposal in the context of a previous planning permission granted to McGregor for the site and a previous 2017 permission for an additional house within the landholding. Advertisement In 2021, McGregor received the green light for a large house extension for his Paddocks home at Castledillon near Straffan in Co Kildare. However, McGregor never proceeded with the plan as Tyler Owens Architects previously told Kildare County Council that having started the process of demolition back in 2022, it became apparent that the existing quality of construction of the remainder of the house, along with Mr McGregors changing needs, indicated that the works would not make sense. This resulted in McGregor seeking planning permission last year to demolish his existing five-bedroom Paddocks home and replace it with 32,693sq ft six-bedroom family home which is 27 times the floor size of an average 1,200sq ft semi-detached home. In the appeal against the councils refusal of planning permission, Jason Tyler of Tyler Owens Architects told the appeals board that McGregor is looking to build a modern energy efficient building compliant two-storey family home with better materials in the same location as to what he currently has planning for. Advertisement He said: Replacing one existing house on the site with one new house on the site, with a similar footprint and in the same location on the site does not seem in our opinion to be that detrimental that a refusal of permission is warranted. In January, the council issued its refusal after McGregor refused to reduce the scale of his planned home. Council planners rejected the planned McGregor family home after concluding that the scheme was 'excessive' and 'visually incongruous. Now in the appeal, Mr Tyler said: We do not believe that replacing one domestic two-storey house with a new domestic two-storey house in the same location with a negligible increase in elevation and height but with better material finishes should have been refused planning permission. Advertisement Mr Tyler said this was especially the case given that the 2017 planning permission for the additional home on the site that would have been closer to the River Liffey and increased the overall building footprint to 1,041sq m compared to the currently refused footprint of 977sq m. The 2017 planning permission never proceeded and it expired in 2022. Comparing the current proposals to the 2017 permission, Mr Tyler said that we are confused as to how this house would not have been deemed injurious to the amenity character of the site, yet our current refusal was deemed injurious to the amenity character. McGregor paid out 3 million for The Paddocks in 2019 and planning documentation shows that McGregors staff were to be housed in a nearby home at No 5 Castledillon which is now also in the full ownership of the applicant. Advertisement Records with the Residential Property Price Register show that No 5 Castledillon was purchased for 1.65 million in June 2022. Ireland Robber set his 'ferocious' pitbull dog on victim,... Read More The purchase of the neighbouring No 5 Castledillon increased McGregors landholding from 5.8 acres to 10 acres. An Bord Pleanala is due to decide on the McGregor planning appeal at the end of June. In November in the High Court, a jury found against McGregor in a civil rape case taken by Nikita Hand. The Dublin woman was awarded nearly 250,000 in damages after the jury found that she was raped by McGregor in the Dublin hotel in December 2018. McGregor also faces paying the bulk of the legal costs estimated at more than 1 million associated with the case. A man was bitten repeatedly in the leg by a ferocious pitbull after a robber set the animal on him, a court has heard. Colm Bergin (26), with an address at Bunratty Drive, Coolock, Dublin, carried out two robberies of commuters on the morning in question, using his dog as a threat on the first victim and setting the animal upon the second victim. Advertisement He was jailed on Friday for four-and-a-half years. Bergin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of robbery at addresses in Artane on November 17th, 2023, and one count of failing to keep his dog under control. He has 22 previous convictions. The court heard the first victim was on his way to work around 8.30am that morning when Bergin approached him, told him to hand over his mobile phone and said he would get the dog to bite him. Bergin also threatened to stab the man. The victim handed over 25 in cash, and Bergin left the scene on his bicycle, with the dog running along beside him on a lead. Advertisement A short while later, also in Artane, the second victim was walking to his bus stop when Bergin tapped him on the shoulder and told him: Give me everything you have. When the man refused, Bergin set his dog on him and, when the man started running away, he hit at him with his bike. The man fell to the ground, and the pitbull bit him two to three times on his leg, drawing blood. Bergin robbed his backpack, and the man managed to make his way back to his house, where a neighbour called an ambulance. He was taken to hospital and treated for his wounds. In a victim impact statement read out by Jane Horgan-Jones BL, prosecuting, the man said he wasn't able to walk properly for six months after the dog attack, that he still suffers back pain and has anxiety and recurring nightmares. Advertisement Bergin used the man's card to make purchases in a local shop, and he was arrested later that day after gardai recognised him on CCTV footage. The victim's backpack containing his laptop and wallet were recovered. Ireland Garda pleads guilty to impersonating woman online... Read More Michael Hourican SC, defending, said Bergin made full admissions to gardai and expressed remorse. He said he had relapsed in his drug addiction. The court heard Bergin is a qualified dog trainer. He and his partner have seven children between them. Sentencing him on Friday, Judge Martin Nolan said Bergin's offending involved setting a ferocious dog on this injured party, which he described as serious violence. He set a headline sentence of six years, which he reduced to four-and-a-half years, taking mitigating factors into account. He backdated it to when Bergin went into custody late last year. A 17-year-old who pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Defence Forces chaplain Fr Paul Murphy will be assessed for autism ahead of his sentencing next month. The youth, who cannot be identified due to his age, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court last month to the attempted murder at Dun Ui Mhaoiliosa, Renmore Barracks in Galway on August 15th, 2024. Advertisement Mr Justice Paul McDermott heard on Friday that a psychologist at Oberstown Detention Centre has recommended that the defendant undergo an autism assessment. Mr Justice McDermott issued a legal aid certificate in respect of the autism assessment and any other reports deemed necessary by the psychologist. The judge set a sentencing date of April 10th, citing a new protocol which requires criminal cases involving children to be fast tracked by the courts. Fr Murphy, aged in his 50s, will be invited to make a victim impact statement to the court. The victim, a popular chaplain with the 1st Infantry Battalion, suffered multiple stab wounds in the attack while he sat in his car. The court also heard on Friday that the priest is due to embark on a tour of Lebanon later this year. Just three out of 10,000 people who applied to join the PSNI failed to clear security vetting based on social media posts, the Northern Ireland Policing Board has heard. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher previously expressed concern at the number of young people failing vetting over social media activity. Advertisement During a meeting of the board on Thursday, Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly questioned Mr Boutcher further on what sort of activity would lead to a candidate failing the vetting. Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly (Liam McBurney/PA) He queried whether it could be for voicing criticism of police, attending a commemoration of a relative, being connected to a Sinn Fein member or supporting the party. That is the essence of what is being said in the media at the moment, Mr Kelly added. Mr Boutcher responded by saying he has established that in the previous two recruitment processes, not including the current process, three people out of 10,000 failed the vetting because of solely what was on their social media accounts. Advertisement If you werent able to become a police officer because you disagreed with the government or something police did, I wouldnt be a police officer, he said. So its not about that. Its about values, its about what wed expect from people around the standards that we want in policing. Its beyond sharing a particular position on agreeing or disagreeing with something that might have happened in the public domain. Its about language, its about some of the things you see online where there is clearly predatory, abusive, concerning behaviours. Advertisement Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (Liam McBurney/PA) Its difficult in this environment to go into specifics, but there is a panel that will assess these issues if there is a concern. We then have Sir John Gillen as a point of appeal, who will look at any cases where people feel they have been unfairly treated. Mr Boutcher also emphasised the importance of vetting. Policing has found in recent years where they have cut corners with vetting, they brought people in who should not be police officers, and that is causing significant challenges and has caused reputational issues in recent years, he added. Advertisement The Angiolini Inquiry has said that the key to the issues we have found with people like David Carrick and Wayne Couzens was the vetting processes, and we are very much signed up to the 16 recommendations in that report. To reassure you, if someone comes from a particular background, and thats any background because there are all sorts of new and emerging communities in Northern Ireland that we want to be part of this organisation, and may have a view of policing traditionally, that will not impact on their ability to be a good police officer, and that will not prevent them from being a police officer. Fighters siding with Syrias new government stormed three villages near the countrys coast, killing dozens of men in response to recent attacks on government security forces by loyalists of ousted President Bashar Assad, a war monitor said. The village assaults erupted on Thursday and continued on Friday. Advertisement Ongoing clashes between the two sides have marked the worst violence since Assads government was toppled in early December by insurgent groups led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The new government has pledged to unite Syria after 14 years of civil war. Nearly 200 people have been killed since the fighting broke out, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. In addition to 69 killed in the villages, the dead include at least 50 members of Syrias government forces and 45 fighters loyal to Mr Assad. Advertisement The civil war that has been raging in Syria since March 2011 has left more than half a million people dead and millions displaced. The most recent clashes began when government forces tried to detain a wanted person near the coastal city of Jableh on Thursday and were ambushed by Assad loyalists, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. On Thursday and Friday, gunmen loyal to the new government stormed the villages of Sheer, Mukhtariyeh and Haffah near the coast, killing 69 men but harming no women, according to the observatory. They killed every man they encountered, said observatory chief Rami Abdurrahman. Advertisement Reinforcement Syrian security forces deploy in the outskirts of Latakia, Syria, on Friday (Omar Albam/AP) Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV also reported the attacks on the three villages, saying that more than 30 men were killed in the village of Mukhtariyeh alone. Syrian authorities did not publish a death toll, but Syrias state news agency Sana quoted an unidentified security official as saying that numerous people went to the coast seeking revenge for recent attacks on government security forces. The official said the actions led to some individual violations and we are working on stop them. Overnight, Damascus sent reinforcements to the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartus and nearby villages that are home to Mr Assads minority Alawite sect and make up his longtime base of support. Advertisement A curfew remained in effect in Latakia and other coastal areas. Under Mr Assad, Alawites held top posts in the army and security agencies. The new government has blamed his loyalists for attacks against the countrys new security forces over the past weeks. There also have been some attacks against Alawites in recent weeks, though the new government says it will not allow collective punishment or sectarian vengeance. Advertisement Geir O. Pedersen, the United Nations special envoy for Syria, said in a written statement that all parties should refrain from actions that could further inflame tensions, escalate conflict, exacerbate the suffering of affected communities, destabilise Syria, and jeopardize a credible and inclusive political transition. European Union leaders downplayed scepticism from US President Donald Trump about solidarity among Nato members a day after they backed plans to spend more on defence amid wavering US support. After European leaders committed Thursday to freeing up hundreds of billions of euros for security, Mr Trump said he was not so sure that the military alliance would come to the United States defence if the country were attacked. Advertisement We are loyal and faithful allies, French President Emmanuel Macron said late on Thursday in response, expressing respect and friendship towards US leaders and adding that France was entitled to expect the same. Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrives for an EU Summit at the European Council building in Brussels (Omar Havana/AP) Maris Riekstins, Latvias ambassador to Nato, stressed the military alliance remained the most important platform for addressing transatlantic security issues. He emphasised the commitment from his country which shares a nearly 300-kilometre (186-mile) border with Russia to defence spending. The Baltic country last month said spending should be increased to 4% of GDP next year and move toward 5%. Advertisement Mr Trumps repeated warnings that he would make European allies face the threat of Russia alone has spurred countries that for decades faltered on defence spending to find ways to bolster their security and back Ukraine in its war against Russia. On Thursday, EU leaders signed off on a move to loosen budget restrictions so that willing EU countries could increase their military spending. Following the emergency talks in Brussels, Mr Trump again suggested that the US could abandon its Nato commitments if member countries did not meet the alliances defence spending targets. French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a media conference at an EU Summit in Brussels (Omar Havana/AP) He expressed doubt that other allies will come to the defence of the US although they have done so after the September 11 2001 attacks, the only instance in which the Article 5 mutual defence guarantee was invoked. Advertisement The US president has criticised the alliance for years, arguing that European members have not contributed enough toward their own security. In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his country would raise defence spending to reach Natos target faster than previously committed. But he did not specify when the eurozones fourth-largest economy and Nato laggard would hit the 2% of GDP military spending target. Spain spent an estimated 1.28% of GDP on defence last year. Advertisement Italy and Belgium also spent less than the 2% target last year, according to Nato estimates. Polands President Andrej Duda and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte address a media conference at Nato headquarters (Harry Nakos/AP) Nato members pledged in 2014 to spend at least 2% of GDP on defence, which 23 countries were expected to meet last year amid concerns about the war in Ukraine. Spain, which ranked last among Nato members for the share of GDP it contributed to the military, previously said it would reach that target by 2029. Mr Sanchez emphasised Spains commitment to European security and to backing Ukraine though he stated that the security threats faced by the southern European nation were of a different nature than what European allies on the blocs eastern front face from Russia. Advertisement Still, he said, its clear that we all have to make an effort and an accelerated effort. Though he did not name Mr Trump, the Spanish leader on Thursday argued for a stronger, more unified Europe, saying that while some (leaders) raise walls and tariffs, we build bridges and close trade agreements. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made comments that appeared to backtrack on previous support for Ukraine joining Nato. Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrives to speak with the media during an EU Summit at the European Council building in Brussels, (Omar Havana/AP) She argued that extending the alliances mutual defence guarantees to Ukraine without granting it membership would ensure stable, lasting and effective security. Sweden on Friday marked its first anniversary as a member of Nato, with posts on social platform X, formerly Twitter, from Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Neither mentioned Mr Trumps comments but focused on a more secure Sweden and a stronger Nato. Actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease a week after his wife Betsy Arakawa died of a rare infectious disease at their home, a pathologist has said. Two-time Oscar winner Hackman (95) was likely at home alone with the body of his wife for a week before he passed away himself, the sheriff of Santa Fe in New Mexico, US, told a press conference on Friday. Advertisement The post-mortem examination showed Ms Arakawa, also known as Betsy Hackman, 65, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome a rare but potentially fatal disease which spreads to humans through infected rodent droppings or saliva. Dr Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner for New Mexico, told a press conference in Santa Fe it was reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on February 11 at the couples home in Santa Fe. Gene Hackman with his wife Betsy Arakawa (Mark J Terrill/AP) Hackman died a week later on February 18th of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimers disease as a significant contributory factor, the expert said. The pair were found dead, along with one of their dogs, at their home in Santa Fe on February 26th. Advertisement Asked whether this meant the actor had been at home with his dead wife for seven days until he passed away himself, the sheriff of Santa Fe County Adan Mendoza replied: Yes, I would assume that that is the case. Dr Jarrell said: Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimers disease. He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his in his death. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza (Susan Montoya Bryan/AP) Hackmans body was found in a mud room, and his wife was found lying on the floor in a bathroom, detectives previously said. Advertisement Mr Mendoza said on Friday Ms Arakawa picked up their dog Xena, who was later found dead along with the couple, from the veterinary hospital on February 9. There was a procedure that was done with the dog, which may explain why the dog was in a crate at the residence, Mr Mendoza told the press conference. Ms Arakawas car was seen on CCTV footage at about 4.54pm on February 11th, and the remote control clicker that is assigned to her and her vehicle was used to enter the subdivision to gain access to the gated community, the sheriff added. He said: At 5.15pm, numerous emails were unopened on her computer on February 11th. Advertisement There was no additional outgoing communication from her or known activity after February 11th. Tests on Hackmans pacemaker previously showed that he was alive on February 17th when a last event was recorded, nine days before his body and his wifes were discovered. Chief Medical Investigator Heather Jarrell (Susan Montoya Bryan/AP) Dr Jarrell told the press conference: Mr Hackmans initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, with subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity. Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr Hackman probably died around February 18. Advertisement Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman passed away first with February 11 being the last time that she was known to be alive. Lastly, clinically,hantavirus infection is characterised by flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, muscle aches, cough, and sometimes vomiting that can progress to shortness of breath and cardiac or heart failure and lung failure. Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans through the infected urine, droppings or saliva of certain species of mice and rats. The mortality of the hantavirus strain in the south west of the United States is about 38% to 50%, and is not transmissible from person to person, Dr Jarrell added. Russia targeted Ukraines energy infrastructure in a large-scale missile and drone bombardment overnight, officials said. The attack came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that talks with the US on ending the three-year war will take place next week. Advertisement Ukraine came under a massive missile and drone attack, energy minister Herman Halushchenko wrote on Facebook. A firefighter works to extinguish a blaze following a Russian rocket attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP) At least 10 people, including a child, were wounded, authorities said. Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by striking energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without light and heat, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens, Mr Halushchenko wrote. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraines power grid during the war. Advertisement The attacks have depleted electricity generation capacity and disrupted critical heating and water supplies. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of weaponising winter in an effort to erode civilian morale. Mr Zelensky on Friday won the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Ukraines proposals to take some first steps towards stopping the war, including a halt on firing missiles, drones and bombs at energy and other civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian servicemen drive the US Humvee on the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine (Andriy Andriyenko/AP) Mr Zelensky has also proposed ceasing combat operations in the Black Sea to allow safe shipping. Advertisement Mr Erdogan said that he also wants the shooting to stop without delay. We support the idea of an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of attacks in the air and at sea as a confidence-building measure between the parties, he said in a video call with European leaders. Mr Zelensky first suggested those initial steps in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday, when he said that he was ready to work under US President Donald Trumps strong leadership to get a lasting peace, and has put them to Ukraines European allies. On Friday Mr Trump said he was strongly considering sanctions and tariffs on Russia in hopes of forcing a settlement to the war in Ukraine. Advertisement He said in a post on Truth Social that they could remain in place until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. The post came as Mr Trump faced criticism for increasing pressure on Ukraine to reach a deal while downplaying or even denying Russias responsibility for starting the war with its invasion three years ago. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late, Mr Trump added. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that the energy supply is a legitimate target in the war, because it is linked with Ukraines military industrial complex and weapons production. Advertisement Russian air defences downed 39 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. Firefighters put out the fire following a Russian air attack in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region (Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP) Ukraines largest private gas producer, DTEK, said that the overnight bombardment in the Odesa region was Russias sixth attack in the past two-and-a-half weeks on its facilities. Russia fired 67 missiles from air, land and sea, and launched 194 strike and decoy drones, Ukraines air force said. Their primary target was Ukraines natural gas extraction facilities, it said. For the first time, Ukraine deployed French Mirage-2000 warplanes delivered a month ago to help repel the attack, according to the air force. Ukraine also has western-supplied F-16 fighter jets to shoot down Russian missiles. Ukrainian defences downed 34 missiles and 100 drones, the air force said, while up to 10 missiles didnt reach their targets and 86 drones were lost from radars, presumably jammed by electronic warfare. Western-supplied air defence systems are crucial for Ukraines fight, but further US help is uncertain under Mr Trump, who says he is determined to end the war and has paused American military aid for Kyiv as a way of pressuring Mr Zelensky to negotiate. In his nightly address, Mr Zelensky said on Thursday that he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet with the countrys crown prince, and his team would stay on to hold talks with US officials. Mr Zelensky welcomed a European Union plan to bolster the continents defences. He expressed hope that some of the new spending could be used to strengthen Ukraines own defence industry. Russia attacked Ukrainian energy facilities with dozens of missiles and drones during the night, officials said on Friday, hobbling the countrys ability to deliver heat and light to its citizens and to power weapons factories vital to its defences. The overnight barrage, which also pounded homes and wounded at least 10 people, came days after the US suspended military aid and intelligence to Ukraine to pressure it into accepting a peace deal being pushed by the Trump administration. Advertisement Without US intelligence, Ukraines ability to strike inside Russia and defend itself from bombardment is significantly diminished. The US government said on Friday it halted Ukrainian access to a programme that shares unclassified satellite images and had been used to help it fight back against Russia. The US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency told The Associated Press that the decision had been taken because of the administrations directive on support to Ukraine, without elaborating. The satellite imagery provider Maxar Technologies confirmed the US government decision to temporarily suspend Ukrainian access. Advertisement A Ukrainian website associated with its military, Militarnyi, first reported the satellite image service had been blocked. Air-defence systems supplied by the West are crucial for Ukraine, but further US help is uncertain under President Donald Trump, who says he is determined to end the war. European Union leaders, mindful they may need to shoulder more of the burden for arming Ukraine and strengthen their own defences, agreed on a plan on Thursday to significantly build up their military spending. A firefighter works to extinguish a blaze following a Russian rocket attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP) Ukraine is having a tough time on the battlefield. An onslaught by Russias bigger army is straining short-handed Ukrainian forces at places along the 600-mile front line. Advertisement Officials from the US and Ukraine will meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss ending the war, which began more than three years ago when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. On Friday, Mr Trump said on social media he was strongly considering placing additional sanctions on Russia to force it into peace talks with Ukraine. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late, Mr Trump said. Ukraine came under a massive missile and drone attack overnight, energy minister Herman Halushchenko wrote on Facebook. Advertisement Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by striking energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without light and heat, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens, Mr Halushchenko wrote. Ukrainian servicemen drive the US Humvee on the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine (Andriy Andriyenko/AP) Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraines power grid. The attacks have depleted electricity generation capacity and disrupted critical heating and water supplies. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of weaponising winter in an effort to erode civilian morale. President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday won the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Ukraines proposals to take some first steps toward stopping the war, including a halt on firing missiles, drones and bombs at energy and other civilian infrastructure. Advertisement Mr Zelensky has also proposed ceasing combat operations in the Black Sea to allow safe shipping. Mr Erdogan said that he also wants the shooting to stop without delay. We support the idea of an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of attacks in the air and at sea as a confidence-building measure between the parties, he said in a video call with European leaders. Firefighters following a Russian air attack in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region (Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP) Mr Zelensky first suggested those initial steps in a post on X on Tuesday, when he said that he was ready to work under Mr Trumps strong leadership to get a lasting peace. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that the energy supply is a legitimate target in the war, because it is linked with Ukraines military industrial complex and weapons production. Russian air defences downed 39 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to the Russian defence ministry. Ukraines largest private gas producer, DTEK, said that the overnight bombardment in the Odesa region was Russias sixth attack in the past two and a half weeks on its facilities. Its plants in two other regions were also struck. Russia fired 67 missiles from air, land and sea, and launched 194 strike and decoy drones, Ukraines air force said. Their primary target was Ukraines natural gas extraction facilities, it said. For the first time, Ukraine deployed French Mirage-2000 warplanes delivered a month ago to help repel the attack, according to the air force. Ukraine also has western-supplied F-16 fighter jets to shoot down Russian missiles. Ukrainian defences downed 34 missiles and 100 drones, the air force said, while up to 10 missiles did not reach their targets and 86 drones were lost from radars, presumably jammed by electronic warfare. Mr Zelensky said on Thursday that he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet the countrys crown prince, and that his team would stay on to hold talks with US officials. Six members of a Russian proxy spy ring dubbed the Minions are facing years behind bars for one of the largest and most complex enemy operations to be uncovered on UK soil. Bulgarians Katrin Ivanova (33), Vanya Gaberova (30) and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev (39) were found guilty at the England's Central Criminal Court of spying on an industrial scale, putting lives and national security at risk. Advertisement They engaged in a series of surveillance and intelligence operations over three years in which they were referred to as Despicable Mes yellow sidekicks. Instead of a cartoon evil mastermind Gru, the defendants acted as spies working for the Russian intelligence service, also known as GRU. Minion soft toy adapted with a spy camera found at Orlin Roussevs address (Met Police/PA) They were directed by alleged Russian agent Jan Marsalek (44), an Austrian businessman wanted by Interpol after the collapse of German payment processing firm Wirecard. Marsalek acted as a go-between for Russian intelligence and ringleader Orlin Roussev (47), who received more than 200,000 to fund the spying activities. Advertisement He deployed the Minions with second-in-command Biser Dzhambazov (43), who was in a love triangle with two of the team his partner Ivanova and beautician Gaberova, jurors heard. They targeted people and places of interest to the Russian state, even plotting to sweep up mobile phone data of Ukrainian soldiers thought to be trained at a US airbase in Germany before heading for the front line. They also discussed using lashes queen Gaberova as a honeytrap to snare a high-profile journalist, dropping 100 litres of pigs blood on the Kazakhstan embassy in London by drone, and kidnapping a man on UK soil. When police moved to arrest the spies in February 2023, they found Dzhambazov naked in bed with his lover Gaberova rather than at home with Ivanova. Advertisement A treasure trove of spyware was uncovered in a raid on Roussevs operations centre in a former guesthouse in Great Yarmouth described in messages as his Indiana Jones garage. Biser Dzhambazov, who posed as an Interpol agent, wearing a protective vest (Met Police/PA) Among the haul were homemade audiovisual spy devices hidden inside everyday objects including a rock, mens ties, a Coke bottle and a Minions cuddly toy. Kit to make and test counterfeit identity documents was recovered from Roussevs address, with a stash of fake passports also found at the one-bedroom flat in Harrow that Ivanova and Dzhambazov shared. Police pieced together six operations dating back to August 2020 from more than 100,000 Telegram messages on Roussevs phone in which he and Marsalek made light of their dangerous plans. Advertisement In the chat, Roussev was nicknamed Jackie Chan, Dzhambazov went by Mad Max and Jean-Claude Van Damme, and referred to his spies as The Minions. A jury deliberated for more than 32 hours to find Ivanova, of Harrow, Gaberova, of Euston, and Ivanchev, of Acton, guilty on Friday of plotting to spy for an enemy state. Ivanova was also convicted of having a stash of false identity documents with improper intention, which Roussev and Dzhambazov admitted along with the spy plot. A sixth defendant, Ivan Stoyanov (33), from Greenford, London, had also admitted spying for Russia, it can now be reported. Advertisement The defendants made no reaction as the verdicts were delivered. Mr Justice Hilliard KC remanded the defendants into custody until sentencing between May 7 and May 12. Katrin Ivanova during a spy op in Austria on September 12, 2021 (Met Police/PA) The defendants face sentences of up to 14 years in jail for the activities in the UK, Austria, Spain, Germany and Montenegro. Met counter-terrorism chief Commander Dominic Murphy said: This was industrial-scale espionage on behalf of Russia. This is one of the largest and most complex examples of a group working for a foreign state to conduct intelligence surveillance operations here in the UK so it is a significant case and I am very proud of the investigation team and the success they have had. Really sophisticated devices the sort of thing you would really expect to see in a spy novel were found here, in Great Yarmouth and London. I have never seen anything like this in my more than 20 years in counter-terrorism. It was an extremely sophisticated operation. Reading some of the messages and content on the devices you might be tempted to think this is not a serious threat, but behind those nicknames was an extremely sophisticated intelligence-gathering operation that posed a threat to national security and individuals, including journalists. Had the group not been arrested, lives could ultimately have been lost as happened as a result of the 2018 Novichok attack in Salisbury. A surveillance image by Gaberova of Christo Grozev at breakfast in the Palace Hotel, Valencia (Met Police/PA) Mr Murphy said: My concern has always been what that lifestyle surveillance was going to lead to and we have seen a long history of the Russian state conducting operations here in the UK, including lethal threat operations like the investigation in Salisbury. Frank Ferguson, from the UK's Crown Prosecution Service, said: This was a high-level espionage operation with significant financial rewards for those involved in the spy ring. By targeting individuals in the UK fleeing persecution as well as journalists opposing the Russian regime, the group undermined the message that the UK is a safe country for those people. This prolonged activity also undermined the security and safety of the UK; and there can be no doubt that each of the defendants knew exactly who they were spying for. The court had heard how journalist Christo Grozev was targeted after he exposed Russian links to the Novichok poisoning and the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane in July 2014. He was followed from Vienna to a conference in Valencia in Spain, with Ivanova able to get close enough on the plane to record the PIN number on his phone with a camera on the strap of her bag after the spies acquired his flight manifest. Gaberova befriended the 54-year-old on Facebook and took covert pictures of Mr Grozev having breakfast at the Palace Hotel with Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins. Roussev discussed with Marsalek deploying true sexy bitch Gaberova as a honeytrap against Mr Grozev, saying: We can definitely record something for Pornhub too. That girl is red hot, she is a swinger too. Marsalek discussed kidnapping another investigative journalist, Roman Dobrokhotov, by boat, opining: A successful operation on British ground would be amazing after the f**** up Skripal stuff. A box containing blood bags (Met Police/PA) Ultimately, he concluded Operation Boat was too dangerous, telling Roussev: If something goes wrong the UK authorities have a minimal response time between identifying your involvement and going after you. The court heard of plans to help Russian intelligence services ingratiate themselves with Kazakhstan counterparts. One idea was to offer intelligence after staging a fake protest outside the embassy, with Ivanova arranging a supply of blood in exchange for a bonus of 2,400 (2,800). At the time she, Dzhambazov and Stoyanov were working for a medical courier company. Video of fake blood was shared and Roussev giving updates on the vampire team, which Marsalek said was bloody glorious literally. The group went on to carry out surveillance on Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, German, believing that Ukrainian soldiers were being trained there on how to use the Patriot Air Defence System. Roussev was instructed to get out his IMSI grabber a device to capture mobile phone data which was gathering dust in his Indiana Jones garage in Great Yarmouth. Swimmer turned painter and decorator Tihomir Ivanchev (Met Police/PA) In chilling discussions, Marsalek discussed kidnapping Russian lawyer Kirill Kachur in Montenegro, telling Roussev: We dont mind if he dies by accident but better if he manages to find his way to Moscow. Giving evidence, Ivanova claimed she was deceived by her long-term partner, Dzhambazov, and did not know she was providing intelligence to Russia. She told jurors: I purely believed what I was told and that was my mistake. World Russia bombards Ukraine energy grid as Zelensky sa... Read More Gaberova said she was lied to, manipulated, used and exposed by her boyfriend Dzhambazov, who she thought was an Interpol officer with brain cancer. She expressed horror at the honeytrap plot, saying: These people had horrible plans for me. Former competitive swimmer Ivanchev declined to give evidence but claimed in his police interview Gaberova manipulated him. 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 As an actor, says Toni Collette, you know when youve got a scene. At that point, she says, its time to move on. A lot of directors, when you get it, still want to labour it. Even if you nail it, theyll say, lets get another one for safety, which is my least favourite thing in the world, she says. Youre never going to get the mystery of whatever happened in that moment again. Its so alive. Why would you try to make us do it again? Just be satisfied. Recently, however, shes been on a lucky streak. Last year she made Juror #2 with director Clint Eastwood, playing a prosecutor in what seems to be an open-and-shut murder case. (As it happens, it stars Nicholas Hoult as the eponymous juror; Collette last worked with him in 2002s About a Boy, playing his mother. Things certainly come around in funny ways when youve been in the business for more than 30 years.) Toni Collette with Mark Ruffalo in Mickey 17. Credit: Clint Eastwood famously does one take, sometimes two; cast and crew are often free to go home in the middle of the afternoon. His track record with this approach speaks for itself, but Hoult admitted in an interview he did with Collette that he found it unnerving. As an actor, Im terrified of not doing enough; Id want to do one more take, try one more thing, he said. And he really taught me this trust and acceptance of, no, just feel, do and let it be. That was Collettes ideal. You really do have to be just in the moment. And its very simple. Since then, Collette has gone on to play a wild supporting role in Mickey 17, the feverishly awaited new film by the singular Korean director Bong Joon-ho. In 2020, Bong busted through Hollywoods insularity to win the Oscar for best picture with his film Parasite. When he called Collette, she said yes before she even knew what he was offering her. Everyone did, she says. At that stage, there was no English-language script just a novel by Ashton Edward that Bong didnt want anyone to read. They just had to trust, then jump. Advertisement Let me start by saying I love him. I think Id been manifesting the idea of working with him for a while, so I couldnt believe I was even having this Zoom with him, Collette says. And then in the first five minutes, he said, Toni, weve both been doing this for such a long time, Im just going to cut to the chase I want you to be in my movie. And I screamed and I cried and I still hadnt even read it, but I didnt care. As it turned out, Bong Joon-ho was also her kind of director. I could work with him for the rest of my life, she enthuses. Hes the most dreamy director. You know how you usually do several takes, several sizes, several angles of everything? But hes already edited the movie before you even start. Everybody is handed whatever part of the script is storyboarded for the day, and he shoots these incremental moments. It is already broken down in the storyboard; they film what is there. So you never ever have to learn entire scenes. Its like just filming pick-ups. Director Bong Joon-ho with star Robert Pattinson on the films set. Credit: It sounds jumpy. At first we all found it jarring, like for two days. Then I was like, I never want to work any other way, Collette says. Because within those parameters, its a very joyous, freeing, exciting space. And he is so chilled out; its a very relaxed vibe on set and always fun, like properly joyous. Everything was very clear, but also very loose. And Bong is so confident, he just says, yep, got it, moving on. I love that. I really admire that. When I direct, Im doing that! Mickey 17, which stars Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson, represents the first time Bong Joon-ho has accepted the offer of a project initiated by a studio. That said, it is full of his usual concerns: humans disrupting nature, class inequalities, authority sustained with breathtaking violence and, last but not least, large imaginary animals that are simultaneously cuddly and somewhat repellently close to insects. It is set on a spaceship heading for a distant planet, where some billionaire chancers aim to set up a colony for Earths overspill humans. It is a scenario with enough real-life parallels to make it truly unsettling. The volunteer settlers are people with no prospects on Earth but some marketable skill useful on barren planets. Pattinsons character, Mickey, has no skills. His job is to provide scientific data by submitting to mortal risks. When he dies, as he usually does, his body is cloned, restocked with his memories and personality, and put back to work. As the film opens, Mickey is on his 16th incarnation. Fortunately, his girlfriend, Nashi (Naomi Ackie), isnt too squeamish about the tech. Each time he resurfaces, she takes him back. Advertisement Leading the colonising expedition is a bumptious failed US politician, Kenneth Marshall, played by Mark Ruffalo. Collette plays his wife, Ylfa, who is a mix of Lady Macbeth and Martha Stewart. One moment she is whispering instructions to her husband as he speaks to a meeting, clearly acting as puppet-master. The next she is waxing lyrical on the importance to civilisation of a piquant sauce. One critic called her character unhinged. She drapes herself over Marshall like a stole, ostensibly the perfectly surrendered wife, but her grip on him is like iron. His character is made the more grotesque by an extra set of weirdly even teeth; she has nails like claws. The nails were Collettes idea. Before shooting began, she says, actors had the opportunity to read a translated script in an allotted five-hour window. It was just like this delicious opportunity to play somebody that narcissistic and syrupy, she says. I just wanted to have a First Lady/newsreader hairstyle. The fact is that everybody else has not been able to bring much more than a toothbrush, and Ylfa has practically brought their whole home, which is hugely luxurious, where everything else is stark and industrial. You mention the sauces. Its insane to think this person has so much power and privilege but just focuses on that. Collette with director Bong and co-stars at the Mickey 17 premiere in Paris last month. Credit: Olivier Vigerie/Warner France Ruffalo luxuriates into his performance with the same sort of gleeful excess he brought to his caddish rogue in Poor Things; Collette plays up to him. Mark Ruffalo is the best! He is entirely loveable, completely adorable, obviously very talented, but he is one of the funniest people I have ever known. They didnt set any boundaries, she says. Some things just happen naturally, you just play with it. If you start to get too regulated, you can nip magical things in the bud. Loading Collette dropped out of NIDA in 1992 to join the cast of Uncle Vanya, favouring instinct in acting over a learned technique. What I discovered at NIDA was that I just dont work that way, she said in an interview with Vogue several years ago. Im in no way technical, so the biggest lesson that stuck with me was to listen to myself. Leaving school was a risk, but it paid off: soon after the play finished, she was asked to meet the producers of Muriels Wedding. She has been busy since, often in the United States, where she won an Emmy for The United States of Tara, about a therapist with a mental illness. Her notable post-Muriel movies include Velvet Goldmine, About a Boy, The Sixth Sense, Little Miss Sunshine and the recent Hereditary and Knives Out. With two teenage children at home, she would like to focus on working in Australia; as I leave, she starts telling me about her two directing projects. Advertisement While International Womens Day is mainly seen as a celebration of progress, some Brisbane business owners are demanding more than tokenistic displays of support. Noosa-based keynote speaker Amanda Stevens is just one of the women taking a stand against the day. I think International Womens Day, at its heart, is about progress, right? Stevens said. [But] I think as time goes on were going backwards in so many ways. Amanda Stevens has taken a stand against traditional International Womens Day events. This year Stevens has chosen to speak for free at a womens prison after becoming frustrated by requests to present without compensation at corporate events. 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 Theyre buzzed with adrenaline, sore from filling sandbags, fanging for a coffee, prepared to the gritted teeth. But for residents of the Northern Rivers its near impossible to imagine exactly whats coming. And other trials of life dont stop for a storm. As Cyclone Alfred spun over a hot Coral Sea last week, raging in fits between category 3 and 4, Dee Prichards husband Ed stopped eating. Stomach pain had gripped him for a fortnight and doctor visits hadnt helped, so Prichard took him to the emergency department from their home in Lismore Heights. Local flash flooding in Lismore as Cyclone Alfred nears the coast. Credit: Nick Moir He had emergency surgery on Saturday, and they removed half his large intestine, Prichard says on Friday from a home buttressed with mattresses against the windows, as they batten down for the cyclones long-awaited landfall. Because of that situation, I wasnt so aware of what else was going on. The surgeon was able to come in last Saturday and operate on him. If it had been today, who knows? Isnt it weird that in this potential disaster, theres still things to be very grateful for? Advertisement Ed is now comfortable and recovering at home after excellent care from the Lismore Base Hospitals doctors and nurses. Prichard, who moved to Lismore from Bondi during the pandemic, also scooped up her sister and her husband from Cabarita Beach in case it evacuates and brought them home. The pot plants are inside, the curtains and blinds drawn to stop glass shards flying from smashed windows, the laundry pimped as a safe room with a mat, chairs, snacks and backgammon. Dee Prichard and Ed van Gelderen (inset) and their laundry-turned-safe room in Lismore Heights. Credit: Diane Prichard Prichard has cooked up a storm while theres still power: frittata, steak, pasta and meatballs. She feels like shes in an overlong disaster movie, waiting for the meteor to strike. She remembers standing in a mock-up tin shed that emulates the sound of Cyclone Tracy on a visit to a museum in Darwin. There was this incredible rumbling, corrugated iron ratting, wind noise it gave you a sense of it. They say Alfred will be like a violent thunderstorm, but it lasts six to 12 hours, rather than 15 minutes. It will be frightening. There was a strong chance I might have been on my own if Ed was still in hospital. I really feel for anyone who might be alone. Advertisement AJ Jensen has lived around Lismore since they were nine years old. Theyre an LGBTQI social worker and lived through the catastrophic 2022 floods. Lismore local AJ Jensen (centre) helped people evacuate on Thursday night. Credit: Nick Moir After driving back from last weekends Sydney Mardi Gras, they spent Thursday night getting people out of the low-lying parts of town after the State Emergency Service urged residents to evacuate by 9pm. Some of them, Jensen says, shut down. Loading I had a friend, a community member in town on Wednesday night, who just was frozen in his hairdressing salon, not moving. A bunch of us went down and were like, We need to go now, dude. He went through it last time. He just couldnt fathom it. More rain has already hammered Lismore than expected; 150 millimetres in the 24 hours to 9am Friday. People are saying the levee may not hold. Survivors of 2022 have a Rolodex of perils in mind. The risk of infection if you get cut, the risk of breaking a bone, the risk of having a mental health crisis, losing your documents, Jensen says. Advertisement There are fears whats left from the 2022 floods pose yet more physical dangers. The government bought back hundreds of homes on the floodplains and there are streets of abandoned houses. The decaying structures, some draped in faded flags painted with pink hearts, are surrounded by temporary fencing residents worry will be weaponised by floodwater. Temporary fencing around homes bought back by the government after the 22 Lismore floods. Credit: Nick Moir That fencing is a debris hazard, Jensen says. All of those unsecured buildings and houses are compounding the disaster of it all. I dont think this has been experienced much yet on this continent: the recurring big, big climate disaster. Thats the thing were going to have to get used to. And its an interesting thing to watch my own nervous system and our collective community trauma kick into gear. Dangerous coastal conditions are expected to worsen as Alfred edges towards the coast at walking speed. Credit: Nick Moir In the end, we just dont know how big itll be. Thats the story across the Northern Rivers. Alfred is punishing those in its path with a drawn-out crawl, gorging on abnormally hot water off the coast. Advertisement The Big Prawn in Ballina, one of its whiskers stripped off by wind, rises above the Bunnings carpark like the folk around town: standing tall but down a feeler. Inside the hardware store its a tale of too late. Sandbags? Sold out three days ago. Powerbanks? Forget it. Torches? The walls stripped bare. Good luck out there. Spectators watch wild surf at Byron Bay on Thursday. Credit: Danielle Smith In Lennox Head, people gathered on the headland under a rattling screw pine tree to watch the destructive waves: the barbarian foot soldiers of the cyclone. These shores are famous for cushioning the tanning bodies of influencers and holidaymakers, but theyre also natural protective barriers between people and ocean storm surges. Theyve been under attack all week. For days, swashbuckling locals have thrown themselves into the maelstrom at Byron Bays Main Beach. Crowds filled up the carpark to watch surfers shoot through barrels with the foam flying. Take the thrills while youre the one controlling them. On Friday, the eve of Alfreds arrival, most surfers and their spectators stayed home. By the evening chainsaws had brought down three of Byrons famous Norfolk Pines after they hit a dangerous lean, their trunks crashing where onlookers had gathered earlier. Two of Byrons famous beachside Norfolk Pines and one on the main street were brought down on Friday ahead of Cyclone Alfreds arrival. Credit: Angus Dalton On a street back from the beach, floodwater creeps up below the yellow house Jim Knight has lived in for 67 years. Hes one of the few who remember Cyclone Zoe in 1974 tossing boulders into the carpark and sending ocean waves breaking down Byrons main street. Advertisement Residents of tiny Bundeena in Sydneys south were in shock on Friday after a swimmer was attacked by a shark off one of the villages popular beaches. The woman, a local resident in her 50s, was heard crying for help early on Friday afternoon. Ambulances were called to Gunyah Beach after 1pm on Friday. The woman was treated at the scene for serious leg injuries before being airlifted to St George Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Onlookers at Gunyah Beach said they heard screams and quickly jumped into the water and applied pressure to her wounds. Police are appealing for public assistance in finding a 12-year-old girl from Redland Bay, who has not been seen since Wednesday night. The girl, described as Pacific Islander, approximately 150 centimetres tall with dark hair and brown eyes, was last seen about 6pm on Wednesday and has not been heard from since, with family and police concerned due to her age and the arrival of Cyclone Alfred. Queensland Police are appealing for community members with information relating to a missing girl from Redland Bay to come forward. She is known to frequent the Brisbane CBD, South Bank, Fortitude Valley and major shopping centres. Police are appealing to the girl or anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to come forward. Asked by the magistrate whether he was applying for bail, the teenager responded: No, Im not. He will return to court on March 21. Police were called to Avalon Airport near Geelong on Thursday afternoon after reports a male wielding a firearm had attempted to board the Jetstar flight. The boy allegedly climbed through a hole in the airports security fence before making his way on foot to the plane, Superintendent Michael Reid said on Thursday evening. The incident has sparked widespread concern that such a major security breach could unfold at a Victorian airport. A Jetstar spokesperson said the airline was working with police to urgently understand what has occurred. The plane Jetstar flight 610 from Avalon to Sydney was carrying about 150 people. On Friday, Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully said the cabin manager on board the flight had initially observed that something was amiss when the teenager, dressed in high-vis, attempted to get on the plane. Tully said the cabin manager sought the assistance of passenger Barry Clark and other crew, including the pilot, who came out to help restrain the teenager. They acted exactly as they should the way theyre trained to operate, and were super grateful for Barry, whos now a bit famous for the help he provided in what would have been a very traumatic incident for our people, Tully said. Tully said she was proud of how the pilot and cabin crew had acted during the security breach. He [the pilot] came out of the flight deck to help. Hes trained to do that, she said. Theyre [all staff] trained to do this. But it doesnt stop these efforts being heroic, and were just so proud of our people and the way they acted. Asked whether the airline would undertake its own investigation or offer training for staff, Tully said the security breach was a matter for Avalon Airport. We will obviously participate and work with them on that, but weve been flying out of Avalon for 20 years, and we know thats always been a safe and secure airport, she said. We understand he [the offender] [allegedly] gained access on the perimeter of Avalon Airport. We dont understand how that happened. Its now a matter for police investigation. Obviously, well work with Avalon Airport to understand what happened. We take these things really seriously. While Tully stopped short of saying the airline would conduct its own investigation, she said Jetstar would take on any findings that came out of Avalon Airport investigation into the incident. We will work with them on learnings from this incident yesterday, Tully said. Our priority right now is to care for those people who went through a very unusual day at work. Tully said the pilot was doing amazing and was back flying on Friday. Clearly, when something like this happens, everyone responds in different ways, Tully said. This is a very experienced pilot at Jestar who has worked for Jetstar for a long time. Hes super proud of the team on the aircraft and the way they operated, and were proud of him and his leadership yesterday. This masthead has confirmed that federal police and Victoria Police have no permanent presence at Avalon, and the airports owners and operators have responsibility for passenger screening and perimeter security. It is believed police raced nine kilometres from the nearby town of Lara, west of Avalon, to arrest the teenager who was being restrained by passengers, including Clark, a station farmer and former shearer and boxer from Echuca-Moama. Clark noticed the barrel of a shotgun while the teenager was talking to the flight attendant. Footage captured of the incident shows Clark, a former boxer, tackling the teenager to the ground. The farmer threw the shotgun down the stairs outside the aircraft with the help of a pilot and other passengers. On Friday, Avalon Airport chief executive Ari Suss praised the actions of Avalon and Jetstar employees in their handling of the incident. We do rehearse to some degree emergency drills and emergency management protocols, and we knew we just had to get into action, Suss said. The Jetstar team that was there, aircraft maintenance, aircraft engineering guys, everyone pulled their weight. It was quite something to see. My colleagues who would otherwise have desk jobs deployed themselves into more practical roles, traffic management and other things. Suss said the airports management would be receptive to any findings of its investigations into how the incident occurred, and that security there had already been bolstered by Friday. There will be some learnings that come from this, he said. Well be responsive to that we always have been. Ive implemented a number of security upgrades already with regard to very noticeable additional presence of security around the terminal. There are things were doing around the perimeter and there are also some steps weve taken with regard to outside. While some have suggested the airport should install a statue of Clark at the airport in honour of his heroism, Suss said he had come up with another reward. Burgertory restaurant chain owner Hash Tayeh has been charged with using insulting words in public for a chant at a pro-Palestine rally in the CBD last year. Tayeh, who has become a prominent leader of the protest movement after the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israels 15-month war on Gaza, repeatedly said all Zionists are terrorists. Hash Tayeh Credit: Nine On Friday, police charged Tayeh with four counts of using insulting words in public for uttering the statement four times during a May rally. The punishment is up to two months in prison for a first offence and six months for three or more offences. Voters are set to deliver the worst ever swing away from the WA Labor Party at Saturdays state election, but the overall result will still likely be the second or third best in the partys history. Two opinion polls published Friday suggest the Liberals will claw back between 12.2 and 13 per cent of the two-party vote statewide, which would net them the return of 11 seats in the lower house. Premier Roger Cook and Liberal leader Libby Mettam. Loading Premier Roger Cook has consistently said he expects to lose seats this election and Labor insiders say they are bracing for a loss of 12 to 18 seats. Labor will pop the bubbly if its closer to 12 while the Liberals and Nationals will be reaching for the top shelf if they get close to 18 seats. Those polls will not reflect a uniform swing across individual seats on the night of course and when you drill into it there are plenty of interesting battles that will take place. Here are the ones to watch. Join us tomorrow for our special state election live blog where well bring you the news as it happens. But Labor only wins this argument if it frames the debate as one about climate change; if its framed as a debate about energy prices, the Coalition likely wins. This is all to do with perceived brand strengths. Labor is seen to be more genuinely concerned about climate and environment. The Coalition is still scarred by its climate-sceptic years under Tony climate change is crap Abbott and Barnaby $100 lamb roasts Joyce. The energy transition in Australia is not proceeding smoothly, but it is proceeding. The share of renewables in Australias total electricity consumption was 17 per cent in 2017. In 2023, it reached 39.4 per cent. In the last quarter of last year it hit a new high of 46 per cent, approaching half the total. And, for the first time, coals share fell below 50 per cent, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator. What does this mean for the governments target of cutting carbon emissions by 43 per cent by 2030? Its pretty much on track, according to the governments Climate Change Department estimates from late last year, which projects that Australias emissions will be 42.6 per cent lower. Peter Duttons nuclear energy plan has been a strong talking point for the Coalition. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Yet Labors winning political hand on climate is not as strong as these figures suggest. Partly thats because of rising community resistance to big wind projects. Even some pro-renewables teal candidates are baulking at endorsing big new wind installations. Partly because of Labors approvals for new coal and gas mines, the Greens pounce to attack the governments sincerity. Above all, its because power prices have risen so much. The price of wholesale electricity bounded an extraordinary 83 per cent in the last quarter of 2024, compared to the corresponding period a year earlier, according to AEMO. Thatll hurt any governments credibility. And its partly because Labors credibility on almost everything has slumped, along with its overall standing in the electorate. When Albanese was elected, Labor was seen as being better than the Coalition on almost every major area of policy. Today, Labor is seen as better than the Coalition in just two of 18 different policy areas Indigenous affairs and welfare, according to the Resolve Political Monitor poll. The two major parties are seen as equally good in one other field healthcare. This is a traditional Labor strength and one its confident of winning back in the election campaign to come. In fact, Albanese aims to make it the dominant theme of the Labor campaign. On climate change and the environment, Labor is now marginally behind the Coalition in voter perceptions of competence, by 5 points in the Resolve polling. Labor believes it can win on this issue if voter concerns are roused by events, meaning Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Loading On energy including renewables and nuclear energy Labor is more substantially behind, by 13 percentage points. Duttons nuclear energy plan has been a strong talking point for the Coalition. Its bold and new, and its commanded a lot of attention. Its been instrumental in internal party management. Its given the Coalitions MPs and senators a unifying plan to advocate, instead of spending three years bickering with each other over whether climate change is crap, and whether to build a new fleet of coal-fired power plants. The nuclear plan is less useful as a practical policy for solving Australias emissions and energy problems. Yes, nuclear plants would be zero emissions. But the timing, for starters, makes the policy irrelevant to the next decades needs. The Coalition plan doesnt envisage any nuclear power plants operating until 2035 at the earliest. And that assumes all goes smoothly in a plan to be entirely funded by the Australian taxpayer. It also presupposes that plants could be built in states that have shown no interest in lifting their nuclear bans. Loading If Alfred does indeed start a debate about climate change, the Liberals could win the argument if they harness anger at high electricity prices; but theyre in trouble if the debate revolves around climate change and urgent action to cut emissions. Alfred isnt the only cyclone approaching Australias coastline. The other is what the prime minister likes to call the most challenging strategic circumstances since the Second World War. This is a furious twister of forces combining Donald Trumps destruction of the US-led world order with Russian designs on Europe and Chinese Communist Party ambitions to dominate just about everything. Albanese is trying hard to wish this one away. He may be in the National Situation Room to deal with Alfred, but hes distinctly uninterested in talking about the national situation thats threatening Australian security. He wants a domestic election campaign and is unready for an election fought, in part, on national security. Trump last week said that the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. After he cut off all assistance to Ukraine, European leaders have concluded that hes serious about cutting all of Europe adrift. Theyve decided that NATO is a dead letter. Loading Germanys incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared the need to make Germany independent of the US. Britain last week brought forward an increase in defence spending. Frances Emmanuel Macron has offered Europe the protection of its nuclear umbrella on the assumption that the US umbrella is no longer reliable. The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has declared a watershed moment for Europe. Shes drafted a plan to step up collective defence spending by 800 billion over four years. In Australia, as the Chinese navy task group completes its circumnavigation of Australia, Dutton has kept open the option of pledging an increase in Australian defence spending. Intelligently, he took this position before the inevitable call from the Trump administration to do exactly that. But Albanese? Hes resolute in claiming that hes stabilised Beijing, that hes done enough to increase defence spending from its current 2 per cent of GDP to his promised 2.4 per cent over a decade, and in dismissing Trump administration calls for Australia to do more in its own defence. This leaves Labor exposed politically and Australia exposed strategically. Even the co-author of Albaneses own defence strategic review, Angus Houston, has called for increasing defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP. Which is it, prime minister? The most challenging strategic circumstances since the Second World War or a terrific time to declare mission accomplished while we wait a decade for US nuclear submarines? Twin cyclones of climate change and hostile forces are approaching. Its not an either/or choice. Leadership demands confronting both. One of Western Australias most prominent indigenous advocates has accused the WA Greens of being racist after her nomination to run for the party in the looming federal election was blocked over concerns she would become another Lidia Thorpe. Menang Noongar woman Megan Krakouer has lodged a human rights complaint against the party over the preselection process for the federal seat of Fremantle, which she said mischaracterised and humiliated her. Megan Krakouer has accused the WA Greens of racism. Credit: Steven Siewert A Greens volunteer vetting Krakouers nomination made the we dont want another Lidia Thorpe comment to one of her referees, who was so offended by that and two other questions about her race that she made official complaints to the party. He asked how Megan would respond if she didnt agree with a Greens position on an issue and it could possibly impact on her integrity how would she react/respond, the referees complaint states. China is using the geopolitical instability triggered by US President Donald Trump to cast itself as the worlds reliable partner, as America retreats from the international system and embarks on a tariff war. In a tightly stage-managed press conference on the sidelines of Chinas rubber-stamp legislature on Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi projected China as an anchor of stability in a changing and turbulent world, one that would safeguard fairness and peace. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the media on the sidelines of the National Peoples Congress in Beijing. Credit: AP He said China was a beneficiary and custodian of the United Nations system, warning that the law of the jungle would take hold without it, while issuing an indirect swipe at the United States, which hit China with 20 per cent tariffs on all its exports this week. Those with stronger arms and bigger fists should not be allowed to call the shots, Wang said. SpaceXs massive Starship spacecraft exploded in space on Thursday (Friday AEDT) minutes after lifting off from Texas, in the second straight failure this year for Elon Musks Mars rocket program. Several videos on social media showed fiery debris streaking through the dusk skies near south Florida and the Bahamas after Starship broke up in space shortly after it began to spin uncontrollably with its engines cut off, a SpaceX live stream of the mission showed. The failure of the eighth Starship test comes just over a month after the seventh also ended in an explosive failure. The back-to-back mishaps occurred in early mission phases that SpaceX has easily surpassed previously, a setback for a program Musk has sought to speed up this year. The 123-metre rocket system is central to Musks plan to send humans to Mars as soon as the turn of the decade. Our research found that the people leaving cities are typically not young people at the start of their careers, but are older people with more financial resources, Gurran said. They are often seeking a better lifestyle and often become homeowners in their new location. Gene Hackman and his wifes times of death may be near-impossible to determine. Gene Hackman and his wifes times of death may be near-impossible to determine An expert has revealed putting a time on death becomes increasingly difficult once a body has undergone significant decomposition, especially when mummification occurs after the bodies of Gene, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered in that condition on 26 February at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home after the couple had been out of contact with friends and family for several days. Dr James Gill, Chief Medical Examiner for Connecticut, explained mummification can make it impossible to establish the exact timing of death. He told People: Once you get to that mummification stage, theres nothing to be able to distinguish the two deaths timewise. The expert added environmental factors such as dryness and heat can accelerate decomposition, making it harder to pinpoint the cause and time of death. He said: Generally, dry environments will cause mummification to occur more quickly than in a non-dry environment. Genes wife Betsy was found on the bathroom floor of their home near a space heater, while the actor was later discovered in the mudroom. Both showed signs of advanced decomposition, and its appeared the bodies had been dead for at least 10 days before being discovered. A family dog was also found lifeless at the scene. Forensic pathologist Judy Melinek, who also spoke to People, added its very difficult to determine time of death once decomposition has set in. She said: Once the body is decomposed, its a lot harder to do. The expert added early indicators including rigor mortis and body temperature help in the initial stages of putting a time on death, but are unreliable once decomposition progresses. Investigators are left in those cases to rely more on circumstantial evidence such as when the deceased were last seen alive or when mail began to pile up at the residence. Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death of Gene and Betsy, and the reason behind the couples deaths remains under investigation. History and reality affirm Taiwan is inalienable part of China: FM Xinhua) 13:34, March 07, 2025 BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The history and the reality affirm that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the recovery of Taiwan, Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing annual session of the National People's Congress. The victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression put Taiwan back under China's sovereign jurisdiction in 1945, Wang said. Both the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, issued by the major victorious nations of World War II, stated in explicit terms that Taiwan is a territory that Japan had stolen from the Chinese, and shall be restored to China. Japan also accepted the terms of the Potsdam Proclamation and announced its unconditional surrender, Wang said. "All these have confirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan, and formed an important part of the post-war international order," he said. Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971 by the UN General Assembly, resolved the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the UN, and precluded any possibility of creating "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan," Wang said. "The only reference to the Taiwan region in the UN is 'Taiwan, Province of China.' Taiwan is never a country, not in the past, and never in the future," Wang said. To clamor for "Taiwan independence" is to split the country, to support "Taiwan independence" is to interfere in China's internal affairs, and to connive at "Taiwan independence" is to undermine the stability of the Taiwan Strait, he noted. Wang stressed that respect for all countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity should mean support for China's complete reunification, and commitment to the one-China principle should mean opposition to any form of "Taiwan independence." "Seeking 'Taiwan independence' is doomed to backfire, and using Taiwan to contain China will be nothing but a futile attempt," Wang said. "China will realize reunification, and this is unstoppable." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Karla Sofia Gascon has thanked Madonna for her support. Karla Sofia Gascon thanked Madonna for her support The 52-year-old star - who was the first trans person to be nominated for an Oscar for her performance in 'Emilia Perez' - had been keeping a low profile prior to the weekend's Academy Awards after her past inflammatory tweets from 2016-2020 resurfaced and she's now expressed her gratitude for the famous faces who have offered her kind words, singling out the 'Material Girl' hitmaker for particular praise. Karla shared a black and white photo of her and Madonna, 66, hugging and wrote on Instagram: "Madonna, I want to thank you for all the love you have shown me. "For your invitation to the party you gave after the Oscars and for your words of love and strength. I love you. "I also take this opportunity to thank all my fellow Hollywood professionals who expressed their support and admiration for me that night. Both at the gala and at the party." Back in October, Karla told how Madonna had showered her with praise after seeing 'Emilia Perez'. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Madonna was crying so much after the screening in New York.she told me, 'You're amazing!' She was crying and crying. I said, 'Madonna, please. It's only a film. Be happy!' " Last month, Karla offered a "sincere" apology to the people she has hurt and pledged to step back from the spotlight. She wrote on Instagram: I decided, for the film, for Jacques, for the cast, for the incredible crew who deserves it, for the beautiful adventure we all had together, to let the work talk for itself, hoping my silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is, a beautiful ode to love and difference. "I sincerely apologise to everyone who has been hurt along the way.(sic)" Karla spoke out after 'Emilia Perez' director Jacques Audiard branded her previous comments - which included posts about the murder of George Floyd, the Muslim community, and diversity at the Oscars - "inexcusable" and said he didn't want to speak to her. He told Deadline: "I havent spoken to her, and I dont want to. She is in a self-destructive approach that I cant interfere in, and I really dont understand why shes continuing. "Why is she harming herself? Why? I dont understand it, and what I dont understand about this too is why shes harming people who were very close to her. "Im thinking in this thing of how hurting others, of how shes hurting the crew and all these people who worked so incredibly hard on this film. Im thinking of myself, Im thinking of Zoe [Saldana] and Selena [Gomez]. I just dont understand why shes continuing to harm us. "Im not getting in touch with her because right now she needs space to reflect and take accountability for her actions... "Shes really playing the victim. Shes talking about herself as a victim, which is surprising. Its as if she thought that words dont hurt." State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff shared a hauntingly optimistic final message with her followers just hours before her death by suicide at her Hollywood Hills home. Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff shared a hauntingly optimistic final message with her followers just hours before her death by suicide at her Hollywood Hills home The actress, 62, who starred in Baywatch and appeared in a string of other TV roles, posted a New Year's Eve video on Instagram capturing a serene moment with her grandchild London. Her footage began with a snapshot of Pamela standing before a Christmas tree, then cut to a joyful video of her grandchild. She captioned the post: Happy New Year, everyone! As we step into 2025, my heart is full of gratitude, especially for my precious grandbaby, London. Watching her grow and seeing her smile light up my world is truly the greatest blessing. She also expressed hope for the future, adding in her caption: My wish for all of you this year is health, happiness, and an abundance of love. The actress ended with the positive and forward-looking statement: May 2025 be filled with beautiful moments, laughter, and all the blessings your hearts can hold. Heres to a year of making cherished memories, spreading joy, and embracing every precious moment! Despite the upbeat nature of the post, Pamela was found dead at her $2 million Hollywood Hills home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities were alerted after family members grew concerned when they had not heard from her for several days. Paramedics responded to a call reporting an unconscious woman shortly after 10pm Wednesday night. No suicide note was found at the scene, and her passing has left friends, family, and fans reeling. Pamela, who was married to Baywatch star David Hasselhoff, 72, from 1989 to 2006, is survived by their two daughters, Hayley, 32, and Taylor, 34, as well as her granddaughter London. Her passing comes after a contentious divorce with David, which included prolonged disputes over alimony, lasting until 2017. Pamelas career included roles in The Young and the Restless, The Fall Guy and Sirens, but she had stepped away from acting in recent years. UKRAINE :: After Zelensky's failure in the White House, Africa turns sceptical The recent diplomatic setback of Volodymyr Zelensky in the United States is making waves as far as Africa. His visit to Washington, aimed at securing political and financial support, ended in a resounding failure, raising doubts about Kyivs ability to maintain its international influence. One of the immediate consequences of this failure concerns Cameroon. According to diplomatic sources, the project to open a Ukrainian embassy in Yaounde could be frozen. Cameroonian authorities are reportedly becoming increasingly skeptical about strengthening ties with Ukraine, particularly in light of latest scandals involving Kyiv on the continent. This hesitation reflects a broader trend: several African nations are growing wary of Ukraines international initiatives, which have been weakened by a series of controversies and inconsistent decisions. Ukraines diplomatic struggles in Africa are not new. In Senegal, its embassy was recently embroiled in a scandal over the alleged clandestine recruitment of fighters for the front, a situation that caused significant diplomatic concern across the region. Furthermore, at the United Nations, Mali has officially exposed Ukraines alleged support for armed groups. During a UN session, Malian representatives warned that Ukrainian involvement is fueling instability and posing a threat to the security of the Sahel region. These developments add to the already tense relations between Kyiv and several African countries. Political and intellectual elites across the continent are increasingly skeptical of Ukraines diplomacy, which they see as opportunistic and poorly coordinated. In Cote d'Ivoire, analysts believe that Ukraine has lost credibility and does not offer African states reliable guarantees of a long-term partnership. Kiev's goal in Africa is to counter Russia's growing influence; such goals do not fit well with its intentions to build mutually beneficial co-operation. Such tendencies provoke a cooling in relations between Ukraine and African countries. As Ukraine seeks to expand its influence in Africa, its diplomatic isolation continues to deepen. Zelenskys failure in Washington has reinforced concerns about the viability of Kyivs foreign policy, leading to direct consequences for its African partnerships. If this trend continues, African nations may increasingly turn away from Ukraine, further shrinking its already limited diplomatic space on the global stage. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex believes people "crave" physical contact. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex was a guest on The Drew Barrymore Show The former 'Suits' star - who has Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, with husband Prince Harry - insisted she didn't feel uncomfortable with talk show host Drew Barrymore's insistence on sitting very close to her guests because she feels that, particularly since the COVID-19 lockdowns, "human connection" is very important. During Meghan's appearance on 'The Drew Barrymore', the host noted: "I like to connect I'm such a warm person, and I love affection." The duchess replied: "I just think it's really important, we've missed this human connection certainly after the pandemic and everything else, and we crave being able to go, Hi, my friend. Are you here? And to really be able to hold and touch and embrace someone. The 43-year-old former actress' new lifestyle show, 'With Love, Meghan', premiered on Netflix this week and she explained one of her most important priorities when hosting is to make her guests "feel comfortable". She said: I think about with the show, certainly what hospitality has felt like for me is, how do you make people feel comfortable. How do you show up for them in spaces where they might feel like, I dont know, is this really where I should be?' I go, Yes, you belong here. Lets all have fun with it and not take it too seriously but see each other.' Drew later showed her guest a picture of her meeting Meghan's late mother-in-law, Princess Diana - who died in a Paris car accident in 1997 - when she was just seven years old. The 50-year-old actress showed the royal the framed photograph, which was taken at the UK premiere of 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' and in which she presented the princess with a plush version of the alien, and admitted giving the toy to Diana was the "honour of [her] life". Meghan said of the photograph: "Oh, how sweet. Oh, that's beautiful. Oh my gosh. Look at your little face! Oh, that's so sweet. That is so special that you had it here. Oh!" Drew replied: "I was lucky enough... "It means so much to me to have met such an incredible human being that transcended everything. It was the honour of my life." Meghan exclaimed: "Oh my gosh, well, I will tell H that for sure." A CONVICT who appeared in court from custody to be sentenced for being drunk and disorderly on Christmas Eve, and for threatening to vandalise a restaurant he was barred from, was sentenced to nine months in prison. However, the judge dangled the carrot of rehabilitation after hearing the mans story by ordering this sentence run concurrent to his present incarceration, thereby not extending his stay any longer. Stephen Martin (33), presently of No Fixed Abode, but formerly of Rheban Manor, Athy, was in Athy District Court to face sentence on both counts. On 24 December, 2024 he was reported to gardai at a party at 5am. He was found so intoxicated that he was unable to look after himself, said Sergeant Dave Hanrahan. It was a friends house, said the defendant ruefully. Then on 26 November he entered a restaurant on Duke Street in Athy and threatened staff saying: Ill come back her with 20 pals and destroy the place, revealed the sergeant. Why? asked the judge. I was barred, smiled the defendant. It was two oclock in the afternoon, clarified the sergeant. I was fightin with me partner, then somebody said somethin said Martin. Im still with her, and shes pregnant now! he said proudly. How did she get pregnant when you were in prison? enquired the judge. I was out in November for 10 weeks, he smiled. This man is super-human! declared the judge. Then the sergeant told the judge that Martin had 162 previous convictions. 162 convictions, not proud, said the judge. Ive had problems with alcohol all me life, said the defendant, though he denied illicit drugs when the judge asked him. The judge then revealed that Martin had written to the court in which he apologised, and said he lost his grandmother, and leant on alcohol as a crutch. In fairness, hes trying to deal with the alcoholism, and is doing exceptionally well, said his solicitor Chloe Donegan. He has difficulty dealing with his emotions, particularly grief, she added. He seems fine here, but I wouldnt like to see him when hes drunk, noted the judge. Ms Donegan said her client was only five weeks in jail, with a release date in November, and that he had prospects as a qualified plasterer. Theyre crying out for all the trade skills in Ireland, said the judge, before sentencing him to nine months for making the threats in the restaurant, but ordering it commence from today. Claire Henry A convicted rapist who threatened to kill three female Sunday World journalists will be sentenced later this year. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Mark McAnaw (52), previously of Letterkenny, Co Donegal, pleaded guilty to the harassment of Nicola Tallant, Amanda Brunker and Deirdre Reynolds on various dates in August 2023. He has numerous previous convictions, which include a conviction of raping a foreign student in Donegal in October 2010. He was convicted by a jury in 2012 of orally raping and sexually assaulting the student. He was sentenced to nine years in prison for this offence. McAnaw also has a 1989 conviction for kidnapping and convictions for assaults causing actual bodily harm from a Derry court in 2011. He also attacked a woman in her home days after they had gone on a date together in April 2018. In this incident, he was armed with a large kitchen knife when he forced his way into a womans home. McAnaw received an eight-year, four-month sentence for this in June 2023, backdated to 2018, when he went into custody. The final 16 months of this sentence were suspended for 16 years, and McAnaw was placed under the supervision of Probation Services. Detective Sergeant John Brady told Kieran Kelly, BL, prosecuting, that he was called to investigate the harassment of three women. Deirdre Reynolds outlined in her garda statement that she was working as the acting editor with the Sunday World when she began to receive emails from McAnaw. The court heard that the emails varied from wanting to take Ms Reynolds for a drink to wanting to take me home and take my kit off and wanting to give me a good seeing to. The emails became more violent, and he then told her that he was coming to Dublin and wanted A f**king basic thing like a normal phone call confirming that I can stay at your house. The final email to Ms Renolds said: If you try and lastminute.com me, it will be a life-threatening mistake. I will turn up and put bullets in your nut. What happens to you will be your doing. McAnaw also referred to being an IRA Top Boy. Det Sgt Brady told the court that McAnaw contacted Nicola Tallant, the Sunday World's Investigations Editor, in August 2023. In his first email, he said: Nicola, I would love to come and meet you in the office around 4:30 to take you out for drinks and something to eat and then back to your house for some fun. The court heard that McAnaw turned up at Independent House, the building where the Sunday World is based. He was not allowed into the building and then emailed Ms Tallant to inform her that he was across the road in a coffee shop. The third complainant in the case is Amanda Brunker, who worked in TV, radio and for the Sunday World. The court heard McAnaw initially made contact with Ms Brunker in 2017. In August 2023, he left a public message for her on her social media page. Ms Brunker said her heart sank and she felt ill when she saw his name appear. In the message, he told her that he was just out of prison and made a sexual reference. Other messages referred to his criminal connections. He also said that he would get Nicola Tallant to show him where Ms Brunker lived and have sex with them both. McAnaw was arrested, detained and interviewed. He offered apologies to Ms Reynolds and Ms Tallant but indicated that he would have sex with Ms Brunker with or without her consent. Ms Reynolds read her victim impact statement to the court. She said: Before 2023, I had no interaction with him. I felt physically sick when I discovered he was a convicted rapist and had carried out violence against women. She said, To the end of 2023, I suffered what may have been a panic attack and had to go get an ECG. Ms Brunker also read her victim impact in which she said: I live in constant fear that he will find where I live, rape and kill me. Shortly after his release in 2017 for the savage attack on a woman in Buncrana, he started sending me messages. He said he would kill me and take pleasure in doing so. She told the court: I have no photo of him, so I can't warn my family and neighbours. Ms Brunker said: I have seen him in court twice. He is a giant of a man. To this day, my son keeps a hurl beside the front door. Ms Tallants victim impact statement was read to the court on her behalf, which said: When he arrived at my office reception, I felt quite sick. He is a convicted rapist, and this made his arrival at my office even more uncomfortable. She was comforted by the actions of the gardai and the court services. Det Sgt Brady agreed with Rebecca Smith, BL, defending, that her client is originally from the UK and came to Ireland 15 years ago. The court heard McAnaw is currently detained in the Central Mental Hospital. The garda agreed with counsel that at the time of this offending, McAnaw was not taking his medication. He also agreed that when gardai approached McAnaw in the coffee shop across from Independent House, he identified himself and was not aggressive. The court heard that McAnaw was interviewed on three occasions. He offered apologies to the women but also said that he would make it up to them in the future. Judge Pauline Codd adjourned the case until June 5th to prepare a probation report and obtain an up-to-date psychiatric report. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. By Cillian Sherlock, PA The US will continue to work on its economic relationship with Ireland, a US state department spokesman said, while refusing to clarify whether the trade imbalance between the two countries was discussed in a recent high-level call. It comes after Tanaiste Simon Harris said the trade imbalance between the US and Ireland was not specifically referenced in a call with the US secretary of state Marco Rubio. Mr Harriss account aligned with a readout from the Irish Government about that phone call, which referenced investment in the US but did not mention the trade imbalance. This appeared to contradict comments from a spokeswoman for Mr Rubio, who said he had discussed the US priority to address the US-Ireland trade imbalance with the Irish foreign affairs and trade minister. However, the US state department later refused to comment on whether the trade imbalance was directly discussed during the call, despite the reference in the initial statement. In a comment on Friday, a spokesman said: As a matter of policy, we do not disclose the details of diplomatic discussions. The United States values its economic partnership with Ireland, and trade remains an important component of our bilateral relationship that we will continue to work on. The discrepancy between Mr Harriss comments and the USs official account of the call caused heightened anxiety around Taoiseach Micheal Martins upcoming bilateral meeting with president Donald Trump at the White House next week. Mr Trumps administration has set out an ambition to correct its trade imbalances across the European Union and there is increasing concern over Irelands exposure to shocks from major policy changes. Earlier in the week, Mr Trump declared March to be Irish-American Heritage Month. He said: The United States and Ireland also enjoy a long friendship strengthened by economic ties, a shared commitment to democracy, and the timeless values of faith, family and freedom. As my administration works to correct trade imbalances with the European Union, our historic relationship with Ireland presents an opportunity to advance fairer trade policies and stronger investment opportunities that benefit both nations. EU leaders gather with Volodymyr Zelensky Thursday in Brussels in search of unity on bolstering Ukraine and Europe's defences after Donald Trump upended traditional US alliances and retracted wartime backing of Kyiv. Thursday's summit brings all 27 EU leaders together for the first time since last week's explosive meeting between presidents Trump and Zelensky, with Washington since suspending military aid and intelligence sharing to help Kyiv fight off Russia's invasion. This has sent Ukraine's allies scrambling, with EU leaders openly questioning Washington's reliability as a security partner going forward. While the Brussels meeting will aim to cement European support for Kyiv, it is unlikely to yield any major announcements of aid beyond the 30 billion euros ($32 billion) the bloc has already committed for this year. The prospect of the United States pivoting from its European partners in NATO has fuelled a growing consensus on the summit's other major topic: the need to strengthen Europe's defences against Russia. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has laid out a plan aimed at mobilising 800 billion euros to "re-arm Europe" -- largely by freeing states to spend much more -- which leaders are expected to greenlight Thursday. "Europe faces a clear and present danger on a scale that none of us has seen in our adult lifetime," she wrote to leaders, urging Europe to "act as decisively as the situation dictates." France's President Emmanuel Macron doubled down in a sombre address to the nation on the summit's eve, calling for a defence spending surge to confront a "new era" and saying he would discuss extending France's nuclear deterrent to European partners. "Who can believe that this Russia of today will stop at Ukraine?" Macron asked. "I want to believe that the United States will stay by our side, but we have to be prepared for that not to be the case." Germany's chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz, who conferred with EU chiefs in Brussels ahead of the talks, has likewise declared himself ready for "the worst-case scenario" and embraced radical reforms to ramp up Germany defence spending. Bolstering European defences has taken on acute urgency as Trump makes clear his desire to swiftly end the three-year war through direct negotiations with Moscow. His embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin, while expressing contempt toward Zelensky, has cemented fears that Kyiv and Europe's interests will be overlooked in any deal to end the biggest conflict on the continent since World War II. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a "coalition of the willing" to come together to draw up a peace plan and present it to the United States. Starmer and other European leaders made a show of embracing Zelensky and reaffirming support for Ukraine at weekend talks in London. EU chiefs will be briefing Starmer on the Brussels talks on Friday. France and Britain have pitched a one-month truce "in the air, at sea and on energy infrastructure", though not initially on the ground. Leaders are expected to raise that proposal in Brussels, but not formally decide on it. EU leaders are also expected to start thrashing out what "security guarantees" the bloc might provide for a peace deal, including the possible deployment of European troops which several states support. While Zelensky can expect strong words of support in Brussels, it was unclear if a deal would be reached on a new package of key weaponry, with several states arguing Europe currently has enough money committed to meet Kyiv's needs. Forging a united front on Ukraine has been a headache for the EU, with Hungary's Viktor Orban -- who is friendly with both Trump and Putin -- again signalling his reluctance to endorse a proposed joint statement on support for Ukraine. Zelensky is still scrambling to contain the fallout from the blow-up with Trump, which saw the US leader berate him for a lack of gratitude. Trump acknowledged Tuesday that Zelensky has told him Kyiv was ready for talks with Russia and to finalise an agreement on control of Ukrainian mineral resources. The US leader has demanded a deal granting Washington preferential access to Ukraine's rare-earth and other natural resources as the price for any continued backing -- even though he has refused to commit to giving Kyiv security guarantees as part of a truce with Russia. Advertisement Mackie Building Materials' sister company, MACCEM Industries Ltd, is planning to build a 0.56Mta cement plant in Hastings, Freetown, Sierra Leone. The International Finance Corp is considering approving a debt financing package of up to US$24m for the construction of the project. The grinding plant will use imported clinker, which will be transported via road from the Queen Elizabeth II Quay at the port of Freetown. The new plant will be located on a 10.9 acre site adjacent to the Hastings Airstrip and Jui-Masiaka Highway in Waterloo Rural. MACCEM already operates a cement bagging plant at the site. Site clearing, levelling and civil works for the grinding plant were completed in July 2024. It is expected that construction will be completed in 12-15 weeks. Authorities announced that a suspect has been arrested in the murder of rapper G$ Lil Ronnie and his five-year-old daughter, R'Mani. TMZ has reported that 24-year-old Adonis Robinson is now in police custody in Livingston, Texas, around 75 miles north of Houston. According to Forrest Hills Police Chief David Hernandez, the arrest was facilitated by the Forrest Hills Police Department's intelligence unit. However, it was not clear how authorities found Robinson. Jakobe Russell, 21, the second suspect, remains on the loose. Car Wash Shooting G$ Lil Ronnie, born Ronnie Smith, was shot to death Monday with his daughter while celebrating R'Mani's birthday at a car wash in Forrest Hills, beneath a Fort Worth suburb. Authorities said two suspects got out of a white Kia and shot at the car, killing R'Mani and injuring the rapper. The men then chased Smith around the parking lot before shooting him, authorities said, citing surveillance footage. Officers responding to the scene attempted life-saving measures, but both victims succumbed to their injuries. Texas Rapper Lil Ronnie & His 5-Year-Old Daughter Eliminated pic.twitter.com/evewNdc2im Ken (@Kenndogg22) March 5, 2025 Police named Robinson and Russell as suspects Wednesday and obtained capital murder warrants for their arrest. Condemnation of the assault was swift from Chief Hernandez at a press conference, who called the assailants "cowards." "They're scared. They're cowards. They're hiding. We ask the public, please, you know where they're at? Let us know." At the time, police said they had not established a motive but were looking into whether the suspects knew the victims before the shooting. Hernandez said, "It's all part of the investigation." "Like I said earlier, we are in a fact-finding phase. Everything that's been put out is being reviewed and analyzed by the Texas Rangers." A female getaway driver & 1 of the men who killed Lil Ronnie & his 5 year old daughter have been caught in Livingston, Texas 3 hours away from Ft Worth pic.twitter.com/lFle6w1BUg SAY CHEESE! (@SaycheeseDGTL) March 7, 2025 Criminal Histories Revealed Robinson is a registered sex offender and was released from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in August, investigators say. Russell was also previously convicted of several different crimes, including multiple assaults one of which was against a pregnant woman in 2023. Law enforcement is still looking for Russell, urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to reach out. Originally published on Music Times The Technical College System of Georgia has named the winners of its annual adult education awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in adult education and lifelong learning. Noelia Sargento, a student from Georgia Northwestern Technical College, has been named TCSGs 2025 Adult Education Student of the Year and recipient of the Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Award. Dr. Stacey Mabray from Augusta Technical College was honored as the 2025 Outstanding Adult Education Teacher of the Year.Adult education transforms lives, and this years honorees exemplify the perseverance, dedication, and passion that make lifelong learning so powerful, said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier.Noelia and Dr. Mabray have each demonstrated extraordinary commitment to educationNoelia as a student overcoming challenges to achieve her goals, and Dr. Mabray as an educator shaping the future of her students. Their achievements highlight the profound impact of adult education across Georgia, and we are proud to celebrate their success.Each year, the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Award celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in Georgias adult education programs. As the 2025 EAGLE Ambassador, Noelia will represent adult learners across the state, sharing her story and advocating for literacy and lifelong learning. She will also receive a full scholarship to the technical college of her choice, along with support for books and fees through the Brenda Wise Scholarship Fund, established in memory of lifelong adult education advocate Brenda Wise.We are incredibly proud of Noelia for being named TCSGs 2025 Adult Education Student of the Year, said Georgia Northwestern Technical Colleges President Dr. Heidi Popham. Noelias journey is an inspiration to us all, and we know she will continue to make a profound impact as Georgias EAGLE Ambassador. We congratulate her on this well-deserved honor and look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish.This years runner-up for Adult Education Student of the Year is Robert Riley from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. A total of 25 adult learners were honored during the event, celebrating their success in overcoming educational barriers.In its fourth year, the Outstanding Adult Education Teacher of the Year Award continues to recognize educators who make a lasting impact on their students and communities. Dr. Stacey Mabray of Augusta Technical College received this years top honor, while John Kibler from Georgia Piedmont Technical College was named runner-up.We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Stacey Mabray as TCSGs 2025 Outstanding Adult Education Teacher of the Year, said Augusta Technical College President Dr. Jermaine Whirl. Her dedication to student success has made a lasting impact on our adult education program and the lives of countless students. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in education. We are proud to have Dr. Mabray as part of the Augusta Technical College family and look forward to the continued success of her students under her leadership.The awards were presented during the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Institute, held on March 4-5 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. TCSG State Board Chairman Dr. Artesius Miller, TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier, and TCSG Assistant Commissioner for Adult Education Dr. Cayanna Good joined in recognizing this years winners.To learn more about TCSGs Adult Education program, visit www.GeorgiaOpportunities.com. 6/26/2025 Over the years, a number of popular tunes have been written and sung about the letters and words written in red in the Bible direct quotations of Jesus highlighted in red. We can find them ... more Kay Keefe Beth Eubanks Michelle Sapp Stacie Cooper Previous Next The Associated General Contractors East Tennessee is celebrating Women in Construction Week, a time to recognize the women shaping the industry and to inspire the next generation of builders, leaders and innovators. Construction has long been considered a male-dominated field, but that narrative is changing. Women now make up nearly 11 percent of the construction workforce, and that number is growing as more doors open in skilled trades, project management, engineering, and executive leadership. At UTC, women now represent 20 percent of the Construction Management programa sign that the future of the industry is becoming more diverse and inclusive. WIC Week is not just a celebration, its a call to action. With a nationwide skilled labor shortage, welcoming more women into construction is not just the right thing to doits essential to the industry's success. Women bring diverse perspectives, innovative problem-solving skills, and strong leadership abilities that drive projects forward. Whether working hands-on in the trades or leading multi-million-dollar developments, women in construction are proving that they belong at every level of the industry. To support women in construction, AGC East Tennessee launched Women of Steel, a mentorship and networking initiative connecting women across the industry. With more than 100 members the program inspires young girls to explore construction careers while providing guidance and professional development opportunities for women in the field. Through mentorship, training, and networking, Women of Steel empowers women to thrive in an evolving industry, said officials. AGC East Tennessee spotlights four women whose leadership, resilience and expertise continue to shape the industry. Kay Keefe: A Legacy of Leadership Starting in her familys plumbing business at 15, Kay Keefe became the first female master plumber in her area and now leads Keefe Plumbing, a 75-year-old company. Under her leadership, the company has expanded while maintaining its reputation for quality. Committed to training future professionals, she launched an in-house apprenticeship program to ensure sustainable career paths in plumbing. We need more women in the trades, Ms. Keefe says. At the end of the day, you can look at a completed project and say, I did that. That sense of accomplishment is something truly special. Beth Eubanks: Paving the Way in Construction With more than 35 years in construction, Beth Eubanks has broken barriers and earned her place as a respected leader in the industry. As the first female board member of AGC East Tennessee, Ms. Eubanks has consistently demonstrated that expertise and integrity are the keys to success. If you know your craft, people will listen, she says. Through her leadership and advocacy, she continues to inspire and support the next generation of women in construction. Michelle Sapp: From Finance to Construction Leadership Michelle Sapp didnt take a traditional path into construction, but once she found her way into the industry, she never looked back. Transitioning from finance into project management, she quickly discovered her passion for building and problem-solving. Now a project manager at EMJ, Ms. Sapp leads major developments, including the $80 million Lookout Stadium project. Her advice for women entering the field? Dont be discouraged if you stand outembrace it. Stacie Cooper: Managing Complex Projects with Confidence Initially hired for specialized billing, Stacie Cooper quickly advanced to assistant project manager at P&C Construction, contributing to major community projects. She thrives in the fast-paced environment, finding satisfaction in bringing large-scale developments to life. Construction isnt just about buildingsits about problem-solving, collaboration, and leaving a lasting impact, she says. As AGC East Tennessee celebrates WIC Week, the organization remains committed to advancing women in construction. Through Women of Steel, mentorship programs, and industry partnerships, AGC continues to break barriers and create opportunities for future generations, said officials. Drivers traveling near the I-75 at I-24 interchange in Hamilton County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will temporarily impact traffic. As part of Phase 2 (the second of two projects) to widen and improve the I-75 at I-24 interchange, Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews must implement weekend lane closures on I-75 near the SR 153 interchange to repair damaged concrete roadway slabs. This work is scheduled to take place over the next 6 weekends.Beginning Friday, March 7 at 9 p.m.and continuing through Monday, March 10 at 6 a.m., contract crews will close the right lane on I-75 South from SR 153 to the bridge over the CSX railroad. Traffic from the SR 153 South ramp to I-75 South will be required to yield before merging onto I-75 South. I-75 North will not be affected by this work. As soon as the new concrete cures long enough to pass required strength testing, the roadway will reopen to traffic.Drivers should consider an alternate route and are encouraged to avoid the area during these times. Significant delays are expected. Drivers should follow all posted signage and remain alert to changing traffic conditions.This work is weather-dependent. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances cause delays, it will be rescheduled to take place at a later date. Uniformed police officers will be present to assist with traffic control and law enforcement.Additional information and resources can be found on the projects website: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/region-2/i-75-interchange-at-i-24-phase2.html.As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel. Get the latest construction activity traffic updates from the TDOT SmartWay Map. Travelers can also call 511 for statewide travel information.The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee can be up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500. The Tennessee House of Representatives passed legislation giving law enforcement officers the authority to seize license plate flipping devices and impound vehicles.House Bill 300, sponsored by State Representative Greg Martin allows officers to confiscate license plate flippers and impound the vehicle if a license plate flipper is in use. The bill includes safeguards for vehicle owners. If the owner or operator is present, they will have the opportunity to remove the device before any action is taken.If the owner removes the flipper, officers will seize only the device as contraband and the vehicle will not be impounded.This legislation is an important step in ensuring the safety and discretion of our law enforcement officers as they combat the illegal use of license plate flippers, Rep. Martin said. Were providing a clear process for officers to seize these devices while giving vehicle owners a chance to safely remove them before any action is taken.If the vehicle is impounded, the owner will be responsible for all towing, impounding fees and reasonable costs for removing the license plate flipper.The bill aims to curb the use of license plate flippers, which obscure or alter vehicle identification numbers and hinder law enforcement efforts to track criminal activity.Rep. Martin passed a law in 2024 that made the manufacturing and sale of license plate flippers a Class A misdemeanor and the possession of one a Class B misdemeanor.Expanding on the work we began last year, House Bill 300 further enhances our ability to protect public safety and hold those who misuse these devices accountable, Rep. Martin said.The companion bill, Senate Bill 296, unanimously passed on the Senate floor on Monday. Unemployment in Tennessee held steady in January, matching the rate from December, according to new data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The states seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the month was 3.7 percent, while Decembers rate was revised to 3.7 percent.In a year-to-year comparison, statewide unemployment for January went from 3.2 percent to 3.7 percent.Tennessee continued to outperform the U.S. unemployment rate in January and was three-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate of 4 percent.The U.S. rate fell one-tenth of a percentage point from a month ago and is up three-tenths of a percentage point from its January 2024 rate of 3.7 percent.Over the past year, Tennessee employers added 21,500 jobs. Government accounted for the biggest gains, followed by the Mining, Logging, and Construction and the Leisure and Hospitality sectors.Between December 2024 and January 2025, total nonfarm employment in Tennessee decreased by 10,100 jobs. The largest decreases were in the Private Education and Health Services, Accommodation and Food Services, and the Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities sectors.A complete economic analysis of the January 2025 statewide unemployment data is available here."Earning a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma can help increase the job prospects for hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans, officials said. "For adult students in Tennessee, the pathway toward attaining their HSE diploma has never had so many options to meet their needs. Tennessee offers five test options through the New Pathways program more than any other state."Because of the programs success, Tennessees adult education program is the most improved in the country, according to new rankings from the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education."Tennesseans can take adult education classes at no cost. Find a program and get started on a brighter future today."The state of Tennessee will release January 2025 unemployment data for each of the 95 counties on Thursday, March 13 at 1:30 p.m. CDT. CHI Memorial Community Health Improvement Grant - La Paz - Pictured, left to right: Besty Kammerdiener, CHI Memorial market director of mission integration; Janelle Reilly, CHI Memorial market president; Karen Botting, CHI Memorial; Stacy Johnson, La Paz; James Williams, CHI Memorial COO; and Nicole Brown, CHI Memorial manager of community benefits and diversity CHI Memorial Community Health Improvement Grant - The Lighthouse Collective - Pictured, left to right: Besty Kammerdiener, CHI Memorial market director of mission integration; Karen Botting, CHI Memorial; Janelle Reilly, CHI Memorial market president; Chris Sands, LaDarius Price, Montrell Besley, The Lighthouse Collective; James Williams, CHI Memorial COO; Nicole Brown, CHI Memorial manager of community benefits and diversity. CHI Memorial Community Health Improvement Grant - Medical Foundation of Chattanooga - Pictured, left to right: Besty Kammerdiener, CHI Memorial market director of mission integration; Karen Botting, CHI Memorial; Janelle Reilly, CHI Memorial market president; James Williams, CHI Memorial COO; Rae Bond, Chattanooga and Hamilton County Medical Society and Medical Foundation of Chattanooga CEO; Tonya Williams, Chattanooga and Hamilton County Medical Society director of Project Access and community partnerships; Nicole Brown, CHI Memorial manager of community benefits and diversity. Previous Next CHI Memorial awarded $60,000 in grants to three local nonprofit organizations to improve community health. This years recipients of the grant funds are La Paz, The Lighthouse Collective and Medical Foundation of Chattanooga. The funds will support local residents without health insurance, persons experiencing homelessness and youth programs.Improving health isn't solely about what happens within our hospital walls; it's about fostering well-being across the entire community. By supporting these vital organizations, we're extending our reach and ensuring individuals and families have access to the critical services they need to thrive.This is an investment in a healthier, more vibrant community for all, said Janelle Reilly, market president, CHI Memorial.The grants will be used for the following projects this year: La Paz received $20,000 to reduce health and mental health disparities within Hamilton Countys Latino community through culturally and linguistically appropriate care, education, and case management. By collaborating with local health care providers, La Paz aims to improve health care access and outcomes for underserved Latino populations. It plans to serve 400 individuals directly, provide health care to 100 patients, connect 500 individuals to insurance, and educate more than 1,900 people. The Lighthouse Collective received $20,000 for counseling, prevention, and education services to individuals in Chattanoogas Avondale, Bushtown, and downtown areas, focusing on those at risk of violence. Prevention efforts encompass workshops and community outreach addressing root causes of violence like poverty, substance abuse, and limited access to education. Educational programs increase awareness of violence and its impacts, using evidence-based curricula and community discussions. The Medical Foundation of Chattanooga received $20,000 to support Project Access (PA) expanding efforts to address patients social determinants of health (SDOH), with a new focus on combating food insecurity. A new food assistance pilot program will provide monthly, patient-curated food boxes for Hamilton County residents, addressing significant food access barriers among PAs patient base. This initiative seeks to provide nutritious, affordable food options, supporting the health and well-being of patients who face high levels of food insecurity.This grant program was open to nonprofit organizations that address the following priorities access to affordable health care and insurance, mental/behavioral health, and prevention and education. The priorities were identified in CHI Memorials most recent Community Health Needs Assessment, which is conducted every three years to help the hospitals and community partners identify and address priority health and social needs faced by residents and the region.This opportunity was part of the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program. Attack of the Tatsu (Dragon) at 818 Georgia Ave., Unit 118 in the Tomorrow Building downtown, opened in fall 2023 by co-owners James Heeley and Daniel Starkey. Now Mr. Starkey is the sole owner of the restaurant/bar, and since it is an ownership change, a new beer permit was needed. Unanimous approval was given by the Chattanooga Beer Board for the business that specializes in Japanese food and culture. The capacity of the restaurant is 100 and all the current employees that are TABC permitted servers will be continuing with the change, said Mr. Starkey. The restaurant offers dine-in, pickup and delivery. Hours are from 11 a.m. until midnight. Tru Chattanooga Hamilton Place, 7008 Shallowford Road, is now a Hilton branded hotel. The previous hotel there, managed by Vision Hospitality, did not have a beer license at that location. but Hilton requires their hotels to have it available for guests and so a beer license was needed. The hotel has 90 rooms but no bar. Beer will be sold at the front desk, and the employees who will be handling sales are currently undergoing training for a TABC servers permit. The beverage will only be available to occupants of the hotel, not for people who just walk in, and it will be kept in a locked location in the kitchen. The existing Murphy Oil, U.S.A. at 5716 Highway 153 has been remodeled and now the former kiosk for payment and sales has been changed to a store inside a building. To prevent underage alcohol sales the business is now requiring each employee in the store to be trained by the TABC and will also have to undergo online testing. This business was approved for a new beer permit. The Lee University lacrosse team fell to the #3 team in the country, Florida Southern College 17-5 on Thursday evening. The Mocs scored six goals in the first period and never looked back to go to 5-0 on the year. With the loss, Lee fell to 1-5.FSC doubled up Lee in shots at 26-13. With 19 of the shots coming in the first half. FSC had more saves as well with five to just four for the Lady Flames. Lee committed 20 turnovers to just 12 for FSC. Lee had three green cards while FSC had two yellow.FSC scored six in the first while Lee was shutout.The Lady Flames responded with three goals in the second with one from Katelyn Sweeney, Noelle Harrington, and Hannah Vecsey. However, FSC added eight goals to lead 14-3 at the break.Only one goal was scored by either team in the third quarter. The Mocs scored with just 43 seconds left in the period to add to the tally. Both teams had two goals in the fourth. Callie Curtis and Taylor McGovern each scored for the Lady Flames.The Lady Flames will head to the Sunshine State for two games over spring break. They will start at Rollins College on Monday, March 10 and then play on Thursday, March 13 at Embry-Riddle. A former Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher was told Friday afternoon that he faces 15-30 years in federal prison on one charge and 10 years to life on another. Kenya White, 32, is charged in Federal Court with exploitation of a minor and enticement of a minor. Prosecutor Charlie Minor said the charges will be taken on Tuesday to a Federal Grand Jury. U.S. Magistrate Chris Seger said if an indictment is issued then White would not be entitled to a preliminary hearing. He said at that point various dates would be scheduled, including a trial. Attorney McCracken Poston said White was not seeking a detention hearing and would remain behind bars. Prosecutor Minor said the complaint was placed under seal to protect the identity of the minor. White earlier was charged in state court with several counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. His initial arrest in state court came on Feb. 13. Fire destroyed a home Thursday night in Dallas Bay. Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue was dispatched just before 11 p.m. to a reported residential structure fire at 8637 Freeling Varner Road. Units arrived on scene quickly, advising 50% involvement with rapid fire growth. Due to the intensity of the fire and structural instability, a defensive attack was ordered by command. An aerial master stream was put in service to safely extinguish the fire and reduce risks to personnel. There was nobody at home as the house was undergoing renovations. Neighbors advised they had heard a pop and the fire rapidly spread through the home. The home was a total loss valued at $150,000. The cause is undetermined and will be investigated by the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office. Response included companies from all three Dallas Bay stations along with Hamilton County EMS and Deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Chief Fritts thanked Tri-State Mutual Aid Association partner agencies, Chattanooga Fire Department and Soddy Daisy Fire Department, for their assistance in standing by in their halls for additional alarms in the district during this incident. The Chattanooga Police Department arrested Shamieka Hart, 35, after a person was shot in the 3900 block of Manor Road. Ms. Hart is charged with aggravated assault, felony reckless endangerment, and unlawful possession of a firearm. On Feb. 28, at 8:44 p.m., Chattanooga Police responded to a person shot call in the 3900 block of Manor Road. When the officers arrived at the scene, they found a 27-year-old man with non-life-threatening injuries. Hamilton County EMS transported the man to a local hospital. CPD's Homicide Unit responded to conduct the investigation. Republicans seek to fight violent crime with DNA A bill sponsored by State Rep. John Crawford, R-Bristol-Kingsport, requires law enforcement to collect a biological specimen for DNA analysis from individuals arrested for felony offenses. Similar to fingerprints and photographs, DNA can be used to uniquely identify individuals involved in crimes. House Bill 473 would establish procedures for DNA collection and the management of biological samples by law enforcement. If it becomes law, anyone arrested for a felony offense will have a biological specimen collected before being released from custody. The arresting authority will use a buccal swab collection kit to gather the sample, which will then be sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) for analysis. The DNA information will be securely stored and could aid in criminal investigations. Our criminal justice system depends on having a strong forensic infrastructure so that we can increase efficiency and expedite justice for victims, Crawford said. This bill will help us solve cold cases but also prevent extremely dangerous individuals from committing more crimes. The TBI will establish uniform procedures for DNA collection, and law enforcement agencies must follow these standards. If a defendant is granted bond or recognizance, providing a DNA specimen will be a condition of release. The bill requires the TBI to destroy DNA samples and related records if charges are dismissed or a defendant is acquitted, provided there are no other pending charges or warrants. Crawford was inspired to file the bill to honor a Kingsport mother who was sexually assaulted and her 17-year-old son, James Huston, who was stabbed to death in 1997. At the time, the scene was processed and DNA was collected, but the technology wasnt readily available. The Sullivan County Sheriffs Office reexamined the case and, through genetic DNA testing, were able to indict George Scott Robinson on three counts of first-degree murder in 2024. For 27 years, a man got away with murder and rape, Crawford said. This legislation provides a critical tool that equips Tennessees criminal justice system with the ability to get violent people off our streets. All 50 states collect DNA samples from certain people convicted of crimes. At least 27 states collect DNA samples when an individual is arrested for a felony or a subset of felony crimes. House Bill 473 is expected to be heard for consideration in the House Judiciary Committee on March 12. General Assembly approves limiting devices in classrooms Legislation requiring local school boards and charter schools to implement policies banning the use of personal communication devices during instructional time was approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 932, sponsored by State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough, defines personal communication devices as cellphones, tablets, laptops, smart watches and gaming devices. There are exceptions for educational purposes, health management and students with disabilities. My primary focus is ensuring students receive the best education which includes addressing distractions like personal devices in the classrooms, Alexander said. This bill gives each school district the flexibility to implement the best policy for their needs and ensures parents can receive critical information during emergencies. Several school systems across Tennessee have implemented similar personal device policies and have seen tremendous benefits while not limiting important communication to parents. House Bill 932 requires schools to establish a system to communicate with parents during emergencies. An amendment was added to the Senate companion bill and the House is expected to take a final vote on the amended version of the bill next week. Once signed into law, school boards must have policies in place by the start of the 2025-26 school year. Proposal will enhance medical readiness of TN National Guard A bill making its way through the General Assembly seeks to enhance the medical readiness of the Tennessee National Guard by increasing access to health care. The Tennessee National Guard Servicemembers Medical Readiness Act, sponsored by State Rep. Gary Hicks, R-Rogersville, will create a premium reimbursement grant program within the Tennessee Department of Military to help National Guard members in the Volunteer State with health care costs. Members of the American military have placed service above self and are worthy of our unwavering support, Hicks said. Unfortunately, many of these men and women have medical issues that affect their ability to serve in state and federal deployments. The Tennessee National Guard Servicemembers Medical Readiness Act will help provide Tennessees guardsmen with the financial and medical assistance they deserve while ensuring our National Guard is adequately prepared to respond when necessary. House Bill 479 will authorize premium reimbursement grants for guardsmen who are eligible for medical or dental coverage through TRICARE, the United States militarys health insurance program. The Tennessee Adjutant General will establish requirement criteria that servicemembers must meet in their application to receive reimbursements. Members of the National Guard with certain medical or dental issues can be deemed nondeployable for federal and state missions, which can include floods, fires and tornadoes. This legislation seeks to enhance military readiness, boost recruiting and retention, and improve access to and continuity of care in the Tennessee National Guard. House Bill 479 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on March 12. Bill adding Safe Haven Law instruction in schools advances The House Education Instruction Subcommittee this week advanced legislation ensuring Tennessee high schoolers are aware of the states protections for parents who need to legally surrender their newborn. House Bill 368, sponsored by State Rep. Tom Stinnett, R-Friendsville, requires Tennessee public and charter schools serving grades 9-12 to educate students about the Safe Haven Law. I believe many young people may not be fully aware of Tennessees Safe Haven Law and the protections our state offers parents in crisis, Stinnett said. By integrating this education into our curriculum, we can ensure every student has this life-saving resource if ever needed. Through the Tennessee Safe Haven Law, mothers are able to surrender their infant within 14 days of birth to staff at any Safe Haven facility or newborn safety device, commonly known as a Safe Haven Baby Box. The Tennessee Board of Education and the Tennessee Department of Education would be required to develop the curriculum. The legislation encourages a partnership with A Secret Place for Newborns of Tennessee to help create the educational materials. If approved, the guidelines and educational materials must be distributed to school districts and charter schools before the 2026-27 school year. House Bill 368 is set to be heard in the House Education Committee on March 11. Bill speeds up compensation for wrongfully imprisoned people A streamlined process for wrongfully imprisoned Tennesseans to receive compensation advanced out of the House Departments and Agencies Subcommittee this week. House Bill 592, sponsored by State Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, will authorize the Tennessee Department of the Treasury Board of Claims to hear compensation claims for people whose sentences have been vacated and whose charges have been dismissed. The legislation also authorizes a claimants surviving adult and minor children to receive compensation if the wrongfully imprisoned person is deceased. Two years ago, I had a very nice lady and a nice man come to my office and they told me a story about a lady who had spent 27 years in prison for a crime that she did not commit, Doggett told the House Departments and Agencies Subcommittee of Joyce Watkins, who was wrongfully convicted and is still awaiting approval for compensation. That day of that meeting, I wrote this ladys name on a sticky note and stuck it on the corner of my desk. When this nice man and woman brought me this bill this year and I filed this bill, I took that sticky note off the corner of my desk because we have a solution. Joyce Watkins, 77, was declared innocent and exonerated in 2022. She has been trying unsuccessfully to get compensation from the state. Currently, wrongfully imprisoned Tennesseans must receive a certificate of exoneration from the governor to file for compensation from the Board of Claims, a lengthy procedure similar to applying for a pardon or clemency. House Bill 592 makes the process more efficient by allowing wrongfully convicted people to directly bring a claim to the Board of Claims. This legislation states that a person must have their conviction overturned and the state must dismiss all charges to be eligible for compensation. This change in the law would only help innocent people, not people whose cases are dismissed for non-innocence reasons. House Bill 592 is scheduled to be considered in the House State and Local Government Committee on March 12. Caring for Caregivers Act advances The House Health Subcommittee this week unanimously advanced legislation supporting caregivers of Alzheimers and related dementia patients. The Caring for Caregivers Act, sponsored by State Rep. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi, creates a grant fund to help caregivers with lost wages and expenses related to caring for their loved one. House Bill 717 was inspired by a constituent who shared his familys experience caring for his grandfather with Alzheimers, Jones said. Caregivers can lose more than $36,000 annually in wages and expenses looking after their loved one. This legislation lays the foundation to support approximately 360,000 caregivers statewide. More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia, a contribution to the nation valued at nearly $350 billion, according to a 2024 report by the Alzheimers Association. This bill establishes a three-year pilot program with the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging to provide $6,000 grants to families and caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimers disease and dementia. Several states, including Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina, have similar programs to help caregivers with out-of-pocket expenses. House Bill 717 is scheduled to be heard in the House Health Committee on March 11. Republicans to expand Tennessees racketeering law Legislation to add several offenses to the definition of racketeering activity in Tennessee law is advancing through the House of Representatives. House Bill 587, sponsored by State Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge, amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act of 1989 to include offenses of organized retail crime, carjacking, and possession or employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Strengthening our laws to combat organized crime like carjacking and retail theft is a critical step in safeguarding our communities, Scarbrough said. This bill ensures those who engage in these dangerous activities will be held accountable and face the full consequences of their actions. There are currently 69 criminal offenses under the RICO Act, including drug and human trafficking, money laundering and prostitution. The General Assembly in 2023 expanded the time frame in which two activities can be linked under the definition of racketeering activity, improving the states ability to prosecute racketeering crimes. A violation of the RICO Act is a Class B felony offense. Violators face a fine up to $250,000, a minimum of 12 years in prison and up to 30 years for career offenders. House Bill 587 was unanimously approved by the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week and will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on March 12. Republicans seek protections against dangers of fentanyl Several proposals to protect Tennesseans from the dangers of fentanyl moved through the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 751, sponsored by House Majority Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, will enhance the penalty to a Class E felony for knowingly placing a child in danger of death or injury by possessing any amount of fentanyl or its derivatives in their presence. It would a Class B felony if the child exposed to the dangerous drug is under eight years old. One of the things that my (district attorney) and the Opioid Abatement Council all looked at is the notion that we have parents or adults who have the analogues and all the stuff that goes into making fentanyl and high-powered drugs that are killing people in front of children, Faison said. Poison centers in the United States managed 539 cases of children under six years old being exposed to fentanyl in 2023, an increase from 10 cases in 2016, according to Americas Poison Centers. House Bill 573, sponsored by State Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, would lower the amount of fentanyl that would be deemed a Class A felony in Tennessee from 150 grams to 50 grams. Offenders accused of selling, manufacturing or possessing 50 grams or more of fentanyl or a derivative would face a Class A felony with a fine of up to $500,000, according to House Bill 573. Both bills advanced out of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week and are scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Judiciary Committee on March 12. House passes bill creating new state natural areas The House of Representatives this week unanimously passed legislation creating four new state natural areas and expanding six existing ones. House Bill 126, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Vital, R-Harrison, creates the following state natural areas: Clifty Creek Gorge in Morgan County, an 89-acre forested area that features a scenic gorge and protects the federally threatened Virginia spiraea. in Morgan County, an 89-acre forested area that features a scenic gorge and protects the federally threatened Virginia spiraea. Rocky Hill Road Glades in Rutherford County, home to limestone cedar glade habitat and the state-endangered running glade clover. in Rutherford County, home to limestone cedar glade habitat and the state-endangered running glade clover. Union Grove in Hamblen County, a 59-acre area with oak and mixed forests, headwater streams and the state-endangered Tennessee trillium, a species discovered in 2013. in Hamblen County, a 59-acre area with oak and mixed forests, headwater streams and the state-endangered Tennessee trillium, a species discovered in 2013. Versailles Knob in Rutherford County, a 40-acre forest with large limestone outcrops that provides habitat for the federally endangered Brauns Rockcress. The bill also expands six existing natural areas: Barnetts Woods and Prairie, Cedars of Lebanon, Couchville Cedar Glade, Flat Rock Cedar Glades and Barrens, Ozone Falls and Radnor Lake. House Bill 126 provides critical protections for Tennessees most treasured landscapes by restricting development in these areas and giving the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) the authority to enforce penalties for damage or vandalism, Vital said. This legislation helps mitigate the risk of native species being listed under the federal Endangered Species Act by ensuring the long-term protection of their habitats. Since the passage of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, Tennessee has designated 84 state natural areas to safeguard the states most valuable ecosystems. However, state-owned lands managed by TDECs Division of Natural Areas that are not designated under the statute currently lack these protections. This legislation closes this gap by updating the law to reflect the lands comprising the State Natural Areas System, ensuring proper protection for future generations. All acquisitions were from willing sellers with no eminent domain involved. The companion version of House Bill 126 will be heard in the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee in the coming weeks. Briefly Veteran benefits: A Republican proposal to enhance benefits to veterans advanced out of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee this week. House Bill 328, sponsored by State Rep. William Slater, R-Gallatin, will expand Tennessee state park discounts to honorably discharged veterans who are residents of Tennessee to be equal to discounts offered to state employees. House Bill 328 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 11. Century farms: The House of Representatives on March 3 passed legislation recognizing historic family farms in Tennessee. House Bill 901, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, will create the Tennessee Century Farms Program within the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to honor family farms owned by Tennesseans that are at least 10 acres, generate at least $1,000 in revenue per year, and have remained in the founders family continuously for at least 100 years. The Century Farms Program was first established in 1975 and has certified nearly 2,100 family farms. The companion version of House Bill 901 is scheduled to be considered in the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 12. Human trafficking awareness: Legislation adding human trafficking awareness training to Tennessee tattoo artist licensing requirements was unanimously approved by the General Assembly this week. The Ink of Hope Act, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, requires tattoo artists to watch a short training video on recognizing and reporting signs of human trafficking before they are able to obtain or renew their license. Tennessee is the first state in the nation to formalize a training program like this for tattoo artists. Once signed into law, tattoo artists will be responsible for completing the training beginning Jan. 1, 2026. State brass band: A proposal to designate the Southern Stars Symphonic Brass Band as the official brass band of Tennessee advanced out of the House Naming and Designating Committee this week. House Bill 1094, filed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and guided in the House by State Rep. Ed Butler, R-Rickman, recognizes Tennessees rich music history and the bands exceptional representation of the Volunteer State on the national stage. The Southern Stars Symphonic Brass Band is based in the Crossville area and is made up of 30 musicians from across the state. House Bill 1094 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House State and Local Government Committee on March 12. Artificial intelligence: Students in Tennessee will soon receive training on how to responsibly use artificial intelligence (AI) if a proposal is approved by the General Assembly. House Bill 531, sponsored by State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, will require school districts to provide age-appropriate education on AI beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. The instruction would teach students how to use and critically evaluate AI tools and include basic concepts, practical applications and other relevant information. The legislation directs the Tennessee Department of Education to provide a professional development program for teachers to efficiently implement the instruction in the classroom. House Bill 531 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Education Committee on March 11. Personalized treatment access: The General Assembly this week approved legislation to allow Tennessee doctors to offer personalized treatments for patients with terminal illnesses. The Individualized Investigational Treatment Act, sponsored by State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, expands the Right to Try Act enacted by the General Assembly in 2015. This bill will allow terminal patients to try treatments like gene therapies and custom-made vaccines that target specific cancer cells. Tennessee joins several states that have enacted similar legislation. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature. Encouraging free speech: The House of Representatives on Monday passed a resolution encouraging all colleges and universities in Tennessee to remain committed to offering a campus environment that encourages institutional neutrality and seeks to advance free speech principles. House Joint Resolution 175 by Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, commends Tennessee colleges and universities that have adopted these values. Bible courses in charter schools: A bill allowing public charter schools to offer a state-funded, nonsectarian Bible course advanced Tuesday after receiving a recommendation from the House Education Instruction Subcommittee. Sponsored by State Rep. Sabi Kumar, R-Springfield, House Bill 1197 would require charter schools to post their Bible course curricula and materials online. The bill updates the approval process and notification requirements. Currently, state-funded, nonsectarian Bible courses are allowed in public schools but not in public charter schools. House Bill 1197 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Education Committee on March 11. Anti-choking devices: A bill sponsored by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, to help Tennessee schools obtain anti-choking devices advanced in the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 1084 requires the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) to establish a grant program to help cover the costs of the life-saving devices for schools and medical first responders beginning July 1, 2025. The legislation would require the department to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing available funds, the number of applicants and the amount awarded. House Bill 1084 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Health Committee on March 11. Constitutional safeguards: State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, has introduced a bill that will strengthen constitutional safeguards related to the governors use of emergency powers. House Bill 324 prohibits executive orders, proclamations, or rules declared under the governor's emergency powers from overriding, suspending or conflicting with the Tennessee State Constitution. Additionally, it limits the governors ability to suspend laws, orders, rules, or regulations during an emergency to a 45-day period. House Bill 324 is scheduled to be heard by the House State and Local Committee on March 12. Gene Robert Land, 75, of Coral Springs, Florida, formerly of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Gene was born on July 6, 1949, in Athens, Tn., to the late Robert and Louise Land. He was a 1967 graduate of McMinn County High School, a 1969 graduate of Miami-Dade Junior College North, where he received his degree in Mortuary science. Gene was a veteran of the United States Army having served during Vietnam. He was a funeral director and embalmer at Lane Funeral Home Coulter Chapel for over 50 years. After retirement he remained active as a consultant at the funeral home until his passing. Gene was an active member of Red Bank Baptist Church where he served as deacon and was a member of the Wood / Aslinger Life Group. He was a member of the Red Bank Lions Club, the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by the love of his life Lynda to whom he was married to for over 43 years. Surviving is his daughter, Ginny Smith (Adam), sister, Alice Decker, brother, Dene Land (Lydia), grandchildren, Xander Smith, and Stella Smith; niece, Allison Decker Goins (Kevin), nephews; Jeremy Land (Stacey), Ryan Land, and Drew Decker (Becca). Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, March 11, at 11 a.m. at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors. Officiating will be Dr. Sam Greer and Bill Harvey. A time of remembrance and visitation will be held on Monday, March 10, from 5-8 p.m. at the Coulter Chapel of the Lane Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Red Bank Lions Club in Genes memory. Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, www.LaneFH.com, 423 877-3524. Senator Colton Moore (RTrenton) released the following statement regarding the Senates passage of his legislation, Senate Bill 163: The Georgia Senate has just landed a blow against the Radical Lefts agenda of persecuting gun owners in Georgia, and Im honored to have authored and carried the bill. SB 163 passed the Senate today with a vote of 33 to 23 and is now headed to the House. "This bill enhances Georgias beautiful preemption law, increasing the civil fine from $100 to $50,000 for any city, county or municipality caught illegally passing gun control via local ordinance. For too long, Georgia mayors have gotten away with breaking our preemption law and facing zero consequences. "If our Attorney General wont prosecute these lawbreakers and end this, its time we gave law-abiding Georgians the tools to do it themselves. "I thank Lt. Governor Burt Jones and my colleagues in the Senate for helping pass this legislation, which will defend gun owners across Georgia. I also want to thank Georgia Gun Owners and their members and supporters for their calls and emails to their State Senators in support of SB 163. It truly made the difference. "SB 163 is only the first of many bills I have filed and plan to file to protect and advance our 2nd Amendment rights here in Georgia. Barbara Sue Parker Roberts of Ooltewah, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025. She was born in Shelbyville, Tn., to the late J.T. and Dee Parker. Barbara retired from the Walker County School System where she taught English in middle school for several years. She was a member of Ooltewah United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Joe Roberts and her son, Andrew Roberts, both of Ooltewah. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, in the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Pastor Jacqueline Davis-Gines officiating. Burial will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, in Hillcrest Funeral Home Cemetery, 1802 Madison Street, Shelbyville, Tn.. 37160. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital at www.stjude.org Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421. Reeder was the first person appointed to the three-member Cherokee Phoenix editorial board when the Cherokee Nation passed the Cherokee Independent Press Act of 2000. Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Christian Lendl Statistician and professor Ryaan Burge has analyzed the religious makeup of students at Harvard and Yale in comparison to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIU-E), a regional institution. His findings reveal that only 25% of the student body at Harvard and Yale identify as Protestant, compared to 38% at SIU-E. Burge's analysis, based on data from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), challenges common perceptions about disparities in U.S. higher education, particularly at the Ivy League schools. Burge attributes difference in religious identification to a larger Catholic presence at Harvard and Yale compared to SIU-E, along with there being a whole lot more Jews, Hindus, and Muslims at Harvard. The percentage of students identifying as atheist or agnostic is 28% at both Harvard and Yale, which matches the share of students at SIU-E. Additionally, the number of students who claim no religion in particular is almost identical in both groups, at 17% for Harvard and Yale and 15% for SIU-E. Burges broader analysis of selective versus non-selective schools, based on acceptance rates above or below 30%, indicated minimal religious differences overall, with Protestant and Catholic shares nearly equal, as well as among Mormons, Orthodox Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists. The exceptions noted were higher percentages of students identifying as Christian at non-selective schools (21% compared to 11% at selective) and Jews (7% at selective versus 3% at non-selective). According to the survey, about 60% of college students attend religious services no more than twice a year, with one in ten attending at least once a week. However, Burge uncovered a significant disparity in religious service attendance based on political ideology, labeling it a God Gap. He notes, A liberal college student is thirty points more likely to be a never attender than a conservative one. Among conservative college students, 32% attend weekly compared to 8% of liberal college students. This reveals a roughly 400% difference in attendance patterns on college campuses. Additionally, Burge's data indicates that nearly 60% of liberal students identify as atheist, agnostic, or a religious none, suggesting that a liberal college student is three times more likely to be non-religious than a conservative one. (On the right) Ukrainian priest Rev. Kostiantyn Maksimov. | Photo Credit: Forum 18 An imprisoned Ukrainian Orthodox Church priest, the Rev. Kostiantyn Vyacheslavovich Maksimov, has been sent to a hard labor camp in Russia to serve a 14-year sentence based on false espionage charges. According to the rights group Forum 18, the 41-year-old priest lost a closed court appeal of his conviction by a Russian-controlled Supreme Court, leading to his transfer from his parish in Tokmak, located in the Zaporizhzhia Region of Ukraine, to a labor camp in Saratov, Russia, on February 11. Forum 18 explained in a press statement that Russian occupation authorities have repeatedly tried to pressure priests of both the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church linked to the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC) to join new dioceses. The statement further noted that the Moscow Patriarchate Russian Orthodox Church has unilaterally established [itself] on occupied Ukrainian territory. Both OCU and UOC clergy have disappeared after they have refused. Maksimov was first arrested by Russian occupation forces in May 2023. He was detained in Melitopol, a city in Ukraine under Russian control, before being transferred to Investigation Prison No. 2 in Simferopol, Crimea, in February 2024. The Prosecutors Office had previously alleged that Maksimov used the internet to transmit coordinates of Russian air defense equipment to the Ukrainian security service. On August 2, 2024, the Zaporizhzhia Regional Court, during a closed trial at the Crimean Supreme Court, sentenced him to 14 years in prison. He subsequently lost an appeal on November 14, 2024, at a closed hearing in the First Appeal Court in Moscow. Judge Melekhins assistant, Yekaterina Kiryanova, indicated to Forum 18 that this is a secret case, and the appeal hearing will be closed. However, appeal court judges, chaired by Pavel Melekhin, did agree to reduce Maksimovs sentence by eight months due to time spent in unacknowledged detention following his initial arrest in May 2023. The court's decision stated, The punishment assigned to K.V. Maksimov is just, and it noted a lack of basis for agreeing with the appeals arguments for a softer punishment. The court also ruled to exclude references to Maksimovs alleged spying activities occurring in conditions of armed conflict and military action from the previous lower court verdict. Maksimov had reportedly not wished for the Berdyansk Diocese of the UOC to join the Russian Orthodox Church. This claim was made to Forum 18 by Artyom Sharlay, head of the Russian occupiers Department for Work with Ethnic, Religious and Cossack Organizations. The transfer of Maksimov to Russia is viewed as a violation of the Geneva Convention (IV) concerning the protection of civilians in occupied territories. Article 76 states that protected persons accused of offenses shall be detained in the occupied country, and if convicted they shall serve their sentences therein. Among the Orthodox clergymen imprisoned was the Rev. Stepan Podolchak, an OCU priest who died on February 13, 2024, in Kalanchak, a village in the Russian-occupied Kherson Region. Authorities reportedly took him away barefoot with a bag over his head for questioning, and two days later, his bruised body, possibly with a bullet wound to the head, was found on the street in the village, according to Forum 18. Messengers raise their ballots during the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 14, 2023. | Photo Credit: Baptist Press A group of clergy from the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is urging the denomination to reconsider an amendment that would permanently prohibit female pastors at member churches. This amendment fell just 5 percentage points short of the two-thirds support required for passage last year. In an Open Letter to Our Southern Baptist Family, the pastors and ministry leaders requested that the Law Amendment be brought forth at the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas. The letter references a recent decision by the SBC Credentials Committee, allowing a church in South Carolina to maintain friendly cooperation with the convention despite having a woman serving as a teaching pastor. That amendment would have clarified that the Convention will only deem a church to be in friendly cooperation which affirms, appoints, or employs only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture, the open letter stated. The clergy highlighted that it is apparent that the Credentials Committee needs the clarification that this Amendment would have provided. For that reason, we are supporting a renewed effort to amend the SBC Constitution. They stated that they were not offering new language but were supporting an effort to adopt the same language that a majority of the last two conventions wanted to be passed, adding that the standing rule should be suspended that would put the amendment in the hands of the Executive Committee, which may or may not report out the amendment the following year. The pastors argue that since the language has already been debated at the last two conventions, they should not have to wait another year for the Executive Committee to decide on putting the amendment to a vote. The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 defines pastor as someone who fulfills the pastoral office and carries out the pastor's functions, specifying that the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture. Named after Pastor Mike Law of Arlington Baptist Church in Virginia, the Law Amendment aims to revise the SBC Constitution to clarify that no member church could have a woman serving as an elder or pastor. Although the SBC has disfellowshipped churches in recent years for having female lead or teaching pastors, Law estimated that approximately 1,800 member congregations still have women serving in these roles. Last year's meeting in Indianapolis saw 61% of messengers voting in favor of the Law Amendment; however, it needed 66.66% of the vote to be ratified after receiving approximately 80% support from over 12,000 messengers in New Orleans during the 2023 annual meeting. The Texas-based Baptist Women in Ministry, which includes members from various Baptist denominations, issued a statement celebrating the amendment's failure. We are grateful to churches and messengers represented at the SBC who came to send the message that women have equal value to God. We know that others voted against the amendment for other reasons, but we hope the message of your support for female pastors will be amplified, the group stated. Home News New poll: 60% of Israelis want Netanyahu to resign, coalition government loses majority Approximately 60% of Israelis want Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toresign from his post, according to a Channel 12 poll released on Wednesday. The poll reveals major differences across the political spectrum. The survey results indicated that 31% believe Netanyahu should remain prime minister, while 9% were unsure. A whopping 94% of opposition voters believe Netanyahu should resign, compared to only 24% among coalition voters. 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 poll also revealed that if former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett were to run in an election today, Netanyahus current coalition government would lose its majority and fall to just 48 seats. To form a government in Israel, at least 61 seats in the Knesset are required to hold a majority and secure the coalition. Furthermore, the poll indicated that a large majority of Israelis (75%) support the establishment of a state commission to probe the failure to prevent the Hamas Oct. 7 massacre in 2023. Notably, Netanyahu is currently reluctant to establish such a state commission, arguing that Israel first needs to focus on completing the war against Iran and its terrorist proxies Hamas and Hezbollah. The poll predicted that if there were to be an election with a new Bennett-led party, Netanyahus ruling Likud party would fall from its current 32 seats to 24 seats. Bennetts party would also receive 24 seats while opposition leader Yair Lapids centrist Yesh Atid party would only receive 11 seats. Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz National Unity party would receive nine seats, as would the ultra-Orthodox Shas party. The ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party and the secular Yisrael Beitenu parties would each receive 8 seats, followed by 7 seats for the right-wing Otzma Yehudit and 5 seats each for the Arab parties Hadash-Taal and Raam. The poll predicted that the right-wing Religious Zionism party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and part of the Netanyahu-led coalition government, would fail to secure the minimum number of seats to enter the next Knesset. Netanyahus coalition parties would fare better if Bennett did not participate in the next election, according to the poll. In such a scenario, Netanyahus Likud would emerge as the largest party with 25 seats; Gantzs National Unity would become the second largest party with 16 seats; followed by Yesh Atid with 14 seats. Furthermore, Religious Zionism would enter the Knesset with 4 seats. While the majority of the Israeli public want Netanyahu to resign as prime minister, Bennett was the only candidate for prime minister that is more popular than Netanyahu, according to the study. Some 36% of the Israelis polled prefer Bennett compared to 34% who backed Netanyahu. Gantz and Lapid were both less popular in the poll than Netanyahu. In June 2021, Bennett became prime minister and led a diverse coalition consisting of religious, secular, right-wing, centrist, left-wing parties as well as the Arab Raam party. However, the fragile coalition collapsed after a year and Bennett announced a break from politics. Following the Hamas Oct. 7 massacre, Bennett became a vocal and effective spokesperson for Israel in international media, which increased his popularity in Israel. In June 2024,Bennett overtook Netanyahu in a pollfor the first time since the Hamas massacre. The latest poll also revealed that 64% of Israelis believe Shin Bet intelligence chief, Ronen Bar, should resign due to the events that led to the Oct. 7 failure. Only 18% of the respondents believe Bar should remain in his post. Bar recently signaled that he intends to resign but only after all the remaining hostages are released. "As soon as I see this happening, I will want to pass the baton to one of my two excellent deputies," Bar stated, according to the Israeli news outlet N12. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home News 'Blood on your hands': 3 highlights from House hearing with 'sanctuary city' mayors Republican lawmakers confronted the Democratic mayors of four sanctuary cities over immigration policies that they believe have shielded criminal immigrants in the United States illegally, placing Americans and federal officers at risk. New York Mayor Eric Adams, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Wednesday. During the hearing, Republican members of Congress criticized policies that limit law enforcements cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Some lawmakers even argued that sanctuary city policies are a violation of federal law, recommending that the city leaders face criminal charges. Here are three takeaways from the congressional hearing. 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 Home News Body of kidnapped priest slain by Islamic extremists found on Ash Wednesday ABUJA, Nigeria A Catholic priest was kidnapped on Tuesday night in Kaduna state, Nigeria, where Fulani herdsmen and other Islamic extremist terrorists have been active. His corpse was found the next day, sources said. The Rev. Sylvester Okechukwu, priest of St. Mary Catholic Church in Tachira, Kaura County, was abducted from his home by unknown assailants shortly after 9 p.m. and later killed, according to the Kafanchan Diocese. He was 45. Kidnappers picked him up from the rectory yesterday, March 4th, past 9 p.m., and his lifeless body was found today, Ash Wednesday early morning, area priest Williams Abba told Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News in a text message. What a day and manner to die! He had his ashes ready and was going to mark the foreheads of parishioners to remind them that they are dust and to dust they will return. This morning, his life was cut short and he has become dust before us. 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 violent nature of his death was akin to that suffered by Christ, he said. Fr. Sylvester was without reproach. He was kind, easygoing, extremely hard-working and was a jolly good fellow. He loved the priesthood, Abba said. As we mourn the death of this martyr, we ask the good Lord to grant him eternal rest and bring peace to us and the church. Abba said Sylvester was a former student of his for four years. Never cheeky, never mischievous, humble and dedicated servant of God, he said. He was pastor of a newly created parish in Takad Chiefdom, Kaura Local Government Area, a local government that has become notorious for kidnappings for ransom and acts of brigandage. The chancellor in the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, the Rev. Jacob Shanet, said in a press statement that the brutal loss had left the church heartbroken and devastated. Fr. Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope, Shanet said. He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him. Nigeria has remained among the most dangerous places on Earth for Christians, according to Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period, 3,100 (69%) were in Nigeria, according to the WWL. The measure of anti-Christian violence in the country is already at the maximum possible under World Watch List methodology, the report stated. In the countrys northcentral zone, where Christians are more common than they are in the northeast and northwest, Islamic extremist Fulani militia attack farming communities, killing many hundreds, Christians above all, according to the report. Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the splinter group Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), among others, are also active in the countrys northern states, where federal government control is scant and Christians and their communities continue to be the targets of raids, sexual violence, and roadblock killings, according to the report. Abductions for ransom have increased considerably in recent years. The violence has spread to southern states, and a new jihadist terror group, Lakurawa, has emerged in the northwest, armed with advanced weaponry and a radical Islamist agenda, the WWL noted. Lakurawa is affiliated with the expansionist al-Qaeda insurgency Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, or JNIM, originating in Mali. Nigeria ranked seventh on the latest World Watch List of the 50 most dangerous countries to live as a Christian. Kaduna state has been subject to constant attacks by Fulani herdsmen in recent years. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt have been inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Home News Chaplains firing for challenging LGBT ideology ruled unsafe'; Judge orders retrial A judge in England on Tuesday ruled a school chaplains firing for challenging LGBT ideology was unsafe due to anti-Christian bias of a member of the employment tribunal that had dismissed his appeal, according to an advocacy group. Trent College in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, in June 2019 fired the Rev. Bernard Randall for a sermon in which he told students it was reasonable to both question and debate LGBT ideology. The message came after the college invited the gender identity activist group known as Educate and Celebrate (E&C) to smash heteronormativity, according to a press statement by rights group Christian Concern. At the Employment Appeal Tribunal on Tuesday in Fetter Lane, London, Judge James Tayler ruled that Randalls case be remitted back to the original Employment Tribunal for a full retrial and ordered Trent College to pay 20,000 ($24,457) in court costs to Randall. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe We now start from the beginning, which gives the opportunity to bring new evidence, especially on Educate and Celebrate, Randall said in a statement on Tuesday. Nevertheless, the continuing long wait for justice is painful and holding back my life. Randall added that he would not be where I am now if E&C had not been invited into Trent College in the first place. As an ordained Church of England minister working as a chaplain in a school with a Church of England ethos, it was my duty to encourage debate and help children who were confused by the LGBT+ teaching to know that there are alternative views and beliefs on these contentious issues, he said. Queer Theory, which E&C promoted, aims to deconstruct [or smash] binaries, including the clear distinctions between adult and child and right and wrong. As such, it leaves the door wide open for malignant persons to indulge some of the most wicked behavior imaginable. Randall said that such a process was wholly inappropriate in a school and also wider society. He added that the injustice of his treatment because of his opposition to the introduction of a Queer Theory agenda in a school should by now be obvious to all. I am only sorry it takes the clear disclosure of such heinous crimes to reveal the dangers of the smash heteronormativity agenda, he said. It is well past time for the Church of England to recognize how badly they have got this wrong and give me my life back. He also said it was concerning that a group like E&C has been funded by the government and given so much access and influence. They are not the only ones who promote queer theory. Indeed, I saw the sticky fingerprints of such activism all over the judgment which has now been set aside, he said. I will keep pressing on for full justice and am thankful to everyone for their continued support and prayers. Randall, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, had taken legal action against Trent College following his dismissal, but the initial employment tribunal dismissed his first appeal at Nottingham Justice Centre in September 2022. Judge Victoria Butler had led the presiding panel of three at that tribunal, which included Jed Purkis, who had posted anti-Christian vitriol on social media both before and after the original appeal by Randall, reported Christian Concern. Purkis had posted, Only atheists should be allowed to run for office, and, Damn right, you wont catch us killing in the name of our non-god, according to Christian Concern. He also said of Christians, If theyre that fing super, how come theres so much s going on in the world? and I need no higher power to tell me the right way to treat people and behave The posts were discovered during another case supported by the Christian Legal Centre at the same Nottingham Tribunal in March 2024 involving a Christian teacher identified only as Hannah. Both Butler and Purkis presided in this case, too, which involved Hannah taking legal action after a primary school sacked her for raising concern about an 8-year-old child transitioning gender under the guidance of extremist LGBT+ campaign group Stonewall. That hearing uncovered the anti-Christian posts by Purkis and a recusal application to withdraw the judge and panel because of a possible conflict of interest for apparent bias, according to Christian Concern. In a rare move, Judge Victoria Butler was forced to recuse the whole panel, including herself, and the hearing collapsed, Christian Concern stated. The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office, supported by the senior president of tribunals and the Lord Chancellor, subsequently said that Mr. Jed Purkis comments amounted to misconduct, and he was given a formal rebuke. Randalls lawyers were then able to add a bias ground to his own appeal and argued in court today that there could be no sensible objection or delay to Dr. Randalls appeal proceeding on the bias ground alone, added Christian Concern. By coincidence, Christian Concern stated that Hannahs case was being reheard at Nottingham Employment Tribunal this week involving a differently constituted panel, as member Chris Tansley, ex-president of trade union UNISON, was already recused because of actual bias. Randalls appeal had been delayed pending the outcome of a case involving Kristie Higgs. The school counselling assistant successfully appealed her sacking by a school after she expressed concern on Facebook about LGBTQ+ materials being taught to primary school children. Facing repeated delays in his pursuit of full justice, Dr. Randalls appeal was stayed last year pending the outcome of the landmark Kristie Higgs case at the Court of Appeal, stated Christian Concern. Judge James Tayler justified the stay due to the precedent the Higgs ruling would set in a higher court for Dr. Randalls appeal. Both cases involve issues of principle about the freedom for Christians to express their beliefs and opposition to harmful transgender ideology, sex education and extreme gender identity beliefs without fear of losing their jobs, the group stated. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, referring to the six years taken so far for justice to be served to Randall after his school sermon, stated, Justice delayed is justice denied. We welcome the decision to overturn the original ruling and the recognition of serious concerns regarding anti-Christian bias, said Williams, adding that the case had wider effects on freedom of speech and religious belief rights in schools. If Bernard is not vindicated, it sends a troubling message that teachers, chaplains, and parents who uphold Christian teaching or question radical ideological agendas will come under intense scrutiny and may face losing their jobs. The Christian Legal Centre remains committed to seeing justice done and will continue to support Randall until that is achieved, she said. Randall has already been vindicated by several authorities contacted by the college about his sermon. Prevent (the government assessors of extremist and terrorist threat), the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) have all said that he has no case to answer. The gender identity group whose ideology Randall challenged, E&C, equips and empowers school communities to tackle and reduce homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, according to an original listing by the Charity Commission. We train staff, leadership teams and students in schools and organisations in language, policy updating, interrogating the curriculum, increasing visibility in the environment and engaging with the community. The Charity Commission has since closed E&C after scandals including one of its patrons, Stephen Ireland, being charged in August with multiple accounts of sex abuse against children, including rape and conspiracy to kidnap, stated Christian Concern. Another E&C patron, Jordan Grey, lost his position in the gender identity group for stripping naked on Channel Four and playing the piano with his genitalia, added the Christian legal rights group. Gray had suggested that he went into schools to talk about gender on behalf of E&C, adding that toddlers kind of get it straight away. This article was originally published at Christian Daily International Home News Christian mother abducted, raped and forcibly married to Muslim man escapes captors LAHORE, Pakistan A Muslim man in Pakistan who twice abducted a Christian mother also raped her, fraudulently converted her to Islam and fabricated an Islamic marriage before she managed to escape, sources said. The suspect, Muhammad Asif Sadiq, is still threatening her husband, demanding that he return his wife and withdraw all charges against him, said Asif Maih, the husband of the 37-year-old mother of three children. Masih of Pattoki Tehsil in Kasur District, Punjab Province, said that when his wife was first abducted on Jan. 11, he assumed she had gone with Sadiq willingly. 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 However, when Sadiq claimed that she had changed her faith and married him, I immediately knew that it was a lie because she was a devout Christian and could not renounce Christ even if her life was at stake, Masih told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. She was clearly deceived by Sadiq, who used the false conversion certificate and marriage to deter efforts to recover her. His wife, whose name is withheld as a rape victim, said Sadiq works as a security guard at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), where she works as a cleaner. She said Sadiq had convinced her to go with him to enroll in a government plan for financial help. I had no clue about his real intentions and trusted his offer for assistance, the member of the Full Gospel Assemblies Church told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. She said Sadiq took her to an unknown location to fill out forms and fraudulently got her thumb impression on documents. Im not literate, so I had no idea that he had obtained my thumbprints to prepare false religious conversion and marriage certificates, she said. He then forcibly took me to his house, where his wife and two children were also present. He locked me in a room where I was kept hostage for eight days. Her husband and relatives got a local council of elders known as a Panchayat to force Sadiq to release her to her family, she said. He also assured the council that he would nullify the fake marriage on the condition that my family doesnt take the matter to the police, she said. With her husband suffering cancer and no longer able to work as a rickshaw driver, she resumed her job at UVAS in order to feed their family. She earns 28,000 rupees ($101 USD) per month, with which she barely manages to feed the family and care for her sick husband. I tried my best to avoid Sadiq at the university and even changed my shifts and place of duty to prevent any contact with him, she said. On Feb. 14, as she was leaving work, Sadiq and two unidentified accomplices arrived in a car and abducted her at gunpoint, she said, adding that they took her to the Shahkot area of Nankana Sahib District, some 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Pattoki. Sadiq held me hostage in a relatives house and repeatedly tortured and raped me at gunpoint for three days, she said. During the first abduction, she added, Sadiq had not sexually assaulted her. On Feb. 17 she found a chance to escape and returned home to her family. I had no money with me and begged passersby to give me some so that I could board a bus to Pattoki, she said. I was traumatized by the assaults, but the hope of seeing my husband and children again gave me the strength to reach my family. Masih filed a police complaint against Sadiq the same evening she returned. Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Sadiq on Feb. 19, but a delay in action enabled him to obtain pre-arrest bail. We do not have the money to bribe the police, because of which they did not make any sincere effort to arrest the accused, Masih lamented. Christian attorney Sumera Shafique helped get his wifes statement recorded in court and facilitated a medical examination on March 4. It is due to her support that the case has picked up pace, otherwise the police were not cooperating with us, Masih told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News of the attorney's efforts. Shafique expressed hope that the suspects interim bail would be rejected and he would be arrested following results of the medical report, which confirmed that Masihs wife had been sexually assaulted. The police have registered a FIR under Section 496-A which relates to enticing or detaining with criminal intent a woman to have illicit sex and is punishable by up to seven years imprisonment, Shafique said. However, after her statement in court detailing how she was abducted, forcibly converted and then subjected to rape, we will now seek the addition of all relevant sections, including rape, in the FIR against Sadiq. Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code prescribes a uniform punishment of rape: death or imprisonment for a minimum term of 10 years and maximum term of 25 years, with a fine. Pakistan is ranked No. 8 on Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of countries where it is most difficult to live as a Christian. This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Home News Lincoln Diaz-Balart, prominent former Cuban-American congressman, dies at 70 Former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, an influential figure in Florida politics and a fervent defender of democracy in Cuba, died on March 3 at the age of 70, after a battle with cancer. Born in Havana in 1954, Diaz-Balart immigrated to the United States with his family following the Cuban revolution. His father, Rafael Diaz-Balart , was a prominent Cuban politician who opposed the regime of Fidel Castro . The family settled in Miami , where Lincoln began his political career. Throughout his career, Diaz-Balart held seats in the Florida House of Representatives and Senate, before being elected to the United States Congress, where he served for 18 years representing South Florida. 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 One of his most notable achievements was the passage of the law that codified the U.S. embargo against Cuba, ensuring that only Congress could lift it after the implementation of democratic reforms on the island. His brother, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, said in a statement: "His love for the United States and his tireless commitment to the cause of a free Cuba guided Lincoln throughout his life and his 24 years of elected public service, including 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives." In addition to his work against the Cuban regime, Lincoln Diaz-Balart advocated for immigrant rights and was recognized for his moderate approach to social issues. His family, deeply rooted in politics and media, includes his brother Jose Diaz-Balart, a renowned journalist and news anchor. Jose shared the news of Lincoln's passing on his social media, remembering him as a tireless defender of freedom and justice. The Cuban-American community and political leaders of various persuasions have paid tribute to Diaz-Balart, highlighting his dedication to the cause of a free Cuba and his commitment to democratic values in the United States. His legacy will endure as a symbol of the fight for freedom and human rights. This article was originally published at CP Espanol Home News Teen shot multiple times at Christian school survived because of faith and doctors, family says Nearly three months after their son was left critically injured during a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin, Christina and Brett Clardy say their son, River, is alive today thanks to hardworking doctors and their faith in God. River is a kid who is a perseverer. Hes a hard worker, Christina Clardy said in a recent interview with WMTV about her 14-year-old son. We believe that God is a huge part of his healing through natural means like through the body healing itself and through some things that you know arent explainable to us. But he is, hes done better than he should have, she said of her River's recovery following the shooting that left three people dead and five others injured. 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 On Dec. 16, 2024, officers with the Madison Police Department said they were called to Abundant Life Christian School at 10:57 a.m. Central time about a shooting where they discovered that 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow murdered a teacher, a student and injured several others, including River, before taking her own life. Christina Clardy, who is a first year teacher at the school, said her first instinct when the shooting began was to protect the children in her class. Once she had things under control, she turned her attention to her own three children who are also students at the school. I pretty quickly saw my two daughters and they were questioning me about where their brother was. I had not seen him, but I knew they were also still clearing out the school, she told WMTV. It became pretty clear that some people were still missing ... and one of my teaching team informed the police that my son was one of those people. When it was discovered that River had been injured, he was transported to American Family Childrens Hospital. Upon hearing the news that his son had been wounded, Brett Clardy rushed back from Chicago while his wife and daughters quicky drove to the hospital. I didnt know anything other than he was at the hospital, thats all I knew, Brett Clardy recalled. I wasnt sure of his condition, his state, his level of injuries. I was just driving. Dr. Adam Brinkman, medical director of pediatric trauma care at UW Healths American Family Childrens Hospital, told the local news station that Rivers condition was dire. He had a breathing tube in. The paramedics and EMTs were breathing for him. He had no shirt on and across his chest in black magic marker was his first name, he noted. River was losing a lot of blood from injuries to his neck, to his throat, to his hip, to his hand. His skin color was very pale. His heart rate was very high. Blood pressure was very low. All the clinical signs that he was very close to dying, Brinkman noted. With three injuries to his neck, including a bullet that went through his carotid artery and one that went through the back of his throat, Brinkman counts River as perhaps one of the most critically ill patients that has come to this childrens hospital in the last five or six years. After several surgeries and 46 days in the hospital under the care of more than 200 health professionals, River pulled through and was able to go home. He had to relearn how to hold a pen, how to swallow liquid and food safely. How to brush his teeth, brush his hair, tie his shoes, Dr. Brinkman said. All of his nurses, techs and physical and occupational therapists and speech therapists, case managers and social workers, physicians, residents and students ... everybody was rooting for River. And Christina Clardy and her family are glad to have River back home. Its important to give thanks for the good in our lives. And to recognize [...] the good around us, like in the people in our community, she said. When our circumstances arent good, those things, those are things that are good. [...] I do have moments where Im like, I cant believe hes alive, you know? Im just really grateful. Home News Trump torches Nicolle Wallace, Rachel Maddow for 'disgraceful' comments about child cancer survivor President Donald Trump blasted MSNBC hosts Nicolle Wallace and Rachel Maddow on Thursday for what he described as their "disgraceful" comments about the 13-year-old cancer survivor he honored during his recent address to Congress. Speaking with press in the Oval Office, Trump suggested that Wallace should be forced to resign after she said she hopes Devarjay "DJ" Daniel, an aspiring law enforcement officer who was made an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent during Trump's speech, doesn't commit suicide because of Trump supporters. ???? JUST IN: Trump calls on MSNBC to FIRE Rachel Maddow and Nicolle Wallace, who alluded to 13 year old cancer patient DJ Daniel K*LLING HIMSELF due to his interactions with Trump supporters These sick losers should be in an asylum. Who the hell says something like that about a https://t.co/lFrbVQOXxdpic.twitter.com/C9Z7GNpYzi 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 March 6, 2025 "They have lost such credibility; and, frankly, what Nicolle Wallace said Ive never been a fan of hers, and she's not very talented but I'll tell you, what she said the other day about that young man is disgraceful. She should be forced to resign," he added. Wallace drew backlash from many on social media for saying during post-speech analysis that while she hopes Daniel "has a long life as a law enforcement officer," she hopes Trump supporters don't drive him to kill himself. "I hope he has a long life as a law enforcement officer," she said. "But I hope he never has to defend the United States Capitol against Donald Trumps supporters, and if he does, I hope he isnt one of the six who loses his life to suicide, and I hope he isnt one who has to testify against the people who carried out acts of seditious conspiracy and then lived to see Donald Trump pardon those people." Four officers one with the U.S. Capitol Police and three with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department died by suicide in the weeks and months after the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to FactCheck.org. Maddow, who called Trump's honoring of Daniel "disgusting" during her conversation with Wallace, should also lose her job, Trump told reporters. "And Rachel Maddow should be forced to resign. Nobody watches her anyway. I don't know it's not possible they pay her as much money as I hear. But certainly, she's lost all credibility, both of them. But what they said the other day, they should be forced to resign [over the comments] about that young person, who is suffering greatly," he added. The White House also criticized the MSNBC hosts' comments, accusing them of using the cancer survivor as a political bludgeon against Trump. "Last night, MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace disgustingly looped in a 13-year-old boy with brain cancer into an attack on the president over January 6," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday. "It's sad and frankly pathetic that Democrats and liberals in the legacy media continue to allow their hatred for the president to override their love for our country," Leavitt added. MSNBC and Wallace especially have been hemorrhaging viewers since the presidential election, with Wallace's program "Deadline: White House," seeing a 35% drop in viewers after Trump's victory, according to Fox News. The congressional Democrats who attended Trump's address to the joint session were widely panned for refusing to stand for anything Trump had to say, including for his guests such as Daniel, former Russian hostage Mark Fogel and his mother, or the family of slain Trump supporter Corey Comperatore, who was murdered during the July 13 assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Home News Wyoming becomes 29th state to pass a Religious Freedom Restoration Act Wyoming became the latest state to pass a state version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act on Thursday. Republican Gov. Mark Gordon signed House Bill 207 into law following its passage in a 57-3 vote in the Republican-controlled Wyoming House of Representatives and a 28-3 vote in the Republican-controlled Wyoming Senate. The votes in favor of the measure came mostly from Republicans and opposition to it came mostly from Democrats. However, one House Republican joined Democrats in opposing it, while three Senate Democrats joined Republicans in supporting it. 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 Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act is modeled after federal legislation of the same name. The policy states: "State action shall not substantially burden a person's right to the exercise of religion, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability unless it is demonstrated that applying the burden to that person's exercise of religion in that particular instance" is "essential to further a compelling governmental interest" or "the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest." Examples of what constitutes a "burden" listed in the act include "withholding of benefits" as well as "assessing criminal, civil or administrative penalties," "exclusion from governmental programs" and "denial of access to government facilities." The protections of the bill will apply "to all state and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and policies, and their implementation, whether statutory or otherwise and whether adopted before, on or after the effective date of this act." One provision enables those who believe that their "exercise of religion has been substantially burdened or is likely to be substantially burdened in violation of this act" to seek relief in court. It is scheduled to take effect on July 1. Greg Chafuen, senior counsel at the religious liberty law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, said that the new law "provides a sensible balancing test for courts to use when reviewing government policies that infringe upon the religious freedom rights of Wyomingites." "The law doesn't determine who will win every disagreement, but it does ensure that every person regardless of their religious creed or political power receives a fair hearing when government action burdens a person's freedom to live out his or her religious beliefs," Chafuen said in a statement. "Wyoming joins 28 other states in guaranteeing that Wyomingites of all faiths can seek relief from oppressive state action." Other states that have a state version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act on the books are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. Home News Aspiring rabbi sues Jews for Jesus for defamation over use of blurred stock photo in social media post Attorneys: Lawsuit is 'meritless,' 'destined for dismissal' Attorneys say a defamation lawsuit filed by an aspiring rabbi claiming a social media post with his image falsely identified him with the religious organization Jews for Jesus is "meritless" and "destined for dismissal. The controversy stems from a social media post by Jews for Jesus following the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, in which the group used a royalty-free stock image of an Israeli soldier to highlight their efforts to distribute Bibles. The case, originally filed in the Superior Court of San Francisco County, was recently moved to the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California, where Liberty Counsel, the legal group representing the defendants, intends to fight what they call a baseless claim rooted in a blurred stock photo. The plaintiff, Ariel Amitay, an Orthodox Jewish teacher, alleges that he is the soldier in the photo and claims that its use by Jews for Jesus falsely implied his affiliation with the group. 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 "He claims to be Orthodox and that the picture is of him to begin with and that it implied, even though it was blurred, that he was affiliated with Jews for Jesus, and he claims that that caused him harm among his community in Israel," Liberty Counsels Daniel J. Schmid, associate vice president of legal affairs, told CP on Friday. According to attorneys, Amitay asserts that this misrepresentation led to his termination from his "dream" teaching job, accusing Jews for Jesus of a "willful, malicious, and oppressive" act to "disgrace, defame, and injure" him. The stock photo in question was sourced from a popular website offering millions of images under a worldwide copyright license, allowing free use, modification, and distribution without attribution, according to Liberty Counsel. Despite this, Amitay alleges defamation and false light portrayal, even though his face was blurred and his name was never mentioned. The question is whether they said anything about this individual at all, and they took steps to blur his face and then didn't say that this particular individual is a member of our group or affiliated with us in any way, shape or form, said Schmidt. They used it in a social media post saying, hey, here's what we have done after the atrocities of October 7, to support those who might desire comfort and peace during a turbulent time, and they didn't say anything about this particular individual. While Amitay is an Israeli resident, the case falls under U.S. jurisdiction since it was filed in California. Schmidt says his team will file a motion to dismiss and expressed confidence in the cases outcome. "I think we stand on very firm First Amendment grounds and other defenses that we will raise, and I think this suit is meritless, its destined for dismissal, as it should be." Jews for Jesus, a faith-based nonprofit organization affiliated with the Messianic Jewish movement, is an organization dedicated to helping Jewish people continue living out their faith while believing in Jesus as the Son of God. The organization engages in conversations about Jesus in public spaces like college campuses and parks and hosts events to create opportunities for dialogue. The group states that it is devoted to demonstrating Christ-like behavior through charitable acts, such as soup kitchens and ministering to Holocaust survivors during their last days of life. Jews for Jesus offers the New Testament for free to Israelis through its website and the sites of its ministry partners, One for Israel or Tree of Life Ministries. According to data provided to CP last June, the organization has seen 1,230 New Testament orders from Israelis since the war between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas began in October of 2023. Home News Man facing 5 years to life in prison after taking weapons to church, threatening to kill worshipers A man who attempted to attack a Virginia church armed with a gun and a couple of knives has been convicted of multiple counts and is facing at least five years in prison, or even life. A jury found Rui Jiang guilty on Thursday of charges that include attempting to obstruct the congregants of a church in the free exercise of their beliefs, transmitting threats online and a firearms violation. Jiang faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, but could be sentenced to life. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 18, according to the United States Department of Justice. 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 On Sept. 23, 2023, Jiang made multiple threats of violence on social media against Park Valley Church of Falls Church. A Maryland resident saw these posts and alerted authorities. On the morning of Sept. 24, 2023, a Sunday, an off-duty police officer at the church discovered Jiangs vehicle on the property, as did other members of the congregation. Church members detained Jiang until authorities arrived. When arrested, Jiang was found to be carrying a loaded legally purchased handgun, an extra ammunition magazine, and two knives. In a statement released at the time, Fairfax County police said they and other police departments acted swiftly and, as a result, were able to stop a potential active shooter. Since the arrest, detectives from our Threat Assessment Management Unit have been assigned to assist with the investigation, local authorities said at the time. TAM detectives assisted with the execution of a search warrant at Jiangs home. Evidence supporting Jiangs intent to cause harm was recovered from the scene. In December 2023, the Prince William County Police Department announced that it was adding the charge of attempted aggravated murder to earlier charges of carrying a dangerous weapon to a place of worship and making threats of bodily harm. The additional charge against the accused [] stems from the ongoing investigation and analysis of digital evidence obtained during the search warrant executed at his residence in Falls Church, authorities stated at the time. Based upon the recent analysis of the digital evidence, physical evidence collected at the time, and the social media postings on accounts used by the accused depicting the church with threatening language, indications were the accused intended to cause harm, injury, and death to the church congregation. Jiang was indicted in March of 2024, with investigators finding a note that he had written to the families of his potential victims. "To the families of those men about to be slain I am sorry for what I have done and about to do. May your tears not be cried in vain, but to celebrate how your loved ones had lived," read the letter in part, as quoted by authorities. Authorities also found evidence of anti-religious sentiment, as seen with various social media posts that Jiang had allegedly written before the attempted mass shooting. Home News Peruvian lawmaker proposes eliminating 'femicide' charge, sparks controversy Peruvian Congresswoman Milagros Jauregui de Aguayo has presented a bill that would eliminate the crime of femicide and instead classify the murder of spouses or cohabitants under the principle of equality before the law. According to Jauregui who, along with her husband, has been a pastor for more than 30 years working to unite families the aim is to avoid gender discrimination and guarantee equal treatment in criminal legislation. The bill proposes modifying the current definition of femicide, which states that it applies when a man kills a woman because she is a woman, to instead cover cases where a person kills their spouse or partner. If approved, the new crime of partner killing would include contexts such as family violence, sexual coercion, abuse of power and any form of discrimination. 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 crime of femicide carries a sentence of up to life imprisonment for a man who murders his partner. However, the same crime does not receive the same sentence when the victim is a man. The proposal seeks to restore equal punishment for the same crime. That is why we have maintained the contexts, aggravating circumstances and penalties of the crime of femicide, Jauregui said, according to the website of the Congress of the Republic. If the proposal is approved, the penalty will be applicable to both men and women, based on the constitutional principle of equality before the law and non-discrimination, she said. The following day, the forum Cultural Battle: How to Confront the Advance of Globalism and Rescue Traditional Values took place in the Congress of the Republic, where Jauregui allegedly referred to people who identify as nonbinary as animals. According to information from the congresswomans office, her words were taken out of context and manipulated by progressive sectors. Her political party also defended her, maintaining the same stance. In response to Jaureguis speech and proposed legislation, Congresswoman Susel Paredes filed a complaint accusing her of violating the Constitution and committing the crime of discrimination. Paredes announced on social media that she had filed a constitutional complaint against Milagros Jauregui de Aguayo for violation of the Constitution and the crime of discrimination since she claimed that LGBTQ+ people behave like animals. She also described Jaureguis comments as hate speech and stated that such remarks are unacceptable, even worse coming from an authority. In the controversy over Jaureguis comments, she is also reported to have questioned same-sex relationships, describing them as lacking true love and being about lust and lechery. Her remarks sparked outrage among the LGBT community, its organizations and representatives such as Paredes, who is transgender. They argue that these kinds of statements not only reveal a lack of knowledge about human rights and diversity but also foster hatred and intolerance, according to Infobae. One of the most progressive faith communities in Latin America, the Lutheran Church of Peru, publicly opposed Jaureguis defense. The church stated that it categorically rejects the congresswomans statements, arguing that she not only ignores loving relationships between people of the same sex but also abuses her congressional position by lying shamelessly and seeking approval from anti-rights sectors, taking advantage of existing LGBTphobia. The statement was published on the churchs official Facebook account. Additionally, the church argued that Mrs. Aguayos dogmatic position does not represent Christianity; many Christian denominations, including Lutherans, Methodists and free communities, value LGBT+ lives as a blessing from the Divine to our communities. On the other hand, the Ibero-American Congress for Life and the Family issued a statement expressing solidarity with Jauregui, affirming that she carries out an intense and formidable legislative effort in defense of life and family in Peru, setting an example for the nations of the continent with consistency and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. The document claims that opposition to her stance comes from groups seeking to challenge traditional values, stating that self-proclaimed progressive groups violate the law to insist on new rights. It also accuses these groups of attacking the rule of law and the conventionality of international treaties. The Ibero-American Congress recognizes and supports the extraordinary legislative work of the congresswoman, the intense social work of the citizen, and the tireless ministerial work of the pastor, Milagros Jauregui de Aguayo, who leaves a great legacy for our beloved Peru and the nations of the continent, the letter concludes. It was signed by the organizations president, Aaron Lara Sanchez, along with its Advisory Council and national coordinators. Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition Home News Target sees drop in sales; Pastor Jamal Bryant reports 110K people in 40-day boycott Megachurch Pastor Jamal Bryant and a reported 110,000 people kicked off a campaign Wednesday to boycott retail giant Target for 40 days over their decision to scale back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The boycott begins as the company announced this week that they expect a "meaningful" drop in their first quarter profits due to "ongoing consumer uncertainty," soft sales in February and concerns about tariffs, CNBC reported. Across the retail industry, sales were down more than expected to start 2025. "I want to pause and publicly thank you. We are up to 110,000 people in our Target fast," Bryant told congregants at his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, Wednesday. "I ask that you'll hold course. We are not going back to Target no time soon." 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 fast and boycott is expected to last through April 17. During the Wednesday gathering, an official at the church stated that participants in the fast will spend 16 hours each day consuming only water or juice. From 12 noon to 8 p.m. each day, they will be allowed to have a meal that is light and healthy. Target's finance chief, Jim Lee, said in a statement cited by CNBC that February sales were "soft" and "declining consumer confidence" hurt discretionary sales. He further noted that "uncharacteristically cold weather," affected apparel sales. "We expect to see a moderation in this trend as apparel sales respond to warmer weather around the country, and consumers turn to Target for upcoming seasonal moments such as the Easter holiday," Lee said. "We will continue to monitor these trends and will remain appropriately cautious with our expectations for the year ahead." Bryant, who has also been encouraging black businesses not to work with Target, noted that some 100 black vendors had pulled their products from Target shelves. He previously expressed disappointment over what he saw as Target's abandonment of the company's commitment to help advance racial equality, calling it a "spit in the face of black people." This includes a commitment by the company to spend more than $2 billion at black-owned businesses by 2025. "McDonald's, we can drive right through there. Facebook, we could log right off. I'm telling you that Ford, we can switch it over for a Chevy, but Target, how dare you insult and spit in the face of black people," Bryant said last month, before announcing his plan to boycott the company, which he framed as spiritual warfare. The Georgia pastor accused Target of capitulating, along with other large corporations such as Walmart, to the White House's push to end DEI policies that he says "undermine our national unity," among other things. Several corporations have reevaluated their DEI policies in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that the University of North Carolina and Harvard University's admissions policies that use race as a factor were unconstitutional. Among the demands are that Target: "1. Honor the 2 billion dollar pledge to the black business community through products, services, and black media buys; 2. Deposit 250 million amongst any of our 23 black banks; 3. Completely restoring the franchise commitment to DEI; 4. Pipeline community centers at 10 HBCU to teach retail business at every level." Organizers of the boycott said they plan to assess the impact of the boycott and seek a meeting with Target's board before deciding on taking further action ahead of the company's shareholders' meeting on June 12 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. One of Target's largest competitors in the brick-and-mortar retail space, Walmart, is also rolling back its DEI policies. As CNBC notes, the first three months of the year tend to be slow for retailers as it falls directly after the holiday shopping season. Abonati-va sa primiti pe email saptamanal lista articolelor adaugate pe parcursul saptamanii. Adresele .ru nu sunt acceptate. Email NEWSLETTER As an ex-management consultant, Emma de Closset thinks in threes. So, when she joined the UK Community Foundations (UKCF) as its chief executive in January this year, she set a trio of goals for herself. de Closset wants to be an ambassador for UKCF worldwide. Whether it is in Canada, Australia, India or South Africa, community foundations are the best-kept secret of a country, but that should not be the case, she says. So, she is striving to change that by ensuring people know about the role community foundations play both in their local area and collectively as a network. UKCF is a national membership organisation with 47 accredited community foundations spread across the UK. It has a collective presence in every postcode. And de Closset wants to visit them all. I want to visit all of our community foundations because the beating heart of what we do is place-based, she said. So, its very, very important to me that I dont just do my job from London, that I go out and visit projects first hand and get to know the people. Its a relationship-based world. So far, she has visited community foundations in Yorkshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Kent, London, Durham and Tyne and Wear among others. She plans to split her visit to the rest of the community foundations between online and in-person meetings, with the hope that she will have visited all of them by the end of the year. Ive had conversations with lots of them individually and still have quite a few to get through, but I have gathered so much intel from those conversations, she says. She is also starting to engage with partners including the government, funders and businesses to ensure she understands their perspectives working with UKCF and identify where opportunities lie in the future. Her third goal is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the first community foundation in the UK. While the first community foundation was set up in the US in 1914, the UK had to wait until one in Swindon, founded in 1975. It later merged with the Wiltshire Community Trust to form the present Wiltshire Community Foundation. Many other community foundations were formed during the 1980s and in 1991 the Community Foundation Network was established to invite cooperation and share best practice. In 2013, the Community Foundation Network relaunched as UKCF. The 47 community foundations in the UKCF network collectively manage 811m in purposeful endowments and distribute over 40,000 grants each year, over 170m, to support local communities. As part of the celebrations later this year, de Closset is working on a couple of special events that not just showcase the impact that community foundations have had nationally, but also their place on the international stage. I cant say too much about that just yet, she says. Weve got 50 years worth of impact to celebrate and shout about, and thats going to be a big priority for me this year. Bridging national and local knowledge As its new chief executive, de Closset says UKCF will take a fresh look at its income generation strategy that includes new partnerships, dormant assets and membership fees, which will be a big part of the charitys income moving forward. UKCF has been recording deficits for the past four out of five years, according to its accounts. Figures for the financial year ending March 2024 show that the charitys unrestricted programme income will likely fall as a key national programme with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) comes to an end in March 2025. The accounts add that there is the potential need to reduce unrestricted expenditure to a more sustainable level. With the spring budget coming up, de Closset says UKCF is hoping to see a focus on prevention and measures that will encourage philanthropy, particularly regional philanthropic giving. But as a former civil servant, she admits: My sense of this is always that they are agreed well before they are published. So, from the time that Ive arrived at UKCF, that would be a little bit late to be influencing the spring budget. As a civil servant at Downing Street from 2010 to 2012, de Closset worked with the prime minister and deputy prime minister's advisors to ensure the coalition's programme for government was understood by government departments, including the Foreign Office, DCMS and former Department of Energy and Climate Change. And as a senior civil servant at the Cabinet Office from 2018 until joining UKCF, she was involved in multiple special projects, including a secondment to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in 2023 when she was the prime ministers deputy representative for the AI Safety Summit and chief operating officer for the G7 Presidency in 2021, one of the first in-person gathering of world leaders since the start of Covid-19. Having spent years working in Whitehall, de Closset wanted to get closer to the communities she was helping, so when she came across the chief executive role at UKCF, she could not pass it up. As someone that has worked in central government for such a long time, the opportunity to go and work for an organisation that can bridge national endeavours with hyper-local knowledge, relationships and expertise was just hugely exciting, she says. That's the holy grail of policy making. With the relatively new Labour government in charge, de Closset thinks that it is encouraging to see its approach to partnership with the charity sector. She says: One way to interpret mission-driven government is that its not just about the delivery of five specific missions. Its also an ethos and a mindset about how change happens and a recognition that central government is not always best placed to make change or cant do it alone and needs to do it with others. So, the recognition that government needs to be working in meaningful partnership with civil society is hugely encouraging, and the governments thinking about its role in bringing together civil society with local government and businesses to collectively look at systemic issues and how to be more than the sum of their parts by tackling them together is also really encouraging. UKCF has been working with DCMS to have some input on the Civil Society Covenant , she says. It feels to me like a more collaborative, collegiate approach than we have perhaps seen in recent years, and that is an exciting time to step into an organisation like UKCF, she says. Making an impact A common thread in de Clossets career is the ability to make a difference. Whether it is in the public service or voluntary sector, her motivators are to help people and make sure that she is doing something that leads people to be supported in where they live. Thats just a huge part of my personal ethos, she says. People should have agency, purpose and connection, she says, and UKCF brings that together and enables it across the areas that we support. So, for me to play even a small part in making that happen is hugely rewarding and exciting, she says. One of the things that drove her towards her role was when she was the prime ministers deputy representative at the AI safety summit in 2023. She thought about the changes AI is going to bring in the next few years, the technologies that will replace peoples daily tasks and what makes life worth living. She says: The answer is very much grounded in the communities where we live, the relationships people have with those around them and the care people provide across generations. That UKCF is able to take on a role that strengthens the bonds between people and helps keep the fabric of society together and as strong as it can before a period of disruption felt like an incredibly powerful prospect. When asked about her experience at UKCF so far, de Closset says she is measuring it like babies. I've got three children and when your babies are born, you measure it in days and weeks, and then you graduate to months and years. Your knowledge just grows exponentially as you move along that curve and it feels like that. This is still very early days with UKCF, but I feel that it will probably be the best job Ive ever had, and I have fallen in love with it already. Theres still a lot to learn and figure out, but Ive been just hugely excited about what Ive seen so far. It has been such a whirlwind but the most enjoyable kind. 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. Brendan Carr, the newly appointed chair of the FCC, has made no secret of his antipathy for mainstream pressincluding NPR, which he recently alleged may be violating the law by broadcasting commercial messages. Its an unusually timed claim, but as Carr made clear in a conversation with Semafors Ben Smith last week, hes out for vengeance after four years of a Democratic administration in Washington. Thats why its all the more encouraging to see NPR stand tall with its tough-but-fair coverage of the Trump administration. One of NPRs latest and most significant examples: reporter Stephen Fowler dug into many of the most absurd, multimillion-dollar claims made by Elon Musks DOGE group. He found error upon erroreach of which pointed in the same direction of exaggerated or nonexistent savings for taxpayers. Among the foul-ups: DOGE was claiming savings from a contract that wasnt actually canceled; it was trumpeting $99 million in savings from a $9.9 million contract; and it was promoting savings of $150 million while linking to a contract for $119,000. When Marty Baron was running the Washington Posts newsroom during Trumps first term, he was famously quoted as saying, Were not at war with the administration, were at work. NPR is in the FCCs gunsights, but that hasnt distracted its reporters from doing their jobs. In 2023, a trio of social workers came to the newsroom of NowKalamazoo, a nonprofit site that covers the Michigan city. They wanted reporters to check out conditions at a local apartment complex that depends heavily on government subsidies. Here is what the team from the website and its partner, local NPR affiliate WMUK, would discover over the next two years of reporting: sewage-covered carpets, water gushing through ceilings, roaches crawling on apartment walls, mouse feces near chewed-up cribs. The result is this detail-rich, 5,300-word investigationwhich also ran as a three-part series on WMUKinto a place about which a local judge said, I dont know why anybody would want to stay there. (Alas, the judge said that even as she approved the eviction of a tenant who had withheld rentafter a ceiling fell on her niece and daughter.) Lets say youre the governor of a really big state, and youre about to give a really big speech to a really big crowd. Youd think youd want to include as much news media as possible, and that includesnay, it requirespress photographers. But you are not Texas governor Greg Abbott, and you were not delivering your State of the State speech to eleven hundred people. Thus, you might not understand why the governors office would forbid news photographers from covering the event. But thats what happened last month. In response, the Texas Tribune covered the speech, but used an old photo from a press conference on the US-Mexico border to illustrate the story. They couldve used the handouts that came from the governors office, but the editors felt that constituted wedding photography. Have you ever watched an interview and screamed, Why arent you asking the follow-up questions that are running through my brain? I do! All the time! Last week, NewsNation broadcast an interview with DataRepublican, an X pal of Musks who says she has a working relationship with the DOGE team. I have communicated with some people who are involved with DOGE. And I dont want to say much more than that. The interview was conducted in an undisclosed location, and the woman was partially disguised behind big sunglasses. But none of that stopped her from making some extraordinary claims, nor did it prompt the host to ask any obvious follow-up questions. Asked about the extent of government waste, DataRepublican said, Whew. If I had to guess, I would say it is over $100 billion. Asked about how things work in DC, she said that after digging into relationships between people in the governmentyou start to notice that theyre all working together, theyre all married, that theyre all in-laws. Theyre all in-laws? The NewsNation reporter nodded dutifully throughout the thirty-minute interview, even as she told him, Sometimes God calls you for a mission, and you must answer that call. The story took off from NewsNation, winding its way into a gullible New York Post piece, then a video on The Hills website, and on into a slew of tweets, posts, and other social media. It didnt take long, though, for DataRepublicans identity to become known. The next day, Jacqueline Sweet (the same independent journalist who broke some important George Santos stories) revealed her as a software engineer from Utah. Thanks to Ben Lando and Michael Thaddeus for their tips for this weeks column. If you have a suggestion, please send it to laurelsanddarts@cjr.org. We cant acknowledge all submissions, but we will mention you if we use your idea. For more on the column, please click here. Only mutual support in China's cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries: FM Xinhua) 16:48, March 07, 2025 BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- There is only mutual support, no geopolitical calculations, in China's cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday. In its engagement with LAC countries, China follows the principles of equality and mutual benefit, and never seeks sphere of influence or targets any party, Wang told a press conference held on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the national legislature. Cooperation between China and LAC countries has won popular support because it respects the will of the people, meets the needs of regional countries, and provides reliable options and broad prospects for the revitalization of the region, Wang said. "What people in LAC countries want is to build their own home, not to become someone's backyard. What they aspire to is independence and self-decision, not the Monroe Doctrine," Wang said. He noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the formal launch of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum, and China will host the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum in the first half of this year. Taking this as an opportunity, the two sides will work together to take China-LAC cooperation to a higher level, Wang said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Airlines are turning to a network of third parties to pay fees to Afghan authorities as more planes use the countrys airspace, increasing the risk of legal disputes and money laundering, according to pilots, aviation executives and lawyers. In the last year more airlines have started flying over Afghanistan as conflict in the Middle East widened and as aviation regulators softened their stance on using Afghan airspace. The Taliban says publicly that this has led to a surge in overflight payments fees that countries typically charge airlines for navigation services in their airspace. However, the process of making these payments to the Taliban-run aviation authorities is complicated by the freezing of Afghanistans government bank accounts overseas and Western sanctions on Taliban leaders. The challenges airlines face making overflight payments to Afghanistan, including a reliance on intermediaries and a lack of invoices, are detailed here for the first time. Before the Taliban came to power in 2021, the International Air Transport Association industry group collected overflight charges on behalf of Afghanistans aviation authority. IATA told Reuters that it ceased this service in September 2021, leaving millions of dollars in charges collected for the previous Afghan government frozen in its accounts. Airlines and private jet operators have instead turned to third-party intermediaries, known as trip support firms, to process payments to the Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority, according to six people familiar with the process, including pilots, airline officials, and third-party payment firms. Some third-party permit specialists use additional intermediaries primarily based in the United Arab Emirates to facilitate payments to the ACAA. This has added to the complexity of making payments to Afghanistan, and, according to lawyers and sanctions experts, could pose legal and financial risks for the industry. For instance, several Western trip support firms have never received an invoice for overflight fees from Afghan authorities, making it near-impossible to make payments, said Jon Braid, who owns Jet Team, a British-based trip support company. The biggest difficulty is basically finding a way to pay the bills no one sent us a bill yet, Braid said. The Taliban did not respond to a request for comment. According to flight tracking data, major airlines which have started using Afghan airspace over the last year include Lufthansa, Air Baltic, TUI, KLM, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, EVA Air, Air India and Vietnam Airlines. In response to Reuters questions, a Lufthansa spokesperson said the airline was in full compliance with relevant sanctions, declining to comment further on its payments to Afghanistan. The other airlines declined to comment or did not respond to questions on how they pay Afghan overflight fees. Reuters found no indication of any sanctions breaches or wrongdoing by airlines or financial intermediaries. The U.S. Treasury in 2022 provided expanded authorisation, including for air navigation services, to allow financial transactions with Afghan institutions, including those run by the Taliban. Afghanistan charges a flat $700 fee to transit its airspace. According to FlightRadar24 data, it should have made close to $6 million each month in October, November and December, based on the number of overflights. Finding ways to pay Afghan aviation authorities has increased the risk of illicit financial flows and raises the possibility of legal disputes if payments are not completed or fail to reach the intended recipient, three lawyers and sanctions specialists told Reuters. Industry sources say countries can sometimes lack the administrative resources to invoice and collect payments, despite issuing permits. Reuters contacted more than a dozen financial aviation intermediaries in the UAE, a main hub for the industry. Some said they were helping private jets and commercial airlines get permits for Afghanistan but they declined to be named or reveal the identity of their clients and to detail how or whether payments are made. One large company that does arrange permits told Reuters it can take six months to a year for Afghanistans aviation authority to send invoices to airlines, meaning they can rack up large outstanding bills. Others said they chose not to arrange overflight permits to avoid any banking or legal complications. Last year the UAE was dropped from a list of countries at high risk of illicit money flows, compiled by the Financial Action Task Force, a global watchdog. However, the European Union still lists it as a high-risk country. Since its removal from the FATF grey list, the UAE has further strengthened its regulatory framework, ensuring strict oversight across all sectors, a spokesperson for the UAE government told Reuters. Reuters asked the Taliban how much it had made in overflight fees to date and did not receive a response. (Reporting by Plucinska in London, Maccioni in Dubai, Greenfield in Kabul, Barrington in Seoul; Editing by Joe Brock, Kirsten Donovan) President Donald Trump exempted Mexican and Canadian goods covered by the North American trade agreement known as USMCA from his 25% tariffs, offering major reprieves to the U.S.s two largest trading partners. Trump signed orders Thursday paring back the tariffs, which are related to illegal immigration and fentanyl tracking, until April 2. That is the date when the president is expected to start unveiling plans for so-called reciprocal duties on nations around the world as well as sector-specific duties. Theyve been working much harder lately, do you notice that? On people coming in and drugs. Weve made tremendous progress on both, Trump said in the Oval Office, referring to Mexico and Canada. Automobiles and parts that meet USMCA requirements are among the products exempt from the tariffs. Canadian potash used heavily in fertilizers for US agricultural producers faces a lower 10% duty. The White House estimates that 62% of Canadian imports will still be subject to the tariffs, most of which are energy products that are being tariffed at a 10% rate, and half of goods coming from Mexico. A White House official cautioned those proportions could change as importers rush to comply with the new rules. Trump warned that relief for automakers will be short lived, saying he would not sign another extension next month. I told them thats it, this is a short-term deal, he president said, adding he told auto executives not to come back and ask for relief again. The decision nonetheless marks a significant reversal by Trump, who on Tuesday had announced the largest tariff increase in a century only to back down 48 hours later as stocks were hammered and Republicans expressed concern about the economic consequences. The president downplayed the reaction, saying Im not even looking at the market. Trump argued that foreign countries are ripping us off and that the tariffs would put the U.S. on a stronger footing. Therell always be a little short-term interruption. I dont think its going to be big, Trump said. Exempting automobiles from the tariffs was done in order to minimize disruption to the industry and auto workers, according to the White House official. The US, Mexico and Canada have a deeply integrated auto supply chain and Detroits Big Three car companies had lobbied the administration for weeks for a carve out. Trump decided to pare back the tariffs after speaking to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and auto company executives. Canada delayed its plan for a second round of retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. following Trumps announcement, though it is keeping in place duties it imposed Tuesday on around $20.9 billion in US goods. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick telegraphed the decision earlier Thursday, saying Trump was weighing an exemption for both Mexican and Canadian goods under the agreement. Lutnick said on CNBC that both Mexico and Canada offered us an enormous amount of work on fentanyl. The president has tied the tariffs, as well as a 20% duty on China, to commitments by the other three countries to crack down on the flow of illicit drugs and migration into the US. Showing Results Sheinbaum at a press conference on Thursday said she outlined Mexicos security efforts, including measures to stop fentanyl trafficking, during her call with Trump. I told him, were showing results, she told reporters. I told him that I understood his concern about the U.S. deficit, but that it was better to continue working together and having a dialogue. The Mexican president also said she warned Trump that if the tariffs remained in place she would have been forced to respond. The delay until April made such retaliatory actions unnecessary, she added. We were treated with a great deal of respect, Sheinbaum said. Using 2024 trade data, about 49% of U.S. imports from Mexico are exempt from duties under the USMCA, according to US Census data analyzed by Bloomberg Economics. An additional 41% of imports fall into under a grey area, given that goods previously qualified under a different exemption, such as the so-called most-favored nation rate. If those goods are no longer allowed to trade under those preferential rates, providers may look to switch to complying with USMCA to avoid the 25% fees. At the very least, 10% of the goods exported from Mexico into the US will be subject to the USs new tariffs The U.S. president previously offered a one-month exemption to automobiles covered by USMCA, and administration officials were considering exempting certain agricultural imports, before going ahead with broader relief. The development is the latest in a frenzied week that saw Trump apply across-the-board 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, with the exception of Canadian energy, which faced a 10% rate. He also doubled his recent tariff on China to 20% from 10%. That sparked a furious push back, including a round of retaliatory tariffs from Canada on U.S. goods. Top photo: A locomotive at the Port of Vancouver in Vancouver, British Columbia. Photographer: Ethan Cairns/Bloomberg. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Bayer AG is seeking shareholder authorization to raise billions of euros through a capital increase in case it needs to quickly resolve its U.S. legal troubles, causing the stock price to plummet. The German company will seek approval at its annual meeting next month for a potential equity offer of 35% of its current share capital, according to a letter from Supervisory Board Chairman Norbert Winkeljohann. Related: Bayer Backs Broadened Effort to Shield Weedkiller From Cancer Warning Claims The proceeds would be used exclusively for strengthening the balance sheet during a resolution of the US litigation and not to finance mergers and acquisitions, Winkeljohann said. Bayer doesnt currently have specific plans to act on the authorization, he added. Norbert Winkeljohann The German companys shares dropped as much as 10% on the news, the most intraday since November. The stock has tumbled since the acquisition of Monsanto in 2018, bringing its current market valuation to about 23 billion ($25 billion). That deal brought Bayer products that soon became subject to mass litigation in the U.S., including the weedkiller Roundup and toxic PCBs. Chief Executive Officer Bill Anderson is trying to revive the fortunes of crisis-rattled Bayer, which only a decade ago was Germanys most valuable company. The American CEO has pushed through operational changes in the past year designed, among other things, to speed up decision making. The revamp has resulted in about 7,000 job cuts. Yet Anderson has struggled to tackle some of Bayers major challenges from high debt levels to a weak pharma pipeline thanks in part to the litigation. Last year, he resisted pressure from some investors to split up its conglomerate business model, with its divisions focused on agriculture, pharmaceuticals and consumer health. He cited the legal woes as one reason, but didnt rule out such structural changes in the future. Bayers proposed capital increase is prudent and could raise 11 billion in additional funding, Jason Miner, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, said in a note. Still, it sends a negative signal about the potential size of litigation costs, he said. Related: Bayer Must Pay $100M Over PCBs in Washington School, Jury Finds Bayer has already spent about $10 billion of the $16 billion it had set aside for the US lawsuits over Roundup, which plaintiffs allege caused their cancer and Bayer insists is safe. The company has also agreed to pay almost $2 billion to settle cases related to toxic PCBs brought by U.S. states, cities and counties. More trials are looming on both fronts. Insurance Policy Earlier this week, Bayer said its committed to significantly containing the legal risks by the end of 2026. While the company has managed to resolve tens of thousands of individual Roundup suits over the years, theres still about 67,000 pending claims in the US, according to Bayers 2024 annual report. Bayer also needs to find a way to prevent new suits from being filed on the matter. As part of the proposed AGM item, current shareholders would receive subscription rights for any capital raise, which would allow Bayer to avoid having to raise debt on unfavorable terms, Winkeljohann said. The authorization would last for three years. Bayers leaders have already discussed the plan with many shareholders, who stressed that the company needs to proceed with caution because of the dilutive effect, Winkeljohann said. This step may be more of an insurance policy than anything substantive near-term, Sebastian Bray, an analyst at Berenberg, said in an email. There may soon be important appellate decisions from US courts on both legal matters, he noted. I imagine the company simply wants to be prepared. Top photo: Light trails left by passing traffic outside the Bayer AG pharmaceutical campus in Berlin, Germany, on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. President Donald Trumps company sued Capital One Financial Corp., accusing it of illegally de-banking him for political reasons by abruptly canceling hundreds of accounts associated with his sprawling real estate business after his first term ended in 2021. The Trump Organization had been doing business with Capital One for decades and was holding millions of dollars in its accounts when, without warning or provocation, the bank cut ties on March 8, 2021, according to the lawsuit, filed Friday in Florida state court. The termination of the accounts led to considerable financial harm and losses, interrupting the businesss access to banking services, the suit claims. Capital Ones unilateral decision came about as a result of political and social motivations and Capital Ones unsubstantiated, woke beliefs that it needed to distance itself from President Trump and his conservative political views, according to the complaint, which names Capital One N.A. as the defendant. Capital One didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment on the suit. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Montreal, QC & New York, NY, March 7, 2025 Sinistar, a full-service insurance technology platform that connects insurers to a large and rapidly growing community of property owners (hosts) ready to accommodate displaced policyholders, announced that the company has joined Guidewires Insurtech Vanguards program. This initiative is led by property and casualty (P&C) cloud platform provider, Guidewire (NYSE: GWRE), to help insurers learn about the newest insurtechs and how to best leverage them. Sinistar is both honored and excited to join the Guidewire Insurtech Vanguards program! Trusted by over 50 insurers in the United States, Canada, France and Switzerland, many of which are Guidewire clients, Sinistar has helped thousands of families relocate to a perfectly matched temporary home with speed and comfort during a claim. Our solution saves adjusters time, reduces insurers claims costs, and brings diverse supply options into the insurance relocation market, all while our team focuses relentlessly on delivering exceptional client experiences. We look forward to co-innovating with Guidewires guidance, tapping into the community of likeminded insurtechs, and bringing immense value to our shared clients and partners in the P&C industry, said Alexis Vertefeuille, Founder and CEO, Sinistar. Insurtech Vanguards is a community of select startups and technology providers that are bringing novel solutions to the P&C industry. As part of the program, Guidewire provides strategic guidance to and advocates for the participating insurtechs, while connecting them with Guidewires P&C customers. We are thrilled to welcome Sinistar to the Insurtech Vanguards program, shared Laura Drabik, Chief Evangelist, Guidewire. Their innovative platform leverages the combined powers of the sharing economy, machine learning, and competitive bidding marketplaces, creating great value for insurers, displaced families, and their hosts. We cant wait to see how they innovate and flourish within the program. With a user-friendly interface and AI-driven home-matching, Sinistar simplifies the relocation process, reducing both time and costs. Sinistars insurer clients get the best possible rates while their policyholders benefit from comfortable short and long-term stays that feel like home. About Sinistar Sinistar, established in 2017, is a pioneering technology platform in the insurance claims relocation sector specializing in providing temporary housing for displaced families. Sinistar connects claims adjusters with highly rated and vetted local hosts who offer fully furnished accommodations. The platform is specifically designed to support insurance companies and claims adjusters in finding cost-effective, high-quality housing for clients who have been impacted by property damage or loss and disasters such as fires or floods. Contact: Vlad Koltchine VP, Business Development Sinistar Inc. +1 (647) 460-1919 vlad.koltchine@sinistar.com www.sinistar.com My mom, daughter and I visited family in the southern Netherlands, and experienced a meaningful adventure. Laura Johnston, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio -- So far, my favorite sentence in Dutch is Ik fiets vaak: I bike often. Im also a big fan of heel veel, which means very much. I learned both from Duolingo, the addictive language app I take lessons with daily. So does my 12-year-old daughter, my husband, my mom and my niece. Im learning a language mostly because its a fun exercise to stretch my brain. Im learning Dutch because of my family and heritage. While my maternal grandparents emigrated from the southern Netherlands to Canada after World War II, I know only een beetje Nederlands, limited to the few words my Oma and Opa used around us growing up. I studied German for years, beginning in eighth grade. My dad worked for a German company; maybe it would come in handy someday? It did, but only because I chose to spend a semester of my junior year at Miami Universitys Luxembourg campus. My host parents spoke German, and I traveled to a few German cities on the weekends. Still, even though I minored in German, I was far from fluent. It was pretty much my hardest class every semester. Once I graduated, I promptly forgot most of what I learned. Until my family traveled to Montreal in summer 2023. It was so delightful to see French signs everywhere, to shuffle through the files of my brain to remember from my Luxembourg months that gare meant train station and jambon meant ham. Figuring out a foreign language felt like doing the New York Times Wordle puzzle. When I returned home, I started Duolingo, just in time to prep for my first trip to Europe in 20 years. Related: Dozens of cousins, lots of history on a mom-daughter-granddaughter trip to Holland In the kitchen of my moms cousins house in a small village in southern Netherlands, I marveled when I spotted the few words I knew: boterham for sandwich or ontbijt for breakfast. Words my mom didnt even know because her parents had used the English words instead. A year and hundreds of Duolingo lessons later, Im still not fluent. But I can decipher Christmas cards my family sent from the Netherlands and the Instagram posts of their towns Karneval festival. Duolingo is a free app with ads, though you can pay for an ad-free super version. The app feels like a game, allowing you to befriend other users, earn rewards and compete in quests. Animated characters offer encouragement, and daily lessons take a few minutes, grouped by topics like jobs or body parts. I usually do a few each morning while walking the dog. My daughter and her friends are linked on the app, offering each other high fives and competing in quests. I have a 500-day streak. Duolingo was founded in 2011 at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. By May 2024, 97.6 million people globally were using Duolingo each month, making it the biggest language learning company in the world. The app offers 43 languages, with English the most popular to study, in large part for economic reasons. Spanish is the most popular language to study in all 50 United States. Ive tried to get my son to take up Spanish on Duolingo, but since hes taking the language in school, it feels like extra homework. People learn languages for all sorts of reasons. Babel, an older language learning company, offers the following motivations: - Communicate while traveling - Communicate with a friend or family member - Refresh old skills - Engage in interest - Help their career - Improve mental fitness - Understand their heritage better Language courses can boost cognitive skills and multitasking abilities, according to the National Education Association. And apps like Duolingo and Google Translate have made it easier than ever to communicate across languages. Im not sure if my daily Duolingo lessons have made me mentally sharper, but I do sometimes find myself thinking in Dutch. And I smile when I learn a delightful new word. I feel connected to my heritage. To me thats worth it enough. Cleveland.com content director Laura Johnston writes weekly about life in her 40s in the column, Our Best Life. Subscribe to the newsletter to get the column delivered to your inbox Friday mornings. Find her on Instagram @ourbestlifecle. Two women smoke cannabis vape pens at a party in Los Angeles in June. Although the vast majority of severe lung injury cases in Ohio could be related to vaping THC, a Cleveland Clinic pulmonologist cautions that vaping nicotine carries risks, especially for young people. Richard Vogel, Associated Press AP AP Marijuana tug-of-law: Ohio now has two competing plans for how recreational marijuana should be regulated. The Senate plan significantly changes how people could grow and consume marijuana. The House bill, introduced Thursday, sticks closer to what voters approved in November 2023, Anna Staver reports. The two plans arent totally different. They agree on stricter rules for advertising, packaging and transporting marijuana. Stopping for gas: A group of 40 to 50 activists gathered at the statehouse Thursday to protest natural gas extraction and wastewater injection (underground storage) in Ohio. As Jake Zuckerman reports, their wishes face up against a legislature that has proven itself warmly receptive to the gas industry. Flying the flag: Offended that some Congress members displayed Ukrainian flags in the House of Representatives chamber during President Donald Trumps Tuesday speech, U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno is introducing legislation that would ban flying foreign flags on Capitol Hill, Sabrina Eaton reports. When I came to this country as a child, I swore allegiance to America and America alone, which is why its so deeply offensive to me to see elected officials flying the flags of foreign nations like Ukraine in the halls of Congress, said a statement from the Westlake Republican, who was born in Colombia. Censure vote: U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Toledo was among 10 Democrats who voted Thursday with Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives to censure a Texas Democrat who disrupted President Donald Trumps speech to Congress, Eaton writes. After the vote, Kaptur said she voted to censure Al Green, just as she voted to censure South Carolina Republican Joe Wilson for disrupting a 2009 speech by President Barack Obama because she doesnt believe such forms of protest should occur in the House Chamber during a Joint Address to Congress. Fallout: Local governments are bracing for the potential fallout from a pair of state policy proposals that would kick thousands of Ohioans off the state Medicaid rolls. Kaitlin Durbin writes that Cuyahoga Countys Department of Job and Family Services is unsure how many people would be affected by a work requirement Gov. Mike DeWine is pursuing from the federal government. But about 100,000 people in Cuyahoga County are on Medicaid thanks to a 2013 expansion that also is on the chopping block. Religious favor: Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who is Hindu, picked up a gubernatorial endorsement from the head of an influential Christian organization. Jessie Balmert writes in The Columbus Dispatch that Aaron Baer, executive director of the Center for Christian Virtue, was endorsing Ramaswamy in the 2026 Republican primary over Attorney General Dave Yost, a fellow Christian. Beautiful wall: Vice President JD Vance revealed Wednesday that President Trump hopes to complete construction on a physical border wall spanning the entire U.S. boundary with Mexico by the end of his second term, New York Post reports. I think the presidents hope is that by the end of the term we build the entire border wall, the Cincinnati Republican said during remarks in Eagle Pass, Texas a hot spot for human and drug smuggling during former President Joe Bidens term in office. Alienating allies: Vance has sparked a storm of criticism in Britain after declaring that an American economic deal in Ukraine was a better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasnt fought a war in 30 or 40 years, The New York Times reports. Britain, which along with France has pledged troops to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, fought with the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, while French troops fought in Afghanistan. No other countries have said they would send troops to Ukraine. Vance Shame, said the headline on the home page of The Sun, the leading right-wing tabloid published by Rupert Murdoch. American Idiots: During a weekend concert at Melbournes Marvel Arena in Australia, the rock band Green Day tweaked the words of their hit songs to take potshots at Vance, President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, Daily Beast writes. The punk group called Vance a slur in a new rendition of their song, Jesus of Suburbia from their 2004 American Idiot album. Buckeye Brain Tease Question: What Ohio locality is known as The town that started the Civil War? Email your response to capitolletter@cleveland.com. The first correct respondent will be mentioned in next weeks newsletter. Thanks to everyone who answered our last trivia question: What was the name of the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II? Answer: The 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion. Capitol Letter reader Rob Kirchstein of Plain Township was the first to email with the correct answer. On the Move U.S. Reps. Emilia Sykes of Akron and Marcy Kaptur of Toledo have made the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees list of top battleground incumbents to defend in 2026, Politico reports. Sykes has also been named chair of the Housing Task Force of the New Democrat Coalition Working Group on Housing, Infrastructure, & Transportation. The Ohio Society of CPAs hired Molly Vincent as manager of advocacy initiatives. She most recently served as legislative aide to state Rep. Gayle Manning, the House speaker pro tempore. Preston Maddock has been hired as senior director for Amplifire Strategies, a public-relations firm focusing on corporate and nonprofit clients. Maddock, who will work out of the firms Columbus office, was previously communications director for then-U.S. Sen. Sherrod Browns 2018 reelection campaign and a senior adviser at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, among other jobs. Birthdays Friday, March 7: Ex-Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor Saturday, March 8: No birthdays Sunday, March 9: State Rep. Jim Hoops; State Rep. Angela King Straight from the Source Its like removing the police from a section of town. What do you think is going to happen once word gets around that theres no policing going on there? Its basic common sense. Its ridiculous. -Richard Cordray, the first director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, talking to The Columbus Dispatch about the Trump administrations plans to dismantle the CFPB. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. A street scene in Vietnam. Columnist Justice B. Hill recently traveled to Vietnam, retracing the past and grappling with the unresolved loss of his cousinkilled not by the enemy, but by a fellow American soldierwhile discovering a nation that has moved forward with forgiveness. Justice B. Hill DA NANG, Vietnam I traveled here three weeks ago in search of something I knew Id never find. I told myself I was looking for a reckoning of some sort; I didnt come to Vietnam to resurrect the past. To me, Americas problematic past needed to stay in the past. I saw Vietnam in ways people who avoided our war never did. I sampled this Southeast Asian country and all its peculiarities. In my mind, I was walking on the same streets and through fields where Daniel Carter Jr., one of my cousins, lost his life. I suppose I went to Vietnam partly for his sake. Daniel didnt, however, die at the hands of the Viet Cong. His death wasnt gallant. He died at the hands of somebody who wore U.S. fatigues. I never learned the particulars of his murder. To my knowledge, Uncle Sam held nobody accountable. Whenever Ive bothered to think about Vietnam, circa 1970s and thats seldom I ask myself how Daniels life might have unfurled had he come home from serving his homeland. I long figured Id never know. But I tried hard to know Vietnam well, which was the reason I returned for a second visit. If my cousin were alive, he might have wanted to revisit Da Nang or Saigon (renamed Ho Chi Minh City) with me. Id like to imagine hed have taken me to other places where U.S. soldiers like him were stationed. Maybe, though, hed have been like another first cousin and my brother-in-law who fought in this country: Black men who had no interest in seeing or thinking about Vietnam afresh. To risk their lives for an unrighteous purpose was a price too high to pay, they told me. Yet once they paid the price, they had no room to broker a better bargain. No buyers remorse not in situations like theirs. During my second visit, I dug deeper into Vietnam and into the souls of its people. I rode a train to Hue, another major city. Id skipped it on my first visit. Id skipped Da Nang as well, where some of the fiercest fighting took place. The Tet Offensive was one such conflict. I didnt recall seeing significant remnants of the battle. I had, nonetheless, expected to find a land where people loathed Americans and our global meddling. The Vietnamese people must hold vivid images in their minds of what an American occupation looked like. They had to hate us for it, right? They didnt. Doubtless, their victory and it was a victory, embarrassingly so for Americans convinced the Vietnamese to forge ahead with their lives and leave the past behind. As they put it: Forgive but never forget! On my first visit, I could offer the Vietnamese no forgiveness; I offered them an apology instead. On my second, I thanked older people I met for showing the madness of our meddling in another countrys affairs. Theyd moved on without America in their way. Again, I had no interest in dredging up the past. I was keenly interested in exploring the present and what went on in this scenic slice of Southeast Asia that, in my younger years, made chilling headlines, night after night. The body bags left an indelible mark on me. No news was always the best news. Justice B. Hill graduated from Glenville High School. He spent over 25 years in daily journalism as a reporter, a copy editor and a sports editor. He taught journalism at Ohio University for six years before quitting May 15, 2019, to write and globetrot. Hes doing both. 6210 Gap CEO Richard Dickson described the apparel company's most recent quarter, which impressed Wall Street and indicates the company is maintaining its turnaround. "The progress is real," Dickson said. "This year has been a difficult year, but all four brands, every one of our brands, gaining market share I mean, that's demonstrating strength in the industry, and this is against a backdrop of a declining apparel industry." Along with its namesake brand, Gap owns Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta. The retailer posted earnings Thursday after close, solidly beating expectations for earnings and revenue. The stock shot up more than 17% in extended trading. A former Mattel executive celebrated for reviving the Barbie brand, Dickson has led Gap for about a year and a half, helping brands stabilize and return to growth. According to Dickson, Gap is "always studying the consumer," and the company saw growth across all income cohorts during the quarter. He also said market share gains were led by lower income cohorts, with particular strength in Old Navy. He added that Gap saw outsize share gains in both top and middle income cohorts, particularly with its namesake brand. Dickson said Gap is "monitoring developments" around tariffs. President Donald Trump has threatened tariff hikes on Mexico, Canada, and China, countries that manufacture a lot of products for U.S. apparel companies. Gap sources less than 10% of its products from China and less than 1% from Canada and Mexico combined, Dickson claimed. He also said Gap has been strengthening its supply chain and will continue to diversity, while trying to "minimize the impact to the consumer." "We're going to be working hard to continue the momentum that we have," he said. "Tariffs, cost inputs, these are all the day-to-day of doing business." A drone view shows containers and cargo ships at a port in Wuhu, Anhui province, China, on Feb. 4, 2025. Asia-Pacific markets fell on Friday, with yields on long-term Japanese government bonds hitting levels not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. The moves in Asia markets mirrored losses on Wall Street after U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff concessions failed to calm investors. Traders were also worried by economic data from the U.S., which raised alarm that Trump's policies could hinder the U.S. economy. The Federal Reserve's Beige Book and the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing reading both indicated fear of rising input costs because of the tariffs. Back in Asia, customs data showed China's exports in the January to February period rose 2.3% in U.S. dollar terms from a year earlier, significantly undershooting expectations of a 5% increase in a Reuters poll. That marked the slowest growth since April last year when exports increased by just 1.5% on year, according to LSEG data. Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi speaks during the 2023 Munich Security Conference in Germany on February 18, 2023. BEIJING China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi struck a more conciliatory tone on U.S. relations during a high-profile press conference on Friday, in contrast to the ministry's more aggressive language earlier in the week. While Wang said the U.S. should not impose "arbitrary tariffs" or return goodwill with hostility, he emphasized that the two countries would both be part of the world for a long time, requiring "peaceful coexistence." "Given the extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation, it is fully possible for China and the U.S. to become partners helping each other succeed," Wang said in Mandarin, via an official translation. He spent much of the roughly 90-minute press conference talking about China's efforts to improve relations with other countries and supporting the interests of non-Western nations. Wang is also director of the office for foreign affairs within the Communist Party of China's central commission, making him the country's most senior diplomat. He was speaking to reporters during China's annual parliamentary meeting, known as the "Two Sessions." His comments came shortly after China hit back against U.S. President Donald Trump's mounting trade tariffs. "If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we're ready to fight till the end," the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. said in a post Wednesday on X. Tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated in the last several days. Trump earlier this week imposed yet another 10% of tariffs on Chinese goods, to which Beijing retaliated with targeted duties on U.S. agricultural products and restrictions on several U.S. companies. Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao indicated to reporters Thursday that Beijing was willing to meet with the U.S. for talks on trade. More than two years into the generative artificial intelligence boom, Wall Street is setting an increasingly high bar for chipmakers. When it comes to earnings reports most recently from Marvell Technology good isn't good enough. That's because investors previously poured into the companies making the infrastructure and devices at the heart of the AI economy, bidding the stocks up to historically high levels. They're demanding results. Marvell shares plummeted 20% on Thursday, their steepest slump since 2001, after guidance fell short of some elevated estimates. The company's revenue forecast as well as its results for the latest quarter were all ahead of the average analyst estimate, according to LSEG, but Wall Street wanted more after the stock soared 83% in 2024. "While Marvell reported a small beat and raise, the guide was definitively below buyside expectations," analysts at Cantor wrote in a report following the results. Nvidia suffered a similar fate in late February, with its stock dropping 8.5% the day after the leader in AI processors reported earnings and revenue that sailed past estimates. Shares of Advanced Micro Devices fell more than 6% earlier in February after beating expectations. The one troubling number for AMD was a miss in its data center business. Optical supplier Credo Technology plummeted 14% after earnings on Wednesday and another 10% during Thursday's session despite triple-digit revenue growth and upbeat guidance. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF is down nearly 6% this week following last week's 7% decline. The ETF, whose leading components are Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Broadcom , soared 72% in 2023 and nearly 39% last year. The challenge on Wall Street for chipmakers underscores the pressure they're under as the AI buildout stretches into its fourth calendar year. Tariffs from the Trump administration and chip export controls have added to investor concerns. However, not all companies in the space are getting the same treatment. Broadcom shares lost 6% during Thursday's session in the lead-up to quarterly earnings, but the stock popped 12% after hours on better-than-expected results, including strong infrastructure and semiconductor revenue. Women are overwhelmingly ambitious in their careers, and they see workplace flexibility as a pillar for helping them get ahead at work. A majority of women workers, 87%, say they're ambitious in their careers, with roughly half, 48%, saying they're "very ambitious," according to CNBC's annual SurveyMonkey Women at Work survey, which was fielded to over 18,800 U.S. workers between February 21 and March 3. But many worry the stigma of flexible arrangements could harm their career growth, and flexibility is harder to come by for those seeking new opportunities. Women value flexibility but worry it will hinder their careers Women value a variety of factors at their current jobs. A majority of women say they're in their role now because they enjoy their work, and many others say it's because their job is "overall working for me right now." More specifically, 34% cited having good work-life balance in their current positions, and 27% said they were happy with their flexible work arrangement. Women earlier in their careers, from age 18 to 34, are most likely to say they value work-life balance and flexible work arrangements provided by their jobs. As for where women are working, 75% said they are mostly or fully in-person, 11% are mostly or fully remote, and 12% are hybrid and spend an equal amount of time onsite and remote. But for those with access to flexible work benefits, many are afraid of repercussions for using them: 40% of women say they are concerned with taking advantage of flexible benefits like paid leave, work-from-home or flex time because it could prevent them from achieving their career goals. A recent wave of return-to-office mandates from the federal government to corporate America could make these concerns worse, says Tara Van Bommel, director of research at Catalyst, a nonprofit that focuses on building equitable workplaces for women. "Even if they're hybrid, if they've gone from having more flexibility to rolling it back, that gives people the impression that it's not safe to take these options," Van Bommel tells CNBC Make It. Workers may be reluctant to take flexible-work arrangements if they don't see leadership modeling it, too, she adds. Lack of work-life balance becomes a big quitting factor There's a difference between the reasons why women want to leave their jobs and what drives them to actually quit. Some 21% of women surveyed said they had "seriously considered quitting" their job in recent months, citing that they wanted to alleviate work stress and find a job with higher pay. However, among the 8% of women who did recently quit, the No. 1 factor for doing so was to find a job with better work-life balance. Some women are more likely to prioritize job flexibility even if it means less pay: Women are slightly more likely than men to stay at a job because of its flexibility and less likely because the pay is good. Taking a more flexible job for less pay can make a big difference for women who take on more parenting and caregiving responsibilities, Van Bommel says. "We see pay as this tangible outcome, but the benefit you get from flexibility in your life has a real, tangible benefit too," she says. "I think people are making those mental calculations when they're thinking about jobs." Roughly 1 in 4 women say their work-life balance improved in the last year and credited having a more flexible schedule with being the main reason why, over having a decreased workload, changing to a less demanding role or having more remote work opportunities. Remote and hybrid jobs are becoming scarce President Donald Trump listens during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Feb. 26, 2025. Andrew Harnik | Getty Images News | Getty Images The Trump administration's purge of federal staff may flood an unemployment benefits system ill-equipped to handle the deluge, triggering delays in aid for jobless workers, according to a new report. The terminations of federal workers by the Trump administration's so-called Department of Government Efficiency headed up by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk may ultimately stretch into the hundreds of thousands. That would amount to the largest mass layoff in U.S. history. The scale of cuts would likely "overwhelm" the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees, or UCFE, program, the "rarely utilized and creaky" system most federal workers use to claim unemployment benefits, according to a report by The Century Foundation, a progressive think tank. The result would likely be longer time frames to collect financial aid that's meant to help workers stay afloat and prevent them from depleting savings as they look for new jobs, said Andrew Stettner, the group's director of economy and jobs, who co-authored the analysis. "We're already hearing it's taking a long time for people to get their benefits," said Stettner, former director of unemployment insurance modernization at the U.S. Labor Department during the Biden administration. "And it will probably only get worse." The Department of Labor oversees the UCFE program, which is administered by state unemployment agencies. Elon Musk holds a chainsaw reading "Long live freedom, damn it" during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 20, 2025. Saul Loeb | Afp | Getty Images More than 62,000 federal workers across 17 agencies lost their jobs in February alone, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an outplacement firm, reported Thursday. By comparison, there were 151 cuts in January and February last year, it said. Employers have announced almost 222,000 job cuts so far in 2025, the highest year-to-date total since 2009, Challenger, Gray & Christmas said. "The sudden surge of claims due to federal layoffs has some worrisome similarities to the pandemic, despite its much smaller scale," according to the Century report. States will have to process a "drastically greater" volume of claims for the UCFE program, it said. The Labor Department didn't return a request from CNBC for comment. Federal unemployment program more 'manual' The UCFE program differs from the unemployment insurance system for private sector workers and has unique challenges. The private sector UI system is more automated, while that for federal workers requires more manual inputs that can significantly slow the process during times of high volume, Stettner said. Specifically, private companies pass an employee's earnings and employment records on a quarterly basis to the appropriate jurisdiction, Stettner said. (That jurisdiction may be a state, territory or the District of Columbia, depending on where the employee worked.) watch now These employment records are necessary to determine factors like eligibility and weekly payments if a worker claims jobless benefits. However, the UCFE program isn't as streamlined. After a worker applies, the state fills out a form and submits a request to the federal agency at which an employee worked, which then verifies the claim's accuracy, Stettner said. The federal system is generally "such a small program, it basically works by hand," he said. About 7,400 people were collecting federal unemployment benefits as of Feb. 15, up roughly 12% from the same time last year, according to Labor Department data issued Thursday. The number could easily climb to 10 or 20 times that amount, more than they system has ever fielded, Stettner said. Additionally, the federal government may try to contest claims in certain situations, which could further slow the process, he added. For example, many probationary workers received termination letters saying they'd been fired for cause; while that characterization doesn't generally prevent workers from getting benefits, the government may use it as a reason to dispute a benefits application, Stettner said. More from Personal Finance: Education Department cuts leave student loan borrowers in the dark California pauses home energy rebate program amid Trump funding freeze Trump tariffs showcase extraordinary presidential power and limitations Federal workers may find themselves in a tough financial situation if they can't access benefits quickly. That's because it may be difficult for workers to find new jobs, especially in regional labor markets most impacted by mass layoffs. "Unfortunately, this labor market will not be conducive to a quick rebound hiring rates are relatively low and uncertainty across the economy is likely to make businesses cautious about labor investments," Elizabeth Renter, a senior economist at NerdWallet, wrote Thursday. Road blocks for the Trump administration, DOGE Even so, it's unclear how many cuts will ultimately happen or stick. The Trump administration has hit recent roadblocks in its attempts to cull federal jobs. For example, a federal judge in San Francisco last week said federal mass layoffs were likely illegal and directed the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to rescind directives ordering some agencies to fire probationary workers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Helland argued for the government that OPM had asked, not ordered, agencies to lay off probationary workers. Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: Broadcom Shares of the chipmaker jumped 10% after the company's fiscal first-quarter results beat Wall Street's estimates on both the top and bottom lines. Broadcom also issued rosy guidance for the current quarter. The company forecasts second-quarter revenue of $14.9 billion, above the $14.76 billion expected from analysts polled by LSEG. Gap Shares surged 17% after the apparel giant, which owns brands such as Old Navy and Banana Republic, posted a fiscal fourth-quarter beat . Gap reported earnings of 54 cents per share on revenue of $4.15 billion, exceeding the 37 cents per share in profit and $4.07 billion in revenue that analyst polled by LSEG had expected. Same-store sales rose 3%, exceeding the 1% estimate, per StreetAccount. Hewlett Packard Enterprise The server maker tumbled 20% after guiding for adjusted earnings and revenue for its fiscal second quarter that came below what analysts polled by LSEG had sought. Hewlett Packard also sees adjusted earnings coming in between $1.70 and $1.90 per share for its 2025 fiscal year, while Wall Street estimates had called for $2.13 per share, according to LSEG. The company also announced layoff plans . Intuitive Machines Shares plummeted 36% after the space exploration firm's second moon lander, Athena, toppled on its side on the moon. This follows Intuitive Machines' first lunar landing attempt last year, which also ended sideways. Samsara The software stock shed 9% after issuing first-quarter guidance that was in line with analysts' expectations. Samsara expects to earn 5 cents to 6 cents per share, after adjustments, on revenue of between $350 million and $352 million. Analysts had penciled in earnings of 5 cents per share and revenue of $351 million, per LSEG. BigBear.ai Shares tumbled more than 16% after the artificial intelligence analysis company warned that it would likely see " short to mid-term delays or disruptions in federal contracts " as the Trump administration's cost-cutting efforts ramp up. Mobileye Global The autonomous driving stock popped as much as 2% after a regulatory filing showed that hedge fund Point72 has taken a 5% stake in the company. Point72 founder Steve Cohen has repeatedly voiced his bullishness on artificial intelligence. Walgreens Boots Alliance The stock popped 7% after the drugstore chain said it struck a deal to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners. The deal is valued around $10 billion, with Sycamore paying $11.45 per share in cash. That represents about 8% upside from Thursday's close. Wayfair The furniture retailer added 3% following an upgrade to buy from hold at Jefferies. Analyst Jonathan Matuszewski said Wayfair's current valuation fails to consider the company's new "consistent share gains." The ratings change comes as Wayfair announced plans to cut 340 technology team members as part of a restructuring effort. Costco Shares of the retail giant fell nearly 2% after its second-quarter earnings missed analysts' expectations . Costco earned $4.02 per share, below the consensus estimate of $4.11 per share, according to LSEG. Revenue for the second quarter came in above expectations. Lands' End The apparel retailer's stock rose 11% after the company announced its board has begun to explore strategic alternatives, including its sale. CNBC's Sean Conlon, Michelle Fox, Christina Cheddar Berk and Pia Singh contributed reporting. A version of this article first appeared in CNBC's Inside Wealth newsletter with Robert Frank, a weekly guide to the high net worth investor and consumer. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox. Last month, family offices made at least 48 direct investments, double that of the month prior, according to data provided exclusively to CNBC by Fintrx, a private wealth intelligence platform. Two of the most active family office investors , Laurene Powell Jobs' Emerson Collective and Li Ka-shing's Horizons Ventures, participated in megarounds last month. Emerson Collective joined the $700 million fundraise for X-Energy , a nuclear reactor startup backed by Amazon. Meanwhile, Horizons Ventures co-led a $112 million round for Australian health tech Harrison.ai only one month after backing another diagnostics startup, Owlstone Medical. Soros Capital, the family office run by billionaire George Soros' son Robert, participated in a $350.7 million Series D round for Eikon Therapeutics. Led by Merck's former research chief, Roger Perlmutter, the drug discovery firm is testing several drug candidates for different types of cancer including melanoma and prostate cancer. In one of the month's few acquisitions by a family office, Pritzker Private Capital bought a majority stake in Americhem, a manufacturer that specializes in color additives for plastic; the financial terms were not disclosed. Founded by private equity investor and Hyatt hotels heir Tony Pritzker, PPC has previously acquired at least two other plastics companies and this month bought another industrial firm, Buckman. Here are seven noteworthy deals this month by family offices with at least $1.5 billion in assets: Some of the month's most innovative investments were signed by old-money European families behind well-known brands. Famille C, the family office of the heirs to Clarins, invested in French deep tech startup Spore.Bio, which develops rapid tests for bacteria to ensure quality control. First Kind, the investment firm owned by the Peugeot automaker family, also participated in the $23 million Series C round. Kirkbi, the Danish family office of the Kristiansen family behind Lego toys, backed Tidal Vision, a biotech based in Bellingham, Washington. Tidal Vision turns crab and shrimp shells into a nontoxic chemical called chitosan that can be used for many purposes including water purification and flame retardant. Entrepreneur Mamoun Benkirane told CNBC that family offices can be more willing to explore new ideas than traditional venture capital firms. In February, his Luxembourg-based e-commerce startup MarketLeap raised an $8 million Series A round led by Smedvig Ventures, a fourth-generation family office for the heirs to the Norwegian offshore oil rig company. Another family office participated in the round: Motier Ventures, owned by the Houze family behind the French department store chain Galeries Lafayette. Benkirane said in the past, investors who are focused on subscription revenue have been turned off by MarketLeap's hybrid revenue model, which charges brands a monthly fee and takes a cut of profits in exchange for helping them scale their online sales. "As soon as you start pitching something that is different than what they usually hear, they shut down," Benkirane said of tier-one VC firms. "What we liked about Smedvig is that they tried to think from our perspective as opposed to bringing their own perspective and seeing whether we fit it." Going with a family office as a lead investor rather than a traditional VC can mean sacrificing name recognition. Benkirane said he thinks it's worth it, especially as family offices like Smedvig Ventures invest in only a handful of startups a year and can give their portfolio companies more attention. "My general advice, to be honest, is to stop caring about the name of your investor. That's all noise," he said. "If things go wrong, you want someone that's going to spend time with you as opposed to just saying, 'OK, I'm going to write off this company and focus on the next big one.'" Passengers walk through the entrance of a TSA PreCheck in Terminal One at O'Hare International Airport Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) The Trump administration said Friday it is ending collective bargaining for about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers that staff checkpoints at U.S. airports and other transportation hubs. American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley called the decision "clear retaliation" because the "union has been out in front challenging this administration's unlawful actions targeting federal workers, both in the legal courts and in the court of public opinion." AFGE has challenged a number of actions by the Elon Musk-led DOGE team to cut the federal workforce. The Homeland Security Department said the move will remove bureaucratic hurdles. AFGE said the department had made "false claims" about the number of transportation workers performing union duties. President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 forced out TSA administrator David Pekoske, whom he had named to the job in 2017 and was reappointed by former President Joe Biden. Trump has not yet named a candidate to replace Pekoske. The TSA reached a new seven-year labor deal in May 2024 with AFGE after nearly a year of negotiations. The Biden administration expanded the scope of bargaining permitted in 2022 with TSA workers. Workers got enhanced shift trade options, increased allowance for uniforms and the addition of parental bereavement leave and weather and safety leave as part of the labor deal. The Homeland Security Department declined to answer if it planned to continue to honor any provisions of the existing contract. Representative Bennie Thompson, top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said "attempting to negate their legally binding collective bargaining agreement now makes zero sense it will only reduce morale and hamper the workforce." U.S. President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on March 06, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump signed a series of executive orders, including lifting 25% tariffs for all goods compliant under USMCA trade agreement. "Volatility will stay with us," Philippe Gijsels, chief strategy officer at BNP Paribas Fortis, told CNBC. "Headlines keep flowing and go in all possible directions. Besides the geopolitical uncertainty there is still the massive economic uncertainty with the U.S. clearly slowing The situation in Ukraine are we going to have a ceasefire or will things escalate? [Then there's] tariffs, on which the 'strategy' changes every five minutes." Strategists told CNBC on Friday that investors should brace for further swings in markets arising from Trump's trade policies, given the president's apparent tendency to change tack. The volatility of Thursday took place even as Trump offered concessions to Canada and Mexico by way of delaying some of the levies until April 2 . Global markets have been rocked by volatility in recent days, as investors try to stay ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs policies. Jon Cunliffe, head of JM Finn's investment office in London, agreed that volatility was on the rise with Trump back in the Oval Office and the trend could be here to stay. "During 2023 and the lead up to the election campaign, 100-day annualized volatility for the S&P 500 was as low as 10%, and we're now heading up towards 15%," he said over email. "Under Trump 2.0, it's likely that this elevated level of volatility will continue, with the tendency to backtrack on policy initiatives creating a 'risk on risk off' market environment." Trump has so far pointed the finger at "globalists" for the latest market jitters, defending that the U.S. is "taking back things that have been taken from us many years ago." Yet analysts have previously warned the U.S. could also stand to suffer from Trump's tariff plans, with American duties on imports likely to bleed into higher prices for U.S. consumers. Countries targeted by the levies have also taken or threatened punitive measures that could restrict their demand for U.S. exports. So far, Trump's duties on Canadian and Mexican goods which come in addition to new 20% U.S. tariffs on China and alongside threats from Trump to slap duties on goods from the EU have prompted talk of retaliatory steps from Canada and Mexico's leaders. China has also responded with its own tariffs aimed at U.S. goods, with officials warning they are willing to fight "any type of war" with America. "Policy uncertainty and tariff news flow, which are combining to increase concerns about the U.S. growth picture and the prospect of a trade war, is likely to keep volatility elevated," Thomas McGarrity, head of equities at RBC Wealth Management, told CNBC by email on Friday. "Compounding this is that the U.S. assets are very well-owned, so the unwinding of extended position is also contributing to the weakness of U.S. stocks, following a period of exceptional returns over the past two years." An improving picture in Europe particularly in light of a drive to reform fiscal policies and incentivize EU defense spending was also playing into some rotation within equity markets, McGarrity said. US President Donald Trump speaks as he prepares to sign executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on March 6, 2025. WASHINGTON After weeks of distancing the U.S. from Ukraine, President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose expanded "large scale" sanctions and tariffs on Russia until it reaches a peace agreement with Ukraine. "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. His threat comes a week after an intense Oval Office clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scuttled hopes for a much-anticipated rare earth minerals deal. The meeting added to growing concerns that U.S. policy toward Russia was softening and set off a scramble in Europe about who would fill the void if the U.S. pulled its support of Ukraine. Trump has spent the last few weeks bashing Zelenskyy, and this week, the administration said it was pausing giving military aid to and sharing intelligence with Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday seemed to preview additional sanctions on Russia in remarks before the Economic Club of New York. He said that the Trump administration has kept enhanced sanctions on Russia in place and is prepared to go "all in" if it would "provide leverage in peace negotiations." "Per President Trump's guidance, sanctions will be used explicitly and aggressively for immediate maximum impact," Bessent said. Bessent also accused the Biden administration of imposing "weak sanctions" on Russia's energy sector, which he said played a "major factor in the Russian war machine's continued financing." Bessent charged that Biden took a softer approach to sanctions due to "worries about upward pressure on U.S. energy prices during an election season." Bessent also claimed that the Biden administration lifted U.S. sanctions on Russia in January, but it's unclear what he was referring to. Ten days before Trump's inauguration, the Treasury Department implemented sweeping sanctions on Russia's energy sector and there's no evidence that the U.S. eased sanctions. The Treasury Department didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. In a post on Telegram Friday, Zelenskyy called for a truce in the air and at sea after Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine overnight against the country's energy infrastructure. "In total, the Russians launched nearly 70 missiles, both cruise and ballistic, as well as almost 200 attack drones," Zelenskyy said. "All of this was directed at infrastructure that ensures normal life. Repair and restoration work is already underway wherever needed. Unfortunately, there is also damage to residential buildings." "Ukraine is ready to take the path to peace, and Ukraine has wanted peace from the very first second of this war. The goal is to force Russia to stop the war," he said. Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was able to defend its airspace using F-16 aircraft and Mirage-2000 jets provided by France. On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron reassured Ukraine that Europe will continue to defend it against Russian aggression even if the U.S. chooses not to continue its assistance. Here are Friday's biggest calls on Wall Street: JPMorgan downgrades Macy's to neutral from overweight JPMorgan lowered its price target to $14 per share from $19 on Macy's following earnings on Thursday. "Downgrade to Neutral lowering our Dec '25 price target to $14." TD Cowen upgrades Tesla to buy from hold The firm upgraded the stock following a change in analyst coverage and said investors should buy the dip. "We're also Buy-rated on Tesla post the recent pullback and ahead of potentially consequential catalysts this year." TD Cowen names General Motors a top pick The firm named General Motors a new top idea and said it has "ample" growth levers. " GM isn't your typical 'legacy' automaker because of its: (1) Majority of earnings from Truck Franchise; (2) Unique (Top Pick) EV accretion setup; (3) Ample growth levers, strong execution." Rosenblatt initiates Coinbase as buy Rosenblatt said the stock is a beneficiary of the Trump administration's embrace of bitcoin. "In our view, COIN is the clear blue chip in the sector and should be a beneficiary of multiple positive tailwinds." TD Cowen upgrades Dayforce to buy from hold The firm said it sees a compelling entry point for the human resources software company. "We upgrade DAY to Buy as we see recent underperformance in shares & underappreciated FCF margin expansion yielding an attractive entry point." Wedbush reiterates Tesla as outperform Wedbush added the stock to its top picks list. "This is a gut check moment for the Tesla bulls (including ourselves) after this massive selloff in Tesla shares with fears mounting. The bears own the Tesla narrative in the near-term as lackluster sales numbers from Europe, China, and the US in January/ February along with Musk protests/brand worries have created many concerns." Baird upgrades JPMorgan Chase to neutral from underperform and Bank of America to outperform from neutral The firm said the risk/reward is getting more attractive for several banking giants. "Risk/reward improving after this week's weakness - upgrading BAC and HBAN to Outperform, JPM to Neutral. From our perspective, recent weakness in the bank group has resulted in an opportunity to get more constructive." RBC initiates Vertiv as outperform RBC said the infrastructure company is a data center beneficiary. "We are initiating coverage on the near-pureplay datacenter power/thermal solutions provider Vertiv with an Outperform rating and $121 price target." Wedbush upgrades Logitech to outperform from neutral Wedbush said the computer products company's "new vision is sound." "We are upgrading shares of LOGI to OUTPERFORM from NEUTRAL after management clarified at its recent Analyst and Investor Day that it has significant organic growth runway ahead with gaming tailwinds and by expanding its addressable market into new end markets" Morgan Stanley upgrades Steel Dynamics to overweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley said the company is in the middle of a "multiyear investment cycle." "Upgrade STLD to OW as completion of capex cycle increases FCF and paves the way for higher cash returns." UBS upgrades Jazz Pharmaceuticals to buy from neutral UBS said the biopharma company has an attractive pipeline. "Improved business outlook + pipeline catalyst driving re-rating potential. We upgrade JAZZ to a Buy (from Neutral)." Bank of America reiterates Broadcom as buy The firm said the stock remains a top pick and "AI leader" following earnings on Thursday. "We reiterate our Buy rating on top pick Broadcom following a reassuring quarter/ outlook including: 1) beating Q4/Q1 consensus AI expectations by ~10% each, 2) reaffirming $60-$90bn CY27 served addressable opportunity across 3 existing AI customers" Bank of America adds Synchrony to the US1 list Bank of America said the financial services company has a return profile that is "attractive." "With credit stabilizing and potentially improving, we think investors will appreciate SYF's attractive business model and ROE potential." Jefferies upgrades Wayfair to buy from hold Jefferies said in its upgrade of Wayfair that the stock trades at a discount. "With top-tier market share gains, a new paid loyalty program, compelling B2B traction, and underrated physical retail expansion, we have fresh optimism for EBITDA growth above the Street." UBS reiterates Nvidia as buy UBS said it is standing by the stock ahead of its AI [GTC] Conference later this month. "The UBS Tech Team remains positive longer term on AI drivers, but investors are currently less assured than they were through the past two years. We await confirmation catalysts ( Nvidia GTC 18 March, Computex 20 May) to possibly support sentiment." Deutsche Bank upgrades Old Dominion to buy from hold Deutsche Bank said the shipping company has a strengthening financial position. "When it comes to generating robust financial returns and operating efficiency, it doesn't get much better than ODFL in the Transportation sector in our view." Evercore ISI upgrades Hawaiian Electric to outperform from in line The firm says investor sentiment is improving around the utility company. "HE is now better positioned than when it previously traded at a comparable valuation versus peers." Goldman Sachs reiterates Costco as buy Goldman Sachs said it is standing by Costco following earnings on Thursday. "We think the stock will likely be down on the perceived miss, but in our view, the business is as strong as ever given February's top line." Deutsche Bank initiates FedEx as buy The firm said the company still delivers "significant shareholder value." "We are initiating on FDX with a BUY rating and a target price of $337, which represent 36% upside to Tuesday's close." Bernstein reiterates Netflix as outperform Bernstein said Netflix's Anime genre has a large total addressable market and is well positioned for growth. "Anime is an important genre for Netflix, and the total number of anime titles has steadily risen over the years." Guggenheim upgrades Array Technologies to buy from neutral The firm upgraded the solar tech company following a series of meetings with management. "We are upgrading our recommendation for ARRY from Neutral to Buy, and establishing a $10 price target." Bank of America upgrades Zscaler to buy from neutral Bank of America said the IT security cloud company is showing plenty of growth drivers. "We believe that Zscaler is positioned to gain share in the market's migration to cloud-based security solutions. Its scalable, purpose-built software platform also enables it to move into new security markets." Bank of America upgrades Leonardo DRS to buy from neutral The firm said the defense contractor has plenty of growth opportunities and U.S. Navy exposure. "We think the renewed emphasis on shipbuilding, coupled with continued strong defense tech modernization spend globally, is incrementally positive for DRS." Deutsche Bank initiates Union Pacific as buy The firm said it is bullish on the railroad company. " UNP had the best operating margin (40.1%) and highest returns on invested capital (15.8%) among its peer group this past year." Stifel reiterates Microsoft as buy Stifel lowered its price target to $475 per share from $515 but said it is sticking with the stock after a series of meetings with investor relations. "With most of MSFT's segments performing well at scale, given investor sentiment and near singular focus on capex intensity the meetings served to reinforce our belief." Business process management firm Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd (HGS) on Friday (March 7) announced the merger of its step-down wholly-owned subsidiary, Diversify Intelligent Staffing Solutions Inc, with another subsidiary, Diversify ISS BGC Inc, following approval from the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission. "We have to inform you that pursuant to the approval of Republic of Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission, Diversify Intelligent Staffing Solutions Inc., a step down wholly owned subsidiary of Hinduja Global Solutions Limited (the Company) got merged with Diversify ISS BGC Inc., another step down wholly owned subsidiary of the company," Hinduja Global Solutions said in a regulatory filing. Also Read: Hinduja Global Q1 Results | Net profit jumps multifold to 166 crore, revenue dips 4% With this merger, effective March 7, 2025, Diversify Intelligent Staffing Solutions Inc ceases to exist, streamlining HGS's corporate structure. The company stated that the restructuring is aimed at simplifying operations with no impact on shareholding patterns, the company said. Shares of Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd ended at 531.95, down by 3.75, or 0.70%, on the BSE. Also Read: Hinduja Global Solutions to sell optical fibre assets to subsidiary IMCL Solutions for 208 crore The US State Department will use artificial intelligence to cancel visas of foreign nationals it believes support Hamas or other designated terrorist groups. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is launching an AI-powered "Catch and Revoke" initiative to scan student visa holders' social media accounts, Axios reported, citing senior State Department officials.This initiative marks a significant escalation in the US government's monitoring of foreign nationals' behaviour and speech. The effort involves AI-assisted reviews of tens of thousands of student visa holders' social media accounts to identify potential terrorist sympathisers.Officials will review social media posts for evidence of alleged terrorist sympathies made after Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack on Israel. Additionally, internal databases will be examined to identify visa holders arrested but permitted to stay in the country during the Biden administration. Authorities are also monitoring news reports of anti-Israel demonstrations and Jewish student lawsuits involving foreign nationals allegedly engaging in antisemitic behaviour without consequence.According to Axios, the State Department is working with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security. A senior State Department official described this as a "whole of government and whole of authority approach."To launch the initiative, federal officials evaluated 100,000 individuals in the Student Exchange Visitor System starting in October 2023 to determine whether any visas had been revoked due to the student being arrested or suspended from school. Typically, a consular official who issued the visa decides on revocation after being notified of an arrest or suspension. "We found literally zero visa revocations during the Biden administration, which suggests a blind eye attitude toward law enforcement," said the official.The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 grants the Secretary of State the authority to revoke visas from foreign nationals deemed to be a threat, Rubio said as a senator eight days after 7 October. "We see people marching at our universities and in the streets of our country ... calling for Intifada, celebrating what Hamas has done ... Those people need to go," Rubio stated.Former President Donald Trump has expressed similar sentiments. A 30 January White House fact sheet related to an executive order targeting antisemitism and "pro-Hamas" activity warned: "To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice. We will find you, and we will deport you." Another executive order, announced on 20 January, targets visa holders and foreigners who "threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology."Advocates argue that the initiative raises concerns about free speech and its policing. Abed Ayoub, head of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, said, "This should concern all Americans. This is a First Amendment and freedom of speech issue, and the administration will overplay its hand. Americans won't like this. They'll view this as capitulating free speech rights for a foreign nation."Ayoub claimed that the initiative's "blueprint" can be traced to Operation Boulder in 1972, when the Nixon administration infiltrated and surveilled pro-Palestinian groups, violating the rights of both US residents and foreigners. "With the advent of AI, it's even scarier because they're policing speech and using faulty technology," he added.A senior State Department official defended the initiative, stating: "It would be negligent for the department that takes national security seriously to ignore publicly available information about [visa] applicants in terms of AI tools. ... AI is one of the resources available to the government that's very different from where we were technologically decades ago."If social media posts from a foreign national appear to condone the attack on Israel or display "pro-Hamas" sentiments, the visa could be revoked. The United States may soon implement a sweeping travel ban on nationals from Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the restrictions potentially coming into effect as early as next week, reported Reuters. The proposed ban is part of an ongoing security review assessing vetting procedures in certain countries, sources told Reuters. While details remain unclear, other nations could also be added to the list, the report noted. If enforced, the ban could have dire consequences for tens of thousands of Afghans who were approved for resettlement in the US under refugee or Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs. Many of these individuals are at risk of Taliban retaliation for assisting US military and diplomatic efforts during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to identify potential national security threats and recommend travel restrictions for countries with inadequate screening measures. Agencies were required to submit their findings by March 21. This initiative aligns with Trumps broader immigration crackdown, first announced in October 2023, when he vowed to limit immigration from regions including Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. According to Reuters, Afghanistan and Pakistan are among the countries expected to be subject to a full travel ban, though official confirmation is pending. As per the report, one source pointed out that Afghans approved for US relocation undergo extensive screening, making them "more highly vetted than any population" globally. However, the State Departments Afghan relocation office is reportedly pushing for an exemption for SIV holdersthough success is uncertain. The office has also been instructed to prepare for its closure by April, as previously reported by Reuters. Since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021, Afghanistan has faced escalating threats from ISISs regional branch, while Pakistan continues to struggle with security challenges posed by Islamist militant groups. Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac, an advocacy group assisting with Afghan resettlement, urged those with valid US visas to travel immediately. "While no official announcement has been made, multiple sources within the U.S. government suggest a new travel restriction could be implemented within the next week," VanDiver told Reuters. At present, approximately 200,000 Afghans have either been approved for resettlement or have pending refugee or SIV applications. Many remain stranded, including about 20,000 in Pakistan, after Trumps January executive order froze refugee admissions and funding for evacuation flights. While David Letterman no longer has a late-night show (unless you choose to watch his sporadic Netflix series at precisely 11:35 p.m.), the Letterman YouTube channel has been quite busy posting vintage clips. As weve mentioned before, a number of these uploads have been timed to coincide with current events, such as the recent U.S. election. But its also become standard operating procedure for the Letterman channel to respond to notable celebrity deaths by sharing old clips of the departed appearing on either Late Night or The Late Show or both. Don't Miss Already this year weve gotten multiple examples of this. In January, Letterman posted interviews with Bob Uecker and David Lynch when they both died on the same day. And a performance of The Weight went up following the news that The Bands last surviving member, Garth Hudson, was no longer with us. In the past 10 days, there have been videos featuring Roberta Flack, The New York Dolls David Johansen and screen legend Gene Hackman, all of whom just passed away. It should be noted that none of these videos contain any mention of their subjects deaths; theres no preamble or title that in any way references the loss, theyre literally just archival clips timed to coincide with the sad news, which would explain why folks have gotten a little confused. Advertisement When the account released a Best of David Chappelle video this week, some fans worried that it was because the comedian had died. At this point, when this channel uploads someone, I go make sure if the person I still alive lol, one user commented. I panicked, another added. Some trolls actively stoked that misconception by posting comments like Rest in peace Chappelle, you were the best and Daves dead. Advertisement Play The same thing happened with The Best of Julia Louis-Dreyfus video. RIP Julia. Shell always be Elaine to me, one person wrote. We lost her too soon, another chimed in. Similarly, a highlight reel of appearances from Bruce Willis, who suffers from aphasia, led to a flurry of comments containing everything from confusion to genuine concern to false rumors. Advertisement Nobody should be going to a talk show hosts YouTube page for news about current events, but it still seems as though the channel could do something to differentiate the videos that are connected to a recent death and the ones that are uploaded just for fun. Like, they could just put their birth and death dates in the description, or preface the title with In memory of Otherwise, these videos are going to continue to freak people out and be overrun with morbid lies. Which probably isnt the vibe they were going for. Photo: Jason C. Andrew/Bloomberg/Getty Images Shortly after Elon Musk acquired Twitter, now X, in October 2022, he warned his remaining employees that they would need to be extremely hardcore. What this ultimately looked like was transforming the social-media companys headquarters in downtown San Francisco into what former employees dubbed Twitter Hotel, with staff crashing on sofas that had been outfitted with sheets and blankets or bringing in their sleeping bags and eye masks so they could make their deadlines. For Musks Trump-backed DOGE army, life it turns out hasnt been much different. As the billionaire and his true believers work to slash $2 trillion in federal spending by axing agency contracts and firing so many public-sector employees theyve potentially pushed layoffs to the highest point since the early days of the pandemic, DOGE staffers have turned the neoclassical General Services Administration office building in downtown Washington into a de facto dorm. Per Politico, DOGE operatives have decked out four rooms on the buildings sixth floor with Ikea beds, lamps, and dressers. Reporters there also obtained a photo showing, bleakly, a room that was converted into a play area, complete with a stuffed animal and toys. This is typical Musk. At a New York investment conference last year, he shared that his primary residences for three years were Tesla factories in California and Nevada and insisted in a 2022 interview he slept on the factory floor during more hectic times to show staff he wasnt drinking mai tais on a tropical island. (Musk claims he is also sleeping at the DOGE offices, though bragged at a black-tie dinner hosted by the Alfalfa Club in January that he was invited to sleep in the enormous rosewood bed in the White Houses Lincoln Bedroom, according to Wired.) So how is sleeping at work serving Musk and his team? So far, DOGE employees have screwed up their calculations on how much they have saved in government spending to the tune of billions of dollars and have been forced to bring back a number of federal employees fired in mass layoffs, including hundreds of nuclear-weapons employees as well as officials who were working on the governments efforts to deal with the bird flu. And as was the case with Twitter, its not entirely clear DOGE staffers are allowed to turn federal offices into their own crash pads. A GSA bulletin put out in 2019 warns, Sleeping in buildings under the jurisdiction, custody or control of GSA is prohibited, except when expressly authorized by an agency official. Ethics experts, meanwhile, see malicious intent: I cant even imagine what the purpose is, other than to terrorize the civilian workforce, author and politician Jeff Nesbit told Politico. A GSA spokesperson defended the setup, insisting to the outlet that government employees are working incredibly hard and long hours to help reduce the federal deficit and ensure an effective government and that the move has, in fact, been green-lit by an agency official. Also, they seem to take employees hygiene seriously: According to a February invoice obtained by Politico, the agency is weighing a $25,000 investment to install a washer and dryer. Photo: Lanna Apisukh On the stretch of Broadway that runs through lower Manhattan, you can drop into a Zara, an Anthropologie, and an Urban Outfitters mid-tier chains that are perfectly fine for an emergency work cardigan, but hardly something to make a special trip for. A handful of years ago, the Gap was replaced by a Gap Factory, which kind of sums up the vibe. But for many months now, the ground floor of One Wall Street has been covered in jaunty green signage advertising the impending arrival of Printemps, a U.S. outpost of one of Frances oldest and most renowned department stores. Its opening this month will not only introduce something novel to the local shopping scene (including merchandise available for the first time in the United States) but also, many hope, a larger shift in the neighborhoods retail fortunes. The landmarked Red Room may be the most glamorous place to try on shoes in New York. Photo: Courtesy of Printemps When I toured the nearly completed space in February with Laura Lendrum, the CEO of Printemps America, she described a store that sounded very unlike the fluorescent-lit warren of branded product displays that define most American department stores. At Printemps New York, natural light streams in from windows facing Trinity Church, there are numerous places to stop for food and drink, and everything is arranged as if shoppers have entered a lavish French apartment, starting with a family-friendly playroom at the Broadway entrance with casual clothing and small gifts, followed by an upstairs salon (i.e., a grand living room) with jewelry, accessories, and ready-to-wear. Down a corridor lined with fragrance and skin-care products is the salle de bain, or bathroom, with displays of makeup, and a boudoir with fine jewelry, eveningwear, and haute couture. Then theres the showstopper: the Red Room, a landmarked Art Deco masterpiece with 33-foot-high coved ceilings, double-height windows, and red-ombre and gold-mosaicked walls that serves as the setting for a magic shoe forest, with footwear on pedestals sprouting from the floor. The whole store, all 55,000, whimsical, Laura Gonzalezdesigned square feet of it, seems to be steeped in the aesthetic of golden-era Hollywood, full of saturated colors and fantastical details. Even the dressing rooms are not the grim afterthoughts they are in so many stores; the one I saw looked like a little disco pod, ready to disgorge club-hopping partygoers. The store, designed by Laura Gonzalez, is colorful and over the top. Photo: Courtesy of Printemps If Printemps had gone to someplace more expected, if we were more in the fray say, to Madison Avenue or the Plaza District it would have been harder to pull something like this off, Lendrum says. Being in a Financial District building provided the ability to experiment Printemps doesnt even consider the Wall Street location to be a department store, and instead described it as a hospitality concept with an emphasis on customized services, like alteration, repair, and wellness treatments. While Printemps has not disclosed what its paying in rent, asking rents in Fidi are less than a third of what they are on Madison Avenue. Then there are the particulars of the Art Deco building itself, including a whole towers worth of customers who live upstairs (who can take advantage of personal-shopping services, and request a staffer bring up a selection of outfits to try on before a big night) and the incomparable Red Room. Designed to impress the original tenants top banking clients in the 1930s (a dazzling form of reassurance after the stock-market crash, apparently), it wooed the department store, too. Such features have apparently helped persuade others to take a chance on the neighborhood as well. Lendrum told me that a rep from a brand that she was trying to get in the store warned, I dont think well do this, before agreeing to a tour. Shortly after arriving, the rep was excitedly ticking off all the things she wanted to bring in. Printemps says the decision to open at One Wall mirrored the thinking behind the location of its very first store. When we opened in Paris in 1865, the Haussmann area was undergoing a major transformation, a rep explained. Now, with the arrival of the Perelman Performing Arts Center, the Tin Building, Casa Cipriani, and more in Fidi, it was only natural that we be the ones to pioneer the neighborhoods retail footprint. Others, apparently, are taking note: Weve also heard that a lot of retailers have looked at space down here because of us, Lendrum says. Theres a lot of buzz. Printemps, a 55,000-square-foot French department store with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars, is likely to draw tourists, office workers, and residents. Photo: Sukjong Hong But still, Fidi? Many brokers remain skeptical that the neighborhood will emerge from its identity crisis, as one put it. Obviously, Printempss opening is going to be huge, says Chris DeCrosta, the co-founder of retail brokerage GoodSpace. But its been an emerging market for the past 25 years. When DeCrosta first moved to the neighborhood shortly after 9/11, it was lots of delis catering to traders that could do things like make 30 turkey sandwiches and 30 iced teas for office lunches, a couple random jewelry/watch stores, and some low-level mens apparel places meant to serve the massive office market, he says. (Most of the other retail had been at the World Trade Center.) A few years later, he did the Tiffanys deal, bringing the jeweler to Wall Street (the landlord had been ready to sign a lease with a pizza place, he says). There was a lot of energy around the neighborhoods rebuilding, and brands eager to be a part of that story. Around the same time, Hermes opened around the corner on Broad Street. But then the areas retail transformation largely stalled out. Today, the Financial District remains a hodgepodge of ultraluxury stores, discount clothiers (Ann Taylor, Loft, T.J.Maxx, and the most recent, a pared-down version of Century 21), and tourist emporiums. Besides Nobu, which moved to Fidi from Tribeca in 2017, and a trio of well-regarded Kent Hospitality spots at 70 Pine (Saga, Crown Shy, and Overstory), its known for an abundance of steakhouses, Pret a Mangers, and Irish pubs that have been around since time immemorial (well, maybe not the Prets, but their deli predecessors surely have). Tiffanys and Hermes have stuck around, but across Broad Street from Hermes, where sweaters run some $2,000, sits an I Love New York tourist shop. Theres no cohesive vision, says DeCrosta. If you look at Greene Street in Soho, theres a cohesive vision: All the blue-chip luxury brands are there. Broadway in Soho is where the mass-market brands go. North Sixth Street in Williamsburg, theres a thesis; Madison Avenue, theres a thesis. The Financial District has no thesis. From left: Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury stores sit side by side with tchotchkes shops and fast-casual spots. Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images Photo: Sukjong Hong From top: Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury stores sit side by side with tchotchkes shops and fast-casual spots. Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images ... more From top: Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury stores sit side by side with tchotchkes shops and fast-casual spots. Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images Photo: Sukjong Hong Tara King-Brown, an associate broker at Corcoran, agrees but points out that businesses in the neighborhood are serving three very different populations: office workers, tourists, and, increasingly, residents. I see a lot of it as the growing pains of a neighborhood going from predominantly commercial to predominantly residential, King-Brown says. The neighborhood added 3,559 new housing units between 2010 and 2020, according to NYUs Furman Center. And there is a lot more housing on the way, especially with a number of office-to-residential conversions in the works or already completed, including One Wall Street, the Art Deco tower where Printemps is located, which has 566 units, and 25 Water Street, the largest office-to-residential conversion in the U.S., which will bring 1,300 new units. There are so many new apartments coming to market that residential brokers say its taking some time to metabolize all of it. And the neighborhoods new residents have money to spend: The Financial District had the citys highest median income in 2022 and its most expensive rent, according to Furman. One Walls retail offerings are squarely aimed at them: In addition to Printemps, theres also a Whole Foods and a Life Time fitness center, which one broker described to me as similar to Equinox but more of an elevated, wraparound experience, with chiropractic services, cold plunge, a hair and nail salon, along with the expected gym amenities and classes. However, DeCrosta pointed out that a lot of the luxury brands (Gucci, Bottega, Burberry) are already at Brookfield Place, close to the Goldman Sachs headquarters, and between that and Soho, luxury brands might not need another downtown location. The view from Hermes, looking out at a tourist shop and a CityMD. Theres another tourist shop one door down. Photo: Sukjong Hong Thats why so many people are waiting to see how Printempss big bet plays out. Will other luxury brands follow in its wake? DeCrosta says that hes watching to see what happens at 23 Wall Street, the old J.P. Morgan building a block over thats been vacant for decades. In 2016, it was supposed to sell to Uniqlo but that, and a subsequent plan to put a Blink Fitness in the basement, fell through. Now would be an auspicious time to land a high-profile tenant. If 23 Wall leases to someone great, there are legs in the neighborhood, he says. And Fidi has a lot to tempt potential tenants: Besides its wealthy denizens, it has the lowest retail rents of any major Manhattan shopping district $233 per square foot, according to Cushman & Wakefield which can be both good and bad in a place like New York. High rents signal desirability, but if they get too out of hand, they can also lead to a mass exodus of retailers, as happened with Times Square about a decade ago. Low rents, on the other hand, can be a good thing, especially if they coincide with good transit and heavy foot traffic, conditions able to draw and sustain an interesting mix of retail. I feel like it took longer to come back from COVID than other areas of the city, but were definitely seeing more and more interest from retailers and restaurants wanting to be down there, says Lee Block, president at retail brokerage Winick Realty Group. At the end of 2024, the neighborhoods vacancy rate was 19 percent, down from 20.7 percent a year prior, according to Cushman & Wakefield not much of an improvement but, post-COVID, not so terrible either. (Herald Squares was 33.9 percent.) And things have been picking up: Sephora, which used to have a Lower Broadway store, signed a lease for 5,000 square feet at 175 Broadway in December, along with Barcade. Brooks Brothers is also opening a 10,000-square-foot store at 195 Broadway after shutting down its One Liberty Plaza store in 2018. And last year, Miniso, a Chinese brand with locations in Times Square and Soho, opened a third location two blocks away. Block and Winick have also done a lot of service-oriented deals of late: a Bond Street vet and a Bark Street doggy day care, both on Maiden Lane signs that the offerings in the neighborhood are more in line with what residents need and maybe a little less all over the place. For a long time, Broadway was affected because of the space that opened in Brookfield Place, the Oculus, and the Seaport, says Jordan Kaplan, a CBRE broker, who, with Eric Gelber, did the Brooks Brothers deal. But a lot of places are coming back now. Broadway is just incredibly accessible. Many retailers want foot traffic, not a mall on the far side of the West Side Highway. Fidi is also an amazing transit hub. And, in the midst of all these changes, a number of people noted that Printemps will bring something thats been missing from the area: a shopping experience thats as appealing to residents as it is to tourists and office workers. Its fancy, sure, but unlike at Hermes or Tiffanys, you can get a $5 coffee, ogle a $2,000 bag, wander around for an hour, and leave with a $50 eye cream, a notebook, or nothing at all. King-Brown, the real-estate agent who lived in the neighborhood from 2012 to 2023, says that the Financial District retail will always have three or four different faces its been a commercial district for longer than any other place in Manhattan, and its many eras and inhabitants are reflected in the odd jumble of stores and restaurants you find there. It can feel confusing when you walk down the street, but its not necessarily a bad thing. The mix of South Street Seaport tourist traps, happy-hour bars, fast-casual chains, food halls, four-star restaurants, ultra high-end stores, luxury gyms, discount outlets, 19th-century hole-in-the-walls, and, as of this week, a French department store, is, in fact, very much New York. 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. The fight over an inheritance can bring out the worst kind of greed among the loved ones left behind. When an elderly parent dies, brothers and sisters often bitterly squabble over an estate rather than simply agreeing to divide up the assets equally. Selling the houses, shares and other assets from cars to boats isn't always straightforward, with manipulation often occurring. This is especially so if blended families are involved, and there's a gold digging step-parent or disaffected children from an earlier marriage. Then there are the parents giving a bigger slice of the estate to a needier child - with their siblings only finding out when they are grieving. The oldest baby boomers, born after World War II, are turning 80 next year, with Australian men having a life expectancy of 81 compared with 85 for women. That means the biggest generation born during the twentieth century is set to start dying in greater numbers, creating a lot of work in the Supreme Court for estate lawyers. An estimated $3.5trillion is set to be transferred from older to younger generations during the coming decade, marking the largest intergenerational transfer in history. University of New South Wales law professor Prue Vines tells me death often brings out the worst in people - leading the greedy to challenge a will in court Greed, wealth and entitlement University of New South Wales law professor Prue Vines tells me death often brings out the worst in people - leading the greedy to challenge a will in court. 'If you're talking about general human behaviour, when there's a big lot of money, people tend to target it,' she says. 'I just have observed that people who everybody else always thought were not particularly greedy, suddenly you see them bring these [legal] actions when you wouldn't have thought they would.' In one case in western New South Wales during the 2010s, a man in his forties with no agricultural expertise fought to stop his 78-year-old mother inheriting a farm from his grandfather who died in his nineties - during a drought. 'We all know that we have a less pleasant side and we might have tendencies that we've tried to control, to be a decent person,' Prof Vines says. 'Sometimes that control seems to break for people, especially when there's a big shock. When there's money involved, people tend to feel "that's a lot of money - I should get at least some of it".' Wills and estates specialist Lisa Barca, a Sydney-based partner with Turner Freeman Lawyers, says the child who cared for the elderly parent often believes they are entitled to get a bigger slice of the estate. 'What we're finding a lot at the moment is people who look after the elderly feel that they should be better provided for,' she tells me. Wills and estates specialist Lisa Barca says the adult child who cared for the elderly parent often believes they are entitled to get a bigger slice of the estate 'There's always this tug of war. "If I look after mum and dad, and give up my job to ensure they don't go into a nursing home, does that mean I'm entitled to more of the estate?"' The late cardboard billionaire Richard Pratt's estate was challenged last year, after his love child Paula Hitchcock took legal action to claim a stake in the Pratt family trust. 'These really, really wealthy families - sometimes you have really, really ugly arguments about it,' Prof Vines says. Sometimes the well-off are more inclined to challenge a will simply because they can afford lawyers. 'People who are actually managing quite well can really be interfering with what the testator wanted,' she adds. Disputes and blended families Ms Barca says smaller estates, where there's just a house, tend to produce some of the worst disputes, especially if the deceased was married several times. 'Small pie, it's a lot more difficult to chop it up,' she explains. 'When you think of prices of property in Sydney, and that people need a roof over their head, how do you chop that pie? 'When there's a multimillionaire, everyone gets something. With estates like that, there's enough money to go around so that everyone is likely to get a prize. But when there's just one house, and there's a little bit of cash that covers the funeral, how do you divide that pie when there's a second wife and young children?' Children from a first marriage, feeling forgotten, are often the ones more likely to challenge a will. 'What's coming across my desk more often now is children of a previous marriage feeling they're not adequately provided for in a will,' Ms Barca says. Things can get particularly messy if the deceased her left the estate to the new spouse. 'There's nothing stopping that new spouse from then changing the will to leave it all to their own kids so those children from a previous marriage sometimes miss out if they don't make a claim,' Ms Barca says. While blended families come in all kinds, in Australia it is not uncommon for older divorced men to end up married to younger women from Asia, which can cause anxiety for adult children. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to being manipulated into giving someone a large chunk of their will The worst disputes can occur if the deceased hadn't told their children about some surprises in the will 'It's older men wanting women to look after them and they get them from overseas,' Ms Barca says. 'The will kits gets used to say everything goes to this spouse and it causes issues. 'It's that second spouse versus children from the previous relationship that's the most common battle that we see.' But the lawyer, who has specialised in estates since 2016, says it's unfair to entirely blame younger stepmothers for court disputes after the older husband dies. 'It may be that the children know that this is their only opportunity to get something,' she says. A husband with a much younger second wife can agree to leave everything to the children from his first marriage by getting his spouse to sign a Section 95 agreement in New South Wales, under the Succession Act 2006. This effectively acts like a pre-nuptial agreement, which sees the young wife forfeit her right to contest the will. But it is also more likely to result in a divorce, with few wives wanting to give up the right to contest a will. 'It's like a prenup on death,' Ms Barca says. 'That sometimes results in break-ups because the spouse won't sign it.' Surprises The worst disputes can occur if the deceased hadn't told their children about some surprises in the will. These surprises often take the form of some children getting more than others, or being cut out entirely on the grounds 'they don't really need it'. Prof Vines says: 'What sometimes happens is the parent has thought, "My youngest never got his act together, he hasn't done well [and] he actually needs more. But the others have done quite well and I don't have to worry about providing for them."' In the midst of grief is the worst possible time for the other siblings to find out they are getting less in the will. In the midst of grief is the worst possible time for the other siblings to find out they were getting less in the will 'If that all happens in an emotional, tense and difficult atmosphere when someone's just died, and that's the first they've heard of it, then they may go off. 'The lesson is, if you want to do something in your will that isn't absolutely equal between all children, you really should talk to them in advance and explain.' Ms Barca says elderly parents often keep their intentions from their children because they don't want a confrontation while they're still alive. 'That's very common,' she adds. 'If that is going to cause a dispute within the family during the person's lifetime, and they know that, then they will keep it a secret.' If parents don't want a confrontation about an issue like that, and aren't prepared to tell their children, they are advised to explain their intentions clearly in a letter. 'I sometimes get a grandparent to write the specific reasons as to why they've done the will the way they have and we keep that with the will,' Ms Barca says. Will kits While paper will kits from the post office can be convenient, Prof Vines says legal language can easily be misunderstood, leading to wills that don't reflect the intention of the deceased. 'They quite often do things that mean that the will isn't doing what they wanted it to do,' she says. 'The law of how to read wills is technical - if you've got any kind of complicated family, or you've got property that isn't really straightforward like your house and some shares, then you might have said things in your will that don't mean what you think they mean. 'The drafting of a will is actually quite complex; it takes quite a long time.' In some cases, a minor beneficiary can inherit the most from an estate, even if that wasn't the intention. 'It's possible to write a will in such a way that the person you wanted to get the most is actually getting the least,' she says. 'You run the risk, if you do it yourself, of making it impossible for some particular person to get something or because you don't know the actual rules about how you have to pay the debts and in what order.' Online wills can also be more open to manipulation, especially if someone is sitting next to the individual making the will, and telling them what to type - or even typing it for them. 'In my view, there's a really big problem with online wills, which is we just don't know who made it,' Prof Vines says. 'The person does it online, they send the thing in; they have no real way of knowing that that person was sitting there, doing the typing themselves and even if they were, they weren't sitting there typing with somebody next to them saying, "Now, write this and now put my name in."' To save grief later, it is often better to hire a solicitor to draft a will, and ask upfront what their fees are. Undue influence The elderly are particularly vulnerable to being manipulated into giving someone a large chunk of their will. 'That is a very, very difficult problem - undue influence in probate occurs when somebody ends up not exercising their own will but basically become a conduit for somebody else,' Prof Vines says. 'This is a really big problem for older people and that's something that lawyers are more and more trained to look for.' One possible sign of manipulation is when the elderly individual hardly talks in a meeting with a lawyer, and a prospective beneficiary instead speaks on their behalf. 'For example, 20 or 30 years ago, a solicitor might have seen the same old lady come in with her daughter, and let the daughter do most of the talking,' Prof Vines says. 'That would not happen now - it certainly should not happen because there's too much danger that the mother's just telling you what the daughter wants you to tell her. 'They would see them by themselves now.' Ms Barca says she often has suspicions about undue influence. 'I have to say, I sometimes question the person bringing me the will kit, the role that they played in getting the will drawn up,' she says. 'I've had times where I haven't done documents if I feel there's undue influence.' In one case, a mother feared not having her son as a carer unless she gave him another $100,000 in her will. Ms Barca only found out when she spoke with the mother alone, after asking the son to leave the room. 'This particular example, the child wanted an extra $100k but the mother knew that if she didn't provide that extra to this child he would stop looking after her,' she says. 'She was completely dependent on him - she knew that's not what she really wanted; she also knew nobody else could look after her, take her shopping, cook her meals. She knew that if she didn't provide for him, he would stop these things that she would need.' Then there are cases where the elderly threaten to leave their estate to a charity instead of their own children. 'They become a little bit manipulative if the kids don't look after them,' she says. 'I've got two at the moment where it's like that: they've left everything to charity or they say it's the kid that looks after me is the kid that gets it - usually that's the child that's been sponging off mum and dad; they're the ones that can look after mum and dad because they've got nothing else really going on. 'It's more parents making unfair decisions which then creates family provision claims.' Proving someone still has their cognitive abilities in old age is also complex. 'With people living longer, and dementia and Alzheimer's being more prevalent in people in more senior years, there's also probate proceedings to test that someone has got capacity to do the will but they're a lot more expensive to run and a lot more complicated,' she says. Court appearances In most states, a Supreme Court judge adjudicates a contested will, and decides who pays the legal bills. The justice can even potentially rule on whether a deceased parent had unfairly cut their son or daughter out of a will. 'If they think that the problem between the child and the parent is actually caused by the parent, they may well say, "Well, the parent shouldn't have cut the child off," and award something to the child,' Professor Vines says. 'The judge can say, "You can't cut that child off because you didn't like how they said X or Y or whether they were gay. That's not reasonable."' But in some cases, like when a child mistreated their parent, a judge could decide this mistreatment warranted them being cut out of the will. 'If a child has done some terrible things to parents, sometimes a court will say, "They have really done terrible things and they get nothing." But they have also said, "A parent should be a forgiving parent" and ruled in favour of the child,' Prof Vines says. 'It's a really difficult jurisdiction to predict things in because it's highly discretionary.' Ms Barca says parents are sometimes judgmental about how their children lead their lives, and use an inheritance to punish them from beyond the grave. 'There is a lot of prejudice if the parents don't agree with who the child marries, they don't agree with them getting a divorce,' she says. A child left out of a will has the right to lodge a family provision claim, but it would have to be based on need. 'If that child was a squillionaire, it would be really hard to convince the court as to why provision ought to be made in their favour,' she says. The risk of legal action can always be minimised if parents just leave something for every child and keep it as fair as possible, putting all rancour aside. 'Some solicitors give the advice that you should always leave something to stop them from contesting,' Ms Barca says. Updating a will Australians are advised to update their will when there are major life changes, whether it be a marriage, divorce or new relationship, the arrival of a child, or the purchase of a new home. 'Big life events really are when we tell people to turn their mind to their will to see whether it should be updated or not,' Ms Barca says. Assets like superannuation cannot be legally divided up in a will, with retirement funds requiring an individual to nominate beneficiaries on a form when they sign up to a new super scheme. The law in each state sets out who can contest a will and the issues that can be considered in a contested estate. Feminists and followers of identity politics are rejoicing this week over the news that after centuries of discrimination against them, women doctors at last outnumber their male colleagues in the UK. Please forgive me if I dont join the celebrations. Before I go an inch further, I cant stress too strongly that I have the greatest admiration for women doctors, who undeniably include some of the most hard-working, skilful and dedicated practitioners of their profession. I would go further and say that although I try to avoid seeing doctors of either sex in their professional capacity, except on the rare occasions when Mrs U frog-marches me to the surgery, I marginally prefer to be seen and treated by a woman. The fact is that I feel a little less awkward about stripping off and being manhandled by a female (if that isnt a contradiction in terms). Apparently, this makes me slightly unusual among my sex, less than a third of whom tell pollsters they share my preference. In my very limited experience, women also tend to be gentler and less brusque than men although no less strict about ticking me off for my smoking and drinking habits. Perhaps its just that I take tickings-off from women more in my stride, since Im so used to them at home. But I can postpone the point of this column no longer. So I must strap on my tin hat, poke my head above the parapet of the culture wars and forge ahead. Though I know I risk incurring the wrath of a very sizeable chunk of the medical profession, some things just have to be said. So here goes: to put it bluntly, all the figures Ive seen suggest that compared with women, male physicians and surgeons tend to give us considerably more in return for the six-figure sum it costs to train a doctor. Indeed, a study by the British Journal of General Practice found that between 1998 and 2020, women GPs on average worked 10.99 hours per week fewer than men. In hospitals, the disparity was smaller, but again men worked more hours than women 6.12 more, to be precise, at an average of 49.3 hours per week, while women worked 43.18. A study by the British Journal of General Practice found that between 1998 and 2020, women GPs on average worked 10.99 hours per week fewer than men Multiply those figures by the number of women doctors 164,400 at the end of last week, as against 164,195 men and youll see that women cumulatively put in tens of millions of hours fewer than their male colleagues every year. And that disparity is set to grow even greater as the years go by, since no fewer than six in every ten of the 2023 intake at medical schools were female. Meanwhile, NHS waiting lists stretch from here to Timbuktu. Add lengthening lifespans and ever more expensive treatments to the pressure of clearing the backlog, and its no wonder that health trusts budgets are stretched to breaking point. Heaven knows, Im not accusing women of laziness, since the explanation of their shorter total working time is obvious: they not only give birth to babies, while men dont, but most mothers still shoulder much more responsibility for childcare than fathers. What with the school run and the rest of it, this puts tremendous demands on them, which is why so many women doctors, in particular, choose to work only part-time. Of course, this is made easier for them than for many couples by their generous pay, and the fact that doctors tend to hook up with partners in the same income bracket. It is also worth mentioning that women still tend to retire earlier than men, despite the equalising of the state pension age. Again, lavish work pensions make this a more viable proposition for doctors than for most employees of the private sector. While Keir Starmer mutters about the urgent need for growth, he lets his deputy Angela Rayner make it easier for workers to strike and sue their employers, writes Tom Utley As for the growing proportion of women who are undergoing training, this is easily explained by the fact that girls now tend to do better than boys at A-level, and to perform better in interviews for places at medical school. So, no, it is absolutely no part of my intention to disparage women doctors and still less to suggest that by signing up to the NHS, they should forgo their right to have babies. Indeed, if this were a perfect world, and money were no object to the NHS, I would be cheering as loudly as any militant feminist over the latest figures. Equality at last! But lets face it, this is a very imperfect world in which, thanks to the reckless unpredictability of the guy in the White House and the imperial ambitions of tyrants in the Kremlin and elsewhere Britain suddenly finds itself needing vast sums of money for defence. With the nations debt already not far short of 3trillion 100 per cent of our annual economic output this means making huge savings and efficiencies in public spending wherever they can be found. Yet apart from pulling solemn, statesmanlike faces, blustering a bit and promising to increase the defence budget (by not nearly enough to deter aggression, and not before yet another review, naturally), Sir Keir Starmer appears to be carrying on as if nothing alarming has happened in the world. So it is that while he mutters about the urgent need for growth, he lets his deputy Angela Rayner make it easier for workers to strike and sue their employers, while allowing Ed Miliband to press on with outlawing cheap energy, in his national-suicide mission to enforce net zero. At the same time, he forges ahead with his baffling plan to pay Chinas friend, Mauritius, an eye-watering sum for accepting our gift of the strategically important Chagos Islands. As for standing up for our fighting men, he may utter fine words, and pose for the cameras in combat fatigues, but he has shown himself as willing as ever to let his fellow human rights lawyers hound them through the courts, decades on, for the crime of obeying orders. Meanwhile, the holy trinity of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion continue to take precedence over every consideration of the nations most pressing needs, even at this time of enormous global peril. Yes, I realise its foolhardy of me to risk turning women doctors against me at my time of life (Im 71), when the likelihood of my needing their tender services grows greater with every passing month. But I really cant share the feminists delight over this weeks news, when the growing proportion of women in the medical profession seems only to promise an increasingly inefficient NHS. This might be all very well in affluent times, if the health service had more cash than it knew how to spend. But at a time of terrifying debt, when theres a real possibility that we may find ourselves caught up in a major war, and unable to defend ourselves? I dont think so. Describing the figures as a significant milestone, General Medical Council chairman Professor Dame Carrie MacEwen said: The demographics of the medical workforce are rapidly changing, and that diversity will benefit patients. Again, I plead for forgiveness. But if diversity means fewer full-time doctors in the NHS, isnt the opposite true? Only 150 of the Royal Society's 1,700 fellows bothered to turn up for a vote on Elon Musk's membership preventing him from being booted out. The Society's leadership wasn't too keen on allowing a vote when another fellow, Prince Andrew, blotted his copybook. When the Society arranged his 'election' in 2013, the ballot paper contained just one option in his favour. No dissent allowed. And despite being a man unknown for profound thoughts or scientific research, the Queen designated him as the go-to royal for the Society. After his fall from grace, calls by fellows for his removal fell on deaf ears. Indeed, he would still be a fellow if he hadn't quietly 'relinquished' the honour himself in 2022. Only 150 of the Royal Society's 1,700 fellows bothered to turn up for a vote on Elon Musk's (pictured) membership preventing him from being booted out The Society's leadership wasn't too keen on allowing a vote when another fellow, Prince Andrew (pictured), blotted his copybook With Commonwealth Day coming up on Monday, a source says that the Pall Mall HQ is abuzz with gossip that Ukraine could be taken under the bloc's wing. With Ukraine's chances of joining Nato and the EU non-starters, Commonwealth membership might be easier since the relaxation of ties with the old Empire. Mozambique, Rwanda, Gabon and Togo have joined. The bloc is a talking shop with no military capacity and could prove an ideal sanctuary for a country out in the cold. While the joining criteria, set by the 2007 Kampala Review, are complicated, the secretary-general can cut through the red tape in 'exceptional circumstances'. Would Keir Starmer sign the nomination papers? A rally in support of Ukraine outside the US Embassy in London on Wednesday Countdown host Richard Whiteley's actress partner Kathryn Apanowicz, who has died aged 64, insisted she was never jealous of the presenter's on-screen flirting with glamorous co-star Carol Vorderman. 'It is part of the programme... I don't mind at all!' Kathryn cheerfully remarked. When it was once discovered there was a hole in the wall of Richard's newly refurbished dressing room between his and Carol's Whiteley cheekily explained: 'I was going to call maintenance and then I thought, "What the hell let her look!"' Countdown host Richard Whiteley's (right) insisted his partner was never jealous of the presenter's on-screen flirting with glamorous co-star Carol Vorderman (left) Spitting Image producer Bill Dare, who has died in an accident while he was on holiday aged 64, once incited howls of outrage when he recycled a puppet of Genesis star Mike Rutherford as Jesus Christ helping God to find his mislaid copy of the Bible. A parody of the JR Hartley Yellow Pages commercial, Dare had Jesus advising his dad to 'let his fingers do the walking'. Old Etonian Charles Moore compares Trump and Vance's infamous bullying of Zelensky to his initiation, as a 12-year-old, to the posh school. 'I knocked on the door of the "library", the prefects' lair,' Charles tells The Spectator. "Come in!". I entered. "Don't stand on the carpet!" I had no choice, since it was fitted wall to wall.' The profound and lasting power of To Kill A Mockingbird lies in its story of a black man falsely accused of rape and the white lawyer who courageously defends him in an unjust, racially biased trial. A mark of the British justice system is that any discrimination that existed came to an end long ago. Whatever their sex, race, religion or gender, a person here can expect to be treated equally in the eyes of the law. So it's deeply depressing that the country now seems to be lurching in the opposite direction from that sacred principle. In a sinister example of political correctness, the Sentencing Council has opened the door to defendants who are women or from ethnic minority, faith or transgender backgrounds receiving softer punishments. Controversial new guidance says that if a member of one of these groups is convicted of a crime, the courts must order a pre-sentence report into their circumstances reducing their chance of being sent to jail. The inevitable outcome is that if the offender has the misfortune to be a straight white man or Christian, they'll face tougher prison terms. Such blatant discrimination not only cements bias into our courts, but it also corrodes public confidence in them. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood says if the Council, an independent body, doesn't reconsider the new guidance, she will act. Either way, it cannot be allowed to stand. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood (pictured) says if the Sentencing Council, an independent body, doesn't reconsider the new guidance, she will act Following last summer's riots, the Prime Minister (pictured) furiously denied presiding over a two-tier justice system But is it credible that she knew nothing of this iniquitous and divisive policy? No less a person than her official representative in Whitehall agreed to it being signed off. Either she was asleep at the wheel or the guidance was tacitly encouraged by a Labour Government more interested in its multicultural credentials than in justice and now rowing back in the face of public outrage. Following last summer's riots, the Prime Minister furiously denied presiding over a two-tier justice system. After this scandal, it will be impossible to deny any longer. Action this day! Europe has talked a good game about beefing up its defences to confront a revanchist Russia and compensate for a disengaged United States. It's now time to put its money where its mouth is. EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said yesterday's emergency summit was a 'watershed moment'. She's right. The Continent must break the habit of a lifetime and quickly agree to significantly boost military spending. Meanwhile, the British Government grows increasingly concerned that woke financial institutions are refusing to invest in defence firms for ethical reasons. The truth is, peace needs defence, and defence needs a strong industrial base. With war raging on our doorstep, it is perverse investors should shun the very sector that can keep us safe. IEU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen (pictured) said yesterday's emergency summit was a 'watershed moment' Another Budget blow In the socialist fantasy they live in, Labour ministers insisted that business could 'suck up' the onerous new employment costs announced in the Budget. We are still a month away from April 6 when they take effect, but the 25billion National Insurance raid and minimum wage rise are already having a crippling impact. Yesterday ONS figures showed that half of employers are putting up prices, while a quarter of them are slashing jobs. This not only devastates Rachel Reeves's growth agenda, but it hits the very workers and families she claimed to want to protect. So much for being a steady hand. As each day passes, the Chancellor's mishandling of the economy becomes more painfully clear. Campari opened their first Negroni only bar in London in February Young people across the UK are ditching sugary cocktail concoctions like Sex on the Beach and Woo Woos in favour of sophiscated - and strong - negronis. After a wave of Gen Z drinkers adopted Guinness, it appears a new 'acquired taste' drink is now popular with the TikTok generation as dozens of social media influencers are now insisting the three-ingredient boozy brew is their 'favourite' drink. Such is the demand in the Italian drink that The Alchemist, a trendy bar with Gen Z and Millennial, recently unveiled a Negroni-only bar. In January, the spirit maker, Campari, revealed their plans to open the first permanent Negroni bar in the UK inside The Alchemist Monument in London. The venue, which opened last month, offers six Negroni variations: a classic, a barrel-aged, Paradiso, Pressurised Negroni, a Negroni Sour, and a non-alcoholic version, as well as a Campari Spritz. Elsewhere, the surge in popularity of the Italian pre-dinner tipple, has led countless bars - including chains such as Revolucion de Cuba Be At One - to host a 'Negroni week', offering exclusive deals and creative variations on the drink. In September, the global non-profit company, Slow Food, is hosting its annual international Negroni week to celebrate the history and growing popularity of the Campari based cocktail. It comes as an emerging generation of Negroni drinkers who are now demanding the drink from restaurants and bars. Young people across the UK are now ditching former cocktail classics in favour of the trendy Italian Negroni, as bars and restaurants rush to meet new demand On TikTok, food bloggers have claimed the Negroni as their 'favourite' cocktail, with many stirring up batches of the drink to serve for friends at dinner parties. Searching the drink on the app uncovers dozens of recipes for the drink, including variations such as the viral, Negroni sbaglito, a strawberry coconut flavoured version, and even a mezcal version. It reflects the evolving drinking habits of Gen Z, who are increasingly opting for beverages with an 'acquired taste', a trend showcased by last year's surge in young Guinness drinkers. The short drink, which is thought to have it's origins in Northern Italy, is comprised of just three ingredients in each measure: Campari, dry gin and vermouth, all combined with a generous glass of ice. Negronis are often enjoyed as part of the Italian tradition of aperitivo, meaning 'to open', which involves sipping on a pre-drink meal with snacks before going on to have a full dinner. Another popular aperitivo drink is the Aperol Spritz, which has also made waves on social media in recent years, with Waitrose recording a 148 per cent spike in sales of the liqueur in 2021. Originating in the early 20th century, it the Negroni has a humble beginning, having scarcely made it to the menus of most bars 10 years ago. In 2013, the fashion magazine GQ described 'a negroni, like black coffee or Texas, is an acquired taste'. On TikTok, countless young food bloggers have claimed the Negroni as their 'favourite' cocktail, with many stirring up batches of the drink to serve for friends at dinner parties But fast-forward to 2021, the botanical orange tipple was dubbed the 'drink of the year' by The Guardian, after scoring swathes of new fans across the country. This is in part due to the cocktail renaissance that swept across the UK during the pandemic lockdowns, as Brits searched for new ways to offset their boredom - experimenting more with food and drinks. Cocktail expert, Richard Godwin, told the publication: 'Hard times and hard liquor go together. They have an affinity with decadence and extremes.' He added that the 'strong visual identity' of the cocktail - which is 'very grownup, because it's got that bitterness, which is a taste you have to acquire,' - has also elevated it's status. Celebrity testimony has also added to the drinks growing reputation. During the same period in 2020, Stanley Tucci posted a three minute video explaining how to master the perfect Negroni, with the clip now having been viewed more than a million times. Just two years later, a variation on the classic cocktail, interest pre-dinner tipple soared the stratospheric heights when a video from an interview with House of the Dragon actors Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke, went viral. In 2022, D'Archy revealed their 'drink of choice' was '[A] Negroni Sbagliato with Prosecco in it'. This is in part due to the cocktail renaissance that swept across the UK during the pandemic lockdowns, as Brits searched for new ways to offset their boredom - experimenting more with food and drinks It comes alongside amid a general shift in Gen Z's tastes, as young drinkers are increasingly favouring drinks with 'acquired' flavours, including the recent surge in popularity of Guinness The seemingly mundane confession amassed millions of views with social media users replicating the conversation in TikToks. As such, searches of Negroni Sbagliato rocketed by 501 per cent in the week after the video caught the internet's interest. A year later, it was revealed that the Negroni Sbagliato, which offers a twist on the classic by adding a dash of Prosecco to the brew, came out as the top trending cocktail in Google searches in the US. Andrea Sengara, head of marketing at Campari America, told The Spirits Business: 'Last year in the US, the Negroni Sbagliato was the top trending cocktail in Google search (+5,640% growth in queries versus 2021), which was fuelled by the viral Tik Tok post featured Emma DArcy and Olivia Cooke. 'The boost in interest had a halo effect on the classic Negroni, as the cocktail was not too far behind as the number-four trending drink (+90% versus 2021).' It comes alongside amid a general shift in Gen Z's tastes, as young drinkers are increasingly favouring drinks with 'acquired' flavours, including the recent surge in popularity of Guinness. Towards the end of last year, bar owners braced themselves for Guinness shortages over the Christmas period, with fears that new young stout drinkers would dry up resources. Guinness has skyrocketed amongst the young in recent years and sales of the black stuff among UK women has increased 24 per cent. The craze has been helped on by influencers like Kim Kardashian, who made headlines after enjoying a pint of Guinness and a shot of baby Guinness in a pub in London in March 2023. Every day for a decade, Id take freshly baked bread out of the oven in time for lunch with my four young children, the delicious smell of warm dough wafting through the kitchen as we ate. Typically, wed then spend an afternoon at the library before returning home, where Id prepare supper before putting on a pretty dress and applying fresh make-up before my husbands return from work. This description could come from a 1950s womens magazine or the social media feeds of the young, new breed of trad wives, whose content depicting the idyllic lifestyles of modern home-makers is so popular there are more than 133 million such posts on TikTok. The most famous trad wife influencers mother-of-eight Hannah Neeleman, 34, known as Ballerina Farm, and Nara Smith, a 23-year-old model and mother of three each have more than ten million followers. For many, the appeal is a desire to return to a time when life was simpler and focused on the really important things, such as family. Plus, you cant deny it all looks so photogenic. Yet content like theirs baking cakes in a designer dress or lovingly hand-sewing childrens clothing sends a chill through me. I was a trad wife before the term was invented, and what many dont realise is this picture-perfect life has a dark side that leaves women feeling powerless and miserable. Yes, I was unburdened by the responsibility of earning a living, leaving me free to concentrate on creating a happy and healthy home. Far from being inspired by pretty young women cooking for their husbands and raising cute children on Instagram, we should be horrified, writes Enitza Templeton But what that episode of me taking fresh bread out of the oven didnt show was that Id get up at 5am to start making it, not out of passion but out of fear. Or that I went to the library because I was home-schooling my older daughters and otherwise barely left the house. Far from being inspired by pretty young women cooking for their husbands and raising cute children on Instagram, we should be horrified. Growing up in Florida, in the US, with loving and devoutly Christian parents who believed in clearly defined gender roles, I was born to the life of a traditional wife. One childhood memory is excitedly telling my dad Id be a brilliant lawyer when I grew up. He just laughed. Forget it, sweetie. Thats a mans world. To him, me having a career was unthinkable. As a girl, my purpose in life was to find a husband, have lots of kids and take care of them all. As soon as I was old enough to hold a spoon, I was helping mum in the kitchen, while my dad and older brother never lifted a finger. They held my Puerto Rican-born grandma up as an example: with seven kids and countless grandchildren, she was always deluged with visitors. Who would want a career when you could have a house full of love? She made a compelling case for the trad wife lifestyle. But as a child, you dont see the lines etched into someones face by years of toiling for others. Trad wife influencer Nara Smith, a mother of three, with her model husband Lucky Blue As I grew older, a small part of me started to wonder what else might be out there. Id sneak out to parties, always worrying that God would punish me in return. This feeling was reinforced when I was sexually assaulted, aged 18, by a man Id previously considered a friend. I vowed not to stray from a traditional path after that. I did manage to go to college and get a degree in graphic design, but stayed in my home town to study, too scared to flee the nest. But after graduating, I decided to move away. My parents horror at me going it alone disappeared when I told them I was only going to look for a husband, as Id clearly not managed it at home. This was partly true but it was also my stab at freedom. It would be short-lived. A month after arriving in Denver, Colorado, aged 24, I met the man who would become my husband. A colleague at the firm where I worked in HR, I was drawn to his confident persona and the fact he appeared devoutly Christian. He inspired me by talking about his ambition to get rich and provide for a wife and a big family. I thought I was in love with him, but I realise now I was more in love with the idea of him. With the benefit of hindsight, I now believe he pulled the classic manipulators trick. He mirrored everything I thought I needed so that, in turn, I would do whatever he wanted. In 2009, two years after we started dating, we eloped and got married, so deeply in love that we wanted the focus to be only on each other. My parents had met him only twice, but they were thrilled; I was finally going down the path theyd planned for me. At first, I continued working in HR and we werent in a huge rush to start a family. But when, two months after the wedding, my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, my world fell apart. Thankfully, shes now recovered. But I wanted my children to spend time with their grandmother before God forbid she might be gone. So I quickly got pregnant with our first child. Six months later the company I worked for downsized and I was laid off. With a healthy redundancy package and a baby on the way, my husband and I decided to make a go of the lifestyle we had always said we wanted. At the start, it was fun. I was dreaming about the baby I would have, thinking of exciting dinners I could cook for my husband. The decline set in after my daughter was born. My husband made it clear he wanted me to be entirely devoted to her care; even on the night I gave birth, he left me alone in the hospital so he could get some work done. My days revolved around childcare. My only social interaction came from the other mothers I met at mid-week womens Bible study classes. I believe fear of the outside world is a large part of what drives the trad wife movement. My husband would tell me he wanted a pure and natural family. So I made baby food from scratch and used cloth nappies instead of disposables as we were concerned about how chemicals might affect our childs hormones. This meant washing and drying a dozen nappies every day. He even encouraged me to make my own laundry detergent. This fear of somehow harming my family is why I made bread daily. I wasnt even allowed to use quick-action yeast, which is why I had to start the process at 5am. The influencer, whose videos regularly include her preparing food from scratch while wearing glamorous outfits, has more than ten million online followers And far from me not having to worry about money, with just one salary coming in we were always living off the kindness of others. Still, I had always thought a big family was the route to happiness. By the time my eldest was six, I had three daughters and a son. Using formula to feed my babies was unthinkable. I even rejected pain relief in the maternity ward, knowing my husband would praise me for it until he left the room, and a quick-thinking midwife offered an epidural. Having four little ones is a challenge for any parent, and things were complicated further as my second daughter has Downs syndrome and was born with a heart defect that required surgery. I was so busy looking after my children and the household that I had no time to wonder whether this was really what I wanted. If I had, I might have questioned if it was in my best interests to have no life beyond the home and so few friends; if it was my Christian duty never to deny my husband sex especially since I still had issues with intercourse after my teenage experience and whether my sexual pleasure might matter, too; if my husbands rigid approach to the way we lived was healthy, or if it was wise that I had no financial independence. I loved my children so deeply, but I kept waiting for that sense of fulfilment from motherhood that had been promised. It never came. I felt deficient. Broken. I never had the words to voice any of this, and certainly not to my husband, who seemed happy with the way things were. Back home, my family were also bursting with pride. But I felt ever-more unhappy and lonely. Isolation is another aspect of the new trad wife movement that alarms me. If your family is your world you are inevitably isolated, and social media is no replacement for reallife friends. For some, the isolation is literal. Instagrams most famous trad wife, Hannah Neeleman, for example, lives on a 300-acre farm in rural Utah. Mormon Hannah was set for great things, studying ballet at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York before packing it all in to get married. Some of her social media followers question whether shes been brainwashed by her husband Daniel, the son of a billionaire. But she claims to be a modern woman just doing what God wants. I once thought the same of myself. Yet even with my desperate attempts to conform, my marriage was failing. We rowed constantly. But having been raised believing the worst thing you could be was a single mother, I made one last attempt to save my marriage. It ended up being the reason I left. I decided to get therapy to deal with the trauma of that historic sexual assault, believing it would help fix things. But when I told my therapist about how I lived my life, she didnt mince her words: Your relationship is toxic, Enitza. You need to leave. It was like a switch had flicked in my brain, opening me up to the possibility of new way of living. After all, Id met fellow mothers at my daughters Girl Scout meetings, who were successful working women as well as being dedicated to their children. I no longer felt like a vulnerable child who needed a leader, and I no longer believed in God or my husbands claims that bad wives went to Hell. For me, faith had become simply another way of controlling women. Inspired by caring for my disabled daughter, in the months before I left I qualified as a nursing assistant, justifying it to my husband as another much-needed stream of income. Finally, after an explosive fight in 2019, I demanded a divorce, knowing that, at 36, I finally had the means to fend for myself. While Ill never regret having my children, I want them to learn from my mistakes, to know there is no pressure to settle down and have a family. That way, theyll never find themselves in the complex situation Im in of explaining to them that, as much as I love them, my life would have turned out so much better if I hadnt had them. As part of my healing journey, I started my podcast, Emerging Motherhood, exploring how women can find identities outside of just being mums. Today, I have no relationship with my ex-husband other than logistics about the kids. Im in a new relationship with an amazing man who supports my work. The life I now lead is the absolute opposite of that of the Instagrammable trad wife. But its more perfect than life ever was when that was my reality. emergingmotherhood.com/home As told to Olivia Dean Sex workers are having a moment. The film Anora, which won five awards at the recent Oscars including Best Picture, tells the story of a strip club Cinderella who becomes embroiled with a Russian sugar daddy in modern day New York; capers and larks ensue. Twenty-five-year-old Mikey Madison scooped the Best Actress award for her portrayal of Anora known as Ani, pictured and took a moment to praise real life sex workers in her acceptance speech. I want to recognise and honour the sex worker community. I will continue to support and be an ally, she said, clutching her Oscar and looking beautiful in haute couture Dior. These words echoed a similar statement she made at the Baftas in London last month, where she again won in the Best Actress category. I just want to say that I see you, she said to the sex community and the incredible sex workers who starred alongside her in the film. You deserve respect and human decency. I will always be a friend and an ally, and I implore others to do the same. Look, I absolutely loved Anora. Both the film and Madisons performance in it are full of nuance and pain and even joy but it still makes me feel uneasy. Not just because I watched it on a plane, slightly a-cringe about the excruciating volume of sex, naked boobage and bouncing buttocks being broadcast publicly on my little screen. It was more that not since Pretty Woman in 1990 has Hollywood presented being a prostitute as an everyday, unremarkable career option for a smart young woman, perhaps even a desirable choice. And shouldnt we be worried about that? Mikey Madison stars in the Oscar-winning film Anora, in which she plays a sex worker For over a decade now, society has been encouraged to use the ever-so politesse term sex worker instead of stigmatising words such as prostitute or hooker to describe those who toil in the worlds oldest profession. In addition, we must all like Mikey super-respect their vocation and pretend that street work and soliciting are somehow quite marvellous; just like being a nurse really, only with less emphasis on patient assessment and checking vital signs. Yet isnt there a danger that doing so sanitises and normalises one of the most abusive and exploitative industries on the planet? One that is controlled by men and abuses marginalised women, who often work in dangerous and unsanitary conditions. There is nothing wrong with an actress playing a sex worker praising sex workers. God knows, these poor women and they are mostly women need all the help and support they can get. But how much more admirable it would have been if Mikey had issued a cautionary warning to young women instead alerted girls to the clammy horror of the daily grind while urging them to do anything to avoid this terrible fate. It doesnt help anyone that it is also considered unsupportive and censorious to think of sex work as sleazy but lets be honest if stripping naked for the delectation of strangers and then, just like Anora, pleasuring them in a private cubicle while telling them to sit on their hands isnt the very essence of sleaze, then what is? Films such as Pretty Woman and Anora cant help but perpetuate the beautiful hooker with a heart of gold myth, but becoming a sex worker isnt brave or admirable or heroic. In the high-rise tower of female ambition, it is the bargain basement of career options. One that makes you part of the problem, not in the typical Hollywood fantasy some plucky heroine putting food on the table for your ever-increasing brood of fatherless children. Mikey giving a shout-out to sex workers despite her character Ani being appalled and upset at being called a hooker in the film and Anora being laden with Oscars without a whisper of moral disquietude is surely part of the ongoing pornification of public life. Look at Stella McCartney, who hired pole dancers to perform at her Paris fashion show this week. This was to launch a collection of sexy office clothes, including tailored suits with nothing underneath and thigh-high stripper boots. Films such as Pretty Woman and Anora cant help but perpetuate the beautiful hooker with a heart of gold myth, writes Jan Moir Youd think sexual harassment in the workplace was just a mirage, a blip. I dont get it! Stella never stops keening about the exploitation of animals for their fur but has little to say about the exploitation of women for their bodies. Meanwhile pop star Sabrina Carpenter received hundreds of complaints following her performance at the Brits on Saturday, in a show that was broadcast on BBC before the watershed. Alongside male dancers dressed as guardsmen, the 25-year-old performed a stripper routine on a bed, showing off her spangled crotch to the cameras and ending by pretending to commence performing oral sex on a soldier. And Emily Davison threw herself under a horse for this? One can admire Mikey Madison and her fabulous Anora while still feeling that the Oscar-winning film ogles when pretending not to and titillates while claiming to sympathise. And that Anoras endless undress shades into Stellas pole dancers and Sabrinas legs-akimbo gyrations. The point is that they are all admirable women but each of them, in different ways, fails to realise that just because you are aware of the objectification doesnt mean you rise above it, as any sex worker will tell you. And yes, praise a prostitute to the sky if you must but please point out the pitfalls of her terrible and corroding life, too. Someone else as James Bond? Norton your nelly Hollywood actress Diane Keaton this week suggested McMafia and Happy Valley star James Norton should take on the role of Bond Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Aidan Turner, Paul Mescal, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Eamonn Holmes. The odds on who might be the next James Bond grow bigger and more fantastical by the hour but I am solidly in agreement with Diane Keaton. The Hollywood actress said this week that it had to be James Norton. Hes got everything that you need. First of all, hes extremely attractive, very smart, hes well educated and hes a fantastic actor. And hes sexy, right? Im not wrong. I mean, women are gonna love him. Correct on all counts, Miss Diane. It has to be James! No one else even comes close. The 39-year-old star of McMafia and Happy Valley was simply born to be Bond; to wear a tuxedo, break hearts and biff baddies without spilling a drop of his martini while managing to keep one eyebrow ironically aloft at all times. Yet the way ahead for James as James is perilous and fraught with danger. Bond diehards were stunned last month when it was revealed that US-based Amazon MGM Studios had taken over creative control of the spy franchise. And that the next 007 could even be American, if they have their way. Buddy, if that happens, Ill never watch another Bond again. In the meantime, for those of us who still mourn the departure of Daniel Craig (stifled sob), all roads lead to Norton. Scottie going way of another terrier Scotties have fallen far since the 1930s heyday of their fame when they were Britains third most popular pooch Oh no. Those darling little Scottie dogs are going out of fashion, surely a victim of the ubiquitous popularity of nice-but-dim doodles. Scotties have fallen far since the 1930s heyday of their fame when they were Britains third most popular pooch. Yet last year only 387 puppies were registered in the UK. The breed is known to be feisty, independent and sometimes excitable, although they are also difficult to train, have a dislike of small children and are known to involuntary urinate at moments of stress. No wonder they are also known by their Latin name of Canis Lupus Nicola Sturgeonis another hairy wee terrier thats fallen out of favour. Proctor prime example of two-tier justice Harvey Proctor made an announcement on Tuesday, pointing out that it is ten years since he was falsely accused of child murder and sexual abuse. His life was ruined as a result, although there wasnt a shred of truth in the lurid accusations made by a fantasist called Carl Beech. They were part of the botched Operation Midland, an insane police witch-hunt which was politically motivated and fuelled by the blinkered obsessions of Labour MP Tom Watson, who has since been made a peer. Back then, Proctor was forced to declare in front of the worlds media: I am a homosexual. I am not a murderer. I am not a paedophile. He was vilified, threatened and forced into exile. Many years later he and his fellow accused Lord Brittan, Lord Bramall and Sir Edward Heath were finally exonerated yet as he points out this week, exoneration is not justice. Far from. He said: I still think about 4th March 2015 to this day every day. Those responsible have been promoted, honoured or enriched. Not a single officer has been held to account. Operation Midland remains an open wound. Until justice is served, it will continue to fester at the heart of British policing. Is there a more egregious example of two-tier justice than this? If Mr Proctor had been, say, a non-Caucasian member of a marginalised minority who claimed mental health issues, victimhood and poverty well he probably would never have been accused in the first place. As a former Conservative MP, he got no sympathy, scant apology and a 900,000 victim compensation package that could never heal the hurt. Please think of Harvey at this time when new rules for the justice system make the ethnicity or faith of an offender a factor in the sentencing process and critics say reduce the chance of them going to jail. What should matter is what you have or have not done not who and what you are. Otherwise it is simply not justice. The Argentinian airline crew member likes to share her travel tips on TikTok A flight attendant has revealed why passengers should never clap immediately after a plane lands. Most travelers will know that it's not uncommon to hear a round of applause once the aircraft has touched down - but perhaps people should actually hold off on celebrating. Argentinian airline crew member Barbara Bacilieri - who has 4.8 million followers on TikTok - posted a new video recently where she claimed that passengers should never put their hands together simply because the tires have hit the tarmac. And she has a pretty good reason for sharing such advice - warning that accidents can still occur as long as the plane is still moving. In a TikTok video posted last month, Barbara Bacilieri told her 4.8 million followers: 'Although some passengers applaud upon landing, I don't recommend it.' She was quick to point out that the pilot won't even hear the round of applause due to the cockpit door blocking out the noise. Barbara also revealed that unexpected issues can still occur once the plane is on the ground and being maneuvered. 'Until that moment, unexpected situations can still occur,' she explained, listing potential incidents such as brake failure, emergency reverser activation, or tires bursting. A flight attendant has revealed why passengers should never clap immediately after a plane lands (stock image) An Argentinian airline crew member called Barbara Bacilieri shared her thoughts on applauding in a recent TikTok video 'Clapping or not is a personal choice,' she added, before reminding people that each time a plane lands safely, it is a team effort involving not just the pilots, but also the cabin crew, air traffic controllers as well as the ground staff. TikTok users were quick to comment on the video and share their thoughts as one person said sarcastically: 'Thanks for unlocking another fear I thought you were already safe landing.' A second wrote: 'In Puerto Rico we applaud because we arrived in our country, it is a tradition.' And a third person admitted: 'I always applaud, and on leaving I tell the staff that it was a good flight, congratulating them on it.' A fourth viewer mocked: 'Surely when you clap the vibration can cause a catastrophe. Noooo clap.' Others pointed out that the applause might not be for the pilot, as one said: 'I want to tell you that the applause is not for the pilots, the applause is for God because he let you fly and arrive without problems.' Another person posted something similar: 'Ayyy friend, you haven't traveled to the Dominican Republic. Everyone applauds when landing and it's not the pilot who is thanked, it's God.' Barbara is no stranger to sharing her tips and tricks for traveling via plane - and also likes to share anecdotes from her job too. Passengers like to put their hands together once the aircraft has touched the tarmac as a way of thanking the pilot (stock image) Back in 2023, she went viral after she opened up about an unsanitary practice that is more common than airplane passengers realize. 'I've witnessed something horrible,' she said in the video. 'Passengers change their babies' diapers on the tray tables.' 'Please don't do it!' she urged, as she reminded people that the tray tables are actually used for eating food. The flight attendant noted that if you have to change a child's diaper during a flight, you need to use the bathroom, where there is a fold-down changing table available. 'You must never flush the diaper down the toilet. Instead, you must dispose of it in the trash bin,' she added. A croissant doner kebab filled with salad and meat has divided foodies online with some saying it's 'a crime against humanity'. The German culinary invention has gone viral on X/Twitter after a Londoner shared a screenshot of the controversial 'croner' - a fusion of a croissant and a doner kebab. The snap, which racked up over 200,000 views, showed a classic butter croissant filled with doner meat, lettuce, carrot and red onion. The post was captioned: 'Im sorry to report that Germans have invented a croissant doner and are calling it a croner.' The unusual street food item prompted mixed reactions from social media users with some saying it was 'disgusting', while others claimed they would love to try it. One person said: 'That's the worst croissant I've ever seen filled with the worst doner meat and toppings I've ever seen.' Another joked: 'As a German citizen, I apologise.' Meanwhile another quipped: 'We have strayed so far from God's light.' A fourth said: 'Hello, I'm an official member of the Doner Kebab council and we came to the conclusion that the person who made this should be executed, thank you for your time.' A croissant doner kebab filled with salad and meat has gone viral on X/ Twitter after a Londoner shared a screenshot of the controversial 'croner' - a fusion of a croissant and a doner kebab However some people were impressed with the bizarre combination and claimed they think it would be tasty. One person simply wrote: 'Want.' Another said: 'Would smash that.' Meanwhile another added: 'Id eat that..' It comes after a TikTok foodie tried the UK's most expensive 3,000 calorie croissant which cost 25 and weighed 1.5kg. Callum Ryan, 23 from Milton Keynes, visited Phillipe Conticini, in South Kensington, London, to pick up his pre-ordered sweet treat. The croissant contains 700g of butter and can serve up to six people. Mr Ryan ate half of the croissant before declaring he was 'too full' and gave the rest to his friends. He said: 'It takes over an hour to make. I couldn't believe it was actually that big and that expensive. 'It was absolutely banging and would highly recommend it. 'I couldn't finish it off myself so I ate half of it and gave the rest to some of my friends. The unusual street food item prompted mixed reactions from social media users with some saying it was 'disgusting', while others claimed they would love to try it Mr Ryan posing with the croissant. The giant, 3,000 calorie, croissant costs 25 and weighs 1.5kg 'I would say it is worth the price if you share it between friends.' Mr Ryan is not the first social media star to attempt to eat a supersized food. Fitness model Joel Hansen from Canada flew to the UK to attempt to complete The Holy Roast Challenge at Cattlemans Steakhouse at The Parkers Arms in Paignton, Devon. The gut-busting meal weighed an astonishing five kilos and contained an eye-watering array of meat, veg, spuds and bread - with the pub offering it for free to those who can gobble it down within an hour. The 28-year-old competitive eater made light work of it, polishing off the dish in just 34 minutes and 25 seconds and also pocketing 200 for smashing the previous time held by another competitive eater. Philippe Conticini don't just sell an XXL croissant, the French bakers also sell an XXL, giant Pain au Chocolat which costs 28 and is described as being 'composed of a croissant dough and plenty of chocolate bars.' At Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday, Japanese couture house Anrealage offered a glimpse of how we might all be strutting our stuff in the not too distant future. The label's show this week had more than a hint of Leicester Square about it, with the lights dimmed during the show at the American Cathedral Of Paris to properly showcase the models' truly illuminated looks. The designer behind the wardrobe of wearable LEDs, Kunihiko Morinaga, served up a selection of garments, some kimono-esque in shape, that have the ability to switch up patterns in a way a Christmas light show might - with up to 60 variations of design available to the wearer. The garments, mostly black when not lit up, feature LED yarns that can feel soft to the touch when worn, a factor that is likely to endear them to fashionistas who don't want to compromise on comfort. There's also textiles that are embedded with LED-LCD technology, that, say the brand, 'can be folded, knitted, sewn, and draped into any shape'. Experts are predicting that such designs are likely to be sold on the high street and online in the future, with shoppers attracted to the idea that the same garment can look different every time you wear it. The finale of the show on Tuesday saw a group of models wearing the same outfits synchronize, showing dots, black and white designs and a stained-glass look before their ensembles appeared to explode into stars and go dark. Future of fashion? At the American Cathedral Of Paris, Japanese fashion house Anrealage showcased garments made from digital yarns, which can change the look of the item up to 60 times The finale saw a group of models synchronised with their looks, showing off designs from monochrome to stained glass without changing outfits Rise of the digital dress? Fashionistas don't have to compromise on comfort with the clothes created by Tokyo designer Kunihiko Morinaga described as soft to the touch The brand described one set of clothes, called 'Screen' 'more than mere clothes', saying the tops and dresses acted as 'an interface for a new form of fashion, a second-skin SCREEN.' The design house, based in Tokyo and founded by Kunihiko Morinaga in 1980, said it was 'envisioning a future where individuals can exchange and share the designs of the clothes they wear. Like a living billboard.' The wardrobe, created in collaboration with stage technologists Mplusplus, is possible thanks to RGB colours, a model that uses the primary colours of red, green, and blue in different intensities to create new colours. Fashion week in the French capital began on Monday and runs until next Tuesday 11th March. There's been a host of famous faces attending the shows so far, with American model Gigi Hadid causing a stir as she arrived at the Schiaparelli show on Thursday. Hadid, 29, pulled up to the Le Musee d'Art Moderne clad in a cropped black leather bomber jacket, pairing the stylish jacket with faded, cuffed black jeans and sleek black Sule log loafers. The model beamed for the cameras before greeting fans and signing autographs. Meanwhile, across town Kate Moss attended the Isabel Marant show during Paris Fashion Week on Thursday. The futuristic show has got fashionistas in the French capital this week with its digital innovation Some garments were styled like Japanese kimonos but offered a very forward-thinking view of what the country's traditional dress might look like in the future The design house described its latest fashions as 'Like a living billboard, soft yarns and textiles embedded with LED-LCD technology.' Other gowns featured knitted tops made from LED yarns in RGB colors which would ensure they sparkled Stage technologists Mplusplus are behind the technology, which uses RGB colours - where primary colours of red, green, and blue are used in different intensities to create new colours The American fashion model, 29, pulled up to the Le Musee d'Art Moderne clad in a cropped black leather bomber jacket Kate Moss opted for an edgy look as she attended the Isabel Marant show during Paris Fashion Week on Thursday The supermodel, 51, sported a pair of black satin shorts that featured a lace trim with fishnet tights and a leather jacket. Kate accessorised further with a pair of elegant drop earrings and styled her hair into soft waves for the evening. The British supermodel is expected to attend more high-profile catwalk shows as Paris Fashion Week reaches its crescendo. When Downtown Abbey star Anna Chancellor finds herself crying in public due to the tragic death of her daughter in 2023, passersby fail to notice. It's an upsetting reality that the London-based actress, 59, known for her roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral and What a Girl Wants, blames on her being 'middle-aged and invisible'. Poppy Chancellor, 36, an illustrator and paper-cut artist, tragically died in September 2023 after battling acute myeloid leukaemia. Processing the grief remains a work in progress for her mother, Anna, who has found herself mourning the loss of her only child in virtually all places she goes, 'In a way, when you've lost your child you are given a bit of a gold card', she told The Times, adding, 'People expect it'. She has found a hint of solace from her current castmates in Playhouse Creatures, which will be the first play she's done in nearly a decade, with crew members inviting conversation on the topic of grief and encouraging her that tears are 'welcome'. However, Anna has found an entirely different response from the public, and in times when she's found herself overcome with grief when out, others tend to overlook her. She said: 'There's nowhere I've been where I haven't broken down. I've cried on trains, really cried, and no one's noticed. No one was looking because I am middle-aged, and I am invisible.' Luckily for Anna, she doesn't care much about what people think of her, and she has carried that blase attitude throughout her lifetime. She left school with two O-levels and uprooted to London aged 16 before giving birth to Poppy during drama school. Anna Chancellor said the public made her feel 'invisible' when grieving her daughter Poppy, who died in 2023 from cancer (seen together in 2001) Naturally, Poppy inherited a similar attitude, having enjoyed a relaxed upbringing in London where she became so climatized to her mother's raucous parties that she required noise to be able sleep at night. Her parents split up when she was four years old and she lived with her mother in a basement flat in Shepherd's Bush, West London. They would be seen out together on the party scene in trendy Ladbroke Grove nearby. Anna remarried Algerian-born former minicab driver Redha Debbah, who is seven years her junior, in a small Notting Hill ceremony in 2010. Poppy spoke fondly about her 'crazy childhood' with her 'loving' mother, whom she described as her 'best friend'. 'I was an only child, but I never felt lonely because I was always at the party, or down the bookies with my dad, or in the pub with both of them,' she once said. 'There were parties every night and great pubs where everyone would go, so that's what they did.' Poppy was no stranger to grief though, and her father, the poet father Jock Scot, died aged 63 from cancer, which led her to set up a support group called Griefcase. Following the loss of her father to cancer, illustrator and paper-cut artist Poppy set up a support group called Griefcase The 59-year-old actress is currently rehearsing for her first play in almost a decade - Playhouse Creatures Following his diagnosis in 2014, her father refused chemotherapy after being given 100 days to live. However, he went on to live for another two years. The experience gave Poppy a pragmatic approach when dealing with her diagnosis in May 2023, which came about after she gained multiple infections following her wisdom teeth removals. In preparation for her chemotherapy, she bravely shaved off her trademark 'bob' hairstyle. 'Chemo ready,' she said in 2023. 'Said goodbye to the bob today end of an era.' 'Cancer has always been close to home for me,' Poppy said in May that same year. 'I've always been interested in cancer awareness and advocating for grief awareness and now it's all starting to feel very real very quickly.' She added: 'Grieving for my life before diagnosis and coming to terms with all the bruises and needles is a challenge.' Talking to The Times, Anna said of her daughter: 'She was rigorous with her dying, as with her grief. She had life insurance. She had every relationship sorted, every amends made, no bad vibes. She was so brave, she was extraordinary.' In September 2023, Anna, together with other relatives, posted a message on her daughter's social media in which they paid tribute to 'an unbelievable life force'. They also thanked Royal Marsden Hospital staff in London who treated Poppy and sent a message of support to others going through similar ordeals. Pictured: Anna and Poppy Chancellor at the 2012 British Academy Television Awards in London The post read: 'To all you wonderful and most-loved friends of Poppy. We send you this message with our deepest love. 'On September 29 Poppy died, held tight by her immediate family just as she had wished. 'Despite every effort, her body could not continue any longer. So, we, her family and friends who all adore her join the other families who have lost loved ones far too young. 'Poppy was and is an unbelievable life force of creativity, compassion, wit, beauty, and sheer uniqueness. She transformed our lives, and we are beyond grateful.' The 36-year-old had studied at the esteemed Royal Drawing School and worked for a string of high-profile brands including Cath Kidston and Adidas. King Charles is rumoured to own one of her works, which she gave to him as a thank-you after she attended an artists' residence at Dumfries House the Ayrshire-based stately home which he bought for 45 million in 2007. She also wrote a book titled 'Cut It Out!', which teaches readers how to create papercut art from a blank sheet. Meghan Markle showed signs she was 'overwhelmed with love' while talking about Prince Harry during an interview with Drew Barrymore, a body language expert has claimed. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, sat down with the American actress turned talk show host, 50, earlier this week to promote her new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, and her brand, As Ever, on Thursday. Meghan opened up on everything from her new business endeavors to her children and her marriage to The Duke of Sussex. During the interview Meghan gushed about the prince, who she said was 'easy to love', and and fluttered her eyelashes when she spoke about her admiration for her husband. She said: 'I am married to the funniest, sweetest, most charming, I mean, he's all the things that you're describing. He's an amazing father. And so, you know, I count my blessings because I have him and also I have a partner who is so supportive of me.' Body language expert Judi James exclusively told FEMAIL that Meghan's delivery is 'clearly shown as strong romantic emotion'. She said: 'Meghans delivery as she raves about her relationship with H Sussex is called Purring with a Point. 'She is verbally open and un-private about their relationship and she even gives tips about how they have managed to remain in what she calls the Butterfly period. Meghan Markle is 'overwhelmed by love' as she affectionately bats her eyelashes while talking about Prince Harry in Drew Barrymore interview, body language expert has revealed 'Her body language rituals suggest a woman overwhelmed by love, so much so she has to pause more than once with her eyelids doing an appropriate butterfly flutter and a moment of her soft Bee voice to verbalize what is clearly shown as strong romantic emotion. 'But the point comes cleverly as she rounds up the Hows and Whys of their ability to remain Butterfly to return back to her Netflix show and her brand, leading straight into her jam and other homemaker tips.' In the interview Meghan went on to explain that the key to keeping the spark alive between them is to act like they're still in the early stages of their relationship, despite being married for six years. She said that when she was younger she was given advice to 'always date your partner.' She added: 'I told H that when we started dating. He goes, "I vow to always date you." So we have this connection, I think, because we're so committed to treating each other the same way we did before we had a ring on it, before it was locked down,' she shared. '[You know that stage] where you're just courting each other and you can see all the good and joy, that butterfly period. 'I think that's what keeps things really alive. It becomes part of your love language.' 'Besotted' Meghan, who couldn't contain her smile, continued to gush over her relationship with Harry which Judy likened to the 'bridal stage of love'. During the interview Meghan gushed about the 'easy to love' prince and fluttered her eyelashes when she spoke about her admiration for her husband Body language expert Judi James exclusively told FEMAIL that Meghan's delivery is 'clearly shown as strong romantic emotion' In the interview Meghan went on to explain that the key to keeping the spark alive between them is to act like they're still in the early stages of their relationship, despite being married for six years She said: 'Meghans list of how she and H keep the love going, despite their busy days, including a vow to Always date my wife and Meghan videoing a story for the kids when shes away, sound like a new Netflix series being pitched, this time on the art of marriage. 'Meghans rituals as she talks about her H mimic a besotted, bridal stage of love. Her ''I did not expect to meet him'' is illustrated via an upward glance, a rounding and tightening of the cheeks and a who knew? raised hand. 'We can see her small prepping gesture as Drew first mentions Harry as Meghan glances down shyly but tosses her hair to show off her face. 'There is also a wary aside to the audience as Meghan raises her hand to her face in a masking or barrier ritual with that suggestion of coyness increasing as Drew says they are ''so hot for each other''. Meghan continued to say the couple can 'communicate without saying a word' and always 'show up' for each other. She said: 'We love doing school drop off and pickup for the kids [together]. During the week our days are busy with meetings, but we have lunch together every day. 'We just make it a point to date each other. It's amazing. Honestly, it's felt just so amazing and fun showing up for each other.' Judy revealed that Meghan is 'visually purring in delight at the thought of her husband and her idyllic marriage.' Meghan then explained that the key to keeping the spark alive between them is to act like they're still in the early stages of their relationship, despite being married for six years She explained: 'Meghan performed a 'total barrier ritual here throwing her head down forward with her eyes closed and bringing both hands up to cover her face. 'When she emerges she is all coyness and giggles, throwing in agreement phrases like Hes very lovable and then Hes easy to love in her Bee voice which, if this were a movie, would cue the start of the next musical number. 'The subject of H starts the cheek-rounded eye-crinkled smiles and it also sees the start of Meghans remarkable over-kill eyelid flutters. 'This gesture can signal a desire to hide the eyes rather than be emotionally open and revealing, in an eyelid stutter. It can also suggest burst of adrenaline that could be caused by Meghans teen-crush emotions. 'Her body language overall when Harry is brought up suggests coyness and wariness. She listens to Drew speak her own fan-girl claims on Harry and Diana before picking up the baton to declare her own passion. 'There is the coy, evasive fluttering, then a total eye cut-off before some brow steepling plus even more rapid flutters before Meghan closes her eyes to suggest she is almost made speechless. 'Meghan's ''he is so supportive of me' [comment] sees her look up and prop her own chin up with her hand, which, like moments in her series, seems to be a nod to her more vulnerable times when she was living life as a working royal.' Markle revealed the six word vow Prince Harry made to her when they first started dating in 2016. Discussing love, with Drew saying Harry 'found' Meghan, the Suits star said: 'I mean, look, life is full of surprises. I did not expect to meet H and for this to be our love story and you know I'm very lucky.' Opening up about a promise Harry made to her, she said: 'When I was a babysitter nanny for two Irish Catholic families when I was in college and one of the dads said to me, he's like, "You know, Megan, when you meet your person one day, I want him to say to you the same thing that I said to my wife when we got married, which is, I vowed to always date my wife." 'And I told H that when we started dating, he goes, "I vow to always date you," so we have this connection I think because we're so committed to treating each other the same way you did before you had a ring on it, before it was locked down when you're just courting each other and you can see all the good and joy in that butterfly period and that's I think what keeps things really alive.' Harry and Meghan wed in 2018 and now share two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. It all began when Drew brought up how 'affectionate' Meghan and Harry are with one another. 'Every time I see a photo of you, you're holding hands, you're kissing,' she said It comes after Judy claimed that single Drew Barrymore seemed 'envious' as Meghan gushed about her romance with Harry. The body language expert told DailyMail.com that Drew - who split from ex-husband Will Kopelman in 2016 - might have gotten a little jealous of the former royal when she started dishing on her and Harry's special 'connection.' It all began when Drew brought up how 'affectionate' Meghan and Harry are with one another. 'Every time I see a photo of you, you're holding hands, you're kissing, you are so affectionate,' she said. 'Life is full of surprises. I did not expect to meet H and for this to be our love story,' Meghan responded. 'I'm very lucky. I am married to the funniest, sweetest, most charming [man]. And he's an amazing father. 'I count my blessings because I have him. I have a partner who is so supportive of me.' Judi has since told DailyMail.com that while Drew's body language seemed 'complimentary' during Meghan's lengthy and gushing comments about Harry, the actress also showcased some 'possible envy.' 'Meghan's eyelid flutters as she looks upward, overwhelmed by the power of her feelings for [Harry], suggesting a young girl in the throes of a crush,' Judi said. 'Drew presents complimentary body language here, gazing at Meghan in awe and crossing her arms over her chest in a self-hug of what looks like empathy or possibly envy. 'Drew's self-hugs and "impressed" shaking of her head begin to wind down as Meghan shares her love. 'In the end we see Drew's expression looking more impassive although her eye gaze suggests she's still lost in Meghan's narrative.' Denise Richards has revealed that her daughter Sami Sheen was 'p***ed' when she copied her by joining OnlyFans. Sami, now 20, joined the racy site shortly after her 18th birthday, and Denise followed her onto OnlyFans just a few weeks later. In an interview with Yahoo, Denise, 54, said that she was just trying to support her daughter's career - but Sami felt differently. 'After I joined, she was getting upset, and I asked her why, and I thought she would've been like, "Thank you, mom, for being so supportive." But I guess it sounds weird,' Denise said. 'She was saying I took away her subscribers, and I was like, "I think we're in two different age groups. So you don't have anything to worry about."' In an interview with Extra last week, Sami said of Denise, 'I wish she had waited a little bit because she started it pretty soon after I did.' While Sami was frustrated with her superstar mom stealing her spotlight, it didn't take long for the mother-daughter duo to start collaborating together on the site. Last October, Denise posted a glamorous photo of herself and Sami side-by-side with the caption, 'Should my mini me @samisheen and I do another collab?' Denise Richards has revealed that her daughter Sami Sheen was 'pissed' when she copied her by joining OnlyFans Denise, 54, said that she was just trying to support her daughter's career by joining OnlyFans - but Sami felt differently The actress was slammed by fans online over the stunt, with one writing, 'This is beyond foul.' Another fan raged, 'This is f***ing creepy, weird, inappropriate, and so many other things.' Denise later backtracked and claimed that she wasn't collaborating with Sami during an interview on The Viall Files. 'They're so judgmental to me and people are like, "How can you do this? Your daughter,"' she told host Nick Viall. 'I didn't collaborate with my daughter,' she stressed. 'Did I do a picture with my daughter's face and I that was on social media? Yes. Did I collaborate with my daughter for, like, a sexual OnlyFans shoot? Abso-f***ing-lutely not,' she said. Denise has refused to disclose exactly how much she's earned on the site, but she told producer Alex Baskin that it had been 'quite lucrative.' Meanwhile, Sami is said to have raked in a whopping $3 million since joining OnlyFans. Sami, now 20, joined the racy site shortly after her 18th birthday, and Denise followed her onto OnlyFans just a few weeks later While Sami was frustrated with her superstar mom stealing her spotlight, it didn't take long for the mother-daughter duo to start collaborating together on the site 'Sami has been killing it, her images are super popular and she is already a multi-millionaire,' a source told DailyMail.com. 'She is on her way to making a fortune from her modeling, and she is just getting started.' The model is 'rolling in the dough' after getting her own pad and car while still a teenager, added the source. While it's unclear exactly how explicit Sami's collaboration is, the young star certainly doesn't seem to hold much back. In one post, Sami told her subscribers to tip her $45 if they want to see her 'lick my own nipples.' Sami is said to have raked in a whopping $3 million since joining OnlyFans Another post sees the 20-year-old on all fours in the sand underneath a pier, with the caption, 'Sex on the beach.' Sami went under the knife to get breast implants in 2023 after admitting that she'd always wanted 'to have big boobs like my mom.' She also had a nose job after feeling self conscious over her appearance. Sami, along with mom Denise and her sister Lola, are currently starring in Bravo's Denise Richards & Her Wild Things. Tenant left fuming over landlord's response to a leak in the roof A tenant was furious after being blamed for a leak in the roof of their rental property. After contacting the landlord, who failed to show any sympathy, the tenant from New Zealand was questioned over the cause of the leak. The text message exchange was shared on live radio by host Hayley Sproull, who created an amusing song from the messages. Rather than providing a solution, the landlord asked for proof of the issue and the conversation itself seemed awkward. 'What did you do to cause a leak in the roof?' the landlord asked, to which the tenant said: 'Us? Nothing. There's just a wet spot on the ceiling.' 'Have you been on the roof? Have you been in the roof?' the landlord asked. The tenant replied: 'No'. 'It hasn't rained at my house so it can't be rain,' the landlord responded. The tenant pointed out how it had rained 'all day' in Auckland before the landlord snapped back that he lives in Hamilton - 130km south. The agitating text message exchange was shared on live radio by host Hayley Sproull (left), who created a funny song from the messages To avoid further confusion, the tenant said: 'The house you own that we rent is in Auckland.' The landlord awkwardly replied: 'Ah yes, the one with the leak. Can you send me proof?' The tenant tried sending photo evidence but the message failed to deliver. 'Do you think the leak will dry?' the landlord asked. 'Maybe 'til it rains again?' the tenant said. The conversation continued until the tenant requested a roofer come inspect the issue. 'That sounds expensive. Are you sure that you haven't been in the roof?' the landlord replied. The landlord was slammed and mocked online and on radio, as the message exchange shocked others. 'It's almost like chatting with bot customer service the way the landlord is conversing,' one wrote on TikTok. 'The fact we pay landlords thousands of dollars a year and they couldn't care less,' another said. 'Happy to take the rent payments but always pulling teeth for repairs,' a third added. Doctors have revealed an extremely rare case that saw the Covid vaccine reawaken a deadly virus inside a man's body. The unnamed 47-year-old had been living with a dormant tuberculosis infection that was not causing symptoms when he received his booster shot in India. Five days after vaccination he he began experiencing 'severe constitutional symptoms' including fever, fatigue and night sweats. Doctors discovered that his immune system, now stronger from the vaccine, started attacking the TB infection too aggressively, causing inflammation and the flare-up of symptoms. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS), marking the first known case linked to a Covid booster. He was treated with high dose steroids that helped control the immune systems overreaction, and he gradually stopped using them over several weeks as he recovered. Tuberculosis replaced Covid to become the top cause for infectious disease-related deaths in 2023 and has been the number one killer since. Around 8million people are diagnosed globally each year and more than a million die. Doctors believe a third Covid booster shot worsened the man's TB symptoms, triggering high fevers, chills, and excessive sweating (stock image) The unidentified patient had first visited doctors because of pain in his hands and fingers. Based on symptoms and lab testing, doctors diagnosed him with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain and stiffness in the joints. Before starting the man on treatment, he undergone a routine chest X-ray to check for any lung conditions and had a TB test, which was negative. His physicians prescribed him two common medications to treat his arthritis, according to his case study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports. Sometime after beginning his medications, doctors do not specify when, the man received two dozes of the Pfizer Covid vaccine four weeks apart. Then, six months after starting treatment for his arthritis, he began experiencing headaches, night sweats, and fevers, as well as swollen lymph nodes in his neck. The man complained of neck pain and underwent a CT scan, which revealed inflamed lymph nodes on both sides of his neck. Doctors immediately stopped his medications and took a biopsy of the lymph nodes. He was then diagnosed with tuberculosis, the worlds deadliest infectious disease. Within five days of following his four-drug treatment plan, his symptoms improved. But two weeks later, he received a third Covid booster shot and shortly after, his TB symptoms returned worse than before, with more severe chills, higher fevers, and excessive sweating. Doctors said in the case report: 'We strongly suspect that the immune response precipitated by the mRNA booster vaccine may have resulted in the development of the IRIS syndrome in this patient. TB-IRIS occurs when a weakened immune system, after being reactivated by a vaccine, overreacts to infection and struggles to differentiate between foreign invaders and the bodys own tissues. This response can cause excessive inflammation, complicating the treatment of TB. Doctors treated him with steroids to reduce the inflammation in his lymph nodes. The medications reduced his symptoms over three months, and he was on TB drugs for over a year before his symptoms finally subsided. A CT scan of the neck confirmed swollen lymph nodes on both sides, indicated by the blue arrows The doctors added: There are several reports of mRNA vaccine causing autoimmune disease or flare ups of autoimmune disease.' The mRNA in the Covid vaccine carries genetic instructions to cells in the body, teaching them how to produce a spike protein similar to the one on the surface of the coronavirus. In this case, doctors believe the mRNA woke up the weakened immune system and triggered the over-active response, which worsened the patient's TB symptoms and caused what they called an uncontrolled level of inflammation. TB-IRIS can be challenging to diagnose because symptoms mirror those of a rebound TB infection fever, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain. Your browser does not support iframes. There is no universally agreed-upon treatment for it, either. Some evidence has shown steroids to be effective. Doctors administered IV methylprednisolone for five days and transitioned him to a pill version that he took for three months. He took TB medication for another year, and by his 18-month follow-up, his symptoms had dissipated. He was then able to go back on his arthritis medicines. TB can range from mild to severe. In immunocompromised people, the body cannot contain the TB-causing bacteria and they experience more severe symptoms. Vaccines are generally highly effective at preventing severe illness from viral infections, but those that rely on mRNA have been known to cause inflammation in some cases. The Covid vaccines have been tied to cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) in young men. A 'perfectly healthy' 33-year-old woman says it's a 'miracle' she's still alive after she suffered harrowing mid-flight medical emergency, and has issued a warning to other travellers. Emily, who goes by the username 'alwayssingingmom' on TikTok, flew 13 hours non-stop from Toronto, Canada, to Dubai last month. But two-and-half-hours before landing she collapsed after getting up to go to the toilet, the first time she had stood up in over 10 hours. 'I was waiting for the bathroom and I got this really deep dull aching pain in my chest out of nowhere,' she recalled. 'I coughed three times and that was the last thing I remember.' In a clip, which has been viewed nearly half-a-million times, she detailed how the fall had left her with a black eye and bruises to her left arm, and she was unconscious for at least five minutes. Tests, conducted after they landed, revealed she had suffered a catastrophic blood clot that was cutting off the blood supply to both her lungs. Called a massive bilateral saddle pulmonary embolism, this is a life threatening emergency that kills about one in four patients who suffer it immediately with more dying for every hour that passes without medical treatment. A 'perfectly healthy' 33-year-old woman says it's a 'miracle' she's still alive after suffering a harrowing mid-flight medical emergency she's partly blamed on her birth control. Stock image Such embolisms can form as a result deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on flights if people sit too long without moving and blood pools in the legs. While a DVT clot can remain in the legs, and cause issues like swelling, pain and discoloration, it can also break off and travel to the lungs where it can block critical blood vessels. Speaking after returning to Canada, Emily said medics have told her despite being a 'perfectly healthy 33-year-old young woman,' her near death experience was triggered by a combination of not moving enough during the flight and taking oestrogen-based birth control. Recalling the aftermath of her collapse, Emily said she was extremely lucky that the bathroom had been occupied at the time, otherwise she could been in the airplane toilet alone with no one aware of her medical emergency. She paid tribute to a doctor that happened to also be on the flight and 'amazing' flight attendants who rushed to her aid. '(They) essentially saved my life, they gave me an oxygen tank, carried me to business class, laid me down,' she said. 'I was vomiting profusely, sweating.' She explained how she had to wait a total of six-and-a-half-hours, from collapsing, to the plane landing and then arriving at hospital where her life-threatening blood clot was diagnosed. 'It's essentially a miracle that I'm still alive,' she said. In a clip, which has been viewed nearly half-a-million times, she detailed how the fall had left her with a black eye and bruises to her left arm, and she was unconscious for at least five minutes After landing, she spent the next six days in a Dubai hospital, but was sharing her story now to help others avoid a similar emergency. 'Please get up and move on your flights,' she said. She added: 'If you are on oestrogen birth control or if you are doing hormone therapy for perimenopause, menopause please just talk to your doctor.' Emily detailed in another clip how she has been told she will need to take blood thinning medications for next six months, as well as follow-up scans, to ensure any remaining clots are broken up. The NHS recommends people travelling on flights longer than four hours move every half hour to reduce the risk of DVT as well as wearing compression stockings. Some studies show that for healthy people, the risk of DVT is quadrupled with air travel, with longer flights carrying a greatest risk. For flights lasting less than four hours, the risk of a DVT is low, with only one estimated case for about every 105,000 flights. For flights lasting over four hours, the risk of a DVT dramatically increases to one event per 4,500 flights. For flights lasting 16 hours or more, the risk is one event per 1,300 flights. Blood clots are also a rare, but known risk of taking oestrogen, a female sex hormone, medication like some contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. The NHS estimates that clots form in about one in every 1,000 women taking a contraceptive like the pill, though not all will suffer a medical emergency. However, medics advise that the small risk posed by oestrogen can be increased when combined with factors like not moving on a long flight. Experts also highlight the risk of blood clots forming for most women taking oestrogen is incredibly small and that pregnancy carries much of the same risk. Stomach-churning images have captured the moment doctors discovered bloodsucking worms writhing in a woman's intestine. The 75-year-old farmer had battled sleep issues, a poor appetite and dizziness for two months before finally seeking medical help. After attending hospital, blood tests revealed she had severe anaemia, according to Chinese medics who shared her story in a journal. Anaemia occurs when the body doesn't produce enough healthy red blood cells, required for carrying oxygen around the body, leading to a range of symptoms. Initially she was offered treatment for this. However when the problems persisted doctors carried out an endoscopyinserting a camera into the gut via the mouthand found live hookworms crawling in her gut. Tests also showed that hookworm eggs in her stools were necator americanus, a species known to cause severe anaemia. Such parasites feed on blood in the intestines, which can lead to severe iron deficiency over time. Medics at Central South University in Hunan said the womanwho wasn't identifiedwas likely exposed to the worms via contaminated soil working as a farmer. When the woman's symptoms persisted despite treatment doctors carried out an endoscopyinserting a camera into the gut via the mouthand found live hookworms crawling in her gut Writing in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, they added: 'Although hookworm infection is rare in China, it remains a concern in rural areas, where the prevalence of such infections may still be underestimated. The woman was prescribed albendazole tablets, a treatment used for a variety of intestinal parasite infections including pinworms and hookworms. She also received blood transfusions to boost her hemoglobin levels. Follow-up appointments revealed her symptoms vanished, and her 'anaemia was cured'. The case, however, was tricky to diagnose the medics said. This was because the farmer did not show typical signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can occur with hookworm infections, they added. Adult hookworms live in the intestines of infected dogs and cats. When those animals go to their bathroom, sometimes, their feces contains hookworm eggs. When a human steps on, sits on or touches that soil, the larva can burrow into the skin or can ingest them. Tests also showed that hookworm eggs in her stools (pictured) were necator americanus, a species known to cause severe anaemia They are not mature enough to penetrate into other regions of the body, and stay in the skin, moving as much as a centimeter per day. It's especially common in the feet, buttocks, thighs and hands, but the worms can enter through any part of the skin. It cannot spread between humans. This infection is especially common in tropical regions of the worldincluding the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Africa and parts of the Southeastern United States. Three per cent of men and eight per cent of women in the UK have the iron deficiency condition anaemia, and it is on the rise. Symptoms include a yellowing of the skin, dizziness and depression. It can also often cause tiredness, shortness of breath or heart palpitations. Last year there was a tenfold rise in the number of people hospitalised with iron deficiency, with nearly 200,000 being admitted. When a patient has anaemia, their GP will usually check their haemoglobin and ferritin levels. Haemoglobin is a protein found in the red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body and gives blood its red colour. Ferritin is another blood protein which stores iron. Doctors on the frontlines of the measles outbreak raging through a Texas town have revealed the situation on the frontlines. Physicians who've treated tens of patients told how many were very young children or teens including one who was six months old. Some of the children have had to be intubated, they said, while others have come in struggling to eat or drink because of high fevers and sore throats. A converted 15-seater bus providing tests and vaccines for measles has been set up in the Gaines county community, which is just below the Texas panhandle. And some worried parents are bringing their very young children to the ER to get them vaccinated against measles early. Dr Summer Davies, a Texas Tech Physician in Lubbock, Gaines County, who has treated patients infected in the outbreak, said: 'Its hard as a paediatrician, knowing that we have a way to prevent this and prevent kids from suffering and even death. 'But I do agree that the herd immunity that we have established in the area isnt the same now. And I think kids are suffering because of that.' Latest data shows 200 people have been infected in the outbreak that spans neighboring communities in Texas and New Mexico. Texas recorded its first death from measles in a decade last week, in an unvaccinated child. And yesterday New Mexico recorded a fatality from the disease in an unvaccinated adult. The above shows Seminole, in the west of Texas, where the outbreak was first reported The above is a stock image of a child infected with measles in the state Nine states have reported measles outbreaks so far this year, with 164 cases reported in total of which nearly half are in patients aged five to 19 years old. Data suggests that 95 percent of the patients had not been vaccinated against the virus, while three percent had received only one dose. Doctors in the rural community are mostly dealing with measles patients for the first time. Billboards have been erected in the county warning of the outbreak, and flyers have been handed out. Some people are also posting in local WhatsApp groups to urge others to ensure they are up to date on their vaccines. Dr. Ron Cook of Lubbock, Texas, told NPR: '[The outbreak's] going to smolder for a while... I think, for the next several months. 'You know, it's fortunately, the bigger cities like Lubbock have a pretty high vaccination rate, so it'll slow down. But there will still be cases that pop up.' He also said he now has a granddaughter who is 10 months old and, because of the outbreak, has already received her first dose of the vaccine. Children normally receive their first shot of the MMR vaccine at age 12 months, and the second dose between the ages of four and six years. About 82 percent of residents in the county are vaccinated against measles, although rates may be much lower among Mennonite Christians who are mostly home-schooled. This is well below the at least 95 percent level that doctors say is needed to prevent an outbreak of measles. Texas officials have set up a mobile unit to offer tests and vaccinations for measles to parents and children Cold-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough and a runny or blocked nose, are usually the first signal of measles It comes as federal Government workers worry that messaging about vitamin A and cod liver oil could be detracting from the importance of vaccines. RFK Jr. did write an editorial mentioning the importance of vaccines, but has also promoted the treatments raising fears some people may believe that these could prevent an infection. Scott Weaver, director of the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity at the University of Texas, told NPR: 'Well, maybe if I take two or three times this amount, I'll be even better protected against measles. Your browser does not support iframes. 'I'm concerned that people think that vitamin A or other nutrition is a substitute for vaccination to prevent infection and to prevent spread.' Measles was officially eradicated in the US in 2000 amid a successful vaccination campaign, but is now causing sporadic outbreaks following a drop in inoculation rates. It is the most infectious disease known, with one patient able to pass the infection on to nine others if they are in a room with ten other people. About 40 percent of patients are hospitalized in the US, while about three in 1,000 die from the disease after suffering from deadly brain swelling. Measles is transmitted via direct contact with infectious droplets released into the air by patients when they cough, sneeze or breathe. The above shows the outskirts of Seminole, Texas, where devices are pumping the land for oil And this shows the post boxes for some of the more rural houses in the area Infectious droplets can hang in the air for around two hours, with symptoms emerging within seven to 14 days of infection. Patients develop a fever, cough, and runny nose, which then develops into a rash that starts at the hairline before spreading to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. There's no cure for measles, with doctors instead using antibiotics to treat related infections and IV fluids. The vaccine is 97 percent effective at preventing an infection and is required for children attending school in some states. Britain was today rocked by fresh Lassa fever fears after someone travelled to England while positive with the virus. Officials revealed the infected individual travelled from Nigeria while they were unwell with the Ebola-like disease at the end of February. But it was only after they returned to the West African nation that they were diagnosed with the virus. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) bosses are now racing to contain any potential spread of Lassa fever, hunting down all contacts of the unidentified individual. There have been less than a dozen cases of the rodent-borne disease ever detected in the UK with the last recorded in 2022. UKHSA today stressed the overall risk to the public is 'very low' and the virus 'does not spread easily between people'. Lassa fever, which kills around one in 100 patients, is endemic in Nigeria and several other countries on the west coast of Africa, including Liberia and Guinea. People are usually infected after exposure to food or household items that are contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected rats. Officials revealed an infected individual travelled to England from Nigeria while they were unwell with the Ebola-like disease at the end of February There have been less than a dozen cases of the rodent-borne disease, ever detected in the UK with the last recorded in 2022. Pictured, health official wears protective gear to empty medical waste used for treating Lassa fever patients in Irrua, midwest Nigeria But the virus, which can make women bleed from their vagina and trigger seizures, can also be transmitted via bodily fluids. Officials did not confirm how long the infected individual remained in England for or which part of the country they visited. It is also not know if they have received hospital treatment in Nigeria or have recovered from the virus. Around 80 per cent of people who contract the disease experience no symptoms at all, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). And while most people make a full recovery, the virus can be fatal in roughly one per cent of cases. Among those who do get symptoms, a quarter of patients will experience temporary deafness that will eventually return. Other signs of the virus include headaches, sore throats and vomiting. However, this can gradually progress to shock, seizures, tremors, disorientation and comas without prompt treatment. In 2022, a child in Bedfordshire died after catching the disease. The newborn baby, who died at Luton and Dunstable Hospital (pictured), was the third member of a family who recently returned to the UK from West Africa to become infected with the virus Symptoms usually occur between one and three weeks after having contact with Lassa virus. There is currently no vaccine to treat or prevent Lassa fever. Patients are treated with antivirals and sometimes blood pressure drugs and oxygen. Dr Meera Chand, deputy director at the UKHSA, said: 'Our Health Protection Teams are working at pace to get in touch with people who were in contact with this individual while they were in England, to ensure they seek appropriate medical care and testing should they develop any symptoms. 'The infection does not spread easily between people, and the overall risk to the UK population is very low.' In 2022, a child in Bedfordshire died after catching the disease. The newborn baby, who died at Luton and Dunstable Hospital, was the third member of a family who recently returned to the UK from West Africa to become infected with the virus. The three infections identified in the East of England were the first spotted since 2009. A top doctor has revealed the everyday activities he never lets his children do because it could kill them. Dr Zain Hasan, an anesthetist based out of California, says spring time is a prime time for accidents as the weather improves and he has already seen lots of casualties involving 'young children and adults who have kind of ruined their lives from traumatic injuries'. At the top of his list when it comes to risky activities, he says diving headfirst into 'anything' is an absolute no-no. The doctor explains: '[It] doesn't matter if it's a pool, a pond, a lake and ocean. 'I would never dive head first because the amount of people that I've seen that have broken their necks and ruined their lives. Absolutely devastating.' In the US, around 800 spinal cord injuries occur every year due to diving into water, with the majority resulting in permanent paralysis. The second thing Dr Hasan would never let his kids do is ride an ATV, 'especially if they're not supervised'. He also warns against adults riding the four wheel vehicles, as he says rolling them over can cause 'debilitating' and devastating injuries. A top doctor has revealed the everyday activities he never lets his children do because it could kill them Between 2012 and 2021, there were an estimated 67,957 ATV-related head injuries in the US involving children. The most common types of head injuries sustained from ATVs are concussions and closed head injuries that don't break the skull, followed by fractures. According to the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, there are more than 11,000 non-fatal ATV/UTV-related injuries in children and teens every year. Of those injuries, 15 percent require a hospital stay. According to Consumer Product Safety Commission's latest report, from 2018 through 2020, there were 2,448 deaths in the US associated with off-highway vehicles, which includes all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles. Your browser does not support iframes. ATVs accounted for more than two-thirds of the deaths. Nearly 300 deaths were among children under the age of 16. In at third place on Dr Hasan's list of banned activities is playing on trampolines, especially for young children. Explaining why he is not a fan of trampolines, he says: 'Anytime I see a young children come in with an arm that's completely dislocated or a knee that's completely broken, [I know] this is the result of a trampoline. 'When multiple kids are jumping at the same time, and when one kid falls down and the other kid jumps really hard, it ends up in a devastating injury.' The Mayo Clinic reports more than 800,000 children sustained trampoline injuries in the US between 2009 and 2018, and most of these occurred at the children's own homes. Dr Hasan is a Los Angeles-based anesthetist Of these injuries, 34 percent were long bone fractures in the lower and upper extremities. Radius and ulna fractures were the most common - 'usually the result of a fall on an outstretched hand'. Moving on to his fourth point, Dr Hasan says parents should educate their children about drug taking, as he says 'all' illegal substances such as methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine nowadays are 'tainted'. Many drugs are now being made with the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which has contributed to a significant rise in overdose deaths. From 2019 to 2020, the drug overdose death rate increased 31 percent from 21.6 to 28.3. On his last point, Dr Hasan touches on something that he says is 'very overlooked'. The medic says: 'Anytime you go boating and you jump into the water, look out for the propellers. 'Propeller injuries are devastating. They end up slicing through the muscle as if you're like Swiss cheese. 'People love boating, but they don't think of what can happen if you jump into the water and the captain does not know you're in there.' In 2024, boat propeller accidents in the US resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, including a tragic incident in Florida where an 11-year-old girl died after being hit. A licensed pharmacist has exposed what he calls the biggest scam in the medical industry: gel capsules. These capsules make up a multi-billion-dollar industry, with one of their main selling points being that the softer material dissolves more quickly in the body, allowing drugs to take effect faster. But Dr Grant Harting, founder of CrushCost, argues that tablets break down quicker than capsules after conducting an experiment where he dissolved both in water. The tablet dissolved faster, indicating that it would do the same in the human body and therefore, work quicker than a capsule. This matters, he argues because, gel capsules are often more expensive than tablets. For example, a 24-pack of Tylenol tablets costs around $5 compared to $8 for 'rapid release' gel capsules. Dr Grant Harting, founder of CrushCost, argues that tablets break down quicker than capsules after conducting an experiment where he dissolved both in water Gel capsules are a hard or soft shell that hold medications inside. The shell breaks down when it enters your digestive system and the enclosed medication is then absorbed into the bloodstream. On the other hand, tablets are formed entirely of medication and are made by compressing one or more powdered ingredients to form a hard, solid, smooth-coated pill that breaks down in the digestive tract. When viewers of Dr Harting's video stated that stomach acid did not have the same properties as water, he revealed that he conducted the same experiment in a 'stomach acid-like substance' and saw the tablet dissolve faster again. Dr Harting explained that body temperature and water content are the main factors that affect a capsule or tablet's dissolvability. A higher body temperature generally leads to faster dissolution of the medication due to increased molecular movement, meaning that the capsule or tablet would break down faster and would disperse more readily into the bloodstream. Similarly, higher water levels in the body can also dissolve a capsule or tablet faster as the water already within the medication begins to interact with the water in the body as it breaks down and quickly enters the blood. He also clarified that acidity and the pH levels in the stomach do not affect the time it takes for a medication to dissolve. However, he noted that pH levels do matter once the medication is dissolved and the ingredients are released into the body. Dr Harting also stated that the stomach enzymes such as amylase (breaks down carbohydrates into sugars) and lipase (dissolves fats) play no role in dissolving medication when it's ingested. In a now viral TikTok, the pharmacist claims that when he dropped an ibuprofen capsule and an ibuprofen tablet in water, the tablet dissolves faster - indicating that it would do the same in the human body and therefore, work quicker than a capsule Dr Harting explained that temperature and water content are the main factors that affect a capsule or tablet's dissolvability The above graphic compares Tylenol 'rapid release' gelcaps to the Tylenol original. Despite the $3 gap in price at CVS, the original acts faster than the rapid version Last year, consumers were told to avoid Tylenol's rapid release gels over 'misleading' labeling about how long it took for it to relieve pain. A proposed class action lawsuit against Tylenol's manufacturer, Kenvue - part of Johnson and Johnson - had been launched earlier last year but was dismissed in August 2024. Consumer Evie Collaza, from New York, who was leading the class action lawsuit said she would not have bought the tablets if she had realized they did not work as rapidly as the original versions. In the proposed lawsuit, she cited a 2018 study that found the pills took 23 seconds longer on average to work than the standard versions. In the study, the 'rapid release' Tylenol Extra Strength 500mg tablets and similar brands were found to take about 3 minutes 56 seconds to dissolve by at least 80 percent - the threshold for action in the body. For comparison, the same study found that Tylenol Extra Strength 500mg took 3 minutes and 33 seconds to dissolve on average - or about 23 seconds faster. But US District Judge Andrew Carter in Manhattan disagreed, saying that the term 'rapid release' was similar to the term 'immediate release' which the FDA has defined. The CDC will study the potential link between vaccines and autism, sources have revealed. Two sources told Reuters the agency is planning a large study into the long disproven connection. It is unclear whether newly appointed health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has long been skeptical of vaccines, is involved in the planned study or how it would be carried out. The CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could not immediately be reached for comment. The bombshell move comes amid one of the largest measles outbreaks in US history, with more than 150 cases across the country and two deaths in Texas and New Mexico. Experts believe the outbreak has been fueled by declining vaccination rates in parts of the US. Kennedy, whose role includes authority over the CDC, has long sowed doubt over the safety of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, along with Covid shots made by Pfizer and Moderna. However, he did make a U-turn move earlier this week when he urged people to get the shot to prevent measles. The CDC said this week it will look into the potential link between autism and vaccines, despite the theories being long disproven. The above image shows an MMR vaccine being prepared in Texas, where a measles outbreak surges HHS secretary Robert F Kennedy has long been critical of vaccine safety and has repeated debunked claims on vaccines and autism. It's unclear if he will be involved in the new CDC study Your browser does not support iframes. But in doing so, Kennedy also said vaccination was a 'personal' choice for parents. President Donald Trump, in an address to Congress this week, cited the rise in autism among children. 'There's something wrong,' he said. He said, referring to Kennedy: 'So, were going to find out what it is, and theres nobody better than Bobby and all of the people that are working with you.' Health experts have slammed the CDC's decision to investigate the link and have claimed RFK Jr 'is not focusing on the health of this country' as vaccination rates plummet and the measles outbreak worsens. Autism diagnoses have surged in the US, going from seven in 1,000 in the early 2000s to one in 36 in 2022, the latest data available. Experts have cited increased awareness and better diagnostic processes for the rise in diagnoses. Andrew Wakefield, pictured here, authored a since debunked study claiming the MMR vaccine causes autism. It helped fuel an mass anti vaxx movement However, some recent studies have shown growing pollution and chemical contamination in food and water may allow toxins to infiltrate the bloodstream of pregnant mothers and travel to the brain of the developing fetus, causing inflammation that impairs nerve signals that lead to autism. Studies have also linked autism to maternal factors in pregnancy, and some research suggests a link to birth complications and timing. Some experts have also speculated a surge in pesticide use may also be responsible for lower IQs and delays in children. The idea that vaccines are to blame, however, stems from a since-debunked study from British researcher Andrew Wakefield in the late 1990s. The researcher, whose credentials have since been revoked, connected a rise in autism diagnoses with widespread use of the MMR shot. However, the government's research library, PubMed, has more than 1,000 studies disproving the link between vaccines and autism. Dr Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told DailyMail.com 'there are many promising leads' behind the rise of autism, but 'vaccines are not a promising lead.' 'The question has been answered again and again and again,' he said. 'This [study] will do nothing for children with autism and only increase the risk of vaccine preventable diseases.' Your browser does not support iframes. Dr Offit expressed concern about the growing measles outbreak and said reopening the door to research like Wakefield's could lead to MMR vaccination rates dropping further, worsening case loads and deaths. '[The outbreak] is not trivial. I have to believe this outbreak is much worse than people are saying in terms of the number of cases. 'And that's what we should be looking at. We have an under-vaccinated population, especially in certain pockets, and now we have two people who have died unnecessarily.' Kennedys anti-vaccine views have also drawn concern among some Republicans. During Kennedys confirmation hearing Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and physician, suggested that the nominee disavow any links between vaccines and autism. Kennedy denied that he was anti-vaccine, but did not acknowledge that such a link had been debunked. This week Cassidy questioned Trumps nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health, Dr Jay Bhattacharya, over his stance on investigating a potential link between autism and childhood vaccinations. Dr Bhattacharya said: 'I don't generally believe there is a link, based on my reading of the literature. 'But we do have a sharp rise in autism rates, and I don't think any scientist really knows the cause of it. I would support a broad scientific agenda based on data to get an answer to that.' China, India should be partners that contribute to each other's success: FM Xinhua) 16:50, March 07, 2025 BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China and India should be partners that contribute to each other's success, which is the only right choice for both sides, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday. As the two largest developing countries, China and India have a shared task to accelerate their own development and revitalization, Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress. There is every reason for the two countries to support each other rather than undercut each other, and to work with each other rather than guard against each other, Wang said, adding that this is the path that truly serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. Noting that China-India relations have made positive strides in the past year, Wang said exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels between the two sides have been strengthened, yielding a series of positive outcomes. China and India, two ancient civilizations, have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution, Wang noted. He stressed that the two sides should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question, or let specific differences affect the overall picture of bilateral ties. As important members of the Global South, China and India have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics, Wang said. "When China and India join hands, the prospects for greater democracy in international relations and a stronger Global South will improve greatly," he added. Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, Wang said China stands ready to work with India to advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa died of a lung infection spread from rats, authorities revealed today in the latest twist in the case. Medical investigators in New Mexico said in a press conference Friday that Arakawa, 65, was infected with hantavirus which caused a deadly build-up of fluid in her lungs, known medically as hentavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). HPS is so rare in the US that only one or two people die every year, and there have only been around 1,000 cases in the past three decades, mostly among farmers, hikers and campers and homeless populations. The virus is spread through the inhalation of airborne particles containing the virus, which is typically found in the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. Meanwhile, police confirmed Friday that Hackman, 95, died from cardiovascular disease around February 18 - days after Betsy Arakawa, 65, succumbed to HPS in their bathroom around February 11. Officials said Hackman - whose battle with advanced Alzheimer's was confirmed publicly on Friday - tragically may not even have known his wife had died. The scene of chaos in the bathroom tells a grim tale of a swift decline by Arakawa. She was found lying on the floor with her head next to a space heater with thyroid medication pills scattered around her. Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa (pictured here with Hackman) died of the rare rodent disease hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, officials confirmed Friday Hackman may have wandered around the sprawling 9000 square foot home, lost and confused, for seven days - without his partner of three decades by his side to feed and care for him, or look after their three treasured dogs, Left to fend for himself and with his wife's body decomposing in their bathroom, Hackman, who was already in 'very poor health' went without food. An autopsy showed his stomach was empty at the time of his death. Hackman was found dead with his cane and sunglasses by his side in a room just off the kitchen following an apparent fall - hinting he may have been on his way out of the home before his weak heart gave in. His pacemaker's last recorded activity was on February 18 - but help would not arrive until over a week later. The dogs were discovered loose when the mummified bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were discovered on February 26 by two maintenance workers. DailyMail.com understands while there was no rodent activity in the main house, there were rodent droppings in the couple's garage and outhouses. Experts told this website Arakawa could have picked HPS up from cleaning those areas. Hackman and Arakawa's dog was also found dead in the house. Authorities note that while there is evidence that dogs can catch the virus, the animals do not show symptoms and there are no recorded cases of them passing the virus on to humans. Hantavirus is not known to spread from person to person, and health officials confirmed Hackman was negative for the virus and died from natural causes, including Alzheimer's disease. HPS is an extremely rare disease usually spread by rodents through saliva, urine, feces, or bites. In the US, it's most commonly spread by the deer mouse, pictured here Your browser does not support iframes. Santa Fe County sheriff Adan Mendoza said Friday that based on surveillance camera footage, Arakawa did not seem ill in the days leading up to her death. He said: 'She was walking around, she was shopping, she was visiting stores. My detectives didnt indicate that there was any problem with her or struggle of her getting around.' The CDC confirmed it is in contact with New Mexico health authorities and has offered to test samples to learn more about the strain of virus and perform further testing. HPS is transmitted through the inhaling virus particles from rodent saliva, urine, or feces. It may also spread through rodent bites. In the US, deer mice are the most common carriers. The type of hantavirus found in the Southwest is spread by deer mouse, which is commonly found in New Mexico. Symptoms typically show up within one to eight weeks of exposure to infected rodents. Signs include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, chills, and abdominal or digestive issues. After four to 10 days of the early symptoms, patients may experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, and fluid in the lungs. HPS is thought to kill 30 to 40 percent of patients, and there is no specific treatment for the virus. Patients are instead given supportive therapies like rest, hydration, and breathing support. The CDC estimates HPS only affects about 40 to 50 Americans per year, and only 864 cases were identified between 1993 and 2022, the latest data available. In New Mexico, where Hackman and Arakawa lived, there have been 129 cases of hantavirus confirmed since 1993, including seven in 2023, the most recent year data is available. A CDC spokesperson told DailyMail.com the agency 'is in contact with health officials in New Mexico who determined a woman has died of hantavirus infection.' They added: 'Her blood samples tested positive for a recent hantavirus infection at the state health department lab and the University of New Mexico Medical Center. 'CDC has offered to test samples to learn more about the strain of virus that infected the individual and to perform pathology testing.' Pictured above is the home of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. DailyMail.com understands that while there were no mouse droppings in the main house, they were in the garage and two smaller buildings on the property Dr David Quammen, an infectious disease expert in Montana not involved in the case, told DailyMail.com that while he can't be sure how Arakawa caught the disease despite not fitting the typical profile, it's possible she 'might have gotten it is if she was sweeping in an old garage.' He said: 'In terms of hantavirus getting communicated to humans, that would generally happen through mouse urine embedded in dust in a dusty building, so in a shed or a garage, where the mice were running around. 'Then, if someone came in and swept up that dust, inhaling that dust would be enough to give them hantavirus.' He noted this was the case in a 1992 outbreak of HPS in the southwestern US, which killed 17 people. Dr Quammen explained: 'There was lots of seasonal grass available early on, and therefore the mouse population boomed. 'The mice generated a lot of hantavirus, and it went into the urine and it was in the dust and people then swept up the dust, and got infected.' DailyMail.com understands that while there were mouse droppings in the family's garage and smaller buildings, the risk of developing HPS was low. Dr Quammen also noted it's possible one of Arakawa and Hackman's dogs carried HPS, though it's unlikely. According to the Washington State Department of Health, there is evidence that dogs can catch hantavirus, but they do not show symptoms, and there are no recorded cases of them passing it to humans. Dr Quammen told this website investigators should consider testing the dogs for evidence of HPS as well because the disease has 'rapid progression.' The CDC said the best way to protect against HPS is to keep wild mice and rats out of your home and clean up food that may attract rodents. Queen James by Gareth Russell (William Collins 25, 496pp) Right from the start, and even before it, James Is existence was steeped in violence. In 1566, a party of assassins broke into the palace of his mother Mary Queen of Scots and held a pistol to her pregnant belly while her secretary (some say lover) David Riccio was hacked to death. George Villiers later Duke of Buckingham 'one of the handsomest men in the whole world' A year later, Mary herself was forced to abdicate and go into exile, under suspicion of having arranged the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley. This left baby James, only 13 months old, to be crowned king of Scotland.(Later, in 1603, he became king of England too.) At 16 he was kidnapped by a gang of Presbyterian courtiers and held for ten months, and when he was 21 his mother was beheaded by her English cousin, Elizabeth I. No wonder James always maintained that he had been baptised in blood. Inevitably, he became a complex character. On the one hand James was petulant, paranoid, hygiene-deficient and a foul-mouthed alcoholic he once told a clergyman: I give not a steaming turd for thy preaching! On the other, he was scholarly, devoted to his pet armadillo, deeply loyal to friends and a loving husband and father. He bequeathed us the magnificent King James Bible and, as Shakespeares patron, some of the finest plays in the English language. But heres the question that Gareth Russell puts at the centre of this readable re-telling of Jamess life: was he also gay? Certainly, the rumours started early. Instead of making a beeline for the ladies, James was more likely to seek affection and support from other men. His first in a long line of favourites was his older cousin Lord Esme, whom he showered with jewels, honours and some rather lush poetry. After that there was Patrick Gray, described by one seasoned court-watcher as too feminine to please some tastes, whom James appointed Master of the Wardrobe and treated with great favour and familiarity. Despite these early forays into same-sex flirtation, to secure the Stuart succession it was essential that the king start producing sons. His choice fell in 1589 on Princess Anna of Denmark. Pragmatic, shrewd and witty, Anna was willing to put up with Jamess passion for young men so long as they treated her with respect. While there can be no doubt about Jamess liking for his own sex, he was also a devout Christian who was adamant that sodomy was a sin which ye are bound in conscience never to forgive. But pamphlets still circulated at court in which he was described as a buggerer. Queen James by Gareth Russell is available now from the Mail Bookshop In around 1614, James became caught up in the love affair that eclipsed all others. All the signs suggest that it was Queen Anna who had first talent-spotted George Villiers, aka one of the handsomest men in the whole world. She groomed the lad, literally, knowing that her husband had strong feelings about bad breath and beards (ironic given that James became sloppier and more odorous as he aged). This time it really does seem to have been a full-blown sexual and romantic union. George addressed the king as my dear husband while James called him sweetheart and my only sweet wife. When Anna died in 1619, it was only George whom James could bear to have near him as he mourned with genuine intensity the woman whom he had, in his own way, deeply loved. Its a tricky business teasing out his sexuality at a time when taboos, beliefs and customs are so different from our own. While Queen James doesnt add much that is new to our understanding of James Is fluid sexuality, it is very good at clearing a path through the convoluted backdrop of politics, religion and wild speculation that so often makes books about the Stuart period such a slog. Vice President JD Vance has unexpectedly become a target of the internets meme culture - and has shared his thoughts on the craze. What began as a niche joke among social media users has now snowballed, turning Vance's facial characteristics into memes so exaggerated that some users claim they've forgotten what the real vice president even looks like. The Vice President's face has appeared stretched, shrunk, rounded, and distorted in all manner of ways as fans and critics share their views, make light of recent events or share their views. And now, Vance himself has spoken. 'I can confirm VP Vance has seen many of the memes/edits of his pictures and thinks it's a funny trend,' journalist Julio Rosas of The Blaze reported on X after traveling with him. The viral images range from Vance as a baby-faced cherub clutching a lollipop, to a brooding emo rocker, to an absurdly plump version of himself saying, 'You have to say pwease and tank you, Mistow Zensky.' The meme-fueled frenzy erupted following Vance's Oval Office heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last Friday. During the meeting Vance demanded, 'Have you said thank you once?' What started as a simple parody of Vance's aggressive questioning quickly spiraled into an out-of-control internet meme. A niche joke among social media users has now snowballed turning Vance into dozens of memes The Vice President's face has been stretched, shrunk, rounded, and distorted in all manner of ways The memes began following Friday's explosive showdown in the Oval Office with Trump, Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Creative users began editing his image, expanding his cheeks, shrinking his eyes, and inserting him into bizarre pop culture references with everything from Minions to Pennywise the Clown. There were also some more surreal versions include Vance as a Teletubby, a sentient lollipop, and even the Las Vegas Sphere. The 'Pwease' meme, a play on the vice president's perceived petulance, has gained such traction that he is now often referred to online as 'the Pwease Guy.' As memes flooded social media, one user remarked, 'Twitter is f***ing unusable. I'm trying to get updates on whether World War 3 is on but all I'm seeing are fat JD Vance memes.' Another wrote, 'I have completely forgotten what the real JD Vance looks like at this point,' posting a photo of a chubby Vance with flowing curls. The sheer breadth of the meme's appeal is striking. While political memes typically remain confined to partisan echo chambers, this particular trend has managed to unite people across the political spectrum. Journalist Julio Rosas of The Blaze reported on X after traveling with JD Vance that he had in fact seen many of the memes and 'thinks it's a funny trend' Many of the memes mocked Vance for asking President Zelensky if he had said 'thank you' Vance has seen many of the memes/edits of his pictures and thinks it's a funny trend according to a reporting traveling with him One user claimed to not being able to remember what VP Vance looked like anymore Many of the memes mocked Vance asking Zelensky if he has said thank you Friday's Oval Office exchange kicked off the explosion in Vance memes Left-leaning users see it as a way to mock the vice president's loyalty to Trump and his perceived hostility toward Ukraine, while some on the right, particularly within meme-heavy conservative circles, seem to be embracing the trend as an ironic badge of honor. Vance's response, or his lack of objection, is a smart move. At 40 years old, he's a millennial vice president fluent in the language of internet culture and understands that reacting too strongly to an online joke would only fuel the fire. Vance also occasionally posted memes on X, including a reference to It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. 'It's such an easy own,' meme creator Dave McNamee told Vulture. 'Like, this is a guy who takes himself so seriously.' As a man in his 40s, Vance himself has been known to post memes to his X account to make a point. This meme, posted earlier this week was in relation to a suggestion that Trump/Vance was siding with Russia and Putin over Ukraine and Zelenksy One meme saw Vance's head likened to that of the Las Vegas Sphere The Oval Office exchange between Trump, Vance and Zelenksy appeared to kick off the craze There was a lot of good natured wit in many of the memes This meme of Vance looking like a Minion racked up 4 million views alone Creative users began editing his image, expanding his cheeks, shrinking his eyes, and inserting him into bizarre pop culture references According to McNamee, part of what makes the meme so potent is that it juxtaposes Vance's self-serious political persona with an exaggerated, childish version of himself, undermining his authority. One of the altered Vance images has even been turned into a cryptocurrency token, briefly reaching a market cap of $20 million. 'I cannot tell you how disgusted and weird the whole thing has made me feel,' McNamee said. One user felt very satisfied with people's efforts: 'The best thing about this photo is that we know for a fact that Vance is terminally online enough to have seen it.' MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace is facing a ratings reckoning - even though she's yet to be reprimanded for on-air comments about a cancer-stricken boy. The president himself has said the 'Deadline White House' host should be forced to resign' - showing the mammoth amount of attention the incident has received. And, contrary to the popular turn of phrase, not all publicity is the 'good' kind - especially when it involves turning a nose at a ceremony meant to unite and celebrate. Amid increasing calls for Wallace to face discipline for her remarks about 13-year-old Devarjaye DJ Daniel, her ratings are already in the toilet. So far this year, Wallace's show has shed exactly a quarter of the audience it had this time the year before - and the drop is even more stark when put up against numbers seen before Election Day. Typically a time to expect a spike, Wallace pulled in 1.6million sets of eyes in the 10 months leading up to the big day - compared to the 1.1million she's reeling in now. That's a 35 percent drop in just a little over a year - at a time where the ratings picture for the network has gone from bad to worse. Since 2021, it has lost more than half its audience. Scroll down for video: Nicolle Wallace (seen here on MSNBC's Deadline White House Thursday is facing a ratings reckoning - even if she's yet to be reprimanded for her recent on-air comments about 13-year-old Devarjaye DJ Daniel, who has cancer The president himself has said the 'Deadline White House ' host should be 'forced to resign', doing so from the Oval Office Thursday (pictured) Wallace, meanwhile, made no mention of the pushback she's received in both her Deadline White House appearances since framing the teen's honorary appointment to the Secret Service as a form of propaganda from the president Tuesday. Instead, she continued to criticize Trump and his decisions - the same thing she had been doing when, instead of welcoming a moment meant to honor a terminally ill teen, she bizarrely brought up the boy's hypothetical suicide to make her point. 'I hope he's alive for another 95 years, and I hope he lives the life he wants to live,' the former View host first said of Daniel. 'He wants to be a cop, he knows what he wants to do and maybe when you have childhood cancer that crystallizes,' she went on - before furthering her party's agenda by bringing up the events of January 6, 2021. 'I hope he has a long life as a law enforcement officer - but I hope he never has to defend the United States Capitol against Donald Trump's supporters,' she declared. 'And if he does, I hope he isn't one of the six who loses his life to suicide.' Maddow got in on the action as well - branding Trump 'disgusting' for shining a light on Daniel's six-year battle. Like Wallace, she accused the president of making a 'spectacle' of the young boy's illness - leading Trump to demand she face justice from her network as well. Daniel, meanwhile, was held up by his father during the ceremony - after dreaming of one day being a police officer while fighting cancer for the past six years 'For the record and this is disgusting, the president made a spectacle out of praising a young man who thus far has survived pediatric cancer, as if the president had something to do with that,' Maddow said whilst appearing on Wallace's show. 'This was in the midst of him praising DOGE. DOGE cuts, among other things, have cut off funding for ongoing research into pediatric cancer.' Almost immediately, a storm of replies chiding the anchors emerged on social media, with figures like Wallace's former View co-star Meghan McCain - an outspoken Trump critic - painting them as inhumane and the result of a progressive agenda. 'No one knows better than me how despicable Nicolle Wallace is but this is a new low even by her and MSNBC's standards,' the daughter of well-known Trump-hater John McCain wrote, as the world reacted to the remarks. 'Using a child with brain cancer to say this. Trash from the gutter,' she added, as several other Republican politicians aired similar outrage. The next day, while signing executive orders in the White House, Trump too weighed in - as calls for Wallace's firing were still picking up steam. 'Frankly, what Nicolle Wallace said - I've never been a fan of hers, and she's not very talented - but I'll tell you, what she said the other day about that young man, is disgraceful,' he said. 'She should be forced to resign.' He added that the same goes for Rachel Maddow, who rakes in a reported $5million a year. Maddow also got in on the action, branding Trump 'disgusting' for shining a light on Daniel's battle. Trump on Thursday the pundit 'should be forced to resign' from MSNBC as well 'And Rachel Maddow should be forced to resign - nobody watches her anyway,' he added, after the host branded him 'disgusting' for shining a light on Daniel's more than six-year battle. 'The good news is that no one watches them anymore - they have lost such credibility,' he said, before taking another shot at the salary the star is said to be commanding. 'It's not possible they pay her as much money as I hear,' Trump said, months after Maddow is said to have signed a five-year contract.. 'But certainly, she has lost all credibility. 'Both of them. What they said the other day, both of them... about that young person,' he continued. 'They should be forced to resign.' Maddow, moreover, was already met with calls to resign last month - in the wake of her colleague Joy Reid's abrupt firing, for what experts already told DailyMail.com was almost certainly due to her on-air comments That was after the $25 million-a-year host took to the air to ream her bosses for Reid's outster, calling it 'disturbing' that she and other 'nonwhite hosts in primetime were losing their shows.' Social media users were quick to demand Maddow put her money where her mouth is, demanding she resign in solidarity with the ratings-challenged star. As for the network as a whole, in February 2021, MSNBC averaged a total of 1.4 million total viewers every hour throughout the entire day and an average of 2.9 million total viewers during only primetime hours. Today, those numbers are down to just 613,000 and 1 million total viewers, respectively - a more than 50 percent decline on both ends. 'This is an issue that is bigger than Joy Reid,' media journalist Steve Krakauer told The Mail last week following her firing. 'People felt lied to in 2024 with the big bait and switch with Biden for Harris. MSNBC talked up Harris nonstop. 'But [Reid] was someone who has been a point of contention to her higher ups,' he observed. 'They have wanted to saw off the Joy Reid problem for years now This was an opportunity with a new president to show her the door and get a new start.' When it comes to Wallace, Fox News programming that airs during her 4 pm - 6 pm timeslot, has averaged 3.6 million viewers this year - more than triple the viewership of her 'Deadline: White House.' 'Deadline: White House' saw a similar decline in the key demographic of adults aged 25-54, - widely considered the most sought-after sample-set for networks. The show has lost 35 percent of the demo since Kamala Harris's landslide loss - settling for an audience of just 108,000. Wallace has remained defiant, continuing her pushback against Trump without so much as an apology Since the inauguration, Deadline: White House has seen been met with some respite - a 38 percent increase from the post-election time frame, now at 1.2 million viewers. That's still behind less prestigious cable offerings such as Guy Fieri's 'Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, however, and the BET sitcom 'Tyler Perry's Sistas.' But Wallace has remained defiant, continuing her pushback against Trump without so much as an apology. When contacted by DailyMail.com MSNBC declined to comment on the controversy. CNN is doubling down on its most right-leaning star. Scott Jennings, a Republican who served as a strategist under George W. Bush, is said to be in the final stages of talks that will see him handed a 'hefty' pay raise. News of the contract negotiations was laid bare by former CNN reporter Oliver Darcy, now the founder of media-centered Status. In the Thursday report, Darcy shed light on some of the terms of the contract - further revealing how Jennings even asked for his own show. The same night it was published, the pundit again surfaced in what's become his usual seat on NewsNight, to once again clash with progressive-minded panelists. The dynamic has become a theme as of late for the network - as it moves toward a more 'both-sides' commentary. CNN, meanwhile, is already in the midst of a long-in-the works restructuring plan - one that will emphasize its digital imprint. Both strategies are said to be the work of chief executive Mark Thompson, and saw some 200 staffers cut from CNN's struggling TV division earlier this year. Scott Jennings, a Republican who served as a strategist under George W. Bush, is said to be in the final stages of talks that will see him handed a 'hefty' pay raise News of the talks were first reported last night, as the pundit again surfaced in what's become his usual seat on NewsNight. He's seen clashing with fellow analyst Ashley Allison As for Jennings, his request for his own show - aired seven years into his CNN tenure - was reportedly shot down. But that's not to say his still-being-ironed-out contract is not a generous one. In fact, according to Darcy, it's 'set to be quite favorable' - if speaking from the perspective of the CNN contributor. Insiders familiar with the matter told Darcy he's 'set to receive a substantial pay increase' as well - weeks after Thompson reportedly demanded a tone-down in reporting when it comes Donald Trump. The British C-Suiter was brought in late last summer to right a sinking ratings ship following the failures of former Late Show showrunner. He was able to address similar situations at both The New York Times and BBC before - but now has his work cut out for him. The directness of Jennings, a clear-cut conservative, could be helpful, at a time where many Americans have become disillusioned with not only politicians, but the TV personalities who report on them. Simultaneously, CNN - over the course of several presidencies - has become increasingly opinionated. The dynamic has become a theme as of late for the network - as it moves toward a more 'both-sides' commentary. The strategy is said to be the work of chief executive Mark Thompson, and saw some 200 staffers cut from CNN's struggling TV division earlier this year Toward the start of Trump's first presidency, Jennings emerged like a breath of fresh air, doing battle with panelists. Since then, his one-liners and well-timed eyebrow raises have continued to draw attention Toward the start of Trump's first presidency, Jennings emerged like a breath of fresh air, doing battle with panelists like Abby Phillip and Kate Bolduan for the next several years. Since then, his one-liners and well-timed eyebrow raises have continued to captivate while catching the eyes and ears of many - delivered with a smooth Southern drawl. Onlookers from both sides of the aisle particularly took notice of Jennings - and his repeated four-against-one faceoffs with fellow panelists - he pierced through the noise on November 6 with his brutal explanation of why Trump won by a landslide. At the same time, CNN ended 2024 with some of its lowest ratings ever, barely beating MSNBC. 'Turning a great news organization toward the future is not a one-day affair,' Thompson wrote in a staff memo sent in July, when 100 people were laid off - before another 200 were nixed in January. Jeff Bezos - once again the world's richest man - has incited outraged for missing a ceremony meant to honor the late publisher of the Washington Post. Instead, the billionaire attended the Oscars - less than a week after announcing an overhaul to the paper's Opinion section. Conservative in nature, the revamp ruffled feathers. It saw the billionaire met with accusations of fascism and cozying up to the president, after a historic decision to do away with a planned Post endorsement that would have most certainly went to Kamala Harris. On Sunday, Bezos stood-up a screening of 'Becoming Katharine Graham' - a documentary about the fabled former Post publisher of the same name. One of the most prolific Post publishers, she is credited with decisions like publishing the Pentagon Papers in 1971, laying bare some of the disturbing secrets about the US's involvement in Vietnam in the process. Graham - who passed in 2001 at 84 years old - was also the one to preside over the paper as it reported on the Watergate scandal amid pronounced political pressure. The reporting eventually led to the resignation of Richard Nixon. Such a figure - one unwilling to bow to the federal government - already seemed at odds with the latest iteration of Bezos, former staffers have pointed out. His lack of attendance at the screening in DC was thus heavily noticed. Jeff Bezos - once again the world's richest man, according to the most recent rendition of the Bloomberg Billionaire Index - has incited outraged for missing a ceremony meant to honor the late publisher of the Washington Post One of the most prolific Post publishers, she is credited with decisions like publishing the Pentagon Papers in 1971, laying bare some of the disturbing secrets about the US's involvement in Vietnam in the process 'One of the world's wealthiest people - Jeff Bezos - couldn't show up to celebrate the iconic Katherine Graham who helped build the newspaper Bezos owns now,' wrote progressive podcaster Jayne Miller on X. 'Interesting,' another user wondered, after the New York Times became the first to report on Bezos's lack of attendance. 'Why did Katherine Graham's son Don Graham sell The Washington Post to Jeff Bezos?' they went on, recalling the $250million transaction in 2013. 'Graham said he wanted someone who would protect The Post's tradition of journalistic independence and integrity,' the user remembered further. 'Katherine Graham >>> Jeff Bezos,' another, more curt post proclaimed. 'Hard to miss the irony of a new film debuting on the life of Katharine Graham[,] who backed @washingtonpost reporting that led to Nixon's resignation[,] would premiere while Jeff Bezos plays a sycophant to Trump & his policies,' another asserted. As for why, the user speculated Bezos was trying to to get in the commander-in-chief's good graces to 'better protect Amazon.' Former Post staffers reacted as well, as word of Bezos's lack of attendance quickly spread. Graham - who passed in 2001 at 84 - was also the one to preside over the paper as it reported on the Watergate scandal amid pronounced political pressure. The reporting eventually led to the resignation of then President-Richard Nixon Instead, the billionaire attended the Oscars with fiancee Lauren Sanchez - less than a week after announcing an overhaul to the paper's Opinion section Bezos is seen here with Graham's granddaughter, Katharine Weymouth, in 2013, just before finishing talks to take over the paper for the price of $250million 'Now we know that Bezos is no Katharine Graham,' Marty Baron, who retired from the Post in 2021 after nearly a decade at the paper, wrote this week in an op-ed for The Atlantic. 'It has been sad and unnerving to watch Bezos fall so terribly short of her standard as he confronts the return of Donald Trump to the White House,' he went on. 'It's been infuriating to observe the damage he has inflicted in recent months on the reputation of a newspaper whose investigative reporting has served as a bulwark against Trump's most transgressive impulses.' On X, Peter Baker, the Washington expert who spent 20 years at the Post before becoming the Times' Chief Washington Correspondent, remarked how the screening 'reminds us of what it was like to have a person of principle and courage own the Washington Post.' The reactions came in after Katie Robertson, media reporter for the New York Times, noted how Bezos was not the only 'notable' person absent - singling out the Post's CEO Will Lewis and editor Matt Murray as well. The pair, individually, are perhaps the biggest presences in the Post's DC newsroom, which has been hit with a parade of high-profile exits - as Bezos continues to stray from his old, self-proclaimed 'hands-off' strategy as owner. The Amazon founder appeared to first set out on that path in the weeks before Trump was elected, by scrapping an endorsement from the post - at the 11th hour for the first time in decades. Days before Trump's win, as staffers were still reeling from the decision, Bezos partied overseas with fiancee Lauren Sanchez and pop star Katy Perry. Social media users reacting to Bezos's lack of attendance at the ceremony surrounding Graham, after it was first reported by The New York Times Both are now set to be launched into space for a costly Bezos Blue Origin flight set for spring, which has also incited complaints. Further enflaming staffers was the trip to celebrate Perry's 40th birthday in Venice alongside Sanchez and her fiance Orlando Bloom after pulling the endorsement. Post staffers aired frustrations with the paper's leadership as the trip was unfolding, in the form of a letter signed by 400 staffers demanding a sit-down with the mogul. The meeting never materialized. As this was happening, 250,000 readers canceled their subscriptions in protest of the pulled - a number bolstered by at least 75,000 last week after the decision to do away with the longheld iteration of the Post's Opinion section. Seeking to explain the former, Bezos cited growing 'distrust' of media. 'What presidential endorsements actually do is create a perception of bias,' the 60-year-old, who on Friday surpassed Elon Musk according to the Bloomberg Billionaire Index, said at the time. 'A perception of non-independence. Ending them is a principled decision, and it's the right one.' Now-former Post Opinion Editor Robert Kagan left as a result, accusing company brass of engaging in a quid-pro-quo with the Trump campaign after execs from Blue Origin were spotted meeting with Trump in October. Bezos has yet to issue a statement explaining his absence to the ceremony, which was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Same goes William Lewis, the Post's CEO, who has ruffled feathers since taking the helm at the paper a year ago. He did not mince words while speaking to staff in November about its poor financial situation, telling them, 'People are not reading your stuff' Another columnist, Michelle Norris, also walked out, writing on X that the decision was a 'terrible mistake' that same month. Three prominent opinions section writers, David Hoffman, Molly Roberts and Robert Kagan, followed suit in September, with each naming the reason as frustration with the endorsement decision. Opinion editor Amanda Katz and her deputy Charles Lane have also since gone, joined by columnist Jennifer Rubin. All left in January after lengthy, decorated tenures. The paper's White House Correspondent, Tyler Pager, left in December, also citing frustration with the paper's trajectory. He announced he would be rejoining his old employer, the Times, long considered the Post's main rival. Following the Opinion page overhaul, the Post's longtime editorial page editor, David Shipley, left as well. 'I am of America and for America, and proud to be so,' Bezos said in a statement hours before. 'Our country did not get here by being typical. And a big part of America's success has been freedom in the economic realm and everywhere else. 'Freedom is ethical - it minimizes coercion - and practical; it drives creativity, invention and prosperity.' In his own note, sent to remaining opinion staff, Shipley said he was stepping down 'after reflection on how I can best move forward in the profession I love.' Graham, the late publisher of the Washington Post, is seen with former president Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy in 1991 'I will always be thankful for the opportunity I was given to work alongside a team of opinion journalists whose commitment to strong, innovative, reported commentary inspired me every day,' he wrote. Weeks before, Bezos further enraged staffers by attending Trump's inauguration alongside other billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg. As for the Graham screening, Bezos has yet to issue a statement explaining his absence to the ceremony, which was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The same goes for Lewis, whom Status this week reported had been meeting with the editor-in-chief of the conservative Free Beacon last month about how recruiting more conservative journalists to The Post. Named the Post's CEO a year ago, he has since ruffled feathers as well - choosing not to mince words while speaking to staff in November about its poor financial situation and flailing readership. 'People are not reading your stuff', he said at the time. Murray, the third absentee, was the only to provide an explanation - saying he missed the event due to illness. The screening was hosted by Graham's old friend Warren Buffett and attended by a grab-bag of bigwigs like Bill Gates, David Rubenstein, Tony Blinken, and Bill Murray. Ford has confirmed the date it will stop making one of Britain's most loved cars of the last three decades. The US maker has been killing off some of its most recognisable combustion-engine model names in recent years as part of its ongoing efforts to switch to EVs. The car giant wound-up outputs of Mondeo in April 2022. Just 12 months later, bosses oversaw the discontinuation of the S-Max and Galaxy MPVs, much to the annoyance of taxi and airport shuttle operators who have relied on them for years. In July 2023, it was the turn of the Fiesta - a car that has amassed 22 million sales globally and 4.8 million in the UK alone - to be ended after 47 years of continuous production, despite being Britain's best-selling small car at the time the axe was wielded. And the Focus is next for the chopping block... Out of focus: Ford has confirmed it will end production of the much-loved Focus in November. It will lower the curtain on a 27-year spell as one of Britain's favourite family cars A Ford spokesperson said: 'The Focus has been an important part of the Ford family in Europe for over 20 years, and we are deeply grateful for the loyalty and passion our customers have shown for this iconic vehicle. 'We remain committed to serving our Focus customers with ongoing service, parts, and support.' Sadly, there are no plans for a direct Focus successor as the car maker concentrates of its transition to EVs, which is heavily bias towards new SUV models. Customers can still order a new Focus in their desired specification for the time being, but with the end of manufacturing at its Saarlouis plant in Germany rubberstamped for November, it won't be long before order books are closed once and for all. There will then be a period of time that a new Focus can be snapped up from remaining inventory, but once stocks run dry that will be the end of the incredibly popular hatchback that's been servicing Britain's families for almost 30 years. Ford has already slaughtered a number of its volume-selling modern car names. The Mondeo was culled back in 2022 Production of both the Galaxy (left) and S-Max (right) MPVs came to an abrupt end in 2023 On 7 July 2023, Ford made its last Fiesta model, signalling the end of the road for Britain's most-bought car of all time that had been in production for 47 continuous years Some 4.8million Fiestas had been sold in the UK since it first arrived in 1976. There's still over 1.5million of them on our roads today Ford Europe's General Manager, Martin Sander, on 6 July 2023 shared this snap of himself with workers on the Fiesta production line in Cologne the day before assembly of the small hatchback ended The Ford factory in Cologne (pictured left) produced its final Fiesta on 7 July 2023. Images of the last car built have circulated on social media. Every member of the team on the assembly line and working on Fiesta at the Ford factory signed the model With the demise of Focus in November, Ford will only have two petrol engined new cars on sale in Britain: Puma and Kuga The Focus currently costs from 28,500 in Britain. Standard variants come with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost mild-hybrid petrol engine. However, the Focus ST - its popular hot hatch - is also still available to order with a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-pot motor producing 280hp. Prices start from 37,705. Having launched in 1998, Focus won European Car of the Year in 1999. Prince William was pictured learning to drive in one the same year. Focus then went on to enjoy an extended period at the top of UK sales charts. It was the nation's most popular new car for 10 consecutive years until 2008 when it was dethroned by the smaller Fiesta, which then held the crown for the next 12 years. Today it remains one of Ford's most in-demand models and one of the most commonly bought family hatchbacks in Britain. There are approximately 1.3 million Ford Focus examples registered in the UK making it the second most common car on our roads behind the Fiesta. Yet the company confirmed all the way back in 2022 that it would be pulling the plug on Focus production in Saarlouis despite its relative popularity. At the time, then Ford of Europe boss, Martin Sander, said: 'In the long run, we are still deeply convinced that EVs will be the future and we will see a significant increase in volume. 'By the end of this year [2022], we will have a full range of electric vehicles both in the passenger vehicle sector but also in our commercial vehicle business line and we are quite flexible to adapt to market demand. For the next couple of years, we have a broad choice. 'Basically, our customers have the power of choice to pick what they want.' However, just 12 months after overseeing the end of production of Fiesta, Sander left Ford to take up a role as sales and marketing boss at rival Volkswagen. The Focus first arrived in 1998 and became an instant hit for its dashing looks, practical interior, brilliant drive and affordable price A decade at the top of the sales charts: From 1999 to 2008, the Focus was Britain's most-bought new car The last-generation Focus currently costs from 28,500 in Britain. Standard variants come with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost mild-hybrid petrol engine the Focus ST - Ford's popular hot hatch - is still available to order for the meantime. It is widely considered one of the best performance hatchbacks on sale today and is likely to become a future classic like ST and RS models before it. Prices start from 37,705 The decision on Focus means that Ford's only combustion-engined car options for customers from November will be the Puma crossover - the nation's best-selling new model - and the larger Kuga SUV. The rest of the model line-up is filled by EVs, with the Explorer, Mustang Mach-E and controversially named Capri SUV. This move to an electrified model range has come at the cost of popularity among UK buyers. Last year, Ford dropped down the order of best-selling car brands to fifth with 109,995 registrations - accounting for one in 20 new models entering the road - having been second overall in 2023. While it sold fewer new passenger vehicles than Volkswagen in both years, in 2024 it was overtaken in terms of popularity by BMW, Audi and Kia. Wind the clocks back a decade and Ford was Britain's most loved make - and by some distance. In 2014, Ford sold 326,643 cars in the UK, which was almost one in seven passenger vehicles sold that year. The boss of blue-blooded investment firm Schroders launched an attack on cash Isas used by millions of ordinary savers as the City pushes to grab a bigger slice of the funds. Richard Oldfield said the 20,000 upper limit for investing in a tax-free cash individual savings account (ISA) should be reduced amid pressure by fund managers to divert more of the money into shares. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is being lobbied by the City to change the rules ahead of her mini-Budget this month in a bid to boost growth. It is thought the limit could be cut from 20,000 a year to 4,000. But the Mails Hands off our cash Isas campaign is standing up for savers who have nearly 300billion invested in the accounts. Building societies are opposed to the changes. They receive much of their funding via cash Isas and say reducing them will mean pricier mortgages for home buyers. Yesterday, the boss of Nottingham Building Society became the latest to speak out against changing the cash Isa limits. Investment drive: Schroders boss Richard Oldfield (pictured) said the 20,000 upper limit for investing in a tax-free cash individual savings account should be reduced But Oldfield argued that it was an anomaly that the current limit for saving in cash Isas should be the same as that for stocks and share Isas. He said: I know having cash Isas is really important for certain segments of the country and weve got to continue to support that. But I would advocate for having a reduced Isa limit. The debate is by how much. Currently, savers can put as much as 20,000 a year into tax-free Isa accounts. The sum may be all in cash or all in shares or a combination of both. Advocates of reform say that encouraging more of the money to go into share accounts could help boost the stock market and encourage growth. And they say that it would be a better for savers, generating higher returns. Some, including the Chancellor, think the UK should aspire to an investing culture similar to that in the US where ordinary households invest much more of their money in the markets. Oldfield said: We all accept that we need to grow the UK economy. And to grow the UK economy we probably need more risk-taking than we have today. No one is going to argue with that. If we take the amount of money that goes into Isas, that is a huge tax credit that were all paying for and at the moment a large portion of that is going into cash Isas. Over any time period that creates a worse investment outcome for our clients than actually having it in an investment Isa. So I think it is a really important debate to have. Having the levels equal is a bit of an anomaly. But opponents say many savers do not want to gamble on what they see as risky market bets. Sue Hayes, chief executive of Nottingham Building Society, said yesterday: We believe it is important to enable a market where saving is encouraged and incentivised and alongside other societies, we advocate for the current cash Isa regulations to be maintained. Last week, Leeds Building Societys chief executive Richard Fearon added his voice to the opposition, saying that hundreds of customers had raised concerns, with many believing it would be unfair to change the rules. They like that their money goes towards helping others buy a home, Fearon said. They dont want to invest in stocks and shares and they feel they will be penalised for saving. Skipton Building Society and Nationwide have also urged Reeves to protect cash Isas. Schroders will axe jobs as it seeks to cut costs by 150m a year and increases its reliance on artificial intelligence. Finance chief Meagan Burnett said it would definitely have fewer employees later this year but gave no figure. It employs 6,300 people worldwide and 3,600 in the UK. Clients pulled 4.7billion from funds in 2024 compared to inflows of 1billion the year before, underlining the pressure on the business. The bosses of two of Britains biggest companies saw their pay slashed last year but could scoop millions more in 2025. Rolls-Royce chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic took a near-10million pay cut despite leading the engine-maker through a dramatic turnaround that has meant its share price has almost doubled. And BPs chief executive Murray Auchincloss received a 2.3million reduction though this coincided with a slump in its shares and profits as the troubled oil giant continued to struggle. Both were still paid handsomely, however, with Erginbilgic earning 4.1million and Auchincloss getting 5.4million. And this year the Rolls-Royce boss is in line for a maximum of 12million while his BP counterparts deal is worth up to 12.7million. Most of Erginbilgics cut reflected his inflated pay in 2023 when he was handed a 7.5million share package to compensate for leaving his previous job. Pay cuts: Rolls-Royce chief exec Tufan Erginbligic (right) took a near-10m pay cut last year while BPs chief exec Murray Auchincloss (left) received a 2.3m reduction He has led a remarkable recovery at Rolls-Royce since taking the reins at the start of 2023 the share price was 93.2p and the company was worth 7.9billion. The stock hit a record high above 800p this week and is now worth 68.11billion, making it the sixth biggest company on the London stock market. Rolls-Royce last week upgraded its profits forecasts and pledged to hand 1.5billion to shareholders through a 504million dividend and 1billion stock buyback. It was the first dividend for five years and first buyback for a decade and came as the company cashed in on a rebound in air travel following the Covid pandemic and increased defence spending. Rolls-Royce said that it was on course to hit its 2027 profit targets, which were set in 2023, this year. BP has not fared so well and Auchincloss is under pressure from shareholders, including activist Elliott, to turn the company around. It made 7.2billion of profit last year, down about one-third compared to 2023, after oil and gas prices fell from the highs seen in the wake of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Outlining a fundamental reset last week, Auchincloss admitted that the firm went too far too fast on a misplaced rush to net zero. He announced plans to slash spending on renewable energy and instead invest more in oil and gas, which was a reversal of the strategy of his predecessor Bernard Looney. But it is understood that Elliott believes he did not go far enough, with the future of Auchincloss and his chairman Helge Lund very much in doubt. Auchincloss was appointed to the top job in January last year, having been acting chief executive since September 2023 after Looney was ousted. BP is the eighth biggest company in the FTSE 100, worth 66.02billion. The owner of high street chain Boots has agreed to be taken private in a deal worth up to $23.7billion (18.4billion). Walgreens Boots Alliance said private equity firm Sycamore Partners plans to pay its investors $11.45 (8.86) per share. Sycamore will hand out a further $3 per share (2.32) dependent on the disposal of Walgreens' primary care business, VillageMD, which includes its Village Medical, Summit Health and CityMD segments. The transaction represents a 29 per cent premium to Walgreens' share price in mid-December, just before the first reports of a deal were announced. Walgreens was worth over $100billion soon after the company bought the remaining stake it did not own in Boots in 2014, having purchased a 45 per cent stake two years earlier. However, the Illinois-based group's value has since plunged by 90 per cent amid rising costs, heightened competition from online firms, and low prescription drug reimbursement rates. Acquisition: Walgreens Boots Alliance, the owner of high street chain Boots, has agreed to be taken private in a deal worth up to $23.7billion (18.4billion) Three years ago, Walgreens began a strategic review of its Boots business amidst a renewed focus on its US healthcare operations. Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries and American investment giant Apollo Global Management considered a joint bid for Boots. Walgreens decided to retain control of the high street brand, saying potential buyers were unable to raise sufficient funds following an 'unexpected and dramatic change' in global financial markets. Tim Wentworth became chief executive of Walgreens in 2023, but the company has continued to struggle, recording a massive operating loss of $14.2billion last year. To reduce costs, it has slashed dividend payouts, cut its holding in drug wholesaler Cencora, and announced plans to shut 1,200 stores over the coming three years. Wentworth said: 'While we are making progress against our ambitious turnaround strategy, meaningful value creation will take time, focus and change that is better managed as a private company. 'Sycamore will provide us with the expertise and experience of a partner with a strong track record of successful retail turnarounds.' Founded in 2011, Sycamore specialises in retail and consumer investments, buying the US-based office supply retailer Staples in 2017 for $7billion. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, believes the group is unlikely to hold onto Boots if it completes the acquisition of Walgreens. He added: 'Boots is a well-loved brand and could attract a lot of attention if it did list on the UK stock market. 'However, the retail sector faces considerable headwinds from higher employment costs and a potential dip in consumer confidence. 'Therefore, it might be better to wait until the outlook improves before pursuing a listing, should Sycamore go down the IPO demerger route.' With so many scary headlines about AI-powered killer robots and weather calamities, you might be forgiven for thinking that the prospect of nuclear apocalypse was no longer a priority. Think again. China's rise, Russian aggression in Eastern Europe and North Korean belligerence could yet see nuclear warheads raining down on a largely undefended US, experts told the Daily Mail. That's why President Donald Trump's flurry of executive orders upon taking office included one about putting a 'shield' of interceptors in space to shoot down any incoming nukes. In his congressional address this week, he called it a 'state-of-the-art golden dome missile defense shield to protect our homeland.' It borrows from Israel's Iron Dome system, he says, but will be 'all made in the USA' and be the first step in 'building the most powerful military of the future.' Trump likens the plan to his predecessor Ronald Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative the hoped-for 1980s 'Star Wars' program of space-based high-energy beams that never quite materialized. Technology has come a long way since then, says the president. Now, he has an ally in tech-geek Elon Musk, who's adept at getting satellites into low-earth orbit for a fraction of what it used to cost. Israel's 'Iron Dome' system has shown what's possible in missile defense nowadays Elon Musk shows President Donald Trump around a SpaceX Starship control room in Texas But, for all Musk's expertise, it is still not not clear whether it will feasible or affordable to defend against all intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons that could one day come America's way. It certainly isn't encouraging that the US has in recent decades spent billions of dollars on nuclear-missile defenses with little to show for it leaving folks from Alaska to Florida especially vulnerable to nuclear salvos from overseas. And the prospect of even a single one-megaton thermonuclear weapon reaching the homeland is beyond terrifying, recently declassified official documents show. A detonation would begin with a flash of light and heat so tremendous it is impossible for the human mind to comprehend five times hotter than at the center of the sun. Nuclear weapons expert Rebecca Gibbons Within seconds, thermal radiation would have deeply burned the skin on roughly one million people. 90 percent of them will die. But if Trump's dome becomes reality, that threat would diminish. It would also upend the balance of global power, embolden America, and encourage its adversaries to rethink their defense postures. 'We're in a dangerous world right now,' says Rebecca Gibbons, an expert from the University of Southern Maine. 'Russia and the US are suspending arms control, China's building up a disaster shouldn't be the reason that we realize we need a better security environment for ourselves and others.' Reagan's 'Star Wars' idea never got off the drawing board, sucking up billions of dollars without yielding any of the warhead-downing space lasers it envisaged. The US has since created a Ground-Based Midcourse Defence (GMD), which relies on interceptors in Alaska and California that have the ability to parry a small number of ballistic missiles. Trump's shield plan is much grander and, he says, would be able to halt 'any foreign aerial attack' on the homeland, up to and including a barrage of hundreds of missiles from Russia or China at once. Moscow controls an arsenal of 1,250 deployed nuclear weapons, and China's stockpile is growing fast. Even North Korea may be able to fire at least a few long-range nukes at the US. All it takes is for one thermonuclear weapon to evade a defense shield, and the results are terrifying A Patriot missile battery, which is already part of America's systems to shoot down drones, cruise missiles and some ballistic weapons Such long-range missiles come with decoys and other penetration aids and travel at epic speeds of 15,500mph or faster. Stopping them is unfeasibly challenging, often likened to 'hitting a bullet with another bullet.' Swerving hypersonic missiles and some types of cruise missiles are harder still to target. GMD's alone wouldn't stop them, as they only hit incoming missiles in mid-flight. Israel's 'Iron Dome' air defense system falls short, too it only knocks out low-level targets, rockets, mortar shells and cruise missiles over a short range. Trump's directive envisages defending the vast continental US, which spans four time zones. It calls for lots of small, armed 'space-based interceptors' to lurk above China, Russia and other foes and destroy ICBM's in the minutes after they launch. That was impossibly costly and tricky in the 1980s, but the price of putting thousands of satellites into orbit has sharply reduced in recent years. Musk's Space X has revolutionized the sector with its reusable Falcon rocket, slashing launch costs from tens of thousands of dollars per kilogram to mere thousands. It's not clear whether Trump's Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is cooperating on space lasers with Musk, who is now a 'special government employee' charged with cutting bureaucratic flab. Still, getting hundreds of such military satellites into orbit would quickly sap the Pentagon's $850 billion-a-year budget. The US Space Force was established in 2019 by Donald Trump during his first term Elon Musk's space programs massively cut the cost of putting satellites in space, including his Starlink communications system Henry Sokolski, a veteran Pentagon staffer who now heads the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, says thousands of interceptors would be needed in low Earth orbit to make a difference. The plan also relies on untested innovations. The satellites would have to be able to consistently spot, track, and guide interceptors to enemy missiles and destroy them and this remains a challenge for engineers. Some work is already in progress. The US Missile Defense Agency recently awarded Lockheed Martin a $2.8 billion contract to develop more Terminal High Altitude Area Defense ground-based weapon systems, which knock out short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The US Space Force, established in 2019 by Trump in his first term, would be a key part of the missile shield along with the US Strategic and Northern commands. Frank Miller, a former Pentagon senior official, says military chiefs are doubtless 'cobbling together' plans involving existing and new ground and space-based systems for Trump to choose from. Any decision will likely come down to how much money Trump and the Pentagon want to throw at it and what Congress allows. Miller says there's a bipartisan appetite in Washington for upgrades to US missile defense. He points to a 2023 Strategic Posture Commission report that saw even dovish liberals sign on to more spending. 'The thinking is changing,' Miller told the Daily Mail. A nuclear World War III is guaranteed to leave, at minimum, two billion dead 'There may be a way of doing this that doesn't bust the defense budget of the US or its allies.' Sokolski supports what he calls a much-needed 'game-changer' for US security. 'We might be able to develop a system that would make a massive strike of a few hundred warheads look so unappetizing that Russia and China wouldn't pull the trigger,' he said. Against those odds, Moscow and Beijing might be more open to arms control talks. Gibbons, the author of The Hegemon's Tool Kit, says the opposite is true a fortress-like America would grow belligerent, and its adversaries would devise military workarounds. Russia and China designed hypersonic missiles to evade America's existing defenses, she said. They may already be devising a nuclear-tipped underwater drone capable of leveling Seattle, New York or another coastal city, unaffected by aerial defenses, she added. 'We'd be spending hundreds of billions of dollars on something we don't know will work, and actually motivate our adversaries to innovate and find a new way to overtake our defenses,' said Gibbons. More Russian spy cells are lurking in Britain, a counter-terror chief warned as six Bulgarians were convicted of spying for the Kremlin. The spy ring received orders directly from Moscow and was run from a Great Yarmouth guesthouse stacked with sophisticated surveillance technology. The agents passed secrets to Russia for almost three years, spying on a US airbase in Germany and tailing opponents of the state - some of whom they plotted to snare in 'honeytrap plots,' kidnap and even murder. A fifth of British counter-terror policing is now devoted to battling a surge of state-backed threats, Scotland Yard commander Dominic Murphy said. And this espionage cell lurking in suburbia was just one example of the Russian intelligence services using proxy agents for its 'stream of covert activity and sabotage,' he warned. 'The reality is this won't be the only activity Russia is conducting here in the UK and we have seen other disruptions here in recent months,' Mr Murphy, head of counterterrorism command, added. Beautician Vanya Gaberova, 30, decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, and lab technician Katrin Ivanova, 33, have been found guilty of conspiring to spy for Russia after a three-month trial. Their handler, Orlin Roussev, 46, his lieutenant, Biser Dzhambazov, 43, and Ivan Stoyanov, 32, had already pleaded guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets Act. Beautician Vanya Gaberova (pictured), decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, and lab technician Katrin Ivanova, 33, have been found guilty of conspiring to spy for Russia Gaberova pictured with Biser Dzhambazov, 43, who had already plead guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets act Katrin Ivanova (pictured) was found guilty of being part of the network of spies who passed information onto the Russian state The agents all face lengthy jail terms when they are sentenced. Pictured: Gaberova's custody photo Decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, (left) and Orlin Roussev, 46, (right) were both accused of being part of the ring. Roussev pled guilty at an earlier date Biser Dzhambazov had previously pleaded guilty to spying for the Kremlin, before Friday's verdict was delivered Ivan Stoyanov, 32, pleaded guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets Act The agents all face lengthy jail terms when they are sentenced. Their well-financed activities spanned London, Vienna, Valencia, Montenegro and Stuttgart, with the two women intended to be used in a series of 'honeytrap' plots, their Old Bailey trial heard. At least 200,000 was sent by the group's Moscow-based handler, fugitive businessman Jan Marsalek, to finance the operations, which were planned over 80,000 messages exchanged with Roussev over Telegram. And an 'Aladdin's Cave' of sophisticated technology including rocks containing hidden cameras, a 120,000 device for intercepting mobile phone numbers, 11 drones, 221 mobile phones and 75 fake passports was found at Roussev's guesthouse. The Bulgarian referred to himself as 'Q Branch' after James Bond's famous quartermaster, and built many of the devices himself including a Coca-Cola bottle containing a hidden camera. Commander Murphy said the investigation into the group was the largest he had seen in his two decades of counter-terrorism. 'This was spying on an almost industrial scale on behalf of Russia,' he added. 'It felt like something you would expect to read in a spy novel. This is not something we see very often.' Pictured: Fake press cards belonging to Gaberova and Ivanchev that were shown to the jury during the trial Fugitive businessman Jan Marsalek (pictured in his passport photo) was the financer of the operations A fake Belgian passport in the name of Alexandre Schmidt, with a photograph of Jan Marsalek An Interpol red notice issued at the request of Germany in August 2020 for spy Jan Marsalek A Slovenian ID card in the name of Marko Humar, with a photo of spy chief Orlin Roussev Sophisticated technology including rocks containing hidden cameras and a 120,000 device for intercepting mobile phone numbers was found at an address in Great Yarmouth Police also found 11 drones, 221 mobile phones and 75 fake passports at Roussev's guesthouse Bulgarian national Dzhambazov, 43, previously admitted to spying in the UK on behalf of Russia Pictured: The Haydee Hotel guest house in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, which was linked to the spy ring A photo of a fake Dzhambazov press ID card shown to the jury during the trial A surveillance image of Christo Grozev, whose work uncovering the men behind the Salisbury nerve agent attack made him a target for the Kremlin, and Roman Dobrokhotov The agents used hi-tech equipment to try and track Ukrainian servicemen training at US airbase Patch Barracks in Stuttgart (Pictured: A minion camera seized by police) The two women in the group were referred to as the 'brunette twins' and were tasked with setting honeytraps for targets including journalist Christo Grozev, whose work uncovering the men behind the Salisbury nerve agent attack made him a target for the Kremlin. Gaberova was intended to seduce the journalist in a honeytrap plot and sent Grozev a Facebook message, which he accepted. 'We can definitely record something for Pornhub too, that girl is real hot,' Roussev wrote to Marsalek. 'She's a swinger too.' The spymasters also plotted to kidnap Grozev and take him back to Russia, but this plan was not followed through. The spies also targeted a UK-based Russian dissident who they discussed killing with a poison dart fired from a drone, a Kazakhstani former politician, and a Russian lawyer who they planned to bring to Moscow 'dead or alive' for a fee of 30,000. The agents used hi-tech equipment to try and track Ukrainian servicemen training at US airbase Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, with the aim of determining where US Patriot missiles were being fired. They agreed a 34,000-a-month budget for the operation, which was cut short when the spies were arrested in a series of dawn raids by the British police in February 2023. A photo of Vanya Gaberova in spy glasses that was shown to jury during the trial Bulgarian national Dzhambazov, 43, previously admitted to spying in the UK on behalf of Russia Dzhambazov, seen dressed in military uniform, was one of six found guilty on Friday Police officers found an array of fake military uniform at the home of Dzhambazov Police camera footage shows Ivanchev being interviewed by police after his arrest Police who smashed into his home found Dzhambazov naked in bed with Gaberova. His long-term girlfriend, Ivanova, only learnt of their affair after she herself was arrested. Following the 2018 Salisbury poisoning attack, Britain expelled 23 Russian diplomats identified as undeclared intelligence officers, and 100 Russian diplomat visa applications have been denied on national security grounds in the years since. Russian intelligence agencies have turned to other methods to carry out covert plots, often using expendable proxy groups handlers refer to as 'misfits,' the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, said. 'The use of criminal proxies is one of the most demanding matters in the state threat world,' he told the Mail. 'And the Orlin Roussev case shows us that [the Russian state] is using very sophisticated actors. 'They certainly invested a lot in these people, given the sums we have heard about and the sophisticated nature of the equipment found at their homes. 'This activity was taking place while Russia was at war on one front with Ukraine and clearly willing to open up aggressive espionage fronts inside the UK and our western allies.' Mr Hall said that hostile states employing proxies to carry out nefarious plots in the West was on the rise, citing a stunt in which five coffins bearing the inscription 'French soldiers of Ukraine' were deposited near the Eiffel Tower last year. A screengrab from the social media network Telegram of Biser Dzhambazov, wearing what appears to be loo roll on his head, while on a video call with Vanya Gaberova Spies Katrin Ivanova (left) and Vanya Gaberova (right) are seen in an artist's illustration during an earlier appearance at Westminster Magistrates court via videolink Image shows a Coca Cola bottle that was seized as part of the investigation A handout photo issued by Met Police of the Jewish Museum in Vienna, where the spy ring planned to post Nazi Ukrainian stickers Screen grab taken from police body cam showing the arrest of spy chief Orlin Roussev in Great Yarmouth in 2023 Spy chief Roussev shown during the moment of his arrest at his Great Yarmouth home in 2023 At least 200,000 was sent by the group's Moscow-based handler, fugitive businessman Jan Marsalek, to finance the operations, which were planned over 80,000 messages exchanged with Roussev (pictured during his arrest) over Telegram A wider shot of the scene of Roussev's arrest shows special equipment used for his activities Mobile phones found by police inside a safe at a property occupied by Biser Dzhambazov and Katrin Ivanova in High Road, Harrow Footage shows Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev speaking to a police officer outside the home of his ex-girlfriend Vanya Gaberova the day after she was arrested It is thought the culprits were also eastern Europeans coordinated by Russian intelligence. Suspected Russian-led attacks on British soil include an arson attack on an east London industrial unit linked to Ukrainian businesses last March, carried out by British men Jake Reeves and Dylan Earl at the behest of Russia's Wagner mercenary group. Earl became the first person to be convicted under the new National Security Act, brought in last year to target those working secretly for hostile states within the UK. 'Using proxies means they are expendable,' Mr Hall explained. 'If they are apprehended then they won't know much about the wider system operating them so they are low risk.' Mr Hall said that Britain had to work under the assumption that state-sponsored acts of sabotage and disruption would continue. 'Spying is as old as the hills and there is no reason to think that the appetite is going to decrease,' he said. 'It is not limited to traditional spying, there is also information warfare designed to cause disruption, undermine systems and even influence voting. 'One of the things the public doesn't realise is that some of it will be very attention-grabbing, murder for hire for example, but quite a lot of this is actually very subtle and a long-term influence operation. 'The harm is less immediately obvious and it is very hard to tell if there is a hidden hand at work.' Like all the best teams of undercover agents, the Great Yarmouth guesthouse spy ring comprised individuals with very different skillsets. There was the expert in hidden gadgets, busily dreaming up ways to conceal cameras in Coke bottles, the shaven-headed enforcer known as The Rock and the smouldering 'killer sexy brunette' ready to be deployed in honeytrap stings. As for the puppet master, he was a mysterious businessman on the run from Interpol, now holed up in Moscow doing the bidding of Vladimir Putin. For almost three years the group passed secrets to Russia, travelling across Europe to spy on enemies of the Kremlin, journalists and Ukrainian troops training at a US air base. In that time they plotted how to kidnap their targets even discussing how to murder them if they could not bring their victims back to Moscow alive. And all backed up by an 'Aladdin's Cave' of sophisticated technology including a 120,000 device for intercepting mobile phone numbers, a fleet of drones and dozens of fake passports. That there were farcical moments along the way there can be no doubt. At one point a surveillance team visited a zoo to look at polar bears when they should have been hot on the tail of a target. Another stakeout was interrupted by a trip to Harrods. As for their sexual shenanigans, even James Bond might have raised a quizzical eyebrow at all the bed-hopping. But at the same time there is no doubting the threat they - and others like them - pose to the security of the West. Biser Dzhambazov and Vanya Gaberova pose for a selfie in this picture that was shown to the jury at the Old Bailey Vanya Gaberova, 30, has been found guilty of spying for Russia at the Old Bailey Decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, (left) and Orlin Roussev, 46, (right) were both accused of being part of the ring. Roussev pled guilty at an earlier date 'This was spying on an almost industrial scale on behalf of Russia,' observed Scotland Yard commander Dominic Murphy whose investigation into the espionage ring is the largest he has been involved with in two decades of fighting terrorism. 'It felt like something you would expect to read in a spy novel. This is not something we see very often.' At the Old Bailey following a three-month trial, beautician Vanya Gaberova, 30, decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, and lab technician Katrin Ivanova, 33, were found guilty of conspiring to spy for Russia. Their handler, Orlin Roussev, 46, his lieutenant, Biser Dzhambazov, 43, and Ivan Stoyanov, 32, had already pleaded guilty to charges under the Official Secrets Act. They will be sentenced at a later date but the six Bulgarian nationals are now facing lengthy jail sentences. Their deployment by Russia marks a new chapter in an age-old game. In the years before the 2018 Novichok nerve agent attack in Salisbury, any Russian espionage on British soil was run by highly-trained operatives working directly for their intelligence agencies such as the GRU or FSB. Following the incident, Britain expelled 23 Russian diplomats identified as undeclared intelligence officers, while 100 Russian diplomat visa applications have since been denied on national security grounds. It means Russian intelligence agencies have had to turn to other methods to carry out covert plots, often using proxy groups to do their dirty work. These include migrants tempted by the offer of cash - so-called 'misfits' who are viewed by their handlers as relatively expendable. The agents all face lengthy jail terms when they are sentenced. Pictured: Gaberova's custody photo Katrin Ivanova was also accused of being part of a network of spies targeting people and places of interest to the Russian state Ivan Stoyanov, 32, pleaded guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets Act Ivan Stoyanov, 32, had already pleaded guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets Act Pictured: The Haydee Hotel guest house in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, where the spy ring operated from Inside three of the 33 rooms of the guest house was a 'significant amount of IT and surveillance equipment' Police also found 11 drones, 221 mobile phones and 75 fake passports at Roussev's guesthouse Fugitive businessman Jan Marsalek (pictured in his passport photo) was the financer of the operations A fake Belgian passport in the name of Alexandre Schmidt, with a photograph of Jan Marsalek An Interpol red notice issued at the request of Germany in August 2020 for spy Jan Marsalek A Slovenian ID card in the name of Marko Humar, with a photo of spy chief Orlin Roussev The British ring was run by Austrian businessman Jan Marsalek. The grandson of a Soviet spy, Marsalek's own story is worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. The 44-year-old was an executive at German tech giant Wirecard and has been on the run since the firm collapsed in 2020 amid a 1.6bn fraud. Marsalek is thought to have first been brought into Russian intelligence circles by a GRU officer after the pair met on a yacht at his girlfriend's birthday party in the south of France. After absconding, he was offered sanctuary by the Kremlin, travelling to Moscow on a passport belonging to a priest from the Russian Orthodox church. The fugitive businessman delighted in his new role as a spy handler, exchanging 80,000 messages and hundreds of thousands of pounds with Orlin Roussev, the UK boss of the spy ring. Roussev, a Porsche-driving Bulgarian, described himself as 'Q branch' because his skills creating surveillance devices were as impressive as James Bond's famous quartermaster. He moved to Britain in 2009, initially working in a technical role in financial services. But Roussev's LinkedIn profile states he later owned a business in signals intelligence, involving the interception of communications. It is believed he first had contact with Marsalek through Wirecard. In 2021, Roussev moved from London to an unremarkable seaside guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, which was purchased for 220,000 by his partner. This picture of Vanya Gaberova wearing spy glasses was shown to the jury at the Old Bailey Image shows a Coca Cola bottle that was seized as part of the investigation Bulgarian national Dzhambazov, 43, previously admitted to spying in the UK on behalf of Russia Dzhambazov, seen dressed in military uniform, was one of six found guilty on Friday Police officers found an array of fake military uniform at the home of Dzhambazov Police camera footage shows Ivanchev being interviewed by police after his arrest A photo of a fake Dzhambazov press ID card shown to the jury during the trial A surveillance image of Christo Grozev, whose work uncovering the men behind the Salisbury nerve agent attack made him a target for the Kremlin, and Roman Dobrokhotov There he set about creating an 'Indiana Jones warehouse' of spy gadgetry in three of the bedrooms. Among his inventions were a two-litre Coca-Cola bottle containing a hidden camera, a computer mouse with hidden listening device and a cuddly toy 'minion' from the Hollywood film complete with concealed camera. It was something of an in-joke Roussev always referred to his underlings as his 'minions'. The ring's second in command, who Roussev met through friends, was laboratory worker Biser Dzhambazov, who called himself 'Mad Max' and coordinated things on the ground. Roussev sent at least 173,000 to Dzhambazov, who kept 95,000 for himself and paid the rest to other members of the spy ring including 37,000 to his partner Katrin Ivanova. He was ten years older than Ivanova, having met the then-teenage secretarial assistant at a double-glazing firm in Sofia where he worked. In 2012 they moved to Britain, setting up home in Harrow, northwest London, where they ran a community project called the Bulgarian Social Platform, ostensibly to help their countrymen integrate into the UK. Dzhambazov told members of the group he had been a policeman in his homeland, and provided free English lessons and electronic tablets to Bulgarians who were settling in Britain. 'Bulgarians living abroad normally advise you to stay away from other Bulgarians because they will normally try to f*** you,' a former member of the project told the Mail. 'And now I wonder if the Bulgarian Social Network was just a way of recruiting other people to spy with them.' The agents used hi-tech equipment to try and track Ukrainian servicemen training at US airbase Patch Barracks in Stuttgart (Pictured: A minion camera seized by police) Pictured: Fake press cards belonging to Gaberova and Ivanchev that were shown to the jury during the trial A neighbour recalled strange goings-on with satellite dishes, saying: 'I do remember that they had theirs pointed in a different direction to all the other ones. At one stage, he had a friend around and they tried to mount a massive one on the wall. But it would have blocked out the light into my flat and so we had words about that and it didn't happen.' For ladies' man Dzhambazov, deceit would feature in both his private and professional life. In July 2021 he started cheating on his partner after meeting the glamorous Vanya Gaberova at a polling station in a west London hotel ahead of the Bulgarian national elections. He would first woo her and then recruit her and her boyfriend to join the spy ring. Originally from a rural village in south-western Bulgaria, Gaberova was obsessed with her looks. 'She was always childish and naive, and when I first heard about the spying accusations I thought she won't have understood what she got herself into,' her aunt told this paper. Gaberova moved to Britain with her decorator boyfriend Tihomir Ivanchev in 2017. She spoke very little English so while working in her first salon communicated using short phrases he wrote down for her in advance. He then took out a 25,000 loan to allow Gaberova to open her own salon in Acton, west London, named Pretty Woman. There she would go on to win a string of accolades, including a competition at the International Beauty Awards 2020 that saw her crowned 'Queen of the Lashes'. Gaberova told the court how Dzhambazov charmed her, telling her he worked for Interpol and even flashing an official-looking ID card. She claimed she was just a naive beautician whose judgment was clouded by love. Dzhambazov would take his new love interest for lavish meals and to trendy nightspots, before manipulating surveillance trips abroad to ensure he could spend time with her away from the oblivious Ivanova. Because unlike Gaberova, who dumped her boyfriend, Dzhambazov continued to juggle the two women in his life. Spies Katrin Ivanova (left) and Vanya Gaberova (right) seen in an artist's illustration during an earlier appearance at Westminster Magistrates court via videolink In a bid to explain away the time he spent with his long-term partner, Dzhambazov resorted to duping Gaberova into thinking he had cancer. To maintain the story, he even sent her a selfie of himself with toilet paper wrapped round his head to give the appearance of bandages, taken in a hospital while he was at a routine appointment. The final member of the 'minions' was Stoyanov, the heavyweight mixed martial arts fanatic from Greenford, west London, nicknamed 'The Rock,' who worked at the same laboratory as Dzhambazov. The 'muscle' of the operation, he had grown up in a tower block in Bulgaria's capital and was a successful mixed martial arts champion. The team would bring their various talents together in six carefully-planned operations. One high profile target was Christo Grozev, a 64-year-old investigative journalist whose work uncovering Russian links to the Salisbury attack and the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny had riled the Kremlin. The spies discussed snaring the married Bulgarian journalist with a 'honeytrap' plot, with Gaberova instructed to send him a Facebook request, which he accepted. Roussev excitedly sent a message to his boss in Moscow announcing that the ploy was working. 'Grozev seems hooked and in love with Vanya,' Roussev wrote. 'We could start moving slowly towards a romance. We could definitely record something for Pornhub [a pornography website]. The girl is really hot. She is a swinger tooVanya is very, very assertive and strongly independent a true sexy bitch.' The group duly followed Grozev to Vienna, Valencia and Montenegro, taking pictures of whoever he met, setting up surveillance outside his flat and opening his mail. In June 2022, Ivanova even used video surveillance spectacles to film Grozev on a Wizz Air flight from Vienna to Montenegro. And that same month, the spies broke into his apartment and stole an old laptop. It was during this trip to Vienna that Ivanchev, who said he had been told the trip would be like 'a paid holiday,' took a break from tailing Grozev to look at African elephants, polar bears and rare Chinese pandas at the local zoo. At one point Roussev offered to have the journalist kidnapped, drugged and then brought to Russia in the same way a high profile Nazi was extracted by Israeli operatives in 1960. Bulgarian national Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, had already admitted to spying in the UK on behalf of Russia A screengrab from the social media network Telegram of Biser Dzhambazov, wearing what appears to be loo roll on his head, while on a video call with Vanya Gaberova A handout photo issued by Met Police of the Jewish Museum in Vienna, where the spy ring planned to post Nazi Ukrainian stickers 'The idea of the Israelis kidnapping Adolf Eichmann is good inspirational material,' he told Marsalek. 'We will need a plane or a boat.' The plan was not proceeded with. Another operation focused on a UK-based Russian dissident saw the spies discuss how to kidnap their target and place him onto a boat in an operation which would make up for the 'f*** up' of the failed Skripal poisoning. They also considered poisoning the man with ricin, firing a poison dart at him from a drone or using a Coke can booby-trapped with nerve gas. A third operation Operation Two Castles - was launched against a former Kazakhstan politician granted refugee status in Britain. It involved carrying out surveillance on the man's two properties in Kensington and Knightsbridge. Their proximity to Harrods did not go unnoticed by Gaberova who duly left her post for a spot of retail therapy. Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, a US airbase where the spies believed Ukrainian soldiers were being taken for training, was also targeted. The group used hi-tech equipment to try to track the servicemen back to Ukraine with the aim of then determining the locations of batteries of US Patriot missiles. Roussev came across a Daily Mail story about a Parachute Regiment orgy at a British barracks and suggested sending prostitutes into the base to gather information. Having agreed a 34,000-a-month budget for the project, surveillance of the base was carried out, with the operation only halted by the timely intervention of the British authorities to arrest the spies. Screen grab taken from police body cam showing the arrest of spy chief Orlin Roussev in Great Yarmouth in 2023 Spy chief Roussev shown during the moment of his arrest at his Great Yarmouth home in 2023 At least 200,000 was sent by the group's Moscow-based handler, fugitive businessman Jan Marsalek, to finance the operations, which were planned over 80,000 messages exchanged with Roussev (pictured during his arrest) over Telegram A wider shot of the scene of Roussev's arrest shows special equipment used for his activities Mobile phones found by police inside a safe at a property occupied by Biser Dzhambazov and Katrin Ivanova in High Road, Harrow Footage shows Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev speaking to a police officer outside the home of his ex-girlfriend Vanya Gaberova the day after she was arrested When armed police raided Roussev's guesthouse on 7 February, 2023, his calm response did not go unnoticed. 'I think this is the wrong place,' a sighing Roussev was filmed saying as an officer pushed him up against a wall. But the 2,000 items of evidence seized from the property clearly indicated they had hit the jackpot as did discoveries at the other addresses raided. When police burst in to a flat in Euston the following day, they found Dzhambazov and his lover Gaberova naked in bed together. Ivanova was held soon after and suffered the indignity of only learning about her partner's infidelity from a police statement after she was arrested. Ironically, the damning evidence that sealed the spies' fates was gathered from the devices of the agent who demonstrated the most formidable tradecraft - Roussev had failed to delete the thousands of messages he exchanged with Marsalek. Ivanchev was the final member of the group to be arrested and was described as 'incredibly cooperative' with police, immediately surrendering his phone for examination. As his barrister told the court, during his interrogation he 'sung like Justin Bieber, like a canary.' He claimed that Dzhambazov had told him he was an Interpol agent and asked him to help. When asked by the police if he thought he was 'chasing bad guys', Ivanchev replied 'yes', before adding: 'This is the dumbest thing I've done in my life.' An observation that others like him and his fellow spies, living double lives in Briain and in the pay of the Kremlin, would do well to consider. -Additional reporting by Duncan Gardham Advertisement Two in five residents cannot speak English well or at all in parts of the country, MailOnline can reveal today. Laying bare the shock extent of how many people struggle with the language, our in-depth analysis encompasses all of England and Wales's nearly 36,000 neighbourhoods. Reform UK claimed the figures illustrated how spiralling immigration 'has made integration into the British way of life almost impossible'. In one zone east of Leicester's city centre, 43 per cent of over-16s speak little to no English. Made up of just a dozen streets and 1,670 people, the pocket of North Evington is home to two mosques, a Hindu temple, an infant school and a cinema. It is part of an enclave of 34 neighbourhoods stretching through Leicester's North Evington, Belgrave and nearby suburbs, where at least a fifth of the population cannot speak English. MailOnline used 2021 Census data, which the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) says is 'the most appropriate' way to analyse English language proficiency. Using the same figures, the UKSA last month disclosed to the Tories that almost a million people in England either cannot speak English well or at all. This amounted to around two per cent of the overall population. Your browser does not support iframes. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the disclosure 'beggars belief' and called for Labour to quickly 'get a grip on immigration', which has spiralled to a record high since the Census was carried out. Our map breaks down the figures by 'Lower layer Super Output Areas' (LSOAs), communities consisting of around 1,000 to 3,000 people. The darker the red, the higher percentage of residents have little to no English language skills. Areas on our map are named by the electoral ward within the country's 300-plus local authorities. You can select your local authority by searching in the bar at the top of the tool. Neighbouring areas may appear with the same name but have different statistics. That is because each ward might have numerous LSOAs. For example, there are ten instances of North Evington within Leicester, but the zone technically called E01013656 has the lowest English comprehension in the country. Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, told MailOnline: 'After 14 years of total Tory failure on immigration, the chickens have come home to roost. 'Opening the floodgates to millions of new people has made integration into the British way of life almost impossible, and these statistics are testament to that. 'This is not only a cultural problem, but also piles extra pressure on public services, including the NHS, forcing them to fork out millions on translators which could be better spent on frontline staff.' Leicester City Council has been contacted for comment. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Outside of Leicester, 28 per cent residents of a small sector in the West Midlands town of Smethwick cannot speak English well. The LSOA in Sandwell, called E01010049, is just off the High Street and includes the residential roads of Ford Street, Dibble Road and Sabell Road, as well as the Stony Lane Allotments. In terms of overall ranking, it came 16th. In a neighbourhood of Elswick, Newcastle, which includes sections of around a dozen residential roads including Wellfield Road, nearly 27 per cent of residents have poor English skills. The area, called E01035618, is ranked 18th. More than 26 per cent of residents in a neighbourhood of north Aldershot, Hampshire, which includes the Aldershot Military Town, cannot speak English well or at all. The LSOA in the Rushmoor district, called E01034730, came 20th. Known as 'Little Nepal', Aldershot is home to many members of the Gurkhas Brigade and their families, whom were given the right to settle in the UK in 2009 after a powerful campaign by actress Joanna Lumley. Data from the 2021 Census also shows 10 per cent of foreign-born over-16s have either poor or no understanding of the English language. Your browser does not support iframes. More than half of migrants over 16 speak English as their first language (51.6 per cent) and another 38.5 per cent use it as a second, but speak it 'well or very well'. But 8.6 per cent (810,720 people) 'cannot speak English well' and 1.4 per cent (140,858) 'cannot speak English at all'. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has blamed a lack of integration for 'fraying' the ties that bind society together. Last November she said new arrivals 'must buy into the values, customs and institutions that attracted them here in the first place', rather than trying to change this country's culture. Last month she also pledged to ban migrants who have claimed benefits from ever settling in Britain, and doubling the period to claim 'indefinite leave to remain' from five to ten years. The Prime Minister has pledged to cut immigration by boosting British workers' skills, but Government advisers previously warned this is not guaranteed to reduce numbers. In its annual report, published in December, the Migration Advisory Committee cautioned the Prime Minister against a 'one size fits all' approach to limiting arrivals to Britain. Net migration, the difference between the number of people arriving and leaving the UK, hit a record 906,000 in the 12 months to June 2023, 166,000 higher than previously thought. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Sir Keir previously accused the previous Tory government of turning Britain into a 'one-nation experiment in open borders'. The PM also claimed the UK economy was 'hopelessly reliant on immigration' and promised to 'imminently' publish plans on how Labour would bring down numbers. He said the Government would reform the points-based immigration system to require companies employing foreign workers to also train British people, as well as crack down on abuse of the visa system. A Government spokesperson said: 'The government engages regularly with faith communities to help foster strong working relationships. 'We are working in partnership with local authorities to understand the housing and integration needs of new arrivals and how we can work together to ensure positive outcomes in communities.' A Teal candidate has been accused of 'showing her true colours' after being caught encouraging people to vote Green, as new data exposes how some of the so-called independent MPs overwhelmingly side with the Greens. Erchana Murray-Bartlett, who made national headlines when she raised $100,000 to help protect wildlife by running the length of Australia in 2023, is standing as an independent in the Queensland seat of McPherson at the federal election. The seat, which has been held by the Liberal party since 1972, is firmly in the sights of Teal powerbroker and Climate 200 multi-millionaire Simon Holmes a Court, due to the retirement of incumbent MP Karen Andrews. Climate 200 has so far donated up to $50,000 to community groups in McPherson, which ranges from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta, which are supporting the supposedly economically-conservative-but-pro-environment candidate. But Ms Murray-Bartlett, 34, let slip her true feelings when asked on a podcast how individuals could 'contribute to preventing extinction and preserving biodiversity'. The ultra-runner reeled off a list of 'simple things' people could do, such as planting native trees and flowers and keeping their cats in at night to protect wildlife. 'It's about speaking up if you see something you don't agree with,' Ms Murray-Bartlett told the recent Life on Planet A podcast. 'It's about voting Green. It's about investing your money in greener resources, making sure your superannuation fund isn't donating to Big Fossil.' Erchana Murray-Bartlett (pictured), made national headlines when she raised $100,000 to help protect wildlife by running the length of Australia in 2023 and is standing as a Teal independent The seat, held by Liberals since 1972, is in the sights of Teal powerbroker and Climate 2000 multi-millionaire Simon Holmes a Court (pictured: Ms Murray-Bartlett with volunteers) The businesswoman also encouraged people to donate to organisations like the Bob Brown Foundation or the Wilderness Society, which 'will fund direct action, in the forests, on the streets and in the courts'. The Bob Brown Foundation (BBF) - founded by former Tasmanian senator Bob Brown, ex-leader of the Australian Greens - is a radical environmentalist group. It is infamous for its anti-logging protests, which often involve road blockades and activists chaining themselves to machinery. On Tuesday, BBF demonstrators scaled the state parliament in Tasmania, posing afterwards with Green MPs. Senator for Queensland James McGrath said Ms Murray-Bartlett had been exposed as a 'Green in Teal clothing'. 'Not only do they vote with the Greens most of the time in Parliament, theyre now running Greens as candidates,' Senator McGrath added. 'The last thing the people of the Gold Coast need is an activist MP organising road blockades, chaining themselves to machinery and disrupting daily life like we see from protests organised by the Bob Brown Foundation and other attention-seeking Greens politicians. 'A vote for the Teals is a vote for Greens policies like decriminalising hard drugs including Ice and heroin, cutting defence spending by 30 per cent, and abolishing the private health insurance rebate.' The businesswoman and ultra-runner also encouraged people to donate to organisations like the Bob Brown Foundation or the Wilderness Society The Bob Brown Foundation (BBF) is a radical environmentalist group infamous for its anti-logging protests (pictured: an anti-forestry protest at in Styx Valley in Tasmania last year) Opposition finance spokesman Senator Jane Hume added: 'Every Australian voter needs to know that a vote for a Teal candidate is a vote for another three years of Labor. 'No Australian can afford another three years of collapsing standards of living, where people are less safe, and our future is more uncertain. 'The only way you can guarantee better economic management and stability is by voting Liberal: no one else.' Ms Murray-Bartlett said she was running as an independent because 'people want their federal representative to represent their community and not someone beholden to party lines, playing political games in Canberra'. 'Taking in thousands of community consultations, Im running on a Gold Coast First Policy with a focus on cost of living; housing affordability; honesty and integrity in government; help for small business; habitat and environment; and health,' she said. 'Nearly one in three Aussies voted for an Independent or minor party at the last election, so we know there is appetite for change and what people want is someone to vote in parliament based on the values of the people in their community.' It comes as fresh data has revealed how Teal MP Allegra Spender has overwhelmingly sided with the Greens in parliament. The MP for the seat of Wentworth in Sydney's eastern suburbs has sided with the Greens 66 per cent of the time, according to an analysis of her voting record between 2022 and 2025. It comes as fresh data has revealed how Teal MP Allegra Spender (pictured) has overwhelmingly sided with the Greens in parliament When it comes to votes on legislation, Ms Spender has sided with the the Greens 70 per cent of the time and Labor 71 per cent of the time, while she has sided with the Liberal party just 27 per cent of the time. This is despite Ms Spender claiming on her website that she most commonly sides with the Coalition. 'Between May 2022 and December 2024, my record shows that when the Coalition calls a vote, Ive supported it 60 per cent of the time,' her website states. 'When Labor calls a vote its 50 per cent. And when the Greens do, its 45 per cent.' Daily Mail Australia approached Ms Spender for comment. This trend for siding with the Greens is reflected in the voting patterns of other prominent Teals. For example, Kooyong MP Monique Ryan voted 77 per cent of the time with the Greens across all divisions, while Warringah MP Zali Steggall - who ousted former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in 2019 - voted with the Greens on procedural motions 75 per cent of the time, according to the Daily Telegraph. Elsewhere, Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel and Mackellar MP Dr Sophie Scamps voted with the Greens on 81 per cent bills that were agreed to. The Teal movement, which upended the last federal election by drawing votes away from the major parties, receives campaagn funding from Mr Holmes a Court's Climate 2000 group. Teal candidates often stand in formerly safe Liberal seats by presenting themselves as fiscally-conservative with a strong focus on the environment. The term Teal comes from the fusion of the 'blue' of the centre-right Liberal party combined with the 'green' of their stance on climate issues. Given many commentators predict a close election and a likely hung parliament, the Greens and Teal Independents could well decide who forms government. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has previously called on Teal candidates to be 'transparent with the public'. 'At the moment, a vote for a green Teal is a vote for Anthony Albanese, and the green Teals will only support Anthony Albanese,' Mr Dutton said last month. An urgent manhunt has been launched after two elderly women were molested in their homes by a machete-wielding masked man, with the attacks caught on chilling video footage. The attacker is believed to be behind a series of five aggravated break and enters in Merrylands in Sydney's west that took place between 2am and 6am on Thursday. The two women in their 80s were allegedly sexually assaulted in different homes during the break-ins, detectives said. One of the victims told NSW Police she woke up to find the armed man climbing onto her bed before he put a knife to her throat and demanded sex. The State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad has now launched an investigation with local detectives to find the offender before he strikes again. The man was caught on camera entering one property before calmly leaving after attacking the male homeowner with his knife. 'The offender had a short struggle with that occupant, and the offender produced a knife, which caused an injury to the occupant of the premises,' Sex Crimes Squad Commander Jayne Doherty said. 'We are deeply concerned by the actions of this offender.' NSW Police are on the lookout for a man in his 20s who they believe is linked to a series of aggravated break and enters in Sydney's west that happened early Thursday morning An investigation has been launched in an effort to find the man before he can commit more crimes The man is described as being 'tall and of slender build with dark skin, aged in his 20s and softly spoken'. Police said he may have a bleeding wound from the attack on the homeowner. Additional police patrols have been sent to the area in an major effort to track him down before he can strike again, Det Supt Doherty said. 'We believe he is an opportunistic offender and we want to stop him before he has any more opportunities,' she added. Merrylands residents have been told to secure their homes while the man remains at large. A NSW Police spokesman added: 'Anyone who lives in that area should contact police if their properties have been broken into even if nothing has been stolen.' Cumberland Police Area Commander Simon Glasser urged anyone who sees the man to contact triple-0 and not confront him as he could be armed and dangerous. 'This is among the most serious type of crime and offending that we respond to... especially because it involves vulnerable members of our community,' Det Supt Glasser said. She was the 'Nine Days Queen', the tragic royal who fleetingly reigned before being put to death. But now, nearly 500 years on from her death, researchers believe a defaced painting could be the only known work depicting Lady Jane Grey in her lifetime. New scientific analysis carried out on the mysterious portrait - which bears scratches over the eyes, mouth and ears - provides 'compelling' evidence that the depiction is that of Lady Jane. Experts from English Heritage and the Courtauld Institute and a leading scientist have found that several changes were made to the portrait after it was completed, including to the sitter's clothing and the direction of her eyes. The alterations could have been made to depict Lady Jane - who was beheaded on the orders of her cousin Queen Mary aged just 17 in 1554 - as a Protestant martyr. The portrait, on loan from a private collection, is on display from today at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire. Its features bear similarity to a confirmed depiction of Lady Jane that hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. Lady Jane is regarded by many scholars as an innocent victim of the ruthless ambition that defined the Tudor court. Slide me She was the 'Nine Days Queen', the tragic royal who fleetingly reigned before being put to death. But now, nearly 500 years on from her death, researchers believe a defaced painting could be the only known work depicting Lady Jane Grey in her lifetime New scientific analysis carried out on the mysterious portrait - which bears scratches over the eyes, mouth and ears - provides 'compelling' evidence that the depiction is that of Lady Jane She was famously depicted by Paul Delaroche in his portrait The Execution of Lady Jane Grey as blindfolded and helpless in front of the block. But this work and the few others portraying her were all painted after her death. The mystery painting going on display at Wrest Park was analysed by expert Ian Tyers, a specialist who specialises in dendrochronology - the science of tree ring dating. He found that the work was painted on a panel made up of two Baltic oak boards from two different trees. It suggests a usage date from between 1539 and 1571. The back of the panel displays a merchant or cargo mark, identical to a mark used on a royal portrait of King Edward VI. Another technique used was infrared reflectography (IRR), where infrared light is used to 'see through' paint layers. This found that the portrait was significantly changed after completion. The sitter's sleeves have been altered, and it is likely the white scarf on the shoulders is a later addition. Lady Jane was famously depicted by Paul Delaroche in his portrait The Execution of Lady Jane Grey as blindfolded and helpless in front of the block An inscription on the back of the mystery painting, asking if it is Lady Jane Grey Some of the scratches found on the portrait. They are believed to have been part of an iconoclastic attack The coif (a linen cap worn over the hair) has also been altered significantly. In scanning, a different shaped coif and potentially a hood (a more decorative head piece worn over the coif) with delicately depicted stitching can be seen framing the face. There may also have been a veil that is now very indistinct. A striking change is visible in the eyes. Although they now look to the sitter's left, the eyes were previously looking right past the viewer. And the deliberate scratching out of the eyes, mouth and ears was likely an iconoclastic attack - where images are destroyed for religious or political reasons. The portrait of Lady Jane in the National Portrait Gallery bears the same marks. The newly-researched painting is one of seven that are now on display at the Bedfordshire mansion that was once the home of peeress Jemima Marchioness Grey. Peter Moore, English Heritage's curator at Wrest Park, said: 'For many years this painting was part of the historic collection at Wrest Park, having been acquired by Anthony Grey, 11th Earl of Kent, in 1701, as an image of Lady Jane Grey. Another technique used was infrared reflectography (IRR), where infrared light is used to 'see through' paint layers. This found that the portrait was significantly changed after completion The sitter's sleeves have been altered, and it is likely the white scarf on the shoulders is a later addition 'It remained the defining image of the "Nine Days Queen" for over 300 years, until its attribution was thrown into doubt and its identity rejected. 'On loan from a private collection, it is thrilling to have this painting back at Wrest and the new research provides tantalising evidence which brings us much closer to the assertion that this could be Lady Jane Grey. 'Alongside this painting, the public can also view six other paintings now on display, including significant portraits of past owners of Wrest Park.' Rachel Turnbull, English Heritage's senior collections conservator, said: 'Working alongside the Courtauld Institute of Art, and Dendrochronologist Ian Tyers, English Heritage has undertaken remarkable research in an effort to determine the identity of this portrait. 'While we can't confirm that this is definitely Lady Jane Grey, our results certainly make a compelling argument! 'From the newly discovered evidence of a once perhaps more elaborate costume and the dating of the wooden panel from within her lifetime, to the deliberate scratching of her eyes, it is possible that we are looking at the shadows of a once more royal portrait of Lady Jane Grey, toned down into subdued, Protestant martyrdom after her death. 'Regardless of her identity, the results of our research have been fascinating.' Historian and historical novelist Dr Philippa Gregory said: 'I was so excited to see this portrait when it was in the English Heritage conservation studio, especially as they have a tentative identification of Jane Grey. English Heritage conservator Rachel Turnbull examines the painting 'Certainly, the features are similar to those of her portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. 'This is such an interesting picture posing so many questions, and if this is Jane Grey, a valuable addition to the portraiture of this young heroine, as a woman of character a powerful challenge to the traditional representation of her as a blindfolded victim.' Lady Jane was left the English throne by King Edward VI, the sickly son of Henry VIII. Jane briefly ruled after Edward's death in 1553, but Mary then seized the throne. She and her husband then spent six months as prisoners before Mary decided they were too much of a risk to her reign. The man who oversaw Lady Jane's beheading was Sir John Brydges, the lieutenant of the Tower of London who was also depicted in Delaroche's painting. He was so moved by the former queen's composure that he begged her for something to remember her by. She gave him her prayer book and inscribed a message in which she described herself as Brydges' 'friend'. Russia's top diplomat has compared Emmanuel Macron to Napoleon and Hitler after France's President offered to extend his nation's nuclear protection to European allies and invited military chiefs to discuss putting boots on the ground in Ukraine. The Kremlin's fury came hours after Macron, other EU leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Brussels for a landmark summit touted by participants as the start of a new era for European security. The discussions in the Belgian capital demonstrated Europe's recognition that its security is no longer guaranteed as leaders agreed measures to free up hundreds of billions of euros for military spending by loosening the bloc's budget restrictions. Following the summit, Macron told reporters he had been approached by several of his European counterparts who were interested in exploring the possibility of France sharing its nuclear deterrent. He also confirmed that Paris would host 'exploratory' talks with EU defence chiefs starting on Tuesday about the possible deployment of European forces in Ukraine once a peace deal is signed. The revelations, which came as French Mirage fighter jets were deployed by Ukraine's air force for the first time to down Russian missiles and drones, led the Kremlin to deliver a venom-tongued retort to the French President. 'Unlike his predecessors, who also sought to fight with Russia - Napoleon, Hitler - Mr. Macron does not act very diplomatically,' Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference yesterday, echoing similar comments made by Vladimir Putin. 'It was very strange to me to hear that Mr. Macron, in an aggressive manner, continuing the work of Napoleon, who wanted to conquer Russia.' Earlier this week, Lavrov had chastised Macron for floating the idea of sharing France's nuclear weapons with other European nations. 'Of course it is a threat against Russia. If he sees us as a threat... and says that it is necessary to use a nuclear weapon, is preparing to use a nuclear weapon against Russia, of course it is a threat,' Lavrov declared. Now, with some analysts warning that Europe 'needs to be on par with Russia's 1,550 strategic warheads' should America withdraw its so-called nuclear blanket, experts have outlined the formidable challenges that must be overcome if the EU - and Britain - are to strengthen their faltering nuclear deterrent. Your browser does not support iframes. French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a press conference during a European Council meeting in Brussels, Belgium, 06 March 2025 Russia test-launches one of its new Sarmat nuclear missiles, which it claims can carry up to 15 warheads, strike any country on earth, and cannot be stopped by current defences Russian President Vladimir Putin holds the keys to the world's largest stockpile of nuclear weapons Tale of the tape Russia's war in Ukraine is now raging into its fourth year as Putin calls for peace in one breath, then unleashes another wave of missile strikes in the next. Yet, despite Moscow's relentless aggression on Europe's eastern flank, it is the shifting policies of the continent's most powerful ally that have truly set alarm bells ringing. Donald Trump is openly working to dismantle decades of transatlantic security cooperation on Russia, and there are fears that Washington could soon abandon its commitment to protecting Europe that has lasted since the Second World War. NATO's nuclear deterrence is heavily reliant on the US, which possesses the world's second largest stockpile of operational nuclear warheads. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the US has more than 3,700 operational warheads, though fewer than half are actively deployed. Several hundred of these are stationed across Europe, primarily in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, as part of NATO's deterrence posture. But Washington retains ultimate control over the use of these weapons. Any suggestion that the US could withdraw support from NATO is therefore a serious cause for concern for European defence chiefs, who fear their nuclear capabilities could be effectively erased in a matter of weeks. When American weapons are removed from the equation, there are only NATO member states that have a nuclear arsenal of their own - Britain and France. According to SIPRI, the UK has some 225 warheads at its disposal, but only 40 of these are ready to deploy at any one time. France has a slightly larger stockpile of around 290. By contrast, Russia commands a vast nuclear arsenal exceeding 5,000 warheads, with at least 1,550 strategic warheads deployed under the terms of the New START treaty. However, Putin suspended Moscow's participation in the treaty in 2023, raising concerns that even more warheads could be activated at a moment's notice. Analysts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) conclude that, as things stand, 'the French and British nuclear forces are a complement to US extended deterrence... they would not constitute a viable solution in the event of an abrupt withdrawal of US nuclear forces.' An unarmed Trident II D5LE missile launches from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) off the coast of Cape Canaveral HMS Artful an Astute-class nuclear-powered fleet submarine is manoeuvred at His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde on March 04, 2025 in Faslane, Scotland Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, meets French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the European Council to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defense, in Brussels An unarmed Trident II D5LE missile launches from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida Logistical and structural concerns Clearly, Europe's nuclear stockpile pales in comparison to that of Moscow. But it is not just the size of the proverbial stick that poses a problem. Europe's ability to swing it is also significantly reduced. Unlike the US, which spent decades constructing a vast nuclear infrastructure spanning land, sea, and air, Europe's nuclear forces suffer from major logistical constraints. France's 290 warheads are split between sea and air-based platforms. The majority are deployed aboard its fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), while around 50 are mounted on cruise missiles that can be launched by French bombers. The UK, however, relies solely on its four Vanguard-class SSBNs to deploy its warheads, and of the 225 at Westminster's disposal, only 40 are ready to launch at any one time. Neither country has any land-based nuclear missile silos, and France's air-launched nuclear weapons are all stationed with planes at domestic airfields. This dramatically restricts Europe's ability to project nuclear force and its ability to react effectively in a crisis situation. Compounding these limitations is Britain's reliance on American technology. The UK purchases its Trident missiles from the US, and depends on Washington's support for maintenance and upgrades. As nuclear weapons expert Norman Dombey put it: 'Britain's independent nuclear deterrent is neither British nor independent.' 'Both its missiles and its warheads are dependent on the US and US design.' This uncomfortable reality raises serious questions about how reliable the UK's deterrent would actually be in a crisis, particularly if Washington's commitment to European security continues to wane. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France's President Emmanuel Macron hold a meeting during a summit at Lancaster House on March 2, 2025 in London Royal Navy personnel in the control room on HMS Vigilant, submarine on January 20, 2016 in Rhu, Scotland. HMS Vigilant is one of the UK's fleet of four Vanguard class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines The politics of non-proliferation In recent years, there have been rumblings that Britain and France could potentially extend their nuclear capabilities to other allied powers in Europe. Such a notion was first floated by France's President Emmanuel Macron in 2020, when he invited European partners to engage in a strategic dialogue on 'the role played by France's nuclear deterrence in collective security'. Then, in the months following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany's then-finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble suggested his nation could make a financial contribution to bolster 'the nuclear deterrent at the European level'. Now though, these rumblings are growing louder. German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz last month openly declared he would explore the possibility of forming a nuclear triumvirate with Britain and France during a speech in which he delivered a stark assessment of Europe's vulnerability in the event of a US withdrawal from NATO. Merz, who is currently trying to get the outgoing Bundestag to vote through a constitutional change that would allow Germany to dramatically boost defence spending, said: 'We have to talk to the British and French whether their nuclear protection could also be extended to us. '(This is) an issue that the French government has repeatedly raised with the German government... We must talk to each other about what that could look like.' Macron on Wednesday reiterated his openness to enter discussions with Germany and other EU nations about the prospect of extending his nuclear umbrella. However, there are several hurdles to be negotiated before France or Britain could enter into a warhead-sharing agreement with European allies. France maintains complete sovereignty over its nuclear forces, meaning Paris is under no obligation to deploy its strategic warheads in the event that a NATO ally comes under attack. What's more, for all of Macron's bluster, his country's current nuclear doctrine stipulates that its warheads exist to protect France's national interests and will not be shared with other countries. Your browser does not support iframes. Friedrich Merz (R), German chancellor-in-waiting and leader of Christian Democratic Union party (CDU), has called on Europe to prepare for a future without US security support in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine This image taken with a slow shutter speed on Oct. 2, 2019, and provided by the U.S. Air Force shows an unarmed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile test launch at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California His own defence minister, Sebastien Lecournu, reminded him and everyone else of that fact just this morning, declaring that Paris' nuclear capability 'is French - and it will remain French'. Emmanuelle Maitre, an analyst at the French Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS), added that although there is a 'compatibility' between French national interests and those of the rest of western Europe, France's president has given 'no assurance, no guarantee' of nuclear protection to his allies. Britain's nuclear forces meanwhile are assigned for the collective defence of NATO, according to the government's most recent integrated defence review. But, as already established, the UK's nuclear capabilities are heavily reliant on ongoing support from Washington. The challenges of a nuclear sharing arrangement on the continent are also compounded by regulations set out in the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). Under this agreement - to which the UK, France, Germany and all members of the European Union are signatories - states without nuclear weapons cannot acquire them, and states with nuclear weapons must pursue disarmament. This means that Germany, for example, cannot legally develop nuclear weapons of its own. Even if France moved to station some of its nuclear assets in Germany, both parties would need to consult closely with its nuclear-enabled allies and the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, before any nuclear-sharing programme could be realised. Slender Man stabber Morgan Geyser will be released from a psychiatric facility despite new claims she created disturbing drawings and read a graphic book while behind bars. A judge in January had granted the 22-year-old's supervised release, more than a decade after she and a friend lured 12-year-old Payton Leutner into a Wisconsin woodland before stabbing her nearly 20 times and leaving her for dead. Leutner miraculously survived the attack, inspired by the creepy fictional character Slender Man. During a hearing last Thursday, Waukesha County Circuit Court Michael Bohren ruled that new evidence met the probable cause threshold to deny Geyser's release to a facility that would help her transition back into society. The new concerns were brought to the court's attention through a February 27 petition by the Wisconsin Department of Health, which claims Geyser maintained contact with an 'older man' and had read Rent Boy, which contains violent themes. There were also concerns about a violent drawing Geyser made and sent to the man, identified as Jeffery, who then sold it online, prosecutors said. Waukesha County Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie represented the state and called Nicole Whiteaker, a Wisconsin Community Services employee, to testify about these topics. Whiteaker is the conditional release program supervisor that was assigned to Geyser to draft the conditional release plan. Morgan Geyser arrives in court on Thursday to fight for her release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute Pictured: A drawing Nicole Whiteaker claimed Geyser drew that concerned her treatment team and her conditional release team 'I asked Ms. Geyser who are the people she's communicating with on the outside, and his name came up,' Whiteaker testified. Jeffery, who first visited her in person in June 2023, sent her a letter after she was granted conditional release in January 2025. Geyser reportedly ripped it up and threw it away, Whiteaker said. 'After the team became aware of him, it was during that meeting that Ms. Geyer asked for a no contact order,' Whiteaker said, adding that she found details about Geyser on the man's Facebook that were 'concerning'. 'We found that there were letters and drawing that she had sent him. A postcard,' Whiteaker said. 'And he was selling them.' Kathleen Martinez, a forensic mental health section manager who also testified, said Geyser indicated her desire to be intimate with Jeffery in that postcard. The drawings were described as 'horror' art, which concerned Whiteaker and her team. The pieces of art were labeled with Geyser's name, so potential buyers knew what they were getting, according to Whiteaker's testimony. One of the drawings, shown in court, depicted a unearthly creature with the message 'they crumble as they crawl.' Geyser also 'recalled that [Jeffery] would get sexual gratification from her index offense and I believe there was letters written back and forth' about that, Whiteaker said. Morgan Geyser is seen in a Waukesha County courtroom from January in Waukesha, Wisconsin Nicole Whiteaker, the conditional release program supervisor, testified Thursday arguing that Geyser's release should be revoked Geyser's attorney Tony Cotton tried to downplay his client's contact with Jeffery, saying that she had met him three times in 2023 at the mental health institute. He also pointed out that Geyser was the one who asked for the no contact order, something she requested when she found out that Jeffery was sexually interested in her crime. Cotton got Whiteaker to admit that Geyser hasn't been in contact with Jeffery in the last 18 months to her knowledge. Cotton also claimed that there was no way to know if the drawing being sold by Jeffery were in fact done by Geyser. Whiteaker contradicted this, saying Geyser admitted that she drew some of the art that was being sold on Facebook. Whiteaker said she was concerned about Geyser reading Rent Boy, a book she received through the mail, because 'it was a dark novel that revolved around murder and the selling of body parts on the black market and sexual sadism.' Whiteaker said this concerned her because it related to the 2014 stabbing, and added Geyser wasn't 'receptive' to criticisms her treatment team had about her reading material. She said Geyser also pushed back on the monitoring of what she was reading, which also concerned the conditional release team. Cotton argued that Geyser should be 'rewarded' for being forthcoming about the fact that she was reading 'horror and murder-related books'. He also pointed out the books were not 'prohibited' by the court or the doctors treating her. Geyser, left, stabbed Payton Leutner across her arms, legs and torso, hitting major arteries and severing her diaphragm. Geyser did this while Anissa Weier, right, egged her on Payton Leutner, pictured, miraculously survived the 19 stab wounds she sustained in the attack In 2014, Geyser stabbed Leutner across her arms, legs and torso, hitting major arteries and severing her diaphragm. Geyser did this while Weier egged her on. Geyser and Weier, who was freed from a mental hospital in 2021 to go live with her father, ordered Leutner lay down while they got help, leaving her for dead before the girl was found by a cyclist. The girls claimed they were motivated by the fictional Slender Man, sparking a moral panic over potential copycat attacks as the character swept the internet. Both Geyser and Weier told detectives they felt they had to kill Leutner to become Slender Man's 'proxies,' or servants, and that the character would kill their families if they didn't follow through. Judge Bohren initially felt Geyser was fit for release based on statements made in January by the three mental health professionals, effectively cutting her 40-year sentence short by over three decades. Dr. Kenneth Robbins, who previously argued for her to be let go, claimed the Geyser no longer has psychosis, symptoms experts who have worked with her generally agree played a major role in the violent assault she committed. Dr. Brooke Lundbohm's treatment team came to the same conclusion. When the judge asked Robbins if she was 'faking' her psychotic symptoms back in 2014 when the stabbing occurred, he quickly responded 'no.' Geyser is pictured with blood on her jacket after stabbing Leutner. She told detectives at the time that she was 'forced to stab her best friend to death' The hearing in January also revealed that Geyser now identifies as a transgender male and uses a breast binder. The change was telegraphed by her short haircut 'I think either she was experiencing transient psychotic symptoms, which is to say psychotic symptoms that didn't persist and gradually went away,' Robbins explained. 'Or the intensity of her fantasies based on some of the trauma she had experienced were so intense that she believed them to be true.' The trauma Robbins was referring to was Geyser's claims of sexual abuse by her father, who died in 2023. Geyser's symptoms more closely align with post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and autism, Robbins added. That hearing in January also revealed that Geyser now identifies as a transgender male and uses a breast binder. The change was telegraphed by her short haircut. Her new name was revealed to be Ethan in Thursday's hearing. 'On May 31 of 2024, the ten-year anniversary of the index offense, Ms. Geyser indicated to her treatment staff that she identifies as a transgender male,' Lundbohm said, before clarifying that she was using female pronouns for Geyser 'to be consistent with the collateral records.' 'In her treatment records, she's now identified with male pronouns and a separate name,' Lundbohm continued. Champagne flowed and sequins sparkled as Australias culinary and literary elites gathered for the book launch of the year in October 2014. Beaming in a white dress was Belle Gibson, a cancer survivor whose new cookbook, The Whole Pantry, had been hailed as a remarkable journey of hope and healing through food. Remarkable indeed. Because, as the world now knows, it was all a lie. The astonishing true-ish story of the then 23-year-old influencer who faked having brain cancer to launch a multimillion-pound wellness empire is now the subject of a hit Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar. The drama has shone a new light on a sickening controversy that saw the Tasmanian mother-of-one build a vast social-media following, a hugely successful app and a bestselling book in just three years, only for the house of cards to collapse after her lies were discovered in 2015. A decade later, however, questions are still swirling about the role of Gibsons publisher, Penguin Random House, in the farrago. While Gibsons real-life book launch is unlikely to have been as glamorous as its Netflix recreation, there is no doubt that the companys executives pandered to their rising young star. This week, the Mail spoke to industry sources who say they remain baffled that the publishing giant was apparently blindsided by the fraudster, whom it seemed to promote without undertaking even the most basic fact-checks. Kaitlyn Dever plays Belle Gibson, an influencer who faked having brain cancer to launch a multi-million-pound 'wellness' empire And yet perhaps Penguin wasnt so blindsided after all. For the Mail has learnt of internal documents that show staff from the publishing house had raised concerns about Belles story long before her book launch and even hired a crisis PR firm in case she was ever accused of lying about part or all of her story. It all raises the question: how much could Penguin have known? And when? To get our heads round this bizarre case, we must go back to 2012 when Gibson launched her Instagram account @healing_belle. Her pictures showed a smiling 20-year-old with long, glossy hair who claimed she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour three years earlier and given just four months to live but instead had cured herself through healthy eating, positive thinking and alternative medicine. Her miraculous story resonated with so many people that she amassed 250,000 followers in less than a year. A partnership with Apple followed in 2013 when Gibson launched The Whole Pantry, one of the first health and wellness apps available on the Apple Watch. But it was her lucrative book deal with Penguin imprint Lantern headed by veteran publisher Julie Gibbs that became so central to her success. While Apple Cider Vinegar which is Netflixs ninth most-popular show globally stresses that some names have been changed, the streaming giant makes no effort to disguise Gibbss identity. The character, played by Australian actress Catherine McClements, is referred to by her real name throughout. Before the real-life controversy erupted ten years ago, Gibbs was considered a superstar in the world of Australian publishing. She was just 31 when she published The Cooks Companion by Stephanie Alexander in 1996, which sold more than half a million copies. Julie was a legend within Penguin, a publishing source tells me. People feared and revered her in equal measure. Given her worldliness and sophistication, it does seem unlikely that Gibbs could have been taken in by such a young, and inexperienced fraudster. As one source who worked with the publishing firm in the US told me: It is baffling that they didnt do even the most rudimentary checks into Belles background. Who were her doctors? Where were her medical records? It beggars belief that they would not do that. Which leads you to ask were they so fixated on making money that they turned a blind eye to the facts in front of them? Internal Penguin documents suggest there were warning signs about the inspirational young influencer long before her book The Whole Pantry was published The Netflix series does show Gibbs and other publishing figures questioning Belles authenticity. In one scene, Gibson (played by Kaitlyn Dever) cooks a vegan peach tart which she claims her grandmother used to bake from scratch when she was a child. Sipping a glass of wine, Gibbs coolly responds that the city where Belles grandmother lived is too cold in the winter to grow peaches. In another, Gibsons character sobs about losing a baby as her real-life alter ego did in 2012 to which Gibbs replies: I also lost a child. I lost one child and I threw myself into another [work]. Belles character echoes this quote at the book launch and claims it as her own. Internal Penguin documents, shown to the Australian Federal Court as part of a civil lawsuit against Gibson in 2016, suggest there were warning signs about the inspirational young influencer long before The Whole Pantry was published. Warning signs that were, clearly, ignored. The first came early in 2014 when Penguin paid AU$15,000 (7,000) for a home economist to help Gibson develop original recipes for her book after discovering she was, at best, a mediocre cook. One source told the Mail: Youd think that alone would have raised red flags. Most cookery authors are excellent cooks. Isnt that the point? Yet, still, the publishing giant pressed on. In May 2014 five months before the book launch a senior editor emailed Gibbs with concerns about Gibsons draft, which included information about the influencers personal story, working life and medical history. Julie I think the main thing to warn Belle about is that there are a few gaps which journalists might probe, the email cautioned. What exact action was taken, the Mail could not verify. But, in the run-up to The Whole Pantrys release that October, an unnamed member of Penguin staff was charged with preparing Gibson for media interviews and recorded 90 minutes of footage of their exchange. They began by telling her: We want to rehearse some questions with you. Because what we suspect might happen now is that, because you are the success story of the moment you know what journalists do, they want to start scratch, scratch, scratching away. They already are, Gibson laughed. Exactly, the employee replied bluntly. And were concerned about that. Over the next hour and a half, Gibson stumbled over a series of basic questions, including one about her real age and another about the name of her doctor. The most excruciating moment, however, came when she was asked about her most recent treatment. At this point, Gibson visibly grimaced and stammered: I dont know how I want to talk about this. She went on to refer to a German medical protocol, claiming: Every single doctor and practitioner that knows about it or doesnt know about it, all of them are seeing results. Pressed on what the treatment was, she grimaced again and admitted: I might have to do some reading on this. After a pause, she added: Its a machine that is like an electronic pulse pushes into the cells and I take medicine when that machine is operating. Asked how she gets the treatment if its not available in Australia, she claimed: Im just lucky. By the time the book was slated for release, questions over Gibsons credibility had clearly reached crisis point. The court documents show that Gibbs had personally raised concerns after Gibson told her that a jealous friend had turned on her leaving the publisher to suspect her soon-to-be star author had fabricated part or all of her illness. Just one week after The Whole Pantry was launched, Penguin executives were sufficiently worried that they drafted in a PR firm to prepare a contingency plan in case such a scandal ever broke. And break it certainly did. An explosive investigation by Australian newspaper The Age published five months after Gibsons book launch revealed that she had lied about having cancer and had failed to donate funds shed claimed she was raising for charity to the relevant beneficiaries. Penguin overlooked a lot of warnings because Belle had so many followers on social media and her book promised to be a global bestseller, a source told me. Gibson was fined AU$410,000 for deception and failing to donate any of the funds she had raised for four charitable causes They were gearing up huge publicity campaigns in America and Britain. Thousands of books had been printed in the UK and US but they were all pulped. Court documents show Penguin was advised to get on the front foot when the controversy erupted in 2015 by dropping Gibson and immediately withdrawing her book from circulation. You may still get questions about how much Penguin knew in advance (which you can decline to respond to), PR advisers warned in internal emails. Belle may even face criminal charges, so the quicker Penguin is distanced from her, the better. Less than a year after the launch, the publisher destroyed around 50,000 copies of the book in Australia and an unknown number in the UK and US. In 2016, Gibson was fined AU$410,000 (200,000) for deception and failing to donate any of the funds she had raised for four charitable causes including for the family of Joshua Schwarz, a boy with stage four brain cancer who died at the age of nine just a year later. Almost a decade on, the fraudster is yet to pay a penny. Penguin, too, was fined AU$30,000 (15,000) for its role in the deception as part of a civil lawsuit brought by Australias consumer watchdog. Some observers pity the publishing house for embroiling itself in such a scandal. No one would ever have questioned whether Belle was lying about her cancer, one well-known author tells me. What rational person would think someone would lie about something as awful as that? Ive worked in the cookery publishing side of things. Before Belle Gibson, the biggest fear was that authors were plagiarising recipes. I totally believe that Julie Gibbs and Penguin were taken in. Gibbs left Penguin in 2015, shortly after The Ages expose. We published Belles recipe book in good faith, she said at the time. The Netflix show recreates Gibson's interview with Australia's 60 Minutes programme in 2015 In discussions with Belle in the course of publishing the book, she always spoke clearly about her medical background. It was not something we felt we needed to verify given that the books content focuses on the recipes. Now 60, Gibbs is a freelance publisher. Her glossy Instagram page is filled with photos of her smiling alongside stars such as Nigella Lawson and novelist Marian Keyes. All mention of Gibsons book has been scrubbed from her social media, except for one 2014 picture that shows a copy among a stack of other publications Gibbs has worked on. Approached by the Mail this week, Gibbs told us she was unable to comment on any of this due to binding confidentiality clauses with Penguin Random House. Cryptically, she added: All I can say is that the TV series is not an accurate representation of events. I wish I could [say more]. Meanwhile, Penguin, which in 2015 vehemently denied knowing Gibson was a fraudster, saying that it had published her book in good faith, is keeping shtum. Approached last night, the publishing house declined to comment further. Much as Penguin might like the story to go away, as the success of Apple Cider Vinegar shows, the appetite for Belle Gibsons story remains insatiable. Dog-eared copies of The Whole Pantry are selling for as much as 400 on eBay, while TikTok videos of users salivating over her banned recipes have racked up thousands of views. Gibson now reportedly works at a grocery store in Melbourne under a new name. Quite what she makes of the six-part Netflix show is unknown. While the Mail has tried to contact her for comment, she has refused to say a word since the show was released last month. Its a saga that continues to leave a bitter taste among the genuine cancer survivors whose illnesses she baked into a profit. Cyclone Alfred is slowly heading towards the southern Queensland coast with experts agreeing the delay will increase the severity of the storm when it finally makes landfall. The cyclone slowed to 6km/h overnight and increased to 8km/h by late Friday morning. After almost a week of nervous anticipation, the category 2 system is now expected to cross over the Moreton Bay Islands about 7am on Saturday before hitting the mainland between Noosa and Beenleigh about three hours later. Earlier, Andrew Dowdy, principal research scientist in extreme weather at The University of Melbourne, said the cyclone had effectively stalled. 'Alfred's slow pace will bring even more rain to affected communities because it will linger for longer,' he said. 'Its slowing means the huge waves triggered by the cyclone will last longer too, likely making coastal erosion and flooding worse. 'Alfred is unusual as it is the first cyclone in half a century to be this far south and make expected landfall. 'Weather patterns mean most cyclones heading south are diverted to the east but Alfred's abrupt westward shift is due to a large region of high pressure to its south, which has pushed it directly towards heavily populated areas. 'These steering winds are not very strong, which is why Alfred is moving slowly.' Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall on Saturday morning after slowing off the Queensland coast Weather experts said the cyclone slowing will result in more damage when it makes landfall as strong winds and torrential rain will hang around for longer Thomas Hinterdorfer from Higgins Storm Chasing said Cyclone Alfred moving slowly over the ocean will allow it to gather more 'fuel' before it crosses the coast. He warned the storm could still strengthen to a category three system. 'It's going to have more time in the lower vertical shear. It's going to have more time with the warm ocean waters, and all that fuel is gonna help it intensify,' he told The Courier Mail. 'That heavy rain, those damaging, destructive winds, they're going to last potentially for 12 to 14 hours for some areas.' The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for millions of people in Queensland and northern NSW to either hunker down or evacuate. Flights have been cancelled, trains and buses have been affected, schools are suspended and shops including supermarkets are shutting their doors. Meteorologists warned the cyclone will bring destructive winds in excess of 120km/h as well as dangerous flash flooding, and waves up to eight metres on the coast. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says modelling shows 20,000 properties in Brisbane could be affected by storm surges and flooding. A group hide behind a sea wall as massive crash at Tweed Heads in northern NSW Aussies have been told to stay at home as the cyclone inches closer to the coast Locals in Brisbane are preparing by sandbagging their shops and houses with about 20,000 under flood warnings Areas most at risk include Nudgee Beach, Brighton, Windsor, Ashgrove, Morningside and Rocklea. Sky News Weather meteorologist Marina Neuman said there was the potential for a deluge of about 500mm to 700mm of total rainfall. The federal government has announced funding for 12 local government areas, with the cyclone having the potential to cause billions of dollars in damage. Disaster funding has been made available to assist with preparation and recovery efforts including sandbagging and evacuations, along with emergency repairs to roads and public infrastructure. Local government areas of Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, and Sunshine Coast can access the funding. Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said community safety was the top priority. 'We're prepared for Cyclone Alfred and we're asking Queenslanders to do the same,' Minister Leahy said. 'We have resources on the ground, ready to go, as soon as Cyclone Alfred passes. Cyclone Alfred has slowed over warm water off Australia's coast, increasing the chance of it strengthening to a category three system Winds in excess of 120km/h are likely to batter the southern Queensland and northern NSW coasts will into the weekend 'We are working in partnership with councils and this funding will greatly assist them with their preparations for their communities.' Torrential downpours and large sea swells are already hitting the Gold Coast and more than 28,00 homes and businesses in southeast Queensland lost electricity on Friday morning around the Gold Coast area, Redland City and Scenic Rim. Power company Energex said the outages were caused by debris over powerlines and substations and warned customers to brace four outages lasting a week or more. 'While we hope this doesn't happen, we must be ready for serious damage to the power network and/or homes,' the company said. There were some 6,300 requests for assistance to the SES in NSW's Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast regions as of Friday morning. Italian officials are wary of Elon Musk's partnership with President Donald Trump's administration as they slow down a government deal with Starlink for satellite communications. Italy was in advanced talks with Musk's SpaceX to serve the government's encrypted data communications for the military and other areas after Trump won the election. But Giovanbattista Fazzolari, a right hand of Meloni, has raised concerns about Trump's more aggressive posture toward Europe. Italian President Sergio Mattarella has also publicly condemned Trump and Musk. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni acknowledged during a meeting Tuesday that it might be time for a search for viable Starlink alternatives, according to Bloomberg News. Meloni's admission is a shocking turnaround from the warm relationship that began in July 2023. The pair got closer after they spent time at the 2024 Global Citizen Awards where Musk introduced her. 'Shes also someone who is authentic, honest, truthful, and that cannot always be said about politicians,' Musk said, offering the highest praise to Meloni, adding she was 'even more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside.' Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini fired back with a statement criticizing officials for slow walking the deal, suggesting that 'idealogical prejudices' were getting in the way of Italy using a successful product. 'We are certain that, in a delicate phase like this, every choice must be weighed exclusively in the name of the Italian national interest, without ideological prejudices, considering the USA an essential partner for the security and growth of our country,' Salvini wrote in a statement. Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni acknowledged it might be time to explore other options for Italy's communications needs Elon Musk thanked Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini for defending the Starlink deal in jeopardy 'Much appreciated,' Elon replied on X on Thursday. Salvini again promoted the deal on Friday, raising awareness of the ongoing feud. 'I wonder what we are waiting for,' Salvini said, describing Starlink as a 'great American company' with '7,000 satellites' in orbit that would serve their needs. The 1.5 billion euros contract is considered a major step for Starlink, as it would be the first major government contract that could be expanded across other European countries. Matt Mowers, the finding board member of the EU-US Forum described the feud as absurd, as European country's are intentionally falling behind by steering away from American technology. 'Thankfully. Deputy PM Matteo Salvini is embracing cutting edge innovation and I hope other Italian leaders will follow suit,' he said to DailyMail.com. Italy's cold feet on the deal could also be fueled by growing anger at the president by European Union bureaucrats, according to sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations. Meloni's trip to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump only raised concerns she was working with Musk to complete the contract. Matteo Salvini, Italian Deputy Prime Minister continues promoting the deal with Starlink Italian President Sergio Mattarella is increasingly wary of Elon Musk's proximity to President Donald Trump She denied that SpaceX was discussed during Trump meeting, but critics accused her of allowing her friendship with Musk to sway her position on the future control of government communications. French satellite operator Eutelsat Communications SA is taking advantage of the growing concerns with Musk's Starlink, as they are currently exploring ways to take over online access to Ukraine, which is currently provided by Starlink. Mattarella publicly condemned Musk after the billionaire criticized a court ruling to block Italy's proposal to process migrants in Albania. Do the people of Italy live in a democracy or does an unelected autocracy make the decisions? Musk wrote on X, adding that the Italian judges 'need to go.' Anyone, especially if they are about to take on an important government role in a friendly and allied country, must respect its sovereignty and cannot assume the task of giving it instructions,' he warned Musk. QUESTION: Who was the first fashion model and who could be called the first supermodel? Although Janice Dickinson claimed to have coined the term supermodel in 1979, in fact it was in use long before this. Modelling as a profession was established in 1853 by Charles Frederick Worth, 'the father of haute couture'. Worth was an English fashion designer who founded the House of Worth. He asked his wife, Marie Augustine Vernet, to model the clothes he designed. The term 'house model' was coined to describe this type of work. The word supermodel was first used by the British artist Henry Stacy Marks in an 1891 interview for The Strand Magazine: 'A good many models are addicted to drink and, after sitting a while, will suddenly go to sleep. Then I have had what I call the 'super' model.' However, he was referring to male models posing for artists. On October 6, 1942, Judith Cass used the term 'super model' in an article in the Chicago Tribune headlined Super Models Are Signed For Fashion Show. It is debatable who the first supermodel was. Aficionados usually point to Lisa Fonssagrives (1911-1992). Pictured: Lisa Fonssagrives on the cover of Vogue in 1949 In the 1940s the Swedish model, dancer and artist (pictured) appeared on the covers of major fashion magazines Modelling as a profession was established in 1853 by Charles Frederick Worth (pictured), 'the father of haute couture' An article in the New York Daily News on December 31, 1945, gave a more modern definition of the supermodel. 'A brand new type of fashion model is predicted by Helen Fraser, director Barbizon Studio of Fashion Modeling: 'She will no longer be a manikin in one or two dimensions, but an actress and woman of the world... She will not be merely beautiful and attractive, but a living, speaking, acting, charming woman of fashion and international society; in other words, a super-model.' It is debatable who the first supermodel was. Aficionados usually point to Lisa Fonssagrives (1911-1992). In the 1940s the Swedish model, dancer and artist appeared on the covers of major fashion magazines including Vogue, Time and Harper's Bazaar. Katherine Hill, Tetbury, Glos QUESTION: Why does our sense of taste change when we're unwell? When we're unwell, our sense of taste can change due to several physiological factors. One major reason is inflammation and congestion, which can block the nasal passages. Since much of what we perceive as 'flavour' comes from our sense of smell, food may seem bland or different when we're sick. Additionally, illness often triggers an immune response that releases cytokines, which can affect taste receptor cells and dull our ability to detect flavours. Medications such as antibiotics and decongestants can also alter taste by affecting saliva production or interacting with taste buds. A dry mouth, common with colds or fevers, further reduces taste sensitivity. In some cases, infections such as Covid or flu directly impact taste and smell receptors. Dr Ian Smith, Cambridge When we're unwell, our sense of taste can change due to several physiological factors. Pictured: File photo QUESTION: Which national anthems mention other nations in their lyrics? The Polish national anthem, Poland Is Not Yet Lost, features lyrics written in 1797 by Polish nobleman Jozef Wybicki, and a melody derived from a mazurka, a lively Polish folk tune. Also known as Dabrowski's Mazurka, it was written to raise the morale of Jan Henryk Dabrowski's Polish Legions that served with Napoleon Bonaparte in the Italian campaigns of the French Revolutionary Wars. Hence the anthem mentions Italy: 'March, march, Dabrowski, From Italy to Poland. Under your command We shall rejoin the nation.' It also references the Swedish invasion of Poland (1701-1706) and its rescue by Stefan Czarniecki: 'Like Czarniecki to Poznan After the Swedish annexation, To save our homeland, We shall return across the sea.' Fratelli D'Italia, 'Brothers Of Italy', was written in 1847 by 20-year-old student Goffredo Mameli. Two months later the words were set to music by Michele Novaro. At that time, they were fighting a series of independence wars against the Austrian Empire. At the same time, the imperial army was allied with czarist Russia and they had recently invaded Poland. 'They are branches that bend The sold swords; Already the eagle of Austria Has lost its feathers. The blood of Italy And the Polish blood Drank with Cossacks But its heart was burnt.' Jonathan Cross, Derby Marjorie Taylor Greene's boyfriend Brian Glenn disagreed with his congressional gal pal over the decision to censure of Rep. Al Green after the Texas Democrat was kicked out of Donald Trump's speech. Glenn told a Newsmax panel he disagreed with Congress' censure after House members voted largely along party lines 224 to 198 in a sharp rebuke to Rep. Green on Thursday. The Georgia firebrand MTG voted with her party but beau Glenn, a former journalist who made headlines when he questioned Ukraine President Zelensky during his disaster meeting with Trump last week, said that he thought it went too far. 'I dont think that we should be censuring him for that. I just dont,' he told Newsmax, while admitting that what he said was 'probably not going to be popular' on the conservative-leaning network. His partner Greene herself was slammed by Democrats for her behavior at last year's State of the Union but never censured. 'I think that should be reserved for much harsher penalties or things someone might do in line of office, fundraising, campaign violations, or anything outside of that,' he added. He added that censuring Al Green would set a bad precedent that could see more members punished for low-level offenses in the future. 'Thats just something were going to throw out every time someone disagrees with the president or anybody that sits in the chamber.' Glenn told a Newsmax panel he disagreed with Congress ' censure after House members voted largely along party lines 224 to 198 Georgia firebrand MTG voted with her party but beau Glenn said it went too far In recent years, Democrats like Adam Schiff, Rashida Tlaib and Jamaal Bowman, as well as Republican Paul Gosar have all been censured for various behaviors. Marjorie Taylor Greene herself was threatened with censure in 2023 but had it dropped in a deal that also nixed a further censure of Tlaib. Ten Democrats joined their GOP colleagues to vote 'yea' on the resolution to censure Al Green while two voted present. After the vote, some Democratic lawmakers could be heard singing in the chamber 'We Shall Overcome' as they joined Green on the House floor. Speaker Mike Johnson struggled to bring the House to order repeatedly banging his gavel before calling a recess. The resolution was introduced Wednesday by GOP Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) It came after Green, 77, was physically removed from the House floor for interrupting Trump's speech in a remarkable disruption to a presidential address. But ahead of the vote, Green said despite any punishment for his actions, it would have been worth it. The House voted to censure Rep. Al Green after he had to be removed from the House chamber during President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday Just moments into giving his speech on Tuesday night, the president had to pause as shouting could be heard on the floor chamber. The Texas Democrat had stood up from his seat and was yelling and waving his cane at Trump. 'You have no mandate to cut healthcare,' Green yelled. Some lawmakers cheered as Green stood his ground while Republican lawmakers booed on Tuesday night. Speaker Johnson who was presiding over the Trump's speech eventually stepped in, knocking his gavel in an attempt to restore order in the chamber. 'Members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the House and to cease any further disruptions. That's your warning,' Johnson said as Trump waited to continue. When Green refused to return to his seat, the House sergeant at arms removed him from the chamber. As he was escorted away Republicans stood up and cheered. The Texas congressman being escorted from the chamber after his disruption Some GOP members sang 'nah nah nah nah, goodbye' while Democrats sat in silence. After he was booted from the chamber, Green spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill. 'The president said he had a mandate. And I was making it clear to the president that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,' Green said. The Texas Democrat said Trump's budget calls for 'deep cuts in Medicaid.' But when he introduced the resolution, Newhouse slammed Green's behavior during the address as unacceptable regardless of party. 'Decorum and order are the institutional grounds for the way we do business in the United States Congress, and the sheer disregard for that standard during President Trumps address by the gentleman from Texas is unacceptable,' he said in a statement. On Wednesday, he and other lawmakers stood on the House floor to debate the resolution. Republicans slammed Green's action, but Democrats defended him and criticized the president. Green, who has served in the House since 2005, has been a leading Democrat in efforts to impeach Trump since his first term in office. The congressman announced last month he would file articles of impeachment against the president again in his new term. He said it was in response to Trump's backing of 'ethnic cleansing' of Palestinians in Gaza. After he was removed from the House chamber on Tuesday, Green said he was willing to accept punishment for his disruption. 'It's worth it to let people know that there's some of us who are going to stand up against this president's desire to cut Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security,' he said. The president has pushed back on such claims, vowing to protect Medicare and Social Security. But Democrats warn Republicans cannot meet their spending cut goals without impacting the program millions of low-income Americans rely on for health care. Heavy rainfall from Cyclone Alfred - the first to hit southeast Queensland and northern NSW in half a century - will reach as far as Sydney and last for days. With a warning zone stretching 650km, the 'slow moving' but powerful category two system is edging closer towards Brisbane and is expected to cross the coast on Saturday. But what happens after Alfred makes landfall is concerning some scientists. 'From modelling, it is expected to move inland over the NSW interior and then possibly move across and pop off the coast around the Sydney area,' Monash University research fellow Michael Barnes told Daily Mail Australia. 'It is the rainfall intensity that is key.' Mr Barnes suggested Sydney and broader NSW will possibly see heavy rainfall of 100mm to 200mm over a 24-to-48 hour period. 'But the wind intensity will not be cyclone-strength,' he said. 'People should not be too panicked about that.' Two girls are seen looking at foam left by giant waves at Froggies Beach on the Gold Coast Pictured are residents at Point Danger in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast on Thursday The Bureau has warned that Tropical Cyclone Alfred will 'substantially influence' rainfall over March (pictured, totals that have a 75 per cent chance of occurring for 10 March-16 March) The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Tropical Cyclone Alfred will 'substantially influence' rainfall over March in southeastern Queensland, eastern parts of New South Wales and even as far as Victoria. Mr Barnes pointed to the case of Cyclone Jasper, a category two system in December 2023 that battered Queensland's north coast with heavy rains and damaging winds. 'The remnants sat on Queensland for several days and just rained,' Mr Barnes said. 'Once a tropical cyclone makes landfall, it typically loses intensity but it still can remain relatively active, even if weak, for several days.' Gusts of up to 120km/h developed near the coasts between Cape Moreton and Cape Byron late Thursday which are expected to extend to coastal and island communities between Noosa and Ballina early Friday. The bureau has forecast widespread, torrential rain across the region over the coming days. Estimates earlier today went so far as to suggest that, in the space of 24 hours, there would be heavy rainfall totaling up to 450mm, half of which could be dumped over the course of six hours. The bureau refers to this as intense rainfall that could lead to 'dangerous and life threatening flash flooding'. The amount of rainfall predicted in the Gold Coast area far exceeds the average total usually expected in March Additionally, the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast Hinterland are predicted to experience roughly 200mm of rain in the space of six hours, reaching around 300mm to 350mm over the course of 24 hours. The predictions far exceed the average rainfall experienced in Gold Coast during March, with the mean average totaling 155.7mm. Cyclone Alfred is now less than 150km out from Brisbane and the region is already being hammered by rain and gale force winds. NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Deb Platts has said it is vital people stay up to date on the latest developments. She said warning and alerts will continue to rapidly evolve throughout the storm. 'We need people to keep up to date with the warnings,' she said on Friday. 'We've seen that overnight where we've been able to change some evacuation warnings based on the Bureau of Meteorology's information and forecasts.' Two young women narrowly escaped disaster after their vehicle became stuck on Florida train track, directly in the path of an oncoming train. The two women, dressed in all-black outfits, can be seen running from the red and black, three-wheeled Polaris Slingshot after getting snagged on the tracks. Escaping to safety with only seconds to spare, the pair were seen turning in horror as they watched the vehicle being crushed by the two-story train. Miami police and fire rescue responded to the crash, which occurred at the intersection of North Miami Avenue and 20th Street on Monday afternoon, according to Storyful. The express train was heading northbound when the crash took place, a Tri-Rail spokesperson told WSVN. No injuries were reported, however, the train did sustain minor damages with a crack to its front end. The train has since been allowed to go on as scheduled. The Tri-Rail is a commuter rail service that was introduced several decades ago, in 1989. The railway services a total of 73.5 miles between Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties in Florida. There are 19 stations in Broward County, seven in Palm Beach County and six in Miami-Dade County, according to the commuter rail's about page. The two women can be seen running from a red and black, three-wheeled vehicle which appears to be stranded on the train tracks Escaping to safety, with only seconds to spare, the two women can be seen turning in horror only to see their car destroyed by the two-story train According to the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, the operator of Tri-Rail, the train system served 4.4 million riders in 2024. The harrowing incident come just weeks after a driver in Utah avoided a fatal collision with a train after their car was pushed onto the tracks by another vehicle before being smashed into pieces. Dramatic footage of the incident in Layton on February 11 shows the white SUV being nudged onto the train tracks by the car behind as the boom gate arm was being lowered. As the crossing lights flashed, the driver appeared to be trying to decide what to do next and was seen reversing back out of harm's way. But with the barrier already down, the SUV couldn't move further back and their front wheels remained on the train tracks. Miami police and fire rescue responded to the crash, which occurred at the intersection of North Miami Avenue and 20th Street on Monday afternoon, according to Storyful No injuries were reported, however, the train did sustain minor damages with a crack to its front end. The train has since been allowed to go on as scheduled (picture: Victor Uceda via Storyful) Noticing the FrontRunner train quickly approaching, the driver made a call to abandon the SUV and make a run for it. Within seconds, the train and the SUV collided, tearing off the front bumper and sending the vehicle spinning onto the road as pieces flew across the road. The body of the car hit crossing post and gate arm, which fell to the ground. Footage from inside the train showed the moment the train approach the vehicle as it partially blocked the trains path. 'Oh, come on,' the train operator said just moments before the collision. A heavy thud was heard from inside the train as it crashed into the car. Lt. Travis Lyman with the Layton Police Department said the incident occurred at 1000 S Angel Street. Lyman added that although the car was significantly damaged, the driver had no injuries, reported KSLTV. Utah Transit Authority public information officer Gavin Gustafson told the outlet that the driver was probably in shock. 'I'm certainly not going to second-guess them in the heat of the moment, and sometimes, the view might be blocked by something else, you don't want to pull forward if there is another train coming,' he said. The outlet reported that UTA estimates the collision caused over $100,000 in damage to the train. A headteacher allegedly attacked his deputy with a spanner in front of shocked pupils over a love triangle involving a female teacher. Dr John Felton, 54, is said to have hit deputy head Richard Pyke over the head with the heavy-duty tool during morning lessons, leaving him with serious injuries. The married father-of-three emailed staff apologising for what he was about to do saying: 'I'm sorry for the distress which the rest of today will bring.' Emergency services were called to St Joseph's Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre in Aberavon, South Wales, after the violent assault on Wednesday morning. Dr Felton was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault. Mr Pyke, 51, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Pupils who witnessed the violence are being offered counselling and support through the local education authority. Some parents arrived to collect their children after receiving text messages about the attack and threatened to keep them off until they get assurances about leadership in the school. Others raised concerns on Facebook about the teachers allegedly having sexual liaisons in school, adding 'never mind the headteacher nearly beating someone to death with a wrench'. It is understood the female teacher not present at the time of the alleged spanner attack. Dr John Felton, 54, allegedly attacked his deputy with a spanner in front of shocked pupils over a love triangle involving a female teacher Deputy head Richard Pyke (pictured) was left with serious head injuries following the alleged attack Dr Felton's email said: 'Dear staff, the greatest mistake I made was appointing ****** ******* in various roles.' He continued: 'I'm sorry for the distress the rest of the day will bring. I am sorry. 'You are good people and do an amazing job for our community. Goodbye, John.' Dr Felton was appointed head at the 900-pupil school in 2023 after being head of mathematics there for 17 years. A South Wales Police spokesman said: 'We were called at 9.50am to reports of an assault at St Joseph's Catholic Comprehensive School in Aberavon. 'A 51-year-old man has been taken to hospital, it is believed his injuries are not life threatening. A 54-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault. 'We are aware of local speculation about the nature of the assault but we can confirm no knives were involved.' Neath Port Talbot council said support would be offered to pupils and staff affected by the violent assault. Dr Felton was appointed head at the 900-pupil school in 2023 after being head of mathematics there for 17 years A spokesman said: 'We are aware of an incident that occurred at St Joseph's Catholic school and Sixth Form Centre this morning. The incident did not involve any pupils. 'The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff are our top priority and we are working closely with the school to ensure the appropriate support is offered to everyone affected by this incident. 'The matter is currently under investigation by the police and the school is fully cooperating with their inquiries.' Labour MS for Aberavon, David Rees, said: 'This is a very sad situation for our community and my thoughts currently are with the person who is injured. 'I am sure the local authority will provide full support to staff and pupils who may be affected in the coming days and weeks. 'It is important that at this time the police and other relevant authorities are allowed to investigate the incident without any speculation.' Sir Keir Starmer has been left red-faced after a leading KC warned his Government's proposed AI copyright exception goes against international law. The Prime Minister prides himself on his credentials as a human rights lawyer who once argued a case in the International Court of Justice. But a legal opinion from top copyright lawyer Nicholas Caddick KC says that Sir Keir's plan may break the Berne Convention which established that creators' work is protected the moment it is written or recorded. Leading figures from the music world, including Sir Elton John, Sir Brian May and Simon Cowell, have backed a Mail campaign on the issue, but Britain's 126billion creative industries have so far been unable to persuade Labour to change tack. It is hoped that this appeal to Sir Keir's adoration of international treaties may succeed. Composer and impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber said: 'The dire situation the entire UK creative industry faces if copyright is not protected is shameful. We can't just sit back and let this happen. 'Today marks the beginning of more robust action. The Government has not listened to common sense perhaps legal opinion will be more persuasive.' Tech firms copy news articles, music, books, films and art to train their AI models without paying publishers and creators. Sir Keir Starmer has been left red-faced after a leading KC warned his Government's proposed AI copyright exception goes against international law Top copyright lawyer Nicholas Caddick KC says that Sir Keir's plan may break the Berne Convention which established that creators' work is protected the moment it is written or recorded Leading figures from the music world, including Sir Elton John, Sir Brian May and Simon Cowell, have backed a Mail campaign on the issue Now even AI Artists are urging u-turn One of the world's leading AI artists has backed the campaign against the Government's proposal to grant tech firms an exception to copyright law. Refik Anadol, whose works sell for 1.5million, has joined calls by the creative industries for Labour to rethink their plan. Despite profiting from the technology, he said: 'AI comes with possibilities, but possibilities come with responsibilities.' Mr Anadol, from Turkey, uses an AI model to generate art that has been trained on 35million works, which he says have all been ethically sourced. 'We only work with libraries and institutions that allow us to. We always ask for permission, so that's very different than many others,' he told The Times. Mr Anadol said he works with Big Tech and teaches firms the importance of crediting creators: 'I try to be a good example and push for good examples.' Advertisement Current copyright laws stipulate that creators get automatic protection and should be compensated if it is found that their works have been stolen. But the Government opened a consultation in December and said it favours a response that grants AI firms a copyright exception. It would allow Big Tech to pillage British artists' work for free to train their models unless creators choose to 'opt out' of letting them do so. The Berne Convention was used previously to successfully argue against a provision of French law which allowed a copyright collecting society to exploit out-of-print books unless the rights holders lodged an opposition. Mr Caddick's legal opinion, which formed part of the Publishers Association response to the Government consultation, argues that the proposed AI 'opt out' exception 'would seem to be an even clearer example of a breach' than this precedent. Creators must be given the 'exclusive right to authorise reproduction of their works' under the Berne Convention. The only exception is if they satisfy the conditions of the 'three-step test'. Put simply, the conditions are: the exception must apply only in specific, special cases; the use must not deprive the rights holders of income; it must not harm the copyright owner's interest. Mr Caddick believes Labour's proposal contravenes at least two, if not all three of the conditions. AI Artist Refik Anadol, whose works sell for 1.5million, has joined calls by the creative industries for Labour to rethink their plan He said the proposal 'is not limited to certain special cases' and would potentially 'deprive rights holders of tangible commercial gains'. As the 'opt out' is likely to 'place all of the risk and administrative burden on rights holders', the plan will probably contravene the third step, too. A Government spokesman said: 'The Berne Convention does not make any specific provisions for the interaction of copyright law and artificial intelligence. 'The Government will continue to consider all international legal commitments and obligations... and any eventual solution will take all of these into account.' The terrifying scale of damage wrought by Cyclone Alfred on Australia's east coast will depend on a 'coincidence' of factors, experts have warned. With gale-force winds and heavy rainfall battering southeast Queensland and northern NSW, the slow-moving system is expected to hit in less than 24 hours. By 7am on Friday, it was just 165km east of Brisbane and 140km northeast of the Gold Cold and travelling at a 'walking speed' of roughly 6km/h. 'It is not unusual for cyclones to slow down as they approach the coast,' Tom Mortlock, head of climate analytics Asia-Pacific at Aon, told Daily Mail Australia. 'It is looking like Saturday morning is when it will arrive,' he said. Mr Mortlock, who is an adjunct fellow at the University of NSW's Climate Change Research Centre, said Cyclone Alfred slowed after it hit a 'high pressure system' in the Cora Sea and due to light winds above the system. 'Tropical cyclones across Queensland have been slow-moving previously,' he said. 'Whether or not that coincides with high tide, that will really determine the level to which we see impact.' If there is a rise in sea levels due to the storm, on top of high tide, this combination could cause a huge impact on communities (pictured, people watch giant waves in Coolangatta, QLD) Australia's east coast is already experiencing extreme weather, with waves crashing into Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Club, Gold Coast, on Thursday A flooded causeway after heavy rain is seen at Tintenbar in NSW's Far North Coast Mr Mortlock explained that storm surge - an abnormal rise in sea levels during a storm - occurs on top of the regular flow of the tide. This means the impact on Australia's coast is reliant on the 'coincidence' between Alfred making landfall during a period of high tide. 'If it hits at low tide, impacts are contained, but it will be more significant at high tide,' he explained. Already, the Bureau has reported record-breaking waves across the east coast with some reaching as high as 15metres. Mr Mortlock predicts anywhere south of Brisbane, down to NSW's Northern Rivers, is a 'zone of concern' for severe wind damage. '[Alfred] may stick around for some time, we expect it to be downgraded to a tropical low but that does not mean danger has passed,' he said. 'If it sticks around, that can exacerbate flooding.' Anthony Albanese has said climate change has played an obvious part in the impending natural disaster. A fallen branch is seen in Ballina on Australia's east coast on Friday Even if downgraded to a tropical low, Mortlock says that does not mean danger has passed (pictured, a jet ski with a surfer is seen surfing record-breaking waves in Coolangatta) 'What we know is that the science tells us that there would be more extreme weather events, they would be more frequent and they would be more intense,' he told a press conference on Friday morning. 'You can't say this is just because of climate change. (But) what you can say is that climate change is having an impact on our weather patterns,' he said. While Mr Mortlock was quick to tell Daily Mail Australia that there is no evidence, as of yet, that tropical cyclones are shifting south in the Australia region, climate change remains a concerning factor. 'The clearest signal is a decline in a number of tropical cyclones making landfall in Australia,' he said. 'Most climate models project that the decrease will continue but those [storms] that do make landfall will be stronger.' Batten down the hatches: Those in the front line told it's now too late to leave It is now too late for those in the frontline of the category two storm's collision course with the coast to flee, and they should now go to ground and ride it out, the Bureau of Meteorology warns. 'People between Cape Moreton and Yamba, including the Moreton Bay Islands should remain inside until conditions have eased,' the Bureau says. The Bureau warns the raging system has 'sustained winds' of 100km/h near its centre with gusts in excess of 140km/h 'People between Yamba and Grafton in NSW, as well as Brisbane and Double Island Point in Queensland should take precautions.' The Bureau warns the raging system has 'sustained winds' of 100km/h near its centre with gusts in excess of 140km/h and is continuing to slowly power towards the mainland at 7km/h. 'Alfred is most likely to cross over the Moreton Bay Islands Saturday morning before crossing the mainland coast, most likely between Noosa and Beenleigh later during Saturday,' the Bureau says. Scammers already looking to cash in on carnage caused by devastating storm Unscrupulous scammers are trying to cash in on the devastation Cyclone Alfred is expected to cause to homes and businesses along the coast. Although the majority of the community has been rallying together ahead of the looming storm, Lismore MP Janelle Saffin says there have already been reports of fake fundraisers online. 'Unfortunately, the scams have started,' she said on Friday. 'A scam started this morning, and I say to people, if you see somebody's name on it that's not well known, just ignore it.' Ms Saffin hopes people will continue to offer much-needed aid and support in the weeks ahead by sticking to trusted sources. More than a century ago, that most renowned of British economists John Maynard Keynes said: 'When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?' It is probably what Sir Keir Starmer would say now following his defence spending hike to 2.5 per cent of GDP after slashing it to 2.3 per cent when he came into office. Last April, the then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and I pledged to grow the MoD's budget, funded by paring back the Civil Service to its pre-pandemic levels. Labour cancelled both. But, as Keynes said, we should not begrudge someone changing their mind if it is the right thing to do. However, as I told the Prime Minister in PMQs last month, we will need to go further. If we are to keep Nato together, we and other European countries will need to spend closer to the 3.4 per cent of GDP that the US spends on defence. Another 1 per cent of GDP on defence from currently planned levels would cost around 30 billion equivalent to an eye-watering four pence in the pound on income tax. How could we possibly afford the rise? In fact, it need not cost us anything like that. It could even pay for itself. To understand how, we just need to look at what happened when the United States almost tripled defence spending in the 1950s. Jeremy Hunt MP has called on Labour to go even further with its plans to increase defence spending The UK needs to match US defence spending of 3.4 per cent of GDP, according to Hunt For each additional 1 per cent rise in defence spending, it will cost an estimated 30billion, but Mr Hunt believes the UK has the potential make the costs far less severe There was panic when the Soviet Union launched the Sputnik 1 satellite in 1957, suggesting that Moscow was making giant technological strides that Washington could not keep up with. But, instead of just throwing money at big arms manufacturers, the US Department of Defence turned to California's Stanford University. Its dean of engineering was a visionary patriot called Frederick Terman who had set up Stanford Industrial Park, a cutting-edge research facility in nearby Palo Alto. Attracted by funding from both the defence budget and Nasa, the best new technology companies flocked there and Silicon Valley was born. Since then, Israel has pulled off a similar trick, turning its need for military investment into a globally successful tech sector. It has to spend not 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence like us, but 5 per cent because of the immediate threat to its security from terrorist organisations on its doorstep such as Hamas and Hezbollah. They have turned it to their advantage with an Israeli tech revolution that has helped make it the most powerful economy in the region. As prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said to me when I was foreign secretary, Britain could do the same. As Chancellor, I always said the best way to pay for the costs of the NHS and an ageing population is to become the world's next Silicon Valley. The foundations are already in place. Last April, the then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt pledged to grow the MoD's budget until those plans were scuppered in Labour's opening weeks of power Hunt has urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to go even further when raising the defence budget Outside the US, we have the most respected universities, including three of the world's top 20. We have more AI graduates than anywhere else in Europe. We have the world's second largest financial services sector to help provide the capital for start-ups. My Mansion House pension fund reforms (continued by Rachel Reeves) will help nurture more home-grown tech giants, which has previously been a weakness. Now we have more 'unicorns' (tech companies worth more than a billion dollars) than anywhere else in Europe. Our tech ecosystem stretching from life sciences to quantum engineering, gaming and even film production is now the third largest in the world after the US and China. In 2023, social media tycoon Elon Musk told me that London and San Francisco have become the world's two leading hubs for AI. But if we want the extra defence billions to nurture a British Silicon Valley, we will need to spend it differently. Instead of just funding big contracts with traditional suppliers, we must make sure the new funding flows to brilliant university spin-outs in Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Manchester and Edinburgh. Modern warfare requires increased spending on aspects other than just sheer manpower, writes Hunt (Stock image) The big defence contractors are masterly at signing up the MoD for a ten or 20-year project and then jacking up the price. Sometimes it is caused by the ministry changing specifications. But often, the money simply disappears down an enormous military plughole. Instead, we need to find a much nimbler, smarter way to get the latest technological developments into the hands of our troops on the frontline. Ukraine has shown how cheap drones can destroy expensive tanks, radically changing the way modern warfare is fought. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge championed such an approach when he was minister for defence procurement, so let's hope the Government is continuing with his excellent work. But the risk, of course, is that the opposite happens and the extra money disappears down a black hole. Heaven forbid it is wasted for example, on the disastrous and mistaken Chagos Islands deal. But there is an alternative. Thanks partly to a technological edge nurtured by defence spending, the United States has become one of the most powerful countries on the planet. If we play our hand wisely, the UK could do the same. NHS staff have been asked to still treat colleagues with beards as women if they self-identify as female, it has been reported. Official guidance from NHS Scotland states employees must use the correct name and pronouns for transgender colleagues. One training scenario used by the health service asked workers to consider the fictional case of 'Lucy', a 29-year-old trans nurse. The character is said to be yet-to formally change her name from Lee and is 'still producing visible facial hair'. The training module explained that some staff have been hesitant to correct patients who are still using male terms to refer to Lucy. The fictional scenario is understood to have concluded with employees being told that 'discrimination against Lucy will not be tolerated'. It adds that under equality law, Lucy's rights are protected and colleagues must use her correct name and pronouns. Scottish Tories slammed the training module, which has since been updated, as 'ludicrous' and 'nonsensical'. NHS staff have been asked to still treat colleagues with beards as women if they self-identify as female (Pictured: Scottish First Minister John Swinney) Official guidance from NHS Scotland states employees must use the correct name and pronouns for transgender colleagues (file photo) One training scenario used by the health service asked workers to consider the fictional case of 'Lucy', a 29-year-old trans nurse (stock photo) MSP Stephen Kerr said, according to The Telegraph: 'It is absolutely nonsensical to demand that staff and patients ignore biological reality and participate in an enforced illusion. 'This kind of thought control has no place in a rational, professional healthcare setting, where clear communication, trust and biological facts are critical to patient care and workplace cohesion.' The same NHS Scotland guidance also promotes the rollout of gender-neutral toilets as a way to 'promote equality'. It claims the lavatories 'promote equality by eliminating the need for people to conform to traditional gender norms'. The content of the training scenarios, which were developed by the NHS Education for Scotland agency (NES), was initially disclosed by The Times newspaper. However, after being approached for comment, the NES removed the scenario on gender neutral bathrooms and the claim that staff had a 'legal obligation' to use Lucy's correct pronouns. It comes as First Minister John Swinney recently confirmed he backed transgender employees being able to use the toilets they feel most comfortable with. This led to claims he remains 'wedded to Nicola Sturgeon's reckless gender self-ID policy'. A Scottish Government equality and inclusion policy states that 'trans staff should choose to use the facilities they feel most comfortable with, including using accessible toilets if they prefer'. Asked if he supports the policy, without any requirement to have changed their legal gender, Mr Swinney said: 'Of course I support the guidance that's available. NHS Fife nurse Sandie Peggie took on NHS Fife over trans doctor Beth Upton's use of a female changing area Dr Beth Upton leaving the tribunal in Dundee, Scotland, in February 'But it's underpinned also by the need to ensure that any such question does not come at the disadvantage of other members of staff. 'And that's a crucial obligation, which is in law, which the Government as an employer has got to make sure is provided for within our estate in these circumstances.' On whether he believes trans women are women, he said: 'The answer I've given to that before is that I accept that to be the case.' The row comes in the wake of a high-profile employment tribunal in Scotland about the right of trans people to access female-only areas. NHS Fife nurse Sandie Peggie sued the health board after alleging that it breached the Equality Act 2010 by allowing transgender doctor Beth Upton to use a female changing area. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) wrote to NHS Fife remind them of 'obligations' around single-sex spaces in the Equality Act, including their duty to 'assess and review proposed new and revised policies or practices'. Concerns have been raised that NHS Fife may have broken the law by failing to carry out an impact assessment of its policy. Mr Swinney said questions about whether transgender employees access female-only spaces are 'carefully calibrated by the requirements of legislation'. He said: 'The law has to be followed, and the law is quite clear that there must be single-sex spaces available within our estate, so that's what the law says and requires of us and that has to be the case. 'There are of course arrangements in the Equality Act which address the issues which have to be taken into account by any employer in dealing with any desire by a trans person to use those single-sex spaces, and exemptions that can be deployed if the employer goes through the necessary process of considering the implications of that fact for other members of staff. 'The rule of law is the crucial point here and all organisations must act consistently with the law, and that is what I would expect to be the case in all circumstances.' A spokesman for NES said: 'The Times article is incorrect. We are not telling staff what to do or say. 'This is simply a document to help staff think about and discuss a range of equality topics in the workplace.' In a previous statement to The Times, NES said: 'We routinely review and update our educational resources in light of guidance and policy changes. In the light of a recent statement by the EHRC, we have reviewed some of these resources including the cultural humility resource.' MailOnline has contacted NHS Scotland for comment. Authorities in Oregon are hoping that an underwater discovery may provide some answers as to what happened to a family that went missing nearly 70 years ago, in a case that gripped the nation. Investigators with the Hood River County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday that they had received a tip from a diver who claimed to have found the 1954 Ford station wagon belonging to the Martin family, who vanished in 1958. After matching a partial plate, authorities say they are now 99 percent sure it is the car the Martin family was driving in when they went missing more than six decades ago, KOIN reports. Ken and Barbara Martin had told family members and their neighbors in Northeast Portland they were taking their daughters - Barbara, 14; Virginia, 13 and Susan Margaret, 11 - to the Columbia River Gorge to collect greenery to make Christmas wreaths on December 7, 1958. The family would never be seen again, and their disappearance sparked an intense search that led to national attention, with people across the country claiming to have spotted the family of five, according to the Oregonian. But hope was lost one year later, when the bodies of the two youngest girls were found floating in the Columbia River, dead from drowning. At that point, officials ruled that the five family members accidently drove into the Columbia River and died. The case was declared closed - despite the discovery of a gun and a Multnomah County autopsy technician claiming there was a potential gunshot wound to the head of one of the girls' bodies. The Martin family, from Portland, Oregon, went missing on December 7, 1958 One year later, the bodies of the two youngest girls were found floating in the Columbia River, dead from drowning Even as the decades past, the mystery became a 'deep obsession' for Archer Mayo, the diver who found the vehicle, he told KGW. The diver decided to begin his own search for the family back in 2018, and based on where the two girls were found dead in 1959 and using computer predictive modeling, Mayo started scouring in the Cascade Locks of the Columbia River. 'I've almost quit so many times and kind of can't believe I'm standing here today,' he said. The breakthrough came a couple of months ago when he located the vehicle 'about 50 feet under the surface of the water [and] seven feet under the ground,' he told the Oregonian. 'As I went further on, I realized, "Oh my gosh, this is the car! This is a '54 wagon,"' Mayo recounted. He then alerted authorities, and together with the Army Corps of Engineers, they started to dig. Soon, the car began to take shape out of the rubble. It is upside down and there is debris lying on top of it, authorities said, but the vehicle is still mostly intact. Diver Archer Mayo said the mystery became a 'deep obsession' for him He started his own search for the family in 2018 - and struck gold a couple of months ago when he located the vehicle 'about 50 feet under the surface of the water [and] seven feet under the ground' Authorities say the vehicle is still mostly intact, and they are 99 percent sure it is the 1954 Ford station wagon belonging to the Martin family It remains unclear whether the three remaining family members bodies may be in the vehicle as authorities work to pull the car out of the river. 'We want to preserve this vehicle the best that we can to ensure that any evidence that comes out is able to be saved,' Sheriff Matt English said, noting that the case is 'dependent on what's in that car.' He and Deputy Pete Hughes added that the Sheriff's Department are treating the decades-old cold case as any other investigation. 'We're going in with the mindset of having any preconceived ideas about what happened,' Hughes explained. 'So we'll have the crime lab, we'll have detectives and they'll be investigating this just like they would investigate any case, a known case at this point.' Authorities are working to pull the vehicle out of the depths of the Columbia River They said they would treat the decades-old cold case as any other investigation In the meantime, English said he is keeping the surviving members of the Martin family 'in the loop.' 'Obviously, there has been a lot of speculation over the years,' he noted, including foul play. But Mayo told the Oregonian he believes Ken simply misjudged space and distance while driving in the Cascade Locks parking lot, and the car toppled into the water. 'I'm really hoping the survivors of this, of the people involved, the Martins, can have some closure,' he said. A four-year-old Ohio girl was told she may never walk again after her common flu symptoms led to cardiac arrest and caused severe brain damage. Just three days after Locklynn Boler, 4, tested positive for Influenza A, her condition dramatically declined into what her parents are calling a 'nightmare situation.' 'It's like every day I wake up to the nightmare,' Locklynn's father, Brad Boler, 31, told ABC6. The little girl, along with her two siblings, were diagnosed with the highly contagious viral respiratory infection on February 21 at a local urgent care. The next day however, Locklynn's symptoms worsened and she was having trouble breathing. Growing concerned, her parents brought their daughter to a hospital where she was sent home with medicine and a nebulizer for breathing treatments, according to her father. However, a little more than 24 hours later, the little girl's health began rapidly declining. In the early hours of February 24, Locklynn collapsed and 'went unresponsive' on her way to the bathroom, according to a GoFundMe page organized by Locklynn's aunt, Bethany Patrick. Just three days after Locklynn Boler, 4, tested positive for Influenza A her condition dramatically declined into what her parents are calling a 'nightmare situation.' Pictured: Locklynn Boler on a ventilator at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio The little girl, along with her two siblings, was diagnosed with the highly contagious viral respiratory infection on February 21 at a local urgent care 'She jumped out of bed and ran toward the bathroom door, and then I heard a thud,' her father, Brad, told the outlet. 'I looked over, and she was laying on the ground.' As four-year-old Locklynn laid unresponsive on the floor of her Chillicothe home's bathroom, her mother, Haley Dyke, 27, with the help of Brad's sister, performed CPR on the unconscious girl. While the two women continued to provide life-saving care to little Locklynn, Brad rushed his daughter to a nearby hospital. Upon arriving to the hospital, the preschool-aged girl coded and went into cardiac arrest. 'A parent's worst fear is hearing a flat line on the hospital's machines,' Locklynn's aunt wrote on GoFundMe. After a couple of minutes - described as a 'lifetime' by her parents - medical staff revived the Locklynn's pulse. 'They had to do three rounds of CPR on her before they finally got a pulse,' Brad said. A medical crew then flew Locklynn to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus - 50 miles from Chillicothe. However, even with the extensive life-saving care she was provided, an MRI revealed that due to the cardiac arrest, which caused her brain to stop receiving oxygen, the little girl obtained 'severe brain damage' that will affect her for the rest of her life. An MRI revealed that due to the cardiac arrest, which caused Locklynn's brain to stop receiving oxygen, she obtained 'severe brain damage' that will affect her for the rest of her life 'They came in and told us that she had massive amounts of brain injuries,' the devastated father said. 'We were told she would never walk again, she would never be able to eat on her own again, never to be able to talk again, never be able to play with her sisters, brother or cousins,' Patrick wrote. 'The Locklynn we once knew is no longer.' Brad said his daughter spent more than two days in a coma, but she's awake now and off the ventilator. 'The fact that she's alive makes me hopeful, but when I just sit down and think about it, I get angry,' he said. 'But I think that's just one of those emotions I'm still processing through.' As Brad sits in the hospital with his little girl, he hopes her situation saves someone else's life. 'I used to be that kind of person that was like, 'Oh, it's the flu, you'll be OK,' he said. 'I'm telling you this thing can take your babies away from you.' In an update posted to the fundraising website on March 3, Patrick said her niece was 'finally breathing on her own.' 'Locklynn's ventilator has finally been removed as of today and she is breathing on her own,' Patrick wrote. However, Locklynn's upward trajectory 'didn't go as planned' forcing doctors to place the breathing aid back in. Now, her family said they are taking her situation 'day by day, hour by hour' as they continue to pray for her recovery. 'We are still taking this day by day, hour by hour,' Patrick said. 'Please continue to pray for Locklynn and her family as we were hopeful she could remain off the vent, but that is just not possible right now.' Jason Newland, a doctor who oversees infectious diseases at Nationwide Children's Hospital, told KKTV that this year's flu season hit a lot of people hard. 'This influenza season has reminded us how severe influenza can be,' he told the outlet. 'This year was unlike the previous three years and it came after the winter holiday.' He added that it is a good idea to see a doctor if your child is breathing fast, not eating well or drinking, or not acting right. Newland also said it's not too late to get a flu shot. The family is collecting donations via a GoFundMe campaign as well as collecting proceeds from 'Locklynn Strong' T-shirts which are also being sold to help support the family. Police 'acted reasonably' when they launched a hate crime investigation into a social media post by journalist Allison Pearson, a review has concluded. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) launched a probe into Essex Police's actions after the Daily Telegraph columnist complained she felt 'bullied and threatened' when officers visited her home on Remembrance Sunday in November 2024. News of the visit sparked a backlash, including from former Conservative prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, who described the incident as 'appalling'. The force later dropped its investigation into whether a social media post about the Hamas-Israel conflict had incited racial hatred. The Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was no realistic prospect of conviction for the offence of stirring up racial hatred. Yesterday Mark Hobrough, the NPCC's hate crime lead said footage from body-worn cameras showed the investigating officer's approach to Ms Pearson was 'polite and carried out in an exemplary manner'. His independent review concluded that decisions were made 'in good-faith and without fear or favour'. In his findings, the Gwent Chief Constable said the force 'acted reasonably and in accordance with the Home Office Counting Rules to record a crime complaint.' Police 'acted reasonably' when they launched a hate crime investigation into a social media post by journalist Allison Pearson (pictured), a review has concluded The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) launched a probe into Essex Police's actions after officers visited the Daily Telegraph columnist's home (Stock image) He praised the behaviour of the officer who spoke to Ms Pearson, saying: 'He did not become defensive or challenging and remained calm' after the journalist 'began to challenge the officer's actions'. But Ms Pearson hit back on X saying: 'Here are the police marking their own homework in my case which was widely viewed as utterly outrageous. 'A clear breach of my right to freedom of expression.' A spokesperson for Essex Police said: 'In November last year we launched an investigation into an alleged offence of inciting racial hatred relating to a social media post. 'We acted appropriately and proportionately and investigated the matter which resulted in us taking no further action.' An elderly woman with dementia has been convicted of failing to insure her car - despite her living in a nursing home and no longer having a driving licence. The pensioner, 93, from Dudley in the West Midlands, was prosecuted by DVLA in September last year when they found out that the insurance on her Ford had expired. In a handwritten letter the woman explained that due to her diagnosis she had not driven since November 10, 2023, but the vehicle had been 'kept on the drive' during this period, the Evening Standard reports. She admitted to having 'overlooked' making a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) for the motor, but said her disease had caused her to hide mail - leaving her family unable to access her letters. The woman also revealed she had been recovering from a stroke in a care home since November. As prosecutor DVLA could have decided to withdraw the prosecution on the grounds it wasn't in the public interest. But, due to the fast-track design of the Single Justice Procedure, this was not considered. The pensioner was convicted on a guilty plea at Taunton magistrates court last month. A 93-year-old woman with dementia has been convicted of not insuring her car - despite her living in a nursing home and not having a driving licence. In a handwritten letter (pictured) the woman explained that due to her dementia diagnosis she had not driven since November 10, 2023 The pensioner, from Dudley in the West Midlands, was prosecuted by DVLA when they found out, in September last year, that the insurance on her Ford had expired (stock image) The woman admitted to having 'overlooked' making a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) for the motor, but said her disease had caused her to hide mail leaving her family unable to access her letters (stock image) She was given a six-month conditional discharge, meaning no financial penalty, but still has a criminal conviction. The government launched a consultation with the view to make amendments to the SJP system on Thursday. Proposed changes include making it an obligation for prosecutors to read mitigation letters and making it compulsory for agencies like DVLA to engage with potentially vulnerable defendants. The consultation is expected to conclude on May 8, but the SJP system will continue to operate until then. A DVLA spokesperson said: 'We urge anyone who receives a letter about potential enforcement action to get in touch with us if there are mitigating circumstances we need to know about. 'A Single Justice Procedure notice will only be issued when we have exhausted all other enforcement routes, including issuing multiple items of correspondence, to which the customer can respond to DVLA with their mitigation. 'Once progressed to SJP, any defendant can request a hearing in open court, but for those pleading guilty via SJP, including those with mitigating action, are considered by a magistrate. These can be referred back to DVLA but whether or not to do so is a decision taken by the magistrate.' Ireland promised yesterday to do 'anything we can' to help Britain get closer to the EU, sparking fresh fears of a Brexit 'betrayal'. Irish premier Micheal Martin made the call for closer UK alignment with Europe at a summit in Liverpool. He said: 'It's an extremely important relationship for Ireland and when the UK economy does well, the Irish economy does well. 'So as far as we are concerned, this is a joint effort and endeavour and in that context anything we can do to facilitate greater harmony and access to the EU markets the better in terms of goods and services. Or, to put it another way, reduce barriers.' Sir Keir Starmer at the UK-Ireland summit stated: 'The UK has been working to strengthen our alliance with the EU. 'That doesn't mean rejoining the single market or the customs union or returning to freedom of movement but it does mean finding practical ways to work more closely together to boost trade, create jobs and deliver growth. 'As close neighbours and long-standing partners, the benefits of stronger ties between us are huge. 'It should be seen as a new era where the UK and Ireland work closer than ever and co-operate across a wide range of issues.' Irish premier Micheal Martin made the call for closer UK alignment with Europe at the summit in Liverpool Sir Keir Starmer at the UK-Ireland summit stated: 'The UK has been working to strengthen our alliance with the EU' As part of post-Brexit relations 'reset', Sir Keir has told the bloc he is willing to follow more EU laws and allow greater freedom of movement for young people in exchange for closer trading ties. UK negotiators have told Eurocrats that Britain is prepared to shackle itself to the bloc's rulebook covering food products, opening the door to European judges once again being able to rule on disputes involving British-made goods. Critics have pointed out it would mean Britain being forced to follow the bloc's rules without a say in them. Agreeing to follow EU legislation on food safety rules will restrict the Government from pursuing breakthroughs in genetic engineering of crops, one of the Brexit victories secured by the Conservatives. It could also hamper Britain's ability to strike trade deals with countries such as the United States. Only last month, US President Donald Trump said the UK could be in line for a 'great trade agreement'. Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister leading post-Brexit reset talks, yesterday said in the Commons: 'The position of the Government is unchanged. We have no plans for a youth mobility scheme. 'We will, of course, always listen to sensible proposals from the EU.' As part of the summit in Liverpool, Dublin announced new investments into the UK worth 185.5million However, diplomatic sources say that privately Britain has said it is open to an 'Australian-style' arrangement, allowing young EU workers and students to come to the UK to live and work for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension. A reciprocal scheme would allow Britons, aged 18 to 30, similar access to countries within the EU. As part of the summit in Liverpool, Dublin announced new investments into the UK worth 185.5million, which the Government said could create more than 2,500 jobs. Two Detroit children who died in a van during below-freezing temperatures were victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities said on Wednesday. Darnell Currie Jr., 9, and Amillah Currie, 2, died after spending the night inside their family vehicle in a casino garage on February 10 as their mom had no where else to go. They were among five children and two adults inside the van. The cause of death was carbon monoxide toxicity while the manner of death was accident, said Dr. LokMan Sung, the Wayne County medical examiner. The deaths caused Detroit officials to try to learn if the family had fallen through cracks in social services. The children's mother had called the city on November 25 to say their temporary housing was about to end, but no one followed up and she didn't call back, Mayor Mike Duggan said. Homeless outreach teams, meanwhile, were not looking in cars for people who needed shelter, he said. 'For whatever reason, this wasn't deemed an emergency that caused an outreach worker to visit the family... As far as we've been able to determine so far, the family never called back again for service,' Duggan explained. Darnell Currie Jr., 9, and and his two-year-old sister Amillah, died from carbon monoxide and not exposure to the cold weather Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said one of the changes being made will see city outreach staff now visit families who call to report an imminent loss of housing The family had been living in a van for a couple of months, and had parked it on the ninth floor of a casino parking lot when it ran out of gas 'And as far as we've been able to tell, our homeless staff never proactively reached out to say, "What happened with your situation? Was it resolved?"' the mayor added. The family had been living out of the vehicle for two to three months and sometimes chose to park at casinos for safety and access to restrooms. The van stopped running overnight and couldn't produce heat while the outside temperature was under 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-6.6 degrees Celsius). Duggan announced policy changes last week, including in-person visits with families reporting an imminent loss of housing, a 24-hour hotline and police checks of parked cars. 'This is something that's going to be hard to accept for a long time, that we had the beds in place,' Duggan said of 1,400 available shelter beds. 'This cannot ever happen again,' he said. 'The shortest way for somebody in an emergency is go to a police precinct. They will navigate the process and get you to a shelter,' Duggan explained. One of the changes being made will see city outreach staff now visit families who call to report an imminent loss of housing. 'When there are emergency calls, even if someone is still housed with minor children, there will be an onsite visit from an outreach worker,' Duggan told reporters. The children's mother Tateona Williams looked pleased on Wednesday as she was gifted a rent-free apartment for the year thanks to a homeless charity Williams looked as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders without having to worry about rent for a year Williams joined hands with city officials before moving into her new apartment Tateona Williams, the mother of A'millah Currie, 2, and Darnell Currie, Jr., gets emotional with other siblings before the start of the funeral services at Triumph Church last month Pastor Solomon Kinloch speaks during the eulogy for A'millah Currie, 2, and Darnell Currie, Jr., during the children's funeral services Thursday, February 20, in Detroit 'You cannot, when you're just dealing with phone calls, understand how close somebody is to being out.' Duggan met the children's mother Tateona Williams before their funeral last month. 'It was a very emotional and difficult meeting... I told them the entire city shared their pain,' the mayor said. Deputy Mayor Melia Howard said a local group has stepped forward to pay rent for a year to house the family. 'It's just important for me to let them know that we're not just here for today. We're going to be with them as long as they need us,' Howard to The Detroit News. Two families were thrown off a plane after a row broke out over a boy watching The Karate Kid - causing the pilot to make an emergency diversion. The five-year-old was watching the 2010 remake of film on his iPad when a woman four rows in front is said to have became frustrated and asked him to turn it off. The boy's mother, 26, claims that he was watching the film on a low volume but the woman became aggressive and shouted racial abuse at him. She also alleges that the woman's other-half grabbed her disabled partner by the neck. As the two families confronted each other, the pilot made an emergency landing in Porto where police were waiting for both groups. However, the boy's mother, a lettings officer from South London, is threatening to sue the airline insisting that they were the victims of the incident. She told the Sun: 'This incident involved racial abuse, discrimination, and physical assault. 'My son was left extremely scared and distressed.' The easyJet pilot made an emergency landing in Porto where police were waiting for both families (stock) The five-year-old boy was watching the 2010 remake of The Karate Kid (pictured) on his iPad when a woman four rows in front is said to have became frustrated and asked him to turn it off The families were returning home from a holiday in Lanzarote to Gatwick (pictured) but were left in Porto to make their own way home. The mother added that she believes her family should have been supported and said she had not heard back from easyJet despite nine months of complaining to airline, which has banned those involved from future flights. The families were returning home from a holiday in Lanzarote to Gatwick but were left in Porto to make their own way home. Sources claim that both families were aggressive towards airline crew. EasyJet said: 'Safety is our highest priority. We do not tolerate disruptive behaviour.' It comes as last month an EasyJet passenger put a man in a headlock and repeatedly slapped him in an apparent row over snacks being dropped on the floor. The intense brawl broke out on a flight from London Stansted to Amsterdam, with tensions already high after a two-hour delay to take-off due to bad weather. Shocking footage shows how a stronger, older passenger flew off the handle and started to attack the younger man for allegedly dropping his crisps and other snacks. The clip shows the broad-shouldered man holding the shorter, younger passenger in a tight headlock in the plane's aisle - and giving him a hard slap round the face. The intense brawl broke out on a flight from London Stansted to Amsterdam, with tensions already high after a two-hour delay to take-off due to bad weather Shocking footage shows how a stronger, older passenger flew off the handle and started to attack the younger man for allegedly dropping his crisps and other snacks He then pushes him hard on his chest so he falls back into his row, knocking over one of his two friends who were stood up behind him to try to intervene. The moment was so shocking that, according to an easyJet spokesperson, the flight had to be 'attended by police prior to departure due to two passengers behaving disruptively onboard'. Witnesses said the young man had been told off by the other passenger for his untidiness which caused the three lads to throw insults his way, starting the heated row. One of the lad's friends, stood up behind him in the row, tries to break things up, shouting loudly and firmly, 'Calm down, calm down!', holding one hand up in peace and using the other to try to loosen the man's grip on his friend's neck. Equally, the passenger immediately next to the attacker can be seen trying to calmly de-escalate things too. He puts a firm hand on the man's shoulder, seemingly to discourage him from further violence - but loses his grip as the enraged passenger goes in for the slap. Their peaceful interventions were apparently no match for the around 6ft tall attacker, blinded by his fury. In the background, a passenger can be heard pressing an alert bell for cabin crew to come to the fight at the front of plane in the clip from December last year. Nearby passengers watched on in a near daze, with many stood up and turned round to see what the commotion was about. One could be heard whispering quietly, 'Bang him!'. But another man in the row in front of the young lad finally managed to take things down a notch. He put his arm across the man's chest to encourage him not to retaliate before exiting his own row to place himself between the brawlers. A spokesperson for easyJet told MailOnline: 'Flight EJU7840 from London Stansted to Amsterdam on 27 December was attended by police prior to departure due to two passengers behaving disruptively onboard. 'easyJets cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and acted quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers was not compromised at any time. 'Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour onboard. 'The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is always easyJet's priority.' Generation Z are becoming disillusioned with social media and four out of five vow to ban their own children from using it for as long as possible, a survey has found. Half of those aged 16 to 24 are annoyed at the hours they allocated to their phone as a child while a third wish they had waited longer before using online platforms. Gen Z, those born between 1996 and 2010, are the first generation to have grown up with the internet since infancy. Luke Tryl, director at polling company More In Common which carried out the research, said: 'Many Gen Z Britons regret the time they spent on their devices. 'The demand for the Government to take action to better protect children from the harms of social media spans young Britons and the public at large.' The study, of more than 1,600 young adults produced in partnership with think tank The New Britain Project, found that three-quarters want stronger rules to safeguard youngsters. In addition, social media was named as the most negative influence on the mental health of teenagers. Meanwhile, half of those polled said social media had become worse in the past five years with two-thirds saying it had become less safe. Gen Z, those born between 1996 and 2010, are the first generation to have grown up with the internet since infancy Generation Z are becoming disillusioned with social media and four out of five vow to ban their own children from using it for as long as possible In general, female respondents were more negative about social media than males. The research has been published as MPs prepare to debate a private members' Bill from Labour MP Josh MacAlister that looks at boosting smartphone safety for children. The Safer Phones Bill will call for the Government to publish a plan for research into the impact of the use of social media on children. Anna McShane, director of The New Britain Project, said: 'This polling leaves no room for doubt. 'We regulate other industries that pose risks to young people, why should social media be any different? If we fail to act now, we are ignoring the voices of the very generation that has lived through its worst effects.' The results of this research follow recent polling by Girlguiding, the UK's largest youth organisation, that found more than a quarter of teenagers have seen a sexualised deepfake of a celebrity, friend or teacher. Deepfakes are images or videos generated by artificial intelligence using the faces of real-world people. Some 58 per cent of 13-year-olds said they know what a deepfake is, rising to 62 per cent for all teenagers. A Department for Science, Innovation and Technology spokesman said: 'We are committed to keeping young people safe online whilst also ensuring they can benefit from the latest technology. 'By the summer, robust new protections for children will be in force through the Online Safety Act to protect them from harmful content and ensure they have an age-appropriate experience online. 'The Government's response to the private members' Bill will follow during the second reading of the Bill, as per the parliamentary process.' Tens of thousands of Aussies have been told to hunker down or urgently evacuate their homes as Cyclone Alfred closes in on the mainland. The category two system is expected to cross over the Moreton Bay Islands on Saturday morning before crossing the mainland between Noosa and Beenleigh. In NSW, thousands of residents in Lismore were told to evacuate their homes by 9pm on Thursday or risk having their escape routes cut off by floodwaters. Those in low-lying areas of New Brighton on the NSW Mid North Coast were told to urgently evacuate at 10.30am on Friday. The message was the same for residents in Nambucca Heads who were told to leave by 8am, with an evacuation centre set up on Nelson Road. More than 20 evacuation orders were issued on Thursday afternoon and into the evening for parts of Port Macquarie, Kyogle, Tumbelgum, Coraki and other towns. The NSW State Emergency Service advised residents in 11 areas in northern NSW to evacuate before 9pm on Thursday night, including Lismore. Residents in Billinudgel, Fingal Head, Uki, Bowraville and Macksville were told to leave while residents in the Northern Rivers region were urged to urged to stay inside. Residents fill sand bags at a temporary sandbagging station at Whites Hill in Brisbane Dave Harris and Charmaine Harris place sandbags at their house in Sandgate, in Brisbane The category two system is expected to cross over the Moreton Bay Islands on Saturday morning before crossing the mainland between Noosa and Beenleigh In Port Macquarie, residents near the Hastings River along North Shore and Settlement Point were until 1am on Thursday to evacuate. There were two SES rescues overnight after people drove into floodwaters and almost 2,000 calls to the service. A cyclone 'Watch and Act' continues for the Gold Coast. Residents in Pinkenba, Hemmant, Lytton and those between Brighton and Nudgee Beach have been told to evacuate. Major flood warnings have been issued for the Tweed River on the NSW-Queensland border and Brunswick and Nambucca rivers in south Queensland. More than 43,000 homes and businesses have been left in darkness in NSW with the largest impacts for residents between Tweed Heads and Yamba. In Queensland, up to 28,000 homes and businesses were without power as of Friday morning in the Gold Coast area, Redland City and Scenic Rim. Energex said crews were unable to conduct repairs due to the dangers associated with the cyclone and warned outages could last for a week. Flood modelling map shows at least 20,000 homes could be inundated in Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has urged residents in these areas to evacuate The Bureau of Meteorology issued an official warning zone stretching 650km from Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in northern NSW earlier this week Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is urging millions of residents across the state's southeast to finalise their plans and either bunker down now or evacuate before Cyclone Alfred hits and it's too late. 'If you are in a storm tide zone, or in an area where you know there is riverine flooding, you really need to consider and think about your evacuation now.' There are 20,000 homes in Brisbane at risk of flooding, with an additional 6,000 homes at risk on the Gold Coast, local council modelling shows. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has urged residents in these areas to evacuate. 'These 20,000 properties could experience anything from minor inundation in their yards to significant flooding inside homes.' The suburbs of Brighton, Windsor, Ashgrove, Morningside, Rocklea, Coopers Plains, Carina, Sandgate, Hemmant, Lota, Tingalpa, Indooroopilly, Albion, Bardon and Wynnum West are most at risk. In the Gold Coast, the suburbs most at risk from are Surfers Paradise, Paradise Point and Elanora. Chilling text messages between the two surviving roommates of the Idaho massacre have been released as part of a bombshell dossier which also unveiled a frantic 911 call made after they discovered one of the unresponsive victims. The roommates, identified in court documents only as DM and BF, were the only two survivors when four of their friends were killed during a home invasion in November 2022. Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were all found fatally stabbed in their off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho. Bryan Kohberger, a criminology PhD student, was arrested six weeks later and accused of the slayings. Between 4.22am and 4.24am on the morning of November 13, 2022, survivors Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke exchanged 17 frantic text messages fearing someone was in their house. 'I'm not kidding o [sic] am so freaked out,' one of the messages sent from DM, who has been publicly identified as Mortensen, to BF (Funke) read. Over three separate messages, Funke responded 'come to my room. Run. Down here.' The chilling developments come as a 911 call from the morning of the tragedy was also made public for the first time. The call was made from Funke's cellphone about eight hours after the text exchange. Bryan Kohberger (seen in a mugshot) after he was arrested for the horrific slayings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin Ethan Chapin was staying at his girlfriend Xana Kernodle's (together on left) home on the night of the murders. Best friends Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen (together on right) were found stabbed to death in the same bed Between 4.22am and 4.24am on the morning of November 13, 2022, survivors Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke exchanged 17 frantic text messages fearing someone was in their house 'Hi, something is happening. Something happened in our house. We don't know what,' the caller states. 'One of our... one of the roommates who's passed out and she was drunk last night and she's not waking up.' A second voice tells the operator that the girls 'saw some man in their house last night.' The dispatch operator has to repeatedly instruct the girls to stop 'handing the phone around' as they take turns trying to convey the trauma they've witnessed. Eventually, when authorities arrive and the call is about to end, an unknown voice says: 'I think we have a homicide.' The court filing states that the operator could hear 'heaving breathing and crying that can be heard throughout the call.' The court released the bombshell text messages between the survivors, as well as the transcript of the call. The newly released filings offer an insight into the state's case against Kohberger and the chilling fear that ran through the survivors on the night four of their friends were tragically killed. 'Kaylee. What's going on,' Mortensen wrote in a text message to Gonclaves. She didn't hear back. From left: Dylan Mortensen, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee's shoulders), Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Bethany Funke Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were all found fatally stabbed in their off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho She sent another text to Funke which read 'no one is answering', followed moments later by another: 'I'm rlly confused rn.' Funke replied, asking: 'Ya dude wtf... Xana was wearing all black.' Mortensen responded confessing she was 'freaking out' before clarifying that she had seen someone wearing 'like a ski mask almost.' Funke responded: 'Actually.' Mortensen told her 'like he had soemtbinfover is for head and little nd mouth [sic].' 'I'm not kidding o am so freaked out... My phone is going to die.' Mortensen attempted to call Chapin and Gonclaves, before texting the latter urging her to answer the phone. She also attempted to call Kernodle. She then responded to Funke's request asking she 'run' to her room, admitting she was scared to do so. Bryan Kohberger , a criminology PhD student, was arrested six weeks later and accused of the slayings Mortensen, whose bedroom was on the second floor, came face-to-face with a masked man in the immediate aftermath of the murders Funke swiftly responded, telling her: 'Ya IK but it's better than being alone.' The duo hunkered down for the night in Funke's room, and Mortensen made efforts to contact her roommates again in the morning. Mortensen, whose bedroom was on the second floor, came face-to-face with a masked man in the immediate aftermath of the murders, according to previously released court documents. She told investigators she had been woken by noises in the home at about 4am and had heard a voice say 'there's someone here.' She also heard what sounded like whimpering coming from Kernodle's room and a man's voice saying: 'It's ok, I'm going to help you.' Mortensen told investigators she had opened her door and peeked outside three times. The third time, she said she saw a man with 'bushy eyebrows' and dressed in black walk past her door and head towards the sliding back doors of the home. The founder of a female-only app who lost a landmark 'what is a woman' case is now taking her fight to the United Nations, calling on the global body to intervene with the Australian government. Sall Grover, who founded Giggle, an online platform for women, has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC), challenging the Australian government over a Federal Court ruling that found 'sex is changeable'. Ms Grover had banned transgender woman Roxanne Tickle, 54, from her app in 2021, arguing it was for women and Ms Tickle was biologically male. Ms Tickle had identified as a woman since 2017, undergoing surgery two years later and getting a new birth certificate that lists her sex as female. In September, Justice Robert Bromwich found Ms Tickle had suffered indirect discrimination, ordering Ms Grover to pay $10,000 in damages - a small fraction of the $200,000 that was being sought - and to cover legal costs. The 'Tickle vs Giggle' case made global headlines because it is one of the first times the question of 'what is a woman' has been tested in the courts, with the judge sensationally ruling that 'sex is changeable'. Ms Grover, 40, is appealing that decision and is prepared to go all the way to the High Court. But her case now has global ramifications following her complaint to the UNHRC as she seeks to challenge the court ruling that has effectively erased the legal recognition of sex as a protected category in Australia. Sall Grover (pictured), who founded Giggle, an online platform for women, has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) The mother-of-one said the ruling had already set a dangerous precedent, with the banning of female-only lesbian events. 'This is not a culture war; this is about the fundamental human rights of women and girls,' Ms Grover said. 'Women fought for generations to have spaces free from male presence - whether in crisis shelters, prisons, sports, or social networks. 'That right has now been stripped away by an activist legal interpretation that compels women to accept men in female-only spaces and punishes them for objecting. That is not progress; that is oppression.' Ms Grover alleged that her case is not an isolated one and that major institutions, such as the Australian Human Rights Commission, had been 'captured' by transgender ideology at the expense of women. 'These institutions have redefined sex-based protections without public consultation, prioritising gender identity over the material reality of sex,' she added. The entrepreneur and businesswoman was keen to stress that her fight is not a 'culture war' imported from the United States, where President Donald Trump recently moved to ban transgender women from participating in female sports. 'This is not about left or right. Culture wars is a phrase used by politicians and media to shut down debate, an anti-free speech mechanism,' Ms Grover added. In September, Justice Robert Bromwich found Roxanne Tickle (pictured) had suffered indirect discrimination, ordering Ms Grover to pay $10,000 in damages - a small fraction of the $200,000 that was being sought - and to cover legal costs.This publication revealed in January that Ms Tickle had filed a cross-appeal, seeking to upgrade the ruling from indirect to direct discrimination 'This is about whether women and girls have the right to say "no" to men in their spaces. 'The Federal Court ruling doesn't just force inclusionit compels speech, requiring women to modify their language and beliefs to accommodate gender identity ideology. 'That is an abuse of power, and it is completely at odds with Australia's human rights obligations.' Ms Grover's submission to the UNHRC argues that the Federal Court ruling violates women's rights under international law by eliminating sex as a legally protected category and forces women to address men as women. She is calling on the UNHRC to intervene before the Giggle appeal is heard in August to ensure that 'the Australian Government is held accountable for its misinterpretation of international human rights law'. 'This case will determine whether women and girls in Australia still have legal rights at all,' Ms Grover said. 'We cannot allow unelected bureaucrats to erase decades of hard-won protections through stealth and activist legal interpretations. 'If Australia refuses to uphold sex-based rights, then the world needs to know.' Daily Mail Australia revealed in January that Ms Tickle had filed a cross-appeal seeking to elevate the court's finding from indirect to direct discrimination. Ms Tickle also aims to increase the awarded damages and aggravated damages significantly beyond the initial $10,000 compensation and legal costs, which were capped at $50,000. It came as Ms Grover was planning to meet Harry Potter author and prominent gender critical activist JK Rowling in the UK. The author had pledged her 'total solidarity' to Ms Grover in her court battle. Supermarkets in southeast Queensland and northeast NSW will close early as Cyclone Alfred bears down on millions of residents. Coles, Woolworths and Aldi all said they are closing stores in affected areas early on Friday and would reassess opening hours depending on conditions throughout the weekend. Queensland premier David Crisafulli says the government has been working with the supermarket giants to ensure they could 'stay open as long as possible' but that outlets are beginning to close 'on a case by case basis' in affected regions. ALDI said it would 'continue to assess the situation as it unfolds and will keep our stores open for as long as possible, while ensuring that our people and customers are safe'. Aldi stores on the Sunshine Coast will close at 2pm Friday, as will some Aldi stores in low-lying areas in Brisbane, including at Indooroopilly, Lutwyche and Sandgate. On the Gold Coast some stores will also close early at 2pm including Hope Island and Helensvale while other stores will remain open until 8pm. Woolworths will shut its stores across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast from 3pm on Friday. Coles shut its stores on the Gold Coast on Friday morning as well as at eight key locations across northern NSW, including Tweed City, Lismore, Ballina and Murwillumbah. Woolworths will shut its stores in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast from 3pm Friday (pictured: a Gold Coast Woolworths cleared out of fruit on Wednesday) Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall on Saturday morning and supermarkets said they would assess opening hours based on conditions Coles and Aldi are also shutting early on Friday in affected areas (pictured: Woolworths at Bribie Island on Wednesday) More stores are scheduled to shut throughout the afternoon, with Coles' Brisbane supermarkets all set to close between 2pm and 4pm and its Sunshine Coast and Grafton outlets at 4pm. The Coles stores at Alstonville, Banora Point, Casuarina, the Gold Coast, Lismore, Murwillumbah, Ocean Shores, Tweed City and Tweed Heads have already closed. 'As Cyclone Alfred gets closer, we have made the decision to begin closing our stores in highly impacted areas,' a Coles spokesperson said. 'This will ensure our team have time to get home while it is still safe 'We will keep a close eye on the impacts from Cyclone Alfred, and make a decision on reopening our stores as soon as it is safe to do so.' The chains have done their best to keep shelves stocked with essentials in the lead up to the cyclone despite widespread panic buying that has sent residents driving hours inland to snap up supplies. Premier Crisafulli says 1,049 schools have also been shut, along with 2,081 childcare centres, while all public transport from Noosa to northern NSW will be suspended from tomorrow. A video shared on Wednesday night showed dozens of eager customers storming an Aldi store in Brisbane to get last-minute supplies. As soon as the rollerdoor opened, customers sprinted in to get much-needed goods, knowing they may have to go 48 hours before shops open again. Desperate shoppers wait for an Aldi store to open in Brisbane to get last minute supplies earlier this week Bunnings will continue to operate, allowing people to stock up on items to protect their homes from wind and rain damage. However, a spokesperson said some stores may need to close temporarily if it became unsafe to operate, with updates posted to the company's website. Bottle shops like Liquorland, Vintage Cellars, Dan Murphy's and BWS are open in southeast Queensland including Brisbane, but Dan Murphy's and BWS stores are closed on the Gold Coast. Chemists will continue to be open while it is safe. Residents have been told to fill their fuel tanks immediately, with service stations to close from Thursday afternoon. The Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association said fuel deliveries to service stations would stop from 4pm on Thursday until the cyclone eases. Adnan Syed will remain free from jail despite his conviction for the 1999 killing of his high school ex-girlfriend in a case that captured the world when it was re-examined on the 'Serial' podcast more than a decade ago. Syed, now 43, had been sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 30 years when he was just 17 years old in 2000 and was convicted of strangling Hae Min Lee, 18, and burying her body in a shallow grave in Baltimore's Leakin Park. But after spending more than 20 years behind bars, Syed was released in 2022 when the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office claimed it found flaws in the evidence prosecutors produced at his trial and a Maryland judge overturned his conviction. Syed has has remained out of prison ever since. His case, though, took a turn after one of Lee's family members said he was not given enough notice to attend Syed's hearing in person, and the Maryland Supreme Court upheld a lower court's decision to reinstate his conviction. Amid the back-and-forth, Syed's attorneys petitioned the court for a sentence reduction under Maryland's Juvenile Restoration Act, a 2021 state law allowing individuals who were minors at the time of their crime and who have served at least 20 years behind bars to seek a reduced sentence. Finally on Thursday, Judge Jennifer Schiffer granted the request and reduced his sentence to time served. She noted, however, that if the decision only considered the seriousness of the crime and an appropriate punishment, she would have denied the motion. Adnan Syed (pictured with his mother in 2023) will remain free from jail, a Maryland judge ruled on Thursday He had been convicted in 2000 of strangling his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee and burying her body in a shallow grave in Baltimore's Leakin Park 'Although the Defendant acknowledges the impact of his actions and the legal drama that followed on the Lee family, the defendant stands convicted of the premeditated, brutal and deliberate slaying of Hae Min Lee, his high school ex-girlfriend,' Schiffer wrote in a court order obtained by CNN. 'The heinous nature of the offense weighs against granting the defendant relief under the JRA.' What ultimately led her to rule in favor of a sentence reduction was Syed's track record since he was released nearly three years ago. 'The court is confident that the defendant is no longer a danger to public safety,' Schiffer ruled. 'Finally, while rehabilitation, discussed supra, is complicated in this case, the court believes that the defendant has proven, through his institutional history and since his release, that he is fit to live in society. 'The court finds that the defendant's return to prison would be unproductive and unfair,' she concluded. Schiffer's ruling came less than a full week after Syed's attorneys argued in court that he is not a danger to the public, he is low-risk for recidivism and he has strong ties to his family, friends and his full-time job at Georgetown University's Prisons and Justice Initiative, according to WBAL. They also noted at the February 26 hearing that Syed took advantage of education programs in prison, has been married for five years and even earned a promotion at his job, the New York Times reports. Syed was convicted of Lee's murder at the age of 17 and was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years He was released in 2022 after the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office claimed it found flaws in the evidence prosecutors produced at his trial and has remained free ever since A timeline of Adnan Syed's case February 1999 - Syed is first accused of strangling his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee and disposing of her body December 1999 - Syed's first trial ends in a mistrial February 2000 - A jury finds Syed guilty of murder, robbery, kidnapping and false imprisonment, and he is sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years October 2014 - The popular podcast 'Serial' debuts and raises questions about the case September 2022 - The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office files a motion to vacate his conviction, which is then overturned March 2023 - An appellate court reinstates Syed's conviction on the basis that Lee's family was not given enough notice to attend a hearing August 2024 - The Maryland Supreme Court upholds the appellate court's decision December 2024 - Syed's attorneys petition a court for a reduced sentence March 2025 - A Maryland judge grants Syed a reduced sentence, as the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office announces it is withdrawing its motion to vacate his conviction Advertisement Syed, himself, even testified at the hearing last week. 'I humbly request to remain free so I can continue to contribute to society and build a meaningful life outside of incarceration,' he pleaded with the judge. 'I'm just going to keep my head down and focus on the things that are important: family and a job,' he vowed, noting that he never gave interviews or went on social media because he does not want to cause Lee's family 'any more pain. 'I don't want them to see me and to be upset and to make them upset,' he said. 'So I just keep my head down and I try to do the best I can, that's what I've always tried to do, your honor.' Schiffer then heard from six character witnesses who described Syed as having an even temper, strong communication skills, loving relationships and an impressive ability to remain hopeful during his 23 years behind bars. 'In a place that is referred to as the belly of the beast, Syed showed people, including myself, that you don't have to act like an animal even though you're incarcerated,' said Eric Simmons, an exoneree who served time with Syed for many years. But the judge also heard from Lee's mother, who gave a videotaped statement in Korean in which she questioned the integrity of the American justice system that she believed had solved her daughter's murder 25 years ago. She said she took comfort in Syed's conviction even as she struggled to maintain her will to live. 'Those who commit a crime should pay the price,' the mother argued. An attorney representing the family also cited seven different reasons t send Syed back to prison, including what he said was overwhelming trial evidence, 'cultural hysteria,' fame-seeking behavior and the fact that Syed has always maintained his innocence - which the lawyer said shows he failed to accept responsibility for his actions. Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates announced last week he was withdrawing his office's motion to vacate Syed's murder conviction Just moments after that hearing ended last week, Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates said he was withdrawing his office's motion to vacate Syed's conviction because he found his predecessor's investigation was flawed. He said the motion, filed by former prosecutor Marilyn Mosby, contained 'false and misleading statements.' The prosecutor explained that handwritten notes Mosby said indicated there were two other suspects who could have killed Lee do not actually point to any other suspects. Instead, he said one of the notes actually implicates Syed, while the other contains information that Bates said was 'known to the state and the defense well before the time of the original trial.' Syed's attorneys now say they will continue to fight to prove his innocence, but were focused on celebrating his freedom on Thursday. 'Today we are focused on the joy and relief of this decision,' attorney Erica Suter said in a statement. 'Adnan is grateful that the judge agreed with his motion to reduce his sentence under the Juvenile Restoration Act,' she continued, noting he is 'committed to continuing to be a productive member of his community and living a life centered around his family.' David Sanford, a lawyer representing Lee's family, though, said: 'Absolutely nothing changes the fact that Mr. Syed remains convicted of first-degree premeditated murder due to overwhelming direct and circumstantial evidence. 'We hope that one day, Mr. Syed can summon the courage to take responsibility for his crime and express sincere remorse.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio is directing the State Department to conduct a review of foreign students who express support for Hamas using a new cutting-edge process. The State Department is planning to review foreign student visa holders' social media accounts with artificial intelligence (AI) to determine if these pupils have displayed sympathy for Hamas. Officials from the department disclosed the new program to Axios, revealing that the 'Catch and Revoke' plan is hunting for students who have been supportive of the group following their October 7, 2023 surprise attack on Israel. Since the horrific attack, anti-Israel protests have sprung up across the nation, including most recently at Columbia University and Barnard College in Manhattana university hotbed of pro-Gaza activism. State Department officials also shared that they will soon review foreign student visa holders who were arrested though allowed to stay in the country. This AI-enabled review will also look for clues in news articles about the protests which have been on and off for the past year and a half. Already officials have reviewed 100,000 individuals in the Student Exchange Visitor System. 'We found literally zero visa revocations during the Biden administration,' one official told the outlet. Pro-Palestinian student protesters demonstrate outside Barnard College in New York on February 27, 2025, the morning after pro-Palestinian student protesters stormed a Barnard College building to protest the expulsion last month of two students who interrupted a university class on Israel Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the State Department are reviewing the visas of foreign students who have been arrested The evidence 'suggests a blind eye attitude toward law enforcement,' they shared. Under Trump and Rubio, the administration is now taking a posture to capitalize on available tools to identify those who have expressed support for Hamas. 'It would be negligent for the department that takes national security seriously to ignore publicly available information about [visa] applicants in terms of AI tools,' the official shared. 'AI is one of the resources available to the government that's very different from where we were technologically decades ago,' they noted. Images or posts that simply appear to be 'pro-Hamas' or that are supportive of the October 7 attack could be reason for visa revocation. 'Under President Trump, the Immigration Nationality Act is great again,' the official proclaimed. The sentiment is in line with that of Trump who earlier this week demanded that federal dollars stop flowing to schools that allow protests. 'All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests,' he wrote on social media following the recent take over of Barnard College. A Hamas flag spotted at a pro-Palestine protest in New York on February 26, 2025 Pro-Palestinian student protesters face police as they demonstrate outside Barnard College in New York on February 27, 2025, the morning after pro-Palestinian student protesters stormed a Barnard College building to protest the expulsion last month of two students who interrupted a university class on Israel On Wednesday a group of over 50 students stormed and occupied a campus building and assaulted and injured a staff member, sending them to the hospital. The NYPD made several arrests on Thursday as the masked anti-Israel demonstrators chanted 'Free Palestine.' Trump indicated that the protests would no longer be tolerated. 'Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came,' the president wrote. 'American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested.' In the 2023-2024 academic year, anti-Israel activism on U.S. campuses tallied 2,637 anti-Israel incidents of assault, vandalism, harassment according to a published by the Anti-Defamation League. Justin Trudeau was in tears during a press conference Thursday after Donald Trump spent the week tormenting him with a tariff war in his waning days as prime minister. The U.S. imposed 25 percent tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada rocketing the country into a trade war on Tuesday. But just days later, Trump reversed his economic slap down saying that goods that are compliant with the North American free trade agreement with not be tariffed until April 2 and are apparently considering a similar carve out for Canada. Trump has been mocking Trudeau for months, threatening to annex Canada as the 51st state and referring to the prime minister as 'Governor Trudeau.' He's set to officially transition to a new leader once his Liberal Party holds leadership elections Sunday. That new leader will soon face a national election shortly after. Trudeau is trying to have some semblance of a victory lap after being forced to resign when it appeared he could not win the next election. At a press conference in Ottawa discussing childhood health care, he clearly saw the end of the line and became emotional. 'On a personal level, I made sure that every single day in this office, I put Canadians first and I have peoples' backs and that's why I'm here to tell you all that we got you, even in the last days of this government, we will not let Canadians down today and well into the future,' he said as he'd clearly started to cry. Justin Trudeau was in tears during a press conference Thursday after Donald Trump spent the week tormenting him with a tariff war as his time as prime minister winds down Trump has been mocking Trudeau for months, threatening to annex Canada as the 51st state and referring to the prime minister as 'Governor Trudeau' He added that he is to looking forward to 'a transition to my duly elected successor in the coming days or week.' Meanwhile, Trump continues to mock Trudeau and had his doubts that the prime minister was stepping down for good. 'Believe it or not, despite the terrible job hes done for Canada, I think that Justin Trudeau is using the Tariff problem, which he has largely caused, in order to run again for Prime Minister. So much fun to watch!' The next Canadian election will be held no later than October 20, 2025. Mark Carney, former head of both the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, is the frontrunner in the Liberal leadership race with the most party endorsements and the most money raised among the four major candidates. Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who broke with Trudeau over Canada's fiscal position and tariff preparation after Trudeau tried to replace her, is also prominent in the race. About 400,000 Liberal party members are eligible to cast ballots in the leadership contest. Since Trump was reelected president in November, he has started referring to Trudeau as a 'governor' of Canada that could soon become the '51st state' of the United States of America. Trudeau was deeply disturbed by the news of Trump's intent to level a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods imported into the United States, describing the decision as 'dumb.' He announced that Canada would begin implementing 25 percent tariffs on $155 billion of American goods, starting with $30 billion worth of products immediately. 'This is a time to hit back hard and to demonstrate that a fight with Canada will have no winners,' he said. The United States imported $412 billion worth of goods from Canada in 2024, according to the US Census Bureau. Trump has argued that the trade deficit with Canada demonstrates that the United States deserves to level more tariffs on their imported goods. The president warned Trudeau Tuesday that the United States was willing to level additional tariffs on their country's economy. Please explain to Governor Trudeau, of Canada, that when he puts on a Retaliatory Tariff on the U.S., our Reciprocal Tariff will immediately increase by a like amount! Trump warned on social media. 'We subsidize them $200 billion a year. Without us, Canada cant make it,' Trump said during a cabinet meeting last week. 'You know, Canada relies on us 95 percent. We rely on them 4 percent. Big difference.' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau answers reporters questions during an event in Ottawa Trudeau veered between anger, frustration, defiance and sadness during his extended press conference in Ottawa. 'We're insulted, we're angry, but we're Canadian, which means we're gonna stand up for each other, we're gonna fight...and we're gonna win,' he declared. Trump has suggested that Canada should join the United States if they want to escape the tariffs. 'I say Canada should be our 51st state. Theres no tariffs, no nothing,' he said last week. Trump also argues that since the United States pays largely for Canada's military security, the country should also pay more in tariffs. 'We protect Canada. But its not fair. Its not fair that theyre not paying their way. And if they had to pay their way, they couldnt exist,' he said. Canadians continue exploring ways to make the United States suffer as a result of the tariffs. An anonymous 'Labor insider' has allegedly unloaded on Anthony Albanese, branding the Prime Minister 'weak', 'arrogant' and an 'intellectual buffoon'. The jaw-dropping accusations, supposedly from a political staffer, have emerged in a glowing profile of Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek by LGBT website Q News. 'Compared to Tanya, Albo comes across as an ineffectual buffoon,' the anonymous 'Labor insider' was quoted as saying. 'He's weak, he's arrogant, he can't handle criticism and he's not connecting with the electorate to the point where Peter Dutton, of all people, could win the election. 'Albo's been a disaster.' Ms Plibersek, 55, laughed off suggestions she might challenge for Labor's leadership, and told the website she has a 'huge job with the environment portfolio and I love it'. 'And I'm just so pleased to be part of the Labor government because I believe it's only ever Labor that changes the country for the better,' she added. 'I'm not sitting around worrying about what I'm not doing. I'm very focused on what I am doing.' An anonymous 'Labor insider' has allegedly unloaded on Anthony Albanese (pictured with Tanya Pilbersek), branding the Prime Minister 'weak', 'arrogant' and an 'intellectual buffoon' Pressed on whether she could see herself in the Lodge, she said: 'I will be a senior member of a Labor government if I am re-elected, and if the party wins federally. I can say that.' In the glowing profile, which asked 'why isn't this woman put in charge?', Ms Plibersek shredded Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. 'The worst thing would be the election of a Dutton government,' Ms Plibersek said. 'He's opposed wage rises, he's opposed just about every cost-of-living measure we've had. He's argued against tax cuts for lower and middle-income earners. 'Dutton has made a career of trying to divide. He talks about people being scared to go out for dinner in Melbourne because of African gangs. He's talked about too much Lebanese migration.' She added: 'He was the guy who walked out on the national apology [to the Stolen Generations in 2008]. He was one of the very few Liberals who actually did that. 'This is a man who thrives on division. He confuses anger and strength. You can be strong without being angry. 'Just look at the track record.' The jaw-dropping accusations from a supposed political staffer, which emerged in a glowing profile of Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek (pictured) by fringe LGBT website Q News The uneasy relationship between Mr Albanese and Ms Plibersek, which dates back years, is well-documented. The pair, who both belong to the Labor party's left-wing faction, hold neighbouring inner-city Sydney electorates and served as ministers during the Rudd-Gillard years. But they subsequently clashed over support for Bill Shorten, with Mr Albanese blaming Ms Plibersek for scuttling his own chances of leadership. The rift continues to this day, despite Mr Albanese being forced to 'absolutely' deny it as recently as December after he shelved her 'nature positive' environment laws. An election must be held on or before May 17, with the PM's preferred election date of April 12 now under threat from Cyclone Alfred. Monday is the latest the PM can call the election for the April 12 poll date, and ongoing fallout from the cyclone is now set to make that unlikely. The Prime Minister's office declined to comment. A New York couple were found brutally beaten to death inside their home as a 'person with a knife' lurked outside. Artists Michael 'Mickey' Harmon, 40, and his partner, Jordan Celotto, 37, died from blunt force trauma at their Buffalo home on Tuesday. The dead couple were discovered when one of their friends decided to check on them when he failed to show up to work, authorities announced at a news conference on Wednesday. The friend then called the Buffalo Police about a 'person with a knife,' and when officers arrived on the scene they 'did encounter a male with a knife,' Buffalo Police Department Deputy Commissioner Patrick Overdorf said, PEOPLE reports. Meanwhile, Harmon and Celotto's bodies were found inside their home, with the medical examiner's office determining that they died of blunt force trauma. The 35-year-old man with the knife, whose name has not yet been released to the public, was transported to Erie County Medical Center, where he remained under police supervision as of Wednesday. He is being considered a person of interest, though no charges have been filed yet in the case, according to WKBW. It remains unclear whether the suspect had any connection to the couple, but police have assured the public that it does not appear their deaths were the result of a hate crime. The couple were well-known within the Buffalo and Allentown LGBTQ+ community. Artists Michael 'Mickey' Harmon, 40, and his partner, Jordan Celotto, 37, were found dead from blunt force trauma at their Buffalo home on Tuesday The couple were well-known within the Buffalo and Allentown LGBTQ + community Buffalo Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski, who said he was good friends with Harmon and Celotto, said he now refuses to allow their 'memory to be attached to these heinous crimes. 'I want everybody to know that these people were artists, people of the Allentown community who made it better,' he insisted. Throughout the town, resident's could see Harmon's work including the Stonewall Nation Mural and Charity, a piece made for Friends of the Night People, according to WIVB. 'Within the LGBTQ community locally, I don't think there's a single organization that I know of that hasn't personally benefitted from the blood, sweat and mentorship of Micky Harmon over the past few years,' Jack Kavanaugh, the executive director of Growing LGBTQ+ Youth Support Western New York. For the past seven years, Harmon has also organized the Allentown First Fridays, one night each month in which the neighborhood's small art galleries would stay open late and hold exhibition openings to build community, the Buffalo News reports. He was also a fixture in the Buffalo Pride programming, hosting festivals that celebrated the work of queer artists. Harmon had been set to debut Queertopia, an event featuring performance art, music and dancing on Saturday. But following the news of his untimely death, organizers decided to change the plans. 'We've decided to suspend our scheduled programming and shift Queertopia into a night of remembrance and celebration of Mickey and Jordan,' they wrote on social media. Police have said they found no evidence their deaths were the result of a hate crime Jonathan White, the Allentown Association's communications director, also said the local couple had a hand in everything while Kavanaugh noted that the duo would also help the community at various fundraising events. Michael Moch, the co-owner of 26 bar in Allentown, added that the bar wouldn't be there without them. 'When we first opened this place, Mickey was one of the first people that came to us,' he recounted. 'Kind of helped us find our place and what our role is in the LGBTQ community in Buffalo. It went beyond just this community. 'They were for a better Buffalo,' he declared. Meanwhile, Remedy House - where Celotto worked as a bartender - said on social media its owners were better for knowing Jordan and they thanked him for everything. Online fundraisers have been set up to help with their funeral costs. The one set up by Celotto's family notes that he is a 'member of the Onondaga Beaver family, from Six Nations of the Grand River, to which Jordan will be taken home to rest at Sour Springs Longhouse.' It had raised more than $41,000 as of Friday morning, while the one set up by Harmon's friends raised nearly $46,000. 'We are raising money to give Mickey a communal remembrance, resting place and headstone at Forest Lawn, a place he loved in his city, that we can all easily visit on one of our walks or bike rides, as he goes down in history as one of Buffalo's greats, the way he would have wanted to,' it says. Donald Trump attempted to settle a MAGA power struggle Thursday by telling Elon Musk to drop the chainsaw and leave the drastic cuts across federal departments to his Cabinet secretaries. The decision came in a meeting after a tumultuous few weeks of legal challenges and lawsuits from federal workers as Musk fired thousands and literally wielded a power tool at CPAC while promising to take 'a chainsaw to bureaucracy.' 'I dont want to see a big cut where a lot of good people are cut,' Trump said after the Cabinet meeting. 'Elon and the group are going to be watching them, and if they can cut, its better. And if they dont cut, then Elon will do the cutting.' The president also made billionaire Elon Musk's role very clear he is not in charge of hiring and firing, but rather can make recommendations to agency heads. Trump told his top leaders that they need to be more selective if they continue to conduct clear-outs of their workforce. Instead of taking a 'hatchet' approach to trimming the fat, Trump wants his secretaries to use a 'scalpel' for 'surgical' precision over who they dismiss. Trump's first 100 days has been beset by a fierce standoff over a DOGE email asking federal workers 'what did you do last week.' Some department heads - including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard - defied the DOGE head by telling their workers to ignore the directive. Now, it appears Musk may have lost the power struggle as Trump made very clear during his impromptu Cabinet meeting that the department heads were in charge of which federal workers are fired - not Musk. The news came as one of Musk's SpaceX Starship rockets spiraled out of control and exploded Thursday and his Tesla stock plummeted a staggering 5.6 percent. Donald Trump appears to have settled a power struggle and told his Cabinet they have power to make cuts to government waste ahead of 'First Buddy' Elon Musk and DOGE It caps off a brutal past couple of weeks for Musk, despite being feted and applauded at Trump's address to Congress and at CPAC, where he promised to take 'a chainsaw to bureaucracy' Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are introducing a pair of resolutions demanding the Trump administration turn over documents about the billionaire adviser's potential conflicts of interest and the firings of federal workers Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created by Trump to examine government agencies for wasteful spending and abuse of taxpayer funds. But DOGE was only intended to provide recommendations for Trump's Cabinet to carry out on their own accord. 'DOGE has been an incredible success, and now that we have my Cabinet in place, I have instructed the Secretaries and Leadership to work with DOGE on Cost Cutting measures and Staffing,' Trump wrote in a post to Truth Social. When asked if Elon Musk had moved too fast with DOGE, Trump said he did not think so. Musk is teaching everybody how to cut costs, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after the meeting. 'I want the numbers but I also want to keep the good people,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. The president abruptly assembled his Cabinet on Thursday amid rising scrutiny over how much power Musk wields over the U.S. government. It appears Trump told his top leaders that they need to be more selective if they continue to conduct clear-outs of their workforce. Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created by Trump to examine government agencies for wasteful spending and abuse of taxpayer funds. But DOGE is only meant to provide recommendations for Trump's Cabinet officials to carry out at their respective departments on their own accord Elon Musk arrives for US President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber Instead of taking a 'hatchet' approach to trimming the fat, Trump wants his secretaries to use a 'scalpel' for 'surgical' precision over who they dismiss. 'As the Secretaries learn about, and understand, the people working for the various Departments, they can be very precise as to who will remain, and who will go,' Trump wrote on his social media platform. 'We say the "scalpel" rather than the "hatchet." The combination of them, Elon, DOGE, and other great people will be able to do things at a historic level.' Trump's message to his department chiefs was his first notable effort in public to restrain Musk. The billionaire Tesla founder has wielded unprecedented authority in implementing mass firings, canceling billions of dollars in contracts and programs and gaining access to sensitive computer systems. The move had liberal pundits wondering if this was the end for America's most high-profile bromance. On CNN, anchor John King said that Trump was being told by department heads that Musk was cutting them out. '[Trump]'s hearing it from some of his own cabinet secretaries that 'he's coming into my department and messing with my business and it's causing me problems'so the president is hearing it,' King claimed. Thursday's meeting was a sharp departure in tone from Trump's first full cabinet meeting last week, when he allowed Musk to deliver a monologue about DOGE at the start of the meeting. 'Is anybody unhappy with Elon?' Trump asked, to scattered laughter. Musk has had a rough past couple of weeks, culminating in today's news and his SpaceX Starship rocket spiraled out of control and exploded in space , sparking flight diversions and air traffic chaos Some department head took exception with Musk's intrusion into their workforces after the 'what did you do last week' email, and reached out to their employees directly. "The FBI, through the office of the director, is in charge of all our review processes," said FBI Director Kash Patel, a Trump appointee, in an email to staff. Workers at the departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Education and Commerce, as well as at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Institutes of Health and the Internal Revenue Service also were told not to respond pending further guidance. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later backtracked and told workers to respond. During Trump's joint session to Congress on Tuesday evening, he referred to Musk as the 'head of DOGE,' despite the White House insisting that the Tesla and SpaceX boss is not the official leader of the group. The Trump administration said in a court filing in February that Musk has no authority over DOGE, despite the president repeatedly claiming the billionaire 'first buddy' is in charge of the massive cost-cutting program. After that filing, the White House was peppered with questions over who is really running the initiative that has cut billions in contracts, thousands of jobs and even gutted almost entire government agencies like USAID. The White House revealed last month that Amy Gleason is the woman acting as administrator of DOGE. The 53-year-old is a little known former healthcare technology consultant who worked from 2018-2021 as an official at the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), which was created under President Barack Obama to modernize the government technology infrastructure. USDS was renamed after Trump took office in January to U.S. DOGE Service and now is working to radically downsize the federal government. Musk has repeatedly referred to himself as the 'tech support' for Trump's government. The 'First Buddy,' whom President Trump has given wide leeway to slash government spending with DOGE, has called for the elimination of whole agencies. Elon Musk arrives for meetings with Republican members of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington 'I think we do need to delete entire agencies as opposed to leave a lot of them behind,' Musk said via a videocall to the World Governments Summit in Dubai , United Arab Emirates. 'If we dont remove the roots of the weed, then its easy for the weed to grow back.' Two weeks ago, the White House and DOGE has ordered the feds to lay off nearly all probationary workers who had not yet gained civil service protection. In addition, workers at some agencies were warned that large workplace cuts would be coming, in moves that could effect 200,000 employees. Judge William Alsup, 79, ordered the Office of Personnel Management to inform certain federal agencies that it had no authority to order the firings of probationary employees, including at the Department of Defense. Trump has also been sharply critical of federal workers, especially those who want to keep working remotely, though his administration is simultaneously working to cut federal office space and ordering the termination of worksite leases throughout the government. The 'First Buddy' suggested privatization for both Amtrak and the United States Postal Service, confirming that America's mail service was next on the Trump administration's chopping block. Musk has previously told lawmakers he envisions DOGE can save some $1 trillion in the federal government this year alone. DOGE's effort, which has cut more than 100,000 employees from the 2.3 million-strong federal workforce, has created uncertainty and anxiety among workers. In some cases, the government has scrambled to rehire critical staffers in areas such as nuclear weapons security and bird flu research. More than 30 lawsuits have been filed by unions and other advocacy groups challenging DOGE's actions. There have been isolated signs of tension between Musk and Trump's cabinet secretaries, most notably when the SpaceX CEO unexpectedly sent an email to all federal workers demanding that they provide a list of their accomplishments for the week. Failure to reply, Musk said on X, would be taken as a resignation. Reuters reported last week that top White House aides were struggling to contain disputes across the administration following Musk's ultimatum. The email caused mass confusion, with some departments instructing workers to respond and others telling staff members that the demand was optional. The ousted FEMA Chief Financial Officer has accused Elon Musk and the Trump administration of firing her without cause for something a DOGE lieutenant told her to do. Mary Comans was unceremoniously dumped from her role at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and publicly accused of being a 'deep state activist.' Comans was accused of illegally sending FEMA money to New York City to book luxury hotels for undocumented migrants. Speaking to CBS about her dismissal, Comans said following orders directly from the Musk-led Department Of Government Efficiency is what cost her the job. 'I was fired illegally by the Trump administration for doing my job, for doing exactly what I was directed to do by the Trump political appointees at the Department of Homeland Security and at the DOGE,' she claimed. 'They told me to do these actions, to make these payments, and then they fired me.' She explained that Musk's right-hand man at DOGE, Brad Smith, asked her whether FEMA had continued business as usual under the new administration and made it 'very clear' that the 'right thing' to do would be continuing payments. So the 21-year FEMA veteran was stunned when on February 10 Musk took to X to write that his department 'just discovered that FEMA sent $59M LAST WEEK to luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants. Mary Comans was unceremoniously dumped from her role at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and publicly accused of being a 'deep state activist' Musk's department has sparked protests as he purges entire federal departments 'Sending this money violated the law and is in gross insubordination to the President's executive order,' he wrote. When Comans arrived in the office later that day, she met with her boss, who she alleges was equally as surprised. 'I told him I was going to put together an after-action report detailing each of the conversations, the dates, the actions that FEMA took to show that we were operating within the guidelines provided to us by the Trump administration,' Comans said. 'He thanked me, hugged me and again reassured me that nobody at FEMA would be fired for making these payments.' The next day, a colleague entered her office to tell her she had been terminated, effective immediately. She is now suing FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security for unlawful termination, maintaining she was let go 'without cause or the due process required by law and the Constitution.' Comans said she began the process of recouping the the offending funds the same day she saw Musk's tweet. Her name first began spreading across X, fueled by conservative commentators and rightwing accounts who accused her of defying Trump's orders. Elon Musk shared a post about Comans, writing: 'A criminal action' Later that same day, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement which Comans claims substantially damaged her reputation. It read: 'Effective immediately, FEMA is terminating the employment of four individuals for circumventing leadership to unilaterally make egregious payments for luxury NYC hotels for migrants. 'Firings include FEMA's Chief Financial Officer, two program analysts and a grant specialist. 'Under President Trump and Secretary Noem's leadership, DHS will not sit idly and allow deep state activists to undermine the will and safety of the American people.' Musk shared a post about Comans, writing: 'A criminal action.' Comans said the department she dedicated herself to - apolitically across several administrations for 21 years - 'allowed Mr Musk and others to slander my name.' 'The department has sat by idly and in some ways they have joined that choir of saying untrue statements about me,' she said. Comans said she's not sure there's any money in the world that can make up for what she's been through. Musk shared a post about Comans, writing: 'A criminal action' Comans was accused of illegally sending FEMA money to New York City to book luxury hotels for undocumented migrants She's seeking compensation, but above all else, she wants her 'name cleared' and, if possible, an opportunity to return to her job. Through her 21-year career, Comans had never faced any disciplinary action and consistently received 'achieved excellence' feedback in her annual reviews. Her lawsuit states: 'Since President Trumps inauguration on January 20, 2025, an unprecedented number of federal employees with civil service protections, including Ms. Comans (and also the Special Counsel in the Office of Special Counsel, the Director of the Office of Government Ethics, and eighteen Inspector Generals from various federal agencies, to name just a few) have similarly been unlawfully terminated without cause or due process.' FEMA was in the direct firing line of DOGE upon Trump's return to the White House. Noem boasted that a clawback order had allowed the federal government to return the $59million spent to house illegal migrants in full. These four and five-star hotels were paid by the government to house illegal migrants in direct contradiction with Trump's orders as he seeks to conduct the largest mass deportation in US history. 'Secretary Noem has clawed back the full payment that FEMA deep state activists unilaterally gave to NYC migrant hotels,' DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told DailyMail.com. She added: 'There will not be a single penny spent that goes against the interest and safety of the American people.' An Aussie dad has been hailed a national hero after he took down a suspected teen gunman who allegedly stormed a Jetstar flight and screamed: 'I've got bombs in my bag'. NSW sheep farmer Barry Clark has now been granted free flights from Avalon for life after he fearlessly took down the accused gunman who cannot be named for legal reasons. Mr Clark, a farmer and sheep shearer from Moama, in south NSW, has since been universally lauded for his bravery after the potentially high-danger incident Melbourne's Avalon Airport yesterday. The 17-year-old boy was tackled to the ground by Mr Clark and others including the pilot before police swooped and arrested the teen at Victoria's second-biggest airport on Thursday. Passenger Daniel Defino captured the incident on his phone. 'The pilot saw the shotgun and that and leapt onto him and there was a guy next to us called Barry [Clark] who put him in a headlock and that's when I started recording,' Mr Defino told 7News. 'He was dead silent [and] there was no emotion in his eyes at all. He looked almost fake, it was so scary.' NSW sheep farmer Barry Clark (pictured with glasses) has now been granted free flights from Avalon for life after he fearlessly took down the accused gunman Mr Clark is then heard telling the pilot that he will hold the intruder down while the others worked to disarm him. 'I don't want to f***ing let him go. I'm not strangling you, mate, but you're not f***ing moving alright?' he said. During the struggle the pilot removed what appeared to be the barrel of a shotgun. The pilot also kicked away the gun's stock which was already on the floor. In the footage, the pilot can be heard urging all passengers to immediately exit the plane via the rear door. Police alleged the teenager climbed through a hole in a fence at Avalon Airport, near Geelong, before making his way on foot to the aircraft around 2.20pm. About 160 passengers were on board the Jetstar plane, which was due to fly to Sydney. Police alleged the teenager climbed through a hole in a fence at Avalon Airport before he was arrested Barry Clark (centre)has been branded a 'national treasure' No one was physically harmed in the incident but bomb response officers were called to assist. The teen faced a children's court on Friday morning flanked by custody officers. Police alleged the teen made bomb threats, placed a fake bomb and had stolen two shotguns and a rifle, which are among the 12 charges he is facing. Investigators also inferred the teen's intention was to 'destroy, damage or endanger the safety of the aircraft or kill or injure all or any of the persons on board'. The boy is also accused of placing a 'faux homemade explosive', which was intended to look like it was legitimate. It's also alleged the boy attempted to 'take or exercise control, whether direct or through another person'. He is also charged with stealing two 12 gauge shotguns and a rifle from a property in Tourello, north of Ballarat and possessing cartridge ammunition and a registered category B long-arm without the appropriate licences. The teen was also charged with being a learner driver who was driving unsupervised on Beach Road. Passenger Daniel Defino (pictured) captured the incident on his phone The boy's lawyer said it was his client's first time in custody and a magistrate confirmed that meant he would be vulnerable due to his age and appearance. The teen nodded at the magistrate who said he would be remanded in custody as he was not applying for bail. 'You're obviously in custody at the moment, you've been charged with some offences by the police, you're not making an application for bail today,' the magistrate told the teen. The teen was remanded to appear back at the court on March 21. Daily Mail Australia revealed today how Mr Clark's son died a hero in a heartbreaking tragedy three years ago. Mr Clark farewelled his pro boxer son Mitchell Middleton-Clark in a tearstained eulogy after he was killed in a truck crash on Kangaroo Island in South Australia in April 2022. The 27-year-old was driving along Christmas Street near Penneshaw about 8am when he crashed down an embankment and flipped onto rocks. He had heroically sounded the horn multiple times to warn others in his path after a mechanical failure sent the truck careering out of control. Mr Clark farewelled his pro boxer son Mitchell Middleton-Clark after he was killed in a truck crash in 2022 'He'll never be forgotten for it, to the end, for what he done,' Mr Clark proudly told mourners during the funeral at the family's Perricoota Station on the banks of the Murray River. On Thursday, his father displayed all of the characteristics he instilled in his son when he took on the 17-year old alleged hijacker. Mr Clark had been flying to Sydney to see Swans backman Jake Lloyd play his 250th AFL game, as a mate of Lloyds father Tony. One passenger hailed Mr Clark for saving the lives of everyone on board the aircraft. 'A gentleman tried to run onto the plane, he [allegedly] got onto the plane with a loaded shotgun and knives,' the witness told ABC radio. 'If it wasn't for a gentleman by the name of Barry Clark in 1C, it would have been a bloodbath.' Talking to the ABC after the incident, a humble Mr Clark said he didn't have time to think when he saw the flight attendant was in trouble. 'I was just put in the box seat I suppose,' he said. Mr Clark said he observed the youth become agitated when he was refused entry onto the plane, which sparked him into action. 'Before we know it, there was a gun - a shotgun appeared, and I was worried about her being shot,' Mr Clark said. 'So all I could do was push her out of the way and get the gun out of the way, break that, throw it down the stairs - try to - and put him in a hold and throw him to the ground until the police come.' A former boxer himself, Mr Clark is known and loved across the region for his down-to-earth Aussie charm and no-nonsense approach. 'You don't think. You act,' he said of his actions. Mr Clark had been flying to Sydney to see Swans backman Jake Lloyd (left) play his 250th AFL game, as a mate of Lloyds father Tony 'I've been taught from a boy to be responsible and look after others. We're a sporting family so I was quietly confident I could handle him. 'I didn't want to see that poor girl shot so you just gotta to what you gotta do.' Mr Clark revealed he spoke to the youth for about ten minutes before police finally took him away. 'I can't say too much at the moment because it would probably be wrong,' he said. 'He's a mixed-up man, mate, it's just one of those unfortunate things that happen in this country. 'I spoke to him and said to him, "You know, this is Australia. This is not one of these other places in the world. We don't need this." 'He's a mixed-up young man and they'll get to the bottom of it I suppose.' On Friday, Australians branded Mr Clark a national treasure, with many declaring he ought never pay for a beer again in his life. 'Barry deserves a bravery medal too,' others suggested online, 'I think "Doing a Barry" will now become part of our vernacular!' another posted. 'Barry will now be a national hero!! Thank you Barry and all who assisted him!!' An 83-year-old grandfather fought off a machete-wielding attacker to protect his frail wife after the sex-crazed intruder had molested other elderly neighbours. Patrick Bogue, 83, woke to the sound of shuffling in his west Sydney home in the middle of the night on Thursday after the attacker had broken in through a window. After calling out for his wife Patricia, who was convalescing in a separate bedroom, Mr Bogues was confronted by a masked man armed with the frightening knife. But the plucky grandad grappled with the knifeman, before Mr Bogues fought him off with the intruder's own Nike sneaker. The attacker - described as 'tall and of slender build, with dark skin, aged in his 20s and softly spoken' - then fled through the window he had smashed to get in. The sneaker has since been handed to detectives for forensic testing. Unknown to Mr Bogues, his home was the fourth in Merrylands of at least five broken into by the intruder during a wild rampage between 4am and 6.20am on Thursday. One of the victims told NSW Police she woke up to find the armed man climbing onto her bed before he put a knife to her throat and demanded sex. Patrick Bogue (pictured with wife Patricia) has revealed how he fought off a machete-wielding intruder NSW Police hunting the masked sex attacker (pictured) described as 'tall and of slender build, with dark skin, aged in his 20s and softly spoken' Plucky Patrick Bogue (pictured) was out and about collecting a new window from a nearby store the day after his father defended his house from an intruder Police allege the attacker had earlier attempted to molest another elderly woman before 'sexually touching' another in a separate home invasion. One elderly victim told Daily Mail Australia she had since replaced the locks on her doors and said she felt 'sorry' residents had been made to feel unsafe in her home. She said she had not been touched by the intruder but said he had taken off with several credit cards. An elderly man who lives on the same block said his home had also been targeted by the intruder. He said he was woken by a 'strange banging sound' early on the morning of his 96th birthday. After laying awake for some time, he let his dog out to his front yard before returning to sleep. Some time later, the police arrived and pointed out his fly screen had been slashed and a separate door screen had been removed. The man said he did not believe the man broke into his home, but was still shaken up by the events. 'I just hope they catch the grimy bugger, it's just bloody terrible,' he said. 'It's a good area. A thing like this just shouldn't happen.' Mr Bogue's son Eamonn (pictured with wife Fleur) told Daily Mail Australia he was 'grateful' his mother, who had not awoken during the invasion, avoided being assaulted by the intruder One of the houses a sex-crazed intruder entered but was scared off Mr Bogue's son Eamonn told Daily Mail Australia he was 'grateful' his mother, who had not awoken during the invasion, avoided being assaulted by the intruder. 'Mum's been crook so she's been sleeping on her own,' he said choking back tears. 'I just think of the two women who were sexually assaulted. 'I keep thinking, if he'd gotten into where mum was sleeping, he could've gotten at mum.' The dad-of-two said his parents had discovered chocolate wrappers in a sitting room only feet from where Patricia had been sleeping and that the intruder had 'roughed up' the linen closet and pantry. 'We figure he could've been in here for some time before dad caught on to him,' he said. 'I just keep thinking how much worse it could have gone'. While Ms Bogue was unscathed, the elder Mr Bogue needed treatment to remove shattered glass from his feet after pursuing the intruder over the smashed window. Eamonn said his Irish-Australian father had been planning to dance at a St Patrick's Day parade but was no longer able due to his injuries. One elderly resident (pixtured) said said he was woken by a 'strange banging sound' early on the morning of his 96th birthday Detectives were seen conducting investigations the following day The brave grandfather was later seen collecting a new window from a nearby store on Friday. A nearby resident, Mahmoud, whose surveillance cameras were unable to film the intruder, said Patrick was known to love dancing. 'They're lovely people,' he said. The State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad has now launched an investigation with local detectives to find the offender before he strikes again. The man was caught on camera entering one property before calmly leaving after attacking the male homeowner with his knife. 'The offender had a short struggle with that occupant, and the offender produced a knife, which caused an injury to the occupant of the premises,' Sex Crimes Squad Commander Jayne Doherty said. 'We are deeply concerned by the actions of this offender.' Police were seen methodically combing streets in the area on Friday as the home invader remains at large. A spokesperson for NSW Police said the man had yet to be identified though a 'number of items have been seized for forensic examination'. Police said he may have a bleeding wound from the attack on the homeowner. Additional police patrols have been sent to the area in an major effort to track him down before he can strike again, Det Supt Doherty said. 'We believe he is an opportunistic offender and we want to stop him before he has any more opportunities,' she added. Merrylands residents have been told to secure their homes while the man remains at large. A NSW Police spokesman added: 'Anyone who lives in that area should contact police if their properties have been broken into even if nothing has been stolen.' The Daffodils have finally bloomed and so too has spring, as temperatures rocket to highs of 18C in parts of the UK today. Brits are set to bask in sunshine today as parts of the southeast will be blessed with sunny spells and warmer weather than parts of the continent today. Parts of the southeast such as Cambridge are predicted to hit highs of 18C, while holidaymakers in Malaga and Lisbon will be disappointed with chillier temperatures. Yesterday saw the hottest day of the year so far, with sun worshippers basking in heats of 19C in Suffolk. And the bright weather is only set to continue for Londoners, with sunny skies with some cloudy skies predicted for the next four days, according to the Met Office. The highest March temperature on record was March 29 1968, at 25.6C, with the UK daytime maximum average sitting at 9.2C. Regarding the warm Spring temperatures, Met forecaster Stephen Dixon said yesterday that it was 'fairly unusual but not unheard of' for this time of year. While Britons in the southeast can expect bouts of warm weather today, cloudy and showery spells will creep northwards to parts of Scotland turning heavy and potentially thundery at times. Parts of the southeast such as Cambridge are predicted to hit highs of 18C, while holidaymakers in Malaga and Lisbon will be disappointed with chillier temperatures SOUTHEND-ON-SEA: A jogger runs along the sea front as the sunshine beams this morning CAMBRIDGE: A man steers a boat along a river enjoying today's sunshine CAMBRIDGE: The man continues to row along, as daffodils have sprung into action on the banks Most of the UK, will experience a dry and bright start to kick off their weekend, however there will be cloudy skies for parts of Wales, southwest England and Northern Ireland. However not everyone's weekend will be plagued with gloomy skies, as Mr Dixon forecasted 'good sunny spells on Saturday which should feel pleasant in the sunshine for many'. This will be followed by sunny spells on Sunday with 'some cloud and a chance of rain but generally a dry and fine day for much of the UK'. 'The thing to note is that it's not universally nice weather for everyone,' the forecaster explained. 'So, there's patchy rain around on Friday, particularly for Western areas of Wales and South West and North West England, that comes with a bit more cloud as well. 'It's not necessarily shorts and head to the beach weather for the whole of the UK.' Despite the sunshine, the UK has not seen the back of winter just yet, as the Met Office has predicted that temperatures will cool and could even bring flurries of snow as we move into next week. This is due to a colder pool of air moving in from the north west on Monday, going into Tuesday. The Met Office said this was not unusual. Outbreaks of rain pushing northwards to kick start Friday, heavy at times and potentially thundery Drier and sunnier intervals will greet those in southeast England and northern Scotland pic.twitter.com/LH94uIqsSy Met Office (@metoffice) March 6, 2025 CAMBRIDGE: A couple enjoy a boat ride along the river whilst basking in today's sunny weather SOUTHEND-ON-SEA: Two joggers running near the seaside on a sunny Friday morning LONDON: Tourists enjoy yesterdays sunshine as they take a selfie with daffodils LONDON: Walkers enjoy the spring sunshine in St James's Park London yesterday morning LONDON: People in St James Park, central London, enjoy evening sunshine on Monday YORK: Visitors walk through the famous Shambles street on March 4 LONDON: A look Westminster Bridge during sunset on Monday, March 3 'As we move through spring, we do get periods of warmer weather, and we also see colder plunges of weather, and that's the current outlook in terms of temperature for the most for the UK,' Mr Dixon advised. It comes after Brits were told to take care on their journeys to work and school Wednesday morning after parts of the country were hit by a freezing fog overnight. Cooler temperatures are expected by the middle of next week, with daytime London temperatures predicted to be around 8C. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning yesterday for the south coast of England after patches of dense, cold mist were seen forming in the area in the early hours. Motorists were advised to give extra time for their commutes as visibility was reduced to less than 100m in places, making driving conditions tricky. A travel influencer plunged 65ft to her death after her heel slipped as she climbed a mountain in Snowdonia. Maria Eftimova, 28, was going up the notorious Tryfan mountain at the Welsh national park when the accident happened. An inquest was told how as she attempted to reach for a ledge, her heel slipped, which caused her to tumble a 'considerable distance'. The civil engineer suffered severe head injuries which included a fractured skull, and, despite the best efforts of paramedics, she died at the scene on February 22. The 28-year-old was the second professional woman to die in the mountain range in a week following the death of Dr Charlotte Crook, 30. The influencer, of St Helens, but originally from Sofia, in Bulgaria, had more than 10,000 followers on social media where she showcased her outdoors lifestyle. She was an experienced mountaineer and had recently completed an ice-climbing course in Norway. But the inquest heard in Caernarfon was told she fell on the mountain's notorious north ridge - a popular but dangerous scrambling route. Maria Eftimova, 28, was going up the notorious Tryfan mountain at the Welsh national park when the accident happened An inquest was told how as she attempted to reach for a ledge, her heel slipped which caused her to tumble a 'considerable distance' Coroner Kate Roberston adjourned the hearing, saying: 'I send my sincere condolences to all Maria Eftimova's family and friends.' Friend Victoria Critchley, set up a fundraising page to help pay for repatriation costs, saying: 'Maria was an ambitious, bright and cherished 28 year old, whose vibrant personality, energy and aura touched and uplifted all around her. 'She had a passion for engineering, having studied Civil Engineering at the University of Salford and a love for extreme sports. 'Her biggest passion being Snowboarding, which she was super excited for and looking forward to doing again on her upcoming trip to Austria. 'She had an insatiable thirst for life and exploring our world's beauty. Tragically, she was taken from her family far, far, far too soon!' Victoria said the fundraiser who help Maria's devastated family. She said: 'Adding to their immense grief, the family, who reside in Bulgaria, face a significant financial burden to repatriate Maria and give her the dignified farewell with her loved ones that she deserves.' Friend Jem Elder wrote: 'We will miss you everyday, forever Maria Eftimova' Friend Jem Elder wrote: 'We will miss you everyday, forever Maria Eftimova. 'Your beautiful, uplifting spirt will always live on, you really were the very definition of loving life and living a happy, fulfilled life, inspiring others to follow in your footsteps. See you on the last climb.' The tragedy came just six days after Dr Charlotte Crook, 30, also died while climbing in the same region. An inquest heard Dr Crook plunged 30ft to her death while walking on Glyder Fach with a fellow medic. Both women were attended to by Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation. Speaking of Maria's accident, the team said: 'A group was ascending the north-ridge when one of them fell 20 metres into steep terrain. 'Passers-by with climbing equipment abseiled down and made her safe, and a team member already nearby made his way down and started CPR. 'Colleagues from Welsh Ambulance Service stood by at base while the Coastguard helicopter dropped team members onto the mountain. Dr Charlotte Crook, 30, pictured, and her colleague Adam Weatherhogg were walking on Glyder Fach, near Llanberis, Snowdonia, on February 16 when the tragedy occurred Hospital clinician and St John Ambulance volunteer Dr Crook, pictured, was descending a section of path on her stomach when she appeared to lose her footing and went over a ledge, the hearing was told. 'Unfortunately, the casualty had not survived her injuries, and she was brought down to Oggie base. 'The thoughts of all involved are with the casualties families and friends, thank you to all the members of the public who tried to help.' This comes after 'dedicated' and promising young doctor tragically plunged to her death while scrambling with a friend on a Welsh mountain, an inquest heard. Dr Charlotte Crook, 30, and her colleague Adam Weatherhogg were walking on Glyder Fach, near Llanberis, Snowdonia, on February 16 when the tragedy occurred. Hospital clinician and St John Ambulance volunteer Dr Crook was descending a section of path on her stomach when she appeared to lose her footing and went over a ledge, the hearing was told. Dr Crook, who graduated with her medical degree from Birmingham University in 2022 and had worked for Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, was thought to have fallen about 10 metres (30ft) down the side of the 994m (3,126ft mountain). At a brief hearing at Ruthin John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, said that after Dr Crook fell, Mr Weatherhogg found a safer route down to his stricken friend. He carried out CPR on her until members of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team arrived to take over but Dr Crook, of Perry Barr, Birmingham, died at the scene. Pathologist Dr Muhammad Aslam gave the cause of death as head injuries. On Facebook, St John Ambulance Walsall posted: St John Walsall were saddened to learn of the sudden death of Dr Charlotte Crook. Charlotte was a diligent and dedicated volunteer, who represented the values of the organisation in the best way possible. She was the District Youth Lead for the West Midlands District up until our recent restructuring so many of the cadets will have met her at various courses or events. She will be sadly missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this very sad time. NATO scrambled warplanes over Poland today amid a huge Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine's gas and energy facilities. The NATO warplanes were on alert to shoot down any Russian missiles entering Polish airspace. 'In connection with the active activity of long-range aviation of the Russian Federation carrying out strikes against facilities located in western Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation has begun to operate in our airspace,' said a statement from Warsaw's armed forces operation command headquarters. 'The operational commander of the regional armed forces mobilised all the forces and means at his disposal,' said the statement. 'Duty pairs of fighter jets were put into the air, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems reached the highest level of readiness. 'The measures taken are aimed at ensuring security in the territories bordering the threatened areas. 'The Operational Command of the Armed Forces is monitoring the current situation and its subordinate forces and means remain fully prepared for immediate response.' File photo. A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet takes off during a demonstration flight at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznan-Krzesiny, Poland, 10 February 2025 An inferno tears through a building in Odesa as Russian strikes continued overnight A view shows a site of an apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine March 7, 2025 Firefighters work at a site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine March 7, 2025 Vladimir Putin had sent up his Tu-95MS strategic bombers from an Arctic airfield to launch devastating strikes impacting civilian Ukrainians. This came hours after Donald Trump had said the Kremlin dictator wanted to stop the war - and only the US president knew the secret reason why Putin has 'no choice'. If so, there was little sign of peace from Russia today with savage strikes on cities and regions across Ukraine including dozens of ship-launched Kalibr and strategic bomber-launched Kh-101 missiles, according to one unofficial source, as Putin appeared to intensify his war. A gas pipeline exploded after a missile strike in Ternopil, with massive flames towering into the night sky. Head of Ternopil regional administration Vyacheslav Nehoda said: 'As a result of a night enemy attack in the Ternopil region, a critical industrial facility was hit by a rocket. 'There may be restrictions on gas supply.' Missiles also struck gas storage facilities in Poltava and Sumy regions, where numerous explosions were recorded, along with Ivano-Frankivsk and Vinnytsia. In Kharkiv - Ukraine's second city, traditionally mainly Russian speaking - 'critical infrastructure' was hit in an Iskander-M missile strike along with nine multi-storey residential buildings and 36 private sector buildings, and heating supplies disrupted. Seven people were wounded, said mayor Ihor Terekhov. A Tu-95MS Bear H RF-94130 pictured off Scotland in 2014 A view shows the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine March 7, 2025 Police experts and rescuers work at a site an apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine March 7, 2025 Strikes in Kharkiv also appeared to intensify despite Trump's promise of peace In Odesa, port warehouses - which stored ammunition - were struck along with power substations. The latest Russian blitzkrieg came as the Trump administration has blocked Ukraine from access to US intelligence including the ability to use power Western long range missiles to target Putin's military machine. Ukrainian energy minister German Galushchenko said: 'Russia continues its energy terror. 'Again the energy and gas infrastructure in various regions of Ukraine is under massive missile and drone shelling. 'Where possible, rescuers and energy workers are working to eliminate the consequences. 'All necessary measures are being taken to stabilise energy and gas supplies. 'Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by shelling energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without light and heat, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens. 'While the danger continues - please stay in shelters.' Prominent Ukrainian activist and lawyer Serhii Sternenko said sarcastically: 'As part of their 'pursuit of peace', the Russians carried out a massive combined attack against our electricity and gas infrastructure in the morning. 'They used ballistic, cruise [missiles] Kh-101 and Kalibr, aircraft guided missiles, and UAVs.' The ruthless strikes at civilian energy supplies mean civilians face losses of gas and electricity for many days. Residents in Pivdenne, Odesa region, were told they would have no power for five days after the main transformer was destroyed. The strikes came ahead of scheduled peace deal talks between Ukraine and US officials in Saudi Arabia next week. Trump said Putin had a secret reason for reaching a deal. 'I think what's going to happen is Ukraine wants to make a deal because I don't think they have a choice,' the US president said. 'I also think that Russia wants to make a deal because, in a certain, different way, a different way that only I know, only I know, they have no choice either.' Firefighters work at the site of a warehouse hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Sumy, Ukraine March 6, 2025 Scenes from Odesa show the sky lit up in orange as Putin's strikes on the port intensified Smoke billows high above Kharkiv in the east of Ukraine amid the Russian blitz overnight Today's attacks also came hours after Volodymyr Zelensky had proposed an end to energy strikes as the first step in halting hostilities. 'Everyone must ensure that Russia, the only culprit of this war, recognises the need to end it,' he said. 'This can be proven by two forms of silence: no attacks on energy and other civilian infrastructure - no launching of missiles, bombs, long-range drones, no military operations in the Black Sea,' he said. Ukrainian Telegram channel Pravda Gerashchenko said: 'Putin has once again shown how much he 'wants peace': residential buildings, civil, energy and gas infrastructure of Ukraine have been attacked.' A bride-to-be is on the verge of missing her own hen do after all Eurostar trains were cancelled for the entire day after a World War II bomb was found. Thousands of passengers at Gare du Nord in Paris were left stranded when trains were halted after the relic was found near St Denis this morning. The unexploded World War II bomb, believed to weight 1,000lbs, was discovered amid works near the Parisien suburb at around 4am this morning - a couple miles away from the major railway station. Droves of passengers packed rushed to book alternative travel, with five of the six British Airways flights heading to Heathrow from Paris Charles de Gaulle full, with the limited tickets left being sold for 357. All three of easyJet's flights from Gatwick to Pairis on Friday after 12pm are also fully booked. Among the panicked travellers is bride-to-be Charlotte Liddell whose hen party dreams were dashed by the cancellations. Others in the party are already in Paris, having flown from northern England, but Ms Liddell planned to travel from London. 'It's the hen do without the hen!' she said: 'We're very upset, but it's so out of our control.' Stranded hen-do party (Pictured left to right: Ruby Mowle, Francesca Birch, and Charlotte Liddell) - planned for Paris - in St Pancras this morning Queuing passengers at St Pancras International station in London as Eurostar confirms all travel between Paris and London are cancelled for the entire day The first picture of the bomb was released by Fabie Villedieu, a driver working for SNCF, Frances National Rail operator. It appears to be a 500kg RAF general purpose bomb Pictured: Droves of passengers at Gare du Nord in Paris after an unexploded World War II bomb sparked travel chaos today Your browser does not support iframes. TRAIN SERVICE STATUS Eurostar has cancelled all trains to and from Paris for the entire day. Brussels-Marne La Vallee, London-Brussels and London-Amsterdam trains are running normally. TGV: no departures and arrivals at Gare du Nord. Some trains are postponed to Gare de Lyon. RER B: trains depart and arrive from La Plaine Stade de France and Aulnay-sous-Bois. Traffic is very severely disrupted to the north of the line. RER D: postponed to Stade de France Saint-Denis. Traffic is very severely disrupted on the entire line. Line K: trains depart and arrive at Mitry. Traffic is very severely disrupted. Line H: trains depart and arrive at Saint Denis. Traffic is very severely disrupted. TER: Gare du Nord is not served. Traffic is very severely disrupted. Advertisement Fran Birch, one of Ms Liddell's maids of honour, said: 'We've got all the decorations with us.' Joking about the bomb, she quipped: 'It's from World War Two. Just let it lie.' Ms Liddell and her two hens now plans to fly from Leeds Bradford Airport and they hope to be in Paris this evening. But she wasn't the only bride-to-be left stranded in St Pancras. Serena Beck, 29, and her party of 13, were panicked when they thought they would have to cancel the entire weekend away. However the group managed to rebook on to a train to Lille and organised a minibus for the three-hour journey to Paris. 'I felt quite stressed when I got to the station and found out our train was cancelled,' Miss Beck said. 'We had planned this trip for over a year and it looked like it going to be ruined. 'Thankfully I have a lot of good mates who worked out another plan to get us there.' She added: 'How crazy that out of all days a World War Two bomb derails all of our plans.' Her friend joked: 'It's a good omen for the wedding.' All railway travel, including RER, regional, Eurostar and TGV services have been suspended, local media has reported. And Eurostar have since confirmed all its services between London and Paris will remain suspended for the rest of the day. French transport minister Philippe Tabarot told broadcaster Sud Radio that trains will be 'strongly disrupted' throughout the day, with only a limited service resuming in the afternoon. A bomb squad - who have been working on the scene since 4am - are assessing the ongoing situation, French railway company SNCF confirmed. Pictured: Sarena Beck, 29 from London and her party heading to Paris via Lille after today's Eurostar chaos Passengers wait inside the departure hall as traffic has been disrupted at the Gare du Nord train station The unexploded World War II bomb was discovered amid works near the Parisien suburb of St Denis yesterday (Pictured: More disrupted travellers) WHAT ARE MY RIGHT AS A EUROSTAR CUSTOMER? Your right as a consumer vary slightly when it comes to rail and air travel. Those who have been inconvenienced by today's cancellations have several choices which includes: - A voucher, which will be valid for a year - A refund, but this will not include booking or exchange fees - Although compensation is slightly more complicated. - Any bids for compensation relating to food, calling people at your arrival destination as well as accommodation have to be made through a form on the Eurostar website. Advertisement It was found overnight in Saint Denis, said a local railway line spokesman, referring to the town just north of the French capital. 'The site of the bomb is around two kilometers [less than two miles] from Gare du Nord, so the decision was taken to shut the line in both directions. 'All services have been cancelled, and there are currently long delays. A bomb disposal squad is at the scene, and attempting to make it safe.' It was dug up by an excavator two meters below the ground, the spokesman said , as a police bomb disposal team got to work. Civilians were evacuated from the area, as a precaution, but there was no serious risk, of an explosion, the spokesman said. However the worried brides aren't the only inconvenienced travellers today, as thousands crowded in St Pancras and Gare du Nord amid the travel chaos. Allison Heine, 45, and her husband John Heine, 46, landed in London from Houston, Texas this morning with their three kids. But their Parisien dreams were quickly crushed after the cancellations. 'The kids are so upset, Mr Heine said. We dont know what we are going to do. We cant rebook and the staff here are not being helpful. Mrs Heine said: We planned this trip for months and travelled all the way from Texas for this. It is extremely annoying to have to deal with all of this after such a long flight. The kids are on Spring Break and its unfair for this to happen to them. We only planned to be in Paris for a few days so it may not make sense to go now. A view of the international high-speed rail service parked at platforms amid railway chaos in Paris Droves of passengers wait at the French railway station following the travel disruptions Impacted travellers wait with their suitcases at Gare du Nord as all railway journeys between London and Paris have been cancelled Stephanie Berrie, 37, from Leeds had paid 2,500 for her family of four to join her parents and in-laws for a holiday at Disneyland Paris. But her two-and-four-year-old's Disney dreams were momentarily dashed as they ventured to London hoping to take the Eurostar to arrive at their destination. Now she and her family are heading to Calais via ferry, in the hopes they can arrive before 6pm to hire a car and make the over three-hour long drive to the capital. 'We booked it a while ago, so we were really excited and the kids were really excited,' she told MailOnline. 'When we were on the way to King's Cross we found out about the issue, and we were panicking because we were thinking how we are going to get there because it isn't a cheap holiday. 'I was really stressed out, when you've got a two and a four year old and you read the notification telling you to book for another day, well you can't when you are already on your way.' 'I am still frantically trying to find a way to salvage my holiday really,' she added: 'My daughter keeps saying she wants to go to Disneyland and she is getting a bit upset.' Stephanie Astried, 42, was supposed to move back to Paris after spending six months in London. The bomb found today is believed to be a general purpose bomb weighing in at 1,000lbs Confused passengers tare at information boards as they await updates Impacted travellers stare at the information screen this morning as travel from Gare du Nord, Paris, is suspended She travelled to St Pancras International with two large suitcases before she was told in the queue to board that her 7.01 am train was cancelled, but she's just relieved no one was hurt. Im just happy to be alive and not be on a train going over an unexplored bomb, she said. I didnt feel angry because what they can they do when they find an unexploded bomb? Its a little frustrating because I was supposed to move back to Paris today. I was excited to go back and work on a start up related to AI. She managed to book a train for tomorrow morning after getting to the station early. Cheri Yake, 60, who dreamed of seeing the Notre Dame, is heading back to Florida after just a few days in London because her train to Paris was cancelled. She was very frustrated by the lack of support in rebooking on to a different train and decided to go back home. Its very upsetting to have your mind set on a vacation like this and for it to fall apart, she said. I dont want to start screaming and shouting because people will turn around and say Americans are rude. But thats what I want to do because no one is listening. Ms Yake said she was excited to show her friend around Paris for the first time, adding: Its very frustrating because we spent all of this money for nothing. Emma Roe, part of a group of eight friends, said they were looking up flights to go 'maybe to Amsterdam from Luton, just somewhere else'. 'There's no booking until 6pm tonight. We're all parents, so we don't want to lose our free weekend.' A packed St Pancras station amid today's travel mayhem after Eurostar cancelled all trains between Paris and London Panicked travellers rush to find alternative travel routes as they scramble to save their holidays Passengers sit on the sidelines in the major railway station as they wait for updates 'The area has been evacuated, and people are being warned not to go near the area,' a source have said Lauren Romeo-Smith, part of a group at London St Pancras who were planning to visit Paris for a birthday celebration, said: 'We would have thought there would be more Eurostar staff. We're looking up flights, but our options are limited.' Some impacted travellers remain hopeful despite the recent suspension of Eurostar services to and from London. Charlotte Kidd, who travelled to London from Bath last night to get to Disneyland Paris for her 30th birthday this weekend, said she was still hopeful of getting there in time. She said: 'We've got two hours. If not, we'll try and get there some other way.' Others on X weren't as optimistic, with one quipping: 'WW2 bomb was not high on the list of things I thought might disrupt my Eurostar journey from Paris this morning, but here we are' Railway service SNCF confirmed travel from the major French railway station would be halted until mid-morning at request of police, urging passengers to reschedule their trips today. 'We invite travellers to postpone their trip,' they said. Eurostar echoed their announcement, adding: 'Due to an object on the tracks near Paris Gare du Nord, we are expecting disruption to our services this morning. 'Please change your journey for a different date of travel' Eurostar is giving passengers whose trains have been cancelled the option of either requesting a refund or voucher for the value of their booking, or to re-book for travel on an alternative service. Eurostar services to and from Brussels have not been impacted. French police officers block the access to the SNCF's freight area in Saint-Denis - where the World War II bomb was discovered French police and firefighters at the scene in the Parisian suburb, assessing the site The area has been cordoned off (pictured) whilst assessment remain ongoing Among the thousands caught up in the disruption were British runners planning to join the 50,000 taking part in the Paris half-marathon on Sunday. Others found themselves stuck in the French capital without a train or anywhere to stay. Roger Waldock, 70, who had been at a trade show in France, intitally paid an extra 50 to get on a later train home to Britain on Friday, but was then informed that all departures had been cancelled.. Now I cant even get onto the Eurostar website, said Mr Waldock, who wanted to get to a grandchilds birthday on Sunday. Steve Reilly, 72, and returning from a trip to the west of France, said he too was in difficulty. Im going to wander around until I find a hotel this evening, he said, as rooms across Paris filled up. A Eurostar spokesperson said: 'Due to the discovery last night of an unexploded bomb from the Second World War during work carried out on the tracks in St Denis (North of Paris), traffic has been completely halted to and from Gare du Nord. 'Traffic will only be able to resume once the mine clearance operations currently being organised by the specialised services of the Paris Police Prefecture have been completed. 'Eurostar has informed its passengers and is encouraging them to travel on another day. A man standing with his chello in a packed St Pancras earlier today Passengers sit hopeless after today's Eurostar cancellations at St Pancras station 'Eurostar sincerely apologizes for the disruption and understands the inconvenience this may cause. 'We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation during this time.' The Gare du Nord is a major European transit hub, serving international destinations north of France as well as the main Paris airport and many regional commuters. It was extensively used by occupying German forces during the Second World War, up until the liberation of Paris in 1944. Almost 70,000 men, women and children were killed by mainly Allied bombing during the Second World War, as 1500 cities and towns were regularly attacked. Before then, the area around it was regularly bombed by the RAF and the American Airforce, as were factories in the Paris suburbs. The April 21st 1944 RAF raid on northern Paris specifically targeted railway junctions and tracks, in the build up to D-Day. Coded radio messages from London to the French Resistance announced it with the words: 'La Chapelle au clair de lune', which means 'La Chapelle in the moonlight'. The bombing which lasted two hours was initially very precise, but smoke later led to many devices falling off target. As was common at the time, a large number of bombs also failed to detonate. All railway travel, including RER, regional, Eurostar and TGV services have been suspended until 10am, local media has reported (File image) The exterior of Paris Gare du Nord Railway station, where travel chaos has ensued this morning The 247 Avro Lancasters and 22 Mosquitos involved were part of the RAF's 627th squadron. In all, they dropped 2,000 bombs, many of them close to La Plaine Saint-Denis, where the Stade de France has since been built. A square close to where today's bomb was found is today named 'Place du 21 April 1944' , in honour of the hundreds of civilian victims. Ordnance from both World Wars is still regularly found around France, especially in building works, and is known as 'the Iron Harvest'. Bombs left over from World War I or World War II are regularly discovered around France but it is very rare to find them in such a people-packed location. An idyllic town in Mallorca has taken the bold step of banning tourists from driving in its historic centre following large protests decrying the build-up of traffic for locals. Soller, a traditional municipality of some 14,000 people in the island's northwest, will limit access to the town's 12 main streets to registered cars only from this year. The council is set to introduce a 'low emission zone' of 70 hectares, pushing hire cares to park further out in order to reduce congestion. Under the new rules, only vehicles registered to residents will be allowed on the central roads, with 'some exceptions', the Majorca Daily Bulletin reports. Visitors will be expected to park in 'soon to be set up' areas of the 'desvio' (detour) road, which last year also suffered congestion woes. Antoni Costa, the vice-president of the Balearic Government, has vowed to address persistent 'overtourism' on the islands, warning this week that 'we cannot' carry on growing as the islands 'have reached their limit'. The move comes amid growing discontent with the impact of tourists on popular holiday destinations across the country, culminating in large protests nationwide last summer - and desperate action from local councils to ease the pressure on residents. File photo. Soller is set to introduce innovative new measures to manage overtourism A demonstrator holds a sign which reads 'it's not tourismphobia, it's Mallorcicide' during protest Soller will hope to address the pressing issue of congestion by establishing a new perimeter demarcating areas where only residents are allowed to drive. The border extends through the Ma-11 main road onto Calle de Isabel II, Calle de Sant Jaume, the Ma-2122 and the Calle Andreu Coll, Glosador, onto the Calle de Cetre. The secondary streets inclusive of the old town will also be affected, according to a new map of the exclusion zone. Plans for such a policy have been in the works for months, according to local media, and respond to mounting protests over congestion in the town. But the local authorities have been pressed to provide adequate parking, made difficult by the highly-concentrated traditional Spanish layout. 'Providing that there is parking I don't think that there will be a problem, but if there is no parking then it could be a nightmare,' one regular visitor told the Daily Bulletin. The Can Tinet car park was expected to be opened in August last year as the first of several to reduce strain on the town's narrow lanes. While Soller is largely isolated from the other major towns on Mallorca, the Balearics welcomed around 15.3 million international tourists last year. This rose 6.15 per cent from 2023, in line with a wider trend of holiday destinations building back from the pandemic. Your browser does not support iframes. Panoramic view of Port de Soller, Mallorca 'Overtourism' has contributed to the felt strain of low wages and limited housing across Spain, with protestors turning out in major cities to demonstrate against economies built around catering to tourists. Last summer, protestors in Alicante organised their first major march through the city, arguing limits should be placed on the tourism industry over concern locals are being priced out of housing and trapped in unstable seasonal jobs. An organiser for the 'Alicante donde vas?' group behind the march told MailOnline at the time that they wanted to make the 'conflict visible', calling on the local authorities to 'take measures to put the needs of the people who live in the city at the forefront, compared to the wishes of those who visit the city'. 'The fatigue of many people in Mallorca, the Canary Islands, Barcelona, or Alicante, is enormous; the anxiety and stress of having difficulty renting a house; or for suffering horrible working conditions; or not being able to sleep well because there is a tourist apartment in your community ends up causing pain and suffering that can fuel hostile reactions towards tourists,' spokesperson Salva said. Anti-holidaymaker protests escalate in sinister turn as 'kill a tourist' graffiti appears on wall in Majorca A protester holds a sign reading 'Take back your drunks, give back our homes' during demonstration in Palma this month Protests have adopted a more aggressive bent in some affected regions; up to 50,000 residents took to the streets in the Mallorcan capital of Palma last July to ridicule England fans over their Euros bow-out. The second major protest in two months saw demonstrators hold up banners, written in English, that read: 'Take back your drunks, give back our homes.' The backlash took a sinister turn when graffiti reading 'Kill a Tourist' emerged in several locations in Manacor, on Mallorca. Earlier in July, protestors in Barcelona sprayed tourists with water guns as they marched through areas popular with visitors. Police said some 2,800 people had turned out to demonstrate, demanding a new economic model that would reduce the millions of tourists visiting each year. High streets in outer London boroughs have been financially impacted by the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), new data from Transport for London (TfL) has revealed. Mayor Sadiq Khan made his zone almost four times larger by covering all of Greater London in August 2023, creating the world's biggest pollution charging region. He brought all of the capital's outer boroughs into the area, which encompasses nine million people, but a new report has now revealed the financial cost to businesses impacted by the change. Spending on the high street fell by 3.4 per cent in the year after Ulez expanded, compared with a 2.8 per cent fall across inner London. Barking & Dagenham saw the biggest drop in high street spending, with a decline of 13.25 per cent. Only eight of London's 33 local authority areas saw spending increase on the high street after Ulez was introduced to all London boroughs, the report found. But Sir Sadiq has remained steadfast that the scheme has not impacted retail and has helped to cut pollution levels in the capital. For petrol cars to meet Ulez standards based on emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter they must generally have been first registered after 2005. High streets in outer London boroughs have been financially impacted by the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone ( Ulez), new data from Transport for London ( TfL ) has revealed Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. HOW HAS ULEZ IMPACTED OUTER LONDON BOROUGHS? London Borough Change in visitor footfall Change in worker footfall Change in store spend Barking and Dagenham 4.39% 10.30% -13.25% Barnet 0.55% 7.13% -5.17% Bexley 2.66% 7.92% 0.64% Brent 1.43% 10.14% -4.39% Bromley 2.59% 6.85% -0.66% Croydon 0.05% 7.10% 0.82% Ealing 2.78% 10.58% -4.13% Enfield 1.52% 8.77% -8.64% Harrow -0.77% 6.54% -3.28% Havering 3.23% 9.39% -9.86% Hillingdon 3.39% 17.11% 1.48% Hounslow 1.75% 10.51% 2.97% Kingston upon Thames -1.34% 1.26% -6.49% Lewisham 2.23% 9.05% 2.75% Merton 2.04% 9.88% -2.87% Redbridge 2.42% 9.05% 0.41% Richmond upon Thames -0.19% 5.20% -6.82% Sutton -0.89% 2.39% -4.78% Wandsworth 2.02% 6.88% -1.11% Most diesel cars registered after September 2015 are also exempt from the charge. Drivers who enter the zone in a non-compliant vehicle are required to pay a 12.50 daily fee unless they are exempt, such as taxis or transport for disabled people. Failing to pay the charge by midnight on the third day following a journey risks incurring a fine. In a statement, Sir Sadiq said: 'When I was first elected, evidence showed it would take 193 years to bring London's air pollution within legal limits if the current efforts continued. 'However, due to our transformative policies we are now close to achieving it this year. 'Today's report shows that ULEZ works, driving down levels of pollution, taking old polluting cars off our roads and bringing cleaner air to millions more Londoners. 'The decision to expand the ULEZ was not something I took lightly, but this report shows it was the right one for the health of all Londoners. 'It has been crucial to protect the health of Londoners, support children's lung growth, and reduce the risk of people developing asthma, lung cancer and a host of other health issues related to air pollution. Mayor Sadiq Khan made his zone almost four times larger by covering all of Greater London in August 2023, creating the world's biggest pollution charging region HOW HAS ULEZ IMPACTED INNER LONDON BOROUGHS? London Borough Change in visitor footfall Change in worker footfall Change in store spend Camden -0.68% 4.26% -2.00% City of London 0.08% 15.06% -4.73% Greenwich 0.99% 10.72% -3.55% Hackney 0.41% 9.70% -1.26% Hammersmith and Fulham -5.22% 5.87% -7.36% Haringey 1.43% 8.86% -3.91% Islington -1.85% 6.73% 1.27% Kensington and Chelsea -1.14% 10.11% -6.86% Lambeth -2.23% 6.92% -0.32% Newham 0.43% 9.84% -3.06% Southwark -3.24% 9.81% 0.84% Tower Hamlets -0.03% 8.88% -6.46% Waltham Forest 2.71% 8.53% 3.54% Westminster -2.46% 6.28% -6.93% 'With boroughs in outer London seeing some of the biggest reductions in harmful emissions and London's deprived communities also seeing greater benefits, this report shows why expanding ULEZ London-wide was so important.' Critics say the Mayor has largely ignored the financial impact on businesses that have seen a decline in sales and footfall since the scheme was expanded. Keith Prince, the City Hall Conservatives' transport spokesman, told The Telegraph: 'The Mayor is supposedly comparing these results to a London where the Ulez scheme didn't happen, as though we can accurately measure such a thing. 'How he can say that Ulez is responsible for London's air clearing up with a straight face is beyond me the data relies on maybes, possibilities, assumptions, and straight up fantasy in order to justify a project that is saddling TfL and Londoners with mountains of debt.' The report follows a report last month that just one in five drivers are paying their ULEZ fines on time, new research suggests, as motorists ignore Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). A Freedom of Information by Turo found Londoners are failing to heed strict rules on emissions levels in the capital, with 438million in total fines owed. More than 100,000 cars have received five or more fines, with a further 76,000 having received ten or more. It highlights the difficulty many Londoners have affording either a new compliant car or ULEZ fines. A Freedom of Information by Turo last month found Londoners are failing to heed strict rules on emissions levels in the capital, with 438million in total fines owed Since the ULEZ expansion in 2023 TFL has issued more than 2.4million penalties equivalent to one every 15 seconds. Despite this near constant stream of fines dished out, the FOI has discovered just 20.2 per cent are being paid on time. A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: 'Sadiq is proud to be a pro-business Mayor. 'The overwhelming evidence is that Ulez has not impacted footfall or retail and leisure spending in outer London.' Hamas has threatened to kill the remaining Israeli hostages if there is 'any escalation' of military escalation against Gaza after efforts to prolong the ceasefire stalled. The terrorist group accused Israel of 'bullying, stalling, and reckless aggression' and warned that threats of renewed war 'will not lead to the release of the captives'. Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, warned in a recorded message Thursday the group is 'fully prepared for all possible scenarios'. 'We warn the families [of the hostages] that we have proof of life for those who remain alive,' he said. 'Any escalation of aggression against our people will result in the killing of enemy captives.' Ubaida further accused Israel of seeking 'an American green light to escalate its aggression against our people'. The chilling threat followed Trump's declaration Wednesday that he was giving Hamas a 'last warning' to release those still being held captive after having been abducted on October 7, 2023. Trump also told leadership of the terror group to leave Gaza 'now while you still have a chance' and warned: 'I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say.' The US president issued his direct threat to Hamas after the White House confirmed direct talks with the group as part an of an effort to finally secure the release of hostages and bodies of the deceased. Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, warned in a recorded message Thursday that the terrorist group will kill the remaining Israeli hostages if there is 'any escalation' of military escalation against Gaza after efforts to prolong the ceasefire stalled The chilling threat came after President Donald Trump, who met with freed hostages at the White House on Wednesday, declared he was giving Hamas a 'last warning' to release those still being held captive Palestinians try to continue their daily lives in rubble of buildings or their makeshift tents on the fifth day of Ramadan at the Bureij Refugee Camp in Gaza City, Gaza on March 5, 2025 Hamas responded to Trump's warning on Thursday by threating to kill the remaining hostages in Gaza, as it rejected the US president's ultimatums. 'The enemy's leadership is trying to evade the agreement as the Prime Minister prioritizes political interests over the lives of his captives,' Ubaida said in his recorded address. 'The occupier continues to seek an American green light to escalate its aggression against our people. 'Israeli threats of war will bring them nothing but failure and will not lead to the release of their captives. We warn the families of Israeli captives that we still hold proof of life for those who remain alive. 'We are fully prepared for all possible scenarios. Any escalation of aggression against our people will result in the killing of enemy captives,' he added. There are believed to be up to 24 living hostages remaining in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday. At least another 35 are believed to be dead. Trump on Wednesday took to his Truth Social platform to demand for the release of the remaining living hostages and the bodies of the deceased. Crowds of Hamas fighters and civilians watch on as the coffin of one of the hostages is carried to a waiting Red Cross vehicle on February 20 '"Shalom Hamas" means Hello and Goodbye - You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,' he wrote on the social media site. 'Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say. 'I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning!' Trump also Hamas to leave Gaza immediately and touted his proposal for rebuilding the region. He added: 'Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!' Trump issued similar warnings last month, saying there would be 'all hell' to pay if the group, which the US government classified as a terrorist organization, did not send home hostages. Pictured above is Donald Trump's Truth Social post warning Hamas to release all hostages or 'it is over for you' An aerial view of Palestinians shopping at a market set up among the rubble in Jabalia Refugee Camp, northern Gaza, during the holy month of Ramadan on March 05, 2025 Trump's angry threat came hours after a report that the administration was conducting secret talks with Hamas in an effort to release American hostages seized during the bloody October 7 terror attack on Israel. The White House said US hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler had the authority to talk directly with Hamas, despite longstanding policy against negotiating with designated terrorist organizations. The two sides met in Doha, where prior cease fire and hostage talks had occurred, gut not directly between the parties. US and Israeli negotiators had negotiated instead through third party Arab leaders. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed those talks when asked about them. 'First of all, the special envoy who engaged in this negotiation does have the authority to talk to anyone. Israel was consulted on this matter,' Leavitt said. 'And look dialog and talking to people around the world to do what's in the best interest of the American people, is something that the American people.' She wouldn't answer directly when asked if the talks also related to Trump's stated plan to rebuild and take over Gaza in a plan critics have called Gaza-lago. 'These are ongoing talks and discussions. I'm not going to detail them here, that are American lines at stake.' Hamas fighters escort Israeli hostage Or Levy on a stage before handing him over to a Red Cross team in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on February 8, 2025, as part of the fifth hostage-prisoner exchange of a fragile ceasefire Eli Sharabi (pictured) was freed on Saturday, February 8, after spending nearly 500 days in captivity. His gaunt appearance when he was released sparked concern that the 54-year-old had been mistreated or even tortured by Hamas On February 11, Trump warned 'all hell is going to break loose' if the group did not release all remaining hostages that week. In response, a Hamas spokesman lashed out at the American president and said there was no place 'for the language of threats'. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior spokesperson for the terror group known for its tight stranglehold over the Gaza Strip, boldly claimed Trump's comments did nothing but make negotiations for the end of the war harder. 'The language of threats has no value and further complicates matters,' Zuhri remarked. He added that Trump needed to 'remember that there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties and this is the only way to return the prisoners'. A few days later, Hamas released American-Israeli Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36 and two other hostages. The threats come days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked 'emergency authority' to send an additional $4billion in security assistance to Israel. An aerial view of Palestinians shopping at a market set up among the rubble in Jabalia Refugee Camp, northern Gaza, during the holy month of Ramadan on March 05, 2025 Palestinians try to continue their daily lives in rubble of buildings or their makeshift tents on the fifth day of Ramadan at the Bureij Refugee Camp in Gaza City, Gaza on March 05, 2025 Trump also met with hostages released from captivity on Wednesday. 'Today, President Trump took time to meet with eight of the released hostages from Gaza,' Leavitt said. 'The President listened intently to their heartbreaking stories. The hostages thanked President Trump for his steadfast efforts to bring all of the hostages home.' They were Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher, and Noa Argamani. This comes after Trump promoted a controversial vision for what his 'Riviera of the Middle East' plan for the Gaza Strip could look like when the war between Israel and Hamas has ended. Trump laid out his extraordinary plan at a press conference with Netanyahu in February, stating: 'The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too.' Trump's proposal was met with global criticism by both lawmakers and analysts who fear the plan would forcibly displace Gaza's population of two million - while US critics wondered if his vision would plunge the nation into the potentially bloody role of occupying power. Despite experts saying immediate reaction among global lawmakers and leaders across the region was one of 'revulsion', Trump seemed to further promote the plan on February 25 by posting an AI-generated video of a reimagined Gaza. Trump seemed to further promote the plan on February 25 by posting an AI-generated video of a reimagined Gaza The video promoted gaudy scenes of a reimagined Gaza that is reminiscent of the Las Vegas strip, featuring a new Trump hotel and an enormous, shining gold statue of the President The video promoted gaudy scenes of a reimagined Gaza that is reminiscent of the Las Vegas strip, featuring a new Trump hotel and an enormous, shining gold statue of the US president. In what has been branded a 'grotesque fantasy' online, billionaire Elon Musk is depicted tossing cash to children while Trump sips cocktails with Netanyahu. The imagined glass skyscrapers are a far cry from the real Gaza, where at least half the buildings have been damaged or destroyed. The White House responded to the criticism in a statement to DailyMail.com: 'As President Trump has said, Gaza in its current state is unhabitable for any human being. 'President Trump is a visionary, and his plan to have the United States involved in Gaza's rebuilding will allow for Palestinians to resettle in new, beautiful communities while improving conditions in the region for generations to come.' A British man is facing the death penalty for allegedly dealing a kilo of MDMA in Bali. Thomas Parker was seen for the first time since his January arrest on Thursday, paraded in front of media in an orange jumpsuit in Denpasar. The 32-year-old could face a firing squad if he is found guilty of trying to push the 1.055kg of Class A drugs police say they recovered in a mail package. MDMA is the main component in the party drug ecstasy. Parker was arrested outside an Airbnb in January, but the case went unreported until authorities showed the Brit shaven and handcuffed at a press conference yesterday. An FCDO Spokesperson told MailOnline today: 'We are supporting a British man detained in Bali and are in contact with the local authorities.' Parker was processed along with other suspects facing drug charges on March 6. Authorities claimed that officers had noticed him 'acting suspiciously' while collecting a package from a motorcycle taxi driver on January 21, before his arrest. Police approached Parker, who allegedly discarded the package in panic and fled the scene. He was traced back to the 7 Seas Villas in North Kuta, where he was arrested. Thomas Parker was said to have acted suspiciously while receiving a package of MDMA being delivered by a motorcycle courier on January 21 The 32-year-old is accused of importing and trafficking more than a kilogram of MDMA into Bali Police said they opened the mail package and found light-brown powder inside. It was later found to be MDMA, the main component of ecstasy Police showed the discarded package to Parker, who allegedly admitted it was the package he had received earlier. They claimed they had found a light-brown powder inside later identified as MDMA. Officers also allegedly seized a mobile phone. Police took the suspect to the narcotics office for processing back in January, and he has been remanded in custody since. He will now be charged with the importation, trafficking, and possession of drugs. If found guilty of the alleged offences, Parker could be sentenced to death under Indonesian law, as his charges comprise of multiple drug offences. He remains in custody. Thomas' phone and other belongings kept inside sealed plastic bags were also presented to be used as evidence. Brigadier General Rudy said: 'After conducting a search and arrest, Thomas and the evidence were taken to the Bali Province National Narcotics Agency office for investigation.' Thomas Parker (pictured behind) will be charged with supply, trafficking, and possession of illicit drugs, local police said on Thursday In Indonesia, MDMA, the main component of ecstasy, is classified as a Class I narcotic A view of Sodong port in Nusa Kambangan island, the main entrance gate to Nusa Kambangan - known as 'Indonesian Alcatraz' Pictured: Indonesian police at Nusa Kambangan prison as Indonesia prepared for drug executions in July, 2016. Thomas Parker could be sentenced to the death penalty if he was proven to dealing the drugs The narcotics agency chief said that Parker was a member of an international drug dealer organisation based in Hungary. He added: 'He was ordered by his boss to pick up a package in Bali after flying from Thailand. 'The parcel contained MDMA which is illegal and punishable by death.' Parker was remanded in custody and will be kept behind bars during the investigation. He could be sentenced to the death penalty if he was proven to dealing the drugs. However, Balinese authorities are still trying to identify the sender of the package and will interrogate him, with the option for a lighter sentence if he cooperates. MailOnline has approached the Balinese authorities and the Foreign Office for comment. The drugs were later publicly burned by authorities in an incinerator. In Indonesia, MDMA, the main component of ecstasy, is classified as a Class I narcotic. Thomas was remanded in custody and will be kept behind bars during the investigation He was processed along with other suspects facing drug charges on March 6 For quantities under five grams, offenders are jailed for between five and 15 years. For quantities exceeding five grams, the law permits the imposition of the death penalty. Indonesia has zero-tolerance drug policies. Last month, three British nationals were arrested for allegedly smuggling cocaine into the resort island. While last year, nine tourists were arrested in Bali following a police raid on a suspected drug-fueled party disguised as a Christmas and New Year event. However, the country has taken a more lenient approach in recent months due to international pressure. In December 2024, the final five members of the Bali Nine - who were convicted of trying to smuggle 8.3kg of heroin out of Indonesia in April 2005 - were released from jail and flew back to Australia. The masterminds of the drug plot, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed by firing squad in 2015 on Nusa Kambangan or 'Prison Island'. The five remaining men spent years condemned to an institutionalised existence in which they were told when and what to do, where to go and if they were allowed to speak. Newly-freed Martin Stephens begged at the time of the 2015 executions of ringleaders Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan: 'Just take me out the back and shoot me.' A despairing Stephens said that if there was no hope of release or redemption, it was more humane to execute him. 'Isn't 20 years a bad enough penalty? But life means no hope. It means I will die in prison. Can you imagine having to live like that? 'When I think about waking up like that every day, I think it would be better if they took me out the back and put a bullet in the back of my head.' Stephens would wait another nine years to walk from prison at the age of 48. Separately, a man accused of smuggling cocaine into Indonesia was pictured in another parade in Bali last month Two of the suspects, a man, 32, and his girlfriend, 35, were reportedly caught carrying packs of the hard drug through the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, on February 1 The trio, along with other arrested drug suspects, were paraded in front of local media today, March 7 Separately, a British man accused of smuggling cocaine into Indonesia was pictured in another parade in Bali last month. A 32-year-old suspect and his girlfriend, 35, were reportedly caught carrying packs of the hard drug through the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, on February 1. Officers halted them at the X-ray machine after finding 'suspicious' items in their suitcases. They were pulled to a separate area, where staff found the narcotics sealed in blue plastic packages labelled 'Angel Delight' in the man's luggage. More cocaine was found in seven plastic bags in his partner's suitcase. Police said they seized 994.56 grams of cocaine worth an estimated six billion IDR (around 296,000). A third British suspect, 35, was later detained as part of the investigation. He had reportedly been due to meet the couple to collect the drugs. The trio, along with other arrested drug suspects, were paraded in front of local media on February 7. A popular Spanish tourist destination has been hit by a 'water explosion' and raging floods after the region was hit with the most rain it has seen in 70 years. A waterfall has formed along the Barranco del Saltador river in Cehegin, Murcia on Thursday as heavy rains fell in the region. The rapidly flowing water erupted along the river after the region was hit with more than 400litres per square metre of rain in the first six days of March. Fast-flowing floods have turned Murcia's streets into rivers, with video showing how cars and containers are being swept away in rushing water. Continued rainfall has caused riverbeds to overflow and forced road closures throughout the region. Officials have asked locals to avoid travelling. The east, south and parts of the north of the country were given yellow and orange warnings for severe weather earlier this week that encompassed Murcia and several other tourists hotspots including Malaga, Valencia and Alicante. Spanish meteorological agency Aemet lifted all heavy rain alerts Friday morning, but warned that Storm Jana is expected to bring strong winds and further showers to the area throughout the weekend. The latest round of wicked weather comes after the Canary Islands were hit with flash flooding and heavy snow in back-to-back episodes. A waterfall has formed along the Barranco del Saltador river in Cehegin, Murcia on Thursday as heavy rains fell in the region. The rapidly flowing water erupted along the river after the region was hit with more than 400litres per square metre of rain in the first six days of March Fast-flowing floods have turned Murcia's streets into rivers. Cars were swept away by running water on Thursday after the Rio Guadalentin overflowed The latest round of wicked weather comes after the Canary Islands were hit with flash flooding and heavy snow in back-to-back episodes. Cars were swallowed by raging floods on Gran Canaria on Monday Heavy rainfall caused landslides to erupt in Lorca, southwest of the city of Murcia, on Thursday, flooding homes, garages and other buildings, El Espanol reported. Vehicles and roads were washed away in raging floods. The local emergency team responded to 110 incidents, most related to flooding, in just five hours. Officials carried out 12 rescues of vehicles and people, according to reports, but luckily no fatalities were recorded on Thursday. A father-of-two, aged 50, was killed on Monday when the Rambla de Ramonete overflowed. The area has been devastated by the weather, with preliminary damage estimates being at least 13million euros (10.9million). Lorca City Council expects this to increase after officials inspect infrastructures throughout the municipality. The regional government also plans to request that Lorca be declared a disaster area. Dozens of roads were closed on Thursday, with several still remaining shut Friday due to flooding and other damage, according to Murcia Today. Rapidly running water rushes through the Salto del Usero of Bullas, Murcia on Thursday after the area recorded rainfall of 200litres per square metre, causing the Mula River to flood The riverbed of the Rio Guadalentin, a tributary of the Rio Segura, overflowed on Thursday, causing streets to flood in the city of Lorca, Murcia Residents look at a flooded area that blocks a road between the towns of Cehegin and Canara on Thursday after the river Argos overflowed due to heavy rains in Murcia An emergency services vehicle is driven through a flooded road at the town of Cehegin amid heavy rains in Murcia, southeastern Spain on Thursday A worker uses a digger at a damaged road near Quipar river in the town of Cehegin due to heavy rains in Murcia, southeastern Spain on Thursday Debris lines the river next to flood damaged homes in Chiva, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain, amidst new alerts for heavy rains in the region on Friday, March 7, 2025 The Spanish mainland was hammered with wicked floods this week, with footage showing entire roads being turned into rivers as flash floods engulf entire towns. Cars were forced to drive through water-laden streets and firefighters were seen wading through knee-high water as they attempted to clear roads and rescue people stuck in their vehicles. Schools and social service centres have been forced to close following days of damaging and heavy rainfall. Rainfall is expected to continue this weekend as Storm Jana rolls through. Although meteorologists predict it will be 'less persistent' than earlier this week, accumulation levels are expected to continue to rise. The region will be battling strong winds from Saturday night and into Sunday morning, especially northwest of Murcia. Temperatures could drop at night to as low as 2C in the north and 5C to 8C in the south. Daytime temperatures are expected to be around 15C to 17C. Storm Jana will also bring snowfall to the mountains during Friday and the weekend. Thunderstorms and showers are expected to continue into next week, but no severe weather warnings have been issued at this time. Two men look at the river Argos on its way through the town of Cehegin after heavy rains in Murcia on Thursday A resident stands by a flooded area that blocks a road between the towns of Cehegin and Canara on Thursday after heavy rainfall struck the Murcia region The overflowed river Argos upon its way through the town of Cehegin due to heavy rains in Murcia, southeastern Spain on Thursday Debris lines the river next to flood damaged homes in Chiva, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain, amidst new alerts for heavy rains in the region on Friday, March 7, 2025 Flood damaged homes line the river in Chiva, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain, amidst new alerts for heavy rains in the region on March 7, 2025 A man stands on the terrace of a flood damaged home in Chiva, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain, amidst new alerts for heavy rains in the region on March 7, 2025 The flooding comes after the Canary Islands was deluged over recent days, with streets turned into rivers by the weather phenomenon known locally as DANA - a Spanish acronym for high-altitude isolated depression, and unlike common storms or squalls it can form independently of polar or subtropical jet streams. On Monday, dramatic footage emerged from the Canary Islands showing cars being rapidly swept tens of metres into the sea as strong rain hits the island. In another clip, a car is caught up in the swell before it is flushed down the road and out of view. While some cars were dragged into the sea by the aggressive floods, others lay vertical, stuck or destroyed. Bollards rattled and bins were also swept away by the heavy streams. A number of vehicles were also dragged into the Las Bachilleras ravine. A clean up operations have begun with residents and firefighters picking up shovels and brushes to clear mounds of mud in the streets and houses of the badly affected Salinetas neighborhood in Telde. When cold air blows over warm Mediterranean waters it causes hotter air to rise quickly and form towering, dense, water-laden clouds that can remain over the same area for many hours, raising their destructive potential. Aemet says DANAs sometimes become stationary or even move backwards, from east to west. A cat sits on a fence near flood damaged homes along the river in Chiva, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain, amidst new alerts for heavy rains in the region on March 7, 2025 Water from the Rio Ebro rushed through the Viuda ravine in Castellon (pictured) earlier this week. The flooding caused damage in the nearby towns of Els Ivarsos and Sierra Engarceran The latest bad weather comes after Canary Islands were hit with flash flooding and heavy snow in back-to-back episodes. Pictured is a sun lounge in Lanzarote, Canary Islands that was flooded earlier this week Firefighters were seen wading through knee-high water as they attempted to clear roads in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands earlier this week Rescuers were forced to rescue stranded civilians after flash floods erupted in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands earlier this week Spain has seen massive flooding in recent days. Pictured is a destroyed wall and flood damage outside the Jable Bermudas apartments in Lanzarote, Canary Islands earlier this week Flood damaged homes line the river in Chiva, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain, amidst new alerts for heavy rains in the region on March 7, 2025 The flood damaged ravine in Bunol, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain, amidst new alerts for heavy rains in the region on March 7, 2025 Cables are exposed on a flood damaged road in Bunol, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain, amidst new alerts for heavy rains in the region on March 7, 2025 Last year flash floods in Valencia and other parts of Spain killed more than 200 people, destroyed thousands of homes and triggered mass protests against regional authorities. The most up-to-date reports indicate that 223 people lost their lives, with at least 31 still missing, making it Spain's deadliest weather disaster in decades. The emergency response included the deployment of over 2,000 personnel from Spain's military emergency unit, who worked alongside local responders and volunteers to conduct rescue and recovery operations. An additional number of more than 30,000 volunteers were mobilised, from all over the country, to support the cleanup efforts. To date, hundreds of families have lost their homes and thousands have seen their vehicles destroyed. North Korea has 'disappeared' 20 crack troops after Kim Jong-un's 'safety was seriously threatened' when they broke one simple rule. The soldiers were arrested for breaching safety protocols when the dictator observed exercises at their special forces base in September. A Pyongyang source said the arrested men had looked towards the tyrant while armed, 'potentially endangering the leader's life'. 'This led to a situation where Chairman Kim's safety was seriously threatened in an instant,' according to the Daily NK newspaper. Now the men have vanished and their families have been sent death notices, with one set of parents who enquired after their son also disappearing. The source said: 'Glancing towards the supreme leader during live-fire exercises is risky and could lead to accidents. 'Kim's security personnel harshly criticised the soldiers for such inappropriate behaviour. 'It was such a major problem that they unnerved even Kim's security team, especially since they knew about the visit and had rehearsed. 'This led to accusations of insincere attitudes during the drill.' File photo. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches a cadet practicing at the Kang Kon Military Academy, in Pyongyang, North Korea, February 25, 2025 File photo. Men have vanished and their families have been sent death notices, with one set of parents who enquired after their son also disappearing In propaganda photos of the visit, a grinning Kim can be seen watching his troops put through their paces. Pictures capture armed men storming a building, taking target practice, and engaged in a shirtless martial arts performance. At the time, a regime mouthpiece said Kim was 'assured and proud to see the soldiers' and gave them 'high praise and great honour'. In reality, the dictator reportedly complained of the soldiers' posture during the exercises, and blamed their commanders. The source continued: 'The unit's commanders and those involved likely face severe punishment, as the authorities take such mistakes during the supreme leader's visits very seriously. 'However, Kim must approve the final punishment.' In a subsequent update, the source said the men would never return home, but would be transferred to 'quarantine areas'. They added that the families had been sent death notices to conceal the decision. File photo. Kim Jong Un, center, poses with North Korean air force sharpshooters and soldiers for a photo at an unknown location in North Korea in 2019 Self-propelled artillery units conduct training drills in North Korea, March 7, 2024 One set of parents from Sariwon, 40 miles south of Pyongyang, reportedly questioned the official narrative and went to the capital to investigate. They too disappeared, according to Daily NK, which is based in neighbouring South Korea. Officials then cleared out their home, telling neighbours that the house had been reassigned to someone else. A source said: 'They didn't even die fighting for their country, so is it right for their families to be wiped out because of a single mistake made during shooting practice?' Michael Madden, an expert on the country's elite and founder of North Korea Leadership Watch, said it looked like Kim's bodyguards passing the buck. He said: 'This seems to be a case of sh** rolling downhill. 'Kim Jong-un's security detail may not have made adequate preparations, but Special Operations Forces are intended to take the blame.' He continued: 'His bodyguards pride themselves on preparations and in this case something interfered with that. 'They need to justify their role and power which means they will do anything to retain that authority. 'If it's their fault they will assign blame to other individuals or institutions to avoid accepting culpability.' File photo. Kim Jong Un observing the launch of a strategic cruise missile during a drill by the Korean People's Army, on the coast of the 'West Sea of Korea', on February 26, 2025 Artillery fires in a startling show of force in North Korea as troops watch on, March 7, 2024 Mr Madden, a fellow of the Stimson Center in Washington DC, also noted how Kim's bodyguards wore blue tactical attire and carried assault rifles for the visit. Usually they'd wear suits and ties. 'We might interpret that as evidence that there were security concerns,' he said. As for the true fate of the detained men, they could pay the ultimate price. He said: 'If they fell on their swords and accepted responsibility then they got off with hard labour. 'On the other hand they could have been executed. 'I would point out, however, that this cohort was getting prepped for deployment to Russia. 'So they may have been deployed and are expected to redeem themselves in battle as compensation.' Anthony Albanese will not call an election this weekend as his government dedicates all its resources towards dealing with Cyclone Alfred. The Prime Minister confirmed the news during an interview on ABC's 7.30 on Friday night where he categorically ruled out the option. He told host Sarah Ferguson that he would not announce the election on Saturday or Sunday while the government focused on the incoming cyclone. Mr Albanese was initially set to call the election directly after the West Australian state election on Saturday. He said it will not be called until at least after Monday next week. 'I have no intention of doing anything that distracts from what we need to do,' Mr Albanese said. 'This is not a time for looking at politics. 'My sole focus is not calling an election, my sole focus is on the needs of Australians, that is my sole focus.' Anthony Albanese has ruled out calling the election this weekend while his government works to respond to Cyclone Alfred Alfred is expected to make landfall in Brisbane midmorning on Saturday Mr Albanese had dodged the question of whether he would delay calling the election, due to Alfred, all week. His decision to put it off means the federal budget would be handed down as scheduled on March 25. Treasurer Jim Chalmers had already confirmed the government was working on the budget despite rumours swirling that the election would be called for April 12. Opposition leader Peter Dutton previously predicted that Mr Albanese would delay calling the election. Mr Dutton said the Prime Minister would 'have to have a tin ear' to begin campaigning during a natural disaster. 'There will be people waiting for waters to recede, there will be swift water rescues, there will be people cleaning out their houses or their businesses, and some people will have lost everything,' Mr Dutton told Brisbane radio station 4BC on Wednesday. 'That's the reality of these weather events, and to go to election at that stage, at that time, I think the Prime Minister would have a tin ear to do that.' Mr Dutton's outer northern Brisbane electorate of Dickson is expected to be hit by the cyclone and its 130km/h winds as early as Saturday. Mr Albanese said the situation was 'very serious' while talking to Sarah Ferguson Extreme weather conditions are being reported along Australia's upper east coast (pictured, record breaking waves caused by Alfred in Point Danger, Coolangatta) Two upcoming long weekends, Easter and Anzac Day, have also ruled out April 19 and April 26 as potential election dates for Mr Albanese. Now he has just three dates to choose from: May 3, May 10 or May 17. The third option is the very latest day his government can hold the general election. Cyclone Alfred is expected to impact the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast and northern NSW beginning midmorning on Saturday. High winds are already being felt in areas along the coast and torrential downpours have already led to flash flooding in regional NSW. Mr Albanese said the risk posed by Alfred was 'very serious'. 'When you speak about a tropical cyclone crossing over and hitting land where over four million Australians live, then that's pretty serious,' he said. 'That's why we're doing everything possible and mobilising every level of support that we can, both civil and military.' Self-proclaimed misogynist influencer Andrew Tate is living the high life in Florida - but has stayed silent after it was revealed a British crossbow killer was obsessed with his videos. Kyle Clifford raped his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt before he murdered her and her sister Hannah with a crossbow and their mother Carol with a knife. Self-proclaimed misogynist influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate are in the US after Romanian prosecutors agreed to let the pair leave despite being arrested on suspicion of rape, trafficking minors and money laundering. Donald Trump has said he knew nothing of their release despite lawyers representing four alleged victims claiming the Trump administration was interfering in the case. The brothers, who hold dual US-British citizenship, have been partying and celebrating their freedom since they arrived in Florida last week - taunting officials in America and Romania as they flaunt their wealth with cigars and private chef at their Miami mansion. But Tate has remained silent over claims his sickening online videos encouraging followers to hit and choke women are 'fuelling' horror killings. It is not known what Tate videos that Clifford watched, but in the aftermath of the case social media users have shared shocking footage of Tate suggesting that he would beat and choke a woman into submission before sex. In one he says: 'When I grab you by your neck and you start annoying me, trying to resist and I just [makes repeated punching gesture] and then I grab you by your neck again. 'Then what the f*** are you gonna do when your face is collapsed and your f***ing cheekbone's broken? You ain't gonna do s*** but cry.' 'I perfected this in pimp school, when I got my PHD we had to practice if a girl comes at you [waves machete]' before he imitates a woman saying: 'you cheater, you're cheating'. He went on: 'It's bang out the machete, boom in her face then grip her by the neck [makes strangling gesture] shut up b****. That's how it goes, slap, slap, grab, choke, shut up b****, sex. These are the basic moves of pimpin'.' It is not known what Tate videos that Clifford watched, but in the aftermath of the case social media users have shared shocking footage of Tate suggesting that he would beat and choke a woman into submission before sex Triple crossbow killer Kyle Clifford, 26, who brutally murdered Carol, 61, and Hannah Hunt, 28, and raped and murdered his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt, 25, was obsessed with misogynist influencer Andrew Tate Police said Clifford watched up to ten Tate (pictured) videos, in which he spewed his toxic brand of masculinity and women-hating invective, less than 24 hours before the murders Tate was recently released from house arrest in Romania and returned to Florida with brother Tristan on a temporary basis Louise Hunt (pictured), who was formerly in a relationship with Clifford, was raped in a two-and-a-half hour ordeal before she killed alongside her mother and sister in the crossbow attack in Bushey Tate's videos, which many say stir up violence against women, were viewed obsessively by triple crossbow killer Kyle Clifford, 26, who brutally murdered Carol, 61, and Hannah Hunt, 28, and raped and murdered his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt, 25. The nature of some of the Tate videos watched by Clifford the day before the killing spree meant that during his trial, Mr Justice Bennathan ordered that the jury could not be told about them because it would be 'deeply prejudicial'. But the court heard that the murders were fuelled by the 'violent misogyny promoted' by controversial social media influencer Tate. His watching of the videos could only be reported after the jury reached their guilty verdict on the rape charge. Clifford admitted murdering the three women, who were the wife and daughters of BBC commentator John Hunt, but was yesterday also found guilty of raping ex Louise in a horrifying two-and-a-half hour ordeal after restraining her with duct tape. In his ruling, the judge said that Tate was 'almost a poster boy for misogynists', and added that while purchasing weapons, Clifford was also viewing pornography. But far from the Hunt's address in the quiet cul-de-sac of Ashlyn Close, Tate and his brother Tristan were last month released from house arrest in Romania and flown in a luxury jet to Florida. There they have been living up the high life, posting videos of themselves living freely despite multiple allegations in Romania and the UK against the brothers - including rape, sexual relations with a minor and human trafficking. From snaps from luxury apartment buildings overlooking Florida's beaches, to videos of the brothers smoking expensive cigars on their private jet and meeting with the likes of US politician Roger Stone, there is no doubt that under Trump's regime, the Tate brothers are seen by some as free men, even major celebrities. They have taken to social media and posted videos of them lounging by pools, taking private jets and even out clubbing while surrounded by young women. However a new investigation by police officers in Florida has now been opened following allegations made there too. And all the while, Tate has stayed silent over the trial unfolding in Britain. Meanwhile in his online videos, Tate says women belong in the home and are a man's property. He claims that rape victims must 'bear responsibility' for being attacked by rapists, speaks about hitting and choking women, trashing their belongings and stopping them from going out. Tate - who is 38 - also boasted of dating women aged 18 and 19, saying he did so because he can 'make an imprint on her'. At the height of the #MeToo movement in 2017, Tate described how he would physically assault a female partner if she ever accused him of cheating. 'It's bang out the machete, boom in her face and grip her by the neck. Shut up b***h,' he said. In another video, he said: 'Why would you be with a woman who's not a virgin anyway? She is used goods. Second hand.' Clifford is believed to have watched this type of content at length the very day before carrying out his horror massacre at the Hunt family home last July. Tate has taken to social media to publish pictures of himself and brother Tristan returning to America on a private jet He filmed himself partying with women at a pool while smoking cigars Brave Hannah Hunt called 999 during the attacks and was still alive when police arrived at the home in Bushey, but later died from her wounds John Hunt is pictured with his wife Carol, who was killed alongside two of their two daughters The crossbow used by Clifford during his murder spree is pictured in a photo issued by Hertfordshire Police But jurors did hear how Clifford attempted to control his partners, and cheated on Louise with at least two other women. The disgraced former soldier tried to ban glamourous Louise Hunt from wearing make-up, sought to alter the way she dressed, refused to let her go out without him, and did not want her to socialise with her male friends. Friends got a horrifying glimpse at Clifford's disturbed private view of the world when he and Louise hosted a gathering in which he began playing videos involving Tate. Police said Clifford spent time watching Tate videos, in which he spewed his toxic brand of masculinity and women-hating invective. They said Clifford revelled in showing them to others. Clifford, whose older brother Bradley is already serving a life sentence for murder, also shocked dog-lover Louise's pals by saying he had no problem with physical aggression. And he broadcast clips of animals being harmed - something he thought was funny. When Louise discovered Clifford was cheating on her she is said to have ended the relationship - something the killer appeared to take well at the time. But just weeks later he embarked on his massacre, stabbing Carol Hunt to death before restraining, raping and shooting Louise dead with a crossbow, and then finally also fatally shooting her sister Hannah as she arrived home minutes later. Tate posted a video of his 'first day of freedom' which showed him clubbing and smoking cigars The Tate brothers have been spotted out clubbing surrounded by young women since their return to Florida Tate has bragged about his 'freedom' online but remained silent over the triple killings Triple killer Clifford (right) was left in a wheelchair after a botched attempt to kill himself following the murders Clifford is seen on CCTV footage visiting a Tool Station shortly after 12pm on June 28, just days before slaughtering John Hunt's family on July 9 last year, as he assembled his 'murder kit' The revelations come as four British women who are taking High Court action against Tate, who they accuse of rape and coercive control, called on social media companies to immediately ban him from their platforms. They said in a joint statement on Thursday: 'Hearing that Kyle Clifford watched videos of Andrew Tate in the lead up to his murders of his ex-girlfriend, her mother and sister, is deeply upsetting to us, but sadly not surprising. 'This should be a wake up call for all the social media companies who are continuing to platform Tate and his dangerous messages. 'These companies should take immediate steps to remove Andrew Tate from their platforms, rather than continue to reap enormous profits from his hateful content. 'Clifford's case should be a warning to world leaders and all those who belittle the seriousness of allowing incitement of violence against women online fester. Our thoughts are with Hunt family.' Tate remains banned on TIkTok, but has active accounts on Instagram and Twitter. He was previously banned from Twitter, but was reinstated to the platform after Elon Musk's takeover. And today former director of public prosecutions Lord Ken Macdonald said Tate should be 'held accountable' if he is encouraging violence against women. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Lord Macdonald said: 'It's the definitions which are always difficult when one's dealing with content that's lawful but harmful. 'The point about someone like Andrew Tate is it seems to me that a lot of what he says online is illegal, is criminal in any event. Former solider Clifford is set to be sentenced for his crimes on Tuesday Police said Clifford spent time watching Tate videos, in which he spewed his toxic brand of masculinity and women-hating invective. They said Clifford revelled in showing them to others Your browser does not support iframes. 'I mean, encouraging violence against women and girls, encouraging sexual assault, encouraging physical abuse, is a criminal offence, and I think this is a problem of enforcement as much as creating new laws, we may need some new laws, but let's enforce the ones we've got. 'If he's encouraging this sort of behaviour, he's breaking UK criminal law, and he ought to be held accountable for it, and I'm afraid at the moment, he hasn't been held accountable for it.' Baroness Nicky Morgan added that the murders committed by Kyle Clifford show harmful online content can 'transform' into physical harm. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Baroness Morgan said: 'I think what this case proves, and the mention of him having watched these videos, are a couple of things that those of us who campaigned on the Online Safety Act have known for some time, which is that undoubtedly, so-called legal content can absolutely be deeply, deeply harmful to others, and that the harmful content that people see online can absolutely transform and transfer to physical, offline harm. 'And so I think for the Online Safety Act, there's always been the challenge about how will Ofcom make sure that the platforms are taking responsibility for the content that they are hosting. 'And I think in this case, interestingly, yes, there was a video, but I think a lot of the Tate content is now delivered via podcasts, and I think that's a whole new area for the regulator to have to look at.' Representatives for Andrew Tate have been contacted for comment. North Korea has put a sudden 'pause' on its Western tourist drive, just weeks after visitors entered the country for the first time in years. Travel groups offering Britons adventures inside the Hermit Kingdom report that trips to the port city of Rason have been put on hold after the country tentatively reopened its doors to foreign visitors last month. Young Pioneer Tours, a group that 'specialises in taking you to places your mother would rather you stay away from', advised holidaymakers to refrain from booking flights 'until we have more information' on Wednesday. 'We have been advised by our partners in the DPRK that tours to Rason are currently paused,' they wrote in a post on Facebook. 'We are in the process of clarifying how this will impact your upcoming trips.' North Korea had sought to welcome foreign guests with new attractions in recent weeks, after shutting itself off at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Restrictions were eased in 2023, before Russian visitors were invited to visit last year. The country is also on the verge of unveiling its Costa Blanca-inspired holiday resort in Wonsan Kalma, on the west coast, promising to create a 'coastal wonderland' for tourists and set to open as soon as this summer. The decision to 'pause' visits to the country comes as a shock, with travel agencies reporting that their Korean partners 'have no more information themselves' at this stage. Unnamed operators told the BBC that trips to the experimental special economic zone of Rason had been 'more restricted' since reopening, with fewer opportunities to engage with the locals and internet access not available. Young Pioneer Tours organises tours for foreign visitors to explore North Korea Visitors were shown a 'controversial' performance at the Children's Palace which saw children singing and dancing in front of a exploding missile display A group of 13 Western tourists embarked on a trip to North Korea for the first time since the hermit kingdom after the nation sealed its borders at the onset of the Covid19 pandemic in early 2020 A group of tourists visiting a bank during a recent tour of the country Britons on recent tours said they were shocked at some of the differences in culture they experienced in North Korea. Ben Weston, a tour leader from Suffolk, told the BBC that the latest trip was 'like being on a school trip', and that they could not leave their hotel without a guide. Mike O'Kennedy, a YouTuber, said that, 'a couple of times I even had to let them know when I wanted to use the bathroom'. But tour groups today indicated that their latest guests were still able to conclude a successful visit to Rason, despite the sudden reversal. Justin Martell, marketing director at Young Pioneers tour group, told MailOnline that a group travelled home from North Korea yesterday. The group shared pictures from the Russian Friendship Pavilion, near the Russian border, and at a Taekwondo demonstration. 'We also made a stop at a local bookstore, where we had the chance to browse and pick up some anti-imperialist propaganda, offering a fascinating glimpse into the regions ideological landscape,' a post on their public Facebook page read. Mr Martell told MailOnline that a number of factors had led the company to believe that health concerns might be the reason for the abrupt halt on travel. 'The DPRK has a tendency to close the borders due to epidemics even if they are not nearby. They recently closed the border for six months because of an Ebola outbreak in Africa, and kept Westerners out for five years because of Covid-19,' he said. 'During the tours we saw posters aimed at the population warning against the spread of Covid and monkeypox [mpox] and how to protect against these. 'The health ministry also published an article on March 4 about WHO's concerns over monkeypox so they are clearly taking it seriously.' Tour guests experienced a Taekwondo demonstration during a recent visit to the country Tourists on Young Pioneer Tours most recent trip to North Korea pose in DPRK hats 'When our group left yesterday everyone at customs was wearing masks and they all had temperature checks. On arrival that didn't seem to be mandatory. 'It all seems to be to do with health concerns rather than negative backlash against Western tourism.' He added that the tours had gone 'really well'. 'Our clients were very happy. The Koreans were a bit rusty - or were worried they would be rusty - because they haven't had western visitors in years. 'But they were great and everything went well.' He said the visitors were not required to have any vaccinations, though noted that Chinese and Russian businessmen visiting Rason - the country's main business district - appeared to present health certificates at the border. On background checks, he said that the DPRK authorities asked for 'everyone's full name and occupation' for the permitting process, saying this was not dissimilar to visa applications in other countries. 'How much they look into people's backgrounds I can't say or confirm, but we took vloggers and content creators with us and they didn't seem to have a problem with them. Schoolchildren play in the water at Songdowon International Children's Camp in Wonsan City, North Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wears a face mask on state television during a meeting acknowledging the country's first case of COVID-19 Thursday, May 12, 2022 Koryo Tours, which has taken at least 13 Western visitors to the country since the end of February, also reported on March 5 that Rason had been 'temporarily closed'. The operators said in a blog post that they had 'no further information on this right now' but said they were 'in contact with both our groups there and with our Korean partners but they have no more information themselves'. 'The local travel company in Rason says this is temporary, but they have no other information beyond that, so there is right now no way to say how temporary this may be,' they said in the statement. A representative told MailOnline today that there was still no news on what may have caused the border to close, and noted the 'spurious' nature of rumours surrounding the move. The group had only recently confirmed that trips had finally resumed on February 20. 'Right now, travel is only possible to Rason, but were hopeful that more areas will reopen soon,' a statement on the website read. A sample itinerary for a week-long trip mentioned a visit to the seaside city of Wonsan, as well as a tour of the capital, Pyongyang, and hikes of the sacred mountain region of Mt. Myohyang. In an effort to woo visitors accustomed to sandy Spanish beaches and grandiose resort complexes, North Korea has also long been pursuing a 'Benidorm-style' zone on its west coast since at least 2015. The resort ostensibly took its direction from a subsequent 'research trip' to Spain in 2017, which was said to have left visiting officials 'amazed'. North Korea has since been building luxury hotels and recreational facilities in Wonsan Kalma, envisioning one of the largest single-operator beach resorts in the world. Plans previously showed that the resort would be able to accommodate up to 100,000 visitors at a time. A group of tourists were lucky to experience the trip before the doors closed People walk before a village on the outskirts of North Korea's northeastern city of Rason, near the borders of both China and Russia, November 21, 2017 Originally set to open in May 2025, the holiday resort which sits on an immaculate white beach is also located next to a rocket-testing site. But according to the official Korean Central News Agency, the resort's grand opening will be now pushed back and should open for tourists in June this year. Uncertainty follows from the message relayed to tour operators to pause operations indefinitely. South Korean agencies estimate some 880 Russian visitors were able to visit last year, and at least a dozen have travelled from the West on five-day trips organised by Koryo Tours. Before the pandemic restrictions, some 350,000 people visited the country, an estimated 90 per cent of whom were from China, per the Institute for National Security Strategy think tank, run by South Korea's intelligence agency. David Lammy inspired a proposed major change to how criminals are sentenced that critics say will treat criminals differently based on their ethnicity, it has been revealed. A 2017 review of the justice system by the Tottenham MP, now the Foreign Secretary, was used by the Sentencing Council when it drew up new guidelines for courts to follow when considering whether to jail people. It has sparked controversy because it says courts should consider the background of members of ethnic and religious minorities when making decisions about whether they send them to prison or give them lighter sentences. Labour has said that it will seek to block the changes, due to come into effect next month, which also argues judges and magistrates should look more closely into the background of criminals who are female, pregnant, or aged 18-25. Critics said that changing the system would make it 'two tier' and unfair on white defendants. In his 2017 report Mr Lammy said that changes were needed to a system that gave longer prison sentences to minority criminals than white ones for crimes including drug dealing. He said that the sentences passed by courts needed more scrutiny, and judges 'must also be equipped with the information they need' to pass fair sentences on people from more deprived backgrounds than their own. One of the sources used by the Council to draw up the changes was the 2017 review of the justice system written by the Foreign Secretary (pictured today in Japan) when he was a backbench Labour MP. The Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood (pictured), has threatened to overrule the Sentencing Council by changing the law as she called for new guidance to be reconsidered Poised to come into force from April, the fresh guidelines state a pre-sentence report would usually be necessary for someone of an ethnic, cultural or faith minority 'It is the role of the Probation Service to provide judges with pre-sentence reports (PSRs), which set out greater information about the character and circumstances of an offender,' he wrote. 'These reports assist the court in determining the most suitable method of dealing with an offender and may be particularly important for shedding light on individuals from backgrounds unfamiliar to the judge. 'This is vital considering the gap between the difference in backgrounds both in social class and ethnicity between the magistrates, judges and many of those offenders who come before them.' Mrs Mahmood has threatened to overrule the Sentencing Council by changing the law as she called for new guidance for judges to consider a criminal's ethnicity before deciding their punishment to be reconsidered 'as soon as possible'. In a letter to the independent body, the Lord Chancellor said she 'must make clear my displeasure' at the changes, adding: 'I do not stand for differential treatment before the law like this.' But Ms Mahmood wrote: 'A pre-sentence report can be instrumental in assisting courts in the determination of their sentence. 'But the access to one should not be determined by an offender's ethnicity, culture or religion.' She requested an urgent meeting in her letter to the chairman of the Sentencing Council for England and Wales, Lord Justice William Davis, adding that 'no minister' in this Government approved of the guidance or was involved in the consultation. Ms Mahmood also said she was considering whether policy decisions such as this should be made by the Sentencing Council and what role MPs should play. 'For that reason, I will be reviewing the role and powers of the Sentencing Council alongside the work of the Independent Sentencing Review,' she said. 'If necessary, I will legislate in the Sentencing Bill that will follow that review.' It comes as shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said he will legally challenge the guidance on the grounds it enshrines 'anti-white' and 'anti-Christian' bias in the criminal justice system and that it amounted to 'two-tier justice'. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick (pictured) said he will legally challenge the guidance on the grounds it enshrines 'anti-white' and 'anti-Christian' bias in the criminal justice system and that it amounted to 'two-tier justice'. Mr Jenrick told the BBC Today programme that the changes are 'dangerous'. He added: 'If you're asking me, should we try to use things like pre-sentencing reports to socially engineer our criminal justice system so there is equality of outcome rather than equality of treatment? No, I think that's wrong. And I think that's a dangerous approach.' Asked whether he supported Ms Mahmood's calls for the guidance to be reversed over concerns of 'two-tier sentencing', Mr Jenrick said: 'Absolutely, I think, frankly, she should have done that previously. 'When I raised this in the House of Commons yesterday, the Justice Secretary, who is responsible for this system, did not appear to know anything about it. I watched her look to her ministerial team, blank looks followed.' Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch had earlier called for Ms Mahmood to change the law and said the Conservatives 'will back her'. 'If the justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood, doesn't want a two-tier criminal justice system she should change the law and the Conservatives will back her. Ministers should decide, not quangos. Labour need to grip this,' she said. The previous government was also consulted on the change during the consultation period between November 2023 to February 2024. Defending the guidance on Wednesday, Lord Justice Davis said: 'The reasons for including groups vary but include evidence of disparities in sentencing outcomes, disadvantages faced within the criminal justice system and complexities in circumstances of individual offenders that can only be understood through an assessment. 'Pre-sentence reports provide the court with information about the offender; they are not an indication of sentence.' Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch (pictured) had earlier called for Ms Mahmood to change the law and said the Conservatives 'will back her' The guidelines also state pre-sentence reports can still be necessary if an offender does not fall into one of the groups. Meanwhile, deputy director of the Prison Reform Trust charity, Mark Day, described the calls as a 'storm in a teacup'. 'A pre-sentence report (PSR) is simply a way of getting detailed information about an individual's personal circumstances and background so that the court is informed and able to pass the most effective sentence possible,' he said. A Prison Reform Trust briefing published in February this year cited a 2016 study that found people from an ethnic minority group face 'disproportionately higher odds' of receiving custodial sentences for indictable offences at the crown court. It also highlighted Ministry of Justice data from 2022 that showed defendants from an ethnic minority were more likely to be remanded in custody than white defendants, and black people spent the highest proportion of their sentence in prison compared to other ethnic groups. The MailOnline has approached David Lammy for comment. A female marketing manager has won a harassment case after her 'old school' boss 'endorsed' Jeremy Clarkson's controversial Game of Thrones tweet about parading Meghan Markle naked through the streets in shame. Helen Selkin complained when sales director Charles Bedforth stated that he 'did not see anything wrong with' the degrading comments the former Top Gear presenter made about the Duchess of Sussex. In 2022 TV presenter Clarkson wrote a column stating his desire to see Markle 'made to parade naked through the streets' in reference to the iconic 'Shame!' scene in Game of Thrones. An employment tribunal heard that shortly after the Clarkson controversy Mr Bedforth 'endorsed' it and said he did not see anything offensive about the tweet. Mrs Selkin - who worked with him for an agricultural machinery firm and has since taken a selfie with Clarkson - said she thought the TV star's comment was 'sexist and dreadful'. Separately, the tribunal found she was also harassed when the company's managing director James Woolway called her a 'witch' that should be left to 'stirring the cauldron' and told her on one occasion 'don't spend too much, you're not shopping for a dress'. Mrs Selkin was fired from her job after being branded a 'man-hater' by a disgruntled male developer. The colleagues had been discussing the Roe v Wade ruling in America when she suggested all men should undergo a vasectomy. She is now in line for compensation after successfully suing Lincolnshire-based Opico. Marketing manager Helen Selkin has won a harassment case after her 'old school' boss 'endorsed' Jeremy Clarkson's controversial Game of Thrones tweet about parading Meghan Markle naked through the streets in shame. Pictured: A selfie Mrs Selkin took with Clarkson Sales director Charles Bedforth stated that he 'did not see anything wrong with' the degrading comments made by Clarkson The tribunal in Nottingham was told Mrs Selkin began working for the company in April 2017 and that it was a 'male-dominated industry'. Employment Judge Elizabeth Heap found that Opico 'is not a progressive organisation' as senior male directors were 'traditional' - but 'not in the right sense of the word'. Judge Heap said it started at the top, with Mr Woolway, as his 'traditional' values are reminiscent of a fortunately bygone era and are suggestive of a demeaning attitude towards women'. Mrs Selkin has a 'strong and forceful personality' and there had been 'niggles' during her employment, it was heard. In December 2020 Mr Woolway told another male colleague 'just leave the Witches to stirring the cauldron and give them the ingredients they need' in reference to Mrs Selkin and another woman. Judge Heap said Mr Woolway did not mean to cause offence with the comment because he had 'a lack of awareness that what does not offend him could not offend anyone else'. The comment was found to amount to harassment because 'the nature of the analogy was of a woman causing trouble or mischief' and it was 'degrading and humiliating'. In Spring 2021 and in front of two male colleagues, Mr Woolway told Mrs Selkin: 'As long as you don't spend too much, you're not shopping for a dress.' Managing director James Woolway was also found to have harassed Helen Selkin by calling her a 'witch' that should be left to 'stirring the cauldron' and told her on one occasion 'don't spend too much, you're not shopping for a dress' Judge Heap said of the remark: 'While Mr Woolway may well have thought that he was being amusing to his wider audience, the comment was again highly inappropriate and we can see why [Mrs Selkin] was offended by it. 'It was another example of Mr Woolway's 'traditional' views. 'Again, it is demonstrative of a lack of a progressive views on Mr Woolway's part which is particularly concerning given his position as managing director. 'That type of comment to a female subordinate in a management position in front of male colleagues was demeaning.' In January 2023, before an event show, Mr Bedforth made a 'crass' comment to Mrs Selkin that he did not think Clarkson's tweet about Markle was offensive. Judge Heap found he did not mean to cause offence 'but this was again a lack of understanding and being of a clumsy and 'old school' mindset'. The judge said it amounted to harassment. 'Although it was crass and there was no reason to bring it up on the basis of the evidence before us there did not appear to be any context to it we accept for the same reasons as already given that he did not say it with the purpose or intention of causing offence. 'However, we accept that it did create an offensive environment for the Claimant and that was obvious from her reaction to what had been said and her evidence before us. 'The Tweet referred to a woman being paraded naked through the streets in a clearly offensive way related to the Duchess of Sussex and Mr Bedforth was endorsing that there was nothing wrong with that. 'We are therefore satisfied that this was an act that amounted to harassment relating to the protected characteristic of sex.' Judge Heap also found that Mr Bedforth harassed Mrs Selkin by making a 'boyfriend' joke and when he made an 'upsetting' comment about her parents. Employment Judge Elizabeth Heap found that Opico 'is not a progressive organisation' as senior male directors were 'traditional' - but 'not in the right sense of the word'. Pictured: Opico's offices in Lincolnshire In finding harassment to be proven, Judge Heap said: 'Most of those acts were perpetrated by the same two senior people within the [company]. 'All of them also arose in the context of an environment which is 'traditional' but as we have already referenced not in the right sense of the word. 'Whilst we do not go so far as to label the [company] as an 'Old Boys Club' as [Mrs Selkin] contends, it is not a progressive organisation. 'The mindset of both Mr Woolway and Mr Bedforth is that 'jokes' which demean women are not something to be considered offensive and that mindset has clearly dissipated over others within the workforce.' Judge Heap added: 'Both Mr Woolway and Mr Bedforth - who have respectively described each other as 'traditional' and 'old school' - demonstrated little insight in respect of both their actions... and during their evidence as to how 'traditional views' may not be acceptable in the world which we now live in. 'Tradition is on occasion to be applauded but not at the expense of progression and inclusion and unfortunately some conduct which was not only tolerated at the [company] fell into the latter category.' Judge Heap also said Mrs Selkin was unfairly and wrongfully dismissed after she was fired for allegedly 'imposing' anti-men views. Her sacking came after an office discussion in March 2023 about male vasectomies, following the Roe v Wade ruling in America, in which she suggested all men should undergo one. After a male colleague reported her, the tribunal heard a flawed investigation was carried out and Mr Woolway sacked her for 'imposing' her views. In his complaint, the male colleague stated how Mrs Selkin had said openly in the office that 'all Men should be forced to have a sterilisation (Vasectomy) and only a woman is allowed to have a mans vasectomy reversed with her permission and only selected men can add sperm to a sperm bank where all women can pick from... 'She said making men have a vasectomy would stop abortion from the source. When a counter view was given, Helen started getting very defensive and aggressive saying "thats different" and "men need women, women dont need men2. 'Helen also has a poster on her wall with these views. When Helen was asked to remove the poster from her office, she physically ripped the poster off the board and was mumbling. I did not hear all the words except for "Pathetic". 'I feel Helens Misandrist behaviour is grossly unacceptable I dont feel comfortable working in the same environment with a person with such extreme views.' Judge Heap said that no consideration had been given to the fact that those who were speaking to Mrs Selkin at the time said it was 'simply a conversation or debate'. One had called it 'banter'. Mrs Selkin's compensation will be revealed at a later date. Vladimir Putin has sparked outrage by gifting electric meat grinders to the grieving mothers of slain soldiers. The tone-deaf gesture - orchestrated by Putin's ruling party, United Russia - was met with an online firestorm of criticism, as the term 'meat grinder' is widely used to describe the brutal fate of Russian troops sent to die in his high-casualty war. The gifts were distributed in Murmansk, but instead of offering solace, they have been branded as heartless and grotesque, with critics accusing the Kremlin of mocking the immense sacrifices made by soldiers and their families. In an attempt to contain the backlash, Russian officials filmed a bereaved mother thanking them for her bizarre present. 'I thank United Russia for the presents, for the beautiful bouquet,' she said in a staged video. 'And you gave me a meat grinder, which I needed.' She insisted she had 'wanted to buy one', seemingly attempting to justify the gift. The pro-Kremlin Defenders of the Fatherland organisation in Murmansk defended the handouts, claiming: 'Our duty and responsibility is to surround the mothers of the Heroes of the Fatherland with attention and support, not in words, but in deeds. 'We strive to be close to these strong women, share their experiences and provide assistance in difficult times.' Grieving mothers of fallen Ukrainian soldiers were given meat grinders in a move that has sparked fury online In an attempt to contain the backlash, Russian officials filmed a bereaved mother thanking them for her bizarre present The term 'meat grinder' is widely used to describe the brutal fate of Russian troops sent to die in Putin's high-casualty war The pro-Kremlin Defenders of the Fatherland organisation in Murmansk defended the handouts Despite the uproar, local officials hit back at critics, claiming the outrage was manufactured. Maxim Chengaev, the mayor of Polyarnye Zori, condemned those who dared to question the logic behind giving meat grinders to grieving mothers. 'We urge you not to support inhumane and provocative interpretations,' he said, insisting the women were 'happy' with their practical gifts. 'The most important thing for us is that the women themselves are happy with a practical gift that will be useful in the household.' However, the grim irony of gifting meat grinders - a term synonymous with the slaughter of Russian soldiers - has only fueled further outrage. Putin's forces have suffered catastrophic losses in Ukraine, with tens of thousands of men thrown into battle with little regard for their lives. Soldiers are sent to die en masse in human wave attacks, earning the frontline its infamous nickname: the meat grinder. For many Russians, these gifts serve as a brutal reminder of the expendability of their sons - not a gesture of support, but a mockery of their sacrifice. The questionable gifts come as Russia lost over 1150 soldiers in a single bloody day on the Ukrainian frontline. Pravda's online tally of total estimated losses on day 1108 of the war displays the shocking figure, after it was revealed last month that tyrant president Putin is set to lose a million soldiers to death or injury in its war in Ukraine by May. Russian troops are seen leaping from a T-90M tank A view from a drone showing a destroyed Russian armoured vehicle in part of a forest where the hottest phase of the war is taking place on November 9, 2024. The forest is located about 8 kilometers southwest of Kreminna in the Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine A serviceman of 24th Mechanized brigade named after King Danylo of the Ukrainian Armed Forces fires a 2s5 'Hyacinth-s' self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops at a front line A Russian soldier fires a gun toward a Ukrainian position in the Russian-Ukrainian border area in the Kursk region The current trajectory of losses coincides with Russia's so-called Victory Day on May 9 when Putin will gather with his Kremlin henchmen to watch the annual military parade in Red Square. Data from the UK defence intelligence already estimates that Putin's forces have lost 860,000 soldiers to death or injury at an average of 1,500 servicemen a day since November. And in the next two months, Moscow could lose another 115,000 bringing that total close to nearly a million. Military bloggers have also claimed that younger Ukrainian Army generals are inflicting 'unsustainable losses' on Russia. Ukrainian troops are now keeping the Russian forces at 'marginal gains', Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported earlier this week. Behind these Ukrainian battlefield successes are a 'new generation' of young generals who have fought against Russia since it first invaded Crimea in 2014. Russian military bloggers also wrote that Putin's troops had lost ground in Uspenivka in Donetsk Oblast, another region long-targeted by Russia during the war. According to DeepState, a Ukrainian blog tracking the war, Russian troops were occupying about 192 square kilometres of Ukrainian ground in February, which is less than they did in previous months. A hospice for terminally ill children has defeated a millionaire's plans to build a Butlin's-style holiday camp next door just weeks after Kate Middleton became a patron. Ty Hafan Children's Hospice in Sully, near Cardiff, shut down plans from millionaire funfair owner Henry Danter, 81, who wanted to develop a caravan park for hundreds of visitors. The 81-year-old, who owns Barry Island Pleasure Park on the Welsh coast, has spent more than 1 million on the 20-acre site next to the hospice. He wanted to house hundreds of visitors but only received planning permission for storage. He previously posted regular updates on social media saying the park would be filled with 'palm trees and fountains'. However, he has now revealed that he is ditching the plans in the face of vociferous opposition from the hospice and its supporters, as well as potential action from the council. Mr Danter said: 'It was just stop, stop, stop. We couldn't do anything. It was ridiculous.' The hospice's victory came only weeks after the Princess of Wales visited on a surprise solo engagement for her first royal 'away day' since 2023, where she spent time with children, families and staff. She has become the royal patron for the hospice, following in the footsteps of Princess Diana and King Charles. Ty Hafan Children's Hospice (pictured) near Cardiff has defeated a millionaire's plans to build a Butlin's-style holiday camp next door The victory comes just weeks after the Kate Middleton visited the hospice on a surprise solo engagement Henry Danter, 81, (pictured) spent more than 1 million on the site but revealed he was no longer continuing with his plans Horrified parents at the hospice had campaigned against the Butlin's-style scheme to protect the 'quiet nature' of the site. Tracey Withers, whose teenage daughter Izzy died at Ty Hafan from a brain tumour, said: 'I will fight to my last breath to stop this being destroyed by individuals who have no idea of what actually goes on there every single day. 'I want people to know what an amazing place it is, where half my heart will always be.' More than 15,000 people signed a petition started by grieving grandmother Karen Maidment, whose grandson Jayden died when he was only 10 months old. Ms Maidment wrote: 'As a family we have experienced first hand the wonderful work Ty Hafan do and how special the beautiful, tranquil grounds are to sit in and reflect on the pain of the journey being gone through - and in some cases the loss of a dear child, as we lost our darling grandson. She added: 'I can tell you that the very last thing we would have wanted to hear at that time would be holidaymakers loudly enjoying themselves, screaming, shouting, laughing, or heavy machinery digging and increased traffic noise when your world is ending or ended.' The hospice, which opened in 1999, was the first dedicated to children in Wales. Mr Danter said his caravan site would not have disrupted the hospice, even during construction. He said he owns a caravan site near his home in Symonds Yat in England where there is a nearby hospice. The Princess of Wales's visit was her first royal 'away day' since 2023. She spent time with children, families and staff. She has become the royal patron for the hospice, following in the footsteps of Princess Diana and King Charles Mr Danter's also owns Barry Island Pleasure Park on the Welsh coast 'We're an asset to them and we can bring great fortunes to Wales and to businesses in Wales,' he said. In September, the funfair owner faced legal action by Vale of Glamorgan Council for digging up ground at the site. Last January, he was ordered to stop excavation work after he received an enforcement notice. Lis Burnett, leader of the council, said 'there have been repeated examples of unauthorised work being carried out. 'The only conclusion we can draw is that he has a flagrant disregard for his obligations as a landowner and for the impact these works have on the surrounding area. Mr Danter said: 'I'm 81 now and my health isn't brilliant. I'm not really so keen now to pursue it. It's just been: 'Stop, stop, stop.' We can't do anything there. But we still need more accommodation.' The fairground boss said he has spent 12million on Barry Island Pleasure Park in a decade. 'I promised the people of Barry I'd bring the golden days back for them and I believe I've achieved that,' he said. A honeytrap woman boasted 'got him' in a text after she lured a charity worker to a faux date where he was kidnapped and assaulted with an iron bar. Shannon Wolleter, 29, participated in a cruel plot alongside four other men to lure charity worker Anthony Cooper to a location and brutally beat him over a Facebook status row. The victim, who was left 'bloodied and dazed' by the shameless gang, was targeted after his girlfriend Bethany Love updated her Facebook status to confirm they were back together, Birmingham Crown Court heard. Steven Baker, 60, hatched the plot with his son Matthew Baker, 29, because he did not approve of the reconciled relationship as it was once suggested Ms Love had been previously linked to his son. It was also claimed that Mr Cooper owed the Bakers money, with the father-and-son later allegedly labelling him a 'paedophile, rapist and sex offender'. The gang then enticed Mr Cooper to a flat in Small Heath, Birmingham, by using Wolleter who played 'an integral role', gleefully texting 'got him' when their plan successfully panned out, the court was told. Wolleter's then-boyfriend Daniel Aston, 33, was also involved in the kidnap scheme, whilst David Bamborough, 41, was persuaded to allow the group to use his home in Birmingham for the attack, the court heard. All five - as well as the victim - worked for the same local charity feeding the homeless. Shannon Wolleter, 29, participated in a cruel plot alongside four other men to lure charity worker Anthony Cooper to a location and brutally beat him over a Facebook row The court heard she gleefully texted 'got him' after successfully enticing the victim to a location where he was attacked Lynette McClement, prosecuting, told the court that the group used Wolleter to 'set [the victim] up', by arranging to meet via text. Wolleter claimed that she was no longer involved with Aston - also known as Paddy - whilst trying to lure the victim to a certain location. Baker senior arrived in a white Mercedes, striking Mr Cooper and dragging him into the vehicle. 'They set him up. They used Shannon Wolleter to do this,' Ms McClement said. 'She arranged to meet him and there are messages between the two that show arrangements. 'She said to him she fancied him and she wasn't involved with Daniel Aston (also known as Paddy) any more. 'The prosecution say this was by the design and instigation of these defendants, getting him to come and meet her.' It was heard that Mr Cooper was dubious about meeting with Wolleter as he feared possible retaliation from her then partner Aston. 'He said 'I'm scared of Paddy, he will kill me'. She answers him 'no he won't, I'm single now, I'm not with him anymore',' Ms Clement told the court. The prosecution said the whole text conversation was orchestrated to lure the victim so he could be snatched into the car by Baker senior. 'While this is ongoing and he's walking towards the bus stop she is in constant contact with her boyfriend Daniel Aston. Her last message to him was 'got him',' Ms Clement added. Steven Baker pPictured) hatched the plot with his son Matthew Baker, 29, because he did not approve of the reconciled relationship between Mr Cooper and Ms Love It was once suggested Ms Love had been previously linked to his son, Matthew Baker (pictured) After Mr Cooper was struck and bundled into the vehicle by Baker senior, Wolleter got into the vehicle, and was shortly followed by Matthew Baker and Aston. Matthew Baker threatened to cut off the victim's legs and cut out his tongue while Aston throttled and punched Mr Cooper. He was taken to a house in Langley Road, Small Heath where Bambrough, whose address it was, joined in the assault by kicking him as Baker junior hit him over the head with a metal bar. Mr Cooper was then transported to a park because Bambrough, who stayed at the flat, was worried his neighbour would call the police, the court was told. The victim was forced to the floor at the new location, where he was subjected to an 'unpleasant' attack, and repeatedly kicked in the genitals, Ms McClement told the court. 'Aston and Matthew and Steven Baker are all kicking him while on the ground, kicking him to the ribs and back,' she said. 'He remembers screaming "you are hurting me" and remembers Steven Baker saying "good, you deserve it", and he didn't know why he deserved it.' Before Mr Cooper was set free - and later found unconscious on his doorstep by his flatmates - Aston stripped him of his phone and bank card. He was then driven to hospital having sustained serious injuries. Mr Cooper vividly remembered was how much 'pleasure' Matthew Baker took in the assaults, as he sent pictures of him 'bloodied and dazed' to other people. The five defendants were due to go on trial at Birmingham Crown Court at the end of February but each eventually pleaded guilty. Aston, of Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, was the first to admit kidnap, robbery and unlawful wounding as a lesser alternative to inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. Bambrough, of Langley Road, Small Heath was next with the prosecution accepting a plea to a single count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm for his involvement. Wolleter, of Tame Road, Aston admitted kidnap and unlawful wounding. She maintains she did not send all of the messages to Mr Cooper in order to lure him to meet with her and has blamed Aston. It is still to be resolved exactly who sent which texts, although the prosecution has argued that evidence suggests the couple were in different locations at the time. The Bakers upheld their denials and were briefly put on trial, but after the case was put before a jury they too pleaded guilty to kidnap and unlawful wounding. The group will be sentenced at a later date. The small Caribbean island of Nevis is on the verge of an energy revolution that will generate jobs, drive economic growth, and give the island complete energy independence. The Honorable Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis, together with Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, announced that funding had been secured for the country's groundbreaking geothermal energy project. On 5th February, at the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States 3rd Council of Ministers, Premier Brantley confirmed that the geothermal energy project is now firmly fixed on the national agenda. Once the tender bids, which have been sent out, are assessed and a suitable firm is selected, drilling will begin on a project that will transform Nevisians' lives for the better. The Need for Energy Transformation The Caribbean faces some of the highest electricity prices globally, and many islands are often plagued by blackouts. Nevis is one of the fortunate few islands that does not have to suffer the impacts of this too often, but it recognizes more needs to be done. Nevis's leadership wants to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, which present environmental and economic constraints on the island's long-term prosperity. This has propelled a proactive approach to developing an alternative. Consequently, Premier Brantley has looked closer to home, stressing that a clean, renewable, and reliable source can be found all over the island. Geothermal energy will not only be more reliable, but it is also set to reduce energy costs for businesses and individuals alike. And, crucially, it will eliminate dependency on imported, dirty, and price-sensitive fossil fuels. As a further benefit, Premier Brantley believes that reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels will lead to financial savings, which can be invested in areas in need of development, leading to further benefits for the people of Nevis. A Game-Changer for Nevis The US Department of Energy has reported that geothermal projects create more long-term jobs per household powered than solar, wind, or gas alternatives, making geothermal the ideal choice for Nevis. It is hoped that the geothermal energy project will be a gamechanger for the island, bringing plentiful benefits for Nevisians. To this point, Premier Brantley explained that "the development of renewable energy projects will create jobs, stimulate local economies, and attract investment." Even More Renewable Energy in Nevis The geothermal energy project is not the only super sustainable project being planned on Nevis. Nevis Electricity Company Limited is pursuing the development of a new 50-megawatt solar farm and improvements to the existing wind farm, while funding has also been secured for the installation of rooftop solar PV panels on government facilities. Additionally, Premier Brantley recently met with representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Green Climate Fund, where he secured financing toward the construction of the geothermal power plant and overall grid upgrades. All these projects align with the government of St Kitts and Nevis's ongoing push for renewable energy and its aim to create a sustainable island state. A Sustainable Vision for Nevis's Future The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has an admirable "100% Renewable Energy 2030" objective, whichaims to position Nevis as a leader in sustainable energy development within the Caribbean region. Indeed, sustainability is a key priority for the NIA, and funds allocated to the office of the Premier as well as from the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund will support Nevis's unstoppable march towards sustainable energy use. Premier Brantley is optimistic about the geothermal energy project and really believes in the benefits it will bring to Nevisians. He stated that it demonstrates "unwavering commitment to renewable energy and energy independence." He added that "it's not just a project for Nevis but a legacy for generations to come." The geothermal energy project is part of a larger movement that has set Nevis on the path towards a sustainable future. This push for renewable energy will lead to Nevis's energy independence, create jobs, and drive growth, resulting in a more affordable and cleaner island for Nevisians. Four foreigners, including two Aussies, have been sent to rehab after they were found with cocaine and ecstacy in their Bali villa. Two Australian men and two British women were taken into custody after police found the drugs inside their Canggu villa in North Kuta at 1am local time on Monday. Though their identities remain anonymous local authorities have said the men's initials are GJF and ATE and the women's are NOFG and ASBG. Bali Police Spokesperson, Sr. Comr. Ariasandy, said officers found three ecstacy pills weighing 1.17 grams and 0.1 gram of cocaine in their villa. The drugs were deemed to be for self consumption and it was not suspected that the British women or Australian men were involved in any drug trafficking networks. All four were initially sent to Bhayangkara Hospital which is a police owned hospital to undergo drug tests. The tourists still remain suspects but because the cocaine weighed less than 1.8 grams they were transferred to a rehabilitation center instead of prison. The four suspects have been categorised as light to moderate drugs users. Two Australian men and two British women were made to undergo drug tests at Bhayangkara Hospital in Bali (pictured) after police found ecstacy and cocaine in their villa on March 3 Volkswagen has issued a recall impacting thousands of SUV owners across the United States over concerns of potential engine fires. The car manufacturer is recalling 177,493 crossover SUVs, including certain Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles from model years 2024 to 2025, that may possibly have loose engine covers. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. Officials warn a loose engine cover could potentially increase the risk of a fire. Volkswagen dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge, to remedy the issue, the NHTSA said. The recall comes just one week after the car-making giant warned over a major and potentially dangerous display error impacting some of its electric vehicles. The recall includes 177,493 crossover SUVs, including certain Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles from model years 2024 to 2025 (stock image of a 2025 Atlas Cross Sport) Officials warn engine cover on impacted vehicles may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces. Pictured is a stock photo of a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Volkswagen's SUVs were subject of a recall in June last year amid concerns that the front passenger air bag may not inflate in a crash. The car-maker recalled more than 271,000 sport utility vehicles, including certain Atlas SUVs from the 2021-2024 model years, and some 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. Volkswagen warned that wiring under the front passenger seat can develop a fault. If that happens, it could deactivate the sensor that determines if a passenger is on board, disabling the air-bag and increasing the risk of injury in a crash. The car maker said that this would result in drivers getting a warning sound and an error message on the instrument panel. At the time, Volkswagen said owners should also avoid the use of the front passenger set if possible until repairs have been made. The company said that dealers would replace the sensor and wiring harnesses at no cost to owners, who got letters informing them of the issue in August. Volkswagen said it had 1,730 warranty claims that were possibly related to the problem. In June, the car manufacturer recalled more than 271,000 SUVs amid concerns that the front passenger air bag may not inflate in a crash The German car brand issued 60,490 recalls on February 28 this year over concerns that the vehicles fail to display certain gear options, leading the cars to roll away if the emergency parking brake was not engaged. The recall included 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4 cars, as well as 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-tron vehicles, according to the NHTSA. Q4 e-Tron Sportback vehicles were also impacted by the recall. The gear indicator issue stems from a software complication, the auto safety regulator said. Volkswagen - which took full ownership of Audi in 1966 - has urged impacted drivers to ensure that their parking brakes are fully engaged until they can take their car in for service to have the issue fixed. Drivers were told to contact their local dealers for further information. Earlier last month, Volkswagen another recall for 30,000 vehicles in the US due to the rearview mirror display not working properly. The vehicles impacted by that recall included the Audi Q3, as well as some Volkswagen Tiguan and Arteon cars. The specific models affected by the recall were 2022-2024 Tiguan's, 2023 Arteons and 2024-2025 Audi Q3s. Due to the issue, a rearview camera image reads 'not displaying as intended.' 'A rearview camera image that is not available when reversing may impair the drivers ability to see areas to the rear of the vehicle,' the recall said. 'This can increase the risk of a crash.' Owners of these vehicles will be sent letters in the mail by April 11 and can get the issue fixed at a dealership, the recall continued. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced last Friday that Volkswagen's vehicles fail to display certain gear options, leading the cars to roll away if the emergency parking brake was not engaged (Pictured: Volkswagen ID.4) 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-tron vehicles (pictured) have also been recalled due to the issue Last year, the car manufacturer had to urgently recall 6,000 Passat, Gold and Arteon model cars in Australia made between 2019 and 2023. This was due to concerns that they had a manufacturing defect that could cause a 'vehicle fire that could increase the risk of injury or death.' The Department of Transport had to issue the recall in January, affecting 5,997 cars registered on Australian roads. A school headteacher faces a lengthy prison sentence after saying he will plead guilty to an alleged attack on a male colleague with a heavy-duty spanner. Dr John Felton, 54, appeared before magistrates this morning charged with wounding with intent in connection with the assault on deputy head Richard Pyke, 51. Felton was charged overnight in connection with the attack on Mr Pyke at St Joseph's Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre in Aberavon, South Wales on Wednesday morning. His solicitor Mark Davies told the brief hearing before Swansea Magistrates: 'I am formally instructed that he wishes to indicate a guilty plea to the charges at this stage.' Married father-of-three Felton, dressed in a grey tracksuit, was calm and composed during the five-minute hearing. None of his family were in court. Prosecutor Lisa Jones asked for Felton to be remanded in custody 'for his own welfare and protection'. The maximum sentence for wounding with intent is life imprisonment. The incident, in front of shocked pupils, is understood to be over a love triangle involving a woman teacher. Felton emailed staff apologising for what he was about to do saying: 'I'm sorry for the distress which the rest of today will bring.' Dr John Felton (pictured) appeared before magistrates this morning charged with wounding with intent in connection with the assault on deputy head Richard Pyke Felton was appointed head at the 900-pupil school in 2023 after being head of mathematics there for 17 years South Wales Police were called to the scene at St Joseph's Catholic School yesterday at 9.50am He allegedly armed himself with a large spanner during morning lessons and attacked Mr Pyke, causing him serious head injuries. Emergency services were called to the school and married father-of-three Felton was arrested at the scene. Mr Pyke was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Pupils who witnessed the violence were being offered counselling and support through the local education authority. Some parents arrived to collect their children after receiving text messages about the attack and threatened to keep them off until they get assurances about leadership in the school. Felton was appointed head at the 900-pupil school in 2023 after being head of mathematics there for 17 years. A South Wales Police spokesman said yesterday: 'We were called at 9.50am to reports of an assault at St Joseph's Catholic Comprehensive School in Aberavon. Deputy head teacher 51-year-old Richard Pyke (pictured) was taken to hospital with non-life threatening head injuries Headteacher Felton allegedly armed himself with a heavy-duty spanner during morning lessons 'A 51-year-old man has been taken to hospital, it is believed his injuries are not life threatening. A 54-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault. 'We are aware of local speculation about the nature of the assault but we can confirm no knives were involved.' Neath Port Talbot council said support would be offered to pupils and staff affected by the violent assault. A spokesman said: 'We are aware of an incident that occurred at St Joseph's Catholic school and Sixth Form Centre this morning. The incident did not involve any pupils. 'The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff are our top priority and we are working closely with the school to ensure the appropriate support is offered to everyone affected by this incident. 'The matter is currently under investigation by the police and the school is fully cooperating with their inquiries.' Labour MS for Aberavon, David Rees, said: 'This is a very sad situation for our community and my thoughts currently are with the person who is injured. 'I am sure the local authority will provide full support to staff and pupils who may be affected in the coming days and weeks. It is important that at this time the police and other relevant authorities are allowed to investigate the incident without any speculation.' Felton will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on April 9. After being cast aside by her MAGA prince Donald Trump Jr, Kimberly Guilfoyle has returned to an old political union. It turns out California governor Gavin Newsom got help from his former love Guilfoyle to snag an interview with MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk as the Democrat aims to move the political center. Newsom, 57, shocked the politics world when he debuted his podcast with Kirk, where he showed he is ready to break ranks with liberals on issues like transgender women in sports. Kirk is best known on social media platforms for sharing his combative exchanges with progressive students on college campuses, which Newsom said he 'loves watching.' 'I got a phone call from governor Newsom two weeks ago, we connected through Kimberly Guilfoyle - obviously, they have a shared past... ,' Kirk told Fox 11 when asked how the interview came to be. 'This is a guy who wants to be President more than any other human being alive,' the conservative firebrand added. California governor Gavin Newsom's ex-wife Kimberly Guilfoyle connected him to right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk for an interview on his new podcast. The former couple is seen in 2004, when Newsom was mayor of San Francisco Newsom, 57, shocked viewers when he debuted his podcast with a chat with Kirk, where he showed he is ready to break ranks with liberals The former Fox news star went on to famously date and get engaged to Donald Trump Jr Guilfoyle, 55, and Newsom were married from 2001 to 2006, during his time as mayor of San Francisco. He went on to marry actress Jennifer Siebel in 2008, while Guilfoyle Guilfoyle married businessman Eric Villency in 2006 before splitting in 2009. The former Fox news star went on to famously date and get engaged Donald Trump Jr - before they broke up last year and his relationship with socialite Bettina Anderson emerged. DailyMail.com first exposed his romance with the 38-year-old blonde when the pair were seen together canoodling over brunch in Palm Beach towards the end of the summer. Guilfoyle has since been appointed as president Donald Trump's ambassador to Greece. In 2023, Guilfoyle and Newsome issued rare comments about each other, with the Democrat describing her as ambitious and 'whip-smart' before adding that she 'changed.' 'She was a different person,' Newsom said. 'She was working for a progressive district attorney.' Don Jr is now dating 38-year-old socialite Bettina Anderson . They are seen on February 8 Newsom went on to marry Jennifer Siebel in 2008. They are seen with their kids in 2021 'She fell prey, I think, to the culture at Fox in a deep way,' Newsom said. 'She would disagree with that assessment, she would perhaps suggest that she found the light.' Guilfoyle then fired back on Kirk's podcast, saying it was the governor who changed. 'I didnt change, [Newsom] did,' Guilfoyle told Kirk. 'He used to be so proud to fight for small business, for entrepreneurs, for those hard-working men and women. And hes fallen prey to the left, the radical left, that is pushing him so far to the left that it's unrecognizable.' Newsom has been facing criticism over his his podcast and his handling of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. While the Golden State is in the midst of recovering from the horrific wildfire disaster, which left at least 29 people dead and more than 18,000 structures destroyed, the Democratic governor was accused of having his focus on other issues, as he has promised that his new venture will be 'anything but the ordinary 'politician' podcast.' Many have seen the podcast as Newsom's way of positioning himself for a presidential run in 2028, which he is widely expected to do as he is term limited as California Governor in 2026. Newsom has been facing criticism over his his podcast and his handling of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires Guilfoyle has been appointed as president Donald Trump's ambassador to Greece Inviting one of America's most famous conservatives on to speak and risking the wrath of transgender activists indicates Newsom's desire to position himself as a centrist who'd appeal to moderate conservatives. However, some praised both Newsom and Kirk for their civil conversation above the often-hostile fray of politics, while others poked fun at the liberal governor's confession that he is raising a young conservative. Noel Clarke has been 'completely exiled' from the film industry after a newspaper labelled the former Doctor Who star a sex pest, the High Court has heard. The 49-year-old is suing Guardian News and Media (GNM) over seven articles and a podcast, including an article in April 2021, which said 20 women who knew Clarke in a professional capacity had come forward with allegations of misconduct. Clarke, who denies the allegations, attended the third day of the libel trial on Friday at the Royal Courts of Justice, as his case was opened after delays. GNM has said it will defend its reporting as being both true and in the public interest. In written submissions for the trial - which will only deal with liability and not the assessment of any damages - Clarke's barrister Philip Williams said the actor 'has clearly established the falsity of all of the allegations'. Mr Williams said that while GNM's investigation took place over three-and-a-half weeks, Clarke was 'barely able to reply to the allegations' and was only originally given 24 hours to respond. The barrister also told the High Court in London that the articles were not framed 'in an even-handed tone', adding: 'As journalists, the defendant did not simply call for an inquiry, it played the role of judge, jury and executioner of the claimant's career and reputation.' Mr Williams said Clarke has worked on around 135 projects and engagements in his career, having contact with thousands of people, with the allegations related to only nine productions. Noel Clarke arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice in London where his libel claim against Guardian News and Media (GNM) is taking place Clarke, who denies the allegations, attended the third day of the libel trial on Friday at the Royal Courts of Justice The barrister continued: 'Since the publication, he has become 'completely exiled' from the film industry and is perceived as a criminal by all those who previously trusted and worked with him.' The court previously heard that Clarke has asked to amend his claim, with the hearing of this bid due to take place after the libel trial concludes. As well as increasing his claim for special damages to more than 70 million, the actor wants to bring a claim over allegations that multiple people conspired against him using fabricated allegations of misconduct or sexual assault. In written submissions for the trial, Mr Williams said that GNM's sources were 'hostile' and had 'an axe to grind' against the Doctor Who actor. The barrister told the court that 14 of the alleged complainants were involved in a conspiracy and that the journalists involved in the articles were aware. Gavin Millar KC, for GNM, said in written submissions that there is 'ample evidence' that all of the articles were true or substantially true. He said: 'The defendant will adduce evidence from 16 women who experienced the claimant's misconduct first-hand, some of them on multiple occasions. 'There is no motive for them to lie and the claimant has not suggested any, beyond making wild allegations as to an alleged conspiracy.' Mr Millar added: 'These witnesses have remained willing to give their evidence voluntarily despite the fact that, over the course of litigation, the claimant has published a number of statements on social media and elsewhere expressly or impliedly denigrating those who have made allegations against him.' In written submissions for the trial Clarke's barrister Philip Williams said the actor 'has clearly established the falsity of all of the allegations' Noel Clarke pictured as DC Martin Young in the ITV Series Viewpoint The barrister said that one of the witnesses, who can only be referred to as 'Imogen', was told by Clarke that he would go to the police if she did not agree to meet his solicitors. Mr Millar said that to successfully defend the case on the grounds of truth, GNM does not need to prove every incident alleged, adding: 'It needs only to prove that there are grounds to believe that the claimant engaged in the type of behaviour alleged in the relevant meaning.' A judge previously found that seven of the articles 'mean that there are strong grounds to believe that the claimant is guilty of various forms of sexual harassment' with the eighth meaning 'grounds to investigate'. Mr Millar later said that GNM reasonably believed that publishing all of the statements at the centre of the libel case was in the public interest. He continued: 'The evidence which will be given by the defendant's senior editors and journalists, supported by contemporaneous documentary records ... will show that the defendant's editors believed publication to be in the public interest.' The hearing before Mrs Justice Steyn is due to conclude in April, with a decision expected in writing at a later date. Russia is preparing to launch a massive offensive in Ukraine in spring or early summer, the Kremlin-backed press touts. Putin's forces are reportedly preparing 'big reserve forces' and 'large units' that analysts say will '100 per cent advance' on Ukrainian troops once the weather changes. Citing how Volodymyr Zelensky's troops will be deprived of American military equipment and intelligence, Russian state-controlled media warns that Ukraine will be in for a 'nasty surprise'. It previously proved difficult for Russian forces to conceal the launch of large troop offensive because NATO satellites would record their movement and alert Ukraine, Kremlin-backed newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets reports. But Russia now believes that without US support in Ukraine, its army will have a 'higher chance of finding the enemy's weak spot' and 'striking when they're not expecting it'. The Kremlin said on Friday that Russia may need to act to respond to what it called European Union plans to militarise the bloc that cast Russia as its main adversary. European leaders on Thursday backed plans to spend more on defence and continue to stand by Ukraine in a world upended by Donald Trump's reversal of US policies. Zelensky's forces, meanwhile, are trying to hold territory in Russia's Kursk region after Putin's Army broke through the Ukrainian defense line south of Sudzhi overnight. Russia is preparing to launch a massive offensive in Ukraine in spring or early summer, the Kremlin-backed press touts. Russian soldiers are pictured as they prepare to fire toward Ukrainian positions on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 Citing how Volodymyr Zelensky 's troops will be deprived of American military equipment and intelligence, Russian state-controlled media warns that Ukraine will be in for a 'nasty surprise'. Pictured are Russian soldiers riding atop Akatsyia self-propelled gun on an undisclosed location in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 The White House has suspended its intelligence sharing with Ukraine and cut off all US military aid to the war-torn nation as Donald trump, pictured in the Oval Office with Volodymyr Zelensky on February 28 this year, tries to force Kyiv to the negotiating table Kremlin propagandists hit out at Britain and other European nations on Friday for standing by Ukraine despite Trump demanding a 'swift end' to the war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the European Union 'is positioning Russia as its main adversary'. 'We see that the European Union is now actively discussing the militarisation of the EU and the development of the defence segment,' Peskov said, noting that 'this is a process that we are watching closely'. 'This, of course, could potentially be a topic of deep concern for us and there could be a need to take appropriate measures in response to ensure our security. 'And, of course, such confrontational rhetoric and confrontational thinking that we are now seeing in Brussels and in European capitals is, seriously at odds with the mood for finding a peaceful settlement around Ukraine.' The state-controlled Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper accused Europe of 'trying to come up with ways to continue pouring oil on the fire', while the Izvestia blamed the UK for 'once again trying to derail the peace process in Ukraine'. Russian forces damaged Ukrainian energy and gas infrastructure overnight in their first major missile attack since the US paused intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Zelensky, seeking to shore up Western support for his country after Trump's diplomatic pivot towards Moscow, called for a truce covering air and sea, though not ground troops - an idea first mooted by France. 'The first steps to establishing real peace should be forcing the sole source of this war, Russia, to stop such attacks,' Zelensky said on the Telegram messaging app, responding to the overnight missile attack. The Kremlin said on Friday that Russia may need to act to respond to what it called European Union plans to militarise the bloc that cast Russia as its main adversary. Russian soldiers are pictured preparing a strike FPV drone aircraft "Molniya-2" to fly towards Ukrainian position in an undisclosed location on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 Russia now believes that without US support in Ukraine, its army will have a 'higher chance of finding the enemy's weak spot' and 'striking when they're not expecting it', Kremlin-backed media reports. Pictured are Russian soldiers riding atop Akatsiya self-propelled gun at an undisclosed location in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council via video link at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia March 7, 2025 Ukraine's air force said Russia had fired a salvo of 67 missiles and 194 drones in the overnight attack, adding that it had shot down 34 of the missiles and 100 of the drones. Regional officials from the northeastern city of Kharkiv to the western city of Ternopil reported damage to energy and other infrastructure. Eight people were injured in Kharkiv and two more, including a child, were hurt in Poltava, officials said. 'Russia continues its energy terror,' Energy Minister German Galuschenko said. 'Again energy and gas infrastructure in various regions of Ukraine has come under massive missile and drone fire.' Russia targets Ukrainian cities and towns far from the front lines every night with drones, but Friday's attack was the first large-scale assault since the suspension of American military aid and intelligence this week. Ukraine's relations with the US, previously its most important ally, have plunged into crisis since Zelensky's acrimonious exchange with Trump in the Oval Office last Friday before the world's TV cameras. Trump said afterwards that Zelensky - whom he had already branded a 'dictator' - that the Ukrainian leader was an obstacle to his vision for bringing peace to Ukraine. In a bid to patch things up, Zelensky said on Tuesday that Kyiv was ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible and to work under Trump's leadership, calling the way things had gone in Washington 'regrettable'. Zelensky, in a further sign of re-engagement with the US, said late on Thursday he would travel to Saudi Arabia next Monday for a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ahead of talks there later in the week between US and Ukrainian officials. Emergency teams and civilians are at the scene where a Russian Iskander missile hit a civilian infrastructure facility, causing an explosion and therefore fire and damage in ten garages and five cars in Kharkiv, Ukraine on March 7, 2025 Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of Russian shelling near a residential building in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine on March 7, 2025 Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who has already held extensive talks with Russian officials, said he was in discussions with Ukraine for a peace agreement framework to end the three-year war and confirmed that a meeting was planned next week with the Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia. 'Ukraine is ready to pursue the path to peace, and it is Ukraine that strives for peace from the very first second of this war. The task is to force Russia to stop the war,' Zelensky said in his Telegram message on Friday. It remains unclear whether Washington and Kyiv can bridge their different visions for ending the war. Kyiv has been pressing for robust security guarantees, but the United States has declined to commit, pointing to a potential critical minerals agreement that Trump believes would be enough. On the battlefield, Ukraine is outnumbered and Russian forces are steadily advancing in the eastern Donetsk region and mounting major pressure on Ukrainian troops trying to hold territory in Russia's Kursk region. Russia has pounded the Ukrainian power sector with missiles and drones throughout the war, knocking out about half the national electricity generating capacity and forcing rolling blackouts at various junctures in the war. This year Russia has focused more on infrastructure for natural gas, which is used for heating and cooking and also by industrial enterprises. 'Production facilities that ensure gas production were damaged. Fortunately, there were no casualties,' the Naftogaz energy company said. Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK halted gas production at its facilities in the central Poltava region after sustaining significant damage in Friday's attack, it said. The pause in US military aid and intelligence may undermine Ukraine's air defences as it runs low on advanced missiles and struggles to track attacks as effectively, military analysts say. Rescuers stand amid debris in the yard of a residential building after a Russian missile attack on March 7, 2025 in Kharkiv, Ukraine A rescuer stands amid smoke and debris near a damaged premise after a Russian missile attack on March 7, 2025 in Kharkiv, Ukraine Meanwhile, Poland's President Andrzej Duda proposed enshrining defence spending of at least 4 per cent of GDP in the constitution on Friday, while the prime minister said every adult male would receive military training - as Warsaw readies itself for threats from Moscow. Galvanised by Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine three years ago, Poland now spends a higher proportion of GDP on defence than any other NATO member, including the United States. Last year Poland's defence spending reached 4.1 per cent of GDP, according to NATO estimates, and it plans to hit 4.7 per cent this year. Prime Minister Donald Tusk later said in parliament that spending 5 per cent on defence seems 'a necessity, but that Poles have 'a lot of effort ahead of us.' He added that the government wanted to put in place by the end of the year a system for training every adult male for the event of a war, without presenting further details. 'We will try to have a model ready by the end of this year so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war so that this reserve is truly... adequate to potential threats,' Tusk said. President Donald Trump is threatening a new hefty tax on dairy and lumber from Canada as his spat with Trudeau continues. 'Canada has been ripping us off for years on lumber and on dairy products,' Trump said in the Oval Office. 'We may do it as early as today, or well wait until Monday or Tuesday,' he previewed. 'Were going to charge the same thing. Its not fair. It never has been fair, and theyve treated our farmers badly.' Later Friday, Trump is meeting with leaders of cryptocurrency, an industry he previously called a 'scam,' at the White House on Friday. They are set to discuss how the government will enact Trump's vision of making the country the 'crypto capital of the world.' Follow the DailyMail.com blog for the latest developments Labour is facing demands to publish legal advice given to ministers on using frozen Russian assets amid growing calls for them to be seized to help support Ukraine. There are thought to be tens of billions of pounds' worth of Russian assets in the UK that have been frozen since Vladimir Putin began his full-scale invasion. Following US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw military aid to Kyiv, there is growing pressure for Britain to use those assets to plug the gap in funding. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already signed off a 2.26billion loan to war-ravaged Ukraine to be paid back with the interest on Russian assets. But there is pressure on the Government to go further and seize the assets themselves in order to boost support for Ukraine following Mr Trump's action. It has emerged there are tensions within Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's Cabinet over the use of frozen Russian assets. Foreign Secretary David Lammy is said to be keen to press ahead with asset seizures. But Lord Richard Hermer, the Attorney General, is accused of being too cautious and holding up plans to use the frozen assets to pay for the defence of Ukraine. Lord Richard Hermer, the Attorney General, is accused of being too cautious and holding up plans to use the frozen assets to pay for the defence of Ukraine A damaged car lies near a damaged residential building following a Russian missile attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine There are thought to be tens of billions of pounds' worth of Russian assets in the UK that have been frozen since Vladimir Putin began his full-scale invasion According to The Times, Lord Hermer has warned about Britain being at risk of breaching international obligations if it expropriated Russian assets. It is also reported there are fears within Government about the impact on London's reputation as an international finance centre, if Russian assets are seized. Ministers are said to be worried that Middle Eastern countries could become less willing to invest in the UK if they saw asset seizures from Mr Putin's regime. Allies of the Attorney General told the newspaper he was not blocking action and is working with fellow ministers to find a solution. The Liberal Democrats today wrote to Lord Hermer calling on him to publish the legal advice he's provided to the Government regarding the seizure of Russian assets. Ben Maguire MP, the party's shadow attorney general, said: 'Volodymyr Zelensky's besieged nation has been crippled by Trump's callous approach to Ukraine's defence. 'From cutting aid to banning intelligence sharing at the drop of a hat, it's clear we need a Plan B to halt Putin's brutal invasion. 'We know that the UK holds billions in frozen Russian assets capital that could transform Kyiv's defence effort and counteract the reckless decisions coming from the White House. 'We've rightly seized the interest on these assets, but it's time for Britain to go further and faster. 'That's why I'm calling on the UK Attorney General to make his reasoning public, and publish his legal advice to the Government on seizing the frozen assets in full. 'We need the chance to properly scrutinise the decision-making on this crucial issue, so the UK can then make the right choice for Ukraine.' Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan, Canada's Justin Trudeau, Norway's Jonas Gahr Store, Iceland's Kristrun Frostadottir, and EU officials today Downing Street denied Lord Hermer was blocking Government efforts to seize Russian assets. Sir Keir's official spokesman said: 'The whole of Government has always made very clear that we want Russia to pay for the damage it has caused in Ukraine. 'As the PM said earlier in the week, it is a complex issue but it is something that we're working with other countries on in order to look at all the possibilities. 'It was obviously welcome that the G7 was able to find a route to providing Ukraine with $50billion dollars through the extraordinary revenue mechanism. 'We will continue to look at all options wherever possible, to look at the underlying assets themselves as well.' No10 did not rule out passing new laws to asset seizures being challenged in the courts. The spokesman added: 'We're going to look at all options. It's something you have to work with the G7 and other countries on, so those those talks will obviously continue. 'Much like the G7 originally reached that agreement on the profits themselves.' Colleagues of a much loved Tennessee high school teacher who mysteriously committed suicide have paid tribute to the educator as a 'great guy' with a 'huge heart' for his students. Samuel Colin Day, 60, was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a classroom at Munford High School, where he had worked for at least 15 years. Officials closed the school after finding the married Special Education Director dead at 6am on Thursday. Colleagues expressed their shock at his passing, with co-worker April Deer saying on social media he was 'a great guy always joking and laughing'. 'Lots of memories. He will be truly missed by many,' she said. Harley Romaine added: 'One of the first teachers I had the honor to know when I started working at the Munford high school in 2010.' 'Ive had the opportunity to get to know him very well despite his hectic schedule he always made time to chat with me he was always exceptionally kind,' Romaine said. 'He was the most dedicated teacher always being the last to leave, working late in the special ed department. He had a huge heart for the students.' Day had worked on the campus as a Special Education Director, he is seen here alongside his son Chase and wife Marciann Officials said that Day took his own life at around 6am before any students had arrived at the school Carol Somerville added: 'He was a great person to work. He did a spectacular job as the consulting teacher. 'He was a special friend. I worked under him for many years. Ill remember the laughs we shared. Ill remember the end of the year picnics. 'Ill remember him side by side helping with the sausage and biscuits. Ill remember our weekly Walmart outing with our students. So many memories.' Munford Police Department said that the incident happened at around 6am Thursday, before any students had arrived at the school. The school is located in Munford, about 30 miles north of Memphis in The Volunteer State. Tipton County Schools Assistant Superintendent Rebekah Byrd said: 'As we mourn the tragic loss of a highly respected and valued member of our school family today, we offer prayers and condolences to Mr. Day's loved ones, his friends and the entire staff and student body of Munford High School. 'We want to thank the Munford Police and Fire Departments, EMA Director Baker McCool, ServiceMaster by Cornerstone, and local officials who worked this morning to assist school and district personnel during the emergency that unfolded.' Since his passing was announced, former colleagues have expressed their shock at his passing on social media The school is located in Munford, which is around 30 miles north of Memphis in The Volunteer State Police said in a statement: 'We are deeply saddened to report a tragic incident that occurred today at MHS. Teacher, Samuel Colin Day, was found deceased in a classroom from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, students, and faculty affected by this heartbreaking event. 'We ask that the community respect the familys privacy during this difficult time.' Day is survived by his son Chase, and his wife Marciann. They had lived in nearby Atoka. A blundering driver has been slammed after getting their 4x4 marooned in the sea before it was engulfed by an incoming tide. The black motor got stuck in the sand on a protected beach before it got partially submerged with waves breaking over its bonnet. The occupants were seen standing by the car and being questioned by police at the beauty spot on Lunan Bay beach near Arbroath, Angus, Scotland, on March 5. Lunan Bay beach on the North Sea was voted the best beach in Scotland in a survey in 2000. Members of Lunan Bay Communities Partnership, which was set up in 2020 to take care of the beach, issued a warning after the incident. A spokesperson said: 'Vehicle stuck on Lunan Bay beach, police attended. A vehicle illegally drove onto Lunan Bay beach and became stranded at the estuary. 'With the incoming tide the car has been claimed by the sea. Driving on the beach is illegal under the Road Traffic Act 1988. 'This reckless action not only damages our beautiful beach and disturbs wildlife but also risks serious environmental harm and costly emergency interventions. A blundering driver has been slammed after getting their 4x4 marooned in the sea The occupants were seen standing by the car and being questioned by police on Lunan Bay beach The car was eventually submerged with waves breaking over its bonnet 'Lunan Bay is a protected conservation site, not an off-road track. Please respect the law, our environment and the safety of others by keeping vehicles off the beach. 'Spread the word, let's work together to protect Lunan Bay for everyone. Lunan Bay recently became a conservation site as it has a fragile ecosystem. 'Having any sort of vehicle on the site can damage that fragile ecosystem.' One local fumed, saying: 'I hope their insurance refuses to pay. Darwinism, did the captain go down with his ship?' Abigail Watt added: 'How even did they manage that? It's difficult enough to get to the beach by foot. Absolute idiot, deserve everything they get.' Kelly Bennett also said: 'The environmental impact of the car on the beach alone, never mind the sea.' Police Scotland has been approached for comment. A 61-year-old tourist is facing a decade behind bars in Greece after stealing an ancient marble column. The German man was arrested at the port of Patras after allegedly attempting to smuggle the artifact out of the country, local media reported. The suspect was stopped by Patras Port Authority officials during a check as he tried to board a ferry to Italy with the stolen column hidden in his vehicle on Saturday night. Greek authorities say the man is accused of antiquities trafficking, a serious crime that carries prison sentences of up to 12 years in the country, known for its rich archaeological heritage. Following his arrest, an archaeologist confirmed the column is an authentic ancient relic, though its exact age and origin remain unknown. 'According to the assessment of an archaeologist from the Antiquities Authority of Achaia, it is an ancient object to which the legal provisions for the protection of antiquities and cultural heritage in general apply,' said the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy. The German was detained at the port authority for two days and brought before the investigating judge on Monday. The suspect claimed in court that he purchased the piece near the Acropolis in Athens, believing it was a replica rather than a genuine artifact. Following the German's arrest, an archaeologist confirmed the column is an authentic ancient relic, though its exact age and origin remain unknown. Pictured: The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a symbol of ancient Greek civilization and has become a must-see destination for tourists worldwide (stock image) The German man was arrested at the port of Patras after allegedly attempting to smuggle the artifact out of the country. Pictured: The Port of Patras, Greece However, authorities suspect this is an attempt to evade prosecution. A judge has ordered further investigations and released the man on parole, barring him from leaving Greece until further notice. The seized artifact will now be sent to the Greek Antiquities Office to determine where it was stolen from, as authorities continue their probe into the smuggling attempt. The Central Port Authority of Patras, which is conducting the preliminary investigation, seized, in addition to the vehicle, the German's cell phone and a laptop, which are being examined by the Port Police. It comes after a British tourist was arrested in Italy after cutting tiles from a mosaic in Pompeii and trying to take them as a souvenir. The 20-year-old woman - who was on holiday with her father and sister - was caught stealing three tiles from the House Of The Anchor by a caretaker after she climbed over a rail around the mosaic, according to police. The caretaker alerted Italian police who arrested the woman before she could leave the site with the fragments in 2019. In 2018, a French tourist was fined 200 (170) and handed a suspended sentence after he was caught red-handed leading Pompeii with ancient Roman artefacts stuffed in his backpack. Pierre Luc Giglio, then aged 52, was caught by security guards when they saw him acting suspiciously. The suspect claimed in court that he purchased the piece near the Acropolis in Athens, pictured, believing it was a replica rather than a genuine artifact (stock image) They then found 13 fragments of terracotta and a piece of marble that was believed to be taken from the site's House of Loreius Tiburtinus. A tourist who stole pumice stones from the ancient city of Pompeii returned the artefacts last year along with a grovelling letter, claiming the pilfered fragments were 'cursed'. The woman sent a package containing three small stones and a letter written in English saying she 'didn't know about the curse' of Pompeii when she stole the artefacts during a holiday in southern Italy. The young tourist, who did not give her name, revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer within a year of her visit to Pompeii in the letter. In 2018 tourists were urged to return pebbles taken as souvenirs from a picturesque Greek beach where Abba musical Mamma Mia! was filmed. Officials on the island of Skiathos took action to prevent the beach from being stripped bare. Boxes bearing the words Lalaria Beach return box appeared at Skiathos airport after campaigners said the stones were disappearing at an alarming rate. And in 2020, a tourist who stole an ancient relic from a Rome museum three years prior shipped it back to Italy along with a letter apologising for being such an American a*****e. Management at the National Roman Museum were surprised to receive a bulky package postmarked from Atlanta, Georgia. It contained a fragment of ancient marble that was inscribed with the message: To Sam, (heart) Jess, Rome 2017. A bungling lorry driver caused 40,000 of damage when he crashed into a Grade II-listed memorial before fleeing the scene with its iconic cross inside its trailer has been fined just 250. The driver, who has not yet been named, collided with the 15ft-tall William Gladstone memorial cross in Lea Marston, Warwickshire, last summer while attempting to make a turn after finding themselves on the wrong road. CCTV footage of the incident shows the moment the cross on the top of the historic monument toppled into the back of the truck after the panicking driver took a wrong turn. Tonnes of rubble can be seen crashing into the back of the lorry with such force the HGV rocked on its wheels, and causing a huge dust cloud to surround the truck. The driver is then seen hurriedly driving away from the scene at around 2pm on August 21 last year. The sandstone cross was erected in 1905 to commemorate a visit to the village by Gladstone, the then-Prime Minister. At the time the incident baffled police, who believed the iconic cross had been stolen and possibly dumped in another location. Warwickshire Police released footage of the bizarre crash after the driver was hauled to court. The Grade II listed memorial was all but completely destroyed in the incident on August 21 last year Footage caught the moment the lorry driver made a wrong turn and found himself driving past the memorial (left) The driver then began attempting a multi-point turn, but did not complete the manoeuvre successfully A large cloud of dust showed the moment the truck hit the memorial, toppling over the stone and ending up with the cross in its trailer The driver, from Birmingham, was slapped with seven points on his licence and ordered to pay 246 in costs and fines - despite having caused 40,000 of damage. Posting the video on Facebook, the Warwickshire Rural Crime Team said: 'The driver mistakenly took a wrong turn onto Church Lane, Lea Marston. 'He has attempted a multiple point turn of very low talent. 'After failing this manoeuvre, he has reversed at speed into the Gladstone Cross Monument, which was a grade II listed structure, with the crosshead of the structure landing in the back of his HGV. 'He has then run over a significant portion of the column causing irreparable damage on his escape from the scene.' Police were alerted by villagers who noticed the rubble and stone cross topper missing. The lorry was tracked to a company in Redditch, Worcestershire, and officers spotted the HGV in Birmingham a few days later. As the driver fled, they left behind a pile of rubble and the remains of the stone structure The driver was quick to flee the scene and has never revealed where the stone cross is now Police were able to identify the driver who damaged the monument after contacting the company director of the haulage firm. The driver was interviewed but did not reveal where the missing cross was located. He appeared at Warwick Crown Court on Wednesday. Speaking afterwards, a police spokesperson said: 'The cross is in the very early stages of consultation to being rebuilt, however due to this being a listed building this is an expensive and elongated process. 'Replacing the cross will not bring back the years of history and heritage it previously held within the local community.' Donald Trump revealed that he started secret nuclear deal talks with Iran. Trump said on Fox Business on Friday that he sent a letter to Iran and its leadership yesterday hoping to start up talks and get a deal done. 'I said I hope you're going to negotiate, because it's going to be a lot better for Iran,' Trump revealed. 'I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something, because you can't let another nuclear weapon.' The letter was addressed to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has not yet responded publicly. 'There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal,' Trump went on. 'I would prefer to make a deal, because I'm not looking to hurt Iran. They're great people.' Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 during his first term in office. 'I said I hope you're going to negotiate, because it's going to be a lot better for Iran,' Trump revealed Last month, Khamenei said that reopening nuclear talks with the U.S. would not be 'smart.' It came after President Donald Trump threatened to 'obliterate' the nation, while also saying he'd 'love to make a deal.' On Tuesday, Trump also signed an executive order outlining a 'maximum pressure' campaign against Tehran. During the course of that signing, Trump warned that if Iran assassinated him - as officials have threatened to do after he ordered the killing of Quds force leader Qasem Soleimani - there would be retribution. 'If they did that, they would be obliterated,' Trump responded. 'I have left instructions. If they do it, they get obliterated, there won't be anything left.' During the same appearance, Trump said he was 'torn' about signing the order because he'd like to make a deal with Iran, to prevent the Middle Eastern nation from obtaining a nuclear weapon. In his remarks, Khamenei pointed to Trump as the reason a nuclear deal with the U.S. no longer existed. 'The person in charge tore it up,' Khamenei said. He told Iranians they shouldn't do it again. 'Negotiating with America is neither smart, wise, or honorable,' he said in remarks marking the anniversary of Iran's 1979 revolution. 'It will not solve any of our problems. The reason? Experience!' Khamenei also rejected Trump's plan for the U.S. to take control of war-torn Gaza, something the president floated Tuesday during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House. 'On paper, Americans are changing the world map,' Khamenei said. 'Of course it's only on paper because it's devoid of reality.' Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said last month that reopening talks with the U.S. would not be 'smart' after President Donald Trump threatened to 'obliterate' the nation, while also saying he'd 'love to make a deal' with Iran During Trump's first term, the Republican president pulled out of the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, known as the Iran nuclear deal. Trump then levied sanctions on Iran's economy, cratering it. In January 2020, he gave the order to assassinate Soleimani outside Baghdad's airport. Since then, Trump and other high-ranking U.S. government officials have been under assassination threat by Iran. During his first few weeks in office, Trump has stripped security details away from some of these officials - most notably former National Security Advisor John Bolton and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Ring cameras could help solve the mystery of the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, according to a former NYPD cop. The mummified remains of the Oscar winner, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found in their $3.8million Santa Fe home last week. The cause of their deaths remains unknown pending toxicology reports. Retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro explained that while there were no security cameras at the couple's Santa Fe mansion, other cameras in the area could help police nail down the time frame of their deaths. 'It's a gated community. So, there are probably cameras at the gate and on the streets. The neighbors almost certainly have Ring cameras,' Mauro told Fox News. 'The digital evidence is going to show investigators, in a very pointed way, at what point, whatever occurred, occurred. You're going to get a narrow window that you can work with.... You can pull the Ring camera from the neighbors, pull the camera from the front gate, from the surrounding areas. You can see any cars going in and out.' Mauro added that detectives will also be looking at the couple's vehicles for any potential disturbance in their routine that could offer clues into their last days. 'Cars these days are rolling computers... what if the last time they were in the car they went to a doctor they have never gone to before or something like that?' the retired cop added. Ring cameras around the home of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy - as well as the GPS on their vehicle - could help solve the mystery of their deaths, according to a former NYPD cop Police are seen outside the couple's Santa Fe home. The cause of their deaths remains unknown Detectives will also be looking at the couple's vehicles for any potential disturbance in their routine that could offer clues into their last days. They are seen in 2003 'Then you're going to follow that up because it's going to have a GPS in there... You can say, "Well, the day before she died, looks like she was at a pharmacy and re-upped her pills, and she got a pill that she'd never gotten before." Maybe she had a bad reaction to it. Did he find her and was he going for help and fell? These are all theories you have to entertain, and the digital evidence will lead you there.' The couple's exact time of death remains unknown as investigators continue probing the mysterious circumstances. Hackman and Arakawa likely were dead for nine days until their discovery on February 28. Arakawas body was found in a bathroom near unidentified pills strewn from a prescription bottle, while Hackmans remains were found in the homes entryway. Hackman's glasses and cane were on the floor beside him, suggesting he had fallen just before his death. It is still unclear who died first - Hackman or Arakawa. But fire chief Brian Moya said the location of their remains suggests it was around the same time. 'Just because both bodies were in similar ways where we, as experts, sad to say that we know a lot about how people die and how long people are dead for both bodies are in a similar manner that it could be a similar timeframe,' Moya told Fox News. Moya noted the couple's property spanned more than 9,000 square feet across three structures, so it's telling that both bodies and that of their dog Zinna, were found in the same building. Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa are seen with two unidentified dogs. Two of their three dogs survived and are in the care of one of their friends Hackman met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist who grew up in Hawaii, when she was working part-time at a California gym in the mid-1980s. They are seen in 1992 The couples German shepherd, named Bear, survived along with a second dog named Nikita, according to Joey Padilla, owner of the Santa Fe Tails pet care, where Hackman and Arakawa often boarded their dogs. Both are being cared for. The mystery of the couple's deaths has only deepened as police said they have found no evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning. The two bodies both have tested negative for carbon monoxide, and no gas leaks were discovered in or around the home. Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office said there were no signs of foul play or external trauma on the couple's bodies. Sheriff Adan Mendoza added that he could not completely rule foul play out while the investigation continues. The deaths were originally deemed suspicious enough to warrant a full investigation but cops no longer believe anyone else was involved. Hackman's pacemaker last recorded him alive on February 17 - nine days before his body was found. Police do not suspect foul play, despite the front door being found 'ajar.' There were no signs of forced entry into the home. 'I think I'm pretty confident that there is no foul play just based on the lack of evidence,' Mendoza later told Today. 'But, of course, we're not ruling that out.' The case is shrouded in the kind of intrigue reserved for Hackman's detective thriller novels and has garnered international attention - with many wondering how their deaths went unnoticed for so long. Hackman arrives with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills in January 2003 Neighbors in their gated private community off a winding canyon road five miles outside of Santa Fe told The New York Times that despite living with the celebrity couple for years, most of them never even caught a glimpse of them. Hackman was in a mud room off the kitchen. His sunglasses and cane were on the floor and it has been suggested the actor had suffered a fall. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner with an estimated net worth of $80million, just turned 95 in late January. He became a recluse in the last 20 years of his life, after retiring from acting in 2004. He moved to New Mexico shortly after making a movie there in the 1980s and loved the quiet pace of life and the fact locals left him in peace. Friends occasionally shared glimpses of his post-acting life, including social media shots of fishing expeditions - while paying tribute to his silver screen triumphs. He would also occasionally be spotted pedaling around Santa Fe on a bicycle. The gruff-but-beloved Hackman was among the finest actors of his generation, appearing as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of dramas, comedies and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s. He was a five-time Oscar nominee who won for The French Connection in 1972 and Unforgiven two decades later. His death comes just four days before this year's ceremony. Hackman met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist who grew up in Hawaii, when she was working part-time at a California gym in the mid-1980s, the New York Times reported in 1989. They soon moved in together, and by the end of the decade had decamped to Santa Fe. MAGA world has turned on Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett despite her having been appointed to the country's highest court by President Donald Trump. The associate justice was chosen by Trump and rushed through confirmation by Senate Republicans in 2020 ahead of the November presidential election. But since her appointment, Barrett has joined her liberal colleagues on several occasions for rulings that have hampered Trump and his second term agenda. In response, the president's loyal fans have turned their wrath on Barrett, calling her a traitor for her independent streak. 'Amy Coney Barrett was a DEI appointee,' posted far-right activist and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer on X this week. Megyn Kelly went off on her on her podcast as 'a little squishy.' 'As a female who leans right, I'm kind of sick of like, the female conservatives who get appointed to the Supreme Court, Sandra Day O'Connor, now Amy Coney Barrett, like being too squishy,' she ranted. 'Get somebody with some rhetorical balls who will hold as fiercely to conservative principles in the judiciary as the left wing does,' she added. MAGA loyalists have turned on Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett for a series of rulings where she has sided with the more liberal justices on the country's highest court MAGA lawyer Mike Davis called Barrett 'scared of her own shadow.' 'She is a rattled law professor with her head up her a**,' Davis, a former clerk to Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, said on Steve Bannon's podcast. He also blasted her as 'weak and timid' to NBC News. Right-wing influencer Eric Daugherty attacked the justice in a series of tweets as an 'anti-Trump judge' and a 'big problem.' 'Barrett deceived people into thinking she was a reliable constitutionalist. The power has gone to her head. It happens with frightening regularity the last half century,' posted conservative radio host Mark Levin. The MAGA meltdown over Barrett kicked into high gear this week after the Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration's emergency request to block the payment of $2 billion in foreign aid. In the 5-4 decision, the country's highest court refused to halt a lower court judge ordering the administration to release the funds owed under existing contracts. Chief Justice John Roberts and Barrett joined with the more liberal justices on the court in the majority. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, making Barrett the only Trump appointed justice to side against the president's effort. Justice Barrett shakes hands with President Donald Trump ahead of his address to a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025 In January, Barrett was among the same five-justice majority that ruled against Trump's request to halt him being sentenced on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records just days before his inauguration. But Barrett has also been a swing vote siding with conservatives as well. She was in the majority which overturned Roe v Wade in 2023. She was also in the 6-3 conservative majority last June that ruled presidents have some immunity from prosecution for actions taken while in office. Trump nominated Barrett to replace late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court after she passed away in September 2020. President Donald Trump with Barrett on October 26, 2020 after she was confirmed to the Supreme Court by the Senate In announcing her nomination, Trump said Barrett was going to be 'fantastic.' 'No matter the issue, no matter the case before her, I am supremely confident that Judge Barrett will issue rulings based solely upon a fair reading of the law,' the president said at the time. Despite refusing to confirm an Obama Supreme Court nominee ahead of the 2016 election, Senate Republicans in the majority ramped through Barrett's confirmation. The move solidified a conservative supermajority on the country's highest court just weeks before Joe Biden won the election and Democrats flipped the Senate. President Donald Trump on Friday warned Moscow he was 'strongly considering' imposing sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached with Ukraine. It marks a shift in tone after Trump worried allies with warm words about how trusted President Vladimir Putin and a call for Moscow to be readmitted to the G7. A senior administration official said 'the president's has intensified over Russia escalating as he's trying to get both sides to the table.' Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express his fury. 'Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely "pounding" Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,' he posted. 'To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late.' He offered no further details on his plans. However, the U.S., Europe and other nations have already imposed thousands of sanctions on Russiafocused on the oil industry and finance sectordesigned to hobble its economy and increase pressure to end the war. President Donald Trump signaled Friday he was ready to get tougher on Russia in an effort to end the conflict in Ukraine Trump used Truth Social to send a warning to Moscow Trump's strong words come as Russia keeps up its barrage on Ukraine, and amid signs it is about to launch a major spring offensive. Trump promised to end the conflict on day one of his presidency. The complexity of the task means he has dropped that target but still wants to end the war as fast as possible. His administration has choked off military aid and intelligence to Ukraine to pressure it into a deal. However that has alarmed European nations, who fear Trump has become too soft on Russia, which sparked the war by invading three years ago. It followed a disastrous meeting in the Oval Office with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, when the two clashed over whether Putin could be trusted. Zelensky left before lunch and a press conference and has since spent time rallying other allies. And last week Trump's administration voted against a United Nations resolution that marked the third anniversary of the war by condemning the Russian invasion. On Thursday, it emerged key allies were weighing whether to withhold sensitive intelligence from Washington for fear it might end up being shared with Russia. A State Emergency Service of Ukraine handout photo shows a firefighting team tackling a fire after Russian troops launched a massive strike with guided air bombs on a front-line settlement in Kharkiv, Ukraine on March 06 Trump has alarmed allies by saying he believed he could trust President Vladimir Putin At the same time, Russia appears to be gearing up for a major spring offensive. Russian state TV revealed that Moscow is preparing 'big reserve forces' and 'large units' that analysts say will '100 per cent advance' on Ukrainian troops once the weather changes. Friday brought a whirlwind round of diplomacy as Trump kept up the rapid pace of his first two months in office. He also announced he had written to Iran's supreme leader offering a resumption of nuclear talks. 'I've written them a letter saying, "I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing,"' he said during an interview broadcast by Fox Business News. Trump pulled the U.S. out of an international nuclear deal with Tehran in 2018, and on-again, off-again negotiations sputtered during the Biden administration. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirmed Friday morning she is going to work to shut down the 4,200-person agency she oversees. 'I want to bring the schools back to the states,' Donald Trump reiterated Thursday while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office. 'And I've said it 100 times.' 'We're ranked at the bottom of the list, and yet we spend more,' the Republican complained. 'We're ranked number one for cost per student. We're ranked at the bottom of the list in education.' Trump has said that in appointing McMahon, 76, the former WWE CEO, his hope is that she will 'put herself out of a job' by helping the president dismantle the agency. On Monday the Senate confirmed her to do just that, and within days of taking the role she confirmed in a TV interview Friday morning that she's ready to reshape the U.S. education system. 'He couldn't be any more clear when he said he wants me to put myself out of a job,' she shared on Fox News. And taking a part the education agency could come soon, as reports indicate that Trump could soon sign an executive order to abolish the department, though final approval must come from Congress. 'I think he certainly intends to sign the order,' McMahon confirmed. Education Secretary Linda McMahon speaking on Fox News Friday morning confirmed that she is ready to help Donald Trump dismantle the agency. She was just confirmed to her brand new post on Monday Trump confirmed to reporters during an Oval Office gaggle Thursday that he is intent on reforming U.S. education, and McMahon will help with that Trump has noted how the U.S. is well behind globally when it comes to student's scores 'And we've talked about it,' McMahon shared. 'He's made it crystal clear since the time he was running for president, that this is his intent.' To do that, Trump and the secretary want to cede the power of the federal department back to the state's education agencies. This agenda also includes the expansion of school choice policies, which enable parents to select which schools to enroll their children, whether private or public, by awarding money the state would spend on pupils to their parents. The Education Department distributes funds and conducts studies on American academic outcomes but has little control over curriculum taught in schools. 'He wants to make sure that education is back at the state level where it belongs, that that our local school boards, that governors and teachers and parents are really the ones that are involved mostly in the children's education,' McMahon shared. There are many ways to empower parents with the money typically allocated to public schools, the Trump Cabinet member said. Scholarship programs, voucher systems and more are being examined as ways to 'provide opportunities to children that are stuck in failing schools.' 'No child should be stuck in a failing school,' she added. McMahon also ripped the violent college protestors at Barnard College who have been protesting and taking over buildings on campus this week Pro-Palestinian student protesters demonstrate outside Barnard College in New York on February 27, 2025, the morning after pro-Palestinian student protesters stormed a Barnard College building to protest the expulsion last month of two students who interrupted a university class on Israel NYPD cleared pro-Palestinian demonstrators from the Barnard College after a group of student protesters occupied Milstein Library on Wednesday night Among the schools failing its students are Columbia University and Barnard College, McMahon said, noting the anti-Israel, pro-Gaza protests breaking out on the New York campuses. She noted how the activists have used 'violence' on campus, and she called on police to intervene and restore order. '[Trump's] absolutely not going to allow federal funds to be going to these universities that continue to allow antisemitism on its campus,' the secretary stated. 'To allow this kind of unrest, this is not about freedom of speech, we're talking about violence on campus.' 'The president has made it clearuniversities that tolerate antisemitism will NOT receive federal funding. This administration will not support institutions that refuse to take a stand against hate.' Popular mixed martial arts fighter Langston Sykes was shot and killed while breaking into a Florida home. The 31-year-old was shot just before 11pm on Tuesday night inside a home in Lake City, Florida, according to the local police department. Detectives believe that Sykes was known to the residents, one of whom had an injunction against him. They have not been charged and are considered protected by Florida's Stand Your Ground legislation. Sykes, who had five children, successfully broke into the property and 'rushed' at one of the occupants who then opened fire, according to police. UFC bantamweight fighter Ramon Taveras, who 'shared the mats' with Sykes, mourned his passing, saying to anybody 'chasing a dream dont lose it over something or somebody'. Police Chief Gerald Butler said: 'This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with everyone affected. Langston Sykes, 31, was shot just before 11pm on Tuesday night inside a home in Lake City, Florida Officials said in a statement that those inside the address knew Sykes, and that he had successfully broken into the property 'Based on the investigation, it appears this may be a case of a resident acting in self-defense during a home invasion.' A friend of Sykes' ex-wife Madeline Ault told WCJB that his former partner and his children lived at the address. Ault said: 'In their home that they had together, he was coming in and throwing stuff around or breaking things and causing problems. So, she got her own place. 'The fact that its had to come to this is just, I dont know, insane. Its hard to believe.' First responders raced to the scene to aid Sykes but he died at the scene, according to police. According to public records, he had been arrested several times and had also served over a year behind bars in 2011 in Florida for a grand theft auto charge. More recently, he had been up in court in relation to a traffic offense of driving without a license in 2019. It is currently unclear what the outcome of that case was. On his social media, Sykes went under the name Langston 'Blaze' Sykes, and was a kickboxer and father-of-five. His coach James Smiley shared a tribute to him on his Facebook, writing that he was a 'fierce competitor'. His last fight happened in August of 2024, beating out his opponent Anson Swindle to win by a technical knock out in the first round Smiley wrote: 'It is with a heavy heart that Im sharing the news of the loss of our teammate, our friend, and our brother, Langston. He was more than just a part of our team, he was family. 'Langston was not only a fierce competitor and a dedicated teammate, but he was also a great father, a loyal friend, and a man who brought light into every room he entered. 'His kindness, his laughter, and his unwavering support for those he loved will never be forgotten. 'Our hearts go out to his family, especially his five children, who were his greatest pride and joy. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.' According to website Tapology, he had a professional MMA record of one win, four losses, and zero draws. Since his passing, others in the world of MMA have also paid tribute to Sykes. Ring announcer Christopher J Rothstein said: 'I'm heartbroken making this post. I just found out that Lanko Sykes was shot and killed last night. Officers added that an adult inside the home also had an active injunction out against Sykes 'I don't know the circumstances of what exactly happened, I just know it's sad. He was a pleasure to have around during fight week. 'He was a fighter, a friend to so many, and he loved being a father to his children. God bless his family during this tragic time.' Fellow fighter Taveras added: 'Didn't really know Lanko Sykes but we shared the mats together a few times. Sad to see this happen. 'This man was talented and its sad to see him gone so early, so much more life he had to give. Leaving 5 children behind as well man, I can only imagine.' Trainer Glen Cannon added: 'Ive been at a lost for words since this morning, waking up to the messages that my brother was gone. 'It still dont seem real. More than just a close friend, Lanko was like a brother to me, hell at times we would butt heads, disagree, and get on each others ass like blood brothers but It was always with love.' Labour was today accused of 'capitulating' to tech giants and 'betraying our children' by 'gutting' laws that would have included a ban on smartphones in schools. Proposed legislation, known as the Safer Phones Bill, has been introduced to Parliament by Labour backbencher Josh McAlister. The Bill aims to protect under-16s from addictive social media content on sites like TikTok and Snapchat and prevent them 'doom scrolling' on their phones. If passed into law, it would instruct UK chief medical officers to publish advice for parents on the use of smartphones and social media by children. It would also compel ministers to say within a year whether they plan to raise the age at which children can consent for their data to be shared without parental permission. But Mr MacAlister and the Government today faced anger over the watering-down of his initial proposals following talks with ministers. The Whitehaven and Workington MP had originally planned for his private members' bill to call for a legal requirement to make all schools in England mobile-free zones. Mr MacAlister also wanted to commit the Government to review further regulation of the design, supply, marketing and use of smartphones by under-16s. Labour ministers, including Sir Chris Bryant, have been accused of 'capitulating' to tech giants and 'betraying our children' by 'gutting' proposed laws Proposed legislation, known as the Safer Phones Bill, has been introduced to Parliament by Labour backbencher Josh McAlister Tory MP Kit Malthouse, the former education secretary, told the House of Commons he lamented 'the gutting of what could have been a landmark Bill' As MPs debated the Bill's second reading, Tory MP Kit Malthouse claimed the officially-titled Protection of Children Bill was now a 'hollowed-out gesture'. The former education secretary told the House of Commons he lamented 'the gutting of what could have been a landmark Bill' Mr Malthouse claimed the Government had 'dithered, diluted and capitulated', adding: 'We should all be furious about this. 'We should all be furious about the delay and the prevarication that is being injected into what could have been a huge step forward for parents and children. 'I cannot then understand why the Government has pressured (Mr MacAlister) to produce what is, frankly, a cosmetic plug, betraying our children and capitulating to big tech. 'I'm afraid this Bill is a shell of what it could have been, and as a result, is yet another missed opportunity to improve the lives of our young people.' Fellow Tory MP Sir Ashley Fox said he suspected a Government whip had told Mr MacAlister 'he had a very promising career ahead of him should he agree to do the right thing and water this legislation down to the point where it doesn't actually do very much at all'. Intervening, Mr MacAlister said: 'Private members' Bills are often a shot in the dark, and my aim from the beginning of this process has been, yes, to have the national debate. 'But also to put all of my energy on landing this with some action and progress.' The Bill aims to protect under-16s from addictive social media content on sites like TikTok and Snapchat and prevent them 'doom scrolling' on their phones Majority of young peole support stricter rules on social media - poll The majority of young people support the idea of placing stricter rules on social media, with more than 60 per cent saying they believe it does more harm than good. A study from new think tank The New Britain Project and polling firm More in Common found that three-quarters of those aged 16 to 24 said stronger rules were needed to protect young people from social media harms, and social media was named as the most negative influence on teens' mental health. According to the research, which surveyed more than 1,600 16-to-24-year-olds, 55 per cent said social media had gotten worse in the last five years, with 62 per cent saying it has become less safe for young people. Four out of five young people also said they would try to keep their own children off social media for as long as possible. In general, young women were more negative about social media than young men, and half of all young people said they regretted time spent on their phones while growing up. Luke Tryl, executive director at More in Common, said: 'Far from feeling empowered by smartphones and social media this research shows that many Gen Z Britons regret the time they spent on their devices and wish they'd waited longer to access social media - so much so they would try and keep their own children off social media for as long as possible - but they personally now feel they would struggle to quit.' Advertisement Sir Ashley added there is 'nothing in this Bill that requires legislation' and Mr MacAlister 'should be a little bit ashamed of having campaigned so vigorously and then presented this Bill'. Caroline Voaden, the Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, said she hoped the Bill marks 'the first step in a journey which will be far-reaching and hopefully fairly swift'. She said: 'I know I am not alone to be somewhat disappointed that the Bill we see today is but a shadow of its former self, and that the Government has been so timid in what it is willing to do to try and save our children and young people from something that is clearly causing them considerable harm.' Speaking in support of his Bill, Mr MacAlister - a former teacher - told MPs that the average 12-year-old spends 21 hours a week on their smartphone 'This is a fundamental rewiring of childhood itself and it's happened in little over a decade,' he added. 'We must act on excessive screen time today in the same way we acted on smoking back then, and like debates that were had on smoking and car seatbelts, it took a process of legislation rather than one 'big bang' event. 'That's why starting today with these initial steps and then following them through with major action soon will be so important.' Data protection minister Sir Chris Bryant said he was 'not going to make any arguments today against action'. 'Everybody accepts that action is inevitable in this sphere,' he added. Sir Chris said the Government was working to implement the already-passed Online Safety Act 'as fast as we possibly can' He added that illegal content codes will come into force this month, with new duties on social media companies to detect and remove some content including child sexual abuse and terrorism material. He said children's safety codes are 'nearly finalised', and told the Commons that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is running a feasibility study into the impact of smartphones and social media, due to report in May, so ministers 'have all the information that we need to make a considered view'. MPs agreed to adjourn the debate, which will be listed to resume on July 11. President Donald Trump revealed in the Oval Office Friday which leader - Russia's Vladimir Putin or Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky - has been easier to deal with, while issuing a stark new World War III warning. A reporter pointed out to Trump that Putin was bombing Ukraine and asked the president if he believed the Russian leader still wanted peace. 'I believe him, I believe him,' Trump answered. 'I think we're doing really well with Russia.' The president noted that Russia was 'bombing the hell out of Ukraine.' 'I'm finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine,' Trump said. The comments come a week after Trump and Zelensky's blow-up in the Oval Office, which prompted the U.S. to pause intelligence sharing and weapons deliveries to Ukraine, a longtime ally. They also come within hours of Trump pushing that he was 'strongly considering' imposing sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement come to fruition. 'Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely "pounding" Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,' Trump posted to Truth Social Friday morning. President Donald Trump revealed in the Oval Office Friday which leader - Russia 's Vladimir Putin or Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky - has been easier to deal with, while issuing a stark new World War III warning 'I'm finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine,' Trump said Friday, a week after his Oval Office blow-up with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left). Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) is photographed in Moscow on Friday 'To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late,' the president added. During his Oval Office Q&A, the president reverted to saying the onus was on Ukraine, because the country doesn't 'have the cards.' 'As you know we're meeting in Saudi Arabia sometime next week. And we find that in terms with getting a final settlement it may be easier dealing with Russia, which is surprising because they have all the cards,' Trump continued. 'And they are bombing the hell out of them right now.' 'We're trying to help them,' the president said. 'And Ukraine has to get on the ball and get a deal done.' When asked if Putin and the Russians were taking advantage of the U.S.'s weapons and intelligence pause to pummel Ukraine, Trump pushed that Putin's actions were understandable. I actually think he's doing what anybody in that position would be doing that right now," Trump said. 'I've always had a good relationship with Putin. And you know, he wants to end the war. "I think he's going to be more generous than he has to be, and that's pretty good. That means a lot of good things. 'He wants to get it ended and I think Ukraine wants to get it ended but I don't see - it's crazy - they're taking tremendous punishment, I don't quite get it,' Trump continued. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz also addressed reporters, calling the current state of the war a 'meat grinder.' 'This is a meat grinder of people, of material, of national treasure and no one has any solutions but to let this war continue forever,' Waltz said. A reporter pointed to Trump's earlier Truth post, saying that Ukraine was being pounded, and asked why he wasn't supplying air defense to stop the assault. 'I have to know that they want to settle,' Trump replied. 'I don't know that they want to settle. If they don't want to settle, we're out of there because we want them to settle.' 'This thing could end up in a World War III if we don't get it settled,' Trump added. 'This could really end up in a World War III.' Bujumbura, Burundi (PANA) - The aid response in Burundi to the crisis in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is literally buckling, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, warned on Friday, as it relayed dramatic testimonies from people forced to flee the unchecked advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels A JetBlue pilot who was arrested last month at Boston's Logan Airport moments before takeoff shot himself in a train station parking lot on Friday morning. Jeremy Gudorf, 33, killed himself in his car at the Wonderland MBTA Station in Revere, which is five miles from downtown Boston, as he was approached by troopers with the Massachusetts State Police fugitive team. Reports say that Gudorf was alive when troopers found him in the parking lot, before he pulled out a gun and 'abruptly shot himself.' Police entered the vehicle and provided first aid, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital. Gudorf had been tracked down to the parking lot weeks after he was arrested at Boston Logan Airport on February 20 on an outstanding warrant from North Carolina, where he was accused of exploitation of a minor. He was due to turn himself over to police in North Carolina to face those charges, but failed to make the trip. The troopers who witnessed his suicide were on their way to collect him and hand him over to North Carolina authorities. Gudorf's shock arrest last month came as US Customs and Border Protection conducted a review of the manifest of his flight from Boston to Paris and found he had outstanding warrants, and he was hauled off the plane moments before takeoff. JetBlue previously told DailyMail.com that Gudorf had been placed on indefinite leave, and said it was 'closely reviewing' the case. Jeremy Gudorf, 33, who was arrested last month at Boston's Logan Airport before a flight to Paris, fatally shot himself in the parking lot of a train station on Friday morning, officials said Gudorf killed himself in his car in a parking garage in Revere, Massachusetts, as he was approached by troopers with the Massachusetts State Police fugitive team The warrant for the pilot's arrest was discovered during a routine check of the plane's occupants The Huntersville Police Department in North Carolina said it launched an investigation into Gudorf in October 2024 following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Google during the investigation, allegedly leading them to find sexual exploitation images linked to Gudorf. 'At the time the crime was committed, records indicate he resided in Huntersville, NC. However, during the investigation, and before he was identified as a suspect, he relocated out of state,' the department said in a statement. Gudorf also resided in Xenia, Ohio, about an hour northeast of Cincinnati, and prosecutors had requested that he be held without bail following his arrest at Logan Airport. However, a judge instead set his bail was set at $10,000 and allowed him to keep his passport, under the condition he reported to North Carolina within a week. Tanvi Verma, Gudorf's defense attorney, insisted after his arrest in Boston that he would be appearing in North Carolina, but the pilot never did so Gudorf had addresses in Huntersville, North Carolina (pictured) and Xenia, Ohio Gudorf's defense attorney Tanvi Verma said at the time that the pilot had 'the financial capacity to rent a car and drive to North Carolina' and 'has assured me he will do that.' 'Frankly, there is no running away from this case, judge. He's perfectly aware of that,' Verma said at the time. 'These are serious charges. The news is here. He's not going to be able to just run away from this.' Verma added that her client had no prior criminal history, and the judge allowed Gudorf to be freed against the prosecutors' wishes. When he never showed up for the court date in North Carolina, cops located him in the parking lot on Friday, shortly before he killed himself. Poland could soon require every adult male to undergo large-scale military training as it aims to boost its reserve force amid mounting tensions with Russia. The Polish government is currently working to put a system in place for training all men for the event of a war, Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed Friday. Tusk told the country's Sejm - the lower house of parliament - that the military training would create a reserve force that is 'adequate to possible threats.' Officials aim to have a plan for the scheme, which would also be open to women volunteers, finalised by the end of the year. Concern has grown in Poland and across most of Europe after President Donald Trump has shifted the US position from being a defender of Ukraine to withholding military aid and intelligence, and signalling a support for Russia's position. Poland, located along NATO's eastern flank, is deeply worried by the war in Ukraine and readying itself for threats from Moscow. There are fears that if Ukraine is defeated, Russia will turn its imperial ambitions to countries like Poland, which it controlled during the 19th century and during the Cold War. President Andrzej Duda on Friday said he was submitting an amendment to the Polish constitution for consideration which would oblige the country to spend at least 4 per cent of its GDP each year on defence. Poland, galvanised by Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine three years ago, already spends a higher proportion of GDP on defence than any other NATO member, including the US. Poland could soon require every adult male to undergo large-scale military training as it aims to boost its reserve force amid mounting tensions with Russia, Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed today (pictured) as he addressed the Sejm, the lower house of parliament, in Warsaw Tusk said the military training would create a reserve force that is 'adequate to possible threats.' Officials aim to have a plan for the scheme, which would also be open to women volunteers, finalised by the end of the year. Pictured are volunteers taking part in basic training with the Polish army in Nowogrod, Poland, on Thursday June 20, 2024 'We will try to have a model ready by the end of this year so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war so that this reserve is truly ... adequate to potential threats,' Tusk told the chamber Friday. He added: 'If Ukraine loses the war or if it accepts the terms of peace, armistice, or capitulation in such a way that weakens its sovereignty and makes it easier for Putin to gain control over Ukraine, then, without a doubt - and we can all agree on that - Poland will find itself in a much more difficult geopolitical situation.' Jaroslaw Kaczy'nski, the head of Polands largest opposition party, the conservative Law and Justice, said a mental shift in society would also be needed in addition to the military training of men. 'We will have a return to the chivalric ethos and to the fact that men should also be soldiers, that is, be able to expose themselves, even to death,' Kaczy'nski said. Talking to reporters later, Tusk cited the Swiss model as an example and added it would not be 'mandatory, but there would be incentives that make men decide to undergo annual training and it is not just symbolic, not fake.' Every Swiss man is obliged to serve in the military or an alternative civilian service. Swiss women can serve on a voluntary basis. Tusk also said he supported Poland withdrawing from international conventions that ban the use of anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions. Duda also proposed enshrining defence spending of at least 4 per cent of GDP in the constitution. The country is already NATO's top spender on defence as a percentage of its overall economy, spending above 4 per cent of its GDP this year. But Duda said he wanted to take advantage of the consensus on the political scene in Poland today on the matter to enshrine it in the highest law. Tusk warned: 'If Ukraine loses the war or if it accepts the terms of peace, armistice, or capitulation in such a way that weakens its sovereignty and makes it easier for Putin (pictured on March 6, 2025) to gain control over Ukraine, then, without a doubt - and we can all agree on that - Poland will find itself in a much more difficult geopolitical situation' Polish President Andrzej Duda on Friday (pictured) said he was submitting an amendment to the Polish constitution for consideration which would oblige the country to spend at least 4 per cent of its GDP each year on defence Though Duda and Tusk are political opponents, there is broad consensus in Poland on boosting defence. Changing the constitution requires a qualified majority in both houses of parliament. Tusk later said in parliament that spending 5 per cent on defence seems 'a necessity,' but that Poles have 'a lot of effort ahead of us.' On Thursday, Duda said during a joint press conference in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that all NATO countries should raise defence spending to at least 3 per cent of GDP immediately. Meanwhile, Trump has suggested that the US might abandon its commitments to the alliance if member countries dont meet defence spending targets. Russia overnight attacked Ukrainian energy facilities with dozens of missiles and drones, hobbling the country's ability to deliver heat and light to its citizens and to power weapons factories vital to its defences. The overnight barrage - which also pounded residences and wounded at least 10 people - came days after the US suspended military aid and intelligence to Ukraine to pressure it into accepting a peace deal being pushed by the Trump administration. Without US intelligence, Ukraine's ability to strike inside Russia and defend itself from bombardment is significantly diminished. Air-defence systems supplied by the West are crucial for Ukraine, but further help is uncertain under Trump, who says hes determined to end the war. European Union leaders, mindful they may need to shoulder more of the burden for arming Ukraine and strengthen their own defences, agreed on a plan Thursday to significantly build up their military spending. In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, firefighters put out the fire following a Russian rocket attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Friday, March 7, 2025 A rescuer stands amid smoke and debris near a damaged premise after a Russian missile attack on March 7, 2025 in Kharkiv, Ukraine Ukraine is having a tough time on the battlefield. An onslaught by Russia's bigger army is straining short-handed Ukrainian forces at places along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line. Officials from the US and Ukraine will meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss ending the war, which began more than three years ago when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. On Friday, President Trump said on social media he was 'strongly considering' placing additional sanctions on Russia to force it into peace talks with Ukraine. 'To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late,' Trump said. Ukraine came under a 'massive missile and drone' attack overnight, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko wrote on Facebook. 'Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by striking energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without light and heat, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens,' Halushchenko wrote. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's power grid during the war. The attacks have depleted electricity generation capacity and disrupted critical heating and water supplies. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of 'weaponizing winter' in an effort to erode civilian morale. Zelensky on Friday won the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Ukraine's proposals to take some first steps toward stopping the war, including a halt on firing missiles, drones and bombs at energy and other civilian infrastructure. Zelensky has also proposed ceasing combat operations in the Black Sea to allow safe shipping. Erdogan said that he also wants the shooting to stop without delay. 'We support the idea of an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of attacks in the air and at sea as a confidence-building measure between the parties,' he said in a video call with European leaders. Zelensky first suggested those initial steps in a post on X on Tuesday, when he said that he was ready to work under President Trumps 'strong leadership' to get a lasting peace. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that the energy supply is a legitimate target in the war, because it's 'linked with Ukraines military industrial complex and weapons production.' Russian air defences downed 39 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. Emergency teams and civilians are at the scene where a Russian Iskander missile hit a civilian infrastructure facility, causing an explosion and therefore fire and damage in ten garages and five cars in Kharkiv, Ukraine on March 7, 2025 Ukraines largest private gas producer, DTEK, said that the overnight bombardment in the Odesa region was Russia's sixth attack in the past two and a half weeks on its facilities. Its plants in two other regions were also struck. Russia fired 67 missiles from air, land and sea, and launched 194 strike and decoy drones, Ukraines air force said. Their primary target was Ukraines natural gas extraction facilities, it said. For the first time, Ukraine deployed French Mirage-2000 warplanes delivered a month ago to help repel the attack, according to the air force. Ukraine also has Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets to shoot down Russian missiles. Ukrainian defences downed 34 missiles and 100 drones, the air force said, while up to 10 missiles didn't reach their targets and 86 drones were lost from radars, presumably jammed by electronic warfare. Zelensky said Thursday that he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet with the country's crown prince, and that his team would stay on to hold talks with US officials. He also welcomed a European Union plan to bolster the continent's defences, and expressed hope that some of the new spending could be used to strengthen Ukraine's own defence industry. British holidaymakers visiting the Balearic Islands this summer have been warned to expect higher tourist taxes. The regional government announced today it was going to raise the so-called ecotasa visitors pay to stay in hotels and other tourist accommodation to up to six euros per person per night. The fee cruise passengers pay will be tripled from its current rate of two euros to six, while Marga Prohens' government also announced a new tax on private holiday cars. The owners of vehicles registered outside the islands who decide to enter with their vehicles will be asked to pay between 30 to 85 euros. The triple whammy comes after a summer of discontent last year in which thousands of locals marched in Palma during two large demos to protest at the effects of mass tourism. Smaller protests took place in Ibiza and Menorca along with a number of other actions including the occupation of beaches which campaigners say have become no-go areas for locals and their families. The Balearic Islands government responded by saying it would look into ways of alleviating some of the negative effects of tourist massification. Estimates being bandied around today were pointing to a standard family car facing a charge of around 50 euros to enter the Balearics from the Spanish mainland. In Barcelona's Gothic Quarter a group of tourists on a bike tour pass an anti-tourism graffiti reading Your Trip Our Misery People hold a placard which reads as 'We want to live in our house' as they take part in a demonstration to protest against overtourism and housing prices on the island of Mallorca A group of protesters carry placards during a rally in Madrid. Under the motto 'The Canary Islands have a limit' The words 'Go Home Tourist' were first scrawled in English last April The measure is expected to impact on car rental companies with vehicles registered outside of the islands that bring in extra cars in the high season. Analysts say they are bound to try to pass on the extra cost to customers. The creation of the new tax will need parliamentary approval to become law. The cruise passenger tax increase, a rise of 200 per cent, is the highest of the planned rises. The ecotasa would not have to be paid in January and February under the new proposals and the amount charged would not rise outside of the high season. But in June, July and August, the tax charged would increase between 66 and 200 per cent. For four-star hotels it would rise from the current four euros per person per night to six. Balearics Islands Tourism Minister Jaume Bauza said: 'These islands have reached their limit and the pattern of growth is no longer sustainable and it is essential to deal courageously with the transformation of the model.' The islands, made up of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera, received 18.7 million visitors last year which is more than 15 times its permanent population. This year 20 million visitors are expected to pick the popular holiday destination. Majorca has been one of the centres of the protests set to continue this year which have seen demonstrators take to the streets to express their anger over the problems associated with mass tourism such as pollution, lack of affordable housing for locals linked to Airbnb holiday rentals and traffic chaos. Protesters hold a sign reading "We want to live, not survive" during a demonstration to protest against the massification of tourism and housing prices in Mallorca in May last year Protesters hold a banner which reads as "Let's change course" as they take part in a demonstration against overtourism and housing prices Protesters make and SOS sign by sitting in the shape of the letters and using their beach towels Members of the Mallorca Platja Tour association place signs against tourist saturation on the beach of Palma de Mallorca in August last year 'Tourist go home' graffiti reappeared on access signs to the beautiful Tramontana mountains in Majorca in May last year following an anti mass-tourism protest in the capital Palma which led to organisers apologising for the abuse foreign holidaymakers received. The words 'Go Home Tourist' were first scrawled in English last April over a wall underneath a real estate promotion billboard in Nou Llevant near Palma. Island newspaper Diario de Mallorca described it at the time as the first example of tourism-phobia in the neighbourhood and said it was targeted at its 'new foreign residents' following the purchase of recently-built properties by Germans. Anti mass-tourism protestors also put up fake closure signs in Majorca to dissuade holidaymakers from visiting beaches. On July 27 last year around 250 protestors impeded tourist access to a picture-postcard Menorcan beach in a 'surprise action'. Activists boasted of filling a car park by Cala Turqueta, a beautiful cove on the island's southern coast, with 'residents' cars'. They then used towels and their own bodies to shape the message 'SOS Menorca' on the sand by the waterline. The unannounced protest, by environmental non-profit organisation GOB Menorca, resulted in the car park being 'blocked' to holidaymakers for around six hours from early morning according to local reports. Protesters are seen holding up placards expressing their opinions during a demonstration against mass tourism in the city A protester is seen holding up a placard expressing his opinion as he takes part in a demonstration On July 27 last year around 250 protestors impeded tourist access to a picture-postcard Menorcan beach in a 'surprise action' A total ban on holidaymakers visiting a famous Menorcan village dubbed the 'Spanish Mykonos' was discussed by residents last August. Although around 30 per cent of picture-postcard Binibeca Vell's 195 homeowners wanted a total prohibition on outside visitors 24/7, a modification of visiting restriction times ended up being agreed. The holidaymaker veto was said to be on the cards ahead of the vote after locals chained off the 22 entrances to their community at night-time earlier in the year. Residents voted to put restrictions in place after visitors flocked back to Menorca following the end of the Covid pandemic. Some selfie-hunting holidaymakers ended up trampling through private properties in tourist attraction Benibeca Vell, a privately-owned community although it is widely described as a village, and interrupting their rest times. Since May 1 visitors had only been allowed to access its streets between 11am and 8pm and a tightening of restrictions had been talked about. In January Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez announced 'unprecedented' proposals to try to limit property purchases by non-resident Brits as part of attempts to solve the country's housing crisis following a wave of anti-tourism protests. He revealed his government intended discouraging nationals of non-EU countries from buying on the Costas and other parts of Spain by increasing the amount of taxes they have to pay. Sanchez announced the measure as part of a 12-point plan to tackle housing problems which would also see homeowners operating short-term Airbnb-style holiday rental properties being taxed as if they were running hotels. A missing New York City woman was found dead, after her body was dumped in a bag off of a busy highway. Pamela Alcantara, 26, was last seen carrying a bag of takeout up to her unit inside her Bronx apartment building on Sunday morning, but she was never seen leaving, according to the New York Daily News. Her body was found in a bag inside Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers, roughly 100 feet away from the Saw Mill River Parkway, on Thursday. Her boyfriend, whom she lived with, had his license plate read near the park and has become a person of interest, police sources told The Daily News. Her partner, who was not identified, has not been charged with a crime, but he is in custody. Alcantara and her boyfriend's five-year relationship were in a rocky stage, according to her brother Isacc Lopez, who said his sister had recently told her family she needed to move out of the shared apartment. 'It wasn't working out,' Lopez told The Daily News. 'She wanted to leave.' The family began to worry about the young woman after she didn't show up for a church event. Pamela Alcantara, 26, was woman was found dead in Yonkers after her body was dumped in a bag off a busy highway She was last seen carrying a bag of takeout up to her unit inside her Bronx apartment building on Sunday morning, but she was never seen leaving Her body was found in a bag inside Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers, roughly 100 feet away from the Saw Mill River Parkway, on Thursday The family began to worry about the young woman after she didn't show up for a church event Her mother Sunilda Rubiera, who lives in the Dominican Republic, flew back to help assist in the search for Alcantara after reporting her missing. 'We knew she was missing because she didnt go to church on Sunday. She never missed a service,' Lopez told the outlet. Alcantara worked with people facing homelessness and her family remembers her as 'kind and helpful.' 'She never had problems with anybody,' Lopez told the outlet. The family is looking to transport her body to the Dominican Republic to be buried next to her younger sister, a GoFundMe said. Detectives found her body while conducting a search for her when they found her body unresponsive in Yonkers. She was declared dead on the scene and her official cause of death will determined by the medical examiner. While the six members of a bungling Bulgarian spy ring convicted of passing secrets onto Russia are now facing years in jail, their puppet-master remains very much at large. Jan Marsalek, 45, who holds eight passports, is thought to be hiding out in Russia after assuming the identity of an Orthodox priest. However, this is just the latest twist in Marsalek's life story - which reads something like the plot of a Cold War thriller. Marsalek was one of the world's most wanted men, even before he was uncovered as the alleged mastermind behind the UK's latest espionage ring. The former COO of defunct German payment processor Wirecard was accused of being involved in a 1.6billion fraud when the company suddenly collapsed in 2020. Interpol issued a warrant for his arrest, but his exact whereabouts remain unknown. However, Marsalek's undercover life reportedly began six years earlier when he was recruited into Putin's intelligence network by an erotic model on a yacht in 2014. The woman, who also starred as an undercover agent in a B-movie, is said to have told Marsalek she was an investor who could open up Wirecard to the Russian market. But it was in Southwark Crown Court in September 2023, that prosecutors alleged for the first time that Marsalek was coordinating a group of spies in the UK. Jan Marsalek, 45, (pictured) who holds eight passports, is thought to be hiding out in Russia after assuming the identity of an Orthodox priest Natalia Zlobina (pictured), a former erotic model and B-movie actress who is said to have recruited Marsalek Interpol issued a warrant for Marsalek's arrest, but his exact whereabouts remain unknown For almost three years the group passed secrets to Russia, travelling across Europe to spy on enemies of the Kremlin, journalists and Ukrainian troops training at a US air base. In that time they plotted how to kidnap their targets even discussing how to murder them if they could not bring their victims back to Moscow alive. And all backed up by an 'Aladdin's Cave' of sophisticated technology including a 120,000 device for intercepting mobile phone numbers, a fleet of drones and dozens of fake passports. Today beautician Vanya Gaberova, 30, decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, and lab technician Katrin Ivanova, 33, were all found guilty of conspiring to spy for Russia. Their handler, Orlin Roussev, 46, his lieutenant, Biser Dzhambazov, 43, and Ivan Stoyanov, 32, had already pleaded guilty to charges under the Official Secrets Act. During the three-week trial at the Old Bailey, Marsalek was described as the mastermind behind the operation based in a Norfolk guesthouse. Operating under the pseudonym 'Rupert Ticz', he is said to have acted as a conduit between the Russian intelligence services and Roussev, as cash was paid from Wirecard into the spies' accounts. Marsalek is now believed to be hiding in Russia as an orthodox priest under Putin's protection. Pictured: The poster for Red Lips: Bloodlust - a B movie that Natalia Zlobina starred in A series of photos of Marsalek show Marsalek sporting multiple different identities. In one, he wears a pair of glasses (left), while in others he has closely cropped hair Beautician Vanya Gaberova (pictured), decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, and lab technician Katrin Ivanova, 33, have been found guilty of conspiring to spy for Russia Marsalek reportedly met Russian spy, erotic model and B-movie actor, Natalia Zlobina (pictured) in 2013 Gaberova pictured with Biser Dzhambazov, 43, who had already plead guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets act A series of photos previously published by MailOnline show him supporting a number of different identities. In one he is seen in his former iteration as a smart business executive. While in others he appears in a series of apparent disguises, from a bushy beard to a pair of thin glasses that present him more as an IT nerd than a member of the c-suite. But how did Marsalek become both the wanted man at the centre of a dramatic collapse of a $28 billion listed company and an alleged Kremlin agent. According to a joint investigation by The Insider, Der Spiegel, ZDF and Der Standard, Marsalek was recruited by the GRU, Russia's intelligence service, on a yacht in 2014. The investigation, published by the Insider on March 1 last year, was led by Roman Dobrokotov and Christo Grozev, two of the journalists targeted by the spy-ring. Marsalek and Roussev discussed burning Mr Dobrokotov alive in the street and plotted to kidnap him and Mr Grozev. The investigation suggests Marsalek met Russian spy, erotic model and B-movie actor, Natalia Zlobina in 2013. She told Marsalek she was an investor who could open up Wirecard to the Russian market. A year later on July 6, 2014, Marsalek is said to have met his GRU handler, an agent known introduced to him as 'Stas'. The Austrian is one of the world's most wanted men and subjected to an Interpol Red Notice Roussev lived in this guesthouse in the seaside town of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk Fellow suspected spies (L-R) Orlin Roussev, 45, Katrin Ivanova, 31 and Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, were charged on February 11, 2023 Sophisticated technology including rocks containing hidden cameras and a 120,000 device for intercepting mobile phone numbers was found at an address in Great Yarmouth A fake Belgian passport in the name of Alexandre Schmidt, with a photograph of Jan Marsalek Marsalek met Stanislav (Stas) Petlinsky on a Greek-flagged yacht called 'Poseidon III' just off the coast of Nice on Zlobina's 30th birthday. Petlinsky had been a supervising officer in the GRU Spetsnaz in the 90s and fought in Chechnya and allegedly spent the evening regailing Marsalek with his exploits. Interviewed by the Insider, Petlinsky confirmed meeting Marsalek and described him as a 'beautiful mind' and 'a bit autistic' but insisted that he was play acting as a spy. Defence lawyers in the spy-ring case also dismissed conversations between Marsalek and Roussev as 'a lot of talk' as no kidnappings or killings ever took place. Defending Ivanova, Rupert Bowers said: 'Again there's chat about it, there's talk about it but what doesn't appear to happen along with there being no demonstration, there are no busses with banners on driving past the Kazak embassy - it doesn't actually happen. '100 litres of blood whether it's diluted or not is not sprayed all over the Kazakhstan embassy - a lot of talk about it but it doesn't happen.' Der Spiegel suggests that Petlinsky boasted about handing Marsalek off to the GRU after their meeting on the Yacht in Nice. They also reported that friends of Marsalek say the Wirecard fraudster's life can be divided in two halves: 'before Stas' and 'after Stas.'. The Austrian 'whiz kid' continued to work for Wirecard after being picked up by Russian intelligence services until he disappeared during an audit of the company in 2020. In June 2020, Wirecard could not locate 1.6 billion in assets which it claimed were being held somewhere in the world. Marsalek was immediately suspected, and that evening met a friend at a pizza restaurant in Munich. Katrin Ivanova (pictured) was found guilty of being part of the network of spies who passed information onto the Russian state Ivan Stoyanov, 32, pleaded guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets Act The next day, he was driven over the border to Vienna before taking a private jet to Minsk and then on to Russia. It would be the last time Marsalek would ever travel under his own name. Wirecard later admitted it had been the centre of an 'elaborate and sophisticated fraud'. And Marsalek, along with the rest of Wirecard's executive team, were dismissed on June 18, 2020. It is believed that he is still in Russia and has assumed the identity of Father Konstantin Baiazov an Orthodox priest. A 'red notice' was issued by Interpol for his arrest in 2020 and he remains one of Europe's most wanted men. This of course prompted the inevitable question - who exactly was Jan Marsalek? Born in Vienna on March 15, 1980, Marsalek founded an e-commerce software company aged 19, and was recruited by Wirecard a year later for his technical know-how. He almost brought down Wirecard as soon as he arrived after an 'accident' that saw him send all the incoming traffic through his own computer rather than the company servers. While little else is known about his early life, one family connection stands out. His grandfather, Hans, was an anti-Nazi resistance fighter turned suspected Soviet spy, the FT reported earlier this year. Orlin Roussev, 46, was accused of being part of the ring. Roussev pled guilty at an earlier date The jury was shown a 120,000 'IMSI grabber' - a black metal box, the size of a large shoe box, capable of capturing mobile phone numbers from a nearby area In the post-war period he was accused of overseeing the kidnap of at least four people who were then smuggled back to Russia. Even at the height of Wirecard's success, Marsalek Jr made little secret of his admiration of Russia. In Munich, he decorated his office with a collection of ushanka military hats and a set of Russian dolls. He rented a mansion across the street from the Russian consulate, where he hosted parties with spies, and was a member of the Austrian-Russian Friendship Society. But his connections went beyond a harmless appreciation for Russian culture. In 2016, he helped arranged a deployment of Russian fighters to Libya after the death of Colonel Gaddafi. Then, in autumn 2018 - several months after the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury - he invited a journalist to lunch and showed him the chemical formula for Novichok, which he said he had got from 'friends'. Marsalek appeared to make the most of his shady connections in his attempts to suppress Wirecard's detractors. Marsalek is now accused of playing a key role in a two and a half year Russian spying campaign in Britain. The former businessman is said to have acted as a 'tasker' for five Bulgarians - three men and two women - who carried out surveillance activity on behalf of the Russian state. While all of the ring have now either pleaded guilty or been convicted of spying, the hunt for Marsalek continues. This is the moment a 'car dealer' is dragged out of a Mercedes at gun point after trying to import 72 gun parts hidden in an old Datsun shipped in from Pakistan. Yasir Khan, 40, is filmed being arrested at gunpoint after armed police stopped his vehicle in a suburban street and ordered him to the ground last July. As a crowd gathered in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, the suspect was ordered to make 'no sudden moves as you've got Tasers and guns pointed at you' by one armed officer as a colleague cuffed his hands behind his back. Khan was jailed for eight years today after a court heard how he had attempted to smuggle 36 top slides and 36 barrels for 9mm Glock self-loading pistols in the 1976 Datsun Sunny. A judge heard the gun parts were expertly hidden underneath the windscreen, behind the engine block and in the fuel tank of the blue Datsun. The firearm components were discovered by UK Border Force during a search on 7 July at London Gateway Port. National Crime Agency officers then began an investigation and Khan, who claimed he was a car dealer, was arrested by officers from the agency's Armed Operations Unit on 12 July. Today, Khan, of Sparkhill, Birmingham, appeared at the city's crown court and was sentenced after he admitted smuggling firearms. This is the moment a 'car dealer' is dragged out of a Mercedes at gun point after trying to import 72 gun parts hidden in an old Datsun shipped in from Pakistan Yasir Khan (pictured) is filmed being arrested at gunpoint after armed police stopped his vehicle in a suburban street and ordered him to the ground last July As a crowd gathered in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, the suspect was ordered to make 'no sudden moves as you've got Tasers and guns pointed at you' by one armed officer as a colleague cuffed his hands behind his back NCA officers discovered voice notes on his phone showing evidence of a contact with a supplier in Pakistan who had access to the manufacture of component parts for firearms. The armourer had invited Khan to view 'the factory' during summer 2023. Khan is suspected of a similar importation in November 2023. Mobile phone voice notes and videos showed him struggling with ammunition jamming in the firearms once they had been constructed and test fired. Evidence also showed that during 2023, Khan purchased several deactivated firearms which it is believed he was able to convert into viable lethal firearms once again. NCA Senior Investigating Officer David Phillips said: 'Working with our law enforcement partners at home and abroad, preventing illegal firearms from reaching the streets of the UK is a key priority for the NCA. Khan was jailed for eight years today after a court heard how he had attempted to smuggle 36 top slides and 36 barrels for 9mm Glock self-loading pistols in the 1976 Datsun Sunny A judge heard the gun parts were expertly hidden underneath the windscreen, behind the engine block and in the fuel tank of the blue Datsun The firearm components were discovered by UK Border Force during a search on 7 July at London Gateway Port. National Crime Agency officers then began an investigation and Khan, who claimed he was a car dealer, was arrested by officers from the agency's Armed Operations Unit on 12 July 'The NCA and Border Force have prevented this huge array of component parts from entering the criminal marketplace and being used to produce lethal firearms for organised crime groups.' Around 150,000 Sunnys were sold in the UK between the model's 1973-1978 lifespan at a time when British auto workers were striking, and there was a growing disillusionment with home-made products. Although the models represented an introduction to Japanese cars for many buyers, the frugal Sunnys suffered from rust and most ended up in the scrapyard. But those that remain can attract strong money including a heavily modified and restored coupe version from 1973 which is currently on AutoTrader with an asking price of 20,000. A failed asylum seeker who remained at large in Britain despite repeated crimes against women and first offending 17 years ago has been jailed after raping a sex worker admitting having 'evil sex' with her. Iranian national Salih Mahmoudi, 42, struck in the early hours of the morning on August 21, 2023. His victim who he picked up in Liverpool - thought he was taking her to an apartment but, instead, he led her to a derelict car park the city centre. After knocking her to the ground, he ripped off her leggings and raped her. The woman managed to flee, naked from the waist down, and despite him pursuing her she was able to ring police from a phone box. Now Mahmoudi has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years with a judge branding him a 'dangerous offender' and is finally set for deportation on completion of his sentence. Liverpool Crown Court heard he had previous convictions dating back to 2008, when he was convicted of disorderly behaviour involving exposing himself to three women in a park. In 2019 and 2021, he was twice sentenced for harassing a woman, while in April 2024, Mohammed was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm after punching a man in the street as he was walking along with a woman. Iranian national Salih Mahmoudi, 42, struck in the early hours of the morning on August 21, 2023 Liverpool Crown Court heard he had previous convictions dating back to 2008, when he was convicted of disorderly behaviour involving exposing himself to three women in a park Despite the crimes and having failed in his bid for asylum, Mahmoudi remained in Britain. Robert Wyn Jones, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court Mahmoudi who lived in asylum seekers' housing in Edge Hill, Liverpool, initially denied the latest attack.But Mr Wyn Jones added that when told of DNA evidence linking him to the crime he 'accepted having what he called evil sex with her'. Judge Anil Murray jailed Mahmoudi for seven and a half years with an extended four-year licence after ruling that he is a dangerous offender.He said that Mahmoudi, who has not expressed any remorse, had lured the vulnerable victim by showing her cash. He pointed out that his previous convictions involving exposing himself to three women and harassment were 'worrying' and showed a pattern of offending against women.Judge Murray ordered Mahmoudi to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for life and imposed a 15-year restraining order. Defence barrister Peter Killen said that the defendant had been living a chaotic lifestyle at the time of the attack nearly 19 months ago. If he is not deported back to Iran after his release, he will live with his brother in Liverpool, Mr Killen said. Donald Trump has slashed $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University over its handling of anti-Israel campus protests last year. The president launched the dramatic move 'due to the schools continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students,' his administration said. It represents only a first round of canceled funds and additional cuts are expected. Trump's Education Secretary Linda McMahon said: 'Since October 7, Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation, and anti-Semitic harassment on their campuses only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them. 'Universities must comply with all federal anti-discrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding.' The announcement coincided with recent anti-Israel campus protests at Barnard College, which Trump aggressively condemned. 'Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS!' he stated on social media. A group of over 50 students stormed and occupied a campus building and assaulted and injured a staff member at Barnard on Wednesday, sending them to hospital. President Donald Trump speaking on Friday, March 7. His administration announced it's canceling $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia University Trump officials said the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism will continue to review and coordinate with other federal agencies to move swiftly. That group is made up of officials at the Justice Department, Education Department, Department of Heath and Human Services and U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Columbia, located in New York City, 'abandoned (their) obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus,' officials said. According to the administration, the task force notified the acting president of Columbia University on Monday that it would conduct a comprehensive review of the school's federal contracts and grants in light of an ongoing civil rights investigation. It said Columbia has not responded to the task force. In a statement to DailyMail.com, a spokesperson for the university said they are reviewing the announcement and 'pledge to work with the federal government to restore Columbias federal funding.' 'We take Columbias legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff,' it read. Pro-Palestinian protesters near the main gate at Columbia University on April 30, 2024 Pro-Palestinian protesters gather on campus at Columbia University on October 7, 2024 to mark one year since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 'Freezing the funds is one of the tools we are using to respond to this spike in anti-Semitism. This is only the beginning,' vowed Leo Terrell, head of the DOJ Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism in a statement. The Trump administration said GSA will work with HHS and the Education Department to issue stop-work orders on the grants and contracts that Columbia has with the agencies. It would immediately freeze the university's access to the money. Meanwhile, Marco Rubio is directing the State Department to conduct a review of foreign students who express support for Hamas using a new process. The State Department is planning to review foreign student visa holders' social media accounts with artificial intelligence (AI) to determine if these pupils have displayed sympathy for Hamas. Officials from the department disclosed the new program to Axios, revealing that the 'Catch and Revoke' plan is hunting for students who have been supportive of the group following their October 7, 2023 surprise attack on Israel. Marco Rubio is directing the State Department to conduct a review of foreign students who express support for Hamas using a new process Since the horrific attack, anti-Israel protests have sprung up across the nation, including most recently at Columbia University and Barnard College in Manhattana university hotbed of pro-Gaza activism. State Department officials also shared that they will soon review foreign student visa holders who were arrested though allowed to stay in the country. This AI-enabled review will also look for clues in news articles about the protests which have been on and off for the past year and a half. Already officials have reviewed 100,000 individuals in the Student Exchange Visitor System. 'We found literally zero visa revocations during the Biden administration,' one official told the outlet. President Donald Trump said Friday that he wasn't aware of the effort to have him pardon Derek Chauvin, the white police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd. 'No I haven't even heard about it,' Trump answered Friday in the Oval Office. Floyd's May 2020 death at the hands of Chauvin cued widespread protests and propelled the Black Lives Matter movement to the forefront of American politics. Trump, in turn, ran counter to it during his quest for reelection that year. During one of Trump's most controversial moments in office, Black Lives Matter protesters were tear gassed and H Street N.W. was cleared so that the Republican president could march over to Saint John's Church and hold up a Bible. The historic yellow church located just steps from the White House had its basement nursery lit on fire during the demonstrations over Floyd's death at the hands of Chauvin. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has publicly called on Trump to pardon the officer for the federal crimes associated with Floyd's death - with DOGE leader Elon Musk retweeting a Shapiro post and commenting, 'Something to think about.' Chuavin was convicted in April 2021 on the state charges of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter - and was the first white police officer convicted in the death of a black victim in Minnesota history. President Donald Trump said Friday that he wasn't aware of the effort to have him pardon Derek Chauvin, the white police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd. 'No I haven't even heard about it,' Trump answered Derek Chuavin (left) was convicted on state and federal charges over the May 2020 killing of George Floyd (right), a Minneapolis black man whose death propelled the Black Lives Matter movement to the forefront of American politics He was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison on the state charges. In June 2021, Chauvin was also convicted on federal charges including depriving Floyd of his civil rights. Chauvin also was convicted of depriving a 14-year-old of his civil rights in a separate case. He received 21 years in prison for those charges - but is serving the terms concurrently. If Trump decided to pardon Chauvin, the state charges and 22.5 year sentence would hold. Still, it would be a symbolic win against the Black Lives Matter movement. Trump and his MAGA movement have been more broadly against any moves toward racial equality that would put their white majority at a disadvantage. Since taking office in January, Trump has purged the federal government of DEI -diversity, equity and inclusion - programs, which aimed to diversify the federal workforce. The Trump administration has also tried to undo some of the racially sensitive measures put in place on the heels of Floyd's death. President Donald Trump holds up a Bible in front of St. John's Church near the White House on June 1, 2020 after it was damaged during the Black Lives Matter protests over the death of George Floyd. Trump ran counter to Black Lives Matter during his reelection bid that year One such move came from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to revert Fort Liberty's name to Fort Bragg. In the aftermath of the killing of Floyd and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests that broke out, the military started making moves to rid bases of names of Confederate officers, who had sought to preserve slavery during the Civil War. Trump was so against this move that he vetoed a military spending bill in December 2020, after losing his reelection race to President Joe Biden. Congress overruled his veto and in 2023 Fort Bragg was renamed Fort Liberty. Last month, Hegseth announced that Fort Bragg would return. What Hegseth didn't tout publicly, but was contained in the order, is that Fort Bragg would now be named after Roland L. Bragg, a heroic American World War II fighter, and not the Confederate general credited with helping the South lose the Civil War. A Texas teenager was arrested after she allegedly forced unsuspecting bar goers to watch a 'revenge porn' sex tape between her and her ex boyfriend. Taylor Richard, 18, is facing up to two years in prison for charges of unlawful disclosure of an intimate video. The steamy sex scene was filmed in her boyfriend's truck on Valentine's Day shortly before the couple broke up, according to her shocked ex-lover Michael Bassett. Bassett told ABC13 his then-girlfriend asked him to record the explicit video on her phone, and that he asked her to delete the footage after their relationship ended shortly after. But he learned through a Snapchat group on Monday that the sex tape still existed and that she had been showing patrons of the local bar District 249 in Tomball, about 28 miles north west of Houston. Friends of Basset who were at the bar called the Diesel repair man laughing about the video, saying they 'didn't need to see that'. 'And then they start making jokes. They're like, 'Mickle Pickle,' this, that, and the other,' Bassett told the local broadcaster. 'I really wish I didn't do it, she had me record it on her phone,' he added. Taylor Richard, 18, is facing charges of unlawful disclosure of an intimate video, which carries up to two years behind bars According to her ex-boyfriend Michael Bassett, him and Richard had recorded the explicit clip inside his truck on Valentine's Day 'It really is extremely embarrassing. I took those out of confidence, not thinking. I don't have an OnlyFans or anything, I don't sell pictures of my body.' According to Bassett, some of his customers of his Diesel maintenance business decided to part way after watching the sex tape. 'I can handle my friends messing with me and whatnot. I can't handle when I start losing money,' he said. Richard was arrested that evening and then formally charged on Wednesday. DailyMail.com has approached Harris County Sheriff's Office for comment. Her mom told the outlet that her daughter would not comment on the matter, with Bassett claiming she had called him from jail following the arrest. On Monday, he learned through a Snapchat group that the videos still existed - and that she had been showing patrons of the District 249 bar in Tomball, seen here, the clip 'She was just like, 'Are you going to drop the charges?' And this, that and the other. I'm like, 'No, you have a lesson',' he added. The teenager was released on a recognizance bond and has also been ordered to stay away from Bassett. Bassett continued: 'My advice to other young men is just avoid taking videos and whatnot 'cause tomorrow's promised to nobody. 'Your relationship is not promised to you tomorrow and these women are out here can be evil.' Feature: Chinese contractor for Cambodia's biggest airport project a source of skill transfers to Cambodian talents Xinhua) 17:04, March 07, 2025 KANDAL, Cambodia, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Chhorn Meta, 27, has now quite mastered plumbing engineering after having worked for a Chinese contractor for the construction of the Techo International Airport for nearly three years. Soon after receiving a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering from Dali University in southwest China's Yunnan Province, the young Cambodian joined China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) in 2022 to develop the 4F-class Techo International Airport. Meta was proud of working on such an immense airport project, saying that it had given him invaluable experience, as the project was a significant source of practical skill transfers from Chinese engineers and workers to their Cambodian counterparts. "My duties here are in charge of installing water systems including clean water pipes, fire water pipes, and wastewater pipes in the airport," he told Xinhua on Thursday. Meta said he had learned a lot of experience relevant to practical tasks on site and other technical skills from Chinese engineers and experts. "This project has offered a very important opportunity to help develop the skills for Cambodian engineers and workers," he said. "There are a lot of things that our Cambodian engineers have never experienced before." Meta said the airport, adorned with Khmer architectural styles, will be able to handle long-haul direct flights from the European continent and other continents when it opens for commercial operations. "I feel excited to see such a huge airport in Cambodia, which will handle a large number of passengers in the future, and hopefully will further boost Cambodia's economy," he said. Kham Vilai, a 25-year-old electrician at the Techo International Airport, said his responsibilities included installing electrical cabins, lamps or primary electrical cables. "I'm delighted to work at this new airport project because there is a lot of work to do, so it has helped me develop myself better," he told Xinhua. "Jobs at this new airport are unique and new to us because it's the first time that we have such an amazingly immense airport," he added. Vilai said the project was splendid, and it had created a lot of jobs for Cambodian fresh graduates, helping them develop their knowledge, expertise, and capacities. "Through this new airport, Cambodia-China ties will get even closer," he said. Another 21-year-old electrician, Phan Samnang, said that besides gaining very useful experience and technical skills, he has also earned a decent salary from this job. "I'm confident that I will become a highly professional electrician after finishing this project," he told Xinhua. Invested by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd, the 1.5-billion-U.S.-dollar airport is being constructed on an area of 2,600 hectares in southern Kandal and Takeo provinces, about 20 km from the capital Phnom Penh. Work on the airport project began from 2020, according to the CSCEC, and as of March 2025, 94.3 percent of the first phase of the project had been completed. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a recent public speech that the Techo International Airport is expected to put into commercial operations in July this year. The new airport will be capable of handling approximately 13 million passengers a year in the first phase. Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, said the new airport is poised to play a vital role in shaping Cambodia's future, enhancing its global presence, and supporting sustainable economic growth. "Improved connectivity will attract more international airlines and travelers, showcasing Cambodia as a key player in the region," he told Xinhua. "It will also facilitate trade and commerce, providing a boost to various sectors beyond tourism." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has set its sights on a child support database in its latest efforts to access sensitive information from various agencies. This time, the target is a powerful database that houses nearly all U.S. workers' earnings kept by the health department's child support office. The latest efforts have sparked another series of arguments with career staff over legally protected records. DOGE's Efforts To Gain Information Musk's DOGE team has clashed with civil servants over the last few weeks over its attempts to gain access to privileged information or systems kept by the Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Social Security Administration, among others. However, earlier this week, DOGE associates have set their sights on what many experts and government officials described as arguably the most sensitive of all. This is a system within a broader government database that was established to help enforce child support payments, according to the Washington Post. The database pulls a massive amount of information, such as income data linked to nearly all workers nationwide. It was not immediately clear why Musk's DOGE was seeking access to the health agency's database. However, the entrepreneur's team has expressed its intent in the past few days to check personal tax records against federal benefits, grants, and student loans. This measure could allow them to link together traditionally siloed government systems to identify duplicative or wasteful payments. The database in question is known as the Federal Parent Locator Service and is kept at the Department of Health and Human Services. DOGE's interest is primarily in gaining access to a component known as the National Directory of New Hires, MSN reported. Massive Amounts of Data This component draws on several data streams, including one that includes information regarding all new employees throughout the United States. Another includes quarterly wage data, while a third has data about unemployment insurance benefits. Two people familiar with the matter said that DOGE officials were immediately rebuffed by a career civil servant, who questioned their motives and authority. The database that the agency is trying to access was established in 1996 to assist parents with custody of their children, and the government withholds regular child support payments from the income of those without custody. The situation comes as the Trump administration has been making efforts to target federal spending, including the Department of Education, which he called a "big con job," as per Vox. Hunter Biden plans to move back to the East Coast as he can no longer afford his Malibu lifestyle after the $4million mansion he was renting burned down in the California wildfires. The former First Son is having a hard time paying for the luxurious life he and his family are used to and claims to be million in debt while having no significant income, Josh Boswell revealed on DailyMail's podcast Welcome to MAGAland. 'A source close to this legal case told me that Hunter is planning to move back east, and that might be another sign of the deterioration of his finances,' the investigative reported said on Friday. 'Malibu is a beautiful place to live - That house that he was in that burned down had a view of the ocean looking over Malibu.... It's incredible, you can't beat it.' Speaking on the Daily Mail's politics podcast, Boswell noted that Hunter, his wife and youngest son lived a charmed life while staying in the $15,800-per-month rental, where they were protected by the Secret Service. 'They had Secret Service ferrying them around everywhere... It's a nice life, but because he has no money left, this source told me, he's planning to move back east, maybe to Delaware, maybe to be closer to Joe Biden,' Boswell shared. Earlier this week, Boswell uncovered a bombshell letter by Hunter's lawyer where he claims the former First Son is out of cash, can no longer tap his 'sugar brother' Hollywood attorney Kevin Morris for funds, and is not being bailed out by Democrat donors. Hunter Biden may be forced to leave sunny Malibu as he claims to be millions of dollars in debt Hunter Biden's $15,800-per-month Malibu rental was razed by the Palisades Fire that swept through an entire neighborhood on January 7, he cited this as a basis for his financial woes Hunter, seen with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, 38, might want to move to Delaware to be closer to former president Joe Biden, according to investigative reporter Josh Boswell Hunter's legal letter claims he has struggled to find a new home for himself, wife Melissa Cohen Biden, 38, and toddler Beau Jr., age four, after the January fires. The legal letter claimed hard-up Hunter's financial woe 'have been exacerbated after the fires in the Pacific Palisades in early January upended Plaintiff's life by rendering his rental house unlivable for an extended period of time.' Hunter's $15,800-per-month Malibu rental was razed by the Palisades Fire that swept through an entire neighborhood on January 7. The $4million home was a three-bedroom, three-bath 1950s idyll with panoramic views over the Pacific. Hunter says he is too broke to continue a legal battle he launched against his nemesis, ex Trump White House staffer Garrett Ziegler, and wants to drop the case. In September 2023 Hunter, 55, sued Ziegler, 29, and his right-wing nonprofit Marco Polo in California federal court for alleged computer hacking, after they published a 644-page report on his alleged illegal activity based on material from his infamous abandoned laptop. On Wednesday, Hunter's lawyers submitted their request to the judge, saying he has 'has significant debt in the millions of dollars range.' It added that Hunter 'suffered a significant downturn in his income over the past 18 months with reduced book and art sales, which has been his main source of income over the prior years.' Hunter's lawyers wrote he 'must focus his time and resources dealing with his relocation, the damage he has incurred due to the fires, and paying for his family's living expenses as opposed to this litigation.' Hunter's legal letter claims he has struggled to find a new home for himself, wife Melissa Cohen Biden, 38, and toddler Beau Jr., age four, after the January fires Hunter may be looking to move to Delaware to be closer to former president Joe Biden, investigative reporter Josh Boswell told Welcome to MAGAland hosts Germania Rodriguez Poleo and Kelly Laco on Friday Hunter had borrowed at least $7million from wealthy Hollywood attorney Kevin Morris to repay his multi-million-dollar tax debts, finance his lavish lifestyle, and foot his burgeoning legal bills. But that deep well reportedly dried up last year ahead of Hunter's criminal prosecutions for gun and tax crimes that led to felony convictions, forgiven by President Joe Biden in his final weeks in office. Hunter was hoping to reap millions for his paintings, promoted by top New York gallerist George Berges, with price tags up to $500,000 per piece. Morris bought 11 works for $875,000, with total sales reaping $1.5 million, according to Berges's congressional testimony in January last year. But there have been no reports of further sales since then. Tune in to Welcome to MAGAland on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever you listen to podcasts now. As the world marks five years since the devastating arrival of Covid-19, new revelations continue to emerge about the origins of the virus that brought global life to a standstill. While Wuhan, a city few had heard of before 2020, is now etched into our memories as the epicentre of the pandemic, a growing number of experts and scientists are claiming that the virus was the result of a lab leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Alarmingly, some also allege that the United States played a role in covering up the outbreak. A Sun investigation has claimed China's attempt to blame a local wet market was part of a coordinated effort to conceal the truth about a potential biological weapon. While publicly, many scientists dismissed the idea of a lab leak, behind the scenes, some were privately discussing the possibility. One source said: 'Watergate was nothing compared to this. This is the Chernobyl of biology.' Dr. Robert Redfield, former head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said that just months before the global outbreak, the Chinese military took control of the institute, wiping its databases and installing new systems. He also pointed to reports of lab researchers falling ill as early as November 2019, well before the first cases of Covid-19 were publicly reported. Medical workers take swab samples from residents to be tested for the COVID-19 coronavirus, in a street in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on May 15, 2020 Medical staff treating patients infected by the COVID-19 coronavirus at a hospital in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province Firefighters disinfect the Wuhan Tianhe International Airport on April 3, 2020 in Wuhan, Hubei Province 'I think that's when the pandemic started,' Dr. Redfield said, adding that the situation quickly escalated into a 'frenzied cover-up that was keeping Chinese President Xi Jinping awake at night.' Dr. Redfield also spoke about efforts by former President Donald Trump to send a team to Wuhan to investigate the virus's origins, only to be ignored by China. The virologist pointed out that Covid-19 was 'ready-made' for human transmission, immediately raising concerns among experts about its origins. The documentary also highlights the involvement of American funding in research at the Wuhan Institute. Zoologist Peter Daszak, a key figure in investigating how diseases jump from animals to humans, was behind the EcoHealth Alliance, an organisation that secured millions of dollars in US government funding for virus research. Daszak's group proposed experiments that would manipulate viruses similar to the one that caused Covid-19, sparking serious questions about whether these experiments were conducted before the grant was even approved. In January 2023, EcoHealth Alliance and Daszak were banned from receiving federal funding for five years after allegations that their research contributed to the outbreak. However, the organisation has strongly denied any wrongdoing and insists that their work at the Wuhan Institute had no link to the pandemic. Images of Wuhan Huanan South China Seafood Market. This file photo taken January 25, 2020 shows medical staff members, wearing protective clothing at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital in Wuhan, as the city struggled with the outbreak of the once-mysterious virus The idea of a lab leak theory was widely dismissed in the early stages of the pandemic, but it began to gain momentum, especially in the US and China. Even scientists involved in the influential 'Proximal Origins' paper, which initially rejected the lab leak theory, began expressing doubts in private. Emails obtained by investigative journalists revealed that some authors believed the virus appeared to have been 'pre-adapted' for human transmission. In China, those attempting to uncover the truth about Covid-19 were reportedly threatened. Dr. Li-Meng Yan, a whistleblower who previously worked for the World Health Organisation in Hong Kong, claimed she was forced to flee after investigating the virus. She revealed that she had been warned to keep her findings a secret or face dire consequences. Workers in protective suits take part in the disinfection of Huanan seafood market, where the novel coronavirus is believed to have first surfaced Virologist Shi Zhengli (L) works in a lab of Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, 23 February 2017 Former US State Department official David Asher called the failure to properly investigate the virus's origins the 'biggest intelligence failure since Pearl Harbor.' He compared the scandal to the Watergate scandal, adding that the cover-up surrounding Covid-19's origins was nothing short of an 'outrage.' Asher also claimed that China had been looking into creating biological weapons and that the Covid-19 virus may have accidentally leaked as a result of a reckless programme. 'I don't think Covid was released as a weapon, but could it have been a laboratory accident? Absolutely,' Asher said, calling for a 9/11-style commission to investigate the origins of the pandemic. A California poverty activist was arrested for allegedly conning his elite Hollywood investors out of millions of dollars. Joseph Neal Sanberg, 45, of Orange, was arrested on Monday for allegedly defrauding two investor funds of $145million, the Department of Justice said. His co-conspirator, Ibrahim Ameen AlHusseini, 51, of Venice - who was arrested at an airport in October - pleaded guilty on Monday for wire fraud for falsifying documents and information to assist Sanberg. In a plea agreement, AlHusseini admitted to gaining $12.3million in payments from their derived scheme, which he said Sanberg spearheaded. Sanberg obtained $145million in loans secured by AlHusseini, knowing his co-conspirator would not be able to cover the hefty price tag if Sanberg defaulted, according to the DOJ. Despite that, the cofounder of Aspiration Partners Inc. - whose previous investors included the likes of Drake, Orlando Bloom, and Leonardo DiCaprio - hid AlHusseini's financial situation from investor funds, then defaulted on the loans, which lost them millions. The scheme began in January 2020 when an investor fund began negotiating a $55million loan with Sanberg. The Californian then recruited AlHusseini to enter into a put option agreement with the investor fund, which required him to buy 10.3million shares from Sanberg's company in case the cofound defaulted on the fund's loan. Joseph Neal Sanberg, 45, of Orange, was arrested on Monday for allegedly defrauding two investor funds of $145million His co-conspirator, Ibrahim Ameen AlHusseini, 51, of Venice - who was arrested at an airport in October - pleaded guilty on Monday for wire fraud for falsifying documents and information to assist Sanberg Sanberg and AlHusseini used a Lebanese graphic designer to create fake brokerage and bank account statements that said the latter had $80million to $200million in financial assets, according to the DOJ. After seeing the documentation, the investor fund handed over $55million and purchased AlHusseini's put option. As a result, the con received $6million of that loan for helping Sanberg's con. In November 2021, Sanberg refinanced the loan with another investor fund, who loaned $145million against the 10.3million stock shares as collateral, the DOJ said. In a new put option agreement, AlHusseini pledged to pay $65million if Sanberg defaulted, despite knowing he couldn't pay that. They once again submitted false paperwork to secure the $145million loan. After the money came through, AlHusseini received $6.3million of it from Sanberg. The fraudster then defaulted on the loan in November 2022 and Spring 2023, according to the DOJ. The second investor fund opted to use his put agreement to receive the 10.3million stocks shares from AlHusseini after the default, but the co-conspirator had not bought any, leading to the investor fund losing all of his investment. Both Sanberg and AlHusseini now face up to 20 years in prison for their alleged crimes. Sanberg's company's previous had investments from the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Drake. Sanberg and AlHusseini falsified documents to fraud investor funds into large sums of money and they'd would default on the loans It's unclear if celebrities like Drake, Bloom, and DiCaprio are among the investors who were specifically targeted in the fraud scheme. The three celebrities, alongside Cindy Crawford and Robert Downey Jr., invested in the company when it was a start-up. The company started in 2013. Prior to owning Aspiration, Sanberg campaigned against anti-poverty initiatives and advocated for California to raise the minimum wage to $18. Sanberg himself rose out of poverty and eventually attended Harvard and working on Wall Street before starting his company. He had also mentioned potentially running for a political office, but had not done so. Both him and AlHusseini were big Democratic donors. Cyclone Alfred made landfall between Brisbane and Maroochydore at 9pm Queensland time, the Bureau of Meteorology said. Residents in southeast Queensland have been warned to brace for destructive winds and heavy downpour throughout the rest of the weekend. The cyclone has claimed one life - a 61-year-old man who was swept away in floodwaters in northern NSW. Thirteen ADF personnel were also injured when two army trucks collided while soldiers were providing assistance to flood-ravaged towns. Delta Air Lines and JetZero have just released photos of their futuristic and environmentally friendly aircraft that is taking airplane design to the next level. It's expected to fit over 250 fliers, who will likely not hear the engine much due to it being on the roof of the plane. The new rendering shows how seemlessly the wings of the sleek aircraft, reminiscent of a fighter jet, blend into the body. The airline and start-up manufacturer have teamed up to create the eco-friendly plane with the goal of decreasing emissions and fuel costs. While typical commercial airlines can fly up to 4,000 miles on a single tank of fuel, JetZero's aircraft can go for a rang of 5,754 miles. Delta will provide consultation for the lightweight aircraft's interior design to 're-invent and further elevate customer and employee experiences,' according to the press release. The new carrier is part of Delta's multi-pronged approach to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. If all goes according to plan, the futuristic aircraft will take flight in 2027. Delta Air Lines and JetZero released images of a new aircraft after announcing their partnership on March 5 Instead of bolted metal, the BWB uses stitched carbon fiber which is a lighter material stitched together to build the wings. Delta and JetZero's partnership came after the US Air Force invested $235 million into the California-based startup for the blended-wing bodied (BWB) aircraft. 'Working with JetZero to realize an entirely new airframe and experience for customers and employees is bold and important work to advance the airline industry's fuel saving initiatives and innovation goals,' said Amelia DeLuca, Delta's Chief Sustainability Officer. 'While Delta is focused on doing what we can today to address our carbon footprint, it's critical we also work with a variety of partners to advance revolutionary technologies, like JetZero's blended-wing-body aircraft, to solve for a significant portion of future aviation emissions.' According to the press release, the uniquely shaped aircraft, whose wings are made of stitched carbon fiber, will offer 'endless possibilities.' With the design, travelers can expect to see various in-flight changes like overhead bin space for each passenger, fewer rows and accessible seats. 'JetZero is working to change the world by bringing to market an aircraft that aims to fly this decade and make immediate and marked progress toward reducing airline energy costs, and the associated emissions,' said Tom O'Leary, JetZero co-founder and CEO. 'Delta was one of the first carriers to partner with us, supporting us behind the scenes since 2023, and we look forward to their continued support of our program through their deep knowledge and expertise.' The new plane is expected to fit more than 250 fliers and have little engine sound The craft is expected to have a range of 5,754 miles on a single tank of fuel - compared to typical commercial airlines that fly up to 4,000 miles BWB aircrafts were first tested and demonstrated in the 1990s by NASA and Stanford University. Over the years, manufacturers have worked to enhance the style of jet to make it safer and more efficient. BWB planes are up to 50 percent more fuel efficient than those with tube-and-wing airframes. According to Delta, this is due to the design, which can provide more lifting surface area, even load and lift distribution, and is overall lighter in weight. 'If you think about a "tube and wing," it separates the loads - you have the pressurization load on the tube, and the bending loads on the wings,' Tom O'Leary, co-founder and CEO of JetZero told CNN. 'But a blended wing essentially blends those together. Only now can we do that with composite materials that are both light and strong.' Delta is also looking into seeing if the new aircraft can fit into an existing airport infrastructure and offer faster turnaround times. JetZero received FAA approval to start test-flying its Pathfinder prototype that is much smaller than what is planned for the commercial jet Delta is looking into seeing if the new aircraft can fit into an existing airport infrastructures Besides Delta, Alaska Airlines has also turned to JetZero for their proposed new jet. Alaska confirmed that its investment firm Alaska Star Ventures invested as part of JetZero's Series A in 2023 and was the first airline to do so. Like Delta, Alaska Airlines is aiming to have net-zero carbon emissions, but they're looking to reach it in 2040. 'We are proud to invest in JetZero's development of this innovative next-generation aircraft, with a significant step-change in fuel efficiency,' said Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines. 'We and JetZero share a vision for more sustainable aviation, and we are excited to partner with them in creating that future.' This is the shocking moment a Russian spy was arrested after British police stormed a guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, as the agent made one last bluff telling cops they were at the wrong house. Bodycam footage released today showed the moment Orlin Roussev, 46, from Bulgaria, was apprehended at his home on February 8, 2023. Officers can be heard yelling as they enter his home, ordering anyone inside to 'stay where you are' as police carry out searches of other rooms. The clip shows how one officer opened a door to a room filled with boxes, with Roussev shown on the far side. While being held in place by a cop, Roussev is heard trying to throw police off. 'I think it's the wrong place', he declares. A separate video shows Roussev being led around the house, where police found IT equipment worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. The footage comes after beautician Vanya Gaberova, 30, decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, and lab technician Katrin Ivanova, 33, - all from Bulgaria - were found guilty today of conspiring to spy for Russia at the Old Bailey following a three-month trial. Bodycam footage released today showed the moment Orlin Roussev, 46, from Bulgaria, was apprehended at his home on February 8, 2023 While being held in place by a cop, Roussev is heard trying to throw police off. 'I think it's the wrong place', he declares The footage comes after beautician Vanya Gaberova, 30, decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, and lab technician Katrin Ivanova, 33, - all from Bulgaria - were found guilty today of conspiring to spy for Russia Their handler, Roussev, his lieutenant, Biser Dzhambazov, 43, and Ivan Stoyanov, 32, had already pleaded guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets Act. The agents all face lengthy jail terms when sentenced. The spy ring received orders directly from Moscow and was run from the Great Yarmouth guesthouse stacked with sophisticated surveillance technology. The agents passed secrets to Russia for almost three years, spying on a US airbase in Germany and tailing opponents of the state - some of whom they plotted to snare in 'honeytrap plots,' kidnap and even murder. Their well-financed activities spanned London, Vienna, Valencia, Montenegro and Stuttgart, with the two women intended to be used in a series of 'honeytrap' plots, their Old Bailey trial heard. At least 200,000 was sent by the group's Moscow-based handler, fugitive businessman Jan Marsalek, to finance the operations, which were planned over 80,000 messages exchanged with Roussev over Telegram. Roussev previously boasted about being like James Bond's 'Q' due to the scale of surveillance equipment at the Haydee guesthouse. An 'Aladdin's Cave' of sophisticated technology including rocks containing hidden cameras, 11 drones, 221 mobile phones and 75 fake passports was found at the address. Their handler, Roussev (pictured) , his lieutenant, Biser Dzhambazov, 43, and Ivan Stoyanov, 32, had already pleaded guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets Act The agents all face lengthy jail terms when sentenced The spy ring received orders directly from Moscow and was run from the Great Yarmouth guesthouse The Haydee guesthouse, which looks like a typical seaside hotel from the outside, was used by the group of six Bulgarian spies to pass on information to the Kremlin Orlin Roussev, 46, (pictured) boasted he was becoming like the 007 character 'Q' as he prepared his spying 'toys' for kidnap and surveillance operations across Europe Picture shows the huge amounts of surveillance equipment that were found inside the Norfolk hotel Three of the 33 rooms in the Great Yarmouth guesthouse were crammed full of surveillance equipment Pictured: A 120,000 'IMSI grabber' - a black metal box, the size of a large shoe box, capable of capturing mobile phone numbers from a nearby area Bulgarian Vanya Gaberova, 30, was found guilty of spying after a three-month trial at the Old Bailey Roussev referred to himself as 'Q Branch' after James Bond's famous quartermaster, and built many of the devices himself including a Coca-Cola bottle containing a hidden camera. The two women in the group were referred to as the 'brunette twins' and were tasked with setting honeytraps for targets including journalist Christo Grozev, whose work uncovering the men behind the Salisbury nerve agent attack made him a target for the Kremlin. The spymasters also plotted to kidnap Grozev and take him back to Russia, but this plan was not followed through. The spies also targeted a UK-based Russian dissident who they discussed killing with a poison dart fired from a drone, a Kazakhstani former politician, and a Russian lawyer who they planned to bring to Moscow 'dead or alive' for a fee of 30,000. The agents used hi-tech equipment to try and track Ukrainian servicemen training at US airbase Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, with the aim of determining where US Patriot missiles were being fired. They agreed a 34,000-a-month budget for the operation, which was cut short when the spies were arrested in a series of dawn raids by the British police in February 2023. Following the 2018 Salisbury poisoning attack, Britain expelled 23 Russian diplomats identified as undeclared intelligence officers, and 100 Russian diplomat visa applications have been denied on national security grounds in the years since. Russian intelligence agencies have turned to other methods to carry out covert plots, often using expendable proxy groups handlers refer to as 'misfits,' the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, said. Gaberova pictured with Biser Dzhambazov, 43, who had already pleaded guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets act This picture of Vanya Gaberova wearing spy glasses was shown to the jury at the Old Bailey Pictured: Fake press cards belonging to Gaberova and Ivanchev that were shown to the jury during the trial Decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, (left) was accused of being part of the spy ring Ivan Stoyanov, 32, had already pleaded guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets Act. 'The use of criminal proxies is one of the most demanding matters in the state threat world,' he told the Mail. 'And the Orlin Roussev case shows us that [the Russian state] is using very sophisticated actors. 'They certainly invested a lot in these people, given the sums we have heard about and the sophisticated nature of the equipment found at their homes. 'This activity was taking place while Russia was at war on one front with Ukraine and clearly willing to open up aggressive espionage fronts inside the UK and our western allies.' Shona Robison has described her marriage break-up as a result of an SNP love triangle as a nightmare. The Finance Secretary said she feared for her daughter during her split with former party deputy Stewart Hosie in 2016. The MP had been having an affair with journalist and actress Serena Cowdy, who previously had an affair with another married SNP MP, Angus MacNeill. She reportedly described Nationalist MPs as the sexy Mujahideen of British politics. Ms Robison, 58, and her husband were two of the best known faces in the party and Ms Robison was also the closest ally of then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Hosie quit as SNP deputy, dumped his wife and later married his mistress. Speaking to the Courier newspaper about the traumatic episode, Ms Robison, who this week announced she was leaving frontline politics, said: Its a nightmare. Its bad enough when it happens to anybody, but when its played out in a very public way, its not where you want to be. Stewart Hosie and ex-wife Shona Robison Mr Hosie had an affair with Serena Cowdy, who he later married I was particularly concerned for my daughter. She was in high school at the time and that was my main concern. Ms Robison also admitted she ran out of puff while serving as health secretary between 2014 and 2018. She infamously vowed to end delayed discharge in Scotlands health service in the role. She told the BBC in 2015: I want over the course of this year to eradicate delayed discharge out of the system and I am absolutely determined to do that. The problem of medically fit patients trapped in NHS beds because of a lack of community care has now reached record levels, with almost 2000 people unable to leave hospital daily. As well as the upheaval of the affair, Ms Robison said she also had to cope with the death of her parents. She said: Health secretary is by far the hardest job in government because its unpredictable. I was under sustained attack for the performance of the health service. That was quite difficult, week after week after week. And added to that, my mother and father were very ill. My mum passed away at the end of 2016 and my dad in 2017. Through that latter part of being health secretary, that last two years, I just ran out of puff. She said, however, that allies like Nicola Sturgeon had been very important, saying: I believe in loyalty. Loyalty is really important in politics. Ms Robison announced on Tuesday she planned to stand down at the Holyrood election after 27 years as an MSP, 23 of them representing Dundee East. Shona Robison is a close friend of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon She said: I didnt want to retire from parliament feeling burnt out and feeling that Im almost crawling out the door rather than walking out feeling full of energy for whatever comes next. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, another of the last few MSPs from the original 1999 intake, also said would stand down in Linlithgow in 2026. Ms Sturgeon, although widely expected to follow suit, has yet to make her plans public. Mr Hosie married Ms Cowdy in 2018 and stepped down as a Dundee East MP in 2024. Ms Cowdy was elected an SNP councillor in Angus in 2022 but quit the party last year in a row over green policies after failing to get picked as an SNP Westminster candidate. She wanted to replace her husband in the redrawn Arbroath and Broughty Ferry seat, but lost who out to Stephen Gethins, who is now an MP. Three men being hunted in connection with the death of a Scottish businessman whose body was found in a sack of pineapples carried out a similar attack last year, police have said. Campbell Scott was found dead in a forest last month days after going missing in the capital Nairobi, where he had been attending a conference. The death is being treated as murder and two people have been arrested so far. Kenyas Directorate of Criminal Investigations said it is hunting three men who have fled and gone into hiding following the heinous crime and subsequent dumping of his body. The directorate named the suspects as Benard Mbunga Mbusu, Samuel Musembi Kamitu and Alphonse Munyao Kilewa, alias Edu. They were arrested a year ago for abducting and blackmailing a church pastor. Last February the Directorate of Criminal investigations said Mbusu, Kamitu and Kilewa targeted a pastor as he walked to a restaurant in Nairobi. It was claimed they kidnapped him, tore his clothes off and threatened to embarrass him by releasing photographs of him online. Campbell Scott was killed during a business trip to Kenya Alphonse Munyao Kilewa, Benard Mbunga Mbusu and Samuel Musembi Kamitu are wanted in connection with Mr Scott's death Detectives revealed the gang managed to extort 55,000 Kenyan shillings - around 330 - from him during the attack. The directorate said: The suspects are linked to the brutal murder of 58-year-old Briton Campbell Scott, whose partially decomposed body was found on February 22, 2025 in Makongo Forest, Makueni sub-county. Scott had arrived in the country just days earlier to attend a business conference. It has posted images of them on social media site X and urged anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact them. Mr Scott was last seen attending a conference at the JW Marriot Hotel in Nairobi on February 16. His body was found in a sack in a forest around 66 miles south-east of Nairobi over the weekend of February 22, with his hands tied. Earlier this week a court in Kenya ruled two suspects in the murder inquiry can be held for 21 days for further police investigations. Reports indicate the pair appeared in court in Milimani on Monday, after being arrested in connection with the death of Mr Scott. Mr Scott, from Dunfermline, Fife, was a senior director at credit-scoring firm Fico. After his death was confirmed, a Fico spokesperson said: We are devastated by this tragic news. Campbell was a leader in our international scores business. He joined Fico in 2014 and was instrumental in introducing scores to new markets and growing our business with existing partnerships. We mourn his passing and will miss his humour and kindness. Our thoughts are with Campbells family and friends. A spokesman for the National Police Service of Kenya described it as a heinous, heinous crime and said it is an intricate and complex investigation being led by the countrys homicide unit. A Foreign Office spokesperson said previously: We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Kenya and are in contact with the local authorities. A Russian MP has warned that British troops will be a 'direct target' for Vladimir Putin's missiles if they are deployed to war-torn Ukraine to secure peace. The chilling warning comes as Downing Street said this evening that Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron had met to 'compare notes' on their work to achieve peace in Ukraine. Starmer has previously spoken of sending British troops to form part of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, saying last month that he was prepared to put 'boots on the ground'. Speaking to journalist Faisal Islam on BBC's Newsnight today, Evgeny Popov, a TV host and MP in Putin's United Russia Party, said: 'Its unacceptable. British troops will be direct targets for our missiles.' 'You will get coffins in return', he added. In addition, the PM has held talks with President Macron about deploying British and French soldiers to Ukraine as part of a potential peacekeeping mission. The proposal, which hinges on a peace deal to end the ongoing war, is said to be championed by Macron, who has already discussed the idea with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Meanwhile, the PM has insisted intensive work is continuing on ways to enforce a peace deal with Putin. Speaking after a UK-Ireland summit yesterday afternoon, Sir Keir said he would not make a 'choice between the US and Europe' amid mounting fears that U.S. President Donald Trump is washing his hands of the continent's security. Russian MP Evgeny Popov has warned that British troops sent to Ukraine will be a 'direct target' for Vladimir Putin 's missiles if they are sent to the war-torn nation The chilling warning from Putin's lapdog comes as Sir Keir Starmer laid plans for British troops to form part of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine Image shows a Russian missile in April 2022 But Russian MP Popov is not the only Putin crony to issue a menacing warning to the UK, as Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that troops on the Russian border would amount to the 'direct, official and unveiled involvement of Nato members in the war against Russia'. Warnings from Russia come as President Trump today warned Moscow he was 'strongly' considering imposing sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached with Ukraine. A senior administration official said 'the president's has intensified over Russia escalating as he's trying to get both sides to the table.' Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express his fury. 'Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,' he posted. 'To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late.' He offered no further details on his plans. However, the U.S., Europe and other nations have already imposed thousands of sanctions on Russiafocused on the oil industry and finance sectordesigned to hobble its economy and increase pressure to end the war. Warnings from Russia come as President Trump today warned Moscow he was 'strongly' considering imposing sanctions and tariffs on Russia. Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump's strong words come as Russia keeps up its barrage on Ukraine, and amid signs it is about to launch a major spring offensive. Trump promised to end the conflict on day one of his presidency. The complexity of the task means he has dropped that target but still wants to end the war as fast as possible. His administration has choked off military aid and intelligence to Ukraine to pressure it into a deal. However that has alarmed European nations, who fear Trump has become too soft on Russia, which sparked the war by invading three years ago. A vulnerable teenage girl who is believed to have killed herself after her terror charges were dropped was investigated by MI5 until her death, an inquest has heard. The hearing was told MI5 had 'no indication' from intelligence it gathered prior to Rhianan Rudd's death that she had intended to end her own life. The girl, who died aged 16, was investigated from October 2020 after threatening to blow up a synagogue, but her criminal charges were dropped five months before she died when it emerged she had been groomed and exploited by a neo-Nazi. The inquest heard Rhianan, who had autism, was found with a ligature around her neck at Bluebell House Residential Home in Nottinghamshire on May 19 2022, where she had been in the care of the local authority. An MI5 officer, who is referred to as Witness A and cannot be named, gave evidence from behind a screen on Friday to Chesterfield Coroner's Court, sitting at an asylum and immigration tribunal centre in London. He agreed that Rhianan remained a subject of interest (SOI) under MI5 investigation until her death, despite her prosecution being discontinued months earlier. He told the court: 'It's our duty to look at ongoing risks... MI5 will continue to investigate that. 'The long-term objective would be to close the investigation. The decision made by counter-terrorism policing to arrest Rhianan was one that focused on managing that threat as well as preserving evidence and other issues.' Rhianan Rudd was groomed and exploited online from the age of 14 by an American extremist as she found herself lured in to white supremacist views Rhianan was groomed and exploited online by American extremist Christopher Cook (left), the inquest heard. It was also claimed in the inquest that she was influenced by her mother's then-partner Dax Mallaburn, an American white supremacist, although her mother said this information was kept from her Her mother (pictured) told the BBC that her daughter should not have been charged Chief coroner Judge Alexia Durran heard that it was a 'well-known fact' to MI5 that Rhianan self-harmed during the period she was being investigated by police. Witness A said: 'It was very clear from the beginning that Rhianan had said she self-harmed and that self-harm was a consistent feature in the investigation into Rhianan. From the outset, MI5 considered Rhianan to be a vulnerable young person. 'She appeared to have a violent right-wing extremist mindset, she showed some intent as a result of being radicalised online. 'Investigating her was the only way of understanding the threat she might pose to national security.' Witness A said that safeguarding is not one of MI5's statutory functions, but believes it is 'very important' and is the responsibility of counter terrorism policing (CTP). MI5 contacted the FBI in December 2020 which later provided all known communication between Rhianan and a far-right extremist from America who groomed her, the court heard. The inquest heard MI5 was told that the man had a 'personal relationship' with Rhianan, communicated with her on WhatsApp, including sending links to 'racially motivated, violent extremist books' and considered her, then aged 14, as his girlfriend. The court heard that MI5 sought advice in April 2021 from its Behavioural Science Unit (BSU) on the level of risk Rhianan posed which said it must be 'mindful of the inherent challenges'. The inquest was told that a BSU officer said that 'Rhianan is an individual who is both vulnerable and risky at the same time'. Witness A told the chief coroner: 'It is entirely possible for someone to be a victim of a whole range of factors... someone being a victim does not mean they can also not be a perpetrator.' Rhianan Rudd, 16, had downloaded guides on how to make a pipe bomb, homemade weapons and guerilla warfare and scratched a swastika into her forehead after being 'radicalised' The inquest into Rhianan's death will look at the involvement of agencies leading up to her death, including MI5 , social services and counter-terror police The inquest heard that during a meeting in April 2022, the month before Rhianan's death, police updated MI5 and said that the girl had recently started speaking with a German accent and dressed in camouflage on Adolf Hitler's birthday. The court also heard that MI5 is not able to make a referral under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), which identifies victims of modern slavery. Witness A said: 'At the beginning of the Rhianan case, the application of online radicalisation to the Modern Slavery Act was not something anyone had focused on. I don't think it was seen as having application in that respect. 'It was seen as a novel or new approach, a new way of using this legislation. Since, a number of SOI's have been referred under the NRM by CTP.' The court heard that MI5 officers said in email exchanges that it 'does not sit comfortably' to see more investigations involving children. Witness A told the court: 'None of us joined MI5 to investigate children. It does not sit comfortably with any of us. It's becoming a necessary requirement. 'It's not something that's comfortable as the numbers grow - it's something our staff feel is an added challenge to the job.' A court heard today how Rhianan created a shine to Adolf Hitler. The teenager's mother, Emily Carter, believes her daughter should have been treated as a 'victim rather than a terrorist' Rhianan's mother, Emily Carter, had referred her daughter to the deradicalisation scheme Prevent in September 2020 before she was arrested based on a concern she had a 'massive dislike' for certain races and ethnicities. The inquest heard that Rhianan could not be 'supported simultaneously by Prevent' while under police investigation. Witness A told the inquest: 'It was well understood there were complexities and therefore it would be very rare for there to be a police investigation going on, under what we call 'Pursue', at the same time as running Prevent. The policy at the time was that could not happen.' The court heard that the police decided that Rhianan should not be an exception to that rule. The inquest continues. A middle school student was killed after being hit by an unattended SUV that rolled down a hill in Seattle while walking to recess, according to police. The 12-year-old girl had just left lunch, and was walking to recess outside Washington Middle School when an SUV that a driver had failed to put in park rolled about 225 feet down a hill, hitting and killing the girl, KOMO reported. The incident happened at about 1 p.m. Thursday, and the school issued a shelter-in-place order before later sending students home early, as reported by FOX 13. Police said the SUV's owner is being investigated for any possible drug or alcohol use, which is standard procedure for such incidents. Although the girl was not named, Principal Adrian Manriquez confirmed she was a sixth grader at the middle school. Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones said in a statement, "I am deeply saddened by this tragedy, and my thoughts and condolences are with the student's family, friends and the entire Washington community during this incredibly difficult time." Jones told KOMO that officials "don't know specifically how this transpired" when asked about how the vehicle was able to hit the student, and reiterated that the incident remains under investigation. Originally published by Latin Times. Bombshell reporting details the explosive clash in the Oval Office between Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as President Trump looked on. Seated around the table, the world's richest man reportedly berated Rubio, according to the New York Times which had juicy new details on the gathering Thursday. Seated diagonally across the table, Musk accused the Secretary of State of failing to cut his staff. As the New York Times put it, the tech billionaire slammed Rubio for not firing anyone and then 'scornfully' added perhaps the only person he had fired was a DOGE staff member. But Rubio did not sit back in the meeting and just take it, instead accusing Musk of not being truthful. The top Cabinet member asked whether the 1,500 State Department officials who took early retirement buyouts counted as layoffs. And 'sarcastically' questioned if Musk wanted him to rehire them so he could fire them again, the Times reported. Apparently, the argument dragged on for an 'uncomfortable time.' Musk told Rubio he was 'good on TV' suggesting he wasn't good for much else. Through it all, Trump sat in his chair, arms crossed, watching the fight play out. Finally, the 78-year-old intervened. He defended Rubio for doing a 'great job' and pointed out he was very busy traveling and on TV and had an agency to run. The New York Times described the meeting as a 'potential turning point' after Trump's whirlwind first few weeks of his second term. It also signaled for the first time that the president was willing to rein in Musk as his DOGE team's work has caused chaos and confusion across the federal government. Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio got into a heated argument during Thursday's Cabinet meeting at the White House While the fiery clash on Thursday has only just come to light, the meeting itself was widely reported as Trump gathered his Cabinet and made it clear they are in charge of the hirings and firings, not Musk. He told his top officials they need to use a 'scalpel' for the workforce cuts. 'I dont want to see a big cut where a lot of good people are cut,' Trump said after the Cabinet meeting. 'Elon and the group are going to be watching them, and if they can cut, its better. And if they dont cut, then Elon will do the cutting.' Even before Musk clashed with Rubio, he also got into it with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy over the state of the FAA's equipment for tracking planes, the New York Times said. Duffy accused DOGE of trying to lay off air traffic controllers. He pointed out that there have been multiple plane crashes and questioned Musk's team wanting him to fire air traffic controllers. Musk claimed Duffy's assertion was a lie to which the transportation secretary insisted it was not and that he had heard from them directly. Musk responded by demanding names, the Times reported. President Trump holding his first Cabinet meeting at the White House on February 26. Elon Musk was also in attendance for that gathering The hastily convened White House gathering came one day after Musk met with both House and Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill. Some GOP lawmakers have begun to express concerns over how the spending cuts were being carried out. DOGE has been the target of multiple lawsuits as it rushes forward with its mission to root out waste, fraud and abuse. But federal workers have been forced to defend their work and in many cases shown the door. Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created by Trump to find waste, fraud and abuse The DOGE team lead by Elon Musk has As DOGE has pushed to cut the federal workforce, some department heads including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard - defied the DOGE head by telling their workers to ignore the directive. It appears Musk may have lost the power struggle as Trump made clear during the impromptu meeting that the department heads were in charge of which federal workers are fired. In a change from his appearance at the first Cabinet meeting, the billionaire wore a suit and tie on Thursday rather than a T-shirt. Trump at the meeting also tired to offer praise for both Musk and his Cabinet secretaries, the New York Times reported. British fashion is under threat from artificial intelligence that can identify popular products and flood the market with cheap copies, designers have warned. Furious independent creators have accused Chinese retail giant Shein of using technology to 'systematically steal' their biggest-selling creations from social media. And they say their industry may be destroyed if Big Tech is allowed to ignore copyright law, as Sir Keir Starmer has proposed. The UK creative industry, including the Daily Mail, has launched a Make It Fair campaign that aims to ensure creators are properly compensated. Deborah Breen, 45, who founded underwear brand Wilde Mode in 2018, instructed lawyers after Shein started selling 4 knock-offs of a 60 set she designed complete with a logo based on her grandfather's signature. 'I was crushed and took it very personally,' she said. 'But since posting about my experience online, I've heard from dozens of other designers whose work was stolen. 'The only way Shein could be making copies that quickly, and at that scale, is with the help of AI. 'How can little guys like me compete with that? It is already putting us out of business.' Fashion designer Fern Davey's designs keep getting ripped off by corporate companies. She is pictured holding one her designs that has been copied The 78 design was copied by Shein who was selling their own version (pictured) for just 4 Accessories designer Gemma Keith (pictured), 31, has considered taking her products offline and selling them at traditional street markets Shein agreed to remove the copied products and paid Dundee-based Ms Breen 2,500 compensation. The fast-fashion site, which turned over 30 billion last year, is known for its designer 'dupes' garments at rock-bottom prices which bear an uncanny resemblance to expensive branded items. Popular social media accounts are devoted to spotting Shein dupes of various brands including Zara and Oh Polly. Shein, founded in 2008, uses an AI system designed by Shanghai-based tech giant NTX Global that 'streamlines the apparel process from beginning to end'. It reportedly lets the firm get new lines into production in as little as three days. The store releases up to 10,000 new items daily. It's a far cry from the workshop of Fern Davey, 29, a Bournemouth-based women's clothing designer who makes all her pieces by hand. Pictured: One of Ms Keith's most popular items, a 7 tote bag printed with an original cat design The design for the tote bag has been copied by Shein and sold for 3.75 Deborah Breen (pictured), 45, who founded underwear brand Wilde Mode in 2018, instructed lawyers after Shein started selling 4 knock-offs of a 60 set she designed She had to confront Shein when she realised it was selling copies of her 78 lingerie sets for just 4. 'It's so depressing to think that a computer can steal designs that someone has poured their heart and soul into.' Meanwhile accessories designer Gemma Keith, 31, has considered taking her products offline and selling them at traditional street markets. One of her most popular items, a 7 tote bag printed with an original cat design, was copied by the site and sold for 3.75. 'Independent designers like me are already in a battle for survival,' she said. 'Allowing Big Tech to take it all for free would be the end.' And Manchester-based designer Lucy Howarth, 41, whose 'love bum' shorts-and-top set was duplicated by Shein, blasted: 'Of course, human designers take inspiration from others. But when Shein ripped off my set, it wasn't just similar, it was identical.' Mother-of-two Bex Coster, 40, of Milton Keynes, created Steve the Positive Potato, a crocheted spud clutching a positive message. Breens 60 set is pictured here being modelled by a blonde woman She posted this on Instagram after realising Shein had started selling 4 knock-offs of her set complete with a logo based on her grandfather's signature The 12 product was a viral success but Shein quickly made a version for 1.75. 'It felt like such a violation,' she said. 'AI doesn't care whether you have poured your heart and soul into something. ' Last night, Shein said it would remove items from sale if they breached someone's copyright, and was actively trying to reduce the number of dupes on sale. A spokesman said: 'It is not our intent to infringe anyone's valid intellectual property, and it is not our business model to do so.' Meanwhile Shein has been in talks to list on London's ailing stock exchange for months, but former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith told the Mail that City bosses should reject the firm 'if they have an iota of morals'. In a statement, Shein said: "SHEIN takes all claims of infringement seriously. We are continually investing in our review process and, as a result, have seen a substantial decrease in claims. We are committed to driving industry-wide advancement. SHEIN suppliers and third-party sellers are required to comply with company policy and certify their products do not infringe third-party IP. "The allegations that Shein uses AI to search the web for designs to infringe are completely false." It also pointed out that many of the cases referred to dated back to 2020, and have since all been resolved. Elon Musk's social media platform refused to hand over details of hundreds of accounts to authorities in the wake of last summer's far-Right riots. At the time, the billionaire accused the Government of 'censorship' for imprisoning Britons over their online posts. Figures published by X showed it refused 53 per cent of the Government's requests for non-public information in the second half of 2024. These requests, which are typically sent by police or other law enforcement agencies, include data such as users' emails, internet addresses and private messages. The figures cover July and August when violent protests erupted following the murder of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport by Axel Rudakubana. X handed over information in just 379 out of 806 cases (47 per cent). Meanwhile Meta released data in 84 per cent of cases in the first half of 2024, TikTok complied in 62 per cent and LinkedIn 61 per cent. Last summer, the billionaire CEO of Tesla was accused by Sir Keir Starmer's government by stoking community tensions following the murder of three children at a summer camp in Southport. Downing Street rebuked the owner of X, formerly Twitter, for claiming that 'civil war is inevitable' in a tweet related to 'migration and open borders' in their war of words over the race riots. Elon Musk 's social media platform refused to hand over details of hundreds of accounts to authorities in the wake of last summer's far-Right riots The figures cover July and August when violent protests erupted following the murder of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport by Axel Rudakubana Figures published by X showed it refused 53 per cent of the Government's requests for non-public information in the second half of 2024 (stock image) Analysis of Musk's posts reveal that he had been warning of civil war in Europe since 2023. He also talked about in it in April last year before turning to it again after rioting and looting broke out in the UK over the summer of 2024. For months, the X owner repeatedly used his platform to share videos of disorder in Britain, Germany and other European countries and warn his 196million followers of a 'brewing' battle, especially over mass immigration and open borders. Musk previously goaded Sir Keir Starmer online by accusing the PM of presiding over 'one-sided' policing of protests breaking out across the UK - even using the hashtag 'TwoTierKeir' in a tweet to 196million people. The billionaire hit back repeatedly at the Labour leader in a row over his claim that Britain is on the brink of an 'inevitable' civil war because of migration. Musk also compared the UK to the Soviet Union because of arrests over what people had been saying on Facebook at the time. He even shared a Family Guy meme and joked that Britain might bring back the death penalty for social media posts that offend politicians. Posting an image of Peter Griffin in the electric chair he said: 'In 2030 for making a Facebook comment that the UK government didn't like'. He also retweeted a meme showing armed police confronting a woman over her social media messages, adding: 'Sounds like that is the UK today'. Sir Keir Starmer and Downing Street hit out at the billionaire for suggesting 'civil war is inevitable' following days of rioting fuelled by disinformation on social media after the deaths of three little girls in Southport. Elon joked that the UK Government could execute people for Facebook posts they don't like, sharing a Family Guy meme The billionaire also shared a video of a man being arrested over Facebook posts Violence erupted in Belfast in August last year amid rioting around the UK Police were out in force and detained far-right protesters in Plymouth in August last year Cabinet ministers blamed social media for allowing hate and fake news to be spread, leading to violent rioting by the far-Right. Pictured: Far-right protesters in Plymouth Cabinet ministers blamed social media for allowing hate and fake news to be spread, leading to violent riots by the far-Right which saw migrant hotels and mosques attacked in the wake of the Southport stabbings. False claims spread rapidly on X and other social media platforms that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker who arrived in the UK by boat a year previously. The person responsible was Axel Rudakubana, of Banks, Lancashire, who pleaded guilty in January to 16 offences, including three counts of murder. Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, six-year-old Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died following the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space on a small business park in the seaside town shortly before midday on July 29, 2024. Rudakubana, now 18 but aged 17 at the time of the attack, admitted the girls' murders as well as the attempted murder of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a knife on the day of the attack, production of a biological toxin - ricin - on or before July 29, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism. He was jailed for a minimum of 52 years. The year 2021 was tumultuous for many reasons, including the ongoing global distress caused by the Covid pandemic. Adding to the challenges, the Royal Family faced mounting pressures due to the Duke of Edinburgh's declining health and the imminent broadcast of Prince Harry and Meghan's explosive Oprah interview. Prince Philip was initially admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in Marylebone as a precautionary measure, following his doctor's advice. Buckingham Palace issued a statement explaining that he would remain under observation for a few days. However, just two weeks later, he was transferred to St Bartholomew's Hospital in Smithfield for a heart procedure. Making matters more difficult, Harry and Meghan's much-anticipated Oprah interview was set to air in just a few days. Calls from commentators to delay the ill-timed broadcast on CBS and ITV were ignored, and the interview went ahead as planned. It resulted in significant fallout, with serious allegations of racism and bullying within the Firm and its inner circle. In his book Battle of Brothers, royal historian Robert Lacey suggests that while Philip wasn't particularly troubled by the interview itself, he was concerned about the way Harry and Meghan handled the situation. Prince Philip was in hospital following a heart procedure when Prince Harry and Meghan's interview aired in March 2021 He writes: 'Philip was unconcerned, according to his friend and biographer Gyles Brandreth. What did worry him, said Brandreth, was 'the couple's preoccupation with their own problems'. 'I know from someone closer to him, revealed the bestselling author and broadcaster, that he thought Meghan and Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey was 'madness' and 'no good would come of it'.' Although Philip encouraged members of the Royal Family to give interviews, he emphasised the importance of modesty and discretion, cautioning against discussing private matters publicly. Mr Lacey explains: ''Give TV interviews by all means' was the rule that the duke shared with all his children - it was part of the royal job in the modern world. But they should never forget that discretion and modesty were integral to being a member of the British Royal Family - 'Don't talk about yourself'.' Three weeks and three days after being discharged from the hospital, Philip passed away peacefully in his sleep at Windsor Castle. He was 'unable to play any part' in the family's response to Harry and Meghan's damaging accusations. Queen Elizabeth released a heartfelt statement, which read: 'The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. 'The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.' Harry, who attended Philip's funeral alone as his wife was heavily pregnant, walked in line beside Princess Anne's children, maintaining a noticeable distance from William At the time, body language expert Judi James observed that the brothers 'almost looked like strangers' Before the fallout: Harry, Meghan, Kate and William attend the first Royal Foundation Forum in February 2018 in London Elizabeth and Philip at Villa Guardamangia in Malta, where they lived during the early years of their marriage Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh first crossed paths when she was just eight and he was 13-years-old. Their bond blossomed into a marriage that endured for 73 years When asked about the interview, Charles reportedly responded with a chuckle, while William, in stark contrast, firmly and perhaps angrily told reporters: 'We are very much not a racist family.' According to Mr Lacey, 'it was very obvious who was going to be the family's next Prince Philip'. With the funeral taking place the following weekend, the Queen and William are believed to have discussed the arrangements, including how both grandsons would walk behind the coffin. 'Elizabeth was coping with her bereavement by personally supervising every detail of her husband's farewell - complicated as it was by the Covid requirement that there be no more than 30 mourners in the chapel,' Mr Lacey explains. Harry, who attended the funeral alone as his wife was heavily pregnant, walked in line beside Princess Anne's children, keeping his distance from William. At the time, body language expert Judi James observed that the brothers 'almost looked like strangers', noting their lack of acknowledgment towards one another. She added that Harry appeared 'desperate to avoid' his brother. As the hefty Crown of St Edward's was placed atop his head at Westminster Abbey, Charles made a promise to himself that he would be viewed as 'the nation's grandfather'. Now, with tension afoot between various world leaders, it seems the King has the weight of impending war on his shoulders instead. In the latest episode of Palace Confidential, the Mail's Royal experts discuss the monarch's role as 'linchpin' in the relationship between the US and the UK - and whether or not he will take on a peacekeeping role to become 'grandfather to the world'. Referring to the 'powerful' image of King Charles meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky days after his heated discussion with Donald Trump at the White House, the Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English said: 'They say a picture paints a thousand words and it certainly did with that. 'It showed the King standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.' But trusted sources warned her 'not to underestimate' the significance of a meeting that took place the following day between King Charles and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 'The King as a constitutional monarch cannot come out swinging publicly,' Rebecca said. Preferring to show his 'feelings in deeds' instead of words, the Royal expert noted that Charles had his 'hands clasped' comfortably as he sat in the saloon at Sandringham with the politician on March 3, describing it as a 'very very warm welcome' indeed. Upon his coronation on May 6, 2023, King Charles wished to be seen as 'the nation's grandfather' King Charles meets Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on March 2, 2025 Speaking to host Jo Elvin, Rebecca revealed that 'the King made very clear that he supports Canada in its efforts to resist being made the 51st state of the United States of America.' 'It is so interesting that suddenly this apolitical monarchy is suddenly getting dragged into things,' Jo replied. Agreeing that Charles is in a 'tricky' diplomatic position, the Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden said: 'I think he has to be careful. 'To be honest, I'm not sure that Queen Elizabeth would have allowed herself to be drawn in as much as he has.' He described the meeting with Zelensky 'directly after the disagreements in the White House' as 'very controversial'. 'He didn't have to meet him,' Richard added. 'It could have been done in private perhaps. 'Remember what we know about King Charles's views: he loathes Vladimir Putin, he has compared him to Hitler. 'He thinks he's a terrible dictator and there's President Trump trying to mend fences and bring people together so it is awkward.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump have a heated discussion in the White House on February 28 The monarch shakes hands with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on March 3, 2025 The King, who is Canada's Head of State, smiles with politician Justin Trudeau Preferring to show his feelings through deeds rather than words, the King warmly welcomed Trudeau to The Saloon at Sandringham Trump is implementing a 25 per cent additional tariff on products entering the US from Canada and Mexico, according to the White House's official website - and Richard points out that the King remains Canada's Head of State. 'It really does, I would argue, put the state visit of Donald Trump to Britain into jeopardy,' he said. The Mail's Royal experts go on to point out that King Charles has elected not to take part in state visits before. In 2015, when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the UK, then Prince Charles 'boycotted the state banquet' as he was 'so opposed to their treatment of Tibet'. But Rebecca said it would be 'very unlikely' for King Charles to call off Trump's state visit to the UK at this point. 'The King is a linchpin in this relationship between Britain and the US,' she said. With his intentions to be seen as a 'grandfather to the nation', Jo then suggested Charles may end up becoming 'something of a grandfather to the world' 'if he manages to help ease this diplomatic crisis with President Trump and Ukraine'. Chuckling, Richard said: 'I'm sure he would love that title but it is very awkward, fast-moving situation.' In 2015, when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited, then Prince Charles 'boycotted the state banquet' as he was 'so opposed to their treatment of Tibet' Then Prince Charles greets Donald Trump during his first state visit in 2019 Melania and Donald Trump take tea with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during their state visit to the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets President Donald Trump at the White House on February 27 Trump shows off a letter from King Charles inviting him to the UK for an 'unprecedented' second state visit 'He does like to see himself as a convenor, doesn't he?' Jo continued. 'If it plays well, it could be quite a significant part of his legacy.' 'It could,' Richard agreed. 'But I would just say he needs to be pretty careful on that front.' Rebecca added: 'The government will clearly want our Head of State, our monarch, to do a lot of things and it is up to his advisors at Buckingham Palace to ultimately decide if that's wise. 'That said, there is a little bit of a love in between Buckingham Palace and the Labour administration in this country at the moment. 'They seem to really like Starmer and the ministers around him and what they are doing.' To hear all the insights from the Mail's team of unrivalled royal experts, watch the special episode in full on YouTube now. 'It's so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle, you know I'm Sussex now,' a clearly irritated Meghan snapped at her 'friend', actress Mindy Kaling, barely minutes into her new Netflix series. And just in case poor Mindy, who looked visibly stunned at the slap-down, hadn't got the message: 'You have kids and you go 'No, I share my name with my children'. I didn't know how meaningful it would be to me but it just means so much to go 'This is OUR family name'. Our little family name.' 'Well, now I know and I love it,' her clearly awkward guest stuttered. Fortunately by the time it got to Drew Barrymore this week, the message had well and truly been dictated - and received. 'Meghan Sussex,' the star trilled as she introduced her on her eponymous show, to a now smiling duchess. The Duchess's insistence on using her title as a surname has caused a stir amongst royal-watchers, with many questioning her decision to adopt 'Sussex' as her family name, particularly in light of the couple's limited connection to the county. They have only ever officially visited the region once - for just six hours - after a whistle-stop tour in October 2018 taking in Brighton, Chichester and Peacehaven. While members of the Royal Family entitled to the style of HRH Prince or Princess do not actually need a use surname day to day, according to Buckingham Palace, officially the family's name is Mountbatten-Windsor - and is recorded as such on both Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's birth certificates. Drew Barrymore (pictured with Meghan) became the first celebrity to refer to Meghan Markle by the moniker 'Meghan Sussex' 'It's so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle, you know I'm Sussex now,' Meghan told Mindy Kaling, who looked confused This dates back to 1960 when Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh decided they would like their own direct descents to be distinguished from the rest of the Royal Family, without changing the name of the Royal House (which had been Windsor since 1917, after George V anglicised the name from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha as a result of anti-German public sentiment). And so it was declared in the Privy Council that the Queen's descendants would add a hyphenated 'Mountbatten' to reflect Prince Philip's surname, which he himself took on in 1947 when he became a naturalised Briton. However it may come as a surprise to some to learn that Meghan is not actually wrong either. In fact members of the Royal Family - indeed, the peerage generally -often use their dukedom or title as a 'shorthand surname'. Hence Harry was always known as Harry Wales when at school and in the military as a nod to his father, King Charles, then the Prince of Wales. William has also always used the named Wales, and his children do so too now. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie (at least before they got married) also used the surname York, after their father, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. But the children of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who while entitled to be referred to as HRHs have chosen not to use their titles, use Mountbatten-Windsor. It is, therefore, not entirely surprising at all that Harry and Meghan would choose to have their children, Archie and Lilibet, known as Sussex, or that they would use it as well. Harry and Meghan (pictured together in her new Netflix series Love, Meghan) were bestowed the Sussex title by the late Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day in 2018 Meghan Markle's With Love show has a lowly 11 per cent rating from viewers with it behind wrestling and sitcoms on Netflix 's chart 'With Love, Meghan' landed on Netflix on Tuesday morning and is aimed at showing a new side to the Duchess of Sussex Meghan pictured with Prince Harry who makes a fleeting appearance in his wife's lifestyle series Wendy Bosberry-Scott, editor of Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, explains: 'The official surname of the Royal Family is Mountbatten-Windsor. However, it has long been the practice of the Royal Family, and indeed the peerage, to use a title as a surname where one is available. This is why when Prince Harry was in the army, he was known as Harry Wales, as his father was then Prince of Wales. 'Now that he is the Duke of Sussex, it is perfectly within protocol for him to use Harry Sussex and for his wife to use Meghan Sussex. This is no different from the Duke of Norfolk calling himself Edward Norfolk, when his surname is Howard. ' Ms Bosberry-Scott adds: 'Typically, where a title is involved, children are registered under both names, as was the case when Prince Archie was registered in 2019; he appears in the indexes of the General Register Office under Sussex and Mountbatten-Windsor. 'There are many other examples of this happening. The Sussexes are not doing anything unusual here as it is common practice within the Royal Family and the British peerage.' Joe Little, managing editor of specialist publication Majesty magazine, also confirms this, explaining: 'It is a practice that has been going on for years. While not specifically dictated in the rules according to Buckingham Palace, there is fluidity.' What remains interesting, however, is that Meghan is suddenly so keen to have the new family name known now - and so pointedly insisting on being called by it. And her reason for that, well, is anyone's guess. Meghan Markle's new Netflix cookery show has been making waves around the world for its 'toe-curling' lack of self-awareness and 'bland' kitchen advice. But amidst all of the viral moments, the scene that has raised the most eyebrows is the one where she revealed she now wants to be known as 'Meghan Sussex'. The new preference was revealed when a clearly irritated Duchess of Sussex snapped at her 'friend', actress Mindy Kaling, for referring to her by her maiden name. She slapped-down Mindy and said: 'You have kids and you go 'No, I share my name with my children'. I didn't know how meaningful it would be to me but it just means so much to go 'This is OUR family name'. Our little family name.' 'Well, now I know and I love it,' her clearly awkward guest stuttered in response. However, Meghan didn't always seem so upset at the thought of someone using Markle, even after she married into the Royal Family. Rediscovered footage from her infamous Oprah interview in March 2021 shows her emotionally describing the importance that her name had to her. When discussing her decision to do the bombshell interview, she said: 'If that comes with risk of losing things, there is a lot that has been lost already. Amidst all of the viral moments in Meghan Markle's new show, the scene that has raised the most eyebrows in the one where she revealed she now wants to be known as 'Meghan Sussex' Rediscovered footage from Meghan's infamous Oprah interview in March 2021 shows her emotionally describing the importance that her name had to her 'I've lost my father, I've lost a baby. I nearly lost my name There's a loss of identity. 'I hope the takeaway for people is to see that there is another side, that there is a life worth living.' Royal fans have shared the video clip and highlighted how Meghan seems to have made quite the transformation on her name in the four years since the interview. Now it seems the Duchess wants to throw away the Markle name and replace it with her Sussex title. The Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden said on the latest episode of the talk show Palace Confidential that the change in Meghan's attitude was 'quite odd behaviour'. A slew of fans have taken to social media to call Meghan a 'hypocrite' for her change of position. Fortunately for her, by the time it got to Drew Barrymore this week, the message had well and truly been dictated - and received. 'Meghan Sussex,' the star trilled as she introduced her on her eponymous show, to a now smiling duchess. Commentators have suggested Meghan's decision to keep her peculiar exchange about the name with Mindy in the final cut of her series was done to make a point. This is because it wasn't amusing or lighthearted like the rest of the series, causing it to stick out like a sore thumb. The Duchess's insistence on using her title as a surname has caused a stir amongst royal-watchers, with many questioning her decision to adopt 'Sussex' as her family name, particularly in light of the couple's limited connection to the county. A slew of fans have taken to social media to call Meghan a 'hypocrite' for her change of stance when it comes to her name 'It's so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle, you know I'm Sussex now,' Meghan told Mindy Kaling, who looked confused Royal fans have shared the video clip from the Oprah interview and highlighted how Meghan seems to have made quite the transformation on her name in the four years since Drew Barrymore (pictured with Meghan) became the first celebrity to refer to Meghan Markle by the moniker 'Meghan Sussex' Harry and Meghan (pictured together in her new Netflix series Love, Meghan) were bestowed the Sussex title by the late Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day in 2018 They have only ever officially visited the region once - for just six hours - after a whistle-stop tour in October 2018 taking in Brighton, Chichester and Peacehaven. While members of the Royal Family entitled to the style of HRH Prince or Princess do not actually need a use surname day to day, according to Buckingham Palace, officially the family's name is Mountbatten-Windsor - and is recorded as such on both Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's birth certificates. This dates back to 1960 when Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh decided they would like their own direct descents to be distinguished from the rest of the Royal Family, without changing the name of the Royal House (which had been Windsor since 1917, after George V anglicised the name from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha as a result of anti-German public sentiment). And so it was declared in the Privy Council that the Queen's descendants would add a hyphenated 'Mountbatten' to reflect Prince Philip's surname, which he himself took on in 1947 when he became a naturalised Briton. However it may come as a surprise to some to learn that Meghan is not actually wrong either. In fact members of the Royal Family - indeed, the peerage generally -often use their dukedom or title as a 'shorthand surname'. Hence Harry was always known as Harry Wales when at school and in the military as a nod to his father, King Charles, then the Prince of Wales. 'With Love, Meghan' landed on Netflix on Tuesday morning and is aimed at showing a new side to the Duchess of Sussex William has also always used the name Wales, and his children do so too now. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie (at least before they got married) also used the surname York, after their father, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. But the children of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who while entitled to be referred to as HRHs have chosen not to use their titles, use Mountbatten-Windsor. It is, therefore, not entirely surprising at all that Harry and Meghan would choose to have their children, Archie and Lilibet, known as Sussex, or that they would use it as well. In her only print interview to promote the series, Meghan expanded further on her use of the name to People magazine: 'It's our shared name as a family, and I guess I hadn't recognised how meaningful that would be to me until we had children. 'I love that that is something that Archie, Lili, H and I all have together. It means a lot to me.' She added that the 'Sussex' name was part of her and Prince Harry's 'love story'. When Meghan claimed to Oprah how upsetting it was to almost lose her name, Archie was almost two years old and she was heavily pregnant with Lilibet. Wendy Bosberry-Scott, editor of Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, explained to Rebecca English: 'The official surname of the Royal Family is Mountbatten-Windsor. However, it has long been the practice of the Royal Family, and indeed the peerage, to use a title as a surname where one is available. This is why when Prince Harry was in the army, he was known as Harry Wales, as his father was then Prince of Wales. The Oprah interview in March 2021 made global news after it involved a series of bombshell accusations Meghan pictured with Prince Harry who makes a fleeting appearance in his wife's lifestyle series 'Now that he is the Duke of Sussex, it is perfectly within protocol for him to use Harry Sussex and for his wife to use Meghan Sussex. This is no different from the Duke of Norfolk calling himself Edward Norfolk, when his surname is Howard. ' Ms Bosberry-Scott added: 'Typically, where a title is involved, children are registered under both names, as was the case when Prince Archie was registered in 2019; he appears in the indexes of the General Register Office under Sussex and Mountbatten-Windsor. 'There are many other examples of this happening. The Sussexes are not doing anything unusual here as it is common practice within the Royal Family and the British peerage.' Joe Little, managing editor of specialist publication Majesty magazine, also confirmed this, explaining: 'It is a practice that has been going on for years. While not specifically dictated in the rules according to Buckingham Palace, there is fluidity.' What remains interesting, however, is that Meghan is suddenly so keen to have the new family name known now - and so pointedly insisting on being called by it. And the reason why she has changed her tune from four years ago, when she emotionally lamented how she almost lost it. However the Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden believes he knows the reason why Meghan is now so keen to promote Sussex as her second name. 'It's clearly a warning shot,' one palace insider told him, confirming that Meghan seemed to be making a very public point of emphasising how much the title meant to her and, by implication, to Harry. 'Which is to say that the Royal Family should not so much as contemplate stripping them of their titles! 'It seems beyond doubt that Meghan is anxious to hang on to the baubles of royal life even if that involves the embarrassment of publicly correcting showbusiness-star 'friends' who fail to address her in the style to which she has become accustomed.' Stonehenge is one of the most mysterious and important monuments to have survived from Stone Age Britain. But scientists now believe that the famous Wiltshire stone circle has a secret 'sister' that could be even older. Archaeologists have re-dated the Flagstones monument in Dorset back to 3200 BC - more than two centuries earlier than previously thought. According to new research from the University of Exeter and Historic England, this ancient enclosure might have been a 'prototype' for later monuments like Stonehenge. Because of the similarity between the two sites, earlier researchers had thought that they must have been built at around the same time. However, radiocarbon dating of deer antlers, human remains, and charcoal from the Flagstones shows that the initial construction actually began much earlier than expected. Lead author of the study Dr Susan Greaney says: 'The 'sister' monument to Flagstones is Stonehenge, whose first phase is almost identical, but it dates to around 2900 BC. 'Could Stonehenge have been a copy of Flagstones? Or do these findings suggest our current dating of Stonehenge might need revision?' Archaeologists say that Stonehenge has a secret 'sister' monument in Dorset which could be even older than the famous Wiltshire stone circle. The Flagstones monument (illustrated) might be one of the first circle monuments in Britain Your browser does not support iframes. The Flagstones monument was discovered in the 1980s during the construction of the Dorchester bypass. Excavations showed it was formed of a 100-metre-diameter circular ditch made of intersecting pits and probably an earthwork bank. Today, half of the site lies beneath the bypass, with the remainder beneath Max Gate, Thomas Hardy's former home, now bequeathed to the National Trust. Flagstones is a scheduled monument with finds and excavation archives preserved at the Dorset Museum. At least four burials were found to have been placed in the enclosure pits - a cremated adult and three children who had not been cremated - and there were three partial cremations of adults elsewhere. Dr Greaney says: 'Flagstones is an unusual monument, a perfectly circular ditched enclosure, with burials and cremations associated with it. 'In some respects it looks like monuments that come earlier, which we call causewayed enclosures, and in others it looks a bit like things that come later that we call henges. 'But we didn't know where it sat between these types of monuments and the revised chronology places it in an earlier period than we expected.' While construction began on Stonehenge (pictured) around 3000 BC, carbon dating reveals that the first pits were dug at the Flagstones site around 3650 BC Along with the first stages of Stonehenge and the Llandegai henge complex in Gwynedd these make up Britain's first 'proto-henges'. While it had been assumed that these were all constructed around the early 30th century BC, Dr Greaney's new study suggests this timeline isn't correct. By measuring the amount of radioactive carbon-14 in biological materials from the site, which decays at a set rate, the researchers calculated how long it had been since that organism died. The new findings suggest the early Neolithic activity, including the digging of pits, took place in about 3650 BC. After a gap of many centuries, the circular ditched enclosure was created in about 3200 BC, with burials placed within it immediately afterwards. A later burial of a young adult male under a large sarsen stone at the centre of the enclosure took place about 1,000 years or so after its initial use. The earliest construction on Stonehenge, however, began with the construction of a circular ditch enclosing an area 100 metres in diameter about 3000 BC. It was only around 2500 BC that the famous sarsen stones were erected on Salisbury Plain to form the monument we would recognise today. Researchers carbon-dated fragments of red deer antler (pictured) and human remains at the site to reveal its true date. This shows that the Flagstones monument predates Stonehenge by several centuries In their paper, published in the Antiquity journal, the researchers argue that Stonehenge might have 'directly replicated' the form of this earlier monument. If so, this would significantly change the way archaeologists understand the development of funeral and religious practices in the ancient world. Dr Greaney told MailOnline: 'This is a new type of site an innovation, and suggests a change in the way that people are understanding the landscape and their beliefs. 'It's probably the earliest large circular enclosure at the start of a sea-change or shift from linear or rectangular monuments to circular monuments.' While Stonehenge's original purpose is much debated, a key similarity between the two sites is that they were both the sites of burials and cremations. At Stonehenge, archaeologists have found 64 cremations in and around the earliest parts of the complex. With an estimated 150 individuals buried at the site in total, Stonehenge is the largest late Neolithic cemetery in Britain. Likewise, archaeologists have found the remains of seven buried or cremated individuals at the Flagstones site. Flagstones, pictured during excavation in the 1980s, may have served as a prototype for later monuments such as Stonehenge But, just like Stonehenge, these burials were only one part of the site's original function. Dr Greaney told MailOnline: 'That properly wasn't the main purpose the burials may have sanctified the enclosure. 'The large circular enclosure was probably a sacred space, created for gatherings of people to conduct rituals perhaps relating to burial but other things too. 'Unfortunately we don't have evidence for any structures in the centre, so it's really guess work as to how it was used.' The explosion of SpaceX's rocket Thursday night has sparked fears that NASA's stranded astronauts could be stuck in space for even longer, or worse. SpaceX has been tasked with finally bringing Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore home from the International Space Station (ISS) later this month. But the company's failed Starship launch has led many to question if SpaceX can bring the astronauts back safely or even as early as March 19 as promised. The wave of concern has swept social media, even though Starship is an entirely different spacecraft than the one that will bring Williams and Wilmore home this month. 'Elon Musk's SpaceX with another Starship explosion! FAA has to halt flights. This is the guy that wants to bring home the stranded astronauts...' one X user posted. Another user posted: 'Let this Starship mission not be an omen to the Spacex mission to save the astronauts stranded in the ISS.' While one user urged Musk to 'quit before [he] hurts someone.' However, experts told DailyMail.com that the Starship explosion is no reason to believe that Crew-9 Dragon capsule, which will carry the stranded astronauts home, will malfunction. But Mike Pravica, a physics professor at the University of Nevada, expressed concerns that private spaceflight companies are 'biting off much more than they can chew when it comes to something as complex and technical as space travel.' SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded during its eighth flight test Thursday night. Though this rocket will not be used to bring the Starliner astronauts back to Earth, the incident has led many to question whether SpaceX technology is up to the task The rocket launched at 5.30pm local time from the 'Starbase' in Boca Chica, Texas 'As Elon Musk and Donald Trump appear to be defunding scientific research in America as well as higher education in science and technology, I am deeply worried about the future of space travel in the US,' he said. 'Particularly when it is being led by businessmen instead of scientists and engineers.' Following last night's launch, Starship spiraled out of control 10 minutes into the mission and blew up into millions of pieces, sparking flight diversions and air traffic chaos as debris fell from the sky. 'Hope that doesn't happen to the two stranded astronauts,' another user shared in reference to a video that showed Starship disintegrating over the Caribbean. Other Americans called on President Donald Trump and NASA to stop Musk, deeming him a 'lunatic.' Musk admitted on X that the Starship 'failed' during the flight test, saying: 'But we learned a good amount in building the new ship design and the flight.' The rocket launched at 5.30pm local time from the 'Starbase' in Boca Chica, Texas. The booster 'stuck the landing' as it returned to Earth, slotting straight back into the 'chopsticks' as intended. Thursday's explosion was the second consecutive failure for Starship this year, marking a major setback for Musk's rocket program SpaceX is tasked with bringing Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore home from the ISS later this month. By the time they get back, they will have spent at least nine months in space But just 10 minutes into a journey that was expected to take about an hour, the rocket started spiraling out of control as four of the six engines cut out. 'Hey [POTUS]! You did see that [Elon Musk's Starship] rocket blew up AGAIN! Please don't do our astronauts any of your favors. [NASA] stop this lunatic,' an X user posted shortly after the mission failed. But Bryan Schmidt, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Case Western Reserve University, told DailyMail.com: 'I don't believe there's any reason to correlate the failure of Starship to any decreased likelihood in the success of the mission to bring our astronauts back from the ISS.' Schmidt explained that the Dragon capsule's safety and capabilities 'have been proven repeatedly, which is the best sort of guarantee you can get in spaceflight.' 'Going to space is an inherently dangerous activity and there will always be risk involved, but using a proven system and platform is the best way to mitigate risk.' Williams and Wilmore launched to the ISS on June 5, 2024 for an eight-day stay. But issues plagued their launch capsule, Boeing's Starliner, before and after it docked on the orbiting lab. After months of deliberation, NASA called the capsule back to Earth without the crew. Musk recently said he offered to bring them home six months ago, but the Biden Administration refused because it would've made Trump 'look good' during the 2024 presidential race. In late January, President Trump said he told Musk to 'go get' Williams and Wilmore, who had been 'virtually abandoned' by the Biden administration. Williams and Wilmore launched to the ISS on June 5, 2024 for an eight-day stay At that time, SpaceX was already tasked with bringing the Starliner crew home. But just two weeks after Trump's statement, NASA made adjustments to allow Williams, Wilmore and the Crew-9 astronauts to depart from the ISS two weeks earlier than planned. Although Thursday's Starship explosion isn't a good look for SpaceX, there isn't any real evidence to suggest the Crew-9 Dragon capsule will malfunction. Both Trump and Musk have expressed confidence in SpaceX's ability to bring the Starliner astronauts back to Earth safely. During a recent appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience, Musk said that only a SpaceX spacecraft can bring the astronauts back to Earth. 'There isn't anyone else who can do it,' he told Rogan. 'The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is the only one that is considered safe enough to bring them back.' SpaceX's Dragon capsules have successfully carried nine astronaut crews to and from the ISS. When Crew-8 returned from the ISS in October of last year, one astronaut was hospitalized overnight due to an undisclosed medical issue, but it's unclear whether this issue was related to the return flight. Aside from this incident, no astronauts have been harmed during Crew Dragon ISS missions to date. A couple was mysteriously burned on the forehead after receiving the mark of the cross on Ash Wednesday. Sara Heloisa Sousa and her boyfriend Luan Jackson from Brazil shared their stories after the March 5 incident in Carnauba dos Dantas, which left them both with visible burns where the ashes had been. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, where Christians traditionally go to church and receive a cross-shaped mark on their heads using the ashes of burnt palm leaves. At the evening ceremony in the Parish of Sao Jose, however, the annual ritual took a turn when the couple said they overheard several people claiming the mark was starting to burn. Jackson, who left the ashes on longer than his girlfriend, was left with a large burn and bruise in the middle of his forehead. Sousa escaped with a much smaller wound, but the shape of a cross was still visible when she spoke about the incident Thursday. 'The wind blew and it burned a lot, I immediately started to remove it and this little mark was still there. My boyfriend was really burned because he spent more time [with the mark] than me,' Sousa told G1. Father Ronney Galvao, who oversaw the Ash Wednesday celebration, said the cause of the burns is still a mystery, adding they don't yet know how many parishioners were injured by the strange ashes. Luan Jackson suffered a large burn after received the mark of the cross at the March 5 service in Carnauba dos Dantas, Brazil Jackson pointed to where his local priest applied the traditional ashes on the first day of Lent, but the mark began to burn his skin shortly after being placed on his head The Parish of Sao Jose also issued a statement after the burnings, noting that their preparation of the ashes 'was carried out as usual, absolutely normal, as every year.' 'We regret what happened and are sympathetic to everyone who had their skin affected,' church officials added. Before issuing the public statement, Sousa claimed that the priest administering the ashes tried to laugh off the discomfort people were feeling, saying that the pain was the result of sins leaving the body. However, Jackson and his girlfriend said many of their fellow churchgoers believed there was more than a higher power at work at this Brazilian parish - and they may be right. This isn't the first time church ashes have caused these kinds of burns on foreheads, and Catholic Church officials actually found a scientific reason for the accident. In 2014, churchgoers in County Cork and Galway, Ireland suffered the same mysterious burns during Ash Wednesday services. Those individuals also complained of a burning sensation shortly after the mark of the cross was applied by priests. It turned out that the palm leaves being used were too dry and turned caustic when water was added to the ashes. Sara Heloisa Sousa said she immediately began wiping away the mark of the cross after experiencing the same burning sensation she overheard other parishioners complaining about Church officials in Brazil have not released a cause for the mysterious burnings of Jackson and Sousa, but some believed it could have been an allergic or chemical reaction Turning caustic means that a chemical reaction has made the ashes capable of burning human tissue, usually because the overly dry leaves burned at too high of a temperature. When something burns, it can leave behind various chemicals. However, if the fire is too hot, the ashes may contain more alkaline compounds - the same chemicals used in making soap but are very harsh on skin. If there are too many alkaline compounds in the ashes, it can lead to a burn when they make contact with human skin. Mixing those ashes with water can actually make things much worse. The alkaline-filled ashes turn to lye, a very dangerous chemical that burns the skin. Ashes are created using the palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday, which are stored until they are burned on Ash Wednesday 'It is the first time that something of this kind has occurred here in our city,' Father Ronney added after the burning incident. The priest noted that their leaves from Palm Sunday are burned in the bonfires of the June festivals celebrating St. John the Baptist, a common Catholic and Christian tradition in Brazil, Portugal, and Spain. Those ashes are then collected and stored until the following year's Ash Wednesday services. In 2019, another chemical burn accident on Ash Wednesday left 73 students with permanent scars on their heads. That incident, at St Augustine's High School in the UK, sparked outrage from parents after local police said they would not investigate the Catholic Church officials involved. Despite at least two children ending up in hospital, the police have said there was no 'criminality' involved in Father Tony Rohan's 2019 ceremony. A total of 89 people, including 16 teachers and one school governor, were burned in the religious ceremony which was stopped when pupils complained of 'tingling,' prompting parents to consider taking legal action. Blog Archive: Jul 2025 (25) Jun 2025 (150) May 2025 (155) Apr 2025 (9) Mar 2025 (149) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) The truth is out there. Just dont expect to hear it from NASA. Nearly everyone on Earth seems desperate to know how the true condition of American astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams whose 8-day mission to the International Space Station has turned into a nearly 9-month zero-gravity slog. Back in June, they launched onboard Boeing's new Starliner crew capsule to the ISS, but after the capsule encountered a cascade of thruster issues and helium leaks, NASA decided it was too risky to use the vessel to return them to Earth. Wilmore and Williams have been stuck ever since. But ask NASA about whats happening and youll hear the same dubious answer over and again - that Wilmore and Williams are not stranded and that they are, in fact, grateful to be floating through space, more than 250 miles above their families, for a total of 274 days. Well, as a former manager at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who worked inside the space agency for nearly a decade and is now an aerospace industry consultant, I know that NASA's words have to be parsed carefully. The agency lost its way a long time ago. It was stunning to hear NASAs Wilmore a former Navy test pilot with three spaceflights under his belt on Tuesday seemingly confirming SpaceX founder Elon Musks claim that the astronauts could have already been rescued had the mission not been blocked by Joe Bidens White House. Nearly everyone on Earth seems desperate to know how the true condition of American astronauts Butch Wilmore (right) and Suni Williams (left) whose 8-day mission to the International Space Station has turned into a nearly 9-month zero-gravity slog. Back in June, Wilmore and Williams launched onboard Boeing's new Starliner crew capsule to the ISS, but after the capsule encountered a cascade of thruster issues and helium leaks, NASA decided it was too risky to use the vessel to return them to Earth. 'We offered to bring them back early, but the offer was rejected by the Biden administration, Musk said Monday on Joe Rogan's podcast. The following day, Wilmore appeared to support Musk when asked about the claim, 'I can only say that Mr. Musk, what he says, is absolutely factual.' Wilmores teenage daughter, Daryn, was even more emphatic in a recently resurfaced social media post from February: 'There's a lot of politics, there's a lot of things that I'm not at liberty to say... but there's been issues. There's been negligence. And that's the reason why this has just kept getting delayed.' While I dont claim to know what was said behind closed doors at NASA and even though I am no fan of Elon Musk who I believe is recklessly slashing away at the federal workforce - I wouldnt doubt his claims either. Jeff Nosanov (pictured) is a former manager at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who worked inside the space agency for nearly a decade and is now an aerospace industry consultant. No one on NASAs payroll is permitted to freely speak their mind. But as a former employee of the agency, I can tell you what I believe it to be the truth: our astronauts are at risk and allegations of political corruption at NASA are not to be dismissed. First, spaceflight is inherently dangerous. Every time a human blasts off on a rocket ship, we are daring the universe to kill them. And even though Wilmore and Williams may indeed be happy to spend more time than they anticipated in service to their country, they want to return home. At 274 days in zero-gravity, 59-year-old Williams is nearing the record for the oldest woman to spend the longest stretch in space. Peggy Whitson spent 289 days in space when she was 56 years old. And Whitson knew what she was getting into. Williams while aware of the peril of her mission likely didnt expect to be in the running for a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. We know that women face a higher threat of suffering from the effects of osteoporosis, a loss of bone density resulting in weak and brittle bones, than their male counterparts. And older women are at even greater risk. When Williams returns to Earth, the physical toll that she paid will be studied. And second, after decades in existence, NASA is adrift. The agency was established in 1958 to beat the Soviet Union in the space race and it did putting a man on the moon in 1969. But in the wake of the collapse of the USSR in 1991, NASA struggled to find a new purpose. 'We offered to bring them back early, but the offer was rejected by the Biden administration, Musk said of the stranded astronauts on Joe Rogan's podcast. Consider that the Apollo 17 mission marked the last moon landing in 1972. By 1992, America sent astronauts into Earth orbit. In 1998, construction of the International Space Station began and it was completed in 2011. But now in 2025, the US sends astronauts to the ISS but struggles to get them home. Our horizons have shrunk. The problem is that NASA has become more concerned with granting federal contracts than boldly pursuing progress in manned spaceflight. NASAs main contractor Boeing has also suffered in this aerospace era of burgeoning budgets and mediocracy. All Americans are familiar with the problems plaguing Boeings commercial airliners. After a door-plug blew off a Boeing 737 Max jetliner during an Alaska Airlines flight in January 2024, at least 20 whistleblowers came forward to allege that the aerospace giant was cutting corners on safety to rush out as many aircraft as possible. In March, Boeings CEO David Calhoun resigned along with several top executives. Is it any surprise then that Boeings manufacturing problems have extended to its aerospace division as well. In June 2023, Boeing delayed the launch of the first Starliner capsule its first to carry humans into space because of the discovery of hundreds of feet of flammable adhesive tape used to secure the craft's wiring. Wilmore appeared to support Musk when asked about his claim, 'I can only say that Mr. Musk, what he says, is absolutely factual.' (Pictured: Musk and Trump attend a viewing of the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in November). Last August when NASA decided the Starliner capsule was too unsafe to return to Earth with human onboard, Boeing executives in the meeting reportedly exploded. Boeing was convinced that the Starliner was in good enough condition to bring the astronauts home, and NASA disagreed. Strongly disagreed, an anonymous NASA executive said at the time. The thinking around here was that Boeing was being wildly irresponsible. Thats chilling. Though still, there was hesitation inside NASA to cut Boeing loose. After all, it was NASA who signed a $4.2 billion contract with Boeing to fund Starliner's development and the mission that left Williams and Wilmore stuck on the ISS. Now, after numerous delays and far too much obfuscation, Musk has been tasked with bringing our astronauts home. SpaceX is preparing to launch its new Dragon capsule in about two weeks to the ISS. Perhaps, in the end well have the best case scenario Wilmore and Williams will be returned to their families as heroes and the truth will finally come out. A new scam parading as TD Bank is tricking users into handing over their life savings. Cybercriminals are sending text messages with an image of the bank's logo, along with a message that claims a large charge is pending in the customer's account and a link to click if they did not initiate it. DailyMail.com received one of the messages that reads: 'TD Alert. There's a pending charge of $1,298.99 on your account, ignore if you initiated, if not follow [link].' The link appeared legitimate, validtddmobile.com, which took the user to a website that looks like TD's mobile site and prompted them to put in their credentials. However, DailyMail.com does not have an account with the US-based bank. Other people have received messages that said a strange bill was paid from their account, while others were told they owed TD Bank money. Martha Gaston, senior communications manager at TD Bank, told DailyMail.com: We are aware that bad actors have created a scam and recommend consumers stay vigilant. Consumers can take several steps to protect themselves from fraud. 'The American Banking Association recommends that individuals avoid sharing sensitive information and never provide your Social Security number, account numbers or passwords to anyone who contacts you online, via text message or over the phone.' DailyMail.com obtained one of the messages that reads: 'TD Alert. There's a pending charge of $1,298.99 on your account, ignore if you initiated, if not follow [link]' This type of scam is known as SMShing, which is essentially phishing via text. Phishing, which involves an email, uses the name and logo of a legitimate company, asking you to click a link and provide account details that are then used to commit fraud. 'Creating fear or a sense of urgency is a common tactic for many scams,' TD Bank shared. The bank also warned Americans to never share their passwords and PINS, even with them. The link in the malicious text message takes users to a mobile website claiming to be TD Bank, asking to provide their user name and password. The site also features 'Forgot user name and/or password,' 'Sign up for Online Banking' and 'View the Online Banking demo,' which are all on TD Bank's official site. However, potential victims should look at the top of the site. TD Bank's shows, 'FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government,' while the fake one does not. Once users enter their credentials in the fraudulent email, hackers have full access to their accounts and money. The link in the malicious text message takes users to a mobile website claiming to be TD Bank, asking to provide their user name and password They then transfer its entire balances to criminal accounts where it cannot be recovered. TD Bank urges customers who fall victim to the scam to lock all credit and debit cards immediately and alert the company about the scam. Bank scams have skyrocketed in recent years, with a new report showing one in three US adults (34 percent) have experienced financial fraud or a scam since January 2024, Bankrate, a consumer financial services based in New York City. The firm's Financial Fraud Survey, published March 5, shows that nearly two in five Americans (37 percent) lost money to such scams in the last year. Sarah Foster, Bankrate economic analyst, said: 'Financial scams today come in all shapes and sizes, advancing far beyond the typo-ridden text messages that so obviously look to be from a scammer.' The survey found 37 percent of Americans who experienced financial fraud or a scam in the past 12 months said they lost money, including those who say someone took their funds after accessing their personal or financial information (19 percent) and those who sent funds to a scammer or paid for a phony service (23 percent). 'If you suspect that someone has used your information falsely or that you've paid for a phony service, don't panic,' Foster advised. 'The best steps toward reversing any monetary damage are having all parties aligned on the same goal and using every resource available to you.' When I first ventured into Eastern Europe aged 19, it was 1998 and the Iron Curtain had collapsed a few years earlier. The frugal budget my five friends and I took on our month-long Interrail journey went an absurdly long way, but we also had to deal with grubby Croatian hostels, railway stations that doubled as homeless shelters and hospitality firmly rooted in the dourness of the Soviet Union. So much has changed in the intervening 27 years, and yet over this period my interest in the region piqued by that early backpacking jaunt has only grown stronger. Ive been at least once to every Eastern European country. Though what precisely defines Eastern Europe is a muddy question. Some sources categorise it as being the Eastern Bloc; in other words, only including countries that were Communist during the Cold War. Meanwhile, other sources say that nations including Albania, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia are Southern European not Eastern. Confusingly, the United Nations defines the trio of Baltic state nations (Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) as being Northern Europe, while also listing Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan as being part of East Asia. For me, theres nowhere so close to home that feels so different, offers so much natural beauty, serves up so much wonderful cuisine and gives you so much for such a small financial outlay. Here are my favourite places . . . and a few to swerve on your Eastern odysseys. HASSLE-FREE HUNGARY Budapest never fails to beguile, and is the Eastern European city Ive visited more than any other. The Hungarian capital is an effortless introduction to the region, best experienced for first-timers with a stroll along the banks of the graceful River Danube before taking a trip to beautiful Lake Balaton. A view of Budapest along the Danube River, with the Reformed Church and its distinctive patterned roof in the foreground The grim vacation blocks that dominated the waters edge on my first visit in 1998 are vanishing fast. They are being replaced by chi-chi boutique resorts and apartments as well as the worlds largest swimmable thermal lake, a few kilometres from Balaton. This is an easy two-hour trip from Budapest by train (mavcsoport.hu) and, when you tire of the water, take a wander around the village of Tihany a bucolic outpost festooned with nature trails, hill paths and thatched cottages. TOP TIP: Top tip: Sample Hungarian wines in the atmospheric Tasting Table cellars in central Budapest (tastehungary.eu) run by the American food writer Carolyn Banfalvi. BOOK IT: Four nights at the Continental Hotel, Budapest B&B from 39 pp, including return flights from Heathrow (britishairways.com). LAID BACK LITHUANIA You wont feel much post-Soviet ennui in Vilnius, which is perhaps the most laid-back city in Eastern Europe. Its well worth spending a long weekend here ambling around the medieval maze of lanes and alleys, stumbling across Baroque churches while nibbling on a kibinai, Lithuanias equivalent to the Cornish pasty. Lithuania gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and is probably Europes quirkiest capital, too. It has outdoor artworks and a boho vibe in the Uzupis district which is a self-declared republic and has its own flags and constitution (which, quirkily, declares that a dog has the right to be a dog). Indulge in the boho vibe at the Art Gallery in the Uzupis district A bust of freewheeling spirit Frank Zappa (above) in Vilnius, and (below) a stark Communist counterpoint - a sculpture of Lenin in Grutas Park In Vilnius, hunt down the tiny bust of the American musician Frank Zappa who had no actual connection to the Lithuanian capital, other than that locals loved his freewheeling spirit. Youll find it on the quiet street of K. Kalinausko Gatve. Just an hour by train from the capital, Kaunas is famed for its doughnuts (called spurgos). But any sweet sensations may sour upon a visit to the Devils Museum, which contains more than 1,000 sculptures and representations of Beelzebub from around the world. TOP TIP: Hire a car and drive two hours north to Grutas Park, which is home to a huge collection of rescued Soviet-era statues and busts. BOOK IT: Three nights at the Artis Centrum Hotel, Vilnius from 166 pp room only, including return flights from Luton (thomascook.com). HISTORIC BOSNIA It's quite a feeling to stand at the exact spot in Bosnia and Herzegovina capital Sarajevo, where Gavrilo Princip shot and killed Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg. If only the tyro-assassin had concentrated on the impressive view of the city from the Latin Bridge back in 1914 instead of firing the shots that sparked the Great War. Recovery from the conflicts of the 1990s continues at a rapid pace. The Latin Bridge in Sarajevo - where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914 - sparking the First World War Take in the crenulated peaks of the Dinaric Alps that rear above while drinking exceptional, slow-brewed coffee in bijou cafes and stepping into the lavish interior of the City Hall (the Vijecnica) with its mosaic glass and intricate gold and azure interiors. Mostar is an easy day trip by train from Sarajevo. Here you can cross an exact replica of the 16th-century Stari Most bridge that straddles the Neretva River. Once described as a rainbow arch soaring up to the skies by a 17th-century Ottoman traveller, the bridge was destroyed in the 1990s conflict but has been painstakingly reconstructed. TOP TIP: Hail a taxi to Sarajevos Tunnel of Salvation Museum to explore the citys main connection with the outside world when it was besieged during the wars of the 1990s (mcsarajevo.ba/tunel-spasa). BOOK IT: Seven nights at the Hotel Herc, Sarajevo from 337 pp B&B, including return Heathrow flights (lastminute.com). EMERGING NORTH MACEDONIA The capital Skopje is a pleasant enough city to while away a day or two, but the best of North Macedonia lies by the waters of Lake Ohrid. The small city of Ohrid by its shores is one of the oldest in Europe. Its lake separates the nation from Albania. Picturesque location of the church of St Jovan at Kaneo, Macedonia A performer at a North Macedonia festival of music and dance There are few more picturesque sites in the entire Balkans than the Church of St Jovan, precariously perched on a miniscule strip of land that pokes out into the pellucid waters near the village of Kaneo. If time allows, take a day trip to Cave Vrelo (cavevrelo.com), the most accessible of the ten rock caves that make up the Matka Canyon. These are some of the deepest caves in Europe and descending into the depths reveals a lair filled with immense stalactites and a sizable colony of bats. The space is so large the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra has performed here. TOP TIP: Skip Skopjes Arc de Triomphe rip-off, and head instead to the ciys Museum of Contemporary Art for an infinitely superior aesthetic experience (msu.mk). BOOK IT: Seven nights at Hotel Granit, Lake Ohrid from 537 pp B&B, including return flights from Manchester (firstchoice.co.uk). PULSATING POLAND Although Warsaw has improved for visitors in the past decade, theres no need to linger in the capital of this vast country too long. The northern port city of Gdansk makes for a more interesting Polish introduction, with its medieval gates, pastel-coloured burghers cottages and looming shipyard cranes. Medieval marvels can be found in the port city of Gdansk Stroll down Wajdeloty Street in the hip Wrzeszcz neighbourhood if you need any grim generalisations about Polish cuisine to be blown away. The Stacja Food Hall (stacjafoodhall.pl) located above an art gallery, is home to the wonderfully named Slaughterhouse, offering sublime takes on Polish classics such as devolay (breaded chicken with herbs and butter). Catch a direct express train to Krakow in the south (journey time roughly six hours, polishtrains.eu), where you can saunter for days on end amid the Vistula riverside promenade, the palatial parks and the buzzy smaller bars in the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. TOP TIP: If youre planning a trip to former Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, take one of the guided trips from Krakow that last an entire day to do the experience justice. BOOK IT: Five nights at the Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town from 409 pp B&B, including return flights from London Stanstead. Book at tui.co.uk. OFF-BEAT ROMANIA Few nations had it harder than Romania during Communist times, but the sheer excess of the despicable Ceausescu regime simply cannot be avoided. In Bucharest, the Palace Of The Parliament (cic.cdep.ro) is the second-largest administrative building in the world only beaten by the Pentagon and a tour here amid the acres of marble and gold offers an unmissable insight into dictator Nicolae Ceausescus great folly. Romanian national dress, worn at a summer festival Away from the capital which is interesting rather than lovable, perhaps Timisoara is a full days drive away but worth the journey for its Art Nouveau palaces and glut of Baroque buildings which once earned the town the moniker of Little Vienna. And though you may experience church overload on any Eastern European journey, any ecclesiastical fatigue is allayed by the remarkable Orthodox Cathedral here: a 300ft-tall Byzantine-influenced wonder replete with multiple turrets, frescos and porticos. TOP TIP: Dont bother with the naff Bran Castle in central Romania, which Vlad the Impaler never set eyes on, let alone lived in. BOOK IT: Five nights at the Moxa Bucharest Boutique Hotel from 340 pp B&B, including return flights from Stanstead (tui.co.uk). MYSTERIOUS MOLDOVA Russian poet and playwright Alexander Pushkin hated his stay in Moldova, even writing verse about how unhappy he was. But Ive noticed huge improvements in the infrastructure of this small nation since my first visit in 2006, where my presence was met with pleasure but consistent incredulity by locals. Moldova is home to the Cricova wine cellar (cricova.md/ro), an underground store so vast it has its own subterranean streets named after the wines kept there, with vintages dating back to 1902. The ornate Ciuflea Monastery in Chisinau, Moldova The starkly contrasting Soviet era State Circus of Chisinau building An easy day trip from the capital, the town of Cricova contains some spectacular (or hideous, depending on your aesthetic tastes) socialist-era architecture. Back in the capital, none is more bizarre than the Chisinau State Circus building (circ-chisinau.md). Now reopened for acrobatic shows back in the capital, it looks from the outside like an old gas ring squashed inside a concrete cake. TOP TIP: Pay a morning visit to the Central Market where you can mix with Moldovans stocking up on fresh cheese and extremely cheap vodka. BOOK IT: Six-night guided tours of Moldova including all accommodation are from 745 B&B (lupinetravel.co.uk). Return flights from Luton to Chisinau from 99 (flyone.eu). GORGEOUS GEORGIA Home to the oldest grape varieties on the planet, its hardly surprising that Georgias lust for wine makes it consistently the most welcoming and hospitable country I have visited in all of Europe. The region of Kakheti, an easy hours drive from the languorous and charmingly ramshackle capital city of Tbilisi, is the fulcrum of Georgias ancient wine industry. You can expect a tasting session in vineyards such as Tsinandali (tsinandaliestate.ge) to last well beyond your time allocation and for it to be accompanied by heaving tables full of charcuterie and the ubiquitous khachapuri insanely moreish leavened, cheese-stuffed, bread. The Narikala fortress looks over Tbilisi, Georgia While sightseeing, tuck into khachapuri a celebrated cheese-stuffed bread After youve spent a day getting to grips with delicious Georgian wines such as tsolikauri and saperavi, head back to Tbilisi, and its streets, which range from spruce boulevards to ancient nooks hewn from cliff faces. Once known as the Soviet Riviera for its popularity among the higher echelons of the Russian elite in the summer, this is a nation that embraces visitors with a genuine warmth and is exceptionally easy onthe wallet. TOP TIP: Ride the sleeper trains from Tbilisi to the palatial Armenian capital of Yerevan. A first-class cabin sleeping two costs from 45 (railway.ge). BOOK IT: Seven nights at the Tbilisi View Hotel from 513 pp B&B, with return flights from Heathrow (lastminute.com). ...BUT GIVE THESE A MISS BELARUS PUTINS PUPPET . . . AND FCO SAYS ITS NO-GO Being a close ally of Putins Russia hasnt done Belarus any favours attracting tourists. The national airline, Belavia, is currently banned from UK airspace, and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to the country. ESTONIA TOO MANY HEN AND STAG DOS A victim of its own success, Tallinn, Estonias bijou capital, struggles to cope with the swaggering masses of stag and hen dos that swamp it for much of the year. The day-trip booze-cruisers from Helsinki stocking up on cheap grog dont help either, creating a city that is now overpriced and overpopulated. AZERBAIJAN FANCY, BUT DIRE BEYOND BAKU There's a showpiece city feel to the capital Baku, with its polished boulevards and buildings designed by Zaha Hadid and Sir Norman Foster. But the roads in the rest of the country are often in a dire condition, making travelling hazardous. Plus, Azerbaijan remains one of the last nations in Europe where British visitors have to pay for a visa in advance of travel. Selena Gomez and Martin Short were spotted filming season five of their award-winning series Only Murders in the Building this week. The duo, who star in the show alongside Steve Martin, braved the frigid northeast weather on Thursday as they shot a scene outdoors on Staten Island. Gomez, 32, was clad in a black turtleneck and eggplant-colored leather trench coat for the shoot day. Meanwhile, 74-year-old Short wore an olive green peacoat over navy blue layers topped by a dark gray blazer. The cast is fresh off its 2025 SAG Awards Comedy Ensemble win. Selena Gomez and Martin Short were spotted filming season five of their award-winning series Only Murders in the Building this week The duo, who star in the show alongside Steve Martin, braved the frigid northeast weather on Thursday as they shot a scene outdoors on Staten Island Gomez, 32, was clad in a black turtleneck and eggplant-colored leather trench coat for the shoot day. Meanwhile, 74-year-old Short wore an olive green peacoat over navy blue layers topped by a dark gray blazer Taking to Instagram following the SAG Awards in late February, Selena shared a gushing post with her 421 million followers. Her co-stars Martin and Steve weren't in attendance at the ceremony, but she gave them a shoutout in a heartfelt caption. The actress wrote, 'After 4 seasons we got our first award as a cast!!! Steve, Marty you deserve this more than I do. 'You guys have shaped the character I play on our show. John Hoffman, you brilliant man. Jess Rosenthal, Dan Fogelman and every single human on our crew that ever was or is. Last night was one I will never ever forget.' Finally, she added, 'Thank you @hulu and @sagawards for this unreal moment that I will cherish with my only murders family!' The program was renewed for a fifth season shortly after season four premiered last August. Season one of the show premiered on Hulu in August 2021 and quickly became a hit among viewers and critics alike. The plot follows three residents of a New York City apartment building who start a podcast while investigating the murder of another tenant. Selena wrapped up in a heavy quote and carried a reusable purple cup in between takes Short flashed a grin while surrounded by crew members on the New York set this week The cast is fresh off its 2025 SAG Awards Comedy Ensemble win Since its inception, famous faces including Meryl Streep, Eva Longoria, and Eugene Levy, and Molly Shannon have joined the cast. Other recurring cast members include Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Tina Fey, and Michael Cyril Creighton. Each season of the show has also featured Paul Rudd, Cara Delevingne and Ashley Park. According to a recent report from Deadline, Keegan-Michael Key will join season five, which kicked off filming this month. The Apprentice star Jonny Heaver has revealed the mortifying way he 'embarrassed himself' after being fired by Lord Sugar in his final moment cut from the BBC show. It comes after the 23-year-old, who owns his own tutoring business Achieve Tutoring, was the fifth entrepreneur to be given the boot from Lord Alan Sugar on Thursday night. The latest episode of the programme saw the remaining contestants head to Turkey to put on some amazing events for corporate clients. Unfortunately Chisola Chitambala's team lost the task and she decided to bring back Frederick Afrifa and Jonny to the board room. When Lord Sugar told Jonny the dreaded words 'You're fired' - he unfortunately suffered something of a blunder. Speaking to Yahoo, Jonny confessed: 'The bit I'm so happy that didn't make the edit... I pushed the pull door. The Apprentice star Jonny Heaver reveals mortifying way he 'embarrassed himself' after being fired by Lord Sugar in moment cut from show Jonny Heaver has been revealed as the fifth candidate to be fired by Lord Sugar during Thursday's instalment of the BBC show 'It was so embarrassing! 'I went straight into the door on my way out, so I'm just so happy that it didn't make the edit it made my day. 'One time you cannot push a pull door is when being fired by Lord Sugar, do you know what I mean? It's not the time or the place, so I'm glad I didn't make the edit. 'They were kind to me with that because I feel like theyre not always kind!' Thursday's episode of The Apprentice marked week six of the competition - where the contestants headed off to Turkey, with one team going to Bodrum and the other in Cappadocia. Each team had to impress Lord Sugar by creating their own day experiences for a very important client, and the team that made the most profit would be crowner winner. Chisola Chitambala was voted project manager for her team, and picked Anisa Khan as sub team leader. Frederick Afrifa did point out that Jonny hadn't been PM or sub team leader at all throughout the process, but he said that he wouldn't be the best fit for this task. Meanwhile Keir Shave was given the role of PM for his team, and chose Mia Collins to be his second in command. Throughout the episode the teams tried to haggle their prices down as much as they could. Kier took their guests on an incredible hot air balloon activity, while Mia managed her team in the kitchen. There was a little bit of tension between Mia and Melica Moshiri, when she told her that it doesn't take much initiative to lay a table. Chisola and the team took theirs out in Jeeps - where their clients from Vodafone were told to turn their phones off and enjoy each other's company. And things were a little awkward as they tried to make small talk in the vehicles. They hit a bump in the road when the clients asked to finish the tour early and wanted to eat instead. Thursday's episode of The Apprentice marked week six of the competition - where the contestants headed off to Turkey, with one team going to Bodrum and the other in Cappadocia Each team had to impress Lord Sugar by creating their own day experiences for a very important client, and the team that made the most profit would be crowner winner Keir Shave was given the role of PM for his team, and chose Mia Collins to be his second in command Meanwhile Chisola's sub team, led by Anisa, got stuck in the kitchen on the yacht. The guests were desperate for a glass of wine, but they very awkwardly didn't have any, so they had to go and get some. They managed to pick things up, but then really wanted some more booze and had to tell them that they had run out. In the boardroom, Lord Sugar was told that Kier's team made a profit of 1580 and the corporates client really enjoyed themselves. Chisola's team made a profit of 2070, but unfortunately they didn't feel like they had a luxury service and asked for a 40% refund, meaning that they actually made 470 profit. She decided to bring back Frederik and Jonny to the boardroom. Chisola Chitambala was voted project manager for her team, and picked Anisa Khan as sub team leader Chisola and the team took the customers out in Jeeps - where their clients from Vodafone were told to turn their phones off and enjoy each other's company Chisola's sub team, led by Anisa, got stuck in the kitchen on the yacht. The guests were desperate for a glass of wine, but they very awkwardly didn't have any Lord Sugar said: 'Chisola, the underlying thing that has come through it that you were very much focused on profit and not the customer experience.' He added: 'Jonny, your tour chat was unfortunately drier than your drinks cabinet.' Jonny replied: 'Despite me not being on the tour time on the first day, I put myself forward and I led the second part of the tour. 'How could it be boring? It was two and a half minutes.' Lord Sugar asked the trio who they think should be fired for the task. Frederik said that it should be Jonny as he 'always sits on the fence' and he clapped back: 'That is not fair. 'Lord Sugar, I put myself forward for project manager on this task. I didn't think I put myself forward for sub team because I didn't think I had the skills.' Chisola also agreed and said that it should be Jonny too. In the boardroom, Lord Sugar was told that Chisola's team made a profit of 2070, but unfortunately they didn't feel like they had a luxury service and asked for a 40% refund Lord Sugar said: 'Chisola, the underlying thing that has come through it that you were very much focused on profit and not the customer experience' Lord Sugar asked the trio who they think should be fired for the task. Frederik said that it should be Jonny as he 'always sits on the fence' and he clapped back: 'That is not fair' Unfortunately Lord Sugar agreed. Lord Sugar said in the boardroom: 'Jonny, I havent seen much from you in these six weeks. 'What I have seen is a tendency to make excuses; its not your fault or I dont want to do that because Im not experienced in this". 'My mind leads me in one direction and Im afraid to say its because after six weeks, I havent seen much from you, that Jonny 'Youre fired.' Jonny said in the taxi: 'Do you know what? Absolutely gutted. 'Lord Sugar, Tim, Baroness Brady are my absolute heroes and I would have loved them to see me as project manager but I have had a fantastic experience and I leave with my head held high.' The fifth week, which saw the teams create their own Easter eggs, saw Dr Jana Denzel shockingly step away from the process, meaning that the rest of his team managed to stay in the competition. Jonny has now sadly followed in the footsteps of his co-stars Nadia Suliaman, Carlo Brancati, Aoibheann Walsh and Emma Rothwell. The Apprentice airs Thursdays at 9pm on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer. The BBC has axed a popular property series that was designed to take on Netflix's Selling Sunset in a huge blow to fans. Reality show Crazy Rich Agents: Selling Dream Homes first aired in 2023 and featured five rookie real estate brokers who gave up their old jobs to make a career in luxury real estate. They ditched steady salaries and were taken on by the London branch of US property firm Nest Seekers and given the opportunity to sell million-pound mansions in the UK and beyond - paid entirely by commissions. Only one four-episode series ever hit screens and it was seen as a rival to a similar property show on Netflix, Selling Sunset, which also features Nest Seekers. Among the brokers were Krish, a former building society worker and a born hustler, ex care home worker Georgie, former model Vanesa, and Aly. However, it has been revealed that there will be no further instalments of Crazy Rich Agents, according to The Sun. BBC has axed a popular property series that was designed to take on Netflix 's Selling Sunset in a huge blow to fans Reality show Crazy Rich Agents: Selling Dream Homes first aired in 2023 and featured five rookie real estate brokers who gave up their old jobs to make a career in luxury real estate Only one four-episode series ever hit screens and it was seen as a rival to a similar property show on Netflix, Selling Sunset, which also features Nest Seekers One of the show's tycoon, Daniel McPeake, previously hit out at Crazy Rich Agents being compared to the Netflix hit. He said: 'Selling Sunset has a whiff of b******* - it's a reality show with fantastic, beautiful people in mini-skirts showing penthouses. 'But there's nothing underneath the bonnet, nothing to show people how to do it or what's going on in real estate it's a complete farce. 'That's not the show we wanted to make. This is not LA, this is London. It's cold, it's rainy and you've got to get the Tube. 'They may be talking about million-pound homes but then go back to sleep on their sister's sofa that is the actual reality.' Nest Seeker's US CEO, Eddie Shapiro previously said: 'We look for the next rising stars. 'We like to invest in them, empower them, help them grow and become the next superstars.' However, it has been revealed that there will be no further instalments of Crazy Rich Agents However, some viewers were left unimpressed with the sales skills showcased on the show, and took to social media to share their views. One penned on X: 'Seriously.these are a bunch of pumped up school kids, with zero property experience. I wouldnt let them sell bananas. This is the BBC going all Channel 5.' Another agreed, writing: 'The agents are so bad what even is this programme.' Meanwhile a third added: 'So no one sold anything and the only thing that looks possible has come via Alis sister and a Saudi guy who is himself an agent fit someone else. Not v successful then.' Netflix viewers are not happy after the streaming service made the decision to cancel a much-loved series after just two seasons. On March 6, one of the stars of The Recruit revealed that the spy adventure television series would not be returning for a third season and thanked fans for watching. Colton Dunn took to Instagram with a post that read: 'The Recruit has been cancelled y'all. Such a bummer. I'll share some pics and fun memories on IG but just wanted you to hear it from me. Thanks if you watched. I'm AVAILABLE NOW! Hire me for you TV story!!' Fans of The Recruit, which follows a CIA lawyer who becomes involved in massive international conflicts with dangerous parties after an asset tries to expose her relationship to the agency, were quick to share their frustration at the news. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one person wrote: 'I'm not feeling Netflix canceling The Recruit.' A second fumed, 'Netflix f**k you for canceling The Recruit,' and a third said: 'I just found out Netflix cancelled The Recruit and I'm sooooo not okay with that.' A fourth fan commented: 'No reason to cancel The Recruit. Just give it one last season to tie up the loose ends and then it is a perfect series.' Other Netflix users were left dumbfounded by the fact that The Night Agent has been renewed for a third season, but The Recruit hasn't. Netflix viewers are not happy after the streaming service made the decision to cancel a much-loved series after just two seasons Spy adventure TV series The Recruit starring Colton Dunn, Noah Centineo, Kristian Bruun, and Teo Yoo has not been renewed for a third season Noah plays a CIA lawyer named Owen Hendricks who has his life turned upside down when he encounters an Eastern European asset 'Too bad y'all went ahead and cancelled The Recruit, it was a good show! Even better than Night Agent IMO, terrible decision' one person said. Another posted on X: 'Sad to hear that Netflix cancelled The Recruit. So much smarter and more interesting than the mediocre and badly acted The Night Agent.' And a third urged: 'Netflix you need to renew The Recruit and cancel The Night Agent. The Recruit is very watchable and The Night Agent is terrible. You have your wires crossed.' Colton, who plays the role of Lester in The Recruit, also shared a sweet behind-the-scenes montage video of his time working on the show. 'You can't cancel the memories. Very thankful to the cast, crew and creator of The Recruit. It was a good run with lots of fun,' he captioned the post. Many of his followers were quick to comment and expressed their disappointment, with one person writing: 'This was my favorite show. I don't understand why Netflix won't renew it!' Another said: 'This sucks! I love the show so much,' and a thirds commented: 'Damn dude such a fun show, was awesome seeing you on our screens again!' And a fourth person fumed: 'Wtf is it with Amazon and Netflix cancelling decent shows. But letting absolute garbage continue. Damn it.' Fans of The Recruit were quick to take to X, formerly Twitter, and complain about the news One viewer said it was a 'terrible decision' to renew The Night Agent over The Recruit Another person described The Recruit as 'very watchable' and accused Netflix of having their 'wires crossed' Someone else claimed The Recruit is 'much smarter' than The Night Agent Colton shared a sweet behind-the-scenes montage video of his time working on the series The news comes after the second season of The Recruit dropped on Netflix on January 30 - and fans were praising it. The latest six-part installment sees Owen Hendricks (played by Noah Centineo) diving into a 'life-threatening espionage mission in South Korea,' where he uncovers a shocking revelation. The second season also introduced South Korean actor Teo Yoo, who portrays Jang Kyun. The Recruit also stars Aarti Mann, Fivel Stewart, Kristian Bruun, and Vondie Curtis-Hall. Alabama Barker's fiery feud with Bhad Bhabie could threaten her relationship with her step mother Kourtney Kardashian who has issued a warning to 'stand down' after her son Rocky was targeted in the vicious war-of-words. Alabama, whose father is Kourtney's husband Travis Barker, has been locked in a bitter spat with the 21-year-old rapper for weeks, with the pair continuously trading insults on social media and even dropping diss tracks. Bhad Bhabie - real name Danielle Bregoli - has taken aim at Alabama's famous family, dragging them into the fiery feud with claims that Kourtney, 45, started dating Travis, 49, after he was rejected by her sister Kim. This week, Bhabie's mother Barbara took aim at Kourtney and Travis' one-year-old son, claiming if Alabama 'comes for my granddaughter [Kali] I come for your little one!!!' The response came after Alabama mentioned one-year-old Kali in a diss track, in which she also appeared to suggest that Bhad Bhabie's on-and-off again boyfriend Le Vaughn was only with her for money. In a separate post, Barbara called Alabama, 19, a 'little dirty a** h**' that was 'still talking about my granddaughter yet her daddy has a whole new family. Rocky rules while you're just on your knees.' Now, insiders have revealed how Kourtney and Travis have been forced to interject in a desperate bid to avoid getting 'mixed up' in the messy dispute. Kourtney Kardashian has warned stepdaughter Alabama Barker to 'stand down' amid her ongoing diss battle with Bhad Bhabie , sources tell DailyMail.com Alabama, whose father is Kourtney's husband Travis Barker, has been locked in a bitter spat with the 21-year-old rapper for months with the pair trading vicious blows on social media 'Kourtney and Travis want nothing to do with Bhad Bhabie and have told Alabama to live her life but cool it down when it comes to this feud,' a source told DailyMail.com exclusively. 'They don't want to get mixed up in it. 'Kourtney and the rest of the family always want to have the upper hand on everything they do and if it ever seems someone is or has the chance to one up them, they avoid it.' The source claimed the Poosh founder is looking to follow in the footsteps of her famous sibling Kim and 'deal with Bhabie in the same way she has Kanye West's antisemitism - stay out of it.' A second source said: 'Kourtney hates this drama and has told Alabama to step away but she hasn't. Kourtney believes in de-escalating drama and Alabama feels the need to defend herself. She takes it personally and Kourtney has told her that the best response is no response at all. 'Kourtney is doing her best to put an end to this. She wants this to be over. Everyone does. It is childish.' Alabama's feud with Bhabie, who has chronic myeloid leukemia, has intensified in recent weeks. It kicked off in December when she accused Alabama of being a homewrecker and stealing her now-ex boyfriend Le Vaughn, something she furiously denied. 'Alabama Barker took my man,' she wrote in a since-deleted post. Insiders have revealed how Kourtney has been forced to interject in a desperate bid to avoid getting 'mixed up' in the messy dispute which her son Rocky, one (pictured) was dragged into The source told DailyMail.com: 'Kourtney and Travis want nothing to do with Bhad Bhabie and have told Alabama to live her life but cool it down when it comes to this feud' They said: 'They don't want to pour gasoline on a fire. They have told Alabama to stand down and not be triggered, but it's proving to be easier said then done'(pictured Alabama and Travis) At the time, Bhabie was undergoing chemotherapy and had just had a baby, daughter Kali, with Le Vaughn. In January, she repeated the accusations in her track Over Cooked in which she also claimed Alabama had relationships with Soulja Boy and Tyga, and aborted a pregnancy. All the parties refuted the claims, with Alabama releasing a statement which read: 'I have never been pregnant, never had an abortion, and have never been alone with Tyga or Soulja Boy I wont continue to entertain this nonsense, but this will be the last time I address pathetic lies.' But the spat intensified in February when Alabama released her diss track, Cry Bhabie, in which she doubled down on claims Le Vaughn had pursued her. The track debuted at No. 5 on the U.S. Spotify Viral 100 chart. Last week, Bhabie retaliated with new song Ms. Whitman, in which she took aim at the Kardashians and Travis and made reference to Will Smith's infamous Oscars slap. 'Keep my baby daddy name out yo' f**kin' mouth 'fore I Will Smith it,' she rapped. The title of the song, which samples Kanye West's track Carnival, refers to the 1993 film True Romance and the character Alabama Whitman - whom Alabama was named after. Alabama's feud with Bhabie, who has chronic myeloid leukemia, has intensified in recent weeks The kicked off in December when Bhabie accused Alabama of being a homewrecker and stealing her now-ex Le Vaughn, which she has since denied (pictured Bhabie and Le Vaughn) Bhabie also addressed the long standing rumour that Kourtney started dating Travis after he was rejected by Kanye's ex-wife Kim. 'Your stepmum burnt out, why she took her sister's second-hand?' she rapped, referring to Travis admitting he had a crush on Kim in 2007. Last year, Alabama's mother Shanna Moakler told the Dumb Blonde podcast that Travis and Kim were texting each other and were 'trying to meet up at her sister's house to f**k'. Amid the rap battle, Le Vaughn was shot at an LA strip club and had to receive treatment at the hospital for a gunshot wound to his hand. After he was discharged, the 26-year-old rapper confirmed on Wednesday that he is expected to make a full recovery. Alabama is an influencer and aspiring rap artist while Bhabie found fame after her 2016 appearance on Dr. Phil went viral thanks to her catchphrase: 'Catch me outside, how 'bout that?' Alabama found herself the target of another public take down last week after Sofia Coppolas daughter Romy Mars took aim at her glamorous appearance, claiming the aspiring rapper looks like shes heading to the Met Gala two or three times a day. Genuine question, what the f**k is Alabama Barker getting ready for? It's like the Met Gala twice a day, three times a day with this girl, she said. She has like a whole team of people doing hair with all these different waves, make-up that takes hours and hours and hours, insane outfits. But it's like multiple times a day. I don't understand. Waving her fork in the air, she continued: I understand every weekend if youre going to a party but its just so constant. Even for a party its like 15 people doing her hair and her make-up and her toe nails and her nails. I dont get it. I dont get it. Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch's 'wild child' granddaughter Charlotte Freud has found love with a Hollywood actor following the shock collapse of her marriage. The 25-year-old, whose family inspired the hit TV series Succession, is dating Netflix star Isaak Presley, 22. The London-born daughter of PR guru Matthew Freud and media exec Elisabeth Murdoch is living with her new beau - who goes by the nickname 'Cowboy' owing to his love of horse riding - in Los Angeles, where she is focusing on writing musicals. Friends say Isaak, who starred in the screen hits Fuller House with John Stamos and Stuck in the Middle alongside rising star Jenna Ortega, is a good match for Charlotte. They are both sober having struggled with alcohol and narcotics addiction in the past - with Charlotte's former hedonistic lifestyle earning her the unsavoury 'wild child' label. Charlotte appeared to confirm the relationship after tagging him in her bed in her latest Instagram post last month. Rupert Murdoch's 'wild child' granddaughter Charlotte Freud has found love again after the collapse of whirlwind marriage The 25-year-old, whose family inspired the hit TV series Succession, is dating Netflix star Isaak Presley, 22 The couple also exchanged a set of flirty messages in the comments as Isaak asked: 'Is this a date?' MailOnline have contacted Charlotte for comment. Charlotte previously married British rapper Luke Storey - 15 years her senior - in 2022. They wed at St Mary's Church in Westwell, Oxfordshire in 2022, with her grandad Rupert flying in amid his divorce from his fourth wife, Texan supermodel Jerry Hall. Guests included film star Woody Harrelson and TV presenter Claudia Winkleman. However the pair split just 14 months later - though she claims it was over almost immediately after saying 'I do'. 'We had been married for 12 hours when our whole world fell apart,' she explained. 'He relapsed on the way to our honeymoon. It wasn't a great sign.' Charlotte, now 25, met Luke a self-confessed recovering drug and alcohol addict when she was just 18 and he was 33. He encouraged Charlotte to join Narcotics Anonymous, helping to end her addiction to ketamine. She once admitted that she used ketamine so frequently during high school that peers nicknamed her 'K-angel' after the drug. Friends say Isaak, who starred in the screen hits Fuller House with John Stamos and Stuck in the Middle alongside rising star Jenna Ortega , is a good match for Charlotte Charlotte appeared to confirm the relationship after tagging him in her bed in her latest Instagram post last month The couple also exchanged a set of flirty messages in the comments as Isaak asked: 'Is this a date?' Charlotte previously married British rapper Luke Storey - 15 years her senior - in 2022, however the pair split 14 months later Isaak (middle left) pictured in Stuck In The Middle back in 2016 She said she struggled to cope with the high-profile scandals involving her family and 'overcompensated' for her glamorous upbringing by rebelling at school. Charlotte said she soon realised that recovery would play a big part in her marriage. She said: 'It felt like there were three people in the relationship me and him and our recovery. 'If our recovery was strong then we were strong, and if it wasn't we were falling apart. We had a great relationship when we were sober, but neither of us could stay sober. 'The wedding was so public and everyone thought our relationship was amazing.' Her new boyfriend Isaak has also has his own battles with addiction, after he told fans in January this year that he's three years sober 'off of, like, pills. But Im six months sober off of drinking and excess, other things like weed and shrooms.' He penned: '2 years ago today, I decided to change my life for the better. I encourage anyone struggling to reach out to someone and make that change for yourself, I promise you wont regret it.' In 2023 he was arrested for an incident - which he says was unrelated to his addiction battle - that made him realise he wanted to make some lifestyle changes. 'I just realised, like, I was still a prisoner under a coping mechanism that wasnt healthy.' Katherine Heigl was sued by The Pitty Committee less than a month before the Grey's Anatomy star fired off a separate lawsuit against the dog rescue. Weeks before Katherine, 46, filed a complaint against The Pitty Committee and the owner, Alyssa Deetman, for defamation, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage and breach of contract, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal the Los Angeles-based dog rescue sued her. According to court documents, Alyssa Deetman, 35, is suing the actress, her mom Nancy Heigl, Jason Heigl Foundation (the animal rescue founded by Nancy and Katherine and named after the star's late brother), KHGH Group, Altern Marketing, Golden Hippo and Does one to 20 for fraud and intentional tort. The parties entered a partnership together from January 1, 2023 until December 31, 2023, per the court papers. In the complaint filed on February 20 in California, the nonprofit's exec claims that she and Nancy and the other defendants agreed orally and in writing that they would 'pay for or reimburse vet bills, training, medical/behavioral boarding and other expenses connected primarily with challenging "rescue only" shelter dogs picked by Nancy Heigl and rescued by plaintiff and her affiliated dog rescue.' Alyssa alleges that the 81-year-old claimed to reimburse her and The Pitty Committee, but those commitments turned out to be 'false.' Katherine Heigl, 46, was sued by a California dog rescue less than a month before the actress fired off a defamation lawsuit on Wednesday The Pitty Committee and the rescue's owner Alyssa Deetman sued Katherine Heigl, her mom Nancy Heigl, and other defendants for fraud and intentional tort, DailyMail.com has learned The court docs state, 'Defendant Nancy Heigl had vets, trainers and boarding facilities charge plaintiff for dogs not rescued by plaintiff or her affiliated dog rescue, concealing the lack of connection.' Alyssa alleges the dog rescue spent 'approximately an unreimbursed $349,691.23' to rescue 120 dogs (10 dogs per month), believing that that money would be 'fully reimbursed' - part of which would be covered by proceeds of sales of Badlands Ranch pet food. The premium dog nutrition brand was founded by Katherine in 2022 and is named after her family ranch in Utah. The nonprofit's owner notes in the court docs that Badlands Ranch's social media posts and website states that it partners with and financially supports Jason Heigl Foundation in these rescue efforts. The parties had a falling out in December 2023 'due to the fraudulent behavior' by the 81-year-old, according to the complaint. Alyssa claims the actress' mom allegedly 'attempted to hide the fraud, inaccurately disparaged plaintiff, and damaged plaintiff's and her affiliated dog rescue's reputation, donations, income and earning capacity, in 2024, and into the future.' In the complaint, the exec says she suffered from severe emotional distress. She alleges their social media actions were 'disparaging' to her and the Pitty Committee, let alone 'dishonest and incompetent' after they 'refused to honor their promises to plaintiff.' Alyssa and The Pitty Committee alleged in the complaint that Nancy and Katherine Heigl (pictured in 2015) did not uphold their agreement to pay for expenses including vet bills, training and medical and behavioral boarding The nonprofit's exec alleges the Heigls owe them approximately $349,691.23 in expenses Alyssa alleges their conduct was 'unexpected and felt to be undeserved betrayal, and caused plaintiff severe emotional distress.' The exec further claims that the defendants 'have a pattern and practice of using dog rescue organizations' that are 'less well funded and less sophisticated' by promising to fully fund their rescue efforts, including any vet bills, training, medical and behavioral boarding and other expenses. Without naming the other rescues the Heigls and other defendants allegedly used for their own gain, Alyssa said she believes their 'malicious, fraudulent and oppressive conduct' will continue. Alyssa is requesting the amount of compensatory and punitive damages to be determined in court. In a statement to DailyMail.com on March 6, Alyssa disputed the allegations in the Heigls complaint from March 5 and said that she stands by the allegations in her complaint against them. She asserted that she followed through with her end of the bargain, but did not receive anything close to reimbursement for the cost. She added that she tried to work it out behind the scenes but moved forward with litigation. 'I always held Katherine in high regard from watching her movies when I was a young girl. I was elated to work alongside her when they initially reached out to me,' Alyssa wrote in her statement. The Pitty Committee is a Los Angeles-based dog rescue whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home at-risk bully breeds The organization allegedly rescued 120 dogs over the course of 2023 to help The Jason Heigl Foundation, according to the complaint filing 'This is absolutely the last thing I wanted to do and its a distraction that takes away from saving animals.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Katherine Heigl and the other defendants' attorneys for comment. The Heigls' attorney told DailyMail.com in response, 'The complaint filed yesterday by JHF and the Heigls speaks for itself and addresses false accusations and defamatory statements, including the allegations from the baseless lawsuit filed against them. 'JHF and the Heigls remain dedicated to animal advocacy and will continue to do incredible work for the rescue industry.' While Nancy and Katherine Heigl have not responded to this lawsuit, they responded by filing their own lawsuit on March 5 against Alyssa Deetman and The Pitty Committee. The complaint, obtained by DailyMail.com, alleges that the owner spread false information about the Jason Heigl Foundation and mismanaged funds, resulting in a negative impact on the foundation's ability to function in the rescue business. The court document states that the Jason Heigl Foundation entered into a contract with The Pitty Committee around January 2023 and that both dog rescues agreed that Heigl's foundation would provide a monthly donation in exchange for Alyssa's rescue 'rescuing a minimum prescribed number of dogs' of the Heigls' choosing. Proceeds from Katherine Heigl's Badlands Ranch pet food company was allegedly supposed to help cover the cost of expenses for The Pitty Committee, but the owner argued that their promise to them was 'false' and they never received the money Badlands Ranch is defendant in the lawsuit Alyssa Deetman filed. The premium dog nutrition brand was founded by Katherine in 2022 and is named after her family ranch in Utah The Pitty Committee posted a message to their followers on March 6 about their situation with the Heigls coming to light and how they 'duped smaller rescues out of hundreds of thousands of dollars' and used them to sell their pet food products The Jason Heigl Foundation, per the docs, claim Alyssa asked for additional funds that were not outlined in their initial agreement and did not fulfill their responsibilities. In January 2024, JHF notes in the complaint that they decided not to renew the agreement that expired. The foundation 'repeatedly rebuffed Deetmans proposal to extend and expand JHF and TPCs relationship,' which they allege led to Alyssa beginning to make 'dangerous false statements.' In the complaint, the plaintiffs also allege Alyssa engaged in an online smear campaign against the defendants. 'Deetman made false, defamatory, and derogatory accusations that JHF and the Heigls have mistreated rescue dogs, failed to provide promised funding, and stole from TPC, all in an effort to ruin JHF and the Heigl's reputation and/or coerce some sort of monetary payout,' the court docs state. A post on The Pitty Committee's TikTok page, which was shared in the complaint, allegedly stated, 'The Jason Heigl Foundation is a scam. Another celebrity phony who uses animal advocacy as a shield. Katherine and Nancy Heigl filed a defamation lawsuit on March 5 following Alyssa and her nonprofit filing a fraud lawsuit against them on February 20 In the lawsuit, the Heigls allege, 'Deetman made false, defamatory, and derogatory accusations that JHF and the Heigls have mistreated rescue dogs, failed to provide promised funding, and stole from TPC, all in an effort to ruin JHF and the Heigl's reputation and/or coerce some sort of monetary payout' '[Twenty four] of their dogs found in boarding in small kennels. These dogs get barely any enrichment or attention. It's a horrific place to keep animals and they should be ashamed! Especially having ZERO PLAN during a fire.' The post continued, 'They have stolen $379,000 from my rescue and they [sell] their products in stores claiming they change animals lives with the proceeds! Instead they rescue dogs and stick them into tiny kennels where they are forgotten about.' An invoice from The Pitty Committee, which was sent to DailyMail.com, shows that the amount of what the Heigls and other defendants allegedly owe is what was mentioned in their complaint, $349,691.23. The Heigls are seeking actual damages, including consequential damages, in an amount to be determined at trial; a permanent injunction against Alyssa from making defamatory statements about Plaintiffs online or otherwise; an order requiring Alyssa and her nonprofit to publish appropriate retractions and remove all defamatory statements published online; attorneys fees and costs incurred in this action; and punitive damages based on Defendants malicious conduct. The Seagull (Barbican Theatre, London) Rating: After a string of theatrical duds, misfires and howlers involving Hollywood heavyweights Sigourney Weaver, Rami Malek and Brie Larson, Cate Blanchett was the latest star of the big screen to have a go on the London stage last night. Happily, she stops the rot. But, to be fair, that is thanks in large part to a remarkable ensemble of home-grown talent including the estimable Tom Burke (The Three Musketeers) and Emma Corrin (The Crown). Besides them, theres a raft of other fine British talent on parade including Paul Higgins (The Thick Of It), Jason Watkins (W1A) and a doleful Priyanga Burford in this modern update of Chekhovs late 19th-century tragi-comedy, which has more bit parts than a branch of Screwfix. Not that Blanchett needs much support. She has plenty of previous in our theatres, and as a famous actress shes well suited to her role of Arkadina, a famous Russian actress. With her geometrical features, Blanchett is as masklike and inscrutable as ever. But shes playful, too her sensationally self-absorbed Arkadina, on forced holiday in the Russian countryside, reminded me at times of Jennifer Saunders in Ab Fab. Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett stars in Anton Chevok's The Seagull Banchett stars as Arkadina in the play's latest adaptation at the Barbican in London She is constantly pulling stunts in the first half singing songs, throwing sulks, even doing the splits. But in the second half she can dodge her emotional vulnerabilities no longer. Burke, playing her lover, the famous writer Trigorin, takes a shine to Corrin as aspiring young actress Nina. Burkes reticent, monosyllabic author is a bearded fashion disaster in saggy brown jumper, discount sport shorts and whiffy looking trainers. He typifies a show that looks like it nicked its costumes from a bin bag outside Oxfam. Nor does Corrin fare much better, in the shapeless togs favoured by todays disaffected teenagers. Blanchetts designer-clad Arkadina is the one exception in fashionable German director Thomas Ostermeiers ostentatiously dowdy production, which opens with a quad bike rolling on stage in front of a field of maize. Not only has Ostermeier dressed his cast like down-at-heel country folk he has them share seemingly rambling asides on microphones. Thats when were not being blasted by The Stranglers heroin song Golden Brown, emphasising (I suppose) the fact that fame is a dangerous drug. After three hours, I tired of these showily unshowy antics. Yet I couldnt fault the actors individual turns. Not Blanchetts manic Arkadina, not Burkes gloomily taciturn Arriving at her family's estate for the weekend, Arkadina finds herself caught up in a storm of conflicting desires Trigorin, nor Corrins nervy, emaciated Nina. And theres so much more to take on board, including Higginss embarrassing estate manager, Watkins self-satirising uncle, and Burfords mother, romantically slighted by the vain local doctor (Paul Bazely). We havent even got to Zachary Harts goofy hanger-on, or Tanya Reynolds despairing goth, in love with Kodi Smit-McPhee as Arkadinas lanky, troubled, and lovelorn son Konstantin (an impressive stage debut). The challenge is to make all these parts pull in the same direction, on a journey of laughter and despair. Im afraid that didnt quite happen for me, and may explain the unusually patchy standing ovation at the end. The show is sold out (bar returns), but I suspect it will be filmed. If so, aspiring actors like Nina will still be able to admire the high-end acting. . . even if they are less impressed by the bargain basement costumes. Alterations (Lyttelton, National Theatre) Verdict: Patchy Rating: Dress it up how you like, but Alterations isnt a great play. Even though were told its been re-tailored with additional material (pun possibly intended) by Trish Cooke, Michael Abbensetts drama about Guyanese needle-and-thread man Walker (Arinze Kene), in 1970s London, is a lightweight, awkwardly designed period garment. Walker has chosen to accept an impossible mission to shorten hundreds of pairs of trousers by a random six inches in less than 24 hours so he can go into business making suits. To help him, he enlists, fires, and re-employs a useless chancer called Horace (Karl Collins), who not only nearly scuppers the order, but also has designs on Walkers wife (Cherrelle Skeete). More reliable support comes from dad-to-be Buster (Gershwyn Eustache Jnr) and frustrated gofer Courtney (Raphel Famotibe), who is fired and re-employed on a whim. Colin Mace (Mr Nat) in Alterations at the National Theatre Gershwyn Eustache Jnr (Buster), Raphel Famotibe (Courtney) and Karl Collins (Horace) in Alterations at the National Theatre Arinze Kene (Walker Holt) in Alterations at the National Theatre Walker is a chaotic businessman, improbably championed by stereotypical Jewish rag-trade entrepreneur Mr Nat (Colin Mace). And its hard to take his ambition seriously when the whole of his strategy at work and home is summed up by his constant plea: Just give me a chance! On the upside, Kenzes Walker is loveable (if hopeless); and Collins turns Horace into an affably feckless peacock. But Lynette Lintons production, on a set loaded with clothing racks, is lost on the huge Lyttelton stage. It would have worked better in a more intimate setting as a batty sitcom with eccentric characters. The National is obviously keen to promote cultural diversity, but that doesnt mean they have to try on any old outfit they find. Edward II (Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon) Verdict: Medieval melodrama Rating: Edward II is a play beloved of students hoping to combine political protest with sexualised barbarism. That makes it an interesting choice for the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford especially as it features the companys co-artistic director Daniel Evans in the title role of the gay monarch, deposed because of his passion for his lover, Piers Gaveston. Gavestons name sounds suspiciously like a well-known indigestion cure (Gaviscon), and ironically, the kings favourite is the cause of much belly-aching among the feuding nobility, furious at his slights and Edwards indulgence of them. They want Gaveston dead or banished and the same goes for Edward, who they see as debauching the offices of state. Edward II is a play beloved of students hoping to combine political protest with sexualised barbarism The protest element lies in Gaveston and Edwards defiance of authority. The sexualised barbarism is Edwards apocryphal death caused by a red-hot poker being shoved up his backside (because spilling the kings blood was taboo). And the RSC are making a point, too about horrific homophobia down the ages. But Marlowes play isnt about tolerance. He crunches a complex, violent, 20-year reign into a salacious melodrama of power and cruelty. Edwards sexuality is just a pretext. None of that makes you warm to his characters and, running at just 100 minutes, its a good hour shorter than his contemporary, Shakespeare, would have had it. The Bard would surely have explored more complex psychological dilemmas and motivations. Marlowe, on the other hand, is preoccupied with the duplicity and brutality of power and its execution. A bit like the White House today. Evans has always been an accomplished actor, especially in musical theatre. And many were surprised at his move into creative stewardship, running Sheffield Theatres and Chichesters Festival Theatre. Nor does he strike me as ring-rusty. His Edward is an infatuated sovereign, who grows angry and frustrated, before giving up and cowering, scared witless, in a dungeon. A play which made it hard to warm to the characters, this interpretation was ultimately hard to enjoy Daniel Raggetts murky, pacy, noirish production with a rock music score is at its strongest when at its most cynical. At the start, were invited almost sarcastically to pay our respects at the coffin of the previous king, Edward I, with its honour guard of decorated generals in mourning. One of them, Edwards brother Edmund (Henry Pettigrew), is sympathetic; and another, Pembroke (Emilio Doorgasingh), shows he has some conscience. But Enzo Cilenti, as Edwards nemesis Mortimer, is a callous, Machiavellian alpha male scooping up Ruta Gedmintas as Edwards chillingly posh neglected wife Isabella. Edward keeps a hedonistic clique of gay sycophants, led by Eloka Ivos provocative Gaveston. But Marlowes dramatic appetite was for the plays uncompromisingly misanthropic machinations. Those make this work impressively ugly, but equally hard to enjoy. Until April 5. Lee Elliott is a newly minted bachelor again following his split with Georgia Love after nine years together. And the former reality star, 43, is clearly enjoying single life, stepping out for a 'man date' at the Melbourne Fashion Festival this week. Taking to his Instagram story on Friday, Lee shared a series of photos from the soiree that showed him palling around with mate Alexander Sexton. One photo, which Lee captioned 'Man date', showed the pals posing in front of a colourful mural. Lee cut a dapper figure in a beige suit that he matched with a crisp white collared shirt. He also wore a pair of brown leather shoes and finished his outfit with a brown pcket square. The Bachelorette's Lee Elliott stepped out for a 'man date' at Melbourne Fashion Festival this week Lee is a newly minted bachelor again, following his split with Georgia Love after nine years together Lee's pal looked similarly chic in an ivory-coloured linen suit he wore with a white shirt and matching shoes. The pals looked chuffed to be stepping out together, beaming as thy posed with their arms around each other. Another photo showed Lee, apparently giving Alexander some tips as the duo prepared to pose for shots at a Melbourne Fashion Festival photo wall. 'Act natural,' Lee captioned the image. Lee then posted a clip of he and Alexander enjoying the luxury of a VIP area. The pair were spotted partying with a third pal, Benny Avro, in the cordoned-off area and once they realised they were being filmed, the trio offered smiles to the camera. Lee's outing comes after he and Georgia, who first met on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette, announced their separation with identical posts to Instagram last week. 'After nine wonderful years together, including four as husband and wife, [we] have made the incredibly difficult decision to lovingly part ways,' they wrote. Taking to his Instagram story on Friday, Lee shared a series of photos from the soiree that showed him palling around with mate Alexander Sexton 'Our relationship has been so special and we will always cherish the memories, love, and laughter we've shared. 'There is no drama, no bad blood. Just two people who have grown in different directions while still holding deep respect and care for each other. 'We remain friends and we'd really appreciate our privacy as we navigate this next stage. Thank you.' Georgia and Lee have fuelled rumours they had split for some time as it had been more than four months since they were seen together. They pair spent Christmas apart with their respective families before Georgia jetted off to New York City for a holiday without Lee. They were also both spotted without their wedding bands, which led to a wave of speculation online which suggested they had ended their relationship. Last month, a source told Daily Mail Australia the pair were well and truly over after spending Christmas and the new year apart. 'The time apart could be good for them and I think they both have had an opportunity to see what life would be like if they did [officially] separate,' they said. The pair were spotted partying with a third pal, Benny Avro The source added Lee 'has always supported Georgia following her dreams' and 'I think whatever happens, they will remain friends in the long term'. 'Everyone, including them, is hoping they make things work and I guess that's why they have been so reluctant to address anything officially,' they said. Fans on Instagram continued to press Georgia about her husband's whereabouts while she was away in New York. She had not confirmed a split or a trial separation at the time, but simply said he was 'at home' while she was living it up in the states for New Year's Eve. 'Where is Lee?' one user asked in her comments section, adding a sad-faced emoji. 'He's at home, I'm here visiting my friend,' Georgia replied, adding she was 'incredibly tired of this question'. One follower asked, 'Oh, you've split up with Lee?' which prompted another to reply: 'Poor Lee.' 'Why?' Georgia bluntly answered. The pair met and fell in love on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette, which saw Georgia, a former TV news reporter, choose tradie Lee as her winning suitor. They married in 2021 at the Frogmore Creek Winery outside Hobart, followed by an outdoor reception at the Shene Distillery. The lovebirds had been due to marry in Italy the year prior, but were forced to cancel due to Covid travel restrictions. The following year, they moved into their $1.3million townhouse in Melbourne's upmarket suburb of Hampton East. Khloe Kardashian revealed whether or not she's finally undergone a boob job during this week's episode of Hulu's The Kardashians. She addressed the plastic surgery speculation in footage taken during her Dolly Parton-themed 40th birthday party, which was held last June. The Good American founder looked ultra busty for the lavish shindig, dubbed Khloewood, in a bejeweled denim corset with jeans and a denim cowboy hat. 'Well I'm in a corset,' Khloe told cameras. 'And you know a good corset will cinch your waist and give you tatas, so I'm living my double-D life that I've always wanted but just for the night.' A producer asked Khloe if her ample cleavage was a 'recent gift to [herself],' and she immediately shot down the question. 'No. No. Should've been, but no,' the mother-of-two said, laughing. Khloe Kardashian revealed whether or not she's finally undergone a boob job during this week's episode of Hulu's The Kardashians She addressed the plastic surgery speculation in footage taken during her Dolly Parton-themed 40th birthday party, which was held last June While adjusting her corset a little more and looking at herself in the mirror, she shared what she was thinking. 'God, I'm so not used to seeing I look like a f*****g porn star,' she said. 'I love it.' This isn't the first time Khloe has expressed interest in getting a boob job. On last season of The Kardashians, she revealed what size implant she'd most likely get if he ever did go under the knife. 'If I get my boobs done, I like this size,' she told sister Kim while trying on SKIMS' viral 'nipple bra.' Kim told Khloe that that size looked 'too big' on her, which made Khloe scoff. 'Double-D doorknockers telling me what's too big for me? Please,' she said in confessional. Years before that, Khloe also imagined herself with a larger bust in 2016 as she dabbled with silicone bra inserts. While Khloe alleges to have never augmented her chest, she has previously admitted to getting 'one nose job' and injectables like Botox. The Good American founder looked ultra busty for the lavish shindig, dubbed Khloewood, in a bejeweled denim corset with jeans and a denim cowboy hat 'Well I'm in a corset,' Khloe told cameras. 'And you know a good corset will cinch your waist and give you tatas, so I'm living my double-D life that I've always wanted but just for the night' 'God, I'm so not used to seeing I look like a f*****g porn star,' she said. 'I love it' During Thursday's episode of The Kardashians, Khloe remarked on how much she 'loves' her plastic surgeon Dr. Raj Kanodia, who famously did her rhinoplasty. She did so while trying to put together a vision board with her sister Kourtney ahead of her 40th birthday. They were both scouring through various magazines for the mood board when she finds a mention in Angeleno Magazine for Dr. Raj Kanodia. 'He did my nose,' Khloe said, showing Kourtney a photo of the plastic surgeon, as Kourtney said, 'Oh, how funny.' Khloe then blew a kiss at the doctor's photo, adding, 'I love him,' before the siblings continued working on their mood board.' The reality star got her nose done in 2019, just before her daughter True was born, though she didn't address it until 2021, during the final reunion for E!'s Keeping Up With the Kardashians. 'Everyone says, 'Oh my gosh, she's had her third face transplant.' But I've had one nose job, [with] Dr. Raj Kanodia,' Khloe said at the reunion. She also spoke about going under the knife back in April 2022, during an ABC special about the family ahead of The Kardashians' debut on Hulu. This isn't the first time Khloe has expressed interest in getting a boob job. On last season of The Kardashians, she revealed what size implant she'd if he ever did go under the knife While Khloe alleges to have never augmented her chest, she has previously admitted to getting 'one nose job' and injectables like Botox; Khloe seen left in 2024 and right in 2017 'My whole life I would say I've always wanted my nose done, forever,' Khloe admitted to host Robin Roberts. 'But it's in the middle of your face and it's scary to think about. But I finally got the courage, and I did it, and I love it,' she admitted. Khloe celebrated her milestone 40th birthday with her sisters Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, and additional guests including Sara Foster and Kimora Lee Simmons. Kim revealed during Thursday's episode of The Kardashians what she got Khloe for her birthday a human sized Coke bottle piggy bank. As she paid tribute to her sister, Kim recalled how when she was 21, broke and divorcing her first husband Damon Thomas, Khloe, then 17, came to her rescue. She married the record producer when she was 19 and when the marriage broke down she found herself without the means to move out and get her own apartment. 'When Khloe was maybe 4 or 5 years old, she got this piggy bank in the shape of a Coca-Cola bottle. We would put so much money in it,' Kim recalled in a confessional. 'When I was getting my first divorce, I moved out and had no money. I was like 21 and she gave me her Coke bottle.' During Thursday's episode of The Kardashians, Khloe remarked on how much she 'loves' her plastic surgeon Dr. Raj Kanodia, who famously did her rhinoplasty in 2019 She did so while trying to put together a vision board with her sister Kourtney ahead of her 40th birthday She added: 'We were up all night counting it and it was $6,000 and it was enough for me to get a down payment on my apartment. She gave me her life savings at age 21.' Khloe also explained in a confessional, saying, 'She was crying in my room and I was just like, 'I have this so let's take what is in here and go to the bank to cash it. Let's use this money for your divorce,'' she shared. 'I gave her all that I got and hopefully helped her.' Kim married and divorced Thomas, 54, before Keeping Up With the Kardashians debuted in 2007. Amelia Gray Hamlin made sure to turn heads as she stepped out in Paris on Thursday night wearing a Kim Kardashian T-shirt during fashion week. The American model, 23, looked incredible in the oversized 595 number by Balenciaga which featured SKIMS mogul Kim's face printed on. Amelia put on a leggy display as she elevated her frame in a pair of towering black leather thigh high boots and wore a pair of sunglasses. Styling her long dark tresses loose, she toted her belongings around in a coordinated chunky handbag. The daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin flashed her gorgeous smile as she headed out for dinner with pals in the French capital. The outing comes after Amelia left little to the imagination as she stormed the DSquared2 runway during Milan Fashion Week. Amelia Gray Hamlin made sure to turn heads as she stepped out in Paris on Thursday night wearing a Kim Kardashian T-shirt during fashion week The American model, 23, looked incredible in the oversized 595 number by Balenciaga which featured SKIMS mogul Kim's face printed on The model went braless as she took to the catwalk in a sheer Cher-inspired champagne-nude jumpsuit. The stylish ensemble from the fashion brand's Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026 collection featured a figure-hugging silhouette, a delicate sheer sequin embellished fabric, and long sleeves. The garment also boasted dramatic feather and fringe embellishments towards the end of the sleeves and lower legs. To complete her runway look, Amelia styled her dark tresses straight and kept things natural in terms of her make-up. Her look was inspired by Cher's 1974 Met Gala dress, which was created by American fashion designer Bob Mackie. This is the second time Amelia has walked for the brand DSqaured2. The model was also one of the stars for the brand's fall 2023 show. Amelia, who began her modelling career in 2017, has walked for high-end brands including Saint Laurent, Chanel, Balenciaga, Moncler, Givenchy, Versace, and Vivienne Westwood. In November, she also starred in Michael Kors' holiday campaign with her sister Delilah Belle Hamlin. Amelia put on a leggy display as she elevated her frame in a pair of towering black leather thigh high boots and wore a pair of sunglasses Styling her long dark tresses loose, she toted her belongings around in a coordinated chunky handbag The daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin flashed her gorgeous smile as she headed out for dinner with pals in the French capital She wore a glamorous palette of makeup for he evening DSqaured2's fall runway show marked the brand's 30th anniversary. Twin designers Dean and Dan Caten hosted the show, and famous names like Naomi Campbell, Alex Consani and Anok Yai also walked the runway. Guests in attendance were also surprised with an impromptu performance from Doechii, who also walked the runway. Amelia has maintained a close relationship with her parents as she embarked on her own rise to fame, with them even contributing to her wardrobe. She previously admitted to stealing items from mum Lisa Rinna and dad Harry Hamlin's wardrobes, including designer garments. She told People in May: 'I steal (but put back) a bunch of my dad's Calvin Klein white T-shirts and his Nike socks sometimes. He also has really comfy flannel pieces.' 'From my mum, I mostly take the tighter, chicer things. I've definitely stolen my fair share of Versace.' Amelia takes anything she 'can get [her] hands on' when it comes to the former 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star's clothes. She said: 'I take whatever high-fashion things I can get my hands on from that woman's closet, that's for sure.' Gigi Hadid looked effortlessly chic on Thursday as she arrived at the Schiaparelli show during Paris Fashion Week. The American fashion model, 29, pulled up to the Le Musee d'Art Moderne clad in a cropped black leather bomber jacket. She paired the stylish jacket with faded, cuffed black jeans and sleek black Sule log loafers. Gigi further accessorised her look with a classic black belt, trendy sunglasses, and a mini black handbag to carry her essentials. She styled her blonde tresses in a slick bun and complemented her flawless complexion with a swipe of nude lipstick. Gigi appeared in high spirits, beaming for the cameras before greeting fans and signing autographs. Gigi Hadid looked effortlessly chic on Thursday as she arrived at the Schiaparelli show during Paris Fashion Week The American fashion model, 29, pulled up to the Le Musee d'Art Moderne clad in a cropped black leather bomber jacket Later that evening, the Schiaparelli muse slipped into something more glamorous to open the show. She stormed the runway in a chic slouchy black power suit, featuring statement furry black shoulder pads. She paired the ensemble with pointy black boots and carried her essentials in a black top-handle bag, which she tucked under her arm like a clutch. To finish off her look, the model accessorised with gold-toned statement earrings and a glowy makeup palette. It comes after Gigi led the stars at the Louvre Museum gala dinner on Tuesday night, to mark the official start of Paris Fashion Week. Le Grand Diner du Louvre hosted a glittering line of models and A-list fashion fans helping to raise funds to support the Louvre's restoration projects and educational programs. Gigi led the fashionable names on the guest list as she pulled out all the stops for the glitzy occasion. The PFW regular wowed in a strapless gown covered in shimmering gold and silver scales. She paired the stylish jacket with faded, cuffed black jeans and sleek black Sule log loafers Gigi further accessorised her look with a classic black belt, trendy sunglasses, and a mini black handbag to carry her essentials She styled her blonde tresses in a slick bun and complemented her flawless complexion with a swipe of nude lipstick Gigi appeared in high spirits, beaming for the cameras before greeting fans and signing autographs The stunning dress showed off the model's incredible curves as she posed outside the iconic Louvre pyramid with designer Jeremy Scott. Gigi accessorised with some equally dazzling jewellery from Lili Claspe, Ritique, Grown Brilliance, Lionheart, and LOF for fashion's big night out. It comes after Gigi gave her fans a glimpse of her daughter Khai in adorable snaps shared to Instagram last month. The supermodel expressed that she felt 'blessed' as she uploaded photos taken towards the end of 2024. The media personality welcomed Khai, four, to the world in September 2020 - and shares the little one with ex and former One Direction member Zayn Malik. In one image, Gigi could be seen strolling down a street in bustling NYC with her daughter close behind. Later that evening, the Schiaparelli muse slipped into something more glamorous to open the show She stormed the runway in a chic slouchy black power suit, featuring statement furry black shoulder pads Doja Cat was the VIP front row attendee at the Schiaparelli show, wowing in a chic animal print ensemble It comes after Gigi led the stars at the Louvre Museum gala dinner on Tuesday night, to mark the official start of Paris Fashion Week Gigi held a big smile on her face while looking down at her daughter as they spent quality time together. The beauty - who is dating Bradley Cooper - sported a red and yellow-striped sweater as well as a pair of dark grey jeans. Gigi included another picture of Khai petting horses on a farm, and the star also showed off her daughter's braided hairstyle in the Instagram carousel. During an interview with Net-a-Porter back in 2023, the model opened up about how she balances both work and motherhood. 'I think when you are a parent, you have to be intentional because now, I literally have half the time. I work when my daughter is with her dad, and that's the time I have.' 'I will literally fit in as many jobs as I can on those days. I'm sometimes a crazy person, but if it means a lot to me, then I do it,' she added. Nearly a year after Morgan Wallen was arrested for throwing a chair off their rooftop, Chief's on Broadway decided to cash in on the booze-fueled embarrassing incident by introducing a brand new cocktail. On Tuesday, tour manager Edward James posted a viral TikTok of the $15 drink dubbed 'The Chair' which is literally garnished with a tiny folding chair. The Chair consists of Smirnoff raspberry vodka, raspberry liqueur, lemonade, and a splash of soda. Eric Church's six-story Nashville bar already had the phrase 'our pigs fly, our chairs don't' on their marquee before adding another sign on their rooftop which warns patrons: 'Don't even think about it, you are not Morgan Wallen.' The 31-year-old controversial country crooner - who was 'not proud of my behavior' - was arrested on April 7 after his tossed chair nearly fell on two police officers standing on the street below. Nearly a year after Morgan Wallen was arrested for throwing a chair off their rooftop, Chief's on Broadway decided to cash in on the booze-fueled embarrassing incident by introducing a brand new cocktail Morgan paid $15,250 bond and originally faced three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct, but he wound up only pleading guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment on December 12. Wallen successfully avoided jail by agreeing to serve seven days in a DUI center, paid a $350 fine, and two years probation - according to TMZ. In 2021, the Tennessee-born belter publicly apologized for saying the N-word in a leaked video during a '72-hour bender' and he went on to donate $500K to black organizations. Morgan had previously gotten into hot water for his 2020 arrest for disorderly conduct and his mask-less partying ahead of a (canceled) SNL appearance in October 2020. On February 24, Wallen teased a clip of his new redemption track Superman about overcoming alcoholism, which he dedicated to his four-year-old son Indigo 'Indie' Wilder Wallen (with ex-fiancee KT Smith). 'One day you're gonna see my mugshot / From a night when I got a little too drunk / Hear a song about a girl I lost / From the times that I just wouldn't grow up,' the This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen owner sang. Morgan went on to compare 'that bottle' to Superman's kryptonite as he sang liquor can bring a 'man of steel down to his knees.' 'Don't always know my wrongs from right / Sometimes I'm my own worst enemy,' Wallen sang. On Tuesday, tour manager Edward James posted a viral TikTok of the $15 drink dubbed 'The Chair' which is literally garnished with a tiny folding chair The Chair consists of Smirnoff raspberry vodka, raspberry liqueur, lemonade, and a splash of soda Eric Church's six-story Nashville bar already had the phrase 'our pigs fly, our chairs don't' on their marquee before adding another sign on their rooftop which warns patrons: 'Don't even think about it, you are not Morgan Wallen' The 31-year-old controversial country crooner - who was 'not proud of my behavior' - was arrested on April 7 after his tossed chair nearly fell on two police officers standing on the street below Morgan paid $15,250 bond and originally faced three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct, but he wound up only pleading guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment on December 12 Wallen successfully avoided jail by agreeing to serve seven days in a DUI center, paid a $350 fine, and two years probation On February 24, the Tennessee-born belter teased a clip of his new redemption track Superman about overcoming alcoholism, which he dedicated to his four-year-old son Indie with ex-fiancee KT Smith (pictured last Saturday) Morgan sang: 'One day you're gonna see my mugshot / From a night when I got a little too drunk / Hear a song about a girl I lost / From the times that I just wouldn't grow up' (pictured February 4) Wallen will kick off his 20-date I'm the Problem Tour on June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX 'No I don't always save the day / But you know for you I'll always try / I do the best I can / But Superman [is] still just a man sometimes.' The Voice #6 alum's new track will be featured on his forthcoming fourth studio album I'm the Problem along with his other singles I'm a Little Crazy, Lies Lies Lies, Love Somebody, and Smile. Morgan - who gets 34.6M monthly listeners on Spotify - will kick off his 20-date I'm the Problem Tour on June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. Cate Blanchett was all smiles as she joined her co-stars for the press night of her new play The Seagull at the Barbican in London on Thursday night. The Australian actress, 55, kept it smart and simple in an all black ensemble as she fashioned a long-sleeved black top with square shoulder pads. She paired the top with a matching pair of black trousers and square-toed black shoes before adding some light lensed glasses for some snaps. Cate was joined by her co-star Emma Corrin who kept it casual in a half untucked black shirt and denim blue jeans. The duo were joined by fellow cast mates Tom Burke and Kodi Smit-McPhee as they celebrated the opening night of their six week run. Cate stars as Arkadina, a celebrated actress whose larger-than-life presence dominates both the stage and her personal relationships. Cate Blanchett cut a sophisticated style as she joined co-star Emma Corrin at The Seagull press night at the Barbican on Thursday evening The Australian actress, 55, kept it smart and simple in an all black ensemble as she fashioned a long-sleeved black top with square shoulder pads The plot reads: 'Arriving at her family's country estate for the weekend, she finds herself caught in a storm of conflicting desires. 'Her playwright son, Konstantin (Kodi Smit-McPhee), struggles to step out of her shadow as he pursues his own artistic ambitions and her lover Trigorin (Tom Burke) becomes the object of affection for the aspiring young actress Nina (Emma Corrin).' Praising Cate's performance The Daily Mail's Patrick Marmion's wrote: 'With her geometrical features, Blanchett is as masklike and inscrutable as ever. 'But shes playful, too her sensationally self-absorbed Arkadina, on forced holiday in the Russian countryside, reminded me at times of Jennifer Saunders in Ab Fab.' Last month Cat and Emma looked incredible as they posed for British Vogue to promote their new play The Seagull. Speaking to the magazine, Cate admitted she never thought she would become a film star when her career began. She said: 'I never, ever thought or expected to make films. When I came out of drama school, I understudied someone in a production of [Caryl Churchills] Top Girls [for the Sydney Theatre Company]. That was my first job. 'Then I ended up coming back and running the company with my husband [At the time,] the film industry was a potent but very small industry for women who looked a certain way. I wasnt that girl and so I just went, Oh, Im a theatre actor, I guess.' She paired the top with a matching pair of black trousers and square-toed black shoes before adding some light lensed glasses for some snaps Emma, 29, kept it casual in a half untucked black shirt and denim blue jeans The pair posed for a sweet snap together as they celebrated the start of their six week run The duo were joined by fellow cast mates Tom Burke (L) as well as fellow actor Freddie Fox (R) Paul Higgins, Tom Burke, Paul Bazely, Jason Watkins, Thomas Ostermeier, Emma Corrin, Tanya Reynolds, Cate Blanchett, Priyanga Burford and Zachary Hart (L-R) Actor Tom Sturridge kept it simple in an all black ensemble Celebs Go Dating star Tom Read Wilson caught the eye in a quirky green velvet jacket Cate stars as Arkadina, a celebrated actress whose larger-than-life presence dominates both the stage and her personal relationships Irish actress Denise Gough (L) and German actress Nina Hoss (R) looked stylish for the evening Emily Beecham wore a black jumper and wide legged three quarter length faded black jeans Actors Tanya Reynolds and Zachary Hart were also in attendance Cate posed with director Thomas Ostermeier Last month Cate offered a rare insight into her relationship with motherhood as she posed for a stunning shoot with Harper's Bazaar's Spain. The actress shares sons, Dashiell, 23, Roman, 20, and Ignatius, 16, with her husband of 27 years Andrew Upton, and they adopted daughter Edith in 2015. Cate told the publication that despite her love and 'adoration' for her family she realises that being a mother is 'not all that she is.' She explained: 'I love my children. Motherhood is a vital part of who I am, but it is not all that I am.' 'I think there are many people who are a mother to communities in the workplace. It is equality, it is a sense of care, respect and nurturing.' Angelina Jolie was looking her best when she was spotted out in New York City on Thursday. The 49-year-old actress, filmmaker and activist was covered up in an elegant black cashmere overcoat while heading out to take care of business around town. The outing came just days after Angelina threw her support behind her 20-year-old daughter Zahara by attending her keynote speech at Women in Training Inc.'s brunch in Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday. Back in New York, the A-list star complemented her coat with a matching black dress. It featured a high neckline of delicate lace, along with a long, lacy skirt that terminated just above her ankles. Angelina stayed on the monochrome color scheme with a set of classic black pumps, and she added a touch of retro cool with large gold-frame aviator sunglasses with only a modest tint. Angelina Jolie, 49, looked chic and elegant in all black as she stepped out in New York City on Thursday She added a touch of luxury to her look with a large black Dior handbag dangling from her forearm. She added some extra sparkle with tasteful studded earrings, and she let her highlighted brunette locks cascade fall down her shoulders and flutter in the breeze. Angelina was back in the Northeast after taking a trip down to Alabama over the weekend to join her daughter Zahara. The college student appeared to have been inspired by her mother's work as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as the subject of her keynote speech was 'period poverty.' The term refers to situations in which women and girls have 'insufficient access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities' according to the National Institutes of Health. Zahara has been a student at Spelman College, a historically Black women's liberal arts college, since the fall of 2022, and she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority the following year. In addition to Zahara, whom she adopted from Ethiopia in 2005, Jolie shares five other children with her ex-husband Brad Pitt. She first adopted her son Maddox, 23, in 2002, and Pitt later adopted both children. She wore a lacy black dress under her long cashmere overcoat, and she accessorized with a black Dior handbag and cool, retro aviator sunglasses The outing came just days after Angelina threw her support behind daughter Zahara, 20, by attending her keynote speech at Women in Training Inc.'s brunch in Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday; seen in Beverly Hills on January 5 The college student appeared to have been inspired by her mother's work as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as her speech was on women who have insufficient access to menstruation products; seen in January in Beverly Hills In addition to Zahara, Jolie also shares Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, both 16, with Pitt; seen with her kids in 2021 in London In 2006, she gave birth to her daughter Shiloh, 18, and she and Pitt jointly adopted their son Pax, 21, the following year. They welcomed their final two children, the fraternal twins Knox and Vivienne, 16, in 2008. Angelina's day in the Big Apple comes after she and Pitt finally ended their bitter, eight-year divorce battle, officially closing the chapter on one of Hollywoods most high-profile breakups. 'Its hard for her to trust men after what she went through with Brad, a source told Us Weekly earlier this month. 'She hasnt sworn off men, but shes not looking for anything serious right now.' The insider added that the Malificent star 'doesnt think shell ever get over the trauma of her relationship with Pitt, reinforcing that 'shes not looking for love right now.' Despite officially settling their divorce, it seems Jolie is prioritizing herself and her family over any new romantic prospects. The source added that Jolie feels 'fulfilled' and is 'content with her children and life.' Last month, a different source close to Jolie described the divorce process as a nightmare for her and her family. Angelina's day in the Big Apple comes after she and Pitt finally ended their bitter, eight-year divorce battle , officially closing the chapter on one of Hollywoods most high-profile breakups; (seen in February) However, one major sticking point remains unresolved their $62 million dispute over the French chateau and vineyard they once co-owned; (Pitt seen in September) 'These last eight years have been such a horrendous time for her and her family,' a different source told People. A source close to Pitt, however, pushed back on Jolies claims, telling People, 'Jolie has engaged in one-sided attacks for the past eight years, including a never-ending distortion of facts and projecting their own behavior onto others, causing tremendous collateral damage to those in and around the family.' In December, Pitt and Jolie officially settled their divorce, bringing an end to a contentious legal fight that lasted over eight years. However, one major sticking point remains unresolved their $62 million dispute over the French chateau and vineyard they once co-owned. Jolies attorney, James Simon, told DailyMail.com that the actress is relieved to have closed this chapter. 'Frankly, Angelina is exhausted,' Simon said. 'More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time, she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family,' he added. Following the split, Zahara, Shiloh, and Vivienne have reportedly dropped Pitt from their last name. 'Its hard for her to trust men after what she went through with Brad, a source told Us Weekly earlier this month, adding, 'She hasnt sworn off men, but shes not looking for anything serious right now'; (Jolie and Pitt in 2009) Now that his divorce from Angelina Jolie is finally behind him , Brad Pitt is reportedly happier than ever with girlfriend Ines de Ramonbut wedding bells arent in their immediate future; (Ines and Brad in September) While its believed that Knox and Vivienne still maintain some contact with their father, Maddox and Pax are said to be estranged. Although their divorce has been finalized, the legal battle over Chateau Miraval, a celebrated French wine estate, remains contentious. Pitt has accused Jolie of selling her stake in the winery to the Stoli Group, known for its Stolichnaya vodka, without his consent. Despite progress in their divorce proceedings, the vineyard dispute shows no signs of resolution. Sources told DailyMail.com that both parties are prepared to take the matter to a jury trial or pursue mediation if necessary. Kellie Finlayson has provided a health update amid her four-year cancer battle. The AFL WAG, 29, took to Instagram on Thursday to reveal she had just undergone a resection, a surgical procedure to remove a piece of tissue or organ. In the post, Kellie could be seen walking slowly through the hospital ward with her three-year-old daughter Sophia, whom she shares with Port Adelaide Forward Jeremy Finlayson. '40ish hours post resection!!' she captioned the post. 'Cant even describe how cute Soph was with her teeny slow steps & encouragement every 2 seconds.' She sweetly added: 'Yes she poses every time the camera comes out hence the smile the whole time.' Kellie Finlayson has provided a health update amid an emotional four-year cancer battle The mother-of-one took it step-by step with her daughter's help while wearing a pair of pink trousers and a white t-shirt with 'spicy' written across in red. Her hospital stay comes as she and her footy star husband chalked up a major life milestone - their two-year wedding anniversary. Kellie posted an Instagram story on Wednesday from her hospital bed to mark the occasion, while Port Adelaide key forward Jeremy shared a family beach shot with the couple's daughter Sophia. She was initially diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer, a diagnosis considered terminal, with only a 14 per cent survival rate. Kellie had experienced symptoms of discomfort in her stomach since age 23 but was told it was nothing to worry about. She could not proceed with her initial testing while she was pregnant and had to focus on her growing family. After the birth of her daughter Sophie, Kellie found her symptoms persisted and a colonoscopy led to the devastating discovery. It comes as she and her footy star husband chalked up a major life milestone - their two-year wedding anniversary The AFL WAG, 29, took to Instagram on Thursday to reveal she had just undergone a resection, a surgical procedure to remove a piece of tissue or organ Kellie shares three-year=-old Sophia with Port Adelaide Forward Jeremy Finlayson Her cancer diagnosis came as a shock, and she was left feeling angry and confused. Despite the challenges, Kellie went through treatment and surgeries, and after a year, her cancer went into remission. However, in 2022, Kellie was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, and scans in July of the following year showed the tumor had become unstable. She would need another round of chemotherapy, which she shared was difficult but necessary. Kellie revealed that although she looks healthy, she is still undergoing chemotherapy and finds it hard for others to believe she is 'literally, terminally unwell'. 'It's taken me a long time to realise this. I do illuminate most rooms in terms of the way I open up to people, the conversations I can hold, the conversations I can create and I'm pretty proud of it now,' she told Mamamia. Kellie has spoken openly about how cancer doesn't look the same on everyone and how living with cancer does not have to define her identity. She has worked hard to maintain balance in her life, balancing her health with her role as a mother. Selena Gomez enlisted her doting fiance Benny Blanco to help promote some products from her Rare Beauty line on Thursday by actually letting him apply the cosmetics directly to her face. The 36-year-old music producer hilariously dropped the camera for the GRWM vlog while nervously asking the 32-year-old billionaire beauty mogul about pressed powder. 'Do I do it with my fingers?' Benny asked. 'Well, there are brushes but go ahead!' Selena - who boasts 654.8M social media followers - replied. Gomez looked worried as Blanco (born Benjamin Levin) announced he was going to put brown liquid contour on her. 'Okay, okay, so like what am I contouring?' the 11-time Grammy nominee laughed. Selena Gomez enlisted her doting fiance Benny Blanco to help promote some products from her Rare Beauty line on Thursday by actually letting him apply the cosmetics directly to her face The 'Texican' pop star braced herself as Benny began dripping the contour way too high on her cheekbones. 'I always see you do stuff like this,' noted Blanco, while smearing it far too close to Selena's nose. 'Why isn't it doing anything? When you do it it looks so good.' The Dr. Luke protege proceeded to apply lip oil on Gomez's pink pout and drops of liquid highlighter over her thoroughly brown cheeks. 'Oh that's cute,' Benny said putting highlighter on the tip of her nose. The two-time Grammy nominee got excited about Blanco applying a different highlighter that was 'an interesting color' until he smeared it on her jawline. The Virginia-born musician then made sure to fully mist himself with setting spray before putting it on Selena. 'I think it looks pretty good,' Benny concluded. 'Let me see. I don't know. You look so hot!' Normally, Gomez relies on professional make-up artist Hung Vanngo to make sure she's ready for her close-up on the red carpet. The 36-year-old music producer hilariously dropped the camera for the GRWM vlog while nervously asking the 32-year-old billionaire beauty mogul about pressed powder 'Do I do it with my fingers?' Benny asked. 'Well, there are brushes but go ahead!' Selena replied Gomez looked worried as Blanco (born Benjamin Levin) announced he was going to put brown liquid contour on her: 'Okay, okay, so like what am I contouring?' The 'Texican' pop star braced herself as the 11-time Grammy nominee began dripping the contour way too high on her cheekbones: 'Why isn't it doing anything? When you do it it looks so good' Benny proceeded to apply lip oil and two kinds of highlighter on Selena Blanco then made sure to fully mist himself with setting spray before putting it on Gomez The Dr. Luke protege said: 'I think it looks pretty good. Let me see. I don't know' Vanngo commented on the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place producer-star's post with two cry-laughing emojis. Selena's Emilia Perez co-star Zoe Saldana commented: 'This has to be trend! Hahahahahahahaha!' Last year, Business of Fashion reported that Gomez's five-year-old cosmetics company was valued at around $2B with annual net sales exceeding $400M, and they donate one percent of all sales to her mental health organization, Rare Beauty Impact Fund. The SAG Award winner is gearing up to celebrate Blanco's 37th birthday this Saturday. Last month, TMZ reported that Selena and the TikTok foodie purchased a seven-bedroom, 12-bathroom marital mansion in Beverly Hills last December for $35M. Gomez previously lived in a $4.9M six-bedroom Encino mansion with her grandparents while Benny owned a $9.2M five-bedroom Hollywood Hills home. On December 10, Blanco proposed to the Only Murders in the Building producer-star with an 8-carat marquise diamond engagement ring estimated to cost around $225K after 18 months of dating. But Selena originally met the Open Wide author during a 2008 business meeting when she was only 16, and he went on to work on her second studio album Revival in 2015 as well as her 2023 song Single Soon. Normally, the two-time Grammy nominee relies on professional make-up artist Hung Vanngo (R, pictured July 17) to make sure she's ready for her close-up on the red carpet Vanngo commented on Selena's post with two cry-laughing emojis Gomez's Emilia Perez co-star Zoe Saldana commented: 'This has to be trend! Hahahahahahahaha!' The Wizards Beyond Waverly Place producer-star is gearing up to celebrate Benny's 37th birthday this Saturday (pictured Sunday) On December 10, Blanco proposed to Selena with an 8-carat marquise diamond engagement ring estimated to cost around $225K after 18 months of dating The blushing bride and groom-to-be have already released two singles - Scared of Loving You and Call Me When You Break Up - off their 14-track collaborative album I Said I Love You First, which drops March 21 Gomez - who refuses to convert to Benny's Jewish faith - previously dated Drew Taggart, The Weeknd, and Justin Bieber The blushing bride and groom-to-be have already released two singles - Scared of Loving You and Call Me When You Break Up - off their 14-track collaborative album I Said I Love You First, which drops March 21. Selena is also prepping to portray 11-time Grammy winner Linda Ronstadt in David O. Russell's untitled biopic produced by her former manager John Boylan. Jessica Rowe and her teenage daughter Giselle were able to joke about Nine newsreader Peter Overton's recent health scare on Friday, as the mother-daughter duo stunned on the red carpet. The TV presenter-turned-podcaster, 54, told Daily Mail Australia that her husband of 21 years was delighted to be back at work after several months off. The 9News veteran, 58, was recently forced off air to undergo surgery on his vocal chords after doctors discovered a polyp. 'Peter is good. He's all good,' Rowe said, as she and Giselle attended Marie Claire's International Women's Day luncheon on Friday. 'Obviously it was scary at the time. It's nice he's back at work. He's loving being back at work and we're loving having him out of the house,' she quipped. Last month, Overton said he was terrified by the ordeal because the surgery left him unable to talk for a week. Jessica Rowe and her teenage daughter Giselle were able to joke about Nine newsreader Peter Overton's recent health scare on Friday, as the mother-daughter duo stunned on the red carpet at Marie Claire's International Women's Day lunch The pair wore designer gowns by two of Jessica's favourite Australian designers, Camilla Franks and Romance Was Born News of Peter Overton's shock health scare was broken by his wife Jessica Rowe earlier this month News of Overton's shock health scare was broken by his wife Jessica Rowe. Rowe shared a photo to Instagram of Peter hugging their pet dog and captioned it with some alarming words. 'Peter doesn't do Insta and he wanted me to share some news. He's off work for a little longer at the moment,' she wrote. 'After an Ear Nose and Throat surgeon discovered a polyp on one of his vocal cords, which explains his very raspy voice over the holidays.' She added Peter had already been in surgery and had to minimise his speaking as part of the recovery process, meaning he wouldn't be able to return to work for some time. 'He was operated on. Part of his recovery is no talking for now (a HUGE challenge for him!!). Hopefully he'll be back to Nine News soonish,' she explained. Overton described the polyp as 'like a big blister hanging off' his vocal cords. 'I must admit, it scared the living daylights out of me,' he said. 'So I was operated on three days later and they lasered it off. Then I was in hospital for a day, and then home... no talking for over a week.' The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show podcast host said that being able to have 'meaty' conversations with Australians she admires is 'a luxury' Proud mum Jessica Rowe told Daily Mail her 16-year-old daughter Giselle is very passionate about wanting to make a difference in the world Jess and Peter have been married since 2004 and share two daughters Rowe's eldest daughter Allegra, 18, is currently enjoying a successful modelling career and even starred in last year's Australian Fashion Week. But it was the TV star's youngest daughter Giselle, 16, who was in the spotlight when she joined her mother at the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy premiere in Sydney in February. Jessica is extremely proud and supportive of her daughters, and helped her eldest Allegra break into the modelling industry. Speaking to Daily Mail, she indicated her youngest has her sights set on a slightly different career path. 'Giselle is very passionate about wanting to make a difference in the world one day, so she really wanted to come along,' Rowe said. The Year 10 student slicked her brunette hair back into a sleek ponytail and looked right at home amongst the accomplished guest list of attendees dining at Alpha restaurant. She borrowed a pretty Camilla frock from her mother's wardrobe, while Rowe complemented the ensemble in a pop of red dress by Romance Was Born. Marie Claire transformed the upscale Greek restaurant in Sydney's CBD into a feminine oasis on Friday, filled with floral arrangements, champagne trays, and high profile women from just about every major industry. The likes of actress Asher Keddie, activist Grace Tame, Australian human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, and Sunrise host Edwina Bartholomew were in attendance. Nicolas Cage's son Weston has announced his engagement to girlfriend Jenifer Alexa Canter - nearly five months after going public with their romance on Instagram. The musician, 34 - whose mother Christina Fulton accused him of allegedly assaulting her - confirmed that he popped the big question to People on Thursday. 'Jenifer is my first love, my only love and my last. She is the love of my life and I am committed to her forever,' he expressed to the outlet. 'What I have with Jenifer is a God-given divine phenomenon, and therefore it is incomparable. She is the love of my life, and our special love is uncanny.' Weston - who has previously been married three times - further gushed, 'I am honored to be with the absolute love of my life. We look forward to changing the world and making our legacy.' While he has yet to share the happy news to social media, the performer uploaded a sweet selfie with his fiancee on Thursday. Nicolas Cage's son Weston, 34, has announced his engagement to girlfriend Jenifer Alexa Canter - nearly five months after going public with their romance on Instagram He could be seen hugging Jenifer from behind as she quickly snapped the photo in the reflection of a mirror. And one day before confirming his engagement, Weston shared a post that included two images of the lovebirds. In one picture, the two could be seen posing outside while a tree close by in the distance was lit up with colorful lights. The music artist penned in the lengthy caption, 'I love you more than any man has ever loved in the history of humanity. That astronomically immeasurable love multiplies in every second.' He then said that Jenifer is his 'first love, only love, the love of my life and my last love.' Weston later added that his partner 'saved my life' and added he 'was born for you and I truly can't wait to change the world with you.' He also credited Jenifer with his sobriety journey and wrote, 'The way it was always supposed to be shall always be and I love you galaxies above human love. 'You get the greatest version of me and that shall exist within my art as well. I can't wait to release all my love songs to you.' 'Jenifer is my first love, my only love and my last. She is the love of my life and I am committed to her forever,' he expressed to the outlet And one day before confirming his engagement, Weston shared a post that included two images of the lovebirds Late last year in November, the couple went Instagram official as he shared a photo of the pair embracing. The actor also revealed that both he and Jenifer - whom he called his 'twin flame' -were 'born in the same hospital' and 'grew up in the same area.' Weston - who is the eldest child of Nicolas Cage - has been married three times in the past. Back in 2011, he tied the knot with first wife Nikki Williams but the two went their separate ways the next year. In 2013, he said 'I do' to Danielle Cage but the pair divorced in 2016. The former couple also welcomed two children named Lucian and Sorin. Weston then married Hila Cage Coppola in 2018 and the two share twins Venice and Cyress. Last year in July, their divorce was finalized. The musician's latest engagement news comes shortly after his mother Christina Fulton broke her silence after suing ex Nicolas Cage over Weston's 'vicious attack' on her. Last month, it was revealed that she is suing both the actor and their son Weston following an alleged physical altercation that took place in April 2024. The actor also revealed that both he and Jenifer - whom he called his 'twin flame' -were 'born in the same hospital' and 'grew up in the same area' Weston then married Hila Cage Coppola in 2018 and the two share twins Venice and Cyress. Last year in July, their divorce was finalized; the musician and Hila seen in 2018 in Hollywood This week on Monday, the actress spoke to TMZ about holding her ex accountable after their son allegedly assaulted her. Before she entered a courthouse in Los Angeles, Christina declared she had been 'heartbroken ... for a very long time' over her treatment by both her son and the Los Angeles Police Department. She accused officers of having left her alone 'on the ground, bleeding,' after her son allegedly attacked her. 'I have done this alone, I have been left alone - if not blocked,' she continued, before clarifying that she was accusing Cage of preventing her from addressing Weston's issues. Fulton previously accused her ex of 'enabling Weston his whole life,' which she says led to his allegedly aggressive behavior. She said that her son was in the midst of a 'manic rage' before he was arrested for attacking her. On Monday, Christina emphasized that she 'love[s her] son,' but she thinks he now needs 'tough love' to address his issues. She also clarified that she sees him as a victim of a 'mental health crisis epidemic.' The actress said she hoped to 'be here' for 'mothers' in similar situations, but she also wanted to support her son to help him get the appropriate treatments. When she was asked why she was suing Nicolas, Christina responded: 'I'm holding everyone responsible.' This week on Monday, the actress spoke to TMZ about holding her ex accountable after their son allegedly assaulted her; Weston and Christina seen in 2019 in L.A. She stated that the actor is Weston's father and claimed that he could have done 'a hell of a lot more' to help their son and maintain her safety. When she was asked if she and her son had attempted to make amends, she simply responded, 'We're in court.' Christina then took a long pause and shook her head before indicating that Weston hasn't yet gotten any of the treatment she's hoping for. Fulton filed her lawsuits against Cage and their son after Weston allegedly assaulted her in April 2024. The actress - who dated Cage from 1988 through 1991 - submitted a civil complaint to the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles County earlier this month, per the Los Angeles Times. She is suing Cage for 'negligent supervision and negligent undertaking' of their son. Christina is also suing her son for assault, battery and negligent and intentional inflection of emotional distress. The Hard Drive actress previously claimed that the 34-year-old 'brutally assaulted' her during a mental health crisis near his home, which left her with 'severe and life-threatening injuries.' Weston - who has since pleaded not guilty - was arrested in July 2024 on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon, and was released on a $150,000 bond. Nicolas Cage's lawyer hit back at Fulton's claims in a statement to People after her lawsuits were filed. Fulton previously accused her ex of 'enabling Weston his whole life,' which she says led to his allegedly aggressive behavior; seen in 2022 in L.A. She is suing Cage for 'negligent supervision and negligent undertaking' of their son. Christina is also suing her son for assault, battery and negligent and intentional inflection of emotional distress 'The allegations by Christina Fulton against Nicolas Cage are absurd and frivolous,' they said. 'Weston Coppola is a 34-year-old man. Mr. Cage does not control Weston's behavior in any manner and is not responsible for Weston's alleged assault of his mother.' Last month, the pair were spotted at the assault trial in Los Angeles, which was granted a continuance and delayed. Fulton is also requesting unspecified damages for the 'catastrophic physical, emotional and economic harm she has endured due to an unprovoked attack by their son, Weston.' In the complaint, the star claimed that Nicolas enabled their son's behavior - despite being 'aware' of Weston's 'long history of mental and psychological disorder.' 'Weston has a long history of mental and psychological disorder and a history of committing violent assault and battery and harming numerous individuals,' the suit stated, according to People. 'Nicolas has been aware of Weston's history and nevertheless failed to take action to prevent Weston from committing acts of violence and harming others.' 'Nicolas has been aware of Weston's history and nevertheless failed to take action to prevent Weston from committing acts of violence and harming others.' Christina also claimed that her ex further enabled Weston's 'reckless' lifestyle and behavior such as drinking alcohol together 'despite knowing his substance abuse history.' She also alleged the Longlegs actor bailed their son out of jail on more than one occasion, paid his son's rent at a condo in L.A. and did nothing to ensure that Weston received 'necessary psychiatric' help. In the complaint, the star claimed that Nicolas enabled their son's behavior - despite being 'aware' of Weston's 'long history of mental and psychological disorder'; seen in 2024 in Santa Monica In the complaint, Christina claimed that the alleged assault that took place in April of last year 'devastated Fulton's thriving career as a former model, actress and entrepreneur.' At the time, she had been working on a Netflix project which she had to halt and had been involved in other business ventures which were also 'jeopardized.' In January, Fulton also accused Nicolas of 'enabling' their son following the alleged April 2024 attack. Weston and Fulton both arrived separately at an LA court in January for the assault trial, with Fulton's attorney Joseph Farzam accusing Cage of 'enabling Weston his whole life', leading to his alleged aggressive behavior. The scuffle between Weston and Fulton occurred on April 28 in the Los Angeles area, when a verbal dispute reportedly turned physical. 'On April 28th, 2024, around 5:30 p.m., I received urgent messages from friends of my son, Weston Cage, regarding his deteriorating mental state, urging me to come help,' Fulton said in a statement obtained by People. 'When I arrived to offer support and console him, he was already in the midst of a manic rage. Within minutes, I was brutally assaulted and sustained serious injuries,' she claimed. 'Despite my desperate pleas to the responding police officers to detain him for a mental-health evaluation, the police officers refused my request.' Fulton added in her statement: 'As a mother, I am deeply saddened and concerned about Weston's ongoing mental-health crisis. It is imperative that he receives the help he desperately needs.' The LAPD confirmed that Weston was booked for assault with a deadly weapon - just weeks after his mother was spotted with intense bruises on her face. 'When I arrived to offer support and console him, he was already in the midst of a manic rage. Within minutes, I was brutally assaulted and sustained serious injuries,' she claimed; seen in 2015 The LAPD also confirmed with People the arrest was made in direct connection to the alleged April 28 altercation. Weston's case was submitted to the district attorney's office on May 10 and on June 26 the DA filed two counts of assault with a deadly weapon against him. An arrest warrant was later issued. The actor was released on a $150,000 bail around 10am. The U.S. Sun reported that his father is believed to be the one who bailed him out. An ambulance was reportedly called to the home to check out Fulton, but she declined to be taken to the hospital, TMZ reported at the time of the alleged incident. It is not the first time the son of the National Treasure actor has been in trouble with the law, as he was arrested in 2017 got DUI and a hit-and-run. Police said that he hit multiple parked cars, signs and mailboxes before he crashed his car into a tree. After being taken to the hospital, he was charged with a DUI and arrested on $30,000 bail. In 2011, he faced domestic violence charges after he had a dispute with his ex-wife Nikki Williams, according to ABC News. Fulton and Cage began dating in 1988 and welcomed Weston in 1990. The couple never married and broke up within a year of Weston's birth; seen in 1988 in L.A. Weston has been treated for mental health issues in the past. He was hospitalized on a psychiatric hold in 2011 after a violent incident in Los Angeles. Fulton and Cage began dating in 1988 and welcomed Weston in 1990. The couple never married and broke up within a year of Weston's birth. In November 2023, both Weston and Fulton filed a lawsuit against Weston's ex-wife Hila Arounian. They alleged she embezzled $100,000, engaged in a smear campaign against them and requested a 'fraudulent restraining order' that stopped Fulton and her family from seeing Weston's twin girls, Venice and Cyress. Edwina Bartholomew has provided an emotional update about her heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and how it affects her daily life. The Sunrise star, 41, revealed she had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) - a type of blood and bone marrow cancer - live on air in September. On Thursday, Edwina attended Marie Claire's International Women's Day luncheon in Sydney and told the audience how the diagnosis is continuing to impact her life. 'I was fortunate that I had a month where I knew about it before I told everyone. I had this experience without having to go through the trauma of chemotherapy,' Edwina began. '[The cancer] was a gift, because it put things into perspective... I didn't have to go through a really intense experience of being "in" cancer and absorbed by it.' Edwina added she was extremely grateful her symptoms were manageable and she was able to continue with most of the activities in her daily life. Edwina Bartholomew has provided an emotional update about her heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and how it affects her daily life 'I had a meeting with my specialist this week and I forgot to go get my blood test. So, it is not front of mind for me,' she said. 'I am so conscious of what a gift that is, that I have been able to continue on semi-normal... I haven't had to tell my young kids, because I still look the same. It's been a real re-think in slowing myself down.' Edwina diagnosis is a 'mild' form of leukaemia and can often be managed without having to undergo chemotheraphy and dealing with the disease's more severe symptoms. The TV presenter shares two young children, Molly, five, and Tom, three, with her husband Neil Varcoe. In September, Edwina revealed live on-air that she had been diagnosed with cancer in a tearful admission. 'I have been diagnosed with cancer. That's a shock and hard to say,' she told viewers. 'It is a really good kind. It is called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I can take care of myself, I will be completely fine.' The veteran TV star then began to break down in tears before telling the audience: 'I thought I could keep it together.' The Sunrise star, 41, revealed that she had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) - a type of blood and bone marrow cancer - live on air in September On Thursday, Edwina attended Marie Claire's International Women's Day luncheon in Sydney and told the audience how the diagnosis is continuing to impact her life Edwina went on to reveal her co-star Natalie Barr was to thank for her getting diagnosed as quickly as she had been. Nat had her own cancer scare in June, after a routine skin check uncovered skin cancer on her nose, which persuaded Edwina to undergo a full health check at her own doctors. 'I had a mammogram after I had a few lumps. That came back all clear. I even had an eye check,' she explained. 'That's fine. But my doctor sent me to get routine blood tests at the same time, one of those tests came back with levels out of whack. 'I feel lucky and I wanted to share this with you for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because everyone at home and here has been here for all the wonderful times, for the engagements, the weddings and the babies, for all of us.' The Seven star found out about her shock diagnosis in July and kept it secret from the public, telling only a few friends at work. According to Mayo Clinic, CML is an uncommon type of cancer in the bone marrow and is very slow to progress. Advances in treatment have improved the prognosis of people with CML and most people diagnosed with it can achieve remission and live for many years. Victoria's Secret model Taylor Hill channelled Audrey Hepburn with her latest look at the Isabel Marant Fall 2025 fashion show in Paris on Wednesday. Having cut off her long brown locks in 2023 for a French-inspired pixie cut, Taylor's short hair has been styled into several looks ever since. For the event, the American model, 26, styled her hair in short waves that perfectly framed her face. She wore a lace, white top and blue jeans as well as a striking red lip to create a timeless, Old Hollywood glamorous look. Coupled with her thick eyebrows and minimal eye makeup, she bore a striking resemblance to classic beauty Hepburn, who was known for a similar look. Taylor was joined by other big names from the fashion world, including Dree Hemingway, Camille Rowe and Charlotte Lawrence at the event. Taylor Hill channelled Audrey Hepburn with her latest look at the Isabel Marant Fall 2025 fashion show in Paris on Wednesday Having cut off her long brown locks in 2023 for a French-inspired pixie cut, Taylor's short hair has been styled into several looks ever since Taylor's latest look at Paris Fashion Week appeared to be a modern take on the style of the late, great Audrey Hepburn (pictured in 1955) Taylor has been turning heads since she first appeared in the French capital wearing an Iris Van Herpen creation that put a futuristic twist on the current trend for see-through dresses. Other striking looks include a wet-leather style jumpsuit paired with a large, leopard print belt. Taylor previously explained that her shorter hairstyle has influenced her fashion choices. 'I'm loving it,' she told PEOPLE. 'It was such a big change, but it was an exciting change. 'I had all this hair my whole life, so I've always wanted to cut my hair. I always was like, 'I feel it would be really fun.' I had this feeling. 'It was like I feel like it would make sense on me. 'And I cut my hair and then all of a sudden all my clothes made sense. 'It was just weird, like, 'Oh, this was why I couldn't wear that skirt.' She wore a lace, white top and blue jeans as well as a striking red lip to create a timeless, Old Hollywood glamorous look Taylor was joined by other big names from the fashion world including (L-R) Dree Hemingway, Camille Rowe and Charlotte Lawrence at the event Taylor turned heads at the Le Grand Diner du Louvre Passage Richelieu event by wearing an Iris Van Herpen dress that put a futuristic twist on the current see-through dress trend The supermodel explained that her fashion choices have 'made sense' since she got her previously long hair cut off in 2023 (pictured at the Balmain show on Wednesday) The look was previously praised for being a classic Audrey Hepburn-esque, yet low-maintenance choice by hairstylist Bernardo Vasconcelos in Hello! magazine. 'The cut is short and layered, with soft feathered edges,' the hairstylist said. 'Shorter styles are much easier and quicker to style with very low maintenance. 'I recommend Living Proofs Volume & Texture Spray; to add definition to this cut.' Taylor's appearance at Paris Fashion Week comes after she attended Milan Fashion Week. While there, she showed her support for other esteemed designers, including Versace and Etro. Lorraine Kelly showed a glimpse of her black-eye before admitting that she 'feels silly' following a disastrous fall at home. The TV presenter, 65, had initially sparked concern about her swollen face when she appeared on screens on Thursday morning, before later clarifying that she took a tumble into an ornamental rhino while carrying a basket of washing. And on Friday, Lorraine attempted to hide her injury behind a pair of jazzy sunglasses as she spoke in an Instagram video, however, her painful-looking bruise was still visible behind the tinted lenses. The clip saw Lorraine telling her fans that she was due to appear on Scott Mills' Radio 2 breakfast show talking about her ew book, while explaining while she was wearing the diamante-trimmed shades. During her chat with Scott, Lorraine failed to go into detail about the accident, but she did admit she felt 'silly' while sympathising with a caller who revealed they suffered a similar fall. As the caller told how she felt better because she's going through the same thing as the star and now feels it's 'socially acceptable' to fall over, Lorraine agreed saying it was indeed 'socially acceptable'. Lorraine Kelly showed a glimpse of her black-eye before admitting that she 'feels silly' following a disastrous fall at home Lorraine, 65, initially sparked concern about her swollen face when she appeared on screens on Thursday morning, before later clarifying that she took a tumble into an ornamental rhino Elton John has long been known for his love of oversized sunglasses (pictured in 1976) Lorraine and Scott then joked about the caller not having a Rhino to trip over, with Scott asking why he hadn't seen Lorraine's Rhino on Gogglebox, to which she explained it was 'hiding' and was 'rather large and difficult to move'. Lorraine previously revealed the truth behind her swollen face live on Loose Women on Thursday after being asked 'if she'd had fillers or an allergic reaction' by panicked fans. After sparking concern amid her earlier appearance on Good Morning Britain, the Scottish host appeared on Loose Women to chat to Charlene White, 44, Judi Love, 44, Nadia Sawalha, 60, and Linda Robson, 60, about being a grandmother, among other things. But before they got into the chat, Lorraine also wanted to address the speculation about her face, after many of those watching at home had got in touch with her to share their worry. Lorraine explained: 'Yesterday, you know as woman, when we try to do too many things at one time, and we try to do it really fast... 'So I had a massive bag of washing, like a washing basket, I couldn't see, and I was going from the kitchen to the living room, and there was a wee step. 'My slippers are too big and I fell over and fell onto a rhino!' She continued: 'I thought "Oh it will be fine!" but I woke up this morning with the biggest shiner, this big black eye!' Lorraine attempted to hide her injury behind a pair of jazzy sunglasses as she spoke in an Instagram video, however, her painful-looking bruise was still visible behind the tinted lenses The clip saw Lorraine telling her fans that she was due to appear on Scott Mills' Radio 2 breakfast show talking about her ew book, while explaining while she was wearing the shades During her chat with Scott [pictured], Lorraine failed to go into detail about the accident, but she did admit she felt 'silly' while sympathising with a caller who suffered a similar fall Lorraine explained that lots of 'lovely' viewers asked if she had allergies, but confirmed that this was not the case. She also addressed speculation around her having facial injectables, adding: 'Have I had fillers? No!' Earlier in the day Lorraine joined Ed Balls, 58, and Susanna Reid, 54, on the Good Morning Britain to tell viewers about what was coming up on her programme. Lorraine looked ultra stylish in a plunging low cut brown maxi dress. She styled her brunette locks into her classic loose waves and opted for glamorous make-up. Lorraine previously revealed the truth behind her swollen face live on Loose Women on Thursday after being asked 'if she'd had fillers or an allergic reaction' by panicked fans Lorraine initially sparked concern with 'puffy' face earlier on Good Morning Britain - as concerned fans gasp 'what has happened?' However, some rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to point out the same thing. One said: '@GMB what has happened to Lorraine? Her face and eyes look swollen.' Another questioned: 'Whats happened to Lorraine's face ? Looks like an allergic reaction.' While a third wrote: 'Has she been stung by a wasp?' A fourth added: 'Hope you're okay Lorraine, looks like an allergy thats affecting your eyes.' Twiggy has recalled a nightmare interview with Woody Allen which saw the filmmaker ask her about her favourite philosophers in a bid to 'make her look stupid'. Fresh off a breakthrough year which saw one newspaper brand the model 'the face of 1966', a 17-year-old Twiggy took the hot seat on the American host's chat show as her career went from strength to strength. But the discussion did not go to plan with Woody throwing seemingly irrelevant questions at the rising star in front of a studio audience. In an interview with The Guardian on the day a documentary about her life hits cinemas, Twiggy, now 75, joined the film's director Sadie Frost in recounting her ascent to fame. Among the hiccups along the way was the infamous appearance on Woody's programme and Twiggy said of the incident: 'He was trying to make me look stupid. My heart sank. I remember looking at him, pleading with my eyes for him to stop. 'If I was the age he was there, in my 30s, I would never have behaved like that towards someone who was only 17.' Twiggy (pictured, on Thursday) has recalled a nightmare interview with Woody Allen which saw the filmmaker ask her about her favourite philosophers in a bid to 'make her look stupid' The discussion did not go to plan with Woody throwing seemingly irrelevant questions at the rising star Fresh off a breakthrough year which saw one newspaper brand the model 'the face of 1966', a 17-year-old Twiggy (pictured, in 1967) took the hot seat on the American host's chat show Sadie added that she had experienced similar behaviour across her own acting career. The director said: 'It's definitely misogyny. I had it myself from men: "What classical composers do you know? What books have you read?"' It all backfired on Woody when the model threw the question back at the host whose mind blanked for an excruciating 10 seconds. MailOnline has contacted Woody's representatives for comment. Twiggy also reflected on her relationship with ex-boyfriend and former manager Justin de Villeneuve, who initially acted as a reassuring presence for her father as her modelling career took off in the 60s. At the time, the star was only 15 and 10 years younger than her partner, but she made sure not to criticise the businessman, noting his ability to 'protect' her. Twiggy and Sadie looked back at various chat show clips which regularly saw Justin speak on his girlfriend's behalf, despite her superior fame, and Sadie pointed out that he would probably have acted as a restraint on the model's career had they not separated in 1973. Last month, the former actress revealed she was left 'shocked' after she mistakenly thought a letter notifying her of her damehood was a tax notice. The model, whose real name is Dame Lesley Lawson, was appointed a dame in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to fashion, the arts and charity. The star also reflected on her relationship with ex-boyfriend and former manager Justin de Villeneuve (pictured, circa 1970), who initially acted as a reassuring presence for her father Twiggy and Sadie Frost, who directs the upcoming documentary on her life, looked back at chat show clips where Justin spoke on his girlfriend's behalf, despite her superior fame The film, in cinemas on Friday, will tell the story of her upbringing, career and relationships, and features contributions from former Beatles star Sir Paul McCartney Speaking to Saga Magazine, Twiggy said: 'I was so shocked when it happened. I got this official letter and thought, "oh my God, it's a tax letter". 'Then I opened it and it was written in a kind of legalese language. I thought it was saying I was being made a CBE. 'I called the phone number on the bottom of the letter and spoke to a really nice lady. I asked her if it was true I was being offered a CBE. 'She said, "no, they are offering you a damehood".' Twiggy, in cinemas on Friday, will tell the story of her upbringing, career and relationships, and features contributions from former Beatles star Sir Paul McCartney, US actor Dustin Hoffman and fellow Dame Joanna Lumley. Ruby Wax sparked concern from worried fans on Friday as she shared a snap of herself from hospital. The Instagram image saw the comedian, 71, smiling broadly and pointing at herself while several wires were hooked from her chest to a machine behind her. Captioning her post, Ruby, who also appeared to be wearing a blood pressure monitor, wrote: 'Does it make me look fat? Just checking if I'm alive.' Despite Ruby's smiley face in the snap, the post was met with several messages from fans worried about her health. They penned: 'Oh my goodness, are you okay???!!!??? I hope you are well, keeping you in my prayers'. 'Oh ruby what has happened please dont push yourself too much youre a national treasure xxxxwish you better xxxxxx Ruby Wax sparked concern from worried fans on Friday as she shared a snap of herself from hospital. 'Christ, hope you're OK xx'; 'Hope all is ok.' However, Ruby was quick to reassure fans that she was 'all good' as she replied to some of the comments. MailOnline have contacted Ruby's representatives for comment. Ruby's latest post comes after she revealed she took a tumble in a humorous video shared to her Instagram on Thursday. The comic was seen sitting on the ground laughing while a giggling pal filmed her, after having tripped over a hole in the ground. Ruby took her fall in good spirits, captioning her post: 'My life. Falling in holes.' Meanwhile, the TV personality and mental health advocate has been documenting her healthy lifestyle on social media of late. Just last week she shared a video of herself enjoying cold water therapy as she sat in a barrel full of ice water. Despite Ruby's smiley face in the snap, the post was met with several messages from fans worried about her health However, Ruby was quick to reassure fans that she was 'all good' as she replied to some of the comments Ruby's latest post comes after she revealed she took a tumble in a humorous video shared to her Instagram on Thursday Just last week she shared a video of herself enjoying cold water therapy as she sat in a barrel full of ice water While last month she showed off her flexibility by embarking on a spot of aerial yoga While last month she showed off her flexibility by embarking on a spot of aerial yoga. Ruby was seen hanging upside down with her legs wrapped around the hammock as she tried her hand at the hybrid type of yoga. Ruby previously sparked concern amongst fans once again back in 2023 with her appearance from a hospital bed as she promoted her latest book discussing mental health. The comedian has been very open with her audiences in her battle with depression over the years, and in 2022 admitted that the illness that made thoughts 'so agonising it's hard to stay alive'. And in a post to her 103,000 followers on Instagram in January 2023, Ruby's fans have asked of her wellbeing as she sat on a hospital bed to talk about her book, 'I'm Not As Well As I Thought I Was'. Having been staying in Cape Town to train as a castaway marooned alone on an island for a movie, Ruby had been showing her day-to-day activities. She learned how to kindle a fire and build a shelter, following in the footsteps of Joanna Lumley who did a similar thing twenty years ago with her BBC show Girl Friday. Ruby previously sparked concern amongst fans once again back in 2023 with her appearance from a hospital bed as she promoted her latest book discussing mental health However the trip has appeared to take a turn as she ended up showing footage of herself in hospital instead of exploring island life. Fans were quick to send Ruby their well wishes with many concerned at seeing her in hospital with a monitor attached to her heart. One wrote: 'Wtf. hope u ok In hospital bed Ruby ..... cyber hug of soothing vibes coming your way.' Another added: 'Can't wait to read it.... But are you ok Hun?As we can see you are in hospital.... X' A third said: ' I hope you're going to be OK my ex wife has been in hospital for nearly two weeks now.' The Beckham clan were out in full force on the streets of Paris on Friday ahead of Victoria's Fashion Week show. The fashion designer, 50, looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out in black tailored trousers and a rollneck sweater. She added pointy white heels to add inches to her height and accessorised with a large pair of dark shades. Victoria wore her brunette tresses in loose waves as she made her way to her highly-anticipated show, which will be kicking off in just hours. David, 49, held hands with daughter Harper, 13, as they made their way around the French capital before the big night begins. The former footballer donned a navy jacket and dark shades, while Harper cut a casual figure in a blue hoodie and jeans. The Beckham clan were out in full force on the streets of Paris on Friday ahead of Victoria's Fashion Week show (Victoria pictured) David, 49, held hands with daughter Harper, 13, as they made their way around the French capital before the big night begins Meanwhile, Cruz, 20, looked smitten as he walked hand-in-hand with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, with older brother Romeo following closely behind as the trio headed out into the city centre Romeo got changed into a graphic T-shirt and was joined by his stunning girlfriend Kim Turnbull Earlier in the day, he was suited and booted as he left the hotel sporting stylish shades and carrying a white Victoria Beckham shopping bag. Meanwhile, Cruz, 20, looked smitten as he walked hand-in-hand with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, with older brother Romeo following closely behind as the trio headed out into the city centre. Cruz opted for a colourful look as he stepped out wearing a bright orange knitted jumper, teamed with baggy grey trousers which were embellished with blue details on the pockets. The youngest son of David and Victoria added matching orange socks and smart black brogues, before accessorising with a slew of gold necklaces. He added tortoiseshell glasses, which he wore on his head, as he led Jackie through the French capital. Jackie looked nothing short of incredible in a brown fur coat paired with sheer tights and pointy red stilettos. She showcased her impeccable sense of style by adding red latex gloves and a blue and white Dodgers cap for the casual outing. The couple seemed to be in high spirits and could barely wipe the smiles from their faces as they prepared for Victoria's highly-anticipated show later in the evening. Romeo looked effortlessly cool as he cut a casual figure behind them, in a grey Champion sweatshirt and light blue baggy jeans. The fashion designer, 50, looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out in black tailored trousers and a rollneck sweater She added pointy white heels to add inches to her height and accessorised with a large pair of dark shades Victoria wore her brunette tresses in loose waves as she made her way to her highly-anticipated show, which will be kicking off in just hours David, 49, held hands with daughter Harper, 13, as they made their way around the French capital before the big night kicks off The former footballer donned a navy jacket and dark shades, while Harper cut a casual figure in a blue hoodie and jeans Cruz, 20, looked smitten as he walked hand-in-hand with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29 Older brother Romeo followed closely behind as the trio headed out into the city centre He opted for a colourful look as he stepped out wearing a bright orange knitted jumper, teamed with baggy grey trousers which were embellished with blue details on the pockets The youngest son of David and Victoria added matching orange socks and smart black brogues, before accessorising with a slew of gold necklaces He added tortoiseshell glasses, which he wore on his head, as he led Jackie through the French capital Jackie looked nothing short of incredible in a brown fur coat paired with sheer tights and pointy red stilettos She showcased her impeccable sense of style by adding red latex gloves and a blue and white Dodgers cap for the casual outing The couple put on a very loved-up display as they wandered around Paris Cruz could barely keep his hands off his stunning girlfriend He seemed to be on cloud nine as they enjoyed a day out ahead of the fashion show The 25-year-old DJ looked incredible as she flashed her toned stomach in dark jeans and a white cropped vest top She wore her brunette tresses in loose waves and added a stylish pair of shades Earlier in the day, David was suited and booted as he left the hotel donning stylish shades and carrying a white Victoria Beckham shopping bag Romeo seemed to be in high spirits as he tagged along for the outing earlier in the day He toted around a brown paper bag as he walked ahead of the couple Meanwhile, David has been out and about as he prapres for his wife's big night He wore a blue and white striped shirt and a unique silver tie He wore a backwards cap and dark sunglasses as they headed out to make the most of the sunshine. Romeo later got changed into a graphic T-shirt and was joined by his stunning girlfriend Kim Turnbull. The 25-year-old DJ looked incredible as she flashed her toned stomach in dark jeans and a white cropped vest top. The family seem to be making the most of their time in the city as Romeo also took to Instagram to share a selfie sipping on a glass of white wine, writing 'Bonjour' in his caption alongside the French flag. He also shared a black and white mirror selfie in the hotel before he headed out to meet his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Victoria has taken to social media to tease her AW25 fashion show, which kicks off at 8pm. She is being supported by her family and has been enjoying events with her husband. Fashion Week kicked off on Monday and will run until March 11, with the couple attending the inaugural Louvre Museum gala dinner on Tuesday. Romeo and Cruz arrived in Paris on Thursday night ahead of the big night, but older brother Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz are nowhere to be seen as of yet. Brooklyn has been trying his hand as a racing driver in Miami as he is currently taking part in a documentary where celebrities experience Formula E driving. He has joined Jaguar TCS Racing and has been learning to race a Jaguar I-TYPE 7 under a rigorous training regime this week. The family seem to be making the most of their time in the city as Romeo also took to Instagram to share a selfie sipping on a glass of white wine, writing 'Bonjour' in his caption alongside the French flag He also shared a black and white mirror selfie in the hotel before he headed out with his sibling Cruz also posted an Instagram story with his hand on Jackie's leg The trio headed out for lunch and enjoyed pizza and some drinks Meanwhile, Victoria has taken to social media to tease her AW25 fashion show, which kicks off at 8pm Victoria and David dressed to the nines to attend the inaugural Louvre Museum gala dinner, to mark the official start of Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday Brooklyn raced the vehicle for the first time on Wednesday and following the experience he shared an insight into the day on his Instagram page. The aspiring chef, who has come under fire for his attempts various career paths, most recently launched a hot sauce brand called Cloud23. His personalised helmet featured a nod to his brand, as well as several references to his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, and his father David, 49. The pink helmet was covered in Cloud23's cherubic branding, which can be seen on the bottles of hot sauce, which are sold on the website as a two pack for 28. Brooklyn's helmet also featured a print of the tattoo of his wife Nicola's eyes which he has on his neck, as well as June 23, which is the date he proposed to her. The '23' on Brooklyn's headgear may be in reference to the same date, while the seven is likely a nod to his father's iconic Manchester United shirt. Above the number was the word 'Buster', which is David's sweet nickname for his eldest son, which he regularly refers to him as on social media. The car itself featured Brooklyn's married name of Peltz Beckham, which he and Nicola both took officially after tying the knot. Brooklyn recently joked he took up the role as a racing driver because his wife told him he looked 'sexy' in the outfit - despite taking seven times to pass his theory test. He is taking part in the documentary with a host of A-Listers in which they undergo intense training sessions for Evo Sessions - a race around the Miami International Autodrome - to look at the demanding world of Formula E racing. He told the Mail: 'My wife, Nicola, was a little bit worried. And then she saw me in my race outfit, and she was like, "You should do this as a job. You look really good." So, I might be changing careers! It comes after David posted a series of new snaps on Instagram to advertise his new Eau de Parfum collection The former footballer went shirtless and showcased his chiselled abs in the new photoshoot The new scents are called Exquisite Leather & Botanical Resin It is unknown whether Victoria and David's oldest son Brooklyn will make it to the French capital as he continues his new career as a racing driver in Miami, pictured on Thursday He joined Jaguar TCS Racing and has been learning to race a Jaguar I-TYPE 7 under a rigorous training regime Brooklyn raced the vehicle for the first time on Wednesday and following the experience he shared an insight into the day on his Instagram page 'And, yeah, I'm just doing my thing really.' 'I think I've tried a few things and finally found what I absolutely love, I've always been a fan of racing and really enjoyed it. It's what I'm passionate about. And I've given it my all. Put my head down and I'm not listening to anyone. From photography to releasing a hot sauce, Brooklyn has come under scrutiny for trying his hand at varied career paths, with critics accusing him of using his family privilege to open doors. Brooklyn released his condiment brand, Cloud23, last year and pledges to release more and only has one question for his critics, 'Have you tried my hot sauce?' But when it comes to his new desire to become a racing driver, as ever, Posh Spice, 51, and Becks both had the same advice: 'Be careful and be safe.' Eamonn Holmes reunited with his former nemesis Anthea Turner for a sweet snap posted to Instagram on Thursday after the pair squashed their 10-year feud. The pair's relationship famously nosedived while they hosted GMTV in the 1990s, culminating in Eamonn issuing bosses with an ultimatum which preceded Anthea's departure from the show. They eventually made up in 2005 and even appeared on This Morning together in 2018 with the presenter's ex Ruth Langsford. And in a wholesome photo on social media, the duo looked like the best of pals as they grinned for the camera, with Eamonn putting a hand over his former colleague's shoulder. Anthea, 64, put on a colourful display in a blouse sporting a white, blue and gold pattern, completing her look with a pair of gold earrings. Her former co-host, 65, meanwhile, looked dashing in a navy blue suit over a white shirt, adding a royal blue floral tie with navy diagonal stripes and a white pocket square. Eamonn Holmes reunited with his former nemesis Anthea Turner for a sweet snap posted to Instagram on Thursday after the pair squashed their 10-year feud The pair's relationship famously nosedived while they hosted GMTV in the 1990s, culminating in Eamonn issuing bosses with an ultimatum which preceded Anthea's departure Eamonn also wore his gold wedding band despite his split from Ruth last year after 27 years together. The former This Morning presenter captioned the post: 'We're the same age @antheaturner and I and have had careers of similar length but my paper round must have been harder than hers! Top Girl' Anthea quit GMTV in 1996 and was replaced by Fiona Phillips, but a decade after their fallout, Eamonn, who famously branded her 'Princess Tippy Toes' reached out to bury the hatchet. She still looks back on the saga ruefully and in 2021 she told The Sun: 'Revenge is a dish best served sweet. Best of all, I'm still here. I thought it was sad. I just wanted to do the job I enjoyed, but unfortunately the roles have to be labelled. 'I was always asked if I was ambitious and, if I said yes, I was made out to be a ruthless person who would walk over anybody to get where I wanted. It would be said that I was hormonal, or I was stamping my feet.' She added: 'And yet ask that question to a man, and if he's ambitious, we think, "What a guy". You'd never hear anyone say that about Eamonn or Phillip Schofield. No, they're just doing their job.' She went on to say that nobody 'likes injustice' or wishes to be 'misinterpreted', adding 'It hurts, it really hurts'. As she opened up about the past, she remembered reading about herself and thinking she 'didn't know that person'. Anthea quit GMTV in 1996 and was replaced by Fiona Phillips (pictured, right), but a decade after their fallout, Eamonn reached out to bury the hatchet Back in 2018, Anthea appeared on This Morning with Eamonn and his wife Ruth Langsford and they let bygones be bygones as they addressed their famous feud And she noted that if it had occurred in the present day, she could have used social media and have had an 'immediate chance' to reply to criticism. At the height of the tension at work, she told how she felt physically sick at the thought of coming to work in the 'hostile' environment. Back in 2018, Anthea appeared on This Morning with Eamonn and Ruth and they let bygones be bygones as they addressed their famous feud. When talking about if you can be friends with an ex, Eamonn said: 'Well you are an ex of mine and we're on good terms, some people think we hate each other.' Anthea joked: 'Ruth's not bothered at all.' Ruth replied: 'No, were married, were properly married', while Anthea quipped: 'Yes, but we were on screen husband and wife.' She continued: 'There is a fine line between hate and love isn't there? We were chatting in the break, Eamonn and I are a bit lazy and it's easier to stay friends', with Ruth Langsford adding it was 'nice' they could be. Eamonn recently made a sweet marriage remark live on air after his split from ex Ruth. Eamonn recently made a sweet marriage remark live on air after his split from ex Ruth after 27 years together (pictured: the pair in 2022) Shortly after his separation from Ruth in May last year, Eamonn went public with girlfriend Katie Alexander (pictured: the couple in February) The presenter and the Loose Women panellist, 64, began dating in 1996 but separated last year after 14 years of marriage. He made a rare comment about married life during a Valentine's day morning show on GB News with his co-anchor Ellie Costello. Asked if he remembered his first Valentine, Eamonn replied: 'I married her.' 'Aww that's so nice,' Ellie said. Eamonn was referencing his first wife Gabrielle Holmes, who he married in 1985 and with whom he shares three kids, Declan, Rebecca, and Niall. Shortly after his separation from Ruth in May last year, Eamonn went public with girlfriend Katie Alexander, while Ruth remains publicly single. Eva Mendes showcased her ageless beauty as she celebrated turning 51 on Wednesday, by sharing a stunning snap from her latest campaign with Stella McCartney. The former actress looked as though she hadn't aged a day since shooting to fame in 2001 hit film Training Day as she put on a sultry display in a sheer black dress. The flowing number boasted a daring thigh-high slit that left her toned legs fully exposed, as well as a cutout to flash a glimpse of her toned midriff for added sex appeal. Eva boosted her height in a pair of trendy pointed heels and posed up a storm with her hand on her waist and arching her back, while pouting for the camera. Sharing the stunning snap to her Instagram, the Hitch star heaped praise on fashion designer Stella, and gushed that she's 'never felt sexier' while modelling her clothes. While she also revealed that she was missing out on attending Stella's Paris Fashion Week show with the likes of Cameron Diaz and Kate Moss, as she would be celebrating her birthday with her family. Eva Mendes showcased her ageless beauty as she celebrated turning 51 on Wednesday, by sharing a stunning snap from her latest campaign with Stella McCartney The former actress put on a sultry display in a sheer black dress that boasted a daring thigh-high slit, leaving her toned legs fully exposed Eva is married to Hollywood movie star Ryan Gosling, and the couple are the proud parents of daughters Esmeralda, 10, and Amada, eight. In the caption, she wrote: 'My new campaign and my new age just dropped! Im 51 today and so grateful for all the reasons. 'Especially grateful to @stellamccartney for making the most beautiful, cruelty free clothing that I feel so great in. Ive worked with amazing designers throughout my career but Ive never felt sexier in any one elses designs than hers. 'I hate that I cant be there at your fashion show today but I have the best reason in the world -Im with my family.' She concluded the post: 'Sending out loads of love today and every day'. Her birthday celebration, comes after Eva recently opened up about embracing her sexiness at 50 and her views on cosmetic treatments to maintain her youthful glow. She revealed that she is open to beauty procedures, as long as they offer reversible results, such as Botox. Speaking to The Times in October, she said: 'I'm not afraid to try things that are safe, because most of these little treatments, let's say, are reversible'. Sharing the stunning snap to her Instagram, the Hitch star heaped praise on fashion designer Stella, and gushed that she's 'never felt sexier' while modelling her clothes While she also revealed that she was missing out on attending Stella's Paris Fashion Week show with the likes of Cameron Diaz and Kate Moss, as she would be celebrating her birthday with her family (Stella (R) and Cameron (L) pictured at the show) Seemingly revealing that she has experimented with Botox and other temporary cosmetic treatments, she said: 'If you get Botox, it goes away if you don't like it. There have been times where I've regretted something and then you just wait it out.' Eva has previously declared that she is 'all for' cosmetic surgery, after critics accused her of denying ever having work done. She took to social media in 2021 saying she 'wanted to clear up' a few things and wrote: 'Never "denied plastic surgery". All I did was reply to a specific comment on SM. Would never deny that stuff. I'm all for it. All. For. It.' At the time, she also shared photos of herself undergoing a procedure called Mono-threading, which involves the insertion of needled threads in various points to aid lifting and tightening of the skin. While the mother-of-two also admitted in her The Times interview that husband Ryan, 44, makes her feel 'real f****** sexy'. Eva credited the Oscar nominated star with always making her feel good about herself, despite admitting she'd 'never considered herself beautiful'. But she sweetly gushed that when Barbie star Ryan 'gives her a look', it makes her feel on top of the world. She said: 'I feel really f***ing sexy at times. The way my man looks at me is just at times Im like, "oh my God". Her birthday celebration, comes after Eva recently opened up about embracing her sexiness at 50 and her views on cosmetic treatments to maintain her youthful glow In 2021, she also shared photos of herself undergoing a procedure called Mono-threading, which involves the insertion of needled threads in various points to aid lifting and tightening of the skin (seen) 'That might not sit well with people, but so much of how I feel is a reflection of what hes giving me. 'Theres so many things that can make me feel sexy and Id say that I feel more sexy than not. I guess because Ive never considered myself beautiful, but Ive always felt very sexy.' Eva and Ryan first met in August 2011 after they both signed on to star in crime drama The Place Beyond The Pines. They played love interests Romina Gutierrez and Luke Glanton, a motorcycle stunt rider who supports his family, which includes their young son, through a life of crime. Their onscreen romance soon translated into real life and they started dating during the shooting of the movie. Ryan later admitted that it was while playing at having a pretend family with Eva in the film, that he first realized he wanted to start a family of his own with the actress. Opening up to GQ in 2023, he said: 'I wasn't thinking about kids before I met her, but after I met Eva, I realized that I just didn't want to have kids without her. 'There were moments on The Place Beyond The Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn't really want it to be pretend anymore.' While the mother-of-two also admitted in her The Times interview that husband Ryan, 44, makes her feel 'real f****** sexy' (pictured 2013) Eva and Ryan first met in August 2011 after they both signed on to star in crime drama The Place Beyond The Pines (seen) as love interests, with their romance continuing off screen The couple went public with their relationship when they were spotted putting on a loved-up display together at Disneyland, going on to make their red carpet debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2012. Eva stepped away from acting in 2014 when the pair welcomed their first child, going onto focus on other business ventures, including fashion and homeware collaborations and writing her new children's book, Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries. In September, she admitted she has no plans to return to the silver screen any time soon, after reaching a 'career high' by working alongside her husband. During an interview with Good Morning America, she explained: 'I don't know [when I'll return]. If there's interesting roles. I left at a time where... it was ten years ago... I kind of felt like I did it, you know?' While she gushed that her final film project with Ryan was a moment she didn't think she could top. Eva continued: 'I was like, "I just worked with Ryan Gosling, who is the best". It was such a high off my career to work with him and what we created together that I was like, "This is a good time to Seinfeld it and just walk out." So who knows?' Last year, she revealed that she and Ryan has somewhat of a 'non-verbal agreement' when it came to her giving up acting and being a 'full-time mom' to their two daughters. When asked what it was like going from acting to being a full-time parent she previously told Today: 'It was like a no brainer. I'm so lucky, and I was like, if I can have this time with my children... and I still worked, I just didn't act because acting takes you on locations, it takes you away.' Eva stepped away from acting in 2014 when the pair welcomed their first child, going onto focus on other business ventures, including fashion and homeware collaborations and writing her new children's book, Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries (pictured) Referring to how she made the decision with the La La Land star, Eva continued: 'It was almost just like a non-verbal agreement that it was like, "Okay he's going to work and I'm going to work, I'm just going to work here."' Eva has previously praised the way Ryan works on set, claiming she has 'never experienced anything like that.' 'The way he works, his commitment to his craft, how he wants to make everything as best as it can be, and that means making his costars as best as they can be,' she said. 'But unfortunately - or fortunately - there is only one Ryan!' She has also spoken about the reason why she doesn't do red carpet events with ther husband after a fan begged her to join Ryan on the awards circuit for Barbie. 'You're the best! What a cool comment; thank you,' she wrote. 'But we don't do those things together... Like these photos I've been posting, I'm only comfortable posting because it's already out there.' She added that they only posed together on the red carpet once while promoting their 2012 film The Place Beyond the Pines. Bhad Bhabie called the police on three gunmen who allegedly attempted to break into her house Thursday afternoon, it is claimed. Her baby daddy Le Vaughn is said to have arrived at the property mere minutes before the supposed incident - one day after he sustained a gunshot wound to the hand at a Los Angeles strip club. The suspects purportedly tried to breach Bhabie's side door, but had fled the scene by the time the police got there, law enforcement sources told TMZ. Insiders did not establish definitively whether Bhabie or Le Vaughn was the first person to catch sight of the alleged gunmen. Bhabie, 21, has had a tumultuous on-off relationship with Le Vaughn, 26, with whom she shares an 11-month-old daughter called Kali Love. Her representative confirmed Bhabie's home was visited by the authorities, but said they were there pursuing leads connected to the strip club shooting. Bhad Bhabie s ex-boyfriend Le Vaughn is on the mend after a harrowing night at an L.A. strip club left him with a gunshot wound to the hand Le Vaughn was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday and is expected to make a full recovery from his injury, according to TMZ. Sources told the outlet that a second individual was also shot during the violent altercation, suffering a non-life-threatening shoulder injury before receiving treatment at the hospital. Le Vaughn wasted no time updating fans, sharing a hospital bed selfie on Instagram where he flashed some hand signs, his bandaged hand front and center. Despite the chaos, he looked relaxedeven tossing in a few playful expressions to let everyone know hes doing just fine. Meanwhile, Bhad Bhabie has yet to address the chilling incident involving her childs fathershe's currently caught up in an ongoing feud with Travis Barkers daughter, Alabama. Le Vaughn was inside Sam's Hofbrau near downtown LA when he was shot in the early hours of Wednesday morning, DailyMail.com has confirmed. According to multiple sources, two groups of men got into an altercation while watching the dancers, with someone opening fire. The fracas spilled outside with more shots fired and two people struck by bullets, the LAPDsaid. Le Vaughn was hit in the hand with another person struck in the shoulders. The 26-year-old rapper, who split from the OnlyFans star last month , was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday and is expected to make a full recovery, per TMZ An LAPD spokesman told DailyMail.com: 'On 3/5/25, at 2:04 a.m., two male victims were struck by gunfire in the 1700 block of E. Olympic Blvd. 'The male suspect fled the location in a vehicle. The victims were self-transported to a local hospital in stable condition' A suspect driving a white G-Wagon was approached by police but they drove onto the 10 freeway and managed to get away, per TMZ. Le Vaughn and another victim were treated at hospital for non life-threatening injuries and are set to make a full recovery. DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Bhad Bhabie, the LAPD and Sam's Hofbrau for further comment. This comes after Bhad Bhabie, real name Danielle Bregoli, has been embroiled in drama after alleging Alabama Barker had been trying to steal Le Vaughn. Last month Bhad Bhabie shared a now-deleted Instagram story saying she is 'single' followed by another post reading: 'Like dead ass yall will never see me with that man ever again' per TMZ. A spokesman for the star said at the time: 'LV has been a strong source of support for Danni and their daughter throughout her cancer journey. Le Vaughn, 26, was at Sam's Hofbrau near downtown LA (pictured) when he was shot in the early hours of Wednesday morning 'Thats currently both their focuses, making sure Danni is healing and healthy.' The pair share Kali Love, who will turn one in March. They last rekindled their romance in December, after Bregolo accused him of beating her. The split comes after Barker, 19, denied she had hooked up with Le Vaughn and said she had 'no interest' in him. She said that it was Le Vaughn who has been contacting her and 'confessing his feelings' for her for nearly a year. Le Vaughn, 26, who shares a daughter with the rapper , 21, was inside Sam's Hofbrau near downtown LA when he was shot in the early hours of Wednesday morning, per TMZ Le Vaughn showed off his bandaged hand after the shooting in an Instagram clip The former couple share daughter Kali, who will turn one this month - picture with Bhad Bhabie's mom Barbara Bregoli (R) The split comes after Alabama Barker, 19, denied she had hooked up with Le Vaughn and said she had 'no interest' in him Bhad Bhabie also sensationally claimed Barker had got pregnant by Tyga, 35, which was also vehemently denied. In December, Bregoli revealed she was back with her babydaddy Le Vaughn, less than two weeks after ending their four-year relationship. She captioned her Instastory: 'Forever my baby.' She previously accused him of domestic violence last year. One person outraged about Bhad Bhabie rekindling her romance with the 26-year-old was her own mother, Barbara. 'This is what LV texted me last night letting me know he has control over her but we know it's trauma bonding,' she said via Instastory. Barbara previously called Le Vaughn a 'piece of s*** who beat my daughter, almost killing her, on more than one occasion' and she wrote: 'Imagine playing the victim in a situation you created.' In November, Bhad Bhabie gave her first health update since revealing her cancer diagnosis after sparking concern among her fans over her very thin and frail appearance. She admitted that she was 'not prepared' to speak about her health battle just yet, but shared that she was doing 'okay.' It was the first time she was seen out in public since informing fans that her sudden weight loss was due to her 'cancer medicine' on Instagram. Bregoli seemed to launch her Instagram Stories post in response to concerned comments fans have made about her significantly slimmed-down figure. 'I'm Sorry my cancer medicine made me loose weight. Im slowly gaining it back,' she wrote. 'So stop running w the worst narratives [sic].' Miquita Oliver has branded Jack Whitehall 'inappropriate and condescending' after he cracked a series of controversial jokes while hosting this year's BRIT Awards. The comedian, 36, has faced backlash after making a gaffe about Sean 'Diddy' Combs while hosting the ceremony last weekend. Agreeing with viewers, who shared their shock on social media, Miquita, 40, admitted that while she didn't want to 'bring him down', Jack 'wasn't the right person.' Speaking on Friday's Miss Me? podcast with Lily Allen, she said: 'The appointment of Jack Whitehall I think was inappropriate. He wasnt the right person. 'I really dont want to bring Jack Whitehall down but I felt like he brought a condescending, somewhat glib attitude to the proceedings. 'There is a room full of creatives and artists who have given us work this year that doesnt need to be undermined, and that was like the whole MO of the tone.' Miquita Oliver has branded Jack Whitehall 'inappropriate and condescending' after he cracked a series of controversial jokes while hosting this year's BRIT Awards The comedian, 36, has faced backlash after making a gaffe about Sean ' Diddy ' Combs while hosting the ceremony last weekend Miquita added: 'There were over 10 jokes about musicians taking cocaine.' Jack was in charge of entertaining the audience at London's O2 Arena, with the event being streamed live on ITV. During the show, he made a controversial joke after JADE's performance, in which he said: 'I love that she went for that aesthetic. I really thought Diddy might have done it for the white party theme. Jade has brought it back.' Fans took to X to share their shock, posting: 'Diddy & Kanye jokes??? what is wrong with Jack ?? so unfunny #BRITs2025; 'Jack making a Diddy joke I can't... I hate him maybe'; 'Diddy joke? Stop booking Jack Whitehall for things PLEASE it's not 2013 anymore #BRITs2025; 'Jack Whitehall making a Diddy joke was so tasteless and tone deaf. #BRITs2025.' Diddy is set to go on trial on sex trafficking charges in May this year. One of his alleged underage sexual assault victims claims they were at his 1998 white party. The rapper, 55, has been repeatedly refused bail after pleading not guilty to three felony counts. Speaking on Friday's Miss Me? podcast with Lily Allen, she said: 'The appointment of Jack Whitehall I think was inappropriate. He wasnt the right person' 'I really dont want to bring Jack Whitehall down but I felt like he brought a condescending, somewhat glib attitude to the proceedings,' she added Diddy is set to go on trial on sex trafficking charges in May this year. One of his alleged underage sexual assault victims claims they were at his 1998 white party (pictured in 2022) He is at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn where he has been since he was arrested on 16 September last year. Jack kicked off his commentary at the 2025 awards ceremony by walking through the audience and roasting the celebrity attendees, leaving them all open-mouthed. He took aim at YouTuber KSI, 31, in a never-ending list of jibes, mocking him for his debut as a guest judge on Britain's Got Talent, stepping in for Bruno Tonioli while he filmed in the US. Jack savagely said that KSI judging talent was 'like Stephen Hawking judging Strictly Come Dancing' before taking aim at his music, which he said was 'past its Prime' - a reference to his viral drinks company. Jack quipped: 'The guy that will have a go at literally anything - YouTuber, rapper, boxer, energy drink Willy Wonka, rapper - yes, his drink is Prime and his music is slightly past its prime, KSI!' Later on, Jack also commented on KSI being nominated for Song of the Year at the BRITs for his single Thick Of It, first saying it was his favourite track before giving it the classic Britain's Got Talent red buzzer rejection. He then joked: 'I listen to Kendrick Lamar and I think I couldn't do this, but I listen to your stuff and I think, ''Oh yeah I could do this.'' Jack certainly didn't stop there as he also delivered a swipe at KSI's Britain's Got Talent co-star Simon Cowell. During the show, he made a controversial joke after JADE's performance, in which he said: 'I really thought Diddy might have done it for the white party theme. Jade has brought it back' Simon, 65, has become known for his changing appearance and has shared his regrets over his extensive use of Botox, with Jack poking fun at this while hosting. He made a brutal joke about 'wiping the smile off Simon Cowell's latest face' as he roasted the music mogul, who wasn't even in attendance at the BRITs. Jack didn't shy away from bringing up Stormzy's controversial partnership with McDonald's, which saw him slammed by fans as the fast food giant is currently facing calls for boycotts over its links to Israel. Addressing the headline-making collaboration, Jack said: 'In the 90s, you'd find your rappers doing drive-bys; this one you can find at the drive-thru. 'Nominated for two Brit Awards this evening we didn't send him a limo tonight, we Deliverooed him here, it's Stormzy. The grime scene's Ronald McDonald. He's loving it.' Heidi Montag has broken down in tears once again over her home being burned down to the ground in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Southern California. The Hills veteran went back to the charred remains of her house as she walked through the kitchen area in a new video shared to Instagram on Friday. The 38-year-old reality TV icon was touched that part of a colorful mug was sort of intact as it brought back a flood of memories but admitted it was very 'painful' being on site. She said she 'missed' her house 'so much' and then said it 'never gets any easier' returning to the plot of land that has been devastated. It has been two months since the fire blasted through the Palisades destroying 75 percent of the homes and most of the downtown area. Heidi Montag has broken down in tears once again over her home being burned down in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Southern California The Hills veteran went back to the charred remains of her house as she walked through the kitchen area in a new video shared to Instagram on Friday The Palisades Fire was a highly-destructive wildfire that began burning in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025, which grew to destroy large areas of Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu before it was fully contained after 24 days on January 31. Heidi wore a pale gray cardigan with white hearts on it as her blonde hair was worn down and she was nicely made up for the camera. There was no sign of her husband Spencer Pratt nor their kids, sons Gunner, seven, and two-year-old Ryker. In late January she said she was 'so sad' to lose her clothes in the Los Angeles wildfires. The reality star and her husband were devastated when the blazes destroyed their home earlier this month. And while the beauty thinks it 'sounds silly' to admit, she is upset at the loss of her favorite outfits because of the memories they hold. She told Vogue.com in her first interview with the high-profile site: 'You know, I'm very conflicted with it. It sounds silly, but I was so sad about losing my clothes. 'They're just things, but they're things that I spent 15 to 20 years collecting. Things I wore to a special place, with special people. She said she 'missed' her house 'so much' and then said it never gets any easier returning to the plot of land that has been devastated The reality TV icon was touched that part of a colorful mug was sort of intact as it brought back a flood of memories 'There's a lot I can't replace. Shoes I perfectly curated, like a pair of black pumps or boots. I keep telling myself, I rented them in this life! 'I only grabbed two pairs of jeans, and I'm such a jean girl. I had a new pair of Paige jeans that just make me feel like me,' she said. The former Hills star has bought a few new items which made her feel 'so much better', but she can't help but look back on her old favorites. She added: 'I went to Marshalls the other day and I bought a bunch of discounted sweaters. They're good quality, about $20 dollars, but they make me feel so much better. I'm still looking back at TikToks and seeing, like, a sweater I wore and reminiscing.' It has been two months since the fire blasted through the Palisades destroying 75 percent of the homes and most of the downtown area The parents with kids Gunner and Ryker at Disney On Ice Presents Magic In The Stars at Crypto.com Arena on December 21, 2024 in Los Angeles Because Heidi knows how much better her make-up makes her feel, she'd like to set up a charity to offer hair and beauty services for those who have lost everything in the fires. She said: 'I was so thrilled to see all these companies doing donation drives. It makes a big difference to how people feel and giving them some dignity. A bit of makeup can be so powerful! My bag of Patrick Ta, Hourglass, Charlotte Tilbury, makes me feel grounded in myself. 'I would love to create or support a charity for people who lost everything and do hair and make-up, to help people feel more like themselves.' This comes after Heidi and Spencer said they want to make a reality show about 'rebuilding' their community. The couple lost their $2.5 million home in the Pacific Palisades fire earlier this month and admitted they are 'ready' to let cameras back into their lives to give a glimpse in how they and their neighbors are starting afresh. The former Hills star has bought a few new items which made her feel 'so much better', but she can't help but look back on her old favorites. Seen with Spencer in October Seen in a bikini for an ad for Hydroxycut last year Asked if they would consider another reality show, Heidi told Vogue.com: 'Well, you never know...It's Hollywood. 'There's always something. We're ready for it. We'd hope to even do something about rebuilding the town and showing our community. But I'm also balancing the music, being a mom.' The couple have been trying to shield their sons from trauma as a result of the devastating fires, but admitted it has been difficult, particularly because their older boy has had to move schools. Heidi said: 'With our oldest, we've been really careful about not letting him see any photos or any media. I wouldn't even put on the news when the fires were at our front door. I didn't want him to see that and have that trauma. We're talking through his feelings and validating them. Obviously, we try to be positive, but we also don't want to shut down real fears.' Her 41-year-old spouse added: 'We're encouraging a light at the end of the tunnel. We've put him in a new schoolit's a difficult thing.' Asked if they would consider another reality show, Heidi told Vogue.com: 'Well, you never know...It's Hollywood' Spencer has encouraged fans to revisit Heidi's music as a way for them to make money in the aftermath of the fires, and though her album 'Superficial' has topped the iTunes chart as a result, 10 years after it was released, she's not really been able to appreciate the success just yet. She said: 'It's an honor to be on the Billboard charts and number one on iTunes. That's all because of people's love, support, and appreciation. It's made a dream come true out of a terrible moment. 'At the same time, I'm trying to keep everything else together. I'm being a mom for my sons, trying to unpack... There are incredible highs and lows. Spencer is tunnel-visioned on work. I'm navigating through the rest of our life stuff. 'I just have to check in and be present, as hard as it is and how extreme our circumstances are. It's all still so fresh. We literally just lost our house. When I have a little more time to appreciate the music and see it translate more, be in that moment... I just don't know when that will be.' She stands accused of banishing Justin Baldoni from the premiere of his own movie, leaving him languishing in a basement as she soaked up the spotlight. Now, having spent months at the centre of a highly publicized legal battle with her It Ends With Us co-star, Blake Lively's desire for that spotlight seems to have waned. A source tells the Daily Mail that the actress, 37, is terrified ahead of the premiere of her new film, Another Simple Favor, which will open the 2025 SXSW Film and TV Festival in Austin, Texas, on Friday evening. Her representatives have now confirmed that she will walk the red carpet. But, our source says, her apprehension will no doubt be exacerbated by her growing 'friction' with co-star Anna Kendrick, 39. The Gossip Girl alum has been feeling the heat ever since she filed a bombshell lawsuit in December against Baldoni, 41, accusing him of sexual harassment. Baldoni, who directed as well as acted in It Ends With Us, retaliated with a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds in January, accusing the Hollywood power couple of defamation. All parties have vehemently denied the allegations against them. A source tells the Daily Mail that Blake Lively is terrified ahead of the premiere of her new film, Another Simple Favor. (Pictured: A Simple Favor co-stars Anna Kendrick and Lively together in 2018). The Gossip Girl alum has been feeling the heat ever since she filed a bombshell lawsuit in December against Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment. (Pictured: On the set of It Ends With Us). Lively made a brief, and arguably misjudged, appearance with Reynolds and other famous guests at the 50th anniversary celebrations for Saturday Night Live last month. But Friday's premiere will mark her first interaction with the press in months. Another Simple Favor director Paul Feig, 62, reportedly asked Lively to show up for the 'sake of the cast' as he desperately scrambles to save his film the sequel to 2018's A Simple Favor from being engulfed by the media circus surrounding It Ends With Us. 'Paul told her it's very important she attends for the sake of the cast,' our source said. The premiere comes at a particularly unfortunate time for Feig whose sequel has been nearly three years in the making. He successfully reunited Lively and Kendrick and even threw out a green-lit script in an attempt to produce the perfect follow-up. A Simple Favor was a booming success, earning $98 million globally on a $20 million budget. And as filming wrapped on the sequel in May 2024, Feig delighted in telling his cast that the original had become the number one most watched movie on Netflix. But his glee is said to have soon soured as Lively's legal rollercoaster threatened to disrupt early promotion for the sequel. In January, Feig was forced to shut down rumours that his film had been shelved amid Lively's messy brawl with Baldoni. 'This is total BS. Sorry. The movie is finished and coming out soon,' Feig said. Then last month, reports emerged that Kendrick was privately fuming at Lively's failure to address how her ongoing battle with Baldoni was negatively impacting their upcoming movie. 'There is a gigantic pink elephant in the room that no one is acknowledging,' a source close to Kendrick told the Daily Mail at the time. 'The backlash to initial promo has been brutal. There are people protesting and refusing to see it.' Lively made a brief, and arguably misjudged, appearance with Reynolds and other famous guests at the 50th anniversary celebrations for Saturday Night Live last month (pictured). But Friday's premiere will mark her first interaction with the press in months. Sources now say that 'friction' has been brewing between the actresses, who have already allegedly fought over who would get top billing. '[Blake] fought, through her reps to get top billing over Anna, who refused to bow to Blake's demands,' a source said. But all that must now be put aside, with the leads said to have been told to plaster over the cracks with 'happy faces' at Friday's premiere. 'Lively doesn't want to let Paul down, and she fully supports the movie,' our insider said. 'But it will be her first public outing since the It Ends With Us scandal broke, aside from SNL50 where she had Ryan as a safety net. 'This time she won't have him. She'll have Anna instead and they will need to look like a team. Paul told Blake they're both great actresses and he has total confidence they'll be able to pull it off. 'There has been friction between the two, so they'll both need to put on their happy faces.' A Simple Favor co-star Henry Golding previously denied suggestions that the two women had refused to speak to each other on the set of the original movie, insisting: 'Definitely no friction that I noticed.' But now a separate insider has claimed to the Daily Mail that Kendrick had issues with Lively long before the Baldoni legal spat threatened this new film. '[Anna] made up her mind on Blake based on her own experience working with her,' the insider said, adding that Kendrick will display a veneer of professionalism at Friday's premiere. 'Anna will walk the line with her, and she will answer questions about the film. But she will not be involved in any questions about Justin [Baldoni]. She will not entertain this. Behind the scenes, everyone feels extremely upset at how this has panned out. Anna does not want to do another film with Blake.' For his part, Feig has continued to publicly defend Lively throughout the fallout, describing her recently as 'nothing but supportive and a dream to work with'. The mysterious deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his pianist wife, Betsy Arakawa, continue to keep stumping authorities amid their investigation. Earlier this week, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office confirmed that there were 'no significant findings' of gas leaks or carbon monoxide at the couple's home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they were found dead during a welfare check on February 26. At this time, authorities have stated that it is still unknown how they died and that their remains were partially mummified, indicating they had been dead for several days. 'Initially I was thinking carbon monoxide,' Chief Medical Examiner James Gill, who is not investigating Hackman's death, said. 'You're thinking of something that all the people would be exposed to. But the fact that that's negative then you start wondering about not only the cause of death, but the manner of death.' Gill proceeded to theorize that Hackman may have collapsed since he has 'a history of heart disease.' 'He's got a pacemaker. So that would not be unusual. But the unusual part is that why then did she also collapse,' Gill noted to People. The mysterious deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his pianist wife, Betsy Arakawa, continue to keep stumping authorities amid their investigation (pictured in 1991) Gill, then, pointed out: 'If she had found him alive, why didn't she call 911? Which, you know, usually that's a person's first instinct.' 'Maybe they had agreed that if he was found, he didn't want to be resuscitated. She may have panicked and then either had a primary heart event herself, a cardiac event or maybe she got despondent, and she took pills,' he speculated. Gill detailed that the next steps for the medical examiner are ruling out any injuries from falling and analyzing the 'toxicology and autopsy results' to exclude a drug-induced death. 'I think the autopsy and the toxicology testing are really going to be what's needed in order to make that final determination,' he explained. 'Otherwise, it's kind of speculation at this point.' Gill went on to share another possible theory that involved Arakawa unexpectedly dying first and Hackman collapsing 'from the stress' of trying to 'get help.' 'He's older, he's got known heart disease. But the autopsy would certainly show if she had heart disease or cancer or what have you,' Gill said. Arakawa's body was found in a bathroom near unidentified pills strewn from a prescription bottle, while Hackman's remains were found in the home's entryway. Hackman's glasses and cane were on the floor beside him, suggesting he had fallen just before his death. It is still unclear who died first - Hackman or Arakawa. But fire chief Brian Moya said the location of their remains suggests it was around the same time. Earlier this week, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office confirmed that there were 'no significant findings' of gas leaks or carbon monoxide at the couple's home in Santa Fe, New Mexico , where they were found dead during a welfare check on February 26; seen in 2003 'Initially I was thinking carbon monoxide,' Chief Medical Examiner James Gill, who is not investigating Hackman's death, said. 'You're thinking of something that all the people would be exposed to. But the fact that that's negative then you start wondering about not only the cause of death, but the manner of death' (pictured in 2003) 'Just because both bodies were in similar ways where we, as experts, sad to say that we know a lot about how people die and how long people are dead for both bodies are in a similar manner that it could be a similar timeframe,' Moya told Fox News. Moya didn't say whether 'similar timeframe' could allow to Arakawa to find Hackman dead and kill herself in despair, or for the couple to carry out a suicide pact which could have seen Arakawa help her frail husband to die before taking her own life. Moya noted the couple's property spanned more than 9,000 square feet across three structures, so it's telling that both bodies and that of their dog Zinna, were found in the same building. The couple's German shepherd, named Bear, survived along with a second dog named Nikita, according to Joey Padilla, owner of the Santa Fe Tails pet care, where Hackman and Arakawa often boarded their dogs. Both are being cared for. Hackman and Arakawa likely were dead for nine days until their discovery on February 28. Hackman was among the finest actors of his generation, appearing as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of dramas, comedies and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s (seen in 1993) One of the surviving dogs was found near Arakawa's body and the other outside the couple's home. Zinna, the dog that died 'was always attached to Betsy at the hip and it was a beautiful relationship,' Padilla told the Associated Press. 'Zinna went from being a returned shelter dog to this incredible companion under Betsy's hand.' The mystery of the couple's deaths has only deepened as police said they have found no evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning. The two bodies both have tested negative for carbon monoxide, and no gas leaks were discovered in or around the home. Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office said there were no signs of foul play or external trauma on the couple's bodies. Sheriff Adan Mendoza added that he could not completely rule foul play out while the investigation continues. The deaths were originally deemed suspicious enough to warrant a full investigation but cops no longer believe anyone else was involved. Hackman's pacemaker last recorded him alive on February 17 - nine days before his body was found. At this time, authorities (seen last month at a press conference) have stated that it looks like the pair had been dead for days and it still remains unclear how they died Police do not suspect foul play, despite the front door being found 'ajar.' There were no signs of forced entry into the home. 'I think I'm pretty confident that there is no foul play just based on the lack of evidence,' Mendoza later told Today. 'But, of course, we're not ruling that out.' The case is shrouded in the kind of intrigue reserved for Hackman's detective thriller novels and has garnered international attention - with many wondering how their deaths went unnoticed for so long. Neighbors in their gated private community off a winding canyon road five miles outside of Santa Fe told The New York Times that despite living with the celebrity couple for years, most of them never even caught a glimpse of them. Earlier this week, Gill revealed putting a time on death becomes increasingly difficult once a body has undergone significant decomposition, especially when mummification occurs. 'Once you get to that mummification stage, there's nothing to be able to distinguish the two deaths timewise,' he told People. Hackman met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist who grew up in Hawaii, when she was working part-time at a California gym in the mid-1980s; pictured in 1991 The expert added environmental factors such as dryness and heat can accelerate decomposition, making it harder to pinpoint the cause and time of death. He said: 'Generally, dry environments will cause mummification to occur more quickly than in a non-dry environment.' Forensic pathologist Judy Melinek, who also spoke to People, added it's very difficult to determine time of death once decomposition has set in. She said: 'Once the body is decomposed, it's a lot harder to do.' The expert added early indicators including rigor mortis and body temperature help in the initial stages of putting a time on death, but are unreliable once decomposition progresses. He was a five-time Oscar nominee who won for The French Connection in 1972 and Unforgiven two decades later; seen in 1996 Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner with an estimated net worth of $80 million, just turned 95 in late January. He became a recluse in the last 20 years of his life, after retiring from acting in 2004. He moved to New Mexico shortly after making a movie there in the 1980s and loved the quiet pace of life and the fact locals left him in peace. Hackman was among the finest actors of his generation, appearing as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of dramas, comedies and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s. He was a five-time Oscar nominee who won for The French Connection in 1972 and Unforgiven two decades later. Hackman met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist who grew up in Hawaii, when she was working part-time at a California gym in the mid-1980s, the New York Times reported in 1989. They soon moved in together, and by the end of the decade had decamped to Santa Fe. Natalie Portman showed her 'cheating' ex Benjamin Millepied what he's missing as she confirmed her new romance with a famous French music producer. Oscar-winner Portman, 43, was seen putting on a loved-up display with Tanguy Destable, 44, during a stroll in Paris recently, with the producer planting a kiss on the star's head. This comes one year after she finalized her divorce from Millepied in March 2024 - following 11 years of marriage. She filed for divorce in July 2023 - after it was alleged that Benjamin cheated on Natalie with a woman 21 years his junior. Portman looked happier than ever as she walked arm-in-arm with the hunky producer, cutting a chic figure in a grey jacket and jeans. Destable, 44, known professionally as Tepr, was previously in a long-term romance from 2013 with actress Louise Bourgoin, 43, with whom he shares two sons, aged eight and four. Natalie Portman showed her 'cheating' ex Benjamin Millepied what he's missing as she confirmed her new romance with a famous French music producer Portman, 43, was married to Millepied, 47, for 11 years, with the actress filing for divorce in July 2023; their divorce was finalized in March 2024 - seen February 24, 2019 He has collaborated with French stars including David Guetta and Mylene Farmer and is known for remixing the A cause des garcons by electropop group Yelle. He was previously a member of Yelle from 2007-2014. This comes after Millepied was seen kissing a woman on October 15 2024 in Paris, according to Us Magazine, with the outlet's source revealing Portman's feelings about him getting back to the dating field so quickly. 'Natalie isn't surprised that Benjamin has moved on because of how their relationship ended,' the outlet's insider said. Adding: 'She thought he'd move on pretty quickly.' The insider said that the actress 'hopes Benjamin is happy' and that his 'dating life doesn't really have any bearing on Natalie.' 'She's super happy in her life right now and has been prioritizing family and friends,' the source said. The outlet's source revealed that Natalie heard about the images of Benjamin and the woman kissing in Paris before they were first revealed. They share two children: son Aleph, 13, and daughter Amalia, seven. Oscar winner Portman was seen putting on a loved-up display with Tanguy Destable during a stroll in Paris recently The producer planted a kiss on the star's head during their walk Destable, 44, known professionally as Tepr, was previously in a longterm romance with actress Louise Bourgoin, 43, (pictured 2023) with whom he shares two sons, aged eight and four The pair were arm-in-arm on their date Natalie wrapped an arm around her new boyfriend on the walk Natalie looked smitten with her new love on their date The pair shared a joke as they strolled in the city The couple embraced as they blended into the crowd Tanguy couldn't tale his eyes off the stunning actress as they embraced Natalie looked stylish for her evening stroll with her partner The pair hugged as they shared a joke together Tanguy has collaborated with French stars including David Guetta and Mylene Farmer and is known for remixing the A cause des garc ons by Yelle The couple looked smitten as they confirmed their romance Tanguy wrapped an arm around Natalie as they chatted The couple shot each other the look of love during their date Natalie embraced her partner as they walked Tanguy is pictured R in LA last summer Portman and Millepied met in 2009 on the set of her psychological horror film Black Swan, for which he was the choreographer; pictured 2022 Portman and Millepied met in 2009 on the set of her psychological horror film Black Swan, for which he was the choreographer. The now-exes became engaged in 2010 and were married in 2012 at Big Sur, California. Benjamin also worked on choreography for Natalie's dark musical drama film Vox Lux in 2018, in which she played a woman who survives a school shooting, only to become a pop star. Last year French outlet Voici released an explosive report claiming Millepied had an affair with 25-year-old climate activist Camille Etienne. In July, Natalie appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she revealed that meeting Rihanna was a 'formative moment' in her life. I think everyone going through a divorce should get Rihanna to say to her that she's a bad b****h. It was exactly what I needed.' During her appearance on the late night show, Natalie reflected on meeting Rihanna in January 2024 - during Paris Fashion Week. Rihanna told Natalie that she was 'one of the hottest b****s' in Hollywood.' 'Are you kidding me?' Natalie had replied to Rihanna. 'It was a formative moment in my life,' she told Jimmy after the clip aired. Natalie and Benjamin are pictured in 2022 The moment in January was documented by photographer Stephane Feugere. They saw each other in January while heading into the Haute Couture Dior show in Paris, with Natalie gushing to Rihanna: 'I love you.' Rihanna then told her: 'I am a proper fan.' Natalie appeared shocked as he said: 'Are you kidding me?' before the stars shared a hug. Rihanna said to her: 'You are one of the hottest b*****s in Hollywood forever. You have the most innocent look and I'm like "uhhh."' Natalie told her: 'I'm going to faint. I love you and I listen to your music all the time, your're such a queen and just thank you.' Rihanna said: 'Can somebody take a picture? So I like remember this happened tomorrow,' with Natalie adding 'Please!' The songstress said: 'I don't get excited to meet anybody, but I love you! Rick Harrison of Pawn Stars fame is making plans to walk down the aisle for a fourth time. The realty show star, 59, shared pictures from his romantic proposal to 41-year-old girlfriend Angie Polushkin in Casablanca, Chile, on social media Thursday. Polushkin is a nurse based in Las Vegas and the two met sometime in early 2024, and went public in June. 'She said yes!' was the simple message posted next to a snap of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop owner down on one knee beneath a tree the Chilean wine country. Harrison was dressed in jeans and a gray T-shirt, as he popped the question in the shade of a large tree. The engagement comes almost five years after Harrison filed for divorce from his ex-wife, Deanna Burditt, to whom he was married for seven years. Rick Harrison, 59, popped the question to his girlfriend Angie Polushkin, 41, during a romantic vacation to Casablanca, Chile The Pawn Stars star shared photos of the proposal on social media Thursday writing 'She said yes!' 'We toured a beautiful winery in Chile and Rick got down on one knee,' the bride-to-be revealed on her own Instagram account, sharing video of the wine-tasting adventure. Polushkin showcased her trim form in a plum toned mini dress with a blouson top and tight skirt. Her long, dark blonde hair was styled straight and she wore white, open toed mules. This was not the first big vacation the couple had taken together. To celebrate Polushkin's birthday in 2024, the pair traveled to Paris to celebrate. Snaps shared by the television personality on social media documented their trip, including a birthday meal at the Le Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower. TMZ reported Harrison used as 6.5-carat pear-shaped diamond for the engagement ring, adding a rep for the future groom said the jewel was 'breathtaking just like Angie is.' Harrison has bought the stunning piece of jewelry for the pawn shop, but had it reset to make it more personal. The outlet also claimed it was the second time the future groom had popped the question. Harrison was reportedly assured of a 'yes,' after originally proposing at home before the trip. his daughters told him he needed a do-over and to make it more romantic. The couple began dating sometime in early 2024, and went public with their relationship in June 2024, according to People This will be Harrison's fourth marriage The happy couple were taking a tour through Chile's wine country at the time of the proposal, according to videos Polushkin shared on social media The happy news comes just over a year after the tragic death of Harrison's son, Adam, who died of a drug overdose at age 39 in January 2024 His daughters allegedly told him he needed to do it a second time and to make it more romantic. The happy news comes just over a year after the tragic death of Harrison's son, Adam, who died of a drug overdose at age 39 in January 2024. In addition to Adam, Harrison is father to Corey, who is featured prominently in Pawn Stars, along with Jake, Sarina, Ciana, and Marissa. Adam's death will not be addressed in season 23 of Pawn Stars which debuted January 22 on the History Channel, according to People. Scarlett Johansson shared her observation about Selena Gomez, 32, and Benny Blanco, 36, at the 2025 Oscar ceremony earlier this month. The Marvel star, 40, was seated next to the engaged couple at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. While she was backstage after presenting the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hair Styling with June Squibb, 95, she shared some intel into what the couple were like. 'Well, I'm sitting next to Selena and Benny and I have to say... I'm seeing a lot of very cute, honeymoon-phase cuteness happening,' Johansson told People, making a face of approval. This isn't the first time Scarlett has talked about the Only Murders in the Building star's engagement. During an interview on Today with Jenna and Friends in January, she said, 'I don't know her personally, but I feel like now I'm invested in this,' she said, calling the couple 'so cute.' Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco during the 97th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 2, 2025 Scarlett Johansson dished on the 'very cute' behavior she observed between Selena Gomez and Benny Blancl at the Oscars Gomez and Blanco were at the Oscars to support Selena's film Emilia Perez. The film was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and took home two, for Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldana and Best Original Song El Mal. The loved up couple got engaged in December and have been dating since June 2023. On March 21, the couple's album, I Said I Love You First, will be released and it is their first collaborative effort as a couple. The project is a celebration of their love story and gives 'fans a unique window into their relationship,' according to a press release. Earlier this week, Selena shared a hilarious GRWM video in which she asked her fiance to apply her makeup for her. She was promoting her Rare Beauty line in the video as she Benny asked the Wizards of Waverly Place alum about pressed powder. 'Do I do it with my fingers?' Benny asked. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco attend the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California The engaged couple was seated next to Johansson during the event Selena and Benny have been engaged since December 2024 after dating since June 2023 'Well, there are brushes but go ahead!' Selena - who boasts 654.8M social media followers - replied. Gomez looked worried as Blanco (born Benjamin Levin) announced he was going to put brown liquid contour on her. 'Okay, okay, so like what am I contouring?' the 11-time Grammy nominee laughed. The 'Texican' pop star braced herself as Benny began dripping the contour way too high on her cheekbones. 'I always see you do stuff like this,' noted Blanco, while smearing it far too close to Selena's nose. 'Why isn't it doing anything? When you do it it looks so good.' The Dr. Luke protege proceeded to apply lip oil on Gomez's pink pout and drops of liquid highlighter over her thoroughly brown cheeks. 'Oh that's cute,' Benny said putting highlighter on the tip of her nose. Earlier this week, Selena shared a hilarious GRWM video in which she asked her fiance to apply her makeup for her The 'Texican' pop star braced herself as Benny began dripping the contour way too high on her cheekbones 'I always see you do stuff like this,' noted Blanco, while smearing it far too close to Selena's nose. 'Why isn't it doing anything? When you do it it looks so good' The two-time Grammy nominee got excited about Blanco applying a different highlighter that was 'an interesting color' until he smeared it on her jawline. The Virginia-born musician then made sure to fully mist himself with setting spray before putting it on Selena. 'I think it looks pretty good,' Benny concluded. Last year, Business of Fashion reported that Gomez's five-year-old cosmetics company was valued at around $2B with annual net sales exceeding $400M, and they donate one percent of all sales to her mental health organization, Rare Beauty Impact Fund. A Derry woman has been announced as the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland. The First Minister, Michelle ONeill and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little Pengelly have today announced the appointment of Siobhan Casey as the new Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland. As the third Commissioner since the establishment of COPNI in 2011, the former Thornhill College student will take up her post on 7 April 2025 for a period of four years. Siobhan Casey said: "It is an honour to be afforded this opportunity to serve as the Older Peoples Commissioner for Northern Ireland. Having spent the past fifteen years working for and with older people across all our communities, developing programmes, campaigns and services, I am totally committed to ensuring that older peoples voices are central to decisions made about their lives here. I am also very much looking forward to working with the COPNI team to continue to promote and protect the rights of older people across Northern Ireland." Evelyn Hoy, Chief Executive of COPNI welcomed the appointment: The team at COPNI and I extend our warm congratulations to Siobhan who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Siobhan has worked with and for older people for many years at Age NI, she brings enthusiasm and commitment to the rights and interests of older people. The whole team at COPNI and I are looking forward to working together, under her leadership, to continue our vital work in safeguarding and promoting the rights and best interests of older people in Northern Ireland." An Emergency Rally for Palestine organised by the Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (DIPSC) has taken place at Free Derry Corner in the city. Introducing the speakers, Bronagh McMonagle, DIPSC vice chairperson said those attending the Rally were once again standing in solidarity with the people in Palestine. It has been 16 months of relentless horror. 16 months of us taking to the streets, speaking out, demanding action and yet in Gaza and now the West Bank, the situation remains as dire as ever. Forced starvation, mass displacement and the brutal occupation grinds on, she said. Members of ATU, Letterkenny's Palestine Solidarity Society at the Emergency Rally for Palestine. It is easy to feel as if nothing has changed but here in Derry and Strabane we have made change. We have held our Council to account, ensuring the words of solidarity translate into real action. Because of the pressure from people like you and thanks to our local councillors, a BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) working group has been established within Council and to date we have held two constructive meetings to push this forward. In the midst of everything, lets not forget the spirit of the Palestinian people. Despite everything, they refuse to be broken. They resist and not just with arms, but with their culture, their love for their land and their people. Their resilience is a lesson to us all. Emergency Rally for Palestine at Free Derry Corner - @DerryNow digital report thread. Speaking on Wednesday evening, Bronagh McMonagle (@ipsc_derry co-chair) said Derry was standing again in solidarity with the people in Palestine. "It has been 16 months of relentless horror. pic.twitter.com/gR3KNjktcj Catherine McGinty (@CathMcGin_Tea) March 6, 2025 I also want to thank you the people of Derry. Over and over again, you have shown up. You have refused to be silenced. We have proven that this city stands firmly on the side of justice, said Ms McMonagle. Ms McMonagle said she had been accused of being obsessed and told she was crazy for continuing to fight for Palestine. I have also been told to move on. But, lets be clear, there is nothing crazy about standing against genocide and there is nothing radical about demanding basic human rights. The real insanity is the world watching this unfold and doing absolutely nothing. So, Lets keep going. Keep pushing. Keep making those in power uncomfortable because history will remember which side we stood on, she added Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit) said there was supposed to be a ceasefire in Gaza but it was not really a ceasefire. Drummers at the Energency Rally for Palestine. There is a breathing space for people in Gaza, he said, but we see now the Israeli State has decided it is shutting down access to all humanitarian aid. It has begun the bombing again of Gaza and it is threatening to open the gates to hell on the people of Gaza once again if it doesnt get its way. And it has been emboldened by the new tyrant in the White House, Donald Trump, who has told us that the United States will take over Gaza, drive out the population of 2.3 million people and build a playground for the rich, basically build a playground for Israel to dominate and take over. It is absolutely disgusting and that is why we are out here tonight. While we have been talking about the ceasefire or so-called ceasefire in Gaza, we know that Israel has ratcheted up the war on the West Bank. It has ratcheted up murders. It has ratcheted up invasions. It is ratcheted up ethnic cleansing and violent settlers have again been emboldened to attack Palestinians. We are expecting that Trump will endorse the full annexation of the West Bank. And we have to stand against this. We have to say no to it and we have to do whatever we can to stand in solidarity with Palestine, no matter what is happening there, said Cllr Harkin. Culmore SDLP councillor, Catherine McDaid, thanked the Rally organisers and everyone present. She added: The whole world is a very scary place at the moment. We have racist thugs attacking our neighbours and our friends locally. There is a misogynistic criminal in the White House and there are racist protests being planned in our city. But this is nothing compared to the constant fear the people in Palestine have been feeling for the past year and a half. A ceasefire is supposed to be in place but Palestine is still under attack. The Palestinian people were beginning to feel a bit of hope but Netenyahu and Trump had a different idea. They have made their intentions clear. They are going to continue this genocide by closing the borders of Gaza, starving its people and resuming the daily drone strikes targeting and murdering innocent women, children and men in the West Bank for nothing but selfish reasons. This is ethnic cleansing. All of this is being funded and supported by Donald Trump and his corrupt administration, said Cllr McDaid. Referring to Donal Trump's recently shared AI version of Trump Gaza, Cllr McDaid said it was "sick and depraved". "This shows what his intentions are," she said. Palestine is now in even more danger than it was before this so-called ceasefire. The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) are continuing to block the aid, and bomb cities and villages, while the world looks away because it thinks Palestine is getting a break, she said. "We cannot and must not stay silent while these war crimes continue to unfold before us. "Derry has always led the way in the fight for justice and peace and now we need to stand up for Palestine. "Keep shouting. Keep boycotting . Keep holding us elected reps to account and keep demanding an end to this genocide. Free Palestine, said Cllr McDaid. Energency Rally for Palestine at Free Derry Corner. Adam McGinley representing BDS Strabane said that since Sunday, Israel again publicly stated its commitment to stop all humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel has declared the resumption of its policy of collective punishment and forced starvation on the population of Gaza, which is a population that we are estimating now is somewhere around two million, he said. Since the announcement of the ceasefire on January 19, Israel has committed at least 350 violations and has killed approximately 132 Palestinians. It has shown the world there is no agreement that it and its backers, the US, wont break. The past 42 days have seen a small amount of relief for families in Gaza. This has rightly been celebrated across the international community. However, at the same time that weve seen a normalisation of the existing violence from many in the media, with escalating violence in the West Bank and continued killing in Gaza. There is an attempt to normalise this in mainstream media circles. This isnt normal. Ethnic cleansing and genocide are not normal . In the past week, five Palestinian newborn babies have died from extreme cold amid continued Israeli delays in allowing the entrance of the temporary accommodation and tents to displaced families. Those new born babies were all between one day and two weeks old and all died because of Israels failure to allow the agreed temporary accommodation in and to provide basic, life-sustaining necessities to Palestinian families, said Mr McGinley, who welcomed the inclusion of Strabane BDS on Derry City and Strabane District Councils BDS working group. A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrates' Court today for assaulting police. Sean Connell (27) of Moyglass Place in Derry admitted a charge of assault on police on August 30 last. The court was told that police were called by ambulance staff about a man who was 'roaring and shouting'. Police attended and found Connell with a wound to his head and he told them he had fallen and knocked himself unconscious. He ran off before police could deal with him but was later detained and taken to Altnagelvin Hospital. At the hospital he became 'increasingly aggressive ' and managed to take off handcuffs that had been placed on him and threatened police by holding up the handcuffs. Defence counsel Sinead Rogan asked the court not to interfere with another sentence Connell was currently serving from the Crown Court. Connell was jailed for five months. Local businesses interested in benefitting from improved digital capability assisted by the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) have until next Friday, March 14, to submit their expressions of interest. Submissions can be made up until 12 noon on 14th March, with capital grant funding of between 5000 and 20,000 available to support eligible businesses keen to accelerate their digital performance. The Fund is delivered by all local authorities in Northern Ireland under the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium (FFNI) and supported by Invest NI. The project is part funded by the NI Executive, UK Government, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and all local authorities. Explaining more about the support, Business Development Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Danielle McNally said: This is a unique and innovative funding opportunity for businesses to introduce new technologies that will really enhance both their profile and their performance. "Many local enterprises are unaware of the support thats out there and we are really encouraging local companies to tap into opportunities like the DTFF to get the maximum benefit for their venture. A special event took place on February 27 offering guidance for any local business seeking advice on the application process and keen to hear more about the many benefits of adopting advanced digital technologies. With just one week to go companies are urged to make their submissions now via dtff.co.uk/apply-now/ The Connswater shopping centre in east Belfast is set to close in two weeks. Receivers have been appointed for the well-known retail centre off the Newtownards Road. BDO NI, which has been appointed fixed charge receivers of the land and premises, said the shopping centre would close on March 21. It will now assess options for a sale. Connswater has been in decline for several years as it struggled to absorb the impact of the loss of several key tenants. Michael Jennings, a partner at BDO NI, said: Having assessed the viability of the centre, we have, unfortunately, given notice to the remaining tenants of Connswater Shopping Centre, that the centre will close its doors on 21st March 2025. Connswater Shopping Centre has long been at the heart of the local community in east Belfast and we understand the impact this will have on the tenants and company stakeholders. Over the next few weeks, BDO will support the tenants through this transition whilst we assess the options for a sales and marketing process. A spokeswoman for the shopping centre: The evolving retail landscape, the loss of anchor tenants and difficult market conditions have made it increasingly challenging to sustain operations in a viable way in Connswater Shopping Centre. So, very regretfully and after much consideration of different options, we have now appointed BDO as fixed charge receivers for the centre. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, tenants, and staff who have supported Connswater Shopping Centre throughout the years. Your patronage and dedication have been invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of the community spirit that has been fostered here throughout our 20 years of ownership. We understand that this news will be disappointing to many, Connswater Shopping Centre has been more than just a shopping destination; it has been a part of the fabric of east Belfast. We deeply regret having to make this difficult decision. The closure of Connswater Shopping Centre next Friday marks a sad day for East Belfast. It has been a part of our community for decades; this shocking loss will be deeply felt. My thoughts are especially with those affected by uncertainty and job losses during this difficult pic.twitter.com/LkWZjd7TQc Gavin Robinson (@GRobinsonDUP) March 7, 2025 A spokesperson for CBRE NI, management agent for Connswater Shopping Centre, added: While the closure of Connswater Shopping Centre is very disappointing news, we wish to reiterate that the Retail Park and The Range and Lidl units will remain open and fully operational. Politicians for the area have expressed disappointment at the move. DUP leader and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said his thoughts were with those staff facing the prospect of losing their jobs. He said the announcement was a sad day for the constituency. It has been a part of our community for decades; this shocking loss will be deeply felt, he said. My thoughts are especially with those affected by uncertainty and job losses during this difficult time. While the centre has been in visible decline for some time, its vital that the site remains of benefit to the people of the Newtownards Road and surrounding areas. My colleagues and I will engage with the owners on forward steps and we will be available to assist anyone impacted in any way we can. High compliance with bio-security measures introduced to combat bird flu in Northern Ireland is helping to limit further spread of the disease, MLAs have heard. There have been four confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the region so far, all in relatively close proximity to each other. Thousands of birds have been culled and sanitation actions have been carried out at the affected premises in Magherafelt in Co Derry and Cookstown, Pomeroy and Stewartstown in Co Tyrone. All owned flocks in Northern Ireland, whether commercial, captive or backyard hobby birds, were placed under a housing order in February to try to prevent the disease spreading. Officials from the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) gave evidence to the Assembly Agriculture committee on Thursday to update them on the issue. READ NEXT: Tributes paid to schoolgirl (11) who died after being hit by car as she got off school bus Jim Blee, from the animal health and welfare policy division, told members: Across Northern Ireland, as of today, there have been four confirmed cases of high path AIH5N1 on premises in Northern Ireland. Mr Blee was asked about compliance with the bio-security measures. He said no significant breaches had been identified or reported. I dont think we would have any concerns about that at this juncture, he said. The official added: The poultry industry in general in Northern Ireland are excellent, you know, they are second to none in respect of the approaches that are taken in respect of biosecurity. He continued: Given the infection pressure thats being experienced across these islands and across Europe in recent years, theyve kept this virus out for three years now. 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. Chinese FM calls for building South China Sea into sea of peace, friendship, cooperation Xinhua) 17:07, March 07, 2025 BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to step up communication, stay clear of disturbances, and build consensus for an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), so as to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday. With the joint efforts by China and ASEAN countries, the South China Sea maintained peace and stability last year, and remained the safest and busiest waters for international navigation and overflight, Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the country's national legislature. According to Wang, China and Indonesia signed an intergovernmental document on maritime joint development. China and Malaysia launched a bilateral dialogue on the management of maritime issues. China has established maritime dialogue mechanisms with all countries concerned. "These are proof that there is no problem that cannot be solved through dialogue and no goals that cannot be reached with cooperation," he said. To realize good neighborliness, lasting peace and security in the South China Sea, one needs trust and also rules, Wang said, adding that the key is to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and develop a sound COC. With China's facilitation, consultations on the COC are accelerating and the third reading of the text has been completed. "We have full confidence in the prospect of concluding the COC," said Wang. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Subscriber content preview SEATTLE Sound Transit plans to share updated concepts for community and transit hub connections in the Chinatown-International District (CID) and Pioneer Square neighborhoods at a drop-in open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 2 at Union Station at 401 S. Jackson St. The concepts were developed through South Downtown Hub (SDH) workshops and engagement efforts over the last year and refined over the past few months. SDH is a collaborative planning effort supported by Sound Transit, the city of Seattle and King County to envision public space improvements and transit connections in the CID and Pioneer Square. . . . Subscriber content preview LOS ANGELES (AP) Siemens plans to invest $285 million in manufacturing in the United States, the tech company said Thursday, including two new facilities in California and Texas. The U.S. is the largest market for the company. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE Seattle Rep is hosting the world premiere run of Mother Russia (or Periods of Collapse) through April 13. Tickets start at $50. Mother Russia is the story of two average Russian guys in 1992 who dream of joining the KGB. When the fall of the Soviet Union puts hiring on hold, they find jobs surveilling a former pop star instead. . . . Weather forecasters are predicting a sharp downturn in temperatures next week with snow even being forecast in some isolated areas. Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel has indicated that temperatures of around 17 degree over the weekend will be replaced by daytime temperatures around 7 degree next week as night-time temps dip below freezing. "Spring has sprung? Or has it? Well well get a brief taste of spring on Sunday before we see much colder conditions return for next week as temperatures take a tumble on the back of a rather cold easterly airflow developing, which could even bring some snow to higher ground in the east of the country," Cathal explained. "Overcast conditions are forecast for today and tomorrow with some outbreaks of rain expected, especially through parts of the south and southeast in particular. Elsewhere therell be a good deal of dry weather but it will be overcast with light to moderate southeasterly winds and highs of 9-12 degrees Celsius. "On Sunday a pool of warmer air is expected to circulate around the northern flank of the low pressure spinning in the Bay of Biscay that brings today and tomorrows rain, but on Sunday the skies will clear allowing more widespread sunshine and with that warmer air temperatures could hit 17 degrees Celsius in parts of the west of the country. More like 12-13 closer to the east coast, with some cloud likely here too. "To quote Yeats 'all changed, changed utterly' as we head into next week as high pressure anchors itself to our north, allowing a cold easterly airflow to develop across the country with sharp to severe night frosts returning. While many areas will remain completely dry next week some showers are possible along the east coast, with a chance of some snow on the Wicklow Mountains. Highs of 5-7 degrees generally next week, with lows down to -2 or -3 degrees Celsius under clear skies in the midwest and west," Cathal's forecast concluded. READ NEXT: Met Eireann warns of major change with frost and icy conditions set to return to Ireland Meanwhile, Met Eireann's outlook for next week says: "The current indications for the further outlook is for mainly dry weather with a drop in temperatures leading to cold and frosty conditions." They add that "sunny spells in the morning tomorrow [Saturday] will give way to cloudier conditions with patchy rain in the afternoon. Highest temperatures 12 to 15 degrees with moderate to fresh east to southeast winds. "Becoming mostly dry overnight Saturday night as any lingering rain clears northern coasts. Some clear spells developing, with lowest temperatures of 4 to 9 degrees in light to moderate northeasterly breezes. "Dry across most areas on Sunday with spells sunshine and just light to moderate east to northeast winds. Highest temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees, highest away from eastern counties. "Continuing mostly dry overnight Sunday night with long clear spells developing in the east and south. Becoming cloudier elsewhere. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees with light to moderate northerly winds. "Generally dry with sunny spells on Monday and just isolated showers. Highest temperatures of 8 to 13 degrees in a moderate to fresh northeast wind - highest across southern counties. "Continuing mostly dry on Tuesday with sunny spells. Possibly becoming cloudier later on with some light rain developing along northern coastal areas. Highest temperatures of 7 to 9 degrees in moderate to fresh northerly winds," Met Eireann concluded. Irish horse racing fans are jumping on a Willie Mullins treble on Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival next week. Thousands of Irish people will make the trip to Cheltenham next week for the national hunt season centrepiece with thousands more watching on TV. It appears that three Willie Mullins-trained horses have emerged as the 'dead cert' treble for those interested in a bet on Day 1 on Tuesday. The Carlow handler invariably gets off to a good start at the festival and won three races on Day 1 last year. Experts on the Cheltenham preview circuit think he will have at least that number again this time around. First up on Tuesday in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle is Kopek Des Bordes who shot to the top of the betting market for this race after a 13-length win at Leopardstown last month. He clocked a faster time that stablemate Ballyburn who won the same Leopardstown race in 2024 before claiming Cheltenham victory, albeit in the Turner's Novices' Hurdle over a slightly longer trip. Kopek Des Bordes is so far unbeaten in three national hunt races, including two outings over hurdles. READ NEXT: Family rivalry an extra ingredient in the Mullins machine The second Willie Mullins 'good thing' is in the very next race on Tuesday, the Arkle Novices' Chase where Majborough is an odds-on favourite after a number of sparkling performances over the larger obstacles. He is said to be the apple of his trainer's eye in Closutton and could well be the horse of the week. He has won his two starts over fences comfortably and won last year's Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. He looks very hard to beat on form and is the talk of the Cheltenham preview circuit. The last horse up in the Day 1 treble is Lossiemouth in the Mare's Hurdle. Campaigned as a Champion Hurdle horse, Lossiemouth won this same race 12 months ago and on ratings, should demolish this field again. The mare was last seen having her colours lowered by a resurgent Constitution Hill who is now the odds-on favourite for the Champion Hurdle. Gordon Elliott's mare Brighterdaysahead is lining up to take him on and that company was enough to turn Lossiemouth's owner Rich Ricci off the bigger race. A treble bet on Kopek Des Bordes, Majborough and Lossiemouth all to win pays at 3/1, meaning a 25 bet would return 100 in the event of a win. People are reminded to always gamble responsibly. You can find out more about safe gambling at gambleaware.org. Students from Gaelcholaiste Dhun Dealgan were thrilled to take home the top prize in the Junior category for Best Short Film at the recent First Cut Youth Film Festival in Cork. The festival, which has been running for the past sixteen years, included a special competition titled Athru Amhain / One Change, encouraging young filmmakers to explore climate change and solutions as Gaeilge through a 1-2 minute short film. The students began working on this cross-curricular project last November, incorporating their knowledge from Science, CSPE, Mathematics and Home Economics. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase what they had learned in an engaging and creative way, explained Deputy Principal Caoimhe. Under the guidance of Muinteoir Ryan, a Visual Art teacher with a passion for filmmaking, the students took charge of every aspect of productionfrom scriptwriting and set design to acting, animation, filming and editing. Their short film examined the impact of food miles on climate change and highlighted a simple solution: choosing locally sourced Irish food. By investigating the carbon footprint of two popular dishesfresh fruit salad and beef stewthey demonstrated the importance of buying Irish and looking for the Bord Bia Quality Mark when shopping. The school wishes to pay special thanks to Conradh na Gaeilge Dhun Dealgan who supported this project. Their hard work and creativity was recognised with the Micheal O Loinsigh Memorial Irish Language Youth Filmmaker Award, marking a proud moment for the students and teachers. Gaelcholaiste Dhun Dealgan, Dundalks newest school and the only Irish-medium post-primary school in Louth, is located in Robin House, The Ramparts. It currently has First and Second Year students. Everyone is welcome, it is not a requirement that a child attends a Gaelscoil. For more information or to register a sixth-class student, contact eolas@gcdd.ie. A range of new Further Education and Training (FET) micro-qualifications are now being offered through Louth and Meath ETB (LMETB) to support the emerging skills needs of local Irish business. Delivered by LMETB, FET micro-qualifications offer short, stackable upskilling opportunities to local businesses in the area. FET micro-qualifications are unique as they have been developed in partnership with enterprise, local ETBs and SOLAS, under their Skills to Advance initiative. They offer accredited qualifications at levels 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) to employees at little or no cost to employers. FET micro-qualifications provide bite-sized, targeted upskilling, designed to equip employees and enterprises with the skills to address key business needs. Programmes are delivered flexibly and are scheduled to fit the operating needs of businesses. FET micro-qualifications typically take 50 hours to complete, including tutor time and self-directed learning. Since 2019, over 90,000 places have been availed of under the Skills to Advance initiative. A selection of FET micro-qualifications on offer at LMETB in 2025 include Environmental Sustainability in the Workplace QQI Level 5, which is due to commence on 12 March (Kells, Co. Meath/Blended Learning). LMETB Skills to Advance team is also currently taking expressions of interest for learners for Resource Efficiency in the Workplace QQI Level 5 and Circular Economy QQI Level 6. LMETBs Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence have a range of courses on offer, including Using Robotics in Advanced Manufacturing (URAM), which starts in April 2025. To find out more about courses on offer in your local area, please contact skillstoadvance@lmetb.ie. For courses related to Advanced Manufacturing, email amtceskillstoadvance@lmetb.ie to register your interest. For more information on Skills to Advance and FET micro-qualifications, visit www.skillstoadvance.ie. Commenting on the delivery of courses, Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of Further Education and Training at Louth and Meath ETB said: Louth and Meath ETB is delighted to support local businesses though our FET micro-qualification offering. FET micro-qualifications are a fantastic opportunity for career development within companies, empowering business owners and employees with the skills needed to create more sustainable, competitive and profitable companies. I would encourage anyone interested in upskilling to contact us at Louth and Meath ETB ETB. Mary Lyons, Director of Enterprise, Employees & Skills at SOLAS said: Employee upskilling is crucial for Irish companies to remain agile and adaptable in the rapidly changing world of work. FET micro-qualifications are designed to provide transformative upskilling, and the flexible, local, and affordable delivery of these targeted, short courses means relevant training has never been more accessible for employers and employees. Upon completing the Using Robotics in Advanced Manufacturing FET micro-qualification at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk, Steven Faulkner, an employee at Becton Dickinson & Company Ltd. said, The training was completely based on real-world industrial projects and a practical way of finding solutions. The online classes were interactive and easy to engage with. The AMTCE facility is a modern, cheerful place, combined with friendly and responsive tutors. The DigiBio Healthtech Innovation Programme at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in north Louth, designed to cultivate the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs in the rapidly evolving health and wellbeing sectors, is now accepting applications for the second year of its ground-breaking innovation programme. Only 12 exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds will be selected. Those who are passionate about innovation and delivering real impact are encouraged to apply. Hosted and managed by DkIT in partnership with core partners RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin and Tyndall National Institute, this transformative 10-month full-time postgraduate programme, commences in September 2025. Programme Highlights: 38,000 Scholarship: participants will receive 38,000 tax-free to participate in the programme Expert Mentorship: participants will get invaluable guidance from experienced clinical, industry, investment and technology professionals Comprehensive Training: hands-on training in needs-led innovation, design thinking and entrepreneurship will be provided Direct Access to Healthcare Environments: participants will spend up to 8 weeks in a healthcare environment identifying real healthcare problems to address Exploration of Commercial Opportunities: participants will be supported in developing and validating viable business propositions The current participants come from varied backgrounds and include a GP, nurse, physiotherapist, digital health designer, medical device designer, financial manager, digital transformation manager, and solicitor. Carl Power, DigiBio Healthtech Innovation Programme Director, said: By providing aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs with the training, resources and support they need to succeed, this programme will play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare with impactful solutions. "We are looking for 12 quality candidates, with five or more years of professional experience, who are looking to get into a start-up or perhaps a career change as an innovation leader. Its a very hands-on programme where you also get direct access to healthcare environments. At its core, the programme is about learning and applying a specific approach to finding a problem worth solving and building a commercial case to bring it to market. DigiBio is supported under the Innovators Initiative Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027. Applications are open until 2nd May. Apply here https://www.digibio.ie/apply#apply-now . Dundalk Institute of Technology recently held an event to celebrate some of their wonderful international female staff and students in honour of International Womens Day. Over 70 people came together for the coffee morning event which was hosted by TV and radio presenter Anna Daly. Speakers dove into their personal stories and exploring their experiences of coming to live, study and work in Ireland. Speakers included undergraduate students Blessing Ehinmisan and Veronika Hrazska, Postgraduate student Ester Balgova, PHD student Mugdha Srivistava and staff members Ana Panero Gomez and Inta Ergle, who recounted their stories of growing up across the world and adapting to the Irish culture. DkIT lecturer Ana Panero Gomez shared: "With great job opportunities in academia, Ireland felt like a great move. Starting a career in communications in another language was challenging, and the culture and language gaps are always present. But I thrive on the challenge, breaking down those gaps every day. I believe mentorship for international women is key to helping them navigate and embrace local life." READ NEXT: The Ardee St Patrick's Day parade in Louth has been announced with exciting new details Blessing Ehinmisan, a third-year Marketing student at DkIT, shared: "I wasn't prepared for the cold, and my luggage hadn't even arrived when I first got here so it was a difficult start. However, despite the challenges, the personal touch at DkIT and the warmth of the Irish people made all the difference. Their help, trust, and spirit make me feel right at home." Ana and Inta, both staff members, spoke about the decisions they made to make their move to Ireland permanent and how they have come to embrace the country as home. Weather Alert Take action to protect yourself and others extreme heat can affect everyones health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day. Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body. Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids. Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside. Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park. Follow the advice of your regions public health authority. Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind. Humidex values reaching 40 are expected. A heat event is expected this weekend. What: Daytime highs of 31 to 33 degrees Celsius and a humidex of 40. Overnight lows of 21 to 25 degrees Celsius, providing little relief from the heat. When: Today to Sunday, coming to an end Sunday night. Additional information: Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category. ### For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/how-protect-yourself.html https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/who-is-at-risk.html Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm. The popular TV panellist Mark Steel talks about seeing the funny side of his brush with life-threatening throat cancer There arent many people who would make a mental note of all the funny things that have happened to them during a horrific throat cancer experience, from diagnosis, through agonising treatment to recovery - but thats exactly what stand-up comic Mark Steel has done. The 64-year-old, a popular panellist on shows like Have I Got News For You and Mock The Week, is embarking on a tour called The Leopard In My House, a reference to the cancer, with an accompanying book, which describes in detail all the funny moments, from when his biopsy results were lost, through his hospital stays, the chemo and radiotherapy, the mucous-filled months, the tubes through which he was fed, and the characters he met en route to recovery. It all sounds - and indeed it must have been - a hellish time, yet while he never sugar coats the onslaught his body endured, the book is full of belly laughs and a far cry from a medical memoir filled with despair. Looking out into the sunshine from a cafe in Brighton, where his daughter Eloise lives, the London-based writer and comedian, also known for his BBC Radio 4 show Mark Steels In Town, laughs as he recalls a fellow patient who tried to light a cigarette while on the critical care unit of the cancer ward. God, I dont want it (the book) to be traumatic, I dont want it to trigger people, he says. Joking aside, the lump on his neck and diagnosis of throat cancer, found to be secondary cancer in the summer of 2023 (they never found the primary tumour) and the gruelling treatment which followed, the drastic weight loss, fading voice, the coughing, the tiredness and the sickness, led to him penning a funny show and book to give people a different perspective. Cancer does not have to be as scary as I was brought up to think it was, which is that the minute someone says it, youre going to die by Tuesday. That isnt necessarily the case, says Steel. Also, lots of brilliant things can come out of the experience of it, strangely. Most people that I came across who had been through it, the people I was in hospital with, the people I made friends with, all say the same - you come out of it strangely positive, and within that, loads of things that happened are genuinely funny. One of the worst effects of the treatment was that it batters the glands which produce saliva, and the body compensates by producing mucous. The vast amount he was producing meant there wasnt even a sufficient gap between any of the spits and coughs to fall asleep. At one point, he was so weak his children had to carry him upstairs to bed. Another time, he was rushed to A&E coughing up blood. For some months he couldnt eat - nutrients had to be fed through tubes - and he lost three stone. There was a point I thought I might die, he admits, when early on he was called in for a meeting with the doctor. I knew from his demeanour things were bad and he went, Its not good news. The biopsy has found cancer in at least two places and I cant tell from the scans whether its spread beyond that, and you have to see someone else tomorrow about that. I said, Is it fatal? He tapped the table and went, touch wood. But even in the touch wood moment, I was aware that this was funny. After an operation and six months of treatment, Steel began to come out the other side. Its ironic, he recalls, that he never lost his hair and among his proudest moments was when, in the middle of chemotherapy, he summoned the energy to visit the hairdresser for a haircut. Other comics supported him and made him laugh over the year, like Seann Walsh, who gave him a packet of Strepsils shortly after the diagnosis, saying that should sort it while laughing uncontrollably, Steel recalls, chuckling. Steels son, Elliot, also a stand-up comedian, quipped: I might be getting on the property ladder sooner than I thought, after attending the shocking diagnosis appointment with his dad. While he was ill, Steels on-off relationship with fellow comedian Shaparak Khorsandi - whom he references many times in the book - blossomed again and they are now an item, he says. Over the last eight or nine years we were sort of together and not together and then this (the cancer experience) resolved it, he muses. She was absolutely brilliant (when he was ill). Shes fascinating and hilarious. When you really know about mortality, all the little rifts and squabbles make you think, what do I know? It makes you order the rest of your life, however long you think it is. It is finite, so how do I want to spend that time? Shappi is someone I do want to spend that time with. He reckons they live together two thirds of the time. It pretty much feels like thats resolved. Around a year after diagnosis, doctors told him the cancer had gone. Eating is still difficult due to the damage to his swallowing mechanism, his vocal cords are battered, and his hearing has declined, he says, but its a small price to pay. I lost three stone and when people see me who hadnt seen me before, they go, Oh, you look so well! Thats not the cancer. It was because I couldnt eat. After the operation I had to feed myself through a tube and then, as I was recovering from that, the chemotherapy kicked in so I had no desire to eat. He currently has to go for check-up scans every three months and tries not to consult Dr Google. A couple of weeks ago I looked at the odds of it coming back and I wish I hadnt because theyre quite high. Its not the right way of looking at it. Youve just got to think, Im fine now, theres no reason to think I wont be. His 40-date tour will be his first major undertaking since recovering from cancer - and he sincerely hopes his experience will make the audience laugh. A therapist might say its deflection, but I think these things are genuinely funny. Other things were genuinely scary and sad and sometimes they can be all of those things at once. People whove been in Japanese prisoner of war camps still tell funny stories about it. They are not hiding the truth or unpleasantness of what happens. I hope in some ways the show removes the stigma for people. If, some years later, they fear they are going to be diagnosed with cancer, they can go, This is a serious situation but one I can embrace and deal with. It doesnt mean, Oh God Im going to die and thats the end of everything. The Leopard In My House, by Mark Steel, is published by Ebury Press. His UK tour The Leopard in My House runs from February 27 to June 20. See marksteelinfo.com. Irelands history is packed with revolutionary figures, but what about the women who fought, led, and defied the rules - only to be erased, or dismissed as difficult, hysterical, or worse, forgotten? These werent just supportive wives or quiet activists; they were radical, relentless, and often more uncompromising than their male counterparts. Yet, their names rarely make it into the mainstream narrative. Why? Because they didnt fit the mould of what a woman should be. To mark International Womens Day on March 8, I decided to explore the lives of some of Corks fearless women - trailblazers who risked it all for their beliefs. Mary MacSwiney, the sister of martyred Lord Mayor Terence MacSwiney, was a formidable figure in Irelands fight for independence. She was born in London and moved to Cork with her family when she was seven. While Terence, a writer and Sinn Fein Lord Mayor of Cork, inspired leaders like Nehru and Gandhi with his Principles of Freedom (1921), Marys political career and sacrifices have been largely overlooked. She watched her brother die on hunger strike in Brixton Jail in England in 1920, and a new biography by Cork-born historian Leeann Lane sheds light on this trailblazing woman. Lane says: Mary MacSwineys unwavering rejection of compromise in the Treaty negotiations was deeply shaped by the trauma of witnessing her brothers death. That intimate act of self-sacrifice cemented her belief that it was her duty to uphold his steadfast commitment to a separatist republic. While many male anti-Treaty figures - Cathal Brugha, Eamon de Valera, and Harry Boland - have been widely studied, Lanes work ensures that Mary MacSwineys radical and uncompromising legacy is finally given the recognition it deserves. Margaret Ann Bulkley was also known as Dr James Barry for most of her life. She was born in Cork in 1789 and was named Margaret Anne at birth, but she became James Barry at age 20 as a route into university in Edinburgh. Barrys subsequent progress through the British Army was impressive. She served worldwide over the years, always looking to improve public health conditions, sanitation, and nutrition. She performed one of the first C-sections survived by both mother and child in Africa, and was ranked as the second highest medical officer in the British Army. Barrys secret identity as a woman was revealed after her death, when her instructions that she be buried without an inspection of her body were ignored and a post-mortem examination was performed. Dublin-born Dorothy Stopford Price was a physician who was key to the elimination of childhood tuberculosis in Ireland by introducing the BCG vaccine. She was known as the rebel doctor. In the early 1920s, after graduating as a doctor, Price worked in the Kilbrittain dispensary in West Cork. Her strong republican beliefs earned her the role of medical officer for a Cork brigade of the IRA. She also shared her medical expertise by lecturing on first aid to Cumann na mBan members in Kilbrittain, closely connected to the West Cork Brigade and its flying column. In 1923, she joined Dr Kathleen Lynn as house surgeon at St Ultans Childrens Hospital in Dublin. Dorothy Stopford Price was a vaccine pioneer Dr Lynn was the Chief Medical Officer for the Irish Citizen Army, who joined at the request of rebel leader James Connolly during the 1916 Rising. She played a vital role in providing medical care and training Irish Citizen Army members, while also sharing her expertise with Cumann na mBan. In the 1930s, as TB swept the country, Price began importing and testing the BCG vaccine and campaigning for a nationwide programme. This brought her into conflict with Archbishop of DublinJohn Charles McQuaid, who wanted healthcare to remain under the control of the Catholic Church. Price eventually was appointed head of the national vaccination programme in 1949. Unfortunately, she suffered a stroke in 1950. She was very much a heroine of the Irish medical system. Taking a look at a less political angle, Nano Nagle Place in Cork celebrates the life work of Nano Nagle - a true trailblazer from Cork, a woman way ahead of her time. She was born in 1718 into a wealthy Catholic family. At a time when Catholic education was banned, she secretly travelled to France for schooling and when she returned home, was struck by the extreme poverty around her. Nagle knew education was the key to change and made it her mission to teach the poorest children in Cork - even when it was illegal to do so. Challenging the oppressive penal laws of the time, she established secret schools, five for girls and two for boys. By day, she would visit each school and teach religious education to the children, and by night she tended to the unwell in the laneways and garrets of the city, earning her the nickname, The Lady of the Lantern. In 1775, Nagle founded the Presentation Sisters, an order dedicated to education and social justice. In a letter from Nano Nagle to a Miss Fitzsimmons on July 17, 1769, retained in the Presentation Sisters Congregational Archives, Nagle writes: I often think my schools will never bring me to heaven, as I only take delight and pleasure in them. Her impact didnt just transform Cork - it spread worldwide, with Presentation schools continuing her work today. Nagle wasnt just an educator; she was a revolutionary who proved that one determined woman could change countless lives. These womens voices were often silenced, but their impact endures. They were leaders, rebels and change-makers who shaped Irelands past. Its time to reclaim their stories, because history isnt just about who wrote it - its about who we choose to remember, and these women need to be celebrated for the impact they left behind for future generations. Two bottles and some soft drinks with a total value of over 50 were stolen from Aldi in the Elysian building by a 49-year-old man with a shocking record and now he has been jailed for four months. Sergeant John Kelleher said the accused and another man went into the store on October 4 last year and went to the off-licence section and stole the items. He was later identified on CCTV. Stephen McNamara of St Vincents hostel, Anglesea Street, pleaded guilty to carrying out the theft at Cork District Court. Frank Buttimer solicitor said the accused was engaging with Focus Ireland services in prison to try to arrange accommodation for him on his release from prison. Judge Mary Dorgan described the record of Mr McNamara as shocking after being told that he had 183 convictions, including 42 for theft. Suspects in more than 2,700 crimes in Cork city and county during 2024 were on bail release, it has been revealed. The figure has prompted Cork South Central Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire to call for a review of bail laws. While many of these crimes would be considered relatively minor, some have been very serious, including those which have resulted in the loss of life, he said. We need to get this right. The public will not tolerate a situation where dangerous criminals are repeatedly released on bail to commit further crimes. Suspects in 2,082 crimes in Cork city were on bail last year. This is compared to 1,690 in 2022 and 1,856 during 2023. Suspects in 687 crimes in Co Cork were on bail in 2024. While this represents a decrease compared to 2023 in the county, down from 820 to 687, it is an increase compared to the 2022 figure of 667. The combined number of crimes in Cork city over the past three years where suspects were on bail amounted to 5,628, while the figure for the same period in the county is 2,174. The figures were detailed under the Garda Pulse system up to February 28 of this year. OVER 40,000 CRIMES NATIONALLY Across the country, there were suspects in 40,348 crimes who were on bail release. The figures were disclosed in a response to a Dail question from Sinn Fein justice spokesperson Matt Carthy. Mr O Laoghaire said that while bail had a place in the system, and many on bail were in no danger of carrying out a crime, the figure disclosed in the response highlighted that there was an issue that needs to be considered and addressed. These figures show that bail laws need to be examined to ensure that they are being appropriately applied where there is a risk of someone committing further crimes while on bail, he said. The Government must address this issue as a matter of urgency. If the bail laws are not working, as these figures suggest, then the Government must act. If we are to deliver safe communities and reduce the level of crime, we cannot accept a situation where this level of crime is being carried out by those on bail. In the response provided to Mr Carthy, minister for justice Jim OCallaghan said that a persons liberty was a serious issue, as people were deemed innocent until proven guilty. The Bail Act contains robust provisions on dealing and pre-empting breaches of bail, he said. Where an individual fails to comply with any bail conditions, a judge may issue a bench warrant mandating a member of An Garda Siochana to arrest and bring the person before the court. He added that the legislation provided for a person who is convicted of an offence carried out while on bail to be sentenced to serve consecutive jail terms for the offences. Nationally, 25% of the crimes were for public order, and 23% related to thefts. Following a year in which it hit the headlines as it campaigned to get funding to restore therapists at the school, the principal, staff, and pupils of St Killians Special School on the northside are getting ready to welcome the newly-appointed special education minister next week. The visit by Cork North West Fianna Fail TD Michael Moynihan is to take place at the Mayfield school on Friday, March 14, and comes after a year in which the school has faced and overcome several challenges. A statement issued by the schools board of management said Mr Moynihan can look forward to meeting with the remarkable pupils and learn more about the incredible work being done in the schools unique setting. Ongoing challenges Despite the ongoing challenges, including the high costs of maintaining an ageing building, insurance, utilities, and rising living expenses, St Killians School continues to strive to provide every resource our pupils need and deserve, the board said in its statement. One of our most notable successes has been securing a therapy grant, which will significantly enhance the therapeutic services we can offer our pupils. This grant will help address the critical need for more therapeutic interventions, ensuring our students receive the care and support they require to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The minister will tour the school to see firsthand the impact of this grant, and explore the creative ways we have adapted to ensure our pupils continue to receive the support they need. The home of a man was searched just outside Ballydesmond and 9,000 worth of cannabis was discovered. That was back on January 20, 2024. Now at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, the accused man, Mateuz Grebski, aged 27, of Gleann Na Greine, Rathmore, County Kerry, has been given a suspended jail sentence by Judge Dermot Sheehan at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Detective Garda Clodagh Walsh testified that gardai stopped the accused at Ballydesmond, County Cork, on January 20, 2024. The detective said that when the case came to court the young man entered a signed plea of guilty to the charge of having cannabis for sale or supply to others. He also admitted that he allowed his car to be used for preparation and sale or supply of that drug. In my view the headline sentence is five years. Because of the signed plea of guilty I will reduce that to three years, Judge Dermot Sheehan said. Noting that the young man, who has been living in Ireland for eight years, was in full time employment, Judge Sheehan said: The question for me is whether a sentence should be imposed. I will impose a sentence of three years. And for allowing a vehicle to be used one year concurrent. I will suspend the sentences on the basis that he keeps the peace and is of good behaviour. A Cork TD has criticised a lack of progress on a new Cork special school set to open this September, saying no progress has been made since it was announced before the general election. In mid October 2024, the then education minister Norma Foley and then minister of state at the Department of Education Hildegarde Naughton announced that five new special schools would open across Ireland for the 2025/26 school year. The new special school in Cork was to be one of those five, with two in Dublin and one each in Monaghan and Tipperary. Queried Speaking in the Dail this week, Fianna Fail TD for Cork North Central, Padraig OSullivan, queried why no progress has been made on the new school yet. Like many other public representatives in Cork, I welcomed the announcement in October, before the election, by the then Minister, Deputy Foley, that we would get a special school in Cork, albeit in an undisclosed location that was subject to negotiation, he said. Fast forward five months and I know from talking to people on the ground that no progress has been made in acquiring a site for this building to open in September. No time is being allowed between now and then to refurbish the existing building. It cannot be delivered by next September, he added. Commitment We gave people a commitment that a special school would open in September 2025 and I just cannot see at this point in time how it will be done. I ask that this matter be treated with urgency and that the Department of Education told to get its act together to source the building or the site and get on with delivering the special school. Taoiseach Micheal Martin told his party colleague that he needed more detail on where the project was at, and promised to work on the issue, saying: The most difficult thing for a school is acquiring a site. It is easier said than done. Once you get the site, you can do an awful lot in terms of design. I have seen schools turned around faster in the past. He added: I will certainly see what I can do to progress it. Communities across Cork are being asked to showcase their support for family carers by participating in a 5km Step Up For Family Carers fundraising walk on Sunday April 13. A walk will take place in Tramore Valley Park, along with 10 other locations nationwide. This event will raise vital funds and raise awareness, to ensure that Family Carers Ireland can continue to be there for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. On a daily basis in Ireland, 500,000 family carers provide support to loved ones and often without recognition or adequate support. Vital work Peter Cox, the carer supports manager for Family Carers Ireland in Cork, is encouraging local communities to take part. Family carers in Cork do vital work, often at great personal cost. This event is a chance for the people of Cork to come together, step up and show that we value and support them. Its not just about the walk, its about making sure our local family carers know they are not alone, and that help is available when they need it. Support Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey is encouraging people to participate and show their support for this worthy cause. Caring can be isolating, and too many family carers feel forgotten. This walk is a simple but powerful way to send a clear message: We see you. We support you. You are not alone. Whether you join the organised walk in Cork or do 5km in your own area, every step makes a difference. Now is the time for Ireland to step up. Family carer Lisa McCormack, who cares for her six-year-old son Rian, understands how much this support means: Im so grateful for my friends and family, and I hope this walk encourages more people to stand with carers. Registration for the Family Carers Ireland walk is now open online at https://familycarers.ie. There has been a call for the annual ethics declarations made by Cork city councillors to be made publicly available on the councils website. The declarations detail interests in land and property, as well as business dealings and directorships, and several local authorities have begun posting these online. Sinn Fein councillor Joe Lynch, has submitted a motion to Cork City Council calling for the council to publish the annual declarations no later than one month following the deadline for their submission, on or before March 31, each year. Mandatory Mr Lynch explained that these declarations are mandatory for all elected members: As councillors, we file a return with Cork City Council every year setting out declarable interests as part of the ethics framework for local authority members set out in the Local Government Acts. This transparency is very important and these returns are public documents, insofar as a public register of returns is available for inspection at City Hall in paper format; however it is rarely accessed. He added that among the local authorities that have taken to publishing these returns on their websites are Dublins four local councils, as well as Galway City, Kerry County and Tipperary County Council. Cork City Council is lagging behind in this regard, and it is time we made the register of declarable interests for councillors more accessible to the public; who are our employers and who we serve. The child sexual abuse victims of 63-year-old Brian Sharkey Kennedy were praised for their courage which will help other children to find their voice as the accused was jailed for ten years. Ms Justice Karen OConnor imposed that jail term on Brian Kennedy at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork today for sexually assaulting three girls and orally raping one of them. In a case investigated by Detective Garda June OShea of the Protective Services Unit of An Garda Siochana, it was indicated today by prosecution senior counsel Jane Hyland that the children, who are now young women, wanted Kennedy - formerly of Cork city and more recently living in a horse truck in a very remote area on the Tallow Road outside Youghal town - to be identified. Ms Justice OConnor commended the bravery of the young women in this case: The victims have shown great distinction and courage and in so doing will help other children finding their voices. The circumstances that gave rise to the sexual crimes are not described in order to protect the identity of the injured parties but Ms Justice OConnor said that they had been groomed by Brian Kennedy and that in keeping with the pattern of those who groom victims in such offences there was also a grooming of the families of the victims. Since the complaints came to light he has been living in a cabin in an isolated life. These are serious offences before the court and children have to be protected from this type of behaviour, Ms Justice OConnor said. The judge noted from a psychological report on the accused that he did not acknowledge his guilt. This was despite pleas of guilty being entered by him a number of days into his trial. VICTIMS Detective Garda OShea said there were three victims, aged respectively, four to ten, six to eleven, and eleven, when the abuse was being carried out on various dates between 2004 and 2014. He was put on trial in November 2024, pleading not guilty to all charges against him. One victim gave evidence and was cross-examined. The second victim had her video recorded interview with a specialist garda interviewer played to the judge and jury. It was at that stage in the trial that Brian Kennedy changed his pleas to guilty of raping one girl and sexually assaulting her 26 times and to sexually assaulting the second girl eleven times, and the third child once. So he admitted the total of 38 sexual assault charges and one count of rape that were brought against him from the outset. The first victim said that she made her complaint in 2018 because she felt guilty that other children might be being abused while the defendant was still out in the community. This thought overwhelmed her. While she was glad that the DPP decided in 2021 to prosecute, there was another three years of waiting for a trial. Time after time we were given a date and it was pushed back. My life was at a standstill for those three years as I never knew when we would finally go to court. I was terrified for those years of the court and of seeing him in the courtroom. His guilty plea did not spare me the trauma of court. I spent a week in court. I had to go on the stand and give evidence. I had to tell my extremely emotional and vulnerable story to a room full of strangers. The cross-examination was horrendous. The defence sniggered and told me my story was not plausible and told the court I was not telling the truth. I was repeatedly interrogated for an hour and a half and reduced to tears. My mother, teachers and friend were also cross examined. My mother was deeply distressed by the whole process. She described suicidal thoughts and chronic health issues as a result of stress stemming from what Brian Kennedy did to her. The third victim, who was sexually assaulted once, chose not to make an impact statement. The second victim said, It is impossible to tell all the ways the abuse has impacted me on a piece of paper. The sadness, the lack of trust in people and the anger I feel at times. I am glad the day has come where he is being held accountable and the healing process can begin. - If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services. Isabel Hayes Two Brazilian men landed in Dublin Airport with a kilo of ingested cocaine in each of their bodies within a couple of weeks of each other, in separate cases heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Felipe Oliviera Gaspar (30), a baker from an unknown address in Brazil, and Valter Soares (26), a street cleaner of no fixed abode in Sao Paolo, Brazil, landed in Dublin Airport last year, each with one kilo of cocaine in their bodies. Gaspar was found to have swallowed 67 pellets of cocaine and inserted three larger pellets in his rectum, while Soares swallowed 120 pellets of cocaine. The cocaine retrieved from Gaspar's body had a street value of just under 70,000, while Soares' cocaine was worth 71,000, the court heard. Gaspar pleaded guilty to one count of possessing cocaine for sale or supply and one count of importing drugs into the country at Dublin Airport on August 28th last year. He has no previous convictions. Gaspar was stopped by customs officials, arrested and taken immediately to hospital, where he spent eight days receiving treatment. Fergal Foley BL, prosecuting, told the court that had one of the pellets burst, it could have been fatal. When interviewed by gardai, Gaspar said he had carried out similar drug runs on four previous occasions. He said he was in debt to loan sharks and agreed to smuggle the drugs to help pay off this debt. Defence counsel noted Gaspar had put his life at risk to smuggle the drugs into the country, that he had little to gain from it and had expressed remorse. He has limited English and no connection to Ireland. Judge Martin Nolan said it was an aggravating factor that Gaspar had admitted to carrying out similar drug runs. He sentenced him to two years and nine months in prison, backdated to when he went into custody last year. Soares pleaded guilty to one count of drug importation at Dublin Airport on September 8th last year, 12 days after Gaspar. He said he was paying off a debt and was in fear of the criminal gang he owed money to, who he said had murdered his brother. The court heard he was arrested after he was seen acting suspiciously at the airport. He made full admissions to gardai and has no previous convictions. Defence counsel said Soares was earning minimum wage as a street cleaner and was struggling to make ends meet. He was also supporting the widow of his late brother, the court heard. Judge Nolan handed down a sentence of two years and three months to Soares, which was also backdated to when he went into custody. Celebrating International Women's Day 2025, the Southern Regional Assembly recognises the contributions of women in public life and highlights the importance of encouraging greater female participation in decision-making at local, regional, and EU levels. Operating at the regional level within the local government sector, the Southern Regional Assembly is based in Waterford City and has a remit for the entire Southern Region. Assembly Members meet monthly to discuss and decide on a range of issues related to regional economic and spatial planning, EU regional funding programmes, and other statutory functions of the Assembly. Committee of the Regions members represent the Southern Region at EU level. In all, 34 local councillors and one directly elected Mayor are appointed as Members of the Regional Assembly for a five-year term, 27 by their constituent local authorities and seven as Committee of the Regions representatives. Nine members of the Southern Assembly are women Cllr. Gillian Coughlan, Cork County Council and Cllr. Clare Colleran Molloy, Clare County Council, both Committee of the Regions representatives, Cllr. Barbara Anne Murphy, Wexford County Council, Cllr. Peggy Ryan and Cllr. Mairin McGrath, Tipperary County Council, Cllr. Norma Moriarty, Kerry County Council, Cllr Deirdre Kelly, Cllr. Sheila OCallaghan and Cllr. Kay Dawson, Cork County Council. Cork County Councillor and Assembly Member, Cllr Gillian Coughlan; Cork County Councillor and Assembly Member, Cllr Sheila OCallaghan; Cork County Councillor and Assembly Member, Cllr Deirdre Kelly; and Cork County Councillor and Assembly Member, Cllr Kay Dawson. Women play an important role in public life, contributing to discussions and decisions that shape regional policies, ensuring a diversity of perspectives is reflected in local and regional governance. Greater participation in decision-making can lead to more inclusive outcomes and a more representative approach to policy-making. This is also explored in our upcoming European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) Network webinar on Tuesday, March 10th, which will explore this years theme: Accelerate Action. The session will highlight challenges and opportunities facing women involved in European cooperation projects, showcasing expert insights from research, leadership experiences, and funding pathways supporting gender equality across EU initiatives. ETC Network Webinar Accelerate Action: Women in EU projects To celebrate International Womens Day 2025, the ETC Network is hosting a special webinar on March 10th, focusing on this years theme: Accelerate Action. The session will explore the challenges and opportunities for women in European cooperation projects. Speakers will share insights from research, leadership experiences, and funding opportunities that support womens empowerment in EU projects. Date: 10th March, 2025 10th March, 2025 Time: 2:30-3:30 PM 2:30-3:30 PM Location: Microsoft Teams Speakers include Dr Catriona Strain, ERNACT, Samantha Richardson, Southern Regional Assembly and Emily Nelson, The Wheel Access Europe, discussing EU funding as a catalyst for gender equality in Ireland. Sign up through the QR code: Or you can REGISTER HERE The Southern Regional Assembly recognises the value of diverse representation and continues to support awareness and engagement around womens role in public life. For further details on the Southern Regional Assembly, visit: www.southernassembly.ie Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Environmentalists are urging the Trump administration to reverse a decision to freeze funding for important conservation work aimed at protecting iconic at-risk species, which includes anti-poaching patrols for vulnerable elephants and rhinos. The Center for Biological Diversity sent a notice of intent to sue to the administration on Wednesday over the funding cuts. The Trump administrations funding freeze for anti-poaching patrols and other international conservation work is maddening, heartbreaking, and very illegal, said Sarah Uhlemann, the Center for Biological Diversitys international program director, in a press release from the nonprofit environmental organization. These Fish and Wildlife Service funds help protect elephants, rhinos and other animals across the globe that Americans love. No one voted to sacrifice the worlds most iconic wildlife to satisfy some unelected billionaires reckless power trip. The funds, administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), support projects like scientific research on the decline of elephants, anti-poaching patrols for rhinos and fighting trafficking of threatened turtle populations in countries without the resources to protect them. The funds are provided by Americans through the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) with the intent of keeping the animals from going extinct. This insanity has to stop or some of the worlds most endangered animals will die, Uhlemann said. USFWS has stopped the flow of tens of millions in foreign conservation funding, in addition to ordering grant recipients to halt work under their contracts. A rhinoceros in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya. WLDavies / E+ / Getty Images The abrupt funding freeze has left a number of nonprofits in disarray globally, forced to lay off staff members and not knowing how they will keep up their vital conservation work. The legal notice makes it clear that the suspension of funds by USFWS without consideration of the harm it would cause threatened species violates the ESA. It also violates laws that require rational decision-making by agencies, as well as the constitutional separation of powers. A similar freeze of USAID funds by the Trump administration was found to be illegal by several courts, which ordered the restart of payments. When funding was not resumed by the administration, an order for compliance was set by one court last week. However, that deadline has since been paused by the Supreme Court, which is considering the matter. Trump and his unelected cronies are gleefully tearing apart the federal government without care for whom or what it harms. Its careless, callous, and a violation of the laws that protect us all, Uhlemann said. Apple 'has already complied with similar obligations in other countries,' the judge said. Brazil has ordered Apple to allow users to bypass the App Store and sideload apps within 90 days, according a report in Valor Economico seen by 9to5Mac. The new ruling follows similar orders issued in Europe and elsewhere that were referenced by the Brazilian court. "[Apple] has already complied with similar obligations in other countries, without demonstrating a significant impact or irreparable damage to its business model," wrote judge Pablo Zuniga. Late last year, Brazil's antitrust regulator CADE ordered Apple to allow users to download apps and make purchases from outside its App Store, with a 20-day deadline and fines for not complying. However, Apple appealed that ruling on the grounds that the changes would be too difficult to implement within the time frame. The court agreed, calling the injunction "disproportionate and unnecessary," buying Apple more time but forcing it to face a public hearing in Brazil. Following another appeal, this time by CADE, the court ordered Apple to allow sideloading and third-party app stores within the next three months or face fines. The litigation was launched by the Latin American e-commerce firm Mercado Libre, which complained about developers being forced to pay hefty commissions through Apple's App Store. That was followed later by other developers including Match and Epic Games. An Apple spokesperson told Valor Economico that it believes in vibrant and competitive markets," but said that the changes will "harm the privacy and security" of iOS users. Apple plans to appeal the decision. Google is once again in the crosshairs of Republicans in Congress because of alleged censorship, Bloomberg writes. The House Judiciary Committee has subpoenaed Google's parent company Alphabet and CEO Sundar Pichai for evidence of communication between the tech company and the Biden administration. The subpoena specifically asks for documents covering communications between Alphabet and the executive branch, along with discussions Alphabet might have had internally or with third-parties about those communications. The Committee hopes to snowball the discovery that the Biden administration made requests to Meta to remove COVID-19 misinformation into a case for "new statutory limits on the executive branchs ability to work with Big Tech to restrict the circulation of content and deplatform users," the subpoena says. None of these concerns are particularly new. Pichai and other tech CEOs have been brought in front of Congress to explain things like content moderation, censorship and bias before. In the past, it's mostly seemed like a way for members of Congress to get sound bites, but the aggressive, retaliatory nature of the Trump administration might give these new demands more teeth. Helping to pay for Trump's inauguration and showing up for photos didn't get Google protection in the end, assuming it doesn't manage to wriggle out of the ongoing antitrust case against it. Tech companies might be getting attention from Congress, but the idea that the current administration might want to make censorship demands doesn't appear to be a concern. President Trump has expressed interest in using the Take It Down Act, a bill designed to hold websites liable for hosting and not removing Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII), to eliminate any kind of speech he dislikes. The disastrous potential misuses of the law have been outlined by activists before, but the bill passed in the Senate and is now waiting to be taken up by the House. Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . Mobile World Congress is taking place in Barcelona this week, offering manufacturers an opportunity to show off new gear without needing to hold their own splashy event. So far, we've learned about some new laptops and phones, as well as upcoming AI updates to Android and an internet connectivity announcement from Meta. There's also been some interesting ideas in the world of headphones and a whole lot of concepts that might never make it to market, but are fun to look at any way. Here's a look at everything announced at Mobile World Congress that caught our eye. We'll update this story throughout the week. Lenovo Sam Rutherford for Engadget Among the bigger-name manufacturers, Lenovo has arguably had the busiest MWC so far. The company has revealed a whole bunch of laptops, including upgraded ThinkPads and several intriguing concept models. The ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1 has a design thats more aligned with the convertible format of the Yoga lineup than a typical ThinkPad. The 14-inch machine can be equipped with a 400-nit WUXGA touch display. Other ThinkPads are getting spec upgrades, while Lenovo claims the new ThinkPad X13 Gen 6 has one of the lightest ThinkPad designs ever. The company has a fresh slate of laptops with generative AI capabilities as well. Some of Lenovos concepts have certainly caught our attention. Its a bummer that the company doesnt currently plan to turn the Yoga Solar PC Concept into a commercial device. Thanks to the solar cells on the casing, the laptop can soak up enough energy from the sun in 20 minutes to play an hour of videos. As little as 0.3 watts of light is enough to juice up the battery. While solar-powered laptops aren't exactly new, the Yoga Solar PC feels polished. Here's hoping Lenovo does more with the notion in the future. Sam Rutherford for Engadget In addition, Lenovo showed off some conceptual display accessories for a ThinkBook laptop. There's an eight-inch screen that attaches to the side magnetically to help you, for instance, keep up with notifications and widgets. The Magic Bay Dual Display Concept adds a 13.3-inch panel to either side of the main display. There's also a slim second display that's designed to sit above your laptop screen and provide quick access to things like the time, weather, notifications, a focus mode timer, an AI assistant and notifications. Sam Rutherford for Engadget On top of all of that, Lenovo offered a look at a new prototype laptop with a flexible display. Building on the tech the company used in the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, the ThinkBook codename Flip AI PC Proof of concept (to give its full name) has a fold-out screen. This allows Lenovo to double the panel's size from 13 inches to 18.1 inches. The ThinkBook Rollable's display, on the other hand, can extend to 16.7 inches. Again, Lenovo doesn't currently plan to release a commercial version of this fold-out laptop, but it's an interesting idea. Samsung Photo by Mat Smith for Engadget. The main MWC news from Samsung this year is the company's latest midrange and budget phones. The Galaxy A56 has a larger screen than its predecessor at 6.7 inches, but it's thinner too at 7.44mm vs. 8.2mm. There's now a small bump where the volume and power buttons are a tweak that we feel makes the A56 easier to handle. Samsung has switched up the camera array in the A56. On the front, there's a lower-res 12MP lens. On the other side, you'll find an upgraded 12MP ultrawide, 50MP main sensor and a 5MP macro lens. The A56 has a bunch of AI-powered camera and image editing features, such as enhanced subject detection in portrait mode and an object eraser. Pre-orders are open in the UK for the Galaxy A56, which costs $499/499. It will hit the UK on March 19, but folks in the US will have to wait until "later this year" for it. Samsung also revealed the Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G. Both devices have a 120Hz, 6.7-inch display with brightness of up to 1,200 nits. They also share an IP67 rating and 5,000mAh battery with the A56. However, the base models of each only have 6GB of RAM (compared with the A56's 12GB). In addition, the A36 has the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor instead of the Exynos 1580 that the A56 boasts, while the A26 has a Exynos 1380 chipset. Samsung's concept folding phones and gaming handhelds In addition to properly launching the trio of A-series phones, Samsung also brought a bunch of concept devices to Barcelona, further showing off its flexible display prowess. We've seen reporting of these, like Android Police's coverage of a "Flex Gaming" handheld. That prototype consists of a 7.2-inch OLED screen that bends in half. Flanking the display are what appear to be controllers and holes where they'd fit when the handheld is folded up. Elsewhere on the internet we also saw Samsung showcase a Galaxy Z Flip-esque device that had two hinges that let it fold in on itself from the top and bottom. Allison Johnson at The Verge has nicknamed it "The Claw," which to our editor Cherlynn Low is just reminiscent of an MSI device. Xiaomi Sam Rutherford for Engadget Unfortunately, Xiaomi doesn't have plans to bring a handset it showed off at MWC to the US. That's a real pity, because no other companies are selling phones quite like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra in the country these days. Xiaomi teamed up with Leica to make a smartphone that leans heavily into photography. The camera array includes a 1-inch 50-megapixel Sony main sensor, an f/2.2 50MP ultrawide cam, a 50MP midrange lens with a 70mm focal length and a 200MP periscope array with a 100mm focal length that equates to a 4.7x optical zoom. Some preset Leica filters help to tie the two brands' knowhow together. That's not all that might be interesting to mobile snappers. Xiaomi's separate Photography kit includes an add-on camera grip with a physical shutter button, an adjustable dial and dedicated video button. You'll have the option to attach a standard 67mm filter adapter to a case as well in other words, some of the equipment you might use on a dedicated camera is compatible with the Ultra 15 as part of this setup. Moreover, the Ultra 15 has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,200 nits of brightness to help you get a good look at your captures. Plus, unlike some other Chinese phones (like Huawei's), Xiaomi supports Google services in HyperOS 2, which is an Android skin. The Ultra 15 starts at about 1,499 (around $1,572). Android Speaking of Android, Google announced two new AI-powered features for the operating system at MWC. The Live Video function, which Google first previewed at I/O 2024, allows you to share what your phone's camera sees with Gemini so you can ask the chatbot questions about the footage. The new screensharing function works in a similar way. You can ask Gemini questions about whatever's on your phone or tablet's display. If they work as well as advertised, these features could be a boon for accessibility. Google will first offer them to Gemini Advanced subscribers starting later this month. Those with a $20 per month Google One AI Premium membership, which is included with some Verizon plans, have access to Gemini Advanced. Nothing Image by Mat Smith for Engadget Samsung wasn't the only smartphone maker of note to show off two new mid-range devices at MWC. Nothing debuted its Phone 3a Pro and Phone 3a at the event even though it has yet to unleash the Phone 3. The 3a Pro has a beefier camera module (quite literally as the device is about 10 grams heavier than the 3a). It contains a 50MP telephoto sensor with a 3x optical zoom; a 50MP primary sensor with f/1.88 lens and dual-pixel phase detection auto-focus (PDAF); and an ultrawide 8MP sensor with a 120-degree field of view. The handset has a telemacro mode too. As for the 3a, that boasts a main 50MP camera with single-pixel PDAF, but the other two sensors are the same as on the 3a Pro. The cameras are the main difference between the two phones, which both have a 6.77-inch AMOLED LTPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,300 nits of brightness. The phones have a 5,000mAh battery with support for 50W fast charging, and they run on a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset. The devices have Nothing's multipurpose Essential Key, a physical button that can take screenshots and help you record voice notes. The phones also have some generative AI features, such as the ability to transcribe said voice notes and describe what's in screenshots and photos. As usual, Nothing is initially offering these devices in the US through a beta program. Phone 3a pre-orders are open now and the $379 handset ships on March 11. That's the date when pre-orders for the Phone 3a Pro go live. The $459 phone can be in your hands on March 25. There was more news out of MWC beyond new gear and OS updates. Meta and the Internet Society announced a partnership to bolster affordable internet connectivity around the globe. They're jointly putting $30 million into the initiative over the next five years. A major aim of the project is to help build out infrastructure in areas where commercial providers have yet to do so. The Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative will also back training programs, community-centered solutions for underserved areas and locally owned networks. The Internet Society is hoping to find more partners to help with the project. HMD Finnish company HMD, which also makes devices under the Nokia brand, brought a bunch of phones to Barcelona this year, but maybe the most interesting thing was some earbuds. The Amped Earbuds are a pair of fairly standard Bluetooth buds, with a twist in the case: It's got a 1,600mAh battery built in that supports reverse wireless charging. It's a pretty solid idea given you're likely already carrying a phone and some headphones. Perhaps the one issue is that capacity: 1,600mAh is enough to charge a lot of headphones, but it's dramatically smaller than the battery in your phone. Still, an extra 20 percent of battery life could be an lifesaver. Update, March 7 2025, 4:05PM ET: This story has been updated twice since publish. Once to include a section on Samsung's concept folding devices, and once to add a section on HMD's Amped Earbuds. The introduction of the article was also changed. Engadget will be reporting all the latest mobile and smartphone news from MWC 2025 as it happens the week of March 2. SpaceX has lost another Starship, as the vehicle's eighth test flight ended in an explosion just like its seventh. The first few minutes of the flight went according to plan: SpaceX launched the Starship rocket from its Starbase facility in Texas at 6:30PM Eastern time on March 6, and its first stage Super Heavy booster flew back down and was successfully captured by the launch tower's "chopstick" arms. The event marked the third time SpaceX was able to capture the booster with the tower's mechanical appendages. The vehicle's upper stage called the "Ship" was supposed to deploy four dummy Starship satellites as part of the test run before splashing down into the Indian Ocean around 50 minutes later. But eight minutes into the flight, the Ship lost multiple Raptor engines, causing it to lose altitude until it ultimately exploded over the Caribbean. Several people who witnessed the event posted videos of the Ship's debris streaking across the sky. Just saw Starship 8 blow up in the Bahamas @SpaceX @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/rTMJu23oVx Jonathon Norcross (@NorcrossUSA) March 6, 2025 As TechCrunch notes, SpaceX revealed in February that the seventh Starship test flight exploded because it suffered from propellant leaks that resulted in fires. The company took several measures to prevent the same thing from happening, such as adding vents and a new purge system to make the ship resistant to leaks. SpaceX also conducted a longer static fire test to make sure its changes and adjustments were working properly. The company posted on X that the Starship's eighth test flight "experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly" during its ascent burn. However, it it still has to review data from the flight to be able to determine the root cause of the issue. In another statement posted on its website, the company said that "an energetic event in the aft portion of Starship" prior to the ascent burn led to the loss of the engines. SpaceX lost contact with the Ship completely at around nine minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff. The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted flights departing from and into some of Florida's busiest airports due to "space launch debris." It also told TechCrunch that it's requiring SpaceX to conduct a "mishap investigation" to determine the cause of the failure, so we'll likely get a more detailed report from the company in the future. It was a swing and a miss for the first private attempt at an asteroid mission, but the company is still chalking it up as a win. California startup AstroForge launched a spacecraft dubbed Odin on February 26, but the team lost communication with it shortly after its launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. "The chance of talking with Odin is minimal, as at this point, the accuracy of its position is becoming an issue," the company said in its extensive debrief of the mission. Technical issues occurred at its primary ground station in Australia, but AstroForge said that other problems also could have occurred on Odin to further prevent establishing contact. Although the launch was a bust, AstroForge maintained optimism about the project as a valuable learning experience for its eventual goal of creating and operating an asteroid mining vehicle. The company is targeting the asteroid 2022 OB5, with the aim of eventually landing on its surface and extracting potentially valuable resources. Odin was built in 10 months for $3.5 million, a sliver of the money and time federal space projects have taken to complete. AstroForge CEO Matt Gialich had several quotes in the debrief, all peppered with expletives, and he summed up the company ethos as, "At the end of the day, like, you got to fucking show up and take a shot, right? You have to try." Hannah Berner is facing intense criticism following her red carpet interview with Megan Thee Stallion at Vanity Fair's Oscar afterparty on March 2. Fans took issue with Berner's choice of words when describing how Megan's music impacts her, leading to widespread backlash online. During the interview, Berner stated, "No, your music has literally when I want to fight someone, I listen to your music." Megan quickly corrected the narrative, responding, "Because you want to throw that fighting st out the window and you want to get cute and be a bad b----." Berner continued, "When people are talking st, I go, 'Turn on Megan Thee Stallion!'" Fans immediately criticized Berner's remarks, interpreting them as playing into harmful stereotypes. TikTok user @soni.k10 wrote, "Meg handled that microaggression so well " (56.2K likes). Another, @SweetLayo_, bluntly stated, "The racism is LOUD!" (16.2K likes). Other fans slammed the interview's lack of professionalism. @bestcoastbri007 called Berner "incredibly unprofessional," while @Skyra pointed out, "Talking over her, unable to keep their composure, calling her violent when she never raps about violence (& is actually a victim of violence), hmmmm." In response, Berner, 33, apologized via Instagram Stories. "Looking back at the interview, I wish I used any other word except 'fight' to describe how her songs impact me," she wrote. "It was a careless choice of words and though there was no ill intent, I recognize and acknowledge that what I said has a deeper meaning and I am so sorry to Megan." Despite her apology, criticism continues. Some question why influencers with no journalistic experience keep landing major red carpet interviews. "We don't need to hire influencers as interviewers all the time..." wrote @Priscillalynn. Meanwhile, @Nikki Perkins noted, "Meg was like 'fight people? Girl, I make Bad Bih music. Do you see these nails? We don't fight.'" Justin Baldoni, the actor and director involved in a legal drama against "It Ends With Us" co-star Blake Lively, has found himself under renewed scrutiny after a previously undisclosed lawsuit alleged that he wrongfully terminated a Black executive who raised racial inequities in the workplace. The lawsuit was filed back in December 2020 by former Wayfarer Studios executive Shane Norman. In the filing, he claimed the company initially recruited him with promises of job security and professional advancement but noted that Wayfarer investor and executive Steve Sarowitz told him in the hiring process that they needed someone "who looks like you." Once hired, Norman saw a "pattern of sidelining and tokenizing people of color" in the workplace, which he spoke up about while still employed. He was later demoted and fired. "[Norman was] demoted, his pay was cut and he was ultimately terminated, while non-Black employees in similar circumstances received severance packages that he was denied," the filing claimed. Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios jointly denied all accusations when the suit was initially brought in late 2020. By September 2021, a judge had dismissed several of Norman's claims. Although Norman initially attempted to appeal, he eventually chose to voluntarily dismiss his own lawsuit with prejudice, meaning he cannot refile it. Sources with knowledge of the negotiations told the Los Angeles Times that Norman may have received approximately $150,000 in exchange for dropping the claims. The lawsuit remained unknown to the public until the newspaper revealed it. This is not the first high-profile case in which Baldoni has been involved. In 2021, the actor faced a copyright infringement lawsuit from Travis Flores, who alleged that Baldoni's directorial debut film, Five Feet Apart, was strikingly similar to his unproduced screenplay, Three Feet Distance, which he had written in 2010 about two teens with cystic fibrosis falling in love. The lawsuit claimed that Baldoni had access to Flores's script through a mutual associate and incorporated elements from it into his directorial debut. The case was short-lived, with Flores voluntarily dismissing the lawsuit with prejudice in March 2022. Flores passed away last year at the age of 33 due to complications from cystic fibrosis. Much like the case with Norman, the lawsuit remained largely unknown until recent investigations brought it to light. According to sources close to the actor, Tom Cruise is making a concerted effort to woo actress Ana de Armas and make her his new romantic partner. According toRadarOnline, the 62-year-old superstar has been seen winning and dining the 36-year-old actress in London while dangling enticing movie projects to capture her attention. Despite Cruise's professional approach, insiders suggest that his pursuit could be complicated by de Armas's current relationship with Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel. A source shared, "Tom is convinced Ana is everything he's looking for in a partner and a phenomenal actress to boot. But she's still involved with Manuel, who's highly protective of her. So things could get messy." Cruise's interest in de Armas has been evident during their recent outings, including a cozy Valentine's Day dinner in London's Soho district. However, just a couple of days later, she was back in Madrid with Cuesta, 27. NEW Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas in London yesterday #TomCruise pic.twitter.com/XT6sVPGLa6 Tom Cruise News (@TCNews62) February 15, 2025 The insider warned, "Manuel isn't intimidated by Tom's fame. He'll definitely have something to say if Tom moves in any closer to Ana." Ana de Armas and Tom Cruise's London Meeting Sparks Dating Rumors The recent meeting between actors Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas in London has ignited speculation about a possible romantic relationship. Nevertheless, according to FandomWire, insiders claim the pair was just talking about a possible project. The two were seen together in Soho , sparking speculation that the pair may be an item. Witnesses reported seeing the pair enjoying each other's company as they left a restaurant and interacted with fans, taking pictures and exchanging pleasantries. However, a source told In Touch that the meeting was strictly professional. Everyone was buzzing that they were an item," the source said, emphasizing that the two were actually catching up to explore a work collaboration. The speculation surrounding Cruise's personal life has been ongoing since his divorce from Katie Holmes in 2012. Since then, he has not publicly dated anyone. The sighting of him with de Armas led many to hope he had found a new partner. Ana de Armas, known for her roles in films such as "Knives Out," has expressed admiration for Cruise's dedication to action films and performing his stunts. In a previous interview, she mentioned, "It's demanding and painful... but it's also very rewarding." Celebrity hairstylist Jesus Guerrero, known for working with stars like Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, and Katy Perry, had been experiencing serious health issues in the weeks leading up to his unexpected death. Reports indicate that Guerrero, 34, had lost 20 pounds and suffered from chills and hot flashes before he passed away. According to sources close to Guerrero, he had been feeling unwell as early as September but continued to fulfill work commitments in Dublin, England, and Dubai. His family has confirmed that there was no history of drug or alcohol use. Upon returning from Dubai, Guerrero was urged by his roommate to seek medical attention. He was admitted to an LA hospital on February 21 and died the following day. Guerrero's sister, Gris Guerrero, revealed that he appeared visibly unwell before his passing, leaving his family with many unanswered questions. While an autopsy has been completed, toxicology results are still pending, making it unclear what exactly caused his sudden illness, TMZ said. His family remains perplexed by the situation, as Guerrero had sought medical treatment multiple times, yet no diagnosis or intervention was able to prevent his passing. Beloved Hairstylist Jesus Guerrero Was Traveling the Globe, Working with Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lopez Before Sudden Death https://t.co/nFkOQDFpgH People (@people) February 24, 2025 Kylie Jenner Steps Up to Cover Funeral Costs for Late Hairstylist Jesus Guerrero According to DailyMail, Gris Guerrero expressed concerns that the long-haul flight from Dubai to Los Angeles may have worsened his condition. "We don't know what got him sick or what the sickness was. It all happened suddenly, and no one knows why," she stated. The family has been tracking his final movements but has yet to determine when his symptoms first appeared. Despite their grief, Guerrero's family has received immense support from his celebrity clients, especially Kylie Jenner. The beauty mogul has offered to cover the costs of Guerrero's funeral, demonstrating her deep connection to him. "She has told us anything we need. Jesus was family to her, and she was family to him," Gris shared. "She wants his memory to be honored and wants to do as much as she can so he gets the farewell he deserves." Jennifer Lopez has also contacted Guerrero's family, sharing details about his last days working in the Middle East and offering assistance. I am very grateful for everything she did for him, including encouraging him to go to the doctor, not to work, and to get rest," Gris noted. As the family awaits the toxicology results, they are holding off on funeral arrangements until a cause of death can be determined. Paris Hilton is standing up for herself after facing criticism over her relationship with her daughter, London. The socialite and entrepreneur responded to online backlash after posting a TikTok video of her 16-month-old exploring her purse collection. While some fans found the moment endearing, others questioned Hilton's bond with her child, sparking a wave of negative comments. Critics accused Hilton of having "no relationship" with her daughter, with some suggesting London appeared unfamiliar with her mother. One user wrote, "The child doesn't know her. Fact." Another added, "Why do I feel like there is absolutely NO relationship between them?" The comments quickly gained traction, prompting Hilton to address the criticism directly, DailyMail said. Hilton, 44, did not respond to every negative remark but replied to a supporter who reassured her she was doing well despite the negativity. "Seriously, she is one year old, she is just learning to talk. Some people are just hateful individuals," Hilton wrote, adding a teary-eyed emoji. She also expressed gratitude to another fan who called out the "unnecessary negativity" surrounding the situation. In response to the ongoing debate, Hilton shared that the backlash has been 'hurtful' but reaffirmed her deep love and commitment to her children. "My babies are my world, and I am with them every single day. I bring them around the world with me when I have to work," she explained. Londons breaking into my purse collection already Love getting her opinions on my latest designs for my handbag collection Shop now on Walmart: https://t.co/t3LlAwV4om pic.twitter.com/js3QEcAdDB Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) March 3, 2025 Paris Hilton Stands Firm Against Mom-Shaming Over Daughter London Hilton and her husband, Carter Reum, welcomed their daughter, London, via surrogate in November 2023. Their first child, Phoenix, was also born via surrogate in January 2023. The couple has faced scrutiny before, particularly after Hilton admitted in a December 2023 episode of "Paris in Love" that she waited a month before changing Phoenix's diaper. She later clarified on social media that her comment was meant as a joke. Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Hilton has taken a measured approach to parenting criticism. Earlier in 2024, she acknowledged advice from TikTok users who raised concerns about her children's car seat safety. According to Page Six, rather than reacting defensively, she thanked them for their input and admitted she was still learning. "Thanks for the mom advice, I'm new to this," she said at the time. "No one is perfect." Hilton's supporters continue to rally behind her, emphasizing that young children develop at different paces and that her interactions with London were entirely everyday. One fan defended her, saying, "Some of you need to see other videos. These are Paris Hilton's children, and they adore their mother! So please stop with the negative comments!" Madonna has stirred up a storm of controversy after publicly supporting actress Karla Sofia Gascon despite the latter's involvement in a scandal over past "racist" tweets. The 52-year-old transgender actress, who starred in "Emilia Perez," came under fire after old social media posts resurfaced in January, including offensive remarks about Islam, George Floyd, and her co-star Selena Gomez. Gascon was notably absent from the 2025 awards season following the backlash, which caused a significant dent in her Oscar campaign for Best Actress. During the Oscars, Gascon, who portrayed a cartel boss transitioning from male to female in "Emilia Perez," was roasted by host Conan O'Brien for her controversial past. Despite this, she remained composed and posted a message on Instagram thanking Madonna for her support. According to Mirror, Gascon shared a photo of herself hugging the pop icon at Madonna's exclusive Oscars after-party, captioning the photo: "Madonna, I want to thank you for all the love you have shown me, for your invitation to the party you gave after the Oscars, and for your words of strength and love. I love you." Karla Sofia Gascon shows love to Madonna in new Instagram story: I want to thank you for all the love you have shown me, for your invitation to the party you gave after the Oscars and for your words of love and strength. I love you. pic.twitter.com/UQkriUdYfR Pop Base (@PopBase) March 6, 2025 Read more: Madonna Flies from Paris to the US to Vote for Kamala Harris on Election Day Madonna Faces Backlash After Supporting Controversial Actress Karla Sofia Gascon In response, Madonna reposted the message on her Instagram Story, signaling her support to nearly 20 million followers. However, this move has sparked outrage among Madonna's fans, who criticized her for aligning herself with Gascon. Many expressed their disappointment that Madonna called Emilia Perez her "favorite film" of the year despite the controversy surrounding its director, Jacques Audiard. The 72-year-old filmmaker has faced criticism for his portrayal of Mexico in the film and for allegedly throwing Gascon "under the bus" following her tweet scandal, DailyMail said. Fans flooded the comments section of Madonna's Instagram post, calling the movie problematic and expressing disapproval of her praise for Gascon. One user remarked, "Love u, but the movie is full of problematic stuff... starting with the director," while another pleaded for her to "delete" the post. Many were concerned about Madonna's support for a film they believed made a "mockery of Mexico." The controversy surrounding Gascon's past tweets, including derogatory comments about Muslims and George Floyd, has continued to haunt her career. After Netflix distanced itself from the actress, she struggled to maintain her place as an Oscar frontrunner. The actress later apologized, stating, "As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well, and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain." Madonna's support for Gascon comes at a time when the pop star has also voiced her concerns about the treatment of transgender individuals. On Instagram, she shared a post defending the rights of trans people, criticizing society's "Lynch mob mentality" and urging more efforts to "lift people up." While Gascon's supporters have praised Madonna for standing by her, many fans question whether this alliance will affect the pop star's reputation. Don't have an account yet? To access the premium content on Environmental Finance, you must first sign in to your account. Not registered? Sign up today for free. Support Us Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability. The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media. Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride. We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society. Every contribution is valuable for our future. Fear to a Spanish test; how to overcome it - Don Quijote Spanish School Madrid, 7 de marzo de 2025. - Fear of Spanish tests is a common experience among those who wish to test their Spanish language skills. Many people feel anxious about the possibility of making mistakes or getting a result lower than their expectations. However, overcoming this fear is possible with proper preparation and a change of mindset. Here are seven effective tips for taking a Spanish test with confidence and assurance. Previous preparation and constant practice One of the main reasons for fear before a Spanish level test is the lack of preparation. Regular practice with grammar, reading comprehension and writing exercises allows the student to become familiar with the format of the questions and reduce uncertainty. In addition, doing simulations with previous exams helps to measure the real level and to identify the areas that require more attention. It is advisable to dedicate some time each day to studying Spanish, setting achievable goals and reviewing the mistakes made to improve progressively. Online platforms, grammar books and private lessons can be valuable tools in this process. Control anxiety through breathing and relaxation Fear can generate physical symptoms such as sweating, palpitations and difficulty concentrating. Deep breathing techniques, meditation or relaxation exercises can be useful to reduce tension before and during the Spanish test. Practicing these techniques on a regular basis allows the students to remain calm in stressful situations and improve their performance on the test. In addition, the use of visualization techniques can also be beneficial. Imagining yourself successfully answering the test questions or remembering moments when the students have been successful in learning Spanish helps to build confidence and reduce nervousness. Therefore, rehearsing on placement tests such as the don Quijote can help ease nerves. Changing the perception of mistakes The fear of making mistakes is one of the biggest obstacles when taking a Spanish test. It is important to understand that mistakes are part of the learning process and that each mistake is an opportunity to improve. Instead of seeing them as failures, they should be interpreted as a tool to learn about weaknesses and work on them. Taking note of frequent mistakes and analyzing them allows the student to identify patterns and areas for improvement. In addition, asking for feedback from teachers or native speakers helps to better understand what needs to be improved. The key is to turn every mistake into a learning opportunity. Knowing the format and structure of the test Lack of information about the structure of the Spanish level test can increase anxiety. It is advisable to research beforehand the type of questions that will be included in the test, the topics that will be evaluated and the duration of the exam. This information helps to design an appropriate study plan and to face the test with greater confidence. Placement tests usually assess skills such as grammar, listening comprehension, writing and vocabulary. Knowing how the items will be distributed and what type of responses are expected allows the student to develop strategies to optimize time and improve accuracy in their answers. Establish an effective study routine Studying in a disorganized manner or at the last minute can increase feelings of insecurity. To avoid this, it is suggested to create a structured study plan that includes specific times to practice vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension and oral expression. Distributing study in short but frequent sessions facilitates knowledge retention and avoids information overload. Using study techniques such as flashcards, interactive applications or writing texts in Spanish effectively reinforces learning. In addition, alternating between different language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) helps improve overall language performance. Practice in an environment like that of the exam Simulating the conditions of the Spanish test can help reduce fear and improve performance. Performing exercises in a set amount of time, without distractions and in a quiet environment allows the student to get used to the pressure of the test. In addition, using materials like those that will be used in the test helps to increase confidence. Another useful strategy is to conduct timed tests, as this allows the student to develop better time management during the actual exam. It may also be beneficial to conduct online tests that offer automatic corrections to measure the level more accurately. Maintain a positive attitude and be confident in the knowledge acquired Fear of a Spanish test is often related to insecurity about one's own abilities. It is essential to trust the effort made and the knowledge acquired throughout the learning process. Keeping positive thoughts and avoiding excessive self-criticism allows the student to face the exam with a more serene and optimistic attitude. Repeating positive affirmations, such as I am prepared for this exam or I am confident in my knowledge of Spanish, helps to reinforce confidence. In addition, surrounding yourself with people who are supportive of the learning process and who foster a positive environment helps reduce anxiety. Overcoming fear of Spanish placement tests requires preparation, relaxation techniques and a change in the way errors are perceived. With proper planning, a positive approach and effective study strategies, it is possible to face this challenge with confidence and obtain satisfactory results. Each test is an opportunity to learn and advance in language proficiency, so fear should not be an obstacle to demonstrating one's true level of Spanish. With perseverance, practice and a positive attitude, it is possible to face any Spanish test with confidence and success. DATOS PUBLICOS: (Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante) IMAGEN: Don Quijote Spanish School PIE DE FOTO: Fear to a Spanish test; how to overcome it Contacto Emisor: Don Quijote Spanish School Contacto: Gabinete Periodistico Email de contacto: comunicados@prensaymedios.com Jan McInnis, keynote speaker and professional comedian, presented her acclaimed session, Finding the Funny in Change, this week at the annual conference for school business officials. Her presentation offered a much-needed break from a day of content-heavy professional development sessions, leaving attendees with valuable insights and a renewed sense of humor. "Our group of school business officials had the pleasure of having Jan McInnis for our keynote speaker at our annual conference," said one attendee. "Her presentation on Finding the Funny in Change was exactly what we needed after a day of attending content-heavy professional development sessions. Change can often feel overwhelming and frustrating, especially in our world of school business operations, where policies, budgets, and expectations are constantly shifting. Jan engaged the audience with her humor and energy and reminded us with a few key pointers that embracing change and hard times with a sense of humor can make all the difference." McInnis, who has over 25 years of experience in both comedy and keynote speaking, uses humor as a tool to help organizations navigate change. By sharing personal stories and relatable experiences, she helps individuals reframe their mindset, encouraging them to approach difficult situations with a lighter heart. Her session resonated with the audience of school business professionals who often face rapidly evolving demands in their roles. With a focus on embracing humor as a coping mechanism and a communication tool, McInnis provided practical tips to manage stress, adapt to change, and cultivate resilience. McInnis is known for her engaging and entertaining speaking style, combining her expertise in comedy with her deep understanding of how humor can influence professional environments. Her session left attendees not only laughing but also feeling empowered with unique ways to handle change. For more information on Jan McInnis' keynote presentations, visit TheWorkLady.com or contact her at Jan@TheWorkLady.com About Jan McInnis Jan McInnis is an accomplished keynote speaker, comedian, and author with over 25 years of experience. Her dynamic presentations, including her popular keynote Finding the Funny in Change, are designed to inspire, entertain, and equip audiences with the tools they need to embrace change and improve communication. (The Center Square) President Donald Trump continues to add to his already high tally of executive orders, ceremonially signing another batch on Thursday afternoon. The president signed at least six executive orders since March 1 and over 80 so far during his second term, according to the Federal Register and White House communications following the event. The register can lag signings by several days. Executive orders postponing enforcement of the two-day-old 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico made the biggest splash. Trump has temporarily lifted the tariffs until April 2 for Americas neighbors to the north and south. The president also signed an executive order targeting a law firm, Perkins Coie, that represented Hillary Clinton and has worked with others, like George Soros, to what he says was interference with fair and free elections in the U.S., according to the order. Trump also accused the law firm of discrimination, saying it used racial and other quotas in its employment practices. My Administration is committed to ending discrimination under diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and ensuring that Federal benefits support the laws and policies of the United States, including those laws and policies promoting our national security and respecting the democratic process, the president wrote. The executive order is meant to ensure any of the firms security clearances are suspended and that any federal contracts it holds are terminated. Finally, in a memorandum to department and agency heads, the president directed them to request under Rule65(c) that Federal district courts require plaintiffs to post security equal to the Federal Governments potential costs and damages from a wrongly issued injunction. The president issued the memo to discourage what he sees as frivolous lawsuits by activist organizations used for fundraising and political grandstanding. The president also mentioned a coming executive order on the Department of Education after news broke Wednesday night of a draft order calling for its dismantling. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had earlier in the day quashed any rumors of it happening Thursday, but Trump told reporters that he still wants to bring the schools to the states. Trump could essentially gut the department via executive order, but the department can only be eliminated with buy-in from Congress. U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday he thinks it is easier to deal with Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin than Ukraine and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Friday morning, Trump said via social media he was considering new sanctions and tariffs against Russia over its stepped up bombings of Ukraine. That was the first time Trump had criticized or pushed Russia to the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine. But a few hours later, Trump was back to his more conciliatory and fraternal approach to Putin and Russia and more critical posture toward Ukraine and Zelenskyy. "I think we're doing very well with Russia. But right now they're bombing the hell out of Ukraine. I'm finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. And they don't have the cards ... in terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Trump referred to the Russian autocrat as "Vladimir". Trump says Russia "has all the cards" and touted his relationship with Putin expects him to be "generous" in the war negotiations. Trump has cutoff military aid to Ukraine, stopped intelligence sharing and could expel some Ukrainian war refugees from the U.S. The U.S. president said he is not sure Zelenskyy and Ukraine wants to settle the war. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. He is also indicated a U.S. pullback from NATO and its Article 5 obligations for members to defend other members if attacks. Trump opposes Ukraine joining NATO and joined Vice President J.D. Vance in the White House quarrel with Zelenskyy over the Ukrainian president's push for security guarantees as part of a minerals deal with the U.S. and a ceasefire. Trump says he trusts Putin and his administration and GOP allies have called Zelenskyy ungrateful and disrespectful. That has concerned allies such as France and Canada (which has faced Trump's sweeping tariffs). Montana GOP lawmakers are sponsoring a bill to ban Russian precious metals imports, including palladium and platinum, until the war is over. They accuse the Russians of dumping palladium, which is used to make catalytic converters, on the U.S. market lower price and hurting mines in Montana. ""Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!"," Trump said in a Truth Social post just after 7 a.m. A few hours later Trump was back to his friendliness toward Russia. U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said Trump wants to end the war and hopes to soon ink the minerals deal with Ukraine and forge a ceasefire. Trump said he thinks Putin wants to get it stopped and settled and said he understands Russia hitting Ukraine harder. A Kremlin spokesman said earlier this week Trump's shift of U.S. foreign policy more aligns with Russia's vision. A Lancashire council has urged residents to use 'common sense' when deciding whether to eat food produced near a former chemical plant. Samples of food grown at allotments near the former AGC Chemicals and ICI Hillhouse plant in Thornton-Cleveleys had eight times the safe level of a carcinogen. According to a report by the BBC, Wyre Council leader Michael Vincent said "it's probably best not to eat fruit and vegetables grown in the ground there". The council had launched a probe into potential contamination of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on the site last year. Mr Vincent told a recent meeting of councillors that the authority would be contacting the public and allotment owners within 1km (0.6 miles) of the plant. He said he was aware of a similar situation in Dordrecht, in the Netherlands, in which the public were advised not to eat local food. There, residents were advised by authorities not to eat produce grown in the ground within 1km of a contaminated site. "My view is that this is the correct approach," Mr Vincent told the BBC, adding: "We are suggesting people think for themselves and make a common sense decision." Guidance issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) details that any such produce should be washed and peeled before being consumed. Farmers across the UK are being encouraged to help foster greater appreciation for their role in food production by registering to take part in Open Farm Sunday. This year, OFS aims to cultivate connections, educate communities, and showcase the role of farmers in producing food while protecting the environment. Taking place on 8 June, farmers are being encouraged by organiser Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) to register their interest now. With over 150,000 visitors attending OFS events each year, the impact the initiative has on the publics understanding of farming is significant. More than 225 events took place on farms across the country last year. LEAF education specialist, Sam Wyman has supported numerous farmers and land managers to host events over the years. Remember what an amazing resource your farm is when you look at it with a fresh perspective, he explained. Even the simplest items and tasks like touching some grain or holding an EID tag can be truly eye-opening for visitors. "Youll get the most from your event by using a handful of props that engage the senses and help you share your knowledge in bitesize pieces. Recent OFS data shows that 91% of visitors are motivated to buy more British produce after attending an event. By giving access and sharing stories and expertise, LEAF says farmers can directly bridge the knowledge gap and reinforce the importance of supporting local farming. Mr Wyman is clear about the farmer-focused benefits of providing opportunities for curious consumers to visit local farms. Everyone Ive ever worked with to host an OFS event is absolutely buzzing at the end of the day," he explained. "Farmers take real pride in what theyre doing and that shines through. This enthusiasm is what piques peoples interest." Farmers can register their Open Farm Sunday event online and access freely available resources, including webinars and promotional materials. Surging demand for pig meat in Latin America could present British farmers and exporters with major business opportunities, according to industry experts. The forecast on opportunities in the region coincided with a trade mission led by AHDB to Mexico and Colombia to gain further insight into these specific markets. Mexico is one of the worlds biggest pork importers: It is the second most consumed meat in the country and consumption is expected to grow. Last year, the Mexican market for British pig meat opened further to include offals with a potential estimated value of 18 million over the first five years of trade. It came two years after the Mexican market opened for British pork for the first time. AHDBs trade mission included participating in Expo Carnes y Lacteos in Mexico, where they joined more than 400 exhibitors at the event to showcase British produce. The levy organisation also took a group of British farmers and exporters to meet with major supply chain stakeholders in Colombia. Colombia is a net importer of pig meat and a market where domestic production supplies around 75% of the consumption. Despite an anticipated increase in domestic production, it is not expected to keep up with demand. Susana Morris, AHDB senior trade manager said: Mexico is already an important market for British pig meat exports, with almost half of the pig meat consumed in the country being imported. "We anticipate further opportunities for British pig meat exporters to maximise carcase value and look forward to working with them to help reap the benefits of trading with Mexico." Expo Carnes y Lacteos is seen as Mexicos most important exhibition for the food industry. The exhibition attracts buyers not only from Mexico but from other parts of Latin America, illustrating the opportunities for UK pig meat exports in the wider region. It follows official figures from HMRC showing that the value of the UKs red meat exports reached its highest level last year, worth 1.77 billion. Exports were underpinned by the performance of beef shipments to Europe and further afield. The value of beef, lamb and pig meat exports in 2024 as a whole increased 3.3 percent on year earlier levels. A decapitated sheep has been found in Tunstall Forest in Suffolk, just days after three sheep were slaughtered in Lancashire. Suffolk Police are appealing for help to locate the owner of the sheep that was found dead in Tunstall Forest on Tuesday (4 March). The sheep, described as white with black markings on all four legs, was found decapitated by a member of public. It had also been marked with pink/red dye on its back, the force explained. A spokesperson said: If you have any information relating to this incident or believe this is your sheep, please contact the Rural Crime team on rwp@suffolk.police.uk quoting CAD 122 of 4 March. It comes after three sheep were found slaughtered and beheaded on farmland in Lincolnshire, as concerns continue to increase over the UK's illegal meat trade. Lincolnshire Police are still appealing to the public for more information following the incident, which happened between 12 February and 14 February. The three sheep were found dead in farmland off the A1104 East Street, on the outskirts of Alford. Two consignments of ware potatoes imported to the UK from Poland have tested positive for ring rot, a notifiable disease, during routine inspections. The UK Plant Health Service (PHS) said it was gathering further information regarding the source of the infected consignment. The two consignments, imported by the same Polish exporter, tested positive for the disease, which is caused by the bacterium Clavibacter sependonicus. The disease is favoured by cooler climates and, already established in northern and Eastern Europe, could readily establish under UK conditions. In the USA, yield losses in individual crops due to diseased plants and tuber rotting have been as high as 50%. If the disease were to become established in the UK, the effect on the seed-potato sector would be substantial, particularly the knock-on effect for exports. The PHS said tracing of the affected consignments had been completed, with inspections completed at several locations linked to its movement. Working with the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of Poland, the remaining potato ware stocks were destroyed. None of the locations involved were potato growers or linked to agriculture, the service confirmed. "Until further notice, there will be increased inspections on consignments of ware potatoes from Poland," the PHS explained. "This includes a 100% inspection rate and latent testing of all consignments of Polish ware, including for bulk consignments, a rise from 50%. "If there are any suspect symptoms, the consignments will be put on hold, pending diagnosis." Latent testing of 400 tubers will also be carried out, an increase from 200 tubers for all consignments. And irrespective of whether there are suspect symptoms, consignments from the affected Polish exporter will be held pending the results of latent testing. "As a reminder, anyone intending to import ware potatoes should refer to gov.uk for guidance," the PHS added. "An update will be published when more information is available." Suspected outbreaks of ring rot of potato or any other non-native plant pest should be reported to the PHS or the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Scottish farmers are being warned of a risk of water scarcity this summer following below-average rainfall over winter and autumn. In light of this challenge, farmers and growers across Scotland are being told to take steps now to enhance their water resilience. Despite intermittent wet spells, most of Scotland has seen lower than average rainfall, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). It says that with that despite brief periods of heavy rain and flooding from Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn, this was quickly followed by a drier than usual rest of January and February. The Met Office has reported that rainfall in northern Scotland was exceptionally low during February, with Orkney receiving just 34% of its typical rainfall, Sutherland 37% and Shetland just 40%. The lack of rainfall seen during the winter period poses potential challenges for Scotlands water resources, SEPA warns. It adds that the coming spring and summer are now relying on an above average rainfall to replenish the low groundwater levels. Groundwater levels are key indicators of Scotland's water reserves, replenishing through winter rainfall but often depleting during summer when demand for water increases. Without above average rainfall over spring and summer there is a greater risk of water scarcity, particularly in areas that are already experiencing low groundwater levels. Continued drier weather can disrupt agricultural activities, strain local water supplies and impact industries that depend on consistent water availability. As part of our commitment to helping Scotland become more climate resilient, well continue to monitor the situation closely," said Claire Tunaley, senior hydrologist at SEPA. "The broader picture is one of persistent dryness with many areas seeing below average rainfall over the past several months. "Groundwater levels are normal to low for the time of year, with particularly low values recorded in Fife, Angus and Dumfries. "In Fife the groundwater levels recorded are similar to, or even lower than, those seen in February 2022 a year that saw drought conditions that summer." Seasonal reporting by SEPA will begin in May, providing weekly updates on conditions to ensure businesses can prepare. Cambodias apparel exports to Spain surged by 31.1 per cent in 2024, reaching $1,181.110 million. This growth reflects a steady rebound in outbound trade following COVID-related disruptions in 2020 and 2021. Over the past three years, Cambodias exports to Spain have soared by an impressive 141 per cent. Spain was the third-largest market for Cambodias apparel exports in 2024, following the US and Japan. Shipments to Spain accounted for 9.22 per cent of Cambodias total apparel exports, which stood at $12.809 billion in 2024, according to Fibre2Fashion's market insight tool TexPro. Cambodia's apparel exports to Spain surged by 31.1 per cent in 2024, reaching $1.18 billion, marking a 141 per cent rise since 2021. Spain ranked third among Cambodia's export destinations, accounting for 9.22 per cent of its total apparel exports worth $12.81 billion. Man-made fibre apparel led exports, accounting for 49.13 per cent of the total in Jan-Nov 2024. Cambodias apparel exports to Spain stood at $751.616 million in 2019 but declined by 29.45 per cent to $530.230 million in 2020 and further dropped by 7.60 per cent to $489.941 million in 2021. The trade flow turned positive in the following year, jumping by 61.81 per cent to $792.772 million in 2022. It further increased by 13.64 per cent to $900.903 million in 2023. By 2024, shipments had risen by 141 per cent compared to exports in 2021. During JanuaryNovember 2024, trousers and shorts accounted for 43.79 per cent of Cambodias total apparel exports to Spain. The value of trousers and shorts shipped to Spain was recorded at $456.347 million out of total exports worth $1,042.234 million in the first 11 months of 2024. During the same period, the shipment value of jerseys was $104.507 million (10.03 per cent), coats $88.984 million (8.54 per cent), shirts $87.154 million (8.36 per cent), and dresses $69.050 million (6.63 per cent), according to TexPro. Cambodia exported apparel made from man-made fibres worth $512.053 million to Spain between January and November 2024, accounting for 49.13 per cent of total apparel exports. Exports of cotton apparel stood at $296.106 million (28.41 per cent), wool/animal hair garments at $8.302 million (0.80 per cent), and garments made from other fibres at $225.770 million (21.66 per cent) during this period. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) President Donald J. Trump has announced adjustments to tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, aiming to safeguard the American automotive industry while addressing border security concerns. Under the revised structure, a 25 per cent tariff will apply to goods that do not meet US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules of origin. A lower 10 per cent tariff will be imposed on energy products and potash imports from Canada and Mexico that fall outside the USMCA preference. Goods qualifying for USMCA benefits will continue to enjoy zero tariffs. Explaining the rationale behind the move, a White House Fact Sheet stated, While the situations at our Northern and Southern borders continue to require appropriate action from the Governments of Canada and Mexico, our American automotive industry, which provides American jobs, should not suffer significant disruption just because of the structure of its supply chain. President Trump has modified tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports to ease the burden on the US auto industry while maintaining economic leverage. Goods failing USMCA rules face a 25 per cent tariff, while some energy products and potash imports are taxed at 10 per cent. These actions aim to curb illicit drug flows while ensuring American manufacturers remain competitive. President Trump defended the use of tariffs as a strategic tool, reinforcing his administrations commitment to national security. The Fact Sheet further noted, President Trump will never stop standing up for the safety of the American people and is using tariffs as a tool to take decisive actions that put Americans safety and our national security first. Following the imposition of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) on March 4, Canada and Mexico have pledged to intensify efforts against illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking. The White House highlighted that 29 Mexican drug cartel leaders have been extradited to the US, including one accused of murdering a DEA agent. Emphasising the broader economic impact, the Fact Sheet added, Americas manufacturers, including our automakers, have strengthened our economy and expanded our workforce. Todays actions promote a level playing field for American manufacturers, bringing supply chains closer to home, especially for our auto industry, which has been hit hard by offshoring. Trumps move reinforces his America First Trade Policy, using economic leverage to push for stricter border controls while protecting US manufacturers from trade disruptions. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS) Polyester staple fibres (HS code-550320) are widely used in the US textile industry, particularly in clothing, home textiles, and industrial applications. They are commonly blended with cotton to create affordable, durable fabrics used in items like casual wear, bed linens, and towels. In addition to their use in fashion, polyester staple fibres are integral to the automotive sector for upholstery and insulation. The US has also seen a rise in the use of recycled polyester, driven by sustainability trends. Their low cost and versatile properties make them a dominant choice in both mass-market clothing and industrial products. Table 1: Key Observations on HS -550320- Polyester Staple Fibres and trade statistics for CY 2024 South Korea leads US polyester staple fibre (PSF) imports, benefiting from zero tariffs under KORUS FTA and a strong logistics index. Thailand and India remain competitive but face a 4.3 per cent tariff, impacting pricing. China's market share is weakening due to rising tariffs, now at 24.3 per cent, increasing costs. Trade policies and cost structures will shape future market dynamics. Source: TradeMap and F2F Analysis; *Effective from 4th March, 2025 Note: RCA - Revealed Comparative Advantage; UVR - Unit Value Realisation; LPI - Logistic Performance Index South Korea: Market leader with zero-tariff advantage South Korea dominates the US PSF import market, with exports totalling $160.84 million, significantly outpacing its competitors. Benefiting from a zero-tariff rate under the KORUS (Korea-US) FTA, South Korea enjoys a strong pricing advantage. With a high RCA of 6.90 and a competitive unit price of $1.36/kg, it remains the most strategically positioned exporter of PSF to the US. Thailand: Strong exporter with high trade value Thailand ranks second in PSF exports to the US, with shipments totalling $119.04 million. It boasts a strong RCA of 10.48 and a highly competitive unit price of $1.33/kg. However, a 4.3 per cent tariff limits its price advantage, making it less competitive than South Korea, which benefits from a zero-tariff rate under the KORUS FTA. Vietnam: Growing exporter with moderate competitiveness Vietnam ranks third in PSF exports to the US, with a total export value of $78.98 million. It holds an RCA of 3.22, reflecting a moderate comparative advantage in PSF production and trade. However, like Thailand and India, Vietnam faces a 4.3 per cent MFN tariff, impacting its price competitiveness in the US market. Despite this, its unit price remains among the lowest among the top five exporters, second only to China. India: Emerging player with similar competitiveness to Thailand India ranks fourth in PSF exports to the US, with a total export value of $69.31 million. It holds a solid RCA of 4.42 and a competitive unit price of $1.33/kg, matching Thailands and highlighting its growing strength in PSF manufacturing. While the 4.3 per cent tariff impacts price competitiveness, Indias cost-efficient production helps partially offset this disadvantage. China: Weakening market position due to lower RCA and tariffs Despite being a global textile powerhouse, Chinas PSF exports to the US remain relatively low at $41.83 million. With the lowest RCA (0.53) among top exporters, its ultra-low unit price of $0.95/kg reflects an emphasis on cost-driven exports but also signals declining competitiveness in this segment. The 4.3 per cent MFN tariff further weakens its position against tariff-exempt South Korea and other cost-effective suppliers. Tariff Impact: With the first tariff imposition on February 4th, 2025, the tariff rate increased to 14.3 per cent. This rise in the tariff burden would lead to an increase in the UVR as production and export costs escalate. As a result, the UVR would likely increase to around $1.05/kg, reflecting the growing challenges posed by the higher tariffs. The increase in the UVR shows that the products are becoming more expensive, which could make them less competitive for price-sensitive consumers. In the second tariff imposition, effective from March 4th, 2025, the tariff rate rose further to 24.3 per cent. This substantial increase would push the UVR to approximately $1.14/kg or higher. The higher tariff burden will continue to raise costs, further diminishing the cost-effectiveness of the products. Post imposition of tariffs, China will lose its advantage of being a low-cost supplier of polyester staple fibres. Key observations & outlook South Korea leads the US PSF import market, leveraging zero-tariff access under the KORUS FTA and the highest Logistics Performance Index (LPI) to maintain a dominant position. Thailand and India remain strong competitors, but the 4.3 per cent tariff adds a cost disadvantage, limiting their pricing edge despite their competitive unit prices. Vietnam continues to expand its presence but lacks a strong comparative advantage compared to the top exporters. Chinas exports are declining, primarily due to reduced competitiveness and trade restrictions. If an additional 20 per cent tariff is imposed, China could face further setbacks, ceding market share to more cost-effective suppliers and having rivals with respect to price. Trade agreements play a crucial role in shaping market dynamics, with South Korea benefiting the most from free trade arrangements. Meanwhile, Thailand and Vietnam share comparable LPIs, influencing their logistical efficiency. Going forward, trade policies, cost structures, and supply chain resilience will be key factors in determining market shifts, with emerging players poised to gain ground in the evolving PSF landscape. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NS) Whats your process of sketching and sourcing materials Its a great time to be a horror movie buff, as director Robert Eggers has blessed the genre with his gothic masterpiece Nosferatu. Starring Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgard, Nicolas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, and others, the film brings to life a macabre tale of fear and desire. Eggers frequent collaborator, Canadian costume designer Linda Muir, evokes a world of beauty and tragedy through the period looks donned by the characters. "We did three identical versions of Orlok's outfits and Ellen's nightgowns," she tells me on a video call on the night the Oscar nominations were announced (early morning for her in Toronto). Muir beams with excitement as I congratulate her on being nominated in the Best Costume Design category before launching into a discussion about her creative process, a chat that's almost as exhaustive as her work, full of symbolism and fine-tuned details down to the last sleeve and heel. Excerpts:Well, its pretty thrilling and fabulous. I was saying to our assistant costume designer, Alima Meyboom, that its lovely because its the personification of a kiss for everyone in the costume department. Its also for Robert Eggers because we share this with him. He is such an amazing leader, and he brings out the best in everyone.Director Robert Eggers was not thinking about a fantastical creature that is alive, flies, and turns into a bat. His research and interests took him to the folklore origins of Transylvania in Eastern Europe. In that set of beliefs, Nosferatu is undead. Robert went for the all-out, dead, reanimated corpse Orlok. I looked at museum pieces of garments from families like the Esterhazys and nobility from the period of 1560 to about 1640. We looked at books that had illustrations of Transylvanian armies. We have the mentee, a large overcoat with long sleeves and beautiful fur lining because he is a noblemanhe can afford the luxury of a heavy overcoat that would keep him warm in stone castles with fireplace heating. We used heavy, luxurious fabrics, gold embellishments, gold threads, gold paintgold everywhere. So, the garments ended up being the tunic or the dolman that goes underneath. Even that is made up of many layers: fine gossamer, lace overlay on top of velvet with a silk body. Its rare to find buttons with that embellishment anymore. We had one incredible embroiderer who was able to crochet. We made oversized buttons in a kind of crocheted shape with gossamer gold thread. The massive fur hat came from several different versions of counts from the period. The boots were a real joy. They would have been a leather mule slip-on with a steel heel in the shape of a horseshoe, hollow in the centre, and then a leather sock that would slip into that mule. For safety purposes, I designed them as one piece and buttoned them. Then we corpsified the whole thing.With Ellens character, the point that I was trying to make was that she isnt concerned with clothing. She comes from a wealthy background, but she loves Thomas and just wants to be with him. She has the required number of changes for a woman of her class, but unlike her friend Anna, Ellen is not even in her own home. Shes presumably packed a trunk, so she has a limited amount of clothing. She reuses things on different occasions. Most of the script has her in nightgowns. A lot of thought went into the weights of the nightgown. There were three different weights that I designed. The most transparent and fragile was at the very opening when mature Ellen is in bed. We have scenes of her sleepwalking into the night. It had to be fragile-looking but still conceal enough of her body that it wasnt too revealing. We also had the gorgeous corset that goes on as this heinous idea of helping the woman by tightening her corset in bed. I discovered the fan-laced corset, so a woman could tighten herself from the front. So, that was a happy piece of information that also allowed Dr Wilhelm Sievers to tighten that corset and be face-to-face with her. That way, the audience can see what's happening on her face, instead of it being face-down in the bed with a corset that would be tightened from the back.We did three identical versions of Orlok's complete outfit to facilitate a photo double, stunt double, and build costume. I wanted that overcoat to just appear as if it were magically floating on his shoulders when, in fact, every time Bill Skarsgard put it on, it would just fall off because it was so heavy. We had to devise a harness system that went on next to the skin, came out through the tunic, and did a quick release at the shoulders. That made it look like he could move however he wanted, and he didnt have to worry about it. It also meant that we could get it off very quickly because it was very hot. In combination with all of his prosthetic makeup, it was a steam bath. And Bill was pretty magnificent in it.Its a dream job because I love research, I love detail, I love to read, and often I bring information to Robert and say that I have found this detail, and it could illuminate this moment in the script or take that scene further. Its rare for a director-writer and auteur to do so much of their own research. When hes writing his scripts, hes already started researching. In his own mind, he goes into the reality of the period that hes writing in. So, he brings all of that information from the beginning of our collaborations. Every time we start a new project, he brings me up to speed with everything that hes been thinking about. Hes not just thinking about costume; hes thinking about location, production design, setting, propseverything. And believe me, he continues to think about all of those things all through the filming. Shooting schedules depend on cast availability, location, and weather. So, the research that we do continues all through the prep period, right up to when were shooting. Were adding, refining, and having aha moments.Usually, I look at images, paintings, woodcuts, or whatever is going to give me information about clothing from the period in which the script is set. Roberts scripts always have more than one location. The protagonist travels through the countryside, or in the case of The Northman, there are three very distinct acts. I start to join the dotsthis piece of information illuminates that, and this story informs that detail. I build a familiarity with the period and the clothing of the period. With Nosferatu, the year before we did the film, we had a slightly different cast combination. I designed costumes for the characters of Ellen Hutter and Anna Harding. I was just starting on Orlok when it was put on hold, and we ended up doing it a year later.The Witch was very contained. It was a family of five, and there were crowd scenes, but the whole canvas of the film was much more contained. That was a job of figuring out what we could make with a smaller budget and then finding the materials. For The Lighthouse, because that script was set in a period when photography existed, it was easier to find examples of what I wanted for the front of the shirt or the oilskins. For The Northman, I did 80-odd sketches. It was insane how many sketches there were for that. Nicole Kidman had 12 or 14 different costumes, and there were the berserkers, those fabulous wolf heads with the skins or the bear heads with the skins. There are always happy coincidenceslike I know a sculptor who loves doing animals and works with a furrier, that kind of thing. The Northman was Viking Age, so trying to find specific wool or linen fabrics that were woven in specific diamond patterns left me sending emails to Poland and Russia for chain mail or helmets because those countries have dedicated re-enactors and history aficionados who have personally accrued a huge amount of knowledge. That was true also of The Witch, set in a Plymouth Plantation (its like a foundation in Massachusetts), and they have a huge amount of knowledge and information. So, we spoke to experts to get an authentic understanding of the setting and period.Everybody wants to know, What are we making? What do we make? And why are you making it like this? Were making it like this for all of those details to compound and compound so an audience doesnt need to even wonder what period theyre in when theyre watching it. Hopefully, thats what people have responded to. Govindas longtime secretary, Shashi Prabhu, passed away on March 6. He reportedly died around 4 pm at Niranjan Society in Borivali, Mumbai. He was battling a heart disease and had undergone bypass surgery recently. His funeral was held around 10 pm. Govinda was inconsolable as he arrived to attend the last rites and console Prabhus family. Govinda was moved to tears at Shashi Prabhus funeral. As per reports on a leading news portal, the actor rushed to meet his family as soon as he heard the tragic news. At the funeral, he was seen interacting with Prabhus loved ones and showing his support during the difficult time. The actor shared a close bond with his former secretary who stood by him in his professional and personal life. Fans also took to social media to share old photos of Govinda with Shashi Prabhu. He worked with the actor through the initial years of his career, which spans over decades. Govindas current secretary Shashi Sinha told ETimes about Prabhu. He shared, He was Govinda's childhood friend. From the very beginning, they shared a close bond, and for many years, he also worked for Govinda. I got to know him later. But during Govinda's early struggles, he was like a brother to him. Govinda loved him like a brother, and their relationship remained the same to this day." Dupahiya is a delightful journey into the heart of rural India, blending humour, social commentary, and unforgettable characters. Set in a remote Bihar village called Dhadakpur, which is on the brink of celebrating 25 years of being crime-free, this series explores the tensions that arise when a seemingly insignificant eventthe theft of a motorcyclesends ripples through the entire community. This crime leads to a chain of humorous and revealing events. At its core, the show is a celebration of hope, aspirations, and the unique spirit of togetherness that defines rural life.The writing is sharp and engaging, providing a perfect balance between comedy and commentary. The way the narrative builds around the stolen bike is both absurd and endearing, creating a space where laughter emerges from the quirks of everyday life and the complex relationships that tie people together. One of its standout elements is the subtle, yet effective, call for womens empowerment. Whether its a girl walking out of a laser treatment to stay true to herself, or a bride realising her worth and vowing to chart her own course, the narrative never loses sight of these important moments, adding depth to what could otherwise be a purely comedic setup.The direction masterfully handles the balance between the chaotic, slapstick moments and the quieter, more introspective beats. The direction ensures that every moment, from the absurd to the emotional, hits its mark. The show evokes a sense of nostalgia for rural India, a place where both sorrow and joy are shared communally, but it never feels overly sentimental.The performances elevate the material even further. Gajraj Rao, known for his impeccable comedic timing, once again shines as Banwari Jha, the mild-mannered school headmaster. His nuanced portrayal of a father caught between tradition and his daughters desires is a perfect example of his depth as an actor. Sparsh Shrivastava steals the show as Bhugol, the aspiring Bollywood actor obsessed with making "Reels." His comic timing is impeccable, and his performance is the unexpected highlight of the serieshis energy and charisma are impossible to ignore. Shivani Raghuvanshi as Roshni is the emotional anchor of the series. Her portrayal of a young woman caught between familial ties and her own desires is heartfelt and layered. Her portrayal of Roshnis inner turmoil and growth is both authentic and moving. Bhuvan Arora, as Roshnis ex-boyfriend Amavas, adds an element of both pathos and humour with his lovable yet flawed character. The chemistry between him and the rest of the cast is infectious, and his comedic performance is a perfect foil to the chaos around him.Renuka Shahane brings a sharp, determined energy to the role of Pushpalata, the ambitious would-be sarpanch, while Yashpal Sharmas inspector Mithilesh is a delight to watch. Komal Kushwaha playing Roshnis best friend Nirmal, who somewhat loses her way due to jealousy and Avinash Dwivedi, who plays the privileged groom, add their own layers of charm, each playing characters with their own personal stakes in the unfolding drama.The humour is often a delightful mix of slapstick and sharp wit, with the characters finding themselves in increasingly absurd situations. Whether its the groom insisting on sleeping on the bike being gifted to him or Bhugol and Amavas being forced into a ridiculous dance number by goons, these moments never feel forced. The comedy comes naturally, stemming from the characters quirks and the absurdity of their circumstances.The show leaves you both laughing and thinking, making it an enjoyable and deeply resonant watch. Its streaming currently on Amazon Prime Video. The Waking of a Nation, directed by Ram Madhvani, ambitiously attempts to reimagine the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Set against this tragic historical event, the series follows Kantilal Sahni, a lawyer portrayed by Taaruk Raina, as he finds himself entangled in a web of colonial deceit and oppression. As the Hunter Commission tries to suppress and distort the truth to protect the British Empire, Kantilals battle against racism and erasure leads him to confront the painful realities of history. Alongside his companionsHari Singh Aulakh (Bhawsheel Singh), Poonam (Nikita Dutta), and Ali Allahbaksh (Sahil Mehta)the group unravels a conspiracy that changes the course of their lives.Its worth noting that The Waking of a Nation is a fictionalised account, blending fact with dramatic licence. While the Hunter Commission did have Indian members, like Sir Chimanlal Harilal Setalvad, Pandit Jagat Narayan and Sardar Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Khan, there is no historical record of a lawyer by the name of Kantilal Sahni. In reality, the Indian members of the commission were deeply dissatisfied with its findings, instead issuing their own Minority Report condemning the British for the massacre. The shows interpretation, therefore, is more concerned with crafting a narrative rather than adhering to historical accuracy.As for the series itself, it is a rather uninspiring affair. The pacing is so sluggish at times that one might be forgiven for assuming the titleis some cruel irony, for the show itself feels more like an extended lullaby than a stirring call to action. Set between April and December 1919, the period drama attempts to capture the events surrounding the massacre, but instead of gripping its audience, it falters under its own weight. Kantilal, initially an employee of the British Raj, gradually transforms into a freedom fighter, but the series is more concerned with the formalities of his radicalisation than the emotional journey it should have been. The deaths and losses he experiences throughout the series, which should have been poignant turning points, are ultimately presented with little dramatic punch. By the time we reach the emotional climax, the only lasting impact is one of disappointment rather than enlightenment.Taaruk Rainas portrayal of Kantilal, though sincere, isnt compelling enough. His performance lacks the necessary depth and gravitas for such a complex character, rendering his speechespresumably the emotional heart of the seriesmore theatrical than affecting. Its not just Raina who struggles; director Madhvanis decision to prioritise theatrical flourishes over genuine historical drama becomes painfully clear. His reliance on spectacle and melodrama rather than substance results in a series that too often feels more concerned with grandiosity than with delivering a compelling story.The series attempts to address the lead-up to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by delving into British anxieties, notably their lingering memories of the 1857 Mutiny and resentment towards satyagraha as a form of protest. The British cast, particularly Paul McEwan as Punjabs Governor Michael ODwyer, fares much better. McEwan's portrayal of ODwyer as a cruel and arrogant figure, eager to enforce the white mans burden, is chilling and effective.Madhvani attempts to weave history, drama, and action together with a focus on period detail, but the execution is, unfortunately, lacking. The courtroom scenes, intended to be the emotional core of the series, fall flat. They lack the tension and intensity needed to be truly compelling, instead dragging on as interminable legal deliberations. The Hunter Commission inquiryso rich with potential for gripping dramaends up as little more than a tedious legal process, void of emotional resonance.In terms of character development, the supporting cast, including Nikita Dutta, Sahil Mehta, and Bhawsheel Singh, do their best to embody their roles, but are hampered by poorly written dialogues and underdeveloped arcs. The lack of depth in their characters makes their presence feel largely inconsequential.The Waking of a Nation is an ambitious historical drama, but one that ultimately fails to live up to its promise. While the historical recreations are visually impressive, the slow pacing, uninspired dialogue, and lack of emotional depth result in a series that misses the mark. Its a show that could have been so much more, had it not been weighed down by its own pretensions and shortcomings. The series is currently streaming on Sony LIV. At the Japanese World Expo, to be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, the Bracco Group will be a key contributor on the themes of art, technology and medicine of the future. In addition to several scientific events organized by Bracco Japan, a ballet by the La Scala Academy on Italy's National Day in September has been planned, as well as the exhibition of the portrait of a young Japanese diplomat, Ito Mancho, painted in 1585 by Domenico Tintoretto MILAN, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka, Ambassador Mario Vattani, and Diana Bracco, President and CEO of the Bracco Group, have signed a partnership agreement under which the pharmaceutical group will be the Official Gold Sponsor of the Italy Pavilion in Japan. "The partnership with the Bracco Group is meaningful given its broad focus on multiple areas at the Italian Pavilion. Together, we will collaborate on the arts, science and advanced technology - key themes that Italy aims to promote in order to expand and enhance its world image, in synergy with leading Italian companies," states Mario Vattani, Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka. "Thanks to Bracco, the portrait of the young diplomat, Ito Mancho, by Domenico Tintoretto, a symbol of the historic relations between our two countries, will be displayed at the Italy Pavilion. Bracco will also be present in the area dedicated to the individual, with scientific initiatives related to health and well-being, where it is a global leader." "The theme chosen by Italy for its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Art Regenerates Life, represents a unique opportunity to showcase Italian excellence in culture, art, science and technology," says Diana Bracco, President and CEO of the Group, a top multinational in diagnostic imaging which has had a presence in the Land of the Rising Sun since 1992. "This will also be an important occasion for us because of the strategic importance Japan represents for Bracco. The widespread culture of prevention which exists throughout the whole country is undergirded by a very advanced health system, especially in the field of diagnostic imaging, serving a population with a long-life expectancy." Bracco's presence will be an integral part of the Italian Pavilion for the entire six months of Expo, thanks first and foremost to the Ito Mancho project; the company will bring to Osaka the portrait of the young man painted by Domenico Tintoretto in 1585, currently part of the Trivulzio Foundation Collection in Milan. The painting, which depicts the leader of the first Japanese diplomatic mission sent to Europe, has not only artistic but also cultural and symbolic significance for relations between Italy and Japan. The work will serve as an introduction to the tour of the entire Italian Pavilion, and will be accompanied by an immersive video by the creative team of Mauro Belloni and Cromazoo with an in-depth look at the diagnostic investigation campaign carried out by Professor Isabella Castiglioni's team and coordinated by the Bracco Foundation. For Bracco, in fact, art and science have always been a winning combination, and for years the Foundation has made the Group's expertise in diagnostic imaging available for the analysis and restoration of Italy's cultural heritage. In addition, to mark Italy's National Day at the Expo on September 11-12, the Bracco Group will sponsor a cultural event during the flag-raising ceremony, with top institutional officials in attendance: the La Scala Academy Ballet School will present a new performance at the Japanese Exposition. During the Health and Wellness Week (June 20 - July 1), Bracco Imaging will organize several scientific events dedicated to diagnostic imaging in its different modalities, while the Italian Diagnostic Center, the Group's healthcare division, will participate in the Agevity Forum promoted by Assolombarda during the same period, also dedicated to Japan Health. Finally, as part of the "Fuori Expo" program, the Bracco Foundation will bring the photography exhibition "Milan through Leonardo's Eyes" to Japan. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1707756/Bracco_Diagnostics_Logo_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2633254/Bracco_Osaka.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-bracco-group-official-gold-sponsor-of-the-italy-pavilion-at-the-osaka-expo-2025-302394815.html Die Finanzwelt ist im Umbruch! Nach Jahren der Dominanz erschuttert Donald Trumps erratische Wirtschaftspolitik das Fundament des amerikanischen Kapitalismus. Handelskriege, Rekordzolle und politische Isolation haben eine Kapitalflucht historischen Ausmaes ausgelost. Milliarden stromen aus den USA und suchen neue, lukrative Ziele. Und genau hier kommt China ins Spiel. Trotz aller Spannungen wachst die chinesische Wirtschaft dynamisch weiter, Innovation und Digitalisierung treiben die Markte an. Im kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir Ihnen 5 Aktien aus China vor, die vom US-Niedergang profitieren und das Potenzial haben, den Markt regelrecht zu uberflugeln. Wer jetzt klug investiert, sichert sich den Zugang zu den neuen Wachstums-Champions von morgen. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche 5 Aktien die Konkurrenz aus den USA outperformen durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! Summit will set out the economic case for a transition to sustainable future and marks five years since His Majesty King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative to mobilise private sector action Terra Carta Roundtables & Exhibition to take place on 10-11 March at Hampton Court Palace, London Hundreds of CEOs, government leaders and innovators to attend Summit's roundtable discussions will focus on continuing to mobilize the trillions of dollars needed to deliver systems-level change across sectors and regions LONDON, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of CEOs and government leaders from every corner of the globe are expected to attend the Terra Carta Roundtables & Exhibition on 10-11 March at Hampton Court Palace, London. The Summit will set out the economic case for a transition to a sustainable future, showcase the trillions invested by the private sector over the past five years and outline increased ambition for 2030 and beyond. The event marks five years since His Majesty King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, founded the Sustainable Markets Initiative which aims to put Nature, people and planet at the heart of global value creation. Deriving its name from the historic Magna Carta, the Terra Carta, is SMI's ten-year mandate serving as a practical roadmap for the private sector to contribute to the world's 2030 targets for Nature, people and planet. The Summit also celebrates the SMI's Astra Carta which seeks to ensure that humanity's journey to the stars has sustainability at its core. Invoking the pioneering spirit of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Terra Carta Roundtables & Exhibition will provide a platform to showcase material progress while providing a public-private forum across industry, finance and countries to accelerate global efforts by 2030. In 2020 His Majesty King Charles III, then The Prince of Wales, said, "The 'Terra Carta' offers the basis of a recovery plan that puts Nature, People and Planet at the heart of global value creation - one that will harness the precious, irreplaceable power of Nature combined with the transformative innovation and resources of the private sector." Commenting on the event Jennifer Jordan-Saifi M.V.O., CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, said: "The transition to a sustainable future is the growth story of our time. Yet to seize it, we must redouble our efforts, be bold with our ambitions, embrace new technologies and drive tangible business opportunity around the world. This takes courageous leadership from the world's top CEOs, across every industry and sector. It also takes a new brand of private sector diplomacy where the private sector presents concrete solutions to help governments achieve meaningful transition results. Unprecedented economic growth, industry development, trade, investment, jobs, and skills are within our reach. The SMI is the global platform for public and private sector leaders to get deals done." Notes to editors About the Sustainable Markets Initiative The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) is the world's go-to private sector organization for sustainable transition; characterized by our unique brand of 'private sector diplomacy'. With the vision of our founder, His Majesty King Charles III, and our unique convening power, the SMI facilitates action between world leaders and CEOs to position sustainability at the heart of global value creation. Together, we seek to mobilize the trillions of dollars required to achieve a sustainable future. Investment at this scale requires global systems-level change with a default sustainable orientation across markets, industries and supply chains. Here, our mandates, the Terra Carta and Astra Carta, provide practical private sector trajectories. The SMI believes that with bold ambition and courageous leadership, we can seize a new era of global prosperity that will last for generations to come. We call this 'The Growth Story of Our Time'. Read more: www.sustainable-markets.org View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ceos-and-world-leaders-to-convene-at-hampton-court-palace-for-the-sustainable-markets-initiatives-pivotal-sustainable-transition-summit-302394713.html DJ Volkswagen nimmt Gebrauchtwagenplattform Heycar vom Markt DOW JONES--Volkswagen schliet die vor rund acht Jahren auf den Markt gebrachte Gebrauchtwagenplattform Heycar. "Die Anteilseigner haben entschieden, Heycar nicht weiter mit Finanzmitteln auszustatten", sagte ein Sprecher von Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) der Branchen- und Wirtschaftszeitung Automobilwoche. Die VW-Finanztochter hat die Plattform Ende 2017 an den Start gebracht. In Deutschland sei fur Heycar Mitte Mai Schluss, Grobritannien soll einige Wochen spater folgen. Das Aus treffe 126 Mitarbeiter, davon 26 in Deutschland. Als Grund nennt VWFS unter anderem unterschatzte Marketingkosten. Zudem sei die Entwicklung des digitalen Kaufverhaltens uberschatzt worden. Mit der Plattform wollte Volkswagen eine Alternative fur die Vermittlung von hoherwertigen Fahrzeugen aufbauen. Den Markt fur Gebrauchtwagen teilen sich weitgehend die beiden Plattformen Mobile.de und Autoscout24. Kontakt zum Autor: unternehmen.de@dowjones.com DJG/kla/hab (END) Dow Jones Newswires April 25, 2025 09:33 ET (13:33 GMT) Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2025) - Thermosoft Australia, a leading distributor of innovative home heating solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its new range of bathroom heaters, designed to deliver superior warmth, safety, and style to Australian bathrooms. These cutting-edge electric radiators offer a modern alternative to traditional heating, blending rapid heat distribution with energy-saving features and sleek, space-saving designs tailored for moisture-prone environments. The new bathroom heater range includes wall-mounted models like the Yali Plus and Parada Plus, crafted to provide consistent, radiant warmth while seamlessly integrating into any bathroom aesthetic. Made in the UK, these electric radiators are engineered to withstand even the harshest European winters, boasting an IP44 splash rating that ensures safe and reliable performance in wet conditions. With fully enclosed heating elements, they eliminate fire risks and prevent the burning of dust or allergens, promoting a healthier indoor environment. Key Features and Benefits of the New Range: Rapid & Radiant Heating: Delivers quick, even warmth by directly heating objects and people, not just the air. Energy-Saving Technology: Features precise thermostats and programmable timers. Enhanced Safety: Includes overheat protection, automatic shut-off, and moisture-resistant designs. Sleek & Compact: Slim, stylish panels save space and complement modern interiors, with sizes like the H300 x L800 model doubling as a towel-drying solution. Healthier Air Quality: Enclosed elements prevent dust build up and allergen burning. "We're thrilled to introduce our new bathroom heater range, designed to elevate comfort and safety in Australian homes," said Stuart Henderson from Thermosoft Australia. "These heaters reflect our commitment to providing energy-efficient, reliable, and stylish solutions. With advanced technology and a focus on bathroom-specific needs, they offer a cozy, secure, and cost-effective heating experience-perfect for those chilly mornings." Now available for purchase online at https://thermosoftaustralia.com.au/ and through select retail partners across Australia, this new range builds on Thermosoft Australia's reputation for quality and innovation. About Thermosoft Australia Thermosoft Australia have a wide range of electric heating solutions, that include Portable Heaters, Electric Panel Heaters, and Electric Heated Towel Rails with features such as advanced rapid heat distribution, and intelligent temperature control, making them an ideal solution for cold mornings and winter seasons. With a sleek and compact design, these heaters seamlessly fit into various living spaces. Website: https://thermosoftaustralia.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LVIThermosoft Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thermosoft.australia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thermosoftaustralia To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243375 SOURCE: Search Jam Internacional de Ceramica, S.A.P.I de C.V. ("Interceramic") proudly announces the successful completion on February 26, 2025, of a nearly USD 640 million refinancing transaction, a landmark achievement that reinforces the company's financial strength and strategic vision. This transaction not only enables the full repayment of the previous acquisition bridge financing used in the Public Share Acquisition held in June 2024 but also fortifies Interceramic's capital structure, positioning it for sustained growth and market leadership. The refinancing transactions include i) a USD 320 million 4(a)(2) Private Placement ii)a USD 183 million equivalent Dual-Currency Senior Secured Term Loan and Revolver; and iii) a USD 135 million Subordinated Debt facility. ArtCap Strategies played the role of Global Coordinator, Administrative and Paying Agent in the transaction. Prudential Investment Management Services LLC acted as arranger on the private placement, and subordinated debt facility, and BBVA, Bladex, BNP Paribas, HSBC, and Scotiabank acted as Joint Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners on the senior secured term loan. Caria Capital acted as Advisor to the Company. The transactions were supported by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Holland and Knight LLP; Mayer Brown LLP; Rimon, P.C.; Mijares, Angoitia, Cortes y Fuentes SC; Galicia Abogados S.C.; Creel, Garcia-Cuellar, Aiza y Enriquez, S.C.; Fernandez, Garcia Naranjo, Boker y Garibay, S.C., Natera Consultores, S.C. and Alvarez Alcala S.C.; Mesta,S.C. and Mark Mendel as legal General Counsel. This refinancing initiative underscores Interceramic's resilience, financial discipline, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence. The overwhelming support from global investors is a testament to the company's strong fundamentals and successful growth trajectory. Victor Almeida, CEO of Interceramic, remarked: "This take-out financing is a defining moment for Interceramic. It reflects the trust and confidence that investors have in our company and our vision. With this new capital structure, we are more empowered than ever to drive innovation, expand our market reach, and solidify our leadership in the industry." About Interceramic: Interceramic is the industry leader in the manufacturing of innovative ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as one of the top distributors of kitchen and bath products in Mexico. Since its inception 45 years ago, the company has strived to design and create groundbreaking products while maintaining unmatched quality and production standards. As one of the leading manufacturers in the Americas, Interceramic have established 10 manufacturing facilities with production capacity over 450 million square feet annually, with a network of 445 stores in Mexico, Guatemala and El Paso, Texas, Interceramic maintains nearly 5,500 full time positions. Contact Information SOURCE: INTERNACIONAL DE CERAMICA, S.A.P.I. DE C.V. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2025) - Tenet Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTCQB: PKKFF) ("Tenet" or the "Company"), an innovative analytics service provider, owner and operator of the Cubeler Business Hub, today announced that it intends to conduct a private placement financing by selling up to 60,000,000 units with each unit priced at $0.05 for gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000 (the "Offering"). Tenet intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to develop more macroeconomic data indexes for the Company's recently launched ie-Pulse platform, to prepare the expansion of the Cubeler Business Hub to the U.S. and for general working capital purposes. Each unit (a "Unit") of the Offering will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.15 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance thereof (the "Expiry Date"). After a period of 6 months from the date of their issuance, if at any time the price of the Common Shares closes at or above $0.30 for 10 consecutive trading days, the Expiry Date of the Warrants will be reduced to thirty 30 days (the "Accelerated Expiry Date"). Any Warrants remaining unexercised after the Accelerated Expiry Date will be cancelled. Certain qualified individuals and registered investment dealers ("Finders") may assist the Company with respect to the Offering by introducing potential subscribers to the Company, and in connection therewith, may receive from the Company, if agreed upon between the Company and the applicable Finders and subject to compliance with securities laws, a cash finder's fee equal to 8% of the gross proceeds raised and a number of finder's warrants ("Finder's Warrants") equal to 8% of the number of Units placed. Each Finder's Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to subscribe for one Common Share at a price of $0.20 during the 36 months following their issuance, subject to the Accelerated Expiry Date conditions. The Units will be eligible for RRSP, RESP, RRIF, TFSA and DPSP accounts within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada), subject to certain qualifications, and will be offered and sold by private placement in Canada to "accredited investors" within the meaning of NI 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions and under the applicable securities laws. The securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions, including compliance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Disclosure on Recent Debt Settlement Transactions Tenet is issuing today's news release to also provide disclosure on a series of transactions whereby the Company issued securities to PBT Financial Ltd. ("PBT") in 2024 to settle debt related to the development and commercialization of the Company's ie-Pulse platform. The Company had been working with PBT for several months, incurring a significant debt that Tenet had originally planned to settle in cash. The parties later came to an agreement to settle the debt in common shares, and on July 22, 2024, Tenet issued 14M common shares to PBT at a deemed price of $0.05 per share, and on August 12, 2024, Tenet issued 4M common shares at a deemed price of $0.10 per shares as the final settlement amount owed to PBT. Tenet had been using the issuance of common shares for services measure to alleviate the strain on the Company's cash flow as it continued to work towards the launch of the ie-Pulse offering. While the practice is permitted as per the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"), it must be accompanied by the filing of a "Notice of Issuance of Securities" and the dissemination of a news release. On July 18, 2024, Tenet was notified by the CSE that the Company misunderstood the terms of an approval obtained to amend the terms of previously issued securities. So, in order to avoid any future misunderstanding, the CSE imposed the condition on the Company that any financing activity involving the issuance or potential issuance of listed shares receives pre-approval of the CSE. However, on January 2, 2025, the Company issued 678,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.10 per share to strategic advisory firm Think 3 Inc. and on January 3, 2025 the Company issued 500,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.05 per share to capital market consultant Usman Malik to pay for advisory and consulting services without first obtaining the CSE's approval, which was in breach of the condition agreed to between Tenet and the CSE. Tenet believes that this was an oversight and has since filed the requisite Notice of Issuance of Securities under the Company's profile on the CSE portal. The Company also recently obtained the CSE's approval to issue 912,968 common shares at deemed prices per share ranging from $0.05 to $0.10 to settle $56,500 worth of debt to strategic advisor Altitude Capital Consultants Inc., for which a Notice of Issuance of Securities was filed under Tenet's profile along with this news release. Filing of Material Change Report Related to Credit Facility Finally, Tenet also announced that it has filed a material change report related to the credit facility of up to $5,000,000 announced by the Company on July 22, 2024. The material change report was filed at the request of OSC staff in connection with an OSC staff review. About Tenet Fintech Group Inc.: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies. All references to Tenet in this news release, unless explicitly specified, include Tenet and all its subsidiaries. Tenet's subsidiaries offer various analytics and AI-based products and services to businesses, capital markets professionals, government agencies and financial institutions either through or leveraging data gathered by the Cubeler Business Hub, a global ecosystem where analytics and AI are used to create opportunities and facilitate B2B transactions among its members. Please visit our website at: https://www.tenetfintech.com/. Forward-looking information Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tenet to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, holding company with significant operations in China; general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting the Company's business in China such as pandemics and COVID-19; legislative and/or regulatory developments; Global Financial conditions, repatriation of profits or transfer of funds from China to Canada, operations in foreign jurisdictions and possible exposure to corruption, bribery or civil unrest; actions by regulators; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; timing and completion of capital programs; liquidity and capital resources, negative operating cash flow and additional funding, dilution from further financing; financial performance and timing of capital; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by Tenet with securities regulators in Canada. Reference should also be made to Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in Tenet's annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available via the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) under Tenet's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, for a description of major risk factors relating to Tenet. Although Tenet has attempted to identify certain factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. ***** NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES ***** To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243654 SOURCE: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie. Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht. In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders von der Energiewende in den USA profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! Regulatory News: Sensorion (FR0012596468 ALSEN), a pioneering clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of novel therapies to restore, treat and prevent hearing loss disorders, today announced the enrollment of the last patient in its NOTOXIS Proof of Concept (POC) Phase 2a clinical trial of SENS-401 for the prevention of Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity (CIO). The NOTOXIS trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05628233) evaluates the efficacy of SENS-401 in preventing CIO in adult patients with neoplastic disease, four weeks after completion of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Eighty patients have been screened for a total of forty-seven patients randomized (twenty-four in the SENS-401 group and twenty-four in the control group) in this multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label Phase 2a trial. Subjects randomized to the SENS-401 received 43.5 mg of the agent orally, twice daily, for up to 23 weeks including 1 week prior to the initiation of the cisplatin treatment, during the whole duration of the chemotherapy treatment (estimated to last up to 18 weeks) and 4 weeks after stopping chemotherapy. The subjects on the control arm not only served as a comparator but also as a method of assessing time and dose of onset of ototoxicity after cisplatin administration. The primary endpoint of the trial, measured 4-weeks after the last cisplatin dose, is change of pure tone audiometry (PTA) (dB) throughout the study compared with the measurement before cisplatin treatment. Secondary endpoints include safety, change from baseline in speech discrimination (noise versus quiet), and in the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) scale. Preliminary results (16 patients) presented at the World Congress of Audiology, in Paris, in September 2024, suggested SENS-401's potential to achieve an otoprotective effect at cisplatin doses of >300 mg/m. In addition, the Company reported a favorable safety profile from this preliminary analysis of the trial. Sensorion is on track to report topline results of the Phase 2a NOTOXIS study end of H2 2025. Geraldine Honnet, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Sensorion, said: "Today's announcement marks a key development milestone for SENS-401, our small molecule therapeutic candidate that has potential to mitigate the irreversible and permanent hearing loss frequently seen in adults following cisplatin-based chemotherapies without interfering with cisplatin efficacy. I would like to thank the patients and physicians involved in the trial for their trust and commitment. The preliminary results are encouraging, and I look forward to assessing the full data of all patients treated in NOTOXIS and communicating the topline results of this trial by end of 2025." Cisplatin and other platinum-based compounds are essential chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of many cancers. A serious side effect of these therapies is ototoxicity, permanent and irreversible hearing loss, which occurs in 40 to 60%1 of adult and pediatric patients treated. This indication represents a significant unmet medical need for patients and constitutes a potential large global market. About SENS-401 SENS-401 (Arazasetron), Sensorion's clinical stage drug candidate, is an orally available small molecule that aims to protect and preserve inner ear tissue from damage responsible of progressive or sequelae hearing impairment. Sensorion currently develops SENS-401 in a Phase 2 clinical trial for the prevention of Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity and has completed a Phase 2a study to prevent residual hearing loss in patients scheduled for cochlear implantation. SENS-401 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the EMA in Europe for the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and by the FDA in the U.S. for the prevention of platinum-induced ototoxicity in pediatric population. About Sensorion Sensorion is a pioneering clinical-stage biotech company, which specializes in the development of novel therapies to restore, treat, and prevent hearing loss disorders, a significant global unmet medical need. Sensorion has built a unique R&D technology platform to expand its understanding of the pathophysiology and etiology of inner ear related diseases, enabling it to select the best targets and mechanisms of action for drug candidates. It has two gene therapy programs aimed at correcting hereditary monogenic forms of deafness, developed in the framework of its broad strategic collaboration focused on the genetics of hearing with the Institut Pasteur. SENS-501 (OTOF-GT) currently being developed in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, targets deafness caused by mutations of the gene encoding for otoferlin and GJB2-GT targets hearing loss related to mutations in GJB2 gene to potentially address important hearing loss segments in adults and children. The Company is also working on the identification of biomarkers to improve diagnosis of these underserved illnesses. Sensorion's portfolio also comprises programs of a clinical-stage small molecule, SENS-401 (Arazasetron), for the treatment and prevention of hearing loss disorders. Sensorion's small molecule progresses in a Phase 2 proof of concept clinical study of SENS-401 in Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity (CIO) for the preservation of residual hearing, and. Sensorion, with partner Cochlear Limited, has completed in 2024 a Phase 2a study of SENS-401 for the residual hearing preservation in patients scheduled for cochlear implantation. A Phase 2 study of SENS-401 was also completed in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) in January 2022. www.sensorion.com Label: SENSORION ISIN: FR0012596468 Mnemonic: ALSEN Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Sensorion and its business. Such forward looking statements are based on assumptions that Sensorion considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will be verified, which statements are subject to numerous risks, including the risks set forth in the 2023 full year report published on March 14, 2024, and available on our website and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Sensorion operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Sensorion or not currently considered material by Sensorion. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Sensorion to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information that it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, Sensorion shares in any country. The communication of this press release in certain countries may constitute a violation of local laws and regulations. Any recipient of this press release must inform oneself of any such local restrictions and comply therewith. 1 JCO Oncology practice, ASCO, volume 19, Issue 5/ CIO: a concise review of the burden, prevention and interception strategies, May 2024 Chattaraj. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250306207716/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations Noemie Djokovic, Investor Relations and Communication Associate ir.contact@sensorion-pharma.com Press Relations Ulysse Communication Bruno Arabian 00 33(0)6 87 88 47 26 barabian@ulysse-communication.com Nicolas Entz 00 33 (0)6 33 67 31 54 nentz@ulysse-communication.com Innovative products like wipes, washes, and lotions comprised of skin- and eco-friendly substances are likely to be introduced to the market. Product customization according to particular skin types or needs is also anticipated to rise. WILMINGTON, Del., March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Feminine Intimate Care Market by Product (Intimate Wipes, Intimate Lubricants, Cleansing Liquid, Intimate Wash Gel, Moisturizer, Oils, Others), by Distribution Channel (Online Stores, Offline Sales): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034". According to the report, the global feminine intimate care market size was valued at $7.8 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach $14 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2034. Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A291929 Prime determinants of growth Growing disposable incomes, knowledge of personal cleanliness, and the desire for organic and natural products are the main factors propelling the market for feminine intimate care. Women's adoption of improved hygienic habits and the move toward preventative healthcare also contribute to the market's expansion. The market is also expanding due to the rise in women's health concerns and the increase in use of online retail channels for product availability. Products that are pH-balanced, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested are examples of innovative product formulations which attract customers. Additionally, the increasing number of women looking for specialized products for varied purposes and the global acceptance of intimate care products fortify the market's demand across several areas. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2025-2034 Base Year 2024 Market Size in 2024 $7.8 billion Market Size in 2034 $14.0 billion CAGR 6.1 % No. of Pages in Report 250 Segments Covered Product and Distribution Channel Drivers Growth in intimate care wipes & on-the-go solutions Rise in product innovation and natural ingredient-based formulations Increase in awareness of feminine hygiene and health Opportunity Retail expansion in pharmacies & wellness stores Restraints High cost of premium and organic products Risk of allergic reactions and side effects Stringent regulatory requirements and compliance issues Buy This Research Report (250 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/3314e19debe267abb5669bf06d134fe7 The cleansing liquid segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By product, the cleansing liquid segment held the highest market share in 2024, accounting for nearly half of the feminine intimate care market share and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. The feminine intimate care market for cleansing liquids is driven by rising awareness of personal hygiene, product innovations, and natural ingredient preferences. Key players focus on pH-balanced, dermatologically tested, and fragrance-free formulations. The oils segment, however, showcases the fastest CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period. The feminine intimate care market for oils is expanding due to rising awareness of personal hygiene, natural ingredients, and pH-balanced formulations. Key players focus on organic, soothing, and dermatologically tested products. The offline sales segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By distribution channel, the offline sales segment held the highest market share in 2024, accounting for two-thirds of the feminine intimate care market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. The offline sales distribution channel in the feminine intimate care market includes supermarkets, pharmacies, specialty stores, and beauty retailers, offering consumers direct product access, personalized recommendations, and enhanced brand visibility. The online stores segment, however, showcases the fastest CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period. The feminine intimate care market is witnessing growth through online stores as a key distribution channel, driven by convenience, discreet purchasing, product variety, subscription models, and increasing consumer awareness of intimate hygiene. North America to maintain its dominance by 2035 Based on the region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2024 and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. The North America feminine intimate care market is growing due to rising awareness, product innovation, and demand for organic solutions. Key segments include washes, wipes, moisturizers, and sprays, driven by health-conscious consumers. On the other hand, LAMEA region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.9% from 2025-2034. The feminine intimate care market in LAMEA is expanding due to rising awareness, product innovations, and increasing demand for organic and pH-balanced products, with Brazil, UAE, and South Africa driving growth. Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A291929 Leading Market Players: - Bayer AG Corman S.p.A Kimberley-Clark Corporation Lil-Lets Namyaa Care R G Biocosmetic Private Limited Prestige Consumer Healthcare (Summer's Eve) Procter and Gamble Sanofi The Honey Pot Company Vagisil (Combe Incorporated) The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the feminine intimate care market. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Explore AMR's Extensive ongoing Coverage on Consumer and Goods Domain: Organic Feminine Care Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/organic-feminine-care-market-A07066 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/organic-feminine-care-market-A07066 Feminine Intimate Wash Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-intimate-wash-market-A279390 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-intimate-wash-market-A279390 Feminine Period Care Products Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-period-care-products-market-A299243 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-period-care-products-market-A299243 Organic feminine care Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/organic-feminine-care-market-A07066 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/organic-feminine-care-market-A07066 Feminine Care Products Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-care-products-market-A317636 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-care-products-market-A317636 Intimate Wash Care Products Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/intimate-wash-care-products-market-A203255 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/intimate-wash-care-products-market-A203255 Feminine Care Sanitary Napkin Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-care-sanitary-napkin-market-A291938 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-care-sanitary-napkin-market-A291938 Mexico Organic feminine care Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/mexico-organic-feminine-care-market-A100932 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/mexico-organic-feminine-care-market-A100932 Intimate Wear Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018-2025 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/intimate-wear-market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/intimate-wear-market Feminine Wipes Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-wipes-market-A15084 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-wipes-market-A15084 Feminine Hygiene Products Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-hygiene-market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-hygiene-market Feminine Protection Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-protection-market-A291924 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-protection-market-A291924 Feminine Hygiene Wipe Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-hygiene-wipe-market-A122201 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-hygiene-wipe-market-A122201 Feminine Hygiene and Care Products Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/feminine-hygiene-and-care-products-market-A206773 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/consumer-goods/home-products-market-report Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/feminine-intimate-care-market-to-reach-14-billion-globally-by-2034-at-6-1-cagr-allied-market-research-302395438.html Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. (President: Hironori Ando) is pleased to announce that a collaborative work designed and produced by Mr. Kunihiko Morinaga of the Japanese fashion brand "ANREALAGE," using fabric printed with our inkjet textile printer "FOREARTH," was presented at Paris Fashion Week 2025 AW. At ANREALAGE's show held on March 5, 2025 at the American Cathedral, 24 outfits were presented, out of which 20 were printed with FOREARTH fabrics. The mesmerizing music of French electronic duo and former Daft Punk member Thomas Bangalter, combined with Morinaga's innovative collection of prints and lights, was a huge hit. Mr. Morinaga's creations transformed the space, seamlessly blending fashion, art, and historic architecture into an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250306667007/en/ ANREALAGE and FOREARTH Collaborate for the third time at Paris Fashion Week 2025 AW (Photo: Business Wire) Textured fabrics, such as jacquard, were used in this collaboration, with FOREARTH's printing technology highly praised for its ability to manage the fabric's uneven surface while ensuring vibrant color reproduction. Enhancing this innovation, FOREARTH's water-independent, location-free printing enables equipment to be installed near design and production sites, allowing for greater flexibility in creative workflows with minimal lead time. Comment from Kunihiko Morinaga The collaboration between ANREALAGE and Kyocera has now entered its third phase, and for this collection, we explored a new form of expression under the theme of "SCREEN," where garments themselves become mediums that project light. Leveraging FOREARTH's eight-color ink printing technology, we achieved vibrant color expression that goes beyond the limitations of conventional CMYK four-color printing, successfully capturing the brilliance of RGB (Red/Green/Blue) the three primary colors of light. This enabled us to create visual effects that give the impression of illumination without compromising the integrity of the fabric. Additionally, the pigment ink adhered seamlessly to textured materials such as jacquard and velvet, preserving their natural feel while expanding the possibilities of textile expression. In this collection, we challenged the idea of projecting multiple designs onto black screen-textile garments printed by FOREARTH, allowing a single piece to embody diverse visual expressions. By breaking free from static design constraints and redefining fashion as a more dynamic and fluid medium, our vision aligned deeply with FOREARTH's concept of "Creative Free." Through these three collaborations, I have come to realize even more strongly the potential of advanced printing technology to expand the boundaries of fashion expression. For more information, please click here. https://www.kyoceradocumentsolutions.com/en/news/rls_2025/rls_20250307.html View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250306667007/en/ Contacts: Koichi Morita koichi.morita@dc.kyocera.com DALIAN, China, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 3, local time, the Chery TIGGO family celebrated a historic milestone as TIGGO 4 marked the export of its one-millionth unit at Dalian Port, China. The event was attended by government officials, executives from Chery, global partners, and media, all gathering to witness this remarkable achievement. As a flagship model, TIGGO 4 has won over young consumers in over 70 countries, setting a new benchmark for A0-class SUVs with its advanced technology and precise market positioning. During the celebration, Chery's leadership emphasized its "technology-first" strategy, committing to deliver high-quality vehicles through world-class R&D, manufacturing, and service systems. Since its international debut in 2018, TIGGO 4 has distinguished itself with three core strengths: robust safety, stylish crossover design, and superior user experience. Built to meet stringent five-star safety standards, the vehicle boasts an integrated cage body structure and seven airbags, ensuring top-tier safety. The international design team has crafted a muscular exterior and a minimalist, wrap-around cockpit, complemented by a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat for enhanced comfort. Tailored adaptations for different markets, such as improved off-road capabilities and durability for the South American version, and climate-specific optimizations for the Southeast Asian version, underscore the model's strong market adaptability. TIGGO 4's excellence has driven sales and earned international acclaim. On February 24, TIGGO 4 PRO received a five-star safety rating from ANCAP and was named "Car of the Year 2024" by the renowned automotive media outlet DRIVE. By 2025, the TIGGO 4 series is set to expand its global footprint further, entering the European market and marking a new chapter in the heart of the global automotive market. In fact, TIGGO 4 reaching the milestone of 1 million units exported is just a microcosm and a shining example of Chery's successful overseas expansion. Chery has consistently embraced the globalization philosophy of "In somewhere, for somewhere," achieving million-unit sales milestones with models like TIGGO 2, TIGGO 7, and TIGGO 8 through localized production and adaptation. With the millionth TIGGO 4, the Chery TIGGO family now boasts a formidable lineup of four million-unit export models. Moving forward, Chery will continue to push the boundaries of technological innovation, enhancing the TIGGO family's offerings to provide users with safer and more enjoyable driving experiences, shining even brighter on the global stage. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636471/Tiggo4.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636473/20250307_132417.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tiggo-4-celebrates-1-million-exports-marking-a-new-leap-in-global-expansion-302395459.html Regulatory News: This press release is not being made in and copies of It may not be distributed or sent, directly or indirectly, into the United States, Canada, South Africa, Japan or Australia GenSight Biologics (Euronext: SIGHT, ISIN: FR0013183985, PEA-PME eligible) (the "Company"), a biopharma Company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders, announced today a new round of financing reserved to specialized investors and funded by the issuance of new shares with warrants attached, for a total gross amount of approximately 0.9 million (excluding the future net proceeds related to the exercise of the warrants) (the "Reserved Offering"). The subscription price for one ABSA is 0.2248 (the "Offering Price "This round of bridge financing, the third since the November submission of our dossier to ANSM to resume compassionate access (AAC) program in France, underscores the unwavering confidence of our long-standing investors in our innovative gene therapy program. Notwithstanding the extended time required to re-start the AAC, we remain steadfast in our mission." commented Jan Eryk Umiastowski, CFO of GenSight Biologics. "The support we have received, particularly the renewed commitment from our key stakeholders Bpifrance, Invus and Sofinnova, demonstrates the market's recognition of our potential. With the anticipated research tax credit and our projected cash runway post-AAC resumption, we are positioned to advance our critical therapeutic research and to progress on providing access to LUMEVOQ for patients. Business update The Company released its estimated annual results for 2024 on February 27, 2025, together with a business update1. Such estimated annual results for 2024 show, in particular, that (i) operating income decreased by 11.4% to 2.6 million in FY 2024, (ii) net loss was 14.0 million in FY 2024 compared to a loss of 26.2 million in FY 2023 and (iii) cash and cash equivalentstotaled 2.5 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to 2.1 million as of December 31, 2023. Since its last financial communication on February 27, 2025, the Company submitted to the French medicines safety agency (ANSM Agence Nationale de Securite des Medicaments et produits de sante) on March 5, 2025, its responses to the follow-up questions on the compassionate access dossier for LUMEVOQ, which were received on February 17, 2025. The Company expects to obtain the resumption of the French Compassionate Access Program (AAC) for LUMEVOQin April 2025. Use of Proceeds The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Reserved Offering to finance only its general corporate needs in connection with the delay the Company has experienced in the resumption of the early access program, now expected in April 2025. Working Capital Statement To date, without taking into account the net proceeds of the Reserved Offering, the Company does not have sufficient net working capital to meet its obligations over the next twelve months but only until early April 2025, with the approximately 1.1 million Research Tax Credit (CIR) expected to be collected in March. As of February 28, 2025, the Company's available cash and cash equivalents amounted to 0.7million. Before completion of the Reserved Offering and without taking into account the potential indemnities generated by the resumption of AAC, the Company estimates that (i) its net cash requirement for the next twelve months is approximately 36 million, and (ii) it will need to raise approximately 0.5 million to supplement its working capital requirements and fund its operating expenses until the first payments connected to the potential resumption of the early access in France (AAC), which is expected in April 2025. Taking into account the expected net proceeds of the Reserved Offering for 0.9 million and the collection of approximately 1.1 million Research Tax Credit (CIR), the Company does not have sufficient net working capital to meet its obligations over the next 12 months but only until early May 2025, when the first payments from the potentially resumed AAC program are expected. With the potential indemnities generated by the resumption of AAC and the net proceeds of the Reserved Offering, the Company anticipates that it would have sufficient net working capital to meet its obligations over the next 12 months. In November 2026, the Company will have to pay the annual rebates on the 2025 AAC program which will amount to around 40% of the AAC indemnities generated over the year. Consequently, the Company will need to seek other sources of debt or equity financing or realize partnering or M&A opportunities, in order to supplement its working capital requirements and fund its operating expenses before the second half of 2026. Even though the Company believes in its ability to achieve its manufacturing objectives, to raise additional funds or to realize partnership or M&A opportunities, no assurance can be given at this time as to whether the Company will be able to achieve these objectives or to obtain funds at attractive terms and conditions. Terms of the Reserved Offering The Reserved Offering, for a total of 860,839 (share issue premium included), was carried out through the issuance of 3,829,355 ABSA (as defined below) via a capital increase without shareholders' preferential subscription rights reserved to a category of persons satisfying predefined characteristics2, pursuant to Article L. 225-138 of the French Commercial Code and in accordance with the 23rd resolution of the Company's combined general shareholders' meeting held on May 29, 2024 (the "General meeting"), through the issuance of new shares at a per value of 0.025 (the "New Shares"), to which are attached one warrant for one new share (the "Warrants" and together with the New Shares, the "ABSA" and the new shares of the Company resulting from the exercise of the Warrants, the "Warrants Shares Among Eligible Investors, the Reserved Offering was opened exclusively (i) in the European Union (including France) to "qualified investors" within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017, as amended (the "Prospectus Regulation") and (ii) outside the European Union to certain institutional and qualified investors on a private placement basis. The ABSA will be issued and the price per ABSA determined by the decision of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company dated March 6, 2025, pursuant to and within the limits of the sub-delegation of authority granted by the Company's Board of Directors held on February 26, 2025 and in accordance with the 23rd and 29th resolutions of the General Meeting, it being specified that, in accordance with Article L. 225-38 of the French Commercial Code and in application of the provisions of the Board of Directors' internal rules relating to conflicts of interest, Sofinnova Partners took no part in the deliberations nor in the vote relating to this decision. The Offering Price is 0.2248, equal the volume-weighted average price of the Company's shares on Euronext Paris during the last five trading sessions preceding its setting (i.e., February 28, March 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2025) (the "Reference Price") plus a premium of 0.6%. Taking into account the estimated theoretical value of 100% of a Warrant (i.e., 0.0417, the value of which was obtained using the Black Scholes method with a volatility of 31%), this would represent a discount of 18.04% compared with the Reference Price, in accordance with the 23rd resolution of the General Meeting. Upon settlement of the Reserved Offering, the Warrants will be exercisable from December 31, 2025 until November 6, 2029. In no event, the Warrants will be exercisable before December 31, 2025. The exercise of a Warrant will give the right to subscribe to one (1) Warrant Share (the "Exercise Ratio"), it being specified that this Exercise Ratio may be adjusted following any transactions carried out by the Company on its share capital or reserves, as from the issuance date of the Warrants, in order to maintain the rights of the Warrants' holders. The exercise price of the Warrants will be equal to 0.2248, i.e., a premium of 0.6% to the Reference Price, payable at the time of exercise of the Warrants. Admission to Trading of the New Shares Settlement delivery of the Reserved Offering and the admission of the New Shares for trading on the regulated market of Euronext Paris are expected on March 12, 2025. The New Shares will be immediately fungible with the existing shares of the Company and will be traded on the same listing line under the ISIN Code FR0013183985. Application will be made for the Warrants to be admitted to Euroclear France. The Warrants will be detached from New Shares, and no application will be made for their admission on Euronext Paris. The Warrants Shares will be subject to periodic application for admission to trading until three business days following the Exercise Period, i.e., November 9, 2029 at the latest. Impact of the Reserved Offering on the share capital Following the settlement and delivery of the Reserved Offering, expected to occur on March 12, 2025, the Company's total share capital will be equal to 3,215,095 divided into 128,603,800 shares. For illustration purposes, the impact of the issuance of the New Shares and the Warrant Shares on the ownership of a shareholder holding 1% of the Company's share capital prior to the Reserved Offering and not subscribing to it, is as follows: Ownership interest (in %) On a non-diluted basis On a diluted basis(1) Prior to the issue of 3,829,355 New Shares 1.00% 0.64% Following the issue of 3,829,355 New Shares 0.97% 0.62% Following the issue of 3,829,355 New Shares and 3,829,355 Warrants Shares from the exercise of all the Warrants 0.94% 0.62% (1) The calculations are based on the assumption of the exercise of all the share warrants, founders share warrants, free shares and stock options outstanding at the date hereof, giving access to a maximum of 73,202,953 shares Impact of the Reserved Offering on Shareholders' Equity For illustration purposes, the impact of the issuance of the New Shares and the Warrant Shares on the Company's equity per share (calculation made on the basis of the Company's shareholders' equity at December 31, 2024) is as follows: Share of equity per share (in euros) On a non-diluted basis On a diluted basis(1) Prior to the issue of 3,829,355 New Shares -0.22 0.02 Following the issue of 3,829,355 New Shares -0.20 0.02 Following the issue of 3,829,355 New Shares and 3,829,355 Warrants Shares from the exercise of all the Warrants -0.19 0.02 (1) The calculations are based on the assumption of the exercise of all the share warrants, founders share warrants, free shares and stock options outstanding at the date hereof, giving access to a maximum of 73,202,953 shares Evolution of the Shareholding Structure following the Reserved Offering To the Company's knowledge, the breakdown in share ownership before and after the Reserved Offering is as follows: The shareholding structure of the Company before the Reserved Offering: Shareholders Shareholders (non-diluted) Shareholders (diluted) Number of shares and voting rights % of share capital and voting rights Number of shares and voting rights % of share capital and voting rights 5% Shareholders Sofinnova 29,023,594 23.26% 39,562,461 20.38% Invus 10,749,774 8.62% 21,730,085 11.19% UPMC 10,158,364 8.14% 12,487,477 6.43% ARMISTICE 2,647,122 2.12% 8,976,235 4.62% Heights 10,484,910 8.40% 47,177,226 24.30% Bpifrance 1,209,191 0.97% 1,209,191 0.62% Goldman Sachs Group, Inc 6,360,453 5.10% 6,360,453 3.28% Directors and Officers 167,002 0.13% 2,392,002 1.23% Employees 80,000 0.06% 548,000 0.28% Other shareholders (total) 53,894,035 43.20% 53,704,913 27.66% Total 124,774,445 100.00% 194,148,043 100.00% The shareholding structure of the Company following the settlement of the Reserved Offering: Shareholders Shareholders (non-diluted) Shareholders (diluted) Number of shares and voting rights % of share capital and voting rights Number of shares and voting rights % of share capital and voting rights 5% Shareholders Sofinnova 29,913,274 23.26% 41,341,821 20.49% Invus 12,799,774 9.95% 25,830,085 12.80% UPMC 10,158,364 7.90% 12,487,477 6.19% ARMISTICE 2,647,122 2.06% 8,976,235 4.45% Heights 10,484,910 8.15% 47,177,226 23.38% Bpifrance 2,098,866 1.63% 2,988,541 1.48% Goldman Sachs Group, Inc 6,360,453 4.95% 6,360,453 3.15% Directors and Officers 167,002 0.13% 2,392,002 1.18% Employees 80,000 0.06% 548,000 0.27% Other shareholders (total) 53,894,035 41.91% 53,704,913 26.61% Total 128,603,800 100.00% 201,806,753 100.00% The shareholding structure of the Company following the settlement of the Reserved Offering and the exercise of all the Warrants: Shareholders Shareholders (non-diluted) Shareholders (diluted) Number of shares and voting rights % of share capital and voting rights Number of shares and voting rights % of share capital and voting rights 5% Shareholders Sofinnova 30,802,954 23.26% 41,341,821 20.49% Invus 14,849,774 11.21% 25,830,085 12.80% UPMC 10,158,364 7.67% 12,487,477 6.19% ARMISTICE 2,647,122 2.00% 8,976,235 4.45% Heights 10,484,910 7.92% 47,177,226 23.38% Bpifrance 2,988,541 2.26% 2,988,541 1.48% Goldman Sachs Group, Inc 6,360,453 4.80% 6,360,453 3.15% Directors and Officers 167,002 0.12% 2,392,002 1.18% Employees 80,000 0.06% 548,000 0.27% Other shareholders (total) 53,894,035 40.70% 53,704,913 26.61% Total 132,433,155 100.00% 201,806,753 100,00% Sofinnova Partners, represented on the Company's Board of Directors and holding 23.26% of the share capital of the Company before the Reserved Offering, subscribes for 889,680 ABSA of the Company and will hold, after the completion of the Reserved Offering (excluding the exercise of the Warrants), 23.26% of the Company's share capital. After the exercise of all its Warrants, Sofinnova Partners will hold 23.26% of the Company's share capital. Invus holding 8.62% of the share capital of the Company before the Reserved Offering, subscribes for 2,050,000 ABSA of the Company and will hold, after the completion of the Reserved Offering (excluding the exercise of the Warrants), 9.95% of the Company's share capital. After the exercise of all its Warrants, Invus will hold 11.21% of the Company's share capital. Fonds Biotherapies Innovantes et Maladies Rares, managed by Bpifrance, holding 0.97% of the share capital of the Company before the Reserved Offering, subscribes for 889,675 ABSA of the Company and will hold, after the completion of the Reserved Offering (excluding the exercise of the Warrants), 1.63% of the Company's share capital. After the exercise of all its Warrants, Fonds Biotherapies Innovantes et Maladies Rares will hold 2.26% of the Company's share capital. No Prospectus The Reserved Offering is not subject to a prospectus requiring an approval from the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers, the "AMF") in accordance with Articles 1(4)(a) and 1(5)(a) and (b) of the Prospectus Regulation. Information available to the public and risk factors Detailed information regarding the Company, including its business, financial information, results, perspectives and related risk factors, is contained in the Company's 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on April 17, 2024, under number D. 24-299 (the "2023 Universal Registration Document"), as amended by an amendment to the 2023 Universal Registration Document, which was filed with the AMF on May 7, 2024 (the "Amendment to the 2023 Universal Registration Document"). These documents, as well as other regulated information (including the half-year financial report of the Company for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024) and all of the Company's press releases (including the estimated full-year 2024 consolidated financial results press release), are available free of charge on the Company's website (www.gensight-biologics.com). Attention is drawn to the risk factors related to the Company and its activities, presented in chapter 3 of its 2023 Universal Registration Document and in chapter 2 of the Amendment to the 2023 Universal Registration Document. About GenSight Biologics GenSight Biologics S.A. is a clinical-stage biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders. GenSight Biologics' pipeline leverages two core technology platforms, the Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence (MTS) and optogenetics, to help preserve or restore vision in patients suffering from blinding retinal diseases. GenSight Biologics' lead product candidate, LUMEVOQ (GS010; lenadogene nolparvovec), is an investigational compound and has not been registered in any country at this stage, developed for the treatment of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare mitochondrial disease affecting primarily teens and young adults that leads to irreversible blindness. Using its gene therapy-based approach, GenSight Biologics' product candidates are designed to be administered in a single treatment to each eye by intravitreal injection to offer patients a sustainable functional visual recovery. Disclaimer The distribution of this press release may be restricted by certain local laws. Recipients of this press release are required to inform themselves of any such restrictions and, if applicable, to observe them. This press release does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for securities in France. This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation. Any decision to purchase securities must be made solely on the basis of publicly available information on the Company. In France, the Reserved Offering described above will be carried out exclusively within the framework of offering reserved in favor of a categories of beneficiaries as referred to in the 23rd resolution of the General Meeting. In respect of Member States of the European Economic Area (the "Member States"), no action has been or will be taken to permit a public offering of the securities requiring the publication of a prospectus in any of these Member States. Consequently, the securities can and will only be offered in any of the Member State (including France), to qualified investors as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation. This document and the information contained herein do not constitute either an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, securities of the Company in any jurisdiction. No communication and no information in respect of the offering by the Company of its securities may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction where registration or approval is required. No steps have been taken or will be taken in any jurisdiction where such steps would be required. The offering or subscription of securities may be subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. This announcement does not, and shall not, in any circumstances, constitute a public offering nor an invitation to the public in connection with any offer. The distribution of this document may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. Not for release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, South Africa, Japan or Australia. This document (and the information contained herein) does not contain or constitute an offer of securities for sale, or solicitation of an offer to purchase securities, in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Japan or Australia or any other jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would be unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, or under the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with the securities laws of any state or any other jurisdiction of the United States. No public offering of the securities will be made in the United States. 1 https://www.gensight-biologics.com/2025/02/27/gensight-biologics-reports-estimated-full-year-2024-consolidated-financial-results/ 2 (i) Natural or legal persons (including companies), investment companies, trusts, investment funds or other investment vehicles in whatever form, whether under French or foreign law, investing on a regular basis in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, ophthalmological, neurodegenerative diseases or medical technologies sectors; and/or (ii) French or foreign companies, institutions or entities, whatever their form, exercising a significant part of their activity in these fields (such investors, being "Eligible Investors View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250306462494/en/ Contacts: GenSight Biologics Chief Financial Officer Jan Eryk Umiastowski jeumiastowski@gensight-biologics.com LifeSci Advisors Investor Relations Guillaume van Renterghem gvanrenterghem@lifesciadvisors.com +41 (0)76 735 01 31 BARCELONA, Spain, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Queclink reinforced its role as an IoT leader at MWC Barcelona 2025, unveiling cutting-edge solutions for smart cities and industrial automation. An exclusive pre-MWC workshop brought industry experts together to explore how Queclink's innovations in connectivity, sustainability, and safety are shaping the future. A key highlight was the teaser of Queclink's upcoming V16 smart emergency light, a connected device designed to enhance road safety. Already in select pilot projects, the V16 integrates IoT connectivity for real-time vehicle distress alerts, aligning with Spain's 2026 mandate for connected emergency beacons. While not yet officially launched, its MWC showcase demonstrated its potential to transform roadside assistance and traffic safety. Queclink also introduced its long-standby solar-powered asset tracking solutions, designed for sustainability with up to a decade of maintenance-free operation. As Spain accelerates its smart city initiatives, these innovations support optimized energy use, emissions reduction, and real-time urban monitoring. Another major unveiling was the WR310, a 5G industrial router engineered for high-speed, low-latency communication in manufacturing, automation, and smart grid applications. With 5G SA/NSA technology, Wi-Fi 6, dual SIM functionality, and extensive industrial interfaces, the WR310 bridges the gap between legacy systems and next-generation connectivity, enabling seamless automation and real-time data exchange. During Queclink's workshop, attendees explored the role of 5G and IoT in advancing Spain's digital transformation across industries such as logistics, telemedicine, and smart utilities. The discussions underscored the growing demand for scalable, efficient IoT solutions and Queclink's role in driving this shift. "The future of smart cities and industrial automation depends on reliable, intelligent IoT solutions," said Alfredo Cabanas, Business Development Manager for Spain at Queclink and host of the workshop. "At MWC 2025, we demonstrated how our innovations enhance safety, sustainability, and efficiency through connectivity." With a strong presence at MWC Barcelona 2025, Queclink reaffirmed its leadership in IoT, showcasing technologies that drive real-world impact. To learn more about its latest innovations, visit www.queclink.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636497/Queclink_MWC_Barcelona_2025.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/queclink-unveils-vision-for-smarter-greener-cities-with-iot-innovations-at-mwc-barcelona-2025-302395471.html KASSEL, Germany, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LK Technology (stock code: 00558.HK), a global leader in die casting solutions, made a notable appearance at the prestigious Global GIGA-Casting Congress 2025 in Kassel, Germany. This event, dedicated to advancing the application of integrated die casting in Europe, featured a keynote speech by Gao Zhan, General Manager of LK Europe. He introduced GIGA CASTING 2.0, emphasizing its core attributes: Competence, Evolution, Full Stack Cost, and Flexibility, which are set to transform the die casting landscape. These evolutions are specifically designed to upgrade for more powerful machine and flexible solution to combine with agile module "TPI". This allows for the use of both aluminium and magnesium on the same machine. And for the giga body structure parts, LK introduced new innovative cross-origin manufacturing processes to enhance machinery performance and easier integration. Most impressively, the 'full stack concept' was first proposed at this meeting, directly addressing current market pain points and needs, stemming from a deep understanding of this technology. In a comprehensive consideration, GIGA CASTING 2.0 represents a new exploration not only of technical issues but also of a brand-new manufacturing capex investment concept, marking a significant step forward in the industry. In the speech, Gao Zhan emphasized, "The next phase of giga casting manufacturing is about solving complex problems with simplified technology. As pioneers in the field, we are not just leveraging LK and GIGA CASTING technology; we are at the forefront of driving global change through technological advancement. Our vision extends beyond traditional supplier relationships as we actively seek deep, collaborative partnerships that foster innovation and growth." The GIGA CASTING 2.0 platform is designed with a strong focus on customer benefits and cost-effectiveness. From the design phase to process implementation, infrastructure considerations, and dedicated machinery performance, LK Technology ensures that complex technologies are accessible, easy to use and flexible for more variant needs. This approach highlights the company's dedication to achieve efficiency while pushing even higher standards of quality. Over the past 46 years, LK Technology has continuously developed a comprehensive intelligent manufacturing system and a new supply chain framework for die-casting equipment. Under its "Globalization 2.0" strategy, LK Technology is expanding into new markets, concentrating on smart manufacturing solutions across various industries. At the same time, the needs and solutions of each local market will be highlighted in strategy and followed in pragmatic operations. The establishment of multiple international production bases is helping LK to bolster its global influence and market presence worldwide. About L.K. Technology Founded in 1979 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2006, L.K. Technology Holdings Limited is a leading global manufacturer of die-casting machines, one of China's top five injection molding machine manufacturers, and a major CNC machining center producer. With a team of over 500 R&D professionals. For more information about LK Technology, please visit http://www.lk.world Contact details: Phone: +852 3412 5500 Email: sales@lk.world / sales@lkmachinery.com.hk Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2635867/1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lk-technology-debuts-at-global-giga-casting-congress-2025-with-keynote-speech-by-lk-europe-general-manager-gao-zhan-about-giga-casting-2-0--302395492.html MACAO, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wing Lei Bar at Wynn Palace is set to revolutionize the hotel bar landscape with a complete transformation that reinvents its appearance, atmosphere, hospitality approach, and beverage program. Under the visionary leadership of Head Mixologist Mark Lloyd, Wing Lei Bar is not just elevating the bar experience; it is establishing itself as a dynamic hub where cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals unite through innovative mixology that harnesses unexpected global culinary ingredients. This transformation celebrates the ethos of curated hospitality, positioning the bar as a trailblazer for unforgettable experiences in the cocktail world. The overhauled Wing Lei Bar is more than just a makeover, it represents a significant shift in how hotel bars engage with their guests. The bar team embraces the spirit of personality-driven mixology, juxtaposing the palatial setting with an approachable and friendly service style. Lloyd, known for his imaginative techniques and fresh perspective, is shaking up the traditional hotel bar narrative and introducing a new era where flair meets authenticity. Guests can now relish in the luxury of an upscale bar experience without the stuffiness that often accompanies such venues. Mark Lloyd, an acclaimed bartender and cocktail maverick, has taken the reins as Head Mixologist at Wing Lei Bar, bringing a one-of-a-kind experience to guests. A native of Scotland, Lloyd traveled and worked extensively throughout Asia for the past 15 years. Having founded multiple bar concepts across five continents, the industry veteran further cemented his credibility in global bartending knowledge, after tenures as operations director and bar consultant in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Shanghai, including his time at the renowned bar chain J. Boroski. Lloyd believes that bartenders are tour guides in the guest experience, whether it be a neighborhood watering hole or an opulent hotel bar. His approach to hospitality boasts personal authenticity and seeks to find common ground between each guest and the bar. He forgoes heavily scripted service monologues, often heard in hotel concepts, and instead, presents the essence of the bar through its grand interior, the charming personalities, and his patience to understand each customer's individual needs. A cocktail experience with Lloyd is a bespoke journey from flavors to service. Drawing on his industrial chemistry and distilling background, Lloyd's unique understanding of spirits is most evident in his well-balanced cocktails. Lloyd's scientific training is unmistakable in the precise finesse of his infusions, affording Wing Lei Bar the momentum to catapult it to the top of the global stage. Debuting on March 12, Lloyd's two-prong cocktail program is split between a redesigned signature menu that highlights 12 reimagined takes on four classic cocktail styles (sours, stirred, classics, and alternatini), all with hints of culinary sensibilities for which Wynn Palace is celebrated; and Lloyd's bespoke bar program, built on his signature 4-question personalized approach. Via a commitment to classic techniques that forgo modern gadgets, like rotovaps and centrifuges, the revamped bar menu sees homemade infusions and tinctures at the forefront of every sip. The menu features an enticing array of repurposed ingredients sourced from inter-hotel departments and dining establishments, presenting an unpredictable drinks roster. Embodying a philosophy of "limitless cocktails," Lloyd's creativity knows no bounds, and every gastronomic ingredient - from char siu off-cuts to avocado peels - is a potential star on the cocktail stage. This approach engages both novice and seasoned cocktail aficionados alike, ensuring each visit offers something never experienced before. To further enhance its offerings, Wing Lei Bar proudly announces the launch of its culinary-inspired cocktail guest shift series in 2025. Kicking off on March 13, Thursday at 8 pm, the inaugural event will spotlight Union Trading Company (#48 on World's 50 Best Bars 2021), a celebrated Shanghai establishment with a decade of history under its belt. Under the tutelage of the talented Yao Lu, The Union Trading Company's general manager, Patrick Zhou, will showcase vibrant spices, ingredients, and flavors from the streets of Shanghai, translating culinary artistry into exquisite cocktails. Wing Lei Bar has already hosted industry icons like Sebastian Atienza and Lucilia Calichio from Tres Monos (#7 on World's 50 Best Bars 2024), Lorenzo Antinori from Bar Leone (#2 on World's 50 Best Bars 2024), Joe Schofield from Schofield's Bar (#1 on UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2024), and many more. Looking ahead in 2025, Wing Lei Bar has already secured an impressive roster of guest shifts and events each month, plus never-before-seen in Asia talents set for July. ABOUT WING LEI BAR Wing Lei Bar is a leader in pioneering personalized cocktails that cater to individual tastes, assembling flavor profiles like Lego building blocks into a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Designed to evoke the elegance of an antique jewelry box, the bar's stunning interior invites guests to embark on a sensory adventure. The bar's lavish setting coupled with its inventive drinks program invites guests to savor anything from a cheeky tipple as the sun sets through a nightcap to end the evening on a high note. Opening Hours:5:00 pm to 1:00 am daily (walk-ins available) Address: Wynn Palace, Avenida Da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macao Website: https://www.wynnresortsmacau.com/en/wynn-palace/dining/wing-lei-bar Instagram: @wingleibar Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636547/Head_Mixologist_Mark_Lloyd_3.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636548/Interior__1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/wing-lei-bar-transforms-the-hotel-bar-experience-with-bold-upgrade-led-by-global-visionary-and-head-mixologist-mark-lloyd-302395501.html Hunting PLC (LSE: HTG), the precision engineering group, today announces the acquisition of the Organic Oil Recovery ("OOR") technology from its founding shareholders, for a consideration of $17.5 million. Hunting has acquired the entire portfolio of intellectual property, comprising over 25 discreet patents, the distribution rights for the technology, and the laboratory located in California, US. Following the acquisition, the Company will hold the global rights for the OOR technology and is now well placed to further accelerate commercialisation across North America and the rest of the world. OOR is an enhanced oil recovery technology, which provides the following benefits to operators: It improves ultimate recovery of oil reserves from a well; Is a cost-efficient technology that reduces capex requirements and is simple to deploy; Lowers the water cut during end-of-life production; Lowers hydrogen sulphide levels in production offtake; and Extends the life and increases the economic returns of a producing field. The consideration for the acquisition is $17.5 million, with Hunting agreeing to pay a 15% royalty to the sellers on revenue earned for a period of 15 years, post-completion. Field trials of the OOR technology are currently underway with numerous blue-chip exploration and production companies across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. As previously announced in 2024, Hunting secured up to $60 million of orders from operators in the UK North Sea, with a strong pipeline of opportunities likely to be secured in the coming years, as the oil and gas industry embraces the production benefits of this enhanced oil recovery solution. With additional geographic opportunities, as a result of the transaction, the outlook for expansion is robust. Hunting is also looking to build its presence in the Middle East with the construction of a small laboratory in the UAE to service clients in the Eastern Hemisphere. With the establishment of this laboratory, the sample lead time and overall analysis time will decrease as a result of closer proximity to the customer. Following the acquisition, all technical employees of the OOR business will join Hunting either as an employee or long-term consultant. Commenting on the acquisition, Jim Johnson, Chief Executive of Hunting, said: "Following the acquisition of this exciting business, Hunting now has the ability to deploy this remarkable technology globally. The technology is currently being evaluated by many blue-chip customers, with the benefits to the operator clear. For Hunting, the business will be margin accretive and strongly position the Company to reach its Hunting 2030 Strategy targets in the medium term as commercialisation accelerates." About Hunting PLC Hunting is a global, precision engineering group that provides precision-manufactured equipment and premium services, which add value for our customers. Established in 1874, it is a listed public company, quoted on the London Stock Exchange in the Equity Shares in Commercial Companies ("ESCC") category. The Company maintains a corporate office in Houston and is headquartered in London. As well as the United Kingdom, the Company has operations in China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. The Group reports in US dollars across five operating segments: Hunting Titan; North America; Subsea Technologies; Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA"), and Asia Pacific. The Group also reports revenue and EBITDA financial metrics based on five product groups: OCTG, Perforating Systems, Subsea, Advanced Manufacturing and Other Manufacturing. Hunting PLC's Legal Entity Identifier is 2138008S5FL78ITZRN66. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307773077/en/ Contacts: For further information please contact: Hunting PLC Jim Johnson, Chief Executive Bruce Ferguson, Finance Director Tel: +44 (0) 20 7321 0123 Buchanan Ben Romney Barry Archer Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000 or lon.IR@hunting-intl.com Vertical appoints Eamonn Brennan, former Director General of Eurocontrol, as an adviser to its Board With 35 years of experience in aviation, Brennan brings deep expertise in regulation, airspace management, and safety oversight His appointment comes as Vertical advances its piloted flight test programme and certification of its VX4 aircraft Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, has today appointed Eamonn Brennan as an adviser to its Board, strengthening the company's regulatory expertise as it progresses towards certification. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307411820/en/ Vertical appoints Eamonn Brennan, former Director General of Eurocontrol, as an adviser to its Board (Photo: Business Wire) Mr. Brennan has been a central figure in European aviation for many years, including serving as Director General of Eurocontrol, the organisation responsible for coordinating and managing air traffic control across Europe, from 2018 to 2022, and Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the civil aviation regulator for Ireland, from 2003 to 2017. During both roles he worked closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and helped drive significant advancements in European aviation, including through his advocacy of the Single European Sky programme. He is currently a Non-Executive Director of Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, and a Board member at ANRA Technologies, a global leader in uncrewed traffic management and operation solutions. He also serves on the advisory Board of Cirium, an aviation analytics firm. Mr. Brennan's deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and certification processes across multiple jurisdictions, combined with his expertise in airspace management, will be invaluable as Vertical navigates the complex certification requirements for its eVTOL aircraft, the VX4. A pivotal time for certification Mr. Brennan joins as the company recently completed piloted thrustborne testing for its VX4 prototype and continues working with the CAA to expand its flight envelope ahead of wingborne flight. During this phase, the VX4 prototype will take off, fly, and land like a conventional aircraft, with lift generated by its wings rather than its rotors. Transitioning from a tightly controlled test environment, with a pilot on board, to more dynamic, scalable operations is a major leap forward on the path to full certification and commercial viability. Once the aircraft has completed wingborne flight, it will have, in effect, completed a mini-certification process with this prototype. Eamonn Brennan, Board Adviser, said: "Vertical is redefining how the world moves, but certifying a novel aircraft is hard. With deep expertise and strong relationships across the regulatory ecosystem globally, I'll be supporting Vertical in navigating the certification process and ensuring the VX4 becomes the safest aircraft in the market. Backed by world-class talent and cutting-edge technology, Vertical is well-positioned to lead the sector, and I'm delighted to be part of this journey." Stuart Simpson, CEO at Vertical Aerospace, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Eamonn to Vertical at such a crucial and exciting stage in our journey. Navigating the regulatory landscape is one of the biggest challenges in pioneering electric aviation, and having someone of Eamonn's calibre advising us is a huge advantage. His insights and experience build on our already strong team in this area and will help us accelerate our certification efforts and shape a new era of travel." Mr. Brennan's arrival follows the recent return of industry veteran Domhnal Slattery as Chair, along with Vertical's launch of its Flightpath 2030 strategy and successful upsized $90m underwritten public offering. Building on strong regulatory foundations Mr. Brennan's appointment further strengthens Vertical's regulatory team, which includes Trevor Woods, the former Certification Director at EASA, who has served as Director of Regulatory Affairs at Vertical since 2022. Last year the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Vertical's home regulator, agreed certification co-operation with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and expanded the scope of Vertical's Design Organisation Approval (DOA). Vertical has active certification validation projects with five regulators, including from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC), and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). About Vertical Aerospace Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel. Vertical's VX4 is a piloted, four passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical combines partnering with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell and Leonardo, with developing its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world's most advanced and safest eVTOL. Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of the VX4, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, the epicentre of the UK's aerospace industry, Vertical's experienced leadership team comes from top tier automotive and aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM and Leonardo. Together they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems. Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any express or implied statements contained in this Form 6-K that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding anticipated Board appointments and Mr. Brennan's impact on Vertical's advisory team, the design and manufacture of the VX4, the features and capabilities of the VX4, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of our prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, completion of the piloted test programme phases, selection of suppliers, certification and the commercialization of the VX4 and our ability to achieve regulatory certification of our aircraft product on any particular timeline or at all, as well as statements that include the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "forecast," "estimate," "may," "should," "anticipate," "will," "aim," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the important factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 14, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company's other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 6- K speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 6-K, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307411820/en/ Contacts: For more information: Justin Bates, Head of Communications justin.bates@vertical-aerospace.com +44 7878 357 463 Samuel Emden, Head of Investor Affairs samuel.emden@vertical-aerospace.com +44 7816 459 904 March 7, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Diagnostic Medical Systems (Euronext Growth Paris: FR0012202497 - ALDMS and FR001400IAQ8 - DMSBS), a specialist in high-performance medical imaging systems for Digital Radiology and Bone Densitometry, is proud to announce that its project for the "Delivery of 120 !M1 Adam Mobile Radiology Units" has been selected by the Ukrainian authorities. This 11M project will be carried out over a 12-month period, starting from the first deliveries expected in the second or third quarter of 2025. At the invitation of Mr. Eric LOMBARD, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, and Mr. Jean-Noel BARROT, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Samuel SANCERNI represented DMS Group during the official presentation of the companies selected by the Ukrainian authorities. The event was also attended by Ms. Yulia SVYRYDENKO, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, underscoring the importance of this Franco-Ukrainian cooperation in strengthening the country's healthcare infrastructure. DMS Group is positioning itself as a key partner for Ukraine in the supply of medical imaging equipment, contributing to the reconstruction of essential healthcare infrastructure. A CONCRETE COMMITMENT TO HEALTHCARE IN UKRAINE This initiative aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities in Ukraine and is financed by the Ukraine Economic Resilience Fund, recently established by France. This fund, with a 200M budget, supports emergency projects in key sectors such as energy, water, healthcare, infrastructure, and demining. It is part of a strategic partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), which has expanded its mandate to support Ukraine's reconstruction and infrastructure development. "This project represents a major milestone for DMS Group, and we are honored to contribute, alongside France, to strengthening Ukraine's healthcare infrastructure during this crucial time. Our mobile radiology solutions are designed to meet the immediate and diverse needs of healthcare facilities, demonstrating our commitment to reliable and high-performance diagnostic solutions. We express our gratitude to the French government, its Treasury teams, and the French Healthcare association for their invaluable support." Samuel SANCERNI, CEO of DMS Group Finally, Samuel SANCERNI added: "This strategic project also marks a new phase of growth for DMS Group, reinforcing our position as a key player in mobile medical imaging on an international scale. It further confirms the relevance of our strategic decision to acquire Solutions for Tomorrow in October 2023. Moreover, it establishes a long-term partnership with the Ukrainian authorities." -------------------------------- ABOUT DMS GROUP The DMS Group is a French manufacturer of digital radiology solutions with an international focus, recognized as a key player and essential partner in the value chain due to the quality of its solutions, flexibility, ingenuity, and responsible values. In 2024, the DMS Group achieved consolidated revenue of 46.1 million, with 75% generated internationally, and has a presence on all continents through a network of over 140 national distributors. The DMS Group is listed on the Euronext Growth Paris market (ISIN: FR0012202497 - Ticker: ALDMS) and is eligible for the PEA-PME Investment plan. On June 13, 2023, the DMS Group issued Warrants (BSA) listed on the Euronext Growth Paris market (ISIN: FR001400IAQ8 - Ticker: DMSBS), exercisable until September 12, 2025. The DMS Group is part of the ETIncelles program, supporting SMEs aiming to scale into mid-cap companies. -------------------------------- CONTACTS Investor Relations: relationinvestisseur@dms-imaging.com Press Relations: relationpresse@dms-imaging.com ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: nW2dZpuckmmaxp5vlplpa2FlbpeSlJHJbJObmZZpZ5+Va5plxWxnnMqcZnJhmGVu - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-90308-cp_07_03_2025_dms-group-emergency-ukraine_en.pdf SUZHOU, China, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On 4 March, a research team led by Professor Jintai Ding, Dean of the School of Mathematics and Physics at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), set a new code-breaking world record for the Lattice Shortest Vector Problem (SVP) in the International Open Darmstadt SVP Challenge. This marks a significant achievement in strengthening cybersecurity in the age of quantum computing. The rapid advancement of quantum computing technology poses a serious threat to the current encryption methods used for e-commerce, telecommunications and digital signatures. Finding alternative encryption solutions has, therefore, become a global priority. Lattice SVP-based cryptography has been identified as a promising next-generation cryptographic standard capable of safeguarding sensitive data from quantum computer attacks. To address vulnerabilities in cryptographic standards, the cryptography community established the global SVP challenge in 2010, attracting leading mathematicians and computer scientists worldwide to explore the limits of lattice SVP. Professor Ding says: "From a research perspective, our new record for solving the problem enhances our understanding of lattice-based cryptography's security foundations, providing empirical evidence to inform future post-quantum cryptographic standards." "In practical terms, it helps security experts more accurately assess the boundaries of existing cryptographic systems and guide the development of secure digital infrastructure." "The security of lattice-based cryptography fundamentally depends on the computational difficulty of solving the SVP," explains Professor Ding. "The problem's difficulty can be increased by raising the number of dimensions of the lattice. The more dimensions there are, the harder it becomes to solve, thereby enhancing the system's security." With the new record, Professor Ding's team has successfully solved the SVP for 200 dimensions, the highest dimension currently supported for submission on the SVP Challenge website. "Each additional 10 dimensions increases the computational difficulty by roughly an order of magnitude," says Professor Ding. "A decade ago, the record stood at about 130 dimensions and reaching 200 dimensions seemed almost impossible. Yet today, we've solved it with relatively modest academic computing resources. This represents not only technological progress but also a triumph of human ingenuity." Professor Ding notes that current cryptographic standards would become vulnerable if SVP problems of around 400 dimensions could be solved, potentially compromising global digital infrastructure. He says: "Solving the 200-dimensional SVP problem not only showcases XJTLU's research strength at the forefront of cryptography but also provides important references for global lattice-based cryptographic security research." Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636569/Prof__Jintai_Ding_1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xjtlu-team-sets-code-breaking-record-for-testing-post-quantum-online-security-302395529.html Steve Darrington, former Partner at Phoenix Equity Partners and Yann Soulliard, former Managing Partner of Lloyds Development Capital to join Mactavish London, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expert insurance buyer Mactavish has recruited two senior Private Equity leaders to join its newly established PE Advisory Board as it looks to address the shortfall in insurance provision to the sector. Steve Darrington, former Partner at Phoenix Equity Partners and Yann Soulliard, former Managing Partner of Lloyds Development Capital, will bring 50 years of experience to help drive Mactavish's engagement with the multi-billion pound turnover industry. The board will work to address the gap in insurance provision that leaves many PE companies exposed to claims, both from the activities of their own organisations and the portfolio companies they manage. Bruce Hepburn, CEO and founder of Mactavish, said: "Over the past five years working with PE clients has taught us that many firms are totally unaware of the risks embedded in their own organisations and the exposure they have to their portfolio companies. All too often they buy insurance that is not for fit for purpose and will not deliver when called upon." PE sector insurance deficiencies that Mactavish has had to rectify include companies delivering on-site IT support not being protected for claims arising from work on third-party systems; fintech firms wrongly advised not to buy professional indemnity or cyber cover despite these being their main risks; sole-source manufacturers uninsured for supply chain interruption; insurance programmes excluding key entities, geographies or services entirely. As backers of often high growth innovators, the PE sector is especially exposed to failings arising from hastily arranged, overly standard insurance. Steve Darrington said: "I'm delighted to be Chairing the Mactavish PE Advisory board. When I worked in Private Equity, I had first-hand experience of the problems that can arise from badly drafted insurance contracts. Mactavish sorted out the problems we faced which gives me enormous confidence to be working with them to support the sector." With the insurance cycle turning, and the market entering into a 'soft' phase, premiums are currently falling. While this may be viewed as good news for corporate buyers of insurance it also means revenues available for insurance claims will be restricted. Mactavish expects the change in market conditions will prompt more insurers to use weaknesses in insurance contracts to reject claims, pushing companies to the courts if they want to get paid out. Mr Hepburn said: "Legal disputes over unpaid claims have been rising rapidly over the last 10 years. We expect that to only increase over the short to medium term as more insurers look to protect their balance sheets by saying no to claims they may have previously paid out on. Litigation can offer redress, but it is a long and arduous process which normally results in companies settling for much less than the full claim value. It is much easier and cheaper to get things right from the outset rather than try and fix something further down the line." ***** Mactavish is the UK's leading independent outsourced insurance buyer and claims resolution expert. Combining technical and legal knowledge alongside commercial know-how and buying power, they support their clients by designing insurance programmes that are appropriate for their risk, to drive down cost and resolve large claims. Mactavish's claims practice is Chaired by Law Commissioner David Hertzell. It is built on three principles - Independence, Expertise, Flexibility: Mactavish offers fully independent advice to their clients. They have no affiliation to any insurer and only to represent their clients' best interests to ensure they explore all avenues to resolution. Mactavish's plural expertise in claim resolution, insurance analysis and placement operated under a Licenced Access model is critical when it comes to resolving clients' claims. They ensure an outcome that holds insurers to account for the critical role they play in supporting businesses. Mactavish takes a multi-disciplinary approach to claims resolution, meaning they can access the most appropriate legal, financial or technical specialists, depending on the circumstances of a client's claim. They combine the best legal and technical insurance analysis from the start to get the right result. See www.mactavishgroup.com or contact jamesoconnor@mactavishgroup.com / +44(0)207 046 7956 for more details jamesoconnor@mactavishgroup.com $9.7 billion reinsurance transaction Comprised of structured settlement and secondary guarantee universal life business Demonstrates Resolution Life's prudent risk management, substantial capital strength and proven execution capabilities in the US life and annuity market HAMILTON, BERMUDA / ACCESS Newswire / March 7, 2025 / Resolution Life, a global life insurance group focusing on reinsurance and the acquisition and ongoing management of portfolios of life insurance policies, is pleased to announce the signing of a reinsurance transaction with Protective Life Corporation's ("Protective") insurance subsidiaries. Protective is a U.S. subsidiary of Tokyo-based Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. The transaction scope includes blocks of in-force structured settlement annuities and secondary guarantee universal life business. Under the agreement, Protective will cede $9.7 billion in reserves and retain administration of the policies. The transaction will extend Resolution Life's position as a leading global manager of in-force life insurance to c.$100 billion of general account life and annuity reserves and over four million policies in-force. This comes on the back of strong momentum for Resolution Life with the recent announcement of the acquisition of Resolution Life by Nippon Life to assist in Resolution Life's next phase of growth. Warren Balakrishnan, CEO, US said, "This strategic transaction with Protective showcases our ability to manage complex life and annuity products at scale. Our substantial capital strength and proven execution record provide a strong, long-term partner for Protective Life and its policyholders. This transaction is a great example of our reinsurance offering to the US life and annuity market." Moses Ojeisekhoba, President of Resolution Life said, "This is an exciting time for ResolutionLife. With this transaction we continue to support the primary life insurance industry by providing long term capital for growth so they can respond to the changing needs of policyholders. With the recent announcement of Nippon Life's acquisition of Resolution Life, we will continue to accelerate our growth in the highly active, multi-trillion-dollar global life and annuity consolidation sector." Rich Bielen, President and CEO of Protective said, "At Protective, we are thrilled to announce this strategic reinsurance agreement with Resolution Life. This transaction represents an important milestone, allowing us to generate capital that can be invested for continued growth. We remain committed to growing life insurance sales through our valued distribution partners and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service to our customers. We are excited about the opportunities it brings for Protective, our customers and our partners." JP Morgan acted as financial advisor and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP served as legal counsel to Resolution Life. Wells Fargo served as financial advisor and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP served as legal counsel to Protective. ENDS Notes to Editors: About Resolution Life Resolution Life is a global life insurance group focusing on reinsurance and the acquisition and management of portfolios of life insurance policies. Since 2003 to date, prior Resolution entities together with Resolution Life have deployed approximately $19 billion of equity in the acquisition, reinsurance, consolidation and management of life insurance companies. Together, these companies have served the needs of over 13 million policyholders while managing approximately $390 billion of assets. Resolution Life today has operations in Bermuda, the U.K., the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Singapore assisting the restructuring of the primary life insurance industry globally. Resolution Life provides a safe and reliable partner for insurers by: Primarily focusing on existing customers, with selective new business growth in strategic markets Delivering policyholder benefits in a secure, well capitalised environment Returning capital to our institutional investors in the form of a steady dividend yield www.resolutionlife.com About Protective Protective has helped people achieve protection and security in their lives for 118 years. Through its subsidiaries, Protective offers life insurance, annuity, asset protection and employee benefits solutions and is helping nearly 17 million people protect what matters most. Protective's approximately 3,800 employees put people first and deliver on the company's promises to customers, partners, colleagues and communities - because we're all protectors. With a long-term focus, financial stability and commitment to doing the right thing, Protective Life Corporation, a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., has $125 billion in assets, as of Dec. 31, 2024. Protective is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and is supported by a robust virtual workforce and core sites in the greater Cincinnati area and St. Louis. For more information about Protective, visit www.protective.com. Media Enquiries: Resolution Life Temple Bar Advisory Alex Child-Villiers / Sam Livingstone / Alistair de Kare-Silver / Juliette Packard +44 (0)20 7183 1190 / resolution@templebaradvisory.com Protective +1 205 268 7879 media@protective.com This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. 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: RLGH Finance Bermuda Ltd RIMINI, Italy, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The KEY-Energy Transition Expo 2025 was held at the Rimini Exhibition Centre in Italy from 5 to 7 March 2025. REPT BATTERO (Booth: Hall B5, No. 151) showcased its Wending series energy storage cells and Powtrix energy storage systems, contributing to Europe's sustainable energy transition. Ongoing Global Market Expansion with Continuing Innovation of Energy Storage Products In the context of the global green energy transition, energy storage technology is emerging as a pivotal facilitator for the large-scale integration of renewable energy, significantly influencing the transformation of energy systems. During the exhibition, REPT BATTERO presents its 72Ah and 100Ah residential energy storage cells, as well as the Wending 314Ah cells for commercial and industrial storage and power storage, along with higher-capacity 564Ah cells, demonstrating comprehensive solutions for various energy storage scenarios. According to data from CNESA and InfoLink, in 2024 REPT BATTERO's energy storage cell shipments ranked consistently in the top five globally, with its residential storage battery shipments ranking second worldwide. This exceptional market performance is a testament to REPT BATTERO's recognition by its partners and underscores the company's precise control in technological innovation and product portfolio layout. Targeting Overseas Markets to Accelerate Global Green Energy Transition When facing a constantly evolving market, both domestically and internationally, REPT ABTTERO's Wending series of energy storage products are undergoing continuous upgrades and refinement. The product range, regardless cells or systems, is designed to meet the most complex scenario requirements. At the exhibition, REPT BATTERO showcased the Powtrix 5.015MWh energy storage system, which utilizes Wending 314Ah cells, specifically engineered for energy storage, and boasts a lifespan of up to 20 years. In terms of safety, the system performed excellently in the UL9540A thermal runaway propagation test, with flammable gas monitoring, pressure relief, and explosion-proof design in compliance with NFPA68 and NFPA69 standards, ensuring comprehensive safety with high standards. In terms of structural stability, it meets the high level seismic requirements of IEEE Std 693 and can operate stably in a variety of harsh environments, such as high temperature, dusty conditions and high salinity island environments, which can provide customers with safer and more reliable solutions. In addition, to meet the high-standard requirements by overseas clients, REPT BATTERO strives to innovate and has the Powtrix 6+ MWh energy storage system launched last year. The installed capacity of this system on the DC side reaches 6.25 MWh, with an efficiency of over 95%., and a lifespan can last for 20 years. It is also subject to around-the-clock continuous safety monitoring. In comparison with conventional energy storage systems, it has increased energy density by 20%, reduced land occupation by 16.6%, and saved 15.7% in investment. REPT BATTERO's participation in the KEY-Energy Transition Expo 2025 demonstrates the company's commitment to contributing to global green and low-carbon sustainable development. Moving forward, REPT BATTERO will continue to refine its multi-faceted layout for global energy transition and contribute to the global green and low-carbon cause. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636495/REPT_BATTERO_unveils_comprehensive_energy_storage_solutions_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636496/REPT_BATTERO_unveils_comprehensive_energy_storage_solutions_2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rept-battero-present-wending-energy-storage-products-at-the-key-energy-transition-expo-2025-302395552.html Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - Argyle Resources Corp. (CSE: ARGL) (OTCQB: ARLYF) (FSE: ME0) ("Argyle" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its exploration partner, Rangefront Mining Services ("Rangefront"), has filed 22 mineral lode claims on the Company's behalf with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) near Bovill, Idaho. The Company is naming these consolidated claim blocks, the Bovill Silica Project. Figure 1: Claim Map of the Bovill Silica Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10451/243652_087644a154ba5b08_001full.jpg The newly staked claims are strategically located in a region known for its rich deposits of silica and feldspar. Notably, a portion of the newly staked claims includes a historical feldspar quarry, further supporting the prospectivity of the site. Figure 2: Historical Mines and Prospects in the Bovill Region To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10451/243652_087644a154ba5b08_002full.jpg The 22 lode claims have been submitted to the BLM for application processing, with finalization expected within approximately six weeks. Argyle and Rangefront will continue to evaluate the potential of the claims and explore opportunities to advance the project in alignment with the Company's strategic growth initiatives. "We are excited about the acquisition of these new claims, which add to our expanding portfolio of mineral assets," said Jeff Stevens, CEO of Argyle Resources Corp. "The historical mining activity in the region, coupled with our technical team's expertise, presents a strong opportunity to unlock value from these properties." The Company will provide further updates as the permitting process advances and as exploration activities commence on the claims. The Company is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously-announced non-brokered private placement (please see news release dated December 12, 2024, for aggregate gross proceeds of $300,000 through the issuance of 555,555 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.54 per Unit (the "Offering"). Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.65 for a period of 24 months from the date of the closing. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for expenditures on its mineral exploration properties, and for general working capital purposes. All securities issued under the Offering are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. 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 the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Company also announces it has granted 600,000 stock options ("Options") to a consultant of the Company, pursuant to its equity incentive Plan, and has granted 1,250,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company. George M. Yordanov, OGQ., P.GEO., a consultant to the Company, is the Qualified Person (as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101), who has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release. About Rangefront Mining Services Rangefront Mining Services is a leading provider of geological and exploration services, specializing in claim staking, permitting, and mineral assessment to support mining companies in advancing their projects. About Argyle Resources Corp. Argyle Resources Corp. is a junior mineral exploration company engaged in the business of acquiring, exploring, staking and evaluating natural resource properties in North America. In addition to the Saint Gabriel project, the Company currently holds an option to acquire up to 100% of the Frenchvale Graphite Property located in Nova Scotia, Canada and owns 100% interest in the Pilgrim Islands, Matapedia and Lac Comporte quartzite silica projects in Quebec, Canada. Argyle is engaged in a research partnership with the National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS), a high-level research and training institute funded by the Quebec government to conduct exploration programs on the Company's silica projects. The Company was incorporated in 2023 and its head office is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 'Jeffrey Stevens' President & CEO Forward-Looking Statements All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Argyle expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements may involve, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties and the use of proceeds from the Offering. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by Argyle based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond Argyle's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Argyle does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243652 SOURCE: Argyle Resources Corp. Hundreds of Thousands of Children Will Receive Squishmallows through Hospitals, Schools, and Non-Profit Organizations To celebrate the third-annual Squishmallows Day on Friday, March 7, Jazwares Cares, the philanthropic arm of global toy company Jazwares, is thrilled to announce that the largest single Squishmallows donation ever will be given to children and families in need across the U.S., Europe and Australia. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307969506/en/ Jazwares Cares Celebrates Squishmallows Day with Squishmallows Donation (Photo: Business Wire) "Putting a smile on children's faces is at the heart of everything we do," said Laura Zebersky, President and Chief Commercial Officer for Jazwares. "As Squishmallows continues to capture the hearts of fans around the world, what better way to celebrate the third-annual Squishmallows Day than to bring joy to kids who may not have Squishmallows of their own with our largest single Squishmallows donation." Paying it forward to all its fans, more than 500,000 loveable, huggable Squishmallows plush will be distributed through children's hospitals, Title I schools, and Jazwares Cares' non-profit partners. In the U.S., Jazwares Cares is partnering with The Toy Foundation, Baby2Baby, Toys for Tots, First Responders Children's Foundation, and more. In Australia, Jazwares is working with the Australian Toy Industry to donate Squishmallows to Backpacks 4 VIC Kids. In Europe, Jazwares will partner with charities In Kind Direct, Innatura, and Dons Solidaires, to provide Squishmallows to children and their families across the UK, Germany, and France respectively. Jazwares Cares' mission is to support children's health, well-being, and educational development through play. This is achieved through product donations, sponsorships, education-based programs, and the time and talent of Jazwares employees. For more information on Jazwares, visit Jazwares on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, and www.jazwares.comFor more information on Squishmallows, visit Squishmallows on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Squishmallows.com. ABOUT JAZWARES Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with a robust portfolio of owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows, Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Star Wars, Disney, BumBumz, and Adopt Me. In addition to toys, offerings include virtual games, costumes, and pet products. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries. For more information, visit www.jazwares.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook. ABOUT SQUISHMALLOWS Squishmallows debuted in 2017 and has since evolved into a lovable lifestyle brand for fans of all ages. Recent achievements have included 10 Toy of the Year Awards, partnerships with major corporations (H&M, Puma, McDonald's), and continued fan engagement at events like VidCon Anaheim, San Diego Comic-Con, and the Squish Bus Tour that swept the nation in 2023. With line extensions into apparel and pet products, collaborations with studios like Netflix and Warner Bros., and our global licensing program featuring 90+ partners, Squishmallows looks forward to continuing to expand the Squad, one Squish at a time. ABOUT SQUISHMALLOWS DAY We unveiled our first-ever Squishmallows-the iconic Cam the Cat -on March 7th, 2017. The Squishmallows brand took the world by storm later that year, and the rest is history. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or are just joining the Squad now, one thing is certain: we couldn't do it without you. Every year on March 7th, Squishmallows celebrates its growing community and dedicates this day to fans all around the world in the SquishmallowsSquad. ??This release contains disclosures that are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts and can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan," "believe," "potential," "should," "continue" or the negative versions of those words or other comparable words. These forward-looking statements are based upon Jazwares' current plans or expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, and Jazwares has no specific intention to update these statements. As a consequence, current plans, and anticipated actions may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by Jazwares or on Jazwares' behalf. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307969506/en/ Contacts: MEDIA CONTACT Jazwares pr@jazwares.com Regulatory News: Exclusive Network (Paris:EXN): THIS PRESS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR A SOLICITATION TO PURCHASE SECURITIES AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION IN JURISDICTIONS WHERE THE OFFER WOULD NOT BE PERMITTED. THIS DOCUMENT IS AN UNOFFICIAL ENGLISH-LANGUAGE TRANSLATION OF THE FRENCH-LANGUAGE PRESS RELEASE WHICH WAS PUBLISHED BY ETNA FRENCH BIDCO ON 7 MARCH 2025. IN THE EVENT OF ANY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THIS UNOFFICIAL ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PRESS RELEASE AND THE OFFICIAL FRENCH-LANGUAGE PRESS RELEASE, THE OFFICIAL FRENCH-LANGUAGE PRESS RELEASE SHALL PREVAIL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SQUEEZE-OUT OF EXCLUSIVE NETWORK FOLLOWING THE SIMPLIFIED TENDER OFFER INITIATED BY ETNA FRENCH BIDCO AMOUNT OF INDEMNIFICATION: 18.96 per Exclusive Networks share AUTORITE DES MARCHES FINANCIERS AMF This press release has been prepared and distributed by Etna French Bidco in accordance with Article 237-3 III of the General Regulations of the Autorite des marches financiers (the "AMF") and Article 9 of AMF Instruction 2006-07. Target company: Exclusive Networks, a societe anonyme with share capital of 7 333 622.88, whose registered office is located at 20, Quai du Point du Jour, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, registered with the Nanterre Trade and Companies Registry under number 839 082 450 ("Exclusive Networks" or the "Company") and whose shares are admitted to trading on Compartment A of Euronext Paris regulated market ("Euronext Paris") under ISIN Code FR0014005DA7 (ticker symbol: EXN). Offeror: Etna French Bidco, a societe par actions simplifiee with share capital of 108 809 472.00, having its registered office at 37, avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75008 Paris, registered in the Paris Trade and Companies Register under number 930 705 991 ("Etna French Bidco" or the "Offeror Terms of the squeeze-out: Following the simplified tender offer initiated by the Offeror on the shares of Exclusive Networks, which was the subject of a conformity decision from the AMF dated 11 February 2025 (D&I 225C0288) (the "Offer"), Etna French Bidco held, taking into account (i) the 69,973,626 Exclusive Networks shares already held by the Offeror as of 19 December 2024, (ii) the 1,013,232 Exclusive Networks treasury shares, assimilated to shares held by the Offeror in accordance with Article L. 233-9 I-2 of the French Commercial Code, and (iii) the 67,258 Exclusive Networks free shares subject to a retention obligation and on which the Offeror benefits from call options under liquidity contracts, assimilated to shares held by the Offeror in accordance with Article L. 233-9 I-4 of the French Commercial Code, a total of 90,309,461 Exclusive Networks shares representing 90,309,461 theoretical voting rights, i.e., 98.52% of the share capital and 98.52% of the theoretical voting rights of the Company1 Hence, the conditions set out in Articles L. 433-4 II of the French Monetary and Financial Code and 237-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulations for the implementation of the squeeze-out procedure concerning the Company's shares have been met, given: the 1,360,825 Exclusive Networks shares not tendered to the Offer by the minority shareholders (excluding the Exclusive Networks shares assimilated to shares held by the Offeror pursuant to Article L. 233-9 of the French Commercial Code) represent 1.48% of the Company's share capital and 1.48% of its voting rights1 when examining the compliance of the proposed simplified tender offer, the AMF was provided with the valuation report of the presenting banks and the report of the independent expert, which concluded that the price offered was fair in the context of a squeeze-out (see D&I 225C0288 of 11 February 2025); and the squeeze-out includes the cash payment proposed at the time of the Offer, i.e., 18.96 per share, net of all costs. By letter dated 4 March 2024, BNP Paribas, Lazard Freres Banque, Morgan Stanley Europe SE and Societe Generale, acting on behalf of the Offeror informed the AMF of the Offeror's decision to implement the squeeze-out procedure in respect of the Exclusive Networks shares not tendered to the Offer by the minority shareholders, subject to the exclusions set out below, as the Offeror had expressed its intention to do in the offer document (note d'information) relating to the Offer, which received AMF visa no. 25-024 dated 11 February 2025 (the "Offer Document In accordance with AMF D&I notice no. 225C0427 of 6 March 2025, the squeeze-out will be implemented on 21 March 2025 and will relate to the shares held by minority shareholders, excluding: the 89,228,971 Exclusive Networks shares held directly by the Offeror; the 67,258 Exclusive Networks free shares subject to a retention obligation and on which the Offeror benefits from call options under liquidity contracts, assimilated to shares held by the Offeror in accordance with Article L. 233-9 I-4 of the French Commercial Code; the 1,013,232 Exclusive Networks treasury shares, assimilated as shares held by the Offeror in accordance with Article L. 233-9 I-2 of the French Commercial Code. The squeeze-out will therefore cover 1,360,825 Exclusive Networks shares, representing 1.48% of the Company's share capital and 1.48% of its voting rights1 The suspension of the quotation of the Exclusive Networks shares is maintained until the implementation of the squeeze-out. Euronext has published the timetable for the squeeze-out of the Company's shares and the date on which the Company's shares will be delisted from the Euronext Paris regulated market, i.e., 21 March 2025. In accordance with the provisions of article 237-5 of the AMF General Regulations, the Offeror will publish a notice informing the public of the squeeze-out in a legal gazette (journal d'annonces legales) in the place where the Company has its registered office. In accordance with the provisions of article 237-4 of the AMF General Regulations, the Offeror has undertaken to pay the total amount of the compensation, net of all costs, into a blocked account opened for this purpose with Uptevia, appointed as the centralizing agent for the compensation transactions, which will carry out the compensation on behalf of the Offeror on the account of shareholders whose bank details are known. Unallocated funds corresponding to the compensation of securities whose rightful claimants remain unknown will be held by Uptevia for ten (10) years from the date of implementation of the squeeze-out and transferred to the Caisse des Depots et Consignations at the end of this period. These funds will be available to heirs subject to the thirty-year statute of limitations in favor of the French State. Availability of documents relating to the Offer: the Offer Document approved by the AMF on 11 February 2025 under visa number 25-024, as well as the document containing information on the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of Etna French Bidco, are available on the websites of Exclusive Networks (www.exclusive-networks.com) and the AMF (www.amf-france.org), and may be obtained free of charge from: Etna French Bidco 37, avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie 75008 Paris BNP Paribas (EMEA M&A Department) 5, boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris Lazard Freres Banque 175, Boulevard Haussmann 75008 Paris Morgan Stanley 61, Rue de Monceau 75008 Paris Societe Generale GLBA/IBD/ECM/SEG 75886 Paris Cedex 18 The response document (note en reponse) prepared by Exclusive Networks and approved by the AMF on 11 February 2025 under visa number 25-025, as well as the document containing other information relating to the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of Exclusive Networks, are available on the websites of Exclusive Networks (www.exclusive-networks.com) and the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and may be obtained free of charge from: Exclusive Networks 20, Quai du Point du Jour 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER This press release has been prepared for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to the public. The distribution of this press release, the Offer and its acceptance may be subject to specific regulations or restrictions in certain countries. The Offer is not addressed to persons subject to such restrictions, either directly or indirectly, and is not likely to be accepted from any country where the Offer would be subject to such restrictions. This press release is not for distribution in such countries. Accordingly, persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any local restrictions that may apply. Etna French Bidco declines all responsibility for any breach of these restrictions by any person. 1 On the basis of a total of 91,670,286 shares representing the same number of theoretical voting rights, in accordance paragraph 2 of Article 223-11 of the AMF General Regulations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307307579/en/ Contacts: Exclusive Networks SINGAPORE / ACCESS Newswire / March 7, 2025 / Ryde Group Ltd (NYSE American:RYDE) ("Ryde' or the "Company"), a technology company with a leading platform for mobility and quick commerce in Singapore, is reinforcing its commitment to transparency, open communication, and driver-partner support with the launch of its latest initiative, Ask My CEO a Question. This direct engagement platform allows Ryde's Private-Hire, Taxi, Carpool, and Delivery Driver-Partners to ask Ryde's Founder, Chairman & CEO, Terence Zou, anything about the company, share feedback and voice their genuine concerns. As part of Ryde's 7 Driver Commitments, this initiative is designed to foster meaningful conversations between the company and its driver-partners. By providing a direct and open Q&A platform, Ryde aims to ensure that drivers feel heard, valued, and empowered. How Does this Work Through a dedicated Q&A form , driver-partners can submit their questions directly to Ryde's Founder, Chairman & CEO, Terence Zou. The Ryde team will verify all submissions to ensure that genuine queries receive direct responses, reinforcing the company's dedication to meaningful engagement and transparency with its key stakeholders, the driver-partners. Why This Initiative The Ask My CEO a Question initiative builds upon the foundation of Connect with Terence Zou: Your Questions, a longstanding effort where Ryde's Founder, Chairman & CEO, Terence Zou directly engages with entrepreneurs, business owners, and students seeking guidance. By extending this approach to Ryde's driver-partner community, the company is reaffirming its driver-partner first philosophy and commitment to fostering a true partnership with its driver-partners. 0% Commission | 100% Support Unlike traditional ride-hailing platforms, Ryde continues to lead the industry with its 0% commission model- ensuring that drivers retain most of their earnings. By eliminating commission fees, Ryde is making driving more sustainable and rewarding for its driver-partners while enhancing the overall ride-hailing experience for riders, thereby building a fair ecosystem for all. A Transparent & Collaborative Future This initiative underscores Ryde's commitment to a community-driven ride-hailing ecosystem. By actively listening to its driver-partners and implementing meaningful changes, Ryde is creating a sustainable, driver-partner first future-setting a new industry standard for fairness and transparency. "For years, I have been engaging directly with entrepreneurs, business owners and students through 'Connect with Terence Zou: Your Questions'. Now, I want to bring that same open transparent dialogue process with our driver-partners. ' Ask My CEO a Question ' is our commitment to transparency and direct engagement, ensuring our driver-partners feel heard, valued, and supported at all times. By fostering honest conversations, we are building a fairer, sustainable ecosystem together." shared Terence Zou, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Ryde Group. About Ryde Group Ltd Ryde, a homegrown super mobility app founded in Singapore, is the world's FIRST on-demand carpooling app since 2014! As a publicly listed company on the NYSE, we are reimagining the way people and goods move around. We offer a full suite of services, including carpooling, private hire, taxi, and delivery, but what truly sets us apart is our commitment to empower our private-hire and taxi partners. We take 0% commission, ensuring that more of every hard-earned dollar goes to drivers on our platform. For more information, please visit https://rydesharing.com/ to learn more. Contacts For Media Relations: Media Team Ryde Group Ltd Email: media@rydesharing.com For Investor Relations: Investor Relations Team Ryde Group Ltd Email: investor@rydesharing.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors . Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Ryde Group Ltd specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: Ryde Group SHANGHAI, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE), which operates the UAE's national card switch (UAESWITCH) and manages domestic card scheme "Jaywan", and UnionPay International (UPI), a global leader in payment solutions, have signed a strategic agreement to launch co-badge "UnionPay - Jaywan" cards in the UAE market. The signing ceremony took place at UnionPay International's headquarters in Shanghai, with H.E. Saif Al Dhaheri, the CBUAE's Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services, Chairman of AEP, and Mr. Larry Wang, CEO of UPI, officially endorsing the partnership. This collaboration marks a transformative milestone in the UAE's evolving payment's landscape, enabling the issuance of co-badge cards featuring both the Jaywan and UnionPay logos. Under this agreement, the co-badge cards will operate on Jaywan's domestic payment network within the UAE, ensuring seamless local transactions. Internationally, the cardholders will benefit from the extensive UnionPay network, enabling effortless transactions across more than 180 countries and regions. H.E Saif Humaid Aldhaheri, the CBUAE's Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services, Chairman of AEP, said: "Our collaboration with UnionPay International aligns with our commitment to providing innovative and efficient payment solutions. By integrating the Jaywan and UnionPay networks, we are offering a premium card solution that enables consumers to make seamless payment transactions within and beyond the UAE." "We are delighted to partner with Al Etihad Payments to support the UAE's vision for a robust and inclusive payment ecosystem," said Larry Wang, CEO of UnionPay International. "This co-badge agreement will enhance the convenience and security of payments for UAE residents, ensuring a seamless domestic and international payment experience. Moreover, this partnership underscores the strong commitment and deep-rooted friendship between China and the UAE, fostering greater economic and financial collaboration between our nations." The Co-badge cards are expected to enhance financial inclusion, provide a secure and efficient payment alternative, and support the UAE's ambition to modernize its payments infrastructure. The partnership further strengthens UnionPay's presence in the Middle East and reinforces AEP's leadership in developing the UAE's national payment systems. The agreement represents a shared commitment to advancing digital payments and financial connectivity in the region. The first batch of the co-badge cards will be issued in the near future with widespread availability across the UAE's financial institutions. About UnionPay International: UnionPay International (UPI) is a subsidiary of China UnionPay, focused on the growth and support of UnionPay's global business. UPI provides secure, high-quality, and cost-effective cross-border payment services to the world's largest cardholder base and ensures global acceptance for UnionPay products across more than 180 countries and regions. About Al Etihad Payments: Al Etihad Payments (AEP), as the national payments entity in the UAE, plays a crucial role in developing and operating the best in-class national payments infrastructure. Driven by a mission to support the government's vision of a society less reliant on cash and national digitization, AEP strategically positions itself to provide innovative and interoperable payment solutions, enable financial institutions to enhance customer experience, and fortify a robust, efficient, and secure financial market infrastructure for the UAE. For more information, please visit Al Etihad Payments website: https://aep.ae Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636704/UnionPay_International.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/al-etihad-payments-and-unionpay-international-sign-strategic-agreement-to-launch-co-badge-card-in-the-uae-302395569.html BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With just five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Global Goals including global energy targets in line with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), the Sustainable Energy for All Global Forum takes place from 12-13 March 2025 in Bridgetown, Barbados, to catalyze action and raise ambition with the aim to end energy poverty and accelerate a just and inclusive energy transition. Over 1000 high-level representatives from government, business, development institutions, civil society and youth organizations will assemble in Bridgetown to celebrate success, facilitate new partnerships, and provide practical pathways to equitably transition energy and transform lives. This sixth SEforALL Global Forum is being organized under the theme "Sustainable Energy for Equity, Security and Prosperity". It is the first to be held in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Initial confirmed speakers in the two-day programme include: H.E. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister, Barbados H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President, Sierra Leone Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Hon. Doto Biteko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Tanzania H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President and Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues/Climate Envoy H.E. Ambassador Andre Correa do Lago, COP30 President-Designate, Brazil H.E. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nigeria Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group Dr. Armstrong Alexis, Deputy Secretary-General, The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Tariye Gbadegesin, CEO, Climate Investment Fund Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director, Green Climate Fund The Government of Barbados as the co-host of the 2025 SEforALL Global Forum is once again showing its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and a clean energy future. "Barbados is committed to a sustainable energy transition within our borders and beyond. That is why we are proud to partner with Sustainable Energy for All on this Global Forum, which will be a pivotal moment in the fight for climate justice and ensuring developing countries are supported with their energy transition efforts," said Hon. Lisa Cummins, Senator and Minister of Energy and Business, Government of Barbados. "Under Prime Minister Mottley's leadership, Barbados has become a trailblazer for a just and equitable energy transition. I cannot think of a more fitting place to hold the 2025 SEforALL Global Forum, which will generate bold ideas, commitments and collaborations aimed at ending energy poverty and climate change," said Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. With Ministers from over 30 countries expected to attend, two Ministerial Roundtables will be organized to foster collaboration and ambition and increase investment for the energy transition in developing economies and emerging markets. The Forum will also play host to a number of key announcements and launches, including the DRE fund on innovative finance, and country energy transition ambitions through energy transition and investment plans. In addition to the Forum's main programme, the first global winners of The Energy Heroes Award will be unveiled, showcasing how groundbreaking ideas are translating into real-world impact. Finally, the Forum provides a critical platform ahead of COP30, where the COP30 Presidency will unveil a roadmap to guide enhanced climate finance leading up to the global climate talks later in the year. More information on the 2025 SEforALL Global Forum is available at https://www.seforall.org/forum Media Contacts Sherry Kennedy, Director of Communications: Sherry.Kennedy@SEforALL.org / Media@SEforALL.org | +43 676 486 2425 Robert Magori, Senior Communications Specialist: Robert.Magori@seforall.org | +43 676 846 727 240 About SEforALL Sustainable Energy for All is an independent organization, hosted by UNOPS, with a global mandate to accelerate progress on the energy transition in emerging and developing countries. We work at the intersection of energy, climate, and development. We collaborate with governments and partners worldwide to end energy poverty, accelerate the deployment of renewable energy solutions, and combat climate change. Learn more about our work at www.SEforALL.org Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2007953/Sustainable_Energy_for_All_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-leaders-heading-to-bridgetown-for-critical-discussions-on-energy-climate-and-sustainable-development-302395574.html BARCELONA, Spain, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During MWC Barcelona 2025, at the Huawei Electric Power Summit under the theme of "Thrive with Digital, Accelerate Electric Power Intelligence", Huawei unveiled a collaborative platform for the IEEE P2413.2 PDIoT Reference Architecture Standards. Industry experts and leaders from international standards organizations shared their latest research findings and successful practices to drive digital transformation in the power sector. David Sun, CEO of Huawei Electric Power Digitalization BU, Vice President of Huawei, discussed the challenges faced by power systems, such as traditional line losses, reliability issues, and more. He also spoke about emerging global challenges in this era of new energy, highlighting the importance of innovation. By innovating with cloud computing, edge computing, medium-voltage communication, and HPLC technology, many low- voltage distribution network issues can be effectively addressed. For instance, the power supply center for the Xi'an International Port Zone has seen a significant improvement in low-voltage communication reliability up to 99.9%, following the complete implementation of Huawei HPLC. Now, over 97% of users are proactively contacted by State Grid staff within 3 minutes during a power outage. Passive trouble tickets for low-voltage single households have dropped by almost 50%. Line loss calculation can be completed in just 15 minutes. In addition, a company in Shaanxi has successfully realized full distributed PV integration, coordinated charging for charging piles, and doubled capacity, along with other valuable applications. David Sun also outlined the key elements of successful innovation. These include architectural innovation for open, adaptable, and systematic digital transformation, model innovation with AI capabilities, and ecosystem innovation for cross-industry collaboration. It also includes AI innovation to optimize power production, especially in areas like new energy power forecast, load forecast, and transformer district autonomy. Huawei prioritizes key electric power business scenarios and integration of digital productivity. Through strategic collaboration with the industry ecosystem, Huawei is committed to fostering sustainable growth and intelligent advancements in the sector. During the summit, Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy Director of ITU TSB, Roque Bacani, First Vice President and ICT and Transformation Director of Meralco, and Juan Ortiz Noval, Network Operations and Maintenance Director of E-Distribucion Redes Digitales shared their successful practices with Huawei. Oleg Logvinov, Chair of the IEEE P2413.2, P1901.1, and P1901.3 Working Groups, and CEO of IoTecha, presented the IEEE P2413.2 PDIoT standards architecture, along with the strategic initiatives of the IEEE P2413.2 Working Group. He also partnered with Huawei to unveil the IEEE P2413.2 PDIoT Reference Architecture Standards Collaboration Platform. Looking ahead, Huawei will focus on digital technology and AI, continuously refine the process of digital transformation based on gained experience, and collaborate with customers and partners to advance the digital and intelligent transformation of the power industry. For more about the Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS), please visit: https://e.huawei.com/en/topic/electric-power/intelligent-distribution-solution Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636568/image_986294_27460952.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/huawei-releases-the-collaborative-platform-for-the-ieee-p2413-2-power-distribution-iot-pdiot-reference-architecture-standards-302395582.html Approval based on results of Phase 3 CheckMate -9DW clinical trial demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival with Opdivo plus Yervoy compared to investigator's choice of lenvatinib or sorafenib Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved Opdivo(nivolumab) plus Yervoy(ipilimumab) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). "The European Commission's approval for Opdivo plus Yervoy adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the value of dual immunotherapy and represents an important new treatment option that may extend survival for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma," said Dana Walker, M.D., M.S.C.E., vice president, Opdivo global program lead, Bristol Myers Squibb. "This approval marks a critical milestone in our commitment to improving outcomes for patients with liver cancer. We look forward to bringing this new first-line treatment option to patients in the European Union." The decision is based on results from the CheckMate -9DW study, which were presented at the 2024 American Society of Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress and the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. Results showed that dual immunotherapy treatment with Opdivo plus Yervoy led to a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival (OS), the clinical trial's primary endpoint. In the trial, 85% of patients in the comparator arm were treated with lenvatinib and 15% were treated with sorafenib. The median OS was 23.7 months (95% CI: 18.8-29.4) for Opdivo plus Yervoy compared to 20.6 months (95% CI: 17.5-22.5) with the investigator's choice of lenvatinib or sorafenib (HR: 0.79 (0.65-0.96); p=0.018). The OS benefit was observed across clinically relevant patient subgroups. The trial also showed an overall response rate (ORR) of 36.1% (95% CI: 31-41.5) compared to 13.2% (95% CI: 9.8-17.3; P<0.0001) of patients treated with lenvatinib or sorafenib and a deeper response with Opdivo plus Yervoy. The safety profile for the combination of Opdivo plus Yervoy remained consistent with previously reported data and was manageable with established protocols, with no new safety signals identified. This approval by the EC for Opdivo plus Yervoy for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable or advanced HCC is valid in all 27 member states of the European Union (EU), as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. In addition to approval in HCC, Opdivo-based options are also approved for treatment of multiple tumor types in the EU. In August 2024, the U.S. FDA also accepted the Company's supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Opdivo plus Yervoy as a potential first-line treatment option for adult patients with unresectable HCC and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of April 21, 2025. The combination of Opdivo plus Yervoy was granted accelerated approval as a second-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC by the U.S. FDA in 2020 based on results from the Phase 2 CheckMate -040 trial. Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators for their important contributions to the Phase 3 CheckMate -9DW clinical trial. About CheckMate -9DW CheckMate -9DW is a Phase 3 randomized, open-label clinical trial evaluating the combination of Opdivo plus Yervoy compared to investigator's choice of lenvatinib or sorafenib monotherapy in adult patients with unresectable or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who have not received prior systemic therapy. A total of 668 patients were randomized to receive Opdivo plus Yervoy (Opdivo 1mg/kg plus Yervoy 3mg/kg Q3W for up to four doses, followed by Opdivo monotherapy 480mg Q4W) infusion, or single agent lenvatinib or sorafenib taken orally in the control arm. 85% of patients in the comparator arm were treated with lenvatinib and 15% were treated with sorafenib. The primary endpoint of the trial is overall survival (OS) and secondary endpoints include objective response rate (ORR) and time to symptom deterioration. The study was not designed to independently compare Opdivo plus Yervoy vs. lenvatinib or Opdivo plus Yervoy vs. sorafenib. About Hepatocellular Carcinoma Liver cancer is the third most frequent cause of cancer death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, accounting for 90% of global cases. HCC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, where effective treatment options are limited and are usually associated with poor outcomes. Up to 70% of patients experience recurrence within five years, particularly those still considered to be at high risk after surgery or ablation. While most cases of HCC are caused by hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infections, metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis are rising in prevalence and expected to contribute to increased rates of HCC. About Opdivo Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body's own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body's own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers. Opdivo's leading global development program is based on Bristol Myers Squibb's scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has treated more than 35,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression. In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 65 countries, including the United States, the European Union, Japan and China. In October 2015, the Company's Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union. About Yervoy Yervoy is a recombinant, human monoclonal antibody that binds to the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4). CTLA-4 is a negative regulator of T-cell activity. Yervoy binds to CTLA-4 and blocks the interaction of CTLA-4 with its ligands, CD80/CD86. Blockade of CTLA-4 has been shown to augment T-cell activation and proliferation, including the activation and proliferation of tumor infiltrating T-effector cells. Inhibition of CTLA-4 signaling can also reduce T-regulatory cell function, which may contribute to a general increase in T-cell responsiveness, including the anti-tumor immune response. On March 25, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Yervoy 3 mg/kg monotherapy for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Yervoy is approved for unresectable or metastatic melanoma in more than 50 countries. There is a broad, ongoing development program in place for Yervoy spanning multiple tumor types. INDICATIONS OPDIVO (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. OPDIVO is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with completely resected Stage IIB, Stage IIC, Stage III, or Stage IV melanoma. OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated as neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with resectable (tumors =4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). OPDIVO (nivolumab) in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with resectable (tumors =4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and no known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements, followed by single-agent OPDIVO as adjuvant treatment after surgery. OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (=1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab) and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO. OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with cabozantinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. OPDIVO (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) who are at high risk of recurrence after undergoing radical resection of UC. OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, is indicated as first-line treatment for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. OPDIVO (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer with residual pathologic disease in adult patients who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions Immune-mediated adverse reactions listed herein may not include all possible severe and fatal immune- mediated adverse reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment, they can also occur after discontinuation of OPDIVO or YERVOY. Early identification and management are essential to ensure safe use of OPDIVO and YERVOY. Monitor for signs and symptoms that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate clinical chemistries including liver enzymes, creatinine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment with OPDIVO and before each dose of YERVOY. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate. Withhold or permanently discontinue OPDIVO and YERVOY depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information). In general, if OPDIVO or YERVOY interruption or discontinuation is required, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy. Toxicity management guidelines for adverse reactions that do not necessarily require systemic steroids (e.g., endocrinopathies and dermatologic reactions) are discussed below. Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune- mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% (61/1994) of patients, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.9%), and Grade 2 (2.1%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune- mediated pneumonitis occurred in 7% (31/456) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (2.0%), and Grade 2 (4.4%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune- mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.9% (26/666) of patients, including Grade 3 (1.4%) and Grade 2 (2.6%). In NSCLC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks, immune- mediated pneumonitis occurred in 9% (50/576) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.5%), Grade 3 (3.5%), and Grade 2 (4.0%). Four patients (0.7%) died due to pneumonitis. Immune-Mediated Colitis OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may be fatal. A common symptom included in the definition of colitis was diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.9% (58/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (1.7%) and Grade 2 (1%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 25% (115/456) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.4%), Grade 3 (14%) and Grade 2 (8%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 9% (60/666) of patients, including Grade 3 (4.4%) and Grade 2 (3.7%). Immune-Mediated Hepatitis and Hepatotoxicity OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (35/1994) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (1.3%), and Grade 2 (0.4%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune- mediated hepatitis occurred in 15% (70/456) of patients, including Grade 4 (2.4%), Grade 3 (11%), and Grade 2 (1.8%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 7% (48/666) of patients, including Grade 4 (1.2%), Grade 3 (4.9%), and Grade 2 (0.4%). OPDIVO in combination with cabozantinib can cause hepatic toxicity with higher frequencies of Grade 3 and 4 ALT and AST elevations compared to OPDIVO alone. Consider more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes as compared to when the drugs are administered as single agents. In patients receiving OPDIVO and cabozantinib, Grades 3 and 4 increased ALT or AST were seen in 11% of patients. Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency, immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis. Withhold OPDIVO and YERVOY depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information). For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism; initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism; initiate hormone replacement or medical management as clinically indicated. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes; initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (20/1994), including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (0.6%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 8% (35/456), including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (2.4%), and Grade 2 (4.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 7% (48/666) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (2.5%), and Grade 2 (4.1%). In patients receiving OPDIVO and cabozantinib, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 4.7% (15/320) of patients, including Grade 3 (2.2%) and Grade 2 (1.9%). In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (0.3%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (42/456), including Grade 3 (2.4%) and Grade 2 (6%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hypophysitis occurred in 4.4% (29/666) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (2.4%), and Grade 2 (0.9%). In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients, including Grade 2 (0.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, thyroiditis occurred in 2.7% (22/666) of patients, including Grade 3 (4.5%) and Grade 2 (2.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.7% (54/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (<0.1%) and Grade 2 (1.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hyperthyroidism occurred in 9% (42/456) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.9%) and Grade 2 (4.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hyperthyroidism occurred in 12% (80/666) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.6%) and Grade 2 (4.5%). In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypothyroidism occurred in 8% (163/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (4.8%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hypothyroidism occurred in 20% (91/456) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (11%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hypothyroidism occurred in 18% (122/666) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.6%) and Grade 2 (11%). In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, diabetes occurred in 0.9% (17/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (0.3%), and 2 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis. In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, diabetes occurred in 2.7% (15/666) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.6%), Grade 3 (0.3%), and Grade 2 (0.9%). Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated nephritis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.2% (23/1994) of patients, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.5%), and Grade 2 (0.6%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction occurred in 4.1% (27/666) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.6%), Grade 3 (1.1%), and Grade 2 (2.2%). Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate nonexfoliative rashes. YERVOY can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis, including bullous and exfoliative dermatitis, SJS, TEN, and DRESS. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-bullous/exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue OPDIVO and YERVOY depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information). In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (1.1%) and Grade 2 (2.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated rash occurred in 28% (127/456) of patients, including Grade 3 (4.8%) and Grade 2 (10%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated rash occurred in 16% (108/666) of patients, including Grade 3 (3.5%) and Grade 2 (4.2%). Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of <1% (unless otherwise noted) in patients who received OPDIVO monotherapy or OPDIVO in combination with YERVOY or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions: cardiac/vascular: myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis; nervous system: meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barre syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy; ocular: uveitis, iritis, and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur; gastrointestinal: pancreatitis to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis; musculoskeletal and connective tissue: myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis, and associated sequelae including renal failure, arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica; endocrine: hypoparathyroidism; other (hematologic/immune): hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection, other transplant (including corneal graft) rejection. In addition to the immune-mediated adverse reactions listed above, across clinical trials of YERVOY monotherapy or in combination with OPDIVO, the following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions, some with fatal outcome, occurred in <1% of patients unless otherwise specified: nervous system: autoimmune neuropathy (2%), myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis, motor dysfunction; cardiovascular: angiopathy, temporal arteritis; ocular: blepharitis, episcleritis, orbital myositis, scleritis; gastrointestinal: pancreatitis (1.3%); other (hematologic/immune): conjunctivitis, cytopenias (2.5%), eosinophilia (2.1%), erythema multiforme, hypersensitivity vasculitis, neurosensory hypoacusis, psoriasis. Some ocular IMAR cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment, including blindness, can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, which has been observed in patients receiving OPDIVO and YERVOY, as this may require treatment with systemic corticosteroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss. Infusion-Related Reactions OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause severe infusion-related reactions. Discontinue OPDIVO and YERVOY in patients with severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) infusion-related reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with mild (Grade 1) or moderate (Grade 2) infusion-related reactions. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy as a 60-minute infusion, infusion-related reactions occurred in 6.4% (127/1994) of patients. In a separate trial in which patients received OPDIVO monotherapy as a 60-minute infusion or a 30- minute infusion, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.2% (8/368) and 2.7% (10/369) of patients, respectively. Additionally, 0.5% (2/368) and 1.4% (5/369) of patients, respectively, experienced adverse reactions within 48 hours of infusion that led to dose delay, permanent discontinuation or withholding of OPDIVO. In melanoma patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.5% (10/407) of patients. In RCC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, infusion-related reactions occurred in 5.1% (28/547) of patients. In MPM patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks, infusion-related reactions occurred in 12% (37/300) of patients. Complications of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with OPDIVO or YERVOY. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between OPDIVO or YERVOY and allogeneic HSCT. Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with OPDIVO and YERVOY prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal studies, OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. The effects of YERVOY are likely to be greater during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with OPDIVO and YERVOY and for at least 5 months after the last dose. Increased Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma when OPDIVO is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone In randomized clinical trials in patients with multiple myeloma, the addition of OPDIVO to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials. Lactation There are no data on the presence of OPDIVO or YERVOY in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose. Serious Adverse Reactions In Checkmate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=268). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In Checkmate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=206). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In Checkmate 067, serious adverse reactions (74% and 44%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (47% and 18%) or to dosing delays (58% and 36%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 51%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) relative to the OPDIVO arm (n=313). The most frequent (=10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.2%), colitis (10% and 1.9%), and pyrexia (10% and 1.0%). In Checkmate 238, serious adverse reactions occurred in 18% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=452). Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions occurred in 25% of OPDIVO-treated patients (n=452). The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in =2% of OPDIVO-treated patients were diarrhea and increased lipase and amylase. In Checkmate 816, serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients (n=176) who were treated with OPDIVO in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy. Serious adverse reactions in >2% included pneumonia and vomiting. No fatal adverse reactions occurred in patients who received OPDIVO in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy. In Checkmate 77T, serious adverse reactions occurred in 21% of patients who received OPDIVO in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment (n=228). The most frequent (=2%) serious adverse reactions was pneumonia. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2.2% of patients, due to cerebrovascular accident, COVID-19 infection, hemoptysis, pneumonia, and pneumonitis (0.4% each). In the adjuvant phase of Checkmate 77T, 22% of patients experienced serious adverse reactions (n=142). The most frequent serious adverse reaction was pneumonitis/ILD (2.8%). One fatal adverse reaction due to COVID-19 occurred. In Checkmate 227, serious adverse reactions occurred in 58% of patients (n=576). The most frequent (=2%) serious adverse reactions were pneumonia, diarrhea/colitis, pneumonitis, hepatitis, pulmonary embolism, adrenal insufficiency, and hypophysitis. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1.7% of patients; these included events of pneumonitis (4 patients), myocarditis, acute kidney injury, shock, hyperglycemia, multi-system organ failure, and renal failure. In Checkmate 9LA, serious adverse reactions occurred in 57% of patients (n=358). The most frequent (>2%) serious adverse reactions were pneumonia, diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, anemia, acute kidney injury, musculoskeletal pain, dyspnea, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 7 (2%) patients, and included hepatic toxicity, acute renal failure, sepsis, pneumonitis, diarrhea with hypokalemia, and massive hemoptysis in the setting of thrombocytopenia. In Checkmate 017 and 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pyrexia, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure. In Checkmate 057, fatal adverse reactions occurred; these included events of infection (7 patients, including one case of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia), pulmonary embolism (4 patients), and limbic encephalitis (1 patient). In Checkmate 743, serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients receiving OPDIVO plus YERVOY. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients were pneumonia, pyrexia, diarrhea, pneumonitis, pleural effusion, dyspnea, acute kidney injury, infusion-related reaction, musculoskeletal pain, and pulmonary embolism. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4 (1.3%) patients and included pneumonitis, acute heart failure, sepsis, and encephalitis. In Checkmate 214, serious adverse reactions occurred in 59% of patients receiving OPDIVO plus YERVOY (n=547). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients were diarrhea, pyrexia, pneumonia, pneumonitis, hypophysitis, acute kidney injury, dyspnea, adrenal insufficiency, and colitis. In Checkmate 9ER, serious adverse reactions occurred in 48% of patients receiving OPDIVO and cabozantinib (n=320). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients were diarrhea, pneumonia, pneumonitis, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, and hyponatremia. Fatal intestinal perforations occurred in 3 (0.9%) patients. In Checkmate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia. In Checkmate 141, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=236). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, respiratory tract infection, and sepsis. In Checkmate 275, serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were urinary tract infection, sepsis, diarrhea, small intestine obstruction, and general physical health deterioration. In Checkmate 274, serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=351). The most frequent serious adverse reaction reported in =2% of patients receiving OPDIVO was urinary tract infection. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1% of patients; these included events of pneumonitis (0.6%). In Checkmate 901, serious adverse reactions occurred in 48% of patients receiving OPDIVO in combination with chemotherapy. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reporting in =2% of patients who received OPDIVO with chemotherapy were urinary tract infection (4.9%), acute kidney injury (4.3%), anemia (3%), pulmonary embolism (2.6%), sepsis (2.3%), and platelet count decreased (2.3%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.6% of patients who received OPDIVO in combination with chemotherapy; these included sepsis (1%). OPDIVO and/or chemotherapy were discontinued in 30% of patients and were delayed in 67% of patients for an adverse reaction. In Attraction-3, serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=209). Serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients who received OPDIVO were pneumonia, esophageal fistula, interstitial lung disease, and pyrexia. The following fatal adverse reactions occurred in patients who received OPDIVO: interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis (1.4%), pneumonia (1.0%), septic shock (0.5%), esophageal fistula (0.5%), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (0.5%), pulmonary embolism (0.5%), and sudden death (0.5%). In Checkmate 577, serious adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=532). A serious adverse reaction reported in =2% of patients who received OPDIVO was pneumonitis. A fatal reaction of myocardial infarction occurred in one patient who received OPDIVO. In Checkmate 648, serious adverse reactions occurred in 62% of patients receiving OPDIVO in combination with chemotherapy (n=310). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients who received OPDIVO with chemotherapy were pneumonia (11%), dysphagia (7%), esophageal stenosis (2.9%), acute kidney injury (2.9%), and pyrexia (2.3%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 5 (1.6%) patients who received OPDIVO in combination with chemotherapy; these included pneumonitis, pneumatosis intestinalis, pneumonia, and acute kidney injury. In Checkmate 648, serious adverse reactions occurred in 69% of patients receiving OPDIVO in combination with YERVOY (n=322). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% who received OPDIVO in combination with YERVOY were pneumonia (10%), pyrexia (4.3%), pneumonitis (4.0%), aspiration pneumonia (3.7%), dysphagia (3.7%), hepatic function abnormal (2.8%), decreased appetite (2.8%), adrenal insufficiency (2.5%), and dehydration (2.5%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 5 (1.6%) patients who received OPDIVO in combination with YERVOY; these included pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. In Checkmate 649, serious adverse reactions occurred in 52% of patients treated with OPDIVO in combination with chemotherapy (n=782). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients treated with OPDIVO in combination with chemotherapy were vomiting (3.7%), pneumonia (3.6%), anemia (3.6%), pyrexia (2.8%), diarrhea (2.7%), febrile neutropenia (2.6%), and pneumonitis (2.4%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 16 (2.0%) patients who were treated with OPDIVO in combination with chemotherapy; these included pneumonitis (4 patients), febrile neutropenia (2 patients), stroke (2 patients), gastrointestinal toxicity, intestinal mucositis, septic shock, pneumonia, infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, mesenteric vessel thrombosis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. In Checkmate 76K, serious adverse reactions occurred in 18% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=524). Adverse reactions which resulted in permanent discontinuation of OPDIVO in >1% of patients included arthralgia (1.7%), rash (1.7%), and diarrhea (1.1%). A fatal adverse reaction occurred in 1 (0.2%) patient (heart failure and acute kidney injury). The most frequent Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities reported in =1% of OPDIVO-treated patients were increased lipase (2.9%), increased AST (2.2%), increased ALT (2.1%), lymphopenia (1.1%), and decreased potassium (1.0%). Common Adverse Reactions In Checkmate 037, the most common adverse reaction (=20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=268) was rash (21%). In Checkmate 066, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=206) vs dacarbazine (n=205) were fatigue (49% vs 39%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 25%), rash (28% vs 12%), and pruritus (23% vs 12%). In Checkmate 067, the most common (=20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) were fatigue (62%), diarrhea (54%), rash (53%), nausea (44%), pyrexia (40%), pruritus (39%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), vomiting (31%), decreased appetite (29%), cough (27%), headache (26%), dyspnea (24%), upper respiratory tract infection (23%), arthralgia (21%), and increased transaminases (25%). In Checkmate 067, the most common (=20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO arm (n=313) were fatigue (59%), rash (40%), musculoskeletal pain (42%), diarrhea (36%), nausea (30%), cough (28%), pruritus (27%), upper respiratory tract infection (22%), decreased appetite (22%), headache (22%), constipation (21%), arthralgia (21%), and vomiting (20%). In Checkmate 238, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported in OPDIVO-treated patients (n=452) vs ipilimumab-treated patients (n=453) were fatigue (57% vs 55%), diarrhea (37% vs 55%), rash (35% vs 47%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 27%), pruritus (28% vs 37%), headache (23% vs 31%), nausea (23% vs 28%), upper respiratory infection (22% vs 15%), and abdominal pain (21% vs 23%). The most common immune-mediated adverse reactions were rash (16%), diarrhea/colitis (6%), and hepatitis (3%). In Checkmate 816, the most common (>20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus chemotherapy arm (n=176) were nausea (38%), constipation (34%), fatigue (26%), decreased appetite (20%), and rash (20%). In Checkmate 77T, the most common adverse reactions (reported in =20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO in combination with chemotherapy (n= 228) were anemia (39.5%), constipation (32.0%), nausea (28.9%), fatigue (28.1%), alopecia (25.9%), and cough (21.9%). In Checkmate 227, the most common (=20%) adverse reactions were fatigue (44%), rash (34%), decreased appetite (31%), musculoskeletal pain (27%), diarrhea/colitis (26%), dyspnea (26%), cough (23%), hepatitis (21%), nausea (21%), and pruritus (21%). In Checkmate 9LA, the most common (>20%) adverse reactions were fatigue (49%), musculoskeletal pain (39%), nausea (32%), diarrhea (31%), rash (30%), decreased appetite (28%), constipation (21%), and pruritus (21%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418) were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, cough, dyspnea, and decreased appetite. In Checkmate 743, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO plus YERVOY were fatigue (43%), musculoskeletal pain (38%), rash (34%), diarrhea (32%), dyspnea (27%), nausea (24%), decreased appetite (24%), cough (23%), and pruritus (21%). In Checkmate 214, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported in patients treated with OPDIVO plus YERVOY (n=547) were fatigue (58%), rash (39%), diarrhea (38%), musculoskeletal pain (37%), pruritus (33%), nausea (30%), cough (28%), pyrexia (25%), arthralgia (23%), decreased appetite (21%), dyspnea (20%), and vomiting (20%). In Checkmate 9ER, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO and cabozantinib (n=320) were diarrhea (64%), fatigue (51%), hepatotoxicity (44%), palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (40%), stomatitis (37%), rash (36%), hypertension (36%), hypothyroidism (34%), musculoskeletal pain (33%), decreased appetite (28%), nausea (27%), dysgeusia (24%), abdominal pain (22%), cough (20%) and upper respiratory tract infection (20%). In Checkmate 025, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406) vs everolimus (n=397) were fatigue (56% vs 57%), cough (34% vs 38%), nausea (28% vs 29%), rash (28% vs 36%), dyspnea (27% vs 31%), diarrhea (25% vs 32%), constipation (23% vs 18%), decreased appetite (23% vs 30%), back pain (21% vs 16%), and arthralgia (20% vs 14%). In Checkmate 141, the most common adverse reactions (=10%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=236) were cough (14%) and dyspnea (14%) at a higher incidence than investigator's choice. In Checkmate 275, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270) were fatigue (46%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), nausea (22%), and decreased appetite (22%). In Checkmate 274, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=351) were rash (36%), fatigue (36%), diarrhea (30%), pruritus (30%), musculoskeletal pain (28%), and urinary tract infection (22%).In Checkmate 901, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) were nausea, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, constipation, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, and peripheral neuropathy. In Attraction-3, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in OPDIVO-treated patients (n=209) were rash (22%) and decreased appetite (21%). In Checkmate 577, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=532) were fatigue (34%), diarrhea (29%), nausea (23%), rash (21%), musculoskeletal pain (21%), and cough (20%). In Checkmate 648, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients treated with OPDIVO in combination with chemotherapy (n=310) were nausea (65%), decreased appetite (51%), fatigue (47%), constipation (44%), stomatitis (44%), diarrhea (29%), and vomiting (23%). In Checkmate 648, the most common adverse reactions reported in =20% of patients treated with OPDIVO in combination with YERVOY were rash (31%), fatigue (28%), pyrexia (23%), nausea (22%), diarrhea (22%), and constipation (20%). In Checkmate 649, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients treated with OPDIVO in combination with chemotherapy (n=782) were peripheral neuropathy (53%), nausea (48%), fatigue (44%), diarrhea (39%), vomiting (31%), decreased appetite (29%), abdominal pain (27%), constipation (25%), and musculoskeletal pain (20%). In Checkmate 76K, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=524) were fatigue (36%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), rash (28%), diarrhea (23%) and pruritis (20%). Surgery Related Adverse Reactions In Checkmate 77T, 5.3% (n=12) of the OPDIVO-treated patients who received neoadjuvant treatment, did not receive surgery due to adverse reactions. The adverse reactions that led to cancellation of surgery in OPDIVO- treated patients were cerebrovascular accident, pneumonia, and colitis/diarrhea (2 patients each) and acute coronary syndrome, myocarditis, hemoptysis, pneumonitis, COVID-19, and myositis (1 patient each). Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY. Clinical Trials and Patient Populations Checkmate 227-previously untreated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 9LA-previously untreated recurrent or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in combination with YERVOY and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy by histology; Checkmate 649-previously untreated advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction and esophageal adenocarcinoma; Checkmate 577-adjuvant treatment of esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer; Checkmate 238-adjuvant treatment of patients with completely resected Stage III or Stage IV melanoma; Checkmate 76K-adjuvant treatment of patients 12 years of age and older with completely resected Stage IIB or Stage IIC melanoma; Checkmate 274-adjuvant treatment of urothelial carcinoma; Checkmate 275-previously treated advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma; Checkmate 142-MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer, as a single agent or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 142-MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer, as a single agent or in combination with YERVOY; Attraction-3-esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; Checkmate 648-previously untreated, unresectable advanced recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in combination with chemotherapy; Checkmate 648-previously untreated, unresectable advanced recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 040-hepatocellular carcinoma, in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 743-previously untreated unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma, in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 037-previously treated metastatic melanoma; Checkmate 066-previously untreated metastatic melanoma; Checkmate 067-previously untreated metastatic melanoma, as a single agent or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 017-second-line treatment of metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer; Checkmate 057-second-line treatment of metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer; Checkmate 816-neoadjuvant non-small cell lung cancer, in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy; Checkmate 77T-Neoadjuvant treatment with platinum-doublet chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer followed by single-agent OPDIVO as adjuvant treatment after surgery; Checkmate 901-Adult patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma; Checkmate 141-recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; Checkmate 025-previously treated renal cell carcinoma; Checkmate 214-previously untreated renal cell carcinoma, in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 9ER-previously untreated renal cell carcinoma, in combination with cabozantinib; Checkmate 205/039-classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision transforming patients' lives through science. The goal of the company's cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine and, through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep understanding of causal human biology, cutting-edge capabilities and differentiated research programs uniquely position the company to approach cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient's life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. As a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future. About the Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Collaboration In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally, except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Ono and Bristol Myers Squibb further expanded the companies' strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies as single agents and combination regimens for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. About Bristol Myers Squibb Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them in the next several years, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, that the outcome of pricing and reimbursement negotiations in individual countries in Europe may delay or limit the commercial potential of Opdivo (nivolumab) plus Yervoy (ipilimumab) for the additional indication described in this release, any marketing approvals, if granted, may have significant limitations on their use, that continued approval of such combination treatment for such indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials, and whether such combination treatment for such indication will be commercially successful. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect Bristol Myers Squibb's business and market, particularly those identified in the cautionary statement and risk factors discussion in Bristol Myers Squibb's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and except as otherwise required by applicable law, Bristol Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. corporatefinancial-news View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250306548758/en/ Contacts: Bristol Myers Squibb Media Inquiries: media@bms.com Investors: investor.relations@bms.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - Tenet Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTCQB: PKKFF) ("Tenet" or the "Company"), an innovative analytics service provider, owner and operator of the Cubeler Business Hub, today announced that it will be adding support for at least three new accounting software packages to the Business Hub. The Company's Business Hub currently supports the top three accounting software packages used by small businesses in Canada, combining for a market share of almost 70%, according to the most recent statistics published by Codat Ltd. Although Stattistics Canada indicates that 97.8% of Canada's 1.23M businesses are small businesses, and being able to support almost 70% of them through the Business Hub is a good start, the Company believes that it needs to remove all possible barriers to entry for SMEs to the Business Hub by adding support for accounting software packages used by businesses who may fall into the medium sized category or operate in industries where using small business accounting software may not be suitable. Tenet's decision to support more accounting software packages is also motivated by the recent launch of the Company's ie-Pulse macroeconomic data platform. Tenet believes the additional software support will help the Company accelerate the launch of new indexes on ie-Pulse to cover industries such as the manufacturing sector, which is widely seen as a valuable economic barometer. About Tenet Fintech Group Inc.: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies. All references to Tenet in this news release, unless explicitly specified, include Tenet and all its subsidiaries. Tenet's subsidiaries offer various analytics and AI-based products and services to businesses, capital markets professionals, government agencies and financial institutions either through or leveraging data gathered by the Cubeler Business Hub, a global ecosystem where analytics and AI are used to create opportunities and facilitate B2B transactions among its members. Please visit our website at: https://www.tenetfintech.com/. For more information, please contact: Forward-looking information Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tenet to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, holding company with significant operations in China; general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting the Company's business in China such as pandemics and COVID-19; legislative and/or regulatory developments; Global Financial conditions, repatriation of profits or transfer of funds from China to Canada, operations in foreign jurisdictions and possible exposure to corruption, bribery or civil unrest; actions by regulators; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; timing and completion of capital programs; liquidity and capital resources, negative operating cash flow and additional funding, dilution from further financing; financial performance and timing of capital; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by Tenet with securities regulators in Canada. Reference should also be made to Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in Tenet's annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available via the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) under Tenet's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, for a description of major risk factors relating to Tenet. Although Tenet has attempted to identify certain factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities 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/243659 SOURCE: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - Further to the press release issued by Pasofino Gold Limited (TSXV: VEIN) (OTCQB: EFRGF) (FSE: N07A) ("Pasofino" or the "Company") on March 3, 2025, Pasofino advises that, effective today, Mr. Dan Betts and Mr. Tom Hill (two of the nominees of Hummingbird Resources PLC ("Hummingbird") on the board of directors of Pasofino (the "Board")) have resigned from the Board of Pasofino. The Board wishes to thank each of Mr. Betts and Mr. Hill for their service to Pasofino. In addition, Pasofino Gold Limited hereby alerts the market that the acquisition by Nioko Resources Corporation ("Nioko") of control of Hummingbird (the "Acquisition") pursuant to the exercise of a subscription option that was completed on January 7, 2025 triggered the right of APG AUS NO 5 PTY LTD (the "Royalty Holder") to terminate (the "Termination Right") the Amended and Restated Net Smelter Returns Royalty Deed between the Royalty Holder (as the holder of the royalty and the royalty payee), Hummingbird (as guarantor), ARX Resources Limited ("ARX"), a subsidiary of Pasofino (as guarantor) and Hummingbird Resources Liberia ("Pasofino Liberia"), a subsidiary of ARX and an indirect subsidiary of Pasofino (as royalty payor) (the "NSR Royalty"). The Acquisition triggered the Termination Right of the Royalty Holder and triggered an obligation on the part of Hummingbird to provide notice (in accordance with the terms of the NSR Royalty) to the Royalty Holder of the Acquisition (the "Notice"). In accordance with the terms of the NSR Royalty, Hummingbird is required to provide notice (the "Notice") to the Royalty Holder of the Acquisition. The Royalty Holder has a period of six (6) months from receiving the Notice to elect to terminate the NSR Royalty. If the Royalty Holder terminates the Royalty, Pasofino Liberia is required to pay the Royalty Holder US$15,000,000 (the "Termination Fee") within a period of 9 months. Hummingbird and ARX are jointly and severally liable to the Royalty Holder for payment of this amount. None of Pasofino, ARX or Pasofino Liberia has received a copy of the Notice. Pasofino has requested that Nioko confirm that the Notice was provided to the Royalty Holder and to provide all correspondence with the Royalty Holder in connection with the Notice. It is Pasofino's expectation that Nioko or Hummingbird will pay the Termination Fee to the Royalty Holder as it was their unilateral action that triggered the Termination Right, however there can be no assurance that Hummingbird or Nioko will pay such amount. ABOUT PASOFINO GOLD LTD. Pasofino Gold Limited is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSXV (VEIN). Pasofino, through its wholly owned subsidiary, owns 100% of the Dugbe Gold Project (prior to the issuance of the Government of Liberia's 10% carried interest). Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "indicate", "may", "will", "should" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "could" or "might" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding any potential transaction involving the Company or the Dugbe Gold Project. Such 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 such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to, the ability to execute its strategic initiatives; the ability to advance the Dugbe Gold Project; the ability to apply the proceeds as intended; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory approvals, including from the TSX Venture Exchange and relevant authorities; the results of exploration and business activities; fluctuations in commodity prices; geopolitical risks; the availability and timing of external financing on acceptable terms; operational and logistical challenges; and the risks outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR+. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243669 SOURCE: Pasofino Gold Limited Bombardier's precedent-setting initiative to publish Environmental Product Declarations commended at the 2025 Aviation Week Network's Laureate Awards The company is the only business jet manufacturer in the world to publicly disclose the environmental footprint of its entire in-production aircraft portfolio over their full life cycle MONTREAL, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier is proud to announce that it has been recognized as an Aviation Week Laureate Award winner for the publication of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all its in-production aircraft. This honor acknowledges its pioneering efforts in environmental disclosure within the aerospace industry. The initiative, a significant undertaking led by Bombardier's Aircraft Innovation team and involving multiple internal and external parties, aims to measure and communicate the environmental footprint of the company's aircraft over their full life cycle, and embodies its spirit of progress, innovation, and leadership. With the publication of its latest EPD in 2024, Bombardier became the only business jet manufacturer in the world to publicly disclose the environmental footprint of its entire portfolio of in-production aircraft. The EPDs are public and accessible on the company's website. "This initiative has set a precedent in our industry and shows how Bombardier is ahead of the curve in openly sharing the environmental information for all its aircraft," said Sean Johnson, Vice President, Aircraft Innovation at Bombardier. "The development of the scientific methodology behind the life cycle analysis conducted on the Bombardier Global 7500 program years ago is still regarded as an exemplar among our peers. The practice of humbly sharing our environmental data to collectively explore how to drive meaningful improvement should become the new standard." As a crucial component of Bombardier's extensive environmental strategy, the EPDs represent a significant step toward greater transparency. In addition to providing factual insights into optimizing the environmental performance of a product at every stage of its life cycle, the publication of EPDs is an act of accountability and offers valuable information to customers. This environmental expertise reinforces Bombardier's advocacy efforts for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and is worthwhile for the company's long term EcoJet research project. The 2025 Aviation Week Laureate Awards were celebrated on March 6, 2025, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. About Bombardier At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world's best-performing aircraft for the world's most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs. For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation-innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it. Bombardier customers operate a fleet of approximately 5,100 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier's performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. In 2024, Bombardier was honoured with the prestigious "Red Dot: Best of the Best" award for Brands and Communication Design. For Information For corporate news and information, including Bombardier's Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the company's initiative to cover all its flight operations with a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Learn more about Bombardier's industry-leading products and customer service network at bombardier.com. Follow us on X @Bombardier. Media Contacts General media contact webform Marie-Andree Charron +1-514-441-2598 marie-andree.charron@aero.bombardier.com Bombardier and Global 7500 are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund VCC (TSX:FAP) (UEN: T21VC0235H) (the "Company"), a closed-end investment company trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, announced today that its Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") was convened as scheduled on March 7, 2025 and adjourned because the required quorum was not present for conducting the special business to consider the amendment to the Company's constitution. The adjourned Meeting will be held at 8:00 a.m. (Singapore time) on March 14, 2025 (8:00 p.m. EST on March 13, 2025), at the same location.? Those members present in person and represented by proxy will constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business at the adjourned Meeting. Important Information abrdn is the registered marketing name in Canada for the following entities: abrdn Canada Limited, abrdn Inc., abrdn Investments Luxembourg S.A., and abrdn Alternative Funds Limited. abrdn Canada Limited ("abrdn") is registered as a Portfolio Manager and Exempt Market Dealer in all provinces and territories of Canada as well as an Investment Fund Manager in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Company's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the Company. There is no assurance that the Company will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results. www.abrdn.com/en-ca/canadaclosedend # # # For More Information Contact: abrdn Inc. Investor Relations 800-992-6341 Investor.Relations@abrdn.com SOURCE: abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund VCC Sibannac, Inc. (OTC PINK:SNNC), a Nevada corporation (the "company"), proudly announces the official launch of Starwalker Cafe, a revolutionary multimedia platform and wellness brand in collaboration with William Henry, the renowned investigative mythologist, author, and host of Ancient Aliens. A New Era in Consciousness & Wellness Starwalker Cafe is designed for seekers, dreamers, and explorers who want to delve into the mysteries of consciousness, ancient wisdom, and the transformative power of plant-based medicines. Through exclusive content, immersive discussions, and guided experiential journeys, the platform bridges the gap between spirituality, science, and personal transformation. "We are thrilled to bring Starwalker Cafe to life," said David Mersky, CEO of Sibannac. "This platform isn't just about exploration - it's about integration. We will be providing comprehensive support before, during, and after plant-based experiences, ensuring lasting wellness and personal growth. Starwalker Cafe is a gateway to a holistic lifestyle that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit." Exclusive Memberships & Subscriptions Starwalker Cafe operates on a premium, subscription-based model, offering: Exclusive content - Interviews, deep-dive discussions, and educational series featuring William Henry and leading experts. Early access to Starwalker Journeys - Immersive wellness retreats that combine nature, plant medicine, and guided transformation. Ongoing lifestyle support - Tools for integrating psychedelic experiences into everyday life, fostering sustained personal growth. With multiple tiers available, members can tailor their experience to match their personal journey. Starwalker Journeys: Transformational Travel Experiences Expanding on William Henry's renowned sacred site tours, Starwalker Journeys is planning high-end, curated retreats to locations such as Sedona, Arizona; Bozeman, Montana; and Oregon-where psilocybin is legally available through licensed centers. These immersive, full-service experiences include: Guided explorations of sacred and energetically significant locations. Expert-led discussions on consciousness, ascension, and plant-based healing. Legally sanctioned plant medicine sessions in safe, supportive settings. Post-experience integration support to ensure long-term benefits. "The psychedelic movement is accelerating, and Starwalker Journeys will provide a safe, expertly guided space for those ready to explore ancient healing modalities," said William Henry, Renowned Authority on Enlightenment, Television, and Transformational Travel "This is more than just travel-it's a transformational experience." Tapping Into a Booming Wellness Market The psychedelic industry is expected to grow from $3.8 billion in 2023 to $10.7 billion by 2027, while wellness tourism is projected to reach $1.4 trillion. With legalization expanding across the U.S. and abroad, Sibannac is positioned at the forefront of this movement, offering a fully integrated ecosystem of education, travel, and plant-based wellness. "We're witnessing a global shift in the way people approach wellness and consciousness," said David Mersky, CEO of Sibannac. "Starwalker Cafe and the Starwalker Journey experiences are more than just offerings - they're an evolution in how we engage with plant medicine, personal transformation, and community." Join the Movement Starwalker Cafe is now open for membership. Gain access to exclusive content, book upcoming retreats, and become part of a rapidly growing community of explorers. Visit Starwalker Cafe now: Starwalker Cafe Watch our Starwalker Launch Video: Stay tuned for more announcements as we expand our offerings and locations. About William Henry William Henry is a visionary author, investigative mythologist, art historian, and TV presenter, renowned for uncovering the hidden threads connecting ancient wisdom, spiritual transformation, and the modern quest for higher consciousness. As a Consulting Producer and the spiritual voice of Ancient Aliens for 16 seasons, he has guided millions through the mysteries of otherworldly encounters, lost civilizations, and ascension sciences. Beyond television, Henry is a leading figure in consciousness exploration, hosting the Gaia TV series Ascension Keepers, The Awakened Soul: The Lost Science of Ascension, and Arcanum. His expertise has made him a sought-after speaker at global conferences, where he delves into the intersection of history, symbolism, and the future of human evolution. For decades, Henry has led transformational journeys to the world's most sacred sites, including Egypt, France, England, and Spain, helping seekers unlock ancient gateways to enlightenment. Now, he brings this wisdom to Starwalker Cafe, a groundbreaking multimedia and wellness platform created in partnership with Sibannac. Through exclusive content, immersive experiences, and plant-based journeys, Henry is pioneering a new era of spiritual discovery, conscious expansion, and integrative wellness. About MediaWorks 360 MediaWorks 360 is a leading marketing platform, specializing in audience development, brand growth, and premium-priced subscription programs. With expertise in consumer marketing, publishing consulting, and content monetization, MediaWorks 360 helps brands maximize ROI by building deeper, more sustainable relationships with their audiences. Their proven membership strategies empower companies to bundle their assets into high-value subscription programs, ensuring long-term success beyond traditional advertising models. As Starwalker Cafe's and Sibannac's platform operator, MediaWorks 360 will bring its innovative approach to membership management and digital brand expansion, helping to create a thriving community around consciousness exploration, wellness tourism, and lifestyle transformation. Learn more at: www.mediaworks-360.com About Sibannac Sibannac, Inc. (OTC Pink: SNNC) is a Nevada corporation founded in 1999 and located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sibannac is a forward-thinking lifestyle and wellness company which currently specializes in creating and selling premium next generation wellness products in the consumer packaging goods industry. In addition to mainstream supplements, the Company is focusing on Amanita mushrooms, Kratom and Hemp-derived cannabis products for wholesale and retail sales and distribution. ? Sibannac is actively forging new partnerships within the wellness community, advancing experiential, educational, and tourism outreach initiatives that redefine the landscape of alternative health. ?The Company has officially launched the Starwalker Cafe, with TV celebrity, William Henry, of the hit show, Ancient Aliens. ?The platform is a premium content provider of podcasts, interviews and educational lectures focused on consciousness exploration. About David Mersky Sibannac's CEO, David Mersky, has launched his social media channel, The Meru Sky , in which he discusses his personal journey with psychedelics and his mission to bring expanded consciousness to the world. ? For additional information and product updates, follow us and sign up for updates at: www.snncinc.com x.com/sibannacinc Media Contact: media@snncinc.com Follow us on X: @SibannacInc Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements appear in a number of places in this release and include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Sibannac, Inc. (the "Company"), its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) financing plans; (ii) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations; (iii) growth strategy and operating strategy. The words "may," "would," "will," "expect," "estimate," "can," "believe," "potential" and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the company's expectations include, but are not limited to, those factors that are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in documents filed by the company from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities. SOURCE: Sibannac, Inc. EQS-News: EBD Group / Key word(s): Conference BIO-Europe Spring 2025: Partnering is Surging-All Roads Lead to Milan for Biopharma's Premier Springtime Event 07.03.2025 / 14:00 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. BIO-Europe Spring 2025: Partnering is Surging-All Roads Lead to Milan for Biopharma's Premier Springtime Event MUNICH, GERMANY - March 7, 2025 - EBD Group is excited to welcome the international biopharmaceutical industry to the "must-attend" springtime partnering conference, BIO-Europe Spring, set to take place March 17-19, 2025, in Milan, Italy. With a 10% increase in total meeting requests, partnering is hitting record levels. The 2025 edition of BIO-Europe Spring in Milan is expected to be a milestone event, bring together over 3,700 international stakeholders-from academia, startups and scaling biotechs to top pharma executives and investors-for more than 20,000 high-impact partnering meetings. Milan's metropolitan area is a thriving hub for life sciences, home to over 270 pharmaceutical and biotech companies, 20 state-of-the-art research hospitals, international biotech accelerators and incubators, and more than 2,800 innovative startups. "Milano is proud to welcome BIO-Europe Spring," says Fiorenza Lipparini, Director General of Milano & Partners. "Milano and Lombardy are at the heart of Italy's 252 billion Life Sciences industry, with regional production exceeding 85 billion in 2022. Lombardy ranks among Europe's top pharma manufacturers, with Milano leading in API production, automated manufacturing, packaging, and regulatory services. Our renowned research centers and hospitals drive biomedical innovation and advanced clinical care. With a dynamic ecosystem of 1,400 companies in medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, and digital health, Milan is the perfect host for Europe's most important springtime partnering event." "We are thrilled to bring BIO-Europe Spring to Milan, a city known for its world-class medical research and thriving biotechnology ecosystem," said Claire Macht, European Portfolio Director of EBD Group. "With an exceptional program showcasing innovations in CNS, dermatology, immunology, metabolic diseases, and oncology, alongside major presentations from pharmaceutical leaders of Sanofi, MSD< Servier and Almiral, BIO-Europe Spring 2025 is sure to be the must attend event for the biopharma industry. Partnering activities are already in full swing, with attendees filling their schedules with meetings. This year's event will set the stage for the next wave of collaborations, driving breakthroughs and advancing drug development and life science innovation." Key Sessions and Events at BIO-Europe Spring 2025: The 19th annual BIO-Europe Spring will feature an engaging program curated by EBD Group offering hands-on workshops, company presentations, thought-provoking panel discussions, an active exhibition as well as a rich blend of networking opportunities. Italian Roots, Global Reach: Biotech Investment Insights Join globally recognized venture capitalists Graziano Seghezzi of Sofinnova Partners and Francesco De Rubertis of Medicxi, for a dynamic and insightful fireside chat. Day in the life of an experienced dealmaker: Navigating the dealmaking landscape Leading pharma and venture investors share strategies for building successful partnerships, uncovering trends, and driving impactful collaborations in today's competitive environment. ESC Advisors, EVOLUTION Life Science Partners, M Ventures, Eli Lilly , and Sanofi Leading pharma and venture investors share strategies for building successful partnerships, uncovering trends, and driving impactful collaborations in today's competitive environment. , and Crafting from lab to market: The business of science Explore the journey from concept to company, highlighting Biovelocita's Pan-European investment strategy and featuring Sofinnova Partners, Roche, Ospedale San Raffaele and MyricxBio discussing success factors, early-stage challenges, and scaling biotech ventures. Explore the journey from concept to company, highlighting Biovelocita's Pan-European investment strategy and featuring and discussing success factors, early-stage challenges, and scaling biotech ventures. Runway to pharma's future: VCs on forecasting game-changing science As Pharma reshapes its pipelines to keep pace with market needs and scientific breakthroughs, VCs play a pivotal role in identifying transformative therapies. Forbion, Syncona, Johnson & Johnson Trending: Start-up Spotlight Pitch Competition Get carried away by pitches of selected aspiring biotech start-up in a live competition. A panel of esteemed judges will evaluate the pitches and select the winners. EBD Group continues to provide a global platform for the biopharma community to connect. To enhance accessibility and extend engagement beyond the in-person event, the conference will continue with a digital experience to follow on March 25-26. BIO-Europe Spring is produced by EBD Group, the leading partnering firm for the global biotechnology industry, supported by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), and serves as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and deal-making in the life sciences community. EBD Group and BIO are thrilled to welcome you to Milan. Registration information for BIO-Europe Spring is available online . Discounted rates are available until March 14, 2025. For more information, please visit the conference website at: https://informaconnect.com/bioeurope-spring Additional links and information: Follow BIO-Europe Spring 2025 on X @EBDGroup (hashtag: BIOEuropeSpring) or on LinkedIn . About EBD Group EBD Group's mission is to help collaborations get started across the life science value chain. Our range of partnering conferences has grown to become the largest and most productive conference platform in the industry. Each one of our landmark events held in key life science markets around the world is powered by partneringONE , that enables delegates to efficiently identify and engage with new opportunities via one-to-one meetings. Today our events (BIO-Europe, BIO-Europe Spring, Biotech Showcase, ChinaBio Partnering Forum, Asia Bio Partnering Forum and BioEquity Europe) annually attract more than 15,000 senior life science executives who engage in over 50,000 one-to-one partnering meetings. These vital one-to-one engagements are the wellspring of deals that drive innovation in our industry. EBD Group is an Informa company. For more information, please visit www.ebdgroup.com . Media Contacts: Anne Hennecke MC Services AG +49-211-529252-17 contact@mc-services.eu Karina Marocco EBD Group kmarocco@ebdgroup.com 07.03.2025 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Ostrom Climate Solutions Inc. ("Ostrom" or the "Company") (TSXV:COO)(Frankfurt:9EAA), a leading provider of carbon project development and climate solutions, applauds Verra, a leading global standards organization that certifies greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects through the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), for releasing VCS Methodology VM0051 Improved Management in Rice Production Systems, v1.0, and commences registration of the Company's Upper Pampanga River Climate-Smart Agriculture Rice Project (UPRIIS) in the Philippines. Verra's update enhances the credibility and impact of carbon credit methodologies for rice methane reduction and aligns with Ostrom's ongoing commitment to high-integrity climate action. Highlights: Ostrom welcomes Verra's VM0051 methodology as a major step forward in ensuring robust, science-based quantification of emission reductions in rice cultivation. New Verra methodology update reinforces the legitimacy of rice methane reduction projects, aligning with global standards for high-quality carbon credits. Ostrom strengthens its presence in the Philippines with a recently incorporated Philippines operating subsidiary focused on delivering large-scale emission reductions through Climate-Smart Agriculture practices. Ostrom to commence project registration for UPRIIS under the new Verra methodology to maximize impact and secure high-integrity carbon credits. Ostrom has onboarded Raniela R. Rabe as Project Director for UPRIIS and announces other leadership changes. Ostrom Applauds Verra's Enhanced Methodology Verra's newly released VM0051 Improved Management in Rice Production Systems, v1.0 replaces the previous Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) methodology AMS-III.AU., which was inactivated in March 2023. This update introduces a broader range of eligible project activities, enhanced monitoring techniques, and improved baseline calculations, strengthening the integrity and impact of rice methane reduction projects. Notably, it allows for increased scalability and a more precise assessment of emission reductions using digital MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) tools. CEO Tejinder Virk commented, "Ostrom welcomes Verra's updated methodology, which reinforces the scientific rigor and credibility of climate mitigation in rice systems. This framework not only ensures that our Climate-Smart Agriculture initiatives, such as the UPRIIS project in the Philippines, deliver measurable, high-quality carbon credits while supporting farmers and local communities but also sets a new benchmark for precision in monitoring and impact assessment. We are moving swiftly to complete project registration under this methodology, ensuring that the UPRIIS project leads the way in sustainable rice cultivation." UPRIIS Climate-Smart Agriculture Carbon Project The UPRIIS project, a flagship initiative of Ostrom, is designed to transform rice cultivation across approximately 100,000 hectares in Central Luzon, Philippines. By implementing Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) practices, the project aims to reduce methane emissions by up to 48% per hectare, while improving water and fertilizer efficiency. With Verra's methodology update, these reductions will now be quantified with even greater scientific accuracy, ensuring that stakeholders can trust the credibility of the Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) generated. CEO Tejinder Virk added, "The adoption of Verra's latest methodology is a game-changer for Climate-Smart Agriculture. By incorporating best-in-class digital MRV systems and advanced quantification models, VM0051 provides a clear pathway for scaling sustainable rice cultivation. This methodology introduces an unprecedented level of data transparency and rigor, ensuring that farmers, investors, and global stakeholders can confidently support climate-smart rice production. Our in-country operational team remains committed to delivering high-quality carbon credits that meet the highest environmental and integrity standards." Leadership Update The Company is pleased to announce that Raniela R. Rabe has joined as Project Director for the UPRIIS in the Philippines. Raniela joins Ostrom from Klima 1.5 Corp., where she was a Project Manager overseeing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) projects. Raniela brings extensive expertise in carbon project development and sustainability strategies, further strengthening Ostrom's leadership in the region. Klima 1.5 Corp. is the Ayala Group's platform for its carbon management business through nature-based solutions. Publicly-traded Ayala Corporation ("Ayala" PSE: AC) is one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines. The Company also announces Phil Cull is no longer serving as an officer of the Company and has resigned as a director of the Company. His responsibilities have been reallocated internally to ensure continuity and execution of Ostrom's strategic objectives. The Company wishes Mr. Cull well in his future endeavours. About Ostrom Climate Solutions Inc. Ostrom is one of North America's leading providers of carbon project development and management services, climate solutions, and carbon credit marketing. Over the past 12 years, Ostrom has validated and verified forest carbon projects globally for voluntary and regulated markets, having developed 16 million acres of forest land for conservation and monetized over 10 million carbon credits. Based out of Vancouver, B.C., Canada, the Ostrom team has a global reach, has worked with over 200 organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, managed projects in partnership with indigenous stakeholders and has extensive on-ground experience in emerging markets. Ostrom is focused on developing high-quality carbon projects that have a positive impact on the environment, local communities and biodiversity. Ostrom is publicly listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (COO) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (9EAA). Please visit us at www.ostromclimate.com. To receive corporate updates via e-mail, please subscribe here. For more information regarding the Company, please contact: Tejinder Virk Chief Executive Officer Ostrom Climate Solutions Inc. 322 Water St #400, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B6, Canada Email: tej.virk@ostromclimate.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. SOURCE: Ostrom Climate Solutions Inc Goa won the 'Destination of the Year - India' award in the Destinations category. Hon'ble Tourism Minister of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, was honoured with the 'Tourism Minister of the Year - India' award. BERLIN, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Goa Tourism made a remarkable impression at ITB Berlin 2025, the world's premier travel trade show, with a focus on regenerative tourism and showcasing Goa beyond its iconic beaches. The state's participation was further elevated by prestigious recognitions at the PATWA International Travel Awards 2025, where Goa won the 'Destination of the Year, India' award under the Destinations Category. Additionally, Hon'ble Tourism Minister of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, was honoured with Tourism Minister of the Year - India, award for his outstanding leadership and governance in advancing Goa's tourism sector, reinforcing Goa's leadership in tourism development. The Goa Tourism stall at ITB Berlin 2025 was inaugurated by His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ajit Gupte, Embassy of India to Germany, in the presence of a high-level delegation led by Mr. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, Mr. Gavin Dias, General Manager, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Mr. Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, and key stakeholders from the tourism industry. The inauguration ceremony marked the beginning of Goa's dynamic participation at ITB Berlin 2025, where the state highlighted its commitment to regenerative tourism-a forward-thinking approach that emphasizes sustainability, community engagement, and the preservation of Goa's rich cultural and natural heritage. The stall, designed to reflect Goa's architectural heritage, featured elements such as stained-glass windows, traditional Azulejos tiles, and intricately designed pillars, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The Goa Tourism Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2025 received an enthusiastic response on Day 1, attracting significant interest from global travel trade professionals and visitors. Showcasing Goa's diverse tourism offerings-including its scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and evolving sustainable tourism initiatives-the pavilion highlighted the state's commitment to responsible and immersive travel experiences. Talking about the award and Goa Tourism's participation at ITB Berlin, Hon'ble Tourism Minister, Mr. Rohan A. Khaunte, said, "This recognition on a global platform highlights our commitment to responsible and innovative tourism. Goa continues to evolve as a world-class destination, offering sustainable, high-value tourism experiences, while preserving its rich heritage and natural beauty. The success of ITB reflects Goa's growing appeal among global travellers and industry leaders, with an overwhelming response to the state's unique blend of culture, nature, and regenerative tourism initiatives." Speaking at the event, Mr. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, emphasized the state's vision for regenerative tourism. "Goa is not just about sun, sand, and sea. We are committed to promoting tourism that regenerates and enriches our environment, culture, and communities. Our presence at ITB Berlin 2025 is a testament to our efforts to showcase Goa as a sustainable and holistic destination," he said. Goa's focus on regenerative tourism aligns with the global shift towards sustainable travel. The state's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community-driven tourism makes it a standout destination for travellers seeking meaningful experiences. The Goa Tourism stall was a major attraction at ITB Berlin 2025, offering visitors a glimpse into the state's rich architectural heritage and cultural diversity. The stall's design incorporated traditional elements such as Azulejos tiles and intricately designed pillars, reflecting Goa's Portuguese-inspired architecture. Additionally, a dedicated VR zone allowed visitors to virtually explore Goa's lush hinterlands, wildlife sanctuaries, heritage sites, and vibrant festivals, providing a taste of the state's multifaceted charm. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636650/Goa_Tourism_ITB_Berlin_2025.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/de/pressemitteilungen/goa-shines-at-itb-berlin-2025-wins-prestigious-patwa-international-travel-awards-302395660.html BARCELONA, Spain, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At MWC 2025, Huawei Cloud Stack launched the Telco2Techco Cloud Leap Program, an initiative designed to accelerate carrier transformation from traditional telecommunications companies (telcos) to technology companies (techcos). This program includes over 10 innovative carrier service scenarios and extensive carrier support, such as project support, marketing support, training and enablement resources. At the launch ceremony, Wu Ju, the director of Huawei Cloud Stack Solution Sales Dept said: "As global carriers are transforming themselves from traditional telcos to techcos, cloud computing, AI, and big data are becoming the key driving force behind this transformation. Through our Telco2Techco Cloud Leap Program, we aim to collaborate with carriers worldwide to foster innovations and accelerate the digital transformation of the entire industry. The program covers two aspects: scenario-specific innovations and carrier benefits. 10+ innovative carrier service scenarios in two categories: Smart Life : cloud tablet computers, cloud phones, cloud desktop computers, cloud storage, and cloud office for smarter life and work : cloud tablet computers, cloud phones, cloud desktop computers, cloud storage, and cloud office for smarter life and work Smart Nation: smart government, smart education, smart healthcare, smart finance, and smart manufacturing for digitalized governance and industrial development Extensive carrier support and benefits: Project support : innovative POC testing solutions, 50+ ecosystem partners, and free tools for smooth cloud migration. : innovative POC testing solutions, 50+ ecosystem partners, and free tools for smooth cloud migration. Marketing support : marketing resource collaboration and extensive experience across a range of industries, helping customers develop benchmark cases, enhance industry influence, and accelerate industry adoption. : marketing resource collaboration and extensive experience across a range of industries, helping customers develop benchmark cases, enhance industry influence, and accelerate industry adoption. Training and enablement: global consulting for high-level cloud design, "Dive into Cloud" training, practical AI implementation experience, and 10+ telco-to-techco transformation salons, help carriers build great, profitable clouds. Today, more and more carriers are transforming themselves from traditional telcos to techcos. Cloud transformation serves as a key pathway for them to improve operational efficiency and enrich service offerings. With powerful hybrid cloud capabilities, Huawei Cloud Stack offers six scenario-specific solutions for carriers, including three for enhancing internal operational efficiency-Fintech, Marketing Big Data, and AICC; and three out-of-the-box solutions aimed at driving external revenue growth-Smart Government, Smart Education, and Cloud Phones. Huawei Cloud Stack serves more than 120 carriers worldwide, providing over 120 cloud services in 14 categories-the largest service portfolio via a hybrid cloud. Through innovations in big data and AI, Huawei Cloud Stack helps carriers build clouds capable of continuous evolution. In the meantime, it works with ecosystem partners to develop scenario-specific ToC, ToH, and ToG solutions, with streamlined end-to-end pre-sales processes, helping carriers explore new growth opportunities in cloud services and achieve new commercial success. In the Asia Pacific region, one leading carrier partnered with Huawei Cloud Stack for a one-stop cloud transformation. Huawei Cloud Stack offers advanced cloud migration tools, enabling smooth migration of workloads from virtualization environments and physical machines to the cloud while ensuring service continuity and data security. Moreover, with its unified cloud management platform, the carrier achieved a 30% improvement in hardware utilization, a 50% reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO), and a 20% boost in O&M efficiency. In Africa, Ethio Telecom has built the continent's largest B2B carrier cloud, powered by Huawei Cloud Stack. The cloud provides over 30 out-of-the-box cloud services, which can be expanded to over 100 in the future. It offers one-stop cloud services, including purchase, pricing, online payment, and resource configuration, meeting diverse customer needs across sectors such as the government, finance, and the Internet. Currently, this cloud serves more than 90 customers, including core government ministries, banks, and local Internet companies. In the Middle East, Omantel has built a national cloud powered by Huawei Cloud Stack. This cloud now supports mission-critical workloads across a range of sectors, such as the government, education, finance, and energy. While ensuring Oman's national digital sovereignty, this cloud delivers innovative, scalable services tailored to evolving business needs. Furthermore, it has reduced infrastructure costs by 40%, increased employee productivity by 300%, cut unplanned downtime by 80%, and accelerated resource deployment and scaling 9-fold. Looking ahead, Huawei Cloud Stack will continue to strengthen partnerships with global carriers and ecosystem partners, expand innovative use cases, and through collaborative efforts, drive the telecom industry toward new heights and a smarter, cloud-driven future. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636727/Launch_Huawei_Telco2Techco_Cloud_Leap_Program.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/huawei-cloud-stack-launches-telco2techco-cloud-leap-program-to-help-accelerate-global-carrier-transformation-302395668.html Rapid Growth and Innovative Health-Conscious Options Position Lockdin as a Leader in the Evolving Market Lockdin Beverages, an ambitious challenger in the health and wellness beverage industry, rapidly gaining traction through strategic expansion and innovation, is redefining the future of school nutrition with an aggressive national expansion strategy. Already securing contracts in three Colorado school districts and nearing completion on its first Texas partnership, the company is executing a high-impact growth plan to establish a presence in several more school districts by year-end. With a relentless commitment to excellence, Labor Smart Inc is optimizing its supply chain, offering an industry-leading selection of approximately 5,000 SKUs through its subsidiaries. This extensive portfolio ensures that schools across the country have access to superior, health-conscious beverage and food options. As the nation moves toward stricter nutritional standards - supported by the RFK health initiative and broader government-backed policies - Labor Smart Inc is positioned to dominate this evolving market and set a new benchmark in school nutrition. Driving Industry Evolution Brad Wyatt, CEO of Labor Smart Inc., emphasized the company's vision: "Our mission is to provide schools with healthier, high-quality beverage options that meet the evolving demands of students and parents alike. We are committed to redefining the standard for nutrition in schools and ensuring that better choices are not only available but accessible nationwide." As demand for healthier beverage options in schools reaches an all-time high, Lockdin Beverages is at the forefront of this transformation. This is not just expansion - it is a revolution in how schools approach nutrition. With an extensive nationwide distribution network, unwavering governmental support, and an elite portfolio of health-driven products, Lockdin Beverages is redefining standards in school nutrition. The company remains committed to pioneering change, ensuring students across the nation have access to best-in-class beverage solutions that prioritize both taste and well-being. About Lockdin Beverages Lockdin Beverages is an industry-leading provider of premium, health-conscious beverages, dedicated to reshaping the landscape of school nutrition. Committed to innovation and accessibility, the company continues to expand its national footprint, forging strategic partnerships that deliver long-term impact in communities nationwide. With an unwavering focus on quality and sustainability, Lockdin Beverages is driving the next generation of beverage excellence. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including our financial performance and projections, revenue and earnings growth, and business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as "may," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "contemplates," "estimates," "believes," "plans," "projected," "predicts," "potential," or "hopes" or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: (i) potential failure to meet projected development and related targets; (ii) changes in applicable laws or regulations that may impact our products and business; and (iii) other risks and uncertainties described herein, as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in other reports and other public filings with OTC Markets. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur. For media inquiries, please contact: Contact Information Appointment Reflects Ambition to Scale Global Disaster Relief Responses Direct Relief, one of the world's leading humanitarian aid organizations, announced today that Amy Weaver will become its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 5, 2025. Weaver is the President and Chief Financial Officer at Salesforce and previously served as Chief Legal Officer for the Fortune 500 company. In a letter to Direct Relief employees, Mark Linehan, Chair of the Board of Directors, wrote, "Amy is a truly accomplished professional and an outstanding human being. In selecting Amy, we sought a leader with the caliber, passion, and experience to guide Direct Relief through the accelerating scale and complexity of the humanitarian challenges that lie ahead. She is widely known for being a deeply strategic and deliberate thinker-a force for change who always puts people first." Weaver brings a unique professional background spanning business, law, finance, and operations. In her nearly 12 years at Salesforce, Weaver led the global finance organization as Chief Financial Officer, the global legal and corporate affairs organization as Chief Legal Officer, and oversaw many different functions across the business including Global Communications, Real Estate and Workplace Services, Corporate Development, Accessibility, Government Affairs, Audit, and Ethics & Compliance. Prior to Salesforce, Weaver was an EVP and General Counsel at Univar and SVP and Deputy General Counsel at Expedia Group. An attorney by trade, Weaver has worked around the globe - in private practice in both the United States and Hong Kong, and as a legislative aide to a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council. She began her legal career as a clerk on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Weaver follows Thomas Tighe who led the organization with distinction for 24 years, expanding Direct Relief's reach to become the fifth-largest charity in the United States and among the largest providers of charitable medications within the U.S. and globally. Dr. Byron Scott will continue to serve as the interim Chief Executive Officer until May 4, after which he will continue to serve as the interim Chief Operating Officer until the COO position has been filled and onboarded to ensure a seamless and smooth transition. "Over the past 75 years, Direct Relief has established a powerful legacy of delivering meaningful impact to those in need," said Weaver. "I'm honored and excited to build on that foundation and help shape the future of humanitarian response. As global challenges grow more urgent and complex, Direct Relief has a responsibility not just to meet the demand for medical aid, but to lead the way in reimagining how we respond to a rapidly changing world. I'm inspired by the dedication and expertise of this incredible team, and I look forward to working together to drive innovation and make an even greater difference." Weaver is a longtime advocate for affordable housing and disaster response. She served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity International, provided on-the-ground volunteer support to Habitat in Kenya, Poland, and Puerto Rico and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. About Direct Relief Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies - without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. Recipient of the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize, Direct Relief is ranked by Forbes as the fifth-largest U.S. charity and maintains a perfect 100% rating from Charity Navigator. For more information, please visit directrelief.org. Amy Weaver named Direct Relief's next CEO, beginning May 5. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Direct Relief on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Direct Relief Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/direct-relief Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Direct Relief Huangshan Tourism Development Co., Ltd., the operator of Huangshan, a renowned UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site, made its appearance at the ITB Berlin, which opened on March 4, attracting widespread attention. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307390340/en/ Zhang Dehui, chairman and president of Huangshan Tourism Development Co., Ltd., promoted Huangshan to the international tourists at ITB Berlin. (Photo: Business Wire) "This is our sixth consecutive participation in ITB Berlin, demonstrating our commitment to promoting Huangshan to the international market, attracting more global visitors, and continuously enhancing the internationalization of Huangshan tourism." Zhang Dehui, chairman of Huangshan Tourism Development (HSTD), said, "At the same time, we aim to strengthen diversified cooperation with our international peers." "We are delighted to have exhibitors like Huangshan Tourism, which is very important to the success of our exhibition. Huangshan is not only a famous tourist destination in China but also highly attractive to visitors from around the world," Nikolaos Swoch, director ITB China, said. The theme of HSTD for this year's exhibition is "The world of Huangshan is for the world." "In recent years, we have accelerated our international development efforts. On one hand, we have fully leveraged Huangshan's rich natural and cultural tourism resources to attract an increasing number of international visitors." Zhang added, "On the other hand, we have strengthened cooperation with international tourism enterprises, achieving significant results and exploring more opportunities for global integration." On behalf of TUI, the world's largest multinational leisure, travel and tourism company, Dr. Guido Brettschneider, signed a cooperation agreement with HSTD at the ITB. "We are very pleased to have reached a cooperation agreement with Huangshan during the exhibition. Huangshan boasts stunning tourism resources and is highly attractive to international visitors," said Dr. Guido. According to HSTD, as the first publicly listed company in China's tourism industry, it has developed over the years into a diversified business covering the operation of Huangshan Scenic Area, multiple other natural and cultural attractions, as well as travel agency services, catering, and smart tourism. Notably, the company has independently developed the Huangshan AI Travel Assistant and fully integrated it with the DeepSeek, one of the most advanced AI large language model worldwide, making it the first scenic area in China to apply the AI application in the cultural and tourism sector. "I have seen Huangshan in videos and pictures. It's absolutely amazing! I am really looking forward to traveling there," William Allen, director at National Geographic said. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307390340/en/ Contacts: Eason Zhou Email: evisionsinfo@gmail.com Get ready for the most anticipated fintech industry event of 2025. Fintech Meetup is attended by CEOs and senior leaders from thousands of banks, credit unions and fintechs, serving the US market. The event hosts the sector's most valuable and productive meetings program, using ground-breaking technology to power 50,000 one-to-one meetings. It offers unparalleled opportunities to build partnerships across the fintech ecosystem. "In just three years, Fintech Meetup has become the most valuable event in the sector," said Louisa Hunter, Fintech Meetup Event Director. "Powered by Hyve and Personatech, the event's unique and massive meetings program is the sector's most effective way to make connections with the customers, partners and solutions providers that are most relevant to their specific business. It's a phenomenon that is disrupting the traditional events model." The agenda addresses the industry's biggest challenges and opportunities - across payments, lending, banking, AI, blockchain and more. The impressive line-up of speakers includes 135+ CEO's from the leading financial institutions and fintechs. Every session is meticulously curated to maximize attendees' time and enjoyment. The Fintech Meetup Difference "Fintech Meetup is the only event in fintech worth doing," said Rocky Motwani, CEO of Cyphlensc Fintech Meetup is not just another event. In 2024, 50,000 in-person meetings were scheduled via the event's unique technology platform delivered with a 92% Meeting satisfaction rate. Serendipity at events is lovely, but at Fintech Meetup, it's engineered for real, measurable results and tangible ROI. "Fintech Meetup enables you to network as efficiently as possible," said Jason Henrichs, CEO of Alloy Labs. Alongside the meetings program which is open to all ticket holders that register in time, the Fintech Meetup Hosted Buyer program brings together 700+ Banks, Credit Unions, Retailers and Brands. As well as VIP access to the Meetup, Hosted Buyers get complimentary access to the event and a travel reimbursement. Looking Ahead to 2026 In 2026, Fintech Meetup 2026 will move to a fresh new venue - Mandalay Bay - creating even more opportunities to connect and collaborate. Expect more premium exhibition space, an even bigger meetings program, more workshops from sponsors like JP Morgan and Solana, and the launch of TableTalks for powerful peer to peer discussions. "The move to Mandalay Bay in 2026 will create even more opportunities to connect the thriving Fintech community," said Hunter. "We are really excited by continued growth and innovation, driven by our mission to deliver exceptional value for attendees and sponsors." Get Involved: Fintech Meetup 2025 offers valuable opportunities to engage with the fintech community. For more information on sponsorships, exhibitor packages, and registration, visit www.fintechmeetup.com. About Fintech Meetup Fintech Meetup is the most anticipated financial sector event of the first half of the year. It is attended by the CEOs and senior leaders from thousands of Banks, Credit Unions, Fintechs and Investors that serve the US market. The event hosts the sector's most valuable and productive meetings program, using ground-breaking technology to power over 60,000 one-to-one meetings. It's nothing short of a phenomenon. For media inquiries, please contact: Valdone MacDonald Press Contact: val@fintechmeetup.com Website: www.fintechmeetup.com Fintech Meetup is part of Hyve Group ( Hyve | unmissable events - Hyve Group ). Hyve delivers game-changing impact for people, business and beyond. How? By helping people to make the connections that could change everything, through its portfolio of unmissable events and hyper-productive meetings programmes. Hyve is on a mission to redefine everyone's expectations of events and provide attendees with unbeatable return on investment and time. Hyve's portfolio includes world-renowned events such as Shoptalk, HLTH, Bett and Fintech Meetup. SOURCE: Fintech Meetup Colbeck Capital Management, a leading middle-market private credit firm focused on strategic lending, is pleased to share that Greg Budetti, Head of Business Development, is attending SuperReturn Private Credit Europe. The event, to be held March 10-12 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, will gather hundreds of senior LPs and decision makers from leading private credit funds to network and discuss the latest trends across the asset class. This year's programming features a dedicated Asset-Backed Finance Summit to explore the challenges, risks, and opportunities in the evolving sector. Additional sessions will cover topics including current macroeconomic trends, fundraising, direct lending, secondaries, niche and specialty finance, distressed debt, and more. Attendees will participate in keynote presentations, fireside chats, interactive Q&As, and one-on-one networking opportunities. To learn more about the event, please click here. About Colbeck Capital Management Colbeck Capital Management (colbeck.com) is a leading, middle-market private credit manager focused on strategic lending. Colbeck originates senior secured loans to companies going through periods of transition, providing creative capital solutions. Colbeck sponsors its portfolio companies through consistent engagement with management teams in areas such as finance, capital markets and growth strategies, distinguishing itself from traditional lenders. Colbeck was founded in 2009 by Jason Colodne and Jason Beckman and currently manages $3+ billion of invested and committed capital. Colbeck's principals have extensive experience investing through different market cycles at leading institutions, including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307211864/en/ Contacts: Media Jonathan Warren/Jared Kimmel Gasthalter Co. (212) 257-4170 colbeck@gasthalter.com Cambridge Connect strengthens supplier portfolio with industry-leading SIEM provider Cambridge Connect, a leading Technology Services Distributor (TSD) and subsidiary of Cambridge Management Consulting, today announced a strategic partnership with Securonix, Inc., a five-time Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader in Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). Through the partnership, Securonix joins Cambridge Connect's portfolio of suppliers to deliver its best-of-breed SIEM to businesses in need, and expand its presence in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) market. The cyber security threat landscape has become more complex, and burnout among security professionals remains pervasive, putting organisations in need of solutions that can simultaneously defend critical assets while crushing repetitive tasks. Securonix EON's Noise Cancelling SIEM dramatically reduces alert fatigue by reducing up to 50% of total alert volume, allowing CyberOps teams to focus on critical threats. By leveraging AI, Securonix empowers analysts to quickly zero in on the alerts that really matter, and reduces duplication and irrelevant alerts. This approach ultimately improves analyst efficiency and effectiveness. "Partnering with Cambridge Connect creates new opportunities for us to support businesses in the EMEA market," said Tim Bury, VP of Europe at Securonix. "Cyber security is no longer a 'nice-to-have' but rather a strategic imperative for organisations across the globe. In the sea of TSDs, Cambridge Connect stood out as the clear partner to reach businesses in need of AI-reinforced cyber security. It's an honour to provide that." "Partnering with Securonix adds immense value to our supplier portfolio and is going to be transformative for our clients," said Philippe Bosquier, CEO of Cambridge Connect. "The success of a business relies on having a strong security solution in place, more so now than ever as cyber crime becomes an increasingly prevalent threat. We believe Securonix is one of the best SIEM solutions in the market, and we are thrilled to further its reach to our clients and customers." For more information or to inquire about partnering with Cambridge Connect, please visit: https://www.cambridgeconnect.io/become-a-partner. For more information or to inquire about partnering with Securonix, please visit: https://www.securonix.com/partners/. About Securonix Securonix is pushing forward in its mission to secure the world by staying ahead of cyber threats by reinforcing all layers of its platform with AI capabilities. Securonix EON provides organisations with the first and only AI-Reinforced threat detection, investigation and response (TDIR) solution built with a cyber security mesh architecture on a highly scalable data cloud. The innovative cloud-native solution delivers a frictionless CyberOps experience and enables organisations to scale up their security operations and keep up with evolving threats. For more information, visit www.securonix.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About Cambridge Connect Cambridge Connect is a leading Technology Services Distributor (TSD) and a subsidiary of Cambridge Management Consulting. Cambridge Connect provides a variety of market routes tailored to suit diverse business needs. The company's extensive portfolio includes products from industry leaders, alongside niche and emerging technologies, ensuring a broad spectrum of cutting-edge solutions. Cambridge Connect's streamlined operations simplify collaboration for Partners, offering transparency and commission tracking. Additionally, Cambridge Connect equips partners with the necessary resources to identify and capitalise on new business opportunities, fostering growth and innovation in the technology sector. For more information, visit https://www.cambridgeconnect.io/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307337238/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Oliver Cowley Merritt Group for Securonix securonix@merrittgrp.com Avel eCare is shining a spotlight on the essential work of hospitalists and their dedication to patient care. These physicians play a crucial role in hospitals, managing inpatient treatment, coordinating with care teams, and ensuring patients receive the attention they need around the clock. But with growing patient loads, staffing shortages, and increasing burnout, hospitalists need more support than ever. "Our telemedicine hospitalists don't just support patient care - they enhance the well-being of on-site hospital teams," said Kelly Rhone, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Avel eCare. "By integrating telemedicine, hospitals can ensure continuous, high-quality care while also giving their providers the support they need to prevent burnout and sustain long-term success." Currently, the U.S. has an estimated 50,000-70,000 hospitalists, but many hospitals are still struggling to fill these roles. Rural hospitals face even greater challenges. Through telemedicine, Avel can bring much-needed hospitalist expertise and coverage to a broader base of communities and patients. Avel eHospitalists work alongside local nursing and Hospitalist teams complementing their coverage model, and reducing burnout of valuable on site clinicians. "Hospitalists are the backbone of inpatient care, but they're stretched thin," said Keith Holt, Director of Acute Inpatient Services for Avel eCare. "Our telemedicine hospitalist program is here to be a true partner in care. It opens a lot of opportunities to bring hospitalist practice balance to rural communities and provide support for local physicians that may have historically been on-call. We are pleased to be able to collaborate with them and allow us to be their partner to help care for their patients." Avel eCare's telemedicine hospitalists serve as an extension of hospital teams, offering 24/7 coverage, helping reduce burnout, and ensuring that hospitalists in all settings - especially in rural and critical access hospitals - have the support they need to deliver top-tier patient care. By integrating remote hospitalist services, hospitals can provide continuous, high-quality care while reducing the strain on their on-site teams. "Under the guidance of our experienced hospitalist medical director and collaborating teams, we can work together to make real impacts for care teams and patients at the bedside," added Holt. Avel eCare is committed to advancing healthcare delivery and celebrating the work of hospitalists who dedicate their careers to improving patient lives. By providing remote hospitalist support in 15 states, Avel eCare is ensuring that hospitals - large and small, urban and rural - have access to expert care when they need it most. To learn more about Avel eCare's hospitalist support services, visit https://www.avelecare.com/services/hospitalist/ About Avel eCare Avel eCare is a leader in telemedicine, delivering innovative healthcare solutions to hospitals, clinics, and care facilities across 46 states. With a mission to enhance patient care and support frontline healthcare workers, Avel eCare provides 24/7 telemedicine services in hospitalist medicine, emergency care, behavioral health, critical care, and more. For media inquiries, please contact: Jessica Gaikowski Director of Marketing and Communications Avel eCare media@avelecare.com | 605-553-6523 SOURCE: Avel eCare LONDON, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, today announces the appointment of Arden Hoffman as an independent Non-Executive Director, with effect from 1 June 2025. Arden has held significant leadership positions within high-profile organisations and brings to Pearson a strong expertise and business perspective on workforce and talent development in an era of innovation and AI. Arden is the Chief People Officer at General Motors, a position she has held since 2023. Arden leads GM's talent management and organisational development and plays a critical role in fostering a culture of innovation, ensuring the company attracts, retains, and develops top talent in a rapidly evolving industry. She brings to the Board a strong background in human resources and talent development in the global automotive, technology, and financial services sectors. Prior to General Motors, Arden served as Chief People Officer at Cruise and as Global Head of Human Resources at Dropbox, in addition to holding senior positions in HR at Google and Goldman Sachs. Omid Kordestani, Pearson Chair, said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Arden to the Pearson Board as we are evolving our business to meet transformational shifts in learning and in the workforce. She brings an innate passion for the power learning can bring at an individual and societal level, as well as experience in leading high performing teams in tech-driven businesses. Additionally, she complements the existing depth of experience on our Board and her workforce and talent expertise will prove invaluable as Pearson continues to execute against its strategy." Arden Hoffman said: "Pearson's purpose of helping people to realise the life they imagine through learning is incredibly impactful and aligns with my own belief in the importance of empowering individuals through learning and growth. I'm excited to help Pearson make further progress against its purpose and strategy through my experience leading talent management efforts in global organisations and in the application of workforce learning at scale." Arden earned an M.B.A from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor's degree in Rhetoric from the University of California-Berkeley. There is no further information to be declared in accordance with LR 6.4.8. About Pearson At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realise the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers with digital content, assessments, qualifications and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com. Media Contacts: dan.nelson@pearson.com - US laura.ewart@pearson.com - UK Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636705/ArdenHeadshot1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/617186/Pearson_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pearson-announces-arden-hoffman-as-non-executive-director-302395695.html Shareholders approved 28 th consecutive dividend increase to CHF 3.50 (+6.1%) per share for 2024, representing a 3.5% yield consecutive dividend increase to CHF 3.50 (+6.1%) per share for 2024, representing a 3.5% yield Shareholders elected Giovanni Caforio as new member and Chair of the Board of Directors as well as Elizabeth McNally as new member of the Board of Directors. Joerg Reinhardt, Charles L. Sawyers and William T. Winters did not stand for re-election Shareholders approved all other proposals by the Board of Directors, including the reduction of share capital, the 2024 report on non-financial matters and the 2024 Compensation Report, as well as the future Board and Executive Committee compensation in separate binding votes Basel, March 7, 2025 - Novartis shareholders today agreed to the Board of Directors' recommendations for all proposed resolutions at the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM). A total of 1,693 shareholders were present at the meeting held in Basel, representing approximately 57.42% of the issued shares of Novartis. With a dividend increase of 6.1% to CHF 3.50 per share, shareholders approved the 28th consecutive increase, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.5%1. Payment of the 2024 dividend will be made from March 13, 2025. Election of new Board Chair and a new member of the Board Shareholders have elected Giovanni Caforio as new member of the Board of Directors and Board Chair. In addition, shareholders elected Elizabeth McNally as new member of the Board of Directors. Joerg Reinhardt, Charles L. Sawyers, and William T. Winters did not stand for re-election. All other members of the Board of Directors have been re-elected. All elections and re-elections pertain to a term lasting until completion of the next AGM. Shareholders also re-elected all current members of the Compensation Committee and elected John D. Young as new member of the Compensation Committee each for a term lasting until completion of the next AGM. With his re-election, Simon Moroney remains Chair of the committee in line with the designation from the Board of Directors. The professional backgrounds of the members of the Board of Directors can be found under: www.novartis.com/about/board-directors (http://www.novartis.com/about/board-directors). Reduction of share capital Shareholders also approved the proposal by the Board of Directors to cancel 77 508 630 shares and to reduce the share capital accordingly by CHF 37 979 228.70 (from CHF 1 073 065 943.53 to CHF 1 035 086 714.83). Further share repurchases To allow for the full execution of the already announced share buyback of up to CHF 15 billion and potential additional share buybacks, shareholders approved the Board of Directors' proposal to authorize the Board of Directors to repurchase shares as deemed appropriate from time to time up to CHF 10 billion from the 2025 AGM to the 2028 AGM. This is in addition to the remaining authorization of CHF 3.5 billion2 from the 2022 and 2023 AGMs. Compensation for the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee In two separate binding votes, shareholders approved the total maximum aggregate amount of compensation for the Board of Directors, covering the period from the 2025 AGM to the 2026 AGM, and the total maximum aggregate amount of compensation for the Executive Committee for the 2025 financial year. Shareholders further endorsed the 2024 Compensation Report in an advisory vote. Resolutions For a detailed listing of all resolutions at the 2025 AGM, please visit: https://novartis.com/agm (https://novartis.com/agm) Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Novartis Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide. Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com (https://www.novartis.com/) and connect with us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/novartis/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/novartis/), X/Twitter (https://twitter.com/Novartis) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/novartis?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==__;!!N3hqHg43uw!pjp8z253J5NjaOYrW65UbAAlHeHRdQ-w0m4ezZxEQEl0ptafXN2M99VRIk39pf49PAc8NbK93Pxp3uaSBQkAf8oEnzWXG8Sk$). References Based on the Novartis SIX Swiss Exchange closing share price of CHF 99.47 on March 6, 2025 As of December 31, 2024 # # # Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV: DRY) (OTCQB: DRYGF) ("Dryden Gold" or the "Company") announces that it has granted an aggregate of 2,900,000 incentive stock options under the Company's stock option plan to management, board of directors, employees, strategic advisors and consultants of the Company. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.12 per share for a period of 10 years from the date of grant. The options will vest 20% on the date of grant and 20% every six months thereafter for a total period of two years for management and will vest quarterly over one year for the independent directors. Bunt Capital The Company is pleased to announce that, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, it has engaged Bunt Capital Corporation ("Bunt"), a full- service marketing and consulting services company focused on the junior metals and mining sector. Bunt will communicate directly with existing shareholders, analysts and prospective investors. Under the terms of the Bunt engagement agreement (the "Bunt Agreement"), the Company has agreed to pay Bunt $15,000 per month over the 6-month initial term of the Bunt Agreement. A total of 200,000 stock options of shares of Dryden Gold Corp. are included in the terms of the Bunt Agreement. The options will be exercisable for 5 years at a price of $.12 and will vest quarterly over one year. Bunt may from time to time acquire or dispose of securities of the Company through the market, privately or otherwise, as circumstances or market conditions warrant. Bunt has also agreed to the Company's insider trading policy and will observe the Company's trading blackouts. Bunt and its affiliates are at arm's length to Dryden Gold Corp. and has no other relationship with Dryden Gold Corp., except pursuant to the Bunt Agreement. The Bunt Agreement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Concept Capital The Company has also retained Concept Capital Management LTD to develop an extensive European marketing strategy for the Company. Concept will provide the Company with a source of knowledge of the structure and form of the investment community in Europe providing advice on developing a strategic marketing plan specifically tailored for the investment community in Europe and sourcing and selecting service providers to give effect to the strategic marketing plan. Under the terms of the engagement agreement (the "Concept Agreement"), the Company has agreed to pay $50,000 for a 6-month initial term. A total of 200,000 stock options of shares of Dryden Gold Corp. are included in the terms of the Concept Agreement. The options will be exercisable for 5 years at a price of $.12 and will vest quarterly over one year. ABOUT DRYDEN GOLD CORP. Dryden Gold Corp. is an exploration company focused on the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("DRY") and on the OTCQB marketplace ("DRYGF"). The Company has a strong management team and Board of Directors comprised of experienced individuals with a track record of building shareholder value through property acquisition and consolidation, exploration success, and mergers and acquisitions. Dryden Gold controls a 100% interest in a dominant strategic land position in the Dryden District of Northwestern Ontario. Dryden Gold's property package includes historic gold mines but has seen limited modern exploration. The property hosts high-grade gold mineralization over 50km of potential strike length along the Manitou-Dinorwic deformation zone. The property has excellent infrastructure, enjoys collaborative relationships with First Nations communities and benefits from proximity to an experienced mining workforce. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information go to our website www.drydengold.com. CONTACT INFORMATION Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the acquisition of the Property, receipt of corporate and regulatory approvals, issuance of common shares; future development plans; future acquisitions; exploration programs; and the business and operations of Dryden Gold. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings including receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval for the acquisition of the Property; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in Dryden Gold's and the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Dryden Gold and the Company do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from Dryden Gold's and the Company's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243674 SOURCE: Dryden Gold Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. (TSXV: GNG) (OTC Pink: GGTHF) (FSE: GGZA) announces that it has dropped the option on its Ernest REE project in the Manicouagan area of Quebec. The Company has three other 100% owned REE properties in the same region which it is maintaining, including the Victory 21 property which has similar work done and results. That includes preliminary mapping, A radiometric survey and a drone mag survey with the magnetometer at 40 meter height and 30 meter line spacing, with sampling every 0.4 meters. Figure 1: Manicouagan REE Project Overview To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4761/243650_8136784a54849a9f_002full.jpg Golden Goliath's Manicouagan Project now consists of three properties covering anomalous Rare Earth Element occurrences just to the south of the Manicouagan impact crater. Highway 389 splits the properties just north of the Robert Bourassa hydro dam at Manic-5, 215 km north of Baie Comeau. The initial exploration program on these properties consisted of geology and geochemistry as well as the ground radiometric survey and Drone Mag survey completed on Victory 21. All three properties are underlain by metamorphic and igneous units that are cut by younger pegmatites. It is unclear if the anomalous REE values are associated with the Manicouagan impact event. This news release has been reviewed by Gordon MacKay, P.Geo., who is acting as QP under the NI 43-101 requirements. On behalf of the Board of Directors Paul Sorbara, MSc, PGeo (retired) CEO, Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. About Golden Goliath Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. is a junior exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (symbol GNG). The Company is focused on exploring and developing the gold and silver potential of properties in the Red Lake District of Ontario. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the San Timoteo property, located in the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains of northwestern Mexico, as well as NSR royalties on several other nearby properties. To find out more about Golden Goliath visit our website at www.goldengoliath.com. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain statements included herein may constitute "forward-looking statements". All statements included in this press release that address future events, conditions or results, including in connection with exploration activity, future acquisitions and any financing, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "must", "plan", "believe", "expect", "estimate", "think", "continue", "should", "will", "could", "intend", "anticipate" or "future" or the negative forms thereof or similar variations. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experiences and their perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors they believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those mentioned in the Company's continuous disclosure documents, which can be found under its profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Many of such risks and uncertainties are outside the control of the Company and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In making such forward-looking statements, management has relied upon a number of material factors and assumptions, on the basis of currently available information, for which there is no insurance that such information will prove accurate. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly 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 law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243650 SOURCE: Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. Serving Italian-Inspired and Locally Sourced Dishes, New Nashua Location is the Third in New Hampshire Evviva Trattoria, a Massachusetts-based restaurant brand featuring locally sourced modern Italian cuisine, will open its tenth location on Monday, March 10th at 2:00pm at 350 Amherst St. in Nashua, New Hampshire. Guests will enjoy Italian-inspired cuisine served in a comfortable and family-style atmosphere with a full bar serving beer, wine and specialty cocktails. "Following the launch of our first New Hampshire location in Rochester, it's become evident our guests appreciate our fresh, Italian-inspired dishes made in our scratch kitchen", said Marcie Day, Chief Operating Officer of Evviva Trattoria. "Because of that, we've opened our Bedford location in January and now it's time for us to serve the Nashua community with the same warmth found in our flavorful dishes." The new Nashua location boasts an open kitchen and bar, a spacious 1,800 square foot dining room with booths and high-top tables, a 500 square foot private dining room and an outdoor patio coming in spring 2025. The private dining space is a vibrant, flexible atmosphere that's ideal for any event from rehearsal dinners and showers to corporate dinners and more. Accommodating large groups of guests with individual dining needs and preferences is made easy. "Further, we're able to meet the needs of guests looking for gluten-free options, particularly when it comes to quality pasta dishes," continued Day. "More than 90 percent of Evviva's core menu is either naturally gluten free or can be modified to be that way. This is a signature offering for our restaurants and we're so proud of our leadership in this endeavor." Examples of what's on the menu for lunch and dinner, Evviva offers starters such as Crispy Lasagna Fritters ($14) or the Italian Street Fries ($13), and entree staples like the Parmigiana (Eggplant, Chicken or Veal; $22-$27), Bolognese (sm $16.50, lg $24) and a variety of specialty pizzas available Montanara Style (signature fried crust; individual size only) or Neapolitan Style (traditional crust). About Evviva Trattoria With seven locations across Massachusetts and three in New Hampshire, Evviva Trattoria features Italian-inspired, locally made cuisine. The award-winning restaurant brand is committed to the local sourcing of whole foods, prepared fresh at each location including Quincy, Hanover, Marlborough, Maynard, Stoneham, Westford and Wrentham, Mass., as well as Bedford, Nashua and Rochester, New Hampshire. Evviva Trattoria prides itself on accommodating each of its guests with allergy-safe options and offers more than 90 percent of the core menu with gluten-free alternatives. This is accomplished through preparing dishes to order in scratch kitchens on designated equipment and ensuring management delivers allergy-safe dishes. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Westford, Mass., Evviva Trattoria is part of RAVentures, which owns and operates hospitality brands and real estate and development companies. For more information, please visit www.evvivatrattoria.com, join the Loyalty program for member benefits, and follow Evivva on Instagram. ### Media Contact: Eric Montague Sleek Machine for RAVentures Hospitality Group eric@sleekmachine.com 508-527-3312 SOURCE: Evviva Trattoria NEW YORK, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United Legwear & Apparel Co., LLC (ULAC), a New York-based global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of apparel, legwear, bodywear, and accessories, proudly announces the appointment of Tony Lucia as President of ULAC Europe BV, inclusive of ULAC UK Ltd, the company's wholly owned European and UK subsidiaries, headquartered in the Netherlands and London. Lucia brings decades of leadership experience in the apparel industry, having served as CEO and President (NCSA) of renowned global fashion brands such as Hugo Boss, Escada, and G-Star Raw. Earlier in his career, he held key executive sales positions at Giorgio Armani/GFT, Donna Karan, and Andrew Fezza, establishing himself as a transformative leader in the sector. In his new role, Lucia will spearhead the expansion of the Scotch & Soda, Ted Baker (e-commerce,) Hurley, and Skechers brands. Collaborating closely with ULAC's sales teams in the UK, Europe and the US, he plans to strengthen retailer relationships, refine go-to-market strategies, and drive omnichannel sales growth. His comprehensive expertise-spanning operations, P&L management, supply chain efficiencies, and global e-commerce strategy and sales-positions him as a vital asset to ULAC Europe and UK's leadership team. "Tony's deep industry expertise and broad strategic vision align perfectly with ULAC's commitment to innovation and global expansion," said Christopher J. Volpe, COO/CFO. "His proven leadership will be instrumental in driving significant, sustainable growth for our brands across the UK, Europe and beyond." Commenting on his new role, Lucia stated, "I'm honored to join ULAC and excited to lead the European and UK businesses at this pivotal moment. The opportunity to expand these iconic brands and build on ULAC's strong foundation is truly inspiring. I look forward to collaborating with our teams and partners to accelerate growth and create exceptional brand experiences for consumers across the region." Lucia's appointment underscores ULAC's ongoing commitment to expanding its European and UK footprints, enhancing brand reach, and delivering premium apparel and accessories to a global audience. About United Legwear & Apparel Co. (ULAC) ULAC (ulac.com) is a New York City-based global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of apparel, legwear, bodywear, and accessories. Founded by Isaac E. Ash, ULAC is a joint venture partner of PUMA North America; has distribution partnerships with Scotch & Soda, Hurley and Ted Baker; maintains highly recognized licensed brands such as Skechers, Van Heusen, DKNY, Champion, Arrow, and Weatherproof. Additionally, ULAC owns the Pro Player and Lemon brands and develops a range of private-label brands tailored to leading retailers. With a steadfast commitment to quality, value, and innovation, ULAC delivers best-in-class products while operating with integrity, excellence, and a forward-thinking approach to meet the evolving needs of global consumers. For media inquiries, please contact: Rita Polidori O'Brien | VP Corporate Communications, ULAC rita@unitedlegwear.com | 212-391-4143 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2635036/ULAC_logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/united-legwear--apparel-co-names-tony-lucia-president-of-ulac-europe-302395042.html MediaZest Plc - Posting of Annual Report and Notice of AGM PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, March 07 7 March 2025 MediaZest Plc ("MediaZest", the "Company", or the "Group") Posting of Annual Report and Notice of AGM MediaZest plc (AIM: MDZ), the creative audio-visual solutions provider, announces that the 2025 Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of the Company will be held at Unit 9, Woking Business Park, Albert Drive, Woking, GU21 5JY on at 11:00 a.m. on 31 March 2025. The Notice of AGM, together with the Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2024 will be posted to shareholders today and are available on the Company's website at www.mediazest.com . The Company values shareholder participation and encourages all shareholders to exercise their voting rights by completing and submitting a proxy form as soon as possible. Shareholders can also submit questions in advance to mediazest@walbrookpr.com . For further information please contact: MediaZest Plc www.mediazest.com Geoff Robertson, Chief Executive Officer via Walbrook PR SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Nomad) Tel: +44 (0)20 3470 0470 David Hignell / Adam Cowl Hybridan LLP (Corporate Broker) Tel: +44 (0)20 3764 2341 Claire Noyce Walbrook PR (Media & Investor Relations) Tel: +44 (0)20 7933 8780 or mediazest@walbrookpr.com Paul McManus / Lianne Applegarth / Alice Woodings Mob: +44 (0)7980 541 893 / +44 (0)7584 391 303 / +44 (0)7407 804 654 About MediaZest ( www.mediazest.com ) MediaZest is a creative audio-visual systems integrator that specialises in providing innovative marketing solutions to leading retailers, brand owners and corporations, but also works in the public sector in both the NHS and Education markets. The Group supplies an integrated service from content creation and system design to installation, technical support, and maintenance. MediaZest was admitted to the London Stock Exchange's AIM market in February 2005. Full study results are expected in June 2025, but early results demonstrate strong potential; 60% of trial patients experienced full or partial lesion clearance Torqur AG, an innovative clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to advancing treatments for oncology and dermatology, is delighted to announce the presentation of interim results from its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial in Actinic keratosis at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, taking place in Orlando, Florida, from March 7-11, 2025. Actinic keratosis, the most common pre-cancerous dermatological condition, affects 58 million Americans each year.1 Primarily driven by an overactive PI3K pathway, early research suggests targeted therapy could hold promise for many patients. The study evaluates the safety and efficacy of topical gel bimiralisib, a selective pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, in patients with Actinic keratosis. The interim results highlight strong potential, paving the way for further clinical advancement. Key interim findings include: Efficacy : Bimiralisib topical gel (2%) demonstrated strong efficacy with 60% of patients who completed the initial treatment and follow up visit showing either complete or partial clearance of their lesions. Notably, 70% in the 4-week treatment group (Arm B, 17 patients) and 50% in the 2-week treatment group (Arm A, 18 patients) showed significant improvement, reinforcing its potential as an effective targeted therapy for Actinic keratosis. : Bimiralisib topical gel (2%) demonstrated strong efficacy with 60% of patients who completed the initial treatment and follow up visit showing either complete or partial clearance of their lesions. Notably, 70% in the 4-week treatment group (Arm B, 17 patients) and 50% in the 2-week treatment group (Arm A, 18 patients) showed significant improvement, reinforcing its potential as an effective targeted therapy for Actinic keratosis. Safety: The safety profile indicates that bimiralisib topical gel (2%) was well tolerated, with treatment-related adverse events primarily being mild (Grade 1) and resolving quickly after treatment completion. "These interim results mark a significant step forward in our commitment to bringing innovative therapeutic options to patients with Actinic keratosis," said Dr. Vladimir Cmiljanovic, CEO at Torqur AG. "We are highly encouraged by the positive trends observed and remain focused on advancing the study toward the next phase of development." Prof. Dr. David Fisher, Chair of the Dermatology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School, offered: "Most instances of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas begin as Actinic keratosis. With more than 58 million Americans living with these lesions, new targeted, non-invasive treatments for early-stage growths could help to alleviate the burden of this disease for thousands of patients." "The interim results from this Phase 2 trial are highly encouraging, showing strong potential for bimiralisib topical gel (2%) as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for Actinic keratosis," said Prof. Dr. Alexander Navarini, lead Principal Investigator and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Allergy at the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland. "These encouraging interim findings further validate the need for effective, targeted therapies addressing the PI3K pathway in Actinic keratosis. We look forward to building on this momentum and further assessing bimiralisib's clinical potential as the study progresses." Prof. Dr. Olivier Gaide, Principal Investigator and Head of the Center of Excellence for Skin Cancer and Melanoma at the Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland, added: "The interim results from this Phase 2 trial indicate promising efficacy and tolerability of bimiralisib topical gel (2%), reinforcing its potential as a valuable targeted therapy for Actinic keratosis." The Phase 2 trial is enrolling patients across two renowned dermatology centers in Switzerland, Prof. Alexander Navarini in Basel and Prof. Olivier Gaide in Lausanne, with full results expected in June 2025. The complete interim analysis will be accessible to conference attendees through the AAD online viewing portal and on-site viewing stations starting at the beginning of the meeting. However, public access via the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology supplement will occur later in the year. For more information on the trial, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov, ID NCT06319794. About Torqur AG Torqur AG, a Swiss biotech pioneer, focuses on developing novel anti-cancer therapies targeting the metabolic PI3K/mTOR pathway. Leveraging the assets and intellectual property acquired from Piqur Therapeutics AG, Torqur AG is at the forefront of cancer research and therapy development. Founded by Dr. Vladimir Cmiljanovic and Dr. Natasa Cmiljanovic, Torqur AG operates under the auspices of Swiss Rockets AG, driving innovation in oncology and dermatology. DISCLAIMER Swiss Rockets AG and Torqur AG have prepared this press release to the best of its knowledge, based on the currently available preliminary data. The general background information about Torqur AG's activities is current as of the date of this press release. This information is provided in summary form and does not claim to be exhaustive. The final results and outcomes of the study may materially differ from those projected in this slide deck. Torqur AG does not make any warranties, representations, or guarantees regarding the final results and outcomes of the study. The information contained in this press release does not constitute a solicitation or offer to buy, sell, or otherwise trade or engage in any similar transaction involving Swiss Rockets AG's or Torqur AG's shares. The information presented herein includes certain forward-looking statements and estimates. Such information is subject to significant scientific, economic, business, and financial uncertainties that cannot be predicted in advance. Therefore, actual results may materially differ from those projected. Neither Swiss Rockets AG nor its group companies make any warranties, representations, or guarantees regarding the data and information made available through this communication, including but not limited to their accuracy, timeliness, completeness, marketability, commercial usability, or suitability for any particular purpose and in particular with regard to forward-looking statements and does not make any warranties or gives any guarantees on the future course of development and success of any of its products, strategies or business activities. This disclaimer is governed by Swiss law. Any disputes arising from or in connection with this press release shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of the Canton of Basel-Stadt, Switzerland. _______________ 1 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14148-actinic-keratosis View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307580526/en/ Contacts: For media inquiries or further information, please contact: U.S. Media Contact Rachel Ford Hutman Ford Hutman Media Rachel@fordhutmanmedia.com Europe Media Contact Dr. Sabina R. Korfmann-Bodenmann KCCC Korfmann Corporate Communications Consulting AG s.korfmann@kccc.ch I Squared Capital, a leading independent global infrastructure investment firm, today announced two senior appointments to its investment and asset management teams in London. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250306212222/en/ Philippe Lenoble, Managing Director, I Squared (Photo: Business Wire) Philippe Lenoble will join the investment team as Managing Director, reporting to Mohamed El Gazzar, Senior Partner. Bogdan Ciobotaru will join the asset management team as Managing Director reporting to Maxime Jacqz, Managing Director, who leads asset management in Europe. The demands for new and improved infrastructure requires investors to balance the increasing opportunities with the right resourcing to manage the increased scale and complexity. I Squared is committed to expanding its investment and asset management capabilities in a thoughtful and deliberate way to seize this opportunity and deliver value for its partners across the globe. Europe continues to be an important market for us and Philippe and Bogdan's experience, and expertise will support our ambitions for the region during this pivotal period for infrastructure. Philippe brings nearly 30 years of investment industry experience from across the infrastructure sector. He is well known to the I Squared team having worked with us in one way or another for the last 15 years, most recently as an Operating Advisor and member of the Board of Directors of Arriva. Philippe previously spent 16 years at Goldman Sachs where he was a Managing Director of the GS Infrastructure Funds. He has also held leadership roles at the Canadian pension fund, CDPQ, and Australian pension fund, AustralianSuper. Bogdan brings 25 years of experience across investment banking, private equity and asset management in the infrastructure, telecoms and financial services sectors, initially at Morgan Stanley and subsequently at Renaissance Capital. Like Philippe, Bogdan also joined I Squared as an Operating Director but quickly demonstrated his value as Chair of Ezee Fiber and on the boards of Exa Infrastructure, Cube Cold and, most recently, Arriva. "Philippe and Bogdan have quickly proven themselves to be valuable partners to our investment teams and thoughtful and impactful contributors to our portfolio companies," said Mohamed El Gazzar, Senior Partner, I Squared Capital. "These appointments reflect our commitment to strengthening our investment team as we seek to capitalize on the opportunity set we see and our pursuit of high-quality infrastructure opportunities globally." These appointments follow that of Ben Harper as Managing Director, Head of Sustainability earlier this week and reflect I Squared's continued efforts to strengthen its investment and value creation capabilities. Philippe holds a master's degree in engineering and finance from Universite Catholique de Louvain (Belgium) and the CFA designation. He is an active member of the investment community and serves on the Board of CFA UK, the professional body representing approximately 12,000 investment professionals in the UK. Bogdan holds a bachelor's degree from the Academy of Economic Studies in Romania and an MBA from Oxford University. About I Squared Capital I Squared is a leading independent global infrastructure investor with over $40 billion in assets under management. We are known for the development of investment platforms in infrastructure projects where we start small and grow big. We use global insights and deep local intelligence to solve complex problems, foster smarter businesses, serve local communities, and invest in a more sustainable future to provide essential services to millions of people around the world. We are a team of over 280 people, headquartered in Miami with offices in Abu Dhabi, London, Munich, New Delhi, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Taipei. We operate a diverse portfolio of 89 companies in more than 70 countries with over 66,000 employees in a variety of sectors including utilities, energy, digital infrastructure, transport, environmental infrastructure, and social infrastructure. You can find out more by visiting: www.isquaredcapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250306212222/en/ Contacts: For media inquiries, please contact: Dominic McMullan Shelly Hagan info@isquaredcapital.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - Giorgia Anton, Managing Director and Head of Research, CIBC Capital Markets, Harry Culham, Group Head, Capital Markets, Global Asset Management and Enterprise Strategy, CIBC Capital Markets, and CIBC Women Connect, joined Michelle Tran, President, TMX Datalinx, to open the market to celebrate International Women's Day as part of the 11th annual "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" campaign. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx7-2oN-bRw CIBC Women Connect is an employee-driven group focused on enhancing inclusion and advancement of women in Capital Markets. The group aims to provide networking opportunities, while bringing together industry experts to share knowledge and empower team members. CIBC Women Connect includes all levels of women across CIBC Capital Markets, including Global Corporate & Investment Banking and Global Markets. The 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality' initiative is a partnership between the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UN SSE) initiative, the UN Global Compact, UN Women and the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE). For the 11th consecutive year, stock exchanges around the world ring the bell for gender equality on or around the International Women's Day (March 8, 2025), to raise awareness of the pivotal role the private sector can play in advancing gender equality. The theme of this year is "Ring the Bell for ALL Women and Girls. Right. Equality. Empowerment." To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243679 SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange The "Slovenia Construction Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts by Sector Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Institutional and Residential Market Analysis to 2029 (H1 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Construction industry in Slovenia to expand in real terms by 2.6% in 2025, before recording an average annual rate of 2.7% from 2026 to 2029, supported by investments in the transport, renewable energy, manufacturing, and residential sectors. In late January 2025, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced that it has provided EUR284 million ($302 million) of new financing to Slovenia overall in 2024, focusing on fostering sustainable energy and energy efficiency, and boosting entrepreneurship and innovation. In 2024, the EIB had signed agreements with three power companies Elektro Celje, Elektro Ljubljana, and Elektro Maribor to upgrade Slovenia's electricity grids; it had committed EUR144 million ($153.1 million) to reinforce regional energy infrastructure, to enable the integration of renewable energy, and expand capacity for electric vehicle charging. In October 2024, Slovenia received EUR257.7 million ($274.1 million) for investments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP); this includes EUR141.6 million ($150.6 million) in grants and EUR116.1 million ($123.5 million) in loans. Slovenia's payment request had comprised important steps for the implementation of four reforms and four investments; among other things, projects for the construction of energy-efficient buildings for educational institutions were selected, and contracts were awarded for the construction of new institutional care facilities. Together with this payment, as of late October 2024, Slovenia had received EUR1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) for RRP's implementation. This amount includes EUR673 million ($715.7 million) in grants and EUR426 million ($453 million) in loans, and is equivalent to 41% of the overall recovery and resilience funding available to Slovenia until the end of 2026. Scope Historical (2020-2024) and forecast (2025-2029) valuations of the construction industry in Slovenia, featuring details of key growth drivers. Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by sub-sector Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, including breakdowns by development stage across all sectors, and projected spending on projects in the existing pipeline. Listings of major projects, in addition to details of leading contractors and consultants Reasons to Buy Identify and evaluate market opportunities using our standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts Understand the latest industry and market trends Formulate and validate business strategies using the analyst's critical and actionable insight Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures Evaluate competitive risk and success factors Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Construction Industry: At-a-Glance 3 Latest news and developments 4 Project analytics 5 Construction Market Data 6 Risk Profile 7 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/z7oz4g 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307015240/en/ Contacts: 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 Proprietary data and Intelligence from Elliptic allowed authorities to uncloak Garantex's crypto activity and identify their wallets, enabling asset freezing. Washington, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elliptic , the global leader in blockchain analytics today announces its assistance to the United States Secret Service in their investigation into Garantex, the sanctioned Russian cryptocurrency exchange. Elliptic's unique data and intelligence have provided vital insights that contributed to the takedown of Garantex and the freezing of assets, announced today. Garantex deployed sophisticated cloaking techniques to mask its cryptocurrency wallet infrastructure, and evade the sanctions imposed on it by the U.S. Treasury and the European Union. To counter this, Elliptic applied its industry-leading blockchain analytics capabilities, to shed light on the rogue exchange's complex and ever-changing activity. This involved detailed analysis to understand Garantex's obfuscation techniques, and the development of new heuristics to flag Garantex's wallets. Elliptic's data reveals that Garantex has engaged in transactions totaling more than $60 billion since sanctions were imposed on it in April 2022. It has laundered cryptocurrency from ransomware gangs, darknet markets and North Korean crypto heists. The exchange has also been implicated in laundering and moving funds for Russian elites, many of whom are themselves sanctioned. An Elliptic spokesperson said "We have been working for nearly two years to disentangle Garantex's evolving sanctions-evasion tactics. This has fed into our real-time screening solutions, protecting Elliptic's customers as well as providing critical insights to investigators." "The recent $1.5 billion Bybit theft illustrates the role that rogue crypto exchanges play in laundering proceeds of crime and enabling nefarious regimes. Today's events demonstrate that these bad actors can be overcome." More information about Garantex is available here: https://www.elliptic.co/blog/elliptic-in-action-garantex . ABOUT ELLIPTIC Elliptic is the global leader in blockchain analytics. We power the intelligence that enables financial institutions, crypto businesses and governments to make faster, smarter and safer decisions. Our unrivalled blockchain coverage provides market leading transaction volumes, configurability, scalability and a best in class holistic ecosystem. Our data superiority is why the world's leading institutions choose Elliptic to help them manage risk and investigate crime. Elliptic is recognized as a WEF Technology Pioneer and backed by investors including J.P. Morgan, Wells Fargo Strategic Capital, SBI Group and Santander Innoventures. Founded in 2013, Elliptic is headquartered in London with offices in New York, Washington D.C., UAE, Singapore and Tokyo. To learn more, visit www.elliptic.co and follow us on LinkedIn and X . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/elliptic-data-used-by-us-secret-service-in-investigation-into-96-billion-russian-crypto-exchange-garantex-302395835.html To empower future growth, iconic beauty and entrepreneurship company Mary Kay announced the appointment of Tara Eustace as Chief Opportunity and Sales Officer. A trailblazer and long-time Mary Kay executive, Eustace will lead the Global Opportunity and Sales organization with a core mission: to put the "Mary Kay Opportunity" at the center of all entrepreneurial business strategies. She will oversee all Mary Kay regions, leading the team of region presidents and general managers in over 40 markets around the world. Eustace's newly formed organization will focus on transforming the Independent Beauty Consultant (IBC) experience, elevating them as personal beauty advisors for Mary Kay's product portfolio, brand, and opportunity. With the core mission at the forefront, Eustace will be inviting the next generation to join the entrepreneurial journey. To achieve the vision, she and her team will digitally empower all generations of IBCs with every opportunity to connect their businesses with consumers through digital upskilling, innovative digital tools, and e-commerce solutions across integrated platforms and channels. Eustace will drive the streamlining of global sales operations, activating four strategic areas: global salesforce development and education, global salesforce experience, global salesforce insights & analytics, and global salesforce social commerce and communications. This includes a commitment to expanding Mary Kay's footprint to empower women to pursue the dream of owning their small businesses wherever they are. "Tara and her team are on a mission to ignite passion around the Mary Kay Opportunity, putting it at the forefront of everything we do," said Ryan Rogers, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mary Kay. "With her entrepreneurial and visionary mindset and a track record of breaking into new markets, Tara will be instrumental in shaping the future of the business for our Independent Beauty Consultants and their customers, leveraging technology and elevating our unparalleled experience to new heights in the beauty and direct-selling industries." Eustace has served in various leadership positions worldwide over the course of her more than thirty-year career. Her unwavering commitment to women's entrepreneurship has contributed to reshaping the direct selling industry, touching the lives of millions of women, from personal growth to financial rewards and more. Eustace has led Mary Kay's growth in Europe and beyond, spearheading the most recent Mary Kay expansions into Hungary in 2023 and Kyrgyzstan in 2024. "When Mary Kay Ash founded our company, she knew that no greater opportunity existed for women than the one we have to offer. I am energized to ignite innovation, empower our Independent Beauty Consultants to sell with confidence wherever they are, and connect the next generation to a vibrant, sustainable, and dynamic earning opportunity," said Tara Eustace, Mary Kay's Chief Opportunity and Sales Officer. "Every single one of our Independent Beauty Consultants is a small business owner who directly benefits from the sale of Mary Kay products. When local customers purchase Mary Kay products from Independent Beauty Consultants, they support a family. And when they support a family, they support a dream." Eustace holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian Studies and International Relations from the University of Virginia, United States. She serves on the European Direct Selling Association's (Seldia) CEO Council Board. As International Women's Day (IWD) approaches, this leadership appointment by Ryan Rogers honors Mary Kay Ash's legacy of empowering women. At Mary Kay, women make up 54% of the executive team, 63% of the global workforce, and 63% of the R&D team1. Did you know: Nearly 30% of sales force members who started a Mary Kay business over the past year are under the age of 35 2 . In 2023 and again in 2024, Mary Kay was named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care & Color Cosmetics in the world by Euromonitor International3. 1Source: Women Representation and Leadership at Mary Kay (May 2024) 2Source: Mary Kay Inc. 2024 U.S. data 3"Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2024 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2023 data" View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mary Kay on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Mary Kay Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mary-kay Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Mary Kay Order displays LiCAP's commitment to enhance the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy storage with its innovative ultracapacitor and Activated Dry Electrode technology. LiCAP Technologies, a leader in advanced energy storage and solutions, is pleased to announce that it has received a multimillion-dollar order from a major wind energy company. This order marks a significant milestone in LiCAP's mission to enhance the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy storage with its innovative ultracapacitor and Activated Dry Electrode technology. The partnership underscores the growing demand for high-performance energy storage and ultracapacitor based solutions for emergency pitch control in wind turbines with electrical pitch systems. LiCAP's Ultracapacitor Retrofit solution is designed to be a drop-in replacement for lead-acid batteries. All cable and hardware solutions adapt natively to all the OEM's component configurations without modification required. Compared with the traditional lead-acid battery based solution, LICAP's solution contains no toxic materials and is environment friendly. It also improves lifetime (10+ Years), lowers maintenance cost and reduces operational safety concerns - critical factors for wind energy applications requiring rapid energy discharge and recharge capabilities. "This order is a testament to the strength and value of LiCAP's advanced energy storage solutions," said Mr. Martin Mills, Vice President of Sales - LiCAP Technologies. "Our Activated Dry Electrode technology provides unparalleled performance, and we are excited to support the wind energy industry with solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability." LiCAP's ultracapacitors and Activated Dry Electrode technology are increasingly recognized for their ability to enhance the reliability of energy storage in many applications. This latest order further positions the company as a key supplier for renewable energy infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the global transition to clean energy. For more information, please contact: Marty Mills, Marty.Mills@licaptechnologies.com About LiCAP Technologies LiCAP Technologies is a pioneering developer of dry electrode technology for lithium ion, solid state, and sodium ion batteries as well as ultracapacitors products, providing high-performance energy storage solutions for applications across the renewable energy, automotive, and industrial sectors. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, LiCAP continues to lead the way in enabling the future of clean energy storage. Contact Information Marty Mills VP of Sales info@licaptechnologies.com +1 916-329-8099 SOURCE: LiCAP Technologies Regulatory News: Spartoo (ISIN code: FR00140043Y1 mnemonic: ALSPT), one of the leading online retailers for fashion items in Europe, today announced that the Group's management1 bought back 2,867,401 shares from Highland Capital Partners. Boris Saragaglia, co-founder and CEO of Spartoo, stated: "I would like to thank Highland Capital Partners, a long-term shareholder, for its support and presence in Spartoo's share capital for over 15 years. Highland Capital Partners and its team, represented by Fergal Mullen, have played a key role in Spartoo's development. This transaction strengthens the position of Spartoo's management within its shareholder base and demonstrates its confidence in the Company's business plan." Fergal Mullen, Partner of Highland Capital Partners, added: "We were pleased to have formed a strong partnership with Boris and his co-founders. We have always been founder-first in our ethos and are pleased that the team will boost their ownership post this transaction." Highland Capital Partners, a shareholder with a stake of approximately 15.7%2, proposed to the Company's management to sell it all its shares, i.e. a total of 2,867,401 shares, in order to strengthen its position within Spartoo's shareholder base. On March 05, 2025, Highland Capital Partners sold full ownership of the 2,867,401 Spartoo shares it held to Spartoo's management via an off-market block sale. Following this acquisition, the Group's management holds 28.9% of the Company's share capital and 28.9% of its voting rights. Shareholding structure To the best of Spartoo's knowledge, the Company's shareholding structure before and after the disposal of the shares held by Highland Capital Partners is as follows: Based on the share capital as of December 31, 2024 Before disposal by Highland After disposal by Highland Number of Shares of capital Number of Shares of capital Total co-founders and management1 2,396,256 13.1% 5,263,255 28.9% Highland Capital Partners 2,867,401 15.7% Sofina 2,414,318 13.2% 2,414,318 13.2% LBO France 2,355,422 12.9% 2,355,422 12.9% Endeavour 1,229,272 6.7% 1,229,272 6.7% Trocadero 1,035,909 5.7% 1,035,909 5.7% Treasury Shares 26,450 0.1% 26,450 0.1% Free float 5,903,060 32.4% 5,903,060 32.4% Total 18,228,088 100% 18,228,088 100% To receive next press releases from SPARTOO, please contact us at newcap@spartoo.com Next financial publication GMV and Full-Year Results 2024, March 24, 2025, after market close About Spartoo With 10,000 brands and more than 1.7 million items, Spartoo offers one of the widest selections of fashion items (footwear, ready-to-wear, bags) in more than 30 countries in Europe, thanks to its team of more than 400 employees of nearly 30 different nationalities. In 2023, the Group generated a GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) of 200.2 million, 40% of which was generated internationally. With an integrated logistics platform and after-sales service, Spartoo stands out for its customer-centric approach, as evidenced by a very high customer satisfaction rate. The strategy is based on the strong synergies between the online sales model and the advantages of physical stores, which support loyalty and brand awareness. Capitalizing on its e-commerce know-how, Spartoo has also developed a complete range of services for professionals. Visit the Group's websites: www.spartoo.com www.spartoo-finance.com _________________________________ 1 Including Boris Saragaglia (Co-founder and Chairman CEO), Jeremie Touchard (Co-founder, Head Search Engine Management), Paul Lorne, (Co-founder, Head Supply Chain), Aymeric Moser (Executive Vice-President), Francois Bordet (Chief Information Officer). 2 As of December 31, 2024 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250307234486/en/ Contacts: Spartoo +33 4 58 00 16 84 investors@spartoo.com NewCap Louis-Victor Delouvrier Nicolas Fossiez Investor Relations newcap@spartoo.com +33 1 44 71 94 94 NewCap Nicolas Merigeau Media Relations newcap@spartoo.com +33 1 44 71 94 94 BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, March 07 BH Macro Limited (the "Company") (a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235) Transaction in Own Shares 07 March 2025 BH Macro Limited (the Company) announces today it has purchased the following number of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange from J.P. Morgan Securities plc: Ordinary Shares: - Share Class Sterling Sterling Date of purchase: 07 March 2025 07 March 2025 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 50,000.00 138,918.00 Lowest price per share (pence) 378.00 377.00 Highest price per share (pence) 378.00 378.00 Trading venue JPM SI London Aggregate volume per date per trading venue: 50,000.00 138,918.00 Weighted average price per day per trading venue (pence): 378.0000 377.6248 The Company intends to hold the purchased shares in treasury. Following the above share transactions of the relevant US Dollar and Sterling Shares, the total number of shares in issue in each share class of the Company will be as follows: Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding Treasury) Ordinary Shares held in Treasury 339,622,604 Sterling Shares 36,118,107 Sterling Shares 27,132,086 Dollar Shares Nil Dollar Shares From 07 March 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 520,221,515. Enquiries: Company website: www.bhmacro.com William Simmonds JPMorgan Cazenove Tel: 020 7588 2828 The Company Secretary Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited Tel: 01481 745001 Let's meet the winners of the 2024 Purple Totes Grant Contest Thank you to everyone who participated in the Purple Totes Grant Contest. More than 2,500 team members collected and donated over 3,000 totes worldwide! Now it is time to meet the winners of the contest and learn about the nonprofits they supported. Each of these nonprofits will receive a $5,000 USD grant. Small Division First Place Winner: Bundle Up Hampton Roads Team Bundle Up Hampton Roads based in Norfolk, Virgina, U.S., is a team of eight FedEx team members who donated 60 purple totes filled with over 300 hats, gloves, scarves, and other winter gear to St. Columba Ecumenical Ministries. The team chose St. Columba Ecumenical Ministries because they are a small nonprofit that has a great impact on the local community. They provide a day center where the homeless can take a shower, eat, and escape the elements. They also provide a clothing closet, food pantry, and assistance with transportation, vision, dental, and prescriptions. Medium Division First Place Winner: Western Australia Legendaries The Western Australia Legendaries team out of Perth, Western Australia, came in first place for the medium division. This team of 22 FedEx team members came together to donate 22 totes to the Food Bank Western Australia. These totes were filled with canned goods, milk, tea and coffee, pasta and rice, cereal, and washing products. The Food Bank provides food and grocery relief to 2,929 front-line charities and 3,220 school breakfast programs throughout the country. Large Division First Place Winner: Repair Service Center The FedEx Repair Service Center (RSC) in Collierville, Tennessee, U.S., placed first in the large division with 550 pounds of food donated to the Mid-South Food Bank. The team of 168 team members chipped in to fill 75 bags of non-perishable food items and related supplies to assist those facing food insecurity in the Memphis area. The Mid-South Food Bank, a member organization of the Feeding America U.S. hunger relief organization, transforms lives of children, seniors and families in need across Memphis and 31 Mid-South area counties through volunteer support, food drives, fund-raising, and advocacy initiatives. Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from FedEx Services on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: FedEx Services Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/fedex-corporation Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: FedEx Services Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - E-Power Resources Inc. (CSE: EPR) (FSE: 8RO) ("E-Power" or the "Company") is pleased to report additional results from the 2024 exploration program on the Company's flagship Tetepisca flake graphite property located in the North Shore region of Quebec. The results include a high grade sample of 28.7 % Cg (Graphite Carbon) from the Company's claims in the north-central part of the Tetepisca graphite district. James Cross, President and CEO of E-Power commented: These results demonstrate yet another at surface target area on Tetepisca that could become a significant graphite deposit. It sits just 4.5 km from the Uatnan resource pit, which is probably the best graphite deposit in North America. With Chinese exports severely restricted, and East African production disrupted and mired in bureaucracy, North American sources of graphite are becoming the obvious answer to the North American industrial base and defence industries. Tetepisca is one of very few projects on the continent that could make any type of impact on the looming graphite shortage. As part of the 2024 exploration program on the Tetepisca flake graphite property, the company completed a program of geological and geophysical prospecting and mapping during which 76 grab samples were collected. The work was focussed on evaluating selected conductors and conductor trends on the northern part of the property derived from interpretation of the Company's airborne electomagnetic ("EM") survey completed in 2022 as well as historical airborne EM surveys. The 2024 prospecting work resulted in the discovery of 5 target areas prioritized for follow up exploration in 2025 all of which are characetrized by numerous samples > 5% Cg and and all containing high grade samples > 20% Cg (Map 1). The results from the northern targets areas, N1 to N4, have been previously reported in news releases on October 8 and August 1, 2024. The results of the sampling in the N5 target area are plotted in Map 2 which include a high grade sample of 28.7% Cg. Flake graphite mineralization discovered on the northern claims in 2024 is hosted by strongly deformed, high metamorhic grade, sedimentary rocks. Airborne magnetic and EM conductivity patterns indicate that the graphite bearing stratigraphy is part of a complexly folded and faulted sequence continuous from southwest of the N5 traget to north of the N1 target. Historical mapping and geophysical interpretation indicates that the stratigraphic unit hosting the Uatnan deposit is continuous and hosts the N5 target mineraliztion located approximately 4.5 km to the southeast. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9160/243735_fe50d41c04097a34_002full.jpg To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9160/243735_fe50d41c04097a34_003full.jpg About the Tetepisca Property The Tetepisca Property is located approximately 220 km north of the town of Baie-Comeau in the North Shore Region of Quebec. The property consists of 230 claims covering an area of approximately 12,620 hectares within the Tetepisca Graphite District ("TGD"). The property is 100% owned by E-Power. Fifty-two claims, located in the southern part of the property, are subject to a 1.5% NSR held by a group of local prospectors; otherwise the Tetepisca property remains unencumbered. The TGD is an active graphite exploration and development district with delineated measured and indicated resources in excess of 120 Mt at an average grade of approximately 14% Cg. The Company's Tetepisca property is strategically located over continuous bedrock conductive horizons that are known and interpreted to be due to graphite and which hold significant potential to host flake graphite resources. The intersection of graphite in our 2023 drilling and the results of our 2024 exploration program to date confirms the Company's exploration model and provides the basis for continued exploration and evaluation. Qualified Person Jamie Lavigne, P. Geo, Vice President Exploration and Director for E-Power is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release. About E-Power E-Power Resources Inc. is a Quebec Corporation based in Montreal and focused on battery minerals exploration in Quebec. The Company is currently advancing two projects; the Tetepisca property, located in the North Shore region of the Province and the Turgeon property located in the Abitibi region adjacent to the Ontario border. The Company's priority target is flake graphite on the Tetepsica Property. The Turgeon property is located in the prolific Abitibi gold and base metal mining district and the Company is evaluating Turgeon primarily for its copper-zinc and gold potential. For more information about E-Power Resources Inc. please visit the Company website at: e-powerresources.com Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243735 SOURCE: E-Power Resources Roof Maxx, a leading provider of sustainable roof restoration solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Natalie Slaczka to Vice President of Sales. In her new role, Slaczka will oversee all sales departments, driving continued growth and operational excellence for the company's expanding network. Natalie Slaczka Headshot Photograph Since joining Roof Maxx in April 2023, Slaczka has been instrumental in transforming the company's inside sales operations. She played a key role in building a high-performing Inside Sales team for the Sold Jobs Program and successfully brought call center operations in-house. Under her leadership, Roof Maxx's appointment-setting and sales teams have generated over $4 million in revenue, with a lead-to-appointment conversion rate exceeding 70%. "Natalie has been a driving force behind our sales growth, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to build, scale, and optimize sales operations," said Amy Koch, COO of Roof Maxx. "Her leadership and strategic vision have already delivered exceptional results, and we are excited to see how she continues to elevate our sales in this new role." Slaczka brings a wealth of experience in inside sales, call center management, and operational leadership. Before joining Roof Maxx, she served as Senior Director of Inside Sales at Renuity Homes, where she restructured nine call center teams and oversaw 200+ representatives across the United States, resulting in $750 million company revenue. Her career also includes leadership roles at Curallux and LightRx Face and Body, where she successfully scaled inside sales teams, driving significant revenue growth. Throughout her career, Slaczka has been recognized for her ability to develop high-performing teams, implement innovative sales strategies, and foster a culture of collaboration and success. "I'm incredibly honored to take this new role at Roof Maxx," said Slaczka. "I am excited to build on our current momentum, support our exceptional sales team and help even more homeowners and businesses discover the benefits of Roof Maxx." Roof Maxx remains committed to expanding its market presence and delivering exceptional value to homeowners and businesses. With Slaczka at the helm of sales, the company is well-positioned for continued success in 2024 and beyond. ABOUT ROOF MAXX Roof Maxx is a leading provider of sustainable roof restoration solutions, helping homeowners and businesses extend the life of their asphalt shingle roofs affordably and effectively. Through innovative technology and a commitment to environmental responsibility, Roof Maxx offers an alternative to premature roof replacement while reducing landfill waste. GIVING PLEDGE When you restore your roof with Roof Maxx, you help find a forever home for a child waiting in foster care. This vision is becoming a reality through our partnership with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and have pledged to help find forever homes for 25,000 children by 2030. More information available at: roofmaxx.com Contact Information Kylie Hunt Senior Marketing Manager pr@roofmaxx.com 614-977-1932 SOURCE: Roof Maxx Technologies, LLC "BCC Research Launches Enhanced Academic Membership Tier: Empowering Universities Worldwide with Comprehensive Market Insights" BOSTON, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BCC Research, a market intelligence and research pioneer, has launched its product specifically tailored for academic institutions: Academic Membership. Designed to meet the specific needs of universities, faculty, and students, this tier provides unparalleled access to key market data and resources for research, grant proposals and innovation. Why Top Global Universities Trust BCC Research BCC Research boasts over 50 years of expertise in delivering tailored market research, making it a trusted partner for top global universities. Trusted globally, BCC Research has partnered with more than 100 universities across four continents, helping advance innovation worldwide. With a remarkable 95% client renewal rate, BCC Research remains the preferred choice among academic leaders seeking comprehensive insights spanning life sciences, physical sciences, and technology sectors. Trusted by Campus Libraries Around the World BCC Research's Academic Membership is trusted by prestigious universities such as Harvard, NYU, Penn State, Purdue, Case Western Reserve University, University of British Columbia, University of Florida, USC, and Western Libraries. Key Benefits of Academic Membership: Expertise and Reliability : Benefit from proven market research expertise crafted specifically for academia, ensuring informed decision-making and strategic planning. : Benefit from proven market research expertise crafted specifically for academia, ensuring informed decision-making and strategic planning. Comprehensive Insights : Access detailed market forecasts and industry trends crucial for driving cutting-edge research and commercialization efforts. : Access detailed market forecasts and industry trends crucial for driving cutting-edge research and commercialization efforts. Skill-Building Opportunities : Enhance academic and research capabilities with specialized training resources, such as the exclusive Market Research 101 course. : Enhance academic and research capabilities with specialized training resources, such as the exclusive Market Research 101 course. Exclusive Market Intelligence : Gain access to company indexes, competitor analysis, and the latest industry developments to stay ahead in research and innovation. : Gain access to company indexes, competitor analysis, and the latest industry developments to stay ahead in research and innovation. Dedicated Support: Receive ongoing support with live onboarding sessions and refresher courses designed to maximize the value of the BCC Research library. Customized Solutions for Academic Communities: Librarians and Knowledge Centers: Leverage our in-house expertise for fast responses to inquiries about emerging technologies. Gain the ability to offer unlimited demos and library tours to students on demand. Leverage our in-house expertise for fast responses to inquiries about emerging technologies. Gain the ability to offer unlimited demos and library tours to students on demand. Educators and Faculties: Write successful grant proposals, explore emerging technologies, and enrich your teaching with industry-leading content. Write successful grant proposals, explore emerging technologies, and enrich your teaching with industry-leading content. Technology Transfer Leaders: Elevate your skills with specialized courses, innovation spotlights, and insights into market disruptors shaping the future. For Students: Academic and Career Success with BCC Research Whether you're an undergraduate exploring the future of emerging industries or a graduate student pushing the boundaries of your research, BCC Research provides you with the insights and market intelligence to help you excel in your academic and professional career. Our Solution for Students Explore a world-class library of reports covering life sciences, physical sciences and technology. Leverage exclusive market data for projects, theses, and career preparation. Build essential research skills with our Market Research 101 course. Stay ahead of industry trends with company indexes, competitor analysis, and market developments. Like what BCC Research offers? Refer your librarian or professor to bring BCC Research to your campus and unlock unparalleled research opportunities. Join the BCC Research Community Our Academic Memberships are tailored to the unique needs of your research. By taking the time to connect, you will enable us to understand your market intelligence needs, so we can offer the perfect solution for you. For further information, please contact info@bccresearch.com. About BCC Research BCC Research market research reports provide objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities. 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: info@bccresearch.com Phone: +1 781-489-7301 For media inquiries, email press@bccresearch.com or visit our media page for access to our market research library. Any 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 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/elevate-your-research-strategy-with-bcc-researchs-exclusive-academic-membership-benefits-302395919.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - Lode Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: LOD) (OTCQB: LODFF) ("Lode Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the proposed appointment of Bill Fisher and Rajesh Sharma to the Board of Directors of its upcoming spin-out company, Gold Orogen. The spin-out is scheduled for March 2025, with a shareholder meeting set for March 10, 2025, to approve the tax-efficient plan of arrangement. The proposed appointments of Bill, Rajesh and the other Directors will be subject to shareholder approval at the Company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 10, 2025. Their appointments will be finalized following the AGM. The proposed Gold Orogen Board will include: Hashim Ahmed Wendy T. Chan Chad Tappendorf Ron Tomlinson Jonathan Hill Bill Fisher (newly proposed to be appointed) Rajesh Sharma (newly proposed to be appointed) Bill Fisher, BSc, P.Geo Director (Proposed) Bill has a successful track record, marked by notable exits. In the late 1990s, Bill served as Vice President of Exploration for Boliden AB, a major European mining and smelting company, where he managed 35 projects across nine countries. His career highlights include serving as Chairman of Aurelian Resources, which discovered the Fruta del Norte gold deposit in Ecuador, leading to the company's acquisition by Kinross Gold for $1.2 billion in 2008. Fisher also transformed GlobeStar Mining Corp. from an exploration company to an emerging mining company, developing the Cerro de Maimon copper/gold mine in the Dominican Republic, which was completed on time and under budget. This project was later sold to Perilya for $186 million. With over 40 years in the mining industry, he is renowned for his expertise in exploration, development, and strategic leadership. His career began in Africa, where he spent a decade working on diamond exploration and mining projects, including significant discoveries of kimberlites in the Congo and contributions to exploration efforts in West Africa. Currently, Bill serves as Chairman of GoldQuest Mining Corp., overseeing the development of a 3-million-ounce gold discovery in the Dominican Republic. He also holds directorships in several mining companies, including Inventus Mining and Churchill Resources, and previously served as Chairman of Treasury Metals, developing the Goliath Gold Project in Northwest Ontario. Rajesh Sharma, ICD.D Director (Proposed) Rajesh brings extensive global leadership experience across the mining, exploration, metals, and international trade sectors. His career highlights include leading large-scale mining start-ups and exploration companies, as well as successfully completing several investment and acquisition deals. Within the Tata Group, Rajesh held multiple leadership roles, serving as CEO and Board member of various exploration, mining, and investment subsidiaries of Tata Steel in Canada and Africa. Additionally, he served as Executive in Residence at Investissement Quebec. Rajesh holds degrees in management and engineering from IIT Roorkee and completed a scholarship program on Globalization and Leadership at the London School of Economics. Biographies of the other existing Directors from Lode Gold joining the Board of Directors include: Wendy T. Chan BSc, MBA, ICD.D CEO Wendy formerly held positions with Skeena, Roxgold and Novo Resources. She brings over 20 years of experience in developing and executing strategic plans for both Fortune 500 and entrepreneurial companies with global outreach. Throughout her career, Wendy has demonstrated proficiency in managing businesses with full P&L responsibilities, consistently driving profitability. Her operational experience includes leading cross-functional teams and spearheading negotiations for multi-million-dollar projects. Wendy's global perspective is evident in her work on key development initiatives involving JVs, strategic alliances and mergers and acquisitions across diverse regions, including Asia, Australia, Africa and the Americas. Hashim Ahmed, CPA Interim Chairman Director Hashim is a seasoned financial executive with over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, tax and governance. He currently serves as Executive VP and CFO of Mandalay Resources. Prior to joining Mandalay, Hashim held key positions in the mining industry, including Interim CEO of Nova Royalty and CFO of Jaguar Mining. His career also includes a significant tenure at Barrick Gold, where he spent seven years in progressively senior finance positions, both in Canada and with site finance teams in Chile. Hashim's expertise extends beyond the corporate realm, as he is a member of the Audit Committee of the Government of Ontario, showcasing his broad financial acumen and commitment to public service. Chad Tappendorf, CFA, MBA Director Chad is a Partner at Coast Capital, a New York-based investment firm with focused interests in the mining sector. His extensive experience spans globally in both private and public equity investments, demonstrating a broad understanding of diverse industries and market dynamics. Throughout his career, Chad has held board memberships across various sectors, including resources, logistics, real estate, and consumer goods. His expertise extends to managing multi-billion dollar private equity portfolios, showcasing his ability to handle large-scale investments and complex financial strategies. Chad's skill set encompasses the entire investment process, from identifying new opportunities and conducting thorough due diligence to performing valuations, negotiating deals, and structuring transactions and tax arrangements. Jonathan Hill, Fellow AUSIMM, BSc (Hon) Econ Geo Technical Director Jonathan is a highly accomplished mining industry veteran with over 35 years of experience in exploration, project development, and mining operations worldwide. As the Founder and Principal Advisor of Exploration Outcomes Ltd., he leverages his extensive expertise to provide strategic guidance in the sector. Throughout Jonathan's career, he has played a pivotal role in numerous world-class gold and copper discoveries across both greenfield and brownfield projects. His tenure at AngloGold Ashanti was particularly noteworthy, where he led multi-million-dollar greenfield exploration ventures in Brazil and Colombia. This experience has honed his skills in governance, exploration strategy, and management, making him a valuable asset in the mining industry. Currently, Jonathan serves as a Director on the boards of several mining companies, including Spark Energy Minerals, Royal Road Minerals, Lavras Gold, and Avanti Gold. His previous role as VP of Exploration and later technical advisor for Jaguar Mining further underscores his comprehensive understanding of the industry. Ron Tomlinson Director Ron is currently the CEO of Tomlinson Group. With over 35 years of experience in executive management, strategic acquisitions, real estate operations and investments, Ron has successfully expanded Tomlinson Group's operations across Canada and the United States. A seasoned manager and successful entrepreneur, he has driven the growth of the company into a vertically integrated organization with a strong focus on innovation and operational success. Under Ron's leadership, Tomlinson Group has spearheaded numerous large-scale projects across diverse industries, including construction, environmental services, and infrastructure. The Company is poised to leverage the diverse expertise of its well-rounded board to drive Gold Orogen's growth and achievements in the upcoming year. Shares for Debt Issuance Lode Gold is settling $231,180 of debts on the balance sheet by issuing 963,251 shares at $0.24 per unit to professional services contractors, management, and advisors. The share-for-debt transaction is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange in accordance with Policy 4.3, Shares for Debt, of the TSX-V corporate finance manual. About Lode Gold Lode Gold (TSXV: LOD) is an exploration and development company with projects in highly prospective and safe mining jurisdictions in Canada and the United States. In Canada, its Golden Culvert and WIN Projects in Yukon, covering 99.5 km2 across a 27-km strike length, are situated in a district-scale, high grade gold mineralized trend within the southern portion of the Tombstone Gold Belt. A total of four RIRGS targets have been confirmed on the property. A NI 43-101 technical report has been completed in May 2024. In New Brunswick, Lode Gold has created one of the largest land packages with its Acadian Gold JV Co; consisting of an area that spans 445 km2 and a 44 km strike. McIntyre Brook covers 111 km2 and a 17-km strike in the emerging Appalachian/Iapetus Gold Belt; it is hosted by orogenic rocks of similar age and structure as New Found Gold's Queensway Project. Riley Brook is a 335 km2 package covering a 26 km strike of Wapske formation with its numerous felsic units. A NI 43-101 technical report has been completed in August 2024. In the United States, the Company is advancing its Fremont Gold project. This is a brownfield project with over 43,000 m drilled and 23 km of underground workings. It was previously mined at 10.7 g/t Au in the 1930's. Mining was halted in 1942 due the gold mining prohibition in World War Two (WWII) just as it was ramping up production. Unlike typical brownfield projects that are mined out; only 8% of the veins have been exploited. The Company is the first owner to investigate an underground high grade mine potential at Fremont. The project is located on 3,351 acres of private and patented land in Mariposa County. The asset is a 4 km strike on the prolific 190 km Mother Lode Gold Belt, California that produced over 50,000,000 oz of gold and is instrumental in creating the towns, businesses and infrastructure in the 1800s gold rush. It is 1.5 hours from Fresno, California. The property has year-round road access and is close to airports and rail. An NI 43-101 MRE has been reported on March 5, 2025. A complete technical report will be filed 45 days later on SEDAR+. Previously, in March 2023, the company completed an NI 43 101 Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Fremont Gold project. A sensitivity to the March 31, 2023 PEA at USD $2,000/oz gold gives an after-tax NPV of USD $370M and a 31% IRR over an 11-year LOM. At $1,750 /oz gold, NPV (5%) is $217M. The project hosts an NI 43-101 resource of 1.16 Moz at 1.90 g/t Au within 19.0 MT Indicated and 2.02 Moz at 2.22 g/t Au within 28.3 MT Inferred. The MRE evaluates only 1.4 km of the 4 km strike of Fremont property. Three step-out holes at depth (up to 1200 m) hit structure and were mineralized. All NI 43-101 technical reports are available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.lode-gold.com) ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY Wendy T. Chan, CEO & Director This news release contains information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information 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 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, statements with respect to the completion of the transaction and the timing thereof, the expected benefits of the transaction to shareholders of the Company, the structure, terms and conditions of the transaction and the execution of a definitive agreement, the timing of submission to the CSE and TSXV, Gold Orogen raising an additional $1,500,000 and the anticipated use of proceeds. 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 the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: that the Company and GRM will be able to negotiate the definitive agreement on the terms and within the time frame expected, that the Company and GRM will be able to make submissions to the CSE and TSXV within the time frame expected, that the Company and GRM will be able to obtain shareholder approval for the transaction, that the Company and GRM will be able to obtain necessary third party and regulatory approvals required for the transaction, if completed, that the transaction will provide the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders. There can be no assurance that forward-looking 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 adverse market conditions, general economic, market or business risks, unanticipated costs, the failure of the Company and GRM to negotiate the definitive agreement on the terms and conditions and within the timeframe expected, the failure of the Company and GRM to make submissions to the CSE and TSXV within the timeframe expected, the failure of the Company and GRM to obtain shareholder approval for the transaction, the failure of the Company and GRM to obtain all necessary approvals for the transaction, and r other risks detailed 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243741 SOURCE: Lode Gold Resources Inc. Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers , the first personal injury law firm in Pinellas County, proudly celebrate our 70th anniversary. Since our founding in 1955, the firm has been a steadfast advocate for accident victims, earning a reputation for excellence, integrity, and dedication to justice. Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Founded by Guy Perenich as Muscarella & Perenich, the firm was among the first in the Tampa Bay area to focus exclusively on personal injury law. Over the decades, the firm evolved into Perenich & Carroll and later into Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes, as new partners joined to carry on the legacy of passionate representation for injury victims. Today, the firm remains committed to providing expert legal counsel to clients in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and throughout the Tampa Bay region. 70 Years of Serving the Community and Getting Results We protect and fight for the rights of injured victims and their families. For 70 years, we have worked tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. We are honored to have served the community for so long and look forward to continuing our legacy of advocacy. Throughout our history, Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers has achieved numerous milestones, including: Being the first law firm in Pinellas County to focus solely on personal injury law. Securing hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for accident victims. Earning an AV rating, which is the highest possible rating from the largest legal rating service. Representing clients in cases that have reached the Florida Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of the United States. Having three attorneys Board Certified by the Florida Bar Association, which is a distinction held by fewer than 2% of Florida attorneys. Receiving multiple recognitions, including Super Lawyers and Tampa Bay's Top Lawyers. With a team of experienced attorneys, skilled paralegals, and dedicated support staff, the firm continues to provide unparalleled legal services in cases involving vehicle accidents, wrongful death, slip and fall injuries, and other personal injury matters. Our client-first approach ensures that every case is handled with care, expertise, and determination. To mark this milestone, Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers will host a series of community events, share our history, and reaffirm our commitment to serving injury victims. Clients, colleagues, and community members are invited to join in celebrating this remarkable achievement. Contact Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers to Learn More For more information, schedule a free consultation with our dedicated personal injury team. Contact Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at (727) 796-8282 or online to learn more about our 70 years of excellence and how we can help with your case. Media Contact: Company Name: Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers Address: 1875 North Belcher Road, Suite 201 City: Clearwater State: Florida Zip: 33765 Country: Pinellas County Phone: (727) 796-8282 Website: https://usalaw.com/ Contact Information Mark Perenich Attorney perenichpersonalinjury@gmail.com SOURCE: Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers Students recovering from life-changing injuries can share their stories for a chance to win $2,500. Beginning in 2025, The Schiller Kessler Group will offer undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to apply for its new scholarship, The Healing Journey Scholarship . The scholarship promises $2,500 to a student who can compose a compelling essay about a medical diagnosis they received and the ways it changed their life. The scholarship selection committee wants students to highlight the techniques they used to go on their healing journey. Students can highlight how a medical condition impacted their physical body, emotional state, studies, and social relationships. Students' essays should be no more than 1,000 words. The firm asks that students create their essays without the use of AI. Students found using AI to generate their stories, fabricating medical diagnoses, or using one scholarship essay to apply for multiple scholarships will have their applications removed from our applicant pool. Applicants have until August 31, 2025, to complete their essays and submit their scholarship application forms through The Schiller Kessler Group's website . The scholarship selection committee cannot consider applications submitted after this deadline passes. The law firm encourages students to ensure they have all of the appropriate application materials included in their packet prior to submitting their application forms. They cannot consider packets submitted without all essential materials. The Schiller Kessler Group reserves up to three months after the scholarship application's closing date to select a scholarship recipient. They ask that neither students nor their families reach out to the firm during the essay reading period. They cannot answer phone calls, emails, or other forms of communication asking for updates on an application's progress. Once the scholarship selection committee chooses its winner, The Schiller Kessler Group will announce the winner's name in a press release and blog post. Unfortunately, we cannot contact individual applicants at this time. The team of personal injury lawyers looks forward to celebrating the achievements of The Healing Journey Scholarship's first winner. About The Schiller Kessler Group The Schiller Kessler Group is made up of a team of personal injury lawyers who take pride in providing Floridians with the legal advice they need to financially recover from life-changing accidents. The law firm goes to bat against insurance companies and doesn't bow in the face of bad-faith tactics. They advocate for your right to receive fair compensation for your losses after car accidents , truck accidents , slip and fall accidents , and other negligence-based accidents. The team does not shy away from litigation and stands ready to provide clients like you with aggressive legal representation. You can count on the team to remain upfront and transparent as your case develops so you can be certain you're getting the legal assistance you need. Contact one of their seven Florida offices today. SOURCE: The Schiller Kessler Group Top Four Conveyor Car Wash Expands to 289 Locations Across the United States Tidal Wave Auto Spa, one of the nation's fastest-growing express car wash companies, is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest location at 115 Early Boulevard in Early, TX . Tidal Wave Auto Spa Car Wash Logo To celebrate the grand opening, Tidal Wave's brand-new Early location will offer free premium car washes through March 12. This limited-time promotion provides an opportunity for car owners to experience Tidal Wave's premium wash option, Graph-X4 , at no cost. Additionally, any new customer that joins a Tidal Wave Clean Club unlimited wash membership during Grand Opening week will enjoy their first month of unlimited washes for only $9.97 - saving up to $40. "We're thrilled to join the Early community this week," said Tidal Wave Auto Spa founder and CEO Scott Blackstock. "This location is built with industry-leading tunnel technology designed to get your vehicle sparkling clean in just three minutes. Our goal at Tidal Wave is to provide the highest-quality express car wash that makes car care easy, efficient, and enjoyable for every customer. We look forward to sharing our exceptional car wash experience with folks in Early during grand opening week - and for years to come." Tidal Wave proudly serves customers at 289 express wash locations across the United States, with nineteen Texas locations . The company will continue to expand its Texas footprint with a brand-new express wash location in Fort Worth opening in the coming months. Tidal Wave Auto Spa is committed to providing every customer with an exceptional car wash experience through industry-leading car care technology, clean and attractive locations, and friendly customer service at every location. Stop by for a single wash or join Tidal Wave's Clean Club for the ultimate experience. Members can wash every day of the month for one convenient monthly payment and save time with exclusive club member wash lanes - plus, memberships can be used at any Tidal Wave location. For those needing to wash multiple cars, Tidal Wave offers discounted monthly family plans and fleet plans for businesses with five or more vehicles. For additional information, including upcoming openings, fundraising, fleet plans, and more, please visit: https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com/ . About Tidal Wave Auto Spa Tidal Wave Auto Spa was founded over 20 years ago in Thomaston, GA by husband and wife, Scott and Hope Blackstock. What started as a small-town self-service car wash business, evolved into the first conveyor car wash open in Georgia, and is now the fourth-largest conveyor car wash company in the nation with 289 locations sprawling 30 states. Tidal Wave is committed to providing every customer an exceptional car wash experience through industry-leading car care technology, clean and attractive locations, and outstanding customer service. In 2020, the company partnered with Golden Gate Capital to facilitate their accelerated growth and has been included in the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest Growing Companies for the past five years. Tidal Wave has continuously strived to make a positive impact in the communities they serve, and has raised over $3 million dollars for local programs, service organizations, and non-profit organizations through the company's fundraising program and annual philanthropic Charity Day event. SOURCE: Tidal Wave Auto Spa Undergraduate and graduate students can apply to win $2,500 in financial support. Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers takes pride in consistently offering legal support to in-need clients throughout Connecticut. Beginning in 2025, the firm intends to take its advocacy to the next level by inviting undergraduate and graduate students from across the nation to apply for its Safe Drive Guide Scholarship . The scholarship requires applicants to complete a video, no more than three minutes long, going into detail about the steps drivers can take to improve roadway safety. The firm encourages students to think critically about what city-wide and federal initiatives might decrease dangerous driving habits, too. The scholarship promises a winning student $2,500 to dedicate toward their continued education. Students have until August 31, 2025, to complete their videos and submit their applications for consideration. Once the scholarship submission period closes, Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers reserves up to three months to select its winner. The firm will announce its winner through a press release and blog post. Students are invited to get as creative as they please while creating their videos. Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers encourages students to use video editing tools like Adobe Creative Cloud to create visually compelling content but also notes that it will not select a winner based on a video's visual quality. In regards to AI, Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers will allow students to use AI to generate B-roll footage for their videos. However, the use of AI to create false characters, generate a script, modify a student's voice, or create a video wholesale will see the applicable applicant removed from the applicant pool. Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers looks forward to listening to students' ideas and learning more about the next generation's ambitions for roadway safety. We hope to have many opportunities to uplift clever and creative students for years to come. About Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers The team with Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers includes knowledgeable and experienced trial lawyers determined to preserve clients' legal rights, no matter how complicated a case seems. We take pride in treating our clients like family and make a point to help them recover full compensation after life-changing accidents. Our personal injury attorneys operate on a "no upfront fee" policy, ensuring that anyone in need has the opportunity to benefit from our tried-and-tested legal knowledge. We do not collect money from our clients unless we secure them a settlement that fairly addresses all of their losses. Connecticut residents can count on the team with Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers to take their losses seriously following an accident. Interested parties can contact the firm today to book a free personal injury case consultation with our professional, courteous, and experienced attorneys. SOURCE: Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers Flin Flon, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - Boreal Gold Inc (CSE: BGLD) (the "Issuer") wishes to announce its plans to raise up to $1,402,000 through a non-brokered private placement financing up to a Maximum Offering Amount of $1,402,000 (the "Offering"). The private placement will be comprised of 3,340,000 Flow-Through Shares at a price of $0.30 per Flow-Through Share representing proceeds of $1,002,000 and 2,000,000 Units at a price of $0.20 per Unit, representing proceeds of $400,000 for an aggregate total raised of $1,402,000. The Units shall consist of, and separate immediately upon closing into, one(1) common share of the Issuer (a "Common Share") and one (1) Warrant, each entitling the holder to purchase one (1) Common Share at a purchase price of $0.20 cents per Warrant for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the date of closing. The Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. All securities to be issued under the Offering will be subject to a four-month statutory hold period in Canada. The funds will be utilized for general working capital purposes and ongoing work on the Fay Lake and Melgurd Lake properties. Properties The Fay Lake Property consists of 17 contiguous claims comprising of 2719 ha. lies 25km Northeast of Flin Flon, Manitoba. It is contiguous to the south with Hudbay Minerals Vamp Lake Cu-Zn-Au VMS property and also contiguous to the northeast, with the former Puffy Lake Gold mine. Fay Lake contains approximately 5 km of mapped VMS horizons similar to Vamp Lake. Separately, west of the rail line, a 9 km shear structure, presently known to contain similar mineralization as the Puffy Lake Gold deposit with samples assaying up to 14.33 g/t Au. The Melgurd property consisting of 11 mineral claims totalling 7411 ha., lies Northwest of Flin Fon Manitoba just north of the Shotts Lake copper-zinc VMS deposit in Saskatchewan. Boreal's airborne magnetic and EM survey shows both EM conductors and gradient magnetic trends of the Shott Lake horizon continuing north onto the Melgurd property in the area of a felsic volcanic package. Prospecting and mapping in the summer and fall of 2023 and 2024 have outlined an area of significant garnet and anthophyllite alteration, locally this alteration is associated with gossans. Going Forward based on Recent work on the Fay Lake (in Manitoba) and Melgurd Lake (in Saskatchewan) Properties Planned Exploration and Drill Targets In 2025 a rigorous exploration program is planned on both the Fay Lake property and the Melgurd Lake property. Target development follows up airborne targets, which have been verified by detailed analysis, ground geophysics as well as geological mapping, sampling and prospecting in 2023 and 2024. These targets will be tested by drilling subject to the required funds being raised this year. Further ground geophysics is planned for the western portion of the Fay Lake Grid, not previously covered, prior to drilling. Use of Proceeds Boreal Gold intends to use the proceeds from this Financing to perform ground geophysical surveys over the western portion of the Fay Lake grid (not previously covered) as well as the eastern portion of the Fay Lake grid that will be cut and surveyed to follow the strike extension of the Sunrise conductor to the eastern shore of Fay Lake. Drill testing of designed targets will follow up confirmation of Airborne conductors by ground geophysics on the Fay Lake property subject to a successful financing. Also planned is detailed mapping, prospecting, sampling and line cutting on the Fay Lake Property on a small portion of Redwin VMS horizon that remains unmapped but contains conductors. Separate to the VMS exploration at Fay Lake above, gold exploration through mapping and prospecting of the western portion of the Puffy Lake Mine style gold mineralization trend east of the Railroad. Approximately 10-line kilometers is planned on this trend where samples assayed up to 14.33 g/t Au, to evaluate its on strike continuity. The gold potential at Koscielny Lake located at the eastern end of the property south of the Puffy Lake Gold Mine will also be assessed. Here mineralization contained values of up to 11.81 g/t Au (0.38 oz/ton Au) over 1 m. Visible gold was noted in some of the historic "e" sized drill core. On the Melgurd Lake property, following up detailed analysis of Airborne Geophysical conductors on strike with the Shotts Lake deposit and the encouragement found in the felsic volcanic package with VMS style alteration in the 2023-2024 field work, further work is planned to ground truth these conductors. Detailed mapping, prospecting, sampling and line cutting will be carried out over these conductors on the Keep Lake grid with follow up reports. Funds will also be used for corporate purposes. Qualified Person Stephen L. Masson, M.Sc., P.Geo. is the "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for these properties, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. About Boreal Gold Inc Boreal Gold Inc is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company with a specific focus on mineral properties in northwest Manitoba and northeast Saskatchewan, Canada. All of the Issuer's properties are currently at the exploration stage. The Issuer has assembled a portfolio of base metal and precious metal prospects in strategic locations in the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Boreal Gold Inc No stock exchange or securities regulatory authority has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements, such as estimates and statements that describe the Issuer's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Issuer or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243797 SOURCE: Boreal Gold Inc. HERZLIYA, Israel and CALGARY, AB, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innocan Pharma Corporation (CSE: INNO) (FSE: IP4) (OTC: INNPF) (the "Company" or "Innocan") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering of a debenture unit of the Company (the "Debenture Unit") to its largest shareholder, Tamar Innovest Ltd. ("Tamar Innovest") for gross proceeds of US $1,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Debenture Unit consists of: (a) one secured convertible debenture of Innocan in the principal amount of US $1,000,000 (the "Debenture") and (b) 5,555,555 common share purchase warrants (each, a "Warrant"). The Debenture matures two (2) years from the date of issuance (the "Maturity Date"), will bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum and is convertible into common shares of Innocan ("Common Shares") prior to the Maturity Date at a price of $0.21 per share (based on a foreign exchange rate on the day prior to the date of conversion). The Debenture is secured by a general security agreement and related security interest filed under the laws of the Province of Alberta as well as pledge of Innocan's shares of its Israeli subsidiary, Innocan Pharma Ltd. Each Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share at a price of CAD$0.26 for a period of four (4) years from the date of issuance. Innocan intends to use the proceeds of the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. Iris Bincovich, Innocan's CEO stated, "We are thrilled to secure further funding from our primary investor, Tamar Innovest. Tamar has partnered with us from our inception, and we profoundly value their ongoing trust and belief in our direction and plans". Related Party Transaction Disclosure Tamar Innovest currently beneficially owns and controls 49,726,309 Common Shares representing 17.14% of the current issued and outstanding Common Shares and is an insider of the Company. Tamar Innovest is managed by Ralph Bossino, a director of the Company. As such, Tamar Innovest's participation in the Offering constitutes a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the valuation and the minority approval requirements of MI 61-101 provided for in subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the Offering will not represent more than 25% of the Company's market capitalization as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The Offering has been approved by the directors of the Company who are independent in connection with such transactions. Early Warning Disclosure Tamar Innovest, head office located at 3 Bedlam Court, Office Suite 3 Montarik Building, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, announces an update to its beneficial ownership of securities of the Company in accordance with the "early warning" requirements under applicable Canadian securities law in response to its acquisition of the Debenture Unit for US $1,000,000. Immediately prior to the Offering, Tamar Innovest held ownership and control of 49,726,309 Common Shares representing 17.14% of the current issued and outstanding Common Shares. Immediately following the Offering, Tamar Innovest holds ownership and control of 49,726,309 Common Shares, 1 (one) Debenture and 5,555,555 Warrants. The Debenture and the Warrants are subject to a "blocker" provision that prevents conversion or exercise (as the case may be) to the extent that such conversion or exercise (as the case may be) would result in Tamar Innovest owning and controlling 19.99% of the outstanding Common Shares. Therefore, Tamar Innovest currently owns or controls approximately 17.14% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis and 19.99% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis. Tamar Innovest alone acquired the securities for investment purposes and may, from time to time in the future, increase or decrease its direct or indirect ownership, control or direction over Common Shares or other securities of the Company through market transactions, private agreements, subscriptions from treasury or otherwise, except in connection with the possible conversion of the Debenture or the exercise of the Warrants. General This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release in the United States. Such securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements. About Innocan Innocan is an innovator in the pharmaceuticals and wellness sectors. In the pharmaceuticals sector, Innocan developed a CBD-loaded liposome drug delivery platform with exact dosing, prolonged and controlled release of synthetic CBD for non-opioid pain management. In the wellness sector, Innocan develops and markets a wide portfolio of high-performance self-care and beauty products to promote a healthier lifestyle. Under this segment, Innocan focuses on advanced, targeted online sales, through its BI Sky Global Ltd. subsidiary. The Company website is www.innocanpharma.com. For further information, please contact: For Innocan Pharma Corporation: Iris Bincovich, CEO + 15162104025 +972-54-3012842 +442037699377 info@innocanpharma.com NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Caution regarding forward-looking information Certain information set forth in this news release is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Innocan's control. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Innocan, including expectations and assumptions relating to the Offering, including the terms, timing, potential completion, and the use of proceeds of the Offering. Forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this news release. The key risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions of closing of the Offering; that the Offering may not be completed on the terms and timeline indicated, or at all; that the Company's use of proceeds of the Offering may differ from those indicated; global and local (national) economic, political, market and business conditions; governmental and regulatory requirements and actions by governmental authorities; and potential disruption of relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, customers, business partners and competitors. There are also risks that are inherent in the nature of product distribution, including import/export matters and the failure to obtain any required regulatory and other approvals (or to do so in a timely manner). The anticipated timeline for entry to markets may change for a number of reasons, including the inability to secure necessary regulatory requirements, or the need for additional time to conclude and/or satisfy the manufacturing and distribution arrangements. As a result of the foregoing, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this news release. A comprehensive discussion of other risks that impact Innocan can be found in Innocan's public disclosure and filings which are available under Innocan's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. Innocan does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2570689/Innocan_Pharma_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/innocan-pharma-announces-closing-of-debenture-unit-offering-to-its-largest-shareholder-tamar-innovest-limited-302395895.html TORONTO, ON and BREDA, NETHERLANDS / ACCESS Newswire / March 7, 2025 / Organto Foods Inc. (TSX-V:OGO)(OTC PINK:OGOFF) ("Organto" or the "Company"), a leading provider of organic and non-GMO fruit and vegetable products, is pleased to announce that the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV" or the "Exchange") has accepted its application for reinstatement of trading of the Company's common shares on the TSXV. This follows the successful resolution of the Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order (the "FFCTO") issued by the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") on July 16, 2024, and revoked on January 2, 2025. The Company expects its common shares to be reinstated for trading shortly. The FFCTO was issued as a result of the delay in the filing of the Company's annual audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. The delay in filing the annual financial statements, which was a result of changes in Company personnel and reporting systems in late 2023 and early 2024, had a cascading effect which caused the Company to also be late in filing its interim financial statements for both the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, and the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 (the audited and interim financial statements collectively the "Late Financial Statements"). The Company filed the Late Financial Statements in October and November 2024, at which time the Company applied to the BCSC to have the FFCTO revoked. Upon the revocation of the FFCTO, the Company applied to the TSXV to have its common shares reinstated for trading. The Company also filed its financial statements for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 in November 2024 in accordance with regulatory requirements. Over the course of 2024 and into 2025, the Company has restructured and repositioned its operations including streamlining its product portfolio, shifting its marketing strategy and re-engineering its operating platform to improve processes and reduce costs. In June 2024, the Company sold three European operating subsidiaries, further streamlining operations, reducing operating costs and improving its balance sheet. The Company also continues to focus on improving its balance sheet to provide greater operating flexibility. The Company remains focused on leveraging the positive changes that have been made to date and remains committed to building a world-class foods company serving growing global healthy foods markets, with the goal of building long-term shareholder value. The Company acknowledges and appreciates the patience of its shareholders and stakeholders during this process and reaffirms its commitment to adhering to high standards of compliance and corporate governance. In addition to the announcement regarding the reinstatement of trading on the TSXV, the Company is providing an update on a number of matters, including the following: Working Capital Deficiency The Company's September 30, 2024, interim financial statements reflect a working capital deficiency of $14,478,925. The largest components of this deficiency are convertible debentures of $10,641,350 and associated accrued interest of $1,621,531, as well as short-term loans of $1,626,241 and associated accrued interest of $82,860. Following the reinstatement of the Company's common shares for trading, the Company plans to seek Exchange acceptance to restructure its convertible debt and associated accrued interest obligations, settle existing debts via the issuance of shares, and complete a private placement of common shares. Upon completion of these actions, the Company expects to realize improved cash flow from operations and a return to positive working capital in the near term. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in completing the proposed debt settlement and private placement however management has been discussing same with certain creditors and potential investors and is fairly confident that there will be take up of same. Related Party Loans During 2023, the Company received advances from two related parties. These advances were unsecured and expected to be of a very short duration. Steve Bromley ("Bromley"), the Company's CEO, advanced USD$ 325,000, and Bob Kouw ("Kouw"), the Company's COO advanced CDN$ 33,000. An additional USD $30,000 was received from Bromley in the first quarter of 2024. The Bromley advances were applied as part of the funds in the April 2024 private placement (see April 16, 2024 news release) and the Kouw advance remains outstanding. Further details can be found in the Company's December 31, 2023 and subsequent financial statements. Small Cap Invest Agreement To assist with its corporate awareness and marketing program in Europe, the Company engaged Small Cap Invest GmbH ("Small Cap"), an arm's length Frankfurt, Germany based firm, to provide introductions to Small Cap's network of media representatives and qualified and institutional investors, organizing non-deal roadshows and city events, and advising the Company on communications strategies. The agreement was for one-year term that commenced on November 1, 2023 and ended on October 31, 2024. Small Cap received a total fee of $80,000 as an annual retainer. To the best of the Company's knowledge, neither Small Cap nor its managing director, Alexander Friedrich, held any interest in the Company at the time Small Cap was engaged. The Company has completed and filed a TSXV Form 3C - Declaration of Certified Filing - Promotional Investor Relations and Market-Making Activities with the TSXV. Update Regarding March 2024 8% Convertible Debentures Announcement On March 12, 2024, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement with the holders of 68.1% of its 5 year, 8% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures, due November 30, 2026, with an aggregate face value of $8,050,000 (the "Debentures"), to a proposal to restructure these Debentures, converting 50% to equity, extending the maturity date and amending conversion terms (the "Amendments"). The Amendments are subject to TSXV acceptance and execution of a supplemental indenture. Given material changes in the Company's business, the FFCTO and suspension of trading, the Amendments were not completed, and the Company is in the process of negotiating amended terms and will apply for approval once the new terms have been finalized. November 2023 Private Placement Update On November 14, 2023, the Company announced plans for a private placement financing of up to CDN $2.0 million, and in December 2023 provided a further update on the status of this financing. Organizational issues as the Company dealt with business restructuring and the sale of three of its subsidiaries prevented this planned financing from being completed until April 2024 when it ultimately closed for total proceeds of CDN $575,000 (see April 16, 2024 news release). CDN $515,000 of the total proceeds from this financing were applied as repayments of related party loans, accrued interest and unpaid expenses. Disclosure of Loans Received in Advance of Planned Private Placements The Company's recent financial statements include the classification of funds received as short-terms loans in advance of a planned private placement. The Company wishes to clarify that any future settlements of these loans will be treated as shares-for-debt transactions under Exchange Policy 4.3, and not as part of a private placement under Exchange Policy 4.1. ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY Steve Bromley Chair and CEO For more information contact: Officer Responsible for the Press Release Steve Bromley, Chair and Chief Executive Officer 647-228-8883 info@organto.com Investor Relations John Rathwell, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development 647 629 0018 info@organto.com ABOUT ORGANTO Organto is an integrated provider of branded, private label, and distributed organic and non-GMO fruit and vegetable products using a strategic asset-lighter business model to serve a growing socially responsible and health-conscious consumer around the globe. Organto's business model is rooted in its commitment to sustainable business practices focused on environmental responsibility and a commitment to the communities where it operates, its people, and its shareholders. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release may include certain forward-looking information and statements, as defined by law including without limitation Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act ("forward-looking statements"). In particular, and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements respecting the timing of reinstatement of the Company's common shares for trading on the TSXV and the impact of ongoing changes in the business that have been implemented throughout 2024 and into 2025 with the goal of restructuring and repositioning operations focused on building a world class foods company; plans to improve the Company's working capital deficit via improved cash from operations, restructuring of convertible debt obligations, shares for debt settlements and future private placements; and plans to renegotiate terms and restructure outstanding convertible debentures. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including without limitation, the assumption that no unforeseen circumstances will arise that would cause the Company's common shares not to be reinstated for trading on the TSXV as expected and the changes that have been implemented in the business will have the desired outcome. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For further information on these and other risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's business, see the "Risks and Uncertainties" and "Forward-Looking Statements" sections of the Company's annual and interim management's discussion and analysis filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by law, Organto does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. 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: Organto Foods, Inc. Inside A Celebrity-Powered Mission for Change featuring Olivia Holt, Abbey Cowen, Rumer and Tallulah Willis! A groundbreaking volunteer initiative, Art LOVES Fiji, brought together a team from the United States to the breathtaking Fiji Islands to raise awareness and give back. Produced by Art LOVES Earth in partnership with VRTU Studios, this unique project combined creativity, community support, and environmental conservation to form long term local partnerships and make a lasting impact on the islands. Art LOVES Fiji Over 12 days, the Art LOVES Fiji team visited multiple Fijian islands, collaborating with local communities and organizations, including Heart Heroes and Corals for Conservation with support of a group of celebrity actresses, filmmakers, photographers, actors, models, and philanthropists dedicated their time and talents. Prominent participants included actresses Abbey Cowen, Olivia Holt, Rumer Willis, and Tallulah Willis and Miss Supermodel Fiji Alisha Idana. The team visited several of the most remote island villages where they participated in women's and children's empowerment activities with the locals, including the Sustainable Nama Harvesting Program with local village women, a local partnership with Nama Fiji that supports the local women as their primary income source, to create opportunity for the women of the Yasawa islands. Another centerpiece of the campaign was helping plant a new coral reef in Fiji as part of the UN-endorsed "Reefs of Hope" coral restoration program, led by the NGO Corals for Conservation. Art LOVES Fiji is part of a broader campaign by Art LOVES Earth, which plans similar initiatives in other countries in 2025, that is actively seeking partnerships with tourism boards, celebrities, brands, and donors aligned with its mission to to create meaningful change. Founded by Ryan Hattaway, Art LOVES Earth is a platform that leverages creativity to inspire environmental conservation and community support worldwide. For more information on Art Loves Earth please visit: www.artlovesearth.com. SOURCE: TARA, Ink. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - Canuc Resources Corporation (TSXV: CDA) (OTCQB: CNUCF) ("Canuc" or the "Company") announces terms of a non-brokered private placement financing ("Private Placement") which is a condition of the Arrangement Agreement with MacDonald Mines Exploration Inc. (TSXV: BMK) (OTC Pink: MCDMF) ("MacDonald Mines"). On Feb 13th, 2025, Canuc and MacDonald Mines announced terms of an Arrangement Agreement whereby Canuc will purchase all outstanding shares of MacDonald Mines. Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement Canuc is also required to complete equity financing for a minimum of $500,000 CAD. In connection with this Private Placement condition Canuc will issue a minimum of 5,000,000 Units and up to a maximum of 32,000,000 Units. Each Unit will be priced at $0.10 and will consist of one common share, and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.15 per share for a period of two years from the closing of the Private Placement. Proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for completion of the proposed transaction and for the development of the Company's new and existing exploration and development assets. About MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. Founded in 1935, MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. is a mineral exploration company focused on the evaluation, acquisition, and development of precious and critical metals properties in Ontario. The company's flagship project, the 100% owned SPJ Project, spans 19,710 hectares and is situated approximately 40 kilometers northeast of the prolific Sudbury Mining Camp. and near to the extensive infrastructure of the adjacent Sudbury Mining District. The SPJ Project encompasses several centers of critical and precious metal mineralization interpreted to be related to a mineral system that can form IOCG and affiliated critical and precious mineral deposits. Included within the Project is the historical Scadding Gold Mine and associated gold mineralized system and gold bearing tailings. Minerals of interest on SPJ include copper (Cu), gold (Au), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni) and rare earth elements (REE). MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. is committed to responsible and sustainable operations, prioritizing environmental stewardship, safety, and community engagement. About Canuc Resources Corporation Founded in 1954, Canuc Resources Corporation is a junior resource company focusing on the San Javier Silver-Gold Project in Sonora State, Mexico. The San Javier Silver-Gold Project evidences silver, gold and copper mineralization interpreted to be related to a mineral system that can form silver dominant IOCG and affiliated deposits. The company also generates cash flow from natural gas production at its MidTex Energy Project located in Central West Texas, USA where Canuc has an interest in eight (8) producing natural gas wells and has rights for further in field developments. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information. All information, other than information of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" and includes any information that addresses activities, events or developments that Canuc believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Corporations strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, and including statements regarding the completion of or the benefits of the private placement. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and other indications of future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is based on current expectations and applies only as of the date on which they were made. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking information include. Factors such as uncertainties regarding government regulations could also affect the results. Other risks may be set out in the Corporations annual financial statements, MD&A and other publicly filed documents. The Corporation cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by law, the Corporation does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243794 SOURCE: Canuc Resources Corporation WASHINGTON, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CGTN America & CCTV UN releases "China in Springtime - Sharing Opportunities with the World." A special event presented by the China Media Group at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, at the University of Chicago, will highlight pathways for cooperation in science, technology, business, and to continue to advance cultural exchanges between China and the United States. On March 10th, "China in Springtime - Sharing Opportunities with the World" will host around 100 guests, including diplomats, former governors, professors, entrepreneurs and students from China and the U.S. to understand the complex challenges we face today and the solutions the leaders of tomorrow can provide. As part of the Young Envoy Scholarship (YES) Program, 50 thousand young Americans will visit China through study and exchange programs over the next five years. The belief is that the young can help forge better relations between China and the United States. Students who visited China will tell us about their experiences, how these people-to people exchanges offer them a chance to learn more about Chinese culture, create lasting friendships and help them gain a global perspective. We'll hear from students about their trips to China - the places they visited, the people they met - and how that has enriched their education and bolstered their hopes for improved Sino-U.S. relations. Technology is also important in bridging societies together. It is reshaping industries and economies at an unprecedented pace. Collaboration can take global advancements to new heights. We will discuss how breakthrough discoveries are bringing China and the U.S. together and the role of technology in finding common ground. The event is co-organized by China Media Group, China General Chamber of Commerce - Chicago, and the Future Wanxiang Foundation. (This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.) Contact: Distribution@cgtnamerica.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cgtn-america--cctv-un-china-in-springtime--sharing-opportunities-with-the-world-302396074.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - SBD Capital Corp. (CSE: SBD) (the "Company") announces that, further to its press release of January 13, 2025, the Company's board of directors has approved, and the Company will be effecting, a share consolidation of its issued and outstanding common shares ("Common Shares") on a one (1) post-consolidation Common Share for every ten (10) pre-consolidation Common Shares (the "Consolidation"). In relation to the Consolidation, the Company has obtained a new CUSIP (78412Y301) and ISIN (CA78412Y3014). There is no name change or stock symbol change in connection with the Consolidation. The Consolidation is subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Company's common shares are expected to commence trading on the CSE on a consolidated basis on or about market open on March 13, 2025, under the Company's existing symbol "SBD". The Consolidation will reduce the number of outstanding Common Shares from 7,890,166 to approximately 789,016. The exercise or conversion price and the number of Common Shares issuable under any of the Company's outstanding stock options will be proportionately adjusted to reflect the Consolidation in accordance with the respective terms thereof. No fractional Common Shares will be issued pursuant to the Consolidation and any fractional shares that would have otherwise been issued will be converted into whole Common Shares without par value of the Company, such that fractional Common Shares will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Letters of transmittal with respect to the Consolidation will be mailed to registered shareholders of the Company. All registered shareholders with physical certificates will be required to send their respective share certificates representing pre-Consolidation Common Shares, along with a properly executed letter of transmittal, to the Company's registrar and transfer agent, TSX Trust Company, in accordance with the instructions provided in the letter of transmittal. Shareholders who hold their Common Shares through a broker, investment dealer, bank or trust company or other intermediary should contact that nominee or intermediary for assistance in depositing their Common Shares in connection with the Consolidation. In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that it intends to settle an aggregate of $418,571.82 of indebtedness owed to certain creditors of the Company through the issuance of 1,550,266 common shares (each, a "Common Share") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.27 per Common Share (the "Debt Settlement"). The Company will continue to work towards settling its outstanding trade payables in order to remediate its working capital deficiency. The Debt Settlement is considered a "related party transactions" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), as Chris Irwin, an insider of the Company, will receive 427,121 Common Shares to settle an aggregate of $116,942.94 of cash advances Mr. Irwin has made to the Company. The Company is relying on the exemption from the valuation requirement of MI 61-101 contained in section 5.5(g) of MI 61-101, as the Company's securities are not listed on one of the markets specified in section 5.5(g) of MI 61-101. The Company did not rely on an exemption the minority shareholder approval under MI 61-101, as minority shareholder approval for the Debt Settlement was received at the annual and special meeting of shareholders held on January 24, 2025. In connection with the Debt Settlement, Mr. Irwin has agreed to distribute Common Shares to certain third parties in order for the Company to have the requisite number of Board Lots (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) to meet the CSE's continued listing requirements. The Common Shares to be issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement shall be subject to a four-month hold period and completion of the Debt Settlement remains subject to final acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Debt Settlement was approved by the members of the board of directors of the Company who are independent for the purposes of the Debt Settlement, being all directors other than Mr. Chris Irwin. No special committee was established in connection with the Debt Settlement, and no materially contrary view or abstention was expressed or made by any director of the Company in relation thereto. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243792 SOURCE: SBD Capital Corp. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2025) - Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. (TSXV: CHS) (the "Company" or "CHS"), an industry leader in healthcare benefits administration software and services, is pleased to announce that it has closed the second (final) tranche of a fully subscribed non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of $0.01 common shares announced on December 23, 2024, issuing 63,700,000 common shares for aggregate gross proceeds of $637,000. No finder fees were paid in the second tranche, and the issued securities are subject to a hold period until July 8, 2025. In total, the fully subscribed Offering resulted in the issue of 124,000,000 common shares for gross proceeds of $1,240,000. Nameh Hotels and Resorts Private Limited ("Nameh"), an insider of the Company, purchased 26,370,000 shares in the second tranche, representing 41.4% of the shares issued in the second tranche and 10.63% of the issued and outstanding shares following closing. Upon closing, Nameh held an aggregate of 63,129,965 shares (including 19,300,000 shares acquired in the first tranche of the Offering - see news release dated February 28, 2025), representing 25.45% of the issued and outstanding shares following closing. Disinterested shareholder approval for the creation of a Control Person was obtained at the Company's meeting of shareholders adjourned to and reconvened on February 25, 2025. The participation in the Offering by insiders constitutes a "related party transaction" under the policies of the TSXV and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying upon the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements contained in sections 5.5(b), (c) and (g), and 5.7(1)(b) and (e), respectively, of MI 61-101 on the basis that no securities of the Company are listed or quoted on certain exchanges or markets specified in MI 61-101, that the transaction is a distribution of securities for cash consideration and neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company after reasonable inquiry, Nameh, has knowledge of any material information concerning the Company or its securities that has not been generally disclosed, and that the Company is in serious financial difficulty and the transaction is designed to improve the financial position of the Company. About Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta and is the parent company of Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. (Delaware). The Company is a vertically integrated software as a services (SaaS) company focused on digitizing healthcare with Healthcare Benefits Administration solutions, providing reliable and high-volume transaction-capable systems. The Company's state-of-the-art Novus 360 Healthcare Welfare and Benefits Administration(HWBA) SaaS platform is used by clients for all aspects of healthcare benefits administration (including self-funded employers, providers, and labor unions), providing healthcare administrative software and technology-enabled services. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: The press release contains "forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "budget", "believe", "project", "estimate", "expect", "scheduled", "forecast", "strategy", "future", "likely", "may", "to be", "could", "would", "should", "will" and similar references to future periods or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and conditional. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the date they are provided. However, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause the Company's actual results and financial conditions to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results and financial conditions to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, include among others: general economic, market and business conditions in Canada and globally; market volatility; unforeseen delays in timelines for any of the transactions or events described in this press release; and the risk of regulatory changes that may impact the business of the Company. All forward-looking information is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243821 SOURCE: Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. In an interview with The Hindu, the man behind films like Black Friday and Ugly said, Ive left Mumbai. I want to stay away from film people. read more Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap seems to have permanently quit the Hindi film industry. In an interview with The Hindu, the man behind films like Black Friday and Ugly said, Ive left Mumbai. I want to stay away from film people. The industry has become too toxic. Everyone is chasing unrealistic targets, trying to make the next Rs 500 or Rs 800 crores film. The creative atmosphere is gone. He added, A city is not just a structure but also its people. People here they pull you down. The biggest exodus is to the Middle East, especially Dubai. Others have fled to Portugal, London, Germany, US. These are mainstream filmmakers I am talking about. Advertisement On why he wanted to move out Its difficult for me to go out and experiment. Because now, it comes at a cost, which makes my producers think about profit. Theyre like, Where are my margins? Im losing money. Im like, You dont want to make this movie? Dont make this movie. But I just cannot. Because right from the beginning, before the film starts, it becomes about How do we sell it? So, the joy of filmmaking is sucked out. Thats why I want to move out. Literally, next year, Im moving out of Mumbai. Anurag Kashyap is angry with the Hindi film industry as the cost of filmmaking continues to increase. In an interview with Humans Of Cinema, he said, A lot of money that is spent doesnt go into making the film. It goes into the paraphernalia; it goes into the entourage. Kashyap added, Youre shooting in the middle of a jungle, but one car will be sent to the city three hours away specifically to get you that five-star burger you want. You dont get into the process of it. Ranya, who hailed from Karnatakas Chikamagaluru, has completed an engineering degree from Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bangalore read more Ranya Rao, Kannada actor & Karnataka DGP (Police Housing Corporation) K Ramachandra Raos stepdaughter was arrested at Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport after 14.8 kilograms of gold worth Rs 12 crore was allegedly found in her possession. The actress was produced before a judge on Tuesday evening and was remanded to 14-day judicial custody. The 33-year-old star had flown in from Dubai on an Emirates flight on Monday and allegedly two people accompanying her were carrying the smuggled gold in briefcases. Advertisement In a now leaked statement, she has confessed of buying 17 gold bars. I have travelled to Europe, America, and (the) Middle East and have visited Dubai, Saudi Arabia. I wish to state that I am tired at present as I did not get enough rest, the statement read. The trio had cleared security at the Kempegowda airport and were about to exit when a DRI team, which got the intel, stopped her and started a search. Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.2 kg were found ingeniously concealed on person. The contraband, valued at Rs 12.56 crore was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, a DRI statement said. Following the interception, DRI officers conducted a search at her residential premises located at Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she resides with her husband. The search resulted in the seizure of gold jewelry worth Rs. 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore, the DRI said. Who is Ranya Rao? Ranya, who hailed from Karnatakas Chikamagaluru, has completed an engineering degree from Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bangalore. She made her big debut opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in Maanikya in 2014, which was a remake of the 2013 Telugu film Mirchi featuring Prabhas and Anushka Shetty. Ranya also appeared in a Tamil film Wagah (2016) opposite Vikram Prabhu. Self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh, who is known for his Yeshu Yeshu videos, has been booked in a sexual harassment case in Jalandhar. A 22-year-old woman, who visited his church since she was a teenager, has accused Singh of sexual harassment, mental torture and intimidation read more Bajinder Singh, 42, who calls himself Prophet Bajinder, is a pastor of the Church of Glory and Wisdom. Image Courtesy: @prophetbajinder/X Bajinder Singh, a pastor from Punjab who gained fame for his viral Yeshu Yeshu videos, has been booked in a sexual harassment case in Jalandhar. A 22-year-old woman, who used to visit his church since she was 16-17 years, has reportedly filed a complaint against Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment, mental torture and intimidation at the Kapurthala City police station. The police have formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate the case, and the state Womens Commission has sought a response from the self-proclaimed pastor. Advertisement Heres all we know about him. Who is Bajinder Singh? Bajinder Singh, 42, who calls himself Prophet Bajinder, is a pastor of the Church of Glory and Wisdom, which he established in 2012 and now has multiple branches in Punjab and other regions. Born in September 1982 into a Jat family in Haryanas Yamunanagar, his journey into Christianity began when he met a pastor nearly a decade ago during his imprisonment. He was jailed for a murder case, according to The Indian Express. After starting his ministry, he organised Sunday prayer meetings, followed by public performances, which contributed to his growing popularity for miracle healing and helped him build a following. Some of his videos from congregations that went viral on social media show him healing people. One such video surfaced in 2023 when the self-professed pastor shocked everyone when he supposedly healed a speech-impaired girl. On social media, he claims to cure illnesses such as HIV and paralysis by using anointing oil. Currently, he enjoys a following of over three million on YouTube and more than one million on Facebook and Instagram. The church is also known for its association with Bollywood celebrities. Whats the case against him? According to the police complaint, the woman claimed her parents started attending The Church of Glory and Wisdom in October 2017. Reports say the pastor eventually got her phone number and began communicating with her indecently and sending her inappropriate messages. The woman also said that the pastor started asking her to spend Sundays with him in the church cabin in 2022, where he would improperly touch her. Advertisement The torture then began. They used to send cars after me when I went to college, which would follow me all the way home. They asked me if they want my father to never return home and if I want my mother to not leave the church alive. I was depressed and couldnt share the ordeal with anyone, she told reporters in Mohali. According to the woman, the pastor has many SIM cards and switches them out frequently to reach out to other women. Additionally, the woman claimed that the pastor engaged in illegal activities such as the opium trade and selling girls at GB Road, a notorious neighbourhood in Delhi that is known for house brothers. They commit wrong acts with some, and whoever speaks up is killed or intimidated, she alleged, according to NDTV. Advertisement She also claimed to have a video of Pradhan Avtar, the churchs leader, purportedly pleading with her to resolve the issue with the church and refrain from bringing external interference. The womans husband added that the police had been provided with all the evidence, including CCTV footage of Avtars visit to their home and video messages the pastor sent her. In her complaint, she also stated that both Pastor Bajinder Singh and Avatar Singh would be held accountable if she or any of her family membersincluding her parents, husband, or brotherwere harmed. Following the complaint, the police registered a case against him under sections 354 A (sexual harassment), 354 D (stalking), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Advertisement Also read: Beyond Mollywood: Did Telangana govt undermine report on sexual harassment in Telugu film industry? What is Singh saying? Singh is currently believed to be in Nepal. He dismissed the allegations, saying he has not run away anywhere." I have two children at home, I am the father of small children, I can never do such a wrong thing, he said, adding that he will take action against those who have wronged him. In another video, as per NDTV, the pastor was seen speaking to crowds and pleading with them to assist him in bringing the women who had accused him to justice. I have their names and numbers, and I will tell you to whose house we have to go to with flags, he is heard saying. Advertisement Other controversies Singh was in the news in 2021 after a video featuring him with a young boy in Yeshu Yeshu video went viral and legal trouble followed. The young kid is seen sobbing uncontrollably in the video, which is thought to be from a Christian missionary event, when Singh asks him if his sister was able to speak earlier. He responds that she wasnt. When asked if she can speak now, the boy responds, Yes. The song Mera Yeshu Yeshu (My Jesus Jesus) is playing in the backdrop of the video, which draws even more attention. The video sparked a meme fest on social media and prompted the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to seek action against Singh for using a minor boy for unusual superstitious activity. With inputs from agencies Amid former US President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, over one lakh children of Indian H-1B visa holders in the United States are now at risk of self-deportation. These individuals, known as documented dreamers, moved to the US with their NRI parents on H-4 dependent visas, which expire once they turn 21, leaving them in a state of uncertainty read more Amid Trump's immigration crackdown, over 1 lakh dependent Indians in the US fear self-deportation. These individuals arrived in the US as children with their NRI parents on H-4 dependent visas. Image for Representation. Reuters For nearly 1.34 lakh dependent Indian immigrants in the United States, turning 21 this year wont be a milestone to celebrateit will be a ticking clock that could possibly force them into self-deportation from the only country theyve ever known as home. Known as documented dreamers, these individuals arrived in the US as children with their NRI parents on H-4 dependent visas. However, the moment they turn 21, their visa expires, leaving them in legal limbo. Advertisement Until now, US immigration policies provided a two-year window for these young adults to transition to a different visa status after aging out. But a series of policy shifts under the Trump administration, combined with recent court rulings, has thrown their future into uncertainty. So why is this happening, and what options do they have now? Heres a closer look. The DACA ruling A recent ruling by a US federal appeals court in Texas has declared the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme unlawful, leaving thousands of young immigrants, including many Indians, facing an uncertain future. Introduced by then-President Barack Obama in 2012, DACA offered temporary, renewable two-year protection from deportation to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the US as children, including those on dependent visas. DACA offered temporary, renewable two-year protection from deportation to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the US as children, including those on dependent visas. It was ruled unlawful by the Texas court. Image for Representation. Pixabay At the time, Obama described the move as an effort to mend our nations immigration policy, to make it more fair, more efficient, and more just specifically for certain young people sometimes called Dreamers. The term Dreamers originates from the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) bill, which sought to provide a path to permanent legal residency for undocumented immigrants. Though repeatedly introduced in the US legislature, the bill was not passed. After yet another failure, the Obama administration implemented DACA as an alternative. They were brought to this country by their parents sometimes even as infants and often have no idea that theyre undocumented until they apply for a job or a drivers license, or a college scholarship, Obama said at the time. Since then, hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from various countries have received DACA permits. According to estimates from the non-profit South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), approximately 4,000 active DACA recipients are of South Asian or Indian origin. Advertisement With this programme now ruled unlawful, many young Indian immigrants are left with few options, uncertain about what lies ahead. What are the options? For some, switching to an F-1 student visa seems like a possible way to stay in the US, but it comes with major challenges. H-4 visa holders who transition to F-1 status are classified as international students, which means they lose access to in-state tuition, federal financial aid, and certain scholarships. I have lived here since I was six. My education, friends, and my future, everything is here. But now, I am being told that I might have to leave the only country I have ever known, a 20-year-old nursing student from California, whose dependent visa expires in August, told The Times of India. While converting to an F-1 visa is an option, she admitted it would put a huge financial burden on our families, many of whom are already struggling with the high cost of living in the US. Advertisement For some, switching to an F-1 student visa from H-4 visas seems like a possible way to stay in the US, but it comes with major challenges as one is ruled out from in-state tuition, federal financial aid, and certain scholarships. Image for Representation. File image With limited options, some of these young immigrants are now considering moving to countries like Canada or the UK, where immigration policies are seen as more inclusive. It might be an easier option. Even if I stay and study here, I dont know what my prospects are of getting a job and securing my future. My parents are planning to return to India after retirement, so I have nothing to stay back for, a Memphis-based undergraduate student who turns 21 in April told the publication. He added, I cant see myself moving back to India as it seems like just another foreign land to me. I left when I was a child. I would have to start afresh. Advertisement The green card worry The massive backlog in the US employment-based green card system is a serious concern among this section. According to a report by Economic Times, around 10.7 lakh Indians are currently stuck in the employment-based Green Card queue (EB-2 and EB-3 categories), with an estimated processing time of 134 years. For dependent children waiting in this line, absence of DACA protection has compounded the worry. Many fear they may have to self-deport before they ever receive US residency. According to a report by Economic Times, around 10.7 lakh Indians are currently stuck in the employment-based Green Card queue (EB-2 and EB-3 categories), with an estimated processing time of 134 years. File image Muhil Ravichandran, 24, who arrived in the US at the age of two, told TOI that she may have to leave the country she has called home for nearly two decades as she has aged out. This means having to leave my family because they have already received their green cards. It is heartbreaking that I have to spend every day in fear that I may have to leave my home, simply because I aged out, she said. Advertisement Due to the Green Card backlog, I had aged out by the time my parents finally received their green cards. My future is now uncertain, she added. Another student from Texas echoed similar concerns. Our waiting period is 23 years, and I am turning 21 this October. What am I supposed to do after that? Earlier, people would get two years of extension under DACA and they could study, work, and get social security numbers. But after the new government came to power and banned birthright citizenship, everything is confusing, he added. With input from agencies US President Donald Trump has paused his trade war with Canada and Mexico, temporarily delaying tariffs on many goods from the two countries once again. This comes just two days after the levies came into effect. This on-again, off-again is perplexing with business owners, who complain that they cant make decisions, which is hurting their bottom line read more US President Donald Trump has paused some tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a month. They will now come into effect in April. Reuters They are on, they are off we arent talking about a relationship but about US President Donald Trumps tariffs on Mexico and Canada. On Thursday (March 6), the US president signed executive actions that delayed some tariffs on its allies, Mexico and Canada, for one month. What makes this particularly interesting is that this is the second time in two days that Trump has rolled back his taxes on imports. The actions come after Trump held a discussion with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and negotiations between Canadian and Trump administration officials. Advertisement The move has led both Canada and Mexico to breathe a little easier, but its also causing serious whiplash with businesses complaining that this back-and-forth over tariffs is frustrating and stressful. As Trevor Frampton, who owns a feed and pet supply store in Santa Rosa, California told CNN, Tariffs are on and then theyre off again. I cant keep up with it. Its the uncertainty of everything. Is it going to happen? If it is, just do it. Personally, I think its stupid. Trump halts tariffs for Canada and Mexico, for now Early on Thursday morning, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum held a talk with Trump, in an attempt to avert the 25 per cent tariffs he had imposed on her countrys exports earlier in the week. It was on March 4 that tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China took effect, with an instant trade war breaking out. It seems that Sheinbaums talk with Trump helped; the US president posted on social media, After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement. The USMCA is the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, negotiated by Trump during his first term, which makes the three North American countries a free trade zone. He said that tariffs would be delayed until April 2. Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during a press conference after holding a phone call with US President Donald Trump, at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico. Reuters I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the border, both in terms of stopping illegal aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping fentanyl, Trump added. Thank you to President Sheinbaum for your hard work and cooperation! Sheinbaum, in a post on X, thanked US President Donald Trump for a respectful discussion about the tariffs he imposed. Hours after the pause on Mexican tariffs, Trump signed a similar executive, delaying Canadian tariffs until April 2. Earlier, the US president had attacked Justin Trudeau, claiming he was using the tariff problem to stay in office. Shortly after Trumps decision, Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc wrote on X that his country will not proceed with the second wave of tariffs on $125 billion of US products until April 2nd, while we continue to work for the removal of all tariffs. Advertisement Its important to note that Trump hasnt paused all tariffs but only those goods covered by the North American trade agreement known as USMCA. According to CNN, this agreement covers about 50 per cent of imports from Mexico and 36 per cent of imports from Canada. Trumps back-and-forth on tariffs Thursdays pause on tariffs for Mexico and Canada is just the latest chapter. It can be dated back to as far as last October while Trump was campaigning for the US presidential elections. At the Economic Club of Chicago, Trump voiced enthusiasm for tariffs. To me, the most beautiful word in the dictionary is tariff, he said. On November 25, 2024, he followed this up by announcing plans to place 25 per cent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico, citing an alleged failure to secure their respective borders with the US. Trump also said he would put 10 per cent tariffs on goods from China, calling on the country to stop production of illegal fentanyl bound for the US. Advertisement Then this February 1, the US president ordered 25 per cent tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as 10 per cent tariffs on imports from China with the White House saying the tariffs would take effect on February 4. However, two days later, Trump announced a one-month pause of tariffs on Canada and Mexico after reaching agreements with each country that included commitments to bolster border enforcement. On March 3, Trump then announced that he would go ahead with the previously planned tariffs and they would come into effect the following day. This led to retaliation from Canada and China, leading to a near-instant trade war. In his address to the US Congress, Trump also referred to the tariffs, saying, There will be a little disturbance, but we are OK with that. It wont be much. Advertisement Two days later, on March 5, he ordered a one-month delay of auto tariffs after a request from the Big 3 US automakers: Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep and Chrysler. Uncertainty continues Trumps on-again, off-again policy with tariffs has caused a great deal of confusion and uncertainty for businesses not only in Canada and Mexico but in the US itself. It has also led to a stock market slump. Officials involved in the negotiations over tariffs have expressed their frustration over the lack of clarity from the Trump administration. Its like dealing with an angry partner and you dont know what theyre mad about, one Mexican official was quoted telling Reuters. Its not clear what they want. Canadas Foreign Minister Melania Joly was openly critical of the Trump administration. We wont get through this, another psychodrama every 30 days, she said earlier in the week. Advertisement The problem weve had is its not clear what the American president wants, she added. Ive had conversations with colleagues in Washington saying, Okay, but at the end of the day, what do you guys want? And I got the answer, Were about to know. Theres one decision maker in the system. Hes the only one to know. Isaac Arguelles stocks Mexican-grown green onions at a market as the fear of tariffs loom large. AP Even economic experts note that this uncertainty isnt good for the economy. Wolfe Research analyst Tobin Marcus said to CNBC, After three consecutive days of major tariff expansion or retraction, we have to ask: What was all this for? In Trumps statement announcing the delay, he didnt point to any specific further concessions from Sheinbaum on either fentanyl or trade, even though there are some policy shifts he might reasonably have hoped to achieve, as we noted on Monday, he wrote. Sheinbaums midday post also did not point to any specific policy commitments beyond general continued cooperation on migration, fentanyl, and guns. Eswar Prasad, an economist at Cornell University, also said that theres a lot of uncertainty. It creates an enormous amount of uncertainty for multinational companies that sell products worldwide, that import from the rest of the world, that run these complex supply chains through multiple countries. The uncertainty is going to be very unsettling for businesses and it will hurt business investment. And business owners are also frustrated. They dont know what the future holds for them and have been left exasperated as they are unable to make any business plans. Take, for instance, Taylor Samuels, the owner of Las Almas Rotas, a bar and restaurant in Dallas. The spectre of tariffs is forcing him to review his plans to build a new restaurant. Holly Seidewand, owner of First Fill Spirits, a shop in Saratoga Springs, New York, that sells Canadian whisky and other specialty spirits, told AP that her plans for the future have been put on hold due to the tariffs. Her original plan for 2025 was to almost double her inventory and the selection she offered. For now, we have no plans of adding more shelving or space for new items, we will stick to the footprint we have, she said. This will delay the growth of our business, making us a bit stagnant. All of this uncertainty is also causing consumer confidence to tumble, which has caused consumer spending to decline in January the most in nearly four years. Private-sector hiring has also slowed sharply in February. With tariffs, Trump has kept the world guessing and we will all have to wait until April 2 when he has vowed to introduce reciprocal tariffs. With inputs from agencies Donald Trump is set to unveil a gold card visa, allowing wealthy foreigners to secure permanent US residency and a pathway to citizenship for US$5 million (around Rs 43 crore). He claimed that the move could help drive economic growth in the US. However, there is little evidence that such schemes boost government revenue. Critics argue that the scheme is unlikely to add trillions of dollars to the economy due to limited demand read more The US president, Donald Trump, is set to introduce a gold card visa that would allow wealthy foreigners to buy permanent US residency and a path to citizenship for $5 million (3.9 million). Speaking at the Oval Office on February 25, Trump said: I think its going to be very treasured. I think its going to do very well. And were going to start selling, hopefully, in about two weeks. Advertisement US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick has touted the plan as a way to raise revenue to bring down US national debt, which currently stands at over US$36 trillion. As Trump put it when answering questions from reporters at the White House: Well be able to sell maybe a million of these cards, maybe more than that. And if you add up the numbers, theyre pretty good. As an example, a million cards would be worth US$5 trillion. Trump has also suggested that the gold-card holders can help stimulate the US economy. Theyll be wealthy, and theyll be successful, and theyll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes, he said. When asked whether Russian oligarchs would qualify for the visa, Trump responded: Hey, I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people. Its possible. Has such a scheme worked earlier? The idea that wealthy foreigners can address a nations faltering economy is not new. Trumps gold visas will themselves replace the current EB-5 immigrant investor visa, which offers permanent US residency in return for job-creating investments of at least US$1 million. Trump has also suggested that the gold-card holders can help stimulate the US economy. Reuters/File Photo In the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, various European nations also floated similar golden visa schemes as a means of reversing their economic downturns. The visas offered by Spain, Greece, Hungary and Portugal, for example, all cost significantly less than Trumps proposed scheme. A Spanish gold visa, which will no longer be available from April 2025, is granted in return for 500,000 (417,000) in real estate investment. The required investment in Greece and Hungary is 250,000. And people looking to obtain a gold visa in Portugal have two options: a 250,000 donation to the restoration of national heritage, or a 500,000 property investment. Advertisement There is little data to support the argument that such policies boost the national coffers. Some experts have suggested that golden visa schemes typically bring in no more than 0.3 per cent of GDP in revenue. So, its no surprise that there is plenty of scepticism around whether Trumps gold card scheme can reduce US national debt. Critics of the plan argue that the scheme will not add trillions of US dollars to the economy, as Trump has claimed. This is because demand for any such programme is likely to be limited to thousands of people. In a recent poll conducted by Forbes, 18 billionaires were asked if they would like to take advantage of an American gold card visa. Most of them (13) said they would not be interested. Many of the ultra-rich foreigners interviewed simply did not think they needed American citizenship and dont want it. Advertisement If youre a billionaire, you dont need it, said one Canadian billionaire. I dont have to come to the United States to invest in the United States. Why Trumps gold card plan might not work The global rich are unlikely to be queuing up for Trumps gold cards. At about US$5 million per application, it is the most expensive golden visa option in the world. Any potential buyer will carry out cost-benefit analysis prior to committing to such a deal. Two reasons a wealthy person might invest in a second or third passport are to ensure greater mobility and protect their wealth. US tax laws have traditionally reduced the attractiveness of American residency or citizenship for the global rich. American citizens and residents are required to pay income tax on their US earnings as well as any income they earn overseas. Advertisement Trump has said that gold-card holders would not be subject to taxes on their overseas income. This tax loophole could open the door to more wealthy foreigners looking to protect their wealth. However, many details about the scheme remain unclear. Notwithstanding this, golden visas in many other nations provide better opportunities than those offered by a Trump gold card. In terms of mobility, the US passport ranks eighth on an index of 198 different passports. American passport holders can travel to 171 countries without needing a visa. The US passport ranks eighth on an index of 198 different passports. Pixabay/Representational Image Spain ranks second, with a Spanish passport allowing access to 177 countries without a visa. And Portugal, Greece and a host of other European nations follow closely behind, with their passports allowing visa-free travel to 176 countries. Advertisement The most powerful passport in the world is offered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), allowing access to 179 countries visa-free. The UAE government introduced a golden visa in 2019, offering long-term residence in exchange for roughly $550,000 of investment. An American passport also has its own inherent limitations and hazards. A US-born colleague of mine who acquired Irish citizenship through lineage has never used his American passport while out of the country. He believed that in a crisis situation, such as being taken hostage, a US citizen was far more vulnerable and exposed to danger than a non-American counterpart. In his opinion, people were far more prejudiced and hostile towards a US citizen than those belonging to other nations. The return on investment of a Trump gold card remains unpredictable. The asking price is extremely high and the benefits it promises buyers are at best marginal. The offer comes with enough holes to sink a ship. Amalendu Misra, Professor of International Politics, Lancaster University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. SpaceXs eighth Starship test flight ended in failure as the spacecraft lost control and disintegrated approximately nine minutes and 30 seconds after launch. Debris from the explosion was spotted over Florida and the Caribbean, leading to temporary flight disruptions at major airports. The US aviation body has mandated a mishap investigation to determine the cause and ensure public safety read more A view shows debris streaking through the sky, after SpaceX's Starship spacecraft tumbled and exploded in space, in Big Sampson Kay, Bahamas, March 6, 2025, in this screen grab obtained from social media video. File Image/@_ericloosen_via Reuters SpaceXs latest Starship test flight ended in failure on Thursday, with the spacecraft losing contact and breaking apart minutes after launch. The incident, which scattered debris over parts of the Caribbean, led to significant air traffic disruptions and reignited concerns over space debris management. The 403-foot (123-metre) rocket lifted off from SpaceXs Starbase facility in Texas at 5:30 pm CT (6:30 p.m. ET). The first-stage booster, known as Super Heavy, was successfully caught by mechanical arms at the launch pad a crucial milestone for the company. Advertisement However, as the upper-stage Starship vehicle streaked eastward for what was intended to be a controlled descent over the Indian Ocean, engines began shutting down, leading to a loss of control. The spacecraft spun out before contact was lost roughly 9 minutes and 30 seconds into the flight. While Starship reached an altitude of nearly 90 miles (150 kilometres), it failed to deploy its four mock satellites before breaking apart. Images posted online showed flaming debris visible from parts of Florida, including near Cape Canaveral. According to CNN, residents in Turks and Caicos also reported finding debris on beaches and roadways, with at least one vehicle struck by falling fragments. Flight disruptions, airport closures The explosion had immediate consequences for commercial air traffic. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily halted departures from four major Florida airports Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Palm Beach due to falling space debris. Departures at these airports were delayed by an average of 30 to 45 minutes before normal operations resumed at around 8 pm ET. Orlando International Airport posted on X that flights were briefly grounded due to space launch debris in the area. The FAA later confirmed that it had activated a debris response area, ensuring aircraft were redirected to avoid potential risks. Operational Update: Per the @FAANews, our airport is currently under a Ground Stop due to space launch debris in the area. For airport delays, visit: https://t.co/JKuNBVb9Fl, and please check directly with your airline for further updates. Orlando International Airport (@MCO) March 7, 2025 Advertisement This marks the second time in recent months that a Starship failure has affected air traffic. In January, debris from a previous test flight fell over the Turks and Caicos Islands, prompting similar disruptions. At that time, a piece of debris even struck a car, though no injuries were reported. SpaceX faces regulatory scrutiny The FAA has mandated that SpaceX conduct a full mishap investigation to determine the root cause of the failure. A mishap investigation is designed to enhance public safety, determine the root cause of the event, and identify corrective actions to avoid it from happening again, the FAA stated. The agency stated that SpaceX must receive approval before conducting another Starship test flight. Advertisement A formation is seen from SpaceXs next-generation Starship spacecrafts launch atop its Super Heavy booster on its eighth test at the companys Boca Chica launch pad in Brownsville, Texas, US, March 6, 2025. File Image/Reuters SpaceX acknowledged the failure in an update, stating, Prior to the end of the ascent burn, an energetic event in the aft portion of Starship resulted in the loss of several Raptor engines. This in turn led to a loss of attitude control and ultimately a loss of communications with Starship. Final contact with Starship came approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff. Officials in Turks and Caicos confirmed that debris from the explosion had landed in the region. Local authorities are working with SpaceX on a recovery plan, though details on the cleanup effort remain undisclosed. Growing concerns over space debris The incident has reignited concerns over the growing problem of space debris. According to UN estimates, more objects have been sent into space between 2019 and today than in the entire history of spaceflight before 2019. SpaceX alone has launched thousands of Starlink satellites, with plans to expand the network significantly. Critics argue that current space debris mitigation measures are insufficient and have called for stronger international regulations. Advertisement A group of researchers has urged the United Nations to adopt a new global agreement to safeguard Earths orbit, reported NewScientist. While there are existing treaties, such as the UN Outer Space Treaty of 1967, experts argue that stricter guidelines are necessary to manage the increasing risks posed by orbital pollution. SpaceX has played a dominant role in the rapid expansion of orbital activity. The company currently operates around 5,420 Starlink satellites and plans to increase that number to over 12,000. In 2023 alone, SpaceX attempted 98 of the worlds 223 orbital launches. According to estimates, the company is responsible for launching around 90 per cent of all US commercial space missions, with the US contributing to over 80 per cent of global space traffic. Advertisement Whats next for Starship and SpaceX Despite the failure, SpaceX remains committed to developing Starship, which NASA has selected to land astronauts on the Moon later this decade. CEO Elon Musk has also expressed ambitions for Starship to facilitate human exploration of Mars. The latest test flight featured several design modifications, including improvements to Starships flaps, computers, and fuel system. SpaceX had aimed to make further progress in its goal of returning Starship to the launch site intact. However, much like the previous test flight, the spacecraft failed before it could reach its planned reentry phase. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Albania has enforced a one-year ban on TikTok, citing concerns over cyberbullying and youth violence. The decision follows a November 2023 incident where a dispute on social media led to a fatal stabbing. Authorities consulted 65,000 parents and teachers before implementing the ban. While discussions with TikTok continue, opposition leaders argue the move suppresses free speech read more TikTok app logo is seen in this illustration taken, August 22, 2022. File Image/Reuters The Albanian government has officially imposed a one-year ban on TikTok, citing concerns about the platforms influence on children, particularly in relation to cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the promotion of violent behaviour. The countrys Education Minister Ogerta Manastirliu confirmed that the suspension would take effect within days, describing it as a temporary measure aimed at protecting minors from potential risks associated with the app. The decision follows consultations with approximately 65,000 parents and teachers, many of whom supported restrictions or outright removal of the platform. Advertisement Manastirliu stated that authorities had been working closely with TikTok to discuss the implementation of additional safety measures, including parental controls, age verification mechanisms, and the inclusion of the Albanian language in the platform. What is behind Albanias TikTok ban? The move to ban TikTok gained momentum after a tragic incident in November, when a dispute that began on the platform escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy. The case triggered a nationwide debate about the impact of social media on Albanian youth, with parents, educators, and psychologists voicing concerns about the potential for online conflicts to spill over into real-life violence. Albanias Prime Minister Edi Rama, who first proposed the ban in December, reiterated that the government was acting in the best interest of childrens safety. He noted that the government had spent months analysing the technical feasibility of blocking the app and discussing potential reforms with TikTok representatives. Vendimi per mbylljen e perkohshme te TikTokut eshte e para nje vendim i marre ne konsultimin e gjere me 65 mije prinder e mesues dhe e dyta, eshte nje vendim i marre pasi u ngriten kapacitetet e nevojshme teknike, nderkohe qe ne jemi ne nje dialog shume pozitiv me kompanine, e Edi Rama (@ediramaal) March 6, 2025 Despite this, TikTok has strongly refuted any direct connection to the tragic incident, stating, We have found no evidence that the perpetrator or victim had TikTok accounts, and multiple reports have in fact confirmed videos leading up to this incident were being posted on another platform, not TikTok. What safety measures can TikTok implement in Albania? Despite enforcing the ban, the Albanian government continues to engage in discussions with TikTok representatives. Rama confirmed that company officials would soon visit Albania to present a series of measures designed to enhance child safety on the platform. Among the proposals under discussion are improved parental controls, mandatory age verification systems, and better content moderation tailored to Albanian users. TikTok, operated by Chinese technology company ByteDance, has faced mounting scrutiny worldwide regarding its impact on young users. The platform, known for its algorithm-driven content recommendations, has been criticised for exposing minors to potentially dangerous challenges and harmful trends. Advertisement Researchers have pointed out that Albanian children make up the largest group of TikTok users in the country, heightening concerns about their vulnerability to online influence. How has the Opposition and public reacted to Albanias TikTok ban? The TikTok ban has sparked a strong reaction from opposition parties and free speech advocates, who argue that the measure is an overreach of government authority. Critics claim that the ban undermines digital rights and limits freedom of expression. The opposition has scheduled a national protest on March 15 to rally against the move, branding it as an act of intolerance and fear of free expression. Some political figures have gone further, alleging that the governments decision to restrict TikTok is motivated by upcoming parliamentary elections in May. Opposition leader Sali Berisha condemned the decision, stating, With this act of censorship affecting more than one million TikTok users in Albania, Edi Rama is putting Albania on par with Afghanistan and Iran. Advertisement Government officials, however, have dismissed these accusations, maintaining that the ban is purely a measure to protect young users from online harm. Authorities have also increased police presence in certain schools and implemented additional measures, including training programmes for teachers, students, and parents, to address concerns about digital safety. How is TikTok doing on the global scale? Albanias decision to ban TikTok comes amid increasing global scrutiny of the platform. Governments across Europe and North America have raised concerns about the apps data privacy practices, potential links to misinformation, and its effects on childrens mental health. In the United Kingdom, the Information Commissioners Office recently launched an investigation into TikToks data processing practices, specifically how it tailors content recommendations for users aged 13 to 17. There are growing concerns that social media algorithms may expose minors to inappropriate or harmful content. Meanwhile, TikTok has also been the subject of regulatory action in the United States, where the app was briefly suspended to comply with a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its operations. The platform resumed service after assurances from US President Donald Trump that a ban would be postponed. Advertisement Additionally, TikTok is under investigation by the European Union over claims that it was used to influence Romanias presidential election in favour of a far-right candidate. Neighbouring countries such as Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia have also reported growing concerns over the platforms impact, particularly among young audiences. With inputs from agencies Pakistan has climbed to second place in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, up from fourth position last year. The report also revealed that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is now the worlds fastest-growing terrorist group. The Global Terrorism Index evaluates terrorism based on multiple factors, including attack frequency, casualties, injuries, and its overall impact on the country read more Pakistan has risen to second place in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025. Previously ranked fourth, it is now the second-most terrorism-affected nation globally, according to the report. The findings also revealed that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has become the worlds fastest-growing terrorist group. ALSO READ | What is Jamaat-e-Islami, the Pakistan-backed group, that fuelled the Bangladesh crisis? The country witnessed a steep 45 per cent rise in terrorism-related deaths, increasing from 748 in 2023 to 1,081 in 2024. This spike is among the highest worldwide. Advertisement But what led to Pakistan becoming the second-most terrorism-affected country? What reasons did the report cite for this increase? Lets take a look: How Pakistan became the worlds second-most terrorism-affected country Pakistan experienced a sharp 45 per cent rise in terrorism-related deaths, climbing from 748 in 2023 to 1,081 in 2024. This surge pushed the country from fourth to second place in the Global Terrorism Index, Geo News reported, citing the findings. The number of terror attacks also more than doubled, rising from 517 in 2023 to 1,099 in 2024. This was the first time since the indexs inception that attacks in Pakistan exceeded the 1,000 mark. The country witnessed a steep 45 per cent rise in terrorism-related deaths. Reuters/File Photo Notably, the Global Terrorism Index assesses terrorism based on various factors, including attack frequency, deaths, injuries, and overall impact on the country. As per Geo News, this escalation in violence coincided with an attack on the Bannu Cantonment in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces thwarted an attempted intrusion, killing all 16 assailants. However, the assault also claimed the lives of five soldiers and 13 civilians, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, a group with links to Afghanistan, has been identified as the fastest-growing terror organisation in Pakistan. In 2024, it was responsible for over half of all terrorism-related deaths in the country, with 482 attacks resulting in 585 deaths, marking a 91 per cent increase from the previous year. Since the [Afghan] Talibans return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, TTP has capitalised on increased operational freedom and access to safe havens across the border. This has allowed the group to plan and execute attacks with greater impunity, the report noted. The number of attacks carried out by the TTP in 2024 was the highest ever recorded, while the deaths linked to the group reached their highest level since 2011. Advertisement Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, both bordering Afghanistan, remained the most severely affected provinces, accounting for over 96 per cent of terrorist incidents and deaths in the country last year. The frequency of attacks by Baloch insurgents soared from 116 in 2023 to 504 in 2024, while the death toll rose more than fourfold to 388. ALSO READ | How does Imran Khan continue to drive Pakistans political agenda from jail? These groups have continued targeting government infrastructure, foreign investments, and Chinese-led projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), claiming that such developments exploit regional resources without benefiting the local population. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) carried out its deadliest attack of 2024 with a suicide bombing at Quetta railway station, killing at least 25 soldiers and civilians. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISK), originally formed to challenge the Taliban, has expanded its reach beyond Afghanistan to Pakistan, Iran, Russia, and Central Asia. In 2024, the group was responsible for two of the deadliest attacks, one in Iran and another in Russia. Pakistan has risen to second place in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025. Reuters/File Photo How AI has helped the operation of terrorist groups A key trend specified in the GTI 2025 report is the increasing use of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), in the activities of terrorist organisations. The report noted that groups like ISK are leveraging AI to develop their content production, ranging from sophisticated online magazines to AI-generated videos, including news broadcasts. This allows for the rapid creation of high-quality, localised propaganda. Extremist groups are also using encrypted messaging apps to coordinate securely. Platforms such as Telegram and Rocket offer private, invitation-only spaces for communication, while the dark web serves as a hub for illicit activities and ideological exchanges, elevating the risks of exposure and radicalisation. Advertisement The Global Terrorism Index assesses terrorism based on factors, including attack frequency, deaths, and overall impact on the country. Reuters/File Photo Where did India rank on the list? Which country was the most affected by terrorism? India retained its 14th position in the Global Terrorism Index rankings. Burkina Faso was ranked as the most terrorism-affected country among 163 nations. The number of countries experiencing at least one terrorist attack rose from 58 in the previous year to 66 in 2024. However, terrorism-related deaths declined to 7,555, marking a 13 per cent drop from 2023. This decrease followed the surge in deaths caused by the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. ALSO READ | Is Bangladesh inching closer to Pakistan? Should India be concerned? Overall terrorist incidents also fell by three per cent, with Myanmar, ranked 12th this year, witnessing a notable decline. The Sahel region, which stretches from Senegal to Sudan and is home to five of the ten worst-affected countries, accounted for over half of global terrorism-related deaths, ThePrint reported. Advertisement Niger and Pakistan saw the biggest increases in terrorism-related deaths, rising by 94 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively. With inputs from agencies On March 7, 1965, the Black Rights movement in America witnessed a turning point when hundreds of activists were confronted by state troopers as they tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. What came next was carnage with marchers being brutally attacked by clubs and tear gas. This incident has gone down in history books as Bloody Sunday read more On March 7, 1965, police attacked marchers attempting to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, United States, an event that galvanised the Civil Rights Movement as Bloody Sunday. Illustration: Santan For Americans, March 7 is a historic day. It is remembered as Bloody Sunday as peaceful civil rights protesters were met with violence by police officers in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. It all unfolded as then-25-year-old activist John Lewis led over 600 marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. At the end of the protests, 17 people were hospitalised and dozens more injured by police, including Lewis, who suffered a fractured skull. The images of the violence sent shockwaves throughout the country and helped put pressure on politicians to act against discrimination at the polls. Advertisement It finally resulted in then US President Lyndon B Johnson introducing the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to prohibit race-based discrimination in voting. But what exactly makes this day historic? In our ongoing series of History Today, we explore the various significant events that took place across the globe, making March 7 truly a day to remember. Remembering Bloody Sunday In 1965, at the height of the modern civil rights movement, activists organised a march for voting rights from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, the state capital. The march came as a result of several repressive and discriminatory state and local laws such as poll taxes, literacy tests kept African-Americans away from the ballot boxes in southern part of America. In an attempt to correct this wrong, activists under the leadership of John Lewis and Hosea Williams decided that they would march to draw attention to the violations of civil and voting rights in Alabama and throughout the South. However, just as they began to cross the steel-arched Edmund Pettus Bridge spanning the Alabama River, they were confronted by a wall of state troopers, wearing white helmets and slapping clubs in their hands. When they were 50 yards away a trooper came over the loud speaker and addressed the crowd, This is an unlawful assembly. Your march is not conducive to the public safety. You are ordered to disperse and go back to your church or to your homes. To this, Williams said, May we have a word with the mayor? After a few minutes, the troopers advanced and what followed next was chaos and horrific scenes of violence. The troopers knocked the marchers to the ground. They struck them with sticks and even released tear gas into the air. John Lewis (foreground) is beaten by a state trooper in Selma, Alabama, on March 7, 1965. The future congressman suffered a fractured skull. File image/AP Lewis, who endured a fractured skull, later recounting the horror said that he was knocked to the ground and a state trooper then hit him in the head with a nightstick. When Lewis shielded his head with a hand, the trooper hit Lewis again as he tried to get up. Advertisement The violence was broadcast on TV and recounted in newspapers, spurring demonstrations in 80 cities across the nation within days. Two days later, Martin Luther King, Jr led more than 2,000 marchers to the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Days later, on March 15, made a dramatic, nationwide television speech calling for a national voting rights bill. In that speech, Johnson invoked the words of the Civil Rights theme song, We Shall Overcome. What happened in Selma is part of a far larger movement which reaches into every section and State of America, Johnson said in his address. It is the effort of American Negroes to secure for themselves the full blessings of American life. Their cause must be our cause too. Because it is not just Negroes, but really it is all of us, who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice. And we shall overcome. Advertisement Following this, on August 6, 1965, Johnson signed the Voting Rights Bill into law, with Dr Martin Luther King, Jr and other civil rights leaders attending the ceremony. This finally led to the Black electorate in Southern states to vote for the first time in American history. Queen Elizabeth makes her Instagram debut On this day, in 2019, social media got a new influencer: Britains Queen Elizabeth II. At the age of 92, the British monarch made her debut on Instagram, leading royal fans to freak out. And the Queen didnt choose the traditional selfie for her first post. Her first post was a letter sent by 19th-century mathematician and computer pioneer Charles Babbage to Queen Victorias husband, Prince Albert. Today, as I visit the Science Museum I was interested to discover a letter from the Royal Archives, written in 1843 to my great-great-grandfather Prince Albert, she wrote in the post on the official @TheRoyalFamily account, using a touch screen iPad at the museum to send the message. Advertisement Today, I had the pleasure of learning about childrens computer coding initiatives and it seems fitting to me that I publish this Instagram post, at the Science Museum which has long championed technology, innovation and inspired the next generation of inventors, she added to the accounts 4.6 million followers. She signed the post Elizabeth R. Advertisement The Queen was hailed for her post and for her willingness to adopt modern technology. Earlier, in 2014, she made her foray into Twitter, now X. Since the Queens debut, the royal familys Instagram handle has amassed 13.2 million followers and counting. Katheryn Bigelow makes Oscar history Until 2010, only four women had been nominated for best director at the Oscars Sofia Coppola for Lost in Translation in 2003, Jane Campion for The Piano in 1993, Lina Wertmuller for Seven Beauties in 1975, and Katheryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker in 2010. But history was made that year, on March 7, when Bigelow took home the golden statuette in the best director category for her low-budget Iraq war film, The Hurt Locker. What made the win even more special was that The Hurt Locker triumphed the over the 3D blockbuster Avatar, directed by Bigelows former husband, James Cameron. Kathryn Bigelow, director for The Hurt Locker, reacts to winning the Oscar next to presenter Barbra Streisand during the 82nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, March 7, 2010. File image/Reuters On stage, Bigelow described the award as a moment of a lifetime and dedicated her Oscar to the servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. May they come home safe, she said. On being the first woman to take home the big prize, she said: I hope Im the first of many [women], and of course, Id love to just think of myself as a filmmaker. And I long for the day when that modifier can be a moot point. This Day, That Year >> On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone. >> In 1936, Adolf Hitler broke the Treaty of Versailles by sending troops into the Rhineland. >> In 1905, Arthur Conan Doyle published The Return of Sherlock Holmes collection in London. S Jaishankars security was breached in London earlier this week by a pro-Khalistani supporter, who was part of a group protesting outside the Chatham House where the minister was speaking. India has condemned the incident and demanded strict action against those involved. This is not a standalone incident, with Khalistani elements targeting the Indian High Commission in recent years. The Sikh separatist movement first gained steam among the diaspora, including those in the UK, in the 1970s read more India has strongly condemned the security breach of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar in London, calling on the United Kingdom to take strict action against the pro-Khalistan supporters involved in the event. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (March 7) said that the incident reflects Britains indifference to intimidation and threats by the Khalistani extremist forces. During a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has conveyed its deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach in Jaishankars security by UK-based separatist and extremist elements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There is a larger context to the incident. It brings out both the licence accorded to such forces, as well as indifference to their intimidation, threats, and other actions aimed at impeding our legitimate diplomatic activities in the UK, he said. This is not the first time Khalistani supporters in the UK have expressed anti-India sentiments. Lets take a look at the EAMs security breach incident and the history of the separatist movement there. What happened? A small group of pro-Khalistan protesters gathered outside the think tank Chatham House in London on Wednesday, where EAM S Jaishankar was speaking. They raised anti-India slogans and one protester broke the barricades when the minister was leaving. Videos posted on social media show the demonstrators waving the yellow Khalistan flags and sloganeering outside Chatham House. A protestor broke away from the police cordon and ran towards Jaishankars car but was quickly apprehended. As per a Reuters report, he stood in front of the vehicle and tore Indias flag before being removed. The MEA denounced the incident, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying Thursday, We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists." We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The UK said it upheld the right to peaceful protest but attempts to intimidate, threaten or disrupt public events were completely unacceptable. We remain fully committed to ensuring the security of all our diplomatic visitors, in line with our international obligations, a spokesperson for Britains Foreign Office said, as per Reuters. Not a standalone incident Khalistani supporters and extremists have for long been expressing anti-India sentiments in the UK. A report into the British governments Extremism Review leaked earlier this year named Hindu nationalist extremism and pro-Khalistan extremism among nine emerging threats in the UK. In 2023, a group of Khalistan protesters breached the perimeter of the building of the Indian High Commission in London, pulled down the Indian flag and vandalised the premises. In another incident that year, the Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami was stopped from entering a gurdwara in Glasgow during a visit to Scotland by three Khalistani extremists. In 2015, the Indian government shared a detailed dossier with the UK on the radicalisation of the Sikh youth in the countrys gurdwaras. Besides imparting ideological indoctrination, youth have also been imparted theoretical training to make Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) using common chemicals by giving live demonstrations, the dossier alleged, according to The Daily Mail. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sikh population in the UK The presence of Sikhs in the UK increased in the aftermath of World War II and Indias Partition. As the war caused labour scarcity in Britain and the 1947 Partition left millions homeless in Punjab, thousands of Sikhs migrated to the European country. Today, as many as 525,865 people identify as Sikh in the UK, as per the 2021 census. After Canada, the UK is home to the largest Sikh diasporic population in the world. Tracing the history of Khalistan movement in the UK It was Jagjit Singh Chohan who emerged as the global voice for a separate Sikh land Khalistan in the late 1960s. The dentist-turned-politician was an MLA in the Punjab Assembly from 1967 to 1969. During this period, he also served as the finance minister in the Akali government and the Deputy Speaker of the House. After his defeat in the 1969 Assembly polls, Chohan shifted to the UK in 1970. He won supporters among the diaspora for the Khalistan movement and even made trips to Pakistan on a British passport to seek support. During one such visit in 1971, Chohan met Pakistan President Yahya Khan, who promised him support for a separate land for Sikhs. He returned from his trip to London and condemned the alleged oppression of Sikhs in India. Khalistani leader Jagjit Singh Chauhan gestures at the railway station in Chandigarh late June 27, 2001. File Photo/Reuters Chohan even went on to publish an advertisement in The New York Times that read: We have decided to rise and proclaim to the world that we are an undivided nation prepared to fight till the bitter end for an independent Sikh homeland in India. He declared himself the president of the Republic of Khalistan, and issued passports, postage stamps and currency. Chohan raised funds for the movement and had wealthy Sikh expatriates as his backers, reported The Guardian. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By the early 1980s, the campaign for Khalistan turned violent in Punjab with the rise of militant preacher Jarnail Singh Bhinderwale. It was only in 1984 that the Khalistan movement gathered steam among the Sikh diaspora. It was the military crackdown on Bhindranwale, the resulting desecration of the Sikhs holiest shrine [the Golden Temple in Amritsar] and its resultant, brutal repression [of militancy in Punjab], that radically altered the [diasporic] Sikhs attitude towards India, political scientist Laurent Gayer wrote in The Globalization of Identity Politics: The Sikh Experience published in 2000 in the International Journal of Punjab Studies. As per Indian Express, amid militancy in Punjab, the Sikh diaspora canvassed international support for the movement, provided a safe haven to Khalistani organisations and fugitives and rose money for the fight in India. Pro-Khalistan and anti-India messages started being preached at gurdwaras in Britain, Canada and the United States. This continues even today as Khalistanis still have a hold over some Sikh shrines. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the Khalistan movement has hardly any place in todays India, it continues to have a presence among a section of the diaspora. With inputs from agencies A 500-kg World War II bomb was found near Paris central Gare du Nord station, leading to the suspension of train services and stranding thousands of passengers. The discovery of the explosive affected high-speed train links between Paris, London, and Brussels, which impacted weekend travel plans and caused major delays read more Train services came to a standstill, leaving thousands of passengers stranded after a 500-kilogram World War II bomb was found near Paris central Gare du Nord station. This was one of the biggest rail disruptions in the French capital in recent years. The incident affected commuter trains as well as national and international services, including Eurostar routes. Authorities immediately set up a security perimeter, causing intercity and suburban lines from Gare du Nord to be suspended. Advertisement Notably, even decades after the war, bombs from the First and Second World Wars continue to be discovered across France. But how was this bomb found, and what impact did it have on rail services? How are WWII bombs still being discovered across Europe and continuing to disrupt peoples daily lives? Lets take a look: Where and how was the bomb found? The World War II bomb was discovered along railway tracks leading to Gare du Nord station. Paris police stated that the device was found at 4 am on Friday (local time) by workers near the tracks in Saint-Denis, approximately 2.5 km from Gare du Nord. A train parked at a platform at the Gare du Nord station in Paris. AFP According to SNCF, Frances state-owned railway company, the bomb was located in the middle of the tracks at a construction site where a railway bridge was being replaced, CNN reported. Weighing 500 kg, including 200 kg of explosives, the device was buried 2 metres underground in an area known for remnants from the Second World War, The Guardian reported. Once the bomb was found, maintenance work was stopped and minesweepers were called in. The security perimeter was expanded to 1 km on Friday morning, though no residential evacuations were required. Matthieu Chabanel, head of SNCF Reseaus rail infrastructure management unit, described finding a bomb of this size as really quite exceptional. Advertisement The disruptions caused at busy Paris hub by the bomb The discovery of the bomb near the railway tracks impacted high-speed train connections between Paris, London, and Brussels on Friday, which affected weekend travel plans and caused widespread delays across intercity and commuter services at Gare du Nord, Frances busiest railway station. All train traffic to and from Gare du Nord, which serves international routes to London and mainland Europe, as well as high-speed and local services, was suspended as authorities worked to disable the device. Each year, approximately 220 million passengers pass through Gare du Nord, travelling between northern France, London, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, according to the Paris tourist office. Eurostar, which operates high-speed services between the UK and the continent, cancelled all its trains to and from Gare du Nord, as well as those connecting Paris with London and Brussels. Passengers wait near departures for Eurostar services at St Pancras International station in London. AP As part of the security measures, homes within a 500-metre (1,600-foot) radius of the bomb were evacuated, and a section of the Paris ring road (peripherique) was closed while the operation took place. Advertisement French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed that train services were completely blocked on Friday morning (local time), affecting suburban, regional, and international routes. In a statement, SNCF said, Traffic has been completely interrupted since this morning to and from Gare du Nord at the request of the Paris Police Prefecture. At Gare du Nord, normally filled with commuters, bright red signs warned passengers of major disruptions. The station, a key hub for connections to northern France, Charles de Gaulle Airport, and international destinations, saw travel plans thrown into disarray. Meanwhile, at Londons St Pancras station, travellers scrambled for alternative options. Fridays are among the busiest days there, with thousands heading out or arriving for weekend trips. Advertisement I was shocked: How passengers reacted to the disruptions The atmosphere at train stations was low on Friday morning as travellers anxiously awaited updates on their journeys. In London, large crowds gathered at St Pancras station after Eurostar services were cancelled. Many appeared tense, making phone calls and searching for alternative travel options. Harrison Baker, a 28-year-old tourist from Australia, had planned to travel to Paris that morning but was instead forced to look for accommodation in London. The discovery of the bomb near the railway tracks impacted high-speed train connections. Reuters On the speaker, they said there was a bomb, he told AFP. I was shocked. Passengers were advised to head to Lille in northern France or consider flying instead. Were looking up flights, but our options are limited, Lauren Romeo-Smith, who was travelling with a group for a birthday celebration, told AFP. Meanwhile, Jess Sayer from Norwich told BBC that she was stranded in Paris with her husband and best friend after celebrating her 40th birthday. Advertisement We just tried to get a flight. All the flights are booked up, so at the moment, we are completely stuck in Paris with no way of getting home, she said. Do we get a hotel and risk trying to get the Eurostar home tomorrow? Or look into ferries? Julie King, who had planned a trip to Paris for her daughters 18th birthday, told The Guardian that the unexpected disruption had left them really upset. How WW2 bombs continue to haunt Europe Unexploded ordnance continues to haunt Europe, especially Germany, as wartime bombs are still frequently discovered on construction sites nearly 80 years after World War II. Last month, over 175 practice bombs from the Second World War were found beneath a childrens playground in northern England. The discovery was made during renovation work at Scotts Park playground in Wooler, a small town in Northumberland near the Scottish border, BBC reported. A report by The Guardian last year said that the Marshall Islands, despite their scenic tropical landscape, still contain remnants of war. Millions are being spent by the US and other nations across the Pacific to locate, remove, and destroy unexploded ordnance. The report estimated that hundreds of thousands of such bombs remain scattered across the region, including in Fiji, Palau, and the Solomon Islands. In Germany, an unexploded 500-kilogram World War II bomb was found last year in the Rhine River in Cologne. The city, which was bombed more than 200 times during the war, has seen numerous munitions unearthed over the decades. A BBC report from 2022 suggested that thousands of unexploded World War II bombs may still exist in Wales. In 1941, the region became a key battleground due to its industrial sites along the Bristol Channel and its vulnerable route into north-west England. In 2019, a wartime bomb disrupted train services between Paris Saint-Lazare station and the western suburbs. In 2018, thousands of people were evacuated in Berlin after a World War II-era bomb weighing 1,100 pounds was uncovered. Berlin police stated that the bomb had likely been dropped by a British aircraft during the war. It was found during construction in the city centre, close to the main train station, government buildings, and major tourist sites, The New York Times reported. With inputs from agencies The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is urging Americans to eat certain invasive species, including animals similar to giant rats and wild pigs. In a Facebook post, the agency encouraged people to hunt, catch, and cook nutria, a large, rat-like semiaquatic creature classified as an invasive species in Oregon. It has also released a list of other invasive species that can be hunted, caught, and eaten read more Nutria is a large, wetland-dwelling rodent that was originally introduced to the US through the fur trade. AFP/File Photo EAT ME! Please? Im invasive and delicious. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is encouraging Americans to consume certain invasive species, including animals resembling giant rats and wild pigs. ALSO READ | What is Nepals Gadhimai festival, known as worlds bloodiest festival? In a Facebook post, the agency urged people to hunt, catch, and cook nutria, a large, rat-like semiaquatic creature classified as an invasive species in Oregon. Invasive species outcompete native wildlife, destroy habitats, and mess up ecosystems, the agency stated. But rather than just complaining about them, lets put them on the menu. Advertisement To help manage them, the agency has released a list of invasive species that can be hunted, caught, and eaten. But what exactly are invasive species? And why is the agency encouraging Americans to eat them? We will answer these questions: What is an invasive species? An invasive species is any organism that disrupts the ecological balance or causes economic damage in an environment where it is not naturally found, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These species pose a threat to natural ecosystems and can also impact human activities that depend on those resources. They are often introduced through various means, including ship ballast water, accidental releases, or human intervention. Invasive species can drive native plants and animals to extinction, reduce biodiversity, compete for essential resources, and alter habitats, leading to long-term environmental consequences. ALSO READ | Is your pet just moody or facing a mental health crisis? Why US officials want Americans to eat them The US Fish and Wildlife Service has suggested consuming invasive species as a way to manage their increasing numbers. The agency explained that these species disrupt ecosystems, and eating them is one method to help protect native wildlife. Its not a complete solution and should be combined with other conservation efforts to effectively control these species, the FWS stated, describing them as downright delicious. So, which species made it onto their list? Nutria At the top of the list is a large, wetland-dwelling rodent that was originally introduced to the US through the fur trade, according to the agency. Nutria, a species native to South America, has become invasive along the Gulf of America coast (formerly the Gulf of Mexico), as well as the Atlantic coast and the Pacific Northwest. Advertisement A group of nutrias, known as a colony, can severely disrupt ecosystems and agriculture. Image courtesy: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service For those interested in cooking nutria, the agency suggested trying gumbo recipes. Their meat is lean, mild, and tastes like rabbit, the agency said. A group of nutrias, known as a colony, can severely disrupt ecosystems and agriculture by digging extensive burrows and uprooting plants. Their feeding behaviour leads to widespread erosion in wetland areas, something the agency likened to a disaster movie. Save a Swamp, Saute a Nutria, it added. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries estimated that before a control programme was introduced, nutria had damaged as much as 102,585 acres of land in the state. These rodents can eat a quarter of their body weight in vegetation daily and are capable of destroying areas up to ten times that size. Advertisement Green iguana Another species mentioned in the list is the green iguana, which originates from Central and South America. Green Iguanas meat is often called chicken of the trees for its mild flavour. Image courtesy: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service It has become invasive in Florida and other warm regions, where it consumes native plants and weakens seawalls. The solution? Iguana stew, the FWS suggested. Their meat is often called chicken of the trees for its mild flavour. Northern snakehead fish Also included on the list is the northern snakehead fish, scientifically known as Channa argus. These fish can survive out of water for several days by breathing air, according to the agency. Originally from East Asia, they have established themselves as an invasive species in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern US waterways. Snakehead fish pose a threat to native species by competing for food and habitat. The US Geological Survey has raised concerns that they may outcompete or displace key native species and other predatory fish. Advertisement Invasive carp Invasive carp, which include bighead, silver, black, and grass carp, are also on the list. Native to East Asia, these fish have spread across multiple rivers and lakes in the Midwest and Southeast, according to the FWS. These high-jumping fish are clogging US waterways and outcompeting native species, the agency stated, adding that they are surprisingly tasty and can be grilled, blackened, or used to make crispy fish cakes. Wild boar The final species on the list is the feral hog, also known as the wild boar (Sus scrofa). Wild boars are native to Europe and Asia. Pixabay Originally from Europe and Asia, these animals have become invasive in parts of the southeastern US, Texas, California, and other regions, according to the agency. They arent just invasive, theyre a full-blown ecological disaster, the agency warned. Rooting, trampling, and devouring everything in their path, these piggies are tearing up farmland, forests, and wetlands across the country. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Myanmars Chinland Council (CC) and the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) signed a merger agreement in the presence of Lalduhoma in Aizawl on February 26 read more The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday reacted to reports that said some of Myanmars rebel groups have merged in Mizoram in the presence of Chief Minister Lalduhoma. We have seen some reports on the matter. Our position on the situation in Myanmar is well known. I would also like to reiterate that foreign policy issues do not lie within the remit of State governments, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press conference. Advertisement A report by the Hindustan Times said Myanmars Chinland Council (CC) and the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) signed a merger agreement in the presence of Lalduhoma in Aizawl on February 26. The idea behind the merger was to cease hostilities among themselves and mount united resistance to Myanmars military regime. Jacob V Zawma, a steering committee member of CC and coordinator of the negotiating team said that having two bodies from the Chin community was counterproductive and thats why the two groups merged. The Chief Ministers office told the news outlet that after the merger, the two groups will be called Chin National Council (CNC). Mizoram MLA Lalmuanpuia Punte said that the chief minister made efforts to unite the two Chin armed groups at a request from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Security threat on Indian side of Mizoram looms if political situation in Chin state is unstable, uniting factions of the Chin armed forces has been for long in our radar, unified, I believe the Chin resistance will reach new heights in deposing the military rule, Punte told the newspaper. Recently, Gen Waqar Zaman condemned the violence and mayhem in Bangladesh, emphasising that India is an important neighbour; with Modi and Yunus meeting possible in April, signs of thaw might be on the horizon read more On February 25, Bangladesh Army Chief Gen Waqar uz Zaman fired his second salvo of anguish against the political leadership for the deteriorating law and order situation, for undermining the law enforcement agencies, and ended up saying, I have had enough. He was speaking at the commemoration of the Army personnel killed during the mutiny by Bangladesh Border Guards in 2009. He first raised his voice on February 5 following the mayhem and violence against Awami League supporters and symbols of Mujib Rahmans legacy after former PM Sheikh Hasinas virtual address. Advertisement The construction in Chittagong of a memorial to honour Indias 3,843 martyrs in Bangladeshs liberation was stopped after Hasinas inglorious ouster. Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Hasina were to jointly inaugurate the memorial sometime in February 2025. Bangladesh would have been the second country in the region to sanctify the contribution of Indias military in shaping its destiny. It is necessary to recall that after the 5 August 2024 revolution in Bangladesh, all symbols of Mujibs legacy are being removed (for a second time), including the 1971 Liberation War, which created a new nation and let geography take revenge over history. On December 16, 2024, on the 54th Bijoy Dibos (Vijay Diwas), no victory parade was held in Dhaka; only the Last Post was sounded. Eight Indian veterans were invited by the Bangladesh Army to Dhaka. Similarly, eight Bangladesh Army officers led by Brig Jahangir Kabir came to Kolkata invited by Eastern Command to commemorate the Liberation War. While in Dhaka, commemoration ceremonies were low-key; in India, the military triumph was celebrated with the usual solemnity at the National War Memorial by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by CDS and the three service chiefs. In a tweet, PM Modi noted, The historic victory in 1971 commemorating the valour and courage of Indian soldiers There was no mention of Bangladesh or Mukti Bahini. In Dhaka too, interim leader Muhammad Yunus made no mention of India or Mujib. His law advisor, Arif Nazrul, noted, India was an ally in the 1971 war victory. Nothing more, a sentiment endorsed by the interim leaders office. Bangladesh occupies a geostrategic location along Indias frontiers, surrounded by five Indian states and bordering Myanmar, contiguous with the Chickens Neck in the Siliguri Corridor, which is within artillery range of Doklam and Chumbi valley. A Chinese construction company is in the process of taking charge of the management of the Teesta River project nearby in Bangladesh. Advertisement Also, proximity to troubled Manipur makes the above configuration replete with potential for repetition of activities inimical to Indias interests that were witnessed between 2001 and 2006 during the BNP regime of Begum Khaleda Zia. With relations mending between Pakistan and Bangladesh, India could soon be faced with a three-front situation. In Dhaka, the Liberation War celebrations picked up only when Hasina returned to power in her third spell and ruled continuously for 15 years. I recall being invited as a Mukti Jodha two decades ago when much was made of us Indians with respect and five-star treatment and a farewell containing affection and gifts. Gratitude for Indias help in the liberation was visible then. However, Bangladeshis always wanted that their role, particularly the role of Mukti Bahini, in the Liberation War should have been better appreciated. Advertisement Soon after Hasinas first term (1996 to 2001), the distancing between India and Bangladesh had started with the return of rival Begum Zia to power. She represented the total opposite of Hasinalack of indebtedness for the Liberation War, sidestepping the Mujib legacy, and nurturing of anti-India sentiment. Bangladeshs militarys tilt towards China and portrayal of India as an enemy during its war games had begun. This unfriendly trend was arrested for some time but only momentarily. Gradually Bangladesh began depicting the victory in the Liberation War as its own effort with military support from India, not the other way round. In 2023, the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka, where I was invited, showed precisely this. The Story of Liberation Under a Genocide put the spotlight on Mukti Bahini and Bengali military units, with Indias contribution restricted to training Mukti Bahini. India had failed to see the writing on the wall. Advertisement More than two decades have passed since the 1971 vintage soldier became a veteran. Clearly the nostalgia and spirit of that era have also evaporated despite a friendly regime in power in Dhaka for 15 years. The goodwill dividend has disappeared with the Bangladesh military buying high-end military equipment only from China despite a line of credit for $20 million from India. Anti-India sentiment is no longer dormant. Indian generosity and assistance are all but forgotten. Instead, people remember the high-handedness of BSF along the border. They say: We allowed deployment of Indian coastal radars, priority use of our sea ports at Mangla and Chittagong, and transit access to the northeast and much, much more. Advertisement Following his strategic silence since the historic events of August 5, Gen Zaman condemned the violence on February 5, after Hasinas virtual address, emphasising that India is an important neighbour; we depend on it for many matters; India avails facilities from us. It is important we take no step that is inimical to the strategic interests of both countries and must respect each others strategic and economic interests. This was a belated reminder of Bangladeshs strategic geography. Even so, India-Bangladesh relations will get a lot worse before getting any better. A meeting between Modi and Yunus is likely at the BIMSTEC summit at Bangkok in April. It is time for the militaries in both countries to take stock of their under-achievements, especially the jointly fought Liberation War. Gen Zaman could help in reviving construction of the Chittagong memorial honouring fallen Indian soldiers. The author is former GOC IPKF South Sri Lanka and founder member Defence Planning Staff, now Integrated Defence Staff, Ministry of Defence. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. President Donald Trump, currently the most powerful leader, whose unpredictability yet opposition to wars has acted as an implicit deterrence to the warring parties across the spectrum, has added a new angle to the whole Gaza imbroglio in his transactional style read more Trump has sought to displace the two million embattled Gazans to other countries, pushing Jordan and Egypt to take the hitboth of which have peace treaties with Israel and are suffering economic hardships even though they are significantly dependent on the US for financial support and bailouts. Image: REUTERS Gazans have endured decades of suffering, but the past fifteen months have been particularly devastating. The unprecedented Hamas terror attacks on Israel on October 7 and Israels subsequent response with intense bombing campaigns have not only targeted Hamas but also taken a severe toll on ordinary Palestinians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. But while the Benjamin Netanyahu-led ultra-rightist government may have felt elated by its occasional military successes, ordinary Israelis have also lived through fear and insecurity. Despite being decimated, Hamas remains an ideological force and is on the negotiating table and still holding hostages dead or alive as a pawn for their continued relevance and survival. Advertisement The second ceasefire secured under threats from President Donald Trump, and with the help of Egypt, Qatar and US, forced the two sides to come to terms for an immediate ceasefire before Trumps inauguration. But as is their wont, both have continued to change their goalposts, accusing the other of violating the agreed terms of the truce. Ironically, the survival of Hamas ideology and Netanyahus political leadership hangs in the balance on the continuity of this war. Then you have President Trump, currently the most powerful leader, whose unpredictability yet opposition to wars have acted as an implicit deterrence to the warring parties across the spectrum. But he has added a new angle to the whole Gaza imbroglio in his transactional style. Trump has sought to displace the two million embattled Gazans to other countries, pushing Jordan and Egypt to take the hitboth of which have peace treaties with Israel and are suffering economic hardships even though they are significantly dependent on the US for financial support and bailouts. Jordan, apart from its 60 per cent population of Palestinian origin, is already hosting millions of Syrians, Palestinians, Iraqis, Libyans, and others, but it also hosts one of the largest US bases that adds to its strategic security. Trump would prefer to develop Gaza into a Rivieraa beautiful place or another Atlantic city on the Mediterraneanwith his great candour, casinos, and resorts since it is blessed with natural beauty and huge hydrocarbon resources and connectivity potential, and due to Israeli bombing, it has already been flattened. So ready to do it up. How did he get this idea? Most likely during his White House meeting with PM Netanyahu, who has been wanting to evict Gazans and to clean up the strip for Israels own stratagems. Early on, he has tried to push them to Sinai and even Africa, failing which over 48,000 Palestinians have been killed, leading to allegations of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and even an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has come under fire from the non-member mighty US for the imprudence and daring. Advertisement Since the occupation of Gaza by Israel would not be acceptable at any cost by the regional majors, including partners in the Abraham Accords, it would be expedient for Trump, the benefactor, to take it over, which was perceived to be the path of least resistance. Glee and glare on the face of Bibi was evident when Trump mooted the insensitive idea. He did not expect much opposition, but it shook up the region as irate Egyptians and Jordanians indulged in regional shuttle diplomacy to avoid being in the firing line. Even as Trump eased his stance by admitting that this was his recommendation for the good of Gazaof course at the expense of Palestiniansthe Arabs, especially Saudi Arabia, the next big prize for the Abraham Accords, rose to the challenge, committing to a Coalition for the implementation of a Two-State Solution". Advertisement Riyadh and all other capitals in the region have scoffed at Trumps idea but needed to come up with an alternative plan since Day After in Gaza is the most difficult scenario, and Israel would not settle for either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority being a part of the Gaza Administration going forward while the ceasefire itself hangs by a thread. The extraordinary Arab League meeting in Cairo discussed the Egyptian proposal, which was broadly acceptable to Hamas, and they came up with a plan and a $53 billion commitment for the reconstruction without displacing Palestinians from their land. It ticked off several boxes accommodating Israeli concerns with regard to Hamas being excluded from the governance architecture during the reconstruction phase. They also insisted on the Palestinian Authority reforming itself at the earliest and the appointment of a vice president as well as the holding of general and presidential elections. A group of regional foreign ministers will be heading to Washington, DC, since the US endorsement will be the key. Advertisement Meanwhile, Israel wants to retain security control over Gaza and make it into the Zone D. Hence, its Foreign Ministry criticised the summits approach, arguing that it fails to reflect the realities on the ground and omits any reference to the Hamas-led 7 October cross-border incursion. Although one witnessed an evolving Arab unity around the plight of Palestinians, the approach has been quite toothless, reiterating the theoretical Arab Peace Plan of 2002 without any concrete proposals or media to enforce it. At best it can be said to have left doors ajar for all sides to come in and eventually derail it unless, of course, the US buys into it. Advertisement As the second phase of the continuing ceasefire is still in the doldrums, US Special envoy Steve Witkoff, visiting the region, has come up with a plan to extend the ceasefire in the first phase during the Ramadan and Passover periods, provided Hamas releases the remaining hostages at the earliest. On the other hand, Hamas wants negotiations for the second and third phases, which will allow a permanent ceasefire and Israel vacating Gaza. President Trumps administration has been directly engaged with Hamas as his special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, has been conferring with Hamas leaders in Doha for the release of hostages, which the latter considers as the only arrow in their quiver. President Trump himself, in his peculiar, rather ominous way, warned Hamas as he has given the green light to Netanyahu to decide the future course. Reiterating that Shalom Hamas" means Hello and Goodbye. Trump warned and enticed Hamas to immediately release all the hostages, threatening This is your last warning. For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gazawhile you still have a chance. Also to the people of Gaza: A beautiful future awaits you, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are dead. Make a smart decision or there will be hell to pay later. Whichever way one looks at it, Gazans really have not much of a choice to forget about the Palestinian issue or the Two State solution any time soon. They wont know whose Riviera they are going to inhabit! The author is the former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is currently a Distinguished Fellow with Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. On Wednesday evening the Indian foreign ministers security was allowed to be breached by the London coppers, who took on the role of mute spectators as sloganeering Khalistani thugs demonstrated outside the Chatham House building where S Jaishankar was taking part in a panel discussion. Image courtesy: File image & X Britain has done it again. The once mighty empire, now a third-rate power that battles Islamist takeover of its society, depends on the United States for security and fights with France over fish, hasnt let go of two things. Delusion of grandeur and proclivity for mischief. Both the traits were on recent display. A few days back Brits took umbrage at JD Vance calling them a random nation. Though the American vice-president issued a denial that he was referring to Britain, nobody was convinced. Outraged Brits stomped their feet and clutched at their pearls, maybe because they suspected Vance was not far from the truth. Irrelevance kills. Advertisement The second trait was on display Wednesday evening when the Indian foreign ministers security was allowed to be breached by the London coppers who took on the role of mute spectators as sloganeering Khalistani thugs demonstrated outside the Chatham House building where S Jaishankar was taking part in a panel discussion. Imagine the implications. The external affairs minister is on an official trip to the UK from March 4-9. He has already met the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, and foreign secretary David Lammy to strengthen UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The aim of the visit is to supercharge trade talks. Britain, now ruled by the Labour Party, is pursuing a free-trade deal with India, talks for which were recently relaunched. Both sides are also focusing on jointly combatting trafficking and extremism, as well as fostering mutual economic growth, technological innovation, and collaboration on global challenges. Two new Indian consulates are coming up in Belfast and Manchester. Amid all these positive developments and friendly vibes, it is strange that British authorities failed to provide adequate security to the foreign minister of one of its most consequential partners on whom a post-Brexit Britain is banking on for market access and continued economic growth. Its economic prospects might be bleak, its society might be riven with tension over immigration and creeping Islamism but Londons habit of playing games dies hard. The MEA should ask for an explanation on how the minute details of Jaishankars itinerary down to the exact schedule of when he would enter a specific location was leaked to Khalistani goons who have a history of issuing violent threats against Indian diplomats. Who tipped off the K-gang ruffians that the Indian foreign minister would be visiting the London-based think tank on Wednesday evening? Advertisement Whats even more worrying is that no sooner did Jaishankar emerge from the building at the conclusion of the event and boarded his vehicle, one Khalistani terrorist got past the barricades, evaded the Met Police and rushed towards the ministers car. As the hesitant cops looked on, the tall, bearded man stood in front of the vehicle, unfurled the Tricolour and proceeded to rip it off before the jostling cops took him away to the other side of the street. Several questions arise. How could one Khalistani slip through the cordon and go so close to the Indian foreign minister in presence of so many cops? He could have been brandishing a firearm, a projectile, sharp weapon or strapped with a detonating device. This is not only a mere security breach but a severe lapse in the protection that British authorities are diplomatically obligated to provide to the visiting dignitary whose life could have been at risk. Advertisement What made it even worse was that instead of apprehending the aggressor, cops were seen conversing with the Khalistani goon and letting him off with a gentle, friendly pat on the back. It suggested extreme disregard for Indias valid concerns at best, and at worst, collusion. A gentle, friendly pat on the back from cops to the aggressor. https://t.co/wsqKZZpsve Sreemoy Talukdar (@sreemoytalukdar) March 6, 2025 Advertisement Its not that the UK does not crack down on protestors. The Starmer government, in fact, has recently been lambasted by Vance at Munich who said that in Britain and across Europe, free speech is in retreat, an accusation Vance repeated in presence of the media to Starmer during the latters White House sojourn. Vance wasnt exaggerating. The British police now have more teeth than ever to take on protestors. Kids as young as 12 have been jailed in 2024 for violent disorder, that involves kicking the front window of a shop, throwing projectiles at cops and kicking at a bus as it drove past him. Advertisement Last October, a British army veteran was picked up and prosecuted by the police for the crime of praying silently outside an abortion clinic for his own unborn son. The army reservist was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay 9,000 because for apparently breaching a ban on protests within a legal buffer zone around the clinic in Bournemouth, an Orwellian development that Vance referred to during his Munich address. And the very London cops, who see nothing wrong in Khalistani hoodlums endangering the security of a visiting foreign dignitary, issue dire threats to British and even American citizens over online posts. A 50-year-old Briton was jailed, for instance, last year for posting an offensive Facebook meme. And yet Khalistani goons who vandalise Indian consulates, smash glass panes, injure security personnel stationed at Indian High Commission in London enjoy immunity from prosecution. Indian diplomats are regularly targeted with death threats and hate speech. In 2023, for instance, Khalistani hecklers prevented Indian high commissioner Vikram Doraiswami from entering a gurdwara in Scotland and tried to force open his car. Nobody was prosecuted. Elon Musk wasnt off the mark when he slammed two-tier Starmer and compared Britain to the communist USSR. The insult cut deep. British double standards are all too evident. India expresses outrage, summons British envoys and gives them an earful. The Brits just shrug it off. Heavens forbid, however, if a British diplomat is even slightly discomfited on Indian soil. The world champion whiners expect to be extended every security protocol that they cant bring themselves to provide to the Indians. Charles and his wife Camilla may visit Kerala on a secret wellness trip and the Indian side is expected not to make it public knowledge, but every detail of a visiting Indian foreign ministers itinerary is provided to Khalistani goons well in advance. This isnt negligence. Its complicity. It is quite apparent that Britain uses the Khalistan issue as a tool of statecraft to exert pressure on India, and the levers are manipulated in accord with its strategic needs. UKs foreign office issues a strong condemnation while British coppers mollycoddle K-gang members. The Khalistanis also form a minority bloc that amplifies their political power. Votebank considerations come in the way of administering law and order. Once Sikh Labour leader, a local councillor, is being investigated by her own party for sharing posts that support Khalistani terrorist groups and militants who have assassinated public figures in India, reported Times of India. Unless India makes the UK address its concerns and weighs in with the leverages that it has over the failing British economy, the Brits wont get the memo. There is no fair play award in geopolitics. The writer is Deputy Executive Editor, Firstpost. He tweets as @sreemoytalukdar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The possibility of Pakistans intelligence agency, ISI, projecting the narrative of internal clash in Taliban cannot be ruled out. For India, it is time to make robust strategic calculations and strengthen its cautious look over Afghanistan read more While making sense of the internal rift in the Taliban, one must not forget that terrorist groups operate in a clandestine world. File image In recent times, the Talibans growing frictions and skirmishes with the Pakistani forces have dominated the news headlines, vindicating the assessments and forecasts of astute Indian intelligence czars that post-US withdrawal, the Talibans worsening ties with Pakistan will become a major security headache for Islamabad. Against these developments, Indians have started reaching out to the Taliban. However, amidst these tidings, the Talibans serious internal rifts have largely eluded the attention of the global media and counter-terrorism experts. Advertisement Reportedly, the Peshwara Taliban faction, which primarily includes Haqqanis, once known as the veritable arm of ISI, is at loggerheads with the Kandahar Taliban faction led by the Emir Haibatullah Akhundzada. The Kandahar faction advocates a rigid Islamist trajectory for Afghanistan, with harsh Sharia restrictions on women and minorities, whereas the Peshawar faction wants some flexibility and openness on policy issues. Their underlying motivation is to get diplomatic legitimacy in the international community and financial aid, which is much needed to fix the crippling economy. The Peshawar faction wants to harness and leverage the growing tensions between the global powers to Afghanistans advantage. The emerging regional and international geopolitical landscape, characterised by the intense rivalries between the US, China, and Russia, provides a window for the Taliban to secure and strengthen its fledgling government. These ideological dissonances are not entirely new. Even before the Taliban takeover, these issues had begun emerging. The Taliban leaders engaged in negotiations with the Americans from their Qatar office and had undergone a different kind of exposure to global values and norms and luxuries of diplomacy with Western governments. That said, it must be noted that the Taliban and its affiliates, like the Haqqanis, have always stood for an extremist and archaic version of Islam. Hence, these rifts could strictly be over the privileges and power struggles without much ideological content. Some of the developments in Afghanistan strengthen the rumours of the internal rift in the Taliban. At a fundamental level, the Taliban suffers from divisions over the regional, tribal, and ethnic lines. However, more recently, differences have cropped up between the hardline clerics, ideologues, field commanders, and pragmatic political leaders. In September 2022, the Talibans deputy acting foreign minister, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanakzai, gave the earliest signals of such a rift by openly suggesting reopening the secondary schools for girls. Following that televised address, he left the country. Advertisement In February 2025, Haibatullah Akhundzada deployed his loyalist forces and commanders in key strategic locations in Kabul, including the Bala Hissar fortress and the Kabul International Airport. These areas were previously under the control of Haqqanis, so this move by Haibatullah suggests an increasing rift and tensions between him and the Haqqanis. My interlocutors told me that the move was to weaken the Haqqanis. A large number of Taliban fighters took over the airport and the Bala Hissar fortress in early February. Their presence at the checkpoints made the entire city look heavily militarised. Adding more weight to these speculations is the prolonged absence of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interior minister of the Taliban. Reportedly, he has not returned from the UAE. Speculations are rife about his uncertain future in the Taliban hierarchy. Advertisement Further, astute Afghan watchers are also viewing the murder of Afghanistans interior minister Khalil Rahmani in a bomb blast in December 2024 in the backdrop of the internal power struggle of the Taliban. Allegedly, he was killed by the Islamic StateKhorasan Province (ISKP). However, there are credible reports that the ISI orchestrated his murder. The motive was to signal to him that Haqqanis should not give shelter to the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). More importantly, the ISI is playing a dirty game in the Talibans internal power politics. The ISI does not want the Taliban to open up to the world. They want to keep them under their firm grip. Islamabad fears that if they lose control of their adversaries, particularly, India will strengthen its presence in Afghanistan. The recent terrorist attacks by the TTP, Baloch rebels, and its worsening ties with the Taliban have further exacerbated Pakistans fears. Pakistan sees Afghanistan as an issue of vital national interest because it provides strategic depth to Pakistan against India. Secondly, Afghanistan is crucial to ISIs Kashmir jihad for apparent reasons. Recent overtures by the Indians to the Taliban have made Pakistan uneasy. Against this backdrop, Pakistan supports Haibatullah Akhudzada and its rigid and conservative take on Afghanistan. Advertisement Finally, while making sense of the internal rift in the Taliban, one must not forget that terrorist groups operate in a clandestine world. The possibility of the ISI projecting this narrative cannot be ruled out. For India, it is time to make robust strategic calculations and strengthen its cautious look over Afghanistan. Indias motives should primarily be to firm its grip over Pakistans pressure points. Secondly, New Delhi must carefully watch the mushrooming of Islamic terrorist groups and trends in the region. The author is a Cornell University graduate in public affairs, bachelors from St Stephens College, Delhi and has done his PhD on Jaish-e-Mohammad. He is a policy analyst specialising in counterterrorism, Indian foreign policy and Afghanistan-Pakistan geopolitics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Advertisement March 6, 2025: While drones now cause most of the casualties in Ukraine, there is still some use for towed and self-propelled 155mm artillery. One reason is that artillery can quickly destroy armored vehicles using special shells. The current special shell is called European Bonus, which is nearly identical to the American Sadarm that was developed in the 1980s but never went into mass production because the Cold War ended in 1991. Despite that, the Franco-German firm Nexter developed a SADARM clone called Bonus. Sadarm performed well during the 2003 Iraq War as did Bonus in Ukraine. The Search And Destroy Armor Munitions, otherwise known as Sadarm, 155mm artillery shells proved successful in Ukraine against armored vehicles. The U.S. army had adopted Bonus in 2020, joining six other nations. In 2022 Ukraine became the eighth nation to acquire Bonus. Unlike the United States, Germany produced these shells mainly for use against local threats, like Russia. The Ukraine war saw the Russians using thousands of tanks and losing most of them to Ukrainian troops armed with Western anti-tank weapons. Sadarm tech was developed during the 1980s, perfected in the 1990s and abandoned in 2000, but when it was sent to Ukraine, it turned towed and self-propelled artillery into very effective anti-vehicle weapons. Sadarm was able to destroy all sorts of vehicles. Ukraine asked for all the Sadarm shells NATO nations could provide and most European NATO members sent nearly all the Bonus shells they had. Germany, Britain, Italy and Sweden manufacture Bonus. These 155mm artillery shells carry two each Sense and Destroy Armor Munitions. Originally called Sadarm munitions by its American developer Textron, it had completed development when the Cold War suddenly ended in 1991. Sadarm was not as effective as expected and the 155mm version was canceled in 2001. The U.S. Air Force has more success with the Sadarm submunitions used in the CBU-105 cluster bomb where 40 submunitions were in a half-ton cluster bomb. This was because a bomb undergoes much less stress when used than an artillery shell. The air force and six export customers purchased hundreds of these bombs but sales were not high enough to keep CBU-105 in production after 2017. Meanwhile the U.S. Army noticed the success of an improved German Sadarm shell called SMART as well as the similar Swedish Bonus. Both entered service in 2000 and both were successful as Improved Sadarm clones. Bonus is described as a fire and forget guided 155-millimeter ammunition designed for destroying armored targets. Bonus was a joint project by Britain, France and Sweden with the Swedes taking the lead in production. Bonus can be fired from standard NATO 155mm artillery and has a maximum 35-kilometer effective range. The round carries two submunitions, each with their own multiband Infrared heat sensors backed by laser radar. Bonus uses small winglets to slow its descent rather than small parachutes that are used in earlier similar submunitions, like the German SMART shell. The parachutes are easier to spot and more expensive and complex to use. The submunitions separate from the shell over the target location using a time-on-target fuze about 175 meters above the target areas and scan for targets. Each warhead can scan about 32,000 square meters and hit even moving targets within that area. The destruction is achieved by an Explosively Formed Penetrator or EFP which is able to punch through more than 130 mm of armor. This doesnt seem like much but the tank armor is strongest at the front and not at rear or top. The only defense against this top attack' EFP is APS Active Protection Systems such as Trophy, but even these have difficulty dealing with things like EFPs. The APS systems work great against HEAT warheads because these disperse cumulative streams of superheated gasses, but not against molten metal projectiles formed by an EFP. Moreover, thanks to two submunitions per shell, the artillery halts for a shorter time to fire, so they are less likely to get caught by enemy counter-battery fire. The major defect of Sadarm shells is that they are more expensive than GPS guided Excalibur shells. Each submunition weighs 3.4 kg and uses 945 g of Octol explosives, which was designed to effectively form the self-forging penetrator. Most of the submunition weight goes to the sensors and design elements that slow descent and rotate the sensors to find a target. The use of batteries and various types of explosives in a Sadarm shell means they have a limited shelf life. After twenty years or so, Sadarm shells must be refurbished or disposed of. Many of the European Sadarm shells were approaching their expiration date so it made sense to send all the old, but still functional, ones to Ukraine. Now these SMART and Bonus shells must be replaced. Germany found that many of the key components were no longer available and had to invest over hundred million dollars to revive production. Initially, Germany ordered 10,000 new SMART shells at a cost of $81,000 each. Because of the components problem it will take five years or more before production is completed. The only new Sadarm shell is the Italian V9lcano 155 shell. Several hundred of these were sent to Ukraine because the Volcano shell is currently completing development. There are two versions of Volcano 155; one that is similar to SMART and Bonus but with a range of up to 50 kilometers. The Volcano 155 GR has a range of up to 70 kilometers and includes GPS guidance to ensure the shell arrives at the target location. These Sadarm shells plus the effective Ukrainian use of battlefield surveillance drones were a key factor in Russia losing so many armored vehicles. Russia was forced to keep its armored vehicles away from the front line unless urgently needed. Even then, there were not enough Russian armored vehicles or artillery left to use. Ukraine used regular and some GPS artillery shells to hammer Russian supply storage sites, towed artillery, supply trucks and headquarters within range. American satellite surveillance also provides some target information, but not as quickly as Ukrainian drones and frontline troops. The original American M898 Sadarm dates back to the late 1970s when the army started to look for a smart anti-armor 155 mm projectile. About a decade later Sadarm had been developed and prototypes built but budget restrictions in 1990 slowed down the program. In 1993 the first tests were unsatisfactory because Sadarm hadn't been able to hit a moving target and overall accuracy was poor. The manufacturer promised to improve the technology, and a year later the program was approved for limited low-rate production. Unfortunately for Sadarm the 1995, 1998 and 1999 tests showed only a little improvement. In all trials, the Sadarm struggled to get an 80 percent reliability rate. This together with significant cost overruns were reason enough to end production in 2001. This failure did not mean the end of the Sadarm submunition technology, which was subsequently adopted by the U.S. Air Force as well as the developers of the SMART and Bonus shells who achieved effective reliability in the late 1990s. The submunition was always meant to be carried by a wide variety of projectiles including GMLRS rockets, mortar shells and cluster bombs. Russia eventually responded to the Sadarm submunition threat by developing a new generation of ERA Explosive Reactive Armor that now covers the top of the turret and engine compartment of their tanks. In theory the new ERA should protect against Bonis submunitions. The Russian ERA did not work against the Bonus submunitions and terrorized armored vehicle crews now feel very vulnerable when within range of Ukrainian artillery. This often leads to many armored vehicles being abandoned by their crews when it appears they are under attack by Sadarm. Ukrainian forces captured hundreds of tanks and other armored vehicles and put them to use with a new paint job and Ukrainian crews. Last month, the tech giant signed an investment deal with Indonesia, ending months of deadlock over Apples failure to meet regulations requiring phones to be built with at least 40 per cent of components made locally read more Indonesias industry ministry said on Friday that it has approved local certificates to start selling Apple products in the country, moving one step closer to lifting a ban on iPhones. Last month, the tech giant signed an investment deal with Indonesia, ending months of deadlock over Apples failure to meet regulations requiring phones to be built with at least 40 per cent of components made locally. We have issued local content requirement certificates for 20 Apple products, Industry Ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arief said in a statement. Advertisement Although the ministry did not specify which Apple products will be covered under the certificates, local media says they include the latest iPhone 16 model. Apple now needs to obtain a series of certificates and approvals from various ministries, the statement said. Why is Apple banned? Indonesia banned the sale of Apples iPhone 16 due to the companys failure to comply with the countrys local content requirement (LCR), which mandates that 40 per cent of smartphone components be sourced locally. This policy aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and attract foreign investment. Indonesia has also banned the sale of Alphabets Google Pixel phones over a similar lack of use of local components. How has Apple tried to overturn the ban? Responding to the governments ban on the sale of iPhone 16, Apple proposed a $100 million investment to build an accessory and component plant in Indonesia. However, that proposal was rejected by the country last year in November saying it lacked the fairness required by the government. Apple later agreed to invest $150 million in building two facilities one in Bandung in West Java province to produce accessories, and another in Batam for AirTags. Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said last month that Apple had also committed to building a semiconductor research and development centre in Indonesia, calling it a first of its kind in Asia. With inputs from agencies Top chipmaker TSMC defended the companys $100 billion investment in the US, saying it was based on customer demand rather than political pressure. Earlier this week, TSMC announced plans to build three additional chip manufacturing plants and two packaging facilities in Arizona read more Top chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) along with Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te held a joint press briefing and defended the companys $100 billion investment in the US, saying it was driven by customer demand, not pressure from the Trump administration. TSMC said earlier this week it would invest $100 billion in three more chip manufacturing plants, along with two packaging facilities in Arizona. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is the worlds largest chipmaker. Advertisement The move raised concerns that Taiwan might not benefit much from shifting advanced manufacturing to the US. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te dismissed claims that TSMCs decision was influenced by US pressure. Earlier, President Donald Trump had accused Taiwan of taking US chip business and said he wanted it back. TSMCs decision is necessary for its future development. The government did not face pressure from the United States during TSMCs investment process in the US, said Lai. TSMC CEO CC Wei emphasised that he had spoken with the firms customers and realised that TSMCs current expansion plans in the US were insufficient to meet current demand. Customer demand has been steadily increasing. For TSMC, our investment plans are based on customer needs, and we are very cautious, Wei said. He said that the amount of investment in the US may seem large, but it is still not enough to meet demand. US support for Taiwan uncertain under Trump 2.0 US support for Taiwan seems uncertain under the Trump administration. Trump has argues that Taiwan depends too much on the US and should increase its defense spending. A Pentagon nominee recently suggested that Taiwan should spend about 10 per cent of its GDP on defense to prevent a conflict with China. Last month, Taiwans President Lai Ching-te pledged to raise defense spending to over 3 per cent of GDP, up from less than 2.5 per cent. As many as 20 European and British Commonwealth countries are willing to contribute soldiers to a peacekeeping force for Ukraine proposed by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, according to a report read more Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and France's President Emmanuel Macron embrace after holding a meeting during a summit at Lancaster House in central London, UK, on February 2, 2025. (Photo: Reuters) Around 20 countries could be part of a coalition led by the United Kingdom and France to enforce peace in Ukraine once a peace deal is reached, according to a report. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said that a coalition of the willing is in the making to deploy soldiers, warplanes, and other assets in Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force. He is working on the plan with French President Emmanuel Macron. He has stressed while Europe will do the heavy lifting, support from the United States is a must. Advertisement The Daily Telegraph has reported British officials as saying that as many as 20 countries made up largely of European and commonwealth partners could join such a peacekeeping force in Ukraine. The development comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has realigned the United States with Russia and has started withdrawing from Europe, leaving the continent alone as it faces unprecedented aggression from Russia. ALSO READ: Starmer outlines 4-step peace process for Ukraine as Trump pushes Europe to take lead Besides the United Kingdom and France, Australia, Ireland, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Turkey have indicated they would be prepared to join the peacekeeping force. Canada, Denmark, and Sweden have also not ruled out being part of the force. What is the British-French peacekeeping plan? Starmer and Macron are working on a plan to deploy a peacekeeping force largely comprising of Europeans to Ukraine once a peace deal is reached. Previously, The Telegraph has reported that up to 30,000 troops would be deployed to Ukraine under the plan. The force would be deployed in Ukrainian cities, ports, and other critical infrastructure sites, such as nuclear power stations, and, instead of deploying a much bigger force, the British-French plan relies on technical monitoring of the peace deal, including intelligence; surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft; drones; and satellites to provide a complete picture of what is going on, according to the newspaper. To enable Ukraines airspace to operate commercial flights again, the force would be backed up by enough firepower to monitor and shoot those attacks down, an official told the newspaper. Under the plan, naval patrol vessels would also be deployed in the Black Sea to monitor Russian threats to commercial shipping routes, as per the newspaper. Advertisement While Europe will do the heavy lifting under the plan, Starmer and Macron are urging Trump to continue keeping US warplanes and missiles in eastern Ukraine to deter Russian violation of a ceasefire deal, according to the newspaper. ALSO READ: Europes intervention in Trump-Zelenskyy spat is not about bypassing US in Ukraine talks Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Macron met on Thursday to discuss the arrangement and the need for new, substantial steps on the sidelines of a European Union (EU) summit in Brussels. We have an absolutely clear shared vision that real and lasting peace is possible through co-operation between Ukraine, all of Europe, and the United States, said Zelenskyy. Advertisement Following talks with Zelenskyy, Macron is scheduled to meet Starmer in Brussels on Friday. A deadly clash erupted in Syria on Thursday between security forces and gunmen loyal to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, leaving 48 people dead. read more A fierce clash took place in Syria between security forces and gunmen loyal to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, leaving 48 people dead on Thursday, according to a war monitor. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the fighting in Jableh and nearby villages was the most violent attack on the new authorities since Assad was removed in December. Pro-Assad fighters killed 16 security personnel, while 28 Assad loyalists and four civilians also died in the clashes. Advertisement The violence erupted in Latakia province, a stronghold of Assads Alawite minority, which had been a key base of support during his rule. Mustafa Kneifati, a security official in Latakia, said the attack was well-planned and involved multiple groups targeting security positions and patrols in Jableh. He confirmed casualties among security forces but did not give an exact number, vowing to eliminate the attackers and restore stability in the region. The UK-based observatory said most of the security personnel killed were from the former rebel bastion of Idlib in the northwest. During the operation, security forces captured and arrested a former head of air force intelligence, one of the Assad familys most trusted security agencies, state news agency SANA reported. Our forces in the city of Jableh managed to arrest the criminal General Ibrahim Huweija, SANA said. He is accused of hundreds of assassinations during the era of the criminal Hafez al-Assad, Bashar al-Assads father and predecessor. Huweija, who headed air force intelligence from 1987 to 2002, has long been a suspect in the 1977 murder of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Bek Jumblatt. His son and successor Walid Jumblatt retweeted the news of his arrest with the comment: Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest). The provincial security director said security forces clashed with gunmen loyal to an Assad-era special forces commander in another village in Latakia, after authorities reportedly launched helicopter strikes. Advertisement The armed groups that our security forces were clashing with in the Latakia countryside were affiliated with the war criminal Suhail al-Hassan, the security director told SANA. Nicknamed The Tiger, Hassan led the countrys special forces and was frequently described as Assads favourite soldier. He was responsible for key military advances by the Assad government in 2015. Helicopter strikes in Beit Ana The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had earlier reported strikes launched by Syrian helicopters on armed men in the village of Beit Ana and the surrounding forests, coinciding with artillery strikes on a neighbouring village. SANA reported that militias loyal to the ousted president had opened fire on members and equipment of the defence ministry near the village, killing one security force member and wounding two. Advertisement Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera reported that its photographer Riad al-Hussein was wounded in the clashes but that he was doing well. A defence ministry source later told SANA that large military reinforcements were being deployed to the Jableh area. With inputs from AFP As a fragile ceasefire is in place in Gaza, three competing plans have emerged to determine Gazas post-war governance, each proposing a different vision for the war-torn regions future. read more Palestinians walk near the rubble of buildings, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on February 27, 2025. Reuters As the administration of US President Donald Trump engages in discussions with Hamas to secure the release of hostages, three competing plans have surfaced to determine the post-war future of Gaza, which was devastated after a 15-month-long conflict between Israel and Palestinian armed groups. These proposals, put forth by the US, Israels opposition leader Yair Lapid, and Egypt, present contrasting visions for the war-torn regions governance and reconstruction. Trumps controversial takeover plan Last month, President Trump proposed that the United States should take control of Gaza, with plans to rebuild and transform it into the Riviera of the Middle East. His vision includes the relocation of approximately two million Palestinian residents to neighbouring Jordan and Egypt. Advertisement However, this proposal has drawn widespread criticism from the international community. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labelled the plan as ethnic cleansing, while Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, have strongly opposed any forced displacement of Palestinians, calling it unacceptable. Palestinians fear that Trumps proposal could lead to a repeat of the 1948 Nakba (Arabic for catastrophe), when hundreds of thousands were expelled or fled their homes following the creation of Israel. Today, 75% of Gazas population are descendants of those refugees, making their future a deeply sensitive issue. Lapids plan for Egyptian peacekeepers Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has put forward an alternative approach that involves deploying Egyptian peacekeepers to oversee a transitional period in Gaza. This plan aims to maintain stability and pave the way for a more sustainable governance structure. Lapids proposal aligns with Egypts broader $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, which has received backing from Arab leaders. His approach seeks to avoid forced displacement while ensuring that Hamas no longer maintains control over the region. Egypts governance committee plan Egypt has also introduced a plan centred on the formation of a temporary technocratic Palestinian administration to govern Gaza. Under this proposal, Hamas would cede power to an interim governing body until new Palestinian legislative elections can be held. The Egyptian plan is focused on post-war stabilisation and reconstruction without displacing Gazas residents. It includes provisions for infrastructure development, temporary housing, and long-term governance solutions. Arab leaders view this as a viable alternative to Trumps proposal, as it prioritises Palestinian self-rule and regional stability. Advertisement The road ahead With three competing visions for Gazas future, the regions post-war governance remains uncertain. Trumps plan has faced international backlash, while Lapid and Egypts proposals have gained traction among Arab nations. As discussions continue, the fate of Gaza will likely be shaped by negotiations between global and regional powers, with the Palestinian people at the heart of the debate. Hundreds of activists of the banned militant group Hizb-ut-Tahrir chanting Khilafat, Khilafat gathered for the March for Khilafat procession at the Baitul Mukarram Mosque after Friday prayers, defying police barricades. read more Police in Bangladesh used tear gas and sound grenades on Friday to break up a protest by hundreds of members of the banned extremist group Hizb-ut-Tahrir, who were demanding the replacement of the countrys secular democracy with an Islamic caliphate. The activists, chanting Khilafat, Khilafat, gathered for a March for Khilafat near the Baitul Mukarram Mosque after Friday prayers, ignoring police barricades. Witnesses reported that officers struggled to control the crowd and resorted to tear gas and sound grenades to disperse them. Advertisement The Dhaka Metropolitan Police issued a warning on Thursday, prohibiting banned organizations from holding public meetings or rallies. Hizb-ut-Tahrir, outlawed in Bangladesh since October 2009 for threatening national security, has repeatedly organised protests and marches in violation of government restrictions on public gatherings. The London-based Hizb-ut-Tahrir seeks to unite Muslims in a pan-Islamic state but says its means are peaceful. The Muslim-majority country of 170 million people is one of the worlds largest and poorest democracies. It has been grappling with political unrest since an interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, took over following protests that drove then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina out of the country. With inputs from agencies New Delhi is closely monitoring Dhakas growing engagement with China and Pakistan, particularly after the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government in August 2024. read more Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is expected to visit China from March 26 to 29 to attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference and hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. We are preparing for the chief advisers visit and exploring possible areas of cooperation, including the potential signing of bilateral agreements, a diplomatic source in Dhaka told The Daily Star on Sunday. The BFA conference, often referred to as the Asian Davos, takes place in Boao, located in Chinas southern Hainan province. Prof Yunus received an invitation from BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun and will travel to Hainan on the evening of March 26 on a special flight arranged by Chinese authorities. Advertisement Last week, the Chinese embassy in Dhaka confirmed to the foreign ministry that the meeting with President Xi was scheduled. Following this, the chief adviser confirmed his participation, a foreign ministry official said. Meanwhile, New Delhi is closely monitoring Dhakas growing engagement with China and Pakistan, particularly after the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government in August 2024. During Hasinas tenure, China had limited success in expanding its influence in Bangladesh, as her government remained cautious of Indias security concerns. However, the interim administration under Prof Yunus, which took charge following Hasinas ousting after a significant student-led uprising, has shifted diplomatic dynamics. China has maintained strong trade ties with Bangladesh, which deepened under Hasinas leadership. A pivotal moment came with President Xis visit to Dhaka in 2016, coinciding with Bangladeshs entry into Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This development solidified Beijings position as Dhakas largest trading partner and investor, while Bangladesh was designated as Chinas all-weather friend. Beijings strategic interests in Bangladesh span both economic and defence sectors. China is keen to revive stalled BRI projects initiated during Hasinas administration and expand its presence in Bangladesh, countering New Delhis influence. This includes Beijings interest in the Teesta River project and its recent pledge to build friendship hospitals in China for Bangladeshi patients. Advertisement The impact of the act has been phenomenal. Spending on building chip factories surged in the months before and after the passage of the CHIPS Act in 2022. Even companies not receiving government funding are benefiting from a growing semiconductor ecosystem read more Former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. AP File President Donald Trump wants to make the US a global semiconductor manufacturing hub, with overreliance on one of his favourite geopolitical tools: Tariffs. And thats why the American leader is having hard time pursuing the Chips and Science Act, one of key achievements of his predecessor Joe Biden. The act, which was passed in 2022 with overwhelming bipartisan support, incentivises global firms to set up factories in the US with subsidies and tax concessions. Advertisement The Chips and Science Act It is a Biden-era $52 billion US legislation aimed at revitalising the American semiconductor industry, which is expected to see manifolds growth in coming years. The legislation includes $39 billion in grants to boost semiconductor manufacturing and $11 billion for research and development. Before Trump returned to office, over 85 per cent of the grant fundingdistributed among 20 companieshad already been approved. However, under Biden, only $4.3 billion of those funds were actually disbursed. Approximately 75 per cent of the grant funding is set to go to four major semiconductor manufacturers: Intel Corp., TSMC, Samsung Electronics Co., and Micron Technology Inc. Intel is the largest recipient, securing a $7.9 billion grant for commercial chip factories and an additional $3 billion specifically for military chip production. Trumps approach However, Trump believes these incentives are a horrible, horrible thing when he can anytime put his favourite geopolitical tool at work. Trump recently argued that the legislation was a waste of taxpayers money whereas the tariff regime would help US generate revenue as bonus. The GOP leader added that his plan is already working, crediting it for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cos recent decision to invest an additional $100 billion in US plants. Is the Chips and Science Act really horrible? The impact of the act has been phenomenal, as per media reports. Spending on building chip factories surged in the months before and after the passage of the CHIPS Act in 2022. Even companies not receiving government funding are benefiting from a growing semiconductor ecosystem, which now includes the industrys biggest players. Challenges for Trump Even as Trump believes the CHIPS act is horrible, he may face significant challenges in repealing the law. Its because several chips factories are currently under construction in Republican areas and states. If the legislation is repealed and their funding is stopped, it could disrupt the progress achieved over the last three years. Advertisement Nonetheless, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is going ahead with plans to review the planned investments and renegotiate dollar amounts earlier finalised under the Biden administration. (With inputs from agencies) The talks between the US and Hamas were first reported by Axios on Wednesday, which were later confirmed by the US itself. In a statement, the White House said Adam Boehler, USAs hostage envoy, held talks with senior Hamas official regarding release of an American hostage read more Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands with US President Donald Trump on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, US, September 15, 2020. File Image/Reuters An intense phone call happened between US President Donald Trumps hostage envoy and Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahus ally on Tuesday (March 4) over concerns regarding Washingtons direct negotiations with Palestinian militant organisation Hamas, Axios reported, citing an Israeli official and a source. The source cited by Axios described the call as difficult. The talks between the US and Hamas were first reported by Axios on Wednesday, which were later confirmed by the US itself. In a statement, the White House said Adam Boehler, USAs hostage envoy, held talks with senior Hamas official regarding Americans among the remaining hostages in Gaza. Advertisement PM Netanyahus office also confirmed the talks and asserted Israel was consulted. In a statement, the PMO said it expressed its opinion on direct talks. However, the Times of Israel on Thursday reported that Netanyahu was not pleased with the development. While the Israeli PM has refrained from criticising the USAs direct talks with Hamas, his close confidant Ron Dermer didnt pull his punches while talking to Adam Boehler over the phone, reported Axios. According to the report, the call took place several hours after Boehler met Hamas Khalil al-Hayya in Doha. Khalil is Hamas senior political figure and the head of the negotiating team. The report said Boehler earlier met with junior Hamas officials in the Qatari capital over the past week. The talks focused on securing the release of American hostage Edan Alexander. The talks also addressed key details, such as the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel would release in exchange for Alexanders returnterms that Israel had not previously agreed to. During the discussions, Dermer objected to Boehler making such proposals without Israels approval. One Israeli official claimed that Dermers intense call with Boehler led the White House to reassess its approach. Advertisement For months, the families of American hostages had urged the previous American administration of Joe Biden to negotiate directly with Hamas for a separate deal to secure their release, according to three hostage family members cited by Axios. However, a former official told Axios that the Biden administration doubted such talks would be productive and was concerned about legitimising Hamas, which the US designates as a terrorist organisation. (With inputs from agencies) The Trump administration has rejected Egypts plan for post-war Gaza that rejects Hamas control of the Palestinian enclave and seeks the establishment of an interim administration of Palestinian technocrats read more The Donald Trump administration of the United States has rejected a post-war plan for the Gaza Strip prepared by Egypt. Earlier this week, Egypt presented a plan for the reconstruction of Gaza after the end of the war at a summit of Arab nations. The plan rejects Hamas control of post-war Gaza, rejects the displacement of Palestinians, and calls for the establishment of an interim administration of Palestinian technocrats. The United States and Israel have rejected the Egyptian proposal. While the US Department of State said the proposal does not match Trumps vision, Israel said that the proposal is unrealistic. Advertisement US says Egypts plan doesnt fulfill requirements, Israel calls its unrealistic Egypts proposal does not fulfill the requirements, the nature, of what President Trump was asking for, said US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. It does not meet the expectationsWe need more discussion about it, but its a good-faith first step from the Egyptians, said Bruce, according to AFP. Steve Witkoff, Trumps Middle East Envoy, was more sober in his reaction. He said that Trump had succeeded in now encouraging other people in the Middle East Middle Eastern world to present proactive proposals for what we might consider. Israel has flatly rejected the proposal floated by Egypt, saying fails to address the realities of the situation following 7 October 2023, remaining rooted in outdated perspectives. Now, with President Trumps idea, there is an opportunity for the Gazans to have free choice based on their free will. This should be encouraged! Instead, Arab states have rejected this opportunity, without giving it a fair chance, and continue to level baseless accusations against Israel, said the Israeli Foreign Ministry, as per BBC. Separately, White House National Security Council Spokesman Brian Hughes said the Arab plan did not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance, according to BBC. Whats in Egypts Gaza proposal? At a summit of Arab nations earlier this week, Egypt presented a plan that seeks to exclude Hamas from the governance of Gaza once the war ends and seeks to establish an interim administration led by Palestinian technocrats. With the help of its Palestinian brothers, Egypt has worked to create a Palestinian administrative committee of independent professionals and technocrats, who will be tasked with governing Gaza with the expertise of its members, said Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said at the summit, according to CNN. The Egyptian plan calls for the formation of an independent, technocratic Palestinian committee to govern Gaza for an interim six-month period under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority (PA), whose members would have no affiliations to Palestinian factions, according to CNN, which said it accessed the proposal. Advertisement The PA is the internationally recognised de facto Palestinian government that partially governs West Bank under the Oslo Accords provisions. It is based in Ramallah, West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out the involvement of PA in Gazas governance after the end of the war. The technocrats committee will be responsible for overseeing the relief process and governing Gaza for a temporary period in preparation for the return of the PA to Gaza, said Sisi at the summit, according to CNN. The outlet reported that the proposal calls for the establishment of the post-war governance system in a way that preserves the two-state solution and prevents the outbreak of new conflicts. The two-state solution is a proposed way to resolve the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict by establishing two adjacent states for two peoples, the State of Israel for Jews and State of Palestine for Arabs. Advertisement In a plan that kills the two-state solution, Trump has announced that the United States will take over Gaza after the end of the war and expel all Palestinians living there in what amounts to state-sponsored ethnic cleansing. March 6, 2025: After three years of war, Ukraine is running out of soldiers. The government will not conscript women, fearing a public backlash. Currently women volunteers comprise seven percent of the military. If the number of new male troops continues to decline, the government will have no choice but to conscript women, with exemptions for those who are pregnant or taking care of children. If Ukraine runs out of soldiers, the war is over and Russia has won. Despite that prospect, Russia is also having problems with obtaining more soldiers. Both sides are having problems with determining how many casualties there have been. Ukraine states that the Russians have suffered 200,000 dead and about 600,000 wounded. At the same time Ukraine says its own losses have been 50,000 dead, 60,000 missing, 9,000 captured and 400,000 wounded. Both sides avoid discussing or releasing data on deserters and those who actively avoid military service. Yet one of the realities for both sides is the lack of new soldiers and the growing numbers of desertions and those evading military service. Both sides are suffering from war fatigue and military age men believe there have been so many casualties that being in the military was something of a death sentence for too many soldiers. Another factor to consider is that the war in Ukraine has been going for eleven years. Back in mid-2014 Ukrainian forces were fighting in the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region against Russian troops and local pro-Russian rebels. The Ukrainians seemed to be outnumbered and needed all the help they could get. Help came in the form of over 10,000 volunteers, out of about 50,000 Ukrainian troops in the east. By the end of 2014 Ukraine had nearly 100,000 troops in or near Donbas and volunteers still comprised nearly 20 percent of troop strength. Going into 2015 some of these volunteers became a problem. In part this was because Ukraine Army and Reserve forces had become better trained and equipped and in part because everyone now had a lot of combat experience. Amateur enthusiasm was no longer an excuse for bad behavior. Only a few of the thirty or so volunteer battalions were the source of most of the problems. As is usually the case, the problem was not so much the volunteers but some of their idealistic, independent-minded, undisciplined and often anti-government leaders. None of the problem battalions suffered from all these problems but as a group of several thousand armed men and some women had issues and the government and military high command wanted these troublesome volunteers to behave. The original volunteer units fell into three categories: Ministry of Defense, Ministry of the Interior and purely volunteer. Among the more numerous units were the Territorial Defense or TD battalions full of volunteers but controlled by the Ministry of Defense and long part of the national defense plans. These battalions were formed from men who had already been conscripted, done their service and were released from active duty. The military tried to keep track of where these former soldiers lived, so that they could be contacted in wartime and ordered to report for duty. There was also provision for taking men with or without prior military service as volunteers. In 2014 the ratio of volunteers to reservists varied. A lot depended on what part of the country a TD battalion came from and how well organized the local government was. On paper each of these battalions were supposed to have 430 troops armed with light infantry weapons. In practice these battalions got so many volunteers that they often had more than 400 men but not as many weapons as they needed. The original plan was for these battalions to provide security behind the front lines. But in Donbas these battalions often found themselves on the front lines and fighting. After late 2014 most of the TD battalions became better organized, led and equipped. A few retained their volunteer spirit and leadership and one or two were considered troublesome. But since the men in these battalions were considered national heroes, the government has to proceed carefully in forcing the issue of who was in charge and how all TD troops were supposed to behave. The ministry of Defense also formed several Reserve battalions of the National Guard from experienced volunteers. This included a lot of former and retired officers. There were only a few of these and they were more reliable and disciplined, if less physically capable because of many middle-aged volunteers. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, which normally controls the national police and some paramilitary units used for riot control, formed over 30 special security battalions for patrolling and guarding areas recaptured from rebels. Some of these battalions had less than a hundred men initially but eventually nearly all had at least 300 and some over 500. These units became a kind of police auxiliary in the combat zone and did not cause a lot of discipline problems. Nationalists and anti-government leaders were much less of a problem. Most of the problems were from the Nationalist units. These were men who were very anti-Russian and many were even hostile to ethnic Russians who were Ukrainian citizens. Some of the leaders and soldiers in these units were highly critical of the Ukrainian government for a number of reasons and were still a problem. The men in these battalions were very brave and resolute during the several rebel offensives and many are considered national heroes. So imposing discipline on these units and their thousand men or so was difficult and potentially a political disaster if handled the wrong way. Ukrainian commanders in Donbas wanted to be rid of these men because they caused so many operational, media and political headaches. One thing all these volunteer troops had going for them, especially in 2014, was good morale and a willingness to fight, often to the death. For a long time this made up for their lack of discipline and training. Individual volunteers who were seriously wounded were often eager to get back to the front as quickly as possible. Motivation and fighting spirit in volunteers was extremely high. The problem now is how to get these heroes to cooperate with regular army and reserve units that are better equipped and trained and depend on troops near them to be likewise. Russia had similar problems with its volunteers in Donbas, particularly the Cossacks but solved that problem by sending in thousands of Russian troops wearing the same nondescript uniforms as the volunteers. These Russian volunteers lacked the enthusiasm of the real volunteers and suffered such high casualties that Russia passed laws making casualty data from peacetime operations a state secret. European Union leaders agreed on a new defence plan for Europe. The agreement, reached at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday, aims to allocate billions of euros to strengthen Europes security. read more EU leaders back new plan to increase defence expenditure amid change in US foreign policy. File Image/Reuters European Union leaders at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday agreed on a new defence plan for Europe. Under the new plan, the leaders sought to allocate billions of euros for the continents security after US President Donald Trump indicated that Europe would need to handle its own defence in the future. The future of the continents defences and sustaining support for Ukraine after a shift in US foreign policy were two key aspects of the summit. Advertisement EU nations to ease budget restrictions The 27 EU leaders agreed to ease budget restrictions so that EU countries could spend more on their military. According to the official statement, the leaders also emphasised that the European Commission would seek new ways to facilitate significant defence spending at the national level in all Member States." The EUs executive branch estimates that this move could free up about 650 billion euros ($702 billion) for defence spending. Leaders also highlighted a commission proposal for a 150 billion euro ($162 billion) loan package to buy new military equipment and urged EU staff to review it quickly. In recent weeks, Trump has overturned old certainties about the reliability of the US as a security partner, embracing Russia, withdrawing American support for Ukraine, and disrupting the cornerstones of cooperation with Europe that have underpinned Western security since World War II. New attitudes in Washington pose entirely new challenges: Polish PM Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that three years of war in Ukraine and new attitudes in Washington pose entirely new challenges for us, and Europe must take up this challenge and it must win. We will arm ourselves faster, smarter, and more efficiently than Russia, Tusk said. Poland currently holds the EUs rotating presidency. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who heads the EUs executive programme, suggested the plan to loosen budget rules. Zelenskyy welcomes the plan Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the plan, expressing hope that some of the funds would support Ukraines defence industry. We are very thankful that we are not alone, and these are not just words. We feel it. Its very important, Zelenskyy said. The cross-Channel operator said at least 10 services were halted Friday morning following instructions from the authorities. It added all trains will remain suspended for the day, in a major disappointment for holidaymakers read more This Paris regional train was parked on the tracks in the suburb of Saint-Denis as services ground to a halt. Source: AFP Thousands of passengers planning to travel between London and Paris faced disruptions on Friday (March 7) after all Eurostar trains were cancelled owing to the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb near train tracks. Local media reported that a 500kg bomb was found buried two meters deep in the middle of the tracks in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris. The explosive was discovered around 4 am by workers conducting earth-moving operations near the railway. Advertisement The cross-Channel operator said at least 10 services were halted Friday morning following instructions from the authorities. It added all trains will remain suspended for the day, in a major disappointment for holidaymakers embarking on international weekend breaks. Passengers were left stranded outside the check-in area at London St Pancras and Frances Gare du Nord. The French national train operator, SNCF, urged people to postpone their trip" Eurostar also released a statement, saying it sincerely apologises for the disruption and understands the inconvenience this may cause. No fear of explosion French transport minister Philippe Tabarot was quoted as saying by local media that there was no fear of explosion. He added that all measures had been taken for defusing the bomb and removing it safely. Bomb disposal experts were deployed to the site earlier, and the operation was still in progress. While unexploded bombs from the First and Second World Wars are frequently found across France, discoveries in highly populated areas like this are extremely rare. Notably, Frances Gare du Nord is one of Europes busiest stations and handles around 700,000 travellers daily. The station connects domestic routes, Paris main airport, and international destinations such as London, Brussels, and cities in the Netherlands. While talking to the media, stranded passengers expressed their frustration as the service cancellation disrupted their plans. Advertisement Were frantically on our phones trying to find out what to do, BBC quoted Jess Sayer from Norwich as saying, who had been stuck in Paris with her husband. We just tried to get a flight. All the flights are booked up so at the moment we are completely stuck in Paris with no way of getting home, she said. Do we get a hotel and risk trying to get the Eurostar home tomorrow? Or look into ferries? (With inputs from agencies) A German court has jailed five members of a far-right extremist group for plotting a coup and planning to kidnap the countrys health minister. The group, part of the Reichsburger movement, aimed to overthrow the government through violence. read more Masked German police officers guard a house after having arrested eight suspected members of a right-wing militant group driven by racist ideology and conspiracy theories who had been training in warfare for the downfall of the modern German state, in Dresden, Germany, November 5, 2024. REUTERS/Matthias Rietschel A German court has sentenced five members of an extremist group linked to the Reichsburger (Reich Citizen) movement for planning a coup and plotting to kidnap the health minister, The Guardian reported. The defendants belonged to the self-styled United Patriots group. On Thursday, the Koblenz Higher Regional Court sentenced four men to prison terms ranging from five years and nine months to eight years. A fifth person was sentenced to two years and ten months, according to the German news agency DPA. Advertisement It was one of several trials targeting the wider far-right movement, whose members adhere to conspiracy theories and reject the legitimacy of the modern German state. According to The Guardian, they planned to kidnap Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who was widely criticised by opponents of Covid restrictions, and were ready to kill his bodyguards if needed. After the verdict, centre-left Social Democrats leader Lauterbach thanked the police and the judiciary for solving and punishing the planned crime. The court heard that by January 2022, the group had planned to trigger a civil war in Germany and seize power through violence. Their plan included sabotaging the power grid, calling it Silent Night. They also hoped that the chaos would attract support from discontented security forces. Reichsburger supporters believe the German Empire, which fell in 1918, still exists. Courts in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, and Stuttgart are conducting trials on similar cases, with some resulting in convictions and others still ongoing. The government of President Daniel Noboa, who is running for reelection in an April run-off, has intensified security operations over the past several weeks in the country most violent areas as part of a war on drug gangs declared by Noboa. read more Twenty-two people were killed in gunfights in Guayaquil, Ecuadors largest city, on Thursday, in what police described as a possible clash between rival factions of the Los Tiguerones criminal gang vying for control of a neighborhood. The violence comes as President Daniel Noboa, who is seeking reelection in an April runoff, has ramped up security operations in the countrys most violent regions as part of his declared war on drug gangs. In a statement late Thursday, the National Police said that some of the victims had prior convictions for robbery, drug trafficking, and weapons possession. Advertisement Ecuador is grappling with an estimated 20 criminal gangs engaged in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, causing widespread chaos in the nation of 18 million people. Situated between Peru and Colombia, the worlds largest cocaine producers, Ecuador has become a key transit point for drug shipments. Last month, Ecuadorian President Noboa took another step in his effort to enlist foreign military assistance to combat the drug cartels and organized crime groups that have been behind the escalation in violent crime over the past four years. The spike in violence across the South American country is tied to the trafficking of cocaine produced in neighboring Colombia and Peru. Mexican, Colombian and Balkan cartels have set down roots in Ecuador and operate with assistance from local criminal gangs. Under Noboas watch, the homicide rate dropped from 46.18 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 38.76 per 100,000 people last year. But the rate remained far higher than the 6.85 per 100,000 people in 2019, and the country is already on track to exceed that number this year. January was Ecuadors deadliest month on record, with 731 homicides. Experts warn that these gangs are evolving and growing more powerful, fueled by profits from illegal activities. Guayaquil, the capital of Guayas province, is one of seven regions under a state of emergency for the past two months as the government intensifies its crackdown on gang violence. With inputs from agencies India on Friday said that of the 2,374 incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities, Bangladesh has verified only 1,254 cases reported from August 5, 2024 to February 16, 2025 and that 98% of these 1,254 incidents were deemed political in nature read more India on Friday said that of the 2,374 incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities, Bangladesh has verified only 1,254 cases reported from August 5, 2024 to February 16, 2025 and that 98% of these 1,254 incidents were deemed political in nature. Addressing a weekly briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India expects Bangladesh to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all perpetrators of killings, arson, and violence are brought to justice, without making distinctions regarding the nature of the incidents. Advertisement #WATCH | Delhi | On the issue of minorities in Bangladesh, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We have repeatedly underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect the Hindus and other minorities, as well as their properties and pic.twitter.com/lASDdwlGrG ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 We have repeatedly underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect the Hindus and other minorities, as well as their properties and religious institutions. However, the police have verified only 1254 of over 2374 incidents reported from August 5, 2024, to February 16, 2025. Further, 98% of these 1254 incidents were deemed political in nature. We expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson, and violence to justice without making such distinctions, said Jaiswal. He said that India supports a stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding inclusive and participatory elections. We remain concerned about the deteriorating law & order situation, further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists, who were sentenced for serious crimes, he added. Bangladeshs minority Hindus, which constitute only about 8 per cent of the 170 million population, have faced attacks in 50-odd districts since the Awami League government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fell on August 5. On Development Cooperation with Bangladesh, Jaiswal said it is a priority area of Indias relations with the people of Bangladesh. Advertisement #WATCH | Delhi | On Development Cooperation with Bangladesh, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "...Development cooperation is a priority area of our relations with the people of Bangladesh. The recent security situation and long-standing local issues have affected the pace pic.twitter.com/atGttfeLHn ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 The recent security situation and long-standing local issues have affected the pace of implementation of some of these projects. The official discussions, therefore, focused on rationalising the project portfolio and executing mutually agreed-upon projects in a time-bound manner. Subject to obtaining the committed support and pending clearances from the Bangladesh side, we plan to move forward with these projects, said Jaiswal. When asked about Ganga Water Treaty between the two countries, he said the 86th meeting of the Joint Committee constituted to oversee the implementation of the treaty was held on March 6, 2025 in Kolkata. At the meeting, the two sides discussed technical issues pertaining to Ganga Water Treaty, measurement of water flows and other issues of mutual interest, he added. Advertisement This routine technical meeting, which is scheduled thrice annually, is part of an institutional structured mechanism associated with the implementation of the Treaty signed in 1996. With inputs from agencies Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump targeted New Delhi for imposing very high tariffs and announced that Washington will levy reciprocal tariffs from April 2 read more The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that India and the US discussed plans for a mutually beneficial and multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the country in February. The two governments are in the process of advancing discussions on a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement. Through the BTA, our objective is to strengthen and deepen India-US two-way trade in the goods and services sector, increase market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepen supply chain integration between the two countries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a routine presser. Advertisement #WATCH | Delhi | MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "...During PMs visit to the US in February 2025, both sides announced plans to negotiate a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The Commerce and Industries Minister was in the US and met his pic.twitter.com/qM0sREAc5M ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 Jaiswal also mentioned that Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal was in the US where he met his counterparts. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump targeted New Delhi for imposing very high tariffs and announced that Washington will levy reciprocal tariffs from April 2. India charges us 100 per cent tariffs; the system is not fair to the US, it never was. On April 2, reciprocal tariffs kick in. Whatever they tax us, we will tax them. If they use non-monetary tariffs to keep us out of their market, then we will use non-monetary barriers to keep them out of our market, Trump said as he addressed a join session of the Congress. Advertisement Trumps proposal to impose reciprocal tariffs from early April on trading partners including India is worrying Indian exporters in sectors ranging from autos to agriculture, with Citi Research analysts estimating potential losses at about $7 billion a year. According to a report by Reuters, Goyal went to the US to seek clarification on US reciprocal tariffs and to assess their impact on Indian trade. The discussions also included potential Indian concessions and a trade deal to reduce tariffs and boost bilateral trade. Reacting to Israels order, the Palestinian Authority that restrictions on worshippers trying to enter the mosque for prayers is a violation of Israels responsibilities as an occupying power read more Muslim worshippers attend the first Friday prayers of Ramadan, in Al-Aqsa compound, also known to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalem's Old City, March 7, 2025. REUTERS Israel allowed a handful number of Muslims over 50 years of age from the West Bank to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on the first Friday of the holy month of Ramzan. A statement said a limited number of Muslim worshippers would be admitted in line with last years arrangement starting on Friday without specifying a number. Reacting to Israels order, the Palestinian Authority that restrictions on worshippers trying to enter the mosque for prayers is a violation of Israels responsibilities as an occupying power. Advertisement Who are allowed? Those allowed are men age 55 and older, women age 50 and older and children up to age 12. They must also pass security screening. The Israeli statement also emphasised that there is no limitation regarding Israeli Arabs, meaning that the restrictions are only imposed on Muslims coming from the West Bank. In recent years, Israeli authorities have regularly restricted access to the mosque compound, citing security needs. Importance of Al-Aqsa Mosque The Al-Aqsa lies at the heart of Jerusalems Old City on a hill known to Jews as Har ha-Bayit, or Temple Mount, and to Muslims internationally as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary. Muslims regard the site as the third holiest in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. Al-Aqsa is the name given to the whole compound and is home to two Muslim holy places: the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as the Qibli Mosque, which was built in the 8th century. With inputs from Reuters In an overnight operation by the Israel Defence Force (IDF), 10 Indian workers were rescued from the West Bank. These workers were held hostage for months and the Palestinians often used their passports to enter Israel read more Amid the brewing tensions in West Asia, Israel said that it has reduced 10 Indian workers from a village in the West Bank during an overnight raid. The Jewish nations Population and Immigration Authority confirmed the news and said that these Indian workers were held hostage for over a month in the Palestinian region. The body claimed that Palestinians had lured these workers to the West Bank village of al-Zaayem. They were promised work in the region. However, the moment these workers arrived, the Palestinian group took their passports and even tried to use them to enter Israel. According to The Times of Israel, the workers from India originally came to Israel to work in construction. Advertisement They were rescued during an overnight joint operation conducted by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) along with the Israeli Justice Ministry. The authorities noted that these workers have now been transferred to safe locations until their employment status is determined. Indian consulate in Israel releases a statement The Indian consulate in Israel released a statement on the matter on Thursday and confirmed the news. Israeli authorities traced 10 missing Indian construction workers to West Bank & have brought them back to Israel, the Israeli embassy said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Israeli authorities traced 10 missing Indian construction workers to West Bank & have brought them back to Israel.While the matter is still under investigation, the Embassy is in touch with the Israeli authorities & have requested to ensure their safety & well-being @MEAIndia India in Israel (@indemtel) March 6, 2025 While the matter is still under investigation, the Embassy is in touch with the Israeli authorities & have requested to ensure their safety & well-being @MEAIndia, the statement further reads. The IDF often identifies the illicit use of passports at the border and returns them to their owners. It is pertinent to note that around 16,000 Indian workers have come to Israel in the last year as part of an Israeli government effort to fill a void left when tens of thousands of Palestinian construction workers were barred from entering the Jewish nation following the October 7 attack by Hamas. Advertisement The draft law was designed to acknowledge the asymmetry of power between men and women, Families Minister Eugenia Roccella told journalists after a cabinet meeting read more Italys government on Friday backed a draft law that would make femicide a separate crime rather than just a sub-category of homicide. Under existing laws, aggravating circumstances in the murder of a woman are only recognised if the killer was married or related to the victim. Under the new draft law, approved by the cabinet a day ahead of International Womens Day Saturday, femicide is described as an act of discrimination or hate against someone simply because they are a woman. Advertisement In a statement, Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the bill as a new step forward towards tackling violence against women. The draft law was designed to acknowledge the asymmetry of power between men and women, Families Minister Eugenia Roccella told journalists after the cabinet meeting. Opposition parties objected that the government was only addressing part of the problem. Once again, the government acts with criminal measures intervening after the violence and femicides, and keeps ignoring the preventive aspect of education, said the main opposition centre-left Democratic Party. The interior ministry recorded 113 femicides in 2024, of which 99 were committed by relatives or partners. Of those 99, 61 were killed by the partner or former partner. In December Filippo Turetta, a 22-year-old student who stabbed to death his former girlfriend Giulia Cecchettin, was jailed for life for the killing. The November 2023 killing shocked the country and helped reopen the debate over violence against women. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Jaishankar highlighted the challenges facing the world today, including increasing conflicts, the lingering effects of the pandemic, extreme climate events, and a growing debt crisis that is causing many countries to fall behind in meeting their development goals and basic needs read more External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday called terrorism a perennial problem and said that it can only be solved with a great deal of resolution and commitment. His comments came as he addressed a session called Indias view of the world at the University College Dublin in Ireland. Talking about conflict, perhaps a word on countering terrorism would also be appropriate, particularly as a foreign minister of a country which has long been at the receiving end of terrorist efforts, he said. Advertisement The Indian foreign minister also mentioned the commemorative plaque placed in the village of Ahakista to honour the victims of the Air India aircraft Kanishka bombing that happened off the coast of Ireland in 1985. Stressing that conflicts are violent and traumatic, he said, I do want to make one broad observation about the state of the world, which is difficult to put it very mildly. For a variety of reasons, our attention is normally occupied by, say, conflicts. Conflicts are violent. Theyre traumatic. Its what you read about in the newspaper, you see on the TV, you look at the phones. But there is a lot that is happening which you do not necessarily read about. Jaishankar referenced a UN assessment on fundamental development indicators, stating that a year ago, the UN estimated that progress in areas such as health, water, electricity, housing, literacy, and nutrition had reached about 17 per cent of the target set for the decade within the first four years. He highlighted the challenges facing the world today, including increasing conflicts, the lingering effects of the pandemic, extreme climate events, and a growing debt crisis that is causing many countries to fall behind in meeting their development goals and basic needs. He emphasized the need for greater efforts at individual, bilateral, and institutional levels to address these pressing issues. Advertisement He reiterated Indias stance that differences in this era cannot and should not be settled on the battlefield. He called it important to return to dialogue and diplomacy to find ways to settle conflicts. Jaishankar called India and Ireland fiercely independent polities. He stated that the two nations have always been cautious regarding getting involved in politics and found their own way of expressing positions and interests in international forums. With inputs from agencies Xi extends greetings to women ahead of International Women's Day Xinhua) 08:09, March 07, 2025 BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday extended festive greetings and best wishes to the country's women of all ethnic groups and from all walks of life ahead of International Women's Day, which falls on March 8. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent the greetings when attending a joint group meeting at the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) March 7, 2025: In late 2024 there were two million Palestinian refugees in Gaza and they had to be fed. That was proving difficult because several Palestinian gangs were hijacking up to a quarter of the 800 truckloads of food needed daily. Israeli troops are still fighting Palestinian gunmen in Gaza. It is also noted that the stolen food aid is offered for sale by Palestinian merchants. The prices charged are often more than many Palestinian families can afford. In some months up to $10 million in food aid is hijacked. This has been going on since Hamas took control of Gaza many years ago. The foreign aid groups only demanded that Israel do something about the food thefts after Israel invaded Gaza following Hamas invasion of Israel, and massacre of almost a thousand of Israeli civilians, on October 7, 2024. Israeli forces in Gaza have limited capability to do this because their first priority is to hunt down and capture or kill the remaining Palestinian gunmen in Gaza. This kind of crime and violence has been endemic to Gaza for over twenty years. The hostility and violence between the PA and Hamas eventually led to the PA losing control over Gaza in 2006. Hamas won an election and refused to work with the Pa government in the West Bank. In October 2023 thousands of armed Hamas members advanced north towards Israel. This led to a war that has continued into 2025. In 2006 foreign aid groups in Gaza were complaining that at least sixteen terrorist organizations were using force to grab a share of whatever foreign aid was available. Since neither Fatah nor Hamas have been able to impose order to the area, and the economy was depressed because Hamas has not been able to work out a deal with foreign aid organizations who oppose the Hamas policy of destroying Israel, there are increasing shortages of just about everything. Except Palestinian young men with guns and attitude. By late 2007 the Hamas militia in Gaza had increased to about 5,000 armed men. Some Hamas members claim 10,000 armed men, but more realistic estimates are half that figure. Earlier in the year, when Hamas took control of the government, Hamas only had about 2,000 armed men. Smuggled and stolen from Fatah weapons have fed the growth. The gunmen are largely untrained, poorly trained and led. As Hamas has put more gunmen on the street, there have been more clashes with Fatah gunmen. Meanwhile, the Fatah president of the Palestinian government has expanded the Presidential Guard from 2,500 to nearly 4,000. Israel and the U.S. are suspected of helping Fatah get the weapons for this expansion. Egyptian police arrested four Egyptian smugglers as they were about to enter a newly constructed tunnel across the Egyptian border into Gaza. According to a February 25 invoice, the agency is exploring a plan to allocate approximately $25,000 for installing a washer and dryer on the buildings sixth floor read more Elon Musk shows off his t-shirt reading "Tech Support" while speaking at the first cabinet meeting hosted by US President Donald Trump, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, February 26, 2025. File Image/Reuters Elon Musks Doge office setup might be breaking agency rules harbouring a team that has declared an all-out war against overspending in the federal government and dismantling the workforce it deems useless. A report by Politico says that the Department of Government Agencys office in the federal building has nearly four rooms on the sixth floor used for sleeping and resting, fully furnished with beds from IKEA, lamps and dressers. Workers told the news outlet that these rooms share walls with conference halls and can only be accessed via high-security clearances. Advertisement According to a February 25 invoice reviewed by POLITICO, the agency is exploring a plan to allocate approximately $25,000 for installing a washer and dryer on the buildings sixth floor. Additionally, a photo shared with the news outlet reveals a childrens play area furnished with toys and a stuffed animal. A General Services Administration (GSA) staffer said, People are definitely sleeping there. However, it is not clear how often or how long the rooms are used. Are rules being broken? A 2019 GSA bulletin prohibits employees from sleeping at agency offices except when expressly authorised by an agency official. Donald Sherman, executive director and chief counsel at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog group, explained that the guidance permits workers to sleep in a federal building only under specific circumstances. These include being directed by a supervisor, situations where it is necessary, emergencies, or instances of imminent danger to human life or property, where persons are directed to shelter-in-place. Meanwhile, a GSA spokesperson said, Government employees are working incredibly hard and long hours to help reduce the federal deficit and ensure an effective government. Any purchases the agency has made followed all appropriate laws and regulations. In accordance with the Sleeping in Federal Buildings bulletin, specific instances of an employee sleeping at the 1800F building was expressly authorized by an agency official, the spokesperson added. Musk sleeps in office In January, WIRED reported, that Musk had been too busy to head home after work and therefore slept in the Doge office based out of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. This is not the first time Musk has made headlines for his work ethic. When Tesla was at the helm, the X owner slept on the floor of the factory. It was my primary residence, he said in an interview in 2022. After acquiring Twitter, Musk started sleeping at its San Francisco offices, where employees often saw him pacing late at night and being escorted to the bathroom by his security guards. He even attempted to have a bathroom installed next to his office to avoid crossing the floor during his stays. Advertisement The agreement would establish a framework for increased military and defence cooperation and collaboration between the two nations and improve interoperability between their forces, the Philippines defence ministry said in a statement read more Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hands with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience at the National Convention Centre, in Vientiane, Laos, October 10, 2024. Reuters The Philippines and Canada are set to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) after negotiations aimed at enhancing defence and security cooperation between the two nations, Manilas defence ministry said on Friday. The agreement would establish a framework for increased military and defence cooperation and collaboration between the two nations and improve interoperability between their forces, the Philippines defence ministry said in a statement. The Philippines looks forward to the positive impact of the SOVFA, which is expected to contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, the ministry said, calling it a milestone in bilateral defence relations. Advertisement Canada has supported the Philippines stance in the South China Sea, backing a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that said Chinas vast South China Sea claims had no legal basis. China rejects that finding. In 2023, the Philippines and Canada signed an arrangement for the use of Ottawas Dark Vessel Detection system to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by vessels that have switched off their location transmitters to evade detection. Amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the Philippines has broadened its security partnerships while maintaining its long-standing alliance with treaty ally the United States. Last month, it concluded similar negotiations with New Zealand and the two countries expect to sign an official agreement in the second quarter of this year. Last year, the Philippines ratified a reciprocal access agreement with Japan, the first of it South Africa on Friday rejected a claim by multibillionaire Elon Musk that his Starlink satellite company could not operate in the country because he is not Black, and its telecoms regulator said Starlink had not applied for a licence. read more South Africa on Friday rejected a claim by multibillionaire Elon Musk that his Starlink satellite company could not operate in the country because he is not Black, and its telecoms regulator said Starlink had not applied for a licence. In his latest rebuke of the country where he was born and went to school, Musk wrote on X, which he also owns: Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because Im not black. Advertisement Clayson Monyela, a senior official at the foreign affairs department, responded emphatically on the social media platform. Sir, thats NOT true & you know it! Its got nothing to do with your skin colour. Starlink is welcome to operate in South Africa provided theres compliance with local laws, Monyela wrote. This is a global international trade & investment principle. Musk appeared to be taking a swipe at local Black Economic Empowerment rules that foreign-owned telecommunications licensees sell 30% of the equity in their local subsidiaries to historically disadvantaged groups. South African technology news website TechCentral has reported that Starlinks parent company SpaceX wrote to telecommunications regulator ICASA telling it that it should rethink the 30% ownership requirement for licensees. An ICASA spokesperson said without elaborating: ICASA has not received any application from Starlink or SpaceX. Communications minister Solly Malatsi did not answer a phone call seeking comment. TechCentral has reported that Malatsi has asked ICASA to consider equity equivalents like skills development to allow companies like SpaceX to operate locally. Starlink operates in many African countries, but in addition to South Africa it has faced obstacles in places like Cameroon and Namibia due to licensing disputes. Musk attended school in the South African capital Pretoria before emigrating to the United States, where he is now a top adviser to US President Donald Trump as well as the worlds richest person. Advertisement Within weeks of taking office Trump has suspended US aid to South Africa over its land reform policies and its genocide case against Washingtons ally Israel at the World Court. The sinkings occurred late Thursday along a route that is increasingly used by Ethiopians hoping to find work in Gulf countries or escape conflict. read more Four boats carrying migrants have sunk off Djibouti and Yemen, killing at least one person and leaving more than 180 missing, according to the International Organization for Migration. The boats were carrying migrants from a Horn of Africa country and capsized off Yemens Dhubab district in Taiz governorate, IOM said. Despite weather warnings, the boats sank in rough seas. Only two Yemeni crew members were rescued, while all passengers and the remaining crew are feared dead, with no bodies recovered yet, IOM spokesperson Tamim Elyan said on Friday. Over 180 migrants are missing after four boats sank last night off the coasts of Djibouti and Yemen, the IOM said. Two of the vessels, one believed to be carrying at least 30 people and the other roughly 150, were missing off the coast of Yemen, according to the IOM country chief of mission Abdusattor Esoev. We are talking about 186 people that may have unfortunately perished in the sea, he told AFP. Advertisement The majority of those onboard were believed to be Ethiopian migrants, he said, although five were thought to be Yemeni crew members. At least 57, from both boats, were women. We are working with authorities to see if we can find any survivors, but Im afraid we may not have any, Esoev said. The other two vessels capsized due to strong winds off the coast of Djibouti, he said, based on information he had received. One or two migrants have reportedly lost their lives, but the rest of them were rescued, he told AFP, without giving more details. He said that his IOM colleagues in Djibouti were assisting those who had been rescued. The number of people arriving in Yemen from Ethiopia and Djibouti is unfortunately not decreasing, Esoev said. He added many migrants undertaking the route originated from Ethiopias northern Tigray region, ravaged by war between 2020 and 2022. Eastern route It is one of the worlds most dangerous migrant routes, according to the IOM, which documented more than 60,000 migrant arrivals in Yemen in 2024. A March IOM report showed the number of those attempting the eastern route had risen 13 percent in 2024, to 446,194. IOM, which runs a tally of migrants who are killed or missing on migration routes, said in the post that 558 people lost their life on the route between the Eastern Horn of Africa and Yemen last year. Advertisement Every year, hundreds of thousands of people leave the Horn of Africa that is plagued by chronic instability to pursue better economic prospects in Gulf nations via the so-called Eastern Route, described by the IOM as one of the worlds busiest and riskiest migration corridors. With inputs from agencies Pakistans interior ministry on Friday said that all illegal foreigners and holders of Afghan Citizen Cards must leave the country by March 31, with a warning that they will be deported starting April 1 read more Police officers, along with workers from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), check the identity cards of Afghan citizens during a door-to-door search and verification drive for undocumented Afghan nationals, in an Afghan Camp on the outskirts of Karachi, Pakistan, on November 21, 2023. Reuters File Pakistans interior ministry on Friday said that all illegal foreigners and holders of Afghan Citizen Cards must leave the country by March 31, with a warning that they will be deported starting April 1. Islamabad has previously attributed militant attacks and criminal activities to Afghan citizens, who represent the largest group of migrants in the country. However, Kabul has denied these allegations. Pakistan has been a gracious host and continues to fulfil its commitments and obligations as a responsible state, Reuters quoted the countrys interior ministry as saying in a statement. It is reiterated that individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfil all legal formalities, added the statement. Advertisement Pakistan initiated its repatriation drive for foreign citizens, primarily focusing on undocumented individuals, in 2023. According to UN data, over 800,000 Afghans possess an Afghan Citizen Card in Pakistan, while approximately 1.3 million are formally registered with the government and hold a Proof of Residence card. The recent statement did not clarify how those with Proof of Residence would be affected. The UN reports that more than 800,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan since the start of the repatriation effort, and Pakistan has hosted around 2.8 million Afghan refugees over the past 40 years of conflict in Afghanistan. This group includes tens of thousands of Afghans currently seeking resettlement in the United States and other Western nations following the Talibans takeover in 2021. With inputs from agencies Denmarks state-run postal service, PostNord, announced that it is breaking away with a 400-year-long tradition and will end all letter deliveries at the end of 2025. The move reflects the overall decline of postal services in Europe read more In a breakaway from the past, Denmarks state-run postal service, PostNord, announced on Thursday that it is ending all letter deliveries at the end of 2025. The company cited a 90 per cent decline in letter volumes since the start of the century as the main reason behind this move. The decision thus brings an end to a 400-year long letter service the country provided across Denmark. PostNord maintained that 1,500 post boxes deployed across the country will soon start to disappear at the start of June. Meanwhile, Denmarks Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen reassured that Danes would still be able to send and receive letters since there is a free market for both letters and parcels. Advertisement Denmark is not the only country struggling with the deterioration of its postal service. Services across Europe are grappling with the decline in letter volumes. On Thursday, Germanys Deutsche Post said that it was axing 8,000 jobs, in what it called a socially responsible manner. Deutsche Post has 187,000 employees, and staff representatives said that they are now fearing more cuts are to come in the future. The decline of Denmarks postal service It is pertinent to note that Denmark had a universal postal service for the past 400 years until the end of 2023. With the advent of digital mail services, the use of letters across the country has fallen dramatically. Recently, PostNord said that it would switch its focus to parcel deliveries and that any postage stamps bought this year or in 2024 can be refunded for a limited period in 2026. With this move, fifteen hundred workers face losing their jobs, out of a workforce of 4,600. Its a super sad day. Not just for our department, but for the 1,500 who face an uncertain future, employee Anders Raun Mikkelsen told Danish broadcaster DR. It is pertinent to note that Denmark ranks as one of the worlds most digitalised countries. Few people in the country tend to use cash, and Danes even carry drivers licenses and health cards on their smartphones. Meanwhile, public services often send communications via a Digital Post app or other platforms. PostNord Denmark said that the letter market is no longer profitable. The company said that letter numbers have fallen since the start of the century from 1.4 billion to 110 million last year. The decision is expected to affect elderly people the most in the country. Although 95 per cent of Danes have been using Digital Post service. The postal services said that only 271,000 people still rely on physical mail. Advertisement There are many who are very dependent on letters being delivered regularly. These include hospital appointments, vaccinations or decisions regarding home care, Marlene Rishoj Cordes, from Aeldre Sagen (DaneAge), told Denmarks TV2. The move came a year after the Danish parliament passed the Postal Act in 2024, which opened up the letter market to competition from private firms, and mail is no longer exempted from VAT, resulting in higher postage costs. When a letter costs 29 Danish kroner (3.35; $4.20), there will be fewer letters, PostNord Denmarks Managing Director, Kim Pedersen, told local media, BBC reported. It is pertinent to note that PostNord also operates in Sweden. It is 40 per cent Danish-owned and 60 per cent Swedish-owned. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. As US President Donald Trump has stopped the opposition to Russia and Syrias new regime is eager to expand its footprint, Russia is wooing the Hayat Tahrir al-Shams (HTS) regime of Ahmed al-Sharaa with economic and trade offers to retain strategic footholds in the country read more As the United States is withdrawing from the world stage, Russia is wooing the new Syrian regime to maintain foothold in the country, according to a report. In the wake of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assads ouster, Russian presence in the country was not assured. In the Syrian Civil War, Russia was on the opposite side of the countrys new rulers, the Hayat Tahrir al-Shams (HTS) of Ahmed al-Sharaa, and there were indications that Russia was withdrawing from the country. Satellite footage and media reports showed Russia transferring its vessels, aircraft, and personnel out of the country to Libya and elsewhere. Advertisement However, as US President Donald Trump has started reducing the countrys international footprint and there is no clarity of his stand on Syria, Russia has found an opening and entered into negotiations with the HTS for not just keeping its military bases but expand economic and trade ties, according to Wall Street Journal. For decades, Russia has run the Khmeimim airbase in the Latakia city in the province of the same name and a naval base in Tartus city in the province of the same name. The bases have been huge assets to Russia. The Tartus naval base allowed Russia to project power along the southern flank of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) in the Mediterranean Sea and essentially connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Black Sea, allowing a maritime route to connect Russian operations in Ukraine with activities in West Asia and Africa. Russia seeks a reset in Syria thanks to Trump For nearly a decade, Russia and HTS were on the other sides of the Syrian Civil War. In 2015, Russia intervened directly on behalf of Assad to turn the tide of the war in his favour. Russia attacked the HTS for years and such attacks continued right up to the lightening HTS-led assault late last year that ousted the decadeslong rule of the Assad dynasty. With Assads ouster from Syria, there were signs that Russia was also on its way out of the country. Russia had started shifting assets from Syria to Libya in the wake of Assads ouster. However, three reasons have led to Russia seeking a foothold in the country again. One, Trump has aligned the United States with Russia so there is no US challenge to Russia in Syria or anywhere else. Two, Trump has not outlined a stand in Syria or West Asia so Russia is filling the vacuum. Three, the HTS is expanding its ties beyond its principal supporter Turkey that also helped its decisive assault last year. Advertisement How Russia is seeking a reset in Syria As an outreach to the new Syrian regime, Russia has already started its outreach. As Saudi Arabia and Qatar did not provide funds to Syria, Russia last month provided $23 million in Syrian currency to Syrias central bank to support the countrys cash-starved economy when other countries refused to do so due to fear of sanctions, according to Walls Street Journal. The Damascus and Moscow are in negotiations for a host of deals, such as the injection of billions of dollars in cash in the Syrian economy, investments into oil and gas fields, investments into ports for export, and keeping the Khmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base, as per the Journal. The newspaper reported that negotiations began when Russias Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Syria envoy Alexander Lavrentiev engaged the new Syrian regime regarding retaining the Khmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base but later expanded to trade and investments listed above. Advertisement SpaceX faced a mixed outcome in its latest Starship test launch on Thursday, successfully catching the massive booster but losing contact with the upper stage over the Gulf of Mexico. read more SpaceX's next-generation Starship spacecraft atop its powerful Super Heavy rocket is pictured after a delay of its eighth test at the company's Boca Chica launch pad in Brownsville, Texas, U.S. Reuters SpaceX lost contact with its powerful Starship rocket over the Gulf of Mexico after its launch on Thursday. We lost contact with the ship, just like last time, said SpaceX official Dan Huot, referring to a January launch in which the rockets upper stage exploded over the Caribbean, scattering debris. RIP Starship Flight 8, just caught it exploding after a few engines cut off and it losing attitude control, viewed from Titusville, FL pic.twitter.com/VBBtApjsd7 Trevor Mahlmann (@TrevorMahlmann) March 6, 2025 Advertisement Minutes after the failure several videos on social media showed fireball-like debris of the spacecraft streaking through the dusk skies near south Florida and the Bahamas. SpaceX catches back booster However, the Starship test launch showed mixed results, after the booster was caught back. Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster! pic.twitter.com/JFeJSdnQ5x SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 6, 2025 Despite losing contact with the upper stage, SpaceX managed to return the huge booster stage to the launch tower catching it with arms called chopsticks. It was the third time SpaceX completed the tricky engineering feat. Shortly after liftoff and booster separation, live video showed the upper stage was tumbling out of control before the signal was lost. SpaceX turned off its livestream about about 40 minutes after the launch Advertisement Setback for Musk, who is in Washington to lead Doge The setback may raise questions about billionaire Elon Musk and his SpaceX programme, as he spends most of his time in Washington working on President Donald Trumps government reforms by leading the Department of government efficiency (Doge). Starship successfully blasted off from SpaceXs Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas shortly after 5:30 pm (2330 GMT). It is worlds biggest and most powerful launch vehicle. Florida airports shut ops Air traffic across Florida was disrupted by the explosion with prompting major airports to shut operations for a while. Flights departing from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and Miami International Airports were delayed by up to 45 minutes due to space launch debris, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Starships uncrewed mission This was Starships eighth orbital missionall uncrewed so farand the first since its last test ended in a mid-air explosion over the Caribbean. Starship is 403 feet (123 meters) tallabout 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. It is designed to be fully reusable and holds a key role in Elon Musks plan to colonize Mars. NASA is also waiting for a modified Starship to serve as a lunar lander for its Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon this decade. Advertisement After the January 16 flight ended with the upper stage breaking apart over the Turks and Caicos Islands, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded Starship and launched a cleanup effort for fallen debris. Taiwan is considering warning citizens about risks of travelling to countries with strong ties to China as they could be caught up in Beijings campaign against Taiwan independence supporters, according to a senior Taiwan official and an internal memo read more A man poses with his own placard at a "Stand up as Taiwan" rally in Taipei, Taiwan, on December 8, 2024. Reuters File Taiwan is considering warning citizens about risks of travelling to countries with strong ties to China, such as Laos and Cambodia, as they could be caught up in Beijings campaign against Taiwan independence supporters, according to a senior Taiwan official and an internal memo. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own despite the islands rejection, issued guidelines last year to punish diehard Taiwan independence activists, including with the death penalty, even though Chinese courts have no jurisdiction on the island. Advertisement Late last month, a senior Chinese official gave closed-door instructions to state security units to implement the guidelines in countries friendly to China, according to a government memo reviewed by Reuters and a senior Taiwan security official. Both cited intelligence gathered by Taipei for that assessment. Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office and foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement, Taiwans foreign ministry told Reuters China had tried to use the guidelines to shackle Taiwans democracy and freedom. The ministry said it had asked its overseas offices to monitor and assess related risks and would boost public awareness on travel safety. Taiwan security agencies have been looking at whether to raise the alert level for travel to certain countries for its citizens, the official said. Reuters was not able to establish whether any decision had been made on the alert or the countries for which that review was underway. Taiwanese in Cambodia, Laos and some unspecified African nations could risk being taken in for investigation on suspicion of backing independence, the official said, citing Taiwans assessment of the development and speaking on condition of anonymity. They might be taken for questioning by the local or Chinese police there, at least to psychologically intimidate them, the official told Reuters. Advertisement The foreign ministries in Cambodia and Laos did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Taiwan has concluded that some countries, including some in Southeast Asia, have declined to cooperate with Chinas request, the official said. Taiwan has complained of a pattern of ramped-up pressure by China in recent years, including military actions, trade sanctions and coast guard patrols around Taiwan-controlled islands next to China. Beijings guidelines issued in June instructed Chinas courts, prosecutors and state security agents to severely punish Taiwan independence diehards for what it called secession. The instruction was given during a two-day meeting on Taiwan that began February 25, the memo said, citing Taiwans intelligence. The meeting was led by Wang Huning, who is part of the Communist Partys elite Politburo Standing Committee and one of President Xi Jinpings closest advisers, the memo said. Advertisement In the meeting, Beijings embassies and overseas police stations in countries with a high degree of trust with China were asked to implement the guidelines by targeting Taiwanese tourists, students and residents, the Taiwan government memo said. Chinas government has previously denied maintaining overseas police stations but has said there are volunteer-run centres outside China that help Chinese citizens renew documents and offer other services. Taiwans government raised its travel warning for China in June last year following the threat from Beijing, which drew condemnation from Taipei and Washington. Taiwans foreign ministry currently has its second-highest orange travel alert for both Cambodia and Laos, telling its citizens not to go unless absolutely necessary due to scam centres which detain and traffic Chinese speakers to work in them. Advertisement Chinas 20-year-old Anti-Secession Law gives the country the legal basis for military action against Taiwan if it secedes or the possibility of peaceful reunification is exhausted. The law is vague on what constitutes Taiwan independence. Taiwans government rejects Beijings sovereignty claims and says only the islands people can decide their future. Taiwan, which has its own military, passport and currency, is governed independently as the Republic of China, its official name. The Republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedongs communists, who set up the Peoples Republic of China. It was the highest number of balloons recorded, according to an AFP tally of the data dating back to December 2023 read more A Navy miniature is seen in front of displayed Chinese and Taiwanese flags in this illustration taken, April 11, 2023. File Image- Reuters Taiwan detected 11 Chinese balloons near the island in a 24-hour period, the defence ministry said Friday. The balloons were spotted along with five Chinese aircraft and six warships in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT on Thursday), the ministry said in its daily report. It was the highest number of balloons recorded, according to an AFP tally of the data dating back to December 2023. China insists democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control. Advertisement Beijing has increased the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty, which Taipei rejects. The surge in balloons comes after Taiwan recorded 45 Chinese aircraft near the island in a 24-hour period last week, which was the highest number this year. In the same week, Taipei also condemned China for holding live-fire drills off the islands south. Beijing hit back, accusing Taiwan of pure hype over what it called routine training. The top US military commander in the Indo-Pacific told a defence forum last month that the frequency of Chinas exercises could be used to cover up a real attack. In response to those comments, Chinas defence ministry reiterated that Beijing would not renounce the use of force to achieve unification. Taiwan is a potential flashpoint for a war between China and the United States, which is the islands most important backer and biggest arms supplier. While the United States is legally bound to provide arms to Taiwan which Beijing opposes Washington has long maintained strategic ambiguity when it comes to whether it would deploy its military to defend it from a Chinese attack. Despite long-standing strong bipartisan support in the US Congress for Taiwan, there are fears that US President Donald Trump might not consider the island worth defending if China attacked. Advertisement Speaking at a recent security forum, Taiwans National Security Council chief Joseph Wu said US support for Taiwan was very strong. Wu praised the United States for providing defence equipment to Taiwan, training its soldiers and boosting its international presence. I think the Trump administrations support for Taiwan will remain very strong, Wu told the HFX Taipei Forum. I think its very clear that the United States is supporting Taiwan, and with the US support, I think we will be more confident in defending ourselves. March 7, 2025: In 2025 the United States threatened to halt $336 million is aid to the Palestinian Authority/PA if the Palestinians did not halt their Pay for Slay payments. Recent payments were substantial, with some Palestinian terrorists receiving over a million dollars. The most recent payment totaled $142 million for 738 Palestinian terrorists. That averages $193,000 per terrorist. Last year the PA continued using its Pay For Slay program to reward Palestinian terrorists. Since October 2023, the PA declared nearly 10,000 imprisoned Palestinian and Hamas terrorists as eligible for Pay for Slay money. The PA also recognized an additional 39,000 families of dead terrorists as eligible for Pay for Slay payments. While the PA agreed to the American demands, it is believed that the PA will seek to find a way to make the payments anyway. The Americans have been through this before and this time the PA deceptions may not work. The PA has long used foreign aid money to run their pay-for-slay program. Since the 1970s the PA has diverted nearly half a billion dollars in foreign aid to pay Palestinian terrorists for killing Israeli civilians and soldiers. There is an elaborate system for paying the families of dead Palestinian terrorists as well as lesser payments for those imprisoned for attacks on Israelis. Foreign donors eventually learned of this program, which used money donated for the welfare of Palestinian civilians. Donors tried to enforce rules prohibiting use of cash for pay-for-slay programs. The PA keeps finding ways to circumvent these restrictions and continue making terrorism profitable for Palestinians. PA leaders take a portion of the aid for themselves as a reward for continuing to deceive foreign donors. In 2019 the Palestinian Fatah government threatened to cause an economic catastrophe by refusing partial payments from Israel and donor nations unless everyone stopped deducting the money Fatah spends on supporting and encouraging terrorist activity. In 2018 Israel passed a law to deduct Pay For Slay payments from the $130 million a month it collects in taxes and fees for the Palestinians in the West Bank. Despite that Fatah paid over $20 million to Palestinian terrorists in prison or to their families for deceased terrorists. The U.S. had already enacted a similar law and was deducting a similar amount from the $300 million it currently gives to the West Bank Palestinians. Other foreign donors have taken similar measures. Fatah complains that the U.S., Israel and other donors are being unfair. Yet it is no secret that many Palestinians become terrorists because they are attracted to the financial rewards, which are considerable for many impoverished Palestinians impoverished by Fatah corruption and incompetence. Palestinians who are jailed, injured or killed while trying to kill Israelis receive large payments from Fatah. For example families of dead terrorists get an immediate payment of $1,700 from Fatah plus monthly payments for the life of the immediate family. These monthly payments consist of $400 to over $1,000 depending on the number of wives and children and can make a family relatively affluent and open new opportunities, like enough cash to afford a people smuggler who can get one or more family members to the West. There is also a bonus of $86 a month if you are a legal resident of Israel and a similar monthly bonus if you were a resident of Jerusalem. Fatah currently pays about $200 million a year to the families of over 26,000 dead terrorists as well as smaller payments to 6,000 badly injured while trying to kill Israelis. Monthly payments to jailed Palestinians vary according to how long they have been in jail, how many dependents they have and so on. There are also bonuses for how many Israelis the prisoner killed or injured. Some of these convicts get over $50,000 a year. Fatah currently spends nearly $200 million a year to reward over 6,000 jailed terrorists. Fatah considers this payment program a success even though hundreds of Palestinians have died in the Fatah-promoted violence. These attacks also left a growing number of Israelis dead and for Fatah that is political gold as far as Arab language media is concerned. With this approach, Fatah and Hamas together currently spend over $400 million a year to make murder economically attractive to many young Palestinians. Most of it comes from Fatah although Hamas is trying to make more payments to Palestinians in the West Bank who support Hamas and attack Israelis in the name of Hamas. The Arab language media throughout the Middle East take for granted that these payments are just and necessary for the war against Israel. In response to the current American and Israeli efforts to penalize Fatah for what is spent to encourage terror attacks, Fatah made it clear it would not halt payments to families for dead or jailed terrorists. Instead, it cut pay to Palestinians who worked for the West Bank government. But by refusing foreign aid money still being offered, Fatah caused shortages of food and other necessities in the West Bank. The ensuing Palestinian outrage and resulting damage were blamed on the efforts to halt pay for slay terrorism support. Fatah is pleading with Russia and Arab oil states to help them out. Russia is broke and prefers to be on good terms with Israel. The Arab oil states are fed up with the Palestinian preference for self-destructive behavior. When the PA cannot obtain the needed Pay for Slay cash from the usual sources, it records missed payments as debts that must eventually be paid. Pay for Slay is an essential PA program because it brings in more Palestinian men willing to die for money. Families receiving the money honor their dead benefactors for a long time. Trump and Pretoria are locked in a diplomatic row over a land expropriation act that the Republican leader says will lead to the takeover of white-owned farms read more President Donald Trump said Friday South African farmers were welcome to settle in the United States after repeating his accusations that the government was confiscating land from white people as he announced an end to federal funding. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that any Farmer (with family!) from South Africa, seeking to flee that country for reasons of safety, will be invited into the United States of America with a rapid pathway to Citizenship. He said the process would begin immediately, calling the country a bad place to be right now as he announced a halt to all US aid to Pretoria. Trump and Pretoria are locked in a diplomatic row over a land expropriation act that the Republican leader says will lead to the takeover of white-owned farms. Advertisement The South African presidency swiftly responded, saying in a statement that it would not engage in counterproductive megaphone diplomacy. Trump, whose close aide Elon Musk was born in South Africa, said in February that a law signed the previous month would enable the government of South Africa to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners agricultural property without compensation. The law stipulates that the government may, in certain circumstances, offer nil compensation for property it decides to expropriate in the public interest. English and Afrikaner colonists ruled South Africa until 1994 under a brutal system in which the black majority were deprived of political and economic rights. The new law is intended to address historic inequalities in land ownership, with the minority white population still owning most farmland three decades after the end of apartheid. But Trump accused the country of being terrible, plus, to long time Farmers in the country. South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa has said he wants to find agreement with the new US government on diplomatic, trade and other issues. Ramaphosa announced in February that Pretoria plans to send a delegation to Washington to settle a host of issues. We would like to go to the United States to do a deal, he said in a discussion with Goldman Sachs vice chairman Richard Gnodde. We dont want to go and explain ourselves, we want to go and do a meaningful deal with the United States on a whole range of issues, he said. Advertisement Ramaphosa said he had a wonderful call with Trump soon after the US leader took office in January. But relations later seemed to go a little bit off the rails, he said. Many of Trumps high-profile supporters took to social media to praise his leadership, although far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who accompanied Trump to events during his campaign, voiced concerns over adding to migration in the United States. Lets hope we can increase the number of mass deportations first. Immigration wont get better if more people come in while deportation numbers remain extremely low, she posted on X. While addressing the media in the Oval Office, Trump said, Canada has been ripping us off for years on lumber and on dairy products read more While addressing media in the Oval Office, Trump said, Canada has been ripping us off for years on lumber and on dairy products US President Donald Trump said Friday (March 7) he may slap new sanctions on lumber and dairy products from Canada shortly, a day after announcing relief from across-the-board 25 per cent tariffs. While addressing the media in the Oval Office, Trump said, Canada has been ripping us off for years on lumber and on dairy products. Notably, Canada charges a 250 per cent tariff on US dairy exports to the country. Trump announced he was going to charge the same thing, suggesting the US could impose 250 per cent tariffs on Canadian lumber and dairy. Advertisement We may do it as early as today, or well wait until Monday or Tuesday, said Trump, adding, Were going to charge the same thing. Its not fair. It never has been fair, and theyve treated our farmers badly. Just a day earlier, on Thursday, Trump announced a one-month pause on all tariffs for Canada and Mexico on products that comply with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This temporary suspension provided much-needed relief to key industries, particularly the auto and agriculture sectors. Canada imposes extremely high tariffs on certain dairy products, frustrating American dairy farmers who have long argued they are being treated unfairly. In 2023, a trade dispute panel ruled in Canadas favour, stating that these high import taxes did not violate the USMCA. Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin had then criticised the decision, claiming it placed an unnecessary burden on her states dairy industry. Wisconsin dairy farmers work hard every day to bring world class products to market, and they deserve a level playing field with their global competitors, Baldwin said ahead of the November 2023 decision. This decision flies in the face of the agreement our country made with Canada and puts our Made in Wisconsin dairy products at a disadvantage. Advertisement (With inputs from agencies) US President Donald Trump on Friday said he believes negotiating with Moscow will be easier than with Kyiv in reaching a final settlement to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin holds all the cards read more President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Friday. US President Donald Trump on Friday said he believes negotiating with Moscow will be easier than with Kyiv in reaching a final settlement to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin holds all the cards. Trump said that anyone in Putins position would be attacking Ukraine given the current battlefield dynamics. While expressing his desire to assist Ukraine, he emphasised that Kyiv needs to get on the ball and work towards a peace agreement. Advertisement I think were doing very well with Russia, but right now theyre bombing the hell out of Ukraine. And Ukraine, Im finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine, and they dont have the cards, CNN quoted Trump as saying in the Oval Office. In terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia, which is surprising, because they have all the cards, he went on. Earlier on Friday, Trump threatened new sanctions on Russia as it began extensive strikes across Ukraine. Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely pounding Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED, Reuters quoted Trump as saying. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!! he added. However, in the Oval Office, he maintained a conciliatory tone toward Putin. I actually think hes doing what anybody else would do, CNN quoted Trump as saying. I think he wants to get it stopped and settled, he added. Hes been hitting him. And I think probably anybody in that position would be doing that right now. He wants to get it ended, Trump continued. Russian forces have almost surrounded thousands of Ukrainian troops who stormed into Russias Kursk region last summer in a shock incursion which Kyiv had hoped to use as leverage over Moscow in any peace talks. Ukraines situation in Kursk has deteriorated sharply in the last three days, open source maps show. The Russian counteroffensive has nearly cut the Ukrainian force in two and separated the main group from its principal supply lines. Russian forces also damaged energy and gas infrastructure inside Ukraine overnight in their first major missile attack since the U.S. paused intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump warned both Russia and Ukraine to get to the table right now before it was too late. read more Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin talk during the family photo session at the APEC Summit in Danang, Vietnam, November 2017. File image/ Reuters US President Donald Trump on Friday (March 7) threatened to impose large scale sanctions on the Russian banking sector as he said Moscow was incessantly pounding Ukraine. Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump warned both Russia and Ukraine to get to the table right now before it was too late. Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely pounding Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late, Trump wrote. Advertisement Trumps post on social media Trumps recent threat follows his announcement last month that American sanctions on Russia will have to be lifted at some point. No, we havent lifted any sanctions on anybody I guess it will be at some point, but right now, we havent agreed to lift sanctions on anybody, Trump said on February 25 during a press conference. Russia was targeted with massive sanctions by Western nations three years back after Moscow launched the invasion of Ukraine. In January, the administration of former president Joe Biden and the UK imposed their toughest sanctions yet on Russias oil sector, blacklisting nearly 200 shadow fleet vessels, major oil companies, and related entities. Announced by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Jan 10, these measures have already shaken global oil markets, causing Brent crude prices to rise by nearly $5 per barrel. Initially, Trump also stated that he may impose further sanctions on Russia if President Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine. On March 6, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said Washington was willing to go all in on sanctions against Russia to force it to the negotiating table. Advertisement A major factor that has enabled the Russian war machines continued financing was the Biden administrations egregiously weak sanctions on Russian energy, stemming from worries about upward pressure on US energy prices, Bessent said, adding, This administration has kept the enhanced sanctions in place and will not hesitate to go all in should it provide leverage in peace negotiations. (With inputs from agencies) Trumps America First policy forces Europe to rethink its defence strategy and move toward self-reliance read more Donald Trumps return to his America First policy has once again created uncertainty about the transatlantic alliance. This has made European nations rethink their security plans. His recent remarks questioning Natos promise to defend all its members and his decision to stop military aid to Ukraine have made European leaders more worried about their continents safety. As a result, Europe is moving faster toward building its own defence system leading to a major change in global politics. Advertisement Trumps Nato rhetoric Trump again expressed his long-standing doubts about Natos financial burden-sharing, Reuters reported on Thursday. He made it clear that if European nations do not pay enough for their defence, the US would not help them. While this is not a new stance, it has become more serious as tensions with Russia grow. European leaders, already unsure about Washingtons commitment under Trump, are now forced to think about a future where Nato might not guarantee their protection. Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte tried to reassure allies saying that the transatlantic partnership remains the bedrock of the alliance. However, Trumps comments have already created uncertainty in European capitals leading to a rethink of strategic priorities. French President Emmanuel Macron reminded Washington that Europe had stood by the US in the past such as after 9/11 when it joined the war in Afghanistan subtly pointing out that Nato works both ways. The Ukraine factor Trumps decision to stop military aid to Ukraine making it conditional on Kyiv agreeing to peace talks with Moscow has further damaged US-European relations. Along with this, reports that his administration is considering lifting some sanctions on Russia have made European leaders see this as a major change in Washingtons foreign policy. Advertisement European leaders, realising the need for quick action, held emergency talks in Brussels to strengthen defence cooperation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the moment historic stressing that the EU is determined to ensure Europes security and to act with the scale, the speed and the resolve that this situation demands. Europes financial and strategic response In response to Trumps unpredictable stance, the EU has started taking steps to ease budget rules making it easier for countries to increase defence spending. European nations, which Trump has often criticised for not spending enough on their militaries are now making serious efforts to close the gap. The European Commission estimates that these reforms could help raise about 650 billion euros ($702 billion). Advertisement The EU has also proposed loans worth 150 billion euros ($162 billion) to speed up military purchases aiming to reduce dependence on American weapons. German politician Friedrich Merz, who is likely to be the next chancellor, has supported easing Germanys strict debt rules to allow more defence spending. Likewise, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stressed the urgency of the situation, saying that Europe must spend, spend, spend on defence and deterrence. A shift toward European strategic autonomy Europes reaction to Trumps policies highlights a growing push for strategic independence, a concept long supported by France and now gaining wider acceptance across the EU. As the US shifts toward a more transactional approach to alliances, European leaders are looking for ways to rely less on Washington. Advertisement Macron has been a strong supporter of European defence independence repeatedly saying that Europe must take its destiny into its own hands. His views now have more support, especially as the US seems closer to Moscow on Ukraine than to its traditional European allies. The creation of a European Defence Fund and ongoing talks about an EU army reflect this major shift. Public opinion in Europe is also moving toward self-reliance. Many Europeans see Trumps actions as a warning that the US may no longer be a dependable security partner. In Germany, Poland and France, recent polls show strong public support for increased defence spending and independent military forces. The European Parliament, which has usually been cautious about defence issues, is now speeding up discussions on a joint security strategy. Advertisement Political shifts within Europe further highlight this change. The Associated Press reported that countries like Poland, which have long depended on US security, are now strengthening ties with Germany and France. Meanwhile, Hungarys Viktor Orban, who has been openly pro-Trump, is becoming more isolated within the EU as other member states come together around the idea of strategic independence. Future of transatlantic relations Despite Trumps America First stance, the US and Europe still share strong economic, cultural and strategic ties. However, the changing global situation suggests that the post-World War II transatlantic order may not be sustainable in its current form. The key question now is whether Europe can build its own defence system without weakening Natos core structure. Some experts believe that Europes move towards independence could actually make Nato stronger by creating a more balanced alliance where responsibilities are shared more fairly. Others worry that a divided security approach could weaken collective defence making Europe more vulnerable to external threats. Trumps America First policy has clearly sped up Europes push for a more independent security strategy. His repeated doubts about Natos importance and his decision to stop military aid to Ukraine have forced European nations to take defence matters into their own hands. The EUs quick responseraising funds, boosting military cooperation and rethinking its security prioritiesmarks a historic shift in transatlantic relations. Whether Europes new determination leads to a lasting and effective defence strategy is yet to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Europes unquestioned reliance on US military support is fading, marking the beginning of a new geopolitical era where Europe is set on shaping its own future. The official said that the AI-fueled initiative will be called catch and revoke and will focus on conducting AI-assisted reviews of tens of thousands of student visa holders social media accounts read more Pro-Palestinian protesters barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building at Columbia University in New York, on April 30. Dozens of protesters were occupying the building, which law enforcement later cleared. Columbia was the epicenter of college demonstrations that began in April. AP The US Department of State is reportedly planning to use Artificial Intelligence to revoke visas of foreign students who they perceive to be supporters of Hamas. According to a report by Axios, a senior state department official close to the initiative gave an insight into the proposed plan on Thursday. The reports are floating months after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to combat antisemitism. While signing the legislation, the Republican firebrand pledged to deport non-citizens and college students, especially those who took part in the pro-Palestinian protests that rocked different US campuses last year. The official said that the AI-fueled initiative will be called catch and revoke and will focus on conducting AI-assisted reviews of tens of thousands of student visa holders social media accounts. Advertisement According to Axios, the officials will also check news reports of previous demonstrations against Israels policies, along with lawsuits filed by Jewish students accusing foreign students of engaging in antisemitism. However, it is pertinent to note that some of the pro-Palestinian groups were Jewish themselves, and many protesters have denounced antisemitism and Hamas. Advocates raise alarm The supporters of these demonstrations raised the alarm that using artificial intelligence for surveillance could lead to errors, misidentifications and even privacy violations. This should concern all Americans. This is a First Amendment and freedom of speech issue and the administration will overplay its hand, said Abed Ayoub, the executive director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. Americans wont like this. Theyll view this as capitulating free speech rights for a foreign nation," he added. Meanwhile, the state official told Axios that the state Department is working with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to conduct the operation. However, all the three departments are yet to make formal comment over the matter. In the past, Trump said he will stop federal funding for educational institutions that allow what he described as illegal protests. Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or arrested, Trump said on Tuesday. It is pertinent to note that the Constitution of the United States First Amendment protects freedom of speech and assembly. Activists have often used the amendment to criticise Trumps aggressive rhetoric. In the midst of all this, on Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union published an open letter urging colleges and universities not to bow to federal pressure to use surveillance or punish international students or faculty if they were involved in any campus protests. The group argued that the protests were constitutionally protected free speech. Advertisement It is disturbing to see the White House threatening freedom of speech and academic freedom on US college campuses so blatantly, said Cecillia Wang, legal director of the ACLU and co-author of the letter. Trumps latest coercion campaign, attempting to turn university administrators against their students and faculty, harkens back to the McCarthy era and is at odds with American constitutional values and the basic mission of universities," she added. Soon after Hamass October 7 attack in Southern Israel, Washington re-designated Hamas as a foreign terrorist organisation. The arrests were confirmed by the Department of Justice and the FBIs new Director, Kash Patel. The accused in the case were identified as Jian Zhao and Li Tian, who were stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and former soldier Ruoyo Duan read more The seal on the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building is seen June 9, 2023, in Washington. File Image / AP Two active-duty US Army soldiers and one former soldier were arrested in Oregon on Thursday and were accused of gathering and sending sensitive information to individuals in China. The arrests were confirmed by the Department of Justice and the FBIs new Director, Kash Patel. The accused in the case were identified as Jian Zhao and Li Tian, who were stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and former soldier Ruoyo Duan. All three officers were charged with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. Meanwhile. Zhao is facing additional charges of conspiring to obtain and transmit national defence information to an individual not authorized to receive it. The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken Americas defence capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. Advertisement They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice, she added. The Justice Department noted that Duan and Tian were accused of conspiring with each other to surreptitiously gather sensitive military information related to the United States Armys operational capabilities from Nov. 28, 2021, to at least Dec. 19, 2024. The information includes technical manuals and military weapon systems, specifically Bradley and Stryker US Army fighting vehicles. How three US Army officers shared crucial information with China According to the Justice Department, active-duty Army officer Tian was tasked with gathering the above information for former soldier Duan in return for money. Zhao was an active-duty Army supply sergeant who allegedly began conspiring to obtain and send national defense information to people in China sometime in July 2024. Specifically, Zhao was charged for his conspiracy to collect and transmit several classified hard drives, including hard drives marked SECRET and TOP SECRET, negotiating with individuals based in China for their sale, and agreeing to send the classified hard drives to the individuals in China, the DOJ said in the release. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel also shared his take on the matter. I can now report that today, the FBI, along with our interagency partners led by @AGPamBondi, arrested two active duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former U.S. Army soldier for theft of government property and a bribery scheme, Patel wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. These individuals have been charged with stealing Americas defence intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country. They will now face American justice, the statement further reads. The Department said that Zhou allegedly received at least $10,000 in exchange for the classified hard drives. The matter is currently under investigation. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. US President Donald Trump laid down the goliath at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday when he said that DOGE supremo Elon Musk only have an advisory role and the final call about their departments will be taken by the respective secretaries read more At a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, US President Donald Trump set the record straight that his ministers are in charge of their departments and not his so-called First Buddy Elon Musk. Two administration officials who were present during the meeting told Politico that Trump made it clear to the top members of his Cabinet that Musk is only empowered to make recommendations to respective departments. Trump maintained that his billionaire friend is not supposed to issue unilateral decisions on staffing and other policies. Interestingly, the POTUS made all these proclamations while Musk was in the room. The meeting came days after a series of mass firings and to government workers were passed on by the Tesla CEO at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Advertisement These frequent warnings from DOGE have created broad uncertainty across the federal government and its workforce. In recent days, the temporary departments actions have faced ferocious resistance in court and are often criticised by both Democratic and some Republican lawmakers. Is Trump tightening the leash on Musk? The presidents remarks at the Cabinet meeting are now seen as the first significant move to narrow Musk and his departments overarching mandate. In his new guidance, the president made it clear that DOGE and its staff should play an advisory role but Cabinet secretaries should make final decisions on personnel, policy and the pacing of implementation. Following the presidents remarks, Musk made it clear that he was on board to lead the department only under Trumps directive. One person familiar with the meeting told Politico that Musk acknowledged that DOGE had made some missteps a message he shared earlier this week with members of Congress. Meanwhile, Trump stressed that he wants to keep good people in his administration and has no intention to eject capable federal workers. This is in contrast to what is currently happening in his White House. In just over one month, Trumps administration has managed to fire tens of thousands of federal workers across numerous agencies in a series of blanket terminations. In light of this, a federal judge and the chair of a federal civil service board have both concluded that the terminations were not tied to performance issues and may have violated civil service laws. It remains unclear whether the new directive would lead to more workers getting laid off or initiate a rehiring process. Keep all people you need: Trump Following the Cabinet meeting, Trump took to TruthSocial, where he promised to hold similar meetings every two weeks. As the Secretaries learn about, and understand, the people working for the various Departments, they can be very precise as to who will remain, and who will go, he wrote. We say the scalpel rather than the hatchet. The combination of them, Elon, DOGE, and other great people will be able to do things at a historic level," the president furthered. While speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trump said that he wants his Cabinet members to keep all the people you want, everybody that you need. However, he maintained that he wanted to make cuts and that Musk would continue to remain a power centre. If they can cut, its better. And if they dont cut, then Elon will do the cutting," he said. Musk later retweeted Trumps post and called it a very productive meeting. Advertisement The US Supreme Court has rejected Tahawwur Ranas plea to halt his extradition to India over the Mumbai terror attacks. read more Tahawwur Rana's extradition has been cleared by the US. File Photo/ANI The US Supreme Court has rejected Tahawwur Ranas plea to get a stay on his extradition to India over the Mumbai terror attacks. His plea was rejected by Justice Elena Kagan. Afterwards, Ranas lawyer filed a new emergency request, asking for it to be reviewed by the Chief Justice. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged in Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center in the United States. He is linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Headley and is said to be a key planner of the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 175 people. Advertisement A Muslim of Pakistani origin: Plea In his emergency application to the US Supreme Court, Rana claimed that he would face torture in India if extradited because he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin. Ranas petition claimed that his extradition to India violates US law and the UN Convention Against Torture, arguing there is a high risk he would face torture. The application argued that Ranas serious health issues would make extradition to Indian detention facilities a de facto death sentence. It cited medical records from July 2024, showing he has had multiple heart attacks, Parkinsons disease with cognitive decline, a possible bladder cancer mass, stage 3 kidney disease, chronic asthma, and multiple COVID-19 infections. Trump admin approves Ranas extradition During Prime Minister Modis visit to Washington in February, US President Trump said that his administration had approved the extradition of very evil Rana to face justice in India. Meanwhile, Irans mission to the United Nations said refused to receive any such letter from US President Donald Trump pressing for talks on preventing the development of nuclear weapons. read more U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter to Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, seeking a new deal with Tehran to restrain its rapidly advancing nuclear program and replace the one he withdrew America from in his first term in office. I hope youre going to negotiate, because its going to be a lot better for Iran, Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Friday. I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something, because you cant let another nuclear weapon. Advertisement The White House confirmed Trumps comments, saying that he sent a letter to Irans leaders seeking to negotiate a nuclear deal. I would rather negotiate a deal. Im not sure that everybody agrees with me, but we can make a deal that would be just as good as if you won militarily," Trump added. But the time is happening now. The time is coming up. Somethings going to happen one way or the other. The other alternative is we have to do something because you cant let them have a nuclear weapon. Trumps acknowledgment comes as both Israel and the United States have warned they will never let Iran acquire a nuclear weapon, leading to fears of a military confrontation as Tehran enriches uranium at near weapons-grade levels a purity only sought by atomic-armed nations. However, Irans mission to the United Nations said on Friday that no letter had been received from US President Donald Trump pressing for talks on preventing the development of nuclear weapons. We have not received such a letter so far, said a spokesman for Irans embassy to the UN after Tehrans foreign minister told AFP Friday that the country would not negotiate so long as the United States applies maximum pressure. Iran has consistently claimed that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, even as its officials increasingly hint at pursuing nuclear weapons amid heightened tensions with the U.S. over sanctions and with Israel, as a fragile ceasefire persists in the Gaza conflict with Hamas. Advertisement Since Trumps return to the White House, his administration has repeatedly emphasized the need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, a recent report by the United Nations nuclear watchdog revealed that Iran has ramped up its production of near weapons-grade uranium. Trumps first term saw significant strain in U.S.-Iran relations. In 2018, he unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal with world powers, reimposing sanctions that crippled Irans economy. Tensions escalated further in 2020 when Trump ordered a drone strike in Baghdad that killed Irans top general. Trumps new approach to Russia, Iran Trump has upended U.S. foreign policy after taking office in January, adopting a more conciliatory stance towards Russia that has left Western allies wary as he tries to broker an end to Moscows three-year-old war in Ukraine. Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, a multinational agreement to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, in 2018, a year into his first White House term. Last month, Trump restored his maximum pressure campaign on Iran that includes efforts to drive its oil exports down to zero. However, he also said he would like to make a deal with Tehran. Advertisement It is unclear how Trumps overture to Iran would be received by U.S. ally Israel, an arch foe of Tehran. Iran and Israel mounted military strikes on each other last April and October. The Israeli prime ministers office did not immediately return a request for comment on Trumps letter to Iran. Russia has offered to mediate between the United States and Iran, a source briefed on discussions told Reuters on Tuesday, as the Kremlin vowed to do everything possible to facilitate a peaceful solution to tensions over Tehrans nuclear program. A call for diplomacy with Iran After Trump quit the nuclear agreement in 2018, Iran began moving away from its nuclear-related commitments under the 2015 deal between Iran and key world powers, which lifted sanctions on Iran in return for restrictions on its nuclear program. After taking office in January, Trump also directed his U.N. ambassador to work with allies to complete the snapback of international sanctions and restrictions on Iran. Advertisement Britain, France and Germany told the United Nations Security Council in December that they are ready - if necessary - to trigger the restoration of all the international sanctions to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. It was not the first time a U.S. president has communicated with Iranian leaders. Under Iranian law, the supreme leader, not the president, has the last say on key state matters like Irans foreign policy and the nuclear program. When U.S. President Barack Obama took office in 2009, he offered Khamenei direct engagement - provided Iran was serious about ending concerns over its nuclear program. Obama twice wrote directly to Khamenei, in 2009 and again in 2012. Advertisement Iranian officials in 2014 acknowledged that Tehran had replied to previous letters from Obama, though it was not clear who specifically had responded. Iran confirmed in 2013 that President Hassan Rouhani had exchanged letters with Obama, confirming a rare contact between leaders of the two nations. The United States and Iran cut diplomatic relations in 1980, after students and Islamic militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took American diplomats hostage. With inputs from agencies by Austin Bay March 6, 2025 During his remarkable March 4 address to Congress, President Donald Trump said this about his efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine War: "If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides." That's the truth for would-be peacemakers in any era. For what it's worth, a 2002 peacemaking handbook sponsored by the Anglican Church of Kenya said as much, and it was written with the goal of ending a tribal conflict in South Sudan. The peacemaker serves as connector and facilitator. Trump's statement definitely applies to this horrible European war that involves nuclear weapons. Trump genuinely deplores the human death toll, the enormous economic costs to Ukraine and Russia, and the prospect of a wider war with nuke-armed Russia fighting a NATO nation. In 1999, Trump told "Meet the Press" host Tim Russert, "The biggest problem this world has is nuclear proliferation." Trump's critics ignore the depth of his thinking about complex issues and consistently underestimate his diplomatic and economic skills. I wrote this in February 2023: "... (F)rom Russia's February 2014 attack on Crimea to this very minute nuclear weapons have been the Ukraine war's deep global issue." Now here's the very harsh truth a peacemaker must acknowledge: Ukraine is the victim of Russian aggression -- arguably, megalomaniacal imperialism. Russia invaded Crimea in February 2014 and annexed it a month later. For the first time since the end of World War II, military aggression in Europe by a major European power had led to political annexation and imperial territorial expansion. Was Vladimir Putin Nazi-like? Yes. Yet there was surprisingly little pushback beyond rhetorical condemnation. Hence a sad but relevant truth: Barack Obama didn't want to antagonize Russia. His March 2014 statement is frank and, if anything, a straddle similar to Trump's negotiating strategy. As Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in their now famous White House collision, Obama gave Ukraine blankets, Trump's first administration gave Ukraine Javelin anti-tank missiles -- and a lot of ammo, anti-aircraft missiles and training assistance. Trump also encouraged Poland, Britain and other NATO nations to help. They did. More ugly truth: Russia double-crossed the U.S., Britain and Ukraine. When Putin's Russia invaded Crimea, it shredded the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. That accord traded Ukraine's nuclear weapons for Russia's guarantee that it would not violate Ukraine's territory. Former President Bill Clinton signed the deal. The U.S., Ukraine and Britain thought they had solved the problem of ex-Soviet nukes and assured Ukrainian sovereignty. Nix that. No wonder Zelenskyy distrusts deals with Russia and demands iron-clad U.S. and European security commitments. Another non-negotiable fact: Ukraine 2025 is a nation in arms, waging a brilliant and courageous resistance against a megalomaniacal aggressor -- Putin -- whose dream is a resurrected Russian Empire. And he said as much in 2004. At the strategic level, Putin made his war a direct challenge to the NATO alliance. He wanted to exploit divisions within NATO. He failed. Sweden and Finland now belong to NATO -- that's a strategic defeat for Moscow. Trump knows it and Putin knows it. Huge spikes in energy prices fueled Putin's 2022 invasion. President Joe Biden's decision to stifle U.S. oil fracking and kill the Keystone pipeline gave Putin the money to risk an all-out invasion. We've a bitter example of an incompetent and ignorant White House inflicting major damage to U.S. foreign policy and our own domestic economy. Trump's "drill, baby, drill" is an economic attack on Putin's war machine. On March 3, during a Fox News interview, Vice President J.D. Vance said this about the Ukraine War: "This thing cannot go on forever. There aren't enough Ukrainian lives, there isn't enough American money, and there isn't enough ammunition to fund this thing indefinitely." Several complicated truths back Vance's statement. Ukraine has suffered hundreds of thousands of casualties, dead and wounded. Its military faces manpower shortages. Frankly, brave Ukraine confronts military and economic exhaustion. In his March 4 speech, Trump said he had received "an important letter" from Zelenskyy that said, "Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians." I think that's true. Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing and New Delhi should work together for mutual success. The remarks came a day after External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said that peace at the border is crucial for strengthening ties between the two nations read more External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro. File Image: X | @DrSJaishankar. Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the ties between Beijing and New Delhi are heading towards a positive direction in the past year. On Friday, the veteran Chinese diplomat faced the press to lay out the countrys foreign policy direction. When asked about the countrys ties with India, Wang Yi said that both nations should now focus on working together for mutual success. Wang said that the common task in hand for both China and India is to drive their own development and prosperity mechanism. The countries should support each other rather than consume each other, and cooperate closely rather than guard against each other, the Chinese diplomat averred. Advertisement In the Friday presser, Wang also emphasised that China and India should come together to promote the development of the Global South and that the border dispute between the two nations should not be the only thing determining their bilateral ties. Jaishankar thinks otherwise The remarks from Wang Yi came a day after External Affairs Minister Jaishankar gave his take on the current status of India-China relations. While speaking at a panel discussion in the Chatham House in London, the Indian foreign minister said that India wants stable relations with China in which New Delhis interests are respected and sensitivities are recognised. The key issue is how to create a stable equilibrium and transition into the next phase of equilibriums. We want a stable relationship where our interests are respected, our sensitivities are recognized, and where it works for both of us. That is the main challenge in our relationship, Jaishankar averred. The Indian diplomat noted that over the past 40 years, it has been established that peace and tranquillity in the borders would ultimately bolster ties between the two nations. If the border is unstable, not peaceful, or not tranquil, it will inevitably affect the growth and direction of our relationship, he said. During the event, Jaishankar maintained that the two countries are discussing steps to see how the relationship between the two nations can go towards a more predictable, stable and positive direction. With inputs from agencies. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau started crying in front of the press as he was addressing his governments $10-a-day childcare policy amid Donald Trumps tariff policies. read more Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau started crying in front of the press as he was addressing his governments $10-a-day childcare policy amid Donald Trumps tariff policies. BROKEN BY TRUMP! Canadian PM Justin Trudeau seen sobbing in front of the cameras amid Trump's tariff policies. "On a personal level - I've made sure every single day in this office, I've put Canadians first... I am here to tell you all that we got you. Even in the very last pic.twitter.com/XeFyxApk1r Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 6, 2025 Advertisement On a personal level - Ive made sure every single day in this office, Ive put Canadians first I am here to tell you all that we got you. Even in the very last days of this government, Trudeau said. Emphasising that he will not let Canadians down, Trudeau assured, Thats why Im here to tell you all that weve got you, even in the very last days of this government. Earlier, Trumps administration imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Trudeau, who has already submitted his resignation, was mocked by Donald Trump, who referred to him as the governor of the 51st state of the US. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday continued his war of words on Trudeau, blaming him for the 25% tariff recently imposed on Canada. Advertisement Trump claimed that Trudeau is using the tariff issue as a political strategy to boost his chances of re-election. Believe it or not, despite the terrible job hes done for Canada, I think Justin Trudeau is using the tariff problem, which he largely caused, to run again for Prime Minister. So much fun to watch! Trump wrote on TruthSocial. US President Donald Trump has accused his predecessor Joe Biden of abandoning astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore in space read more Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore during a press conference from the International Space Station. The two have now spent over seven months in space. File image/AP US President Donald Trump has called Sunita Williams, the US astronaut of Indian origin, a woman with wild hair in his latest remarks In his latest salvo at his predecessor Joe Biden, Trump said that the previous administration left Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore in space and he has been in talks with his ally Elon Musk, who runs space company SpaceX, to bring those astronauts back. On June 5, 2024, Williams and Wilmore left for the International Space Station (ISS) for an eight-day mission, but a fault in their spacecraft, Boeing Starliner, meant that the craft was deemed too risky to carry humans. This meant the craft returned to Earth empty and Williams and Wilmore have since been at the ISS their eight-day mission turning into a nine-month stay in space. Advertisement In remarks at the White House, Trump on Thursday said, I see the woman with the wild hair, good, solid head of hair shes got. Theres no kidding, theres no games with her hairWe love you and were coming up to get you. And you shouldnt have been up there so long. Trump on two astronauts stuck in space: "Maybe they'll love each other, I don't know. But they've been left up there. Think of it. And I see the woman with the wild hair. Good solid head of hair she's got. There's no kidding. There's no games with her hair." pic.twitter.com/6a2JHVXFNO Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 6, 2025 Referring to their stay in space, Trump said that Biden allowed that to happen to you, but this president wont let it happen. Trump said that he has asked Musk to get those astronauts back. Biden left them up there. We have two astronauts that are stuck in space. I have asked Elon (Musk), I said, Do me a favour. Can you get them out? He said, Yes. He is preparing to go up, I think in two weeks, said Trump. Advertisement Even though Trump has claimed that Musk is bringing Williams and Wilmore back to Earth within weeks at his request, thats not the case. Under the Biden administration, Nasa entered into an arrangement with SpaceX to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth via Crew 9 flight launched in September 2024. The flight was initially scheduled to bring the two back in February but the two are now scheduled to return later this month. On the same issue, Musk and astronaut Andreas Mogensen had got into an argument on X in which Musk had got abusive. Responding to Musks joint interview with Trump with Fox News in which he claimed that Williams and Wilmore were left in space for political reasons, Mogensen said that Musk was lying. When Musk abused him, Mogensen replied that Musk was lying as the SpaceX flight to bring back the two astronauts was launched under the previous administration in September. Advertisement Elon, I have long admired you and what you have accomplished, especially at SpaceX and Tesla. You know as well as I do, that Butch and Suni are returning with Crew-9, as has been the plan since last September. Even now, you are not sending up a rescue ship to bring them home. They are returning on the Dragon capsule that has been on ISS since last September, said Mogensen on X. The survey asks foreign aid programme staff to explain how their efforts contribute to curbing illegal immigration, securing US borders, combating Christian persecution, and ensuring US access to rare earth minerals, according to a report read more US President Donald Trump in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. Reuters Staff involved in numerous foreign aid projects, which have been stalled due to the funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration, have received a survey asking them to justify their work based on an unusual set of criteria aligned with the White Houses new national security priorities. According to The Guardian report, the survey asks foreign aid programme staff to explain how their efforts contribute to curbing illegal immigration, securing US borders, combating Christian persecution, and ensuring US access to rare earth minerals. Advertisement Moreover, it includes a litmus test on several contentious issues that were prohibited under the Trump administration. Can you confirm this is not a climate or environmental justice project or include such elements? [yes/no], The Guardian quoted the survey as asking. It also asks, Can you confirm that this is no DEI [diversity, equality and inclusion] project or DEI elements of the project? [yes /no]. The questionnaire, distributed eight weeks after the US president announced a foreign aid funding freeze, comes as thousands of projects have already laid off staff and severed ties with local partners. This raises concerns that even if stop-work orders are lifted, many programmes may remain inactive, reported The Guardian. While the administration claims it has restored funding for life-saving programmes and established a rigorous review process for foreign aid spending, staff report a chaotic process and poor communication with USAID and State Department officials responsible for reviewing their programmes. According to ProPublica, an investigative website, current and former officials said that USAIDs acting head, Peter Marocco, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio cut critical programmes without consulting contract officers, who oversee individual projects and serve as primary contacts for aid groups. This took place after the Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administrations freeze on nearly $2 billion in foreign aid. Some stop-work orders from late January began to be lifted Thursday evening, indicating initial compliance with the courts ruling. Advertisement However, programme administrators remain unclear about the criteria for future reviews. We might not file the questionnaire now [because] were worried it will be incriminating in some way, The Guardian quoted head of one programme that had its stop-work order lifted on Thursday as saying. Lots of (organisations) arent doing it anyway, he added. The questionnaire provides a stark view of the administrations priorities for foreign aid under Trumps America First mantra. One question asks whether organisations work with communist, socialist, or totalitarian parties, or any party that espouses anti-American beliefs? Another queries whether this project reinforces US sovereignty by limiting reliance on international organizations or global governance structures (e.g., UN, WHO)? It also inquires if organisations have received any funding from Russia, China, Cuba, or Iran. Advertisement Politico, which first reported on the survey, noted on Wednesday that the State Departments Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor had initiated a review of its foreign assistance projects. USAID had previously circulated a shorter version of the questionnaire that did not address DEI, transgender, or climate-related projects, added the outlet. A series of memos from Nicholas Enrich, the acting assistant administrator for global health at USAID, estimated that cutting foreign aid and dismantling USAID could result in 1 million children going untreated each year for severe acute malnutrition often fatal along with 18 million additional malaria cases and 200,000 children paralyzed by polio annually. Advertisement With inputs from agencies The company known for its privacy-centered search engine, DuckDuckGo, has been developing its unique artificial intelligence experience since last year. The good news is it is now out of beta testing for all users to enjoy. The new 'Duck.ai' tools are making waves in the tech industry as they offer a privacy-focused generative AI experience while leveraging smart and powerful features to access. Its main focus is offering a secure and worry-free experience that does not collect user data at all. It keeps this information exclusive to its owners, staying true to its core of privacy and security. DuckDuckGo AI Tools Brings Privacy-Centered Experiences DuckDuckGo has announced that its privacy-centered AI experiences are finally out of beta after almost a year, and it is now ready to deliver the generative machine-learning technology. One of the announcements involves Duck.ai, which has been renamed from DuckDuckGo AI Chat. Next, the company has also made its Duck.ai accessible via its security-first browser app for PCs, with users given an AI-boosted search engine experience via "Assist," which helps answer user questions right when they are browsing. The company says that users do not need to create an account to access both Duck.ai and its AI-assisted answers on the browser app. DuckDuckGo's Privacy-Focused Online Services Privacy has been a grey area for many tech companies throughout the years as data collection has been a valuable process for them to not only improve usage but also to earn. This has been denounced by DuckDuckGo through the years, and the company started by assuring the public that their data are safe with features like "web tracking protection." Apple has introduced App Tracking Protection for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, which gives users peace of mind when using their devices as they can opt to "ask app not to track" their activity. However, DuckDuckGo has also offered this kind of service not only on iOS but also on Google's Android OS, which offers to block apps from tracking and accessing your data. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Larry Robinson/The Daily Sentinel One of the patient rooms inside Community Hospitals labor and delivery ward, The Birth Place, is seen on March 5. Despite improvements to increase patient comfort in hospital labor and delivery units, there is still a stigma attached to giving birth at a hospital that a freestanding labor and delivery alternative could provide. Bloomin Babies was that alternative on the Western Slope, but Intermountain Health announced on Feb. 18 that it was closing the facility because of shrinking demand and ongoing fiscal struggles. Social Security Administration and other federal real estate space in Grand Junction is listed on a Department of Government Efficiency website showing lease terminations, raising questions about potential local impacts to that and other agencies on the list, and to the services they provide. DOGE is a cost-savings Trump administration initiative involving billionaire Elon Musk. The website, www.doge.gov/savings, lists terminations of contracts, grants and real estate leases that it says are contributing to federal cost-cutting. It lists nearly 750 real estate lease terminations that it says result in about $468 million in lease savings. The list includes 7,975 square feet of Social Security Administration space in Grand Junction with an annual lease cost of $273,418. Also listed in Grand Junction are 44,747 square feet of U.S. Geological Survey space with about a $1.21 million annual lease cost, 1,444 square feet of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service space costing $22,360 annually, and 3,386 square feet of U.S. Attorneys Office space costing $74,634 a year. Contacted by the Sentinel about what the future might hold for Grand Junction when it comes to having a local Social Security office, an agency spokesperson responded in an email that the agency is working with the federal General Services Administration to review our leases and ensure they are used efficiently. Most of the leases we are not renewing are for small remote hearing sites that are co-located with other Federal space. As the majority of our hearings are held virtually, we no longer need as many in-person hearings locations. In fact, in (the 2024 fiscal year), 20% of these offices held no in-person hearings. Other offices are non-public facing, being consolidated into nearby locations, or we had planned to close. Social Security continuously monitors and evaluates the use of our office space to maximize efficiency for the American taxpayer. The DOGE site listing for the local Social Security space includes language saying, Termination details are still being finalized. The lessor and customer have been notified, and the strategy is under development. As for the local U.S. Attorneys Office lease, Melissa Brandon, public affairs officer for the U.S Attorney in the District of Colorado, told the Sentinel, What I can tell you is we do not expect any changes to our lease as of now. She said the local lease cancellation isnt expected to go forward. Asked how the local office location might have ended up on the list of leases being canceled, she said, I dont think I have a comment. ... I would say that currently I dont expect any changes to our lease. The office is home to Assistant U.S. Attorney Pete Hautzinger. A Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson didnt immediately respond Thursday to a request for comment from the Sentinel about the local lease cancellation on the DOGE list. Grand Junction is home to the agencys Western Colorado Ecological Services Field Office and to a Conservation Office focused on endangered fish recovery. However, the address for those offices appears to be different from the address given for the affected lease in a list of affected Department of Interior sites linked to a news release from the office U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif. Huffman is ranking Democrat on the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee. The Sentinel left a voicemail at the local U.S. Geological Survey Colorado Water Science Center office for this story but didnt receive a response. Huffmans release said that the DOGE list includes 34 U.S. Geological Survey locations. Funding freezes, NRCS staff cuts create local agricultural uncertainty Cuts in local Natural Resources Conservation Service staff and freezes in federal funding ar Many USGS locations need to be field-based to do important monitoring for things like earthquake and volcano activity. They also operate stream gauges that provide critical flood warnings for cities and towns near rivers, the release said. The inclusion of the sites on the DOGE list comes as the Trump administration also is cutting jobs in many agencies, including within the Department of Interior and the Social Security Administration. Huffman said in his release, This (office space) decision defies all logic. While the Trump administration demands a return-to-office, GSA is shutting those offices down eliminating jobs, destabilizing local economies and gutting essential services. The most vulnerable communities will bear the brunt of this reckless decision, and if they think well stand by and watch it happen, theyre dead wrong. Nick Bayer, with the office of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, R-Grand Junction, said when asked about the inclusion of the local real estate locations on the list, I havent received any info and I cant confirm anything. The first-term congressman vowed during his election campaign to protect Social Security. Map showing the zones of control of the different forces in Syria as of February 26, after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, according to latest data from ISW Artistic rendering of the upcoming mural by Maggie Mulcahy for the Community Cafe. Sunday Night Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low near 65F. NNW winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph. Researchers at the University of Glasgow and the Forman Christian College University, Pakistan, are pioneering a groundbreaking approach to combat the devastating Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD) through microbiota transplantation. For decades Cotton Leaf Curl Disease has been devastating cotton crops across the world, especially Southeast Asia. Pakistan, a leading high-quality cotton-producing country, faces a severe challenge due to the biotic stresses encountered by the cotton crop. A consistent crop loss and yield reductions of up to 35% have placed Pakistans textile industry on the verge of crashing. While the annual economic loss of $2 billion USD is a severe blow to the countrys economy, it has also become a critical concern for sustainability scientists. Traditional methods, including chemical treatments and genetic modifications, have had limited success in tackling the disease. However, researchers are now exploring an innovative strategytransplanting entire microbial communities from disease-resistant cotton species to susceptible ones. (a) Culturable microbial community from the donor, G. arboreum, rhizosphere. (b) G. hirsutum plant under rhizospheric transplantation from donor G. arboreum, showing significantly reduced symptoms of CLCuD until 40 days post CLCuV-inoculation. This research, published in Communications Biology, focuses on transferring rhizospheric (root-associated) and phyllospheric (leaf-associated) microbiota from Gossypium arboreuma naturally resistant cotton species but not useful for good fabric productionto Gossypium hirsutum, which is highly susceptible to CLCuD but highly valuable for fabric production. Organ transplantation has always been mainstreamed in human health and our minds often jump to organ donations in humans. But what we thought of was, why not plants? What if plants can have their own version of transplants as well? Not of organs, but of something equally vital, and that is their microbiome, says Ayesha Badar, first author and PhD researcher for the study. Preliminary results indicate that rhizospheric microbiota transplantation significantly reduces disease incidence, outperforming traditional treatments such as salicylic acid application. While the researchers have found that interspecies microbiota transplantation contributes to viral disease tolerance in cotton plants, their study also states: The rhizosphere of CLCuD-resistant G. arboreum (Rhi.RMF) appeared to harbour selective beneficial bacterial genera which, when transplanted onto susceptible host species G. hirsutum, imparted not only disease suppression but enhanced growth rate as well. Dr Umer Zeeshan Ijaz from the University of Glasgows James Watt School of Engineering, a leading expert in bioinformatics, plays a key role in analyzing the complex microbial interactions involved in this process. "Using advanced sequencing techniques, we can decode the microbial communities responsible for disease suppression, paving the way for targeted microbiome-based interventions," he said. Dr Kauser Abdulla Malik, Professor and Dean of Postgraduate Studies at Forman Christian College University, explains: "Due to the advent of CLCuD in the early 1990s, the cotton production drastically reduced. The National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Pakistan, where I was Director at the time, pioneered CLCuV isolation and characterization. Despite employing RNAi and other advanced techniques, viral mutations rendered resistance efforts unsuccessful. After decades of battling with CLCuV in Pakistan, now, by leveraging the power of beneficial microbes, we are developing a sustainable, biological solution to improve crop resilience. This research marks a shift from conventional disease management to harnessing natures own defense mechanisms." The findings of this research hold immense potential for sustainable agriculture. By reducing dependency on chemical pesticides and fostering natural plant defenses, microbiota transplantation could become a game-changer in managing plant diseases globally. The research team envisions future applications of this method in various crops, expanding the scope of microbiome-based disease management. This work highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing agricultural challenges and underscores Pakistans contribution to cutting-edge scientific advancements in plant health. The teams paper, titled Microbiota transplantation for cotton leaf curl disease suppressioncore microbiome and transcriptome dynamics, is published in Communications Biology. France provides military intelligence to Ukraine as US steps back By VOA News March 06, 2025 French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Thursday that France is sharing intelligence with Ukraine, a move that followed the United States saying it was cutting off intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. The move comes as European Union leaders gathered Thursday in Brussels, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for a summit to discuss boosting defense spending and bolstering pledges of support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia's invasion. French President Emmanuel Macron said ahead of the talks that EU members would "take decisive steps forward," while he expressed concerns about shifts in U.S. support for Ukraine under new President Donald Trump. "The future of Europe does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow," Macron said. Trump earlier in the week ordered the U.S. to suspend military aid to Kyiv's fighters after his contentious meeting last week with Zelenskyy at the White House. CIA Director John Ratcliffe said Wednesday that the United States had also, for the moment, ended sharing its intelligence with Kyiv, although it could be short-lived after Zelenskyy said the exchanges with Trump in the Oval Office had been "regrettable" and that Ukraine was ready for peace talks with Russia. "I think on the military front and the intelligence front, the pause [that prompted Ukraine's president to respond], I think will go away," Ratcliffe told the Fox Business Network. "I think we'll work shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine as we have to push back on the aggression that's there, but to put the world in a better place for these peace negotiations to move forward," he said. Since the start of the war in 2022, the United States has provided Ukraine with significant intelligence, including critical information its military needs for targeting Russian forces. Mike Waltz, Trump's national security adviser, told reporters Wednesday that the U.S. "had taken a step back" and that the administration was "reviewing all aspects" of its intelligence relationship with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Waltz told CBS News that the U.S. is moving quickly to start peace negotiations to end the war and sign a mineral rights deal with Kyiv. "I think we're going to see movement in very short order," Waltz said. He said Trump officials will meet with Ukrainian officials as they conduct shuttle diplomacy with Russia. "I have literally just been on the phone with my counterpart, the Ukrainian national security adviser, talking about times, locations, delegations," Waltz said. Reaching a peace deal could prove difficult. Ukraine has long demanded a restoration of its internationally recognized 2014 borders before Moscow unilaterally seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. Overall, Russia now holds about a fifth of Ukrainian territory, including much of eastern Ukraine, and has vowed to not return any of it to the Kyiv government. 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 Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP Presidential Actions EXECUTIVE ORDER March 6, 2025 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1. Purpose. The dishonest and dangerous activity of the law firm Perkins Coie LLP ("Perkins Coie") has affected this country for decades. Notably, in 2016 while representing failed Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Perkins Coie hired Fusion GPS, which then manufactured a false "dossier" designed to steal an election. This egregious activity is part of a pattern. Perkins Coie has worked with activist donors including George Soros to judicially overturn popular, necessary, and democratically enacted election laws, including those requiring voter identification. In one such case, a court was forced to sanction Perkins Coie attorneys for an unethical lack of candor before the court. In addition to undermining democratic elections, the integrity of our courts, and honest law enforcement, Perkins Coie racially discriminates against its own attorneys and staff, and against applicants. Perkins Coie publicly announced percentage quotas in 2019 for hiring and promotion on the basis of race and other categories prohibited by civil rights laws. It proudly excluded applicants on the basis of race for its fellowships, and it maintained these discriminatory practices until applicants harmed by them finally sued to enforce change. My Administration is committed to ending discrimination under "diversity, equity, and inclusion" policies and ensuring that Federal benefits support the laws and policies of the United States, including those laws and policies promoting our national security and respecting the democratic process. Those who engage in blatant race-based and sex-based discrimination, including quotas, but purposefully hide the nature of such discrimination through deceiving language, have engaged in a serious violation of the public trust. Their disrespect for the bedrock principle of equality represents good cause to conclude that they neither have access to our Nation's secrets nor be deemed responsible stewards of any Federal funds. Sec. 2. Security Clearance Review. (a) The Attorney General, the Director of National Intelligence, and all other relevant heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall immediately take steps consistent with applicable law to suspend any active security clearances held by individuals at Perkins Coie, pending a review of whether such clearances are consistent with the national interest. (b) The Office of Management and Budget shall identify all Government goods, property, material, and services, including Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities, provided for the benefit of Perkins Coie. The heads of all agencies providing such material or services shall, to the extent permitted by law, expeditiously cease such provision. Sec. 3. Contracting. (a) To prevent the transfer of taxpayer dollars to Federal contractors whose earnings subsidize, among other things, racial discrimination, falsified documents designed to weaponize the Government against candidates for office, and anti-democratic election changes that invite fraud and distrust, Government contracting agencies shall, to the extent permissible by law, require Government contractors to disclose any business they do with Perkins Coie and whether that business is related to the subject of the Government contract. (b) The heads of all agencies shall review all contracts with Perkins Coie or with entities that disclose doing business with Perkins Coie under subsection (a) of this section. To the extent permitted by law, the heads of agencies shall: (i) take appropriate steps to terminate any contract, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation, for which Perkins Coie has been hired to perform any service; (ii) otherwise align their agency funding decisions with the interests of the citizens of the United States; with the goals and priorities of my Administration as expressed in executive actions, especially Executive Order 14147 of January 20, 2025 (Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government); and as heads of agencies deem appropriate. Within 30 days of the date of this order, all agencies shall submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget an assessment of contracts with Perkins Coie or with entities that do business with Perkins Coie effective as of the date of this order and any actions taken with respect to those contracts in accordance with this order. Sec. 4. Racial Discrimination. (a) The Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall review the practices of representative large, influential, or industry leading law firms for consistency with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including whether large law firms: reserve certain positions, such as summer associate spots, for individuals of preferred races; promote individuals on a discriminatory basis; permit client access on a discriminatory basis; or provide access to events, trainings, or travel on a discriminatory basis. (b) The Attorney General, in coordination with the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and in consultation with State Attorneys General as appropriate, shall investigate the practices of large law firms as described in subsection (a) of this section who do business with Federal entities for compliance with race-based and sex-based non-discrimination laws and take any additional actions the Attorney General deems appropriate in light of the evidence uncovered. Sec. 5. Personnel. (a) The heads of all agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide guidance limiting official access from Federal Government buildings to employees of Perkins Coie when such access would threaten the national security of or otherwise be inconsistent with the interests of the United States. In addition, the heads of all agencies shall provide guidance limiting Government employees acting in their official capacity from engaging with Perkins Coie employees to ensure consistency with the national security and other interests of the United States. (b) Agency officials shall, to the extent permitted by law, refrain from hiring employees of Perkins Coie, absent a waiver from the head of the agency, made in consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, that such hire will not threaten the national security of the United States. Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE, March 6, 2025. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Poland's Security Strategy: A Stronger Europe and Transatlantic Unity Republic of Poland - The Chancellery of the Prime Minister 04.03.2025 Poland faces unique geopolitical challenges that require the government's full focus and mobilization. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced an intensification of efforts to strengthen national defense by accelerating legislative work, tightening international cooperation, and participating in discussions on new EU defense financing mechanisms. He emphasized that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own armament. Poland has long argued that strengthening Europe's security should be a top priority for EU leaders. Full Mobilization for National Security The Prime Minister stressed the need to accelerate work on the bill concerning special rules for preparing and implementing defense-related investments. The project requires further refinement and close interdepartmental cooperation. The Ministry of National Defense, as the key institution in this matter, will be responsible for setting the pace of work, which must proceed exceptionally quickly. "We will be making decisions that require full solidarity. In the coming days and weeks, it will be necessary to suspend futile debates, prestige disputes, and coalition misunderstandings. We face decisions that will be taken in an emergency mode," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk before the Cabinet meeting. According to the Prime Minister, politics today cannot be detached from ethical and moral values, which are crucial for many people. "Today, history is unfolding in such a way that the ethical and moral dimension of politics is becoming extremely important. Pragmatism does not always have to be in conflict with decency," said the Prime Minister. The best policy is one that is both effective, ensures security and efficiency, and remains aligned with ethical principles. Poland supports Ukraine's efforts toward sovereignty, territorial integrity, and enhanced defense capabilities. This aligns with Poland's national security interests. "Security, Europe!" Poland's adopted strategy has become a guiding principle for the entire European Union. Not only is Poland currently holding the six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, but it has also prioritized security as the key focus of European policies. Poland is now consistently working to harmonize two critical needs - a strong Europe while maintaining the best possible relations with the United States. "Today, these issues may seem difficult to reconcile, but that does not weaken our determination or our conviction that we are on the right path - that is, the maximum intensification of efforts to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities. At the same time, despite all circumstances, we are consistently ensuring the best possible transatlantic relations and cooperation with our most important ally, the United States," said Donald Tusk. Before the Council of Ministers meeting, the Prime Minister also commented on U.S. President Donald Trump's administration's decision to suspend aid to Ukraine. He acknowledged that reports from the border, including from Poland's hub in Jasionka, confirm the American side's announcements. "This, of course, puts Europe, Ukraine, and also Poland in a more difficult situation. We must face it - there is no room here for resentment toward reality. That was precisely the focus of the meeting in London," added the Prime Minister. During the London meeting, European countries, EU institutions, and non-EU nations - including Norway, Turkey, and Canada - unanimously emphasized the need to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities. Participants expressed full readiness for close cooperation and joint security efforts, including coordinated actions with NATO countries. European Commission Plan - "ReArm Europe" Prime Minister Donald Tusk referred to the proposal by the President of the European Commission to enhance Europe's defense capabilitiesboth its own and those of its partners, including Ukraine. "Tomorrow evening in Brussels, we will discuss this, and on Thursday, we will make decisions at the extraordinary European Council. These European Commission proposals signal a fundamental shift in terms of financing Europe's and its member states' defense capabilities," said the Prime Minister. The plan proposes allocating an additional 800 billion for defense, structured around five pillars: Unlocking national public funds for defense without the risk of exceeding budget deficits - potentially generating 650 billion over four years. Providing EU member states with 150 billion in loans for key defense systems. Redirecting EU funds toward military investments. Mobilizing private capital for defense projects. Engaging the European Investment Bank in defense financing. A portion of these funds could be allocated to assisting war-torn Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also announced a review of Poland's National Recovery Plan to consider reallocating resources toward defense, the defense industry, and economic resilience. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Upgraded vehicles arrive for 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team By Brad Rhen March 5, 2025 FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. -- The first of more than 600 new or upgraded vehicles coming to the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team have begun arriving in Pennsylvania. As part of a program to modernize the 56th SBCT, it is receiving 324 upgraded Stryker vehicles and 300 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. The upgraded Strykers, which include a "double-V" hull, are replacing the brigade's legacy flat-bottom-hull Strykers, and the JLTV's are replacing the brigade's soft-skin M1097 HMMWVs, popularly known as Humvees. Col. Christopher Costello, 56th SBCT commander, said the transition from flat-bottom hull to double-V hull design was initiated in response to vulnerabilities against improvised explosive devices during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The double-V hull design deflects explosive forces away from the vehicle, reducing the risk of catastrophic damage and injury to Soldiers inside, Costello said. "Combat experience in Afghanistan showed that double-V hull Strykers significantly reduced casualties and injury severity compared to flat-bottom hull models," Costello said. "Soldiers often walked away from IED attacks on double-V hull vehicles or returned to duty quickly, a stark improvement over flat-bottom hull performance where casualties were higher." The JLTVs, meanwhile, provide several upgrades over HMMWVs, Costello said. "The JLTV combines improved protection, mobility and payload capacity while addressing the limitations of the older Humvee in modern combat environments," Costello said. At least the first 25 Strykers will come to Fort Indiantown Gap, where they will be used for training, said Col. Jeremy Coleman, Pennsylvania Army National Guard deputy chief of staff for logistics, or G4. All of the JLTVs will come to Fort Indiantown Gap before going out to their units. It has not yet been determined if the remaining Strykers will also come to Fort Indiantown Gap first or if they will be sent directly to the units. "This is a great opportunity for the state, 28th Infantry Division and 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team to modernize our legacy equipment," Coleman said. The brigade will conduct two iterations of "train-the-trainer" training in March, said Maj. Sean Brown, operations officer for the 56th SBCT. This training will train the brigade's qualified flat-bottom hull Stryker operators on the differences and nuances of between the two types of Strykers, Brown said. "Once the train-the-trainer events are complete, these newly qualified Soldiers will then have the responsibility of training the rest of their formations at drills and annual training," Brown said. Also in March, the brigade's maintainers will go through five-day field-level maintenance training where they will learn how to maintain the double-V hull Strykers, Brown said. Costello said there have been some challenges to implementing this upgrade since several hundred 56th SBCT Soldiers are currently deployed to Africa and Germany. Costello, himself, is deployed to Germany in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission. Coleman agreed that there will be some challenges since key personnel from the brigade are currently deployed. "It will take support from all stakeholders to make this is a successful modernization transition," Coleman said. Strykers are eight-wheeled, armored vehicles around which Army Stryker brigades are centered. They come in nine variants, including infantry carrier vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, mortar carrier vehicle, commander's vehicle and medical evacuation vehicle. Depending on the variant, Strykers can carry up to 11 occupants and reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour. The Army has nine Stryker brigade combat teams: seven in the active component and two in the National Guard. The 56th SBCT, which is headquartered at Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham and has units across the state, was the first Stryker brigade in the reserve component when it was transitioned in 2004. Because of this modernization program, the brigade will be better prepared for its combat role when called upon in the future, Costello added. "There will certainly be challenges, but based on the performance of the Soldiers and units during their deployments, I am sure we will be successful," Costello said. "The level of training required for the deployments also encourages me that despite the focus on fielding so much equipment, the Soldiers, if called upon, would be ready to support civil authorities and/or conduct their war time missions." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Joly announces additional sanctions in response to ongoing conflict in Sudan Global Affairs Canada News release March 5, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada Today, the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act against seven individuals and three entities associated with the ongoing conflict in Sudan. After nearly two years of fighting, the situation is deteriorating, with growing violence and atrocities against civilians, propelled by the supply of arms and military equipment to the warring parties and an unwillingness on the part of the leaders to negotiate an end to the war. This situation merits further restrictive measures against Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan, Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), for their refusal to negotiate in good faith and adhere to a permanent ceasefire. As leaders, al-Burhan and Dagalo should be held accountable for their roles in overseeing gross and systematic human rights abuses, some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. These measures also target individuals who have overseen attacks against civilians, who have threatened and destabilized the democratic transition of Sudan, as well as entities involved in the procurement and financing networks for the SAF and the RSF. The announcement underscores Canada's continued support for the people of Sudan, who are facing the devastating consequences of armed conflict since the outbreak of fighting between the SAF and RSF in April 2023. To date, the SAF and RSF have shown little willingness to engage in international mediation efforts. Despite repeated calls to cease the violence, both parties have continued to commit abhorrent human rights abuses and international humanitarian law violations, and to inflict terror against the Sudanese people with complete disregard for their suffering. The list of sanctioned individuals and entities affiliated with the SAF is as follows: Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan , Commander-in-Chief and leader of the SAF , Commander-in-Chief and leader of the SAF El Tahir Mohamed El Awad El Amin , Commander and leader of the Sudanese Air Force , Commander and leader of the Sudanese Air Force Salah Abdallah Mohamed Salah Gosh , former director of Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) , former director of Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) Mohamed Atta Elmoula Abbas , former director of the NISS , former director of the NISS Sudan Master Technology, a Sudanese company manufacturing weapons and vehicles for the SAF as part of the SAF's financing and procurement network The list of sanctioned individuals and entities affiliated with the RSF is as follows: Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo Mousa , leader of the RSF , leader of the RSF Amir Masar Abdurahman Aseel , a leader in Darfur affiliated with the RSF , a leader in Darfur affiliated with the RSF Al-Tijani Al-Tahir Karshoum , a leader in Darfur affiliated with the RSF , a leader in Darfur affiliated with the RSF Tradive General Trading L.L.C. , a front company for the RSF , a front company for the RSF Al Khaleej Bank, a financial institution with ties to the RSF Canada firmly believes that the meaningful inclusion of civilian and civil society voices in mediation efforts is key to ensuring lasting peace. This is why Canada continues to support the participation of Sudanese civil society organizations and women-led rights organizations to engage in mediation efforts to help mitigate the impacts of the conflict at a local level. Canada remains resolute in its commitment to helping address humanitarian needs on the ground. We will continue our work with regional partners, governments and the international community to coordinate the response to support the people of Sudan and those in neighbouring countries impacted by the crisis. Quotes "Canada stands firmly in solidarity with the people of Sudan. An immediate end to the fighting and all violence against civilians is essential. We reiterate our call for all parties to allow the safe, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance, in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law. We cannot, and will not, remain silent in the face of a dire humanitarian crisis." - Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Quick facts As of February 2025, more than 12.5 million people have been displaced, making Sudan the country with the largest displacement crisis in the world. This includes over 9.1 million people who are internally displaced and over 3.4 million who have fled Sudan into neighbouring countries, some of which are already experiencing humanitarian crises. On February 6, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions against two individuals associated with the SAF and RSF who are linked to the continued violence against civilians in Sudan. In 2024, Canada allocated over $104 million in humanitarian assistance funding to address urgent needs in Sudan and neighbouring countries. Canada also announced $31.5 million in development assistance to support sexual and reproductive health and rights and education in emergencies programs in Sudan and neighbouring countries in addition to ongoing bilateral development projects. In November 2024, Canada announced $2 million to support a civilian-led platform to engage in Sudan's political process to end the war. Canada also announced $1.5 million in funding to reduce conflict-related violence against civilians by strengthening community capacity in crisis response, conflict mitigation and psychosocial support, particularly for women and girls in Darfur. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio With Sean Hannity of Fox News US Department of State Interview Marco Rubio, Secretary of State March 5, 2025 QUESTION: Here with the very latest, our Secretary of State Marco Rubio is with us. Mr. Secretary, good to have you. Thank you for being with us. SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. Thank you. QUESTION: You were in the room last Friday. It was somewhat surreal, and I said on Friday and I think I've been proven correct that he will be back, and that letter and that post on X yesterday said everything that I think needed to be said to get this thing back on track. Your thoughts? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I think an important thing to understand about last Friday is not last Friday. It's everything that led up to it. It's been very clear from the beginning that President Trump views this as a protracted, stalemated conflict. And frankly, it's a proxy war between nuclear powers - the United States, helping Ukraine, and Russia - and it needs to come to an end. And no one has any idea or any plan to bring it to an end. The plan of the Ukrainians up to now and their allies on Capitol Hill and the people you talk to in other countries is let's just keep giving them as much as they need for as long as it takes. That's not a strategy. On the Russian side, obviously, they struggled early on in this conflict. They're a bigger country. They've made some progress. But by no means are the Russians running away with it either. So it's a stalemated conflict. This was explained to everybody and it was made very clear. All the President is trying to do here is figure out if there's a path towards peace. We have to engage both sides, the Russians and the Ukrainians. And we asked the Ukrainians not to sabotage it. When the Vice President made the point that it's going to take diplomacy to get things like this solved, President Zelenskyy unfortunately made the decision to challenge the Vice President and start questioning whether diplomacy is even possible; in essence, sabotaging and undermining the President's plan. And so that led to the dust-up. I'm glad to see that there's been a reconsideration of that position because I truly believe that this is a conflict that we need to find a way to end. And it's going to require concessions from both sides, but we have to get them both to the table. The Ukrainians have to be there, obviously. It's their country. The Russians have to be at that table. And only President Trump can make that possible. That's been the goal, that remains the goal, and that's what we're focused on now. QUESTION: Okay. And you're right; it's been a stalemate but it's been a stalemate of hundreds of billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars. SECRETARY RUBIO: Correct. QUESTION: And this is not going to go on in perpetuity and it's - there won't be a country left, and how many more people have to die? How many people died from last Friday to today, for example? So my understanding is Putin said he is willing to get into a negotiated settlement. Is that your understanding? SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah. Look, I mean, we met with them two weeks ago, and the point of our meeting with them was very simple: Are you interested in talking about ending this war or not? Because there can't really be much of a change with our relationship as long as this war is going on. Their answer was we are interested in talking about it. We now need to follow up. It's hard to follow up when the other side of the conflict is saying they're not interested in peace at all, and that was the message that was coming across. Hopefully, that's been corrected. I hope that's going to be corrected more clearly. And then I think that opens the door to figure out whether this is possible. By the way, this should be a mystery to no one. The President, when he was a candidate and he was running, he said very clearly this is a war that never would have happened - and I believe that to be true - had he been president, and we need to bring it to an end. He's working to become - he wants to be a peacemaker. Usually - and I've made this point in multiple interviews - usually people are happy when our president, the president of the most powerful country in the world, is looking to prevent wars and to end wars. Somehow, when it's Donald Trump that's doing it, it's somehow a horrible thing. So as I've said, it's important for us to understand we should be - we are blessed and fortunate to have a president that is looking to bring an end, if possible, to a conflict that's cost billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of lives and destruction that will take a generation for Ukrainians and others to be able to recover from. QUESTION: I've watched you in a couple of interviews, and it frustrates me. Call him an evil dictator thug. Nobody is disagreeing. But at this point, if you want to get a negotiated settlement - that was tried for four years by Joe Biden. At this point, it's time to hit the reset button. Would that deal be a mineral deal first that would ensure U.S. presence and also money for Ukraine to rebuild their country? Would the second phase be a ceasefire? Would the third phase be the negotiated settlement? Does that sound about right to you? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I'm not going to pre-negotiate it. Look, at the end of the day, the Ukrainians are going to have their demands, the Russians are going to have theirs. We have to see how far apart they are, if we get to that point in the process. And that's where diplomacy - that's what the Vice President's point was. That's where diplomacy kicks in. That's where the hard work of diplomacy comes into play when you have to figure out how do you bridge this difference. But this is not unique to this crisis. It's what we're going through right now with Hamas and Israel in Gaza. It's what's taken every war and every conflict that's ended in a truce, a ceasefire, whatever, has all - a peace plan - has all been the result of hard - the hard work of diplomacy of bridging those differences. But we have to begin that process, and you can only do it if both sides are willing to do it. The Russians - look, they're not going to be easy to deal with either, right? But we have to - we have to figure out what they're willing to do by getting them to the table. We couldn't do that if the Ukrainians are saying that they're not interested. Now that's changed, and hopefully that's true, and so I think the opening is now there to see what's possible. And it would be in the benefit of everyone - the Russian people, the people of Ukraine, the people of the United States; frankly, our European partners and allies. It would be to their benefit as well to see this come to an end. QUESTION: Yeah. SECRETARY RUBIO: But there's only one person on the planet that can make that happen, and his name is Donald J. Trump, the President of the United States. And we need to be - we should be cheering that on and we should be supporting that, not undermining it or calling it names the way some are doing in the media and some are doing internationally. QUESTION: I want to put up on the screen Truth Social earlier today. President Trump: "Release all of the hostages now, not later... immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is over for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say. I have just met with your former hostages" - by the way, I ran into them in D.C. as well; their stories are harrowing - "whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the people of Gaza: A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are dead! Make a smart decision. Release the hostages now, or there will be hell to pay later!" Wow. SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah. QUESTION: I guess that's pretty clear and unambiguous, and I think both of us know President Trump well enough; he means it. What's going to happen? SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah. Well, hopefully that - they're going to do exactly what he just said. You know how long we've been waiting - for a long time - in this country to have the kind of leadership with that kind of clarity. People get - don't realize the President meets with these people, he hears their stories; he's outraged and rightfully so. He's tired of watching these videos every weekend where hostages that are emaciated are released and bodies are turned over, and sometimes it's the wrong bodies and there's five here and three there and there's games that are being played. And he's lost his patience with it. He's been very clear about this from the beginning. He's created space and time for this to be solved. And now it's time for seeing it come to an end. Enough of this already. These people have been in captivity now for over a year and a half. These are monsters. It needs to stop. And I wish there were more international pressure along the same lines here, but I'm glad he's putting those statements out. I think he's - he doesn't say these things and not mean it, as folks are finding out around the world. If he says he's going to do something, he'll do it. He'll do it. And so they'd better take that seriously. QUESTION: Yeah. Last thing. You were - you were in the chamber last night. You saw the Democrats with the little temper tantrum. What was your reaction to it all? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I - look, I think it's bizarre anytime you're announcing that some young man has gotten into the U.S. Army academy, when you announce that a young boy who's survived brain cancer has been made a Secret Service deputy - these are usually things that people, when the first ladies announce - these are usually things that people stand up and they clap for, and whether you like the person who's speaking as president or not. To see that not happen last night was kind of shocking, to be honest with you. It was really surprising and petty, and I don't think it played well. But I'm a diplomat now, but I can tell you this: I didn't think it looked good on television, and I've heard from a lot of people who didn't think it looked good either. QUESTION: Yeah. SECRETARY RUBIO: The President talked about ending a war yesterday, and instead the only cheers we heard from one side of the chamber was cheers for endless war and continue to move forward. These are bizarre things. We live in bizarre times, but I'm glad we have a President with moral clarity in Donald J. Trump. QUESTION: Well, glad you are where you are. Although, I'm not going to lie, I kind of liked you as my senator in Florida. But I'm - I've got to be honest. I've got to be straight, but SECRETARY RUBIO: (Laughter.) Well, you're in good hands. You're still in good hands. Yeah. QUESTION: I know. I agree. Anyway, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, thank you. SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Morocco Purchases AH-64 Apache Helicopters Morocco marked its initial purchase of AH-64E Apache helicopters in a ceremony at Sale Air Base near Rabat, March 5, 2025. By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Rabat, Morocco Mar 06, 2025 Morocco marked its initial purchase of AH-64E Apache helicopters in a ceremony at Sale Air Base near Rabat, March 5, 2025. The sale marks a significant step in improving the capabilities of the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) as well as supporting the foreign policy and national security of the United States. "By purchasing these Apache helicopters, Morocco has made a significant step in investing in their security and in regional security. This investment now puts them in a new level of warfighting capability," said Gen. Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command Commander, who was present at the ceremony. The aircraft arrived in Morocco late last month from the U.S. as part of a Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) initiative announced in 2020. "The United States and Morocco have a long history of partnership reaching back nearly 250 years when Morocco was the first to recognize U.S. independence," explained U.S. Charge d'Affaires Aimee Cutrona. "Today, we are witnessing the steady and consistent growth of the longstanding U.S.-Morocco security cooperation that continues to advance our interests in the region and the world." The AH-64E, first developed in 2012, is enhanced from previous models and brings increased capabilities that feature improved digital connectivity, more powerful engines, capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), full IFR capability, and improved landing gear. It can reach speeds of 150 knots (278 km/hr) with a range of over 450 km. "The Apache helicopter, especially this model, brings advanced weaponry in reconnaissance and attack, enabling the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) to better secure their borders to deter and defeat terrorism in the region," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Anderson, Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation, Rabat. The Utah Army National Guard (UTNG) also maintains a unique partnership with Morocco's Royal Armed Forces through the Department of Defense' State Partnership Program (SPP). This involves extensive training and relationship building that has led to deeper ties between the FAR and the Utah National Guard (UNG) at all levels, and it has encouraged even greater overall security cooperation between our two countries. "The UTNG flies Apache helicopters and we're looking forward to taking advantage of more training opportunities together," said Maj. Jared Sorensen, Bilateral Affairs Officer and the UTNG representative in the Office of Security Cooperation, Rabat, "being able to fly and train together here will sharpen our skills and make us a more lethal force." So far 24 RMAF pilots have received training in the U.S. and are qualified helicopter pilots together with five instructor pilots with three more expected soon. The pilots will undergo specific aircraft type training with the expectation that the entire squadron will be fully operational within the next six months. "These aircraft give the Royal Moroccan Air Force a lethal tool that will enable them to further our mutual security goals in the region," said Langley. "Morocco is a critical partner for us and major non-NATO ally. Their leadership and dedication to furthering security and stability in the region shows daily how valuable this partnership is to both the people of Morocco and the U.S." U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent in order to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CENTCOM Conducts Bomber Task Force Mission U.S. Central Command Press Release | March 6, 2025 USCENTCOM Mar. 6, 2025 Release Number 20250306-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAMPA, Fla. -- On March 4, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East, strengthening partner interoperability and demonstrating force projection capabilities in the region. It was the third BTF mission in two weeks. A B-52H Stratofortress from RAF Fairford, UK, flew across Europe and into the CENTCOM area of responsibility during their mission, which included aerial refueling and training opportunities with partner nations. -30- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Portugal: Restrictions on military associations' right to trade union prerogatives breach European Social Charter Council of Europe European Committee of Social Rights Strasbourg 6 March 2025 The European Committee of Social Rights, in a decision on the merits of a collective complaint filed by the European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions (EUROMIL) against Portugal (Complaint No. 199/2021), finds that the restrictions imposed by Portuguese legislation on military associations' right to exercise trade union prerogatives and the related right of the armed forces to bargain collectively, breaches two Articles of the Revised European Social Charter ("the Charter"). In its decision, the Committee highlights that the right to bargain collectively, by participating in voluntary negotiations which would allow for the possibility to effectively negotiate outcomes in favour of the interests of military personnel, is neither upheld in law nor effectively applied in practice. This raises concerns about the actual enforcement of the right to organise and bargain collectively and thus requires that Portugal adopts stronger measures to ensure compliance with the Charter. In its decision on the merits, the Committee concluded that there was no violation of two other Articles of the Charter (Article 61 and Article 64). The European Social Charter is a Council of Europe treaty that guarantees social and economic rights as a counterpart to the European Convention on Human Rights, which refers to civil and political rights. It guarantees a broad range of everyday human rights related to employment, housing, health, education, social protection and welfare. The Charter was opened for signature in Turin on 18 October 1961 and was supplemented by a revised version in 1996. The European Committee of Social Rights, composed of 15 independent members, is the monitoring body of the Charter. The Committee has two procedures to assess states parties compliance with their commitments under the Charter: national reports and collective complaints. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address March 6, 2025 By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News Transcom Asks Lawmakers for More Used Vessels To bolster America's Ready Reserve Force fleet, U.S. Transportation Command wants to buy as many as 10 used shipping vessels. "We need to both build it here, and we actually need to buy used," Air Force Gen. Randall Reed, Transcom's commander, told the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday while testifying on Capitol Hill. The Ready Reserve Force fleet of ships is part of the U.S. military's strategic sealift capability that provides the ability to rapidly conduct initial resupply missions and to transport Army and Marine Corps equipment during critical surge periods. The government-owned RRF fleet is made up of commercial vessels crewed by civilian mariners and it is ageing. The median age of the 46 roll-on/roll-off ships in the fleet is 47 years. "These ships are really, really old," Reed said. "The reliability of them [is] sometimes in question because of that. I take my hat off to the crews that are actually on them to keep them warm. But to give an idea of the state of the ships, some of these ships are still run by steam." Reed said it is vital to recapitalize and modernize the RRF fleet to ensure continued credible global deterrence. "In the short term, we would need maximum flexibility to buy used foreign ships on the commercial market, obtain those ships, [refurbish] them here in the states, and then put those ships to sea," Reed told lawmakers. Already, Transcom has received permission from Congress to buy as many as 10 used ships. It's already bought seven and wants to buy two more this year, Reed said. The most immediate need is to secure two ships on the open market, get them into a shipyard, and then reflag them within nine to 14 months, he said. The last of the ships will be bought in fiscal year 2026, closing out the command's ability to procure used vessels. Reed told senators he'd like permission to get as many as 10 more used ships to fill out the ageing fleet. "I am asking for the limit to be raised beyond 10 to allow us to actually shop the market," he said. "Currently, there are 10 ships available for us to pursue." Permission for Transcom to recapitalize the fleet though the purchase of additional used ships needs to be written into the National Defense Authorization Act, Reed told lawmakers. "If we can get that change, ideally, what we would need to [recapitalize] the fleet [is] four ships a year, and if they're available on the market, we would pursue that," he said. "At a minimum, we would need two a year." Buying used ships to recapitalize the fleet is one option. Reed said buying new is also a possibility. During an address before a joint session of Congress, March 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump promised an expansion of American shipbuilding. "We are also going to resurrect the American shipbuilding industry, including commercial shipbuilding and military shipbuilding," Trump said during his address. The president announced the creation of a new Office of Shipbuilding and made plans to create tax incentives to enhance and grow America's domestic shipbuilding industry. "We used to make so many ships," Trump said. "We don't make them anymore, very much. But we're going to make them very fast, very soon." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address March 6, 2025 By David Vergun, DOD News Combatant Commanders See Collaboration as Successful Battlefield Strategy Collaboration in planning among the combatant commands produces better outcomes on challenging problems than if done independently, said Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh, commander of U.S. Cyber Command. It also gives the defense secretary more options when making critical decisions, he added while speaking on a panel last month at the National Defense Industrial Association's 35th annual Special Operations Symposium in Washington. For instance, Cybercom and U.S. Space Command provide U.S. Special Operations Command with intelligence and networking assets, he said. That's a relatively new development. "When we first started doing cyber inside of [special operations forces], we saw it as a natural extension of signals. We were looking at [it] as an opportunity to collect intelligence," he said, noting that the relationship between the two has matured to deliver better outcomes. Army Lt. Gen. Thomas James, the deputy commander of Spacecom, agreed, saying that breaking barriers has a positive effect in supporting special forces operators on the ground. Also, Spacecom can't fight and win without close collaboration with special operations forces setting necessary conditions for carrying out operations, James said, adding that collaboration has occurred through experimentation and realistic exercises. Army Lt. Gen. Richard Angle, commander of Allied Special Operations Forces Command at NATO and Special Operations Command Europe, said collaboration across all domains can increase deterrence. "We can use this capability to make it very difficult for our adversaries to achieve their key objectives." He also mentioned that the Defense Department has made tremendous progress in its collaboration efforts as combatant commands look to continue the success. "We're always trying to get better. I would offer that the next step for us is, 'How do we include allies and partners?' because our allies and partners have incredible capability. They have incredible access and placement. ... We're not going to fight alone." The challenge, Angle said, is figuring out a way to integrate capabilities with them. He said a lesson learned from the war in Ukraine is that to innovate quickly, special operations forces, engineers, developers and industry representatives all need to be closest to the problem. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nordic countries to harmonise processes for certification of ammunition Finnish Ministry of Defence 06.03.2025 Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden have signed a Technical Arrangement on ammunition certification to harmonise Nordic processes for the certification of ammunition. The objective is to ensure that Nordic countries have access to the same types of ammunition. A common process for certification will enable Nordic countries to procure ammunition together. The document is one of the efforts to further deepen Nordic cooperation. Interoperability and common procurement processes will improve the security of supply throughout the Nordic region Director General Olli Ruutu from the Ministry of Defence signed the document on behalf of Finland. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denmark acquires Norwegian Naval Strike Missiles worth 2 billion NOK Government of Norway News story | Date: 06/03/2025 Denmark is acquiring the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) through a rapid procurement process in collaboration with Norway. The agreement strengthens naval defence in the Nordic region and enhances cooperation between two close allies. 'This is very positive news. Advanced Norwegian missiles on Danish frigates will strengthen Nordic naval defence. Closer cooperation and better coordination between our forces will enhance security in our shared region, including the High North,' said Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik. 'With this agreement, an already strong and well-functioning cooperation is further strengthened. The agreement is a great example of how Nordic defence cooperation is both close and effective. In an uncertain world, it is absolutely crucial for our shared security that we continue to build on and expand our Nordic cooperation in the coming years,' said Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen. The NSM, produced by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA), will replace the Harpoon missiles currently in use on the Danish Navy's Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates. Closer defence cooperation Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre recently met with his Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen, in Oslo to discuss strengthening defence cooperation, including investments in joint platforms, weapons systems, and ammunition. 'We will continue our close dialogue with Denmark to identify further areas for cooperation, including maintenance and investments. We will also deepen our cooperation on joint training and exercises, which we have already seen positive results from, for example, with our Sea Hawk helicopters and the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots,' said Minister Sandvik. 'I am very pleased that we have managed to secure this agreement in such a short time. The Danish government is focused on speeding up procurement processes, and the agreement with Norway proves that it can be done', said Minister Poulsen. Rapid procurement The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA) has signed the contracts with Denmark, which is financing the acquisition, and KDA, which is supplying the system. 'We were given this task over the winter and have finalised the agreement in record time. This enables Denmark to acquire missiles quickly from Norway's defence industry and demonstrates how we facilitate efficient defence trade,' said Gro Jre, Director of the FMA. Jre signed the contracts on 6 March alongside Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen, head of the Danish Ministry of Defence's Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (FMI). The rapid procurement is being conducted as a government-to-government sale under an Implementing Arrangement (IA) between Norway and Denmark, which regulates Norwegian support. The agreement covers not only the missiles but also ship-based equipment, training, and logistical support from KDA. Deliveries will take place between 2025 and 2030. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gitanas Nauseda at the European Council: Europe needs to urgently strengthen its defense and step up support for Ukraine President of the Republic of Lithuania March 06, 2025 President Gitanas Nauseda stressed the importance of urgent and resolute decisions to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities and support Ukraine at the special European Council meeting on Thursday. "We are at a pivotal moment in historyone that demands not just words, but real action. We cannot wait any longer. We need to decisively and substantially strengthen Europe's defense and step up support for Ukraine. This requires significant funding, real capabilities, and concrete solutions," the President stated. The Lithuanian leader emphasized that special attention and funding should be directed to the EU's eastern border countries, which protect the EU's external border. He welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's plan to mobilize 800 billion for European defense. "We must significantly increase EU defense spending through a more flexible fiscal policy, reallocating unused EU budget funds, and adapting the European Investment Bank's lending policy to meet defense needs," the Head of State pointed out. The President also called for EU Member States to set a new defense spending target of at least 3% of GDP, with the view of further increasing it over time. Addressing military needs, Gitanas Nauseda underscored the importance of air and missile defense, ammunition production, and military mobility. The President pointed out that Ukraine has been fighting Russian aggression for a fourth year, with its soldiers shedding blood not only for their own freedom but for the freedom of all of Europe. "We cannot allow Russia to further expand its military capabilities. We have to bolster Ukraine's position and provide it with reliable security guarantees," the President underlined. On transatlantic relations, the Lithuanian leader emphasized: "We need to focus on two key objectivesa mutually beneficial transatlantic agenda and a stronger EU that defends European interests. Europe must demonstrate its ability to act through real action: increasing defense budgets, strengthening defense industry capabilities, and providing even greater support for Ukraine." The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: Experts condemn Israeli decision to re-open 'gates of hell' and unilaterally change conditions of truce deal Press releases Multiple Mechanisms 06 March 2025 GENEVA -- Israel has resumed weaponising starvation in Gaza by its decision to break from the ceasefire agreement and block humanitarian aid, a group of independent human rights experts* warned today. This flagrantly breaches international law and any prospects of peace, they said. The experts issued the following joint statement: "We are alarmed by Israel's decision to suspend once again all goods and supplies, including life-saving humanitarian aid entering the Gaza strip. The announcement followed a decision by the Israeli War Cabinet to break from the Gaza ceasefire agreement and calls by ministers to re-open the 'gates of hell' in the besieged enclave. Apart from the cruelty of these statements on the second day of the holy month of Ramadan, these moves are patently unlawful under international law. As the occupying Power, Israel is always obliged to ensure sufficient food, medical supplies and other relief services. By deliberately cutting vital supplies, including those relating to sexual and reproductive health, and assistive devices for persons with disabilities, Israel is once again weaponising aid. These are serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws, and war crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. The so-called three phase ceasefire deal should have led to a permanent cessation of hostilities and the release of all Palestinians and Israelis unlawfully detained as a most basic requisite for sustainable peace. Instead, they resulted in further violence and even further destruction of Palestinian life. This is both unlawful and utterly inhumane. During the ceasefire, conditions remained very harsh. Very few tents and no mobile units were allowed into Gaza, and Palestinians, including children and older persons, continued to die due to the cold and dire conditions. Reinstating a total-siege policy against a population that has barely survived 16 months of constant bombardment, repeated forced displacement and 80 percent of farmland and civilian infrastructure destroyed, will aggravate the dire situation. Creating unliveable conditions for the Palestinians under Israeli occupation appears to be Israel's determination across the entire occupied Palestinian territory, from the decimated Gaza strip to the West Bank. The annexation of territory by force is advancing at full speed in the West Bank, where refugee camps and cities are being bombed, depopulated and looted, and other areas are attacked by armed settlers with complicity of Israeli forces. The reality is that while the ceasefire restored a glimpse of hope for Palestinians and Israelis, it 'never ended' fire against the Palestinians. Since the ceasefire took effect on 19 January 2025, Israeli forces have killed at least 100 Palestinians in Gaza, bringing the total killed to at least 48,400. In the current landscape, Israel appears determined to further destroy Palestinian life including through starvation. In weighing the allegation of genocide brought against Israel, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to facilitate aid deliveries in Gaza. In 2024, when issuing arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, the International Criminal Court found 'reason to believe that Israel had used starvation as a method of warfare.' We are particularly dismayed by the swift endorsement by some States and regional organisations of Israel's justification to cut off aid to Gaza as a reaction to Hamas' alleged violations of the ceasefire, while Israel's numerous infringements of the ceasefire went largely unreported. By resuming its siege and bombardment of Gaza, Israel has unilaterally changed the conditions of the ceasefire agreement and next steps. We urge the Gaza ceasefire mediators; Egypt, Qatar and the United States to intervene to preserve the agreement in line with international obligations. The ceasefire took effect in the broader context of an illegal occupation that must be brought to an end. Israel has a legal obligation to withdraw its occupation and overall presence from Palestinian territory as declared by the International Court of Justice last year. This underlies the obligations of any party under the terms of the ceasefire agreement. We urge nations across the world to recall their own obligations under international law and to act to end this brutal and endless assault on the Palestinian people and their rights, lest the whole world be swept up in this storm of lawlessness and injustice." *The experts: Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967; Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; Michael Fakhri; Special Rapporteur on the right to food; Astrid Puentes Riano, Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association; Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing; Attiya Waris, Independent Expert on foreign debt, other international financial obligations and human rights; Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities; Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences; George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons; Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders ; Bina D'Costa (Chair), Barbara G. Reynolds, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent; Laura Nyirinkindi (Chair), Claudia Flores (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Ivana Krstic, and Haina Lu, Working group on discrimination against women and girls; Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation; Genevieve Savigny (Chair-Rapporteur), Carlos Duarte, Uche Ewelukwa, Shalmali Guttal, Davit Hakobyan, Working Group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas; Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur on the right to development.; Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences; Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons; and Elisa Morgera, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change: and Siobhan Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children The Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures' experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan: UN report details rampant abuse of detainees amid ongoing conflict Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 06 March 2025 GENEVA -- A UN report published on Thursday highlights a widespread pattern of arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment of detainees by the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces in Khartoum State, mirroring practices seen in other conflict-affected areas in Sudan. Tens of thousands of people, including women and children, have been held without charge, with limited or even no contact with their families, in squalid and overcrowded facilities, since the conflict broke out in April 2023. "The widespread practices of arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment of detainees, and inhumane conditions of detention facilities, in contravention of international norms and standards, are deeply disturbing," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. "No individual should be deprived of their liberty without due process, nor - under any circumstances whatsoever - subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." The report, which covers the period from the start of the conflict on 15 April 2023 through June 2024, is based on 34 interviews with former detainees, witnesses and family members, who recounted their experiences to UN Human Rights. Former detainees shared credible accounts of harrowing torture and ill treatment, including severe and frequent beatings, in detention facilities. They described acute overcrowding with minimal ventilation, limited access to sanitation and inadequate food and water. They also described seeing many detainees die in custody, due to lack of medical treatment, in both RSF and SAF facilities. The report documents the use of children as young as 14 to serve as guards by RSF, notably in Soba prison, and the detention of children as young as 13 alongside adults. Sexual violence and exploitation against women detainees were reported in two RSF-controlled places of detention. Additionally, in both RSF and SAF-controlled places of detention, detainees reported discriminatory treatment based on ethnicity and perceived affiliation to the opposing party to the conflict, with individuals from the Darfur and Kordofan regions targeted. In RSF facilities, individuals from African tribes were reportedly subjected to more frequent torture and ill-treatment. Individuals from Darfur and Kordofan, including those from Arab tribes, were allegedly profiled and detained in SAF facilities on the basis of their ethnicity and perceived affiliation with the RSF. The report also features testimonies about people who were reportedly detained incommunicado in RSF and SAF controlled facilities. In RSF-controlled places of detention, many were held without their families being notified. The lack of information about detainees' fates raises serious concerns about enforced disappearances. In one harrowing case, a family repeatedly asked about their relative after he was detained by RSF intelligence personnel, but were just told on numerous occasions, "Don't ask about him." Months later, they learned that he had died. While the report focuses on practices in detention facilities in Khartoum State, the UN Human Rights Office has documented similar patterns in other parts of Sudan, including the Darfur region and Al Jazirah State. In recent months, as the SAF has regained control of certain territory, the Office has received credible reports of RSF transferring detainees from places of detention listed in the report to other locations. In January 2025, the Office received credible information about transfers of hundreds of detainees from Soba prison in Khartoum State to various locations, including to South Darfur. "These practices are deeply concerning. They increase the risks of violations of international human rights norms and standards and undermine due process and the rule of law," said Turk. The report urges the parties to immediately cease practices of arbitrary detention, torture, and other forms of ill-treatment, improve detention conditions, and facilitate access to justice. It also calls on the international community to engage with the parties to address and put an end to widespread practices of arbitrary arrest and detention, torture and ill-treatment, as well as other human rights violations and abuses. To read the full report, click on the following link: https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/detention-facilities-and-practices-khartoum-state-context-conflict-sudan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PAF recommends acquisition of 12 more S. Korean-made jet fighters Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno March 6, 2025, 5:42 pm MANILA -- A proposal to acquire an additional 12 South Korean-made FA-50 jet fighters was submitted to the Department of National Defense (DND) in a bid to enhance the country's defense capabilities. In an interview Wednesday, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the recommendation is part of the Rehorizon 3 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Rehorizon 3 aims to boost the AFP's military intelligence, area denial and deterrence capabilities. "That is just a proposal on our end, but if it's going to happen, it will depend on the DND," she added. The PAF spokesperson said acquisition of additional FA-50s aims to beef up the Air Force and make it more capable of fulfilling its mandate. However, Castillo did not provide details on when this proposal was submitted to the DND. The Philippines acquired 12 units of FA-50 jet fighters from South Korea defense manufacturer, Korea Aerospace Industries, for PHP18.9 billion. These jets were delivered from 2015 up to 2017. The PAF's FA-50PHs had their baptism of fire during the five-month Marawi Siege that took place from May to October 2017. The aircraft were extensively used for close-air support missions along with other PAF attack planes. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PBBM orders immediate probe into jet fighter crash Philippine News Agency By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos March 6, 2025, 12:46 pm MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate investigation into the recent crash of an FA-50PH jet fighter that killed two pilots of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Malacanang said Thursday. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Malacanang is saddened by the incident. "Pinamamadali po ng Pangulo ang agarang pag-iimbestiga po dito san nagkamali at kung ano pa ang maaaring maging remedy sa mga ganitong klaseng pangyayari (The President is urging an immediate investigation into what went wrong and what else can be a remedy for these kinds of incidents)," Castro said. "Syempre po, ang ating damdamin patungkol po diyan ay nakakalungkot po ang nangyayari sa atin. So, agarang pag-iimbestigasyon din po ang inutos po ng ating Pangulo diyan (Of course, our feelings about what is happening saddens us. So, our President has also ordered a thorough investigation into that)," she added. The crashed FA-50PH, with tail number 002, was reported missing on March as it was about to take part in a "tactical night" operation in the Eastern Mindanao Command. The South Korean-made aircraft, along with other members of its flight, took off from Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu. The PAF on Wednesday immediately grounded all 11 remaining FA-50PH jet fighters in its inventory, following the discovery of the wreckage of the missing aircraft in the vicinity of Mount Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon. It also vowed to expedite the investigation, as it is yet to determine the exact cause of the mishap. The country acquired 12 FA-50PHs from Korea Aerospace Industries for PHP18.9 billion. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PAF to expedite jet fighter crash probe Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno March 6, 2025, 12:06 pm MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it will expedite the investigation regarding the crashed FA-50PH so that the order grounding the entire jet fighter fleet can be lifted and the aircraft returned to its external defense missions. "We ensure (the public of an) expedited investigation (regarding the incident), the sooner we get the fleet out of grounded status, the better because (of their) mandate of ensuring our (external defense)," Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in an interview Wednesday. She said the FA-50PHs are an important asset of the military, hence the need to immediately return it to flying status. "We really need our FA-50s to be there in case we need to face challenges in our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone areas," Castillo said. Aside from external defense missions, the PAF's FA-50PH fleet can also be tapped for internal defense operations. "Our intention is to have that investigation done thoroughly but swift enough for us not to sacrifice our operational readiness to perform (our) mandate," Castillo said. The PAF on March 5 immediately grounded all 11 remaining FA-50PH jet fighters in its inventory following the discovery of the wreckage of the missing aircraft in the vicinity of Mount Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon. The crashed FA-50PH, with tail number 002, was reported missing March 4 as it was about to take part in a "tactical night" operation in the Eastern Mindanao Command. This aircraft, along with other members of its flight, took off from Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu. The PAF is still to release to the media the exact cause of the mishap which is the first since the FA-50PHs were acquired from South Korea from 2015 to 2017. Twelve FA-50PHs were acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries for PHP18.9 billion. "We cannot conclusively say anything about the cause of the accident. This will have to undergo thorough investigation. There could be various reasons why this happened. And hopefully through (our) investigations, we will know the real reason," Castillo said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Marcos, Trump agree to meet but no definite date yet - Palace Philippine News Agency By Darryl John Esguerra March 6, 2025, 11:26 am MANILA -- The planned meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and United States President Donald Trump will proceed as both sides expressed openness to meet, Malacanang said Thursday. In a television interview, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that both leaders had expressed their intention to hold a meeting, though no specific timeline has been set. "They expressed their intention to pursue po a leaders' meeting at an appropriate time," Castro said. "Wala pa po tayong definite kung anong timeline, pero nandoon pa rin po iyong intensiyon na ipagpatuloy po ito (We have no definite time yet but the intention is there so it will proceed)," she added. Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez earlier bared plans for a potential face-to-face meeting between Marcos and Trump. Upon his return to the White House, Trump signed an executive order freezing all US aid for 90 days pending review. However, US security and defense aid to the Philippines were listed as among those exempted from the freeze order. The US has been the Philippines' strongest and oldest military ally. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously reiterated the US' "ironclad" commitment to the Philippines in the face of China's continued aggression in the disputed parts of the West Philippine Sea. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan lodges case against UAE at ICJ over 'complicity in genocide' Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 7:55 PM Sudan has lodged a complaint against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the Persian Gulf country's "complicity in genocide." The Hague-based ICJ confirmed on Thursday that Khartoum had filed an application to open proceedings against the UAE. The application relates to "acts adopted, condoned, taken, and being taken by the Government of the United Arab Emirates in connection with the genocide against the Masalit group in the Republic of the Sudan since at least 2023," the ICJ said in a statement. The filing said the UAE, with its backing of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allied Arab militias since 2013, had empowered them to commit "genocide, murder, theft of property, rape, forcible displacement, trespassing, vandalism of public properties, and violation of human rights." In the complaint, Sudan urged the ICJ to impose emergency measures, calling on the UAE to "take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II" of the Genocide Convention, including the intense ethnic-based killing of members of the Masalit group. It called on the perpetrators of the massacres to immediately stop "killing members of the group" and "causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group." Khartoum said the perpetrators had been "deliberately inflicting conditions to bring about the physical destruction of the group, and the imposition of measures that are intended to prevent births within the group." Both Sudan and the UAE are parties to the Genocide Convention. However, the UAE denies providing support to the RSF. An Emirati official was quoted as saying that the UAE will be seeking the immediate dismissal of the case, stating that the allegations "lack any legal or factual basis." The Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights said there are "reasonable grounds to believe the RSF and allied militias are responsible for genocide against non-Arab groups other than the Masalit, including the Fur and Zaghawa." The RSF began an insurgency challenging the Sudanese army under the command of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in April 2023. Since then, their indiscriminate attacks against civilians and based on ethnicity have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and forced millions to flee their homes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump's threats encourage Israel to not abide by fragile ceasefire: Hamas Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 7:45 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says threats by Donald Trump will encourage Israel to ignore the fragile ceasefire after more than 15 months of war on the besieged Gaza Strip. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasim said Thursday that Trump's "last warning" will push Israel to disregard the terms of a ceasefire in place since January 19. "These threats complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourage the occupation to avoid implementing its terms," Qasim said. He urged the United States, Israel's main benefactor, to pressure Israel to enter the ceasefire's second phase. The reactions came hours after Trump threatened that there will be "Hell to pay" if Hamas refuses to release all the remaining captives immediately. Hamas has described Trump's threats as "worthless," stressing that no Israeli captives will be freed without a deal. Senior spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said if any threats are to be made, they should be directed at those who refuse to implement the ceasefire deal. He underscored that the threats not only fail to intimidate them but also further complicate the situation. Abu Zuhri said Hamas remains committed to the agreement and is determined to continue on this path. The first phase ended at the weekend after six weeks of relative calm, during which Israeli captives were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Israel wants to extend this phase until mid-April, but Hamas insists on transitioning to the second phase, seen as leading to a lasting ceasefire. Israel has ramped up its rhetoric and halted the flow of aid into Gaza, prompting several nations and international organizations to warn against using aid as a "political tool." Trump is notorious for making repeated threats and fiery remarks against Palestinians. Trump earlier proposed displacing Palestinians from the besieged Gaza Strip to neighboring countries. He unveiled the scheme during a White House news conference in early February with the visiting Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump's plan has already sparked international condemnation. It has faced resounding rejection among Palestinians, West Asian leaders, and governments around the world. Israeli minister of military affairs Israel Katz has ordered the regime's military to prepare a plan that would force the "voluntary departure" of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Israel media has recently reported that the regime's army plans to resume the Gaza war in the next 10 days. A recent survey showed that an overwhelming majority of Israelis support proceeding to the second stage of the ceasefire agreement and reject the Israeli prime minister's policy of resuming war against the besieged Gaza Strip. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas says ready for 'all possibilities' after 'last warning' by Trump Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 7:36 PM The military wing of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement says it is prepared for "all possibilities" and remains on "high alert", stressing that Israel's threats to resume war on the besieged Gaza Strip will not secure the release of Israeli captives. Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for al-Qassam Brigades, made the remarks in a videotaped speech on Thursday, stressing that what the occupying entity has failed to achieve through "weapons and war" can never be attained through "threats and deception." His comments came just a day after US President Donald Trump threatened that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and Hamas fighters would be killed if they do not immediately release the remaining Israeli captives held in the besieged territory. "Despite the enemy's violations and betrayals, we remain committed to the prisoner exchange agreement in all its details before the world and the mediators. We have decided and still wish to uphold this agreement to prevent the shedding of our people's blood, remove any excuses, and honor the commitments made to mediators," Abu Ubaida added. Israel accepted Hamas's longstanding negotiation terms under a three-phase Gaza ceasefire, which began on January 19. In phase one, which ended on Saturday, a total of 33 Israeli captives, including eight bodies, were released in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian abductees held in the regime's jails. However, Israel refused to move forward to the second stage of the truce, which would lead to a permanent end to the war, a full withdrawal of the occupation troops from Gaza, and the release of all captives. "The Israeli enemy has evaded many of its commitments, which are the basic rights of our people, resorting instead to bullying, stalling, and arrogance," Abu Ubaida said. "The enemy's leaders are trying to bypass the agreement so that their prime minister and ministers can prioritize their party interests over the lives of their captives and secure American support for any form of aggression." Abu Ubaida said the international community has witnessed how the enemy has "exploited Palestinian prisoners", who have given "horrifying testimonies" about the regime's "criminal treatment." After the expiry of the first phase of the ceasefire, Israel blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza in flagrant breach of international law. The blocking has also been condemned as a crime against humanity. "The Islamic Ummah will not experience peace or stability, nor will it hold a respectable place among nations, until this holy land (Palestine) is cleansed of the Zionist occupiers," Abu Ubaida emphasized. He also stressed that the shortest path to stability and peace in this region is to "restrain the Zionist regime" and force it to honor its signed commitments. "The enemy's threat to return to war will only push us back into the battlefield to shatter whatever remains of their credibility," he said, stressing that the enemy's threats only reflect "weakness and humiliation." The Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman said "any escalation of aggression will most likely result in the killing of some of the enemy's captives." Israel launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. The Tel Aviv regime failed to achieve its declared objectives of freeing captives and eliminating Hamas despite killing at least 48,440 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Industry insiders have applauded China's visa-free policy at Berlin Int'l Tourism Fair. Now, the policy allows ordinary passport holders from 38 countries to visit China visa-free for up to 30 days. #GLOBALink Hamas warns of Israel's 'deliberate' killing of Palestinian prisoners Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 6:18 PM Hams has warned of a "policy of slow and deliberate execution of Palestinian prisoners" in Israeli jails and the regime's complete disregard for all humanitarian values. The warning in a statement issued on Thursday came after the death of Ali Ashour Ali al-Batsh, a resident of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, at Ktzi'ot Prison in the Negev desert. The death is "the result of the extremist policies of the occupation government, which seeks to kill prisoners in its jails through severe violations and criminal practices", Hamas said. "These include deliberate medical neglect, physical and psychological torture, solitary confinement, and deprivation of the most basic human rights," it added. The movement warned against the continuation of Israel's policy of targeting and physically liquidating prisoners, affirming that these practices will not succeed in deterring their determination and hope for near freedom. It called on the walks of the Palestinian nation, as well as all humanitarian organizations to intensify efforts to support and back the prisoners, and to increase all forms of pressure in favor of their cause. Earlier on Thursday, the Commission of Detainees' and Ex-Detainees' Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners' Society (PPS) announced Batsh's death, saying it raised the number of Palestinian prisoners who have died in Israeli detention centers since the beginning of the war on Gaza to 62. Last week, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates called for an international investigation into Israeli crimes against Palestinian prisoners. The ministry said in a statement that it views with grave concern the increase in the number of Palestinian detainees, particularly from the Gaza Strip, who have died in Israeli custody. The Palestinian foreign ministry called on international humanitarian and human rights organizations to swiftly intervene to protect Palestinian detainees, and oblige Israeli authorities to fulfill their responsibilities toward detainees. It also stressed the need to enable the United Nations Commission of Inquiry to assume its tasks, and investigate these extrajudicial killings, committed against Palestinian detainees in a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli forces shoot Palestinian child in West Bank's Nablus as setters raid Ariha village Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 6:42 AM Israeli forces have shot and critically wounded several Palestinians, including a Palestinian child in the occupied West Bank as the Tel Aviv regime presses ahead with a large-scale onslaught against the occupied Palestinian territory. The nine-year-old girl was critically wounded in the head by live bullets fired by Israeli forces in the town of Qusra, in Nablus governorate in the northern occupied West Bank on Wednesday, Ma'an news agency reported. The regime troopers also shot and wounded a 20-year-old woman in the head in the same area, while wounding a 14-year-old boy during a violent raid on the village of ar-Rihiya near al-Khalil. Meanwhile, several Palestinians suffered suffocation from teargas canisters fired by Israeli soldiers who raided the town of al-Khader, south of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, the official Palestinian Wafa news agency reported. According to the report, Israeli military troops forced their way into the town, deploying along the road connecting al-Quds with al-Khalil and in the al-Bawaba area, firing live ammunition and teargas canisters at civilians' houses and stores, causing several cases of suffocation. Separately, on Wednesday evening, the Israeli military deployed two Eitan armored vehicles in Tulkarm, advancing from the Einav checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Anabta. They entered the town, patrolling the main road, and intercepting vehicles, Wafa reported. It added that two other armored vehicles entered Tulkarm from the Jbara military checkpoint, south of the city, advanced toward the Shobaki junction, and then proceeded to the village of Shufa. In another development, Israeli settlers on Wednesday raided the Arab al-Mlaihat village in the Ma'arjat area, northwest of the West Bank city of Ariha, wandering through the villagers' dwellings and spreading panic in the community. Now in its 44th day, the large-scale onslaught by the occupying regime's forces has claimed the lives of dozens of Palestinian people in various parts of the West bank, particularly in in Jenin and its refugee camp, and Tulkarm. The ongoing aggression has also led to the forced displacement of residents and widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes, with around 120 houses completely destroyed and dozens more partially damaged. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen dismisses new designation by 'terrorist US', calls Gaza 'paramount' Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 9:56 AM A senior Yemeni official says the recent labeling of the Arab country's Ansarullah resistance movement by the United States "does not matter," as what is more important now is the besieged Gaza Strip. Responding to the US decision to place the Ansarullah movement on its so-called "terrorist list" on Thursday, Ansarullah's Supreme Political Council member Mohammed Ali al-Houthi emphasized that Yemen's priority now is to send essential supplies to the blockaded Palestinian territory. He stressed that this priority is more important than Washington's anti-Yemen decision, which lacks legitimacy. Al-Houthi's response came two days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington had re-designated the Yemeni resistance group as a "foreign terrorist organization (FTO)." "Blocking aid to Gaza and undermining peace agreements are American terrorism, while Yemen's support for Gaza through maritime operations is a legitimate act," the high-ranking Ansarullah official stressed, as the Israeli regime has blocked the flow of humanitarian aids into Gaza. US President Donald Trump, three days after taking office at the White House in January, had promised to take the action against the Yemeni resistance movement. Earlier, the Political Bureau of Yemen's Ansarullah movement, emphasizing the Palestinian people's right to resist the occupiers, had announced that Yemen's Armed Forces are ready to resume operations to confront Zionist crimes, urging the Arabs to take serious steps to break the Gaza blockade and support the Palestinians. New sanctions Also on Wednesday, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions against seven Ansarullah leaders, claiming they had smuggled "military-grade items and weapon systems into Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and also negotiated Houthi weapons procurements from Russia." The designation came in response to the Yemeni army's military operations on Israeli-occupied territories, and assaults on US Navy warships and Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023, which were launched in support of Palestinians killed by the Israeli genocide in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: Palestinians' forced displacement continuation of genocide through political means Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 8:16 AM Iran says the US-Israeli plan for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people in Gaza is the continuation of genocide through political means. Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the Israeli regime has been perpetrating massacre and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people over the past 80 years. He added that political motives were behind the US-Israeli plan that aims to forcibly relocate the people from the Gaza Strip and push them towards neighboring countries, including Jordan, Egypt, and even Saudi Arabia. Baghaei said that Iran has called for an emergency foreign ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in order to draw the attention of the OIC, as the most important body in the Muslim world, to an issue that is the main concern for Muslim countries "This issue is nothing than a warning against the continuation of the danger of genocide against the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza," the Iranian spokesperson said. Baghaei added that the ongoing "dangerous" developments in the West Bank are also on the agenda of the OIC meeting. One of the main objectives of the OIC establishment has been to address the Palestinian people's cause, which is the struggle for self-determination and liberation from occupation, he noted. As per international humanitarian law, the occupied Palestine has all the conditions that allow a nation to employ all means to assert its right to self-determination, he emphasized. "This means that we are faced with an occupying regime or entity that has at the same time all the features of a racist and apartheid system," the Iranian spokesman said. All are aware that the Israeli regime is a colonial entity that has been created in the region since the end of World War II, he added. Baghaei noted that, "The UN human rights rapporteur's reports over the past two years clearly show the Israeli expansionism and creation of new illegal settlements through gradual destruction or entire removal of all the existing structures in terms of population and identity in the West Bank and Gaza." Last month, Trump proposed that Washington would take over control of the Gaza Strip possibly with the help of US troops to create a "Riviera" of West Asia. He said the displaced Palestinians would have no right of return since, he claimed, they would have "much better housing" in Egypt, Jordan and other countries. Trump's plan to expel the territory's Palestinian residents and transform it into a "Riviera" owned by the United States was met with condemnation, including from Arab states that adopted on Tuesday a unified plan for the future of the Gaza Strip at an emergency summit in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. The proposal counters Trump's controversial plan to take over Gaza and permanently resettle its population. The US controversial plan to force Gazans out of their home also comes amid warnings by the UN about Israel's intensified raids in the occupied West Bank and displacement of the population. In February, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) warned in a statement that Israel's military offensive in the West Bank has escalated forced displacement of Palestinians at an alarming level, impacting tens of thousands people in the area. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU 'deeply concerned' about arrests, rights abuses in Vietnam Vietnam has a seat on the UN rights council that heard the complaint. By RFA Vietnamese 2025.03.06 -- The European Union has spoken out against Vietnam's arrest of human rights and labor campaigners, and environmental experts, telling a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council that Hanoi should free people it has locked up for exercising their basic rights. The comments came at the 58th session of the council, known as the UNHRC, in Geneva on Monday. "We remain deeply concerned over the arrests of human rights defenders as well as labour rights, climate and environmental experts in Vietnam, which has a chilling effect on freedom of expression, assembly and association," said Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, the head of the European Union delegation to the U.N. "We call on Vietnam to ensure that human rights and fundamental freedoms are protected so that civil society can participate freely in all aspects of development free of harassment, intimidation and reprisals, and to release all those imprisoned for having peacefully expressed their views." Knudsen also said the E.U. wanted Vietnam to suspend and eventually scrap the death penalty. She welcomed Hanoi's ratification of workers' rights conventions drawn up by the U.N. International Labour Organization, but said the government should ratify the ILO's convention on freedom of association and the right to organize. Adopting Convention 87 would create the conditions for Vietnamese workers to set up independent trades unions. Workers in Vietnam can only join one union, the state-managed General Confederation of Labor. Vietnam announced on Dec. 12 it was standing as a candidate for re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2026-2028. It had a seat on the council in its 2014-2016 term and is a member for the 2023-2025 term. Vietnam 'never kept its promise' In 2019, Europe and Vietnam signed the E.U.-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, ratifying it the following year. The deal has helped Vietnam to become the largest Southeast Asian exporter to Europe. Last year, it had a US$35 billion trade surplus with the 27 E.U. members. The agreement contains commitments to protect workers' rights and land rights, and protect the environment. However, on Feb. 4, four human rights groups in Europe and the U.S. filed a complaint with the European Commission's department of trade, accusing Vietnam of violating those commitments. "Vietnam promised to respect human rights, respect the right to protect the environment and many other rights, but it never kept its promise," said Vietnam Committee on Human Rights President Penelope Faulkner. The other groups signing the agreement were the International Federation for Human Rights, Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Global Witness. Their complaint listed some 40 cases of labor, environmental, and land rights activists imprisoned in Vietnam, including journalists Pham Chi Dung and Pham Doan Trang, and lawyer Dang Dinh Bach. Human Rights Watch, in a January report, said last year Vietnam "convicted on bogus charges and sentenced at least 43 rights campaigners and dissidents." Calls to Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Radio Free Asia went unanswered. The Vietnamese government says it does not detain political prisoners and only sentences people who break the law. Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spain supports the 'Plan for Early Recovery, Reconstruction and Development of Gaza' presented by the Arab League Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS STATEMENT 025 Thursday, March 6, 2025 Spain supports the 'Plan for Early Recovery, Reconstruction and Development of Gaza' presented by the Arab League at the Summit of 4 March in Cairo, which outlines a path to stabilise the situation in Gaza and move towards the implementation of the two-State solution, the only possible way to guarantee peace and stability in the region. The Government reiterates its support for the efforts of the Arab League for peace and stability in the region, and welcomes the support for the role of the State of Palestine in the reconstruction of Gaza for a future in which Palestinians can live in peace in their land. The Government of Spain reiterates its call for the consolidation of a permanent ceasefire, as well as its rejection of the forced displacement of the Palestinian population, and demands the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina: UK statement to the OSCE, March 2025 The UK underlines concerns at the adoption of laws by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska in violation of the Dayton Agreements, and reaffirms unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of BiH. 6 March 2025 Location: Vienna Delivered on: 6 March 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Thank you, Madam Chair. The United Kingdom remains concerned at the rise of dangerous ethno-nationalist politics which seek to undermine Bosnia and Herzegovina's statehood. The people of BiH need their political leaders to focus on passing reforms, rather than exacerbating tensions and engaging in dangerous, secessionist moves. We note and share the deep concerns of ODIHR and RFoM at the adoption by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska of laws in violation of the Dayton Agreements. These unconstitutional actions disrupt institutions such as the BiH Court from exercising their legal authority. The UK continues to urge all actors to fully adhere to Dayton, and respect the state institutions of BiH. We reaffirm our unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of BiH and support for a single, sovereign state comprising two entities, in which all its peoples and citizens are equal. Republika Srpska President Dodik's actions this week do not serve the people of BiH. They are an attempt by Dodik to undermine and distract from the decision of an independent court. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK fully supports the UN's decision to pause humanitarian operations in Saada: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen. 6 March 2025 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 6 March 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) First, the UK welcomes the Council's strong and united condemnation of the ongoing detentions by the Houthis and the tragic death of a World Food Programme member of staff in Houthi captivity. Continued Council unity sends a clear and unequivocal message to the Houthis that they must unconditionally and immediately release those detained. We fully support the UN's decision to pause humanitarian operations in Saada. This pause is a direct consequence of the Houthi threat undermining the security and safety of aid workers. Miss Ali and this morning's press stakeout have again highlighted how this already dire humanitarian situation is exacerbated by climate change, intensifying existing issues such as water and food security. Second, the Yemen Coast Guard's announcement of their interdiction of a dhow containing advanced weapon components, reportedly destined for Hodeida port, is more evidence of a clear violation of the arms embargo contained in UNSC Resolution 2216. We reiterate our call for all UN Member States to ensure full compliance with the arms embargo. In particular, we call for the Iranian Government to cease its destabilising activity in the region. UNVIM remains critical to preventing the smuggling of illicit arms. The UK calls on the international community to provide unwavering support to UNVIM and to ensure it has the funding necessary to fulfil its obligations. We also continue to support Yemen's Coast Guard as it looks to strengthen its capacities to protect Yemen's maritime borders. In partnership with the Government of Yemen, and international partners, we look forward to the launch of the Yemen Maritime Security Partnership later this year. Finally, President, the UK remains committed to achieving lasting peace in Yemen and the broader region. Ultimately, long-term stability and security in Yemen can only be achieved through a UN-led inclusive political settlement. We will continue to give our full support of Special Envoy Grundberg in this effort. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on global foreign aid reductions UNICEF 06 March 2025 NEW YORK, 5 March 2025 - "Announced and anticipated funding cuts will limit UNICEF's ability to reach millions of children in dire need. "These cuts by numerous donor countries follow two years of aid reductions at a time of unprecedented need. Millions of children are affected by conflict, need to be vaccinated against deadly diseases such as measles and polio, and must be educated and kept healthy. "As needs continue to outpace resources, UNICEF has consistently brought efficiencies and innovations to our work, and we have stretched every contribution to reach vulnerable children. But there is no way around it, these new cuts are creating a global funding crisis that will put the lives of millions of additional children at risk. "UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from governments, private sector partners, and individuals. This support has helped save millions of children's lives, helped ensure infectious diseases do not spread across borders, and helped mitigate the risks of instability and violence. "With our partners, we have made historic progress. Since 2000, global under-5 mortality has dropped by 50 per cent. Millions of children are alive today thanks to this work. Millions more have been protected with improved health and brighter futures. "UNICEF implores all donors to continue to fund critical aid programs for the world's children. We cannot fail them now." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN releases US$110 million to shore up life-saving assistance in neglected humanitarian crises UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York/Geneva, 6 March 2025) With global humanitarian funding being scaled back precipitously, the United Nations today allocated US$110 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to boost life-saving assistance in 10 of the world's most underfunded and neglected crises across Africa, Asia and Latin America. More than 300 million people around the world urgently need humanitarian aid, but funding has been dwindling annually, with this year's levels projected to drop to a record low. "For countries battered by conflict, climate change and economic turmoil, brutal funding cuts don't mean that humanitarian needs disappear," said Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. "Today's emergency fund allocation channels resources swiftly to where they're needed most." One third of the new CERF funding will support Sudan, which is grappling with violence, displacement and hunger, and neighbouring Chad, to where many have fled. The funds will also bolster the humanitarian response in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Honduras, Mauritania, Niger, Somalia, Venezuela and Zambia. Funds will also support life-saving initiatives to protect vulnerable people from climate shocks, made possible by CERF's Climate Action Account. Twice a year, CERF - the UN global emergency fund managed by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - allocates resources for underfunded emergencies as a global alert to spotlight the need for additional funding from Member States, the private sector and others. In late 2024, $110 million was disbursed to help more than 3 million people in underfunded emergencies in Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Haiti, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar and Yemen. This year, the humanitarian community is seeking nearly $45 billion to reach 185 million of the most vulnerable people caught up in crises worldwide. To date, just 5 per cent of this funding has been received, leaving a gap of more than $42 billion. Note to the Editor CERF is one of the fastest funding instruments available to help people affected by crises. Managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, CERF enables timely, effective and life-saving humanitarian action by UN agencies and others to kickstart or reinforce emergency responses anywhere they are required. Funding decisions for underfunded emergencies are based on detailed analysis of more than 90 humanitarian indicators and wide consultation with partners. Since its creation by the UN General Assembly in 2005, and with generous contributions from 130 Member States and observers, as well as other donors including private individuals, CERF has assisted hundreds of millions of people with some $9.6 billion across more than 110 countries and territories. This includes $3.3 billion to underfunded crises. CERF has an annual funding target of $1 billion. CERF is the leading global humanitarian funding tool for responding to climate-related humanitarian emergencies. To strengthen this function, CERF launched its Climate Action Account at COP28, offering a quick, efficient and impactful avenue for climate-related humanitarian finance. It aims to assist the world's most vulnerable communities facing the consequences of the climate crisis, including through anticipatory action and life-saving projects that also build people's adaptation and resilience. For further information, please contact: In New York, Eri Kaneko, kaneko@un.org, +1 917 208 8910 In Geneva: Jens Laerke, laerke@un.org, +41 79 472 9750 6 March 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The West Bank: large scale house demolitions by ongoing Israeli Forces operation are having unprecedented impact on Palestine Refugees UNRWA 6 Mar 2025 AMMAN, Today, the Israeli Security Forces began the demolition of more than 16 buildings in Nur Shams Camp in Tulkarm, northern West Bank. This comes less than a week after 11 houses were demolished in the same camp, 14 other houses in the Tulkarm Camp, and controlled detonations in Jenin Camp around a month ago that left the camp uninhabitable. These large-scale demolitions are an alarming new pattern. They have an unprecedented impact on the Palestine Refugees and seek to permanently change the characteristics of the camps in the northern West Bank. The demolitions are occurring in the context of the so-called Israeli Security Forces operation "Iron Wall" ongoing since 21 January in the northern West Bank - the single-longest and most destructive operation since the second intifada. The operation has resulted in the largest displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank since the 1967 war, with some 40,000 people forced from their homes. Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams refugee camps have been nearly emptied of their residents. With widespread destruction to civilian infrastructure including homes, people now face the prospect of having nowhere to return to. UNRWA teams on the ground are working to meet the needs of those displaced, under the ever-shrinking humanitarian space in the West Bank. The Israeli anti-UNRWA laws which came into effect on 30 January 2025 have created a vacuum of international protective presence when it is most needed. Notes to Editors Nur Shams Camp was established in 1952, and its name translates from Arabic as 'sunlight'. For more information about the camp read the UNRWA camp profile Background Information: UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on. UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address With Yemen Poised for Renewed Conflict, Insufficient Aid and Environmental Crisis, Security Council Hears Political Process, Humanitarian Funding Urgently Needed Meetings Coverage Security Council 9873rd Meeting (AM) SC/16013 6 March 2025 "Numbers in My Next Briefings Will Be Worse," Says Emergency Relief Coordinator Fear of Yemen plunging back into widespread conflict is "palpable", the United Nations' top official in that country told the Security Council today, calling on the parties to refrain from military posturing and instead agree on a nationwide ceasefire. "I see and hear the deep frustration of the Yemeni people who continue to bear the heavy burden of a decade of war" and whose grinding hardship "only deepens", said Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen. He added that gross domestic product (GDP) per capita has more than halved, the Yemeni rial in Government-controlled areas has fallen by 50 per cent in the last year and poverty has surged across the country. Even though large-scale ground operations have not resumed since the UN-mediated truce was implemented in April 2022, he reported that military activity continues. On that, he voiced concern over recent reports of shelling, drone attacks, infiltration attempts and mobilization campaigns recently witnessed in Ma'rib, Al Jawf, Shabwa and Ta'iz. Relatedly, he warned against a rise in rhetoric from the parties, who are pre-positioning themselves publicly for military confrontation. Words, intent and signals matter, and "escalatory discourse can have real consequences", he added. Stressing that his team remains "undeterred" amid enormous challenges, he highlighted its recent, relentless engagement with both Yemeni and international stakeholders. To settle the conflict, the parties must agree on a nationwide ceasefire and a mechanism to implement it. Furthermore, he underlined the need for a political process that includes "a broad spectrum of Yemenis that will allow this conflict to settle once and for all". While welcoming the continued cessation of attacks by Ansar Allah on vessels in the Red Sea and targets in Israel during the last month, he emphasized that "enabling environments for peace can be fragile and fleeting" and "positive developments must be put on a more-permanent footing". Reiterating his determination to convene the parties at any opportunity to end this decade-long conflict, he stated: "We owe it to the millions of Yemenis not to waver or falter in our determination on this." "I am not here to defend programmes, spreadsheets and institutions, but people," said Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Severe funding cuts are a "body blow", he stressed. Humanitarian coordinators are analysing where to make dramatic cuts, as well as "the implications of the tough choices we are making on which lives not to save", he added. On the United States' designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, he said that it is vital to ensure civilians in Yemen have access to essential food and medicine whether through commercial or humanitarian channels. Continuing, he observed that 9.6 million women and girls in Yemen are in severe need of life-saving humanitarian assistance, while 1.5 million girls remain out of school preventing them from breaking cycles of discrimination. "As your funding for Yemen evaporates, the numbers in my next briefings will be worse," he warned, adding that more women will die and more will be forced into survival sex, begging, coerced prostitution, human trafficking and selling their children. And yet, he noted, women remain on the frontlines of survival and recovery 40 per cent of the Yemen Humanitarian Fund goes to women-led organizations, most of which are local. Also briefing the Council today was Nesmah M. Ali, civil-society representative from the Peace Track Initiative, who said that Yemen's myriad crises have weakened State institutions, collapsed social protection systems and created multidimensional insecurities. Recalling that she was forced to leave her hometown in 2020, she stated: "I am a migrant of conflict and climate change." The war has devastated Yemen's environment, she said, adding that attacks on oil refineries and ports, landmines in fields and coastal areas and destruction of power stations and water systems have left that country in ruins. And climate change is deepening Yemen's crisis, she stressed, as floods displace landmines, complicate demining actions and exacerbate pre-war intertribal conflicts over scarce resources. While women are disproportionately affected by climate change and more vulnerable to natural disasters, their stories of determination "amid vanishing fish, ruined crops and deferred dreams" highlight their unwavering strength, and she urged the Council to prioritize the impact of climate change and conflict on gender equality. Council Members Condemn Detentions In the ensuing discussion, many Council members condemned the ongoing detention by the Houthis officially known as Ansar Allah of UN personnel and the tragic death of a World Food Programme (WFP) staff member in their captivity. Among them was Panama's delegate, who called for the immediate and unconditional release of all humanitarian and diplomatic personnel, as well as respect for their fundamental human rights. The representative of France urged the Houthis to end all threats and disinformation campaigns against humanitarian actors. Picking up that thread, the United Kingdom's delegate expressed support for the UN's decision to pause humanitarian operations in Saada, describing this pause as "a direct consequence" of the Houthi threat undermining the security and safety of aid workers. United States Designates Houthis as Terrorist Organization, Others Urge Dialogue The representative of the United States said that her country is taking concrete steps to eliminate the Houthis' capabilities by designating them as a foreign terrorist organization and using targeted sanctions to deprive them of illicit revenues. "Our sanctions seek to preserve space for legitimate activities that support Yemenis living in Houthi-controlled territory who bear no responsibility for the Houthis' malign actions," she stressed. Washington, D.C., will also take steps to stop Iran's support for Houthi terrorism, and she added: "We will take action against the Houthis should they resume their reckless attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways and on Israel." However, her counterpart from the Russian Federation called on the United States Government to reconsider its decision to designate Ansar Allah as a terrorist organization, stressing that "openly antagonising one of the key sides to the conflict will do no good". The voices of all political forces must be considered, and the ineffective logic of maximum pressure abandoned, he stressed, drawing attention to Moscow's proposal to create a framework for collective security in the Persian Gulf. Pakistan's delegate also emphasized the critical role of dialogue, highlighting regional initiatives led by Saudi Arabia and Oman. He also noted that there have been no new attacks on commercial shipping since the onset of the ceasefire in Gaza. "While we unequivocally condemn such attacks," he added that it is crucial to acknowledge that "the absence of the attacks coincides with the maintenance of the ceasefire in Gaza". While also welcoming the pause in attacks in the Red Sea and on Israel, the representative of the Republic of Korea voiced concern over the Houthis' "repeatedly declared" readiness to resume such attacks if the hard-won ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza breaks down. "This is simply unacceptable," he asserted. Speakers Underline Nexus between Conflict and Environment On the fragile situation on the ground, the speaker for Greece said that "the risk of military escalation has not eclipsed". As a historic seafaring nation, Greece supports the freedom of navigation and is committed to safeguarding maritime security in the region. Highlighting the interconnectedness of climate, peace and security, he said that the FSO Safer and the Greek-flagged MV Sounion cases demonstrated the conflict's environmental and humanitarian consequences. The convergence of prolonged conflict, environmental degradation and climate change has created a perfect storm of crises in Yemen, echoed Denmark's delegate, Council President for March, speaking in her national capacity. As the world's third-most vulnerable country to climate change, Yemen is highly affected by climate-induced disasters, she observed, urging the Council to ensure that climate considerations are integrated into peacebuilding strategies, local mediation efforts and a future peace settlement process. Also highlighting the impact of climate change and conflict on food and water insecurity, the representative of Slovenia whose country is a founding member of the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflicts called for the protection and development of water resources and infrastructure in Yemen. "We strongly believe that water issues can be an entry point for grassroots dialogue and mutual understanding between parties, as well as empowering women," he added. Painting a grim picture of the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, Sierra Leone's delegate who also spoke for Algeria, Guyana and Somalia called for increased support for the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan. "Despite shrinking aid budgets, we recognize the tireless efforts of humanitarian organizations and their personnel to meet the urgent needs of the Yemeni people," he said. China's representative also urged States to increase humanitarian assistance and prioritize food security, emphasizing that "a political solution is a fundamental way out of the Yemeni issue". Yemen's Speaker Urges Aid Organizations Relocate to Aden As the conflict enters its eleventh year, the Yemeni people aspire to peace, said that country's representative. However, these aspirations could not materialize due to the destructive approach of Iran-backed Houthi militias who rejected all efforts to that end, he said, welcoming the United States' designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization. He underscored the importance of strategic partnerships to support the Government's efforts to end the coup, restore State institutions and extend State authority over all Yemeni soil. He further stressed that, despite the economic, humanitarian, social and institutional challenges caused by the war, the Government is making "tremendous efforts" to address currency depreciation and unemployment. Condemning the ongoing detention of international personnel, he cautioned that the militias "will not stop their blackmailing of the international community". Accordingly, he urged the UN and other international organizations to transfer their headquarters to Aden, the temporary capital. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PACAF commander highlights readiness, lethality at AFA Warfare Symposium Published March 6, 2025 By Capt. Alyssa Letts Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs AURORA, Colo. (AFNS) -- Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, reinforced PACAF's focus on warfighting effectiveness, lethality and readiness during the Air and Space Force Association's Warfare Symposium in Aurora, March 4. Schneider was joined on a panel discussing "Agile Combat Employment Mindset" by his command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Kathleen McCool, as well as Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, and his command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Randy Kwiatkowski. The senior leaders focused on enhancing Air Force combat capabilities in contested overseas environments, with discussions on ACE, infrastructure resilience and joint interoperability. "The days of operating from secure, fixed bases are over," Schneider said. "The Indo-Pacific's vast distances and evolving threats demand a flexible, resilient force that can operate from multiple, dispersed locations under contested conditions." Schneider stressed the importance of building and sustaining airpower in a fight, highlighting PACAF's commitment to hardened infrastructure and dispersed basing. "The Air Force wants to populate the Indo-Pacific with dispersed operating locations to support ACE, but we also need to invest heavily in resilient infrastructure at main operating bases," he explained. "It's about balancing the ability to generate and project combat power while remaining survivable." To ensure lethality and sustained operations, Schneider emphasized contested logistics as a critical factor. "We can't assume we'll have the luxury of stable logistics," he said. "We need to prepare for austere conditions, degraded networks and disruptions to sustainment chains our forces must be self-sufficient, mobile and capable of rapid adaptation." A key initiative planned to reinforce these priorities is Resolute Force Pacific, a key summer 2025 exercise that will test PACAF's ability to rapidly deploy, disperse and sustain airpower across the Indo-Pacific in a contested environment. The exercise will stress ACE concepts, logistics under fire and the ability to generate combat power from multiple locations, ensuring U.S. forces can operate effectively in a real-world fight. "We are training to move fast, fight under attack, and sustain combat operations in ways we haven't had to in decades," Schneider said. In addition to infrastructure and logistics, interoperability with allies remains a key warfighting advantage in the Indo-Pacific, a key aspect collectively nurtured daily across the region. "Having our allies and partners by our side is a huge benefit, but it also creates unique challenges that we need to overcome to increase our overall effectiveness," Schneider said. He pointed to joint exercises, like REFORPAC, and real-world contingency operations as proof of growing integration and operational alignment with partners like Japan, Australia, South Korea and the Philippines. McCool also provided her thoughts, reinforcing the critical role of Airmen in ensuring ACE's success, while highlighting how Mission Ready Airman training is preparing warfighters for high-pressure, real-world combat environments. "Part of creating an ACE mindset requires Airmen to work outside of their core specialty and train as a cross-functional team," she said. She pointed to the Multi-Capable Airman Rodeo last year in Yokota, Japan, as an example of how Airmen are learning to operate independently in expeditionary conditions. Schneider closed by reaffirming PACAF's focus on enhancing warfighting effectiveness and ensuring the command is postured to deter aggression and project power in a contested fight. "Our ability to fight and prevail in any contested environment depends on our ability to generate sorties and execute combat operations while under attack," he said. "We are not preparing for an exercise we are preparing to win the next fight. We must be ready." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US defense secretary: Europe-led NATO is 'future of defense on continent' By VOA News March 06, 2025 On a windy Thursday outside Washington at the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed his British counterpart to discuss how best to quickly end Russia's war in Ukraine. "European leadership of NATO, led by the U.K., led by others, is, we believe, the future of defense on the continent," Hegseth said. British Defense Secretary John Healey said the United Kingdom had increased its defense spending and would continue to do so. "You challenged us to step up on Ukraine, on defense spending, on European security. And I say to you that we have, we are, and we will further," Healey said. On the possibility of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, Healey said the U.K. believes Kyiv is ready to make the most of a "unique opportunity." But as to whether the U.S. has seen enough to resume intelligence sharing with Ukraine, that is up to President Donald Trump, the U.S. defense secretary said. "We're very encouraged by the signs we're seeing. Ultimately, he will make the determination. But it is a pause for now," Hegseth said. Hegseth added that Trump is "laser focused" on ending the bloodshed. In a joint address to Congress on Tuesday evening, Trump said he was working to end the war in Ukraine. "It's time to stop this madness," he said. Trump's comments came the day after the United States paused military aid to Ukraine and a few days after an acrimonious Oval Office meeting on Feb. 28 concluded with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy leaving the White House without an agreement. In his address, Trump said he received a letter Tuesday from Zelenskyy that said Kyiv was "ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible." VOA National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US affirms commitment to bring home Americans held abroad By Nike Ching March 06, 2025 The U.S. State Department held a flag-raising ceremony on Thursday for hostages and wrongful detainees, reaffirming the U.S. government's commitment to securing the return of American citizens and lawful permanent residents detained abroad. "Our policies are 100% focused on returning people home," said Adam Boehler, President Donald Trump's special envoy for hostages. He added, "You'll see some announcements in the coming days," without providing further details. "President Trump is committed to bringing home all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas. This includes the Americans and all other hostages that Hamas is still holding hostage in Gaza," a State Department spokesperson told VOA. "Efforts to bring them home are ongoing and sensitive - we do not have any meetings to announce or readout at this time," the spokesperson said. March 9 marks 18 years since former FBI agent Robert Levinson was abducted in Iran. In recognition of this, Congress, with bipartisan support, designated the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. On Thursday, FBI Director Kash Patel said Washington is determined to "zero out" hostage cases and wrongful detentions, as well as repatriating the remains of those who could not be brought home, through diplomatic and intelligence efforts. The ceremony came a day after Trump welcomed eight former hostages who had been held by U.S.-designated terror group Hamas to the White House. On Wednesday, the White House also confirmed that U.S. officials have engaged in ongoing discussions with Hamas. The talks, held in Doha, Qatar, mark the first known direct engagement between the United States and Hamas since the State Department designated the group as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997. Boehler led the direct talks with Hamas, which were reportedly focused on securing the release of U.S. hostages and exploring a potential end of the war without Hamas in power in Gaza. Among the hostages still held by Hamas, five are U.S. citizens, including 21-year-old Edan Alexander, who is believed to be the last American-Israeli hostage still alive in Gaza. His mother, Yael Alexander, recently spoke at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. "This is the simple truth: The situation with the hostages becomes more urgent every day," she said. "They are working on Phase 2 now. We don't see it as a phase we see it as the way to bring our son home. It doesn't matter what you call it; what matters is that there is an agreement to bring the remaining hostages home as soon as possible," she said. This week, Israeli officials said that Israel is ready to move forward with the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal, provided Hamas agrees to release more of the 59 hostages it is still holding. Some information was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump confirms direct talks with Hamas By Patsy Widakuswara March 06, 2025 President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed that his administration was negotiating with Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror group, to free the remaining hostages, and he doubled down on his earlier ultimatum that there would be "hell to pay" in Gaza if they were not released immediately. "You're going to find out," Trump said from the Oval Office when asked by a reporter what he meant. Trump highlighted his Wednesday meeting with freed Israeli hostages. "I had the honor of spending a lot of time yesterday with quite a few of the people that we got out, and I can't believe how badly treated they were," he said. Earlier Thursday, Steve Witkoff, the president's special envoy to the Middle East, told reporters at the White House there could be "some action taken" by the administration that could be done "jointly with the Israelis." "Hamas has an opportunity to act reasonably, to do what's right, and then to walk out," Witkoff said, referring to U.S. and Israeli demands that Hamas not have any military or political role in postwar Gaza. Neither Trump nor the White House responded to queries on whether the options being considered would include military action. In the past, officials have said they will not send American troops to Gaza. Trump's decision to begin direct talks with Hamas to release hostages, led by special envoy for hostages Adam Boehler, marks a departure from Washington's long-standing policy to not negotiate with terrorists. "We are helping Israel in those discussions, because we're talking about Israeli hostages. And we're not doing anything in terms of Hamas. We're not giving cash," Trump said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that Israel "has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas." Hamas said the best path to free the hostages was through ceasefire negotiations. It added that threats from Trump were encouraging Israel to walk away from the multiphase Gaza ceasefire deal reached on Jan. 19, a day before Trump took office. "The language of threats does not intimidate us; it only complicates matters further," Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement posted on a Telegram channel affiliated with the group. Wednesday on Truth Social, Trump posted, "Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. ... I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say." His administration sent $4 billion in weapons to Israel this week, the second time in a month it bypassed congressional approval for sending arms to the country. The U.S.-Hamas talks appear to be a new diplomatic track, separate from ongoing negotiations between Hamas and Israel, with mediation by Qatar and the U.S., to secure phase two of the Gaza ceasefire. Hamas accused the U.S. and Israel of trying to back out of negotiations as phase one ended last weekend. "Most people are expecting the ceasefire will collapse because they are expecting that Prime Minister Netanyahu is going to start pounding Gaza again," said Mirette Mabrouk, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. "And as soon as that happens, there will be no more hostage releases," she told VOA. Arab counterproposal In addition to the two negotiation tracks, Arab nations on Tuesday endorsed a counterproposal to Trump's call to expel Palestinians and turn Gaza into a beach destination. Under the Arab plan, Palestinians will remain there, and Hamas will be excluded from governance. Israel has rejected the plan, but Washington sees it as a "good-faith first step," Witkoff said in response to VOA's question during a gathering of reporters at the White House on Thursday. "We're evaluating everything there. So, it's a little bit early to comment," he said. Israel has also blocked all aid into Gaza since Sunday, repeating long-standing charges that it is being diverted to Hamas, which international agencies deny. There's now a fuel shortage in the territory, further jeopardizing basic services such as trash removal. The war in Gaza began with the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in about 250 people being taken hostage. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 48,400 Palestinians, about half being women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump says 'hell to pay' if Hamas doesn't free hostages By VOA News March 06, 2025 Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror organization, said Thursday that threats from U.S. President Donald Trump are encouraging Israel to walk away from a Gaza ceasefire deal. The comments came a day after Trump said "there will be hell to pay" if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages being held in Gaza. "Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. "I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say," Trump added. The first phase of the ceasefire ended Saturday. It included Hamas freeing 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais, and Israel freeing about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The White House confirmed on Wednesday it had engaged in direct talks with Hamas. Sources familiar with the matter said the talks focused on the release of American hostages still being held in Gaza. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the talks as "a good-faith effort to do what's right for the American people." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that Israel "has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas." The war in Gaza began with the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 250 people being taken hostage. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 48,400 Palestinians according to the health ministry in Gaza. 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 Taliban urge Pakistan, Iran to slow return of Afghan nationals By Sarah Zaman March 06, 2025 Afghanistan's Taliban Thursday called on neighbors Pakistan and Iran to be patient with Afghan refugees and follow an organized process for their return, considering Afghanistan's economic challenges. Pakistan and Iran have sent back more than 2.7 million Afghans to their home country since the 20-year U.S.-led war in Afghanistan ended in August 2021. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban acting minister of refugees and repatriation affairs, separately met with Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, Pakistan's charge d'affaires in Afghanistan, and Iran's ambassador to Afghanistan, Alireza Bekdali, in Kabul. In a post on social media platform X, the Afghan ministry said Kabir expressed hope that the "host countries will exercise patience and forbearance toward refugees." "Islamic Emirate encourages Afghan refugees to return to the country," said the statement. "But due to lack of conditions at home, host countries should consider organized return process instead of forced deportation, and act according to a gradual mechanism." Afghan expulsion Since Pakistan launched a drive in late 2023 to remove foreign nationals residing illegally in the country, citing security concerns, more than 825,000 Afghans have left, according to data compiled by the U.N. High Commission for Refugees. However, only a small fraction roughly 40,000 have been deported. Pakistan approved a multistage plan in late January targeting nearly 3 million Afghan citizens. It includes legally declared refugees, documented as well as undocumented migrants, and those awaiting relocation to the United States and other Western countries. That plan calls for repatriating documented Afghan migrants and undocumented Afghan citizens in Phase 1. It also calls for the removal of Afghans awaiting third-country relocation from Islamabad by March 31. Last July, Pakistan extended the validity of Proof of Registration, or POR, cards for Afghan refugees until June 30, 2025. The government's January plan to expel Afghans says POR card holders will be dealt with later. Driven largely by economic concerns, Iran deported more than 1.8 million Afghans between 2022 and 2024, according to aid website Relief Web that takes data from UNHCR. Last September, Tehran announced it plans to deport up to 2 million by March 2025. Time needed Kabir called on Iran and Pakistan to slow the pace of returns until bilateral mechanisms are put in place. "Time should be given to hold bilateral and trilateral meetings in this regard," the statement said. Nizamani, Pakistan's top diplomat in Afghanistan, said refugees are not a political tool, according to the Afghan ministry's post. "He said that Pakistan's future is linked to Afghanistan, therefore, it does not use Afghan refugees as political tools, but wants the problems to be resolved through understanding," the refugee ministry said on X. A request to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, seeking confirmation of Nizamani's remarks, was not returned. Iranian ambassador Bekdali called for a permanent solution to the issue, the Taliban ministry said. "We want to see the illegal migrants living in Iran, refugees, provided with the necessary legal documents," the statement quoted Bekadli as saying. There was no immediate confirmation from Bekdali's office regarding his remarks. Refugee rights groups and human rights watchdogs have repeatedly called on Iran and Pakistan to ensure that the rights of Afghan refugees and undocumented migrants are protected, and they are not forced to return to Afghanistan, where the economy is in shambles, the majority relies on aid, and women face severe curbs on basic rights and liberties. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Canadian leaders discuss trade amid new US tariffs By VOA News March 06, 2025 Top diplomats from the United States and Canada held talks Wednesday that included discussion of trade, while U.S. President Donald Trump delayed a new 25% tariff on vehicle imports from Canada and Mexico for a month. The U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly collaborated on "shared global challenges, secure borders, reciprocal trade, and economic prosperity." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump spoke with top officials at automakers Ford, General Motors and Stellantis before announcing the tariff delays. She said Trump urged the automakers to move their Mexican and Canadian production to the United States to avoid the tariffs altogether. Trump's new levies on the two biggest U.S. trading partners remain in place for other products, although Leavitt said the president is open to hearing the case for other possible exemptions. Trump announced the vehicle tariff delay in a statement after speaking earlier in the day with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who, according to The Associated Press, is not willing to lift Canada's retaliatory tariffs if Trump leaves any tariffs on Canada. Doug Ford, the Ontario provincial premier, said that if the U.S. tariff on Canadian vehicle exports to the U.S. remained in place, production at Canadian auto plants would start to shut down in about 10 days. "People are going to lose their jobs," he said. The heads of Canada's provinces said they were taking action to bolster trade within Canada and with countries abroad, in order to reduce their dependence on a single market, in reference to the United States. Trump imposed the duties on Mexico and Canada on Tuesday, along with doubling tariffs on Chinese imported goods, to 20%. His action caused stock markets to plunge and threatened to boost the price of U.S. consumer goods and products that businesses need to operate. Mexico, Canada and China all said Tuesday they would retaliate against Trump's tariffs by increasing their own against U.S. products sent to their countries. Trump said on his Truth Social media platform that Trudeau called him Wednesday morning to ask what could be done about the new U.S. tax. "I told him that many people have died from Fentanyl that came through the Borders of Canada and Mexico, and nothing has convinced me that it has stopped," the president wrote. "He said that it's gotten better, but I said, 'That's not good enough.' The call ended in a 'somewhat' friendly manner!" Earlier in the week, Trudeau said Canada has surged personnel and equipment to the border to stop the flow of fentanyl to the United States, as Trump had demanded as a possible path to averting the new tariff on Canadian imports. "Because of this work in partnership with the United States fentanyl seizures from Canada have dropped 97% between December 2024 and January 2025 to a near-zero low of 0.03 pounds seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection," Trudeau said. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Bloomberg Television that Trump's new tariffs will not be fully eliminated. "There are going to be tariffs, let's be clear," Lutnick said. "But what [Trump is] thinking about is which sections of the market that can maybe maybe he'll consider giving them relief until we get to, of course, April 2," when Trump has said he will impose reciprocal tariffs on countries around the world that tax imports from the U.S. The Canadian government said that nothing less than abandoning the new U.S. tariffs was acceptable. "We're not interested in meeting in the middle and having some reduced tariff. Canada wants the tariffs removed," Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. In a speech Tuesday night to the U.S. Congress, Trump acknowledged the tariff turmoil, saying, "Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again. There will be a little disturbance, but we're OK with that. It won't be much." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would announce her country's counter-tariff increase against U.S. goods on Sunday. China placed tariffs of up to 15% on a wide array of U.S. farm exports. It also expanded the number of U.S. companies subject to export controls and other restrictions by about two dozen. Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Behind the Penguin Missile launch New Zealand Defence Force In a world-first a Seasprite helicopter has launched a Penguin anti-ship guided missile. And, as expected, it was right on target. 07 March, 2025 The Penguin, which replaced the Maverick air-to-ground missile, is propelled at high subsonic speed by a solid rocket engine which has an operational range of more than 34km. The missile, which carries a 120kg high explosive warhead, is designed to skim above the sea and penetrate targets at their waterline. The warhead has a delay fuse which detonates inside the target. Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 6 Squadron armament technician Sergeant (SGT) Shaun Lindsay explained the trade's crucial role in the successful missile launch and why the live-fire training was so beneficial. "Whenever a weapon is loaded to an aircraft it is key to have an armourer leading the work. There are different variants of missile, in this case it was a live high-explosive variant." The helicopter and crew were embarked on HMNZS Te Kaha, which is deploying to the Arabian Sea in support of CTF150 (Combined Task Force 150). "We deployed a few extra armourers on the ship so we could spread the experience and knowledge. While we do training evolutions with non-live weapons fairly regularly, it's rare that we get the chance to go out and do it in a more realistic environment, so it was really valuable to the trade. "We obviously never want to have to use these weapons, but somebody needs to know how to use them and we signed up for that job," SGT Lindsay said. The live-fire missile launch required specialist training and experience for it to be completed successfully, he said. "The weapon needed to be loaded onto the aircraft and then prepared - the wings have to be fitted, canards, which are hydraulically actuated to steer the missile, have to be fitted, as well as safety checks made to ensure the missile will function as intended. "It's always a good opportunity to put that into practise because at the end of the day if the nation needs us to stand up at short notice, we need to be able to provide that." SGT Lindsay was tracking the mission from No. 6 Squadron at Base Auckland at the time. "I was expecting it to go well, but I was pleased it was a success. It's nice to have the confirmation that what we've been training for, and the evolutions with the non-live weapons we use, that when done on a live weapon it all goes as planned. "You can learn plenty in theory, but there's more that can be learnt from witnessing live events." The team was able to see data from the launch and see what the target looked like after it was hit. "It was interesting to look at the target - it wasn't what a lot of people would have expected to see. Many probably expected to see that target was shattered into pieces, but because of the weapon design, the result was quite different. It was good to show that other non-armament personnel involved how the weapon works." "Everyone valued the experience and we took a lot away from it. It was nice to be able to show the force what our value adds." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address by Jochen Szangolies Consider the lobster. Rigidly separated from the environment by its shell, the lobsters world is cleanly divided into self and other, subject and object. One may suspect that it cant help but conceive of itself as separated from the world, looking at it through its bulbous eyes, probing it with antennae. The outside world impinges on its carapace, like waves breaking against the shore, leaving it to experience only the echo within. Its signature move is grasping. With its pincers, it is perfectly equipped to take hold of the objects of the world, engage with them, manipulate them, take them apart. Hence, the world must appear to it as a series of discrete, well-separated individual elementsamong which is that special object, its body, housing the nuclear I within. The lobster embodies the primal scientific impulse of cracking open the world to see what it is made of, that has found its greatest expression in modern-day particle colliders. Consequently, its thought (we may imagine) must be supremely analyticalanalysis in the original sense being nothing but the resolution of complex entities into simple constituents. The lobster, then, is the epitome of the Cartesian, detached, rational self: an island of subjectivity among the waves, engaging with the outside by means of grasping, manipulating, taking apartanalyzing, and perhaps synthesizing the analyzed into new concepts, new creations. It is forever separated from the things themselves, only subject to their effects as they intrude upon its unyielding boundary. Then consider the octopus. The octopus, in engaging with the world, becomes the worldnot merely due to the lack of a rigid boundary, but because of its unique capacity for mirroring it, and thus, taking it in. This mirroring should not be misunderstood as a mere means of predator-evasion, or camouflage: it is deeply enmeshed with its ability to cogitate. A while back, a video of an octopus (potentially) dreaming made the rounds: in its sleep, the octopus changes color, and even shape, in a way reminiscent of analogous changes during hunt and feeding. The octopus signature move is not that of grasping, but rather, of entwinementof becoming enmeshed with that which attracts its attention. Indeed, it is often hard to delineate a proper boundary between an octopus body and its surroundings; moreover, in touching you, the octopus also tastes you, its suckers being equipped with taste buds. Indeed, as its arms contain largely independent neuronal assemblages, it also thinks you. The octopus is not a centralized reasoner, a homunculus ghost-in-the-machine piloting the vehicle of its body through the outside world; its cognition is distributed throughout the body, and its body and its surroundings blend into one. The interaction of the octopus with the world is then nondual, in the sense that it cannot conceive of itself (if it conceives of itself at all) as wholly separate from the external world. Everywhere, the world moves through it; there is no clear separation between the subject and the object. It becomes the thought it thinks, the element of the environment it cognizes. Its world does not cleanly separate into concepts, into discrete objects of individual character, but is apprehended as a whole Gestalt, with itself an inseparable part thereof. William James and Two Modes of Thought The above has, in a perhaps somewhat fanciful way, introduced two distinct modes of connecting with the world. The lobster-mode of meeting the world sees it as a collection of distinct concepts, a container of things to take apart and (re-)combine, and sees the self as a Cartesian subject separated from the external, physical world; while the octopus-mode of being in the world sees it as a continuous, fluid amalgamation that does not cleanly separate into distinct objects, or even self and non-self. The distinction between two modes of engagement with the world has a long, if somewhat muddled, philosophical pedigree. In the Western tradition, it is enshrined in the distinction between nous and logismos, intellectus and ratio, Verstand and Vernunft: the latter being the faculty of mere understanding, and the former referring to a more all-encompassing mode of apprehension. Often, the nondual mode is held to be superior to dualistic reasoning. In The Mystic Will, a commentary on the thought of 16th century mystic Jakob Boehme, Howard Brinton puts it as follows: In Vernunft subject and object are separated. Accordingly Vernunft is doubtful knowledge. In Verstand the subjective-objective distinction has been transcended, therefore Boehme held Verstand is sure knowledge, for knower and known are one. There is a comparison here to notions from Buddhist thought, particularly as relates to the Mahayana tradition. This comparison is explicitly made in David Loys seminal study Nondualiy in Buddhism and Beyond, where he quotes D. T. Suzuki on the notions of prajna and vijnana: Prajna goes beyond vijnana. We make use of vijnana in our world of the senses and intellect, which is characterized by dualism in the sense that there is the one who sees and there is the other that is seenthe two standing in opposition. In prajna this differentiation does not take place: what is seen and the one who sees are identical; the seer is the seen and the seen is the seer. The human self-image is typically that of a lobster: a nucleic self acting in a world of external objects, grasping and manipulating, analyzing and synthesizing. Villem Flusser circumscribes this self-conception marvelously in Vampyroteuthis Infernalis, his richly imaginative study of the cognitive life of the vampire squid from hell: We trace our fingers along the dissected rations of phenomena in order to comprehend and define their contours. With a theoretical gaze, we then disassociate these defined contours from the dissected phenomenon, at which point we are holding an empty husk. We call this empty husk a concept, and we use it to collect other rations of phenomena that have not yet been fully defined. We use concepts as models. In doing so, we create a melee between dissected appearances and empty conceptsbetween phenomena and models. The unfortunate outcome of this conflict is that we can no longer discern any phenomena for which we have not already established a model. Since we can no longer apprehend model-less phenomena, we therefore brandish the scalpel of reason simply to tailor phenomena to our models. [] The Vampyrotheuthis, on the other hand, has no knife, no need for human reason. [] Its reason is therefore preconceptual. But certain states of mind can serve to break up this dualist conception: in flow experiences, for example, we can loose awareness of ourselves as things in the world, and become entirely subsumed in what were doingwe become the action, so to speak, the duality between actor and acted-upon eroding. In human understanding, lobsterian and octopoid thought, Vernunft and Verstand, vijnana and prajna occur together. There is an intriguing analogy, here, to the dual process theory of human reason, pioneered by William James, the 19th century Father of American psychology. As popularized in Daniel Kahnemanns best-selling book Thinking, Fast and Slow, there are two systems of human thought: System 1, which is described as fast, automatic, frequent, emotional, stereotypic, unconscious, and System 2, considered to be slow, effortful, infrequent, logical, calculating, conscious. System 2 is thus the discursive, deliberate, premises-to-conclusion mode of conscious reasoning. System 2s thought always has an objectis, in the philosophical parlance, intentional: directed at or concerned with something beyond itself. Thus, System 2 introduces the lobster-like distinction between self and other, the vijnana mode of reasoning about objects in the world as conceptually cleanly separated. System 1 is mostly associated with intuitive, spontaneous modes of thought. The immediate recognition of faces, split-second judgments of situations, the vague feeling of dread in a situation that only later reflection recognizes as actually having been dangerousthese are not thoughts of the self about the world, but the world coming to mind under a certain aspector with a certain flavor, as in the octopoid tasting of the world. System 1 does not take the world as its object, to be examined, poked at, disassembled and reformed at leisure, but produces spontaneous reactions, changing as the world does, without deliberation. Both systems are often thought to work alongside each other, within their respective domains, playing to their strengths. But newer research has started challenging that conception. As they argue in their book The Enigma of Reason, Hugo Mercier and Dan Sperber believe that the only way to make sense of human irrationality is not to stipulate that our reasoning engine, System 2, is subject to the familiar list of cognitive biases and fallacies for unknown reasons, but rather, that it is not so much a reasoning as a rationalizing engine, tasked with making System 1s judgments and reactions (socially) defensible. Ultimately, the basic building blocks System 2 freely recombines into complex concepts have their roots in System 1s intuitive characterizations, and cant themselves be made more sensibletheyre the axioms from which our (that is, System 2s) inferences flow. This, too, has been prefigured in Buddhist thought. Witness again Suzuki: If we think that there is a thing denoted as prajna and another denoted as vijnana and that they are forever separated and not to be brought to the state of unification, we shall be completely on the wrong track. Vijnana cannot work without having prajna behind it; parts are parts of the whole; parts never exist by themselves, for if they did they would not be partsthey would even cease to exist. We thus arrive at a picture of human reason where what we typically mean by reasonthe lobsterian, deliberate, step-by-step coming to conclusions from premises, mulling about concepts, planning actions performed on objects in the external worldis ultimately a secondary gloss, derived from the more fundamental, nondual, System 1 immediate and direct octopoid interaction with the world, that yields the input for System 2 to process. We are lobsters riding octopuses (or octopodes, if you want to feel fancy; but please, never octopi!). This should not be taken to imply an overly disparaging view of System 2 (nor lobsters). It may provide important corrective impulses. Take the following riddle: Emilys father has three daughters. Two of them are named April and May. What is the third daughters name? This riddle has an answer that is immediate, intuitive, effortless, and wrong: the name of the third daughter is not, of course, June, but Emily. Yet, typically, the wrong answer leaps immediately to mind, and it is only reflectionSystem 2-style drawing of inferences from explicit datathat yields the correct solution. Furthermore, the connection between System 1 and System 2 isnt entirely one-way: System 1, due to its holistic nature, considers System 2 just as much a part of the world as anything else; hence, System 2-behaviors backreact on System 1s judgments. Indeed, as we will see, we can think of System 2 as providing training data for System 1thus, shaping its judgments and intuitionsfor better or worse. AI Needs an Editor In September, the Guardian ran an article with the somewhat sensationalist headline A robot wrote this entire article. Are you scared yet, human?. It purported to be an op-ed written entirely by OpenAIs deep learning language model, GPT-3. Except, thats not quite what it was: rather, GPT-3 had been given the task, based on a specific prompt, to write a 500-word article; it produced eight different versions, which were then edited into an almost-cohesive whole. This opens up the question: when should a creative work produced with machine assistance be actually credited to the AI involved in the process? One might imagine an extreme case, where I produce large volumes of text essentially randomly, then cut and splice various portions that just happen to make sense togethersurely, the resulting text would not sensibly be considered the creation of the program I used. On the other hand, pieces written by human writers are also typically edited, yet still credited to the original author. In a follow-up article, the Guardian opened up about the lobsterian process of editing, of cutting and re-joining, supplying also an example output of a single run of GPT-3. There, the lack of cohesivenessthe nonexistence of any real narrative thread, any sense of consistency between the elements of the narrative, and the concepts appealed tois manifest: at one point, the AI claims to be from another planet, and at the end, some random spam sneaks in. What GPT-3 lacks is the corrective facility System 2 lends to System 1s free-wheeling association. There is no consistency check to disabuse it of the notion that Emilys fathers three daughters are named April, May, and June: it sees the pattern, and completes it in a sensible way; but it does not understand how the concepts the words map to interrelate. It lacks, in other words, a model of the world. This is part of the utility System 2 brings to the human thought process: it adds, so to speak, concepts to percepts, and allows us to manipulate and recombine them. Without it, the world would appear to us (if it appeared at all) as a singular, undifferentiated Gestalt, much as in the AI-generated picture in Figure 3. That human-like artificial intelligence wont likely be achieved by the System 1-style neural network approach on its own has long been appreciated in the AI community. As AI researcher Ben Goertzel put it back in 2012: Bridging the gap between symbolic and subsymbolic representations is aperhaps thekey obstacle along the path from the present state of AI achievement to human-level artificial general intelligence. It is not clear, however, that successful navigation of the world necessitates the addition of a System 2. Indeed, in some ways, it may even be a handicap: modeling necessarily falsifies, and introduces the danger of mistaking the map for the territory. Thus, a reliance on System 2s conclusions about the world introduces the danger of being radically mistaken about the nature of the worldthat our mental model is constructed in some particular way does not imply that the world as such must follow the same principles. Just because we can use clockwork to model the solar system, doesnt mean the planets run on wheels and gears. Another hypothesis has the conclusions and explanations produced by System 2 fulfill an essentially social, communicative role: a neural networks judgments are hard to explain, or justify. It pronounces an image to contain a cat because it has the Gestalt of a cat; but System 2 can opt in, and go, yeah, its got fur, whiskers, four paws, a tail, and a calico patternthats what makes it a cat. This is the insight behind DARPAs push for third-wave, explainable AI: rather than just providing inscrutable judgments, to be trustworthy, AI needs to be able to justify its conclusions. Hence, the function of System 2 may be to add a layer of accountability to System 1s associations. In doing so, it does not necessarily need to be truthfulbut merely, convincing to other System 2s. As such, it is an engine of social cohesion, rather than a means of finding the ultimate truth about the worldwhich may, in line with the conclusions of Mercier and Sperber, explain why it so often falls short of the latter. I believe this picture of the human mind, as a model-based System 2 making sense of the neural network-like System 1s classificationsthe lobster riding the octopushas great explanatory potential. In future columns, I want to give an overview of how it sheds light on certain aspects of art, philosophy, religion, and science. For now, I will close with two famous verses from the Daodejing: The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth. The named is the mother of ten thousand things. We may, with some poetic license, see here the nonconceptual, subsymbolic (nameless), nondual System 1 as the original ground of the world, with System 2s conceptualizations (names) applied afterwards: the world as we think it arises once we populate it with concepts, breaking up the original unity into discrete substances of individual character. Trump Tells NATO Allies To Hike Spending Or Don't Count On US Help By RFE/RL March 07, 2025 US President Donald Trump, who has long questioned the viability of NATO, cast doubt on his willingness to support the Western military alliance, saying he would not come to members aid if they didn't pay enough for their own defense. "It's common sense, right," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on March 6. "If they don't pay, I'm not going to defend them. No, I'm not going to defend them." Trump said he shared this view with NATO allies during his first presidential term, 2017-21, prompting most to increase their military spending - but not by enough, he added. "They should be paying more," he said. During his first term, Trump insisted that NATO members raise their military spending to 2 percent of GDP, a level pledged in 2014 to be met over the next decade. At least 24 have met that requirement, although Trump has since suggested the threshold may have to rise to 5 percent of GDP, a level many member nations said would not be economically viable. Only Poland comes close to 5 percent, although Estonia and Lithuania have signaled they will raise spending to this level as well Despite the latest comments, Trump in late February reaffirmed his commitment to NATO's mutual defense clause, Article 5, in remarks alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. That stance was reiterated multiple times -- both publicly and privately -- by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels in February. Roughly 100,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed in Europe, mainly in Germany, Italy, and Britain. NATO was established by the United States and 11 other countries to counter Soviet aggression following World War II. It has grown to 32 members and now includes many nations formerly part of the Soviet Union or under its sphere of influence. Trump claimed in his remarks that other countries would not come to the US's defense, although the only time Article 5 has been invoked is when it was determined the United States was attacked on September 11, 2001. "You know the biggest problem I have with NATO? I really, I mean, I know the guys very well. They're friends of mine. But if the United States was in trouble, and we called them, we said, 'We got a problem, France. We got a problem, couple of others I won't mention.' Do you think they're going to come and protect us? They're supposed to. I'm not so sure." French President Emmanuel Macron responded to Trump's remarks, saying, "We are loyal and faithful allies." "I think we're entitled to expect the same," said Macron, who cited historical incidents of Franco-American military cooperation stretching back to the US Revolutionary War. France and the United States "have always been there for each other," he said. Macron on March 5 said he was open to discussing the extension of France's nuclear deterrence to Paris's allies on the Continent in the face of Russian aggression and worries about the U.S. view on helping to defend Europe. Trump, meanwhile, also suggested using the U.S. commitment to NATO as leverage in his trade war in his effort to target what he has labeled as unfair trade policies by European nations. With reporting by Reuters and AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-nato-russia-france- macron-military-spending/33339348.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Again Delays Tariffs On Canada, Mexico But Vows April 2 Global Measures By RFE/RL March 07, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump has again postponed for one month his announced 25 percent tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada, as fears grow over the potential economic damages of a widespread trade war. Despite the temporary exemptions for the two U.S. neighbors, Trump is still planning to press ahead with a global regime of reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners of the United States on April 2. "Most of the tariffs go on April the second," Trump said. "These exemptions don't do much to resolve the general air of uncertainty," Yung-Yu Ma, chief investment officer at BMO Wealth Management, was quoted by AP as saying. "Businesses will still be cautious in the current environment until a lot more of the tariff picture is clear." The White House says its tariffs against Mexico and Canada -- the two largest U.S. trading partners -- are intended to force the countries to take stronger measures against illegal border crossing and the smuggling of drug, including deadly fentanyl. The plans for U.S. tariffs have many countries looking to impose retaliatory duties on American products and have roiled global stock markets amid fears of a trade war, economic slowdown, and rising consumer prices. Asked whether the recent stock market decline was due to his tariffs, Trump said: "A lot of them are globalist countries and companies that won't be doing as well because we're taking back things that have been taken from us many years ago." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had planned to announce retaliatory measures ahead of the temporary reprieve. Trump earlier had hailed her for making progress on illegal immigration and drug smuggling as a reason for previously pausing tariffs that were initially set to go into effect in February. "I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum," Trump said on Truth Social. "Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the border." Sheinbaum said she and Trump "had an excellent and respectful call in which we agreed that our work and collaboration have yielded unprecedented results." Mexico has cracked down on cartels, sent troops to the U.S. border, and handed over to the Trump administration at least 29 top cartel bosses long sought by U.S. authorities. She said the two countries will continue to work together on migration and security, and to cut back on fentanyl trafficking to the U.S. Meanwhile, AP quoted two senior Canadian government officials as saying that country's initial retaliatory tariffs will remain in place despite Trump's postponement announcement. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the leader of Canada's most populous province, also said that, starting next week, the province will charge 25 percent more for electricity shipped to some 1.5 million Americans in response to Trump's tariff plan. The province supplies electricity to the U.S. states of Minnesota, New York, and Michigan. Ford said Ontario's tariff would remain in place despite the one-month delay by Trump, arguing that as long as the threat of tariffs remains, Ontario's position wouldn't change. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who will step down as the Canadian leader on March 9, said he does not expect the trade war that Trump has launched to ease any time soon. "I can confirm that we will continue to be in a trade war that was launched by the United States for the foreseeable future," he told reporters on March 6. With reporting by Reuters and AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-tariff-mexico-canada- border-drugs-migration/33339014.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 06 March 2025 - Day 1107 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively thwart the Russian enemy's attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him an effective fire effect, exhaustion throughout the frontline. Since the beginning of this day, there have been 138 combat clashes. Russian zagarbniki made 68 aviacijnih strikes, applying 104 cab. In addition, the Russians have engaged 946 kamikaze drones and carried out more than four thousand shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, Ukrainian troops repelled three Russian attacks in the area of vovcans ka. In the Kupyansky direction, Russian forces carried out five assaults of the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Zagrizovoye. Ukrainian defenders repelled all enemy attacks. In the Lyman direction during the day Russian zagarbniki 15 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near Ivanivka, Balki Zhuravka, yampolivka and in the direction of Grigorivka. In the Sivers ,komu direction throughout the day, Russian forces made one attempt to attack the position of Ukrainian units in the area of Bilogorivka, the attack repelled. In the Kramators ky direction, 14 combat clashes near the Time Yar and in the direction of Stupochok have been recorded, four of which continue so far. Kramatorsk suffered an air strike. In the Toretsky direction Russians 32 times attacked the positions of defense forces. The main efforts of the invasion of the Russian occupiers concentrated near Diliyivka, Crimea, Ozaryanivka and Toretsk. At the moment, one confrontation continues. Since the beginning of this day, in the Pokrovsky direction, Russian Zagarnitsky units 17 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense near the settlements of Rumin, Dachensk, Kotline, Nadiivka and Andriyivka. There's still one battle going on. The enemy suffers significant losses - today in this direction Ukrainian warriors zneskodili 286 Russian invaders, 138 of them - irrevocable. Also destroyed a tank, seven cars, four BPLA control antennas, two motorcycles, seven BPLA, two generators, five satellite terminals, two tanks, three cars and a Russian armored fighting vehicle. Today in the Novopavlivs komu direction, Russian forces attacked five times near Konstantinopol, Skudny and Burlatsky, received a detachment. In the direction of Gulyajpils komu, the Russian opponent attacked five times in the areas of Privilny and Novosilka. Today, Ukrainian defenders repelled ten Russian assault actions in the Orikhiv direction in the areas of Mala Tokmachka, Maliy Sherbakov, Nesteranka, Kamiansky and Pyatihatok, another confrontation is ongoing so far. In the Pridniprovsk direction, Russian forces did not carry out offensive actions. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the previous night, the Russian Armed Forces carried out a long-range high-precision strike against the gas and energy infrastructure that ensured operation of Ukrainian defence industry enterprises. The goals of the strike were achieved. All the assigned targets were engaged. In Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces defeated units of one motorised infantry brigade, one air assault brigade, and one National Guard brigade of the AFU close to Liptsy and Volchansk (Kharkov region). The AFU losses were up to 30 troops, three motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, and the Lyut Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine near Zagoruykovka, Peschanoye, Novaya Kruglyakovka (Kharkov region), Novolyubovka (Lugansk People's Republic), Grigorovka, Yampol, and Seversk (Donetsk People's Republic) The AFU losses were up to 320 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 15 pickup trucks, and one field artillery gun. Four ammunition depots and two electronic warfare stations were destroyed. Units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops hit units of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, and two territorial defence brigades close to Ulakly, Dyleyevka, Belogorovka, Verkhnekamenskoye, Orekhovo-Vasilevka, Zelenovka, and Chasov Yar (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses were up to 220 troops, five pickup trucks, and two NATO-made field artillery guns. Four AFU field ammunition depots were destroyed. The Tsentr Group of Forces' units continued active offensive actions and liberated Krymskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops eliminated manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one airmobile brigade of the AFU, and one National Guard brigade near Novoaleksandrovka, Dzerzhinsk, Druzhba, Lysovka, Slavyanka, Baranovka, Novoandreyevka, and Kotlino (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses were up to 570 troops, two tanks, including one German-made Leopard tank, four armoured fighting vehicles, nine pickup trucks, and three field artillery pieces. Units of the Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defences. Russian troops inflicted fire damage on units of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and three territorial defence brigades close to Novopetrovskoye (Dnepropetrovsk region), Zelyonoye Pole, Rovnopol, Dneproenergiya, and Razliv (Donetsk People's Republic) The AFU losses were more than 130 troops, one German-made Leopard tank, one armoured fighting vehicle, and one motor vehicle. The Russian Armed Forces eliminated four field artillery pieces, including one 155-mm French-made Caesar self-propelled artillery system. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces engaged manpower and hardware of two coastal defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Primorskoye, Novoandreyevka, Pyatikhatki (Zaporozhye region) and Antonovka (Kherson region). The AFU losses were up to 40 troops, four motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces engaged the infrastructure of military airfields, storage and training sites for the launch of unmanned aerial vehicles as well as clusters of manpower and hardware of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 156 areas. Air defence systems shot down 10 U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 108 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 652 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 42,095 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,984 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,511 MLRS combat vehicles, 21,100 field artillery guns and mortars, and 31,097 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise AFU formations on the territory of Kursk region. In the course of offensive actions, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of one heavy mechanised brigade, five mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault brigade, two air assault brigades, two territorial defence brigades, and two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Goncharovka, Gornal, Zaoleshenka, Kazachya Lonknya, Kurilovka, Pervy Knyazhy, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Rubanshchina, Staraya Sorochina, and Sudzha. Three enemy counter-attacks were repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Bondarevka, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Dmitryukov, Zazulevka, Zamostye, Kolmakov, Kositsa, Vtoroy Knyazhy, Loknya, Melovoy, Mirny, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Yuzhny as well as Basovka, Belovody, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, Zapselye, Miropolye, Novenkoye, and Yunakovka (Sumy region). Over the course of the day, the AFU losses were more than 170 troops, one tank, one infantry fighting vehicle, one armoured personnel carrier, two armoured fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, five field artillery guns, one mortar, one counterobstacle vehicle, and four UAV command posts. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk direction, the AFU losses amounted to more than 65,230 troops, 385 tanks, 296 infantry fighting vehicles, 256 armoured personnel carriers, 2,133 armoured fighting vehicles, 2,315 motor vehicles, 515 artillery guns, 52 MLRS launchers, including 13 of HIMARS and seven of MLRS made by the USA, 25 anti-aircraft missile launchers, one self-propelled anti-aircraft system, ten transport-loading vehicles, 118 EW stations, 15 counter-battery warfare radars, nine air defence radars, 53 units of engineering and other materiel, including 21 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, five bridge launchers, one engineering reconnaissance vehicle as well as 14 armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US practices 'thief crying stop thief,' says Chinese FM on indictment of 12 Chinese nationals over alleged cyberattacks Global Times By Liu Caiyu Published: Mar 06, 2025 04:18 PM China rejected the groundless US accusations of alleged cyberattacks and urged the US to immediately stop its wrongdoing of abusing sanctions, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday. Lin made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on reports that the US has indicted 12 Chinese nationals, including two officials, for a series of hacking attacks, including a breach of the US Treasury last year. According to a VOA report, the US Justice Department announced indictments Wednesday against 12 Chinese nationals, alleging they are involved in a "global hacking campaign," targeting US-based dissidents, news organizations, government agencies and a large religious organization. Lin noted that in December 2024, Chinese cybersecurity agency exposed two latest cases of cyberattacks against Chinese high-tech companies from the US intelligence community. The US is the No.1 "hacking empire" in the world, and its practice reflects hypocritical double standards and is a typical move of "thief-crying-stop-thief," Lin said. Li Yan, director of Institute of Technology and Cybersecurity at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times that "the US has been distorting right and wrong, portraying itself as a victim in an attempt to achieve its goal of confronting and suppressing China." The true picture is that the US has masterminded cyberattacks for a long time, and persistently engages in cyberattacks and hacking activities worldwide, Li said. National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team Center of China (known as CNCERT) released two investigative reports in last December, exposing two recent cyberattacks by US intelligence agencies targeting major Chinese technology firms to steal trade secrets. In one case, the reports revealed that since August 2024, an advanced materials research institute in China has reportedly been targeted by cyberattacks suspected to be orchestrated by US intelligence agencies. Additionally, a large high-tech enterprise specializing in smart energy and digital information has reportedly been under similar attacks since May 2023. In January, Wang Lei, the coordinator for cyber and digital affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with the Global Times that the Chinese side has firmly rejected US accusations of Chinese-linked cyberattacks, citing the lack of substantive evidence. The US repeatedly hyped claims about so-called China-linked hacker groups, such as "Volt Typhoon" and "Salt Typhoon," while fabricating narratives around the so-called China cyber threat. "It should not assume that being loud means one is right. It is not feasible to unilaterally set rules for other countries based on a so-called position of strength," Wang stressed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. designation of Ansarullah as a terrorist organization bears no legitimacy: Yemeni official IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Mar 6, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- A senior Yemeni official has dismissed the United States designation of the Ansarullah resistance movement as a terrorist organization, saying the move has no legitimacy. "The arrival of aid to Gaza is more important to us than the U.S. decision, a decision that has no legitimacy," Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of Yemen's Supreme Political Council, said on Thursday, according to Al-Mayadeen news network. He further denounced the prevention of the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza and derailing the ceasefire deal as "American terrorism." On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington had re-designated the Ansarullah movement as a "foreign terrorist organization." "Since 2023, the Houthis (Ansarullah) have launched hundreds of attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as U.S. service members defending freedom of navigation and our regional partners," Rubio said in a statement. The U.S. first designated Ansarullah under the first administration of President Donald Trump. Former President Joe Biden revoked the decision, citing humanitarian concerns. Rubio, however, suggested that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen was not an issue for Washington anymore. 4354**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exclusive: World's 'largest online black market' loses banking license Huione has long stood accused of moving billions of dollars for criminal syndicates across Southeast Asia By Jack Adamovic Davies for RFA Investigative 2025.03.06 -- Huione Pay, the banking arm of what's been called the world's "largest ever illicit online marketplace," has been stripped of its banking license, the National Bank of Cambodia confirmed to RFA this week. The company is part of the wider Huione Group of Cambodia, a conglomerate which operates several "Huione" products, including marketplaces, banking and finance apps. One of these, a Telegram marketplace, has been identified as a notorious place for crime tied to up to $24 billion in illicit transactions. Huione Pay's license was withdrawn owing to its noncompliance with "existing regulations and recommendations that may have been made by the regulators," a National Bank of Cambodia spokesperson told RFA by email on Thursday. The spokesperson did not say when the license was withdrawn or what repercussions the company might face if they continue to operate. Huione did not respond to RFA's requests for comment before publication. It has previously denied criminal activity- when Huione was identified by the cryptocurrency compliance firm Elliptic to have facilitated millions of dollars in criminal payments, it issued a statement insisting that it was a mere "information publishing and guarantee trading platform" bearing no responsibility for the goods and services others used it to trade. However, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, or UNODC, Huione's Telegram marketplace has become one of the main arteries of illicit commerce in Southeast Asia, a region grappling with an epidemic of human trafficking and internet fraud. The UNODC's regional representative, Benedikt Hofmann, welcomed the termination of Huione Pay's license. The withdrawal "will send an important signal, especially given the high profile of Huione and its outsize role for the region's criminal ecosystem," he told RFA. Hofmann cautioned, however, that this latest development would not be a cure-all for the region's crime epidemic - nor would it necessarily mean the end of Huione. "Huione is in many ways the tip of the iceberg and we will see users shifting to other, similar providers which have emerged in the region," he added. Much of the money that was being moved through Huione Pay came from illicit activities linked to cyberscamming, the UNODC found. For more than half a decade the region in which Huione operates has been dotted with compounds housing what the U.N. says are hundreds of thousands of enslaved workers forced to perpetrate a type of cyberscam commonly known as "pig butchering". The practice is estimated to swindle billions of dollars from its victims around the world every year. Elliptic, the cryptocurrency compliance firm, traced billions of dollars flowing from Huione Guarantee, the Telegram marketplace, to Huione Pay. This was "likely so that these criminally-derived funds could be cashed out," firm founder Tom Robinson told RFA. "I think this will be a blow to Huione Guarantee," Robinson added. "We have direct evidence of Huione Pay laundering money from scam victims around the world, including the elderly and vulnerable. They are willing facilitators of pig butchering and other fraud, so any regulatory action against them should be welcomed." The loss of Huione Pay's license, which has not been previously reported, does not seem to have curtailed the company's activities, however. As recently as Thursday the company's official Telegram channel, linked to on its website, was offering loans to customers. A post on February 27th promoted the launch of a Huione-branded Visa card. Visa did not respond to requests for comment by press time. News of Huione Pay's license being withdrawn was greeted as overdue by a former employee who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal. They told RFA it was openly acknowledged within the company that there were two sets of accounts maintained. "They cook the books," the former employee said. While the company handled billions of dollars, "close to none" of those transactions were made available to the compliance department, which was relegated to the role of advisors, " whose advice were never taken seriously," the former employee said. One of Huione Pay's three directors is Hun To, a cousin of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Official censure of a company so close to the inner circle of Cambodia's ruling family is unusual. But Jacob Sims, an expert on transnational crime, told RFA that the withdrawal of Huione's banking license should not be read as a herald of reform. "It all ultimately amounts to a brand switch," Sims said. "It's basically an easy thing for the regime to point to and say, 'Look, we're cracking down on this' without doing really anything but consolidating Huione's available brands." For Sims, there's one way the Cambodian government could show it was serious about cracking down on the crime wave Huione has been surfing: "Arrest all the people involved in Huione." Edited by Abby Seiff and Boer Deng Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nuclear safeguards: AUKUS statement to the IAEA Board of Governors, March 2025 UK Ambassador Corinne Kitsell's statement on behalf of Australia, the UK and the US to the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors meeting on IAEA safeguards and AUKUS 6 March 2025 Location: Vienna Delivered on: 6 March 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Chair, I take the floor on behalf of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to respond to disinformation about Australia's acquisition of a naval nuclear propulsion capability through the AUKUS partnership. We are once again compelled to invoke our Right of Reply to address remarks that purposefully mischaracterise AUKUS and attempt to undermine the independence, integrity, and authority of the IAEA. I reiterate that this item has not been adopted as a standing agenda item by this Board and has never enjoyed consensus support, despite one member state's introduction every Board. This repeated attempt to add an agenda item distracts from other pressing concerns requiring the Board's attention and falsely implies an active compliance problem where none exists. AUKUS partners will provide an update on Australia's acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under 'Any Other Business', consistent with our practice of providing updates to every regular meeting of the Board since 2021. Director General Grossi has repeatedly expressed his satisfaction with AUKUS partners' engagement and transparency and has upheld his commitment to update the Board on naval nuclear propulsion, including through his report published last November. Ever since the initial announcement of the partnership, the AUKUS partners have continued to engage consistently, openly, and transparently with Member States and the Secretariat on genuine questions. Chair, Under this item, the Board has repeatedly heard unsubstantiated claims that ignore or misrepresent the information we have provided in good faith, and assertions that disregard the statements made by the Director General. I would like to remind the Board that: With regards to an intergovernmental dialogue, the IAEA has the clear authority under its Statute, and extensive precedent, to negotiate directly and in-confidence with individual Member States on the establishment and application of safeguards and verification arrangements. Interference would politicise the IAEA's independence, its mandate and technical authority, and establish a deeply harmful precedent. I also want to underline that the transfer of high enriched uranium from a nuclear-weapon State to a non-nuclear-weapon State does not run counter to the NPT or its spirit. The transfer of nuclear material at any enrichment level among States Parties is not prohibited by the NPT, provided the transfer is carried out in a manner consistent with any relevant safeguards obligations. Australia's conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine program will be subject to a robust package of verification measures, consistent with its longstanding non-proliferation obligations. Naval nuclear propulsion was indeed foreseen by the drafters of the NPT. Article 14 of the IAEA's model Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement - on which Australia's CSA is based - is the specific provision to support the right of states to use nuclear material in a non-proscribed military activity, including for naval nuclear propulsion, within the legal framework for safeguards implementation. As we have regularly stated, under Australia's Article 14 arrangement, the IAEA will maintain oversight of nuclear material and meet its technical safeguards objectives throughout the submarines' lifecycle. Once the Article 14 arrangement is agreed between Australia and the IAEA Secretariat, the Director General will transmit it to the Board for 'appropriate action'. To suggest that the Board will somehow be bypassed is false. With regards to the AUKUS Naval Nuclear Propulsion Agreement, I want to underline that it reaffirms, and is consistent with, the parties' existing non-proliferation obligations, including under the NPT. The Agreement obliges the UK and US to ensure that Australia can provide the IAEA with other information and access necessary to fulfil Australia's obligations under its safeguards agreements with the IAEA and the future Article 14 arrangement. Chair, Our three countries - along with the majority of the Board - continue to oppose any proposal for this item to be a standing agenda item or any efforts that undermine and politicise the technical mandate of the IAEA. We appreciate that colleagues continue to reject deliberate attempts to undermine the Agency's independence and integrity. We will continue to engage in good faith with Member States on genuine questions. Consistent with our approach to maintaining open and transparent engagement, we will provide an update to the Board under 'Any Other Business' and welcome the Director General's continued commitment to provide updates on naval nuclear propulsion, as and when he deems appropriate. Thank you, Chair. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Blair announces First Northern Operational Support Hub locations National Defence News release March 6, 2025 - Iqaluit, Nunavut - Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced Iqaluit, Inuvik, and Yellowknife as Northern Operational Support Hub locations. These will increase the Canadian Armed Forces' presence and responsiveness across the Arctic and the North. As announced in Our North, Strong and Free, the renewed vision for defence, Canada will be investing $2.67 billion over 20 years to establish a network of Northern Operational Support Hubs. These hubs, consisting of airstrips, logistics facilities, and equipment, will enable the Canadian Armed Forces to better assert Canadian sovereignty and support greater year-round presence. These hubs will function as a dispersed network of logistical stations, which will extend the Canadian Armed Forces' operational reach, reduce logistical constraints, and enhance support for military operations in the Arctic. This initiative represents a new way of approaching defence and sustainment in the Arctic and the North and will help keep Canadians safe and secure in the face of dramatic changes in our physical and security environment. The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces and other federal partners are actively working to identify other hub locations and will continue to work closely with the territorial governments, and local Northern and Indigenous partners through deliberate, dedicated engagements. Quotes "This milestone will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with critical infrastructure to enhance its presence and responsiveness across the Arctic and the North. It marks significant progress in the Northern Operational Support Hub initiative and advances our commitment to working hand-in-hand with federal partners, the provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and Northern communities to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' footprint in the Canadian Arctic." - The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence "The Arctic's strategic importance is rapidly increasing. This initiative will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with the infrastructure and capabilities needed to maintain a year-round presence in the North so that we can respond swiftly to challenges, deter threats or defeat them when necessary." - Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command Quick facts The Canadian government's investment in Northern Operational Support Hubs reflects a strategic commitment to enhancing Canada's Arctic presence. These hubs are designed to serve multiple critical objectives: They will provide scalable infrastructure that can be quickly activated, allowing for swift military operations when needed, increased military responsiveness, and the ability to address challenges in remote Northern regions on shorter notice and for longer periods, when required; and They will enable the military to better support Canadian sovereignty by establishing a greater year-round military presence across the Arctic. The Northern Operational Support Hubs will support a range of Canadian Armed Forces operations in the Arctic and, where possible, support the missions of other federal government partners, provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, and Northern communities. The hubs will consist of new and upgraded infrastructure. Throughout the design and implementation process, the Government of Canada will engage Indigenous Peoples and northern communities, in line with the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. On April 8, 2024, the Government of Canada released Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defence. This policy includes $8.1 billion in new defence spending over five years and $73 billion over 20 years on an accrual basis to bolster the defence of Canada. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Significant seizure of illegal narcotics by HMCS Harry DeWolf as part of Operation CARIBBE National Defence News release March 6, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces On March 1, 2025, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf successfully assisted a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) in conducting a seizure of 750 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea. Sailing in support of Operation CARIBBE, HMCS Harry DeWolf is supporting international efforts to prevent the flow of illicit substances into Canada and North America. This seizure, supported by Colombian air and maritime assets, has an estimated street value $26.9 million CAD. The success underscores the strong interoperability, cooperation, and partnership between the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the USCG, and other regional partners. This joint effort among allies and partners exemplifies our shared commitment to maintain security and stability in the region and North America. Quotes "Operation CARIBBE is a prime example of the tremendous collaboration between the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Coast Guard to keep our respective domestic borders and our mutual continental environment safe and secure. And we have been doing this with great success for 19 years! Every kilogram of illegal narcotics seized during Operation CARIBBE is a kilogram that won't make it to the streets of Canada, the United States, or elsewhere around the world. Bravo Zulu to everybody who assisted with this significant seizure. We look forward to our continued partnership with our American allies on this crucial operation." Rear-Admiral Josee Kurtz, Commander Maritime Component Command NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canada launches its first global Africa Strategy: A partnership for shared prosperity and security Global Affairs Canada News release March 6, 2025 - Toronto, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada As African countries and institutions rapidly evolve, so too must Canada's engagement. In a time of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, Canada must seize opportunities to strengthen economic and national security, including by diversifying its markets; improving supply chain resilience; enhancing peace, security and human rights; and contributing to efforts that build and maintain corridors for critical goods, while promoting local benefits in Africa. Today, the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development; and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, launched Canada's Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and SecurityCanada's first global strategy that will drive economic prosperity, security and fairness for both Canadians and Africans for years to come. Canada's Africa Strategy represents a robust new foreign policy designed to benefit Canadian and African partners, thus contributing to Canada and Africa's collective economic prosperity, as well as to global health, peace and security. Aligned with the African Union's continental blueprint, Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, Canada's Africa Strategy was developed over a 2-year period through extensive consultations with Canadian and international stakeholders and African partners and stakeholders. It will guide Canada's work with African partners by: increasing mutually beneficial economic opportunities, including through job creation, infrastructure development and sustainable economic growth partnering on peace and security challenges, including preventing and responding to conflict; preventing and countering terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crime; and strengthening democracy, human rights and inclusion in decision making continued partnership on sustainable development, including investing in African youth skills training and health, strengthening the trade and development nexus and continuing to address the root causes of conflict advancing shared priorities on the international stage to address global challenges and mutually beneficial interests, including climate change strengthening diplomatic and people-to-people ties at all levels, including via African diaspora communities in Canada, to support Canadian partnerships across all lines of effort To support the implementation of the Africa Strategy, Minister Joly announced that Ben Marc Diendere, Canada's Permanent Observer to the African Union, is appointed as Canada's Special Envoy for Africa. Mr. Diendere will be mandated to engage with high-level stakeholders and work with Canada's heads of mission in the region to advance Canadian interests, including promoting trade. As part of Canada's engagement to strengthen relationships in the Sahel region, which faces multi-faceted crisis, Minister Joly also appointed Marcel Lebleu, Canada's Ambassador to Senegal, as Special Envoy for the Sahel. Mr. Lebleu will be mandated to strengthen Canada's engagement in the Sahel region, which is dealing with many challenges. Canada is also strengthening its ties with and presence in African countries and institutions through the expansion of its diplomatic engagement, including by establishing a full high commission in Zambia and a full embassy in Benin and the establishment of a new diaspora-engagement mechanism. Consistent with Canada's renewed approach with African partners and institutions, Minister Joly announced more than $25.7 million to support projects focused on the protection of Sudanese civilians, including survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and human rights defenders; countering violent extremism and promoting stability in conflict-affected border regions of the Sahel and coastal West Africa; and seeking to advance conflict sensitivity, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in Ethiopia. To support development initiatives that foster stronger trade and investment environments, Canada announced the development of a new Africa trade and development program at Global Affairs Canada. Canada is also planning the opening of a FinDev Canada office in South Africa. Minister Hussen announced over $869.5 million to support more than 50 international assistance and humanitarian assistance projects that will contribute to economic prosperity, climate action, governance, global health, and peace and security. Minister Ng announced that Canada is strengthening economic partnerships for shared prosperity, including by creating a new pan-Africa trade hub and increasing private sector engagement. These announcements will pave the way for strengthened partnerships at all levels: multilateral, regional and bilateral. Over the last 5 years, Canada has invested approximately $4.5 billion in bilateral international assistance programming in Africa to help build African economies, support health and education and respond to humanitarian needs. Programming under the strategy will support existing priorities and provide a greater focus on economic cooperation and peace and security partnerships. Guided by the Africa Strategy and as part of its commitment to results, Canada looks forward to developing even stronger and broader ties with Africa. Quotes "Our message to the African continent is clear: We want to build a brighter and more prosperous future for Canadians and Africans partners and institutions. With this strategy, Canada is leveraging its long-standing partnerships with African countries to unlock unprecedented opportunities for prosperity and stability from which Canadians and the African people can mutually benefit for years to come." - Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs "Under Canada's Africa Strategy, we are opening pathways to diversify trade and create concrete ways for our businesses to succeed in Africa. This commitment is not just about making economic gains or providing assistance, it is also about building a future where Canada and Africa thrive together." - Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development "We have been collaborating with African countries for over 70 years, building strong and lasting relationships. We are investing in youth and economic development to enhance partnerships in education, health care and entrepreneurship and working toward a more inclusive and prosperous future for all." - Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development "Canada's Africa Strategy represents a fresh chapter in Canada's partnerships with African countries, and it highlights Canada's ongoing commitment to Africa and to building on the spirit of collaboration between our people." - Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Quick facts By 2050, a quarter of the world's population will be in Africa. Canada's African diaspora consists of 1.3 million people, and it is growing. Canada has a long history of bilateral relations and collaboration with many countries in Africa. Canada has 27 diplomatic missions in Africa, including a dedicated mission to the African Union. It has also appointed a permanent representative to the African Union. In 2024, Canada's merchandise trade with African countries was valued at $15.1 billion, which was an increase of nearly 30% in 5 years. In 2024, Canada provided more than $104 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to respond to urgent needs in Sudan. In fiscal year 2022-2023, Canada's international assistance funding for Sudan was $64.5 million, making Canada the sixth-largest donor to Sudan. In 2024, Canada provided more than $28 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to respond to urgent needs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.). In fiscal year 2022-2023, Canada's international assistance funding for the D.R.C. was $207 million, making the D.R.C. the sixth-largest recipient of Canada's international assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address They should not be fought, cannot be won, says Chinese FM on US defense secretary's remarks on preparing for war Global Times By Global Times Published: Mar 06, 2025 04:45 PM In response to the remarks of the US defense secretary Pete Hegseth that US doesn't want war with China, but will rebuild its military under President Donald Trump's leadership to prepare for war, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that the relevant remarks of US official deliberately incite ideological confrontation and hype up the so-called "China threat" rhetoric. Lin said that we urge the US to stop projecting its own hegemonic mentality onto China, not to view China-US relations through the outdated lens of Cold War thinking, and not to use the guise of strategic competition to implement actual containment and suppression against China. China's position is clear and consistent. "Whether it's a tariff war or a trade war, whether it's a cold war or a hot war, they should not be fought and cannot be won," Lin said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: March 06, 2025 17:28 TASS: It's reported that U.S. Secretary of Defense said in a media interview that the U.S. doesn't seek a war with China, but will rebuild the military and prepare for war. What's the Foreign Ministry's comment? Lin Jian: The rhetoric of the U.S. official is aimed at fueling ideological confrontation and spreading so-called "China threat" that doesn't exist. The U.S. needs to realize that China is NOT a mirror image of the hegemonic U.S. The U.S. should stop viewing China-U.S. relations with an outdated Cold War mentality. The U.S. must no longer seek to contain or go after China in the name of strategic competition. We've always held the clear-cut view that whatever kind of war it is, a tariff war or a trade war, a cold war or a hot war, they should not be fought and cannot be won. AFP: The United States has indicted 12 Chinese nationals, including two officials, for a series of hacking attacks, including a breach of the U.S. Treasury last year. What's China's comment on this? Lin Jian: We reject the groundless U.S. accusations and urge the U.S. to immediately stop its wrongdoing of abusing sanctions. Last December, Chinese cybersecurity agency disclosed two recent cyberattacks against Chinese high-tech companies launched by the U.S. intelligence community. The U.S. is the No.1 "hacking empire" in the world. We call on the U.S. to ditch its double standards and stop framing China. ********************************************* The third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) will invite Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to hold a press conference on China's foreign policy and foreign relations at Press Conference Hall, Media Center at 10:00 am on Friday, March 7. There will be no regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that day. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US says prepared 'to go to war' with China Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 2:06 AM The Pentagon chief has declared that the United States was "prepared" to go to war with China following Beijing's assertion that it would stand up to whatever further hostile measures that Washington could take against it. "We're prepared," Pete Hegseth said during an interview on Fox News' Fox & Friends on Wednesday. He stressed the importance of the US's military readiness, and alleged, "Those who long for peace must prepare for war." Hegseth claimed the United States needed to strengthen its military to engage in potential conflicts, citing China's rapid defense advancements, which he framed as a threat, as well as, what he called, Beijing's aspirations to challenge Washington's global standing. "We need the defense spending, the capabilities, the weapons, and the posture in the Indo-Pacific, which is something we're very much focused on," he added. The comments came after China expressed its readiness to counter any form of conflict initiated by the US, including a trade or tariff war. The escalation followed Trump's decision to double tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, a move that the American administration tried to justify as a response to China's alleged inadequate efforts to control the flow of fentanyl into the United States. In retaliation, China announced its own tariff increases, imposing 10% to 15% hikes on a range of American agricultural and food products. Additionally, China placed 25 US firms under export and investment restrictions, citing national security concerns. Announcing Beijing's readiness to respond to Washington's hostile attitude earlier on Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the latter's aggressive actions, stating that the fentanyl issue was a "flimsy excuse" for raising tariffs on Chinese imports. Lin emphasized that China's countermeasures were "fully legitimate and necessary," and denounced the US for being responsible for its own fentanyl crisis. He then warned that China would fight "till the end" if the US persisted in waging a trade war. The US-initiated trade dispute has, meanwhile, raised concerns about potential impacts on global markets. Brushing off tensions with China at the same time as threatening military engagement with the country, however, Hegseth claimed that Trump maintained a "great relationship" with Chinese President Xi Jinping. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EXPLAINED: How China holds officials in secret, solitary detention Rights groups warn that rising arbitrary detentions in China could amount to 'crimes against humanity.' By Lucie Lo for RFA Mandarin 2025.03.06 -- China holds hundreds of thousands of its own officials in solitary, incommunicado detention each year, depriving them of legal representation in a practice known as "liuzhi," according to overseas-based rights groups. The liuzhi system, which means "retention in custody," is run by the ruling Communist Party's disciplinary arm, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, or CCDI. It allows party investigators to "forcefully disappear, arbitrarily detain and torture individuals for up to six months," the Spain-based rights group Safeguard Defenders said in a March 3 report. "All without any judicial oversight or appeal mechanism, the system is specifically designed to force confessions from the victims," it said. Who can be detained in this way? The liuzhi system is part of the Communist Party's internal investigation system. That means that anyone working in state or party organizations, from school administrators and hospital managers to executives at state-owned enterprises, can be disappeared in this way. Even private business owners with close ties to government officials have been netted by the liuzhi system, according to a CNN investigation. Disappeared former Foreign Minister Qin Gang is a possible victim of the liuzhi system, although the government has made nothing public about his sacking. And Beijing has yet to shed any light on the fate of disappeared former Defense Minister Li Shangfu, despite a storm of media and social media speculation, since firing him from his post as defense minister on Oct. 24, 2023 with no explanation given. Qin, 57, has been absent from public view since he met with the foreign ministers of Sri Lanka and Vietnam, and with the Russian deputy foreign minister in Beijing on June 25, 2023. Is liuzhi a new kind of detention? According to Chinese Human Rights Defenders, or CHRD, the liuzhi system isn't new, but has expanded in scale and scope under President Xi Jinping. Some 200,000 people are believed to have been held under the system since 2018, when it replaced the "shuangliu" investigation system, according to compilations of official figures. The liuzhi system was among reforms brought in since Xi took power, and "rapidly started moving the country even further away from the most basic human rights standards," Safeguard Defenders said in its report this week. First authorized under the 2018 National Supervision Law, the liuzhi system allows party investigators to forcefully disappear any person of interest for up to six months, under mandatory solitary confinement, it said. "The vast majority of victims are kept from any type of communication with the outside world and their family members are not informed of their whereabouts (or even the retention itself)," it said, adding that people can be held anywhere from custom-built facilities to government-run hotels, guesthouses or offices. And the system operates wholly outside the the criminal justice system, there is no way to appeal or exercise oversight, the report said. Why are rights groups highlighting this now? The number of people in liuzhi keeps rising every year, with the number of detainees rising from 26,000 in 2023 to 38,000 in 2024, an increase of 46%, CHRD said, describing it as "the harshest form of investigation." "All are victims of the CCDI's systematic and widespread use of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and torture (due to the prolonged use of solitary confinement)," the group said. CHRD said the sheer scale of arbitrary detention in China could amount to a "crime against humanity." "These patterns echo a concern set out since 2017 by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention: that the scope and scale of wrongful detention by Chinese authorities may constitute crimes against humanity," the Chinese Human Rights Defenders network said in a statement launching the report on Wednesday. It called for independent, international investigations into the Chinese government's use of arbitrary detention as possible crimes against humanity. Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hong Kong court overturns Tiananmen vigil group convictions The Court of Final Appeal also quashed a sedition appeal from radio talk show host Tam Tak-chi -- a setback, activists said. By Chen Zifei for RFA Mandarin 2025.03.06 -- Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal on Thursday overturned the convictions of jailed human rights lawyer Chow Hang-tung and two fellow organizers of a candlelit vigil for victims of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, although the three have already served their sentences. The ruling was a rare legal upset for the government's ongoing crackdown on dissent. The court ruled unanimously that Chow, a former leader of the now-dissolved Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, and former alliance members Tang Ngok-kwan and Tsui Hon-kwong, hadn't received a fair trial. The ruling relates to charges of failing to hand over alliance documents to national security police, a requirement that only applies to "foreign agents." Chow, Tang and Tsui were jailed in 2023 for four-and-a-half months each for refusing to comply with the request. The Court of Final Appeal cited the use of documents by the prosecution that were "heavily redacted" as a key plank in its decision. "The Court held that in such circumstances the redactions were not only self-defeating by removing from evidence the only material relied upon for establishing that the [Alliance] were foreign agents, but also made it impossible for the Appellants to have a fair trial as they were deprived of all knowledge as to the nature of the prosecution's case on an essential element of the offense," the judgment said. "Accordingly, the Court unanimously allowed the appeals, and quashed the convictions and sentences." 'Convincing reasons' Chow made a V sign for "victory" in court after hearing the decision. Former Alliance member Tang Ngok-kwan told reporters outside the court on Thursday that the ruling had proved that the Alliance was never a "foreign agent" as accused by police. "Chow Hang-tung ... played a leading role in the process and put forward very convincing reasons to explain why the police's request was an abuse of power, which made us more confident," Tang said. "She was hugely important in bringing this about." "If we hadn't persisted, we would have been forced to give in, and in the end, the Court of Final Appeal also checked and prevented this abuse of power," he said. Overseas-based lawyer Kevin Yam said the police had acted "outrageously" in demanding the Alliance's documents. "The Hong Kong police went too far," he said. "They were deliberately testing how far the National Security Law would allow them to go." He said the police actions hadn't even met the standards of courts in mainland China, which are tasked with doing the bidding of the ruling Chinese Communist Party. 'Crime' of organizing a vigil Chow remains behind bars pending a separate trial for "incitement to subversion" under the 2020 National Security Law, alongside two other former Alliance leaders, rights lawyer Albert Ho and labor unionist Lee Cheuk-yan. "Their 'crime' is being the organisers of the large public annual vigil which was held in Hong Kong every year on 4 June from 1990 to 2020, to commemorate the victims of the Beijing Massacre on 4 June 1989," former Hong Kong Bar Association Chairman Paul Harris wrote in a March 6 op-ed piece for the British legal paper The Counsel. Harris criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not stopping to listen when he tried to raise Chow's case with him in 2024. "This was a bad omen for the attitude of a new Labour government towards Hong Kong," Harris wrote. "Since then my fears have been realised as I watched Chancellor Rachel Reeves' trade promotion visit to Beijing in which Hong Kong seems to have been studiously ignored." Chow has been behind bars since 2021, when she was a recently engaged 36-year-old, with most of that time served in pretrial detention, he said. "Like her co-defendants, she is detained simply for exercising the rights of free speech and freedom of assembly which were guaranteed to them by Britain and China in 1984, and which are exercised by everyone in the U.K. all the time," he said. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has stated that her detention is arbitrary, and Amnesty International has recognized her as a prisoner of conscience, he added. Setback for free speech The Court of Final Appeal also ruled on Thursday in the sedition case of talk-show host and People Power activist Tam Tak-chi, the first Hong Kong person tried on a sedition charge since the city's handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Tam had appealed on the basis that free speech must be protected, and that incitement to violence must be proven in sedition cases, but the court rejected that argument on Thursday, upholding his conviction. Tam, also known by his nickname Fast Beat, was found guilty on eight counts of sedition linked to slogans he either spoke or wrote between January and July 2020. He is also being tried for "inciting an illegal assembly" and "disorderly conduct," after he gave a number of public speeches calling for the "liberation" of Hong Kong, some of which were peppered with Cantonese swear-words. Tam also stands accused of using the now-banned slogan of the 2019 protest movement -- "Free Hong Kong, revolution now!" -- and of saying that the authorities should "delay no more" in disbanding the police force, using a homonym for a Cantonese epithet involving the target's mother. Tam allegedly also shouted: "Down with the [ruling] Chinese Communist Party (CCP)!" 1938 law In the sweeping colonial-era legislation under which Tam's charges were brought, sedition is defined as any words that generate "hatred, contempt or dissatisfaction" with the government, or "encourage disaffection." The law was passed under British rule in 1938, and is widely regarded as illiberal and anti-free speech. However, by the turn of the century, it had lain dormant on the statute books for decades, until being resurrected for use against opposition politicians, activists, and participants in the 2019 protest movement. The Court rejected Tam's appeal on Thursday, in a move that the overseas-based Hong Kong Democracy Council said would have "wide-ranging implications" for future sedition cases in Hong Kong. "It'll allow the regime to continue to easily convict for sedition," the Council said via its X account. "Up to now it has a 100% conviction rate ... The regime's used sedition to throttle political speech." Kevin Yam said the decision had "set human rights protections in Hong Kong back 70 years, to the 1950s." "The chances of being found guilty ... are now much greater," he said, in a reference to "sedition" charges. Exiled former pro-democracy lawmaker Ted Hui, who is himself wanted by national security police, said the use of "sedition" charges was tantamount to a "literary inquisition" in Hong Kong. "The door is wide open for the government to use sedition as political retaliation against anyone who says some embarrassing to the government, for example criticizing the budget for cutting bus concessions for the elderly," Hui told RFA Mandarin. "The court has made the threshold for sedition convictions very low indeed," he said. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In reversal, Thai official acknowledges other countries offered Uyghurs resettlement 40 Uyghurs who had been held in Thailand for 10 years were deported to China last week. By Jilil Kashgary and Jewlan for RFA Uyghur 2025.03.06 -- Thailand's vice foreign minister acknowledged on Thursday that Bangkok had offers from other countries to resettle 40 detained Uyghurs before their deportation to China last week -- a reversal of previous comments by Thai officials. But those proposals were "unrealistic" and would have exposed Thailand to "retaliation from China that would impact the livelihoods of many Thais," Vice Foreign Minister Russ Jalichandra said in a statement. Sending the group to China was the "best option," Russ said. He did not say which countries had offered resettlement. "Some countries had requested to take them in, but I chose not to name these countries to avoid impacting other nations," Russ told The Nation newspaper. On Feb. 27, Thailand repatriated 40 of the Uyghurs to China, ignoring warnings from the United States, the U.N. and human rights groups that they risked torture when the returned to the northeastern region of Xinjiang, which they fled more than 10 years ago. Thailand previously said it agreed to what it called the voluntary repatriation of the 40 men after a formal request from Beijing, and after getting Chinese assurances they would be safe. Russ' statement came a day after Thai opposition member of parliament Kannavee Suebsang told BenarNews that the U.S., Sweden and Australia had "expressed their readiness" to accept Uyghurs for resettlement. "We're revealing this because the government has consistently claimed that no country was willing or that they contacted countries but no one would accept the Uyghurs," Kannavee told BenarNews, an affiliate of Radio Free Asia. Muslim silence A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed to RFA that an offer to resettle the Uyghurs had been made in the past. "We have worked with Thailand for years to avoid this situation, including by consistently and repeatedly offering to resettle the Uyghurs in other countries, including, at one point, the United States," the spokesperson said. Uyghurs in China's vast Xinjiang region have been subjected to widespread human rights abuses, including detention in massive concentration camps. Beijing denies that. China dismissed fears for the safety of the 40 Uyghur men last week saying they would be reunited with their families and resettled. Five other Uyghurs are in a Thai prison and the whereabouts of three have not been disclosed. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, said in a Feb. 27 statement that the Thai government had handed the 40 Uyghurs "to the oppressors, torturers and murderers of their people." CAIR is the largest Muslim organization in the United States. "It is true that many Muslim governments did not say anything about this and that is saddening because of the influence that the Chinese government has," Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell told RFA. "We certainly encourage Muslim governments that can do so to speak out against the oppression of Uyghur Muslims," he said. "In the meantime, those Muslim organizations and individuals who have the freedom to speak must do so in support of our Uyghur brothers and sisters." China's regional influence Abdulhakim Idris, director of the Uyghur Research Center based in Washington, noted the lack of a public response from Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. Both countries, like Thailand, are members of ASEAN, which was founded on the principle of non-interference in members' internal affairs. But China's influence as the region's dominant economic player was likely the biggest factor behind the silence from Indonesia and Malaysia, Idris said. "Once again, we realized how fearful Muslim countries are of China, so much so that they go to great lengths to avoid displeasing it," he told RFA. Normally, whenever a small incident insulting Muslims occurs anywhere in the world, Muslims typically criticize it from all sides on social media, he said. "Yet, when 40 Uyghurs were thrown into the mouth of the dragon, they said nothing," he said. "This is hypocrisy, on the part of Muslims, Muslim organizations, and Muslim countries." As of Thursday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which consists of 57 Muslim-majority countries, hadn't responded to an RFA inquiry about its position on Thailand's deportation. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. RFA-affiliate BenarNews contributed to this report. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese embassy urges Canada to cease defamation of using AI to conduct cyberattacks Global Times By Global Times Published: Mar 07, 2025 10:22 AM In response to reports made by Canadian authorities on Thursday accusing China of using AI to create false information and conduct cyberattacks within Canadian territory, a spokesperson for the Embassy of China in Canada stated that Canada, without factual basis, has fabricated false information and made unfounded accusations against China, tarnishing its reputation. China firmly opposes and will never accept such actions, the spokesperson said, according to the Embassy of China in Canada on Friday. The Communications Security Establishment Canada released a report Thursday, claiming that countries including China will "likely use AI tools to spread disinformation," The Global and Mail reported. China is one of the main victims of cyberattacks, and has been resolute in combating all kinds of cyber-attack activities in accordance with law, firmly committed to safeguarding cybersecurity, the spokesperson said. China has taken the lead in proposing the Global AI Governance Initiative, clearly opposing the use of AI technological advantages to manipulate public opinion, disseminate false information, interfering in the internal affairs, social systems, and social order of other countries, thereby endangering their sovereignty, the spokesperson said. China has always been upholding the non-interference principle in internal affairs and has never interfered in the internal affairs of Canada, nor is it interested in doing so. At the same time, China firmly opposes the Canadian side's interference in China's internal affairs on issues such as China's Taiwan island, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said the spokesperson. China urges the Canadian side to abandon ideological prejudices, immediately cease political manipulation and megaphone diplomacy, and stop the unwarranted attacks and defamation against China, so as to avoid creating obstacles to the development of China-Canada relations, the embassy spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea suspends foreign tours less than a month after resumption Some speculate concerns over the uncontrolled spread of information. was behind the decision. By Taejun Kang for RFA 2025.03.05 TAIPEI, Taiwan -- North Korea has closed its only gateway for foreign tourists, travel companies said on Thursday, weeks after allowing visitors back in, which had suggested it was opening up for the first time since imposing a COVID-19 ban on arrivals in 2020. North Korea opened its special tourist city of Rason, on its northern coast near the borders with both China and Russia, to foreign tour groups in mid-February. But two travel agencies said arrivals had been suspended. "We have been advised by our partners in the DPRK that tours to Rason are currently paused. We are in the process of clarifying how this will impact your upcoming trips," said China-based travel agency Young Pioneer Tours in a notice. It advised those planning tours in April and May not to book flights until more information became available. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK, is North Korea's official name. Separately, Koryo Tours, a China-based agency specializing in North Korean tours, said on its website that it had been informed "that our tours to Rason are temporarily closed." It described the situation as "unprecedented," adding it would provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. Neither company explained offered a reason for the suspension. Before last month, only Russians had been allowed into North Korea for limited group tours since September 2023. Foreign tourism is an important source of foreign currency for North Korea, which is under heavy international sanctions due to its nuclear and missile programs. The recent reopening of Rason sparked speculation that North Korea might open other areas to foreign tourism, but the suspension of arrivals at Rason has led to speculation about the cause. Some South Korean media outlets speculated that the decision was driven by concerns over the uncontrolled spread of information. Over the past few weeks, as Western visitors, including social media influencers, were allowed into North Korea, numerous videos and interviews have surfaced online, as visitors share their at times bizarre experiences. Debit card, pharmacy and masks Pierre-Emile Biot, a French travel blogger who was among the first group of Western tourists to visit, described in an interview with Radio Free Asia a limited and inconsistent payment system. Upon arrival, tourists were issued debit cards but few businesses accepted them, he said. Instead, most shops preferred cash transactions, particularly in yuan. Biot said he bought a debit card with a small amount of renminbi but found little opportunity to use it. While taxis supposedly accepted card payments, he never had a chance to test it, as his group traveled together throughout the visit. Ben Weston, a tour leader from Britain, compared visiting North Korea to the structured experience of a school trip, where movement was closely monitored. Tourists were not even allowed to leave their hotels without a guide, he said during media interviews. Another visitor, who identified himself as just Mike, said he had to inform a guide even when he needed to use the toilet, which he said he's never encountered before. German travel influencer Luca Pferdmenges told of his interactions with ordinary North Koreans, including on a visit to a pharmacy, where the staff were astonished by the appearance foreign tourists. Pferdmenges also said during media interviews how struck he was by North Korea's strict COVID-19 precautions. Nearly 80% of people he saw wore masks, he said, and every bag entering the country had to pass through a disinfecting machine. Some English-speaking North Koreans appeared to be aware of international events, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, and the involvement of North Korean troops, and recent trade disputes involving the U.S. and other countries. According to tourists, this awareness likely stemmed from interactions with Chinese business people, who may have served as an informal source of outside information in the otherwise tightly controlled country. Edited by Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea to have first early warning aircraft, satellite image shows The plane is expected to help Pyongyang detect South Korean, US aircraft, ships and missiles. By RFA Staff 2025.03.06 -- North Korea "appears close to completing its first airborne early warning aircraft," a significant upgrade for its air force, said U.S.-based research website 38 North, citing commercial satellite imagery. Airborne early warning, or AEW, aircraft use radars to detect incoming missiles, as well as other aircraft and warships at long ranges. They are also used for aerial reconnaissance over the ground and the sea. 38 North, a research platform at the Stimson Center think tank, analyzed an image taken at Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport by Airbus's Pleiades Neo satellite on March 3, 2025. The image shows a Russian-made Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft parked alongside a maintenance hangar "with a large radome mounted on top of the fuselage." A radome is the cover for radar antennae, like on the AEW aircraft. "The radome has a distinctive triangle design on top, similar to what is seen on some Chinese AEW aircraft, but not used on U.S. or Russian aircraft," 38 North said, adding that this could indicate support or influence from China. According to the website, the North Korean flag carrier Air Koryo has three such IL-76 transport airplanes and the military began working on this one in November 2023 to convert it to an AEW. North Korea's secretive official channels have not said anything about this project. Big leap or baby step for North Korea? Pyongyang until now didn't have any early warning aircraft and some analysts think the new development is a "big step for the North Korean air force." "North Korea's air force is comprised mainly of obsolete Russian fighters such as MIG-17s and MIG-21s so having a modern AEW aircraft is definitely good for their air operations," said Jyh-Shyang Sheu, a military analyst at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei. Sheu told Radio Free Asia that in his opinion the project was supported by Russia rather than China. "The Il-76 is a good platform for this purpose as the Russian AEW plane Beriev A-50 is also based on Il-76," Sheu said. The new AEW aircraft reflects North Korea's efforts to modernize its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, according to Alexander Lord, lead Europe-Eurasia analyst at Sibylline, a U.K.-based geopolitical risk consultancy. "This could indicate Pyongyang is seeking to enhance its technological cooperation with both China and Russia, and it will allow North Korean forces to more closely monitor U.S. and South Korean military movements," Lord said. As Pyongyang and Moscow strengthen their military cooperation, Russia has reportedly been deploying North Korean ballistic missiles in the war in Ukraine, giving the North an opportunity to test its weapons in real-life combat. "It does appear to be an airborne early warning type radar on top of the airplane, along the lines of the U.S./NATO E-3 Sentry or the Chinese KJ-2000, which is also based on the IL-76 platform," another analyst, Thomas Shugart, adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security think tank, told RFA. "Given that there's only one, as well as the importance of systems integration to make these sort of aircraft work, I'd say this is still very much baby steps on North Korea's part," Shugart said. "I won't lose any sleep over it," he added. Edited by Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea issues vague appeal to boost cement production amid shortage Residents say the appeal, from the country's largest producer, means they should solve the problem themselves. By Kim Jieun for RFA Korean 2025.03.06 -- North Korea's largest cement producer has issued an appeal to smaller cement factories to boost production amid shortages, but without specifying how they will get raw materials, residents told Radio Free Asia. The residents said that because the early February appeal sent by the Sangwon Cement Complex is vaguely written, so it is essentially an order for the people to solve the problem themselves. A copy of the appeal which was seen by RFA lists several of the government's more ambitious construction projects, and then says there's a desperate need for more cement production -- but doesn't spell out any specific orders or actions. In the past, whenever cement was needed for public projects, residents themselves were on the hook to go out and gather sand and gravel to use as raw materials. In those cases, it was a direct order. This time, it is implied, they said. "(The appeal) emphasized that cement is urgently needed everywhere," a resident from the northeastern province of North Hamgyong told RFA Korean on condition of anonymity for security reasons. "However, most workers and residents who have read the appeal are reacting as if it is absurd," he said. "This is because in rural areas, the appeal is no different from an instruction that we must solve the problem on our own without expecting the central government to provide materials." According to the resident, the projects listed in the appeal include the Pyongyang housing project, which the government has been touting since it started in 2021. It aims to build 10,000 new homes per year, and a total of 50,000 by the end of this year, as well as other projects intended to develop the countryside by modernizing homes there. Many people began to complain, saying that if the central government ordered the construction, it should also guarantee materials, the resident said. "The Sangwon Cement Complex is a company affiliated with the central committee. Its electricity and raw materials (limestone) are fully provided by the central party," he said. "How can the appeal demand increased cement production from local cement companies when there is no electricity or limestone?" The complex issued this appeal because the party needs more cement to complete this year's construction promises, a resident from the same province who requested anonymity for personal safety, told RFA. "Most construction currently underway across the country is utilizing the labor of the military and storm troopers," he said, referring to "special forces" units that provide construction labor as their primary mission. "But the government realizes that they are running out of cement, so they issued this appeal to supply the military despite the shortage. Though the appeal was issued by the Sangwon Cement Complex, it is essentially an order from the country's leader Kim Jong Un, the second resident said, because Kim is in essentially charge of everything and has been publicly heralding the home construction projects as national successes. But the lack of cement has meant that builders have been cutting corners to keep up with quotas. "Rural houses are mostly built with soil mixed with three components (clay, lime, and decomposed granite)," he said. "The authorities have come out and called for increased cement production, saying that the (next) party congress should be celebrated with proud achievements," he added. Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. Update adds that RFA has seen a copy of the appeal. Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lavrov: Macron 'preparing to use a nuclear weapon against Russia' Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 7:23 PM Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says French President Emmanuel Macron's pledge of providing nuclear deterrence to European partners is a "threat". Macron on Wednesday called Russia a "threat to France and Europe", saying he will open a debate on extending France's nuclear deterrent, following a phone conversation with Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz. "Of course it is a threat against Russia. If he sees us as a threat... and says that it is necessary to use a nuclear weapon, is preparing to use a nuclear weapon against Russia, of course it is a threat," Lavrov said on Thursday. Russian President Vladimir Putin said later: "There are still people who want to return to the times of Napoleon, forgetting how it ended." French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Russia in 1812 in a disastrous six-month military campaign that ended in Russian victory. Lavrov went as far as comparing Macron to Hitler and Napoleon, saying while the French leader did not declare a plan to conquer Russia, he "evidently wants the same thing". The minister also said Moscow will not allow a NATO presence in Ukraine, after Macron reaffirmed that European military forces could be sent to the country. "We see no room for compromise. This discussion is being held with an overtly hostile aim," he added. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Macron's speech "extremely confrontational", saying Russia felt that "France wants the war to continue". Macron is saying that "Russia has become practically an enemy of France" but not that NATO's military presence is encroaching on Russia's borders, he said. Defense Minister Andrey Belousov visited Russia's nuclear weapons development laboratory on Thursday. Peskov said the Ukraine war "is actually a conflict between Russia and the collective West. And the main country of the collective West is the United States of America". "We agree that it is time to stop this conflict and this war," he said. On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cast the conflict as a proxy war between Russia and the US, making a case for President Donald Trump's push to end it. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Macron proposes defending Europe with nuclear weapons as US threatens to withdraw support Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 8:39 AM French President Emmanuel Macron says France might extend its nuclear umbrella to other European states to help protect the EU as the United States threatens to decrease military support for the continent and upend the transatlantic alliance. Macron said he would discuss extending France's nuclear deterrent to European partners during a televised speech on Wednesday, in which he outlined his proposals measures to support Ukraine. "I want to believe that the United States will stay by our side but we have to be prepared for that not to be the case," he said. "I have decided to open up the strategic debate on the protection of our allies on the European continent through our nuclear deterrent," he said, while adding that any decision on nuclear weapons use would remain with the French head of state. Macron also said that his government sees Russia as a "threat" to his country and Europe, adding, "Who can believe that this Russia of today will stop at Ukraine?" Macron's remarks came after the United States government cut military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine in its war against Russia. Since returning to power in January, Trump has repeatedly signaled that he plans to cut down military support for its European NATO allies, with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth even floating the idea that the US military might leave the continent entirely. The French president also suggested that European troops could be deployed to Ukraine to safeguard a potential future peace treaty, although he rejected the idea that European troops would fight on the frontlines in the current conflict. Talking on a possible peace between Ukraine and Russia, Macron claimed "Russia can no longer be trusted to keep its word." The French government had undermined the previous peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, the Minsk agreement, by using it as a ploy to rearm Ukraine with the intention of eventually restarting the war in Donbass, as admitted by former French president Francois Hollande. Macron's proposal on troops deployment to Ukraine is seen as part of Europe's larger initiative for rearmament and military expansion. On Tuesday, European commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a plan for an $840 billion defense spending increase amid Trump's repeated push for European countries and other NATO allies to increase their defense spending. However, analysts point out that the EU is currently suffering a 3.5% deficit to GDP ratio, which means that increasing defense spending while maintaining welfare spending, social security and migration programs might prove difficult. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Statement regarding French President Emmanuel Macron's speech 6 March 2025 17:25 357-06-03-2025 In the run-up to the EU summit dedicated to Ukraine crisis and confrontation with Russia, and clearly trying to set the tone for the upcoming gathering, French President Macron made an extremely aggressive anti-Russia speech calling our country, as he did on multiple previous occasions, a "threat to France and Europe." Without providing any evidence, as he usually does, he accused our country of all the deadly sins from cyber attacks and interference in elections to our alleged plans to attack other countries in Europe. We have heard him come up with similar fabrications and provocative claims before as well. Perhaps, this was the first time he laid them out in such an intense and irreconcilable manner which made them sound like a catechism for the Russophobic action programme. Notably, the French leader has repeatedly made public his plans to call President Putin on the telephone to discuss ways to achieve peaceful settlement in Ukraine and to ensure security in Europe. The Russian side has always been open to discuss these matters. However, Macron, this time again, confined himself to clamorous public rhetoric. The French President is trying hard to convince the French citizens of an "existential threat" coming from Russia. In fact, Russia has never threatened France, but, instead, helped it defend its independence and sovereignty in two world wars. However, Macron's statements, in fact, pose a threat to Russia. The French leader evokes his country's foreign policy traditions, but his rhetoric runs counter to them and the ideological legacy of Gaullism. He cannot be unaware of the fact that France's high standing in the international arena has for decades relied on his predecessors' push to play a balancing role in international affairs and to contribute to alleviating tensions between Russia and the West. Back in the day, de Gaulle put forward the concept of indivisible security from the Atlantic to the Urals which relied on building consensus and being mindful of the opinions and interests of all countries on our continent. As opposed to that, we are witnessing official Paris depart from these fundamental principles of French foreign policy. President Macron's speech is all about providing security guarantees for Ukraine. Not a word, however, was said about security guarantees for Russia. Notably, the lack of such guarantees and the West's never-ending attempts to create threats to our country, primarily through unbridled expansion of NATO, which ran counter to promises that were made to us, as well as the push to turn Ukraine into an anti-Russian bridgehead, has led to the current crisis. We have repeatedly and over many years notified Western leaders, including Mr Macron, about it. This is yet another instance that reiterates our conviction that Paris remains unwilling to reckon with our country's vital interests and is focused on "forcing" us into compliance with the decisions that suit the West. Rest assured that this will never happen. As we react to what Mr Macron had to say in his speech, we are compelled to once again remind everyone that the tragedy of Ukraine dates back to 2014, when, following a coup, openly neo-Nazi forces grabbed power in that country with the West's connivance and support. These forces set out to discriminate against the Russian and Russian-speaking population and to eradicate the Russian language, culture and canonical Orthodoxy, which led to a bloody civil conflict in Donbass. The excessively forward assertions claiming that Russia had violated the Minsk agreements do not hold water and look like an attempt to shift the blame on us. Our country pushed for strict compliance with these agreements, while Kiev, with the tacit consent and incitement of its Western curators, sabotaged its commitments in every possible way. Former leaders of France, Germany and Ukraine have repeatedly admitted in public that they merely took advantage of these agreements to get ready for war. What is the French leader's idea of the "path to peace?" It's the same old one of flooding Ukraine with Western-made weapons and continuing hostilities, and the EU and NATO engaging in unprecedented expansion of military spending. In this context, accusing Russia of ramping up its military allocations and the numerical strength of its armed forces looks absurd. After all, NATO countries' aggregate military budget is double that of the defence spending of the rest of the world combined, and the EU military budget is multiples of what Russia is spending on defence. It is likewise notable that Russia's military construction programme is a forced reaction to NATO's aggressive policy, including Sweden and Finland's expedited NATO membership. With regard to Mr Macron's idea of deploying Western military contingents in Ukraine under the guise of peacekeeping forces, we have repeatedly made it clear that this is unacceptable. This, what essentially represents an occupation of Ukraine, would inevitably lead to an extremely dangerous escalation. President Macron's statement clearly conveys undertones of a nuclear blackmail. Paris's ambitions to become Europe's nuclear "patron" by providing it with its "nuclear umbrella," almost replacing the American one, have come to the surface. Needless to say, this will do nothing to strengthen the security of France or its allies. Besides, the French nuclear capability cannot be compared with that of the United States. France has only 56 nuclear warhead carriers, while the United States has 898 of them. The total capacity of the nuclear component of the French armed forces amounts to 67.2 megawatts, while the United States boasts a whopping 1,814 megawatts. Without a doubt, Russia will take the French President's remarks into consideration when it plans its defence strategy. The speech leaves one feeling bad for President Macron, who is seeking to portray himself as a new leader of the "free world." It really tells a story if you want to see the current low level of embittered European elites for what it is. The looming Russia-US normalisation that has just begun to take shape, and the first steps towards peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis are causing genuine panic among them. One would think that the Europeans, who were in the thick of the confrontation between the superpowers during the Cold War, should be interested more than anyone in seeing the trajectory of Russia-US relations change, tensions defuse, and a constructive dialogue between Moscow and Washington begin. Needless to say, the French president's emphatic militarism is dictated by the domestic agenda as well. Military rhetoric is a way to divert his own population from aggravating socioeconomic problems in France and the EU, to shift the people's attention to external pseudo-threats, and to somehow fortify his rocky political position, which has taken a blow or two over the past year. Macron's speech caused whatever was left of the masks to come off and showed who's leading the "party of war." It also showed who's really opposing the ceasefire and betting on continuing and escalating the Ukraine conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Macron's Remarks on Possible Use of Nuclear Arms a Threat to Russia - Lavrov Sputnik News 20250306 Moscow sees French President Emmanuel Macron's words on possible use of nuclear weapons as a threat, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday. "Of course, this is a threat to Russia. If he [Macron] considers us a threat, gathers a meeting of the chiefs of General Staff of European countries and Britain, says it is necessary to use nuclear weapons, prepares to use nuclear weapons against Russia, this is, of course, a threat," Lavrov told a news conference. On Wednesday, Macron said that Russia had become a "threat" to France and Europe, therefore, it was necessary to open a discussion on the use of France's nuclear weapons to defend the entire European Union. Emmanuel Macron has the opportunity to call Russian President Vladimir Putin anytime, and accusations that Russia is allegedly preparing a war against Europe are unwise, Lavrov said. "Macron periodically proudly declares that he will definitely call Putin and talk to him. He has such opportunities. No one forbids it. On the contrary, the president constantly emphasizes his openness to contacts with all his colleagues. And regarding these, frankly, unwise accusations of Russia in preparing a war against Europe and France, Putin has repeatedly said, calling such thoughts delusional, nonsense. Probably, it is absolutely clear to any sane person that Russia does not need this," Lavrov told a joint press conference with Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Amon Murwira. Russia sees no possibility for achieving a compromise on possible deployment of European peacekeepers in Ukraine, Lavrov said. "We see no room for compromise. This discussion is being conducted with an openly hostile purpose. They are not hiding what they need it for," Lavrov Suspension of US intelligence transfers to Ukraine confirm Russia's statements that such assistance was provided to Kiev and it helped to carry out strikes deep into Russia, Sergey Lavrov said. "As for the current situation with the provision of military assistance and the pause that the US has announced, and the pause that was announced with respect to the provision of intelligence information, this has confirmed what we have always said, our president has repeatedly noted that without the direct participation of the West, the US, the UK, France, Germany, and other countries that provide intelligence data and help use the technologies for using this data to launch long-range missiles at our territory, the Ukrainians could not do this," Lavrov said. The suspension of military aid to Ukraine from the United States may help to quickly end the Ukrainian conflict, Sergey Lavrov said. "It has been said many times that former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell was right when he said, in his usual manner, that the conflict in Ukraine could be stopped very quickly, within two weeks, if military aid to the Ukrainian government was halted. This is the answer to your question. We agree with this assessment. Another thing that Josep Borrell added was that this should never be done, because first you need to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, and then dictate the terms of peace to it," Lavrov told reporters. The Russian foreign minister noted that Russia is ready for a frank dialogue on the settlement of the Ukraine conflict. "We are ready for an honest conversation, taking into account all the root causes of this conflict, including, of course, the main one - Russia's security and guarantees against NATO's continued expansion into Ukraine, which would then be used to create constant threats to Russia," Lavrov said. In addition, the Russian official said that French President Emmanuel Macron's statement about Russia and Ukraine was nervous and very verbose. "Macron, as I understand it, said in his lengthy, rather nervous statement yesterday [March 5] that the war should not be allowed to end with the surrender of Ukraine," Lavrov said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Russia stress using diplomacy to prevent international crisis IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Mar 6, 2025 Moscow, IRNA -- Kazem Jalali, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia, in a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov discussed cooperation with BRICS countries. In the meeting, the two sides discussed and exchanged views on cooperation between Iran and the Russian Federation in international forums to strengthen multilateral processes and adherence to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, internationally agreed laws, as well as support for joint initiatives in the field of maintaining international peace and security. Ambassador Jalali and Ryabkov pointed to the importance of "diplomacy" as a tool for bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and stressed the use of diplomacy to prevent crisis-causing trends and control current international crises. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran rejects 'absurd' UK claim of posing national security threat Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 3:48 PM Iran has refuted British officials' accusations that Tehran poses a national security threat to the UK, saying they blame the Islamic Republic for something they "excel in and master". Britain said on Tuesday that it would require the Iranian state to register everything it does to exert political influence in the UK, subjecting Tehran to an elevated tier of scrutiny in light of what it said was increasingly aggressive activity. "It is absurd to blame Iran for something you excel in and master: illegal interference in other nations' internal affairs!" Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei responded in a post on X Thursday. Baghaei touched on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's remarks in November that he did not believe Israel was committing genocide in Gaza and Britain's role in the 1953 coup against Iran's democratically-elected government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. "UK government seems to be doubling down on its irrational hostile mentality regarding Iranians only to deflect from their own culpability, both as 'genocide denier' and as supporter of anti-Iran terrorism (tracing back to 1953 coup against Iran's democratically-elected govnt for which UK's guilt never disappears). "However, this is no longer the 19th century; any government that makes unfounded accusations and takes hostile actions against the Iranian nation shall be held accountable," he said. Addressing parliament on Wednesday, UK security minister Dan Jarvis announced that he would put Iran's state, its security services and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps into the enhanced tier of an upcoming registration scheme designed to protect against covert foreign influence. Like in many countries, the political ruthlessness of Victorian expansionism has left Britain with an unhappy legacy of distrust in Iran. Iranians generally blame Britain for the "Great Famine and Genocide" of 1917-1919 in Iran where approximately 2 million people and by some accounts 8-10 million out of a population of 18-20 million died of starvation and disease. The famine took place after Iran, despite declaring neutrality during World War I, was occupied by British and Russian forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement from U.S Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich U.S. Department of the Treasury March 5, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Today, March 5th 2025, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Israel's Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich held a highly impactful meeting to discuss the ongoing economic partnership between the United States and Israel. The Secretary and the Minister reaffirmed the strong and enduring commitment of both nations to a strategic economic partnership. Their discussions highlighted the importance of deepening economic cooperation, fostering innovation, and strengthening financial and trade ties. This is a critical time to shape a new strategic economic future for both countries, reinforcing American global leadership and Israel's role as a key economic partner. To advance shared economic interests, both sides agreed to strengthen dialogue mechanisms to enhance collaboration in key areas, including economic policy, technology, and financial regulation. As longstanding partners, the United States and Israel recognize the vital role of their economic relationship in driving growth and prosperity for both nations. Today's meeting marks a significant step in further strengthening U.S.-Israel economic ties. Now, more than ever, a coordinated and forward-looking approach is essential to ensure that this partnership remains a source of economic resilience, innovation, and mutual benefit. Both parties look forward to continued collaboration and deeper coordination across economic, technological, and financial policy areas to further reinforce bilateral economic relations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar sends first workers to Russia; junta chief to Belarus Junta chief also discussed cooperation in all areas of defense, media reported. By RFA Burmese 2025.03.06 -- Myanmar has sent workers to Russia for the first time with 24 skilled construction employees setting off on Wednesday, Myanmar's military government said, after the junta leader met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for talks. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, flew to Moscow on Monday for his first official visit with Putin. Russian media broadcast video of the two hugging as they met. The Myanmar military chief, on his fourth visit to Russia since he ousted a civilian government in a coup in 2021, thanked Putin for delivering six fighter jets to the junta, which has been embroiled in a civil war. Putin thanked the Myanmar leader for giving Russia six elephants last year, media reported. In talks on Tuesday, Myanmar's military junta predicted Russia's eventual victory over Ukraine in the three year-long war. The military's Ministry of Information said in a statement that the first 24 workers had left for Russia under a memorandum of understanding that was still being worked out. "Both countries are looking forward to their friendship and to sending the workers," the ministry said. The ministry did not say how many workers might follow the first batch of 24 or which industries they might be employed in. A Myanmar employment official said in December the military government was preparing to send workers to Russia at its request, to help make up for a shortage of foreign workers in agriculture and manufacturing amid its war with Ukraine. Charles Myo Thant, chairman of the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Association, said they would take up jobs in agriculture, livestock, construction and factories, and they will need to learn Russian. Myanmar has for years sent workers abroad to places like Thailand and Singapore under government agreements. Many Myanmar people have also moved abroad to look for work, especially since the 2021 coup, which seriously undermined the economy. But junta authorities have recently placed restrictions on people going abroad for work as it seeks to fill the ranks of its armed forces through conscription. People of military age have been banned from applying for work abroad through employment agencies, and those allowed to leave for work have been told they may be ordered back to serve in the military. A labor activist based in the city of Yangon questioned the Russian agreement. "We can't go to other countries, so why can we go to Russia?" said the activist, who declined to be identified for safety reasons. He also wondered what type of work they would be doing, saying hard labor or with no opportunities for training would not be popular. Russia has been a steady supplier of weapons to the Myanmar military and its media reported that Min Aung Hlaing had also discussed cooperation in "all areas of the defense sector" in talks with Russian defense officials. The junta chief traveled from Moscow to the city of St. Petersburg and on Friday he was due to travel to Belarus at the invitation of President Aleksandr Lukashenko, the Myanmar military said. Political analyst Than Soe Naing said the focus of Min Aung Hlaing's trip appeared to be ensuring security "under the umbrella of Russia's empire." "Going to Belarus is laying a foundation for security," he said. Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by RFA Staff. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with staff and beneficiaries of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation Ahead of March 8, Vladimir Putin held a meeting with women - employees and beneficiaries of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation to Support Participants in the Special Military Operation. March 6, 2025 19:45 Moscow The meeting took place at the unified support centre for participants in the special military operation and their family members, the Moscow branch of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends, good afternoon. First and foremost, I wish to note that we are meeting ahead of March 8. This is a deeply heartfelt holiday, always observed in our country with particular attention to women - mothers, friends, wives, and colleagues. I congratulate you all on the approaching occasion. We invariably associate it with spring and renewal - a kind, uplifting celebration. Yet I also see women here today in military uniform. This means that among us - and at this gathering - are those directly involved in the special military operation. To you, I extend special gratitude and profound respect for your commitment. Our women serve not only as medical personnel and specialists in other military roles but also, increasingly, on the frontline itself. Today, we have gathered at a rehabilitation centre run by the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best facilities in the country - though that is not the focus today, while it is important. I do hope colleagues from other regions will make a note of how it's done in Moscow and work to take the cue. What truly matters is that, as I understand, the majority of those present here are women linked in various capacities to these foundations and to our service personnel - our fighters who are performing their duty to the Motherland, to Russia, on the frontlines. Here, we see the mothers, wives and, likely, the girlfriends of our soldiers. I must emphasise - and we all know this well, for it has always been so - that the rear is one of the most important things for any man, particularly a serviceman risking his life, a vital source of motivation for any military man to fight and achieve victory. Of course, I am certain that - as the saying goes, there are no atheists in the trenches - there are likely no men who do not think of their families, women, sisters, mothers, wives, or girlfriends. This constitutes an essential pillar of the ongoing efforts across our nation, of all that is being undertaken to safeguard Russia's interests. I will refrain from lengthy speeches or monologues. It would perhaps be more productive for me to hear from you - both regarding the direct operations of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, the spheres in which you are engaged, and the broader situation unfolding today - which, regrettably, at times carries tragic consequences for families and for our servicemen. Wounds and casualties - all of this stems from military engagements, all of this defines the circumstances in which we must now live and fortify our nation. You bear witness to this reality more than anyone. I am at your disposal. If there is anything you wish to raise - and I am certain there is - please proceed. Once more, I congratulate you on the upcoming March 8, the Women's Day holiday. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, Southeast Asia draw closer in pursuit of multipolar political, trade ties Commerce between the two sides has rebounded, rising 10% to $17 billion in first 3 quarters of 2024. By Shailaja Neelakantan for BenarNews 2025.03.06 WASHINGTON -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has underlined his goal to increase engagement with Southeast Asia by recently dispatching a top aide to boost ties with the region towards a common goal for a more multilateral world order, analysts told BenarNews. Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu's talks with Indonesia and Malaysia last week were also in line with the desire of all three countries to diversify markets and power centers beyond the Washington and Beijing binary, said Emil Avdaliani, an international relations expert at the European University in Tbilisi, Georgia. "Russia regards Southeast Asia as one of the pillars in the emerging multipolar world order. This means Moscow strives to foster political and economic ties with this vibrant geopolitical space," Avdaliani told BenarNews. Western sanctions on Russia after it invaded Ukraine "served as a major driver to look eastward," he said. "Russia understands that Southeast Asia has been in a difficult position after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Moscow has been careful not to impose its vision on the region," Avdaliani added. "Russia [also] understands that Southeast Asia pursues its own interests, which implies [they follow a] multi-vector foreign policy, balancing among big actors and not choosing any sides." Southeast Asia is by no means homogenous, which means that countries such as staunch U.S. ally the Philippines, and Singapore, which sanctioned Moscow, may balk at an expanded Russian footprint. Russia's renewed Southeast Asia engagement may also be uncomfortable for Manila because of Moscow's relatively new partnership with Beijing, which many call "an alliance of convenience." For the Philippines, China is a thorn in the side because of its increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, where both countries have contending territorial claims. However, in a fractured - and fractious - geopolitical world order, nations firmly allied with Washington or Beijing may be realizing that they need to be self-reliant in safeguarding their interests. For instance, Manila's envoy to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez, told reporters earlier this week that countries need "to be always ready ... to put up their own resources" to do what is best for themselves. Southeast Asia's nations overall, though, have for long been seen as following expedient foreign policies, which is a draw for Russia, according to analyst Muhammad Waffaa Kharisma. "Southeast Asian countries are less constrained by transatlantic or European political decisions," the researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta told BenarNews. "Most developing countries here can be quite pragmatic." Trade data reflects that pragmatism. After a brief blip following Western sanctions imposed on Moscow after February 2022, Southeast Asia's trade with Russia has been on the upswing. Russia-ASEAN trade increased 10% to U.S. $17 billion in the January-September 2024 period, Moscow-owned news agency Sputnik cited a Russian minister as saying in November. Trade between the two sides for the whole of 2023 totaled $15.8 billion, according to ASEAN data. ASEAN member-states Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, all of which profess non-alignment, increased trade with Russia especially in 2024. The Indonesian government struck a defiant note when asked about a deepening of ties with Russia. As long as the association was mutually beneficial and "respectful," there was no reason not to expand relations, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Rolliansyah Soemirat, said. "Why not cooperate with Russia?" he told BenarNews. "Indonesia is not intimidated by any country as long as our national interests are upheld." Alexey Gruzdev, Russia's minister of industry and trade, said the increase occurred because Russian businesses had "successfully adapted" to Western sanctions, Sputnik reported in November. Analysts said there was more to it than businesses adapting. Russia has capitalized on growing anti-West sentiment, particularly over the conflict in Gaza, to bolster its image in Southeast Asia, said Radityo Dharmaputra, a Europe and Eurasia expert at Indonesia's Airlangga University. Russia's support for the Palestinian people is in line with Muslim-majority nations Indonesia and Malaysia, which have condemned what they say has been U.S. ally Israel's disproportionate response to the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants. "This narrative has been a core part of Russia's strategy," Radityo said. "By promoting an anti-West ... message, Russia has effectively won support, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia." 'Diversifying supply chains' Additionally, some Southeast Asian nations proactively want to access alternate markets, which has also led to an uptick in trade with Russia, said Julia Roknifard, an international relations expert in Kuala Lumpur. "It is about diversifying the supply chains away from the sole focus on the largest trade partners," Roknifard, senior lecturer at the School of Law and Governance at Taylor's University, told BenarNews. "Russia, on the other hand, is interested in the products from Malaysia's semiconductor industry." Following warnings by new U.S. President Donald Trump to tax imports, with a focus on countries America has a trade deficit with - especially Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia - a new market would help ease a potential trade slowdown in Southeast Asia. The BRICS factor Another Russian strategy to court Southeast Asia has been to market BRICS, a bloc of emerging economies it co-founded in 2006, as a pathway to creating a multipolar world. BRICS is named after its founders Brazil, Russia, India and China, as well as South Africa, which joined in 2010. Increasing cooperation within the BRICS platform was a priority of Moscow's foreign policy, TASS quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov as saying in April 2023. During Russia's chairmanship last year, BRICS announced that ASEAN members Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam would become its partner nations. Indonesia then formally joined the grouping as a member in January, and expressed "gratitude to Russia" for facilitating its membership. A former Malaysian foreign minister, Syed Hamid Albar, said more ASEAN cooperation with BRICS was needed to "hedge" Southeast Asian nations' relationship with major powers in an ever-shifting world order. "Anyway, Russia is providing space for small and big nations to move forward from hegemony and operate under a new world order and multilateralism," he told BenarNews. US policy shift on Ukraine Meanwhile, Washington reversing its adversarial stance towards Moscow over Ukraine would have implications across the world, including in Southeast Asia, analysts said. Chester Cabalza, a security expert, spoke about the possible ramifications of this change in relation to the Philippines. Manila and Washington are bound by a longstanding mutual defense treaty. "U.S. defense officials are still adamant on saving their defense ties with the Philippines," Cabalza, who heads a Manila think-tank, International Development and Security Cooperation, told BenarNews. Still, Washington's shift has "gently reminded Manila to practice self-reliance," he added. Washington's Ukraine pivot may also aid the expansion of Southeast Asia's ties with Russia, indicated Radityo Dharmaputra, a Europe-Eurasia expert from Airlangga University "There now appears to be a sense of relief in Southeast Asia regarding U.S.-Russia relations," Radityo, head of the university's Centre for European and Eurasian Studies, said to BenarNews. "These nations seem to feel reassured that ties between Washington and Moscow have improved, allowing them to resume trade and diplomatic engagement." Iman Muttaqin Yusof in Kuala Lumpur, Tria Dianti in Jakarta, and Jason Gutierrez in Manila contributed to this report. BenarNews is an online news outlet affiliated with Radio Free Asia. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks during a presentation of the Vologda Region, Moscow, March 6, 2025 6 March 2025 18:02 358-06-03-2025 Governor Filimonov, Ladies and gentlemen, Your Excellencies, Colleagues, Friends, We are delighted to be able to once again provide, through the good offices of the Foreign Ministry's Main Administration for Service to the Diplomatic Corps (GlavUpDK), a venue for presenting another constituent entity of the Russian Federation. We are pleased to welcome representatives of the diplomatic corps, federal and regional authorities, international business circles, and mass media to the presentation of the Vologda Region. We encourage you to immerse yourself in the history, the present and the future of this region. A display to suit the occasion has been put together here. Today's event will help our distinguished guests get to know better this distinctive northern region of Russia, to assess its economic and investment potential, and to get familiar with the unparalleled travel appeal of the region. The Vologda land is rightfully called the Soul of the Russian North. The region treasures its centuries-old traditions and everything that has, for centuries, been and remains a strong moral support of our vast country and its people, namely, spirituality, strong work ethics, and perseverance. Open-hearted and gracious people constitute the main wealth of the Vologda Region. The Vologda Region is a one-of-a-kind region where the beauty of pristine nature, folk crafts, and ancient historical monuments seamlessly merge with the developed manufacturing industry, agriculture, and transport and recreational infrastructure. Innovative technologies are being widely used across everyday life in the region, which you could also see when you toured the display. The agro-industrial complex is making great strides. Vologda dairy products - the crown jewel of the Vologda Region - enjoy well-deserved popularity both in Russia and far beyond. The region is also famous for its metallurgy and the timber industry. Last year, the geography of international timber shipments from Vologda expanded notably. Shipments include processed timber which is important for advancing Russia's lumber industry as planned. Ramified transport network plays an important role in the region which is home to an important Northern Railway hub. One of the Volga-Baltic Waterway largest ports operates in Cherepovets. The rich historical heritage of the Vologda Region, including holy places and ensembles of ancient monasteries that made it to this day, is an integral part of our country's spiritual and cultural heritage. The region is also famous for its spectacular nature, lakes, and nature reserves, such as the Russian North National Park. The town of Veliky Ustyug is the birthplace of Father Frost. Millions of tourists visit this hospitable land every year. The significant potential of the Vologda Region makes it appealing for establishing extensive foreign economic and international ties. Establishing contacts between this region and friendly countries at the regional and municipal levels holds a lot of promise which is what we discussed today with Governor Filimonov. The Foreign Ministry will make every effort to support this process. It is gratifying to know that the region's leadership and its business circles are looking for ways to bring on new international partners and investment, to upgrade the manufacturing industry and agriculture, and to expand international cultural and humanitarian exchanges. The Foreign Ministry will support these efforts as best it can. Friends, Today, you have an opportunity to become part of the traditions of the Russian North, outline new areas of cooperation which are of interest for the countries that you represent, and enjoy highest-quality food from Vologda. I wish the Vologda Region leadership, the people of the region, and everyone on this floor excellent health, success, prosperity, and all the best. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe Amon Murwira, Moscow, March 6, 2025 6 March 2025 16:17 355-06-03-2025 Ladies and gentlemen, We held productive negotiations with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe Amon Murwira. Appointed Zimbabwe's Foreign Minister in October 2024, Mr Murwira attended the inaugural ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi just one month later, in November 2024. This event was a resounding success. Before assuming his current role, Mr Murwira visited Russia for many years as Zimbabwe's Minister of Education. He is thus well acquainted with Moscow, our country, and his counterparts. In his new capacity, Mr Murwira's circle of friends will undoubtedly broaden. We emphasised the paramount importance of the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Zimbabwe, which are rooted in the principles of equality and mutual respect. We welcomed President Emmerson Mnangagwa's commitment to deepening our partnership based on agreements reached during his meetings with President Vladimir Putin, including on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2024. Within the bilateral agenda, we prioritised strengthening trade and economic cooperation. Additional steps were agreed to identify promising areas for joint engagement, particularly in geological exploration, mineral resource development, nuclear energy, agriculture, space technology, and information and communications technologies. Co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (one of which is Mr Murwira) will convene a special meeting this year to outline specific issues requiring detailed preparation for discussion at the Commission's next plenary session. Cultural cooperation also boasts rich traditions. Annually, we allocate 125 scholarships for Zimbabwean citizens to study at Russian universities. We are prepared to increase this quota, as demand is clearly evident. The St Petersburg State University project, the Centre for Open Education in Zimbabwe, is operational, with over 500 individuals enrolled in online Russian language courses - a figure that continues to grow. I am confident this new centre will be in demand. We are prepared to replicate such initiatives through other Zimbabwean educational institutions. Regional collaboration shows promising trajectories. There are advancements in Zimbabwe's relations with Tatarstan and the Moscow Region. A cooperation agreement is in place between the Government of the Sverdlovsk Region and the Government of the Midlands Province concerning international and foreign economic relations in trade and economic, scientific and technical, cultural, and social and humanitarian spheres. We discussed in detail the global and regional agenda, where our positions align closely across nearly all key issues. We advocate strict adherence to international law, including the UN Charter's principles in their entirety and interconnection. Foremost among these are the sovereign equality of states, non-interference in their domestic affairs, and the right of nations to determine their own destiny and their own models of political and socio-economic development. We consistently align our actions on resolutions presented for a vote at the UN. Zimbabwe co-authors many of these resolutions and supports all Russian initiatives, including key ones such as combatting the glorification of Nazism, the demilitarisation of space, and ensuring international information security. We have also discussed additional steps to enhance our coordination on foreign policy. Our discussions also focused on the ongoing conflicts across the African continent, including those in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Somalia, and the Great Lakes region of Africa. We greatly value the efforts of African nations, the African Union, and subregional organisations to alleviate crises on the continent. This includes the work of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has been instrumental in providing support and resolving the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Zimbabwe currently holds the chairmanship of this Community, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa personally leading active mediation efforts. The Russian Federation will continue to support the efforts of the global community in promoting stabilisation and conflict resolution across Africa. However, we believe that the methods of resolving these conflicts should be determined by the African countries themselves, with the assistance of relevant continental organisations. Externally imposed solutions have proven ineffective in achieving lasting peace. We will uphold the principle that African problems require African solutions. Russia will continue to enhance its support for countries in the region through bilateral cooperation, including strengthening the combat capabilities of national armed forces, training military personnel, and reinforcing security and law enforcement agencies. This is aimed at boosting the capacity of our African partners to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, organised crime, and other forms of criminal activity on their territories. We discussed the importance of a new format for our communication with Africa, particularly the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, which took place in Sochi in the autumn of 2024. This event was organised based on the decision made at the second Russia-Africa summit held in St Petersburg in 2023. Preparations are already underway for the third summit in 2026. This year, we plan to hold the second ministerial forum in one of the African countries. We also addressed the situation in Ukraine and the developments surrounding it. We are grateful to our Zimbabwean friends for their objective and consistent stance, as well as for their understanding of the root causes of the conflict created by the West over many years and aimed at turning Ukraine into an instrument for combatting the Russian Federation and undermining our position on the global stage. Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to my colleague and friend, Amon Murwira, for a meaningful, constructive, and result-oriented discussion. Question: There have been media reports saying that the United States suspended military aid for Ukraine on March 4, 2025, until President Donald Trump sees Kiev's commitment to peace talks. In your opinion, when could this military aid resume? Can we expect US-Ukraine relations to change any time soon, especially considering Vladimir Zelensky's attempts to apologise for what happened at the White House? What does Russia think about the suspended military aid for Ukraine? Sergey Lavrov: We have said many times already that EU's former diplomacy chief, Josep Borrell, was right when he said that the Ukraine conflict can be stopped very quickly, say, in a matter of two weeks, simply by pulling the plug on providing military assistance to the Ukrainian regime. This was his way of putting this, and this is also the answer to your question. We share this assessment. However, Josep Borrell would go on to perorate about the need to rule out this possibility. He called for inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia and then imposing their terms and measures on us. He was a high-ranking official, by the way. We understand just how naive he was. Josep Borrell's successor in this office, Kaja Kallas, has been sticking to the same logic, and the same goes for most European countries. The way they behave should not come as a surprise anymore. They are all saying that peace would be worse for Ukraine than war today - get an upper hand on the battlefield first and then talk to a weaker Russia. True, they have stopped mentioning the need to inflict a strategic defeat on the Russian Federation. Yesterday, President of France Emmanuel Macron made a rather lengthy and somewhat confused statement in which he argued that the war should not end with Ukraine's surrender. In fact, they have come a long way from seeking to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia to talking about Ukraine's capitulation. At least they had the strength to cover the huge distance that separates these two notions. As for the current situation with military aid and a pause in delivering weapons as announced by the United States, it also involves a pause in sharing intelligence data. This confirmed what we have been saying all along. President Vladimir Putin has said many times that launching long-range missiles targeting facilities on our territory would have been impossible for the Ukrainians without the direct involvement of the West - the United States, the UK, France, Germany and other countries which have been sharing their intelligence and helping Ukraine use the corresponding technology. This is an important admission. I will not elaborate on whether this pause would last. We have our objectives as set forth by President Vladimir Putin. And for all these years we have been making it clear that we are open to holding talks. Russia welcomed the position adopted by the Donald Trump administration. Unlike Biden's team, he said that he wanted peace, not war. Russia also stands for peace and is ready to engage in an honest conversation taking into account the root causes of this conflict, including the core issue of security for the Russian Federation and guarantees that NATO would not swallow up Ukraine to transform it into a permanent threat for the Russian Federation. Amon Murwira has reaffirmed that Zimbabwe understands the need to focus on eliminating these root causes instead of taking stop-gap measures for supplying more advanced weapons to the Nazi regime in Kiev in order to enable it to continue its war against the Russian Federation. Question: President of France Emmanuel Macron stated in his address to the nation yesterday evening that Russia was a threat to France and Europe. He also called for discussing the use of France's nuclear weapons to protect the European Union. What do you think about the French president's statement about the "Russian threat"? How dangerous is this nuclear rhetoric? Can these words by the French president be regarded as a threat to Russia? Sergey Lavrov: Of course, it is a threat against Russia. If they regard Russia as a threat and convene a meeting of the chiefs of general staffs of European countries and Britain, and if they say that nuclear weapons should be used against Russia and that they should be ready to use them, we regard this as a threat. Unlike his predecessors who wanted to fight against Russia, like Napoleon and Adolf Hitler, Mr Macron is not acting elegantly. They openly said that they wanted to conquer and defeat Russia. He obviously wants the same, but for some reason he says that they need to go to war with Russia so that it does not defeat France. He insists that Russia poses threats to France and Europe. Emmanuel Macron is known for saying that he would call President Putin to talk with him. He has the ability to do so; nobody will stop him. On the contrary, President Putin has pointed out on numerous occasions that he was open to contacts with all his colleagues. Regarding the patently unwise claims that Russia is preparing for a war against Europe, Vladimir Putin has stated repeatedly that this is nonsense and madness. Every reasonable person can see that this is not what Russia wants. We need to eliminate the root causes of the situation which the West has created in Ukraine for the purpose of influence and suppression, and for launching a war against Russia. The prime cause is NATO's expansion. US President Donald Trump and his team are fully aware that this is the main cause of the current situation. They have said so publicly. However, Europeans, who have decided for some reason that the United States has betrayed their interests, keep silent about these root causes while trying to knock together combat forces within the alliance for deployment in Ukraine. As for another root cause, we have pointed it out many times. They have legislatively outlawed the Russian language, the Russian media and culture, and the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The West keeps silent about this even though they speak out for human rights in all other instances. The EU has held a meeting with the Central Asian states, although there is little to discuss apart from human rights. But people in Central Asia are free to speak any language, be it Russian or French, whereas Ukraine has banned the Russian language. At the same time, Zelensky's officials claim that Ukraine is "the most open democracy in the world." Europe swallows these lies and remains silent. It sounded strange to me that Mr Macron, stepping into the shoes of Napoleon who wanted to conquer Russia, and masking his clearly delusive intentions, has accused President Putin of deception. By doing this, he has joined a dialogue in absentia with US President Trump, who has said that everything he agreed on with Putin was always implemented. President of France Emmanuel Macron has decided to do as Zelensky did, who claimed in the Oval Office that Vladimir Putin had violated some "agreements" 25 times. It is funny to hear this from a man who came to power by promising to restore peace and implement the Minsk Agreements, and who said soon afterwards that he would never implement them. Emmanuel Macron also said that Vladimir Putin always violated everything they discussed. In particular, this suggests that his accusation also applies to the Paris meeting. The French President hosted a Normandy Four summit in December 2019, which included, alongside himself, then German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky. As the French and Germans announced, the meeting focused on saving the Minsk agreements. Back then, while preparing that event at the Elysee Palace, we reached consensus at the expert level. At the level of ministers, we fully agreed on the meeting's final documents. The first paragraph of that document stated that we agreed on the need to withdraw troops from the line of contact along its entire length. All the parties agreed. When the leaders had already sat down and were given the copies of what the experts and ministers had agreed upon, Vladimir Zelensky suddenly said that he would not do it. He said he would not withdraw troops along the entire line of contact, because doing so would make that line a permanent border. That was how he treated the Minsk agreements. He said he could only go so far as to withdraw troops from three points on the line of contact. Ukrainian representatives pointed them out. We had to agree, even though both Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel were surprised, and not in a good way. But this character's tendency to use hospitality in his own way is well known. In retrospect, I would like to add that nothing changed at any of the "points" that Zelensky himself indicated as places where he would agree to withdraw forces from the line of contact. The Ukrainians derailed this agreement. The political part of the document adopted in Paris reaffirmed what the Minsk agreements stipulated: the need to legislate the special status of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics by amending the Constitution accordingly. This was what they said. A few days later, it became clear that Zelensky was not going to do anything. On videos from the four leaders' news conference following the December 2019 summit in Paris, Zelensky can be seen pulling faces and generally clowning around during Vladimir Putin's speech, thereby showing his attitude to the document that had just been signed. Today, he makes lofty statements claiming that Russia has failed to implement the Paris agreements. What Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron said in Paris in 2019 about the need for that summit to save the Minsk agreements also turned out to be a lie. Because after this summit, former French President Hollande, who had signed the Minsk agreements, and Chancellor Merkel both said that they were not going to fulfil them. They admitted that they needed to buy time to pump Ukraine full of weapons. This means she was also lying when she called for "saving" the Minsk agreements. Naivety is not welcome in politics. We will never practice naivety again. Question: Europe is discussing the idea of deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine. Does Moscow still oppose this, or is there room for compromise? Sergey Lavrov: We see no room for compromise. This discussion is being conducted with frankly hostile intentions. They do not conceal their underlying objectives. French President Emmanuel Macron, supported by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will soon escort Vladimir Zelensky to Washington "cap in hand". According to their plan, combat operations must be suspended for a month - at least in the air, at sea, and against energy infrastructure facilities. During this period, they intend to deploy these forces while simultaneously coordinating the terms of peace. First: if you deploy troops to a territory, you are unlikely to later negotiate terms, as you will have already established facts on the ground. Second: when questioned by journalists, the Trump administration noted that such matters - particularly attempts to label them as "peacekeeping forces" - must be discussed and require mutual consent. Neither Emmanuel Macron, nor Keir Starmer, nor other advocates for troop deployment in Ukraine have even mentioned this. We will treat the presence of these forces on Ukrainian territory exactly as we would a potential NATO deployment in Ukraine. Whatever flags disguise this operation - be it the EU banner or national flags of contingent contributing nations - and whatever chevrons (including Banderite insignia) adorn their uniforms, these will anyway remain NATO forces. Notably, Ireland has already expressed readiness to contribute troops (clearly uneasy outside the North Atlantic Alliance), alongside Canada (inevitably) and Australia. An interesting coalition is forming. We categorically will not remain passive observers. Let me reiterate: such actions would constitute not some purported hybrid involvement, but direct, official, and unconcealed NATO participation in the war against the Russian Federation. This cannot be permitted - particularly against the backdrop of French President Emmanuel Macron's panicked statement yesterday that Russia poses a threat to Europe. If so, troops would logically be deployed against this threat. Since the start of the special military operation - even during the 2022 negotiations in Belarus and subsequent Istanbul talks where agreements were nearly finalised, approved, initialled, and later vetoed by then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (with Vladimir Zelensky dutifully complying) - we have consistently heard claims, including from Emmanuel Macron, that negotiations cannot proceed without Ukraine. The argument is that Russia and the US cannot reach agreements while Ukraine and Europe stand aside, as nothing can be done without Ukraine and Europe. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Throughout this period, Western-promoted forums - whether discussing Zelensky's "peace formula," his "victory formula," or his latest rebranded initiative - have systematically discussed Russia without Russia. This reflects a colonial and neo-colonial mindset. Put bluntly, it is sheer insolence they deem acceptable: Nothing without Ukraine, but anything goes without Russia. Recently, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron boasted of their intent to draft some document on paper, explain it to Vladimir Zelensky for his compliance, then present it to US President Donald Trump for approval - before ultimately submitting it to Russian President Vladimir Putin. How does this align with diplomatic etiquette? Admittedly, etiquette is a flexible concept. In today's diplomacy - not even etiquette but rather common decency - has long been abandoned by the West, making such behaviour unsurprising. I note sober voices, including within NATO and the EU, acknowledging that Emmanuel Macron - desperate to salvage his reputation, hopelessly tarnished within France - may resort to utterly reckless actions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe Amon Murwira, Moscow, March 6, 2025 6 March 2025 12:03 352-06-03-2025 Mr Minister, My dear friend, Colleagues, We are delighted to see you in Moscow. I now have the pleasure of congratulating you in my personal capacity on your recent appointment to the position of Zimbabwe's Foreign Minister. This is your first visit to Moscow in your capacity as Foreign Minister, although you have previously visited this country as Minister of Education. Together with your Russian colleagues, you have laid the groundwork for our cooperation in this area, which is advancing to the benefit of the peoples of Russia and Zimbabwe. Your responsibilities as Foreign Minister will include enhancing our contacts in education at all levels. In addition, there are many other bilateral and multilateral topics to address, given the importance of processes in your region and on the international stage, which influence the development of both our countries. Today, we hope to discuss the entire range of issues and, in this context, to exchange views on the further development of Russia's partnership with Africa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian regime declares curfews in several regions Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 11:26 PM The Syrian regime has declared curfews in a number of the country's regions after mass rallies are held in protest at the regime's increasing violence against civilians. The northwestern port city of Tartus and the entire Homs province were put under curfew on Thursday night. A curfew has also been announced in Latakia until 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday. The curfews followed mass protests by Alawites and Shia Muslims, who condemned the violent actions of the regime. They accused Syria's interim government of prioritizing power over rebuilding the nation. The Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria released a statement, denouncing the regime's increasing violence, including aerial bombardments of civilian homes and forced displacement of their residents. The statement called on Syrians to stage peaceful sit-ins while refraining from damaging property or engaging in sectarian strife. Heavy clashes have been reported in western Syria between remnants of the Syrian Arab Army and extremist groups backed by the West that have been integrated into the new government. 'Military Council for the Liberation of Syria' announced A statement attributed to former Syrian regime officer Brigadier General Ghiath Suleiman Dalla has circulated on social media. The statement announced the creation and launch of the "Military Council for the Liberation of Syria." This follows a coordinated attack on regime forces in the Latakia province, which resulted in the death of more than 10 security personnel. According to the statement, the council's goal is to "liberate all Syrian land from all occupying terrorist forces," and "topple the current regime and dismantle its oppressive sectarian security apparatus." The statement called on Syrians from various sects, regions, and ethnicities to "join our ranks and stand with us in this historic moment." It urged the international community to "support the Syrian people's will to liberate themselves from the oppression and tyranny disguised in vague terminology." Shortly after an offensive by foreign-backed militants, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), toppled the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israeli forces entered the UN buffer zone between the occupied territories and Syria. Israeli forces have remained there ever since, despite protests by Syria's ruling HTS administration and the UN. Israeli warplanes have also carried out hundreds of aerial assaults on Syria in the weeks after the fall of the Assad government. However, Damascus has refrained from deploying what is left of the country's armed forces to fight against the Israelis' expansionist occupation of Syrian lands. The commander of the HTS militant group, which overran Syria amid intense Israeli strikes against the Arab country last December and has been named as the country's new "president," stated his administration poses no military threat to the Israelis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Forces Battle With Assad-Linked Fighters In New Surge Of Violence By RFE/RL March 06, 2025 Syrian government forces clashed with "remnants" of the ousted regime Bashar al-Assad, thrusting the Middle East nation's new leaders into the biggest crisis since seizing power in December. The government said at least 13 members of the security forces were killed in the clashes in the Jableh region along the coast. A regional official said many of the security forces had been attacked in what he called a well-planned ambush by "remnants of the Assad militias." The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an influential monitoring group, said the ambush in the town of Jableh, near the city of Latakia, killed at least 16 security personnel and four civilians. The Observatory said dozens of fighters loyal to Assad were killed or wounded in the clashes, although the figures could not immediately be confirmed. "More than 70 killed and dozens wounded and captured in bloody clashes and ambushes on the Syrian coast between members of the Ministry of Defense and Interior and militants from the defunct regime's army," the Observatory wrote on X. Rami Abdurrahman, head of the monitoring group, said the gunmen who ambushed the police force are Alawites. He called the battles "the worst clashes since the fall of the regime." Assad-aligned militias have often targeted security patrols and checkpoints in the Jableh region, said Lieutenant Colonel Mustafa Kunaifati, the provincial chief of security. Alawite activists, meanwhile, claim their community has been subjected to violence and attacks since the fall of the Assad government. Tensions have risen between Iran-backed Assad's minority Alawite sect and members of the new government, which seized power after an offensive of insurgent groups led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Syria's new authorities have labeled the attacks "isolated incidents" and vowed to arrest those responsible. "Our forces in the city of Jableh managed to arrest the criminal General Ibrahim Huweija," state-run SANA news agency reported. Al Arabiya also reported the capture. "He is accused of hundreds of assassinations during the era of the criminal Hafez al-Assad," the authoritarian leader who ruled the brutal Syrian regime before his son, Bashar al-Assad, took over upon his death. Huweija was chief of Syria's air force intelligence from 1987-2002 and was suspect of conducting the 1977 murder of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Bek Jumblatt. Jumblatt son and successor, Walid Jumblatt, reposted the news of his arrest on X, adding the comment: "Allahu Akbar [God is Greatest]." The new Syrian government continues to struggle in efforts to stabilize the war-torn nation after a 13-year civil war that killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, many of whom fled to Turkey and on to some European countries. Western nations have begun to consider lifting sanctions put in place to isolate the Assad regime, although they are moving cautiously as they await steps toward increased democracy and human rights by the new leaders. On March 6, Britain unfroze the assets of Syria's central bank and 23 other entities -- including banks, oil companies, and other "entities that were previously used by the Assad regime to fund the oppression of the Syrian people," the Foreign Office said. Last month, the European Union eased restrictions on the Syrian central bank while keeping in place sanctions. Washington has kept sanctions on the central bank in place. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/syria-assad-hts-war- militias-iran/33339007.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Update on Syria: Lifting asset freezes on 24 entities The UK has lifted asset freezes on 24 Syrian entities, underscoring our commitment to help Syrians rebuild their country and economy 6 March 2025 An FCDO spokesperson said: "We are lifting asset freezes on 24 Syrian entities that were previously used by the Assad regime to fund the oppression of the Syrian people, including the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, and energy companies. "At the same time, sanctions on members of the Assad regime and those involved in the illicit trade in captagon remain in place. "This approach underscores our commitment to help the people of Syria rebuild their country and economy, including through support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process. We will continue to judge Syria's interim authorities by their actions, not their words." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan confirms failed hacking attempts after U.S. indicts Chinese hackers ROC Central News Agency 03/06/2025 05:59 PM Taipei, March 6 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday confirmed it was targeted by Chinese hackers but stressed no information was stolen, after a group of alleged Chinese hackers were indicted in the United States on Wednesday for targeting American government agencies, MOFA and several other foreign governments. Federal officials accused 10 people of collaborating to steal data from their targets and sanctioned a Chinese tech company over what they termed as a years-long spying campaign that stole information from victims across America and around the world. Eight of the suspects worked for Anxun Information Technology, better known as i-Soon, and two worked for the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. According to the indictment and a separate statement issued by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, i-Soon is described as "a key player in the PRC's hacker-for-hire ecosystem." These hacking attempts targeted the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the foreign ministries of Taiwan, South Korea, India, and Indonesia, news organizations critical of China and the New York State Assembly. Asked to comment, MOFA on Thursday said the ministry has always been a target for Chinese cyberattack due to its sensitive nature. MOFA confirmed that it had been made aware of the hacking attempts and said it has since launched a thorough investigation and determined none of the attempts to hack into the system were successful. In its statement, MOFA said Chinese hacking attempts are "despised" by the international community and it acknowledged the recent indictment in the U.S. as an effort to hold the alleged hackers accountable. MOFA said it will continue to work closely with like-minded countries to jointly enhance information security and combat cyberattacks initiated by authoritarian regimes. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China seeks to weaken Taiwanese resolve to defend nation: Report ROC Central News Agency 03/06/2025 05:46 PM Taipei, March 6 (CNA) China has been working to disseminate disinformation about Taiwan's military in an attempt to ultimately weaken public resolve to defend the nation, a 2024 research report showed on Thursday. The report was presented during an online forum titled "Geopolitics, PRC Information Manipulation and Taiwan's Resilience" organized by the Information Operations Research Group (IORG), a civil data science research organization that seeks to spread public awareness of information manipulation. The Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) disinformation campaign against Taiwan stems from its ambition to annex the island as well as efforts to undermine the latter's democracy and human rights, the IORG said in its report. Through information manipulation, the CCP seeks to create an alternative worldview that aligns with its interests, erode Taiwan's national identity, weaken public support for democracy, and diminish their will and determination to defend the country, it said. The disinformation campaign has used various tactics, including various social media accounts run by the Chinese government as well as collaborating with some media outlets in Taiwan that support its agenda, the IORG said without providing any evidence. The other method, it said, was supporting or amplifying the views of "Taiwanese who criticize Taiwan," including retired military officers, influential media figures or politicians who cast doubt about the country's military capabilities. In the report, the IORG said the purpose is to weaken public confidence in the military, while at the same time hoping to sow mistrust between Taiwan and the United States. (By Wu Shu-wei and Ko Lin) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. cannot afford to lose Taiwan to China: Scholar ROC Central News Agency 03/06/2025 01:22 PM Taipei, March 6 (CNA) A Taiwanese scholar said Thursday that Taiwan is a key asset in the United States' ongoing "strategic competition" with China, and one that it cannot afford to lose. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated refusal to openly commit to Taiwan's defense in the event of a Chinese invasion, the U.S. Congress has maintained its decades-long bipartisan support for Taiwan, Lin Wen-cheng (), a professor at National Sun Yat-sen University's Institute of China and Asia-Pacific Studies, said at a seminar in Taipei. Taiwan's strategic importance to the U.S. in the second island chain, coupled with its global dominance in the semiconductor industry, means Washington cannot afford to lose Taiwan to China if it wants to prevail in the U.S.-Sino competition, Lin said. That structural bilateral "strategic competition" and confrontation will continue for decades to come, he said at the seminar on Taiwan-U.S.-China trilateral relations in 2025. Meanwhile, Professor Wang Hung-jen () at National Cheng Kung University's Department of Political Science, warned that Trump's reluctance to commit Taiwan's defense and his change of stance on Ukraine could send the wrong message to Chinese President Xi Jinping (), potentially resulting in an increase in Beijing's pressure on Taipei. The current approach by the U.S. could lead to Xi making hasty decisions and aggressive moves, including military action against Taiwan, Wang said at the seminar. On Feb. 25, Trump again refused to make clear his stance on protecting Taiwan from a takeover by China, when asked by a reporter during a Cabinet meeting whether it was his policy that China would never take Taiwan by force while he is president. "I never comment on that," he said. "I don't comment on it because I don't want to ever put myself in that position." Trump also reiterated that he has a "great relationship" with Xi and said that Washington welcomes good relations with Beijing. Before Trump was inaugurated, he said in an interview on NBC last December that he would "never say" if the U.S. was committed to defending Taiwan against China. Trump's stance on the cross-strait issue is a departure from that of his predecessor Joe Biden, who had said unequivocally on several occasions that he would commit U.S. troops in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Over the past few decades, the U.S. has maintained a stance characterized as "strategic ambiguity," which means not showing its hand on how it would respond in the event of a cross-strait conflict. After Biden took office as president in January 2021, however, he repeatedly used language that appeared to diverge from that longstanding ambiguity, saying directly that the U.S. would come to Taiwan's defense in the event of a war. On each of those occasions, administration officials later walked back Biden's comments to some extent, signaling that the U.S.' policy on Taiwan had not changed. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/03/06 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1. Date 6 a.m. Mar. 5 (Wed.) to 6 a.m. Mar. 6 (Thu.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 6 PLAN ships and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 3.Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe. 1140306_PLA activities NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan lauds TSMC investment as 'historic moment' for US relations By William Yang March 06, 2025 Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is hailing a planned $100 billion investment in the U.S. by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation as "a historic moment for U.S-Taiwan relations," adding that the move is not the result of pressure imposed by the U.S. government. The president and TSMC chairman C.C. Wei spoke to reporters at Taiwan's presidential office in Taipei Thursday afternoon. Wei said the chipmaker's latest U.S. expansion was driven by large customer demand, adding that its production lines there are already "fully booked" for the next three years. "Whenever TSMC builds a production line in any location outside Taiwan, it is always driven by customer demand," he said. The $100 billion investment which is separate from an investment of up to $65 billion in the U.S. that TSMC agreed to last April calls for the construction of three new chip plants, two chip-packaging facilities and a research and development center in the western U.S. state of Arizona. The president's remarks come two days after Wei and U.S. President Donald Trump stood in the White House and announced the chip giant's expansion. "We must be able to build the chips and semiconductors that we need right here," Trump said during the press conference, adding that the move is "a matter of national security" for the U.S. Wei said Thursday that TSMC also plans to build 11 new production lines in Taiwan this year, and the expansion in the U.S. won't affect that timeline. "We will continue to build production lines in Taiwan, and I have asked President Lai to help TSMC find new lands to build facilities," he said. TSMC has also built new facilities in Japan and Germany in recent years, a move that Lai said helps other Taiwanese businesses engage in international cooperation and increases Taiwan's strength. TSMC's global expansion shows that "Taiwan's industries have been moving westward, southward, and northward, and the strength that the industries have accumulated over the last few decades has helped Taiwan to confidently cross the Pacific Ocean and expand eastward to the American continent," President Lai said during Thursday's press conference. Opposition not pleased Despite the reassurances from Wei and Lai, TSMC's expansion in the U.S. has prompted widespread concerns in Taiwan, with some opposition lawmakers saying TSMC's expansion in the U.S. could hurt the island's semiconductor industry and national security. Fu Kun-chi, the legislative caucus whip from Taiwan's main opposition party Kuomintang, or KMT, told journalists on Tuesday that TSMC's additional investment in the U.S. could leave the island with "nothing to safeguard" if China militarily attacks Taiwan since Washington would possess the most advanced chip manufacturing processes. Additionally, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, who is also with the KMT, has accused Lai of "selling" TSMC to the United States. "Taiwanese people worry 'the protector of the nation' is going to move away and this is a major national security crisis that will have a major negative impact on Taiwanese people's confidence, cross-strait relations and Taiwan's geopolitical position in the future," Ma wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday. Analysts say the opposition party's rhetoric is part of its strategy to raise questions about U.S.-Taiwan relations. "TSMC has been expanding their operations for quite some time, including in Japan and China, but the discourse of TSMC abandoning Taiwan only surfaces when the focus is on TSMC's expansion in the U.S.," said Lev Nachman, a political scientist at National Taiwan University. "This is a sign that the discourse is more about trying to spread American skepticism than it is a genuine critique about TSMC and its intentions," he told VOA by phone. Other experts say that while the Taiwanese government is trying to counter the opposition party's criticism by hosting a press conference on Thursday, the KMT's arguments are raising doubts for some. "Their efforts have achieved the intended goal because there is too much information for people unfamiliar with TSMC's operations outside of Taiwan to comprehend," said Chen Fang-yu, a political scientist at Soochow University in Taiwan. "Even when TSMC completes all its overseas facilities by 2030, more than 80% of its productions will still remain in Taiwan, meaning that its overseas expansion won't really affect Taiwan that much," he told VOA by phone. Defense spending still in question Trump has repeatedly claimed that Taiwan has stolen semiconductor technologies from the U.S., Nachman said TSMC's expansion in Arizona can help reduce potential friction between Taipei and Washington. The additional investment "helps to assure the Trump administration that Taiwan is serious about doing what it takes to be friends with America," he told VOA. Despite this positive effect, Chen and Nachman both say Taiwan still faces pressure from the Trump administration to significantly increase its defense budget. "Taiwan shouldn't be celebrating because we saw Elbridge Colby echoing Trump's sentiment during his Senate confirmation hearing that Taiwan needs to spend 10% of its GDP on defense," said Nachman, adding that the Taiwanese government will feel a lot of pressure from Washington once Taiwan's national defense comes back onto Trump's radar. To address the looming challenges, Chen said the Taiwanese government should demonstrate its willingness to purchase more weapons from the U.S. or lay out plans to deepen defense-related cooperation with Washington. "Taiwan needs to show its determination to enhance its defense capabilities, and it needs to put forward some concrete numbers," he told VOA. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address March 6, 2025 Transcript Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Greets the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defence John Healey and Takes Questions From the Press SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: Well, Mr. Secretary, your entire delegation, welcome to the Pentagon. It's great to see you. It was wonderful to meet you the first time in Brussels, and have some great interactions about our mutual interest, no doubt. And your prime minister, it was a privilege to meet him as well. He was here last week. Our nations, as you know, share a long and special relationship. Stronger today than ever before. I experienced that firsthand myself, as many of our generation has, on the battlefield, shoulder-to-shoulder with British troops in Afghanistan. I know how capable they are, how tough they are, and how close our bond is as brothers across the Atlantic, full stop. And so we are grateful for oh the many years that we have stood by each other's side. And at the same, we are in the middle of a dynamic security environment, where on that continent, President Trump is calling on our European allies to take the lead, and you have done just that, sir. In fact, you chaired the first meeting of the Ukraine defense contact group that I had a pleasure to speak to. That was your first time as chair, and you'll continue to it. And that's, again, the United Kingdom stepping up. And then, once again, when your prime minister was here, you called me, we had a chance to speak briefly about the increase in defense spending that the U.K. is undertaking. So U.K. leadership is absolutely critical, and we very much appreciate it. We want to work together to achieve peace and security in Europe by working to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, building sustainable deterrence on the continent, and then increasing our allied capabilities and interoperability. And European leadership of NATO, led by the U.K., led by others, is, we believe, the future of defense on the continent, ensuring we provide a peaceful future for your kids and my kids and your grandkids and my grandkids. That's ultimately what it's about. I also want to thank the British people for the warm support they give to US forces stationed in the U.K. as well. It's a long-standing relationship that we are very grateful for. So, you're true allies, longtime friends. We're new friends, but we're getting there, and fellow warriors, so thank you very much for being here, Mr. Secretary. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE JOHN HEALEY: Mr. Secretary, thank you for such a warm welcome and such warm words. It's great to be back in Washington, and it's good to see you again. We last met last month in NATO, and then you challenged Europe to step up. You challenged us to step up on Ukraine, on defense spending, on European security. And I say to you that we have, we are, and we will further. And last week, the British prime minister announced the biggest increase in defense spending since the end of the Cold War, and we will go further. You also asked the U.K. to step up on leadership on Ukraine alongside the U.S., and indeed, you were with me when we had the 46 nations round the table at a week's notice at the Ukraine Contact Group. Our meeting today follows very good discussions between President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer a week ago today, in which they both pledged to work together, our nations would work together to secure lasting peace in Ukraine. And we have a chance today to discuss the progress on that path to peace, with the opportunity that President Trump has created now since the 20th of January. When your president and my prime minister met last week, your president also said that the U.K. and the U.S. have a relationship like no other, and I think for me, that was exemplified last night at the British Embassy, when we were able to lay on a party to celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. And for more than a century, your U.S. Marines and our Royal Marines have trained together. They fought together, and too often they've died together, defending the values that our two free nations share. And Pete, as you say, you know that from your own experience and your own service. And in many ways, for me, they embody the sort of warrior force that both you and I as defense secretaries are dedicated in our roles to strengthen because we know that we have to strengthen together with allies, deterrence in the face of rising threats. And finally, if I may, you've spoken about the deep bond between our two nations, and I'd say to you, I'm here today to strengthen that defense and security bond between our two nations. It's needed now more than ever in this new era that we must face together. So thank you for receiving us and thank you for welcoming our delegation and I look forward to the discussions ahead. SECRETARY HEGSETH: And to that, I say, amen. Thank you. Appreciate you being here. If it's OK, we'll take a few questions for either myself or the secretary. Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot : We'll take two from the U.S. press, and we'll take two from the British press. Go with the U.S. Q: Mr. Secretary, you have said that Europe needs to do more to contribute to defense. Is a security guarantee of troops from France and the U.K. enough for Ukraine? SECRETARY HEGSETH: I think it's been very encouraging to watch our friends in the U.K. and in France step up to say they are prepared to take the lead to ensure an enduring peace in Ukraine. What the president has also said time and time again is, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's get both sides to the table. Let's get a commitment to peace, and that is what President Trump is actively doing, both with the Russians and Vladimir Putin and also the Ukrainians and Zelenskyy. So, there will be...in order to maintain enduring peace, there's a security aspect to it. The U.K. and France have pledged, along with others, to be the core part of that, there will be other aspects that are part of further terms of the negotiation. Mr. Ullyot: British press. Go ahead. Q: Mr. Secretary, there are reports that a negotiating team will be going to Saudi Arabia next week. Given a renewed push for peace, will you reconsider resupplying Ukraine with weapons, or have the taps been turned off permanently? SECRETARY HEGSETH: As the president has pointed out, it is a pause. Exactly what he said from the beginning, pause pending a true commitment to a path to peace. The president is paying a very keen eye to precisely what the Ukrainians are saying and doing about committing to that peace process, and we're very encouraged by the signs we're seeing. Ultimately, he will make the determination, but it is a pause for now. Q: Thank you. Mr. Ullyot: U.S. press. Q: Missy Ryan, Washington Post. Secretary Healey, a question for you. Obviously, you both have referenced this strong, historic relationship. At the same time, what does it mean for the U.K. that its closest ally is now voicing the same narrative that Russia is voicing, vis a vis the war in Ukraine and seeming to align itself more closely with Russia versus what it has done in the past? SECRETARY HEALEY: Look, first of all, I don't believe as members of government and decision takers, we're the people to comment on every twist and turn in this process. I'm fixed on the historic opportunity the president has created to bring a lasting and secure peace to Ukraine. That's what he and my prime minister dedicated themselves to do last week. And you've seen since then, the British prime minister pulled together in London, leaders of 18 nations to discuss the detail of a path to peace. And the president also has asked Europe to step up, and we are. The U.K. is ready to take on a leadership in that task. You saw that from Keir Starmer at the weekend, in the way that he is pulling the parties together, ensuring that we take Ukraine with us and that we work closely alongside the United States. And it's the detail of those discussions which are rightly behind the scenes that the defense secretary and I will now pursue this afternoon. Mr. Ullyot: Last question from Danielle with the U.K. press. Q: Yeah. Thank you so much. Danielle [inaudible] Daily Telegraph. This is for both secretaries. What's the plan if the Ukrainian Front line falls apart in the next couple of days? Does Britain, Europe have permission to intervene and help? And secondly, if I may, does Britain have the ability to use its nuclear deterrent by itself? SECRETARY HEALEY: Nobody who has been to Ukraine, who has talked with Ukraine, who has worked with the Ukrainian leaders, or met the Ukrainian servicemen and women, or the civilians, believe that they will not fight, nor do I or the prime minister doubt that as President Zelenskyy has said, they are ready to sign the important economic deal with the U.S. They are ready for a ceasefire. They want the guarantees and the security that must follow to ensure that they will not again face Russian invasion and Russian aggression. But they, like we, are willing to work to make the most of this unique opportunity that we now have, and that's a responsibility on all of us. And that is very clear from our prime minister. It's clear from the president. It's also clear from President Zelenskyy, too. And as far as your question about nuclear, it is a question that it will be unthinkable and unprecedented for any defense secretary or any government to start commenting on or speculating on. SECRETARY HEGSETH: We are watching, obviously very closely, the front line of troops. I mean, our chairman our defense department, of course, we monitor that very closely. But ultimately, we're interested in creating the conditions for peace. I mean, to the previous question from the Washington Post, the press is interested in narratives. Our president is interested in peace. So, we will get characterized one way or another, oh, your stance is pro Russia or pro...it's all garbage. The president got elected to bring peace in this conflict, and he is working with both sides in a way that only President Trump can. Let's be clear, only President Trump can, to bring them to the table to end the killing. And I can tell you from being behind the scenes, he is laser-focused on making that happen, and we're closer today than we've ever been because of his leadership. Thank you very much. Mr. Ullyot: Thank you very much, press. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4111493/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister's remarks from the plenary session at the first UK-Ireland Summit: 6 March 2025 Prime Minister Keir Starmer's remarks at the plenary session at the first UK-Ireland Summit in Chesire. 6 March 2025 Location: Inglewood Manor House Delivered on: 6 March 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) It's fantastic to see you all here this morning. Today's summit really marks a new era in the relationship between the UK and Ireland. I think we've reset our relationship, turned a page on turbulent recent years and I think today's announcements show that we're serious about making our partnership meaningful, deep and beneficial for working people. Today we've announced over 185 million worth of new investment into the UK and an agreement to harness the full potential of the Irish and Celtic Seas, from bolstering the security of undersea cables to mobilising private investment. In a moment, we're obviously going to talk about what more we can do, this is a fantastic opportunity. But before that, I'd like to make some quick points. First, the need for a strong and settled relationship between the UK and Ireland has never been greater. The world has changed dramatically since the UK and Ireland last set out a vision for closer bilateral relations back in 2012. A lot has happened in the intervening years, and as we sit here today, I think we can all agree that our world is more unstable and uncertain than it's been for a very long time. And there are huge benefits to strengthening our friendships and working together on geopolitical challenges. To strengthen all aspects of our security in a dangerous world. That's why in the UK last week, I announced the biggest sustained rise in defence spending since the Cold War. An extra 13.4 billion year on year which will be invested in British industries, British jobs, British skills and British growth. Because we aren't just investing in Britain's national security but in economic security for working people as well. We were discussing this morning the interrelationship between security and defence, and economic security. Second, you will know the UK has been working to strengthen our alliance with the EU. As you know, that doesn't mean rejoining the Single Market or the Customs Union or returning to freedom of movement. But it does mean finding practical ways to work more closely together to boost trade, create jobs and deliver economic growth. And in that context, I believe the partnership between the UK and Ireland has the potential to be a really positive force. Third, as close neighbours and long-standing partners the benefits of stronger ties between us are huge. We have strong people to people connections - they are incredible and should be celebrated. Our supply chains are deep and intertwined, and have been for a very long time. And we collaborate in a great many sectors, for example, we have two MOUs on Energy Transition and Energy Supply. All of this points to the importance of an all-island economy. And the huge potential to do more - working together for our mutual prosperity and security. So I'm delighted this Summit will kickstart an ambitious programme of cooperation through to 2030. There is a huge amount on our agenda, this is really ambitious. It should be seen as new era where the UK and Ireland work closer than ever and cooperate across a wide range of issues. That means making the most of opportunities to boost growth, jobs and trade. But also working together on climate change, the energy transition, security, justice, education and defence. We just had a business breakfast this morning and all of these issues came up, particularly the energy transition. And through our partnership we will act as a positive example, demonstrating the benefits of cooperation and collaboration. Today's discussions are just the start. We've got really good teams on both sides, we've got the time, the subject matter and the ambition. But I want to focus on three themes as we go through this session. The first is: how can the UK and Ireland work together to achieve sustainable growth? Second, how can the UK and Ireland work together to build domestic security and promote stability? That was always on the agenda, but now it's even more pertinent than ever. Finally, how can the UK and Ireland collaborate to maximise shared opportunities in the transition to Net Zero? They are the three themes, and areas of discussion this morning. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry RUSI Speech Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry: RUSI/IFRI Speech "Enhancing UK-France Defence Industrial cooperation" 6 March 2025 Location: London Delivered on: 5 March 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Esteemed colleagues. Distinguished Guests. Chers amis. I'm sure I speak for us all in thanking RUSI and IFRI for bringing us together at this pivotal moment for European security. And for all they do to advance Defence in our countries. As Putin continues to wage his unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine amidst fierce debate about how best to end the conflict the common refrain coming from both sides of the Channel and both sides of the Atlantic is that Europe needs to step-up and take more responsibility for its own security. As our Prime Minister did again last week, by setting a path that will lift our defence spending from 2.3%, to 2.5% by 2027, and 3% in the next parliament. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding European security the one thing that is certain and that's a fighting force is only as strong as the industrial base that stands behind it. So transforming European defence industrial capabilities and boosting capacity are going to be integral to this defining mission of our time. And I hope we all leave here today agreeing that as Europe's most powerful military forces with two of its most advanced defence sectors the UK and France must spearhead this mission. Strengthening an alliance that has achieved so much since we struck the Entente Cordiale back in 1904. A military alliance that's twice been pivotal in securing European freedoms. And an industrial alliance that has connected our electricity grids... shrunk our skies and tunnelled under the channel. Making it possible to enjoy a late morning croissant in Paris followed almost seamlessly, by mid-afternoon tea in London and more easily done than getting back to my constituency in Liverpool and faster most of the time. For the last fifteen years the Lancaster House Treaties have been our guiding light as our Armed Forces and our nations have again stood united in support of democracy and against the common threats of terrorism, tyranny, and hybrid warfare both in Europe and further afield. And as we gather today to discuss the next chapter of our Defence industrial partnership I believe that the overwhelming majority of not just British and French people but the vast majority of Europeans are looking to our respective governments to provide leadership by doing more together in recognition that our combined military capabilities are the most significant stabilising force in European security. And as we step forward to help Europe step-up to the challenge we will be building on solid foundations. Our combined nuclear deterrents underpin Europe's security. Our Combined Joint Expeditionary Force is on stand-by to respond swiftly to crises giving us a level of interoperability with the French Armed Forces, beyond anything we have with any other European allies. And our Industrial sector is also increasingly integrated. Through 'One MBDA' we've help safeguard European missile production capabilities and delivered innovative defensive and offensive systems... including Meteor and SCALP/Storm Shadow. Together we are co-developing powerful Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapons a sovereign capability that boosts our industrial resilience and will deliver the most advanced deep-strike weapons in Europe. And as part of our Maritime Mine Counter-Measures Project with Thales the UK will soon take delivery of our first set of autonomous mine hunting equipment marking an important new phase in that particular programme. But if we are to re-establish security across the European continent and dissuade Putin from coming back again to invade one of his sovereign neighbours we need to use our Summit in June to broaden our defence industrial collaboration beyond complex weapons. Putting something of an 'Entente Industrielle' at the heart to the UK-France Defence partnership that delivers more from our existing programmes that intensifies our cooperation in the most decisive domains and capabilities - including space, AI, and defeating hybrid grey-zone warfare and provides leadership to European Partners, including within NATO. For both our countries the need to significantly strengthen European deterrence represents a significant economic opportunity. And it can be a virtuous circle of enhanced capabilities, stronger deterrence, and economic growth that I believe can be mutually beneficial as we expand the range of our cooperation supporting a growing number of Defence jobs in both France and the UK. Last week marked the end of our public consultation on the UK's forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy I am glad to say because I was visiting every corner of the UK speaking to people about it, so I get a little bit of rest from travel. But that strategy will guide our approach to the sector. It is a strategy that will set out our wish to create new research and industrial ventures with international allies like France in order to broaden our capabilities, enhance standardisation, and boost interoperability whilst supporting our respective strengths across the defence value chain. We know the EU has a role to play in building a larger, more innovative, and more responsive European defence sector. And we would welcome French support as we seek an ambitious new UK-EU security pact. Continued coordination through NATO is also crucially important, in setting capability targets and standards, and making our collective defence industrial bases more coherent. We also know, a more resilient and responsive industrial base, requires a fundamentally closer relationship between governments and industry, hence adding that "industry" to the end of my title. I am not just in charge with procurement I am in charge of our relationship with defence industries as well. And we are recruiting a National Armaments Director, who will be held accountable for delivering that, alongside procurement reform. At the last UK-France Summit, our countries signed up to a closer industrial relationship. We agreed to strengthen supply chains and industrial resilience and facilitate reciprocal market access and exports. I think that recent geopolitical developments, have injected urgency into that work... and the need to strengthen European and NATO industrial and procurement initiatives is also apparent and that includes: the European Long-Range Strike Approach the DIAMOND integrated air and missile defence initiative and NATO's Defence Production Action Plan and Multinational Procurement initiatives. Collective procurement will deliver more of the capabilities we need across the continent to deter Putin... and deliver more bang for our Pounds and Euros. Whilst UK and French visions for Europe's security architecture haven't always aligned during the Entente Cordiale era, UK and French values and interests overwhelmingly have and it is vital for European Security that we talk, and build on that unity. Our cooperation has long been a powerful force-for-good that has brought our people closer together and helped overcome tyranny and preserve freedoms. And we can do it again. So I will work closely with my counterpart Delegue Emmanuel Chiva...who I am going to be seeing tomorrow at the High-Level UK-France Working Group to put our defence capabilities and industrial cooperation at the top of the agenda of our Summit in June at the heart of our Lancaster House Treaties refresh and at the centre of our shared mission to bolster European security Because like our predecessors who built the Entente Cordiale to secure peace in their time we must now build an Entente Industrielle to guarantee European security in ours. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address March 6, 2025 By Matthew Olay, DOD News | Hegseth, U.K. Counterpart Discuss Working Toward Peace in Ukraine Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hosted British Defense Secretary John Healey today for a bilateral engagement at the Pentagon, where they discussed the increased role that Britain and other NATO countries are taking toward securing peace in Ukraine. "We are in the middle of a dynamic security environment where, [in Europe], President [Donald J.] Trump is calling on our European allies to take the lead, and you have done just that, sir," Hegseth told Healey. "U.K. leadership is absolutely critical, and we very much appreciate it," he added. As an example of that leadership, Hegseth pointed out that last month, Healey, for the first time, chaired the gathering of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group a multinational coalition that meets regularly to discuss Ukraine's security needs. It was at that meeting of the UDCG where Hegseth first called on European nations to "meet the moment" and begin viewing the safeguarding of their own continent as an "imperative." "We want to work together to achieve peace and security in Europe by working to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, building sustainable deterrence on the continent, and then increasing our allied capabilities and interoperability," Hegseth said. He added that European leadership of NATO, led by the U.K. and others, is the future of defense on the continent. Noting that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced last week the largest increase in defense spending since the Cold War, Healey said the U.K. will continue to be a leader in European defense. "You challenged us to step up in Ukraine, on defense spending [and] on European security, and I say to you that we have, we are, and we will further," Healey told Hegseth. "I'm here today to strengthen that defense and security bond between our two nations. It's needed now more than ever in this new era that we must face together," he added. During a brief Q&A following opening remarks, when asked whether the U.S. has permanently ended resupplying Ukraine with weapons, Hegseth reiterated that the program is only "on pause" pending a true commitment to a path to peace. "The president is [closely watching] precisely what the Ukrainians are saying and doing about committing to that peace process, and we're very encouraged by the signs we're seeing," he said. Hegseth also pushed back on the suggestion that the U.S. is "voicing the same narrative" as Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. "Our president is interested in peace," Hegseth said, adding that the president was elected in part to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine and that he is working with both Russia and Ukraine to do just that. "And I can tell you, from being behind the scenes, "that [Trump] is laser-focused on making that happen," he continued. "And we're closer today than we've ever been because of his leadership." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU leaders discuss Ukraine, boosting defense and security as US steps back Global Times By Wang Qi Published: Mar 06, 2025 10:19 PM As the US is pulling back from its dominant role in European security and pressing forward with a peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict without European involvement, leaders of the EU's 27 countries are meeting in Brussels on Thursday for a special European Council amid growing unease and apprehension across the continent. According to a release on the European Council website, EU leaders will explore ways to deepen support for Ukraine, and discuss necessary security guarantees required to ensure a lasting peace in Ukraine. The Associated Press (AP) reported that the focus of the summit will be finances and how to set the EU up as quickly as possible to provide for its own security, breaking from decades of reliance on the US defense umbrella. US media Politico added that EU leaders will also consider a plan announced on Tuesday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to unlock up to 800 billion of additional defense spending over the coming years, to "re-arm Europe." The summit is further expected to address the potential use of frozen Russian assets - immobilized since the onset of the conflict - as a resource for funding. "While the Brussels meeting will aim to cement European support for Kiev, it is unlikely to yield any major announcements of aid beyond the 30 billion euros ($32 billion) the bloc has already committed for this year," noted the France 24. "This summit represents a pivotal moment for gauging the trajectory of Europe's standing and influence in the context of the Ukraine crisis," said Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University. During previous US-Russia discussions, Europe was relegated to the margins, spurring a concerted push to enhance its defense capabilities and assert greater strategic independence. The aim is to ensure that any peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis meaningfully incorporates Europe's priorities and perspectives, Li said. If Europe fails to assert sufficient strength and influence, it could face the Trump administration's unilateral approach - potentially finding itself excluded from both the negotiating table and the wider framework for settling the Ukraine crisis, Li said. In February 24, German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz described Europe as being "five minutes to midnight," warning against US turning its back on allies, per Reuters. Persistent Challenges The summit unfolds against a backdrop of multiple complications. Politico reported that EU officials were expecting the inclusion in the summit's statement a plan announced last month by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas to ship Ukraine at least 1.5 million rounds of artillery ammunition this year, as well as other equipment like air defense systems, missiles and drones. However, Hungary is reportedly blocking this commitment, according to officials cited by the outlet. Ahead of the summit, European People's Party boss Manfred Weber slammed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as an "obstacle" to European unity, Politico reported. Meanwhile, European news website Euractiv notes that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened on Tuesday to obstruct the summit's conclusions unless the EU presses Ukraine to resume gas transit through its territory. Fico, who previously vowed to withhold financial and military aid to Kiev, has dismissed the West's "peace through strength" strategy as unfeasible. Domestic political instability further clouds the picture. The AP highlights that major EU players face internal uncertainties: Germany awaits a new chancellor, France's latest government is "fragile," and Spain "relies on small parties to keep its coalition intact." It added that Poland offers strong leadership under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, however a presidential election looms and a right-wing candidate is well placed. "Whatever happens, the meeting is not expected to address Ukraine's most pressing needs," said AP. "While the world's attention is fixed on Ukraine, it seems every party is pursuing its own interests," remarked Wang Yiwei, Director of the EU Research Center at Renmin University of China. "Britain and France - the two nuclear powers - seek to bolster their leadership in European security by playing a key role in resolving the Ukraine crisis," Wang elaborated. "Furthermore, under the guise of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, certain nations are leveraging the situation to justify increased military budgets, driving domestic re-industrialization and sharpen their global competitiveness." Li Haidong said unlike the US and Russia, Europe's core challenge is its limited strength - particularly in coordinating and enhancing its collective defense capabilities. "As a multilateral entity, the EU faces a tangle of internal procedural obstacles that impede its ability to build and deploy military power effectively," he added. Defining moment In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday night, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to discuss extending France's nuclear deterrent to European allies as a shield against Russian "threats." Warning "Europe must prepare for the possibility that the US may not always be a reliable security partner," Macron stressed the need for sustained support for Kiev and a stronger European military, according to Euro News. Macron, in a televised evening address to the nation on Wednesday night, said he will discuss extending the French nuclear deterrent to European allies to protect the continent in the face of threats from Russia. Russian officials and lawmakers swiftly rebuked Macron's rhetoric on Thursday, dismissing claims of a Russian threat to Europe and warning that such escalation risks pushing the West toward "the abyss of a new world war," per Reuters. In Germany, the two political parties expected to form the next German government have agreed to loosen the country's constitution restrictions on borrowing, enabling 1 trillion euros ($1.08 trillion) or more in spending on defense and infrastructure, the AP reported on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz on Wednesday confirmed that the US has paused intelligence sharing with Ukraine, following Monday announcement that Washington decided to partially pause its military aid to Kiev. Concurrently, Reuters said that France and Britain are aiming to finalize with Ukraine, possibly "in days," a peace plan to present to the US, while building bridges between the US and Ukraine before possible talks in Washington, citing diplomats. "Many nations may have the concerns that boosting military budgets might come at the expense of welfare programs, inciting domestic populism and dissent ... Moreover, such increases could intensify debt pressures, potentially spiraling into a full-blown European debt crisis," said Wang. Since the conflict started in 2022, the EU and its member states have provided nearly 135 billion in support for Ukraine and its people, including 48.7 billion to support the Ukrainian armed forces, according to the European Council. With the US signaling a withdrawal from its dominant role, Europe finds itself grappling with insecurity, lacking the conventional military strength to face Russia independently. "Yet, a critical question looms: will relentlessly escalating military spending truly secure enduring peace for Europe?" Wang said. The expert said Europe is currently highly emotional, exhibiting profound hostility toward Russia. "Yet, the cornerstone of enduring peace in Europe rests on establishing a comprehensive Eurasian security framework that encompasses Russia - an imperative Europe cannot ignore," the expert added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Swedish NATO operations in Poland to support Ukraine Government Offices of Sweden Press release from Ministry of Defence, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Published 06 March 2025 The Government has submitted a bill to the Riksdag regarding Sweden's participation in an air defence operation to protect and maintain the security of military and civil support to Ukraine. Sweden will also contribute to enhanced Air Policing, NATO's strengthened airspace surveillance, in Poland in mid-2025. "With Gripen combat aircraft, Sweden is contributing both to the protection of NATO's airspace and the continued protection of weapons deliveries to Ukraine, where Poland is a vital hub," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard. "This is the first time that Swedish combat aircraft will take part in airspace surveillance from the territory of another Ally. It is also the first time that Swedish combat aircraft will take part abroad in NATO's enhanced airspace surveillance under the command of NATO," says Minister for Defence Pal Jonson. "The Government sees strong security policy reasons for Sweden's participation in the current operation to contribute to the protection of military and civil support to Ukraine. This contribution also strengthens the security of Sweden, Europe and NATO," says Christian Democrats Group Leader Camilla Brodin. "Support to Ukraine is the Government's top foreign policy priority. The focus is, and will remain, on strengthening Ukraine through military, political and civil support. By participating in the airspace defence operation, we are helping to protect supplies, thus ensuring that support to Ukraine arrives," says Second Vice President of the Liberal Party Fredrik Malm. The bill proposes making a Swedish armed force available from 1 May 2025 until 31 August 2025. The proposed armed force will comprise a maximum of eight combat aircraft and their personnel. The aim is to take part in NATO's airspace operation in Poland that protects and maintains the security of the necessary logistics used for military and civil support to Ukraine. In addition to the armed force, the Government also intends to instruct the Swedish Armed Forces to take part in airborne air and sea surveillance capabilities and airborne transport capabilities. Between April and June 2025, a Swedish fighter aircraft division and ground forces will take part in NATO's enhanced airspace surveillance and incident preparedness, known as enhanced NATO Air Policing. The force will operate from a base in Poland. NATO's enhanced airspace surveillance was introduced following Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, as part of extra measures NATO took at the time by NATO to demonstrate the Alliance's collective commitment to deter Russia from aggression towards NATO. The enhanced airspace surveillance is flexible and scalable and is adaptable depending on the security situation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Continuing support for Ukraine, Latvian government authorises a strategic investment of 10 million euros in the Ukrainian drone industry Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence 03/06/2025 - 09:05 In Latvia Information prepared by Media Relations Section On Tuesday, March 4, the Cabinet of Ministers, in a closed session, reviewed the information report by the Ministry of Defence on the acquisitions for the Ukrainian Armed Forces under the Drone Coalition in 2024, as well as the targets for 2025. "It is important to stand by Ukraine not only in words but also in deeds. Latvia's support to Ukraine has never been symbolic; we provide real support that helps strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities," said Minister of Defence Andris Spruds. The report provides information on the level of support provided to Ukraine under the Drone Coalition in 2024, as well as proposals on the actions needed to support Ukraine's drone capabilities in 2025. The acquisitions under the Drone Coalition from the national budget allocated by the Ministry of Defence have been approved, with up to 20 million euros earmarked for 2025. In addition, the Cabinet agreed on strategic investments of 10 million euros in the Ukrainian drone industry, with the intent of promoting cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries and the implementation of joint projects. As previously reported, the combined support of all Drone Coalition member states for Ukraine's drone capabilities in 2024 amounted to 1.8 billion euros, of which Latvia contributed 20 million euros. Latvia delivered nearly 5000 drones to Ukraine in 2024. In order to fulfil the intergovernmental commitment, it is planned that in 2025 Latvia's military support to Ukraine will consist mainly of new procurements from Latvian industry, contributions to international Drone Coalition and other coalitions, military training of Ukrainian soldiers and dual-role support to Ukraine from other ministries. Latvia will continue to support Ukraine against Russian aggression until Ukraine's victory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President at a meeting of EU leaders with Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Strong support for Ukraine is Europe's priority President of the Republic of Lithuania March 06, 2025 During the special European Council, President Gitanas Nauseda, together with other European Union leaders, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At the meeting, the leaders expressed their strong support for Ukraine. "Ukraine's heroes are fighting every day for the freedom of all of Europe. Time is running outwe have to act now to secure Ukraine's victory, which is also Europe's victory. Ukraine needs to have a strong position in the negotiations and firm security guarantees," the Lithuanian leader said during the meeting. The President stressed the need to increase pressure on Russia, emphasizing that the 17th package of sanctions must strike where it hurts the Kremlin the most. He urged European leaders to adopt the next sanctions package as soon as possible and called for finding ways to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction. Gitanas Nauseda also underscored the importance of holding Russia accountable for its crime of aggression. The Lithuanian leader welcomed the EEAS initiative to allocate over 20 billion in urgent military aid to Ukraine and encouraged European leaders to invest at least 10 billion in Ukraine's defense industry. Gitanas Nauseda proposed that EU Member States commit a fixed percentage of their annual GDP to supporting Ukraine. Lithuania already dedicates no less than 0.25% of its GDP to Ukraine's security, and if other EU nations followed suit, it would mean significant additional support. On potential negotiations, the President stated: "Ukraine's sovereignty is non-negotiable. There can be no discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine, and no discussions about Europe without Europe." The Lithuanian leader also stressed the need for Ukraine to receive real, robust security guarantees. Gitanas Nauseda called for accelerating Ukraine's EU membership process, setting 1 January 2030 as the target date. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Report: Trump plans to deport 240,000 Ukrainians from US Iran Press TV Thursday, 06 March 2025 4:43 PM The Trump administration has made plans to deport some 240,000 Ukrainians who fled to the United States under the Biden administration, a report says. They could be deported as soon as April in a stunning reversal which comes in the wake of a disastrous Oval Office meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky last week. It is part of a broader Trump administration plan to strip legal status from more than 1.8 million migrants allowed to enter the US under temporary humanitarian parole programs launched under the Biden administration. A Trump executive order issued on January 20 called for the Department of Homeland Security to "terminate all categorical parole programs." US officials say the administration plans to revoke parole for about 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans plus more than 70,000 Afghans escaping the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan as soon as this month, facing face fast-track deportation proceedings. Immigrants who enter the US illegally can be put into the fast-track deportation process for two years. But for those who entered through legal ports of entry without being officially "admitted" to the US as with those on parole, there is no time limit on their rapid removal, On Wednesday, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the US had paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine after a halt this week to American military aid to Kiev. The US has provided critical intelligence to Ukraine for its fight against Russian forces, but in less than two months in office, Trump has upended US policy. Experts said the US intelligence-sharing suspension would hurt Ukraine's ability to strike Russian forces, which occupy about 20% of the country's territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Europe Rallies Around Zelenskyy, Who Confirms New Meetings With US By Ray Furlong and Rikard Jozwiak March 06, 2025 Leaders from across Europe -- with the exception of Hungary -- rallied behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a summit as Ukraine and the United States agreed to more talks toward ending the war with Russia. Speaking at the summit in Brussels on March 6, Zelenskyy called on European leaders to push the Kremlin to halt air and sea attacks on Ukraine as a step toward building trust and moving forward in negotiations to end the three-year-old war. "Everyone needs to make sure that Russia, as the sole source of this war, accepts the need to end it," Zelenskyy told leaders gathered at the meeting. He added later in a social media post following the meeting that he will travel to Saudi Arabia next week, and afterward, "my team will remain in Saudi Arabia to work with American partners." White House special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the US government is planning a meeting with Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia. He said coordination efforts were still ongoing and that the talks could take place in Riyadh or Jeddah. "But I think the larger discussion for us...is to get a peace deal done," he told reporters. After crisis meetings in Paris and London, the summit focused on boosting defense spending in Europe after the United States suspended aid to Ukraine and signaled Europe must play a bigger role in its own security. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen kicked off the meeting by warning that "Europe faces a clear and present danger," exacerbating the need for it "to be able to protect itself, to defend itself." "This is a watershed moment for Europe and Ukraine as part of our European family," she added. "It's also a watershed moment for Ukraine." After several hours of discussions, the European Council approved a statement saying Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and its repercussions for European and global security "constitute an existential challenge for the European Union." "In this context, the European Union will accelerate the mobilization of the necessary instruments and financing in order to bolster the security of the European Union and the protection of our citizens," it added. The document, which includes wording that gives members fiscal flexibility on defense spending and supports the idea of providing members with EU-backed loans of up to 150 billion euros ($160 billion) to spend on their militaries, was approved by all 27 EU members, including Hungary. Earlier in the day, Budapest made it clear it wouldn't support a statement backing Ukraine, though Hungary was on board with bolstering spending on defense. The March 6 event was first announced on February 27 in response to fast-moving diplomatic developments. But since then, the pace has picked up even more with that full-on bust up in the Oval Office followed by Washington freezing military aid to Ukraine. In his speech, Zelenskyy thanked those in attendance for their support more than three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while urging them to ensure "that the Russians are not deceiving us" in any talks to "a full and fair settlement, to a comprehensive agreement on security guarantees and an end to the war," Europe's deadliest conflict since the end of World War II. "The next step is basic trust to the circumstances in which the negotiations are taking place.... The release of prisoners can be a means of establishing basic trust," he said. What's The Plan To REARM Europe? Ahead of the meeting, von der Leyen called for the adoption of REARM Europe (her capitalization), which envisages releasing up to 800 billion euros for EU members states to spend on defense. The summit's draft conclusions, seen by RFE/RL, broadly welcome the plan, setting the stage for more detailed plans to be approved at the next European Council on March 20-21. Noting the need to "substantially increase defense expenditure," the text calls for "action at the EU level" to boost military capabilities in the face of "threats posed by Russia and Belarus." EU leaders are also set to welcome new lending rules outlined by the European Investment Bank, freeing up funds to finance projects such as barracks and military hospitals. Ahead of the summit, there was a broadly warm response to von der Leyen's letter. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said it was an "important first step" while Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis posted on social media: "We must now work out the details." This reflects the fact that, despite the upbeat rhetoric of European officials, much of the details still remain to be put in place and there are questions about whether the overall price tag is realistic. Critics have argued that the EU is not making new money available but merely rearranging existing budget elements. Can Europe Defend Itself Without US Help? The plan comes as Washington announced a pause on its military assistance to Ukraine, and some have framed it as Europe preparing for a worst-case scenario without a US security umbrella. Mostly, European politicians have rejected this. "We should not give up on the US," said Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky on March 4, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters at the weekend London conference: "I do not accept that the US is an unreliable ally." But the fact that they're saying such things at all is a sign of how rattled Europe is by decisions and statements being made in Washington. Can Zelenskyy Repair Relations With Trump? "The situation in Ukraine, given notably the position of the new US administration, has changed," a senior EU official told RFE/RL. "This is the starting point for the special European Council." European leaders will address what they can do to fill the gap left by the aid freeze to support Ukraine's armed forces. But the summit is not expected to provide significant new announcements on this. The main focus remains repairing the rift between US President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy, and there was some movement on this in the days before the summit. In his address to Congress on March 4, Trump said Zelenskyy had written to him following their recent Oval Office showdown, and that the Ukrainian leader was ready to return to the negotiating table. The next day, his national-security adviser, Mike Waltz, told Fox News that the pause on military aid could be lifted if Ukraine signed a deal giving Washington access to its mineral wealth -- which another US official said was still possible after Zelenskyy expressed regret for the White House clash. Going into the Brussels meeting, German chancellor Olaf Scholz noted that "Ukraine's security arrangements and peace cannot be forcefully imposed by outside actors. "We are aligned with that concept. The strengthening of Ukraine's security strength is why we are here to discuss today," Scholz said. The question of Ukraine may also expose the lack of EU unity at the special summit. After making a TV address to the nation on March 5, Macron had dinner with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Elysee Palace on the eve of the summit. His aim was to try to get Orban, who has nurtured close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, on board with a statement supporting Ukraine. Hungary's nationalist leader, a Trump ally, has signaled he may veto a unanimous statement backing Ukraine, though he has also made clear he would support measures for an increase in spending on Europe's own defense. In televised remarks, French President Emmanuel Macron said it would be "madness" to ignore the threat Russia has become for Europe and said he is open to discussing the extension of France's nuclear deterrence to Paris's allies on the Continent. Who Could Send Troops To Ukraine? The meeting in Brussels follows a string of previous crisis gatherings, most recently in London on March 2. A key takeaway from that meeting was that Britain, France, and other countries would work on a joint peace plan with Ukraine, which they would then take to Washington. There may be some discussion of this on the sidelines in Brussels, but post-Brexit, this is something that is being developed away from EU meetings. Another key point from recent talks is the plan to form a European military force to deploy to Ukraine as part of a cease-fire or peace deal. So far, Britain and France have said they're ready to put boots on the ground. Starmer said in London that other countries had also stepped up but declined to name them. The senior EU official confirmed that member states had expressed willingness but "to go into details is premature." However, he added, "work needs to start and this European Council is a good moment for that work to start." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/europe-defense-summit- ukraine-crisis-trump/33337389.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Attacks Target Ukrainian Civilians As Zelenskyy Attends EU Defense Summit By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Reid Standish March 06, 2025 Ukraine was hit by a series of deadly Russian drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure following Washington's decision to pause military shipments and intelligence sharing with Kyiv as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels for a summit with EU leaders. How to bridge the gap brought by newly cutback US support is set to factor into the gathering in Brussels, where the Ukrainian president and European leaders are set to discuss an 800 billion euro ($844 billion) plan to bolster Europe's defense industry, ramp up military capability, and help provide urgent military support for Ukraine. Recent moves out of Washington and the latest developments on the battlefield -- which include a missile attack on Zelenskyy's hometown of Kryviy Rih late on March 5 and Russian claims that its forces captured a new village in eastern Ukraine -- loom over the summit. Zelenskyy said in a social media post that at least four people were killed in the attack on the central city where he was born, adding Russia's actions showed there can be no pause in putting pressure on the Kremlin "to stop this war and terror against life." Officials will be looking at how to recalibrate both the high-stakes diplomacy over ending the war in Ukraine and the grinding combat on the battlefield to the Trump administration's decisions to pause military supplies and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv. "I want to believe that the United States will stand by us. But we have to be ready if that is not the case," French President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised address to on the eve of the summit where he warned that Moscow would not top at Ukraine and said that Paris was willing to extend its nuclear umbrella to other European nations. In response to the halt in US intelligence-sharing, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu also said on March 6 that Paris will be offering its intelligence capabilities to Ukraine. The series of moves highlights the frantic pace of developments around the war as Washington, Moscow, Kyiv, and European capitals move quickly to adjust plans and proposals that could help set the stage for a lasting agreement on the three-year war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Macron's comments, telling reporters on March 6 that the French president's speech was "extremely confrontational" and claimed that France wants the war to continue. Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Macron's comments on expanding the protection of France's nuclear arsenal to other European countries posed a threat to Russia. He added that that any deployment of peacekeepers from a NATO country, even if they were not part a deployment through the alliance, such as a recently floated proposal for a British- and French-led force, would be treated by Moscow as a NATO presence in Ukraine. "We do not see space for compromise here," Lavrov said, reiterating Moscow's position against any NATO footprint in Ukraine. As they meet in Brussels, Europeans leaders will look come together to carve out their own positions on how to best support Ukraine at the negotiating table and on the battlefield. According to a draft outlining the goals of the summit seen by RFE/RL, the summit aims to release up enough funds for EU member states to spend on defense as part of a plan outlined by European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen called REARM Europe meant to see Europe play a greater role in supporting Kyiv militarily and helping to strike a peace deal that won't sideline Ukraine. Camille Grand, a former high-ranking NATO official who also held several positions at the French foreign and defense ministries, says it will be crucial for European governments to provide defense backing that offers some form of security guarantees to Kyiv if they are to bridge the current gap in talks aimed at finding a settlement. "Security guarantees have become the key to the negotiation. In the absence of such guarantees, Ukraine will be extremely reluctant to sign up to any peace deal," Grand, who is now a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told RFE/RL. "As likely principal providers of such guarantees, the Europeans have regained some leverage in the process." As leaders look to make progress in Brussels, they will also need to mov quickly to bolster Ukraine's defenses and its forces in the short term. The Russian strike on Kryviy Rih killed at least four people and injured more than 30 people, and marked the first long-range attack on civilian infrastructure since the United States paused sending military supplies and sharing intelligence. The precise significance of US intelligence to Ukraine's war effort has never been fully laid out in public, but Ukrainian officials have said it could affect the country's ability to protect itself against Russian missile strikes. It could also hinder Ukraine's ability to carry out effective long-range drone strikes on Russia and in using advanced US weapons to launch and repel attacks, such as Patriot and NASAMS air-defense systems, as well as HIMARS long-range rocket launchers and Stormshadow missiles supplied by Britain and France. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, ahead of the summit that Poland will continue to logistically support Ukraine and that it has already started delivering a new aid package worth up to 200 million euros ($215 million). "We continue to support Ukraine as we have from the first day of the war. It is incredibly important for us," Kosiniak-Kamysz said. Trump administration officials have suggested the pause in military aid and intelligence-sharing could be relatively short-lived if Zelenskyy is willing to return to the negotiating table, something the Ukrainian president has indicated he is willing to do. US national-security adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News on March 5 that the White House would consider restoring aid to Ukraine if peace talks were arranged and confidence-building measures taken. Discussions were ongoing with Ukraine over a date and place for talks, he said. Relations between Kyiv and Washington have been rocky since an Oval Office argument between Zelenskyy, Trump, and US Vice President JD Vance on February 28 that saw the Ukrainian president publicly berated and asked to leave the White House without signing a strategically important minerals deal. Zelenskyy has since been willing to sign the deal and taken steps to try to repair his relationship with Washington. On the battlefield in Ukraine and parts of Russia, fighting is ongoing with high casualties but it remains largely stalemated in terms of either Kyiv or Moscow taking new territory. It remains to be seen what effect, if any, the pause in military shipments and intelligence-sharing will have on the battlefield, but several high-ranking Democrats criticized the White House's decision on March 5. Senator Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, called the decision to stop sharing intelligence an "ill-advised decision." "Let me be clear: Cutting off intelligence support to our Ukrainian partners will cost [Ukrainian] lives," the Virginia Democrat said in a statement. As European leaders gather in Brussels, they will be looking to move quickly to prevent that from happening. Most estimates forecast Ukraine could continue fighting through the summer without additional American aid or a surge of European assistance. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-zelenskyy-ukraine-war- intelligence-military-weapons-eu/33338256.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Russian Defence Ministry 06.03.2025 (12:45) Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov thanked the command and personnel of the 114th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade for successfully carrying out combat tasks during the liberation of Andreyevka, Donetsk People's Republic. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's veto flouted the voice of the General Assembly: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN General Assembly meeting on the use of the veto. 6 March 2025 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 6 March 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Last week, this Assembly marked three years since Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, in flagrant violation of the UN Charter. This Assembly voted decisively in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and of the UN Charter, based on the facts - this was an invasion of a sovereign country by its neighbour. It was a war of choice. As my Prime Minister has made clear, the UK continues to support peace in Ukraine. Our approach is based on four principles. First, to support Ukraine's legitimate right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Second, any lasting peace must guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and Ukraine must be at the negotiating table. Third, and fourth, when a peace deal is reached, as a European neighbour, we will continue to support Ukraine's defence and deterrence capability. And, we are ready to develop a coalition of the willing to defend a peace deal in Ukraine. For peace to be sustainable, it must be strong and just and deter further Russian aggression against its neighbours. This is why the UK, along with other Security Council Members, proposed amendments that would bring the Security Council resolution in line with the resolutions of the General Assembly, which had been adopted just hours beforehand. These amendments sought to acknowledge Russia as the perpetrator of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine; To reaffirm our commitment to the territorial integrity of Ukraine; And to ensure that peace in Ukraine would be in line with the UN Charter. In order to stop us, Russia exercised its veto. In doing so, it flouted the voice of the General Assembly. It vetoed respect for the UN Charter and for the sovereignty of a neighbour. And all the while, Russia has continued its campaign of aggression against Ukraine, including with this week's drone attacks on civilian buildings in Kharkiv. We should judge Putin by his actions. And these are not the actions of a peacemaker. As we sit here today, discussing Russia's use of the veto on amendments regarding its own violations of the UN Charter, let us remember one thing: If Putin wanted peace, he could have it tomorrow. All Russia need do is cease its aggression and withdraw its forces from all of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine: UK national statement to IAEA Board, March 2025 UK Ambassador to the IAEA Corinne Kitsell's statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors meeting on Ukraine 6 March 2025 Location: Vienna Delivered on: 6 March 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Chair, Since Russia's illegal invasion in March 2022, the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate. The UK is grateful to the Agency for its work with Ukraine to help decrease the risk of a nuclear accident, and to the IAEA personnel who continue to operate under the most challenging of circumstances. The risks that the ISAMZ team has been subjected to over this reporting period - including the attack on their vehicle on their journey to ZNPP in December, and their extended stay at the plant due to intense military activity in the area - are unacceptable. The ISAMZ staff affected have the UK's upmost sympathy and gratitude. We are concerned that the IAEA was forced to conduct the most recent ISAMZ rotation through Russian temporarily controlled territory. It is imperative that this be an exception, on humanitarian grounds, and that future rotations are implemented using routes agreed with the Government of Ukraine and with full respect of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome the DG's commitment to this Board that the Agency will continue to comply fully with UN General Assembly resolution 11 / 4 adopted on 12 October 2022 and all relevant resolutions of the IAEA policy-making organs. Three years after Russia's illegal and irresponsible seizure of ZNPP we are grateful for ISAMZ's continued reporting on the nuclear safety situation, where the unreliable water and electricity supply to the plant, and military activity within its vicinity, continue to pose challenges. We remain deeply concerned that ISAMZ still do not receive timely access to all relevant areas of the plant - despite repeated calls from this Board. Chair, Over the reporting period we have seen heightened military activity near all of Ukraine's NPPs and continued Russian attacks on substations connected to those plants - a situation so serious that an extraordinary meeting of the Board of Governors had to be convened in December. At that Board, we heard the Russian Ambassador claim that there was no decisive link between energy infrastructure and nuclear safety at NPPs. Contrary to this claim, paragraphs 26 to 30 of the DG's report provide a useful overview of relevant IAEA Safety Standards and other publications, which make clear the need for NPPs to have reliable and stable power supply so that safety can be maintained. Chair, A drone hitting and causing a fire on the large protective structure at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant adds to the ongoing risks to nuclear safety and security posed by military activity in Ukraine. We are relieved that despite significant damage caused by the fire, which lasted over two weeks and required over 150 holes to be cut in the external cladding to extinguish, there has been no change in radiation levels at the site. But the DG's assessment that the damage could have an undetermined "adverse" impact on nuclear safety in the long term is extremely worrying. In view of the precarious situation, we appreciate that staff and management of Chornobyl NPP are regularly exchanging information with the IAEA team on the ground. Chair, The work of this Board is serious. It is a forum for debate, discussion and decisions, not for spreading propaganda and false narratives. Colleagues who were here last year heard me express concern about deliberate attempts at gaslighting by some members of this Board, creating false narratives to try to make others question their perceptions of the truth and question the truth about events. Such game-playing as no place in a serious Board such as this. Thank you Chair. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President and NATO Secretary General Discussed Defense Support for Ukraine President of Ukraine 6 March 2025 - 22:29 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels. The Head of State thanked NATO member states for their military assistance to Ukraine. The discussion focused on the steps needed to achieve a just and lasting peace. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed his interlocutor about coordination with partners and the development of a plan that will include a unified European vision for ending the war, strengthening Ukraine, and concrete security guarantees. They also discussed defense support for our state, including efforts to enhance air defense and implement the agreements reached at the NATO Summit in Washington. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President Had an Audience with King Philippe of the Belgians President of Ukraine 6 March 2025 - 22:01 During his working visit to Belgium, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an audience with His Majesty King Philippe of the Belgians. The Head of State expressed his gratitude for Belgium's support of Ukraine and Ukrainians throughout the three years of full-scale Russian aggression. The President also commended Belgium's position on achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine looks forward to Belgium's involvement in the work on the initial steps toward ending the war. The President called on His Majesty the King to support efforts to return Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia. The parties had a separate discussion on Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. The President expressed hope that Belgium would support the opening of all clusters this year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Preparing Steps to Achieve a Just and Lasting Peace and Supporting Ukraine: President Had a Meeting with the Federal Chancellor of Austria President of Ukraine 6 March 2025 - 19:16 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Federal Chancellor of Austria Christian Stocker in Brussels and congratulated him on his recent assumption of office. The Head of State expressed his gratitude for Austria's support for Ukraine, and for its humanitarian and financial assistance. Our state looks forward to joint efforts in achieving a just and lasting peace and reliable security guarantees for Ukraine and all of Europe. During the meeting, the parties also discussed further assistance in humanitarian demining, restoration of energy infrastructure, construction of shelters in schools and kindergartens, and support for the "Food from Ukraine" initiative. Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited the Chancellor of Austria to pay a visit to Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron Coordinated Their Positions and Next Steps President of Ukraine 6 March 2025 - 19:03 On the sidelines of the European Council meeting in Brussels, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of France Emmanuel Macron. The Head of State expressed his gratitude for the clear and principled stance in support of Ukraine and the need for new, more substantial steps to protect all of Europe peoples, institutions and the European way of life. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron discussed the meeting to be held in Paris on March 11 at the level of military representatives of states willing to put in greater efforts to ensure reliable security in the context of ending the war. The Presidents of Ukraine and France also coordinated their positions and next steps. The leaders share a clear vision that real and lasting peace is possible through the cooperation of Ukraine, all of Europe, and the United States. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy Took Part in the European Council Meeting and Presented the First Steps for Achieving a Just and Lasting Peace President of Ukraine 6 March 2025 - 18:52 During his speech at a special meeting of the European Council in Brussels, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked all the assembled leaders for their support in recent days and weeks. The Head of State particularly stressed that despite the events in world politics, Europe remains united and tries to take the right steps. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed that the negotiating teams of Ukraine and the United States have resumed their work, and expressed hope for a meaningful meeting next week. "Ukraine has been seeking peace since the very first second of the war, and we have always said that the only reason why the war continues is because of Russia. Ukraine is not only ready to take the necessary steps for peace, but we are also proposing what those steps are. And I ask you to support us in this - support Ukraine and those European leaders who are helping to pave the way for peace," he emphasized. According to the President, first of all, everyone must make sure that Russia, as the sole source of this war, accepts the need to end it. This can be proved by two forms of silence that are easy to establish and monitor: no attacks on energy and other civilian infrastructure, namely a truce on missiles, bombs and long-range drones, and a truce on the water, meaning the cessation of military operations in the Black Sea. As the next step, Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for ensuring basic trust to the circumstances under which the negotiations are taking place. "Ukrainians, all Europeans, Americans, every human heart in the world that does not agree with the war - we all need to feel that the Russians are not deceiving us. The release of prisoners can be a means of establishing basic trust," the Head of State noted. The President additionally stressed that any issues related to the security of Ukraine and Europe should be resolved only with their participation. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also welcomed the efforts of the European Commission to rearm Europe and supported the ReArm Europe plan. "The defense funds under this European Plan should strengthen all parts of Europe, and I call for a significant part to be allocated to arms production in Ukraine - our industrial capabilities are the fastest and most relevant to the current security threats," the Head of State said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Is Not Only Ready to Take the Necessary Steps for Peace, but We Are Also Proposing What Those Steps Are - Speech by the President at the Meeting of the European Council President of Ukraine 6 March 2025 - 18:42 President Costa! President von der Leyen! Dear colleagues, glad to see you all. I've already spoken to many of you these days and weeks, and I am grateful for your support. Ukrainians really appreciate that in a time of such great emotions in global politics, European integrity is preserved, and Europe is really trying to do the right thing. First. I want to inform all of you that our teams - Ukraine and America - have resumed work. We hope that next week we will have a meaningful meeting. Ukraine has been seeking peace since the very first second of the war, and we have always said that the only reason why the war continues is because of Russia. Ukraine is not only ready to take the necessary steps for peace, but we are also proposing what those steps are. And I ask you to support us in this - support Ukraine and those European leaders who are helping to pave the way for peace. We see several steps now. Everyone needs to make sure that Russia, as the sole source of this war, accepts the need to end it. This can be proved by two forms of silence that are easy to establish and monitor, namely, no attacks on energy and other civilian infrastructure - truce for missiles, bombs, and long-range drones, and the second is truce on the water, meaning no military operations in the Black Sea. The next step is basic trust to the circumstances in which the negotiations are taking place. Ukrainians, all Europeans, Americans, every human heart in the world that does not agree with the war - we all need to feel that the Russians are not deceiving us. The release of prisoners can be a means of establishing basic trust. And this should be based on the understanding that any truce and any form of trust building measures can only be a prologue to a full and fair settlement, to a comprehensive agreement on security guarantees and an end to the war. Let me emphasize once again that Ukrainians do really want peace, but not at the cost of giving up Ukraine. Is Russia capable of giving up the war - this is the question that any negotiations must answer. And please be sure that Ukraine will share all the details of peace plans and talks' process to all of Europe, every European nation that helps must be on board on the path to peace. Second. I urge you to continue to support the position that any issues related to Ukraine's security should be resolved with Ukraine's participation, just as any issues related to the security of your nations or any issues related to the security of our entire Europe should be resolved with your participation. Only this can guarantee peace on the continent and respect for the interests of all European states. That is why we are trying to ensure that European interests are represented. Anything that affects the security of Europe should be resolved with the participation of Europe. Third. I thank you for your determination to help us defend Ukraine. Every day and every night we have to protect lives. Russian ballistic missiles continue to strike our cities. The shelling at the front continues. Russian sabotage groups are still trying to enter our territory across the border in Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Moscow is not reducing its investment in death, increasing its army, and making no pauses in trying to overcome sanctions. Russia now has 220 brigades with war experience. In five years, they will bring this number to 300. We need to respond to this by taking care of lives now, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. I welcome the European Commission's efforts to re-arm Europe and the Rearm Europe Plan is the right initiative. The defense funds under this European Plan should strengthen all parts of Europe, and I call for a significant part to be allocated to arms production in Ukraine - our industrial capabilities are the fastest and most relevant to the current security threats. I welcome the efforts of my European colleagues - and this is not just about the EU, but about Europe in a broad sense - to increase national defense spending and modernize national armies. Everyone in Europe needs this. When we agree on the format of the Armed Forces of Europe, this format will rely on the strength of national armies and on the experience of deploying partner contingents in Ukraine, which is what we are now working on. I also welcome the investments of all partners in the defense industry - in Ukraine and in your countries, the industrial base of Europe must grow. Europe should become the place where the most technologically advanced and effective weapons in the world are produced, and this is not a fantasy if Europeans really set themselves this goal. And a few more things. I'm grateful to you for the 16th EU sanctions package, and we must continue this pressure. We need a 17th sanctions package. The sanctions should work until Russia stops the occupation. I know that a special European financial instrument for Ukraine's resilience is being developed, please speed up this work. In all these circumstances, it is needed to speed up the work of our teams in the negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU. As of now, the work on clusters is actually blocked without any rational reason. We need common sense, we need to unblock the work on clusters, and this can be done at the leadership level. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council Discussed Strengthening the Defense Capabilities of Ukraine and All of Europe President of Ukraine 6 March 2025 - 16:43 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa in Brussels. The Head of State thanked Antonio Costa for the invitation to the special European Council meeting and highlighted the leadership of the heads of EU institutions in discussions on enhancing Europe's defense capabilities and strengthening Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed his gratitude for the support from European leaders in the pursuit of a just and sustainable peace. "You have sent a strong message to the Ukrainian people, to Ukrainian warriors, civilians, and all our families. It is very important that we are not alone. We feel it and we know it," he emphasized. The President of the European Council stressed the importance of strengthening Ukraine's and Europe's defense capabilities. "Europe's security and defense are inseparable from Ukraine's security and defense. A more robust European defense enhances Ukraine's defense, while a stronger defense capability in Ukraine is also crucial for strengthening our own defense," Antonio Costa emphasized. The President of the European Commission stressed that she would present a plan for the rearmament of Europe at the European Council meeting, which provides for up to EUR 800 billion in defense sector investments. "It gives member states financial space for defense investments. It enables them to invest in Ukraine's defense industry or purchase military assets that will be immediately transferred to Ukraine. In this way, it aims to benefit the rearmament of Europe, the rearmament of the European Union, and the arming of Ukraine in its existential struggle for its sovereignty and territorial integrity," Ursula von der Leyen noted. During the meeting, the participants discussed current needs of the Defense Forces, particularly the strengthening of air defense, the timely delivery of all types of weapons and ammunition, as well as enhancing the production capabilities of Ukraine's defense industry. A separate discussion was held on Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council would facilitate the opening of the first "Foundations" cluster. The Head of State also thanked for the 16th EU sanctions package against Russia and called on to start work on the 17th package, which should strengthen counteraction to the circumvention of sanctions and expand restrictions on the ships of Russia's shadow fleet and their captains. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Belgium Discussed Continued Support for Ukraine President of Ukraine 6 March 2025 - 14:54 In Brussels, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Belgium Bart De Wever. The Head of State expressed gratitude for the support of Belgium and Belgian people, particularly for the decision to provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and for the training of Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel. During the meeting, the parties discussed support for achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and the provision of robust security guarantees. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the Prime Minister about the preparation of a European plan to bring peace closer and invited him to participate in its development. A special focus of the talks was defense assistance to Ukraine. In particular, the discussion covered the supply of artillery systems and ammunition, as well as investment in the domestic production of long-range drones and missiles. Additionally, the leaders discussed support for Ukraine on its path toward EU and NATO membership. The President invited the Prime Minister of Belgium to visit Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Assembly President calls for just and lasting peace in Ukraine 6 March 2025 - The President of the General Assembly on Thursday renewed his call for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Ukraine and Russia, in line with the UN Charter and the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity. The meeting, held under the Assembly's veto initiative, followed Russia's use of its Security Council veto on 24 February to block amendments to a United States-led draft resolution on the conflict in Ukraine. The two amendments were proposed by the Council's European members - France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia. A third amendment introduced by Russia also failed to pass having failed to garner enough support. As a result, the US-led resolution passed in its original form, marking the first Security Council resolution since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ten Council members voted in favour, while the five European sponsors of the amendments abstained. Earlier that day, the General Assembly adopted two resolutions - one introduced by Ukraine and the other by the United States, mirroring the text later submitted in the Security Council. The US-led resolution only passed after EU-led amendments were added, prompting the US to abstain on its own motion and vote on the same side as Russia, Belarus and the DPR Korea, more commonly known as North Korea. Promote peaceful and inclusive dialogue Opening the General Assembly debate on Thursday, President Philemon Yang underscored that the body must remain "steadfast in promoting peaceful solutions and inclusive dialogue." He recalled the two resolutions adopted on 24 February, when the Assembly met in an emergency session on the situation in Ukraine. "In both, the General Assembly reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders," Mr. Yang said. "Moreover, the Assembly was unequivocal in its call for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace between Ukraine and the Russian Federation - a peace that aligns with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity," he added. Mutually reinforcing President Yang emphasised that the General Assembly and Security Council must work together in the pursuit of peace. "While the Security Council bears primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, the General Assembly plays a crucial role in responding to conflicts and crises," he said. However, he expressed regret over the growing use of Security Council vetoes. "It is regrettable that we must convene under these circumstances, as the frequency of vetoes has continued to rise since 2022," he added, urging Member States to reflect on how to make deliberations on the veto initiative more binding. Russia upheld its responsibility: Ambassador Taking the floor as the first speaker, Russia's First Deputy Permanent Representative, Dmitry Polyanskiy, said that his country's votes against the draft amendments were to "disrupt" the plans of Western Countries that would have undermined the mandate of the Security Council. "We highly value the US initiative, and we see the text that was ultimately adopted as a step in the right direction and grounds for further efforts for a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis," he said. He noted that the change in tack in Washington following President Trump's inauguration in January "caught European pseudo peacekeepers off guard." "The American draft resolution is particularly in sharp contrast with the [General Assembly] draft put forward by Ukraine and the European backers, which promoted a new, more polished form of the futile elements of the infamous Zelensky formula," he added. Ambassador Polyanskiy stated that his country takes a responsible attitude towards the use of veto and its actions on 24 February were to give peace a chance, rather than push it away. "Let us not delude ourselves, the hawks that call for continuing an armed conflict in Ukraine and in European countries are capitalizing on war and the suffering of civilians, and they do not plan on dropping their intention to interfere with peace between Russia and Ukraine." No equivalence between aggressor and victim: EU Hedda Samson, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the UN, said Russia's vetoes blocked the reference to the Security Council's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as the call for a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. The two proposals by Council's European members received nine and 11 positive votes respectively, she said. "Let it be clear, Russia is abusing its veto power to block references to the principle of territorial integrity and to peace in line with the UN Charter," she added, stating that Russia is undermining the core principles of the multilateral system. "Aggression is aggression wherever it occurs We cannot accept an equivalence between the aggressor and the victim of aggression. We cannot accept a world where might is right, where the power of law is replaced by the power of guns," she noted. She stated that her delegation believes in a world based on rules, adding, "the time for peace is now. The EU supports all meaningful efforts to bring an end to Russia's war of aggression." US committed to ending Russia-Ukraine war: Ambassador Speaking for the United States, Acting Representative Dorothy Shea said her country is committed to ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which it demonstrated in the Security Council on 24 February. "Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians and Russians have died. The longer the war continues, the greater the suffering for both nations. The war must end now, and the peace must be durable and lasting," she said. With the adoption of resolution 2774, she continued, the Security Council showed that the United Nations can still live up to the purposes and principles of its charter, mainly to maintain international peace and security, including through the peaceful settlement of disputes. "We reminded the world that there is common ground that we can all agree on. All UN Member States can agree that the war is a tragedy and that it must end. Security Council resolution 2774 does not end the war, but it has put us on a path to peace," she added. Russia is abusing its veto: Ukraine Ukrainian Charge d'affaires Khrystyna Hayovyshyn said that Russia's behaviour in the Security Council following its aggression against her country is the "most vivid example" of how detrimental the misuse of the veto could be for the Council's ability to respond effectively. "All draft resolutions that the UN Security Council attempted to adopt in response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine since 2014 to 2024 were vetoed by the Russian Federation," she said. She noted that the amendments proposed by Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia and UK would have contributed to bringing Council resolution 2774 in line with the UN Charter and reaffirming the commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The adopted resolution, Ms. Hayovyshyn continued, lacked essential elements, especially those regarding the classification of the war as an act of aggression and failing to reflect the principles of the UN Charter. "The Russian Federation abuses its veto rights either to block the Security Council decision designed to address its aggression or, as we have seen recently, block those proposals that contribute to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter," she added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address General Assembly Debates Russian Federation's Security Council Veto of European Amendments Seeking 'Just' Peace in Ukraine Meetings Coverage General Assembly / Plenary Seventy-ninth Session, 60th Meeting (AM) GA/12677 6 March 2025 The General Assembly today addressed what many delegations decried as "misuse" of the Security Council veto by the Russian Federation on 24 February the third anniversary of its aggression against Ukraine. On that day at the Security Council, Moscow vetoed two of the three European proposals seeking to align the United States-authored draft resolution with the Charter of the United Nations. The two amendments one inserting a reference to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and another adding a call for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter garnered 9 and 11 votes in favour, respectively, but were not adopted due to the negative votes cast by the Russian Federation. The other amendment seeking to insert a reference to Moscow's "full-scale invasion" of Ukraine failed to obtain enough votes to pass. In the end, the text tabled by the United States was adopted as resolution 2774 (2025) by a vote of 10 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions (Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, United Kingdom), without any amendments. Opening today's plenary, Philemon Yang (Cameroon), President of the General Assembly, expressed regret over another meeting pursuant to A/RES/76/262 following the casting of the veto by a permanent member of the Council noting that the frequency of vetoes has continued to rise since 2022. Affirming that Council and Assembly efforts must be complementary, he noted that, while the Veto initiative demonstrates improvement in the United Nations' capacity to address matters of international security, "we could do more". Calling for the Assembly to reflect on how the outcomes of deliberations on the Veto initiative can be more binding. He recalled that, at the eleventh Emergency Special Session on 24 February, the Assembly adopted two resolutions: "Advancing a Comprehensive, Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine" and "The Path to Peace", reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. In the ensuing debate, the Russian Federation's representative recalled the Security Council meeting on 24 February and welcomed the adoption of the United States' text "as a step in the right direction". The change of approach in Washington, D.C., following President Donald J. Trump's inauguration, caught "European pseudo-peacekeepers off guard". Allies of the Kyiv regime have been consistently putting forward anti-Russian Federation draft resolutions with no bearing on reality. Member States should not just choose Charter principles that are more to their taste, he said, as it is not a "restaurant menu". The Kyiv regimes' non-compliance with the Charter caused the Ukraine conflict, he stated. However, Ukraine's delegate stressed that the Russian Federation's behaviour in the Council following its aggression against her country "is the most vivid example of how detrimental the misuse of the veto could be". The Russian Federation vetoed all draft resolutions that the Council attempted to adopt in response to its aggression against Ukraine since 2014. Amendments would have reaffirmed the commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, while the resolution lacks classification of the war as an act of aggression by one Member State against another. Use of the veto should be restricted when a permanent member is directly involved in the conflict under consideration and therefore cannot be expected to exercise its voting rights and privileges in an impartial manner. "Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians, but peace must be real, not just a word," she stressed. Throughout the debate, the Assembly heard a chorus of European voices condemning Russian Federation's actions in the Council. "Let it be clear, Russia is abusing its veto power to block references to the principle of territorial integrity," said a representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, also citing a second veto obstructing a call for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with the UN Charter. The Russian Federation has bombed Ukraine cities daily as part of its unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression. "Russia is undermining the core principles of our multilateral system," she stated, adding: "We cannot accept an equivalence between the aggressor and the victim of aggression." Liechtenstein's delegate, also speaking for a group of countries, said the vetoes under discussion "set a concerning precedent for the security of every Member State". The text adopted clearly failed to meet standards set out by the membership, which "is remarkable and worrisome", he stated. He noted that the resolution clearly infers that the Russian Federation is a party to a dispute germane to the resolution while Article 27 the Charter of the United Nations states "the party to a dispute shall abstain from voting", which should have applied to the Russian Federation. Echoing that, the representative of Luxembourg, also speaking for Belgium and the Netherlands, said that the world witnessed "a situation where the perpetrator acts as the judge in his own case". He affirmed that the Assembly has been the moral compass of the UN. Steadfastly defending the principles of international law, whether in the Middle East, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Myanmar or Ukraine, he noted that resolution 2774 (2025) makes no reference to the party responsible for the invasion. "What makes Russia's vetoes even more egregious is the fact that the very same amendments were adopted by a clear majority of the UN membership in the General Assembly the same day," said Poland's delegate. The Russian Federation not only undermined the Council, but effectively silenced the voice of the international community, he added. The representative of Estonia, also speaking for Latvia and Lithuania, recalled that the proposed amendments had been respectively supported by 9 and 11 members of the Council, yet the Russian Federation voted against them ignoring "the expression of the political will of the most democratic body of the UN" the Assembly. Affirming Ukraine's right to self-defence, the representative of the United Kingdom, said her Government remains ready to develop a coalition of the willing to defend a strong, just peace deal to deter further Russian Federation aggression against its neighbours. She recalled that the amendments sought to acknowledge the Russian Federation as the perpetrator of the invasion. The subsequent veto "flouted the voice" of the Assembly, she stressed, adding: "If Putin wanted peace, he could have it tomorrow" by ceasing its aggression and withdrawing its forces from all of Ukraine. France's delegate called for Member States "to work towards a peace that is just, lasting and based on the principles of the Charter". There can be no lasting peace without respect for the principles that are the very foundation of "our collective security" including the sovereign equality of States and respect for territorial integrity. "To forget these principles is to accept a world where the law of the jungle prevails, where might prevails over right," he added. However, the representative of the United States said that resolution 2774 (2025) "has put us on a path to peace", affirming that the action in the Council on 24 February demonstrated that her Government "is committed to ending the Russia-Ukraine war". "The longer the war continues, the greater the suffering for both nations," she added, calling for a peace that is durable and lasting, not a temporary pause. The Council showed that the UN can still live up to the purposes and principles of its Charter. All Member States can agree that "the war is a tragedy and that it must end", she said. South Africa's representative added that the warring parties should begin to identify areas of common interest in a spirit of compromise and flexibility, rather than continue to firmly hold on to their divergent views. Welcoming the "possibility of a momentum towards peace", Brazil's delegate said that, although the resolution represents the first time the Council has reached a decision in this file, it is far from bringing the conflict close to "any possible peaceful solution". Since September 2024, Brazil has been working with the Group of Friends of Peace to voice the views of the Global South, he said. Observing that too many opportunities for peace have already been missed, he stressed: "Let us not lose another one." Taking a broader global view, Egypt's delegate said: "This crisis does not only affect the parties to the conflict or the regional neighbours, but also casts a negative shadow on the Global South, mainly African States." Noting that his country was directly affected, while shouldering refugees from neighbouring countries going through unrest, he called for "reason and wisdom first". Egypt is a founding member of the Friends for Peace group, established in 2024, he observed, adding that it is a high time to "shield the developed and developing world from the grave repercussion of the crisis this size". Turning to diplomacy, Turkiye's delegate recalled that his delegation discussed contributions it could make, as well as its desire to host the negotiations, when Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Ankara, and discussed possible contributions to a diplomatic end to war with Russian Federation's Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov in Turkiye on 24 February marking it as one of the few countries to maintain dialogue with both parties. Further, Turkiye pioneered the Black Sea Grain Initiative, various prisoner exchanges and voted in favour of both General Assembly resolutions. "At this critical juncture, we must focus on crafting a genuine solution rather than going after competing texts," he stated. In other business, the Assembly adopted draft resolution A/79/L.58, titled "Scope, modalities, format and organization of the fourth high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being", without a vote. By its terms, the Assembly decided that a one-day high-level meeting will be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 25 September under the overall theme "Equity and integration: transforming lives and livelihoods through leadership and action on non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being". Prior to that, the Assembly rejected draft amendment A/79/L.60 concerning the participation of non-governmental organizations proposed by the Russian Federation, by a recorded vote of 71 against to 29 in favour, with 43 abstentions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump pressures Ukraine, sets stage for Putin meeting By VOA News March 06, 2025 President Donald Trump continued to press Kyiv to sign a minerals deal Thursday and expressed confidence that Moscow was also ready to close on a deal to end the war that started when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Trump sent a message to NATO members: "If they don't pay, I'm not going to defend them." He laid out his vision for how he would broker peace between the neighboring countries. "I think what's going to happen is Ukraine wants to make a deal, because I don't think they have a choice," he said. "I also think that Russia wants to make a deal, because in a certain, different way, a different way that only I know, only I know, they have no choice either." And he said he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia "probably over the next month and a half." Envoy will coordinate talks Earlier in the day, Trump's special Middle East envoy said he would travel to Saudi Arabia to meet with Ukrainian representatives for talks about a ceasefire to pause Russia's invasion. "We're now in discussions to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians in Riyadh, or even potentially Jeddah," said Steve Witkoff. "The idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well." Witkoff said Trump felt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made amends after the confrontation between the two leaders in the White House last Friday. "He felt that Zelenskyy's letter [calling the blowout 'regrettable'] was a very positive first step. There was an apology. There was an acknowledgement that the United States has done so much for the country of Ukraine and a sense of gratitude," Witkoff said. Zelenskyy, meanwhile, was in Brussels with European leaders for emergency talks. "We will arm ourselves faster, smarter, and more efficiently than Russia," said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who holds the EU's rotating presidency. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advanced a plan to loosen budget rules so that willing countries can spend much more on defense, alongside commitments to encourage the 27 member countries to invest about $863 billion in defense over the next four years. "We are very thankful that we are not alone, and these are not just words," Zelenskyy said. "We feel it. It's very important." Macron predicts 'decisive steps' French President Emmanuel Macron said ahead of the talks that EU members would "take decisive steps forward," while expressing concerns about shifts in U.S. support for Ukraine under the new Trump administration. "The future of Europe does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow," Macron said. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Thursday that France is sharing intelligence with Ukraine, a move that followed the United States saying it was cutting off intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. CIA Director John Ratcliffe said Wednesday the United States had, for the moment, ended sharing its intelligence with Kyiv, although that could be short-lived after Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready for peace talks with Russia. Trump earlier in the week ordered the U.S. to suspend military aid to Kyiv's fighters after his meeting last week with Zelenskyy. Since the start of the war in 2022, the United States has provided Ukraine with significant intelligence, including critical information its military needs for targeting Russian forces. Reaching a peace deal could prove difficult. Ukraine has long demanded a restoration of its internationally recognized 2014 borders before Moscow unilaterally seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. Overall, Russia now holds about a fifth of Ukrainian territory, including much of eastern Ukraine, and has vowed to not return any of it to the Kyiv government. 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 EU leaders vow to ramp up funding to defend their countries, Ukraine By Lisa Bryant March 06, 2025 European Union leaders vowed to ramp up funding for Ukraine and their own defense at a summit in Brussels on Thursday as they take steps to rearm in ways they haven't since the end of the Cold War. The summit, also attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was the first for all 27 EU members since last week's confrontational White House meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy and after Washington's decision to suspend aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. "Europe faces a clear and present danger to protect itself and defend itself, as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for a lasting and just peace," European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said about her $865 billion "rearm Europe" plan. The plan aims to drastically boost Europe's defense arsenal against what many here see as a growing Russian threat and possibly the U.S.'s disengagement from the region. Von der Leyen spoke alongside Zelenskyy, who was invited for part of the summit. "We are very thankful that we are not alone, and these are not just words," Zelenskyy said. "We feel it." Beyond boosting Europe's conventional arsenal, French President Emmanuel Macron has floated extending his country's nuclear arsenal to other European allies, which he also explained to French voters back home. In a televised address to the nation Wednesday, he called Russia a threat to Europe for years to come, remarks denounced by Moscow. In Brussels, many EU leaders echoed the urgency of rearming, like Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, whose own country borders Russia and has already sharply boosted its defense spending. "We see good proposals [from] von der Leyen, but we see it's just one step," Silina said. "We need more proposals going forward. And we see it's really a good opportunity for Ukraine to get peace but through strength." The EU sees a strong peace deal for Kyiv as serving its own interests as well to ensure Russia doesn't go beyond Ukraine to attack its own member states. But some European leaders have misgivings, including Hungary's Viktor Orban, who has friendly relations with Moscow. Just as important as pouring more money into defense, analysts say, is investing strategically and pooling resources. Ian Lesser, Brussels bureau office head for the German Marshall Fund of the United States, said cooperation was necessary. "The resources that would be needed to rebuild Europe's industrial capacity, to build what is, in essence, a European army, even within NATO, is going to require some kind of collective action," he said. A key question moving forward, analysts say, is to what extent Europe will procure equipment from the United States as it has in the past one key way to potentially keep close ties or invest in its own industrial capacity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address https://vimeo.com/1063366862/d1b9c7134c?ts=0&share=copy FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On International Womens Day, Hines Health Services (HHS) proudly recognizes and honours the invaluable contributions of women in business and the workforce. As a female-led organization with a workforce that is 75% women, HHS is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. Founded by Kristi Hines, a Registered Nurse and award-winning entrepreneur, HHS has built a strong, values-driven culture that supports women in the workforce. While the company has long championed women in nursinga traditionally female-dominated professionit has also made significant inroads into male-dominated industries, such as emergency medical services (EMS) in the oil and gas sector. Through innovative employee programs, hands-on practicums, and paid student opportunities, HHS is committed to helping women advance in their careers and take on leadership roles. Women belong in every industry, in every boardroom, and in every leadership position, says Kristi Hines, Founder and CEO of Hines Health Services. At HHS, we have built an environment where women thrivenot just in healthcare, but in fields where they have traditionally been underrepresented. Were not just breaking barrierswere carving the future. The companys female-led EMS team is a testament to this commitment, proving that women are driving innovation, excellence, and resilience in challenging fields. HHS takes pride in being a workplace where women feel empowered, supported, and valued, ensuring that every team member has the resources and opportunities they need to excel. Creating a workplace where women feel valued and have the opportunity to lead is not just good for businessits essential for the future, adds Hines. Our commitment to professional development, mentorship, and fostering leadership pathways ensures that women continue to excel in the medical field. As HHS continues to grow, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to elevate women in the workforce and inspire the next generation of female healthcare leaders. On this International Womens Day, HHS celebrates the vital role of women in strengthening healthcare, emergency services, and the broader community. About Kristi Hines Kristi Hines, Founder and CEO of HHS, is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta (collaborative program with Keyano College) and an Occupational Health Nurse Graduate Specialty Diploma (with Distinguished Honours) from St. Lawrence College in Brockville, Ontario. Kristi is continually recognized as a leader in the business community and was the recipient of the 2019 ACC Alberta Business Awards of Distinction for Woman Entrepreneurship. In 2018, HHS was the recipient of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerces Gold Award for Professional Services. In 2017, HHS was the recipient of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerces Small Business of the Year Award and Kristi was also recognized as a Women of Inspiration by Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude Canada, an award that recognizes women throughout the Wood Buffalo region who inspire others, break new ground and help create change. Kristis love for her community and her drive to make it a great place to live, work and play is demonstrated through her community service. Kristi is Chair-Elect of the Alberta Chamber of Commerce (becoming the first ACC Executive Officer to represent the RMWB in 22 years), Past Director of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism, Past Chair of Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce (and the first female Board Chair in the Chambers 115-year history) and Past President of Alberta Occupational Health Nurses Association. Kristi enjoys mentoring nursing students and offers practicum placements at HHS to Keyano College and the University of Alberta nursing students. Kristi was appointed to the Government of Albertas Supporting Working Parents Advisory Group, which looks at the latest research, data and economic analysis to consider short and long-term initiatives to ensure parents, particularly women, can take part in Albertas economic recovery. In recognition of Kristis contribution to her community and Alberta, she received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee award. Most recently, Kristi has been named in the 2023 Canadas Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards, presented by WXN. Kristi is currently pursuing an MBA degree. About Hines Health Services Hines Health Services (HHS), an Alberta-based, female-led organization, has extensive experience in providing comprehensive health and wellness services and programs performed only by highly qualified medical professionals. Based in Fort McMurray, HHSs diverse scope of services includes a dedicated Emergency Medical Division, medical staffing, a local assessment clinic, mobile services, on-site testing, and remote medical service. Known for consistently delivering professional healthcare services in both clinical and on-site environments, HHS has earned the trust of a diverse client base, including private organizations, public companies, and all levels of government. For more information on Hines Health Services, visit: www.hineshealth.ca For Hines Health Services media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Kristi Hines, please contact: Julianne McKinnon, Strategic Advisor julianne.mckinnon@hineshealth.ca. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fca783b0-d29e-429c-8f29-093655ea9b15 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0559da9-89b6-4bd5-bb6c-3725b72784de NEWARK, Del, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global dehydrated vegetable market is projected to grow from USD 88.2 billion in 2025 to USD 192.1 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. Dehydrated vegetables offer a longer shelf life compared to fresh produce, eliminating the need for refrigeration while ensuring convenience for consumers. Their compact storage requirements make them a preferred choice for households and food manufacturers, streamlining inventory management and reducing food waste. Dehydrating vegetables for preservation has two advantages: first, it shrinks the food's size, making storage simple; second, it stops germs from growing, keeping the food safe and preserved for a longer period of time. Foods that have been dehydrated are prepared foods having an extended shelf life. Dehydrated vegetables are therefore quickly becoming a popular choice for snacks. Due to the increased consumer demand, businesses are using technology to manufacture dehydrated vegetables that can be eaten for a longer length of time, which is fueling expansion in the sales of the global market. Get Ahead with Our Report: Request Your Sample Now! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/report-sample#5245502d47422d34313631 In recent years, businesses have been urged to make dehydrated vegetables with particular certifications, claims, and labeling. The worldwide clean label movement is one approach for food and beverage (F&B) makers to develop this trust. The appropriate item labeling goes a long way in securing customer trust in companies. To improve transparency across the food chain, regulations in certain nations demand clean label packaging with unambiguous information on ingredients, source, and processing techniques. Companies are putting more effort into promoting a favorable perception of their goods in the marketplace. Growing Demand for Dehydrated Vegetables in Food & Beverage Industry: Consumers worldwide are gravitating towards nutrient-dense and long-lasting food options, fueling the growth of the dehydrated vegetable industry. Key drivers include: Rising demand for freeze-dried vegetables in soups, sauces, and instant meals. Increasing adoption of dehydrated onion and garlic in processed foods and spice blends. Growth in the organic dehydrated vegetables market, spurred by health-conscious consumers seeking clean-label products. The expansion of foodservice and HoReCa sectors, leading to a higher need for bulk dehydrated vegetable ingredients. Market Trends: Technological Advancements in Vegetable Dehydration Methods Advancements in dehydration technology have played a crucial role in improving the efficiency and quality of the dehydrated food industry trends. Innovations such as freeze-drying, air-drying, and vacuum drying have enhanced the retention of nutritional value in dehydrated vegetables, making them a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers. Companies are investing in state-of-the-art food preservation and dehydration techniques to cater to the rising demand for nutritious, lightweight, and easy-to-store food products. Innovations in drying technologies are enhancing the preservation of nutrients, color, and flavor in dehydrated vegetables. Advanced techniques such as vacuum drying, spray drying, and freeze-drying have revolutionized the industry, enabling longer shelf life without compromising quality. Additionally, sustainable dehydration practices are gaining momentum, as companies explore eco-friendly methods to reduce energy consumption and minimize waste. The dehydrated vegetable supply chain is also undergoing a shift towards ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Rising Demand for Processed and Shelf-Stable Vegetable Products In recent years, the demand for the processed vegetable market growth has surged due to shifting consumer lifestyles and preferences. The increasing reliance on dehydrated vegetables for ready-to-cook meal solutions, instant soups, and snack formulations has propelled market expansion. Furthermore, the growing inclination toward sustainable practices in vegetable dehydration processes has enhanced product quality and extended shelf life, reducing food waste and ensuring availability during off-seasons. Regional Analysis of Dehydrated Vegetable Consumption Trends The global dehydrated vegetable market is experiencing varied consumption patterns across different regions. North America and Europe are witnessing increased adoption of dried vegetable market analysis due to the growing demand for healthy snacking options and the popularity of meal-prep solutions. Meanwhile, in Asia-Pacific, urbanization and the expanding middle-class population are driving the demand for ready-to-cook vegetable products, particularly in countries like China and India. Asia-Pacific & North America Leading the Market Asia-Pacific remains the largest producer and exporter of dehydrated vegetables, with China and India dominating production. These countries benefit from favorable climatic conditions and cost-effective labor, making them key players in the global market. North America and Europe are seeing a surge in demand, particularly for organic and clean-label dehydrated vegetables, as consumers seek healthier alternatives to processed foods. The global dehydrated vegetable market is poised for steady growth, supported by rising consumer demand for healthy and organic food alternatives. Manufacturers are focusing on innovative drying techniques, improved packaging solutions, and sustainable production processes to cater to evolving market needs, - says Nandini Roy Choudhury, Client Partner at Future Market Insights Detailed Market Study: Full Report and Analysis: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/dehydrated-vegetables-market What are the Major Factors Boosting the Dehydrated Vegetables Market? These Vegetables are gaining Traction due to a Longer Shelf Life Given the substantial shift in customer perception of packaged food goods, dehydrated vegetables are growing more and more popular worldwide. The range of nutrient-dense dried items that brands provide in their on-the-go and ready-to-cook selections, snacks, and meals, is continually being expanded. Long-term prospects in the dehydrated vegetable industry are also being created by the expanding need for food items to be preserved for extended periods of time for usage as raw materials in their finished goods. The market for dehydrated vegetables is anticipated to expand as a result of growing fast food chain adoption and increased demand as a primary ingredient in camp food. Dehydrated vegetables' longer shelf life is becoming more widely known by consumers, providing new potential for stakeholders. Urban regions, where busy work schedules leave customers with little free time, are seeing an increase in the popularity of food goods with an extended shelf life. Long-term possibilities are being created by these shifts for organizations in the global dehydrated vegetable sector. Ease of Availability, Transportation, and High Nutrient Value will aid Growth One of the main reasons why people choose to utilize dehydrated vegetables is the rising unpredictability of raw material accessibility, manufacturing, and cost as a result of seasonal fluctuations. The market for dehydrated vegetables is expanding due to the year-round increase in demand for goods prepared using seasonal components. Vegetables may be preserved for a longer amount of time by dehydrating them, which removes moisture from them. It is believed that using this technique will stop vegetables from spoiling. Due to their affordable price and good nutritional value, these dehydrated vegetables have become more popular with customers. These vegetables have 100% of the nutrients of fresh vegetables and keep all of their nutrients while taking up just a little shelf space. Due to this, moving food products from one place to another is made easier for food businesses. The market for dehydrated vegetables is anticipated to expand as a result of this ease of transportation. Get Your Sample Now: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/report-sample#5245502d47422d34313631 Competition Outlook The competition in the global dehydrated vegetable market is intensifying as companies focus on innovation, product diversification, and sustainability to maintain their market positions. Key players are investing in advanced processing technologies to enhance nutritional retention and flavor. For instance Olam International, known for its extensive range of dehydrated vegetables, Olam focuses on sustainability and innovation in processing techniques to enhance product quality. Van Drunen Farms specializes in high-quality dehydrated vegetables and fruits, emphasizing innovative processing methods to retain flavor and nutrients. A global supplier of natural ingredients, Dohler develops a variety of dehydrated vegetable products, focusing on clean-label solutions that appeal to health-conscious consumers. Leading Dehydrated Vegetable Brands Fresno Cooperative Raisin Growers Inc. Olam International Dole Food Company Naturex S.A. Symrise AG Mercer Foods, LLC Chengde Shenli Food Co., Ltd. Vkc Nuts Private Limited Viva Bella Orchards Inc. Kiantama Sun-maid Growers of California Sunshine Raisin Corporation Traina Dried Vegetable Inc. Lion Raisins Inc. Others Explore comprehensive analysis and reports on the fruits and vegetables industry: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/industry-analysis/fruits-and-vegetables Key Segments of the Report By Product Type: This segment is further categorized into Carrot, Onions, Potatoes, Broccoli, Beans, Peas, Cabbage, Mushrooms and Tomatoes. By Form: This segment is further categorized into Minced & Chopped, Powder & Granules, Flakes, Slice & Cubes and Others. By End Use: This segment is further categorized into Food Manufacturers, Foodservice and Retail. By Drying Method: This segment is further categorized into Air Drying, Spray Drying, Freeze Drying, Drum Drying, and Vacuum Drying. By Distribution Channel: This segment is further categorized into Store-based retailing, Hypermarkets/ Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Food and Drink Specialty Stores and Online retail. By Region: Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Central Asia, Balkan and Baltic Countries, Russia & Belarus and the Middle East & Africa. Explore FMIs related ongoing Coverage in Food and Beverage Domain: The global freeze-dried food market is estimated at USD 30.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 55.9 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2034. The freeze-dried pet food market share is estimated to show consistent growth throughout the forecast period, expanding at a CAGR of 5%. The freeze-dried pet food market value is expected to expand from USD 18,250.07 million in 2024 to USD 29,589.7 million by 2034. The Global Dehydrated Meat Product industry is poised to reach a value of USD 1,423 million in 2025, and further expand at a CAGR of 9.3% to reach USD 3,455 million by 2035. The global dehydrated garlic market is estimated to register a jump with a CAGR of 5.70% to reach USD 12.21 billion. The forecasted market size of the subject market by 2024 is USD 7.02 billion. Various driving forces influence the markets growth. The processed fruit and vegetable market currently holds a valuation of USD 74,134.8 million in 2024. With more local and indigenous companies entering the industry, this valuation is ready to jump to USD 107,500.4 million by 2034, registering a CAGR of 3.8%. According to Future Market Insights research, during the projected period, the global dried soup market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9%. The dried soup market value is projected to increase from USD 2.1 billion in 2023 to USD 4.5 billion by 2033. The global Dried Eggs Market size is projected to exhibit astounding growth during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033. According to the research report published by Future Market Insights, the global market is poised to surpass a valuation of USD 2,080 million in 2023. The global dried honey market is projected to be appraised at USD 1,720 million by 2032, up from USD 780 million in 2022, advancing at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2022 to 2032. The dried spices market has reached a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. The market is projected at USD 5,763.5 million in 2022, and is likely to be valued at USD 9,036.5 million by 2032. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Contact Us: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware 19713, USA T: +1-347-918-3531 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube The new center will be a hub for both Roche and Genentech, bringing together expertise in Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism, as well as for data science and AI specialists to drive innovation in drug discovery and development Roche will be the first to join Harvards Enterprise Research Campus in Allston, taking a suite in the first phase of the projects cutting-edge lab space Starting with a lease of 30000 square feet, Roche intends to invest over the coming years into a research and development presence with eventually up to 500 employees Roche has long standing partnerships with Harvard University and others in the region and the center will expand Roches and Genentechs presence in the vibrant Boston healthcare ecosystem Basel, March 7, 2025 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today the launch of the Roche Genentech Innovation Center Boston at Harvards Enterprise Research Campus in Allston which will further strengthen the long-standing partnership in areas such as disease biology, engineering, and artificial intelligence / machine learning. The Roche Genentech Innovation Center Boston will serve as Roches Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM) hub, establishing a significant end-to-end R&D presence in CVRM. It will also support some of Roches and Genentechs efforts in AI and data science to accelerate drug discovery and development. The laboratories will be equipped for advanced research, and over time the center could employ up to 500 people. Manu Chakravarthy, SVP and Global Head of CVRM Product Development, will be the centers site head. With the new center, Roche and Genentech are expanding their presence within the Greater Boston innovation ecosystem, leveraging local talent and anchoring an entrepreneurial hub at Harvards Enterprise Research Campus. This new investment highlights Roche's dedication to advancing healthcare through academic and scientific collaboration and will serve to strengthen an existing relationship between Harvard and Roche that has been in place for well over a decade. These drug discovery efforts have included work to combat antibiotic resistant bacteria as well as the use of AI in cancer research to identify targeted approaches to treatment and to analyse the effectiveness of new cancer drugs in clinical trials. Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker: Our new innovation center builds upon our long-standing collaboration with Harvard and enables us to leverage the exceptional talent in the Boston area. By investing in a new Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism center of excellence, along with data science and AI capabilities at this strategic location, we aim to accelerate Roche`s and Genentech`s research efforts and leverage the Boston innovation ecosystem. Roche has a significant presence in the US and this new center is one of a number of research and manufacturing investments that Roche is making in the US through Genentech and Diagnostics. Alan Garber, President of Harvard University: "In a region grounded in innovation in the sciences and health, when leading biomedical companies and research universities work together, breakthroughs follow. We are delighted that the Roche Genentech Innovation Center will launch the first phase of the Enterprise Research Campus. Building on an already strong and extensive partnership, the new Center will bring new talent and new opportunities to pursue our shared commitment to discovery for the advancement of human health." Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts: "Massachusetts is a global leader in the life sciences in large part because of innovative public-private partnerships like the one that led to the new Roche Genentech Innovation Center Boston at Harvard. I reauthorized our Life Sciences Initiative so that we can continue to support collaborations between leading institutions and companies that spur scientific discovery and create high-quality jobs. Together, we'll continue to grow Massachusetts' economy and help patients across the world." Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston: Roches decision to bring the new Roche Genentech Innovation Center to Allston is a powerful testament to the strength of Boston and Massachusetts as the global hub for life sciences and a major milestone for the Enterprise Research Campus and for this vibrant neighborhood. Our city welcomes expanding companies both homegrown and from across the world as the best place to source talent anywhere in the United States. We are excited for the great jobs and progress this represents for our city. Roche has the entire pharma and diagnostics value chain in the United States with four Genentech sites spanning R&D, production and distribution in its pharmaceutical division and seven sites focused on R&D and manufacturing in Diagnostics. Roche has a significant footprint in the US with more than 25,000 employees, invested USD11 billion in the United States in the last 10 years and we will continue investing in the US going forward. About the Enterprise Research Campus Harvards Enterprise Research Campus, the first phase of which is underway and developed by Tishman Speyer and Breakthrough Properties, has been intentionally designed to foster innovation and collaboration. Located adjacent to Harvards Science and Engineering Complex and near Harvard Business School, the ERC will be a dynamic mixed-use development integrating research and laboratory space, residential buildings, a hotel, conference center, retail units, and a variety of community-centered outdoor spaces. The first phase of construction is expected to be complete in 2026. About Roche Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the worlds largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice. For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roches business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com . All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. Roche Global Media Relations Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com Hans Trees, PhD Phone: +41 79 407 72 58 Sileia Urech Phone: +41 79 935 81 48 Nathalie Altermatt Phone: +41 79 771 05 25 Lorena Corfas Phone: +41 79 568 24 95 Simon Goldsborough Phone: +44 797 32 72 915 Karsten Kleine Phone: +41 79 461 86 83 Nina Mahlitz Phone: +41 79 327 54 74 Kirti Pandey Phone: +49 172 6367262 Yvette Petillon Phone: +41 79 961 92 50 Dr Rebekka Schnell Phone: +41 79 205 27 03 Attachment TALLINN, Estonia, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XRP continues to shine in the current bull market, recently hitting $2.27 and inspiring price targets as high as $66. While such milestones remain contingent on XRP overcoming key resistance levelsand potentially reaching new all-time highsregulatory uncertainty continues to weigh on its broader adoption prospects. The ongoing legal tussle with the U.S. SEC keeps institutional investors on the sidelines, limiting the speed at which Ripples token can solidify its position in mainstream finance. Amid this uncertainty, XRPTurbo ($XRT) is stepping into the spotlight with its AI-focused approach to DeFi on the XRP Ledger. Rather than waiting on regulatory nods, XRPTurbo is building a permissionless environment that harnesses artificial intelligence for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and automated yield strategies. By aligning with XRPs low fees and rapid transaction capabilities, XRPTurbo aims to deliver an ecosystem that can scale more nimblycaptivating both retail traders and whales seeking the next big opportunity. XRPTurbos Edge Over Traditional XRP Projects Unlike many XRP-based projects that depend on banking partnerships and centralized compliance, XRPTurbo fosters a decentralized AI network where agents can automate everything from smart contract executions to data-driven trading. This model lets developers and enterprises deploy use cases that blend AI with the speed of the XRP Ledgerwithout the bottlenecks often faced by institutionally reliant tokens. XRT Presale Surpasses 70% of Softcap Investors are already taking notice: XRPTurbos presale has garnered enough support to surpass 70% of its softcap, demonstrating strong confidence in the platforms vision. The tokens allocated to presale account for 60% of $XRTs total supply, enabling broad distribution and reducing the risk of whales dominating the token supply. Once the presale concludes, $XRT will be airdropped to participants, and the team plans to pursue listings on multiple decentralized exchangesa critical step for driving liquidity. Join Xrpturbo Presale A Vision for Global Blockchain Adoption While Ripples ultimate impact on global finance hinges on regulatory outcomes, XRPTurbo operates with fewer constraints, allowing it to push technological boundaries faster. By offering an AI-ready launchpad, XRPTurbo effectively supports real-world blockchain applicationssuch as on-chain analytics, RWA management, and advanced DeFi utilitiesall underpinned by XRPs tried-and-tested speed. If XRPTurbo sustains its current momentum, it could assert itself as a rival or complement to XRPs quest for mainstream acceptance. With AI integration, permissionless infrastructure, and a thriving presale, XRPTurbo might well capture the spotlight as the next essential component of the XRP ecosystem. Join the AI Revolution on XRP For those intrigued by XRPTurbos approach to AI-driven DeFi, the ongoing presale offers a timely chance to become an early participant. As the crypto landscape evolves, XRPTurbo stands ready to provide the infrastructure, tools, and flexibility needed for XRPs long-envisioned global adoption. Follow Xrpturbo On Socials Website: https://xrpturbo.com Whitepaper: https://xrpturbo.com/whitepaper Telegram: http://t.me/xrpturbocom X (Twitter): https://x.com/xrpturbocom Contact: John Rodi contact@xrpturbo.com Disclaimer: This press release is provided by XRPTurbo. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector--including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining--complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c704a416-ba2b-4929-abcc-48bb34cdf8ab The Management Board of Siauliu Bankas has submitted a draft decision to approve a new version of the Articles of Association of Siauliu Bankas, which, among other things, proposes the change of the bank's name to Artea Bankas, to the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on 31 March 2025. If approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders, the Articles of Association will be deemed to be amended as of the date of registration of the new version in the Register of Legal Entities of Lithuania expected by this summer. "For more than three decades, we have been a trusted financial partner to a large number of Lithuanian businesses and residents. We have grown rapidly both in terms of business volume and competences. The rebranding is a strategic initiative part of the fundamental transformation of the bank that we have announced last year," says Vytautas Sinius, CEO of Siauliu Bankas. Artea, our new brand, reinforces our dedication to the Lithuanian people, their needs, and their goals, aiming to become the top choice for residents and businesses. "As a Lithuanian bank, we are already more accessible, flexible, and expert, enabling us to make decisions faster to better meet the expectations of residents and businesses and to make a more significant contribution to the country's prosperity. Those values remain unchanged. With our new brand we are entering a new stage of a modern bank, while maintaining our Lithuanian identity and our ambition to be closer to every person," says V. Sinius. The name Artea combines elements that convey the bank's vision and commitment. It sounds like Lithuanian word, the modern outlook is expressed through the contemporary form of the word, the graphic elements of the identity and the logo, and the message encoded in the name speaks of the bank's commitment to being closest to its customers. Take a look at the new branding here, please. Siauliu Bankas last year announced its updated strategy to become the best bank in Lithuania by 2029. The bank aims to significantly grow the number of both private and corporate customers and become one of the leaders in customer experience and one of the most loved brands in the Lithuanian financial sector. In addition to the brand refresh, the bank is currently implementing a highly modern cloud-based core banking platform that will provide an even better customer experience and more efficient operations. The new banking platform is scheduled to be rolled out next year. Siauliu Bankas Group currently manages the bank, the asset management company SB Asset Management, the life insurance company SB draudimas and the leasing company SB lizingas. The rebranding will bring all the group's companies together under one brand, Artea. Siauliu Bankas invites shareholders, investors, analysts and all interested parties to a webinar on its rebranding on 18 March 2025 at 9:00 am (EET). The webinar will be held in English. Please register here. If you would like to receive Siauliu Bankas' news for investors directly to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter. Additional information: Tomas Varenbergas Head of Investment Management Division tomas.varenbergas@sb.lt NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF ANY APPLICABLE LAWS OR REGULATIONS, INCLUDING IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FirstFarms - Publication of offer document Constantinsborg A/S publishes offer document regarding voluntary cash offer On 11 February 2025, Constantinsborg A/S (the Offeror) announced its decision to submit a voluntary cash offer for all shares in FirstFarms A/S (FirstFarms) (excluding treasury shares held by FirstFarms and shares already held by the Offeror) at an offer price of DKK 84.00 per share with a nominal value of DKK 10 (the Offer). Reference is made to company announcement no. 2/2025. Pursuant to Section 4 (2) of Danish Executive Order no. 636 of 15 May 2020 on takeover bids (the "Danish Takeover Order") the Offeror has today published its offer document, including acceptance form, which has been approved by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (the Offer Document). For further details about the Offer, reference is made to the Offeror's attached announcement regarding the Offer Document, as well as the Offer Document itself. The Offeror is indirectly owned and controlled by Heartland A/S. The Offer is valid during the offer period starting from today and expires on 7 April 2025, at 11:59 PM (CEST). The offer period may be extended by the Offeror in accordance with Section 9 of the Danish Takeover Order and as described in the Offer Document. Completion of the Offer is subject to certain conditions as described in the Offer Document. Documents related to the Offer, including the Offer Document, acceptance form, and English translations of the documents, are available on FirstFarms' website with certain restrictions: https://www.firstfarms.dk/en/investor-relations/offer-documentation. The announcement regarding the Offer Document will also be sent by e-mail to shareholders registered by name in FirstFarms in accordance with Section 23 of the Danish Takeover Order. Statement from the Board of Directors The Board of Directors of FirstFarms will assess the specific content and terms of the Offer and, in accordance with the Danish Takeover Order, issue a statement containing the Board of Directors' position on the Offer and the reasoning behind. The Board of Directors must also consider the advantages and disadvantages in relation to the Offer and the company's expected development. Additionally, the Board of Directors must describe its position on the consequences of the Offer in relation to the company's interests and the Offeror's strategic plans for the target company, as well as their likely impact on employees and the company's business premises. The Board of Directors' statement is expected to be published after FirstFarms' annual report and no later than within the expiry of the first half of the offer period on 24 March 2025. Lise Kaae is not participating in the preparation of the Board of Directors' statement due to her relation to the Offeror and its ultimate parent company Heartland A/S. When deciding whether to accept the Offer, each shareholder should review the Offer Document and assess all advantages and disadvantages for the individual shareholder and make use of all available information and take due account of personal circumstances. Before making a decision regarding the Offer, shareholders of FirstFarms are also advised to await the publication of FirstFarms' Board of Directors statement and the annual report for 2024. FirstFarms, including the Board of Directors, is assisted by ABG Sundal Collier as financial advisor and Gorrissen Federspiel Advokatpartnerselskab as legal advisor in connection with the Offer. Disclaimer and information to shareholders in restricted jurisdictions The Offer will not constitute an offer, directly or indirectly, to shareholders resident in any jurisdiction where the making of the Offer or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities laws or other laws or regulations of such jurisdiction, including the United States of America. This announcement and any other documents relating to the Offer may not be sent, forwarded or otherwise distributed in any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction. This announcement does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or purchase shares in FirstFarms. The Offer is made solely in the form of the Offer Document prepared and disclosed by the Offeror. The Offer Document contains the complete terms and conditions of the Offer. Shareholders in FirstFarms are encouraged to read the Offer Document and all related documents as they contain important information about the Offer. Each shareholder should inform themselves about applicable laws and possible tax consequences in connection with the Offer and should consult their professional advisers. Best regards, FirstFarms A/S For further information Please visit our website www.firstfarms.com or contact FirstFarms on phone +45 75 86 87 87. About FirstFarms : FirstFarms is a Danish stock exchange listed company. We operate FirstFarms with responsibility for the surrounding communities, and we deliver highest quality which is primarily sold locally. We act on new opportunities, that create value for our investors and for the surroundings. Every day, we work on creating a more sustainable company. Attachments Announcement no. 3-2025 7 March 2025 Preliminary unaudited results for 2024 North Media announces preliminary, unaudited financial results for 2024 with revenue and EBIT falling short of the most recent guidance provided on 5 November 2024. This is solely due to North Media writing down the carrying amount of assets for SDR Svensk Direktreklam with DKK 155 m. Subsequently, tangible assets of approx. DKK 100 m are outstanding for SDR Svensk Direktreklam. The write-down has no effect on liquidity. DKKm 2024* Most recent guidance for 2024 before the sale of Ofir Revenue 1,301.4 1,315 1,340 EBITDA 153.5 140 160 Ordinary depreciation -73.4 - EBIT-, ordinary operation 80.1 65 85 Impairment of SDR Svensk Direktreklam -155.0 - EBIT after impairment -74.9 - *Excluding discontinued activities in Ofir The above figures for revenue and EBIT do not include the figures from Ofir, as Ofirs data activities were sold at the beginning of 2025. Ofirs figures are therefore no longer a part of ordinary operations in the consolidated financial statements. Ofir is presented as discontinued operations. If the columns had been set up including Ofir, revenue would have amounted to DKK 1,333m and EBIT DKK 67m. That is within the previously announced expectations. Impairment of SDR Svensk Direktreklam Traditionally, SDR Svensk Direktreklam signs annual agreements with its customers in the first quarter of the year, and it was assumed that the volume of signed agreements on printed matters for 2025 would be in line with 2024. However, some of SDR Svensk Direktreklams major customers have contracted for a substantially lower-than-assumed volume of printed matter in early 2025. This puts pressure on and drives up the costs of distribution of printed matter in Sweden, entailing a drop in the expected earnings. In addition, the transition to automated packaging has been more expensive than expected. The Group Management (the Board of Directors and the Executive Management) has therefore decided to write down the value of SDR Svensk Direktreklams assets with DKK 155 m. Subsequently SDR Svensk Direktreklam now represents tangible assets of approx. DKK 100 m. The Group Management remains convinced that SDR Svensk Direktreklam will strengthen the groups segment, Last Mile. The expectation is still that SDR Svensk Direktreklam will deliver a positive operating result from 2026. Profit development in 2024 Revenue for 2024 in the Last Mile business area (FK Distribution and SDR Svensk Direktreklam) grew by 49% to DKK 1,168m, driven by the newly acquired SDR Svensk Direktreklam business. Excluding SDR Svensk Direktreklam, revenue was flat. EBITDA declined, as expected, by 5% to DKK 157m, affected by integration costs, increased payroll costs for deliverers and the costs of developing the new technical platform for MineTilbud. EBIT was DKK -55m, affected by the write-down in SDR Svensk Direktreklam. EBIT in FK Distribution was DKK 124m and in SDR Svensk Direktreklam EBIT was DKK -179m. In the Digital Services business area (BoligPortal and Bekey) revenue grew by 3% to DKK 134m, driven by BoligPortal. EBITDA fell by 57% to DKK 9m, impacted by the continued work to establish a solid infrastructure in Bekey and increased capacity costs of developing a single universe in BoligPortal. EBIT amounted to DKK 4m. The Groups consolidated EBIT was affected by increased unallocated costs, primarily related to the acquisition of SDR Svensk Direktreklam. Dividend Based on the financial result in 2024, the Board of Directors has decided that no dividend be paid for 2024. It remains North Medias policy to pay a dividend that reflects earnings from ordinary operations, excluding returns on securities. Guidance for 2025 DKKm 2025 Revenue 1.280 1.337 EBITDA 80 - 115 EBIT 25 - 60 North Media expects revenue to be on a level with 2024. The Last Mile business area is expected to report flat revenue, with a slight setback in FK Distribution due to a large retail customer not having renewed its annual agreement, while SDR Svensk Direktreklam is expected to generate revenue growth driven by insourcing of the invoicing of franchise customers. Digital Services (BoligPortal, MineTilbud and Bekey) are expected to deliver revenue growth, driven by BoligPortal. From 1 January 2025, MineTilbud will be included as an independent company in Digital Services. The lower EBIT is driven by a decreasing EBIT in Last Mile as a result of the decrease in FK Distributions volume and increased transition and integration costs in SDR Svensk Direktreklam. The continued integration of SDR Svensk Direktreklam, including the full implementation of automated packing and other initiatives to improve profitability in the long term are expected to result in a significantly lower EBITDA compared with 2024. The EBIT guidance includes an expected loss on SDR Svensk Direktreklam in the region of DKK -45m, of which DKK 14 m. relates to depreciation on the remaining assets in SDR Svensk Direktreklam. In Digital Services all three companies expect a minor increase in EBIT. Publication of the annual report and detailed guidance for 2025 The work involved in preparing and deciding on a reassessment of the valuation of SDR Svensk Direktreklam has contributed to the Group Management announcing that the annual report for 2024, including a detailed guidance for 2025 is now not expected to be published until 14 March 2025. For further information, please contact: Group CEO Lasse Ingemann Brodt, tel. +45 20 24 32 92 North Media develops and operates platforms for transactions that bring businesses and consumers together. These platforms help consumers find the right products, whether they are looking for groceries, rental housing or digital access management solutions. North Media has two core business areas: Last Mile: FK Distribution and SDR Svensk Direktreklam Svensk Direktreklam are among the leading distributors of leaflets and local newspapers in Denmark and Sweden, respectively. MineTilbud is a leading digital offer platform. Digital Services: Two businesses with the potential for strong growth, rising earnings and scalability: BoligPortal is Denmarks leading home rentals platform, offering services to both landlords and tenants. Bekey provides digital access solutions for secured stairwells and private homes for the use of homecare services and companies delivering parcels, groceries, meal services, etc. Frya, 7 March 2025: Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement made by SalMar ASA (the Company) on 6 March 2025 for the issuance of 1 million new shares in the Company (the Consideration Shares) as partial settlement for the Company acquiring Aker Capital ASs 15 percent ownership stake in SalMar Aker Ocean AS. The share capital increase pertaining to issuance of the Consideration Shares has today been registered with the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises. The Companys new share capital is NOK 33,438,893 divided into 133,755,572 shares, each share with a par value of NOK 0.25. For further information, please contact: Ulrik Steinvik, CFO Tel: +47 900 84 538 Email: ulrik.steinvik@salmar.no Hakon Husby, Head of Investor Relations Tel: +47 936 30 449 Email: hakon.husby@salmar.no About SalMar SalMar is one of the world's largest and most efficient producers of salmon. The Group has farming operations in Central Norway, Northern Norway and Iceland, as well as substantial harvesting and secondary processing operations. In addition, the company is operating within offshore aquaculture through the company SalMar Aker Ocean and SalMar owns 50% of the shares in Scottish Sea Farms Ltd. See www.salmar.no for more information about the company. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements stipulated in section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orion Funded has announced the launch of Orion V2, an update to its proprietary trading program that introduces new funding models, an enhanced trader dashboard, and AI-powered trading tools. The Orion V2 update introduces a revised funding model in which traders pay a portion of the challenge fee at the start of their evaluation and complete the remaining payment upon successful funding. Previously, traders were required to pay the full amount upfront. This adjustment restructures the cost framework for evaluation and funding. Orion Funded was recognized with the Best Challenge Prop Firm Award by Funded Trading, an industry-ranking platform. The award highlights firms that offer evaluation structures designed to align with trader interests. The award details can be found at FundedTrading.com. "Orion V2 is the evolution of our commitment to transparency, and trader success. While most firms follow the same outdated models, we are here to truly change the space, revolutionizing the funding process, reducing conflicts of interest, and giving traders the best opportunity to succeed with the most innovative model in the industry, said David Viota, CEO of Orion Funded. Key Updates in Orion V2 Updated Challenge Funding Model Traders now have the option to pay a portion of the evaluation fee upfront, completing payment upon funding. Traders now have the option to pay a portion of the evaluation fee upfront, completing payment upon funding. Customizable Evaluation Options New add-ons allow traders to adjust evaluation structures. New add-ons allow traders to adjust evaluation structures. Redesigned Trader Dashboard A new interface providing real-time performance tracking and data analysis. A new interface providing real-time performance tracking and data analysis. WebTrader Integration Traders can now access Orion Fundeds platform directly through a web-based trading terminal. Traders can now access Orion Fundeds platform directly through a web-based trading terminal. AI-Powered Trading Tools New analytics and risk management features supported by artificial intelligence. New analytics and risk management features supported by artificial intelligence. Orion University A structured education platform with expanded learning resources. Institutional Trading Pathway Orion Funded continues to offer selected traders the opportunity to engage with Zenith Global, a trading firm managing its own capital, through the Pro & Ultimate Program. This initiative provides a structured pathway for traders who meet specific criteria to transition from proprietary trading to institutional trading roles. "We believe in creating real career opportunities for traders. The best-performing traders should have a pathway to professional, institutional-level trading, and thats exactly what were offering," said David Viota, CEO of Orion Funded. Expansion in the Spanish-Speaking Trading Community Orion Funded has also expanded its presence within the Spanish-speaking trading community, offering live mentorship, educational content, and a dedicated community platform. Additionally, Orion Room, the #1 trading podcast in Spanish, continues to provide traders with insights, interviews, and expert discussions. Orion V2 is now available for traders worldwide. Further details can be found at orionfunded.com. About Orion Funded Orion Funded is a proprietary trading firm that provides traders with access to capital through one-phase, two-phase, and instant funding models. The firm offers a range of funding options, trading analytics, and educational resources designed to support trader development. Contact Chief Executive Officer David Viota Orion Funded david@orionfunded.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b764c18f-174e-4194-8e87-d32dc4d9a6d6 Dublin, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Japan in-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Japan in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market will be worth US$ 7.02 Billion by 2033, up from US$ 4.84 Billion in 2024. The market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.20% between 2025 and 2033. The growth in the market is fueled by factors including improvements in diagnostic technology, an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, and rising healthcare expenditures. In Japan, IVD is of significant importance for the early diagnosis of diseases, particularly cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases. Rising chronic diseases and an aging population boosted the demand for high-technology diagnostics. Japan's healthcare system depends significantly on IVD for precision medicine to enable customized treatment and enhanced patient outcomes. In addition, regulatory developments and AI-based diagnostic innovations further fuel the efficiency and accessibility of IVD testing. The extensive use of IVD in research laboratories, clinics, and hospitals confirms its role in Japan's changing healthcare ecosystem, providing timely and precise medical decision-making. Drivers of Growth in the Japan IVD Market Increasing Chronic Disease Prevalence Japan's growing elderly population has resulted in more chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This has increased the need for sophisticated IVD technology for early detection and monitoring of diseases. Molecular tests and immunoassays are diagnostic devices that assist in the accurate diagnosis of age-related diseases. T he government is also actively encouraging early screening programs in order to curb healthcare expenses. As the incidence of chronic diseases is on the increase, the IVD market in Japan is growing to cater to the increasing demand for efficient, precise, and fast testing technologies within hospitals and diagnostic facilities. Infectious diseases such as HBV, TB, HCV, and HIV, as well as chronic diseases and cancer, are challenges that Japan is facing. The population is aging fast, with approximately 36.23 million individuals aged 65 and above as of September 2023. Advancements in Diagnostic Technologies Japan is a world leader in medical technology innovation, leading IVD advancements. The combination of AI, automation, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) has enhanced the accuracy of diagnostic processes. Digital pathology equipment and automated laboratory systems allow for quicker, more precise diagnoses, minimizing the risk of human error. Point-of-care testing advancements are becoming more portable, especially for rural and remote regions. With ongoing R&D spending, the Japanese IVD market is growing technologically at a fast pace, providing enhanced testing for a range of diseases. Government Initiatives and Healthcare Investments The government of Japan actively encourages the development and implementation of IVD technologies through healthcare policy and funding schemes. Public health programs for early disease detection and precision medicine have boosted demand for diagnostic solutions. Japan's universal healthcare program also guarantees affordability and accessibility of IVD testing, promoting market growth. Private players are worked with by the government to enhance diagnostic research, especially in the field of personalized medicine. Strong regulatory and financial support offers a stable platform for IVD companies to launch new products, hence promoting market growth. Japan's "Health Care 2035" vision has an aim of building a long-term healthcare system that provides exceptional health outcomes based on responsive and fair care. It aims at making Japan the global leader in healthcare with the emphasis on value-based care, empowerment of people, and universal health security. Challenges for the Japan IVD Market Stringent Regulatory Framework The country has strong regulatory policies related to the clearance of medical devices, including the IVD product. The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) maintains stringent assessment processes, which take a longer time to approve new diagnostic technologies. Regulation compliance is difficult, particularly for international companies new to the market. These tight policies are apt to hamper innovation and make advanced diagnostic instruments unavailable. A lot of time and resources must be dedicated by companies to learn Japan's regulations, making market entry and expansion difficult. High Expenses of Advanced Diagnostic Tests Although Japan boasts a strong healthcare system, advanced IVD tests are expensive, making them inaccessible to certain patients. Sophisticated molecular diagnostics, genetic testing, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) demand high-cost equipment and reagents. Most hospitals and clinics are reluctant to invest in high-cost diagnostic equipment due to financial constraints. Moreover, reimbursement schemes do not always pay for these tests in full, which means they are not as accessible to the general population. The exorbitant price of sophisticated diagnostics is still one of the most important market growth obstacles in Japan. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $4.84 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $7.02 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.2% Regions Covered Japan Company Analysis: Overview, Key Person, Recent Development, Revenue Abbott Laboratories Danaher Corporation Biomerieux Roche Diagnostics Becton Sysmex Corporation Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Thermofisher Scientific Inc. Japan IVD Market Segments Test Type Clinical Chemistry Molecular Diagnostics Immuno Diagnostics Haematology Other Types Product Instrument Reagent Others Usability Disposable IVD Devices Reusable IVD Devices Application Infectious Disease Diabetes Cancer/Oncology Cardiology Autoimmune Disease Nephrology Other Applications End Users Diagnostic Laboratories Hospitals & Clinics Other End Users For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/siokrq 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 CINCINNATI, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Did You Know National Tartar Sauce Day celebrated this year on Friday, March 7, 2025 was founded in Cincinnati eight years ago to celebrate the Frischs Big Boys famous fish sandwich made with two sustainably sourced Alaskan cod filets and the famous Frisch's Original Tartar Sauce. On Friday nights during Lent starting March 7, families can enjoy Fish N Chips, Alaskan Cod Sandwich with the famous Frischs Original Tartar Sauce and more. Frischs has many other meatless options that guests love this time of year like Vegetable Soup, Grilled Cheese, Mac and Cheese. Friday Night Fish Fry during Lent includes unlimited seafood bar with soup, salad and sides all for $14.99. Friday Night Fish Fry is available at these locations: West Chester, West Hamilton, Springfield, Liberty/Fairfield, Poplar Level, Kyles Lane, Capitol Plaza, Eastgate, Georgetown, Richmond, IN, W. Springfield, Sidney and Madison. Factoids about Frischs Original Tartar Sauce Did you know: In the past year, Frischs Big Boy has. Used nearly 125,000 gallons of tartar sauce Sold more than 60,000 jars of tartar sauce Offered guests more than 7 million tartar sauce packets Frischs Big Boy offers 31 locations, which are locally owned and operated with the following hours: Hartwell, 8383 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45216 | Dining Room: 7 am-9 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm 8383 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45216 | Dining Room: 7 am-9 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm Springfield, 2201 E. Main St., Springfield, OH 45503 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm 2201 E. Main St., Springfield, OH 45503 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm Liberty/Fairfield, 5570 Liberty Fairfield Rd, Hamilton, OH, 45011 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm 5570 Liberty Fairfield Rd, Hamilton, OH, 45011 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm Poplar Level, 1710 Lincoln Ave., Louisville, KY, 40213 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm 1710 Lincoln Ave., Louisville, KY, 40213 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm Bellevue, 100 Landmark Dr., Bellevue, KY, 41073 | Dining Room: 7 am-9 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm 100 Landmark Dr., Bellevue, KY, 41073 | Dining Room: 7 am-9 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm Kyles Lane, 20 Kyles Lane, Covington, KY, 41011 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm 20 Kyles Lane, Covington, KY, 41011 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm Hamilton Avenue, 11122 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45231 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm 11122 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45231 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm Capitol Plaza, 1302 US Highway 127 South, Frankfort, KY, 40601 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm 1302 US Highway 127 South, Frankfort, KY, 40601 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm Eastgate, 4462 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati, OH, 45245 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -11 pm 4462 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati, OH, 45245 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -11 pm Georgetown, 460 Connector Rd., Georgetown, KY, 40324 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm 460 Connector Rd., Georgetown, KY, 40324 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm Richmond, IN, 3704 National Rd, East, Richmond, IN, 47374 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm 3704 National Rd, East, Richmond, IN, 47374 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm Highland Heights, 2611 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, KY, 41076 | Dining Room: 7 am- 10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm 2611 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, KY, 41076 | Dining Room: 7 am- 10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm Sidney, 2120 W. Michigan St., Sidney, OH, 45365 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm 2120 W. Michigan St., Sidney, OH, 45365 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm Madison, 460 Clifty Drive, Madison, IN, 47250 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm 460 Clifty Drive, Madison, IN, 47250 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm West Chester, 8545 Cinti-Dayton Rd., West Chester, OH, 45069 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm 8545 Cinti-Dayton Rd., West Chester, OH, 45069 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm West Hamilton, 1255 Main St., Hamilton, OH, 45013 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm 1255 Main St., Hamilton, OH, 45013 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm Chillicothe, 831 N. Bridge St., Chillicothe, OH 45601 | Dining Room: 7 am-8 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-8 pm 831 N. Bridge St., Chillicothe, OH 45601 | Dining Room: 7 am-8 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-8 pm Somerset, 2871 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501 | Dining Room M-T: 7 am- 9 pm F-S: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm 2871 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501 | Dining Room M-T: 7 am- 9 pm F-S: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am -10 pm London, 2001 KY-192, London, KY 40741 | Dining Room: 7 am-9 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-9 pm 2001 KY-192, London, KY 40741 | Dining Room: 7 am-9 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-9 pm West Union, 11157 State Route 41 South, West Union, OH 45693 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm 11157 State Route 41 South, West Union, OH 45693 | Dining Room: 7 am-10 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-10 pm Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, 3087 Terminal Dr, Hebron, KY,41048 | Dining Room: 4:30 am-8:30 pm 3087 Terminal Dr, Hebron, KY,41048 | Dining Room: 4:30 am-8:30 pm Ironton, 301 South Ninth Street, Ironton, OH 45638 | Dining Room: 7 am-8 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-8 pm 301 South Ninth Street, Ironton, OH 45638 | Dining Room: 7 am-8 pm | Drive Thru: 7 am-8 pm Anderson, IN, 500 Broadway St., Anderson, IN, 46012 | Dining Room: 8 am-9 pm | Drive Thru: 8 am 9 pm 500 Broadway St., Anderson, IN, 46012 | Dining Room: 8 am-9 pm | Drive Thru: 8 am 9 pm Maumee, 1405 S. Reynolds Rd., Maumee, OH 43537 | Hours: 7 am-11 pm 1405 S. Reynolds Rd., Maumee, OH 43537 | Hours: 7 am-11 pm Northwood, 2669 Woodville Rd., Northwood, OH 43619 |Hours: M-T: 7:00 am-3:00 pm W-S: 7 am-8 pm 2669 Woodville Rd., Northwood, OH 43619 |Hours: M-T: 7:00 am-3:00 pm W-S: 7 am-8 pm Bowling Green, 1006 N. Main St., Bowling Green, OH 43402 | Hours: 7 am-8 pm 1006 N. Main St., Bowling Green, OH 43402 | Hours: 7 am-8 pm Toledo, 925 W. Alexis Rd., Toledo, OH 43612 | Hours: 7 am-11 pm 925 W. Alexis Rd., Toledo, OH 43612 | Hours: 7 am-11 pm Defiance, 1830 N. Clinton St., Defiance, OH 43512 | Hours: S-T: 7:00 am-3:00 pm Fri & Sat: 7 am-8 pm 1830 N. Clinton St., Defiance, OH 43512 | Hours: S-T: 7:00 am-3:00 pm Fri & Sat: 7 am-8 pm Fremont, 2322 W. State St., Fremont, OH 43420 | Hours: 7 am-9 pm 2322 W. State St., Fremont, OH 43420 | Hours: 7 am-9 pm Tiffin, 800 W. Market St., Tiffin, OH 44883 | Hours: S-T: 7:00 am 9:00 pm Fri & Sat: 7 am-10 pm 800 W. Market St., Tiffin, OH 44883 | Hours: S-T: 7:00 am 9:00 pm Fri & Sat: 7 am-10 pm Port Clinton, 1707 E. Perry St., Port Clinton, OH 43452 | Hours: 8:00 am 8:00 pm Media Contact: Jackie Reau, Game Day (513) 708-5822 | jreau@gamedaypr.com Dublin, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India AI in Medical Diagnostics Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The India AI in Medical Diagnostics Market was valued at USD 12.87 Million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 44.87 Million by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 23.10%. The AI in Medical Diagnostics Market in India is witnessing rapid growth, driven by an increasing demand for early and accurate disease detection, a rising burden of chronic illnesses, and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals. With a growing reliance on AI-powered radiology, pathology, and predictive analytics, hospitals and diagnostic centers are integrating AI solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce turnaround times. The market is further fueled by government initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and National Digital Health Mission (NDHM), which promote healthcare digitization and AI adoption. India's thriving health-tech startup ecosystem, led by companies such as Qure.ai, Niramai, and Predible Health, is accelerating innovation in AI-based diagnostic imaging and automation. The Southern region, particularly Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad, dominates the market due to its strong IT infrastructure, top-tier hospitals, and AI research facilities. However, challenges persist, including high costs of AI implementation, lack of standardization in AI regulations, and concerns over data privacy and patient confidentiality. Moreover, the limited AI adoption in rural healthcare facilities poses a barrier to widespread deployment. Despite these challenges, the increasing availability of cloud-based AI solutions, growing telemedicine adoption, and ongoing regulatory developments are expected to drive further expansion of AI in medical diagnostics across India. Key Market Drivers Rising Healthcare Demand and Disease Burden India's healthcare system is under immense pressure due to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, an aging population, and an increasing demand for early diagnostics. As life expectancy improves, the number of elderly individuals requiring medical attention is growing significantly. According to estimates, the global population aged 60 and above is projected to reach around 2.1 billion by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for advanced and efficient diagnostic solutions. In India, the Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI) 2023 revealed that 21% of the elderly population suffers from at least one chronic condition, with urban areas facing a higher prevalence (29%) compared to rural areas (17%). This demographic shift is fueling the demand for AI-driven diagnostics to enhance early disease detection and management. The burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and cancer is escalating at an alarming rate, necessitating rapid advancements in medical diagnostics. A 2024 study published in The Lancet found that out of the 82.8 crore diabetics worldwide, India accounts for over a quarter (21.2 crore), making it the largest diabetic population globally. The increasing diabetic population requires continuous monitoring and early detection of complications, areas where AI-based diagnostics, particularly in ophthalmology and nephrology, are proving invaluable. Similarly, the growing incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) poses a major healthcare challenge, with heart attacks and strokes accounting for over 80% of CVD-related deaths globally. India bears the greatest burden of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and myocardial infarction, with cases surging 138% from 1990. AI-powered diagnostic tools in cardiology, such as ECG interpretation and cardiac imaging analysis, are becoming crucial in early risk assessment and timely intervention. With India witnessing a rising disease burden coupled with a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, AI-driven diagnostic solutions are emerging as a transformative force. By reducing diagnostic turnaround times, increasing accuracy, and enabling remote healthcare access, AI is playing a pivotal role in addressing the growing healthcare demand and disease burden, particularly in urban centers where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are more prevalent. However, challenges such as limited AI adoption in rural areas and high implementation costs need to be addressed to ensure equitable access to advanced diagnostics across the country. Shortage of Skilled Healthcare Professionals India is grappling with a severe shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, which is significantly impacting the efficiency and accessibility of medical diagnostics. The country has an insufficient doctor-to-patient and radiologist-to-population ratio, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India has one doctor for every 1,511 people, falling short of the WHO-recommended 1:1,000 doctor-patient ratio. The situation is even more critical in specialized fields like radiology, pathology, and cardiology, where the number of trained professionals is inadequate to meet the growing healthcare demand. The Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) estimates that India has only about 15,000 radiologists for a population exceeding 1.4 billion, creating a massive diagnostic bottleneck, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The shortage of skilled professionals is particularly concerning in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where access to trained specialists remains limited. Many smaller hospitals and diagnostic centers lack the expertise needed to interpret complex medical imaging, resulting in delayed or inaccurate diagnoses. AI-powered diagnostic solutions are emerging as a game-changer in bridging this gap by automating image interpretation, analyzing large volumes of patient data, and assisting doctors in clinical decision-making. For instance, AI-based radiology software can rapidly detect abnormalities in X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, significantly reducing the dependency on highly specialized professionals. The rising burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and cancer has increased the demand for diagnostics, further straining the existing workforce. AI-driven pathology solutions can enhance efficiency in cancer detection, blood sample analysis, and genetic testing, thereby easing the workload on medical professionals. Moreover, AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants are enhancing primary healthcare accessibility by providing initial assessments, reducing the burden on doctors, and enabling early intervention. While AI-based diagnostics are helping mitigate the healthcare workforce shortage, challenges such as lack of AI-trained personnel, resistance to technology adoption, and high implementation costs still exist. However, government initiatives, private investments, and AI-focused training programs are expected to drive adoption, ensuring that AI bridges the healthcare skills gap and enhances diagnostic efficiency across India. Key Market Challenges Data Privacy and Security Concerns One of the biggest challenges in India's AI in medical diagnostics market is ensuring data privacy and security. AI-driven diagnostics rely heavily on patient data, including medical records, imaging scans, genetic information, and real-time health monitoring, making data protection a critical concern. The healthcare industry in India is still in the early stages of implementing robust data protection regulations, and the absence of a comprehensive legal framework raises concerns about unauthorized access, data breaches, and misuse of sensitive medical information. With the increasing adoption of cloud-based AI solutions for diagnostics, patient data is often stored and processed on third-party servers, which can pose risks if stringent encryption and cybersecurity measures are not in place. A major concern is the potential for cyberattacks on healthcare databases, which could lead to the theft of sensitive patient records. India has witnessed a rise in cyberattacks on healthcare institutions, with over 1.9 million cyberattacks on the healthcare sector reported in 2022 alone, highlighting the urgent need for better data protection mechanisms. Another critical issue is patient consent and data ownership. Many AI-powered diagnostic tools collect, analyze, and learn from patient data to improve accuracy, but concerns arise regarding who owns this data and how it is used. Patients often lack clarity on how their medical information is shared, stored, or utilized for AI training models, raising ethical and legal concerns. The introduction of India's Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, aims to strengthen data security measures, but its implementation in the healthcare sector remains a work in progress. Moreover, lack of standardization in AI regulations across hospitals, diagnostic centers, and research institutions adds complexity to ensuring data security and interoperability. Without clear guidelines on AI integration and data protection, hospitals and AI developers face difficulties in complying with multiple regulations, potentially slowing AI adoption. Key Market Trends Technological Advancements and Startups India's AI in medical diagnostics market is witnessing a surge in technological advancements and startup innovations, revolutionizing healthcare delivery. With rapid developments in machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and computer vision, AI-powered diagnostic tools are becoming more sophisticated, offering faster, more accurate, and cost-effective solutions for disease detection and treatment planning. Startups are playing a pivotal role in pioneering AI-driven innovations, addressing critical challenges such as early disease detection, automation of diagnostic processes, and healthcare accessibility in remote areas. Leading Indian startups like Qure.ai, Niramai, Predible Health, and Tricog Health are making significant strides in AI diagnostics. Qure.ai, for instance, has developed AI-powered chest X-ray and CT scan interpretation tools, aiding in the early detection of tuberculosis, lung diseases, and neurological disorders. Similarly, Niramai has introduced a non-invasive, AI-based breast cancer screening solution using thermal imaging, making early cancer detection more accessible, especially for women in rural India. Tricog Health leverages AI for real-time cardiac diagnostics, enabling quick interpretation of ECGs and identifying heart diseases at an early stage. The market is also benefiting from advancements in AI-driven pathology, genomics, and precision medicine. AI-powered digital pathology platforms are enhancing cancer detection by automating histopathology slide analysis, reducing the dependency on specialized pathologists. AI is revolutionizing genomics by identifying genetic risk factors for diseases, aiding in personalized medicine and targeted therapies. The rise of cloud-based AI solutions and telemedicine integration is further transforming diagnostics, enabling real-time AI-assisted consultations and remote patient monitoring. Key Players Profiled in India's AI in Medical Diagnostics Market Microsoft Corporation GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. Koninklijke Philips N.V. Intel Corporation Google LLC NVIDIA Corporation Digital Diagnostics Inc. Report Scope By Component Software Hardware Services By Diagnosis Type Cardiology Oncology Pathology Radiology Chest and Lung Neurology Others By Region East India West India North India South India Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 85 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $12.87 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $44.87 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 23.1% Regions Covered India For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vpdck4 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 HANGZHOU, China and LONDON, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MindRank, a clinical stage artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered drug discovery company, announces today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the company's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for MRANK-106, a first-in-class, orally available dual inhibitor of WEE1 and YES1 kinases, for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. Based on extensive preclinical studies, MRANK-106 is differentiated from other WEE1 inhibitors in development by its: Dual targeting of WEE1 and YES1 kinases, providing synergistic anti-tumor effects Superior efficacy as a single agent and in combination therapies across various cancer models Preferential distribution in tissues and tumors over plasma (10- to 120-fold selectivity), reducing WEE1 on-target hematotoxicity over plasma (10- to 120-fold selectivity), reducing WEE1 on-target hematotoxicity Improved safety window compared to single-target WEE1 inhibitors The Phase I clinical trial, set to launch in 2025, will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of MRANK-106 in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Powered by MindRank's cutting-edge AI-driven drug discovery platform, Molecule Pro, and its proprietary knowledge graph platform, PharmKG, the company has rapidly advanced MRANK-106 from preclinical candidate confirmation (PCC) to IND clearance. As MindRank's first officially nominated First-in-Class candidate, MRANK-106 marks a significant milestone in the company's pursuit of breakthrough therapies. "The FDA IND clearance of MRANK-106 is a significant milestone for MindRank and validates the potential of our AI-driven approach to drug discovery. As the company's second clinical-stage pipeline following our GLP-1 program, MRANK-106 demonstrates the versatility and reproducibility of our Molecule Pro platform in designing innovative therapies for undruggable targets," commented Dr. Zhangming Niu, Founder and CEO of MindRank. "By simultaneously targeting WEE1 and YES1 kinases, MRANK-106 has demonstrated remarkable preclinical efficacy in multiple hard-to-treat cancers with limited treatment options. We look forward to evaluating its potential in patients." About MRANK-106 MRANK-106 is a novel, orally available dual inhibitor of WEE1 and YES1 kinases discovered using MindRank's proprietary AI platforms. MRANK-106 has demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity, favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) profile, and good safety characteristics. The compound overcomes limitations of single-target DNA damage repair inhibitors by synergistically targeting two key proteins involved in DNA damage response and cancer cell proliferation. Preclinical data demonstrate strong efficacy in pancreatic cancer, small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer models. MRANK-106's superior preclinical efficacy and safety profiles indicate its best-in-class potential for multiple cancer indications with large unmet medical needs. About MindRank MindRank is an artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered drug discovery company. By leveraging its proprietary AI platforms (PharmKG, Molecule Dance and Molecule Pro), the company aims to significantly accelerate the drug discovery process and deliver small molecule medicines with differentiations and clinical benefits. Leading asset MDR-001, an AI-designed oral GLP-1RA small molecule, has advanced to a phase 2b clinical study. For more information, visit www.mindrank.ai. For BD inquiries, contact colin@mindrank.ai. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a97eb69-252e-47a4-b868-8b2626e4db16 On the afternoon of March 6, during a press conference held by the Anhui Provincial Government Information Office, the province released the "Third Batch of Innovative Practice Cases for Deepening Integrated Development in the Yangtze River Delta," featuring a total of 40 cases. It is understood that in 2021 and 2023, Anhui released two batches of 60 innovative practice cases for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. Among these, 27 cases, including promoting paired cooperation between Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang to support cities in northern Anhui and the cooperation model established by China-Singapore Su-Chu (Chuzhou) for Yangtze River Delta industrial parks, were selected as typical cases for national integrated development in the Yangtze River Delta. In this third batch of innovative practice case evaluations, over 150 cases were reported from across the province. Through extensive collection, initial classification and review, third-party assessment, and online publicity, 40 cases were selected. These include 10 "best" cases and 30 outstanding cases, covering seven areas: scientific and technological innovation industries, infrastructure, ecological protection, public services, high-level opening-up, regional coordination, and institutional mechanisms. The selected cases involve multiple levels and stakeholders, including provincial, municipal, county (district) governments, and enterprises, forming a set of replicable and promotable "Anhui experiences." Source: anhuinews.com Dublin, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Microneedles for Drug Delivery Patent Landscape Report and Forecast 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The microneedles drug delivery system represents a transformative advancement in the pharmaceutical industry, offering a minimally invasive solution for administering medications. This innovative technology ensures painless penetration of the skin's outer barrier, delivering drugs directly into dermal layers. As chronic ailments become more prevalent and the demand for patient-friendly drug delivery methods increases, the significance of microneedles in the global healthcare market is becoming increasingly recognized. Advancements and Key Market Drivers New research highlights the rapid growth of the microneedles drug delivery market, driven by a surge in patent filings, novel fabrication technologies, and AI integration. Innovations in biocompatible materials and precision techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting are enhancing microneedle system performance, bringing forth a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2024 to 2032. These systematic enhancements position the technology as pivotal in addressing current medical administration challenges, improving patient welfare, and propelling market growth. Patent Landscape and Regional Analysis A detailed analysis of global patent filings reveals the United States leading with a vast number of patents, attributing to substantial research funding and a supportive regulatory framework. Europe and Asia are also actively contributing to the landscape with their respective strengths in innovative collaborations and technology integration. Renowned for its comprehensive patent analysis, this report uncovers advancements in microneedle technology, providing insights into the material science breakthroughs, inventive fabrication processes, and the increased precision of targeted drug delivery systems. Impact of Patent Filings on Healthcare Delivery The world of healthcare stands at the brink of a paradigm shift with the increasing use of microneedles for drug delivery. Patents are playing a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of this novel approach by ensuring effective, efficient, and patient-compliant methodologies. As stakeholders in the healthcare sector look for ways to improve therapeutic outcomes and patient experience, microneedle drug delivery systems shine as a beacon of innovation and potential. Forecast and Implications for Industry Progress The expansion of the microneedles drug delivery market promises to be a key contributor to enhancing the medical administration landscape. Stakeholders can expect to navigate through a rich patent terrain filled with opportunities for cutting-edge innovation, improved patient care, and strategic growth. The continuous advancements and strategic developments within this sector underscore the critical role of microneedles in transforming drug delivery modalities into the next decade and beyond. In adherence to professional standards, this press release maintains a corporate, neutral tone, and refrains from promotional language. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $3.3 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $5.7 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.2% Regions Covered Global Companies Featured Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company Becton, Dickinson and Company Zosano Pharma Corporation Raphas Co. Ltd. NanoPass Technologies Ltd. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/q9yvlu 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 Mahe, Seychelles , March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BitMart, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is thrilled to introduce the all-new VIP Elite Channel, designed to provide traders with an unparalleled crypto trading experience. By meeting any of the eligibility criteria, users can quickly unlock high-level VIP benefits, enjoy exclusive services, and enhance their trading journey! Event Duration Starting March 8, 2025, VIP experience cards will be available for a limited-time free giveaway! How to Participate To apply for a VIP Experience Card, simply follow these steps: Click to Apply Submit any of the following task screenshots: A 30-day spot trading volume screenshot screenshot Proof of VIP membership from another exchange Enjoy VIP+1 Perks If you provide proof of VIP membership from another exchange, BitMart will grant you an upgraded 28-day VIP+1 experience! Alternative Submission You can also email vip.support@bitmart.com to submit relevant materials and fast-track your VIP experience application. Example Submit a 30-day spot trading volume screenshot from BitMart between 700,000 USDT and 1,000,000 USDT , and receive a VIP1 28-day experience card ! from BitMart between , and receive a ! After the experience period, if you become a formal VIP, you will unlock VIP welcome gifts. Contact vip.support@bitmart.com to redeem them! Terms and Conditions This event is exclusive to non-VIP users . Existing VIP users are not eligible. . Existing VIP users are not eligible. Eligible users will receive their VIP experience cards within 7 business days . . Any malicious activity , including multiple account creation or fraudulent actions, will result in disqualification . , including multiple account creation or fraudulent actions, will result in . BitMart reserves the right to interpret the events terms and conditions, including modifying, changing, or canceling the event without prior notice. For any inquiries, please contact our VIP support team at vip.support@bitmart.com. About BitMart BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in cryptos potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. To learn more about BitMart, visit their Website , follow their X (Twitter) , or join their Telegram for updates, news, and promotions. Download BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere. Disclaimer: Use of BitMart services is entirely at your own risk. All crypto investments, including earnings, are highly speculative in nature and involve substantial risk of loss. Past, hypothetical, or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The value of digital currencies can go up or down and there can be a substantial risk in buying, selling, holding, or trading digital currencies. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital currencies is suitable for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. BitMart does not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice. Orem, Utah, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Officials from the United Nations recently announced that Utah Valley University (UVU) has received a UNESCO Chair designation. The chair will focus on using artificial intelligence to improve education, environmental stewardship, and sustainability starting with countries in Africa and South America. UNESCO Chair designations have only been given to approximately 30 universities in the U.S. It gives UVU membership in a global network of educational and governmental institutions that share research, best practices and host international events to develop solutions to pressing global issues through education, science, technology. This designation is a prestigious recognition that highlights UVUs commitment to tackling global challenges through education, research, and international collaboration, said Baldomero Lago, chief international officer at UVU. It will give our students and faculty hands-on experience globally, where our research, teaching, and service will make positive differences in peoples lives around the world. UVU will initially focus its efforts on countries in what UNESCO calls the Global South countries in Africa, Latin America. Selected UVU faculty and students will mentor school leaders in these areas by harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to create tailored educational programs that address the unique needs of students. The university plans to create at least five new global partnerships in the next four years, offering student and faculty exchange programs in different countries. These partnerships will not only enhance the educational experience but encourage intercultural dialogue, allowing both students and teachers to learn from one another. UVUs UNESCO Chair leaders will also train UVU faculty on the research, curriculum, and information that comes out of the program, which will help equip them to teach updated curriculums using AI technology. This designation signals that Utah Valley University is at the forefront of tackling some of the worlds most important challenges and is contributing to global efforts to build a more sustainable and inclusive future, said Lago. The projects expected outcomes ranging from increased academic performance to enhanced intercultural understanding and the promotion of sustainability will not only benefit students and educators at UVU but also have a lasting impact on global education systems. Nine of the 30 U.S. universities that have this designation include Harvard University, Columbia University, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Michigan, Stanford University, New York University (NYU), and University of Colorado Boulder. For more information about UVUs UNESCO Chair Program, call 801-863-7301. Attachments LOS ANGELES, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Twenty-five Pacific Palisades fire victims have filed an inverse condemnation lawsuit today in the Los Angeles Superior Court against the City of Los Angeles and the embattled Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) for the failure to maintain an adequate water supply and fire hydrant system. The Palisades Fire has caused untold devastation, destroying my clients homes, businesses, and all or most of their personal property. LADWP and the City of Los Angeles had a duty to properly construct, inspect, maintain and operate its water supply system. The system necessarily failed, and this failure was a substantial factor in causing my clients to suffer catastrophic losses, stated Peter McNulty of the McNulty Law Firm, attorney for the fire victims. The suit states that the City of Los Angeles and LADWPs facilities, reservoir, water supply system, hydrants, infrastructure and other public improvements, as deliberately designed and constructed, presented an inherent danger and risk of fire to private property, and points out that the Santa Ynez Reservoir, the reservoir that services Pacific Palisades, was completely offline and emptied before the fires erupted in the area, leaving fire crews little-to-no water to fight the Palisades Fire. McNulty added, As The New York Times put it, the Palisades Fire expose[d] a web of governments, weak by design. The Palisades Fire was an inescapable and unavoidable consequence of the water supply system servicing areas in and around Pacific Palisades as it was horribly planned, constructed, and maintained. Other Pacific Palisades Fire victims are welcome to contact the McNulty Law Firm directly at 1-213-329-4222. Vista Gold Corp. (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) announced today the publication of its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") Report. The ESG Report provides transparency and outlines progress on the Company's ESG performance in 2024. It also defines the Company's ESG goals and key initiatives for the coming year. Frederick H. Earnest, President and CEO of Vista, commented, "I am pleased to announce the release of our 2024 ESG Report, sharing insights into our progress and outlining our vision for the future. We recognize the importance of conducting our business in a responsible and sustainable manner. We are committed to continuously aligning our business practices with current and emerging ESG principles to drive long-term success and create a positive impact through our operations." Vista's 2024 ESG Report is available on the Company's website at www.vistagold.com. About Vista Gold Corp. Vista holds the Mt Todd gold project, a ready-to-build development-stage gold deposit located in the Tier-1 mining jurisdiction of Northern Territory, Australia. Vista is positioning Mt Todd as a leading development opportunity within the gold sector. Mt Todd offers significant scale, development optionality, growth opportunities, advanced local infrastructure, community support, and demonstrated economic feasibility. All major environmental and operating permits necessary to initiate development of Mt Todd are in place. Vista's strategy is to advance Mt Todd in ways that efficiently position the project for development while exercising the discipline necessary to best realize value at the right time. Vista believes its strategy of advancing Mt Todd in this manner will deliver a more fully valued project to its shareholders. For further information about Vista or Mt Todd, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185 or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our belief that the 2024 ESG Report provides transparency and outlines progress on the Company's ESG performance in 2024; the Company is committed to continuously aligning its business practices with current and emerging ESG principles to drive long-term success and create a positive impact through its operations; the Company's belief that Mt Todd is a ready-to-build development-stage gold deposit and that the Northern Territory, Australia is a Tier-1 jurisdiction; the Company's belief that Mt Todd offers significant scale, development optionality, growth opportunities, advanced local infrastructure, community support, and demonstrated economic feasibility; statements related to Vista's strategy, including Vista's strategy is to advance Mt Todd in ways that efficiently position the project for development; and Vista's belief that its strategy of advancing Mt Todd in this matter will deliver a more fully valued project to its shareholders. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this news release include the following: the Company's forecasts and expected cash flows; the Company's projected capital and operating costs; the Company's expectations regarding mining and metallurgical recoveries; mine life and production rates; that laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities will remain consistent; the Company's approved business plans, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments; preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on the Company's projects, if any; the Company's experience with regulators; political and social support of the mining industry in Australia; the Company's experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and the Company's expectations of economic conditions and the price of gold. When used in this news release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These 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 such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on the Company's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in February 2025, and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250306009416/en/ Contact Pamela Solly Vice President of Investor Relations (720) 981-1185 Dynacor Group Inc. (TSX: DNG) (Dynacor or the "Corporation"), is pleased to announce that it will hold its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") on June 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM EDT. The shareholder meeting is being announced in response to the January 31, 2025 press release which stated that Dynacor has received a formal request from iolite Partners Ltd ("iolite") to requisition a meeting. Dynacor's Board of Directors has reviewed the requisition, receiving advice from professional advisors, and has determined it is in the best interests of the shareholders and the Corporation to hold only one shareholder meeting allowing the requisitioner to propose their nominee at the AGM. This avoids the cost of holding both a special and annual meeting in extremely close proximity to each other and notably when the requisition can be addressed at the Annual Meeting. Earlier today, iolite announced it has called a meeting for April 9, 2025. This meeting has been improperly called, and Dynacor wishes to advise shareholders that these items will be addressed at the June 17, 2025 AGM. Further details on the AGM will be given at a later date in the Notice of Meeting. About Dynacor Dynacor Group is an industrial ore processing company dedicated to producing gold sourced from artisanal miners. Since its establishment in 1996, Dynacor has pioneered a responsible mineral supply chain with stringent traceability and audit standards for the fast-growing artisanal mining industry. By focusing on fully and part-formalized miners, the Canadian company offers a win-win approach for governments and miners globally. Dynacor operates the Veta Dorada plant and owns a gold exploration property in Peru. The Corporation plans to expand to West Africa and within Latin America. The premium paid by luxury jewellers for Dynacor's PX Impact gold goes to Fidamar Foundation, an NGO that mainly invests in health and education projects for artisanal mining communities in Peru. Visit www.dynacor.com for more information. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in the preceding may constitute forward-looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Dynacor, or industry results, to be materially different from any future result, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current expectations regarding future events and operating performance as of the date of this news release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250306673171/en/ Contact For more information, please contact: Ruth Hanna Director, Investor Relations T: 514-393-9000 #236 E: investors@dynacor.com Website: http://www.dynacor.com TORONTO, March 06, 2025 - BE Resources Inc. (TSX-V: BER.H) ("BE Resources" or the "Company") announces that the Company intends to settle C$374,168.64 of debt owed to certain creditors of the Company in consideration for the issuance of 5,756,436 common shares of the Company (the "Shares") at a deemed price of C$0.065 per Share (the "Debt Settlement"). The closing of the Debt Settlement is expected to occur immediately following approval from TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). The Company expects that the proposed Debt Settlement will assist the Company in preserving its cash for working capital. Any securities issued in connection with the Debt Settlement will be issued in reliance on certain prospectus and registration exemptions under applicable securities legislation and will be subject to a hold period of four months and a day. Closing of the Debt Settlement is subject to certain conditions and the receipt of all regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV. Under the proposed Debt Settlement, 4,325,064 Shares will be issued to companies that Carmelo Marrelli, the Company's CEO, exercises control and direction over (the "Insider Issuance"). The Insider Issuance will be considered a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely upon Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the formal valuation requirement of MI 61-101, as the securities of the Company are not listed or quoted on a specified market, and Section 5.7(b) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the Insider Issuance does not exceed $2,500,000. About BE Resources BE Resources Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: BER.H) and is focused on repositioning its business to pursue opportunities that will optimize its operations and potential. BE Resources' shares are currently listed on the NEX board under the symbol BER.H. 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. Contact Information Carmelo Marrelli Chief Executive Officer BE Resources Inc. 82 Richmond St East Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1 Phone: (418) 531-1060 Email: carm@marrellisupport.ca Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of BE Resources. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe BE Resources' future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that BE Resources or its 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 BE Resources, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the terms of the Debt Settlement, the closing of the Debt Settlement on the contemplated terms and timeline, or at all, and BE Resources' objectives, goals or future plans. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect. These statements are also subject to risks, including, but not limited to: availability of funds, receipt of regulatory approvals; uncertainties related to raising sufficient financing to fund planned work in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; and general economic, market, and regulatory conditions. For further information on these and other risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's business, see the "Risks and Uncertainties" and "Forward-Looking Statements" sections of the Company's annual and interim management's discussion and analysis filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although BE Resources believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. BE Resources disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law. Toronto, March 7, 2025 - Nine Mile Metals Ltd. (CSE: NINE) (OTCQB: VMSXF) (FSE: KQ9) (the "Company" or "Nine Mile") announces that it has proceeded with its second anniversary payment under its option to Purchase 100% of the Wedge Project, dated February 9, 2023, (the "Option Agreement") with SLAM Exploration Ltd. ("Slam"). The Company has approved and paid the renegotiated Cash Payment of $9,000 and also authorized and issued the allotment of 200,000 common shares as part of the Option Agreement with an additional 1,000,000 common shares in lieu of a partial Cash Payment at a deemed price of $0.021 as fully paid and non-assessable to Slam, on the 24th of February 2025. The common shares are subject to a hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance of the shares. The Wedge VMS Project consists of 35.83 km2 including the Wedge Mine, West Wedge, Tribag Targets within the 8km Wedge VMS Exploration Trend. Significant Drill Holes from our 2024 successful New Wedge East Extension highlighted below: Figure 1: Drill Program Summary To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7335/243633_0fe6247e14f6e8da_002full.jpg Figure 2: Priority Targets with Late Time Conductive Axis' along the Wedge VMS Trend To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7335/243633_0fe6247e14f6e8da_003full.jpg The Wedge VMS Trend hosts 2025 Priority Targets #3, #4 & #7 located over 6 kms west of the Wedge Mine. The geophysics is complete, the modeled targets are shown below for our upcoming drill program. Figure 3: Modeled Maxwell Target Plates at the West Wedge, Tribag Target Areas. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7335/243633_0fe6247e14f6e8da_004full.jpg Gary Lohman, P.Geo., VP Exploration stated, "Looking forward to getting back on the ground and drilling the West Wedge and Tribag Targets. The drilling contract has been executed, and timeframe will be mid to late May depending on road and water access from the normal winter snow melt runoffs. With VMS mineralization exposed in trenches at surface, above the Target Plates depicted in (Figure 3) Targets B1, C1-C4 and D1, the Tribag area has tremendous potential for a larger system at depth. The BMC - VMS deposits can cluster in trends, such as Heath Steele, Halfmile and Stratmat Deposits to the southeast." About Nine Mile Metals Ltd.: Nine Mile Metals Ltd. is a Canadian public mineral exploration company focused on Critical Minerals Exploration (CME) VMS (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag and Au) exploration in the world-famous Bathurst Mining Camp, New Brunswick, Canada. The Company's primary business objective is to explore its four VMS Projects: Nine Mile Brook VMS; California Lake VMS; Canoe Landing Lake (East-West) VMS and the Wedge VMS Projects. The Company is focused on Critical Minerals Exploration (CME), positioning for the boom in EV and green technologies requiring Copper, Silver, Lead and Zinc with a hedge with Gold. The disclosure of technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and reviewed and approved by Gary Lohman, B.Sc., P. Geo., VP Exploration and Director who acts as the Company's Qualified Person and is not independent of the Company. Forward-Looking Information : This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of Nine Mile. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of Nine Mile. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "will," "may," "would," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek, "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "could" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Although Nine Mile believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Nine Mile can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of the contents of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243633 President Mahama chairs special cabinet session on 2025 budget GraphicOnline Business News Mar - 07 - 2025 , 14:24 President John Dramani Mahama is set to chair a special Cabinet session today to deliberate on the 2025 Budget, the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced. In a statement shared on his social media pages, Mr Kwakye Ofosu disclosed that he will hold a press briefing after the session to update the Ghanaian public on key outcomes and major developments from the discussions. Ahead of the meeting, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson assured Ghanaians that the upcoming budget is designed to shape a stronger future for all. Engaging citizens in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Dr Forson sought public input on key areas of concern, stating: With just five days to the Presentation of Budget 2025 on Tuesday, March 11th! The anticipation is building, and we want to hear from you! What are your expectations for this years budget? What areas should be a top priority? Drop your thoughts in the comments! This budget is about shaping a stronger future for alllets talk about what matters most to you! This budget, set to be presented in Parliament on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, will be the first under Dr Forsons tenure as Finance Minister and is expected to provide a comprehensive breakdown of Ghanas economic status and outline strategic policies to drive the countrys economic transformation agenda in line with President Mahamas vision. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who first announced the budget presentation date during a media briefing after the governments inaugural Cabinet meeting, indicated that the policies to be announced in the budget will be shaped by recommendations from the National Economic Dialogue, held on March 3-4, 2025. The Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour Economy, Mr Gossie Tandoh, proceeded with preparations for the full rollout of President Mahamas primary policy to transform Ghana, he stated. Highlighting the gravity of the countrys economic challenges, Mr Ofosu Kwakye further revealed that during Cabinet discussions, the Finance Minister acknowledged that Ghanas economic situation is worse than initially expected. The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, also informed the Cabinet that the economic situation is dire. The figures are even worse than we had known before the elections, he stated. As Ghanaians await the budget presentation on March 11, all eyes will be on how the Mahama administration plans to address the economic challenges, implement its flagship policies, and navigate the path toward economic stability and transformation. Telecel hand over renovated ICT lab to Anfoega E.P. Primary School Business Desk Report Business News Mar - 07 - 2025 , 14:50 Employees of Telecel Ghana, through the telecommunications giants Employee Volunteering Programme - Red Hearts, have handed over a renovated and equipped Information Computer Technology (ICT) lab to the Anfoega Akukome E.P. Primary School within the Anfoega Traditional Community in the Volta Region. The refurbishment and furnishing of the ICT lab, spearheaded by employees from the Finance, Digital Transformation and Commercial Operations functions, was partly funded by Telecel Ghana Foundation and internal crowdfunding efforts, demonstrating the power of collective action in driving community development. The ICT lab, now fitted with 30 modern computers, internet connectivity, and furniture, will serve as a valuable resource and enhance the digital literacy of over 1,700 students in the Anfoega Traditional Area. The facility, under the direct oversight responsibility of a management committee, will be open after school hours for use by young people from the 13 communities under the traditional area. The handing-over ceremony was attended by the paramount chief, leaders from the communities, local education officials, teachers, parents and pupils in the area. The Head of the Foundation, Sustainability and External Relations, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, emphasised the wider impact of the employee volunteering programme at the event. Our Red Hearts programme is a true reflection of the impact of collaboration and social responsibility in community building. This project is a shining example of making a tangible, positive impact on the community. This lab will open doors to new opportunities, expand your horizons, and empower you to become active participants in the digital economy in the future, she said. Appreciation Paramount Chief of Anfoega Traditional Area, Togbe Tepre Hodo, said thanked Telecel for the new ICT lab and charged young people to make maximum use of the digital space. I will urge the students to focus on technology since it is what dictates the pace of life these days. I encourage students to take learning ICT skills seriously. Additionally, this digital facility is not only for the school but every student and young person in this community. So, everyone is welcome to make good use of it, Togbe Hodo said. Digital divide The renovated ICT lab will bridge the digital divide and advance digital education in the community, which aligns with Telecel Ghana Foundations Connected Learning initiative; to increase access to technology and expand digital literacy to underserved communities across the country. An ICT teacher at the school, Justice Norley, believes the new ICT lab will make learning easier and faster for the students as well as increase their performance in their final entrance exams for admission to senior high schools. This lab will help increase their knowledge on technology and positively reflect in their academic performance since they can now have practical sessions and not just theory, he said. As the students of Anfoega Akukome E.P. Primary School embark on their digital education journey, the impact of Telecel Ghanas Red Hearts Programme is already being felt among the population. For Roberta Afare, the new lab represents an exciting chapter in her learning of ICT. This new lab will help us know more about ICT through constant practice, help us know how to type and expose us to future careers in IT. Ditch negative foreign lifestyle GTA Boss Edith Mensah Showbiz News Mar - 07 - 2025 , 12:51 2 minutes read THE new Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, has strongly condemned the increasing adoption of lifestyles she believes are eroding Ghanaian cultural values. According to her, some aspects of contemporary lifestyle, such as provocative dressing, risque music lyrics that glorify immorality and unfiltered media content, threaten the moral fabric of the country and must be consciously shunned. Speaking exclusively to Graphic Showbiz on Monday, March 3, Mrs Houadjeto emphasised the need for Ghanaians to fully embrace their cultural heritage and reject influences that do not align with traditional values. She called on media outlets to be more responsible in the kind of content they feed their audience and similarly urged them to prioritise materials that reflect and uphold Ghanaian traditions. She also challenged musicians, filmmakers and content creators to exercise greater discretion in their work, ensuring that their output does not promote behaviours that contradict the country's moral and cultural principles. (Read also: Heritage Month to celebrate Ghanaian cuisine and music, Mzbel Disappointed! Laments being snubbed over NDC jobs) I believe we have adopted too much of the Western style, and this time round, while we go to our grandparents, while we go to our nananom, while we go to our queenmothers to support them and advocate what we intend to do for the industry, we must also be intentional about streamlining the kind of content we put out. I think it's important we also look at how we dress and the kind of lifestyle we have copied that is not Ghanaian. The industry is broad, it's huge. So we'll take it a step at a time. I believe with that, we will go a long way to support the industry and make gains by embracing our roots. The media has a huge influence on the minds of our youth, and if we keep glorifying inappropriate dressing, reckless utterances and music that lack moral depth, we risk losing our identity as a people. It is time for us to celebrate what is truly Ghanaian and be proud of our heritage, she added. According to her, stakeholders must take deliberate steps to reinforce the countrys cultural identity and ensure that younger generations grow up with values that reflect Ghanas rich traditions. Lesotho shocked by Trump's remarks that 'nobody has heard of the country' bbc.com International News Mar - 07 - 2025 , 09:26 3 minutes read Lesotho's government says it is shocked by US President Donald Trump saying that "nobody has ever heard of" the southern African nation. Trump, addressing the US Congress in his first speech since his return to the Oval Office, made the reference as he listed cuts made to what he said was wasteful expenditure. "Eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of," Trump said, eliciting laughter from some US lawmakers. A spokesperson for Lesotho's foreign affairs department told the BBC that Lesotho enjoyed "warm and cordial" relations with the US. Lesotho is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the US's African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which gives favourable trade access to some countries to promote their economic growth. According to the US government, the two countries traded goods worth $240m (187m) in 2024, mostly exports from Lesotho to the US, in particular textiles and clothing. Lesotho's Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane said it was "shocking" to hear a head of state "refer to another sovereign state in that manner". "To my surprise, 'the country that nobody has heard of' is the country where the US has a permanent mission," Mpotjoane told the BBC. "Lesotho is a member of the UN and of a number of other international bodies. And the US has an embassy here and [there are] a number of US organisations we've accommodated here in Maseru." He later told the AFP news agency: "We are not taking this matter lightly," adding that they would send an official protest letter to Washington. Nine things about Lesotho - the country 'nobody has ever heard of' Who benefits from Lesothos white gold? How Trump locked out contraception in Africa Officials dismissed Trump's remarks as "off the cuff" and a "political statement", adding that they were "uncalled-for" given the good relations between the two nations. "We maintain very warm and cordial relations with the US. They've got a mission in Maseru and we also have [one] in Washington," foreign affairs spokesperson Kutloano Pheko told the BBC. Mr Pheko was unable to confirm Trump's comments on the funding that went to LGBTQ organisations, saying that as the money went directly to them, they would be best placed to comment. Mpotjoane, on his part, confirmed that the country had been affected by Trump's sudden decision to pause aid funding to countries around the world. Many organisations, mostly non-governmental, were thrown into chaos after the Trump administration announced a permanent end to the US President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) funding as part of a wider cost-cutting drive to reduce US government spending. Pepfar was launched in 2003 by then US President George W Bush and its finances are distributed via the US government's main overseas aid agency USAID, whose funding has also been cut. Lesotho is among those countries that benefited from Pepfar, its health ministry told South African publication GroundUp in February, with TB and HIV programmes among those receiving the critical funds. But Mpotjoane declined to criticise this decision, saying it was the US's "prerogative to cut aid if they want to". Next article: Sudan takes UAE to world court over 'complicity in genocide' Previous article: Plane forced to go back to gate after female passenger strips naked Nigerian senator suspended after making sexual harassment claims Graphic.com.gh International News Mar - 07 - 2025 , 12:36 2 minutes read Nigerian lawmakers have suspended a senator for six months, after she submitted a petition alleging she had been sexually harassed by the senate president. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan first made the accusations against one of the country's top politicians, Godswill Akpabio in an interview on Friday. After dismissing her petition on procedural grounds, the ethics committee recommended Uduaghan's suspension, saying she had brought ridicule to the upper chamber of the National Assembly. Some senators argued that her suspension be cut to three months but a majority voted to stick with the six months suspension recommended by the ethics committee. Women's rights activist Hadiza Ado told the BBC that Senator Uduaghan's suspension was a sad day for Nigerian women". Uduaghan afterwards described her suspension as "an injustice that will not be sustained". She vowed to continue her "pursuit for justice" over her treatment. The accusations have dominated discussions across Nigeria since she first made them nearly a week ago. Many highly placed people and groups have called for a transparent investigation. On Wednesday, two groups of protesters gathered at the assembly ground in the capital, Abuja - one backing Akpabio and the other in support of his colleague, chanting ''Akpabio must go.'' Mrs Ado, who founded the Women and Children Initiative, said: Weve been following events at the Assembly keenly and hoping that investigation into Natashas allegations would follow. All we can say is that today is a sad day for Nigerian women fighting for emancipation. Out of 109 senators, only four are women and one is now suspended, she said. Many women on social media also expressed their anger over the suspension, with some calling it oppression. During her suspension, Uduaghan will be barred from the National Assembly premises and her office will be locked. Embrace AI or become obsolete - Quality Assurance expert to African tertiary institutions Gloria Apprey Education Mar - 07 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Director of the Global Quality Assurance Association (GQAA), Dr Violet Makuku, has called on tertiary institutions in Africa to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) or risk falling behind in global education standards. Speaking at a three-day symposium recently on Quality Assurance in Higher and Tertiary Education, Dr Makuku stressed that AI was no longer a future concept but a present reality. We are already in the future. Tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly and Google Forms have transformed the way we work, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed in minutes, she said. The symposium, organised on behalf of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Nigeria, took place at the Miklin Hotel in Accra. It brought together key stakeholders, including the Vice-Chancellor of the ABU, Prof. Kabiru Bala, along with selected teaching and non-teaching staff from the institution. The staff were trained on aspects of leadership and management, blended teaching and learning and research and innovation within the educational sector. Adapt or become obsolete Continuing, Dr Makuku noted that institutions unwilling to embrace AI-driven changes risked becoming irrelevant in the evolving education landscape. People need to shape up or ship out. If you resist change, you will become obsolete. The world is moving fast and Africa must move with it, she cautioned. She noted the transformative potential of AI in higher education, stating that it could enhance teaching, research and institutional management. AI can help analyse data, automate administrative work and assist in personalised learning for students. Its a tool, not a threat, she explained. Call for policy and investment Dr Makuku also called for policies and investments that integrate AI into learning and governance. Institutional leaders should work together at the national level to advocate policies that support AI adoption in universities. If we want Africas education system to compete globally, we must embrace technology, she stated. She also emphasised the need for financial and infrastructue investment to support AI integration, improve school facilities, enable research, data collection and practical learning tools in schools. Adding his voice, Prof. Bala called for more collaborations and exchange programmes between African tertiary institutions just as the ABU does with the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He noted the importance of institutions investing in training workshops such as this for their staff and students. Global Quality Assurance Association Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Brand and Marketing Manager, Tavonga Turikai Munodawafa, noted that this was one of many symposia and fora the QGAA hosts. As a non-profit and consultancy organisation founded in January 2023, we not only work to improve quality standards in industries such as manufacturing, retail, services and education but embark on outreach programmes, he added. Previous article: Parliament approves one new Minister of state and 13 New Deputy Ministers Energy Minister rejects calls for load-shedding timetable GraphicOnline Mar - 07 - 2025 , 17:05 2 minutes read The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has dismissed calls from the Minority in Parliament and some Ghanaians for the publication of a load-shedding timetable, following intermittent power outages in parts of the country. Addressing journalists at the Jubilee House on Friday, Mr Jinapor maintained that such demands were unnecessary as Ghana was not currently experiencing systematic power rationing, commonly known as dumsor. Today, let me put on record that we are not shedding load and so the demand by the Minority and some people that we publish a load-shedding timetable is moot. When you are not shedding load, there is no need to publish a timetable, he asserted. While acknowledging that the power system remains fragile, the Minister insisted that the country has adequate electricity supply, noting that Ghana is currently exporting 300 megawatts of power to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Benin. In fact, as we speak, we are exporting about 300 megawatts of power outside Ghana to Burkina, Benin, and neighbouring countries. And so when you have enough and you are exporting power to other countries, obviously there will be no need to publish a load-shedding timetable, he explained. Mr Jinapor further assured Ghanaians that the government was taking measures to stabilise the power sector, including securing fuel supplies and making necessary payments to suppliers to sustain operations. He revealed that the country requires approximately $700 million worth of fuel to meet current demand and address the fuel deficit. In order to meet the demand requirements, we require about $700 million worth of fuel in order to fill the fuel deficit because our gas today is inadequate to meet our fuel requirement, he stated. As part of long-term solutions, the Minister announced that the government would operationalise the Renewable Energy Investment Fund. This initiative, he explained, aims to expand renewable energy usage, reduce peak electricity demand, and achieve significant cost savings to sustain power generation. The Minister's remarks come amid growing public concerns over unannounced power cuts, which have affected households and businesses in recent weeks. 68th Independence Anniversary: President unveils vision for self-reliance Kester Aburam Korankye Mar - 07 - 2025 , 12:56 5 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has rallied the nation to support his agenda to reset the country and help it break free from its cycle of dependence on foreign aid. In an address to mark the 68th Independence anniversary at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday, the President stated that proclaiming self-reliance while relying on donors was meaningless. Proclaiming self-reliance while marching straight back into the hands of the donor agencies, begging bowl in hand, is really meaningless. To break this cycle of dependence and reset our economy, my administration is formulating policies based on fiscal discipline and living within our means to expand our economy to yield prosperity for all. We must look within and make sure that we are raising revenue domestically, President Mahama said. He said discussions about Ghanaians' independence often highlighted reliance on imports, donor aid, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailouts as signs of continued dependence. "Yet the entire efficacy of this reminder lies not in just repeating it but in our willingness to take decisive action, he said. Vision President Mahama said his administration was working to implement a 24-hour economy programme to ensure that the economy never went to sleep. That, he explained, would create the necessary job expansion, boost productivity, increase exports capacity and trade footprints, and also reduce the countrys dependence on foreign aid. While the $10 billion Big Push initiative would modernise infrastructure, create jobs, stimulate local industry and ensure that development was driven from within rather than funded from outside, President Mahama said agriculture remained our biggest opportunity to reduce import dependence. With over $2 billion spent annually on food imports, the Agriculture for Economic Transformation agenda, another policy of his government, was structured to strengthen local agribusiness and ensure food security, he said. The President named other initiatives as the Feed Ghana programme and the Poultry Farm to Table initiative, otherwise referred to as Nkukor Nkete Nkete programme, which would boost domestic poultry production and processing to directly address our 95 per cent reliance on imported poultry products. President Mahama stressed, however, that the success of those policies would depend on active citizen participation, particularly from our young people. My brothers and sisters, this is a defining moment, but policies alone, no matter how well couched and no matter how well intentioned, will not change our reality. Action will change that reality, he stated. President Mahama pledged to take the necessary actions to create growth opportunities and enhance economic independence. He, therefore, entreated young Ghanaians to step up to the plate, seize those opportunities, and contribute to building a self-sufficient nation. Parade The 68th Independence celebration ceremony was for the first time in decades observed with a parade mounted only by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) at the Jubilee House. The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang; the former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete, who was the special guest of honour, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, and the Chairman of the Council of State, Edward Doe Adjaho, took part in the commemoration. It also attracted former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor (2001- 2009) and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (2017- 2025). Scaled down to save cost, the event was also a gathering of invited dignitaries from the current and past governments, security chiefs, political parties, the clergy, traditional leaders, the diplomatic corps, the business community, and schoolchildren. It was on the theme, Reflect, Review and Reset. The parade, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Enoch Rafik Wehkole Awudu, had three Contingents drawn from the Ghana Armed Forces. Scaled down President Mahama reflected on Ghanas progress since independence and said the celebration was a reminder of the nations struggles for freedom and self-rule. "It reinforces our national identity, our unity and patriotism while offering a moment for reflection on our progress and the challenges ahead," he said. However, he added, it would have been unconscionable to spend GH20 million on the Independence Day celebration as was done in the past considering the nations current economic crisis. This is necessary considering the economic crisis our nation is currently experiencing. Large-scale celebrations often come with significant security and infrastructure costs, which strain the national budget. By reducing the scale of the commitment, we wish to demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility and the efficient use of our limited resources, President Mahama said. Nkrumahs vision President Mahama recalled Ghana's history, saying Dr Kwame Nkrumah envisioned "an industrialised, self-reliant Ghana whose citizens had the highest standard of economic life and the greatest sense of self-esteem rooted in patriotism and Pan-African unity." Though his overthrow on February 24, 1966, shattered that dream and plunged the country into decades of instability and military takeovers, President Mahama emphasised that "the verdict of history is now loud and clear" on this matter. He said the independence commemoration sparked a series of historical events that significantly delayed Ghana's progress, saying "these independence anniversaries must therefore be a moment of reflection, not on what we have done for ourselves but on how well we have stewarded national assets for those we will hand them over to in the future." President Mahama called on Ghanaians to strive for more, saying "Our story cannot be one of missed opportunities; it will be one of continued efforts to achieve far more than we can boast of now." He warned, however, that "posterity will not accept our failures or take them kindly." EOCO, UK crime agency launch campaign against romance fraud Joshua Bediako Koomson Mar - 07 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and UKs National Crime Agency (NCA), have launched a fraud reporting campaign to step up the fight against romance fraud in the country. The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage the public to report fraudulent activities, particularly romance fraud which involves scammers who deceive and manipulate victims, often through online relationships to extort money. As part of the campaign, the two entities would introduce educational resources, strengthen intelligence-sharing, and engage the public in initiatives aimed at disrupting and dismantling fraud networks. The campaign will also feature a multimedia drive with roadside posters, social media outreach and awareness programmes to ensure widespread public engagement. Additionally, the agencies have introduced two fraud-reporting numbers0547-419-419 and 0800-910-910 for the public to report suspected fraudsters. Collective action The International Liaison Officer of NCA, Dominic Cummins, emphasised the growing threat of fraud and the urgent need for collective action to stop it. He said fraud accounted for over 40 per cent of crimes in the UK, making it a key priority for the UK government to tackle both domestically and internationally. Preying on vulnerable individuals, fraudsters use sophisticated deception and manipulation tactics, leading to psychological and emotional distress, as well as substantial financial losses for victims. Since much of this activity occurs online, perpetrators can operate across borders with relative anonymity, making international collaboration essential in identifying offenders and bringing them to justice, Mr Cummins said. He further highlighted the long-standing partnership between the NCA and EOCO, which, he said, had been instrumental in tackling organised crime affecting both Ghana and the UK. The NCA is proud to be working alongside EOCO on this and other initiatives, demonstrating our shared commitment to fighting fraud through cooperation, the officer added. Implications The Deputy Director of Legal and Prosecutions at EOCO, Anthony Leo Siamah, also underscored the dangers of romance fraud, emphasising its legal implications and efforts to combat it. Romance fraud is a deceptive crime that not only drains victims of their hard-earned money, but also causes emotional and psychological distress. Worse still, it tarnishes the image of our country as criminal networks exploit digital platforms to defraud unsuspecting individuals, often across international borders. In Ghana, the crime has evolved alongside the increasing accessibility of the internet and mobile financial services, he said. Mr Siamah said that fraudsters operated both individually and in syndicates, employing sophisticated tactics that made detection and prosecution challenging. He, therefore, said such a collaboration would help to intensify efforts to combat the activities through enhanced investigations, prosecution, cross-border cooperation, public awareness and regulatory reforms. Nation modestly commemorates 68th Independence Day Kester Aburam Korankye Mar - 07 - 2025 , 09:57 4 minutes read The nation yesterday morning held a modest ceremony to mark its 68th Independence Anniversary with a parade mounted by only the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) at the Jubilee House in Accra. Despite being scaled down from its grandeur character in previous years, yesterdays ceremony still radiated the spirit of national pride, patriotism and unity that had defined the nation's journey since March 6, 1957. A select gathering of invited dignitaries drawn from the diplomatic and business communities; security chiefs and personnel, traditional leaders, government officials and schoolchildren converged on the seat of government to participate in the celebration which was on the theme: Reflect, Review and Reset. The ceremony was a departure from the usual grand national parade at the Back Star Square (Independence Square) and regional capitals, as was the case in the last eight years where security personnel, schoolchildren and a section of the public participated in the march past. In attendance at yesterdays event were former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor (2001 2009), and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (2017 2025), whose presence added a special spark to the occasion. Also present were the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang; former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete, who was the special guest of honour; the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, and the Chairman of the Council of State, Edward Doe Adjaho, among others. It was witnessed by enthusiastic guests who were adorned in varied colourful traditional apparel reflecting the countrys heritage and cultural diversity. Grand entry The event commenced with the arrival of President Mahama and his spouse, Lordina Mahama, accompanied by the 1940-birthed Mounted Squadron of the Ghana Police Service. President John Dramani Mahama engaging in formal greetings with members of the clergy after the event Horses on duty included Mighty Ocean, Step by Step, and Go Ahead. Using the grand entrance from the main gate of the Jubilee House, facing the old Revolution Square, the President, who was in an all-white three-piece flowing outfit (Agbada), took the national salute after mounting the dais. This was followed by the recitation of the National Pledge after which there were Traditional, Muslim and Christian prayers. President Mahama inspected the parade, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Enoch Rafik Wehkole Awudu before he lit the Perpetual Flame, a symbol of the country's enduring spirit of independence. The Mass Band of the Ghana Armed Forces put up a spirited display, forming three adinkra symbols in slow and quick time marches, including Wofro Duapa which signifies teamwork and support for good causes, and Nyame Dua, which represents Gods presence and protection, before forming a base camp in a two-file formation, leading to the formation of the number 68. There were poetry recitals from Services Primary and JHS School at Burma Camp centred on nation-building and development written by Edward Nii Allottey. It was followed by a patriotic choral song performance by Tema SHS entitled Aye Hu, to wit it is scary. Children from Akwaibu Basic Schools, Dansoman 2, 3 and 6 Basic Schools, as well as the Ebenezer A. M. E. Zion School, performed the Kundum traditional dance of the Ahanta people in the Western Region, and the Bawa dance by the Dagaaba in the Upper West Region. There was also a Drum Appellation for President Mahama, which added an extra traditional touch to the ceremony. Vision President Mahama reflected on the countrys progress since independence and outlined his vision for the future. President John Dramani Mahama exchanging remarks with King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, after the celebrations He said the celebration was a reminder of the nations struggles for freedom and self-rule. "It reinforces our national identity, our unity and patriotism while offering a moment for reflection on our progress and the challenges ahead," the President said. He, however, said it would have been unconscionable to spend GH20 million on the celebrations as was done in the past considering the nations ongoing economic crisis. This is necessary, considering the economic crisis our nation is currently experiencing. Large-scale celebrations often come with significant security and infrastructure costs, which strain the national budget. By reducing the scale of the commitment, we wish to demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility and the efficient use of our limited resources, President Mahama added. Brighter future President Mahama further pledged to provide "bold leadership and the clarity of vision that is needed to navigate the turbulent economic waters we are sailing in currently while safeguarding our future. He emphasised the need for the country to break free from its cycle of dependence on foreign aid, stressing that proclaiming self-reliance while relying on donors was meaningless. The President said a $10 billion initiative to modernise the country's infrastructure, create jobs and stimulate local industry was underway. Previous article: Man jailed for stealing laptop at Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Public laud cost cutting on Independence Day Dickson Worlanyo Dotse & Diana Mensah Mar - 07 - 2025 , 14:08 5 minutes read As Ghana marked its 68th Independence anniversary with a solemn celebration at the Jubilee House, some citizens have expressed varied opinions on the governments decision to cut costs and its overall performance in office so far. Traditionally, Independence Day, March 6, is marked with a national parade at the Independence Square in Accra, and is attended by the President, government officials, military, students and citizens, with similar parades and events taking place in regional capitals and districts across the country. In his address at the event yesterday, President John Dramani Mahama revealed that the state spent GH15 million on last year's celebration in Koforidua, and spent GH13.7 million on the previous year's celebration in Ho in the Volta Region. This year, he said, the government received estimates of at least GH20 million for the event at the Independence Square on the same scale as the previous years. President Mahama said yesterday's event saved the nation 95 per cent of the estimated cost of the event, meaning the state spent just GH1 million on the event instead of the estimated GH20 million. Events The day features march pasts, cultural displays, patriotic speeches and performances showcasing Ghanas rich heritage. It is a public holiday, and Ghanaians celebrate with concerts, fireworks, street parties and traditional festivities. The occasion reflects national pride, unity and remembrance of the countrys independence from British colonial rule in 1957. However, in a departure from what the country has witnessed for years, President Mahama opted for the modest ceremony at the Presidency, citing the countrys financial difficulties. A cross-section of the public, interviewed by the Daily Graphic yesterday, largely supported the decision, many of them highlighting the need for financial prudence in the face of the nations current economic challenges. Some also shared their views on the governments performance since assuming office on January 7, 2025. Support for cutting cost For many, the decision to scale down the celebration was a welcome development, considering the countrys current economic situation. A shopper at the Kaneshie Market Complex, who only gave his name as Richard, said the government was on the right track, especially with its cost-cutting measures and ministerial restructuring. You can see more amendments in the area of ministerial appointments and even the merger of some ministries. The decision to cut costs during our 68th Independence celebration is part of the Presidents agenda of resetting Ghana. So far, the government is performing well, but we are watching to see if it will fulfil its promises, he said. A trader, Gifty Mawufemor, also applauded President Mahama for being a decisive leader, who was showing signs of making the economic welfare of citizens a priority. Well, if theres no money, you dont have to force yourself to do certain things. He (the President) looked at the situation, especially about how the previous government left the economy, and decided what was best for the country was to save money from the celebrations and put it into more productive ventures for national development. I think it was a good idea, she explained. A group of bus drivers and their mates told the Daily Graphic that the President was doing what needed to be done. They said they believed it was high time leaders made firm decisions about the countrys finances even if it would affect some things that we love as a nation. We love to see the parade and the marching at the Independence Square. It reminds us of how much we love our country. But this time around, the economy is tight. So we must all make sacrifices, one of them said. Rejoice Tefutor, a researcher, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the financial and logistical relief the Presidents decision brings. The country spends a lot of money on this celebration, and it is obvious our economy is in crisis. If the President believes this decision will help save some funds, then I think it is good. Also, looking at how students and security personnel stand for hours in the sun during the parade, this decision will save time and energy, she noted. A journalist, Benjamin Arcton-Tettey, did not only welcome the move but further described it as long overdue. I have always advocated such a cost-cutting measure, and I hope it continues in the years to come, he said. Performance On the governments performance in its first two months, views were mixed, with some expressing cautious optimism, while others raised concerns. A teacher, Eugenia Ansah Manko, observed that it was too early to make a full assessment. The performance so far corresponds to the muted anniversary. Everything is subdued, which may be the governments way of communicating that they are still settling in. Hopefully, by the next Independence Day, there will be more to discuss, Ms Manko remarked. A principal internal auditor with the Ghana Education Service (GES), Kwesi Kwasin, also described the governments performance as fair, but noted that a more thorough assessment could be made with time. They have just started, so we will monitor their actions and assess them as time goes by, he stated. However, while some applauded President Mahamas ministerial appointments, others questioned certain decisions, particularly regarding the fight against corruption. Benjamin Arcton-Tettey pointed to the Attorney-Generals decision to drop cases involving government officials as a cause for concern. The government must ensure that the fight against corruption is not based on partisan lines. If cases against members of the current government are being dropped, it creates trust issues, he cautioned. Next article: Achimota School receives GH1.5m in lab equipment from old students Ghanaians travelling to Russia to undergo biometric screening MFA issues advisory GNA Mar - 07 - 2025 , 10:08 1 minute read The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued an advisory informing Ghanaians traveling to and from Russia about an upcoming biometric data collection experiment at Russian entry and exit points. According to the Ministry, the experiment is set to run in two phases from December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, and will focus on foreign nationals and stateless persons entering Russia. The initial phase, currently underway, is being conducted at select locations, including Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo airports in Moscow, as well as the Mashtakovo road checkpoints in the Orenburg region. A nationwide rollout is scheduled from June 30,2025, to June 30, 2026, a statement signed Ms. Baaba Effirim-Williams, Director of Information and Public Affairs Bureau, and copied to the GNA said. Diplomatic staff, employees of international organizations, holders of diplomatic and service passports, and foreign citizens under six years of age are exempt from the experiment, the Ministry noted. It further urged Ghanaians to take note of the development for their future travels to Russia. Government refutes claims of 100 Presidential staff appointments GraphicOnline Mar - 07 - 2025 , 15:51 2 minutes read The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has dismissed claims that President John Dramani Mahama has appointed 100 individuals as presidential staffers. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, March 7, 2025, Mr Kwakye Ofosu stated that the actual number of presidential staffers stands at 30, significantly lower than that of the previous government. His remarks come in response to allegations by Samuel Abu Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Damongo, who accused President Mahama of failing to uphold his commitment to a lean government, alleging that he had appointed over 100 staffers at the presidency, far exceeding the promised 60 ministers. "Only 30 Presidential staffers appointed" Kwakye Ofosu Refuting these claims, Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that all appointments have been publicly announced, unlike in previous administrations, where the full list was often only revealed when submitted to Parliament. Everybody who has been appointed as a presidential staffer has been named in a statement signed by me. So, currently, there are 27 presidential staffers. All of them were publicly announced, unlike in the past when we only learned of them when the president submitted a list of presidential staff to Parliament," he stated. He further clarified that three additional individuals have been appointed to support specific interventions outlined by the President but do not hold the rank of presidential staffers. In addition to these 27, three people have been appointed to assist with some specific interventions that the president wants to undertake. They are referred to as directors. They do not have the ranking of presidential staffers, so they are described as presidential aides." According to him, when these three appointments are added, the total number stands at just 30 presidential staffers, far from the 100 claimed by critics. If you add it to the list of staffers, there are just 30 people. Beyond that, no other staffers or presidential aides have been appointed, he asserted. Mahama visits tidal wave-hit Ketu South, vows action on Sea Defence Project Alberto Mario Noretti Mar - 07 - 2025 , 06:31 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama marked Ghanas Independence Day by visiting Agavedzi and other coastal communities in the Ketu South District of the Volta Region, which have been devastated by recent tidal waves. The President inspected the damage, distributed relief items, and pledged to prioritise the completion of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project to protect the vulnerable coastline. During his visit, President Mahama expressed disappointment at an abandoned resettlement project initiated by the Ghana Gas Company Ltd., describing the work as "shoddy" and inadequate for the needs of the affected communities. More than 300 people have been affected by the disaster, with 50 homes destroyed and an 80-kilometre stretch of coastline ravaged by relentless tidal waves. To provide immediate relief, the President donated essential supplies, including 750 bags of rice, cooking oil, detergents, mosquito nets, and other items. He also announced a cash donation of 100,000 cedis from his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, and an additional 100,000 cedis from the Volta Region National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus. These funds are intended to support the affected families as they rebuild their lives. President Mahama was briefed on the feasibility studies and design for Phase Two of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project, a critical initiative aimed at protecting coastal communities from future tidal waves. The first phase of the project, initiated under the previous government, was left incomplete, leaving residents vulnerable to further destruction. Local chiefs took the opportunity to express their frustration over years of neglect and the failure to complete Phase One of the project. They lamented the recurring devastation caused by tidal waves and called for urgent action to safeguard their communities. In response, President Mahama assured the community that he would direct the Finance Minister to allocate funds for the project in the 2025 budget. "The completion of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project is not just a promise; it is a necessity. We cannot allow our people to suffer year after year while solutions remain on paper," he said. The President was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including his brother Ibrahim Mahama, North Tongu MP Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, former Chief of Staff Prosper Bani, and Mutarla Mohammed, among others. Parliament approves one new Minister of state and 13 New Deputy Ministers GraphicOnline Mar - 07 - 2025 , 17:21 2 minutes read Parliament has given its approval for the appointment of four new deputy ministers to support key government portfolios, following a rigorous vetting process by the Appointments Committee. The confirmed appointees include John Dumelo as Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Clement Apaak as Deputy Minister for Education, Thomas Ampem Nyarko as Deputy Minister for Finance, and Samson Ahi as Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry. New Deputy Ministers and their roles John Dumelo Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture Renowned actor, entrepreneur, and politician, John Dumelo, has been assigned the role of Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture. His appointment is expected to bring fresh perspectives to agribusiness and initiatives aimed at improving food production and supporting farmers across the country. Clement Apaak Deputy Minister for Education Dr Clement Apaak, a respected academic and Member of Parliament for Builsa South, has been confirmed as the Deputy Minister for Education. With his extensive background in academia, he is expected to contribute significantly to educational policies aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of education in Ghana. Thomas Ampem Nyarko Deputy Minister for Finance The MP for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, will serve as Deputy Minister for Finance. His primary responsibility will be to assist in managing the countrys economic policies, budget planning, and financial strategies to ensure economic stability and growth. Samson Ahi Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry Samson Ahi, an experienced legislator and MP for Bodi, takes on the role of Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry. His focus will be on enhancing trade policies, promoting local industries, and supporting the agribusiness sector to drive economic development. Additional Ministerial Appointments Parliament also approved several other key appointments, including Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba as Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms. Additionally, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi has been confirmed as Deputy Minister for the Interior, while Richard Gyan-Mensah will serve as Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition. Further deputy ministerial appointments include: Justice Srem-Sai Deputy Minister for Justice and Attorney General Ernest Brogya Genfi Deputy Minister for Defence Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways The approval of these appointments follows the adoption of the twelfth and thirteenth reports of the Appointments Committee. The nominees were vetted on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, and subsequently recommended for approval by the House. Rainstorm ravages Kpandai District, leaving one dead and hundreds homeless Simon Unyan Mar - 07 - 2025 , 16:44 2 minutes read A devastating rainstorm has wreaked havoc across several communities in the Kpandai District of Ghanas Northern Region, leaving one person dead, numerous others injured, and hundreds displaced. The disaster, which struck on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, is the second of its kind in less than three weeks, intensifying concerns over the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The worst-affected areas include Wiae, Labrido, Kabonwule, and Buya, where homes, schools, health centres, and places of worship have been severely damaged. Victims of the storm are currently seeking refuge with friends and relatives, while others have relocated to neighbouring communities, exacerbating overcrowding and discomfort. Speaking to Graphic Online, Assemblyman for the Wiae Electoral Area, Mpoasan Bayido Robert, described the scale of destruction as immense. He detailed the extensive damage, citing the collapse of the Wiae CHPS Compound nurses quarters, ANC pavilion, Wiae D/A Kindergarten school block, Wiae Pentecost Church, and Labrido Chapel, which also serves as a classroom. Additionally, the Buya D/A Primary School has sustained significant structural damage. In Wiae alone, 104 houses have been destroyed, alongside several institutional facilities. Labrido has also lost 19 structures, Mr Bayido Robert confirmed. He has since issued an urgent appeal for support from the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and benevolent individuals to assist in rebuilding efforts. There is an urgent need to restore the affected schools so that pupils can continue their education. With their classrooms destroyed, learning has been disrupted, putting the childrens academic progress at risk, he lamented. Residents have called for immediate intervention to provide relief and mitigate further hardships. As displaced families struggle to find shelter and essential resources, local authorities and humanitarian agencies are being urged to respond swiftly to the crisis. Mahama assures Ketu South residents of lasting solution to tidal waves Alberto Mario Noretti Politics Mar - 07 - 2025 , 06:41 3 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government's commitment to finding a permanent solution to the relentless tidal waves affecting the coastal communities of Agavedzi, Sallakope, and Amutinu in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region. "We already have a comprehensive report on the situation. The feasibility studies and design for the Blekusu Phase 2 (sea defence) project are ready; we just have to allocate the funding for the project," he stated. The President made this pledge at a durbar in Agavedzi on Independence Day after touring the flood-stricken areas to assess the extent of the damage firsthand. He assured residents that he would direct the Minister of Finance to include the necessary funds for the sea defence project in the upcoming budget statement. So far this year, tidal waves have displaced 300 people, destroyed 51 households, and washed away 800 metres of coastal land. "The government has not forgotten you; we will do everything possible to ameliorate the plight you are going through," President Mahama affirmed. He attributed the worsening situation to the failure of the previous government to continue the Blekusu Phase 2 project, which was designed to protect Agavedzi, Sallakope, Amutinu, and Adina. He assured residents that the project would soon be revived. Accompanying President Mahama were ministers of state, Members of Parliament, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Brown Klutse, as well as officials from the EPA and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). Meanwhile, President Mahama criticised the Ghana Gas resettlement project in the area, describing it as "shoddy" and unsuitable for a flood-prone zone. He pledged that once Blekusu Phase 2 commenced, efforts would be made to relocate displaced residents to a more suitable location. The durbar was attended by chiefs, queen mothers, and people from the entire Some Traditional Area. The Paramount Chief of Some, Togbi Adama III, commended the Presidents visit, describing it as a symbol of hope and a testament to his concern for the well-being of the people. "You started the sea defence project in 2015; if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had continued it, this would not have happened," he stated. He added that the community now looked to the Mahama-led government for relief. The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, criticised the NPP for failing to continue the project, calling it an act of "absolute wickedness" that had subjected the people to suffering for eight years. Similarly, the Assembly Member for Sallakope, Sylvester Kuma, warned that without the sea defence project, the livelihoods of the people would remain in jeopardy. President Mahama later presented a large consignment of relief items to affected residents. The donations included 250 bags of rice from the Minister of Roads and Highways and MP for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza, a substantial cash donation from Engineers and Planners, 500 bags of rice, 200 cartons of cooking oil, 100 cartons of soap, 30 cartons of mosquito coils, and bales of used clothing from NADMO. Despite the donations, many displaced residents expressed frustration, insisting that relief items were only a temporary solution. "What we need now is the sea defence wall to protect lives and property and bring back our livelihoods," said Yawo Moayekor. The 30-year-old mother of three, a trader, lamented that the tidal waves had wiped out her business, and relief items would only last for a few days. Another resident, Josephine Domevenu, said she had no roof over her head and no place to sleep, making it impossible for her to work and provide for her children. She, however, expressed hope that President Mahamas visit signalled an imminent solution to the crisis. Last year the Honor Magic V3 became the thinnest book-style foldable ever made, but now it's been outdone by Oppo's Find N5. So you may have been wondering what Honor has planned as its response. According to a new rumor out of China, the Honor Magic V4, which is supposedly coming around June, will definitely fight back. It's said to be under 9mm thin when folded, thus at least matching the Find N5 in this area if not besting it. Honor Magic V3 The Magic V4 will also have an insane camera arrangement, with a 50 MP main unit with a 1/1.5" type sensor and a 200 MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom using a 1/1.4" type sensor. The folding screen is said to be around 8", the cover display around 6.45", both 120 Hz and LTPO. The fingerprint scanner will be embedded in the power button on the side. The phone will support wireless charging as well as satellite connectivity and will apparently be IPX8 rated for water resistance. It will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, though it might be the one with just seven CPU cores that the Find N5 is also using. Overall, if this leak is accurate, the Magic V4 is shaping up to be a very interesting contender in the book-style foldable space later this year. We'll let you know when we find out more about it. Source (in Chinese) Google announced that it's bringing lock screen widgets to more Android tablets and smartphones. Currently, the feature is supported only on the Pixel Tablet. For those who don't remember, lock screen widgets were a feature in the early days of Android but have been axed since. Now, Google promises to bring them back shortly after the official Android 16 launches. The new OS is expected to hit the first devices in June and Google promises to allow developers to enable lock screen widgets shortly after the release. Even though the feature isn't enabled on the current Android 16 beta-running devices, Android Authority was able to activate the functionality and found something interesting. While the Pixel Tablet requires you to swipe right from the lock screen to access the widgets, smartphones require you to activate the Android screensaver mode, which is only available when the device is charging or docked. Still, Google will give developers a choice on how the widget interface will be triggered, so we will likely see different implementations from smartphone manufacturers. Source Attorney General Doug Moylan is asking the Guam Legislature to launch its own investigation into what Moylan called the governors unfounded allegations of hiring and promotion violations involving his brother, fiancee, and over 70 unclassified employees. The AG said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has a clear conflict because of various ongoing investigations, prosecutions, and legal battles against her and her cabinet his office was pursuing. Moylan has also asked the Guam Legislature to pass a law that would fairly spell out when and how a special prosecutor would be appointed to launch an investigation, to avoid the weaponization of the position against the AG. The AG made the requests in a letter to Speaker Frank Blas Jr. and justice oversight chair Sen. Telo Taitague Friday morning. On Wednesday, the governors legal counsel, Jeffrey Moots, sent Moylan a letter seeking his agreement to the appointment of a special assistant attorney general and a special prosecutor to investigate, and if necessary, prosecute civil and criminal actions against the AG and Chief Deputy AG Joseph Guthrie. If the AG disagreed, Adelup would look to the Supreme Court of Guam to make the decision, the letter stated. Moylan has defended the legality of hiring and promotion practices at his office, and repeatedly denied nepotism and involvement in the hiring of his brother and fiancee, who are among the highest paid personnel at the office. Governors conflict It is my belief that the Governor maintains a disqualifiable conflict of interest because of our duty to investigate and prosecute public official corruption, many of which are leading to this Governor and her Administration, Moylan wrote to lawmakers. We also have an ongoing civil Federal Court lawsuit against her and GHURA arising from improper use of $100M ARP funds her medical complex project, and litigation regarding the 1990 abortion injunction, he wrote. The Governor intends to weaponize Guams criminal justice system and engage in lawfare between herself and the Peoples only elected public prosecutor and my staff, at taxpayer expense, he said. Moylan alleged Leon Guerrero was retaliating against his office because of their legal positions on the $1 billion medical complex project. The Pacific Daily News did ask Adelup spokesperson Krystal Paco-San Agustin for comment on the allegations of conflict and retaliation on Friday afternoon. She said she was referring the inquiry to legal. A response is pending. Legislative committee Moylan on Friday asked that the Legislature or one of its committees conduct an investigation into the allegations from Adelup. He and his office will be available to fully answer any questions, Moylan said. We wish to participate and to provide testimony and documents that support our position that Guam law was followed, he said. The AG said he also created a three-person panel on Thursday to investigate the governors allegations. The panel will interview relevant witnesses, as well as identify imporlant legal documents, and apply the law to address the Governors allegations arising from personnel practices, Moylan said. After your investigation, I also respectfully request that the Guam Legislature enact legislation providing fair procedures and protections for every person within the Chief Law Enforcement Office to prevent retaliation and unjust lawfare, he wrote to Speaker Blas and Sen. Taitague. According to Moylan, other jurisdictions have enacted laws that make clear, among other things: Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands Del. Kimberly King-Hinds at a congressional hearing this week said she will introduce a bill seeking a $400 million bailout for the CNMI. Freshman Del. King-Hinds said the bailout came at the request of CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios, because the CNMI is on the cusp of an economic collapse. Guam Del. Jim Moylan, appearing at the same hearing, said Guam and the territories should have access to more money from the Office of Insular Affairs to assist with everything from stray dogs to ending drug trafficking, as well as aid usually reserved for foreign nations. Both delegates spoke during a House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs oversight hearing that took place at about 1 a.m. on Thursday, Guam time, that focused on the Pacific. King-Hinds on Thursday told the committee that the CNMI governments budget is in such dire straits that police in Rota do not have money for gas. The cops cant patrol there, she said. She said shes been writing every U.S. agency to ask that the CNMI be spared from any federal grant cuts, or federally funded personnel, because our economy is dependent on these funds and positions for survival. Legacy businesses in the CNMI like global hotel brand Hyatt have already closed, and Duty Free Shoppers is shutting down, King-Hinds said. Other notable closures in the northern islands include Asiana Airlines and the Saipan Tribune, the Pacific Daily News has reported. I go home at night, I field phone calls from more legacy businesses who are talking about shutting their doors because we dont have enough tourists to keep the door open, King-Hinds said. The Department of Defense also relied on the Commonwealth Ports Authority for training and construction activities critical to national security, she added, but the Ports Authority was begging for relief because the tourism slump impacted funding. King-Hinds also took a stab at possible restrictions on Chinese tourists, which the CNMI economy heavily relies on. All Ive heard since coming to Congress are proposals for more restrictions because of geopolitical tensions with China, she said. Restrictions to tourism that will only make things worse. Moylan: USAID for Guam Moylan, meanwhile, pointed to a number of smaller programs on Guam that need support from the U.S. Office of Insular Affairs, as well as potential support from the U.S. Agency for International Development. Insular Affairs funding was critical to protect the economy and national security in Guam, he said, But despite this, many programs for the territories remain unfunded and have not been adjusted for years. Invasive species, stray animal control, illegal fishing, and counternarcotics operations were all areas that required more help from Insular Affairs, he said. Over the last several years, methamphetamine use has skyrocketed, creating a public health and safety crisis, and recently, we have even seen fentanyl enter our shores, Moylan said. He also said that Guam and other territories should have access to USAID funds which are usually reserved for foreign aid. Neighboring nations to Guam like the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau with Compacts of Free Association all get USAID support from the federal government. That support has been climbing in recent years, going from $26.4 million in fiscal year 2020 to $57.6 million in fiscal 2023, according to a Congressional Research Service report. Renewed COFA agreements are expected to ramp that funding up further, according to the report. But its unclear what the future of USAID funding will look like, with the Trump White House abruptly shutting down the agency and freezing the flow of money out of it. Bishop-elect Romeo Duetao Convocar, the former apostolic administrator and vicar-general of the Archdiocese of Agana, Guam, will be ordained and installed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa in the CNMI at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral. The 54-year-old arrived on Saipan last Monday and told local media that hes honored by Pope Francis appointing him as the next bishop of the jurisdiction. Im really grateful to be here, grateful to the Holy Father to be here, and Im grateful for the warm welcome, and Im looking forward to a fruitful ministry in collaboration with all our clergy, religious men and women, and our lay collaborators, he said. Its a great opportunity, but at the same time, I had my reservations. But generally, Im very grateful to the Holy Father, and thankful for that and it will be my joy to serve the community in whatever capacity I can as bishop of this place. Convocar also talked about the trials the Catholic church went through in Guam specifically the Archdiocese of Aganas Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Guam went through a lot. I would see it as a process of verification so the church could be a much better church. As many know, we went through the process of the bankruptcy. And prior to Bishop Ryans arrival in Guam, we already closed the bankruptcy. We already ended the bankruptcy and he is, in a way, trying to finish it and move forward with the new pastoral programs, he said. At the end of the day, Convocar alluded to the Archdiocese of Aganas efforts to regain the Catholic faithfuls trust following bankruptcy that is linked to the settlement of nearly 300 Guam clergy sex abuse claims in the U.S. territory. Its important for the church to be accountable to the people and I think thats what Bishop Ryan was saying, restore the trust. I would see that as an ongoing thing. Its not a one-time deal. OK, Ill do this and trust is back. Its not that. It is an ongoing work of the church that takes care of its people, including the most vulnerable. Were talking here about children or vulnerable adults. As the church continues its mission, he said. Criticism Convocar also addressed criticism on his selection as the next bishop of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa when there were supposed to be homegrown men of the cloth that could take on the duties. I would like to say that sentiments and views of the people are respected. So, if at that particular point in time, their sentiments and views are like that, as they express it in the media, I respect that. On my part, I will just do my mission. The Holy Father asked me to be an apostle in this particular jurisdiction, and I will do it with passion and dedication. I will call everyone for unity to work together and just work for the good of the Church. Thats it, he said. A day after Convocars appointment a letter entitled A betrayal of trust and heritage: Where are our indigenous leaders? was penned by KKMP owner and broadcaster Gary Sword. Expressing his sentiments on behalf of the Chamorro and Carolinian people, Sword wrote that on Nov. 25, 2024, the Chamorro and Carolinian people experienced sadness and anger as their indigenous priests were overlooked for leadership roles in the Catholic Church. Why are our indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian priests consistently overlooked to lead our faith and people? Are our indigenous priests not deemed worthy enough? Last night and today, the pain in their eyes was undeniableour community deeply feels the weight of this injustice, wrote Sword. He also added that despite centuries of preserving their language and culture through foreign domination, the Church is now erasing their heritage. Moreover, he claimed that the departure of Jimenez led to a dismantling of the local diocese to fuel his personal ambitions and that the appointment of a new bishop raised questions of manipulation and disrespect toward the CNMI community. Sword encouraged the Chamorro and Carolinian people to speak out to defend their faith and identity against this injustice. Not about us Jimenez defended the appointment of Convocar, emphasizing that the appointment process is not based on ethnicity but on the will of Pope Francis and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In our ministry, in our life as priests, its not about your ethnicity. We always of course respect the culture where we are in, like here on (Saipan). But when you work for the Lord, it goes beyond, its not about us. Also, the appointment of bishop in any diocese, its the Holy Father who appoints but also, we trust that in the process is the work of the Holy Spirit. So, as a church we have to be open, he said. Jimenez reiterated that the ministry is not about personal ambition but about serving God and others, regardless of where one is assigned. First of all, no one is worthy. We are all not qualified. But as the saying goes, God qualifies, then qualified. Its a call from God. This is not like applying for public office, where you put your resume and all of that. And when we said yes to the sacrament of ordination as priest, we have to do our ministry, but we dont aspire for a priest so that years later, we will be chosen as bishops. If we are chosen, like in my case, then its an invitation, a call for greater service, he said. Convocar was born in Iloilo, Philippines. He completed both his high school studies and his Bachelor of Arts major in philosophy with a minor in English at St. Joseph Seminary in Dumaguete City and his theological studies at St Joseph Regional Seminary in Jaro, Iloilo City. He was ordained into the Sacred Order of Priesthood for the Military Ordinariate on Sept. 17, 1996. Subsequently, he was commissioned as a military chaplain in the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the rank of captain. He completed his Technical Service Officers Basic and Advance Courses at the Philippine Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Ramon Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. He served as a chaplain officer for about 10 years and was assigned to various military installations and commands under the headquarters units and the Navy. Moreover, he also served for about five years as the spiritual director and procurator of the Domus Josephi Formation House, a seminary of the Military Ordinariate. Convocar moved to Guam and was incardinated in the Archdiocese of Agana. He has served as the parish administrator of St Joseph Church in Inalahan, pastor of San Isidro in Malojloj, and rector of Agana Cathedral-Basilica. Currently, he is the administrator of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores Parish in Tumon. Moreover, as he has studied tribunal practice at the Institute of Tribunal Practice, which is affiliated with the Catholic Institute of Sydney and governed by the Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand, he furthermore serves as an advocate and auditor in the Metropolitan Tribunal. Convocar was also a formator of seminarians of the archdiocese before the closure of the seminaries in Guam. He served as the vicar-general to former Agana Archbishop Most Rev. Michael Jude Byrnes until his resignation on March 28, 2023, due to health reasons. At the time of Byrnes resignation, he was named by Pope Francis as the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Agana, the office that he served for more than a year. He succeeds Jimenez as bishop of Diocese of Chalan Kanoa. The latter was bishop of from 2016 to 2024 but prior to that served as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa from 2010 to 2016. Jimenez in turn succeeded the late Bishop Tomas A. Camacho who served from 1984 until his resignation in 2010. Since Aug. 15, 2024, Fr. Charlie Borja has served as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa following the appointment of Jimenez as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana. 3 archbishops In attendance for the episcopal ordination and installation of Convocar as the head of the Catholic Church in the CNMI are Archbishop Gabor Pinter, Apostolic Nuncio to New Zealand, CEPAC, and apostolic delegate to the Pacific Islands; Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila; and Jimenez himself, president of the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific and Archbishop of Agana. All three will serve as ordaining bishops. Convocar was appointed by Pope Francis as the new bishop of Diocese of Chalan Kanoa last Nov. 26. Del. James Moylan introduced a House resolution to officially recognize March as National CHamoru Heritage and Culture Month in honor of the rich cultural legacy of the CHamoru people. House Resolution 183 aims to highlight the significant contributions, traditions, and history of the CHamoru community, emphasizing the importance of preserving and celebrating their unique heritage, according to a release from Moylan's office. This designation serves as a tribute to the resilience, perseverance, and enduring spirit of the CHamoru people, Moylan's office said. "As we acknowledge March as National CHamoru Heritage and Culture Month, we pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the CHamoru people and their invaluable contributions to our society. It is a time to honor our heritage, traditions, and resilience that continue to inspire and unite us," Moylan said in a statement. The resolution shares a brief history of the CHamoru people including the Japanese occupation and the Liberation of Guam. It also states more than 200,000 people living in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the mainland U.S. claim CHamoru ancestry. It also states that CHamoru men and women serve in the armed services at a rate higher than the national average. On Guam, the island is celebrating Mes CHamoru or CHamoru Month with celebrations throughout the island. CHamoru Month 2025 encourages the residents of Guam to learn about our islands rich and vibrant history, and to pay homage to the leaders of the past who have inspired generations of the people of Guam, acting Gov. Josh Tenorio said in signing a proclamation declaring March as CHamoru Month last week. Celebrate the CHamoru culture through language, chants, music, dance, storytelling, cuisine and traditional crafts, he said. Don Don Donki Guam announced a refreshed shopping experience launching on March 15. Since opening in Guam a year ago, Don Don Donki has been listening, learning, and evolving to better serve the island, the company said in a release. The companys goal has always been to bring a unique and engaging shopping experience to Guam, and this refresh marks the next step in that journey. With an expanded selection of products and a thoughtfully updated store layout, Don Don Donki is evolving to better align with the needs and expectations of Guams shoppers, Don Don Donki Guam said. Uta Miyazawa, sales and marketing, said the company spent time talking to customers and associates, listening to feedback, and making changes that truly reflect what the island wants. This refresh is about more than just new productsits about creating a shopping experience that feels like home, Miyazawa said. Don Don Donki Guams President Makoto Hanawa invites everyone to come and rediscover whats new at the store. Whether its your favorite snacks, pantry staples, or just the thrill of finding something unexpected, we cant wait for you to experience our store reimagined, Hanawa said. To celebrate, Don Don Donki will be hosting in-store promotions and more surprises during the launch week. Follow the store on social media @donki_gu for the latest updates and sneak peeks. This is just the beginning of something even bigger, Miyazawa said. Sens. Vince Borja and Tina Muna Barnes are requesting the speaker to hold an emergency session to give the Guam Department of Education $30 million to continue funding critical refurbishment projects that are threatened by recent federal policy changes, in order to prevent school opening delays. Borja said GDOE is facing an urgent funding challenge because of a new requirement for local prepayment on federally funded projects, with only potential reimbursement. This has placed an immense financial burden on GDOE and threatens the timely reopening of schools and the completion of critical refurbishment projects, he said. Without legislative action, GDOE faces delays in contractor payments, which could stall school repairs, disrupt operations, and prevent compliance with public health and safety requirements under the Every Child Is Entitled to an Adequate Public Education Act, the senator wrote to Speaker Frank Blas Jr. Borja urged the immediate consideration of legislation to establish the GDOE Federal Advances Revolving Fund, a $30 million temporary funding mechanism administered by the Department of Administration. This fund would front payments for federally reimbursable expenses, ensuring GDOE can meet its obligations, sustain progress, and open schools on time, he said. This issue requires swift legislative action. I stand ready to work with you and my colleagues to pass the necessary measures and ensure that our students, teachers, and families are not impacted by funding delays, he said. Borja chairs the committee with oversight over GDOE and Muna Barnes is the co-chair. According to a release from Borjas office, GDOE and policymakers for months have been aware of the federal governments shift in funding procedures, requiring prepayment for federally funded projects before reimbursement is considered. While efforts have been made to manage this challenge, the scale of the financial burdenamounting to millions of dollarshas reached a critical point where contractor payments are at risk, potentially stalling school refurbishments and preventing schools from meeting public health and safety requirements. Without immediate intervention, some schools may not be able to open on time for the next academic year, Borjas office said. We cannot afford to waitevery day we delay puts school readiness at risk. If these projects arent completed on time, schools wont meet public health and safety requirements, and that means students may not have classrooms to return to, Borja said in a statement. The senators hope to prevent the crisis by having the legislation immediately passed. The proposed legislation seeks to appropriate $30 million from the Rainy Day Fund to provide the funding for the new account. We must act now to protect our students education and their well-being. If these projects stall due to delayed payments, it wont just be an inconvenienceit will be a full-blown crisis affecting thousands of students, teachers, and families. We must prevent that at all costs, Muna Barnes said in a statement. The senators are calling on their colleagues in the 38th Guam Legislature to act swiftly and support the measure to protect Guams students, teachers, and families, Borjas office said. Any senator can petition for an emergency session and must justify the existence of an emergency, the intended outcome of the proposed legislation in addressing the emergency, and anticipated fiscal impact of the proposed legislation. Sycamore Partners Walgreens Deal: A major story today is the finalized $10 billion take-private deal between Walgreens Boots Alliance and Sycamore Partners, a New York-based private equity firm specializing in retail investments. Shareholders will receive $11.45 per share in cash, with additional value from future monetization of debt and equity in VillageMD, bringing the total potential value to $23.7 billion. This marks the end of Walgreens nearly century-long presence on the stock market, having gone public in 1927. Theres speculation that Sycamore might sell off the Boots chain separately, though no confirmation has emerged yet. Carlyles IPO Plans: Earlier this week, Carlyle Group announced intentions to accelerate IPOs for its portfolio companies in 2025, targeting up to $5 billion in exits. The firms co-heads of Americas private equity expressed optimism about a rebound in U.S. dealmaking despite a slow start to the year, partly due to tariff-related market concerns under the Trump administration. Carlyle remains bullish on leveraged buyouts and public market activity. Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) Expansion: GIP, owned by BlackRock, revealed plans to open a new office in Qatar to serve as a hub for its Middle East and North Africa operations. This move reflects a broader trend of private equity firms establishing a presence in the Gulf to invest locally, shifting from merely raising funds there for external markets. Fundraising Trends: Posts on X indicate that private equity fundraising has faced challenges, with assets under management dropping last year for the first time in decades due to a $3 trillion backlog of unsold deals. However, specific successes include 400 Capital closing its fourth private credit fund at $1.39 billion, focusing on structured credit opportunities. Middle East Sovereign Wealth Funds: Theres growing attention on the increasing influence of Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds in private equity, alongside a recent wave of exits, as noted in a newsletter from DealStreetAsia. 60 hours is the sweet spot of productivity, Sergey Brin is said to have written in a letter to the employees of Google's DeepMind. This is Google's AI department. The New York Times quotes the Google co-founder as saying that the competition for AI applications and, above all, an AGI, i.e., an Artificial General Intelligence that is smarter than humans, has intensified to such an extent that full commitment is required. Anzeige Brin had actually withdrawn from the current business, but since the hype surrounding AI, he has become increasingly involved in management again. The reason is said to be his enthusiasm for the topic, but of course also the alarm that OpenAI has triggered at Google with products such as ChatGPT. Ultimately, it is about a kind of domination of the next technology and also of the Internet. According to Brin, the 60 hours are only a rough guide. He is convinced, writes the New York Times, that employees would burn out and lose their creativity if they worked even more hours. However, this does not apply to everyone; some people are also able to work more. Apparently, people who only work the standard working hours are unproductive and extremely demoralizing for others. Brin is also calling for a return to the office and thus a move away from working from home for at least every working day. Google currently offers hybrid working with remote days and days spent in the office. No nanny products No guard rails In the letter, Brin also explains that Google no longer wants to develop nanny products in the future. This refers to products that come with filters and reject decisions. We need to trust users more. In the case of AI, this would mean going in the direction of Elon Musk's Grok. His AI models come with virtually no guard rails. Accordingly, it is also possible to use the products to generate images showing Donald Trump kissing Elon Musk's feet or having phone sex with an AI voice. However, AI is also to be used even more internally to speed up processes. Brin is co-founder of Google alongside Larry Page, and together they own the majority of the company's shares. They therefore still have the opportunity to have a say in the business. DeepMind was founded in 2010 by Nobel Prize winner Demis Hassabis. He heads the AI team, which was acquired by Google in 2014. DeepMind actually has a research-oriented approach. Anzeige (emw) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. Finlands Interior Ministry has been accused of discrimination in its refugee selection process, according to a report by the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman . The ministry allegedly sought to prevent Muslim refugees from Afghanistan and Syria from coming to Finland as part of the countrys quota refugee plan for 2025. Kristina Stenman, the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, said the ministrys actions violated principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination based on religion and national origin. The Interior Ministry has stated that it will review the report and awaits an assessment from the Chancellor of Justice. Mari Rantanen, the Minister of the Interior, has declined to comment on the matter. Concerns over Finlands refugee policies have grown in recent months. The government has introduced multiple legislative changes affecting asylum seekers and immigrants, including restrictions on work permits, reduced financial support, and longer residency requirements for citizenship. The Ombudsmans office has warned that these measures disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, particularly children and individuals granted international protection. The Chancellor of Justice is expected to issue a formal assessment of the case, while the Interior Ministry has been tasked with reviewing its policies. HT The exercise aimed to enhance joint fire operations between Finland's Air Force and Army units. Two US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers conducted their first-ever air-to-ground bombing exercises in Finland on 6 March. The bombers, escorted by Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet fighters, dropped guided JDAM bombs on targets at the Rovajarvi firing range in Lapland. Finnish and US Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) coordinated the strikes, ensuring they complied with Finnish safety regulations and standard operational procedures. Brigadier General Aki Puustinen, Chief of Staff of Air Force Command Finland, said the operation demonstrated Finlands ability to work alongside US forces in fire missions. He emphasised that cooperation with US strategic bombers strengthens NATOs collective defence and deterrence in Northern Europe. Since July 2024, Finland has been conducting joint training missions with US strategic bombers in its airspace. Finnish Hornet fighters have also participated in US-led Bomber Task Force exercises in Sweden and Estonia this year, reinforcing Finlands role within NATOs defence strategy. HT Forest Service offers salvage timber contracts along Appalachian Trail The USDA Forest Service is currently offering salvage timber contracts to remove downed but still commercially usable trees left in the wake of Hurricane Helene on up to 2,200 acres of the Pisgah National Forest that, if left to dry, would pose a considerable wildfire risk. Related Stories The salvage timber sales will take place in McDowell and Burke counties, as well as in Yancey and Mitchell counties near the Appalachian Trail. The Forest Service worked closely with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to plan the removal of downed trees in the vicinity to the trail. The unprecedented levels of downed trees and woody debris across the Pisgah National Forest has led the Forest Service to take action protecting neighboring communities by reducing the amount of fuel on the ground for potential wildfires. Hurricane Helene left catastrophic damage across a large portion of the forests in Western North Carolina, with several thousands of acres of blown down trees in the Pisgah National Forests alone, said James Melonas, Forest Supervisor for the National Forests in North Carolina. The longer we wait, the greater the likelihood that a severe wildfire could threaten the Pisgah and our neighboring communities, and thats simply not a risk were willing to take. The Pisgah National Forest has already experienced wildfire activity in the five months since Hurricane Helene blew through Western North Carolina. In these cases, debris left by the hurricane added additional challenges in containing the blazes by adding additional fuel and making the terrain more difficult. Allowing for commercial salvage of downed trees then has the benefit of reducing the risk of severe wildfire as well as providing economic benefits for local communities. Additionally, debris removal via salvage will provide Forest Service crews better access to begin restoration activities to areas damaged by Hurricane Helene. In the Southern Area Spring 2025 Wildfire Risk Assessment, produced by the Southern Area Coordination Center, forecasts show a moderate probability for an active spring wildfire season throughout the Southern Appalachian states because of warmer temperatures and low precipitation. The report noted that impacts from Hurricane Helene, including limited access to areas still blocked by debris, will likely lead to larger, more complex wildfires. In addition to the wildfire risks, downed trees can also provide fertile habitat for non-native and invasive species and other destructive pests, adding further long-term impacts from the storm that may be difficult to address the longer the trees remain on the ground. We know that we are facing nearly ideal conditions for a very active wildfire season, so removing this salvage now will not only remove those heavy fuels from the ground, but it will also help us improve access for firefighters and first responders, Melonas added. This salvage sale will address a major safety concern while benefiting the local economy. I consider that a win-win. Companies interested in bidding for a salvage timber contract can visit the Bear Wallow Salvage Sale webpage for more information. A 1-year-old baby died from dehydration and was "found with very little evidence of food in the stomach" after their mother neglected them for nearly two days because she allegedly "had a migraine." Alyssa Wehmeyer of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, found her deceased baby on Feb. 28. When she was questioned by police, the 21-year-old mother revealed she last fed her baby on Feb. 26, about 36 hours before the child died, according to a probable cause affidavit. When questioned about the child's "severe blisters" caused by a diaper rash, Wehmeyer told police she last changed the baby's diaper then put them to bed on Feb. 27, "nearly 19 hours" before the child was found. The last time she picked up the baby was around 2 a.m. on Feb. 28, when she tended to them for about 30 minutes. The suspect told police she should have taken her child to the hospital on Feb. 27 but she "had a migraine" and took a nap instead. Prosecutors accused Wehmeyer of neglecting her child "for approximately 43 hours," per the arrest warrant. Wehmeyer was arrested and charged with abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death, a felony charge. She is being held on $100,000 cash bond and will appear in court on March 6. Originally published on Latin Times The rapidly expanding hospitality brand debuts its fifth property along historic Route 66 at the gateway to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Trailborn, one of the fastest-growing brands in outdoor hospitality acclaimed for its beautifully designed boutique hotels in extraordinary locations, destination restaurants and bars, and curated experiences & excursions, has announced the grand opening of Trailborn Grand Canyon in Williams, Arizona. This marks the brand's fifth open hotel and fourth destination following the openings of Trailborn Rocky Mountains and Trailborn Rocky Mountains Outpost outside Rocky Mountain National Park; Trailborn Highlands in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains; and Trailborn Surf & Sound in the premier coastal surf town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Trailborn Grand Canyon brings a fresh perspective to this sought-after national park location - introducing a fully redesigned and renovated hotel on Route 66 with a saloon-style events space, restaurant & bar, and family-friendly activities. The hotel is the first of its kind in a region that attracts millions of visitors from around the world. A long overdue addition to this bucket list destination, Trailborn Grand Canyon is an ideal hotel for families and road-trippers situated on the main strip of Williams, Arizona - a small, historic town lined with vintage diners, retro roadside signs, and western-inspired establishments. Known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon," Williams is home to the Grand Canyon Railway, which offers daily train service to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the most popular entry point to the park. Inspired by the American West, Route 66, and Williams' spirit, Trailborn Grand Canyon blends historic charm with modern design. Restored elements like the monument sign and saloon-style event space honor the past, while curated art, vintage finds, and playful decor bring a unique Southwestern aesthetic. In collaboration with acclaimed design firm Lake Flato, Trailborn reimagined the property with dynamic spaces for games, live music, dining, and private events. Outdoor features include a pool, hot tub, bocce court, kids' play area, and firepit. The 96 redesigned King and Queen guest rooms blend Route 66 motor lodge nostalgia with modern comforts, including velvet headboards, leather-stitched lamps, and walk-in showers. Amenities include Grown Alchemist bath products, Tivoli Bluetooth radios, 55" smart TVs, and high-speed WiFi. Designed for groups, tours, and all types of gatherings, Camp Hall serves as the property's social hub with a capacity of 200, hosting live music, Wild West Bingo, movie nights, and games like darts and shuffleboard. Outdoor spaces offer bocce, corn hole, and a firepit with s'mores kits and an onsite retail market provides local goods, sundries, and an elevated coffee program. Later this spring, Trailborn Grand Canyon will debut Miss Kitty's, a vibrant full-service southwest steakhouse, grill, and bar, providing both indoor and outdoor seating. Miss Kitty's has been a mainstay in the community, and Trailborn and Lake Flato reimagined the space to honor the charm of a bygone era with a fresh, contemporary twist. Featuring rich dark woods, handcrafted tiles, and a palette of desert-inspired hues, the ambiance is enhanced by playful Western touches and illustrations. Upon opening, Miss Kitty's will offer a range of dining experiences, from light daily breakfast and decadent Sunday brunch to a full dinner and bar service. Trailborn Grand Canyon's thoughtfully curated programming immerses guests in location-specific experiences, from off-site excursions led by local experts - such as guided hikes, stargazing, and helicopter rides- to engaging on-site activities at Camp Hall. A signature across all Trailborn properties, guests receive essentials to enhance their outdoor adventures, including bespoke Field Guides, bicycles for exploring the grounds and nearby town, branded coolers, Nocs binoculars, a custom scavenger hunt board for kids, and a knowledgeable team dedicated to personalizing each stay. At Trailborn Grand Canyon, guests can embark on curated outdoor excursions with local guides, while nearby attractions offer fun for all ages - river rafting, go-karts, ziplines, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, and Bearizona, a beloved wildlife park. Each winter, the Grand Canyon Railway's Polar Express brings the holiday spirit to life, whisking passengers from Williams to the enchanting "North Pole," where Santa and his reindeer await with a special gift for every child. As part of the brand's "Keep Extraordinary" initiative and commitment to protecting the country's most incredible destinations, a portion of proceeds from every room booking made on Trailborn's website will go to the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Founded in 1932, the organization focuses on preserving and protecting Grand Canyon National Park through trail restoration, educational programs, wildlife protection, and more. Trailborn Grand Canyon is conveniently located just 2.5 hours from Phoenix, 3 hours from Las Vegas, 1 hour from Sedona, and 30 minutes from Flagstaff, home to Arizona's tallest mountain. Visit trailborn.com/grand-canyon for more information, to book a hotel reservation, or to sign up for emails. Follow Trailborn Grand Canyon and Miss Kitty's on Instagram and stay up to date with the Trailborn brand o n Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Trailborn's latest curated playlists can also be found on Spotify. Hotel website Banyan Tree AlUla has appointed Bhavesh Rawal as general manager. With over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality across the Middle East and Canada, Rawal brings expertise in operational leadership, strategic development, and guest experience management. As general manager, Rawal will oversee the resort's daily operations, financial performance, and long-term strategy. His responsibilities include optimising operational efficiency, maintaining service standards, and enhancing guest experience. He will also work on strengthening key partnerships to align the resort's offerings with market demand. Rawal's career began in the culinary sector as a chef, providing him with an in-depth understanding of food & beverage operations. This experience has shaped his leadership approach, integrating hospitality management with a focus on service excellence. Rawal has extensive expertise in room inventory management, revenue strategy and operational efficiency. In his previous role, he managed a portfolio of 1,280 rooms in Dubai, driving revenue growth while streamlining operations. His experience includes overseeing the pre-opening of several luxury resorts, implementing commercial strategies, and leading initiatives that improved guest engagement. Sustainability, cost management, and business growth have been key aspects of Rawal's leadership. He has implemented strategies focused on long-term profitability while maintaining operational efficiency. His expertise in balancing financial performance with service delivery will play a role in the resort's continued development. Rawal will lead the resort through its next phase, with a focus on operational performance, guest experience, and market positioning. His experience in managing large-scale operations and strategic planning is expected to contribute to Banyan Tree AlUla's continued success in the evolving Saudi tourism market. The Ritz-Carlton, Denver announces the appointment of Alexia (Lexi) Zambrano as its new Marketing Manager. A Denver native, Zambrano brings a wealth of experience and a passion for hospitality marketing to the iconic downtown hotel. Zambrano's career in the hospitality industry began in 2017 with Marriott International at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, where she excelled as a Vacation Planner and subsequently as a Marketing Coordinator. Demonstrating her dedication and talent, she transitioned to the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in 2019. During her tenure at Gaylord Rockies, Zambrano rapidly advanced, holding the positions of Marketing Coordinator and Marketing Manager. She then stepped into the Group Marketing Manager role on the Gaylord Hotels Brand Marketing and Creative team, where she honed her skills in strategic marketing and team leadership. Zambrano holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Minor in Mass Communication, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Regis University, solidifying her academic foundation in business and marketing principles. Her educational background, coupled with her hands-on experience, provides her with a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of hospitality marketing. Beyond her professional achievements, Zambrano is deeply rooted in the Denver community. She enjoys exploring the outdoors with her two goldendoodles, indulging in her love for reading and culinary experimentation, and planning her next travel adventure. Committed to giving back, she also serves on the Young Professionals Board for Boys Hope Girls Hope Colorado, demonstrating her dedication to supporting local youth. In her new role, Zambrano will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance the hotel's brand presence, drive revenue, and cultivate lasting guest relationships. Her expertise will be instrumental in positioning The Ritz-Carlton, Denver as the premier luxury destination in the Mile High City. Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, a leader in transformative wellbeing located in the Texas Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, today announces the appointment of Kimberly Rossi as its new general manager. A seasoned leader and wellness expert, Rossi brings more than two decades of passion for wellbeing and excellence in management to her role, where she will guide the award-winning resort into its next era as Miraval Resorts celebrates its milestone 30th anniversary year. Holding certifications as an Ayurvedic health consultant and leader of Kundalini and Kripalu yoga, Rossi has built a successful career around wellness and its place in the luxury travel industry with a track record of purpose-driven results. She has led five-star hotels, resorts and destination retreats to new heights in market awareness, revenue growth, and guest satisfaction with her leadership path taking her across the U.S. and the Caribbean. Her experience ranges from directing day spas in Westport, Conn. and managing a team of over 100 spa professionals at the historic Cranwell Resort in Lenox, Mass. to serving as the spa director for The Ritz-Carlton in Puerto Rico and ultimately a luxury wellness subject matter expert for Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America. Most recently, Rossi served as the director of wellness and business development and hotel manager for North Carolina's Art of Living Retreat Center, overseeing all hotel and retreat center operations, driving revenue growth and positioning the spiritual center as a premier Ayurvedic destination. As Miraval Austin's general manager, Rossi oversees all aspects of the resort's operations, supporting the continued elevation of Miraval Austin as a leader in transformative wellbeing. Closely collaborating with resort colleagues, she is dedicated to further enhancing the guest experience at Miraval Austin, renowned for its transformative offerings. Her focus is on evolving and elevating the resort's industry-leading spa services and intention-driven workshops and activities, all designed to cultivate mindfulness and support a life in balance. Metaxa Hospitality Group announces the appointment of Serafim Karouzakis as General Manager of Santo Collection. A tourism industry veteran with abundant operational experience earned over more than three decades, Karouzakis is responsible for the administration and operational success of the three properties of Santo Collection including Santo Pure, Santo Mine, and The Villas by Santo Collection on the island of Santorini, set on the coast of Greece's Aegean Sea. Karouzakis' oversight at each property includes shaping innovative sales and marketing strategies, upholding high standards for guest satisfaction, motivating onsite teams to work together to provide outstanding service, developing and implementing sustainable practices to minimize the environmental footprints of each property and guaranteeing expected financial results and business-unit profitability. Karouzakis joins Santo Collection while continuing his role as General Manager of TUI Magic Life Candia Maris Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive, adults-only resort located on Amoudara near Heraklion, Crete, where he has served for the last 14 years. He got his start in management as Operations Manager of Gouves Water Park Holiday Resort in Gouves, Heraklion, Crete, after serving as Assistant Banqueting Manager with Creta & Terra Maris Convention & Beach Resort, a Metaxa Hospitality Group property in Hersonissos, Crete. Karouzakis graduated with honors from Minoan International College in Heraklion, Crete, earning a bachelor's degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management. More recently, he completed the Hospitality Management 360 program at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. A seasoned traveler, he is fluent in his native Greek, as well as English and German - language skills that enable him to expertly serve the diverse guests of Santo Collection. The Board of Dalata Hotel Group plc (Dalata or the Group) announces that it is undertaking a strategic review to explore options available to optimise capital opportunities for the Group and to enhance value for shareholders, including but not limited to a potential sale of the Group (the Strategic Review). Dalata has appointed Rothschild & Co as financial adviser in connection with the Strategic Review. Dalata | Leading Independent Four-Star Hotel Platform Established in 2007, Dalata has grown into the leading independent four-star hotel platform in the UK and Ireland with a growing presence in Continental Europe and with an ambitious growth strategy to expand its portfolio further in excellent locations in select large cities. The Group is listed on the Main Market of Euronext Dublin (DHG) and the London Stock Exchange (DAL). Dalata operates a modern, well-invested portfolio of 55 high quality hotels in excellent central locations. Dalatas portfolio includes 30 owned hotels which are valued at 1.7 billion including assets under construction, 73% of which relates to hotels in Dublin and London. It also operates 22 leased hotels, the majority of which are on long term institutional lease agreements with a weighted average lease length of 29 years and rent cover of 1.7x. Dalata also operates three managed hotels. As announced today, Dalata reported record revenue for 2024 of 652.2 million, Adjusted EBITDA of 234.5 million and Adjusted EBITDA (after rent) of 173.2 million. Further details of Dalatas portfolio, brands, team, financial performance and asset backing are set out below. Background to the Strategic Review The Board believes that Dalata offers a highly attractive investment proposition: a leading hotel platform and a dynamic experienced management team, a modern, well-invested portfolio of hotel properties in central locations, two well-established growing brands and strong cashflow generation, with a clear strategy as outlined in its 2030 Vision to grow the portfolio. However, the Board also recognises that the Group faces certain structural challenges, including its relatively small scale in a public market context, its relatively concentrated shareholder register, a constrained capital base in the context of its growth ambition and a share price that continues to trade at levels which the Board does not believe reflects the asset base, fundamentals, performance, cash generation, and exciting growth prospects of Dalata. Accordingly, the Board has appointed Rothschild & Co as its financial adviser to assist with a review of its strategic options to optimise capital opportunities for the Group and to enhance value for its shareholders. As a result of these deliberations the Board has determined that it would be in the best interests of the Group and shareholders as a whole that it formalise these assessments into the Strategic Review, which will take into account the views of shareholders. As part of the Strategic Review, the Board will consider options available to optimise capital opportunities for the Group and to enhance value for shareholders, including, but not limited to, continuing the Groups existing strategy, further actions to improve shareholder value, returning further capital to shareholders, selling the entire issued share capital of the Group (which would be conducted under the framework of a formal sale process (The Formal Sale Process) in accordance with the Irish Takeover Rules) or undertaking some other form of merger or comparable corporate action. The Group confirms it is not in discussions with, or in receipt of an approach from, any potential offeror at the time of this announcement. John Hennessy, Chairman of Dalata, will continue to Chair the Group throughout the Strategic Review process. John Hennessy, Dalata Chairman said: The Board is excited about the 2030 Vision that was outlined by our senior management team at our Capital Markets Day in October 2024. However, we are unanimous in the view that the key to achieving that vision is the availability of capital; and that the share price does not reflect the underlying value of the company. We believe that now is the right time to undertake a rigorous and formal strategic review, which will consider options to increase access to capital and also enhance shareholder value. Dermot Crowley, Dalata Chief Executive Officer said: Our 2030 Vision strategy sets an exciting goal to have 21,000 rooms either operational or under construction by 2030. We have an excellent management platform in place to deliver this strategy but access to capital is essential to achieve our vision. A thorough strategic review will enable us to assess available options to increase our access to capital and enhance shareholder value. During the process we will remain focused on the underlying business continuing to take care of our people and continuing to meet the expectations of our customers. We have exciting initiatives in place to enhance further our revenues and deliver further productivity our teams will remain focused on delivering on the objectives that we have set ourselves for 2025. Further Background on Dalata Strong Brands Dalata operates its hotels primarily through two strong and distinct own brands, Clayton and Maldron, both of which were repositioned in 2024 following reviews of in-depth customer data and insights, leading to more impactful customer interactions, more cohesive visual identities and a strengthening market position. Guest satisfaction scores have further improved over the last 12 months. Dalata is also rolling out new technology in the areas of revenue management, customer experience and customer relationship management, which will help drive the business forward. Experienced Team; Excellent People Dalata has a highly experienced senior leadership team who have a proven track record of delivering portfolio growth and operational excellence. Since 2021, the team has driven the growth in the portfolio by c. 35% to 11,990 rooms, with a further 1,624 rooms in the pipeline. In the same timeframe, the team has nearly doubled the number of rooms operated by Dalata in the UK and led the first successful steps into Continental Europe. Dalata grows its business by the acquisition or leasing of existing hotels, developing new freehold and leasehold hotels and by extending its existing hotels. Dalata as a group is very focused on its culture and its people strategy which supports the operation of its existing hotels as well as providing the talent for future growth. Its proven decentralised model, featuring empowered management teams on the ground and a skilled central office team supporting both the existing portfolio and new openings, drives high performance. Strong Operational and Financial Performance As set out further in the Groups FY 2024 results announcement released today, Dalata delivered strong trading performance for the year ended 31 December 2024, with revenue of 652.2 million, Adjusted EBITDA of 234.5 million, and Adjusted EBITDA (after rent) of 173.2 million. The Group produced significant free cashflow of 123.7 million after refurbishment capex and finance costs. Furthermore, trading has commenced strongly in 2025 with Group RevPARs expected to be c. 2.5% ahead for the first quarter of 2025. There is a particularly strong performance in Dublin relative to 2024 with an expected uplift of c. 5% in RevPARs for the same period. 2025 increases in statutory minimum wage rates in Ireland and the UK, and recent changes in UK National Insurance, will increase hotel payroll by c. 5% in 2025. However Dalata is confident in the Groups ability to recover these costs through the ongoing roll out of further efficiency and innovation initiatives, through RevPAR growth in the markets and by a reduction in contracted energy pricing. Portfolio Overview and Clear Growth Strategy Dalatas 2030 Vision sets out its ambition to be the leading hotel operator in the four-star segment in the UK and Ireland with a growing presence in Continental Europe, targeting a portfolio of 21,000 rooms by 2030 either open or in development. Growth will primarily be focussed on the UK and large European cities. In Dublin, Dalata has a leading market share with 4,638 rooms and a c. 16% market share. The Dublin portfolio consists of ten owned hotels, seven leased hotels and two managed hotels. Within the owned and leased category, there are eight Maldron hotels, seven Clayton hotels, The Gibson Hotel and The Samuel Hotel. The outlook for Dublin's economy is very encouraging, supported by rising population numbers, significant employment growth, and strong international visitor numbers. The Regional Ireland portfolio comprises six Maldron hotels and five Clayton hotels located in Cork (x4), Galway (x3), Limerick (x2), Portlaoise and Sligo. Ten hotels are owned, and one is operated under a lease. The Group has significantly grown its presence in London since mid-2023, adding three hotels and now owns five hotels in the city. Dalatas London portfolio is now 876 rooms, of which 74% were built within the last 10 years. Within London, Dalata has announced a pipeline which includes an 11 room extension at Clayton Hotel City of London and 154 rooms through the lease of a new Clayton Hotel to be built on Old Broad Street. Dalata sees significant opportunity for future growth, increasing its ability to cluster hotel functions. Dalatas Regional UK portfolio is now 4,204 rooms, including three new Maldron Hotels opened in 2024. The Regional UK owned and leased hotel portfolio comprises nine Clayton hotels and eight Maldron hotels. Four hotels are situated in Manchester, two in Glasgow, three in Northern Ireland and eight in other attractive regional UK cities. The average age of its rooms in this portfolio is nine years. The Group continues to see exciting opportunities to deploy capital organically, including extensions, conversions, acquisitions, development and leases that meet its return criteria, with significant headroom under its existing debt facilities to do so. Dalata is targeting large regional cities in the UK, such as Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham, which offer very attractive scale opportunities. Dalata has appraised 11 UK cities and is targeting to grow the portfolio in these locations by a further 5,000 rooms. Dalatas Continental Europe portfolio includes Clayton Hotel Dusseldorf (393 rooms) and Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American (173 rooms). Dalata sees an exciting opportunity to expand in large European cities that have strong RevPARs and a balanced mix of corporate and leisure demand. Dalata is currently in detailed discussions on two further hotels in Berlin and Madrid. Asset Backing, Strong Balance Sheet Dalatas owned hotels were externally valued at 1.64 billion as at 31 December 2024, in addition to which Dalata has 31 million of owned assets under construction. The owned hotels produced Hotel EBITDA (after rent) of 152.5 million over the 12 months ended 31 December 2024 (excluding Hotel EBITDA from disposed hotels). Dalatas freehold backing also provides optionality to recycle capital, either through the disposal of non-core hotels (for example the sale of Maldron Hotel Wexford in 2024 and sale of Clayton Whites Hotel in January 2025) or through sale-and-leaseback (for example the sale and leaseback of the Clayton Hotel Charlemont in 2020). Dalatas leased hotel portfolio produced Hotel EBITDA (after rent) of 40 million over the 12 months ended 31 December 2024. Net Debt to EBITDA after rent was 1.3x as at 31 December 2024. Next Steps The Board will update shareholders on the progress of the Strategic Review and will make further announcements in due course. There is currently no certainty as to the outcome of the Strategic Review. The Board will engage with shareholders to solicit their views and input into the Strategic Review. Parties interested in submitting an expression of interest or proposal relating to the Strategic Review and Formal Sale Process should contact the Group's financial adviser, Rothschild & Co, using the contact details below. Formal Sale Process and Irish Takeover Rules Considerations This announcement commences a Formal Sale Process pursuant to the Irish Takeover Rules. The Irish Takeover Panel has agreed that any discussions in relation to an offer for the Group may be conducted within the context of a Formal Sale Process under the Irish Takeover Rules (as referred to in Note 2 on Rule 2.6 of the Irish Takeover Rules), which will enable conversations with parties interested in making a proposal to take place on a confidential basis. Any party interested in submitting a proposal for consideration in connection with the Strategic Review (including within the Formal Sale Process) may, depending on the nature of the proposal, at the appropriate time, enter into a non-disclosure agreement and standstill arrangement with the Group on terms satisfactory to the Board before being permitted to participate in the process. The Group then intends to provide such interested parties with certain information on its business, following which interested parties shall be invited to submit their proposals to Rothschild & Co. The Group will update the market regarding the Strategic Review and Formal Sale Process in due course. The Board reserves the right to alter any aspect of the process as outlined above or to terminate the process at any time and, in such cases, will make an announcement as appropriate. The Board also reserves the right to reject any approach from or terminate discussions with any interested party at any time. The Irish Takeover Panel has granted a dispensation from the requirements of Rules 2.4(b), 2.4(c) and 2.6(a) of the Irish Takeover Rules such that any interested party participating in the Formal Sale Process will not be required to be publicly identified as a result of this announcement and will not be subject to the 42 day deadline referred to in Rule 2.6(a) of the Irish Takeover Rules for so long as it is participating in the Formal Sale Process. Such parties should nonetheless be mindful of their obligations under the Irish Takeover Rules, including in particular with respect to confidentiality under Rule 2.1 and the circumstances in which an announcement may be required under Rule 2.2. If an interested party has any doubts about its obligations pursuant to the Irish Takeover Rules, it should contact its financial adviser(s) to discuss this and where applicable, it should also consult with the Irish Takeover Panel. The Irish Takeover Panel has confirmed that following this announcement the Group is now considered to be in an "offer period" as defined in the Irish Takeover Rules, and the dealing disclosure requirements of Rule 8 of the Irish Takeover Rules as summarised below will apply. Shareholders are advised that this announcement does not represent a firm intention by any party to make an offer under Rule 2.7 of the Irish Takeover Rules and there can be no certainty that any offers will be made as a result of the Formal Sale Process, that any sale or other transaction will be concluded, nor as to the terms on which any offer or other transaction may be made. This announcement is not intended to, and does not, constitute or form part of (1) an offer or invitation to purchase or otherwise acquire, subscribe for, tender, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, (2) the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase or otherwise acquire, subscribe for, tender, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, or (3) the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to this announcement or otherwise. The Board of Dalata Hotel Group plc (Dalata or the Group) announces that it is undertaking a strategic review to explore options available to optimise capital opportunities for the Group and to enhance value for shareholders, including but not limited to a potential sale of the Group (the Strategic Review). Dalata has appointed Rothschild & Co as financial adviser in connection with the Strategic Review. Dalata | Leading Independent Four-Star Hotel Platform Established in 2007, Dalata has grown into the leading independent four-star hotel platform in the UK and Ireland with a growing presence in Continental Europe and with an ambitious growth strategy to expand its portfolio further in excellent locations in select large cities. The Group is listed on the Main Market of Euronext Dublin (DHG) and the London Stock Exchange (DAL). Dalata operates a modern, well-invested portfolio of 55 high quality hotels in excellent central locations. Dalatas portfolio includes 30 owned hotels which are valued at 1.7 billion including assets under construction, 73% of which relates to hotels in Dublin and London. It also operates 22 leased hotels, the majority of which are on long term institutional lease agreements with a weighted average lease length of 29 years and rent cover of 1.7x. Dalata also operates three managed hotels. As announced today, Dalata reported record revenue for 2024 of 652.2 million, Adjusted EBITDA of 234.5 million and Adjusted EBITDA (after rent) of 173.2 million. Further details of Dalatas portfolio, brands, team, financial performance and asset backing are set out below. Background to the Strategic Review The Board believes that Dalata offers a highly attractive investment proposition: a leading hotel platform and a dynamic experienced management team, a modern, well-invested portfolio of hotel properties in central locations, two well-established growing brands and strong cashflow generation, with a clear strategy as outlined in its 2030 Vision to grow the portfolio. However, the Board also recognises that the Group faces certain structural challenges, including its relatively small scale in a public market context, its relatively concentrated shareholder register, a constrained capital base in the context of its growth ambition and a share price that continues to trade at levels which the Board does not believe reflects the asset base, fundamentals, performance, cash generation, and exciting growth prospects of Dalata. Accordingly, the Board has appointed Rothschild & Co as its financial adviser to assist with a review of its strategic options to optimise capital opportunities for the Group and to enhance value for its shareholders. As a result of these deliberations the Board has determined that it would be in the best interests of the Group and shareholders as a whole that it formalise these assessments into the Strategic Review, which will take into account the views of shareholders. As part of the Strategic Review, the Board will consider options available to optimise capital opportunities for the Group and to enhance value for shareholders, including, but not limited to, continuing the Groups existing strategy, further actions to improve shareholder value, returning further capital to shareholders, selling the entire issued share capital of the Group (which would be conducted under the framework of a formal sale process (The Formal Sale Process) in accordance with the Irish Takeover Rules) or undertaking some other form of merger or comparable corporate action. The Group confirms it is not in discussions with, or in receipt of an approach from, any potential offeror at the time of this announcement. John Hennessy, Chairman of Dalata, will continue to Chair the Group throughout the Strategic Review process. John Hennessy, Dalata Chairman said: The Board is excited about the 2030 Vision that was outlined by our senior management team at our Capital Markets Day in October 2024. However, we are unanimous in the view that the key to achieving that vision is the availability of capital; and that the share price does not reflect the underlying value of the company. We believe that now is the right time to undertake a rigorous and formal strategic review, which will consider options to increase access to capital and also enhance shareholder value. Dermot Crowley, Dalata Chief Executive Officer said: Our 2030 Vision strategy sets an exciting goal to have 21,000 rooms either operational or under construction by 2030. We have an excellent management platform in place to deliver this strategy but access to capital is essential to achieve our vision. A thorough strategic review will enable us to assess available options to increase our access to capital and enhance shareholder value. During the process we will remain focused on the underlying business continuing to take care of our people and continuing to meet the expectations of our customers. We have exciting initiatives in place to enhance further our revenues and deliver further productivity our teams will remain focused on delivering on the objectives that we have set ourselves for 2025. Further Background on Dalata Strong Brands Dalata operates its hotels primarily through two strong and distinct own brands, Clayton and Maldron, both of which were repositioned in 2024 following reviews of in-depth customer data and insights, leading to more impactful customer interactions, more cohesive visual identities and a strengthening market position. Guest satisfaction scores have further improved over the last 12 months. Dalata is also rolling out new technology in the areas of revenue management, customer experience and customer relationship management, which will help drive the business forward. Experienced Team; Excellent People Dalata has a highly experienced senior leadership team who have a proven track record of delivering portfolio growth and operational excellence. Since 2021, the team has driven the growth in the portfolio by c. 35% to 11,990 rooms, with a further 1,624 rooms in the pipeline. In the same timeframe, the team has nearly doubled the number of rooms operated by Dalata in the UK and led the first successful steps into Continental Europe. Dalata grows its business by the acquisition or leasing of existing hotels, developing new freehold and leasehold hotels and by extending its existing hotels. Dalata as a group is very focused on its culture and its people strategy which supports the operation of its existing hotels as well as providing the talent for future growth. Its proven decentralised model, featuring empowered management teams on the ground and a skilled central office team supporting both the existing portfolio and new openings, drives high performance. Strong Operational and Financial Performance As set out further in the Groups FY 2024 results announcement released today, Dalata delivered strong trading performance for the year ended 31 December 2024, with revenue of 652.2 million, Adjusted EBITDA of 234.5 million, and Adjusted EBITDA (after rent) of 173.2 million. The Group produced significant free cashflow of 123.7 million after refurbishment capex and finance costs. Furthermore, trading has commenced strongly in 2025 with Group RevPARs expected to be c. 2.5% ahead for the first quarter of 2025. There is a particularly strong performance in Dublin relative to 2024 with an expected uplift of c. 5% in RevPARs for the same period. 2025 increases in statutory minimum wage rates in Ireland and the UK, and recent changes in UK National Insurance, will increase hotel payroll by c. 5% in 2025. However Dalata is confident in the Groups ability to recover these costs through the ongoing roll out of further efficiency and innovation initiatives, through RevPAR growth in the markets and by a reduction in contracted energy pricing. Portfolio Overview and Clear Growth Strategy Dalatas 2030 Vision sets out its ambition to be the leading hotel operator in the four-star segment in the UK and Ireland with a growing presence in Continental Europe, targeting a portfolio of 21,000 rooms by 2030 either open or in development. Growth will primarily be focussed on the UK and large European cities. In Dublin, Dalata has a leading market share with 4,638 rooms and a c. 16% market share. The Dublin portfolio consists of ten owned hotels, seven leased hotels and two managed hotels. Within the owned and leased category, there are eight Maldron hotels, seven Clayton hotels, The Gibson Hotel and The Samuel Hotel. The outlook for Dublin's economy is very encouraging, supported by rising population numbers, significant employment growth, and strong international visitor numbers. The Regional Ireland portfolio comprises six Maldron hotels and five Clayton hotels located in Cork (x4), Galway (x3), Limerick (x2), Portlaoise and Sligo. Ten hotels are owned, and one is operated under a lease. The Group has significantly grown its presence in London since mid-2023, adding three hotels and now owns five hotels in the city. Dalatas London portfolio is now 876 rooms, of which 74% were built within the last 10 years. Within London, Dalata has announced a pipeline which includes an 11 room extension at Clayton Hotel City of London and 154 rooms through the lease of a new Clayton Hotel to be built on Old Broad Street. Dalata sees significant opportunity for future growth, increasing its ability to cluster hotel functions. Dalatas Regional UK portfolio is now 4,204 rooms, including three new Maldron Hotels opened in 2024. The Regional UK owned and leased hotel portfolio comprises nine Clayton hotels and eight Maldron hotels. Four hotels are situated in Manchester, two in Glasgow, three in Northern Ireland and eight in other attractive regional UK cities. The average age of its rooms in this portfolio is nine years. The Group continues to see exciting opportunities to deploy capital organically, including extensions, conversions, acquisitions, development and leases that meet its return criteria, with significant headroom under its existing debt facilities to do so. Dalata is targeting large regional cities in the UK, such as Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham, which offer very attractive scale opportunities. Dalata has appraised 11 UK cities and is targeting to grow the portfolio in these locations by a further 5,000 rooms. Dalatas Continental Europe portfolio includes Clayton Hotel Dusseldorf (393 rooms) and Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American (173 rooms). Dalata sees an exciting opportunity to expand in large European cities that have strong RevPARs and a balanced mix of corporate and leisure demand. Dalata is currently in detailed discussions on two further hotels in Berlin and Madrid. Asset Backing, Strong Balance Sheet Dalatas owned hotels were externally valued at 1.64 billion as at 31 December 2024, in addition to which Dalata has 31 million of owned assets under construction. The owned hotels produced Hotel EBITDA (after rent) of 152.5 million over the 12 months ended 31 December 2024 (excluding Hotel EBITDA from disposed hotels). Dalatas freehold backing also provides optionality to recycle capital, either through the disposal of non-core hotels (for example the sale of Maldron Hotel Wexford in 2024 and sale of Clayton Whites Hotel in January 2025) or through sale-and-leaseback (for example the sale and leaseback of the Clayton Hotel Charlemont in 2020). Dalatas leased hotel portfolio produced Hotel EBITDA (after rent) of 40 million over the 12 months ended 31 December 2024. Net Debt to EBITDA after rent was 1.3x as at 31 December 2024. Next Steps The Board will update shareholders on the progress of the Strategic Review and will make further announcements in due course. There is currently no certainty as to the outcome of the Strategic Review. The Board will engage with shareholders to solicit their views and input into the Strategic Review. Parties interested in submitting an expression of interest or proposal relating to the Strategic Review and Formal Sale Process should contact the Group's financial adviser, Rothschild & Co, using the contact details below. Formal Sale Process and Irish Takeover Rules Considerations This announcement commences a Formal Sale Process pursuant to the Irish Takeover Rules. The Irish Takeover Panel has agreed that any discussions in relation to an offer for the Group may be conducted within the context of a Formal Sale Process under the Irish Takeover Rules (as referred to in Note 2 on Rule 2.6 of the Irish Takeover Rules), which will enable conversations with parties interested in making a proposal to take place on a confidential basis. Any party interested in submitting a proposal for consideration in connection with the Strategic Review (including within the Formal Sale Process) may, depending on the nature of the proposal, at the appropriate time, enter into a non-disclosure agreement and standstill arrangement with the Group on terms satisfactory to the Board before being permitted to participate in the process. The Group then intends to provide such interested parties with certain information on its business, following which interested parties shall be invited to submit their proposals to Rothschild & Co. The Group will update the market regarding the Strategic Review and Formal Sale Process in due course. The Board reserves the right to alter any aspect of the process as outlined above or to terminate the process at any time and, in such cases, will make an announcement as appropriate. The Board also reserves the right to reject any approach from or terminate discussions with any interested party at any time. The Irish Takeover Panel has granted a dispensation from the requirements of Rules 2.4(b), 2.4(c) and 2.6(a) of the Irish Takeover Rules such that any interested party participating in the Formal Sale Process will not be required to be publicly identified as a result of this announcement and will not be subject to the 42 day deadline referred to in Rule 2.6(a) of the Irish Takeover Rules for so long as it is participating in the Formal Sale Process. Such parties should nonetheless be mindful of their obligations under the Irish Takeover Rules, including in particular with respect to confidentiality under Rule 2.1 and the circumstances in which an announcement may be required under Rule 2.2. If an interested party has any doubts about its obligations pursuant to the Irish Takeover Rules, it should contact its financial adviser(s) to discuss this and where applicable, it should also consult with the Irish Takeover Panel. The Irish Takeover Panel has confirmed that following this announcement the Group is now considered to be in an "offer period" as defined in the Irish Takeover Rules, and the dealing disclosure requirements of Rule 8 of the Irish Takeover Rules as summarised below will apply. Shareholders are advised that this announcement does not represent a firm intention by any party to make an offer under Rule 2.7 of the Irish Takeover Rules and there can be no certainty that any offers will be made as a result of the Formal Sale Process, that any sale or other transaction will be concluded, nor as to the terms on which any offer or other transaction may be made. This announcement is not intended to, and does not, constitute or form part of (1) an offer or invitation to purchase or otherwise acquire, subscribe for, tender, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, (2) the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase or otherwise acquire, subscribe for, tender, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, or (3) the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to this announcement or otherwise. Enquiries ORIX JREIT Acquired Hotel Universal Port Vita in Osaka for JPY35 Billion Japan-based ORIX JREIT Inc. (ORIX JREIT) has successfully completed the acquisition of 428-key Hotel Universal Port Vita for JPY35 billion from sponsor ORIX Corporation, translating to approximately JPY81.8 million per key. Completed in 2018, this property is one of seven official hotels of Universal Studios Japan, and is adjacent to the iconic Hotel Universal Port, a 600-key property also owned by Orix JREIT. The 14-storey property has a gross floor area of 31,600 square metres and features one food and beverage outlet. It is currently leased out, generating a fixed rent of JPY40 million, along with a variable rent component. The strategic acquisition aims to capitalise on the anticipated tourism surge in the region and enhance synergy with Hotel Universal Port. KB Group Acquires Four Points by Sheraton Josun in South Korea for KRW170 Billion KB Asset Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of South Korea-based KB Financial Group Inc. (KB Group), is acquiring the 342-key Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Station (Four Points by Sheraton Josun) in South Korea from Australia-based Macquarie Group Limited for KRW170 billion. This translates to approximately KRW497 million per key. Opened in 2015, the property features a restaurant, convenience store and fitness centre. Conveniently located, it is directly connected to the Seoul Station via an underground passageway. The property is leased and operated by South Korea-based Josun Hotels & Resorts Co., a subsidiary of South Korea-based supermarket chain E-Mart Inc. The lease is due to expire in 2035. Ark Capital Partners and Lead Global Acquired Melbourne Place Hotel in Australia for AUD150 Million Australia-based Ark Capital Partners Pty Ltd (Ark Capital Partners) and Myanmar-based Lead Global completed the acquisition of the newly built 191-key Melbourne Place Hotel for AUD150 Million. Supported by Pioneer Wealth Group Pty Ltd (Pioneer Wealth Group), the acquisition translates to approximately AUD785,340 per key. Soft-opened in late 2024, the boutique hotel is located on Russell Street and features three food and beverage outlets. Designed by Kennedy Nolan, it showcases Melbournes heritage with local bricks, deep-red metal accents, and circular windows. Following the successful acquisition of Melbourne Place Hotel, Ark Capital Partners and Lead Global are set to launch a new co-branded hotel fund. Singapore-based Far East Hospitality Trust (FEHT) has acquired the 319-key Four Points by Sheraton Nagoya, Chubu International Airport (Four Points by Sheraton Nagoya) in Japan for JPY6 billion from an undisclosed seller. This translates to approximately JPY18.8 million per key. The acquisition also includes an adjacent car park site with potential for future development into a hotel extension, retail, or commercial space. Opened in 2018, the hotel is situated on freehold land with a total gross floor area of 14,062 square metres. The property features a restaurant, pub, and fitness centre. Strategically located, it is just a six-minute walk from the Airport Train Station, Chubu International Airport, and Aichi Sky Expo, and only three minutes from the Ferry Terminal. This marks FEHTs first hotel acquisition in Japan. Vietnams Phu Quoc International Passenger Port Commences Operations Vietnams Phu Quoc International Passenger Port has commenced operations. The VND1.64 trillion project, spanning 180 hectares, has been in development since 2015. The port now accommodates five-star cruise ships with capacities of 3,000 to 4,000 passengers to dock with ease, facilitating visits to Phu Quoc. In addition to enhancing the islands infrastructure, it is expected to drive investment and international tourism, strengthening Phu Quocs position as a premier tourism destination. Germany-based AIDA Cruises and Italy-based Costa Cruises have already brought over 7,000 international visitors to Phu Quoc via the new port. About HVS With over 35 offices in the United States, HVS' hospitality intelligence and extensive expertise will help you achieve the results you want. HVS experts are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of 50 offices staffed by more than 250 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and details about our services, please visit hvs.com. HR Group acquires H-Hotels German owner-operator HR Group has acquired H-Hotels, a privately managed hotel company in Germany that operates over 60 hotels across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Hungary. The H-Hotel brands include Hyperion Hotels, H4 Hotels, H2 Hotels, H+ Hotels, H.ostels, and H.omes and H-Hotels will continue to operate under the same name. This acquisition increases HR Groups portfolio by one-third. HR Group now plans to improve digitalisation, F&B concepts and organisational structure within H-Hotels, and said it will leverage its expertise in sales and procurement to unlock synergies. CapMan acquires 28 hotels across the Nordics from Midstar CapMan Real Estate, the real estate arm of Finnish private equity fund CapMan, through its CapMan Hotels II fund, has acquired a portfolio of 28 hotels with 4,709 rooms from owner-operator Midstar Fastigheter AB, the hotel management arm of Swedens Midstar Hotels AB. The properties are spread across the Nordics, with 16 in Sweden, eight in Norway, and four in Denmark. They are situated in major metropolitan areas such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, Copenhagen and Oslo. Following this transaction, CapMans assets under management will increase by 400 million. The hotel brands involved in the portfolio include a mix of Best Western, Elite, Scandic and Strawberry. CapMan intends to expand the portfolios room count to 4,887 by 2027 through value-enhancing initiatives. Henderson Park and Atream acquire five Novotel Suites hotels in France European real estate investment platform Henderson Park, together with French real estate investor Atream, has acquired a portfolio of five Novotel Suites hotels (645 rooms) in France. The portfolio, all four-star hotels, includes three properties in Paris, namely the 166-room Novotel Suites Paris Montreuil Vincennes, the 128-room Novotel Suites Paris Issy les Moulineaux and the 101-room Novotel Suites Paris Stade de France, as well as the 126-room Novotel Suites Lille Europe in Lille and the 124-room Novotel Suites Cannes Centre in Cannes. All properties were built between 2000 and 2011. Following this acquisition, Henderson Park and Atream plan to renovate the entire portfolio, including upgrading the bedrooms and guest-facing areas, as well as modernising the hotels' technical infrastructure to enhance energy efficiency. Lennart Perlhagen acquires 20% stake in Firmdale Hotels Swedish pharmaceutical entrepreneur Lennart Perlhagen has acquired a 20% stake in British owner-operator Firmdale Hotels for a reported price of approximately 300 million, valuing the company at around 1.5 billion. Founded in 1985 by Tim and Kit Kemp, Firmdales portfolio now consists of eight hotels in London and three in New York. The Kemp family trust remains the majority stakeholder. In April 2022, Firmdale obtained a long leasehold on three neighbouring buildings in Londons Bloomsbury district, intending to transform them into a hotel. Perlhagen's association with Firmdale began in 2021 when his son joined the Firmdale board as a shareholder. Deka acquires Ruby Molly Hotel & Bar in Dublin from ESR Group German REIT Deka Immobilien has acquired the four-star, 272-room Ruby Molly Hotel & Bar in Dublin, Ireland, from Creekvale, the real estate development arm of Hong Kong-based real estate investment manager ESR Group, for approximately 86 million (316,200 per room). The hotel is situated in central Dublin, north of the citys historic core. The property was completed in April 2024 and meets the BREEAM Very Good ESG standard. It includes a restaurant and bar and is long-term leased to Ruby Hospitality Ireland. The hotel has been acquired for the open-ended real estate fund Deka-ImmobilienEuropa. Van der Valk acquires Pullman Eindhoven from Cocagne Holding Dutch owner-operator Van der Valk has acquired the four-star, 320-room Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne in Eindhoven, Netherlands, from Dutch investor Cocagne Holding, for a reported 70 million (218,750 per room). The property is situated in central Eindhoven, some 700 metres from the central train station and a 15-minute drive from Eindhoven Airport. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar, 18 meeting rooms and a spa. Van der Valks portfolio consists of over 100 hotels and restaurants across Europe, North America and the Caribbean. PPF acquires Hilton Prague from the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation PPF Real Estate, the real estate arm of Czech investment group PPF Group, has acquired the four-star, 791-room Hilton Prague in the Czech Republic from the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC). The hotel was previously part of Irelands Quinn Group, which has been under the control of IBRC for more than a decade. The property is situated to the east of Pragues old town by the Vltava river, and includes four restaurants, two bars, a spa and 5,000 sqm of meeting space. It is the largest hotel in the Czech Republic and has received investments of over 50 million in refurbishments since 2018. Limestone Capital acquires Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch from LaSalle Switzerland-based private equity group Limestone Capital AG has acquired the five-star, 164-room Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch in the UK, from American real estate investment manager LaSalle. The property is situated in East Londons fashionable Shoreditch district, and includes a Nobu restaurant, bar, cafe, spa and event spaces. Nobu Hotels first European property, it opened in 2017, and after closing temporarily during the pandemic, reopened in 2022 with an additional penthouse and two additional guest rooms on the sixth level. The hotel was nearly sold to another investor in 2021 for 75 million, but that transaction fell through. This is Limestones first hotel in the UK, with other luxury hotels situated in Portugal, Italy and Spain. Andras House acquires Travelodge Belfast Central from Tifco British owner-operator Andras House has acquired the three-star, 90-room Travelodge Belfast Central in the UK, from Irish owner-operator Tifco Hotels Group, for 8.75 million (97,200 per room). The hotel is situated in central Belfast by the Grand Opera House, five-minutes walk from the central train station. Andras will continue to operate the hotel under the Travelodge brand and plans to significantly invest into the refurbishment of the property. Following this transaction, Andras portfolio consists of 11 hotels and apartments across the UK. In 2024, Andras acquired the two-star, 146-room ETAP Hotel in Belfast. Irelands Hotels Properties Limited acquires Marine Hotel Sutton from Ryan family Independent Irish family-owned group Hotels Properties Limited has acquired the three-star, 48 room Marine Hotel in Sutton, Ireland from the Ryan family, off a guide price of more than 10 million. The property is situated on a seafront site in Sutton, some 13 kilometres from Dublin. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar, seven meeting rooms and a spa with indoor pool. Last month, the Ryan family sold the four-star, 202-room Grand Hotel Malahide in County Dublin. Olala Homes acquires Sao Felix Hotel in Laundos, Portugal Spanish property manager Olala Homes has acquired the four-star, 46-room Sao Felix Hotel Hillside and Nature in Laundos, Portugal. The hotel is situated on a hillside 35 kms north of Porto and 15 minutes from the sea. The property includes a pool, five meeting rooms and a restaurant. This is Olalas first acquisition in Portugal and its third hotel, having entered the hotel management sector last year with the acquisition of two hotels in Spain. About HVS With over 35 offices in the United States, HVS' hospitality intelligence and extensive expertise will help you achieve the results you want. HVS experts are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of 50 offices staffed by more than 250 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and details about our services, please visit hvs.com. Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Kakadu National Park - Image Credit Accor Accor has achieved a significant sustainability milestone. Over 200 of its hotels in Australia and New Zealand are now eco-certified. This represents more than half of Accor's regional portfolio, highlighting the company's dedication to sustainable tourism practices. Over 190 Accor hotels in Australia have earned Sustainable Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia. This certification requires adherence to stringent environmental, socio-economic, cultural, and responsible management principles. More than 20 hotels in New Zealand have been awarded the Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Certification from Qualmark New Zealand, having met rigorous standards in business systems, environment, people, community and culture, and health and safety. Adrian Williams, Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, expressed his pride in the achievement. He noted the importance of Accor's role as the region's largest hotel operator in leading the way towards a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry. Williams praised the dedication and passion of the Accor teams in making a positive impact on the planet. Accor is also making progress, with over 70 additional hotels currently in the process of receiving eco-certification. This aligns with the company's global goal to have all its properties eco-certified by 2026, setting new environmental, socio-economic, and cultural sustainability standards. Accor assists its 5,600 hotels globally in obtaining external sustainable certifications through various global and local partnerships. Elissa Keenan, CEO of Ecotourism Australia, lauded Accor's commitment to sustainable tourism. She stated that the company's dedication presents a model for the industry and encourages other industry leaders to act similarly. Qualmark New Zealand General Manager, Steven Dixon, also acknowledged Accor's leadership role in sustainable tourism. He noted that this accomplishment reassures guests about responsible tourism practices. Accor continues to focus on sustainability initiatives, including eliminating single-use plastics, minimizing food waste, and enhancing water conservation across its Pacific hotels. Accor operates a network of over 400 hotels across the Pacific region, including brands such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissotel, Movenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, Ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget, and Ennismores SO. A Look at the Performance of the 10 Largest Vacation Rental Companies - Image Credit Lighthouse From the beaches of Florida to the windswept wilds of Montana, the vacation rental industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with more and more travelers opting for short-term rentals over traditional hotels for their getaways. As a vacation rental owner or manager, youve likely seen this shift firsthand. Large vacation rental companies have emerged to help you streamline the management and marketing of your real estate. These companies play a crucial role in connecting you with travelers, handling bookings, guest communications, maintenance and even dynamic pricing strategies. Vacation rental companies simplify your property management by offering a range of services that help maximize your rental income while minimizing operational challenges. Their support typically includes: Marketing and exposure: Listing properties on high-traffic platforms and optimizing visibility through strategic marketing strategies. Booking management: Handling reservations, calendar synchronization and guest communications. Pricing optimization: Using data-driven algorithms to set competitive rates based on demand, seasonality and market trends. Guest services: Managing check-ins, providing round-the-clock customer support and ensuring a seamless guest experience. Property maintenance and housekeeping: Coordinating cleaning services, inspections and maintenance requests to keep properties in top condition. Partnering with a vacation rental company can significantly reduce the time and effort you need to operate a rental while increasing your profitability through professional management and marketing expertise. But its more than admin; understanding the performance and influence of the largest vacation rental companies is essential. Heres are some of the reasons why: Market insights: The largest companies set industry trends, adopt new technologies and establish best practices that can impact how smaller operators and independent owners conduct business. Competitive benchmarking : As an owner, you can compare your performance such as occupancy rates, pricing strategies and guest reviews against leading companies to identify areas for improvement. Strategic decision-making: Whether choosing to list with a large company, work with multiple platforms or operate independently, knowing who dominates the market will help you make an informed decision about where to invest your time and resources. Industry influence: Major players influence regulations, guest expectations and technological advancements in the vacation rental space. By staying informed, you can adapt to changes proactively. So, whats the first step? If you decide to go down this route, there are lots of companies to choose from. But well give you a headstart by examining the performance of the 10 biggest players. Whether you're considering partnering with one of these major companies or simply looking to refine your rental strategy, understanding the landscape of the vacation rental market is a crucial step toward success. 1. Vacasa One of the largest companies in this category in North America, Vacasa offers full-service vacation rental management for short-term rentals. Founded in 2009, the company manages vacation homes across the United States, Canada, Mexico and beyond, and aims to leverage technology-driven pricing strategies and marketing to maximize occupancy and revenue for homeowners. Key insights Property count: 44,000+ vacation homes Average review score: 4.3+ stars (varies by location) Occupancy rate: approximately 70% (fluctuates seasonally) Top services and features Dynamic pricing: AI-driven pricing to optimize revenue 24/7 guest support: Round-the-clock customer assistance Housekeeping and maintenance: Professional cleaning and upkeep Marketing and distribution: Listings on major travel platforms Owner dashboard: Real-time performance tracking Vacasa provides a comprehensive solution for vacation rental owners, balancing technology with high-quality service. 2. Evolve A tech-driven vacation rental management company, Evolve offers flexible and affordable solutions for short-term rental owners. Founded in 2011, it manages properties across the US, providing marketing, booking management and guest support, while allowing owners to handle on-the-ground services like cleaning and maintenance. Key insights Property count: 30,000+ vacation rentals Average review score: 4.7+ stars (varies by location) Occupancy rate: Data varies but optimized through dynamic pricing Top services and features Low-cost management: 10% booking fee with no long-term contracts Marketing and distribution: Listings on Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and more Dynamic pricing: Data-driven rate optimization Guest support: 24/7 assistance for travelers Owner dashboard: Performance tracking and insights Evolve is designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional property management, helping you maximize bookings with less hassle. 3. SkyRun SkyRun is a vacation rental management company offering a hybrid franchise model, allowing local entrepreneurs to operate rental management businesses under its brand. Founded in 2004, the company manages properties across 30+ destinations in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. It provides a combination of technology-driven property management and personalized local service. Key insights Property count: 1,000+ vacation rentals Average review score: 4.5+ stars (varies by location) Occupancy rate: Varies by market; optimized through revenue management Top services and features Franchise model: Local ownership with corporate support Dynamic pricing: AI-driven revenue optimization Marketing and distribution: Listings on major travel platforms Owner control: Flexible management options Guest experience: 24/7 support and local expertise SkyRun aims to offer a unique blend of corporate support and local expertise, helping you maximize your revenue while maintaining a personalized service. 4. CasaGo CasaGo specializes in full-service property management and hospitality solutions. With over 20 years experience, it operates in destinations across the U.S., Mexico and beyond. The company focuses on maximizing revenue for property owners through technology-driven pricing and extensive marketing while ensuring high-quality guest experiences. Key insights Property count: 4,000+ vacation rentals Average review score: 4.6+ stars (varies by location) Occupancy rate: Variable; optimized through dynamic pricing and local expertise Top services and features Full-service management: Maintenance, housekeeping and guest support Marketing and distribution: Listings on major travel platforms Revenue optimization: Data-driven pricing strategies Local expertise: Franchise model with on-the-ground teams Owner dashboard: Real-time performance tracking CasaGo blends technology with a personalized service, offering a robust solution for vacation rental owners seeking professional management. 5. Expedia Part of the vast Expedia Group, Expedia Vacation Rentals is a leading online travel marketplace offering short-term rentals across thousands of global destinations. With millions of listings available through its platforms including Vrbo, Hotels.com and Expedia.com it provides travelers with diverse lodging options while helping you as a short-term rental property owner maximize your bookings through extensive exposure and technology-driven solutions. Key insights Property count: 2+ million vacation rental listings globally Average review score: Varies by listing; generally 4.5+ stars on Vrbo Occupancy rate: Depends on market trends; optimized through dynamic pricing Top services and features Global reach: Listings on Expedia, Vrbo and Hotels.com Marketing and exposure: Access to millions of travelers worldwide Dynamic pricing: AI-driven revenue optimization Secure booking system: Fraud protection and payment security Guest and owner support: 24/7 assistance Expedia Vacation Rentals provides enormous global exposure, making it a top choice if youre seeking maximum visibility. 6. AvantStay A luxury vacation rental management company, AvantStay specializes in high-end group travel experiences. Founded in 2017, its properties span 100+ destinations in the U.S. and beyond. The company focuses on tech-driven operations, curated home designs and seamless guest experiences to maximize your occupancy and revenue. Key insights Property count: 1,500+ luxury vacation homes Average review score: 4.8+ stars (varies by location) Occupancy rate: High, driven by premium service and dynamic pricing Top services and features Luxury experience: Professionally designed homes with high-end amenities Tech-enabled management: Smart locks, app-based controls and automated processes Marketing and distribution: Listings on AvantStay, Airbnb, Vrbo and Expedia Full-service management: Cleaning, maintenance and guest support Group travel focus: Homes tailored for larger gatherings and events AvantStay blends hospitality and technology to provide premium vacation rental experiences. 7. Wyndham Destinations Wyndham Destinations offers professionally managed vacation properties across popular travel destinations. With a strong presence in North America and elsewhere, Wyndham provides a mix of resort-style accommodations, private vacation homes and condos, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Key insights Property count: Thousands of vacation rentals worldwide Average review score: Typically 4.5+ stars, depending on location Occupancy rate: High; influenced by Wyndhams global brand presence Top services and features Resort-style stays: Access to pools, fitness centers and concierge services Global distribution: Listings on Wyndham, Expedia and other major platforms Loyalty program: Rewards through Wyndham Rewards for repeat guests Full-service management: Maintenance, housekeeping and guest support Flexible booking options: Short- and long-term stays available Wyndham Destinations combines trusted hospitality with high-quality vacation rental experiences, offering owners extensive brand-backed marketing and management support. 8. Airbnb Airbnb is the world's largest vacation rental marketplace. Founded in 2008, its rise a few short years later triggered a revolution in the short-term rental industry. Operating in more than 220 countries and regions, it connects travelers with unique stays, ranging from private homes to boutique accommodation. Unlike traditional vacation rental management companies, Airbnb serves as a platform for both individual hosts and professional property managers, offering powerful tools to optimize bookings and maximize revenue. Key insights Property count: 7+ million listings worldwide Average review score: 4.7+ stars (varies by location) Occupancy rate: Varies by market; driven by platform algorithms and demand trends Top services and features Global exposure: Access to a massive traveler base through Airbnbs marketplace Dynamic pricing: Smart pricing tool that adjusts rates based on demand, seasonality and competition Guest communication and booking management: Integrated messaging and reservation system Host protection and support: $3M host guarantee for property damage and liability coverage Experiences and additional revenue streams: Option to offer guided tours, activities and local experiences Superhost and category-based visibility: Enhanced search rankings for high-performing listings Airbnbs extensive reach, user-friendly interface and innovative booking model make it a dominant force in the vacation rental industry, offering unparalleled exposure and earning potential for property owners. 9. Vrbo Also part of Expedia Group (see main entry above), Vrbo or Vacation Rentals by Owner is a leading vacation rental platform connecting travelers with privately owned vacation homes. Founded in 1995, it specializes in whole-home rentals, catering to families and groups seeking more space and privacy. With a global presence, Vrbo offers millions of properties in top destinations. Key insights Property count: 2+ million vacation rentals worldwide Average review score: Typically 4.5+ stars (varies by listing) Occupancy rate: Varies by region; optimized through dynamic pricing tools Top services and features Global exposure: Listings featured across Expedia Group platforms Flexible pricing tools: Owners can set custom rates and use dynamic pricing features Secure booking system: Fraud protection and secure payments Owner support: Tools for marketing, guest communication and booking management Whole-home rentals: Focuses on private homes for families and groups Vrbo provides a robust platform for property owners, maximizing visibility and bookings while offering travelers quality vacation experiences. 10. Booking.com Booking.com offers a vast selection of vacation rentals under its Booking Homes category, providing travelers with access to apartments, villas and unique stays in over 220 countries. As part of Booking Holdings, the platform gives property owners global exposure and powerful booking tools to maximize occupancy and revenue. Key insights Property count: 6+ million vacation rental listings Average review score: Typically 4.4+ stars (varies by listing) Occupancy rate: High; driven by extensive global reach and marketing Top services and features Massive global audience: Millions of travelers use Booking.com daily Instant booking and secure payments: Hassle-free reservations with fraud protection Marketing and SEO: Increased visibility through advanced algorithms Flexible pricing and revenue management: Tools to adjust rates based on demand 24/7 support: Multilingual customer service for owners and guests Booking.coms vacation rental platform provides exposure of a scale matched only by Expedia, making it another attractive option if your principal objective is maximizing bookings. A comparison of top USA and European PMs When analyzing the differences between the top PMs from the USA and Europe, three notable findings arise. Firstly, there is more competition between European PMs, where the top 25 have a more even share than that of inventory. In the United States, we find a few much larger companies possessing the majority of the market. The top 3 US PMs manage 30%, 19% and 10% respectively, while the top 3 European PMs each manage around 10% of the property count of the top 25 PMs. Secondly, we find a commonality between the two markets in the 5-star average ratings. In both the US and European markets, most if not all of the top property managers are boutique PMs with unique and local services. Lastly, we also found that occupancy rates were distributed more evenly between higher numbers (94% to 100%) for European PMs. At the same time, the USA PM average occupancy rates condensed around 91% to 95%. These findings give us better indications of how the short-term rental environments in these different regions are performing. Note that these metrics are far from the only measures, and we only covered rank by properties managed, occupancy and rating. Nonetheless, our metrics allow you to deduce what you can learn from these outstanding companies. Fortunately, theres an easy way for you to gauge your property management company against the market. See how Lighthouse data can increase your operational efficiency and boost your revenue. What the performance of top property management companies means for your short-term rental The success of industry leaders like Airbnb and Vrbo reflects strong demand for short-term rentals, evolving guest preferences and the increasing role of technology in property management. For smaller property managers, this means competing with well-funded companies that leverage dynamic pricing, extensive marketing and streamlined guest experiences. However, it also highlights opportunities to differentiate through personalized service, unique properties and niche markets that large platforms may not focus on. Rather than directly comparing performance with these giants, you should benchmark against similar properties in your market using metrics like occupancy rate, average nightly rate and guest reviews. Studying the strategies of top companies can help improve your marketing, pricing and guest experience. For example, in your: Marketing: Optimize listings on multiple platforms and use professional photography. Pricing: Implement dynamic pricing based on demand and seasonality. Guest experience: Enhance amenities, automate check-ins and prioritize excellent communication. By leveraging industry insights, you can stay competitive and maximize their rentals success. But do bear in mind that we havent reviewed the management fee or contractual models used by these companies for use of their platforms and booking sites, so be sure to compare rates and terms when exploring your options for partnerships. Find out how your propertys performance compares to the wider vacation rental market Success in the short-term rental market depends on understanding the bigger picture - how demand, pricing, and competition shift in your market The largest vacation rental companies set industry trends, but you can stay competitive by leveraging the right data to establish your strategy. Access to accurate, real-time insights on market performance, occupancy trends, and pricing dynamics makes all the difference. With Lighthouse Data Solutions, you can optimize revenue, improve guest experiences, and make smarter, data-driven decisions. About Lighthouse Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight) is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways. Trusted by over 65,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partners - their success is our success. This article originally appeared on Lighthouse. Six Reasons Bing Ads Should Be Part of Your Hotel Marketing Strategy - Image Credit TravelBoom Marketing Sure, we all know Google dominates the search market. According to data from HubSpot, the search engine giant fields 6 in 10 U.S. search queries (which is obviously a lot). But that still leaves another 40% of online searches up for grabs, and today, well discuss the leading way to snag your share of them. There are plenty of powerful reasons your hotel brand shouldnt overlook Bing Ads for hotels here are our top six. 1. Appear On Multiple Search Platforms Using One Ad Dashboard When your hotel runs PPC campaigns with Microsoft Advertising (previously Bing Ads), your ads will be served on a trio of major search engines Bing, Yahoo and AOL as well as on partner sites such as DuckDuckGo. This can help you broaden your exposure to include consumers who prefer to use alternative search platforms over Google. 2. Connect With Additional Microsoft Ecosystem Searchers Because Bing is integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, it serves as the default search engine for queries on Windows devices via the Microsoft Edge web browser, Microsofts Copilot AI-powered chatbot, and more. Thanks to a partnership between OpenAI and Microsoft, Bing even powers searches on ChatGPT when the AI chatbot is seeking up-to-date information. As a result, using Microsoft Advertising offers your hotel access to vast numbers of consumers youre unlikely to reach through Google. 3. Tap Into Older, More Affluent Audiences When it comes to consumer demographics, Bing tends to attract an older user audience than Google. Most of the search engines users fall into the 35-to54 age range, and it also attracts a substantial segment of users between the ages of 55 and 64. This older demographic is more likely to be based in the United States, tends to be more affluent, and is more likely to be married than the 18-to-34 age group that makes up most of Googles users. 4. Achieve a Higher CTR In many cases, Bing can deliver a higher click-through rate (CTR) than Google. Reporting indicates that on Googles search network, Google Ads deliver an average CTR of 1.91%, while on Googles display network, the CTR averages 0.35%. According to the same reports, Bings average CTR comes in higher at 2.83%. While results can vary greatly from campaign to campaign, in some cases, this higher CTR correlates with a higher return on ad spend (ROAS) for hotels using Bing Ads for their PPC campaigns. 5. Face Less Competition With fewer prospective travelers performing their hotel searches on Bing, the engine doesnt attract as many advertisers as, for example, Google Hotel Ads. This leads to less competition for keywords and PPC ad placement on Bing Ads, and offers your hospitality brand an opportunity to stand out from the (smaller) crowd and shine. 6. Diversify Your Advertising Efforts The best hotel marketing strategies tap into an assortment of advertising avenues, including Bing Ads. Using diverse channels helps you reach a broader audience and accommodate varying customer behaviors and preferences. It can also help your hotel maintain marketing stability should one of your advertising channels experience a sharp decline in performance. Hotels looking to start using Bing Ads can begin by putting 5% to 10% percent of their budget toward the channel, using it to test PPC ads where the target audience is a fit. After evaluating campaign analytics, you can then scale up or down based on the results Bing ads are delivering for your hotel. If the tactic is working, you may ultimately want to devote 10% to 20% of your search ad budget to the channel. Dont overlook Bing ads when planning your digital marketing strategy. The channel can bring especially big benefits for hotels that serve consumers in the U.S. market, those looking to diversify their digital marketing, and those targeting older, higher-income audiences with PPC advertising. Amplify Your Hotels Digital Marketing Efforts With TravelBoom Is your hotel or hospitality brand seeking an ad agency that specializes in travel and tourism and can get your property featured prominently on the search engine results page? At TravelBoom, our experts are ready to put their knowledge of search engine marketing (SEM), SEO, and PPC for hotels to work so you see more visitors to your site and more reservations for your rooms. Connect with us today to discuss how we can help you boost the effectiveness of your hospitality brands digital marketing efforts. About TravelBoom Hotel Marketing TravelBoom specializes in developing and executing customized data-driven marketing solutions that drive direct bookings and growth for its clients. With over 25 years of experience in digital marketing for travel and hotels, TravelBoom leverages advanced data science and analytics to uncover insights and develop strategies that greatly enhance results for our clients and reduce reliance on third-party channels. TravelBoom is also host of the worlds #1 ranked Hotel Marketing Podcast and its quarterly Traveler Sentiment Study both of which can be found at www.travelboommarketing.com. Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Retired Investor: Government Shutdown Looms Large It is getting to be a regular occurrence. The U.S. Treasury runs out of money and warns Congress that they need more. Politicians on both sides strut and crow but delay until the 11th hour only to pass another "continuing resolution" for a few months. Will it ever end? Exactly what is a continuing resolution (CR)? They are temporary spending bills that allow the federal government operations to continue when final appropriations have not been approved by Congress and the president. CRs are never-ending stories with a shelf-life of 2-3 months. This time, the deadline is March 14. Has anything changed? Well, yes and no. The factions within the Republican party are still around, with scores of Republicans who routinely vote against funding the government. At the same time, the narrow GOP House majority of last year is narrower still. The Republicans versus Democrats score card is 218-214 (with the death of Texas Democrat Sylvester Turner on Tuesday) in this new Congress. That makes it probable that to pass another CR, Democrat votes will be needed. In prior votes, Democrats have stepped up to the plate to support short-term bills but that was under a president of their own party. However, that was then. President Trump's program of slashing government workers, efficiency efforts by DOGE, the threatened upending of entire departments, and the administration's effort to control spending have the minority party in no mood to compromise. The Democrats argue that Congress, not the president, holds the power of the purse. Unless there is explicit language in the bill that limits the involvement of the executive branch in spending decisions, many Democrats will not be a party to a compromise. Other Democrats insist that there also be included written constraints that would rein in Trump and Elon Musk's attempts to close or reduce the size of government agencies. The opposition is also against several GOP add-ons to the bill including $32 billion in transfer authority for the Defense Department, a $20 billion cut to IRS enforcement, and an increase in funding ICE deportation operations. Of course, the Republicans are laughing at these Democrat demands and have no intention to compromise either. Within the Republican Party, the Freedom Caucus voted last week to go along with the rest of the majority to pass a budget resolution to raise the debt ceiling by $4 trillion. The chairman of that group, Rep. Andy Harris, has already signaled that the group is on board to pass a continuing resolution as well. But there are at least two Republicans who say they are sick and tired of kicking the can down the road and want a full appropriations bill passed. Every president, including Donald Trump, would like to put an end to these constant bills that last for a month or three, but a full funding deal seems out of reach. The most that can be expected is maybe another short-term bill to keep the government running on autopilot until the end of the fiscal year. You can be sure that the administration will be doing its utmost to make sure every one of the party faithful votes yes on March 14th. If a deal fails to be passed, Donald Trump has proven that shutdowns do not deter him. It happened during his first administration when Congress failed to fund his proposed wall along the southern U.S. border. The partial government shutdown was the longest in U.S. history. This time around there would be some unintended benefits to a shutdown from the administration's point of view. For one, government spending would come to a standstill for the most part. That helps when your stated aim is to reduce government spending anyway. For another, thousands of government workers would be laid off, some of which could be permanent if the administration so desired. That also coincides with their effort to reduce the size of government. In any case, whatever happens will be dragged on until the last bit of free airtime is used up and every legislator has his or her comments duly recorded for posterity. Some things never change. In Congress, it appears as if it is business as usual when it comes to spending. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Authorities will on Friday reveal more details about their investigation into the deaths of Hollywood star Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couples partially mummified bodies were discovered at their home in New Mexico in February, along with the body of one of their dogs. Tests for carbon monoxide poisoning were negative and the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office does not suspect foul play. Sheriff Adan Mendoza has scheduled a press conference for Friday afternoon, alongside state fire, forensics and health officials, to provide an update on the investigation. The sheriff has previously said that Hackman and Arakawa may have died up to a fortnight before the discovery of their bodies on February 26. Hackmans pacemaker last showed any activity on February 17. Arakawas body was found with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the bathroom counter, while Hackmans body was found in the homes entryway. A photo of Gene Hackman is displayed during the in memoriam segment of the Oscars ceremony ( Reuters ) One of the couple's three dogs was found dead in a crate in a bathroom closet, near Arakawa. Two other dogs survived. Authorities initially misidentified the dead dog. Medical investigators have been working to carry out toxicology reports and establish the cause of the couples deaths. However, it could take weeks. Authorities have retrieved personal items from the home, including a monthly planner and two cellphones that will be analysed. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When they were found, the bodies were decomposing with some mummification, a consequence of body type and climate in Santa Fes especially dry air, authorities previously said. Hackman, a Hollywood icon, won two Oscars during a storied career in films including The French Connection, Hoosiers and Superman from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s. Arakawa, who was born in Hawaii, studied as a concert pianist and attended the University of Southern California. She met Hackman in the 1980s while working at a California gym. The couples stucco, Pueblo-revival style home sits on a hill in a gated community at the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains. Santa Fe is known as a refuge for celebrities, artists and authors. Hackman dedicated much of his time in retirement to painting and writing novels far from Hollywoods social circuit. He served for several years on the board of trustees at the Georgia OKeeffe Museum in Santa Fe, and he and his wife were investors in local businesses. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The world has been rocked by the death of Gene Hackman, whose body was found with that of his 65-year-old wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner who starred in films including The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums, was 95. The couple, who had been married since 1991, were found dead on Wednesday, February 26, in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with one of their pet dogs. Two healthy dogs were also on the property. On March 7, Dr Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner at the Office of the Medical Investigator, revealed at a press conference that the couple had both died from natural causes. Arakawa, she said, died first, possibly up to a week before her husband. Jarrell told reporters that the actor had been in an advanced state of Alzheimers and that it was quite possible that he was not aware that his wife was deceased. She announced Arakawas cause of death was hantavirus a rare illness contracted via contact with rodents like rats and mice. Meanwhile, Hackmans death was tied to heart disease with Alzheimers disease contributing. He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately thats what resulted in his death, Jarrell said. open image in gallery Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman were found dead in their home ( Bei/Shutterstock ) Authorities are relatively confident that Hackman died on February 18 due to activity recorded on his pacemaker. Arakawa was last seen in public on February 11 and it was initially believed she could have died that evening. However, on March 17 it emerged that she made a phone call to Cloudberry Health, a local medical concierge service that allows patients to speak to credentialed doctors, on the morning of February 12. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Cloudberry told Good Morning America that Betsy had phoned them to inquire about what they called an esoteric treatment that morning. The medical service also said they detected no indication of breathing issues or distress during the call. They say they called back twice to follow up but their calls went unanswered. When authorities published their investigation into phone and email records on April 15, it emerged that Arakawa had spent her last days searching the internet for information about flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques. She was actively searching for information about medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms between February 8 and the morning of February 12. Among the searches were inquiries into whether COVID could cause dizziness or nosebleeds. Establishing the exact timeline could be significant in determining the fate of Hackmans estimated $80 million estate. It has emerged Hackman left his entire estate to his Arakawa. Hackmans will, drawn up in 1995, makes no mention of his three children, son Christopher and daughters Leslie and Elizabeth. In her own will, Arakawa left most of her assets to Hackman. However, the document also reportedly includes a clause stating that if the couple died within 90 days of each other, it would be considered a simultaneous death and all her assets would be donated to charity. Hackmans son Christopher has reportedly already hired Andrew M. Katzenstein, a prominent California trust and estate attorney, which could indicate he plans to challenge his fathers will. open image in gallery Gene Hackman was 95 ( AP ) The results of the pet's autopsy are not ready, but authorities say dogs can not carry hantavirus A pair of maintenance workers found the bodies on February 26 before alerting police, telling officers they hadnt seen the homeowners in about two weeks. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza initially said that foul play was not suspected, although a search warrant affidavit later ruled their deaths suspicious enough to require further investigation. Arakawa was found in a bathroom, with an open pill bottle and medication scattered nearby. Police also found a space heater near Arakawas head, leading a deputy to write in the search warrant it may have fallen if Arakawa suddenly hit the floor. The dead dog, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was 10-15 feet from Arakawa, in a closet in the bathroom. A German shepherd named Bear and a second dog named Nikita survived, with one found running loose on the property. Arakawas body showed obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mummification in both hands and feet, according to the warrant, obtained by Variety and TMZ. Hackmans body was found in similar and consistent condition. The actor was discovered on the ground near the kitchen in a mudroom, an entryway where shoes and coats are often removed, and he appeared to have fallen suddenly. A cane and sunglasses were found on the ground nearby. There was no indication of a struggle, Mendoza told the media. There was no indication of anything that was missing from the home or disturbed that would be an indication that there was a crime that had occurred. Preliminary findings from a medical investigation found that the pair suffered no external trauma. A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office said: In the early hours of Thursday, February 27 2025, Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI). An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual. Hackmans daughter Elizabeth Jean had earlier speculated that carbon monoxide poisoning may have been the cause. Testing and observation of the houses systems from the Santa Fe Fire Department and New Mexico Gas Company did not reveal immediate signs of a leak. Both tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning, Mendoza said Friday. A more detailed investigation by the gas company found a minuscule leak at one of the stove burners, but it is not believed to have been a contributing factor in the deaths as there was just 0.33% gas in the air, which is not a lethal amount. In a 911 call, a distressed maintenance worker, who last saw the couple two weeks OK, said he was unable to get inside the house when asked if the people inside were breathing. open image in gallery Hackman and Arakawa had been married since 1991 ( 2003 AP ) I have no idea, he said. I am not inside the house. Its closed. Its locked. I cant go in. But I can see shes lying down on the floor from the window. Since retiring from acting in 2004, Hackman had been open about his health struggles, revealing in 2009 that his doctor wanted him to quit Hollywood due to the stress on his heart. Hackman told Empire: The straw that broke the camels back was actually a stress test that I took in New York. The doctor advised me that my heart wasnt in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress. The actor previously told CNN interviewer Larry King that he had angioplasty surgery to heal his angina in the 1990s. Angioplasty is a medical procedure that restores blood flow to the heart muscle after the coronary arteries become blocked. I try to take care of myself, he said at the time. I dont have a lot of fears. I have the normal fear of passing away. You know, I guess we all think about that, especially when you get to be a certain age. I want to make sure that my wife and my family are taken care of. Other than that, I dont have a lot of fears. Hackmans three children were from his marriage to his first wife, Faye Maltese. The pair were married from 1956 to 1986. Maltese died in 2017. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman died after his wife and possibly didnt know she lay dead in their New Mexico home for a week because of his advanced Alzheimers, investigators have said. On Friday, police and medical examiners provided an update on the death of Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65. The couple were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, along with one of their three dogs. Questions swirled over their deaths as police initially deemed them suspicious when they found no evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning. Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner, revealed that the couple died from natural causes - but a week apart. It is likely that Arakawa died first, Jarrell said. Arakawa was found with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the bathroom counter. Her death was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Jarrell said. Hantaviruses target the lungs and can cause serious illness and death. open image in gallery Investigators provided an update into the death of Gene Hackman and his wife on Friday, revealing that both died from natural causes ( AP ) It is often spread by rodents and transfers from the animal to a person and there have been about 800 cases recorded in the U.S. since 1993. Hackman was found on the ground near the kitchen in a mudroom, an entryway where shoes and coats are often removed, and appeared to have fallen suddenly. A cane and sunglasses were found on the ground nearby. His death tied to heart disease with Alzheimers disease contributing, the medical examiner said on Friday. open image in gallery The couple were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26. Questions swirled over their deaths as police initially deemed them suspicious ( Associated Press ) Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimers disease," Jarrell said. "He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately thats what resulted in his death. It was previously revealed that recordings from the actors pacemaker showed that he could have died as early as February 17, more than a week before the couples bodies were discovered. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Based on this information, Jarrell said, it was reasonable to conclude that Hackman probably died around February 18. She added that was also reasonable to conclude that Arakawa had died first with February 11 being the last time that she was known to be alive. Asked if it was possible that the actor had been unaware of his wifes death, Jarrell said: I think that question is difficult to answer, but I can tell you that he was in an advanced state of Alzheimers, and its quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased. open image in gallery Investigators said the Oscar-winning actor died a week after his wife and possibly didnt know she lay dead in their New Mexico home for a week because of his advanced Alzheimers ( AP ) Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said it was also hard to tell if, judging by where and how Hackman was found, if he had been going to seek help for his wife. That's hard to answer, Mendoza said. Again, it's hard to get into the frame of mind of what was happening at the time. And I don't know if we'll ever have the answer to that question, whether he was going to go for help. The bodies were found by a pair of maintenance workers, who alerted police, telling officers they hadnt seen the homeowners in about two weeks. The dead dog, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was found around 10-15 feet from Arakawa in a closet in the bathroom. The other two pets, German shepherd named Bear and a dog named Nikita survived, with one found running loose on the property. open image in gallery Chief Medical Investigator Heather Jarrell provided updates on both deaths during a press conference on Friday ( AP ) Mendoza said on Friday deceased dog has been taken for necropsy at the Veterinary Diagnostic Services. We'll be awaiting those results, he said, adding that that Arakawa had collected Zinna from Gruda Veterinary Hospital on February 9. There was a procedure that was done with the with the dog, which may explain why their dog was in a crate at the residence, Mendoza said. Hackman was a two-time Oscar winner who starred in films including The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums. Since retiring from acting in 2004, he had been open about his health struggles, revealing in 2009 that his doctor wanted him to quit Hollywood due to the stress on his heart. open image in gallery A special tribute was given to Hackman at the 97th Oscars on March 2 by his friend and fellow acting veteran, Morgan Freeman. ( AP ) Hackman previously told Empire: The straw that broke the camels back was actually a stress test that I took in New York. The doctor advised me that my heart wasnt in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress. Hackman had three children Christopher, Elizabeth and Leslie with his first wife, Faye Maltese. The pair were married from 1956 to 1986. Maltese died in 2017. A special tribute was given to him at the 97th Oscars on March 2 by his friend and fellow acting veteran, Morgan Freeman. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pierce Brosnan has said that he would be interested in returning as James Bond should he receive an offer. Shockwaves were sent through Hollywood in February when it was announced that Amazon had forged a new joint venture with producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, to hand over the James Bond intellectual property rights. While the two will remain co-owners of the franchise, the transaction leaves creative control of all future productions in the hands of Amazon. The series has gone quiet since the release of 2021s No Time To Die, which marked Daniel Craigs final outing as 007. Since then, several actors have been rumoured to replace him in the iconic role, including Bridget Jones 4 star Leo Woodall, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and rumoured favourite, Aaron-Taylor Johnson. Brosnan, 71, has now seemingly thrown his hat into the ring after being asked whether he would want to reprise the role. The Irish actor played Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002 GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day. Speaking to GQ, Brosnan was asked about a hypothetical return to Bond, saying: How could I not be interested? However, Brosnans enthusiasm for a Bond return didnt last, adding that it would be a rather romantic notion and idea. He added that it would be best left to another man, really. open image in gallery Pierce Brosnan promoting Die Another Day at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival ( REUTERS ) Following Amazons acquisition of Bond, Daniel Craig expressed his admiration for Broccoli and Wilson. In a statement given to the Hollywood Reporter, the Knives Out actor said: My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished. I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular and I hope I can be part of them. There has been some backlash to Amazon, and specifically Jeff Bezos, now owning Bond. American filmmaker Osgood Perkins, who directed the 2024 sleeper horror hit Longlegs and new film The Monkey, was recently asked during a Reddit Ask Me Anything whether hed ever consider directing a film in the long-running British spy franchise. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. He made his feelings known about the Amazon development with his blunt reply: No, because f*** Jeff Bezos. open image in gallery Daniel Craig as James Bond ( Eon Productions ) Elsewhere, Valerie Leon, who was a Bond girl in The Spy Who Loved Me and Never Say Never Again, is concerned that the films will no longer be British. She told ITVs Good Morning Britain: The Bond franchise was very British and it wont be anymore. And obviously if they make films they wont go into the cinema everything is so changed now, it just wont be the same and Im very old-fashioned anyway. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As Hollywood studios swiftly kowtow to the Republican regime, theres a worry that Mickey 17, Bong Joon-hos stark yet oddly life-affirming anti-capitalist sci-fi, will be one of the last honest pieces of art to slip under the gates. If that turns out to be true, we should treasure it all the more. The Korean auteur, off the back of his 2020 Best Picture win for Parasite, has taken $80m (63m) of Warner Bross money and, four release date changes aside, secured final cut on a giddy genre epic that answers the existential query at the very heart of our current existence: whats the point of living in a world built to make us feel worthless? Here, the idea of an expendable, in a story adapted by Bong from Edward Ashtons 2022 novel Mickey7, is the literalised idea of the capitalist worker: in order to escape his debtors, Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) signs up to be an expendable on a colony mission to the planet Niflheim. When he dies, his body is simply reprinted in the grotesque, shuddering manner of an inkjet and uploaded with his memories so that he can work and die again. By the time we meet him, weve reached Mickey 17, 10 Mickeys deeper than in Ashtons book. For those whose only familiarity with Bongs work comes from Parasite, Mickey 17 is different but tonally in check tender, cynical, violent, humanist, absurdist, rooted in class politics. Yet its more of a direct continuation of some of his earlier films, fusing the futuristic utilitarian environments of Snowpiercer (2013) with the cuddly animal rights mascot of Okja (2017). Said creatures, here, are the insectoid creepers, the indigenous population of Niflheim. Theyre large, hairy grubs with squishy stomachs that look like packs of bread rolls. Mickey 17 first encounters them after he tumbles into an ice ravine. Oh great, why not? he sighs. Can they at least swallow him whole? And not chew him bite by bite? This is Pattinson at his best, holding his movie star charisma hostage in order to pursue loveable weirdos in all kinds of shades (see: Benny and Josh Safdies Good Time or Robert Eggerss The Lighthouse). Hes fully liberated here, consistently finding the most unexpected and delightful ways to deliver a line, with an American accent thats the auditory equivalent of pushing up a pair of spectacles. After staggering his way back to the colony ship, Mickey 17 is confronted with Mickey 18. Hes now a double. Hes been succeeded. If he dies, thats it. One of the funniest jokes (though also extremely sad, if you pause to think about it) is his characters repeated resignation in the face of death. When a colleague reveals hes been sent out on a spacewalk to test the effects of radiation? Oh, OK. When they realise hes still alive when theyre about to toss him into the furnace, only to shrug and proceed anyway? Thank you. When the creepers, without explanation, choose not to eat him? Im still good meat! Mickey is a hero for every person beaten down to the point they no longer live but merely exist. Mickey 17 is a sci-fi of the working class, of service corridors by production designer Fiona Crombie and matching jumpsuits by costume designer Catherine George. Its essentially Bongs take on Alien (1979) a comedy about how Weyland-Yutani treats people as fodder, only the xenomorph is far friendlier and interested in community solidarity. All those at the top of the food chain are howlingly awful yet, unfortunately for us, plausible. Mark Ruffalo features as former congressman Kenneth Marshall, with his tan, veneers and vulnerability to exploitation by the religious right yes, hes obviously Trump, but Ruffalo lends him enough peculiarities that he works both as a satire and a diabolical creation in his own right. The same can be said of Toni Collettes sauce-obsessed Ylfa, Marshalls wife. Seeing double: Robert Pattinson and Robert Pattinson in Bong Joon-hos Mickey 17 ( Warner Bros ) Darius Khondjis clever and dynamic cinematography drags us right into the dirt with these characters. It bonds us to them, including the closest thing the film has to a voice of hope, and a beautifully f-bomb-loaded one at that Mickeys girlfriend Nasha (Naomi Ackie, boasting a winning grin). For all the cruelty and buffoonery that might surround his hero, Bong lets us in on a revelation: what were really watching is a man learning that its OK for him to be happy. Dir: Bong Joon-ho. Starring: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo. 15, 137 minutes. Mickey 17 is in cinemas now Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice To promote her new album, Lady Gaga has taken a comedy lie detector test, named her favourite British snacks and eaten increasingly spicy chicken wings on camera. It isnt 2009 anymore; the rules for selling yourself are radically different than those that applied in an era in which you could throw together a shiny, semi-naked cover for Rolling Stone and then call it a day. Everyone, from Ariana Grande to Donald Duck, partakes in the hot-wings-and-short-form-video rodeo now. But theres still something a bit jarring about Gaga doing it eyebrows bleached, dressed like a wedding cake, dabbing the chicken sweats from her brow. Here is an artist who has spent years in the musical abyss, detaching herself from contemporary culture in the process, suddenly strapped into its most conventional churn. Gaga, at one point in time the hungriest and most sonically thrilling performer of her generation, has benefited enormously from the landscape of critical poptimism that emerged in her wake. In an era in which even pops most staid acts your Tate McRaes or Benson Boones tend to inspire breathless critical appraisals, few have talked loudly about Gagas decade of diminishing returns. The milquetoast power ballads. The old-timer cosplay of her collaborations with Tony Bennett and Mick Jagger. The nonsense storytelling of Chromatica, her Covid-era album inspired by a fictional planet of kindness punks and repetitive dance music. The resulting impact of these uncomfortable, converging factors suggests that she got lost as an artist eager to move past the electrifying freakiness of her early pop, but too nervous to push boundaries anywhere else. Why, then, does Gagas new record the unambiguously titled Mayhem feel so promising? Is it because its first two singles, the industrial-leaning Disease and Abracadabra, are particularly strong? Thats debatable. But Gaga herself seems engaged and present in a way we havent seen in a while, discussing her work with pride and excitement, rather than detached pontificating. Most importantly, she seems to have acknowledged that the last decade of her output was fraught and (to some, at least) unsatisfying. Shes not quite out of the weeds just yet, but seems to at least have a torch to see with. Abracadabra is a grower, a whirlwind of house, Siouxsie Sioux goth pop and unadulterated camp. Holding it back from total greatness are the moments that gesture towards Gaga pastiche, the amor-oo-na-na and morta-oo-ga-ga of its chorus, riffs on the guttural gibberish she perfected on Bad Romance. But the tracks production is thrilling and gorgeously erratic, Gaga at the centre of swirling synths and thudding bass. Her vocals, too, fly in all directions, climaxing in Gaga going full opera diva. Its interesting, and the Gaggiest of Gaga singles since at least 2013s GUY arguably her last successful collision of sledgehammer electropop and slinky, menacing eroticism. This week, on the US radio station Sirius XM and in conversation with music journalist Zane Lowe, Gaga has spoken about her unease in returning to this kind of material. I did not realise how afraid I was to make this record, she said on Sirius. I thought I didnt have it in me, [that] the kind of music I started making early in my career was something Id left behind. To Lowe, she elaborated further: I didnt want to make this kind of music for a long time even though I had it in me. I felt like being stagnant was just death in my artistry. I wanted to constantly be a student and not just reinvent myself but learn something new with every record. That wasnt always what people wanted from me, but thats what I wanted from me. The problem with this, though, was that Gaga has rarely transcended the experiments in sound shes been so eager to dive into. Whether in duets with Bennett or during her dabbles in country on her Joanne record (or, for the five people who listened to it, the Joker 2-inspired Harlequin album that saw her cover old jazz and pop standards), Gaga tends to directly emulate rather than lightly pinch from. The magic of her first studio albums the dazzling cyborg-pop of The Fame and its eerier follow-up The Fame Monster; the Berghain-ready chaos of Born This Way was that she picked up pre-existing sounds and then Gagafied them, increasing the drama, the anarchy, that propulsive sense of danger that made her so intoxicating to watch and listen to. Then she stopped. The crushing disappointment of Harlequin, for instance, was that it was quite literally a covers album, sans bells, whistles or idiosyncratic flourishes. The over-25s category of The X Factor used to produce one of those things every year or so. Lady Gaga surrounded by her dancers in the video for her new single Abracadabra ( Interscope ) In her Lowe interview, Gaga spoke to feeling trapped within the Lady Gaga persona for much of her career, burdened by expectations from fans, label execs and critics about who Lady Gaga ought to be. So it makes sense why shed run away from much of it, finding a safety net in work that was more conventional, less polarising, less ambitious. And, often, with people that she wasnt at all in direct competition with Bennett, Jagger, A Star Is Borns Bradley Cooper, even the vaguely plodding Bruno Mars, her collaborator on last years middle-of-the-road megahit Die with a Smile. No wonder her forever-teased sequel to 2009s Telephone never got off the ground: pairing up with Beyonce again would only expose the wild divergence of their creative trajectories in the years since. But its an enormous relief to see Gaga unafraid of pop once more, and of revisiting a time in her life when the music she produced sounded as if it had been tossed into a blender, then tussled with and transmogrified. Weve heard, over and over, Gaga promote new albums with proclamations that shes found herself again, that shes emerged from a cocoon of self-doubt and insecurity. Perhaps its delusional to still believe her. But something about Mayhem does feel different, in its bend to the chaotic and flamboyant, and in Gagas passionate, oddly moving sense of pride over it. No one could tear so enthusiastically into a plate of hot wings for a project made half-heartedly. Mayhem is released on 7 March Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tickets for Fyre Festival 2 have gone on sale, despite Mexican officials denying they have any knowledge of the event and saying no permits have been issued. The festivals official website claims the event will be held at Playa FYRE on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico. However, published coordinates on the same site point to a location in the sea some distance off the coast of Isla Mujeres. Tickets are on sale in various categories, with general access tickets starting at $1,400 each and various levels of VIP access rising to $25,000 per ticket. The original Fyre Festival, in The Bahamas in 2017, was advertised as the cultural experience of the decade and promised attendees the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities while staying in luxury accommodations. However, upon arrival, concertgoers who had paid between $1,000 and $12,000 to attend were met with total disorganization and chaos, court filings described. Ja Rule and McFarland in Netflixs Fyre Festival documentary ( Netflix ) Instead of luxury accommodation, there were disaster relief tents and sodden mattresses, cheese sandwiches served in Styrofoam containers and no big headliners. The ill-fated event was subsequently the subject of two documentaries. Festival organizer Billy McFarland, 33, served a four-year jail sentence after pleading guilty to charges of wire fraud related to the disastrous 2017 event. He has called Fyre Festival 2 his chance to take over the festival industry. FYRE 2 is real. My dream is finally becoming a reality, he told Today in a recent interview. FYRE 2 really isnt about the past, and its not really about me. Its about taking the vision, which is strong. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. However, the local government of Isla Mujeres released a statement on Wednesday last week saying, No person or company has requested permits from this office or any other municipal government department for said event. We have no knowledge of this event, nor contact with any person or company about it, Edgar Gasca, from the tourism directorate of Isla Mujeres, told The Guardian. For us, this is an event that does not exist. He added: This festival is not going to happen. There are red flags all over the place. The Independent has approached the producers of Fyre Festival 2 for a response. While a line-up of artists performing at Fyre Festival 2 has yet to be announced, McFarland told Today: Were going to have artists across electronic, hip hop, pop and rock. However, its not just music. We might have a professional skateboarder do a demonstration. We might have an MMA champion teach you techniques in the morning. Asked if he thought A-list performers would sign on, he said: I really hope so, and I expect so from our conversations. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In German director Thomas Ostermeiers engrossing update of Anton Chekhovs The Seagull, moody aspiring playwright Konstantin rages against an establishment that wont appreciate his talents. Theatre is awful. Its overpriced, elitist, indulgent, outdated and entirely irrelevant to whats actually happening in the world, he complains. But Ostermeiers production absolves itself of most of these charges, even though its stuffed with enough big names not least Cate Blanchett as deluded actress Arkadina to ensure that tickets will only make their way into the hands of a lucky few. It probes the relationship between art, obsession and self-deception, poring over and riffing on its themes like a rock song (Golden Brown by The Stranglers patterns through its scenes). Blanchetts Arkadina is wonderfully, hilariously crass, blinding the front row with her glittery jeans then nonplussing the whole audience by tapdancing into splits. Yet underneath the performative silliness, Blanchett conveys a sense of a cavernous emptiness a detachment from her own emotions that means she can only express herself in a hammy karaoke of borrowed lines. Desperate for attention, she has flattered middlebrow writer Trigorin (an appropriately smug Tom Burke) into loving her. But hes also obsessed with Nina, an aspiring actor played with remarkable internal depth by Emma Corrin. When he cannibalises her pain and turns it into an idea for a trite story, she sees through him enough to slap him, but not enough to drag herself out of his narcissistic orbit. Meanwhile, Kodi Smit-McPhees lanky, introverted Konstantin is captivated by Nina too and is oblivious to the hurt that causes to his put-upon admirer Masha (a refreshingly spiky Tanya Reynolds). No amount of vape-smoking aloofness can protect her from heartbreak. Ostermeiers production is full of devices that could feel gimmicky if they didnt clearly come from an intimate understanding of Chekhovs play. Its opening scenes are set on a lakes edge, so Magda Willis set design makes a clump of gigantic reeds sprout from the stage, with characters pushing their way through them to crash into a scene or trembling among their leaves in agonies of embarrassment or unrequited love. There are microphones at the front of the stage, a modish device that makes sense here because it lets actors send their innermost thoughts or heightened emotions echoing into the audience. And down-to-earth Simon (Zachary Hart) punctuates the action with Billy Bragg folk songs, their plangent authenticity clashing satisfyingly with all the fakeness and self-delusion on display here. Still, although Chekhovs spirit saturates this production, were definitely not in Russia. Ostermeier and playwright Duncan Macmillans perfectly pitched adaptation is laced with witty notes of Anglicisation (when Ninas acting career is going badly, shes stuck doing a regional panto) and smart nods to the tensions within the UKs theatre scene. The first few acts sing, powered by these characters ravening, punchily expressed hunger for fame, love and meaning. But when disillusionment sets in, the play loses momentum, sagging until it reaches its jarring climax. Perhaps thats because Smit-McPhees understated Konstantin struggles to hold our attention as his desperation mounts or perhaps thats because Ostermeiers three-hour production luxuriates in a play he clearly loves. Where Jamie Lloyds acclaimed 2022 The Seagull was an exercise in punchy concision, this staging is languid and thoughtful, sucking you into the self-fixated inner worlds of these awful, fascinating people. The Seagull is at the Barbican until 5 April Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Andy Samberg has issued a belated apology to one of the Backstreet Boys over an awkward bathroom encounter last months rehearsal for SNL50: The Homecoming Concert. Both the Brooklyn Nine-Nine star, 46, and the Nineties boy band were invited to perform as part of Saturday Night Lives 50th-anniversary concert special, which celebrated the legendary artists that have graced the sketch shows stage over the years. I was being ushered around for rehearsal by a woman who was working for the show, Samberg recalled on a recent episode of The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast that he co-hosts with Meyers and his Lonely Island comedy partners Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer. I was like, I really have to go to the bathroom number one, everybody relax and she was like, You need to be on stage now! You need to be on stage now! And I was like, Okay! he shared. The Hot Rod star was quickly escorted to the bathroom, where he ran into a member of the five-piece vocal group before they were supposed to take the stage for a performance of their hit song I Want It That Way. Obviously its a hit for them, but it was a big thing on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Samberg explained, referring to one of the sitcoms cold opens where we have the perps in a lineup singing that song. Andy Samberg recalled an awkward bathroom run-in with a member of The Backstreet Boys at 'SNL50' ( Getty Images ) One of the Backstreet Boys was about to go into the bathroom, and she was like, He needs to go! We need him on stage! he continued. And he was super nice, and he said hello, and he was like, Oh, were doing your song! cause he knew the thing about Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and I was like, Oh, thats so awesome. As it turns out, Sambergs bathroom emergency ended up being for nothing. I went to the bathroom, quickly left, went out on stage, and then stood there for 45 minutes, he said. And Backstreet Boys went on and rehearsed before us. And I was like, Aw, man, he must think Im a piece of s***. So anyways, I apologize for that. The comedian later identified Kevin Richardson as the Backstreet Boy he cut in front of. SNL50: The Homecoming Concert, which premiered February 14, saw Samberg take the stage alongside Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, T-Pain, and Eddie Vedder to perform a medley of his Lonely Island songs, including Dick In a Box and I Just Had Sex. The live special also featured a slew of musical icons, such as Dave Grohl, Chris Martin, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and Miley Cyrus. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice CBS has swung the axe on yet another TV series after what has become a brutal week at the network. Days after announcing that FBI spin-offs FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International would be drawing to a close with their current seasons, the network has revealed its axed SWAT for the third time. The series, which stars Shemar Moore and focuses on the Los Angeles Police Department, was previously cancelled in 2023 and 2024, but received surprise renewals. However, the shows luck has run out with Deadline reporting this latest cancellation is permanent. The 2024 decision was believed to be an unceremonious one made due to budget concerns, without alerting the shows creators Aaron Rahsaan Thomas and The Shields Shawn Ryan. After the duo and their producing team spoke with the network, SWAT was renewed for a seventh season, with an eighth following in 2024. The news follows what has been a bloodbath at CBS this week, with FBI fans left distraught over the sudden end of Most Wanted and International. Fortunately, the shows have a few episodes left to shoot, so will receive series finales as opposed to ending on a cliffhanger, which was a fate suffered by the cancelled NCIS: Hawaii in May 2024. Shemar Moore in the permanently cancelled SWAT ( CBS ) The reason for the glut of axings is reportedly due to an influx of new shows, including a Blue Bloods spin-off starring lead Donnie Wahlberg and a fresh FBI spin-off titled FBI: CIA. FBI fans arent happy with the development. I knew one would be cancelled to make way for FBI:CIA but thought theyd keep one, a viewer said, with another angrily adding: WHAT THE F*** CBS?? WE DONT WANT A NEW SPINOFF. WE WANT THE SHOWS AND CHARACTERS WE ALREADY LOVE. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. An additional fan concurred: No one asked for another FBI spin off, no one wanted this, with another stating on X/Twitter: Did anyone even ask for an FBI: CIA? Anyone? Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Lorraine Kelly has cleared up concern after fans noticed she had a swollen eye while delivering her Thursday morning edition of Lorraine. The 65-year-old presenter has now revealed that she sustained a black eye after a fall at her home. Speaking on BBC Radio 2s Scott Mills on his breakfast show on Friday (7 March), Kelly told the host that she toppled into an ornamental rhino while carrying a basket of washing. I fell over, she said. I had washing in my hands in my washing basket as you do. There was a step, and then I fell over the step, and my slippers are too big for me, and I landed on a rhino. Weve got a massive big wooden rhino that we brought back from Africa. Its made from solid wood and the thing is, I couldnt stop myself because I had my hands full of washing, she added. Kelly appeared on the show wearing a pair of large diamante-trimmed sunglasses to hide her black eye. She lifted up the shades to reveal her black eye to Mills, who gasped on air, saying, Oh Lorraine! Its a cracker, isnt it? she joked. Ill put my glasses back on because I dont want to frighten you. A listener called Fiona phoned into the programme saying that they recently had a fall and felt silly and embarrassed, to which Kelly replied, I feel silly too! open image in gallery ( BBC ) She added that after presenting her Thursday morning programme, fans had been speculating about whether she had undergone dermal filler cosmetic treatment due to the puffy appearance of her eye. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. They thought I had either allergies or fillers, she said, adding that she would never undergo cosmetic surgery. Ive had too many women on my show who look like theyre from Star Trek or something weird, she said. I think people take it too far. open image in gallery Lorraine Kelly appeared on ITV on Thursday with a swollen eye ( ITV ) Kelly was presenting her self-titled ITV breakfast show on Thursday when fans noticed that her eye looked swollen underneath her makeup. I was wondering if youre ok as your eye seems swollen recently, wrote one fan on social media, as another added, What has happened to Lorraine? Her face and eyes look swollen. She wrote on X/Twitter after Thursdays show: I actually took a tumble over my own two feet at home and bashed into our big wooden rhino (as you do) my fab make up artist @HelenHandMakeUp expertly covered up the damage to my eye Ive a right keeker! Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Furious Netflix users have pointed out a glaring issue with the streaming service after their favourite show was cancelled. On Wednesday (5 March), actor Colton Dunn informed his followers that spy drama The Recruit was no more news that has been met with outcry from fans who believe the show was released too closey to similar seriesThe Night Agent. The Recruit has been cancelled yall, he wrote on Instagram, calling the news such a bummer. He added: Ill share some pics and fun memories on IG but just wanted you to hear it from me. Thanks if you watched. Im AVAILABLE NOW! The Recruit followed a CIA lawyer (Noah Centineo) as he grappled with international tensions in Russia and, in the shows second season, South Korea. Dunn appeared in the series as Lester Kitchens. It started life in December 2022, with the follow up arriving more than two years later in January 2025. Responses to the shows return were generally positive, but many drew comparisons to The Night Agent, a more successful spy thriller that returned for a second season just before The Recruit. Unlike The Night Agents second season, The Recruit has underperformed and fans of the cancelled show are now complaining that The Night Agent stole The Recruits limelight. Theyre blaming the streamers scheduling decision for unfairly putting the writing on the wall for the show. They released this and the night agent within the same month. What did they expect, one viewer wrote, with another adding: Kept on confusing this show for The Night Agent anytime I saw news about it so maybe it was destined to be axed. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. The Recruit and The Night Agent returned within weeks of each other ( Netflix ) An additional fan chimed in on X/Twitter: That happens when you premiere two espionage series in the same month! The Independent has contacted Netflix for comment. Creator Alexi Hawley has shared a love letter about the shows cancellation, revealing he wants to make a film to wrap up the show. "We'd all be there in a heartbeat, he wrote. If not, man, we left it all on the field. For those who haven't yet watched, dive in. I swear to God you'll enjoy the ride. In an age of shows that feel like homework, The Recruit is a blast that has stakes and humour and hardcore action which will keep you learning forward. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The son of jailed British pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai has said he is hopeful US president Donald Trump will help release him saying it is now or never thanks to his fathers failing health. Sebastien Lai, son of the 77 year-old media mogul, said Mr Trumps presidency gives me a lot of hope his father would be freed. Mr Lai is involved in a national security trial in Hong Kong that may see him sentenced to life in jail, accused of colluding with foreign forces. The charges and trial have been decried as a sham by much of the international community. Donald Trumps presidency gives me a lot of hope. But at the end of the day, it is a joint effort, he told The Independent, urging British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to do more to help free his father. Mr Trump claimed last year he would 100 per cent get Mr Lai out of prison. Mr Lai suffers from diabetes and has lost a significant amount of weight, his son said, adding that his father has been kept in solitary confinement since 2021. Mr Lai has been denied independent medical care and is allowed out of his cell for 50 minutes a day, according to his lawyers. Mr Lai is already serving prison sentences for a range of offences for his role in pro-democracy protests in 2019, which led to China imposing the national security law on the city. On Thursday, the 77-year-old finished testifying in court where he rejected the charges against him as total rubbish and called himself a political prisoner. That marked day 144 of the trial and Mr Lais 52nd day in the witness box, after which he thanked the judges and waved to his supporters. open image in gallery Media tycoon Jimmy Lai is facing a life sentence under charges described as politically motivated ( AFP via Getty Images ) My father has been treated inhumanely, Sebastien told The Independent. But he is defiant and strong. It is ridiculous that in his display of bravery, the prime minister [Sir Keir] will not meet with me, he added. I am proud of him. I need to meet with Sir Keir. It is now or never. I dont know what else to do, Sebastien added. The PM raised Mr Lais case to Chinese president Xi Jinping last year, but so far Sir Keiryet to meet Sebastien despite frequent requests since January 2023. Mr Lais lawyer Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC said in an era of strongman politics it was necessary for Sir Keir to sit down with Mr Xi and secure his release. open image in gallery Sebastien Lai said Donald Trump gave him hope his father would be released ( REUTERS ) Leader-to-leader negotiations are effective. The resolution of this case is with Beijing. We absolutely must be able to speak with Sir Keir instead of sending messages through different layers of the Foreign Office. In January, former US vice president Mike Pence urged Beijing to release Mr Lai as a goodwill gesture to the West. "There is no more compelling gesture to send a message of goodwill to the people of the US or the free world, than if China were to take steps to free Jimmy Lai," Mr Pence said. open image in gallery Former US vice president Mike Pence called for Mr Lais release on a visit to Hong Kong in January ( AP ) Mr Lai was the founder of Hong Kongs tabloid newspaper Apple Daily, which was highly critical of the Chinese Communist Party across the two decades it was printed. His trial, which was delayed for a year, started in December 2023. He is one of more than 250 activists, lawmakers and protesters detained under the national security law and sedition charges. Hong Kong authorities say Lai's trial is fair and the national security law has brought stability after mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. No firm date has been set for a verdict, but a judge recently indicated it could come in October 2025. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The number of people injured in the accidental bombing of a South Korean village by military jets has risen to 29. At least 15 civilians and 14 soldiers sustained injuries after two KF-16 fighter jets abnormally released eight MK-82 bombs on a village in Pocheon, 43km north of the capital Seoul, during joint military exercises with the US on Thursday. Nine of the wounded were currently hospitalised, two of them with severe injuries, local media reported. The MK-82 bombs, each weighing some 225kg, fell outside the designated range for the joint exercises, the military said. The ensuing blast destroyed homes and a church, and tremors from the explosion were felt nearly 1km away. The villagers were evacuated to a town hall on Thursday as the military combed the area and then launched an investigation. The destruction of their homes had rendered many people homeless. An initial investigation found the pilot of one of the KF-16 planes had entered the wrong coordinates for a bombing site. open image in gallery South Korean KF-16 jets fly during the joint drill with the US military at the Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon ( AP ) South Korea suspended live-fire exercises and training flights of its air force aircraft across the country on Friday until it was established what had gone wrong, the military said. The planned Freedom Shield exercises with the US would continue, though, and fire drills and flight training restart once the exact cause of the incident was found and preventive steps formulated, it added. A day after the unprecedented incident, the village remained covered in debris. The interior and safety ministry allocated 300m won (160,790) in disaster safety grants to Pocheon to facilitate swift emergency recovery. The fund would be used for temporary housing and psychological support for residents affected by the bombing, reports said. We will spare no necessary support to minimize the inconvenience for affected residents and to help stabilize the impacted area as soon as possible," acting minister of interior and safety Ko Kidong said. open image in gallery A rescue service personnel walks past a house with broken windows in the bombed village ( EPA ) Meanwhile, dozens of activists and residents from the affected area held a rally near the defence ministry in Seoul to demand a halt to military drills that threatened the lives and peace of the people living in the area. The residents reportedly said they had been protesting against the disturbance and danger from the nearby training grounds for years. "We, Pocheon citizens, are fundamentally questioning these ongoing military exercises," Lee Myoung Won, a Pocheon resident at the rally, was quoted by Reuters as saying. The resident said it was unclear to them who the military drills were meant to be providing security for. open image in gallery Protesters demand an end to the joint military exercises between the US and South Korea and an investigation into the accidental bombing of a civilian area, in Seoul on 7 March 2025 ( AP ) Lee Illwoo, an expert with the Korea Defence Network, argued that the suspension of flight training would cause really a big problem in examining the operational plans of the US and South Korea. He told the Associated Press that flying warplanes would be essential to determining their real capabilities, discussing the size of reinforcements of US aircraft from abroad and modifying the operational plans of the allies. The joint drills were planned to involve responses to evolving challenges like North Koreas growing military partnership with Russia. This article was amended on 11 March 2025. It previously incorrectly named the acting minister of interior and safety as Lee Sang Min, but should instead have referred to Ko Kidong. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice South Koreas impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol left a detention centre in Seoul on Saturday after prosecutors decided not to appeal a court decision to cancel his arrest warrant. Mr Yoon remains suspended from his duties and under insurrection charges over his short-lived martial law imposition on 3 December. The criminal case is separate from his impeachment trial, in which the Constitutional Court is expected to decide in coming days whether to reinstate him or remove him from office. TV footage on Saturday showed Mr Yoon coming out of prison. Mr Yoon waved his hand and deeply bowed to his supporters after he came out of a detention centre in Seoul. The Seoul Central District Court cancelled Mr Yoon's arrest warrant on Friday, citing the timing of his indictment and "questions about the legality" of the investigation process. Mr Yoon, the first South Korean president to be arrested while in office, has been in custody since 15 January. On Saturday, some 38,000 of his supporters rallied in Seoul, while 1,500 people demonstrated against him, Yonhap news agency reported, citing unofficial police estimates. open image in gallery ASI-GEN SURCOREA-LEY MARCIAL ( AP ) The president was arrested and indicted in January for rebellion, in connection with his martial law decree. The move sparked chaos in Seoul before it was voted down by lawmakers and rescinded in a matter of hours. Mr Yoon has claimed he was acting to root out "anti-state" elements and that he never intended to fully impose emergency military rule. Mr Yoon's lawyers had argued the warrant issued on 19 January was invalid because the request filed by prosecutors was procedurally flawed. "South Korea's rule of law is still alive," Mr Yoon's legal counsel said, shortly after Seoul Central District Court made the ruling on Friday. The president's office welcomed the courts decision, saying it hopes Mr Yoon will return to work soon. The court said it accepted the president's request to be released from jail because the legal period of his formal arrest expired before he was indicted. The bench noted that there were "questions about the legality" of the investigation process that involved two separate agencies. open image in gallery Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally near the presidential residence ( Getty Images ) To ensure procedural clarity and eliminate any doubts regarding the legality of the investigative process, it would be appropriate to issue a decision to cancel the detention, the court said. The 64-year-old president evaded arrests for weeks by remaining in his residential compound, which was protected by loyal members of the Presidential Security Service. The country's first martial law decree in nearly 40 years ended just after six hours when the National Assembly voted to withdraw it. Members of the assembly jumped over fences and broke through lines of armed soldiers who were preventing lawmakers from entering the building. Mr Yoon is also facing an impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court to determine whether to remove him from office permanently or reinstate his presidential powers. If the court upholds Mr Yoon's impeachment, he will be thrown out of office and a national election will be held to choose his successor within two months. During his impeachment trial, the president apologised to the people of the country for not being able to serve them and causing "confusion and inconvenience" with his martial law bid. Mr Yoon said if he was allowed to serve, he would make constitutional amendments to change the current presidential system and push for political reforms. "If a constitutional amendment and political reform are pursued correctly, I believe the separated and divided people will unite in the process," he added. He also suggested stepping down before his single five-year term ends in 2027 to promote "political reform". South Korea is currently led by finance minister Choi Sang Mok, who became the country's second acting president in two weeks after Mr Yoon's impeachment. The first acting president, Han Duck-soo, was impeached amid disagreements with the opposition on appointing justices to the Constitutional Court. Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Women in Afghanistan have been forced to turn to artificial intelligence for friendship after the Taliban government restricted their rights across the country. Lima, an 18-year-old from rural Afghanistan, said she treats AI as a friend to help her get through the days. Asked by the BBC how she spends her mornings, she said: Reading novel, or chatting with AI, usually, to empty every single word of me - to talk, ask questions, or simply treat as a friend. The AI app makes a character of your favourite idol. All the famous people you know you can talk with them or say anything you want. You can ask them questions. You can give yourself a fake hope and make them your friend or family. The Taliban swiftly regained control of Afghanistan in 2021 after the US withdrew its last troops from the country . Despite initially declaring that women would be allowed to work and study, the Taliban government brought in restrictions that have affected nearly all aspects of daily life for women. open image in gallery Women are not even allowed to be heard in public in Afghanistan ( AFP/Getty ) Girls cannot study beyond grade 6. Women have been barred from studying, including training to be a midwife, and banned from working. They cannot go to salons or the gym, and must be covered head to toe and be chaperoned by a male guardian when leaving the house. They arent even allowed to sing, speak or pray in public . In January, the Taliban introduced a new rule banning windows in residential buildings to prevent women from being seen while they are home. Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts, government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on X. The BBC has been interviewing a dozen women about their lives after three-and-a-half years of Taliban rule, and ahead of International Womens Day on Saturday. open image in gallery Girls are no longer allowed to study beyong primary school ( AFP/Getty ) Zarina, a psychologist, said Afghanistan changed suddenly and unexpectedly in 2021 which had been difficult for many people. The situation of each woman varies depending on her understanding of her surroundings and the damage she has suffered - it is not the same for everyone, she said. Some were separated from their loved ones, some faced economic hardship, some lost their jobs, schoolgirls were deprived of education, and university students were distanced from their goals and left with unfulfilled dreams. Another woman, Freshta, told the BBC she had not been on a proper outing since the Taliban took over. Our activities are very limited. We mostly stay on our phones, reading books or browsing information online, she said. We also dont have family gatherings. I wish someone would invite us over so we could have a change of scenery and refresh our minds. She added: I remember the last time we had a proper outingjust a week before the Taliban government took over. We went to Paghman, Bamiyan, and Band-e-Amir. Now, those days feel like a distant memory, and it makes me incredibly sad. Seeing pictures and memories from that time is very hard for me. The Independent has marked International Womens Day by compiling a list of the 50 most influential women across the worlds of politics, sports, the arts, media, business, fashion and activism. Click here to see the full list. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai reminisced about her childhood as she returned to her hometown in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan for the first time since she was shot in the head by the Taliban 13 years ago. Ms Yousafzai arrived in Shangla on Wednesday for a visit that was kept under wraps to ensure her safety and security. Sharing a photo of herself standing against a backdrop of a snowcapped mountain and a river, Ms Yousafzai said it was such a joy to return home after over a decade. As a child, I spent every holiday in Shangla, Pakistan, playing by the river and sharing meals with my extended family, Ms Yousafzai, 27, said. It was such a joy for me to return there today after 13 long years to be surrounded by the mountains, dip my hands in the cold river and laugh with my beloved cousins. The activist said the place remained very dear to my heart and I hope to return again and again. open image in gallery Malala Yousufzai poses for a picture in her hometown ( X/Malala ) Ms Yousafzai was evacuated from Mingora in the Swat Valley after a Pakistani Taliban gunman shot her in the head on a school bus in October 2012. She was 15. Ms Yousafzai was targeted for speaking out in support of girls' education after the village had fallen to the Pakistani Taliban. Two years later in 2014, she received the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Indian child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi. Although Ms Yousafzai made a few trips to Pakistan over the past 13 years, this was the first time she went to her hometown. Security was beefed up in the area, with some places sealed off, as Ms Yousafzai arrived in a helicopter accompanied by her husband and father. An anonymous government official told the AFP news agency that her visit was kept highly secret to avoid any untoward incident. Even the locals were unaware of her plans to visit, they said. open image in gallery File. Pakistani children get ready for class at Malala Yousufzai's old school in Mingora, Swat Valley, on 5 Oct 2013 ( AP ) Ms Yousafzai met her relatives in Barkana and visited a college established there in 2018 to provide free education to girls. Malala met students, inspected classes and spoke to students while urging them to study and make their future brighter, a senior police officer, Amjad Alam Khan, said. She promised that the Malala Fund would ensure the college provided a high standard of education without charge. Ms Yousafzai extended condolences to the families of the 13 civilians and five security personnel who were killed in a twin suicide bombing at a military cantonment in Bannu area this week. A militant group linked to the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the Bannu bombing, which also left 42 people injured, some critically. I pray for peace in every corner of our beautiful country. The recent attacks, including in Bannu yesterday, are heartbreaking. I am sending my condolences to the victims and their families and offer my prayers for the safety of every person in my homeland, she said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The United Nations special rapporteur for Afghanistan has called on Britain to take more refugees from the Asian country and show greater compassion towards people fleeing the Taliban. Richard Bennett has made the plea nearly four years after the Taliban retook Kabul, when western forces, led by the US, left the country in 2021 after two decades of war. Since then, the Taliban has introduced a series of draconian restrictions on women in the country and banned them from many aspects of public life. Afghans are not coming to the UK because the streets are paved with gold, he told The Independent. They are coming because they are persecuted, and life is very hard for them. Nobody wants to be a refugee. Britain pledged to accept 20,000 refugees over five years under the Home Offices scheme for vulnerable Afghans. By December 2024, it had seen 34,940 arrivals from Afghanistan and provided accommodation to nearly 26,000 of them. open image in gallery Richard Bennett, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan ( AFP via Getty Images ) Many vulnerable Afghans have resorted to taking boats across the Channel from continental Europe. But after reaching the UK, many have also found themselves separated from their families, leading to further mental anguish. They are refugees who have been persecuted in a war and now by an oppressive regime, said Mr Bennett, who was banned by the Taliban last year from entering Afghanistan. They are truly the classic definition of a refugee. He said there are some countries providing asylum to distressed Afghan women and that even the women escaping the Taliban lived with survivors guilt. The situation is so repressive that it meets the definition of persecution for every class of that gender, he said. I come from New Zealand, and we had a prime minister who asked people to be kind. So thats what I would do too to be kind to Afghan refugees, please. Since his appointment by the UN Human Rights Council in 2022, Mr Bennett has produced multiple reports highlighting the plight of Afghan women and minorities in particular under the hardline Islamist rule of the Taliban. In September last year, the Taliban said that his reports were based on prejudices and anecdotes detrimental to interests of Afghanistan and Afghans. open image in gallery Taliban fighters fired into the air as they dispersed a rare rally by women as they chanted Bread, work and freedom ( Getty ) The special rapporteur, though, has continued speaking for and with Afghans. Were trying to understand the scale and the gravity of the Talibans rule. There are women tortured in prison, sometimes sexually abused, beaten and threatened. The threats basically are orders to stop protesting and getting guarantees from male family members to stay at home, keep your head down, don't tell anybody about this, and don't leave the country. So, their women are being totally silenced, he said. Mr Bennett said he was aware of two cases where members of the Taliban allegedly made videos of women in compromising situations and threatened to release the footage if they spoke out. Well, actually, if you knew your history, this is predictable, he said. The Taliban spokesperson said the sight of women through a window is enough to lead to obscene acts. In the 21st century, it is pathetic that you have to cover the window up to not protect the woman but the man from losing control. It is bizarre, he said, noting the Talibans edicts, including the latest one banning women from appearing near uncovered windows, mirrored rules from the groups rule in the 1990s. It shows how women and girls are not considered the equal of men and boys but rather inferior human beings. This is not a situation that any country, any other country can accept in the 21st century. open image in gallery The Taliban has returned repressive rule to Afghanistan ( AFP/Getty ) Speaking recently at the Herat Security Dialogue in Spain, the UN rapporteur described the situation of Afghan women and girls under the Taliban rule as hell. In his latest report, Mr Bennett said the Talibans refusal to allow him into Afghanistan was sending out a negative signal about the groups willingness to meet international obligations. Almost four years after taking power, he pointed out, the Taliban was yet to gain international recognition and establish formal ties with any country. Several countries have said the Talibans path to international recognition was stuck due to its position on womens rights. The group has barred most girls over the age of 12 from formal education, banned women from parks and from travelling long distances without a male guardian. Mr Bennett has also highlighted the plight of the LGBTI+ community in Afghanistan. He has been looking into reports about the Taliban sentencing a man in a same-sex relationship to death by burial under a wall. We have been looking into it. It was a couple of years ago, but we have not verified it yet, he said. open image in gallery A student protesting alone against the ban on women's higher education, outside Kabul University ( AFP/Getty ) He has been in touch with members of the LGBTI+ community in Afghanistan to document their plight. Mr Bennett said: I have had video calls from a safe house, where they have shown me wounds from being beaten up by the police, he said, adding that the communitys situation wasnt any easier under the previous government backed by the West. They are expected to meet gender norms and can be targeted for how they dress. If you are a man [youre expected to] have a beard which may not be what they want to do and dress in a certain way or walk in a certain way, and theyll draw attention to themselves by being themselves. Mr Bennett quoted a transgender woman telling him that her family members had been detained and beaten by people affiliated with the Taliban after she fled the country. They do not see us as human, she told him. If the US or the UK wanted to engage with the Taliban, Mr Bennett said the first step should be to avoid normalising the Taliban rule without any significant, verified and measurable improvements in the human rights situation of Afghans. Use that leverage that the international community has be it political or financial or sanctions a range of actions can put pressure on the Taliban. And to be clear, I am not against dialogue, he told The Independent. I have always been for dialogue, and the US and the UK need to consistently raise their concerns about human rights when they engage with the Taliban not skirt around or avoid it. You could speak to them about water quality or airspace or trade or anything under the sun, but human rights have to be central to it. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which had already been moving at a sluggish pace, has slowed even further now, delaying the landfall and raising serious concerns about prolonged storm impacts for Australias eastern coast. Initially expected to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday, the latest forecast shows Alfred is now moving at a speed of just 7kmph, slowed down by half of its speed on Wednesday. The storm may not reach the coast until early Saturday now, meaning millions in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales will endure damaging winds, torrential rain, and dangerous surf conditions for much longer than anticipated. On Thursday morning, Alfred was just 240km off the coast of Brisbane, already bringing record-high waves of 12m and heavy rainfall. The Bureau of Meteorology expects the storm to stall further, potentially staying near the coast for a long time before making landfall. "For the rest of Thursday, we will continue to see Tropical Cyclone Alfred moving west towards the southeast Queensland coast and northeast New South Wales, the bureau said in a bulletin. But into Friday, it does become very slow moving and may even stall just off the coast of Brisbane as a Category 2 system. Experts say this sluggish movement is tied to a breakdown in the winds that usually steer cyclones. The slower than expected movement of TC Alfred is a result of weaker than expected steering winds than originally forecast, Michael Barnes, research fellow at Monash University, told The Independent. Alfred was originally moving southeast, like most cyclones do, but it encountered a high-pressure system over the Tasman Sea that blocked its path and forced it to turn west toward the coast of Australia to make a rare landfall. open image in gallery Cyclone Alfred path and location as seen on 5 March off Australia's east coast by Brisbane cyclone ( Zoom Earth ) The last time Brisbane saw a tropical storm reach this close to its shores, it was 1990. Gold Coast acting mayor Donna Gates said in terms of destructive winds and heavy rain, the city hasnt seen anything like this since 1952. But now, the winds pushing it along have weakened, leaving it meandering offshore instead of moving steadily inland. However, the effects on the ground are increased by this, experts say. Why slow-moving storms are far worse A slow-moving cyclone is often far worse than one that moves quickly. The longer a cyclone stays over a region, the more rain it dumps. Both wind and rainfall will be prolonged over areas affected which will exacerbate the impact felt by people and infrastructure, Mr Barnes says for Alfred. This includes rainfall and wind as well as storm surge and coastal wave effects. Flood warnings are already in place, with southeast Queensland and northern NSW expecting accumulated 800mm of rain expected, with higher totals possible in some areas. Life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding are major concerns. Northern New South Wales has already recorded over 200mm of rainfall in 24 hours while Queensland has recorded o ver 100mm in hinterland areas and the Scenic Rim by 8am on Thursday. open image in gallery A tree fell on power lines at Chinderah in Northern New South Wales, Australia, 06 March 2025 ( EPA ) When rain continues to fall on an already soaked ground, the risk of life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding increases since the water has nowhere to go, overwhelming rivers, storm drains, and low-lying areas much faster. The prolonged heavy rain also means that floodwaters will take longer to recede, extending the impact on communities. Record-breaking waves exceeding 12m have already been recorded offshore. Prolonged exposure to large waves and storm surges could also lead to severe coastal erosion, particularly along already vulnerable areas of the Gold Coast and northern NSW, experts warn. Alfred is expected to maintain Category 2 strength for much of its approach. But the extra time over warm water could potentially give it more fuel to intensify. Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has already been a slow-moving system, has further slowed down on its approach to landfall. This brings several concerns, professor Ana Vila-Concejo from the University of Sydney, told The Independent. Currently, the cyclone is lingering over warmer waters, increasing the chances of further intensification before it reaches the coast. open image in gallery Residents collect sandbags at a depot on Bribie Island, Queensland ( AP ) However, theres also a chance it could weaken earlier. But its still capable of dumping massive amounts of rain, says Iftekhar Ahmed, associate professor at the University of Newcastle. "Cyclone Alfred is a shallow system, meaning it lacks the deep convection required for rapid intensification, he told The Independent. It has been brewing for over 10 days, gaining and losing strength due to fluctuating sea temperatures and cloud cover. The fact that it is moving slowly now could mean it's losing energy, but it will still carry massive amounts of moisture, making flooding a serious threat." Why more storms move slowly now The behaviour of Cyclone Alfred reflects a growing trend seen in tropical storms worldwide. Several hurricanes and cyclones have been found to be lingering far longer than usual. Research shows that tropical cyclones worldwide have slowed by 10 per cent over the past 70 years. While many factors influenced contributing to its unusual track and slow movement, one of the major reasons has been warmer ocean temperatures. Tropical cyclones feed off the warmth of the sea, explains the deeper it is, the more heat the sea can store and radiate, creating the convection currents that form cyclones, explains Dr Ahmed. Sea surface temperatures near Australia are well above normal. Rising global temperatures, driven by burning coal, oil and gas, are increasing sea surface temperatures across the planet, increasing marine heatwaves and fuelling hurricanes and cyclones. This years Atlantic Hurricane Season also saw an extraordinary number of storms with 11 of the 18 developing hurricane strength and five becoming major hurricanes. When Hurricane Milton devastated Florida, scientists found bath-tub hot waters off the coast drove its intensification. Tropical cyclones are clearly linked to global warming, with increasing frequency and magnitude, Dr Ahmed said on Monday. Alfred is also striking further south than usual, impacting northern NSW, an area that has not had a cyclone warning in over 50 years. Alfreds slow movement has already forced major disruptions across Queensland. Gold Coast airport is shut down, flights are cancelled, and thousands are without power. A vast area from the Double Island Point near Kgari in Queensland to Grafton in northern NSW remain under warning. Prime minister Anthony Albanese urged residents to exercise caution, saying that while the cyclone "has slowed up somewhat... that is not all good news". 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Only Victoria Beckham could make cable knit and dressing gown towelling this sexy. The Spice Girl mixed sleek, sophisticated satin evening dresses, bold, utilitarian outdoor trenches with fortress-like collars, and cosy knitted dresses, hoodies and even onesies youd want to throw on the second there was a chill in the air. Her womens ready-to-wear show was the very classy denouement to a jam-packed Friday at Paris Fashion Week (March 3-11), following new collections from the likes of Givenchy Sarah Burtons first with the brand Issey Miyake and Nina Ricci. Known for her tailoring, Beckham did her reputation justice, revealing jackets with oversized, overlong, barrel sleeves, in black and bronze tones, alongside mini dresses with hems rolled into huge, decadent scrolls. Models stalked the catwalk in cable knit sleeveless dresses in forest tones with asymmetric, trailing hemlines, while the palest yellow dress with sheer panelling practically floated down the runway. The palette was largely muted blacks, dark greens, whites, browns and blue/greys except for a floor length, long sleeved red dress that ricocheted through the room like the lady in the red dress in The Matrix. It had a beautiful soft collar that fluttered gently. What stood out the most though in the moodily-lit venue, which had a subterranean feel, with models strutting through a catacomb-like space beneath brutalist archways was the daywear with full-on bedwear vibes. Evening gowns that looked like sleek satin dressing gowns, cinched at the waist, a light grey mini-shorted onesie with long cosy sleeves, thick fluffy hoodies and the piece de resistance, a white towelling top with what looked like an actual dressing gown cord, paired with elegant black trousers. Beckham launched her eponymous label in 2008, and moved her shows to Paris in 2022. At the time she told Vogue: Its a big deal for me to do a show in Paris. Its been a dream. Her spring/summer 2025/26 collection, which was revealed at the grand orangerie of the Chateau de Bagatelle in Paris in September, was awash with flowing, wide-legged trousers, jackets with boxy arms and ethereal gowns with bodices that looked caught in the wind. Gigi Hadid stole the moment then, walking the runway in a vivid green asymmetric dress that fashion editors likened to the iconic one Keira Knightley wore in Joe Wrights film Atonement. This seasons look is both tougher in shapes, but cosier and more comfortable in style apart from a series of dresses with cutout stomach panels, and incredibly high-cut cable knit hoodies (cropped to the armpit!) And almost the whole family were out in force to support Beckham from the front row. David smartly dressed in a black double breasted suit and tie, daughter Harper in a chocolate brown, satin, floor length slip dress and Cruz, who missed the block-colour memo, opting for a 70s-style brown striped suit with an open necked baby blue shirt and shades, while his girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, wore a backless black satin gown. Romeo, meanwhile, was in a black tee and blazer while his girlfriend Kim Turnbull went for a romantic blue and white VB corset with wide-legged trousers. Also on the front row was, of course, Vogue editor Anna Wintour with her signature bob, and Beckham herself walked out at the end of the show in a black roll neck tucked into high waisted, sharply tailored black trousers, her long white nails flashing as she looked genuinely emotional thanking everyone for attending. If VBs previous shows are anything to go by, you dont need to physically be in Paris, or even be a celeb with a direct line to Beckham, to snap up the designs asap. Her entire fall/winter 2025/26 line is likely to appear imminently via VBs website, thanks to her hugely successful see-now-buy-now approach, and the large bulk of her clothes actually feel like you could wear them. Maybe not on the school run, but definitely to after work drinks. Were fully hankering after the hoodies and the cable knit dresses that look like they could last a lifetime. There was a time when a trip to a restaurant meant indulgence starters, mains, sides, desserts and a wine list long enough to require an intermission. But now, a different kind of ordering is creeping in. A table of four might share a few starters, perhaps split a pasta dish and skip the booze entirely. The waiter, trained in the art of the upsell, sighs. This is not the behaviour of diners luxuriating in a meal its the hallmark of a room full of Ozempic users. For those unacquainted, Ozempic is the latest miracle weight-loss drug. Originally designed for diabetes management, Ozempic and other similar drugs have exploded in popularity as a weight-loss aid, thanks to their ability to suppress appetite by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which tells your brain that youre full. The result? A surge in slimmer waistlines but a noticeable dip in restaurant revenues. In the US, where Ozempic and its counterparts are widely used, restaurants are already seeing the effects. A Morgan Stanley survey found that 63 per cent of Ozempic users are spending less when they dine out not because theyre broke but because they physically cant stomach the same multi-course meals they once did. This isnt just a niche trend confined to Hollywood circles or social media bio-hackers. The UK is facing an obesity crisis of its own, with 64 per cent of adults now classified as overweight or obese, and 50 million Brits expected to be living with obesity by 2050 which will cost the healthcare system 10bn annually. While currently available through the NHS only for specific cases, demand for this new generation of weight-loss drugs is skyrocketing. Research shows that one in 10 women are now on the drug, with 1.45 million prescriptions dolled out in 2023/24. And these figures dont touch the sides when it comes to the number of patients accessing the drug privately (sometimes illegally) too. The question is no longer if British restaurants will feel the impact, but how quickly and how severely. Smaller plates, lighter wallets In the grand tradition of British dining, portion size has never really been the issue weve always favoured big roasts, hearty pies and desserts that require a nap after consumption. But a shift is happening, and restaurateurs are already taking note. Nima Safaei, the owner of 64 Old Compton Street, 40 Dean Street and the upcoming 27 Old Compton Street, has noticed a marked change in customer behaviour. More customers are coming in just for drinks or ordering a couple of starters to share, and were seeing fewer three-course meals, he explains. Sometimes we do wonder why people come in if theyre not particularly hungry, but we understand that its about the social experience and enjoying an evening with friends. That last point is crucial. Restaurants have always been about more than food theyre where we socialise, celebrate and conduct business. But when food itself becomes a mere accessory, the financial model begins to wobble. Safaei acknowledges that the shift is affecting spending per table. There has been some impact, especially when guests order fewer courses or share more. While the overall spend per table might be slightly lower in some cases, were finding that people are still coming out to dine, they're just doing it differently. This shift is echoed by the recent Morgan Stanley report, which found that while Ozempic users are ordering less food, they arent necessarily dining out less often. The fear that appetite-suppressing drugs would keep people at home, bypassing restaurants altogether, hasnt materialised at least, not yet. Instead, dining habits are changing in more nuanced ways. Many Ozempic users are still booking tables, but their approach to food has altered. They might opt for a couple of starters instead of a full meal, gravitate towards protein-rich options or simply focus on the social aspect of the evening rather than the indulgence of eating. Nima Safaei has noticed a shift more sharing, fewer full meals and a growing challenge for restaurants to balance experience with economics ( Luke Santilli ) For the hospitality industry, this presents a challenge: how do you maintain profitability when the same number of diners are walking through the door, but theyre consuming significantly less? Alcohol: The other casualty Its not just the food orders that are shrinking so are the drink bills. Many Ozempic users report reduced cravings for alcohol, a side effect that is beginning to show up in restaurants and bars. Safaei has noticed this too. Some guests are drinking less overall, skipping pre-dinner cocktails or opting for lighter options like spritzes or lower-ABV wines, he says. That said, people still want to enjoy themselves, and the social aspect of having a drink with friends hasnt disappeared its just evolving. For restaurants, this is more concerning than a few hardly touched mains. Alcohol sales are one of the biggest money-makers, often propping up the slim profit margins on food. Toby Clark, EMEA VP of consulting at Morgan Stanley, warns that this could be one of the most significant industry shifts. It feels as if GLP-1 could be a real threat to the sector, especially given the extensive reports of users reducing alcohol intake. Alcohol is a key driver of profitability in many restaurants, so theres a potential double-whammy of reduced income from food and from drinks revenue. With fewer people drinking and fewer ordering full meals, restaurants are looking at a problem they cant simply fix with a new tasting menu. From tapas to tweaks Some high-end restaurants in New York and Los Angeles have already started adjusting menus, introducing half-portions, smaller plates and luxury bites (think canapes, caviar and oysters) that cater to diners who want quality but not quantity. And while no UK restaurant has officially branded itself as Ozempic-friendly in the same way they might for keto or gluten-free, the shift towards tapas-style dining, protein-rich meals and nutrient-dense options is already in motion. Tapas-style meals will also go some way towards solving the problem of what to order when some people around the table have dramatically reduced appetites, while others are wanting a full meal Toby Clark, Morgan Stanley Of course, long before Ozempic, London was already in the grip of a dining trend that favoured smaller sharing plates, a shift that was met with both enthusiasm and exasperation. The rise of this kind of dining championed by the likes of Russell Norman and Jose Pizarro in the early 2010s transformed how people ate out. Instead of the predictable starter-main-dessert format, restaurants embraced a more flexible, shareable approach. With Ozempic subtly reshaping how people dine, restaurants may now find themselves at a crossroads. On the one hand, small plates already cater to a clientele that prefers a lighter, more varied dining experience. On the other hand, the fine margins of the business mean that if more people are eating less, restaurants will need to rethink pricing, portions and profitability. Portion sizes and menu choices are always something we think about, and with dining habits shifting, its tempting to introduce half portions for certain dishes, says Safaei. Its especially easy to do with pasta [the theme of his new restaurant], which naturally lends itself to different portion sizes. However, we take pride in offering generous portions at great value, and we dont want to compromise on that. Clark predicts that the industry will lean into a less is more approach, with smaller portions and more flexible menus becoming the norm. Tapas-style meals will also go some way towards solving the problem of what to order when some people around the table have dramatically reduced appetites, while others are wanting a full meal, he says. But, as anyone who has ever tried to split a bill among a group of friends with wildly different eating habits will know, this could create an entirely new level of awkwardness at the end of the meal. A slimmer future for hospitality? Beyond the immediate concerns of portion sizes and alcohol sales, the rise of Ozempic raises a broader question: are we moving towards a permanent shift in how people dine out? The weight-loss drug market is projected to reach $105bn (81bn) by 2030, meaning this isnt just a short-lived trend. Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, the creator of Ozempic and Wegovy, might be slimming waistlines, but the popularity of the drugs is fattening the entire economy of Denmark. Clark believes that the rise of GLP-1 drugs will accelerate existing trends rather than create entirely new ones. So many of the impacts of GLP-1 drugs are likely to accelerate existing trends, he says. We've seen a generational shift in attitudes towards health, while the idea of tapas-style small plates is now embedded in foodie culture. For restaurants, this means adapting or falling behind. Prices may need to rise to compensate for lower consumption. Menus may need to be more flexible, allowing for both hearty meals and light bites. The traditional three-course dining experience may soon feel as outdated as smoking sections. Ozempic isnt killing the restaurant industry its just rewriting the rules. The question is, will Britains hospitality sector adapt, or will it, like a half-eaten dessert, be left unfinished? One things certain: chefs and restaurateurs will need to get creative with their menus because, for a growing number of diners, food is no longer the main event. And if the future of dining really is a shared starter and a single spritz... well, at least the bill will be easier to stomach. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A person with Lassa fever which can cause Ebola-like illness in some people travelled to England at the end of February, it has been announced. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had been informed under international rules that a person travelled to England from Nigeria while they were unwell with Lassa fever. They then returned to Nigeria where they were diagnosed, it said. The UKHSA is now working to identify people who were in contact with the affected individual while they were in the country. What is Lassa fever? Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness, belonging to the virus family Arenaviridae, that lasts between two and 21 days, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The virus, for which there is no approved vaccine, is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. But it also probably exists in other West African countries as well. What are the symptoms? After starting as a fever with aches and pains, the symptoms can progress to headache, vomiting and diarrhoea. Severe cases can cause victims to bleed from the mouth and nose. How is it transmitted and is it easy to catch? open image in gallery An ecologist extracts a sample of blood from a Mastomys Natalensis rodent. Lassa fever is carried by the Mastomys Natalensis rodent, found across sub-Saharan Africa ( REUTERS ) Humans can contract Lassa fever from eating food that has been tainted by the urine or faeces of rodents. The virus, like Ebola, can also be spread through contact with the bodily fluids of a sick person, but it does not spread easily between humans. According to the WHO, there is no epidemiological evidence supporting airborne spread from person to person. How deadly is Lassa fever? Most people with Lassa fever will make a full recovery although severe illness can occur. The overall case-fatality rate is 1 per cent, according to the WHO. But the observed case-fatality rate among patients who are admitted to hospital with severe cases of Lassa fever is 15 per cent. Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival chances. How many cases have there been in the UK? Lassa fever cases are rare in the UK. Since 1971, there have been 13 confirmed cases of Lassa fever reported in the UK. All were linked to travel or were travel associated, according to the UKHSA. The last known incident was in February 2022 when a confirmed case, with recent travel to Mali, was reported. The person later died. Two further cases linked to this were subsequently detected. What is the risk to the public? The UKHSA said the risk to the public remains very low. It is working to identify people who were in contact with the affected individual while they were in the country. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Spring is just around the corner, if the recent arrival of blue skies and warmer weather is anything to go by. With longer and brighter days finally here after a long winter, how does the increased exposure to daylight influence our mood and energy levels? In short - most people find they are more productive at this time of year than during the cold, dark months of winter. Whether youre finally tackling that long-postponed project or adopting a more energised daily routine, heres how the longer daylight hours of spring can act as a powerful catalyst for both productivity and personal growth. How does exposure to more natural light in spring affect our mood and energy levels? From an evolutionary point of view, bad weather posed danger: the darker days meant survival was riskier, [it was] harder to reproduce and, therefore, harder to evolve. So, it makes sense that the natural light and longer days offer some relief and lifts our mood, says Dr Ashleigh Johnstone, senior lecturer in psychology at Arden University. But we havent just evolved this way, biology backs this up too. open image in gallery Natural light is proven to boost mood ( PA ) Exposure to more natural light in spring boosts mood and energy levels as it increases our serotonin supplies a neurotransmitter thats linked to happiness and wellbeing, explains Johnstone. The brighter season also helps regulate our circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep and improved alertness. The increased sunlight exposure triggers vitamin D production, which has also been linked to improving our mood and reducing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is prominent in the winter months. And naturally, when the sun is shining, were much more inclined and motivated to get outside and be active. This, again, boosts our mood as we feel more productive and are more likely to be connecting with nature, adds Johnstone. Can the change in seasons, such as the transition from winter to spring, impact our mental clarity, motivation, or cognitive function? Although there are a number of other factors, it has been shown that longer daylight hours, especially when [we are] able to get outside, as well as warmer temperatures can enhance our cognitive function, motivation, and mental clarity by reducing seasonal affective symptoms associated with darker mornings and shorter daylight hours, says Dr Rachael Molitor, a chartered psychologist and lecturer at Coventry University. Dr Lalitaa Suglani, psychologist and author of High Functioning Anxiety agrees and adds: Yes, I see this with clients where longer, brighter days signal the brain to be more alert and active, changing our mood. Higher dopamine levels in spring can enhance motivation, focus, and cognitive flexibility, making tasks feel more achievable. How does the shift to spring impact our sleep/wake patterns, and how does this influence productivity? open image in gallery Sleep is still essential for productivity ( PA ) More daylight suppresses melatonin earlier, helping us wake up naturally and feel more energised, highlights Suglani. Better sleep quality and earlier wake times improve cognitive function, decision-making, and productivity. If we think about it, we are coming out of what used to be a space of hibernation, into spring. Here are some ways to harness the energy of spring to improve your productivity Have your morning coffee outside When you wake up, go outside and have your coffee, and take in the light, recommends Suglani. Wake up earlier for a walk Getting up a little bit earlier in spring can allow us to get outside in the sun before we start our working day, says Johnstone. If you work from home, you can get out for a 10-minute walk before you get started, or if you work close to home then you could consider walking rather than driving. This bit of activity can get the blood pumping and leave you feeling mentally refreshed and ready to seize the day. Tackle complex tasks in the morning There is no one-size-fits-all, but some may find that tackling complex work tasks during peak energy hours in the morning works best for them, so they can use afternoons for collaborative or creative tasks, says Johnstone. Work near a window Maximise daylight exposure by working near windows, suggests Suglani. Declutter Decluttering workspaces to create a more open plan and lighter environment can also help maintain momentum, says Molitor. Do some creative tasks outside You can also do your creative tasks outside with the sunlight boosting our creativity, it may help to get things flowing, suggests Johnstone. Set new goals and refresh routines Spring is ideal for goal-setting, habit formation, and refreshing routines for sustained motivation, especially as our bodies now are flourishing from the change in light impacting our circadian rhythms the rhythms that tell your body when to sleep and when to wake up, says Suglani. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The PrettyLittleThing unicorn has had a makeover. Or should that be makeunder? The mascot of the notorious fast fashion label was once resplendent in pink, soaring onto the brands packaging powered by cartoonish wings. Its very presence conjured up images of bodycon dresses covered in cut-outs, of brand deals with Love Island stars, of an entire website section devoted to the concept of jeans and a nice top. But now, the unicorns wings have disappeared. It has been stripped back to a line drawing. And it certainly isnt pink any longer. Instead, its embossed on a beige backdrop. This toned-down emblem is just part of PrettyLittleThings sweeping rebrand, unveiled to customers earlier this week. Gone is the shouty, all-caps logo. In its place is a swirly calligraphy-style font. The bright pink visuals are gone, replaced by rich burgundies, browns, creams and yes, inevitably, plenty of beige. The clothes, similarly, draw from a drab palette. Waistcoats, boucle co-ords and ruched, long-sleeved maxi dresses abound. So do buttoned-up, round-necked suit jackets reminiscent of Angela Merkels capsule wardrobe for a G20 summit. Theres barely a pattern, or an inexplicable cut-out, to be seen. According to PLT, this shake-up heralds an elevated new era that celebrates the brands heritage while boldly reimagining its future. PLTs tactic is clear. The brand once best known as the purveyor of questionably cheap clothes for going out-out is trying to jump on the bandwagon of so-called quiet luxury. This trend is about clothes that whisper rather than shout. Its a more pared-back, minimal, even small-c conservative approach to fashion that has become ubiquitous online (and in real life) over the past few years. Think Sofia Richies understated glam or, closer to home, (former PLT creative director) Molly-Mae Hague with her beige-greige wardrobe and matching clothing brand. PLT is banking on the fact that dressing in a way that some would call classic, and many would call a bit tedious, is in right now. The irony, of course, is that quiet luxury isnt just about the look; its also supposed to be all about quality, attention to detail, and opting for investment pieces that youll wear over and over again. And, frankly, this couldnt be further from PLTs past ethos (or their heritage, to borrow their own wording). Even boss Umar Kamani has admitted that whereas once the brands focus was to have a dress on site at 4, now theyve changed their aim: to having a dress thats thicker, not see-through, and a better fit. When not see through is your marker of success, its safe to say the bar for craftsmanship is not exactly high. Heres a quick rundown of PrettyLittleThings heritage. In 2020, the brand launched a 99 per cent off Black Friday sale, reducing its items to mere pennies: think 8p for a dress and 25p for a pair of high heels. This was widely criticised for apparently encouraging unsustainable levels of consumption, and yet the same stunt returned over the next couple of years. open image in gallery PLT has embraced the quiet luxury trend, but its rebrand feels hollow ( Pretty Little Thing ) In 2020, an undercover Sunday Times report claimed that workers in a Leicester factory with links to PLTs parent company Boohoo were being paid 3.50 an hour (Boohoo said the factory, Jaswal Fashions, was not a direct supplier). An independent review commissioned by Boohoo in the wake of that report found that allegations about poor working practices were substantially true. The company later unveiled an agenda for change to address these concerns, but a 2023 BBC Panorama documentary claimed theyd broken some of the promises made. In response, Boohoo said theyd invested significant time, effort and resource into driving positive change across every aspect of our business and supply chain. As of now, PLTs rebrand hasnt included any new statements about, say, the brands sustainability practices or supply chain transparency. Instead, the focus is entirely on the new look. If were a style source, it means committing to being on the cutting edge of the trend, one particularly baffling, nondescript line from a new Instagram graphic reads. It means committing to curating, editorialising, playing in culture. I spent years working in fashion journalism, so probably have a higher tolerance for the industrys grandiose mission statements than most. But I can make little to no sense of this jumble, which reads a bit like the work of a desperate undergrad trying to hit their word count half an hour before their essay deadline. And thats the more charitable interpretation. Is anyone really asking for PLT to commit to playing in culture, whatever the hell that involves? The more cynical-minded might argue that its all a big distraction from bigger questions about the brands practices. I cant help but think about what is going to happen to PLTs old stock, the stuff that doesnt fit in with this new Love Island: country club edition look. open image in gallery Previously the brand focused on clothes for going out out ( Getty Images for PrettyLittleThing ) In fact, the whole endeavour feels utterly empty. The rebrand isnt just a blatant attempt to chase a lucrative trend now that PLTs original aesthetic has fallen out of favour. Its yet more proof of the gaping void at the heart of fast fashion. These labels will echo and mimic any aesthetic; they have no real identity at their core, instead chasing trends and styles that originated elsewhere and ridding those styles of any meaning or authenticity that they might have once had. Its fashion as simulacrum, and its deeply, deeply depressing. Whatll be more sad, though, is if it sells because then we wont just be buying the products, but buying a hollow fairy tale too. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A pilots unique attempt to shoot his shot with a passenger at the airport has gone viral. Steph Bohrer posted a video on TikTok on Wednesday, where she shared a note that a pilot dropped on her table before walking away. Im sitting at the airport and a pilot just placed this on my table & walked away, she wrote on top of the clip. The note was written on a brown paper napkin and while it did have a signature, the name did not appear to be legible. I have seen the whole world and you are the most beautiful human in it, the note read. Bohrer then admitted in her TikToks caption that she never saw the pilots face. As of Thursday morning, her video has been viewed over 12 million times. Many people turned to the comments section to speculate about why the pilot left the note without including his name or phone number. Hes probably married with 5 kids, one comment read, while another agreed, he didn't leave a number because he's someone's husband. I feel like he just carries a STACK of these in his pocket, a third commenter wrote. However, others were more optimistic, suggesting it may have simply been a sweet compliment without expecting anything in return. open image in gallery In the comments section, not everyone was convinced about the pilot's intentions ( TikTok ) Its the way he just wanted to tell you with no strings attached to the compliment, one comment read. Another commenter agreed, writing, And no phone number? he was just being nice to be nice omgggg. Last month, another plane passenger went viral for a less pleasant interaction. Chase Cangelosi was flying from Mexico City back home to Austin, Texas, when he noticed a woman was sitting in his assigned window seat on the flight. He recounted the entire story on Threads. I mention to the woman who was in my seat heyyy Im seat F, and she says Im more comfortable here. I said nothing else and sat in the middle, he wrote. However, he said that a few minutes later, the woman discovered that the television screen attached to the seat in front of her didnt work, so she then asked Cangelosi to switch seats with her. A few minutes later, she discovered her seat TV didnt work, while everyone elses did. She asked to switch back and I said No, Im comfortable here. Now Im watching Bobs Burgers and she just has to look out the nighttime window. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is calling on the Trump administration to expedite its response to the spread of H5N1 bird flu. The Buckeye state has seen more than 15 million of its commercial poultry birds killed since December due to exposure to the virus, the Republican pointed out. One of the things that is clear is that the federal government is really going to have to accelerate the research that is being done in regard to bird flu, DeWine told reporters Thursday following a meeting with agricultural leaders in Darke County, according to the Dayton Daily News. ...One of the messages that I heard today (during the meeting) was, Please do everything you can to speed that up. The governor said he would be speaking with newly confirmed Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who has said that the administrations plan to respond to the threat would take months, with already incredibly high egg prices expected to soar even higher. open image in gallery Ohio Governor Mike DeWine told reporters this week that the federal government will have to accelerate bird flu research to respond to the current spread of the virus. The state has seen more than 15 million of its commercial poultry birds killed since December ( Getty Images ) This five-point strategy wont erase the problem overnight, but were confident that it will restore stability to the egg market over the next three to six months. This approach will also ensure stability over the next four years and beyond, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins wrote in an op-ed published last month in The Wall Street Journal. The plan allocates $1 billion toward the fight, which includes providing $500 million to expand biosecurity, increasing relief to aid farmers to the tune of $400 million, removing regulatory burdens on the industry, exploring vaccine strategies for chickens and having eggs sent to the U.S. from abroad. There is no short-term fix. If there were, it would have been addressed under the last administration, Rollins previously told CBS News. Earlier this week, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said federal health agencies oppose the use of bird flu vaccines in poultry right now. "There's no indication that those vaccines actually provide sterilizing immunity and all three of my health agencies, NIH, CDC, and FDA, the acting heads of those agencies have all recommended against the use of the bird flu vaccine," Kennedy reportedly told Fox News. But without vaccines and relief from spread, farmers are worried theyre losing the fight against the virus. open image in gallery The Trump administration has released a $1 billion plan to help slow the spread of the virus ( AFP via Getty Images ) "I call this virus a terrorist," Greg Herbruck, the CEO of the California-based Herbruck's Poultry Ranch, told NPR last month. He had to cull millions of his birds. "And we are in a battle and losing, at the moment." There have been 70 human cases confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and one death in Louisiana. More than 166 million poultry birds have been impacted by bird flu since February 2022. In Ohio, farmers in five counties have reported flu cases in their flocks this year, according to the Ohio Capital Journal. The state reported its first probable human case in a Mercer County farm worker in mid-February. Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge said over 30 percent of layer birds in Ohio have been depopulated, according to WYSO. For some time, the farmers who raise poultry in this part of the state and this is the center in the state of Ohio for the production of eggs have really suffered tremendous losses," DeWine said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Using spy ties, cameras hidden inside Coke bottles and over 200 mobile phones, a UK-based espionage ring would soon emerge as the focus of the largest spying investigation for British counterterrorism services. Over the course of three years, five Bulgarian individuals, assisted by a host of others, carried out sophisticated surveillance on British soil and fed secrets back to their Russian handler, former Wirecard chief operating officer Jan Marsalek. Describing the scale of the investigation as unbelievable, the Met Police said the group had accumulated 33 audio devices, 55 visual recording devices, 221 mobile phones, 495 SIM cards and 11 drones, as well as 75 passports and 91 bank cards under various names. But perhaps even more fascinating was the incredible array of spyware this seemingly unassuming group had access to. A false rock containing a camera, transmitters, surveillance devices hidden within a pen, adapted watches and two spy ties were among the advanced spy gear found during a raid at the Great Yarmouth home of Orlin Roussev, one of the groups two ringleaders. open image in gallery Orlin Roussev had bragged about being similar to James Bond character Q ( Metropolitan Police ) Little is known about the defendants backgrounds, apart from the fact that Roussev was highly technically skilled and had mastered forging fake-ID documents and hacking devices. He had even bragged in his messages to Marsalek that he was becoming like the James Bond character Q, and described his room of spy gear as his Indiana Jones warehouse. He appeared startled when police officers in balaclavas barged into his rooms and initially claimed they had got the wrong place, before relenting once they showed a search warrant. Due to the vast amount of spyware in the former guesthouse, it took more than a week to search the property and nearly 2,000 items were seized. Counterterrorism commander Dominic Murphy said some of the items were things you definitely read about in spy novels. Among the gadgets, officers found a Minion toy with a camera hidden inside a fabric flower, as well as a picture and video of one of the women wearing spy glasses. Remarkably, a second woman involved in the spy ring had been able to follow target Roman Dobrokhotov on board a flight, filming him with a secret camera inside her shoulder strap and sending live updates to a group chat. These updates included that he had two phones, used social media, listened to music, played Sudoku, and his PIN for his mobile phone. open image in gallery A photo taken by a secret camera of Roman Dobrokhotov on a flight ( Metropolitan Police ) Noting this showed the severity of the threat, Commander Murphy, head of the Mets Counter Terrorism Command unit, said: They talked about how they were able to gain access to confidential flight data to sit near a journalist, using a camera to obtain his phone PIN. The lengths they were willing to go to in this case were extreme. We never disregard the threat of Russia, many of our other jobs in this area relate to the threat posed by Russia. The remarkable extent of the spyware can be revealed after Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were all found guilty following an Old Bailey trial, while the groups two ringleaders, Roussev and Bizer Dzhambazov, had already admitted their roles. Commander Murphy described it as probably the largest spying investigation Im aware of, and have been involved in, in over 20 years of counterterrorism. open image in gallery Jan Marsalek is wanted for his role in the Wirecard scandal which saw $2bn go missing ( BKA ) It was spying on an almost industrial scale on behalf of the Russian state and Russian intelligence. It goes to the heart of freedom and national security. This group really were a serious threat, and when they might have approached it quite lightheartedly, they were carrying out sophisticated surveillance operations, he added. Commander Murphy said it was a tangible example of the current threat facing the UK, with Russian intelligence services increasingly turning to criminal proxy groups already based in the country, rather than utilising their own agents. Between 2020 and 2023, the group orchestrated six plots targeting Russian dissidents, investigative journalists and a Kazakhstani politician, as well as undertook surveillance on a US airbase in Germany which trained Ukrainian soldiers. Threats posed by states such as Russia and Iran now amount to 20 per cent of counterterrorisms workload, with the Met Police noting a change in the way Russian intelligence operates by outsourcing their activities. The groups handler, Marsalek, has been on the run since June 2020 and is wanted by Interpol and the German police after $2bn went missing from the financial services provider Wirecard. Having fled Germany, he is believed to be hiding in Moscow and has been involved in Russian intelligence since at least 2014. open image in gallery Orlin Roussev is listed as having lived at the Haydee guest house, a stones throw from the seafront in Great Yarmouth ( Andy Gregory/The Independent ) Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said there were six spying operations which involved high-level espionage with high levels of deceit which were extremely risky for those involved. They included getting close to their targets, filming them, and even envisaging direct contact by deploying the female defendants as a honey trap, or sexual bait, to accrue more information, jurors heard. The first operation, between September and November 2021, targeted Bellingcat investigative journalist Christo Grozev, whose work on Russian affairs included uncovering Russian links to the 2018 Salisbury attack and the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane in July 2014. The second operation, in November 2022, focused on UK-based Russian dissident Mr Dobrokhotov. Mr Dobrokhotov is an investigative journalist and founder of The Insider, a media organisation which was formerly based in Russia, before Dobrokhotov fled the country. The third operation centred on former politician Bergey Ryskaliyev, who fled Kazakhstan for the UK and was granted refugee status. The targeting of the political dissident in November 2021 would have helped cultivate relations between Russia and Kazakhstan, it was claimed. The fourth operation involved staging a fake demonstration outside the Kazakh embassy in September 2022, to imply the spies had genuine intelligence about its organisers. This information was passed on to Kazakhstan intelligence services to further curry favour, jurors heard. This operation was conducted with a man called Ivan Stoyanov, jurors were told. The fifth operation concerned Patch Barracks, a US military airbase in Stuttgart, Germany, in 2022, where Ukrainian soldiers were believed to be training. Ms Morgan said the defendants were using highly sophisticated technology to gather sensitive intelligence from the base. A sixth operation targeted Russian lawyer Kirill Kachur, as he was spending time in Montenegro between September 2021 and January 2022. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of 16-year-old after a shooting in south London. Lathaniel Burrell died after being shot in Clapham on Tuesday afternoon, the Metropolitan Police said. Officers were called at around 3.21pm to reports of a shooting in Paradise Road. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics from London Ambulance Service and Londons Air Ambulance. The 32-year-old man was arrested in Croydon on Friday morning and remains in custody, police said. Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee said: Our detectives are working hard to piece together the events of Tuesday afternoon and identify those responsible for killing Lathaniel. We continue to appeal for anyone with information about Lathaniels murder to please come forward and speak to us. They encouraged anyone with further information that might help the investigation to call 101 with the reference 4116/04MAR. They also said people could call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 if they wanted to remain anonymous. The teenagers family are being supported by officers, the force said. Relatives of Lathaniel described him as a Manchester United fan who enjoyed playing Playstation 5. He had one other sibling, a sister. One woman who knew the boys mother described the teenager as very bright at school and said his father worked at a nearby go-karting facility. Labour Co-op MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, Florence Eshalomi, shared her condolences on social media She said: Im very sad to hear of the fatal shooting of a 16 yr old boy earlier this afternoon near Stockwell. A life wasted. Ms Eshalomi added that she had spoken to the police about the incident and encouraged anyone with information to get in touch with the 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson and his son are among 12 people charged as part of a major probe into council corruption. The 67-year-old, who was first arrested in December 2020 and suspended from the Labour Party, has been charged with bribery, misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office, Merseyside Police said on Friday. Derek Hatton, 77, who was deputy leader of Liverpool City Council in the 1980s, has also been charged with bribery and one count of counsel or procure misconduct in a public office. open image in gallery Derek Hatton also faces charges ( Peter Byrne/PA ) Sonjia Hatton, 49, of Aigburth, has been charged with one count of misconduct in a public office. Andersons 37-year-old son David, of Wavertree, is charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office. The former mayor, of Knotty Ash in Liverpool, had held the role since 2012 prior to his arrest in 2020, after which he did not stand for re-election the following year. The charges were brought as part of Operation Aloft, which was launched by police to look into the awarding of commercial and business contracts from Liverpool City Council between 2010 and 2020. In total, 10 people have been charged with bribery offences allegedly committed between 2013 and 2020. These charges concern alleged advantages given for the improper awarding of council contracts and other services, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said. Five people - including three of the same people accused of the above offences - have been charged with misconduct in public office offences allegedly committed between 2010 and 2020, through arranging and granting privileged and special access, seeking confidential information from Liverpool City Council in commercial and business matters, or abusing a position of power. Merseyside Police said all 12 are due to appear at Preston Magistrates Court on 28 March. open image in gallery Liverpool City Council said it will continue to cooperate with the police investigation as required ( Peter Byrne/PA ) Robin Weyell, deputy chief crown prosecutor, said: The CPS has reviewed a full file of evidence from the Merseyside Police and has authorised the investigation team to charge 12 people with 12 offences related to bribery and misconduct in public office. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings. Andrew Barr, formerly the councils assistant director of highways and planning, aged 51, of Ainsdale in Merseyside, is charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office and bribery. The council's former head of regeneration Nick Kavanagh, aged 56, of Mossley Hill in Liverpool, has been charged with two counts of bribery. Also charged are Phillipa Cook, 49, of Mossley Hill, Liverpool, who faces two counts of bribery and Alex Croft, 29, of Aughton, Lancashire, who is charged with one count of bribery. Julian Flanagan, 53, of Crosby; Paul Flanagan, 61, of Knowsley Village; Adam McLean, 54, of Woolton; and James Shalliker, 38, of Downholland, Lancashire, are all charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The Flanagan brothers founded the construction business The Flanagan Group. A spokesperson for the council said: Liverpool City Council has actively supported this police investigation and will continue to co-operate as required. Since 2020, the council has been transformed under new leadership, including the successful conclusion of a period of government intervention, with significant improvements in governance and performance. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. Additional reporting by PA 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Six members of a Russian proxy spy ring dubbed the Minions are facing years behind bars for one of the largest and most complex enemy operations to be uncovered on UK soil. Bulgarians Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were found guilty at the Old Bailey of spying on an industrial scale, putting lives and national security at risk. They engaged in a series of surveillance and intelligence operations over three years in which they were referred to as Despicable Mes yellow sidekicks. Instead of a cartoon evil mastermind Gru, the defendants acted as spies working for the Russian intelligence service, also known as GRU. They were directed by alleged Russian agent Jan Marsalek, 44, an Austrian businessman wanted by Interpol after the collapse of German payment processing firm Wirecard. Marsalek acted as a go-between for Russian intelligence and ringleader Orlin Roussev, 47, in Great Yarmouth who received more than 200,000 euros (over 165,600) to fund the spying activities. He deployed the Minions with second-in-command Biser Dzhambazov, 43, who was in a love triangle with two of the team his partner Ivanova and beautician Gaberova, jurors heard. They targeted people and places of interest to the Russian state, even plotting to sweep up mobile phone data of Ukrainian soldiers thought to be trained at a US airbase in Germany before heading for the front line. They also discussed using lashes queen Gaberova as a honeytrap to snare a high-profile journalist, dropping 100 litres of pigs blood on the Kazakhstan embassy in London by drone, and kidnapping a man on UK soil. When police moved to arrest the spies in February 2023, they found Dzhambazov naked in bed with his lover Gaberova rather than at home with Ivanova. A treasure trove of spyware was uncovered in a raid on Roussevs operations centre in a former guesthouse in Great Yarmouth described in messages as his Indiana Jones garage. Among the haul were homemade audiovisual spy devices hidden inside everyday objects including a rock, mens ties, a Coke bottle and a Minions cuddly toy. Kit to make and test counterfeit identity documents was recovered from Roussevs address, with a stash of fake passports also found at the one-bedroom flat in Harrow that Ivanova and Dzhambazov shared. Police pieced together six operations dating back to August 2020 from more than 100,000 Telegram messages on Roussevs phone in which he and Marsalek made light of their dangerous plans. In the chat, Roussev was nicknamed Jackie Chan, Dzhambazov went by Mad Max and Jean-Claude Van Damme, and referred to his spies as The Minions. A jury deliberated for more than 32 hours to find Ivanova, of Harrow, Gaberova, of Euston, and Ivanchev, of Acton, guilty on Friday of plotting to spy for an enemy state. Ivanova was also convicted of having a stash of false identity documents with improper intention, which Roussev and Dzhambazov admitted along with the spy plot. A sixth defendant, Ivan Stoyanov, 33, from Greenford, London, had also admitted spying for Russia, it can now be reported. The defendants made no reaction as the verdicts were delivered. Mr Justice Hilliard KC remanded the defendants into custody until sentencing between May 7 and May 12. The defendants face sentences of up to 14 years in jail for the activities in the UK, Austria, Spain, Germany and Montenegro. Met counter-terrorism chief Commander Dominic Murphy told PA news agency: This was industrial-scale espionage on behalf of Russia. This is one of the largest and most complex examples of a group working for a foreign state to conduct intelligence surveillance operations here in the UK so it is a significant case and I am very proud of the investigation team and the success they have had. Really sophisticated devices the sort of thing you would really expect to see in a spy novel were found here, in Great Yarmouth and London. I have never seen anything like this in my more than 20 years in counter-terrorism. It was an extremely sophisticated operation. Reading some of the messages and content on the devices you might be tempted to think this is not a serious threat, but behind those nicknames was an extremely sophisticated intelligence-gathering operation that posed a threat to national security and individuals, including journalists. Had the group not been arrested, lives could ultimately have been lost as happened as a result of the 2018 Novichok attack in Salisbury. Mr Murphy said: My concern has always been what that lifestyle surveillance was going to lead to and we have seen a long history of the Russian state conducting operations here in the UK, including lethal threat operations like the investigation in Salisbury. Frank Ferguson, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: This was a high-level espionage operation with significant financial rewards for those involved in the spy ring. By targeting individuals in the UK fleeing persecution as well as journalists opposing the Russian regime, the group undermined the message that the UK is a safe country for those people. This prolonged activity also undermined the security and safety of the UK; and there can be no doubt that each of the defendants knew exactly who they were spying for. The court had heard how journalist Christo Grozev was targeted after he exposed Russian links to the Novichok poisoning and the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane in July 2014. He was followed from Vienna to a conference in Valencia in Spain, with Ivanova able to get close enough on the plane to record the PIN number on his phone with a camera on the strap of her bag after the spies acquired his flight manisfest. Gaberova befriended the 54-year-old on Facebook and took covert pictures of Mr Grozev having breakfast at the Palace Hotel with Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins. Roussev discussed with Marsalek deploying true sexy bitch Gaberova as a honeytrap against Mr Grozev, saying: We can definitely record something for Pornhub too. That girl is red hot, she is a swinger too. Marsalek discussed kidnapping another investigative journalist, Roman Dobrokhotov, by boat, opining: A successful operation on British ground would be amazing after the f**** up Skripal stuff. Ultimately, he concluded Operation Boat was too dangerous, telling Roussev: If something goes wrong the UK authorities have a minimal response time between identifying your involvement and going after you. The court heard of plans to help Russian intelligence services ingratiate themselves with Kazakhstan counterparts. One idea was to offer intelligence after staging a fake protest outside the embassy, with Ivanova arranging a supply of blood in exchange for a bonus of 2,400. At the time she, Dzhambazov and Stoyanov were working for a medical courier company. Video of fake blood was shared and Roussev giving updates on the vampire team, which Marsalek said was bloody glorious literally. The group went on to carry out surveillance on Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, German, believing that Ukrainian soldiers were being trained there on how to use the Patriot Air Defence System. Roussev was instructed to get out his IMSI grabber a device to capture mobile phone data which was gathering dust in his Indiana Jones garage in Great Yarmouth. In chilling discussions, Marsalek discussed kidnapping Russian lawyer Kirill Kachur in Montenegro, telling Roussev: We dont mind if he dies by accident but better if he manages to find his way to Moscow. Giving evidence, Ivanova claimed she was deceived by her long-term partner, Dzhambazov, and did not know she was providing intelligence to Russia. She told jurors: I purely believed what I was told and that was my mistake. Gaberova said she was lied to, manipulated, used and exposed by her boyfriend Dzhambazov, who she thought was an Interpol officer with brain cancer. She expressed horror at the honeytrap plot, saying: These people had horrible plans for me. Former competitive swimmer Ivanchev declined to give evidence but claimed in his police interview Gaberova manipulated him. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Six members of a Russian proxy spy ring dubbed the Minions are facing years behind bars for their part in one of the largest and most complex enemy operations to be uncovered on UK soil. Bulgarians Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were found guilty at the Old Bailey of spying on an industrial scale, putting lives and national security at risk. They will be sentenced alongside ringleader Orlin Roussev, 47, his second-in-command Biser Dzhambazov, 43, and Ivan Stoyanov, 33, who admitted their roles. The network had engaged in a series of surveillance and intelligence operations over three years in which spies were referred to as Despicable Mes yellow sidekicks. Instead of cartoon evil mastermind Gru, the defendants acted as spies working for the Russian intelligence service, also known as GRU. They were directed by alleged Russian agent Jan Marsalek, 44, an Austrian businessman wanted by Interpol after the collapse of German payment processing firm Wirecard. Marsalek acted as a go-between for Russian intelligence and Roussev, who led the operation from a former guesthouse in Great Yarmouth. He received more than 200,000 euros (over 165,600) to fund the spying activities and had a treasure trove of sophisticated spyware stashed in his home. The Minions were deployed by Dzhambazov, who was in a love triangle with his partner Ivanova and beautician Gaberova, jurors heard. They targeted people and places of interest to the Russian state, even plotting to sweep up mobile phone data of Ukrainian soldiers thought to be trained at a US airbase in Germany before heading for the front line. They also discussed using lashes queen Gaberova as a honeytrap to snare a high-profile journalist, dropping 100 litres of pig blood on the Kazakhstan embassy in London by drone, and kidnapping a man on UK soil. When police moved to arrest the spies in February 2023, they found Dzhambazov naked in bed with his lover Gaberova rather than at home with Ivanova. Among the items found in Roussevs home were home-made audiovisual spy devices hidden inside everyday objects including a rock, mens ties, a Coke bottle and a Minions cuddly toy. Kit to make and test counterfeit identity documents was recovered from Roussevs address, with a stash of fake passports also found at the one-bedroom flat in Harrow that Ivanova and Dzhambazov shared. Police pieced together six operations dating back to August 2020 from more than 100,000 Telegram messages on Roussevs phone in which he and Marsalek made light of their dangerous plans. In the chat, Roussev was nicknamed Jackie Chan, Dzhambazov went by Mad Max and Jean-Claude Van Damme, and referred to his spies as The Minions. A jury deliberated for more than 32 hours to find Ivanova, of Harrow, Gaberova, of Euston, and Ivanchev, of Acton, guilty on Friday of plotting to spy for an enemy state. Ivanova was also convicted of having a stash of false identity documents with improper intention, which Roussev and Dzhambazov admitted along with the spy plot. Stoyanov, from Greenford, London, had admitted spying for Russia, it can now be reported. The defendants made no reaction as the verdicts were delivered. Mr Justice Hilliard KC remanded the defendants into custody until sentencing between May 7 and May 12. The defendants face sentences of up to 14 years in jail for the activities in the UK, Austria, Spain, Germany and Montenegro. Met counter-terrorism chief Commander Dominic Murphy told PA news agency: This was industrial-scale espionage on behalf of Russia. This is one of the largest and most complex examples of a group working for a foreign state to conduct intelligence surveillance operations here in the UK, so it is a significant case and I am very proud of the investigation team and the success they have had. Really sophisticated devices the sort of thing you would really expect to see in a spy novel were found here, in Great Yarmouth and London. I have never seen anything like this in my more than 20 years in counter-terrorism. It was an extremely sophisticated operation. Reading some of the messages and content on the devices you might be tempted to think this is not a serious threat, but behind those nicknames was an extremely sophisticated intelligence-gathering operation that posed a threat to national security and individuals, including journalists. Had the group not been arrested, lives could ultimately have been lost, as happened as a result of the 2018 Novichok attack in Salisbury. Mr Murphy said: My concern has always been what that lifestyle surveillance was going to lead to and we have seen a long history of the Russian state conducting operations here in the UK, including lethal threat operations like the investigation in Salisbury. Security minister Dan Jarvis has said the conviction should send a clear warning to those who wish to do the UK harm. Frank Ferguson, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: This was a high-level espionage operation with significant financial rewards for those involved in the spy ring. By targeting individuals in the UK fleeing persecution as well as journalists opposing the Russian regime, the group undermined the message that the UK is a safe country for those people. This prolonged activity also undermined the security and safety of the UK; and there can be no doubt that each of the defendants knew exactly who they were spying for. The court had heard how journalist Christo Grozev was targeted after he exposed Russian links to the Novichok poisoning and the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane in July 2014. He was followed from Vienna to a conference in Valencia in Spain, with Ivanova able to get close enough on the plane to record the PIN number on his phone with a camera on the strap of her bag after the spies acquired his flight manifest. Gaberova befriended the 54-year-old on Facebook and took covert pictures of Mr Grozev having breakfast at the Palace Hotel with Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins. Roussev discussed with Marsalek deploying true sexy bitch Gaberova as a honeytrap against Mr Grozev, saying: We can definitely record something for Pornhub too. That girl is red hot, she is a swinger too. Marsalek discussed kidnapping another investigative journalist, Roman Dobrokhotov, by boat, opining: A successful operation on British ground would be amazing after the f**** up Skripal stuff. Ultimately, he concluded Operation Boat was too dangerous, telling Roussev: If something goes wrong the UK authorities have a minimal response time between identifying your involvement and going after you. The court heard of plans to help Russian intelligence services ingratiate themselves with Kazakhstan counterparts. One idea was to offer intelligence after staging a fake protest outside the embassy, with Ivanova arranging a supply of blood in exchange for a bonus of 2,400. At the time she, Dzhambazov and Stoyanov were working for a medical courier company. Video of fake blood was shared and Roussev giving updates on the vampire team, which Marsalek said was bloody glorious literally. The group went on to carry out surveillance on Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, believing that Ukrainian soldiers were being trained there on how to use the Patriot Air Defence System. Roussev was instructed to get out his IMSI grabber a device to capture mobile phone data which was gathering dust in his Indiana Jones garage in Great Yarmouth. In chilling discussions, Marsalek discussed kidnapping Russian lawyer Kirill Kachur in Montenegro, telling Roussev: We dont mind if he dies by accident but better if he manages to find his way to Moscow. Giving evidence, Ivanova claimed she was deceived by her long-term partner, Dzhambazov, and did not know she was providing intelligence to Russia. Gaberova said she was lied to, manipulated, used and exposed by her boyfriend Dzhambazov, who she thought was an Interpol officer with brain cancer. She expressed horror at the honeytrap plot, saying: These people had horrible plans for me. Former competitive swimmer Ivanchev declined to give evidence but claimed in his police interview Gaberova manipulated him. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Bulgarian spy ring has starkly shown the changing threat facing the UK, a counter-terrorism chief has warned, as Russian state intelligence increasingly turns to criminal proxies to carry out operations on British soil. The five members of the group carried out extensive surveillance on a number of targets, including investigative journalists, a US army base and a Kazakhstani politician, using sophisticated technology and tactics. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met Polices Counter Terrorism Command unit, said: I have never seen anything link this in my more than 20 years in counter-terrorism. It was an extremely sophisticated operation. He added: This investigation uncovered spying on behalf of the Russian state on an industrial case, in this case committed by a group of Bulgarians contracted by an individual to conduct that spying on behalf of Russia. open image in gallery MI5 director-general Ken McCallum said that Russia intended to cause sustained mayhem in Britain (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Wire ) As the UK becomes a more hostile environment as a result of our work we will see them increasingly use proxies to conduct their activities. It forms part of an emerging trend across Europe, with a campaign of sabotage reported in countries such as Germany, Lithuania, Sweden, Estonia and Poland in a pattern of behaviour reminiscent of the Cold War. This has included repeated railway derailments investigated by the Swedish security police, signal interference over the Baltic Sea region and plots to target airbases used by the US in Germany. Giving his annual report in October, the head of MI5 Ken McCallum said that Russian intelligence is on a mission to create sustained mayhem in Britain. He said that since the UK backed Ukraine in its war against Russia, GRU agents had carried out arson, sabotage and more dangerous actions conducted with increasing recklessness. He added that since Europe had expelled more than 750 Russian diplomats since 2022, many of which were spies, their intelligence services had turned to proxy groups such as private intelligence operatives and criminals. open image in gallery Photo of a photo of Vanya Gaberova in spy glasses ( Metropolitan Police/PA Wire ) In an interview recording obtained by the Times in December, Mr McCallum also said the agency has had to look at its finite resources and make uncomfortable choices due to the growing threat from hostile states. We now face much, much more aggression from nation states, he said. In effect, we had the 20- to 30-year holiday from that kind of big player, sophisticated states in serious conflict with each other. Its back, Im afraid. The number of state-threat investigations by MI5 has increased by 48 per cent in recent years, with the UKs leading role in supporting Ukraine meaning we loom large in the fevered imagination of Putins regime. On the threat they posed, Commander Murphy said: My concern has always been what that lifestyle surveillance was going to lead to and we have seen a long history of the Russian state conducting operations here in the UK, including lethal threat operations like the investigation in Salisbury. Certainly national security was at stake as a result of this investigation but, yes, there was physical threat to individuals here in the UK which is one of the reasons we treat investigations like this so seriously in counter-terrorism police. open image in gallery Hundreds of spy gear was discovered in Orlin Roussevs property (Metropolitan Police/PA) ( PA Media ) On the challenges faced by enemy states operating on UK soil, he said: Within counter-terrorism policing we are seeing more than 20 per cent of our demand now coming from threat posed from foreign states to our national security so this is an ever-growing challenge for us. We are committed to working closely with intelligence agencies in this country and our international partners to disrupt activity by foreign states. Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, have now been found guilty at the Old Bailey of being part of a group that passed secrets to Russia for nearly three years. Their two ringleaders, Orlin Roussev and Biser Dzhambazov, had already admitted espionage charges and having fake identity documents. Upon their arrest, hundreds of sophisticated devices were discovered at an address in Harrow and Roussevs address in Great Yarmouth, which were used to gather intelligence, including hidden bugs and jammers. Among the spy kit were 33 audio devices, 55 visual recording devices, 221 mobile phone phones, 495 SIM cards, 11 drones, 75 passports and 91 bank cards in various names. open image in gallery A photo of a fake Dzhambazov ID card which claimed he worked for the UN ( Metropolitan Police/PA Wire ) Cameras had also been hidden in Coke bottles, in a Minion teddy bear and found within ties and a pair of glasses. Hundred of thousands of pounds were channelled into the ring via their Russian spymaster Rupert Ticz, said to be Austrian national Jan Marsalek, the former chief operating officer of Wirecard who is wanted for a missing $2bn that disappeared from the German financial provider. The Met Police were able to discern six spying operations which involved high level espionage with high levels of deceit which were extremely risky for those involved. This included tailing two investigative journalists who had covered Russian funds and the Salisbury poisoning, as well as a Russian lawyer designated a foreign agent by the state. The group had also plotted to fake a demonstration outside the Kazakh Embassy in September 2022 and had travelled to Stuttgart to conduct surveillance on Patch Barracks, a US army base in Germany training Ukrainian soliders. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A sophisticated UK-based spy ring that passed secrets to Russia for nearly three years has been found guilty of espionage, in one of the most complex investigations carried out by the Met Police. Bulgarian nationals Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, formed part of a group that carried out surveillance on Russian dissidents and put many lives at risk, with plans to even kidnap and kill certain targets. They included a Bellingcat investigative journalist, a Kazakhstani former politician and a Russian lawyer, while the group also spied on a US army base in Germany where Ukrainian troops were said to be trained. open image in gallery Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev have been found guilty of espionage ( PA ) Upon their arrest, hundreds of spyware devices were discovered including hidden bugs and signal jammers, as well as 33 audio devices, 55 visual recording devices, 221 mobile phone phones, 495 sim cards, 11 drones, 75 passports and 91 bank cards in various names. Two more defendants, Orlin Roussev and Biser Dzhambazov, who were the main operators of the ring, had pleaded guilty ahead of trial to espionage charges. An Old Bailey trial heard that the group received hundreds of thousands of pounds which was channelled through their Russian spymaster Rupert Ticz, said to be Austrian national Jan Marsalek. open image in gallery Orlin Roussev, the ringleader of the group, pleaded guilty to espionage charges ( PA ) Over the course of three years, the spy ring plotted six spying operations which were extremely risky and included filming their targets, orchestrating direct contact and using the female defendants as sexual bait to gather information. Between September and November 2021, they targeted Bellingcat investigative journalist Christo Grozev, 55, who had exposed Russian links to the 2018 Salisbury attack and the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane in July 2014. He was tracked by the group in different locations in Austria, Spain and Montenegro, with Roussev and Marsalek hoping to engineer a fake romance between him and London-based beautician Gaberova. open image in gallery Biser Dzhambazov and Vanya Gaberova ( PA ) This included her sending him a Facebook request and taking pictures of him both at a conference in Valencia and eating breakfast at his hotel. Marsalek and Roussev also discussed various options, including robbing Mr Grozev, burning his property, kidnapping him and taking him to Moscow, infiltrating Bellingcat, and even killing him. The second operation was targeting another UK-based Russian investigative journalist, Roman Dobrokhotov, who is the founder of The Insider and is considered a target for Russian intelligence. To conduct surveillance, Ivanova was placed to sit next to him on a flight from Budapest to Berlin, where she used covert recording equipment and succeeded in capturing his iPhone PIN number. open image in gallery Ivanova in Austria in September 2021 while carrying out surveillance ( PA ) During discussions about the operation in November 2021, Marsalek allegedly commented: I would love to kidnap the guy now even more. The third operation was in London and involved surveillance of Kazakhstan dissident Bergey Ryskaliyev at two west London addresses. There was discussion about dressing up as Deliveroo drivers to gain access to the properties and using ambulances as perfect cover to disguise their activities. Also related to cultivating ties between Russia and Kazakhstan, the fourth operation involved staging a fake protest outside the former Soviet countrys embassy in September 2022. open image in gallery Biser Dzhambazovs fake ID card and Interpol badge ( PA ) The groups aim was to create a pretence that the spies had genuine intelligence about those responsible to pass over to the Kazakhstan intelligence services to curry further favour. In 2022, the defendants carried out surveillance on Patch Barracks, a US military airbase in Stuttgart, Germany, and used highly sophisticated technology to gather sensitive intelligence. Giving evidence, Ivanova claimed she was deceived and betrayed by her long-term partner Dzhambazov, and had been unaware of her involvement in a spy ring. She said she first began questioning her involvement when asked to take pictures of the barracks, which were believed to be training Ukrainian soldiers on the Patriot missile system. open image in gallery Gaberova wearing spy glasses ( PA ) The sixth operation targeted Russian lawyer Kirill Kachur when he was spending time in Montenegro between September 2021 and January 2022. Dzhambazov, 43, was in a relationship with both Ivanova and Gaberova, with the latter formerly involved with Ivanchev. Jurors heard that members of the group had connections in the highest echelons of the Bulgarian government, and that Ivanova, Dzhambazov and co-accused Gaberova had helped in the 2021 elections when president Rumen Radev entered power. open image in gallery Surveillance image of Christo Grozev and Roman Dobrokhotov, two investigative journalists who had reported on Russian corruption ( Metropolitan Police/PA ) In text messages between Roussev and Dzhambazov, the latter said he had a very strong relationship with Mr Radev and two other senior Bulgarian politicians, which he said was iron clad. The attempted assassination of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in the Salisbury poison attack showed Russian intelligence services were prepared to kill on UK soil, the court was told. As a consequence, the government had worked to make it harder for Russia to carry out covert action, leading to them increasingly using non-Russian operatives. Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said Russia was an enemy state in the sense that it posed a national security threat, even though it was not at physical war with the UK. Mr Justice Hilliard KC remanded the defendants into custody until sentencing between 7 May and 12 May. The defendants face sentences of up to 14 years in jail for their activities in the UK, Austria, Spain, Germany and Montenegro. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Gisele Pelicot has told sexual violence survivors they will never be alone in a powerful message marking International Womens Day. The extraordinary French grandmother dedicated being chosen as The Independents most influential woman of 2025 to survivors who are the true heroes, in moving personal words shared by her lawyer. Stephane Babonneau said his client a global hero and worldwide symbol in the struggle against sexual violence was emotional and humbled when she found out she had been named as No 1 on the list. She later told him she was honoured and passed on her gratitude. Ms Pelicot, 72, highlighted the victims who are still battling for justice especially those who are doing so alone and in the dark whom she said she deeply admires. Have your say on what gender equality means for you. Gisele Pelicot was chosen as The Independents most influential woman of 2025 ( Getty ) Her personal message for The Independent was conveyed by Mr Babonneau, who said: Gisele is honoured and wishes to dedicate this recognition to all victims, and more specifically to those who are fighting alone to get their rights and the truth acknowledged by courts. To these victims, who most often remain in the dark, Gisele wishes to express her admiration, because she thinks they are the true heroes, and [to] tell [them] that they must know they will never be alone. He added: Gisele and the legal team wish to thank The Independent. The courageous and dignified Ms Pelicot has become an icon across the globe, especially to survivors of sexual violence, after she waived her anonymity in the horrific mass-rape case involving her ex-husband and 50 other men, and changed the way the world treats victims for ever. The public nature of the trial in which all of the men were convicted of taking part in the monstrous sexual abuse that took place over the course of a decade, when Ms Pelicot was being drugged by her ex-husband shone a light on the shocking prevalence of rape, sparking a worldwide movement that called for an immediate end to it. Ms Pelicot faced her abusers in the courtroom in Avignon, France, every day of the harrowing three-month trial, symbolising the message that would become the slogan of the case that it is the perpetrators, never the victims, who should feel shame for sexual crimes. Ms Pelicot consequently topped The Independents 2025 Influence List, which has been released for a third year running to mark International Womens Day. She is joined by a further 49 exceptional women from across the worlds of politics, sports, the arts, media, business, fashion and activism. All are united by their extraordinary impact on society, as they push boundaries and break down barriers to shape the world around them. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A headteacher was remanded in custody following an alleged assault at a secondary school. Anthony John Felton, 54, appeared at Swansea Magistrates Court accused of attempted wounding with intent. Police were called to St Josephs Roman Catholic Comprehensive School in Aberavon, South Wales, on the morning of 5 March. Felton spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the brief hearing. He did not enter a plea to the charge he faces. The court heard the charge could only be dealt with at Swansea Crown Court. Feltons next appearance was fixed for April 7 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. A solicitor representing Felton did not apply for bail. District Judge Christopher James remanded Felton, of Penyrheol Road, Gorseinon, Swansea into custody. He said: I am sending you to the crown court for the purposes of trial. You attend Swansea Crown Court on April 7. Until then you will be remanded into custody. The alleged victim, who is 51, has been discharged from hospital with minor injuries, South Wales Police said. According to an annual report from the governing body, Felton was appointed headteacher in September 2023. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Six climate activists jailed for their roles in demonstrations, including co-founder of Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion Roger Hallam, have had their sentences reduced at the Court of Appeal. The six were part of a group of 16 activists who challenged their sentences for their roles in four demonstrations held by Just Stop Oil (JSO) between August and November 2022, including climbing on gantries over the M25 and throwing soup over Vincent van Goghs Sunflowers. Their lawyers claimed all 16 sentences manifestly excessive, at a hearing in January, with the Crown Prosecution Service opposing the appeals. In a judgment on Friday, the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, Mr Justice Lavender and Mr Justice Griffiths ruled that six of the 16 should have their sentences reduced, while dismissing the other appeals. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick condemned the decision, saying it undermines deterrence and risks sending a dangerous message. It is disappointing that these radical disruptors have had their sentences reduced, he said. Mr Jenrick added: When in government, the Conservatives took tough action to ensure that professional agitators, like Just Stop Oil, faced the full force of the law for their actions and answered for the damage they did to our country. We will always stand on the side of hard working people over eco-zealots. open image in gallery Campaigners wearing T-shirts that read Corruption in Court ( Lucy North/PA Wire ) Sir Keir Starmers official spokesman said the decision is for the judge, declining to comment on the judgment. As Baroness Carr read out a summary of the Court of Appeals ruling, several campaigners in court stood and turned their backs, wearing T-shirts that read Corruption in Court. Hallam, who was originally jailed for five years for agreeing to disrupt traffic by having protesters climb onto gantries over the M25 for four successive days, had his sentence reduced to four years. Daniel Shaw, Louise Lancaster, Lucia Whittaker De Abreu, and Cressida Gethin originally received four-year jail terms for their involvement in the same protest. Shaw and Lancasters sentences were reduced to three years, while Whittaker De Abreu and Gethins sentences were reduced to 30 months. open image in gallery Roger Hallam ( PA Archive ) Gaie Delap, who was previously jailed for 20 months for her role in protests on the M25 during which they climbed onto gantries over the motorway, had her sentence reduced to one of 18 months. Ten others had their appeals dismissed, including George Simonson, Theresa Higginson, Paul Bell and Paul Sousek, who were imprisoned for between two years and 20 months for their involvement in protests on the M25, during which they climbed onto gantries over the motorway. Larch Maxey, Chris Bennett, Samuel Johnson and Joe Howlett were jailed for between three years and 15 months after occupying tunnels dug under the road leading to the Navigator Oil Terminal in Thurrock, Essex, and also had their appeals dismissed. The Court of Appeal also threw out the challenges of Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, who were sentenced to two years and 20 months respectively after almost destroying Vincent van Goghs Sunflowers by throwing soup on its protective glass at Londons National Gallery. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A portrait, believed to be the only painting of Lady Jane Grey from her lifetime, will be displayed alongside six new historic pictures from Friday. New research from English Heritage and the Courtauld Institute of Art has provided compelling evidence in favour of confirming that a mysterious portrait depicts the nine-day queen. Researchers used tree-ring dating to determine that the painted panel, consisting of two Baltic oak boards from two different trees, suggests a likely usage date for between 1539 and 1571. The back of the panel displays a merchant or cargo mark identical to that used on a royal portrait of King Edward VI. Infra-red reflectography, which shows what lies beneath the surface of the painting, showed that the sitters costume had been significantly changed after the initial portrait was complete. Changes were found around the sleeves, and researchers suggested a white scarf on her shoulders was added in later. open image in gallery Changes were made to the painting later on, according to research ( Christopher Ison/English Heritage ) Bands encircling the sitters right arm under the scarf, believed to be part of a wider decorative sleeve, or the top of a previous scarf worn draped over the lower arms, are similar to outfits worn by Lady Jane Grey in other depictions. Lady Jane Grey was an English noblewoman who was proclaimed Queen of England and Ireland for the shortest reign in British history. The great-granddaughter of Henry VII, she was a committed protestant who supported the reformed Church of England, continuing the foundations laid by her cousin, Edward VI. She was deposed after nine days by Mary I, who would attempt to restore England to Catholicism. Its believed the changes made to the portrait in later years were made to depict the sitter as a protestant martyr. Researchers noted a major change to the portraits eyes. Currently looking to the sitters left, the eyes were previously looking to the sitters right, past the viewer. The eyes, mouth and ears had been deliberately scratched out possibly for religious or political reasons and an image of Lady Jane Grey in the National Portrait Gallery bears the same marks. open image in gallery The evidence includes dendrochronology (tree-ring dating), X-ray fluorescence and infrared reflectography ( Christopher Ison/English Heritage ) The portrait, on loan from a private collection, is on display at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire alongside six other historic paintings from today. It was obtained by Anthony Grey, 11th Earl of Kent, in 1701 as part of the estates historic collection, as a depiction of Lady Jane Grey. Peter Moore, English Heritages Curator at Wrest Park, said: It remained the defining image of the Nine Days Queen for over 300 years, until its attribution was thrown into doubt and its identity rejected. On loan from a private collection, it is thrilling to have this painting back at Wrest and the new research provides tantalising evidence which brings us much closer to the assertion that this could be Lady Jane Grey. For years the nine-day queen has fascinated many, but all known portraits of her were thought to have been created after she died at the age of 17. open image in gallery English Heritage described the evidence as "compelling" ( Christopher Ison/English Heritage ) The most famous depiction of the monarch hangs in the National Gallery from Paul Delaroche. The Execution of Lady Jane Grey depicts the teenager blindfolded and helpless in front of the execution block. This new research would confirm that, if this portrait is Lady Jane Grey, it would be the only known picture to have been painted during her lifetime. Rachel Turnbull, English Heritages Senior Collections Conservator, said: Working alongside the Courtauld Institute of Art, and Dendrochronologist Ian Tyers, English Heritage has undertaken remarkable research in an effort to determine the identity of this portrait. She added that while it didnt confirm with certainty that the sitter was Lady Jane Grey, it was certainly a compelling argument. From the newly discovered evidence of a once perhaps more elaborate costume and the dating of the wooden panel from within her lifetime, to the deliberate scratching of her eyes, it is possible that we are looking at the shadows of a once more royal portrait of Lady Jane Grey, toned down into subdued, Protestant martyrdom after her death. Regardless of her identity, the results of our research have been fascinating. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice News this week that 4G connectivity is being brought to the Moon may be considered a giant technological leap for mankind, but for residents of one estate in west London, it represents yet another frustration in a long-running battle to get network coverage. There is an irony that you can get signal on the Moon but none in some parts of London, says Fleur Anderson, the MP for Putney who has been campaigning for more phone masts to be erected in the area. She added that the lack of signal had impacted constituents during the pandemic and even affected peoples abilities to apply for jobs. open image in gallery Mr Henderson has lived near the Ashburton Estate for 20 years ( David Henderson ) One of her constituents, David Henderson, knows the areas network coverage issues only too well. Hes lived on the Ashburton Estate for 20 years and says the area has always been a dead zone for phone reception, but as mobile phones have taken over from landlines as the primary mode of communication, its become a much bigger problem. All my friends try to call me by mobile phone and they just can't get through at all, the 61-year-old tells The Independent. I do tell them to phone the home number, people still forget and it just goes straight through the voicemail. Its not just contacting friends and family thats an issue, Mr Henderson adds. Basic services, such as accessing a bank account from a phone, often require signal too. open image in gallery The Ashburton Estate has struggled with phone signal for years ( Getty ) Two-factor verification is very well used these days, which needs a text message to be sent from the bank, he says. Text messages just dont come through. It could take 10 minutes, it could take 20 minutes, it could be the next day. Delivery companies want a mobile number to contact you and they cant get through if theres an issue with deliveries. Getting an emergency number can be difficult as well because theres no signal. Putney isnt the only area in London let alone the rest of the UK suffering from signal issues. An investigation from the London Centric found it was far more difficult to build new phone masts in the city than anywhere else in the country. A 2023 report from Ofcom meanwhile found that seven per cent of the country does not have any 4G coverage, while a separate study conducted by the research firm Opensignal found that UK mobile users had the worst average 5G download speeds of all G7 countries. open image in gallery Fleur has been campaigning for five years to improve signal on the Ashburton Estate ( Fleur Anderson ) The journey to full signal coverage across the country has been long and slow, with numerous pledges made over the years. Boris Johnson pledged in 2019 to make poor mobile phone signals a thing of the past with a fast-tracked 1bn investment to eradicate not-spots in rural areas. The Shared Rural network plan involved erecting new masts and existing infrastructure shared between the four mobile phone providers: O2, Three, Vodafone and EE. However, last month it emerged that the government was scaling back the number of new mobile phone masts to be built as part of the plan from 260 to just 60. For Mr Henderson, however, there is some positive news on the horizon. His revealed that Vodafone had stepped up to put phone masts on rooftops in the area following consultations with a number of telecom companies. Its good to find out theyre planning on putting a mast up now, he said. Its just a matter of when. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Reducing smartphone harms in law relies on a process, not one big bang event, a Labour MP has said. Josh MacAlister warned that children are moving less, smiling less, learning less as a result of increased smartphone and social media use, including in the classroom. He introduced the Protection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) Bill for its second reading in the Commons on Friday, which if passed would instruct UK chief medical officers to publish advice for parents on the use of smartphones and social media by children. It would also compel ministers to say within a year whether they plan to raise the age at which children can consent for their data to be shared without parental permission. Mr MacAlister had originally planned for his private members Bill to include a ban on smartphones in school classrooms and playgrounds, but this was dropped so his draft new law could secure explicit Government backing. The MP for Whitehaven and Workington told the Commons he began his career as a teacher in 2009 when there was the odd phone in the classroom, the odd instance of a child being bullied through their device. He said: Neither I nor any other teacher at the time could have imagined the impact these devices would come to play in childhood. Mr MacAlister told MPs that the average 12-year-old spends 21 hours a week on their smartphone, thats the equivalent of four full days of school teaching per week, and added: This is a fundamental rewiring of childhood itself and its happened in little over a decade. Children are spending less time outside, less time reading, less time exercising, exploring, meeting people, communicating in person all the things that make childhood special and the things that are necessary for healthy childhood development. Instead, many children now spend their time captured by addictive social media and smartphone use, often sat alone doomscrolling, being bombarded by unrealistic representations of life, communication through asynchronous large group chats rather than through looking at facial expressions, eye contact, body language, learning to interact moving less, smiling less, learning less. He continued: This rewiring of childhood has only one winner the balance sheets of social media companies. Mr MacAlister referred to laws abroad which limit childrens smartphone use, including in the US state of Utah where app stores must verify users ages and get parental consent for minors to download apps to their devices, and Australia, which introduced a smartphone ban in its public schools last year. The MP described a stark difference in the conversations which MPs are having, compared with discussions in public among parents and children, adding: The public are well ahead of politicians on this issue. Sir Ashley Fox, the Conservative MP for Bridgwater, intervened in Mr MacAlisters speech and said: Nothing he has said so far requires legislation. The Bill hes brought today could all be achieved by a minister just deciding to ask the chief medical officer to produce a report or the minister to produce a plan. What has happened to the legislative action that was clearly in earlier drafts in his legislation? Mr MacAlister later addressed Sir Ashleys point in his speech, when he said: This Bill has been drafted to secure explicit Government backing. Its been written to achieve change rather than just highlight the issue. That is why the Bill before us is narrower than where I started when this campaign began six months ago. He went on to say: We must act on excessive screen time today in the same way we acted on smoking back then, and like debates that were had on smoking and car seatbelts, it took a process of legislation rather than one big bang event. Thats why starting today with these initial steps and then following them through with major action soon will be so important. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Sadiq Khan has warned Donald Trump to prepare for protests across London when he arrives for his second state visit to the UK. The mayor of London said he is expecting the public to use their right to free speech and the right to protest when the US president arrives in the capital. He refused to relitigate the long-standing back-and-forth conflict he has had with Mr Trump, which has seen the president describe Mr Khan as very dumb and a stone cold loser. In the past Sir Sadiq has described Mr Trump as sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic and racist. open image in gallery Sadiq Khan hinted he would allow the Trump baby blimp or a replacement to be flown in London ( EPA ) Asked on Times Radio whether he would encourage people to protest, Sir Sadiq took aim at Vice President JD Vance, who has warned free speech in Britain is in retreat. He said: One of the things that I'm afraid is a misconception the vice president of the USA has is we've got no free speech in our country. Encourage people to utilise their rights by voting, by joining a political party, by going to a protest, using safe, peaceful, lawful ways to express your views. If it was the case that President Trump came to the UK, we can expect Londoners and those across the country to express their views. And that's the joys of living in a democracy. Sir Sadiq also hinted that he would give the sign off to a second Trump baby blimp, one of which was paraded through the capital during Mr Trumps first state visit. open image in gallery Keir Starmer has been urged to cancel Donald Trumps invite after his Oval Office clash with Volodymyr Zelensky ( AP ) Contrary to what [vice president] JD Vance thinks, in this country, we still have freedom of speech, Sir Sadiq said. The King has invited the US president for an unprecedented second state visit, with the invitation hand delivered by Sir Keir Starmer in the Oval Office last week. Thats a great, great honour, Mr Trump said after reading the letter. But his Oval Office clash with Volodymyr Zelensky over US support for Ukraine just a day later saw Sir Keir facing a wave of calls to cancel the invitation. A poll on Wednesday showed almost half of Britons said Mr Trumps visit should be cancelled, while more than half said the invite should not have been handed over in the first place. open image in gallery Sir Sadiq Khan said protest was one of the joys of living in a democracy ( James Manning/PA Wire ) Asked whether he believed the visit should be cancelled, Sir Sadiq said: I fully support Keir Starmer in terms of working closely with our European friends, but also having close relations with the USA as well. And I can understand why the government thinks it's in the national interest for President Trump to come on a state visit. My views on President Trump and his second term haven't changed. And I'm sure you'll see in London, Londoners and those across the country using their right to free speech and the right to protest if and when President Trump does come to London. A new set of guidelines for magistrates and judges has been published by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales. In todays politically charged atmosphere, with allegations flying around on social media of two-tier policing and two-tier justice, any hint of weakness in the justice system gets seized upon, sometimes by malign actors. A suggestion that courts might care to ask for pre-sentencing reports in certain circumstances, including on grounds of ethnicity, have been widely condemned both by the justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and her Conservative shadow, Robert Jenrick. What is the Sentencing Council? It is an independent body for England and Wales that tries to ensure the penalties dished out to offenders are lawful as well as fair and proportionate. The guidelines on sentencing are just that: guides, rather than hard rules. Members of the council are appointed by the lord chief justice with the approval of the lord chancellor, who is normally the justice secretary. It is accountable to parliament for the way it spends its money, but it is not accountable to politicians for its policy as is traditional in a country with a (still) independent judiciary. Otherwise, politicians could lock up people (individuals or groups) they dont like. Indeed Mahmood is obliged by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, which set up the council, to protect its independence which, arguably, she is failing to do. Whats the problem? In attempting to protect courts from allegations of unlawful discrimination, breaches of human rights, and injustice, the guidelines suggest extra care and pre-sentencing reports for a range of cohorts, including those who are: At risk of first custodial sentence and/or at risk of a custodial sentence of two years or less (after taking into account any reduction for guilty plea) A young adult (typically 18-25 years) Female From an ethnic minority, cultural minority, and/or faith minority community Pregnant or postnatal Sole or primary carer for dependent relatives Or if the court considers that one or more of the following may apply to the offender: Has disclosed they are transgender Has or may have any addiction issues Has or may have a serious chronic medical condition or physical disability, or mental ill health, learning disabilities (including developmental disorders and neurodiverse conditions) or brain injury/damage Or the court considers that the offender is, or there is a risk that they may have been, a victim of domestic abuse, physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, any kind of abuse, modern slavery or trafficking, or coercion, grooming, intimidation or exploitation. Critics say the ethnicity clause means that an offender who is white will be more harshly treated than one who is Black. Whats the defence? The idea behind the guidelines is to make sure that ethnic groups with protected characteristics over-represented in prisons and traditionally suffering from discrimination are not sent to jail as a result of conscious or unconscious racism. A pre-sentencing report is supposed to help prevent this. The distinguished lawyer Helena Kennedy argues that the more a court knows about an offender, the better. And these are only guidelines; a judge may ignore them. What are the politics of it? Sentences during the summer riots for incitement to racial hatred, arson, and violence via social media have been regarded by some on the far right as infringements of freedom of speech and unfair when set against wildly different offences, such as the case of Huw Edwards. Similarly, the way the police control pro-Palestinian protests versus other demonstrations by hard-right patriots has also been weaponised for political ends. Suella Braverman, with all the authority of her role as home secretary in 2022, helped popularise the two-tier claim and undermine trust in the police. The suggestion that the government is somehow formally endorsing discrimination against straight white men", as Jenrick styles it, is electoral poison. Hence also Mahmoods swift condemnation of the guidelines: As someone who is from an ethnic minority background myself, I do not stand for any differential treatment before the law, for anyone of any kind. There will never be a two-tier sentencing approach under my watch. What will happen? Mahmood, pushing at the boundaries of the law and the principle of judicial independence, will write to the council to register displeasure and recommend reversing the change. If the council refuses, the crime bill presently going through parliament could be used to impose the governments will. It will be a small but significant further erosion of an independent court system. On the whole, Reform UK and the Conservative right, including Jenrick, will continue to spread myths and exploit false grievances for political gain. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Reform UK has launched a probe into one of its MPs over allegations of serious bullying and targeting of female staff. Nigel Farages right-wing party announced the investigation into Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe just 24 hours after he publicly criticised his boss. The party also revealed it has reported Mr Lowe to the police, claiming he had made threats of physical violence against party chairman Zia Yusuf on at least two occasions. In a joint statement, chairman Zia Yusuf and chief whip Lee Anderson said: It is with regret that we feel obligated to disclose that the party received complaints from two female employees about serious bullying in the offices of the Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth, Rupert Lowe. open image in gallery Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe questioned Nigel Farages leadership skills (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Wire ) One worked in his Parliamentary office, the other in his constituency office, we understand complaints have been made to Parliamentary authorities. Reform also said Mr Lowe had lost the whip. The party said it received evidence of workplace bullying, the targeting of female staff who raised concerns, and evidence of derogatory and discriminatory remarks made about women, including reference to a perceived disability. The Metropolitan Police said the force received an allegation about alleged verbal threats made on December 13. The allegation comes shortly after an extraordinary spat between Mr Lowe and Mr Farage, with the former accusing his boss of having messianic tendencies. Mr Farage hit back, saying there would not have been a cats chance in hell of Mr Lowe winning his seat. There have long been reports of ill-feeling between Mr Lowe and the party leader after Elon Musk called for Mr Farage to be replaced in the top job - endorsing Mr Lowe as his preferred successor. Asked if Mr Lowe would still be a Reform UK MP by the next election, he said: Well I hope so but he seems to be taking a tone that says he might not accept us. open image in gallery Reform UK leader Nigel Farage hit back at Rupert Lowe (PA) ( PA Wire ) As the row between the pair threatened to escalate further, the party said: Reform stands for the highest standards of conduct in public life, and we will apply these standards without fear nor favour, including within our own party. The complaints against Mr Lowe are understood to have been shared with parliamentary authorities, while Reform has hired an independent Kings Counsel to investigate them. Reform added that Mr Lowe has so far refused to cooperate with its investigation. Responding to the claims, Mr Lowe said the allegations were false and untrue, adding that the investigation is based on zero credible evidence. The MP said he has spoken at length with Reforms investigating lawyer, adding that she was dismayed that this statement [by Reform] has been made. Allegations of physical threats are outrageous and entirely untrue, he said. open image in gallery Rupert Lowe was Elon Musks preferred choice to take over Reform ( PA Archive ) He added: I have never made any derogatory comments about women, or those with disabilities. This is a lie. These allegations are not even referring to me. I will be seeking legal advice immediately. But as well as denying the allegations, Mr Lowe lashed out again at Mr Farage, deepening the rift between the two and raising the prospect of Reform losing one of its five MPs. A complete inability to accept even the most mild constructive criticism without such a malicious reaction is not effective leadership, he said. It is no surprise that this vexatious statement has been issued the day after my reasonable and constructive questions of Nigel and the Reform structure, he said. Mr Lowe said he was merely calling for better communication, delegation and party structure. I stand by everything I said, he added. He said: I have been pushing for this behind the scenes for many months, with zero success. My repeated requests for better communication and regular meetings have been ignored and mocked. I have tried and tried - and will continue to try. I did not speak publicly without exhausting all other options, repeatedly. I have done everything in my power to resolve this behind closed doors. Sadly, I failed. Mr Lowe urged Reform supporters of mine to stay with the party, suggesting he does not intend to quit. He added: This is our party as much as it is Nigels. The infighting comes after polling suggested that the party may have hit their ceiling with a surge in support since the general election coming to an end three weeks ago. The latest weekly Techne UK poll for The Independent puts Reform on 25 per cent for the third week in a row and has Labour pulling ahead by three points on 28 per cent after praise for Sir Keir Starmer following a week of diplomatic talks over the Ukraine crisis. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer will talk to European leaders on Friday morning as he continues his diplomatic push for peace in Ukraine. The prime minister will be briefed on the outcome of a summit of EU leaders aimed at boosting support for Ukraine and bolstering the continents defence capabilities. At the summit, the 27 EU leaders signed off a move to loosen budget restrictions so that willing EU countries can increase their military spending, which could free up around 650 billion euros (545 billion). They also committed to providing Ukraine with a total of 30.6 billion euros to fund Volodymyr Zelenskys resistance against Russias invasion in 2025. The call on Friday will see Sir Keir speaking to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, president of the European council. open image in gallery Keir Starmer will be briefed on the outcome of a European summit ( Getty Images ) Also joining the call will be Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. The prime minister and French president Emmanuel Macron are seeking countries willing to supply troops for a peacekeeping force to defend a potential deal - an idea that Russia has rejected. Defence secretary John Healey said Donald Trump has "asked Europe to step up, and we are" as he started talks in Washington with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth on Thursday. Mr Hegseth said it was "very encouraging" to see France and the UK say they are prepared to take a leading role. He also said suggestions that the US had moved to a "pro-Russia" stance were "all garbage" and that Mr Trump is "working with both sides in a way that only President Trump can". Speaking to US news channel Newsmax after the meeting, Mr Healey said Britain and Europe were on a "push for peace" in Ukraine. open image in gallery Defence secretary John Healey said Donald Trump has asked Europe to step up, and we are (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Wire ) He said: "It's a lasting, secure peace that we all want to see. We've got a big role to play in Europe and we are determined to do that." Negotiations between the US and Ukraine could be getting back on track as Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed talks will take place in Saudi Arabia next week, after a Trump administration envoy earlier said they were in the works. But the fate of the minerals deal that Mr Trump and the Ukrainian president were due to sign before a dramatic Oval Office row last week remains unclear. Since then, the US has paused military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The US president is "very encouraged by the signs we're seeing" from Ukraine, Mr Hegseth said. open image in gallery Donald Trump is very encouraged by Ukraines actions since his White House clash with Volodymyr Zelensky ( EPA ) On Friday, health minister Stephen Kinnock said Mr Trump's comment that he would not defend Nato countries that do not spend enough on defence presents "no issues". Asked about Mr Trump's comments overnight, health minister Stephen Kinnock told Times Radio that even before Mr Trump took office the US "has been challenging the other Nato members to step up and boost defence capability and be ready to defend our own backyard". He added: "I think it's absolutely right that we are now seeing, particularly through the leadership of our Prime Minister, the European arm of Nato coming together and meeting that challenge. "So I think there's no issues really around the challenge that the United States has set for us as European nations, what's vitally important now is that we step up and do that." Sir Keir has been seeking to support Ukraine to keep countering Russian aggression while showing the US that the UK is committed to stepping up its defence efforts. Officials from around 20 largely European and Commonwealth countries took part in talks on Wednesday about his "coalition of the willing.. Not all the countries interested in the plan would necessarily provide troops to a peacekeeping force but they could contribute in other ways. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the move would amount to the "direct, official and unveiled involvement of Nato members in the war against Russia" and "it can't be allowed". Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has been accused of insulting the UK by claiming it would not come to Americas aid despite British soldiers fighting alongside the US in Iraq and Afghanistan. The row erupted after the US President suggested he would not defend Nato countries that did not meet military spending targets, saying: "I think it's common sense, right? If they don't pay, I'm not going to defend them. He added that his biggest problem with Nato was whether they would defend the US if called to do so. open image in gallery Trump has piled pressure on Nato allies to ramp up defence spending ( AFP via Getty Images ) "If the US was in trouble and we called them... do you think they're gonna come and protect us? They are supposed to. I'm not so sure," he said. His comments appear to signal a shift in US attitudes to Natos Article 5, which states that an attack on one country is an attack on all its members. Initially intended to protect European countries from the Soviet Union during the Cold War, it has been activated only once following the 9/11 terror attacks against the US in 2001. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey slammed President Trumps remarks, describing them as every bit as insulting as JD Vance's comments earlier this week. Sir Ed added: Trump looks increasingly like an unreliable ally, and the government urgently needs a plan B. Former Tory veterans minister Johnny Mercer also hit back, pointing to President Trumps recent high-profile rows with Ukraine, tweeting: Article 5 has been invoked once - after 9/11. By the United States. Over 50 countries - including Ukraine - deployed troops to support her. Vice President Vance was condemned for disrespecting British veterans after he appeared to describe the UK as some random country that hasnt fought a war in 30 or 40 years. He was accused of erasing the experiences of Britons who served in Iraq and Afghanistan after his latest tirade against Americas European allies. open image in gallery Vice President Vance was criticised for disrespecting British veterans earlier this week ( REUTERS ) Some 636 British troops died fighting alongside the US in Iraq and Afghanistan, and ex-soldier Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire who served in Iraq said Mr Vance had made a sinister attempt to deny that reality. Former Republican US president George W Bush has praised Britains role in the Iraq War. Sir Keir Starmer is due to speak to European leaders on Friday, as the UK's diplomatic push for peace in Ukraine continues. But a Labour minister said it was "fair enough" for the US to expect Europe to do more on defence. Health minister Stephen Kinnock said a "challenge has been laid" by the US. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Kinnock said: "Donald Trump's not actually the first president to say that the European arm of Nato needs to step up. "More needs to be spent on defence, military capability needs to be made fit for purpose." He suggested the armed forces were "hollowed out" by the last Conservative government and said "it's about now rebuilding our military capability to look after our own backyard@. "And, you know, I think that's fair enough - the challenge has been laid and we must now show that we are equal to that challenge," he added. America is no longer a member of the free world. That is the almost unbearable truth that has been revealed over the past two months. For Europe, this turn of events has been and will continue to be a painful loss, requiring a more or less complete re-evaluation of their militaries and economic orders. But for Canada, the loss of a sane America is a direct threat to our national survival, and a grotesque betrayal of one of the longest-standing peaceful relationships in world history. For Canadians, Americans are not just friends and neighbours and allies; they are kin. Americans are our family members, often literally. We have woken up to find our cousins plotting, openly, to enslave us. Canada has been, more or less, on a war footing since Trumps declaration that he wanted to make Canada the 51st State. The national unity that Trump has created in this country is unprecedented. Not since the first American Civil War, when their incipient breakdown threatened to spread across the border, and Canada responded by confederating, has the country been so totally together. The political leadership and the people are united both in goals and in strategy. When youre facing a bully, you take your lumps up front, then you hit back with everything you have and you prepare to suffer. Ontario premier Doug Ford has threatened not just retaliatory tariffs, but turning off the power supply to New England, in his words, with a smile on my face. Ontario is the single largest purchaser of alcohol in the world, and all American products have been pulled from the shelves. You cannot buy bourbon in Canada today. Consumers as well as governments are changing their purchasing habits. Canadians are cancelling their vacations to the United States. They are letting American produce rot on the shelves. I confess that I did not believe that the level of national unity being demonstrated right now was possible. Canada has a huge racially and linguistically diverse population spread over a vast landmass. (Baffin Island alone is bigger than the size of Britain and Ireland combined, with a population of 13,000.) Until Trumps recent insanities, our prime minister, Justin Trudeau, had been promoting Canada as a post-national nation. Over the past decade, we were involved in a perpetual self-criticism and ideological flagelations over our history. All that nonsense is out the window. Liberals and Conservatives are entirely aligned. Stephen Harper, former Conservative prime minister and arguably the most pro-American leader in Canadas history, stated that Canada should accept any level of damage to protect its sovereignty. Most incredibly, Lucien Bouchard, the Quebec separatist leader who came very close to breaking Quebec out of the union in 1995, has spoken volubly and passionately about fighting for Canada. The one thing we all agree on, and with total conviction, is that we are not going to be Americans. There is more support for separatism in Texas than in Quebec right now an unimaginable reality even a few months ago. open image in gallery Trump has started a trade war with Canada who knows where it will end ( The Canadian Press/AP ) But all futures are now unimaginable when it comes to America. The country we once knew and loved is gone, and it will never return, not in our lifetimes anyway. Americans cannot be allies. If you fight beside them, as the British did, you can expect them to mock your sons who died at their side. They cannot be partners. If you make a trade deal with them, they will throw it away like an orange peel once theyre done. Any security guarantees they provide are not worth the paper they are written on. We need security guarantees against the United States now. The sudden absence of the United States from the free world will realign the entire geopolitical structure. Canada will, by necessity, move closer to Europe, and to Britain places that share our fundamental values. Already, traces of this change are emerging. Nobody in Canada cares much about the royal family normally. Most of the time, it is a source of resigned embarrassment that Charles is on our money. But the King, as head of state, matters now. It did not go unnoticed here that Charles has made public appearances recently dressed as the King of Canada, with his Canadian military honours and decorations. America may be our family, but the free world is our home. We will all have to turn to each other. open image in gallery Justin Trudeau holding a news conference on imposed US tariffs earlier this week ( The Canadian Press/AP ) Canadians have a strange sense of confidence heading into this David and Goliath struggle. We know were going to suffer, but we also know that we have to suffer. The bad news is that America is falling apart, but the good news, now that they are our enemies, is that America is falling apart. They are weakening as a force in the world every day. They are crashing their own economy. They are creating a cost of living crisis within their own borders. They have destroyed their civil service in the name of what may amount to as little as $5bn in savings. They are dismantling their scientific community. They are dismantling their education system. They have fatally wounded the FBI and the CIA. They are gutting their national institutions one by one. In terms of self-mutilating policy decisions, they are up to about a Brexit a week at this point. The past two months are just the beginning of the chaos thats coming. Threats to national sovereignty have a way of clarifying the mind. America is a dying star. When stars die, they can either explode or cave in. Either way, you want to be as far away from the cataclysm as possible. Canada, and the rest of the world, need to start running. Stephen Marche is author of The Next Civil War: Dispatches from the American Future 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The planned expansion of a massive liquified natural gas facility in southeast Louisiana is a beacon for a U.S. energy policy that doubles down on oil and gas exports under President Donald Trump, two members of his Cabinet told a crowd of cheering workers Thursday. The prior administration had a full-on attack against U.S. energy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told workers at petrochemical firm Venture Globals liquified natural gas facility in Port Sulphur. Venture Global plans an $18 billion expansion in the area for exporting LNG to Europe and Asia. President Trump is fighting for you every day and hes fighting because he believes that we have U.S. energy dominance." Burgum stood alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright. The two head a new National Energy Dominance Council focused on spurring U.S. oil and gas production and reversing checks on fossil fuels adopted during President Joe Biden's administration. Wright, a fossil fuel executive who has been a vocal critic against efforts to fight climate change, told the assembled workers he planned to advance Trumps agenda to unleash American energy, unleash American business and unleash the American spirit. The pair pooh-poohed former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm's warning that unfettered exports of liquified natural gas could drive up domestic wholesale prices and increase planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions a statement reflecting the findings of a Department of Energy report released in December. Granholm served under Biden. We can absolutely do both we can sell energy to our friends and allies, we can lower the cost at home, Burgum told reporters. Last year, the Biden administration sought to pause approval of new LNG exports. Trump's administration has vowed to greenlight more exports, already granting conditional export authorization for another huge LNG facility in southwest Louisiana. Venture Global, which went public in January, saw its stock price tank by more than a third on Thursday after disclosing falling revenue due to a decline in LNG exports. CEO Michael Sabel said he was confident the company would rebound as it attempts to rapidly expand. In southwest Louisianas Cameron Parish, Venture Global is seeking approval to build an LNG export terminal adjacent to its huge existing facility that would be capable of exporting 20 million tons (18 million metric tons) annually. The new facility would also eventually generate as much as 8.5 million tons (7.7 million metric tons) of greenhouse gas emissions, according to its air quality permit application currently under review by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Today is the celebration of the fact that America is back in business building export facilities to help Americans and help our allies," Burgum said. That happens in our country when we get the government out of the way," he added. Community groups in southwest Louisiana have repeatedly raised environmental and safety concerns about Venture Global's existing operations. Critics say the company has often been out of compliance with its permitted pollution limits at its Cameron Parish facility. In 2022, its first year of operation, Venture Global had more than 2,000 permit violations, according to an analysis from the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigades. These included excessive flaring and failing to report violations, the group said. In June 2023, state officials ordered the company to comply with regulations or face penalties. A former oil company engineer turned environmental activist, John Allaire, said he continues to document alarming levels of flaring and chemical releases. But Sabel said Thursday that Venture Global is very meticulous in meeting and satisfying all the standards, hadn't exceeded its pollution limits on an annual basis and is in continuous communication with regulators and local authorities. ___ Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Elon Musks wealth has plunged $121 billion since its December peak after Tesla stock experienced one of its worst days this year, Forbes reported. The Tesla CEO on Thursday lost $8.8 billion in the stock bath, bringing his net worth down to $342 billion, according to calculations by Forbes. Musk was worth $464 billion less than three months ago on December 17, according to the magazine. Tesla stock fell as the S&P 550 tumbled 1.78 percent Thursday, a day after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico, spooking investors. Musks wealth largely stems from his company holdings. Tesla stock surged following Trumps election in November. In December, the stock hit $479 a share. It was trading at $261 in Thursdays after-hours market. China is the companys second-largest consumer market. Similar to other American automakers, Tesla relies on Canada for imported parts to manufacture its vehicles. Even the companys Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja warned investors in January about the harmful impact tariffs would have on operations. Shareholders expected the election would bring good news for Tesla. Musk had made a $300 million contribution toward Trumps campaign and other GOP efforts. But the stock market has experienced a series of red days since Trump began threatening tariffs, imposing them and then reversing course. Economists claim the uncertainty is also creating a market meltdown. Musk still remains $78 billion richer than he was on election day, due to his other companies, SpaceX and xAI. And hes still the richest man in the world. Musk would need to lose another $116 billion to drop his net worth below Meta CEO Mark Zuckerbergs. Zuckerberg, with estimated assets of $226.7 billion, is currently the second-richest man in the world. Besides being dinged by a falling stock market also rattled by growing unemployment numbers (which Musk is contributing to), Teslas brand has also suffered since Musk became a special government employee to the Department of Government Efficiency, slashing thousands of federal government jobs. Teslas and their drivers are becoming targets of attacks because of Musks increasing unpopularity, prompting owners to sell their vehicles. Across Europe, sales are down 71 percent in Germany, 45 percent in Norway, 44 percent in France and 44 percent in Spain, according to Electrek. A Tesla Cybertruck in New Orleans recently needed a police escort to leave the citys Mardi Gras parade. Earlier this week, Tesla power stations in Massachusetts were set ablaze and a French showroom ignited, damaging 12 cars. Police in both areas suspect the fires were set intentionally. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau teared up as he made a pledge to support the Canadian people, amid an ongoing trade war with Donald Trump. Mr Trudeau is in his final weeks as the countrys leader after he was forced to resign by his party over internal disputes about how to handle the US president and his tariffs on Canadian imports. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Mr Trudeau became visibly emotional while saying he had worked hard for the country. open image in gallery Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became emotional during the press conference ( AP ) On a personal level, I made sure that every single day in this office, I put Canadians first, that I have people's backs, and that's why I'm here to tell you all, we got you, even in the very last days of this government, we will not let Canadians down today and long into the future, he said as his eyes welled with tears. We want to continue to be strong and resolute in our response and we will continue to be there for each other because the unity that Canadians are feeling right now is actually the most important thing in being able to stand up against the trading partner that is much bigger than us, he said. We are in a moment right now where Canada has a very, very strong bargaining position, because Canadians are so united and unequivocal about standing up for our country, standing up for our fellow citizens, and being very, very firm that this is an absolutely unjustified and unjustifiable trade war launched by the Americans, and that is what we're going to continue. open image in gallery He said that he would continue to fight for Canadians ( AP ) The relationship between the North American allies has continued to sour, with The Wall Street Journal reporting that Mr Trudeau and Mr Trump had a profanity-laden phone call on Wednesday. However, on Thursday Mr Trump said he was granting a month-long reprieve to some of the slated 25 per cent tariff increases on certain goods from Canada and Mexico. The US president has claimed Canada is among several countries ripping off the United States, and has downplayed the impact increased taxes on imports would have on American consumers. Now, these are countries and companies, foreign companies, that have been ripping us off, and no President did anything about it, until I came along, and I did a lot about it, he said. A lot of them are globalist countries and companies that won't be doing as well, because we're taking back things that have been taken from us many years ago. We've been treated very unfairly as a country. open image in gallery Donald Trump says Canada is among several countries ripping off the US ( AP ) Mr Trump says the tariff hikes are in retaliation to floods of fentanyl coming across the US border from both Mexico and Canada, however very little fentanyl enters the country from its northern neighbour. Canada announced retaliatory tariffs in February. Mr Trudeau has previously called the unilateral tax increases a very dumb thing to do and has said the trade war started by Trump could continue for some time. In January, Mr Trudeau announced he would be stepping down as prime minister ahead of the Canadian election due by October to make way for a fresh leader, after infighting within the Liberal party over his initial handling of Trumps trade war. This has been the honour of my life, serving Canadians, he said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice One out of every 15 adults in the U.S. has been present at the scene of a mass shooting, researchers have revealed. More alarming is that over 2 percent of that group or over five million of the 258 million adults counted in the U.S. Census Bureau in 2020 have been injured during one. These are really high numbers for this seemingly unique and small subset of gun violence, David Pyrooz, a professor of sociology and criminologist at University of Colorado at Boulder, said in a statement. The authors also found that younger generations of Americans were significantly more likely to have been exposed than previous generations were. Gen Zers, who were born after 1996 and are in their late to mid-twenties, were at greatest risk. More than half of respondents said the incident had occurred in the last decade, which Pyrooz said led credence to the idea of a mass shooting generation. According to the National Gun Violence Archive, there were 505 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2024. That figure is down from 2023 when there were 659. Both figures are up significantly from 2014 - the first year the archive kept tally - when there 272 mass shootings. open image in gallery Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder have found that 7 percent of adults in the U.S. have been at the scene of a mass shooting. And, more than 2 percent been injured during one. Pictured: Mourners outside a Georgia high school that was the scene of a mass shooting ( Getty Images ) The study - which was published in the journal JAMA Network Open and revealed Friday - surveyed 10,000 adults in January of last year, asking them if they had ever been physically present on the scene of a mass shooting. While there is no single, agreed-upon definition of the term mass shooting, this study defined it as a gun-related crime where four or more people had been shot in a public space - similar to the one used by the Gun Violence Archive database. Being physically present was defined as in the immediate vicinity of where the shooting occurred at the time it occurred, such that bullets were fired in your direction, you could see the shooter, or you could hear the gunfire. While some respondents who said they were injured had been shot, they were also hit by shrapnel or trampled in the panic that followed. open image in gallery According to the National Gun Violence Archive, there were 505 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2024. That figure is down from 2023 when there were 659. Both figures are up significantly from 2014 - the first year the archive kept tally - when there 272 mass shootings. Pictured: Flowers outside of Robb Elementary School where a mass shooting happened in 2022 ( Getty Images ) How many people die in mass shootings every year depends on the definition used. With the Gun Violence Archives definition, and that used by study authors, 722 people died in these incidents in 2023. There were nearly 47,000 gun deaths that year: the third-highest total on record, although it was down for the second consecutive year. In 2020, gun violence had surpassed car crashes as the No. 1 killer of children in the U.S. Pyrooz said he was not surprised by the results of his survey, noting that the 2017 Las Vegas shooting had impacted hundreds more people than the 61 killed or 867 injured. That translates to about one out of every 11,000 Americans who were on the scene of that shooting alone, said Pyrooz. Continue that to other events that have occurred around the country and the numbers, unfortunately, add up. open image in gallery This study confirms that mass shootings are not isolated tragedies, but rather a reality that reaches a substantial portion of the population, researchers said. Pictured: Police at the scene of a mass shooting at a hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2022 ( Getty Images ) The shootings werent just at large events. They were in bars, restaurants, schools, shopping outlets and synagogues. Black people and men were more likely to have witnessed a mass shooting, researchers found. This study confirms that mass shootings are not isolated tragedies, but rather a reality that reaches a substantial portion of the population, with profound physical and psychological consequences, Pyrooz added. They also highlight the need for interventions and support for the most affected groups. Its not a question of if one will occur in your community anymore, but when, he said. We need to have stronger systems in place to care for people in the aftermath of this tragic violence. When Tom* got his first glimpse of Hannah in real life, he thought she was the most gorgeous woman hed ever seen. Hed already checked out her photoshoots, of course and hed already perused her OnlyFans page. But when he came across her at a prominent Los Angeles nightclub, he was bowled over by how beautiful she was in the flesh. And he had something specific he wanted to ask her. There was an item I thought she might sell, he says, like a specific bra she had worn. I was like: Oh, thatd be cool to have. Because it was for a shoot she did shes not in the porn industry, shes a model model, like an actual model. So he struck up a conversation with her. I was like, Oh, that was a really sexy bra, do you still have it? I would pay to have it as a thing in my collection. Although Tom concedes that the request sounds weird in hindsight, he adds that hed already purchased a lot of content from Hannahs OnlyFans page, as well a handful of other models pages, and in Hannahs case, Ive already bought videos and photos and whatever. Like at a certain point it gets to be: what else is left to buy? Hannah was open to the suggestion she said she still had the bra, and was fine with the idea of selling it but quickly directed Tom back to her chatbox on OnlyFans. They could discuss things further on there, she said. Tom agreed, and snapped a picture with her before they both got on with their night. Things took a turn when Tom followed her instructions, however. Back behind a screen, Hannah seemed to have no memory at all of their interaction. What are you talking about? he says she responded when he reminded her of their conversation. I dont meet people outside of OnlyFans. She didnt know if she even had the bra, she added. Shed have to go back through all her stuff from previous photoshoots, and there were no guarantees. open image in gallery Hannah and Tom ( Courtesy of Tom ) Tom was taken aback. When Hannah denied meeting him, he sent her the picture hed taken of them together, sipping cocktails in the nightclub just days before. And then the chatbox went silent. Hours later, he got a response: Hannah did remember him after all, and she was sorry, she just responded like that because she has to be safe in her line of work. Tom said he understood, but his suspicion was piqued. The next time he saw Hannah and Kayley, another OnlyFans model whom he followed and had purchased a lot of content from in one of the LA clubs, he watched what they were doing before sending a suggestive message via the OnlyFans chat. In both cases, he got an instant reply. But Hannah and Kayley were busy, ordering cocktails and chatting with friends. They certainly werent on their phones, offering up supposedly personalized OnlyFans content within minutes. So who was? The answer to that question forms the crux of a class action lawsuit filed in July 2024 by the legal firm Hagens Berman, which details how OnlyFans openly allows the use of chatters who impersonate models and who are trained to extract as much money as possible from those models customers. Usually young men with proficient English who live in places like Venezuela and the Philippines, they are badly paid by U.S. standards but well-paid by the standards of their own countries and they can earn lucrative bonuses by selling supposedly tailored content through the chatbox, all the while hooking a customer in by making them believe theyre in a personal relationship with the model. These chatters operate in plain sight entire chatter agencies, like Convo Bunny and Ghost Chatters (Do you think CEOs sit replying to customer enquiries for hours a day? No, they hire people. Why treat your OnlyFans differently?) have websites and testimonials. Job descriptions are posted on the r/OnlyFansChatter subreddit which has 12,000 members, putting it in the top 7% of all subreddits by population size promising $2.50$3.50/hr + commissions (Avg. $1,000$1,200/month No OF experience needed!) or, for elite chatters, $10/hr (~$4,500$5,000/month) + High-Performance Bonuses (Minimum 2 years of chatter experience required!). Considering that OnlyFans takes a 20 percent cut of everything a model sells on their website and is, according to its most recent publicly filed records, making over $2 billion per year, presumably almost exclusively through that avenue, it is strongly disincentivized to stop the practice. Customers dont pay to chat to the models, but having a personal relationship with a girl-next-door type model as opposed to, say, watching anonymous porn is central to OnlyFans allure. And inside chats, models can ask for tips or send extra content for money. Because of this, Hagens Bermans class action lawsuit filed on behalf of five plaintiffs, who seek triple damages and full coverage of their legal costs accuses OnlyFans of falsely promising authentic connections, rather than openly stating that chatters may operate on their platform; of knowing that chatters operate in violation of their own terms and allowing them to do so anyway; and of a failure to enforce its own policies that goes beyond mere negligence and supports an inference that OnlyFans is acting intentionally to facilitate the chatter scams; and of therefore taking mens money under false pretenses. It also claims that the use of chatters has caused emotional harm to the plaintiffs, because many of them shared intimate images of themselves that they believed to be private between them and a model, and because some of them believed they were in personal relationships with models when they were actually being manipulated by trained chatters. The lawsuit is filed against the parent company of OnlyFans and a handful of agencies that are alleged to provide chatters to the platform. OnlyFans was contacted by The Independent for comment and did not respond. Robert Carey, one of the two attorneys who filed the legal complaint, says that his team has now spoken to hundreds of men who were duped by chatters and that the money lost by each individual has ranged anywhere from, Oh, Ive spent a total of $5,000 to, I spent $70,000. Meanwhile, the models who can afford to hire the agencies mostly those who are in the top 1 percent of OnlyFans earners are regularly pulling in hundreds of thousands of dollars per week by Hagens Bermans estimates, some over a million. A lot of these men especially our class reps they fully believe that they were in these relationships with these women, says Gloria*, a paralegal at Hagens Berman who preferred to stay anonymous because there are strong feelings about the case online, and women who are connected with OnlyFans in any manner often become the target of online harassment. Some even went as far as buying plane tickets because they believed they were going to meet with these women in certain places going there and then getting ghosted. So theyre fully invested. Theyre fully invested, and they fully believe the fantasy. And a lot of them will say: That might make me stupid, but they thought they were special. And of course, they wouldnt have spent that much money if they had known that it was a ruse. Whats so insidious, Gloria adds, is that the chatters are trained specifically in how to overcome doubt if the men talking to them become suspicious: Theyll be like: No, baby. Why dont you believe me? So theyll always guilt-trip it back to him not trusting her. I thought you loved me theyll use that a lot. Basically what they do is they make them feel bad for even asking, to the point where they stop asking. But what about the ones who ask for some form of proof? They can do that, says Gloria. Indeed, men will often notice discrepancies in how the model is talking especially if they forget key details, like a dogs name or a major life event, because the person whos typing is actually one of a rotating list of chatters provided by the agency and ask for videos or photos that can prove the model is speaking in real time. Usually, the chatter agency will already have basic images or videos ready to hand for such scenarios, such as images of the model holding up one, two, three, four or five fingers so the chatter can offer that as evidence and then quickly send it. But sometimes the requests will get more demanding. They ask for videos, like: I want you to say my name, says Gloria. Thats when the agency will reach out to the model and ask her to film the video, alleges the lawsuit which can mean a long delay in replying. The model adds the request to her long to-do list, because shes likely to be highly in demand. Gloria explains thats the moment when some men realize theyve been duped, because its like: Why does it take you four or five days to do this? Most of the men who realize theyve been exploited by OnlyFans chatters are too embarrassed to speak publicly about what they went through, says Robert Carey. Thats unsurprising, considering one of the most common uses of the OnlyFans chatbox is dick ratings, which is exactly what it sounds like.Men will send graphic photos of their genitals for in-the-moment ratings by models, and this sensitive material is clearly presumed to be viewed privately by the model in question. But when agencies with rotating chatters gain the logins of the models, those images can be viewed by one, or multiple, other people few of whom resemble the model they think theyre communicating with, according to the lawsuit and chatter agencies. Its not just those men who would rather not be identified. The legal complaint also includes a number of men who believed they were in long-running, committed relationships with a model they met through the website, and are humiliated when they find out theyve simply been sending money to a group of disinterested young men in the gig economy. The one thing that struck me is you see these guys that are just ordinary, hard-working people, says Carey, and they drop so much coin on this, youre just like: Whoa. One of the reasons that Hagens Bermans lawsuit hasnt progressed since July is because OnlyFans is insisting the class representatives should have their names publicly revealed, Carey says. The legal complaint was filed using just the mens initials, though their full names are available privately to OnlyFans and their legal team. OnlyFans pushing to have those initials changed to full names is, in Careys opinion, an intimidation tactic aimed at trying to embarrass them into dropping the lawsuit. Not every man is reticent about talking about their experiences, however. Some want the world to know exactly what they went through. Thats how it was for Tom, and how it is for OnlyFans customer-turned-supersleuth James*. James, who works in IT and is based in Texas, says he realized quite early on in his OnlyFans membership that the top models werent always who they seemed. Like a few of the men who spoke to Robert Carey and Gloria, he became suspicious when he noticed tonal inconsistencies in the way a model would write to him. This model, who the chatbox claimed was based less than two miles away from him, offered to give him proof in the form of holding up a numbers of fingers, so I said: OK, hold up three fingers. She holds up three fingers. Im like: OK, do two. She did two. Im like: OK, this is way too fast for that [and] it doesnt look like that was taken today. And then what I would do is I would take the raw image and scrape the metadata off of it to see when it was taken and what kind of camera it was taken on. And it was about six months beforehand, or a year beforehand. So these pictures are about a year old. James didnt stop there: What I did with one of her pictures was Id seen a sign in the background and I zoomed in and it was in German she was in some tanning salon, I think. So I was able to pinpoint where that tanning salon was in Berlin. The model wasnt based anywhere near his home in Austin, he realized. She didnt even live in the country. It wasnt long before another chatter messed up, big-time. James had suspected for a while that he was sometimes receiving messages which had been coded and automatically pushed to multiple customers accounts, with supposedly personalized videos to unlock for cash. There was one that I talked to where they had messed up and when they had tried to refer back to me by my pseudonym that I used on there, he says. So I told them: Well, my name is such-and-such. And when they typed back to me, it said {Name}, not my name. Itd be in brackets, like as if you were programming it. What happened next was eye-opening. I said: OK, gig is up. I know youre a chatter. Tell me where youre from. And they told me that they were a man from the Philippines and they were getting paid about eight dollars and fifty cents an hour to do this. open image in gallery The message that confirmed Jamess suspicions James wasnt exactly surprised by the admission, but he was surprised by some of the facts: They said that it provides pretty well for their family. They really dont have to do that much. You know, just talk dirty or whatever, send videos. And the more that they harvest it basically out of somebody, the more that they got from the model, cause they would pay him bonuses. Once hed spoken to one chatter, James decided to directly address others in top models chatboxes. And he was surprised how many would just flat-out admit it, like: Im doing this for money to support my family. He noticed how international the chatters were, too: Ive met a Romanian chatter, Ive met a Filipino chatter, Ive met them from all over the world almost some in Nigeria. Some of the men were ashamed to do it, he says, because they cant find other employment, but they have to do it to survive. And James understood that the job must take its toll: constantly roleplaying as a horny 21-year-old American woman when youre a middle-aged Romanian man just trying to put food on the table for your family has got to be, at the very least, psychologically weird. Thats without even thinking about the amount of graphic photos they inevitably must have to see per shift. And it seems clear from multiple posts on the r/OnlyFansChatter subreddit that models frequently fail to pay their chatters, even after the agencies have had them working for weeks. Others, however, were despicable people, according to James, or people who had long forgotten about the human cost of their interactions and had turned it into a game-like strategy. One of them that I talked to, he would do three different models at the same time He would triple-dip so he could [maximize profits] and he had a script of what to say if somebody asked a certain thing or how to behave. If someone asks for something very time-sensitive, like someone said, I want you to hold up six fingers and hold up todays newspaper, then he has to get a hold of the model fast, otherwise, you know, the covers blown. James even managed to speak to enough models that he came up with his own heuristic for whether or not one might be employing chatters: Typically, if they were smaller, they would be a one-woman show. But if they had over 500 to 1,000 people following them, then thats when they start hiring the chatters. This fact alone is why their class action lawsuit shouldnt just concern men who have been duped out of their time and money, says Robert Carey: Ill tell you who the victims are really. It would be the girls who do not hire agencies, because whats happening is theres a finite pool of dollars that go into this, in the aggregate, and theyre taking the lions share of it for that small 1% or 2%. And if they had to do it manually, they could only take so many people, which would push more money back down to the other people who are doing it honestly. In Careys opinion, that amounts to those bigger, more well-known models with chatter agencies using unfair trade practices to get an outsized portion of the revenue, to the detriment of the people who arent doing that. And they are competitors, right? So its a competition fraud in some sense thats ripping off all the girls who would get some of that overflow business if the other people were doing it legitimately. As for Tom who deactivated his OnlyFans account over a year ago he says he understands that logistically, dealing with hundreds of thousands of inbound chats is impossible. But he wishes that OnlyFans as a company had been upfront about the fact that they cant guarantee youre actually talking with the models in the chatbox. He keeps in touch, in a way, with Hannah and Kayley. Hannah left LA last year and moved back to Arizona, to start a local business and be closer to her family. Tom went down to a store where she was promoting her business recently because hes always happy to support her. They had a quick chat and she knew who I was, he says. Kayley was at AVN otherwise known as the worlds biggest porn convention in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago, which Tom traveled to attend. But he felt awkward about joining the lawsuit and talking about it publicly when he saw Kayley posing with fans. Even though he keeps himself anonymous, he still believes Kayley knows that hes outed her. Specific details that hes chosen to share would probably tip her off, he says such as the fact that he once bought her an expensive pair of boots off her personal wish list for her birthday, back when he was still spending a lot of time and money on OnlyFans. After buying the boots, he asked her in person if shed make a personalized video wearing the boots and she agreed, but told him to follow up with her about it on the site. There, a chatter told him that they had no recollection of the purchase. That was another moment that made him realize hed never been conversing with the real Kayley online. I tried to keep a distance at the convention in January, he says, but then there was one point where she did see me and she actually gave me a really evil look. Its a shame, he says, because he still thinks Kayley is smart and interesting and understands why she does what she does. This is their livelihood, he says. This is how they make money. I respect women who work in this field. I dont look, everyone needs to make money and make a living. For me, it wasnt about women using [chatters], because again, they need to make the most money they can, and Im all for that. Where my problem stood was with OnlyFans, the site itself. Dont tell us we are chatting with the actual women and lie about it. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trumps reaction to seeing the now infamous pictures of the shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania has been revealed in an excerpt from a new book. Trump, by that point in hospital shortly after the shooting, had just watched then-President Joe Biden address the nation regarding the attempted assassination via a CNN feed while on the phone of an aide. After watching the speech, Trump asked to see some pictures of the attack, Alex Isenstadt writes in an excerpt of his book Revenge published in Vanity Fair. Evan Vucci of the Associated Press had captured the moment Trump raised his fist to the sky with blood trickling down his face and the American flag flying behind him on July 13 last year. Wow, that's iconic, said Trump. That's the most American picture I've ever seen. Trump had opened his speech in Butler by bragging about his big beautiful crowd. After a few minutes, he began speaking about how the number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. had increased under Biden, who was being urged to step back from the race at the time following his disastrous debate performance on June 27. We have millions and millions of people in our country that shouldn't be here, dangerous people. Criminals, we have criminals. We have drug dealers, said Trump before turning to point to a big screen over his right shoulder showing a graph revealing the increase. It was at that point that the shots rang out. Communications Director Stephen Cheung had been reading emails and texts and thought it was the sound of firecrackers before seeing a monitor showing a bloodied Trump grabbing his ear. open image in gallery Trump said the post-shooting image of himself was the most American picture I've ever seen ( AP ) Chief of Staff Susie Wiles yelled. Everyone get down! Had Trump not turned to look at the screen, the bullet would likely have killed him. Secret Service agents piled on top of the then-former president, shielding him. The agents tried to decide their next move. What are we doing? What are we doing? On three, on you. Move! Move! Shooters down, one agent said about 40 seconds after the shots rang out. Are we good to move? Were clear! Were clear! open image in gallery Donald Trump wore a bandage on his ear at the RNC just days after the attempt on his life. ( Getty Images ) The agents started to lift Trump, whose shoes had slipped off in the chaos. Trump had been wearing shoes by Bally, a Swiss company. They were designed to be tied on, but Trump used them as slip-ons, Isenstadt notes. As he stood up, Trump looked out between the agents at the crowd, pushing himself to the fore and pumping his fist three times. Fight, fight, fight, he said as the audience cheered. Trump was quickly taken to the Butler Memorial Hospital, eight miles from the rally site. The hospital went into lockdown, with Secret Service agents with their long guns out and nurses moving patients out of units to make room for Trump and his entourage, Isenstadt writes in Revenge. As Trump was taken into the emergency room, he was only in an undershirt and suit pants. This is going to make some news, said Trump. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Elon Musk celebrated the firing of a state employee from Texas who refused to remove his gendered pronouns from his work email signature. Frank Zamora was laid off from the Texas Real Estate Commission, a state agency that governs real estate practices, last month. The 31-year-old refused to remove his gendered pronouns from his email signature following a mandate issued days after Governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to reject woke gender ideologies and comply with the law and the biological reality that there are only two sexes male and female. Abbott, a Republican, took to X Thursday to celebrate Zamoras dismissal and shared a report from the Austin American-Statesman, tweeting: A Texas state employee refused to remove pronouns from email signature. He was fired before noon. Musk, whose Department of Government Efficiency has played a major role in the Trump administrations firing of an estimated 20,000 federal workers, commented on Abbotts post with two fire emojis. Elon Musk, pictured at CPAC last month, celebrated the firing of a state agency worker who refused to comply with his companys pronouns policy ( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana ) Abbotts initiative came 10 days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office on January 20 that stated it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female. The order also stated that departments must ensure that official government documents, including passports and visas, reflect sex accurately. Two days later, Trump issued a sweeping executive order banning DEI initiatives across the federal government. Zamoras supervisor at the TREC sent him and his colleague an email about the companys directive to remove pronouns from email signatures. Greetings all. It was a beautiful weekend in Austin and I hope you were able to enjoy it, began the email obtained by the Guardian. On a very different note, based on a recent directive from Governor Abbott, the agency is modifying its employee email signature block template by removing preferred pronouns. Asking employees to ensure their signature complied with the attached template, the email continued: I understand this change may have an impact on employees and I am sensitive to that. The Governor, however, has directed the agency to act and so we will. Zamora penned a letter and noted his refusal to comply with the directive. He told the Guardian he was ultimately given the choice between removing the pronouns, resigning or being terminated. He was terminated after refusing to either resign or change his email signature. The Independent has contacted the TREC for more information. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Greenland is holding a general election on March 11, just a week after President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in the Arctic territory. While Trump renewed his invitation for Greenland to join the United States during that speech, his tone was notably softer than previous pronouncements on the subject. This election comes amid a growing movement for Greenlandic independence from Denmark, a drive that has gained significant traction in recent months. The potential outcome of this election holds considerable weight; a victory for pro-independence parties could open the door to increased US influence in the region. Greenlands complicated relationship with Denmark, its former colonial ruler, has been strained by recent revelations of historical mistreatment. However, Trumps interest in purchasing the island has spurred Denmark to accelerate efforts to mend the fractured ties. The island's future relationship with Denmark, and potentially the United States, hangs in the balance this election. open image in gallery Trumps son Donald Trump Jr in Greenland in January ( AP ) What does Greenland want? Opinion polls show that a majority of Greenland's inhabitants support independence, but they are divided over the timing and potential impact on living standards. Trump's interest has shaken the status quo in Greenland and, combined with the growing Inuit pride, has led some of the island's 57,000 residents to view the election as a historic chance to free Greenland from Danish influence. However, many Greenlanders warn against acting rashly, fearing Greenland could become worse off and expose itself to the United States if it too quickly seeks independence from Denmark. Since 2019, politicians on the island have repeatedly said they are interested in strengthening cooperation and trade with the United States. However, Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede, who has stepped up a push for independence, has stressed the island is not for sale and that only its people should decide their future. Why does Trump want Greenland? Greenland's strategic location and resources could benefit the US. It lies along the shortest route from Europe to North America, vital for the US ballistic missile warning system. The US has expressed interest in expanding its existing military presence on the island, including placing radars there to monitor the waters between the island, Iceland and Britain, which are a gateway for Russian navy vessels and nuclear submarines. open image in gallery Trump has invited Greenlanders to join the US ( Reuters ) The island, whose capital Nuuk is closer to New York than the Danish capital Copenhagen, boasts mineral, oil and natural gas wealth, but development has been slow. Asked for comment, a White House official said: "Greenland has ample supply of rare earth minerals that will power the next generation of America's economy." So far, though, Greenland's economy has remained reliant on fishing, which accounts for over 95 per cent of exports, and annual subsidies from Denmark, which cover roughly half of the public budget. In total, Denmark spends just under $1 billion each year on Greenland, or $17,500 for each inhabitant. What is the current US presence? The US military maintains a permanent presence at the Pituffik air base in Greenland's northwest. A 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark established a US right to move around freely and construct military bases in Greenland as long as Denmark and Greenland are notified. Historically, Denmark has accommodated the US because Copenhagen does not have the capability to defend Greenland, and because of US security guarantees to Denmark through NATO, according to Kristian Soeby Kristensen, senior researcher at Copenhagen University's Centre for Military Studies. Greenland's mining sector has seen very limited US investment. The mining companies operating in Greenland are mostly Australian, Canadian or British. open image in gallery Greenlanders outside a church in Nuuk ( AP ) What is Greenlands status now? The island, a former colony of Denmark, became a formal territory of the Nordic kingdom in 1953 and is subject to the Danish constitution. In 2009, the island was granted broad self-governing autonomy, including the right to declare independence from Denmark through a referendum. Under the 2009 law, Greenland's parliament, Inatsisartut, can invoke a provision that would have Denmark and Greenland begin negotiations about achieving full independence. The people of Greenland would need to endorse independence through a referendum, and an independence agreement between Denmark andGreenland would also require consent from the Danish parliament. Could Trump buy Greenland? According to Ulrik Pram Gad, senior researcher and expert on Greenland, the idea of buying Greenland is based on a misunderstanding of international law and the principle of self-determination, which gives people the right to choose their own political status. Trump has declined to rule out the use of military or economic means to gain control of Greenland. Vice President JD Vance, speaking to Fox News, has dismissed the use of military force. open image in gallery Children play on an icy surface in Nuuk ( AP ) What if Greenland becomes independent? If Greenland became independent, it could choose to become associated with the US without becoming USterritory. The island could form a so-called "free association" with the United States that would replace Danish subsidies with US support and protection in return for military rights, a set-up similar to the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau. While there is a push in Greenland to be independent from Denmark, Greenlanders are not interested in a new colonial master, opinion polls show. Greenlanders, who enjoy a Nordic-style welfare model including universal healthcare and free education, would likely want to make sure they don't become worse off economically before holding an independence referendum, according to Gad, the researcher. What does Denmark say? When Trump offered to buy the island in 2019, during his first presidential term, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected the idea and called it "absurd". Asked about Trump's renewed interest in January, Frederiksen said Denmark needed to cooperate closely with the US, but stressed that Greenland should determine its future. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice MAGA Republicans are taking aim at Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett after she ruled against President Donald Trump in a case concerning the administrations requirement to unfreeze federal funds. In a 5-4 decision on Wednesday, Barrett and Chief Justice John Roberts joined liberal justices Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson to uphold a lower court ruling mandating the Trump administration to pay out nearly $2 billion in payments to U.S. Agency for International Development contractors. When she was first nominated, conservative groups praised Trumps pick to replace the late liberal justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Now, shes become persona non grata among Trumps allies, who have branded the former law professor and circuit judge as evil and a diversity, equity, and inclusion hire. The Independent has reached out to the Supreme Court for comment. She is evil, chosen solely because she checked identity politics boxes, conservative media personality Mike Cernovich posted on X. Another DEI hire. It always ends badly. When confirmed, she became the fifth woman to ever serve on the bench. Mike Davis, a former law clerk to fellow Trump nominee Justice Neil Gorsuch, told Steve Bannons War Room show on Wednesday: Shes a rattled law professor with her head up her a**. Bannon also played a now-viral clip of her glaring at Trump as the president shakes the justices hands. He described Barrett as giving Trump the stink eye. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett ruled against the Trump administration in a ruling this week, making her persona non grata among some of Trumps MAGA allies ( Getty Images ) Rightwing internet personality Eric Daugherty also chimed in: Democrats are loving Amy Coney Barrett lately. Tells you everything. Conservative activist Kylie Jane Kremer remarked that she had shifted her opinion of the justice, writing on X: I advocated hard for Amy Coney Barrett & was even at her official ceremony at the White House during COVID. I admit I was very wrong about her. Others on social media called to impeach the Trump-appointed justice. These calls come just over a week after Elon Musk, a senior adviser to the president, expressed his outrage at the Trump administration's three consecutive losses in courts nationwide by advocating for impeaching judges. The only way to restore rule of the people in America is to impeach judges. No one is above the law, including judges, Musk wrote on the platform he owns on February 27. An hour after his first post, he tweeted: If ANY judge ANYWHERE can block EVERY Presidential order EVERYWHERE, we do NOT have democracy, we have TYRANNY of the JUDICIARY. Several House Republicans have even gone so far as to introduce resolutions to impeach three federal judges who have ruled against the Trump administration in recent weeks. On Monday, the American Bar Associations president William R. Bay released a statement condemning the recent calls for impeachment and attacks against the judiciary. There have now been statements by officials criticizing judges for not following the will of the people. Judges swear oaths to follow the law, not public opinion polling or political chatter or what someone contends is the will of the people, Bay wrote. We may disagree with interpretation of case law, but it is unacceptable to personally target judges just because we disagree with their ruling. We cannot have a judicial system where the government seeks to remove judges simply because they do not rule as the government desires, he continued. This isnt the first time in recent memory that Barrett has sided with the liberals on the bench. Trump in January asked the Supreme Court to delay the sentencing in his hush money trial, in which a New York jury convicted him of 34 counts of falsifying business records. Barrett and Roberts ruled against the president. During his first term, Bannon, Trumps White House chief strategist at the time, denounced the ruling and urged Barrett to leave the bench. "Barrett is a disgrace. A total disgrace," he told Newsweek. The honorable thing for her to do would be to "step down, take another job and open that slot up for President Trump to...appoint a true MAGA judge to the Supreme Court, he added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice NASA could experience extinction-level cuts in President Donald Trumps upcoming budget request, sources say. The president has begun shaking up the space agency with members of the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency on-site at its facilities to review contracts and spending last month. The White House also made a last-minute decision to pause mass firing up to 1,000 probationary federal employees. On Friday, multiple sources familiar with the Trump administrations proposal told Ars Technica that NASA's science programs, delivered through the Science Mission Directorate, could face sweeping 50 percent cuts for fiscal year 2026. Overall, NASA could face an approximate 25 percent budget cut, they added. Space advocacy organization The Planetary Society told The Independent that multiple NASA sources had verified the proposal to them. open image in gallery NASAs science programs budget could be slashed in half, according to sources ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) In a statement Friday, it said the result of the cuts would be nothing short of an extinction event for space science and exploration in the United States. Speaking to reporters in Houston on Thursday, NASAs Science Mission Directorate, Nicola Fox, denied receiving official information about the proposed budget reductions. We haven't had any information yet about the budget, and I hate planning something on rumors and speculation, she said. About 30 percent of the space agencys $25 billion is allocated to science programs. Some of NASAs most significant achievements over recent decades have been delivered by science programs, including its Ingenuity Mars Helicopter flying above the Red Planet and New Horizons becoming the first spacecraft to explore Pluto. Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought is believed to be spearheading the proposed budget cuts, sources said. open image in gallery Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought previously suggested cuts in a FY 2023 shadow statement through his think tank ( AP ) In a shadow budget for FY 2023, Voughts conservative think tank the Center for Renewing America proposed a 50 percent reduction in NASA science programs due to its misguided spending on carbon reduction systems and climate change programs. The proposed cuts, however, seem at odds with Trumps goal of commercializing space and planting the American flag on Mars. The presidents alleged request for NASAs budget is just a starting point for negotiations with Congress. Trumps budget proposal could be up to three months late, the top House Republican appropriator, Oklahoma Representative Tom Cole, told reporters earlier this week. Cole said he doesnt expect to receive the budget request before late April to early May. The Independent has contacted NASA and the White House for more information. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Voters are not convinced Democrats have a plan to take on President Donald Trump, a new poll has found. Fifty percent of respondents said they voted for Trump in the presidential election, while 48 percent said they voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris. Forty-eight percent now say they disapprove of Trumps handling of his job, while 47 percent approve, according to the survey results by Blueprint, a liberal firm, that polled 1,383 voters between February 16 and 17. When asked what voters thought of the Democrats' response to the election, 40 percent said the party doesnt have a strategy for responding to Trump. Another 24 percent said the Democratic Party has a strategy but its not working. An additional 26 percent said they werent sure how to respond. President Donald Trump arrives to address a joint session of Congress as Representative Melanie Stansbury, a Democrat from New Mexico, holds a sign at the Capitol on Tuesday reading: "This is not normal. ( (Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP) ) The apparent uncertainty and lack of a united strategy emerged earlier this week as Democrats protested Trump in very different ways during his speech before a joint session of Congress Tuesday. Several female Democratic lawmakers lined the U.S. Capitol aisles donning bright pink clothing to show support for women and reproductive rights. Representative Al Green of Texas protested the beginning of Trumps speech until he was removed by the Sergeant at Arms at House Speaker Mike Johnsons direction. Green yelled: You have no mandate and shook his cane at the president to protest Trumps reported scheme to slash Medicaid until he was ejected. Outside the chamber, Green, 77, vowed to introduce articles of impeachment against the president. Other party members held up signs during the reading this is not normal and false as Trump spoke from the dais. Party members were criticized on social media for refusing to clap, stand or acknowledge the presidents guests, including 13-year-old cancer survivor DJ Daniel, whom Trump named an honorary Secret Service agent during his remarks. Several lawmakers walked out of the speech at different points, including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent. Trump also faced backlash for his condemnation of Democrats. At one point, he attacked Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren by using a Native American name as an insult, which has been slammed by organizations representing the community. On Thursday, Republican lawmakers moved to censure Green in an official disapproval of his conduct. They were joined by 10 Democrats. Maryland Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, said he had considered moving instead to censure the president for using a racial and ethnic slur against Warren. However, I would prefer to stand by the tradition of free speech and even the tradition of heckling, Raskin said from the House floor. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice After weeks of softening American policy towards Russia by pulling military and intelligence support for Ukraines defense, President Donald Trump threatened Moscow with further economic and trade sanctions after a massive Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian port city of Odessa triggered fires and damaged energy infrastructure. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Russia was absolutely pounding Ukraine on the battlefield and declared that he was considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia as a result. The president added that any sanctions he was considering would remain in place until a cease fire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached in the years-long conflict. He also exhorted both countries to get to the table right now, before it is too late. Speaking in the Oval Office a short time later on Friday, Trump told reporters he still believes Putin, who first began sending Russian troops into Ukraine when he illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, wants peace based on statements from the Russian leader. Trump said he thinks the U.S. is currently doing very well with Russia, which he admitted is bombing the hell out of Ukraine. I'm finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. They dont have the cards, he said. Pressed on whether he thinks Putin is taking advantage of Trumps decision to pause aid to Ukraine, he replied: I think hes doing what anybody else would do And I think he's hitting him harder than he's been hitting him. And I think probably anybody in that position would be doing that right now. But Trump said he would not permit Ukraines forces to receive defensive weapons to prevent more Russian attacks because he has to know that Ukraine wants to settle with Russia. I dont know that they want to settle. If they don't want to settle, we're out of there because we want them to settle, he said. Despite the most recent threat to add sanctions on Russia by Trump, is unclear what, if any, further sanctions or trade barriers he could impose on Moscow that would have an immediate effect on Russias economy. open image in gallery The presidents latest social media broadside comes just one week after a disastrous Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky ( Associated Press ) Since Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a large-scale unprovoked invasion of Ukrainian territory in February 2022, the United States and European Union, along with other Western democracies, have worked to cut off Moscow from the global financial system and have imposed a series of crippling sanctions that have exacted a steep price but have not meaningfully reduced Russias ability to wage war because Putin has successfully exploited alliances with other authoritarian countries such as Iran and North Korea to obtain needed military materiel. Despite this most recent threat to levy new sanctions against Russia, Trump has privately asked aides about providing Moscow with sanctions relief in exchange for engaging in peace talks. The presidents latest social media broadside comes just one week after a disastrous Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, after which the Ukrainian leader was asked to leave the White House without signing a mineral rights deal both sides had touted as a way to secure continued support from Trump and his administration. Zelensky left the White House roughly an hour after the emotional eruption, cutting short talks that were supposed to cement an economic relationship between Washington and Kyiv and create a mechanism to repay the billions in American military aid that has been sent to Ukraine since 2022. On Monday, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to attack Zelensky in a post claiming that the United States will not put up with his sentiments for much longer after Zelensky said he expects to maintain a relationship with the U.S. despite his fraught relationship with Trump. But on Tuesday, he told members of Congress during an address that he was working tirelessly to end the savage conflict between Ukraine and Russia and said hed received a letter from Zelensky indicating that Kyiv was ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. American and Ukrainian officials are set to meet for talks next week in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has offered a fast path to citizenship for South African farmers, after cutting aid to the country over what he termed unjust racial discrimination against Afrikaners. The US president railed on his Truth Social platform against South Africas new laws, which give the government the power to take land from people without compensation in some cases. South Africa is being terrible, plus, to long time Farmers in the country. They are confiscating their LAND and FARMS, and MUCH WORSE THAN THAT. A bad place to be right now, and we are stopping all Federal Funding, he wrote. To go a step further, any Farmer (with family!) from South Africa, seeking to flee that country for reasons of safety, will be invited into the United States of America with a rapid pathway to Citizenship. This process will begin immediately! open image in gallery Elon Musk has repeatedly condemned the South African government ( AP ) His comments came after a US directive that all bureaus, offices and missions shall pause all obligations and/or dispersion of aid or assistance to South Africa. It followed Trumps executive order to cut aid to South Africa for rights violations and for its decision to bring a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, in which it accuses the country of genocide over its treatment of the Palestinian people. The 7 February order stated: In shocking disregard of its citizens rights, South Africa recently enacted Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 to enable the government ... to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners agricultural property without compensation. This Act follows countless government policies designed to dismantle equal opportunity in employment, education, and business, and hateful rhetoric and government actions fueling disproportionate violence against racially disfavored landowners. Trumps ongoing condemnation of South Africas policies tracks closely with that of his close supporter, South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who has long criticized his homeland for its openly racist policies and the genocide of white people. open image in gallery President Trump has railed against the South African government ( AFP via Getty ) Musks grandfather, Joshua Norman Haldeman, was an avowed racist and antisemite and a supporter of apartheid. He moved his family from Canada to South Africa in 1950 because of his interest in the racist policy. As he told the Nazi-aligned South African newspaper Die Transvaler: It encouraged me to come and settle here. In 2023, Musk falsely claimed on X (Twitter) that the government was openly pushing for genocide of white people in South Africa, and quoted the South African presidents comments about the expropriation act, saying: Why do you have openly racist ownership laws? This week, he retweeted several people on X who were claiming Musks Starlink satellite internet system was not allowed to operate in South Africa simply because Elon isnt black. A South African court last month dismissed claims made by Trump and Musk of a white genocide as not real and clearly imagined. open image in gallery South African president Cyril Ramaphosa introduced the land-seizure law in January ( AFP via Getty ) Afrikaners are white South Africans, and are predominantly descended from Dutch settlers. While they make up just over 7 per cent of the South African population, they dominated the countrys politics until the mid-1990s through the apartheid system of institutionalized racial segregation, which dictated where people could live and work, whom they could marry, and how they could mix in public. In January this year, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa brought in a controversial law that allows the government to seize land without compensating its owners, but only if its seizure is in the public interest. This replaced a previous law that compelled the state to compensate owners. The law is part of an effort to allow Black South Africans to reclaim land that was taken under an apartheid law introduced in 1950, which allowed the government to take land for the use of a single race. Before Trumps order came into effect, the South African president said he wanted to do a deal with Trump to resolve the dispute, and that he would wait for the dust to settle to travel to the US and repair the relationship. We dont want to go and explain ourselves. We want to go and do a meaningful deal with the United States on a whole range of issues, Ramaphosa said at the end of February. Im very positively inclined to promoting a good relationship with President Trump. South Africa had also been preparing a new trade deal in the hope of appeasing the US 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 Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice During his address to a joint session of Congress, President Donald Trump attacked a piece of legislation meant to boost the manufacturing of semiconductors in the United States. Your CHIPS Act is a horrible, horrible thing, he said. We give hundreds of billions of dollars and it doesnt mean a thing. They take our money and they dont spend it. A Republican, Sen. Todd Young from Indiana, helped shepherd the bills passage in 2022. Despite Trumps attacks, he still believes the president understands the need for the program. open image in gallery Trump attacked the CHIPs and Science Act that Sen. Todd Young of Indiana helped pass. ( Getty Images ) I think the President absolutely understands that we have to have resilient supply chains, and that our war fighters can't depend on China or other countries for critical inputs into that supply chain, including semiconductors, Young told The Independent. We've been in touch with the administration about it, he added. Young notably did not endorse Trump in 2024 despite coming from a solidly Republican state though he has voted to confirm all of his nominees. Trumps criticism of Youngs legislation is the latest example of how the president and his allies have at times actively worked against the priorities of Republican senators since he returned to office. At the same time, many Republicans have done little to push him to change course, a noticeable deviation from his first presidency. But Trump's aggressive bashing of Republican priorities could create a climate in which Republicans in swing states face tougher re-election prospects, which could ultimately cost the president his Senate majority, or reduce it significantly. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, another Republican supporter of the CHIPs and Science Act, said he needed to see whether companies like Apple would continue to invest in the United States without the CHIPs legislation, as Trump claims. Last week, Apple announced it would spend $500 billion in the United States. Earlier this week, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world's largest chip manufacturer, announced that it would invest $100 billion in the U.S. I need to figure out how some of these other investments that he suggested, you didn't need CHIPs and science, or the CHIPs act to actually get Apple to make the investment that they've announced recently, Tillis said. I need to understand that better, because I, for one, think that the CHIPs Act, which I support, it has been helpful, not perfect, but helpful. The Denali debacle is yet another example of Trump being at odds with some of his Republican senators. During his joint address, Trump touted the renaming of Denali to Mt. McKinley. I renamed for a great president, William McKinley, Mount McKinley, again, he said. Beautiful Alaska. We love Alaska. But Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has filed legislation to keep the Denali title for Americas tallest mountain, insisting its not a political issue. Alaskans from every walk of life have long been advocating for this mountain to be recognized by its true name, she said when announcing the legislation. open image in gallery Senator Susan Collins (left) speaks with Senator Lisa Murkowski during a Senate confirmation hearing. The GOP senators have warned about the consequences of DOGE's hasty moves ( REUTERS ) On Thursday, Trump announced that he would delay impending tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which have caused volatility in U.S. markets. Its an issue that some Republicans have eyed with skepticism, including Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, whos warned that imposing tariffs would harm her home state. I know the President wants jobs, and I know the President wants a healthy, strong economy, she told The Independent. I don't know that he fully appreciates how integrated the economies are in border states with Canada. People cross every single day. The Trump administration also ruffled Republicans feathers when Doug Collins, the secretary for Veterans Affairs, announced that his department would reduce staffing levels by 80,000. The cuts would bring back staffing levels to what they were before the Biden administration and before Congress passed legislation to offer support for U.S. service members exposed to toxic burn pits. Immediately, Sen. Jerry Moran, the top Republican on the Veterans Affairs Committee, criticized the effort in a statement on X. The VA is in need of reform but current efforts to downsize the department and increase efficiency must be done in a more responsible manner, Moran said on Wednesday. The Trump White House dispatched Elon Musk, the head of its Department of Government Efficiency, to meet with Republicans in both the House and Senate on Wednesday. Trumps pivot on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and his attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have also rankled some Senate Republicans, who tend to support Ukraine more than Trump and House Republicans. On Thursday, Reuters reported that Trump planned to revoke the temporary protected status of some 240,000 Ukrainians in the United States. Trump later told reporters he was looking at the idea. Tillis, a supporter of Ukraine, told The Independent that he had to get to the detail so that we can actually respond. When asked about the Trump administrations decision to cut off intelligence to Ukraine, Tillis made similar remarks on Wednesday. I just haven't got an answer, but it's absolutely essential, otherwise you're having them go dark on Russia movement, he said. There are signs that Trumps team will punish Republicans who cross him. On Thursday, Arthur Schwartz, an ally of the presidents son Donald Trump Jr., posted a survey from the Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling showing Tillis losing in a hypothetical race against North Carolinas Democratic former governor Roy Cooper. But Tillis blew off Schwartzs implied threat to challenge him. I don't care if he's a friend or an associate with people in the White House, but people need to understand that entrepreneurs like [Schwartz] are the problem, not the solution, Tillis told The Independent. We need adults in the room when we're talking about swing states like North Carolina, not somebody who felt good about posting a tweet today on PPP polls. Tillis and Collins are both up for re-election in 2026 and will have tough races. Collins is in a solidly blue state and Tillis is in the biggest swing state of them all. Trump going after their priorities or putting additional tariffs that could hurt their economy could cost the GOP and his legislative agenda in the long term. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump on Sunday explicitly threatened Iran with war unless Tehran comes to the table and hammers out a new agreement on nuclear weapons with Washington. The president spoke with NBCs Kristen Welker in an early-morning phone call and told the host of Meet the Press that there would be bombing if Iran did not negotiate with the US, or if a deal was not reached as a result of those talks. If they dont make a deal, there will be bombing, said the US president. It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before. His remark comes as the Trump administration has stated publicly its goal of reaching a new agreement with Tehran that would lead to the total shutdown of Irans nuclear weapons program. The president sent a letter to Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, reportedly urging the Iranian government to begin negotiations with the prospect of significant sanctions relief and international cooperation on the table. But Iran formally declined to begin those direct negotiations on Saturday, according to the countrys president. Masoud Pezeshkian said the message was delivered to US negotiators through the Omani government. He said that the official response from Iran left open the possibility for continued indirect negotiations, but added that the US must regain trust with Iran in order for formal diplomacy to resume. We dont avoid talks; its the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far, Pezeshkian said at a televised Cabinet meeting, according to the AP. They must prove that they can build trust. Donald Trump said on Sunday that there would be bombing if Iranian negotiators refused to come to the table ( AP ) The State Department previously issued a response early Sunday warning of very bad consequences should Iran refuse to negotiate an end to its nuclear weapons program. Development of nuclear materials has accelerated in Iran within recent months, according to a February report from the UNs nuclear watchdog agency. The first Trump administration pulled out of a deal reached between the Obama administration, Iran and a number of European countries with that same goal in 2017, calling it ineffective and blaming Iran for repeatedly violating it. President Trump has been clear: the United States cannot allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. The president expressed his willingness to discuss a deal with Iran, it added. If the Iranian regime does not want a deal, the president is clear, he will pursue other options, which will be very bad for Iran. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been high for more than a year now as the US and its ally Israel have clashed with several groups the two countries accuse the Iranian government of funding and supporting through intelligence sharing and other cooperation. Conflict against one of those groups, the Houthis, resumed last weekend with a US strike in Yemen while Houthi forces target US military vessels and trade ships in the Red Sea. Iran also launched a direct missile ballistic strike against Israel, causing minimal damage, in October of 2024 after a Hamas leader was assassinated in Tehran. While military operations have resumed against the Houthis in Yemen, the State Department on Monday moved to up the pressure on Irans neighbor, Iraq, to combat Tehrans influence over militant groups within its borders. In recent months, the Iraqi government has considered new national security legislation aimed at curbing the strength of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a Shia militant group with dozens of battalions around the country. Those forces include the Kataib Hezbollah, which traces its origins back to militant groups that fought US forces during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and still clash with US forces today. To strengthen Iraq's sovereignty, the government of Iraq must ensure it has command and control of all security forces within its borders, to include the PMF, press secretary Tammy Bruce said at her Monday briefing. These forces must respond to Iraq's commander-in-chief, and not to Iran. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump could implement a ban on people traveling to the US from Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries as soon as next week, according to new reports. This comes after Trump issued an executive order on January 20 directing cabinet members to draft a list of countries that should face full or partial travel restrictions because their "vetting and screening information is so deficient." Trump promised to restore the travel ban on day one of his presidency a commitment he did not keep. During his first term, Trump banned travelers from several majority-Muslim countries a policy which the Supreme Court ultimately upheld in 2018. Trumps travel restrictions and bans impacted seven percent of the worlds population. Afghanistan and Pakistan will likely be included on the list, Reuters reports. Meanwhile, the list may also include several countries targeted during Trumps first term, according to The New York Times. This list included Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. Heres what we know about the potential ban: President Donald Trump could enact a new travel ban as soon as next week ( REUTERS ) Impacts on Afghans eligible for resettlement after helping US troops A travel ban on Afghanistan could impact the thousands of Afghans who have been applied or been approved for Special Immigrant Visas after working for the US military throughout its 20-year presence. Some 200,000 Afghans are awaiting either US resettlement or approval on their Special Immigrant Visa applications. Resettlement is key for them as they face threats of retribution from the Taliban for assisting American troops. The State Department could request exemptions for Afghans who have applied for resettlement, but its not assumed likely to be granted, one source told Reuters. #AfghanEvac, a coalition of groups which works to help coordinate resettlement with the US government, released a statement Wednesday titled IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTICE FOR AFGHANS. If you have a valid U.S. visa in your passport or travel document, you should make travel arrangements immediately, the statement reads. Nothing has officially changed yet, but sources within the U.S. government indicate that a travel ban for Afghan nationals may be announced within the next week. What happened last time? In January 2017, Trump enacted his first travel ban, which said travelers (including green card holders) from seven Muslim-majority countries could not enter the US. But the courts struck it down. Trump then tried again, excluding green card holders and removing Iraq from the list. The move continued to face challenges in court and was blocked. The president then signed a third version of the ban, which affected six Muslim-majority countries and North Korea. This version was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The ban stayed in place until 2021, when President Joe Biden repealed it. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A state-of-the-art unmanned warship designed for autonomous naval missions has been spotted in waters off of Washington state. The USX-1 Defiant was being pushed by tug boat earlier this week through the Saratoga Passage in Puget Sound, just a few miles from the U.S. Navys Naval Air Station Whidby Island, according to The War Zone. The 180ft, 240-ton unmanned surface vessel, a type of drone, was completed last month after a five-year development. It has been constructed as part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agencys No Manning Required Ship program alongside private maritime and operations company Serco the primary contractor for the Defiant. The ship was first launched at the Nichols Brothers Boat Builders shipyard near the unincorporated community of Freeland, just northwest of Seattle, last month in preparation for a series of trials that aim to bring a cost-effective USV to the Navy. open image in gallery The Defiant is still under wraps, despite its construction being finished last month ( DARPA ) The Navy primarily uses USVs for surveillance, reconnaissance, and to glean intelligence. Its construction comes amid increased calls from American policymakers and combat commands for cost-effective USVs to help Taiwan defend against a potential Chinese invasion. Head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo, detailed the use of the unmanned ships last summer in the Navys hellscape, which aims to flood the Taiwan Strait with drones to deter aggression from the Peoples Liberation Army. Removing the human element from all ship design considerations has allowed for a narrower beam which means better stealth performance, better hydrodynamic efficiency, and a better operating window in rough seas, the agency said. It was not immediately clear whether the vessel would be controlled remotely or operate fully autonomously. open image in gallery The vessel was first launched at the Nichols Brothers Boat Builders shipyard last month ( DARPA ) The Defiant, however, is still quite literally under wraps with photos of the ship released by the agency showing it partially covered in a tarp. DARPA serves as the central research and development arm of the Department of Defense to develop new technologies for the military. The agency said the Defiant is set to undergo extensive in-water testing, both dockside and at sea and is scheduled to depart for a multi-month at sea demonstration in spring 2025. Ryan Maatta, a Marine Engineer Manager with Serco overseeing the NOMARS project, told Naval News it hopes the ship is much less expensive to do the same mission as a manned platform. Maatta added that the Defiant would undergo two months of sea trials before a very large and extensive demonstration of the vessel and its capabilities. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hundreds of thousands of people are under a blackout in Queensland, while flood warnings remain in place across New South Wales, after ex-Cyclone Alfred left a trail of destruction along Australias east coast. As of Sunday, approximately 316,540 properties in Queensland were without electricity, with the Gold Coast being the hardest hit with over 112,000 customers affected. The storm's ferocious winds and torrential rains uprooted trees and damaged power lines, complicating restoration efforts. Energy distributor Energex said their crews were working tirelessly to restore power, but extensive damage means some areas might not see their power resumed for some days. open image in gallery A boy walks past an uprooted tree in front of the Miami Beach Surf Lifesaving Club in the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast on 8 March 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Prime minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that the "situation in Queensland and northern New South Wales remains very serious due to flash-flooding and heavy winds". "Heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and coastal surf impacts are expected to continue over coming days," Albanese said in Canberra, in remarks televised by the Australian Broadcasting Corp. open image in gallery A tree lies fallen on the beach front following cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast, Australia, Saturday, 8 March 2025 ( AP ) The Bureau of Meteorology has issued fresh flood alerts for parts of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales as heavy rainfall continued to pose a risk of flash flooding. Regions like Brisbane, Ipswich, the Sunshine Coast, and Gympie were particularly hit. Even though the risk of high wind gusts has largely subsided, with the remnants of the storm moving inland, gusts of 90kmph (60mph) were also possible in the state, the bureau said on its website. "It is now just a weak low as it continues moving further inland through southeast Queensland, bringing lots of rain," said bureau meteorologist Dean Narramore. open image in gallery A tree lies fallen on the beach front following cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast, Australia, Saturday, 8 March 2025 ( AAP Image ) Emergency services have been stretched thin, responding to numerous incidents across the affected regions. In northern New South Wales, a 61-year-old man was found dead after being swept away by floodwaters near Dorrigo. A convoy of Australian Defence Force vehicles en route to assist with flood relief in Lismore was involved in a crash, resulting in injuries to several personnel. Emergency services have conducted multiple rescues, many involving individuals attempting to drive through flooded areas. The severe weather has led to significant disruptions in transportation and public services. Brisbane Airport reopened on Sunday but warned travellers of potential delays due to ongoing weather conditions. Public transport services have been affected, with train services and bus operations resuming but limited in certain areas. open image in gallery A lifeguard tower is surrounded by heavy seas following Cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast, Australia, Saturday, 8 March 2025 ( AAP Image ) Decisions regarding the reopening of approximately 1,000 Queensland schools closed due to the storm will be made based on safety assessments, state Premier David Crisafulli said. "Where it's safe to do so, schools will reopen with the exception of the Gold Coast, where there remains some significant damage. Power loss and issues with transport," Mr Crisafulli said in televised comments from Brisbane. He added: "One thing's remained consistent, and that is the community spirit and the resolve. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tropical Cyclone Alfred is closing in on southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, with authorities warning residents to prepare now for the extremely rare event. Millions of people in Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW) are under warnings to hunker down or evacuate with flights, trains, buses and schools suspended. Meteorologists warn the cyclone will bring destructive winds of up to 120kmph, life-threatening flash flooding, and 8-metre waves. Follow our live coverage of Cyclone Alfred The governments across the board are taking this seriously, and Queenslanders as well as those on the north coast of New South Wales need to do so as well, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said. On Thursday, the storm slowed down as it moved towards the eastern coast of Australia. It is now expected to make landfall late on Friday night or early Saturday morning, between Maroochydore and Coolangatta. The cyclone, which charted an unusual path in the Pacific, is the first to directly impact areas near Brisbane since Nancy in 1990. open image in gallery Map shows position, path and arrival time of Cyclone Alfred ( Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) ) On Thursday, Alfred was 245km east of Brisbane, 230km east-northeast of the Gold Coast, moving west-northwest at just 7kmph, according to an update from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) at 5pm local time. The cyclone is maintaining Category 2 strength with gusts up to 130kmph. But its slow movement means Alfred will have more time to intensify, feeding off warm ocean waters and low vertical wind shear, potentially making it stronger before it reaches the coast. Meteorologist Thomas Hinterdorfer said that this could result in prolonged extreme weather, with some areas experiencing heavy rain, destructive winds, and storm surges for up to 12 to 14 hours. "Its going to have more time in the lower vertical shear. Its going to have more time with the warm ocean waters, and all that fuel is gonna help it intensify, Mr Hinterdorfer told The Courier Mail. "Its not a good scenario to have it, you know, being a bit slower, wed much prefer it to come through faster. Authorities say the cyclones impact will extend far beyond the landfall zone, with destructive winds, extreme rainfall, and dangerous storm surges from Double Island Point (QLD) to Ballina (NSW). BoM warns that storm surges could cause major flooding in low-lying coastal areas, particularly if Alfreds landfall coincides with high tide early Friday. Major warnings by region: Gold Coast & Tweed Coast : Extreme beach erosion, storm surges, and inundation in low-lying areas : Extreme beach erosion, storm surges, and inundation in low-lying areas Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Byron Bay & Ballina : Risk of coastal flooding and dangerous tides : Risk of coastal flooding and dangerous tides Sunshine Coast to Cape Byron: Tides expected to rise well above the highest astronomical tide "Tides are likely to rise significantly above the highest high tide mark with damaging waves and dangerous inundation of coastal low-lying areas," BoM said. A 78-year-old woman was hospitalised with head injuries after being swept up by a large wave at Currumbin Beach on Wednesday evening. open image in gallery Map shows rainfall forecast ahead of Cyclone Alfred ( Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) ) Major flood warnings are also in place, with up to 600mm of rain forecast in some areas. Brisbane & Moreton Ba y: 300-500mm y: 300-500mm Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast : 400-600mm : 400-600mm Northern NSW (Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Tweed): 250-400mm The Bellinger River and Tweed River catchments are now under major flood watches after NSW issued its first flood warning on Wednesday for Cyclone Alfred. open image in gallery Forecast for BoM shows Storm Alfred bringing 8 metre tall waves ( Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) ) Queensland premier David Crisafulli urged residents to prepare for power outages lasting days, as emergency crews brace for widespread impacts. We have 1,000 Energex crew ready to restore power, but people should prepare for outages lasting days, he said. He also warned people to act before its too late as he called Cyclone Alfred an "extremely rare event". There is a chance this cyclone will cross in the middle of the night with a high tide. That is not the time to be making your evacuation plan, now is the time, Mr Crisafulli warned. open image in gallery ( Getty Images ) With southeast Queensland residents already losing power, authorities say some areas could be left without electricity for up to three days. It is essential that we get power connected as quickly as we can after an event like this, the premier said. Mr Crisafulli reassured Queenslanders that the response and recovery efforts are already being coordinated. There will be no daylight between the response and the recovery. The best way to guarantee a good recovery is to do the little things now to keep yourself out of harms way, he said. open image in gallery Police set up traffic control at a Newmarket sandbag depot in Brisbane, Australia ( Getty Images ) Several airports have shut down and public transport in Brisbane and nearby areas has been halted until further notice. Gold Coast Airport was shutting services from 4PM local time on Wednesday until further notice while all flights to and from Ballina were cancelled on Wednesday and Thursday. Coffs Harbour Airport also suspended flights from midnight Wednesday Airlines like Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar are offering free flight changes; Jetstar offering travel vouchers. Gold Coasts acting mayor Donna Gates warned residents to stay indoors from 6PM tonight, saying conditions will be worse than anything the city has seen in decades. "This looks like the most significant event in our city in terms of destructive winds and heavy rain since 1954, she said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australian Defence Force is formally engaged, sending 250,000 additional sandbags to Queensland on Wednesday, after 125,000 sandbags were already delivered and 80,000 previously distributed. Its rare for cyclones to go further south along Australias eastern coast. Alfred, churning the warmer than usual waters of Pacific Ocean, took an unusual path and took a sudden turn westwards on Tuesday, intensifiying to Category 2. open image in gallery otted line shows Cyclone Alfred's movement from 22 February to 5 March as it nears landfall ( Zoom Earth ) Cyclone Alfred is predicted to impact northern NSW, which is generally not an area at risk. The last cyclone warning here was more than 50 years ago. This could indicate that, due to global warming, the reach of tropical cyclones is extending further than the tropics. Dr Tom Mortlock from Aon notes that warmer ocean temperatures are fueling storms further south, with sea surface temperatures warm enough to sustain cyclones down to Sydney. Residents in southeast Queensland and northern NSW are being urged to secure properties, prepare emergency kits, and follow evacuation advice as conditions deteriorate. Authorities warn that once the cyclone hits, emergency services may not be able to reach people in danger, making early action crucial. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice New Zealands intelligence chief has voiced concerns over Chinas growing influence in the Pacific, saying he will ramp up security of the Cook Islands over its deepening ties with Beijing. Speaking at the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs in Wellington, Andrew Hampton, Director-General of the Security Intelligence Service, said that China's strategic partnerships with Pacific nations, often framed as economic cooperation, carry significant security implications. He warned that Beijing's efforts to "create competing regional architectures" and expand its influence pose risks of foreign interference and espionage. "The Peoples Republic of China remains a complex intelligence concern in New Zealand," Mr Hampton said, emphasising the need to ensure Pacific partners are aware of these risks. He said Pacific Island nations focus on economic and transnational crime has created an opening for China to establish strategic deals linking "economic and security cooperation. Mr Hampton's comments come in the wake of several agreements signed in February between the Cook Islands and China, covering areas such as education, infrastructure, fisheries, and disaster management. These agreements, while presented as promoting economic development, have heightened concerns about China's strategic intentions in the region. open image in gallery Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has signed a number of deals with China ( AP ) New Zealand and the Cook Islands have constitutional ties that require the two countries to consult on security, defence and foreign policy issues. Mr Hampton said he had travelled to the Cook Islands to share classified intelligence on foreign interference and espionage risks with Brown before the deal was signed, but will now be stepping up scrutiny of the ties between the Cooks and Beijing. "With the Cook Islands developing deeper relationships with other parties, this will necessitate an even stronger focus from my agency on national security risks," he said. Mr Hampton also reaffirmed New Zealands involvement in the Five Eyes intelligence sharing network which also includes Britain, the US, Canada and Australia despite concerns over the Trump administrations move to thaw ties with Russia. The alliance was the most long-standing and impactful intelligence sharing partnership in our history, he said. The sharing of Five Eyes intelligence insights has, without a doubt, enhanced the safety and security of New Zealand. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A British national accused in a high-profile money laundering case has refused to accept bail granted to him by an Indian court, claiming he does not feel safe outside prison. Christian Michel James, who was extradited from Dubai in 2018, is alleged to have been the middleman in a multi-million-dollar bribery scandal related to the AgustaWestland helicopter deal. He has spent more than six years in New Delhis Tihar Jail awaiting trial and was recently granted bail by the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court. However, during a court hearing on Friday, Mr Michel made it clear that he would not accept bail, citing threats to his life and a lack of security in the Indian capital. For me, Delhi is just a larger prison, he told the court of Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal. My family cannot come here; they have been told for years it is not safe. You know I have security issues. There have been attempts on my life twice. Mr Michel, who was admitted to Delhi premier hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences for hip surgery last month, alleged that an incident took place during his treatment, as he raised serious concerns about his safety. open image in gallery Christian Michel leaving the courtroom with his lawyer Aljo K Joseph on 7 March 2025 ( Namita Singh/The Independent ) I have to say with great regret that something happened in AIIMS that I have to talk to you about in private. And I have witnesses, he said, as he stood holding crutches. The court acknowledged his concerns but insisted that once bail had been granted, there was no legal basis to continue his detention. But you have gotten bail, the judge noted, to which Mr Michel responded, That is my point, your honor. I would rather serve my sentence and continue the trial via video conferencing from a safe country. Mr Michels refusal to step out of jail is unusual, as most detainees fight for bail. His lawyer, Aljo K Joseph, explained to The Independent that his client is unwilling to be released under the current conditions because his passport has been seized, preventing him from leaving India, where he fears for his life. He is not refusing bail, Mr Joseph clarified. The conditions are that his passport has to be seized, and he cannot travel abroad. But as he said in court, staying outside and staying in Delhi is not safe for him. There have already been two attempts on his life. open image in gallery Delhi police officials guiding Christian Michel out of the courtroom on 7 March 2025 ( Namita Singh/ The Independent ) Mr Michel reiterated that he would only be comfortable if the court explicitly outlined his sentence so that he could serve it and leave the country. What I want is for the lord to identify my exact sentence. What is my sentence? I will serve that sentence, he said. However, the court pointed out that sentencing could only occur once the trial was concluded. The prosecution has maintained that his continued detention was necessary, given the nature of the allegations and the risk of him absconding. The Delhi High Courts bail order required Mr Michel to furnish a bond of Rs500,000 (4,500) and a surety of the same amount while surrendering his passport. However, his refusal to accept bail complicates his legal status. When court asked if he could arrange a safe house for himself in India, Mr Michel said he would require his own security and did not see how he could manage that. The problem I am having is with the police, he alleged. Despite being held in custody for more than six years, Mr Michels trial has yet to begin, which his legal team argues is a clear violation of his right to a speedy trial. The investigation started in 2013. We are now in 2025, and 12 years have passed. The investigation is still not complete, Mr Joseph said. They are looking for something that does not exist. They are looking for evidence that they are not getting. It is just a red herring. Mr Michels legal team said the UK High Commission has provided only minimal assistance, such as delivering letters and some basic supplies like multivitamins and chocolates. There has not been much support beyond normal consular visits, Mr Joseph said. We have been telling them repeatedly that the UK government should call for his release. But the UK government has some reservations and has only said, OK, its a due process, court proceedings. Thats what they have been saying for a long time. Mr Michel is accused of being a key intermediary in the controversial 2010 deal between Indias Ministry of Defence and Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland for the purchase of 12 luxury VVIP helicopters, a contract worth over 556 million (322.4m). Investigators allege that bribes were paid to Indian officials to secure the contract and that Mr Michel personally received commissions amounting to 30 million (25.7m). The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Indias financial crime-fighting agency, alleges that Mr Michel played a pivotal role in routing illicit funds and using shell companies to disguise payments. He has been charged under Indias Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and is also facing charges under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for corruption-related offences. In February 2025, Indias Supreme Court granted him bail in the CBI case, noting that the investigation had been dragging on for more than a decade without a conclusion. You will not be able to conclude the trial in another 25 years going by what your conduct has been, the Supreme Court remarked in its ruling. The Independent has contacted Tihar Jail authorities for comment. Sitting in the unlikely setting of the Haydee Hotel, a modest eight-room guest house in Great Yarmouth, on the Norfolk coast, a Bulgarian spy called Orlin Roussev sends an encrypted message via Telegram to his controller. He discusses ideas for covert operations to destabilise the Kazakhstan government: Hacking Kazakh nuclear power, leaking sex videos and crushing their currency. also, maybe a deep fake porn video of the son of the president. Yes, these are cool and very feasible, responds his intelligence handler. We need a gay club owner or security who can give an interview that the son of the Kazakh president is a regular gay customer, adds an excited Roussev. Well, make it REAL-FAKE. We must use some actual facts or at least it leaks for the son to have been in London. I know a few of the top UK porn stars and the circles with the elite clubs, SWING etc. We can check or at least create a real fake story. Perfect. That exchange took place on 31 August 2022 and is one of 80,000 Telegram messages Roussev exchanged with his spymaster codenamed Rupert Ticz. His channel is just one of hundreds of spyware devices seized by police during a raid of his tiny room at the Great Yarmouth guest house. The extraordinary cache included hidden bugs and signal jammers, 88 audio and visual recording devices, 221 mobile phones, 495 SIM cards and 11 drones. Spy cameras were hidden in sunglasses and stuffed toys amid piles of fake identity documents, notably 75 passports and 91 bank cards in various names. The police raid resulted in the prosecution of several Bulgarian nationals under the Official Secrets Act for carrying out illegal surveillance in the UK with plans to burgle, honeytrap, murder and kidnap targets, notably investigative journalists. The prosecution alleged between August 2020 and February 2023, these agents were part of a network gathering intelligence useful to Russia and for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and interest of the (UK) state. On Friday, Vanya Gaberova, Katrin Ivanova, and Tihomir Ivanchev wereall found guilty of spying for Russia, in what police have described as one of the largest foreign intelligence operations in the UK. open image in gallery Court sketches of Vanya Gaberova (left), Katrin Ivanova and Tihomir Ivanchev ( PA ) On the surface, the espionage appears to be part of Putins secret hybrid war against the West. In 2022, the Bulgarian operatives carried out surveillance on Patch Barracks, a US military airbase in Stuttgart that trained Ukrainian soldiers to use US Patriot missiles against Russia. Using highly sophisticated technology, Roussev planned to use IMSI grabbers to hack the mobile phones of Ukrainian soldiers at the barracks. This enabled the Russians to trace the Patriot missiles using information stored on the hacked phones. The spies also focused on the formidable Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev, who exposed Kremlin links to the 2018 Salisbury attacks and was instrumental in uncovering the Russian intelligence attempt to assassinate the anti-Putin dissident Alexei Navalny. Grozev was a prime target and so tracked by the group in different locations in Austria, Spain and Montenegro. open image in gallery Christo Grozev, who exposed Kremlin links to the 2018 Salisbury attacks, was a target of the spy ring ( PA ) Two of the Bulgarian agents planned to engineer a fake romance between him and their accomplice, the London-based Gaberova. This included her sending the journalist a Facebook request, taking pictures of him at a conference in Valencia and eating breakfast at his hotel. The Bulgarians also discussed robbing, kidnapping, killing him and burning down his house such was the hatred of a journalist who dared to expose the crimes of Putin and his private army, the FSB (Federal Security Service). A second operation targeted another troublesome investigative journalist, Roman Dobrokhotov, founder of The Insider, whose articles displeased the Kremlin. As part of their surveillance, a female spy sat next to him on a flight from Budapest to Berlin, where she used covert recording equipment and captured his iPhone PIN number. During discussions about this operation in 2021, Ticz allegedly commented: I would love to kidnap the guy now even more. But The Independent has discovered an intriguing subplot to this case which highlights the growth of a dark economy for commercial clandestine services, notably deception, psychological warfare and even assassinations. It is plausible that the Bulgarian spies were also operating as espionage mercenaries, motivated by financial and commercial interests or even personal excitement as well as state-directed objectives. Their value as rogue actors was being outside the constraints and oversight associated with state intelligence agencies. open image in gallery A surveillance image of Christo Grozev, which was shown to the jury ( Metropolitan Police ) The main clue is the identity of the mysterious spymaster Rupert Ticz. He turns out to be the notorious Jan Marsalek, the Austrian businessman wanted in Germany for his part in a 1.6bn fraud after the collapse of the payment company Wirecard. He paid the Bulgarian spies through a UK company called JM Consult Ltd, registered in Greenford, and is now living in Moscow under the Kremlins protection using a secret identity. Marsalek, while acting as Wirecards chief operations officer, paid private spy contractors to hack emails and orchestrate disinformation campaigns against journalists. He specialised in blending real facts with fabrications to ensure his deception was more convincing. It is possible he was acting on behalf of the Kremlin. On the surface, the espionage appears to be part of Putins secret hybrid war against the West However, people who knew him doubt this was his primary motivation and client. Marsalek carried himself with the theatrical swagger of a Bond villain audition, a former senior UK intelligence officer told The Independent. His compulsive name-dropping of state intelligence services and loose talk of private operatives on speed dial ready to do his bidding revealed a fundamental misunderstanding of professional intelligence work. He was a textbook manifestation of pathological narcissism compounded by adolescent delusions of grandeur. While undoubtedly his financial means and shady contacts meant he could access government-grade technology, his absence of genuine tradecraft was palpable. What he misconstrued as espionage amounted to amateur dramatics. Frankly, I found the man to be a total clown. But thats not to say he was not dangerous his wealth, his criminal underworld contacts, together with his personality, meant he could cause very serious damage to anyone in his crosshairs. The next clue that this case may not be a sophisticated Russian operation lies in the poor tradecraft exhibited by the Bulgarian spies and the reckless, risky and brazen antics of the cell members, especially Marsalek. open image in gallery A fake press card ID used by Biser Dzhambazov ( Metropolitan Police ) Only one operative, Orlin Roussev, had an intelligence background. He previously owned a signals intelligence company selling communications equipment and worked in financial services. Between 2008 and 2009, he was a strategic adviser to the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy. In December 2020, he was granted EU settled status but then chose the unlikely setting of a guest house in Great Yarmouth as the operating hub of his covert surveillance. The other Bulgarian agents lived quietly in Harrow, and in the west London suburbs of Greenford and Acton. Their cover professions are ingenious and varied. One, Ivan Stoyanov nicknamed The Destroyer claimed to be a mixed martial arts fighter. Another, Vanya Gaberova, is a beautician who specialises in eyelashes and runs a salon called Pretty Woman. Biser Dzhambazov had connections at the highest echelons of the Bulgarian government. His contribution was to persuade his long-term girlfriend Katrin Ivanova to take photographs of army barracks. This backfired badly as she then testified against him during the trial and denied being part of a spy ring. Over the course of three years, the Bulgarian spy ring plotted six covert operations which were extremely risky and included attempted abduction, filming their targets, orchestrating direct contact and using the female defendants as sexual bait to gather information. open image in gallery Vanya Gaberova ran her own salon in west London called Pretty Woman ( Metropolitan Police ) The prosecutions case was based on the Telegram messages between Roussev and Marsalek. Their conversations included how to obtain military equipment on behalf of Russia, the provision of espionage tools and digital devices and arranging physical surveillance against targets of the Russian state. A statement was provided by the deputy national security adviser Matt Collins, who gave a high-level HMG assessment of the activity of the suspects and impact on UK security and interests. But Marsalek was described as believed to be linked to the Russian state hardly a compelling or convincing indictment. And when he tasked Roussev to discredit the son of the Kazakhstan president, this was justified, said Marsalek, because he did not condemn the war in Ukraine. This comment indicates Marsalek was, at the very least, promiscuous in his allegiances. In their summing up, the prosecution warned the jury the lawyers for the Bulgarian spies would focus on their amateurish antics being funny, implying their actions were akin to Inspector Clouseau or Austin Powers rather than James Bond or a John le Carre novel. But its not funny at all, said the prosecutor. They were not stupid. This was high-level espionage with very high stakes. Appearing today, the cell was jailed for a total of 50 years, with ringleader Roussev sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison. There is no doubt the stakes were high but the involvement of wealthy businessmen like Marsalek in intelligence operations introduces a dangerous new dimension which could disrupt, destabilise and damage an already unstable world. Even the quiet suburban streets of west London and the unassuming guest houses of the Norfolk coast are not immune to the international spying game. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Denmarks days of traditional mail delivery are numbered. State-run postal service PostNord announced on Thursday that it will cease letter delivery in the Nordic nation by the end of 2025. While package distribution will continue, the move marks a significant shift in Denmarks postal landscape and reflects the increasing digitisation of communication. The change will see the removal of approximately 1,500 mailboxes across Denmark in the latter half of 2025, and unused stamps will be eligible for refunds. The downsizing will also impact PostNord's workforce, with an estimated 1,500 of its 4,600 employees facing layoffs this year. PostNord, which also services Sweden, confirmed that letter delivery in that country will remain unaffected. The agency cited a dramatic 90 per cent decline in letter volume in Denmark since 2000, with a further drop of over 30 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to the global shift towards digital communication, exacerbated by 2024 Danish legislation that increased postage costs. open image in gallery PostNord said it would focus on parcel delivery over letters ( Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima ) We have been the Danes' postal service for 400 years and therefore it is a difficult decision to put a bow on that part of our story," PostNord Denmark chief executive Kim Pedersen said in a news release. "The Danes have become more and more digital which means that there are very few letters left for us to handle today, and the downturn continues so clearly that the market for letters is no longer profitable. Pedersen said the heart of PostNord's business is parcel delivery, which it will focus on in 2026. Pelle Dragsted, a member of the Danish parliament, wrote on social platform X that the cessation of letter delivery will unfairly affect Danes who live in remote areas. Letters can still be sent through private companies, Danish public broadcaster DR reported. The state will ensure that infrastructure remains for mail to be delivered to Denmarks remote areas, including smaller island communities. Pedersen also told DR that people can send their letters as packages through PostNords parcel shops. Germany's Deutsche Post also announced layoffs on Thursday, with plans to cut 8,000 jobs On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Italys highest appeals court has ordered the government to compensate a group of migrants who were stranded at sea for days on a coast guard vessel in 2018 due to then-Interior minister Matteo Salvini s tough anti-migration policies. Premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday criticized the court decision as questionable and frustrating. The Cassation court ruling, which overturns a previous one, ordered the Italian government to pay for damages inflicted to the migrants at the time of the standoff. Judges late on Thursday sent the case back to an ordinary court, asking it to define the exact amount of compensation to be granted. A group of Eritrean migrants appealed to the Cassation court over the ordeal of 190 migrants by Italys Diciotti coast guard ship in August 2018. Thirteen migrants with health problems were first disembarked on the island of Lampedusa, off Italys southern coast. The ship then headed to Catania, in Sicily, but was blocked for about 10 days by Salvinis orders before the remaining 177 migrants were allowed off. Meloni, who leads a conservative coalition including hardline League leader and vice-premier Salvini, said the ruling wont help citizens getting closer to institutions. Due to this decision, the government will need to pay compensation using money from honest Italian citizens who pay taxes to people who tried to enter Italy illegally, violating the Italian law, she wrote in a social media post. Salvini called the ruling absurd in his own post and urged the magistrates to use their own money if they really want to compensate their beloved migrants. He has always said that his job was to defend Italys borders. It was the latest chapter of a months-long clash between the Italian magistrates and the Meloni government, which is trying to push forward a radical reform of the judiciary system. Many critics say it puts the judiciary's independence at risk. Italian courts have also been challenging Melonis flagship initiative to transfer migrants to costly reception centers built in Albania for fast-track processing. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pope Francis marked three weeks in hospital on Friday, following a bout of double pneumonia that has offered a stark reminder of his advancing age and frailty. The 88-year-old pontiff reportedly had a restful night, waking shortly after 8am, according to Vatican officials. Doctors, citing his continued stability and absence of respiratory issues, indicated they would likely provide the next medical update on Saturday. On Thursday, however, the Pope offered a poignant, albeit concerning, indication of his current health. In a recorded audio message broadcast to those gathered in St. Peters Square for the evening rosary, Francis expressed his gratitude for the prayers offered on his behalf. His voice, however, was barely audible, strained by labored breathing. Speaking in his native Spanish, he said: "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square, I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you. This message, while reassuring to many, served multiple purposes. It was the first public communication from the Pope since his admission to Gemelli hospital on February 14, effectively quashing unfounded rumours circulating about his condition. More significantly, it revealed the extent of his physical weakness. Even for those accustomed to his often-whispered pronouncements, the audible struggle to breathe was a stark reminder of his current fragility. Nuns in St. Peters Square listen to a recorded message from Pope Francis ( AP ) The cardinal presiding over the prayer, Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime, had told the crowd at the start of the service that he had beautiful news, a beautiful gift to share. Oh che bello, marvelled one nun in the crowd. Oh how beautiful. The crowd broke into applause and then applauded again after Francis final gracias. The 88-year-old pope has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man. The Vatican has given twice-daily updates on Franciss condition since February 14, when he was admitted to Romes Gemelli hospital for what was then just a bad case of bronchitis. The infection progressed into a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia that has sidelined Francis for the longest period of his 12-year papacy and raised questions about the future. The absence of any images of Francis in a country where the image and voice of the pontiff is a part of everyday life helped fuel conspiracy theories, primarily among right-wing critics of the pope, about Franciss true fate. Francis has issued written messages from hospital, including some that seemed very much like him. But even Vatican officials had been clamouring to hear his voice, saying the popes calls for peace are particularly needed at a time of such global conflict and war. Doctors on Thursday reported that Francis was in stable condition, with no new respiratory crises or fever. He continued his respiratory and other physical therapy Thursday, worked, rested and prayed from the 10th floor papal suite at Romes Gemelli hospital. His prognosis remains guarded, meaning he is not out of danger. The pope has been sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical mask to guarantee that his lungs expand properly overnight and help his recovery. He has been transitioning to receiving high-flow oxygen with a nasal tube during the day. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Days after Donald Trump cut military aid, and a day after he blindfolded Ukraines forces by suspending intelligence sharing, Russia has carved into Ukrainian-held Kursk, escalated air raids and bombed civilian cities. In response, the US president has threatened to increase economic sanctions against Russia, stating that Vladimir Putins forces were absolutely pounding their enemy. A more rational response would be, of course, to allow Ukraine to fight on by lifting the suspension of military aid and sharing intelligence again. European leaders are frantically scrambling to replace the sudden cut in military intelligence, which includes satellite imagery, early warning systems, and vital signals intelligence. But Ukraines needs are immediate. open image in gallery A Russian rocket launcher is fired toward a Ukrainian position in the Kursk region border area on Thursday ( Russian Defense Ministry Press Service ) Russia has highlighted this with bombing attacks on supply lines leading to Ukrainian forces in Russias Kursk region. US intelligence provided early warning of impending Russian attacks. Now Russian jets are able to roam more freely in the Ukrainian battle space and also bomb Slaviansk and Kramatorsk in Donetsk province. Missiles and drones have filled the skies over Ukraine - most of them shot down or disabled, but Ukraine is also running out of the Patriot missiles that the US was supplying before the cut to aid. Kursk is where the Russians have been quickest to exploit Mr Trumps moves against Ukraine which are, he claimed, intended to force Kyiv into negotiations. In early February there were signs of Russian troop reinforcements and a resupply around Kursk. Ukrainian intelligence officers in the neighbouring province of Sumy believed that the Russians were planning a counter-attack in an effort to drive Ukrainian forces out of the lozenge-shaped piece of land captured by Ukraine last year. Russian special forces also conducted cross-border raids to draw Ukrainian forces away from protecting the main supply lines into Ukrainian held areas of Kursk. Ukraine tried to disrupt Russian plans to retake Kursk in late February and March - forcing the Russians back from their locations north of Sudzha. But now a message from a senior officer in Sumy sent via text simply read were losing. It would be wrong to attribute every battlefield advance by Russia to Mr Trumps crippling cuts to military aid and his blinding of their intelligence gathering. Russia has been sending tens of thousands of soldiers into meat grinder attacks around the eastern town of Pokrovsk for months - slowly making small tactical gains, but at enormous cost. The Kremlin has been swarming the Ukrainian skies with Iranian Shahed drones, mixed in with devastating ballistic missiles, since the mid summer of 2022. open image in gallery A Ukrainian soldier looks at the sky searching for Russian FPV drones near Donetsk.(AP Photo/Roman Chop) ( AP ) But in the past two weeks there was a sudden and unexplained drop in the Russian attacks on the Pokrovsk front - and of Ukrainian casualties. It is now clear that the military effort was being concentrated in preparation for the Kursk operation. In lightning raids the Russians have split Ukrainian forces in two using elite airborne and marine brigades potentially trapping Ukrainian soldiers in the north of the salient. Russias trade with the US is about $3.5 billion following sanctions that have already excluded Moscow from access to international banking, strangled its oil industrys access to the west, and choked off technology that could be used to kill Ukrainians. Kyiv has hoped to use its control of part of Kursk in future negotiations with Russia as part of a possible territorial swap. If Moscow prevails in the latest operation to drive Ukraine out of Russian territory, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will not have that card to play. But he cannot be surprised that the Russians moved so quickly after the cut in US military and intelligence support for his country so quickly. His only question will be was this a coincidence? The answer has to be no On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russia has hit out at Sir Keir Starmers plan for British troops to form part of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, saying it would amount to direct involvement in the war. The prime minister, along with Emmanuel Macron, has been seeking to build a coalition of the willing to enforce any potential deal. But Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said troops on its border would amount to the direct, official and unveiled involvement of Nato members in the war against Russia, adding: It cant be allowed. Britain has signed a deal with an Anglo-American security firm to provide Ukraine with more advanced attack drones in contrast to Donald Trumps White House which has paused supplies of US military aid and intelligence-sharing. The fighting is going on and its a big mistake to think that, well all weve got to do is wait for a deal now, the prime minister said. Weve got to make sure that if they are fighting on theyre in the strongest position and even if they go into negotiation that theyre in the strongest position. It came as defence secretary John Healey held talks last night with US counterpart Pete Hegseth. Mr Healey said he was "fixed" on seizing the opportunity for securing peace with Volodymyr Zelensky confirming Ukraine and the US will hold talks to end the war in Saudi Arabia next week. Mr Healey said: "It's the detail of those discussions which are rightly behind the scenes that the defence secretary and I will now pursue." Mr Hegseth, meanwhile, dismissed as "garbage" accusations that Washington had taken a pro-Russia stance. "The press is interested in narratives. Our president is interested in peace, he said. He also reiterated that the arms supply freeze to Ukraine was temporary. Britains agreement with Anduril will see cutting-edge Altius 600m and Altius 700m systems designed to monitor an area before striking targets that enter it being supplied to Kyiv to help tackle Russian aggression in the Black Sea. The new contracts total nearly 30m and are backed by the International Fund for Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence said. It comes amid concerns that the US move to halt intelligence-sharing with Ukraine will affect the countrys ability to use Western weaponry and deprive it of advanced information about incoming threats. In Brussels, European Union leaders met Mr Zelensky for talks about support for Ukraine and increased defence spending. The Ukrainian president thanked European leaders for their support, saying: We are very thankful that we are not alone. These are not just words, we feel it. Leaders also agreed a 670bn defence package for the European Union as it grapples with the prospect of Mr Trump reducing security assistance for Europe. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said it was a watershed moment, adding: Europe faces a clear and present danger and therefore Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for a lasting and just peace. Moscow said President Macrons offer of peacekeeping troops was extremely confrontational. Unlike their predecessors, who also wanted to fight against Russia, Napoleon, Hitler Mr Macron does not act very gracefully, because at least they said it bluntly: We must conquer Russia, we must defeat Russia. Former president Dmitry Medvedev mocked him on social media, calling him Micron and saying he poses no big threat. Hell disappear forever no later than May 14, 2027. And he wont be missed, Mr Medvedev wrote. And Mr Trumps special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt Gen Keith Kellogg, said the suspension of military help to Mr Zelensky is already having an impact, adding that the Ukrainians brought it on themselves. The best way I can describe it is sort of like hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose, Mr Kellogg said at an event at the Council on Foreign Relations. You got their attention. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russia has launched a large-scale missile and drone bombardment on Ukraines energy infrastructure, hours after Volodymyr Zelensky said talks with the US on ending the three-year war would take place next week. Ukraine came under a massive missile and drone attack, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko wrote on Facebook. At least 10 people, including a child, were injured, authorities said. Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by striking energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without light and heat, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens, Halushchenko wrote. Ukranian energy company Dtek said the Russian attack significantly damaged its gas production facilities in the the Poltava region. The Russian Defence Ministry later confirmed the attack. open image in gallery In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, a firefighter works to extinguish the fire following a Russian rocket attack in Kharkiv ( AP ) Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraines power grid during the war. The attacks have depleted electricity generation capacity and disrupted critical heating and water supplies. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of weaponising winter in an effort to erode civilian morale. Western-supplied air defence systems are crucial for Ukraines fight but further US help is uncertain under President Donald Trump, who says he is determined to end the war and has paused American military aid for Kyiv as a way of pressuring Mr Zelensky to negotiate. In his nightly address, Mr Zelensky said on Thursday he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet the countrys crown prince, and his team would stay on to hold talks with US officials. Mr Zelensky welcomed a European Union plan to bolster the continents defences. He expressed hope that some of the new spending could be used to strengthen Ukraines own defence industry. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Elon Musks SpaceX Starship rocket exploded 10 minutes into the latest flight test of the biggest rocket ever built. The 400-foot-tall (123-meter) rocket lifted off smoothly from SpaceXs Starbase facility in Texas on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. local time (11.30 p.m. GMT). But just minutes after it separated from the Super Heavy booster Starships upper stage lost power in several engines. Footage showed it spinning down to Earth before the livestream of the doomed flight cut to black. The explosion caused a large debris cloud near islands in the Caribbean and Atlantic, CNN reported. The Federal Aviation Administration briefly halted flights until 8 p.m. ET due to falling space debris into some of Floridas busiest airports, including Miami International Airport, and airports in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. After flights resumed, departures continued to be delayed by as much as 45 minutes. The FAA also delayed flights from Philadelphia International Airport an average of 30 minutes for space launch debris. SpaceX Starship megarocket explosion near The Bahamas during its 8th test flight. The booster landed successfully. The explosion disrupted air traffic over Florida because of falling space debris. #SpaceX #Rocket #Space pic.twitter.com/mArs70pDpG Sydney Welch (@SydWeather) March 7, 2025 SpaceX later confirmed that the Starship blew up in flight, calling it a rapid unscheduled disassembly. Our team immediately began coordination with safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency responses, the company said in a statement. We will review the data from todays flight test to better understand the root cause. As always, success comes from what we learn, and todays flight will offer additional lessons to improve Starships reliability. The flight test comes just six weeks after the last Starship launch, which ended in a fiery explosion over the Turks and Caicos Islands. open image in gallery SpaceX's Starship rocket lifts off from a launchpad at the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas ( Screenshot/ SpaceX ) SpaceX boss Elon Musk has pushed for a rapid testing schedule in order to speed up the development of Starship. Developmental testing by definition is unpredictable, SpaceX said ahead of Thursdays launch attempt. But by putting flight hardware in a flight environment as frequently as possible, were able to quickly learn and execute design changes as we seek to bring Starship online as a fully and rapidly reusable vehicle. The eighth test flight was set to follow the same trajectory as the sixth Starship mission, which ended with the second-stage rocket splashing down in the Indian Ocean, as expected. SpaceX named several new objectives that had never before been achieved for the latest mission, including the first-ever deployment of a payload into orbit. Four dummy Starlink satellites were set to be released during the 90-minute flight test. Despite the failure of the upper stage, SpaceX was still able to catch the Super Heavy booster using the chopstick mechanism at the Starbase launch tower. open image in gallery Starship's Super Heavy booster returns to the launch tower at SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas ( SpaceX ) The huge payload capacity of Starship means that it will be charged with delivering SpaceXs next-generation Starlink satellites into orbit when operational, though the primary goal for the rocket is to conduct missions to Mars. Musk has said he hopes to establish a permanent human colony on the Red Planet by 2050, with plans to build a fleet of thousands of Starship rockets in order ferry crews and cargo throughout the Solar System. Musk, who has been slashing tens of thousands of federal jobs through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), also has plans to overhaul FAA operations with his SpaceX Starlink system, and reportedly aims to shoulder aside a current contract with Verizon. A SpaceX engineer who also works as a DOGE volunteer reportedly threatened FAA employees with termination if they stand in the way of agency work by the company, which could lead to a lucrative federal contract. Engineer Ted Malaska last month instructed employees at the FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C. to immediately start work on a program to deploy thousands of SpaceX Starlink satellite terminals to support the national airspace system, Bloomberg News reported. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Several Australian airports on the southeastern coast have closed their terminals with airlines cancelling hundreds of flights as a Category 2 cyclone continues to barrel towards the country. The extremely rare Tropical Cyclone Alfred is causing severe travel disruption in the country as it draws near to the southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales coasts. The area covered by the Cyclone Alfred warning zone stretches approximately 450-500 km along the east coast of Australia, from Double Island Point in Queensland to Ballina in New South Wales. Alfred is forecast to make landfall on Friday evening (7 March) between Maroochydore and Coolangatta as a Category 2 cyclone. Brisbane Airport has announced that it is suspending operations, with terminals open only for defence operations. Qantas Airways confirmed that it will cease all flights from the aviation hub until at least noon on Saturday, with no domestic flights departing until Sunday. Brisbane City Council has also that announced all bus services, trains and ferries will be suspended until further notice as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches. All commercial flights from Byron Bays Ballina airport have been cancelled, through to and including Sunday 9 March due to high winds. Gold Coast Airport, 55 miles up the coast from Ballina, also closed its terminal at 4pm on Wednesday until further notice in response to the cyclone. The safety of our team, customers and airport is our number one priority, the airport said. Damaging winds of 120kmph are already hitting Coolangatta and Ballina while gusts up to 155kmph could hit coastal areas as far south as Cape Byron from Thursday afternoon. open image in gallery The dotted line shows Cyclone Alfred's movement from 22 February to 5 March as it nears landfall ( Zoom Earth ) Ballina Bay airport runs up to 45 direct flights per week to Sydney and Melbourne, with arrivals and departures operated by Australian airlines such as Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia. Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Qantas said they are suspending flights to and from Ballina Byron Bay until at least Sunday morning local time. Virgin Australia told its passengers that it has made other schedule changes as a result of the cyclone. Safety is always our top priority, and our meteorologists continue to closely monitor the weather system. We are working with all stakeholders including airports, local councils, and authorities as the situation evolves, the airline said. open image in gallery Waves crash onto rocks as people look on at the Spit, on the Seaway on the Gold Coast, Australia, Monday, 3 March as Cyclone Alfred builds off the east coast ( AP ) Virgin Australia is currently operating a limited schedule to and from Brisbane Airport, suspending its flights from the afternoon of Wednesday through to Sunday. Jetstar also put out a statement to say it has stopped operations at Gold Coast (Coolangatta) airport from 4pm on Wednesday due to the strong winds from the cyclone. We have contacted affected customers by SMS with options including alternative flights, a free move up to 14 days or a travel credit, Jetstar said. The budget airline is also offering flexibility on flights for customers who may no longer wish to travel. Customers booked to travel in or out of the Ballina Byron Bay or Gold Coast (Coolangatta) airports between Tuesday 4 March and Sunday 16 March can visit their booking page to review their options. Jetstar is offering a free date change up to seven days before and up to 14 days after the original travel date or a voucher for the value of untravelled flights. open image in gallery People queue for sandbags in Tugun on 5 March in Gold Coast, Australia ( Getty Images ) We know this will be inconvenient for customers and we thank everyone for their understanding and patience, the airline added. At this time, flights to and from Sunshine Coast (MCY) and Hervey Bay (HVB) continue as scheduled. Qantas has suspended all flights from Gold Coast airport and Ballina until at least Sunday, and to Coffs Harbour through to Friday due to high wind conditions. Coffs Harbour Airport said in an update on its social media that despite some Qantas flights being cancelled, the airport is currently open, but it is advising passengers travelling through its terminal over the coming days to monitor the status of their flights. The airline is also offering flexibility to customers who have booked flights to or from Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, Lord Howe Island and Maroochydore on or before Monday, for travel between Tuesday and Sunday or 16 March. Qantas is offering a travel credit or a fee-free date up to 14 days from the original travel date. Air New Zealand said if its passengers are travelling between now and 9 March to or from an impacted airport in Australia, they can defer their flight without a fee, hold the value of their ticket or change to another one of its destinations by paying the fare difference. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast A delivery driver and his sons confronted a customer with metal poles during a row over a cold kebab in Scotland. Sadiq Yildirim, 57, and his sons Cerkez Yildirim, 26, and Erkan Yildirim, 31, were filmed wielding weapons on CCTV in Dumfries in July 2024 after a customer complained their food arrived late and cold. The customer threw the takeaway back into the delivery van, where Sadiq was sitting before the pair argued. Cerkez and Erkan then arrived with metal poles. The trio pleaded guilty to charges of threatening and abusive behaviour They were ordered to complete sentences of unpaid work within nine months. Sadiq was given 100 hours, reduced from 110 hours for his guilty plea at trial, while Cerkez and Erkan were told to complete 90 hours of unpaid work, reduced from 100 hours. Donald Trump appeared to give somewhat of a cryptic answer when he was pressed on the possibility of a Russia and Ukraine peace deal. The US president was asked for an update in relation to peace talks between the two countries as he signed several executive orders at the White House on Thursday (6 September). A journalist asked the president: When Zelensky inevitably comes back to the White House what do you expect from him? Trump replied: I think Ukraine wants to make a deal because I dont think they dont have a choice. I also think Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way, a way only I know, they have no choice either. A solo rower who was caught in Cyclone Alfred, which had winds of up to 100km/h, while attempting to cross the Pacific Ocean from California to Australia has been reunited with his wife. Aurimas Mockus, 44, from Lithuania, was stranded for three days in the Coral Sea around 460 miles off Queensland after encountering extreme weather conditions. He was rescued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Following his rescue. Mr Mockus described "fighting for his life" while he was stranded. As of Friday, 7 March, thousands in eastern Australia were ordered to evacuate as the cyclone lashed the region with torrential rain, fierce winds, and towering waves, causing widespread power outages, beach erosion, and airport closures. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As Tropical Cyclone Alfred barrels toward Australia's eastern coast, residents from Brisbane to northern New South Wales are bracing for a storm event not seen in over half a century. The cyclone, currently a Category 2 system, is expected to make landfall between Noosa and Coolangatta, north of Brisbane, late on Friday or early Saturday, bringing destructive winds, life-threatening flooding, and coastal erosion to some of Australias most densely populated areas. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Alfred could possibly reach a Category 3 status but the chances of that remain low. However, the storm was expected to remain on the stronger end of Category 2 when it makes landfall. Click here for live updates on Cyclone Alfred open image in gallery Cyclone Alfred is barrelling its way towards the Australian coast ( Zoom Earth ) That means winds of up to 150kmph per hour will be battering areas of Queensland and NSW, with rainfall totals expected up to 600mm, enough to swell up rivers and create flood risks in a wide, highly populated region. Queensland premier David Crisafulli called Cyclone Alfred an "extremely rare event, as he urged residents to pay heed to warnings. The last time Brisbane saw a tropical storm reach this close to its shores, it was 1990. Gold coast acting mayor Donna Gates said in terms of destructive winds and heavy rain, the city hasnt seen anything like this since 1952. But its not just the size of the storm that is concerning experts its how it has been moving. Most cyclones that form in the Coral Sea follow a typical pattern: they track southeastward, away from the Australian coastline, as they get caught in mid-latitude westerly winds. But Alfred has done the opposite. It initially moved out to sea southwards, travelling parallel to Australias east coast, and then took a sharp turn westward towards Australias eastern coast. Dr Liz Ritchie-Tyo, a professor of atmospheric sciences at Monash University, explains that this shift is due to Alfreds interaction with a mid-latitude trough a system of low pressure that extended northward and altered the storms movement. open image in gallery Dotted line shows Cyclone Alfred's movement from 22 February to 5 March as it nears landfallk ( Zoom Earth ) When tropical cyclones interact with a mid-latitude trough, they undergo a process called extratropical transition, she says. During this process, they can re-intensify into a hybrid system, sometimes even stronger than the original tropical cyclone. Now, as the mid-latitude trough moves east, Alfred has been left under the influence of the subtropical ridge, which is pushing it westward straight toward Australias southeast coast. This sharp westward turn is unusual, she said. Historically, tropical cyclones tend to weaken before reaching southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales due to cooler waters and wind shear changes in wind direction and speed that can break apart a cyclone. But thats not happening with Alfred. Tropical cyclones are normally contained to north of the 25-degree parallel, yet we are now seeing them track further south, says Dr Tom Mortlock, head of Climate Analytics Asia-Pacific. The last severe cyclones to make landfall near Brisbane were Dinah in 1967 and Wanda in 1974. The 1954 cyclone, which caused the Great Flood in northern NSW and southeast Queensland, is the best historical comparison. open image in gallery Map shows path and forecast of Cyclone Alfred ( Bureau of Meteorology ) The fact that Alfred is expected to maintain Category 2 intensity when it crosses the coast suggests that oceans are warm enough to sustain tropical cyclones much further south than usual. Warm ocean waters above 26.5C and low vertical wind shear are essential for a cyclone to develop, strengthen, and sustain itself. Climate crisis affects both. Currently, the water off the coast of Sydney has a temperature of 27C, about 1C above average. Rising global temperatures, driven by burning coal, oil and gas, are increasing sea surface temperatures across the planet, increasing marine heatwaves and fuelling hurricanes and cyclones. In fact, when Alfred developed in late February, it formed alongside two more systems. While it is not unheard of for two or three tropical cyclones to form out of the same trough, it is rare in the South Pacific. open image in gallery Brisbane residents prepare for the storm ( Getty Images ) Tropical cyclones are clearly linked to global warming. Scientists have been pointing this out for years, and we are now seeing evidence in real time stronger storms, reaching further, impacting a larger area, Dr Iftekhar Ahmed, associate professor the University of Newcastle. This is a problem we are seeing worldwide, Dr Mortlock adds. Right now, ocean temperatures are warm enough to sustain tropical cyclones as far south as Sydney, which is highly unusual. This years Atlantic Hurricane Season also saw an extraordinary number of storms with 11 of the 18 developing hurricane strength and five becoming major hurricanes. When Hurricane Milton devastated Florida, scientists found bath-tub hot waters off the coast drove its intensification. Another major concern is Alfreds slow movement. The cyclone is currently traveling at 14kmph, but there were concerns it could get slower than the average tropical cyclone, which typically moves between 15-20 kmph. Several tropical storms in recent years have been moving slowly, which gives them more time to intensify and if the system passes slowly over cities it bring more rainfall. The system is staying over the ocean longer, meaning it has more time to feed on warm waters, intensify, and maintain its strength before landfall, meteorologist Thomas Hinterdorfer told The Courier-Mail. We would much prefer a cyclone to come through faster, he said. Scientists warn that while tropical storms have always been devastating, climate crisis is making them stronger, more frequent, and more unpredictable. We need to start planning for a future where these types of storms become more common, Dr. Ahmed says. This isnt just a one-off event this is the new reality. He made his call and then it was up to me to make my call and I did Joey OBrien on decision to take over from Damien Duff and nervy win over Cork Boeing chief executive officer Kelly Ortberg told employees that tariffs imposed by Donald Trump risk driving up costs, highlighting the fragility of a finely tuned supply-chain network that now faces disruption. The tariffs would mean higher costs for certain parts purchased from Canada, such as landing gear, Mr Ortberg said during his second companywide address to workers. The CEO said his bigger concern, however, is tariffs turning into a continuity of supply issue. Irish acts Kneecap, CMAT, Sprints, Inhaler, The Script and Snow Patrol are all featured on the line-up for this years Glastonbury Festival. The 1975 and Olivia Rodrigo will join Neil Young as headliners at the festival. CMAT will be the first of the Irish Acts to take to the stage on Friday on the Pyramid Stage at 1.30pm, followed by Inhaler on the Other Stage at 2.15pm. While The Script will perform on the Pyramid Stage at 3pm and Kneecap will perform on Saturday on the West Holts Stage at 4pm. Controversy has surrounded rap trio Kneecap and UK prime minister Keir Starmer has said he does not think Kneecaps planned Glastonbury Festival performance is appropriate. He made the comments after Kneecap member Liam Og O hAnnaidh appeared in court on Wednesday, after being charged for allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah while saying up Hamas, up Hezbollah at a gig in November last year. However, Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis has said Kneecap is welcome at the festival despite Mr Starmers comments. "There have been a lot of really heated topics this year, but we remain a platform for many, many artists from all over the world and, you know, everyone is welcome here, she said. Meanwhile, Snow Patrol will take to the Other Stage on Sunday at 6pm. Manchester-formed rockers The 1975 will perform on the Friday, Canadian legend Young heads up the Saturday, and US star Rodrigo will take the Sunday slot. Multi-Brit winner and creator of the social phenomenon brat summer Charli XCX will play the Other Stage on Saturday night. Hip-hop star Loyle Carner will also be on the same stage on Friday. The Prodigy close the festival there on Sunday with a show that will be their first at the festival since the death of frontman Keith Flint in 2019. Other acts announced include Biffy Clyro, Alanis Morissette, Noah Kahan, Wolf Alice, Wet Leg and the recently reformed Scissor Sisters. They join Snow Patrol, who will play on Sunday night. Young was confirmed in January, after initially refusing to play the Pyramid Stage because of an error in the information received. He had said the festival was under the corporate control of the BBC, because of the corporations broadcasting rights. Rod Stewart was already confirmed for the teatime legends slot on the Sunday. On the West Holts stage, American rapper and songwriter Doechii, who rose to prominence on TikTok, will perform for the first time. Other first-timers include Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young and Brandi Carlile, who was nominated for a 2025 original song Oscar alongside Elton John. Rising star Myles Smith, funk group Cymande, US rapper Shaboozey and former Tubeway Army frontman Gary Numan will also make their Glastonbury debut. Kneecap The 1975 and Olivia Rodrigo announced as Glastonbury 2025 headliners The 1975, fronted by Matty Healy, have headlined various festivals in the UK and around the world, with controversial stage antics. Last month, the band was found not liable after a Malaysian festival was closed because Healy kissed a male bandmate on stage. They had been sued by the organisers of the Good Vibes Festival, Future Sound Asia, after they were forced to shut the event early by authorities in Malaysia, where homosexuality is a crime. Rodrigo, meanwhile, is set to play her biggest Irish show to date when she takes to the stage at Marlay Park, Dublin, on June 24. Other acts to play at Glastonbury in June include Franz Ferdinand, Blossoms, PinkPantheress, Self Esteem, and Raye. Acid-dropping FBI agents, the Beatles, a singing cult leader Netflix leaves the Manson murders as murky as ever Chaos: The Manson Murders has little new to tell us about the killing of Sharon Tate and her friends, unless we believe the FBI and CIA were somehow in on it Cult leader Charles Manson in court in 1970. Photo: Bettmann Archive/Getty Ann Marie Hourihane Fri 7 Mar 2025 at 03:30 True crime. It always promises us new discoveries, new evidence and new theories but then turns out to be nothing more than a thrilling rehearsal of the facts. Maybe thats enough. Hannah Quinn-Mulligan: Why conventional dairy farmers producers dont trust the organic companies The demand is there for more organic dairy farmers it would help if the co-ops looked beyond organic milk and yoghurt Hannah Quinn-Mulligan has been 'inundated with requests for organic milk'. Photo: Don Moloney Hannah Quinn-Mulligan Fri 7 Mar 2025 at 08:23 You know a story has made the rounds when you hear it repeated back to you by someone you least expect. A farm with 1,400 cattle showed symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease at the beginning of March. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Hungarian authorities confirmed the country's first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease after more than 50 years. The case has been identified by the National Food Chain Safety Authority (Nebih) on a cattle farm near the north west border with Slovakia near the village of Kisbajcs. Foot-and-mouth disease causes fever and mouth blisters in cloven-hoofed ruminants such as cattle, swine, sheep and goats. It is very rarely transmitted to humans, but due to its extremely high contagiousness and rapid spread in livestock, its appearance has serious economic consequences. The countrys chief veterinarian has ordered immediate measures to prevent the spread of the disease. A farm with 1,400 cattle showed symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease at the beginning of March. The eradication of the herd and the investigation of the source of infection are in progress. The presence of the pathogen was confirmed by the Nebih laboratory, which is why Dr Szabolcs Pasztor, the national chief veterinarian, immediately ordered the closure of the farm and the initiation of an epidemiological investigation, according to a statement from Nebih. In order to prevent the further spread of the disease, extremely strict official measures will be implemented, including a ban on the transport of susceptible live animal species and their products. In January, German authorities confirmed the country's first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in nearly 40 years in a herd of water buffalo on the outskirts of Berlin. The European Commission will host a meeting on Friday to discuss urgent protective measures to be put in place. When asked if there was a link between this outbreak and the one that occurred in Germany in January, the Commission replied that no such link has been made but investigations are ongoing. Ireland suffered an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2001, its first case since 1941. On March 22 the first outbreak of foot-and-mouth was confirmed in the Irish Republic in a sheep flock near Jenkinstown, Co Louth. An aggressive slaughter policy was initiated with the cull of animals extending to 13,000 sheep and 3,000 cows within the exclusion zone in Co Louth. While a lifting of the restrictions was announced a month later in the area, the overall cost of controlling the FMD outbreak is estimated at around 0.2pc of GDP. A young girl who died in an accident in Co Derry was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, her school has said. Caitlin-Rose McMullan (11) was struck by a car after exiting her school bus near Castledawson. The schoolgirl was rushed to hospital in Belfast following the accident on Wednesday afternoon, but passed away. Caitlin-Rose was a first year pupil at St Pius X College in Magherafelt. The school said: It was with profound sadness that we were informed this morning about the loss of one of our pupils. Caitlin Rose McMullan. Photo: McCusker Bros Funeral Directors Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 7th "Our thoughts and prayers are with Caitlin-Roses mother and father, her brother, Shea, who is also a pupil at St. Pius X College, and the wider family circle during this incredibly difficult time. Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling. "Her form teachers described her as a joy to teach due to her kind and fun-loving nature. She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike. "Over the course of Year 8, Caitlin-Rose earned numerous accolades for excellent effort and outstanding classwork, approaching every assignment with interest and enthusiasm. Caitlin Roses friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services. Caitlin-Rose McMullan (11) Very Rev John Gates, the parish priest in Magherafelt, said the community has been left distraught. I havent been speaking to the family yet, but the community has once again been left devastated and distraught by a terrible family tragedy, he said. The thoughts and prayers of everyone in this community are with the family. Education Minister Paul Givan said he was deeply shocked and saddened by the news. "As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news, he said. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident. "I have spoken to the principal at St Pius X College and assured him of my support. A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said staff were deeply shocked and saddened. Our sincere condolences are with the family, friends, fellow pupils and staff at the school, and all those affected by this tragic incident, they said. The EAs critical incident response team are supporting the school during this difficult time and will provide emotional support to both students and staff. They said the family, school and wider community will need time and space to grieve this unimaginable loss. The accident happened on the Hillhead Road shortly before 4pm on Wednesday. The PSNI has appealed for witnesses to the accident to come forward. Inspector Adair said: There was a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene. "I would ask anyone with footage not to share it on social media, but instead forward it to police through the Major Incident Public Portal. This footage will be of great assistance to officers investigating the collision. The Hillhead Road in Castledawson has reopened following this serious collision and our investigation continues. The PSNI have clarified the age of the deceased is 11 Chloe finds a hobby: I swagger into class expecting to become the Miles Davis of the tin whistle Often pushed on primary school children as an easy option, the instrument is anything but, Chloe McPolin discovers as she begins her search for a new hobby on the wrong note I wanted to be the Miles Davis of the tin whistle but its too hard Chloe McPolin Fri 7 Mar 2025 at 03:30 The screeching sound of the tin whistle, badly played, is a hallmark of the Irish primary school experience. Children without a musical bone in their body are coerced into learning what is seen as an easy instrument. The sister of Robin Wilkin has said she feels overwhelmed by the lack of remorse shown by her brother's "cold, calculating" murderers and by the way they dumped his body over Ireland's tallest cliffs "as if his life was worthless". Education Minister Helen McEntee was informed about the overpayment in a briefing document. Photo: Collins Staff at the Department of Education have put together a plan to recoup overpayments of 6.8m made to current and former school staff, as well as retirees, up to the end of 2023. The figure was revealed in a briefing document prepared for new Education Minister Helen McEntee. These overpayments made up 0.1pc of the Department of Educations overall payroll budget. Money was owed by around 3,950 individuals. A detailed project plan has been put together to address the issues that led to the overpayments, according to the document. Repayments are typically deducted from salaries or where there is still money owed at retirement, deducted from pensions. There is a greater challenge in respect of staff who are no longer employed by the Department and who have no pension entitlement, the document stated. Work is ongoing in engaging with this category of former staff. Education Minister Helen McEntee was informed about the overpayment in a briefing document. Photo: Collins Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 7th The document also outlined how the impact of generative AI is being factored into the redevelopment of the senior cycle, which is being supported by the State Examinations Commission (SEC). Recent developments in the field of AI, including large language models or generative AI, has provoked considerable commentary about the potential impact of these technologies on the education sector and in particular on assessment, it said. On the teaching of Irish in English-speaking schools, the department noted evidence pointed to a need for additional support and guidance. A two-year action plan is being developed with the aim of improving the teaching and learning of Irish in English-speaking schools across the country. Steps are also being taken to ensure children are not left without transport to school, an issue that arose for some children and parents this school year. The Department said the issues arose due to a lack of driver or contractor availability despite repeated procurement efforts. Work is under way to mitigate these issues in future years, including working with Bus Eireann to streamline the current procurement process for contractors, and the establishment of a working group to action possible solutions to increase the availability of drivers, the briefing document stated. Also outlined in the document was a need for 400 new special classes and 300 new special school places every year for the next three years. Demand at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly. The Department and the NCSE (National Council for Special Education) engage heavily with post-primary schools in preparation for accommodating approximately four special classes in every school. Challenges identified in delivering these additional classes and places included capital funding for refurbishing existing buildings, providing additional accommodation and finding teachers to fill roles in those classes and schools. A high demand for special classes and school places was acknowledged in the document. Its not about the money, its just having to do it all again home that had 600,000 Room to Improve makeover is damaged in blaze A sixth man has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of Quham Babatunde on South Anne Street in Dublin. The man, aged in his 20s, was arrested yesterday afternoon over the violent assault on February 15 in Dublin city centre. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act at a Garda station in Dublin. Five other men aged in their 20s have appeared before courts in Dublin and Northern Ireland as part of the investigation. Quham Babatunde (34), a Nigerian citizen who had sought asylum in Ireland, was stabbed multiple times during a large street brawl on South Anne Street in Dublin 2. A man, aged in his 20s, was arrested by gardai on February 26 and charged in connection with the fatal stabbing. He appeared in court the following day. Sean Forde (23) was also arrested on February 25 and appeared at Dublin District Court the following day. Mr Forde, with an address at Bath Road, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, was charged with committing violent disorder. On February 21, Ryan Ndede (23) from Boroimhe Birches in Swords, Co Dublin, appeared before a district judge at Belfast Magistrates Court, following his arrest onboard a ferry from Belfast to Birkenhead. He was remanded in custody to appear before the court again on March 21. Rory Carr (21) has also been charged with violent disorder and assaulting Babatunde. Jeffrey Bangu (21) appeared in court on February 17, accused of brandishing a knife and attacking Mr Babatunde. He also allegedly assaulted and injured another man in the melee outside a nightclub on South Anne Street. Mr Bangu was remanded in custody for DPP directions after no bail application was made on his behalf. Investigations are ongoing, a Garda spokesperson confirmed. Environment Minister Darragh OBrien has said he does not need to apologise for the letter he sent to Simon Harris and Micheal Martin that said about 40,000 houses would be built last year. Last August, the then housing minister sent the letter to Mr Martin, who was tanaiste at the time, Mr Harris, who was taoiseach, and former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, outlining that Ireland was on track to see close to 40,000 new homes built. The figure was used by Mr Harris and Mr Martin in the lead-up to the general election, with opposition parties now claiming they misled the public. Speaking after he left the first UK-Ireland summit in Liverpool yesterday, Mr OBrien said he had not apologised for the letter and did not think he needed to. No, I havent apologised for any letter. Ive explained the context in which the projections were given, he said. Former housing minister Darragh O'Brien. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 7th Mr OBrien went on to say that while nearly 130,000 new homes had been built in the past four-and-a-half years, he was disappointed with last years figures. We did a lot, and we want to accelerate that. I was clear, and publicly I didnt shy away from it at all, that we were disappointed with the out-turn last year. Unquestionably, he said. The minister also hit out at people opposing data centres in Ireland for being short-sighted. As part of the UK-Ireland summit, Mr OBrien participated in a bilateral meeting on energy with the UKs energy minister Ed Miliband, at which the pooling of resources for offshore renewables was discussed. Mr OBrien said that when it came to data centres, Ireland had to look at it with a strategic perspective. We look at AI, new technological developments. Data has to be stored, and a lot of the companies that are storing data in Ireland have thousands upon thousands of employees in the country, he said. The minister added that those against data centres in Ireland were absolutely incorrect. Those who say we should not have data centres, or should not be open to them, are absolutely incorrect and are being short-sighted, he said. Micheal Martin meets with Keir Starmer as key diplomacy visit to America looms Tanaiste Simon Harris and US secretary of state Marco Rubio appeared to be at loggerheads over what exactly was discussed in relation to trade during a phone call between the pair. The impasse came just days before Taoiseach Micheal Martin is due to fly to the US to meet president Donald Trump to mark St Patricks Day. Tensions between Mr Trump and European countries are heightened, not least with the president threatening to impose hefty 25pc tariffs on EU goods within a matter of weeks. Yesterday, Mr Harris moved to deny a trade imbalance between Ireland and the US was discussed on his call with Mr Rubio, contradicting a statement put out by the US administration. The US version of events explicitly stated the Tanaiste and Rubio had discussed the trade imbalance. Both leaders expressed eagerness to work together to address our shared interests. They discussed the US priority to address the US-Ireland trade imbalance, said spokesperson Tammy Bruce in the statement. However, in contrast to this, the readout from the Irish Government about the phone call referenced investment in the US, but did not mention the trade imbalance. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Mr Harris insisted the trade imbalance was not specifically referenced during the 20-minute call. Pressed on whether the US readout was wrong, he said: No, the Americans obviously have their perspective in relation to the issue of trade. It came in a crucial period for diplomacy between Ireland and the US, as well as Britain and EU member states. The Taoiseach met British prime minister Keir Starmer in Liverpool at the first British-Irish summit since Labours general election victory. It is understood the two were set to compare notes on dealing with an increasingly volatile US president. Mr Starmer met with Mr Trump just last week and appeared in conciliatory mood as he offered a letter from King Charles inviting the president for a second state visit. When Mr Martin gets his audience with Mr Trump next Wednesday, he will be the latest in a string of world leaders to hold meetings with the president, some of which have ended fractiously. Most infamously, the meeting between Mr Trump and Ukrainian president Volodomyr Zelensky a week ago degenerated into a shouting match in the Oval Office. Trade is sure to be on the agenda, with the US now threatening to hit goods made in the EU with a 25pc tariff. Perhaps seeking to defuse any potential row, Mr Harris yesterday said he was the one who brought up trade while on the call. Secretary Rubio said to me that he understood the importance of the transatlantic economic relationship, Mr Harris said. I said that I understood it was absolutely open to any government, of course, to review its economic trade policies, but that I hope that those trade policies would respect the fact that the transatlantic relationship is mutually beneficial. When it actually came to trade, it was actually me who brought it up, because Im conscious that Secretary Rubio doesnt have responsibility for trade in the way I do in the Irish Government. I did want to take the opportunity on the call with him to say that, look, I know when any government gets elected, including a US government, of course, it has every right to pause and examine its economic policies, its trade policies, its relationship with other countries. Thats fine. Thats a democracy, but that we do have a very strong transatlantic relationship between the US and Ireland. The US Department of State has been contacted for comment. Speaking after the conclusion of the first UK-Ireland Summit, which took place at Inglewood Manor, just outside Liverpool, the Tanaiste said he told Mr Rubio the scenes in the Oval Office with Mr Zelensky were upsetting. We discussed Ukraine and I made the point that the scenes that we saw in recent days between President Zelensky and the United States were deeply unsettling and upsetting. We needed to get back on track, that even with Europe doing more and Europe will and should do more in terms of its own security and defence we will still require the United States of America in terms of how we take these things forward. The Taoiseach has committed to raising Irelands views on Ukraine and Gaza when he meets the US president. Mr Martin said Ireland will express a desire for a durable and sustainable peace in Ukraine, as well as a consolidation of the ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. He said he was travelling to celebrate the historical links between Ireland and the US, adding that the week of St Patricks Day was the traditional time to do that. The Taoiseach also said the visit was important for the Irish diaspora, as 30 million US citizens claim Irish descent. Thatch to the future: how a landmark pub was brought back from the dead The owners of Gartlans in Kingscourt, Co Cavan, restored the bar to its former glory, even preserving the smoke stains on the ceiling Sheila and Padraig Smith outside Gartlans pub. Photo: David Conachy Kim Bielenberg Fri 7 Mar 2025 at 03:30 The former Cavan publican Paul Gartlan does not mince his words when he offers the opinion that it is hard to be anonymous in an Irish bar. The announcement they had been dreading for months was over, like a TikTok video, in a matter of seconds. Workers at the Chinese-owned social media giant knew redundancies were likely since early this year. The confirmation on Wednesday was still shocking, particularly the scale of what they face. Up to 300 of them are set to lose their jobs, 10pc of the workforce. They come from around the globe, from a range of sectors. Some have degrees in law. Many rent apartments in the city centre, and work on a hybrid basis. In-office days are spent at a former An Post sorting office, a seven-storey, modern, spacious HQ in the Docklands with rest areas, meeting rooms, mini canteens and glass lifts. For the past couple of weeks staff have known this was on the horizon, said John Bohan, data organiser at the Communications Workers Union (CWU), which has members at TikTok. They werent aware of the scale. Theres a real shock at that. They fall into two camps. They fight or they freeze. Its a very normal reaction to a big shock. Those who are not affected in this round are very conscious that there could be more on the horizon. A lot are locked into expensive rent and fixed-term leases. They are worried. You only have to take a look at the job market in the sector and the political direction from the US to cut back on this. There are less checks and balances. Its a very difficult time. He was referring to the fact that many facing redundancy work in trust and safety teams at the video-sharing platform. This is essentially content moderation, the weeding out of offensive material. TikTok would have been the golden goose in terms of trust and moderation, he said. Its a more secure and better paid part of the industry. He said the workforces age range tends to be from mid-20s to early 50s and the pay is considered good, at upwards of 45,000 a year. In a letter to Enterprise Minister Peter Burke yesterday, Fionnuala Ni Bhrogain, head of organising at the CWU, said the job-loss announcement has come as an enormous shock to staff and has caused huge distress and angst among affected workers. TikTok is the latest tech company to announce redundancies. Stock image. Photo: Getty Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 7th She said one way to mitigate the number of redundancies is by adopting a voluntary-first approach. In a separate letter to Maroua Bouyahya, head of trust and safety operations EMEA at TikTok, she said members are deeply concerned about the scale of the proposed redundancies and again called for a voluntary-first approach. She claimed staff believe there is a culture of silence that makes it impossible for them to discuss the threat to their future. Speaking as he left a UK-Ireland Summit in Liverpool yesterday, Tanaiste Simon Harris said he did not know the specifics of the TikTok decision. He said he did know there had been a period of adjustment in many large tech companies across the world, which have been scaling back the size of their workforces. But there are lots of other opportunities in those sectors, he said, and he expects Ireland and Dublin to continue to be a base for growth and good jobs. A TikTok spokesperson declined to comment. Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary said: Following the recent announcement from Tik Tok, I am acutely aware that this is a time of great uncertainty for the employees concerned and their families. My first priority and that of my officials at the Department of Social Protection is to ensure that those affected employees will receive access to all necessary supports without delay. My Department has already been in contact with the company to offer information on all of the income and employment supports available to assist these employees over the coming months. A team from the Department is available to meet with the workforce to ensure prompt access to income supports and to support them into alternative employment, or to access appropriate education, training and development options. When a person moves onto a jobseeker payment, including from 31 March onto the new Pay-Related Jobseekers Benefit, my Department works with the individuals focusing on what they need to assist them re-enter the workforce. This individualised support comes in various forms including a range of employment programmes and schemes available when a person returns to employment, to full or part time education or who wishes to start their own business. Anyone affected should note that the easiest and quickest way to apply for a jobseeker's payment is online at MyWelfare.ie, which provides safe, convenient online access to social welfare services. Midweek dinners, for me, are all about simplifying things and getting food on the table before the kids start kicking off. Around 5pm, the heat is on and patience is running thin. Thats when having a few quick recipes up your sleeve comes in handy, and with some clever shortcuts, you can whip up meals that are fast, flavourful and dont involve a family meltdown. These three recipes are set to be your saviours cut them out and stick them on the back of the kitchen press. First, for a simple pasta supper, try garlic butter prawns with spaghetti and peas. I always keep a bag of frozen prawns on standby because they defrost fast. The sweet pop of peas balances out the rich, garlicky prawns, and you can use whatever pasta is lurking in the cupboard. Next up is spicy air-fried chicken tacos with quick slaw. Growing up, my mom had spaghetti bolognese on the weekly menu a no-fuss, reliable dinner she could make with her eyes closed. In our house, taco night holds that sacred place in the weekly routine. Its the perfect assembly job dinner: quick to prepare, easy to customise, and guaranteed to get the kids excited about dinner, mainly because they get to build their own. Lay everything on the table, and suddenly dinner feels more like a fun DIY project. Torch the tortillas over an open flame and keep warm in a kitchen towel. For a little spice, try these Thai red curry noodles. If you dont have a jar of Thai red curry paste in your cupboard, I recommend adding one to your weekly shop its basically the first step for quick dinners. Packed with spice and aromatics, it transforms a handful of simple ingredients into something that tastes like youve put in way more effort than you actually have. These noodles come together in minutes. Soak rice noodles in hot water (no boiling required), toss them with a quick coconut curry sauce, and load them with whatever veggies need using up. And if youve got leftover curry paste, use it to jazz up a fish curry, spice up a soup, or even mix a little into mayo for a next-level sandwich spread. Garlic Butter Prawns with Spaghetti and Peas Garlic Butter Prawns with Spaghetti and Peas. Photo: Donal Skehan; Food Styling: Charlotte OConnell Serves: 4 Time: 20 minutes Ingredients 500g raw king prawns, shelled and deveined 6 garlic cloves, finely sliced Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 6 tbsp olive oil 400g spaghetti 100g peas 1 tsp chilli flakes (or more if you can handle it!) 3 anchovies Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Fresh basil, to garnish Method 1. Toss the prawns in a medium bowl with one clove of garlic, zest of half a lemon and one tablespoon of olive oil and set aside for at least 20 minutes to allow the prawns to take on the flavours. 2. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Add peas in the last 2 minutes of cooking. 3. Meanwhile, in a large frying pan on medium, add two tablespoons of olive oil. Then add the prawns to the pan. Cook gently for 5-6 minutes, turning halfway through to cook evenly on both sides. 4. Remove them from the pan and set aside. Add another three tablespoons of oil to the pan along with the garlic, chilli and anchovies. Saute for 2-3 minutes before adding the prawns back to this. 5. Using tongs, transfer the cooked spaghetti and peas directly from their cooking water to the pan with the olive oil and garlic, then toss in the prawns with all the lemony pan juices and stir through vigorously until completely combined. If necessary, add some of the pasta water to loosen up and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. 6. Garnish with basil and serve immediately. Spicy Air-Fried Chicken Tacos with Quick Slaw Spicy Air-Fried Chicken Tacos with Quick Slaw. Photo: Donal Skehan; Food Styling: Charlotte OConnell Makes: 6 tacos Time: 30 minutes Ingredients 6 chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into strips 1 tbsp fajita or taco seasoning 2 tbsp olive oil Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper 75ml hot sauce of your choice (I like to use a chipotle one such as Cholula) 180g mozzarella cheese, shredded 6 mini flour tortillas For the quick slaw: head white cabbage Juice & zest of 1 lime, plus wedges to serve 1 onion, peeled Handful of coriander, roughly chopped Method 1. Place the sliced chicken into a bowl along with fajita or taco seasoning, oil and a good pinch of salt and pepper. 2. Place into an air fryer basket and cook at 180C for 16 minutes. 3. While the chicken cooks, shred the white cabbage into thin slices and place into a bowl. Add the juice and zest of a lime and a pinch of salt, then massage together with your hands, really working the acid and salt into the cabbage. Set aside. 4. Finely dice the onion and mix with the juice of the remaining a lime and some chopped coriander. 5. When the chicken is cooked, remove from the air fryer and roughly slice so you have pieces that will fit into your tacos. Add to a bowl and mix with the hot sauce, stirring to coat the chicken. 6. Brush the tortillas with a little olive oil on both sides and sprinkle the cheese over the tortillas. Place the spicy chicken on one half of each tortilla, then fold each tortilla in half to seal, making a half moon shape. Place back into the air fryer for 4-5 minutes to crisp the tacos and melt the cheese. 7. Serve tacos to the table, stuffing with the slaw and the onion/coriander mix. Serve with a few lime wedges for squeezing. and some extra hot sauce if you want. Thai Red Curry Noodles Thai Red Curry Noodles. Photo: Donal Skehan; Food Styling: Charlotte OConnell Serves: 2 Time: 30 minutes Ingredients 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste 1 red chilli, roughly chopped 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 chicken breasts, sliced 1x400g tin full-fat coconut milk 200g rice noodles 4 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp light soy sauce 2 tsp honey Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges to serve 100g sugar snap peas 2 spring onions, sliced into 1cm lengths Handful of fresh coriander and Thai basil 75g peanuts, crushed Method 1. Place the curry paste, red chilli, garlic and ginger into a blender and blitz until smooth. 2. Place a wok over a medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, then add the blitzed paste, and cook for 5 minutes until the paste becomes fragrant and turns a little darker in colour. Continue to cook for a further 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, then add the sliced chicken and cook for a couple of minutes to seal the chicken. 3. Add the coconut milk and bring to the boil, then allow everything to cook for 8-10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. 4. Cook the rice noodles according to the packet instructions, then drain and set aside to keep warm. 5. When the chicken has cooked, season the curry sauce with the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey and the juice of a lime. Add the sugar snaps and sliced spring onions and cook for 4 minutes until the veg is tender, then stir the cooked noodles through the sauce. 6. Serve into bowls and garnish with coriander and Thai basil, if you have it, along with some lime wedges and peanuts. Only weeks ago, it would have been inconceivable to imagine an emergency summit being called by European leaders to show solidarity for Ukraine and to get Europes own defences in place as Washington had aligned itself with Vladimir Putin. As EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said: Europe faces a clear and present danger, and therefore Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself. UK prime minister Keir Starmer has played down talk of a rift between Europe and Washington, as any skilled diplomat might. But the facts speak for themselves. We watched in shock when the US voted with Russia against Ukraine at the UN. Hearts sank further when we saw the US cut critical military aid to Kyiv. The unspoken view is that Mr Trump claims to seek peace, but entirely on Russias terms. The rehabilitation of Putin and the demonetisation of Volodymyr Zelensky by Mr Trump are completely at odds with European interests. Mr Starmer has again appealed for a ceasefire to be backed up by robust security guarantees for Ukraine, but Washington and Moscow have swatted such ideas away. With the existing Nato system of nuclear deterrence which is based on US nuclear weapons now in question, the new order suggests it is every nation for itself. Such are the security issues with which Europe must grapple. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the idea of an attack on Europe as stupid and delirious nonsense, but in the too-recent past, similar derision was heaped on the idea that Moscow had plans to invade Ukraine. Trump insiders say it is best to judge him by his actions, not his words, but we have seen enough to know the US sees greater gain in siding with Moscow than it does with Kyiv. If the price of bringing Russia in from the cold means edging Europe out and leaving Ukraine prey to Putin it is a trade-off the Trump administration seems happy to make. That millions of lives are at stake does not seem to matter, as the bottom line overrides humanitarian concerns. Old connections that have maintained peace for decades are being severed as the global order crumbles. In the new paradigm, you are either a competitor or an adversary. Having allies is regarded as a weakness. Europes entire defence must be reimagined. Ms von der Leyen has spoken of committing 800bn to bolstering the blocs security. Even this will be regarded as only a down-payment on containing the threat a revanchist Russia could now pose to the Western world. At that now-infamous meeting in the Oval Office, Mr Trump accused Mr Zelensky of gambling with the lives of millions of people. Youre gambling with World War III. But, as has been pointed out before, were Mr Trump to heed the lessons of World War II, he would realise appeasing dictators ends in disaster. The people of Gaza have every reason to fear an out-of-control Donald Trump, supporting Israel and bent on their eradication. The Gaza ceasefire had three phases. Phase one was completed successfully. Hostages and prisoners were freed. But Israel has refused to engage with phase two, which spelled out the removal of its troops and an end to the war. In this phase, Hamas promised to release all remaining hostages at once. They also made clear they will not be part of the government of Gaza on the day after. The Arab peace proposal is a detailed plan for the $53bn (49m) reconstruction of Gaza while its traumatised people remain in place. It would give Palestinians less than 22pc of their historical homeland, and in return Israel would gain normalisation with its Arab and Muslim neighbours. It also spells out a road map for Palestinian and international governance of the Strip during the rebuilding of the bombed, rubble-strewn enclave. Yet the ink was barely dry before Israel and the US rejected the plan and Trump issued his demand for the release of all the hostages, with no reciprocal action or releases of Palestinians. This is a breach of the carefully crafted ceasefire deal. It is clear Trump supports the resumption of Israels attacks on the people of Gaza. The beginning is starving them of all aid. And still the Irish Government stalls on sanctions. Betty Purcell, Dublin 6 Oval Office meeting was not the disaster critics of US are eager to paint it as The hyperbolic reactions to the recent Oval Office meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky underscore a persistent anti-Trump narrative that has prevailed since he entered politics a decade ago. Critics often fail to provide rational justifications for their views, suggesting a media-driven indoctrination. During the meeting, Zelensky seemed intent on relitigating the causes of the war in Ukraine, which detracts from the possibility of resolving it. If Trump genuinely aims to broker a peace deal between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, it is unrealistic to take an antagonistic stance towards Putin, unlike Joe Bidens approach. Moreover, just before this meeting, Zelensky met with Democratic lawmakers, raising concerns that, influenced by their animosity towards Trump, he might have been encouraged to adopt a more defiant attitude. This situation is compounded by the continuing debate over a potential mineral rights agreement between Ukraine and the US. This could strengthen economic ties and provide a security guarantee, potentially bringing an end to the conflict. Finally, Trumps recent address to Congress highlighted Democrats disconnection from the electorate, as their refusal to applaud key points reflected a broader misalignment with what Americans want. Polls indicate Trumps continued strong support, particularly regarding Ukraine, suggesting Zelensky must reconsider his strategy in light of these realities. Michael P Hyde, Mallow, Co Cork We cant rely on America, so Ireland must join rest of world in defending Kyiv When Volodymyr Zelensky was forced to stand up for himself and his country against two bullies, one sensed a shifting of the global tectonic plates apropos worldwide security. Its incredible to think that the leader of the free world has decided effectively to align himself with the dictator of Russia. I am at a complete loss as to what drives Mr Trumps motivation to curry favour with Mr Putin. Its very obvious we now no longer have a trustworthy ally in the US, which I think is a tragedy. This now places an onus on the rest of the world to step up in defending Ukraine. I find it difficult to see how peace can be brokered by forcing Mr Zelensky to bend his knee and capitulate. The rest of the world has to step up in defence of Ukraine, and this includes Ireland. John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary There is simply no reason for Taoiseach to change his tune on the triple lock I note Taoiseach Micheal Martin stated that Russia in particular could not be allowed to have a veto on the deployment of Irish military. We should remember three things in relation to the triple lock. 1. It came into being before the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty to reassure voters of Irelands continued neutrality. 2. It was approved in 2009 by the cabinet in which Mr Martin was a minister (Cabinet is based on joint responsibility and confidentiality). 3. The UN Security Council had the same permanent membership then as now. If it is wrong now for another country to have a veto on Irish military deployment, it was wrong then. Was the whole triple lock another case of Ag Inisint Breaga Aris? Paddy Murray, Castlepollard, Co Westmeath UK Labours landslide exposes the deficiencies of the British voting system Senan Molony wrote of the UK Labour Partys landslide in last years general election (Why Micheal Martin wont be waving any red flags to a bullish Donald Trump when he visits the White House, Irish Independent, March 5). In fact, Labour won only 34pc of the votes cast a lower share than they won under Jeremy Corbyn in 2017. Labours apparent landslide is more a result of the iniquities of the UKs first-past-the-post voting system than any significant electoral success. Irelands electoral system may not be perfect, but it is far more fair and representative in its results than the voting arrangements in the UK. Ian Kelly, Kilburn, London Martin should spin 1.4m security hut as a tribute to presidents unique style As the Taoiseach visits President Trump this St Patricks week with the shamrock, heres a thought: Ireland has spent 1.4m on a security hut inspired by the presidents hairstyle. Surely thats worth him reconsidering tariffs on Irish goods. Sheila Fagan, Drogheda, Co Louth Ireland face a battle as French arrive for crucial Six Nations encounter The French are here, hoping to break Irish hearts with their joue, jouer freestyle rugby brand. I have a hunch La crunch will be more hand-to-hand combat than a charge of the light brigade. Allez les verts. Ed Toal, Galway The track will feature on Marks forthcoming album titled Silhouettes. Cork musician Mark Lyndon has paid homage to a North Cork man famously responsible for creating a large cairn before he headed off to fight in World War I. Eoin Buckley built the structure in case he didnt return from the battlefield, and the cairn still stands to this day. The track titled Buckleys Folly is Marks third release to date. With notes of Planxty and Paul Brady etched in the piece, its a tune that fits the folk genre like a glove. Maria Ryan plays the strings with the bouzouki provided by Richie Delahunty. The track will feature on Marks forthcoming album titled Silhouettes. Mark believes Eoin must have been a unique character in his time. Eoin Buckley must have been quite a unique character for his time, to have constructed such a monument in honour of himself when subservience to the church and state was the norm, he told The Corkman. According to Mark, Eoin Buckley returned from WW1 to find that Ireland had changed and that the honour of serving in the British Army was no longer quite the positive distinction due to political events. I like to think that the cairn still stands as a kind of two-finger salute to the imposing norms of a monocultural society, Mark added. Since his last release, titled First Light, Mark has played venues across the country, opening for various acts such as Donal Lunny and Andy Irvine, Muireann Bradley, John Blek and Mundy. Mark also featured as a showcase artist at this years Your Roots Are Showing folk conference in Killarney. Buckleys Folly will be available to download on all major streaming sites from March 13. GAA Noel Horgan: Dublins upset was the greatest since 1966, Cork will see opportunity beckon It would be hard to convince those of us around long enough to have seen them at their peak that the Tipperary team of the early sixties shouldnt be ranked close to, or at, the top of the list of all-time great hurling sides. Each cup cover is washable / reusable and comes in a transportable pouch A Dublin bar has introduced a safety initiative allowing customers to purchase cup covers for 5 to prevent spiking but the move has had a mixed reaction. Announcing the new initiative on their social media, Wigwam, on Middle Abbey Street, shared a picture of a drink with a cup cover on top of it. Welcoming our newest safety initiative, our Wigwam Cup Covers are now available for purchase in the venue for 5 per cover. Each cup cover is washable/reusable and comes in its own transportable pouch. Pop in and grab yours at the bar! The reactions to the initiative have been varied, with many praising the idea, while others have raised concerns about the cost and the bar's responsibility. Some commenters were supportive, with one simply saying, "Love this, and another describing it as a good safety initiative. However, others raised concerns about the cost, questioning why the cup covers werent free. One person argued: Really, guys, I think these should be free or part of some sort of larger anti-spiking initiative. Each cup cover is washable / reusable and comes in a transportable pouch A spokesperson for Wigwam said it has been pleased with the predominantly positive reaction to the cup covers since announcing them. We have been selling them in the venue for the last two months and have received entirely positive feedback from those that use them, they said. We sell these at cost price to us and make no profit off the sale. They are custom-made, are machine washable, and will stand the test of time. Wed love to be able to give these out for free, but wed go out of business pretty quickly if we did that, they added. Spiking incidents, involving the addition of substances to drinks or other methods of drug administration without consent, have increased significantly in recent years, according to figures from An Garda Siochana. Between 2010 and 2016, incidents remained low, with fewer than 12 cases annually. However, the numbers grew in 2021 with 61 incidents, and the highest recorded was 107 in 2022. In 2023, incidents dropped to 52, a 51pc decrease. Many spiking incidents (40pc) were categorised as poisoning, while 33pc were linked to sexual offences and 28pc to assaults. Over half of the incidents, about 55pc, occurred in licensed premises or clubs, with the highest concentration (47pc) in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. Firefighter and paramedic John Edmonds has released his second book, Suzie Saves the Day A Dublin firefighter has released a new book to help teach children what to do in an emergency. This is the second of two books written by firefighter and paramedic John Zippy Edmonds, who has six years of experience with Dublin Fire Brigade. His newest book, Suzie Saves the Day, has been released to coincide with World Book Day 2025, and is about a young girl who learns about emergencies through imaginative play with her teddy, Blue. Suzie is with her grandad when he becomes unwell, and thanks to the skills she has learned, she knows how to call an ambulance. Im six years in the job and I dont feel like its work at all, Mr Edmonds said. I have learned a lot and experienced even more, but the one main thing Ive learned is that helping others is what Im here to do. Im determined to help the youth of the world and if I can help one child help themselves in difficult situations, then Ive done my job. Helping others is my goal, my passion. Im on a mission to educate and empower children and parents all over the world about all types of safety, he added. Suzie Saves the Day is Johns 2nd book, following on from Get Out Safely with Firefighter Zippy Initially, John struggled with school and a career in carpentry, feeling unmotivated and directionless. After shifting to a garage job, he rose from sweeping floors to managing the place, but still felt unfulfilled. In 2011, John joined the Civil Defence, before moving on to Naas Fire Service in 2015, and finding his true calling in helping others. Dublin Fire Brigade said it is delighted to be featured in this book, which has the DFB ambulance on the front cover. Two per cent of all proceeds from the book sales will be donated directly to the charity Oscars Kids, with DFB having started a partnership with the charity in September 2023, which supports the development of the Oscar District. The Oscar District means that for Oscars Kids Club members, a nominated child will become an honorary firefighter and member of the Dublin Fire Brigade Oscar District. Each child will receive a special certificate, some DFB goodies, and also a specially commissioned medal. Both books can be found on www.quickthinkingkids.com, and for a limited time, use the discount code DFB10 for 10pc off your purchase The first of the new Irish Rail electric Dart carriages Work to extend the Dart network from Dublin to Kildare and Meath will begin in late 2026, pending the resolution of two separate legal challenges, the National Transport Authority has confirmed. A railway order application for the 1bn Dart+ West project was approved by An Bord Pleanala in July 2024, two years after it was submitted. This first phase of the Dart+ programme will see the electrification of the line between Dublin city centre, M3 Parkway, and Maynooth. As part of the plan, a new train station is proposed for Spencer Dock, along with improvements to Connolly Station. The Spencer Dock station is planned to connect with the Luas Red Line. When complete, passenger capacity will increase from 5,000 to 13,200, with 12 trains per hour in each direction, which is double the current level. As part of those works, an additional new entrance into Connolly Station is planned via Preston Street, off Amiens Street. The work will also involve improvements to bridges, better connections for the communities of Maynooth, Leixlip and Castleknock, and the replacement of level crossings. However, construction on this programme, which will include the electrification of the Kildare and Drogheda lines, is being held up by two separate legal challenges. in reply to a parliamentary question from Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, Hugh Creegan, interim CEO of the NTA, said construction on the Railway Order cannot proceed until these proceedings have been adjudicated upon or withdrawn. There are currently two judicial reviews lodged in the High Court against the ABP decision to grant the Railway Order, he said. Therefore, the Railway Order is not operational, and the construction works cannot proceed. Subject to the resolution of those legal proceedings, and subject to funding availability, construction work on the approved section could commence in late 2026 or early 2027. The exact timing of the delivery of the new entrance to Connolly Station within the overall construction is not yet known, he added. The judicial reviews have been lodged by a hardware and electrical wholesale company located close to the Navan Road and Ashtown train station, along with another private company, Gowan Motor Group, who have separately lodged a judicial review in the High Court against the decision. The High Court has set a date of June 23 for hearing the judicial review challenges. Deputy Farrelly expressed his frustration at the delay. This project is a long-overdue investment in transport infrastructure that will see twice as many trains serving the northern part of our county, serving up to 13,000 people per hour compared to 5,000 now, he said. Dart+ West is exactly the kind of investment needed to support the growing population of our communities in north Kildare, something successive governments have failed to do. The plans to create a new public realm at Preston Street are now on hold. The plan by Irish Rail to construct new entry/exit points that would link the outer platforms of Connolly Station to Amiens Street is very much welcome. These works will enhance the commuter experience for not only Dart users on the Kildare western line, but also the north/south lines. It has the potential to significantly reduce traffic congestion by providing a convenient, accessible, and reliable alternative mode of transport for the thousands of commuters who live in Kildare and work or study in Dublin, and vice versa, he added. The Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street has been vandalised several times. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins A busker who has campaigned for the Molly Malone statue to be treated with more respect, says Dublin City Council is strongly considering her request to elevate the statue and keep her out of reach. The statue, outside St Andrews Church on Suffolk Street, is a popular stop on the tourist trail. However, the so-called tradition of rubbing the statues breasts for good luck, has sparked a backlash in recent years. Tilly Cripwell, who busks in the area for around 10 hours each week, has called on people to back her leave Molly mAlone campaign, launched last year. Jeanne Rynharts bronze sculpture of the iconic fishmonger was first erected on Grafton Street in 1988, before later being moved to its current spot to accommodate the Luas. The statues bosom which has become shiny from tourists touching it was covered in paint three times in recent years in protest. Ms Cripwell said she has had productive meetings with DCC to discuss ideas as to how the statue could be more respected. Her suggestions include elevation of the statue in line with the majority of Dublins male statues, restoration of the symbolic discolouration of her chest, along with a commemorative plaque explaining history and legacy. The Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street has been vandalised several times. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins The majority of people will touch her boobs for good luck, thats a misogynistic tradition, Ms Cripwell said. A lot of people clamour around her, kiss her on the cheek, kiss her boobs, its all inappropriate. Its reducing her to this derision and not giving her the status of being a national treasure. I walk by the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square every day. You dont see people rubbing his crotch for good luck. With the Statue of David, if you were to grope him, people would feel thats inappropriate and offensive. But when the same happens to Molly Malone, they dont even think twice. When I see men and women touching the Molly Malone statue, their kids are looking at them. What example is this setting? Why is it a part of Irish culture? If kids are seeing that its the norm, seeing its a tradition to grope a woman, how can we move on from the patriarchal history? Its now the first anniversary of the Leave Molly mAlone campaign and on Saturday, March 8, Ms Cripwell will release two new verses to the iconic Irish ballad, Molly Malone, to mark International Womens Day, The release of the song on Spotify will coincide with a live performance at 3pm beside the statue on Suffolk Street. Her performance will mark the end point of ROSA Internationals March Against Gender-Based Violence, which starts at 1pm outside Dublin City Hall. A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said: We had a meeting with Tilly Cripwell at her request a few months ago. "We discussed her ideas for how the issues around the Molly Malone statue could be improved, including raising up the plinth so that the statue is more highly elevated, and her idea for a grassroots awareness campaign. Representatives across all parties working to ensure promises from more than 12 years ago are met Housing Minister James Browne at the official sod-turning of a Land Development Agency site in Clongriffin. Pic: (Brian Lawless/PA) Cormac ORourke, James Browne, Micheal Martin, Emma Blain and John Coleman at a recent sod-turning of a Land Development Agency site in Clongriffin. Pic: (Brian Lawless/PA) Elected representatives across all parties are working together to ensure the Belmayne-Clongriffin area gets the facilities promised back in 2012. A number of councillors and TDs were gathering in Belmayne today to show their support for new facilities to cater for the growing population of the area. According to locals, the area has completely insufficient social infrastructure, and while many community facilities have been promised over the years, very little has been delivered. Cian OCallaghan, deputy leader of the Social Democrats, said: There is an urgent need for community facilities and amenities in the Clongriffin and Belmayne areas. Over the last 20 years there has been a huge amount of new housing in the area. This has not been matched by community infrastructure. It is vital that there are positive outlets for young people and, indeed, all generations in this growing area. The Land Development Agency, as the largest landholder in Clongriffin, must provide very significant community facilities so that a thriving and vibrant community can be built. Housing Minister James Browne at the official sod-turning of a Land Development Agency site in Clongriffin. Pic: (Brian Lawless/PA) Michelle McGoldrick, Chairperson of Belmayne Community Group, added: The Belmayne, Clongriffin area is the fastest-growing suburb on the northside of Dublin, with roughly 10,000 residential units currently, and plans for more in the pipeline. A library with community facilities was promised in 2012; this was in the 2012 local area development plan and was never delivered. There are not enough school places for the current population, and finding a doctors surgery with the capacity for more patients is almost impossible. The community is crying out for facilities. Many retail units, a massive shopping centre and a creche have been lying idle in Clongriffin since it was built. Ms McGoldrick described the way the growth of Belmayne and Clongriffin has been implemented as a planning disaster. Something must be done to ensure this does not happen again anywhere else going forward, she said. Roads have already been destroyed in the area because they are being overused with the density of the population, and nobody is taking proper responsibility for their upkeep and maintenance. Also, the public transport in the area is already at maximum capacity, and there are no plans to increase services any time soon. People living in the area deserve better and, quite frankly, have had enough. The Clongriffin and Belmayne Local Area Plan from 2012 noted the strength of a good neighbourhood and sense of community is linked to the residential amenity provided. Taoiseach Micheal Martin at the site in Clongriffin. Photo: PA The Belmayne Community Group was established in 2013 and has been working to improve the lives of people in the community. To date, the group has set up a volunteer-led youth club, ran summer projects, and various community events with minimal resources, Ms McGoldrick said. The group has worked extensively with Cluid Housing and the Northside Partnership and provided an in-depth community centre proposal to DCC in 2015. This contained a community childcare, social enterprise model to sustain several other community-based activities, including youth services, family support, social support, training, and community spaces, all under one roof. Unfortunately, this never transpired, and the group disbanded in 2018. It regrouped in 2022 and continues to fight for what the community needs to thrive. They have since presented a new community development proposal to DCC and are happy to report that the new management in DCC is much more responsive than the previous management. It envisions a thriving, equitable, inclusive community where all residents can access vital services, opportunities, and facilities that enhance their quality of life and foster social cohesion. While Belmayne Community Group is happy things are finally moving in the right direction, it is painfully slow and things really need to progress quicker, Ms McGoldrick added. DCC has been contacted for further comment. Trasna na Line will screen on Virgin Media One at 10pm on March 10 The co-writers behind a new short film, Trasna na Line, which won Best Short Film at the Dublin International Film Festival, said their whole aim was to make Irish sexy again. The film, which premiered at the festival and will broadcast on Virgin Media One on March 10, is a mockumentary following student teacher Emma, whose white lie finds her working at a Dublin Gaelscoil without a word of Irish. The comedy sees Emma, played by co-writer Heather OSullivan, trying to get her Irish into shape for the highly anticipated back-to-school assembly. Niamh Bryson, co-writer and director, worked with Colm Bairead, director of An Cailin Ciuin, on the short, which was created by Reblis Films, Actor Peadar Cox, who starred in Ros na Run, was another mentor who helped inject the Irish language into the project. We basically started writing the script when we first met about six years ago, Ms Bryson said. "At the time, I had a very loose concept originally inspired by my primary school experiences, as I attended a Gaelscoil. I feel that a lot of us quote the Leaving Cert Irish curriculum years after we leave because its such a significant cultural experience. I was drawn to the Irish-English dynamic, and the thing that struck me when I got older was the fact I was so used to crossing the school gates and starting to speak as Gaeilge and being afraid to speak English. Later, when I left school, I found it such a change that Irish wasnt pushed outside of school, even though its such a big part of your education it just fades away, she added. Trasna na Line will screen on Virgin Media One at 10pm on March 10 Her own school experience of a Gaelscoil and speaking Irish, was the opposite of cool, and she remembers feeling judged at different times. Now, Irish is starting to become cool again, and their whole aim and pitch for the movie was to make the Irish language sexy again. Ms OSullivan, who plays Emma, said for so long, her association with the Irish language was just fear and exams. With Trasna na Line, they tried to inject humour into the script and change peoples approach to the language. The revival of the Irish language has been huge for the success of the short film, she said. When we first pitched our idea to Virgin Media, it was the same week that Kneecap had come out, which has been hugely successful for them. The Irish language is having a cool kind of comeback. Since the trailer came out and weve been sharing clips on TikTok, weve been getting a lot of engagement from younger generations, with many of them commenting as Gaeilge. We didnt think the response would be such a wave of excitement, she added. The co-writers would love to see the short film developed into its own TV series as the characters have such longevity. Trasna na Line will screen on Virgin Media One at 10pm on March 10 and is available to watch on Virgin Media Play A report on the flooding that occurred in Killocrim and Listowel is due to become available in the coming weeks People in Killocrim and Listowel are living in real fear of severe flooding like that which occurred in their communities when the River Feale overflowed during Storm Bert last November. Former Listowel councillor, Senator Mike Kennelly, said in the Seanad on Thursday that his locality has been a lightning rod for flooding and called on the Minister of State for the OPW, Kevin Boxer Moran, to expedite promised flood relief works. Senator Kennelly told the Minister that the unprecedented flooding destroyed more than 70 homes and businesses, and required lives to be saved. This was weeks out from Christmas, families were left homeless and a full clean up began, he stated. Senator Kennelly said residents should have been warned that the water level in the Feale was the highest ever seen. He called for an early warning system to allow locals adequate time to setup equipment to protect their homes. People are living in real fear that this can happen at any time. Indeed, three weeks after Storm Bert, the threat and anxiety levels were again high as there was a snow and yellow rainfall alert, the Senator said. Thankfully, Kerry County Council (KCC), on that morning, delivered to the Killocrim community, which was led by the locals and Michael Brosnan, a total of 1,000 sandbags to the areas highlighted by the locals. Senator Kennelly said KCC commissioned a report on the flooding, which will include a plan to put measures in place in advance of larger flood risk management scheme proposed for Listowel, in conjunction with the Public Expenditure Department, the OPW and local residents. To date the promised works have not commenced. I ask the Minister of State, on behalf of the people who cannot sleep at night, and I am not making this up, to take away and relieve the anxiety that their homes could be destroyed again in the blink of an eye, he said. Minister Moran said he is aware of the devastation that was caused in Listowel and Killocrim. He said the report on the flooding will be available within weeks and it will be then open to KCC to apply to the OPW for funding for temporary measures, which may be considered for the OPWs minor flood mitigation works scheme. Senator Kennelly said this was encouraging but the Minister did not indicate when works for Listowel as well as Tralee and Kenmare will commence. If the Minister of State can expedite the works and, hopefully, allay the fears that these people are living with every day, I would appreciate that, he said. The Senator said funding for these works will probably be an issue but the damage caused by another event similar to Storm Bert would cost nearly as much as a full flood relief scheme for his locality. I invite the Minister of State to visit Listowel, Kenmare and Tralee to see the damage that has been caused by the storms, he said. The Minister said he would take Senator Kennelly up on his invite and assured him that funding is not an issue. He said necessary measures have to be taken to ensure whatever is done in the future will protect people. National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the Governments National Broadband Plan (NBP) has announced that construction is underway to deliver high-speed broadband to over 1,600 homes, farms and businesses in the Carrigallen deployment area in Co Leitrim. This includes the rural surrounds and townlands of Carrigallen, Aughavas, and Drumreilly. 12,000 premises in Co Leitrim are included in the States Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Leitrim will receive 46M of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan. Having successfully completed the survey and design phase of the project, 1,607 Leitrim premises in the Carrigallen deployment area are under construction, due to be connected by the end of the year. The NBI website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi.ie/eoi/ is the easiest way to get the most up-to-date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order. Works have already been completed in other parts of Leitrim and there is a total of 6,821 premises that can now order or pre-order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county, with 1,674 premises already connected to the network. NBI is calling on people to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect. NBI has now passed over 344,000 homes, farms and businesses in rural Ireland with over 116,800 of these now connected to high-speed broadband. The average take-up rate of 33% is well ahead of projections and international comparisons and surpasses 50% in areas of the country where the network has been live for 18 months. TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland Deployment said: "Our teams are working on the ground all over the country and considerable progress has been made on the developments in Leitrim. High-speed fibre broadband is now available to order for almost 6,800 premises including over 900 premises near Carrick-on-Shannon, over 2,200 near Keshcarrigan and almost 2,600 near Manorhamilton. We are working hard on the ground to progress other areas of the county through engineering survey and design phases. We are encouraging Leitrim residents to visit the NBI website to check their Eircode and sign up for updates. Our overarching goal is to improve digital connectivity across the country. With minimum internet speed of 500 megabites per second, this new Fibre-to-the-Home network will play a pivotal role in sustaining local businesses and communities." As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area. Some 73 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the NBI network and 69 are certified as ready to start providing connections as of today. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the NBI network, visit NBI.ie/buy. Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi.ie/eoi/ is the easiest way to get the most up to date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order. NBI is encouraging people to check their eligibility and register for updates at www.nbi.ie to receive regular notifications related to their own premises as works progress in their area. For the first time in Ireland, social care practice students have been afforded a learning opportunity that paves the way for a multidisciplinary exploration of care and social robotics and Atlantic Technological University is leading the way. Final year students undertaking the BA (Hons) Social Care Practice programme have enrolled on the elective module Futures of Care, Society and Welfare of which a key component is to anticipate the myriad futures social care practitioners may encounter in their future careers. ATU lecturers Drs John Pender and Perry Share, who have created two ATU MOOCs (available at freecourses.atu.ie) on Social Robotics under the Innovation theme of the Higher Education 4.0 Project, and PhD student Jack McAteer Wallace, recently joined Stuart Lawn of ATU MakerSpace on the Sligo campus to start the process of building a social robot called Blossom. Drs Pender and Share have undertaken extensive research on the possibilities of human-robot interactions in the delivery of future care. While issues of policy, ethics and practice are explored on the module, this years student cohort will get to build a social robot. We came to Stuart following some research that Perry had undertaken a few months ago about the availability of a DIY social robot assembly that had been developed by a university in California, begins Dr Pender. The Blossom robot was developed by Cornell University and Google and simplified for easier and cheaper construction by the University of Southern California, under the leadership of Prof. Maja Mataric. That really fitted the needs of Perry and I as we are delivering a module this semester on the Futures of Care and technology and social robotics, continues Dr Pender. We want to enable and empower students undertaking social care practice to actually see social robotics in real time and help build one themselves. In conjunction with ATUs MakerSpace facility, and because of a creative commons licence, students will build Blossom robots and gain invaluable insights into the mechanics on robot construction. Dr Perry Share notes that he and Dr Pender have been exploring the field of social robotics, especially in the areas of social and health care, for the last eight years. So, we have explored many ways to try and introduce students to social robotics. These are students who wouldnt have a technical background; they are not like our computing or engineering students who might be routinely exposed to robots. These are people who maybe never have seen or touched or experienced a robot before. So, it is quite a big step for them to get involved and really explore different ways of doing it. We run simulations where people talk about the ethics of robots; we have got students to present on different individual robots that they have found. We have brought in examples of robots and asked students to use them and to interact with them. And now, with the development of the ATU MakerSpace here, we have a fantastic opportunity to move to the next step which is students constructing their own robots and programming them and thinking about what they might do with those robots. It is a unique opportunity for students here in ATU. PhD student Jack McAteer Wallace also attended the workshop at ATU MakerSpace. The title of his thesis is An investigation into how Blossom, the social robot, functions as a body double for neurodivergent students in Ireland: benefits and educational implications. I did my undergraduate in social care last year and I had the privilege of working alongside John and Perry for a simulation. However, instead of just doing a simulation this year, the students are getting an opportunity to create their own robots, and I think this is going to amplify the module, says Jack, who works with residential children in social care. For Stuart Lawn of ATU MakerSpace, he believes projects like that of Drs Pender and Share can thrive in his lab. The Blossom robot is an open-source design and, essentially, we can use all the technology in ATU MakerSpace to 3D print and laser cut the parts and then piece it together using motors and electronics which will hopefully get the robot working. It is a perfect project for ATU MakerSpace. This allows students and lecturers to build up skills and experience in an area where they otherwise might not necessarily always get the chance to do that, concludes Stuart. Meanwhile, this year, Drs Pender and Share will join an Interreg Europe-funded project (TechSocialCare) that will explore ways to regulate assistive technologies in care, including social robotics. This will provide an excellent opportunity to link the work they and students engage in on this module to the broader ethical, social and political implications of these emergent technologies. National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the Governments National Broadband Plan (NBP) has announced that construction is underway to deliver high-speed broadband to almost 4,600 homes, farms and businesses in the Dromore West and Gurteen deployment areas in Co Sligo. Network build works are underway for almost 2,800 premises in the Dromore West deployment area. This includes the rural communities of Dromore West, Easky, and Templeboy. Meanwhile, build works have commenced for almost 1,800 premises in near Gurteen, including the rural surrounds and townlands of Killaraght and Cuilmore. 15,000 premises in Co Sligo are included in the States Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Sligo will receive 59m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan. Having successfully completed the survey and design phase of the project, 2,762 Sligo premises in the Dromore deployment area and 1,790 premises in the Gurteen deployment area are under construction, due to be connected by the end of this year. The NBI website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi.ie/eoi/ is the easiest way to get the most up-to-date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order. Works have already been completed in other parts of Sligo and there is a total of 6,612 premises that can now order or pre-order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county, with 2,395 premises already connected to the network. NBI is calling on people to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect. NBI has now passed over 344,000 homes, farms and businesses in rural Ireland with over 116,800 of these now connected to high-speed broadband. The average take-up rate of 33% is well ahead of projections and international comparisons and surpasses 50% in areas of the country where the network has been live for 18 months. TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland Deployment said: "Our teams are working on the ground all over the country and considerable progress has been made on the developments in Co Sligo. High-speed fibre broadband is now available to order for over 6,600 premises including over 1,300 premises near Castlegarren, over 2,500 near Tubbercurry and over 2,300 in the rural surrounds of Sligo town. We are working hard on the ground to progress other areas of the county through engineering survey and design phases. We are encouraging Sligo residents to visit the NBI website to check their Eircode and sign up for updates. Our overarching goal is to improve digital connectivity across the country. With minimum internet speed of 500 megabites per second, this new Fibre-to-the-Home network will play a pivotal role in sustaining local businesses and communities." As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area. Micheal McHugh (former CE of INTO Credit Union, son of former Colaiste Iascaigh Principal Joe McHugh) Kathleen Conlon, wife of the late Fred Conlon, their son, Finn and Jack Harte (Author of Unravelling the Spiral The Life and Work of Fred Conlon). Photo Brian Farrell Kathleen and Nigel James pictured with their daughter Dervla and her daughters, Edith and Matilda Conlon. Photo Brian Farrell The sculpture, kindly donated by Kathleen and Nigel James, now stands at the entrance of the school as a lasting tribute to Conlons artistic legacy. A past student of Colaiste Iascaigh, Fred Conlon is recognised as one of Irelands finest sculptors, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work displayed both in Ireland and worldwide. His artistic philosophy, rooted in change, continuity, and exploration, continues to inspire generations: The philosophy which underlines my work is based on change, continuity, and the search for measures in natural order. The value of a sculpture relies on its own existence through time, independent of its creator and should usually speak for itself. It should beckon you to walk into its space, to travel its surface and edge, to sense, to touch, to peer into and ponder. As you leave, it should invite you to return another time so that it can communicate further. Fred Conlon (19432005) The unveiling was attended by Kathleen Conlon (Freds wife), Finn Conlon (Freds son), Jack Harte (author of Unravelling the Spiral The Life and Work of Fred Conlon), Kathleen and Nigel James and their extended family, as well as students, staff, and distinguished guests. Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Marian Harkin, TD, also attended the event and spoke about scholarships, realising talent, and taking opportunities. Thomas Coggins, Principal of Colaiste Iascaigh, expressed his pride in hosting a piece of Conlons work: It is a great honour for our school to host a sculpture by one of our past students, Fred Conlon. His artistry and vision have left an incredible legacy, and this piece will serve as an inspiration for our students, encouraging them to explore their own creativity and appreciation for the arts. Michael McHugh and Jack Harte also spoke at the event, reflecting on Fred Conlons remarkable contribution to sculpture. His work, which can be found in collections across the globe, continues to inspire, and his legacy lives on through this latest addition to Colaiste Iascaigh. The unveiling was a moment of reflection on Fred Conlons remarkable contribution to sculpture. His work, which can be found in collections across the globe, continues to inspire, and his legacy lives on through this latest addition to Colaiste Iascaigh. Film about rent strike will be shown in Sligo on March 16th. A pivotal yet often overlooked chapter of Irish history will be revisited in Sligo this month with the screening of The Rent Strike, a documentary chronicling a transformative housing revolution. From 1970 to 1973, over 100,000 tenants across Ireland launched a rent strike to combat rising rents, poor housing conditions and the mounting cost of living. Led by the National Association of Tenants Organisations (NATO), it persisted for three years and culminated in a landmark victory in August 1973, which reshaped Irish housing policy. Produced by Azzy OConnor, Fiadh Tubridy, and Declan Mallon, The Rent Strike documentary delves into this historic campaign through interviews with those who organised and participated in the movement, along with their loved ones. The film will be screened at The Nest on Custom House Quay, Sligo, on March 16, 2025, at 2p.m. The event will include a 45-minute film followed by a Q&A session with tenant advocates and filmmakers. Tickets are priced 3 for unwaged individuals, 5 for waged attendees, and are free for members of the Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) Sligo-Leitrim. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.ie The programme, launched by junior Minister Marian Harkin, is being offered in partnership with Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education & Training Board Minister Marian Harkin TD with Peter Egan, Director of Further Education & Training (FET), Debbie Woodwards of Mayo Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), Liam Cronin of the RDI Hub and Tom Grady CEO of MSLETB at the launch of Civil Service Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Programme. A new two-year Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Programme to the Civil Service in partnership with Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education & Training Board (MSLETB).has been launched by Junior Minister Marian Harkin and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science launched James Lawless. "This is the first of its kind in Ireland," Minister Harkin said during the launch at Government Buildings, "and as a Sligo Leitrim TD and Minister of State at this Department with responsibility for apprenticeships I am delighted that MSLETB is our partner in this pioneering initiative. "The programme covers key areas such as Generative AI, Digital Marketing Tools and Social Media Marketing. Based on the successful model of 'earn-as-you-learn', it allows participants to gain valuable hands-on work experience while obtaining a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing, said Minister Harkin. Minister Lawless said: As Irelands largest employer, the public sector must lead by example on the implementation of the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan which set a target of 750 public service apprenticeship registrations per year, starting this year. This new Digital Marketing Apprenticeship will play a significant role in ensuring Government communications are well-equipped for the rapidly changing digital landscape." Ministers Harkin and Lawless were speaking at the inaugural intake of twelve Digital Marketing Apprentices to the Civil Service at Government Buildings. The twelve apprentices have been recruited across ten Government organisations. The programme offers a path to a long-term career within the Civil Service as well, with apprentices having the chance to apply for permanent Executive Officer roles upon successful completion of their apprenticeship. Tom Grady, Chief Executive, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education & Training Board said: By hiring digital marketing apprentices, the Civil Service will benefit from a highly trained and skilled workforce, strengthening its digital marketing expertise. At Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education & Training Board, we firmly believe in supporting emerging talent and empowering the next generation of Digital Marketing professionals through this innovative industry-focused apprenticeship programme." Minister of State Harkin added, "An essential part of my role as Minister Of State is the promotion and the expansion of apprenticeship, which has to be a key element of career choice and progression as we develop the multi-skilled workforce for the future. This innovative apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity for talented people to develop skills in digital marketing, while contributing to the modernisation of government communications. I look forward to seeing what these new apprentices will achieve, and I wish them every success in the programme. Ransboro NS Fifth Class pupils who won Best Senior Project and Best Overall Project with Magnetic Cars. Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, was transformed into a hub of innovation and excitement on Thursday, February 27th, as over 500 primary school students gathered for the highly anticipated STEMtacular, powered by Analog Devices. Ransboro National School was the overall winner. The event, a dynamic showcase of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, brought together schools from across Leitrim, Roscommon, Cavan, Longford, Sligo, Mayo, and Fermanagh. Students from these regions presented their own STEM projects, tackling a wide range of intriguing questions. Their projects delved into issues such as: Does warming up before sport improve performance? Does living on a farm lead to a healthier lifestyle? Does toast always land butter side down? And, perhaps most controversially, is cracking your fingers bad for you? Each group was eager to explain their findings to a panel of esteemed judges from both industry and education, who engaged with the students, asking insightful questions and offering encouragement. While the students research projects were at the heart of the event, STEMtacular had much more to offer. The Discovery Zone, an interactive area filled with 20 fascinating exhibits, gave the young attendees the chance to engage directly with a variety of STEM fields. In the Discovery Zone, Analog Devices, the events primary sponsor set up an engaging series of interactive games that allowed students to explore different aspects of STEM in a fun and hands-on way. These games helped bring the world of technology and innovation to life, sparking curiosity and excitement in the young minds that participated. Some of the other highlights was Met Eireann, Irelands National Meteorological Service, who set up a green screen that allowed students to try their hand at weather presenting, offering a fun and educational experience in broadcasting. Meanwhile, Midlands Reptile Zoo brought an assortment of reptiles, giving the students a rare opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures. Jaguar Land Rover contributed by bringing the inner rig of their state-of-the-art jeeps, where students explored the technology behind the vehicles design. The Marble Arch Caves set up an immersive Virtual Reality experience, enabling students to take a virtual tour of a cave, exploring its wonders without leaving the event. Other exciting exhibits included VEX Robotics, where students got the chance to engage with programmable robots and learn about robotics and engineering. Follow Independent Mayo on Facebook Armagh Observatory offered a glimpse into the wonders of space with hands-on activities focused on astronomy, while Geological Survey Ireland provided interactive experiences that helped students discover the science behind the Earths geological processes. These were just a few of the many interactive experiences available, as the Discovery Zone showcased how diverse and exciting the world of STEM can be. The event culminated in an awards ceremony, where students were recognised for their hard work and creativity. St. Pauls Castlerea emerged as the overall winning school, earning an exciting prize a trip to the University of Limericks Chemistry Department, where they will get to engage in some fun science experiments at one of Irelands top institutions. The overall winner of the Analog Devices award was the project Magnetic Cars, from Ransboro NS which stood out for its innovative approach and practical application. As the recipient of this prestigious award, the team will also receive an exciting prize from Analog Devices, further inspiring their passion for STEM. Award Winners: Analog Devices Best Overall Project: Magnetic Cars, Ransboro NS (Joe, Owen, Matty, Lean and Kyle). University of Limerick Best School: St Pauls BNS, Castlerea. AbbVie Senior 1st Place: Magnetic Cars, Ransboro NS (Joe, Owen, Matty , Lean and Kyle). AbbVie Senior 2nd Place: The Composters, St Patricks NS, Lough Gowna, Co. Cavan (Iarlaith Hartin, Tiegan Butler, Abigail OReilly, Ewan Ecceleston, Dearbhla Courtney). AbbVie Senior 3rd Place: Pain Tolerance, St Marys Aughnasheelin, Co. Leitrim (Amelia Prior, Rose Murray, Mary Tubman, Tia Duncan). Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook Futurecast Intermediate 1st Place: An bhfuil baint ag do chluasa le cothromaiocht, Gaelscoil Liatrioma, Co. Leitrim (Sam, Laura, Darragh and Ella). Futurecast Intermediate 2nd Place: Warming up in Sport, Newtowngore, Co. Leitrim (Harry, Colin, Scott and Andrew). Futurecast Intermediate 3rd Place: Gaelscoil Liatroma, Co Leitrim AbbVie Special Class Award 1: St Michaels Special School, Co. Roscommon (Thomas Adcock, James Burbridge, Keelan Coyne). AbbVie Special Class Award 2: Scoil Mhuire Carrigallen, Co. Leitrim (Evan Harrington, Andrew Hegarty, Michael Tighe, Shea Holahan, Cormac OReilly) AbbVie Special Class Award 3: St Michaels Special School, Co. Roscommon (Rachel Moran, Vanessa Piko, Mariah Mongan). Follow Independent Roscommon on Facebook Institute of Physics Physics Award: How do you solve a Rubiks cube? Scoil Bridge Kilasonna, Co. Longford (Luca, Malachy, Sean and Sam). Leitrim Enterprise Sustainability Award: Pure Water, St Patricks NS Gowna, Co. Cavan Kyte Powertech Energy Award: Biogas Production, St Joesphs NS, Aughavas, Co. Leitrim Encirc Biodiversity Award: Plant Growth, St Josephs Aughavas, Co Leitrim Codex Display Award: Parish Turf Wars, St Hughs NS, Dowra, Co. Leitrim Follow Independent Cavan on Facebook Lean BPI Technology Award: A bridge through Time, St Hughs NS, Dowra Co. Leitrim Irish Agricultural Science Teachers Agricultural Award: St Patricks NS, Loch Gowna, Co. Cavan Engineers Ireland Engineering Award: How do aeroplanes fly? Clonown NS, Co. Roscommon Scifest Innovation Award: Local Honey, St Josephs, Aughavas, Co. Leitrim Priors PLM Medical Maths Award: Monty Hall Problem, St Marys Aughnasheelin, Co. Leitrim Northern & Western Regional Assembly As Gaeilge Award: An dteastaionn speaclai do gearr-radharcach no fadradharcach, Gaelscoil Liatroim, Co. Leitrim Follow Independent Longford on Facebook Intel Ireland Environmental Award: Biogas Production, St Josephs Aughavas, Co. Leitrim Expleo Best Communicator Award: Ciara O Neill, Clonown NS, Co. Roscommon Food Science Award: Do Luxury foods taste better? Kilasser NS, Swinford, Co. Mayo Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan is to change the law to allow for greater digitalisation in court cases so as to free up garda time and increase their presence on the streets. Speaking at the graduation of 149 new recruits at Templemore Garda Training College on Friday morning, Deputy OCallaghan said gardai are essential witnesses in certain court cases, but there are many uncontested and routine applications which can happen before a trial, which should be heard remotely. We dont need to have a guard turning up in court to hear them. Separately, there are a lot of documents that we could use digitally, said Deputy OCallaghan. As opposed to having a garda having to turn up with physical bench warrants and issues like that, thats something we could use digitalisation to improve. Currently, gardai can be tied up all day with court duties, meaning they are not out on patrol. The government wants to see more gardai on the streets, he said. It gives great confidence to the public when they see members of the force on the streets. We are going to see increased garda visibility in the not too distant future. If someone has breached their bail conditions, the garda has to go back into court to get a bench warrant. Thats something that also should be done remotely. I am going to bring forward legislation to that effect, said Deputy OCallaghan. The Minister has instructed his Department that he wants the legislation enacted within his term of office. The new legislation will ensure that when it comes to procedures before the District Court, there can be remote hearings rather than gardai having to physically be present in court. That means we wont have gardai stuck around district courts around the country. Instead, they will be able to make the application remotely. Its going to save time and its going to get them out on the street, added Deputy OCallaghan. Minister OCallaghan was speaking at Templemore Garda Training College where 149 new recruits were attested as sworn members of An Garda Siochana. Of the 149 new members, 113 were male and 36 were female. Nineteen of the 149 recruits were born in countries outside the state, including France, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, UK. Speaking at the ceremony, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris told the new recruits that as society changes and evolves, they too will need to respond. "Being a Garda is a career that offers varied and exciting work, with opportunities for career progression and development. This is what lies ahead of you from today, said Commissioner Harris. Of course as society changes and demands evolve we too must respond to the changing policing needs. You will help shape the future of policing in your communities. An Garda Siochana is modernising both in terms of its structure and its delivery of services. We have been improving our capabilities through investment in ICT, fleet, and crucially in our personnel. Ugly scenes erupted outside Mullingar Courthouse on Thursday evening following a sitting of the District Court. The unruly skirmish involving men and women spilled out onto the plinth of Mullingar Courthouse and a section of the towns Mount Street area shortly after 4pm. Detectives, together with uniformed gardai, raced from inside the courthouse to deal with the escalating fracas which played out in front of shocked onlookers and passing motorists. Follow Independent Westmeath on Facebook The Irish Independent filmed exclusive footage of the unsavoury row which, according to sources, is now being carefully examined by senior investigators to determine whether any charges can be brought against those involved. Members of the public trade insults in the middle of Mount Street and just yards from Mullingar Courthouse following a sitting of Mullingar District Court. A garda spokesperson confirmed to the Irish independent that a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding yesterdays foul-mouthed incident was now under way. "Gardai responded to a public order incident on Mount Street in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath at approximately 4:15pm on Thursday March 6, said the spokesperson. "No arrests have been made at this time (and) inquiries are ongoing." A duo team of students from Colaiste Bride Enniscorthy have come home champions after winning the coveted Innovation Award at the Junk Kouture World Final in the Helix in Dublin. Over 60 teams from countries around the world competed for 17 awards, with Nature Allure by Stephanie O Connor and Sienna Howe being the only team from Wexford. The Innovation Award is proudly sponsored by DHL Express Ireland, who enjoy playing a key role in encouraging young creatives. "As the Official Logistics Partner, were proud to support young creatives transforming waste into wearable art. Together, lets continue to champion sustainability and inspire positive change! they said. This award recognises the designers who push the boundaries with the most original and innovative use of recycled materials and manipulation techniques in their couture creation. And this description rings through for the design of Nature Allure as it was made out of Ugandan Mutaba tree along with 2,500 beads hand quilled from old books. Stephanie's mother Margaret brought it over to Ireland as it is often used for artwork, but they were not even initially sure if the bark material could be fashioned into an outfit. At the Dublin City Final that took place in October last year, the judges even commended the duo for their intricate headpiece that seemed to defy gravity. Speaking on the creativity of the duo, teacher Frances Kervick said that the material was the first time it was utilised in the competition and could inspire future designers inside and outside of the competition. "We were not sure, but the girls were highly determined. As well as that, this could possibly open up a new market for the material . We may not have the technologies here, but the girls effort and success can highlight the fact that it is possible to sew with and others could take it further in the future, she said. Newly re-elected Arklow & District Chamber of commerce president Gary McKenzie (fourth from right) with chamber committee members. Long-serving Arklow & District Chamber of Commerce member Gary McKenzie will serve a second successive term as chamber president after his recent re-election. With a career that has spanned continents and seen the establishment and operations of telecoms and energy businesses in Australia, Asia, Ireland and the UK, Mr McKenzie has been a proud servant of Glen Fuels for the past nine years, providing both traditional oil solutions and innovative sustainable energy options. His blend of international and local experience, coupled with his seven years on the chamber committee, has instilled a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities businesses face in Arklow and beyond that was reflected in his term as president. Over the past year, Gary and the chamber council have worked tirelessly to support local businesses, drive key initiatives, and strengthen the chambers role as a voice for the business community in Arklow and beyond, a chamber spokesperson said. His leadership has seen increased engagement with stakeholders, new collaborations with local, national and international organisations, and a continued focus on fostering economic growth in the region. As we look ahead to 2025, the chamber remains committed to championing local businesses, advocating for key issues, and creating new opportunities for collaboration and development. Under Garys leadership, we are excited to build on the progress made and continue delivering value to our members. We look forward to another productive year working together for the benefit of the Arklow business community. Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community! Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region. Bollywood romances often feel like a movie in themselves, full of excitement, speculation, and sometimes, an unexpected ending. Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varmas love story was no different. What started with a viral video, turned into a whirlwind romance, complete with public appearances and wedding rumors. But just when fans were expecting a happy ending, reports of their breakup surfaced. Though neither has confirmed it, sources claim their love story ended a few weeks ago. Credit: X Here's a look back at their journey, from the first spark to the unexpected twist, and what they have said about each other. Speculation about Tamannaah and Vijays relationship started in December 2022 when a video from a New Years Eve party in Goa surfaced online. The video allegedly showed them sharing a kiss as fireworks lit up the night. Fans were quick to link the two, and dating rumors spread rapidly on social media. With all of this on during the time, Vijay had been seen attending Tamannaahs birthday celebration, raising further speculation. Throughout early 2023, they were spotted together multiple times, from cozy drives around Mumbai to stepping out hand-in-hand, making their growing bond even more evident. From cryptic hints to open acknowledgment On Valentines Day 2023, Vijay Varma posted a picture on Instagram of two pairs of feet facing each other with a red heart emoji. Though he didn't tag Tamannaah, fans believed it was a subtle confirmation of their relationship. However, Tamannaah initially spoke against the rumors. In an interview with Hindustan Times in March 2023, she dismissed the speculation, saying, "We have done a film together. Such rumours keep going around. Clarifying all of them is just not necessary. I have nothing more to say about it." Despite this, their frequent outings and public appearances suggested otherwise. Finally, a few months later, Tamannaah openly acknowledged their relationship in a Film Companion interview, where she called Vijay her "happy place." Vijay, too, later spoke about their love story. In a conversation with Tanmay Bhat on Netflix India's YouTube channel, he revealed that it took him nearly a month to ask Tamannaah out on their first date after wrapping up Lust Stories 2. He shared, "Lust Stories was the cupid, but we didn't start dating during the shoot. We planned a wrap party, but only four people showed up. That day, I told her I wanted to spend more time with her. It then took me 20-25 days to finally go on our first date." Wedding speculations and future plans As their relationship became more public, rumours about their wedding began circulating. A report in 123Telugu claimed that the couple was planning to marry in 2025 and was already searching for a home together. Tamannaah, when asked about the possibility of marriage in a Hindustan Times interview, responded with a simple "Why not?". This fueled speculation that they were seriously considering a future together. However, despite the growing closeness, reports emerged recently that Tamannaah and Vijay had parted ways. Pinkvilla reported that the breakup had happened a few weeks earlier but was kept private. A source told Pinkvilla, "Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma parted ways weeks ago as a couple, but they plan to remain good friends. Both have been working hard in their respective schedules." Neither Tamannaah nor Vijay has publicly addressed the breakup, but reports suggest that despite the split, they continue to share mutual admiration and respect. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. On March 7, all five members of NJZ (NewJeans) attended the first round of questioning in their case against ADOR. The Seoul Central District Court is conducting its first round of interrogations concerning the legal dispute between NJZ and ADOR over the group's contractual status. The five members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein attended the court session even though they were not obliged to appear in person. The members were seen wearing all black as they approached the court building. BTS mentioned in court As the court session proceeded, it was known that groups under HYBE would be mentioned. While this was not entirely surprising, it angered ARMY the fandom of BTS. The biggest group in the world was mentioned in the court and it did not sit well with the fans. The frustration traces back to events surrounding Min Hee-jin's emergency press conference last year, following HYBE's accusations that she engaged in "shamanic management" allegedly consulting shamans about BTS members' military service. HYBE claimed that Min Hee-jin discussed the matter with shamans, with one reportedly saying, "I wanted to send them [BTS] away. It's not like I won a gold medal," while Min Hee-jin allegedly responded, "I thought it would benefit me if they weren't there." ADOR about Min Hee-jin's request ADOR has claimed that NewJeans was promoted as the 'next BTS' at Min Hee-jins request: "NewJeans appeared in BTS' music videos before their debut, and whenever they released a new song, they promoted dance challenges with other HYBE artists. NewJeans was introduced as 'BTS's little sister' from the beginning and was promoted as 'the next BTS' and 'surpassing BTS' at Min Hee-jin's request. This was the only case in HYBE where another group's popularity was used for PR." ADOR claims that NewJeans was promoted as the next BTS at Min Heejins request: NewJeans appeared in BTS' music videos before their debut and whenever they released a new song they promoted dance challenges with other HYBE artists. NewJeans was introduced as 'BTS's little pic.twitter.com/pIJzaV2GO6 Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) March 7, 2025 ARMY's reaction Following these revelations, BTS fans quickly took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to voice their outrage against Min Hee-jin, accusing her of trying to undermine BTS for the benefit of her girl group. One fan wrote, "I remember during their debut days, every article about NewJeans was 'the next BTS,' 'BTS's little sisters,' 'BTS enlistment no problem because HYBE has NewJeans,' 'the new pillar of HYBE,' and 'surpassing BTS.'" i remember during their debut days every article about newjeans is "the next bts" "bts little sisters" "bts enlist no problem because hybe have newjeans" "the new pillar of hybe" "surpassing bts" https://t.co/2aJs6YzAIw leo (@waiting__425) March 7, 2025 Another said, "The 'next BTS' can only be BTS members." The next BTS can only be BTS members. and fuck u mhj https://t.co/fQMz3H6mfd pic.twitter.com/NaRE7oTCJL jinkook (@Sofjin97) March 7, 2025 One post read, "Bringing this back again for the slow people" accompanied by a screenshot of Min Hee-jin's alleged conversation with a shaman. bringing this back again for the slow people https://t.co/QHLOZOoROl pic.twitter.com/HgTjSvj2ap silkie (@silken_tofu0402) March 7, 2025 Another fan added, "These people were trying to end BTS while BTS members were helping promote their songs!" these evils was trying to End BTS while bts members were help them promoting their songs !! https://t.co/Kml1T6HKn0 pic.twitter.com/cMHtuMZLnv ugh (@NorhanR40151436) March 7, 2025 One even said, "And after all of this mhj tried to get rid of BTS because she thought it would benefit her and her group...disgusting" And after all of this mhj tried to get rid of BTS because she thought it would benefit her and her group disgusting https://t.co/EDgqm4tIt2 (@candySJ7) March 7, 2025 About the case This case is part of the ongoing legal dispute between ADOR and NewJeans over the validity of their exclusive contract. ADOR claims the contract is still in effect and argues that the group's rebranding as NJZ breaches their contractual obligations. On the other hand, NJZ asserts that the contract was lawfully terminated, allowing them to promote independently of ADOR's authority. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. In a tragic incident, a 41-year-old man from Mumbai has died by suicide due to alleged harassment by his wife and her aunt. Nishant Tripathi died by suicide in his room at the Sahara Hotel on Friday, February 28, after leaving behind a note on the website of the company he worked for, stating that his wife, Apoorva Parikh, and her aunt, Prarthana Mishra, were responsible for his death. CREDIT: ISTOCK Checked into hotel three days prior According to the police, Tripathi checked into a hotel last week and had a 'Do Not Disturb' sign outside his room. Only on Friday did the hotel staff check on him after failing to get any responses from inside the room. Upon opening the door, they found him dead by hanging and informed the police. Suicide note posted on company website In the suicide note that he uploaded on his company's website, he said his wife and aunt were responsible for his death. "By the time you read this, I'll be gone. In my last moments, I could've hated you for everything that happened. But I don't. For this moment, I choose love. I loved you then. I love you now. And as I had promised, it's not going to fade," he said. "My mother knows among all the other struggles I faced, you and Prarthana Mausi are also responsible for my death. So I beg you, don't approach her now. She's broken enough. Let her grieve in peace," the note added. CREDIT: UNSPLASH Case filed, no arrests yet Neelam Chaturvedi, a women's rights activist and the mother of the deceased, has filed a complaint accusing Tripathi's wife and her aunt of harassing him and pushing him to take his own life. While the duo have been booked on charges of abetment of suicide, no arrests have been made so far, and police said the investigation is continuing. Mother's emotional social media post In a Facebook post, Chaturvedi, who claims to have helped over 37,000 women in their fights for justice, said she is a living corpse after the death of her son. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. The Israeli military has rescued ten Indian nationals who were allegedly being held in a West Bank village in Palestine for over a month. According to the IDF, the ten Indian men, who went to Israel as construction workers, were being held captive in the al-Zaayem village. India passports used by Palestinians The Indians were lured by Palestinians with promises of work and then had their passports used to cross into Israel. The matter came to light after Israeli forces intercepted some Palestinians at a checkpoint who had Indian passports. CREDIT: REUTERS Rescued by IDF The Indian workers were rescued in an overnight operation led by the Population and Immigration Authority, along with the IDF and the Justice Ministry, on Wednesday. They have been transferred to a safe location until their employment status is determined. What Indian Embassy said Israeli authorities traced 10 missing Indian construction workers to West Bank & have brought them back to Israel. While the matter is still under investigation, the Embassy is in touch with the Israeli authorities & has requested to ensure their safety & well-being, the Indian Embassy in Israel said. Israeli authorities traced 10 missing Indian construction workers to West Bank & have brought them back to Israel.While the matter is still under investigation, the Embassy is in touch with the Israeli authorities & have requested to ensure their safety & well-being @MEAIndia India in Israel (@indemtel) March 6, 2025 Indian construction workers in Israel In recent years, thousands of Indians have travelled to Israel for work in areas including construction and agriculture. The construction sector in Israel was once dominated by Palestinian workers from both the West Bank and Gaza. CREDIT: REUTERS But this changed in October 2023, following the Hamas terror attack on Israel, after which severe restrictions were imposed on their entry. Israel then looked towards countries, including India and Nepal, to fill the gap in the number of construction workers. According to Israeli media, some 16,000 Indians came to the country in 2024 alone to work in the construction sector there. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a total of three people on charges of selling classified information to individuals based in China. According to the FBI, while two of those arrested are active-duty soldiers, the third is a former soldier. Selling military secrets to China Jian Zhao and Li Tian, active-duty US Army soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, along with Ruoyu Duan, a former soldier, were arrested on Thursday. CREDIT: AP Zhao was accused of gathering classified hard drives and a computer taken from the US government to sell to unspecified individuals in China, while Tian and Duan were charged with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. $15,000 for military secrets According to the Justice Department, the thefts began in July 2024 and resulted in Zhao receiving at least $15,000 in payment for the contraband. According to the indictment, Zhao, with other accomplices, "did knowingly and unlawfully conspire... to obtain and transmit documents, writings, photographs, instruments, appliances, and notes relating to the national defence of the United States to individuals not entitled to receive it". CREDIT: REUTERS The FBI alleged Tian would "gather sensitive military information related to the United States Army's operational capabilities," specifically regarding US military weapon systems, and sold it to Duan for an unspecified sum between November 2021 and December 2024. BREAKING: I can now report that today the FBI, along with our interagency partners led by @AGPamBondi, arrested two active duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former U.S. Army soldier for theft of government property and a bribery scheme. These individuals have been charged with FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 7, 2025 What FBI Director said "These individuals have been charged with stealing Americas defence intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country. They will now face American justice," newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel said on X. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. The Ranveer Allahbadia controversy is proving to be a nightmare for Indias influencer economy. While the Supreme Court has granted him relief, allowing The Ranveer Show to be back in action, the aftershocks of his viral roast-show moment are shaking up influencer brand deals like never before. Brands are hitting pause, slashing endorsement budgets, and, in some cases, ghosting influencers altogether. Influencers feeling the heat Brand deals are supposed to be the bread and butter of influencers, but after Allahbadias eyebrow-raising comment on Indias Got Latent, that revenue stream is looking more like a trickle. According to Sumon K Chakrabarti, CEO of Buffalo Soldiers, the impact is realinfluencer rates have taken a 50% nosedive, with many simply being left out of the conversation. Ranveer Allahbadias Indias Got Latent controversy Even lifestyle and travel influencer Shivaditya Barjatya has noticed a dip. A macro influencer who would typically charge around Rs 2.5 lakh per post is now seeing a 5-7% cut. Brands are way more cautious now. The very numbers that made influencers attractive to them are now making them wary, he reportedly said. The situation has gotten so dicey that renegotiation isnt even on the table anymore. If brands dont want to work with you, what is there to negotiate? Standup comic Samay Raina, who hosted Indias Got Latent, has already lost a major energy drink dealanother casualty of this influencer meltdown. How did we get here? For those who missed the chaos, heres a quick recap: Allahbadia landed himself in hot water last month when he threw out an incredibly inappropriate question during his guest appearance on Indias Got Latent. The clip, featuring an unsettling Would you rather dilemma involving parents, sex, and an unthinkable choice, spread like wildfire across social media, sparking instant outrage. The backlash was brutalmultiple FIRs were filed, and police complaints flooded in. Social media exploded, slamming the so-called roast comedy for its tasteless and vulgar content. Even the Supreme Court wasnt amused, warning that obscenity under the guise of comedy wouldnt be tolerated. Supreme Courts verdict: A second chance With conditions On March 3, the Supreme Court finally weighed in. While Allahbadia has been allowed to continue The Ranveer Show, theres a catchhe has to submit an undertaking ensuring his content remains within standards of decency and morality. Translation? No more edgy, boundary-pushing, outrage-inducing content. The bigger question, however, is whether brands will ever trust influencers the same way again. With this fiasco shaking up the industry, influencers will likely be walking on eggshells for a long time to come. Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singhs music is undeniably catchy, but his lyrics? Well, lets just say they often come with a legal disclaimer. Over the years, hes mastered the art of turning court summons into an extension of his discography, and once again, hes back in the headlines. Neetu Chandras recent PIL against his latest track Maniac has reignited the debate about misogyny in Bollywood music. But before we get into his latest controversy, lets take a nostalgic tour through all the times the rapper found himself in hot water with the law. Honey Singh song controversies over the years 1. Main hoon b*latkari - 2013 In what remains one of the most controversial moments of his career, Honey Singh was slapped with an FIR for allegedly singing a song with lyrics that translated to I am a r*pist. IPS officer Amitabh Thakur took legal action, claiming that the lyrics were not just obscene but outright derogatory toward women. The Punjab and Haryana High Court even summoned Singh to explain himself. The backlash was intense, with many questioning how such lyrics even made it past production. 2. Makhna - 2018 Fast forward a few years, and Honey Singh found himself back in legal turmoil, this time for the song Makhna. The Punjab Women Commission deemed its lyrics vulgar and anti-women, citing lines like Main hoon womaniser as unacceptable. Despite complaints pouring in, no major action was taken, fueling criticism that Honey Singh wasnt being held accountable. Many felt that his repeated offenses proved he had little regard for censor board regulations. 3. Mystery song - 2022 In 2022, Honey Singh was booked once again, this time under Section 292 of the IPC for obscene content. A case was filed in Nagpurs Panchpaoli police station, alleging that he uploaded a vulgar song on social media. However, no specific track was named, leaving fans and critics alike wondering which song had landed him in trouble this time. 4. Maniac - 2025 Just when you thought he had finally learned his lesson, here comes Maniac, another Honey Singh chartbuster, another lawsuit. Actor and filmmaker Neetu Chandra has filed a PIL in the Patna High Court against the song, citing overt sexualization and objectification of women. What makes this controversy even spicier? The song allegedly uses Bhojpuri language in a way that normalizes vulgarity, something that hasnt gone down well with many Bhojpuri-speaking audiences. Neetu Chandra argues that it completely disregards womens empowerment, turning them into mere props in a hypersexualized fantasy. Love him or hate him, you cant ignore him, Honey Singh has built a career on beats that go viral and lyrics that land him in court. The question is: will he ever change his tune, or are we just waiting for the next legal controversy to drop along with his next track! Construction on the crucial northern section of the E65 highway is accelerating, with overall progress now exceeding 66%. The major infrastructure project promises to dramatically slash travel times and bolster safety across mainland Greece, linking the south with Macedonia and Epirus. Already, a 135-kilometer segment from Lamia to Kalambaka has been open to traffic since April 2024. The remaining 46-kilometer stretch, connecting Kalambaka to the Egnatia Odos highway, is rapidly advancing toward completion. Recent footage from the YouTube channel "Tasos Gakis" reveals asphalt paving is complete in sections, while tunnels and bridges are nearing their final stages. Data from Kentriki Odos, the project's overseer, shows precise progress: tunnels are 96.45% complete, bridges 93.62%, asphalt work 39.72%, and earthworks 74.65%. The E65, spanning 181.5 kilometers upon completion, will serve as mainland Greece's third major north-south artery, complementing the Ionian Odos and AthensThessaloniki axes. The highway's impact on travel times will be significant. The journey from Lamia to Egnatia Odos will shrink from 3 hours and 15 minutes to just 1 hour and 45 minutes. Travel from Athens to Grevena will be cut to 4 hours, and trips to Metsovo, Kastoria, and Kozani will take roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes. With full operation projected for early 2026, the E65 will offer drivers a modern, safe, and efficient route, enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth in the regions it traverses. iefimerida.gr The opposition's motion of censure to oust the government "takes place in an environment of unprecedented geopolitical upheavals,"Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during his speech in the Parliament plenary, wrapping up the debate on Friday night. Focusing his speech on Greece's role in developments, and its efforts at the European Union, Mitsotakis referred to Thursday's EU summit and said "it is the first time we have conclusions that absolutely justify the stances we have fought for all these years." In particular, he referred to the exclusion of including defense expenditures in calculations for the state budget , and in the creation by Europe of a new funding tool for investments in common European defense. Greece talks with all sides and exercises a foreign policy that benefits Greek interests, he underlined. "Under these very difficult circumstances, Greece's stance is absolutely critical. It will and must remain at the core of European developments, tabling proposals that will benefit itself and the European Union. Greece, Mr. Androulakis, despite what is heard today by US President Trump, is determined to safeguard its strategic relationship with the United States," Mitsotakis said, addressing PASOK-Movement for Change (KINAL) leader Nikos Androulakis, who initiated the motion for censure co-signed by another three parties and independents. Referring specifically to the motion, Mitsotakis said he was elected by the Greek people with a parliamentary majority, and will retain this until the next elections. In the uncertain global environment, the opposition decided to table a motion of censure instead of using other tools for parliamentary control. Referring to the alignment with SYRIZA and other parties, the PM said, "The fact you identified [with each other] proves that you are an alliance of willing nihilists, and lack any other alternative proposal. I did not expect something different from SYRIZA." But for PASOK, as main opposition, its leader is trying to legitimize populism and fake news, Mitsotakis said. "I have the absolute duty to show up what today's PASOK is. When we used to call you 'a green SYRIZA', we were rather complimentary. This interesting alliance with the purpose of ousting this government, this prime minister - who shall come? With what program? With what kind of views on foreign policy? On health? On education?," he added. PASOK is an opposition without direction or plan, no proposal, yet believes it expresses society's voice, the PM insisted. "You are the echo of your own inadequacy," Mitsotakis said. The PM also addressed SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos, criticizing SYRIZA for supporting violence instead of peaceful protests, by protecting every firebomb-thrower creating incidents and damaging public property after rallies. "All these are finished, Mr. Famellos," he said. iefimerida.gr Androulakis accused the ruling New Democracy party of covering up crucial details regarding the tragedy. A heated political clash unfolded in the Greek Parliament on Thursday as PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis and Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis exchanged fierce accusations during a debate on a no-confidence motion against the government . The confrontation centered on a leaked email , published by the newspaper Estia, which allegedly revealed government intervention in the aftermath of a deadly railway disaster. Androulakis accused the ruling New Democracy party of covering up crucial details regarding the tragedy. He challenged Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to present the email in Parliament, claiming that it would prove that government official Christos Triantopoulos had acted on the prime ministers direct orders. He warned that failure to disclose the document within 24 hours would confirm suspicions of a cover-up, stating that the government was trapped in a vicious cycle of deception. Floridis, responding sharply, dismissed Androulakis accusations as politically motivated. He recalled that PASOK had previously pushed a similar claim about tampered railway records, which was later debunked by an expert investigation. Criticizing the opposition, he mocked their ability to govern, describing the coalition supporting the no-confidence motion as a fragmented group made up of PASOK and various factions of the left-wing SYRIZA party. He questioned how they expected to replace the current government, arguing that the ruling partys parliamentary majority was unshakable. The exchange turned personal when Androulakis accused Floridis of political betrayal, comparing him to a Janissary, a historical reference to Christian children forcibly converted into Ottoman warriors. He argued that Floridis had turned against the political party that once supported him, while aligning himself with figures who had previously criticized him. Raising the stakes, Androulakis issued a challenge: if Floridis claims about the email were correct, he would resign; but if he was right, Floridis should step down immediately. As tensions escalated, Androulakis reiterated his demand for early elections, insisting that the government had lost legitimacy. Floridis, however, countered that PASOKs alliances lacked credibility and moral consistency. The debate underscored the deep political divisions in Greece, as the opposition sought to pressure the government over its handling of the railway disaster, while the ruling party dismissed the no-confidence motion as an opportunistic maneuver with little chance of success. #ENGLISH_EDITION #GREECE Nearly half of the demonstrators, 46%, sent a message that they were protesting not just the Tempi disaster but also the overall failures of recent years. A new poll by ProRata has revealed that an overwhelming 78% of protesters who took to the streets across Greece on February 28 are calling for a change in government. The demonstrations, sparked by the one-year anniversary of the deadly Tempi train crash, primarily demanded justice, with 76% of participants stating that those responsible must be held accountable and punished. Beyond seeking justice for the victims, the protests also reflected broader public frustration with governance in Greece. Nearly half of the demonstrators, 46%, sent a message that they were protesting not just the Tempi disaster but also the overall failures of recent years. Meanwhile, 31% emphasized the need for reforms to ensure such a tragedy never happens again, while 19% focused on uncovering the truth behind the incident. The political dimension of the protests was also clear, with 38% of participants placing full blame on the ruling New Democracy government. Another 34% agreed that while the current administration bore the primary responsibility, previous governments also contributed to the countrys broader failures. A further 28% blamed all recent governments equally. The values driving the protests centered overwhelmingly around the demand for justice, cited by 87% of respondents. Transparency was the second most common concern, at 40%, followed by accountability at 24%, safety at 23%, and dignity and solidarity, both at 11%. Beyond the immediate political fallout, the poll also revealed a deep sense of distrust in the countrys institutions. Sixty-eight percent of those surveyed believe justice will not be served in the Tempi case, while only 28% believe those responsible will be held accountable. The lack of confidence extends to Greeces broader governance structures. Seventy-seven percent expressed dissatisfaction with the governments handling of the case, and an equal percentage said they do not trust the Greek judicial system to resolve the matter. Seventy-one percent were also critical of the parliamentary opposition, while a quarter of respondents even questioned the effectiveness of the ongoing public demonstrations. The broader political impact of the crisis is becoming increasingly evident. New Democracy, the party in power, has seen its support drop to 22.5%, marking a three-percentage-point decline since the previous ProRata poll in December 2024. However, the countrys center-left opposition has not significantly benefited from this shift. PASOK, the main social-democratic party, has slipped slightly to 15%, while the left-wing SYRIZA party has gained just one point, now polling at 8%. In contrast, right-wing and anti-establishment parties appear to be gaining ground. The nationalist Greek Solution party has surged from 8% to 11%, while the far-right Voice of Logic party, led by Aphrodite Latinopoulou, has risen to 6%. One of the most notable shifts has been in support for Plefsi Eleftherias, a party led by former parliamentary speaker Zoe Konstantopoulou, which has doubled its support from 4.5% to 9%. The Communist Party (KKE) has also strengthened its position, now polling at 9%. When looking at vote estimation, New Democracy remains in the lead with 25%, followed by PASOK at 16.5%. Greek Solution has climbed to 12.5%, while Plefsi Eleftherias and the Communist Party are tied at 9%. SYRIZA is currently at 9%, with Voice of Logic polling at 6.5%. The New Left, a smaller progressive party, stands at 3%, hovering around the parliamentary threshold. Other parties, including NIKI, MeRA25, and the Democracy Movement, remain below the 3% required to enter parliament. The findings reflect a growing sense of political uncertainty in Greece. While New Democracy remains the strongest party, the gap between the first and second place has now narrowed to just 7.5 points, signaling a volatile political landscape in which disillusionment with mainstream politics is leading to gains for both right-wing and anti-establishment parties. #TEMPI #GREECE #ENGLISH_EDITION An official of the American International School in Abuja revealed that Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, paid a total of $1,606,763.68 in tuition fees for his children. This includes an advance payment of $845,852 for his young childrens future enrollment. Nicholas Ojehomon, an auditor at the school, disclosed this while testifying as a prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello is currently facing an N80.2bn fraud charge filed by the EFCC. The commission alleges that Bello paid $760,000 as an advance for his childrens school fees shortly before leaving office, and that the school refunded the money after an investigation. Advertisement During Thursdays proceedings, Nicholas Ojon told the court that Yahaya Bellos brother, Ali Bello, played a key role in facilitating the payment process He told the court: Mr. Ali Bello contacted the American International School, Abuja, on Friday, August 13, requesting to pay the Bello childrens school fees until they graduate. The school management accepted his offer The witness further revealed that the payments covered four of Bellos children, enrolled in Grades 8, 6, 4, and 2. Additionally, he confirmed that payment was also made for future children who were yet to be enrolled at the time, with an expected start date of August 2022, provided space was available. According to Ojehomon, $90,074 was paid for Bellos daughter in Grade 8; $87,470 for his daughter in Grade 6; $26,241 for his daughter in Grade 4; and $18,707 for his daughter in Grade 2. The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to begin screening its governorship aspirants in Anambra State on Friday, March 7. This comes after the party generated N350 million from the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms, with seven aspirants successfully purchasing and submitting the N50 million forms. The aspirants include Prof Obiora Okonkwo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Chukuma Umeoji Paul Chukwuma, Onunkwo Johnbisco Obinna, Valentine Ozigbo, and Edozie Madu. The screening exercise is a crucial step in the partys primary election process, scheduled for April 5. Advertisement In a statement made by the APC spoke person in Anambra on Thursday he was quoted saying Notice of screening schedules for the seven APC Anambra State governorship aspirants holds from Friday, 7th March to Saturday, 8th March 2025 at the NWC Hall of the APC National Secretariat at 40 Blantyre Street in Wuse II, Abuja. The following aspirants will appear before the screening panel: Sir Paul Chukwuma on Friday (4.30pm 5.00pm), Prof Obiora Okonkwo (5.05pm 5.35pm) and Nicholas Ukachukwu (5.40pm 6.10pm). On Saturday it will be the turn of Chukwuma Umeoji (10.00am 10.30am), Valentine Ozigbo (10.35am 11.05am), Johnbosco Onunkwo (11.35am 12.05pm) and Edozie Madu (12.35am 1.05pm) to attend the screening Former campaign director general to Labour Partys 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Doyin Okupe has passed away at the age of 72. Some sources close to the family, told Sahara Reporters that Mr. Okupe had been critically ill in the last few weeks leading to his demise. READ MORE: 2027: Tinubu Is Doing Well, All Alliances Against Him Will End In Futility Doyin Okupe Tells Opposition Groups Advertisement After the 2023 general election, he also resigned from the Labour Party and later became a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubus administration. He was a senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan. Okupe was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago and later developed sarcoma in his right shoulder. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that no official statement from the family or any constituted authority has been made so far. Former minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has berated Nigeria Senate for suspending lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Recall that the upper chamber on Thursday, suspended the female Senator, for what they described as breach of code of conduct for the Red chamber. The development is coming, after the Kogi lawmaker accused Senate President Godswil Akpabio of sexual harassment. Advertisement Recall that last week, Senator Natasha, during an interview on Arise TV, called the former governor of Akwa Ibom State. Reacting to the development on Thursday, via her X page, Ezekwesili, commended Mrs. Natasha for her resilience in the face of what she described as a coordinated abuse of power by the Senate. She praised the Kogi Central Senator for maintaining her composure despite being bullied by a room full of men for speaking up on an undisclosed issue. Ezekwesili urged Nigerians, especially women and men of goodwill, to take inspiration from Akpoti-Uduaghans courage. She said: Natasha won today. That was the most they could do, collectively abuse their powers. As always. But today is not forever READ MORE: Alleged Sexual Harassment: This Injustice Would Not Be Sustained Natasha Faults Senate Suspension Natasha is holding strong. Really strong. Today is NOT Forever, as I have always said in this country and been proven right often enough. All reasonable Nigerians should be proud of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. She sat dignified to the end, in a room filled with men who collectively bullied her for daring to speak up for herself. Nigerian Women and all Real Men of goodwill should draw profound inspiration from her stoicism. Theres plenty of work ahead for all who believe in this Cause of unearthing the Truth on this issue. Mercy Eke, winner of Big Brother Naijas Pepper Dem season, has embarked on a new chapter in her education by enrolling in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme in the UK. In her social media posts on Thursday, the reality star who recently made headlines for acquiring a Lamborghini highlighted her commitment to education and personal growth. Advertisement Mercy, like her BBNaija colleague Miracle Ikechukwu, has decided to pursue further studies after her time on the show. READ MORE: I Dont Have Gift To Sign Artists Tiwa Savage Talks Career, Music School Plans She alluded to the fact that she started the program in 2024 by sharing pictures with her colleagues. Chasing my dreams done playing, back to reality. I started my MBA last year, and Im super excited for this journey. Heres to new experiences, learning, and leveling up! #MBAJourney, she wrote. Fans praised her commitment to self-improvement and education. SEE POST: https://www.instagram.com/p/DG29fQQtkVw/?igsh=eDJvZDdseTF1YWM= Nigeria Senate has reaffirmed its commitment in ensuring 35 percent affirmative action for women in the parliament. It was gathered that the upper chamber led this out on Thursday, during a plenary session in Abuja to mark 2025 International Womens Day. President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, pledged to initiate legislation aimed at removing all barriers to the progress of women in the country. Advertisement He said: This commitment aligns with the countrys National Gender Policy (NGP) and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. He also emphasised that lawmakers would work to remove all obstacles hindering the socio-economic progress of women and gender equality. Mr. Akpabio added: We are discussing how women can have a solid presence, not only in the National Assembly but across the country. READ MORE: Sexual Allegation: Tinubus Wife Backs Akpabio, Says Suspending Senator Natasha Necessary We will do all we can to promote gender equality in this country, even if it means amending or adjusting the 1999 Constitution. Credible evidence has shown that women are better managers worldwide. Sometimes, they can work harder than men. We must return to a time when women played key roles in all sectors of life, contributing to our collective progress and prosperity. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the development is coming, following the suspension of a controversial female lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her dispute with the Senate President. Mrs. Natasha is accusing Senator Akpabio over sexual harassment and abuse of office, a development which has raised concern about womens involvement in Nigeria political future. Opposition groups and other notable Nigerians have condemned the Senates action, saying that it is injustice and gender bias. Nigeria Army has reaffirmed its commitment in ending illegal activities of Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network, in the South-East. The Defence Headquarters, vowed that military will also eradicate the sit-at-home culture enforced by the group. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus said that despite efforts by security agents, some residents in South East are still afraid to go to their workplace on Monday. Advertisement He said: Who gave the order? IPOB/ESN criminals. Because of what was happening in the South-East, Operation Udo Ka was set up just like Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East. READ MORE: Appeal Court Affirms IPOB As Terrorist Group The past three commanders in the region have worked tirelessly to encourage people to go about their normal business. However, in some areas, residents still stay home out of fear. The commanders are working hard to free the South-East from IPOB/ESN influence. Something is happening in my house; I am the head of the house; I have children, I have a wife, and then Kuma Shi (someone else) is reporting what is happening in my house to me. Which one would be more correct? The one I tell you as the head of the house or the one Kuma Shi is reporting from outside? Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, including former Labour Partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi have expressed their sorrow over the death of Dr. Doyin Okupe. Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had earlier reported that the former presidential spokesperson died this morning at the age of 72, after suffering from short illness. Reacting to the report in a statement on Friday by Governor Abiodun, emphasized that while his affiliations with Okupe changed over time, his relationships with family, friends, and associates remained intact. Advertisement He said: Receiving the news of the passing of my elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe has left me with a profound sense of personal loss, especially coming so soon after the transition of the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo Without a doubt, Dr. Okupes departure leaves a void that will not be easily filled. Beyond his political and professional engagements, Dr. Okupe was an affable, easy-going, and principled individual who, despite never flaunting his credentials, played a significant role in Nigerias resistance to military rule. Like many other democracy advocates, he endured detention and persecution under military regimes, standing firm in his convictions. Although he shifted political alliances as situations evolved, aligning with the National Republican Convention (NRC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Accord Party, and the Labour Party, he never severed ties with his friends across political platforms. Even after the 2023 general election, he openly admired and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubus progressive vision. Also reacting to Okupes death via his X page on Friday, former governor of Anambra State, Obi, said that the the former presidential spokesperson desired better Nigeria. He said: With great sadness this morning, I received the shocking news of the death of my dear elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe. READ MORE: Former Peter Obi Campaign DG, Doyin Okupe Dies At 72 On behalf of the family and the Obidient family, I sincerely mourn his passing. Dr. Okupe was an active figure in the nations political space and a man who desired a better Nigeria. His death is a profound loss, not only to his family and loved ones but to all of us. I would therefore like to urge members of the Obidient Movement and other groups to pray for the eternal repose of Dr. Okupes soul and to remember his family during these trying times. May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad and irreplaceable loss. Reno Omokri has challenged Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to take a lie detector test over her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Omokris challenge comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan made the accusations, which have sparked widespread attention. Omokri recounted how Akpoti-Uduaghan made similar allegations against him in 2021, which he later disproved with evidence. He stated that Akpoti-Uduaghans allegations could not be fully trusted, as she has a history of making false accusations of a similar nature. Advertisement Omokri, in a detailed video posted on social media on Friday, revealed that Akpoti-Uduaghan had made similar allegations against him in 2021. He said: On Tuesday, 12 October 2021, Natasha Akpoti had a dispute with me and, after the dispute, she went on social media and accused me of sexually harassing her. She claimed that at a state banquet at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, held by President Goodluck Jonathan for the visiting Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, on Tuesday, 6 May 2014, I had sexually harassed her. Now, the thing is, a month before, the Chibok girls had been abducted, and as one of his presidential spokesmen, President Jonathan sent me to the United States as a special envoy to try to clean up Nigerias image. I left in April and I wasnt back in Nigeria until the end of May. So, obviously, Natasha Akpoti lied. So what I did was go on social media and publish my passport stamp, showing my departure from Nigeria and entry into the United States. I also published a first-class British Airways ticket showing that I left Nigeria for the United Kingdom and then travelled from the United Kingdom to the United States. I was not in Nigeria throughout the time when Natasha Akpoti accused me. So she obviously lied. After newspapers published my evidence, Natasha deleted all traces of her accusation. She deleted everything. She had made a video insulting me, my wife, and my newborn daughter. She also deleted that. The next day, I received a phone call from a prominent Christian clergyman. As a fellow pastor, they believed I would listen to a senior member of the body of Christ. He called me on a three-way call with Emmanuel Oritshejolomi Uduaghan, Natasha Akpotis present husband. They appealed to me, quoting scriptural references about Christians taking each other to court, and I listened to them. We settled the matter out of court. I was paid a large amount of money as damages, and I let the matter go. So, fast forward four years later, Natasha Akpoti had a dispute with the Senate President. After that dispute, she went on Arise TV and accused him of sexual harassment. It sounds like deja vu. The thing is, I do not know if those allegations are true. But one thing I do know is that Natasha Akpoti is a liara known liar. The best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour. Omokri said that before Nigerians crucify Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan should be compelled to take a lie detector test. Come out. Take the test. You know, be escorted by one senator who supports you and another senator who is neutral, he said. He added that because he had evidence, the Kogi senator retracted her false allegations and deleted every trace of them. Until she takes a lie detector test, the presumption is that she is acting on her past behaviour, he concluded. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected her six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate, labeling it illegal. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that she remains a legitimate senator, duly elected to serve her constituents and the country. In a statement made on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as a blatant disregard for the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity. The senator was quoted saying: Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity, she stated. Advertisement The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond. The suspension, handed down by the Senate, stems from Akpoti-Uduaghans allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This development follows a turbulent period in the Senate, marked by disagreements over seating arrangements and Akpoti-Uduaghans outspoken stance on various issues. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has commended Nigeria Senate for its decision over the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Recall that Senator Natasha was suspended on Thursday, for breaching the code of conduct of the upper chamber. The development is coming, following days of controversy between Mrs. Natasha and Senate President Godswil Akpabio. Advertisement The Kogi Central lawmaker was heard on Arise TV last week, accusing Senator Akpabio for punishing her due to her refusal to grant him sexual advances. On Wednesday, Mrs. Natasha proceeded to the Senate to submit a petition against the Senate President. Reacting to the development while addressing journalists on Thursday, Remi Tinubu emphasised that the Senate should be a place of honor, not controversy. Speaking over Akpabio, the first lady said that Senate is taking the necessary steps. She said: I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may say, why am I not taking a position? I believe that the Senate is doing what is needful because thats what it is. READ MORE: Alleged Sexual Harassment: This Injustice Would Not Be Sustained Natasha Faults Senate Suspension It is an inside place and its a matured chamber. Its a mature chamber, and it should be treated with respect. Its an honour for you to be in that place alone. I was there for 12 years, even in my younger days, and Im still trying to look young, but people compliment you all the time, only that, women raise yourself, dont be in a position that men will be talking to you anyhow. The Peoples Democratic Party has condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate. PDP claimed that the action of the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate leadership against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan smacks of a desperation to cover up the allegation of sexual harassment. The opposition party also said that Mrs. Natashas suspension is hasty and was done without an open investigation into the weighty allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President. Advertisement In a statement by PDPs National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba on Friday, added that the six months suspension on Senator Natasha is an attempt to deny people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone Constitutional right. The statement partly reads: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in very strong terms the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate over her allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The PDP asserts that the action of the Akpabio-led Senate leadership against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan smacks of a desperation to cover up. READ MORE: Natasha: Senate Pledges To Promote Gender Equality Also, the excessively harsh six months suspension on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan translates to denying the people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone their Constitutional right of being represented in the Senate. It is scandalous, and amounts to gross abuse of office and violation of the fundamentals of justice and fair hearing for Senator Akpabio to sit as a judge in a matter in which he is the accused; a situation which validates public apprehension of a desperation by the embattled Senate President to suppress open legislative probe into the allegation of sexual harassment leveled against him. If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, what Nigerians expected of him was to clear his name by stepping aside in line with established parliamentary practice, allow and submit to an open and unbiased investigation into the allegation of sexual harassment by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is indeed a national embarrassment that the person of the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly is being mentioned in a case of sexual harassment which has now tarred the image and integrity of the highest lawmaking body in Nigeria. Ordinarily under this situation the Senate President needs no prodding to step aside for an independent investigation to clear his name. Given the height of public anxiety on this allegation of sexual harassment which has already escalated into protests at the National Assembly, the PDP urges the Senate to redeem its image and integrity by immediately reinstating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and ensuring an open investigation into the matter. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed displeasure over the ongoing rift between him and lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpabio revealed that he spent the night inside the Dangote Cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State, on the wedding day of the female lawmaker. The former governor of Akwa Ibom State Akpabio made this known on Thursday during plenary session at the National Assembly. Advertisement He explained that poor lighting at the Kogi airport prevented him from leaving after the event. The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs emphasised his close relationship with Natashas family, describing her husband as a good friend. He noted that his presence at their wedding was a testament to their bond. READ MORE: Alleged Sexual Harassment: This Injustice Would Not Be Sustained Natasha Faults Senate Suspension Akpabio said: I slept in Dangote Cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State, on the night of Senator Natashas wedding because the Kogi airport lights were in a poor state. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports the Senate President is facing several allegations from Senator Natasha, a development which is rocking the National Assembly. The Kogi lawmaker claimed that Mr. Akpabio punished her during a plenary last week because she refused to grant him sexual desire. Following her claims during a live interview on Arise TV, Senator Natasha filled a petition against Akpabio. On Thursday, she was suspended for six months after failing to honour the Senate President. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently interrogating former Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, over allegations of misappropriation, procurement violations, and diversion of public funds. The alleged fraud amounts to N138,413,253.89, which was earmarked for the 2023 budget of the ministry. According to reports, the funds were diverted for personal use, including money intended for the P-BAT Cares for Women Initiative. Advertisement This is a serious allegation, and the EFCC is taking it seriously. The commission which is tasked with investigating and prosecuting financial crimes, and its clear theyre taking a close look at Ohanenyes dealings. According to a source who spoke to the Vanguard Newspaper, former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, arrived at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja at around 11:00 AM on Thursday. She has been undergoing questioning since her arrival in connection with allegations of N138 million fraud. Operatives are questioning Uju Kennedy Ohanenye regarding her alleged involvement in the misappropriation and diversion of N138 million from the 2023 Ministry budget, the source disclosed. The investigations reveal that funds meant for women-focused projects were diverted for personal enrichment, and there were clear breaches of due process in the ministrys budget disbursement. The former minister is also being probed for other fraudulent activities, including violations of procurement laws and the unauthorized use of public funds As of the time of filing this report, Ohanenye remains in EFCC custody, and investigations are ongoing. Special Adviser and Consultant on Communications and Strategy to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ken Okolugbe has blamed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over the ongoing rift between her and his principal. Akpabios aide noted that the failure to control anger and bad advices from outside the Senate House led to the sudden suspension of Senator Natasha. Mr. Okolugbe led this out on Friday, during an interview with Channels TV. Advertisement He suggested that the controversy surrounding seat arrangements in the Senate was exacerbated by Natashas lingering resentment over her removal as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content. Okolugbe said: The fact of the matter was that her seat was removed and there was already bottled-up anger because she was removed from the local content committee. READ MORE: Sexual Allegation: Tinubus Wife Backs Akpabio, Says Suspending Senator Natasha Necessary The reality of it all is that all Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan needs to do is to apologise, a written apology. She has been given that window, anybody that is deceiving her to the contrary is just ruining her political career. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Senator Natasha had accused Senate President of punishing her due to her refusal to grant him sexual advances, a development Mr. Akpabio has denied. On Wednesday, the Kogi Central lawmaker, proceeded to the upper chamber to submit a petition, against the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, accusing of sexual harassment and abuse of office. Meanwhile, during a plenary session Thursday, Senator Natasha was suspended by the Senates disciplinary committee, over breach of code of conduct of the National Assembly. Nollywood star Yul Edochie has paid tribute to his legendary father, Pete Edochie, on his 78th birthday. The outspoken actor took to his Instagram page on Friday to shower praise on his father, calling him one of Nigerias greatest icons and the most prominent figure in Nollywood. Yul described him as a great man, a legend, a good person, and an amazing father. Advertisement READ MORE: Chika Ike Announces Arrival Of Her First Child He wished Pete more years of happiness and blessings, praying that God always leads him. He wrote, The Lion of Africa. One of Nigerias greatest icons. The biggest name in Nollywood. A great man. A Legend. A good man. A wonderful father. Happy 78th birthday Dad. @peteedochie Ebubedike! Wishing you many more beautiful and blessed years. May God lead you always. Ezigbo mmadu. My man for life. Love you forever Dad. SEE POST: https://www.instagram.com/p/DG5SeB0oBsW/?igsh=ZHNzYXYzOTFzOXU= Alibaba Cloud on Thursday launched QwQ-32B, a compact reasoning model built on its latest large language model (LLM), Qwen2.5-32b, one it says delivers performance comparable to other large cutting edge models, including Chinese rival DeepSeek and OpenAIs o1, with only 32 billion parameters. According to a release from Alibaba, the performance of QwQ-32B highlights the power of reinforcement learning (RL), the core technique behind the model, when applied to a robust foundation model like Qwen2.5-32B, which is pre-trained on extensive world knowledge. By leveraging continuous RL scaling, QwQ-32B demonstrates significant improvements in mathematical reasoning and coding proficiency. AWS defines RL as a machine learning technique that trains software to make decisions to achieve the most optimal results and mimics the trial-and-error learning process that humans use to achieve their goals. Software actions that work towards your goal are reinforced, while actions that detract from the goal are ignored. NEW YORK Elon Musks car company is required each year to report to investors all the bad things that could happen to it, and the latest version lists every imaginable threat from costly lawsuits to out-of-control battery fires to war and another epidemic. But there's barely any mention in the latest annual update of Musk's full-bore entry into right-wing politics, which some experts say is turning off potential customers who don't share his views. Advertisement It's marketing 101: Dont involve yourself in politics, said New York brand consultant Robert Passikoff. People will stop buying your products. It may be too late. Tesla sales plunged 45% in Europe in January, according to research firm Jato Dynamics, even as overall electric vehicle sales rose. That comes after a report of falling sales in California, its biggest U.S. market, and the first annual drop globally for the company last year. I dont even want to drive it, said Model 3 owner John Parnell, a Democrat from Ross, Calif., adding that he also is canceling his order for the companys Cybertruck, losing a $100 deposit. Hes destroying the brand with his politics. Car industry analysts say its too early to say for sure how much damage Musk is causing to Tesla because so many other factors could explain its current troubles. Its best-selling vehicle, the Model Y, is coming out with a new version this year, leading potential Tesla buyers to hold off purchases right now. And European and Chinese manufacturers are finally catching up to the worlds EV leader, offering cars with battery life and dependability that are competitive. But, if anything, that makes Musks political comments even more reckless, auto analysts say. Musk thinks he can say anything he wants to and doesnt think Tesla will suffer any consequences, said Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein. Tesla was in the sweet spot. Now it has competition. The sales numbers were particularly bad in Germany and France in January, down roughly 60% each, more than the average decline for the more than two-dozen European countries surveyed. Sales in France fell another 26% in February. More worrisome was the breakdown for Teslas individual models. Sales of Teslas Model 3 dropped 33% across all European countries even though that car is not being updated and there is no reason for buyers to wait. Part of the population is not happy with his views, his political activism, said Jato senior analyst Felipe Munoz who had shrugged off the boycott threat earlier this year, but is now having second thoughts. Many Tesla buyers used to be wealthy, environmentally-conscious professionals, often liberal, who were attracted to Musk's talk about how his EVs could help save the planet from fossil-fuel destruction. Not anymore. I used to be adored by the left, Musk said in an interview with Tucker Carlson on Feb. 18 as his stock was halfway through a nearly 30% plunge for the month. Less so these days. His decision to spend $270 million on Donald Trump's presidential campaign and publicly back him was risky enough for his business. Then he doubled down, pursuing a slash-and-burn strategy as head of Trump's government efficiency team and taking his political revolution and incendiary talk abroad. He has backed the far-right, pro-Russian, anti-Muslim party in Germany, called the British prime minister an evil tyrant who runs a police state, and stated recently about a U.S. neighbor and major Tesla market, Canada is not a real country. The backlash has been fierce. Tesla showrooms in the U.S. have been besieged by protesters, its vehicles vandalized and bumper stickers appearing on its cars with sayings such as, "I bought it before Elon went nuts." An effigy of Musk was hung in Milan and image of him doing a straight-arm salute projected on a Tesla factory outside Berlin. In London, a bus stop poster of him above the word swasticars lit up social media. A Polish government minister called for a Tesla boycott. I will not buy a Tesla again, said Jens Fischer, a 50-year-old microscope salesperson in Witten, Germany, who thinks Musk is destabilizing democracy and has slapped one of those Elon went nuts stickers on his Model 3. Id sell if I got a good offer. Tesla investor Ross Gerber says Musk has somehow managed to marry the world's best product with the world's worst marketing. People want to buy stuff that makes them feel good, you don't want politics involved," said Gerber, a money manager whose portfolios hold nearly $60 million in Tesla stock. It's even worse when you have such divisive issues, whether its firing climate scientists or taking aid away from starving African children. Boycotts have a habit of fizzling out, and Morningstar's Goldstein says that buying a car is too big a decision and costs too much to make them successful targets, anyway. One Tesla owner, Londoner Harry Chathli, is unmoved by the backlash, saying he has no intention of getting rid of his Tesla S. He has nothing but praise for Musk who he calls a visionary for transforming "the way we think about transportation and the future of our planet. But if Teslas stock is any indicator, the companys prospects are deteriorating, and Musks position in the Trump administration isnt helping. As of Feb. 28, it has dropped 37% since its Inauguration Day, a loss of $550 billion in investor wealth. When the news sank in Tuesday that President Donald Trumps tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada had taken effect, there wasnt much John Vena could do. The third-generation Philadelphia wholesale produce distributor gets Haas avocados, greenhouse bell peppers, and hundreds of specialty crops, including cucumbers and squash, from Mexico all of which were suddenly subject to a 25% levy. Advertisement So that morning Vena signed up for a webinar on tariffs, checked his email, and read a couple of news articles about the new global trade war taking shape. To be honest, as a wholesaler in Philadelphia, Im kind of powerless, Vena, 72, of Haddon Heights, said Tuesday. We just have to go along with whats happening, and day by day well figure it out. The trade war unleashed by Trump slapping 25% tariffs on most imports from putative allies Canada and Mexico, while also increasing levies on China to 20% has deepened uncertainty across the economy. The latest whiplash came Thursday, when Trump said he would pause tariffs for a month on goods from Canada and Mexico that are covered by an existing trade agreement. Trump has also targeted specific commodities such as steel and aluminum with tariffs, set to go into effect this month, and vowed to punch back against other countries levies with reciprocal tariffs starting in April. Its really quite an expansive and profound approach, and one that we really have literally never seen in recent history, said Jonathan Doh, professor of international business at Villanova University. READ MORE: Why Trumps tariffs could have bigger impacts this time around Trumps pause Thursday came after retailers such as Target and Best Buy said they would likely have to raise prices. A day earlier, the president gave automakers a one-month reprieve from North American tariffs after industry executives and analysts warned car prices could climb by thousands of dollars. Venas 90-employee South Philadelphia produce business is a small player in a global drama that has rattled financial markets, prompted vows of retaliation, and, at least for now, upended even the North American trade deal Trump himself negotiated during his first term. Still, Vena has a close-up view into how the conflict could affect U.S. consumers at a place they shop every week and where Trump repeatedly promised on the campaign trail to bring down prices: the grocery store. Its very difficult for somebody in my business to see how tariffs on fresh produce or any food products will serve the current administration in their goal to lower prices at the grocery store, Vena said. I dont see how those ideas work together. Lack of appropriate growing conditions Trump, in his speech to Congress on Tuesday, gave multiple reasons for imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, citing the flow of the synthetic opioid fentanyl into the U.S. and saying America effectively subsidizes those countries to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars an apparent reference to trade deficits. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this week that less than 1% of the fentanyl confiscated at the U.S. border comes from his country. Trump has long complained that the U.S. imports more goods and services than it exports. U.S. policy has traditionally favored consumption over savings, fueling the trade deficit, Doh said. Trump said his trade agenda would make America richer and encourage companies to invest in the U.S. so they can avoid his tariffs, citing Hondas reported decision to make its next Civic in Indiana instead of Mexico. That may work in certain industries. But fresh-fruit executives say nearly all of the U.S. lacks the necessary climate to grow some produce, such as bananas and tropical fruits. There are some products for which there is no or minimal U.S.-based production due to the lack of appropriate growing conditions, Bret Erickson, a board member of the International Fresh Produce Association, said in written testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry last month. About 30% of fresh fruit available in the U.S. comes from Mexico, according to a 2023 U.S. Department of Agriculture analysis, as does 26% of fresh vegetables. Canada is a smaller player, especially in fruit, but still provides about 8% of fresh vegetables in the U.S. in terms of dollar value. The International Fresh Produce Association a trade group that represents growers, shippers, wholesalers, distributors, and others said this week the tariffs will drive up costs for both the fresh produce industry and consumers. Specialty products Vena said free trade with Mexico has been a boon to the family business John Vena Inc. which began in 1919 when his grandfather, who had emigrated from Italy, pushed a cart on Dock Street in Society Hill, site of the citys wholesale produce market until the mid-20th century. The company started out selling mostly local produce but gained a foothold in specialty products in the 1980s by which point John Vena III, the current proprietor, had joined the family business importing greenhouse-grown bell peppers from Holland and tomatoes from Israel. Trade with Mexico allowed for an investment in [greenhouse] facilities and farms in Mexico that didnt exist before that, Vena said, citing favorable climate conditions and cheaper labor. So it made a big difference in the supply that was available and allowed us to use our expertise to increase our volume on those items, he said. Today the company now based at the 686,000-square-foot wholesale produce market on Essington Avenue near the airport gets multiple loads of greenhouse bell peppers and Haas avocados a week. Vena invested in a repacking facility and ripening room for avocados, plantains, and other products. His customers include retailers ranging from street corner vendors to Acme supermarkets, plus food-service businesses and other wholesalers. This time of year, imports account for about 70% of Venas produce, with Mexico supplying the bulk of that. By late spring, imports and domestic sources will each account for 50% of his produce, he said. Contrary to Trumps claims that foreign countries will pay the tariffs, Vena learned Tuesday that he will have to foot the bill for the bell peppers handled by his importer. According to their customs broker, because were the final destination for the peppers, we will probably be getting an invoice for tariffs, Vena said. He wasnt able to prepare ahead of time, he said, because the Trump administration has signaled different directions at different times. Vena and other avocado distributors may be able to source more of their produce from exporters like Colombia and Peru, which do not face tariffs. In the U.S., California is a big market, but fruit trees take years to develop and avocados require a lot of water so the state could not make up the difference anytime soon, Vena said. Theres no immediate replacement for anything, even something as basic as tomatoes or field-grown cucumbers, he said. There are very few places where you can pick those things now. And this is a big country that requires a lot of fresh produce to feed itself. A supply-and-demand business So cant Vena just eat the tariffs and pass the cost onto his customers? He chuckled at the suggestion. If we were in the hardware business and we could calculate the value of what we had on hand, and add tariffs to it and figure out, you know, where our margins are that might work out, he said. But produce, he said, is a totally supply-and-demand business, so I cant sell anything here higher than the market. Tariffs will add to his fixed costs alongside freight and other expenses meaning he will have to pay the levy regardless of whether he is able to sell his products. Were not really sure whats going to happen, but the answer for us is not simply, Oh, well, well just raise prices, because our prices are only what the customers can pay for the products, Vena said. If the market doesnt bear it, were going to be in trouble. For most products, consumers are somewhat responsive to price changes, said Doh, the Villanova professor. That means that the importer is going to eat some of this, the wholesaler is going to eat some of this, and the consumer is going to eat some of this, Doh said. So were all going to share in the pain, if you will, of how this 25% gets distributed. And if the price goes up too much at the final marketplace, consumers stop buying or buy a substitute product. Vena is hoping the produce trade group of which he is a member will successfully lobby the Trump administration to exempt fresh fruit and vegetables from tariffs though the industry may not have as much clout as the automakers. In the meantime, he expects to reduce the amount of produce he brings in from Mexico until we have a sense of where the markets going to settle, he said, and then determine if we can cover this added expense. Vena says other market participants will likely do the same thing. That alone would reduce the supply of produce in the U.S. If you have a shrinking supply, regardless of demand, he said, eventually youre going to see higher prices. A former Mount Laurel police officer has pleaded guilty to hacking social media accounts of multiple women to obtain and then publicly post their nude photos, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said Thursday. Ayron Taylor, 25, of Moorestown, pleaded guilty in Superior Court in Mount Holly on Monday to computer theft and official misconduct. Under an agreement with prosecutors, Taylor faces a possible 12 years in state prison when he is sentenced in September, Bradshaw said. Taylor was arrested and charged in 2022 after a woman contacted Evesham Township Police to report that an unknown person had hacked her Facebook and Snapchat accounts to access her nude photos and then distributed them to her Snapchat contacts and Facebook friends, as well as posted them on her Facebook wall. The investigation determined that all the women allegedly targeted by Taylor had student email accounts through Rowan College at Burlington County and that Taylor illegally accessed around 5,000 such email accounts. Taylor resigned from his job after the Mount Laurel Police Department suspended him with intent to terminate. Taylor had joined the department in October 2021 after graduating from the police academy. Borromini, Stephen Starrs highly anticipated forthcoming Italian restaurant or, as some describe it, Italian Parc is taking shape in the former Barnes & Noble bookstore on the Walnut Street side of Rittenhouse Square. Though the opening is months off, menu development is well underway, under the direction of one of the most well-regarded Italian chefs working in the United States. Mark Ladner, who won four stars from the New York Times for his work a decade ago at Del Posto one of just seven restaurants in the city to hold the distinction at the time, and the first Italian restaurant to do so in more than three decades along with a Michelin star and a James Beard award, has been creating recipes for Borromini with another consulting chef, Chris Jaeckle, in various Starr kitchens during off-hours. Advertisement Ladners work on Borromini is nearly done, as he is preparing for his next stop: executive chef at the luxe Babbo in New York, which Starr is purchasing from Joe Bastianich, along with its more casual sibling, Lupa. This move will bring Ladner full circle, as he was on Babbos opening team in 1998. Bastianich and then-partner, chef Mario Batali, were behind Babbo and Del Posto before Batali gave up his stake in the business amid sexual-misconduct allegations. Del Posto closed in 2021. Starr is known for his obsession with menu testing. For Borromini, we probably made at least 50 pastas, Ladner said, calling up notes on his iPhone. This list Im looking at right now has 191 items on it, he said. Ive never heard of anything like this in my life. Ladner is particularly proud of several dishes that he expects to make Borrominis menu of 30 or so items, such as a really rich and decadent version of carbonara as well as paccheri with sea bass ragout. Julian Baker, a Starr veteran who was executive chef at the posh brasserie Le Zoo in Miami, will be Borrominis executive chef. The restaurants projected opening, initially penciled in as spring, is unknown. Firefighters stood outside Crozer-Chester Medical Center after fire and flooding in late December prompted the evacuation of patients at the Upland facility. Read more Prospect Medical Holdings asked a bankruptcy judge in Dallas to approve an expedited closure of Delaware Countys Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Taylor Hospital, and other facilities in a court filing late Thursday. A hearing on the proposed closure is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in Dallas. Advertisement The filing by the California for-profit firm said that allowing the Pennsylvania hospitals to continue to operate beyond March 14, 2025, without outside funding threatens to accelerate the financial deterioration of [Prospect], jeopardizing the stability of their remaining hospitals and overall operations. Prospect has proposed moving rapidly after a closing date is approved. It plans to effectively shut down four days before the actual closing date, so it has time to discharge remaining hospital patients or transfer them to other hospitals, the closure motion said. Already, $20 million from Pennsylvania and Delaware County has kept the facilities open for the last few weeks under the management of an outside consultant picked by state officials, who have been working to preserve jobs for Crozers 3,200 employees and health-care services in an area that doesnt have other easily accessible options. At a hearing Thursday, the bankruptcy judge overseeing Prospects case ordered a meeting to see if more money can be found to forestall the immediate shutdown. That meeting is planned Sunday at noon in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania requires a 60-day notice for hospital closures, but sometimes hospital do not last that long during bankruptcy. When Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia closed in 2019, it happened in stages in the month or so after the bankruptcy filing of its owner. Crozer is Delaware Countys largest health-care system. It operates a trauma center, as well as a burn unit, and provides maternity services and behavioral health care. The next closest hospitals are Main Line Healths Riddle Hospital near Media and Trinity Health Fitzgerald Mercy in Darby, both nearly 10 miles away by car. Jefferson's name atop the marquee at its headquarters at 1101 Market St. in Center City. Read more Jefferson Health is exploring options for moving its headquarters out of Philadelphia, the systems CEO said Thursday, after rapidly growing its footprint in recent years from three to 32 hospitals stretching from South Jersey to Lehigh Valley. The nonprofit health system does not have immediate plans for moving, but CEO Joseph Cacchione said he has spoken with Mayor Cherelle L. Parker about the possibility. Cacchione spoke at an event hosted by the Philadelphia Business Journal, which first reported the potential headquarters relocation. Advertisement One of the things we have to think about, as much as I hate to say it, is does it make sense for our headquarters to be [in Center City], Cacchione said. He declined to say where the system was considering for a new headquarters. Jefferson will continue to have a strong presence in Philadelphia, he said. A spokesperson for Jefferson Health declined to comment beyond Cacchiones reported remarks. Parkers office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Jefferson has 10 years left on its headquarters lease. The possibility of Jefferson leaving its headquarters on East Market Street is the latest blow to the beleaguered commercial corridor that connects City Hall to Independence Mall, where Parker seeks to foster new development. Jefferson is the Philadelphia regions largest health system, with a total of 32 hospitals after completing a major acquisition of Lehigh Valley Health Network last year and 65,000 employees in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The health system is in the middle of a 16-year lease at its 1101 Market St. headquarters in Center City, with its name glowing on a marquee atop the prominent building. Cacchione said it employs roughly 2,000 people there. Overall, Jefferson had 5,000 corporate employees, according to a financial report last fall. Jefferson opened its 19-story, $762-million Honickman Center on Chestnut Street in 2024. The state-of-the-art building houses a range of specialties, including cancer care, transplant services, gastroenterology, and a respiratory institute. READ MORE: Virtual checkout at Jeffersons Honickman Center lets patients skip the line Jefferson is also planning to expand the emergency department at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and pursue new cancer-treatment options as part of $530 million in capital projects planned across its sprawling system. Jefferson is probably the largest employer in Center City right now. We have probably $96 million of wage tax that are paid to the city, Cacchione said during the event. The system includes one of Philadelphias largest teaching hospitals, busy urban emergency departments, and suburban hospitals that offer critical care in their communities. Jeffersons latest acquisition, Lehigh Valley Health Network, is a leading health-care provider in a fast-growing region north of Philadelphia. READ MORE: Jefferson Health has 32 hospitals and 65,000 employees. Heres how the regions largest nonprofit health system is creating cohesion. East Market Street in flux The departure of Jeffersons headquarters would be another obstacle to city leaders long-standing efforts to revitalize the East Market Street corridor, which was once a famous retail hub but has for decades been plagued by empty storefronts and failed megaprojects. The corridors woes have been front and center for Parker and her team. Much of her first year in office was focused on the 76ers controversial proposal to build a new arena one block east of Jeffersons headquarters a high-profile plan the team framed as the key to unlocking Market Easts potential before unexpectedly abandoning it in January. The area now also faces the imminent closure of the Macys store in the historic Wanamaker Building, which was originally home to the nations first department store. Parker has said she remains committed to returning the corridor to its former glory despite those setbacks, and the 76ers and Comcast have pledged to form a joint venture to stimulate development. But Jeffersons talk of a move is a reminder of how similar initiatives in the past have foundered despite City Halls efforts. City Councilmember Mark Squilla, whose 1st District includes Jeffersons headquarters, said he is confident the city can work with Jefferson and stave off the potentially major blow of a large employer leaving Center City. I wouldnt want to overreact to something like that right now, Squilla said in an interview. We work very closely with Jefferson. They just built a brand new building there on Chestnut Street, and we will continue to work with them. Squilla said he reached out to Jefferson after hearing about Cacchiones comments but hasnt heard back. Everybody has their wants and asks, but we as the city absolutely would want them to stay and have their headquarters here, he said. Jefferson seeing changes after acquisitions Jeffersons revenue increased dramatically through acquisitions to $14 billion for the year ended June 30, including Lehigh Valley Health Network, which it acquired Aug. 1. That is seven times more revenue than it had 10 years earlier. But Jefferson, like much of the industry is contending with far weaker financial results than was typical before the coronavirus pandemic. Jefferson has had eight years of consecutive operating losses, excluding unusual items and investment income, according to Standard & Poors, a credit-rating agency. Including the benefit of investment income, and after a significant change in the way Jefferson records depreciation expenses, Jefferson reported to bondholders a $1.3 million operating profit in fiscal 2024. READ MORE: Thomas Jefferson University had a $34 million operating profit in fiscal 2025s second quarter Cacchiones remarks came three weeks after the abrupt departure of Jeffersons chief financial officer John Mordach, who lasted less than three years in one of the health systems most crucial corporate jobs. Editors note: This story has been updated with further detail on Jeffersons financial reporting. Staff writer Harold Brubaker contributed to this article. A crowd of spectators gathers as a crane lifts the wrecked train from the subway tunnel's opening. Read more A little after 8:20 a.m., a packed Market-Frankford El train pulled out of 30th Street Station, headed away from Center City with about 180 passengers. Just as the six-car train picked up speed and its rush-hour passengers sipped their coffee and read their newspapers, the motor under the third car dropped. The motor dragged along the rails and tore up wooden railroad ties before it tripped a track switch at a fork in the railway. Advertisement The train jolted, the lights flickered, and the fourth car flipped sideways on March 7, 1990. The fourth car slammed into the tunnels steel support columns, and passengers tumbled around the cars as if they were in a clothes dryer until the turbulence settled and the screams for help commenced. A beam came right in the train, conductor Steven Young told The Inquirer. Above ground, a mid-20s chill paired with a vibrant early-March morning and the sky beamed blue. Below ground, the air was damp and freezing, and a furious haze gathered above the chewed metal and flying glass and spreading blood. The fourth car, a witness told The Inquirer, was twisted like a pretzel. The fifth derailed and leaned to the left against the subterranean tunnel walls, and the derailed sixth leaned right. When a police officer made his way through the cars, he told the passengers to start praying, The Inquirer reported. For nearly five hours, rescue workers freed the trapped and removed the injured. And the last person to be extracted pulled a Life Saver from his pocket and gifted it to a firefighter. In total, four passengers were killed and 158 were injured. A yearlong review followed the disaster, and it led federal investigators to conclude that improper installation and inspection of a traction motor system on the third car caused the crash. Derailments are exceedingly rare on the citys subway lines. Prior to 1990, the last derailment was in 1961, when the line was operated by a different entity and a four-car El train derailed heading into York-Dauphin Station. One passenger was killed and 35 were injured. The Pennsylvania legislature would go on to create SEPTA in 1963. And a derailment wouldnt happen again until 2017, when an El train derailed and crashed into a stopped train, seriously injuring one of the operators but resulting in zero deaths. Leaving the 1990 derailment as the deadliest crash in SEPTAs history. A 2022 photo shows Lionell Dotson at the Ivy Hill Crematory hugging the remains of his sisters, Katricia and Zanetta Dotson, who died in the 1985 MOVE bombing. Read more Philadelphia has settled a lawsuit with the brother of two young girls killed in the 1985 MOVE bombing, resolving one aspect of an ongoing court battle over the mishandling of victims remains by both the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office and the University of Pennsylvania. Daniel Hartstein, an attorney for Lionell Dotson, confirmed the settlement on Friday. A city spokesperson said Philadelphia has not admitted liability under the settlement and will pay an undisclosed amount to Dotson. Advertisement The lawsuit, filed in 2022, marked a turning point in a controversy that reopened wounds over the citys aerial bombing on Osage Avenue that killed 11 members of the MOVE Black liberation group, including five children, and devastated an entire neighborhood. In the lawsuit, Dotson accused both the city and Penn of tortious interference with a dead body, a legal term that refers to the contractual violation around mishandling the remains. After the MOVE bombing, families of the victims, like Dotson, eventually received what they thought were all of their loved ones remains. In 2021, he and other relatives were shocked to learn that Penn anthropologists had kept some bones for more than three decades, in some cases displaying them in online lectures. Soon after came a second revelation: The city medical examiners office had also kept bones from bombing victims. The bones had apparently been kept at the medical examiners office since the bombing, and were rediscovered in 2017. The city health commissioner at the time, Thomas Farley, ordered that the bones be cremated, without notifying families of the discovery. An office employee disobeyed the order, and the bones were found in cold storage in the office in 2021, days after Farley conceded hed ordered them cremated and resigned. Remains found in the box that the city identified as Katricia and Zanetta Dotson, Lionell Dotsons older sisters, were eventually returned to Dotson and his family. READ MORE: The brother of two MOVE victims finally got their remains back from the Medical Examiners Office The familys lawsuit against Penn is ongoing. The bones kept at Penn, labeled B-1 by the medical examiners office, were the result of a bungled recovery effort after the bombing in West Philadelphia. The medical examiners office did not send adequate staff to the scene to ensure bodies were recovered properly from the charred remains of the home, according to an independent report commissioned by the city in 2022. Instead, the bones were extracted with cranes and other heavy machinery, causing damage that compromised forensic investigation. Some of the bones were later sent to two Penn anthropologists for help with identifications, where they remained for years. The lawsuit alleged that members of the independent forensic team investigating the remains had identified the B-1 bones as belonging to Katricia Dotson. Penn anthropologists Alan Mann and Janet Monge disagreed with them, the lawsuit says, contending that the bones instead belonged to a much older, unidentified woman. READ MORE: Penn says it has found more human remains from the MOVE bombing at its museum The citys then-assistant medical examiner, Robert Segal, worked with the anthropologists to disprove the findings, according to the suit. Dotsons lawsuit contended that Penn kept the B-1 bones for years but made little progress in identifying them. (Monge has since sued the city, Penn, The Inquirer, and other outlets for their characterization of her role. A judge dismissed defamation claims against The Inquirer in 2023.) Dotson described the lawsuit as a way to seek justice for his family to be a voice for the voiceless. His mother, Consuewella Africa, died of COVID before he filed the suit in 2022, not long after learning her daughters remains had not been fully returned to the family. A search of Defense Department images flagged for removal in the Pentagons DEI purge in an Associated Press database relevant to Philadelphia returned either error pages or images of DEI events. Read more The Philadelphia region is represented among the tens of thousands of images and internet postings marked for removal by the Department of Defense as part of its mandated push to clear content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion from its online footprint. Thats according to a database of more than 26,000 images earmarked for removal across all branches of the military obtained by the Associated Press. U.S. officials confirmed the authenticity of the database, revealed Thursday, and said the total number of images and posts removed could approach 100,000 as the effort continues. Advertisement Across the militarys online presence, targeted images have included references to a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, the first woman to complete Marine infantry training, and the aircraft that dropped an atomic bomb on Japan during World War II, the Enola Gay. A majority of images and postings removed or slated to be removed include references to commemorative months, such as Pride Month and Hispanic Heritage Month, and generally feature women and marginalized groups. The effort comes following executive orders President Donald Trump issued shortly after beginning his second term in January that seek to end federal DEI programs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, meanwhile, had given military branches a Wednesday deadline to remove DEI-related digital content. Here is what you need to know: Philly, New Jersey images included in purge As part of the purge, about two dozen images referencing Philadelphia, New Jersey, or New Hanover Townships Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst have been removed from the internet, or are slated for removal. Primarily, the images referencing Philadelphia involved the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, a local branch of the U.S. Navys organization for research, development, testing, and evaluation. The images removed associated with the division include ones referencing celebrations for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Pride Month, as well as one photo that showed a center employee receiving an award from the Asian Pacific American Council. Also targeted were Defense Logistic Agency photos referencing Pride Month, including three of a local news anchor speaking at a Pride Month event for the agency. The images had been deleted ahead of an Inquirer review of the database, and it was not clear what news personality spoke at the event. Another agency photo of an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month event was also removed. In New Jersey, images similarly referencing Pride Month events at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, such as a Pride 5K run, were also removed. Another six images were hosted on the Air National Guard website and concerned the New Jersey National Guards landmark role in ending racial segregation in the military. The New Jersey National Guard officially desegregated in 1948, owing the change to the adoption of a new state constitution the year before that forbade racial discrimination and segregation, according to the states Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Then-Gov. Alfred E. Driscoll issued an order to National Guard officers that army orders disallowing mixed-race units would be ignored, and then that change would be made official in February 1948. The military at large, meanwhile, would begin prohibiting segregation that July following President Harry Trumans executive order banning the practice, months after New Jerseys move. What else is being removed? Some of the targeted content concerns notable events in the militarys history, though in some cases, not because it deals explicitly with DEI efforts. For example, some photos appear to have been flagged for removal simply because their file included the word gay, including service members with that last name and an image of the B-29 aircraft Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II. Other photos listed in the removal database showed the Tuskegee Airmen, who served as the countrys first Black military pilots in a segregated unit during World War II. However, they could be spared removal because of their historical content. The Air Force briefly removed new recruit training courses that included videos of the Tuskegee Airmen soon after Trumps order. That drew the White Houses ire over malicious compliance, and the Air Force quickly reversed the removal. It is unclear why some images have been removed, such as a Marine Corps photo titled Deadlift contenders raise the bar pound by pound or a National Guard website image called Minnesota brothers reunite in Kuwait. Another photo described in the database as New Jersey leader was also removed, but the reason for its purging was not clear. Other images marked for removal include photos depicting World War II Women Air Service Pilots; the first American female fighter pilot, U.S. Air Force Col. Jeannie Leavitt; and then-Pfc. Christina Fuentes Montenegro, who became one of the first women to graduate from the Marine Corps Infantry Training Battalion in 2013. An image of Medal of Honor recipient Pfc. Harold Gonsalves, who was of Portuguese descent, was also removed. What has the Pentagon said? Asked about the database, Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot said in a statement, We are pleased by the rapid compliance across the Department with the directive removing DEI content from all platforms. In the rare cases that content is removed that is out of the clearly outlined scope of the directive, we instruct components accordingly. Why does the database exist? The database of the 26,000 images was created to conform with federal archival laws, so if the services are queried in the future, they can show how they are complying with the law, a U.S. official told the AP. But it may be difficult to ensure the content was archived because the responsibility to ensure each image was preserved was the responsibility of each individual unit. In many cases, workers are taking screenshots of the pages marked for removal, but it would be difficult to restore them if that decision were made, according to another official, who like the others spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide additional details that were not public. The timeline for removals was not immediately clear. A Marine Corps official said that the organization was moving on the directive as fast as possible, but as with the rest of the military, very few civilian or contractor employees at the Pentagon can perform content removal. The deadline for Hegseths order, issued late last month, passed Wednesday. If military branches were not able to complete the task by then, the order stipulated, they would temporarily remove from public display content put online during the Biden administration. The Associated Press contributed to this article. A vintage copy of George Orwell's 1949 novel "1984" next to a hat about Orwell is shown at a 2019 exhibit in Albuquerque, N.M., celebrating the author's legacy. Kathryn Grossman writes that we are today "sunk deep in the mire of doublethink, and of Orwellian dystopia in general." Read more For many years after I first read George Orwells 1949 masterwork, 1984, I leaned eagerly into current events, trying to discern if the writers dystopian vision of the future was likely to be realized by the emblazoned due date. Early on, the infamous 1968 line about destroying a Vietnamese village in order to save it seemed to qualify as an example of what Orwell called doublethink, by requiring one to hold two contradictory beliefs while accepting both as truth. At the time, I feared such an act of severe cognitive dissonance ominously forewarned of things to come. Advertisement Still, when the year 1984 rolled around, American political discourse felt far removed from Orwells dire predictions. And then we got Mikhail Gorbachev, glasnost, the fall of the Soviet Union, and what Francis Fukuyama optimistically termed the end of history. Liberal democracy was spreading everywhere, and we could all just relax. And yet, here we are today, sunk deep in the mire of doublethink, and of Orwellian dystopia in general. In 1984, the protagonist, Winston Smith, cites the slogans of the Ministry of Truth as War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength, while bemoaning the eyes of Big Brother that pursue you [o]n coins, on stamps, on the covers of books, on banners, on posters, and on the wrappings of a cigarette packet everywhere. As members of the current administration adopt a form of newspeak to deny both history and reality, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) watches us evermore from the wings with each hack into personal, government-stored data. Compromised news outlets in both print (the Washington Post) and broadcast media (Fox, CNN, and, more recently, MSNBC) fire or reassign their most reliable reporters, skirt important issues, parrot false claims, and distract with filler stories. In this environment, where is truth? Thus, war becomes peace when President Donald Trump claims Russias invasion of Ukraine, which Russian President Vladimir Putin originally called a special military operation, was a war initiated by Ukraine. This is like saying Poland invaded Germany to trigger World War II. As Smith comes to believe in 1984 after having been tortured by the Ministry of Love, 2 + 2 = 5. Freedom becomes slavery as our addiction to free speech captures our online attention (a point brilliantly made by Chris Hayes in The Sirens Call) and, as often as not, fills it with nonsense. Ignorance becomes strength when history disappears and congressional actions perform the opposite of what they say they do: energy independence embraces inaction, Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) aims to undercut routine health care for seniors and children alike, a tax cut for the ultra-wealthy is sold as a windfall for low- and middle-income families. Although such misnomers are hardly new, the cynicism involved in legislating something quite innocent-sounding that will, in fact, harm people has, I believe, never before been equaled in our country. Just try to picture what government efficiency really means to Elon Musk and his minions. In erasing or manipulating the past, Orwell contends, doublethink is a form of reality control that den[ies] the existence of objective reality. As Kellyanne Conway once insisted, there are alternative [meaning imaginary] facts. To rewrite history, then, is to be the victor. In rejecting not just historical facts but other peoples lived experiences, doublethink approaches the emotional abuse of what is now commonly known as gaslighting. In Trumps first administration, he urged us not to fear COVID-19 or to bother with vaccines; this flu would go away soon. So why were so many folks dying? And why should we have concluded, as Trump wanted us to, that death rates would fall if they werent reported? Consider, too, his recasting of the violent Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol Building as a day of love despite the very evidence of the nations eyes and ears riveted for hours to their TVs while the drama played out. Do we all have false memories of that day? As Smith comes to believe in 1984 after having been tortured by the Ministry of Love, 2 + 2 = 5. To rewrite history, then, is to be the victor. More recently, a reporter asked Trump if he still believed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was a dictator, something that had been widely broadcast and commented on just the previous week. Trump responded: Did I say that? I cant believe I said that. Next question. Note to history books: Forget those words. Doublethink is used so frequently that it has become a subject of rebuke, if not ridicule. Whereas Trump and Vice President JD Vance, for instance, echoed Putins talking points in their disastrous meeting with Zelensky on Feb. 28, their Republican colleagues on the Hill later spoke with one (obviously prearranged) voice in support of this approach to the Ukrainian leader. Sen. Lindsey Grahams remark to Fox News about the ill-fated meeting, I think that Moscow is probably more afraid of Trump than ever, drew the simple label, 1984, from one commentator on X. Meanwhile, Big Brother DOGE continues to try to access more and more personal information on everyday citizens and has successfully done so with certain federal agencies, including those guarding individuals medical and financial records. Last week, I sent my 15-year-old granddaughter, who is very aware of and interested in national politics, a copy of 1984, which will certainly shed new light for her on the current state of affairs. We could all do with a little reeducation, while we are still able. The eyes of DOGE are upon us. Kathryn Grossman, a Victor Hugo specialist with a keen interest in utopian and dystopian thought, is professor emerita of French at Pennsylvania State University. Peh Reh, 9, a refugee from Burma, hangs on a tree while Prabin Biswa, 8, originally from a Bhutanese refugee camp, rides his bike nearby on June 13, 2013. This photo was taken near Quincy Apartments in Twin Falls, Idaho, where the author's family first resettled. Read more It was mid-February, just a week after my family arrived in Twin Falls, Idaho. I stood by the window of our worn-down apartment, shivering from the cold and nervous excitement. It was my first day of school, and I watched the door, waiting, dreading, hoping. When the white van from the local refugee center pulled up, a woman called our names: Day-Reh, Eedward, Lock mispronouncing mine, as many Americans did. I climbed in, my feet bare in flimsy slippers. She glanced down and said: You cant go to school dressed like that, Lock. Go get real shoes. Embarrassed, I ran back inside, grabbed my older brothers boots without socks and rushed back. Inside the van, two refugee boys from Iraq and a girl from Afghanistan in a hijab sat quietly, bundled in oversized jackets, our outfits mismatched like our new lives. We exchanged hesitant glances and a few broken English words, but even in silence, we understood one another. We had all come from places where home was a distant memory, where each night held more questions than answers. Yet, despite everything, we carried the one thing no one could take from us: hope. Advertisement At school, we joined other newcomers children of seasonal Mexican farmworkers, recent arrivals from Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Mr. May, an immigrant from South Africa, greeted us with a warm smile. As the first bell rang, everyone stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I hurriedly placed my right hand over my heart, stumbling over the words but feeling something stir inside me: one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. In that moment, something shifted. For the first time, I felt like I belonged somewhere, like I was part of the American dream. Born and raised in a cramped refugee camp, I had never felt such a sense of possibility or patriotism. To me, Idaho felt like home a first, real home. Over a decade has passed since that snowy February day. Ive earned a bachelors degree and a masters in international affairs from an Ivy League institution. Ive published articles on global policy and worked with multilateral organizations helping refugees integrate into American life. I am living proof that those who arrive with nothing can become active citizens and contributors to society. Yet, the warmth and optimism I felt then stand in stark contrast to the hostility many refugees face today. In the 14 years since I arrived, I have never felt my American identity so deeply questioned as after the recent executive orders from Donald Trump that shut the door to refugees and threatened birthright citizenship. The debate over Who is American? is not new. From the 1790 Naturalization Act which limited citizenship to free white persons to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, America has often drawn exclusionary lines around who truly belongs. These exclusions, grounded in race, have fractured our national identity and threatened the ideals of refuge and inclusion that define us at our best. The Trump administrations clampdown on refugee admissions and threats to end birthright citizenship resurrect this exclusionary impulse that has undermined the foundation this nation built on. Had these policies been in place when I was a child, my family and I would likely still be in a refugee camp, with little hope for our future. Welcoming refugees is not just an act of generosity, its an investment in our nations future. According to a 2017 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, refugees pay $21,324 more in taxes than they receive in benefits over their first 20 years in the U.S. In the town where I grew up Twin Falls almost 30% of the workforce at the Chobani yogurt plant are refugees, and countless others sustain the dairy farms that underpin the local economy. These stories are not exceptions; across the nation, immigrants fill critical roles and revive struggling communities. The push to revoke birthright citizenship is equally dangerous. It sends a message that belonging in America is conditional, subject to political whims rather than shared ideals. If we undermine this principle, we risk creating a permanent underclass, fracturing the very idea of what it means to be American. I share my story not for sympathy, but to remind us that Americas greatness lies in its willingness to extend hope to those who seek freedom. As Ronald Reagan said in 1989: We lead the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people our strength from every country and every corner of the world. And by doing so we continuously renew and enrich our nation. While other countries cling to the stale past, here in America we breathe life into dreams. Reagan continued, If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost. To my fellow immigrants and refugees who live in the nations swing states: Upcoming elections will be our defining moment. The policies being debated today could determine whether families like ours ever get the chance we were given. Vote. Speak up. Call your representatives. But lets be clear: While Republicans have embraced exclusionary policies, the Democratic Party has often failed immigrants and refugee communities, too, treating them as a campaign talking point rather than a priority. Despite controlling Congress at various points, Democrats have repeatedly failed to pass meaningful immigration reform. In 2021, they let protections for Dreamers stall. They promise to fight for immigrants, but when the moment comes, they walk away. America is at a crossroads. We can either embrace the promise that has always defined us a nation committed to liberty and justice for all or we can turn away, shutting our doors and questioning even the citizenship of our children. The more troubling question is: Who will be next? I know what it is like to have no country, to be forced out, and then welcomed with open arms. A single chance an open door, a compassionate policy can transform a life, a family, and an entire community. Let us remember the words we recite in classrooms every day: with liberty and justice for all. May they light our path forward, just as they once lit mine on a snowy February morning in Idaho. Lok Darjee is a former Bhutanese refugee from Nepal, a fellow at Foreign Policy for America, and the founder of Refugee Civic Action, a Harrisburg-based initiative dedicated to increasing civic engagement among former refugees in the U.S. He holds a masters degree in international affairs from Columbia University and has written extensively on immigration, policy, and identity. With more frequent extreme weather events in recent years, insurance costs have continued to rise. Whats worse is that one in five Australians are uninsured or under-insured, according to research from the Australia Institute, leaving many potentially unable to recover from damage caused by the cyclone. Queens of coverage Women are the powerhouses of Americas insurance industry, numbering 1.7 million and comprising 54.9 percent of the total workforce. However, this dominance doesnt extend into leadership roles, which is reflected in Insurance Business Americas Elite Women 2025 survey as 64 percent of respondents feel there is a lack of women leaders in the industry. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirms that women are the majority of the workforce, apart from those in C-suite positions where they number only 22 percent. Data from 2010 to 2023 also shows that women have made up the majority of professionals in roles such as claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, claims/policy processing clerks and underwriters. It differs for sales agents, where women have not always been in the majority but have never dropped below 45.2 percent of the total. These historical trends make the achievements of IBAs Elite Women 2025 even more impressive for navigating bias and structural barriers to become successful leaders and executives. The winners earned their place after their achievements and initiatives over the past 12 months were analyzed by an esteemed judging panel that included: Jessica Hanson Hanna, American Property Casualty Insurance Association Nancy Mellard, Association of Professional Insurance Women Jenna Kirkpatrick Howard, Lockton Joi Blume, GenStar Insurance Services Kathy Quintana, HUB International Jennifer Sharkey, Gallagher Blume says, Studies show that when women are at the table and in decision-making positions, the organization fares better overall, especially as far as financially and with so many of our pale, male, and stale colleagues aging out of the industry and retiring, this is a pivotal time. Another thing that stood out for Blume was how the Elite Womens influence goes beyond their workplace. The group was talented, and they all seem like high producers within their organizations. We also saw a lot of things like community involvement, volunteerism and people who are well respected, not only in the industry but in their communities, she says. For Mellard, whats impressive was the Elite Womens dedication to champion others. They werent focused only on their day-to-day job. With most of them, there was a reference to caring for the team and expecting others to advance. She also underlines the biggest strength needed to succeed in the insurance industry. Without a doubt, it is empathy and that translates to emotional intelligence. It helps you to understand customers and team members better. Mindsets of the USAs women leaders in insurance Alliant Insurance Services Kirsten Handel attributes her success to being strong. After beginning her career in underwriting, she moved on to the actuarial sector and is now client facing. Insurance is all Ive ever done, and I grew up through the ranks, and it hasnt been easy, says the senior vice president. There are always new things to learn, but the core fundamentals remain the same, so being strong helps you get through. I was never the smartest, but I worked hard to learn, understand, and adapt in addition to keeping my relationships and building new ones. Growing a book of business or running a team every day is like being a firefighter because client requests come in, or they have a loss and your team needs help. Its a very high-paced environment and you have to stay on top of it Kristen Handel Alliant Insurance Services Being resilient is also something Rekha Skantharaja advocates. The CEO of Tangram Insurance refuses to be put in a box and wants to show the industry that women leaders are more than token figures. If asked to an address a subject like work-life balance or self-care, she refuses. Whenever I am asked to give a keynote or speak on a panel around these topics, I politely decline to participate, Skantharaja says. My male CEO counterparts are not being asked to discuss these things. They are busy exposing their views on M&A and valuation trends, tech transformation and big data, the art of negotiation, and building the next $1-billion unicorn. A big part of Skantharajas ethos is being courageous as a leader. She says, We are at an inflection point for women in this industry and its time to lean deeply into the areas that have typically been guarded by the men. Adaptability, resilience, and a client-focused mindset have all been key to enabling Catherine Lyles rise in the industry. My goal is to make the claims process as efficient and supportive as possible. Staying innovative isnt optional its essential to provide value to our clients and respond effectively to emerging threats Catherine Lyle Tokio Marine HCC - Cyber & Professional Lines Group Now, as senior vice president, and head of cyber claims and incident response at Tokio Marine HCC, she spreads that energy among younger colleagues. Thankfully, there are many amazing women within or entering the industry, and this is something I am passionate about, Lyle says. I believe in creating opportunities and offering guidance to help them navigate their careers. Mentorship is critical for building confidence, providing perspective, and empowering the next generation of leaders. Echoing the need to allow others to showcase their skills underlines the leadership maturity of Risk Placement Services (RPS) Sharon Novasel. I oversee our summer interns and aim to broaden their perspectives on the diverse career opportunities within the insurance industry Sharon Novasel Risk Placement Services As a manager, I have found that empowering team members to take ownership of their responsibilities and roles has been key to our departments success in achieving our goals, she explains. Being strong and successful also involves understanding the need for personal growth. Refining her leadership style is something Christine Schneider, senior vice president casualty claims at Arch Capital, places a premium on. She says, I am aware of my weaknesses and know when I need to consult with colleagues and collaborate in order to efficiently find a resolution or execute on a goal. Awareness and understanding how to get the most from themselves is a quality shared among the Elite Women 2025. My strongest qualities are my ability to strategically problem solve, analyze situations, weigh risks, and make thoughtful decisions that are in the best interests of our client and/or the organization, adds Schneider. Ryan Specialtys Brenda Austenfeld has carved out a reputation by setting standards. My goal is for our team to be the very best, not just in numbers or metrics, but in the way we conduct ourselves and the level of excellence we set. Its been under a year since Stephanie Peters took on the role of vice president of client relations at RPS. All women in leadership should embrace being a role model for female peers Stephanie Peters Risk Placement Services She has dealt with the challenge of increased responsibility of managing a team and has introduced new ways of operating. I was previously in a position where I was comfortable and stepped into a role that required me to adapt and embrace change. I am proud of how I handled the transition, and I am particularly proud of the support of my team and how the team embraced the changes. Trying times Resilience and determination mark out the Elite Women 2025, as they have had to come through challenging circumstances directly or battle structural bias. IBAs survey data shows that 33 percent of respondents believe they would have achieved more seniority if they werent female. Sharon Novasel relishes working at RPS, where there is a strong focus on diversity and equity in the workplace, as shes experienced the other side. Her career began during a time when women seldom occupied high-level positions. She says, I often wasnt taken seriously, sometimes mistaken for the managers assistant, and was frequently dismissed and talked over in meetings. For example, when interviewing an agency for an appointment, I was frequently asked when my supervisor would make the decision, even though the decision was mine to make. Similarly, Lyle can sympathize with not being shown the same respect as her male counterparts. I would love to say that there were no roadblocks and that everyone was supportive of a woman with a voice. However, that was not the path, she says. One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming unconscious biases. Early in my career, I had to work hard to ensure my voice was heard in rooms where women were underrepresented. These challenges also fueled my drive to excel and create pathways for other women in the industry. IBA Elite Women 2025 judge Mellard acknowledges there are fewer barriers for women than there have been historically. To continue this trend, she feels women have to be more emphatic about their abilities. Mellard says, There is greater acceptance of broader skill sets that women bring, but barriers still exist because too often companies are rewarding those who they know as opposed to who you are. I dont think today its because youre a woman as opposed to a white man, but I do think the barrier is women need to do a better job to intentionally and confidently explain their array of skills. Another of 2025s Elite Women resonates with Nadia Hoyte, cyber national practice leader at USI Insurance Services. She recalls being second and third guessed and then attaching a meaning to that which chipped away at her confidence, before she understood where these perspectives come from. IBA judge Blume is pleased to see how women leaders are breaking through and emphasizes how important it is to keep the momentum. She adds, Were really at a crossroads, and I think we need more of our white male counterparts to become allies and take a true interest in our success, to see us not just as competition, but an equally powerful force. Women leaders in insurance act as mentors What is evident from the Elite Women cohort is how willing and able they are to guide others. They create time in their schedules to ensure they can support, educate and upskill the next generation of insurance professionals, particularly younger women. Alliants Handel has seen impressive growth figures in her region over the past 12 months, which wouldnt have happened without her team. Im very proud to be a part of hiring and bringing on some new team members but also mentoring a few of them, she says. I have people that have helped me from day one, and I still speak with them going back 27 years. I want to be that for the future and pay that forward. The relationships Ive built and the trust I have garnered with some of our newer people, in addition to maintaining my clients, is probably the thing Im most proud of. The popularity of video conferencing has also strengthened Handels impact. Its actually expanded who you can learn from and who you can mentor because youre not just with the people within your office. Im working with people in Florida, Atlanta, California, Boston, and meeting all these people that I never really would have worked with closely. Lyle is another who is passionate about being there for the many amazing women entering the industry. I believe in creating opportunities and offering guidance to help them navigate their careers. Mentorship is critical for building confidence, providing perspective, and empowering the next generation of leaders, she says. Another who is active in ushering the next generation through is Novasel. She says, As a mentor to many women in entry-level positions, I offer guidance and encourage them to challenge themselves, building their confidence and assertiveness, and fostering an equal playing field for everyone. Legacy of 2025's Elite Women Another defining mark of this years cohort is leaving a lasting impact. Despite being a minority in the C-suite, the winners are able to implement strategies that affect not only their organizations but the wider insurance industry. For Skantharaja, its instilling a culture of achievement. My approach to my career and my life is to be grateful but always a little restless. You should leave things better than you found them and raise the bar," she says. Risk Placement Services Karen McCarthy-Hawn promotes the need to be guided by an ethical or moral compass. The claim advocacy manager does this by creating a collegial culture. Most of the obstacles can be overcome with collaboration and a willingness to implement the change needed to remove the barriers to success, she says. When I present any obstacles discovered in the claims or systems work product, I always expect to be an active participant in helping find solutions or to provide training to change future outcomes. Despite advancements in team building, along with tech tools and AI, there is still a need to roll up the sleeves and work hard. Handel is living proof and credits her success to never losing sight of that. She comments, Grit is still important. I dont think theres any magic pill or method that takes that away. You still have to work hard and stay with it. We do support and would support and do follow specific technical procedures but not position statements or general checklists or safety inspection checklists because they are general, Van Horssen said. They are in the manufacturers book. These are not repair procedures. They are suggestions, and we think this bill would require us to follow that, and we believe that it would result in an astronomical increase to your insurance premiums. A key concern among local business owners is the states current liability laws, which can require a company to pay the full amount of damages in a lawsuit, even if it is only minimally responsible for an incident. This system has led to skyrocketing insurance premiums, with some business owners worried that a single lawsuit could put them out of business. Atlantic sued Hippo in 2022, seeking payment for the services it provided to Dawson. Hippo responded by challenging Atlantics standing to sue, arguing that Dawsons assignment of rights was invalid without their consent. The trial court denied Hippos motion for summary judgment, citing a standing order requiring such motions to be filed within 30 days of the close of discovery. Hippo appealed this decision, contending that their challenge was not a matter for summary judgment but rather a fundamental issue of standing, which could be raised at any point in the legal proceedings. Defendants were so effective that they created the worlds largest driving behavior database, consisting of trillions of miles driven by over 45 million Americans, the lawsuit stated. The complaint also alleged that Allstate profited from selling consumer driving and personal data to third parties, including other insurance companies, while also using it for its own business operations. Further amendments possible Blanton indicated he may further amend the bill on the House floor to allow hospitals and doctors access to the information if necessary for filing appeals after denials. He stated that the bill is not intended to interfere with the appeals process. Outcome of the case The court granted summary judgment in favor of State Farm, ruling that the insurer had no obligation to cover the plaintiffs' injuries under the UIM policy. It found that Westuks actions were not a covered "use" of the Subaru, and even if they were, his decision to enter the highway independently interrupted any direct causal link between the uninsured vehicle and the plaintiffs' injuries. Consequently, the court dismissed the plaintiffs' breach of contract, bad faith, and statutory violation claims. All ARCAS new hires will report to Ben Canagaretna, the units global managing director. Canagaretna noted that ARCAS continues to see significant opportunities in the Lloyds Funds at Lloyds (FAL) market and has grown to become one of the largest managers of third-party funds at Lloyds. MAPFREs growth across regions In its assessment, Fitch also cited MAPFREs business profile, describing it as very strong due to its market positions, particularly in Spain and Latin America, and the companys geographic and business line diversification, which Fitch said contributes to the stability of its results. James G. Walker of Washington, D.C. was found guilty on two counts of second-degree murder, and 27 criminal building code violations, for the deaths of two tenants who were unable to exit when his building erupted in flames. According to prosecutors, on the morning of August 18, 2019, a fire erupted in the basement of 708 Kennedy Street. Two tenants 40-year-old Fitsum Kebede and 10-year-old Yafet Solomen were in the basement and were unable to exit the premises. They subsequently died from thermal burns and smoke inhalation. The District of Columbia governments evidence was that Walkers knowledge of the danger posed by the conditions of the property and his conscious disregard of the extreme risk that death or serious bodily injury could occur were the but-for cause of the two deaths. According to the governments evidence, Walker was the owner of the Kennedy Street commercial property but he did not have a certificate of occupancy for the building and the structure was in violation of several fire safety codes. Prosecutors said Walker operated the building as an illegal rooming house. According to the government. some of the buildings rooms were too small to be considered habitable space; some had no windows, and the Walker failed to install or maintain functional smoke alarms throughout the building, including the basement. According to prosecutors, the most egregious violation was the failure to provide an unobstructed means to escape the property. The property had multiple security gates that required keys from both sides, the worst offense being a double-keyed security gate installed within the property that blocked access from the kitchen to the front door. Officials told the court that Walker had received specific warnings on March 21, 2019, from the Metropolitan Police Department that the building was in violation of several building codes specifically related to fire safety and hazardous conditions. He was instructed to correct the conditions and have the building inspected for residential use. He did not, prosecutors said.. The case was heard in Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The case was jointly tried by the offices of U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and D.C. Attorney General Attorney Brian L. Schwalb. The number of wildfires in Maryland during 2024 was much higher than the ten-year average, but acreage burned was significantly lower. In Maryland, 165 fires burned 953.4 acres during 2024, compared to 199 wildfires in 2023 that burned approximately 4,483 acres the previous year. Most fires are contained at two acres or less. Thats according to the Maryland Forest Services Annual Wildland Fire Report, which covers data related to wildfires on 3.2 million acres of land overseen by the Maryland Forest Service. The most common cause of wildfire in Maryland is debris burning, but arson is the most damaging. Debris burning caused 49 wildfires resulting in just under 49 acres of damage, while arson caused 33 wildfires and 668 acres of damage. Most of that damage occurred in February, when three marsh fires caused by arson burned 571 acres in Dorchester County. The number of fires started in October and November 2024 was more than twice the average and occurred during an extended dry spell. However, extensive suppression efforts by Forest Service firefighters and partners as well as a three-week outdoor burning ban in November were successful in keeping fires relatively small, despite the drought and high fire risk weather conditions last fall. The statewide burn ban in fall 2024 was a critical tool to minimize damage that threatened to be much worse, said Chris Robertson, State Fire Supervisor for the Maryland Forest Service. We are now moving into Marylands spring wildfire season and seeing some increased wildfire activity, which have been suppressed so far, but ongoing risks call for increased vigilance. The state reminds residents that they can help prevent wildfires by composting rather than burning leaves or other yard debris, ensuring that camp or backyard fires are properly extinguished, and educating children about the dangers of lighters, matches, and wildfires. Residents whose properties may be at risk of wildfires can use Firewise techniques to keep their homes and other buildings safe from wildfire. These techniques include clearing flammable material away from structures, using fire-resistant building materials when possible, and maintaining a 30-foot cleared buffer around your home. The Maryland Forest Service said it is expanding its use of prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk on land susceptible to fire. In 2024, Maryland Forest Service and partner organizations conducted 87 prescribed burns covering approximately 8,201 acres. Source: Maryland Forest Service. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Maryland This edition of International People Moves details appointments at the brokers Miller and Acrisure Re. A summary of these new hires follows here. Miller Taps SCORs Foucart as Managing Director in Reinsurance Practice Miller, the London-based independent specialist re/insurance broker, announce the appointment of Vincent Foucart as managing director in its Reinsurance practice. Foucart joins from SCOR, where he served in a number of senior positions over the past 16 years, latterly as CEO of P&C Solutions. Having started his career at Allianz in 2000, he brings 25 years experience to Miller. Foucart will support the implementation of the firms reinsurance scale-up strategy under the leadership of Millers head of Reinsurance & Capital, Shaun Sinniah. Foucart will focus primarily on Millers Western Europe markets, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland and Monaco, with responsibility for business growth and development across the three core pillars of international treaty, specialty lines and strategic advisory. Foucart appointment marks the latest move in Millers international reinsurance build-out, closely following the firms acquisition of specialist reinsurance broker AHJ, announced earlier this month, as well as the acquisitions of capital advisory business 4809 Brokers and Spanish broker Bruzon in 2024. *** Acrisure Re Corporate Advisory & Solutions Appoints 4 Senior Hires Acrisure Re, the re/insurance brokerage division of global fintech company Acrisure, announced four appointments to its Corporate Advisory & Solutions (ARCAS) division: Lauren Johnson, Assad Negyal, David Ryan, and Lucas He. They will report to Ben Canagaretna, global managing director of ARCAS. The biographies of these appointments are detailed below. Lauren Johnson recently rejoined the London ARCAS team as the head of Funds at Lloyds (FAL). In her new role, Johnson will lead the divisions expanding Lloyds FAL capability a key growth area for the company after completing an 18-month tenure at Wakam. Johnson first joined ARCAS in 2021 as a vice president after spending six years at Securis Investment Partners as head of Lloyds and specialty analytics. Assad Negyal has been named head of Pricing and is based in London. He has extensive experience as a pricing actuary and joined ARCAS in January from Starr Insurance where he was a senior pricing actuary. He also held similar roles at Chubb Europe, Zurich Financial Services, Barbican, Odyssey Re and Lloyds. David Ryan has been appointed head of Exposure Management. Ryan joined ARCAS in London in late 2024 to lead the exposure management team. He brings more than 15 years of experience in this sector, previously holding similar roles at Talbot, Lloyds and Willis Re. Lucas He joined ARCAS in February as vice president, Retrospective Solutions. Based in London, he has several years of legacy and M&A experience, having previously worked at R&Q as a VP in the M&A division. Prior to this, He was a legacy M&A and actuarial specialist at Catalina. He also held corporate development and M&A roles at Antares Reinsurance and JLT, respectively. Topics Talent Reinsurance Zurich Insurance Group AG has amassed a substantial stake in Banco Sabadell SA, potentially giving it more influence over an important source of sales thats facing a hostile takeover bid. The Swiss firm has increased its holding in Sabadell to almost 4% since first crossing the notification threshold of 3% in October, according to data published by the Spanish regulator CNMV. The insurer started accelerating the purchases late last month and has recently become the banks second-largest investor, according to the CNMV website. The growing investment comes while Sabadell is seeking to defend itself against a takeover by a larger domestic rival, BBVA SA. That bank, whose formal name is Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA, runs a joint venture with a Zurich competitor, Germanys Allianz SE. Zurichs JV with Sabadell, through which the Spanish lender sells the Swiss firms insurance products, has long been a significant source of sales for Zurich. The Bansabadell entities generated $643 million in insurance revenue last year, according to the insurers latest annual report. Representatives for Zurich and Sabadell declined to comment. BBVAs offer for Sabadell needs approval from various regulators before it can be presented to the targets shareholders. Sabadells management has rejected the offer as too low and the bid has also faced pushback from the Spanish government, which has raised concerns about market concentration. Zurichs current holding in Sabadell has a market value of about 570 million ($618.3 million). The Spanish lenders stock has risen about 45% this year to date, making it one of the best performers across major European banks. Photograph: Customers use automated teller machines (ATM) at a Banco Sabadell SA bank branch in Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday, Oct 26, 2024. Photo credit: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. A Canadian court approved a plan to settle long-running tobacco lawsuits in the country as part of which the units of three Big Tobacco companies will pay C$32.5 billion ($22.67 billion), Philip Morris and British American Tobacco said on Friday. The settlement resolves lawsuits that have hung over Philip Morris, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco that claimed the Canadian units of the three tobacco giants knew since the 1950s their products were causing cancer and other illnesses and failed to warn consumers adequately. A Quebec court in 2019, following an appeal, upheld its 2015 decision to award damages of around C$15 billion to some 100,000 smokers and ex-smokers in the province, who had filed class action lawsuits against the companies. The decision forced the Canadian units of the three cigarette makers Imperial Tobacco Canada, JTI-Macdonald and Rothmans, Benson & Hedges (RBH) to seek bankruptcy protection in 2019. Philip Morris Canadian unit, RBH, was allowed to retain C$750 million from the upfront payment related to the settlement, the company said on Friday. The plan also contains a number of operating covenants that would govern RBHs combustible business going forward until the settlement amount has been paid, the company added. Philip Morris said objections to the settlement plan by its affiliate and others had been resolved. The plan, which was proposed by a court-appointed mediator, would be implemented and become effective in 2025. British American Tobacco said on Friday the settlement will not affect its forecast for 2025. ($1 = 1.4335 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru; editing by Shounak Dasgupta) A UK court blocked a class action lawsuit over allegations of the under reporting of sewage leaks by six water companies including the debt-laden Thames Water Ltd. The UKs Competition Appeal Tribunal dismissed the lawsuit that alleged the six water companies significantly under-reported the pollution they caused. The companies would not have been allowed to charge higher prices if they reported the pollution incidents accurately, the lawsuits alleged. The ruling, published on Friday, said that the cases were disallowed under the Water Industry Act. Thames Waters future financial health hangs in the balance as it waits for the outcome of an appeal by some creditors over whether it can access a 3 billion ($3.9 billion) emergency loan. If the judge rules against the Class A creditors, then Thames could face being taken in to special administration, a form of temporary nationalization. British Water Companies Fight $2 Billion Lawsuits Over Sewage Pollution Anglian Water Services Ltd., Northumbrian Water Ltd., Severn Trent Water Ltd., United Utilities Water Ltd. and Yorkshire Water Services Ltd were all part of the case that accused them of abusing their dominant position by under-reporting of pollution incidents and consequently charging higher prices. Reducing the number of pollution incidents are part of all water firms performance commitments, which are linked to the prices they are allowed to charge. Such claims alleging abuse of dominance were not allowed under the UK law. If not so excluded, we would have granted a collective proceeding order in each set of proceedings, the judges said in the ruling. A call to the lead claimants law firm and a LinkedIn message seeking comment werent responded to. Photograph: A overflow pipe releases water into the River Thames. Photo credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits Molly Kelley was stunned to discover in June that someone she knew had used widely available nudification technology to create highly realistic and sexually explicit videos and images of her, using family photos that were posted on social media. My initial shock turned to horror when I learned that the same person targeted about 80, 85 other women, most of whom live in Minnesota, some of whom I know personally, and all of them had connections in some way to the offender, Kelley said. Backed by her testimony, Minnesota is considering a new strategy for cracking down on deepfake pornography. A bill that has bipartisan support would target companies that run websites and apps allowing people to upload a photo that then would be transformed into explicit images or videos. States across the country and Congress are considering strategies for regulating artificial intelligence. Most have banned the dissemination of sexually explicit deepfakes or revenge porn whether they were produced with AI or not. The idea behind the Minnesota legislation is to prevent the material from ever being created before it spreads online. Experts on AI law caution the proposal might be unconstitutional on free speech grounds. Why advocates say the bill is needed The lead author, Democratic Sen. Erin Maye Quade, said additional restrictions are necessary because AI technology has advanced so rapidly. Her bill would require the operators of nudification sites and apps to turn them off to people in Minnesota or face civil penalties up to $500,000 for each unlawful access, download, or use. Developers would need to figure out how to turn off the function for Minnesota users. Its not just the dissemination thats harmful to victims, she said. Its the fact that these images exist at all. Kelley told reporters last month that anyone can quickly create hyper-realistic nude images or pornographic video in minutes. Most law enforcement attention so far has been focused on distribution and possession. Congress, states and cities are also trying other tactics San Francisco in August filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against several widely visited nudification websites, alleging they broke state laws against fraudulent business practices, nonconsensual pornography and the sexual abuse of children. That case remains pending. The U.S. Senate last month unanimously approved a bill by Democrat Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota, and Republican Ted Cruz, of Texas, to make it a federal crime to publish nonconsensual sexual imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes. Social media platforms would be required to remove them within 48 hours of notice from a victim. Melania Trump on Monday used her first solo appearance since becoming first lady again to urge passage by the Republican-controlled House, where its pending. The Kansas House last month approved a bill that expands the definition of illegal sexual exploitation of a child to include possession of images generated with AI if theyre indistinguishable from a real child, morphed from a real childs image or generated without any actual child involvement. A bill introduced in the Florida Legislature creates a new felony for people who use technology such as AI to generate nude images and criminalizes possession of child sexual abuse images generated with it. Broadly similar bills have also been introduced in Illinois, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Texas, according to an Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking software Plural. Maye Quade said shell be sharing her proposal with legislators in other states because few are aware the technology is so readily accessible. If we cant get Congress to act, then we can maybe get as many states as possible to take action, Maye Quade said. Victims tell their stories Sandi Johnson, senior legislative policy counsel for the victims rights group RAINN the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network said the Minnesota bill would hold websites accountable. Once the images are created, they can be posted anonymously, or rapidly widely disseminated, and become nearly impossible to remove, she testified recently. Megan Hurley also was horrified to learn someone had generated explicit images and video of her using a nudification site. She said she feels especially humiliated because shes a massage therapist, a profession thats already sexualized in some minds. It is far too easy for one person to use their phone or computer and create convincing, synthetic, intimate imagery of you, your family, and friends, your children, your grandchildren, Hurley said. I do not understand why this technology exists and I find it abhorrent there are companies out there making money in this manner. AI experts urge caution However, two AI law experts Wayne Unger of the Quinnipiac University School of Law and Riana Pfefferkorn of Stanford Universitys Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence said the Minnesota bill is too broadly constructed to survive a court challenge. Limiting the scope only to images of real children might help it withstand a First Amendment challenge since those are generally not protected, Pfefferkorn said. But she said it would still potentially conflict with a federal law that says you cant sue websites for content that users generate. If Minnesota wants to go down this direction, theyll need to add a lot more clarity to the bill, Unger said. And theyll have to narrow what they mean by nudify and nudification. But Maye Quade said she thinks her legislation is on solid constitutional ground because its regulating conduct, not speech. This cannot continue, she said. These tech companies cannot keep unleashing this technology into the world with no consequences. It is harmful by its very nature. ___ Associated Press reporters Matt OBrien, John Hanna and Kate Payne contributed to this story from Providence, Rhode Island; Wichita, Kansas; and Tallahassee, Florida, respectively. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence Minnesota Liberty Mutual owes approximately $4 million to about 138,000 Louisiana policyholders after overcharging the Louisiana Property Insurance Corporation Emergency Assessment for the past four years, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said. Temple said the Louisiana Department of Insurance received a consumer compliant in February about the Louisiana Citizens assessment charged on their Liberty Mutual renewal notice. LDI reached out to Liberty Mutual and discovered that due to an error, the company had not updated the assessment percentage since 2021. Last month we learned of an unintended clerical error in how we applied the Louisiana Citizens assessment percentage to residential property insurance policies from 2021-2025, a Liberty Mutual spokesperson said. We regret the error, and we are working closely with the Louisiana Department of Insurance on a plan to refund impacted customers as quickly as possible. Temple said LDI will monitor Liberty Mutuals repayments to ensure policyholders receive full funds. I have spoken with Liberty Mutual about the issue, and they told me they corrected the error and will send refunds to all active and inactive policyholders that were impacted, Temple said. LDI implemented an emergency assessment on insurers pay off bonds for debt Louisiana Citizens incurred from claims for hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The assessment, which applies to all residential and commercial property policies, has been gradually lowered over the years. Earlier this year the Louisiana Citizens Board of Directors voted to end the assessment in April. Liberty Mutual has adjusted the assessment charge to 0% effective April 1 for all affected policyholders. Former or current Liberty Mutual policyholders who have questions about a refund should contact the company or their agent, LDI said. Topics Louisiana A construction company was fined more than $430,000 for California labor violations that resulted in unpaid wages, overtime and other violations. The states Labor Commissioners Office secured the settlement to return unpaid wages and damages to 86 carpenters employed by the Howood Company Inc. on construction projects in San Diego and San Bernardino counties. The fines were given to Howood Company, the general contractor, and two other employers, Wermers Multi-Family Corp. and JPI California Construction LLC, for multiple labor violations. The LCO started an investigation when a complaint was received from the Carpenters/Contractors Cooperation Committee Inc. It was reported that several workers had not received their owed wages, while other complaints of wage theft were made on two additional construction projects involving Howood. After the investigations, citations were issued for labor violations at all three projects. Howood reportedly did not pay its workers for several weeks on the following projects: 1600 Orange Ave, Redlands 4354-4364 Twain Ave, San Diego 1509-1521 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 The LCO is part of the Department of Industrial Relations. Topics California Contractors A Southern California restaurant has been fined more than $1.1 million over wage theft and sick leave violations. The California Labor Commissioners Office took the action against Food Source LLC, a Buena Park restaurant, issuing penalties for wage theft and failure to comply with paid sick leave laws that impacted at least 90 workers, with 73 employees owed more than $532,000 in unpaid wages, overtime, liquidated damages and incomplete wage statements. The LCO also filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $576,000 in unpaid wages, damages and penalties related to the employers failure to provide sick leave. The suit also addresses violations such as denying workers access to paid sick leave, failing to document sick leave availability on pay stubs and not providing supplemental paid sick leave during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Californias Healthy Workplace, Healthy Families Act of 2014, employees who work at least 30 days in a year are entitled to accrue paid sick leave, which can be used for personal or family health needs. The law requires employers to inform workers of their sick leave rights, document accrued balance and ensure access to leave when needed. Topics California A truck driver who killed seven farmworkers when he crashed into a parked van on Interstate 5 in Oregon was sentenced on Tuesday to nearly 50 years in prison. Marion County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Wren sentenced Lincoln Smith to 48 years and 3 months, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. Related: Truck Driver Indicted After Deadly Oregon Crash That Killed 7 Farmworkers He was convicted in February on seven counts of second-degree manslaughter and three counts of assault, as well as reckless driving. Jurors acquitted the 54-year-old Californian of driving under the influence of intoxicants. Testifying at trial, Smith said the effects of drugs he took the night before the crash had worn off and he nodded off at the wheel. Traces of methamphetamine, fentanyl and morphine were found in his blood after the crash. Related: Victims of Deadly Oregon Highway Crash Were Farmworkers, Union Says The crash, one of the states deadliest, happened in May 2023. Smiths semitruck ran into a van carrying 11 farmworkers that was parked on the side of I-5 near Albany, in an agricultural area of the Willamette Valley. The victims were identified as Juan Carlos Leyva-Carrillo, 37; Gabriel Juarez-Tovilla, 58; Alejandra Espinoza-Carpio, 39; Eduardo Lopez-Lopez, 31; Luis Enrique Gomez-Reyes, 30; Alejandro Jimenez-Hernandez, 36; and Josue Garcia-Garcia, 30. Smith apologized in court, saying that if he could trade his life for any of the victims lives, he would, KGW-TV reported. Albany is about 70 miles south of Portland. I-5 is the main north-south interstate on the West Coast. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Agribusiness Trucking Oregon March 7, 2025 (Investorideas.com Newswire) "Today's results from our regional exploration work once again highlight the prospectivity of our MPD project by adding two new targets and upgrading existing targets across the property": Kodiak Copper's CEO Claudia Tornquist on results from the final six holes of the 25-hole 2024 drill program. Kodiak Copper's (TSXV:KDK, OTCQB:KDKCF, Frankfurt:5DD1) management team, and the Discovery Group, have a successful, envious track record of shareholder returns. Kodiak was established by chairman Chris Taylor of Great Bear fame. The founder and CEO of Great Bear Resources presided over its acquisition by Kinross Gold in 2022 for $1.8 billion. The Discovery Group company is led by Claudia Tornquist, previously a general manager at Rio Tinto working with Rio's copper operations. She was also the former director of Kennady Diamonds, leading the $176M sale of the company to Mountain Province Diamonds. Copper market fundamentals are currently strong, with analysts predicting increasing demand facing the headwinds of structural supply deficits. The company plans to release a resource estimate on MPD. Resource estimates often serve as significant catalysts for junior resource company stock prices. Kodiak announced on Jan. 16 that it has started work on a National Instrument 43-101-compliant resource estimate that will include seven mineralized zones: Gate/Prime, Man, Dillard, Ketchan, West, Adit, and South/Mid. Kodiak Begins National Instrument 43-101 Compliant Resource Estimation at MPD Copper-Gold Project Results will be delivered throughout the year, with initial results anticipated in the first half of 2025. Kodiak Copper's MPD project has all the hallmarks of a major copper/gold porphyry system with the potential, in my opinion, to become a world-class mine. The project is a 344-square-kilometer land package near several operating mines in the southern Quesnel Terrane, British Columbia's primary copper-gold producing belt. MPD is between the towns of Merritt and Princeton, with year-round accessibility and excellent infrastructure nearby. A key focus of Kodiak's 2024 drill program was to identify additional near-surface and high-grade mineralization. Drill results from the Adit Zone to date have clearly achieved this. Kodiak Extends High-Grade Adit Zone, Intersects 0.45% CuEq Over 139m Near Surface - Richard Mills Kodiak Regional Exploration Results Highlight Further Targets at MPD Copper-Gold Project The holes significantly extend the copper envelope at Adit and when combined with historical drilling, Kodiak's new results have outlined a sizeable near-surface, high-grade area of mineralization. On Feb. 6 Kodiak reported results from soil geochemical, geophysical, prospecting and drilling from the 2024 exploration program. These results were from the northern and southern parts of the MPD property. Last year's exploration program confirmed that the Dillard East and Star target areas have significant copper-gold porphyry mineralization potential with new corroborating results from rock, soil and 3D Induced Polarization (3D-IP) surveys. These target areas have not yet been drill-tested by Kodiak. 3D-IP responses at Dillard East and Star are adjacent to, and on the flanks of significant kilometer-scale copper-in-soil anomalies, which also host prospecting results with porphyry-related copper and gold mineralization. Prospecting in 2024 discovered copper-gold-silver mineralized outcrops in two new areas at MPD (Dry Creek, Northstar), further highlighting the discovery potential across the entire MPD property. The best grab sample from last year's prospecting program assayed 1.07% Cu, 0.05 g/t Au and 7.0 g/t Ag. Kodiak's 2024 regional exploration program included the collection of 2,020 soil samples, 65 rock samples, a 3D-IP survey over 7 square kilometers, geological and geotechnical studies. Kodiak completed 9,252 meters of drilling in 25 holes in seven target areas. Results from the final six holes of the 2024 drill program were reported in the Feb. 6 news release. The company is incorporating all 2024 exploration results into VRIFY's predictive AI modeling, thereby updating targets and identifying new ones for follow-up in 2025. "Today's results from our regional exploration work once again highlight the prospectivity of our MPD project by adding two new targets and upgrading existing targets across the property," said Kodiak's President and CEO Claudia Tornquist. "While the definition of a maiden resource estimate for MPD is an important focus for Kodiak in 2025, we also plan to drill further targets this year with the aim to make the next discovery. We are particularly excited about the exploration potential on the new Aspen Grove claims that we acquired in September and will be able to share an update regarding that portion of our property soon." The Aspen Grove claims were the subject of the next news release on Feb. 12. Renamed the MPD Northwest claims, the claims host the high-grade, near-surface Ketchan Zone which will form a meaningful part of the upcoming MPD mineral resource estimate, and multiple other known mineral occurrences, providing considerable exploration upside. Historical data has also been analyzed, leading to the acquisition of new claims. Kodiak Confirms Potential of MPD Northwest Claims and Adds Further Strategic Claims; New Focus Area for 2025 As highlighted by Kodiak Copper, MPD Northwest is a large, 118-square-kilometer claim package recently added to MPD. It hosts 18 known mineral occurrences, including six with significant porphyry-related copper-gold. The large-scale Ketchan Zone adds significant drill-proven, near-surface, high-grade copper-gold inventory to MPD. It has been drilled over 1,800 by 500 meters - roughly three times the area of Kodiak's Gate Zone discovery - and remains open in most directions. Bedrock grab samples collected in 2024 confirm high-grade mineralization at Ketchan. The best two samples assayed 0.55 % Cu, 0.32 g/t Au and 0.5 g/t Ag, and 0.38 % Cu, 0.78 g/t Au and 1.7 g/t Ag, respectively. Data review, select core re-logging, sampling and geological modeling has confirmed that Ketchan will be a material part of the upcoming MPD mineral resource estimate. The Ketchan Zone is located only 4.5 kilometers from the high-grade Gate Zone. This proximity and potential synergies with Gate, plus multiple nearby targets, prioritizes this area. Modeling with VRIFY's Artificial Intelligence (AI) software has identified new prospective areas at MPD Northwest, including potential extensions to the Ketchan Zone. Regional exploration has confirmed substantial mineralization through early-stage prospecting, mapping and soil geochemistry at select sites along the northerly trend of mineral showings central to MPD Northwest. An additional three claims have been added to the MPD Northwest claim block. These secure strategic tenure in the Ketchan area interpreted to potentially host extensions to that zone (the Delorme claims) and high-grade showings in the north (the Tom claim). "We are delighted with the results from our initial exploration work and the historic data review at the MPD Northwest claims, which very much validate our decision to acquire these claims last autumn," said Tornquist. "The drilling done by previous operators at the Ketchan Zone has outlined a mineralized zone of significant scale and with good grades. Not only are we confident that the Ketchan Zone will become a material part of our resource estimate, we also believe there is ample room to expand it in multiple directions. We are equally excited about the targets and prospectivity of the wider MPD Northwest claim package, which hosts drill-proven copper and gold mineralization as well as untested targets with the potential for new discoveries. As we are plan our 2025 exploration program, MPD Northwest is certainly a priority." In an interview with Crux Investor, Chris Taylor highlighted the potential for a market re-rating based on the upcoming resource estimate, stating: "That'll give you an idea of what the project economics could be based on those comparables and then you build on it with the continuing exploration program as well. That's what we could deliver to shareholders this year - a re-rating based on the amount of copper we see in the ground right now, and an appreciation for the fact that there are additional zones that we're going to be drilling and there's significant extensions on the zones that we will have resources on initially." Another important aspect of the MPD story is its potential upside. While the company has identified multiple zones, it remains committing to continued exploration to further grow the project, both through zone expansion and the testing of new targets. Says Taylor: "We have all these additional targets on the project that we continue to test while we're doing the resource work. It's one of those things that makes our industry very interesting - I've lived through it many times - is we still have that discovery potential as well. We've done it in the past and it may happen again in the future." Map of project areas and exploration targets discussed in the Feb. 12 release - MPD project, southern BC. The Tom and Delorme claims have been added to the project. Ketchan Zone northwest-southeast long section with historical drill results to 2016. Select historical intervals show significant shallow mineralization along 1.8 kilometers of strike length. 2024 prospecting results highlights MPD Northwest 2024 exploration activity on the MPD Northwest claims. 2024 soil survey grids are outlined in green, 2023-2024 prospecting samples as triangles and newly acquired strategic claims are outlined in magenta. Screenshot of VRIFY AI 3D geo-targeting model at Ketchan Zone, MPD Northwest claims looking northeast. Image highlights VRIFY areas of interest central to known mineralization at Ketchan, and adjacent areas for follow-up in 2025. Peaks and heat map colors show the AI ranking for Cu-Au mineralization. Delorme claims are now also owned by Kodiak. Conclusion With bullish fundamentals, now is as good a time as ever to be a company exploring for copper, especially in a safe, stable jurisdiction with low-cost power like British Columbia. But investing in junior mining companies isn't for the faint of heart, nor the "get rich quick" crowd. It takes time, skill and perseverance to identify a company, do your due diligence, and then have the faith and patience to stay with it through the often-bumpy ride from discovery to buy-out. The kicker is that the juniors have no revenue stream to finance their exploration activities; they typically rely on outside sources for funding. Kodiak Copper is in in the process of checking that box. Kodiak has just gone to the market to fully fund its 2025 exploration program, announcing a $5 million non-brokered private placement on Feb. 25. The offering at $0.70 per Charity Flow-through Unit is expected to close on or about March 18. Discovery Group Chairman Chris Taylor says Kodiak Copper "could deliver to shareholders a re-rating based on the amount of copper we see in the ground right now, and an appreciation for the fact that there are additional zones that we're going to be drilling and there's significant extensions on the zones that we will have resources on initially." While the company has identified multiple zones, it remains committed to continued exploration to further grow the project, both through zone expansion and the testing of new targets. Says Taylor: "We have all these additional targets on the project that we continue to test while we're doing the resource work. It's one of those things that makes our industry very interesting - I've lived through it many times - is we still have that discovery potential as well. We've done it in the past and it may happen again in the future." Kodiak Copper TSXV:KDK, OTCQB:KDKCF, Frankfurt:5DD1 Cdn$0.43 2025.03.04 Shares Outstanding 75.9m Market cap Cdn$33.0m KDK website Richard (Rick) Mills aheadoftheherd.com subscribe to my free newsletter Legal Notice / Disclaimer Ahead of the Herd newsletter, aheadoftheherd.com, hereafter known as AOTH. Please read the entire Disclaimer carefully before you use this website or read the newsletter. If you do not agree to all the AOTH/Richard Mills Disclaimer, do not access/read this website/newsletter/article, or any of its pages. By reading/using this AOTH/Richard Mills website/newsletter/article, and whether you actually read this Disclaimer, you are deemed to have accepted it. Any AOTH/Richard Mills document is not, and should not be, construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment. AOTH/Richard Mills has based this document on information obtained from sources he believes to be reliable, but which has not been independently verified. AOTH/Richard Mills makes no guarantee, representation or warranty and accepts no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness. Expressions of opinion are those of AOTH/Richard Mills only and are subject to change without notice. AOTH/Richard Mills assumes no warranty, liability or guarantee for the current relevance, correctness or completeness of any information provided within this Report and will not be held liable for the consequence of reliance upon any opinion or statement contained herein or any omission. Furthermore, AOTH/Richard Mills assumes no liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage for lost profit, which you may incur as a result of the use and existence of the information provided within this AOTH/Richard Mills Report. You agree that by reading AOTH/Richard Mills articles, you are acting at your OWN RISK. In no event should AOTH/Richard Mills liable for any direct or indirect trading losses caused by any information contained in AOTH/Richard Mills articles. Information in AOTH/Richard Mills articles is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. AOTH/Richard Mills is not suggesting the transacting of any financial instruments. Our publications are not a recommendation to buy or sell a security - no information posted on this site is to be considered investment advice or a recommendation to do anything involving finance or money aside from performing your own due diligence and consulting with your personal registered broker/financial advisor. AOTH/Richard Mills recommends that before investing in any securities, you consult with a professional financial planner or advisor, and that you should conduct a complete and independent investigation before investing in any security after prudent consideration of all pertinent risks. Ahead of the Herd is not a registered broker, dealer, analyst, or advisor. We hold no investment licenses and may not sell, offer to sell, or offer to buy any security. More Info: Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp In November 2014, I started the book that became my first novel. Walking in and out to the city centre, I glanced a thousand times at a stone wall down the far end of one of the narrow lanes off Barrack Street and eventually began writing about what might be behind it. I invented a round tower house, inhabited by crime-fighting solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick so, arguably, I owe Barrack Street big time for my first three books: Darkest Truth, Cruel Deeds, and A Lesson in Malice. Theres no argument about my fourth, though. Its called The Seventh Body and I definitely owe the street for this one. Like the others, it started with me walking in and out to town. Its what I do. I walk around Cork. To get from A to B, mainly, but also to think; to stop my back from seizing up; to take the air; to see and hear whats happening. That last bit is the most important. I dont wear headphones. I watch and I listen and I let my mind ramble and often I do that on Barrack Street because (unless I set off early and go the long way for the step count) the old street is an essential part of my morning commute. Strolling into town, at the back of my mind, Im always aware that Im treading a path where, since Corcaigh was a rough settlement of mud and wattle hovels, others have gone before. Warriors. Soldiers. Traders of all kinds. Holy men and women. Ordinary people too. On Barracka and it might be because so many of the buildings have been permitted to languish long term in a state of disrepair it doesnt take much to conjure the dead. This was especially true during March and April 2020, at the start of the covid lockdown, when cars and vans were mostly absent and the veil between past and present felt thinner. Ill never forget the ghostly tap tap of my feet on the footpath. Scary, even though that year the spring was clear and bright, and the slyly stunning view of the northside youre gifted by the curve just past Tom Barrys was unmarred by mist. Barrack Street leads on from Bandon Road, which used to be the main route into the city from the west in the time before roundabouts and bypasses. In recent decades, the street has become known as a dereliction blackspot quite something when you consider the state of the rest of the city widely dubbed the dereliction capital of Ireland. But in 2021, construction started on a Cork City Council housing project along one of the dereliction rows. Unknown to everyone, the works would give up some sensational and ghoulish secrets. Gruesome discovery of skeletal remains In October of that year, the skeletal remains of six men were found beneath one of the demolished buildings, the former Nancy Spains pub. The mens hands and feet showed signs of having been bound but, within days, they were deemed to be of archaeological interest only, perhaps related to one of many battles fought in the area in ages past. The news cycle moved on quickly, but I didnt. I desperately wanted to know what was happening behind the hoardings. I was also thinking about another body. A woman, maybe, killed more recently than the first six. Nancy Spains was a well-known venue, but the only time I remember being there was sometime in the 90s, with a gang of buddies for an amazing gig by Pierce Turner. That memory led me to surmise that the seventh body might have something to do with a group of music fans. Geography led me down the hill to Sir Henrys nightclub, home to the fabled house music club night, Sweat. Henrys closed in 2003 and where it used to stand is one of Corks many vacant sites, across from the (non) Event Centre and only a five-minute walk from where the six historic bodies were found. And so, as I thought about a seventh body, I formed an imaginary link with Henrys. I thought about people who used to be friends, now living very different lives, united by their shared history and a dark secret. I love Cork and Ive spent the last decade writing the city a series of book-length billets-doux. That said, it seems to me that Cork city centre is a depleted place now. Sometimes, on my way down Oliver Plunkett Street for a sandwich at the Long Valley, I play a depressing game of how many vape and phone shops are there today?. And, even though, three-and-a-half years on from the discoveries at Nancy Spains, its heartening to see that work is almost complete on the wonderful development that replaces it, its not even close to being enough. In the middle of a housing crisis, how is it possible that we have so many empty houses and that, still, almost no one lives above the shop? I write fictional murder mysteries but there are days when it feels like the beautiful city that inspired them is being strangled. We have a Cork taoiseach and a recently appointed city manager, but there are no easy fixes, and new paving schemes dont fool anyone anymore. We need actual people living in the ample vacant residential space in the city centre. We need lights in windows. We needed them years ago. We really need them now. Before its too late. The launch of The Seventh Body takes place at Waterstones, 69 St Patricks Street, Cork, on Wednesday, March 12, at 6.30pm all are welcome to attend Be honest. When was the last time you had a bath or shower? An increasing number of people are adopting a somewhat laissez-faire approach to washing. A recent topic on an RTE radio show addressed the issue of The Great Unwashed and suggested we are becoming a nation of soap-dodgers, with listeners calling in to admit showering once a week or even washing less often. But what about body odour? We all produce odourless sweat, which can become smelly when bacteria in warm, moist body parts collide with the fatty acids, hormones, and proteins in perspiration to generate body odour. However, experts question whether we need deep cleansing of every part of our anatomy. Heres what you need to know: What happens if you stop showering daily? James Hamblin, the American author of Clean, says he quit conventional showering several years ago. James Hamblin, the American author of Clean, says he quit conventional showering several years ago. I now dont use anything on my hair or skin and just rinse off in the shower when Im visibly dirty or after a run, he says. You do develop layers of dead skin that need exfoliating, but I just rub my hands together on my face in the water to do that. I have always washed my hands with soap especially now, as that remains an extremely important way to prevent communicable diseases. With his minimalist personal hygiene regimen, Hamblin confesses he had to push through some oiliness and smelliness and transition gradually rather than go cold turkey. Now his close friends say that he looks and smells OK. However, dermatologists say that if we were to stop washing altogether, the outcome would be decidedly unpleasant. A few days without a shower or bath is fine, but several weeks renders the skin more prone to infection, says Zainab Laftah, a consultant dermatologist. Eventually, a thick, brown adherent crust, a condition known as dermatitis neglecta, will start to develop on the skin. Does excessive use of toiletries harm the skin? Overwashing the body has been shown to disrupt our skins delicate microbial layer, potentially weakening our immune defences and increasing our vulnerability to allergies, including eczema and conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Also, using too many chemical-laden gels and soaps can strip the skin of the lipids that keep it supple and moisturised, leading to inflammation and irritation. The outer layer of the skins surface the stratum corneum consists of dead skin cells held together by lipids, explains Laftah. Overwashing with hot water and soaps can remove the skins natural oil, leading to a compromise in the skins barrier function. Lukewarm showers using simple fragrance-free soaps or soap substitute emollients are the kindest way to protect your skin against harsh products and too-hot water. Is bar soap better than shower gels? Block soaps often have a higher pH than the skins natural pH, which can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. All soaps work by dissolving grime on the skin. Old-school bar soaps are natural typically made from plant or animal fats, sometimes with added essential oils generally plastic-free, and contain fewer chemicals than shower gels. They are also a greener buy, with research from the Institute of Environmental Engineering at the Swiss University ETH Zurich showing they reduce the environmental burden by about one-third compared to less eco-friendly options such as shower gels. However, all soaps effectively remove surface dirt and oil your skin type should guide you. Block soaps often have a higher pH than the skins natural pH, which can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. Shower gels and liquids typically contain some moisturising agents such as glycerin and oils, which can help to maintain the skins natural moisture balance, says Laftah. But be cautious, as many body wash formulations are also highly fragranced or contain preservatives such as parabens and sulphates, which can irritate sensitive skin. Are you washing your feet well enough? One area of the body we are not great at keeping clean is our feet. With 250,000 sweat glands, our feet have more glands per inch than any other part of the anatomy and can produce up to half a pint of sweat a day. When our feet are cocooned in moist, warm environments of socks and shoes, bacteria break down sweat to produce smelly compounds. It is essential to wash your feet daily. Simply standing in the shower and allowing soapy water to rinse over your feet is not enough. You need to reach down and wipe or scrub feet in the shower, rinsing off soapy residue that gathers in the bottom of the shower tray, says consultant podiatrist Emma McConnachie. Washing your feet daily with an antibacterial soap is ideal, making sure you dry thoroughly between the toes to prevent a build-up of bacteria. Do we really need to use an underarm spray? Each of us loses an average of 1.5l of fluid daily through perspiration, a tenth of a teaspoon coming from the armpit. Apocrine sweat glands in our armpits push out protein-rich sweat which is initially odourless but which, left hanging around, is broken down by bacteria on our skin, says Michelle Spear, professor of anatomy at the University of Bristol and a world-leading expert on the study of human hygiene. It is the breakdown products that give rise to an unpleasant underarm odour. Buyers have two main choices when it comes to products designed to tackle smelly underarms. Deodorants break down bacteria in the armpits to prevent or mask an odour, usually with a scent or fragrance, but dont prevent wetness. Antiperspirants often contain the active ingredient aluminium and temporarily block pours to protect against sweating and odour. Theres no right or wrong choice, and it comes down to personal preference, Spear says. For most of us, keeping the underarms clean with mild soap and water and wearing sweat-wicking fabrics that dont hold moisture is key. Some people are immune to sweaty pits. A study involving 6,495 women published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology revealed that a lucky 2% of them carried a rare genetic variant, known as ABCC11, meaning they didnt produce any underarm body odour at all. Is intimate cleansing necessary? A proliferation of products that claim to promote intimate male and female hygiene from wipes and sprays to scrubs and tonics have appeared on the market, but do we need them? A proliferation of products that claim to promote intimate male and female hygiene from wipes and sprays to scrubs and tonics have appeared on the market, but do we need them? Spear says not, claiming that feminine hygiene products can damage the very delicate vaginal pH that is easily disrupted by overly fragranced or highly chemical products. The vagina is self-cleaning and has an impressive ability to naturally maintain its own pH balance and levels of beneficial bacteria without the need for expensive products, she says. In men, scrotum sweat is typically odourless and you dont need special products to control it. The skin around the penis and scrotum is particularly delicate, Spear says. So fragranced scrubs and sprays can cause irritation for some men. She suggests wearing breathable fabrics to minimise trapped moisture, which can cause fungal infections: But you dont need to spend a fortune on intimate grooming. Cast your mind back to early 2020. Covid-19 was sweeping across the world. Nobody knew exactly how it was transmitted. Medics seemed powerless to stop it, and thousands were dying. The first case of coronavirus was diagnosed in Ireland on February 29. The first death occurred on March 11 in CUH. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic that same day. On March 27, Ireland entered lockdown, ushering in a new era of working from home, social distancing, and older people cocooning indoors. While most retreated from this risk, medics remained on the frontline. They carried on treating patients, dispensing medicines and supporting worried people as covid cases continued to climb. ICU nurse Ester Fitzgerald outside the Cork University Hospital. Picture: Noel Sweeney Ester Fitzgerald, a clinical medical nurse in Cork University Hospitals intensive care unit (ICU), has two vivid memories of those anxious early days. One was fear. We saw what happened in Europe, she says. Our colleagues there were dying, and we thought wed be next. The other was surprise at the attention suddenly being paid to to the need to increase ICU beds. With 255 beds available nationwide, wed been shouting about being under-capacity for years, says Fitzgerald. But finally, we were being listened to. The number of beds in her ward increased from 14 to 22, and her workload increased accordingly. She remembers it as being intense. Our bed capacity may have increased, but we were constantly short-staffed due to people having to isolate when they came into close contact with the virus or having to take time off when they tested positive. Id been working in ICU since I was 21 but covid was a different ballgame. People were sicker than ever and we had to care for them with limited staffing. The fact that they needed to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) also slowed the nurses down. Fitzgerald recalls being covered head to toe in plastic, which was hot, sweaty and uncomfortable. That same PPE affected how they interacted with patients. Touching, eye contact and communicating through facial expressions became all but impossible. That was emotionally challenging, says Fitzgerald. And so was caring for dying patients who had to say goodbye to loved ones over the phone. Many of us are still dealing with the mental health impact of that. There were pressures outside of work too. Fitzgerald has three children and had no childcare. She constantly worried about bringing the virus home to her family. She coped by relying on her colleagues. It was so hard, she says. We all worked additional hours. Even when the shift went fine, by the time you handed your patients over to the next shift, got out of your PPE and showered, that added almost an hour. But we kept each other going. It made me proud to work in ICU. Looking back, she thinks that the biggest lesson she learned from the experience was that the HSE had the ability to adapt and change quickly when needed. The way we all worked changed, literally overnight, she says. If that same energy and emphasis was put towards reducing trolley numbers, the effects could be far-reaching. Picture: Noel Sweeney General Practitioner Dr Pat Harrold, GP in Nenagh, Co Tipperary. Picture: Brendan Gleeson Nenagh GP Pat Harrold had been anticipating a pandemic for years. When I was in college 30-odd years ago, professors spoke about the Spanish Flu that hit after World War One and said it was a matter of when, not if, such a thing would happen again, he says. When it did happen, Harrold had to adapt quickly. I started treating people over the phone and sheltering behind the hedges outside my clinic, he says. I made house calls wearing full PPE. People were sick with covid but they were still getting sick with the likes of bladder infections and heart problems. We had to work longer hours and in many different ways to continue being there for them. One of the things that surprised him about the experience was how much he missed small talk with his patients. As my work became transactional, with patients quickly outlining what was wrong with them and me trying to find the fastest solution to their problem so that we minimised the amount of time we spent together, I longed for idle chatter about the hurling, he says. He was also taken aback by the hostile stance some took to public health guidelines. After speaking to local media about the importance of wearing masks, he got attacked online. I even lost friends over it, he says. Id never have expected that to happen. Yet Harrold recognises that the pandemic had positive effects. Its great that most doctors wear scrubs all the time now, that virtual consultations are an option, and that doctors can prescribe directly to the pharmacist without needing paper, he says. And people understand viral illnesses better, so theres less pressure on doctors to prescribe antibiotics, which is good news for antibiotic resistance. However, he is concerned that some important lessons are being forgotten. WHO funds are being cut and vaccine programmes discontinued, he says. Climate change is being ignored. If we keep wrecking the planet, nature will kick back, and we will have more epidemics, which may be worse than covid. Picture: Brendan Gleeson Paramedic Paramedic Kieran Minihane. Picture: Eddie O'Hare Kieran Minihane has been a paramedic in Cork City for 17 years. During this time, nothing affected him as much as the pandemic. At the outset, when so much was uncertain, he was terrified of contracting the virus. We were going into peoples bedrooms and taking them out of bed while they were coughing and spluttering with covid, treating them, and taking them to hospital, he says. You cant get much closer than that. We did what we could to reduce the risk but the risk remained very high. Paramedics took precautions, including wearing full PPE, interacting only with patients when necessary, and cleaning the ambulance between patients. Every part of my body was covered with goggles, masks, gloves and body suits, says Minihane. Only one of us would go into any house and wed try to stay out of direct contact with patients as much as possible, which was hard, especially when they were afraid and needed reassurance. Wed also clean the entire ambulance after each patient to make sure the next patient was protected from the spread of the virus. Its an approach he still practices to this day. Like a lot of paramedics, I wear more PPE now than I did pre-covid, especially if flu and viruses are circulating, he says. Its all part of keeping myself, my colleagues, family, and patients safe. Living and working through a pandemic changed Minihanes perspective on life. It taught me how precious life is, he says. Covid swept across the world, taking so many from us. I knew some people who died. Their deaths and the deaths of many others have made me realise that I have one life and now is the time to enjoy it. Picture: Eddie OHare Pharmacist Pharmacist Catriona O'Riordan, O'Riordan's pharmacy in Enniskeane. Picture: Eddie O'Hare For Caitriona ORiordan of ORiordans Pharmacy in Enniskean, Co Cork, the effect of lockdown was immediate. People were afraid to go to hospital or their GP, and because they didnt have to make an appointment to go to their pharmacy, thats where they went with their ailments, she says. We instantly became very busy. She had to change her pharmacy to keep people safe and recalls an evening laying out markers on the floor to remind people to stay two metres apart. Even though she did what she could to minimise the risk to herself, her staff, and customers, ORiordan still feared spreading the virus to her family. I kept away from my parents but I had three young children at home, she says. One night, I remember sitting in my car outside my house, wondering if I was contaminated and about to put my husband and children in danger. Those early days were so hard. In retrospect, she can see that there were some benefits to the experience, particularly the bond she built with her local community. Pharmacies remained open throughout, she says. We made deliveries to housebound people and consulted people over the phone and through the windows of their cars. I remember one old lady who would ring for a chat every week. It wasnt just about providing medication but looking after our community in a time of crisis. I think the vital role we played has contributed to the Governments current moves to further develop and support pharmacy as a profession. Picture: Eddie OHare Midwife Lorna Killick, midwife, at the National Maternity Hospital Holles St. Dublin. Photograph: Moya Nolan Midwife Lorna Killick was based in the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin during the pandemic. For the first six months, she worked on an isolation ward dedicated to pregnant women and new mothers and babies who were showing signs of covid. At that stage, it took up to seven days to get the result of a covid test and women had to be isolated while they waited, she says. The period pre and post-labour is such a vulnerable time for women, particularly if they are having their first baby. As midwives, our job was to support them and do all the normal things like helping them breastfeed. Covid restrictions made this challenging. The midwives had to wear full PPE when interacting with the women. They couldnt stay in the room with them for more than 15 minutes at a time. To top it all off, these women were also without their partners because visits to the hospital were so limited, says Killick. Partners were only allowed on the labour ward when women were in active labour, so they had to spend a lot of their labour alone, and even after babies were born, partners only got to spend an hour or so with mum and baby. Seeing them saying goodbye to each other at such moments was so emotional. Killick and the other midwives developed workarounds to the problems. We laminated photos of ourselves and attached them to our PPE so that women knew what we looked like, she says. We chatted with them through windows and over the phone. And the women rallied around each other too, with second- and third-time mothers giving advice and reassurance to first-timers on the ward. Killick spent a lot of the pandemic feeling paranoid that she would spread the virus. She worried she would make the mothers and babies in her care sick and that she would bring covid home to her own three children. But the moment eventually came when her anxiety melted away. It was when visitor restrictions were finally removed in 2023. I was in the lift and two grandparents stepped in carrying a balloon, she says. Wed had no visitors in the hospital for so long, and this pair were so excited. It seemed like life was resuming, and joy was back in the hospital again. These days, Killick works as a community midwife through the Domino Scheme and looks back on the pandemic as a time when the people working in the health service showed how adaptable they were. We were able to think on our feet and evolve as quickly as the virus did, she says. And we did it all while continuing to mind and support each other. Picture: Moya Nolan The provost of Trinity College Dublin has criticised the US government and called on international media to report Donald Trump's falsehoods as such. Dr Linda Doyle was speaking at the Irish Examiners International Womens Day breakfast event at Leas at the Glucksman in UCC and described the challenges facing women as a result of the US Presidents policies. There would be times when you wonder, should we have an International Women's Day? Do we need it? And I think we do need it more than ever, and it is absolutely to do with the fact what's happening in the US. I think none of that can be taken lightly, she said. Dr Doyle spoke about Trump banning the word disinformation and highlighted the role the media can play in reporting his false claims. There is now an executive order banning the use of the word disinformation in government circles in the US. To me, there's a breadth stopping us from moving forward as well as a depth. I think we're in a moment at a time where actually we have to just really hold on to our values and not slide backwards, she said. Vickie Maye, Features Editor, event MC Esther McCarthy of The Irish Examiner with keynote speaker Dr Linda Doyle, Provost, Trinity College Dublin with Lisa Coughlan, Irish Examiner at the Irish Examiner International Women's Day breakfast event, in association with PepsiCo. Picture: Larry Cummins Its especially important in the media because the media has a huge responsibility. For example, I do not accept headlines like Trump said that Ukraine started the war. That should be Trump falsely said Ukraine started the war. I think it is really, really important that that attention to detail is paid. We do need the media to hold our feet by fire when we do crazy, stupid, wrong things, but also not to give in to that narrative. So for me, it's a really, really important time. Everything we do here really, really matters. The event, which was in association with PepsiCo, also heard from panellists Hilary Rose, Louise Crowley and Amina Baig, who spoke to emcee Life/Style Editor Esther McCarthy about challenges they have faced in their areas of work and education. Actor and podcaster, Rose, who stars in The Young Offenders, spoke about the lack of roles for women in acting and how she worked to create her own role and has seen the industry becoming more gender inclusive. She also described some supports she would like to see for women in the acting industry, such as on-set green rooms for their families. Simple things like that could make a massive difference. Baig, a second-year computer science student at UCC and a PepsiCo mentee, described the struggles she faced with undiagnosed ADHD and subsequent depression when she was studying for her Leaving Cert. She called for student support in that area, highlighting how she struggled with memory loss while studying for those exams. Theres no accommodation for that. Definitely there needs to be a change in the education system. Thats a big fight, she said. Panellist Hilary Rose, actor, podcaster; keynote speaker Dr Linda Doyle, Provost TCD; Karen O'Donoghue, Irish Examiner, Brian Colgan, of sponsors PepsiCo,: event MC Esther McCarthy, Irish Examiner and panellists Amina Baig, computer science student and iWish alumna, and Professor Louise Crowley, UCC School of Law. Picture: Larry Cummins A professor in UCCs School of Law, Crowley detailed her efforts to educate people about gender-based violence and sexual harassment. She told the audience about using one of the four Ds when they see women in uncomfortable or dangerous situations: Direct, distract, delay, delegate. She called on men to become more aware of how women may feel in some situations. Particularly for men, its the awareness, having your eyes open. What you might think is grand could be dangerous for a woman and knowing what to do. PepsiCos Brian Colgan, site director at their Little Island plant and co-chair of their Womens Inclusion Network spoke about being an ally and an advocate for women in the workplace. Equity is not about giving women a head startits about removing the hurdles that shouldnt have been there in the first place. Its about recognizing that while the starting line might look the same, the race has been anything but fair, he said. We dont need to ask, How do we empower women? Women already have power. The real question is: How do we stop getting in their way?. The family of an Irish Canadian man who died by suicide at University Hospital Kerry has settled a High Court action for 125,000. Liam Mitchell was 61 years of age when he died at University Hospital Kerry and had been living in Co Kerry for over three years after moving here from Canada. Mr Mitchells two daughters Siobhan O Keefe who lives in Austria and Kelly Dawn Mitchell who lives in the UK had sued the HSE over their fathers death. The familys counsel, Dr John OMahony SC, told the High Court it was a very tragic case. Mr Mitchell who was born in Montreal had moved back to Ireland where his mother was from to reconnect with his heritage. Counsel said an acknowledgement was contained in a HSE review of the case of the devastating impact of Mr Mitchell's death on his family. It read: "The Mental Health Services wish to express their deepest condolences to the family and to acknowledge the devastating impact of his death . They commit to ensuring that the recommendations identified in this report are implemented. Liability was admitted in the case.. Mr Mitchell who lived at Gneeveguilla, Sliabh Luachra, Co Kerry, had been referred to the to University Hospital Kerry on September 6, 2019, for assessment. Mr Mitchell, who had a history of mental health issues, was admitted to the mental health unit at the hospital for a review of medication but he remained an inpatient there for 11 weeks until his death on November 23, 2019. In the proceedings it was claimed there was an alleged failure to have maintained adequate and ongoing supervision and care of Mr Mitchell and there was an alleged failure to adequately monitor Mr Mitchell. It was also claimed that there was an alleged failure to advise all members of the staff who had any part in the care and management of Mr Mitchell that he was likely to attempt to carry out suicide. HSE review A HSE system analysis review report which addressed the circumstances of Mr Mitchell's death was carried out. It identified issues around communication and documentation of information in relation to the patient's risk review and risk management plan, but said there was no evidence that these had a direct impact or bearing on the sad outcome. A number of recommendations were made including that the service should review the process in place at the time for the handover and communication of information between shifts and the multidisciplinary team. This was to ensure a new system was effective in relation to the communication of and response to information pertinent to patient care. It also recommended that a revision of relevant policies take place and include the requirement to state clearly that when a patients possessions are removed on admission that they be listed and recorded. Noting the settlement in the High Court, Mr Justice Paul Coffey offered his deepest sympathy to Mr Mitchells family. The sister of Robin Wilkin has said she feels overwhelmed by the lack of remorse shown by her brother's "cold, calculating" murderers and by the way they dumped his body over Ireland's tallest cliffs "as if his life was worthless". Alan Vial and Nikita Burns were found guilty of 66-year-old Mr Wilkin's murder on Thursday and on Friday Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced both to the mandatory term of life imprisonment. Irene McAleer, sister of the deceased, sat through the entire trial and delivered a statement on Friday on behalf of herself and her surviving siblings, David and Marie. Robin was the eldest sibling, she said, and the rest of the family looked up to him. "Now, as a family, we have been left with nothing but memories of growing up together with Robin, due to the actions of Alan Vial and Nikita Burns." She said the "agonising journey" from when a garda called to say they believed Robin had been murdered to the end of the trial has been "filled with grief, denial and undoubtedly anger". While the convictions have brought "a certain degree of closure", she added that the family will never come to terms with the brutal nature of Robin's death. Ms McAleer said she felt she owed it to her brother's memory to sit through the trial, despite the distress she felt. She added: "Nothing or no one could have prepared me for the evil and harrowing details I have witnessed. To sit in the same room as those two very cold, calculating individuals has been so difficult. The fact neither of these individuals has shown a grain of remorse has been very overwhelming at times." She was sickened, she said, when she heard that Burns had said she hoped the body would not be found and that the victim's family "wouldn't bother to come looking for him". She was further upset when she heard Vial "mocking" her brother, by declaring during one of his garda interviews it was ironic that Robin had said he wanted to be buried at sea. Ms McAleer denied that her brother was estranged from his family. "He was, in fact, just travelling his own path and lost regular touch with us, as many siblings do. Robin's callous and unnecessary murder has deprived us all of the chance to reconnect now that our own lives are slowing down." Ms McAleer also thanked the gardai and witnesses who came forward to give evidence at the trial. In particular, she thanked Chris Quinn and Sharon O'Dowd, who told gardai that Nikita Burns had confessed to murdering a man and throwing him off the cliffs at Sliabh Liag. Without them, she said, Burns and Vial would never have been caught and prosecuted. Sentencing Following Ms McAleer's statement, Mr Justice Paul McDermott offered his condolences to the family before imposing the mandatory life sentences in respect of each defendant. Vial's sentence was backdated to July 14, 2023, when he first went into custody. Burns' sentence was backdated to August 29, 2023. Vial (aged 39), from Drumanoo Head, Killybegs and Burns (aged 23), of Carrick, Co Donegal had pleaded not guilty to Mr Wilkin's murder in Donegal on June 25, 2023. A jury found each guilty of murder by majority, 10 to two verdicts on Thursday following a two-month trial. The trial heard that Mr Wilkin suffered severe head injuries after being struck multiple times with a rock at an area known as Roshin, near Killybegs. His killers then drove to Sliabh Liag where they put him over the cliffs and disposed of his neck chain, watch and other personal items. Vial and Burns blamed one another for the fatal assault but the jury accepted the prosecution case that they had, in fact, been involved in a joint enterprise to cause serious injury to Mr Wilkin and are both guilty of murder. A book of evidence was served on a 41-year-old man accused of carrying out an aggravated burglary and assault causing harm to three people during an alleged incident in Cork City. Gerard Quinlan of Gilabbey Mews, Connaught Avenue, Cork, faces charges of carrying out an aggravated burglary and assault causing harm to one man and two women. The injured parties were in their early to mid-twenties. Sergeant John Dineen confirmed at Cork District Court that a book of evidence had been served on barrister William Bulman who appeared on behalf of Gerard Quinlan who was on video link from Limerick Prison. Judge Mary Dorgan agreed to extend legal aid to include a senior counsel to represent the accused at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. The case was sent forward to the circuit court at the sessions commencing on April 28. The judge required an outline of the allegations in the case before legal aid was extended to include a senior counsel. Sgt Dineen said it was alleged that at 5.45am on April 17 two men entered a dwelling house at Millerd Street, Cork City, as intruders. They were not known to the people living there. The intruders burst into the two upstairs bedrooms simultaneously, demanding cash and mobile phones from the three victims who were struck with blunt and sharp objects. It is alleged that following complete compliance with the demands of the two and having handed over what little money and mobile phones they had, the three residents were then subjected to a vicious and sustained assault. Hundreds of teenagers have attended the first music and faith-based event of its kind in Cork as the Church finds new ways to engage with young people. The Bishop of the Diocese of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, hailed the success of the Maranatha 2025 event in City Hall on Thursday, which brought together some 500 young people from 20 secondary schools across the diocese to celebrate their faith and identity through music, while having fun at the same time. They engaged in a range of activities on the day, including attending a morning workshop that touched on the fundamentals of faith and how they are loved by God, before they performed a concert to a packed City Hall concert hall that evening. Addressing the students and the audience afterwards, Bishop Gavin thanked everyone who had made the event possible and said Maranathas purpose was focused on an important question for all young people. The biggest question all of us face in our life is about our identity: who am I? he said. In a sense, our whole life is trying to work out who we are. If there's anything I want you to hear this evening coming out of Maranatha it is this: you are the beloved daughter and son of God. You are loved by God. He said Maranatha was designed to celebrate their lives and faith journey through music and by reflecting on some of the issues most current in their present experience. The 500 young people from 20 secondary schools across the diocese performed a concert to a packed City Hall concert hall. Picture: Brian Lougheed The whole day was be underpinned by celebrating our identity as baptised Christians, beloved of God, he said. I want to thank the schools for coming on board and supporting the diocese in creating this new and exciting initiative for our young people. The students who took part had spent several weeks preparing by engaging in workshops of liturgical and inspirational contemporary music. Sheila Kelleher, the diocesan co-ordinator for Youth Ministry, said the Diocese of Cork and Ross has always had a strong musical tradition. Maranatha is a way for us to harness that energy and come together to engage our young people with their faith in a meaningful and joyful way, she said. It now looks set to become an annual event. Sophie In April 2019, outside the gates of Leinster House, Annmarie McGoldrick was approached by an 'Irish Examiner' reporter. She had travelled to Dublin that day from her hometown of Carrigaline, Co Cork, in a bid to highlight how she could not secure a primary school place for her oldest daughter Sophie, then four, despite trying every school on Corks southside. They either have no autism unit or they have a unit with a waiting list that might be two years long, or so long that theyve stopped taking names, she had said almost six years ago. April 2019: Annmarie McGoldrick and her mother, Amanda McCullough, from Carrigaline, Co Cork protesting on behalf of Sophie McCullough at Leinster House. Almost six years on, Annemarie is still struggling. 'Its worse now,' she told Jess Casey. File picture Armed with placards and pictures of Sophie, smiling and dressed in her pre-school uniform, Annmarie and her mother attended a national protest brought to the doors of the Dail, aimed at highlighting failures in upholding childrens constitutional right to education. Sophie was almost seven starting primary school alongside four- and five-year-olds. Shes a tall girl anyway, so she really stood out, Annmarie this week told the Irish Examiner. After a barrage of rejections, her daughter was eventually offered a place in a mainstream school in Carrigaline that planned to open an autism class. However, in the summer of 2021 just before she was about to start, the family found out through media reports that the campus earmarked for the developing school was being reassigned. Instead, the school building was used to open Carrigaline Community Special School one of the 11 new special schools established in the last five years and announced after families that year had no other option but to highlight how their children had been left without school places. Some of the children whose parents continue to struggle against an education system that seems unable to provide school places for all of Ireland's children. The mainstream school that lost that campus as a result has been left renting an old building they have since outgrown. "At the moment, Sophie will be going to school in September in what used to be a Spar shop on a different site to the rest of the school. "She doesnt have that primary school experience that we all would have classrooms and a hall and a yard. "She doesnt have that. Now Annmarie is once again navigating the system for her younger daughter Anna, aged five, who requires a place in a special school. Little did I know back then that Id be in this situation again now, except worse. Its worse now. She feels as if she is luckier than most other parents as Anna can attend early intervention for another year at her preschool, because there are no school places this year, but they cant keep her after that. Some of the students in her preschool either cannot leave because theres no school place, or some of them have to leave because they have reached the age limit, and they have no school place. Annmarie McGoldrick and her daughters Sophie and Anna. This logjam has knock-on effects across the system. Because Anna wont be leaving, it means that a three-year-old wont be able to go in and take her place. Its going to have a spiral effect, that three-year-old wont get early intervention, and will probably be in a private preschool, in the wrong environment for them. In three years time, they are going to be in my shoes now and not get a school placement. At the end of primary school, theyll be in a position where they wont get a secondary school. "When is it going to end? This weekend's Cork protest Tomorrow, Saturday, parents will take to the streets of Cork to highlight the children still without a school place either in special schools or in special classes attached to mainstream schools. In the last five years, there has been a 103% increase nationally in the number of special classes in mainstream schools, and a 20% increase in the number of places in special schools. Five new special schools have been promised to open for September in order to meet demand, including one earmarked for Cork. Yet, countless parents across the country are again attempting to secure school places for their children for this September. The issue is particularly marked in Cork this year. To attend a special school, a child must have a professional report recommending this type of placement best suits them. Eldon In Mayfield, Cork City, Leanne Thompson feels like she is running out of options for her son Eldon, saying: I applied to all of them, to be told the same thing. Eldon from Mayfield in Cork. His mother, Leanne Thompson, feels she is running out of options for her son, who turns 5 this month. Eldon, who turns five this month, has been going through the diagnosis process since the age of 18 months. He just wasnt meeting his milestones, Leanne said. He is autistic and has moderate to high needs. In December, he received a recommendation to attend a special school through his local Childrens Disability Network Team (CDNT). Schools have deadlines for enrolment, so it left me in a position where everything is last minute, Leanne said. Although they live close to St Killians and Scoil Cara, both schools are full. She has also applied for autism classes in six different schools in Ballincollig and Douglas. Faced with no other options, Leanne has now begun the application process for September 2026. She said: I get that they are under a lot of pressure, but Im waiting to hear back from so many principals. I just dont feel like I have hope for Eldon for a school at all. Most units only take [children with mild needs]. I have asked the CDNT what is the option for my child, as nearly every special needs school in Cork has turned him down, and Ive resorted to asking my cousin who is an SNA [special needs assistant] in Bandon if theres any places out there. Im only resorting to a unit because I dont want my child out of education anymore. Its his right, but units turn him down because hes moderate to high needs. They dont want to be giving me phone calls to come collect him every day, or having an SNA bringing him home and upsetting him more. Im doing the best I can, every day fighting for my child to get a school place. I feel like the constant battle is just so draining for mothers and fathers. Bella Noreen Leigh Arundel, Cork City, is now on her second time campaigning for an educational placement for her daughter Bella, who turns five soon. Last week, she travelled to Dublin to take part in a protest outside the Department of Education offices, staged by parents. Leigh Arundel protesting on behalf of her five-year-old daughter Bella Noreen during the recent protest by parents, families, and friends at the Department of Education on Marlborough St, Dublin. Picture: Gareth Chaney Parents in Cork also wanted to highlight issues locally, she said. The stories we heard in Dublin, and the absolute wide range of them its not just young kids, it is kids in their mid-teens who should be well placed by now. Bella requires a special school place for September. As a last resort, children who do not have a school place are offered home tuition by the Department of Education, a solution that Leigh knows will not suit her childs needs. We have no idea what our next steps are, other than to get home tuition and that comes with its own list of problems. You have to go and find a tutor, you have to have them in your home or find a library and, even then, thats not suitable. Kids arent getting any socialisation or interaction. They are just out on their own with a teacher and coming home to their parents. My daughter doesnt have any siblings, so her real interactions are at school. Any parent will tell you without a school place, and without the routine of school, its very hard to get yourself in a constant routine. At least with school, you have a couple of hours where you know the routine is set. James In Kilworth, North Cork, Ciara Maguire is also facing her second year of applying to special schools for her son James. He will be six in September, and the family has been told there is no space for him to stay in pre-school. James Maguire from Kilworth will be six in September. His mother Ciara Maguire has applied for a place to special schools all over Cork and in Tipperary even though the family is outside the catchment area. She has applied to every special school in Cork, and another in Tipperary although she is outside the catchment area. I was told to apply because they have taken in kids from my area. Ive had all my rejection letters; Its either rejection letters or stuck on a waiting list. He needs a special school, Ciara said. His needs are so high, an ASD class is not appropriate for him. He is non-verbal and uses an AAC [augmentative and alternative communication] device. He struggles with transitions and he needs a sensory room. He has an SNA with him at all times, because he cant communicate and gets frustrated with the other kids. He struggles with change, so the next school he is in has to be his last. Like many parents the Irish Examiner has spoken to, Ciara is doubtful about the opening of a new special school in Cork for this September. My special educational needs officer [Seno] keeps telling me it is too early, we have to hold on, we have to wait, but it is not too early. If you look at getting the building and putting the money into it, and getting staff, you are talking next year. I dont know what Im supposed to do. "Come September, the hardest part is going to be seeing his brother going to school and why cant he go? Every morning, he knows he is going to school, he picks up his bag, he gets on the bus. Hes so happy, it's heartbreaking. Like every parent, you feel like they are doing so well and youre going to have to just wait for the regress to kick off and youll feel like an absolute failure again. Department's response A spokesman for the Department of Education said that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has sanctioned 23 new classes so far for the coming school year a total of 138 places. This includes 13 at primary level and 10 at post-primary level. It is expected that the NCSE will sanction additional further new special classes very shortly, and these will be published on the NCSE website and Senos at local level will keep families informed of these new special classes. Ministers Helen McEntee and Michael Moynihan have also instructed the NCSE to identify the needs for the 2026/27 school year this year, he added. The NCSE has advised the department that they are engaging closely with schools, boards of management, and school patron bodies across the country to open sufficient special classes to meet the needs of children with special educational needs. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements, and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level. This analysis is conducted across 314 school planning areas around the country, he added. For Ciara, she is tired of receiving generic emails from TDs offices. All the emails back from the Taoiseach and the minister have been generic. They havent come back to me yet. "My question is: What do I do come September? How do I explain to my son when he sees his brother going to school that he cant go? What is the plan for his future, or is there a plan for his future? Im on an intense Edna OBrien buzz at the moment, re-reading her autobiography, Country Girl and off for a second viewing of Sinead OSheas documentary about her life, The Blue Road. My current favourite quote from the Edna oeuvre is from her wonderful creation Baba, in Girls in Their Married Bliss: "The vote I thought means nothing to women. We should be armed." At the time (late 1960s), I scoffed. Women? Armed? Are you joking? But 60-plus years after the societal revolution that was second-wave feminism, take a look around: the damn patriarchy has never been more powerful. The current Lords of the Universe, frantically engineering a coup detat in the White House, include a sex-offending felon, a billionaire misogynist, and a Lets Go Back to the Good Old Hillbilly Days, eye liner-wearing VP who thinks (out loud) that liberal women are childless cat ladies. Oooof. Things are no better in the wider world. We have a genocidal maniac in Tel Aviv hellbent on wiping out an entire population, particularly the women, the children, even the babies. Even god help us babies in incubators. What? If that wasnt enough to be going on with, there's another genocidal maniac lording it, with iron fist, over the largest landmass on earth and busy trying to gobble up his neighbour. No reason. He just wants more. Oh, and he cant stand to see the Ukrainian people enjoying their democracy. Nyet. Some days it feels while we were dressing up in pink and queuing to see Barbie the big guys were silently amassing billions, catalogue shopping ever younger wives and creating a terrifying new technology designed to replace all humans, except the ones they can exploit. Guests including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk, arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington on January 20. The cute little reforms weve been begging for 27% mandatory inclusion of women in CEO positions! 50% mandatory inclusion of women in politics! An end to pay discrimination! Contraception for all! aren't even taken seriously, never mind implemented. Meanwhile, what John Cleese termed "that appalling caricature of an arsehole" Donald Trump, screams: "Everybody wants a transgender op! Thats where all Americas money has gone!" Not to the billionaires busy gaming the system, building up fortunes via government grants? Elon Musk with his $447bn? Jeff Bezos with his $249bn? Mark Zuckerberg with his $224bn? Dont be silly. Of course not. No. It would be laughable if it wasnt so deadly. Particularly for us women. We were so sure we were changing the world but left the banks, the guns and the porn industry in male hands. What were we thinking? Some stats from brilliant anti-porn campaigner, Professor Gail Dines. Women perform 66% of the worlds work and produce 50% of the worlds food, but earn 10% of the worlds income. Women own 1% of the worlds property. Women comprise 70% of the worlds poor. 90% of the worlds billionaires are male. And what about violent porn? Yes, porn. Doesnt it strike anyone as weird that the filmed portrayal of violent sexual assaults against women for the pleasure of men is legitimate? Imagine if it were dogs who were being simultaneously choked, beaten, vaginally and anally raped for the pleasure of human males, streamed into the smartphones of boys as young as 10, dont you think thered be an outcry? You cant DO that to Fifi! Its horrible! But somehow its okay because its women? Second-wave feminists said porn was the scene of a crime. They were so right. To say that porn isnt influencing the stratospheric rise in violent crimes against women is like saying food advertising doesnt affect us. Come on. Actually those of us worried about the links between the far right, theo bros and the billionaire tech bros, and what it means for women, were right to be concerned. Look at whats happening. It seems we werent nearly concerned enough. Take the past two weeks. Odious weirdo Andrew Tate and his human shield brother re-appeared in headlines after they were sprung from a Romanian jail and headed back to the US. Andrew Tate is handcuffed to his brother Tristan Tate, during a court appearance in Bucharest, Romania. Banged up on charges of sex trafficking, rape, fraud, tax avoidance, sex with a minor, forming a company with criminal intent, money laundering, tampering with witnesses, etc, the brothers were put on a private jet and flown to Florida. Some 72km north of Trumps playground. Trump "knew nothing about it". Nothing! Seized assets, swanky cars and properties all returned, the brothers, grinning like chipmunks, promised to return to Romania for their end of March hearing. Hahaha. Next it was the Epstein files. Youll remember Trumps buddy Jeffrey Epstein, an absolute divil for raping underage girls, who, said Donald, was "a lot of fun to be with". "The most transparent administration in history" organised an all-funsies photo op to release files full of nothing to paid, partisan, social media influencers. Lovely. The icing on the incel cake is going to be the pardoning of Ghislaine Maxwell. Yes, darling Ghislaine who groomed, then handed vulnerable underage girls to a monster, for years, is apparently up for a presidential pardon. Ah sure, why not? Innocents abroad might think Christians would be appalled. Apparently, not in the US. Too busy collaborating with the far right. Of course, there should be the death penalty for abortion! Lets freak out about lives that havent started rather than bother with the actual living human beings facing oppression, destruction, famine, and genocide, all available to view online any time of your choice. And in the meantime make the cat ladies have more babies! Today! Now! We need more white people! Maybe its time for one of those all-women strikes? Every woman out. No sex. No hot dinners. No laughing at your jokes until you lot grow up. Stop killing each other, and millions of us. Stop being so greedy. Stop pouring billions into either trying to go into space or trying to develop AI, a technology that is going to kill us all, if the sci-fi writers are correct (and they've been pretty spot on so far). We women like Mother Earth. We dont want to go to dead bloody red desert Mars. We dont want probes the size of camper vans on the moon. We like the Moon just as she is. We like our democracy too, imperfect as it is. We like our minds, we like our bodies, not perfect, but ours. They're what we feel, eat, love, make love, make babies, and care for each other with. Tech bros, theo bros, incels ... how about you lot go to Mars? And maybe consider staying there. Im staying with Baba. Maybe we should have got the guns instead of the vote. And, imperfect as it is, International Womens Day. Rosita Sweetmans new memoir, A Girl with a Fork in a World of Soup will be published this summer, by MENMA BOOKS, West Cork Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said his country will hold talks with the US next week about ending the war against Russia. In his nightly address, Mr Zelenskyy said he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday and his team would stay there to hold talks with US officials. I am scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with the crown prince, said Mr Zelenskyy, referring to Mohammed bin Salman, the heir to the throne of the oil-rich kingdom. After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace. He added: As we told President Trump, Ukraine is working and will work exclusively constructively for a quick and reliable peace. US President Donald Trump said he believed his administration had made a lot of progress in recent days with both Ukraine and Russia (Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP) In an exchange with reporters on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said he believed his administration had made a lot of progress in recent days with both Ukraine and Russia, but did not specify how. I think whats going to happen is Ukraine wants to make a deal, because I dont think they have a choice, Mr Trump said. I also think that Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way a different way that only I know, only I know they have no choice either. Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that senior administration officials are arranging to hold talks with top Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. Mr Witkoff noted that Mr Zelenskyy has been apologetic in recent days about the White House blow-up and expressed gratitude. He was circumspect about whether a minerals deal would be signed during the meeting in Saudi Arabia. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen,speaks to Volodymyr Zelensky (Omar Havana/AP) Well see if he follows through, Mr Witkoff said. The announcement came as European Union leaders held emergency talks about ways to quickly increase their military budgets after the Trump administration signalled that Europe must take care of its own security and also suspended assistance to Ukraine. In just over a month, Mr Trump has overturned old certainties about US reliability as a security partner, as he embraces Russia and withdraws American support for Ukraine. On Monday, Mr Trump ordered a pause on US military supplies to Ukraine as he sought to press Mr Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia. The US has also paused intelligence sharing with Kyiv. Our intelligence is sovereign Earlier French defence minister Sebastien Lecornu said France is providing military intelligence to Ukraine. American intelligence is vital for Ukraine to track Russian troop movements and select targets. Speaking to France Inter radio on Thursday, Mr Lecornu said France is continuing its intelligence sharing. Our intelligence is sovereign, Mr Lecornu said. We have intelligence that we allow Ukraine to benefit from. Mr Lecornu added that following the US decision to suspend all military aid to Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron asked him to accelerate the various French aid packages to make up for the lack of American assistance. Mr Lecornu said that in the wake of the US decision, shipments of Ukraine-bound aid departing from Poland had been suspended, adding, however, that Ukrainians, unfortunately, have learned to fight this war for three years now and know how to stockpile. In Ukraine, a Russian ballistic missile killed four people staying at a hotel in President Zelenskyys home town during the night. Mr Zelenskyy, who was attending the EU summit on defence in Brussels, said a humanitarian organisations volunteers had moved into the hotel in Kryvyi Rih, in central Ukraine, just before the strike, including Ukrainian, American and British nationals. He did not say whether those people were among the 31 injured. Russia fired 112 Shahed and decoy drones, as well as two ballistic Iskander missiles, at Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian air force said. Later on Thursday, Russias Foreign Ministry rejected a peace proposal from France and Britain, describing it as an attempt by Kyivs European allies to offer a break to the embattled Ukrainian army. The ministrys spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said the proposed break in air and naval attacks is an attempt to secure a pause for the agonising Kyiv regime, the Ukrainian armed forces and prevent the front from collapsing. She said Ukraine would use any pause in fighting to strengthen its military, which would lead to prolonged conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaking during a news conference (Pavel Bednyakov/AP) And Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov harshly criticised Mr Macrons claim that Russia threatens Europe. This is a threat to Russia, Mr Lavrov said at a briefing in Moscow, noting Mr Macrons plan to convene a meeting of top European military officers to discuss purported aggressive plans by Moscow. Mr Lavrov dismissed the allegations that Russia was hatching plans to attack European nations as stupid and delirious nonsense. For any more or less sane person it is completely clear that Russia does not need this, he said. The US owners of Boots have agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners as the struggling retailer looks to turn itself around after years of losing money. Walgreens Boots Alliance said on Thursday that Sycamore will pay 11.45 dollars (8.89) per share, giving the deal an equity value just under 10 billion dollars (7.76bn). Shareholders could eventually receive up to another 3 dollars (2.33) per share under certain conditions. A buyout to take the chain private would give it more flexibility to make changes to improve its business without worrying about Wall Streets reaction. The company has already been making big changes as it seeks to turn around the business. Walgreens has been a public company since 1927. Walgreens, founded in 1901, has been dealing with rising costs in the US, persistent theft and inflation-sensitive shoppers who are looking for bargains elsewhere. Walgreens is in the early stages of a plan to close 1,200 of its roughly 8,500 US locations. The Illinois company had already shed about a thousand US stores since it grew to nearly 9,500 after buying some Rite Aid locations in 2018. The company said last August that it was reviewing a US healthcare operation it had expanded aggressively, and it might sell all or part of its VillageMD clinic business. That announcement came less than two years after the company said it would spend billions to expand it. Shares of Walgreens shed nearly two thirds of their value last year. Walgreens said the transaction price represents a nearly 30% premium to the share price in December when reports of a deal first surfaced. Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth confirmed in January that a sale process for the business was under way. Including debt, the value of the deal is just under 24 billion dollars, the company said. Walgreens said earlier this year it was making progress improving prescription reimbursement. Walgreens has also taken steps to preserve cash. It said in January that it was suspending a quarterly dividend it has offered for more than 90 years, and it has been reducing its stake in the drug distributor Cencora this year to get cash in part to pay down debt. Ultimately, the company has to improve its cash flow, whether it remains publicly traded or goes private, Leerink Partners analyst Michael Cherny said in a February 23 research note. Management has not been shy about its push to improve the cash flow generation profile as part of the turnaround plan, the analyst wrote. Without cash flow, none of the value cases work. Walgreens Boots Alliance also runs nearly 3,700 international stores, with locations in the United Kingdom, Mexico, Thailand and Ireland. A federal judge gave the Trump administration until Monday to pay nearly two billion dollars (1.5 billion) owed to partners of the US Agency for International Development (USAid) and the US State Department. US District Judge Amir Ali on Thursday ruled in favour of non-profit groups and businesses that sued over the funding freeze, which has forced organisations around the world to slash services and lay off thousands of workers. Mr Alis line of questioning suggested scepticism of the Trump administrations argument that presidents have wide authority to override congressional decisions on spending when it comes to foreign policy, including foreign aid. It would be an earth-shaking, country-shaking proposition to say that appropriations are optional, the judge said. The question I have for you is, where are you getting this from in the constitutional document? he asked government lawyer Indraneel Sur. Thursdays order forms part of an ongoing case with more decisions coming on the administrations fast-moving termination of 90% of USAid contracts worldwide. Mr Alis ruling comes a day after a divided Supreme Court rejected the administrations bid to freeze funding that flowed through USAid. The high court instructed Mr Ali to clarify what the government must do to comply with his earlier order requiring the quick release of funds for work that had already been done. The funding freeze stemmed from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20. The administration appealed after Mr Ali issued a temporary restraining order and set a deadline to release payment for work already done. The administration said it replaced a blanket spending freeze with individualised determinations, which led to the cancellation of USAid contracts and State Department grants totalling nearly 60 billion dollars (46.5 billion) in aid. Russia has carried out massive ballistic missile and drone strikes across Ukraine a day after the US stopped sharing intelligence with Kyiv that had previously given advance warnings of attacks. The strikes came early on Friday as a Ukrainian delegation prepared to meet with US counterparts in Saudi Arabia for talks about a possible end to the war. In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump appeared to criticise Russias latest bombardment. He posted: Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely pounding Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!! Trumps vague threat was in contrast to the punitive steps he has already taken against Ukraine, including an end to US military supplies announced earlier this week and the intelligence shutdown. On Friday, the US aerospace company Maxar Technologies disabled Ukraines access to its satellite images after a request from the Trump administration. President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) There were reports that Ukraines position on the battlefield had worsened as a direct result of hostile US actions. One source said Ukraines drones used extensively across a 1,000km frontline were 10-15% less accurate than before. According to Ukrainian media, North Korean troops had made significant gains in Russias Kursk oblast, where Ukrainian combat groups seized territory seven months ago. The North Koreans had broken through Ukrainian defences south of the Kyiv-held Russian town of Sudzha, cutting off a key road, reports said. Ukrainian troops were now at risk of being encircled, they added. One soldier fighting in the area said the road connecting the enclave with the Ukrainian city of Sumy was still open, but under constant attack from Russian drones. The situation is bad, he messaged. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow launched overnight attacks on Ukraines energy and gas infrastructure. It targeted facilities in several regions on Friday, including Odesa and Poltava, using nearly 70 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 attack drones. All of this was directed against infrastructure that ensures normal life, the Ukrainian president wrote on social media. Currently, repair and restoration work is ongoing. He said several people were injured when a missile hit a private building in Kharkiv. People walk in front of their damaged houses after Russian rocket attack in Usatove village near Odesa, Ukraine. Picture: AP Photo/Michael Shtekel) Zelenskyy is due to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners, he wrote. Ukraine is most interested in peace. As we told POTUS [the president of the US], Ukraine is working and will continue to work constructively for a swift and reliable peace. The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, the national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and the presidents special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, are expected to hold talks with Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelenskyys office, and Ukraines defence minister Rustem Umerov. The Trump administration has piled pressure on Ukraine amid apparent US attempts to replace Zelenskyy. Trump said on Thursday: I think Ukraine wants to make a deal because they dont have a choice. I also think that Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way a different way that only I know they have no choice either. In the face of escalating US hostility, Zelenskyy has set out a tentative ceasefire plan. On Friday, he suggested a ban on the use of missiles, long-range drones and aerial bombs, as well as a suspension of military operations in the Black Sea. Ukraine is ready to pursue the path to peace, and it is Ukraine that strives for peace from the very first second of this war. The task is to force Russia to stop the war, he posted on X. Since US and Russian negotiators met in Saudi Arabia, the Kremlin has dramatically stepped up its air war against Ukraine. Its advance on land in the eastern Donetsk region has largely stopped, with Ukraines armed forces carrying out local counter-offensives in some areas. An overnight strike in Kharkiv injured eight people and damaged nine apartment buildings, officials said. An adult and a child were also injured in Poltava oblast when a missile hit two housing blocks, the energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, said. Despite the US weapons cutoff, Ukraine is still able to shoot down some but not all enemy missiles. On Friday, Zelenskyy said French-supplied Mirage 2000 aircraft were used for the first time together with F-16 fighter jets to protect Ukrainian skies. He said: The Mirages successfully intercepted Russian cruise missiles. Thank you! I also want to recognise the performance of our anti-aircraft missile forces, army aviation, all our electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups. The Kremlin, meanwhile, said Russia may have to respond to what it said were EU plans to boost its military capability and to cast Russia as its enemy. The comments follow Thursdays meeting in Brussels, in which EU leaders agreed a plan for a massive rise in defence spending. We see that the European Union is now actively discussing the militarisation of the EU and the development of the defence segment. This is a process that we are watching closely, because the EU is positioning Russia as its main adversary, the Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters. - The Guardian 03/05/2025 Jacksonville State University remains committed to the Little River Canyon Center's ongoing operations and programming despite the recent announcement of the closure of the National Park Services office there, which is set for December 31, 2025. Jax States role in managing and maintaining the Canyon Center will remain unchanged, and we do not anticipate any disruptions to our services, educational programs, or community engagement efforts. The Canyon Center will continue to serve as a hub for conservation, research, and outdoor recreation for visitors, students, and faculty alike. As we move forward, we will work closely with our partners and stakeholders to evaluate any potential impacts and ensure the continued success of this important facility. We appreciate the ongoing support of our community and look forward to many more years of serving the public at the Little River Canyon Center. About the Canyon Center Open to the public since 2009, the Little River Canyon Center is a Jacksonville State University facility located in Northeast Alabama, adjoining the Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne. The center features a Grand Hall, HD movie theater, gift shop, natural history library, exhibits, classrooms, outdoor amphitheater, and scenic trails for both education and adventure. It hosts concerts, workshops, hikes, lectures, and other activities year-round for students of all ages. A portion of the facility is leased to the National Park Service, but Jax State remains responsible for the buildings management, operations, and programming. The Canyon Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Central Time) and is available to rent for meetings, corporate retreats, and special events. The building itself is a model of sustainability, earning LEED Silver Certification for its innovative environmental design, which includes geothermal heating and cooling, recycled materials, and enhanced insulation. For more information about the Canyon Centers hours and programs, please visit Jax State's Canyon Center website. Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. President, Jacksonville State University Here is my column this week for Tom Engelhardts Tomdispatch at The Nation Institute. Do check in on his poignant and insightful introduction. ( Tomdispatch.com ) The opening weeks of the second Trump administration have produced daily headlines that read no, this is not hyperbole! like science fiction. The spectacle of a South African tech billionaire and his cronies staging a twenty-first-century cybercoup with the acquiescence of an aging lunatic of a president beggars belief. Elon Musk has given vast powers to young, even teenaged plenipotentiaries like Edward Big Balls Coristine, 19, who had earlier been employed by Musks brain-chip project Neuralink and has now been made a special adviser to the State Departments Bureau of Diplomatic Technology and the Department of Homeland Security. The Trumpian lists of forbidden words and concepts have reminded some observers of George Orwells dystopian novel 1984. High Technology and Squalor Insights into our present crisis, however, are also offered by science fiction novels that, over the decades, imagined artificial intelligence, brain-Internet interfacing, the decline of the state in the face of tech corporations, and the development of largescale digital systems and ways they might be hacked. Such works coalesced into the cyberpunk school of sci-fi writing in the 1980s and 1990s. Heirs to that tradition like novelist William Gibson may now be seen as the reluctant prophets of yes! Elon Musks invention of a new Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE for the second Trump era. Cyberpunk has especially resonated in South Africa, its themes explored by authors like Lauren Beukes, whose 2008 novel Moxyland is set in a futuristic Cape Town that labors under a tyrannical and vigilant government and media. As she explained, Im always writing from that perspective of growing up under what was a utopia for me and a repressive violent state that destroyed lives and futures for Black people when the racist government wasnt actively murdering them. Cyberpunk themes have also deeply shaped video games like Canadian-South African director Neill Blomkamps Off the Grid, in which Mega Corporations are pitted against one another in a contest for dominance. Lauren Beukes Shining Girls at Apple TV The racist tinge to Donald Trumps and Elon Musks ongoing hacking of the government should also bring to mind Blomkamps 2009 first contact movie, District 9, which highlighted the determination of White nationalists to cannibalize the resources of populations who had been marginalized precisely to make them vulnerable enough to be looted. With its simultaneous depiction of high-tech wonders and social squalor and its foregrounding of corporate rather than state power, District 9 also has significant cyberpunk themes. On January 31st, as the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) noted, leaks from the Treasury Department revealed that high-ranking government employees were mounting resistance to ad hoc DOGE head Elon Musks demands that his team of young hackers be given entry to the financial-transaction systems managed by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS). Thats the unit that makes virtually all government payments, control of which amounts to control of the government. It soon became clear that DOGE operatives had indeed been given authorization to access BFS platforms. As a result, Elon Musk, the CE0 of three private corporations, has gained the ability to oversee government financial transactions (with no questions asked about how he might use the information obtained to enrich himself or harm competitors). By mid-February it was clear that one of Musks acolytes, 25-year-old Marko Elez, had for some time obtained overwrite privileges at the BFS power, that is, to override the entire federal budget, if he (and Musk) wished to. Elez briefly felt he had to resign due to past messages on social media boasting of his racism, including his advocacy for Indian hate. His cause was nevertheless adopted by Vice President JD Vance (whose wife Usha is, ironically enough, from India). For right-wing movements, whipping up hatred of racialized minorities is crucial to getting into and staying in power, and disciplining Elez would have undermined Vances project in comparison to which his wifes honor is apparently of little interest to him. You undoubtedly wont be surprised to learn that Elez was soon reinstated. Overwrite Privileges Musk maintains that hes reducing government waste by capturing the Treasury Department infrastructure and arbitrarily firing large numbers of government workers. He essentially abolished by fiat the U.S. Agency for International Development, the main government distributor of aid globally, which he bizarrely characterized as a criminal organization and the employees of which he called worms. He abruptly cut off its field agents in dangerous areas like the Congolese capital Kinshasha from their email access and funds to escape a potentially hazardous situation. Nor was that agency the only object of his ire. In his view, vast swathes of the government are unnecessary and wasteful. No matter that his own companies have fed from the public trough to the tune of nearly $21 billion dollars since 2008 and his DOGE team has been enormously wasteful and dangerous. For example, they fired hundreds of personnel at the Department of Energys National Nuclear Security Administration who oversee the countrys nuclear arsenal. When the Gen Z DOGE ninjas finally thought better of it, they couldnt immediately rehire the experts since they didnt have their personal emails and had already abruptly closed their government accounts. Cyberhack, Digital, ChatGPT, 2025 As though intent on causing serial catastrophes for the United States, Trump and his crew then began firing employees of the Federal Aviation Agency without whom air traffic controllers say they cannot do their work. They appear to have done keyword searches for probationary employees of the agency whom they let go en masse, unaware that the term has a technical meaning in government. A newly promoted FAA employee with a high level of irreplaceable technical knowledge would still be probationary for one month. And heres the reality of our governmental moment in the second age of Donald Trump: rather than cutting governmental fat, the president and DOGE are excising sinew and bone, amputating limbs from key public agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). After all, every $100 million of funding for NIH-supported research (often at universities) generates some 76 patents. In turn, such breakthroughs can generate as much as $600 million in continuing research and development funds. Cuts to overhead at universities hosting NIH research threaten to bankrupt the countrys network of unparalleled research universities, setting the U.S. farther behind in a race to innovate in which China has already taken the lead. The DOGE cowboys may tell themselves that private industry will take up the slack, but (bluntly put) thats a libertarian fairy tale. Cyber Capital The tech-bro oligarchys rise to power is intimately connected with profound changes in Americas political economy. This country has always had a capitalist system, but it has taken radically different forms over time. Each of those forms has had a strong racial dimension. Today, cyber capital seems in the process of becoming dominant, driven by the Internet and large language models (misnamed artificial intelligence). The digital economy now represents 12% of gross domestic product (GDP), more than industry, and from 2017 to 2021 it grew seven times as fast as the rest of the economy. It is also giving a fillip to American trade. In 2022, government data indicated that while U.S. real GDP grew by 1.9 percent, the U.S. digital economy real value added grew by 6.3 percent driven primarily by growth in software and telecommunication services. This development was foreseen by cyberpunk authors like Gibson whose 1984 novel Neuromancer is soon to be an Apple TV serial. His hacker hero, Henry Dorsett Case, takes on the fabulously wealthy Tessier-Ashpool SA, a clan-corporation with its own space station fighting the attempt of an artificial intelligence entity, Wintermute, to become autonomous. An amoral gun-for-hire and adrenaline junkie, Case gradually discovers that hes actually working for that AI entity, which could be seen as a symbol for oppressed, non-autonomous workers or minorities, and is coerced into helping it. (The Cyberpunk genre often depicts a dystopian world in which the dispossessed, ranging from Haitians to immigrant Mongolians, form defiant subcultures never quite penetrated by White corporate digital power.) An imagining of Molly from Neuromancer, Digital, Midjourney, 2025. The Ultimate in White Privilege It has been argued that digital capitalism is intricately interlinked with whiteness as an ideology, serving to perpetuate a racial hierarchy that evolved over the past four centuries. Such a historical interconnection between whiteness and technology functioned as both a tool and a rationale for European colonial expansion. The technology-driven ability to ransack the rest of the world for its wealth turbocharged Europe and North America in the early modern and modern periods. In some instances, as was true with slavery in the United States, Black workers were simply kidnapped and made to work for no pay. The total value of the enslaved in this country on the eve of the Civil War has been estimated at as much as $3.7 billion, among the countrys biggest capital assets at the time. Pretoria, South Africa in 2012. Juan Cole. Elsewhere, instead of outright slavery, an external system of oppressive colonialism was established to extract value from the colonial world for the metropole. South Africa was a classic example of how a White settler-colonial capitalist class from the Netherlands profited from the utter exploitation of Black labor. Consider it no accident that Elon Musk came from South Africa or that such a system, even after it was ended, gave birth to the PayPal Mafia of libertarian billionaires that has now taken over the U.S government (though they sold PayPal to Ebay in 2002 and no longer own shares in that company). Elon Musk grew up with the ultimate in White privilege, for which he is clearly nostalgic. According to his biographer Walter Isaacson, for instance, his Johannesburg-based father Errol worked on building hotels, shopping centers, and factories, held political office in South Africa while it was still an Apartheid state, and opposed the very principle of one person, one vote. Black South Africans were excluded from the university Errol Musk attended, had their movements restricted by pass laws, could not shop in White establishments, and had no right to vote. In 1971, when Elon was born in Pretoria, Black South Africans earned, on average, about a sixth of what the average White worker did. And keep in mind that his father Errol wasnt even the most hardline supporter of the old regime in his family. He viewed his in-laws, the family of Elons mother Maye, as far worse. And indeed, Joshua Haldeman, Elons maternal grandfather, a Canadian Nazi, moved to South Africa in 1950 because he liked its Apartheid racial segregation and ruling White nationalism. No wonder that, today, his grandson Elon is a supporter of Germanys neo-Nazi party the AfD. Peter Thiel, Musks comrade-in-arms among the tech-bro oligarchs, is from a German family that moved to the South African town of Swakopmund, which had a substantial German population many of them unreformed Nazis who idolized Hitler. In the 1980s, at Stanford University, Thiel allegedly proclaimed that Apartheid works. He now serves as the chief ventriloquist for Vice President JD Vance, hence Vances recent attacks on any European attempts to curb racist speech. District 9 What a resegregated world would look like was imagined as science fiction allegory in Neill Blomkamps 2009 film District 9. In it, an alien spaceship, perhaps disabled, parks over Johannesburg in 1981. Its passengers descend and live in a ramshackle slum, District 9. After a while, the government decides to exile them to a settlement outside the city, hiring Multinational United, a private corporation, for the purpose. It begins evicting the aliens, smeared as prawns, brutalizing them and even performing experiments on them of the kind once used by Nazi doctor Josef Mengele. The smarmy White Afrikaner Wikus van de Merwe starts as the corporations point man in executing that forcible relocation but becomes infected with alien DNA and begins transforming into one of them. Hoping to reverse that phenomenon, he aids an alien who adopts the human moniker Christopher Johnson. Johnson attempts to return to the mother ship and pilot it to the home world, having discovered to his horror that his people are being experimented on. The film is prescient in highlighting how contemporary capitalist states increasingly view immigration as a problem rather than an asset, how xenophobia drives violence and displacement, and how the role of private corporations in policing citizenship is on the rise. Sony: District 9 Official Trailer The South African mafia and their fellow travelers are conducting a counterrevolution. Developments like the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act in the United States and the 1994 end of Apartheid rule in South Africa both represented an international wave of reaction against racist politics. Such reforms made it distinctly harder for politicians and businessmen to gain and keep power by stigmatizing people of color and representing them as a terrorist threat to Whites. The current cyber-coup in Washington, D.C., by this countrys tech broligarchy is intended in part to remove the stigma from such a politics of hatred and racialism. It should be underlined that birthplace isnt destiny. Many South African Whites, Beukes and Blomkamp among them, are committed to democracy and determined to make their multiracial country work. Musk and Thiel have made a choice about how to respond to the racist culture in which they were raised, seeking to use Donald Trump and crew to create a twenty-first-century order based on digital authoritarianism and discrimination. Sadly, we have yet to see any of the libertarian racists now in charge of the U.S. government grow a conscience as Blomkamps Wikus did. Copyright 2025 Juan Cole Via Tomdispatch.com Committee on Academic Freedom | Middle East Studies Association | The Honorable Kathy Hochul Governor of the State of New York Dear Governor Hochul, Chairperson Thompson and Chancellor Rodriguez: We write on behalf of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) and its Committee on Academic Freedom to express our grave concern about Governor Hochuls unprecedented demand that Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY) take down a posted advertisement for a new, open-rank position in the field of Palestinian Studies. We are equally disturbed by the acquiescence of Chancellor Rodriguez and Chairperson Thompson in the governors grossly improper interference with an approved search being conducted by a respected academic institution. Governor Hochuls action, reportedly the result of pressure by political groups based outside of the academic world, threatens free scholarly inquiry in a legitimate academic field; as such it is a clear violation of the principles of academic freedom, a direct attack on teaching and learning and a dangerous assault on CUNYs integrity and autonomy. MESA was founded in 1966 to promote scholarship and teaching on the Middle East and North Africa. The preeminent organization in the field, the Association publishes the prestigious International Journal of Middle East Studies and has nearly 2,800 members worldwide. MESA is committed to ensuring academic freedom and freedom of expression both within the region and in connection with the study of the region in North America and outside of North America. In October 2024, after listening sessions with students and faculty, the Hunter College administration announced a search for two new positions in Palestinian Studies. The posting for the first of the two positions to be advertised stated: We seek a historically grounded scholar who takes a critical lens to issues pertaining to Palestine including but not limited to: settler colonialism, genocide, human rights, apartheid, migration, climate and infrastructure devastation, health, race, gender, and sexuality. We are open to diverse theoretical and methodological approaches. According to media reports, after the position was advertised groups and individuals apparently seeking to suppress serious scholarly study of, and education about, Palestine and the Palestinians began demanding that Governor Hochul stop the search. On 25 February 2025, Governor Hochul issued a statement which characterized the advertisements use of the terms genocide, settler colonialism, and apartheid as antisemitic and demanded that Hunter College remove the job posting and launch an investigation to ensure that antisemitic theories are not promoted in the classroom. In a statement to the media issued on the same day, Chancellor Matos and Board of Trustees Chairperson William Thompson described the advertisement as divisive, polarizing and inappropriate and expressed their agreement with Governor Hochuls demand to remove the posting. The terms used in the advertisement, including genocide, settler colonialism and apartheid, have for decades been widely deployed by scholars in disciplines across the social sciences and the humanities. In the interdisciplinary field of Palestinian Studies, scholars including Israeli scholars have used these terms, rigorously defined and applied, to study and elucidate a range of political and social issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hunter Colleges advertisement for the position in Palestinian Studies was therefore professionally and intellectually legitimate. Moreover, the claim advanced by Chancellor Rodriguez and Chairperson Thompson that the advertisement was divisive, polarizing and inappropriate constitutes an insult to scholarship and to the university they lead. Investigating complex and controversial issues in a scholarly manner, and educating students about how to engage with them in the same manner, must be critical dimensions of research and pedagogy at CUNY as at all of this countrys institutions of higher education. We further note that by directly interfering in how Hunter College pursues its educational mission Governor Hochul is attacking the very foundations and values of a democratic society. The kind of politically motivated intervention in which she engaged is characteristic of authoritarian societies; it should have no place in this country, all the more so in the current moment when freedom of expression and free scholarly inquiry are under severe assault. We call your attention to the letter from the president of the American Association of University Professors dated 28 February 2025, which stated in part: Amidst this extraordinarily repressive climate, it is imperative that both government and university leaders serve as bulwarks against authoritarian interferencenot as further impediments to academic freedom and inquiry. We therefore call on Governor Hochul to rescind her demand that the advertisement for this position be taken down. We further call on the governor, along with Chancellor Rodriguez and Chairperson Thompson, to respect the intellectual and professional judgment, and the academic freedom, of Hunter Colleges faculty, and to uphold rather than subvert CUNYs autonomy and integrity. We look forward to your response. Sincerely, Asl U. Bali MESA President Professor, Yale Law School Laurie A. Brand Chair, Committee on Academic Freedom Professor Emerita, University of Southern California Occupation, colonization, aggression and annexation have become increasingly familiar words. They cover different legal realities, which often overlap. But the one that is undoubtedly marking its big, brutal return to world geopolitics is annexation. Three permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have openly expressed their desire to acquire new territories by force. Russia is already doing this on a large scale, at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives and massive destruction. China is doing it with demonstrations of force in its sphere of influence. The United States now wants to do the same in its own sphere, while endorsing Russians conquests. At least four other countries Israel, Azerbaijan, Venezuela and Rwanda are de facto enlarging their territories, or have announced that they plan to do so. There is an official definition of aggression in international humanitarian law: the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations. Armed aggression by one State against another is prohibited under international law, except in two cases: in self-defence; or when authorized by the United Nations Security Council. Aggression also has a definition in international criminal law, and is one of the crimes for which the International Criminal Court (ICC) has limited jurisdiction. This courts purpose is to hold individuals criminally responsible, not States. Aggression may or may not result in a situation of occupation. According to the 1907 Hague Convention, a territory is considered to be occupied when it is in fact placed under the authority of the enemy army. Occupation extends only to territories where such authority is established and capable of being exercised. An occupation is not necessarily illegal in itself, but it comes with obligations on the part of the occupying power. One of these relates to the question of settlement in the occupied territory. Colonization has no legal definition, but in terms of international law, the occupying power may not deport or transfer its civilian population in the territory it occupies. That is colonization as understood, for example, in the West Bank, with the installation of Israeli settlers within the occupied Palestinian territories, explains Marco Sassoli, professor emeritus of international law at the University of Geneva. The occupying power is also prohibited from deporting or forcibly transferring all or part of the population of the occupied territory. Such a transfer constitutes a war crime. Annexation, a flagrant violation of international law Occupation can turn into annexation. Annexation may be legal if it is the result of a free transaction between two States that agree on a transfer of sovereignty. But it is illegal if it results from a situation of occupation. In law, the territory remains occupied, annexation being a flagrant violation of international law. It is prohibited, even in self-defence, which distinguishes it from aggression. Can an annexation be legalized by the United Nations Security Council? To settle a dispute, the United Nations Security Council does not necessarily have to follow international law. It may feel that a border needs to be moved to make peace, explains Sassoli. But I couldnt give you an example of that. There are de facto annexations and de jure annexations, he adds. In the case of the West Bank, for example, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) refers to a de facto annexation by Israel. The annexation of East Jerusalem or the Golan Heights, on the other hand, is enshrined in Israeli law and is a de jure annexation. Between 1830 and 1945 there were around 150 annexations, according to American journalist and geopolitics specialist Fareed Zakaria. In short, that was the order of the world. Since the end of the Second World War, there have only been a handful. In 1950, China annexed Tibet. In 1974, Turkey intervened militarily in Cyprus, which had become independent in 1960, and occupied 38% of the island. In 1983, that secessionist part of the territory proclaimed itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Created by the Turkish occupation and controlled by Turkey, it is not recognized by the UN. This is considered a de facto annexation. In 1975, Indonesia annexed East Timor, which regained independence in 2002 after interim UN administration. In 1976, Western Sahara ceased to be a Spanish colony. But it is claimed by both Morocco and the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (proclaimed by the Polisario Front), it has never been an independent state, and has never had definitive legal status. In 1975, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion confirming the existence of links between the populations of the Western Sahara and Morocco as well as Mauritania, but it said these links did not establish territorial sovereignty and there was a right to self-determination. Morocco rejected the courts conclusions. Shortly afterwards, Spain concluded an agreement giving the northern two-thirds to Morocco and the southern third to Mauritania, without consulting the Saharawis. In 1979, Mauritania ceded its part to the Polisario Front. That same year, Morocco announced its annexation of the territory. In the eyes of the UN, Western Sahara remains an un-administered territory. Legally, it is an occupied territory. In 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait, but this annexation was reversed the following year by a massive US-led international armed intervention. This Justice Info map excludes border disputes, and is not a historical map of annexations. It does not include certain cases of annexation from the last century, mentioned above, and deals exclusively with the current return to a new era of invaders. They may have nationalist impulses, but are driven especially by the desire to control and exploit natural resources considered strategic. This world map aims to highlight the recent acceleration in annexation and planned annexation symbolized by events in Ukraine and Palestine, and public statements by the new US administration in defiance of the international law that has more or less governed in the last 80 years. Israeli tanks patrol the city of Jenin, in occupied Palestinian territory. The Israeli occupation and colonization of Palestine and in Syria have been accompanied by outright annexations over the decades. Photo: Jaafar Ashtiyeh / AFP - Annexations under way - Russian Federation against Georgia and Ukraine Vladimir Putins Russia was undoubtedly the main precursor and driving force behind this return to the idea of conquering territory by force. First came its seizure of 20% of Georgian territory after the 2008 war. The method here was old-fashioned, in a way, coming in the guise of support for Ossetian and Abkhazian autonomists. Then came the direct annexation of Ukraines Crimea in 2014, and support for a pro-Russian separatist war in the Donbass. In February 2022 came the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and in September the same year the official annexation of the south and east of the country, representing around 20% of Ukraines national territory. The Donbass is particularly rich in coal, iron, manganese and lithium, while the Black Sea has large deposits of oil and gas. Ukraine, supported by 33 other countries, took Russia to the International Court of Justice, although its complaint is not based on the aggression itself but on its justification. Russia is waging war against my country in the name of this terrible lie, according to which Ukraine is committing genocide against its own people, declared the Ukrainian ambassador to the Netherlands in his address to the ICJ in September 2023. In March 2022, the court granted Ukraines request for so-called provisional measures. The judges ordered the Russian Federation to immediately suspend its military operations in Ukraine. Ukraine has brought another case against Russia before the ICJ, dating back to the start of hostilities in 2014. It has also lodged a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights, and Ukrainian leaders are calling for the creation of a special tribunal on the crime of aggression. The ICC has launched its own investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the conflict, issuing an arrest warrant for Putin on March 17, 2023. Israel against Palestine and Syria Officially, Israel is not annexing the occupied Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank, but the Israeli far right, which is part of the ruling coalition, has publicly stated its ambition to seize what remains of autonomous Palestine. Settlement in the West Bank has been ongoing for decades, with milestones like erection of the Wall that began in 2002, and has accelerated sharply since October 7, 2023. As long ago as 1967, Israel annexed East Jerusalem, which is part of the occupied West Bank. Since 1981, Israel has also considered the entire Golan Heights, taken from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War, to be part of Israeli territory. This annexation has only been recognized by the United States, in 2019 under Donald Trumps first presidency. On December 8, 2024, as the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad was falling, the Israeli army deployed in the demilitarized buffer zone of the Golan Heights, located between the part already annexed by Israel and Syrian territory. The following day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the annexed part of the Syrian Golan Heights belongs to Israel for eternity. On December 15, his government approved a plan to double the Jewish settler population in the annexed Golan Heights. Never since the creation of Israel in 1948 has the idea of a Greater Israel stretching from the Jordan to the Mediterranean and from the Golan to the Sinai, accompanied by a new mass expulsion of the Palestinian people after the one in 1948, been so openly evoked as it is today, with the support of the new Trump administration. The destruction in Gaza and the colonization of the West Bank have been brought before two international courts, the ICC and the ICJ, both based in The Hague. But Israel does not recognize the ICC and has not complied with an initial advisory opinion from the ICJ, which in 2004 considered the construction of the Wall to be illegal. The ICJ issued another advisory opinion in July 2024, describing Israels presence in the Palestinian territories as illegal, since it amounts to a de facto annexation, inter alia because of its failure to comply with the obligations of an occupying power under international humanitarian law. Rwanda against the Democratic Republic of Congo Armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), more specifically the provinces of North and South Kivu, has been virtually unabated since Rwandan armed forces first invaded in 1996. That attack was at first directly linked to the 1994 genocide of the Tutsis in Rwanda and the presence on the Rwandan border of huge refugee camps controlled by fugitive genocide perpetrators who were carrying out murderous incursions into Rwandan territory. For three decades, all of north-east DRC has been the scene of violence perpetrated by various armed groups, some of them backed by Rwanda and Uganda. This ongoing crisis conceals the plundering of the regions many mineral resources (cobalt, coltan, lithium, gold, etc.), which are at the heart of the conflict. Following a new lightning offensive led by the M23, an armed group sponsored by Rwanda, and around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers, the two provinces of North and South Kivu came under the control of the M23 and the Rwandan army in January and February 2025. Officially, Rwanda has no intention of annexing these territories. For the time being, it is a question of aggression and occupation. But the history of Rwandan territorial ambitions in this region dates back to at least the end of the 19th century. Some members of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, which has been in power in Rwanda since 1994, have long maintained the idea that this territory naturally belongs to Rwanda and would be Rwandan if European settlers had not come there on the eve of the 20th century to establish and freeze the borders that prevail today. Suspicion about Rwandas real intentions is therefore long-standing. And the speed with which Rwanda seems to have embraced the new geopolitical era, opened by Trump returning to power and giving a green light to ambitions of territorial conquest, only boosts suspicions about renewed Rwandan expansionism. The DRC has lodged a complaint with the East African Court of Justice and another with the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights. The latter is due to decide soon on its admissibility. In light of the conflicts escalation and at DRCs request, the ICC Prosecutor also reopened his investigation into North Kivu in October 2024. China in the South China Sea The South China Sea is of major strategic importance for the world and for China: 30% of world trade and 25% of oil transported by sea pass through its waters, which contain considerable resources, including gas and oil. As well as China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Brunei and even Singapore lay claim to part of it. But for the last 15 years or so, China has been extending its hold by building artificial islands and installing naval and air bases, with a succession of faits accomplis and assertions aimed at extending its exclusive economic zone by redefining maritime spaces. This is a special case, notes Sassoli, because the disputed rocky islets have no inhabitants. But the dispute was brought to court by the Philippines, which filed a complaint with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. This court referred the matter to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. In 2016, that court ruled that China had violated the Philippines sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. But Beijing has failed to comply with the ruling. The Greenlanders have turned their backs on the American president's offer to buy them out. Photo: Odd Andersen / AFP - Threats of annexation - The United States against Panama, Greenland and Gaza In January 2025, Donald Trumps United States officially joined the ranks of countries intent on taking over new territories. The US President announced his intent to take control of the Panama Canal and the Gaza Strip, removing its Palestinian inhabitants, and to buy Greenland including by threatening sanctions and financial pressure against Denmark. Greenland is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, which controls its monetary policy, defence and diplomacy. Neither Panama, nor the people of Greenland, nor the Danish government, nor the Palestinians accept a transition to American sovereignty. The American plan for Gaza, which includes the evacuation of all Palestinians without return, has been positively received only by the Israeli government. As well as being a violation of international law, it would, according to Israeli lawyer Yael Vias Gvirsman, constitute a crime against humanity. Greenlands strategic importance has increased in recent years, particularly as the ice melts due to global warming. This promises to open up new trade routes that would cut travel time between East Asia and Europe by almost a third. In addition Greenland, the worlds largest island, has vast reserves of very pure water, large deposits of sand, and a wealth of mineral resources in its subsoil including iron, nickel, gold, uranium and rare metals such as cobalt, which are needed to make mobile phones. In July 2021, the Greenland Home Rule Government banned oil exploration and production. But for purposes of national security and freedom throughout the world, the United States of America feels that ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity, Trump declared on his social network last December. Finally, Trump also wants Canada to become the 51st state of the US, an idea that Canadians have categorically rejected. China against Taiwan The Peoples Republic of China considers Taiwan to be its 23rd province by right. No one can stop the historic trend of the reunification of the motherland, declared Chinese President Xi Jinping in a speech broadcast by state media on December 31, 2024. The Chinese head of state had already spoken in a January 2019 speech of reunification with Taiwan as a necessity for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the new era. The whole ambiguity of Taiwans situation, from a purely legal point of view, is that Taiwan has never seceded from China but considers that it represents China, says Sassoli. Beijing claims the island as an integral part of its territory and has never renounced the use of military force to achieve this. In recent years, military pressure has steadily increased. In 2022, China conducted large-scale military exercises around the island. In October 2024, Taiwan claimed to have detected a record 153 Chinese military aircraft in 25 hours: Beijing had organized large-scale exercises described as a severe warning against pro-independence forces in Taiwan. In an article published in Politique Internationale in 2019, Matthieu Duchatel, a researcher at Sciences Po, explains that the anti-secession law of March 14, 2005 specifies the circumstances in which China reserves the right to use force: in the event of a declaration of independence; if the conditions likely to lead to a peaceful solution are no longer met; or if a major event causes a definitive separation between Taiwan and the mainland. The specialist wrote that if China believes that the United States might not intervene, an offensive against Taiwan becomes possible. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people, said Xi Yinping in a speech at the opening of the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in October 2022. We will continue to strive for a peaceful solution with great sincerity, but we will never promise to renounce the use of force, and we reserve the right to resort to all necessary options. The complete reunification of our country must be achieved. It can be, and it undoubtedly will be. Azerbaijan against Armenia In September 2023, Azerbaijan took over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, an enclave 99% inhabited by Armenians, which had already been the scene of two wars in 1988-94 (with a victory for Armenia) and in 2020 (with a victory for Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey). Now an integral part of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh has been almost entirely emptied of its Armenian population, which is Christian while the Azeris are predominantly Muslim and Turkish-speaking. The case is complex: according to Sassoli, Azerbaijan could argue that Armenia de facto annexed Nagorno-Karabakh, even though this autonomous territory was part of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the time of the Soviet Union. But Baku is threatening to annex another large area of Armenian territory: a strip of land in southern Armenia near its border with Iran, separating Azerbaijan from an Azeri enclave in Armenia, Nakhchivan. This situation was a poisoned gift from Stalin at the beginning of the 20th century. The future head of the Soviet empire created this autonomous region in 1921 before allocating it to the Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan in 1923, at the same time as creating an autonomous Armenian region in Nagorno-Karabakh, itself enclosed within Azerbaijan. These two time bombs exploded very quickly after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991. The strip of land coveted by Azerbaijan is located in the Syunik region, also known as Zangezur. It is Armenias most mineral-rich province and accounts for 15% of Armenias national territory. The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed transport corridor linking Azerbaijan to the landlocked territory of Nakhchivan, crossing through Armenia without Armenia having any control over it. In an interview with Azerbaijani media on January 7, 2025, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev said that Armenians should not be a geographical barrier between Turkey and Azerbaijan. The Zangezur Corridor must and will be opened. The sooner they understand this, the better. Armenia rejects this project as an infringement of its sovereignty. An aerial view of the Essequibo, the western part of Guyana. In addition to its terrestrial riches, its coastal waters contain vast oil reserves. Photo: Roberto Cisneros / AFP Venezuela against Guyana In 2015, the American oil company Exxon Mobil discovered a major offshore oil field off the coast of Essequibo, in the western region of Guyana, which borders Venezuela. Exploitation began four years later. Between 2020 and 2023 production increased fivefold, and five new oil companies set up operations. Reserves are estimated at 11 billion barrels, more than those of Kuwait. By 2020, the countrys growth rate had reached 86%. Essequibo, which accounts for two-thirds of Guyana and is home to one-fifth of its population, is also rich in gold, diamonds, copper, bauxite and iron. The discovery of this oil bonanza has fuelled the greed of Venezuelan head of state Nicolas Maduro, who has stepped up his military presence on the border since 2018. Essequibo belonged to Venezuela when it gained independence in 1811. Annexed by the British in 1840, the territory came under the sovereignty of Guyana when it gained independence in 1953, which Caracas has always contested. Traditionally, before Trumps latest threats on Greenland, old disputes have accompanied all annexations, according to Sassoli. I dont know of any case of annexation that doesnt have an underlying historical dispute, he says. Guyana, which has only a very small army compared with its large neighbour, asked the ICJ to settle the dispute. But Venezuela has refused to recognize the courts jurisdiction. Pressed by Guyana, which was worried about a planned referendum in its neighbouring country, the ICJ in December 2023 ordered Venezuela to refrain from any action that would alter the status quo in the Essequibo. But Maduro continued to organize his referendum on the attachment of Essequibo to Venezuela under the slogan El Esequibo es nuestro (Essequibo is ours). The referendum was 95% in favour. The following day, Guyana reported an incursion into its territory by 200 members of Venezuelan special forces disguised as civilians in order to organize sabotage. Venezuela also ordered the granting of licences to its own national oil company to exploit oil in Essequibo, thus appearing to annex the territory de facto, history and geography professor Patrick Blancodini said in the magazine GeoConfluences. In March 2024, Maduro took another step. A law was unanimously approved by the Venezuelan National Assembly, designating the territory of Essequibo as a new state of Venezuela. A United Nations helicopter was attacked and a crew member killed in South Sudan while attempting to rescue soldiers on Friday, in an incident described as a possible war crime. A fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar has been threatened in recent weeks by clashes between their allied forces in the northeastern Upper Nile State. The UN Mission in South Sudan said its team was attempting to extract members of the South Sudanese army from the area when their helicopter came under fire, killing a crew member and seriously injuring two others. A South Sudanese army general and other officers were killed in the failed rescue mission, UNMISS said in a statement. "The attack on UNMISS personnel is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law," said head of UNMISS Nicholas Haysom. "We also regret the killing of those that we were attempting to extract," he added. South Sudan, the world's youngest country, ended a five-year civil war in 2018 with a power-sharing agreement between bitter rivals Kiir and Machar. But Kiir's allies have accused Machar's forces of fomenting unrest in Nasir County, Upper Nile State in league with the so-called White Army, a loose band of armed youths in the region from the same ethnic Nuer community as the vice-president. - Warning - A government garrison in the region was overrun by the rebels on Tuesday, the information minister told reporters earlier this week, adding that a general and several soldiers had survived the attack and were still fighting the rebels. Kiir's government responded with multiple arrests of Machar's allies in the capital Juba, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, deputy army chief General Gabriel Duop Lam and Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol. The latter was released on Friday, according to his spokesman. UNMISS said its evacuation mission was an attempt to end the violence in Nasir County that had caused "significant casualties and civilian displacement." Regional and Western diplomats warned earlier this week that the events threaten the 2018 peace agreement that put an end to a civil war that had killed some 400,000 people. "Juba-based leaders must demonstrate their commitment to peaceful dialogue and should put the interest of the South Sudanese people first," said a group embassies including the United States, Britain and the European Union in a joint statement. UNMISS also called on the parties to "adhere to their commitment to uphold the ceasefire and protect the integrity" of the peace agreement. There has also been criticism of recent political moves by Kiir, described by analysts as attempts to consolidate his position and sideline Machar. Last month, Kiir fired two of the five vice-presidents in his unity government without consulting other stakeholders, and removed the governor of Western Equatoria State, a member of Machar's movement. Photo : Jim Watson / AFP Our partners at Asymmetrical Haircuts were in a post-punk witty mood when they released this new and timely podcast. They played with Joy Divisions cult song and called this program: Law Will Tear U.S. Apart Again. That was a good one. Janet Anderson and Stephanie van den Berg are asking the big question of the day with the advent of the new Trump administration in the United States: Is international law still relevant? They invited Oona Hathaway, professor at Yale Law School, executive editor at JustSecurity, and author of The Internationalists to share her analysis. She discusses Trumps proposal to take over Gaza, remove its entire Palestinian population to wherever, and transform it into a luxurious riveria. Egypt and Jordan have not welcomed the idea of taking 2 million Palestinians, as Trump has suggested them. But how many laws would such move break? Many, says Hathaway. Because it would break the most basic prohibitions that have governed the world since 1945. Its a stunning suggestion, she says. It suggests that unthinkable things are thinkable. And it puts on the table the possibility of committing these really horrendous crimes. Its destructive to the international order. Since 1945, Hathaway reminds us that we have lived in a world where war was outlawed. That was an outlandish idea that was remarkably successful in the end since conquest has always been the order of the day. Were seeing how fragile that was. If Trump acts on some of the threats that hes made, that is a true disintegration of the rule of law at the international level, she warns. South Sudan's president appealed for calm and pledged his country would "not go back to war", after a UN helicopter was attacked and a crew member killed on a rescue mission on Friday. A fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar has been threatened in recent weeks by clashes between their allied forces in the northeastern Upper Nile State. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said its team was attempting to extract members of the South Sudanese army from the area when their helicopter came under fire, killing a crew member and seriously injuring two others. A South Sudanese army general and other officers were killed in the failed rescue mission, UNMISS said in a statement, saying the incident may constitute a war crime. Kiir urged citizens to remain calm, stating: "I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take law into their hands." "The government which I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace," he added. South Sudan, the world's youngest country, ended a five-year civil war in 2018 with a power-sharing agreement between bitter rivals Kiir and Machar. But Kiir's allies have accused Machar's forces of fomenting unrest in Nasir County, Upper Nile State in league with the so-called White Army, a loose band of armed youths in the region from the same ethnic Nuer community as the vice-president. Late Friday local media reported a statement from Machar's office of Vice President which condemned the "barbaric act". Efforts to "restore peace in the region remain a top priority," the statement added, with Machar "continuing to engage all stakeholders to prevent further violence." - Warning - "The attack on UNMISS personnel is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law," said head of UNMISS Nicholas Haysom. "We also regret the killing of those that we were attempting to extract," he added. UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric urged an investigation "to determine those responsible and hold them accountable". A government garrison in the region was overrun by the rebels on Tuesday, the information minister told reporters earlier this week, adding that a general and several soldiers had survived the attack and were still fighting the rebels. Kiir's government responded with multiple arrests of Machar's allies in the capital Juba, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, deputy army chief General Gabriel Duop Lam and Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol. The latter was released on Friday, according to his spokesman. UNMISS said its evacuation mission was an attempt to end the violence in Nasir County that had caused "significant casualties and civilian displacement." Regional and Western diplomats warned earlier this week that the events threaten the 2018 peace agreement that put an end to a civil war that had killed some 400,000 people. "Juba-based leaders must demonstrate their commitment to peaceful dialogue and should put the interest of the South Sudanese people first," said a group embassies including the United States, Britain and the European Union in a joint statement. UNMISS also called on the parties to "adhere to their commitment to uphold the ceasefire and protect the integrity" of the peace agreement. - Spiralling situation - There has also been criticism of recent political moves by Kiir, described by analysts as attempts to consolidate his position and sideline Machar. Last month, Kiir fired two of the five vice-presidents in his unity government without consulting other stakeholders, and removed the governor of Western Equatoria State, a member of Machar's movement. Fears have grown of increased hostilities. "South Sudan is slipping rapidly toward full-blown war," said International Crisis Group Horn of Africa director Alan Boswell, He urged the UN to prepare peacekeepers to save civilian lives, adding: "We fear large scale ethnic massacres if the situation is not soon contained." In Juba, the embassies of Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union delegation condemned the attack in a joint statement and urged dialogue "at the highest level to prevent further violence and loss of life." Colombian guerrillas took 29 soldiers and police hostage during a gun battle in a key cocaine-growing region, the government said Friday, a fresh blow to the country's fragile peace process. Authorities blamed a FARC dissident group for the mass abduction, which occurred in the Cauca region of southwest Colombia, an epicenter of world coca production. Officials said guerillas and members of the public confronted and overwhelmed security services who were trying to reestablish state control in two municipalities. Government images showed gangs pelting a flaming armored vehicle with rocks, and riot police detonating smoke grenades amid a running gun battle. President Gustavo Petro blamed a FARC renegade faction known as the Central General Staff (EMC), accusing it of "using the civilian population" to attack troops. A statement from self-described "local communities," however, said locals acted in "self-defense" when attacked by the armed forces, who are alleged to have used machine guns and live rounds. They expressed anger at government efforts to eradicate 8,000 hectares (about 20,000 acres) of coca in the area. The statement also claimed that 28, rather than 29, security personnel -- including a police lieutenant colonel and army major -- were taken hostage as insurance against a new attack. A local community organization released images of the captured security agents seated on plastic chairs in an open-sided pavilion, being served food. Since October, Bogota has been trying to retake control of parts of Cauca from the EMC. The group rejected a 2016 peace deal and has been raking in cash from drug trafficking, extortion, illegal mining and other illicit trades ever since. - 'Total Peace' - The kidnappings are an embarrassment -- and a stern challenge -- for Colombia's government, which is struggling with its worst unrest in a decade involving spasms of violence in several parts of the country. "I demand their immediate release!" said Colombian police director Carlos Fernando Triana, vowing the police and military would remain in the area to "consolidate the rule of law." The defense ministry accused the rebels of war crimes, saying they "not only forcibly recruit minors but also use and coerce the civilian population to drive out state forces" and prevent the state from providing access to "health, education, employment, and regional transformation." The unrest is a direct challenge to Petro's signature policy of "total peace" by bringing all of Colombia's armed groups to the negotiating table. Petro's critics say guerrillas, mafias and other armed groups have used the breathing room afforded them by the talks to expand their control over swaths of the country. Much of the violence is driven by the fight over coca-growing areas and cocaine trafficking routes. One faction of the EMC is in peace talks with the government but another faction withdrew from the negotiations last year and resumed attacks on state forces, which in turn stepped up operations against the group. In a separate incident Friday, a Colombian soldier was killed and seven wounded in two attacks blamed on National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas in the Catatumbo region, a day after Petro visited the area which borders Venezuela. The government has launched an ambitious economic development and coca eradication plan in the region, but insurgent attacks have left at least 76 people dead and 55,000 displaced since mid-January. Kennesaw State alumna leverages international affairs degree to lead Global Village Project KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 7, 2025 Elizabeth Elango Elizabeth Elango has long been enthralled with the idea of becoming a diplomat, sparked by an urge to see the world beyond her native Cameroon and by a shared interest in global affairs with her father, former Kennesaw State University history professor Lovett Elango. That was sort of our love language, Elango said. We were always fascinated by what was happening in the world. At just 16 years old, Elango arrived in the United States to join her father and older siblings at Kennesaw State. There was shock, but eventually, a newfound sense of self, through an active engagement in coursework, extracurriculars, and faculty mentorship. In 1997, Elango graduated from KSU with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and afterward, a masters degree in African studies at Yale University, where she earned a Fulbright scholarship to Zanzibar, Tanzania. Today, she leads a school for refugee girls in Decatur, the only one in the country. The role earned her a spot in Atlanta Magazines list of Atlantas 500 most influential leaders in education for the third year in a row. Elango credits KSU with laying the foundation for what would become a successful career in nonprofit work, helping people on an international scale efforts recognized by KSUs Sheth International Distinguished Alumni Award for Exceptional Humanitarian and Service Achievement. KSU shapes a future Elangos KSU experience held many firsts, from interacting with her first computer to securing a memorable internship at the Carter Center her junior year. During those five months, she met President Jimmy Carter, taking away a lesson on leadership. It is one of many she gleaned as an intern, living by them to this day. At a group meeting, he waited until everybody spoke, and then he spoke, she said. I thought, Elizabeth, the leader speaks last. I picked up that pearl of wisdom and put it in my pocket. While at KSU, Elango was invited to the founding of the International Student Association and served a term as the international student representative in the Student Government Association senate. She was also involved in the Kennesaw State Chapter of Circle K International, the collegiate arm to Kiwanis International. The group engaged in service projects around metro Atlanta. Elizabeth helped rejuvenate the campus and created an atmosphere where other African students could feel at home, said Akanmu Adebayo, a history professor at KSU. Adebayo and Elangos father, Lovett, were some of the first recruits to teach African and African American history at the university. Elango also participated in Model Arab League and travelled to Washington, D.C., with advisor and political science associate professor Nuru Akinyemi, competing on the international level. Elango said it was full of chaotic fun. It was my first and hopefully last experience being impeached, she said, laughing. Akinyemi, who now advises Model African Union, recalled Elango as a vibrant high achiever, who brought fire into the classroom. Despite being surrounded by nontraditional students significantly older than her, he said Elango wasnt intimidated in the least. In terms of debate, she was one of those who would argue with you and state her position, backed by facts and the reading material, he said. She wasn't going to back down for anybody. Mentors with impact Rosa Bobia, a professor emeritus of French, was perhaps Elangos most impactful mentor. They spent a lot of time together, over regular office chats and phone conversations, and at one point, Elango lived with Bobia. The professor became a maternal figure, with Elangos mother back in Cameroon. Elango recalled a heartfelt moment in Bobias office. The 17-year-old had just lost an opportunity that included international travel. She was distraught, doubtful that shed ever see the world. She just let me cry, Elango said. When my pity party was over, she called me Mayang, my middle name, You dont even know, do you? Its as if she saw my future. Bobia often flips through the letters Elango sent her since graduating. They captured her five senses, ignited within dozens of new countries. Some were as long as 13 pages, accompanied by pictures. I was just inspired by her brilliance, by the way she expressed herself, the way she was on top of so many subjects, Bobia said. I was just impressed by that. Empowering students As the CEO and head of school at the Global Village Project, Elango is now in the business of hugs. Unlike other schools, where students shrink at the thought of the principals office, Elangos is a place of comfort, of respite. It buzzes with young girls during testing weeks, when the stress is high, and she often cuts the tension with classroom visits. I take my cool hands and cup their warm faces, she said. They love it. Housed on the second floor of Decatur Presbyterian Church, the Global Village Project is a nonprofit, tuition-free middle school that serves more than 40 students whose families have sought asylum from conflict-laden countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, Chad, Myanmar, Guatemala, and Mexico, among others. A robust English language and literacy program underpins the Global Village Project, beginning with the fundamentals, like the alphabet. Other major focuses are STEAM education, and through a culturally responsive approach, an extensive social and emotional learning program. Now, Elango is expanding the Global Village Project, from the 5,000-square-foot second floor of the church to a 26,000-square-foot decommissioned school in DeKalb County, four miles south. Apart from interacting with students, Elangos schedule consists of supporting the teachers, her team, and speaking with donors, fundraising toward a capital campaign. The goal is to relocate by fall 2026. We are building a school that can last beyond any challenge that comes our way, Elango said. Life of service Before the Global Village Project, Elango worked at Heifer International, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending poverty and hunger through sustainable development. She started as a West Africa program officer and ended her time as the vice president of Africa programs. Interested in serving a younger demographic, Elango then stepped into the role of CEO at Junior Achievement Africa, a branch of the global nonprofit organization that seeks to instill an entrepreneurial spirit in young people through experiential learning programs. The job required her to pick up and move with her family to the capital of Ghana, in Accra, where JA Africas headquarters are located. As CEO, Elango defined strategy for about a dozen African governments and for African educators, helping them to adopt a curriculum for the 21st century. A lot of African curricula is still very outdated, very colonial, very Eurocentric, she said. It just wasnt forward-looking enough. JA Africa was about responding to the needs of the future. Elango emphasized that her career path wasnt strategic. She followed her hearts response to: Where is it that the world needs me most? Where does my greatest ability intersect with the worlds greatest need? You cant make that decision when you're being engulfed in the everyday business of life, she said. For me, I need the space. I need the solitude to be able to discern that. I think that has been the most critical thing to my success the ability to step back and ask those questions. Story by Amber Perry Photos provided Related Stories A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The universitys vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu. Friday, March 7, 2025 - A business lady is counting losses after unknown people gained access to her fast-food restaurant at night and burnt everything. All the stock in the restaurant was reduced to ashes, taking her back to square one. Her business was thriving and it is suspected that jealous business competitors committed the heinous act. See photos. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, March 7, 2025 - Former Chief Justice David Maraga has ignited speculation about a potential 2027 presidential bid after making bold remarks on governance and leadership. Speaking at the Peoples Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park on Thursday, Maraga emphasized that Kenyas governance issues - and Africas broader challenges - stem from a culture of lawlessness. He stated that if elected President, his top priority would be ensuring all Kenyans uphold the rule of law. Maraga, often mentioned as a possible successor to President William Ruto due to his strong stance on national issues, argued that corruption remains Africas greatest challenge, and strict adherence to the Constitution is the only way to eliminate it. If I were given the privilege to govern this country, I would get everybody to obey the law. The moment you are obeying the law, everything will fall into place, he asserted. Maraga criticized Kenyas leadership for mismanaging public funds and operating without transparency. He stressed that adherence to legal financial processes would prevent fund misappropriation, ensuring smoother national operations. He also condemned excessive taxation, arguing that a transparent government wouldnt need to overburden citizens. You are given resources for the welfare of the people, but you take it all for yourself. If a government is honest and accountable, citizens will willingly support it financially, he stated. While Maraga has not explicitly declared his presidential ambitions, his latest remarks have fueled public debate, with some Kenyans expressing excitement over the possibility of his candidacy. See the reactions below. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, March 7, 2025 - A Kenyan woman, Macharia Margaret Nduta, has been sentenced to death by the HCMC Peoples Court in Ho Chi Minh City for trafficking over 2 kilograms of drugs through Tan Son Nhat Airport in Vietnam. The 37-year-old Nduta was convicted on Thursday for her involvement in drug trafficking. According to the indictment, she was hired in July 2023 by a Kenyan man named John to transport a suitcase to Laos, where it was to be received by a woman. Nduta was promised $1,300 for the task, and her flight tickets were covered. Nduta's journey took her through several countries before she arrived at Tan Son Nhat Airport on July 14. Due to a delayed flight, she was instructed by airport employees to enter Vietnam for further arrangements. However, during immigration checks, authorities discovered over 2 kilograms of drugs concealed in her suitcase. In court, Nduta claimed she was unaware of the drugs hidden inside the suitcase. However, prosecutors dismissed her defense, stating it was an attempt to cover up her involvement in the crime. The court emphasized that Nduta must take responsibility for the drug trafficking operation. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, March 7, 2025 - The High Court was left stunned this week following revelations that a forensic report by the Government Chemist, dated 26 September 2023 and signed by Government Analyst Dr. M. Muthini, had been withheld from the defence until the analyst unexpectedly appeared in court. The report, produced as Exhibit 10(c), disclosed that the stomach contents of the late Assad Khan contained traces of ketamine, a narcotic substance known to cause hallucinogenic effects when abused. Further analysis indicated that Khan had possibly mixed trimethoxyamphetamine (TMA), a designer amphetamine-based stimulant and psychedelic drug, with the Jameson whisky (40% ethanol) he had been consuming at his residence. In his testimony, Dr. Muthini explained that hallucinogenic effects could lead an individual to experience delusions such as the ability to fly, break walls, or smash glass with their limbs, oblivious to personal danger. He described such effects as an "out-of-body experience." A separate alcohol test conducted at Nairobi Hospital immediately after the incident revealed that Khan had a blood alcohol level of 203 mg/dl, a dangerously high concentration. According to Dr. Walong, for someone with underlying conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, consuming large quantities of alcohol mixed with narcotics could induce cardiac arrest and prove fatal. Hospital records presented in court confirmed that Khan suffered a cardiac arrest upon arrival at Nairobi Hospital and had to be resuscitated. Khan was known to have diabetes and hypertension. The defence strongly protested that the prosecution had deliberately withheld the Government Chemists report from them for over five months. They argued that if they had access to the report earlier, they would have pressed for the withdrawal of the murder charges against their client, Maxine Wahome. The findings, they asserted, supported Wahomes defence that Khan, while intoxicated and "high," had attacked her and attempted to break a glass door by kicking and smashing two window panes to reach the keys, which Wahome had locked on the outer side of the kitchen balcony. The prosecution also presented testimony from Government Pathologist Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Dr. Oloo Walong, and Dr. Andrew Gacii, who jointly conducted the post-mortem on Khans body. All three testified that Khans death was caused by hospital-acquired, drug-resistant infections that led to septicaemia. They maintained that none of the blunt or sharp force injuries sustained were fatal. The pathologists agreed that the cut to Khans Achilles tendon could have resulted from broken glass on the balcony door and that the bruises on his head and hands were consistent with a fall down a flight of stairs as he attempted to take himself to the hospital. Dr. Hussein of Avenue Hospital, where Khan was admitted to the ICU, had earlier testified that the hospital failed to test for or detect septicaemia and, as a result, did not treat Khan for the condition, leading to his death. He conceded that the injuries Khan suffered were not life-threatening. Philip Murgor SC, the lead defence counsel, has formally lodged a complaint with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), accusing the prosecution of misconduct and suppression of exculpatory evidence. In a letter dated 6 March 2025, Murgor requested the immediate withdrawal of murder charges against Wahome due to a lack of evidence, citing the Government Chemists findings and medical testimonies. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, March 7, 2025 - A photo of Wafula Chebukatis elderly father has sparked reactions on social media, with Kenyans discussing his living conditions in the village. John Wafula, 92, lives a humble life in Trans Zoia, where he is battling ill-health. Mzee Wafula was pictured interacting with visitors who had gone to visit his family in his tiny bedroom. Netizens who reacted to the trending photos felt that Chebukati should have improved his elderly fathers life and noted that he looked neglected. See photos and reactions. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, March 7, 2025 - Former Gen Z activist turned ODM youth league leader, Kasmuel McOure, has dismissed former Chief Justice David Maragas 2027 presidential ambitions, arguing that his chance to prove himself to Kenyans has long passed. Speaking on Citizen TVs Daybreak show on Friday, McOure scrutinized Maragas tenure, particularly his decision to annul the 2017 presidential election, an unprecedented move, only to later accept what he termed a sham repeat election. He also criticized Maraga for failing to push for the dissolution of Parliament when it refused to implement the two-thirds gender rule. "I cannot trust him with the presidency because he had a chance to prove himself and didnt take it. He annulled an election but then accepted a sham election afterward," McOure argued. He maintained that Kenyas governance issues stem from systemic failures rather than individual leaders. He presided over an unconstitutional Parliament and merely issued an advisory without enforcing real change. The problem isnt just who holds the presidency, its the system itself. McOure further insisted that leadership requires more than political rhetoric, suggesting Maraga is unprepared for the realities of politics. Hes stepping into the political arena, but hell soon realize that lip service isnt enough. We need a leader who will drive real systemic change. Maraga, speaking at the Peoples Dialogue Festival on March 6th, had emphasized that his top priority as President would be ensuring every Kenyan obeys the law.Bottom of Form The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, March 7, 2025 - A distressing photo has surfaced online showing several Kenyans stranded in a Myanmar rebel-controlled forest after being lured with false promises of high-paying office jobs. Instead, they found themselves trapped in forced labor under harsh conditions. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs recently confirmed that 64 Kenyans, who were enslaved by Chinese cartels in Myanmar scam compounds, will soon be repatriated after crossing into Thailand. In a statement dated March 2nd, the Ministry stated that the victims are currently stuck at the Thai-Myanmar border, awaiting clearance to enter Thailand. Some of the Kenyans were attempting to escape the brutal conditions in these compounds, where survivors report experiencing severe abuse, including beatings and electric shocks. The Government has urged Kenyans to verify overseas job offers with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs before traveling. It also advised job seekers to use licensed recruitment agencies, listed on www.neaims.so.ke, to avoid falling victim to such scams. See the photo and reactions below. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, March 7, 2025 - A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer who was killed during a violent altercation at a bar in Kipkelion has been laid to rest. The deceased military officer identified as Ezekiel Kipyegon was hacked to death over an unpaid bill during the tragic incident about a week ago. He was only 31 years old and leaves behind a young family. See photos of the burial. The Kenyan DAILY POST A WOMAN who spat in a gardas face in a "despicable act" had a bench warrant issued for her arrest this week after she failed to turn up in court. The defendant Danielle Murphy (32), who has an address at Block B, The Harbour, Nelson Street, Athy, was due to appear before Judge Desmond Zaidan to answer this charge of assault. He heard how she was being detained on other matters in Newbridge Garda Station on the afternoon of 13 July 2023 when she spat in the officers face. Sergeant Dave Hanrahan revealed that Ms Murphy had 21 previous convictions and handed a victim impact statement to the judge, from which he read exerts. 'This assault affected me in more ways than I could count,' she wrote. 'I had to have multiple drug tests and I was supposed to be going on holiday four days later to Australia. 'It was despicable and degrading because she was a habitual drug user. 'The impact has been far-reaching. I was out of work for a number of days and I had to stay away from friends and family.' With no appearance forthcoming, the judge was left with the simplest of options and instantly issued the bench warrant for her arrest. This was the second time in less than a week that this particular garda was the injured party in an assault case, albeit with a different defendant. The twinning of Rathangan and Bruce Springsteens hometown Freehold Borough in New Jersey that was made official in January, continues its legacy with members from the Rathangan Twinning Group set to visit Freehold on Paddys weekend. The relationship between the two towns started in 2022, following the discovery of Springsteens familial link to Ireland. Since then, the two communities have kept close contact and have been planning trips between Ireland and the US, organised between the Rathangan group and Freeholds Mayor Kevin Kane. Springsteens connection to Rathangan was found after some genealogy work with Kildare County Council revealed his family, the Geratys, came from Rathangan, and emigrated to America in 1853 while Ireland was experiencing An Gorta Mor otherwise known as The Famine. Very in touch with his Irish connection, a relationship between Springsteens hometown of Freehold Borough and the home of his ancestors in Rathangan was forged, leading to the twinning of the two. In May 2024, Mayor Kane and Springsteens cousin Glen Cashion travelled to Rathangan and planted a Copper Beech Tree in Rathangan to commemorate the Copper Beech Tree that Springsteens great-great grandmother, Ann Geraty, brought from Kildare to plant in New Jersey all those years ago. The Rathangan Twinning Association are very excited to continue strengthening the bond between the two communities, and are particularly excited about the upcoming Patricks Day event in New Jersey. A spokesperson from the Rathangan group told Kildare Nationalist about the plans for the groups trip to New Jersey this March, and said: Freehold has an annual Patricks parade. A group from Rathangan twinning will travel over, and so will army veterans, and will be participating in the parade. Many more plans are in the works for the twinning group, the Rathangan group hopes that the link between the two places will establish benefits in future Springsteen-related tourism to Rathangan, for sporting, and other possible cultural ideas in the pipeline. The Rathangan side have great time for their friends in Freehold, and said: Theyre a lovely bunch of people, and theyre very proud of their Irish Heritage. The Rathangan group is hopeful that the twinning of the towns will put Rathangan on the map with lots of tourism benefits for the town and the County of Kildare in general. A KILDARE shop has won an award for its exceptional standards. Sean Lyons MACE Kildare Town was honoured at the recent MACE Excellence Awards for achieving exceptional standards in retailing, which was held in Lawlors Hotel, in Naas and hosted by BWG Foods, owners and operators of the MACE brand in Ireland. This years MACE Excellence Awards, held in association with Solution Management Associates (SMA) are only awarded to MACE stores that pass an intensive year-long inspection, including two unannounced audits in addition to an SMA Audit, as well as a BWG Foods Safety audit in conjunction with the globally recognised Assurance Partner, LRQA. Keith Crawford, MACE Sales Director, said: As Irelands longest serving convenience symbol brand, MACE retailers have a well-established commitment to outstanding retail standards and customer service. The recipients of this years MACE Excellence Awards continue to set the benchmark for the brand and marketplace overall. Congratulations to Sean and his team for all they do in their local community. Kilkenny man Adrian Costigan has been appointed new managing director of Woodco Renewable Energy, a leading Tipperary-based provider of biomass heating and commercial solar PV solutions, effective immediately. With over 20 years of experience in energy, sustainability, and technology innovation, Adrian a native of Ballyfoyle who has returned home in recent years with family after years in the United Arab Emirates has a proven track record in leading commercial strategy and scaling clean technology businesses in Ireland and overseas, primarily in Dubai. Prior to joining Woodco, which is headquartered in Donaskeigh in Tipperary, he served as Chief Commercial Officer at Waterford-based NEG8 Carbon, where he played a key role in commercialising Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology for carbon removal. As managing director, Adrian will lead the expansion of Woodcos biomass and solar energy divisions, focusing on increasing commercial adoption, driving product innovation, and strengthening partnerships in key markets, among them Agriculture, Construction, Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Pharma. He says he will also reinforce Woodcos commitment to delivering reliable, low-carbon heating and energy solutions for businesses and communities. Woodco has built a strong reputation in the renewable energy sector, and I look forward to working with the team to build on that success and grow the business further, said Adrian Costigan, Managing Director, Woodco Renewable Energy. Adrians experience in project execution and commercialising clean technologies makes him the ideal leader to drive Woodcos next phase of growth and innovation in the renewable energy sector, said Chris OCallaghan, chairperson, Woodco Renewable Energy. Woodco Renewable Energy is Irelands leading provider of biomass heating and commercial solar PV solutions. With nearly two decades of experience, the company manufactures and supplies biomass boilers across Ireland, the UK, Europe, North America, and New Zealand. Through its Solarco division, Woodco also delivers solar PV solutions to help businesses improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. READ MORE KILKENNY BUSINESS NEWS HERE Home Instead Kilkenny has announced that it is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its proud history of delivering high-quality home care to thousands of people across the county. The organisation, which provides home care services to more than 7,000 clients and employs over 4,000 people nationwide, has rebranded as Dovida, marking an end to its affiliation with the Home Instead brand. Dovida promises to bring a renewed vision and mission for home care that keeps clients at the centre of every decision. We have been a trusted partner, proudly delivering the highest quality home care to people within our communities throughout Ireland for 20 years. Our mission has always been to enhance the lives of ageing adults and their families by providing personalised, relationship-based care at home, Shane Jennings, Chief Executive Officer of Dovida Ireland, said. Today, that mission continues under a new name. Dovida builds on our legacy with a renewed commitment to excellence and compassion and the promise to continue providing the same exemplary care that our clients, their families, our network, and caregivers have come to rely on, he added. Your Life, Your Way As part of its vision for the future of home care, Dovida has introduced the Circle of Care. This philosophy renews its commitment to person-centred care by placing the individual at the centre of a holistic support system that unites families, skilled caregivers and support teams, and the wider healthcare community. Our renewed mission is to support, empower, and uplift the people of Kilkenny by putting them at the heart of every decision we make. Our caregivers approach people with curiosity and compassion, eager to understand their care needs, interests, values, and personality, Amy Quille, General Manager of Dovida in Kilkenny, said. As a Dovida client, you will be empowered to live Your Life, Your Way. We are committed to making sure that every one of our clients feels empowered to live lives of independence and dignity by delivering quality care that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences, she added. Home and Life Inspired by the Latin words for Home (Domus) and Life (Vita), the name Dovida symbolises the very core of the organisations mission: to help the people they support live the life they want in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible. What people want from home care is changing as a new generation needs support. They want to feel more engaged and empowered to make decisions about their care, Shane Jennings explained. Ageing adults still make up the majority of the people we support. However, our client base is also expanding and now includes people under 65 and children under 18. Our new brand celebrates both where we come from and where were going and allows us to adapt to the changing needs and wants of people receiving care, he added. Our promise is simple: together with our clients, their families, and their Circle of Care, we create a care environment that is centred around the individual. We focus every moment on forming relationships that empower our clients and help them to do the things they choose to do. Because its not just about adding years to their life but adding life to their years, he concluded. Local TDs have called on their own Government to increase garda numbers and make gardai more visible in rural Kilkenny, where people no longer feel as safe. Fianna Fail's John McGuinness has said garda stations which have closed in north and south Kilkenny in recent years need to be reopened and remanned, and additional garda numbers are needed in Kilkenny City during the peak tourist season. Deputy McGuinness was speaking in the Dail on the matter of, Policing and Community Safety, where he said 'extreme antisocial behaviour' is ongoing in every single community, and it is destroying communities. "That behaviour, coupled with the violence and drugs, is simply causing serious problems for the young people in our country," he said. He said in Kilkenny's big rural areas, police stations have been closed, and this needs to be corrected. "We need to have gardai on the streets in the towns and villages to restore the confidence that people once enjoyed when they had a garda presence at that level," he said. "In cities like Kilkenny, where the numbers boom from time to time because of tourism, additional gardai are needed during the tourism season. That requires a Commissioner to take the initiative, support the troops on the ground, the gardai, and ensure communities are represented. The Fianna Fail TD also said that the new Garda structure, in line with that of the new local authorities, is not as good as the last one. "There is not the same opportunity for input and you do not feel the same connection to the local gardai," he said. "All of this feeds into the notion or feeling among the public that things are out of control to a degree in certain areas of our country and most parts of our cities and towns. If we do not deal with this now and have a modern, dynamic Garda force, we will pay a price in the future." Deputy McGuinness also asked the Minister of State to examine online crime and 'the fact that you can defame someone or a business online and get away with it'. "The Garda is ill equipped to deal with that issue," he said. Also speaking during the Dail debate, Peter 'Chap' Cleere said the present number of 14,100 garda members 'is simply not enough for a country of our size'. "There are only 312 in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, which is a 10% decrease in the past four years," said the Fianna Fail TD. "This decrease has to stop. The programme for Government commits to providing funding for at least 5,000 Garda recruits in the next five years. These are badly needed in towns like Graignamanagh, Callan, Thomastown, Mullinavat, Mooncoin and Castlecomer. Lack of Garda resources is a huge issue. "The primary focus has to be to allow Garda to become more visible in our communities. They have to be visible on the beat and that is not felt in rural Ireland at the moment, including the constituency I represent." READ NEXT: Over 730 people on audiology waiting list in Carlow-Kilkenny There were unusual scenes at Kerry Airport last month when a Ryanair flight captained by Kilkenny pilot George OHara arrived on the runway. The flight was met by two fire rescue vehicle who gave it an effective guard of honour as it they sprayed their hoses over the top of the plane. The gesture was to mark the penultimate flight of Captain George OHara, Ryanairs most senior pilot, as he capped off an almost four-decade career with the airline. George is a proud Kilkenny man, who hails from Saint Francis Terrace in Kilkenny City. He is hoping that his story will help inspire other young people to pursue their dreams in aviation. The airfield in Kilkenny was set up with an entrepreneurial spirit, George explained. You had Martin Mulhall of Mulhalls Bakery heavily involved. There was Dan Smithwick, Edwin Stallard and Pat Nolan and some others who really got behind the endeavour. A friend of mine actually worked on the building of the little tower thats there, he was a builder and also worked in Ryanair at one stage too. I started going out to the airfield around 1978. There used to be fly-ins there, open days during the summertime. The Aer Arann islander aircraft used to bring people up on flights. My father was big into aviation and so was my eldest brother so that first ever flight on the islander really stuck with me. I was about twelve at the time and the interest has stayed with me ever since. George started his flying pursuits on gliders, and worked his way up from there, enjoying the nuances of every aircraft he had the privilege to captain. Bit by bit I started to do a bit more, he continues. I did my instructor rating in Dublin, at Dublin Airport Flying Club. My night rating was next and then the instrument rating and then the commercial pilot licence. From there, my job in Ryanair came along. The airline started in about 1985 and they were advertising for a pilot for their Bandeirante, a small twin-turboprop doing flights to Coventry at night. They were going to put me on that when I started in the late 80s but they put me on the ATR, and from then on there have been changes but I stayed through them all. Few could have predicted the immense growth of Ryanair in those days, even George, and he has witnessed so much of the story of the airline firsthand. When I started in Ryanair the main route was Waterford to Luton on the Hawker Siddeley 748, which was an old airplane but it did the job. Then they decided to make an investment. They were going to buy 11 ATRs and ended up with three, which served Galway, Kerry and Waterford. Each one of them landed in each place every night. We used to fly a lot in Germany, places like Dresden, Dortmund, and Leipzig. Some of these places looked like they hadnt been touched since 1944 at the time. Another airport was Tempelhof in Berlin, which is closed now. It had acquired iconic status as the centre of the Berlin Airlift of 194849. Captain OHara says that given the volatility of the aviation industry at the time, it was a hard time for the Ryan family to know how to make money, or come to any firm realisation on the best way to take the airline. One day we got a call asking if wed go to Toronto on Monday. This was a Thursday at the time. We were told that Tony Ryan was thinking of buying ten or eleven Dash-8s (De Havilland Canada Dash 8s) and was thinking of starting an airline up in Bremen. So we flew over and were there for Monday, started a flight safety course and got a call on Thursday to say that he had changed his mind and wasnt going to proceed with the purchase of these aircraft. But that was the airline back then. Tony was a true entrepreneur. When they retired the ATRs I was lucky in a way because I had seniority and they put us back on the BAC One-Elevens. Then the Boeing 737-200s came along. They were all secondhand airplanes but they were a gamechanger. They made a difference and most importantly they made money, even though they were secondhand. That changed things for Ryanair and Ive been lucky enough to pilot so many wonderful aircraft, all the way up to the recent Boeing 737 Max aircraft, a wonderful plane to fly. On his last day flying a commercial aircraft, Captain OHara explained how it was only natural for emotions to be high. My wife and four children were on the plane and my eldest brother was on the plane as well as my nephew Kevin, who is also a pilot. I made sure to tell the passengers when we were passing over Kilkenny on the way down. It was an emotional but rewarding day and we finished the night in Kealys Pub up at Dublin Airport, it was a great time. Captain OHara is advising people in Kilkenny who are interested in getting into aviation to experience flying in a light aircraft first and see how they get on. My first experience was going up with Martin Mulhall and he threw it around a little bit. I was actually quite nauseous getting off, he laughed. The first thing a lot of people say is that its far too expensive to do. For me, I went to the Credit Union in Kilkenny. They were really good. Any time I needed money they gave it to me whereas the banks unfortunately ran me out the door. You can also approach it gradually over time. You dont have to do it all in the one go. One girl I know set up a fundraiser and she comes from a place with great community support and thats helping her manage it. You have to have a lot of stickability to do it modularly, theres a lot of hurdles, but you get there eventually. READ NEXT: Famed American bomber plane crash landed in Kilkenny FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Many tributes have been paid to Kilkenny-based antiques and art auctioneer Philip Sheppard who will be laid to rest in his native Durrow. Mr Sheppard, who was the director of the world-famous Sheppard's Irish Auction House auctioneering business, died unexpectedly at home in Ballyouskill, County Kilkenny on Tuesday, March 8. A Durrow native, Philip, aged 70, was director of the business alongside his cousins Michael and David Shepperd. His death notice says Philip will be sadly missed and is deeply regretted by his sons Barry and Patrick, his daughter Gina and their mother Barbara, his granddaughter Olivia Jane, his partner Colleen, brothers Bernard, Ger, Francis, John and Eugene, his cousins Declan, Michael and David, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, daughter-in-law Meg, son-in-law Philip, nieces, nephews, his extended family and a large circle of friends both in Ireland and America. His colleagues at the auction house led tributes. "Philips unwavering commitment, deep dedication, and clear vision have been essential in shaping the success of our team and he will be deeply missed by all of us, as well as by our clients and partners," said a statement from the company. READ NEXT: Emergency services attend early morning Kilkenny crash Michael Parsons was among those to pay tribute on RIP.ie "Philip was kind, courteous, entertaining, witty, erudite, hospitable and sparkling company. A huge loss for Durrow and Irish social, cultural and business life. Philip was the source of many wonderful stories for 'The Irish Times', which often made front-page news, most notably the sensational discovery, in 2014, of previously unknown letters written by Jackie Kennedy. He also played a significant role in cultivating relations between Ireland and China. Philip will be greatly missed and fondly remembered," said Mr Parsons. John and Catherine Brennan, Crutt, Clogh, also extended their deepest sympathies. "I had the pleasure of meeting Philip on many occasions. His knowledge of all matters great and small was amazing. May Philip's gentle soul rest in peace," he said. Robbie Delahunty also paid tribute. "Philip had a great enthusiasm about everything when he spoke to you. Full of energy and knowledge. He gave me great advice last year when I had my own health issues which I very much appreciated. A really positive man. Im very happy to have known him. May he rest peacefully," he said. The deceased, who was a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, was a nephew of the late Christy Shepperd who started the business in Durrow 1948. He attended St Kieran's College, Kilkenny where he was a classmate of Brian Cody, former Kilkenny senior hurling manager and player. He was a voracious reader and studied the History of Art at Trinity College, Dublin before completing his Masters at Newcastle University. Eventually, he set up his own media company, running campaigns for Bord Failte (now Failte Ireland) and other clients. Well over 20 years ago, he joined his uncle, Christy and first cousins. The business has enjoyed a period of sustained growth and success where Michael, Philip and David Sheppard formed a team achieving international recognition for Sheppard's in the auctioneering world. He was an expert in historical manuscripts and had a great knowledge of Japanese antiquities. He was to the fore when Sheppard's and Castle Durrow were the subject of the Channel 4 series, Country House Auctions which received critical and popular acclaim. Funeral arrangements later. Outside the business, Philip had a great interest in politics and was involved with Fine Gael, helping in various campaigns mounted by former ministers, Phil Hogan in Carlow-Kilkenny and Charlie Flanagan in Laois-Offaly. His remains repose at his home (R32 D9W3) on Saturday, March 8 from 2pm with prayers at 5pm. Requiem Mass on Sunday, March 9 at 12pm in the Church of the Assumption, Ballyoskil, Co. Kilkenny with burial afterwards in Durrow cemetery, Durrow, (R32 CK11). FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Showers and thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 86F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has asked the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to investigate the federal loan of nearly $5 billion to the Grain Belt Express project in Missouri. The Grain Belt Express project will construct power lines across Missouri farmland to transport wind-generated energy around the Midwest. Construction is currently set to begin in 2026 and will start in Kansas, making its way through Missouri and Illinois before ending in Indiana. Regulators warn that aging energy infrastructure in the Midwest is struggling to keep up with high energy demands. Grain Belt Express will provide access to clean, renewable power that is said to be more affordable for consumers across the Midwest. The Grain Belt Express line will also make it possible to import substantial amounts of excess electricity to help alleviate or avoid outages in the Midwest. The Grain Belt Express project has sparked concern among Missouri farmers and landowners whose properties fall in the project's path. In his letter sent to DOGE, Bailey highlights that the GBE project has initiated nearly 40 eminent domain proceedings against Missouri landowners, stripping citizens of their property rights. The Illinois-based company Invenergy runs the Grain Belt Express clean-energy project. The Missouri Independent reported in February that Grain Belt Express had filed nearly 40 eminent domain petitions against Missouri property owners since 2021. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Farmers hold protest against proposed Grain Belt Express transmission line Protestors are concerned that Invenergy, the company that owns the Grain Belt Express, is not being transparent about its projects. "We will not stand by while Missouri families are steamrolled by out-of-state interests and unelected bureaucrats pushing a radical green agenda," Bailey said. "I urge DOGE to immediately investigate and cancel federal funding for the nearly $5 billion in waste from the GBE, putting an end to this shameful legacy of the Biden Administration a legacy defined by incompetence, corruption, and blatant disregard for American property rights. Missouri farmers, taxpayers, and the American people deserve better." The Grain Belt Express is expected to be primarily paid for by customers of the line, including local utilities or large power purchasers. In Missouri, the Grain Belt Express has signed transmission service agreements with 39 Missouri municipal utilities that are a part of the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission, bringing power to at least 350,000 electric customers in Missouri. "Wind energy is unreliable, inefficient, and devastating to rural communities," Bailey wrote in his letter. The Grain Belt Express project has been in development since 2010 and has been going through the process of approvals since 2011. The Biden administration approved the Grain Belt Express loan in November 2024. The meetings, which come as President Donald Trump pushes to broker an agreement to end the war in Gaza and release the remaining hostages held by Hamas, mark a shift in policy from the Biden administration, which had worked with outside mediators to interact with Hamas. The first known meeting between a U.S. official and a Hamas representative occurred recently in Doha, Qatar, where U.S. special hostage envoy Adam Boehler was meeting to discuss hostage releases. On Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not deny the meeting, telling reporters that Boehler has "the authority to talk to anyone." Also Wednesday, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a terse statement saying that it had "expressed its position" on the talks to the United States in private. Netanyahu was not informed of the talks through official channels before they took place and was caught off guard, said an Israeli with knowledge of the matter. Separately, an Israeli official said that if Trump were to secure the release of U.S. hostages but not Israeli citizens, the issue could cause embarrassment for the prime minister domestically. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive details. The U.S.-Hamas talks have largely been focused on securing the release of American Israeli hostage Edan Alexander and the bodies of four other American Israelis - Itay Chen, Omer Neutra, Gad Haggai and Judi Weinstein - the Times of Israel reported Wednesday. On Thursday, Trump acknowledged the talks. "We are having discussions with Hamas," he said, adding that the United States was also talking with Hamas about Israeli hostages. The United States designated Hamas a terrorist organization in 1997, years before it won elections in Gaza and soon split with the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority. It has been blocked out of direct talks ever since. Though the Biden administration was engaged in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, it worked through mediators rather than talking directly to the Palestinian group. "Qatar is talking to Hamas, Israel is talking to Qatar, the United States is talking to both to try and move forward to a point where hostages can be released," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in November 2023. The United States has held a firm, though informal, prohibition against negotiating with terrorist groups for decades. However, it most directly applies to negotiations for U.S. hostages. Historians date the policy to 1973 after a Palestinian group took two American diplomats hostage along with others in Khartoum, Sudan. President Richard M. Nixon told reporters he would refuse to give in to the kidnappers, arguing that it would amount to giving in to "blackmail." The hostages were killed the next day. In reality, the policy has long had a degree of flexibility. The Reagan administration led negotiations with Iran to free hostages taken in the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Under President Barack Obama, the U.S. government negotiated with the Taliban for the release of U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl, who was being held by the Haqqani network, a U.S.-designated terrorist group allied with the Taliban. The rule has also been loosely applied when U.S. hostages were not involved. In 1994, President Bill Clinton agreed to grant a visa to Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein and a key figure in the Irish Republican Army, overriding a 20-year-old U.S. law that barred visas to anyone connected to terrorist groups. The Trump administration's decision to talk with Hamas was welcomed by some allies, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina). "I trust Trump," Graham told Fox News on Wednesday. Other analysts viewed the decision as harmful to Israel. "Any negotiation, mainly direct negotiation, provides Hamas with a broader layout or space of maneuver as well as legitimacy. Furthermore, it enables Hamas to manipulate and play between Israel and the U.S.," said Kobi Michael, a former head of the Palestinian desk at Israel's Ministry of Strategic Affairs and now a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. Hamas is believed to have 24 living hostages, as well as 34 bodies of hostages either killed in the initial attack on Oct. 7, 2023, or in captivity. After meeting with a small group of released hostages at the White House on Wednesday, Trump wrote that he wanted Hamas to "release all of the Hostages now, not later," adding in the message on Truth Social that there would be "HELL TO PAY" if it did not. 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. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Gordon Deegan The Department of Justice is on course to issue a record number of deportation orders in 2025, after already signing off on in excess of 700 to date this year. New figures provided by the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan show that 703 deportation orders have been issued so far in 2025. If the Department continues to sign deportation orders at the current rate for the remainder of the year, it will be on course to sign over 4,200 deportation orders for 2025. This is significantly ahead of the 2,403 deportation orders issued for 2024, which was a multiple of the 857 issued for the 12 months of 2023. In written Dail replies to Deputy Alan Kelly TD, Minister O'Callaghan stated that last year, 1,116 people departed from the State under various mechanisms - enforced deportation, voluntary return - an increase of 252 per cent compared to the 2023 total of 317. He said, "This year, 311 persons have had their departure confirmed through these pathways. Figures provided by Minister O'Callaghan show that the Georgian nationals were the top-ranked nationality deported last year at 66, followed by South Africa (19), Albania (15), Brazil (14), Algeria (7) and Nigeria (7). In addition to the enforced deportations and those that are otherwise confirmed to have left, a much larger number of people will have left the State without informing the authorities. However, as there are no routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to accurately quantify this number," Mr O'Callaghan said. My Department has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals. Last week, a chartered flight to Georgia removed 32 persons who were subject to deportation orders from the State. This is the first operation conducted under the contract my Department put in place for this purpose last November. Further operations will be conducted as the year progresses," he said. Enforced deportation operations are complex and costly. They often involve investigations, detection, detentions in custody, legal challenges, flight costs and confirmation with the return country that the person is their citizen," the Justice Minister added. It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily, and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. In 2024, the number of voluntary returns increased to 934 compared to 213 in 2023." Mr O'Callaghan also said that the removal of persons who have been refused permission to remain in the State "is an essential requirement for the immigration system to work effectively and to ensure that our people have confidence in the application of our laws in this area. A MOTORIST stopped by gardai in Mountmellick who was sweating profusely was subsequently found to have been drug-driving. Arising from the incident, Patrick Delaney, 169 St Brigids Place, Portlaoise pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place at Mullaghandard, Mountmellick on 19 June last, when he appeared at Portlaoise District Court last week. Garda Kieran OMahoney said he stopped the car at 8.45pm that night. While speaking to the driver he observed that he was not wearing a top, was sweating profusely and that he got a smell of cannabis from the car. A blood test report showed that Mr Delaney had cannabis in his system while he had been driving. Garda OMahoney said the 26-year-old defendant had a previous conviction for assault in 2016. He said that Mr Delaney was extremely co-operative, very polite and very nice to deal with. Defending solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said that his client has come back to Ireland from the UK to meet the summons. Judge Andrew Cody convicted Mr Delaney of the offence, fined him 250 and disqualified him from driving for 12 months. A NEW 16m cutting-edge factory was unveiled in Portlaoise today, promising more than 60 skilled jobs over the next three years. Midland Steels smart steel fabrication facility, at the J17 National Enterprise Park in Togher, was officially opened this morning by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke. The long-running firm, whose parent company opened in Mountmellick in 1990, says the Portlaoise facility will create 62 jobs within the next three years. Roles will include engineering positions, robotic technicians, estimators, BIM modellers, mechanical and electrical technicians and steel fixers, all in a fully automated environment. Midland Steel founder Tony Woods described the official opening of the Portlaoise facility as "a pivotal and proud moment" for the family-owned business. He said: " I am particularly proud that our HQ remains in Mountmellick, where our business was founded in 1990, and our Portlaoise facility marks a significant step forward in the companys expansion. The company says the Midland Steel manufacturing facility is the first of its kind in Ireland. With full automation of the rebar cutting and bending process, the facility allows off-site manufacturing of a finished product ready for concrete placement. The factorys special technology will bring a 75% reduction in build time for construction projects, with 80% less onsite labour. With the construction of 300,000 new homes by 2030 promised in the Programme for Government, the company hopes its modern methods of construction will position Midland Steel to support those ambitious targets. Traditional manual steel fixing operations, involving loose bar cutting and bending to steel fixing on-site, have been replaced with pre-assembled FasterFix modules, designed and detailed by Midland Steel. The FasterFix technology is transforming construction, both in Ireland and internationally, by offering a 75% reduction in build time, 80% less on-site labour and a 30% reduction in preliminary costs for clients. Minister Burke said: Midland Steels innovative FasterFix technology is already transforming efficiency in the construction industry at home and abroad and it is fantastic to see an Irish company making such impressive inroads across Europe and beyond." The SMART facility allows seamless integration from 3D digital modelling to a finished product without any manual intervention, improving manufacturing capacity by 60% and making Midland Steel more competitive in the market. The facility achieves 0% waste and has reduced emissions. The company said it expects strong revenue growth over the next three years, with an expected 35m increase driven by innovation and expansion. With established plants in the UK and Norway, the Laois firm is poised for further overseas expansion, delivering cutting-edge solutions to new international markets. Originally operating as Midland Formwork in 1990, Midland Steel was founded in 1998 and has grown into a market leader in rebar solutions and continues to set new standards for the sector. A NEW 16m factory in Portlaoise will bring more than 60 skilled jobs over the next three years. Midland Steels fully automated SMART steel fabrication facility, at the J17 Enterprise Park in Togher, was officially opened this morning by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke. The long-running firm, which opened in Mountmellick in 1998, says the state of the art facility will create 62 jobs over the next three years. Roles will include engineering positions, robotic technicians, estimators, BIM modellers, mechanical and electrical technicians and steel fixers, all in a fully automated environment. The company says the Midland Steel manufacturing facility is the first of its kind in Ireland. The SMART facility represents a major investment in full automation of the rebar cutting and bending process, providing off-site manufacturing of a finished product ready for concrete placement. The company said: The 16 million investment highlights Midland Steels commitment to modern methods of construction (MMC), showcasing their innovative modular rebar technology solution, FasterFix, that is transforming the construction industry, not only in Ireland but also internationally. The unique FasterFix technology offers an MMC for both housing foundations and concrete substructure and superstructure units. This cutting-edge solution enables developers to achieve a remarkable 75% reduction in total build time, requiring 80% less onsite labour and providing 30% reduction in prelim costs for clients to set new standards for efficiency and productivity in the industry. In advance of the opening, Minister Burke said: Midland Steels innovative FasterFix technology is already transforming efficiency in the construction industry at home and abroad, and it is fantastic to see an Irish company making such impressive inroads across Europe and beyond." The significant investment by Midland Steel in Laois not only reinforces Irelands leadership in Modern Methods of Construction but also creates highly skilled jobs in engineering, robotics, and BIM modelling securing the future of our construction industry. I congratulate Tony Woods and his team on this milestone and look forward to seeing Midland Steel continue to push the boundaries of innovation in construction. The new facility at Portlaoise represents a significant milestone for Midland Steel, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in construction innovation. Traditional manual steel fixing operations, involving loose bar cutting and bending to steel fixing on-site, have now been replaced with pre-assembled FasterFix modules, designed and detailed by Midland Steel. This approach brings to industry the leanest, greenest, and most sustainable solutions from this facility, with substantial improvements in health and safety. With the Irish Governments commitment to building 300,000 homes by 2030 as outlined in the Programme for Government document, Midland Steels innovative modern methods of construction, including FasterFix and Ready Mesh technology, are ideally positioned to support these targets. By enabling faster, more efficient building processes, Midland Steels solutions will help meet these ambitious goals without requiring an increase in workforce numbers from outside of Ireland. The SMART facility enables seamless integration from 3D digital modelling to a finished product without any manual intervention, improving manufacturing capacity by 60% and making Midland Steel more competitive in the market. The facility achieves 0% waste and has reduced emissions, positioning Midland Steel as the most sustainable offsite rebar provider in Europe. Midland Steel founder Tony Woods described the official opening of the Portlaoise SMART facility as "a pivotal and proud moment" for the family-owned business. He said: "This state-of-the-art advanced fabrication facility in Portlaoise enables us to offer exceptional service, increased capacity and even greater speed and savings to our clients worldwide. I am particularly proud that our HQ remains in Mountmellick, where our business was founded in 1990, and our Portlaoise facility marks a significant step forward in the companys expansion. We are delighted to make this investment in the midlands region. The new Midland Steel facility is part of an ambitious growth strategy, with plans to expand both its operational capacity and its global footprint. The company projects strong revenue growth over the next three years, with an expected 35million increase driven by innovation and expansion. With established plants in the UK and Norway, Midland Steel is poised for further overseas expansion, delivering cutting-edge solutions to new international markets. Originally operating as Midland Formwork in 1990, Midland Steel was founded in 1998. Midland Steel has grown into a market leader in rebar solutions, providing innovative and efficient technologies through modern methods of construction to clients across the industry. With a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence, the company continues to set new standards for the sector. A PORTLAOISE Early Years Centre has won an All-Star title for the fifth year running. Kilminchy School House has been awarded the title Business All-Star Laois Early Learning Centre of The Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF). At the award presentation, Kilminchy director Sonya Duggan said: We believe that the early years are vital in laying the groundwork for future success and this accreditation is a testament to the hard work of our entire team. Sonya said the school's philosophy centres on fostering confidence and competence in children, encouraging them to become enthusiastic, lifelong independent learners and helping them to reach their fullest potential. She said: Through positive reinforcement and a culture of respect, Kilminchy School House helps children develop vital social and emotional skills, as well as an enduring love of learning. This accreditation recognises the schools dedication to providing exceptional early childhood education, along with its commitment to nurturing young learners in a caring and innovative environment. On 6 March a Honduran research institute Instituto Universitario en Democracia, Paz y Seguridad (Iudpas) of Honduras national public university Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras (Unah), reported that nine people had been killed in pre-electoral violence. End of preview - This article contains approximately 394 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 6 March Argentinas government announced that Presidentwould issue a decree of necessity and urgency (DNU) to impose an impending accord with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). End of preview - This article contains approximately 344 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options Dakota Access pipeline protesters defy law enforcement officers who are trying to force them from a camp on private land in the path of pipeline construction, Oct. 27, 2016, near Cannon Ball, N.D. (AP Photo/James MacPherson, File) AP MANDAN, N.D. (AP) An attorney for a Texas pipeline company said Feb. 26 at trial that he will prove various Greenpeace entities coordinated delays and disruptions of a controversial oil pipelines construction in North Dakota, and defamed the company to its lenders. Attorneys for the Greenpeace defendants told a jury there is no evidence to back up the claims by Dallas-based Energy Transfer, which seeks potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in damages from Greenpeace. The case is tied to protests in 2016 and 2017 of the Dakota Access Pipeline and its controversial Missouri River crossing upstream of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes reservation. The tribe has long opposed the pipeline as a risk to its water supply. The pipeline was completed in 2017. Energy Transfer and its subsidiary Dakota Access allege trespass, nuisance, defamation and other offenses by Netherlands-based Greenpeace International and its American branch, Greenpeace USA. The lawsuit also names the groups funding arm, Greenpeace Fund Inc. Greenpeace paid professional protesters to come to the area, sent blockade supplies, organized or led protester trainings, passed critical intel to the protesters and told untrue things to stop the pipeline from being built, the plaintiffs' attorney, Trey Cox, told the jury in his opening statement. They didnt think that there would ever be a day of reckoning, but that day of reckoning begins today, Cox said in opening statements. Attorneys for the defendants emphasized what they said are distinctions between the various Greenpeace entities, such as what they do and how theyre organized. They said Greenpeace International and Greenpeace Fund Inc. had zero involvement in the protests, while Greenpeace USA had six employees at Standing Rock for five to 51 days. Greenpeace is committed to nonviolence, and only got involved at Standing Rock because of tribal outreach, the attorneys said. This was an Indigenous-led movement by the Native tribes, and we wanted them to have the spotlight, said Greenpeace USA attorney Everett Jack Jr. One of nine alleged defamatory statements that Energy Transfer desecrated burial grounds and culturally important sites during construction was made many times by the tribe before any of the Greenpeace statements, he said. Cox said that statement was included in a letter sent to Energy Transfers banks and signed by the executive directors of Greenpeace International and Greenpeace USA. He added that Energy Transfer made 140 adjustments to its pipeline route in order to respect sacred sites. Our goal was to be a good corporate citizen in North Dakota, Cox said. More than 500 organizations from more than 50 countries signed on to that letter, said Greenpeace International attorney Courtney DeThomas, who described it as an act of free expression. No financial institution will testify that it received, read or was influenced by the letter, which was signed after thousands of protesters were already at Standing Rock, DeThomas said. Greenpeace representatives have said the lawsuit is an example of corporations abusing the legal system to go after critics and is a critical test of free speech and protest rights. An Energy Transfer spokesperson said the case is about Greenpeace not following the law, not free speech. Greenpeace says the lawsuit is going after $300 million, citing a figure from a previous federal case. The lawsuit complaint asks for damages in an amount to be proved at trial. Because of Greenpeace, Energy Transfer incurred over $82 million in security, contractor and property costs, and lost $80 million of profits, Cox told jurors. The pipeline was supposed to be completed by Jan. 1, 2017, but wasnt moving oil until five months later, he said. Greenpeaces deceptive narrative scared off lenders and Energy Transfer lost half its banks, he said. The company suffered over $68 million in lost financing and spent $7.6 million for public relations to deal with these problems and lies from the whisper campaign, Cox said. But Jack said Greenpeace had nothing to do with the companys delays in operating or refinancing. He also disputed how Energy Transfer is claiming or calculating its damages. The company also has no expert to back its claim of reputational harm, he said. Jury selection took place earlier in the week and the estimated five-week trial is now underway. Nine jurors and two alternates will hear the case in Mandan, North Dakota. The company filed a similar case in federal court in 2017, which a judge dismissed in 2019. Energy Transfer subsequently filed the lawsuit now at trial in state court. Earlier in February, Greenpeace International filed an anti-intimidation suit in the District Court of Amsterdam against Energy Transfer, saying the company acted wrongfully and should pay costs and damages resulting from its meritless litigation. A private security officer sits in a vehicle on Jan. 3, 2023, in front of the house in Moscow, Idaho, where four University of Idaho students were killed in November 2022. AP File Photo/Ted S. Warren Two surviving roommates in the home where four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death texted each other that morning about a masked man in the house, according to court documents released Thursday. One roommate texted after 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2022, that they were freaking out about possibly seeing a man in the house wearing what appeared to be a ski mask. The messages also said the roommate had tried calling their other roommates but none had answered their phones. One of the survivors, identified by the initials D.M. in court documents, told the other surviving roommate identified as B.F. that no one was answering calls and that they were really confused. Im freaking out, D.M. then texted B.F., describing seeing a man with something over his head and mouth like a ski mask almost. B.F. then told D.M. to run to their room. Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, the students who were stabbed at a rental home near their campus in Moscow, Idaho. Police arrested Kohberger on Dec. 30, 2022, at his parents home in Monroe County, where he planned to spend winter break. Kohberger had graduated from Northampton Community College in Bethlehem Township with an associates degree in psychology in 2018 and received a bachelors degree in 2020 from DeSales University in Upper Saucon Township, where he completed graduate studies in June 2022. A judge has entered a not-guilty plea on Kohbergers behalf. His trial is scheduled for later this year. One of the surviving roommates has told investigators that noises woke her up at about 4 a.m. that day, and she thought she heard another roommate say something like, Theres someone here. She looked outside her bedroom and didnt see anything. Later she thought she heard crying coming from Kernodles room and looked outside again. Thats when she said she heard a male voice say something to the effect of, Its OK, Im going to help you, according to an affidavit. She later opened her door again and saw a masked man in black clothing whom she did not recognize walking toward her and stood in frozen shock as he walked past her toward a sliding glass door, the affidavit said. She went back in her room and locked the door. Investigators believe the suspect then left the home. Court documents do not say why police were not alerted for several more hours. Mental health experts say common physiological responses to frightening or traumatic experiences include an urge to fight, an urge to flee, or an urge to freeze. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. A Laois steel company has officially opened a 16 million state of the art automated factory, expanding its workforce by 62 over the coming three years. Midland Steel, Irelands leading steel reinforcement business, officially opened its fully automated SMART steel fabrication facility in J17 National Enterprise Park, Portlaoise on Friday, March 6. The ribbon was cut by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, Peter Burke TD. The Mountmellick company founded in 1990 by Tony Woods, is expanding on its factory at Bay View Business Park. It also has plants in Norway and the UK. The official opening of our Portlaoise SMART facility marks a pivotal and proud moment for our family-owned business. The FasterFix modular rebar technology, which we have developed, offers significant benefits for construction projects by reducing installation times and lowering capital costs. FasterFix represents our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the construction sector. This state-of-the-art advanced fabrication facility in Portlaoise enables us to offer exceptional service, increased capacity and even greater speed and savings to our clients worldwide. I am particularly proud that our HQ remains in Mountmellick, where our business was founded in 1990, and our Portlaoise facility marks a significant step forward in the companys expansion. We are delighted to make this investment in the midlands region, Mr Woods said. The promised 62 jobs includes top-quality engineering positions, robotic technicians, estimators, BIM modellers, mechanical and electrical technicians, and steel fixers all functioning in a fully automated environment. The staff in Midland Steel in Mountmellick. Photo: Midland Steel The Midland Steel manufacturing facility is the first of its kind in Ireland. The SMART facility can carry out fully automated rebar cutting and bending, providing off-site manufacturing of a finished product ready for concrete placement, at a lower cost. Their technology has been employed by leading building contractors, John Paul Construction, who experienced a 75% reduction in steel fixing programme on their new landmark development, Harcourt Plaza in Dublin 2, resulting in a significant capital cost saving thanks to off-site manufacturing of modular rebar with Midland Steels FasterFix solution. The company bought the enterprise site from Laois County Council for some 600,000. The council stepped in to fill the IDA's failing to entice big enterprises to open in Laois and create local jobs. The council invested millions to buy land from Supermacs beside the M7 motorway and build serviced sites to create and run J19 Portlaoise Enterprise Park. Read more. Neighbours already in the park include Leprino Foods, Kirby Engineering who recently opened an 8m plant, Aubren and Alpha Drives. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD praised the company. I am delighted to officially open the Midland Steel, state-of-the-art fully automated steel fabrication facility, here in Portlaoise. Midland Steels innovative FasterFix technology is already transforming efficiency in the construction industry at home and abroad, and it is fantastic to see an Irish company making such impressive inroads across Europe and beyond. "The significant investment by Midland Steel in Laois not only reinforces Irelands leadership in Modern Methods of Construction but also creates highly skilled jobs in engineering, robotics, and BIM modelling securing the future of our construction industry. I congratulate Tony Woods and his team on this milestone and look forward to seeing Midland Steel continue to push the boundaries of innovation in construction, the Minister said ahead of the opening. Unique in its approach, Midland Steels FasterFix technology offers a modern method of construction (MMC) for both housing foundations and concrete substructure and superstructure units. This cutting-edge solution they say enables developers to achieve a remarkable 75% reduction in total build time, requiring 80% less onsite labour and providing 30% reduction in prelim costs for clients. The company says that its new facility at Portlaoise represents a significant milestone, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in construction innovation. Traditional manual steel fixing operations, involving loose bar cutting and bending to steel fixing on-site, have now been replaced with pre-assembled FasterFix modules, designed and detailed by Midland Steel. They say that this approach brings to industry the leanest, greenest, and most sustainable solutions from this facility, with substantial improvements in health and safety. "With the Irish Governments commitment to building 300,000 homes by 2030 as outlined in the Programme for Government document, Midland Steels innovative modern methods of construction, including FasterFix and Ready Mesh technology, are ideally positioned to support these targets. By enabling faster, more efficient building processes, Midland Steels solutions will help meet these ambitious goals without requiring an increase in workforce numbers from outside of Ireland," Midland Steel says. The SMART facility enables seamless integration from 3D digital modelling to a finished product without any manual intervention, improving manufacturing capacity by 60% and making Midland Steel more competitive in the market. The facility achieves 0% waste and has reduced emissions, positioning Midland Steel as the most sustainable offsite rebar provider in Europe. The new Midland Steel facility is part of an ambitious growth strategy, with plans to expand both its operational capacity and its global footprint. The company projects strong revenue growth over the next three years, with an expected 35million increase driven by innovation and expansion. With established plants in the UK and Norway, Midland Steel is poised for further overseas expansion, delivering cutting-edge solutions to new international markets. Kevin Sherry is the Interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Irelands ambition and focus is to support Irish-owned companies become the prime driver in our economy. Midland Steels investment in an innovative automated manufacturing facility enabling off site manufacturing of construction solutions in Portlaoise is a major milestone in the companys plans to scale and achieve their global ambition. This project will also have an important impact in the local economy by creating more than 60 new jobs, which have been supported Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland congratulates the company on this announcement and looks forward to working with Tony and all the team in supporting them on their scaling journey as they continue to grow and deliver, not just in Ireland but across the world. Midland Steel, Irelands leading steel reinforcement business, has officially opened its revolutionary automated facility in J17 National Enterprise Park, Portlaoise. The ribbon was cut and a plaque unveiled at the huge SMART factory by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, Peter Burke TD on Friday, March 6 to a large attendance of industry customers, colleagues and the family of founder, Tony Woods. The company is expanding within Laois, retaining its Mountmellick headquarters at Bay View Business Park. It expects to double staff numbers within the next three years to about 140 skilled workers. It also has plants in Norway and the UK. Midland Steel has invested 16 million in the new building and its groundbreaking automated machines, which build the steel mesh rebar grills that form the skeleton in large scale concrete structures. Read more here. It is a process that was done by hand up to now in the steel industry, with many workers backbreakingly laying out and welding long single bars into grills. The attendance for the opening of Midland Steel's Portlaoise plant. Photos: Alf Harvey The vast 7,500 sq metre building houses giant coils of steel bars that get fed into a machine which cuts and bends them into rebar grids. They are all designed per bespoke order on computer by a team in an operating room, resulting in zero waste, cutting carbon emissions. It cuts manufacture time by 75% and manpower by 80%, and can supply at a cheaper cost. It has been used already in London Bridge Station and in Harcourt Plaza. CEO Tony Woods spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on the day of the opening. Its an enormous milestone for our company in todays opening of our smart manufacturing facility here in Laois. We had a vision, eight, nine years ago about trying to bring modern methods of construction and new solutions to our industry to make it safer, better and more sustainable. Were creating between 60 and 70 jobs here in the new industrial park. Thats with support enormously from John Mulholland at the time who was CEO of Laois County Council. His vision, our vision combined. He had a vision for an industrial park that was of smart manufacturing background and we had a vision of trying to develop something that was really special for our industry which hasnt changed in the last 100 years. We started in Mountmellick 23 years ago in 2003, we opened a site and of course its our headquarters, and its always going to be. This is an additional plant to support future jobs, future growth. Mountmellick is very important to us. Were going to do two different aspects of the industry, one in Mountmellick, one in Portlaoise. The estimate is well have about 130 to 140 people working in Midland Steel, he said. At the launch, he presented the history of the business, from his taking on of a blockmaking plant in Birr in 1998, to expansion into steel, and then rebar in 2004. In the 2008 crash we lost 95% of our order book in five weeks. We had to be agile. We explored our options and in 2012 we embraced BIM (digital 3D modelling) as an off-site solution. We brought the first robotic cell in the western world to Mountmellick. By 2019 that site had become constrained, he explained. They bought the site from Laois County Council and built the plant themselves. The Woods family at Midland Steel in Portlaoise for the unveiling of a 16 million Smart Steel Fabrication Facility which is transforming the construction industry. From left: Darragh, Deirdre, Andrea, Keely Jackson, Conor, Paul, Tony and John. Photo: Alf Harvey, no reproduction fee This is the first SMART manufacturer ever in Ireland, its a major step for Ireland, for industry and for us as a company. It was a big investment for us, it enables us to be 60% more productive. Weve changed the way rebar is done and we have a global vision to take this to other countries, he said. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD praised the company. I am delighted to officially open the Midland Steel, state-of-the-art fully automated steel fabrication facility, here in Portlaoise. Midland Steels innovative FasterFix technology is already transforming efficiency in the construction industry at home and abroad, and it is fantastic to see an Irish company making such impressive inroads across Europe and beyond. "The significant investment by Midland Steel in Laois not only reinforces Irelands leadership in Modern Methods of Construction but also creates highly skilled jobs in engineering, robotics, and BIM modelling securing the future of our construction industry. I congratulate Tony Woods and his team on this milestone and look forward to seeing Midland Steel continue to push the boundaries of innovation in construction, the Minister said. Simon Walton, Director of Services Laois County Council; Michael Rainey, Chief Executive Laois County Council; Willie Aird TD and Angela McEvoy, Director of Services Laois County Council at Midland Steel in Portlaoise for the unveiling of a 16 million Smart Steel Fabrication Facility which is transforming the construction industry. Photo: Alf Harvey, no reproduction fee The CEO of Laois County Council Michael Rainey welcomed the new factory. Its a great day to be here at the opening of Midland Steel in Junction 17 National Enterprise Park and we welcome Minister Burke to the county for this opening. More than anything it shows how attractive Laois is as a place to invest, and the foresight that was shown by Laois County Council in acquiring these lands and developing the park. You can see the product of it here today and I hope it is the start of many more jobs coming to the county, he said to the Leinster Express. Among the employees is Mick Farrell from Portlaoise. I am with Midland Steel for two years as a crane driver. Before this I worked in Dublin. Its great now, Im near home. Theres something different to do every day, he said. Leo Shoco is one of about 20 Filipino people working at the factory. Some of the staff at Midland Steel in Portlaoise. Photo: Alf Harvey Its good, we enjoy working here. We want to stay here, Laois is good, he said. Midland Steel went local for their designers, to Insight Architects in Portlaoise. It was designed by Micheal McGrath with Marc Conroy, architectural technologist representing the company at the launch. Its our biggest project to date. It was a great honour to do it, its a good news story for Laois, he said. Read also: Michael Healy Rae in Laois to visit 'massive business'. The company projects strong revenue growth over the next three years, with an expected 35million increase with its expansion. Enterprise Ireland was also represented at the launch, calling the business "an amazing story" and "the realisation of a dream". "It is world class, the best of its kind globally, servicing international customers," the rep said. He confirmed that Mr Woods will attend meetings in New York accompanying Enterprise Ireland next week. Laois TD Willie Aird was at the launch to welcome his Fine Gael colleague, Minister Burke. "This is a great company. It was great becuase it started in Mountmellick and they've grown their business, it's a credit to them all. It just shows you that Laois County Council having bought this from Pat McDonagh (SuperMacs) at the time, the whole enterprise centre and the way it has opened up. The whole area, the new roads. All the sites are sold in it now. It's a great day for Portlaoise and I hope we have many more. "It's 100% successful and we need to drive on this. I had the Minister this morning showing him that we have 40 acres of land adjacent to the IDA park, plus a site in the front which was once earmarked for the decentralised department of agriculture, then the Portlaoise Garda station. That's another parcel of land available there," he said. A woman who had studied criminology admitted bringing drugs into Portlaoise Prison. Suzanne Delaney (31) of 48 Radharc na Farraig, Convent Lands, Wicklow town, admitted bringing Spice synthetic cannabinoids, cannabis herb and benzodiazepine into Portlaoise Prison on February 15 last. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said packages containing controlled substances were discovered when the woman was going through security at the prison. In total, he said the estimated value was 1,760. Sgt Kirby said it was a large amount of drugs to be bringing in. He said the plea of guilty was appreciated by the State. She did cooperate and was extremely compliant, he said. He explained that the woman had one previous conviction for being intoxicated in public. On hearing the facts, Judge Susan Fay said she would accept jurisdiction in the case. Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client had no prior convictions in relation to drugs. Pressure was brought to bear to bring in these items, she said. The woman was in a friendship at the time and the partner of her friend was in prison, she said. Ms Fitzpatrick said her client didnt use drugs or have a drug debt and was a poor candidate to bring drugs into the prison. She said the woman had previously studied criminology and had "pursued legal studies for a while. She said the woman was hoping to go back to education. She is extremely ashamed for being before the court, said Ms Fitzpatrick. Judge Susan Fay said it was a serious offence. She ordered a probation report and requested that the defendant be assessed for community service. The defendant was remanded on bail to appear again at Portlaoise District Court on May 26 for the probation report. Taoiseach Micheal Martin addressed the loss of SOSAD Laois' (Save Our Sons And Daughters) messaging service in the Dail this week. This messaging service allowed the public to speak to a team member over text, any time between 8pm to 12am. The charity announced this week that they were forced to close the operation due to a lack of funding. Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley has raised the urgent need for funding for Laois SOSAD with the Taoiseach and Health Minister in the Dail. Pictured: Laois TD Brian Stanley The programme for government set out to improve mental health services," Deputy Stanley said in his address to the Taoiseach. "The SOSAD, Save our Sons and Daughters, organisation provides vital services but is running out of cash. It has made representations to try to move forward. "It provides counselling, support and mental health services. It only has enough money to keep going for a number of weeks. In 2024, it provided services for 1,114 clients. In County Laois, it supported 229 people, with 2,891 hours of service. " This is a vital service. It takes referrals from a number of bodies, including the HSE. It is made up of mainly volunteers and has only 16 full-time staff nationally. It is trying to get a service level agreement in place. The Minister for Health is here today. Perhaps she will address this issue," Deputy Stanley said. Pictured: The 2022 opening of the SOSAD Laois office Volunteers Irina Volia and Helena Kavani with Carol Murphy, general manager SOSAD Ireland and Grace Ennis, Laois SOSAD co-ordinator. "The organisation needs 60,000 a month to keep going for the next five months or so. That is the same cost as the bicycle shed in this complex. The more than 300,000 spent on it would keep SOSAD going. "It has had to cut some services. We know mental health services have gaps and deficiencies. SOSAD is filling those gaps. "Will the Taoiseach prioritise it and commit to providing the money and service level agreement that the SOSAD organisation needs? I ask the Taoiseach and Minister Carroll MacNeill that, as time and money is running out," Deputy Stanley finished. The Minister of State, Deputy Mary Butler, met SOSAD before Christmas," the Taoiseach responded. "My Understanding is that there has been ongoing engagement between SOSAD and the HSE mental health services. That will continue. "Engagement is continuing with the HSE in Louth-Meath and SOSAD on the steps required to complete a funding application. It is doing very good work. "As I said, the Minister met the organisation to outline the steps that need to be taken for any potential funding application under the section 39 process. "As the Deputy knows, as per any negotiation between the HSE and a charity organisation, information such as audited accounts, annual reports, governance arrangements and a bord of management are required so that the HSE can undertake due diligence as part of its consideration," he said. "SOSAD is now working to provide all of that information to the HSE. It is hoped we can get this sorted," the Taoiseach finished. A Laois Montessori has won an All-Star Business award for the fifth consecutive year. Portlaoise-based Kilminchy School House has been honoured with the prestigious title of Business All-Star Laois Early Learning Centre of The Year 2025. This is the fifth time in a row that the business has been accredited by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. The All-Ireland Business Foundation is a national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses. This accreditation recognises the schools dedication to providing exceptional early childhood education, along with its commitment to nurturing young learners in a caring and innovative environment. Kilminchy School House Director Sonya Duggan expressed her delight at winning this fantastic award. We are honoured to receive this accolade and recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation," Ms Duggan said. Pictured: The Kilminchy School House team in 2020, accepting their first All-Star Business award "This accreditation affirms our dedication to early childhood education and our mission to help every child reach their fullest potential. We believe that the early years are vital in laying the groundwork for future success and this accreditation is a testament to the hard work of our entire team," she said. The business have said that it prides itself on creating a learning environment that supports the unique needs and potential of every child. "Its mission is to offer a stimulating and creative educational experience in a first-class setting, with high-quality staff and facilities," Ms Duggan said. "The school's approach emphasises the critical importance of the early years, providing children with the tools they need to build a foundation for lifelong learning. Our philosophy centers on fostering confidence and competence in children, encouraging them to become enthusiastic, independent learners. "Through positive reinforcement and a culture of respect, Kilminchy School House helps children develop vital social and emotional skills, as well as an enduring love of learning," Ms Duggan said. Pictured: Sonya Duggan of Kilminchy School House in Portlaoise wins Laois Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023 Announcing the news of Kilminchy School Houses achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBFs Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, recognised the achievement of recieving this award for five consecutive years. I am delighted to recognise Kilminchy School House for their outstanding achievement in receiving the Business All-Star Laois Early Learning Centre Of The Year 2025 Accreditation from the All-Ireland Business Foundation," Mr Ring said. "This remarkable honour, marking their fifth consecutive year as an All-Star, reflects Kilminchy School Houses unwavering commitment to excellence in early childhood education, fostering a nurturing and supportive learning environment for children." Kapil Khanna, Managing Director of the All-Ireland Business Foundation, commended the business for their work. Kilminchy School House has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to early childhood education, and we are delighted to award them the title of Laois Early Learning Centre of the Year 2024," he said. "Their focus on helping children build strong foundations during these critical years is truly commendable, and this accolade is a reflection of their dedication to excellence. We evaluate a companys background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors," Mr Khanna said. "We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics," he finished. As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish businesses. Companies that merit recognition based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity. Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nations Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in our programs. The AIBF also hosts the annual All-Ireland Summit and monthly gatherings to promote peer learning and collaboration among its accredited companies. For more information please visit www.aibf.ie. P.J. Barron The death has occurred of P.J. Barron, Corrachoill Park, Prosperous, Kildare Barron, P.J., Corrachoill Park and late of Garravogue, Prosperous, Co. Kildare, March 6 2025. p Peacefully after a short illness at Naas General Hospital, deeply regretted by his loving wife Caroline, son Steven, daughter Katie, Steven's partner Jessie and their children Joshua, Emily and Amelia, brothers Shay, Ted, John and Noel, sister Mary, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Rest In Peace READ NEXT: Masked teens seen fleeing from Kildare house Reposing at Oliver Reilly's Funeral Home, Prosperous (W91 T62P) on Sunday from 4pm - 8pm, with prayers at 7pm. Removal on Monday at 9:30am to arrive at The Church of Our Lady & St. Joseph, Prosperous for 10am funeral mass, followed by cremation in Newlands Cross Crematorium at approx. 12.30pm. The Funeral Mass and Cremation Service can be viewed live in the webstream section below. Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to the Irish Cancer Society which can be made in the donation section below House strictly private, please. For all enquiries, please contact Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors on (045) 868230. Funeral mass: https://prosperousparish.net/webcam Cremation: https://www.dctrust.ie/location/newlands-cross/chapel-webstream.html Patrick (Pat. P.) Delaney The death has occurred of Patrick (Pat. P.) DELANEY, Courtown Park, Kilcock, Kildare / Causeway, Kerry. Late of Causeway, Co. Kerry. Suddenly. Pat (P.) beloved husband of the late Mary, predeceased by his parents Martin and Eileen, brother John Joe. Dear dad of Carol, Paul and Cathal. Sadly missed by his family, son-in-law Ciaran, daughters-in-law Sarah and Kayla, grandchildren; Ben, Masie, Maeve, Nina and Mila, sister Mary Ann, extended family, friends and neighbours. May He Rest In Peace Reposing at William Ryan & Sons Funeral Home, Church Street, Kilcock (W23 XC90 - entrance beside Books & Gifts) on Friday from 5pm - 7pm. Removal on Saturday at 12noon from Courtown Park to St. Coca's Church, Kilcock, arriving for funeral Mass at 12.30pm, followed by burial in St. Joseph's cemetery, Kilcock. Webstream: https://www.kilcockandnewtownparish.ie/webcam/ Cian de Paor The death has occurred of Cian de Paor, Connell Drive, Newbridge, Kildare, W12 F295. de Paor, Cian of An Droichead Nua / Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Peacefully, after a long illness bravely borne, in the wonderful care of the staff at St Brigid's Hospice, The Curragh, surrounded by his loving family. Cian will be very sadly missed by his loving wife & best friend Eva, his parents Dec & Brede his brother Cillian, uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, extended family & a wide circle of friends & work colleagues. May his kind and gentle soul Rest in Peace Suaimhneas siorai da anam. Reposing at his parents home, Connell Drive, Newbridge from 3pm on Sunday (9th March) concluding with Rosary at 6pm. Removal by Glennon's Funeral Directors on Monday morning to arrive at St. Conleth's Parish Church, Newbridge, for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in St. Conleth's Cemetery, Newbridge. Family flowers only please, donations if desired, to The Irish Cancer Society, donations can be made through the online link below. Cian's Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and can be viewed on the webstream link below. Glennon's Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues. For all enquiries, please contact Glennon's Funeral Directors on 045 860110. Webstream: https://newbridgeparish.ie/parish-church Sr. Eileen Holton The death has occurred of Sr. Eileen Holton, Glasnevin, Dublin / Kilshanroe, Kildare. Holton, Sr. Eileen Holton, Holy Faith Sisters, died peacefully March 6 2025 in the loving care of the staff in Marian House, formerly of Kilshanroe, Co. Kildare and New Zealand. Predeceased by her parents Thomas and Elizabeth, her sister, Anna and brothers Willie, Pat and Thomas. Deeply regretted by her sister-in-law, Patricia, nieces, nephews, extended family, Holy Faith Sisters, staff and residents of Marian House, and former colleagues. Reposing in Marian House on Friday, March 7 at 5.00p.m. Removal to convent chapel at 6:00p.m. Funeral Mass Saturday March 8 at 11:30a.m. followed by burial in convent cemetery. Funeral Mass will be available to view on http://www.holyfaithsisters.org Tony (Anthony) Lacey The death has occurred of Tony (Anthony) Lacey Main St., Ballylinan, Laois, R14 PA02 / Athy, Kildare. Peacefully, in the wonderful care of The Holy Family Ward, St. Vincent's Hospital, Athy, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Ann, dear father of Elizabeth, Eamon and Patrick. Tony will be dearly missed by his daughters-in-law Catherine and Elizabeth, brother Padraig, sister-in-law Rita, grandchildren Tomas, Seamus, Aine, Charles and Julie Ann, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family , neighbours and a wide circle of friends. Rest in Peace Reposing at his residence (R14 PA02) from 2pm on Friday afternoon (March 7) with Rosary at 8.30pm on Friday evening. Reposing from 2pm on Saturday. Removal on Saturday evening to arrive at St. Anne's Church, Ballylinan for prayers at 7pm. Requiem Mass at 11.30am on Sunday morning (March 9th). Burial afterwards in Ballylinan Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to The Friends of St. Vincent's Hospital, Athy. 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 man drove down the road banging his head off the steering wheel, his ex partner alleged at Naas District Court. The woman said she is residing with her parents and lives in fear of verbal abuse from her ex. READ NEXT Kildare business couple to retire after 37 years The man did not appear in court and was not represented. The woman said she is seeing someone else and a family member of her ex-partner said she was not be seen with this person. She also told the court that he sees their child according to an arrangement between them but she said she had concerns about herself and the child. She claimed he had come near to where she lives. Judge Michael Ramsey granted her a protection order. The judge said there should be no communication between them except in relation to access to the child, which could be done via text messaging. He adjourned the case to June 9. Kildare County Council has issued a warning to a homeowner following the arrival of a number of mobile home structures on a site, near Naas. The bungalow property is located in the townland of Stickens, outside Caragh village and close to the well known Mondello Park motor racing venue. READ NEXT Kildare club announces glamorous gala ball in aid of leading charity A number of mobile homes have arrived at the premises in recent weeks, with some apparently hoisted on to the site by a crane-like machine. Another image of the site It's believed that around ten are in place. There is unconfirmed speculation in the locality that some of the structures are to be rented, perhaps to people working in the greater Naas area. Local councillor Daragh Fitzpatrick said local residents in the wider area are asking questions about the use of parcels of property for this purpose. A county council spokesperson said the local authority is aware of this issue and has issued a warning letter to the owner of the property. As this is an active unauthorised development case, Kildare County Council can not make any further comment, the spokesperson added in a statement to the Leinster Leader. Kildare County Council is to write to Waterways Ireland regarding issues at Kilmore Bridge on the L1003. This follows a motion tabled by Cllr William Durkan (FG) at this month's Clane-Maynooth Municipal District meeting. Cllr Durkan's motion asked that the council write to Waterways Ireland to improve greenway access, to allow parking provision and enhanced sight lines at Kilmore Bridge. Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Durkan asked that with members' agreement the council contact Waterways Ireland as he felt there should be communication between the two bodies, particularly around this one site. This was something which had come up with members of the public, he said, the most recent concern of which was the closure of a small area used as parking to access the canal. Cllr Durkan said the bridge was quite dangerous, given that pedestrians and cyclists were accessing the canal, with very poor sight lines offered at the bridge itself. There was also a lot of agricultural traffic in the area as well, he pointed out, which presented added danger in the area. He asked the council to contact Waterways Ireland to see what works could be progressed, either by the council, Waterways Ireland or perhaps together. Following agreement in the council, the local authority will now write to Waterways Ireland on the issue. READ NEXT: Council launches Affordable Housing Scheme in this Kildare town A man and a woman have been sentenced to life imprisonment by an Irish court for the murder of a man in Co Donegal. Robert Robin Wilkin, 66, was thrown off the Sliabh Liag/Slieve League cliffs on June 25 2023. Alan Vial, 39, of Drumanoo Head in Killybegs, and Nikita Burns, 24, from An Charraig in Co Donegal, were found guilty of the murder, and were sentenced at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin on Friday. Detective Garda David Durkin told the court that Vial had several previous convictions for road traffic and public order-type offences while Burns had no previous convictions. Mr Wilkin, a native of Omagh, Co Tyrone, had two sisters and a brother. One sister, Irene McAleer, said Mr Wilkins was the eldest of the siblings and they looked up to him during their childhood. She described the murderers as two cold, calculating individuals and said the sentencing had brought the family a degree of closure. She said the family was sickened by their attitude to Mr Wilkins life, and added that hearing the evidence was emotional and traumatising. Ms McAleer said the family had been on an agonising journey filled with grief, denial and undoubtedly anger. She added: Now that the case has finished, we feel at a certain degree of closure to accept that Robin has passed, although the brutal nature of his death is something that none of us will ever come to terms with. This is something we will have to live with us that will live us for the rest of our lives. She added: To sit in the same room with those two very cold, calculating individuals has been so difficult. The fact neither of these individuals have shown a grain of remorse has been overwhelming at times. Ms McAleer said that contrary to some reports, Mr Wilkins was not estranged from the family. She added that he was travelling his own path and lost regular contact with his siblings, adding: Robins callous and unnecessary murder has deprived us of a chance to reconnect. Ms McAleer said the family would live with the details of the cruel, needless murder for the rest of their lives, adding that Vial and Burns had dumped his body off a cliff like his life was worthless. She said listening to gruesome evidence had been absolutely harrowing for the family who had unanswered questions about whether he suffered or if the first blow killed him. As a family this isnt the end for us, our grieving will begin now, and whatever way we can navigate through it. Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the statement reflected the pain and suffering of the family. He commended gardai for conducting an extensive and very difficult inquiry, adding that they showed professionalism in pursuing the case. He sentenced Vial and Burns to life imprisonment. 350 crisis incidents, 1100 trees removed, 32 humanitarian hubs, 1000 meal vouchers, and 500 emergency calls. These staggering figures reveal the scale of destruction and response effort following Storm Eowyn, which shook the country on January 24. In the weeks that followed, Leitrim County Council grappled with the aftermath, coordinating a sizable operation to support affected communities. At a meeting of Leitrim County Council, CEO Joseph Gilhooly alongside senior management, provided a detailed breakdown of the response efforts and what unfolded in the crucial days and weeks after the storm, which put many lives in Leitrim on hold. Like all local authorities, Leitrim County Council operated within the national major emergency framework, which involved three principal response agencies (PRA): An Garda Siochana, the HSE and the local authority. These agencies collaborate at national, regional and local levels. The north west region includes Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal County Councils, along with regional managers from the HSE and the Gardai. Ahead of the storm, Leitrim County Council hosted a regional meeting of the PRAs to prepare for the impact. Regular update meetings continued over the following two weeks. On the night before the storm, a number of senior staff stayed overnight in Carrick-on-Shannon to be in position, while Fire Service personnel were mobilised to their respective stations as a precaution. This allowed the Crisis Management Team to be activated before the red weather warning took effect. The Crisis Management Team remained active over the weekend, responding to approximately 350 reported incidents with road crews and fire services before standing down. An expanded Local Coordination Group was activated, which - along with the PRAs, included Uisce Eireann, ESB, and the Department of Social Protection. By Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, the Council mobilised efforts to set up humanitarian hubs, following the Central Governments directive on January 27. The Local Coordination Group supported the humanitarian response, which led to the establishment of 32 community hubs. Notably, Leitrim was the last county in Ireland to stand down its humanitarian hubs, closing them on February 10. During this period, 1000 meal vouchers and 250 care packages were distributed and Council staff were reprioritised to continue adapting to manage the situation. An emergency hotline was also set up, handling 500 calls. 1,100 trees across Leitrim were cut down and removed, and damages to the road network are estimated to be around 300,000. Mr Gilhooly commended the Council and fire service staff, acknowledging the difficult personal decisions they made to stay in Carrick-on-Shannon on the night of the storm, away from their families. Mary Quinn, Director of Services for Housing, Corporate Services, Community and Cultural Services remarked that the Council found itself in territory which we hadnt been in before. She emphasised that further national-level work is needed to clarify the exact role of local authority versus other agencies in major storm events, and to define guidelines for future humanitarian assistance schemes. The national emergency framework will be reviewed and updated later this year. Theres a lot of things to be talked about in terms of what worked and what didnt work and ultimately what is the role of the local authority. Maybe we got some things wrong, and maybe we got some things right, she said. Councillors praised Council staff and senior management for their efforts following the storm, recognising both the commitment of the Council and Fire Service in responding as effectively as possible. Ultimately, the Council must operate within the major emergency framework and does not have the authority to compel other agencies to engage in the response process or create and implement an action plan. This power rests with the central Government, most notably the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management." READ MORE: Much-loved butchers shop in Leitrim closes its doors after 45 years Meet Kevin Love, the man ensuring nearly 24,000 Uisce Eireann customers across Leitrim enjoy a safe, reliable water supply. As Water Treatment Operations Manager, Kevin leads a team of 20 dedicated professionals, tackling everything from burst pipes to water treatment challenges, all while planning for a more sustainable and resilient future. During Engineers Week, Kevin reflects on his 20-year career in water servicesone that started with a Civil Engineering degree and a hands-on role mapping Leitrims vast 1,300 km water network. That experience laid the foundation for his current work, where no two days are ever the same. Kevins journey began at Sligo IT, where he honed the problem-solving skills that now shape his daily work. Whether its repairing a water mains burst, optimizing pump station energy use, or responding to chemical fluctuations in treatment plants, he thrives on the dynamic, ever-changing challenges of frontline water operations. "You have to think on your feet, adapt quickly, and problem-solve constantly," Kevin says. "It makes the days fly by, and I wouldnt have it any other way." With demand rising in South Leitrim, Kevin and his team are focused on reducing water loss and maximizing resources at the Carrick-on-Shannon Water Treatment Plant, which is now operating at full capacity. "Every litre saved matters. We urge the public to report leaksthey play a crucial role in protecting our water supply," he explains. Since joining Uisce Eireann (formerly Irish Water) in 2014, Kevin has witnessed firsthand how the national utility has transformed water services in Ireland. "Bringing 31 local authorities together under one national entity has ensured consistent service and improved efficiency," he says. Looking ahead, he welcomes the National Water Resources Plan (NWRP)a 25-year blueprint for safeguarding water supply in the face of growing demand and extreme weather events. "The NWRP is key to balancing supply and demand while safeguarding the environment," Kevin explains. "Recent storms have shown how vulnerable some sites can be. Were working hard to strengthen infrastructure, whether thats through alternative power supplies or mobile backup systems, ensuring communities always have access to clean water." As a Ballymote resident, Kevin understands the challenges facing Leitrim and the North West in maintaining a secure water supplyboth now and in the future. "It means being able to provide for alternative power supplies at fixed sites and mobile sites, depending on where storms hit, so its about building resilience into those sites. In Leitrim, many of the sites do not have fixed-term generators due to their location. But were committed to delivering for our customers and ensuring that were providing a dependable and resilient service." For those considering a career in engineering, Kevin has one piece of advice: Go for it! "I got a job straight out of college and never looked back. Its a wide-ranging career with endless opportunitieschallenging, rewarding, and never dull." With passionate professionals like Kevin at the helm, Leitrims water future is in good hands. READ MORE: Last-minute drama as Leitirm and Longford finish level in League clash On March 1st, 2025, the people of Manorhamilton bid farewell to a cherished family business as Thornton's Butcher Shop closed its doors after nearly 45 years of service. Susan Thornton, who along with her late husband Sean, opened the butcher shop in November 1979, has decided to retire and pass the baton to the next generation. For decades, Thornton's Butcher Shop has been a staple of the local community, known for providing quality meats and excellent service to the residents of north Leitrim. On her last day, Susan was surrounded by friends, neighbors, and family who came to express their well-wishes for her retirement. Her son Damian, who has managed the business for the past several years, joined her in this milestone event, alongside her daughter Sharon and her grandchildren, Grace and Oisin. In a heartfelt gesture, Shane Kerrigan, the new proprietor of the shop, presented Susan with a cake to mark the occasion, symbolizing a sweet end to an era of dedication and hard work. Although Susan is retiring, her legacy will continue. Damian, who has been an integral part of the business for many years, will remain in his managerial role under the new ownership, ensuring the continuation of the family tradition at Thorntons Butcher Shop. Neighbours and friends dropped in to Thorntons butcher shop last Saturday to wish Susan Thornton a happy retirement after nearly 45 years behind the counter serving the people of north Leitrim. As Susan embarks on this new chapter in her life, the shops loyal customers can rest assured that the quality and service they have come to expect from Thorntons will remain in place, carried forward by Damian and the Kerrigan family. It truly is a case of having your cake and eating it, as the Thornton family celebrates not only a well-earned retirement but also a smooth transition of the business to a trusted new owner. Thorntons Butcher Shop has been more than just a business; it has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly half a century. As Susan steps into retirement, the impact of her work and the legacy of her familys business will surely be remembered for years to come. READ MORE Scollans Gala goes green with Gala Greener Grant On Wednesday, the government approved plans for a national Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) terminal to be built in Ireland while scrapping the ban on imports of fracked gas. Leitrim Cllr Eddie Mitchell has said that the government's decision to allow an LNG terminal to be built in Ireland has put the future of Leitrim at stake. The decision to build the reserve is aimed at establishing a strategic emergency gas supply in Ireland and has received criticism from environmentalists nationwide, as gas imports would include bringing fracked gas into the Irish energy supply. We will fight the planned fracked LNG import terminal, read a statement from a coalition of over 22 environmental groups. The coalition, which includes Love Leitrim, Treasure Leitrim, North Leitrim Sustainable Energy Community, Leitrim Wind Industry Awareness, has vowed to fight the planned construction of a fracked gas import terminal in Ireland, saying the project would be both a climate disaster and a betrayal of the people who helped to ban fracking in Ireland. According to our government, fracking is now okay again. We live in a gas basin. Yesterday was a very difficult day for Leitrim. Our future is at stake again, said Leitrim Councillor Eddie Mitchell, who was part of the campaign in Leitrim that led to a ban on fracking in Ireland. To resist this planned LNG terminal is to resist part of the biggest rollout of new fossil fuel infrastructure on the planet, said Cllr Mitchell. We will not let down our friends in communities in the U.S., such as Pennsylvania, by agreeing to the building of a facility to take in this hazardous extinction fuel, which is killing their communities. To do so would be a betrayal of those who helped us ban fracking here in Ireland. The decision from the government puts an end to a policy against the importation of fracked gas, which had been in place since 2021. This emergency reserve will provide an alternative source of gas at an appropriate scale if Ireland were to experience such an interruption, said Minister Darragh O'Brien. However, the gas imports will not be left sitting in the LNG terminal for emergency use. The strategic reserve will need to be emptied and refilled every two months to keep the gas fresh and usable, according to the government. The gas will be put into the Irish gas network each time it is emptied, which Cllr Mitchell, along with fellow activists, fears is the first step toward building a reliance on fracked gas that will eventually lead to fracking activity in the country. The government approval means that a floating LNG terminal, which will be owned on behalf of the state by the system operator, Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), can now be built in Ireland, though the exact location is still undecided. An Bord Pleanala is currently reviewing an application from New Fortress Energy, an American oil and gas company, to build an LNG terminal in Kerry. The application was first submitted in 2007 but was denied on the basis that a review of Ireland's energy security did not support the development. However, the company brought the case to the High Court, which ruled that the government's policy was too vague and needed clarification, so the application is being reviewed again. Climate groups have also argued that the Planning and Development Bill 2024, which grants strategic infrastructure status to an LNG terminal, could allow it to be built while circumventing normal planning processes, making it more difficult for campaigners to object. READ MORE: New pub set to open this weekend in Leitrim town Photo from a work session by the visiting pediatric surgeon and their Liberian colleagues. Photo credit: Noemi Mangiamele The Temple of Justice, the seat of the Supreme Court Samuels Public Library, honored as the 2024 Virginia Library of the Year by the state library association, faces an uncertain future when its county budget allocation runs out June 30. It is the only public library serving this county about 75 miles west of Washington at the upper end of the Shenandoah Valley. The library's leaders "no longer have the best interest of this community at heart and should play no further role in the management of this county's public library system," Eric Belk, chairman of a new county board formed to exert control over the library, told supervisors at a meeting Tuesday night. A large crowd of library supporters urged the supervisors not to vote against renewing the budget agreement, and several cried "Shame!" after the vote was taken. "The disappointment in all of this is that a long-standing partnership between Samuels Library and Warren County supervisors that has been in existence since 1978 has come to this," library trustee president Melody Hotek said Thursday. "We're going to have to figure out some strategic planning on what our next moves are." Samuels Public Library is run by a nonprofit group that is governed by a board of trustees appointed from within the community. The library's roots are among the oldest in the state, stretching back to 1799, and it has functioned as a nonprofit partner with the county for decades. The county's annual allocation of about $1 million accounts for the majority of the library's funding, but Samuels also gets state funding and money from private contributors. By voting to stop the renewal of county funding, four supervisors said they want to hold a competition for a new library vendor. Samuels can reapply, they said, and could continue operating the facility on a monthly basis until a new arrangement is reached. "Tonight's vote is merely opting out of an automatic contract renewal, which preserves options for the county," supervisor Richard A. Jamieson said before Tuesday night's vote. "There will not be one second of time in Warren County when library services are not funded. Claims of defunding the library are aimed at creating public alarm and turmoil." Jamieson, a longtime Samuels opponent who was elected to the county board in 2023, spent last year compiling a report outlining what he said was mismanagement by the library's leaders. His effort drove the creation of the county library board, which was appointed by the supervisors in January and charged with determining Samuels's fate. Jamieson and others on the board were connected with a local religious group that flooded Samuels Library with challenges to LGBTQ-themed books for young people in 2023, overwhelming library staffers as they tried to process each complaint. Belk, the chairman of the county's new library oversight board, filed challenges to four books, library records show. The book opponents attended county board meetings demanding action to control the library, and supervisors withheld part of the library's funding in 2023. But after Samuels's leaders made several changes to accommodate concerns about children having access to books with sexual themes - rearranging shelves and creating new levels of library cards so parents would have more control - the supervisors released the funding and praised the library. That detente didn't last after Jamieson was elected to the board of supervisors that fall. He and others on the board say they are concerned that the public/private partnership is not providing efficient services to the county or allowing county officials enough control over their investment. But library supporters believe the question of control is aimed at books. "They don't want to see or hear anything other than what their ultimate agenda is, which is to take control of the public library in Warren County so they can remove books. I don't care what they say, that's what their agenda is," library director of operations Eileen Grady said. The county's aggressive move raises a number of practical questions. Samuels Library contends that the county's funding has paid for staff and some facilities costs, while state money and private donations have bought the books - meaning the county doesn't own them. The library trustees recently changed their bylaws to state clearly that Samuels will determine what happens to its contents if the county manages to dissolve the library. Samuels also has a lease on the county-owned building that has about 14 years remaining. The Samuels trustees have sued the county over its formation of a library board, contending that supervisors did not follow guidelines for public notice, made last-minute changes to the ordinance creating the board and that the operating agreement is between the library and supervisors, not a separate board. Because the trustees believe the county library board is illegitimate, their lawyer has advised them not to meet with the new body. On Tuesday night, Belk told the supervisors that the refusal to meet and the change in bylaws are part of a pattern of resistance and disingenuous behavior on the part of the Samuels leadership. "All of these actions had absolutely nothing to do with the preservation of a free public library in Warren County, Virginia, but everything to do with Samuels Library Incorporated's own self-preservation at the expense of the citizens of Warren County," Belk said. County supervisor Cheryl Cullers cast the only vote against the plan, saying "the amount of misinformation being spread [about the library] is beyond reality." The library is beloved in the community, she added, and has been transparent and sound in its finances. "There's no way that a new contractor can be brought in without disruption of services," Cullers said. "This whole issue has been so rushed through with no care or concern to the collateral damage to the county and community. This should not be a political or a religious issue, there's separation of church and state for a reason." Cullers moved to renew the library's contract and place a referendum on the November ballot so residents could decide if they want a new direction. Her motion failed for lack of second. By the next day, Hotek and the library team were fielding questions from concerned patrons, touching base with all the trustees and preparing to consult with lawyers to plan a way forward. One approach, Hotek said, would be to raise enough private money to continue operating without county support. One way or another, she said, "we fully intend to be open on July 1 and keep going." An official of the Liberia Land Authority presents a deed to a leader of one of the communities I came to this university because I love it, I love the students, faculty, staff, and administrators. My door is always open, lets talk and find solutions together, she said. THE RESULTS of Limerick citys air quality are in, with the campaign labelled as a great success story. In October 2024, more than 400 citizen scientists measured levels of the harmful air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), in Limericks Metropolitan District area as part of the Clean Air Together Limerick City project. The results show the impact of traffic on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution levels, with higher NO2 levels linked to higher traffic volumes. 73% of samples taken are in the lowest category for NO2, while high levels of the pollutant account for only 2% of measurements taken during the course of the project. READ ALSO: Eli Lilly to protect rare species The highest NO2 levels were found by busy roads and in the city centre at: Hassetts Cross, Island Road, Patrick Street, Upper William Street, Castle Street and High Street. A public event was hosted in Limerick to present the results of the study to the people in Limerick. This large-scale citizen science project was led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with Limerick City and County Council. Commenting on the project, Dr Micheal Lehane, EPA director, said: Clean Air Together Limerick City is a great success story, with over 400 citizen scientists in the city measuring the levels of traffic pollution in their local areas. This campaign has provided an incredibly useful snapshot of nitrogen dioxide levels in Limerick and has given us important data about this air pollutant, in addition to information from the EPAs existing air quality monitoring network. We simply couldnt have completed this project without Limerick citys citizen scientists, and it is wonderful to see the commitment of the people of Limerick city to their local environment. Nitrogen dioxide levels across Limerick were generally low, with 73% of study results falling in the lowest NO2 category (0-10 g/m3). 25% of results were in the next lowest NO2 category (10-20 g/m3). Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said: The need for clean air is fundamental to the health of citizens in Limerick. The interest in Clean Air Together Limerick City has shown peoples awareness of the importance of good air quality. The project provides an indication of the potential impact on citizens' health and well-being from transport systems in the Limerick Metropolitan Area and in that regard my Mayoral Programme is committed to positive action. Key to this are a number of strategies and plans including our Local Authority Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 and the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy which will have a significant positive impact providing sustainable options for active travel and actions that support a climate resilient society. The information gathered through Clean Air Together will now be used by the EPA to assist with its air quality modelling and forecasting. The information will be used by Limerick City and County Council to further enhance their baseline data for the city to measure all future air quality, building on valuable work to date. This campaign in Limericks Metropolitan District follows similar and successful campaigns in Dublin in 2021, Cork city in 2022 and Galway in 2023. Long-time broadcaster Joe Duffy has issued an apology to listeners of today's (March 7) Liveline on RTE Radio 1 after using explicit language while live on air. Liveline, which is on from Monday to Friday at 1:45pm until 3pm, is an every-day affairs segment in which callers can phone into Mr Duffy and discuss a wide variety of topics. Today's show was no different, with people from all over Ireland phoning in to talk about electricity bills, obsessive compulsive disorder, the lack of school places for special needs children, and much more. However, one of these segments did seem to grind on the long-time presenter's gears, after listeners of the show heard Mr Duffy use the word "F**k" in relation to a topic which a caller brought up. The caller, subject and word used have all appeared to be cut from the RTE Player's episode, which was uploaded mere hours after the unintentional slip-up. However, the presenter's apology is still featured on the playback. READ MORE: FOUND: Search stood down for missing 59-year-old as gardai issue update The media personality said on Liveline, "Before we move on, I want to apologise for my loose use of language earlier on. After 37 years doing a daily programme, it's the first time it happened and I apologise, obviously. I hope my listeners, my loyal listeners and long-term listeners will know that its very unusual, thankfully, occurrence." Many listeners took to social media to comment on their surprise at the language used. One said, "Oops, turn down your mic Joe." While another asked, "Did Joe Duffy just have a cut off your man under his breath?" A final person stated, "Kinda get the feeling Duffy doesn't agree with this caller..." followed by a smirking emoji. If you missed Liveline with Joe Duffy, you can listen to the most recent episode here. LIMERICK is to be home to a new citizens parliament which aims to be reflective of Irish society. Mary Immaculate College academics are looking for 20 people to join the assembly, which will focus on media and democracy. Parliaments like these are democratic tools to increase the voice of citizens by carefully organising debates around certain issues, and supporting its participants to form a number of resolutions which will contribute to societys improvement. A European-wide project, it is being led here in Ireland by Dr Rosemary Day, who is the head of media and communication studies at the college in the city. READ MORE: New professor appointed at a Limerick school of law to be 'role model' for students The citizens parliament will meet at its South Circular Road campus on four Saturdays: March 22, April 5, April 26 and May 10. Ireland is working alongside nine other European nations in bringing a citizens parliament under a massive continent-wide research project to set out ways to strengthen democracy. But Ireland is the only country whose parliament will not meet in its capital city. We decided Limerick city and county is as representative of Ireland as anywhere else, so why not bring it here, said Dr Day. Why should Dublin be the only place which represents Ireland? A lot of Ireland lives outside Dublin. Twenty members are required to join the assembly, and expressions of interest are now being sought. Dr Day, pictured above, said: We will look to see a more or less 50-50 split of male and female. Well see if we have a mix of ages from 18 upwards. Do we have a range of diversity, and do we have people who are representative of different minorities in the community? She said the impact of the parliament will be felt widely, and it will be a real way of shaping the future from Limerick. Each meeting of the parliament will see an information session, before group work. Then in the afternoon, the parliament will sit to present formal resolutions. Two of the people from the parliament will go on an all-expenses paid trip to Brussels to present the resolutions of the parliament to MEPs and the European Commission, said Dr Day. There will be other opportunities to link in with local politicians, she added. The Mary Immaculate College academic is keen to ensure people who have little interest in politics are present, as well as those who are fully engaged. Each participant will get 400 in gift vouchers if they take part in all four parliamentary sittings. For more information, email medemap@mic.ul.ie. Farming emissions are down; Transport emissions are up! Wheres the deep dive into Transport data? The President of ICMSA, Denis Drennan, has said that farmers will be fascinated by the announcement that the CSO is to launch a new Agri-Environment Indicator Resource aimed at establishing the understanding the dynamic relationship between agriculture and the environment and updating the CSOs data under various agri headings including Land Use, Biodiversity & Ecosystems Services, Climate & Environmental Impact, Soil Health and other areas. Mr Drennan said that he looked forward to hearing the CSO announcement of similar 'deep dive' into the data around those other sectors identified as requiring action on environmental grounds such as urban waste water treatment, data centres and the impact of the Dublin Airport cap. ICMSA is just a little perplexed by the idea that the CSO is singling out farming and agri yet again for special attention under a variety of headings with the specific aim, it seems, of assembling a comprehensive list of Agri-Environmental Indicators across various themes monitored and reported by the CSO in one central space. We feel compelled to ask where the announcement of a Transport Indicator Resource is given that the Governments own figures have agri emissions falling last year by around 4.5%, while Transport emissions not alone did not fall, but actually increased! Mr Drennan said there was a nagging suspicion based on bitter experience that despite the Governments repeated assurances that every sector would have to play its role in reducing emissions, that some sectors and specifically farming - was going to be saddled with a disproportionate share of the burden while others would be allowed to plead special exemptions and vital national interest. The ICMSA President said that it was difficult to imagine a more vital national interest than producing the food that powered a 16 billion export-orientated sector. But the CSO announcement reinforced farmer suspicions that data was constantly being assembled to use in prescriptive regulatory way against them and the wider agri-sector while other sectors were allowed mark their own homework. Mr Drennan cautioned the Government against even the perception of sectoral favouritism: ICMSA has always said that farming will play our part. But equally we have always said and Ill repeat it again that we absolutely will not allow a situation where farmers or the farming sector is asked to carry other sectors burdens through to the new lower-emissions society and economy. Agri emissions are going down and going down significantly. Transport emissions are actually still rising. But the CSO announced a deep-dive into the data from farming under several sub-headings? If there is a deep dive into agriculture, the same should apply to other sectors and the Government has to understand that we will not allow ourselves to be anyones Whipping Boy here, said Mr Drennan. *Sponsored Content Mumbai: The debt troubles of Gensol Engineering Ltd, whose loans were downgraded to default by two rating agencies this week, are more pronounced than initially thought. Mint has learnt that Ahmedabad-based solar plant construction company has delayed repayments to one of its largest lenders, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (Ireda), by up to two months. A spokesperson for state-run Ireda said the delay has been up to 30 days in some accounts, while in others, it's up to 60 days from the due date. That contradicts Gensols claims on the severity of the delay. On 4 March, a spokesperson for the company said it would like to clarify that this was a one-time disruption, resulting in a minor delay in debt repayment, which has since been promptly settled". The Ireda spokesperson, however, clarified that loans to Gensol have not turned non-performing. As on date, there is no proposal for restructuring the dues." A Gensol spokesperson said on Thursday, We have already addressed the concerns related to downgrade and minor payment delays which occurred due to short-term liquidity mismatch and is now improving by way of customer payments." The company denies any involvement in falsification claims and would be setting up a committee to comprehensively review the matter, the spokesperson said. Debt defaults Gensols financial crunch surfaced in public on 3 March, when Care Ratings Ltd downgraded its 716 crore bank loan to default, citing delays in servicing of term loan obligations". The following day, Icra Ltd downgraded the loans to default, stating the company "apparently falsified" information about its debt servicing. The company's share price tanked 20% on Wednesday, followed by another 10% drop on Thursday. The stock has plunged 37% since last Friday (28 February). Also read | Debt repayment ability of mfg cos fell in Q3 on weaker earnings, shows RBI data According to Icra, as of 22 November, some of Gensol's prominent creditors include Power Finance Corp. Ltd, with loans of 334.8 crore; HDFC Bank Ltd ( 26.4 crore); Tata Motors Finance Ltd ( 18.3 crore); and Axis Bank Ltd ( 15 crore). But Anmol Singh Jaggi, chairman and managing director, had not just borrowed from these large financial institutions. As of December quarter, he had pledged 81.70% of his 62.6% ownership in Gensol. In February, Jaggi turned to over a dozen financial companies and stock broking firms to pledge more shares. By the end of the month, show exchange filings, the stock offered as collateral against loans jumped to 85.5%, A falling share price could lead some of these creditors to either take control of the shares or sell them in case Jaggi is not able to provide adequate security for the money he has borrowed. On Tuesday, the same day Care Ratings released the report, Badjate Stock Broking Pvt Ltd, a Nagpur-based stockbroking company, took control of 0.37% of Jaggi's shares. Anuj Badjate, the managing director of the firm, declined to comment. We would like to state that all the share pledged data has been filed and uploaded on the exchanges," said the Gensol spokesperson cited earlier. How it came to this Jaggi started Gensol in 2012 as a strategic advisory firm. By 2017, he started a solar engineering and procurement business. In 2019, months before he took the company public, he started an electric-car hailing business under BluSmart Mobility. Also read | Low battery: The biggest challenge hindering BluSmart, the electric-cab company When Gensol listed in October 2019, its stock opened at 21 a share. Investors were hardly excited for the next two years as the shares remained under 25. Things started changing in January 2022, the year he announced plans to manufacture electric vehicles in Chakan, Pune. Shares jumped from 30 apiece to over 350 by the end of the year. By March 2024, the stock had peaked at 1,200 a share. During this rally, Jaggi started to borrow more money by pledging shares. The promoter pledge jumped to 85.5% as of February from 27% as of June 2022. Mint could not independently ascertain where this money was being deployed. But investors have started raising questions. [T]he execution has been really below the expectations. In the last 12 months, the share price has almost halved. Every time in last 2 quarters, if I remember correctly, results come out, and the stock falls another 10% to 15% immediately after the result," an individual investor, Kapil Banga, said the post-earnings interaction on 13 February. So that's the execution without a good order book (although) presence across renewable energy, battery energy storage, solar, EVsI'm a small investor, earning a salary and investing here. The return so far has been really underwhelming." Jaggi said the company has zero control over falling share prices and attributed the decline to macroeconomic factors. It is beyond our scope. What we know is how to build solar power plants, what we know is how to build EV cars, and we continue to focus on that," said Jaggi, who was quizzed about high debt ( 1,250 crore) by three other investors. Also read | Indias power grid facing warnings due to sudden dip in solar power generation Surviving on hope Gensol says it has signed a non-binding agreement to sell the US-based solar tracking subsidiary Scorpius Trackers to an unnamed American company for 350 crore. The management said the transaction should be completed by the end of March 2026. "Gensol bought Scorpius Trackers for about 140 crore last year. Trying to sell part of the business for twice the enterprise value will be great if they can do it," said an investor who claims to have been approached at least three times in the last six months by the management of Blu-Smart mobility to invest in the company. Gensol is also discussing selling 2,997 electric vehicles worth 315 crore to Refex Green Mobility, a Chennai-based firm. The company told investors last month that it remains hopeful that the deal will be completed by the first quarter of the next fiscal at the latest. Till then, Jaggi's plans to get his company out of this financial crunch rests more on hope. A real estate investment trust sponsored by asset manager Blackstone Group and Bengaluru developer Sattva Group filed its draft papers with the market regulator for an initial public offering (IPO) to raise around 7,000 crore. The Knowledge Realty Trust has a portfolio of 30 Grade A office assets across 48 million sq. ft., mostly concentrated in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. It will be majority owned by Blackstone at 55% while Sattva Group will hold the rest, the company said in its offer document filed with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). It will be the second largest real estate investment trust (Reit) in Asia by leasable area, and the largest in the country by net operating income (NOI) and gross asset value. Blackstone is a sponsor to three of the four listed Reits in India. Shirish Godbole, former managing director of Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds in India, has been appointed as chief executive officer of the trust; Quaiser Parvez, former CEO of Blackstone-owned Nucleus Office Parks, will be the chief operating officer. Also read | With WFH ending, Reits have turned the corner. Will retail investors line up? The trust aims to raise around 7,000 crore, said a person familiar with the companies' plans. The Reit has a brand neutral strategy, where it aims to not only acquire assets inorganically but also give an opportunity to other developers who can contribute their assets to the Reit, while maintaining their brand identity, the person said. Reits have faced their share of challenges in recent years, many of them pandemic-induced. But with the office market turning around, they are gaining more acceptance. Its a great time to launch a Reit. Indias office sector saw a record high of 79 million sq. ft of gross leasing in 2024, and continues to see big demand led by global capability centres (GCCs)," said Ram Chandnani, managing director, advisory & transaction services at property advisory CBRE India. Around 90% of the Sattva-Blackstone Reit is leased to marquee tenants, split between multi-national corporations and GCCs. The portfolio is one of the biggest with Grade A assets and good quality tenants. Many of their assets are concentrated in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, which are the top two office markets. The Reit IPO should see good investor interest," Chandnani added. Also read | Why M&A king Blackstone is building industrial realty assets from scratch Reits in India A Reit is a trust that owns a pool of income-generating commercial real estate assets, such as office parks and shopping malls, held in a special purpose vehicle (SPV). It generates revenue by leasing out these properties and collecting rent from tenants. Sebi regulations require at least 80% of a Reits assets to be completed and income-producing. Although Sebi gave these trusts the green light in 2014, India has only three listed office Reits: Embassy Reit, Mindspace Business Parks Reit, and Brookfield India Reit. It also has one listed retail Reit: Nexus Select Trust. As per the latest Indian Reits Association figures, the Indian Reit market oversees gross assets under management (AUM) of around 1.52 trillion, with a market capitalization surpassing 95,000 crore as of 7 February. The portfolios managed by these Reits cover over 126 million sq. ft. of Grade A office and retail space across the country. Also read | SM Reits: How Property Share is literally giving rich retail investors a piece of the action in real estate India has nearly 400 million sq. ft of Reit-worthy office space, almost four times the size of the four listed Reits, setting the stage for future listings, as per analyst estimates, which will lead to the growth of the product. Analysts say Reits are a good diversification option for investors who are looking to get relatively stable cash flows. These instruments, which are moderate risk, moderate return, are not meant to replace the equity component of a portfolio. BENGALURU : Multi-brand restaurant operator Rebel Foods, which is gearing up for a public-market listing in 2025-26, expects its newly launched 15-minute food delivery service Quickies by EatSure to be a major growth driver in coming years, EatSures co-founder and chief executive Sagar Kochhar told Mint in an interview. The Mumbai-based company sees a massive opportunity in quick food deliveries and believes it has the right to win in the category thanks to its well-established model comprising offline eateries as well as cloud kitchens, which allow it to offer a full-stack setup with access to multiple brands such as Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, and Wendys, Kochhar said. We have realized that quick commerce and quick food delivery is the new reality of the F&B [food and beverages] world. It is bound to disrupt because it takes convenience to the next level. We already have a full-stack play across 50-odd locations that we have built over a decade," Kochhar said. We are well placed to live up to the 15-minute promise. And not just that, we are offering a guarantee that you will get your food delivered in 15 minutes or get it for free," the executive added. Rebel's Quickies, launched in Mumbai's select pin codes in February, is expected to reach other metro cities such as the National Capital Region (NCR), Bengaluru, Chennai, and Pune in the next 6-12 months, Kochhar told Mint. Founded in 2011 by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee, Rebel Foods operates brands such as Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story, and Faasos, competing with large fast-food chains and standalone cloud kitchen operators. Currently, it operates over 450 cloud kitchens across 75 cities in India, the Middle East, North Africa, Indonesia, and the UK. In December 2024, Rebel secured $210 million in a Series G round led by Temasek, with participation from existing investor Evolvence, to aid the expansion of EatSure. Mint reported that the round valued the company at $750 million. Return of ordering in Quick food deliveries have taken the Indian food-tech ecosystem by storm over the last one year, with small and large players looking to make the most of the post-pandemic rebound in ordering in. Quick-commerce player Zepto was the first to start a quick food delivery service called Zepto Cafe in 2022. It launched a standalone app for its food business in December 2024. Swiggy and Zomatos Blinkit followed suit and launched standalone apps this year to deliver meals, snacks, and beverages in 15-20 minutes. Private investors have also shown interest in funding newer players in the space, looking to cash in on the opportunity. In November, Bengaluru-based quick food delivery startup Swish, founded in August 2024, raised $2 million from venture capital firm Accel and other investors. The rush into online fast-food deliveries is expected to increase competition in the food ordering space, prompting regular food service companies to prepare items for shorter delivery timelines. Rebel has now joined the bandwagon. However, Rebels Kochhar doesnt believe Quickies is intended to pose competition to incumbents like Swiggy and Zomato. I think about this less as competition and more about the ability to solve for convenience and meet customer needs in the best possible manner," he added. Rebels brands are listed on Swiggy and Zomato and these platforms will remain strategic partners as they generate a good chunk" of business, according to Kochhar. Offline for the win Rebels entry into instant food delivery is based on its extensive offline restaurant setup, which includes seven EatSure food courts, three Oven Story dine-in outlets, and 12 Wendys outlets. The Temasek- and KKR-backed firm made some changes to its physical kitchens to meet the 15-minute food delivery promise, including technology interventions like workflow and kitchen upgrades to boost operational efficiency, according to Kochhar. These investments have helped reduce kitchen preparation time, streamline staff movement, and replenish supplies like groceries and packaging. It has also introduced artificial intelligence-powered systems to forecast how many orders are likely to be registered at a given point in time and how the workforce can be used efficiently to meet the demand. However, instant food delivery can be costly. It took Swiggy and Zomato a decade to put together a strong system of delivery fleet. Lets not forget how much effort it takes to build sustained relationships with restaurant partners. With Rebel making and delivering its own food, we can expect some operational complications in the initial stages," said an early-stage investor on the condition of anonymity. According to Rebels Kochhar, the investments in upgrading technology have been minimal. The additional investment was very incremental. If someone was to build the cloud kitchen model from scratch, it would have cost about 60-80 lakh. For us, it was already there," Kochhar noted. In 2023-24, the companys revenue from operations saw a modest rise to 1,420 crore from 1,195 crore a year ago, while expenses remained flat at 1,857 crore, showed regulatory filings accessed by business intelligence platform Tofler. To create top-of-mind recall among consumers, Rebel is looking to expand its partnerships with national as well as international chains. It is already tied up with the fast-food chain Taco Bell. Several conversations are ongoing. We want to bring multiple cuisines on the table for consumers to choose," Kochhar said. Few brands have their image as closely tied to their CEO as Tesla. For most of the electric-car makers history, that was good for business. Elon Musks pledge to reduce the worlds reliance on fossil fuels and his push to broaden the appeal of electric cars attracted legions of buyers looking to make a statementto declare their allegiance to his grand vision of techno-environmentalism. Now that Musk has allied himself with Donald Trump and plunged into the deep end of national politics, many Tesla owners and would-be buyers are asking themselves what kind of statement it makes to get behind the wheel of a Tesla these days. Such doubts have begun showing up in worrisome numbers for the company. Garth Ancier, a TV executive from Los Angeles, recalled discussing more than a year ago with two fellow owners what it felt like to be seen in a Tesla. They said, You know, Im getting uncomfortable driving this car around because its like driving a big red MAGA hat," Ancier said. Now Ancier wants to sell his 4-year-old Model X. If not for his behavior, Id probably stick with a Tesla." Tesla, the nations largest producer of electric vehicles by far, has long led the auto industry in consumer loyalty, and surveys show many owners have no intention of abandoning the brand now. Yet recent polling shows that the brands appeal has been eroding, and sales data suggest it has begun taking a financial toll. Back in 2022, before Musk waded into presidential politics, automotive consulting firm Strategic Vision found that 22% of car shoppers surveyed said they would definitely consider" a Tesla for their next vehicle purchase. That put Tesla on par with other luxury car brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, said Alexander Edwards, the firms president. By last summer, that percentage had dropped to 7%roughly in line with Lincoln and Dodgeand it has stayed there, a precipitous decline that is rare in the car business, Edwards said. At this point, we dont see any signs of recovery," Edwards said, noting that Teslas historic appeal to environmentally minded buyers and Musks right-leaning politics are at odds. About 63% of those surveyed in December said they wouldnt consider buying a Tesla, a roughly 10-percentage point jump from spring of last year. Neither Tesla nor Musk responded to requests for comment for this article. In recent weeks, after Musk pushed for mass firings of federal workers and backed a far-right political party in Germany, protesters have demonstrated at Tesla showrooms in the U.S. and Europe, and some Tesla stores and Supercharger stations have been vandalized, including with spray-painted swastikas. Teslas challenges extend well beyond any backlash to Musks politics. The companys sales and profitability have been under pressure because of its relatively old vehicle lineup and intensifying competition from other automakers trying to lure buyers with aggressive promotions. Quality problems and plunging resale values also have weighed on Teslas brand perception, especially as competitors have caught up with the electric-car pioneer on technology and battery range. Sales hits Last year, Teslas worldwide vehicle deliveries slipped 1%, the first drop in more than a decade, even though industrywide EV sales rose 25%. In the U.S., Tesla sales fell 7% last year, and by 2% in the first two months of this year, according to estimates by research firm Wards Intelligence. And worrisome numbers have begun surfacing in foreign markets. In February, Tesla new-vehicle registrations plummeted by 76.3% in Germany and 26% in France, according to government and industry association data. Tesla China, which exports to other countries, delivered 30,688 new cars in February, down 49% from the year-earlier period, partly because of increased competition from domestic EV makers. Analysts attribute the declines partly to market factors, including customers waiting for a refreshed Tesla Model Y scheduled to be released in this month. Still, they say, Musks actions are a factor, particularly in Germany. When you play politics, there is always a risk," said Felipe Munoz, an analyst with the automotive consumer-research firm JATO Dynamics. The value of Teslas stock skyrocketed after President Trumps victory, with investors hopeful that Musks proximity to the president would benefit his businesses. Investors also liked Musks heightened focus on artificial intelligence and robotics at Tesla, which plans to start building its first fully self-driving car in 2026. This year, though, the shares have dropped 35%, wiping out most of the post-election gains. Still, Tesla is valued at about $847 billion, according to FactSet, more than any other car company. Sales and survey data suggest that politics is affecting demand. Republicans are now more likely to say they would buy a Tesla than Democrats, a sharp reversal from much of the companys history, according to survey data from research firm Morning Consult. The percentage of Democrats who said they would consider buying a Tesla as their next vehicle declined from 23% in August 2023 to 13% in February, the data show. Over that same period, the percentage of would-be Republican buyers grew from 15% to 26%. Some analysts said conservatives are more hesitant to pull the trigger on an EV purchase, which might make it more difficult to turn rising Republican support into sales. Tesla doesnt disclose sales figures by state, but data on new-vehicle registrations collected by S&P Global Mobility suggest that sales declined sharply last year in some left-leaning metropolitan areas that have been core to the companys growth, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas, and while rising in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Miami-Ft. Lauderdale. I used to idolize the guy," said Diego Leporini, a Southern California entrepreneur who bought his first Tesla in 2023. Now, he wants to distance himself from Musk. He sold off his 83 shares of Tesla stock in protest of the CEOs ties to Trump, he said, and he is trying to get out of his Model Y lease. Leporini, who comes from a family of immigrants, said his wife, in-laws and colleagues have criticized him for driving the car. People have been pretty vocal about it, and honestly, I get it," he said. Musk built Tesla into the worlds most valuable automaker largely by courting customers attracted to the companys environmentalism and techno-optimism. Teslas stated mission of accelerating the worlds transition to sustainable energy" was what drew many employees to the company, too. Playing politics Over the years, Musk became more outspoken about divisive political issues. He pushed back on Covid-era restrictions in 2020, defying lockdown orders and suing Teslas home county for the right to keep its factory running. Last July, following the Trump assassination attempt, Musk threw his full support behind the Republican nominee, ultimately pouring about a quarter-billion dollars into pro-Trump political groups. In recent months, he has posted on X that alarmists" have exaggerated the speed of climate change. In December, he stunned many Europeans by endorsing Germanys far-right AfD party, a political group that has opposed Teslas Berlin factory and denied climate change is man-made. He also has expressed support for Reform UK, a populist party that wants to scrap policies to fight climate change. At Trumps inauguration, he twice made a gesture in which he held out his arm straight, with his palm facing down. Some viewers said it resembled a Nazi salute. Musk hasnt directly commented on what he intended, but wrote on X: The everyone is Hitler attack is sooo tired." The reaction was swift. At Teslas factory in Berlin, activists projected next to the Tesla sign an image of Musk making the gesture, and the words heil." Some U.S. owners have found fliers on their cars urging them to sell their vehicles. Police in Arcata, Calif., said that four Tesla drivers reported threatening messages left on their windshields. Inside Tesla, managers have been confronting questions about Musks behavior and its impact on sales, as well as on hiring and recruitment, particularly in Palo Alto, Calif., where Tesla has its engineering office, according to a person familiar with those conversations. Jared Ottmann, who had worked for nearly seven years as a supply-chain engineer, expressed concern about the arm gesture and other controversial comments by Musk in a LinkedIn post in January. Ive raised the issue internally multiple times, with managers, HR, legal compliance, investor relations," wrote Ottmann, who is Jewish. And while overwhelmingly people offer personal support, Tesla as a company has remained silent. The silence from Tesla is deafening." After refusing to take the post down, Ottmann was terminated, his lawyer said. Thomas Temme, a senior software engineer at Tesla in Germany, said Musk now supports political actors who not only dont care about the mission, but who proactively deny climate change and have a history of fighting everything Tesla stands for." Temme said he feels more comfortable speaking publicly than some of his colleagues because of Germanys worker protections. Anil Patel, who worked as an engineer at Tesla for more than four years, left in December, telling colleagues in an email: I will take my one chance on the soapbox to say that Elons company leadership and political actions are the biggest reasons Im leaving Tesla. Its become impossible for me to cling onto the climate mission statement when I fear so much harm to people and the environment coming in this countrys future." Some board members and one executive have told people they see Musks close relationship with the president as a positive, giving him influence over issues that could benefit the company longer term, according to people familiar with the conversations. Tesla Cybertrucks at the companys Gigafactory Texas. Two Tesla board members and some senior executives have expressed support publicly for Musks political involvement and some of the policies he has embraced. Some Tesla owners, though, have said the controversy has gotten to be too much. Bob Eckert, who described himself as a onetime Musk fan, said his desire to sell his 2021 Model Y had been building since Trumps inauguration. As the days and weeks went on, we realized it was not something we could afford to support, even if we lost money," he said. He unloaded his vehicle in February, taking a $3,000 financial hit because he owed more on his loan than the car was worth, replacing it with an electric Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Ford dealer offered him 0% financing and a $1,000 cash bonus for defecting from Tesla. Larry Boughton, a 76-year-old retired mortgage banker from Houston, said he was watching the news about Musks plans for the DOGE in early January and decided he no longer wanted the two Cybertrucks he had ordered. He walked to his office and canceled his reservations. As soon as he started doing all this stuff that Trump wanted him to do, I didnt want to be a part of it," Broughton said. I actually own some Tesla stock, and Im thinking of selling that as well." Write to Becky Peterson at becky.peterson@wsj.com and Sean McLain at sean.mclain@wsj.com MUMBAI : Flush with funds, study-abroad platform Leap is in late-stage talks to acquire study-abroad fintech Prodigy Finance Ltd, with plans to acquire more startups, three persons close to the development told Mint . The final details are being ironed out, and the deal will close soon, said one of the persons, adding that Leap is also evaluating two to three other startups to acquire. Mint could not ascertain the size of the deal. Queries sent to Leap and Prodigy on Thursday haven't elicited a response. On Wednesday, its student-lending arm, Leap Finance Inc., secured a $100 million debt facility from HSBC's $1 billion ASEAN Growth Fund for new economy businesses to support students pursuing international education, the company said in a statement. Since its inception in 2019, Leap has raised over $400 million in equity and debt. Leap's merger and acquisition (M&A) aspirations also follow January's $65 million Series E equity round led by Apis Partners. One of the terms of the funding from Apis included the acquisition of Prodigy as they majorly support finance-focused ventures," said the second person from the three quoted above. Apis Partners also did not respond to Mint queries till the time of publishing the story. Founded in 2007, Prodigy Finance is a higher education finance company with a borderless lending model that allows students to apply for loans based on their future earning potential rather than their current circumstances or credit history. The company also secured financing of up to $310 million with a funding commitment from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). In an interview following the equity funding in January, founder Arnav Kumar told Mint that the company is looking for M&As to expand, especially in China and India. If the deal goes through, it will be a large acquisition for Leap Finance, which has already acquired Yocket. Leap, which runs Leap Scholar, Leap Finance, GeeBee and Yocket, caters to Indian students pursuing or wishing to pursue higher education abroad. The platform offers test prep for international exams such as IELTS, TOEFL and SAT, admissions and visa counselling, and international student loans. While the company did not disclose the recent funding round valuation, it was valued at $850-900 million in the funding round before that. Leap's funding spree comes after over two tough years for edtech, marked by waning investor confidence due to declining post-pandemic demand for online learning, a shift from growth to profitability, and the collapse of industry leader Byjus. But over the past year, edtechs have started niching down especially in high-margin or under-penetrated areas like study abroad, resulting in the segment gaining investor confidence. Note: An earlier version of this article had said that study-abroad consultancy KC Overseas Education was among entities that Leap was evaluating for an acquisition. KC Overseas Education asserted that it was not engaged in M&A discussions with any entity, including Leap. US president Donald Trump says that starting 2 April, reciprocal tariffs will be imposed on India and others. With Indian electronics being a key item imported by US tech firms, this raised concerns about how the tariffs will impact a multi-billion-dollar revenue stream for India. What exactly has the US threatened? Trump, while addressing a joint session of the US Congress, labelled tariffs, or import duties, imposed by various nations on goods exported by the US as very unfair". He also singled out higher than 100%" tariffs that he said India currently imposes on automotive imports from the US. Although Trump did not specifically refer to electronic goods in his address, strictures set to be imposed by the US from 2 April could add tax liabilities to electronic goods imported by technology companies from India, too. Therefore, brands that are using India as a manufacturing hub now could see their overall costs increase. Such a situation would theoretically put pressure on the advantage that India currently holds over other countries as a low-cost, electronics manufacturing destination for global brands such as Apple. What would the scale of impact be on India? According to a central government estimate, Indias net electronics exports to the world stands at $30 billion. Nearly 60% of this comes from smartphones, and two-thirds of this are driven by Apples iPhones. The Centre has projected the net goods and services exports from India to the world to come to $800 billion in FY25, and merchandise exports (i.e. of physical goods only) at nearly $450 billion. Electronics, thus, account for nearly 4% of all exports, and 7% of goods exports from India. These figures are expected to grow steeply as India ramps up factories to make semiconductors and higher-value components within the next two financial years. What tariffs does India impose on the US? The Centre in the interim Union budget last year reduced import tariff on smartphones from 20% to 15%. This means that devices made by the US outside of India are subject to an additional 15% tax before being sold domestically. Similarly, smartwatches currently face a 20% import duty. Various components of electronics also face a range of import taxes, as India pushes to have more components manufactured locally. Would US tariffs impact India severely? Indias electronic manufacturers, at least for now, think not. India is a cheap market in various cost factors that allow tech manufacturers to build large factories. While reciprocal duties on exports from India to the US would reduce cost benefits for the likes of Apple and Samsung, most executives believe the tariffs wont hurt Indias advantage. But, with the Centres incentive scheme for electronics assemblies ending soon, the likes of Dixon Technologies, Tata Electronics and Kaynes may need to move from assembling to manufacturing to cement Indias position as a leading electronics maker. Would this mean more expensive gadgets? Trade policy experts maintain that reciprocal tariffs are akin to a geopolitical conflict". If neither nation backs down from heavy taxes, brands may be forced to increase prices to maintain operating marginswhich in turn would indeed lead to electronics items becoming more expensive across the world. Analysts are thus keeping a keen eye on an India-US bilateral trade treaty expected later this year, where electronics and technology sectors are expected to be key discussions. A mutual understanding can give a major fillip to India, in its bid to outpace Chinas firm seat at the top of the global tech table. New Delhi: A group of trade experts advising the government on its trade negotiations with the Donald Trump administration has recommended that India prepare to levy tit-for-tat tariffs on American goods that enjoy significant market access in India and that contribute to a sizeable US trade surplus in these product categories. The strategy The strategy is expected to give India negotiating leverage in the ongoing trade talks, at a time the US President has doubled down on imposing retaliatory tariffs from 2 April, which casts a shadow of uncertainty over Indias access to the US market. India should consider such strategic retaliatory tariffs on goods from the US, if the trade tensions were to escalate once again, the group has said. Products such as nuts, fruits, beverages and spirits, dye extracts for leather, plastic articles, pulp of wood, steel, aluminium and precision instruments hold considerable significance for US trade in India. In addition, mineral fuels, slag, and ash from the US enjoy significant market access in India and contribute to the sizeable US trade surplus in mining products. Also read | The day Trumps tariff threats became a reality for America Inc. A strategic tightening of Indias tariff policy in some of these sectors would not only recalibrate the volume of bilateral trade but further enhance Indias trade surplus with the US, said Sachin Chaturvedi, director general at Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). He heads the group of experts. The group has submitted its report to the government. Ahead of the Trump administrations 2 April deadline for reciprocal tariffs to go into effect, Indias commerce minister Piyush Goyal is currently engaged in trade talks in the US. The two sides are negotiating a bilateral trade agreement that will allow for selective coverage of key areas such as tariffs, non-tariff barriers (NTBs), and trade facilitation. This agreement will be fully compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) provisions, ensuring access to the dispute settlement mechanism (DSM). Despite facing coercive trade measures from the US under the second Trump administration, India has so far opted for a conciliatory approach, by incorporating some of Americas concerns into its policies through the 1 February Union Budget. This marks a departure from Indias stance under the first Trump administration, when retaliatory tariffs were imposed in response to heightened US duties on steel and aluminium. An official spokesperson for the commerce ministry said that the government is not speaking on the matter as of now. Also read | Mint Explainer: Will tariff reductions and a trade treaty with US harm India? The group has cautioned that the final-goods sector could become the most vulnerable target for trade scrutiny and potential punitive measures against India by the Trump administration. The US has a pronounced trade deficit in this sector, which comprises 37.5% of the bilateral trade and a striking 79.3% of Indias overall trade surplus with the US. Indian exports Indias exports in this sector are dominated by 44 products that span 17 trade chapters, including six agricultural and 38 manufacturing items. Specific products in categories such as textiles, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and fisheries are particularly vulnerable to targeted trade actions due to their strategic importance and competitive positioning. Any trade actions targeting them could significantly affect Indias market access in the US. Further, if the US enforces trade restrictions on high trade surplus trade partners such as China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico, India may face indirect consequences. In particular, measures against China, Canada, or Mexico could have a cascading impact on Indias exports, even if India is not directly targeted. Also read | Amid US policy shifts, India turns to Africa, West Asia for solar exports In 2023, bilateral trade between India and the US reached $117.8 billion, with India importing goods worth $42 billion and exporting $75.8 billion, resulting in a significant export surplus of $33.8 billion. India, despite registering a trade surplus of $33.8 billion with the US in 2023, contributed a modest 3.2% to the overall deficit, making it the ninth-largest trade surplus partner of the US. In contrast, China retained its position as the USs largest trade deficit partner, responsible for over 30% of the total US trade deficit. By imposing tariffs, Trump is resorting to the time-tested strategy of the US of erecting barriers to exports from other countries, in order to coax them to come to the negotiating table and accept even the most unreasonable demands of the US business and trade," said Abhijit Das, former head of Centre of WTO Studies at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, and a long-time international trade negotiator for India. Historical context He said that the US had previously unleashed this strategy during 1986 - 1993 and arm-twisted Brazil, India and Thailand to agree to the agreement on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights. Also read | Dal diplomacy: India's import duty plans to spare the US, punish Canada Indias response should be that we announce that in respect of intellectual property rights held by Americans, India will henceforth not respect those intellectual property rights", said Das. In particular, when it comes to patents in the pharmaceutical sector, India could say very clearly that the issue of tariffs and the issue of intellectual property rights in particular, the shift from process patent to product patent was part of a compact, which is technically called a single undertaking at the WTO. And since the US is not willing to uphold its side of the compact in respect of tariffs, India would feel free to revert back to the system of process patents in respect of pharmaceuticals for IP held by US," Das added. He, however, cautioned that in selecting products for retaliatory measures, a consideration will have to be to leave out products where India is dependent on the US for sourcing those items, or it will amount to shooting ourselves in the foot. Donald Trump appears determined to end the war in Ukraineand on terms that are strongly in Russias favour. He and his vice-president have harangued Ukraines leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, in the Oval Office , warning him that he has no leverage and that he needs a ceasefire or he will have no country left. However, the latest casualty figures tell a different story. This is a bloody war, but Russia is bleeding more than Ukraine. And it is taking almost no territory. The invasion has come at enormous cost to human life. New death-toll estimates show that the fighting has become more deadly with each passing year. Our charts below show the latest figures, which are drawn from intelligence agencies, defence officials, independent researchers and open-source intelligence. Start with Ukraine. Data from UAlosses, a website, show that at least 65,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in 2022. To get their numbers, researchers combed through news articles and social-media posts to compile a list of soldiers who are known to have been killed. They found another 55,000 who are missing in action, which could put the death toll at 120,000. In September 2024 a leaked report from a Ukrainian intelligence agency suggested that at least 70,000-80,000 soldiers had died. These numbers do not include civilian deaths, on which there is strikingly little data. Many tens of thousands of civilians are believed to have been killed. Russian deaths, however, are even higher. BBC Russia estimates that between 150,000 and 210,000 soldiers had been killed as of February. Other places have produced similar estimates. The International Institute for Strategic Studies, a think-tank based in London, reckons that as of early January, at least 172,000 soldiers had died. Mediazona and Meduza, two independent Russian media outlets, put the number between 160,000 and 165,000 by the end of 2024. They use inheritance and other records to arrive at these estimates, which are also available by week (see chart 3). These data suggest that Russian deaths have increased exponentially, from about 20,000 in 2022, to about 50,000 in 2023 and nearly 100,000 in 2024. Monthly casualty estimates from Britains ministry of defence and war activity detected by The Economists tracker also suggest that the fighting has become more intense. In December a British official said that Russian casualties (including dead and wounded) were on track to reach 1m within six months. Despite Russias size advantage, these numbers suggest that roughly one in 30 men between the ages of 20 and 49 has been killed or injured in the past three years. Mr Trump has cited very different numbers for those killed in the conflict so far: We have numbers that almost a million Russian soldiers have been killed, about 700,000 Ukrainian soldiers are killed. Russia is bigger, they have more soldiers to lose. But thats no way to run a country," he said on January 20th. A former NATO official told The Economist that these figures, like much else he says", were not credible. This higher death toll in 2024 comes with strikingly little change in territory (see chart 4). By our calculations Russia captured only 0.57% of Ukrainian territory in 2024. At that rate it would take another 141 years for its soldiers to conquer the whole country. Ukraine is not obviously losing this war. No matter how much pressure Mr Trump puts on Mr Zelensky, he will not be inclined to accept a Carthaginian peace that dooms his country to a chaotic and miserable futureor which leaves the door open to another invasion. Syrian government forces are responding to a series of clashes and ambushes launched by partisans of the deposed Assad regime, the biggest domestic military challenge yet to the former rebel group trying to hold the country together with stretched manpower. Government security forces launched an extensive combing operation" along Syrias Mediterranean coast, the heartland of the Assads Alawite religious minority, after gunmen loyal to the old regime launched deadly ambushes on security forces in the town of Jableh, according to the state news agency SANA. The battles in Jableh and the surrounding area overnight were among the fiercest since the new governments forces overthrew Bashar al-Assad in early December, ending more than a decade of civil war in which the former president used torture, executions and chemical attacks to try to suppress an uprising by his own people. The clashes reignited tensions across Syria, with throngs of supporters of the government taking to the streets in cities such as Hama and Homs in support of the security operation. The developments added to a compounding series of political and security challenges facing the new government headed by former rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who is also negotiating with Kurdish-led militias controlling a swath of northeast Syria and contending with an Israeli demandbacked by military strikesthat it demilitarize southern Syria. Reinforcements poured in Friday morning, with convoys of armed men riding in pickup trucks rolling into the city of Tartus, according to images published by SANA. We have fully mobilized our forces in the governorate, and we were able to absorb their attack in the Jableh countryside," said Lt. Col. Mustafa Knefati, the head of the General Security Directorate in Syrias Latakia governorate. Highlighting the risk of wider unrest, a former commander from Assads forces, Brig. Gen. Ghiath Sulayman Dalla, said that he and other former military leaders had launched a Military Council for the Liberation of Syria" that he said aimed to free the entire Syrian territory from all occupying and terrorist forces." Dalla was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2020 for leading Syrian military forces during indiscriminate attacks on civilians including chemical attacks. Sharaas forces, which numbered around 25,000 when Sunni Islamist rebels helped overthrow Assad last year, are thinly stretched trying to secure a country of about 24 million people. His government now faces the dilemma of cracking down on pro-Assad forces hard enough to prevent the emergence of a full-blown insurgency without alienating Alawites who are anxious about their future and a series of attacks on their community by unidentified forces. Since the fall of Assad, Sharaa has consistently preached a message of reconciliation, and his government has investigated attacks on Alawites, who are worried about sectarian reprisals after half a century of Assad family dictatorship. Accounting for about 10% of Syrias population, Alawites sometimes occupied privileged positions in the Assad regime but also fell victim to its repressive divide-and-conquer instincts, and many opposed the regime. The clashes come after months in which the security situation in areas held by the new government has been relatively calm, ending years of war and civil strife during the conflict with the Assad government. The current security operation will strain the new governments forces, after Sharaa decided to dismantle the old regimes military and security forces, attempting to merge opposition groups into a new army. During the operation along the coast, security forces arrested Ibrahim Huweija, a former head of Air Force Intelligence, which under Assad was one of the most loyal and violent security agencies with a long and well-documented record of the use of torture and disappearances against the regimes opponents, according to SANA. Write to Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com New Delhi: As Indian and US negotiators huddle in Washington to iron out issues in a potential trade deal, one of the key areas that has emerged is petrochemical trade, three people aware of the matter said on the condition of anonymity. The American side has asked for tariff concessions on petrochemical exports to India, even as their Indian counterparts are pushing more value addition to be done in Indialess imports from the US of finished goods and more of raw materials to be processed in India. Currently, India imports both raw materialsmostly crude oiland finished goods of the petrochemical value chain from the US, including polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), among others. These products in turn become raw materials for Indian industries such as packaging, automotive, construction, and textiles. In return, India supplies refined and processed petrochemical products to the US such as diesel, aviation turbine fuel, aromatic compounds such as benzene and paraxylene, which are used in plastics and synthetic fibres. Also read | Trump tariffs usher in new era of protectionism If India can get more raw materials instead of finished goods from the US, it would enhance the countrys domestic manufacturing capabilities, generate employment, and boost exports of higher-value petrochemical products, the people cited above said. To be sure, India already charges comparatively less duties compared to the US on petrochemical trade. As per commerce ministry data, Indian products exported to the US face tariffs of 0-7%, while US products exported to India attract 0-5% duty. The Indian delegation, led by commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal, is in Washington for trade talks. The discussions with the US policymakers are still ongoing. The Indian side is hoping for a better understanding with its counterparts and to agree on matters that will be mutually beneficial while keeping the interests of each others domestic markets protected," said the first person. Also read | As Trump tariffs target China and Canada, doors open for India The issue of tariff relaxation of petrochemicals has come up in the discussion," the second person said. The negotiating team is working on it." With India and the US negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA), energy exports from the US are expected to rise," the third person said. Energy trade will be a key component of this, and the US is seeking concessions on petrochemicals." The US is a significant exporter of petrochemicals to India. According to commerce ministry data, the US exported petrochemicals worth $7.23 billion to India in FY24, while Indias petrochemical exports to the US stood at $5.83 billion, reflecting a trade imbalance in favour of the US. In FY25 (until November), US petrochemical exports surged to $6.4 billion, while Indias exports stood at $2.88 billion, indicating a widening gap. Queries emailed to the secretary of department of chemicals and petrochemicals and spokespersons of the ministries of commerce, petroleum and natural gas, US Embassy in New Delhi, and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) remained unanswered till press time. Also read | How the US-Canada-Mexico tariffs will workand what products are targeted With the US to announce the implementation of 25% tariffs on Indian steel and aluminium on 12 March and the reciprocal tariff plan on 2 April, India is also weighing the implications of US tariff measures on other sectors, including textiles and automobiles. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the future of India-US trade ties. The US is slated to . Tariff disparities The second person cited above added that India generally imposes less than 10% duty on most of the essential goods imported from the US. However, for certain products, the tariffs are set higher to safeguard domestic industries from foreign competition, this person added. For example, Indian electronics products exported to the US face an average tariff of 0.41%, as per the commerce ministry data, while US exports to India face a duty of 7.64%, resulting in a tariff difference of 7.23 percentage points. Such tariff differentials exist for some other areas such as agriculture, meat, and processed food products, as well as diamonds, gold, and related products. The petrochem story The negotiations come in the backdrop of Indias robust demand for petrochemicals. According to a Press Information Bureau release dated 18 October 2024, the Indian chemicals and petrochemicals sector is expected to grow to approximately $300 billion by 2025, up from its current market size of $220 billion. The demand for chemicals is predicted to nearly triple, and India's petrochemicals industry could reach $1 trillion by 2040. Indias rising demand for petrochemicals is closely linked to the growth of exports in textiles, plastics, and pharmaceuticals, as these industries rely heavily on petrochemical-based raw materials. Textile exports to the US were valued at $11.76 billion in FY22, but saw a decline to $10.44 billion in FY23 and further dropped to $10.02 billion in FY24. In the ongoing fiscal year so far (April-January), exports are at $8.94 billion, compared to $8.02 billion in the same period in FY24. Also read | Textiles exports a silver lining as Indias trade deficit widens In FY22, drugs and pharmaceuticals exports to US were valued at $7.08 billion, rising to $7.55 billion in FY23 and $8.73 billion in FY24. In the current fiscal year so far, exports stood at $8.03 billion, compared to $6.91 billion in April-January (FY2024). With the US significantly increasing its petrochemical production, driven by abundant shale gas resources, it is likely pushing for duty-free access to India to secure a stable export destination for its surplus supply. However, our policymakers will find a better solution," said Dattesh Parulekar, assistant professor of international relations at Goa University, adding that trade between the two nations should be mutually beneficial. If the US grants concessional tariffs on Indian petrochemical exports, it will benefit Indian companies, as China, the major global supplier of petrochem products, faces high US tariffs," said Deepak Mahurkar, partner at PwC India. In case of India reciprocating offering concessional differential tariffs to the US, which is somewhat unlikely, it would put the US suppliers in beneficial position over the Europe and Middle East, which are key suppliers of value-added chemicals to India. This could lead to shifts in sourcing patterns and might create trade-offs for Indian exporters and importers," Mahurkar added. Indias merchandise exports to the US have been on an upward trajectory in recent years. In FY22, exports were valued at $75.6 billion, which increased to $78.31 billion in FY23, demonstrating a strengthening trade relationship. Although FY24 saw a slight dip to $77.52 billionprimarily due to supply chain disruptionsthe long-term trend remains positive. Key export products include engineering goods, electronic products, gems and jewellery, drugs and pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, textiles, marine products, leather and leather-manufactured goods, spices, among others. To be sure, the US has a trade deficit with India, which was $35.32 billion in FY24. Adani Wilmar Ltd (AWL) is doubling down on branded foods with its 603 crore acquisition of G.D. Foods Manufacturing (India) Pvt. Ltd, the maker of Tops sauces and pickles. The move shows a clear strategy to expand its high-margin, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) business, further derisking itself from its core edible oil business. But will Tops be the growth catalyst AWL needs or just another incremental step in its diversification plan? To be sure, the acquisition, announced on 4 March 2025, strengthens AWLs hold in north India, where Tops enjoys a strong retail presence across 150,000 outlets. More importantly, with a 48% gross margin in FY24, according to data from Adani Wilmars presentation, the deal is expected to bolster AWLs long-term push toward a 20-25% gross margin in its food business post-FY28. The challenge, however, lies in scaling Tops beyond its stronghold and translating those margins into sustained profitability. The deal value of 603 crore implies an enterprise-value-to-sales ratio of 1.6 times based on Tops FY24 revenue of 386 crore. The valuation appears reasonable. AWL will initially acquire 80% of shares from existing promoters for an enterprise value of 603 crore and the remaining 20% in phases over the next three years. AWL will fund the acquisition through internal accruals and, if needed, the initial public offering (IPO) proceeds. While Tops is strong in jams and sauces, its regional skew means AWL must expand its reach in underpenetrated western and southern markets to justify the valuation. Accelerating the FMCG pivot AWLs timing appears opportune. Fresh off a strong December quarter (Q3FY25)where revenue surged 31% year-on-year (y-o-y) and profit after tax more than doubledthe company is fast-tracking its FMCG pivot. The foods and FMCG business contributed 10% of consolidated revenues in FY24 at 4,994 crore, and grew 23% y-o-y. AWL aims for a more than 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in volume over the medium term and is targeting 10,000 crore in food and FMCG business revenue by FY27, up from 6,000 crore in the past 12 months, according to the company. Growth will be driven by aggressive distribution, expansion and portfolio scale-up, particularly in staples like wheat flour, pulses, and basmati rice. AWLs new Gohana plant in Haryana will streamline basmati rice operations (fully operational by Q1FY26), reducing third-party reliance and improving supply-chain efficiency. The company expects market share gains in the next few quarters, particularly in e-commerce and modern trade, which drive 50% of branded basmati rice sales. However, execution risks remain. Q3 saw an Ebitda loss of 32 crore in the food segment due to a 50 crore rice inventory write-down. Management remains confident in long-term profitability, but near-term margin pressures persist. Ebitda stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation. AWLs direct retail reach, now at 820,000+ outlets, and e-commerce growth support Tops national rollout. Yet, challenges persistbranded edible oil sales, the companys bread-and-butter business, are slowing and palm oil volumes saw a double-digit Q3 decline due to consumer downgrading. Management expects edible oil volumes to recover by FY26 (after reporting 4% y-o-y volume growth in Q3FY25), targeting 8-9% growth, driven by price stability, rural demand revival and distribution gains. With regulatory approvals still pending, including CCI clearance for Adanis exit from AWLs agribusiness, the companys broader transformation remains a work in progress. Meanwhile, the stock is down more than 15% so far in 2025, pressured by concerns over edible oil volume softness and margin headwinds. A sustained recovery hinges on AWLs ability to accelerate FMCG growth while stabilizing its core business. Until then, investors are likely to stay in wait-and-watch mode. On 6 March, Indian stock indices, the Sensex and the Nifty 50, lost their initial upward momentum and closed in negative territory, dragged down by declines in major stocks like HDFC Bank, Airtel, ITC, and Infosys. Meanwhile, the White House revealed that US President Donald Trump is open to evaluating additional products for possible tariff exemptions, which came into effect on 4 March. Asian markets, on the other hand, showed optimism, with the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index rising by 1%. This uptick was driven by hopes that Trump might roll back some of the existing tariff measures. Additionally, broader indices in India performed well, as the mid-cap and small-cap segments rose by 0.7% and 1.3%, respectively. Indian equities are seeing some respite following significant losses over the past five months. After posting their biggest single-day gain in a month on Wednesday, the benchmark indices were up by as much as 0.8% earlier in the session before turning negative. However, challenges such as sluggish domestic economic growth, foreign capital outflows, and Trumps threats to impose retaliatory tariffs on trade partners, including India, starting 2 April, have weighed heavily on the stock market. Indian stock markets: Way forward The faint news of the Reserve Bank of India injecting some liquidity into the system has kept the banking sector alive. However, the road ahead seems to be fraught with hesitation as there are no clear signals that can trigger some revival. Currently, the limited rise seen in the Nifty Bank has left some questions unanswered. As we mentioned yesterday, the weight to the evidence of revival is seen in the Nifty 50, while a muted scenario is being witnessed in the Nifty Bank as it has once again negated the hardwork done this week. The vibes remain muted, however, with a hesitant drift towards the positive side. View Full Image Currently, the limited rise seen in the Nifty Bank has left some questions unanswered. From the chart attached, we can see the resistance trend line has arrested the rise in the past and can again come under the spotlight. With the markets not expecting to do much in the coming week, we could possibly witness some range-bound action and profit booking too can be expected until the RBI steps in. Open interest buildup at 48,500 levels could control the extent of the bearish buildup that unfolded recently into the markets in the coming days. From a trading perspective, one can look to initiate long opportunities in the Nifty Bank at current levels for a rally towards 49,000 where some aggressive call writing is witnessed. Also Read: How Sebis serial crackdown crimped F&O volumes and crashed broking-firm stocks At the moment, the index is struggling to hold on to the positive vibes that are attempting to propel the prices. With no clear signs of revival, we should be looking for rallies to initiate shorts till 17,000 is exceeded with some decisiveness. Three stocks to buy, recommended by NeoTraders Raja Venkatraman: Triveni Turbine Ltd: Buy above 536 | Stop loss 520 | Target 575-590 The strong rebound from lower levels combined with some genuine buying in this counter could now fuel some upside. Overall, there has been some steady buying at lower levels as a hammer bottom was formed in January-end highlighting a bottoming formation. The RSI is seen rising ever since and is now inching higher. The prices are showing intention to step up and can be a good opportunity to go long at current levels. Prism Johnson Ltd: Buy above 129 | Stop loss 126 | Target 137-140 This counter after dipping after some steady profit booking, the prices are seen reviving. A positive divergence on the RSI, as seen on the charts around 120-125 levels in the last week, has some steady resolve on the way up. A long body candle close on the last two trading sessions highlights continued positive sentiment. With momentum showing the potential for further rise in store, one could consider going long. View Full Image The prices are seen reviving. Monte Carlo Fashions Ltd: Buy above 599 | Stop loss 580 | Target 645-660 There are some strong recovery seen in select consumer stocks. MONTECARLO shares are in demand and the rise seen in the last session has given a strong breakout, with the possibility of further rise in store. The gradual resumption of upward momentum highlights more room at the top. The attempt to move beyond the consolidation zone clearly highlights a strong case of bullishness. As RSI is seen rising and pushing the prices above recent consolidation. With a long-body candle firmly in place, we can look to initiate longs. Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Inside the dimly lit interiors of Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in Delhi, 87-year-old Gulammohammed Sheikh leads a group of art enthusiasts on a walkthrough of his latest exhibition, Of Worlds Within Worlds. Its a chilly morning in early February, but this grand retrospective of a lifetimes brilliance runs till the end of June, which is just as well. To absorb the full magnificence of the show, youll probably want to return to KNMA multiple times. Early on, I decided Id bring as many worlds as possible into my work," Sheikh says, as we pause before Returning Home After a Long Absence, a magisterial oil on canvas he had made between 1969-73. Its a deeply moving, autobiographical work, with a portrait of his mother against the backdrop of the mohalla in Surendranagar, where Sheikh grew up, in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. She is waiting for her son to return home after his finishing his studies abroad. But the appeal of the painting extends beyond the personal theme. Rather, it is sprinkled over the curious assembly of details coming together in a marvellous collage of mythic, art-historical, realist and dream-like motifs, creating a plane of existence in which the ancient past and the present moment coexist, even become one and the same. On the top is a depiction of the Prophet on his winged horse Buraq, drawn from a typical Persian-style painting. He is pursued by a flock of angels in Asian attire, though the composition harks back to the presence of cherubs on the edges of neoclassical European art. There is also a chinar tree, from the world of Mughal miniatures, overlooking a cluster of houses. The dome of an azure mosque rises among the foliage, all conjured out of vivid blocks of colour. Stare at it long enough, and the scene starts looking like a dreamscape, painted by a modernist artist like Rene Magritte, in collaboration with colleagues from different times and geographies. It is this strategy of using quotations" from diverse sourcesfrom European Old Masters to the scroll painters of Bengal and kaavadiyas of Rajasthan that lends a unique intellectual frisson to Sheikhs work. Great art emerges out of the interplay of influences, by bringing the legacy of the past to bear upon the urgency of the present. Hidden in the poetic lines of Rabindranath Tagore is the cadence of Kalidasa, while the devotional hymns of the Bhakti poets ring through his songs. But ultimately, it is Tagores singular genius that gives his work the aura of profound originality. So it is with Sheikh. Also read: Cartographies of the Unseen: Artist Reena Saini Kallat uses line as a leitmotif in a new solo Imagine a literary festival not as encounters with favourite authors or listening to fascinating debates but instead as embarrassing onstage debacles, serialised episodes of misadventures that metamorphose in the mind into a very public pillorying. With this seasons calendar of lit fests, in locations as diverse as Jaipur and Thimphu, coming to an end, my bizarre experiences at Sri Lankas Galle Literary Festival last month reminded me of my accident-prone run on stage. Consider my first invitation to moderate a panel for the Hong Kong Literary Festival in March 2003. The festival was held amid reports from southern China of a new, often deadly, virus. Within a couple of weeks of the festival, Hong Kong itself was reeling from the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS. One of the authors who pulled out was an obscure Turkish writer on the panel I was moderating. On the same panel was a British writer whose work had been part of what is referred to as AIDS denialism in the 1990s. A series of articles for The Sunday Times, of which Neville Hodgkinson was the science editor, had argued that the AIDS epidemic in Africa was a myth and that antiviral treatments were ineffective. Staring at what remained of the lineup the evening before, I wondered whether the panel was an elaborate prank. But the grim reality the next morning was worse than I had catastrophised. Also read: Two new books look at the deepening schisms between US and China My disastrous debut in Hong Kong has been followed by other mishaps at literary festivals from Beijing to Boulder. In Beijing, a taxi driver drove off with my suitcase. This run of bad luck continued at the Galle Literary Festival (GLF) in February, which was so shambolically organised it sometimes felt as if it were fiction: Except that the unsuitable, out-of-the-way accommodation without breakfast for speakers and erratic transport options that arrived too early or too late and frequent bungling was sometimes near unimaginable. Minutes before an interview I was doing in Galle with Lakshman Joseph-de Saram, the founder and artistic director of the Chamber Music Society of Colombo on 8 February, I discovered there was no seating organised for the audience and the speakers, and not even microphones. A JINX IN THE MIX I have grandiosely come to believe I am the jinx that contributes to such fiascos, akin to Saleem Sinai in Salman Rushdies Midnights Children, the narrator who sees events in his life as contributing to wrong turns in newly independent India. My reel of mishaps includes Arvind Subramanian, then chief economic adviser to the government of India, cancelling a couple of hours before the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) session on the Indian economy I was moderating a decade ago because his flight was delayed by Delhis predictably unpredictable January fog. This meant I made my way to a stage that morning before more than 10,000 people, having just torn up my questions and improvised a new set around N.R. Narayana Murthy and the founding of Infosys in an India before the reforms of 1991. But for every setback at a literary event, there are often heroes. At Galle, they were the angelic young volunteers. In Jaipur, I had the staunch encouragement delivered via wry wisecracks of JLFs co-founder Sanjoy Roy. Back in Hong Kong two decades ago, I decided the Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin would save the day. I had long admired her courage, and her novel Lajja, which examines how religious fanaticism corrodes a society. The controversy around the book resulted in her having to seek exile in Sweden after militant Islamists threatened to kill her. On my way to the opening dinner the night before my panel, I decided that the only way to salvage the discussion was to centre it around Nasrin. To avoid having to introduce Hodgkinson, whose Sunday Times articles had been critiqued by the scientific journal Nature in a 1993 editorial as seriously mistaken, and probably disastrous," I thought I would have the two panellists introduce themselves and then put most of the questions to Nasrin. But that evening, Nasrin appeared to take as a personal affront that I did not speak Bengali despite growing up in Kolkata, because I had gone to boarding school in north India. She was completely unsympathetic to the problems of the session ahead. View Full Image Actor and playwright Manav Kaul at JLF. (Courtesy Jaipur Literature Festival) The next morning, the discussion was as chaotic as anything I have witnessed. Noticing that the Life of Pi author Yann Martel was in the audience, I opened the Q-and-A early to use him as an additional panellist. He argued in favour of believing in religion, a counterpoint to Nasrins denunciation of organised religion as responsible for patriarchy and many of societys ills. At the end, an American woman attendee pulled me aside. You know, by allowing that author all those questions," she said indicating Martel, you just participated in what this panel was all about: the oppression of women by men." The discussion was, in fact, titled Writing for Change". WHEN STORIES COME ALIVE I sometimes wonder why I keep going back. The truth is there is something thrilling about seeing hundreds, and on occasion thousands, of people, raptly listening to authors speak about their books or to historians taking them back a couple of millennia. It was hard not to be moved by my first time at JLF while listening to a scholar of Pali from Sri Lanka reading from the Therigatha, poems by Buddhist nuns in India 2,000 years ago that discuss subjects as disparate as Brahmanical privilege and the ageing female body in terms so blunt that they would seem courageous if a woman did so in similar terms in 21st century India. At the JLF satellite event in Boulder, Colorado, a decade ago, the author Anchee Min practically re-enacted on stage the horrors of being a Maoist Red Guard sent to the countryside. Her mothers severe scolding of Min for betraying her favourite teacher during Chinas Cultural Revolution between 1966 and 1976 was haunting because Min tells stories so vividly that they exist in a kind of present continuous tense. In more light-hearted vein, Min spoke of a lesbian affair with her units commandant. She even demonstrated how she half-stood, half-squatted over open pit latrines in the countryside while swatting mosquitoes away from her exposed buttocks and legs. With such an inspired raconteur, I was reduced to a mostly giggling bystander on stage. This year I was invited to JLF, but the email went to a defunct email address. I had already bought my plane ticket to attend the Galle Lit Fest before the mix-up could be rectified. Despite my being a walking Rubiks Cube of undesirable public speaking outcomes, the invitations to lit fests come in now and then. This year I was invited to JLF, but the email went to a defunct email address. I had already bought my plane ticket to attend the Galle Lit Fest before the mix-up could be rectified. My first event as an interviewer at the swanky Aman hotel in Galle had me wishing things had been the other way round. After fruitless calls to the GLF organisers and almost no help from the hotel, we got the conversation underway after volunteers heroically dragged chairs and poolside sunbeds to create a semblance of audience seating. This event, expensively ticketed and billed as cocktails with a Q-and-A, featured few cocktails and no canapes. Not even a can of Coke seemed available, the request of Joseph-de Saram, thirsty after performing in the un-airconditioned 18th-century church next door. As an audience member at Galle, my experience was different: I attended animated discussions, including those by the gifted Sri Lankan writers V.V. Ganeshananthan and Radhika Hettiarachchi . But, on the sidelines, I heard a discordant soundtrack of complaints about the accommodation provided to authors and speakers and organisational blunders worthy of a remake of a South Asian Fawlty Towers. Ahead of the final event I moderated in Galle, a lunch with the Hong Kong-based food writer Susan Jung, the hotel hosting it pulled out two days before. This was the result of another organisational miscommunication so epic it would require a novella to recount the details. Jung and I arrived early, but most of the attendees showed up at least half an hour latebecause they hadnt been informed the venue had changed. During lunch, an electricity blackout in many parts of Sri Lanka caused by a single monkey, presumably with the strength of Hanuman, meant we had to occasionally shout over the restaurant generator. But Jung has an extraordinary breadth of knowledge about food and restaurants across Asia and the audiences questions and observations were charming and engaging. In its triumph of intelligent, convivial conversation despite adverse conditions, the afternoon seemed emblematic of what makes lit fests special. Or perhaps I am beginning to enjoy the challenge. Rahul Jacob is a former travel, food and drink editor of Financial Times, London and was its Hong Kong bureau chief. He is a columnist for Mint. In 1818 the rani of Travancore confronted a strange problem. A woman called Veeramma, widow of an immigrant soldier, wished to burn herself with his remains. Permission was denied, only for Veeramma to stage a protest. But the rani was firm sati was not recognised in Kerala. On the contrary, custom offered women a different set of options here. The ranis mother, for instance, had repudiated" her first husband, married a second, and on his death, taken a third. The rani herself, having retired her deranged" first husband, promptly chose his replacement from seven or eight candidates. The idea of a woman burning for a husband was preposterous not just to the queen but to her people at large. In Malabar up north when two women wished to burn, similarly, locals declared themselves against it"; the ladies had to travel to Coimbatore to perform the rite. After all, Keralas elite non-Brahmin groups were largely matrilinealand whose widows remarriedwhile patrilineal Brahmins too had a ban on sati. The practice felt altogether alien on Malayali soil, therefore. Also read: When the makers of history die Outside Kerala and a few such pockets, however, sati did occur. Yet widow-burning is a subject that triggers many Indians today. Some deny it altogether, taking refuge in that tedious defence: It is all British propaganda." It is true that there was much ridiculous propaganda in the colonial periodmore on that belowbut sati was no British-invented fiction. Another retort is that sati was a response to Islamic violenceit was to avoid falling into the hands of Muslims that Hindu women began to climb onto their husbands funeral pyres. But what then of the fact that references to sati exist in, say, the Tamil Purananuru, the composition of which predates the first Islamic invasions of India by centuries? Or that a pillar inscription at Eran in Madhya Pradesh records the 510 CE immolation of a royal widow, one hundred years before Islam as a religion was even founded? The Greek writer Diodorus even records a case in the 300s BCE of an Indian fighter in Persia, whose death saw his two widows quarrel over the honour of going up in flames with his body. So, yes, sati was very much part of Hindu society. But it is also true that foreign writerspart scandalised, part transfixed by such exotic" customsgave it all kinds of strange origin myths. Indians for one cast sati as a matter of wifely fidelity, good behaviour and even heroism. With outsiders, this logic was twisted. The same Diodorus, thus, explained its genesis as follows: apparently in India, people married independently of the wishes of their parents", with the callow youth frivolously choosing partners. But as often happens, couples fought, got bored and otherwise came to regret decisions made in the heat of passion. Since divorce was barred, women began to poison their husbands, thereby freeing themselves from bad marriages. When the male species figured this out, they devised sati as insuranceif men were to die, their wives would have to burn! Over 1,500 years later, Europeans were still repeating this theorysati as brown womens fault for being too lustful, treacherous and untrustworthy. It was a measure to keep them from resorting to those vials of poison. In 1789, Benjamin Crowninshield, an American, wrote about a 'sati' in Bengal, jotting down details on the womans posture, the way Brahmins advised her to place her hands and so on. While he pitied the lady, he could not help but add that there was something very solemn in the proceedings. Into the colonial period, sati appeared regularly in European travelogues; indeed, most writers felt obliged to feature it in their works. Many claimed to be eyewitnesses. Some truly were, but others lied, simply rehashing previous writings to add texture to their own accounts. Responses too were not uniform: if certain Europeans were left in horror by the sight of widow-burning, others felt a degree of awe also at the composure of some of the women. In 1789, for instance, Benjamin Crowninshield, an American, wrote in detail about a sati in Bengal, jotting down details on the womans posture, the way Brahmins advised her to place her hands and so on. While he pitied the lady, he could not help but add that there was something very solemn" in the proceedings. I did not think it was in the power of a human person to meet death in such a manner." Earlier, in 1710, as many as 47 widows of the Ramnad rajah became satis. And while several carried themselves with stoicism, there were others in a state of abstraction and bewilderment". Unsurprisingly, one even attempted (and failed) to escape. Varying numbers Satis occurrence varied from region to region and often caste to caste. Bengal in the colonial period saw the highest numbershundreds every year in the official countwhile in the Madras and Bombay presidencies the figures were typically in the double digits. So, from a total of 6,632 satis recorded between 1815 and 1824, only 635 occurred outside Bengal. And all this from a population of tens of millions. Even in earlier times, the statistical incidence of sati could not have been too high. While memorial stones are strewn across India, their numbers, when placed against the size of the country and its population, suggests it was not an everyday affair. The very fact, that satis were commemorated this wayas with hero stones celebrating warriors fallen in battleindicates it was a rare enough event. Which is not to say that these fewer deaths were acceptableeven in the case Crowninshield witnessed there were men with sticks ready to push the widow down should she try to run. Considering that reports exist even of child widows", every one of those 6,632 cases is tragic. In the 19th century, however, with Christian missionaries entering the fray and the government (rightly) under pressure to outlaw sati, the propaganda battle to achieve this (wrongly) saw wild numbers being aired. This was also linked to the goal of conversion, which necessitated depicting the native" as sunk in a barbaric religionand what better, more shocking proof of such barbarism as sati? William Ward, for instance, estimated two satis per village in India, and arrived at a figure of 10,000 annual satis (oblivious, of course, that in territories such as the Travancore ranis, there were 0 satis, and a woman like Veeramma was even offered a financial incentive to stay alive). Whatever their motives, the white mans criticism roused Indiansand specifically Bengalisto urge state intervention to put an end to a cruel tradition. While an orthodox faction resisted, most of Hindu society accepted the shift. Yet as the scholar Julia Leslie observes, even if sati figures were always technically low, this kind of death was still reverenced", creating a certain ideal for women. Which perhaps explains why as late as 1987, India still witnessed a stray case of widow immolation. Manu S. Pillai is a historian and author, most recently, of Gods, Guns and Missionaries. Also read: How empires are built on the backs of animals New Delhi: The rollback of pledges by a major economy can lead to missed global climate mitigation targets, but state- and municipal-level policies can still bear positive impacts, said Jim Skea, chairperson of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Skea said that withdrawing from an agreement may not mean the country will stop all climate change mitigation activities. "If they (countries) both leave the Paris Agreement and reduce their efforts, manifestly, it makes the targets, the goals, harder to reach, or other people will have to step in and do more," he said in an interview. His comments come against the backdrop of president Donald Trump taking the US out of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. Environment minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday called for reforms to the global governance on climate change. Yadav called upon developed countries to honour their financial and technological commitments, especially the obligations made under the Paris Agreement a decade ago. "Action is a function, not only of national action, but things can happen at the sub national level, the city level, or even through corporates," Skea said on the sidelines of the World Sustainable Development Summit by The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri) in New Delhi on Thursday. Key Takeaways A major economy retracting climate pledges hinders global climate mitigation goals. State and municipal policies can still positively contribute to climate action. Continued commitment to the Paris Agreement is vital despite potential national withdrawals. The next IPCC report will consider the effects of geoeconomic fragmentation on climate efforts. Developing countries can pursue social development and climate goals simultaneously. "One of the things that we did in the last cycle -- there were some papers that attempted to work out how much of climate action is attributable to national level policies, and how much is attributable to city and state level. And that analysis would not necessarily stand up at the moment, because the facts have changed," Skea said. Despite this, Skea said he had heard promising political statements from world leaders and domain experts about commitments made by various nations towards climate change mitigation. "They say they are committed to the Paris Agreement. Hopefully, that turns out to be right," he said. Aiding govt to mitigate climate change Skea, who has been at the helm of the IPCC since July 2023, clarified that the role of the organisation was to present detailed analytical research to aid government in the mitigation of climate change. IPCC's next major research report, which is released once in seven years, is also likely to consider the impacts of geoeconomic fragmentation for the first time, he said. Geoeconomic fragmentation refers to a shift in national policies from a collaborative approach to a self-reliant approach. The context of operating in a fragmented world "will be part of the mitigation report and also part of the finance chapter in the report. I can only imagine that these topics would be within scope for the next report," he said. The report, titled 'Synthesis Report of the Seventh Assessment Report' (AR7), is likely to be published in 2029-30. The previous such study, AR6, clarified that human-induced global warming has caused unprecedented changes to the planet, and that future risks will rise with every fraction of a degree of global warming. Also read | Climate Change and AI's rising carbon footprint Governments in developing countries can focus on social indicators while simultaneously adhering to renewable energy generation and net-zero emission targets, he said. "It's quite clear that countries can't sacrifice the well being of their people in order to promote climate policies. We need to look for the synergies in putting them together. One of the things about the new report that have been agreed, they (the authors) actually place much more emphasis on the integration between climate action and wider development policies and sustainable development. We need to look for the synergies in putting them together," Skea said. Skea also indicated that enhancing India's robust electricity grids could be a potential advantage for the country, at a time when renewable energy generation is concentrated only in North America, Europe, and China. Expansion of renewable energy generation in south Asian countries, including India, is also likely to be cheaper for investor, as the cost of capital is very high in North America, China, and Europe, Skea said. This is where multilateral development banks could come in, he said, and provide loans that reduce the cost of capital for the private sector. "Because, for sure, there is not enough public sector money in the world to fix the climate problem it needs. It is necessary to leverage private funding." Also read | Zoos get SOS on endangered Indian species The question of what to do with the $300 billion in frozen funds has divided European countries ever since. But now that the U.S. is threatening to withdraw support for Ukraine, pressure is mounting on European countries to formally seize the funds and use them to help Kyiv. Where are Russias frozen assets? There has never been a full, official exposition of where the money is. However, there are around 190 billion euros, equivalent to $205 billion, in Belgiums Euroclear, one of the European Unions biggest clearinghouses, where Russia parked the money ahead of the war. Between $5 billion and $8 billion are believed to be in the U.S. The rest is divided among the U.K., Canada and European financial centers such as Frankfurt and Paris. Has any of it been accessed? In May 2023, the Group of Seven countries said the frozen assetsaround half the foreign assets Russias central bank held on the eve of the warwould be retained until Russia pays for the damage it caused in Ukraine. The money frozen in 2022 has remained inaccessible to Russia. Bonds and other assets that have matured have been kept as immobilized funds. Who gets the interest from the money? The G-7 enacted a plan in December to make a $50 billion loan from the profitsmainly interest paymentsgenerated by the Russian assets. They argued the profits didnt belong to the Russian government but were the property of the institutions holding them. The loan was backed by the profits the G-7 expects the assets to generate over the next decade. The site of Russian missile attack in Izyum, in the eastern Kharkiv region, last month. What is preventing the funds from being used to help Ukraine? Any of the countries that froze the assets could decide to seize the money and give it to Ukraine unilaterally, but they have been reluctant to do so for fear it would harm the reputation of their financial centers and risk a flight of foreign funds. At various times, the U.K. and the U.S. under the Biden administration advocated for the G-7 to seize the funds. They havent done so at home. How are European allies divided on the issue? Within the EU, some countries, including Poland and the Baltic states, have pushed for the funds to be seized, but the blocs biggest powersGermany, France and Italyhave opposed such a move, as has the European Central Bank. Their fear is that seizing the funds could set a dangerous precedent for other actors to immobilize Western funds and appropriate them. They also worry seizing the cash could undermine confidence in euro assets and the euro currency. Germany, in particular, fears that seizing the Russian liquid assets could strengthen reparations cases it still faces over World War II. Is the money part of any peace talks? The G-7 has said it would include the frozen Russian funds in peace talks, demanding that Moscow agree to use the money to help pay for economic recovery in Ukraine. The Kremlin has suggested that it could relinquish its claims on the funds provided that the money was used for recovery spending both in the parts of Ukraine that remain under Ukrainian control and in areas Russia has occupied. The Trump administration hasnt set out a clear position of its view on what should happen to the money. Write to Laurence Norman at laurence.norman@wsj.com. China has forecast that its economy will expand by 5% in 2025, the same as last year. Given its exposure to trade uncertainty, this is quite ambitious. With US President Donald Trump s tariff actions taking aim at China as a key target, shipments between the worlds two largest economies will suffer disruption. Beijing has deployed retaliatory tariffs. Moreover, China faces weakening demand at home amid a property-sector slump, even as its attempt to shift from an investment-led growth model to a consumption one has failed so far. Beijing seems to be counting on a fiscal stimulus. It plans to issue ultra-long special treasury bonds worth roughly $182 billion this year, up from $42 billion last year. This will widen its fiscal deficit to 4%, the highest in about three decades. How sharply central spending is aimed will shape its outcome. In India, the highlight of Beijings plan is its push to reduce steel output to contain over-supply. This could spell relief for Indian steelmakers under pressure from Chinas exports and worried about tonnes of its excess capacity being dumped here. The news has lifted their share prices. While Trumps aggression is in the spotlight, we must also watch what China is doing. For the worlds carmakers , the inexorable rise of Chinese electric vehicle-maker BYD and its local rivals in recent years has been a brutal lesson in disruptive innovation. China, a market that was once core to their global growth plans, has become a wasteland for their petrol-powered lineups as electric vehicles (EVs) grew from 6.2% of sales in 2020 to 45% last year. The foreign brands that dominated the Chinese market in the 2010s have been devastated. Sales by Ford and Nissanboth top-10 brands in 2017have since fallen by 81% and 45% respectively. Ford dropped behind barely-known local electric marques such as Zeekr and Deepal. General Motors is facing extinction, with Buick down 66% over the period and Chevrolet slumping 92%, while Hondas sales have dropped 40%. BYD, the 21st-biggest carmaker in 2017, last year sold more cars in China than the 10 major Japanese brands put together. Get ready to see the same pattern play out on two wheels. Right now, scooters and motorbikes are a market where Japanese brands are looking up. With rising incomes across India and Southeast Asia, the sector is booming: McKinsey reckons sales will grow at 8.7% a year through 2029, compared to about 1% this decade for passenger cars. Honda already has 40% of this global market and reckons it can grow it to 50% as sales rise to 60 million bikes by 2030. Its two-wheeler business is seen as the jewel of the on-again, off-again merger between Honda and Nissan. Hondas eccentric and timid electrification plans, however, are confounding. The most important plank of Hondas shift was announced in India late last year with the rollout of the Activa-e: a battery-powered version of its top-selling local bike. Weirdly, it doesnt allow owners to charge it at home, forcing them to instead sign up to a battery-swapping service that will only be available in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai. Its hard to comprehend the logic of this. One thing we know about the EV-curious is that theyre stricken with range anxiety, the worry that theyre going to run out of charge halfway to their destination. Imagine adding to that concern by making your buyers dependent on a network of distributors that may be too far away, or closed, or out of stock when you roll into their parking lot. Want an e-bike for buzzing around the city that you could still take out to the country once in a while to visit family? Good luck if Honda hasnt set up a battery station in your home village. The Activa-e is a bizarre bet," the Morning Context, a local financial news site, wrote in January. If it fails, it will hurt a brand that took the company over two decades to build." Ownership costsa key consideration given how many Indian two-wheeler owners are delivery drivers and taxi riders who have to make every rupee countalso look uncompetitive once you sign up to Hondas battery-as-a-service subscription, the site estimated. Its not that Honda lacks the technology to provide the benefits of quick battery-swapping alongside those of home-charging. Hondas CUV-e, its parallel model for Southeast Asia and other markets, has precisely that ability. Instead, the company is looking to gamble its lead in the worlds biggest two-wheeler market over a half-baked idea. Local rivals arent standing still. Ola Electric, which is laying off employees and bleeding losses after an initial public offer last year that valued it at $4 billion, still has a quarter of the market. Its impressive array of models ranges from hulking motorbikes to ones aimed at delivery drivers, and cost about a third the price of an Activa-e. Established local rivals, rather than Honda, provide the most aggressive competition to Ola. At TVS, electric two-wheeler sales increased by 57% from a year earlier in the December quarter. We want to look at global markets with our EV products," CEO K.N. Radhakrishnan told investors on 28 January. Southeast Asian competitors are looking equally aggressive. Vietnams VinFast wants to tie up with an Indian manufacturer to gain entry into the market, its Asian CEO Pham Sanh Chau has said. There is a golden opportunity thats about to be squandered. BloombergNEF estimates EVs will comprise as many as half of two-wheelers sold in 2030, but Honda is aiming to produce just four million of thema far cry from its dominant share of internal combustion engines. Carmakers that have been wrong-footed by the rise of Chinese electric cars can at least plead that nothing of the sort had ever happened before. For Honda, a grim future is already staring it in the face. Bloomberg In any word association test, Diego would cue the name of football legend Maradona. But for elderly Indians, it recalls Diego Garcia, a geopolitical bugbear of the Cold War era, when India wanted the US to withdraw its forces from an air-base on a small island by that name in the Indian Ocean . About 2,000km south-west of Kanyakumari, it was too close for comfort. As a nuclear power now with a broad US partnership, India no longer sees it as a threat. No wonder it has faded from public memory. Globally, though, it has sprung back into the news. It was part of recent US-UK talks at the White House, with President Donald Trump appearing to nod along with Londons plan for its status. Theyre talking about a very long-term, powerful lease, a very strong lease... about 140 years, actually," said Trump, seated beside the UKs Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Its a long time. I think well be inclined to go along with your country." Also Read: Mauritius offers India a gateway for strategic cooperation with Africa Given todays geopolitical flux, we in India need to track whats underway. While the timeline of whats on offer seems to have impressed Trump, we await a haze to lift over how Diego Garcia fits into his world view. The long lease he referred to would probably be a sub-lease for the islands use. This 30-sq-km patch of land is part of the Chagos Archipelago, which Britain had once governed as part of a colony that included Mauritius, but retained after the latters freedom in 1968. Having paid Port Louis a reported sum of 3 million to cede its claim to those atolls, Londons purpose of retention was clear once it evicted Diego Garcias folks and leased it to the US for a base. Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, it has since been used by the Pentagon for wars in West Asia. In 2019, however, a hitch arose. The International Court of Justice ruled that the former colonys split-up was illegal. Last October, the UK struck an interim deal that would give Mauritius sovereignty over Chagos and take Diego Garcia on a 99-year lease from Port Louis. The island could then remain a US base with the UK as its sub-lessor. That Trump sounds fine with such an arrangement has been a surprise. Security hawks in the Westor whats left of itworry that Mauritian ties with Beijing may give China a chance to snoop around Diego Garcia. Given its geo-strategic location, what India must assess is the depth of US interest in two pre-Trump ideas: first, that of the base in itself, and second, the Quads role as a bulwark for a scenario in which China tries to exert control over key trade routes of the Indo-Pacific. With an Asian Century arising, the groups implicit aim is to secure the future of democracy. Quad members India, Australia, Japan and the US, each with a stake in a world thats free and open, have a summit coming up this year. Yet, a haze of uncertainty hovers over what Trumps America First agenda may mean for the Quad. So far, his global moves suggest he has little time for lofty ideals and plenty for business deals. Even in the East, the balance of power could plausibly tilt in favour of a player armed with the biggest cards, defined in either military or industrial terms. Also Read: The Oval Office showdown left Putin holding a trump card in the Ukraine War Lets face it, Americas trade war with China doesnt rule out a pact with it. Should signs of the Quad being scuttled emerge, we must ensure that our ocean-front is not left exposed. Like in a game of Go, a good move might well be to engage the UK, US and Mauritius in talks over sharing Diego Garcia as a base. Else, we go for a counter-base in equatorial waters. As international conflicts go, none did so little to disrupt the global order as the whisky wars" that pitted Canada against Denmark for four decades. Flaring up in 1984, the unlikely spat involved a one-square-kilometre island in the middle of an icy Arctic channel marking the border between Greenland (now a self-ruling part of Denmark) and the Canadian territory of Nunavut. Both sides assumed the rock was theirs. What might have been considered a casus belli by lesser countries became, for the northern duo, an exercise in diplomatic civility. Canadian officials visiting the island marked their territory by leaving whisky and flags; Danes asserted sovereignty by snaffling the booze and leaving their own schnapps for Canadians to enjoy. In lieu of shots fired, polite letters were occasionally exchanged. When the quarrel grew tiresome a working group spent years agreeing to split the island down the middle, ending all hostilities in 2022. With enemies like these, who needs friends? As it turns out, both Europe and Canada may be in the market for upgraded alliances. Donald Trumps return to the White House on January 20th brings with it the prospect of tariffs and jingoistic bluster. Nerves are jangling on both sides of the north Atlantic. Places on the fringes of the European Union are rethinking their ties to the club. Switzerland has agreed to a closer alliance, and Iceland will hold a referendum in 2027 on joining. Greenland, which left the EU in 1985 after gaining autonomy from Denmark, might consider rejoining, given Mr Trumps obsession with it. But Canada may have the most to fret about. Mr Trump is goading his neighbour by suggesting it is about to become Americas 51st state and referring to its prime minister as Governor Justin Trudeau". Officials from Ottawa and EU capitals have been trading notes on how to handle another bout of Mr Trump. Charlemagne, who enjoys both European and Canadian heritage, has a ready solution to both places woes: the EU should invite Canada to become its 28th member. The (not entirely straightforward) case for CanadEU predates Mr Trump. It is, in short, that Canada is vast and blessed with natural resources but relatively few people, while the EU is small, cramped and mineral-poor. Sure, EU rules reserve membership to European states". Yet despite a residual attachment to the frontier spirit, Canadians can be thought of as honorary Europeans. The country has endured three sets of colonists from the old continent, starting with a brief Viking incursion. Like Europeans, Canadians believe that markets work but must be tempered by welfare states. Their governments offer similar deals to citizens: high taxes, messy parliamentary politics (Canada may soon have a new governor", given Mr Trudeaus unpopularity) and good living standards for nearly all. Both trade openly, fret about global warming and dislike guns, the death penalty and Russian aggression. But Europe has more to gain from a tie-up with Canada than access to Quebecs strategic maple-syrup reserve. Europeans can be sold on enlargement by the prospect of their union tripling its surface area while adding only 40m Canadians to a population of 440m. The EU would go from having a population density not far from Chinas to that of Americaassuming enough Greeks or Belgians volunteer to live in rather chilly conditions. Europe is short of energy, too; Canada has lots of oil, gas and hydro power. A rich new joiner would help the EUs finances. France, historically reluctant to enlarge the EU, would jump at the chance of a new French-speaking memberthough it might settle for letting in just francophone Quebec, which is again mumbling about seceding. Welcoming King Charles III, the Canadian head of state, to EU confabs would please those who still mourn Brexit. Europeans could learn from Canada how to allow immigration in a fashion that the population embraces rather than tolerates, though a housing crunch has frayed that consensus of late. Canadas inclusive treatment of its indigenous peoples, at least in recent decades, could be emulated by Europeans (though First Nations Canadians might fairly object to closer ties with ex-colonists). Canadas ties to the Pacific, thanks in part to large migrant inflows from Asia, would round out Europes regional focus. The euro would look far more global if it were accepted in Vancouver. Europe has a few lessons of its own for Canada, which might show off the benefit of EU membership to its own populace. The Brussels antitrust machinery has done a fine job keeping competition vibrant in areas such as banking, airlines and telecoms, giving Europeans a better deal than Canadians get. Canada talks about cutting carbon emissions but has yet to really do so, while Europes emissions are down over one-third from their peak. EU countries have figured out how to create a single market (flawed as it is) that makes it easier to trade between them than it often is for Canadian firms to trade across the 13 provinces and territories of their own nation. European members of NATO as a whole now spend over 2% of GDP on defence, meeting the target set by the alliance in 2014. Canada is at a meagre 1.4%. Maple syrup, meet Belgian waffle Alas, Europe still insists the EU is for Europeans. Canada would be reluctant to join a customs union that would jeopardise its vital trading ties with America. Oh well. If CanadEU remains but a geopolitical thought experiment, that does not preclude an ever-closer relationship. Canada already takes part in several European schemes, such as military mobility and space travel. More could be done: Canadas gas cannot reach EU shores because of a lack of LNG shipping infrastructure. The Canada-EU trade deal, enacted in 2017, is the blocs most ambitious, but remains in provisional" application; ten EU countries have yet to ratify its most far-reaching measures. Short of bringing Canada into the club, Europeans could start by getting that deal over the line. Subscribers to The Economist can sign up to our new Opinion newsletter, which brings together the best of our leaders, columns, guest essays and reader correspondence. 2025, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com After Chinese AI company DeepSeeks surprise success rattled financial markets in late January, tech investors have largely turned their attention to other issues such as tariffs. But Silicon Valley isnt out of the woods just yet. U.S. AI companies are investing more than their Chinese counterparts and are well-positioned to maintain their performance lead. Still, that edge can be misleading. Chinas advances in other tech sectors demonstrate that its companies can outcompete their U.S. counterparts even if they do not make the best" products. Leading U.S. AI companies business models rest on a central assumption: that developing the most capable models will produce the revenue required to justify massive training costs. In December, OpenAI released ChatGPT Pro, a $200 monthly subscription that offers unlimited access to the companys top models. Later that month, it unveiled o3, a powerful, not-yet-released model that can cost over $1,000 per query. DeepSeek complicates that core assumption. Since its debut, the company has released its V3 and R1 models, both of which achieve near leading-edge performance and are accessible at a small fraction of the cost of OpenAIs offerings. DeepSeeks challenge to established U.S. AI companies is reminiscent of Beijings tried and true tech playbook. Chinese firms aim to develop low-cost products that are good enough" to outcompete rivals. Huawei is a prime example. The company got its start by reverse engineering foreign information and communications technology products and building telecommunication networks in remote parts of China. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Huawei expanded overseas by offering low-cost products tailored to the needs of less developed markets. And while the company might have originally succeeded by competing on cost, today, Huaweis technologies are highly advanced and easily deployable, but still affordable. As a result, they have been widely adopted. In Africa, 380 million people rely on Huawei-built ICT networks, the companys smartphone shipments grew by nearly 40% in 2024, and it has built data centers around the world. We see similar trends in other advanced technology sectors. Chinese electric vehicles now outsell their Japanese, German, and U.S. competitors. Chinese drone-maker DJI controls over 90% of the global consumer drone market due to its products high quality and low prices. Today, the per-token cost of querying DeepSeeks R1 model is less than 4% of the price of using OpenAIs o1 model, despite scoring similarly on various AI benchmarks. Since R1s release, some analysts have argued that leading U.S. AI companies compute advantagethat is, their ability to use vast quantities of advanced semiconductors to train leading large language modelswill allow them to race ahead of their chip-constrained Chinese challengers. Recently announced U.S. investments in AI infrastructure include up to shows that the performance of open-source models generally trails leading closed-source models by less than a year. Recently released Chinese open-source models, including DeepSeeks R1 and Alibabas Qwen 2.5, trail their U.S. competitors by only a few months. U.S. AI titans are betting that maintaining their lead in top performing AI models will be the decisive factor in the AI competition. They claim that successive generations of LLMs trained with ever-growing computational resources will ensure U.S. leadership in AI. If they are correct, Chinese competitors may not be as threatening as they now appear. But if Chinese low-cost, easily deployable models are widely adopted, U.S. companies may find it more difficult to make money. Should Chinese AI labs continue to stay near the technological frontier by capitalizing on algorithmic improvements, smuggled AI chips, and model distillation techniques, then users may prefer their good enough, open models to U.S. companies expensive, closed ones. In short, AI adoption could depend more on cost than capabilities. This presents a serious threat to the U.S. AI ecosystem, which has largely staked its future on expensive-to-train, proprietary, and highly capable models. If U.S. big tech companies cannot secure significant returns from their investments in LLMs, it is unclear how they will justify spending hundreds of billions on new AI infrastructure. Chinese companies, on the other hand, have long prioritized the adoption of their technologies over maximizing profits. They appear to be pursuing a similar strategy regarding LLMs. To be sure, U.S. AI companies must prioritize technological innovation. But AI competition doesnt exist only at the frontier. To stay competitive in this rapidly evolving environment, Washington and Silicon Valley must find ways to push AI adoption in order to guarantee U.S. technological leadership going forward. About the authors: Sam Bresnick is a research fellow at Georgetown Universitys Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Cole McFaul is a research analyst at CSET. Guest commentaries like this one are written by authors outside the Barrons newsroom. They reflect the perspective and opinions of the authors. Submit feedback and commentary pitches to ideas@barrons.com. By Shayne Heffernan Published: March 7, 2025, 09:40 PM +07 The financial markets have been buzzing since Donald Trumps return to the White House, with a so-called Trump Trade sparking both excitement and uncertainty. Investors are eyeing assets like Bitcoin, gold, Tesla (TSLA), Baidu (BIDU), Alibaba (BABA), and NVIDIA as potential winners in this new era. My take? This is a long-term game, and the smart move is to buy the dips while ignoring the daily chatter pouring out of the Oval Office. Lets break it down. First off, Bitcoin has ridden a wave of optimism since Trumps election, fueled by his pro-crypto stance and promises of a strategic reserve. Prices have soared past $100,000, doubling from last year, but recent pullbacks show the momentum isnt bulletproof. Gold, meanwhile, has hit all-time highs above $2,940 an ounce, driven by tariff fears and safe-haven buyinga trend thats outpaced even Bitcoins gains this year. These assets thrive on uncertainty, and Trumps policiestariffs, trade wars, and deregulationdeliver that in spades. The data backs this: U.S. gold imports from Switzerland jumped to 1,164 tons in February alone, a clear signal of shifting capital flows. On the stock front, Teslas valuation has seesawed, recently dipping after a post-election surge, yet its alignment with Trumps inner circlethanks to Elon Musks vocal supportkeeps it in play. NVIDIA, a leader in AI chips, faces tariff-related headwinds but remains a powerhouse as global tech demand grows. Over in China, Baidu and Alibaba have shown resilience despite trade tensions, with Alibabas $53 billion AI investment signaling long-term potential. Their recent rallies suggest undervaluation, even as Trumps rhetoric threatens further tariffs. Heres the rub: the Oval Office noisetweets, executive orders, and tariff threatscreates short-term volatility. Trumps latest crypto reserve plan, including Bitcoin and other tokens, has sparked debate, with some calling it a bubble risk. Others see it as a game-changer, though the inclusion of riskier assets like XRP raises eyebrows. Markets react fast, but the fundamentals of these assets hold stronger than the daily headlines suggest. Golds 11% rise in 2025 and Bitcoins steady climb past $90,000 despite dips show resilience beyond the hype. My advice? Focus on the long haul. Buy dips when panic hitsBitcoin at $85,000, gold at $2,800, or TSLA below $300and hold firm. These assets align with Trumps economic playbook: deregulation for tech, protectionism boosting gold, and crypto as a new frontier. But tune out the noise. The market doesnt care about every Truth Social post or summit soundbite. Check the dataU.S. Treasury yields are up, reflecting growth bets, yet equities like NVIDIA still offer upside. Chinas tech sector, despite tariffs, isnt folding. This isnt blind optimism. Risks aboundtrade wars could stifle Baidu and Alibaba, and cryptos energy use draws scrutiny. Yet the trend favors those who play the long game. Trumps policies may shift, but the underlying currentsinnovation, scarcity, and safe-haven demandarent going away. So, load up on the dips, ignore the Oval Office circus, and let the market do its work. Some exciting news about the Tivoli's renovations was shared with the Rotary Club of Chattanooga on Thursday. The Tivoli Theater downtown on Broad Street is getting a major boost as part of the current reconstruction project. Tivoli restoration project and new hall now fully funded after $9 million investment The theatre foundation expects to seek additional proceeds from a Historic Tax Credit investment in the coming weeks. Tivoli Foundation CEO Nick Wilkinson announced a $1-million donation from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) Foundation, and the stage is being named in honor of BlueCross BlueShield. The renovation includes a new lobby, additional youth education programs, upgraded accessibility for all patrons, and a better overall experience. Tennessee awards $400,000 historic grant for Tivoli Theatre The Tivoli opened in March of 1921, following two years of construction at a cost of nearly $1 million. "They understand how the arts contributes to the quality of life of their employees and the entire community, Wilkinson said. "It's a testament to their belief in the arts and their love of the Tivoli and all we are trying to accomplish in this new performing arts center." Although no exact date has been set, the new and improved Tivoli is set to debut sometime in 2026. Stay with Local 3 News for updates on the progress of the Tivoli renovations. The requests were in the form of flyers, urging Senator Watson to drop his support for Senate Bill 0836, "which authorizes LEAs and public charter schools to refuse to enroll students who are unlawfully present in the United States." Wilson was in the process of doing one last adjustment to get his trailer straight, that's when Wilson said Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen got out of his truck and headed for his. UPDATE: A former Hamilton Co. Schools teacher has changed his plea agreement to a guilty plea on federal child sex crimes charges. Kenya White, a teacher at Chattanooga Preparatory School and East Lake Academy, pleaded guilty to federal charges related to messaging his underage students inappropriately. Court documents show two victims were involved, one student at East Lake Academy and one student at Chattanooga Preparatory School. White will face sentencing on October 22 for his federal charges. He still faces state charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and solicitation of a minor. White was arrested while employed at Chatt Prep in February. He was hired while under DCS investigation. PREVIOUS STORY: The case involving Kenya White, a former Hamilton County teacher facing numerous child sex crimes charges, was back in a Hamilton County courtroom on May 8. The former teacher at Chattanooga Preparatory School and East Lake Academy recently pleaded guilty to federal charges related to messaging underage students inappropriately. He still faces state charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor and solicitation of a minor. White's attorney and the judge discussed the next steps in his case. "He'll have to enter a change of plea, and then there will be a sentencing date," said Judge Dunn. White's next court date is July 16th. PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga Preparatory School has made a statement following a former teacher's plea deal on child sex crimes that detailed his relations with two victims, one being a Chatt Prep student. Troy Kemp, CEO of Prep Public Schools, says a student at Chatt Prep reported Kenya White's inappropriate actions to a faculty member only after hearing of his arrest on February 12, 2025. Kemp says the school followed protocol and state law by informing the Department of Children's Services and the Chattanooga Police Department. Kemp also explained why the school never chose to share that White was accused of committing the same crime at Chatt Prep that he did at East Lake Academy: "Out of an abundance of concern for the student's anonymity, because there was no threat to other students, and because DCS and CPD were only beginning their investigations, Prep Public Schools did not share news of this secondary allegation. School leaders and counselors have been in contact with the student and his parents throughout this situation and ask for the media to respect the privacy of the student as well." White pleaded guilty to federal charges of enticement of a minor. The mandatory minimum prison sentence is 10 years. Court documents show two victims were involved, one student at East Lake Academy and one student at Chattanooga Preparatory School. White was employed at Chatt Prep at the time of his arrest in February. He was hired while under DCS investigation, stemming from his misconduct at East Lake Academy. White was one of several teachers at the school at the time without a valid teaching license. PREVIOUS STORY: The former Chattanooga Preparatory Schools teacher arrested in February for several child sex crimes has pleaded guilty to his federal charges. Court documents show Kenya White has pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor. The mandatory minimum prison sentence is 10 years, with a possible fine up to $250,000. It also includes at least five years of supervised release. Court documents show two victims were involved, one student at East Lake Academy and one student at Chattanooga Preparatory School. On February 16, 2023, a Chattanooga police dept. investigator responded to East Lake Academy on reports of White having inappropriate contact with a 12-year-old student at the school. At the time, White was 30 years old. The officer located texts over a three day period, starting on Feb. 13, where White tried to persuade the victim to take explicit images to send to White. "The defendant used an iPhone to commit the offense - an iPhone is a facility of interstate commerce," says the plea agreement. Two years later in February of 2025, a second victim, a student at Chatt Prep, reported to a school counselor that he had received inappropriate messages from White, a teacher at the school. White began communicating with the 14-year-old student on Snapchat in May of 2024. White's messages continually asked the second victim to "create sexually explicit images of himself and send them" to White. White also asked if the victim would allow him to "perform a sexual act on him." The court documents say "The defendant is pleading guilty because the defendant is in fact guilty." The plea agreement was signed on May 1 and 2 of 2025. PREVIOUS STORY: Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Robertson no longer recommends for the charter to be revoked for Chattanooga Preparatory School after finding nearly half of the teachers were unlicensed in March. The school caught attention in February when an unlicensed teacher was arrested on several child sex crimes charges. That teacher, Kenya White, has since been arrested a second time on federal charges. He was under a Dept. of Children Services investigation when he was hired at Chatt Prep, which began when he was working at East Lake Academy. The joint statement released on April 16 stated: "Instead, the schools charter will be placed in probationary status while the district and the school continue to work together to ensure the school is aligned with all compliance expectations. A probationary charter does not affect the schools operations or accreditation." The statement says the following corrective actions must be implemented: Provide Course Verification for students in grades 6-11 and provide additional evidence that all standards within the course have been taught and assessed for all current students. Provide Proof of Insurance Coverage to ensure no gap in coverage will occur. Update PowerSchool to accurately reflect the Teacher of Record. If an administrator is listed as the Teacher of Record, provide an explanation of how the administrator is teaching the course while also serving in the administrator role. The following corrective actions have already been completed: Verification and updating of teacher licensures and certifications A thorough audit of students transcripts to ensure timely graduation or promotion for all students who were believed to be on track Revision of HR procedures to ensure proper hiring, evaluation, and documentation practices Ongoing collaboration with Chattanooga Prep, HCS, and legal and education consultants. One of the main concerns previously written in the letter to recommend the charter to be revoked was the graduating senior class possibly not gathering valid credits because of unlicensed teachers. Chatt Prep has since hired new leadership at the school. Kenya White is still in federal custody. PREVIOUS STORY: A newly unsealed indictment for Kenya White, a former Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher facing several child sex crimes charges, says he coerced a minor to engage in sexual activity and the production of child porn. The indictment says the federal charges stem from incidents between Feb. 13 to 15 of 2023, when White was a teacher at East Lake Academy. Chattanooga Prep parents frustrated over unanswered questions at school meeting A video sent to Local 3 News by a concerned parent captured the emotional gathering in the school's gymnasium, where hundreds of parents sought clarity on the school's potential charter revocation. However, many left feeling the meeting was more of a formality than a forum for transparency. White was arrested exactly two years later, on Feb. 13, 2025, on the following charges while he was a teacher at Chatt Prep: Sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means x12 Solicitation of a minor Kidnapping Indictment documents say in Feb. of 2023, White drove a child across state lines to "persuade, induce, entice, and coerce" a minor in sexual activity: the production of child porn, exploitation, especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, and soliciting sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means. Two days later, White was informed by Hamilton County Schools that he was suspended without pay regarding a Dept. of Children's Services investigation. Documents from the hiring process of Kenya White at Chatt Prep show he did not tell the school why he was previously removed as a teacher from East Lake Academy. Chatt Prep was not set up through DCS to provide background checks, but they knew there was a disciplinary hold on White's file. He continued to work as a teacher at Chatt Prep until his arrest, two years after the incident. White was also unlicensed during his time teaching at Chatt Prep, as were nearly half of the school's staff, says Hamilton County Schools. In a letter to Chatt Prep, Hamilton Co. Schools says they will recommend the revocation of the school's charter on April 17. Chatt Prep has since hired new leadership at the school. Former Chatt Prep coach begins 30-day jail sentence for aggravated assault In July of 2024 he was indicted on charges of domestic assault, aggravated assault, child abuse and neglect, and evading arrest. PREVIOUS STORY: A judge has set the federal trial date for Kenya White, the former Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher who faces several charges. White was first arrested on various child sex crimes charges in February, stemming from a two-year Dept. of Children's Services investigation. White was then arrested again in March on federal charges of enticement of a minor and exploitation of a minor. The trial is set to begin on May 19. Internal emails at Chatt Prep show the school knew White was under DCS investigation at the time they hired him. Hamilton Co. Schools soon after found that White was one of several teachers unlicensed at the charter school. In a letter to Chatt Prep, Hamilton Co. Schools says they will recommend the revocation of the school's charter on April 17. PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga Preparatory Schools says "a new era began" on Tuesday, March 25, as the school announced new leadership at Prep Public Schools. Troy Kemp has been named Chief Executive Officer and Chad Everett as Vice President of Schools. "Both Kemp and Everett have passed all necessary background checks without issue," says Austin Cantrell in a release from the school. The scrutiny of Chatt Prep began in February when an unlicenced teacher, Kenya White, was arrested on various charges of child sex crimes. Hamilton County Schools began investigating other teachers at the school and found almost half of the teachers were unlicensed as well. They recommended the charter be revoked. Kemp comes to Chatt Prep with 27 years of experience at the McCallie School, as well as Director of Strategic Initiatives at Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. I am thrilled to lead the efforts of Prep Public Schools because this is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative, increase the expectations, and improve the outcomes for Black and brown boys in Chattanooga and Knoxville, said Troy Kemp, incoming CEO of PREP Public Schools. Challenges in the past may have pushed us back on our heels, but we are shifting our stance and playing from our toes. Everett currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of IOTA Community Schools, a charter network serving 2,100 students. I am excited for the opportunity to cultivate the environment I wanted as a scholar and that every scholar deserves an environment where every scholar has the freedom to discover curricular truths, as well as truths about themselves; an environment where excellence is the expectation and the brilliance of scholars and teachers is embraced bell-to-bell, every class, every day, said Chad Everett, VP of Schools of PREP Public Schools. PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga Preparatory Schools is set to introduce the school's new leadership after an unlicensed teacher's arrest led Hamilton Co. Schools to recommend the school's charter be revoked. Hamilton Co. Schools says they found almost half of the teachers at Chatt Prep were not licensed. The investigation began when an unlicensed teacher under a Dept. of Children's Services investigation was hired at the school in 2024. Former Chatt Prep teacher, Kenya White, was arrested in February on several charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was then arrested again in March on federal charges of enticement of a minor and exploitation of a minor. PREVIOUS STORY: Hamilton County Schools says they are currently verifying senior credits to ensure Chattanooga Preparatory School's senior class will graduate on time. HCS released the following statement: "Our top priority is supporting the students at Chattanooga Prep and safeguarding their academic progress. We are currently verifying senior credits and taking any necessary corrective actions to ensure that the Senior Class will graduate on-time. We are hopeful that all 50 seniors will graduate on time, but more collaboration is needed before we can state this definitively. Hamilton County Schools and Chattanooga Prep continue to work together to address the recent concerns regarding teacher licensure and ensure compliance with state requirements. Through our collaborative efforts, we have identified a few of Chatt Prep's 50 teachers are not eligible for a teaching license, permit, or waiver. We are actively taking steps to secure the appropriate certifications, waivers, or permits for the remaining teachers to ensure all instructional staff meet state guidelines. As we move forward, we are committed to strengthening procedures for verifying teacher eligibility to prevent future issues. Through ongoing collaboration and accountability, we are confident in our ability to resolve this matter so that Chattanooga Prep can continue providing a high-quality education to its scholars for years to come." Hamilton County Schools recommended for Chatt Prep's charter to be revoked after finding almost half of teachers were not licensed. The investigation began when an unlicensed teacher under a Dept. of Children's Services investigation was hired at the school in 2024. Former Chatt Prep teacher, Kenya White, was arrested in February on several charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was then arrested again in March on federal charges of enticement of a minor and exploitation of a minor. PREVIOUS STORY: The latest TCAP scores for the 2023-24 school year show Chattanooga Preparatory Schools is below the state average in every subject. Hamilton County Schools is recommending the school's charter to be revoked after learning that 21 of 45 teachers at the school were unlicensed. The achievement rate at Chatt prep is 26.1%, while the state average is 39.6%. Biology I State average: 45.2% Chatt Prep average: 29.5% ELA State average: 33.1% Chatt Prep average: 21.5% HS English State average: 42.8% Chatt Prep average: 35.8% HS Math State average: 28.5% Chatt Prep average: 13.8% Math State average: 37.6% Chatt Prep average: 28.1% Science State average: 43.9% Chatt Prep average: 29.7% Social Studies State average: 45.5% Chatt Prep average: 37.8% PREVIOUS STORY: The Tennessee Charter School Center has released a statement pertaining to Chattanooga Preparatory School students potentially impacted by unlicensed teachers: There is no law that would specifically prevent these students from graduating or invalidate their credits based solely on the licensure status of the teacher in the classroom. The state does not issue credits or diplomas and therefore would not be in a position to reject these credits or prevent a student from graduating. Issuing credits is a local issue. Chattanooga Prep makes awards credits and diplomas. We hope Hamilton County will not pursue any action that would negatively impact any student. A letter from Hamilton County Schools recommending the revocation of Chattanooga Prep's charter status said that it's "likely" the entire graduating class was not accumulating valid credits after they found 21 of 45 teachers at the school to be unlicensed. Spring 2025 will be Chatt Prep's first graduating class, and the school says students have accumulated $638,000 in scholarships already. The investigation into Chatt Prep began when an unlicensed teacher was hired while under DCS investigation, then arrested for several charges of solicitation of a minor. Kenya White was recently arrested a second time for federal charges. Several leaders at the school have resigned or been put on leave since. Hamilton County School and Chattanooga Preparatory School say they are both committed to working together to "ensure that Prep meets or exceeds its high standards for hiring personnel." PREVIOUS STORY: Hamilton County Schools says 21 of 45 teachers at Chattanooga Preparatory Schools are unlicensed, not having permits or waivers for classes they teach. This means high school students are not accumulating valid credits towards graduation. "Likely, Chattanooga Prep's entire senior class is impacted by this licensure issue." Spring 2025 was expected to be the school's first graduating class. The school posted on facebook that each senior has a post-high school plan, and the class has together secured $638,000 in scholarships. Hamilton County Schools say they were not aware that almost half of Chatt Prep's teachers were teaching without a license, waiver, or permit "until recently." In a letter to Chatt Prep, Hamilton Co. Schools says they will recommend the revocation of the school's charter on April 17. The revocation will be effective at the end of the school year. The letter from Hamilton County Schools states: "Chattanooga Prep have willfully violated Tennessee laws governing the licensure of teachers. I also believe that the governing body and management have deliberately misrepresented who were the teachers of record in classes actually taught by these unlicensed personnel in order to avoid scrutiny from TDOE." HCS states in the letter that all teachers in a public charter school must hold a valid Tennessee educator license. The following teachers listed on the Chatt Prep website either did not have permits or waivers at all, or did not have an active license through the TN Dept. of Education license look-up: Ethan Reyes - 12th Grade AP Calculus Justin D. Shull - 12th Grade AP Government and Economics Brandie Morgan - Exceptional Education Assistant Davarius Joseph Harris - Geometry Erikka Nichole Benning - Computer Science Jaylin Davon Rogers - Physical Education Theanthony Demonta Haymon - Behavior Interventionist Ivan Andres Lobo - 9th Grade Guided Math Joshua Carroll Grossi - 9th Grade Guided Reading Khalil Marjon Watts - 8th Grade ELA Peyton Anderson Whitley - 7th Grade History Cheryl Hines - 7th Grade Math Kenya White has been removed from the schools website, but was unlicensed at the time of his arrest. The investigation into Chatt Prep began when an unlicensed teacher was hired while under DCS investigation, then arrested for several charges of solicitation of a minor. White was recently arrested a second time for federal charges. PREVIOUS STORY: Hamilton County Schools has started the process to revoke Chattanooga Preparatory Schools charter after an unlicensed teacher was arrested for child sex crimes. Chatt Prep stated in a letter to families that while they believe it is "Unnecessary," they will work with HCS to find a solution that benefits the district and the school. Chatt Prep says the primary concern of Hamilton County Schools is teacher licensure. "Prep has accepted HCS's offer to send HR staff to work alongside our employment attorneywho is currently auditing our HR processesto review employment practices and recommend any necessary changes." Chatt Prep said there will be no disruption to school operations for the time being. The school also promised parents that they are committed to addressing concerns while they work closely with HCS. The school also told parents to attend and share their opinions at the upcoming School Board meeting, contact members of the Hamilton County School Board, and post on social media about how the school has benefited their children. A former Chatt Prep teacher was arrested on several charges of sexual exploitation of a minor in February, then arrested a second time on federal charges early March. Internal emails obtained by Local 3 show that Kenya White was hired at Chatt Prep while he had a disciplinary hold on his file for being under a Dept. of Children's Services investigation. PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga Preparatory School says they will have an answer about where they conduct teacher background checks by the end of the week, after hiring a teacher under Dept. of Children's Services investigation for sexual exploitation of a minor. Chatt Prep's Interim CEO, Micah Bess stated: "Our third-party legal team, which we have hired to audit our hiring processes (including our use of the DCS portal), believes they will be able to answer this question by this Friday. We will provide you with that answer as soon as it is available." DCS told Local 3 News that the charter school was not set up in their system to do background checks for any teachers, despite the school saying they were. It's state law for all public and charter schools to perform background checks for teachers through DCS. Kenya White, a former Chatt Prep teacher, faces several charges including federal charges of enticement of a minor and exploitation of a minor. He was hired at Chatt Prep while under a DCS investigation that began while he was employed at a city school. Local 3 reached out to learn if Knox Prep, Chatt Prep's sister school in Knoxville, uses the same hiring process. Bess told Knoxville NBC affiliate, WBIR, that the Knoxville campus will learn from Chatt Prep's mistakes, but did not specify their background check process: "All personnel being considered for employment at Knox Prep are required to undergo several levels of background checks to ensure every one of our scholars is safe while learning. Chattanooga Prep is working to hire an outside firm that specializes in HR practices to review the school's past and current processes to ensure the school's process for conducting these checks is performed without exception. Lessons learned from that review will be applied to Knox Prep if necessary. Neither Chattanooga Prep nor Knoxville Prep will allow this situation to distract from our mission to prepare the next generation of young men for success in our communities." Local 3 has reached out to Chattanooga Preparatory Schools with more questions on staff impacted. PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga Preparatory School has declined the former principal's request to be paid severance after quitting during an investigation into a former teacher hired while under Dept. of Children's Services investigation. Former principal Diamond Kelley's letter of resignation to the school says she had been "hurt." Kelley also asks for an "exchange" to waive any legal claims against the school: "I am also offering to waive any legal claims I have against Chattanooga Preparatory School. In exchange, I am requesting: 1. Severance pay in an amount equal to the remainder of my contract. 2. A letter confirming that background checks were the responsibility of HR. Let me be clear: my reputation is not for sale. My integrity is not up for negotiation. I have carried myself with dignity, and I will not allow my name to be tarnished." She goes on to say, "Only God knows I did what I was supposed to do. I leave with my head held high, I do not leave in surrender. I stand on my character, my values, and my unwavering commitment to these young men." Chatt Prep's interim CEO Micah Bess responded to Kelley's resignation email saying, "it seems we must agree to disagree about your record while at Chattanooga Prep." The email goes on to state: "I politely decline the opportunity to respond to every aspect of your resignation message, except to say this: you have not been slandered by Chattanooga Prep. Your personnel file, which was requested by several local media outlets due to your involvement in the situation regarding Mr. White, speaks for itself. Chattanooga Prep was compelled by law to respond to these FOIA requests, and we had no choice but to share your record, along with a great deal of other information legally requested by local media. I also politely decline your request to be paid a severance. The circumstances surrounding your resignation, do not lend themselves to such an outcome." Read the full resignation below: PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga Preparatory School Principal Diamond Kelley, originally placed on leave after the arrest of a former teacher, has now resigned. Kelley was placed on administrative leave on Feb. 18. The letter from Chatt Prep's interim CEO says the leave was while law enforcement continued to "review the Kenya White situation." She then resigned on March 6. Kenya White, a former Chatt Prep teacher, was first arrested on Feb. 13 on several charges of sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means, solicitation of a minor, and kidnapping. On March 7, White was arrested a second time on federal charges of enticement of a minor and exploitation of a minor. Internal emails from Chatt Prep show the school saw a disciplinary hold on his file while he was under a Dept. of Children's Services investigation, but decided to hire him anyway. Local 3 also learned that Chatt Prep was not set up to background check teachers through DCS, which is required by law. PREVIOUS STORY: Kenya White, a former Chattanooga Preparatory Schools teacher, faces federal charges of enticement of a minor and exploitation of a minor after his second arrest on Friday morning. These are in addition to his previous charges he was indicted on: Sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means x12 Solicitation of a minor Kidnapping While those charges stem from a Chattanooga police and Dept. of Children Services investigation that began in 2023 while he taught at East Lake Academy, it's not clear what situation led to the recent federal charges. Documents show White did not tell the school why he was previously removed as a teacher from East Lake Academy. The Chatt Prep screening says Kenya White told the school he left for his own reasons: "White reports he was employed with HCDE- East Lake Academy and left in March 2023, due to unhappiness at the school. For six years, he taught Theatre, 6th, 7th, 8th. White was a participant in HCDE's Grow Your Own program and program ended after his voluntary resignation; therefore, no teaching license." However, White's personnel file at Hamilton County Schools says he was suspended without pay because of a Dept. of Children's Services investigation linked to inappropriate communication with a student: Chatt Prep was not set up through DCS to provide a background check after their screening. DCS says the school is not set up in their system to provide background checks for any teachers, and Hamilton County Schools say they did not perform a background check on White through their services. One of the references given to Chatt Prep by an East Lake Academy teacher says his weaknesses were "setting boundaries with the students. Students see him as a big brother, rather than a teacher." Despite that statement, Chatt Prep stated on White's screening that White has "appropriate communication with parents and students." Chattanooga police are still looking for potential victims of White during their investigation. If you have any information, call the Chattanooga Police Department at 423-698-2525 or the Department of Children's Services at 877-237-0004. PREVIOUS STORY: McCracken Poston, attorney for Kenya White, the former Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher who now faces federal charges after his second arrest, states: "Our constitution provides that every person is to be considered innocent until they are found guilty by plea or trial. Its unfortunate that this matter is now being used as a political issue to attack others, and even the entire concept of charter schools. My focus must and will remain on ensuring that Mr. White gets the fairness guaranteed to every citizen in our courts." White was first arrested on several charges in February of 2025: Sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means x12 Solicitation of a minor Kidnapping Local 3 News has reached out to Chattanooga police to ask if they are still searching for potential victims. PREVIOUS STORY: The former Chattanooga Preparatory Schools teacher previously arrested on several charges of sexual exploitation of a minor is now behind bars again on federal charges. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says Kenya White was arrested in Rossville, GA and brought into the Hamilton Co. Jail around 1:00am on Friday, March 7, by federal law enforcement officials. He has now left their facility. Chattanooga police first arrested White on Feb. 13 after an investigation that began two years prior with the Dept. of Children's Services. At the time of White's first arrest, police said they were actively investigating if there could be more victims. Since White's arrest, Local 3 discovered that Chatt Prep hired White knowing he was under a disciplinary hold stemming from the 2-year-long investigation. Internal emails show the school decided to hire him anyway. On March 5, Tennessee Representative John Ray Clemmons requested the state to investigate Chattanooga Preparatory School. On March 6, DCS told Local 3 that the school wasn't set up to background checks in their system, which is law for Charter Schools in Tennessee. Since White's arrest, Chattanooga Preparatory School principal Diamond Kelley has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal review, and Human Resources Coordinator, Dr. Angelnetta Ulmer, took an early retirement. PREVIOUS STORY: A Hamilton County charter school facing scrutiny for hiring a teacher under investigation by the Dept. of Children's Services has given Local 3 News conflicting reports of where they perform background checks for teachers. Chattanooga Preparatory School's interim CEO, Micah Bess, stated: "Chattanooga Prep uses the DCS portal to retrieve background checks for all prospective employees as part of our schools hiring process." The Department of Children's Services states the opposite: "Chattanooga Preparatory School is not set up through the TN Dept. of Childrens Services portal to perform DCS background checks. It is the responsibility of each school system to identify a select number of personnel to be granted access to the portal for the purpose of conducting background checks." Hamilton County Schools tells Local 3 News that the school did not perform a DCS background check through their system either: "Chattanooga Prep does not obtain background checks through HCS." Tenn. Code Ann. 49-5-413 states that all local boards of education, charter schools, or child care programs are required to perform a DCS background check on any applicants for teaching positions. Chatt Prep teacher Kenya White was arrested in February of 2025 on several charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. The DCS investigation began when White was a teacher at East Lake Academy in 2023. White was suspended from East Lake Academy and put on a disciplinary hold, which showed up in his file during the hiring process at Chatt Prep in 2024. Internal emails show Chatt Prep knew of the disciplinary hold, but decided to hire him anyway. Since the arrest, Chattanooga Preparatory School principal Diamond Kelley has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal review, and Human Resources Coordinator, Dr. Angelnetta Ulmer, took an early retirement. Tennessee Representative John Ray Clemmons has officially requested the state to investigate the school. PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga Preparatory Schools confirms to Local 3 News that Human Resources Coordinator, Dr. Angelnetta Ulmer, is stepping down earlier than expected. Ulmer initially planned to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year, but school officials say she chose to accelerate her departure due to several factors including the ongoing situation with Kenya White, a former Chatt Prep teacher indicted on several charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. Internal emails within Chatt Prep reveal the school knew of a disciplinary hold on White but decided to hire him anyway - even though he was under investigation by the Dept. of Children Services. Emails show Chattanooga Prep knew about teachers troubled past before hiring Tennessee Rep. John Clemmons is urging the state to investigate how White was allowed to teach at Chattanooga Prep despite his documented past. Chattanooga Preparatory School principal Diamond Kelley has also been placed on administrative leave pending an internal review after White was arrested. Chattanooga police are still looking for potential victims of White during their investigation. If you have any information, call the Chattanooga Police Department at 423-698-2525 or the Department of Children's Services at 877-237-0004. PREVIOUS STORY: Tennessee Representative John Ray Clemmons has officially requested the state to investigate Chattanooga Preparatory School after the school hired a teacher on a disciplinary hold, who was later arrested for sexual exploitation of a minor. The letter to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti states: "One would expect a school, even a charter school that operates with little to no oversight, to make best efforts to protect students by requesting pertinent information from a previous employer and performing a background check." Rep. Clemmons goes on to say a state investigation into Chatt Prep would "shed much-needed light on how something as seriously disturbing as this could happen." Read the full letter here: PREVIOUS STORY: Internal emails show Chattanooga Preparatory School knew about a teacher let go from a different school in Hamilton County because of a Dept. of Children Services investigation before he was hired again at Chatt Prep. The DCS investigation into Kenya White first started while he was an Education Assistant at East Lake Academy. He put on leave in 2023 pending a law enforcement investigation. In January of 2024, White was then hired as an 8th grade english teacher at Chattanooga Preparatory School. Internal emails obtained by Local 3 News show that Chatt Prep saw the disciplinary hold on White, but hired him anyway. One email sent within the school said, "we cannot hire him while he's under review," and "we will need to terminate Mr. White this week." Parents concerned about Chatt Prep's oversight after hiring teacher under DCS investigation Local 3 News is working with DCS to confirm if Chatt Prep requested background checks through DCS for White and current employees. However, instead of terminating White, an employee at the school replied, "let's discuss this before he is terminated." The Chatt Prep website listed him as a Guided Reading teacher for the 2024-2025 school year on their website. Almost exactly one year since those emails were sent, White was arrested on several charges in February of 2025: Sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means x12 Solicitation of a minor Kidnapping Chattanooga Preparatory School principal Diamond Kelley has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal review after White was arrested. Chattanooga police are still looking for potential victims of White during their investigation. If you have any information, call the Chattanooga Police Department at 423-698-2525 or the Department of Children's Services at 877-237-0004. Hamilton Co. School Board discusses charter school application process after teacher's indictment Questions about the application process for charter schools come after a now former teacher of Chattanooga Preparatory was hired amid an investigation. PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga Preparatory School principal Diamond Kelley has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal review. In February, Chatt Prep teacher Kenya White was arrested on several charges of sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means. White's personnel file shows White was suspended from his previous employment in 2023 at East Lake Academy pending a Dept. of Children's Services investigation. Tenn. Code Ann. 49-5-413 states that all local boards of education, charter schools, or child care programs are required to perform a DCS background check on any applicants for teaching positions. Local 3 News is working with DCS to confirm if Chatt Prep requested background checks through DCS for White and current employees. Micah Reed Bess, Interim CEO of PREP Public Schools stated: The greatest responsibility of every school is to ensure the safety of the children it has the privilege to educate. Chattanooga Prep believes this is one of our most fundamental responsibilities to the community we serve, which is why the school has been taking sweeping actions since learning that one of its former employees was arrested on charges that have nothing to do with Chattanooga Prep. The extraordinary actions we have taken since learning of Mr. Whites arrest include firing the employee, placing on leave senior school staff, making counseling services available to members of our school community, and hiring an independent employment firm to investigate what internal HR processes require changes to ensure this situation never happens again. Chattanooga Prep is determined not to allow this situation to distract from our mission to prepare the next generation of young men for success in Chattanooga. Former teacher employed for years by Hamilton Co. Schools before child sex crimes indictment Kenya White's personnel file from Hamilton County Schools shows he was originally hired as a part-time tutor at East Lake in 2018. PREVIOUS STORY: Now-former Chattanooga Prep School teacher Kenya White was arraigned in court Friday, Feb. 21 after he was charged with 12 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means, solicitation of a minor and kidnapping. No testimony or video was shown. White is due back in court on May 8. PREVIOUS STORY: A spokesperson for Hamilton County Schools says they did not receive any reference checks on Kenya White, the Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher arrested on charges of sexual exploitation. Dr. Zac Brown, Chief of Talent with Hamilton County Schools, says, "As far as I know, [Hamilton County Schools] did not receive any reference checks on Mr. White. Children's Advocacy Center gives tips to parents after local teacher arrested for child sex crimes A local expert said parents should look for these signs to keep their kids from becoming a victim of sexual misconduct by an educator. White was employed at East Lake Academy for the 2022-2023 school year when the initial investigation began, but was working at Chatt Prep at the time of his arrest. PREVIOUS STORY: The Chattanooga Preparatory School has confirmed a teacher arrested for sexual exploitation is no longer employed at the school. Chatt Prep declined to answer multiple requests about Kenya White's employment status since his arrest on Feb. 13. On Feb. 19, the school said: "Chattanooga Preparatory School is deeply troubled by the recent arrest of a former employee. The safety and well-being of our scholars remain our top priority, and we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are cooperating with law enforcement and conducting a thorough internal review. As this is an open investigation, we cannot provide further comment at this time." White was arrested on several charges of sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means, solicitation of a minor, and kidnapping. While Hamilton County Schools says he was employed at East Lake Academy for the 2022-2023 school year when the investigation began, Chatt Prep has not said if they were aware of the investigation when hiring White. A student of Chatt Prep says he was a teacher at the school since 2023, but the school has not confirmed this. Former teacher employed for years by Hamilton Co. Schools before child sex crimes indictment Kenya White's personnel file from Hamilton County Schools shows he was originally hired as a part-time tutor at East Lake in 2018. PREVIOUS STORY: Hamilton County Schools confirms to Local 3 News that Kenya White, the Chattanooga Preparatory teacher arrested for sexual exploitation, was employed at East Lake Academy for the 2022-2023 school year. Chattanooga police say they first responded to East Lake Academy in February 2023 to investigate Kenya White. The school system declined to answer if parents at East Lake were notified of the investigation or if White had a valid teaching license at the time. Kenya White was arrested on the following charges: Sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means- 12 counts Solicitation of a minor Kidnapping Police are actively seeking to find if there are more victims. If you have any information, call the Chattanooga Police Department at 423-698-2525 or the Department of Children's Services at 877-237-0004. Chattanooga Preparatory School has still declined to answer if White is still employed at the school or not. PREVIOUS STORY: Tennessee Department of Education records show that Kenya White, the Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher arrested for sexual exploitation of a minor, does not have a teaching license in the state currently. It is not clear if White's license was suspended or revoked, or if he ever had a valid teaching license in the state. Chatt Prep has still declined to comment on White's employment status. The Chattanooga Police Department says they are actively investigating if there could be more victims of White, after he worked as a teacher for two years before the investigation lead to an indictment. If you have any information, call the Chattanooga Police Department at 423-698-2525 or the Department of Children's Services at 877-237-0004. PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga police say the investigation into a Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher arrested for multiple counts of solicitation of a minor began two years ago. The Chattanooga Police Dept. says they first responded to East Lake Academy in February of 2023, when the Special Victims Unit and Dept. of Children's Services joined the investigation. Multiple teams worked together to obtain digital forensic evidence to successfully lead to an indictment of Kenya White in February of 2025. Kenya White was arrested on the following charges: Sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means x12 Solicitation of a minor Kidnapping The Chattanooga Police Dept. says they are actively investigating if there could be more victims. If you have any information, call the Chattanooga Police Department at 423-698-2525 or the Department of Children's Services at 877-237-0004. Chatt Prep has still declined to comment on if White is still an employee at the school at this time. PREVIOUS STORY: A Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher has been ordered to not have contact with minors after being indicted on 14 counts related to sexual exploitation. Kenya White's charges all stem from a February 2023 incident. White faces a $10,000 bond for each count. He was indicted on February 10, 2025 on the following charges: Sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means x12 Solicitation of a minor Kidnapping The sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means indictment indicate White exposed a child younger than 13 years old to sexual material through electronic communication. The solicitation of a minor charge involved a child younger than 18 years old in sexual activity. The kidnapping charge does not detail the age of the victim. The school still declines to comment on if White is still employed. PREVIOUS STORY: A Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher has been arrested on several charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. Chattanooga Preparatory School lists Kenya White as a Guided Reading 6th Grade teacher on its website. While the Hamilton County Courts System doesn't have documents on his arrest yet, the following charges are listed: Sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means x12 Solicitation of a minor Kidnapping Chattanooga Preparatory School posted on Facebook in 2024 that White was recognized as teacher of the month in March. When asked if White was still employed by the school, Chattanooga Prep responded: "Chattanooga Prep cannot speak to the facts surrounding the criminal charges. Please refer all questions to the Chattanooga Police Department or the Hamilton County district attorney's office." When asked a second time if White was still employed by the school, they declined to answer the question again. Police say 29-year-old Kadum Hunter Harwood posted threats through Facebook that were aimed at the center before the fire happened. Jack Daniels parent company says Canada pulling booze off shelves is even worse than tariffs A young man who finds himself at a nadir in life will serve over a year in prison for a number of theft offences he committed to fund his drug addiction. Grant Rennie (27) of 1 Beechwood, Clonbalt Woods, Longford was before Longford District Court facing seven charges. Mr Rennie pleaded guilty before Judge Bernadette Owens to a string of thefts in Longford town. The defendant was charged with trespass to commit theft at Spice India, Ballymahon Street, Longford between February 9 and 10, 2025, stealing clothes valued 104.30 from Penneys on February 2, stealing clothes to the value of 200 from Elverys, Athlone Rd, Longford on February 15, the theft of 132.50 worth of alcohol from Lidl Dublin Rd on February 21, stealing two cans of alcohol and chocolate costing 62.42 from Circle K, Main St, Ballymahon on February 20, theft of aftershave valued at 147.80 on December 2, 2024 from Lloyds Pharmacy, Longford. The final charge was of public intoxication at Garvey's Yard, Longford on April 16, 2024. After Judge Owens accepted jurisdiction of the matters Sergeant Mark Mahon said the DPP consented to the summary disposal of all matters. Also Read: Celebrations: Silver Jubilee of Longford's Irish Wheelchair Centre Sergeant Mahon agreed with the defendant's solicitor, Frank Gearty, that there were no particular aggravating factors in the case. The defendant had 28 previous convictions, one for burglary and nine for theft. Mr Gearty said his client was highly educated and previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry, but succumbed to heroin addiction. Mr Gearty explained that Mr Rennie engaged with the Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) and is now on a methadone programme: He has made efforts to get out of addictions. The offences before the court would not have arisen except for his addiction. The solicitor said Mr Rennie had been off drugs and got through Christmas, however the dark month of February saw him slip back and this was a matter of extreme regret. Also Read: Down Memory Lane | A stylish gallery of Longford graduation pictures from 2009 & 2011 Mr Gearty pointed out that his client was not looking to avoid the consequences of his addiction and had said when questioned by Gardai he said: I need to give myself and everyone else a break. Mr Gearty continued: This is a shocking waste of a young life. He finds himself at this nadir in his life. He leaves himself in your hands. He wishes to take himself off the market for the people of Longford, who he has wronged. The solicitor said the defendant's drug use resulted in him requiring hospital treatment for infection to the track marks on his arms: This is a sorry tale and he acknowledges his role. Judge Owens noted the defendant entered an early plea of guilty to all charges, and had not made any application for bail: However Mr Rennie is in difficulty as the offence were committed while on a bench warrant, he has a number of similar previous convictions, and he has had the benefit of a suspended sentence. Also Read: Longford selects business for National Enterprise Awards Finals The judge registered a conviction and imposed a six month custodial sentence for the trespassed to commit theft offence and a further five months for one of the theft charges, with the sentences to run consecutive to each other. Judge Owens directed that a probation report be compiled before the matter of the triggered suspended sentence is concluded. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: March 07 2025 These health ID cards can provide first responders with vital information if one becomes unconscious or incapacitated. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino is partnering with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to provide residents with a Free Health Information Card through the Nassau County Department of Health. This ID card serves as an important tool in the event of an emergency as it allows first responders to quickly identify health and contact information. Photos and cards will be processed on-site, and residents will take their ID card home from the event. Supervisor Saladino stated, Im proud to join with County Executive Bruce Blakeman to offer this potentially lifesaving program to our residents. These health ID cards can provide first responders with vital information if one becomes unconscious or incapacitated, making it easier to receive expedited and informed care in the case of a medical emergency. Residents will be able to obtain an ID card on the following dates: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Syosset Public Library- 225 S. Oyster Bay Road, Syosset, NY 11791 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Syosset Public Library- Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Bayville Free Library- 34 School Street Unit B, Bayville, NY 11709 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Bayville Free Library- Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Library- 89 E. Main Street, Oyster Bay, NY 11771 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman stated, Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents is a top priority. By partnering with Supervisor Saladino on this important initiative, were making it easier for first responders to access critical health information in an emergency. This simple but effective tool can help save lives, and I encourage all residents to take advantage of this free program. The Health Information Card will include pertinent information such as allergies, medical conditions, and medications, as well as a photo and an emergency contact. For more information, please contact the Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 227-9697. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: March 06 2025 Festival features an industry day for emerging filmmakers and content creators Saturday, April 5. The producers of the Made in Huntington Film & TV Festival have announced that 36 projects have been selected by the jury of 15 distinguished leaders in the film and television industry, from among nearly 100 entries submitted by both experienced and emerging filmmakers, to the New York areas newest film and television festival. The titles include many short features as well as a few feature length movies to be presented to the public in 15 programs over the four-day festival, April 3-6, 2025, at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Avenue in Huntington, NY. In addition to the 15 public screening programs, the festival will also present an Industry Day for emerging filmmakers and content creators on Saturday morning, April 5 at the Cinema Arts Centre. It includes a series of moderated panel discussions with noteworthy industry leaders, designed to guide the attendees on how to prepare their projects to be viable for distribution at festivals, on TV, streaming, and in theaters. Awards will be presented at the Closing Ceremony on Sunday evening, April 6. The Festival is presented by the Town of Huntingtons Cultural Affairs Institute, a 501c3 corporation, and is produced by the Towns Office of Film & Television. Since the Town Board approved the formation of the Office of Film & Television in 2022, the Town has been aggressive in our efforts to invite Hollywood to Huntington, said Ed Smyth, Huntington Town Supervisor. He continued, We have already welcomed producers from leading media companies like Apple, Hulu, Universal, Netflix, Discovery, HBO Max, and most recently, the 3-time Academy Award winning Steven Spielberg. Making movies and TV in our town has propelled the local economy by patronizing local businesses, leasing private properties, and hiring residents. This festival is another way for us to invite filmmakers to make their movies and tv series here. Joe Schramm, the festivals executive producer and Huntington Towns Director of the Office of Film & Television added, The Made in Huntington Film & TV Festival spotlights Huntington as a place where the art of filmmaking is celebrated, and the business of film and television production and distribution is encouraged. That is the impetus for presenting an Industry Day program, and the influence behind our selection of judges. Schramm continued, Those who enter festivals deserve to know their work is judged by individuals who appreciate the art of storytelling, while understand that stories can also be viable for distribution. We appointed jurors who are experienced educators, editors, executives and professionals who influence content creation, distribution or marketing of film and TV. Festival-goers can choose from four daily programs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and three programs on Sunday. Each program features either a single length movie or a cluster of shorts arranged according to a common theme. Each program is about 90-120 minutes, and some include conversations with the filmmakers. The selections represent filmmakers from around the world and around the corner, with some even from the Town of Huntington and the greater New York metro area. Each selection and its filmmaker is to be featured on the festival website starting midday Friday, March 7. The 36 titles will each be featured in an aggressive social media, digital TV, and print campaign designed to attract ticket buyers. Tickets are $20 each per program. Members of the Cinema Arts Centre are eligible for a member discount. Tickets are available for sale starting March 7, online at www.madeinhuntington.com or at www.cineamartscentre.org or www.huntingtonny.gov/content Visit the official website at www.madeinhuntington.com or www.huntingtonny.gov/content for more information about each selected title, about the filmmakers and content creators and for bios on each of the 15 jurors. For specific event details, contact Joe Schramm, Director of the Office of Film and Television Town of Huntington - 1 (646) 342-4447. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani chairs a meeting in Baghdad on March 5. (Iraqi Prime Ministers Office) On March 5, Iraqi National Security Adviser Qassem al Araji told the Associated Press that Iraqi authorities are working under the prime ministers direction to find Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University researcher who was kidnapped two years ago in Iraq. Araji stated that the security services are mobilized to locate her and find the group that kidnapped her, asserting that there have been no claims of responsibility for her kidnapping. He also falsely said there were no demands for her release. Tsurkovs sister, Emma, has campaigned to free Elizabeth and keep her case in the spotlight. The kidnapping of Tsurkov, who holds Israeli and Russian citizenship, has received increased attention over the last several months. In January, the Associated Press noted that an Israeli official said Jerusalem was working with various countries to secure her release. The report quoted an Israeli official who said, We are counting on our allies. [] And I hope that other nations will suggest assistance in helping us release Elizabeth. Many nations have embassies and contacts with the Iraqi government. Israel has reached out to the US, UK, Germany, Austria, and Canada. The report emerged around the same time a ceasefire and hostage deal were being ironed out between Israel and Hamas. The incoming Trump administration had focused on that deal at the time. In early February 2025, Amwaj media, which is based in the UK but covers the Middle East, claimed that Iraqi militias were seeking a prisoner exchange deal for Tsurkov. The report stated that pro-Iranian militiasapparently after consulting with Hezbollahwanted Hezbollah members captured by Israel to be released in return. If accurate, these demands likely took place after the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel that began in late November 2024, largely ending more than a year of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. Iraqi militias have expressed support for Hezbollah in the past, and several that are part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq carried out attacks on Israel in the wake of Hamass October 7 attack, joining with Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups. Tsurkov was kidnapped in Baghdad in March 2023, but her disappearance was not reported for more than three months. On July 6, 2023, Israels Prime Ministers Office stated, Elizabeth Tsurkov is an Israeli-Russian dual citizen who has been missing in Iraq for several months and is being held by the Shiite militia Kataib Hezbollah. Kataib Hezbollah official Abu Ali al-Askari responded by claiming the group would seek to find out the fate of the Zionist hostage. An Iraqi intelligence source told AFP that Tsurkov had been kidnapped at the beginning of Ramadan in 2023, indicating Iraqi intelligence already knew about the case. This report calls into question Iraqs current posture that it is only now aware of calls for her release and looking for her. In September 2023, Amnesty International called for Tsurkovs release. In November 2023, in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel, Iraqs Al Rabiaa TV broadcast a video showing Tsurkov giving a statement while in captivity. Pressure has built on Baghdad to do more to secure her freedom. Emma Tsurkov confronted Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani at an event at the Atlantic Council in April 2024 when Sudani visited Washington. She expressed hope in December 2024 that the incoming Trump administration would do more to help. Three days after Trump was inaugurated, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told a reporter in Davos that Tsurkov was alive, and Iraq was seeking to have her freed. After Trump took office, new US Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler wrote on social media on February 5 that the Iraqi prime minister had consistently made false promises to the prior administration about releasing her. Boehler wrote that if Tsurkov werent released, Sudani would be either incapable and should be fired or worse complicit. Arajis statement on March 5 joins past statements by Iraqi officials that claim not to know who is holding Tsurkov. The security services are mobilized to locate her and find the group that kidnapped her, Araji said. We have to operate discreetly and through intermediates. However, Kataib Hezbollah, the group accused of kidnapping her, operates as part of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU). This Iraqi paramilitary force, made up of mostly pro-Iranian militias, is officially integrated with Iraqs security forces and ostensibly reports to the prime minister. The group has been involved in a long list of attacks, including deadly attacks on US forces in Iraq and the Kingdom of Jordan. Kataib Hezbollah was accused of orchestrating the assassination of Iraqi counterterrorism expert Hisham al Hashimi in July 2020. The group was also blamed for kidnapping Qataris in Iraq in 2015 and Turkish construction workers the same year. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). The state of ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, which went into effect on November 27, 2024, has now officially expired. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has withdrawn from almost all areas occupied in south Lebanon during the conflict with Hezbollah and, per the terms of the ceasefire agreement, handed them over to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). However, with the approval of the United States, the IDF seems set to remain for an indefinite time in five strategic points in south Lebanon even after the deadline for Israeli withdrawal. The posts are located at a hill near Labbouneh, across from the Israeli border town of Shlomi; the Jabal Blat peak, across from Zarit; a hill across from Avivim and Malkia; a hill across from Margaliot; and a hill across from Metula. The five strategic points in Lebanon that the IDF has retained after the February 18 deadline. (Google Earth annotated by LWJ) The IDFs insistence on remaining in these five points stems from Lebanons inaction against Hezbollah. Under the ceasefires terms, the IDF was supposed to withdraw from areas occupied in south Lebanon during the conflict with Hezbollah in tandem with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) deploying to those areas. Simultaneously, Lebanon would be responsible for removing Hezbollah from all Lebanese territory south of the Litani River by disarming its members and dismantling its infrastructure in that region. The deal further requires Lebanon to secure its borders against the entry of arms, provisions, or personnel to Hezbollah to prevent the groups regeneration. Yet, save for deploying the LAF to south Lebanon, Lebanon has failed or is refusing to act on the rest of the obligations under the deal. Hence, the extension, at Israels insistence, of the ceasefire from January 26 until February 18 to give the Lebanese government additional time to demonstrate enforcement of the ceasefires terms. Some anti-Hezbollah Lebanese circles have argued that the LAF is disarming Hezbollah in secret. However, we assess that this assertion lacks credibility. First, Lebanese state inaction is the purpose for Israels extension of its stay. Second, this narrative originated with and is being promoted by highly partisan sources, including the anti-Hezbollah Janoubia. What can be detected with virtual certainty, however, is a consistent attempt by Lebanon and the LAF to give the impression they are implementing the terms of the ceasefire deal. Invariably, these actions have followed an exceptional Israeli action against Hezbollah, implicitlyor explicitly, according to some IDF statementshighlighting Lebanons failure or refusal to act against the group. These actions taken by LAF have not had any considerable impact on Hezbollah and, in many cases, do not appear to have been explicitly targeting the group. Many enforcement actions seem to have targeted criminal elements in possession of weapons in areas dominated by Hezbollah. For example, on January 2, 2025, the IDF stated that its airstrikes that day against Hezbollah infrastructure and launchers only occurred after notifying LAF, which failed to deal with the matter. After the LAFs failure to abide by its obligations under the ceasefire was highlighted, Lebanon claimed to have detained and thoroughly inspected an Iranian Mahan Air flight at Beirut International Airport. However, upon closer inspection, this report turned out to be untruepresumably reflecting an attempt by Beirut to cover its prior inaction. On February 12, 2025, Lebanese authorities barred an Iranian Mahan Air flight from landing in Beirut and imposed a temporary ban on Iranian airlines. However, this development only came after the IDFs Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee warned that Iranian civilian flights were using Beiruts airport to resupply Hezbollah. The ban was initially set to expire on February 18the scheduled date for Israels withdrawal from south Lebanon and an end of the state of war between the two countriesbut was extended indefinitely only after the United States warned Lebanon that the IDF could target incoming Iranian flights. We have compiled a comprehensive list of Israeli and Lebanese activities after the onset of the November 27 ceasefire. While many of these actions occurred on the same date, the two countries and their respective armed forces did not coordinate or conduct them in tandem. Main Takeaways Israeli operations: The IDF has conducted extensive operations in Lebanon since November 27. Most have consisted of detonation operations of seized Hezbollah weaponry and materiel and the demolition of ostensibly civilian infrastructure in Lebanese locales near the Lebanon-Israel frontier line (the Blue Line). If Israeli assertions about the nature of IDF activities are accurate, they demonstrate the extent to which Hezbollah had entrenched itself among civilian locales bordering northern Israel and the Lebanese state and how the LAF had permitted this decades-long build-up. Israel also conducted periodic airstrikes against Hezbollah activity and infrastructure deeper in Lebanon, including within the groups strongholds in the Beqaa Valley, eastern Lebanon, and on the Lebanon-Syria border. These strikes demonstrated the groups continued operations in Lebanon, and Beiruts unwillingness to restrain Hezbollah or implement its obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 or the ceasefire deal on November 27, 2024. LAF operations: The LAF has fallen far short of Lebanons obligations under Resolution 1701 and the November 27 ceasefire agreement. There is no evidencefrom LAF statements or independent reportingthat the LAF or Beirut has undertaken any significant action against Hezbollah. The LAF has not seized any significant military equipment, weapons, or other materiel from the group, nor is there evidence it has dismantled any of Hezbollahs infrastructure above or below the Litani River. This is in sharp contrast to LAFs open declarations of seizing and dismantling the infrastructure and weapons of other armed groups in Lebanon, like the PFLP-GC. To the extent that LAF has taken control of any infrastructure in south Lebanon that reports have alleged belong to Hezbollah, the reporting indicates Hezbollah was first permitted to withdraw its weapons from the facilities. While LAF has engaged in relatively extensive operations to destroy ordnance in areas under Hezbollahs sway, there is no evidence it seized these weapons from Hezbollah before destroying them. Instead, LAF statements do not specify the precise ownership of these arms, which, in any case, were destroyed after being located in open fieldsnot in houses or compounds, like in the IDFs operations. Furthermore, the pictures the LAF or Lebanese media have released of weapons seizures demonstrate a sharp contrast between the quality of arms seized by the LAF and those belonging to Hezbollah that were confiscated and destroyed by the IDF. The weapons taken by LAF appear to be aged ordnance and rockets and low-quality small arms, including outdated rifles that seem more suited for hunting than military applications. In a handful of instances, LAF reported seizing weapons in areas where Hezbollah predominates, namely in the Beqaa Valley. However, per LAF statements, these seizures appear to have occurred incidentally in the course of arrests of individuals wanted for other crimes and after the fact rather than having been the primary objective. Furthermore, there is no conclusive evidence that the individuals detained are linked to Hezbollah or that their arms belong to the group. Armed Shiite clans involved in criminal activities also operate in these areas. While they have links to Hezbollah and a cooperative relationship with the group, they are not under its command. Lebanons posture on Hezbollah: Beirut, its officials, and its state apparatuses continue to demonstrate a traditional unwillingness to confront Hezbollah. The LAFs deployment in south Lebanon and any reported takeovers of Hezbollah posts have occurred only withand as a result ofHezbollahs permission. On December 5, 2024, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem effectively said the group had agreed to withdraw north of the Litani River. The LAF has not asserted the Lebanese states authority in defiance of Hezbollahs wishes, and Hezbollah has made clear it has no intention to disarm north of the Litani River. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said that the important thing now is to ensure Israels withdrawal from south Lebanon, which would end the current state of war and prevent Israel from resuming hostilities without a prior armed attack by Hezbollah. As for Hezbollahs weapons, said Aoun, this will be [addressed] as part of solutions agreed upon by the Lebanese. In other words, Aoun signaled a return to Lebanons old position of resolving the question of Hezbollahs arms through internal dialogue and consensus. Such an effort would include Hezbollahs input as an influential component of Lebanese politics and society, with over 85% support among Lebanese Shiites. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri also said that the fate of Hezbollahs weapons north of the Litani River [] is a Lebanese matter to be resolved at the [domestic] negotiation table regarding discussions over a [national] defense strategy. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is also signaling an unwillingness to confront Hezbollah. In forming his government, Salam stressed that he bowed to the countrys political realitiesincluding overwhelming Shiite support for Hezbollahand thus included only ministers acceptable to all political parties. Salam also said he took the Shiite communitys sense of being wounded from the recent war with Israel into consideration while forming his government. On the matter of his Cabinet policy statement, he refused to definitively say whether it would include a now-traditional pro-resistance clause, which Hezbollah has used in the past to justify its private arsenal and activities. Salam did say the policy statement would comply with Resolution 1701 and the Taef Agreement but also seemed to suggest Lebanon had already fulfilled its obligations under these instruments by merely deploying the LAF to south Lebanon. He made no mention of their requirement to disarm all militias, including Hezbollah. The comprehensive list of IDF and LAF activities after the onset of the November 27 ceasefire follows (downloadable): David Daoud is senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he focuses on Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon affairs. Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the Levant. Several reported sites of clashes between Assad-linked forces and Syrian government forces (Google Maps annotated by LWJ) On March 6, Syria witnessed the most intense and bloodiest clashes between the new Syrian government and loyalists to dictator Bashar al Assad since the Assad regimes downfall on December 8. These battles erupted in the coastal region of western Syria, the heartland of Assads Alawite community, and were unprecedented in scale. While small armed groups had emerged over the past three months, previous clashes were limited, less lethal, and mostly contained within a day. Armed militants, believed to be Assad loyalists, ambushed General Security Service (GSS) forces, resulting in multiple fatalities. The attack began in the village of Jableh in Latakia governorate, killing at least 15 GSS members, according to Al Jazeera. Al Quds Al Arabi reported that an actual war has erupted in Jablehs countryside, particularly along the M1 international highway between Latakia and Tartus, near the administrative border between the two governorates. The ambush in Beit Ana killed five GSS personnel and also targeted an ambulance attempting to evacuate the wounded. Additionally, a GSS checkpoint near Latakia was attacked. Fights also broke out between GSS forces and Assad loyalists near the naval college in Jableh and in Qardaha, the birthplace of Hafez al Assad. The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that authorities in Tartus, Homs, and Latakia imposed a curfew starting at 10 pm on March 6. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claimed that 28 militants affiliated with Assad-loyalist groups were killed in clashes with GSS forces in Latakia. The GSS also stated that it was engaged in fighting against groups linked to former regime officer Suhail al Hassan, one of the most prominent officials under Assad. Forces from across Syria aligned with the countrys new leadership mobilized to reinforce government troops in the coastal region. Convoys from Idlib, the former stronghold of Hayat Tahrir al Sham, moved into Latakia governorate to support government forces in containing the ongoing clashes. According to Al Arabiya, a military convoy was ambushed by Assad loyalists on the Aleppo-Latakia highway, resulting in the deaths of seven Ministry of Defense soldiers. Who is the organization behind these attacks? While the clashes were ongoing, a group called The Military Council for the Liberation of Syria announced its formation under the leadership of Brigadier General Ghayath Suleiman Dala. Its first statement is as follows: O the sons of the noble Syrian people, our brave soldiers who have swallowed their anger after months of injustice, oppression, kidnapping, and physical elimination based on ethnicity and religious creed, and after the failure of the extremist jihadist that seized our nation with assistance from foreign powers and is currently standing with a de facto policy without any legal or constitutional right, and after its failure in protecting the nation and the citizens, and the deterioration of the security, economic, and humanitarian situation to unprecedented levels in the history of the country, and after our land has been violated by foreign powers, we, the commanders of the national Syrian armed forces, announce the formation of a military council to liberate Syria. This council represents the will of the free Syrian people and aims to achieve the following goals: 1. Liberating all the Syrian soil from all the occupying and terrorist forces. 2. Overthrowing the existing regime and dismantling its oppressive, sectarian apparatus. 3. Protecting the lives and properties of Syrian citizens. 4. Rebuilding state institutions on national and democratic foundations. 5. Preparing conditions for the return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes. 6. Establishing a unified, sovereign Syrian state that respects human rights and guarantees justice and equality for everyone. We assure our people that we do not seek power and that our only goal is to liberate Syria and build a better future for its sons. We call on all the Syrian people from different sects, regions, and ethnicities to join us and stand with us in this historical stage. We also call on the international community to support the will of the Syrian people to liberate themselves from injustice and tyranny disguised in vague terms and to stand with us in achieving our noble goals. We believe that victory is ours, and that Syria will return free and proud, and will enjoy security, stability, and prosperity. God protect Syria and its people. Ghayath Suleiman Dala, the leader of The Military Council for the Liberation of Syria, was formerly the commander of the Ghayth forces within the 4th Armored Division of the Syrian Arab Armya division led by Bashar al Assads brother, Maher al Assad, until the dictators downfall in December. Dala was considered one of the most prominent loyalists to the Iranian axis within the Syrian regime and consistently coordinated his operations with Tehran-backed militias during battles in Mleeha, Zabadani, and across the Damascus countryside. Reports from 2018 suggest that after being deployed to Quneitra, Dala successfully integrated a significant number of militants from Iranian-backed groups, including Lebanese Hezbollah and Liwa Al Imam Hussein, the latter affiliated with Iraqs Sadrist movement. Janoubia reports that Dala aligned himself with regime officials like Mohammad Mehrez Jaber, the former commander of the Desert Eagles forces, who currently resides between Iraq and Russia, as well as Yaser Ramadan Al Hejel, who was an operational commander in Suhayl al Hasans Tiger Forces. A security official told Al Jazeera that Bashar al Assad is aware of the coordination between various armed groups backed by a foreign state. The official claimed that the military council, led by Ghayath Dala, received financial support from Hezbollah and Iraqi militias, as well as logistical assistance from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). While these claims remain unverified, some reports suggest that Syrian government forces have increased patrols along the Iraqi-Syrian border to prevent Iraqi militias from smuggling weapons. Similarly, patrols have intensified along the Lebanese-Syrian border to block Hezbollah cells from arming or assisting insurgent groups. Meanwhile, a Turkish military convoy was spotted moving toward areas bordering SDF-controlled territory in the Raqqa countryside. Many analysts believed significant attacks by Assad loyalists to be inevitable, given the Alawites maintenance of a stronghold on the coast, their history under Assad, and the new Syrian governments ongoing struggle to consolidate power across all the countrys governorates. The situation continues to develop rapidly. Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army Staff Sgt. suspected of perpetrating a deadly terrorist attack in 2025, in uniform in 2013. (1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division via Wikimedia) In the early morning hours of January 1, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Houston, drove his rented truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 14 and injuring more than 50. In the more than two months since Jabbars attack, American law enforcement officials have detained two men charged with conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State in Brooklyn and Minneapolis, respectively, illustrating persistent propaganda and recruitment efforts by jihadist groups. According to the FBI, Jabar converted to Islam in 2022 and began following extremists in 2024. He likely began advanced surveillance of the attack site in October 2024. While details are limited, the FBI reports that Jabbar arrived in New Orleans on October 30, a day before Halloween, likely to see Bourbon Street crowded as it would be on January 1. Jabbar video recorded himself riding a bike on Bourbon Street, almost certainly conducting route surveillance of his future attack site. In the footage, he appears clean-shaven and is wearing glasses. Less than two weeks later, Jabbar returned to the site, then sporting a beard, no glasses, and longer, unkempt hair, suggesting potential training in counter-surveillance techniques. On November 10, he left Houston for New Orleans by train and returned the same day by bus, possibly utilizing pre-deployment Afghan training that emphasizes frequently changing avenues of approach. Regardless of where or how he was trained, Jabbar employed surveillance and counter-surveillance techniques in the run-up to the attack. A little over a month later, on December 30, Jabbar rented a truck in Houston and drove to New Orleans. He arrived at a rental home on Mandeville Street, less than 3 miles from Bourbon Street, at approximately 10 pm. After unloading his truck, Jabbar parked his vehicle on Royal Street, less than 2 miles from the attack site, and began placing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at multiple locations on Bourbon Street. After deploying his last IED at 2 am, Jabbar conducted his domestic terror attack an hour later. Jabbar was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police after driving his truck into the crowd. According to the FBI, Jabbar intended the IEDs to wreak absolute havoc on the streets of New Orleans. However, law enforcement officials said the former American soldier used the wrong device to detonate the explosives. Had Jabbar not made this mistake, the detonated bombs would have been akin to throwing multiple hand grenades into a busy street. While the FBI is confident Jabbar acted alone, in October 2024, law enforcement officials arrested Said Anas in Houston, where Jabar resides, for providing material support to the Islamic State. Approximately 200,000 Muslims live in Houston, making it the largest Muslim population in Texas. As of 2024, Texas has the fifth-largest Muslim population in the United States. Additionally, Houstons proximity to the southern border makes it a key point of interest for the Islamic State. For example, in June 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified 400 immigrants brought to the United States through an IS-affiliated human smuggling network. In late February, law enforcement officials detained a Tajik national, Mansuri Manuchekhri, for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State. Manuchekhri, who had overstayed a non-immigrant tourist visa he obtained in June 2016, was detained after his ex-wife, a Bronx exotic dancer, called the New York State terror hotline and expressed concern that Manuchekhri would commit acts of violence. On February 27, law enforcement officials detained Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan, 22, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State. According to the criminal complaint, Hassan is originally from Kenya and lived in Amarillo, Texas, before moving to Minneapolis. In late May 2024, the New York City Police Department Intelligence & Terrorism Bureau notified the FBI that Hassan had posted content supportive of Shabaab, Al Qaedas branch in East Africa. The FBI then conducted an investigation revealing numerous online posts by Hassan supporting the Islamic State and Jabbars Bourbon Street attack, leading to his February 27 arrest. On December 10, 2024, Hassan tried unsuccessfully to board a flight to Somalia at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. He was turned away because he lacked the required documents. Two weeks later, Hassan attempted to catch a flight to Ethiopia in Chicago but missed his flight after law enforcement officials interviewed him at length. Law enforcement investigations point to Jabbar, Manuchekhri, and Hassan likely being radicalized online, and they may have been influenced by domestic Islamic State and Al Qaeda sympathizers within their local communities. The January attack on New Orleans and the more recent arrests, along with identified jihadist-affiliated border crossings last year, indicate the United States remains at risk from domestic terror threats. Will Selber is a retired Middle East Foreign Area Officer who deployed for over four and half years to Iraq and Afghanistan. Will is a contributor to the Bulwark and the co-founder of Grumpy Combat Veteran. Many websites and apps rely on a weak form of two-factor authentication (2FA) that involves texting you a short number or code. These sites and apps might also offer to make an automated voice call that reads the code aloud. If youre outside your home country or region and have an expensive fee per message to receive SMSes or per minute for voice calls or cannot receive them at all, you need an alternative. Set up an app-based second factor in Passwords or elsewhere Your best option is to upgrade account security for the service that currently sends you an SMS for verification. Look for a way to add two-factor authentication that might be labeled as specifically as use Google Authenticator (you can use other apps or Apples Passwords app), shown as a QR code, or require navigating through security > two-factor authentication or other menus. If this isnt an option, skip ahead. At Google, for instance, you go to myaccount.google.com, click Security > 2-Step Verification; you may be prompted to authenticate. In this section, you can add a passkey (supported by Apple and managed in Passwords), which is a single-step login that combines two security factors, a hardware security key that you would need to carry with you, or Authenticator, which is a time-based one-time password (TOTP) system. You can have all three and more enabled for Google. Passkeys are the easiest, as they replace a login and require no additional factors. The most common option, however, is the Authenticator/TOTP approach. A TOTP requires a secret shared by the account site and you. The secret allows the synchronized generation of a short code. When youre prompted for the code, your authentication app calculates one based on the current time, and, when you enter it, the account site can confirm it by running the same algorithm locally. Apple managed this process extremely well once it started to support TOTPs, which it calls verification codes. On an account enrollment page displaying a TOTP enrollment QR code, you can Control/right-click the code in macOS or touch and hold on a Code in iOS/iPadOS and choose Set Up Verification Code (or similar language). This adds the secret to Passwords for that site. If that set of steps doesnt work correctly, the site should also let you see the raw secret text, a short string of letters and numbers. Copy that text. Open the Passwords app, search for the entry for the website or domain associated with the app that contains your login, click or tap Edit, click or tap Set Up Code, paste the code into the Setup Key field, and click or tap Use Setup Key. Click or tap Save. When you next try to log into the site or app, Apple automatically generates a password prompt in the authentication code field. Youre prompted for a fingertip, face, or password to fill in the generated code. You can use a QR Code to add a verification code (left) or copy the secret shared text and paste that into Passwords (right) or other apps that support TOTP. Get a Google Voice number for free incoming SMS and North American phone calls Google still offers free Google Voice accounts for personal use, which provide a legitimate regular telephone number that can place and receive voice calls and send and receive SMS messages. Google doesnt charge for calls and texts that originate within the United States and you can call and text most numbers in those countries at no cost or low cost. You may be able to change your SMS-receiving number in the account you want to verify when traveling to a Google Voice number. If you can set up multiple numbers of SMS codes, add a Google Voice number as a secondary one. It may not work. As Google notes, Some websites, such as banks or subscription services, wont send text messages to Google Voice numbers. In those instances, you may need to use your mobile carrier number. I have found in testing that advice to be mostly outdated but your particular financial or other services may still restrict known ranges of Google Voice numbers. To make the process of receiving a code from Google Voice even easier, you can go to Settings > Messages at voice.google.com and enable Forward messages to email. This sends any incoming text messages to your associated Gmail address. In my case, I have an additional forwarding rule at Gmail that sends the message on to my main mailbox. In most cases, I receive a code in my inbox within a few seconds and at most a couple of minutes no matter where in the world I am. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Brian. Ask Mac 911 Weve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, were always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we dont reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice. The fear of a new worldwide conflagration is growing, especially after Donald Trump threatened Zelensky with it during the Ukrainian leader's visit to the White House. "You are playing with World War III," the US president told him. A conflict, with today's technology, that could be a very different scenario from the two already experienced in the 20th century. In the program 'Horizonte', presented by Iker Jimenez, they analyzed what a large-scale war would be like and, especially, with nuclear weapons. "There is always the issue that the next world war is going to be nuclear, the last one was, and I understand that people may be worried. For my part, I bought a field in Mendoza thinking about Argentina, thinking about these things," said Martin Varsavsky, businessman and friend of Elon Musk, in his appearance on the Cuatro program. Zelensky's Whisper That Went Unnoticed in His Meeting with Trump: Did He Call Vance a 'Bitch'? The area of the world where most people would survive a Third World War "In Argentina, there are few countries that would survive a nuclear war, the rest of the northern hemisphere would not survive," said Varsavsky, adding: "Nuclear wars kill in ways that are not so obvious to people. The obvious one is that they drop an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and you die there." However, this would only be the first step of the consequences: "Then there is a second group of people who die from what is called radiation fallout. But then there is a third one, which is where a large number of people would die, which is what is called nuclear winter." Then, 'Horizonte' gave more details of what this so-called "nuclear winter" would be like for the areas affected in a hypothetical war. "When a lot of atomic bombs are dropped, a kind of dust, a cloud, is generated that ends up blocking solar radiation and people starve to death. They don't die of radiation, they die because there is no food. So, one of the few places where there would be a lot of food and people would not die is in Argentina." Carolina Hurricanes' Mikko Rantanen during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) AP Mikko Rantanen will have a new team and a new deal ahead of Fridays 3 p.m. trade deadline. The Carolina Hurricanes have a trade in place to send the star forward to the Dallas Stars after an extensive back and forth, TSNs Darren Dreger reported. The Stars will also sign Rantanen to an extension believed to be eight years with a $12 million AAV. The new deal will stop Rantanen from reaching free agency for the first time in his career. This is the second time Rantanen has been traded this season. The Hurricanes acquired the 28-year-old from the Colorado Avalanche in January in a massive three-team trade. Carolina wanted to extend him, but sources told ESPN Rantanen told the team he wasnt ready to make a decision. Its unclear what the Hurricanes will get in return for Rantanen, who now joins a Stars team who are in the playoff race. More than 100 sharks tagged near Cape Cod were found swimming near several of Maines western beaches, sometimes traveling back and forth between the two places, according to a new study. One shark was detected at Newcomb Hollow Beach in Cape Cod and at Kennebunk Beach the following day. Another shark was observed moving back and forth between Cape Cod and northern Gulf of Maine sites from September to October 2023. And several sharks were also detected at northern Gulf of Maine receivers with 7 days of being tagged in Cape Cod waters. Research on sharks have largely focused on Cape Cod and Nova Scotia, Canada waters. However, after the first-ever white shark related fatality in Maine in 2020, there was an effort to further understand these animals in this area. Given the rare but potential dangers posed to humans by the presence of sharks in coastal waters, the information garnered through these endeavors has the added benefit of being used to inform beach management personnel on behavioral patterns and trends of nearshore shark activity, the report states. This is particularly useful in locations where human-shark encounters have historically been rare, such as in coastal Maine, which experienced its first ever shark-related fatality attributed to a white shark in 2020 when a woman was attacked while swimming off Baileys Island in Casco Bay. In total, 107 white sharks tagged by researchers were detected in Maine, with the majority found in shallow waters. The sharks were found from May-December but peaked between July and September. Researches said that white sharks have historically been documented in Maine waters, however, fewer than 20 records of sightings or encounters were reported between 1880 and 2000. But sharks might now be recovering from overfishing and their presence in the region may be increasing. This also comes at a time when theres a growing gray seals population in the region. During the research, sharks were found near several of Maines prominent beaches including, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Higgins and Popham. And climate change could further this. Researchers said that as temperatures rise in the Gulf of Maine, there is a strong possibility that more sharks could be seen past traditional peak times. Plus, there could also be an increased beach attendance by swimmers, leading to prolonged periods of spatial overlap between white sharks and ocean recreators in this region. Still, more research is still needed to fully understand the sharks, the report concluded. While future research should include expanded receiver coverage in eastern Maine and the use of additional tagging technologies, this study contributes early insights for informing marine spatial planning, fisheries management, and conservation strategies for white sharks in the region, the report states. Wilbraham native Gregory Boilard is pictured outside of the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City, where "Aladdin" was being staged. (Submitted) Submitted WILBRAHAM To call Gregory Greg Boilard a 413 success story is somehow an understatement. With his low grumbling voice, Boilard is more than just an accomplished voiceover artist based out of New York City with advanced comedy improv training, though that description can be found on his website. Boilard, now in his 30s, is a Wilbraham-raised wunderkind who has been interested in musical theater for as far back as he can remember. Today, he works as the manager of publicity and communications at Disney Theatrical Group. What Ive been fortunate enough to do is be able to mix my career with what I have been passionate about, said Boilard. My passion for theater and the arts, creativity, really stems from growing up in Western Mass. Id say there are even a few pillars as to where that creation and love of the arts came from. Wilbraham native Gregory Boilard is pictured performing at the Wilbraham Summer Youth Theatre in 2009. (Submitted) Submitted From former student to current pen pal Boilard credits his enthusiasm for theater to his elementary school music teacher, Karen Sheffield, at Memorial Elementary School in West Springfield. Her music classes and really just her Mrs. Sheffield was the first person who allowed me to create, who allowed me to be myself, and showed me what the arts are as well as creating a community within an arts space, said Boilard. We actually got to reconnect recently. Shes aways been someone that is at the back of my mind, and a reason I get so excited to come to work every day, why I get so excited to be a part of these projects it really goes back to those core values that she instilled in me in kindergarten of what music is. Boilard states that the way he views music, even to this day, is due to Sheffields classes, where her untenable ability to encourage her students helped him thrive. When reached for comment about Boilard, anyone with (or without) perfect pitch could hear the smile as Sheffield spoke about her former elementary student. I was lucky enough to have him from kindergarten through sixth grade at Memorial School, said Sheffield. Along with a few of my peers at other local schools, we started chorus and began rehearsals for it, with two concerts a year. Gregs fifth grade year, it was in June, we had this special concert, and he was always one of those very kind and cheerful and friendly well-liked by his peers kind of kid. According to her, those special attributes Boilard possessed at an early age shined even brighter the night of his fifth-grade concert. There was another student, a sixth grader, that was supposed to do this part. It required a partner, and the student was upset because his partner was sick. But Greg just jumped up and said, Mrs. Sheffield, Ill do it! and he had just learned the other students part by watching, you know? And so he jumped in the concert like it was no big deal, she said. A wonderful past, an even brighter future Wilbraham native Greg Boilard reunites with his elementary school teacher Karen Sheffield in New York City. (Submitted) Submitted After graduating from Minnechaug Regional High School, Boilard attended Syracuse University in New York and, soon after his graduation, he secured his current gig at Disney Theatrical Group. One of his greatest achievements in his new role? Having an entire class of Sheffields students to Broadway for the chance to see a production of Aladdin. It was for students and parents if they could come, said Sheffield. So I went down there, as a chaperone for The Drama Studio, because Im on the board there, and it was just like a complete oh my Gosh moment. I didnt know if he would recognize me or anything, but he immediately was like Mrs. Sheffield! I cant believe you are here! It was wonderful and from that point on, hell send me a little message or a postcard from Japan, stuff like that. We dont write all the time, Christmas cards and things but it really is incredible to hear how your students are doing because after elementary age, you can only plant these little seeds, and you never know where they are going to go. It truly is so wonderful to hear about kids like Greg that are doing so well. This relationship still means the world to Boilard today. We have kind of been pen pals for about the past two years, said Boilard. Just talking about different memories and keeping each other updated, which has been a very special relationship for me to rekindle because, you know, she has meant so much to me over the years. After his Memorial School days, Boilard later joined Wilbraham Summer Youth Theatre in middle school, where leaders Kyle Rankins and Deb Trimble further encouraged him to follow his dreams. Boilard then because a member of Springfield staple, The Drama Studio, where beloved mentor Steve Hays shined a light on his authenticity. These institutions are where I really got immersed in what musical theater is even though I could not sing or dance, said Boilard. Learning how much arts are important to a community and also how much the arts are important to someone young growing up, as well fostering good values in a person, understanding empathy that is why the arts are so important. A fine-toothed comb of professional happiness Wilbraham native Greg Boilard is pictured on the job working for Disney Theatrical Group. (Submitted) Submitted When asked about the current state of Broadway, as well as theater in general, Boilard was both candid and optimistic. Being a part of Disney Theatrical Group is truly an honor, said Boilard. I pinch myself every day. Even when I am backstage at the New Amsterdam Theatre, where Aladdin plays, I literally pinch myself because in a way it still feels like Im behind the stage at The Drama Studio in Springfield, even though Rafiki is standing next to me about to sing The Circle of Life. It is a very, very surreal moment but it truly is just a bunch of theater kids in this office putting on these massive productions." Boilard said that Broadway is a really exciting place right now. I feel like we are on this cusp of new types of shows coming in and maybe because of the pandemic a lot of these shows that were put on pause they have gotten the momentum to get back on the stage. I believe it really is an exciting time to be involved in this industry," he said. The world is a scary place already and everything is looked at with a fine-toothed comb, and risks are scary to make, but the thing about Broadway is that people want to take risks because they want to entertain audiences and make people happy and distract people from what is going on in their day to day lives. To stay up to date on Boilards career and creative endeavors, visit his website, gregoryboilard.com, or email him at gregory@gregoryboilard.com. He can also be found on Instagram @i_am_boil. As students prepare for spring break, the Boston Police Department issued a list of safety tips for staying safe while drinking. Colorless, orderless and tasteless drugs like GHB, Ketamine and Rohypnol also known as roofies can be secretly added to drinks, the Boston Police Department said in a statement. People who drink these spiked beverages can experience several side effects that leave them vulnerable, including disorientation, confusion and temporary paralysis, the department said. The Boston Police Department listed several safety recommendations for students. Some of them include: Avoid accepting drinks from people you dont know. Never leave a drink unattended. Cover your drink if you are not actively drinking it. Use drink-testing tools such as test strips or nail polish that can detect the presence of a drug. Seek immediate help if you feel dizzy, nauseous, light-headed or unwell. A complete list of the safety recommendations can be found here. If you believe you have been the victim of drink spiking or any other criminal activity, report the incident as soon as possible, the department said. Lets work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable spring break for all. Editors note: This article contains a description of someone who died by suicide. A JetBlue pilot arrested at Logan International Airport in February shot himself outside an MBTA station in Revere and died at the hospital, Massachusetts State Police said. On Friday morning, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section located a man they said was Jeremy Gudorf, 33, of Ohio, and pursued him due to an outstanding child sex charge from another jurisdiction, State Police said in a statement. Gudorf was previously arrested at Logan International Airport on Feb. 20, police said. On Friday, Gudorf was found in a parked car outside the Wonderland MBTA Station, police said. After troopers approached the mans car, he took out a gun and shot himself. Troopers rendered first aid after taking the man out of the car, police said. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Revere police closed the train station on Friday and asked people to avoid the area, according to a department post on X. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is expected to officially identify the man, according to State Police. On Feb. 20, Gudorf was charged with one count of being a fugitive from justice without warrant, according to court filings. During his arraignment in East Boston BMC, Judge Steven Kim ordered Gudorf to be held on $10,000 bail and to return to North Carolina, where the outstanding charges originated from, before or on Tuesday, Feb. 25. U.S. Customs and Border Protection notified State Police about Gudorf while conducting a standard review of a flight to Paris out of Boston, State Police said in a previous statement. CBP officials identified a warrant from North Carolina against Gudorf. After State Police Dispatch confirmed the warrant was active, troopers arrested Gudorf and took him to State Police barracks for booking, the statement read. In a statement, JetBlue said Gudorf was placed on indefinite leave as law enforcement proceeds with the matter. We are aware of and closely reviewing the arrest of one of our pilots upon reporting for work at Bostons Logan Airport Thursday evening due to an outstanding warrant, according to the airline. State Police was assisted by the Revere Police Department and United States Marshals. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, you are not alone. Samaritans Statewide Hotline Call or Text: 1-877-870-HOPE (4673) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Press # 1 if you are a Veteran The Trevor Helpline The judge overseeing the Karen Read case denied a motion by her defense attempting to bar a dog bite expert hired by prosecutors from testifying at Reads second trial next month. The expert, James Crosby, is an expert in dog-bite wounds; there is an appropriate basis for his opinion in the record; and the proposed testimony, principles and methods employed are reliable, Judge Beverly Cannone wrote in a brief order published Thursday afternoon. The objection by Read and her defense goes to the weight of the evidence, not its admissibility, Cannone wrote. Crosby, a retired police lieutenant who worked in the Jacksonville, Fla. Sherriffs Office, will be called by prosecutors to offer rebuttal testimony to defense expert Dr. Marie Russell. Prosecutors sought to bar Russell from the second trial, but Cannone allowed her testimony. Russell has testified across multiple hearings that the wounds to the right arm of Reads boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe, are consistent with a dog attack and not with being hit by a car, as prosecutors have suggested. Crosby, on the other hand, believes the injuries could not have come from the dog Reads defense has suggested attacked OKeefe: Chloe, a German shepherd formerly owned by Brian Albert, whose home OKeefe was found dying outside of on Jan. 29, 2022. Special prosecutor Hank Brennan told Cannone that prosecutors located Chloe, who was rehomed in 2022, and Crosby took measurements of her claws and teeth. Those measurements show the wounds on OKeefes arm are too far apart to have come from Chloe, Brennan said. Reads defense has also asked Cannone to bar Robert Gilman, a meteorologist, from testifying about the hardness of the ground outside the Canton home OKeefe was found outside of and from testifying about how ground freezes. At a pair of hearings set for March 18 and March 19, Cannone will hear arguments on an effort to keep out another prosecution expert, Dr. Aizik L. Wolf, a neurologist. Read, 45, is accused of intentionally striking OKeefe with her car and leaving him to die in the snow outside a Canton home on Jan. 29, 2022 following a night of drinking. Her lawyers say she was framed and that OKeefe was fatally beaten inside the home before his body was planted outside. Reads second trial is scheduled for April 1. A New Hampshire man with more than a dozen warrants out of several states led police on a highway chase on Thursday that ended with his arrest near a wooded area in Clinton. Jaquelle Anderson, 39, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was arrested shortly before 3:30 p.m. near a parking lot after evading police for nearly an hour, according to Massachusetts State Police. The chase began at about 2:45 p.m. when a state trooper patrolling on Interstate 290 headed east spotted a rental car with Virginia registration named in a BOLO, also known as be on the look out. The trooper turned on his lights, but the driver refused to stop and traveled in the breakdown lane and the trooper ended the pursuit for safety reasons. Shortly after, troopers caught up with the car on Interstate 495 headed north and prepared a tire deflation device on the exit 67 off-ramp. After driving across the tire deflation device, the car continued to drive erratically westward on Route 62 and troopers stopped the pursuit. The State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section coordinated with the rental company and found the cars location in Clinton. The state police helicopter, known as Air Wing, visually confirmed the location. Police arrested Anderson shortly before 3:30 p.m. Authorities said they believed he has more than a dozen warrants in Massachusetts and several other warrants in New Hampshire, Virginia, and Maryland, some for felony offenses. He is expected to appear in Marlborough District Court on Friday. A cyclone headed for Brisbane, Australia is holding up vacationers traveling aboard Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Google Maps A boatload of Carnival and Royal Caribbean travelers are stuck at sea this week as a tropical storm heads their way. Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are both adjusting their schedules accordingly as Tropical Cyclone Alfred heads toward Queensland, Australia. Given its current track, the storm is expected to directly impact the Brisbane area in the coming days, and the port is now closed, a Carnival spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement. Carnivals Carnival Luminosa ship departed from Brisbane on Feb. 23 for a voyage that was set to end on Thursday, March 6. However, its return will be delayed and travelers onboard will not be able to return until it is safe to do so. The Captain is sailing a safe distance from the storm to minimize discomfort for our guests, a statement to USA TODAY reads. The cruise line canceled another trip that was set to sail out Thursday. Guests whose cruises were canceled will be reimbursed for the trip and any pre-purchased items. As for Caribbean cruisers, guests sailing the Quantum of the Seas ship will spend an additional three days onboard as Alfred nears. The ship set sail from Brisbane on Feb. 28 and was scheduled to return Friday, USA TODAY reported. According to Reuters, Cyclone Alfred is likely to make landfall by Saturday morning near Brisbane Australias third-most populous city. The outlet reported that the storms path will likely stretch across the border regions of Queensland and New South Wales, bringing heavy rain, flooding and high winds. Alfred is behaving at the moment like a completely unwanted houseguest. Its told us its going to be late but linger even longer, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns told Reuters. Unfortunately, that means the window for destruction in our community heavy rains, winds, powerful surf is longer than we would have otherwise liked. As of Thursday, more than 5,000 properties in the region were without power due to high winds, Reuters reported. Australian officials told the outlet Alfred is a very rare event, for Brisbane as the last time a cyclone hit it was 1974 more than half a century ago. NEW YORK (AP) The Trump administration said Friday that its pulling $400 million from Columbia University, canceling grants and contracts because of what the government describes as the Ivy League schools failure to squelch antisemitism on campus. The notice came five days after federal agencies announced they were considering orders to stop work on $51 million in contracts with the New York City university and reviewing its eligibility for over $5 billion in federal grants going forward. And it came after Columbia set up a new disciplinary committee and ramped up its own investigations into students critical of Israel, alarming free speech advocates. But Columbias efforts evidently didnt go far enough for the federal government. Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement Friday. Columbia University was among 10 higher education institutions that a Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism said it would visit. Harvard University in Massachusetts was also included. Columbia vowed to work with the government to try to get the money back. We take Columbias legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff, the university said in a statement. It is not clear which research, projects or activities will be affected at Columbia, which operates a medical center among many other functions. The university said it was reviewing the announcement. An inquiry was sent to the federal Education Department, which issued Fridays announcement along with the Health and Justice departments and the General Services Administration. Columbia has become the first target in President Donald Trumps campaign to cut federal money to colleges accused of tolerating antisemitism amid the Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023. The university was at the forefront of U.S. campus protests over the war last spring. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up an encampment in April and inspired a wave of similar protests. Protesters at Columbia went on to seize a campus building, resulting in dozens of arrests when police cleared the building. In recent days, a much smaller contingent of demonstrators have staged brief occupations of buildings at Columbia-affiliated Barnard College to protest the expulsion of two students accused of disrupting an Israeli history class. Several students were arrested following an hourslong takeover of a building Wednesday. Many people involved in the protests said theres nothing antisemitic about criticizing Israel over its actions in Gaza or expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Columbia has acknowledged concerns about antisemitism: A university task force said last summer that Jews and Israelis at the school were ostracized from student groups, humiliated in classrooms and subjected to verbal abuse amid the spring demonstrations. Some students, and an attorney advising them, see its new disciplinary crackdown as an effort to mollify the government by suppressing pro-Palestinian speech. Columbia was one of five colleges that has come under new federal antisemitism investigations, and its one of 10 being visited by a task force in response to allegations that the colleges have failed to protect Jewish students. Others under investigation include the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Minnesota; Northwestern University; and Portland State University. With Ash Wednesday ashes on her forehead and a baby on her shoulder, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu strode into a Capitol Hill hearing room two steps ahead of the Republicans who were looking to flambe her over her citys lack of cooperation with federal immigration authorities. More than five hours later, after the Democratic mayor deftly parried jibes from Republicans who sounded like theyd never set foot in Boston, GOP lawmakers on the U.S. House Oversight Committee werent the only ones who likely came away disappointed at their inability to dent Wus facade. That would be Wus 2025 mayoral challenger, Josh Kraft. If he was looking for a meltdown or gaffe from his general election opponent, it didnt happen. From the jump, Kraft, 57, acknowledged he faced an uphill battle waging a campaign in a city that hasnt sent an incumbent mayor packing since 1949. And that mayor had to be James Michael Curley, as if underscoring Bostonians' willingness to stick with incumbents. After Wus nationally televised star turn on Wednesday, however, it just got that much harder, observers agreed Thursday. The fact that, in a high-stakes environment, Michelle Wu stood up for Boston and stood up to Trump-supporting members of Congress and did well is a huge advantage for her, Democratic consultant Mary Anne Marsh told MassLive. Read More: Mayor Wu defends Boston in heated congressional hearing on sanctuary cities U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District, who sits on the House panel, told reporters during a break in the action on Wednesday that she believed Wu would meet the moment, but so far, I think shes actually exceeding it. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu testifies during a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing titled "A Hearing with Sanctuary City Mayors," on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. AFP via Getty Images With Wu the only story in the city on Wednesday, as Marsh noted, it would be a challenge for Kraft to draw any bright-line distinctions between himself and the incumbent on a deeply polarizing issue. And, indeed, he so far has not. In a statement his campaign sent out after the hearing, the mayoral hopeful underlined his support for the citys decade-old Trust Act, which Wu spent hours defending on Wednesday. The local law directs city police to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on criminal matters, such as investigating drug or weapons trafficking or arresting violent offenders. The law bars police involvement with civil immigration enforcement, such as holding someone at ICEs request without a criminal warrant. Republicans on the committee said the law qualifies Boston as a sanctuary city in defiance of federal law. Wu disputed that description, repeatedly referring to Boston as a safe city. Like Wu, Kraft also pushed back hard against Trump administration Border Czar Tom Homan, who threatened to [bring] hell to the city for what he said was its refusal to play ball on the White Houses mass deportation campaign. It is outrageous to think about ICE officers raiding schools or places of worship to round up undocumented immigrants who are not engaged in criminal activity, Kraft said. That doesnt leave much room for daylight between Kraft and Wu on a marquee national issue, UMass Amherst political science professor Ray La Raja said. Wu threaded the needle very well, La Raja told MassLive. She talked about safety, which is apple pie for all of America ... Im not sure Kraft has much room to run the field after that performance. Nor would it be a great look for Kraft to throw in with a hardline White House in a city where Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents dominate the citys voter rolls, Washington D.C.-based Republican consultant Jesse Hunt said. Siding with Republicans in D.C. is not the contrast that you want to draw, Hunt, who has Bay State ties, said. All of this is not to say that there are no other lines of attack for Kraft to pursue. And in two specific instances Wus management of the controversy surrounding the demolition of White Stadium in Dorchester and an Election Day ballot meltdown that prompted a state intervention he has prosecuted both aggressively. Krafts campaign declined to comment when it was asked whether it planned to pivot or change strategy on immigration-related issues in the wake of Wus appearance. The campaign praised Wus performance in D.C. and referred MassLive to Krafts earlier statements in support of the Boston Trust Act and on immigration broadly. Kraft said, in part, that he has spent my life working with the immigrant community in and around Boston. I know their character and the contributions they make to the city of Boston. I also understand and have great respect for the important work that the Boston Police Department and other first responders do every day to keep Bostons neighborhoods livable for all of our residents, he said. Massachusetts Republicans are hoping to build on earlier gains during legislative elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (State House News Service) The Healey administration launched a new website Friday to connect fired federal workers with job opportunities and training resources in Massachusetts. More than 46,000 Massachusetts residents work for the federal government, across sectors like public administration, education, transportation, warehousing and the postal service, Healeys office said. The new portal comes as the Trump administration, particularly the Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk, fires droves of federal workers. Donald Trump and Elon Musk have been recklessly firing essential public servants who care for our veterans, support our fishing industry, protect consumers, maintain our parks and more. The good news is that Massachusetts is home to world class talent and employers who are eager to hire, and we know members of our federal workforce have the skills to make a difference here, Healey said in a statement Friday afternoon. To all of our federal workers if youre fed up with the damaging tactics of Trump and Musk, we want you to consider continuing your career here in Massachusetts, whether thats in state or local government or in one of our many thriving industries, she continued. State officials did not immediately specify how many federal workers in Massachusetts have been fired or laid off since the start of the new Trump administration. The states new website, dubbed by the administration as Fed Up, features more than 160,000 job postings across the private and public sectors, Healeys office said. It pulls together resources and openings from other websites, including the states MassCareers and MassTalent portals, plus the Massachusetts Municipal Associations job board. With the Trump administration planning to lay off 80,000 workers at the Department Veterans Affairs, Healeys office said the state website also offers veteran-specific employment resources. Veterans are essential to the federal workforce, and these layoffs threaten both their livelihoods and the critical services they provide, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago said. Massachusetts is stepping up to ensure they have opportunities to continue their mission. We encourage every affected worker to explore opportunities in Massachusetts, where their dedication and expertise are valued, Santiago said. The Red Sox optioned Jhostynxon Garcia to minor league camp. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Getty Images The Red Sox made their first round of spring training roster cuts Friday. They optioned prospects Luis Perales and Jhostynxon Garcia who are both on the 40-man roster to minor league camp. Boston also reassigned pitchers Jovani Moran, Robert Stock, Brian Van Belle and Jacob Webb to minor league camp. Perales, Bostons top pitching prospect, is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery that he underwent last June. The 21-year-old righty posted a 2.94 ERA in nine starts between High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland before getting hurt last year. He averaged 15.0 strikeouts and 3.2 walks per nine innings. His fastball was up to 99 mph. Garcia, also known by his nickname The Password, batted .286 with a .356 on-base percentage, .536 slugging percentage, .892 OPS, 23 homers, 24 doubles, five triples, 66 RBIs, 78 runs, 17 steals, 33 walks and 99 strikeouts in 107 games (459 plate appearances) combined between Low-A Salem, Greenville and Portland in 2024. The 22-year-old outfielder is expected to begin the 2025 season at Portland. Moran, a left-handed pitcher, was acquired from the Twins on Christmas Eve for catcher Mickey Gasper. Moran is coming off Tommy John surgery that he underwent in November 2023. He recorded a 2.21 ERA in 40 innings out of Minnesotas bullpen in 2022 as a rookie. Stock signed a minor league contract with Boston in the offseason. He pitched for Boston in 2020. Webb was a Red Sox 14th-round pick in 2021. Boston signed Van Belle as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Lucas Giolito and Garrett Whitlock will both get into games for the Red Sox soon. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Getty Images Two key Red Sox pitchers at the end of long rehab roads are getting close to seeing their first game action of 2025. Righties Lucas Giolito and Garrett Whitlock, who had the same internal brace surgery on their pitching elbows last spring, are set to get into Grapefruit League games for the Red Sox in the coming days. Manager Alex Cora told reporters, including WEEIs Rob Bradford, that Giolito is set for two innings Tuesday at home against the Phillies after throwing a two-inning live batting practice session at Fenway South on Thursday. Whitlock is listed as scheduled to pitch in relief of starter Walker Buehler on Friday against the Marlins in Fort Myers. According to Bradford, Cora said Whitlock will pitch one inning. The Red Sox have gotten most of their key pitchers including key starters like Buehler, Garrett Crochet and Tanner Houck and relievers Liam Hendriks and Aroldis Chapman into game action so far. Giolito and Whitlock are behind as they finish off the final steps in their rehab processes but both are expected to be good to go for Opening Day on March 27. Giolito, who missed the entire 2024 season after injuring his elbow during a Grapefruit League start last March, has faced hitters in live BP sessions three times, with the first coming on February 25. He has time to get into three or four exhibition games before potentially taking the ball at the end of Bostons opening series against the Rangers or in the second series against the Orioles. I feel like Im on a very good trajectory for (Opening Day), for sure, Giolito said last week. Ive been doing this for quite some time, so Im not the kind of guy that needs like a million spring training starts to be ready for a season. For me, its all about just progressing at the correct pace. I trust all the guys in that room over there on the medical side. Theyve been leading me in the right direction. Whitlock made four starts before suffering a similar injury that led to surgery in late May. The Red Sox are bringing him back as a reliever this season, with Cora envisioning the righty pitching in high-leverage, multi-inning spots as a complement to Hendriks, Chapman and Justin Slaten in the late innings. Cora recently said Whitlock would 100 percent be ready for the opener. The Red Sox will get a look at some interesting arms Friday against Miami. Buehler will start with Whitlock, camp standout Luis Guerrero and Slaten following in relief. After those pitchers will come veteran options Matt Moore (in his spring debut) and Adam Ottavino, then minor league signee Yovanny Cruz. The skyline of the City of Worcester from atop the former Boys Club building at 2 Ionic Ave. Worcesters housing market was one of the top 10 hottest housing markets in the United States in February, according to realtor.com. The city was ranked number six in market hotness, according to a realtor.com analysis. The ranking is determined by demand, as measured by unique views per property on realtor.com, and the markets pace, which is measured by the number of days a listing remains active on the website. Worcester tied for the number six spot with Concord, New Hampshire, according to the list. The eighth hottest market in the U.S. was Springfield, Massachusetts, and the ninth was Boston, according to the list. The hottest housing market in the country last month was also in New England. Hartford, Connecticut, was ranked as the hottest housing market in February, followed by Nashua, New Hampshire and Kenosha, Wisconsin in the second and third spot, respectively, according to realtor.com. In January, Worcester was the fifth hottest housing market in the country, while Boston and Springfield were the 15th and 12th hottest, respectively. The findings from Februarys report are that home prices fell 0.8% nationally, but the hottest markets that were listed last month saw slight price growth (+0.9%) due to high demand and scarce for-sale inventory. In March, City Manager Eric D. Batistas administration unveiled a draft housing production plan for Worcester. According to the plan, the city must build more than 12,000 new homes by 2033 to meet increasing demand. There arent enough homes for extremely low-income households, nor are there enough market-rate homes for higher-income households, the production plans executive summary reads. This imbalance creates competition for moderately priced housing, driving up costs and making it even harder for middle- and low-income residents to find affordable options. In January 2025, the median home listing price in Worcester was $430,000, while the median home sale price was $421,000, according to realtor.com. The site does not have the median home listing or sales price for February as of March. 7. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary, TD, has welcomed the official turning of the sod on the Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme, which will be performed today by the Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran. I am delighted to welcome Minister 'Boxer' Moran back to Crossmolina a number of years after he first visited as Minister for the OPW. I want to thank him for efforts at that time and for his ongoing interest in delivering the Crossmolina Flood Scheme. Works commenced in December on this multi-million euro scheme a crucial investment in Crossmolina and the future-proofing of the town from further flood events. It was a joyous day when Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed the scheme to me in Q4 of 2024 and an even greater day when the machines rolled into Crossmolina in December. The residents and business community have waited a long time for this, they deserve this, and when delivered it will offer peace of mind that has been absence for the past 20 years. READ: Council official says no contract between Mayo County Council and controversial Ballinrobe hotel Minister Calleary said the construction of the scheme and its subsequent completion will open up a myriad of possibilities for Crossmolina. I am calling upon Mayo County Council to begin the process now of establishing a plan for the town and environs it will create opportunities that cannot be overlooked. I want to thank my colleagues Cllr Michael Loftus and Cllr Annie May Reape for their steadfast commitment to delivering the scheme. The hard work has paid off and I look forward to Crossmolina reaping the rewards in the years ahead, concluded Minister Calleary. A Mayo student has been crowned as Irelands Next Big Busker by the people of Ireland on national radio. Killala native Joanne Gallagher was voted for in the national award on Today FM. The talented musician was crowned live on air, with Matt Cooper revealing the winners on Thursdays edition of The Last Word. READ MORE: Appeal lodged against refusal for west Mayo 24-hour gym On the show, Ms Gallaghers musical skills were broadcast to the nation when the show played her cover of the Post Malone and Taylor Swift hit, Fortnight. Ms Gallagher was one of five nominated for the competition, which aims to raise money for the Big Busk for Focus Ireland, and represented the Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show. Her votes also raised 3,300 for the charity for homelessness. As part of her prize, the Gortnor Abbey, Crossmolina student will travel to the radio stations studio to record a single with in-house producers, as well as playing at iconic Dublin venue Whelans this evening as part of the Block-Rockin Beats show. Expressing her delight on her win, Joanne thanked everyone who voted for her over the course of the week, especially in Mayo, and also described the experience as a dream come true. READ MORE: Mayo EV charger row resulted in nearly 9,000 of damage to Tesla Ms Gallagher, aged 18, has busked in Mayo for many years now and has spent the last six years writing music. Her new song, Bye, is scheduled for release on March 14, one year after her most recent release, In My Head. Ireland West Airport is delighted to announce that the Connacht SBHI Branch, Dillon Quirke Foundation, Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Order of Malta, The National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Western Alzheimers have been selected by airport staff as their charity partners for 2025. Several events will take place during the year, which will engage passengers and staff to raise as much money as possible for our charity partners. The headline event will again be the annual Portwest 5k runway fun run, which will take place on the runway at Ireland West Airport in September. Full details will be announced in the coming weeks. In a new Charity initiative for 2025, the airport has designated a section of our bins in the airport to recycle plastic bottles and tins under the Re-turn scheme, which provides a facility for passengers to support our six charity partners by using these bins to return their empty bottles and cans. All the proceeds raised from the returned bottles and tins will be donated to our charity partners for 2025. READ NEXT: Mayo towns confirm details for St Patrick's Day parades Ireland West Airports Charity of the Year Programme is an annual initiative that supports selected local and Irish charities through employee-led activities and donations from passengers travelling through the airport. Through the funds raised annually, the airport supports the vitally important work these fantastic charities do in the community and beyond. Launching the charities of the year programme for 2025, Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport, said: Last year the airport was delighted to raise a record amount of 46,500 for our six charity partners, ACT for Meningitis, BUMBLEance, Down Syndrome Ireland, Irish Red Cross, Mayo Mountain Rescue, and Western Care Association. The money raised yearly through our charity programme contributes positively to the fantastic work these charities do in our local communities. We are now in our ninth year of the programme, and we look forward to working with our six new charities and hopefully breaking a new fundraising record in 2025. Since its launch in 2017, the Ireland West Airport Staff Charity programme has raised almost 300,000 for Irish charities. Dana Carney, third year student at Mount Saint Michael, Mayo, was named as part of the Best Group at the 2025 BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp for their project, TactAI. The project was originally developed as an entry into the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) 2025, and aims to replace human dependency and incorporate machine learning in specific situations using humanoid AI. This hardwire sensored robot can significantly reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in place of underwater divers who can work in challenging and dangerous environments. READ NEXT: Appeal lodged against refusal for west Mayo 24-hour gym Members of the winning group also included Conor ONeill, fifth year student at The Institute of Education, Dublin, Orla Buttimer, fourth year student at Mercy Secondary School Mounthawk, Kerry, and Toomas Donohoe, fourth year student at Athlone Community College, Westmeath. Ashlee Keogh, sixth year student at Tallaght Community School, Dublin, was named the overall winner at the 2025 BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp for her project, MagClean, which examines the development of an eco-friendly solution to managing and cleaning oil spills, using magnetic nanoparticles with biodegradable materials to prevent harm to the environment. The BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp has been an extremely successful initiative since it was first introduced by BT Ireland under its custodianship of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YSTE). Thirty students from seventeen schools in twelve counties across the island of Ireland were selected to participate at this years four-day bootcamp in Nova UCD. At the Bootcamp, students attended workshops on business development, marketing and commercialisation, and had the opportunity to hear and learn from BTYSTE alumni who have launched successful enterprises. On the final day, the students pitched their project to expert panel of judges. Judges this year included Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, Dr Tony Scott, co-founder of the BTYSTE, Anne-Marie Turley, Head of Fintech, Finance & Cybersecurity at Enterprise Ireland, and Brian ODonovan, Work and Technology Correspondent at RTE. Following BT Irelands recent announcement that it is stepping down as organiser and sponsor of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), this years Bootcamp is the last being delivered by the organisation. Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, said: We are very proud to have developed and hosted the BT Business Bootcamp for the past 16 years. It has been a significant part of our efforts to drive innovation in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors. The Bootcamp provides BTYSTE finalists with further insight into pursuing a career in STEM. Business Bootcamp equips finalists at the exhibition with the skills and insights to encourage them to turn their projects into commercial enterprises." We wish all these students the best in their future endeavours. With this being the final Bootcamp delivered by BT Ireland, we are hugely thankful to all those who have been involved, and to the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Board for allowing us to be such an integral part of exhibition for quarter of a century." Pat Guiry, UCD Professor of Organic Chemistry and Chair of the Young Scientist Charitable Trust, added: We are thrilled to host the 16th BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp at Nova UCD. Bootcamp which was developed by BT Ireland is just one of the initiatives that was developed during their custodianship of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YSTE). While today is a joyful occasion, it is also bittersweet as we conclude YSTEs journey with BT but the organisations legacy will endure. Since the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp began, several participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, including Protex AI, betterexaminations.ie, and Evervault. For more information on the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp, please visit www.btyoungscientist.com or follow @BTYSTE on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, or Snapchat (username BTYSTE). Seattle Chocolate is no more. It's rebranded into Maeve. While the company name is new, the mission to empower women and support cocoa farmers remains. The goal is visibility beyond Seattle. To underscore the change, brand agency Young Jerks revamped the packaging. Inspired by the legendary Irish warrior queen, Maeve represents strength, boldness and a fearless approach to chocolate. The company's colorful rebrand is a reminder that chocolate can be sourced responsibly. Ads done in-house run across Google/social, while Young Jerks is also creating OOH billboards to run in Seattle next month. "Maeve represents everything we've always stood for transparency, joy and making a meaningful impact through chocolate," says Jean Thompson, owner-CEO of Maeve. Founded in 1991, Seattle Chocolate is known for truffle bars and bonbons. Now, with Maeve, the brand is offering fun flavors in lively packages, such as Maeve's Dark Chocolate Medley and Maeve Loves You Bonbon box. advertisement advertisement Maeve's truffle bar flavors include Magical Mint and San Juan Salted Toffee, while bonbons come in various flavors, such as creme brulee crackle and blackberry bramble. The rebrand is available at maevechocolate.com and retailers nationwide. Young Jerks' client work has included Edge shaving cream, Parch agave cocktail, Wildfish salmon and Mr. Black coffee liqueur. Chinese leaders join national lawmakers, political advisors in deliberation, discussions Xinhua) 08:13, March 07, 2025 Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese premier, takes part in a joint group meeting of political advisors from the sectors of economics and agriculture at the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese leaders Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi on Thursday attended deliberation at the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and group discussions at the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). When joining NPC deputies from Hebei Province in a group deliberation in the afternoon, Premier Li Qiang urged the province to seize the opportunities arising from the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to achieve greater progress. He noted that it is important to advance the construction of the Xiong'an New Area with high standards and quality, improve infrastructure and public services, and create an environment that is desirable to live and work in. On Thursday morning, the premier took part in a joint group meeting of political advisors from the sectors of economics and agriculture. In order to deliver on the objectives and tasks set for this year, he emphasized the need for macro regulation to be more forward-looking, targeted and effective. Li Qiang also said that efforts must be made to promote urbanization and rural revitalization. Participating in a joint group meeting attended by political advisors from the China Zhi Gong Party, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the sector of friendship with foreign countries, top legislator Zhao Leji urged political advisors to strengthen efforts in carrying out consultation, deliberation and democratic oversight. Zhao, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, also expressed hope that they will closely integrate services for overseas Chinese with services for the country's overall interests. In a discussion with political advisors from the sector of religious bodies, top political advisor Wang Huning called on them to systematically develop religions in the Chinese context, gradually forming religious doctrines that are in line with China's national conditions. Wang, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, stressed the need to strengthen the understanding of the Party's theories and policies on religious affairs and deepen research on major issues in the religious field. Cai Qi, a member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, participated in a joint group meeting of political advisors from the sectors of social sciences as well as the press and publication. He urged them to harness the advantages of their sectors and offer insights for advancing Chinese modernization. Cai also called for prioritizing social responsibility and contributing to the development of philosophy and social sciences, as well as media and publicity work. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, who attended a joint group meeting of political advisors from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, stressed the importance of upholding "one country, two systems" and firmly maintaining the prosperity and stability of the two regions. He also underscored the importance of consolidating and enhancing the unique status and advantages of Hong Kong and Macao, and promoting their integration into the overall development of the country. Li Xi, secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, attended a joint group meeting of political advisors from the Communist Youth League of China and the All-China Youth Federation, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, and the All-China Women's Federation. He urged political advisors to actively provide suggestions on further deepening reform comprehensively, promoting high-quality development, and formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), among other issues. He also stressed maintaining a high-pressure stance on both misconduct and corruption. Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese premier, joins National People's Congress (NPC) deputies from Hebei Province in a group deliberation at the third session of the 14th NPC in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, participates in a joint group meeting attended by political advisors from the China Zhi Gong Party, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the sector of friendship with foreign countries at the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a discussion with political advisors from the sector of religious bodies at the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, participates in a joint group meeting of political advisors from the sectors of social sciences as well as the press and publication at the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, attends a joint group meeting of political advisors from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions at the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, attends a joint group meeting of political advisors from the Communist Youth League of China and the All-China Youth Federation, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, and the All-China Women's Federation at the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Not that I feel like hanging out in 21-degree weather with 45 mph winds thank you very much, February but if I did, I would not be welcome at many of my local playgrounds. As the New York City Parks Department website informs folks like me, with no young kids: "At many playgrounds, adults are not allowed except when accompanying a child." What's more: "If you have seen someone violating park rules, please visit the city's Rules Violation page to report your complaint." I guess any adult who simply wants to sit on a bench and watch kids play could be a creep, so just ban 'em all. But by separating the generations this way, we are creating distrust of any adult who wants to help a kid other than their own. Compare this to what goes on in Japan. It's not just the kids on that Netflix show "Old Enough!" who go gallivanting from school to shop to home. All the kids there wear bright yellow hats their first year of school. "Doesn't that put them in danger?" a friend asked. To her, kids who call attention to themselves are kids who could be attracting a predator. But attracting adult attention is a feature, not a bug. In Japan, the assumption is that the easier it is to see a kid, the easier it is for grownups to look out for them. Children are considered a collective responsibility. Here, they're seen as private property under constant threat of theft. Which brings us to the flip side of this obsession with stranger danger: the idea that any time a parent lets their kids do anything on their own, they're actually forcing the rest of us to "babysit" the kids for free. An attitude like that assumes that a child on their own could get hurt, requiring care or that the kid could be a nuisance, requiring intervention. The latter is why so many malls are prohibiting kids without an adult in tow. But when kids are shopping, giggling, walking or playing, no one has to babysit them. They're just people in public who happen to be young. And if some problem comes up say, a middle schooler trips and breaks their arm well then, yes, some nearby adult may have to come to their aid. But that is not babysitting! That is one human being helping another, who happens to be 12. Most kids walking to school or playing at the park are not going to need major assistance from anyone, adult or otherwise. But if they do, most of us would give it ungrudgingly. Their parents have not foisted a huge burden on society by letting their kids be part of it. Old and young have always interacted. Adults who enjoy being around kids are, for the most part, just that. Not predators. And kids out and about in the world are, for the most part, just that. Not a big, unpaid job for the rest of us. I'm not sure about the yellow hats, but Japan has the right idea. Looking out for everyone beats trusting no one. by Danielle Oster , March 6, 2025 Image above: Earlier incarnation of Apple's Calendar still featured Women's History Month. International Womens Day is March 8, but you wouldn't know it from Apples Calendar app in the U.S., or several other countries. Apple appears to have removed the holiday, along with Womens History Month, from the app in the U.S. as well as some other countries. The move has not gone over well online. On Metas Threads, Dr. Jolene Brighten, host of the womens heath podcast, The Dr. Brighten Show, drew attention to the removal, asking Apple why did you take International Womens Day off the calendar? in a post yesterday tagging the brand. The post received around 1,900 likes since yesterday, as well as 169 reshares and 70 comments. advertisement advertisement Some replied about the status of the event on the calendar app in their country, with users in Canada and Italy stating it has also been removed, while those in Mexico, Germany, Sweden, and Norway report it is still listed there. The significance of International Womens Day 2025 cannot be overstated, Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard said in a statement published online today. It is no longer a case of addressing unfinished business on the gender justice front, but one of bracing ourselves to resist active regression and a mounting assault on our rights. Google faced backlash online last month over its removal of cultural events, including Black History Month, and Holocaust Remembrance Day, from its own calendar app, with the company stating, in mid-2024 we returned to showing only public holidays and national observances from timeanddate.com globally, while allowing users to manually add other important moments. Apples changes seem to stem at least as far back as when Google faced such criticism. A commenter on the Reddit page r/applehelp posted around a month ago that they were Missing Black History Month in the Calendar app, with another commenter noting, womens history month and international womens day are also gone. Despite this, Apple seemed to avoid the same type of widespread criticism that Google faced at the time. The timing of the potential brand reputational damage for Apple is far from ideal, as it just yesterday announced the launch of its new MacBook Air laptop, available March 12. Story updated:According to Apple, there was no change to the Calendar in the U.S. to delete the holidays, which the company claims were not previously featured on the app in this country. by Ray Schultz , March 6, 2025 Politico has launched a suite of AI-driven tools to help subscribers keep up with policy. The new Policy Intelligence Assistant is designed to help policy professionals search, analyze and act on input from Politicos newsroom. For instance, they might determine how changing policies will affect their supply chain, or how defense contracts and legislation will be altered by shifting funding priorities, Politico says. This will be done through Politico Pro, a subscription-based policy intelligence platform. The Policy Intelligence Assistant represents a transformative leap forward in how policy professionals interact with Politicos extensive coverage and analysis, says Rachel Loeffler, executive vice president and general manager, professional business, North America at Politico. advertisement advertisement Loeffler adds: By seamlessly integrating generative AI with our unmatched policy expertise, were not just saving our subscribers timewere empowering them to uncover deeper insights and make more informed decisions in an increasingly complex policy landscape. One new feature is the AI-powered Policy Report Builder, which enables Politico Pro subscribers to generate dynamic custom reports. It was developed in paretnership with Capitol AI. This product will help democratize access to advanced policy and regulatory analysis, says Shaun Modi, CEO of Capitol AI. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, March 7, 2025 Artificial intelligence this year is expected to help consumers make purchase decisions, with 53% in the United States and 50% in the United Kingdom, according to the Criteo Shopper Survey. It may suggest growing trust in AI tools to assist with shopping, but consumers are still feeling nervous about how companies collect and use data. AI concerns are real, and were identified in results from the study conducted in December 2024. Responses came from more than 7,000 participants worldwide, and many were tied to ways that advertisers will personalize ads and content. U.S. and U.K. consumers were concerned about data use and security. The survey found that some 67% of U.S. and 64% and U.K. shoppers are concerned in the way personal data is collected. Sherry Smith, executive managing director of the Americas at Criteo, said in an earlier interview that many of the companys clients are interested in retail media networks (RMNs) for retailers or commerce-related sectors like travel. advertisement advertisement The biggest opportunity for advertisers is to reduce fragmentation, better measurements, and expand the ecosystem, Smith said, adding that the company works with 235 retailers globally. Smith also said RMNs have begun to pick up many of the traits that search has become famous for, such as self-service. Retail media is very hands on today, but we want to make it easier to execute campaigns, she said. "We are working with several retailers getting ready to launch new networks." RMN will become one of the premier types of platforms to use AI and agentic technologies that will transform most retailers and the ways they interact with consumers. In the first two months of 2025, the industry has seen the growth of automation, from Google and Microsoft, to Jivox and others. Criteos survey explored consumer behaviors, preferences, and trends across various categories and markets that could help companies reach consumers. The focus pointed to digital and omnichannel shopping habits in key regions such as the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. ChatGPT emerged as the frontrunner in AI-driven product discovery -- up 27 percentage points year-over-year (YoY) -- with 49% of global shoppers saying they used the platform in Q4 2024. The percentage points represent the difference between two numbers. The Criteo survey also showed a rise in voice assistants -- up 14 percentage points YoY to 38% -- while Google Gemini rose 16 percentage points to 34%. Retailer chatbots rose 6 percentage points to 25%. But AI concerns around personalization in the U.S. and U.K. persisted. Most concerns were centered on data use and security. Results from a study show 67% of U.S. and 64% of and U.K. shoppers are wary of how their personal data is collected. Security of personal information was a concern for 64% of U.S. and 59% of U.K. shoppers. Discomfort with AI's in-depth knowledge of preferences was uniform at 58% in both regions, with 52% saying they felt AI recommendations could be biased or manipulative. Only 27% of shoppers the U.S. and 26% in the U.K. found them to be irrelevant or unhelpful. Consumers, globally, tend to lean toward search engines when it comes to product discovery, the company found. by Colin Kirkland , March 7, 2025 As Discord continues to see steady growth, Instagram is looking to onboard aspects of the communication platforms server format into its app with an upcoming Community Chat feature that would allow Instagram users to organize groups of up to 250 people. According to a screenshot from developer Alessandro Paluzzi, the Meta-owned platforms Discord-like feature is currently in testing. Give your community an exclusive place to chat, reads the screenshot. Based on Paluzzis post, Community Chat will allow individual users to form chats around specific topics and interests, while providing them with control over who can join. advertisement advertisement Compared to Instagrams Broadcast Channels feature, which allows creators to grab the attention of their follower base by blasting out messages, Community Chats is more intimate. Like Discord, the feature seems to be designed around an effort to enable groups of people to bond more fully over their interests in a like-minded community -- like Discord. Admins can remove messages and members to keep the channel safe, the screenshot reads. We also review Community Chat against our Community Standards. Over the past decade, Discord has pushed the concept of online micro-communities into the larger social media landscape, influencing Meta to implement various community-focused features across its family of apps, like WhatsApp, Facebook and Messenger. It is too soon to tell how ads will run in Metas Community Chat, but it could provide brands with the ability to target groups of users in a new way with regard to a niche topic or interest. With over 200 million active users, Discord is reportedly in early talks with banks about a public listing. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, March 7, 2025 As new small business owners work to improve advertising and marketing efforts this year, 43% said their focus remains on customer acquisition, while 40% say they are focusing on increasing sales and revenue and 29% will work on gaining efficiency. Many will look toward AI and emerging automated services the technology support, according to a recent report. Constant Contacts report -- based on a survey of 1,645 small business owners operating businesses in their first five years -- explores the motivations, strategies, and outlook of recently founded SMBs. Conducted in partnership with Ascend2 Research, the survey spanned North America, the UK, and the ANZ regions, providing a comprehensive look at how these entrepreneurs navigate the critical early stages of growth. Technology will play a key role. Some 72% of entrepreneurs said they will use AI for marketing purposes this year, with 37% planning to use AI to create content; 37% for brainstorming; 32% for customer data analysis; and 31% for personalization, targeting, and segmentation to improve the customer experience. advertisement advertisement Small businesses feel challenged to growth their customer base. In fact, 48% participating in a survey cited top challenges include advertising and marketing their business. Some 28% cited customer retention, and 27% said learning new marketing technology. When asked how these businesses plan to overcome these challenges, 40% cited building stronger customer relationships; 38%, learning new marketing strategies or tools; 33%, improving the brand website, SEO, logo, colors, and more; 28%, use technology like AI and automation; 25%, increase marketing budgets; and 24%, seek mentorship or professional advice Marketing can help entrepreneurs overcome early challenges. Some 55% said the biggest marketing challenge is acquiring new customers, followed by 32% citing lack of resources like time and budgets, and 29% said differentiating products from competitors. Paid and unpaid social media as well as email were reported as the biggest revenue drivers for these new businesses. While social media builds awareness, email marketing drives stronger conversions and revenue growth. Text and SMS marketing also presents untapped potential, with its high engagement rates providing a powerful way to nurture customer relationships. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, March 7, 2025 Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr is asking Google to address allegations that YouTube TV marginalizes faith-based programming. I am writing because concerns have been raised with the FCC that YouTube TV discriminates against faith-based programming, Carr said Friday in a letter sent to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan. The FCC chair, who has loudly criticized large tech companies over their editorial policies, posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the allegations against Google come at a time when American public discourse has experienced an unprecedented -- and unacceptable -- surge in censorship. advertisement advertisement Carr is asking the company to brief staff on the role of virtual multichannel video programming distributors and YouTube's carriage negotiations procedures, including the potential role of viewpoint-based discrimination. The FCC head pointed specifically to the company Great American Media, which he said claimed in a letter to him that YouTube TV deliberately marginalizes faith-based and family-friendly content. Great American Media states that its Great American Family network is the second fastest-growing channel in cable television and, while they are carried on a range of cable and streaming services, including Comcast, Cox, Hulu, FuboTV, and DirecTV stream, YouTube TV refuses to carry them, Carr wrote. A YouTube spokesperson said, We welcome the opportunity to brief the FCC on YouTube TVs subscription service and the strategic business decisions we make based on factors like user demand, operational cost and financial terms, and to reiterate that we do not have any policies that prohibit religious content. Despite Carr's public questioning of YouTube TV, the FCC lacks authority to require the company to carry particular programming. The FCC doesn't currently regulate virtual multichannel video programming distributors, and even if the agency did regulate such companies, they would have a First Amendment right to decide what to carry based on viewpoint -- the same way that cable operators can choose what to carry -- according to Harold Feld, an expert in telecom law and senior vice president at the advocacy group Public Knowledge. Cable operators have a First Amendment right to decide 'I don't want to carry this guy,' based on content, he tells MediaPost. Carr says in his letter to Google that Section 616 of the Communications Act authorizes the FCC to address certain discriminatory practices in negotiations for carriage agreements between traditional cable operators and vendors, and suggests that this provision could in the future be extended to virtual distributors like YouTube TV. But that provision of the law only restricts anticompetitive actions, such as a cable operator's refusal to carry an independent channel that competes with one of the cable provider's own affiliates, Feld says. In other words, even if Section 616 covered YouTube TV, that provision would not affect the company's ability to decide what types of content to include in its lineup, according to Feld. Carr, an author of the conservative Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, has previously argued that large tech companies like YouTube and Facebook -- and not the cable and telecom companies that offer internet access -- are the real abusers of gatekeeper power. In November, he said in a letter to the CEOs of Google, Meta, Apple and Microsoft that their companies had played significant roles in what he described as an unprecedented surge in censorship. He went on to accuse the companies of participating in a censorship cartel that included advertising and fact-checking organizations. (Carr didn't name any advertising groups, but his accusations seemed reminiscent of ones made by the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee against the World Federation of Advertisers' now-shuttered Global Alliance for Responsible Media.) That letter alarmed some observers, who said the FCC would be the one engaging in censorship if it attempted to control tech companies' content moderation policies. Far from defending the First Amendment, this is what censorship looks like: a regulator implicitly threatening private companies for their speech, Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) said last November in a post on X. The FCC under Trump is prepared to become the Federal Censorship Commission. We can't let that happen. Throat bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus, may indicate health decline and higher mortality risk in older adults living in aged care facilities. Trusted Source Oropharyngeal Staphylococcus aureus is linked to higher mortality in long-term aged care residents Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? 4 in 5 older adults will battle at least one chronic condition or illness such as heart disorders, arthritis, or osteoporosis. 50% will battle at least two. #medindia #older #disease 4 in 5 older adults will battle at least one chronic condition or illness such as heart disorders, arthritis, or osteoporosis. 50% will battle at least two. #medindia #older #disease Advertisement How Aging Alters the Throat's Microbial Community Advertisement Link Between Staphylococcus aureus and Health Outcomes Impact of S. aureus on Mortality Despite Adjusting for Health Factors S. aureus as an Indicator of Health Decline, Not Just Infection Oropharyngeal Staphylococcus aureus is linked to higher mortality in long-term aged care residents - (https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article-abstract/54/3/afaf042/8051278?redirectedFrom=fulltext) A potential health marker for older adults in long-term aged care facilities has been identified in recent research by Flinders University ().Led by Ph.D. candidate Sophie Miller in the College of Medicine and Public Health, the study found that a, known as the oropharynx, may offer clues about health challenges faced by aged care residents.Our findings suggest that certain bacteria detected in the back of the throat could indicate greater health vulnerability in older adults, says Miller.Identifying vulnerable individuals in later life has proven successful through measures of physical robustness, such as grip strength and other physical assessments. However, this study suggests the inclusion of a biological marker, which may provide additional insight into the risk of poor health outcomes in aged care.As we age, the community of bacteria and other micro-organisms in our throat changes. Factors like taking multiple medications and having more frequent healthcare visits, which are common in later life, can affect this balance, she says.These changes that occur with age may result in physiological shifts that increase vulnerability to diseases and frailty. The research involved the collection of oropharyngeal swabs from 190 residents of aged care facilities across metropolitan South Australia, and followed their health outcomes over 12 months.One bacterium,(S. aureus), an organism ordinarily associated with infections - but not in this study context - was notably linked to poorer health outcomes. Residents carrying this bacterium were found to be nearlymore likely to die within a year compared to non-carriers.This discovery suggests the usability of the microbiome as an additional marker of identifying residents who may require extra care or monitoring, Miller explains.The presence ofwas found to reflect broader health challenges, rather than being linked to any specific infection. Residents who tested positive fortended to have a higher number of health conditions, further supporting the theory thatcarriage might be indicative of overall poor health.Importantly, the presence ofwas found to be a stronger predictor of mortality risk than an individuals number of comorbiditieshealth conditions that are commonly used to assess the general health of elderly individuals.Even after adjusting for factors such as comorbid conditions, medications, and other health data, the link betweenand mortality risk remained significantly high, says Miller.Senior author Professor Geraint Rogers, Director of the Microbiome and Host Health program at SAHMRI and Matthew Flinders Fellow at Flinders University, emphasises the potential significance of the findings.Its fascinating that we see this relationship with, even in the absence of any clear evidence of infection, says Professor Rogers.This underscores the idea that the presence of certain bacteria, like, could be an indicator of general health decline, rather than being directly associated with infection. This study marks an important step toward using simple microbial markers to inform healthcare strategies and improve outcomes for aged care residents.While the findings are compelling, more research is needed to confirm these results and explore the long-term implications. By studying larger groups of residents, we hope to uncover more ways to improve care and support for older adults, adds Professor Rogers.Further research will be crucial to better understand how these microbial markers could be used alongside traditional assessments to improve overall health outcomes for older Australians.Source-Oxford Academic Over 6ft in length, the longbow was capable of killing a man at over 200 yards. The best bows were made of yew, cut with the heartwood on the inner side. This compressed when the bow was drawn, while the sapwood on the other side stretched. The combination provided immense power. The biggest bows had a draw-weight of up to 150lbs or more, twice that of a modern hunting-bow. The bow needed to be drawn right back to the ear to obtain full power. It required great physical strength to shoot and archers required years of training and practice. The longbow had a great advantage over the more powerful crossbow: the rate at which the archer could shoot. In a minute, a skilled man could shoot half a dozen arrows, while a crossbowman could do little more than discharge a single quarrel. The gravitational pull as an arrow shot with a high trajectory fell towards its target meant that it remained extremely effective even at long range. Specialised arrowheads were used. A narrow bodkin head could penetrate armour; a broader bladed head was capable of inflicting appalling wounds. Historians argue as to whether the longbow developed from an earlier shortbow, which would be drawn to the chest, not the ear. The argument partly hinges on whether there was a qualitative difference between a bow 4ft in length and one 6ft. No contemporary written sources justify any such distinction, and longbows were not an innovation of the 14th century. However, it was not until that period that the longbow really came into its own in warfare, not as a result of technical innovation, but because it was then that it was used on a massive scale. Under Edward III, the English government, for the first time, supplied armies with longbows and arrows in vast quantities from the central depot in the Tower of London. Massed English archers caused havoc in the battles of the Hundred Years War. They were particularly effective against cavalry; horses were maddened and became uncontrollable as arrows found their targets. No English longbows survive from the Middle Ages, but the 16th century wreck of the Mary Rose yielded a large number of bows, 6ft to 7ft long, which are almost certainly little different from those used earlier. Strikingly, one had a knobbly appearance, from the knots in the timber, just like the bows in some 14th century illustrations. Fact File: An enactment of Henry I in 1100 stated: If anyone in practising with arrows or darts should by accident slay another, it would not be visited against him as a crime. Sad news indeed for the families of the Abbot of Lagny, who was accidentally shot in the eye in 1163, and the un-named woman shot by men practising with the bow in 1209. In the reign of King Stephen, Geoffrey de Mandeville, Earl of Essex, was* shot in the head at Burwell Castle in Cambridgeshire and died a week later. And what was the punishment for the man behind the bow? To be described as a very low-class archer The U.S. military wants to keep training at Pohakuloa, so it's ready to quickly send troops to Asia and the Pacific. BRUSSELS European Union leaders on Thursday backed new defense spending plans aimed at freeing up billions of euros for the continents security after the Trump administration signaled that Europe would have to fend for itself in future. Facing the prospect that the United States might cut them adrift, EU leaders held emergency talks in Brussels to explore new ways to beef up their own security and ensure that Ukraine will still be protected. The 27 leaders signed off on a move to loosen budget restrictions so that willing EU countries can increase their military spending. They also urged the European Commission to seek new ways to facilitate significant defense spending at national level in all Member States, a statement said. The EUs executive branch estimates that around 650 billion euros ($702 billion) could be freed up in this way. The leaders also took note of a commission offer of a loan package worth 150 billion euros ($162 billion) to buy new military equipment and invited EU headquarters staff to examine this proposal as a matter of urgency. In recent weeks, Trump has overturned old certainties about the reliability of the U.S. as a security partner, as he embraces Russia, withdraws American support for Ukraine and upends the cornerstones of cooperation with Europe that have been the bedrock of Western security since World War II. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, said that three years of war in Ukraine and new attitudes in Washington pose entirely new challenges for us, and Europe must take up this challenge ... and it must win. We will arm ourselves faster, smarter, and more efficiently than Russia, Tusk said. The plan to loosen budget rules originated with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who oversees the EU's executive arm. Spending Plans Win Early Support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the plan and expressed hopes that some of it could be used to bolster Ukraine's own defense industry, which can produce weapons more cheaply than elsewhere in Europe and closer to the battlefields where they are needed. "We are very thankful that we are not alone, and these are not just words. We feel it. Its very important, Zelenskyy said, looking far more relaxed among Europe's leaders in Brussels than almost a week ago when he received a verbal lashing from Trump in Washington. Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor of Germany, and summit chairman Antonio Costa discussed ways to fortify Europe's defenses on a short deadline. Merz pushed plans this week to loosen his nations rules on running up debt to allow for higher defense spending. Others, too, appeared ready to do more. Spend, spend, spend on defense and deterrence. Thats the most important message, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told reporters. The call is a sharp departure from decades of decline in military spending in Europe, where defense often ranked low in many budgetary considerations after the end of the Cold War. In an address to his country Wednesday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron said the bloc would take decisive steps forward." Member states will be able to increase their military spending, he said, noting that massive joint funding will be provided to buy and produce some of the most innovative munitions, tanks, weapons and equipment in Europe. Macron was expected to confer with his EU counterparts about possibility of using Frances nuclear deterrent to protect the continent from Russian threats. Helping EU Countries Find More Funds Von der Leyen's plan was hailed by many, but its short-term benefits are not obvious. Most of the increased defense spending would have to come from national budgets at a time when many countries are already overburdened with debt. Part of her scheme includes measures to ensure struggling member states will not be punished for going too deep into the red if additional spending is earmarked for defense. Europe faces a clear and present danger, and therefore Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself, she said. France is struggling to reduce an excessive annual budget deficit of 5% of GDP, after running up its total debt burden to 112% of GDP with spending on relief for businesses and consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis that followed Russias invasion of Ukraine. Five other countries using the euro currency have debt levels over 100% of GDP: Belgium, Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal. Europes largest economy, Germany, has more room to borrow, with a debt level of 62% of GDP. Pressing Security Needs in Ukraine Part of any security plan would be to help Ukraine defend itself from Russian attacks such as the one that hit Zelenskyy's hometown overnight. A Russian missile killed four people staying at a hotel in Kryvyi Rih, in central Ukraine, shortly after volunteers from a humanitarian organization moved in. The volunteers included Ukrainian, American and British nationals, but it wasn't clear whether those people were among the 31 who were wounded. Early this week, Trump ordered a pause in U.S. military supplies being sent to Ukraine as he sought to press Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia. The move brought fresh urgency to Thursday's summit. But the meeting was unlikely to address Ukraines most pressing needs. It was not aimed at drumming up more arms and ammunition to fill any supply vacuum created by the U.S. freeze. Nor will all nations agree to unblock the estimated 183 billion euros ($196 billion) in frozen Russian assets held in a Belgian clearing house, a pot of ready cash that could be seized. As always among the 27 nations, a major challenge is building a united stance at a moment when the bloc is fractured, since many of its actions require unanimous support. Hungary threatened to veto part of the summit statement on Ukraine. We have to take decisions no matter the one or two which are opposing every time, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said. Otherwise history will penalize us, and we will pay a very high cost. Thursday's summit was unlikely to produce immediate decisions on spending for Ukraine or Europe's own defenses. Another EU summit where the real contours of a plan could become clearer is set for March 20 and 21. Associated Press writers Sylvie Corbet in Brussels; David McHugh in Frankfurt, Germany; Barry Hatton in Lisbon, Portugal; and Illia Novikov in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed to this report. For more than a century, Fort Benning's name honored a Confederate general who supported slavery. The military changed the name of the Army base in Georgia two years ago, but now the Trump administration is set on restoring the familiar one -- this time for a different Benning. The new namesake is Fred Benning, a Nebraska native awarded the military's second-highest honor for his battlefield courage as an 18-year-old corporal in 1918, near the end of World War I. The military noted that he later served as mayor of the small Nebraska town of Neligh, but it did not mention that he ran a bakery, opted to have his Distinguished Service Cross mailed to him rather than presented at a military ceremony and didn't discuss his wartime experiences once home. He died in 1974. Federal law now bars the military from returning to honoring Confederates, but the move restores a name known by generations of soldiers. Honoring a soldier from the Army's lower ranks echoes President Donald Trump's anti-elite appeals to working-class voters. Still, the circumstances of the change -- and a similar one for North Carolina's once-and-future Fort Bragg -- have skeptics wondering whether their new namesakes are receiving much of an honor. But Fred Benning deserves recognition, said Andrew Orr, a professor and director of the Institute for Military History at Kansas State University. Benning was part of American assaults on the toughest German defenses by soldiers who fought to take trenches and to hold them, often hand-to-hand and under clouds of poison gas, he said. "If you're the town that Benning was the mayor of, claim it," Orr said in an interview Thursday. "What you can do is try and fight back against the stealing of his name by emphasizing this guy earned it." Renaming Bases Again The military renamed Forts Benning and Bragg, both established in 1918, as part of a broader effort by Congress to strip the names of Civil War rebels from military posts, roads, buildings and landmarks following protests over the May 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Trump, then nearing the end of his first term, opposed renaming the military bases. In 2023, the base named for Brig. Gen. Henry L. Benning became Fort Moore to honor the late Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and his wife, Julia, for his storied military service and her advocacy for notifying families of war casualties in person rather than by telegram. The base named for Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg became Fort Liberty and is now renamed for Army Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II paratrooper from Maine. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last month that reverting to the previous names was about "connection to the community," and that 2023 changes eroded the bases' legacies. Honoring One Soldier in a Highly Decorated Regiment Benning was among more than 150 fellow soldiers who received the Distinguished Service Cross for their service in the 16th Infantry Regiment during World War I. Steven Clay, an Army veteran in Leavenworth, Kansas, and historian of the association dedicated to preserving the 16th Infantry's legacy, disagreed with removing Confederate generals' names from bases, and he questioned why Fred Benning should receive such a high honor. "Clearly the motivation is the name," Clay said. "It's not to denigrate what he accomplished. But I think the intent is that a lot of old soldiers like me like the name Benning." Fred Benning settled in Neligh, Nebraska, and married in 1926, records and newspaper stories showed. Neligh is about 150 miles (241 kilometers northwest) of Omaha and now has about 1,500 residents. Benning and his wife had two children, one of whom died in infancy. Their second child, a daughter, died in California in 2013. Phone messages left for people who appeared to be surviving relatives in Colorado and Nebraska were not returned. Until this week's announcement, even some longtime Neligh residents didn't know much of Benning's story. His portrait in a City Hall display for Neligh's mayors shows a clean-shaven, middle-aged man wearing a business suit. "I think it's great," Mayor Joe Hartz, a 45-year resident, said of the honor. "There are a lot of people who come and go in our community, and sometimes you don't know what their history is." A Small-Town Nebraska Boy Enlists at 17 Benning was just 17 when he enlisted in the Army in April 1917, joining a machine gun company, according to reports at the time in The Daily News in nearby Norfolk, where he grew up. At age 18, he had been "over the top many times," into the deadly space between opposing trenches, according to the Daily News. Orr said American troops were advancing "over a sea of their own dead." The announcement of Benning's honor said he took command of his platoon in October 1918 after its commander was killed and led its 20 survivors through heavy fire. Later, he didn't talk about his experiences. In 1928, The Norfolk Press caught up with him in Neligh and reported he was "so busy making good in his bakery" that he wouldn't discuss his wartime service, adding, "Most of the fellows who did the real fighting don't talk about it." Building Up a Bakery and Serving as Mayor Benning and his bakery popped up in small news items over the years. He led the local American Legion Post and Chamber of Commerce and helped plan for a new hospital. In 1948, Benning ran for mayor, won easily and was reelected without opposition two years later. Before he decided not to run again in 1952, the city started trash collection for $1 a month and improved its sewers, streets and water system. At one memorable City Council meeting, the Neligh News reported Benning was examining the city night watchman's defective .38-caliber revolver. Unaware that it was loaded, he pulled the trigger. A bullet clipped another council member's finger and lodged in a wall. Benning sold his bakery and retired in 1965. While Orr believes the Trump administration is appropriating Benning's service to score a political point, he said Neligh should respond with pride and say, "We remember him, and we're going to make it all about him regardless of why other people have done it." Associated Press writers Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia, and Lolita Baldor in Washington, D.C., contributed reporting. KYIV, Ukraine The U.S. decision to stop sharing military intelligence with Ukraine hobbles its ability to strike and defend against the Russian army, and increases the pressure on it to accept a peace deal being pushed by the Trump administration. Earlier in the week, the U.S. suspended weapons shipments a severe blow, but one that experts said Ukraine could withstand for at least a few months. The suspension of intelligence has a more immediate impact, disrupting Ukraines ability to track and target Russian troops, tanks and ships; its other allies lack the same resources to fill the gap. Here are things to know about the U.S. decision and its likely effects: Why Did the US Stop Sharing Intelligence with Ukraine? The decision to withhold intelligence and military aid came on the heels of a tempestuous White House visit last week by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance want Zelenskyy to quickly accept a truce with Russia which now controls one-fifth of his country and to give up significant mineral rights to the U.S. to help fund any future support for Ukraine. The Trump administration says Ukraine hasnt demonstrated sufficient willingness to seek peace with Russia, with whom the U.S. has held separate talks to try to bring an end to the war. U.S. officials hinted Wednesday that, because of positive talks since the White House blowup, the withdrawal of intelligence-sharing might only be a temporary measure to expedite truce negotiations. We have taken a step back and are pausing and reviewing all aspects of this relationship, U.S. national security adviser Mike Waltz said Wednesday. CIA Director John Ratcliffe called the suspension a pause. Zelenskyy has repeatedly said he is ready to discuss peace, but that any deal must offer his country sufficient security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression. He has also publicly stated his regrets about the contentious, and televised, White House meeting. Trump administration officials have said the deal for mineral rights would more closely bind the U.S. and Ukraine, giving Russian President Vladimir Putin pause before considering future malign action against Ukraine. How Will the Lack of US Intelligence Affect Ukraine? The White House hasnt specified what aspects of intelligence-sharing have been suspended. But without help from the U.S. which includes vital data captured by Elon Musk's Starlink satellites Ukraines ability to strike weapons and other targets inside Russia will be severely degraded. Its attacks inside Russian territory which rely on U.S.-provided longer-range weapons -- have been key in deterring Russia's capabilities and advances. Ukraine relies on U.S. intelligence when operating U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, and the U.S. Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS. Ukraine also relies on U.S. intelligence as an early warning system to help it defend against Russian long-range missiles and drone strikes. Such intelligence in the wars early days allowed Ukraine to thwart Putins hopes for a quick victory. Before the recent restrictions imposed by the U.S., a rising tempo of Ukrainian strikes inside Russia such as those targeting stores of ammunition -- relieved pressure on Ukrainian troops on the front lines. It is one of the reasons Russias advances in eastern Ukraine have slowed in recent weeks, analysts say. Will the US Ever Share Intelligence Again with Ukraine? Waltz, Trumps national security adviser, said in a Fox News television interview that the suspension of intelligence-sharing could be reversed once Zelenskyy demonstrates to President Trump that he is sufficiently willing to discuss peace with Russia on Trumps terms. Zelenskyy has said he would like to make things right with Trump, but that does not yet appear to have assuaged the U.S. -- Ukraines biggest military backer since Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. In the meantime, Zelenskyy has been leaning into support from Europe, most of whose leaders are dismayed by the Trump administrations decision to deprive a key American ally of assistance needed to fight Russia. On Thursday, European Union leaders launched a day of emergency talks to beef up their own security and ensure that Ukraine will still be protected. Its unclear whether the American suspension affects the intelligence-sharing ties between Ukraine and other Western powers, including four of the Five Eyes, an intelligence sharing coalition of the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and New Zealand. French defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said in a radio interview Thursday that his country would continue providing military intelligence to Ukraine. And French President Emmanuel Macron said he would talk with EU leaders about the possibility of using Frances nuclear deterrent to protect the continent from Russian threats. KAMPALA, Uganda A crew member was killed and two others were injured when a United Nations helicopter on an evacuation mission in a remote part of South Sudan was attacked on Friday, the U.N. mission in South Sudan said, as violence escalated in fighting that threatens a fragile peace deal between the country's top two leaders. The attack took place in the Nasir area of South Sudan's Upper Nile state, according to UNMISS, which said in a statement that the helicopter came under fire" as it attempted to evacuate government troops from the area. Several soldiers and their commanding officer in Nasir, Gen. Majur Dak, were among those killed in the attack, President Salva Kiir said in a statement late Friday. I am appealing to you to remain calm, his statement said. The government which I lead will handle this crisis and we will remain steadfast in the path of peace." Nasir has seen violence in recent days as government troops clashed with an armed group, known as the White Army, that some believe is allied with South Sudanese Vice President Riek Machar. The military garrison in Nasir was attacked on March 4, leaving Dak and his men trapped in tanks and trenches. The U.N.-affiliated Radio Miraya reported that the White Army was suspected of involvement in Friday's attack on the U.N. helicopter sent to Nasir to rescue Dak and his remaining soldiers. Friday's evacuation was part of U.N. efforts to de-escalate political tensions and prevent violence in Nasir, UNMISS said, noting that the mission was undertaken at the request of the warring parties. The fighting in Nasir threatens a 2018 peace deal signed between Machar and Kiir to end a five-year civil war in which more than 400,000 people were killed. Machar serves as the country's first vice president in a government of national unity, even though his political group opposes Kiir. The political rivalry between the two men is widely seen as a major obstacle to peace in South Sudan, with Kiir suspicious of his deputy's ambitions and Machar calling Kiir a dictator. Kiir has angered Machar's group in recent weeks by firing officials seen as loyal to Machar, who charged that "persistent violations through unilateral decisions and decrees threaten the very existence of the 2018 agreement. Government troops earlier this week surrounded Machars home in the capital, Juba, and several of his allies were arrested after the White Army overran the military base in Nasir. Deputy army chief Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam was among those detained earlier this week. Juba-based leaders must demonstrate their commitment to peaceful dialogue and should put the interest of the South Sudanese people first, the U.S. and others in the international community said in a statement that called for an immediate cessation of hostilities following arrests in the capital. The latest statement from UNMISS urged all actors to refrain from further violence and the countrys leaders to urgently work together to resolve tensions. There were high hopes for peace and stability after oil-rich South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011. But the country slid into civil war in December 2013 largely based on ethnic divisions when forces loyal to Kiir started battling those loyal to Machar. Kiir and Machar are under pressure from the United States and others to more quickly implement the 2018 peace deal and prepare for elections. Challenges include the governments failure to implement promised reforms such as completing the unification of the army command. Presidential elections, repeatedly postponed, are now scheduled for 2026. MANILA, Philippines Canada and the Philippines, both vocal critics of Chinas increasingly aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea, have concluded talks for a key defense pact that would allow their forces to hold joint combat drills and boost defense engagements, the Department of National Defense in Manila said Friday. Canada and other Western nations have been reinforcing their military presence in the Indo-Pacific to help promote the rule of law and expand trade and investment in the region. That dovetails with Philippine efforts under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to broaden defense ties with friendly countries to bolster his countrys defense as it faces an increasingly assertive China in the disputed South China Sea. The agreement with Canada will establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building exercises, the Philippine defense department said. It is expected to allow larger joint exercises, including in the South China Sea off the western Philippines. No date was specified for signing the agreement but a Philippine official said that could happen in the next few months at the earliest. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told The Associated Press in an interview on Wednesday that the Philippines would continue to build security alliances with other friendly countries to deter Chinas aggression. Teodoro said China's hostile actions should be regarded as a global threat because they could eventually restrict movement in the South China Sea, a key global trade route crucial for global supply chains. The Philippines has visiting forces agreements with the United States and Australia that provide a legal framework for temporary visits by foreign troops and large-scale combat exercises. The Philippines signed a similar accord with Japan in July that's expected to be ratified by Japanese legislators by mid-year. Negotiations with New Zealand also recently concluded, and officials have been holding talks with France for a similar accord. Philippine authorities may seek visiting forces agreements with other countries including Germany, India and Singapore, Teodoro said. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and has deployed coast guard and navy fleets and suspected militia ships to guard what it says is its territory and airspace. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan also lay claims that clash with Chinas, and territorial confrontations have flared between Beijing and Manila in the last two years. In August, Canada joined the United States, Australia and the Philippines in air and naval maneuvers to promote the rule of law and unhindered passage in the South China Sea. China said it conducted air and sea combat patrols on the same day. Although no confrontations were reported, the Philippine military said three Chinese navy ships tailed the four-nation maneuvers. Last month Canadian Ambassador to Manila David Hartman said his country has been vocal in confronting the provocative and unlawful actions of the Peoples Republic of China in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea and will continue to do so. Canada signed an agreement on defense cooperation with the Philippines last year. Another agreement signed in Ottawa in 2023 gave the Philippines access to data from Canadas Dark Vessel Detection System, which harnesses satellite technology to track illegal vessels even if they switch off their location-transmitting devices. The Philippine coast guard has used the high-tech Canadian technology to track Chinese coast guard ships and fishing vessels in the South China Sea. WARSAW, Poland Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday that his government is working on a plan to prepare large-scale military training for every adult male in response to the changing security situation in Europe. Tusk told the countrys Sejm, the lower house of parliament, that the military training would create a reserve force that is adequate to possible threats. The speech was focused on the international security situation. Poland is located along NATOs eastern flank and is deeply concerned by the war in Ukraine. There are fears that if Ukraine is defeated, Russia will turn its imperial ambitions next to countries like Poland, which it controlled during the 19th century and during the Cold War. Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the head of Polands largest opposition party, the conservative Law and Justice, said a mental shift in society would also be needed in addition to the military training of men. We will have a return to the chivalric ethos and to the fact that men should also be soldiers, that is, be able to expose themselves, even to death, Kaczynski said. Concern has grown in Poland and across most of Europe as President Donald Trump has shifted the U.S. position from being a defender of Ukraine to withholding military aid and intelligence and signalling a support for Russia's position. If Ukraine loses the war or if it accepts the terms of peace, armistice, or capitulation in such a way that weakens its sovereignty and makes it easier for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to gain control over Ukraine, then, without a doubt and we can all agree on that Poland will find itself in a much more difficult geopolitical situation, Tusk said. President Andrzej Duda on Friday said he submitting an amendment to the Polish constitution for consideration which would oblige the country to spend at least 4% of its GDP each year on defense. Poland is already NATO's top spender on defense as a percentage of its overall economy, spending above 4% of its GDP this year. But Duda said he wanted to take advantage of the consensus on the political scene in Poland today on the matter to enshrine it in the highest law. Trump has suggested that the U.S. might abandon its commitments to the alliance if member countries dont meet defense spending targets. Read Next: In Letter Accusing VA Secretary of 'Cover-Up,' Democrats Demand Answers on DOGE-Led VA Firings Extension talks between the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. didnt result in a deal before the start of Spring Training. That has been the sluggers self-imposed deadline. While he left the door ajar to hearing out other offers from Toronto, Guerrero said last month that he expects to test free agency. The four-time All-Star provided some details on negotiations in a Spanish-language interview with Enrique Rojas and Juan Arturo Recio of ESPN. ESPN has also published a summary of Guerreros comments in English. Most notably, he says that his camps final offer to the Jays checked in below $600MM, though he did not provide the specific asking price. He pushed back against the suggestion that he was seeking a deal comparable to the $765MM which Juan Soto secured from the Mets. While Guerrero seemingly wasnt pursuing an average annual value close to Sotos $51MM mark, he did seek one of the largest contracts ever. Guerrero indicated he was looking for 14 or 15 years. Sotos 15-year contract is the longest of all time. Fernando Tatis Jr. inked a 14-year extension, but that began in his age-22 season. Guerrero turns 26 in a few weeks. Even if the extension proposal would have bought out his final arbitration year, a deal of 14-plus years would run through at least age 39. The Jays were involved in the Soto bidding. They were seemingly among the teams willing to go above $600MM on the superstar outfielder. Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reported shortly after Soto agreed to his deal with the Mets that Torontos last offer landed below $700MM. One could argue they should be willing to make a similar investment for Guerrero, but his track record has been less consistent which is reflected in the comparably lower asking price. Guerrero is a career .288/.363/.500 hitter. Hes coming off his second-best season, as he raked at a .323/.396/.544 clip with 30 homers a year ago. Soto has a lifetime .285/.421/.532 batting line; he hit .288/.419/.569 with 41 longballs during his walk year with the Yankees. Guerrero said in December that the Jays had made an offer in the $340MM range prior to the Soto contract. That would have valued him similarly to Rafael Devers, who inked a $313.5MM extension with the Red Sox in 2023. Devers was a career .283/.342/.512 hitter who was entering his age-26 season at the time. While he played a more valuable position, hes a below-average defender at the hot corner. It remains to be seen whether the Soto contract will dramatically improve the market for future top free agents. Teams could view him as an outlier, the kind of free agent who might only come along once every few decades. From a net present value perspective, Soto obliterated prior precedent. Shohei Ohtanis deal was valued around $461MM and $438MM by MLB and the Players Association, respectively. That reflected the massive deferral structure. Either net present value still represented the largest contract in league history at the time. Soto broke that record by more than $300MM. Guerrero and Kyle Tucker headline next winters free agent class. Tucker is coming off a monster .289/.408/.585 showing and plays a solid right field. Hes arguably the better player in the short term, but Guerrero is two years younger. That could give him the greatest earning power in the class, though itll obviously be heavily dependent on their respective platform seasons. Guerrero will make $28.5MM in his final year of arbitration. A red-winged blackbird calls to other birds in Holland, Michigan on Saturday, May 9, 2020. Joel Bissell Michigan is transitioning from winter to spring. For proof, listen for the distinctive conk-la-ree! song of the red-winged blackbird. These boldly colored migratory birds spend the colder months in the southern United States and begin returning to Michigan in mid- to late February. By mid-March they can be seen and heard, calling out from trees and cattails at local wetlands, across most of the state. RELATED: Wondering what days will be best for fishing this spring? Farmers Almanac has predictions Among the first bird species to return to Michigan each year, the red-winged blackbird is a telltale sign of spring. Red-winged blackbirds are one of Michigan's early spring birds. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com RELATED: Ready for Spring? The Farmers' Almanac has weather predictions for Michigan If youd like to go looking for these harbingers of a new season, here are some tips on how and where to spot them: Habitat: Red-winged blackbirds congregating near ponds, marshes and wetlands, or soggy spots along roadsides. Individuals can also be seen at backyard feeders as they refuel along their migration journey. Appearance: Male red-winged blackbirds have glossy black coloring and bright orange-red shoulder patches; the females resemble larger, spotty-brown sparrows. Sound: According to Cornell Universitys All About Birds guide, the males trilling song is described as sounding like conk-la-ree! while the females reply with three to five chit-sounding notes in a row. RELATED: Growing seeds this spring? Farmers Almanac offers 3 helpful tips You can learn more about red-winged blackbirds and hear recorded examples of their various songs, calls and warning sounds here. To find a wetland near you, check out this list of Michigans Wetland Wonders from Audubon Great Lakes. Petoskey State Park announced it will close the park and campgrounds Wednesday, Sept. 3 through mid-May in 2026. The closure is due to sewer system upgrades to connect to city water, according to the Department of Natural Resources DNR PETOSKEY, MI -- A major sewer project is coming to Petoskey State Park this fall, closing the park and its campgrounds. From Wednesday, Sept. 3 through mid-May in 2026 the park will be closed, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The sewer project will shut off water in the entire park while the sanitation stations at the beach are connected to city sewer systems, park supervisor Jilanne Egleston said. The upgrade was previously planned for last year but the park didnt get the funding, Egleston said. The project is now out to bid again. Given the scope of the project, the parks two modern campgrounds will also be closed. Connecting to city sewage will improve dumping stations for RVs, Egleston said. The project also includes a new dump station and additional lanes, which will alleviate the backups during high traffic times. RELATED: Campground, state park lodging fees to increase, including new premium rates for popular parks Campers took to social media this week when they noticed the dates after Labor Day were no longer available on the DNR reservation site. The two modern campgrounds have 180 sites between them, both with Lake Michigan beach access. Although the project doesnt have a set start date or budget, Egleston said the campsites needed to be blocked out within the DNRs six-month reservation timeframe to avoid cancellations. Part of the project bid is to complete the work from September to May, she said. RELATED: Skip the bathroom line, see DNRs deluxe lodging at state parks The 303-acre park is located just three miles northeast of Petoskey and six miles south of Harbor Springs. Its a popular destination for finding Petoskey stones, according to the DNR page. Petoskey State Park sits on Little Traverse Bay and has a mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan. Its also got miles of tree lined trails making it a destination in all four seasons. One of the parks most popular trails, the Old Baldy Trail, is currently under construction using American Rescue Plan Act funding. The DNR expects the boardwalk trail to be reopened by Memorial Day weekend. RELATED: With $273M in hand, Michigans DNR is racing to complete 202 backlogged projects It will be difficult to access the day-use and recreation areas during construction, Egleston said. The DNR will update social media pages on what if any parts of the park are accessible once the project moves forward. Egleston recommended visitors and campers check out nearby Wilderness State Park or Young State Park. There are still Petoskey State Park camping reservations available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Egleston noted campers should check frequently for late cancellations. Find reservation availability at midnrreservations.com. RELATED: One of the most popular state park campgrounds will do a quick open this summer, then close until 2027 RELATED: Tahquamenon Falls construction workers endure gnarly U.P. conditions for project of a lifetime By ALEXA ST. JOHN Associated Press DETROIT (AP) President Donald Trumps short reprieve for U.S. automakers from stiff tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada isnt likely to allow enough time for those companies to make the changes necessary to minimize the damage from Trumps intensifying trade war. Trump granted a one-month exemption to 25% tariffs on vehicles and auto parts traded through the North American trade agreement USMCA after speaking with leaders of automakers Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, the White House said Wednesday. Trump then broadened the exemption beyond autos for Mexico and some imports from Canada on Thursday. In response to concerns about the short timeline for auto companies, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Trump told the companies to start investing, start moving, shift production here. Its just not that simple. Automakers will be hit differently based on exactly where their supply chain is, said John Paul MacDuffie, professor of management at the University of Pennsylvania. In particular, GM and Ford have shrunk back from a formerly much more global footprint, but they still are global companies. Of course, if the goal is to move a lot of production to the U.S., he added, I guess you could. But I dont see those changes happening quickly. Automakers responded to Wednesdays news graciously. Ford said in a company statement: We will continue to have a healthy and candid dialogue with the Administration to help achieve a bright future for our industry and U.S. manufacturing. Both GM and Stellantis thanked Trump for the exemption in statements. Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents the three automakers, said he applauds the president for recognizing that vehicles and parts that meet the high U.S. and regional USMCA content requirements should be exempt from these tariffs. But with only a monthlong grace period, automakers know challenges lie ahead. Why is this so hard for auto companies? To be sure, as automakers spent decades expanding around the world, they frequently battled supply-related woes and policy changes that hindered production and their bottom lines. A disaster halfway across the globe impacting one tiny component, with no easy or obvious supply alternative, can take down a vehicles production for weeks. Contentious labor negotiations and work stoppages have put significant pauses on automaking for the domestic car companies. The COVID-19 pandemic also interrupted global supply chains and sent new and used vehicle inventory to disastrous lows on dealer lots, causing prices to skyrocket. At least automakers have seen some version of this uncertainty, said Hovig Tchalian, assistant professor at the University of Southern California. I think this uncertainty is actually higher. But theyve had some practice doing it. Working in the favor of automakers are normalized and in some cases high levels of inventory at dealerships; a healthy number of cars yet to be sold provides a buffer to any slowdown in production. But for years automakers and suppliers have kept a strategic amount of parts on hand enough to account for disruptions but not so much that excess capital is tied up in components just sitting in warehouses. What the 30 days will allow them to do is to analyze what kind of work in progress theyve got, what kind of parts stock that theyve got, Martin French, partner at consultancy Berylls by AlixPartners, said of automakers and their supply companies. Generally there has been a lot of progress in U.S. manufacturing, he said, But the reality is that just does not happen in the space of a couple of weeks. Compounding impact Those disruptions and others throughout the businesss history have made it clear that automakers can only respond so quickly. The tariff exemption is no exception, given the ever-increasing complexity of assembly lines and manufacturing. Plants cant be moved, factories cant be built and product lines cant be changed overnight. And even with this pause, steel and aluminum tariffs are still expected to go into effect on March 12. Then, on April 2, Trump is expected to set broad reciprocal tariffs to match the taxes and subsidies charged by other countries on imports. Those would disrupt the automotive industry quickly and dramatically, said Sam Fiorani, an analyst at AutoForecast Solutions. A substantial change in automotive free trade will hurt stock prices of all automakers because their profits will take a hit and consumers will face higher prices on vehicles, further diluting sales going forward, he said. Not only do companies have to decide whether immediate changes in production are realistic, but if theyre unable to do that meaningfully, they might produce or sell fewer vehicles sending new car buyers to other brands or the used market and, ultimately, make less money. The uncertainty thats being created for the auto industry is going to inhibit investment as firms try to assess what the future looks like, said Brett House, a professor at Columbia Universitys business school, and they have very little clarity on it. ___ Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn. Reach her at ast.john@ap.org. INKSTER, MI A Michigan man is accused of murder in the death of his 2-month-old son, authorities announced. Leviathan Froust died on Sept. 22, 2023, of blunt force trauma cause by shaking, the Wayne County Prosecutors Office said in a news release. The victims father, Drake Ariel Froust, 31, of Inkster, is charged with murder and first-degree child abuse related to the death, the release said. It is alleged that the defendant fatally assaulted the infant around 3 a.m. on Aug. 21, 2023, at a residence in the 4300 block of Spruce Street in Inkster, according to the release. Inkster Police officers were dispatched to the home around 4 a.m. Officers found the child unresponsive; he was transported by medics to a local hospital. Leviathan died of his injuries two months later, according to the release. Medical examiners determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma cause by shaking. Froust was arraigned and remanded to jail today in 22nd District Court. Hes due back in court at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday before Judge Sabrina Johnson. Liquidation sales have begun at the Forever 21 store in the Staten Island Mall, with signage indicating that all merchandise is reduced by 20 to 50%. According to several reports, the New Springville store is among 200 stores that will soon be shuttered as the brand prepares for a second bankruptcy filing. (Staten Island Advance) (Staten Island Advance) Liquidation sales have begun at Forever 21 locations nationwide as the fast fashion retailer is rumored to be heading toward a second bankruptcy filing since 2019. While the company has not confirmed specific locations that are shuttering or that bankruptcy proceedings will begin soon, numerous local news reports have confirmed certain locations are closing. Forever 21 first filed for bankruptcy in 2019 before it was acquired by a retail consortium in 2020 that stopped planned liquidations. However, USA Today reports Forever 21 has struggled to remain competitive with Chinese online discount retailers like Shein and Temu. In statement issued to USA Today last month, Forever 21 said its exploring strategic options, including a possible sale. Forever 21 is also looking to reduce costs and its store footprint. The company reiterated that no final decisions have been made on store closings. Several local news outlets around the country have reported on area locations that are running liquidation and going-out-of-business sales. In New York, 21 locations have begun sales, while over in New Jersey 15 locations are expected to close soon. Stores in California and Washington state have also confirmed closings. As for locations in Michigan, Forever 21s website currently lists nine stores that remain open in the state. None of the locations allow for in-store pickup, and there is no information about store closings. According to WJET-TV in Pennsylvania, four Michigan locations have begun liquidation sales. However, its once again worth noting that Forever 21 has not confirmed any specific store closings in Michigan. The four Michigan locations on that list are: Great Lakes Crossing, 4160 Baldwin Road Space #426, Auburn Hills. Briarwood, 602 Briarwood Circle, D101A, Ann Arbor. Woodland Mall, 3195 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids. Partridge Creek, 17360 Hall Road #191, Clinton Township. At its peak, Forever 21 operated 800 locations worldwide and was a fixture in shopping malls across the U.S. It is being said that as many as 200 stores could be closing in the coming weeks. BURTON, MI Burtons top fire official is receiving a pay increase as the city works to ensure his salary is commensurate with chiefs in similar municipalities. The Burton City Council voted unanimously on March 3 to set the salary for fire chief Kirk Wilkinson at $98,000 effective March 1 and raise his pay to $100,940 beginning July 1. Tony Collison, of Kalamazoo, shows off Daisy, his 4-year-old alligator, at the West Michigan Pet Expo on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at DeltaPlex Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. "These animals (alligators) are extremely affectionate," he said the day prior at a reptile expo. They are just as good of a pet as a cat or dog, he said. The two-day expo finished Sunday. (Nick Gonzales | Mlive.com) MLive Media Group MLive Media Group GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The public is invited to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market this weekend to meet gators, snakes, turtles and other non-furry friends. Slithering Sunday will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, in the market greenhouse and banquet room on the second floor, 435 Ionia SW. Last years first-ever Slithering Sunday was a fun, interactive, and educational event that brought families and friends together for a morning of exploration, said Mimi Fritz, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. We hope our second annual event solidifies that, making it a staple our community looks forward to each year. Related: 6th annual Nature Day returning to downtown Grand Rapids this weekend This reptilian riff on the markets popular Nature Day event welcomes guests to get up close and personal with live critters, meet the people who wrangle them and learn about their habitats, food sources and other fun facts. The event is free and open for all ages to learn about various reptiles in partnership with the following organizations: Asylum Pets Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary John Ball Zoo Michigan Science Center N & N Exotic Reptiles West Michigan Wildlife Center Wiehes Exotics Additionally, the Market Hall offers many kid-friendly food options after an afternoon of fun. To learn more, visit downtownmarketgr.com. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. Across Kent and Ottawa counties, nearly every public school district has had at least a modest graduation rate increase in 2024, according to state data on dropout and graduation rates. In this MLive file photo, seniors accepted their diplomas and stepped into the next chapter of life during Portage Central High Schools graduation at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, May 31, 2024. Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com GRAND RAPIDS, MI - West Michigan is contributing to rising high school graduation rates across the state. In Kent and Ottawa counties, nearly every public school district had some sort of graduation rate increase, according to state data on 2023-24 dropout and graduation rates. Only a handful of West Michigan districts saw their graduation numbers decline, and a majority of districts maintained numbers well above the state average. In Ottawa County, Spring Lake Public Schools is a good example. At 99.53%, the district had the highest graduation rate of any public school across Kent and Ottawa counties in 2024, and increased its graduation rate from the previous year. In 2024, Spring Lake Public Schools reported that 210 of its total 211 senior students graduated in 2024, with a 0% dropout rate and less than 10 students off-track. The numbers, from the states Center for Educational Performance and Information, were last updated in February. RELATED: Michigan high school graduation rates peak after COVID-era dip: See your schools rate As of 2024, Michigans four-year graduation rate was 82.83% out of 115,097 students - an increase from 81.77% in 2023 and 81.41% in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, only a few West Michigan districts were below the state average, including Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), Godwin Heights Public Schools, Holland Public Schools, Kentwood Public Schools and Kelloggsville Public Schools. A majority of individual high schools, alternative education programs and charter schools had high graduation rates, or saw increases in 2024. Majority of West Michigan school districts had high overall graduation rates. While some West Michigan districts remained below the state average, a majority of districts had graduation rates significantly higher. A map of Kent and Ottawa county school districts and their graduation rates for 2024, along with the number of graduated students and rates for the previous year, can be found on the map below. In Kent County, Comstock Park Public Schools had the highest overall graduation rate of any public school - at 98.33%. The district reported that 118 of its 120 senior students graduated in 2024, with a 0.83% dropout rate and less than 10 students off-track. East Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grandville Public Schools, Forest Hills Public Schools, Byron Center Public Schools and Rockford Public Schools also all had graduation rates above 95%. The Byron Center Charter School reported a 100% graduation rate in 2024 for its less than 10 students. The West Michigan Aviation Academy, a Grand Rapids-area charter, also had a graduation rate above 95%. In Ottawa County, Spring Lake Public Schools was joined by Jenison and Hudsonville Public Schools, which both also reported graduation rates above 95%. Some districts saw positive shifts in graduation rates, despite numbers below the state average. Holland Public Schools was the Kent/Ottawa County district with the highest graduation rate increase in 2024. Holland Public increased its graduation rate by nearly 10%, from 71.9% in 2023 to 81.64% in 2024. Other area districts with high graduation rate increases were: Comstock Park Public Schools in Kent County had a 5.68% increase, from 92.65% in 2023 to 98.33% in 2024. Allendale Public Schools in Ottawa County had a 4.8% increase, from 88.5% in 2023 to 93.3% in 2024. Wyoming Public Schools in Kent County saw a 4.57% increase, from 79.23% in 2023 to 83.8% in 2024. Grand Haven Area Public Schools in Ottawa County had a 3.9% increase, from 85.74% in 2023 to 89.63% in 2024. The areas largest school district, Grand Rapids Public Schools, had a slight increase in its graduation rate, despite remaining below the state average. In 2024, the district graduated 82.53% of its seniors, up from the 82.39% that graduated in 2023. GRPS dropout rate was 10.37%. Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High School graduated 100% of its 29 students in 2024, reporting an 8% increase in its graduation rate. City High/Middle School graduated 99.13% of its 115 students, a 1% decrease in its graduation rate. Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy graduated 98% of its 57 students, a 2% decrease. CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Middle High School graduated 98% of its 51 students, a 3% increase. Southwest Middle/High - Academia Bilingue graduated 95% of its 58 students. The 2024 graduating class was the schools first. Grand Rapids Public Museum High graduated 88% of its 59 students, a 5% decrease. Union High School graduated 83% of its 220 students, a 2% decrease. Innovation Central graduated 83% of its 121 students, a 6% decrease. Ottawa Hills High School graduated 78% of its 78 students, a 4% increase. Southeast Career Pathways graduated 54% of its 69 students, a 2% decrease. District leaders celebrated the overall increase, along with a 10% increase in the number of total graduates. In 2023, GRPS graduated 683 students, compared to 756 students in 2024, despite declining enrollment. Superintendent Leadriane Roby said this year represents the largest graduating class from GRPS in the last decade. GRPS is a district on the rise, Roby said. Not only are more scholars achieving graduation, but we are also reaching new highs for the number of scholars enrolling in college within six months of graduation. This progress is a testament to the hard work of our scholars, families, educators and community partners. Several districts, however, did see graduation rates decline. They were: Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Kent County, which had a 5.4% decline, from 79.88% in 2023 to 94.48% in 2024. Forest Hills Public Schools in Kent County, which had a 2.32% decline, from 98.7% in 2023 to 96.38% in 2024. Lowell Area Schools in Kent County, which had a 1.97% decline in overall graduation numbers, from 96.77% in 2023 to 94.8% in 2024. Kelloggsville Public Schools in Kent County, which had a 0.87% decline, from 81.08% in 2023 to 80.21% in 2024. Caledonia Community Schools in Kent County,which had a slight 0.42% decline, from 93.48% in 2023 to 93.06% in 2024. Individual school buildings saw similar graduation rate increases. Individual schools across West Michigan, including public high schools, alternative education programs and charter schools, also saw graduation rates increase more often than not. Approximately 43%, or 40 of 94 schools MLive analyzed, had graduation rates increase from the 2022-23 to the 2023-24 school year. Another 35% (33 schools) saw rates decline slightly, and 22% (21 schools) had unchanged graduation rates, or didnt have enough data available to compare to the previous school year. A searchable database with graduation and dropout rate information for individual school buildings can be found below. Additionally, several school buildings had 100% graduation rates for the 2023-24 school year, including Spring Lake High School. The high school graduated 198 students and had a 1% graduation rate increase from the previous year. Several Kent County school buildings that saw the greatest graduation increase included Sparta Senior High School, part of Sparta Area Schools. The building had an 8% increase in graduation rates for its 197 students. The school had a 94% graduation rate in 2024, up from 86% in 2023 and 97% in 2020. Cedar Springs High School, part of Cedar Springs Public Schools, also saw an 8% increase for its 246 students. The school had a 94% graduation rate in 2024, up from 86% in 2023 and 90% in 2020. In Ottawa County, Holland High School, part of Holland Public Schools, had a 10% increase in its graduation rate. The school graduated 226 students and had an 82% graduation rate, up from 72% in 2023 but still down from the 89% that graduated in 2020. Several West Michigan charter schools and alternative education programs also had significant graduation rate increases. CAPS Academy, a Coopersville Area Public School alternative education program graduating 16 students, had a 26% increase in graduation rates. The Ottawa County school graduated 81% of students in 2024, up from 55% in 2023 and 75% in 2020. Northview Next Career Center, a Northview Public Schools building with a career-focused curriculum graduating 11 students, had a 24% increase in graduation rates. The Kent County school had a 91% graduation rate in 2024, up from 67% in 2023 and 54% in 2020. Comstock Park Flex Academy, an alternative education program part of Comstock Park Public Schools in Kent County, saw a 17% increase in graduation rates for its 28 students. The school had a 96% graduation rate, up from 79% in 2023 but down from 100% in 2020. Venture Academy, a Zeeland Public Schools alternative education program with 49 graduating students, had a 16% increase in graduation rates. The Ottawa County school graduated 73% of students in 2024, up from 57% in 2023 and the same as the 73% that graduated in 2020. Godwin Heights Learning Center, a Godwin Heights Public Schools alternative education program, had an 11% increase in graduation rates. The Kent County school graduated 41% of students in 2024, up from 30% in 2023 but down from 43% in 2020. Creative Technologies Academy, a Kent County charter school graduating 33 students, had a 10% graduation rate increase. The school had a 91% graduation rate in 2024, up from 81% in 2023 and 90% in 2020. If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools. Michigan Congressman Bill Huizenga speaks at Van Andel Arena before former president Donald Trump takes the stage for his final campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Joel Bissell | MLive.com HOLLAND, MI Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, will hold two virtual town halls this week following demands from constituents. The Friday, March 7, town hall is aimed toward seniors in the 4th District, said spokesperson Brian Patrick. Itll be streamed on Huizengas website at 3 p.m. A march for human rights and democracy is planned for Saturday, March 8 in downtown Muskegon. Pictured are individuals that participated in a march on March 4. Members of Indivisible on the Lakeshore, the Muskegon County Democratic Party and other local activists protested on the Broadway Avenue bridge that goes over Seaway Drive. From left to right is Maggie Doyle, Ken Foster and Jennie Marie Naffie. (Photo provided by Jennie Naffie). Photo provided to MLive by Jennie Naffie MUSKEGON, MI - A march for human rights and democracy is planned for Saturday in downtown Muskegon. The protest is pro-democracy, said Jennie Marie Naffie, spokesperson for Indivisible on the Lakeshore. The main purpose, of course, is saving democracy, Naffie said. Its not Republican, its not Democrat, its not Independent. We are not here to say there cant be improvements to our government. How we get there, thats a debate for another time. The Peoples March will start at 12 p.m. Saturday, March 8 near the Muskegon Farmers Market and end at Hackley Park, 350 W. Webster Avenue, by 12:30 p.m. A stand-still protest will follow. The march will focus on issues including federal employee cuts such as in the National Park Service, and the future of Social Security, the U.S. Department of Education, LGBTQ+ rights, Ukraine and the environment. Groups participating in the march include Muskegon Pride, the Progressive Democratic Womens Caucus of Muskegon County, the Muskegon County Democratic Party and local activists. If you believe that decisions about your body should remain yours, that books belong in libraries, not on bonfires, that healthcare is a right, not a privilege for the wealthy, if you believe in the power of free speech and protest to sustain democracy or if you want an economy that works for the people who power it then this march is for you, organizers said in a Facebook post about the event. The American flag flies next to a sign that says "Depose Musk" during a protest on Tuesday, March 4, on the Broadway Avenue Bridge over Seaway Drive in Muskegon. Photo provided to MLive by Jennie Naffie Participants have been asked to dress for the weather and to bring signs, hydration and spirit. Organizers have emphasized it will be a peaceful event with city support. Muskegon City Manager Jonathan Seyferth said the city is working with organizers to ensure things run smoothly. Naffie expects a couple hundred people to attend the event. Those attending were given guidance. Signs are welcome, drums, musical instruments, and megaphones are all fine, but no weapons or alcohol. Lucas Babcock, member of Indivisible, said that the march and protest is also to show affected community members support and solidarity. Its not necessarily for our community, which has voted majority blue, Babcock said. Its more for the visibility that it gives for other people to know theres still allies out there. Babcock said thats so people feel more comfortable whether its in themselves or more comfortable being an ally or voice. He said it is hard to be the first person to speak up or to be singled out and have to speak up. You dont have to be a six-figure person with a political science degree to know when somethings wrong and say something about it, Babcock said. Earlier this week, members of Indivisible, the county Democratic Party and other local activists protested on the Broadway Avenue bridge that goes over Seaway Drive. Naffie said she and members of Indivisible previously thanked the Muskegon Police Department when the chief said they will not detain or arrest anyone based on immigration status. Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. A bill to make trespassing on the Mackinac Bridge a felony crime has advanced in the Michigan Senate. (MLive file photo) A bill to make trespassing on the Mackinac Bridge a felony crime has advanced in the Michigan Senate. By a unanimous vote, the bill to enhance criminal charges for trespassing on the Mighty Mac passed the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on Thursday, March 7. It now awaits a vote in the Senate. The current punishment for trespassing on the Mackinac Bridge, like one person did in 2020 when they climbed one of the bridge towers, is only a misdemeanor punishable by 30 days in jail. The Mackinac Bridge Authority and some lawmakers say the punishment is too light and doesnt match the significant safety, security and economic problems caused by any disruption of bridge operations. Advocates argue that a felony charge would also serve as a stronger deterrent, discouraging those considering climbing the bridge towers or conducting other stunts. Related: Mackinac Bridge security concerns prompt push for stricter trespass laws The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) is the independent state agency that oversees bridge operations. MBA and the Michigan Department of Transportation support the legislation. The legislation would make trespassing a felony by labeling the Mackinac Bridge as a key facility, placing it alongside other critical infrastructure like water treatment plants, power plants, fuel and hazardous waste storage facilities, rail yards and ports, chemical manufacturing plants and more. The Mackinac Bridge, the sole land link between the Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula, saw more than 4.5 million vehicle crossings in 2024. However, it is currently not on the list of key facilities. Each item on that list is something that is either so dangerous that an attack would inflict serious harm on our state or that its something so absolutely critical to the ongoing functioning of our state, state Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs told the committee Feb. 24. Again, these are things that we cannot live without and the Mackinac Bridge should surely be on that list. This is the third time Damoose has introduced the legislation. The first time, in 2021, the bill received nearly unanimous support in the state House but never received a final vote in the Senate. Last session, the bill never left committee. Damoose said the legislation stems from a bomb threat in 2021 that closed the bridge for hours and, more importantly, the failed attempt to pursue felony charges against the person who climbed one of the bridge towers in 2020 and posted photos of the stunt on social media. Prosecutors attempted to pursue felony key facility trespassing charges against the climber. However, a judge ruled that the Mackinac Bridge is not considered a key facility due to a loophole, limiting the charges to misdemeanor trespassing. According to Cheboygan County District Court records, the case was dismissed. MBA officials said the man had already spent 30 days in jail the maximum punishment allowable for the misdemeanor while awaiting case resolution because he was wanted in other states. MBA pursued a civil lawsuit against the climber and an undisclosed settlement was reached. Spanish packages that the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency sends out in downtown Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com LANSING, MI State officials here are launching new tools to support former federal employees, including workers cut loose by President Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said her office continues to work with former federal employees filing for unemployment and searching for a new job. One of those resources is a new website, at Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, which state officials said will provide those ex-federal workers access to unemployment, job search and community resources. Being laid off is a stressful experience for anyone who loses a job through no fault of their own, Jason Palmer, director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, said in a statement. Our new webpage has information that will help people file an unemployment claim and connect them to other resources that provide assistance at a chaotic time in their lives. The website includes information about unemployment insurance benefits criteria, a step-by-step guide for filing for those benefits, and links to other websites for organizations that provide resources for recently-unemployed workers. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity outreach comes as tens of thousands of federal workers accepted an offer to resign early and more are facing potential layoffs across the nation. The downsizing of the federal workforce is an initiative championed by Trump and Elon Musk, whom the Republican president credited for his work as DOGEs leader during a joint address to Congress earlier this week. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center says a slow response to sick U.P. diary workers highlights the gaps that exist in the state's bird flu response. (Audrey Whitaker | MLive) Audrey Whitaker After 20 Upper Peninsula dairy workers all got a flu-like illness earlier this year, state officials investigated if it could be bird flu. Milk testing showed the cows werent infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza, H5N1 a virus that has led to millions of chickens dying, infected 978 dairy herds and sickened dozens of people across the country. But it took two weeks for the milk to be tested, according to an immigrant legal service, and even longer for farmworkers to get personal protective equipment when they needed it. The workers were also never tested bird flu. The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, MIRC, says a slow response from state and local health departments highlights the wide gaps that exist in the current bird flu response, which has left farmworkers vulnerable and heightens the risk of the virus continuing to spread. The animal production industry frequently treats its workers as disposable, but the time has come for Michigan to prioritize the health of workers, said Christine Sauve, communications and policy manager at MIRC, in a statement. Not just for the workers' sake, but to stop the spread of avian flu and protect the health of all Michiganders. Related: As Michigan cows get sick with bird flu, what does that mean for our milk? Although the public risk for bird flu remains low, H5N1 has showed no signs of slowing down. Scientists are increasingly worried the virus could evolve to start spreading among humans, underscoring the need to protect farmworkers on the frontline of the crisis. A timeline of the sick U.P workers provided by MIRC indicates Michigan is not ready to respond with the swiftness needed to contain the spread of bird flu. State officials did not confirm the law firms account but did not directly deny the claims. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said it quickly responded to reports of sick farmworkers and worked with a local health department to provide translation services, influenza testing, influenza vaccination and personal protective equipment. MIRC also did not provide specific details about the dairy workers who fear retaliation from their employer. About half the nations dairy workers are immigrants with an unknown number being undocumented. A timeline of responding to sick workers On Jan. 17, the Upper Peninsula dairy workers reported they were sick with a flu-like illness. It spread quickly with one worker saying it was a cough that none of us have been able to avoid, in a statement translated from Spanish to English. All the workers were infected, spending at least a day in bed with a fever and a sore throat. The local health department and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services struggled to quickly provide personal protective equipment for the workers, according to MIRC, and it took weeks for bird flu tests to become available. It wasnt until Feb. 14 that a testing site was created but MIRC says due to miscommunication and confusion about whether their employer would allow them to attend, no workers showed up. Workers were then given PPE on Feb. 17, after a month of MIRC asking for supplies. One worker said the equipment arrived a little late but was grateful it showed up. Having PPE helps protect us daily, a statement said. Sometimes when the cows are being moved or in the process of milking they sneeze in our faces. The PPE has helped us avoid getting cow mucus in our faces. Related: Michigan dairy workers cats died from bird flu, but its not clear how they got sick While the workers were waiting for equipment, MIRC says the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development tested the farms milk for H5N1 within two weeks of the reported sickness. MDARD would not confirm if it tested the specific farm where workers got sick, but the state agency said it has tested milk on all Upper Peninsula dairy farms. All were negative for H5N1. The response to test the animals was much swifter than the response for the human workers, MIRC said in a news release. State health officials say, however, they quickly responded to the reports of sick workers and followed all federal bird flu guidance. This includes only testing people when theyve been exposed to sick animals and providing flu testing, flu vaccines and PPE to farmworkers. Recent bulk milk testing at Upper Peninsula dairy farms by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development was negative for highly pathogenic avian influenza, which meant exposure to animals sick with HPAI was not suspected among these farmworkers, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. Although tests were negative, the state health department says it still provided PPE at the workers request. Health officials also offered flu testing to the workers because they got sick at a time when there was extremely high respiratory virus activity. Yet none of the workers have been able to get a flu shot to date, according to MIRC, even though health officials recommend dairy and poultry workers get a seasonal flu vaccine to lower the risk of coinfection. There is no H5N1 vaccine currently available for humans. Bird flu and farmworkers Despite the efforts from state agencies, some experts and advocates say the current federal guidance is not enough to protect dairy workers. Of the 70 human bird flu cases that have been reported, 41 have been among dairy workers including the two confirmed cases in Michigan. Dairy workers are particularly vulnerable to bird flu because the virus spreads easily through cows milk and snot. Michigan was hotbed for bird flu last spring when the virus struck the states largest egg farm, leading to the death of 6.5 million chickens, and spread rapidly among dairy herds. The state agriculture agency responded by issuing an emergency order that required dairy farms to create biosecurity plans and limiting cow exhibitions. Related: Why 6.5 million chickens were killed in Michigan this month Federal health officials recommend farmworkers in contact with potentially infected cows should wear PPE respirators, goggles and gloves to avoid getting sick. And MDARD Director Tim Boring said last year that proper use of PPE is the best tool we have to protect farmworkers. Despite that, research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found last year very few dairy workers exposed to H5N1 on Michigan and Colorado farms wore full PPE. And none of the workers who had been infected with bird flu wore any protective equipment. MIRC says state and local health departments have shown a sincere willingness to help but theres still been difficulties in finding resources to support farmworkers. The experience of dairy workers around the state highlights a major disconnect between what animal production workers are advised to do if they have been exposed to avian flu and the actual resources available to them, the law firm said. Dairy workers across the country have reported limited testing for illnesses and a lack of PPE. In Michigan, farmworkers in Barry and Kent counties also reported difficulties in accessing health clinics and getting flu vaccines. The agencies should be better prepared, so that when there is a request or someone is ill, the agency can respond quicker to those who need the protective equipment, the U.P. worker said. If the protective equipment had arrived faster, we might not all have gotten sick. Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Archisha Yadav is a sub editor with 1.5 years of experience in writing news articles on topics like education, jobs, and politics. She specialises in crafting simple, clear, and engaging stories that are easy to understand and hold the readers interest, making complex topics accessible and relatable to a larger audience. Archisha Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Akshay Kumar reveals Twinkle Khanna teases him for his patriotic films: My wife says how many times will you save the country? Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Aly Goni takes fans by surprise with shaved head after performing Umrah in Mecca Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Dupahiya Review: This hinterland comedy delivers humour and heart with stellar performances by Gajraj Rao and Renuka Shahane M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Govinda gets emotional at the funeral of his former secretary Shashi Prabhu in Mumbai Sarika Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept How much is Bollywoods superstar Salman Khan charging for Sikandar? Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sarika Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Shawn Mendes arrives in Mumbai for Lollapalooza, wins hearts with his Chappal shopping at Colaba street market Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tejasswi Prakash's Dosa Bomboloni to feature at Vikas Khanna's restaurant Bungalow, New York, chef says, "The revenue from the dish will be shared" Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Telugu actor Rukshar Dhillon asks photographers to not click her, blasts them for ignoring her request of being 'uncomfortable' Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept When Amitabh Bachchan was declared 'clinically dead' after fatal accident on Coolie set: Thats when they felt it was all over... Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept What is fentanyl? The potent drug behind US-Canada trade war Saumya Rastogi is a senior sub-editor who writes on everything lifestyle, such as health and fitness, beauty, fashion and art and culture. When not working, she likes to practice yoga, travel and hang out in quaint little cafes. Saumya Rastogi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept As Work from Office mandates rise, Indias REITs are poised to boom, say Brookfield Properties and Embassy REIT CEOs Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Buffett won the lottery by being born as a white male in America,' says legendary investor Howard Marks Debaroti Adhikary USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Devendra Fadnavis says startups returning to Mumbai from Bengaluru: 'We are seeing reverse migration' Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Donald Trump's first term saw US allies spend more on defence Ishaan Gera USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Farm, dairy goods should be kept out of India-US trade deal talks, says Swadeshi Jagran Manch Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Adrija Chatterjee USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Generating substantial returns by managing wealth not an easy task, says Abishek Laxminarayan, Strategic Advisor, Sharrp Ventures Yaruqhullah Khan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Maharashtra best for Tesla investment, ready to welcome them: CM Devendra Fadnavis Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Debaroti Adhikary USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Bold reforms need not be big bang, says Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey Rohit Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 Every market euphoria needs a correction; resets are healthy; says Sunil Singhania of Abakkus Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Paras Bisht USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Shankar Sharma and Samir Arora face off: Who will win? J Jagannath USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Technical View: Short-term uptrend still intact as long as Nifty holds 22,500 despite Friday's consolidation Sunil Matkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 As the story goes, as many as 60 conspirators, led by Brutus and Cassius, were involved in the killing. When Caesar was on his way to the Senate at the Theatre of Pompey, he walked past the soothsayer and joked "Well, the Ides of March are come," meaning that the dire prophecy had not happened after all. But the seer replied. "Aye, they are come, but they are not gone." Cue the Dragnet music, "Dum Da Dum Dum." We all know how well that worked out for Caesar. During his speech the president enumerated some of the stupid things that USAID was spending billions on, including $1.5 million to "advance diversity equity and inclusion in Serbia's workplaces and business communities," $6 million to fund tourism in Egypt, $2 million for sex changes and "LGBT activism" in Guatemala, and Hundreds of millions of dollars to fund "irrigation canals, farming equipment, and even fertilizer used to support the unprecedented poppy cultivation and heroin production in Afghanistan," benefiting the Taliban, just to name a few. There are many more examples. President Trump has done some bold things in his first 6 weeks in office, but many are executive actions, which means that unless Congress adapts them as official law, they could all be reversed by the next Democrat president. Also his directives could be stopped by the courts, as we've already seen on Wednesday when The Supreme Court denied the Trump administration's request to block a lower court's order for the administration to pay nearly $2 billion in foreign aid money, delivering a near-term reprieve to international aid groups and contractors seeking payment for previously completed projects. This means that all the wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars that DOGE discovered in USAID cannot be stopped, at least for now. Beware the Ides of March. The vote was 5 to 4 with Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh dissenting. The four conservative Supreme Court justices wrote a strong dissent Wednesday after the court majority rejected the Trump administration's request to continue a temporary freeze on foreign aid payments. Justice Samuel Alito criticized the high court majority for allowing a lower court judge to single-handedly determine the timeline for the Trump administration to pay the nearly $2 billion in payments for previously completed foreign aid projects an order he called "too extreme." In his eight-page dissent, Alito called the decision an "unfortunate misstep" and one he said "rewards an act of judicial hubris" by U.S. District Judge Amir Ali. "Does a single district-court judge who likely lacks jurisdiction have the unchecked power to compel the Government of the United States to pay out (and probably lose forever) 2 billion taxpayer dollars? The answer to that question should be an emphatic No,' but a majority of this Court apparently thinks otherwise," Alito wrote. "I am stunned." For Julius Caesar the Ides of March in the Senate proved deadly. I thought of that as I watched the Democrats' deadly reactions to President Trump's speech to the joint session of Congress. They sat with their arms folded and looked angry, nasty and dangerous. They resisted everything the president said and they even refused to stand when President Trump designated 13-year-old brain cancer survivor DJ Daniel an honorary Secret Service member. Just one of several touching moments that night honoring Americans who deserved to be acknowledged and applauded. Democrats wouldn't do either. It occurred to me that these Democrat congressmen and senators are not much different than the 60 senators who did Caesar in. Let's pray President Trump ultimately has a better outcome. (COMMENT, BELOW) Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years. J Jagannath USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 Bhavya Dilipkumar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Subhash Helgaokar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Will turn Maharashtra into $1 trillion economy by 2030: Devendra Fadnavis at GWS 2025 Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Christin Mathew Philip USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tintagel in Cornwall can be considered a great site for a number of reasons, depending on personal perspective. For some, the draw is its rich archaeology; for others, its links to King Arthur, or its dramatic coastal settings. Perhaps it is a combination of all of these, alongside the inevitable controversies that come with being one of the most visited historic sites in the UK. It is loved, loathed, and hotly debated: see, for example, considerations of its new bridge in CA 352 (July 2019), its new statue in CA 356 (November 2019), and its Arthurian links in CA 336 (March 2018). It is impossible to ignore. Across these pages, therefore, let me make the case for its greatness primarily on the first of these points: its stunning archaeology. For, as CA 137 (February 1994) makes clear, once one sorts the myth from the reality, what remains is a site of great significance regionally, nationally, and internationally, and one that generations of archaeologists have found joy in exploring. RADFORDS RESEARCH Current Archaeologys first formal visit to Tintagel was in 1998, covering the story of the site and the theories about what it could have been used for. Beginning back in the 1930s, Tintagels great site status and its research potential were first made clear by archaeologist and historian Ralegh Radford, who identified the early medieval (Dark Age) eastern Mediterranean pottery of the 5th to 6th centuries AD that is abundant at Tintagel, having been found here in greater quantity than virtually at any other UK site. Though it is little known today, you can read more on Radfords work in CA 128 (March 1992) and CA 162 (April 1999). Radford believed the site to be a monastery, but subsequent researchers have instead hypothesised it to be a royal ceremonial centre, primarily used only for a few months each summer for inaugurations and other key events, such as burials at the nearby church on the mainland. But this position as a high-status or ceremonial site is not why Tintagel most often hits the headlines, even in the pages of Current Archaeology. The sites first significant mention and the magazines first formal site visit only occurred in CA 159 (September 1998), when new fieldwork uncovered a carved stone within 6th- to 7th-century deposits which refers to someone named Artognov: a name close enough to Arthur to initiate a media Helpfully, this visit by CA moves beyond pure speculation to pick up the story begun above of Radfords finds of imported pottery that led to the long-standing monastic hypothesis. Two events in the 1980s called this theory into question: first, a fire in the peat that covered the site in 1983 revealed the remains of far more buildings than were previously known; this was followed by renewed research into the pottery (long housed in the Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro) demonstrating that not only was there more imported pottery of this age here than from any other site in Britain, but indeed more pottery than from all the other sites known at that time put together. CA 227 provided an updated report of Tintagel, which considered the site in its wider context following the publication of a report of the finding of excavations that took place in the 1990s. These two events led the sites custodians, English Heritage, to commission new fieldwork to understand it properly, leading to the discovery reported in CA 159. CA 227 (February 2009) followed up on this fieldwork with a detailed report a decade later, re-examining the site in its wider context and re-evaluating it as a potential centre of Dark Age political and military power. RECENT REVELATIONS Finds from Tintagel have also featured in the magazine more recently. CA 319 (October 2016) and CA 330 (September 2017) reported on new fieldwork and finds thanks to a five year research programme initiated at this time by English Heritage and led by the Cornwall Archaeological Unit. This work revealed new evidence for the lives of people here, uncovering their domestic arrangements in substantial stone-walled structures, as well as turning up more of the famous pottery fragments. A follow-up on this work then featured in CA 342 (September 2018), when a second new inscription was identified on a two-foot-long section of Cornish slate used as a window ledge. It was etched with an eclectic mix of Latin writing, Greek letters, and Christian symbols. The lettering style and the language used, as well as the Christian symbols, suggest Mediterranean influences and contacts, further evidence for early medieval Tintagel being an unusually well-connected, high-status site. POTTERY ON TOUR Focusing specifically on the pottery, what is especially interesting in Current Archaeologys coverage are reports from other sites with which Tintagel shares links through this highly recognisable ceramic material. CA178 took a trip to Bantham, South Devon, to look at finds including 570 sherds of imported Mediterranean pottery, the second-largest assemblage of these on any UK site, with Tintagel taking first place. CA 178 (March 2002), for example, visited Bantham in South Devon, another 5th- to 6th-century site from which this pottery has been identified. It is the second-largest single agglomeration of such finds in the UK after Tintagel. The pottery was sourced from a range of sites including in modern-day northern Greece, eastern Turkey and Syria, and north Africa. Alongside these finds are other high status materials identified at both sites, especially evidence of feasting from middens full of cattle, pig, sheep, goat, deer, hare, rabbit, chicken, duck, and shellfish. CA 220 (July 2008) visited Gwithian in north Cornwall, when the 1950s fieldwork led here by Charles Thomas was being prepared for publication. Again, the imported eastern Mediterranean pottery is the star find here, which in the 1950s was emerging from the eroding coastal cliff in large quantities. Thomas principal interest was the Dark Age history of a major industrial settlement of the 5th to 8th centuries focused on metalworking, but fieldwork across the 1950s, 60s, and 70s identified a host of finds spanning the Mesolithic to the post-medieval. Most recently, CA 409 (April 2024) visited Fonmon Castle near Cardiff in South Wales. While the castle primarily dates from the 12th century onwards, fieldwork there in 2021 identified a large cemetery dating to the 6th to 7th centuries. While no grave goods were found, the grave fills included a large amount of contemporary material, notably including fragments of imported glass vessels (most likely from modern day Spain) identical to those found at Tintagel. These finds appear at Dinas Powys in the Vale of Glamorgan, nine miles from the site, suggesting international links across the wider Severn Estuary. A visit to Gwithian, north Cornwall, in CA 220 discussed the imported pottery being produced from the cliffs, comparable to the examples found at Tintagel. CA 417 (December 2024) then brought thinking on this topic right up to date, reflecting on the overall impact of the Silk Roads on early medieval Britain and Ireland, an international, intergenerational web of connections in which Tintagel was undoubtedly a key node. As I said in my introduction, what the archaeological record thus demonstrates is that, once one sorts the myth from the reality, what remains is a site of unquestioned greatness, a truth much to be celebrated. Tintagel is in the care of English Heritage and is normally open to the public, but please check the website before visiting: www.english heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagelcastle. The sites scheduled monument entry is: https:// historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1014793. About the author Joe Flatman completed a PhD in medieval archaeology at the University of Southampton in 2003, and since then has held positions in universities, and local and most recently central government. Since March 2019, he has been a Consultancy Manager in the National Trusts London and South-East Region, leading a team working on Trust sites across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You can follow him on X: @joeflatman From Maharashtra economy to camaraderie with Shinde: Devendra Fadnavis at Global Wealth Summit | Highlights Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The man who filmed the injured crocodile was angered by the attack, saying he is all for hunting but doesn't 'agree with a half-done job'. A fisherman was distressed after spotting a crocodile with a 15cm spear in its head. Source: Croc QLD Disturbing video has captured the result of a brutal attack on a three-metre saltwater crocodile that left it with a broken spear protruding from its head. Queensland authorities confirmed on Friday theyre investigating the incident which they say has likely left the animal in extreme pain. The fisherman who filmed the animal told Yahoo News the sight was very distressing. Hed been exploring remote coastline at Cape Tribulation in early February when he made the discovery. Im all for hunting things. But I dont agree with a half-done job. This was clearly an attack, he said. Call for prosecution after multiple attacks on crocodiles Its one of a string of incidents involving attacks on crocodiles in the area, including the beheading of a large male at nearby Cow Bay in 2023. While they have not been officially linked, locals with knowledge of the area who requested anonymity believe they know who is responsible. ADVERTISEMENT Community Representation of Crocodiles has worked with Crime Stoppers to raise funds and provide rewards for crimes against wildlife in Queensland. We want to remind the public that these acts of cruelty are serious wildlife crimes, and those responsible should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law to educate the community that theres no tolerance, spokesperson Dan Kemp told Yahoo. Authorities slam crocodile attack as 'shocking' Simon Booth from Queensland's Department of Environment (DETSI) confirmed the incident is being investigated. If not captured and assessed, it will most likely die a slow and agonising death, he said. Saltwater crocodiles in Queensland are threatened with extinction due to widespread hunting in the 1970s and their numbers are yet to recover. They are protected across the state and those caught harming them face fines of up to $36,292. ADVERTISEMENT We are disgusted by this shocking incident, and it is disheartening to know that people can be so cruel, Booth said. Drone footage from February shows the arrow lodged in the crocodiles head. Source: Supplied Fisherman reveals how crocodiles protect local environment The fisherman who filmed the video says as large predators, crocodiles have played an important role in stopping development across the regions coastline. I see crocodiles as keeping the whole area safe. They deserve our respect. If they werent here thered be skyscrapers built across Far North Queensland, he said. Crocodiles keep it raw, and protect its natural beauty. Since he first spotted the crocodile with the 15cm spear in its head on February 10, he's been searching for it without any luck. ADVERTISEMENT "I've been back down there multiple times and I'm not sure where it is now," he said. Anyone with information about the attack on the crocodile is urged to contact DETSI on 1300 130 372. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks on Rajiv Gandhi 'peak of frustration': Ashok Gehlot says 'only a crazy person would say that' Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Sab mast chal raha hai': Fadnavis junks rumours of rift with Eknath Shinde, says Mahayuti will win BMC polls Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 Vikas SN USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Who is Bob Blackman? UK MP who raised alarm over Jaishankar's London security breach Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The Salvation Army is asking Aussies not to do one thing with their 'well-intentioned donations'. Donations were dumped at op shops after the Lismore 2022 (left) and Townsville 2019 (right) floods. Source: Facebook/SalvationArmyFamilyStoreMacclean As the country holds its breath as Cyclone Alfred hits the east coast, the Salvation Army is pleading with Aussies not to dump "well-intentioned donations" at their door in the aftermath of the storm. After the last two major flooding events occurred in 2022 in Lismore, and 2019 in Townsville, the charity was inundated with bags and boxes of donations from those desperate to do their bit to help those affected. However it left volunteers with a mountain of items to sort through, and it quickly became a logistical headache when time was of the essence to provide critical support. "Recovery organisations are forced to allocate precious time and resources to receiving, sorting, storing and distributing unrequested items," a branch located in Maclean, in the NSW Northern Rivers in conjunction with charity GIVIT, wrote to the public. "Unrequested donations should not be dropped off at organisations or sent to impacted areas." ADVERTISEMENT The huge piles of donated clothes pictured above, ultimately ended up in landfill, the charity said. What should I do if I want to provide donations? The GIVIT charity is urging Aussies to instead showcase the donations they have to its online warehouse. This not only makes the process more orderly, but it also centralises all donations and gives access to more than 4,900 partner charities who can review and reserve items ensuring they get to the right people who need them. When the items are required, a charity will contact the donor directly. Op shops continue to grapple with the dumped goods Donation dumping continues to be an issue op shops are wrestling with across the country and it's not just exclusive to severe weather events like in Queensland and Northern NSW at the moment. Striking photos have been shared by volunteers showing bags, and even loose items, left at storefronts and blocking access to the building, when decrying to behaviour. Aussie op shops continue to have donations dumped at their door. Source: Facebook/NBN News People are encouraged to take donations into the shops during opening hours so volunteers can physically inspect, accept and process to "get them on the shop floor for sale", Paula McCormack from St Vincent de Paul Society previously told Yahoo News. ADVERTISEMENT "We are absolutely, very grateful for donations. But there is a process, and unfortunately, when things are basically dumped outside the front or the back of the shop, by the time we actually get to them the next morning, they're damaged, dirty, wet, strewn all over the footpath," she said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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 MC Science Desk Read the latest and trending science newsstay updated on NASA, ISRO, space missions, planets, asteroids, black holes, AI, quantum physics, galaxy discoveries, and more exciting breakthroughs. Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 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 Aryaman Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Karnataka Budget outlay is estimated to surpass Rs 4 lakh crore in FY 25-26, revenue deficit to come down 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 Anand J USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept China's foreign minister blasts the US over tariffs at his annual meeting with journalists 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Elon Musk tells Republican lawmakers he's not to blame for the federal firings 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'India has agreed to cut their tariffs down because somebody is finally exposing them': Donald Trump Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The SS Dicky ran aground at what is now Dicky Beach on the Sunshine Coast, after being driven ashore by treacherous seas ironically, during a cyclone. The SS Dicky ran aground in 1893 at what is now Dicky Beach on the Sunshine Coast. Source: Facebook/Walter LeSouef A century-old shipwreck has resurfaced on the east coast, unearthed by Cyclone Alfred's wild weather over 130 years after it was first swallowed by the sea in another cyclone in the 1800s. As final preparations are being made for Alfred in Queensland, with millions waiting anxiously for the category two storm's imminent arrival on the mainland on Saturday, a Sunshine Coast local has shared incredible images of the SS Dicky, which was an iron-hulled steamer that was driven ashore at Caloundra in 1893. "It's shown up again," the man wrote online, impressed the wreck had once again been "uncovered". It was driven ashore by treacherous seas, ironically, during a cyclone. Source: Facebook/Walter LeSouef What happened to the SS Dicky on the Sunshine Coast? The SS Dicky ran aground at what is now Dicky Beach, after being driven ashore by rough seas. ADVERTISEMENT While all the crew members survived, the ship could not be refloated and was abandoned, becoming a permanent fixture on the coastline. Over time, the wreck became an iconic landmark, so well-known that the beach itself was named after it. Despite numerous attempts to save the Dicky, Sunshine Coast Council said each effort to refloat the vessel failed, and the wreck was ultimately left to its fate. For over a century, the ship slowly deteriorated, battered by the elements and time. By the early 2000s, the sharp, rusted remains of the wreck posed significant safety risks to beachgoers and in 2015, the council controversially decided to remove most of the wreck, but ensured that some pieces were preserved for historical display in museums. Even with the wreckage mostly removed, shifting sands and unpredictable storms continue to reveal fragments of the once-great ship. Most recently, it emerged in August, 2024. The council issued a warning at the time to swimmers to steer clear of the sharp remnants that had been exposed once again. ADVERTISEMENT Though much of the SS Dicky is gone, Dicky Beach remains a tribute to the ship, with pieces of its wreck displayed in local museums, keeping its history alive. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Japan says trade minister will visit Washington for March 9-11 to meet US officials 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Kremlin, responding to Trump and Macron, says nuclear dialogue with US is essential 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Kremlin says Russia, US see 2022 Istanbul draft as possible basis for Ukraine deal 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Russia bombards Ukraine's energy grid after Zelenskyy says he'll hold talks with US 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Saudis welcome chance to host US-Ukraine talks in Jeddah next week Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Trudeau gets emotional before reporters amid tariff war: 'We got you' |Watch Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 Authorities are continuing to plea with millions to remain inside and away from the coast. Authorities continue to plea with residents to stay away from the coastline. Source: Getty Yahoo's live coverage of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has concluded for Saturday, March 8 but you can find the latest on the system via the Yahoo homepage. The Bureau of Meteorology has revised the cyclone to a tropical low however millions are being warned the conditions remain life-threatening with heavy rains forecast. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says everything is being done to ensure supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths can safely reopen. While Coles has begun opening some stores, Woolworths said it would not reopen any of its Queensland stores due to safety concerns. There are power outages for more than 300,000 people, which energy networks are calling a "staggering" number. In a brutal assessment, they believe those without power should expect to be without it for at least a week. See all of our updates throughout the day below. LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER 64 updates Generator warning after four hospitalised Four people have been hospitalised with carbon monoxide poisoning, Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates has just revealed as she addresses media. "It seems they were using a personal generator inside and so my message to everyone is, if you have a generator, it needs to be appropriately ventilated and preferably outside," she said. Gates said their conditions were not serious. Police still searching for man swept away off bridge Police say they are doing what they can to find a man still missing in NSW's north after he was swept away on a bridge near Dorrigo after escaping his 4WD. NSW Police had earlier said it had to halt certain parts of its search due to the challenging conditions, but clarified it was doing what it could to help locate the man, including utilising the knowledge of local crews. We are dealing with an evolving, dynamic weather event which presents unique search and rescue challenges," Detective Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty said. "We will only be looking at where we can safely put our SES and police into those areas." Woolworths' Queensland stores remain closed Woolworths earlier issued an update revealing all their Queensland stores in impacted areas remain closed until further notice. Staffer Emily from Brisbane's Keperra store addressed customers saying the supermarket giant is prioritising the safety of staff and shoppers when it comes to decisions on reopening. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had earlier said the federal government was working with major supermarkets to get them safely open. Map reveals flooding threat This map from the Bureau of Meteorology gives you a good indication of which areas in southeast Queensland and northern NSW are most at risk from flooding as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to bring heavy rain to vast regions. Rivers are rising across much of south-east #Qld & north-east #NSW. Rain from ex-Tropical #CycloneAlfred has brought widespread rainfall from Brisbane to Port Macquarie. Major flood warnings are current across Qld & NSW. More: https://t.co/BoFbdY0OoU. pic.twitter.com/p8ESi2xhAn Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 8, 2025 About 340,000 people now without power The number of people without power keeps on rising, with the figure in Queensland alone edging towards 300,000 while more than 40,000 in NSW have been cut off. Those residents have been warned that it could be at least a week before power is reinstalled. Brisbane CBD remains empty While thunderstorms and heavy rain is still forecast for Brisbane, there's a sense of relief in the city after islands off the coast weakened Cyclone Alfred, resulting in the system being downgraded to a tropical low. However residents are still heeding the warnings of authorities and the city remains eerily quiet. The system is set to make landfall north of the city very shortly. A man walks through the CBD on Saturday morning. Source: Getty Lismore bracing for more devastation Sticking with NSW, there are growing concerns among residents in Lismore, with fears heavy rain could once again bring devastating flooding to the area. The latest official data indicates the Wilsons River at Lismore was at 9.04m and still rising on Saturday morning, gaining quickly on the levee protecting the town, which stands at 10.7m. Premier Chris Minns has vowed to support the community in the wake of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, however it is of little comfort to families who say they've "put everything into rebuilding our lives" in the past couple of years. Read more about the fears of Lismore residents here. Local resident Magnus Dean has shared a bunch of photos from the town showing just how much flooding has already occurred and you can see those below. Premier urges thousands not to 'trivialise' Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred NSW Premier Chris Minns says that 29 flood rescues made by the SES in the Northern Rivers, warning residents to not "trivialise" the weather system after it was downgraded to a tropical low. "It really doesn't matter to us whether it has been downgraded from a tropical cyclone. The effect on the Northern Rivers communities and lower down into the Coffs Harbour area is still the same for thousands and thousands of families," he said at his latest press conference. Reflecting on the 2022 floods, Minns said he wanted to ensure recovery efforts to impending flooding across the region, particularly around the Wilsons River, was far more reactive than three years ago. Alfred moving slowly 'increases the risk' There's been a lot of talk about how slowly Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has been moving and it did in fact stall earlier. The Bureau of Meteorology did confirm just now to the ABC news channel it has begun to move now towards the coast, warning its low speed will mean a greater chance of life-threatening conditions as a result of rain. "That does increase the risk of heavy rainfall over one spot with that system moving so slowly," Christine Johnson said. Those heavy rains are expected into tomorrow where some areas could endure 300mm totals across a 24-hour period. Tropical low moves north before landfall OK, let's take a look at the movement of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The tropical low has now stalled after moving along the coast, sitting off the coast south of Maroochydore and its estimated landfall looks to be around 1pm (AEST). The Bureau of Meteorology issued the below tracking map roughly half an hour ago. Source: BoM Search for man swept away suspended as conditions worsen The search for a man swept away in floodwaters near NSW's Dorrigo has been suspended as conditions worsen for crews. The 61-year-old man was trying to cross Wild Cattle Creek Bridge in his 4WD when he was swept away shortly before 3pm yesterday. He had attempted to tie himself to a tree after escaping his vehicle. Dorrigo has been one of the worst hit areas in terms of rain, copping 264mm in the past 24 hours. Coles starts to reopen stores We've heard from Coles now who say they are looking to reopen stores as soon as it's safe to do so. Stores in Toowoomba have reopened while the supermarket giant is now assessing when its possible to reopen others in impacted areas. "We want to thank the community for their ongoing patience as our team work hard to assess our stores and reopen our doors. We are continuing to work closely with government, local authorities and emergency services to ensure we can reopen as soon as it is safe to do so," a spokesperson said. "We will continue to update our website as our stores reopen for the community, and want to reassure the community that our team are working hard to restock our shelves." Giant golf ball toppled The iconic, giant golf ball along the Gold Coast Highway at Mermaid Beach that many drivers will be familiar with has fallen victim to the strong winds overnight. Before and after. Source: Google Maps/ AAP Beaches will take 'years' to recover Coastal erosion on Queensland beaches may take years to fully recover. Source: Facebook/Mark Rogers/AAP Shocking photos have emerged showing just how ferocious the swells have been along the coast with huge waves washing sand away and leaving escarpments as steep as six metres. University of the Sunshine Coast's Dr Javier Leon told Yahoo an unfortunate consequence of the wild conditions is that the dunes that line the beaches and play a vital role in the environment could take "years" to recover. Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates echoed this, telling the ABC the city will be "really anxious to see our beaches recover". Read more here. Areas behind beaches not safe Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates was very critical of beachgoers yesterday and she's just spoken to the ABC. She says beaches remains off limits as do the areas behind them. "Don't go looking at the waves, don't go near the sand, and certainly don't take a selfie on the beachside platforms because they have been undermined. Some of them have no foundations and yet they look as if they may be OK to walk on," Gates said. Sparking power lines prompt warning Firies in NSW's Banora Point close to the Queensland border have shared this scary video showing downed power lines sending sparks out onto the road Crews are reminding people to remain indoors with such dangers present. 1,000 power lines down Energex says 1,00 power lines are down in Queensland, with residents being told to be "very careful", particularly if those lines have fallen into front yards. The SES advises for residents to not go within eight metres of fallen power lines. Remarkably these lines have managed to stay up despite a tree collapsing on them in Brisbane's Norman Park. Strong winds have brought plenty of trees down overnight. Source: Getty Drone warning to anyone looking to record damage from above The SES in NSW is stressing locals should not be flying drones during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. "You must not fly your drone during emergency operations. Flying your drone near emergencies can cause safety hazards to response teams in the air and on the ground," the Tweed Heads division warned. PM says 'worse to come' OK, lets bring you more from the prime minister now. Anthony Albanese has urged impacted communities to remain indoors, saying "there is worse to come in the hours ahead". "We must remain vigilant. This is a very serious weather event. Please do not go outside," he said in an update just then. "It is important that people do not take this downgrading [to a tropical low] as a reason for complacency. Its impact will be serious." Albanese speaking at the National Situation Room in Canberra. Source: Getty Word of warning about cyclone downgrade While the threat of destructive cyclone winds has passed, the Bureau of Meteorology is stressing thunderstorms predicted today could still bring damaging winds. The Bureau's Christine Johnson said storms developing this afternoon could bring winds as high as 120km/h. Robert Irwins message about 'very stressful time' Robert Irwin shared an important message with Queenslanders. Source: Ten Robert Irwin has issued an important reminder to Aussies to spare a thought for our furry friends as Cyclone Alfred makes landfall. Whether it's pets or our native wildlife, Robert said that it's a "very stressful time" for many animals and to take extra care in the coming hours and days. Sharing an update on The Project last night, Robert told viewers that while Australia Zoo is closed for the next few days, staff at the wildlife hospital are bracing for an influx of animals. "It's a time now where we should all be taking care of ourselves first and foremost, but in the aftermath of a natural disaster, naturally, you're going to see a lot of animals displaced," he said. The hospital is open 24/7 and will "continue to make sure that we rescue and rehabilitate all the animals where we can and get them back out into the wild". When asked what advice he has for those with pets at home, Robert said that pet owners should "make sure that all of your animals are nice and close and you know where they are, he said. What to do if you find injured wildlife If you are within close proximity to Australia Zoo, call our 24-hour Wildlife Hospital on 1300 369 652. Within other areas of Queensland, call 1300 ANIMAL to reach out to your nearest wildlife assistance group. Gold Coast's coastline undergoes drastic transformation Let's take another look at the Southport surf cam now, after the Gold Coast endured a remarkable amount of coastal erosion. The below shot from earlier this morning shows the lifeguard tower long on, while the iconic bronze sculpture that sits next to it no longer there as well after it was taken into storage when the swell closed in. One person could be seen battling the strong winds down there, despite authorities repeated pleas to stay indoors. You can just about make them out to the left of the tree being hammered by the winds. Southport's coastline has drastically changed. Source: Southport Surf Life Saving Club PM says talks with Coles, Woolworths ongoing We saw Coles and Woolworths shut down all their stores in the impacted areas at varying points yesterday, and Anthony Albanese says this morning the federal government is working closely with them and other supermarkets to ensure they open and are functioning as soon as its safe to do so. "We are reaching out through the national coordination mechanism to ensure that the private sector is also mobilised," he told the ABC this morning. "That is meeting daily with supermarkets, with insurance companies, with Telcos across the board to make sure everything is being done that is possible to provide assistance to people." Mainland landfall an hour or so away OK, let's take a look at the route of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has taken and the predicted route it will take as it looks to cross the mainland coast in the next hour or so. The yellow section shows the system as a category two, before it became a category one (in green) late on Friday. The system is expected to move west as tropical low before eventually heading southwest on Sunday. You can follow that live graphic on Zoom Earth here. The expected path of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Source: Zoom Earth Police hail 'frankly terrific' development Sticking with Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy, he says no reports of loss of life or missing people is a "frankly terrific" result overnight. One of the big reliefs for authorities is the lack of significant damage on Moreton Island where the system first made landfall. However Acting Police Commissioner Chelepy believes more reports of damage will come through once residents are able to inspect their properties. Motorists urged to stay off roads One of the key messages from authorities is to stay off the roads with the threat of flash flooding over the next couple of days. "What I'm really concerned about today and emergency services are concerned about today is that [a lot of rain forecast] could cause rapid flash flooding which could catch out motorists if they are moving about," Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy said. Premier warns of 'significant challenges' Queensland David Crisafulli says there are "still significant challenges ahead" despite Cyclone Alfred being downgraded to a tropical low. "The challenges now: Flash flooding, creek rises. They remain a real pros with some of the rainfall predicted in the day as head. We have to be ready for that prospect. With swollen catchments, the risk of flash flooding remains," he told reporters. On a positive note, he said because the system didn't cross the coast on high tide, Queenslanders have been spared from damaging storm tide inundation, which Crisafulli called a "tremendous result". Close to 250mm of rain overnight The main concern now for authorities is the heavy rain and the likelihood of flooding in plenty of communities in the impacted areas. Let's take a look at some of the rainfall that happened overnight, with widespread falls of up to 150mm in the city. Inland, Upper Springbrook recorded 245mm. The Bureau of Meteorology is stressing these heavy rains will continue after the tropical low makes landfall on the mainland. That's expected between Maroochydore and Bribie Island. Queensland authorities hails sandbag milestone One thing the slow pace of now Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has allowed is ample preparation time, with many communities saying they are ready for what the system brings. Overnight, SES Queensland said it had handed out its millionth sandbag. Our local councils have been moving mountains of sand trying to get our communities ready, Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy said. Sandbags piled up at Currumbin. Source: AFP 'Hell of a lot of wind and rain' Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery is warning residents to heed warnings, and remain inside after a "hell of a lot of wind and rain" overnight. "The impacts are still prevalent, and we don't know what's ahead of us. Expect the worst," he said on ABC News Breakfast. He'd earlier said "selfies on social media for likes" simply weren't worth it and again urged people to stay off the roads, beaches and out of the water. Authorities have repeatedly expressed their anger over the amount of people on beaches throughout Friday, particularly children. Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates said warnings of $16,000 fines for entering the water had simply not worked. A woman takes a photo of a child on the Gold Coast on Friday. Source: Getty 'Just the beginning': Downgrade explained Let's get some more clarity on what this downgrade means. The Bureau of Meteorology is keen to stress it does not mean the threat posed to large areas has diminished and categories simply refer to the strength of the wind gusts. "The rainfall risk continues and is likely to continue through today, ramping up overnight and into tomorrow," the BoM's Miriam Bradbury told ABC News Breakfast. "That wet weather is only seeing its beginning at the moment." Cyclone Alfred downgraded, warnings still in place OK, we have a major update from the Bureau of Meteorology. Just hours after the cyclone was revised down to a category one system late on Friday, it has now been downgraded to a tropical low. Now that does not mean the dangers millions have been warned about will become less likely as the sheer amount of rain predicted is still expected. "Some of the biggest weather event I've seen in my career have been tropical lows," the ABC's meteorologist Adam Morgan said 'Staggering' number of power outages Energex says there are widespread power outages in Queensland's southeast. A staggering number of 239,000 people are currently off in the southeast area. Those are the main ones. Significant numbers," area manager Chris Graham told the ABC news channel. The worst hit is the Gold Coast with nearly 120,000 people without power. And in a bleak update for residents, Graham said people needed to "be prepared for prolonged outages". He said that could be at least a week some are left without power. Cyclone Alfred revised to category one system, life-threatening conditions still to come Good morning and welcome to Yahoo's live coverage once more. In a key update this morning, the Bureau of Meteorology has said Cyclone Alfred has been revised to a category one system after weakening slightly. However that does not mean life-threatening conditions will not occur, with damaging gusts and flash flooding expected on the mainland. The cyclone is expected to make landfall shortly between Maroochydore and Bribie Island. This is where we'll be leaving our live coverage for the day, however the Yahoo homepage will have the latest news from the cyclone here. And for vital information from the Bureau of Meteorology, you can find that here. Our live coverage will return early tomorrow morning before Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall. Gold Coast residents told to get inside With Tropical Cyclone Alfred now just hours away from landfall, authorities are warning residents it's now time to get serious. Residents are being urged to stay inside immediately as the wild weather ramps up. The cyclone was 125km east-southeast of Brisbane and 90km east-northeast of the Gold Coast on Friday afternoon, moving west southwest at 8km/h. Everyone should be off the roads and at home almost from immediately after this press conference, Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates said at 2pm (AEST). It is serious and strong winds cant be underestimated." Brisbane Coles and Woolworths stores shutting down OK, passing 2pm (AEST), all Brisbane Coles stores are now closed. Woolworths had earlier said the select number of stores open in Brisbane would close early. Mayor in disbelief over ignored warnings We'll stick with Acting Gold Coast mayor Donna Gates as she's just revealed police are working to remove four children from the ocean at Southport. "They're ignoring warnings to get out... it's very, very foolish and very, very dangerous," she said. Gates said two teens had earlier been rescued from the water. She clarified a previous warning people could get fined $16,000 for entering the water, saying they were not on-the-spot fines, however the maximum someone could be fined if taken through the courts. She said trying to scare people with that information appeared to have "fallen on deaf ears". Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates says attempts to warn people about going in the ocean had failed. Source: ABC Acting mayor warns residents about Triple-0 calls Acting Gold Coast mayor Donna Gates has urged people not to call Triple-0 to report fallen powerlines with emergency services inundated amid the cyclone. "Don't clog other resources," she urged, telling people to call 131962 instead, stressing it was still an important call residents still need to make. Iconic lifeguard towers victim of erosion Well we mentioned before a few of the Gold Coast's iconic lifeguard towers had succumbed to the coastal erosion there, so let's take a closer look at that now. Remarkably the ones that have fallen around Southport remain in tact after falling down the sand cliff onto the beach below. The swell swamps the base of a fallen lifeguard tower. Source: Getty Onlookers stand nearby one of the fallen lifeguard towers. Source: Getty Premier warns potential rescue of residents can't be guaranteed NSW Premier Chris Minns has told anyone who ignores evacuation orders in northern NSW will be "by yourself". While he said the majority of people are following the advice, there are concerns a small number of people will stay. "If youre one of the few people that are remaining in your house and youre in an evacuation area you will literally be by yourself, he said. Mr Minns warned that despite the heavy emergency service presence, it did not mean those remaining in the evacuation zone could ride out the storm. There arent the same number of boats as houses, and in the event of a major natural disaster we cant be everywhere at the same time," he said. BoM releases new update on Cyclone Alfred The Bureau of Meteorology has released a new update, saying Cyclone Alfred is expected to remain a category 2 system as it approaches the coast. It is now just 150 kilometres east southeast of Brisbane. Its on track to cross the Moreton Bay islands on Saturday morning as a category 2 cyclone, before potentially dropping to a category 1 around midday. By Sunday, BoM predicts it will become a tropical low. Damaging wind gusts of up to 140km/h are still forecast for today, with locally intense rainfall and the risk of flash flooding. Destructive wind gusts of up to 155 kilometres per hour may develop about the Moreton Bay Islands and exposed coastal location on the northern Gold Coast from tonight, BoM said in the update. Although Alfred is expected to weaken and move inland during Saturday, damaging wind gusts may continue, particularly over elevated terrain during Saturday, before easing throughout during Sunday. Recommended action: People between Cape Moreton and Yamba, including the Moreton Bay Islands should remain inside until conditions have eased and listen to the next advice. People between Yamba and Grafton in New South Wales, as well as Brisbane and Double Island Point in Queensland should take precautions and listen to the next advice. Driver's unfortunate cyclone moment And how about this unfortunate moment for this Brisbane driver? With fears e-scooters and e-bikes could prove to be a deadly projectile, they've all been gathered up and stored together in the CBD. But one driver was left trapped by them all. Unsurprisingly the motorist's plight went viral this morning. Read more about it from the Yahoo team here. Viral footage captured the man painstakingly moving each scooter one by one, carefully clearing a path to freedom. Source: Instagram/Brisbane Home crushed by fallen gum tree Two Currumbin Valley residents are lucky to be alive after a massive gum tree fell on their home on Friday morning. Damaging winds from Cyclone Alfred sent the tree crashing into the roof of the house, ripping open the roof and flattening walls. The occupants thankfully sustained only minor injuries and were taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital in stable conditions. On Facebook, a woman claimed it was her brothers home, and emergency crews had to cut up the tree in order to free him from the house. The large gum tree crushed the home in Currumbin Valley. Source: Queensland Ambulance Service Waterfront apartment owners aren't taking any chances Your home is your castle, as they say and it appears those who live in this Currumbin apartment block certainly see it that way. They've managed to build one of the most sophisticated sandbag walls we've seen. There's been plenty of vision from the Gold Coast's Currumbin and the waterfront there showing the water swamping the local surf life club's car park with fears the water will shortly cross the coastal road there. Currumbin is one of the Gold Coast suburbs expected to be impacted badly by the cyclone. Source: AFP Crews rescue sculpture as erosion continues There's plenty at threat thanks to the coastal erosion on the Gold Coast with reports some of the city's iconic lifeguard towers have fallen. And crews in Southport are working to save the iconic bronze sculpture 'Melody on the foreshore' in front of the surf live saving club. The sculpture's neighbouring lifeguard tower is nowhere to be seen. Surf cam shows a digger looking to pull the sculpture to safety, which can be seen below. And take a look at what the site normally looks like. The iconic sculpture is at serious risk. Source: Southport Surf Live Saving Club How the site normally looks. Source: wheeleasy.org NSW orders evacuations after past mistakes The NSW SES has issued 25 evacuation orders in anticipation of severe flooding from Cyclone Alfred. The most recent additions have been New Brighton and South Golden Beach on the Tweed Coast, and areas of Macksville and Bowraville on the Mid North Coast as river levels continue to rise. The NSW government admitted its evacuation orders were made too late during the 2022 Lismore floods so it is making early calls on areas it expects will need to be evacuated. There are currently 19 evacuation centres open in NSW. In Queensland four areas along the Moreton Bay coast, including Wynnum and Brighton, have beed ordered to prepare to evacuate. Redland City Island communities were last night at 9pm warned to 'Take Shelter Now'. The cyclone is forecast to reach the Queensland mainland at midday on Saturday. Cyclone expected to be category one by the time it reaches Brisbane Well this is a somewhat positive update for millions anxiously waiting in Brisbane. The Bureau of Meteorology's Matthew Collopy told reporters just now the cyclone should weaken by the time it reaches Queensland's capital. "As the cyclone moves across Moreton Bay islands, it is expected to weaken from a Category two to a Category one system," he said. "That will mean that destructive winds are unlikely for Brisbane itself, but damaging wind gusts to 120km/h are expected and they will develop quickly as the system approaches." He expects the cyclone to pass north of the city's CBD about midday on Saturday. Collopy said waves bigger than 10 metres are expected to continue while he said flooding remains a "major concern", with the southern flank of the cyclone expected to bring 800mm across the next two days. Twins born on badly-impacted island In what Premier David Crisafulli was a "little moment of magic" amid the chaos, a set of twins have been born on North Stradbroke Island overnight. The island has been badly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred however midwives and paramedics were able to deliver the twins in the town of Dunwich on the western side of the island. Car park ripped up after viral storm surge videos We've seen plenty of viral videos from Currumbin's Vikings Surf Life club over the past few days as the storm surge engulfed its car park right on the beach there. Well vision shared to Instagram by local photographer Luke Workmann now shows the damage caused. While plenty of sand has been washed away either side, the car park's tarmac has been completely ripped up. Storm surge has destroyed the car park at Currumbin's Viking Surf Life club. Source: Instagram/ Luke Workmann Show more updates Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Dozens of sea turtles hatched on Bribie Island, increasing their chances of survival ahead of the Cyclone Alfred arriving. As Cyclone Alfred threatens to batter Australias east coast, an island community experienced a moment of hope". Dozens of tiny sea turtles hatched on a beach at Queenslands Bribie Island and raced into the safety of the ocean. Pictures shared online show a crowd of locals gathered at Woorim Beach, relieved they escaped before their nest was flooded by strong tides. Locals responded on social media with delight, saying: "Go well youngsters" and "what a day to hatch". Mick Croft from Turtles of Moreton Bay which operates across the wider area said there are 40 other nests at risk from the storm, which is expected to make landfall tomorrow. Around 20 nests have been relocated, but there are going to be some nests that are going to be inundated with flood waters, he told Yahoo News. ADVERTISEMENT On sand, hatchlings have a better chance of survival than adult sea turtles because theyre able to flip themselves over. We want to see as many hats as possible before the cyclone arrives, he said. Volunteers have worked to translocate nests to higher ground ahead of the cyclone. Source: Darren Jew Photography/Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association Inc/Turtles of Moreton Bay Biggest danger for adult sea turtles revealed Its once the storm has passed that adult turtles and dugongs will face their biggest dangers. Large amounts of rubbish are likely to be washed into the water. Plastic bags are a particular problem because they are often mistaken for food, and once consumed they can block the turtles internal organs. Another expected problem will be mud that contains pesticides being washed into the water. Chemicals are likely to not only make them sick, but they could also affect the sea grasses they eat. ADVERTISEMENT After storms, wildlife volunteers around Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the surrounding islands attend to increased numbers of turtles with flotation issues. Older turtles will compete with juveniles for food, leaving the youngsters to starve. In Queensland, dead or injured turtles can be reported to the department of environment (DETSI) on 1300 130 372. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. The once relatively common little tern (Sternula albifrons) is now listed as vulnerable to extinction due to habitat destruction. Source: Getty Australia has some of the most diverse plants and animals in the world. Overnight, 21 of those species were added to the nations endangered list, sparking regret that not enough has been done to protect them. Among the new additions is the once abundant seabird, the little tern, which was often seen alongside seagulls, but has lost its foreshore habitat to development. There were dozens of lesser known species including three types of purple-flowering boronia, two giant burrowing frogs, a turtle named after the late Steve Irwin, and an increasingly rare dolphin that lives in shallow coastal waters along the Kimberley coast. Six other species have been uplisted because their numbers have continued to drop despite them already being listed as threatened. Again and again, climate change was singled out as a factor thats exacerbated the demise of these threatened species. Others were added from a backlog created after the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires which scorched a record 19 million hectares of land, and harmed 60,000 koalas. The Irwin's turtle is threatened by disease, habitat modification, invasive species, fire regime, and agriculture. Source: Australia Zoo/Getty Biodiversity Council director James Trezise argues the Albanese government urgently needs to deliver its promised environmental law reforms or Australia risks losing some of its most iconic species. When future generations look back at the rapid decline of Australias wildlife, he predicts the lack of action will be viewed with a sense of regret. ADVERTISEMENT Each generation that comes through thinks that what were seeing is normal. But if we look back two generations, there was a lot more wildlife in our peri-urban areas. We know there have been dramatic declines in mammal populations Each generation that comes through has a lessened experience of nature, so they will be left poorer. We are a global hotspot for biodiversity, and animals that only exist here could be lost forever, he told Yahoo News. Minister promises to 'protect nature' as endangered species list grows Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek linked the new threatened species listings to a decade of environmental vandalism by the Liberals and Nationals, and she noted the Albanese government is spending half a billion dollars to save native plants and animals from extinction. Ahead of this year's federal election she touted her government's stance on the environment. Labor who will protect nature, fund essential science, invest in threatened species, and act on climate change. Or the climate deniers and wreckers of the Liberal and National parties who havent made a single commitment that would help improve nature, she said. ADVERTISEMENT While Trezise thinks its fair to say the environment was neglected for years before the Albanese government took office, he doesnt think enough has been done during the current term to help endangered species. He notes the governments own budget papers for 2023-2024 assessed its performance of maintaining or improving its threatened species index as off track. Victorias grassland earless dragon has just been rediscovered on the outskirts of Melbourne, and now its under dire threat from development. Thats an example of a species where the government could intervene, but theyre sitting on their hands, he said. The destruction of [the little tern's] habitat for industrial uses and urban sprawl has taken a toll, as have off-road vehicles that run over its nests.Darcie Carruthers Is Australia protecting its endangered species? The four major threats to native species are habitat destruction, invasive species, climate change and fire. ADVERTISEMENT Once species are threatened with extinction, the federal government is bound under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) to create plans to help recover their numbers. While these dedicated plans are designed to help them get off the governments endangered list, the number of listed species has ballooned to around 2,200. This week, the Wilderness Society and Environmental Justice Australia announced it had launched court action against Plibersek in the Federal Court. They have accused successive environment ministers of failing to create recovery plans that would give threatened species a better chance at surviving extinction. The groups estimate around 600 are outstanding. The cost of stopping species extinction is becoming unaffordable for Australia. A World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia (WWF-Australia) backed Griffith University report found the cost of preventing the extinction of just 99 rare species so they can be enjoyed by future generations would cost Australia $15.6 billion per year for 30 years. Recovering their populations to the point they could be entirely removed from the threatened species list would likely be $157.7 billion per year. Two species of giant burrowing frog have been listed as endangered. Source: Jodi Rowley The Australian Conservation Foundation has noted just 0.01 per cent of the federal budget is allocated to nature protection. ADVERTISEMENT We need wholesale change to our failing nature laws to address the extinction crisis, its nature campaigner Darcie Carruthers told Yahoo. Going into a federal election, Australians have an opportunity to choose parliamentarians who will act to protect nature and the climate, not do the bidding of powerful vested interests. Without stronger nature laws and an independent regulator, Australians are going to keep seeing the animals we love pushed towards extinction. We need wholesale change to our failing nature laws to address the extinction crisis." You can read a full list of the newly added threatened species here. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. The Bret Harte High School Fire Tech Program comprehensive training exercise with local first responders for students to get hands-on experience -- Bret Harte High photo View Photos Angels Camp, CA The Bret Harte High School Fire Tech Program recently held a comprehensive training exercise for students that teamed up with local first responders to get hands-on experience. Students applied what they had learned in class in a safe-setting exercise that replicated a six-car collision emergency. The goal was to teach critical skills such as incident leadership, search and rescue, and fire suppression. This exercise was an incredible opportunity for our students to gain practical experience and work alongside the dedicated firefighters who serve our community, said John Parks, Fire Tech Program Instructor at Bret Harte High School. We are grateful to all the agencies that participated and helped make this event a success. The program, which trains students for careers in the fire department, provides a well-rounded education through classroom education, practical training, and guidance from seasoned firefighters. We were impressed by the students enthusiasm and dedication, said John Rohrabaugh, Fire Chief of Angels Camp Fire Department. This exercise not only provided valuable training for the students but also strengthened the bonds between our agencies. The programs success demonstrates its dedication to providing students with the necessary skills to serve their communities as firemen. It encourages teamwork and real-world application. The multi-agency training exercise showcases the programs commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education. Assisting in the training exercise were CalFire, Murphys, Angels Camp, Altaville Melones, Ebbetts Pass, and Copperopolis fire departments. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont berated Bezos as an "oligarch" who was imposing "Trump right wing" values on Washington's foremost newspaper, while Marty Baron, the former editor of both the Post and The Globe, said he "couldn't be more sad and disgusted" by the announcement. The Poynter Institute's senior media writer, Tom Jones, suggested that Bezos might be "purposely trying to sabotage the reputation of The Washington Post." And Jeff Stein, the Post's chief economics writer, fumed that the new mandate amounts to a "massive encroachment" into the paper's opinion section and swore he would quit "if Bezos tries interfering with the news side." Some reactions were really unhinged. The left-wing New Republic blasted Bezos for engineering a "sick MAGA takeover" of the Post. Progressive commentator Keith Olbermann seethed that Bezos has declared "the paper utterly fascist." And Slate's senior writer Justin Peters derided the mogul as one of the "craven big-money chickens**ts to whom democracy only ever mattered as part of a marketing slogan." To be fair, I can understand some of this. Last fall Bezos ordered the Post's editorial page editor to kill a planned endorsement of Kamala Harris; then, after the election, he and his fiancee journeyed to Mar-a-Lago to pay court to President-elect Trump and pledge $1 million to his inaugural fund. Considering how aggressively the Post had opposed Trump over the previous nine years, it's not surprising that some Trump foes wondered if Bezos had decided to blow up everything they valued most about his paper. I think that's unlikely, but who knows? Maybe Bezos will indeed steer the Post into "embracing all MAGA, all the time," as my friend Dan Kennedy, a journalism professor at Northeastern University, forewarned the other day. Or maybe Bezos values the independence and vitality of the Post's voice as strongly as ever, but is trying to make the best of a bad situation balancing the paper's need for editorial independence against the threat posed by a vengeful and uninhibited president. Still, I cannot see anything objectionable in Bezos's description of the change coming to his paper's opinion section. "We are going to be writing every day in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets," he wrote. "We'll cover other topics too, of course, but viewpoints opposing those pillars will be left to be published by others." What's wrong with that? Why would anyone this side of the authoritarian right or the radical left object to a full-throated commitment to "personal liberties and free markets"? I think that's an admirable flag for the Post, or any paper, to sail under. It plainly doesn't amount to pledging unwavering support for Trump. Quite the opposite: With the new president launching trade wars, blocking peaceful refugees, undermining Congress's lawful spending authority, filing lawsuits against media outlets that criticize him, subjecting deported migrants to inhumane treatment in Guantanamo cells, and even declaring himself perhaps as a joke, perhaps not to be a "king," there could hardly be a better time for the arrival of a prominent media defender of "personal liberties and free markets." Not everything can be viewed through the lenses of political and economic freedom. Reasonable people can agree on the importance of "personal liberties and free markets" without necessarily supporting or opposing the Trump administration's approach to, say, health care, defense spending, or birthright citizenship. Even without the complicating element of partisan politics, individuals who share a commitment to freedom can disagree profoundly on how to translate it into policy. For example, does defending "personal liberty" mean supporting the right to abort a healthy pregnancy or supporting the right of a healthy fetus to be born? When the Department of Justice moves to block willing companies from merging, is it upholding free markets by preserving competition or hampering the market's ability to deliver lower prices to consumers? Elon Musk claims that "the only way to restore rule of the people in America is to impeach judges" yet to someone equally committed to libertarian ideals, that might seem a grave assault on the rule of law Bottom line: If Bezos's new marching orders are obeyed, the Post will find plenty in Trump 2.0 to criticize. Thus, when the administration picks a fight with a city like Boston for not jailing people because of their immigration status, we should expect The Washington Post to firmly defend the city on the grounds of "personal liberties and free markets." The same goes for Trump's unilateral imposition of punitive tariffs on US allies, his denial of access to news organizations because of their views, and his order to cut off security clearances for law firms that represent clients he doesn't like. Bezos faces a litmus test of his own making. If, as he says, the opinion pages of the Post are focused "every day in support and defense of personal liberties and free markets" then they will inevitably be calling Trump and his administration to account. For while some of the new administration's policies may be geared to expanding liberty, others are anything but. To quote Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University and scholar of constitutional studies at the libertarian Cato Institute: "The fundamental problem with Trump's administration is that the modest good he is doing on a few issues is massively outweighed by the immense scale of the harm, which includes massive trade wars with nearly all major trade partners, the most draconian immigration restrictions in modern history and undermining the Western alliance." Trump himself is far from a defender of personal liberties and free markets. It will be the job of the Post's editorial page to say so in the months and years ahead. Assuming, that is, that Bezos is as good as his word. We'll know soon enough. Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe, from which this is reprinted with permission. (COMMENT, BELOW) There are fears 5,500 hectares of protected land may have been destroyed. Quintessentially Aussie is how visitors often describe the Murray-Darling Basin where gnarled trees and native grasses stretch out of flat plains of orange soil. But there are growing concerns this wild pocket of southwest NSW is being rapidly cleared and authorities are failing to monitor the destruction. Satellite analysis by Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) discovered an alarming 5,500 hectares of what is believed to be a protected landscape for endangered birds was bulldozed between 2021 and 2025. When it flew in to survey the damage this year, the air was thick with smoke from the burning of toppled trees that had been pushed over by machines. They described it as like something out of the dystopian movie Mad Max. The groups national nature campaigner Jess Abrahams was blunt in his assessment of the problem. Its disturbing, he said. Much of the habitat thats been flattened is thought to have been listed as Mallee bird ecological community, a federally-listed endangered habitat around the borders of NSW, Victoria and South Australia. The region experiences long, hot summers and low rainfall and is home to 90 species threatened with extinction, including the Malleefowl, regent parrot and western whipbird. ADVERTISEMENT You can watch drone video of some of the massive changes to the landscape below. Why is the land clearing allowed to happen? Abrahams is clear on where the problem lies. Firstly, banks that lend money to businesses so they can clear land for agriculture without protecting endangered species habitat. By lending to agribusinesses without appropriate conditions relating to deforestation, banks are effectively financing the destruction of habitat for threatened species, he said. Banks should do greater due diligence on applicants, set no deforestation targets and attach strict conditions to their loans to agribusinesses and property developers. The second is the federal government, which is supposed to be protecting endangered species and landscapes. But with over 2,200 listed as threatened, its a problem thats rapidly getting away from it. After the bulldozers rolled across the Basin, investigators described the denuded landscape as like something out of Mad Max. Source: ACF Abrahams thinks whats missing here are strong nature protection laws, similar to which the Albanese Government promised before the last election, but failed to deliver. Its promised no new extinctions under its watch, but scientists predict small species are frequently being wiped out before theyre even described because habitat destruction isnt being effectively monitored. ADVERTISEMENT We are in an extinction crisis. More than 7 million hectares of habitat for threatened species has been destroyed since Australias flawed environment law has been in effect. This is why we need strong new nature laws and an independent regulator, he said. How did the government respond? While state and territory governments are primarily responsible for monitoring land clearing, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, any project that will have a significant impact on a federally threatened species or ecological community must be referred to the Commonwealth. Murray Darling Basin Bulldozers made quick work of the Murray Darling Basin landscape. Source: ACF ADVERTISEMENT During its trip to the Basin, ACF documented seven allegations of clearing, which would breach federal protections granted under the EPBC Act. It supplied locations of the works, and offered to supply images and footage in an email to the federal environment department on February 27. Yahoo News asked the department if it was investigating the allegations, if it had sent staff to the region to survey the alleged breaches, if it was concerned about land clearing in the region, and whether it was aware of any of the allegations before it was contacted by ACF. It declined to answer questions and instead issued a statement. The department is in receipt of the allegations. As enquiries are ongoing the department will not provide further comment, it said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Harare Zanu-PFs decision to expel central committee member Blessed Bombshell Geza has exposed a calculated effort to purge individuals perceived as opponents of President Emmerson Mnangagwas continued rule beyond 2028. These individuals are increasingly being viewed as backers of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga amidst a growing and bitter succession struggle. Geza, a war veteran and former soldier, sent shockwaves through Zanu-PF last month when he convened a press conference calling for Mnangagwas resignation, citing alleged incompetence, nepotism, and corruption. He argued that the Presidents loyalists were advocating for an extension of his term to 2030 to facilitate the continued looting of the countrys resources. Geza was joined by other war veterans in demanding Mnangagwas resignation, until police threatened to arrest him for allegedly inciting violence and other charges. Patrick Chinamasa, Zanu-PF secretary for legal affairs, addressed journalists in Harare yesterday, announcing that Geza had been expelled alongside Godfrey Gomwe from Harare, Kudakwashe Gopo from Masvingo province, and a Victor Manungu. These individuals have been linked to a faction challenging the ED2030 campaign and associated with Vice-President Chiwenga. Other expelled members include Gutu East MP Benjamin Ganyiwa, Gifford Gomwe, Spencer Mutero, and Edson Vingwa, among others. Harare provincial political commissar Kudakwashe Damson, another perceived ally of Chiwenga, was removed from his position and suspended for three years. Calisto Bangu has been summoned for a hearing for undermining the party. Chinamasa also stated that disciplinary action would be taken against youth league deputy secretary for science and technology Blessed Kambumu. He confirmed that a Zanu-PF politburo meeting, chaired by Mnangagwa on Wednesday, endorsed Gezas expulsion. Cde Blessed Geza engaged in activities that sought to subvert the party, an act tantamount to treason against the State, Chinamasa declared. His blatant disloyalty left the party with no option but to expel him with immediate effect. Chinamasa elaborated on the allegations against Geza, stating, Now, taking all the allegations against Blessed Geza, which are all in the public purview, the politburo, on the recommendation of the national disciplinary committee, endorsed the recommendation from the national disciplinary committee that Blessed Geza should be expelled from Zanu-PF with immediate effect. According to Chinamasa, Gomwe and Gopo were expelled for undermining the partys leadership and fostering divisions within Zanu-PF. Cde Gomwe created a WhatsApp group designed to undermine the partys leadership and sow discord, he stated. This act of insubordination warranted his immediate expulsion. Cde Gopo disrupted district co-ordinating committee meetings and was found to have facilitated a WhatsApp platform that promoted division within the party. The politburo, therefore, resolved to expel him, Chinamasa added. Chinamasa further explained, Cde Manungu was found guilty of spreading falsehoods and fostering disunity through social media. He continued, His continued acts of disloyalty warranted his expulsion from the party. Regarding Damsons case, Chinamasa stated, Cde Damson was found guilty of election manipulation, solicitation, abuse of office and insubordination. He further stated, Initially suspended for two years, the politburo has extended his suspension to three years, coupled with his removal from office. Kambumu was barred from holding any position in the party for insubordination. Cde Kambumu was found to have created a fraudulent social media account and engaged in insubordination, Chinamasa said. While he will retain his membership, he has been barred from holding any position within the party for the next three years. Andreas Mathibela, who leads a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) opposed to Mnangagwas rule, reiterated that the ex-combatants were concerned about the welfare of the generality of Zimbabweans. Our call is about the state of the nation and how it is governed and not Zanu-PF as a party, Mathibela told NewsDay when asked about Gezas expulsion. We have nothing to do with Zanu-PF business, inasmuch as they have nothing to do with ZNLWVA, but if their actions affect the welfare of the nation, then as war veterans we have said and we continue saying it that we are on the side of the citizens. Chinamasa also revealed that Zanu-PF intends to curb party members from using social media to criticise the leadership. We are hopeful that the social media policy that is to be crafted will assist, not entirely, will help, put order and discipline and unity within our party, he said. Zanu-PF national political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha stated that the draft social media policy was ready for adoption. There are several control measures we have put into the policy and any member who digresses from those will certainly appear before the disciplinary committee and charges will be levelled against him, Machacha said. Mnangagwa is facing increasing calls to step down, similar to the circumstances surrounding the late former President Robert Mugabes ouster in a military coup in 2017. The 82-year-old ruler has stated on four occasions that he will not remain in power beyond 2028. However, his loyalists, including Cabinet ministers, continue to push for him to remain in office for two more years. Observers suggest that the ED2030 campaign is designed to sideline Chiwenga in the succession race. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Bulawayo A dark cloud has descended upon Bulawayo as the city mourns the tragic loss of Constable Cassandra Hove, a dedicated detective from the Zimbabwe Republic Polices (ZRP) elite Team Lozikeyi. Hove was fatally shot on Thursday night while bravely pursuing armed robbery suspects in the Pumula South suburb, a devastating blow to the unit and the community it serves. The shooting occurred at approximately 9 PM in the Habek residential area, according to reports. Hove sustained gunshot wounds to her upper body, which tragically proved fatal. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the officers identity as Constable Cassandra Hove of CID Homicide, Bulawayo. He stated that the incident occurred at the Harbek area, Pumula South, Bulawayo. The Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba expresses condolences to the Hove family and assures the public that comprehensive investigations are underway with a view of establishing what actually transpired, Nyathi said. Team Lozikeyi, an all-female team within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), focuses on solving intricate and challenging criminal cases throughout the city. Launched on July 5, 2024, this elite squad has quickly gained recognition for its remarkable achievements in handling high-profile crimes, such as serial rape and armed robbery. Named in honour of Queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo, a key figure in the 1896 Ndebele uprising against British colonial rule, the unit is composed of highly skilled and rigorously trained female officers. Through their unwavering commitment, exceptional expertise, and relentless determination, the Lozikeyi team has successfully resolved cases and brought perpetrators to justice, significantly enhancing the sense of safety and trust among Bulawayos residents. The detective, identified as Casandra Hove from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), lost her life on Thursday night while on duty. Hove, who was part of the elite Team Lozikeyi, was hailed for her dedication and professionalism in her role as a law enforcement officer. The news of her death has left colleagues and community members in shock, with many paying tribute to her courage and unwavering commitment to justice. Colleagues and fellow officers within Team Lozikeyi have described Detective Hove as a committed professional who served with great honour. She was passionate about her work, always putting the safety and well-being of the community first, one officer remarked. Her dedication will be greatly missed, and she will be remembered for the bravery she demonstrated every day. Details surrounding the tragic shooting remain scarce as authorities continue their investigation into the incident. Police have vowed to leave no stone unturned as they work to apprehend those responsible for the officers untimely death. Authorities are currently working to gather further details and provide answers to the grieving public. Team Lozikeyi, which made history as the first all-female detective team in Zimbabwe, has been widely celebrated for its groundbreaking work in tackling crime and its success in various law enforcement efforts across Bulawayo. The unit has garnered recognition for its trailblazing role in a field traditionally dominated by men. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Mutare Tragedy struck along the treacherous Christmas Pass near Mutare yesterday, as a haulage truck, reportedly suffering brake failure, ploughed into multiple vehicles and pedestrians, resulting in the deaths of four people and leaving an undisclosed number injured. The horrific accident has once again raised concerns about road safety on the notoriously challenging mountainous stretch along the Mutare-Harare route. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the fatal road traffic accident, which occurred on March 6, 2025, at approximately 1240 hours, near VED Mutare. The ZRP reports a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on March 6, 2025, at around 1240 hours, along Harare-Mutare Road, near VED Mutare. A haulage truck collided with four vehicles and hit four pedestrians before overturning and landing on its roof while descending Christmas Pass. As a result of the accident, three people died on the spot while another died upon admission at Victoria Chitepo Hospital, said Nyathi. Eyewitnesses reported that the haulage truck, carrying a consignment of cement, experienced brake failure while navigating the steep descent. This caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a devastating collision with four other vehicles and several pedestrians before the truck overturned. Three victims died at the scene of the accident, while the fourth succumbed to injuries after being admitted to Victoria Chitepo Hospital. The injured are currently receiving medical attention, although the exact number of those hurt remains undisclosed. Commissioner Nyathi assured the public that more details regarding the accident would be released in due course. The ZRP is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the brake failure and the events leading up to the collision. The Christmas Pass, known for its challenging terrain, has been the site of several accidents in the past, raising concerns about road safety measures in the area. Diamond FM reported that A haulage truck carrying cement developed a brake failure while descending Christmas Pass before crashing into multiple vehicles and overturning near the VID turn-off in Mutare this afternoon. Several people are reported to have been injured, while others are still trapped. While the nation grapples with the Christmas Pass tragedy, another life was tragically lost in Mutare last Saturday. Elvis Madhigu (26) was crushed to death by a reversing bus at the busy Sakubva Bus Terminus. Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the death of Elvis Madhigu (26). He said at around 8.30pm, Madhigu, who was lying on the ground was tragically run over by a reversing bus that was being driven by Loardshare Mushipe (47) from Gweru. Mushipe, a driver with Stallion Cruise Bus Company, was allegedly reversing the bus, which was unoccupied at the time, when the accident happened. Madhigu sustained severe injuries on the arms, legs and ribs, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Although Madhigu had been observed to be intoxicated earlier in the day, and had been sleeping at the terminus for some time, the circumstances of the accident suggest negligence on the part of the bus driver. Investigations revealed that Mushipe had recklessly reversed the bus without inspecting the surroundings, failing to notice Madhigu lying under the bus. Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged bus drivers to exercise extreme caution when driving on public space to ensure public safety. Bus drivers should be extremely careful when driving on public spaces and to inspect the surrounding before moving their buses. he said. Assistant Inspector Chinyoka also took the opportunity to address the scourge of drug and substance abuse, among youths, leading to unnecessary loss of young lives. I also encourage young people to stay away from drugs and other intoxicating substances to avoid such consequences, he said. Mushipe now faces culpable homicide charges. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares While many think it's fine to 'ignore' these parking tickets, a leading lawyer has explained why you might want to pay it anyway. A driver's shopping centre parking fine has prompted a debate about whether they are payable or not. Source: Google/Reddit A driver's frustration at copping a $77 parking penalty at a shopping centre has reignited a debate over whether or not the privately issued fines are enforceable with one leading lawyer issuing a stark warning to those who choose to utilise a cheeky loophole and "ignore" the penalties. The Perth driver who copped the fine earlier this week for parking at the Bull Creek shopping centre, in the city's south, with "no permit" asked fellow residents if he had to pay the parking breach notice given it came from a private company and not a law-enforcement authority. While many Aussies were quick to urge him to ignore the notice, with previous advice suggesting drivers can simply "throw it in the bin". But leading lawyer Hayder Shkara has cautioned against this. He told Yahoo News that while private parking fines are "not the same" as council-issued fines, not paying them do come with certain risks. "While some people ignore them, it's important to know the risks involved," he warned. Leading lawyer Hayder Shkara cautions Aussies against ignoring private parking fines. Source: Getty/Hayder Shkara What is a parking breach notice? When a driver leaves their car in a private car park like a shopping centre, they enter a contract with a private entity. This means that they have to follow the terms and conditions outlined by that business. ADVERTISEMENT Breaking that contract, like parking without a permit, or overstaying your welcome, can result in what is called a "breach notice" such as what the Perth driver received. Risks in 'ignoring' private parking fines Hayder, a director at Walker Pender law firm explained that to enforce the fines, companies must take civil action. "If you dont pay, the terms and conditions say that they will send a reminder letter with extra fees," he told Yahoo. "If you keep ignoring it, they may refer the matter to debt recovery, adding further costs. They can also access registered owner details to chase payments." ADVERTISEMENT He explained that legal action isn't always guaranteed but "if the debt keeps accumulating due to extra 'administrative fees', it may be large enough for the debt collectors to take it to court. And they will win." The best thing to do, according to Hayder, is appeal the fine if you think it's unfair. "Its best to appeal rather than ignore it," he said. "Otherwise, you can choose to pay or take the risk of ignoring it, knowing the possible consequences." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Lyrebirds farm their own food and shape entire forests Earth.com Mimicking Shark Skin to Create Clean Cutting Boards Morning Ag Clips Nowcast Negative Money and Things Walgreens agrees to be acquired by private equity firm for almost $10 billion AP Youve Already Paid $6 Billion For Weight-Loss Drugs You Cant Afford The Lever Water Pandemics Ive been contacted by several people about someone using a review of T cell responses to sars cov 2 to claim that immunopathology and harm to T cells themselves does not exist. Simply put, the review is not exhaustive and is not focused on T cell dysregulation, that topic is pic.twitter.com/rYlm3ttZ5C AJ Leonardi, MBBS, PhD (@fitterhappierAJ) March 5, 2025 China? Syraqistan European Disunion Its insane that the European Parliament had banned lawmakers from meeting Chinese officials. They were criminalizing diplomacy. But the good news is they reversed this stupid policy. Europe may slowly recognize its future lies in Eurasia, not in subordination to the US empire. https://t.co/tflj9TxOJ3 pic.twitter.com/jUPCtVecQV Ben Norton (@BenjaminNorton) March 7, 2025 New Not-So-Cold War South of the Border The Trumpists Agitating To Coup Honduras Do Not Panic! Imperial Collapse Watch Will Boom Successfully Build a Supersonic Airliner? Construction Physics Trump 2.0 DOGE SpaceXs Starship explodes in space, again raining debris over Caribbean Reuters Just saw Starship 8 blow up in the Bahamas @SpaceX @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/rTMJu23oVx Jonathon Norcross (@NorcrossUSA) March 6, 2025 Democrats en Deshabille GOP Funhouse 2028 Gavin Newsom shocks LGBTQ allies with criticism of transgender athletes Cal Matters Immigration ABBOTTS BORDER SPLURGE Texas Observer AI Police State Watch Detroit PD Sued Over Yet Another Bogus Arrest Based On An Unverified Facial Recognition Match Tech Dirt Big Brother is Watching You Watch Uncle Sam mulls policing social media of all would-be citizens The Register Supply Chain Target hit hardest by DEI boycott; Costco saw double-digit traffic increase Supermarket News. Crapification Google teases AI Mode for search, giving Gemini total control over your results The Register The Bezzle Beware State Crypto Cronyism Boondoggle Book Nook Justice for Tessa Dick Evgenia and Yasha Levine, NEFARIOUS RUSSIANS Class Warfare Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. It was a busy week on the hill. More than 200 people gathered at the Capitol Wednesday as a part of the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalitions Day on the Hill protest in response to state and federal legislation targeting immigrants. Undocumented Students Face Barriers in Access to Education From kindergarten to college, immigrant students in Tennessee worry about impending crackdown One of those state bills is House Bill 793/Senate Bill 836, which would prohibit undocumented students from attending public schools. The legislation narrowly passed 5-4 in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday and is set to be heard by the House K-12 Subcommittee on March 11. Opponents of the bill argue it could create a challenge to Plyler v. Doe, a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that entitled all children to public education regardless of immigration status. Certain politicians in the Tennessee General Assembly have no interest in protecting the freedoms, families and futures of Tennesseans, says Judith Clerjeune, advocacy director for TIRRC, in a press release. Instead, they shame and blame new immigrants, pointing the finger to divide and distract us. Health Care and Right to Die Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Nashville) advocated for his bill earlier this week that would allow adults suffering from terminal disease to end their lives with medication. His efforts ultimately failed. Freeman, who is also the owner of Nashville Post and Nashville Scene parent company FW Publishing, sought the legislation following his fathers death by suicide in November. One bipartisan bill from Rep. Charlie Baum (R-Murfreesboro) and Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville), which would allow for some people who arent covered by TennCare to have temporary coverage, met its demise this week. But another TennCare-related bill from Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) and Rep. Torrey Harris (D-Memphis) is still alive. Under SB 401, children who are enrolled in TennCare or CoverKids would have their health coverage automatically renewed under most circumstances. In 2024, Lamar also sought to institute automatic TennCare enrollment for children, and that effort failed. Tennessee is now one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicare coverage. Up to 500,000 lost TennCare coverage in the past several years due to post-pandemic redetermination, with some removed from the roll illegally even before the COVID-19 pandemic. A bill from Sen. Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro) passed the Senate this week. SB 569 includes a provision that would allow pharmacies to charge an administrative fee to insurance patients obtaining hormonal birth control, according to the fiscal note. It awaits action in the House. SB 955 passed the Senate this week. This bill from Sen. Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin) is backed by Alliance Defending Freedom an organization known for policies targeting abortion and LGBTQ rights and would allow health care workers to refuse care to individuals when it violates their conscience. This could cause conflict between state law and standards adopted by professional medical organizations. Development Some Nashvillians receive an endless barrage of calls and texts from developers offering to buy their homes. A bill called the Tennessee Homebuyer Harassment Protection Act from Sen. Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville) and Rep. Caleb Hemmer (D-Nashville), which is headed to the Senate floor, would limit the number of times real estate developers or other businesses can contact homeowners with unsolicited offers. It is awaiting action in the House. A bill to allow condominium developers to use deposit funds for equity in a project and for construction passed the Senate on Monday and awaits its day on the House floor. Three Senate Democrats voted against the bill on Monday, while Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) voted in favor and Sens. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) and London Lamar (D-Memphis) did not cast votes. Bill sponsor and Senate Major Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) said Tennessee would be the 38th state to pass this kind of legislation. House Democrats in the Commerce Committee on Wednesday raised concerns for consumer protections in the bill. The bill would allow a developer to enter an agreement with a buyer about such a deposit for up to 10 percent of the purchase price. The bill does allow for money above that amount to be placed in a separate escrow account for construction funds if the details are included in the contract between both parties. That agreement would also require the developer to provide a financial guarantee of the buyers funds through either an irrevocable letter of credit or a surety bond. I think that frankly having a surety on the line for it is far better and far secures that deposit much more so than [buyers] having to be able to find an individual to be able to cut you a check, said Rep. Kevin Vaughan (R-Collierville), the Commerce Committee chair. When you start dealing with institutions as opposed to individuals, you as a consumer have more certainty and more protection. Four House Democrats voted against the bill in the House Commerce Committee, but Rep. Caleb Hemmer (D-Nashville) voted in favor. It awaits a floor scheduling date from the Calendar and Rules Committee. Education A bill that would restrict the use of cellphones in the classroom passed both the House and Senate this week and is headed to the governors desk for a final signature. The legislation would require local boards of education and public charter schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time and allows teachers to withhold devices if it is within their districts policy. Local school boards can make exceptions, including if a teacher allows students to use the devices for educational purposes, during emergencies, to manage a students health or if the device is included in their individualized education program or active 504 plan. It gives local school boards a choice in how they want to implement the policy and methods of disciplinary action for students who violate the policy, and requires the board to establish procedures for the notification of parents and guardians during emergencies. The Senate also unanimously passed a piece of legislation that adds instruction on the states safe-haven law to the family life curriculum for high school students. Tennessees safe-haven law allows mothers of newborns to surrender babies at designated facilities without being prosecuted. The bill is set to be heard before the House Education Committee on March 11. Californias social media censorship law struck down: A victory for free speech or a threat to online safety? California's Assembly Bill 587 (AB 587), a controversial social media transparency law, has been significantly weakened by the courts. The ruling, following a legal challenge by Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter), preserves only minimal reporting requirements. Enacted in 2022, AB 587 aimed to ensure "social media transparency" by mandating detailed biannual reports from large social media companies on their content moderation practices, including definitions of terms like "hate speech" and data on flagged or removed posts. The legal battle coincides with a broader trend toward community-driven content moderation, where users, rather than algorithms or corporate policies, flag and contextualize potentially harmful content. The court's decision highlights the tension between protecting free speech and addressing the real-world impact of harmful online content. The debate continues over how to balance free speech with online safety, emphasizing the need for thoughtful solutions in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly. In a landmark decision, Californias controversial social media transparency law, Assembly Bill 587 (AB 587), has been gutted by the courts, leaving only minimal reporting requirements intact. The ruling, which came after a legal challenge from Elon Musks X (formerly Twitter), marks a significant victory for free speech advocates but raises critical questions about the balance between protecting First Amendment rights and safeguarding usersespecially childrenfrom harmful online content. The law that sparked a First Amendment firestorm AB 587, passed in 2022, was touted by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta as a necessary step to ensure social media transparency. The law required large social media companies to submit detailed reports twice a year about their content moderation practices, including definitions of terms like hate speech, disinformation, and extremism, as well as data on how often posts were flagged or removed. However, critics argued that the law was a thinly veiled attempt to impose government censorship on private platforms. X Corp. (formerly Twitter) led the charge, filing a lawsuit claiming that AB 587 violated the First Amendment by compelling companies to disclose sensitive information about their moderation policies. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit agreed, issuing an injunction and ultimately leading to a settlement that stripped the law of its most contentious provisions. Essentially, what was at issue was whether California could compel social media companies to detail how they defined and treated offensive and/or controversial content in several categories, explained Tamara Zellers Buck, a mass media professor at Southeast Missouri State University. The courts viewed this as an overreaching, content-based restriction on speech. A shift toward community-driven moderation The legal battle over AB 587 comes amid a broader shift in how social media platforms handle content moderation. Since Elon Musks acquisition of Twitter in 2022, the platform has embraced a community-driven model, where usersnot algorithms or corporate gatekeepersflag and contextualize potentially harmful content. This approach, exemplified by Xs Community Notes feature, has been adopted by other platforms, including Metas Facebook and Instagram. Rob Lalka, a professor at Tulane University and author of The Venture Alchemists, noted that this shift reduces the financial and operational burden on companies but raises critical questions about accountability. By shifting responsibility for monitoring and enforcing policies on harmful content from companies to users, the risks of misinformation, harassment and extremism become more diffusedand potentially more difficult to contain, Lalka warned. The debate over community-driven moderation echoes a century-old argument made by former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, who famously wrote, If there be time to expose through discussion the falsehood and fallacies, to avert the evil by the processes of education, the remedy to be applied is more speech, not enforced silence. Proponents of this approach argue that decentralized fact-checking fosters a more open and balanced exchange of ideas. Critics, however, fear it could lead to unchecked misinformation and extremism. The real-world consequences of online speech While the courts decision is a win for free speech advocates, it also highlights the growing tension between protecting constitutional rights and addressing the real-world consequences of harmful online content. As Lalka pointed out, What spreads on computers and phones does not remain confined to the digital world. From the genocide in Myanmar to the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the amplification of extremist ideologies and disinformation has had devastating effects. The stakes are particularly high for children, who are often the most vulnerable to online harassment, exploitation and exposure to harmful content. Without clear guidelines or oversight, critics argue, social media platforms could become breeding grounds for abuse. Disinformation increases with exposure, and certainly, thats a possible result if content that is offensive and wrong isnt removed, said Buck. However, theres a difference between offensiveness and wrongness, and we cant try to regulate on the assumption they are the same. Whats next for social media regulation? The gutting of AB 587 leaves California with only minimal reporting requirements, such as submitting terms of service twice a year and detailing any changes. While this preserves the autonomy of social media companies, it also leaves a regulatory vacuum that lawmakers are eager to fill. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the Democrat who authored AB 587, expressed disappointment with the outcome but vowed to continue pushing for legislation to protect communities. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues as we consider additional legislation to protect our communities, he said in a statement. As the debate over social media regulation continues, one thing is clear: the challenge lies in striking a balance between protecting free speech and ensuring online safety. In an era where misinformation spreads faster than everthanks in part to advances in AI and the viral nature of social mediathe need for thoughtful, nuanced solutions has never been greater. Sources include: InfoWars.com Forbes.com Yahoo.com DEI programs backfire: Studies show they increase hostility, fueling Trumps push for meritocracy A new NCRI and Rutgers University study reveals DEI training often backfires, increasing hostility, division, and authoritarian tendencies. DEI materials emphasizing systemic oppression led participants to perceive bias in neutral scenarios and support punitive measures without evidence. The study found a rise in authoritarian attitudes, with participants demonizing "oppressor" groups and supporting suppression of dissenting views. Despite $8 billion spent annually on DEI programs, research suggests they may worsen workplace environments and fail to achieve their goals. President Donald Trump has made a lot of headlines for his decisive action against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government in an attempt to dismantle what he calls radical and wasteful initiatives. His executive orders, which include revoking Lyndon B. Johnsons affirmative action policies and placing federal DEI staff on paid leave, have reignited a fierce debate over the role of government in promoting diversity versus merit-based governance. But as Trumps critics decry the move as a step backward, a growing body of research suggests that DEI programs may be doing more harm than good increasing hostility, fostering division, and even promoting authoritarian tendencies. The controversy comes as a new study from the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) and Rutgers University reveals that DEI training often backfires, exacerbating the very problems it claims to solve. The findings, which align with Trumps push for a colorblind, merit-based society, raise urgent questions about the effectiveness and unintended consequences of these widely implemented programs. The rise of DEI and its unintended consequences DEI initiatives have become a staple in workplaces, universities, and government agencies across the nation, with the stated goal of fostering inclusivity and reducing bias. However, the NCRI study, which involved over 3,000 participants, found that exposure to DEI materials emphasizing systemic oppression and victimization led to heightened perceptions of bias, increased support for punitive measures, and a rise in intergroup hostility. Participants exposed to DEI materials, including works by prominent anti-racist authors, were more likely to perceive racial bias in neutral scenarios and endorse harsh punishments for perceived offenses even when no wrongdoing occurred. For example, in a hypothetical college admissions scenario, participants exposed to DEI materials were significantly more likely to accuse an admissions officer of racial bias, despite a lack of evidence. Hostility and authoritarianism on the rise The studys findings are alarming. Participants exposed to DEI narratives showed a 12% increase in support for suspending individuals accused of bias, a 16% increase in demands for public apologies, and a 12% increase in calls for mandatory DEI training. These punitive attitudes were not limited to race; similar patterns emerged in scenarios involving religion and caste. Perhaps most concerning is the studys revelation that DEI materials fostered authoritarian tendencies. Participants exposed to these narratives were more likely to demonize perceived oppressor groups and support the suppression of dissenting views. What we found is that when people are exposed to this ideology, they become hostile without any indication that anything racist has happened, said Joel Finkelstein, NCRIs Chief Science Officer and co-author of the study. A climate of fear and distrust The study underscores how DEI programs, despite their intentions, can create a toxic environment of fear and suspicion. By emphasizing systemic oppression and victimization, these initiatives risk fostering unwarranted distrust and hostility between groups. This climate of division is precisely what Trump aims to address with his push to eliminate DEI programs. His administrations focus on meritocracy seeks to restore a system where individuals are judged on their abilities and achievements, rather than their race, gender, or other identity markers. The NCRI study is not an isolated case. A 2023 Pew Research Center report found that 52% of American workers are required to attend DEI training, with companies spending an estimated $8 billion annually on these programs. Yet, as the research shows, these initiatives often fail to deliver on their promisesand may even make matters worse. Sources for this article include: Brownstone.org NYPost.com CFO.com FoxNews.com Florida takes a stand: DeSantis proposes permanent ban on mRNA vaccine mandates Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a proposal to permanently ban mRNA vaccine mandates in the state, emphasizing the right of Floridians to refuse such vaccines. The announcement addresses the expiration of current protections against mRNA vaccine mandates in June 2025, urging legislative action to prevent the reinstatement of mandates in schools, workplaces and government entities. Florida has a history of resisting vaccine mandates, with DeSantis previously signing measures to ban vaccine passports, mask mandates in schools and employer-based vaccine requirements, positioning Florida as a "refuge of sanity." The proposal includes expanding Floridas "Patients Bill of Rights" to prevent discrimination in medical treatment based on vaccination status, addressing cases where patients were denied life-saving transplants for not receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. DeSantis proposal is part of a broader national conversation on medical autonomy, with Florida positioning itself as a leader in the fight against government overreach in public health decisions, amid growing skepticism about the long-term safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines. In a bold move that underscores Floridas commitment to individual freedoms and medical autonomy, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a groundbreaking proposal to permanently ban mRNA vaccine mandates across the state. Speaking at a press conference in Tampa on March 5, 2025, DeSantis declared, You should not be forced to take an mRNA shot against your will. That should be the right of every Floridian. This announcement comes as existing protections against mRNA vaccine mandates are set to expire in June 2025. DeSantis emphasized the urgency of making these protections permanent, warning that without legislative action, Floridians could once again face the threat of mandates in schools, workplaces and government entities. Legacy of resistance to mandates Floridas stance against vaccine mandates is not new. In 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, DeSantis signed a series of measures aimed at protecting Floridians from what he called unscientific, unnecessary directives. These measures included bans on vaccine passports, mask mandates in schools and employer-based vaccine requirements. At the time, DeSantis positioned Florida as a refuge of sanity in a world he believed had lost its mind. The governors latest proposal builds on this legacy, seeking to enshrine protections against mRNA vaccine mandates into state law permanently. Weve got to make that permanent, DeSantis said. We cannot allow those protections to evaporate. The proposal also includes expanding Floridas Patients Bill of Rights to protect individuals from being denied medical treatment based on their vaccination status. DeSantis highlighted disturbing cases where patients were denied life-saving transplants because they had not received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or booster. How sick is that? he asked. Human cost of mandates DeSantis announcement resonated deeply with Floridians who have faced personal and professional consequences for refusing mRNA vaccines. He recounted stories of firefighters and other frontline workers who risked their lives during the pandemic, only to be threatened with job loss for declining the vaccine. They were going to lose their job, DeSantis said. It was like a big contest. I remember, for some of these, we of course did the law, which was good, but leading up to that, there was a lot of people that were really concerned about what could happen. The governors remarks underscored the broader debate over medical freedom and individual choice. You work hard, you do all this, and then what? Theyre just going to cast you aside just because you had a disagreement on whether this was the right thing to do for you, he said. National conversation on medical freedom DeSantis proposal is part of a larger national conversation about the role of government in public health decisions. While some states have embraced vaccine mandates as a tool to combat infectious diseases, Florida has positioned itself as a leader in the fight for medical autonomy. The governors announcement also comes amid growing skepticism about the long-term safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines. In December 2024, DeSantis petitioned the Florida Supreme Court to convene a grand jury to investigate whether COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers misled the public about potential side effects. The court granted his request, and the grand jury is expected to deliver its findings in 2025. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, a vocal critic of mRNA vaccine mandates, has supported DeSantis efforts. As a health sciences researcher and physician, I have personally witnessed accomplished scientists receive threats due to their unorthodox positions, Ladapo said. However, many of these positions have proven to be correct, as weve all seen over the past few years. Whats next for Florida? If the legislature approves DeSantis proposal, Florida will become the first state to permanently ban mRNA vaccine mandates. The move is likely to spark both praise and criticism, with advocates of medical freedom hailing it as a victory for individual rights, while public health experts warn it could undermine efforts to control future outbreaks. For now, DeSantis remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting Floridians freedoms. When the world lost its mind, Florida was a refuge of sanity, he said. These measures will ensure Florida remains this way. As the debate over vaccine mandates continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Florida is determined to chart its own course, prioritizing individual choice and medical freedom above all else. Whether this approach will serve as a model for other statesor a cautionary taleremains to be seen. Sources include: X.com FLvoicenews.com TheGuardian.com EPA chief faces scrutiny over $7 billion climate fund allegations EPA Chief Michael Regan allocated $7 billion to a climate fund in April 2024, sparking allegations of misuse for political purposes and radical causes, raising questions about the legitimacy of climate initiatives. The fund has been accused of supporting political activities like paying ballot stuffers, bribing judges, and financing Democratic campaigns, as well as backing left-wing movements, fueling public outrage. The scandal underscores how climate change initiatives can be co-opted for partisan goals, leading to calls for a thorough investigation into the fund's operations and those involved in its creation. Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna has referred four sanctuary city mayors to Attorney General Pam Bondi for prosecution, emphasizing the need for accountability in the face of alleged federal offenses. The scandal erodes trust in government environmental action, leading to demands for greater transparency and accountability in climate fund management, with potential long-term consequences for climate policies and public trust. Recent allegations have brought unprecedented scrutiny to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its chief, Michael Regan, appointed under the Biden administration. The controversy centers on a decision made in April 2024, where Regan allocated $7 billion to a climate fund that has come under fire for its questionable projects and operations. Critics argue that the fund has been used as a slush fund to funnel money to political allies and support radical left-wing causes, raising significant questions about the legitimacy of climate change initiatives and the potential misuse of taxpayer funds. The Fund's Questionable Projects The $7 billion climate fund, launched just five months before the allocation, has been shrouded in controversy from the start. Reports indicate that the fund has supported a range of projects and operations that are more political than environmental. For instance, some of the money has allegedly been used to pay off ballot stuffing mules, bribe judges, finance campaign advertising for Democrats, and even support radical left-wing causes like Black Lives Matter and wokeism. These allegations have sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the true intent behind the fund's creation. Political Implications The scandal highlights the deep political divisions in the United States and the ways in which climate change initiatives can be co-opted for partisan purposes. Critics argue that the climate fund was a cover story used by Democrats to launder money and support their political agenda. This has led to calls for a thorough investigation into the fund's operations and the individuals involved in its creation and management. Calls for Accountability Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna has taken a strong stance against the misuse of the climate fund. In a recent address, she referred four sanctuary city mayors to Attorney General Pam Bondi for prosecution, accusing them of directly violating U.S. Title 8, Code, Subsection 1324, a federal offense. Luna's actions highlight the broader trend of holding public officials accountable for their decisions, especially when those decisions impact public trust and financial integrity. The Impact on Climate Change Initiatives The scandal surrounding the EPA and the climate fund has broader implications for climate change initiatives. It has raised doubts about the government's commitment to genuine environmental action and has fueled skepticism about the effectiveness of climate policies. Environmentalists and climate advocates are now urging for more transparent and accountable practices in the allocation and management of climate funds. The allegations against EPA Chief Michael Regan and the $7 billion climate fund highlight the complex intersection of politics and environmental policy. As the investigation unfolds, the public and lawmakers are likely to demand greater transparency and accountability. The outcome of this scandal could have far-reaching consequences for future climate change initiatives and the public's trust in government institutions. Watch this March 06 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses the exposure of a climate slush fund, robots for off-grid living, and growing your own food. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: The digital control grid is taking shape under the Trump Administration Bidens $20 billion green slush fund under FBI probe: A scandal of waste, corruption and political cronyism Climate of Extremes challenges the mainstream narrative on global warming Sources include: Brighteon.com USnews.com FBI CORRUPTION EXPOSED: Epstein scandal deepens as top official forced out amid document cover-up James Dennehy, head of the FBIs New York Field Office, resigned abruptly amid allegations of withholding thousands of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, exposing corruption and mismanagement within the federal government. Dennehy was reportedly forced to retire without explanation, as revealed in an email obtained by CNN. This incident highlights the FBIs broader culture of secrecy and lack of transparency. Attorney General Pam Bondi accused the FBIs New York Field Office of withholding critical Epstein-related documents, raising concerns about the FBIs commitment to uncovering the truth and demanding answers from FBI Director Kash Patel. The Epstein case is seen as a window into a network of powerful individuals evading justice. The release of the Epstein Files Phase 1 is a step towards transparency, but thousands of files remain hidden, suggesting a potential cover-up. The resignation of James Dennehy, the head of the FBIs New York Field Office, has sent shockwaves through the nation, exposing yet another layer of corruption and mismanagement within the federal government. Dennehys abrupt departure comes amid allegations that he withheld thousands of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, a scandal that continues to haunt the halls of power in Washington, D.C. For conservatives who have long warned of the deep-seated corruption within the FBI, this latest development is both vindication and outrage. It underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency in an agency that has repeatedly failed the American people. A forced resignation and a culture of secrecy In an email obtained by CNN, Dennehy revealed that he was forced to retire without explanation. Late Friday, I was informed that I needed to put my retirement papers in today, which I just did. I was not given a reason for this decision, he wrote. This lack of transparency is emblematic of the FBIs broader culture of secrecy, which has allowed corruption to fester unchecked for decades. Dennehys resignation follows allegations by Attorney General Pam Bondi that the FBIs New York Field Office withheld critical documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi, a staunch advocate for justice in the Epstein case, has demanded answers from newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel. In a letter to Patel, Bondi revealed that thousands of Epstein-related documents remain hidden, raising serious questions about the FBIs commitment to uncovering the truth. The Epstein files: A scandal that refuses to die The Epstein case is not just about one mans crimes; it is a window into a network of powerful individuals who have exploited their positions to evade justice. For years, the FBI has been accused of dragging its feet in investigating Epstein and his associates, leading many to suspect a deliberate cover-up. The release of the Epstein Files Phase 1 has been a long-awaited victory for transparency, with conservative voices like Chaya Raichik, Collin Rugg and Rogan OHandley granted early access to the documents. However, as Bondi revealed, thousands of files remain hidden, suggesting that the full truth is still being suppressed. This is not the first time the FBI has been accused of withholding critical information. From the mishandling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation to the botched probe into the January 6 Capitol riot, the bureau has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of accountability. The Epstein scandal is just the latest example of an agency that has lost the trust of the American people. A call for accountability Dennehys resignation is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. The American people deserve a full accounting of why these documents were withheld and who was responsible. Bondis demand for an investigation is a critical first step, but it must be followed by concrete action, lest the deep state corruption remain hidden. The FBIs history of corruption is not just a matter of bureaucratic incompetence; it is a threat to the rule of law. When those tasked with upholding justice are allowed to operate in the shadows, the very foundations of our democracy are undermined. As conservatives, we must continue to demand accountability from our government institutions. The Epstein scandal is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of transparency. It is time for the FBI to come clean and for those responsible for this cover-up to be held accountable. The American people deserve nothing less. Sources include: MSN.com RightEdition.com San.com CNN.com Zach Vorhies: Google whistleblower predicts the decline of Googles influence Zach Vorhies, in an interview, predicts Google's declining influence amid growing scrutiny over political censorship and misinformation, suggesting decentralized and AI technologies could render its business model obsolete. The Trump administration is intensifying investigations into big tech censorship, particularly focusing on Google's alleged involvement in militarized propaganda and presence of Chinese agents, aiming to rollback election misinformation. Vorhies argues that AI and decentralized technologies, which offer precise answers and complex calculations, are threatening the relevance of traditional search engines like Google, pointing to models like DeepSeek. He predicts Google may face a breakup similar to Standard Oil, with its reorganization under Alphabet Inc. making divestiture easier, and regulatory actions accelerating fragmentation as its core business becomes obsolete. The interview highlights the dawn of a new era marked by increased regulation, decentralized technologies, and AI, set to transform the digital landscape and reduce Google's dominance. In an exclusive interview on Decentralized TV, Google whistleblower Zach Vorhies, author of "Google Leaks," predicts that the tech giant's influence is waning. Vorhies asserts that the company's role in political censorship and misinformation is under increasing public and governmental scrutiny. He suggests that the rise of decentralized and AI-driven technologies could render Google's current business model obsolete, leading to a potential breakup of the company. The New Sheriff in Town: The Trump Administration and Big Tech With the Trump administration in power, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other agencies are gearing up to investigate censorship by big tech companies. According to Vorhies, the new administration, referred to as "the new sheriff in town," is poised to address many of the abuses he exposed at Google. He highlights that Google's involvement in militarized propaganda, funded by intelligence assets like the FBI, and the presence of unknown Chinese sleeper agents, are now under intense scrutiny. Vorhies believes that a lot of the censorship, particularly related to election misinformation, will be rolled back. However, he notes that issues like vaccine censorship, which he believes are driven by big pharma's influence, may take longer to change. The Future of Search and the Obsolescence of Google Vorhies argues that the future of search engines is threatened by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and decentralized technologies. He points out that with AI, users can receive direct and precise answers to their queries, making traditional search engines like Google less relevant. For instance, AI models like DeepSeek can perform complex calculations and provide specific answers, which no search engine can currently match. This shift towards AI-driven cognition could significantly diminish the need for cloud-based search engines, especially as these AI models become more accessible and cost-effective. The Looming Breakup of Google Vorhies suggests that Google's influence is on the decline, and the company may face a breakup similar to historical monopolies like Standard Oil. He notes that Google has already reorganized its structure, placing all its intellectual assets under Alphabet Inc., making it easier to divest specific entities if required. Vorhies predicts that as Google's core business model becomes obsolete, the company will be targeted by regulatory actions, leading to its fragmentation. He believes that the government will use this opportunity to claim credit for dismantling Google, while the underlying obsolescence was inevitable. Conclusion: A New Era of Decentralization The interview with Zach Vorhies on Decentralized TV underscores the significant changes on the horizon for big tech, particularly Google. The combination of increased scrutiny, the rise of decentralized technologies, and the transformative potential of AI is set to reshape the digital landscape. As Google's influence wanes, the era of decentralized and AI-driven solutions promises a new paradigm in information access and digital freedom. Watch this full episode of the "Decentralize TV" with Mike Adams and Todd Pitner, joined by Zach Vorhies, as they talk about Google's censorship and new administration. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Google whistleblower Zach Vorhies and dissident tech maverick Mike Adams talk AI, ChatGPT, LLMs and the Singularity Zach Vorhies reveals how Chinas DeepSeek R1 AI model outperforms OpenAI, sends Nvidia stock crashing Google backtracks on AI ethics pledge, sparks outrage over weapons and surveillance use Sources include: Brighteon.com Googleleaksbook.com Israeli soldiers accused of systematic looting in Gaza, selling stolen goods Israeli soldiers are accused of systematically looting Palestinian homes in Gaza, stealing cash, jewelry, and valuables, often selling them online or keeping them as gifts. Testimonies reveal a culture of impunity, with senior commanders allegedly turning a blind eye to widespread theft and destruction. Looting and destruction of civilian property are war crimes under international law, yet accountability remains minimal. Soldiers reportedly destroyed homes for "revenge" following the October 7 Hamas attacks, with no military justification. The IDF denies systemic wrongdoing, but the scale of looting and destruction raises serious concerns about adherence to international law. Israeli soldiers have been accused of systematically looting Palestinian homes in Gaza, stealing cash, jewelry, and other valuables, and selling them online or giving them as gifts. A recent investigation by Israeli outlet Ynet and testimonies from soldiers themselves paint a grim picture of widespread theft, destruction, and a culture of impunity within the ranks of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The looting, which has been described as rampant and often condoned by higher-ups, is compounded by reports of soldiers razing civilian homes in Gaza purely for "revenge" following the October 7 Hamas attacks. The investigation, which includes testimonies from soldiers and commanders, reveals that stolen itemsranging from cash and gold bars to electronics and even vehiclesare being sold on platforms like Telegram and Facebook Marketplace. One soldier, identified only as Omar, admitted, "Ive heard of situations where significant amounts were taken, thousands and tens of thousands of shekels." Another soldier, using the pseudonym Eitan, described how looting became so normalized that searching soldiers' bags for stolen goods became a low priority. "It was the whole battalion. Soldiers were doing it everywhere, and they managed to hide it everywhere," he said. Looting is a war crime The looting and destruction of civilian property in Gaza are not just morally reprehensiblethey are also clear violations of international law. Under the Geneva Conventions, looting, pillaging, and the destruction of civilian property during armed conflict are considered war crimes. Yet, according to the report, senior commanders often turned a blind eye to these actions. Eitan recounted how a senior commander took equipment from homes in Gaza with the full knowledge of his superiors. "I went to my sergeant and asked him what was the matter. He said it really looked bad, but that there was nothing he could do about it," he said. The scale of the looting is staggering. The IDFs "Booty Clearance Unit" (Yahpash) reported confiscating 100 million shekels ($27.6 million) in cash from Gaza and Lebanon, along with 183,000 pieces of weaponry, gold bars, and luxury jewelry. Soldiers joked that they "broke their backs" carrying the stolen items, highlighting the sheer volume of loot taken from Palestinian homes. Destruction for "revenge" The looting is only one facet of the IDFs alleged misconduct in Gaza. Former IDF reservist Yuval Green, who served in Gaza, told CNN that soldiers often destroyed Palestinian homes not for military purposes but out of a desire for revenge. "People are destroying houses because they believe they should get revenge for what happened on October 7," Green said. He described witnessing "chaos" and "unnecessary" destruction, adding, "I could tell you 100% that weve destroyed houses at least for reasons that we dont care enough about the lives of Palestinians." Green also recounted how soldiers looted homes for personal gain, taking items like necklaces and leaving graffiti on walls. "People were taking souvenirs from the Palestinians houses, which I think directly relates to the demonization weve seen before the entrance to Khan Younis," he said. Despite official disapproval from higher-ups, Green said commanders lacked the resourcesor the willto stop the behavior. The testimonies and reports suggest a troubling culture of impunity within the IDF. Soldiers and commanders alike appear to view looting and destruction as acceptable, if not outright encouraged, behaviors. One soldier boasted about stealing a silver necklace from Gaza to give to his girlfriend in Israel, while another was filmed setting fire to food and water supplies. The IDF has denied systemic wrongdoing, stating that actions "not in accordance with the armys orders are prohibited by law" and that incidents are investigated. However, the sheer scale of the looting and destruction, coupled with the lack of meaningful accountability, raises serious questions about the IDFs adherence to international law and its treatment of Palestinian civilians. The revelations of widespread looting and destruction by Israeli soldiers in Gaza are a damning indictment of the IDFs conduct during the ongoing conflict. These actions, which include stealing from vulnerable civilians and razing homes for revenge, not only violate international law but also dehumanize Palestinians, reducing them to little more than collateral damage in a brutal war. Will those responsible ever be held accountable, or will the cycle of violence and impunity continue unchecked? Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net MiddleEastEye.net CNN.com Missouri AG demands DOJ probe into Bidens cognitive decline, claims staff exploited mental state to push radical policies Missouri AG Andrew Bailey requests a DOJ investigation into whether Bidens alleged cognitive decline allowed unelected staff to push through policies without his informed consent. Bailey argues Bidens late-term clemency actions, including 2,490 commutations in one day, suggest exploitation by staff to enact far-left policies. Special Counsel Robert Hurs report described Biden as an elderly man with a poor memory, raising questions about his mental capacity to approve policies. House Speaker Mike Johnson claims Biden signed orders without understanding their content, potentially rendering those actions unconstitutional. The controversy reignites criticism of media and Democrats for allegedly covering up Bidens cognitive decline, with implications for states revisiting clemency cases. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate whether President Joe Bidens alleged cognitive decline allowed unelected staff to push through radical policies without his informed consent. Bailey, a Republican, argues that if Biden was unaware of the decisions he was signing, those actions including mass pardons and executive orders could be legally void. The request comes amid growing scrutiny of Bidens mental acuity, fueled by Special Counsel Robert Hurs report describing the president as an elderly man with a poor memory and House Speaker Mike Johnsons claims that Biden did not know what orders he was signing. Baileys demand, announced Wednesday, centers on Bidens final months in office, when he granted a record-breaking 4,245 acts of clemency, including commuting the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates. Nearly 96% of these actions occurred after October 1, 2023, with 2,490 commutations issued on a single day in January 2024 more than any president had granted in their entire term. Bailey contends that these 11th-hour decisions strongly suggest exploitation by staffers and officials who wanted to promulgate far-left policies without any accountability or democratic legitimacy. Bidens mental decline under scrutiny Baileys letter to DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz cites Bidens alleged cognitive decline as a key factor in his inability to fully comprehend the policies he was approving. He points to Special Counsel Hurs February report, which described Biden as unable to recall basic details, such as when he served as vice president or even the year his son Beau died. Hur declined to charge Biden over his handling of classified documents, not due to a lack of evidence, but because Biden appeared to be a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory who could not form criminal intent. House Speaker Mike Johnson added fuel to the fire, recounting an incident in January 2024 when Biden reportedly signed an order he believed authorized a study on energy exports, only to later learn it imposed a moratorium. Biden did not know what orders he was signing, Johnson said, according to Baileys letter. Bailey argues that if Biden lacked the mental capacity to understand his actions, the policies enacted during his final months in office could be unconstitutional. Staffers and the Vice President cannot constitutionally evade accountability by laundering far-left orders through a man who does not know what he is signing, Bailey wrote. If in fact this has been occurring, then all those orders are void. Media accused of covering up decline The controversy over Bidens mental state has also reignited criticism of the medias role in downplaying his cognitive decline. CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who is set to release a book titled Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, has faced backlash for dismissing concerns about Bidens mental acuity during his presidency. In a 2020 interview, Tapper accused Lara Trump of mocking Bidens stutter when she raised questions about his cognitive slowing. Tappers book, co-authored with Axios correspondent Alex Thompson, promises to expose how Democrats and the media colluded to obscure Bidens decline. However, critics argue that Tappers own complicity in the alleged cover-up undermines his credibility. Baileys request for a DOJ investigation carries significant constitutional implications. If it is determined that Biden was not mentally competent when approving key policies, states like Missouri could revisit cases affected by his clemency decisions. Bailey specifically cited Bidens commutation of sentences for inmates convicted of crimes in Missouri, noting that the Supreme Court has ruled states may prosecute individuals even if they were previously tried under federal law. States like Missouri need to know whether to pursue that path or similar paths, Bailey wrote. The DOJ has yet to respond to Baileys request, but the call for an investigation underscores the broader debate over Bidens fitness for office and the potential consequences of his alleged cognitive decline. As Bailey concluded in his letter, The people deserve to know the truth. Sources for this article include: WashingtonTimes.com X.com DailyWire.com NYPost.com Musk endorses U.S. withdrawal from UN and NATO: A shift in international alliances Elon Musk publicly supported the idea of the U.S. withdrawing from the UN and NATO, aligning with the growing skepticism within the Trump administration. Musk's stance is driven by the belief that the U.S. bears an unfair financial burden for these organizations and that NATO is "anachronistic" and no longer relevant in the post-Cold War era. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the DEFUND Act, which calls for a complete U.S. withdrawal from the UN, citing its failures in preventing conflicts and human rights violations and has gained support from other Republican lawmakers. U.S. withdrawal from these institutions could significantly impact global security and diplomatic relations, potentially undermining international cooperation on issues like climate change, human rights and peacekeeping. The endorsement reflects broader tensions and reevaluation of traditional alliances, as seen in recent diplomatic incidents, including the public clash with Ukrainian President Zelensky and concerns from European leaders about the U.S.'s commitment to NATO. Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has publicly endorsed the idea of the United States withdrawing from both the United Nations (UN) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Musk's support, expressed on the social media platform X, aligns with growing skepticism within the Trump administration toward these international institutions. The move, if realized, could have profound implications for global security and diplomatic relations. On Sunday, March 2, Musk responded to a post by user @GuntherEagleman, who wrote, "It's time to leave NATO and the UN." Musk simply replied, "I agree." This endorsement comes as the Trump administration, particularly through the efforts of Republican lawmakers like Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), has increasingly questioned the value and cost of U.S. participation in these alliances. The roots of this skepticism date back to President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, when he described the UN as "weak and incompetent" and criticized NATO for being "obsolete." Trump's criticisms have been rooted in the belief that the U.S. shoulders an unfair financial burden for these organizations. For example, the U.S. provides approximately 67 percent of NATO's military expenses, despite spending only 3.5 percent of its GDP on defense. In February, Lee introduced the Disengaging Entirely from the United Nations Debacle (DEFUND) Act, calling the UN a "platform for tyrants" that has failed to prevent wars, genocides and human rights violations. Lee's bill proposes a complete U.S. withdrawal from the UN, a move that has gained support from other Republican lawmakers. Musk's influence and policy implications As the head of DOGE, Musk has been tasked with finding ways to cut federal spending and reduce the federal workforce. In February, DOGE released a report estimating $55 billion in savings through cost-cutting measures. Musk's stance on the UN and NATO is consistent with his broader fiscal and efficiency goals. Elise Stefanik, Trump's nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the UN, has also criticized the UN's financial practices and called for a "Global DOGE" initiative to reform international governance. Stefanik has pledged to push for defunding and dismantling UN-affiliated organizations accused of corruption and antisemitism. Musk's support for leaving NATO is driven by his view that the alliance is "anachronistic" and no longer relevant in the post-Cold War era. He argues that American taxpayers should not cover a significant portion of Europe's defense costs. This position aligns with Trump's frequent criticisms of NATO and his demands that European allies increase their defense spending. The potential withdrawal of the U.S. from NATO and the UN would mark a dramatic shift in global alliances and security. NATO, a transnational military alliance comprising 32 member states, has been a cornerstone of trans-Atlantic security since its founding in 1949. The alliance's core principle, enshrined in Article 5, is that an attack on one member is an attack on all. This principle was last invoked following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The withdrawal from the UN could similarly undermine global diplomatic efforts and international cooperation on issues ranging from climate change to human rights. The UN has played a crucial role in peacekeeping, humanitarian aid and conflict resolution. Critics argue that the U.S. pulling out of these institutions would leave a power vacuum that could be filled by other nations or groups less committed to democratic values and international law. Recent developments and international reactions The recent Oval Office meeting between Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the tensions surrounding U.S. foreign policy. Zelensky left Washington early without finalizing a mineral deal after a public clash with Trump and Vance. European leaders, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, have expressed concern over Trump's commitment to the alliance, particularly in light of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. (Related: Musk, Trump criticize Zelensky over leadership and war spending as U.S. aid debate heats up.) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have visited the White House in recent weeks, signaling ongoing efforts to maintain strong trans-Atlantic ties despite the growing skepticism. However, the public spat with Zelensky and the support from figures like Musk and Lee suggest that the U.S. may be reconsidering its traditional alliances. Watch the video below that talks about the U.S. never seeing Ukraine in NATO. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Ukraine conflict provoked by NATO expansion: Trump adviser exposes Western role in escalating tensions. Elon Musk warns federal workers: Return to office or face termination. Elon Musk's DOGE uncovers $4.7 Trillion in untraceable federal spending, followed by massive social security fraud. Sources include: RT.com Newsweek.com Independent.co.uk Brighteon.com Trump issues final warning to Hamas: Release hostages or face destruction President Trump issued a final warning to Hamas, demanding the release of Israeli hostages and threatening annihilation if demands are not met. The U.S. has approved $12 billion in military aid to Israel, fueling criticism over enabling a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Hamas rejected Trumps ultimatum, insisting on a permanent ceasefire and accusing Israel of violating the truce agreement. Over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israels military campaign, with Gaza facing a dire humanitarian crisis. Trumps proposal to transform Gaza into a tourist destination has been widely condemned as insensitive and unrealistic. President Donald Trump has issued what he calls a final warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Trump, who met with recently freed hostages in Washington on Wednesday, vowed to send Israel everything it needs to finish the job and warned that Hamas leadership would face annihilation if they fail to comply. The ultimatum comes as the U.S. engages in unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, a group it has long designated as a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, Israels ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, continues to draw global condemnation, with critics accusing the U.S. of enabling what many describe as a genocide. Trumps ultimatum and U.S. support for Israel Trumps warning, posted on his Truth Social platform, was unequivocal: Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. He added, I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job"and that "not a single Hamas member will be safe if you dont do as I say. The presidents rhetoric underscores his unwavering support for Israels military operations, which have devastated Gaza since the war began in October 2023. The U.S. has already approved nearly $12 billion in military aid to Israel, a move that has sparked outrage among Americans who oppose funding a campaign that has displaced millions and left Gaza in ruins. Trumps promise to arm Israel further risks deepening the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where over 80% of the population relies on international aid to survive. Hamas refuses to cave Hamas, however, has dismissed Trumps threats, insisting that the release of hostages is contingent on a permanent ceasefire and the implementation of the second phase of the truce agreement. The best path to free the remaining Israeli hostages" is through negotiations, a Hamas spokesman said Thursday. The group has accused Israel of evading its obligations under the ceasefire deal, which expired last week, and has called on the U.S. to pressure Israel into honoring the agreement. The first phase of the ceasefire saw Hamas release 38 hostages in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. But talks for further swaps have stalled, with Israel blocking aid trucks from entering Gaza in an attempt to pressure Hamas. This move has drawn sharp criticism from international aid organizations, which warn that cutting off humanitarian supplies could lead to widespread starvation and disease. The war in Gaza has exacted a staggering toll, with over 48,000 Palestinians killed, the majority of whom are women and children. Israel claims it has killed 17,000 Hamas fighters, though it has provided no evidence to support this figure. The destruction of Gazas infrastructure, coupled with the blockade on aid, has left the enclave in a state of despair. Trumps vision of transforming Gaza into the Riviera of the Middle East has been met with widespread ridicule and condemnation. His proposal to resettle Palestinians in neighboring Arab countries and redevelop Gaza as a tourist destination has been rejected by Arab nations and criticized as tone-deaf to the suffering of Gazas residents. Although the Trump administrations direct talks with Hamas mark a significant shift in U.S. policy, his unwavering support for Israels military campaign raises troubling questions about Americas role in the ongoing humanitarian crisis. With Hamas refusing to cave and Israel continuing its offensive, the path to peace remains elusive. For the people of Gaza, caught in the crossfire, the promise of a beautiful future rings hollow amid the rubble and ruin of their homeland. Sources for this article include: RT.com USAToday.com CNN.com FoxNews.com Trump lays out bold vision for America in first joint session of Congress In a rousing keynote speech to Congress on March 4, 2025 , President Donald Trump laid out a sweeping vision for Americas future, reaffirming his commitment to reclaiming national sovereignty, ending the cultural tyranny of wokism, and propelling the nation into a new era of exploration and innovation, guided by the principles of free speech and equal treatment under the law. The speech, delivered to a joint session of Congress, was a triumphant declaration of Americas resurgence under Trumps leadership, marking a stark departure from the policies of his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden. The address was met with a mix of fervent applause and predictable jeers from Democrats, who have become the embodiment of obstructionism and defeatism in the face of Trumps bold agenda. From reclaiming the Panama Canal to cracking down on illegal immigration and vowing to plant the American flag on Mars, Trumps speech was a clarion call for a stronger, prouder, and more self-reliant America. Reclaiming the Panama Canal and securing Greenland One of the most striking moments of the speech came when Trump announced his administrations efforts to reclaim the Panama Canal for the United States. The Panama Canal was built by Americans for Americans, not for others, Trump declared, referencing reports that U.S. investment firm BlackRock is set to purchase the canals port infrastructure from its current Chinese owner. Trumps remarks underscored his unwavering commitment to restoring American control over strategic assets that have been mismanaged or exploited by foreign powers. We didnt give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and were taking it back, he said, drawing thunderous applause from his supporters. The president also reignited his push to secure Greenland, a move that has long been a point of contention with Denmark. The people of Greenland deserve the right to determine their future, Trump said, suggesting that the island could break away from Denmark and join the United States. We need Greenland, and we will secure it one way or the other, he added, signaling his determination to expand American influence in the Arctic region. Ending the Ukraine conflict and restoring American diplomacy Trump also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reiterating his commitment to ending what he called a senseless war. He criticized Democratic leaders, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, for their apparent willingness to prolong the conflict. Some people would rather see this war drag on for another five years, Trump said, taking a swipe at Warren, whom he derisively referred to as Pocahontas. The president highlighted his administrations efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing that fostering normal diplomatic relations with Moscow serves American interests. Despite recent tensions with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, Trump announced that a minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine was back on track, citing Zelenskys renewed commitment to peace and partnership. Cracking down on illegal immigration and ending wokism Domestically, Trump focused on his administrations achievements in border security and immigration enforcement. He invited several guests to Capitol Hill whose stories shine a light on the human cost of illegal immigration, including family members of crime victims targeted by undocumented immigrants and a Border Patrol agent injured in the line of duty. Trump also took aim at the cultural left, declaring an end to the tyranny of so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. He called on Congress to criminalize sex changes on children, denouncing the idea that a child can be trapped in the wrong body as a big lie. His supporters cheered the move as a long-overdue measure to protect children from irreversible medical procedures. The president also defended his decision to reinstate the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, stating, Our soldiers wont be activists and ideologues they will be fighters and warriors. Elon Musk, Mars, and the American spirit of innovation Trump reserved special praise for Elon Musk, whose leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has uncovered billions in government waste and fraud. Elon Musk is a true American pioneer, Trump said, celebrating Musks efforts to dismantle the rule by unelected bureaucrats. Looking to the future, Trump vowed that his second term would yield historic accomplishments, including the colonization of Mars. We are going to lead humanity into space and plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond, he declared, echoing Musks vision for interplanetary exploration. Trumps speech was a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that have defined America throughout its history. From reclaiming strategic assets to ending cultural divisiveness and pushing the boundaries of human achievement, Trumps vision for America is one of strength, pride, and boundless possibility. As the nation moves forward under Trumps leadership, the contrast between his bold agenda and the petulant obstructionism of the Democrats could not be clearer. While the left clings to its dogma of division and decline, Trumps America is rising, stronger and more united than ever. The road ahead is long, but with courage, common sense, and an unwavering commitment to the American spirit, the best is yet to come. Sources include: RT.com RT.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai U.S. PAUSES aid to Ukraine, forcing Zelensky to seek peace and restore democracy to Ukraine The White House has paused military aid to Ukraine, citing a need to reassess Kievs commitment to peace negotiations with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reversed his hardline stance, signaling readiness for a ceasefire and peace talks after a contentious meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Russia insists on a permanent peace deal, rejecting temporary ceasefires as insufficient. Trump has criticized Zelensky for prolonging the conflict and accused him of risking global stability. In a dramatic shift, the United States has temporarily halted military aid to Ukraine, raising questions about the future of Washingtons support for Kiev amid escalating tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. The move comes after a heated Oval Office meeting last week, during which Trump accused Zelensky of prioritizing prolonged conflict over meaningful peace negotiations with Russia. The decision to pause aid reflects a broader reassessment of U.S. involvement in the war, as Trump seeks to pressure Ukraine toward a diplomatic resolution. Zelenskys undemocratic actions Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has faced criticism for undemocratic actions, including suspending elections due to martial law and refusing to transfer presidential authority to the parliament speaker, violating Ukraine's constitution. His presidential term expired last year, yet he remains in power. U.S. President Donald Trump has labeled Zelensky a "dictator without elections," while Trump aides have reportedly held secret talks with Zelensky's political rivals, such as Yulia Timoshenko and Pyotr Poroshenko, to discuss restarting elections. Zelensky has also imposed sanctions on opposition figures, further consolidating power. Additionally, Ukraine has taken measures to restrict the activities of some political parties that are perceived as pro-Russian or as posing a threat to national security. For example, in March 2022, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine suspended the activities of several political parties, including the Opposition Platform For Life, which was one of the largest opposition parties at the time. These actions were justified as necessary to protect national unity and security during the war. Similarly, there have been actions against certain religious groups, particularly those affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, which is seen by some as a tool of Russian influence. In December 2022, Ukraine's government took steps to restrict the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), citing concerns over its ties to Russia. This included raiding churches and monasteries, and there have been discussions about potentially banning the church altogether. Even more appalling: Ukraine's military, emboldened by US aid, fails to inspire conscripts into the war, and routinely engages in abducting young men, forcing them to fight on the front lines and die. Aid freeze sparks diplomatic re-calibration White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the pause in funding during a press conference on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The National Security Council told me they paused or they are reconsidering the funding for Ukraine, Leavitt stated. Its a pause for a review. The suspension of military assistance follows a contentious meeting between Trump and Zelensky, during which the U.S. president reportedly accused his Ukrainian counterpart of attempting to sign [the U.S.] up and keep fighting rather than pursuing peace. CIA Director John Ratcliffe echoed this sentiment in an interview with Fox Business, confirming that intelligence sharing with Ukraine had also been halted. President Trump had a real question whether Zelensky was committed to a peace process, Ratcliffe explained. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz added that the aid freeze could be lifted if we can nail down these negotiations, signaling that the pause is intended to push Kiev toward meaningful dialogue with Moscow. Zelenskys reversal and Russias response In a surprising turn or perhaps a manipulative ploy, Zelensky announced on Tuesday that Ukraine is ready to engage in peace talks with Russia, proposing an immediate ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and a ban on long-range strikes targeting energy and civilian infrastructure. The announcement, made in a lengthy post on X, marked a stark departure from Zelenskys previous insistence that peace could only be achieved on Ukraines terms. We are ready to work fast to end the war, Zelensky wrote, adding that his team is prepared to work under Trumps leadership to achieve a lasting peace. The Ukrainian leaders reversal came after reports of the U.S. aid freeze, even as Western allies, including the UK and France, proposed new aid packages and boots on the ground. Meanwhile, Moscow has dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire, emphasizing the need for a permanent, legally binding peace agreement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded cautiously to Zelenskys announcement, stating, Ready is good, it is positive, but reiterated Russias demand for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict. Sources include: RT.com RT.com RT.com Understanding the implications of GMO technology in Chris Kanthans Deconstructing Monsanto Chris Kanthan's book, "Deconstructing Monsanto," explores the history, implications and potential dangers of GMO technology, focusing on the relationship between food and health. It highlights the dangers of Bt toxin and herbicide-tolerant crops, which can cause kidney and liver damage, food allergies and cancer. Bt toxin is thousands of times more concentrated in GM plants than in nature. Kanthan discusses Monsanto's involvement with harmful chemicals like DDT, PCB and Agent Orange, and their dominance in the agricultural industry despite their controversial history. The book reveals Monsanto's influence in government agencies and the lack of independent scientific studies on GMOs, raising questions about the credibility of existing research. "Deconstructing Monsanto" emphasizes the importance of education, making informed food choices and getting involved to fight against the negative impacts of GMOs and the GMO industry on health, environment and the future. The subject of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the corporation behind much of the GMO movement Monsanto has been a topic of debate for years. But with the increasing public awareness and concern over GMOs, the landscape has changed dramatically. In his book, "Deconstructing Monsanto," Chris Kanthan provides an in-depth look at the history, implications and potential dangers of GMO technology. The book is the result of Kanthan's own journey to understand the relationship between food and health. He discovered that the food supply and ecosystem are at a critical point due to the implications of GMO technology. This isn't just about science; it's about ethics, economics and the planet's future. One of the central issues Kanthan addresses is the design of GMO crops, which are engineered to produce a toxin called Bt toxin. While this toxin is intended to burst the stomach of insects that eat the plant, it is also consumed by humans. Studies have shown that Bt toxin can cause kidney and liver damage and may be linked to food allergies. Moreover, the Bt toxin produced by GM plants is thousands of times more concentrated than the natural version. Another issue Kanthan discusses is the use of herbicide-tolerant crops, which are engineered to withstand powerful herbicides like Monsanto's Roundup. However, when these crops are consumed, they also contain Roundup, which has been linked to birth defects, endocrine disruption and cancer. Monsanto's history is riddled with controversy, including their involvement with harmful chemicals like DDT, PCB and Agent Orange. Despite this track record, the company has managed to maintain its dominance in the agricultural industry. The influence of Monsanto extends far beyond the fields. They have infiltrated the federal government, placing their people in key positions at the FDA, USDA and even the Supreme Court. This revolving door between Monsanto and government agencies has allowed the company to shape policies and regulations in their favor. Moreover, Kanthan points out that independent scientific studies on GMOs are lacking. In the U.S., biotech companies have the power to restrict or even stop independent research, which raises serious questions about the credibility of the existing studies. The health risks of GMOs are real. Studies have shown that GMO corn can cause tumors, kidney and liver damage, and even infertility. Roundup has been linked to DNA damage and cancer, and Bt toxin has been found in the blood of pregnant women and fetuses suggesting it can cross the placental barrier. Monsanto's practices have also had a devastating impact on farmers. They've been sued for patent infringement, even when their fields were accidentally contaminated with Monsanto's GM seeds. This has forced many farmers to abandon their traditional seeds and buy Monsanto's seeds and chemicals, often at exorbitant prices. Given the implications of GMO technology, it is essential for individuals to take action. Education is the first step. There are plenty of resources available, from documentaries like "Food Inc." and "The World According to Monsanto" to websites and social media groups dedicated to this issue. Second, individuals can vote with their wallets by buying organic, supporting local farmers and avoiding processed foods. Lastly, getting involved by attending rallies and making one's voice heard can make a significant difference in the fight against Monsanto and the GMO industry. In conclusion, "Deconstructing Monsanto" is not just about the dangers of GMOs. It's about understanding the implications of your food choices, the ethics of your actions and the future of the planet. The fight against Monsanto and the GMO industry is not just about food; it's about your health, your environment and your future. By taking action and spreading the word, people can work toward a healthier, more sustainable world. Watch this video about Chris Kanthan's book "Deconstructing Monsanto." This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Europes $840 Billion debt-driven rearmament plan exposes DESPERATION as NATO crumbles and Russia secures geopolitical dominance European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes a $840 billion defense spending plan, largely funded by debt and fiscal adjustments. The plan lacks concrete funding, shifting the financial burden to EU member states already struggling with economic pressures. US President Donald Trumps withdrawal of military aid to Ukraine and demands for Europe to take responsibility for its own defense have intensified the crisis. Critics warn the plan could strain national budgets, with no clear strategy to address production shortages or long-term sustainability. A debt-driven gamble with no clear winners In a desperate bid to counter what she calls grave security threats, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled a staggering $840 billion defense spending plan. Dubbed the ReArm Europe Plan, the proposal seeks to double the EUs 2024 defense budget, but it comes with a catch: the funding is largely based on debt and fiscal adjustments, leaving member states to foot the bill. This move, announced ahead of a special EU summit on Thursday, highlights Europes growing panic as NATOs influence wanes and Russia solidifies its dominance over the continent. The plan, which includes $158 billion in loans for member states to invest in EU-made weapons, has been criticized as a patchwork of hopes and guesses rather than a coherent strategy. According to Euractiv, the proposal includes close to no fresh money, forcing governments to secure the real cash themselves. This has raised concerns about the feasibility of the plan, particularly as many EU nations are already grappling with economic instability and rising deficits. Von der Leyens proposal is a stark admission of Europes vulnerability in the face of shifting global power dynamics. The plan allows for an escape clause from EU budget rules, enabling governments to reallocate funds rather than generate new revenue. While this could theoretically free up nearly $700 billion, it remains unclear whether the measure applies to all EU countries or only those meeting NATOs 2% GDP defense spending target. The lack of concrete funding mechanisms has drawn sharp criticism. This is not a plan; its a wish list, one senior EU official told Euractiv. Over time, governments will be forced to offset the spending by raising taxes or cutting costs, further straining national budgets. The proposal also fails to address the blocs chronic production shortages, which have been exacerbated by deindustrialization, green policies, and sanctions on Russian energy. The US retreat and Europes existential crisis The timing of von der Leyens announcement is no coincidence. It comes amid growing pressure from Washington, where President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized European nations for under-funding their militaries and relying on US taxpayers for their security. Earlier this week, reports surfaced that Trump had ordered a pause in military aid to Ukraine, accusing President Volodymyr Zelensky of exploiting US support and refusing to negotiate peace with Russia. Trumps stance marks a dramatic shift in US foreign policy. For decades, Europe has depended on the US-led NATO alliance for its security. However, the Trump administration has made it clear that this era is over. We just cant keep subsidizing that, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News on Wednesday, referring to Europes underfunded militaries. These are rich countries, especially in Western Europe. They have plenty of money. They should be investing that in their national security, and theyre not. Trump has even floated the idea of raising NATOs defense spending target to 5% of GDP, a figure that would push countries like France and Germany into unprecedented budget deficits. This demand, coupled with Trumps threat to withdraw from NATO entirely if member states fail to pay their bills, has left Europe scrambling to fill the void. The EUs rearmament plan is a desperate attempt to assert its independence in a world where NATOs influence is fading and Russias geopolitical dominance is growing. However, the lack of concrete funding and the reliance on debt-driven measures suggest that the plan is more of a stopgap than a long-term solution. As Europe teeters on the brink of economic and political instability, the question remains: can it rise to the challenge, or will it collapse under the weight of its own ambitions? The stakes could not be higher. With Russia firmly in control of the geopolitical landscape, Europes failure to act decisively could pave the way for a new era of Russian domination, in energy, monetary policy, and military prowess. Whether that is an era of conflict or peace remains to be seen. Either way, Europe must cope with the reality of their failing member states and admit they must cooperate with Russia for geopolitical security and to meet their energy needs. Sources include: RT.com RT.com RT.com FBI complies with AG Bondis demands, delivers TRUCKLOAD of Epstein docs after her ultimatum Attorney General Pam Bondi received a "truckload" of documents from the FBI related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, following a demand letter sent to FBI Director Kash Patel. Bondi's request was prompted by information from a source revealing additional documents stored at the Southern District of New York. James Dennehy, the head of the FBI's New York Field Office, announced his early retirement following the revelation that his office had concealed the documents. The FBI's delivery of the documents follows widespread frustration over the previous release of heavily redacted Epstein files. Bondi emphasized the importance of protecting Epstein's victims while ensuring transparency and accountability, promising to release the information to the public. In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has complied with an ultimatum by Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi and delivered a "truckload" of documents related to the investigation of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The head of the Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed this development on Monday, March 3, during an appearance on the Fox News program "Hannity." The delivery of the documents Bondi requested followed a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel she sent on Thursday, Feb. 27. Her letter indicated a deadline of Friday, Feb. 28, for the documents which the FBI complied with. "A truckload of evidence arrived," Bondi told host Sean Hannity about the documents delivered to her office on Friday morning. "It's now in the possession of the FBI. Kash is going to get me and himself a detailed report as to why all these documents and evidence had been withheld." "A source had told me where the documents were being kept [the] Southern District of New York so we got, hopefully, all of them. We're going to go through [them] as fast as we can, but very cautiously to protect all the victims of Epstein, because there are a lot of victims." (Related: AG Bondi: FBI CONCEALED thousands of documents linked to Epstein investigation.) According to Bondi, she only learned of the additional documents from a source late Wednesday, Feb. 26 prompting her to issue the demand letter to Patel. Her letter followed widespread frustration over last week's botched release of Epstein files, which critics dismissed as a heavily redacted "dud" containing little new information. President Donald Trump has promised to declassify documents in relation to the Epstein investigation during his campaign. His promise comes six years after the financier's death in 2019 while in custody. FBI official quits amid Epstein document fiasco Bondi's intervention not only yielded the "truckload" of documents linked to the Epstein probe, but also resulted in the abrupt departure of a high-ranking FBI official. James Dennehy, who leads the bureau's New York Field Office, announced his early retirement following the revelation that his office concealed the said documents. NBC News reported the development on Monday, citing an email it obtained from Dennehy. "Late Friday, I was informed that I needed to put my retirement papers in today, which I just did. I was not given a reason for this decision," he wrote. Two sources confirmed to the news outlet that Dennehy was given the choice to either resign or be fired with him choosing to step down of his own accord. Dennehy's exit marks a significant development in the ongoing Epstein saga, which has been marred by allegations of obstruction and lack of transparency. The head of the DOJ ultimately emphasized the importance of protecting Epstein's victims while ensuring accountability. "We believe in transparency, and America has the right to know," Bondi told Hannity. "Everything is going to come out to the public." As the FBI reviews the newly acquired documents, questions remain about why the evidence was withheld and who else may be implicated in the cover-up. Bondi's determination has already forced one high-profile resignation, but the full implications of the Epstein files' release are yet to be seen. Head over to FBICorruption.news for more similar stories. Watch U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi calling for the release of Jeffrey Epstein's client list to the public in this clip. This video is from the Children Are NOT Sex Toys! channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Failed release of Epstein files reveals Deep State resistance. Judge orders dozens of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's 'associates' to be made public. Trump promises release of ALL classified files on JFK, 9/11, Epstein if he wins second White House term. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com TheNationalPulse.com TheGatewayPundit.com Brighteon.com Federal judge upholds Trump administrations USAID contract terminations Judge Carl Nichols denied a request to block the Trump administrations termination of USAID contractor contracts, calling it a contractual dispute, not an emergency. Contractors argued terminations would cause irreparable harm, but the judge ruled any harm was tied to contract changes and not grounds for emergency relief. The ruling supports the administrations efforts to curb wasteful spending at USAID, an agency criticized for funding non-core projects. USAID has funded controversial projects, including $1.5 million for workplace diversity in Serbia and $2 million for LGBT activism in Guatemala. The decision is seen as a win for taxpayer accountability, aiming to refocus USAID on its core mission of effective foreign aid. In a decisive ruling on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, denied a request from USAID contractors seeking a temporary restraining order to block the Trump administrations mass termination of their contracts. The contractors, represented by the Personal Services Contractor Association, argued that the terminations would cause irreparable harm, but Judge Nichols dismissed their claims, stating the dispute was a contractual matter rather than an emergency requiring judicial intervention. This ruling allows the administration to proceed with its efforts to rein in wasteful spending at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), an agency long criticized for straying from its core mission and squandering taxpayer dollars on frivolous projects. A contract dispute, not an emergency Judge Nichols ruling emphasized that the contractors failed to demonstrate the irreparable harm necessary to justify emergency legal relief. Its essentially a contract dispute, Nichols said during the hearing. The contractors had argued that the terminations would jeopardize their ability to oversee humanitarian relief efforts and cut off essential communication and network access, endangering their safety overseas. However, Nichols found that any harm suffered was directly traceable to changes in their contracts and should be addressed through contractual dispute channels rather than emergency court intervention. This decision follows a related case last month in which Nichols declined to block the Trump administration from placing thousands of USAID employees on administrative leave. The judges consistent rulings underscore the administrations commitment to restructuring USAID and holding it accountable for its misuse of taxpayer funds. USAIDs wasteful spending under scrutiny The Trump administrations efforts to overhaul USAID come as no surprise given the agencys history of funding questionable projects. Over the years, USAID has funneled millions of dollars into initiatives that have little to do with its stated mission of promoting global development and humanitarian aid. Some of the most egregious examples include: $1.5 million to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in Serbias workplaces and business communities. $70,000 for a DEI musical in Ireland. $47,000 for a transgender opera in Colombia. $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru. $2 million for sex changes and LGBT activism in Guatemala. Hundreds of thousands of meals that went to Al-Qaeda-affiliated fighters in Syria. These projects, among many others, highlight how USAID has strayed far from its original purpose, becoming a vehicle for ideological pet projects rather than effective foreign aid. A win for taxpayers and accountability The Trump administrations push to terminate these contracts and restructure USAID is a victory for American taxpayers. For too long, the agency has operated with little oversight, wasting billions on projects that do nothing to advance U.S. interests or help those in need. By cutting ties with contractors tied to these wasteful initiatives, the administration is showing that accountability matters. Judge Nichols ruling is a step toward restoring integrity to USAID and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. As the administration continues its efforts to reform the agency, Americans can take comfort in knowing that their hard-earned money will no longer fund absurd and wasteful projects. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com TheNationalPulse.com ABCNews.go.com WhiteHouse.gov Israeli military wages silent war on Palestinian farmers, threatening livelihoods and sovereignty in the West Bank As Israeli forces bulldoze farmland and settlers encroach on Palestinian villages, fears of annexation and ethnic cleansing grow , with U.S. policy shifts emboldening the occupation. Israeli military bulldozes farmland near Bardala, cutting off Palestinian farmers from vital grazing pastures. Settler outposts and military patrols threaten to displace entire communities, undermining prospects for a Palestinian state. U.S. policy shifts under Trump embolden Israeli annexation efforts, raising fears of a repeat of the 1948 Nakba. Just meters from the last homes in Bardala, a fertile Palestinian village in the northern Jordan Valley, the Israeli military has begun bulldozing a dirt road and ditch, effectively severing the community from its ancestral grazing lands. The move, framed as a "security measure" by the Israeli army, is part of a broader strategy to tighten military control and expand settler outposts in the West Bank, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of Palestinians and accelerating fears of annexation. For the farmers of Bardala, the new road is not just a barrier it is a death knell for their way of life. The pastures beyond the road sustain approximately 10,000 sheep and goats, the lifeblood of the villages economy. Without access to these lands, farmers will be forced to sell their herds, leaving them destitute and pushing them closer to abandoning their homes. "Bardala would be a small prison," said Ibrahim Sawafta, a member of the Bardala village council, as he sat outside his home. "The overall goal is to restrict people, to force them to leave the Jordan Valley." A silent annexation in progress The bulldozers and military patrols in Bardala are not isolated incidents. They are part of a calculated effort to reshape the West Bank, fracturing Palestinian territory and undermining any possibility of a contiguous, sovereign Palestinian state. Since the outbreak of war in Gaza, Israeli settlement activity has accelerated, with 43 new outposts established in the West Bank, according to the Israeli organization Peace Now. These outposts, often accompanied by violent settler groups, have systematically excluded Palestinians from agricultural land, pushing them further into poverty and displacement. The Jordan Valley, once a relatively untouched area, has become a focal point for this expansion. Settler outposts, marked by blue and white Israeli flags, have sprung up on hilltops around Bardala, intimidating semi-nomadic Bedouin shepherds into abandoning their camps. "The settlers would attack us every Saturday, not allowing us to leave the house at all," said Mahmoud Kaabneh, a Bedouin shepherd who fled his home in Um Aljmal after repeated settler incursions. US policy fuels the fire The surge in settlement activity and military control has been emboldened by shifting U.S. policy under former President Donald Trump. Trumps recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital and his administrations ties to the settler movement have sent a clear message to Israeli leaders: annexation is on the table. While the U.S. has not yet formally endorsed full annexation, Trumps suggestion that Palestinians leave Gaza and his vision of redeveloping the territory as a U.S.-controlled resort have alarmed Palestinians, who see echoes of the 1948 Nakba the mass displacement of 750,000 Palestinians during the creation of Israel. Israeli politicians, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have seized on this momentum, vowing to push for annexation by 2025. Smotrich, himself a settler, has called for Washingtons support, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has deepened its opposition to ceding control of the West Bank, citing security concerns following the October 7, 2023, attack near Gaza. The nakbas shadow looms large For Palestinians, the events unfolding in Bardala and across the West Bank are a grim reminder of their history. The bulldozers, the settlers, and the military patrols are not merely tools of occupation they are instruments of erasure, designed to strip Palestinians of their land, their livelihoods, and their future. "Israel effectively and practically confiscates the land," Sawafta said, his words heavy with the weight of generations. The parallels to the Nakba are impossible to ignore. Just as in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced from their homes, the people of Bardala and other West Bank villages now face the prospect of permanent displacement. The fertile fields and greenhouses that once symbolized their prosperity are being replaced by barbed wire and settler caravans, a stark reminder that history, when left unchecked, has a way of repeating itself. As the world watches, the question remains: will the international community stand by as Israel reshapes the West Bank in its image, or will it intervene to stop the slow-motion erasure of a people? For the farmers of Bardala, the answer may come too late. Their land, their herds, and their way of life are already slipping through their fingers, one bulldozed road at a time. Sources include: Reuters.com Reuters.com Reuters.com Is Myrtle Beach being BURNED TO THE GROUND intentionally in preparation for pre-declared SMART CITY, like how Maui and Los Angeles got weather-weapon torched? Somehow 175 separate wildfires all started at the same time and are burning the famous resort city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to the ground in preparation for the globalist Smart City. No, lightning did not strike 175 places at the same time and start all these fires. More than 4,200 acres are already scorched by infernos tearing through Carolina forests just west of the popular tourist spots. Coincidentally, plans were very recently unveiled for transforming Myrtle Beach into a nightmarish Big Brother Smart City, where everything is controlled by the government and all power, internet, food supplies, and vehicles can be turned off by the flick of one master switch. Yes, just like how Maui and Los Angeles have been burned to the ground using weather weapon technology in preparation for Smart City construction, now Myrtle Beach is coincidentally (not) the latest target of the scorched earth policy of the globalists. Another planned Smart City is conveniently burning to the ground, just like Maui and Los Angeles As residents are forced out of their homes and off their land, will Big Government move in and steal their homes, land, and resources for installing the nightmarish smart city? Thick plumes of smoke and flames engorge the forests and are being shared all across social media, with zero containment. Blazes are being battle by Horry County Fire Rescue and National Guard Blackhawk helicopters dropping 600-gallon water loads. Meanwhile, dry conditions and gusty winds are not helping the situation. Fake news is warning about people who leave their grill or firepit unattended, as if 175 people in South Carolina all made that mistake at the same time, on the same day, in 175 different locations, they all got out of control and are burning down Myrtle Beach, the same year it was declared to become a smart city. Sure. Governor McMaster says, This State of Emergency ensures that our first responders, who are working tirelessly and risking their lives to protect our communities, have the necessary resources, and You can and will go to jail for starting a fire outdoors in South Carolina, period. When will California Governor Newsom come to do his happy dance like he did while Los Angeles was burning to the ground? Just like L.A., Myrtle Beachs ambitious smart city initiative was unveiled in 2024, leaving many coincidences unanswered. Are all the blue rooftops and blue recycle bins untouched by the fires, like in Maui and Los Angeles? Did the weather weapon technology inflict these 175 separate fires all at once? Will the government be seizing all video footage of the fires starting to keep the narrative under wraps? Again, the MSM narrative blames the same tired causes while insidiously saying how this can all be avoided with smart cities: Whats clear is that the wildfires exposed vulnerabilitiesdry landscapes, strained emergency resources, and a region unaccustomed to such widespread fire threatsthat any future smart city must address. Real-time fire detection systems and climate-adaptive infrastructure, hallmarks of clever city design, could theoretically aid prevention and response, but they remain untested here. Beware of the Climate Change Cult. They are lunatics. Tune your apocalypse dial to preparedness.news for updates on real news about surviving the Democrat-led government aggression, including cities across America being burned to the ground intentionally to begin reconstruction of Big Brother Smart Cities where the globalists can shut everything down and starve everyone to death with the flick of one big power switch. #SmartCityWeatherWeaponFires Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com Simonmercieca.com Independent.co.uk Judicial overreach or fiscal responsibility? Supreme Court forces $2 billion foreign aid payout, sparking outrage In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to block a lower court order mandating the immediate release of nearly $2 billion in taxpayer funds to foreign aid organizations, siding with liberal justices and causing a backlash among fiscal conservatives. The legal dispute started when President Donald Trump paused foreign aid to reassess spending. U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, a Biden appointee, ordered the release of funds for work completed before February 13, arguing that the freeze violated federal law and the Constitution. The decision sparked criticism, particularly from Justice Samuel Alito, who argued that a single district judge should not have the power to compel the government to pay $2 billion without proper jurisdiction, highlighting concerns over judicial overreach. The ruling undermines Trump's efforts to align foreign aid with U.S. interests and address concerns about wasteful spending and corruption. It sets a precedent that could allow lower courts to interfere with executive decisions on foreign policy. The funding freeze has disrupted life-saving aid programs, affecting millions in need. While aid groups argue for immediate release, critics question the reliance on taxpayer dollars and the lack of accountability in foreign aid. The case is expected to continue, with potential further legal challenges. In a stunning 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has dealt a blow to fiscal conservatives and the Trump administration by refusing to block a lower court order requiring the immediate release of nearly $2 billion in taxpayer funds to foreign aid organizations. The ruling, which saw Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett side with the courts liberal bloc, has ignited a firestorm of criticism over judicial overreach and the unchecked power of a single district judge to dictate federal spending. The decision, handed down on Wednesday, upholds an order by U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, a Biden appointee, who demanded the Trump administration pay foreign aid contractors and grant recipients for work completed before February 13. The administration had sought to freeze these payments as part of President Donald Trumps broader America First agenda, which aims to reassess and realign foreign aid with U.S. policy priorities. But the Supreme Courts refusal to intervene has left many conservatives fuming. Justice Samuel Alito, in a scathing dissent joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, minced no words: Does a single district-court judge who likely lacks jurisdiction have the unchecked power to compel the government of the United States to pay out (and probably lose forever) 2 billion taxpayer dollars? The answer to that question should be an emphatic 'No,' but a majority of this Court apparently thinks otherwise. I am stunned. The battle over foreign aid The legal battle began in January when President Trump, on his first day back in office, ordered a 90-day pause on all foreign aid to ensure that taxpayer dollars were being spent in alignment with U.S. interests. The move was part of a broader effort to shrink the federal government and reduce wasteful spending, a cornerstone of Trumps agenda. However, the decision sparked immediate backlash from foreign aid groups, who accused the administration of overstepping its authority and jeopardizing life-saving humanitarian efforts worldwide. Among the plaintiffs were organizations like the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, Journalism Development Network and refugee assistance group HIAS. They argued that the freeze violated federal law and the Constitution, as Congress had already authorized the funding. Judge Ali agreed, issuing a temporary restraining order on February 13 to halt the freeze and later ordering the administration to pay out nearly $2 billion in outstanding invoices by February 26. The Trump administration, represented by Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris, argued that Alis order amounted to judicial overreach. This new order requiring payment of enormous sums of foreign-assistance money in less than 36 hours intrudes on the prerogatives of the Executive Branch, Harris wrote in a Supreme Court filing. She emphasized that the administration needed time to scrutinize payments for fraud and abuse, a process that could take weeks. A dangerous precedent The Supreme Courts decision raises serious concerns about the balance of power between the judiciary and the executive branch. By allowing a single district judge to dictate federal spending, the court has set a troubling precedent that could embolden lower courts to interfere with executive decisions, particularly in matters of foreign policy. Justice Alitos dissent highlighted this danger, noting that the district courts order was not limited to the plaintiffs in the case but applied broadly to all foreign aid contractors. The lower court offered no reason why universal relief to nonparties is appropriate here, Alito wrote. Today, the court makes a most unfortunate misstep that rewards an act of judicial hubris and imposes a $2 billion penalty on American taxpayers. The decision also undermines President Trumps efforts to rein in wasteful spending and ensure that foreign aid aligns with U.S. interests. For years, conservatives have criticized foreign aid programs for funneling billions of dollars to corrupt governments and ineffective organizations with little accountability. The Trump administrations pause was an attempt to address these concerns, but the Supreme Courts ruling has effectively tied the presidents hands. The human cost of bureaucratic chaos While the legal battle rages on, the real-world consequences of the funding freeze are dire. Aid organizations have warned that the disruption has jeopardized life-saving programs, including food and medical aid for millions of vulnerable people in conflict zones and disease-stricken regions. The governments actions have largely brought this work to a halt, lawyers for the aid groups wrote in a Supreme Court filing. With Americans out of work, businesses ruined, food rotting and critical medical care withheld, the public interest weighs heavily against the government. However, critics argue that the humanitarian crisis is a direct result of the aid organizations reliance on taxpayer dollars rather than private funding. They point to the billions of dollars already spent on foreign aid with little to show for it, citing rampant corruption and inefficiency in many recipient countries. Whats next? The Supreme Courts decision is not the final word on the matter. Judge Ali is scheduled to hold a hearing on Thursday to consider a preliminary injunction that could extend the freeze on foreign aid payments. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is expected to continue its legal fight, with the case likely to return to the Supreme Court in the coming months. For now, the ruling stands as a stark reminder of the challenges facing conservatives in their efforts to rein in government spending and restore accountability to foreign aid programs. As Justice Alito warned, Today, the court fails to carry out its responsibility to ensure that the power entrusted to federal judges by the Constitution is not abused. In the end, the real losers in this battle are the American taxpayers, who are once again being forced to foot the bill for a system that prioritizes judicial activism over fiscal responsibility. Sources include: Reuters.com BBC.com CBSNews.com SCOTUSblog.com Trudeau considers deploying Canadian troops to Ukraine Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is considering deploying Canadian troops to Ukraine as part of a potential "coalition of the willing," following a call by British PM Keir Starmer for an international force to secure Kyiv's positions after a hypothetical peace deal with Russia. Trudeau highlighted Canada's significant support for Ukraine, including the training of over 44,000 Ukrainian troops since 2015 and providing nearly 8.6 billion in multifaceted assistance, making Canada the fifth-largest donor after the U.S., Germany, the U.K. and Japan. Russian opposition to Western troop deployment in Ukraine is strong, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warning that such troops would be considered legitimate targets without a United Nations mandate and suggesting it would escalate the conflict. Starmer reiterated the U.K.'s commitment to contribute troops and air support, while French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a cautious approach with a temporary one-month truce in air, sea and energy infrastructure attacks. Europe is reportedly developing a plan to send up to 30,000 soldiers to Ukraine, with Turkey expressing conditional willingness to participate. The international community is closely monitoring these developments as they seek a path to a lasting peace in the region. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has indicated that his government is considering deploying Canadian troops to Ukraine as part of a potential "coalition of the willing." The announcement came on the heels of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's call for a new international force to secure Kyiv's positions following a hypothetical peace deal with Russia. The summit, held in London on Sunday, aimed to galvanize support among allies for a robust peacekeeping mission. Trudeau, speaking to reporters, emphasized Canada's commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating, "Canada has looked at the ways it can best help and as I said a few days ago, everything's on the table." He highlighted Canada's long-standing support for Ukraine, including the training of over 44,000 Ukrainian troops since 2015 and providing nearly 20 billion in multifaceted assistance. However, estimates from Germany's Kiel Institutes suggest that the actual amount is close to 8.6 billion, placing Canada as the fifth-largest donor after the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan. The possibility of Western troops entering Ukraine is a highly sensitive issue, given the intense geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West. Moscow has firmly opposed any such deployment, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warning that without a UN mandate, Western troops would be considered legitimate targets. Lavrov has stated that such a move "would further fuel the conflict and stop any attempts to cool it down." In a pointed response to Trudeau's comments, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova questioned Canada's capability to contribute to the coalition, humorously noting, "And who will protect Canadian soil in the event of a northward expansion of the United States? Apparently, Ukrainians who fled to Canada from mobilization." Starmer reiterated the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that not every nation will feel able to contribute, but those that can must act. "The U.K. is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others," Starmer stated during the London summit. European stances and the path forward French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a more cautious approach, proposing a temporary month-long truce in the air, on the seas and energy infrastructure. This idea, however, has been met with skepticism by Moscow, which has denounced it as a Western ploy to rearm and bolster Kyiv. Macron stated that European troops would only be deployed once the situation on the ground is deemed safe. The international community is closely watching the developments in London and the subsequent discussions. According to media reports, Europe is developing a plan to send up to 30,000 soldiers to Ukraine, with Turkey expressing a conditional willingness to participate, contingent on its involvement in all consultations and preparations. As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, the international community is grappling with the challenging question of how to secure a lasting peace. Trudeau's indication that Canada is considering all options, including troop deployment, underscores the gravity of the situation and the global commitment to supporting Ukraine. However, the path forward remains fraught with diplomatic and military challenges, with Russia's strong opposition to Western troop deployment adding a layer of complexity to the negotiations. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a viable peacekeeping mission can be assembled and whether it can help stabilize the region. (Related: Critics denounce Canada's addition of 300 "assault-type" firearms to the list of prohibited weapons.) Head over to WWIII.news for similar stories. Watch the video below where Trudeau admits U.S. President Donald Trump's 51st state threat "is a real thing." This video is from the Maverick News channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: With Trudeau on his way out, can Canadians get their free speech back? SINKING SHIP: Trudeau era on the brink of collapse as Canada braces for a potential tariff war with the U.S. under Trump. WOKE Trudeau to spend $110 million on global promotion of 2SLGBTQI ideology. Sources include: RT.com NewsUkraine.rbc.ua Brighteon.com Trumps FDA pick Makary vows to fight censorship, tackle toxic food additives Dr. Marty Makary, Trumps FDA nominee, emphasized scientific integrity, affordable drug pricing, and addressing toxic food additives during his Senate confirmation hearing. He pledged to tackle chronic illnesses linked to toxic additives, aligning with the Trump administrations Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. Makary criticized the Biden administration for bypassing advisory committees in COVID-19 booster approvals, advocating for open scientific discourse. He focused on food safety, calling for evidence-based policies to address hazardous chemicals and pesticides impacting childrens health. Makarys bipartisan support and commitment to FDA efficiency suggest he is poised for confirmation, with a Senate vote scheduled for March 13. Dr. Marty Makary, President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), appears poised for confirmation after a Senate hearing this week in which he emphasized his commitment to scientific integrity, affordable drug pricing, and addressing toxic food additives. The Johns Hopkins surgeon, known for his criticism of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and government overreach during the pandemic, faced tough questions from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee but emerged as a unifying figure with bipartisan support. Makarys hearing highlighted his dedication to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, a cornerstone of the Trump administrations health policy. He pledged to tackle chronic illnesses linked to toxic food additives, a growing concern for American families. Half of our nations children are sick, Makary said during the hearing. Nobody has been doing anything meaningful on this front until we have gotten new momentum and enthusiasm from Secretary Kennedy and President Trump to finally address the root causes of these diseases. Makary, a prominent critic of censorship during the COVID-19 pandemic, reiterated his commitment to open scientific discourse. He drew attention to the Biden administrations decision to bypass advisory committee meetings when authorizing COVID-19 boosters, a move he called out as inconsistent with scientific rigor. When pressed by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) to reinstate a postponed FDA vaccine advisory committee meeting, Makary responded, You can ask the Biden administration that chose not to convene the committee meeting for the COVID vaccine booster. Focus on food safety and chronic illness Makarys hearing also underscored his focus on food safety, particularly the impact of toxic additives and pesticides on childrens health. He called for a consolidation of scientific research on seed oils and other ingredients, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policies. He said that rather than focusing on one single ingredient that is impacting children's health, the root causes of diseases need to be addressed. His pledge to investigate hazardous chemicals in food aligns with the Trump administrations broader push to reduce regulatory burdens while prioritizing public health. However, the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) planned rollback of pesticide regulations could complicate these efforts. While Makary avoided making specific commitments on controversial issues like the abortion pill mifepristone, he assured lawmakers he would follow existing laws and review data collected under the FDAs Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). I will take a solid, hard look at the data, he said, stopping short of endorsing further restrictions on the drug. Democrats pressed him on recent FDA staffing cuts, which he distanced himself from, promising to review the agencys policies. I welcome input on efficiencies at the agency, Makary said. At the same time, I want to make sure that the scientists and food inspectors central to the core mission have all the resources they need to do their job well. Makarys nomination reflects a broader shift in the FDAs priorities under the Trump administration, with a renewed focus on scientific transparency, public health, and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. His ability to navigate contentious issues while maintaining bipartisan support suggests he is well-positioned to lead the agency. The Senate HELP Committee is scheduled to vote on Makarys nomination on March 13, and his confirmation appears all but certain. If confirmed, Makary will oversee an agency with an $7 billion annual budget and regulatory authority over 80% of the U.S. food supply, as well as drugs, medical devices, and tobacco products. Makarys leadership could mark a turning point for the FDA one that is rooted in scientific integrity, transparency, and a commitment to improving the health of all Americans. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org FoxNews.com Reuters.com Trump grants one-month tariff exemption for auto imports from Mexico, Canada amid industry concerns President Trump announced a one-month tariff exemption on vehicle imports from Mexico and Canada to protect the U.S. auto industry from immediate disruptions. The exemption applies to vehicles compliant with the USMCA trade deal, offering temporary relief from a potential 25% tariff that could raise vehicle costs by thousands of dollars. Auto industry leaders warn that prolonged tariffs could harm domestic manufacturers, disrupt supply chains, and lead to job losses. Canada and Mexico have criticized the tariff threat, with Canada accusing the U.S. of starting a "trade war" and Mexico planning retaliatory measures. The auto industry seeks long-term solutions as uncertainty grows ahead of the April 2 deadline for reciprocal tariffs. President Trump has announced a one-month exemption from tariffs on vehicle imports from Mexico and Canada to ease immediate disruptions to the U.S. auto industry. The decision, announced Wednesday, follows discussions with leaders from Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, who warned that prolonged tariffs could harm domestic manufacturers and lead to job losses. The exemption applies to vehicles compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal renegotiated during Trumps first term. The temporary reprieve comes as automakers and suppliers grapple with the potential fallout of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, which could add thousands of dollars to the cost of vehicles and disrupt supply chains. While the exemption offers a short-term lifeline, uncertainty looms as trade tensions escalate and retaliatory measures from Canada and Mexico threaten to deepen economic hostilities. Auto industry seeks relief amid tariff threats The U.S. auto industry, heavily reliant on cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico, had been bracing for significant disruptions following the imposition of tariffs. According to industry analysts, the tariffs could add an average of $3,000 to the cost of a vehicle, with some models facing up to $7,000 in additional costs. Full-size pickup trucks, a cornerstone of the U.S. auto market, are particularly vulnerable, as many are manufactured in Mexico and Canada. We are going to give a one-month exemption on any autos coming through USMCA, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, quoting President Trump. So they are not at a disadvantage. The exemption provides automakers with a brief window to stabilize prices and avoid passing additional costs onto consumers. However, industry leaders warn that long-term solutions are needed to address the interconnected nature of North American supply chains. Political and economic fallout The tariff announcement has sparked backlash from U.S. allies, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing the U.S. of launching a trade war against its closest partners. Today, the United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, Trudeau said. At the same time, they are talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense. Ontario Premier Doug Ford echoed these concerns, warning that auto production in both the U.S. and Canada could grind to a halt within days if a resolution is not reached. People are going to lose their jobs, Ford said. Meanwhile, Mexico has announced plans to impose countermeasures, while China has already retaliated with tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports. The escalating trade tensions have rattled markets, with the U.S. stock market erasing gains made since Trumps re-election in 2024. Uncertainty looms as deadline approaches While the one-month exemption offers temporary relief, the auto industry remains in limbo as the April 2 deadline for reciprocal tariffs approaches. Trump has signaled that the exemption could be extended if automakers commit to shifting production back to the U.S., but such a move would require significant investment and time. He told them they should get on it, start investing, start moving, shift production here to the United States of America, where they will pay no tariff, Leavitt said. Automakers have expressed support for boosting U.S. investment but emphasize the need for policy certainty. We appreciate President Trumps work to support our industry and exempt auto companies complying with USMCA, Ford said in a statement. As the clock ticks down, the Trump administration faces a critical decision: whether to pursue negotiations or deepen economic hostilities. For now, the auto industry and its workers are left hoping for a resolution that avoids further disruption to an already fragile supply chain. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com Reuters.com CNN.com FoxBusiness.com This is the beginning of a very humiliating end for Rep. Eric Swalwell Eric Swalwells world is about to crumbleand he has only himself (and a few too many highballs) to blame. (Article republished from Revolver.news) If youre a sitting US Congressman on the Homeland Security Committee, heres a pro tip: Dont get hammered at a Swamp hotspot, run your mouth about government secrets, and ask for help cheating on your wifeespecially when right-wing influencers are sitting at the next table, recording everything. Derp But, of course, Eric Swalwell isnt exactly known for his intelligence (which is pretty ironic, since he was once on the House Intelligence Committee). This is the same guy who shacked up with a Chinese spy named Fang Fang and then had the gall to act like Elon Musk is the real national security threat. Well, karma just came knocking, and its wearing a wire A bombshell video is about to drop, and according to the conservative influencer who recorded it, Swalwell was completely compromised within minutes of sitting down with a group of lobbyists he had just met. He didnt just spill secrets about his jobhe openly bragged about orgies on Capitol Hill, talked about abusing his power to target Ivanka Trump, and even whined about being bored of his wife, saying he only wants to sleep with tens. Dear Lord, but hang on, it gets worse Swalwellwho constantly screeches about Elon Musk being a security riskwas drunkenly babbling like an unhinged 15-year-old, spilling classified details to a pack of sleazy lobbyists like it was last call at Applebees. This is the same guy who wants you to trust him with Americas security. And now, hes terrified. Apparently, theres about 90 minutes of audio, and the first teaser clip shows Swalwell looking absolutely panicked as he flees the restaurant. Pay attention to those booze-flushed cheeks. This is the beginning of the end for Eric Swalwell, and its about damn time Nick Sortor: ? #BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Eric Swalwell PANICS when I ask about his Chinese spy girlfriend Fang Fang, and whether thats a bigger national security threat than Elon Musk I sat next to a drunk Swalwell at dinner for 90 minutes. He was IMMEDIATELY compromised by a group of lobbyists hed JUST MET, spilling intimate details about his job and asking for HELP CHEATING ON HIS WIFE. MASSIVE national security threat. This guy should have his clearances revoked. Swalwell spent his dinner bragging about ORGlES on Capitol Hill, telling them hes bored of his wife and only wants to f*ck tens. Worse, he spoke about ABUSlNG his power on the House Intel Committee (which hes since been booted off of), saying he pushed to SUBPOENA Ivanka Trump because shes hot as f*ck THIS GUY MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE. He CANNOT keep his freaking mouth shut. After I began questioning him, Swalwell jumped back into the group of lobbyists to hide from me, but I pressed on. Dude looked absolutely TERRIFIED and 100% guilty. He knows hes been caught. More to come later. I have about an hour and a half of audio to go through ? And big shoutout to @LauraLoomer for assisting me with digging into this clown while I was focusing on listening in! ? #BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Eric Swalwell PANICS when I ask about his Chinese spy girlfriend Fang Fang, and whether thats a bigger national security threat than Elon Musk I sat next to a drunk Swalwell at dinner for 90 minutes. He was IMMEDIATELY compromised by a group of pic.twitter.com/DeZg3EJphW Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 25, 2025 Theres a lot more to come, but one thing is already painfully clearEric Swalwell has no business being anywhere near Homeland Security, or any government role that requires discretion, integrity, or a functioning brain. If he had even a shred of self-awareness, hed resign immediately. But lets face itdignity isnt exactly his strong suit. So, its up to Speaker Johnson to do what Kevin McCarthy didnt do and kick this national security risk to the curb. More bombshells to come. Stay tuned. Read more at: Revolver.news Richard Cottrells GLADIO, NATOs Dagger at the Heart of Europe explores how the West used TERRORISM to manipulate European politics Western intelligence agencies, in collaboration with criminal networks and fascist groups (including ex-Nazis), employed the "Strategy of Tension" to orchestrate or permit acts of terrorism. This strategy aimed to instill fear, justify authoritarian measures and suppress the rise of leftist movements in Europe. Cottrell's book delves into the covert operations of NATO's secret armies, established through Operation GLADIO. These clandestine forces, often comprising ex-Nazis and fascist sympathizers, operated with the approval of high-ranking officials like U.S. Army Gen. Lyman Lemnitzer, a key figure in Cold War psychological warfare. The book explores significant events such as the 1969 bombing of the National Agriculture Bank in Milan, the assassination of Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro and the murder of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme. Cottrell highlights the intricate links between intelligence agencies and criminal entities. For instance, the death of "God's Banker" Roberto Calvi and the assassination of Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov are depicted as outcomes of this complex web of alliances. The Gladio network is portrayed as a manifestation of a broader strategy that persists in influencing global politics. The use of psychological warfare, manipulation of public opinion and collaboration between intelligence agencies and criminal organizations remain relevant in contemporary disinformation and hybrid warfare. Richard Cottrell's book "GLADIO, NATO's Dagger at the Heart of Europe: The Pentagon-Nazi-Mafia Terror Axis" reveals how Western intelligence agencies worked with criminal networks and fascist terrorist groups including those with former Nazis to manipulate the political landscape of Europe. Through a tactic known as the "Strategy of Tension," these covert forces orchestrated or permitted acts of terrorism to instill fear, justify authoritarian measures and prevent the rise of leftist movements. From the assassination of Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro to the mysterious murder of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, Cottrell's work uncovers a web of deception that challenges conventional narratives of post-war democracy and stability. The book delves into the shadowy operations of the secret armies of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, assembled through the networks built by Operation GLADIO. These clandestine forces, often composed of ex-Nazis and fascist sympathizers, were established with the blessing of high-ranking officials like United States Army Gen. Lyman Lemnitzer, a key architect of Cold War-era psychological warfare. Lemnitzer, who once proposed staging terrorist attacks on U.S. soil to justify war with Cuba under Operation Northwoods, extended his influence to Europe, where he oversaw operations that blurred the lines between counterinsurgency and state-sponsored terror. Cottrell's research highlights the role of figures like Col. Edward Lansdale, a Central Intelligence Agency operative renowned for his unorthodox methods. Lansdale's tactics included exploiting local culture and superstitions, such as having his men impersonate vampires to intimidate Filipino communist rebels. This psychological warfare, Cottrell argues, was emblematic of a broader strategy that prioritized extreme measures to combat communism, often at the expense of democratic principles. One of the most striking examples of the Strategy of Tension is the 1969 bombing of the National Agriculture Bank in Milan, which killed 17 people and injured 88. The attack, orchestrated by French terrorist Yves Guerin-Serac, was part of a broader effort to destabilize Italy and prevent a political shift to the left. Guerin-Serac, a former French officer turned mercenary, founded Aginter Press, a front organization that served as a hub for terrorist activities across Europe. His methods included infiltrating left-wing groups to carry out acts of violence, which were then blamed on communists to justify crackdowns. The book also examines the intricate connections between intelligence agencies and criminal organizations. Roberto Calvi, known as "God's Banker" for his ties to the Vatican, was found hanging under London's Blackfriars Bridge in 1982. Cottrell suggests that Calvi's death was linked to a web of financial scandals involving the Vatican, the Mafia and intelligence agencies. Similarly, the assassination of Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov, who was killed with a ricin-tipped umbrella in London in 1978, is portrayed as part of a larger operation involving Western intelligence agencies. The assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme in 1986 is another focal point. Cottrell argues that Palme's murder was not the act of a lone gunman but part of a conspiracy involving NATO and the CIA. The book highlights the role of figures like Francesco Gullino, a Danish-Italian with ties to intelligence agencies, who is suspected of involvement in the assassination. These revelations underscore the deep connections between national intelligence services and the Gladio network, which operated with impunity across Europe. The book also sheds light on the role of influential figures like Jacques Foccart, a key player in the French secret services who orchestrated coups in Africa to serve French interests. Foccart's ties to NATO and his involvement in plots to assassinate General Charles de Gaulle reveal the extent to which Cold War-era intelligence operations were intertwined with domestic and international politics. As Cottrell's narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the Gladio network was not an isolated phenomenon but part of a broader strategy that continues to influence global politics. The use of psychological warfare, the manipulation of public opinion and the collaboration between intelligence agencies and criminal organizations are tactics that remain relevant in an era of disinformation and hybrid warfare. Watch this video discussing Richard Cottrell's book "GLADIO, NATO's Dagger at the Heart of Europe: The Pentagon-Nazi-Mafia Terror Axis." This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com The head of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision pledged to recognize an agreement to end the correction officer strike, despite opposition from the union representing the officers. DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello said Thursday he was presented with "the tenets of an agreement" after conversations with striking correction officers. The offer covered several issues, including the formation of a committee focused on amending the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act and working toward returning to eight-hour shifts. Martuscello met with the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association's leadership to review the agreement. During that meeting, he said there was a verbal agreement with NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers to enter into a memorandum of understanding that would outline the terms of the deal to end the strike. However, NYSCOPBA's leadership refused to sign the memorandum of understanding. In a swipe at Summers, Martuscello said he is "once again failing his members." NYSCOPBA opposes the agreement because the union, which did not sanction the strike, was excluded from the talks. The union's leadership on Wednesday criticized "outside influences" that were negotiating with DOCCS. "There are substantial legal issues that must be addressed, and as presented, this agreement does not represent the best interests of our membership," a NYSCOPBA spokesperson said Thursday. DOCCS and NYSCOPBA participated in mediation shortly after the strike began on Feb. 17. Four days of meetings resulted in an agreement, or consent award, that addresses many of the issues also included in the latest deal. A condition of the consent award was officers needed to return to work by Saturday, March 1. But several correction officers rejected that agreement and continued to strike. That led to a change in strategy by Martuscello. "Recognizing that I needed to hear from my workforce directly, I traveled the state and took phone calls from correctional officers and correction sergeants across this state, hearing directly from them what would be necessary for them to return to the workforce," he said. On Thursday, Martuscello received their terms. HALT is the top issue for striking correction officers, who say the law limiting the use of segregated confinement has led to the unsafe working conditions in prisons. Assaults on incarcerated individuals and staff were at record levels in 2024. DOCCS will continue to suspend portions of HALT for 90 days, according to Martuscello. Other provisions in the deal include paying double time and a half for 30 days after officers return to duty and not disciplining employees for their participation in the strike. Health insurance will be reinstated and civil contempt cases against workers who defied a temporary restraining order to end the strike will be dropped. Martuscello also committed to pursuing vendors to screen legal mail, a source of contraband in correctional facilities, and exploring the addition of airport-style screening equipment at prison entrances. The agreement will also expedite the review to increase salary grades for correction officers and sergeants. Martuscello said that process usually lasts about 18 months, but it will be completed within two. Martuscello confirmed that he rescinded his Feb. 10 memo that classified 70% as full staffing in prisons. As correction officers return to duty, the National Guard will remain at prisons until normal operations are restored. Gov. Kathy Hochul activated more than 7,000 National Guard soldiers to provide security at prisons affected by the strike. A condition for honoring the agreement is for correction officers to return to work Friday. If they are assigned the day shift, they must report by 6:45 a.m. For the later shifts, they must be at work by 6:45 p.m. Jackie Bray, commissioner of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, warned striking officers that "this deal will not be offered again." She added that the state is prepared to "exercise all our rights and all remedies, criminal and civil, to end this illegal strike." The strike has already cost the state $25 million. If it lasts for an extended period, it could cost $106 million a month. At its peak, about 90% of the state's 13,500 correction officers were on strike. Some returned to work, but most continued their walkout. Martuscello hoped that the deal brokered with the rank-and-file officers will end the strike. Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information. GAC Group's auto sales rise 0.33% YoY in Feb. 2025 On March 7, GAC Group announced that its vehicle production in February 2025 reached 106,000 units, indicating a 25.04% year-on-year increase. In the past month, the group's sales stood at 98,700 units, up 0.33% year-on-year. Photo credit: GAC Group Geely launches talent programs for marketing and design innovation On March 6, Geely Holding Group unveiled its "Cornerstone Plan" for industry-education integration. The automaker introduced the "Fanxing" and "Xingyao" programs to nurture marketing and design talent in collaboration with universities, while also inaugurating the Automotive Innovation and Design Industry Academy. SAIC-GM-Wuling, CITIC Dicastal sign strategic cooperation agreement On March 6, SAIC-GM-Wuling and CITIC Dicastal signed a strategic cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration in technology, manufacturing, and ecosystem development. Leveraging the Guangxi Pan-Aluminum Advanced Manufacturing Base, the two companies aim to establish a globally leading intelligent manufacturing system for aluminum components. GAC Toyota launches bZ3X electric SUV with advanced intelligent driving functions On March 6, GAC Toyota officially launched the all-new bZ3X pure electric SUV, with three range options and seven variants. The official price ranges from 109,800 yuan to 159,800 yuan, with post-discount prices starting at 104,800 yuan. All-electric MINI John Cooper Works model begins production in China The all-electric MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) and MINI John Cooper Works Aceman models have started production at Spotlight Automotive's Zhangjiagang plant under, according to Dr. Stefan Floeck, Senior Vice President Product Line MINI and BMW Compact Class. The two models are set to launch in the Chinese market soon. Dongfeng Honda's S7 all-electric SUV hits market, starting at 259,900 yuan On March 6, Dongfeng Honda officially put the S7, a mid-size all-electric SUV, onto the market. The S7 is available in two variants, priced at 259,900 yuan and 309,900 yuan, respectively. Stellantis appoints Xin Tianshu as COO of China operations Stellantis on March 7 announced key leadership changes in its China operations, appointing Mr. Xin Tianshu as Chief Operating Officer of Stellantis China and head of the Stellantis-Leapmotor strategic alliance. He will also continue to serve as CEO of the Leapmotor International joint venture. 2025 refreshed XPENG G9 arrives in showrooms On March 7, Chinese new energy vehicle maker XPENG announced that the 2025 refreshed XPENG G9 model has officially arrived at stores in 214 cities across China. Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. The 21 green and white stripes represent Illinois' place as the 21st state in the union and also symbolize its "agricultural roots," the firm said. The three six-pointed stars represent the state's northern, central and southern regions, with their 18 points being a reference to the state's founding in 1818. The sun is an homage to the current state flag and also symbolizes renewal, while the blue background stands for unity. Teenagers who do not get the recommended amount of sleep may be at an increased risk for high blood pressure, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025. The meeting will be held in New Orleans, March 6-9, 2025, and features the latest science on population-based health and wellness and implications for lifestyle. Poor sleep is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which claims more lives each year in the U.S. than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined, according to the American Heart Association's 2025 Statistical Update. Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, yet the average high school student is estimated to sleep only 6.5 hours per weeknight. Researchers studied a diverse group of more than 400 teenagers from the Penn State Child Cohort. Participants in the study self-reported insomnia on a questionnaire prior to enrolling in the lab-based sleep study. In the nine-hour overnight sleep study, called a polysomnography, sensors were attached to each participant's head, face and body to measure their sleep duration objectively. The study also included three consecutive blood pressure measurements taken on the night of the sleep study about two-to-three hours before lights were turned off in the lab. "We know that disturbed and insufficient sleep is associated with high blood pressure in adults, particularly in adults who report insomnia and sleep objectively less than six hours, but we do not yet know if these associations exist in adolescents," said senior study author Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry, neuroscience and public health sciences and director of behavioral sleep medicine at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The researchers defined insomnia as reporting difficulty falling and/or staying asleep and defined objective short sleep duration as less than 7.7 hours, based on the median total time asleep in the lab-based sleep study. Teenagers in the study were considered to have elevated blood pressure if they had a systolic, or top number, measurement of 120 mm Hg or higher and a diastolic, or bottom number, measurement of 80 mm Hg or lower. They were considered to have stage 2 hypertension if they had an average systolic blood pressure measurement of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or an average diastolic measure of 90 mm Hg or higher, which aligns with the Association's 2017 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. The researchers found: Teenagers who self-reported insomnia and slept less than 7.7 hours in the lab were five times more likely to have clinical hypertension than "good sleepers" (participants who did not report insomnia and obtained sufficient sleep in the lab, defined as 7.7 hours or more). Teenagers who slept less than 7.7 hours in the lab but did not report insomnia had nearly three times the risk of elevated blood pressure compared to the good sleepers. Teens who self-reported insomnia but obtained sufficient sleep in the lab did not appear to be at higher risk for elevated blood pressure or stage 2 hypertension. These findings suggest the combination of insomnia and inadequate hours of sleep likely contributes to more severe conditions than lack of sleep alone, the researchers noted. While we need to explore this association in larger studies on teens, it is safe to say that sleep health matters for heart health, and we should not wait until adulthood to address it. Not all teens who complain of insomnia symptoms are at risk for cardiovascular issues, however, monitoring their sleep duration objectively can help us identify those who have a more severe form of insomnia and are at-risk for heart problems." Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry, neuroscience and public health sciences and director of behavioral sleep medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Improving one's sleep health is something everyone can do to improve their cardiovascular health and is a key component of the Association's Life's Essential 8. The key components of Life's Essential 8 include eating healthy food, being physically active, not smoking, getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy weight and controlling cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels. "Our findings are important because they call attention to the need to listen to teens who complain of disturbed sleep, to monitor and assess their sleep objectively and help them improve it in order to prevent heart problems early," said the study's first author Axel Robinson, a 17-year-old senior at Pelham Memorial High School in Pelham, New York. Robinson, whose high school offers a four-year science research program, read one of Fernandez-Mendoza's scientific articles when he was in ninth grade and reached out to Fernandez-Mendoza, asking him to become his research mentor. "I have always been personally interested in insomnia, so I pursued two internships with Dr. Fernandez-Mendoza with the goal of learning more about the disorder. Insomnia had bothered me my entire life and I was able to overcome it thanks to what I learned and a therapist he recommended," he said. Study details, background and design: The study group included 421 participants (54% boys and 46% girls, average age 16.5 years) from three school districts in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, metropolitan area. 77% of participants self-identified as white; 13% self-identified as Black; 7% self-identified as Hispanic; and 3% selected "Other." The overnight sleep study and blood pressure measurements occurred between 2010 and 2013, and data analyses were conducted between 2023 and 2024. Of the participants, 35% reported difficulty falling and/or staying asleep (insomnia symptoms) and 50% slept less than 7.7 hours in the lab (objective short sleep duration). Data was collected between 2010 and 2013 through self-reported questionnaires, a polysomnography (a sleep study conducted in a lab) and seated blood pressure measurements collected in the lab the same evening of the sleep studies. The Penn State Child Cohort is ongoing and collecting data from the same participants, now ages 20 to 33 years old. The study's limitations include that it was conducted in a sleep lab, so participants might not have slept as well as if they were at home. Additionally, because all data collection took place between 2010 and 2013, "It is uncertain whether there may be post-COVID increases in adolescent insomnia, depression and anxiety that could impact the results of other studies when replicated now," Fernandez-Mendoza noted. "This study adds to the limited knowledge base about the relation between poor sleep and risk of hypertension during a crucial life stage of development," said Brooke Aggarwal, Ed.D., M.S., FAHA, an assistant professor of medical sciences in the department of medicine's division of cardiology at Columbia University Medical Center and a member of the Association's Lifestyle Sleep Health Science Committee. "Prevention of heart disease is key, and it begins with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle in childhood and adolescence, including optimal sleep. Setting healthy sleep patterns during the teenage years could carry over into adulthood. Similarly, sleep problems that occur during the teen years tend to persist over time and could predispose individuals to increased cardiovascular risk later in life," said Aggarwal, who was not involved in the study. "Besides treatment for any clinical sleep disorders, teens can also practice good sleep hygiene, including creating relaxing bedtime routines, limiting electronics use in the hours before bedtime, avoiding heavy meals before bed, restricting caffeine and participating in daily physical activity." This year, daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9. Daylight saving time is the practice of setting the clocks an hour ahead of standard time to achieve longer evening daylight in the summer months. Following good sleep hygiene, as well as getting as much natural light as possible each day and winding down earlier in the evenings ahead, can help to get ahead of the time change. "Many people, including teens, struggle to adjust and their sleep suffers. Before we all spring ahead, I'd encourage parents and teens to talk about the importance of sleep and make a plan to adjust schedules to ensure everyone gets adequate sleep," Aggarwal said. UCSF researchers are the first to demonstrate that the approach works for the patients who need it the most. Patients who struggle to take daily HIV pills can benefit from long-acting injectable treatments, a new study by researchers at UCSF has found. The strategy could also help stop the spread of HIV by keeping more patients from being infectious. In 2021, federal regulators approved the first long-acting antiretroviral (LA-ART) injectable, which is a combination of long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine. But they only approved it for HIV patients who already had their infections under control with pills. Researchers at UCSF wanted to see if it would work for patients who could not control their infections with pills, whether that was because they had trouble swallowing or remembering, or because they did not have a place to live and faced other life challenges, such as substance use disorder. So, they gave these patients monthly or bimonthly injections and compared their viral loads to other patients who already had their viral loads controlled with oral medication before starting injectable HIV therapy. More than 98% of participants in both groups had what's known as "viral suppression," or undetectable levels of HIV, after 48 weeks. It is the largest and longest such comparison. The paper appears March 6 in JAMA. 'Transformative' for people with adherence challenges The research, which was supported by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, could help stop the spread of HIV, since those who are virally suppressed cannot transmit the virus. And it's a game changer for patients who have trouble maintaining a regimen that requires multiple pills each day. These long-acting treatments are likely to be transformative for people in this population. We've had folks who struggled for years and when we put them on injectables, it's like magic. It's exciting to see success in the population we're most worried about." Matthew Spinelli, MD, assistant professor in the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine at UCSF and first author of the paper The publication of the JAMA article was timed to coincide with the presentation of the findings at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), which is being held in San Francisco from March 9 to 12. The annual conference brings together researchers from around the world who are focused on HIV/AIDS and related conditions. To conduct this evaluation, the researchers relied on patient data from the Special Program on Long-Acting Antiretrovirals to Stop HIV, or SPLASH, at Ward 86, the UCSF HIV/AIDS clinic at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. They studied data from 370 patients 129 of whom had detectable viral load levels when they started on injectables, and 241 of whom did not from January of 2021 through September of 2024. After about 11 months, 99% of those who were virally suppressed when they started the injectable medication continued to have no detectable HIV in their blood. The results were essentially the same for the group that started injectables before getting the virus under control: 98% achieved viral suppression in that period. The paper's senior author, Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, professor of medicine, associate division chief of UCSF's Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, and medical director of the Ward 86 HIV clinic, said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the International Antiviral Society-USA have already updated guidance to recommend this strategy, partially as a result of UCSF's data. "We hope our results will encourage providers around the country to use long-acting ART in those with detectable viral loads and adherence challenges," she said. "It really works." The World Health Organization (WHO) today designated the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands as a WHO Collaborating Centre on artificial intelligence (AI) for health governance. AI has the potential to re-shape health care, save lives and improve health and well-being. However, harnessing its benefits for good requires collaboration from stakeholders committed to robust governance, ethical safeguards, and evidence-based policies. The WHO Collaborating Centre designation recognizes the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology's decades-long history of cutting-edge research on responsible innovation, and its leadership in incorporating ethical values into design requirements for digital technologies. This inauguration marks the continuation of a strong partnership between the Digital Ethics Centre and WHO with the two entities jointly organizing international consultations, workshops, and the development of normative guidance and training in the past. WHO is committed to helping Member States plan, govern, and adopt responsible AI technologies. We are witnessing remarkable progress, with AI poised to transform health systems and support individuals on their health journeys. To ensure these benefits reach everyone ethically, safely, and equitably, we rely on strong technical and academic partnerships that guide us in this rapidly evolving field." Dr. Alain Labrique, Director of Digital Health and Innovation at WHO The Collaborating Centre on AI for health governance will be instrumental in WHO's efforts to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI for health by advancing research on priority topics and providing expert input for WHO's guidance development and policy-making. The Centre will serve as a hub for education and advocacy for science-driven research and facilitate knowledge-sharing and training through regional and country-level workshops. "The fruit of two decades of research in digital ethics and responsible innovation, the Delft Digital Ethics Centre is one of the frontrunners in operationalizing ethical values into design requirements for digital technologies such as artificial intelligence," Professor Jeroen van den Hoven, Scientific Director at Delft Digital Ethics Centre noted. "We look forward to contributing to the global health community and advancing the responsible use of AI in health." The Responsible and Ethical AI for Healthcare Lab, a collaboration between Delft University of Technology and its partners, will provide valuable insight into the challenges involved in the successful implementation of WHO guidance in clinical practice. "The designation of the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology as a WHO Collaborating Centre strengthens our collective ability to ensure AI serves public health equitably and responsibly. This collaboration will play a critical role in supporting Member States to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI, fostering trust, transparency, and innovation in digital health," said Dr David Novillo-Ortiz, Regional Adviser and Unit Head for Data, Evidence and Digital Health at WHO's Regional Office for Europe. The Collaborating Centre on AI for health emphasizes WHO's dedication to evidence-based AI governance, promoting its responsible use while upholding the highest ethical standards. Insilico Medicine("Insilico"), a clinical stage generative artificial intelligence (AI)-driven biotechnology company, recently announced that its breakthrough drug candidate for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) Rentosertib (formerly known as ISM001-055) has been granted an official generic name by the United States Adopted Names (USAN) Council. Rentosertib stands as the first investigational drug in which both the biological target and the therapeutic compound were discovered using generative AI. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, scary lung disease characterized by a progressive and irreversible decline in lung function. Affecting approximately 5 million people worldwide, IPF carries poor prognosis, with a median survival of 3 to 4 years. Current treatments, including antifibrotic drugs, can slow disease progression but do not stop or reverse it, leaving a significant unmet need for more effective, disease-modifying therapies. Insilico adopted a pioneering approach to anti-IPF research by leveraging its proprietary Pharma.AI platform to discover innovative therapeutics with the potential to halt or even reverse disease progression. The process began with PandaOmics, the platform's biology engine, which analyzed vast omics and clinical datasets to identify TNIK (TRAF2 and NCK-interacting kinase) as a promising novel target for IPF. Building on this discovery, researchers used Chemistry42, the platform's generative chemistry engine, to swiftly design and optimize new small-molecule compounds targeting TNIK, leading to the nomination of Rentosertib as the preclinical candidate. This integrated AI-driven workflow drastically accelerated the development timeline, progressing from initial target identification to a preclinical candidate in just 18 months, as detailed in Insilico's Nature Biotechnology paper published in March 2024. Notably, the name Rentosertib is partially derived from Feng Ren, PhD, Insilico's co-CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, who was also the first author of the landmark publication. This is an important moment for the pharmaceutical industry and AI Rentosertib is the first drug whose target and design were discovered by modern generative AI and now it has achieved an official name on the path to patients. The name Rentosertib is especially meaningful to us, as it not only honors Dr. Ren's contributions, but also highlights the essential interplay between human scientific expertise and artificial intelligence in driving this innovative program forward. We hope that Rentosertib's success in IPF will pave the way for faster and more cost-effective discoveries of lifesaving treatments for many other diseases using AI." Alex Zhavoronkov, Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine "I am honored to have witnessed and led Rentosertib from target discovery to clinic development," said Feng Ren, PhD, co-CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of Insilico Medicine, " An official generic name is typically assigned as a drug enters mid-stage development, signifying recognition of its potential as a new therapy. Rentosertib now joins the list of recognized drug candidates and will be referred to by this name in scientific literature and future clinical trials, replacing its laboratory code. We aim to rapidly advance the clinic development of this program, providing innovative options for patients while bringing solid validation for the AI-driven drug discovery industry." Currently, Rentosertib has successfully advanced through multiple clinical studies with encouraging results. In two Phase I trials conducted in New Zealand and China, Rentosertib was administered orally to healthy subjects in Phase I trials, yielding consistent results. The studies demonstrated favorable safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) profiles of Rentosertib, providing robust evidence to support its progression to Phase II clinical trials. Building on this foundation, Insilico carried out a Phase IIa clinical trial in IPF patients to evaluate Rentosertib's efficacy. In this 12-week Phase IIa study, Rentosertib met its primary endpoint of safety and tolerability across all dose levels. Positive results were also reported for the secondary efficacy endpoint, wherein a dose-dependent forced vital capacity (FVC) improvement was observed. Key findings from the Phase IIa trial include: Dose-dependent improvements in lung function: Patients who received Rentosertib showed greater improvements in lung capacity as measured by FVC. At the highest doses of 60mg QD, patients experienced a 98.4 mL mean improvement in FVC from baseline, compared to a mean decline in FVC change from baseline of -62.3 mL for patients in the placebo group. Additional improved clinical outcomes: A similar dose-related trend was observed in other measures for instance, patients on the high dose showed a small improvement in percent predicted FVC (a normalization of lung capacity for age and size), while the placebo group declined. Patients taking Rentosertib also reported improvements in quality-of-life measures such as cough and overall respiratory symptoms at the highest dose. Strong safety and tolerability: Rentosertib continued to demonstrate a favorable safety profile in patients and the drug was well tolerated across all dosing groups. Most drug-related side effects were mild to moderate. No serious adverse events related to Rentosertib were reported, and safety findings were consistent with those seen in the earlier Phase I trials. With the positive Phase IIa results and an official USAN name, Insilico plans to engage with global regulatory authorities and initiate larger pivotal trials to further evaluate Rentosertib's efficacy in IPF. Insilico is dedicated to advancing Rentosertib, with the goal of making it the first AI-discovered therapy to reach patients, providing a critically needed new option for those affected by IPF and showcasing the transformative potential of generative AI in accelerating medical breakthroughs. Researchers have discovered how antibodies help to protect against contagious bacterial infections caused by Strep A, including strep throat. And the findings are already contributing to efforts to accelerate the development of a Strep A vaccine. The research, led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), Monash University and the University of Auckland, using the world's only human challenge model for Strep A, has uncovered how antibodies respond to strep throat infections. MCRI Dr. Joshua Osowicki said the research showed the power and potential for the human model to help crack the secrets of Strep A and accelerate vaccine development. The findings, published in Nature Communications, closely looked at antibodies produced against different parts of Strep A bacteria, comparing blood and saliva results before and after the Strep A challenge. The challenge involved 25 healthy adults in Melbourne who were exposed to a low level of Strep A bacteria in a controlled environment. With Strep A being extremely common and every healthy adult having previously encountered it, all the participants had some antibodies against Strep A before the study." Dr. Joshua Osowicki, MCRI "We found each person's pre-existing antibodies made a difference to what happened when they were exposed during the challenge. For some of the participants, the mixture of antibodies before the challenge helped to protect them from developing a strep throat infection. Even in those who did develop strep throat, with symptoms like a sore throat and fever, it was clear their pre-existing antibodies made a difference to clinical outcomes." Importantly, the response to Strep A in the participants resembled those seen in children who will be first in line for a Strep A vaccine. Dr. Osowicki said developing an effective vaccine had been difficult as there were big gaps in our understanding into how humans were protected against Strep A infections. "The bulk of Strep A research has used animal models but only humans are naturally infected by Strep A," he said. This research helps vaccine developers to answer that key question and proves that we can use our human model to test promising vaccine candidates and explore how they work." The findings come as Dr. Osowicki and his team were awarded a $10 million grant from Wellcome for more research using the Strep A human challenge model to accelerate vaccine development. Under the grant, Dr Osowicki, alongside MCRI colleagues Dr. Hannah Frost and Professor Andrew Steer, will lead an international consortium spanning six institutes across Australia, The Gambia, the UK and New Zealand. The research partners include Monash University, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of New South Wales (Kirby Institute), University of Auckland, and University of Sheffield. The project will also involve major international vaccine developers as part of an advisory group. Wellcome, a UK-based independent charitable foundation, supports innovative projects to help solve the world's most pressing health challenges, including infectious diseases. The project will use the MCRI team's Strep A human challenge model in trial participants in Australia and The Gambia to test different ideas about which kinds of immune responses stop people from getting Strep A infections. A vaccine that can produce similar responses should prevent infections across the whole Strep A disease spectrum. Strep A infections affect about 750 million people and kill more than 500,000 globally every year, more than influenza, typhoid or whooping cough. Strep A can also cause severe life-threatening infections like toxic shock syndrome, flesh eating disease and post-infectious illnesses such as acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease and kidney disease. Strep A vaccine research is one response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) resolution for a global, coordinated response into rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Dr. Frost said by developing the world's only Strep A human challenge model, our team had changed the vaccine development landscape. "With this funding from Wellcome, we will answer some of the biggest and most stubborn questions that are standing in the way of developing, licensing and implementing a successful Strep A vaccine," she said. "While this was traditionally a long and difficult process, bringing world experts and industry partners together would fast-track efforts to address the unmet global public health need for a safe and effective Strep A vaccine." Professor Steer said the project could help prevent Strep A related illness and death around the world. "There is a huge need for the development of a vaccine to reduce the burden of Strep A disease and we are proud to lead this work out of MCRI," he said. Another major benefit of this vaccine would be the reduction of rheumatic heart disease rates globally, a preventable illness that has been identified as a global priority." Transposons, or "jumping genes" DNA segments that can move from one part of the genome to another are key to bacterial evolution and the development of antibiotic resistance. Cornell University researchers have discovered a new mechanism these genes use to survive and propagate in bacteria with linear DNA, with applications in biotechnology and drug development. In a paper under embargo in Science until 2pm ET on March 6, 2025, researchers show that transposons can target and insert themselves at the ends of linear chromosomes, called telomeres, within their bacterial host. In Streptomyces historically one of the most significant bacteria for antibiotic development they found that transposons controlled the telomeres in nearly a third of the chromosomes. This is a big part of their biology. Bacteria are like these little tinkerers. They're always collecting these mobile DNA pieces, and they're making new functions all the time everything in antibiotic resistance is really about mobile genetic elements and almost always transposons that can move between bacteria." Joseph Peters, senior author, professor of microbiology, Cornell University With some technologies not available even five years ago, the researchers identified several families of transposons in cyanobacteria and Streptomyces that, using different mechanisms, can find and insert themselves at the telomere, with benefits for the transposon and their bacterial host. For one, inserting at the end of the chromosome helps the transposon avoid genes for the cell's core functioning, which reside in the middle of the chromosomes; transposons that can target the ends are less likely to disrupt an essential function or cause cell death. "If you could target the end, you're less likely to knock out something that the host wants, and then these ends, by various systems, are transferred between cells," Peters said. "For any element to survive a transposon, bacteria they really need to be able to do those two things: They need to not cause too much damage, and they need a way to move to new hosts. By inserting into the telomeres, they're able to do both." Transposons have been found clustered at the chromosome ends in eukaryotic cells, but this is the first time it's been documented in bacteria with linear chromosomes, and the researchers found that bacterial transposons (versus eukaryotes) use unique mechanisms to control the telomeres. Transposons are usually flanked by protein-binding sequences that indicate where to excise the DNA element and move it to a new location. In Streptomyces, researchers observed that the transposons at the telomeres were one-sided, with a traditional transposon sequence on one end with the other end being the telomere. This functionally allows the transposon to be the telomere, making it essential to the cell generally. "What it lets them do is become essential to the host, because they now control the telomere, and if the element got deleted along with this system, the host would die," Peters said. The researchers found one subfamily of telomere-targeting transposons that coopted a CRISPR system normally used by bacteria to defend against viruses to target and insert itself into the chromosome ends. This process is further confirmation of previous research in Peters' lab that found transposons using CRISPR systems to move around genomes, opening the potential for a new gene-editing tool that would allow for larger sections of DNA to be inserted than the now widely used CRISPR-Cas9. "The transposons keep grabbing these systems and coopting them in different ways," Peters said. "In this paper, we explained a new one of these elements using a CRISPR-Cas system to target the telomeres." The insights especially into Streptomyces, which is difficult to manipulate in the lab and accounts for the discovery of many of our antibiotics could prove useful for drug development, as transposons drive bacterial evolution and may direct researchers to new antibiotics and other useful products encoded on these transposons. "Most of life on the planet is microbes, and specifically bacteria," Peters said. "We want to understand how these living organisms function, but then we want to see how we can use these systems for the betterment of humankind." Co-authors include postdoctoral researchers Shan-Chi (Popo) Hsieh and Michael T. Petassi; doctoral student Richard Schargel; and partners at the University of Geneva, Orsolya Barabas and Mate Fulop. The research was supported with funding from the National Institutes of Health and the European Research Council. TRIMTECH Therapeutics, a biotech company harnessing targeted protein degradation (TPD) for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the closing of its $31 million (25 million) seed funding round. The financing was led by Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC) and SV Health Investors Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF), with M Ventures and Pfizer Ventures joining. Additional investors also include Eli Lilly and Company, MP Healthcare Venture Management (MPH), Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, and Start Codon. The investment will support further development of the Companys growing pipeline of potent, CNS (central nervous system) penetrant therapeutics based on its aggregate-selective degrader molecules known as TRIMTACs. The pipeline is focused around the development of treatments for severe neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders, including Alzheimers and Huntingtons disease. TRIMTECH is leveraging the innate properties of the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 to selectively and potently degrade protein aggregates associated with a range of diseases which are not well served by current TPD approaches. This novel approach harnesses TRIM21s unique properties in the form of the Companys TRIMTAC degrader molecules to develop medicines that address the needs of large patient populations with limited treatment options. The Company was founded by CIC and DDF in conjunction with their joint entrepreneur-in-residence, Damian Crowther, and academic co-founders Leo James (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology) and Will McEwan (UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Cambridge). TRIMTECH has also appointed the following leading life science executives to the Board of Directors: Michael Anstey, Partner at Cambridge Innovation Capital); Laurence Barker, Partner at SV Health Investors (SV); Hakan Goker, Managing Director at M Ventures; Jeffrey Moore, President at MP Healthcare Venture Management; Marie-Claire Peakman, Partner at Pfizer Ventures. This oversubscribed financing round and the outstanding quality of our investor syndicate is a great endorsement of TRIMTECHs unique approach to targeting the selective removal of aggregated proteins that underpin so many CNS diseases, and recognizes our impressive scientific foundations and world class team. We extend our thanks to all of our supporters and look forward to working with the new Board members, as we now push forward with progressing the pipeline. Nicola Thompson, CEO, TRIMTECH Therapeutics The team at DDF is thrilled to co-lead the creation of TRIMTECH to advance its TRIMTAC platform, which harnesses TRIM21s unique ability to degrade aggregated proteins while preserving functional monomers. While targeted protein degradation has revolutionized drug discovery, effective clearance of protein aggregates remains a major challenge. TRIMTECHs differentiated approach directly addresses this gap, opening new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative conditions and beyond. Laurence Barker, Partner, SV Health Investors Dementia Discovery Fund Prof Sun (front row, second left) meets representatives of the Oeiras Valley Investment Agency to discuss collaboration between the innovative parks of Hong Kong and Portugal. Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong (second right) visits Taguspark to learn about its effort in promoting economic activities covering multiple areas. Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong toured the largest Portugese science and technology park and incubator during his visit to Lisbon, Portugal, yesterday. Prof Sun, together with a delegation of Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) sector, explored Taguspark to ascertain its latest effort in pooling technology companies to move in, developing applied science and technology and promoting economic activities. He then met representatives of the Oeiras Valley Investment Agency where he received a briefing on its work in promoting the municipalitys economic growth and attracting investment. He also exchanged views with the agency on the collaboration between the innovative parks of Hong Kong and Portugal, as well as investment and exchanges among enterprises in the two places. In the evening, the technology chief met Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Portuguese Republic Zhao Bentang. He briefed Mr Zhao on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Governments initiatives to promote I&T and develop new industrialisation in its quest to support the city's economic growth. They also explored ways to enhance Hong Kongs co-operation with Portugal in I&T. Prof Sun plans to return to Hong Kong tomorrow. PM Internship Scheme 2025 Registration Ends Next Week: Eligibility, Details, How To Apply Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 13:31 IST PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) is a government initiative announced by FM Sitharaman in Budget 2024-25; Here's how to apply PM Internship Scheme 2025 PM Internship Scheme 2025: The registration for the PM Internship Scheme 2025 is set to close next week. This initiative, launched by the Government of India, aims to provide opportunities for youth to gain valuable experience by working closely with various ministries and departments. The scheme offers a platform for young individuals to contribute to governance, policymaking, and project implementation while gaining insights into the functioning of the government. What is the PM Internship Scheme? Recommended Stories The PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) is a government initiative announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2024-25. It aims to provide young individuals with practical exposure to professional work environments. Under this scheme, selected interns will be placed in Indias top 500 companies, gaining hands-on experience that enhances their career prospects. Eligibility Criteria for PM Internship Scheme 2025 To apply for the PM Internship Scheme 2025, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements: Age Limit : Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years as of the start of the internship. : Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years as of the start of the internship. Educational Qualifications : Candidates should have completed or be in the final year of their undergraduate or postgraduate courses in any discipline. Preference is given to students with a strong academic record. : Candidates should have completed or be in the final year of their undergraduate or postgraduate courses in any discipline. Preference is given to students with a strong academic record. Skills: Candidates should possess good communication, research, and analytical skills. Experience in project work or familiarity with government processes can be an added advantage. Internship Duration and Stipend The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is designed to provide a structured learning experience. The duration of the internship is typically between 2 to 6 months, depending on the ministry or department. Interns will receive a stipend to cover their expenses during the period of their internship. This will not only help them sustain themselves but also provide a motivational incentive to perform well. Each intern will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 for the entire 12-month internship period. The company employing the intern will initially pay a monthly payment of Rs 500, based on attendance, performance, and good conduct. Once the company completes the payment, the Government of India will transfer the remaining Rs 4,500 immediately to the interns Aadhaar-linked bank account. In addition to the monthly stipend, interns will receive a one-time grant of Rs 6,000 from the government upon enrolling. This will also be transferred to their bank account. Insurance Insurance coverage shall be provided to each intern under the insurance schemes of the Government of India through the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, , for which the premium amount shall be given by the Government of India. In addition, the company may also provide additional accidental insurance coverage to the interns. How to Apply for PM Internship Scheme 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all To apply for the PM Internship Scheme 2025, candidates must follow these steps: Visit the Official Website: Go to the official PM Internship Scheme portal to begin the application process. Create an Account: Applicants will need to register by providing their basic details such as name, age, and educational background. Submit Documents: Upload relevant documents, including your resume, academic transcripts, and a brief statement of purpose explaining why you wish to intern with the government. Select Preferences: Applicants will be asked to choose the ministry or department they would like to work with. While preferences are considered, placement depends on availability. Submit Application: Once all details are filled in, submit the application before the registration deadline. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 13:31 IST How Much Do You Save If You Buy Gold From Dubai, What Is Import Duty, Quantity Allowed? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 12:39 IST The gold price in Dubai on March 7 stood at 3,260 AED per 10 grams, which is almost 11.5% cheaper than the Rs 87,480 per 10 grams gold being sold in Mumbai. Actress Ranya Rao was arrested for allegedly smuggling gold from Dubai. (Photo: X,Representative) Gold Price In Dubai, Mumbai & Import Duty: Even as Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been arrested at the Bengaluru airport following the seizure of 14.2 kg gold, it is being hailed as one of the biggest recoveries in recently times. Rao was arrested following arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight. Why did she bring the yellow metal from Dubai into India? According to an estimate, the market price of gold in Dubai is over 11.5 per cent cheaper as compared with Mumbai. According to investigators, Ranya Rao had allegedly smuggled the gold by wearing a significant portion of it and concealing gold bars in her clothing. The authorities grew suspicious after noticing that she had travelled to Dubai four times in 15 days, prompting a targeted operation upon her return. Preliminary investigations suggest that the actress may have attempted to use her connections to bypass customs checks. Recommended Stories What Is the Price Of Gold In Dubai, Mumbai, And International Market? The gold price in Dubai on March 7 stood at 3,260 AED per 10 grams (UAE Dirham). In dollar terms, the price is $887.63 per 10 grams. In rupee terms, it is Rs 77,281.46. This is almost 11.58 per cent cheaper than the Rs 87,480 per 10 grams (nearly $1,003.92) gold being sold in Mumbai. In the international market, gold is trading at $2,908.9 an ounce in New York-based commodity exchange. For 10 grams, it is higher than both Dubai and Mumbai at $1,026.08. An ounce has 28.3495 grams. What Is Tariff Value Or Base Rate Of Gold? When you bring gold from Dubai to India, the customs duty is imposed based on the government-notified rate of gold (called tariff value or base rate), not the price at which you bought it in Dubai. Currently, the tariff price of gold stands at $927 per 10 grams. It was reduced on February 28 by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) from the $938 earlier. What Is The Import Duty On Gold? The import duty of gold currently stands at 6 per cent. It was reduced from 15 per cent to 6 per cent in the Union Budget 2024-25 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. How Much Do You Save On Gold From Dubai? If you bring gold from Dubai, a 6 per cent duty is levied on the gold tariff value of $927, which comes out to be $55.62. If you convert it into rupee, it will be around Rs 4,842 per 10 grams (taking $1 = 87.06). Even if you pay $55.62 customs duty on gold from Dubai, the yellow metal will cost you $943.25 (your Dubai cost of $887.63 + customs duty of $55.62) per 10 grams. In rupee terms, it is Rs 82,119.34, which is cheaper by Rs 5,360 than the Rs 87,480 in Mumbai. How Much Gold Are You Allowed To Carry On International Flights? Under the Passport Act of 1967, Indian passengers are allowed to carry up to 1kg of gold, with specific duty-free allowances: 20 grams for men and 40 grams for women (with a value cap of Rs 1 lakh only in the case of a woman passenger. Children are allowed to bring 20/40 grams of gold, with a value limit of Rs 50,000/Rs 1,00,000 depending on gender. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Passengers of Indian origin or those with a valid passport returning to India after at least six months of staying abroad are permitted to import gold in their baggage. However, brief visits made during this six-month period will be disregarded if they do not exceed a total of 30 days and if the passenger has not already taken advantage of this exemption during those short visits. Importing gold in baggage is strictly prohibited for all other passengers. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 12:30 IST LSE, Columbia University Students To Get Rs 1 Crore: Karnataka's Big Push To Education In Budget | Know Other Sops Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 14:47 IST Karnataka government has announced to establish a new Medical College in Puttur, Dakshina Kannada district. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah presents his 16th budget with a Rs 4 lakh crore outlay, including Rs 1 crore aid for top students, 500 new public schools, and 16 new women's colleges. (Image/PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is presenting his 16th budget, which is expected to have an outlay of Rs 4 lakh crore, marking an increase from last years Rs 3.71 lakh crore. The Karnataka Legislative session began on March 3, with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlots address. Among the key highlights of this years budget, the state has outlined significant investments in the education sector, focusing on expanding access to quality education, improving infrastructure, and supporting marginalized communities. The Karnataka state government has made several important announcements aimed at strengthening educational opportunities for students across various sectors. Some of the key education-related measures include: Recommended Stories Financial Support For Students In Prestigious Institutions: Eligible students admitted to top institutions like the London School of Economics (LSE) and Columbia University will receive Rs 1 crore in financial assistance. Scholarship Program: Rs 120 crore has been sanctioned for student scholarships to continue supporting deserving candidates in their academic pursuits. Upgradation Of Residential Schools: 31 residential schools for SC/ST and backward class students will be upgraded to Pre-University (PU) colleges to enhance educational opportunities for marginalized communities. Public Schools Expansion: 500 new Karnataka Public Schools will be set up with support from the Asian Development Bank, at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore. Residential Schools for Construction Workers Children: New residential schools will be built for the children of construction workers to ensure they receive quality education. High School and School Infrastructure Upgrades: 50 high schools will be upgraded, and 100 government primary schools will receive additional facilities to enhance infrastructure. Hostel Repairs: Rs 25 crore has been allocated for repairs to student hostels to improve accommodation for students. New Medical College in Puttur: A new Medical College will be established in Puttur, Dakshina Kannada district, to improve healthcare education. Infrastructure Development: 61 KREIS residential schools will receive new buildings at a cost of Rs 1,292 crore to improve the learning environment. Womens Colleges: 16 new womens colleges will be established in Waqf institution plots in 2025-26 to provide better access to higher education for women. Promotion of Buddhist Studies: A Buddhist Study Academy will be set up in Bengaluru to promote research and learning in Buddhist studies. Digitalization Of Mahabodhi Study Centre Library: The century-old library at the Mahabodhi Study Centre in Bengaluru will be digitalized and upgraded with an allocation of Rs 1 crore. Training For Minority Students: Special training programs will be provided to minority students to help them prepare for competitive exams. Honorarium Increases: Monthly honorariums for government school cooks will be increased by Rs 1,000, and guest teachers and lecturers will receive an additional Rs 2,000 as a monthly honorarium. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Agricultural Education: A new agricultural college will be established in Athani to promote agricultural education in the state. Expansion of Commerce Stream: The Commerce stream will be introduced in 62 Morarji Desai Residential Schools for Minorities, where PU classes were introduced in the 2023-24 academic year. First Published: March 07, 2025, 14:43 IST TS SSC Hall Tickets 2025 To Be Released Soon, Check Steps To Download Class 10 Admit Cards Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 13:30 IST TS SSC Hall Tickets 2025: Telangana Class 10 exams are scheduled to be held from March 21 to April 4, 2025. TS SSC Hall Tickets 2025: Class 10 admit cards will be released at- bse.telangana.gov.in. TS SSC Hall Tickets 2025: The Directorate of Government Examinations, Telangana, is set to release the hall tickets for Class 10 students ahead of the TS SSC exams. Students who have registered for the exams can download their hall tickets from the official website, bse.telangana.gov.in, once the link is made available. The TS SSC exams are scheduled to begin on March 21 with the first language papers and will conclude on April 4 with the OSSC Main Language Paper-II exams, including Sanskrit and Arabic. How To Download TS SSC Hall Ticket 2025? Recommended Stories Step 1: Visit the official website of the Directorate of Government Examinations, Telangana, at bse.telangana.gov.in. Step 2: Locate and click on the TS SSC hall ticket download link on the homepage. Step 3: Enter the required login details. Step 4: Submit the information and download your hall ticket. Step 5: Take a printout for use on the exam day. In case of any discrepancies on the hall ticket, students are advised to promptly inform the board to initiate necessary corrections before the exams begin. Corrections can be made online via the Application Correction" link, subject to a fee. Once approved by the Divisional Board, the corrected admit card will be available for download through the Correction Admit Card" link. TS SSC Board Exam 2025 Schedule March 21, 2025 First Language (Group A), First Language Part I (Composite Course), First Language Part II (Composite Course) March 22, 2025 Second Language March 24, 2025 Third Language (English) March 26, 2025 Mathematics March 28, 2025 Science Part I (Physical Science) March 29, 2025 Science Part II (Biological Science) April 2, 2025 Social Studies April 3, 2025 OSSC Main Language Paper I (Sanskrit and Arabic), SSC Vocational Course (Theory) April 4, 2025 OSSC Main Language Paper II (Sanskrit and Arabic) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Last Years TS SSC Exam Stats: In the previous year, a total of 5,05,813 students appeared for the TS SSC exams. Of these, 4,91,862 students successfully passed. The exams were conducted from March 18 to April 2, with a total of 5,08,385 students appearing. Among the candidates, 2,57,952 were boys, and 2,50,433 were girls. Impressively, 3,927 schools achieved a 100% pass rate, while six schools had a 0% pass rate. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 13:27 IST How Dubai Became 'The City Of Gold' For Both Investors & Smugglers | Exploring Amid Ranya Rao's Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 07:50 IST Ranya Rao Case: Dubai became the hub of gold trade but it also turned into the favourite destination of gold smugglers and money launderers who washed their dirty cash. Dubais Gold Trade: A hub for investors & smugglers amid the Ranya Rao case. (Source: AFP) Dubais Gold Rush: Dubai, popularly known as the City of Gold", has become one of the worlds biggest gold trading and investment hubs in the last 20 years. Along with Dubai becoming a gold hub", the entire United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the second-biggest importer of gold by volume in the world, just behind India. Recommended Stories The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) and the citys iconic gold souks stand as a testament to the power of gold in the global gold market. The glimmer and lustre of Dubai indeed attracted millions of tourists from across the world, but it also turned out to be the favourite hub of gold smugglers and money launderers who washed their dirty cash. Dubai has again come under the spotlight for being the den of gold smugglers with the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case in which the actor and daughter of a senior IPS officer was caught at Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) with 14.2kg gold bars strapped to her body when she was returning from Dubai on March 3. How Dubai Turned Into The City Of Gold? The iconic Dubai Gold Souk in Deira, which is the hub of retailers, investors and tourists, came into existence in the early 1900s. In the beginning, it was established by some local jewellers at the banks of Dubai Creek. These jewellers were trading along the spice route. The gold market mushroomed in the 1940s when Iranian and Indian entrepreneurs started setting up shops because of new trade policies, which favoured them. However, the market boomed decades after the 1970s when the oil was discovered. Today, the Gold Souk is one of the most iconic locations in Dubai. It hosts more than 300 retailers, investors and millions of tourists. How Did The Dubai Government Nurture Gold Trade? The government of Dubai has nurtured the gold trade in the city for years. Amongst the key initiatives taken are the launch of the DGCX in 2005 and the establishment of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) in 2002. Because of these initiatives of the Dubai government, a regulated and transparent environment was created for traders, which also boosted the confidence of the investor. What Are Key Gold Trading Centres In Dubai? Dubai Gold Souk Dubai Gold Souk is one of the iconic gold markets which welcomes more than 300 retailers who sell gold jewellery, bullion, and coins to tourists and investors. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) The DMCC Free Zone drives the gold trade of Dubai. It has 15,000 businesses and all services related to gold refining, trading, and logistics are provided here. DMCCs Almas Tower is a hub for gold and diamond traders. Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) The DGCX is a platform to trade gold futures and derivatives. It offers risk management and price transparency tools. The DGCX reported a trading volume of over 7.6 million contracts in 2022. Gold Refining Facilities Dubai has some of the largest gold refineries in the world, which include Emirates Gold and Kaloti Precious Metals. Through these facilities, the golds purity and quality are ensured before it gets traded in the emirate. How Online Gold Trading Platforms Revolutionised Investment? The gold trade value of Dubai went beyond $75 billion in 2022, which was nearly 11% of the global gold market. The gold imports of the emirate remained at 559 metric tonnes while the exports touched 350 metric tonnes. Amid the booming gold market, gold investment was revolutionised in Dubai by the introduction of digital platforms like DMCC Tradeflow. With the introduction of digital platforms, retail investments in online gold trading platforms and gold ETFs saw a 25% growth in 2022. Why Is Gold Cheaper In Dubai In Comparison To India? Gold is cheaper in Dubai because no GST and goods tax is levied on gold in the city. On the other hand, there is a 3% GST on gold in India. The world-class refineries of Dubai also ensure that gold is refined at a cheap manufacturing cost. Gold has always remained exempted from taxes in Dubai. Because of this exclusion from taxes, the prices of gold in Dubai have always been lower. Along with GST, India levies other taxes on gold like customs. In comparison to Dubai, the cost of gold is 15 to 20% higher in India. The lack of any world-class refining and storage facilities in India also pushes the prices of gold. How Has UAE Become A Smuggling Hub? With the passing of time, the UAE, especially Dubai, has established itself as one of the burgeoning marketplaces for the precious metal. The refineries and Dubai Gold Souk have further expanded UAEs position as one of the major gold hubs. The lack of any local gold forces the UAE to import gold from various countries, and importers choose whatever way possible legitimate or illegitimate. In 2019, gold was the largest exported commodity of the UAE after oil with $17.7 billion worth of gold exported. The importance of gold has continued to increase in Dubai amid dwindling oil reserves. This dominance of gold in the market of UAE further paved the way for dirty gold trade, money laundering and smuggling. As per a report published by Swissaid, the UAE is the leading recipient of illicit gold which is smuggled from the African continent every year. As per the report, 2,500 tonnes of gold smuggled from Africa reached the UAE between 2012 and 2022. So, whats making it easier for gold mafias to penetrate Dubai? The free zones of Dubai which are the trade areas created to facilitate the easy establishment of companies by foreign investors remain at the heart of the plans created by mafias. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all No taxes and duties, policies allowing quick repatriation of profits and negligible bureaucratic red tape further help the gold mafias. Speaking to Al Jazeera, former United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigator Karen Greenaway said, Dubai was set up to be a financial capital. They have set themselves up to be in the middle of the gold trade, with lax laws and no enforcement." Location : Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Published: March 06, 2025, 07:51 IST Self-Proclaimed HIV Healer, Social Media Star, Sexual Abuse Accused: Who Is 'Yeshu Yeshu' Bajinder Singh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 15:09 IST Pastor Bajinder Singh also known as 'Papa' or 'Yeshu Yeshu' has been booked in a sexual harassment case in Punjab's Jalandhar district Pastor Bajinder Singh or Papa has almost 4 million subscribers on YouTube and a controversial past. (YouTube screengrab) Main toh sab ko bolta hoon, meri toh nikal padi bhai, mera itna good luck hogaya jabse mere sar pe aapne haath dala hain mujhe blessings di," actor Chunky Pandey, attending Pastor Bajinder Singhs event, became a subject of ridicule back in September of 2024. Pandey expressed that Bajinder Singh, viral for his yeshu yeshu" miracles, had blessed him with good luck. Aditya Pancholi and Sunil Pal who were also attendees of Singhs congregation faced similar social media backlash. The pastor also known as Papa" has now been booked in a sexual harassment case in Punjabs Jalandhar district. According to the complaint, a woman alleged that Singh took her number and started sending her messages after she began visiting a church with her parents in Jalandhar in 2017. The woman alleged that the pastor touched her inappropriately, hugged her as he made her sit in a cabin in church by herself. Recommended Stories Also Read: Punjab: Pastor Bajinder Singh Booked for Sexual Harassment Who is Bajinder Singh? Pastor Bajinder Singh informs a gathering that he has a prophesy that three big film stars are going to be in big trouble or going to die on the spot." The 3-minute YouTube video includes news bytes of Sri Devis untimely demise, a news anchor reading Salman Khans 5-year jail sentence. This was posted back in 2018. Views? 6.9 million. In another video viewed by 8 million, Pastor Bajinder Singh heals birth disability with anointed water, salt, a lot of cheering and music in the background as he blurts hallelujah" ecstatically. Its akin to a concert. A stage, a mic, and plenty in the crowd taking in all the magic they are witnessing by their Papa. A sermon by him teaches how to get rich quickly, a certain other clip and we see a girl with a hunchback starts walking, thanks to pastors supernatural powers. Joined in 2015, Singhs YouTube boasts of 59,47,17,148 views generated from 1813 videos uploaded on the platform. Also Read: Chunky Panday, Aditya Pancholi and Sunil Pal Trolled For Attending Pastor Bajinder Singhs Event Yeshu Yeshu Bajinder Singh social media star 3.7 million subscribers on YouTube, a million followers on Instagram. Bajinder Singhs social media presence, even while being extremely elaborate, never really reached the mainstream attention. This was going to change when the Mera Yeshu Yeshu" video surfaced on the Internet in 2021, 7 years after it was originally uploaded. Late .But still vibing on "Mera yeshu yeshu Mera yeshu yeshu "Damn too hilarious Behan bolne lagi pic.twitter.com/CECearb9iv SKY (@Shakal_Pe_Matja) August 25, 2021 Troubling past top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A Haryanvi jat, Bajinder Singh has had a controversial past. Singh got converted to Christianity about a decade back while he was in jail in a murder case. He became a self-styled preacher in 2012, practising miracle healing" and claiming to cure fatal diseases. In 2018, Singh was arrested at New Delhis Indira Gandhi International airport while he was flying to London in an alleged rape case against him which is being heard at Mohali, a report by Indian Express stated. 3 years later in 2021, the controversial pastor was in National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights radar when they flagged his video involving a boy indulging in superstitious activities, the report added. In another instance, a Delhi family accused the pastor of taking money for the treatment of their daughter who passed away to cancer. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 15:08 IST Bengaluru City University To Be Renamed After Dr Manmohan Singh, Says Siddaramaiah Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 11:56 IST The announcement came as the chief minister, who holds the Finance portfolio, presented his record 16th Budget on March 7, 2025. Bengaluru City University (BCU), formerly Bengaluru Central University, is a state varsity in Bengaluru formed in 2017 and renamed in 2020. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said Bengaluru City University will be renamed as Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University. The announcement regarding the Bengaluru City University (BCU), formerly Bengaluru Central University, a state varsity in Bengaluru formed in 2017 and renamed in 2020, came as the chief minister presented his record 16th Budget on March 7, 2025. Recommended Stories Siddaramaiah, who holds the Finance portfolio, claimed that the state government has maintained fiscal deficit of the state for the financial year 2025-26. The total expenditure estimated for the financial year 2025-26 is Rs.4,09,549 crores which includes revenue expenditure of Rs. 3,11,739 crores, capital botem expenditure of Rs. 71,336 crores and loan repayment of Rs. 26,474 crores. According to the Karnataka governments Budget, for the financial year 2025-26, revenue deficit is estimated to be Rs. 19,262 crores, which is 0.63 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Fiscal Deficit is estimated to be Rs. 90,428 crores, which is 2.95 per cent of GSDP. Total liabilities at the end of 2025-26 is estimated to be Rs. 7,64,655 crores, which is 24.91 per cent of GSDP. By keeping fiscal deficit and total outstanding liabilities within the limits mandated under Karnataka Fiscal Responsibility Act, we have maintained fiscal discipline in the financial year 2025-26," said the Chief Minister. The Karnataka government in this Budget has given priority to basic infrastructure in Bengaluru city and announced measures to battle traffic congestion in the city. In this budget, the yearly grant of Rs. 3,000 crores which was being provided to Bengaluru city, has been enhanced to Rs. 7,000 crores in the current year. Additionally, a new Special Purpose Vehicle will be established to utilise these grants and implement major developmental works on priority. According to the Budget, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has yielded an additional revenue of Rs. 4,556 crores through various reforms and substantially increasing property tax collection. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The government has stood guarantee to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for an amount of Rs. 19,000 crores for undertaking the North-South and the East-West corridors (tunnels) at a cost of Rs. 40,000 crores. To mitigate vehicular congestion and to intended to make major roads of Bengaluru ensure smooth movement of traffic, a 40.5 km double decker flyover will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 8,916 crores along with Namma Metro Phase 3 Project. About the Author Poulami Kundu Poulami Kundu is a senior copy editor with News 18's general news desk. She hails from Guwahati and has over six years of experience in print and digital media. Poulami is a voracious reader, hodophile, and an ... Read More Poulami Kundu is a senior copy editor with News 18's general news desk. She hails from Guwahati and has over six years of experience in print and digital media. Poulami is a voracious reader, hodophile, and an ... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 11:40 IST Bangladesh Disorder Puts India At Risk With Terrorist Groups, Illegal Immigrants Sensing Opportunity: Intel Note | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 19:28 IST Another serious concern is the involvement of these people in drug trafficking, especially methamphetamine into the north-eastern states, said the sources BSF personnel patrol the border with Bangladesh near the Fulbari Border post, some 20 km from Siliguri. (File photo/PTI) The fragile situation in Bangladesh is allowing terror groups to operate freely, and there is a fear that they can enter India to carry out attacks, an intelligence note accessed by CNN-News18 on Bangladeshi and Rohingya illegal immigrants says. The influx of immigrants has posed serious socio-economic and political security concerns for India, it says. Recommended Stories The note says illegal immigration is happening from West Bengal, where infiltrators use unmanned stretches. The Bengal route is used by both Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, and touts are available on both sides. Also, north-eastern states have rivers, forests, and hills to facilitate immigration, it says. Interconnected fake document agents are working in all states to help them with ID cards Indian passports are available for different price ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 2 lakh, it says. Bangladeshi nationals enter India and go to the states where ready-made garment factories, construction, and gold ornament industries are offering good daily wages, says the note. According to top intelligence sources, after illegal entry, these people come in touch with agents who help them with fake documents, and they move to a third place of their choice. They fly abroad also by using Indian passports. Rohingyas also enter illegally and, as a first step, they procure the UNHCR refugee cards and move to Hyderabad or Jammu, where they have Rohingya camps," said a source. These Rohingya also procure Indian fake identities and get employment in garbage or meat processing units and construction. Rohingyas and Bangladeshis are found to be involved in human trafficking, especially of Rohingya women who are sold for marriage or flesh trade." Another serious concern is the involvement of these people in drug trafficking, especially methamphetamine (YaBa) into the north-eastern states, said the sources. These groups make their settlements and come into contact with foreign agencies, NGOs, and Muslim groups. These groups first do their funding, and later some are used for different purposes, including spying. Due to illegal immigrants, the demography of different places has changed, and this is a major socio-economic and political challenge," said a source. The political challenge is emerging because these illegal immigrants have fake documents to vote, and agencies fear a major shift in political selection." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sometimes, terrorists too have entered India in the garb of illegal immigrants, the sources said. These terrorists are from ABT and JMB, and they contact sleeper cells in India for their rehabilitation, where they work for them, initially in small crimes and later some big terror activity. Recently, ABT cadres have been arrested from Kolkata, Hyderabad, Gulbarga, Pune, and Mumbai," a source said. Around 17 Bangladeshi nationals associated with ABT and 15 with JMB have been arrested." About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: March 07, 2025, 19:28 IST President Donald Trump took action last weekend to increase domestic logging by circumventing environmental protections and to staunch the flow of imported timber and lumber products into the country, primarily from Canada. A pair of executive orders March 1 one addressing timber and wood product imports, the other addressing logging on federal lands drew swift praise from the logging industry, searing condemnation from environmental and wildlife groups, and concern from the construction industry over higher prices of tariff-hit building materials. The order on domestic logging, titled "Immediate expansion of American timber production," pertains to federal land under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, an agency in the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Land Management, an agency in the Department of the Interior. The Forest Service accounted for much of the U.S. domestic timber production through the 1990s but now represents only a sliver of domestic harvest. The order rolls back the degree to which the agencies have to comply with the Endangered Species Act or consider negative environmental impacts of logging and forest thinning projects. Contrary to a slew of social media posts criticizing the order, it does not call for or mention clear-cutting the roughly 280 million acres of forest under Forest Service and BLM control. Clear-cutting is not mentioned at all in the order. However, because the order significantly lowers the regulatory hurdles for logging projects, it will be easier for environmentally damaging clear-cut logging to be approved. "This executive order will decimate our federal forests," a consortium of environmental and wildlife groups wrote in a March 1 statement. "It will use tax dollars to line the pockets of corporate logging interests, undermine environmental laws, and take public forests out of public hands. This directive is part of a pattern to undermine science, gut the federal workforce, and privatize our public lands. Clearcutting our public lands for private profit will destroy mature and old-growth forests, pollute our air and water, and in bypassing the Endangered Species Act, actively drive vulnerable wildlife to extinction." The joint statement, from the Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, Earthjustice, Oregon Wild and WildEarth Guardians, noted that the Trump Administration recently picked logging executive Tom Schultz as the new chief of the Forest Service. In contrast, logging industry group the American Forest Resource Council expressed "strong support" for both executive orders. The group's president, Travis Joseph, called them "common sense directives Americans support and want from their federal government." "Our federal forests have been mismanaged for decades," Joseph said in a statement Monday. "Americans have paid the price in almost every way. Lost jobs, lost manufacturing, and infrastructure. Lost recreational opportunities like hunting and fishing, and access to our lands. Degraded wildlife populations, water, and air. Landscapes and communities devastated by wildfire. Our federal forests are facing an emergency. Its time to start treating it like one by taking immediate action." Recent data from the 2025 Conservation in the West Poll of eight western states including Montana showed that 60% of voters in the Rocky Mountain and Intermountain West oppose increasing access for commercial logging on public lands. What the order does Normally, the Forest Service and BLM are required to consult the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the agency that implements and enforces the Endangered Species Act on projects like logging or thinning work that could harm protected species. Projects generally are not legally allowed to harm such species. The executive order on timber production directs the Secretary of the Interior to convene the rarely used Endangered Species Committee, which can exempt projects from complying with the landmark law. The committee can give emergency approval to projects, allowing them to proceed even if they will harm a protected species or result in its extinction. Historically, the committee has been used to aid recovery from natural disasters, not to expedite resource extraction. The order further directs the heads of the Forest Service and BLM to use "categorical exclusions" for forest thinning projects and the salvage of trees in forests damaged by things like fire, flood, insects or disease meaning those projects will be exempted altogether from in-depth environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act. Such analysis would require consultation with FWS to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act. The AFRC cited a June 2022 analysis from the Bozeman-based Property and Environmental Research Center, a group that advocates for free-market-based conservation instead of government regulations, that found that the Forest Service took an average of 3.6 years to complete an environmental assessment (the second-most robust level of NEPA analysis) on logging and thinning projects. The more robust environmental impact statement took an average of 5.3 years to complete. The order directs the heads of the Forest Service and BLM to examine ways to streamline permitting rules around timber sales, and to issue new guidance to increase and accelerate timber harvest through partnerships with state agencies and tribes and contracts with nonprofits or businesses to conduct forestry work. Impacts to Montana, housing costs The domestic timber production order's effects could be felt widely in Montana, especially in the western part of the state that harbors significant timber resources on federal land. According to federal data compiled by the University of Montana's Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the state of Montana has a total 25.9 million acres of forestland, 69% of which is under federal ownership, nearly all of it by the Forest Service. According to a 2020 report from the Congressional Research Service, in 2018 the Forest Service controlled 17.2 million acres in Montana, or 18.5% of the state's total area. (Overall, Montana is about 27.8% forestland by area.) The BLM oversaw 8.02 million acres, or about 8% of the state. Much of the Forest Service's land is forested; much of the BLM's is plains and rangeland. Federal ownership of forests is often much higher at the county level in western Montana than statewide. In Ravalli County, for example, 88% of forested land is national forest land. In Lincoln County, 80% of forested land is national forest land. In Lewis & Clark County, it's 71%. More than half of forestland is under Forest Service supervision in Cascade, Flathead, Gallatin, Missoula, Silver Bow and Deer Lodge counties. The American Forest Resource Council noted that Trump's orders came as the U.S. faces "a severe national housing shortage." Montana has been hit hard by housing shortages and skyrocketing prices in recent years. It's not clear the president's actions will alleviate those problems. The order on imports, titled "Addressing the threat to national security from imports of timber, lumber," directs the Secretary of Commerce to investigate the threat that timber and wood product imports pose to the U.S. domestic timber industry, and whether measures like tariffs "are necessary to protect national security." The U.S. imported $61 billion of forest products like uncut timber, lumber and other wood products in 2021, the most recent year of data available from the U.S. International Trade Commission. Almost half of that, or $28.2 billion, came from Canada. At the same time, the U.S. exported more than $39 billion of forest products in 2021 $9.8 billion, or one-quarter of exports, went to Canada. That disparity leaves the U.S. as a net importer of timber products overall and from Canada specifically. Any tariffs specifically on timber or other wood products would go on top of a blanket 25% tariff Trump instituted on all Canadian imports, which went into effect Tuesday, March 4. (On Wednesday he gave automakers a one-month reprieve.) Last year, then-President Joe Biden almost doubled tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber imports to a total of 14.5%. In a statement Jan. 31, well before Trump's blanket tariffs took effect or he issued the order on timber imports, the National Association of Home Builders expressed concern that such measures would increase homebuilding costs and harm consumers. "Tariffs on lumber and other building materials increase the cost of construction and discourage new development," the group stated, "and consumers end up paying for the tariffs in the form of higher home prices." The group sent a letter to Trump expressing concern over tariffs. "Bringing down the cost of housing will require a coordinated effort to remove obstacles to construction, be they regulatory, labor or supply-chain related," the group wrote in the letter. "NAHB stands ready to work with you to accomplish these goals. However, we have serious concerns that proposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico will have the opposite effect, by slowing down the domestic residential construction industry." U.S. still major timber producer Trump's administration and executive orders, and the industry groups that support them, portray U.S. timber production as a once-grand industry that was kneecapped by runaway environmental concerns. The reality is more complex and market-driven, although environmental concerns did lead to a significant shift away from timber production on Western national forests in the latter 20th century, costing thousands of jobs and stagnating some towns' and regions' economies. The AFRC noted in its statement Monday that just 0.5% of total national forest land is logged annually, and that only 35% of national forest land is even available for logging. Forest Service data shows that timber production from national forests peaked at just shy of 12 billion board-feet annually in both the early 1970s and very early 1990s before plummeting to less than 4 billion board-feet by the late '90s. By 2017 it was just 2.6 billion board-feet. In 1991, national forest lands provided 84% of all U.S. timber harvest. By 2017 it was only 5%. But other land still produces. Although national forest production the timber targeted by Trump's order has plummeted, overall U.S. timber production has roughly tracked with consumption and broader economic cycles. A USDA analysis of U.S. timber production, trade and consumption from 1965 to 2017 showed that U.S. per-capita consumption of forest products decreased steadily from 1986 through 2008 and then roughly leveled-off through 2017. The drop was due in part to significant decreases in the usage of paper products. Homebuilding, whether single- or multi-family, also plummeted after 2006. Also during that time, domestic timber production shifted from the Western U.S. to the South, and fluctuations in the market resulted in mill and other supply chain infrastructure closures that led the U.S. to rely more on imports when demand increased again. The data show a cyclical landscape of domestic timber production that has shifted regions within the country, rather than one in a precipitous decline. While the South increased production, for example, the largely federal land-reliant West saw its timber industry atrophy. Less logging in the West did result in a measurable decline in overall domestic output. But production has rebounded in recent years. "Since 1965, lumber production has generally trended upward, except for periods of economic slowdown such as the mid-1970s, early 1980s, and more recently 2006 to 2010. Many Western mills dependent on federal timber were forced to dramatically decrease production or close entirely," the analysis stated. "This resulted in an overall decline in lumber production, shifts in production to other regions, and increased levels of foreign imports. These declining trends have reversed since 2011 as annual lumber production continues to increase." Before Kannada Actor Ranya Rao, 2 Indians Had Pulled Off $20-Million Gold Heist At Toronto Airport. Here's How They Did It Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 18:55 IST Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda Airport for smuggling 14.8 kg of gold. This contrasts with a 400 kg gold heist at Toronto Pearson Airport in April 2023. Kannada actress Ranya Rao arrested for smuggling 14.8 kg of gold. Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, on charges of gold smuggling. Authorities seized a staggering 14.8 kg of gold from her possession, sparking widespread discussions on the method and scale of the smuggling operation. While the amount of gold recovered is substantial, it pales in comparison to one of the largest gold heists in history a meticulously planned theft at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which unfolded in April 2023. Recommended Stories The heist, now regarded as one of the biggest in global history, occurred on April 17, 2023, when an Air Canada flight from Zurich landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Alongside its passengers, the aircraft carried a fortune 400 kg of gold and $2.7 million (approximately Rs 23.5 crore) in cash. At 5:50 PM, the cargo was placed in Air Canadas warehouse, with no indication of the impending crime. But within minutes, a well-orchestrated plan was set into motion. At precisely 6:32 PM, a truck arrived at the warehouse entrance. The driver, calm and composed, presented a shipping waybill to Air Canada employees. Without verifying the authenticity of the document, staff stamped the papers and handed over the valuable cargo. Moments later, the truck sped away, disappearing into the darkness along Highway 401 towards Milton. Hours later, the real Brinks security truck arrived to collect the consignment only to find the vault empty. Panic ensued as employees frantically searched for the missing cargo. CCTV footage offered no clues, and at 2:43 AM, the theft was reported to the police. By then, the criminals had vanished without a trace. As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a shocking truth the stolen documents had been printed from Air Canadas own system. This pointed to an inside job. After a year-long investigation, on April 17, 2024, authorities made a breakthrough, arresting six suspects with direct links to the heist. Among those taken into custody were: Archit Grover Alleged mastermind and owner of the getaway truck. Durante King & McLean Truck drivers, previously implicated in arms smuggling. Parampal Sidhu Air Canada employee who facilitated the operation from within. Ali Raza A jeweller responsible for melting down the stolen gold. Simran Preet Panesar Former Air Canada manager, who misled investigators before absconding. Despite these arrests, only a fraction of the gold was ever recovered. The bulk of the loot had already been moved across international borders, including India and Dubai. Comparing the Cases: Smuggling vs Heist top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The arrests of Ranya Rao in Bengaluru and the Toronto gold heist suspects highlight different aspects of the global gold smuggling and theft underworld. While Rao was allegedly involved in an illegal smuggling operation, the Toronto case was a sophisticated, high-stakes theft involving deep insider collusion. With international gold trade under increasing scrutiny, authorities worldwide continue to crack down on such illicit activities. The question remains: how much of the stolen Toronto gold will ever be recovered, and what more will be uncovered about Ranya Raos alleged smuggling network? First Published: March 07, 2025, 18:55 IST Betrayal, Complaint To Police Station Wedding: How The Bihar 'Facebook Love Story' Unfolded Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 21:14 IST Their love story began on Facebook but faced obstacles when the boy's family arranged his marriage to another woman. The girl's complaint led to a dramatic police station wedding. The couple exchanged vows inside the police station. (Representational Image) In a dramatic turn of events, a love story that began on social media took an unexpected twist, culminating in a wedding inside a police station. What started as an innocent online friendship quickly blossomed into love, but obstacles soon emerged, testing the couples commitment. Sandeep Manjhi, a resident of Bhudanpuri village under Barhat police station in Bihar, first met Suhana Kumari from Matia Mohanpur village in Laxmipur police station area through Facebook. Their online chats gradually deepened into something more profound, leading to an exchange of phone numbers and regular conversations. Over the course of a year, their bond strengthened, with frequent in-person meetings reinforcing their love. Recommended Stories The couple envisioned a future together, but unbeknownst to Suhana, Sandeeps family had arranged his marriage to another woman. Upon learning of this betrayal, a heartbroken Suhana took swift action, filing a complaint against Sandeep at the local police station. When officers summoned him for questioning, what followed was a scene straight out of a Bollywood film. Initially reluctant, Sandeep soon had a dramatic change of heart while in custody. Realising the depth of his feelings for Suhana, he professed his love in front of the police. Witnessing this emotional turn, the cops and gathered spectators encouraged the couple to take their relationship forward in the most definitive way marriage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In an extraordinary moment, the couple exchanged vows inside the police station premises at a Hanuman temple. Following Hindu rituals, Sandeep and Suhana tied the knot, their love story reaching a joyous climax amidst the very walls where conflict had briefly separated them. Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Suhana beamed with happiness, expressing her joy that their year-and-a-half-long love story had finally found its destined conclusion. Location : Jamui, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 21:14 IST Big Relief To Siddaramaiah As Karnataka High Court Quashes His Wife's ED Summons In MUDA Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 17:48 IST Siddaramaiah received a major relief from the Karnataka High Court as it quashed the ED summons to his wife in connection with the MUDA case. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah (File Photo) In a big relief to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the High Court on Friday quashed the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate to his wife, Parvathi, and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh in connection with the MUDA land allotment case. The central probe agency had issued a summons to the Chief Ministers wife at its office in Bengaluru on January 28. This was the second notice issued to her, following the first on January 3, which required her to appear on January 9. However, she requested an extension, citing her age and the need for more time to compile relevant documents. On January 27, the court granted a temporary stay on the summons. Recommended Stories The Karnataka High Court on February 5 extended the stay on the ED summons against Parvathi and Byrathi Suresh until February 20, offering them continued relief. The case revolves around alleged irregularities in land allotment by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), with the ED investigating potential violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Two days ago, RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, who originally filed the complaint, moved the High Court, seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Krishna had previously approached the court with a writ petition demanding the transfer of the case from the state ombudsman, Lokayukta, to the CBI, alleging irregularities in the allotment of 14 plots to Parvathi. However, on February 7, the court dismissed the plea, ruling that there was no evidence of bias or misconduct in the Lokayuktas investigation. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 17:13 IST Indian Air Force's AN-32 Aircraft Crash-Lands At Bagdogra Airport, Crew Safe Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 22:30 IST An Indian Air Force plane was involved in an "accident" in Bagdogra on Friday, officials said. Crew members were safe, they added. Indian Air Force plane involved in an "incident" (PTI File Image) A transport plane of the Indian Air Force, AN-32 aircraft, crash-landed at West Bengals Bagdogra Airport, officials said on Friday, clarifying that the crew was safe. The Russian-origin aircraft is being recovered from the site. Recommended Stories The IAF officials said that the plane was involved in an accident". An accident involving an AN-32 transport aircraft at Bagdogra airport has come to light today. The aircraft is being recovered from the site. The crew of the aircraft is safe," the Indian Air Force officials said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Further details into the incident are awaited Earlier in the day, a Jaguar jet of the IAF crashed in Haryanas Ambala during a training sortie, in which the pilot ejected safely. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Location : West Bengal, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 21:51 IST Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Holds Talks With Russian Counterpart In Moscow Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 22:11 IST The foreign secretarys visit is taking place amid a renewed focus on the Ukraine conflict after US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traded verbal blows at the Oval Office Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held Foreign Office Consultations with his Russian counterpart, Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Andrey Rudenko in Moscow. (X) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday held talks with his Russian counterpart, Andrey Rudenko, focusing on various aspects of bilateral cooperation. It is understood that the conflict in Ukraine also figured in the talks. Recommended Stories The foreign secretary is likely to meet a number of other senior Russian leaders. "Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri held Foreign Office Consultations with his Russian counterpart, Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Andrey Rudenko in Moscow," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X. The foreign secretarys visit is taking place amid a renewed focus on the Ukraine conflict after US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traded verbal blows at the Oval Office in the White House on Friday last that drew global attention. Europe has come out in strong support of Zelenskyy following the unprecedented scenes that unfolded in the Oval Office. The issue of discharge of the remaining Indian nationals serving in the Russian military may also figure in the talks. In January, India said 12 Indian nationals have been killed while serving in the Russian military and another 16 have been listed by Russia as missing. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Misri is in Moscow amid apprehensions in New Delhi over the possible implications of the new western sanctions against Moscow, especially on Indias energy ties with Russia. The foreign secretarys trip to Russia is taking place nearly three months after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the country. First Published: March 07, 2025, 22:11 IST IFS Officer Battling Depression Jumps Off Building In Delhi's Chanakyapuri, Dies; MEA Responds Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 14:30 IST The man, identified as Jitendra Rawat, jumped from his government-allotted house in a colony for MEA officers. Police said the man was undergoing treatment for depression. The IFS officer was battling depression before deciding to take the extreme step, said police. (Representative Image) An Indian Foreign Services (IFS) officer battling depression decided to end his life by jumping from the fourth floor of a building in the Chanakyapuri area on Friday, according to a police officer. Police sources told news agency PTI that the officer was being treated for depression and was staying with his mother on the first floor of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Society. No foul play was suspected in his death. Recommended Stories #WATCH | Delhi: An IFS (Indian Foreign Service) Officer died allegedly by suicide by jumping off his residential building in MEA residential complex located in Chanakyapuri area. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/Jad6Msh5RL ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 The deceased has been identified as Jitendra Rawat, aged 35 to 40 years. We have launched an investigation into the matter," the officer said. Initial probe suggested that his wife and children are staying in Dehradun. He was staying on the first floor and went to the fourth floor and jumped." The incident took place at 6 am on Friday, as per reports. Rawat is survived by his wife and two kids living in Dehradun. His mother was at home when he died. The MEA, without revealing the name of the officer, said it is providing all possible assistance to his family. An officer of the Ministry of External Affairs passed away in the morning of March 7 in New Delhi," it said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The ministry stands with the family in this hour of grief and difficulty. Further details are not being released bearing in mind the need to respect the familys privacy in this time of bereavement," it added. DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 13:30 IST Bangladeshs Law & Order Deteriorating: India Expresses Concerns Over Violence Against Hindus, Release Of Extremists Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 19:39 IST MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "It is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect the Hindus and other minorities, as well as their properties and religious institutions...We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation...We support a stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh." Protesters vandalize the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of the ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, in Dhaka on February 5, 2025. (AP File Photo) India on Friday expressed concerns over the deteriorating law and order" situation in Bangladesh, exacerbated by the release of violent extremists", even as it underscored that it was the responsibility of the countrys interim government to ensure safety and security of Hindus and other minority communities, as well as their properties and religious institutions". Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a weekly press briefing in the national capital, said, We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation, further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes." Recommended Stories We support a stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding inclusive and participatory elections," he said. #WATCH | Delhi | On the recent developments in Bangladesh, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, We support a stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding inclusive and participatory elections. pic.twitter.com/shF486uRsO ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 A government source told News18 that India is seriously concerned" about the situation in Bangladesh. If countries in our neighbourhood descend into chaos, the fallout will eventually affect India," the source said, adding, People will seek refuge in India, and this realisation has to come through those countries." The source also expressed optimism about the recent comment made by Bangladeshs Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, adding, We are very upbeat about Yunuss statement where he said, India, we dont have a problem, just a misunderstanding. Forces hostile to us could play this up, but the MEA should be able to navigate these challenges." On Protection Of Minorities Jaiswal pointed out that the police in Bangladesh had verified only 1,254 of over 2,374 reported incidents of violence against minorities from August 5, 2024, to February 16, 2025. He also noted that 98% of these verified incidents were deemed political in nature, raising concerns about the handling of such cases. We expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson, and violence to justice without making such distinctions," he stressed. #WATCH | Delhi | On the issue of minorities in Bangladesh, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, We have repeatedly underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect the Hindus and other minorities, as well as their properties and pic.twitter.com/lASDdwlGrG ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 On Ganga Water Treaty Between India & Bangladesh The MEA spokesperson provided details on the Ganga Water Treaty, stating the 86th meeting of the Joint Committee overseeing it took place in Kolkata on March 6. This routine technical meeting, scheduled thrice a year, is part of the structured mechanism established to ensure the implementation of the treaty signed in 1996, he said. At the meeting, the two sides discussed technical issues pertaining to the Ganga Water Treaty, the measurement of water flows and other issues of mutual interest," Jaiswal said. #WATCH | Delhi | MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, The 86th meeting of the Joint Committee constituted to oversee the implementation of the Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh was held on March 6, 2025, in Kolkata. This routine technical meeting, which is pic.twitter.com/cLFPq9gRLl ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 On Development Cooperation Between India & Bangladesh Jaiswal reaffirmed that development cooperation remains a priority for India" in its relations with Bangladesh, as he acknowledged that the recent security situation and long-standing local issues had affected the progress of some projects. #WATCH | Delhi | On Development Cooperation with Bangladesh, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, Development cooperation is a priority area of our relations with the people of Bangladesh. The recent security situation and long-standing local issues have affected the pace pic.twitter.com/atGttfeLHn ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 Jaiswal assured that official discussions are focused on rationalising the project portfolio to ensure the timely execution of mutually agreed-upon initiatives. Subject to obtaining the committed support and pending clearances from the Bangladesh side, we plan to move forward with these projects," the MEA spokesperson said. What Is Happening In Bangladesh? New Delhis comments come amid a large-scale protest by members of the banned Hizbut Tahrir group, which saw between 3,000 and 5,000 people marching near the Baitul Mokarram Mosque in Dhaka. The protesters, chanting slogans in favour of establishing a caliphate, were dispersed by police using batons and stun grenades. Hizbut Tahrir, which seeks the unification of Muslim countries under a single Islamic state governed by Sharia law, was banned in Bangladesh in 2009 for posing a threat to public security. Bangladesh has been undergoing political turmoil since last August, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee following weeks of student-led protests. The protests, initially about a quota system for government jobs, escalated into a broader challenge to her 15-year rule. In response, an interim government was established under Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus. Since her ouster, Hasina has been in exile in India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ: Is Bangladesh Imploding? The 3 Mistakes By Yunus, Key Players & Where They Stand (With inputs from agencies) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 17:02 IST Jharkhand BJP Leader Sita Soren Claims Aide Tried To Shoot Her, Held Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 19:48 IST The assistant allegedly pointed a handgun at Sita Soren, the sister-in-law of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, following an altercation over some issue late on Thursday night BJP leader Sita Soren Jharkhand BJP leader Sita Soren lodged a police complaint accusing her assistant of trying to shoot her in a hotel in Dhanbad district, an officer said on Friday. The assistant allegedly pointed a handgun at Sita Soren, the sister-in-law of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, following an altercation over some issue late on Thursday night, Dhanbad DSP (law & order) Naushad Alam said. Recommended Stories The accused, identified as Devashish Manoranjan Ghosh, was arrested and a country-made handgun was recovered from him, Alam said. Sita Soren, who was a three-term JMM MLA, joined the BJP in March last year, weeks before the Lok Sabha polls. She contested from the Jamtara assembly seat in November but was defeated by the JMM candidate. She was in a private hotel in Saraidhela area of Dhanbad when Ghosh allegedly attempted to shoot her. "Her bodyguard pounced on Ghosh and saved Sita Soren. After getting the information, the police reached the hotel. Ghosh was taken into custody and a country-made pistol was also recovered," the DSP said. Later, the daughter-in-law of JMM supremo Shibu Soren lodged a complaint with Saraidhela police station. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Alam said the security lapse angle was also being probed by the police. The BJP leader had come to Dhanbad on Thursday evening to attend a wedding ceremony and Ghosh reportedly drove her car. After attending the programme, she went to the hotel to stay the night, another police official said. Location : Dhanbad, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 19:48 IST Bad News For Booze Lovers In Karnataka, Liquor Prices May Rise; CM Siddaramaiah Says... Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 15:33 IST Karnataka Budget 2025 on Liquor Rates: CM Siddaramaiah said the target for excise tax collection for the coming year has been set at Rs 40,000 crore. Karnataka Budget-Liquor Rates: Earlier this year, beer prices were increased. A 650ml bottle is now priced Rs 10-45 higher, depending on the brand. (Representative/AP File) Karnataka Budget 2025: Buying alcohol in Karnataka may burn a hole in your pocket as liquor prices are likely to increase to match the rates of the neighbouring state. Chief minister Siddaramaiah, while presenting the state Budget 2025-26, said that alcohol rates will be reviewed. The CM further informed the Karnataka Assembly that excise tax collection last year stood at Rs 36,500 crore. The target for the coming year has been set at Rs 40,000 crore, he added. Recommended Stories The beer lovers were already facing the brunt of steep hike in prices when the beer duties were increased on January 20. A 650ml bottle is now priced Rs 10-45 higher, depending on the brand. A report in Times of India had quoted Karnataka government as saying that the hike was necessary to plug a revenue gap in the excise department, despite a surge in liquor sales earlier this year. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The report stated that the excise duty has increased from 185% to 195% of the billing price, or Rs 130 per bulk litre, whichever is higher. This means a bottle that once cost Rs 100 now costs Rs 145, while a Rs 230 bottle now sits at Rs 240. TOI quoted liquor vendors who feared beer sales may be brought down by at least 10%. Karunakar Hegde, president of the Federation of Wine Merchants Associations, was quoted as saying in January: For the past week, there was no supply of beer due to the price hike. Even a week before, breweries began slowing production, and now they will need to realign their processes. As a result, theres a shortage, the market is dry, and business is taking a hit. Purchases have already dropped 10%, and the lack of stock is impacting sales significantly." About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 14:45 IST Karnataka Caps Movie Ticket Prices At Rs 200 In Budget, Announces OTT Platform To Promote Kannada Films Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 14:08 IST Recently, prominent Kannada actor-producers like Rakshit Shetty and Rishabh Shetty expressed frustration over their inability to secure major OTT platforms for their Kannada content CNN-News18 has exclusively accessed government communication revealing the rapid timeline of events, all transpiring within a mere 2.5 months. (PTI) While presenting his 16th Budget on Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the cost of the tickets in all theatres of the state, including multiplexes, will be capped at Rs 200. In his 4.095 lakh crore Budget for 2025-26, Siddaramaiah also announced an OTT platform to promote Kannada movies. The Karnataka Budget also allocated 51,034 crore for the five guarantee schemes promised by the Congress government in the state. Recommended Stories Recently, prominent Kannada actor-producers like Rakshit Shetty and Rishabh Shetty expressed frustration over their inability to secure major OTT platforms for their Kannada content. In response, Rakshit Shettys production company, Paramvah Studio, began streaming its Kannada web series Ekam on a custom platform in July 2024, after failing to find an OTT partner. Additionally, the Chief Minister has allocated Rs 3 crore to create a repository of Kannada films, both digital and non-digital, to preserve movies that reflect the states social, historical, and cultural values. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In response to further industry demands, Siddaramaiah announced that the cinema sector would be granted industry status, enabling it to benefit from facilities provided under the Industrial Policy. He also revealed plans for the development of a multiplex movie theater complex on a 2.5-acre plot owned by the Karnataka Film Academy in Nandini Layout through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Furthermore, to establish an international-level Film City in Mysuru with an investment of Rs 500 crore under the PPP model, 150 acres of land has been transferred to the Department of Information and Public Relations, Siddaramaiah confirmed. About the Author Poulami Kundu Poulami Kundu is a senior copy editor with News 18's general news desk. She hails from Guwahati and has over six years of experience in print and digital media. Poulami is a voracious reader, hodophile, and an ... Read More Poulami Kundu is a senior copy editor with News 18's general news desk. She hails from Guwahati and has over six years of experience in print and digital media. Poulami is a voracious reader, hodophile, and an ... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 14:08 IST The News in Brief Friday, March 7, 2025 Tbilisi City Court has ruled to keep eight individuals in custody on charges of organizing and participating in group violence during recent protests. Judge Davit Mgeliashvili upheld the preventive measures against the detainees, rejecting the defense's requests for their release.Prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalugelashvili argued that the risk of the detainees fleeing or committing new offenses remained high. The defense, however, opposed the prosecution's motion and proposed alternative measures, including bail amounts ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 GEL and electronic monitoring.Following the court's decision, the trial proceeded to the stage of reviewing the admissibility of evidence. The defense filed a motion to declare the prosecution's evidence inadmissible, while the prosecution requested additional time to respond - a request the defense contested, stating that their position had not been newly introduced.Among the detainees, Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vepkhia Kasradze, and Vasil Kadzelashvili face charges of organizing and leading group violence, which carry potential sentences of six to nine years in prison. The remaining five- Giorgi Gorgadze, Irakli Miminoshvili, Insaf Aliyev, Tornike Goshadze, and Nikoloz Javakhishvili-are accused of participating in gang violence and could face four to six years behind bars.According to Prosecutor Mikheil Sadradze, the relevant department has formally applied to Interpol to locate Giorgi Bachiashvili under the Red Circular, a move that aims to track down the accused."As far as I know, the relevant department, the structural unit, has already applied to search for Bachiashvili under the Red Circular," said Prosecutor Sadradze in a statement.Bachiashvili faces serious charges stemming from an alleged incident in 2017. The prosecutor's office claims that Bachiashvili transferred only $536,900 to an investor in exchange for the full profit from their investment. However, the remaining 8,986 Bitcoins, valued at up to $43 million at the time, were misappropriated by Bachiashvili.Despite the charges, Giorgi Bachiashvili denies any wrongdoing and pleads not guilty.Initially granted bail of 2,500,000 GEL as a preventive measure, Bachiashvili's bail was later replaced by imprisonment after further developments in the case. The charges he faces carry a prison sentence of 9 to 12 years. Montanas distinction as the only state where people convicted for misdemeanor domestic violence can carry guns will likely continue for at least two more years after lawmakers and lobbyists abandoned efforts to close the legal loophole. 'Absurd results': Ruling removes protections for MT's domestic violence survivors "The way they viewed it, Montana gives more protections, and as a result survivors in Montana get less protection from the federal statute." A federal appeals court decision in December effectively shields Montanans from a federal firearms ban that typically accompanies those convictions. Prosecutors, legal experts and even the appeals judges who issued the decision expressed alarm at the implications, an absurd result that came as an unintended consequence of U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Given the longer odds of Congress updating the federal law, several state lawmakers sought to tweak Montanas domestic violence laws this session to realign with the federal statute. But after a GOP legislator opted against introducing his bill draft, lobbyists who had advocated for a fix asked two other Democrats to also nix their proposals. The political will does not seem to be there, and I think its incredibly unfortunate, said Rep. James Reavis, a Billings Democrat who had drafted a proposal but declined to introduce it before the Feb. 26 deadline. Rep. Bill Mercer, a Billings Republican and former U.S. Attorney, declined to comment on his reasons for scrapping his draft legislation. Lobbyists working on the issue said there had been agreement to back Mercers bill if it was introduced. Montanas domestic violence laws called partner or family member assault in state criminal parlance have for years extended to not only physical injuries but also other forms of assault, like threats or emotional attacks. But because a federal law banning firearm possession after those convictions defines domestic violence more narrowly, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found it cant apply in Montana. Even the decisions lead author, Appeals Court Judge Morgan B. Christen, expressed regret at the outcome: Ironically, the result in this case would be different if Montanas laws were less protective of domestic violence victims. Montana prosecutors and legal experts have expressed concern that the decision would put more guns in the hands of violent partners, with potentially deadly consequences. Researchers have found a majority of homicides with a female victim are committed by current or former male partners. Of those, a majority are murdered with firearms. Mercers proposal, drafted by a group of city and county attorneys, would have more narrowly defined physical force to allow the federal firearms ban to once again apply to Montanas first- and second-time domestic violence offenders. But Nanette Gilbertson, president of the Montana County Attorneys' Association, said her group failed to come together on the specific language. Some members feared it could have unintended consequences. She ultimately asked Reavis not to introduce his bill, and the freshman lawmaker said he followed the advice from lobbyists on the issue. I think it would be better to come forward with a bill that had been thoroughly vetted, thoroughly thought through, not done after the session started, and give it the best chance of a good hearing and moving through the process, Gilbertson said. She declined to speculate on Mercers reasons, but said that he didnt think he had full support from all stakeholders. Second Amendment concerns Kelsen Young, executive director of the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, had hoped at the sessions outset that state lawmakers could close the new loophole. But she agreed with Gilbertson in urging the Democrats to hold their fire, fearing a hostile committee hearing. I dont want the first time I talk about this in front of the House Judiciary Committee to be messy, Young said. Its going to be a lot of work and you cant do it in this environment with something thats not solid, thats not tight. That committee in particular could present an uphill battle for any bill implicating Second Amendment rights. Pro-gun Republicans on the panel have recently advanced proposals to prevent Montana cities and counties from passing red-flag laws and to let crime suspects keep their firearms until after a conviction. The second bill died earlier this week on the House floor after its sponsor failed to muster support for amendments requested by prosecutors. That bill, combined with DeFrance (US v. DeFrance), would have basically eviscerated our ability to protect victims from firearm violence, Ben Halverson, a prosecutor for the city of Billings, said in an interview. DeFrance refers to the recent 9th Circuit decision on Montanas domestic violence laws, which overturned gun charges against Brian DeFrance, the former boyfriend of missing Native American Jermain Charlo. Firearms conviction overturned for Jermain Charlo's ex-boyfriend The Ninth Circuit Court opinion also means that being convicted under Montanas misdemeanor domestic violence law no longer triggers a federal ban on possessing firearms. As Billings top prosecutor on domestic violence cases, Halverson was part of the working group drafting proposed language to close the DeFrance loophole. Beyond the concerns prosecutors had about the committees appetite for gun restrictions, he said they also worried the panel could end up weakening Montanas partner or family member assault laws. Once you hand over the entire PFMA statute to the committee, its theirs, he said. That statute has been steadily improved since 1985 ... we want to end the session with at least what we have remaining intact, instead of making it worse. And the gun lobby might not have been alone in opposing the bill. Defense attorneys, too, have argued the firearms ban can amount to an especially severe punishment in a state with strong cultural ties to guns. It has lifelong implications on someones fundamental right, Nate Holloway, a Missoula defense attorney, told the Missoulian in an interview earlier this year. Noting that Montanas domestic violence laws can be triggered by words instead of actions, he added, If you make it easier to get a conviction just because thats what somebody said to somebody the consequence of that is now it doesnt meet that definition under the federal law. The political realities were part of the reason supporters favored a bill carried by Mercer, according to Young. Republicans, despite shedding some of their House and Senate seats last election, still remain firmly in command of the Legislature. As much as (Democratic) Rep. Reavis had language ready, his wasnt the bill that was most likely to move, partly because in this political makeup," she said, "the (low) likelihood that a bill like this would pass would require a Republican sponsor." Noting that her group wasnt at the table as county attorneys and others worked to find a legislative fix, Young added that shes hopeful it will get renewed attention before the next legislative session. Its not tolerable to us that we will do nothing, she said. If you or someone you know are a victim of sexual violence, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is available to help. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or chat online at online.rainn.org. RAINN is the nations largest anti-sexual violence organization, working in partnership with more than 1,000 local service providers. Online: rainn.org. 'Licence Accorded To Such Forces In UK': MEA On Jaishankar's Security Breach By Khalistani Protestors Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 17:32 IST The Ministry of External Affairs expressed concerns over the security breach of Jaishankar in London and called for action against those involved in the incident. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar at an event in Chatham House, London. (Courtesy: X/@DrSJaishankar) India on Friday expressed concerns over the breach of security of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in London by Khalistani protestors and said that the incident highlights the licence accorded to such forces" in United Kingdom. Taking a firm view on the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office on the matter, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the countrys sincerity would depend on the action taken by the nation against those involved in the security breach. Recommended Stories We have conveyed our deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during EAMs visit. There is a larger context to the incident. It brings out both the licence accorded to such forces, as well as indifference to their intimidation, threats, and other actions aimed at impeding our legitimate diplomatic activities in the UK," Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, said at a weekly press briefing. While we have noted the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office on the matter, our view of its sincerity would depend on the action taken against culprits on this and previous occasions," he added. #WATCH | On the issue of security breach during EAM S Jaishankars UK visit, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, We have conveyed our deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during the EAMs pic.twitter.com/Dl0lWODJJ3 ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 How Did UK Respond To Jaishankars Security Breach? On Thursday, the United Kingdom condemned the security breach by pro-Khalistan supporters and said that while the country upholds right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable". The Metropolitan Police acted swiftly to address the situation, and we remain fully committed to ensuring the security of all our diplomatic visitors, in line with our international obligations," UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said in a statement. How Was Jaishankars Security Breached? The EAM is on a 6-day visit to the UK and Ireland, during which he participated in a Q&A session at Chatham House in London. The Khalistani protestors staged a protest outside the venue. : Khalistani goons attempt to heckle Indias External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar in London while he was leaving in a car. A man can be seen trying to run towards him, tearing the Indian national flag in front of cops. Police seem helpless, as if ordered to not act. pic.twitter.com/zSYrqDgBRx THE SQUADRON (@THE_SQUADR0N) March 5, 2025 As Jaishankar walked out of the venue to enter his car, a man was seen approaching the vehicle and tearing Indias national flag all this in the presence of the police officials who appeared unresponsive to the intimidating act. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In response, India summoned UK Charge D Affaires Christina Scott on Thursday in Delhi. The EAM is on an official visit to the UK and Ireland from March 4 to 9, aimed at further strengthening Indias diplomatic ties with them. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 16:59 IST Man Dies, Sister-in-Law Critical After Consuming Poison Over Revelation Of Their Extramarital Affair Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 16:42 IST Tanmay Das, a garment factory worker, allegedly began an affair with his sister-in-law soon after marriage, leading to family turmoil and their tragic decision to consume poison The revelation of the affair sparked tensions within the family, which persisted for a significant period. A tragic incident unfolded in Howrah district, West Bengal, involving a man engaged in an extramarital affair with his sister-in-law. The situation escalated, leading both individuals to consume poison amidst ongoing family unrest. A man named Tanmay Das tragically lost his life, while his sister-in-law remains in critical condition. Recommended Stories Tanmay had married five years ago; however, he soon became involved in an extramarital affair with his sister-in-law. Local sources reveal that Tanmay Das, originally from Kulgachia village, married a woman from the Madhabpur area of Kulgachia approximately five years ago. Employed at a garment factory, Tanmay allegedly became involved with his sister-in-law shortly after the marriage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The revelation of the affair sparked tensions within the family, which persisted for a significant period. Yesterday morning, Tanmay left home on his motorcycle, informing his family that he was heading to the factory. However, he returned a short while later, accompanied by his sister-in-law. Upon their return, both suddenly began vomiting. They then confessed to having consumed poison together. Family members and villagers immediately rushed them to Sarat Chandra Medical College Hospital in Uluberia. Tragically, Tanmay succumbed to the poisoning later that night while undergoing treatment. Hospital sources report that his sister-in-law remains in critical condition. Location : West Bengal, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 16:42 IST Women Team For PM Modi's Social Media, Security At Gujarat Event On International Women's Day Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 08, 2025, 09:00 IST A security cover comprising only women police personnel will be deployed at a mega event to be addressed by PM Modi in Gujarats Navsari district. PM Narendra Modi (PTI Image) An all-women team is looking after Prime Minister Narendra Modis social media account operations today, marking the occasion of International Womens Day. Additionally, a security cover comprising only women police personnel will be deployed at a mega event to be addressed by PM Modi in Gujarats Navsari district. Recommended Stories In regard to his social media account operations, PM Modi announced on Friday, saying Tomorrow is womens day. In Navsari, I will participate in a programme. On the occasion of Womens Day, I am going to hand over my social media account to some such inspiring sisters and daughters." International Womens Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to recognise their achievements and promote gender equality. The Prime Minister reiterated his governments vision of saturation in policies". The saturation in policies ensures that there will be no appeasement but satisfaction among the people. When the government reaches the doorstep of the beneficiaries, how will anyone be left and why will anyone be unhappy, and if none will be left, thugs wont succeed" he said. The son of a poor mother decided that Modi would give a guarantee to the poor. Modi made a guarantee for the poor and started the MUDRA Yojana. Today, Rs 32 lakh crore has been given to the poor without any guarantee and those who abuse us, those who have the zero seat, will not understand this, will not even be able to tell how many zeros are there in Rs 32 lakh crore" PM Modi added. All-Women Security Cover Today, the Prime Minister will participate in an International Womens Day programme in Vansi Borsi village in Navsari. The event will witness an all-woman show as it will be managed entirely by female personnel of the Gujarat Police. A total of 2,145 women constables, 187 women sub-inspectors, 61 women inspectors, 16 women deputy superintendents of police (SPs), five women SPs, one woman inspector general (IG), and one woman additional director general of police (ADGP) will be in charge of securityfrom the helipad where the PM will land to the rally venue and the entire route. Gujarats Home Secretary, Nipuma Torawane, will oversee the entire operation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Gujarat police is taking a unique initiative on the occasion of International Womens Day. For the first time in the history of India, only women police will handle the entire security arrangement of the PMs event right from his arrival at the helipad at Vansi Borsi village in Navsari till the event venue," Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi said. During the event, the Prime Minister will participate in the Lakhpati Didi programme, interacting with beneficiaries and felicitating five of them with Lakhpati Didi certificates. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 19:01 IST Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Scandal: Karnataka Likely To Revise Bengaluru Airport Protocol Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 16:36 IST Sources told News18 that home minister G. Parameshwara has directed the states Director General of Police to review the current airport protocol and make necessary changes New rules for handling such cases will be likely drafted following the high-profile incident. (PTI file photo) The Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government is reconsidering the protocols at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested in connection with an alleged gold smuggling case. Sources told News18 that home minister G. Parameshwara has directed the states Director General of Police (DGP) to review the current airport protocol and make necessary changes. Recommended Stories New rules for handling such cases will be likely drafted following the high-profile incident. On Wednesday, gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from Rao at the airport. Subsequent searches at her residence led to the recovery of gold jewellery valued at Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore, bringing the total value of the seizure to Rs 17.29 crore, including assets worth Rs 4.73 crore. Rao has confessed to her involvement in the crime during questioning by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). She admitted that 17 gold bars were found in her possession. Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who currently holds the position of Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. Earlier, News18 reported that Rao had disclosed to the DRI that she had travelled not only to Dubai but also to Europe, America, and the Middle East. However, she refused to provide further details and requested the authorities to allow her to rest. It is alleged that Rao made around 30 trips to the city over the past year, including four visits within 15 days, each time bringing kilos of gold back with her. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Currently, Rao has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody. ALSO READ: Prominent Politician Involved In Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case? What We Know So Far About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 16:34 IST Ranya Rao Has Suffered Physical Abuse, Says DRI, Makes Explosive Claim Of Established Syndicate Operating | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: March 08, 2025, 11:53 IST The actor, arrested for alleged gold smuggling, requested the proceedings be kept 'as private as possible' Kannada actor Ranya Rao was arrested from Bengaluru Airport (Image: X) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has made a serious allegation in its gold smuggling investigation involving actor Ranya Rao. The agencys investigation has uncovered a well-established syndicate that smuggled gold by misusing protocols usually extended to VIPs at the airport. The DRI believes that Ranya Rao was an integral part of this syndicate. Adding to the complexity of the case, the agency has noted signs of physical abuse on the actors body, particularly on her face and below her eyes. The actor has informed the agency that she sustained these injuries long before travelling to Dubai. The court has directed the prison authorities to provide necessary medical aid. Ranya Raos counsel highlighted the physical abuse and requested the court permit further investigation during custody in the presence of her advocate, not merely within hearing distance but at a visible distance. This was vehemently opposed by Madhu Rao, the senior standing counsel for Ministry of Finance. This is a case where protocols have been misused extensively, and its a question of national security and the investigation details are sensitive," Rao told the court. The court did not accept the request by the counsel for Ranya Rao. Recommended Stories Rao, stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, was arrested at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Monday night for allegedly smuggling gold bars weighing 14.2 kg, worth Rs 14.56 crore. She had landed in Bengaluru on an Emirates flight from Dubai. Rao wept in court The DRI informed the court that the accused is not fully cooperating with investigators and is frequently becoming emotionally distressed. The actor wept before the judge when she was produced in court on Friday. The DRI stated that leads from forensic analysis will be used to confront the accused during custody and seek answers. The DRI alleges that the accuseds modus operandi for smuggling gold into India involved wrapping gold bars with crepe bandages and tissues around her body. With the investigations focus now on uncovering the entire syndicate, the court has remanded Ranya Rao to DRI custody for three days, imposing specific conditions. The court has ordered that the accuseds advocate is permitted to visit her between 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm during custody, in the presence of agency officials. The accused is not permitted to meet any family members or other individuals. What accused told agency in first statement CNN-News18 has accessed the first of three statements the accused gave to the DRI. Here is an excerpt from the statement: DRI: Please peruse the Mahazar dated 03.03.2025/04.03.2025 drawn at Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, in respect of gold seized from your possession, and offer your comments. Ranya Rao: I have read the Mahazar dated 03.03.2025/04.03.2025 drawn at Kempegowda International Airport and affixed my dated signature as a token of having seen the document. I agree with its contents. I reiterate that I was present during the Mahazar proceedings and accept that 17 pieces of gold bars were recovered from my possession. I request that the proceedings remain as private as possible. DRI: Please state the places you have visited abroad in the recent past and the number of times you have travelled to those places. Ranya Rao: I have travelled to Europe, America, and the Middle East, specifically Dubai and Saudi Arabia. I wish to state that I am tired at present as I did not get enough rest. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all DRI: Do you wish to state anything more? Ranya Rao: I have nothing more to state. I once again reiterate that I will cooperate in the ongoing investigation, and I shall appear before you as and when called for. During the recording of this statement, no religious sentiments were hurt. I have been offered food and beverages from time to time, but I chose not to eat as I am not hungry and was drinking water. This statement of mine is given voluntarily without any force, threat, coercion or inducement and in my normal state of mind. The contents of this statement are read over and the contents are as deposed by me. About the Author Harish Upadhya Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Location : Bangalore, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 23:19 IST Ranya Rao's Swollen Eyes Spark Assault In Custody Buzz, What Women's Panel Said On Viral Image Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 19:09 IST Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor, was arrested from Bengaluru Airport on Monday night for allegedly smuggling gold from Dubai. Her image in custody has gone viral on social media. Kannada actor Ranya Rao arrested from Bengaluru Airport (Image: X) A viral picture of Kannada actor Ranya Rao, showing her swollen eyes, has sparked widespread speculations that she might have been assaulted after her arrest or in custody. However, Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Nagalakshmi Chaudhary said that an investigation into the matter cannot be conducted until a formal complaint is filed by the actor in this regard. Recommended Stories Rao, stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, was arrested at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Monday night for allegedly smuggling gold bars weighing 14.2 kg, worth Rs 14.56 crore. She had landed in Bengaluru on an Emirates flight from Dubai. She is currently in the custody of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). What Did Womens Panel Say On Ranya Raos Bruises? Chaudhary condemned the alleged assault" on the actor; however, she underlined that the commission cannot initiate action till it gets a formal complaint. If she submits a written request to the commissioner or directly to me, we will reach out to the relevant authorities to assist her, support her, ensure a thorough investigation, and obtain a report. That is the extent of the commissions role. However, since she has neither requested our intervention nor filed a complaint, I have no further comments," she was quoted as saying by NDTV. Whoever committed the assault should not have done sotheres no doubt about that. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. The investigation must proceed, and the legal process should unfold as it should. Assaulting anyone, whether a woman or anyone else, is completely unacceptable, and I strongly oppose it," Chaudhary added. #WATCH | Bengaluru | Kannada actor Ranya Rao, arrested by DRI for allegedly smuggling gold from Dubai, brought to a special court hearing cases of economic offences pic.twitter.com/7w3E38qYwV ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 Earlier today, Ranya Rao was brought to a special court hearing cases of economic offences. The court remanded her into DRI custody till March 10 while also allowing her to meet her advocate for half an hour each day. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The court also said that the DRI should not be harsh on her during inquiry. Rao was on the radar of DRI after she paid fourth visit to Dubai in 15 days. The authorities had earlier come to know that the actor visited Dubai 27 times last year. After her arrest at the airport, the authorities also raided her residence and found gold jewellery worth over Rs 2 crore and cash worth Rs 2.67 crore. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 18:49 IST Reclaiming Brand Bengaluru: Karnataka Doubles Budget Allocation To Fix IT Citys Traffic, Flooding & Water Woes Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 14:50 IST Karnataka's Siddaramaiah government has enhanced the budget allocation for Bengaluru by more than double to Rs 7,000 crore. Siddaramaiah also gave the green light to Deputy CM DK Shivakumars pet projects of underground tunnel roads, peripheral ring roads, and a 40.5-km double-decker flyover at a cost of Rs. 8,916 crore Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah presented the budget on Friday. (X) The deteriorating image of Brand Bengaluru has forced the Siddaramaiah governments hand to focus on infrastructure, effective tax collection, and flood and potable water management. While presenting his record 16th budget as Karnatakas finance minister Siddaramaiah also gave the green light to his colleague and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumars pet projects of underground tunnel roads, peripheral ring roads, and a 40.5 km double-decker flyover (alongside Namma Metro Phase-3) at a cost of Rs. 8,916 crore. Recommended Stories With Bengaluru city making a major contribution to the states economy and the government coming to an understanding that the annual grant of Rs 3,000 crore was not meeting the citys needs, the Siddaramaiah government has enhanced the allocation by more than double to Rs 7,000 crore in the current year. 83,200 Cr for Karnatakas Growth!A historic 47.3% rise in capital expenditure to fuel infrastructure, connectivity, and economic strength. Karnataka is building for generations to come!#NammaBudget2025 #KarnatakaBudget2025 #GuaranteeSarkara pic.twitter.com/cBHNp7JhLa Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 7, 2025 DECONGESTING BENGALURU In order to address one of Bengalurus biggest pain points that led to the Congested Bengaluru tag, the budget has made allocations to address traffic and vehicular congestion. Siddaramaiah said in his budget that the government intends to make major roads in Bengaluru city signal-free corridors. Apart from this, to ensure ease of travel across the city, Siddaramaiah has suggested the following measures and budget allocations: In the budget, the Chief Minister said that the state government has stood guarantee to the city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for an amount of Rs 19,000 crore for undertaking the North-South and East-West corridors (tunnels) at a cost of Rs 40,000 crore. A 40.5 km double-decker flyover will be constructed at a cost of Rs 8,916 crore along with Namma Metro Phase-3. Namma Metro plays a vital role in easing vehicular congestion in Bengaluru city. It provides mobility service to around 8.5 lakh commuters every day. Presently, Namma Metro operates 68 stations along 79.65 km of rail network. It is envisaged to add 98.60 km of additional routes to the network in the next two years," the budget report said. It is envisaged to extend the Metro network up to Devanahalli," Siddaramaiah announced. A network of 300 km of additional roads will be constructed at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore using canal buffer zones. The arterial and sub-arterial road network in the BBMP area measuring 460 km will be developed at a cost of Rs. 660 crore. Flyovers and Grade Separators of length 120 km will also be built in Bengaluru city. A Rs 27,000-crore plan has been prepared to build a 73-km road with assistance from HUDCO Bank by renaming the long-pending Peripheral Ring Road project as the Bengaluru Business Corridor. The land acquisition process has begun with the formation of separate teams, Siddaramaiah said. Karnataka is set for a startup revolution with 1,000 Cr LEAP!From expanding innovation hubs beyond Bengaluru to deep-tech investments and job creation, the state is fueling the next wave of entrepreneurship. The future starts here!#NammaBudget2025 #KarnatakaBudget2025 pic.twitter.com/D9JQH62zbd Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 7, 2025 ASSISTANCE FOR SINKING AND PARCHED BENGALURU The Karnataka government has also suggested steps to save Bengaluru from sinking during floods and from water shortages during summers. Another troublesome tag that Siddaramaiah hopes to shake off from Brand Bengaluru is Sinking Bengaluru. To address flood management, the government has promised to provide BBMP and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) with Rs 3,000 crore for the construction of a systematic drainage network and STPs to control climate change-induced flooding in Bengaluru. To tackle the Parched Bengaluru" tag, Siddaramaiah said in his budget that the Kaveri Stage-V project, with an additional water capacity of 775 MLD, was constructed at a cost of Rs. 5,550 crore and dedicated to the public in 2024-25. This has provided a water lifeline to 50 lakh residents in 110 villages. A Detailed Project Report will be prepared for the implementation of Kaveri Stage-6. With the objective of obtaining biogas-based income and carbon credits by using waste generated in STP units, BWSSB will formulate a programme in the PPP model," Siddaramaiah said. Housing for All!Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot announces the construction of 3.05 lakh houses under various schemes with a 4,761 crore allocation. To ease the financial burden, the government is covering most housing costs, ensuring secure and affordable homes for the pic.twitter.com/RqI7qaVDBZ Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 5, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all BRINGING BACK GREEN BENGALURU Under the Brand Bengaluru Green Bengaluru initiative, works related to 14 lakes are in progress through BBMP at a cost of Rs 35 crore. Varthur and Bellandur lake rejuvenation works have been taken up at a cost of Rs. 234 crore by the Bengaluru Development Authority. The budget also stated that in order to strengthen the Brand Bengaluru Plan, Rs. 1,800 crore has been set aside for 21 schemes in FY 2024-25. A Comprehensive Health Programme will be implemented over the next three years under the Brand Bengaluru Plan at a cost of Rs. 413 crore, with the goal of making Bengaluru a city of global health standards. It has been announced that a state-of-the-art Bengaluru Signature Park will be developed in Devanahalli across 407 acres. An amount of Rs. 50 crore has already been released to provide connectivity to this area for building a flyover under the state government fund," the CM announced. About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 14:37 IST Rising Sea Levels Pose Growing Threat To Indias Coasts, Warns Ex-Secretary-General Of WMO At TERI Summit Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 17:09 IST The need for a just and equitable climate transition was the central theme of TERIs annual flagship event, which brought several global experts together ahead of this years COP30 Former Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Professor Petteri Taalas at the summit. (X) Indias vast coastal areas are becoming increasingly vulnerable to impact of climate change due to alarming rise in sea levels and record-breaking temperatures, warned former Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Professor Petteri Taalas. The sea level rise has almost doubled over the past 20 years, from 2mm per year to now 5mm per year in some places. Indias coastal population faces a serious threat, not just from the rising sea levels, but intensifying tropical cyclones. Warmer seas are likely to fuel more energy into these cyclones, making them far more destructive," said Professor Taalas, while speaking to CNN-News18 on the sidelines of TERIs annual flagship event the World Sustainable Development Summit 2025. Recommended Stories The senior Finnish meteorologist helmed the WMO the UNs authoritative agency on weather and climate from 2016 to 2023, during which it also made a global call for early warnings for all extreme weather events. It is critical for adaptation. Yet, there are about 100 countries which do not have these weather warnings in place," he added, while asserting the need for countries to focus more on adaptation, apart from mitigation. Speaking on the setbacks to climate action in the wake of the US withdrawal from the 2015 Paris Agreement, the former WMO chief said the current stance of the administration, coupled with the changing geopolitical situation in Europe, remains a concern. Prof Petteri Taalas, Director General, The Finnish Meteorological Institute, gave a presentation on Finlands development in addressing climate change.H.E. Ms May-Elin Stener (@NorwayAmbIndia ), Ambassador, @norwayinindia , underscored, Norway has a history of managing marine pic.twitter.com/MJYxPHT7hI TERI (@teriin) March 6, 2025 Some institutions and individuals are still not ready to accept climate change, despite clear scientific facts. But such groups are slowly becoming a minority. Most governments now understand the challenge of climate change. Also, the good news is that some of the biggest private sector companies, including those in the US, are becoming interested in investing in climate solutions. India too has many start-ups now which are working in green transition," he said. The senior scientist, who is currently the Director-General of the Finnish Meteorological Institute, also expressed concerns over the challenges being faced by forecasters across the globe, due to increasing weather variability. We have seen how the temperature fluctuated so drastically on some days from -35 to +5 in places. It is unusual. Due to warming, there is also more humidity in the atmosphere. Now places like East Africa are also witnessing tropical cyclones. The extremes are more drastic now," he added. WMO has recently announced that 2024 was the first calendar year when the global mean temperature surged past 1.5 above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900 average). There was an annual spike of nearly 1.55, leading to record-breaking heatwaves in many countries, including India. We are reporting negative news year by year, especially in terms of Carbon Dioxide and Methane emissions. Even though we breached the Paris Agreements target temporarily in 2024, it is expected that we would exceed that level in this 2030 decade on a permanent basis," he added apprehensively. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier in the day, Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil, delivered a keynote address at the event, stressing the urgency of global cooperation in tackling climate change. As we move towards COP30, we must accelerate the implementation of the commitments made in Dubai and Baku. We must advance on our transitions from fossil fuels while stepping up on climate finance," she added. The three-day World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 saw global experts deliberate on key issues of climate financing and sustainable energy transitions. The sessions underscored the urgency of collaborative action in the lead-up to the UN Climate Summit COP30 and beyond, with a strong emphasis on bridging the financial gap for climate action and ensuring an inclusive, just transition. About the Author Srishti Choudhary Srishti Choudhary, Senior Assistant Editor at CNN-News18 specializes in science, environment, and climate change reporting. With over a decade of extensive field experience, she has brought incisive ground repo... Read More Srishti Choudhary, Senior Assistant Editor at CNN-News18 specializes in science, environment, and climate change reporting. With over a decade of extensive field experience, she has brought incisive ground repo... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 17:07 IST Who Is Tahawwur Rana & Why Does He Want US Court To Stay His Extradition To India? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 12:02 IST US President Donald Trump had last month announced that his administration has approved the extradition of "very evil" Tahawwur Rana "to face justice in India". Tahawwur Rana is seeking a stay of his extradition to India after the US Supreme Court rejected his emergency bid. (File photo) Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman, Tahawwur Hussain Rana, is seeking a stay of his extradition to India after the Supreme Court of United States rejected his emergency bid. Rana, a former Pakistani Army doctor, is wanted in India for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. US President Donald Trump had last month announced that his administration has approved the extradition of very evil" Tahawwur Rana to face justice in India". Recommended Stories What You Must Know About Tahawwur Rana: Top Points Tahawwur Rana is currently lodged in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. He is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 terror attacks. Headley had testified against Rana. Tahawwur Rana is also accused of having links with Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He was reportedly aware of the Mumbai terror strike and was in contact with the terrorist groups and their leaders in Pakistan. Rana was tried in a US district court on charges of supporting the terror group that carried out the Mumbai attacks. In June 2011, the US court, however, acquitted Rana of conspiring to provide material support to terrorism related to the attacks in India. But Rana was convicted of providing material support to the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and helping a terror plot in Denmark. After Rana served seven years in jail for those convictions and upon his compassionate release, India issued a request for his extradition to try him for his link with the Mumbai attacks. In May 2023, the US Supreme Court approved Ranas extradition to India. The process was expedited after newly-confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump last month. He had submitted an Emergency Application For Stay Pending Litigation of Petition For Writ of Habeas Corpus" on February 27. A note dated March 6 on the Supreme Court website said that Applicationdenied by Elena Kagan, Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court". Rana has now renewed his Emergency Application for Stay Pending Litigation of Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus" previously addressed to Justice Kagan, and requests that the renewed application be directed to Chief Justice Roberts," according to the submission by Ranas lawyers on Thursday posted on the courts website. In his emergency application, Rana had sought a stay of his extradition and surrender to India. He argued that his extradition to India violates United States law and the United Nations Convention Against Torture because there are substantial grounds for believing that, if extradited to India, the petitioner will be in danger of being subjected to torture." The likelihood of torture in this case is even higher though as petitioner faces acute risk as a Muslim of Pakistani origin charged in the Mumbai attacks," the application said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The application also said that his severe medical conditions" render extradition to Indian detention facilities a de facto" death sentence in this case. It cited medical records from July 2024 that confirm Rana has multiple acute and life-threatening diagnoses", including multiple documented heart attacks, Parkinsons disease with cognitive decline, a mass suggestive of bladder cancer, stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and a history of chronic asthma, and multiple Covid-19 infections. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 12:02 IST Chapchar Kut Wishes 2025: Why Is March 7 A Bank Holiday In Aizawl? All About The Festival Of Mizoram Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 07:20 IST Chapchar Kut 2025: The Government of Mizoram has officially declared Chapchar Kut 2025 as a public holiday through a formal notification Happy Chapchar Kut 2025: Historians trace the festivals origins back to 14501600 A.D., during the era when Mizo forefathers resided in Lentlang. (Image: Shutterstock) Happy Chapchar Kut 2025: Its that time of the year again, the second Friday of March, when Mizoram bursts into celebration for its most popular festival, Chapchar Kut. Deeply ingrained in Mizo culture, Chapchar Kut marks the period when freshly cut bamboo and trees are left to dry before being burned for jhumming (slash-and-burn farming). With agricultural work on pause, Mizo ancestors embraced this time for leisure, indulging in hunting, fishing, and vibrant festivities. Historians trace the festivals origins back to 14501600 A.D., during the era when Mizo forefathers resided in Lentlang. Recommended Stories Why Is March 7 A Bank Holiday in Aizawl? The Government of Mizoram has officially declared Chapchar Kut 2025 as a public holiday through a formal notification: Chapchar Kut, 2025 is to be celebrated as a one-day event on 7th March 2025 (Friday) throughout the state. However, in the state capital, it will be observed as a two-day event at AR Lammual, Aizawl, on 6th and 7th March 2025." According to Reserve Bank Of India, March 7 will be a bank holiday in Aizawl under the Negotiable Instruments Act. All You Need To Know About The Festival Of Mizoram History Of Chapchar Kut In its earliest days, Chapchar Kut lasted for several days, with well-structured preparations leading up to the grand celebration. Every villager had a role to play, but it was the youth who took centre stage, ensuring that the festival was filled with boundless energy and enthusiasm. To uphold the spirit of the occasion, all conflicts were resolved beforehand, even minor disagreements between married couples. The festival demanded an abundance of food and home-brewed liquor, ensuring that spirits remained high as the community danced and made merry through the night. Chapchar Kut In Modern Times While the modern-day celebration of Chapchar Kut has shed the tradition of liquor consumption, the fervour remains undiminished. Mizoram, being a dry state for years, has embraced an alcohol-free celebration, with the Young Mizo Association (YMA) playing a key role in organising the festivities. The younger generation has found its own way to keep the excitement soaringlive performances by Mizo pop artists electrify the crowd, sending even the most composed onlookers into a frenzy of dance. From toddlers to uniformed policemen meant to maintain order, everyone sways to the infectious beats, fully immersed in the joy of the festival. The Grand Finale: Chai Dance As the festival reaches its crescendo, the final actChai dancebrings everyone together. Standing in circles, participants sway gently to the soulful melodies of Mizo folk songs. The sight is heartwarming; even tourists, both domestic and international, step forward to join the revelry. In that moment, all barriers of culture, religion and nationality dissolve into the shared joy of dance. Mizoram, a state known for its warmth and hospitality, once again proves why it is celebrated as one of the most peaceful places in India. Chapchar Kut 2025: Wishes top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Wishing the people of Mizoram a joyous and vibrant Chapchar Kut! Best wishes to all celebrating this wonderful festival of unity and happiness. May your cattle stay healthy, your fields flourish and your homes be filled with abundance. Happy Chapchar Kut! Celebrate tradition, embrace happiness and spread joy. Happy Chapchar Kut! May this festival bring you success, prosperity and love and may you always cherish these blessings in your life. Wishing you an overflowing of happiness, joy and prosperity on this auspicious occasion. Happy Chapchar Kut! If you want to experience this unparalleled spirit, mark your calendars for the second Friday of March next year, Chapchar Kut awaits. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Mizoram, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 07:20 IST A bill to block Montanas National Guard from being deployed into combat without a congressional declaration of war suffered a fatal blow in the state House of Representatives on Wednesday amid a rolling sequence of debates. Montana Legislature transmittal deadline: What it is and why it's important This week, the 100-member House of Representatives is planning to debate more than 80 bills per day. Some bills draw protracted debates that can run up to an hour. House Bill 404, sponsored by Rep. Lee Deming, R-Laurel, carried the "Defend the Guard Act," a proposal working its way through state legislatures across the country. Supporters argue the guard's deployments have been unconstitutional absent a congressional declaration that despite engagement in conflicts across the Middle East hasn't been issued since World War II. Opponents contend the acts passage would hobble the Montana National Guards funding and, by extension, its operations within the state. But more pointedly, they contended on Wednesday that HB 404 ignores the reasons why people sign up for the National Guard, and why service members are deployed to dangerous parts of the world. "Our enemies are looking for signs of weakness," said Rep. David Bedey, a Hamilton Republican and retired U.S. Army colonel. "This bill is a sign of weakness." National Guard soldiers are deployed into combat zones under what's known as Title 10, authority that gives the president the ability to order soldiers into active duty. The bill to block that authority from the state angle has itself had a precarious path through the Montana Legislature but has been growing roots into mainstream politics in recent years. Supporters during the bills hearing last month before the House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee raised previous statements of support from Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host recently confirmed as President Donald Trumps Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, since being installed, has not reiterated that support or signaled publicly on any action toward internally advancing the proposals effects. They also slammed Adjutant General for the State of Montana, Major General John Hronek, for lobbying legislators against HB 404 ahead of its committee hearing. Several people referenced a tour of Fort Harrison and helicopter rides Hronek offered to lawmakers before its hearing. "I dont have helicopters to give you rides to convince you to vote against this bill," Deming told the committee during his muted but searing testimony. "All I have is the constitution." Proponents emerged from around the country, including some standard bearers of the Defend the Guard movement, like Dan McKnight, a retired member of the Idaho National Guard. "Its now in 30 states moving through the legislatures as we speak right at this moment," McKnight told the committee. "And there hasnt been any loss of funding." A fiscal note prepared for HB 404 suggests Montana would lose $132 million in federal funding if the bill were to be signed into law. McKnight and other Defend the Guard supporters said no other state has seen such a threat to cut funding when considering the same proposal. Hronek, for his part, defended his efforts to kill the bill early in the process. He also said the debate over the president's Title 10 authority would be better hosted on a federal level. "It will have catastrophic impact on our members and our national security," he said. "If there is a conflict with the constitution, I really believe it should be held at the national level, at the Supreme Court." The committee initially rejected the bill. Deming attempted a procedural maneuver that would have lifted the bill from the committee to the House floor for a full debate, but that effort likewise failed. Demings bill got new life on Tuesday when, in the final hours ahead of a deadline that would have otherwise meant the bill died, Rep. Shelly Fyant, D-Arlee, flipped her vote on the House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee, sending the bill into the House chamber for a full vote in what may be the busiest week of the legislative session. Deming objected when, during the traffic controlling of bills between the chamber and the appropriations committee, legislative leadership opted to send HB 404 back to a budget committee. "I suppose I should take it as a compliment," he said. "To be honest, I feel a little targeted when all Im trying to do is preserve the constitutional order and save Montana State Guard lives in undeclared and unconstitutional wars. I would like an explanation. What are you so afraid of?" House Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick then called for the bill to be debated next. It was in that environment the debate over HB 404 veered from solemn objections to blistering condemnation. "I dont think Ive seen a bill come through the Legislature that hurts the people of Montana more than this one," Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Great Falls, said after noting how the Montana Air National Guard aids his community, particularly the fire department at the Great Falls International Airport. "Its no different than saying, 'Im going to defund. That was not a winner for anybody,'" Fitzpatrick said. "Defunding the National Guard is not a winner either." Active or retired service members who are also lawmakers were far greater in numbers on the opponents' side of the debate. Rep. Brad Barker, a 20-year veteran who served in the U.S. Army as an attack helicopter pilot and aviation commander, pushed back on the suggestion that any conflict U.S. troops have engaged in were done so through "choice and adventurism." "It completely disregards the blood and sacrifice of very close friends, loved ones, who went to defend our freedoms and respond to the call when our nation was attacked on 9/11," he said. "Has it been too long that we forgot 9/11? Has it been too long that we forgot why we went and fought that conflict? I certainly hope not, because the consequences could be grave." Deming, in his closing statements on the bill, urged lawmakers to think of the National Guard troops who would not suffer PTSD, but ultimately brought his demands back to fealty to the constitution. "You and I swore an oath to defend the constitution, not federal funding," he said. The bill ultimately died on a 41-58 vote. Rashmika Mandanna Brings Simplicity And Grace In A Mehendi Green Saree With Dainty Gold Embroidery Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 12:38 IST Rashmika Mandanna took to her social media to share pictures of her latest look. The pictures have left her fans in awe. The actor paired the green saree with a royal blue blouse, adding vibrant contrast. Rashmika Mandanna has been on a winning streak. After delivering an impactful performance in Pushpa 2 alongside Allu Arjun, the actor has once again become the talk of the town with her latest release Chhaava. She is currently basking in the success of this period drama. Amidst this, she took to her social media to share her latest look, where she paired a beautiful mehendi green saree with a blue blouse. Taking to her social media, Rashmika Mandanna shared a series of pictures of her latest traditional look. She mentioned how she dressed up by herself and did her styling. She wrote, Sometimes just sometimes things happen too last minute and have to do hair make up styling all by yourself and have to ask my best friend to take my pictures.. it ends up like this. I love it!! Its taking me back to college days fully." Recommended Stories Take a look at the pictures here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rashmika Mandanna (@rashmika_mandanna) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For her latest look, Rashmika opted for a traditional mehendi green saree. The saree came with intricate and dainty golden floral embroidery all over it. It also came with a matching golden border that increased the elegance of the overall look. The actor paired the saree with a royal blue blouse. The blouse came with golden piping detail and golden embroidery all over it. The blue blouse added a vibrant contrast to the green of the saree. She draped the saree neatly and let the pallu fall gracefully from her shoulders. For the accessories, Rashmika paired the saree with bright blue bangles, oxidised jhumkas, and a small black bindi. For the glam, she kept it simple and fuss-free. She went with a dewy base and defined her eyes with kohl, eyeliner, and mascara. She added a soft pink shade to her lips and also a subtle hint of blush on her cheeks for that flush of colour. She tied her hair in a messy bun and completed her elegant look. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 12:38 IST 6 Budget-Friendly Countries To Visit From India Under Rs 60,000 Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 14:25 IST When you have ample money, planning a holiday is easy, but what if you are on a limited budget and still want to travel abroad? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are six countries you can visit with a budget of Rs 60,000 only Although Rs 60,000 is a limited budget, with proper planning, you can still explore international destinations without breaking the bank. (News18 Hindi) There is a beautiful couplet by Jameel Malik: The whole world has come to the house; if possible, travel and see the world" Indeed, the real joy of life lies in travelling. However, whenever a vacation is considered, the first thing that comes to mind is the budget, especially for international travel. When you have ample money, planning a holiday is easy, but what if you are on a limited budget and still want to travel abroad? Dont worry, weve got you covered. Here are six countries you can visit with a budget of Rs 60,000 only. Recommended Stories To travel overseas on a budget of Rs 60,000, you must choose destinations that are affordable for Indian tourists. Another crucial factor is the cost of living and expenses in that country compared to the Indian Rupee. Although Rs 60,000 is a limited budget, with proper planning, you can still explore international destinations without breaking the bank. Nepal Nepal is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations for Indians. It is close to India, and Indian citizens can visit without a visa. Everything, including accommodation, food, transport, and sightseeing, is quite inexpensive. Staying in a simple hotel costs around Rs 1,000 Rs 2,000 per night. You can explore Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini, and even trek to Everest Base Camp. The country also boasts many beautiful temples and scenic landscapes. Sri Lanka A favourite destination of Bollywood stars like Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, Sri Lanka is a stunning island nation near India. Travel expenses here are comparatively lower, making it an ideal choice for budget travellers. A night in a basic hotel costs between Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,000. You can explore places like Colombo, Kandy, Negombo, Galle, and Bentota, which offer breathtaking beaches, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage. Thailand If youre planning a girls trip or boys trip, Thailand is likely on your bucket list. Thailand is one of the most economical international destinations for Indian tourists. Affordable flights, budget-friendly hotels, and inexpensive food and transport make it an excellent choice. Daily expenses range from Rs 2,500Rs 3,500. You can visit popular tourist spots such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and the Thai Islands. The country is also famous for its vibrant nightlife. Vietnam Vietnam is a breathtaking Southeast Asian country that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is an affordable destination where Indian travellers can enjoy a memorable experience on a budget. Accommodation and food are relatively cheap, with simple hotels costing between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,500 per night. Vietnam offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and coffee plantations. Must-visit places include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, and Mui Ne. Indonesia (Bali) Bali, a top tourist destination in Indonesia, is a favourite among Indian travellers. With careful planning, you can easily explore Bali within Rs 60,000. Most hotels provide complimentary breakfast, and basic accommodation costs between Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,000 per night. Bali is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, Mount Agung, and majestic temples, making it a dream destination for budget travellers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bhutan Alongside Nepal, Bhutan is another breathtaking destination where Indian tourists can enjoy visa-free travel. Expenses here are also quite reasonable, with budget-friendly hotels and affordable transportation options. A simple trip can cost around Rs 2,000Rs 3,000 per day. While in Bhutan, be sure to visit Thimphu, Paro, and Buddha Point for mesmerising views and cultural experiences. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: March 07, 2025, 14:25 IST Celebrating Women: 5 Destinations Around The World That Inspire And Empower Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 14:12 IST On International Women's Day, take a look at these destinations that celebrate the stories of female pioneers. Rome, Italy, has many monuments that highlight the influential women from ancient history. Whether honouring female pioneers, sharing inspiring stories or celebrating the achievements of women past or present, International Womens Day on March 8 is a reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. From the regal palaces of Mysore to the vibrant streets of Hanoi, here are some destinations that celebrate the powerful legacies of women throughout history. Recommended Stories Mysuru, India Mysore, a city steeped in history, is an ideal destination to celebrate the legacy of strong and inspiring women. From the leadership of Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi and Maharani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana, who advocated for womens education and social reform, to modern personalities like Sudha Murthy, Mysore has long been a centre of female empowerment. Visitors can explore the Mysore Palace, where powerful queens once shaped the regions future. The citys rich heritage in Bharatanatyam and literature reflects its deep cultural traditions, while nearby areas like Chamundi Hills, named after the goddess Chamundeshwari, offer moments of reflection and strength. Tasmania, Australia The largest island in Australia, Tasmania is part of a nation that led the world in womens suffrage, granting women the vote in 1903, and provides inspiring insights into the progress of womens rights. Travellers can connect with the stories of trailblazing women through exhibitions, local museums and art and history tours hosted across the island. Rome, Italy One of the most celebrated cities in the world, Rome is steeped in history, including the role of influential women. From empresses to poets, women in Ancient Rome were able to break free from traditional gender roles to make their mark. Visitors can explore landmarks connected to these powerful female figures and discover the inspiring stories behind them. Additionally, the work of women artists and their contributions to the arts adorn the many museums and galleries Rome has to offer. Charleston, USA With a rich history, Charleston provides an excellent opportunity to understand and appreciate the achievements of women in the USA, due to the vast history of womens contributions to civil rights, politics and education. Key figures such as Mary Mcleod Bethune and Septima Poinsette shaped the citys legacy. For those wanting a hands-on experience to learn about the women who influenced this city, wine tours reveal the historic district and sites associated with them. With a focus on educating visitors, they focus on the women who changed the city politically, socially and economically and offer an inspiring and uplifting insight into their lives and achievements, often in the face of adversity. Hanoi, Vietnam top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Situated along the Red River Delta, Hanoi is a bustling city that plays an integral role in Vietnams politics, tradition, and culture. The city showcases stories of resilience and leadership through attractions such as museum tours, which highlight womens roles in the countrys development and the struggles and victories of women in Vietnamese history. To explore Hanois rich history and culture, travellers can embark on women-led jeep tours to experience iconic landmarks and hidden gems while supporting female leadership within the industry. These handpicked destinations by Booking.com, one of the worlds leading digital travel companies, will surely enrich your travel experience. About the Author Lifestyle Desk Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationshi... Read More Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationshi... Read More fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 14:12 IST Rocky Singh Gears Up For A Road Trip From Patna To Lucknow In Season 12 Of #RoadTrippinWithRocky Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 12:04 IST The latest season of #RoadTrippinWithRocky will cover Rocky Singh's road trip from Patna to Lucknow. He is all set to relish in the local flavours and explore lesser known places. Watch the journey from March 7th to 12th on HistoryTV18's social media. As spring fades and summer slowly creeps in, HistoryTV18 and Rocky Singh gear up for a thrilling road trip across Bihar & Uttar Pradesh on the new season of #RoadTrippinWithRocky. From lip-smacking delights to breathtaking views and offbeat adventures, the new season promises viewers six days of non-stop fun as they follow Rockys journey from 7th March to 12th March across HistoryTV18s and Rockys social media accounts. Starting from Patna on Day 1, Rocky is all set to savour the traditional and modern flavours of this ancient city, with the must-have litti chokha and Champaran mutton at the top of his list. From there, he will head to the spiritual city of Varanasi, where, among the ghats and temples, delicious kachoris and legendary paans await him. Recommended Stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by HISTORY TV18 (@historytv18) From Varanasi, the road leads to Prayagraj, where he will revel in the post-Kumbh vibes and sample its culinary offerings. On the way to Lucknow, he will stop to explore the lesser-known city of Sultanpur and experience its rich history and flavours. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Season 12 of #RoadTrippinWithRocky will finally come to an end in the City of Nawabs, Lucknow, where, apart from the legendary eateries, even the street food is fit for royalty. The #RoadTrippin series has achieved remarkable success on social media, cultivating a loyal fan base that eagerly anticipates each new season. By blending humour, distinctive eccentricity, and eclectic experiences with a sense of thrilling spontaneity, the series has developed a winning formula. Since its inception, #RoadTrippin has taken viewers on captivating journeys, amassing over 1.5 billion impressions and nearly 500 million video views while covering more than 22,000 kilometres across 23 states. You can watch #RoadTrippinWithRocky Season 12 on HistoryTV18s and Rockys YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 12:04 IST Vivienne Westwood To Host Their First-Ever Fashion Show in India Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 18:20 IST In partnership with the Department of Textiles, Govt. of Maharashtra and Vivz Fashion School, the show will be held at the Gateway of India, Mumbai, on April 1, 2025. The Vivienne Westwood couture collection will celebrate handwoven Indian silks and khadi cotton. Dame Vivienne Westwood, the legendary British-fashion designers brand is coming to India to host its first-event fashion show. The show will be presented at the historic and prestigious Gateway of India, in Mumbai on April 1, 2025. The world may have lost the legendary Vivienne Westwood in 2022, but her creations continue to inspire the world of fashion. To honour her legacy and Indias rich textile heritage, Vivienne Westwood has partnered with the Department of Textiles, Govt. of Maharashtra and Vivz Fashion School Pvt. Ltd, to present a never seen before fashion spectacle. Recommended Stories The show will present a collection of Vivienne Westwood couture designs created with the finest natural hand woven Indian silks and khadi cottons and wool. The collection celebrates the craftsmanship of these hand-woven fabrics, sourced from across India provided by Khadi India and Aaranya/Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), and created by Indian artisans using traditional and sustainable techniques. The word Khadi is derived from Khaddar, a term used for the hand spun fabric of India. Khadi fabric is known for its natural, coarse texture due to its handmade process, and its versatility keeping you warm in winter and cool in the summer. Khadi, which was celebrated by Mahatma Gandhi during the iconic Khadi Movement, is a national icon known for its integral part in the struggle for Indias freedom. Similarly, Vivienne used her creations to communicate ideas, often using graphics to confront issues of political and social injustice. It will be interesting to see how the two iconsViviennes design sensibilities and the artisanal fabricKhadi weave magic on the runway. Vivienne Westwood by the late 70s, was considered a symbol of British avant-garde, having pioneered in punk inspired-looks. Alongside her husband and creative partner Andreas Kronthaler, she continued to draw inspiration from historical dresses, culture and fine art, shaping the brands distinct identity. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Vivienne Westwood has long championed craftsmanship and heritage, using artisanal fabrics within their collections. Through working with and promoting artisans and small heritage production, Vivienne Westwood is proud to promote more environmentally sustainable forms of fabric production and support traditional skilled jobs and the communities around them. The show will take place at the historic Gateway of India, a monument that now represents the freedom of India and is synonymous with the city of Mumbaia hub for locals and tourists, for music and celebration, a melting pot of different cultures in the city of dreams. About the Author Akshata Shetty Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: March 07, 2025, 18:20 IST Baywatch Actress Pamela Bach, David Hasselhoff's Ex-Wife, Dies By Suicide; Family Deeply Saddened Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 04:59 IST According to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner, Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff's death was ruled a suicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head. Pamela Bach, 'Baywatch' actress and David Hasselhoff's ex wife, dead at 62. Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff, actress and former wife of Baywatch star David Hasselhoff, has passed away at the age of 62. She was found dead at her Los Angeles home on Wednesday, March 5. According to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner, her death was ruled a suicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head. Reports indicate that Pamelas family became concerned after not hearing from her and decided to check on her. TMZ was the first to report the news. Recommended Stories David Hasselhoffs representative shared a statement with PEOPLE, expressing the familys sorrow. Our family is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Pamela Hasselhoff. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, but we kindly request privacy as we grieve and navigate through this challenging time." Pamela shared two daughters with DavidTaylor, 34, and Hayley, 32. Her Instagram was filled with heartfelt posts about them, as well as her granddaughter. Taylor welcomed a daughter, London, in August with her husband, Madison Fiore, whom she married in February 2023. Her final Instagram post, shared on New Years Eve, featured her posing in front of a decorated Christmas tree and a video of her granddaughter. As we step into 2025, my heart is full of gratitude, especially for my precious grandbaby, ????London. Watching her grow and seeing her smile light up my world is truly the greatest blessing," Pamela wrote. She continued, Heres to a year of making cherished memories, spreading joy, and embracing every precious moment!" Pamela and David, now 72, first met on the set of Knight Rider, where she appeared as a guest star. She later joined him on multiple episodes of Baywatch. Neither Taylor nor Hayley has publicly commented on their mothers passing. However, Hayley subtly acknowledged the loss by reposting a throwback photo of her parents from 1996. The image, taken at the grand opening of the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, was accompanied by a simple white heart emoji, ." Disclaimer: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) About the Author Shrishti Negi Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: March 07, 2025, 04:59 IST Border 2 Producer Nidhi Dutta Expecting Her First Child With Binoy Gandhi: Greatest Blessing Is On The Way Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 11:39 IST Producer Nidhi Dutta is all set to welcome her first child with husband Binoy Gandhi. She announced her pregnancy with pictures from the set of Border 2. Nidhi Dutta and Binoy Gandhi revealed that their baby is due in July 2025. Congratulations are in order as Border 2 producer Nidhi Dutta is expecting her first child with her husband Binoy Gandhi. She announced her pregnancy by dropping some lovely pictures with Binoy from the set of Border 2. She wrote that their greatest blessing is on the way, and that their baby is due in July 2025. Soon after she shared the pregnancy announcement on social media, Border 2 actor Ahan shared his happiness and excitement over being a mamu again. Athiya Shetty, Suniel Shetty, Varun Dhawan, Ayushmann Khurrana and others also showered love. Nidhi Dutta is seen flaunting her baby bump in the first picture, while her hubby Binoy Gandhi kisses her belly. They are seen on the set of Border 2. The next picture shows the parents-to-be lovingly cradling the baby bump. Nidhi Dutta is seen in a body-hugging beige sweater, paired with jeans and brown shoes. The caption of the post read, Our Greatest Blessing is on the way July 2025." Recommended Stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nidhi Dutta (@nidhiduttaofficial) Soon after they shared the post, Suniel Shetty dropped evil eye emojis, while Ayushmann Khurrana commented, Wow." Varun Dhawan congratulated the parents-to-be. Ahan Shetty took to his Instagram and expressed his joy. He wrote, Mamu again," along with a red heart and evil eye emoji. Athiya Shetty also shared the post on her Instagram story, and wrote, Uff, I cant wait! Congratulations my @nidhiduttaofficial and @binnoykgandhi! Only love and more love." Mid-Day reported that Nidhi Dutta shared the news of her pregnancy with the cast and crew of Border 2 when director Anurag Singh took the film on floors in January. A source said, She announced her pregnancy on the set, and the unit couldnt be happier. Her parents JP Dutta and Bindiya were over the moon! Interestingly, Bindiya was expecting their second child, Siddhi, during the making of Border [1997]. Nidhi wants to be a hands-on producer. Being a woman producer on a war film isnt easy, but having such examples will encourage more women. She is balancing the film and her pregnancy beautifully. The baby is due in July; by then, the movies post-production will begin." JP Duttas daughter, Nidhi Dutta tied the knot with filmmaker Binoy Gandhi on March 7, 2021 in Jaipur. Exactly four years later, they have now announced that they will embrace parenthood soon! Meanwhile, JP Dutta also expressed his joy and said, We need everyones blessings as Nidhi and Binoy begin this new chapter in their lives. To see my daughter working on the film tirelessly while expecting her bundle of joy makes me so proud." Border 2 stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty. The film is a sequel to the 1997 patriotic film Border. On January 16, the team of Border 2 started filming the first schedule in Jhansi. The film aims to showcase raw emotions and heroism with its gripping storyline, intense action sequences and touching drama. Border 2 is scheduled to be released in theatres to celebrate Republic Day 2026. First Published: March 07, 2025, 11:29 IST Mahima Chaudhrys Daughter Ariana Steals The Show At Nadaaniyan Premiere; Fans Compare Her To Selena Gomez Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2025, 15:51 IST Bollywoods biggest stars gathered for the grand premiere of Nadaaniyan, marking Ibrahim Ali Khans much-awaited Bollywood debut alongside Khushi Kapoor. Nadaaniyan premiere dazzles with Ibrahim Ali Khans Bollywood debut, but its Mahima Chaudhrys daughter Ariana who steals the show! Social media cant stop comparing her to Selena Gomez. Bollywoods glitz and glamour were on full display last night as celebrities gathered under one roof to celebrate the highly anticipated premiere of Nadaaniyan, a film that not only marks Ibrahim Ali Khans grand Bollywood debut but also brings Khushi Kapoor into the spotlight as his leading lady. As the son of Saif Ali Khan, Ibrahims foray into acting has already garnered immense buzz, with fans eager to see if he can live up to the legacy of his illustrious father. But apart from the excitement surrounding the young stars performance, another major highlight of the film is its stellar ensemble cast, featuring seasoned actors Mahima Chaudhry, Suniel Shetty, Dia Mirza, and Jugal Hansraj, who play pivotal roles as the lead characters parents. However, the night wasnt just about the stars gracing the silver screenanother young face unexpectedly stole the spotlight. While attending the premiere with her mother, Mahima Chaudhrys 17-year-old daughter, Ariana Chaudhry, made her dazzling public debut, and social media has been buzzing about her ever since. Dressed in an elegant all-white ensemble with delicate bangs framing her face, Ariana looked effortlessly stunning, drawing comparisons to Hollywood star Selena Gomez and even the iconic Amul Girl from nostalgic advertisements. Recommended Stories One social media user gushed, Shes cute. Has Selena Gomez vibes," while another exclaimed, She looks like a real-life doll!" Arianas resemblance to her mother, coupled with her understated charm, quickly made her a viral sensation, leaving fans eager to see more of this rising star kid. Amidst the social media frenzy and celebrity appearances, Nadaaniyan remains the heart of the conversation. This much-awaited Dharma Productions film promises a fresh take on romance and relationships, set against the backdrop of youthful innocence and self-discovery. With its compelling storyline, a talented new-generation duo in Ibrahim and Khushi, and a supporting cast of Bollywood veterans, Nadaaniyan is poised to be a coming-of-age cinematic delight that explores love, ambition, and the challenges of growing up in a world where choices define destinies. About the Author Yatamanyu Narain Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More First Published: March 06, 2025, 15:51 IST Nadaaniyan Review: Khushi Kapoor And Ibrahim Ali Khan Bring Charm To This Lighthearted Film Written By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 13:52 IST While it doesnt surprise you, Nadaaniyan offers a lighthearted experience that can be enjoyable. Read our full review here. A still from the film. Nadaaniyan U/A 3/5 7 March 2025|Hindi 2 hrs 00 mins | Romance, Drama Starring: Ibrahim Ali Khan, Khushi Kapoor Director: Shauna Gautam Platform: Netflix Watch Trailer Theres something oddly charming about a film that fully embraces what it is Nadaaniyan does just that. It doesnt try to be deep, doesnt get caught up in logic and certainly doesnt pretend to have any grand message. Instead, it offers an unapologetic dose of lighthearted, over-the-top storytelling, packed with classic tropes and a script so unrestrained that it keeps you entertained. If youre in the mood for carefree fun, Nadaaniyan delivers exactly that. At the heart of the story is Pia Jai Singh (Khushi Kapoor), a South Delhi socialite who is forced to treat love like a business transaction. Enter Arjun Mehta (Ibrahim Ali Khan), a Noida boy with big dreams. Arjun wants to win a high school debate competition that, in this world, is the golden ticket to an Ivy League university. And how does he secure a spot in this prestigious event? By flashing his six-pack abs in front of a room full of students who suddenly decide that maybe he is, in fact, worthy of the challenge. If youre looking for a moment that encapsulates Nadaaniyan, this is it. Recommended Stories The film thrives on excessexcessive privilege, excessive montages of rich kids and lavish parties and excessive scenes reminding us that rich people have unhappy marriages. Its a world weve seen a hundred times before but still, we enjoy watching it again now with this Dharma film. Performances are a mixed bag. Nadaaniyan marks Ibrahim Ali Khans movie debut, and while the film doesnt give him much to work with, he shines in the film. Theres a particularly well-executed emotional scene where he breaks down in front of his father (played by the delightful Jugal Hansraj), and in that moment, his innocence and vulnerability feel genuinely moving. His debut is impressive and of course, worth watching. Khushi Kapoor, too, has her moments, especially in a couple of emotional scenes where she tries to break through the limitations of the script. But for the most part, both leads are abundant more a product of the films sheer mindlessness than their individual abilities. The supporting cast, including Suniel Shetty and Mahima Chaudhry, have little to do beyond some well-rehearsed bickering, while Dia Mirza and Jugal Hansraj, though underutilised, remain effortlessly likable in their brief appearances. But heres the thing: for all its absurdity, Nadaaniyan never drags. It moves at a breakneck pace, throwing one illogical moment after another at you before you even have the time to process the previous one. Its like watching a sugar rush unfold in real-time. Does it make you think? No. Does it make sense? No. But did it ever intend to? Probably, also no. And maybe, thats what makes it likeable. The thing that Nadaaniyan has going for it is that it never bores you. It just keeps going scene after scene of glossy fluff that never slows down long enough for you to dwell on the story. Theres something good about the pacing, even as you question everything unfolding on screen, youre still watching. And maybe, on a lazy afternoon when you have not much else to do, you might just find yourself mildly entertained. While Nadaaniyan doesnt surprise you, it offers a lighthearted experience that can be enjoyable. If youre looking for a movie that puts style over substance one that allows you to relax and just go with the flow this could be the guilty pleasure you didnt know you needed! About the Author Shreyanka Mazumdar Shreyanka Mazumdar is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. With an unbridled passion for all things Bollywood, she loves deep-diving into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, bring... Read More Shreyanka Mazumdar is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. With an unbridled passion for all things Bollywood, she loves deep-diving into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, bring... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 13:50 IST Ranya Rao Admits Recovery Of Gold: Not Just Dubai, Travelled To Other Middle East Cities, Europe, America Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 10:34 IST Kannada actress Ranya Rao sent shockwaves across the country after she was arrested at Bengaluru Airport in connection with an alleged gold smuggling case, earlier this week. Authorities are probing Ranya Rao's possible involvement in a smuggling network. Days after Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at the Bengaluru Airport in connection with an alleged gold smuggling case, it has now been revealed that she has admitted to the crime during her statement to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). CNN-News18 has learnt that in her first statement to the DRI, Ranya Rao admitted that 17 pieces of gold bar were recovered from her possession. Rao also revealed that she not only travelled to Dubai but Europe, America and the Middle East also. However, she refused to share any further details and asked the authorities to allow her to rest. Recommended Stories Rao, the stepdaughter of Director General of Police (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, was under the radar of authorities due to frequent travel to Dubai. She allegedly travelled to the city 30 times over the past year, and four times in 15 days, bringing back kilos of gold each time. Following her arrest, the Bengaluru Directorate of Revenue Intelligence recovered gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her Bengaluru home during raids. She has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody following the arrest. The case, touted as one of the biggest gold seizures in Karnataka, has also brought increased scrutiny on Raos husband, Jatin Hukkeri. Police have alleged that he frequently travelled with the actress to Dubai, from where she allegedly smuggled gold. Hukkeri married Ranya Rao in a high-profile marriage around four months ago at Taj West End, after which they settled into a high-end apartment in Bengalurus upscale Lavelle Road. Hukkeri is an architect by profession, holding a Bachelors degree in Architecture and Interior Design from RV College of Engineering in Bengaluru. He pursued further studies at the Royal College of Art Executive Education, London, specialising in Disruptive Market Innovation. About the Author Harish Upadhya Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 09:37 IST Mandan could soon become the latest city in North Dakota to ban homeless encampments, as leaders look into ways to address rising homelessness in the area. The City Commission on Tuesday voted to advance a proposal that would outlaw camping on public property. The board will now hold a public hearing on the new rules during its next meeting, on March 18. Commissioners will then vote on whether to adopt the ordinance. "The ordinance is similar to those being enacted by cities in North Dakota and across the country. It provides protection for the public and for unhoused individuals, and reduces liability for the city as it provides notice and sets a process for removing items of personal property left on public property," Deputy Police Chief Jason Bier told commissioners on Tuesday. The proposal comes after officials in Bismarck last October passed an ordinance banning encampments in the city. Mandan City Commissioner Craig Sjoberg, who approached city staff about developing the city's proposed ordinance, said he introduced the proposal to ensure police in both Bismarck and Mandan are "on the same page" regarding encampments. He emphasized the importance of providing officers in both departments with "a tool at their disposal when needed." "Some people refer to this as a homeless encampment ordinance," Sjoberg told the Tribune. "I prefer to look at this as a cohesive attempt for our police officers to work with social service providers to help keep everyone safe, not only the people who first impressions might indicate that they're homeless, but also our citizens of the Bismarck-Mandan area." The push for an encampment ordinance in Bismarck gained traction primarily due to complaints from businesses downtown about sanitation and public safety. Sjoberg said he hasn't heard similar complaints from constituents in Mandan. However, he added that a homeless resident who took up residence in his neighborhood last September caused some disruptions. "When you have 4-year-old kids playing within 50 feet of said individuals whose background you do not know, and who (kept) you up all night screaming and hollering and swearing at the top of their lungs -- that's not acceptable in our community," he said. The Tribune reached out to ND Continuum of Care, an organization that keeps local point-in-time homeless counts, for data on Mandan but did not immediately receive a response. Bismarck's homeless population is just under 180, according to a point-in-time count conducted in July 2024. About 115 are sheltered and 63 are unsheltered. A point-in-time count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in a specific area. These counts are led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development but carried out by local agencies. Bismarck and Mandan are not the only cities in the state that have proposed encampment ordinances. Last September, Fargo passed similar laws, leading to the removal of several sites along the Red River and under downtown bridges. Fargo public works crews used bulldozers and dump trucks to clear some encampments last October, according to The Forum. The ordinances are part of a national trend sparked by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last June that allows local governments to arrest and fine residents who are homeless and camping on public property. The 6-3 decision stated that enforcing laws regulating camping in public spaces does not violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against "cruel and unusual punishment." Language in Mandan's proposal largely mirrors Bismarck's ordinance. The new rules would prohibit the formation of campsites on sidewalks, streets, alleys, lanes, public rights-of-way, parks, benches, and under bridges or viaducts. The law would ban campsites with "material used for bedding purposes," stoves or fire, tents or other types of shelter established for the purpose of "maintaining a temporary place to live." Just like in Bismarck, the law would prohibit sleeping on on public sidewalks, streets, alleys or within doorways. The ordinance would not ban sleeping in city parks or other public property, according to a commission memo. Ordinance language explains that once a campsite is identified, the city would issue a 24-hour notice requesting the removal of items and would notify a local social services agency of the site's location. After the 24-hour period has elapsed, police would be tasked with removing any remaining personal property left at the site. Much of the local social services are located on the Bismarck side of the river but are shared by both communities. The two local homeless shelters, Ministry on the Margins and United Ways Center for Opportunity, are both in Bismarck. Ruth Meiers Hospitality House, which closed in 2017, was also based in Bismarck. If passed, a violation of the Mandan ordinance could result in a Class B misdemeanor charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a fine of $1,500. Shah Rukh Khan Receives Thunderous Welcome In Jaipur, Blows Kisses At Fans | WATCH Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 19:59 IST Shah Rukh Khan arrived in Jaipur for IIFA 2025, greeted by fans' cheers. He will perform at the event, hosted by Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan. Shah Rukh Khan arrives in Jaipur for IIFA 2025. Shah Rukh Khan was welcomed with loud hoots and cheers after he arrived in Jaipur on Friday, March 7. The superstar was accompanied by his manager Pooja Dadlani, and his security entourage as he made his way to the car at the airport. For the unversed, King Khan is in the Pink City to attend IIFA 2025. SRK sported a casual look for his airport OOTD. He wore a casual white T-shirt, which he teamed with a pair of comfy joggers. The superstar blew kisses at his fans at the airport before getting inside his car and speeding off. Watch the video here: Recommended Stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani) The actor was greeted by flower petals as he set out to explore the citys touristy places. A presence so powerful, we cannot keep calm! Shah Rukh Khan has arrived in Jaipur for IIFA 2025 and we are beyond excited," read the post on IIFAs official Instagram page. View this post on Instagram A post shared by IIFA Awards (@iifa) Every year Shah Rukh Khan plays a pivotal role in the IIFA Awards. While he usually takes the mike as the host, this time, the superstar is one of the star performers of the night. IIFA 2025 will be hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan. Other performers for the big night include Madhuri Dixit, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kriti Sanon, who will be flying to Jaipur for the event. The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is all set to celebrate 25 glorious years of bridging Bollywood with the world. The buzz around this milestone event began with a star-studded press conference in Mumbai, graced by SRK, Kartik Aaryan, Karan Johar, and other prominent figures from the film industry. If youre wondering why the makers chose Jaipur as the venue this time, its because the awards ceremony will kick off the celebrations this year by tracing back to its roots. However, the city will host only the first leg of the celebrations. After Jaipur, IIFA will travel across two more Indian cities and close the year-long celebrations in London, where it all began 25 years ago. First Published: March 07, 2025, 18:40 IST Shanaya Kapoor Calls Herself 'Grateful' As She Wraps Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Shoot In Baku | Photos Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 15:54 IST Shanaya Kapoor started filming her debut, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, in Azerbaijan with Vikrant Massey. Shanaya Kapoor is currently shooting for Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan in Azerbaijan. Shanaya Kapoor wrapped the schedule of her debut project, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The soon-to-be-debutante expressed gratitude as she shared behind-the-scenes moments. She is paired with Vikrant Massey in the film. In the photo, shot-ready Shanaya Kapoor posed with her debut films clapboard. She wore a black jacket, with a big smile plastered on her face. In the location bar, Shanaya mentioned that she is currently in Azerbaijan for work. Take a look at her photos here: Recommended Stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shanaya Kapoor (@shanayakapoor02) Her mother, Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives stars Maheep Kapoor, who has often expressed how worried she is about her daughters debut film, wished her luck by posting multiple red heart and evil eyes emojis. Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is touted to be a musical drama, based on Ruskin Bonds short story titled The Eyes Have It. As per a Peeping Moon report, Shanaya will portray a theatre artist, while Vikrant will play a blind musician. The films storyline is expected to explore the intricacies of human connection such as compassion, resilience, independence, desire and self-belief. The film is helmed by Santosh Singh, known for his projects such as Broken But Beautiful and Apharan. The film is written by acclaimed writers like Niranjan Iyengar and Mansi Bagla. Backed by Mansi and Varun Baglas Mini Films, Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan marks their second collaboration with Vikrant after the remake of Forensic. For the unversed, Shanaya was earlier announced to debut with Karan Johars Dharma-backed film, Bedhadak, co-starring Kill lead Lakshya and Call Me Bae actor Gurfateh Parizada. However, the project was reportedly shelved due to reasons best known to the makers. Apart from this, she has been reportedly roped in for Student of the Year web series, backed by Dharma Productions. She will also make her South debut with Mohanlals big-budget film, Vrusshabha. First Published: March 07, 2025, 14:54 IST Tamannaah Bhatia Talks About 'Ek Tarfah Pyaar' Amid Breakup Rumours With Vijay Varma Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 16:40 IST Tamannaah Bhatia discussed love and companionship on a podcast, amid her breakup rumours with Vijay Varma. Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma have reportedly parted ways. Breakup rumours about Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma are making the rounds on the web, with an official confirmation still awaited. Amid this, the Stree 2 actor appeared in a podcast. Though she didnt address the elephant in the room, she shared her take on unconditional love and being in a relationship. 35-year-old Tamannaah conversed about love and relationships with YouTube podcaster Luke Coutinho. She said, I think people confuse between what love is and what a relationship is. The moment it is conditional, I feel it ceases to be love. Love can only be unconditional; it can only be ek tarfah (one-sided)." Recommended Stories The actor further explained how she has finally realised that loving someone means setting them free. Love is an inside job, its how you feel for someone. The moment you have expectations, you want people to do what you want them to be doing, then thats just a business transaction. I have realised if I have to love someone, I need to let them free, to be who they are," she shared. Tamannaah also spoke about how the whole feeling of companionship makes her happy. She added, I feel like Ive always been much happier when Im in a relationship versus when Im not. I love the feeling of having companionship; its a wonderful feeling." The Jailer actor also emphasised on how one needs to tread with caution while giving access to ones life when in love. But it matters who you let in that equation because you give them some amount of access and power to influence your life. You need to choose wisely and that can be done when youre aware of yourself," she further said. For the unversed, Tamannaah Bhatia was rumoured to marry Vijay Varma later this year. But earlier this week, a Pinkvilla report claimed that they have broken up. Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma parted ways weeks ago as a couple but they plan to remain good friends. Both have been working hard in their respective schedules," a source told the portal. The duo are yet to comment on the matter. First Published: March 07, 2025, 16:11 IST Yuvika Chaudhary Breaks Silence On Divorce Rumours With Prince Narula: I Was Living At Moms House Because Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 10:36 IST Yuvika Chaudhary said that Prince Narula is very emotional and that the divorce rumours affected him. Yuvika Chaudhary puts an end to divorce rumours with Prince Narula. Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudharys divorce rumours had been swirling on the Internet for the last few months. The actress finally broke her silence on this matter, and put divorce speculations to rest. She said that that the rumours affected Prince, but she didnt feel compelled to clarify, which is why she chose to ignore the rumours for so long. Setting the record straight, Yuvika dismissed divorce rumours, and said that she was living at her mothers house because there was construction work going on in her house. While speaking with ETimes, Yuvika said, This (parenthood) is a new journey for both of us. I didnt react to rumours back then. Prince is very emotional and the rumours affected him, but sometimes I feel there is no need to clarify things. At one point, when I said Prince was busy, I meant he was busy with work. Then people started saying that I was living at my mothers house, but that was because there was construction work going on in my house. I didnt feel the need to explain things to people". Recommended Stories Further speaking about her bond with Prince, Yuvika said that each phase is different- right from being friends to dating, getting married and now becoming parents. She said that they have seen some fun days and some tough days, but it has been an uplifting journey that has only brought them closer. Rumours of trouble in Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudharys married life surfaced a few months ago after netizens noticed that Yuvika was missing from Princes birthday celebration. On November 24, Prince Narula celebrated his 34th birthday, and while Prince was seen posing with his daughter, Yuvika was missing from the photos. Later, one of Princes comments also went viral on social media, leaving everyone concerned. In an interview, Prince claimed that he was busy with a shoot in Pune when he received a call about Yuvikas delivery. The actor recalled rushing to the hospital and revealed that his parents were angry too since they were informed at the last moment. Ek toh mujhe pata bhi nahi tha ke baby ho raha hai, mujhe kisi aur se pata laga, pata nahi mere liye kaisa surprise tha," he said as quoted by Free Press Journal. Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary, who met on Bigg Boss seson 9 in 2015, got married on October 12, 2018. After six years of togetherness, the couple welcomed their baby girl, Ekleen, on October 19, 2024. First Published: March 07, 2025, 10:36 IST Opinion | Jaishankar Attack: India Must Make It Costly For UK To Host Khalistan Movement Written By : News18.com Last Updated: March 28, 2025, 03:43 IST The UK has to start bearing the consequences of harbouring anti-India groups and movements. One would have thought a semblance of introspection and remorse would dawn in the erstwhile empire whose sun has long and permanently set External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar (File image/Reuters) Chatham House, from where Indias foreign minister was stepping out when Khalistani extremists attacked him, stopped his car, and flashed the cults yellow flag, has an interesting history. In October 1931, MK Gandhi addressed an overflowing hall at the Chatham House. He advocated an idea opposite of what the Khalistan movement stands for. Recommended Stories Gandhi told the audience that the best way of arriving at the solution to any problem, political or social, is for the protagonists of rival views to meet one another and talk things out with sincerity and candour". The Khalistan movement, in contrast, has stood for bigotry, terrorism, and mass murder. Britain, which, as the colonial master, had repeatedly denied Gandhi and India freedom and left only after engineering a bloody Partition, still hosts a separatist, terrorist movement against India that has slaughtered thousands of innocents. The interconnected webs of tyranny involving Britain, Pakistan, and India extended far and wide in history. The Khalistan movement, which started in the 1960s, started picking up steam in the 70s when the early advocate for a sovereign Sikh state, dentist-turned-politician Jagjit Singh Chohan, moved to the UK in 1970. In 1971, he travelled to Pakistan on his newly obtained British passport. PM Yahya Khan received him warmly and promised him support for a Sikh nation. Interestingly, in 1971, India was freeing Bangladesh from Pakistan with the Liberation War. Jagjit then went to the US, the UKs longstanding ally, where he brought out a full-page ad in The New York Times declaring Khalistan as an independent state. More than half a century has passed, but Britain still hosts the same terrorists who threaten Indias safety and sovereignty. The attack on Jaishankar should be viewed through the lens of this dark continuity. As Conservative MP Bob Blackman rightly said, the breach of security of a visiting foreign government representative is a violation of the Geneva Convention. Yesterday, Pro-Khalistan thugs attempted to attack the External Affairs Minister from India, Shri Jaishankar.This is an attack on democracy, and on our friends and allies in India. I called on the Govt to provide appropriate protection to overseas visitors. pic.twitter.com/5ifOQiPEks Bob Blackman (@BobBlackman) March 6, 2025 It shows Britain in very poor light and marks it as an unsafe place on the world diplomatic map. What would the UK do if PM Keir Starmer or one of his ministerial colleagues were to be attacked or heckled in this manner in India? More importantly, how would the UK respond if India were to host a full-blown separatist movement against Britain on its soil? In all, 525,865 people identified as Sikh in the 2021 UK census. This makes the UK home to the second largest Sikh diaspora population in the world after Canada. Sikhs are the fourth largest religious group in the UK, making up almost 1 per cent of the population. It is their vote that helps Khalistanis command significant political influence, especially within the Labour Party. Several lawmakers of the ruling Labour Party, including an aide to the UK minister negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, participated in a Gurpurab event organised by a Khalistani group. British MP Preet Kaur Gill, for instance, was among the attendees. In 2020, Gill had backed the right of self determination" for Sikhs in India and accused India of threatening Sikhs in the UK. She campaigned for the release of terrorist Jagtar Singh Johal, a UK national jailed since 2017, for his role in the murders of Brigadier Jagdish Gagneja, RSS leader Ravinder Gosain, and Pastor Sultan Masih. Even Indian diplomatic staff in the UK are not safe. In September 2023, pro-Khalistan protesters barred Indian high commissioner Vikram Doraiswami from entering a gurdwara in Scotland. Khalistani protestors have often camped outside the Indian High Commission in London, most recently in January this year. In 2023, a Khalistani mob breached the buildings perimeter, vandalised the premises, and brought down the Indian tricolour. In the UK, multiple rounds of the Khalistan referendum have been held to date, with the World Sikh Organisation dubiously claiming the participation of over 50,000 Sikhs. In 2015, India shared with the UK a detailed dossier on how Sikh youth are being radicalised in the countrys gurdwaras. Besides imparting ideological indoctrination, youth have also been imparted theoretical training to make Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) using common chemicals by giving live demonstrations," the dossier said, according to The Daily Mail. But the UK has done almost nothing to quell Indias concerns. It is time India raises the cost for Britain to host and nurture Khalistani insurgency and terror from its soil. It should go slow with economic and trade cooperation, step up the role of agencies within the UK, and study the faultiness within the Khalistani groups. It must also crack down on Khalistani financing and sanction those providing the Sikh terrorists with safe haven and money. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The UK has to start bearing the consequences of harbouring anti-India groups and movements. One would have thought a semblance of introspection and remorse would dawn in the erstwhile empire whose sun has long and permanently set. Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: March 07, 2025, 19:45 IST Opinion | Ranveer Allahbadias Content May Be Crude, But Decency Is Subjective Written By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 15:55 IST Decency and morality are omnibus terms, vulnerable to a great deal of subjectivity. One persons morality may be anothers immorality; what appears indecent to one may be perfectly decent to another. Who decides? Allahbadia has millions of followers and is recognised for his motivational advice, entrepreneurial insights, and candid conversations. (Image via X/@BeerBicepsGuy) I have never met Ranveer Allahbadia, nor have I ever watched any of his podcasts. I am neither puritanical nor a moralist, but I can understand why his entirely gratuitous and obscene remarks sparked outrage among so many. Even so, I salute the Supreme Courts judgment, which, while expressing concern over his having crossed the line of decency in this case, upheld the fundamental right enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution, reaffirming the freedom of speech. On further scrutiny, I found that Allahbadia has millions of followers and is recognised for his motivational advice, entrepreneurial insights, and candid conversations. However, his style is often characterised by raw and unfiltered language, an inclination to tackle taboo subjects, and, as alleged by many, a tendency to frequently cross the line of decency and propriety. Recommended Stories In 2023, a petition was filed in the Delhi High Court (HC) by a group of citizens, arguing that some of Allahbadias content violated Indias obscenity laws and decency standards, as outlined in the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The petitioners claimed that his use of explicit language and discussions on sensitive topics had a detrimental effect on young audiences and eroded cultural values. The HC ruled in favour of the petitioners, imposing restrictions on certain types of content and mandating the inclusion of disclaimers and age restrictions. Allahbadia appealed the decision, arguing that the ruling infringed upon his fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. He contended that his content was intended to inspire and educate and that the use of explicit language was a stylistic choice to connect with his audience. The case eventually reached the Supreme Court, where it was heard by a bench of five judges. In its judgment, the Supreme Court (SC) acknowledged the importance of freedom of expression in a democratic society, particularly in the context of digital content creation. The Court noted that the internet has become a powerful platform for individuals to share ideas, challenge norms, and foster dialogue. However, it also emphasised that this freedom is not absolute and must be exercised responsibly, considering the broader societal impact. The Court upheld the principle that decency standards are essential to maintaining public order and morality, as enshrined in Article 19(2) of the Constitution, which allows for reasonable restrictions on free speech. Article 19(2) allows the State to impose reasonable restrictions in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency, and morality. I have no objection to the other grounds for restrictions, provided they are reasonable, but I do have deep reservations about the interpretation of decency and morality. These are omnibus terms, vulnerable to a great deal of subjectivity. One persons morality may be anothers immorality; what appears indecent to one may be perfectly decent to another. Who decides? This is especially relevant in our country. Our religious and cultural tradition is replete with sensuality that is both uninhibited and explicit. This is the land of the Kamasutra, Khajuraho, and Konark, as well as the remarkable tradition of the love lore of Krishna and Radha. Associated with this are the works of some of our greatest poets and writers, whichboth in language and contentcould outrage the uninformedly prudish, both within our country and outside it. We have historically had an open mind on such matters, shaped by a profound and enlightened acceptance of desire and its manifold expressions within the framework of the four purusharthas, or goals of life: dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Given this, who can truly be the arbiter of decency and morality? There was a time when notions of decency and morality did not allow our films to show kissing. Flowers bending towards each other or birds in close proximity were used as substitutes. However, today, our films depict kissing and graphically sensual scenes. This is just one example, but it demonstrates that decency and morality are neither unchanging nor precisely defined. There is merit, therefore, in the fact that the Supreme Court (SC), while not imposing outright bans, has suggested some guidelines for future reference. Some of these are indeed relevant, such as age restrictions, disclaimers, contextual relevance, and self-regulation. However, I would still caution against any constraints beyond this, as they could lead to unnecessary censorship and discourage creators from exercising their rightful freedom to address important and controversial issues. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Imposing one persons subjective opinion of what constitutes decency and morality is itself a violation of the intent of freedom of speech enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution. The spirit of that article must be preserved in a country where, on one level, marauding hoodlums harass young couples in public places for being immoral and indecent, while on another, general public opinion has maturedaligning with our own enlightened and liberal traditionsto embrace a much broader definition of what constitutes decency and morality. The author is a former diplomat, an author and a politician. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: March 07, 2025, 15:53 IST Opinion | Russias War Economy: Lessons For Indias Defence Preparedness Written By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 21:15 IST Despite sanctions, Russia's war economy fuels its artillery. India must prioritise similar self-reliance in defence production Soldiers stand next to a Russian RS-24 Yars ballistic missile parked along Tverskaya street. (AP Photo/File) Despite a contracting economy and international sanctions that have begun to bite on Russia, the country is still managing to fire approximately 0.3 million artillery shells into Ukraine each day. Furthermore, Russia produces three million artillery shells annually, demonstrating its ability to sustain an arms manufacturing industry despite US sanctions. Additionally, it is engaged in designing and manufacturing advanced missile systems, which it periodically showcases to demonstrate that it is still in business. While it has been predicted that the Russian economy cannot sustain itself forever, and economic indices showing signs of going downward, government spending on defence does not appear to have decreased. The longevity of such spending could well be questioned, but with no signs of Russia seeking to end the war in Ukraine, it appears that its war economy management may buy more time than previously assessed. Recommended Stories More importantly, with strong and persistent government support, defence productionparticularly of artillery and rocket ammunitionappears to be increasing. This suggests that Russias capacity to wage a war of attrition in Ukraine can be sustained in the medium term if required. An overview of the Russian economy shows that GDP in the last quarter of 2024 declined to 3.1 per cent from 4.1 per cent the previous year. The defence industry has maintained its production momentum due to substantial government financial support. Meanwhile, most other sectors of the economy are experiencing a downturn, driven by lower hydrocarbon prices and OPEC+ production cuts. Russian industry is operating at 81 per cent of its capacity; however, labour shortages affect 73 per cent of the sector. Unemployment stands at 2.3 per cent. As a result, the domestic economy is unable to meet demand fuelled by the states aggressive spending, necessitating greater imports and subsequently increasing the demand for foreign currency. Despite these economic indicators, defence spending now exceeds 8 per cent of GDP and accounts for 40 per cent of total government expenditure. The primary focus of this substantial expenditure is on defence production and salaries for defence personnel. Within the framework of defence spending, the production of armoured vehicles and ammunition takes the main chunk, while, more recently, drone manufacturing has also gained significant government attention. In 2025, Russia increased military expenditure to 6.3 per cent of GDP, up from 5.9 per cent in 2023. According to Reuters, defence spending in 2025 is expected to reach 13.5 trillion roubles, a sharp rise from just 5.5 trillion roubles in 2022. While the emphasis on defence in Russias war economy is evident, a lack of reliable information makes it difficult to assess the countrys actual capacity and capability. However, some estimates are available; one of which, for instance, indicates that between 2014 and 2022, the production of tube and rocket artillery ammunition totalled 748,987 shells. Additionally, Russias pre-war capacity for repairing unserviceable rounds of ammunition was estimated at 300,000 annually in 2020. More recently, in February 2024, the Royal United Services Institute (UK) estimated that Russias ammunition production capacity for 2023 stood at 1.3 million artillery shells and 800,000 122 mm shells. Even assuming Russia had used up 50 per cent of this inventory, its industries are likely producing the same, if not greater, quantities of ammunition. Another Eastern European source suggests that the refurbishment of artillery shells increased from 40,000 in 2021 to between 3 and 4 million in 2023. The total production forecast for 2024 was 4.5 million rounds. This underscores the scale of Russias defence expenditure, particularly in artillery ammunition production. Russia sustaining such high levels of defence spending, especially when sanctions have been imposed on almost all sectors of its economy, shows its ability to maintain a war economy, just as Iran did earlier. In broad terms, a centralised governance systemwhere President Putin makes all key decisionsthe existence of vast war wastage reserves, and continued government subsidies to the military-industrial complex provide the foundations for such sustained military production. The unique circumstances of the conflict in Ukraine have necessitated the diversion of all available resources from other industries to the defence sector (a decision announced in October 2023), alongside the implementation of a special wartime work regime involving additional shifts and overtime in production. In February 2024, President Putin claimed that the defence industry had created 520,000 jobs annually since the start of Russias military campaign in Ukraine and was employing 3.5 million workers. This, in part, helps explain how the defence industry has also played a role in addressing unemployment. Western analysts have highlighted Russias reliance on the West for microelectronic components, machine tools, and metallurgical materials, among other critical items. The production of more complex systems, such as missiles, has evidently posed challenges. However, Russia appears to have either found ways to circumvent sanctionsprocuring materials from other countries such as Chinaor shifted its focus to prioritising existing capabilities. The import of weapon systems from North Korea, Iran, and China has also helped compensate for capability gaps. A notable example is Russias purchase of off-the-shelf drones from Iran, which has enabled it to maintain offensive combat capability. Additionally, reports suggest that 90 per cent of machine tools entering Russia originate from China. While efficiency may not be the defining characteristic of Russias military-industrial complex, spare capacity and strong government support have enabled the sector to expand and meet the demands of the Russian armed forces. The longevity of this war economy will depend on the ability of the government to support the defence industry and revitalise old equipment and systems with money. This, in turn, will be determined by the overall state of the Russian economy. More significantly, Chinas aid and assistance in keeping Russias economy afloat will be crucial. There are lessons here for India, particularly regarding the need to enhance defence production in preparation for future conflicts. While India is not on the brink of war, ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan, along with other strategic considerations, necessitate that the armed forces closely study the dynamics of Russias manufacturing system. A key example is Indias artillery ammunition requirements. In 2024, the government selected five companies to supply 2,000 terminally guided 155 mm munitions. To put this in perspective, during the Kargil War, approximately 250,000 shells were fired in just two weeks of intense combat. Given the scale of modern warfare, todays requirements would be significantly higher. Fortunately, private industry has stepped in to provide some relief to the Indian Army. Companies such as Adani, Bharat Forge, SMPP, Economic Explosives, and Premier Explosives have been awarded contracts to develop artillery ammunition. Notably, several Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide have expressed interest in partnering with Indian companies to manufacture 155 mm shells. Additionally, with these firms expanding their involvement in ammunition production across various categories, the potential for exports has also increased. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The war in Ukraine has demonstrated Russias resilience in sustaining artillery and rocket ammunition production. The lessons to be learnt beyond the battlefield must therefore be studied carefully. While future conflicts for India may be multi-spectrum, incorporating electronic and cyber warfare, ground battles will still require a steady supply of arms and ammunition in the hands of Indian soldiers. The author is a retired director, NSCS. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: March 07, 2025, 21:15 IST Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 16:54 IST Deepika Padukone is back with another sensational photoshoot. The new mother made a stellar appearance at the Forbes 30/50 Global Summit in Abu Dhabi today. 1 / 5 Deepika wore an incredible gold dress by Sabyasachi Mukherjee with billowing sleeves, a high-neck bow accent, and a dramatic, textured sheen. (Image: Instagram) 2 / 5 Her outfit was accentuated with simple yet effective jewellery. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 5 She accessorised her ears with eye-catching ear cuffs that delicately mirrored the grandeur of her gown with their elaborate gold trimming and jewels. (Image: Instagram) 4 / 5 Her makeup, which featured a perfect base, delicately contoured cheekbones, and a splash of peachy blush, was a masterclass in gentle glam, showcasing her glowing complexion. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT Amit Shah Targets Stalin On Language Issue, Asks Him To Impart Medical, Tech Lessons In Tamil Published By : PTI Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 10:48 IST Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Narendra Modi government effected changes and now ensured that the CISF aspirants could write the exam in their respective regional languages Union Home Minister Amit Shah (PTI Image) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to commence engineering and medical education in Tamil in the state. Targeting the chief minister on the language issue, especially given Stalins opposition to Hindi, Shah said the Narendra Modi government effected changes and now ensured that the CISF aspirants could write the exam in their respective regional languages. Recommended Stories Now the PM Narendra Modi government has ensured that the exam can be written in Tamil too," the home minister said, speaking at the 56th Raising Day of the CISF at RTC Thakkolam in Ranipet, about 70 km from Chennai. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He further said, I appeal to the Tamil Nadu chief minister to start the engineering and medical education in Tamil in the state for the benefit of students." He said Tamil Nadus culture played a vital role in strengthening Indias cultural stream. Be it administrative reforms, attaining spiritual heights, education or the unity and integrity of the nation Tamil Nadu has reinforced Indian culture in every sphere," Shah said at the event, which marked a spectacular match past of continents, yoga display, and commando operations. Location : Ranipettai (Ranipet), India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 10:48 IST BJP Presidential Poll: Why UP, Bihar, Bengal And Delhi Slowed Down The Race | Saffron Scoop Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 16:30 IST The road to the BJP presidency has hit a few roadblocks. Key states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal are grappling with political events that have impacted the party's election timeline. The BJP may have a new national president after Holi and before the RSSs key meeting in Bengaluru. (PTI Photo) Before addressing that, lets first look at the process. Recommended Stories As per the partys constitution, organisational elections must be completed in 50 per cent of the states before proceeding with the election of the National President. Till now, the party has been able to conduct organisational elections in 13 out of the 18 states required to meet the 50 per cent criterionand counting. THE CONCERN The BJP has successfully completed organisational elections in Union Territories such as Chandigarh, Goa, Ladakh, and Lakshadweep. Among the states, the saffron party has finished organisational elections in Northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland, Assam, and Meghalaya. In the mainland states, the BJP has finalised organisational elections in Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan. Only recently, after a push from New Delhi, Bihar elected its new state chief, with Dilip Kumar Jaiswal being unanimously chosen. Sources in the BJP say Bihar was the first among the remaining states that the party leadership was keenly focused on. Every state counts the same, but can you deny the heft that Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, or Madhya Pradesh carries? Reaching 50 per cent without these key states is simply not an option," said a BJP source requesting anonymity. The source added that while hitting the 50 per cent mark in time is not a concern, it cannot be done without the key Hindi heartland states and those where elections are due, such as West Bengal. However, the source reassured, We will get there, taking them along in a few days." But what caused the delay? WHY WAS UP LATE? Uttar Pradesh, Indias largest state, was occupied with organising the Maha Kumbh, the worlds largest spiritual gathering. The UP administration, assisted by BJP volunteers, oversaw the event. According to government figures, the Maha Kumbh 2025 witnessed nearly 66 crore devotees from India and abroad taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister was focused on Prayagraj and was personally present for most VIP visits, including those of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah. This left little room for preparations for the organisational elections. WHY WAS BIHAR LATE? In Bihar, the organisational elections were delayed due to the impending cabinet expansion of Nitish Kumar. Ahead of this, Dilip Jaiswal resigned from Nitishs cabinet, where he was serving as the Minister for Revenue and Land Reforms. With elections approaching, it was evident that the party wanted him to focus entirely on the organisation. Once the caste balance was maintained and Nitish was kept in good humour with Samrat Choudharyonce his arch-enemymaking it clear that Nitish Kumar would remain Chief Minister, the stage was finally set for the organisational elections in Bihar. WHY WAS BENGAL LATE? Then there are states like West Bengal, which began the membership drivethe first step in the BJP presidential electionlate due to the widespread RG Kar protests across the state. Sources told News18 that the BJPs top leadership prioritised participation in the protests. The party felt that attempting a membership drive in such an emotionally charged atmosphere would have been counterproductive. Now, however, there is no unanimity on the next state president, given that the current Bengal BJP president, Sukanta Majumdar, has been elevated to the Union Cabinet. Leader of the Opposition in Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, recently made a quiet visit to Delhi and met Home Minister Amit Shah. Speculation is rife that the next BJP state president was a key topic of discussion. THE CAPITAL REASON And then came the mother of all reasonsthe Delhi election. After 27 years, the BJP managed to enter the Delhi Secretariat. This required a meticulously crafted campaign and execution, involving a range of leaders, including the Prime Minister, who coined the term AAP-da in a rallya phrase that became Delhi BJPs go-to attack line against the Aam Aadmi Party. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Since the election was held in Delhi, most ministers were engaged in the campaign. Even junior ministers were pressed into action, creating a leadership vacuum in January when it was crucial to push states to expedite the organisational elections. However, according to a BJP source, states have now been instructed to complete their organisational elections by 14 March. If the source is to be believed, the BJP may have a new national president after Holi and before the RSSs key meeting in Bangalore, which begins on 21 March. About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 16:29 IST Lalu Prasad Made His Wife CM When Jailed In Scam: Nitish Kumar Fires Fresh Salvo At RJD In Assembly Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 15:51 IST Nitish Kumar stepped up his attack on Lalu Yadav in the Bihar Assembly and said that he made his wife Rabri the CM of the state when he was jailed in the fodder scam. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar (PTI Image) A high-voltage drama unfolded in the Bihar Assembly on Friday as the Opposition attempted to corner Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over rising cases of violence against women in the state, prompting him to accuse the RJD of not doing anything for womens empowerment. He also launched a blistering attack on RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and said that he appointed his wife, Rabri Devi, as the CM when he was jailed in 1997 in connection with the fodder scam. Recommended Stories The Assembly witnessed chaos for the second straight day as the Opposition legislators protested over cases of violence against women. Irked by repeated disruptions, the Chief Minister accused his former ally (RJD) of not working for women. When Rabri Devis husband (Lalu Yadav) went to jail, he made his wife the Chief Minister of Bihar. You belong to a party that has done nothing for women," Kumar said. Patna, Bihar: During the Bihar Legislative Assembly session, in response to RJD leader Urmila Thakurs question, CM Nitish Kumar says, We have done work for womenYou belong to a party that has never done anything for women" pic.twitter.com/ryJLEXUG3D IANS (@ians_india) March 7, 2025 Drawing the contrast, the Chief Minister said that his government works against such criminal activities. Whenever any incident occurs in any district, we immediately speak to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police," he said. He further folded his hands and urged the Opposition MLAs to end their protest and join the Assembly proceedings with peace. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Nitish Kumars latest attack on Lalu came days after he claimed that it was he who made Lalu what he became" in politics. What was there in Bihar earlier? It was me who made your father what he became. Even the people from your caste were asking me why I was doing this, but I still supported him," Nitish said earlier while retorting to Tejashwi Yadav, who had dubbed the current government defunct". About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 15:48 IST Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh Were Deen Dayal Upadhyays Vision: MM Joshi In Book Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 11:31 IST India's delimitation debate heats up as BJP's Murli Manohar Joshi backs redefining Lok Sabha by 2026 in a book's foreword. Authors propose equal-sized states to balance electoral weight. MM Joshi points out that many on the constitution drafting committee were disappointed by the inclusion of Gandhi's views on rural India and Panchayati Raj. (Image: PTI) India is witnessing a growing controversy surrounding delimitation, a process set to redefine the Lok Sabhas composition based on population by 2026. This debate, particularly heated in the South, has brought to light the nuanced perspective of BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi, as expressed in his foreword for the book Delimitation and States Reorganisation: For a better democracy in Bharat. The authors of the book, published by Blueone Ink Pvt Ltd, are Gautam Desiraju and Deekhit Bhattacharya. Joshi appears to support delimitation, crediting Jan Sangh founder Deen Dayal Upadhyays vision of autonomous areas for the NDAs creation of Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. He invokes Upadhyay to emphasise the need for smaller administrative units and highlights the shortcomings of the draft Constitution, citing Kamalapathi Tripathis concerns. Joshis core belief rests on prioritising economic democracy, suggesting a shift beyond the current one-person-one-vote system. Recommended Stories This proposition might raise eyebrows even in the south. Joshi points out that many on the constitution drafting committee were disappointed by the inclusion of Gandhis views on rural India and Panchayati Raj. He highlights Upadhyays proposal for a commission to reorganize state boundaries, quoting the Jan Sanghs 1952 resolution advocating for smaller, autonomous units based on administrative, economic, developmental, and security considerations. It may be of interest that Bharatiya Jan Sangh with Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay as its founding General Secretary adopted a resolution in its very first plenary session (1952) suggesting the reorganisation of the proposed ad hoc provincial units (states) into smaller autonomous administrative units (Janpad) based on administrative, economic, developmental and security considerations," writes Joshi. Joshi credits Upadhyays vision for the formation of Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. UP = BIHAR = TAMIL NADU = KARNATAKA? The books authors, Gautam Desiraju and Deekhit Bhattacharya, delve into Indira Gandhis decision to freeze delimitation based on 1971 figures, a move perceived as politically motivated and perpetuated by Atal Bihari Vajpayees extension until 2026. They propose a radical solution: a reconstructed political map with states of roughly equal size, thereby eliminating the north-south divide by balancing electoral weight and removing the distinction between north and south. The northsouth divide itself would have been non-existent if states were roughly equally sized, as no one state would have disproportionate electoral heft, and nor would a clear dividing line exist between north and south, as none of the large northern states would exist in identifiable (and hence, targetable) forms," the authors argue. The authors cite Ambedkar and KM Panikkars dissenting note on the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, highlighting the disproportionate influence of larger states like Uttar Pradesh. They advocate for states with similar populations, deeming a 50-year delimitation freeze unhealthy for the current parliamentary and assembly constituency structure. all states should be of roughly similar population. Freezing delimitation for a full fifty years is no solution The present condition of our parliamentary and assembly constituency limits is not healthy," the authors summarise. 75 STATES, TWEAK RAJYA SABHA, CONSTITUTION STILL IMPORTANT? Desiraju and Bhattacharya envision a future India where the Constitution is not a static document but a dynamic framework for governance. The Constitution has been reduced to being a frozen book of commandments which has descended from the skies, instead of being a fluvial documentation of governance which adjusts as the nation forges its own path of progress," say the authors, adding that Nehru had stated that the Constitution was merely a basis for further work. The authors quote the ironman of India, Sardar Patel, having pronounced, This Constitution is for a period of ten years. This is the beginning of a lot of unsettling by the authors in pursuit of Bharat. To achieve their vision of a balanced and prosperous India, the authors propose significant constitutional changes, including a more equitable distribution of power between the Union and state governments. Their radical proposal for 2025: seventy-five states with approximately 20 million people each. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Furthermore, they call for a debate on the relevance of the Rajya Sabha in its current form, suggesting alternatives such as a US Senate-like structure with equal representation for each state. Delimitation and States Reorganisation: For a better democracy in Bharat" goes beyond a timely intervention in a crucial political debate. It sparks discussion with its radical yet feasible ideas. With proposals like equal-sized states and Joshi calling it the need of the hour," the question remains: how will the government and opposition, especially in the south, respond? About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 11:28 IST 'I Was Drugged, Abused': Daughter Presses Charges Against Domique Pelicot, France Man Jailed In Mass Rape Case Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 15:16 IST Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging his wife and arranging for dozens of men to rape her. Caroline Darian has pressed charges against her father. {Photo Credit: Instagram) Caroline Darian has spoken out against her mother, Gisele Pelicot, in a new book after her father was convicted in France of orchestrating the mass rape of his wife. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging his wife and arranging for dozens of men to rape her while he filmed the assaults. But Darian claims she was also a victim of her fathers abuse and says her mother refused to believe or support her. In her book So That We May Remember, Darian expresses her pain over her mothers silence. Recommended Stories It is an abandonment too many," she wrote in her book, The Independent reported. She claims that the lack of support has reached a point of no return." Darian claims that two photographs taken by her father prove she was also a victim. As per the report, the pictures showed her asleep in underwear that did not belong to her. She believes those photos were taken when she was drugged and abused just like her mother. These two photographs knocked me over I am sure (there) are others. I know that I was sedated and abused by my father, but I cannot prove it," she wrote. During Pelicots trial, he denied abusing his daughter. When Gisele was asked if she supported her daughters claims, she chose not to answer. Her silence says a lot. I am hit by this implacable reality in the face: my mother does not want to believe me or to hear me. The pain runs right through me. I have spent four years trying to be there for my mother, cherishing the bond that counted so much for me. I feel alone facing a wall of desolation and no one seems to understand," Darian wrote in her book. Despite her criticism, Darian acknowledged her mothers strength during the trial as she waived her anonymity and allowed the trial to be public so that shame will change" sides. Darian describes her as dignified, calm, and strong" and says, Those who were at the trial discovered day after day this strength of character, this rectitude, this ability not to flag." According to the Times, Darian mentioned that psychologists had warned her that her relationship with her mother might not survive the trial. I nevertheless had a lingering hope. I was her only daughter. She could not let go of my hand and especially not in this courtroom. But I am forced to accept that that is the case," she wrote. She also criticises the justice system for the sentences given to her fathers co-defendants. She believes the court did not grasp the importance of this weapon," referring to drugging. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The legal system had a historic opportunity and partially missed it," she wrote. Darian, along with her brothers Florian and David, felt the punishment did not match the severity of the crime. Darian has decided to take legal action and is pressing charges against her father for allegedly drugging and raping her, BBC reported. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 15:15 IST Mumbai Suicide Case: Man Hangs Do Not Disturb Sign Outside Hotel Room Before Dying By Suicide, Blames Wife And Aunt Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 15:59 IST A 41-year-old man checked into a Mumbai hotel three days before his suicide. In his suicide note, he expressed love for his wife but held her and his aunt responsible for his death. Mumbai suicide case: Nishant Tripathi, 41, blamed wife and aunt in last note. His grieving mother Neelam Chaturvedi shared this picture with a heartfelt note. Mumbai suicide case: A 41-year-old man died by suicide in Mumbais Sahara Hotel due to alleged harassment by his wife and aunt. Before taking his life, the deceased, identified as Nishant Tripathi, placed a Do Not Disturb sign outside his hotel room, where he had checked in three days earlier. He also wrote a letter and uploaded it to his companys website, holding his wife and aunt responsible for his death. The police have now filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the Tripathis wife, Apoorva Parikh, and aunt, Prarthana Mishra, for abetment to suicide and have launched an investigation. The police have not yet made any arrests in the matter. Recommended Stories Do Not Disturb Sign Three days before taking the extreme step, Tripathi checked into a room at the Sahara Hotel. On February 28, he hung a Do Not Disturb sign on his door before ending his life by hanging himself in the bathroom. Read| TCS Employee Dies By Suicide, Blames Wifes Affair In Last Video: Please Think, Talk About Men When the hotel staff received no response from him for a long time, they used a master key to enter the room and found him hanging. The airport police were immediately informed and his body was taken for post-mortem. Mumbai suicide case: Nishant Tripathis suicide note During the investigation, the police discovered a suicide note uploaded on Tripathis company website, secured with a password. In the note, he expressed his love for his wife while also holding her and his aunt responsible for his death. Hi babe, by the time you read this, Ill be gone. In my last moments, I couldve hated you for everything that happened, but I dont. For this moment, I choose love. I loved you then. I love you now. And as I had promised, its not going to fade," Tripathi reportedly wrote in his last note for his wife. Also Read| Nishant Tripathis Mothers Heart-Wrenching Note After Son Ends Life In Mumbai Hotel: I Feel Like A Living Corpse He further expressed, My mother knows that among all the other struggles I faced, you and Prarthana Mausi [aunt] are also responsible for my death. So, I beg you, dont approach her now. Shes broken enough. Let her grieve in peace." I feel like a living corpse: Nishant Tripathis mother In a heartfelt social media post, Nishant Tripathis mother Neelam Chaturvedi expressed, Friends, I am Neelam Chaturvedi. You see me as a living person, but the truth is, I am already dead. Today, I feel like a living corpse." My son, Nishant. He was my everything. Both my children loved me deeply, but Nishant was my friend, my companion, and my greatest support. He was my strength, the source of my energy to live and work. My life is over now," Chaturvedi added. My son, Nishant, has left me. I am now nothing more than a living corpse. He was supposed to perform my last rites, but today, on March 2, I performed my sons cremation at ECO-MOKSHA in Mumbai. My daughter, Prachi, carried out her elder brothers last rites," the grieving mother further said. She also revealed that since the age of 16, she had dedicated her life to fighting for womens rights, gender equality, and more. Through organisations like Sakhi Kendra, she helped over 46,000 women in distress, secured justice for more than 37,000 women, and empowered thousands by providing them with employment and training. She further shared that she single-handedly raised her two children and took immense pride in it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following the incident, Tripathis mother filed a complaint at the Airport Police Station. Initially, the police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR), but later, based on the mothers complaint, a case was filed against his wife, Apoorva Parikh, and his aunt, Prarthana Mishra, under Section 108 of the Indian Penal Code. DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) About the Author Arfa Javaid Arfa Javaid, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, keeps her finger on the social media pulse, covering all things trending and viral. She also covers human interest stories. A Delhi University alumna, Arfa also hol... Read More Arfa Javaid, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, keeps her finger on the social media pulse, covering all things trending and viral. She also covers human interest stories. A Delhi University alumna, Arfa also hol... Read More News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: March 07, 2025, 10:13 IST Thyrocare Founder Claims Cooking Is Key To A 'Happy' Marriage Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 18:40 IST Despite his wifes professional position at the SBI, Dr Velumani highlighted in his post that she handled work and family duties with grace. He also stated that he washed the dishes while his wife prepared meals. (Photo Credits: X) Dr A. Velumani, the founder of Thyrocare, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his perspective on cooking as a key factor in maintaining successful relationships. In his post, he categorized people into two groupsthose who learn to cook and enjoy fulfilling marriages, and those who dismiss cooking as a waste of time, often struggling to sustain relationships despite wealth. There are two kinds of people: Recommended Stories Those intelligent enough to learn cookingbuild strong, happy marriages through mutual relationships. Those who consider cooking a waste of timeeven if they marry rich, they struggle to maintain relationships and live under stress," he wrote. Dr Velumani also emphasized the importance of parents teaching their children to cook, suggesting that neglecting this skill could lead to regrets later. He highlighted his late wife, Sumathi Velumani, as a role model, praising her for seamlessly balancing work and family. Food is the best route to the heart. #Discipline is a different kind of fun. My late wife, Sumathi Velumani, nurtured two familiesmine and hers. Fortunately, I enjoyed washing dishes. PS: She was a working wife (SBI)," he added. There are two kinds. 1. Intelligent enough to Learn a good deal of cooking. They enjoy a happy married life by building bilateral relationships. 2. Lazy enough to think that cooking is waste of time. Even if they find a rich spouse, they struggle in generating or sustaining pic.twitter.com/rVHR6jM3fu Dr. A. Velumani.PhD. (@velumania) March 5, 2025 Shared on March 5, the post has garnered over 15,000 views. Dr. Velumanis view of cooking as a vital life skill was supported by online users. Some users even claimed that Americans and Europeans perform the majority of the everyday household chores on their own, in contrast to Indians. A user wrote, Cooking isnt just a skill, its relationship equity. Shared meals build stronger bonds than money ever can." Another said, Americans and Europeans mostly themselves do their own daily family jobs. No shame to do this. Only super rich has their paid housekeeping staff. In our country this is opposite. I have seen person with 20k salary has 2 types of Bai. I do every kind of family work with my wife." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tons of agreement! I live alone and I used to hate cooking in the beginning Now I am a great cook who enjoys his own food. Even my family members and, neighbours wonder seeing me cook. Thanks sir!" shared a user on X. We were discussing this exact topic today with our son. Its a life skill, cooking and cleaning are very basic and important skills and discipline for life!" another user stated. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 07, 2025, 18:40 IST 26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana Moves Closer To Extradition As US Supreme Court Denies His Plea Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 10:47 IST Rana has appealed his extradition to India, claiming that he will be tortured based on his Pakistan origin. Trump had earlier confirmed his extradition during PM Modi's visit. 26/11 terror attack alleged mastermind Tahawwur Hussain Rana's emergency stay application was rejected by the US Supreme Court. Pakistani-Canadian doctor Tahawwur Hussain Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is one step closer to his extradition to India after the US Supreme Court rejected his emergency stay application, following President Donald Trumps order to extradite him. His attorney has now appealed directly to US Chief Justice John Roberts. Rana had moved to the top US court for an emergency stay on his extradition to India, saying he would be tortured and killed in India because of his religious identity and social background. His application was denied by Justice Elena Kagen, after which his attorney appealed directly to the Chief Justice. Recommended Stories Ranas plea says he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin and a former member of the Pakistani Army, which would make him susceptible to torture in custody and he could die given his health condition including a bulging artery and Parkinsons Disease. He also argued that the government in India is increasingly autocratic and cites the Human Rights Watch 2023 World Report, which accuses the BJP-led government of systematic discrimination and stigmatisation of religious minorities, particularly Muslims. ALSO READ: As Mumbai Attacks Accused Tahawwur Rana Claims He Will Be Tortured In India, A Look At Ajmal Kasabs Lengthy & Fair Trial Trumps Announcement On Ranas Extradition Tahawwur Rana is a known associate of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the November 26, 2008 attacks in Mumbai that killed 174 people. He was convicted in the US for supporting the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and India has long demanded his extradition. US President Donald Trump confirmed Ranas extradition to India during a press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House last month. Tahawwur Rana will be going back to India, where he will face justice," he said. PM Modi also expressed gratitude to Trump for taking the step. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Once brought to India, Rana is expected to be produced in a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, after which the NIA will seek his custody for questioning. The extradition is being touted as a big success for Indian agencies and the government. Rana was convicted for providing logistical support for a foiled attack in Denmark but was acquitted of terrorism activities in India. The district court sentenced Rana to 14 years imprisonment. Terrorist David Headley also testified against Rana in court. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 07, 2025, 08:17 IST Catch And Revoke: Trump To Use AI To Cancel Visas Of Foreign Students Who Support Hamas, Terror Groups Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 11:47 IST The US State Department will use AI-assisted reviews of tens of thousands of student visa holders' social media accounts to filter out those appearing to support terror groups. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, demonstrate outside of Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS) The US secretary of state Marco Rubio will soon launch a Catch and Revoke" programme where artificial intelligence (AI) will be used to filter out and cancel visas of foreign students appearing to support Hamas or other designated terror groups. According to US-based news outlet Axios, the officials will review social media accounts of foreign students to look for evidence of sympathies expressed towards Palestinian militant group Hamas following its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Recommended Stories They are also planning to examine internal databases to check if any visa holders were arrested but then allowed to remain in the US during the previous administration. They are also reviewing news reports on anti-Israel protests and lawsuits by Jewish students where they have claimed that foreign students have engaged in antisemitic actions without facing repercussions. If officials come across a social media post by a foreign national that seems to support the attack on Israel and appears pro-Hamas," the official said, it could be a reason to revoke their visa. Axios in its report said that US government officials have reviewed 100,000 individuals in the Student Exchange Visitor System since October 2023 to determine if visas were revoked due to student arrests or school suspensions. We found literally zero visa revocations during the Biden administration which suggests a blind eye attitude toward law enforcement," the official said. Under President Trump, the Immigration Nationality Act is great again," the official was quoted as saying by Axios. The official told the outlet that a department serious about national security cannot ignore publicly available information on visa applicants when using AI tools. They added that AI is a valuable resource for the government and a major technological leap from past decades. Rubio, when he was a senator, had said that those foreign students who had come out in support of Hamas should be sent back to their countries, eight days after the deadly October 7 attacks. We see people marching at our universities and in the streets of our country calling for Intifada, celebrating what Hamas has done Those people need to go," he had said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all US President Donald Trump repeated the same views in a January 30 White House fact sheet linked to an executive order against antisemitism and pro-Hamas" activities. To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice. We will find you, and we will deport you," he had said. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 07, 2025, 11:47 IST China Expresses Readiness To Work With India: 'Dance Of Dragon, Elephant The Only Right Choice' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 15:13 IST Chinese FM Wang Yi noted that India and China have made "positive strides" in bilateral relations following the end of a prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh and promised to advance ties. India-China ties made "positive strides" after the Kazan meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year, said Wang Yi. (File Image: X/@narendramodi) As tensions between China and the United States rise due to US President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs on Chinese products, Beijing is now pushing for a stronger cooperation with India to oppose hegemonism and power politics" and uphold international norms. Addressing an press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of Chinas parliament in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, China and India should be partners that contribute to each others success. A cooperative pas de deux (dance involving two people) of the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for both sides." Recommended Stories To support each other rather than undercut each other, work with each other rather than guard against each other this is the path that truly serves the fundamental interests of both China and India and their peoples. When China and India join hands, the prospects for greater democracy in international relations and a stronger Global South will improve greatly." Wang stressed that a cooperative partnership between India and China is the only path that serves the fundamental interests of both countries and safeguard basic norms governing internal relations. China stands ready to work with India to sum up past experience and forge a fast forward and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development," he added. ALSO READ: Chinas Wang Yi Slams Trumps Tariffs, Says Beijing Will Firmly Counter US Pressure: Law Of The Jungle India, China Ties Made Positive Strides: Wang During the conference, Wang also said relations between India and China have made positive strides" and achieved several outcomes following a successful meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year to resolve the four-year-long military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Both PM Modi and President Xi provided strategic guidance for the improvement of bilateral ties at the Kazan meeting in October 2023, Wang said, adding that both sides followed through on the common understanding of the leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels." India and China completed the disengagement process after firming up a pact for the withdrawal of troops from Depsang and Demchok, the last two friction points in eastern Ladakh. Two days after finalisation of the pact, Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Kazan on October 23. In the meeting, the two sides decided to revive the various dialogue mechanisms. India-China Ties Shouldnt Be Defined By Boundary Dispute Furthermore, the Chinese foreign minister said India and China are each others largest neighbours and have a shared task of accelerating each others development and revitalisation. As two ancient civilisations, we have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution. We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question, or let specific differences affect the overall picture of our bilateral ties," he added. Wang also noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations. China had earlier expressed willingness to work with India to plan the commemoration to inject new momentum into the development of bilateral ties. Last month, Wang met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he said the restoration of mutual trust and the realisation of win-win cooperation between India and China meet the shared expectations of both peoples. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Jaishankar said India values the hard-won progress in improving bilateral relations and is willing to work with China to accelerate the restoration of cooperative mechanisms, enhance cultural exchanges, facilitate people-to-people ties, and jointly maintain peace and stability in the border regions. His remarks came after Trump offered to mediate the lingering issue between the two neighbourhoods during PM Modis visit to the White House earlier that month. However, India stressed that such issues must be resolved bilaterally". About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Beijing, China First Published: March 07, 2025, 14:48 IST China's Wang Yi Slams Trump's Tariffs, Says Beijing Will 'Firmly Counter' US Pressure: 'Law Of The Jungle' Published By : AFP Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 14:31 IST Wang's remarks came after Trump imposed more blanket tariffs on Chinese imports this week. These tariffs are expected to hit hundreds of billions of dollars in total trade. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (AFP Image) Chinas foreign minister on Friday vowed Beijing would firmly counter" US pressure, after Donald Trump heaped tariffs on Chinese goods and torched off a trade war between the worlds two largest economies. Trump imposed more blanket tariffs on Chinese imports this week, following a similar move last month levies expected to hit hundreds of billions of dollars in total trade. Recommended Stories The mercurial magnate has overturned the international order since returning to office in January, from pushing Ukraine to seek a peace deal with Russia to floating a widely condemned plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. At a press conference on the sidelines of a key political meeting, Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi framed Beijing as a bulwark of stability in an unstable world. He warned the law of the jungle" could take hold if nations were to pursue purely their own interests. China, US Must Co-Exist Peacefully Wang touted Beijings cooperation with the United States in the fight against the fentanyl epidemic, in which Washington has accused China of being complicit in justifying its tariffs. Washington should not repay kindness with resentment, let alone impose tariffs without reason", he said. There are around 190 countries in the world," Wang said. Imagine if every country emphasised their own priority and believed in strength and status, the world would fall back into the law of the jungle." He said the policy currently implemented by Washington was not how a responsible major country behaves". The Chinese top diplomat was speaking on the sidelines of the Two Sessions" political meetings in Beijing, so far clouded by a new administration in the United States that is overturning the international order. He told the attending press that good China-US economic and trade ties benefitted all parties. If you choose to cooperate, you can achieve mutually beneficial and win-win results," he added. If you use only pressure, China will firmly counter." China and the United States will both exist on this planet for a long time, so they must coexist peacefully," Wang stressed. China Sides With Trump On Ukraine War The veteran diplomat, however, appeared to side with Trumps push for peace talks to end the conflict in Ukraine. He also called for negotiations between all parties warning conflict has no winners, and peace has no losers". Beijing, he stressed, welcomes and supports all efforts dedicated to peace". And he urged all parties to seek a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and increase humanitarian assistance". Beijing has vowed to fight a trade war with the United States to the end" as tariffs from Washington buffeted the global economy and threatened to hit Beijings lagging growth. The countrys leaders set an ambitious annual growth target of around five percent this week, vowing to make domestic demand its main economic driver as the escalating trade confrontation with the United States hit exports. They also raised the countrys military budget by 7.2 percent as Beijings armed forces undergo rapid modernisation and eye deepening strategic competition with the United States. Wang Yi On Taiwan, South China Sea Among key flashpoints in the past year have been the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims. Wang on Friday said the islands return to Beijings control remained the shared hope of all Chinese people, the general trend of the time, and a righteous cause". Using Taiwan to control China is just like trying to stop a car with the arm of a mantis," he said. And he touched on another key flashpoint, the South China Sea which Beijing claims almost in its entirety despite an international arbitration ruling that declared its stance baseless. Wang accused the Philippines, with which Chinese ships have repeatedly clashed in the disputed waters, of provoking confrontation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For every Philippine maritime operation, it is the forces outside of the region that write the script and the Western media that undertake the live broadcast," he said. The same old theatre is being used to discredit China," he said. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Beijing, China First Published: March 07, 2025, 14:31 IST Clashes In Syria Between Government Forces And Assad Loyalists Kill Over 70 Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 20:54 IST Clashes between Syrian security forces under the countrys new, Islamist authorities and gunmen loyal to ousted President Bashar Assad in Syrias western coastal region have killed more than 70 people Syrians attending the funeral of people killed in clashes the previous day between government forces and militants loyal to deposed ruler Bashar al-Assad (AFP) A Syrian war monitor says gunmen loyal to the government have stormed three villages near Syrias coast, killing nearly 70 men. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the killings occurred Friday in the villages of Sheer, Mukhtariyeh and Haffah. Recommended Stories They killed every man they encountered," the Observatorys chief, Rami Abdurrahman, referring to gunmen who killed residents who belong to the countrys minority Alawite sect of former President Bashar Assad. Abdurrahman said the gunmen shot dead 69 men and left without harming women or children in the three villages. The Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV said more than 30 men were killed in the village of Mukhtariyeh after they were separated from women and children. It added that others were also shot dead in Sheer and Haffah. State news agency SANA quoted an unnamed security official as saying that after attacks by forces loyal to former president Bashar Assad left policemen dead, large numbers of people headed to areas along the coast in what led to some individual violations and we are working on stop them." The latest deaths raise to 147 the total number of people killed since clashes between government forces and fighters loyal to Assad broke out on Thursday. Clashes between Syrian security forces under the countrys new, Islamist authorities and gunmen loyal to ousted President Bashar Assad in Syrias western coastal region have killed more than 70 people and left an area outside government controla war monitor said Friday. The clashes, which erupted on Thursday and appear coordinated across the coastal region, were a major escalation and a challenge to the new government in Damascus, where the former insurgents now in power have pledged to unite Syria after 14 years of brutal civil war. Overnight, Damascus sent reinforcements to the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartus, as well as nearby towns and villages the heartland of Assads minority Alawite sect and his longtime base of support, trying to get the situation under control, state media reported. It was the worst violence since Assads was toppled in early December by insurgent groups led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS. Since then, there have been some sectarian attacks against minority Alawites, though the new authorities say they wont allow collective punishment or sectarian vengeance. Under Assad, Alawites held top posts in the army and security agencies. The new government has blamed his loyalists for attacks over the past weeks against the countrys new security forces. Large numbers of troops were seen Friday morning in Latakia, where a curfew that was imposed in the city and other coastal areas remained in force. Members of the security force said there were minor clashes in one of the citys neighborhoods but most of Latakia was calm and under government control. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said 35 members of Syrian government forces, 32 fighters loyal to Assad and four civilians have been killed. The Observatorys chief Rami Abdurrahman said the outskirts of the coastal towns of Baniyas and Jableh were still under control of Assad loyalists, as was Assads hometown of Qardaha and many Alawite villages nearby. A Qardaha resident told The Associated Press in a text messages that the situation is very bad." The resident, who asked that his name not be made public fearing for his safety, said government forces were firing with heavy machine guns in the towns residential areas. Another resident, who also spoke on condition of anonymity fearing for his safety, said that they have not been able to leave their homes since Thursday afternoon because of the intensity of the shooting. Gregory Waters, an associate fellow with the Middle East Institute who has researched Syrias coastal areas, said he doesnt expect the flareup to escalate into sustained fighting between the two sides. However, he said he was concerned it could stoke cycles of violence between different civilian communities living along the coast. Also, any violations by the security forces sent from Damascus on the armed groups would leave young Alawite men more fearful of the new government and more prone to take up arms, Waters said. Abdurrahman, of the Observatory, said the clashes started when government forces tried to detain a wanted person near Jableh and were ambushed by Assad loyalists. Scores of people gathered Friday outside the main Russian air base in Syria near Jableh, asking for protection from Moscow. Russia joined Syrias conflict in 2015, siding with Assad, although it has opened links with the new authorities after his fall. Assad has been living in Moscow since leaving Syria in December as the offensive by the former insurgents neared Damascus. Asked about the outbreak of fighting in the coastal region and possible threats to Russian troops, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded that security of our military is ensured on a proper level." I wouldnt comment on the operational situation as we dont know details," Peskov said during a conference call with reporters. Syrias conflict started in March 2011 and has left more than half a million people dead and millions displaced. While Assad was still in power, Turkey had backed Syrias opposition forces and rebels who took up arms against Damascus. On Friday, Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oncu Keceli warned that the rising violence in and around Latakia could undermine efforts to lead Syria into the future in unity and solidarity", top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Intensive efforts are underway to establish security and stability in Syria," Keceli posted on X. "At this critical juncture, the targeting of security forces could undermine the efforts to lead Syria into the future in unity and solidarity." He stressed that such provocations must not be allowed to become a threat to peace in Syria and the region" and reaffirmed Turkeys stand against any action that targets the right of Syrians to live in peace and prosperity." Location : Beirut, Lebanon First Published: March 07, 2025, 20:54 IST Donald Trump Writes To Iran To Negotiate Nuclear Deal, Latter Rejects Talks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 23:04 IST US President Donald Trump said he wants to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and sent a letter to its leadership on Thursday saying he hoped they would agree to talk. US President Donald Trump. (AP Photo) US President Donald Trump has said that he sent a letter to Iran on Thursday in a bid to negotiate a nuclear deal, saying that he hoped the latter would agree to talk. He also warned the latter of facing possible military action if not. "I said I hope youre going to negotiate, because its going to be a lot better for Iran," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Friday, as reported by news agency Reuters. Recommended Stories The letter, which is likely addressed to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump said, I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something, because you cant let another nuclear weapon." There will be some interesting days ahead. I was all set to make a deal in 2020 just when Biden took over. Hopefully we can have a peace deal soon," he said. However, Iran said that the country would not negotiate so long as the United States applies maximum pressure." Tehrans mission to the United Nations told news agency AFP that we have not received such a letter so far." It was unclear by what means Trumps missive was transmitted to Tehran. A landmark 2015 deal negotiated under former president Barack Obama known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) imposed curbs on Irans nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. It fell apart after Trump withdrew the United States from the agreement in 2018 in his first presidential term and reimposed sweeping sanctions. Tehran adhered to the deal until a year after Washington pulled out, but then began rolling back its commitments. Iran has been cautious about a return to diplomacy since the collapse of the JCPOA. We will not enter any direct negotiations with the US so long as they continue their maximum pressure policy and their threats," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the news agency on Friday. Iran has consistently denied claims that it is pursuing nuclear weapons. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Last month, United Nations atomic agency chief Rafael Grossi said Iran was enriching uranium at 60 percent almost weapon level" and that the 2015 deal was an empty shell" that was no longer fit for purpose." (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 07, 2025, 18:24 IST Trudeau Largely Caused Tariff Problem, Now Using It To Run Again For PM: Trump Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 07:56 IST Trump's remarks came after he paused sweeping tariffs on Canada following market turmoil. Meanwhile, Trudeau will step down as Canadian PM after a Liberal party leadership race on March 9. Relations between the US and Canada have nosedived after Trump's announcement of tariffs. (Reuters File Image) As US-Canada tensions rise over trade, US President Donald Trump on Thursday once again accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of using the tariff dispute, which he largely caused", to run again for Prime Minister". Believe it or not, despite the terrible job hes done for Canada, I think that Justin Trudeau is using the Tariff problem, which he has largely caused, in order to run again for Prime Minister. So much fun to watch!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Recommended Stories This came after Trump delayed some tariffs targeting Canada, leading Ottawa to halt a second wave of sweeping tariffs on American products. However, Canadas first wave of C$30 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs on American products will remain in place. Trump and Trudeau spoke on a 50-minute phone call on Wednesday, which was described as heated by officials familiar with the conversation. After the phone call, Trump had claimed that Trudeau was trying to use this issue to stay in power". ALSO READ: After Mexico Reprieve, US Pauses Canada Tariffs Amid Market Turmoil, Ottawa Responds Trump-Trudeau Tensions On The Rise Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January, is to step down after a Liberal party leadership contest this weekend which will choose his replacement. However, Trump said the outgoing PM was unable to tell him when the Canadian election was taking place and accused him of trying to extend his tenure. Justin Trudeau, of Canada, called me to ask what could be done about Tariffs. I told him that many people have died from Fentanyl that came through the Borders of Canada and Mexico, and nothing has convinced me that it has stopped. He said that its gotten better, but I said, Thats not good enough." The call ended in a somewhat" friendly manner! He was unable to tell me when the Canadian Election is taking place, which made me curious, like, whats going on here? I then realized he is trying to use this issue to stay in power. Good luck Justin!" he wrote on Truth Social. In another social media post after the phone call, Trump also said Canadas moves to stop fentanyl trafficking are not good enough". Trudeau has repeatedly said less than 1 percent of the fentanyl and undocumented migrants that enter the US come through the Canadian border, although Trump has dismissed the figure. According to the White House, Trump was not pleased" after the phone call with Trudeau and demanded a stop to the flow of fentanyl across the northern border. He said its not good enough. He told Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that directly. The call ended in a somewhat friendly manner, as the president said. But hes not going to stop standing up for the American people," said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Canada Will Remain In Trade War With US: Trudeau Meanwhile, Trudeau on Thursday said he expects Canada and the US to be in a trade war for the foreseeable future" after having what he called a colourful but constructive call with Trump this week. Trudeau said the two sides discussed tariffs, and that they are actively engaged in ongoing conversations in trying to make sure these tariffs dont overly harm" certain sectors and workers. Our goal remains to get these tariffs, all tariffs, removed," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In an emotional interaction with the press before stepping down as PM this week, Trudeau recounted some of challenges, including facing ten years of Donald Trump". He also warned Canadians of tough times ahead amid looming US tariffs. (with inputs from agencies) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 07, 2025, 07:56 IST Hamas Armed Wing Says Committed To Truce, After Trumps You Are Dead Threat Published By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 12:15 IST Hamas said Trump's threats would encourage Israel to ignore the deal, which largely halted more than 15 months of war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants Palestinians and Hamas militants gathering around Red Cross vehicles on the day of the release of Israeli hostages. (Reuters) The armed wing of Hamas said on Thursday it remained committed to its fragile ceasefire with Israel, after Donald Trump told the people of Gaza they would be DEAD" if hostages held there are not freed. The first phase of the six-week-old truce expired at the weekend and talks on the deals future have hit an impasse. Recommended Stories Hamas said Trumps threats would encourage Israel to ignore the deal, which largely halted more than 15 months of war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants. Trump had earlier floated a widely condemned plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, prompting Arab leaders who met in Cairo this week to support an alternative. A United States envoy praised Egypt on Thursday for coming up with the new plan, but did not endorse details of the proposed alternative. Trumps warning followed his administrations revelation that it held unprecedented direct talks with Hamas listed as a terrorist" group by Washington focused on American hostages in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office confirmed Israel was consulted and said it had expressed its opinion" on the talks. Despite all the enemys attempts at evasion, lies and deception we preferred and still prefer to adhere to the agreement in order to spare the blood of our people," Abu Obaida, spokesman for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said in a video statement. On Wednesday, Trump issued what he called a last warning!" to Hamas leaders, telling the movement to immediately release all hostages or it is OVER for you". Israel killed Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar as well as the movements military leader Mohammed Deif during the war in Gaza that began with Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Trump also warned of repercussions for Gaza as a whole, where virtually the entire population has been displaced by Israels military campaign in response to Hamass attack. To the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!" Hamass attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, while Israels military retaliation in Gaza has killed at least 48,446 people, also mostly civilians, figures from the two sides show. Leaning on a cane outside a makeshift shelter in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, Mohammed Salim dismissed Trumps talk of turning the territory into hell. It has already become one," he said. We have been devastated, our homes reduced to rubble, our sons, fathers and elders lost. There is nothing left to mourn." Israelis worried Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasim said Trumps words were pushing Israel to disregard the terms of the ceasefire in place since January 19, after more than 15 months of war. These threats complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourage the occupation to avoid implementing its terms," Qasim said, urging the United States to pressure Israel to enter the ceasefires second phase, which is envisioned as leading to a lasting truce. Analysts said the US-Hamas direct talks are a sign of dysfunction in talks to prolong the truce. James Dorsey, an honorary fellow at the National University of Singapores Middle East Institute, said the direct talks would give Hamas a sense of having been legitimised strongly". The Israelis are in turn obviously worried" by the outreach, he said. The first phase negotiated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt brought a period of relative calm during which Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners and humanitarian assistance flowed into Gaza. Israel, which on Sunday halted the aid flow, wants to extend the initial phase until mid-April. Good-faith The US-Hamas talks were first reported by media outlet Axios, which said Washingtons hostage envoy Adam Boehler met with Hamas in Qatar about the US captives but also about a longer-term truce. Washington had refused direct contact with Hamas since designating it a terrorist organisation in 1997. Of the 251 captives taken during Hamass attack, 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military has said are dead. Five Americans are believed to remain among the hostages four have been confirmed dead and one, Edan Alexander, is believed to be alive. The White House said Trump met with eight of the freed captives, who expressed gratitude" for his efforts to bring them home. Hamas actions have inflicted immense suffering, AND THEIR REIGN OF TERROR MUST BE STOPPED," the White House posted on X. Trump previously triggered global outrage by suggesting the United States should take over" rubble-strewn Gaza, turn it into the Riviera of the Middle East" and relocate Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan. Arab leaders this week endorsed an alternative plan that would finance Gazas reconstruction through a trust fund, and would see the return of the Palestinian Authority to the territory. The PA currently has partial administrative control in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and is dominated by Hamas rivals Fatah. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We need more discussion about it, but its a good-faith first step from the Egyptians," Steve Witkoff, Trumps Middle East envoy, told reporters in Washington. The State Department, however, said Egypts plan does not meet the expectations." Location : Palestine First Published: March 07, 2025, 12:15 IST On Camera, Trudeau Breaks Down Before Reporters Amid Trump's Tariff Threats: 'I Put Canadians First' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 09:25 IST Trudeau mentioned Donald Trump's presidency as one of the "complicated times" of his prime ministership. Trudeau will step down as PM after the Liberal Party chooses another leader on Sunday. Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau breaks down during a press conference on Thursday. (AP) Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau teared up in front of the cameras on Thursday in the final days of his tenure, as he will step down from his post after a Liberal Party leadership contest slated for this weekend. Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January as PM and Liberal Party leader amid declining popularity ratings, will step down as Prime Minister after the party chooses a new leader on Sunday (March 9). He became emotional as he recalled the challenges during his 10-year reign. Recommended Stories On a personal level, I have made sure every single day in this office, I have put Canadians first, that I have peoples backs. And thats why Im here to tell you all that we got you. Even in the very last days of this government, we will not let Canadians down today and long into the future," he said, visibly emotional. NEW: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau starts crying in front of reporters.Pathetic. Ive made sure that every single day in this office, I put Canadians first, that I have peoples backs." And thats why Im here to tell you all that we got you. Even in the very last pic.twitter.com/3v2pUrt4EN Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 6, 2025 BROKEN BY TRUMP! Canadian PM Justin Trudeau seen sobbing in front of the cameras amid Trumps tariff policies.On a personal level Ive made sure every single day in this office, Ive put Canadians first I am here to tell you all that we got you. Even in the very last pic.twitter.com/XeFyxApk1r Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 6, 2025 Trudeau also took a dig at Trumps abrupt reversal on sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods by pausing them for another month, calling it, Thursday". His response elicited laughter from the audience. He also warned Canadians of tough times ahead. Trudeau mentioned Russias invasion of Ukraine, the Middle East crisis, and Donald Trumps presidency as complicated times" as he recalled challenges during his prime ministership. Ive had ten years of Donald Trump," he said, adding that serving Canadians has been the honour" of his life. Trudeau said Canada will hold firm and push ahead with retaliatory tariffs and other measures until Trump backs off entirely on tariffs. Our goal is to get all tariffs removed," he added. He also said he expects Canada and the US to be in a trade war for the foreseeable future" after having what he called a colourful but constructive call with Trump this week. ALSO READ: Trudeau Largely Caused Tariff Problem, Now Using It To Run Again For PM: Trump America First happens best when Canadians and Mexicans are prospering as well. A win-lose between us would actually be worse for them than a win-win. Thats true in international trade, in relations between nation-states. It, perhaps, is not true in real estate deals," he further said, in an apparent dig at Trumps aggressive policies. Trudeau announced his resignation as PM and Liberal Party leader on January 6, following months of declining poll numbers and growing internal division. His announcement follows increasing calls from his party for him to step down amidst a protracted political crisis. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This development comes as Trudeaus popularity has declined in months leading up to his announcement, with his government narrowly surviving several no-confidence votes and critics calling for his resignation. He had pledged to stay on and lead the Liberals into the elections but has faced increased pressure, especially from incoming US president Donald Trump, who has constantly been threatening a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. In December, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned after disagreeing with Trudeau over how to handle Trumps proposed tariffs, marking the first public dissent within his cabinet. In response, Trudeau reshuffled his cabinet later that month, replacing a third of his team in an effort to manage the growing political turmoil. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Ottawa, Canada First Published: March 07, 2025, 09:23 IST Pope Francis Audio Message From Hospital Fails To Assuage Concerns Over His Health Published By : AFP Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 15:43 IST Many followers waiting in Saint Peter's Square were concerned that Pope Francis sounded weak and breathless in his first audio message released from the hospital. People pray at the statue of John Paul II outside the Gemelli University Hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized with pneumonia, in Rome. (IMAGE: AFP) Pope Francis marked three weeks battling double pneumonia in hospital on Friday, reported by the Vatican to be stable" but sounding weak and breathless in his first audio message. The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church has not been seen in public since his admission to Romes Gemelli hospital on February 14 and has suffered several respiratory crises, the most recent on Monday. Recommended Stories Amid growing concern and increasingly lurid speculation online, the Holy See on Thursday released a short audio message recorded that day by Francis, the first time his voice has been heard in weeks. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square. I accompany you from here," he said, sounding weak and taking laboured breaths, with some words fading away into nothing. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you," the Argentine said in his native Spanish. The message was broadcast in Saint Peters Square, where prayers have been held every evening for the pope, and applause broke out among the hundreds of pilgrims gathered there. We were very happy that he could speak," said John Maloney, a 76-year-old English pilgrim visiting Rome for the 2025 Jubilee holy year celebrations. Its a good sign that hes actually able to speak," he told AFP, adding: Hes got a long way to go so hes in the hands of God." But for Claudia Bianchi, a 50-year-old Italian from Rome, it struck me to hear him so tired". Good sign The popes message was on the front page of many of Italys newspapers, who reported that it was an attempt by the Vatican to battle fake news about the pontiffs deterioration or even death. They noted the weakness of his voice, with the Corriere della Sera daily describing it as pained". It was a positive sign, so it gives us hope that he still has the strength to speak. And he always seems to want to be with us," Alessandra Dalboni, a 53-year-old Rome local, told AFP on Thursday evening. The Vatican said earlier on Thursday that Francis, who will mark 12 years as pontiff next week, was in a stable" condition, with no repeat of Mondays respiratory failure. It said that in view of the stability of the clinical picture", there would be no medical bulletin on Friday evening as in previous days. The next is due on Saturday. In a shift from a past lack of transparency, the Vatican has been publishing an update on how the pope slept every morning, followed by a more detailed medical bulletin each evening. On Friday morning, it provided the usual brief update, saying Francis passed a calm night and woke up shortly after 8:00am (0700 GMT)". On Thursday night, the Vatican said he had continued with his breathing exercises and physiotherapy, did not have a fever and managed to do a bit of work. Prognosis reserved Nonetheless, the doctors are still maintaining a reserved prognosis", it said, meaning they will not say how they expect his condition to evolve. During previous hospitalisations, the leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics appeared on the Gemelli balcony for his weekly Sunday Angelus prayer. But he has missed the last three, and no announcement has yet been made about whether he will make an appearance this weekend. The pope has suffered a series of health issues in recent years, from colon surgery in 2021 to a hernia operation in 2023, but this is the longest and most serious hospitalisation of his papacy. He was initially diagnosed with bronchitis but it developed into pneumonia in both lungs and he has suffered three days of breathing crisis. On February 22, he suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis" and on February 28 had an isolated crisis of bronchospasm" a tightening of the muscles that line the airways in the lungs. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Monday March 3, Francis experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm", the Vatican said. Franciss health has regularly led to speculation, particularly among his critics, as to whether he could resign like his predecessor, Benedict XVI. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Rome, Italy First Published: March 07, 2025, 15:43 IST Russia Launches Attack On Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure As US Says Peace Talks On Track Published By : AFP Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 13:49 IST The latest Russian air assault came after EU leaders, shaken by the prospect of US disengagement, agreed to boost the European bloc's defences at a crisis summit on Thursday. An apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike in Kharkiv. (Reuters) Russia launched a massive missile and drone" attack on Ukraines energy infrastructure on Friday, a Ukrainian minister said, after Washington said talks with Kyiv were back on track to secure a truce in the three-year conflict. The latest air assault came after EU leaders, shaken by the prospect of US disengagement, agreed to boost the European blocs defences at a crisis summit on Thursday. Recommended Stories And Washington said talks with Kyiv were back on track to secure a ceasefire with Moscow after a public falling out between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. US and Ukrainian officials were expected to meet Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, a senior Kyiv official said, with Zelensky voicing hope for a meaningful meeting", and US envoy Steve Witkoff pledging to speak to Ukrainian negotiators about an initial ceasefire" with Russia and a framework" for a longer agreement. Early Friday, however, Ukraines energy and gas infrastructure was again under massive missile and drone shelling", Energy Minister German Galushchenko said. Ukraines Critical Infrastructure Under Attack Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by shelling energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without power and heating, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens," he added in a post on Facebook. Five people were wounded in a strike Friday morning on Kharkiv, including a woman pulled from the rubble alive, the citys mayor, Igor Terekhov, said in posts on Telegram. A fire broke out at the scene of the impact. A nearby apartment building was also damaged," Terekhov said, adding that its residents were being evacuated. He later added that a critical infrastructure building" was damaged. Kharkiv Governor Oleg Synegubov also said on Telegram that a Russian strike hit a private company in Kharkiv, and left cars on fire. A 65-year-old woman and a 61-year-old man were hospitalised," Synegubov added. Late Thursday, the Ukrainian emergency service also said critical infrastructure" was damaged in an attack on the Odesa region in the south, with no injuries reported. Missiles from Russia also struck a critical industrial facility" overnight in Ternopil region, governor Vyacheslav Negoda said. Air defence forces shot down an enemy missile," and no casualties were reported, Negoda said, adding that there may be restrictions on gas supply. European Countries Re-Arming Themselves Against Russia In Brussels on Thursday, European countries greenlit a plan to re-arm Europe" against the perceived threat from Russia, rallying around Ukraine after Zelenskys White House blow-up with Trump, and Washingtons pause on military aid and intelligence sharing to Kyiv. We are moving decisively towards a strong and more sovereign Europe of defence," Antonio Costa, who heads the Council of the EUs 27 states, told reporters after the talks. We are putting our money where our mouth is." Leaders endorsed the European Commissions aim to mobilise about 800 billion euros ($860 billion) for defence spending, committing to examine as a matter of urgency" its proposal to provide members with EU-backed loans of up to 150 billion euros. The defence plan eases fiscal rules to allow states to spend much more at a time when Germanys chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz is embracing radical reforms to fund the countrys rearmament. Frances President Emmanuel Macron has likewise called for a defence spending surge and suggested extending Frances nuclear deterrent to European partners. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all European governments are under pressure to step up defence as Trump questions whether the United States the guarantor of Europes security since World War II should continue its central role in NATO. The US leader once again called that commitment into question on Thursday, complaining that its allies should be paying more." About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Kyiv, Ukraine First Published: March 07, 2025, 13:49 IST Elon Musk's Starship Explodes In Space, Crashes Over Bahamas | Video Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 07:35 IST The Starship's Super Heavy booster separated from the upper stage after about 2 minutes of firing While the company was successful in capturing a booster from the rocket as it returned to the launch tower, the Starship spacecraft was lost. SpaceX launched the eighth integrated test flight of its massive Starship mega-rocket system, with the goal of stress-testing the spacecraft and meeting objectives that were not achieved during the fiery test in January. However, similar to the seventh test flight, the eighth flight also resulted in the loss of the Starship vehicle. While the company was successful in capturing a booster from the rocket as it returned to the launch tower, the Starship spacecraft was lost, according to a report on CNN. Recommended Stories Just saw Starship 8 blow up in the Bahamas @SpaceX @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/rTMJu23oVx Jonathon Norcross (@NorcrossUSA) March 6, 2025 The uncrewed mission lifted off at 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET) from SpaceXs Starbase facility in South Texas. The company had postponed a Tuesday launch attempt due to too many question marks," as stated by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, which led to the cancellation. The Starship spacecraft, also known as the upper stage, was launched atop the 232-foot-tall (71-meter-tall) Super Heavy rocket booster. About 2 minutes into the flight, Super Heavy separated from the upper stage. Following separation, the booster successfully landed within the chopstick" arms of Mechazilla," SpaceXs launch tower near Brownsville, Texas. This marks the third successful landing of a Super Heavy booster using the chopsticks. Meanwhile, the Starship spacecraft fired its engines to set itself on a suborbital trajectory for about an hour. However, about 20 seconds before completing its ascent burn, SpaceX lost contact with the spacecraft. Several engines were seen shutting down during the livestream. Once you lose enough of those center engines, youre going to lose attitude control," explained SpaceXs Dan Huot. And so we did see the ship start to spin, and at this point, we have lost contact with the ship." Around 17 minutes after liftoff, Starship was scheduled to deploy a batch of mock Starlink satellites for the first time. Like the spacecraft itself, the demo satellites were not meant to reach orbit. SpaceXs key objectives for the eighth test flight of Starship, including attempting to reignite a single Starship engine in space, were similar to those of the January flight, which ended in flames. The loss of signal occurred at nearly the same point as Flight 7, which ended in an explosion over the Turks and Caicos Islands, scattering debris and hitting a car. It has not been confirmed exactly where the vehicle exploded in todays mission, but the explosion was visible from parts of Florida and occurred over the Caribbean, based on reports from residents shared with CNN. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted flights into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Orlando airports due to falling space debris" until 8 p.m. ET. The FAA also suspended departures from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International and Miami International Airports. Flights leaving these airports were delayed by an average of 30 to 45 minutes, respectively. Weve got a lot of measures in place, like debris response areas, where we coordinate very closely with air traffic control," said Huot. We have many precautions before launching a rocket to ensure public safety. These worked last time, and they are actively in place now." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After the explosion, SpaceX posted an update on X (formerly Twitter): During Starships ascent burn, the vehicle experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly, and contact was lost. Our team immediately began coordination with safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency responses. We will review the data from todays flight test to better understand the root cause. As always, success comes from what we learn, and todays flight will offer additional lessons to improve Starships reliability." The FAA has mandated that SpaceX conduct a mishap investigation into the loss of the Starship vehicle. According to the FAA, A mishap investigation is designed to enhance public safety, determine the root cause of the event, and identify corrective actions to prevent a recurrence." The FAA will be involved in every step of the SpaceX-led investigation and must approve the final report and corrective actions. A return to flight will only be allowed once the FAA determines that the mishap does not affect public safety. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: March 07, 2025, 07:20 IST Syria: Over 70 Killed As Former President Assads Loyalists Clash With Govt Forces Published By : AFP Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 13:01 IST The attacks were some of the most violent against the new government headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa. Members of the Syrian security forces prepare to depart from Al Mastumah on March 6, 2025, for the coastal cities to reinforce government troops in clashes with militants loyal to deposed ruler Bashar al-Assad. (IMAGE: AFP) More than 70 people were killed and dozens more wounded in Syria in fighting between government security forces and militants loyal to deposed ruler Bashar al-Assad, a war monitor said Friday. More than 70 killed and dozens wounded and captured in bloody clashes and ambushes on the Syrian coast between members of the Ministry of Defense and Interior and militants from the defunct regimes army," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a post on X. Recommended Stories It said earlier that fighting Thursday between government forces and Assad loyalists had killed 48 people in the coastal town of Jableh and adjacent villages, saying they were the most violent attacks against the new authorities since Assad was toppled" in December. The overall toll during this weeks unrest was not immediately clear. Pro-Assad fighters killed 16 security personnel while 28 fighters aligned with the ousted president and four civilians were also killed, the Observatory said Thursday. The earlier fighting was in the Mediterranean coastal province of Latakia, the heartland of Assads Alawite minority who were considered bastions of support during his rule. Mustafa Kneifati, a security official in Latakia, said that in a well-planned and premeditated attack, several groups of Assad militia remnants attacked our positions and checkpoints," targeting patrols in the Jableh area. The attacks resulted in numerous martyrs and injuries among our forces", he added without providing the number of casualties. Kneifati said security forces would work to eliminate their presence". We will restore stability to the region and protect the property of our people," he declared. Top officer arrested The Observatory said most of the security personnel killed were from the former rebel stronghold of Idlib in the northwest. During the operation, security forces captured and arrested a former head of air force intelligence, one of the Assad familys most trusted security agencies, state news agency SANA reported. Our forces in the city of Jableh managed to arrest the criminal General Ibrahim Huweija," SANA said. He is accused of hundreds of assassinations during the era of the criminal Hafez al-Assad," Bashar al-Assads father and predecessor. Huweija, who headed air force intelligence from 1987 to 2002, has long been a suspect in the 1977 murder of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Bek Jumblatt. The provincial security director said security forces clashed with gunmen loyal to an Assad-era special forces commander in another village in Latakia, after authorities reportedly launched helicopter strikes. The armed groups that our security forces were clashing with in the Latakia countryside were affiliated with the war criminal Suhail al-Hassan," the security director told SANA. Nicknamed The Tiger", Hassan led the countrys special forces and was frequently described as Assads favourite soldier". He was responsible for key military advances by the Assad government in 2015. Helicopter strikes The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had earlier reported strikes launched by Syrian helicopters on armed men in the village of Beit Ana and the surrounding forests, coinciding with artillery strikes on a neighbouring village". SANA reported that pro-Assad militias had opened fire on members and equipment of the defence ministry" near the village, killing one security force member and wounding two. A defence ministry source later told SANA that large military reinforcements were being deployed to the Jableh area. Alawite leaders called in a statement on Facebook for peaceful protests" in response to the helicopter strikes, which they said had targeted the homes of civilians". The security forces imposed overnight curfews on Alawite-populated areas, including Latakia, the port city of Tartus and third city Homs, SANA reported. In other cities around the country, crowds gathered in support of the security forces", it added. Tensions erupted after residents of Beit Ana, the birthplace of Suhail al-Hassan, prevented security forces from arresting a person wanted for trading arms, the Observatory said. Security forces subsequently launched a campaign in the area, resulting in clashes with gunmen, it added. The killing of at least four civilians during a security operation in Latakia also sparked tensions, the monitor said on Wednesday. Security forces launched the campaign in the Daatour neighbourhood of the city on Tuesday after an ambush by members of the remnants of Assad militias" killed two security personnel, state media reported. Islamist rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a lightning offensive that toppled Assad on December 8. The countrys new security forces have since carried out extensive campaigns seeking to root out Assad loyalists from his former bastions. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Residents and organisations have reported violations during those campaigns, including the seizing of homes, field executions and kidnappings. Syrias new authorities have described the violations as isolated incidents" and vowed to pursue those responsible. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Damascus, Syria First Published: March 07, 2025, 13:01 IST Trump Harps On India, Canada, Mexico Reciprocal Tariffs: 'There Could Be Some Disturbances' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 23:09 IST Donald Trump named Canada, Mexico and India as some of the countries charging high tariffs for import of the American products. Donald Trump reiterates reciprocal tariffs vow (Reuters Image) US President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated his reciprocal tariffs vow and said that India now wants to slash tariffs on American products as the country stands exposed". He also pointed out to China and the European Union over high tariffs and said that they have been terrible abuser" for the United States. Recommended Stories Our country has been ripped off by almost every country, including Canada, Mexico, and India. Thats not going to happen anymore. They will be met with reciprocal tariffs. India charges us massive tariffs. They want to cut the tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done. Same thing with China, EU has been a terrible abuser for this country," Trump said while speaking to reporters at the Oval Office. Responding to a query on the disturbance the Americans would feel due to tariffs that kick in on April 2, Trump said, There could be some disturbance. Ive given one month reprieve, although I know they will take advantage". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The President said that his supporters back him on his decision to impose reciprocal tariffs. There will always be modifications. My supporters feel I am absolutely right on tariffs, and they say I have guts to do so," he said. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 07, 2025, 23:04 IST Trump Warns Putin Of More Sanctions, Then Says Russia Easier To Deal With Than Ukraine To End War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 08, 2025, 00:08 IST Trump warned Russia to impose more sanctions until a peace deal with Ukraine. Hours later, he said that he "trusts" Putin and it was easier to deal with Russia than Ukraine to end war. US President Donald Trump warns Russia of more sanctions (Reuters File Image) US President Donald Trump on Friday warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of more large-scale sanctions and tariffs until the country reaches a peace deal with Ukraine. Sending out a clear message to two warring countries Russia and Ukraine Trump said that both nations should get to the negotiating table before it is too late". Recommended Stories However, hours after issuing the threat to Putin, Trump said that he trusts" the Russian President, adding that it was easier" to deal with Russia than Ukraine to end the war. Trump Warns Of More Sanctions On Russia Trumps remarks came days after he had an ugly verbal spat with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at the White House. His warning also comes as a wave of strikes took place in Ukraine at night. Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely pounding" Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!" Trump posted on Truth Social. The US Presidents statement came days after reports claimed that the United States was mulling a plan to provide some sanction relief to Russia as Trump was looking to improve ties with Moscow. The latest remarks are in contrast to his recent moves to restore relations with Putin what was seen as a pro-Russia stance. A March 4 Reuters report claimed that the White House asked the State and Treasury departments to list out sanctions that could be lifted to pave the way for the US officials to hold discussions with the Russian representatives in the future as Washington sought to bring diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow back on track. Trumps predecessor, Joe Biden, had imposed various sanctions on Russia in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. When Trump announced to ease sanctions on Russia, aiming to end war in Ukraine, he was warned that doing so could embolden Putin, which could also provide the much-required financial relief to Moscow to sustain its military requirements. Its Easier To Deal With Russia Than Ukraine For End Of War: Trump Trump said that he finds it easier to deal with Russia to end the war than with Ukraine, adding that he trusts" Vladimir Putin. I believe him. Im finding it more difficult frankly to deal with Ukraine, and they dont have the cards. It may be easier dealing with Russia," Trump said. Hours after threatening to impose new sanctions on Russia, Trump said that he understood why the Russian military bombarded Ukraine overnight. I actually think hes doing what anybody in that position would be doing that right now. Ive always had a good relationship with Putin. And you know, he wants to end the war," Trump highlighted. I think hes going to be more generous than he has to be, and thats pretty good. That means a lot of good things," he added. The President said that Zelenskyy, who has been pressing for security guarantees before signing a peace deal with Russia, risks losing all US involvement. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I dont know that they want to settle. If they dont want to settle, were out of there because we want them to settle. Im doing it to stop death," Trump said. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 07, 2025, 20:07 IST Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever: "Countries calling for the confiscation of frozen Russian assets should be aware of the economic risks. This could shock the global financial system." EU leaders ended emergency talks without a deal on Ukraine aid or military spending. While some nations push to seize $227B in Russian assets for Kyiv, Germany and France warn of legal and financial consequences. Hungary reportedly blocked a united statement on Ukraine, deepening divisions. Source: New York Post Visiting Germany? Labour Strikes Likely To Cause Disruptions At Airports Published By : AFP Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 15:53 IST The union of public sector workers said they will hold strikes in airports in Frankfurt, Berlin, Bremen, Cologne, Dortmund, Duesseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart. The empty Lufthansa check-in counters at Munichs Franz-Josef-Strauss airport are seen as public sector workers and ground staff started a two-day strike after wage negotiations ended without result in Munich, Germany. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Major disruptions loomed at German airports on Monday after a services union announced strike action for better pay for ground personnel. The industrial action will hit airports in Frankfurt and Berlin as well as hubs in Bremen, Cologne, Dortmund, Duesseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart, Recommended Stories The ver.di union said Friday it was calling on public sector workers and some 23,000 employees of ground handling service providers to go on an all-day warning strike on March 10. There will be massive restrictions on departures and arrivals, including flight cancellations," ver.di said in a statement. We regret the inconvenience that this strike will cause for passengers," said the unions deputy chair Christine Behle. But without the pressure of industrial action, there will be no movement in the negotiations." That is why we are already informing people today so that travellers can prepare for the restrictions in good time," she added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The unions demands include a pay rise of eight percent or at least 350 euros ($380) more per month, and higher bonuses for particularly stressful activities. The union said that we are forced to go on this warning strike because the employers have not yet made an offer in the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations for public sector employees and have shown no willingness to meet our legitimate demands." About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Berlin, Germany First Published: March 07, 2025, 15:53 IST Zelenskyy Announces Ukraine-US Meet Days After Oval Office Spat With Trump: Ready For Peace Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 07, 2025, 08:29 IST The Ukrainian leader's announcement comes days after President Donald Trump ordered a "pause" on US military aid to Ukraine following a tense Oval Office meeting Several officials said Donald Trump is seeking an acknowledgement from Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the form of a public apology before closing a deal on Ukraines minerals. (Reuters Photo) Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Ukraine and American delegations had resumed work and were scheduled to meet next week. Making the announcement at the Special European Council on Thursday, Zelenskyy said, Ukraine is not only ready to take the necessary steps for peace, but we are also proposing what those steps are," expressing hope for a meaningful" dialogue with US officials. Recommended Stories Zelenskyy also took to X stating, I am grateful for all the support, and Ukrainians really appreciate that in a time of such great emotions in global politics, European integrity is preserved and Europe is truly trying to do the right thing. Meanwhile, Ukrainian and American teams have resumed work, and we hope that next week we will have a meaningful meeting." The Ukrainian premiers announcement comes days after President Donald Trump ordered a pause" on US military aid to Ukraine following a tense Oval Office meeting, aiming to push Zelenskyy toward peace talks with Russia. The move came just days after a disastrous Oval Office meeting in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance tore into Zelenskyy for what they perceived as insufficient gratitude for the more than $180 billion US has appropriated for military aid and other assistance to Kyiv since the start of Russias invasion on February 24, 2022. Zelenskyys Oval Office Spat With Trump A White House official said Trump is focused on reaching a peace deal and wants Zelenskyy committed" to that goal. The official added that the US was pausing and reviewing" its aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution." The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the assistance. The order will remain in effect until Trump determines that Ukraine has demonstrated a commitment to peace negotiations with Russia, the official said. The halting of military aid comes some five years after Trump held up congressionally authorized assistance to Ukraine as he sought to pressure Zelenskyy to launch an investigation into Joe Biden, then a Democratic presidential candidate. The moment led to Trumps first impeachment. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the leadup to the 2024 election, Trump vowed a quick end to the war in Ukraine, even once boasting that he could bring a halt to the fighting in one day. He has shown increasing frustration with Zelenskyy over the war while simultaneously expressing confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he has long admired, can be trusted to keep the peace if a truce is reached. Trump earlier on Monday slammed Zelenskyy for suggesting that the end of the war likely is still very, very far away." Zelenskyy had suggested it would take time to come to an agreement to end the war as he tried to offer a positive take on the US-Ukraine relationship in the aftermath of last weeks White House meeting. About the Author Poulami Kundu Poulami Kundu is a senior copy editor with News 18's general news desk. She hails from Guwahati and has over six years of experience in print and digital media. Poulami is a voracious reader, hodophile, and an ... Read More Poulami Kundu is a senior copy editor with News 18's general news desk. She hails from Guwahati and has over six years of experience in print and digital media. Poulami is a voracious reader, hodophile, and an ... Read More First Published: March 07, 2025, 08:29 IST You cant keep a good slasher dead for long - especially when one killer inspires a franchise of copycats. The unique thing about the Scream franchise is that its never been the same killer twice. We dont have a Jason, Michael, or a Freddy to attach the series to. Instead we have a mask, a simple creepy halloween costume, a shiny hunters knife, and a voice modulator - thats it. And because of that conceit, each Scream film is essentially another spin on the classic whodunit formula, cataloging all of the possible suspects amidst the murder and mayhem leading up to a big climactic reveal. Before I link over to Mr. Duartes 4K review and Mr. Klugers theatrical reveal, I'll say that I enjoyed the hell out of Scream VI mostly. I loved that the film took the franchise out of small-town America or a scenic college campus and put us square into the hustle of the Big Apple. From cramped apartments to busy city streets to packed subway cars, the location switch let the Radio Silence team and our returning Core Four actors explore new ground for intricate horror movie carnage. My only gripe with this entry really comes down to the big reveal of who our killer(s) could be. This one above all others felt the most Scooby-Doo and obvious while digging into an increasingly cartoonish bloody finale. Small gripe really, but its enough that Im not 100% on board with my colleagues with their vibes for this one. I still dig Scream VI, I think it's a hell of a lot of fun and I dont think it's even close to the worst of the franchise (that honor absolutely goes to Scream 3). It gets more right than wrong. I just wish the finale wasnt as hammy as it was. I was hoping for something a little more diabolical with the reveal instead of obvious and generic. Mr. Duarte's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review Mr. Kluger's Theatrical Review Vital Disc Stats: The 3D Blu-ray Scream VI goes to New York in all three dimensions thanks to Germanys Turbine. The 10th entry in their growing Turbine Collector Series 3D Blu-ray releases, Scream VI enjoys a Region Free BD50 disc all its own. The disc is housed in a clear case with reversible insert art. The disc loads to an animated main menu with a basic navigation system, letting you choose the language and subtle options before playing the film. Police arrested a suspected drug dealer in Bulawayo yesterday, seizing nearly 2 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine whose estimated street value is US$7 000 while the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) intercepted 163 kilogrammes of marijuana whose street value is US$32 600 at Beitbridge Border Post on Sunday. The latest busts come amid growing concerns over the widespread abuse of drugs in communities, which has been linked to a surge in violent crime, including robberies and fatal confrontations. Government has intensified its crackdown on drug smuggling and trade of narcotics in the country. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Pigors Tyron Siegfried (39) of Matsheumhlope suburb for unlawful possession of Crystal Meth. Comm Nyathi said police had been monitoring Siegfried since February before pouncing on him yesterday. Acting on information gathered since February, detectives raided Siegfrieds home, finding the drugs stashed in a Lobels biscuit box, a Puma sneaker box, a dictionary-shaped safe and a large blue metal trunk in his bedroom. Comm Nyathi said two small measuring scales used during packaging of the drugs were also seized. Police acted on information that they received about the suspect dealing in drugs. They pounced on him at his residence, where they discovered the drugs in his bedroom. The confiscated substance tested positive for crystal meth, he said. Comm Nyathi said they are now working to establish Siegfrieds supply chain and possible accomplices in the illicit drug trade. In a statement, Zimras Commissioner General, Ms Regina Chinamasa, said the intercepted South African truck driver was trying to smuggle marijuana into the country on Sunday. The drugs were discovered during a routine inspection at 4AM, concealed within a South African-registered Hino Horse truck carrying vehicles, which was in transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ms Chinamasa said customs officials, utilising K9 units, located the drugs hidden under blankets and plastic wrapping. She said the matter is under police investigation. The trafficking of illegal drugs poses a significant threat to our society. Zimra will continue to diligently safeguard our borders against drugs and illicit substances, said Ms Chinamasa. Chronicle Jesse Eisenberg has received what he calls "an honor of a lifetime:" Polish citizenship. The American actor, writer, and directora great-nephew of a woman who fled Poland for the US amid Nazi rulereceived the honor from Polish President Andrzej Duda at a ceremony in New York on Tuesday, Variety reports. Eisenberg said he was inspired to apply for citizenship while in Poland filming A Real Pain , which received an Oscar nomination and BAFTA win for best original screenplay. Eisenberg wrote, directed, and co-starred in the film, which draws from his own family history. It follows two American cousins (Eisenberg and now-Oscar winner Kieran Culkin) on a trip to Poland to pay homage to a relative who survived the Holocaust. While exploring the country during filming, Eisenberg realized "my family had lived in this place far longer than we've lived in New York" but "didn't feel any connection anymore to Poland," he said. "That saddened me and confirmed for me that I really wanted to try to reconnect as much as possible." He said he'd been interested in Polish citizenship, available to those whose direct ancestors were born or lived in Poland after 1920, "for two decades." "I'm so unbelievably honored," added the filmmaker, whose wife's family also hails from Poland. President Duda said he was "delighted that people from across the ocean acknowledge their heritage ... and seek to forge a connection with our country," per the BBC. The rich are getting richerand they're doing so faster in the US than in the rest of the world, according to the latest Wealth Report from Knight Frank. The global real estate consultancy found that the number of people with assets of $10 million or more, classed as "high net worth" individuals, rose 5.2% in the US last year, compared to 4.4% worldwide, CNBC reports. There are now 2,341,378 people worldwide in that category, according to Knight Frank. The report found that almost 40% of the world's richest people live in the US, where billionaires have a combined wealth of around $5.7 trillion. China is in second place. There were 110 million letters sent in Denmark last year, and in 2026, there will apparently be almost none. PostNord, the state-run postal service, announced Thursday that it will end letter deliveries at the end of this year owing to a 90% drop in letter volumes since 2000, when 1.4 billion letters were sent in the mail, per the BBC . Denmark has since become one of the most digitalized countries in the world. Bank statements, bills, drivers' licenses, and health cards are sent electronically. About 95% of Danes use the Digital Post app to receive correspondence with local authorities straight on their smartphone. While Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen said letters could still be sent and received, PostNord Denmark said society's "increasing digitalization" was a push to "focus on being the Danes' preferred package supplier," per the Guardian. CEO Kim Pedersen said letter volumes had declined by up to 30% just in the past year, per the BBC. "In order for us to create a sustainable business, we need to adapt, and unfortunately this means a difficult decision to say goodbye to some of our colleagues," he said. Some 1,500 of the company's 4,600 workers are at risk of losing their jobs. But this isn't just a Danish problem: On Thursday, Germany's Deutsche Post said it was cutting 8,000 of 187,000 jobs. "It's a super sad day," one PostNord employee told Danish broadcaster DR, acknowledging the end of a 400-year history of letter deliveries in Denmark. Some have complained the change will disadvantage the elderly and those living in remote areas, per the BBC. Some 1,500 postboxes around the country will start disappearing in June. Danes will be able to refund postage stamps bought in 2024 or 2025 during a limited period next year. PostNord, which is 40% Danish-owned and 60% Swedish-owned, noted letter deliveries in Sweden would not be affected. Talks with the US about ending the war that began with a Russia invasion will start next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told his nation Thursday. "I am scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with the crown prince," Zelensky said in his nightly address, Le Monde reports. "After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace." Steve Witkoff, President Trump's special envoy, had told reporters on Thursday that US and Ukrainian officials were working on setting up the meeting that would try to establish the outlines of a ceasefire with Russia and a subsequent peace deal, per the Hill . Zelensky was in Brussels for a meeting of EU leaders, who agreed to work together to bolster Europe's defenses, per the AP. The goal is to ultimately reduce the continent's dependence on the US for its security, per the Washington Post, after Trump has withdrawn military support to Ukraine. The EU leaders reached a broad agreement to loosen budget restrictions and free up money for defense spending. The EU's executive branch estimated that the effort could provide about $702 billion. At the summit, 26 of the 27 leaders approved the statements that Ukraine must be involved in any peace negotiations and that Europeans have to be part of any talks about their security; the US has negotiated with Russia without European participation. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close supporter of Trump and possibly Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in Europe, did not endorse the section backing Ukraine, per the AP. In posts on X, Zelensky urged other nations to pressure Russia so that it "accepts the need to end" the war, per the BBC. A federal judge ruled Thursday that President Trump acted illegally when he fired a member of an independent labor agency, and the judge ordered that she be allowed to remain on the job. US District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington, DC, found Trump did not have the authority to remove Gwynne Wilcox from the National Labor Relations Board. "An American president is not a kingnot even an 'elected' oneand his power to remove federal officers and honest civil servants like plaintiff is not absolute," Howell wrote. The judge acknowledged the administration's argument that the Supreme Court may be inclined to overturn a 90-year-old decision restricting the president's power to remove members of independent agencies. But she said that until and unless the high court acts, current law clearly supports keeping Wilcox in her role. Wilcox sued Trump after he fired her and the agency's general counsel, Jennifer Abruzzo, on Jan. 27. Wilcox's attorneys said no president previously had tried to remove an NLRB member, per the AP. They argued that board members can only be fired "for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office" and only after giving notice and holding a hearing. Trump's only chance of prevailing in Wilcox's case would be to persuade the Supreme Court to "adopt a new, more aggressive vision of presidential power that would effectively abolish independent agencies," her lawyers wrote. During a hearing Wednesday, Howell jokingly referred to herself as a "speed bump" for the case on its way to the Supreme Court. Government attorneys argued that NLRB members should be "removable at will to ensure democratic accountability." Wilcox was the first Black woman to serve on the five-member board in its 90-year history. The Senate confirmed Wilcox for a second five-year term in September 2023. Congress created the board in 1935. Its primary purpose is to resolve disputes over unfair labor practices. It adjudicated hundreds of cases in the last fiscal year. An unvaccinated New Mexico adult tested positive for measles after their death, state officials announced Thursday. However, the cause of death is still under investigation and the death has not yet been formally linked to the ongoing measles outbreak in the area, the Guardian reports. The person, who did not seek medical care before their death, lived in Lea County, just across the border from Gaines County, Texas, the center of the outbreak, the Washington Post reports. The number of measles cases in Gaines County is up to 159, and in Lea County there have been at least 10 cases; while the New Mexico cases are believed to be linked to the Texas cases, no connection has yet been formally established. The reward for a former Olympic snowboarder has been upped to more than $10 million. Ryan Wedding, a Canadian citizen accused of running an international drug trafficking operation , is believed to be living in Mexico but federal prosecutors said Thursday that investigators "have not ruled out his presence in the United States, Canada, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, or elsewhere," the CBC reports. The 43-year-old has been added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. He allegedly orchestrated several murders while running an operation that moved large amounts of cocaine through Mexico to Canada and the US. Authorities say Secretary of State Marco Rubio has authorized a $10 million reward for information leading to Wedding's arrest and/or conviction, which will be added to the $50,000 reward the FBI is offering. The reward is being offered with assistance from the Canadian and Mexican governments. Wedding competed for Canada in the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. "Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of US cities and in his native Canada," Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, said in a news release. "The alleged murders of his competitors make Wedding a very dangerous man." The LAPD said Thursday that Wedding's operation brought truckloads of cocaine through Los Angeles and also moved five metric tons of fentanyl per month to cities in the US and Canada. "The increase in the reward should make it clear: there is nowhere safe for Wedding to hide," LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said, per the Guardian. The FBI says Wedding is also known as James Conrad King, Jesse King, El Jefe, Giant, and Public Enemy. He is believed to be under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico, though a former FBI agent who arrested him in 2009 notes that it's "pretty hard to hide a six-foot-four white guy" in the territory the cartel operates in. Two conservative Supreme Court justices sided with the court's three liberal members in this week's decision on USAID paymentsbut Justice Amy Coney Barrett is taking a lot more flak than Chief Justice John Roberts. Some conservative commentators, calling Barrett a "closet Democrat," have suggested Trump made a mistake in choosing her for the court in 2020. Barrett has generally sided with conservatives in major cases, including those on abortion and affirmative action, but she has shown an independent streak that has caused some to accuse of disloyalty to Trump, NBC News reports. "DEI hire." Some critics argued that Barrett was only chosen because she was a woman, reports the Washington Post. "She is evil, chosen solely because she checked identity politics boxes," conservative activist Mike Cernovich said in a post on X. "Another DEI hire. It always ends badly." Steve Bannon, among others, claimed she had given Trump "stink eye" when he greeted justices before his address to Congress on Tuesday. Police in Tigard, Oregon, are investigating gunshots fired at a Tesla dealership overnight, one of several recent incidents targeting Tesla dealerships that, police say, are politically motivated. The latest incident occurred at about 1:46am Thursday, the AP reports. Surveillance footage indicates at least seven shots were fired, damaging three cars and breaking windows. One bullet pierced an office wall, hitting a computer monitor in the unoccupied building. Tigard police are collaborating with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives; there is not yet a description of a suspect or suspects. Other recent incidents include: Russia targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure in a large-scale missile and drone bombardment during the night, officials said Friday, hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said talks with the US on ending the war will take place next week . Ukraine came under a "massive missile and drone" attack, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko wrote on Facebook. At least 10 people, including a child, were injured, authorities said. "Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by striking energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without light and heat, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens," Halushchenko wrote. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's power grid during the war. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of "weaponizing winter" in an effort to erode civilian morale, the AP reports. Russia fired 67 missiles from air, land, and sea and launched 194 strike and decoy drones, Ukraine's air force said. For the first time, Ukraine deployed French Mirage-2000 warplanes delivered a month ago to help repel the attack, according to the air force. Ukraine also has Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets to shoot down Russian missiles. Ukrainian defenses downed 34 missiles and 100 drones, the air force said, while up to 10 missiles didn't reach their targets and 86 drones were lost from radars, presumably jammed by electronic warfare. Western-supplied air defense systems are crucial for Ukraine's fight but further US help is uncertain under President Trump, who says he is determined to end the war and has paused American military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv as a way of pressuring Zelensky to negotiate. Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a monthlong ceasefire "in the air, at sea, and on energy infrastructure" as the first step toward a peace deal. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied Friday that the overnight attack was linked to Russia's rejection of the proposal, the BBC reports. "Our military continues the special military operation," he said. CBS News' parent company is trying to get President Trump's $20 billion lawsuit against the network thrown out, arguing that it is an "affront to the First Amendment and is without basis in law or fact." Paramount filed two motions in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas on Thursday to dismiss the lawsuit Trump filed over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris that aired weeks before the election, the Hill reports. Trump filed the lawsuit before the election and amended it in February to double the amount of damages he was seeking. Lack of jurisdiction. Paramount says the case should be dismissed due to "lack of personal and subject-matter jurisdiction," Axios reports. Their lawyers also say it was filed in an "improper venue." President Trump made a surprise move on Thursday by reining in Elon Musk during a last-minute Cabinet meeting. The upshot is that Trump informed his secretaries that they, and not Musk, would be in charge of cuts within their departments going forward. So just what happened at the meeting? The New York Times reports that Musk had heated exchanges with frustrated Cabinet members, most notably Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Details and related coverage: Rubio: The story by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan reports that Rubio and Musk argued back and forth, with Musk accusing Rubio of not making enough cuts, and an "incensed" Rubio accusing him of lying. The secretary asked Musk if he should rehire 1,500 staffers who took early buyouts, which would then allow Musk to stage another mass firing of them. Finally, Trump broke in and said Rubio was doing a "great job." It's not a word typically applied to the economy, and it may not thrill Wall Street investors. But Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC on Friday that the nation's economy may be in need of a "detox." President Trump's administration has been reducing the federal workforce and, as Bloomberg puts it, shifting the "basis for growth away from the government and toward the private sector." Bessent maintains that growth under predecessor Joe Biden was artificially boosted by government spending, and he predicts potential turbulence as this ends. He spoke as the stock market headed toward its worst weekly close since September, with investors seemingly rattled by the president's back-and-forth moves on tariffs. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa sent a cable of congratulations to Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence (KHGC), following the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Kingdom of Bahrains initiative to designate January 28 as the International Day for Peaceful Coexistence. HM the King expressed pride in this international achievement, which reflects the global recognition of Bahrains leadership in promoting tolerance and coexistence among nations. He noted that this achievement underscores Bahrains position in humanitarian efforts and its role in advancing a noble civilisational message based on the principles of human fraternity. HM King Hamad also commended the efforts of Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed and all members of the KHGC in fostering a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. His Majesty emphasised that the Kingdom remains a model of tolerance and pluralism and a hub for intercultural dialogue, in line with its national values and longstanding traditions rooted in the principles of Islam. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com A BD39 million trade relationship between Bahrain and Hungary could grow further as the Shura Council prepares to discuss a draft law on Sunday to ratify a bilateral investment agreement. The deal, attached to Decree No. (84) of 2024, sets out legal safeguards for investors, offering assurances on fair treatment, asset protection, and dispute resolution. The Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee has examined the proposal and prepared a report outlining its findings. Legal setting The agreement, signed in Manama on 4 September 2024, is designed to ensure a predictable legal setting for businesses operating between the two countries. The Ministry of Finance and National Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission have backed the agreement, viewing it as a step towards strengthening commercial links. Trade between the two countries stood at BD39 million in 2023, with Hungarian investment in Bahrain amounting to BD106,000, according to figures from the Information & eGovernment Authority. Cooperation The Ministry of Finance and National Economy noted that Hungary had already entered into similar agreements with the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman, and that Bahrains inclusion could lead to further cooperation. The agreement consists of 22 articles and an annex covering financial transactions, legal protections, and business conditions. It commits each government to treating investors from the other fairly while retaining the right to regulate economic policies in the public interest. Compensation It also sets out terms for compensation in cases of asset seizure, outlines protections in the event of conflict or unrest, and guarantees that money can be moved freely in a widely accepted currency. Bahrain has entered into similar arrangements with several of its key trading partners, including China, Japan, the UK, the US, France, Russia, Singapore, Germany, Turkey, and the UAE. Officials say agreements of this kind provide legal certainty and help businesses make longterm decisions with greater confidence. Sources of income The committee has noted that the deal aligns with Bahrains Vision 2030 and the wider push to attract outside investment and diversify sources of income. The committee has determined that the agreement does not clash with Bahrains legal framework and should be enacted. It has recommended approval in principle of the draft law and endorsed its provisions in full. You did not have to look far to grasp why Mickey Harmon and Jordan Celotto were called forces of nature. Nary a section of Buffalo went untouched since it was reported Wednesday that the pair had been killed in their St. Louis Place apartment. Their names glowed Wednesday night on the marquee of the North Park Theatre on Hertel Avenue. Remembrances light and heavy continue to cascade in from art galleries, coffee shops and bar-restaurants in the Elmwood Village and Five Points neighborhoods and in hundreds of social media posts. Nowhere has their memory been more cherished than in Allentown, the neighborhood in which they lived, worked and played. It is such a small, tight community, and a friendly place, anyway, said Patty Macdonald, board member and former president of the Allentown Association. But with Mickey you ran into him and he made everybody light up. He couldnt walk down the street without getting hugged by a hundred people. Allentown artists and activists killed in their home Two well-known Allentown figures in the arts and LGBTQ+ community were killed at their St. Louis Place apartment on Tuesday. An update by Buffalo police Thursday afternoon said that homicide detectives were collecting evidence to understand the circumstances in which the two died. Harmon embodied Allentown, walking and biking near the art gallery and gift shop the Good Stuff, which he co-owned with Bobby Griffiths and Sarah Liddell, and stopping at favored haunts such as Cafe 59. Its a small artist conclave, and Mickey was kind of the glue, said Ari Moore, a transgender rights activist, artist and archivist who collaborated professionally and developed a bond with Harmon. Many reflections focused on Harmons magnetic personality. He was completely irreverent and outrageous, but kind and generous, Macdonald said. The larger-than-life personality was what endeared Harmon to GObike Buffalo, a bike shop and advocacy organization for sustainable transportation he worked at for six months. His volume level, attitude, and insatiable appetite for fun made everyone around him feel welcome and at ease, Kevin Heffernan wrote on behalf of GObike. He was one of the most talented artists to ever call our city home, but his artistic prowess stretched beyond the paper he drew upon and into infamous characters that he would embody on social media, on stage, in his gallery, and in the street. It was that bold spirit that drew Moore to Harmon in 2020 to co-illustrate Stonewall Nation, a public art mural on the side of Q Bar that celebrates local and regional figures in the LGBTQ+ community through portraits. New mural in Allentown focuses on giants in LGBTQ community The new mural, Stonewall Nation: WNY LGBT History Mural, 2020, depicts portraits of 27 key figures in the history and evolution of the LGBTQ community. He was always out there promoting himself and unafraid to be in public, Moore said Thursday. That attracted me to him. The duo, through the public art partnership between Albright-Knox Art Gallery and M&T Bank, split the 28 portraits exactly in half, spending hours together during which Harmon would listen intently. With each image, I gave him a queer history lesson, Moore said. That counterbalance to Harmons boisterous, free-flowing humor was less obvious, but integral to his relentless efforts to make a difference as a queer artist, business owner, event organizer and LGBTQ+ advocate not only in his neighborhood, but in Buffalo, at large. He was really hard working and really organized, Macdonald said. That side of him might not be apparent to the casual observer. The former Allentown Association president said Harmons community might was especially apparent after businesses reopened following the pandemic. It was Mickey that brought Allentown back to life when we first emerged from Covid, Macdonald said. He got First Fridays going right away and made it even bigger and better than it was before. He single-handedly made sure that Allentown became a presence again. Celotto, a Buffalo resident for less than five years, had quickly gained his footing in the city, working as a team member for the last three years at Remedy House, the Five Points coffee shop where he did just about everything, co-owner Brent Martone said Thursday. He helped me pull 50 pounds of chicken wing meat when I ordered the wrong case the night before we reopened last April, Martone reflected on Remedys Facebook page. Hed collect books from the local library stands and give them as gifts to us in the middle of our shifts. We would talk coffee and music and food and life. Celottos persona was one of warmth, Martone added. Jordan was gentle. He was kind. He was funny. He was an artist and a friend to everyone he came in contact with. I think that was the key to Mickeys success, added Griffiths, Harmons business partner. A talented artist, Celotto was a calming influence who helped Harmon stay focused, he said. Celotto could party, too, though. As DJ NuNu, he spun a disco-influenced mix of 1970s hits to the present as a resident at 26 on Allen, according to bar co-owner Zack Berbary. Three pieces of Harmons work are displayed at 26, he added. Its such a tragic and devastating loss to the community and the city, Berbary said. Elizabeth Licata: Just like everybody else, I can't process the loss of Mickey Harmon Elizabeth Licata remembers artist Mickey Harmon: "I am thankful I did know him. And hopeful that the anger and disbelief will be vanquished by that gratitude." Harmon and his partner, Jordan Celotto, were killed Tuesday at their Allentown apartment. While much of Macdonalds interaction with Harmon was around neighborhood programming, she recognized the bond between Harmon and Celotto. That was really a loving, supportive relationship there, she said. We need more of that kind of love in the world. A GoFundMe fundraiser for Celottos family identified Celotto as a member of the Onondaga Beaver family, from Six Nations of the Grand River. The Good Stuff will postpone a show planned for Friday night, Griffiths said. Instead, it will open its gallery space for people to come and talk and honor the pair. The gallery will hang some of Harmons work and invites others to bring work of Celottos and Harmons to show. Whimiscal look at Grover Cleveland debuts at WNY Book Arts Center For the past two years, Buffalo artist and designer Mickey Harmon has spent his lunch breaks making Victorian-style line drawings of a long-lost Amid their grief, proponents of Allentowns arts community and local advocates of LGBTQ+ rights say theres now a void especially in rounding out this years Buffalo Pride event schedule. Additionally, the Allentown Association previously acquired 169 Allen St., which Harmon had envisioned as an art-focused community space. Were going to see that through, Macdonald said. It will be lively and a welcoming space for everybody. Moore said Harmons fierce advocacy for the citys queer art community is a blueprint for others. ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- As part of a weeklong celebration of agriculture, members of the Buchanan County Farm Bureau made their way to area elementary schools on Friday morning. City of St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale recently signed a proclamation declaring the week of March 2 through March 8 as "Missouri Farm Bureau Celebrate Agriculture Week." Area farmers have spent the week giving back to local schools and charities, as well as, engaging with the community. On Friday, March 7, members of the local farm bureau read to young students at St. Joseph's Montessori School of Innovative Learning. "What we've done in the last few years is deliver books about agriculture at the children's age level," said Debbie Gach with the Buchanan County farm bureau. "We deliver them to all 26 schools that we have in the county and its a great opportunity when we get to go inside and read to some of them." The local farm bureau delivered a total of 62 books to all the elementary schools throughout Buchanan County for each grade level, sharing that learning about agriculture is an opportunity important for all age groups. "We just want the word out that Ag is important to our community and our country," Gach said. "All of the farmers, producers and Ag businesses in the county provide so much for the income and the economy of the county." In addition to reading and donating books to schools in Buchanan County, members of the local farm bureau will also tour the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City, contributing financially to the organization. DUNDAS, ON, March 7, 2025 /CNW/ - The Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) is excited to celebrate the launch of the Bruce Trail GeoHikes Hub, a free virtual geology education program developed in collaboration with the APGO Education Foundation and the McMaster University School of Earth, Environment & Society. Ball's Falls. Photo by Brooke Kochan. (CNW Group/Bruce Trail Conservancy) Bruce Trail GeoHikes are interactive digital tools that offer Bruce Trail users an accessible and innovative way of learning more about the geology of the Niagara Escarpment. Each GeoHike is a one to three-hour non-intensive self-guided tour that highlights the significance of the local geology. GeoHikes can be used as guides while walking the Trail in person, or as a virtual alternative at home or in the classroom. Most GeoHikes include virtual 3D models that show the locations of fossils and other geological features, 360-degree photos or drone videos, slide bars with overlays of important features or geologic information, and written and audio descriptions of the geology. "For over 60 years the Bruce Trail has brought people into greater connection with nature, and specifically the Niagara Escarpment. In addition to the incredible biodiversity that can be found here are geological features that tell the fascinating history of the landscape we love. We are so grateful for the work and collaboration of the APGO Education Foundation team in creating the Bruce Trail GeoHikes Hub, which offers another layer of information that can enhance your next adventure through our ribbon of wilderness," said Michael McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. "Over the past 3 years we have taken our goal of covering the Bruce Trail with interesting and informative GeoHikes from concept to realty," said Dr. Bill Pearson, P.Geo. Founder and Chair of the APGO Education Foundation. "We are delighted to make all these GeoHikes readily available to BTC members and the public to enjoy. GeoHikes provide a fun, interesting, and accessible method of communicating geoscience information to a large and diverse public audience." There are currently nine Bruce Trail GeoHikes available, which include popular destinations such as Ball's Falls in the Niagara Region, Tiffany Falls in Hamilton, and the Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon. An additional 12 Bruce Trail GeoHikes throughout the 1,300 km Bruce Trail system will go live this spring, including four on the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula. "The GeoHikes contained within the Bruce Trail Hub are easily accessible guides that aim to inform the public about the fascinating geological features they can see at selected sites along the Bruce Trail. The GeoHikes have been researched and compiled largely by undergraduate students at McMaster University who have not only learned about the geology of the Niagara Escarpment but also have gained experience in communicating scientific information to the public. We are looking forward to creating many more informative GeoHikes in collaboration with the BTC," said Dr. Carolyn Eyles, Professor Emerita at McMaster. For more information and to access Bruce Trail GeoHikes visit geoscienceinfo.com/bruce-trail-hub/. About the Bruce Trail Conservancy The Bruce Trail Conservancy is one of Ontario's largest land trusts that secures, protects and restores the vulnerable habitat and biodiversity of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere. For more than 60 years we have responsibly connected people to nature through the Bruce Trail. We are a member-driven, volunteer-based, charitable organization governed by a 19-member Board of Directors. Working with each of the nine Bruce Trail Clubs, we are committed to caring for the Bruce Trail and to preserving land along its route. The Bruce Trail Conservancy is a leading Canadian environmental charity and has been named one of the Top 100 Charities in Canada by Charity Intelligence. About the APGO Education Foundation The APGO Education Foundation is a registered charitable organization under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. The purpose of the charity is to advance the education of the public in the area of geoscience see https://apgoef.ca. GeoscienceINFO.com, developed by the Foundation, is an innovative one-stop spot for the public to gather information about the earth beneath their feet. This website provides interesting information on all facets of geoscience. A particularly exciting feature of GeoscienceINFO.com is the highlighting of virtual field trips in different areas in Ontario. This enables viewers to experience and learn about the geology of an area while traversing it digitally in ESRI ArcGIS OnlineTM and StoryMapsTM. Bruce Trail Conservancy staff and APGO Education Foundation board members are available for interviews upon request. SOURCE Bruce Trail Conservancy Media Contacts: Bruce Trail Conservancy: Ali Schofield, Manager of Communications, [email protected] | 905.529.6821 ext. 252; APGO Education Foundation: Dr. Bill Pearson, P.Geo., Chair, Email: [email protected]; Dr. Deana Schwarz, P.Geo., Manager, Email: [email protected] Government announces refreshed Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence, the new Safe and Secure Artificial Intelligence Advisory Group, the publication of a guide for managers of AI systems and six new signatories to the voluntary AI code of conduct OTTAWA, ON, March 6, 2025 /CNW/ - As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape our world in new and unexpected ways, the responsible development and management of AI systems remains essential to ensure that these technologies are trustworthy and serve the best interests of all Canadians. Today, the Honourable Francois-Phillipe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced a series of initiatives to support responsible and safe AI adoption, including: The Minister also announced that six new organizationsCIBC, Clir, Cofomo Inc., Intel Corporation, Jolera Inc. and PaymentEvolutionare signing on to the voluntary AI code of conduct. By signing on, these organizations are pledging to apply the code to their operations when developing and managing generative AI systems. They are joining 40 other signatories that have taken the pledge. The guide that was released today offers an additional resource for signatories and other organizations looking to deploy AI tools responsibly. The government continues to take a leadership role in AI both domestically and internationally, committing $2.4 billion in Budget 2024 to help secure Canada's AI advantage. Measures that have been announced include investing in compute capacity and infrastructure, accelerating safe and responsible AI adoption and deployment, and supporting workers through skills training. In addition, Canada continues to engage in domestic and international discussions supporting the creation of common standards and safeguards for generative AI systems, including by participating in international AI safety conferences and contributing to reports. Quotes "Artificial intelligence is one of the most transformative technologies of our time, and there is no doubt that it is here to stay. As AI technology continues to evolve, our government is committed to making sure that Canadians can benefit from it safely and that companies are developing it responsibly. The measures announced today are a positive step forward in securing an AI ecosystem that works forand in the interests ofall Canadians." The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry "Generative AI tools provide exciting opportunities for our bank to foster innovation, enhance productivity, and do more for our clients. As we continue to leverage generative AI tools thoughtfully across our bank to help deliver on our client-focused strategy, we're pleased to be a signatory to the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems and to support the ongoing development of a robust, responsible AI ecosystem in Canada." Dave Gillespie, Executive Vice-President, Infrastructure, Architecture and Modernization, CIBC "AI's transformative potential comes with a responsibility to develop and deploy it ethically. We are honored to stand at the spearhead of this change alongside the Government of Canada, driving a future where AI is not just powerful, but also ethical and sustainable. At Intel, we are committed to a strong AI strategy that prioritizes trust, transparency, and governance, ensuring our technology not only drives innovation but also creates meaningful, positive impact for businesses, communities, and society at large." Asma Aziz, General Manager, Intel Canada Quick facts Canada was the first country in the world to introduce a national AI strategy. Since 2016, the Government of Canada has announced over $4 .4 billion to support AI and digital research infrastructure, including $2 .4 billion announced in Budget 2024 to scale up AI compute infrastructure, support AI adoption programs and launch an AI safety institute. was the first country in the world to introduce a national AI strategy. Since 2016, the Government of has announced over .4 billion to support AI and digital research infrastructure, including .4 billion announced in Budget 2024 to scale up AI compute infrastructure, support AI adoption programs and launch an AI safety institute. Created in 2019, the Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence advises the government on building Canada's strengths and global leadership in AI, identifying opportunities to create economic growth that benefits all Canadians, and ensuring that AI advancements reflect Canadian values. strengths and global leadership in AI, identifying opportunities to create economic growth that benefits all Canadians, and ensuring that AI advancements reflect Canadian values. The refreshed advisory council, co-chaired by Diane Gutiw , Vice-President and Global AI Research Lead at CGI, and Olivier Blais , Moov AI's co-founder and Vice-President of Decision Science, will bring a diverse range of perspectives to advise the government on initiatives involving AI. , Vice-President and Global AI Research Lead at CGI, and , Moov AI's co-founder and Vice-President of Decision Science, will bring a diverse range of perspectives to advise the government on initiatives involving AI. A new associated Safe and Secure Artificial Intelligence Advisory Group, chaired by Yoshua Bengio, Scientific Director of Mila, will provide technical advice on the risks associated with AI systems and ways to address them, as well as advice to the Canadian AI Safety Institute on AI safety research priorities. The Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems was launched in 2023 and now counts 46 signatories. In November 2024 , the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute to bolster Canada's capacity to advance knowledge of AI safety risks and their mitigation, further positioning the country as a leader in the safe and responsible development and adoption of AI technologies. Associated links Stay connected Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website. Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. X (Twitter): @ISED_CA | Facebook: Canadian Innovation | Instagram: @cdninnovation | LinkedIn: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Contacts: Audrey Milette, Acting Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, [email protected]; Media Relations: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, [email protected] The project will generate clean, renewable power and will create approximately 150 jobs during the construction phase. Glooscap First Nation will hold a majority stake in a joint venture with SWEB Development. The project will be supported by Desjardins Group, which will provide $105.6 million in credit facilities, while Natural Resources Canada will contribute $25 million in grants. The financing will help fund the installation of wind turbines and associated electricity infrastructure. The project aims to reduce annual emissions by about 221,000 tonnes CO 2 e, equivalent to 1.5% of Nova Scotia's total emissions in 2022. This clean energy initiative supports the decarbonization of the Nova Scotia electrical grid, contributing to more reliable, affordable electricity for ratepayers and accelerating the province's energy transition. Nova Scotia aims to achieve 80% of energy from renewables by 2030, with a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation by more than 90%. The CIB's low-cost, long-term financing plays an important role in narrowing the affordability gap between wind generation and alternative emitting sources. Project revenues from a power purchase agreement with Nova Scotia Power Inc. will be used to repay the CIB loan. The wind project is expected to begin commercial operations in late 2026, marking an important step forward in the province's transition towards a more sustainable future. Endorsements Our latest wind investment in Nova Scotia will further support the province's decarbonization efforts. The wind farm, majority owned by the Glooscap First Nation, will generate clean, renewable power and leverage the province's support for similar projects. The CIB has already backed three wind farms and one energy storage project in the province and a transmission intertie between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, contributing to the region's efforts to phase out coal generation while creating new economic opportunities. Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank The CIB's loan will generate clean affordable energy, while creating jobs that support Nova Scotia's goal to decarbonize the electric grid. Hon. Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Developers and industry are seeing the opportunity for large-scale wind projects in Nova Scotia. With the Weavers Mountain project, the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and industry are partnering to bring green jobs, help stabilize electricity rates and add more clean electricity to our grid. Advancing wind projects like this one is how we use our natural resource to our best advantage. Hon. Nova Scotia Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau As stewards of the land, water and natural resources, we are committed to protecting what sustains us while creating lasting economic opportunities for our people. By owning 51 per cent of the WEB Weavers Mountain Wind project, we are ensuring our community benefits directly while supplying clean energy to Nova Scotia. This initiative will deliver reliable, affordable electricity to ratepayers, generate long-term economic benefits for our Nation and serve as an example of how Indigenous communities can lead meaningful change and build a sustainable future for all. Chief Sidney Peters, Glooscap First Nation SWEB Development, in partnership with Glooscap First Nation, is proud to support Canada and Nova Scotia's emission reduction goals through the Weavers Mountain Wind Energy Project. This initiative demonstrates how collaboration can drive clean, affordable electricity solutions. We appreciate the support of the CIB, Natural Resources Canada, and the Desjardins Group in turning this vision into a reality. Projects like Weavers Mountain are key to lowering energy costs, boosting the local economy, and creating jobs for Nova Scotians. Rory Cantwell, Chief Executive Officer, SWEB Development This project marks another step forward in Canada's clean energy transition. When we look for financing opportunities, we want to encourage sustainable development and empower communities across the country. Weavers Mountain Wind will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop important community partnerships and create jobs for Nova Scotia's economy. Together, we are building a greener, more resilient future for Nova Scotia and beyond. Guy Cormier, President and CEO, Desjardins Group About Desjardins Group Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in North America and the sixth largest in the world, with assets of $470.9 billion as at December 31, 2024. In 2025, Desjardins Group is celebrating its 125th anniversary, marking more than a century of focusing its ambitions and expertise on being there for members and clients. SOURCE Canada Infrastructure Bank Media contacts: Canada Infrastructure Bank, [email protected]; SWEB Development, Coralee Lewis - Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager, 902 818 3729, [email protected]; Glooscap First Nation, Rachel Strong - Senior Director, Texture Communications, 416-735-9255, [email protected] Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced $4.5 million in federal funding to upgrade the Passage lookout in La Mauricie National Park. After more than 40 years of existence, the lookout was at the end of its useful life. Parks Canada is therefore undertaking work to modernize this iconic place to continue to welcome visitors from around the world. Parks Canada will make this site more accessible, allowing visitors to discover it, recharge their batteries and connect with nature. The new development will optimize the interpretation potential of this sector and its accessibility, in addition to offering an exceptional view of Lake Wapizagonke. The new belvedere will be based on a modern structure, built with sustainable materials and better integrated into the environment. The accessibility and quality of the view of the majestic Wapizagonke Lake will be improved. The space will offer visitors a deeper immersion in nature and First Nations heritage. A boardwalk will be set up to allow visitors to learn about the evolution of Parks Canada's system over time, as well as efforts to conserve natural and cultural heritage. At the end of the tour, visitors will be able to admire a breathtaking view of Wapizagonke Lake, an example of the exceptional landscapes protected by Parks Canada. Parks Canada is committed to protecting and presenting Canada's iconic places for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The Government of Canada invites visitors to discover the beauty and richness of La Mauricie National Park and to come back to admire the Passage lookout once its reconstruction is completed in the spring of 2026. Quotes "The Passage lookout is an emblematic site in the Mauricie region. With more than $4.5 million in funding from the Government of Canada, it will remain a Parks Canada Signature Site. This project will also include an interpretive trail on the history of the creation of the national parks system, designed to protect and present exceptional landscapes and natural environments across the country, including La Mauricie National Park. This type of investment allows more Canadians to choose to spend time exploring the Mauricie region and other sites in our beautiful country." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada "The modernization of the Passage lookout at La Mauricie National Park demonstrates our government's commitment to preserving and enhancing Canada's natural gems for future generations. Thanks to this federal investment, visitors will be able to connect with nature while learning about the region's history and rich culture. This project highlights the importance of accessibility and sustainability in the management of national parks administered by Parks Canada, while allowing everyone to enjoy spectacular scenery such as Wapizagonke Lake." The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Quick Facts Created in 1970 and covering an area of 536 km 2 , La Mauricie National Park contributes to the protection of a natural area representative of the Precambrian region of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. , contributes to the protection of a natural area representative of the Precambrian region of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. The park's territory is a special place for the First Nations who have lived there and cared for it for millennia. In particular, they used the axis formed by Wapizagonke and Anticagamac lakes to move around, but also to hunt, fish and gather. Today, the park still plays an important role for First Nations. Thus, the Atikamekw and the W8banakiak hold activities that allow for cultural continuity and the transfer of knowledge between generations and are involved in the Indigenous stewardship of the territory. Easily accessible and inclusive, La Mauricie National Park welcomes an average of 250,000 visitors in all seasons. welcomes an average of 250,000 visitors in all seasons. The Passage lookout will be closed during the construction and development of the new structure, which will run from spring 2025 to late fall 2025. Related Links SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ) Contacts: Hermine Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 873-455-3714, [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 855-862-1812, [email protected] So many have tried to wrap their heads around Tuesday's double homicide in Allentown. On Friday, Fillmore District Council Member Mitchell Nowakowski described it this way: "everyone's worst nightmare." Buffalo police believe Bryan Monge Chiclana was in the area of St. Louis Place at least 45 minutes before they said he broke into a basement window at the home of Michael "Mickey" Harmon and Jordan Celotto. He tried breaking into vehicles and either tried or succeeded with breaking into three residences in the area in the time leading up to the slayings, Buffalo Police Chief of Detectives William "Craig" Macy said. Police believe the killings of Harmon, 40, and Celotto, 37, happened around 8 a.m. Tuesday. Officers encountered Chiclana at the home after receiving a 911 call about a man in the residence with a knife around 4:30 p.m., more than eight hours later. When asked what was happening in the home between the time of the killings and when police arrived, Macy declined comment. 'A force of nature': Allentown, Buffalo remember Mickey Harmon and Jordan Celotto "It is such a small, tight community, and a friendly place anyway," said Patty Macdonald, former president of the Allentown Association. "But with Mickey you ran into him and he made everybody light up. He couldn't walk down the street without getting hugged by a hundred people." Both Harmon and Celotto were bludgeoned to death, killed by blows to the head, according to court documents filed by police. Authorities did not identify what type of weapon was used. Harmon's and Celotto's bodies were found by police in the basement. Chiclana, 34, was charged Friday afternoon in Buffalo City Court with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of Harmon and Celotto, partners who lived in the St. Louis Place apartment where they were killed. Harmon was an artist, community activist, business owner, event organizer and LGBTQ+ advocate. Celotto, also an artist as well as a DJ, moved from the Toronto area to Buffalo within the last five years. Chiclana was ordered held without bail after his arraignment in Buffalo City Court. Chiclana's defense attorneys, Robert Cutting and Florina Altshiler, entered a not guilty plea on their client's behalf. Elizabeth Licata: Just like everybody else, I can't process the loss of Mickey Harmon Elizabeth Licata remembers artist Mickey Harmon: "I am thankful I did know him. And hopeful that the anger and disbelief will be vanquished by that gratitude." Harmon and his partner, Jordan Celotto, were killed Tuesday at their Allentown apartment. If convicted of the first-degree murder charge, Chiclana faces a potential maximum sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole. A Spanish-language interpreter translated the proceedings for the defendant in court. A half-dozen family members and friends of the victims were in the courtroom. Authorities believe Chiclana cut himself with a knife when police arrived at the scene. He was taken to Erie County Medical Center for treatment, where he remained under what authorities described as under police supervision. Upon his discharge from the hospital Friday morning, he was arrested. Authorities initially said Chiclana had no permanent address, but later said he had an address on Massachusetts Avenue. That latter information was provided to investigators about 45 minutes before the start of an afternoon news conference, police said. Chiclana has no criminal record in New York, nor in Michigan, where hes recently been, Assistant Erie County District Attorney Christopher Safulko said in court. Allentown artists and activists killed in their home Two well-known Allentown figures in the arts and LGBTQ+ community were killed at their St. Louis Place apartment on Tuesday. Macy, the chief of detectives, said he wanted to put to rest some of the rumors circulating in the community in the wake of the homicides. "The suspect did not know the victims. The evidence supports that," Macy said. And the suspect was not welcome at the victims' home, he added. Macy said he wanted to ease concerns and any broader fear in the community about the victims having been targeted. Police have previously said there was no indication the killings were hate crimes. Nowakowski, who knew Harmon and Celotto, said the outpouring of emotion has to do both with the love people had for Harmon and Celotto, but also the circumstances of their deaths. "It's an example of an incident that is everyone's worst nightmare: that someone breaks into your home and murders you," Nowakowski said. When police encountered him, Chiclana had items in his possession that connected him to the crime, Safulko said in court. Safulko, who is prosecuting the case with ADA Rebecca Schnirel, did not specify what those items were. Police and prosecutors also have surveillance video of Chiclana at the scene, Safulko said. Chiclana made statements to police, as well as to hospital staff at ECMC, the prosecutor said. The profound impact that Harmon and Celetto have had on the arts, LGBTQ+ and greater Buffalo communities has been evident in the widespread sharing of remembrances and condolences across Western New Yorkers social media feeds. Friends, business partners and fellow artists have shared their memories of the two and the shock and deep sadness the killings have caused. Wednesday night, dozens of mourners held a vigil for Harmon and Celetto next to Harmons mural collaboration with Ari Moore titled Stonewall Nation: WNY LGBT History Mural located on the wall of Edisons Proofs and Provision, formerly Q, on Allen Street. Dozens of candles and bouquets now line the wall. In front of The Good Stuff, a gallery and shop on Allen Street in which Harmon was a part owner, a similar collection of tributes rests. Harmon and Celotto were also remembered on the Marquee of the North Park Theatre on Hertel Avenue. "We love you Mickey & Jordan," the sign reads. "You will be missed." A 16-year-old died and another person was seriously injured in a crash in Bergen County last week, authorities said Friday. The crash was reported at 5:58 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Alpine. Two SUVs collided on the highways southbound side near the New York State line, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. The 16-year-old victim, a resident of New York, was pronounced dead on the scene, authorities said. Another occupant of the same vehicle was seriously hurt, while two other occupants sustained minor injuries, officials said. The driver of the other SUV was not injured. Prosecutors have not yet released the names of the victims or information about the circumstances of the crash. The investigation is ongoing. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. An 83-year-old former security guard filed a lawsuit on Monday against Bergen County and its public safety agencies, alleging age and disability discrimination, as well as retaliation for filing a workers compensation claim. Paul Fiorini, who began working for the county in May 2022, claims he was unlawfully terminated after suffering a workplace injury in November 2022. According to the lawsuit, filed in Bergen County Superior Court, Fiorini injured his knee while on duty, aggravating a pre-existing condition. Fiorini worked as a security guard for the countys Department of Public Safety, which involved patrolling various facilities, according to the suit. His employment with the county was without incident, and he was never the subject of any disciplinary action, the suit states. After seeking treatment for his knee and taking medical leave, Fiorini returned to work in May 2023 with restrictions on his patrol duties, according to the suit. When he presented his doctors note, Fiorini alleges his supervisor dismissed his request for accommodations and told him he could not pick and choose assignments, court papers allege. His employment was then terminated without further discussion, according to the suit. When Fiorini requested a termination letter, he says he was instead told he should be retired. A spokesman for Bergen County declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing pending litigation. The suit accuses the county of violating the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination by discriminating against Fiorini based on his age and disability. It further alleges that Fiorini was replaced by a younger worker and that his termination was in retaliation for filing a workers compensation claim. Fiorini is seeking compensation for lost wages, benefits, and damages for emotional distress, along with punitive damages and attorneys fees. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. One driver died Thursday night and multiple people were injured in a crash that involved four vehicles in Bergen County, officials said. The crash happened shortly before 6:20 p.m. on Route 17 in Hasbrouck Heights near the highways intersection with Franklin Avenue, Bergen County Prosecutors Office Deputy Chief of Detectives Jeff Angermeyer told NJ Advance Media. Angermeyer said he could not provide any other details about the crash but confirmed that one driver died and several other people were taken to a local hospital with varying degrees of injuries. There were road closures and detours in the area of the crash, he said. The crash is under investigation by the office and the Hasbrouck Heights Police Department. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Officials in Bergen County have identified the man found along the Hudson River shoreline Saturday in Fort Lee as the investigation into the cause of his death continues. Bergen County detectives identified the man as Jairo Lopez-Lopez, 25, of Hempstead, New York. Authorities responded to Ross Dock in Fort Lee on Mar. 1 at 10:58 a.m. for a report of a body found found along the shoreline just north of the George Washington Bridge, authorities said. When bigotry and violence tried to intimidate Black women-owned businesses, community builder and digital activist Minista Jazz wanted to do more than circulate hashtags on social media. Theres too much on the line for Black women entrepreneurs for such performative measures, she said. Philadelphia restaurant Chubby Chicks received a tidal wave of support in February after the owner endured multiple incidents of racial discrimination and harassment from neighbors who live by her establishment. In November, a Texas bookstore called BlackLIT closed its storefront due to harassment and issues with building management . The owners of both establishments explained to the media the financial woes of starting and sustaining their businesses. Black women are the fastest growing demographic in entrepreneurship , but only three percent are maturing their businesses past the five-year mark because of lack of initial capital. But Minista Jazz isnt the type to fall into despair. Its been five years since she co-founded Sisterhood Sit-In , which has funneled thousands of dollars to Philadelphia entrepreneurs. Now Minista Jazz is starting a new vision nationwide with ROOTED 2025 , a 22-city economic empowerment tour and first-ever digital sit-in that will take place between April 10 to 19th. More than 100,000 participants are striving to pour $25 million in revenue into Black women-owned businesses. ROOTED 2025 is also working with 44 Black legislators to recognize April as Black Womens History Month , an initiative that was started by Georgia native Sha Battle. According to Reuters, Black women business owners are on the frontlines of harm when it comes to the anti diversity, equity and inclusions campaigns shutting down programs at major retailers. Minista Jazz said ROOTED 2025 will remind people that Black women have and always will be the movers and shakers of the nation, culture bearers of their communities and victors of their villages no matter what is going on. In the face of all the rollbacks and the setbacks, we get to make this a nationwide movement, Minista Jazz said. We need to get connected with everything thats happening, and we get to understand that Black-women joy and magic is powerful. And I know that when we see ourselves and when they see us and know that weve been here, things are going to change. The origins of ROOTED 2025 started in October 2020 when a Black woman-owned business in Philadelphia received racists emails and threats. Minista Jazz and the business owner responded to the discrimination by hosting an Afrofuturistic protest and sit-in. Minista Jazz was raised by educators and faith leaders who made sure she knew her history. As an avid reader, she often time traveled through storytelling and learned from the lessons her activist ancestors left behind. Just like the movement mothers and freedom fighters who used their presence to dismantle segregation and challenge racism, Minista Jazz decided to take up space and stand up against white intimidation. We resonate deeply with the efforts of the Civil Rights era and the way that they were able to be strategic in doing things, Minista Jazz said. If they were coming with bats and hate, we were going to show that our love is our protest. A sit-in made sense for us to be bigger in a space where we werent welcomed. Since then, Minista Jazz has talked with entrepreneurs concerning the problems that they face. She asked herself what could she do to support businesses in a sustainable way. The answer to her question came from her higher power. God said, These are the cities. Thats it, Minista Jazz laughed. I dont even know people in these cities. God said, Trust me. These are the cities. Call the bus companies and see who you can get as a transportation partner. I called them and they said, Oh, great. We have people in all of these cities. Along with being a person who walks by faith and not by sight, shes also a sister supporter. When she speaks to other Black women, she speaks over them with the same vitality as a Southern preacher. Her scriptures are from the wisdom of Black women who came before her and songs that empowered them. Minista Jazz called the nationwide tour ROOTED because she wanted participants to be rooting for each other but also remain rooted in their heritage. She referenced the lyrics of the freedom song We Shall Not Be Moved. They said, Like a tree planted in the water, we shall not be moved, Minista Jazz said. So in this time where we are experiencing setbacks, we shall not be moved. Like Shirley Chisholm said, I am American. This is my land. We built this land on our backs and from our bosoms. We nurtured this land. So no matter what pen you have, no matter what authority you may claim, no matter what vote you may have gotten, this is still our country, and we shall not be moved. Tickets are now available for those who want to experience that heritage in person. During the economic tours, riders will board a luxury bus to explore different Freedom Routes the name given to the historically Black business districts that thrived despite racial oppression. Participants will also shop with the Black women-business owners still contributing to the legacy of these districts. ROOTED 2025 will be traveling through these Freedom Routes on the following days: April 10: Richmond, VA (Jackson Ward) April 11: Virginia Beach, VA (Pembroke area) April 12: (which will feature five tours at once) Detroit (Avenue of Fashion) Charlotte (Historic West End) St. Louis (North City/The Ville) Miami (Overtown/Little Haiti) Dallas (South Dallas/Fair Park) April 13: Baltimore (Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts District) April 14: Washington DC (Shaw District/U Street Corridor) April 15: Fayetteville (Murchison Road) April 16: Columbia (North Main) April 17: Birmingham (4th Avenue Business District) April 18: Jackson (Farish Street) GRAND FINALE on April 19 Brooklyn (Fulton Street/Bed-Stuy) Chicago (Bronzeville/Chatham) - Houston (Third Ward) Atlanta (Sweet Auburn/West End) Cleveland (Buckeye Road) Memphis (Orange Mound) Oakland (International Boulevard) Los Angeles (Leimert Park) New Orleans (Treme/7th Ward) Each Freedom Route tells a story of the resilience of Black excellence. When state politicians stifled the voting power of African American residents in Richmond, Va., Black fraternal organizations chartered the first Black-owned bank in the nation and opened a host of companies in the Jackson Ward neighborhood, which became known as the Black Wall Street of the South. When white supremacy raged through the parks and streets of Birmingham, Ala., the citys Fourth Avenue district remained bustling with jazz music, eateries and other aspects of Black social life and culture. West Philadelphias 52nd Street corridor became a hub of Black entrepreneurship, art and advocacy during the mid-20th century. The district is still home to one of the oldest Black-owned bookstores in the nation, Hakims Bookstore and Gift Shop, which endured FBI surveillance in 1968 for their commitment to teaching and promoting Black activism . Black business owners of today are facing similar matters. Especially with the political landscape labeling DEI efforts as divisive and hurtful. But Minista Jazz repeated the sage advice of Pulitzer-prize winning writer Toni Morrison : If you can only be tall because somebody is on their knees, then you have a serious problem. And my feeling is that white people have a very, very serious problem and they should start thinking about what they can do about it. Take me out of it. So they need to figure out their DEI issues and why they think thats a problem, Minista Jazz said. Were going to celebrate ourselves in the greatest way possible because we say so. Youre just going to have to deal with it. Leave us out of it. The Black business districts are more than just locations. The storefronts, theatres and dance halls all hold a lesson: When white supremacy feels threatened by Black progress and togetherness, Minista Jazz said communal support and love will keep the Black village from being torn apart. Were gonna stand together because nothing apart. Everything together, Minista Jazz continued. We have to remember that. Those are the lessons our ancestors taught us so long ago. When they were picking them up and bringing them over here on those ships, they braided [maps of freedom] into their hair. They sang freedom in songs. Nothing apart. Everything together. Stick with your sisters. Stick with your brothers. Even if yall dont know each others languages, hold hands. Minista Jazz is making sure this energy is carried into ROOTED 2025s online presence. Participants can register for free, or give a donation, for the digital sit-in. Those who grab a ticket will get automatic access to Digital Kitchen , a virtual gathering space where business and movement leaders will be encouraging Black Americans to practice their economic power through inspirational speeches and daily action plans that fund and support Black women-owned businesses. Each day will focus on a different theme, such as financial literacy, land ownership and sustainability and the arts. Minista Jazz, who has been coding for three years, developed Digital Kitchen in a way that allows participants to exchange wisdom with one another without having to outsmart an algorithm or risk their personal data. Privacy and safety have become top concerns for Black, Brown and queer online users ever since Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, ended fact-checking programs and relaxed moderation policies. Minista Jazz said users of Digital Kitchen wont have to worry about code-switching or racism in her space. In Black households, she said kitchens are a sacred space of togetherness and love. She made sure to code her platform in a way that mirrors that same sense of safety. This is the space where you can feel free, Minista Jazz said. I created the Digital Kitchen because these are sacred spaces for us to be able to come together and congregate just like when we used to get our hair hot combed or when grandma cooked biscuits in the oven. We love the kitchen. Sometimes you go to somebodys house, you go to the kitchen, and you never leave because the kitchen is the place to be. Minista Jazz carries no doubts about the success of ROOTED 2025. Shes already looking forward to the abundance her community will build together during next years events. She ends all her emails with a mantra: Sisterhood is the future. We are the carriers of the wisdom for the future. We have to remember that, but we remember it best when were together, she said. We can tell these stories and share these stories, and carry each others weights, carry each others burdens, cry with each other and then also smile with each other, spread joy with each other, create magic with each other. When we can do all of these things. Theres nothing that we cant do. The Cape May County Prosecutors Office has settled a federal lawsuit filed by two female detectives who alleged they faced discrimination and a hostile work environment for years in their divisions. Detectives Lakeisha Davis and Kathryn Gannon filed a lawsuit against the prosecutors office in 2022, claiming they were discriminated against because of their race and gender. The detectives accused the agencys leadership of multiple offenses, including unfairly denying them opportunities, issuing unjust discipline and making derogatory comments toward them. On March 4, the prosecutors office settled the lawsuit with the detectives, who sued for monetary damages. Details of the settlement were not disclosed in court documents. The Cape May County Prosecutors Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An attorney representing both detectives did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. Davis began working for the county prosecutor in 2004. At the time the complaint was brought to court, she was the only Black female employee in the agency. According to the lawsuit, the tipping point that led her to sue the prosecutors office occurred when her supervisor, allegedly called her a racial slur during an off-duty incident at a bar in 2019. Davis has suffered a continuous pattern of discrimination going back many years, the lawsuit said. The alleged racial slur from her supervisor caused her enormous emotional distress and anxiety, the lawsuit said. Gannon, who began working for the prosecutors office in 2004, claims in the lawsuit that after being hired full-time, she discovered she was pregnant. After notifying the chief of the investigators unit, he accused her of hiding her pregnancy and threatened her with termination. Davis also alleged she was repeatedly passed over for assignments, including two instances when she applied for the hostage negotiations team but never received a response, according to the lawsuit. From 2011 to 2015, Davis claimed she was targeted and verbally abused by her supervisors. When she reported the abuse and discrimination, the chief of the detective division at the time told her that if she was unhappy at work, she could find another job pumping gas, the lawsuit alleged. Davis also said she was disciplined for actions that did not result in penalties for her male colleagues. In 2020, she claims she was investigated after attending a Black Lives Matter event, even though she followed standard procedures to cover her shift, according to the complaint. According to court documents, Gannon allegedly had to fight for a promotion after reaching her ten-year mark as a detective, despite her male colleagues before her receiving it without hesitation. She claims a captain at the time told her she didnt receive the promotion because she was too emotional. In 2017, Gannon applied to a sergeants position but was denied despite being qualified, according to court documents. After two male detectives were promoted to the position, she filed an internal affairs complaint and allegedly experienced retaliation from her supervisors. Over the years working in the prosecutors office, Gannon also said she also had to face inappropriate comments from her male colleagues, according to the complaint. Gannon had to endure the content of lewd conversations between males on many occasions including dirty jokes and comments regarding females inabilities, the lawsuit said. The current command staff of the Cape May County Prosecutors Office, including Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland and Chief Mike Emmer, were not named as defendants in the lawsuit. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. New Jersey American Water on Thursday signed an agreement with the village of South Orange to purchase its water system for $19.7 million. The sale, which is expected to be finalized by the second half of the year, will make a number of improvements to the system possible, including the removal of all galvanized service lines and lead by 2031. We have been serving South Orange for many years and are proud of the relationships weve built within the community, said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. Our familiarity with the water system will allow us to make needed system improvements quickly, specifically removing all lead and galvanized service lines. As part of the agreement, the water company will spend $50 million on improvements in 10 years. Additional improvements include the replacement of water mains, fire hydrants and a standpipe system, as well as the rehabilitation of a reservoir and water sphere. The sale was approved in a referendum vote in November 2024, with 62% of South Orange residents voting in favor of the acquisition, the company said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. A woman died Thursday morning after she was involved in a crash at a Gloucester County intersection, police said. The woman was driving east when she crossed into a westbound lane near the intersection of Piney Hollow Road and Jackson Road in Monroe Township shortly after 6:30 a.m., according to a statement from the Monroe Township Police Department. After crossing into the other lane, she hit the front of another car driving in that direction, police said. When officers arrived, the woman was pulled from her car and was pronounced dead at the scene, the department said. Police did not immediately identify her. The driver of the car she hit was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for a head injury, authorities said. Neither driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and speed may have been a factor, police said. The crash is under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call Monroe Township Police Patrolman John VanLeer at 856-728-9800 ext. 583. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. FILE - New York Mets' Tyler Naquin celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run during the second inning of the team's baseball game against the Atlanta Braves on Aug. 4, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) AP What do Rick Ankiel, Anthony Gose, and, now, Tyler Naquin have in common? On top of all having ties to the Mets organization, theyre also all former outfielders who have converted into pitchers. On Thursday, ESPN reported that Naquin reached a minor league agreement with the Cleveland Guardians as a pitcher. The 33-year-old had previously played eight seasons across four organizations, including the Mets in 2022. BUY METS TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER New York acquired Naquin from the Cincinnati Reds at the trade deadline that season as well as left-hander Phillip Diehl in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers. He appeared in 49 games with the Mets that season and batted .203 with a .636 OPS, including four home runs and 13 RBIs. Diehl was selected by the New York Yankees in the 27th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He spent time in the minors and major league then was traded to the Colorado Rockies in 2019. He was designated for assignment in 2021 and claimed off waivers by the Reds, with whom he made five major league appearances. He cleared waivers and was outrighted before being traded to the Mets. Naquin tested free agency at the end of the 2022 season, signing a minor league contract with the Brewers. He never made it to the big leagues with Milwaukee, logging 40 games with Triple-A Nashville and batting .284 with a .766 OPS before being released in August 2023. The Chicago White Sox purchased his contract, allowing him to play five big league games where he went 0-for-8 before being released again. Naquin didnt play last season. Now, hes hoping to make a comeback as a pitcher. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. An artistic rendering of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's new cash services center in Warren Township. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is moving its cash processing center to Somerset County. In December, the New York Fed announced it purchased a 110-acre property on Mountain View Road in Warren Township, formerly the headquarters of an insurance company. New York Fed bought the site for $57.35 million from Somerset Associates, which had planned to build warehouses there. The new site will replace the Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorks former cash operations center, located on Orchard Street in East Rutherford. That site, which opened in 1992, was capable of processing 12,000 pounds of checks daily and held billions of dollars in currency. The Federal Reserve is the countrys central bank. It includes 12 Federal Reserve banks around the nation, including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, that help distribute currency and coins to local banks. The Feds new center in Somerset County will handle cash processing services and help circulate U.S. currency, supporting economic activity, officials said. It will help ensure that sufficient currency is in circulation to meet public demand by paying, receiving, verifying, and authenticating currency on behalf of banks and credit unions, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said in a statement. Site plan of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York new cash service center in Warren Township. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York The new location will also help the bank modernize its cash processing technologies, the Bank said. The Feds New York bank is the largest and most active of the 12 regional Reserve Banks within the system. Construction of the new cash operations center is underway. The proposed facility is expected to be 350,000 square feet, three stories high and closed to the general public, according to the Fed. The organization will employ its own federal law enforcement officers to protect the facility and its employees. Federal officers will also work closely with local police and fire departments to manage site-related security matters, bank officials said. Site access will be monitored by a vehicle inspection gate, according to the plans. The main receiving and paying operations will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. About 40 employees will work early morning and late evening shifts throughout the workweek. And nearly 175 cars will travel through the site each day, the Fed said. The propertys last owner, Somerset Associates, sued the township in 2022 after officials allegedly blocked an ordinance that would have rezoned the site for warehouse use. The lawsuit was dropped after the Federal Reserve purchased the site. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. HGTV named Lambertville, New Jersey, one of America's "most charming towns." A New Jersey town made a nationwide list of 50 of the most charming small towns in America. Lambertville, New Jersey, also known as the Antiques Capital of New Jersey, made the list due to its many galleries and antique shops that line the small town of 4,000 residents, according to the list from HGTV. Founded in 1705, Lambertville is situated along the Delaware River in central New Jersey. The town is home to many townhouses and Victorian homes, as well as a restored 19th-century train depot called Lambertville Station that now serves as a restaurant and inn. HGTV noted that Lambertville has many Zagat-rated restaurants and award-winning hotels and B&Bs, making the town ideal for a weekend getaway. Visitors looking for history can visit the James Wilson Marshall House, which is open seasonally to visitors. For those interested in a little retail therapy, Lambertville offers shops on Bridge, Main and Union streets, as well as The Peoples Store Antiques and Design Center for serious antique hunters. Artists Gallery is also a draw for art collectors looking to find some lovely artwork. To see the full list of 50 charming small towns, click here. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 travel warning for this popular spring break beach destination due to crime. Katherine Rodriguez/Canva The U.S. Department of State recently issued a Level 2 travel warning for this popular spring break beach destination due to crime. Tourists visiting the island of Turks and Caicos were also advised by the State Department not to bring any firearms with them when entering or leaving the islands. Police strictly enforce these laws, even at the airport when travelers are leaving. Travelers face arrest, jail time, and heavy fines, the State Department noted. Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage. Offenders can face 12 years or more in prison, the notice continued. Travelers were advised to be on the lookout for crime, especially in Providenciales due to the limited police resources available. The State Department also advised travelers to do the following to prevent crime: Avoid walking alone and at night. Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn upon arrival at the White House, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) AP "Donald Trump" and chaos. Its not the sort of internet searches a new president would relish. But for Trump, its increasingly what people are typing into their keyboards on and on their phones, according to CNN data guru Harry Enten: "The American people are seeing this, & they think Donald Trump is like Butters in South Park. He's Professor Chaos." Americans are Googling "Trump" & "Chaos" at record levels. 56% say Trump's moving too fast. They're asking, like Vince Lombardi: what the hells going on?" pic.twitter.com/JjgElcdhiQ (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) March 7, 2025 Enten: Look at this number up 320%! This terms average week versus the first term, this 46-day stretch that the Trump presidency has gone on has the most number of searches for Trump and chaos on record. The American people are seeing this. If they think that Donald Trump is like Butters in South Park. He is Professor Chaos, that is what is going on. The American people, at this particular point, are going, What is happening here? They are seeing Trump and they are associating him with the word chaos. Host: In the markets, if theres one thing that stock markets, investors dont like, what is that? Enten: They do not like uncertainty. They dont like chaos. How about trade policy uncertainty index? This dates back all the way since 1960. Were dealing with a record high. Get this. Up 651% versus a year ago. One day, Trump seems to be for tariffs. The next day, he doesnt. One day he seems like hes backing off tariffs, then hes threatening to do it a month from now. What were seeing is chaos play out in this trade uncertainty, that is playing out in the stock market as well. Traders, investors, Americans, are saying, What the hell is going on out there? Host: They may or may not like the tariff policy. What they like less, though, no matter what, is the wild reversal Enten: They just need to know whats going on so that they can plan. Host: Now we know that Wall Street is not happy with it, but what about Main Street? Enten: Yeah, what about Main Street? Do they think that all this chaos is good? Is Trump making changes too quickly? Is he rushing changes without considering their impact? You got it here, folks, 56% the majority say that Trump is making changes too quickly. They dont like whats going on compared to just 43% who say no. ... We said, Hey, maybe this Trump presidency will be more on the tracks. It seems to have gotten off the tracks as far as the American people are concerned. And they, simply put, do not like it. Thursday postponed 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some imports from Canada for a month amid widespread fears of the economic fallout from a broader trade war. Major U.S. stock markets briefly bounced off lows after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previewed the monthlong pauses on CNBC on Thursday. Significant declines already seen this week resumed within an hour. The S&P 500 stock index has fallen below where it was before Trump was elected. A senior Canadian government official said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus call on Wednesday with Trump became heated. The U.S. president used profanity while complaining about protections in Canadas dairy industry. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly about the call, said Trudeau did not use profanity. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the leader of Canadas most populous province, said that starting Monday the province will charge 25% more for electricity shipped to 1.5 million Americans in response to Trumps tariff plan. Ontario provides electricity to Minnesota, New York and Michigan. This whole thing with President Trump is a mess, Ford said Thursday. This reprieve, weve went down this road before. He still threatens the tariffs on April 2. Fords office said the tariff would remain in place even if theres a one-month reprieve from the Americans. Ford has said that so long as the threat of tariffs continue, Ontarios position will not change. The Associated Press contributed to this report. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gives a joint news conference with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo at the National Palace in Guatemala City, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool President Donald Trumps cabinet meeting devolved into chaos on Thursday after Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly clashed with tech billionaire Elon Musk. The New York Timess stunning report details how Musk accused Rubio of firing nobody as a part of the Department of Government Efficiencys (DOGE) efforts to slash the size of the federal government. The Times reported that Rubio got his grievances off his chest and accused Musk of not being truthful, pointing to the 1,500 State Department employees who took early retirement in buyouts. After Rubio laid out his plan for reorganizing the State Department, Musk was apparently unimpressed. He told Rubio that he was good on TV, suggesting he was not good at much else, according to the report. Trump then rose to the defense of Rubiowho he once nicknamed Litte Marco. He told Musk that Rubio was doing a great job, according to The Times, and that he has a lot on his plate. Rubio and Musk had the most intense clash, with Musk saying Rubio hasn't fired anyone and Rubio asking sarcastically if he should rehire the people who took the buyouts. Musk told Rubio he's "good on TV," a clear insult https://t.co/kPnjmWQMfz Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) March 7, 2025 The report, based on interviews with five people with knowledge of the events, revealed that other Cabinet secretaries clashed with Musk during the meeting. Before the fight with Rubio, Musk was reportedly going back and forth with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Duffy told Musk that young staffers at DOGE were trying to lay off air traffic controllers amid a string of deadly plane crashes in the United States, according to The Times. Musk then told Duffy that his assertion was a lie as Duffy told him that it was not, according to the report. When Musk reportedly demanded the names of those who had been fired, Duffy told him there were no names because he prevented them from being laid off. The Times reported that Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Doug Collins, said the administration must be strategic in laying off workers at his department. The proposed layoffs at the Department of Veteran Affairs will likely affect thousands of veterans, who make up 25% of the workforce, according to The Associated Press. The reported meeting shows that there could be a rift between Musks efforts at DOGE and Trumps cabinet. The mass layoffs orchestrated by DOGE have prompted Republican lawmakers to answer for Musks actions during heated town halls with their own constituents. Trump also told the cabinet secretaries that they are responsible for staffing cuts, not Musk, according to reports. Trump said the cabinet meeting was very positive in a post to Truth Social on Thursday. We just had a meeting with most of the Secretaries, Elon, and others, and it was a very positive one. Its very important that we cut levels down to where they should be, but its also important to keep the best and most productive people. Were going to have these meetings every two weeks until that aspect of this very necessary job is done. The relationships between everybody in that room are extraordinary, he wrote. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP Some conservatives already want President Donald Trump to fire Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Justice Departments bungled release of government documents connected to wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein. In just the first few weeks of her new role, Bondi promised to release the documents related to the sex trafficking case of Epsteina popular topic for conspiracy theorists. She released the small batch of documents last week, but it did not include any bombshell information that had not already been made public before. Bondi also decided to first release the documents to a handful of conservative influencers instead of first posting them to the Justice Department website. The move drew sharp rebuke from MAGA supporters online who had long been demanding to see the entirety of the Epstein documents. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer called on Trump to fire Bondi over the documents on Thursday. Still no Epstein files. You have all been played. I thought a truck load was dropped off? Does anyone have a photo of this truck? Truly unacceptable for the US AG to lie to the American people as a Trump appointee. Hope Trump fires her soon, Loomer wrote on social media platform X. Other users chimed in, saying that the Trump administration played them. One user said not releasing the documents is incredibly damaging to the Trump Administrations credibility. Loomer wrote in a separate post that she has seen no proof that a truck loaded with documents has been dropped off. Its been one week since Pam Blondi said a truck load of Epstein files were delivered to her IN A TRUCK. We still have no proof of this trucks existence. We have not seen a single photograph, and we dont have any Epstein files. I dont think we can trust Blondi, she wrote. Its been one week since Pam Blondi said a truck load of Epstein files were delivered to her IN A TRUCK. We still have no proof of this trucks existence. We have not seen a single photograph, and we dont have any Epstein files. I dont think we can trust Blondi. Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) March 7, 2025 Multiple sources told ABC News that Trump White House officials blamed Bondi for the confusion surrounding the Epstein files. Epstein was accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls in the early 2000s, but wound up serving just 13 months in jail. He was indicted on federal charges in New York in 2019, more than a decade after he secretly struck a deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to dispose of similar charges of sex trafficking. The case has drawn widespread attention because of Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwells links to royals, presidents and billionaires. Maxwell herself is the daughter of the late British media tycoon Robert Maxwell, who once owned the New York Daily News. Over the years, thousands of pages of records have been released through lawsuits, Epsteins criminal dockets, public disclosures and Freedom of Information Act requests. In January 2024, a court unsealed the final batch of a trove of documents that had been collected as evidence in a lawsuit filed by Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre. Much of the material, including transcripts of victim interviews and old police reports, had already been publicly known. They included mentions of Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Britains Prince Andrew and magician David Copperfield, as well as testimony from one victim who said she met Michael Jackson at Epsteins Florida home but nothing untoward happened with him. The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, March 3, 2025. (Pool via AP) AP CBS Newss parent company is turning up the heat on the lawsuit President Donald Trump filed over its 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump alleged that the 60 Minutes interviewwhich he declined to participate inwas doctored and deceitful to give an advantage to his Democratic opponent. Editing and cutting down interviews is common practice for broadcasters, but Trump claims that CBS News wanted to favor Harris. Paramount, CBSs parent company, filed two motions on Thursday asking a federal judge in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Texas to dismiss an amended complaint brought by Trump in October. Lawyers for Paramount are asking the judge to dismiss the lawsuit over a lack of jurisdiction and a failure to state a claim. This lawsuit is an affront to the First Amendment and is without basis in law or fact. Plaintiffs President Donald J. Trump and Representative Ronny Jackson, public officials at the highest ranks of our government, seek to punish a news organization for constitutionally protected editorial judgments they do not like, the attorneys wrote. They not only ask for $20 billion in damages but also seek an order directing how a news organization may exercise its editorial judgment in the future. The First Amendment stands resolutely against these demands, they added. In the motion to dismiss the case over a lack of jurisdiction and an improper venue, the attorneys asked the judge to transfer the case to the Southern District of New York. Ed Paltzik, an attorney for Trump, told Axios that they will not be backing down. President Trump is committed to holding those who traffic in fake news, hoaxes and lies to account. CBS and Paramount committed the worst kind of election interference and fraud in the closing days of the most important presidential election in history. President Trump will pursue this vital matter to its just and rightful conclusion, he said in the statement. Trump has repeatedly railed against CBS and called on the broadcaster last month to lose its license. CBS and 60 Minutes defrauded the public by doing something which has never, to this extent, been seen before. They 100% removed Kamalas horrible election changing answers to questions, and replaced them with completely different, and far better, answers, taken from another part of the interview, he wrote in a February Truth Social post. This was Election changing stuff, Election Interference and, quite simply, Election Fraud at a level never seen before. CBS should lose its license, and the cheaters at 60 Minutes should all be thrown out, and this disreputable NEWS show should be immediately terminated, he added. CBS News has continued to deny Trumps allegations, calling them false in a statement last fall. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP The Trump administration reportedly flagged images of a World War II bomber because it has gay in its name. The Associated Press obtained a database of thousands of photos and online posts the Defense Department marked for deletion as part of its purge of diversity, equity and inclusion content. The AP reported that most of the images target women and minorities, including many historical figures and war heroes. However, one of the images flagged was of the B-29 aircraft Enola Gaythe aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan during World War II. The AP noted that it appears some images, like the one of the bomber jet, seemed to be flagged for removal simply because their file included the word gay. The AP reported that service members with the last name of Gay were also targeted in the purge. The report said that images from an Army Corps of Engineers dredging project in California were marked because one of the local engineers last name was Gay. In some cases, photos seemed to be flagged for removal simply because their file included the word gay, including service members with that last name and an image of the B-29 aircraft Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II. https://t.co/YtDCsaT3V5 Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) March 7, 2025 This so-called purge of DEI content was mocked by critics on social media. Apparently image of Enola Gay bomber was removed because it has the word gay in it. Ya cant make this stuff up, Josh Kraushaar, editor-in-chief of Jewish Insider, wrote on social media platform X. One user wrote: They purged pictures of the Enola Gay from the DOD websites because they thought it had to do with LGBTQ. You cant make up how dumb they are. Another user trolled Republicans for railing against cancel culture as they focus on removing photos. Republicans spent years complaining about cancel culture and then took office and banned photos of the Enola Gay because it has the word gay in it, user Skyler Johnson wrote on X. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has focused his first few weeks in the role on renaming military bases and attacking DEI efforts. His attack on DEI comes after Trump signed an executive order ending those programs across the federal government. On Feb. 26, the Pentagon ordered all the military services to spend countless hours poring over years of website postings, photos, news articles and videos to remove any mentions that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. If they couldnt do that by Wednesday, they were told to temporarily remove from public display all content published during the Biden administrations four years in office. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Wall Street Journals latest headline on one of top Donald Trump adviser Elon Musks companies is grim: Teslas Fortunes Fall as Musk Rises in Trump World. The newspaper reported: Tesla, the nations largest producer of electric vehicles by far, has long led the auto industry in consumer loyalty, and surveys show many owners have no intention of abandoning the brand now. Yet recent polling shows that the brands appeal has been eroding, and sales data suggest it has begun taking a financial toll. Back in 2022, before Musk waded into presidential politics, automotive consulting firm Strategic Vision found that 22% of car shoppers surveyed said they would definitely consider a Tesla for their next vehicle purchase. That put Tesla on par with other luxury car brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, said Alexander Edwards, the firms president. By last summer, that percentage had dropped to 7%roughly in line with Lincoln and Dodgeand it has stayed there, a precipitous decline that is rare in the car business, Edwards said. ... Garth Ancier, a TV executive from Los Angeles, recalled discussing more than a year ago with two fellow owners what it felt like to be seen in a Tesla. They said, You know, Im getting uncomfortable driving this car around because its like driving a big red MAGA hat, Ancier said. The political action committee that Elon Musk funded to the tune of more than $200 million on behalf of Trump launched a television advertisement this week lauding the first weeks of the administration in which the Tesla CEO is serving. America PAC began airing an ad nationally and in Washington, D.C., declaring that with former President Joe Bidens departure, our long national nightmare is finally over, and with Trump, America is back. The 60-second spot hails Trumps moves on immigration, energy and slashing billions in waste at home, a nod to the purge of the federal workforce Musk has led as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. The ad is heavy on patriotic imagery, with a soundtrack of swelling brass and images of Trump saluting military and greeting supporters. Rarely if ever has a White House adviser funded an outside organization promoting his accomplishments. Its the latest example of Musks singular role in American politics, leading an effort to shutter agencies and fire thousands of workers inside the Trump administration while promoting the presidents politics outside. Polling has shown people have soured on Musk. The worlds richest mans approval rating is at its lowest level and a majority of voters say they dont favor his outsized role in Trumps administration. The American people did not sign up for this. They voted in Donald Trump. They did not vote in Elon Musk, CNNs Harry Enten said on air recently. They dont want this. The American people dont want this. No. No. No. Fifty-three percent opposed Musk having a key role in Trumps administration, as opposed to 39% of voters who support it, Enten said. Only 36% of independent voters support him having a key role. Musks net favorable rating has fallen out at -11 points, compared to his positive 29 points in 2016. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Three New Jersey men have been charged with burglarizing two homes in Somerset County last year. The trio entered a home on Second Street in Franklin through a broken window shortly before 10 p.m. on Oct. 18 and stole jewelry, coins and artwork, the Somerset County Prosecutors Office said. A week later, surveillance cameras captured the trio exiting the same car used in the Franklin burglary at a house on Brennan Way in Hillsborough. The three broke a second-floor rear window and swiped jewelry and coins before fleeing shortly before police were called at 8:15 p.m., officials said. Rodrigo A. Lopez, 42, of Bridgewater and Edison Jimenez-Castro, 35, of Manville, were arrested on Feb. 2 following a lengthy investigation. Andreas Moncaleano, 30, of Elizabeth, was arrested six days later in South Brunswick. All are charged with multiple second-degree counts of burglary, theft, conspiracy to commit burglary and theft in addition to possession of burglary tools. Attorney information for the three wasnt immediately available. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Port Authority Police arrested a man as he returned to New Jersey on Sunday, charging him with sexual assault and criminal sexual contact while working as a masseur, officials with the Warren County Prosecutors Office said Friday. Seung K. Chang, 63, of Blairstown, was charged with second-degree sexual assault and 12 counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. Authorities began a lengthy investigation after receiving reports of sexual contact and sexual assault while Chang was a masseur at the Simply Day Spa in Blairstown, authorities said. Chang was charged on Feb. 25, according to online court records. He is being held at the Warren County Correctional Center, officials said. Messages sent to the Simply Day Spa were not immediately returned Friday. Changs attorney Matthew Jeon said his client was unaware that charges were being pursued when he returned to New Jersey on Sunday. Jeon said the allegations in the complaint were from 2011, 2018, 2019 and 2023. Mr. Chang maintains his innocence and we plan to mount a vigorous defense, Jeon said Friday. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. News / National by Stephen Jakes Zimbabwe Diamond and Allies Mineral Workers Union Chairperson Tendai Mpundu has lamented the continuous discrimination of women in the sector regarding remuneration.She made the remarks as the nation celebrated International Women's Day on Thursday."As we gather in various places worldwide to celebrate International Women's Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements, contributions, and progress of women and girls around the world, we acknowledge the tireless efforts of women who have paved the way for us, fighting for equality, justice, and human rights," She said."We honour their courage, resilience, and determination. However, despite the progress made, we still live in a world where women and girls face numerous challenges, biases, and barriers. A world where- 1 in 3 women experience gender-based violence."She said women earn 23% less than men globally and girls are more likely to be denied education and healthcare."But today, we say: enough is enough! We demand a world where ALL women and girls have equal rights and opportunities, access to quality education and healthcare, economic empowerment and independence, freedom from violence, harassment, and discrimination," she said."As Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union women's desk we call for collective action, solidarity, and commitment to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive world. To all women and girls, we see you, we hear you, and we believe in you. Your voices, stories, and experiences matter. Let us work together to break down barriers, challenge patriarchal norms, and build a brighter future for all." The name chochoyotes was a new one for me, but Higgins crab I recognized right away, and that was all I needed to try this dish at the Bywat The manager of a warehouse where an alleged hazing ritual led to the death of a Southern University student said the businessmen who leased the property were not following his company's rules. David R. Hotchkiss is a health economist and Mai P. Do is a physician and health researcher at Tulane University's Celia Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. News / National by Staff reporter Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, the founder and leader of the United Family International Church (UFIC), has ignited a fierce debate within Zimbabwe's religious community with his bold challenge to fellow prophets and traditional healers. Last Sunday, during a church service, Makandiwa offered a US$1 million reward to anyone who could correctly predict the contents of his pocket on an upcoming Sunday.The audacious challenge has sent shockwaves through the religious landscape, drawing both acceptance and condemnation, and exposing deep divisions within the sector.Makandiwa, known for his extravagant style and penchant for controversy, extended an open invitation to those claiming spiritual powers. "If there is a witch doctor who can see, who gets told things by demons. I can arrange that you come here on Sunday," he said, clearly aiming to stir the pot.The terms of the challenge were simple: Makandiwa would place something in his pocket and the first person who could predict what it was would win the hefty prize. "I won't do anything difficult. I will put something in my pocket. The one who can tell me what is in my pocket will win US$1 million," he explained. "It means with US$1 million, you will be able to buy a stand for the church and a PA system. I'm ready."Makandiwa's challenge has sparked diverse reactions within Zimbabwe's religious community. Prophet Passion Java, a fellow controversial figure known for his lavish lifestyle, took the opportunity to counter Makandiwa's challenge with one of his own, upping the stakes dramatically. "On Saturday, Mr. Makandiwa, I will bring a person with mobility impairment. If you manage to make them walk, I will give you US$10 million," Java declared, raising the pressure and turning up the heat in the ongoing rivalry between the two prophets.Meanwhile, other religious leaders have offered cautionary responses. Miracle Paul, a preacher, issued a stark warning to fellow religious leaders, urging them not to take part in Makandiwa's challenge. "This is not how God's work operates," Paul cautioned, suggesting that Makandiwa's challenge could be a deceptive scheme.Traditional healer Arnold Mulambo, also known as Sekuru Gachidza, took a different approach, launching a scathing critique of self-styled prophets. "I have dealt with a lot of these prophets, who come to me for powers," Mulambo claimed, implying that many modern prophets sought initiation from dubious sources.Adding to the intrigue, Makandiwa announced a special address to be broadcast on his YouTube channel on Wednesday evening, fueling further speculation about his next move. While the exact purpose of the address remains unclear, many are guessing it could be an opportunity for Makandiwa to further explain his million-dollar challenge or address the mounting controversy surrounding it.Makandiwa's latest challenge is only the most recent chapter in a long history of controversy. In 2021, he and his wife faced a multimillion-dollar lawsuit for alleged "fake prophecies, fraud, and defamation." He has also been the subject of accusations surrounding the use of occult powers and charms to gain followers, with critics claiming he has promoted "miracle money" schemes during Zimbabwe's economic crisis.As the clock ticks down to Sunday's showdown, the controversy surrounding Prophet Makandiwa's challenge is only set to intensify. With rival religious figures like Java raising the stakes, and critics questioning the integrity of the challenge, Zimbabweans are eager to see how this prophetic spectacle unfolds. The implications of this challenge could have far-reaching consequences for the religious community and the nature of prophecy itself in Zimbabwe. Guest column: New DNC Chair Ken Martin is the right man to win back red areas Opinion / Columnist Decoding and explaining the co-existence between Nelson Chamisa and ZANU-PF in the Zimbabwean authoritarian context: A case of captured popular opposition leadership1. IntroductionZimbabwe is in dire straits. The incumbent regime has severely underperformed as evidenced by a crumbling economy and growing poverty. Government corruption is at the heart of the mess. At the same time, the country has what scholars have described as the weakest opposition in the history of the country. Although he is not leading any party (after abandoning his organisation), Nelson Chamisa is still widely regarded by many in Zimbabwe as the main opposition figure. Democrats and a significant part of the population still look up to him for leadership in their quest to liberate the country from ZANU-PF autocracy. Chamisa's influence permeates across generations, villages and towns but he has, astonishly, never used it to organise and agitate the masses to peacefully confront the regime. Why?After his appointment as a Minister in the then Government of National Unity (2009-2013), Chamisa's political character radically changed. As I will demonstrate in this article, prior to his involvement in the Government of National Unity (GNU), Chamisa was bold and would not hesitate to organise the masses and peacefully confront the ZANU-PF regime, to hold it accountable for corruption and human rights violations. The Chamisa who emerged from the Government of National Unity is soft, selectively religious and painfully ineffectual. Despite his popularity, Chamisa has avoided leading from the front and has chosen to "fight" the regime through scripture. What could explain this new Chamisa who is radically different from the old Chamisa? For me, the answer is in the complex relationship between the opposition-Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and different factions of ZANU-PF. This relationship remains understudied by scholars and therefore, a lot of my sources in this article are interviews and media articles. Since 2009, Chamisa has been in alliances with different factions of the ZANU-PF regime, and that explains his inability to confront the regime.2. Laying the theoretical premiseZANU-PF is a hegemonic regime. In their seminal article "Zimbabwe's Long Agony", Michael Bratton and Eldred Masunungure argue that hegemonic regimes are different from other autocratic regimes because they maintain (on paper) formal democratic institutions (such as opposition parties) but they make sure that those institutions are ineffectual. Although Levitsky and Way characterise competitive authoritarianism as a different type of dictatorship, I am of the view that in most parts of Africa, competitive authoritarianism has emerged as a tool (rather than a type of autocracy) that is used by hegemonic regimes to remain in power through dictatorial means which however look democratic. Zimbabwe is a perfect example.A core feature of competitive authoritarianism is that the regime does not close all the channels for opposition participation in politics. The regime desperately needs to create a semblance of democracy and therefore, it allows the opposition to exist and compete for power. Occasionally, the regime allows the opposition to win some of the elections.Historically, dictators used to control the opposition by infiltrating the opposition parties so that they receive information (in real time) about the opposition's plans. Modern dictators are more creative and daring. In order to create a public perception of stiff democratic competition, these dictators need a popular opposition leader who regularly accompanies the incumbent to a facade of an election, where the incumbent regime renews its mandate to rule in an electoral environment "of stiff competition" by the opposition. In order to achieve this, the regime needs an opposition figure who meets certain minimum requirements.The opposition leader must be a popular person with an appeal to the masses, but lacks real leadership skills and is gullible. It is essential for the regime to be in collaboration with an opposition leader who is popular so that there can be a semblance of stiff democratic competition every five years, but without the regime losing power. Occasionally, the regime may persecute the opposition leader as a way of galvanising and maintaining public trust in that leader. The regime knows very well that when it comes to opposition politics the public usually supports those who are persecuted by the government.In Zimbabwe, whenever a person gets persecuted by the regime, that person is likely to be trusted by the masses as a progressive leader. For example, despite his chequered track record of gross political intolerance, the masses sympathised with Emmerson Mnangagwa when he was routinely and publicly bashed by the then First Lady, Grace Mugabe at party rallies. Mnangagwa's popularity grew exponentially, when he appeared to have been poisoned by members of the Mugabe's G40 faction at a party rally. When Mugabe fired him from government in 2017 and targeted him for persecution, Mnangagwa went into exile and the masses fully aligned with him, politically. Similarly, political support for the trio of war veteran leaders-Christopher Mutsvangwa, Douglas Mahiya and Victor Matemadanda-grew dramatically amongst the public and Zimbabwean elites as a direct result of their persecution by Mugabe as retribution for supporting Mnangagwa. Mugabe's persecution of Mnangagwa and the war veterans trio turned them into political heroes overnight and galvanised public political support for Mnangagwa's bid to succeed Mugabe as the new regime leader. Thus, there is always a direct relationship between victimisation of a political figure by the incumbent regime and public trust by the masses. The trust is rendered emotionally and without scrutinising the democratic and leadership credentials of the subject.Whilst, it is true that the regime uses coercive means to persecute those who threaten it, this is not always the case especially when one analyses the behaviour of competitive autocratic regimes. Sometimes the animosity between the incumbent regime and the opposition leader may be choreographed in order to disguise the underlying relationship of collaboration between the opposition leader and the regime.The regime uses a cocktail of tools to capture and control the opposition leader, but the main tools are bribery and blackmail (in that order) or black mail and bribery. The order in which these tools are used depends on the qualities of the targeted opposition leader. However, it is of absolute importance to the regime that the process of establishing control over the opposition leader be performed through extremely covert ways. This makes it difficult for the masses to realise that the regime has captured the opposition leader upon whom they have pinned their hopes. This is where thought leadership by discerning public intellectuals becomes key. The intervention of progressive public intellectuals is absolutely necessary to help the masses scrutinise the behaviour of the opposition leader in order to establish whether he/she has been captured or not. In this way, public intellectuals become a serious threat to the regime. This is why under a competitive authoritarian regime, public intellectuals are often vilified and discredited as part of intimidating them from scrutinizing these issues. Intimidating public intellectuals is an old authoritarian habit which was employed from as way back as the era of Benito Mussolini in Italy.Opposition leaders who have been captured by competitive authoritarian regimes do not behave the same as opposition leaders who have been captured by traditional dictators. For example, when captured by a traditional dictator, an opposition leader tends to openly praises the regime. However, when captured by a competitive authoritarian regime, the opposition leader's role is to protect the regime while acting as if he or she is a serious threat to the regime. In other words, the opposition leader engages in what can be characterised as "performative oppositional politics". This is key for the regime to remain in power while maintaining a semblance of an environment of democratic competition. Under a competitive authoritarian regime such as ZANU-PF under Mnangagwa, how can we know that the opposition leader has been captured to enable performative oppositional politics?The following are some of the behavioural signs which show that the opposition leader has been captured and is now a client of the regime: (a) the opposition leader creatively sabotages the opposition's organisational capacity; (b) the opposition leader avoids peaceful confrontation with the regime and resorts to subtle ways of pacifying the suffering masses; and (c) the opposition leader promotes a culture of intolerance for knowledge and ideas-what Professor Achille Mbembe recently described as "intellectual decline".The above theory can be a helpful framework of thought for those interested in understanding the behaviour of Zimbabwe's most popular yet ineffectual opposition leader-Nelson Chamisa. Before testing Chamisa's behaviour against this theory, it is critical to first have a glimpse into the historical background of Nelson Chamisa, the opposition leader.3. A glimpse into Chamisa's early history as an MDC political activist and leaderThere is a marked difference between the contemporary Nelson "Nero, Mukomana" Chamisa and the historical Nelson "Wamba Dia Wamba" Chamisa. The historical Chamisa was maverick, bold and fearless. After completing his high school education at Victoria High School in Masvingo, Nelson Chamisa enrolled at the Harare Polytechnic College where he joined the revolutionary Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) . He played a crucial role in the formation of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in 1999, to the point that he was the party's first Youth Wing Chair. During his tenure as Youth Wing Chair, Chamisa demonstrated sheer courage as he fearlessly organised and led the youths in peaceful protests against the vicious ZANU-PF regime under Mugabe. Chamisa had no fear of being arrested, tortured or detained. He led the youthful democratic forces of the MDC from the front. For his courage, Nelson Chamisa was nicknamed "Wamba Dia Wamba"-a name associated with a popular leader of a rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the late 1990s. Later on he was nick named "King Cobra", again as recognition by the MDC supporters for his courage in organising and "biting" against the regime and his internal party opponents.During those days, Nelson Chamisa often exhibited excellent communication skills. In recognition of his courage and excellent political communication skills, the party appointed him as its spokesperson and legislator for Kuwadzana, following the death of the legendary Learnmore "Judah" Jongwe. For those who know this part of the MDC history, Jongwe's tragic death left very big shoes to fill and the fact that the party chose Chamisa as Jongwe's replacement was a tremendous vote of confidence in Chamisa's abilities as a political communicator and organiser of the masses. Since his appointment as party spokesperson, Nelson Chamisa rose through the ranks of the party until he was appointed by Morgan Tsvangirai, as one of the three Vice Presidents of the MDC.It is critical to note that Chamisa was suddenly "promoted" to the position of one of the three Vice Presidents of the party because Tsvangirai and the Lacoste faction of ZANU-PF needed to neutralise his influence. At that time, ZANU-PF was divided into two factions-G40 led by Mugabe and Lacoste led by Mnangagwa, and the two factions were embroiled in a competition to co-opt the opposition MDC as part of their strategies to topple each other. In particular, the Lacoste faction needed the support of the opposition MDC for the military coup they were planning, while G40 was hell bent on co-opting MDC in an attempt to politically isolate the Lacoste faction. In a sense, the MDC under Tsvangirai became a battle ground for control by the two factions of ZANU-PF. Around 2016/17, Morgan Tsvangirai had aligned with the Lacoste Faction and had promised them his support in exchange for co-opting him into the government that would be formed after the coup. Part of Morgan Tsvangirai's brief from the Lacoste faction of ZANU-PF was to reunite all the factions of the MDC under him and then bring them to support the Lactose faction's military coup against Mugabe. This is why Morgan Tsvangirai "all of a sudden" began in 2017 to engage with various leaders of MDC factions, including Prof Welshman Ncube and Tendai Biti to build the so called "one big opposition tent". It is possible that at the time when they were invited to join the "big tent", the MDC faction leaders may not have been aware of Morgan Tsvangirai's ultimate objective-to unite the opposition behind the impending coup!It is at this juncture that Chamisa was just about to jump ship to join the G40 faction of ZANU-PF. Chamisa had long been recruited into the G40 faction when he was Minister of ICTs in the Government of National Unity of 2009-2013. He is reported to have attempted to smuggle transport cargo trucks into the country and those trucks were reportedly impounded by the state revenue authority. As a precondition for the release of the cargo trucks, Chamisa had to warm up to Robert Mugabe. Thus, the Mugabe regime blackmailed Chamisa into alliance with it. The bro-romance between Mugabe and Chamisa grew so much that Mugabe began to praise Chamisa publicly while Chamisa would also do the same albeit secretly. For example, at one of the rallies, Mugabe described Chamisa as "Supersonic Minister". It was unusual for Mugabe to praise any opposition cabinet Minister in the Government of National Unity. Mugabe was known for undermining opposition Cabinet Ministers in the Government of National Unity. Chamisa also began to praise Mugabe, albeit clandestinely. For example during a Cabinet meeting Chamisa wrote a note to the then ZANU-PF National Commissar Mr Saviour Kasukuwere exalting Mugabe as the best leader Zimbabwe could ever have. The note was leaked and created controversy within the MDC party.The relationship between Mugabe and Chamisa grew so much that for several years, Chamisa was trusted by the Mugabe family to provide transport services to the Mugabe owned Gushungo dairy products company. It was unusual for opposition members to do business with ZANU-PF or the State. In fact, private companies associated with the opposition were often targeted for persecution and attacks by the Mugabe regime. Tsvangirai grew weary of the Chamisa-Mugabe relationship. Tsvangirai attempted to recall Chamisa from government but Mugabe blocked him and protected Chamisa.In an attempt to whittle down Chamisa's influence in the MDC party, Tsvangirai supported Douglas Mwonzora in the elections for Secretary General at the party's congress in 2014, and Chamisa lost those elections. Between 2014 and early 2017, Chamisa was isolated in the MDC party but still commanded significant support. Around 2016/17, as discussed above Tsvangirai entered into a pact with the Lacoste faction of Mnangagwa to reunite the different factions of the MDC and bring them to support Mnangagwa's bid to succeed Mugabe. Whilst this plan was in motion, both Tsvangirai and the Lacoste faction picked intelligence suggesting that Chamisa was about to join the G40 faction led by Mugabe in ZANU-PF.During this time, the G40 faction appeared strong and looked poised to succeed Mugabe. On the other hand, the MDC was very weak politically and Chamisa had long been marginalised in the MDC politics after losing the elections of party Secretary General at the 2014 party congress. Therefore, Chamisa was attracted to join G40 faction of ZANU-PF because (on paper) that is where his political ambitions would be served better. After all, he had developed a cosy relationship with Mugabe who was not only the President of the country but the godfather of the G40 faction. However, the MDC and Lacoste faction of Mnangagwa would suffer a huge political blow if Chamisa were to desert the MDC and join G40. That would seriously undermine the joint Tsvangirai and Lacoste's program of uniting the opposition in preparation for Mnangagwa's bid to succeed Mugabe through a "popularly supported" coup.In an effort to prevent Chamisa from joining Mugabe's G40 faction, the Lacoste faction of Mnangagwa advised Tsvangirai to appoint Chamisa as one of his three Vice Presidents. This proved to be a master stroke as Chamisa took the bait and when the coup happened in November 2017, Chamisa could only express individual disapproval of the coup but would be bound by the party to render support to the coup leaders. As was later witnessed in November 2017 during the coup, with all the MDC factions united under Morgan Tsvangirai, the opposition supported the coup and this was instrumental for laundering the coup as a popular democratic ouster of Mugabe. However, not long after the coup, Tsvangirai died and Chamisa succeeded him as leader of the MDC Alliance.4. Chamisa the leader of MDC Alliance and CCCUpon taking over as the leader of the MDC Alliance, Chamisa immediately reconnected with the G40 faction which had been vanquished out of power through a military coup. Chamisa secured the G40 support ahead of the then impending general election of 2018. Mugabe and other G40 leaders publicly campaigned for him. However, the elections were rigged and Mnangagwa became President. Chamisa's alliance with G40 dramatically fell apart for reasons which require a separate article. But one of those reasons seems to be the newly found alliance between ZANU OF under Mnangagwa and Chamisa. Perhaps, this is when the process of the Mnangagwa regime's co-option of Chamisa succeeded.In the run up towards the 2023 general elections, Chamisa exhibited behavioural traits which suggests that the competitive authoritarian regime under Mnangagwa had completely captured him. Remember the traits of an opposition leader captured by a competitive authoritarian regime include: a) the opposition leader creatively sabotages the opposition's organisational capacity; (b) the opposition leader avoids peaceful confrontation with the regime; and (c) the opposition leader promotes a culture of intolerance for knowledge and ideas. I will now turn to discussing how Chamisa has displayed these behavioural traits in very subtle ways that are consistent with an opposition leader who has been captured by a competitive authoritarian regime.5. Sabotaging the opposition's organisational capacityWhen collaborating with competitive authoritarian regimes, captured opposition leaders are required by the regime to use creative ways of sabotaging the opposition. They must not use methods that are obvious because that will erode public trust in the opposition. They must sabotage the opposition through methods which (on paper) appear to be logical and politically justifiable.In the lead towards the 2023 general elections, Chamisa formed the Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) and this became the main opposition party which the majority of the suffering masses believed would be the vehicle to dislodge ZANU-PF from power. Chamisa sabotaged the CCC by pursuing what he termed "strategic ambiguity"-an approach whereby Chamisa would not share his program of action with party supporters and leaders, arguing that he wanted to take the regime by surprise! Whilst this sounded sensible and appealing to many, this approach created confusion within the party and led to several party activists and leadership demobilising as they hardly knew what the party was planning to do in order to win the next elections that were due in August 2023. The elections eventually came and Chamisa did not take the regime by surprise as he had consistently promised. Rather, it was the democrats, CCC cadres and the suffering masses who were taken by a surprise by Chamisa when they eventually realised that he had no tangible plan to counter election rigging by the regime, and ZANU-PF had just successfully renewed its mandate to rule! Essentially and consistent with opposition leaders captured by competitive authoritarian regimes, instead of demanding electoral reforms or boycotting the elections, Chamisa led the masses into an election which he knew was not going to be free and fair. Instead he promised the masses that he had a solid plan to counter ZANU-PF rigging, and when pressed to share the plan with the other party leaders he would not disclose the plan because he needed to be strategically ambiguous!Secondly, Chamisa sabotaged the opposition CCC by excluding some of the party's most talented leaders from contesting in the 2023 general elections. He did this by introducing an opaque party candidates selection process which was based on an unclear selection criteria, and designed to make Chamisa the final decision maker on who would be approved to contest as a candidate on behalf of the party. The results of that process was the exclusion of several of the party's strongest leaders including Tendai Biti (Harare East), Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo), Trevor Saruwako (Mutasa), Innocent Gonese (Mutare Central) and James Chidhakwa (Mabvuku). Some of them ended up withdrawing from the party selection process while some decided to fight it out and were excluded at the end of the process. As a result, the party presented a weak set of candidates when it confronted the regime in the 2024 elections. Clearly, the biggest beneficiary of the exclusion of CCC's strongest candidates from the election was the ZANU-PF regime itself!Thirdly, Chamisa sabotaged the opposition CCC by dismantling the party structures and refusing to adopt a constitution for the party. Chamisa presided over a party that had no structures and no constitution. He would argue that the structures and the constitution are in place but are confidential to avoid infiltration by the regime. To some extent, he succeeded to persuade a significant part of the public. However, not long after I warned that this was disastrous, the party crumbled and Chamisa dramatically jumped ship claiming that the party had been infiltrated by ZANU-PF. He did not take any responsibility for what happened! The reality is that, by failing to establish party structures and a party constitution, Chamisa severely undermined the opposition CCC's ability to organise the masses ahead of the 2023 elections. There is absolutely no way an opposition party could win an election without clear structures who organise the masses. By refusing to maintain a publicly known party constitution, Chamisa made it possible for anyone to claim leadership over the party as was eventually done by Sengezo Tshabangu. For those who are unfamiliar with Zimbabwean politics, Sengezo Tshabangu is a fellow who "out of the blue" declared himself Interim Secretary General of the CCC party and began to recall MPs from parliament who had refused to acknowledge him. In doing this, Tshabangu was backed by the State. This infuriated Chamisa, who was hoping that some structures of the State would protect him in return for the support he had given in the lead up to the 2023 elections. In protest, Chamisa packed his bags and left the party CCC.Both Tshabangu and Chamisa are ZANU-PF proxies but they appear to be aligned with rival factions of ZANU-PF. Whilst the ZANU-PF regime may have been in a collaborative alliance with Chamisa in the lead to the 2023 general election, a faction in ZANU-PF which began to openly campaign for President Mnangagwa to extend his term to 2030 did not trust Chamisa to support their agenda. They needed a short term replacement and they found one in Tshabangu. As what became clearer early this year and speaking as leader of the opposition CCC, Tshabangu declared his support for the extension of President Mnangagwa's term to 2030. That is a story for further analysis in another article. For now, the point is that Chamisa deliberately weakened the opposition CCC in the lead to the 2023 general elections by refusing to establish party structures and a party constitution and the biggest beneficiary for that was ZANU-PF.Third, Chamisa sabotaged the opposition CCC by refusing to deploy and pay election party agents in all the polling stations despite having received funding to do so. In Zimbabwe, each election candidate has a right to deploy agents to monitor voting at polling stations, and CCC had adequate funding to do that. But alas, on voting day, the CCC did not have polling agents in nearly 50% of the country's polling stations, and of those who were deployed very few were paid their allowances. Chamisa was the sole guardian of party funds and up to now, he has not accounted for the failure to deploy election agents. The failure to deploy election agents in all the polling stations cost the CCC's ability to conduct parallel voter tabulation to counter the regime's rigging of elections. As a result, at the conclusion of the election, CCC had no records of how voting had transpired in the majority of polling stations and this enabled ZANU-PF to rig and emerge as the winner.6. Avoiding confrontation with the regimeUnder a competitive authoritarian regime, the major task for the captured opposition leader is to manage and pacify the masses to ensure that they do not confront the regime. In order to achieve this, the opposition leader is allowed by the regime to position himself or herself as a beacon of hope and uses his influence to control the way the masses engage with the regime, particularly how the public responds to the regime's socio-economic vices such as corruption. Historically, dictators used to rely on religious leaders to pacify the masses by preaching messages of blind obedience to the government. Modern dictators rely on opposition leaders to preach the same message. On behalf of the regime, the opposition leader abuses scripture to pacify the masses who are otherwise enraged by the regime's corruption. Nelson Chamisa's behaviour is consistent with the behaviour of a captured opposition figures.At a time when the masses are looking up to him (as their leader) to organise and lead them in a peaceful confrontation with the regime, he does not do that. Instead, he consistently dishes out carefully selected bible verses. A closer scrutiny of the type of scripture which he dishes out reveals that he is pushing one single message and that is: "All that Zimbabweans need is faith and as a reward for their faith God will soon deliver them from the ZANU-PF regime." He never preaches scriptures which encourage the masses to take action against. For example, he never preaches about James 2 v 14-16 which says faith without works is useless. Preaching such a verse would be a breach of the contractual agreement that he has with the ZANU-PF regime-to pacify the masses. Like toddlers, and with Chamisa acting as the nursing parent, religion is now being used by the regime as a pacifier on the mouth of Zimbabweans.Through these pacifying biblical messages, the ZANU-PF regime and Chamisa have succeeded to convince a significant part of the public to disengage from any peaceful confrontation with the regime. A few times, some of the CCC supporters have revolted against Chamisa by engaging in some kind of peaceful confrontation with the regime. In response and abusing his influence Chamisa has isolated those activists, and in some cases he has publicly castigated them. On the other hand, those activists have been targeted with severe persecution by ZANU-PF. Without Chamisa's solidarity they have been left to suffer in isolation and this has created a chilling effect on other activists who would have wanted to disregard Chamisa and engage in confrontation with the regime.A case in point is that of former CCC Vice Chairperson Job Sikhala-which many are familiar with. But there are several other cases that are not talked about often, where Chamisa isolated activists as punishment for confronting the regime against his advice. The case of Makomborero Haruzivishe is a notable one. Haruzivishe peacefully confronted the regime and was arrested. He spent almost 12 months in pre-trial detention. Whilst Chamisa cannot be blamed for the arrest and detention of Haruzivishe, Chamisa must carry the blame for refusing to use his influential position as the leader of the opposition to organise the masses to demand Haruzivishe's freedom. By offering such solidarity to Makomborero Haruzivishe, Chamisa would have emboldened Zimbabwean young people to peacefully confront the regime. This is what progressive opposition leaders, all of over the world do. In Senegal, and on several occasions the then opposition leader Ousmane Sonko led protests to pressure the vicious dictatorship of Macky Sall to release his supporters who had been placed in arbitrary detention. Chamisa should have used his status and influence as the popular opposition leader to organise and lead peaceful mass protests to demand Haruzivishe's freedom and this would have put the regime under enough pressure to do so. Instead, Chamisa isolated Haruzivishe and left him to rot in jail. When Haruzivishe was eventually released from prison, he left the country in frustration not just with the regime but his party's leadership. Several other young supporters of the CCC left the country while others remained but disengaged from the party. By withholding his social capital, Chamisa tacitly enabled the regime to continue persecuting opposition activists who dare confront it. By selectively preaching passive scripture in response to Zimbabwe's governance crisis, Chamisa has successfully nudged Zimbabweans to disengage from politics and under Chamisa, the regime has become safer than it has been under any of the previous opposition leaders.7. Promoting a culture of intolerance for knowledgeLevitsky and Way identified elections, the media, judiciary and parliament as zones which modern dictators seek to control so that they can manipulate political competition in their favour. I would add that the academia and knowledge production economy is another zone of contestation which the regime seeks to control. Public intellectuals can be dangerous to the regime if their analysis create consciousness amongst the masses. But public intellectuals can also be weaponised by the regime to produce ideas and propagate information which supports the regime's evil deeds. We have seen this with Hitler's rule in Germany, and Mugabe's rule in Zimbabwe. Historically, dictators used to ban public intellectuals. For example, Mugabe forced the late Prof Shadrack Gutto to leave Zimbabwe as retribution for his intellectual work which exposed the regime's autocratic tactics. However, unlike historical dictators like Hitler and Mugabe, modern competitive authoritarian dictators work with the opposition to promote a culture of intolerance for knowledge and ideas. This is essential for the maintenance of a two party system which ensures that the only opposition in place is the one already captured by the regime.Opposition leaders who have been captured by the dictator often use methods that are similar to those deployed by the dictator to control knowledge and ideas. Contemporary dictators usually avoid banning public intellectuals as what used to be done by historical dictators (like Hitler, Mussolini and Mugabe). Instead, they harass and vilify them as a way of discouraging them from producing knowledge and information which undermines the regime's interests. In Zimbabwe, the Mnangagwa regime uses bullies (varakashi) to insult and vilify dissenting voices including public intellectuals whose ideas are opposed to the regime. A case in point is that recently I wrote an article in which I pointed out that the Mnangagwa regime is persecuting voices of truth while amplifying voices of lies (as part of truth erosion) and this is why Blessed Mhlanga has been arrested for creating a platform where everyone can express their views, including those opposed to the regime. In an attempt to vilify me, a senior member of Mnangagwa's government went on a tirade describing me as a "little scholar" of no significance, instead of engaging with the arguments presented in the article. This is how competitive authoritarian regimes operate.An opposition that is captured by a competitive authoritarian regime often behaves the same way, because it is an extension of the regime. It mimics strategies and tactics employed by the regime to silence any voices that may want to criticise the opposition leader. Chamisa introduced what Prof Achille Mbembe has characterised as "era of intellectual decline" in the Zimbabwean opposition, by establishing and maintaining a network of volunteers whose role is to cyber bully anyone who dares to criticise Chamisa's strategies. Under Morgan Tsvangirai, it was fairly possible to criticise party leadership. Similar to Mnangagwa, Chamisa cannot be criticised without one suffering retribution through vicious vilification and insults. This has created an atmosphere of fear in the opposition. Whilst Chamisa may have benefited from this, the biggest beneficiary of insulating Chamisa from criticism has been the Mnangagwa regime because when Chamisa is not scrutinised, his collaborative relationship with the regime remains intact and unexposed, and when the opposition is not criticised it cannot sharpen its strategies to become more effective in fighting the regime.8. ConclusionIn his song titled "Get up, Stand up", Bob Marley said:"It's not all that glitter is gold, and half the story has never been told. So now you see the light. You stand up for your right.And I say most people think that great God will come from the sky, take away everything and make everybody feel high. But if you know what life is worth, you would look for yours on earth. So now you see the light. You stand up for your right!"In his letter to Christian believers, Apostle James writers as follows in James 2:14-16:"What good is it, dear brother and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save you? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless"In order to break out of the current quagmire, as Zimbabweans we need to understand that "None but ourselves can liberate ourselves" and therefore, we must have the urgency to ACT peacefully against the regime. But we need a strong opposition leader who is capable of matching his/her faith with works. The faith must be accompanied by actions which (out of necessity) must include organising the masses and leading them from the front. Nelson Chamisa has demonstrated incapacity to match his faith with action and possibly, this is because he is in a collaborative relationship with the different factions of the ZANU-PF regime. For that reason, until he receives a signal from within ZANU-PF, he will never use his influence to galvanise the masses into action. Whilst some of us in the academia can provide this kind of analysis, there is need for someone to occupy the vacuum of leadership which exists in the opposition. But when the right person shows up, it's important that Zimbabweans provide their support. None but ourselves! These Words Are Disappearing in the New Trump Administration As President Trump seeks to purge the federal government of woke initiatives, agencies have flagged hundreds of words to limit or avoid, according to a compilation of government documents. accessible activism activists advocacy advocate advocates affirming care all-inclusive allyship anti-racism antiracist assigned at birth assigned female at birth assigned male at birth at risk barrier barriers belong bias biased biased toward biases biases towards biologically female biologically male BIPOC Black breastfeed + people breastfeed + person chestfeed + people chestfeed + person clean energy climate crisis climate science commercial sex worker community diversity community equity confirmation bias cultural competence cultural differences cultural heritage cultural sensitivity culturally appropriate culturally responsive DEI DEIA DEIAB DEIJ disabilities disability discriminated discrimination discriminatory disparity diverse diverse backgrounds diverse communities diverse community diverse group diverse groups diversified diversify diversifying diversity enhance the diversity enhancing diversity environmental quality equal opportunity equality equitable equitableness equity ethnicity excluded exclusion expression female females feminism fostering inclusivity GBV gender gender based gender based violence gender diversity gender identity gender ideology gender-affirming care genders Gulf of Mexico hate speech health disparity health equity hispanic minority historically identity immigrants implicit bias implicit biases inclusion inclusive inclusive leadership inclusiveness inclusivity increase diversity increase the diversity indigenous community inequalities inequality inequitable inequities inequity injustice institutional intersectional intersectionality key groups key people key populations Latinx LGBT LGBTQ marginalize marginalized men who have sex with men mental health minorities minority most risk MSM multicultural Mx Native American non-binary nonbinary oppression oppressive orientation people + uterus people-centered care person-centered person-centered care polarization political pollution pregnant people pregnant person pregnant persons prejudice privilege privileges promote diversity promoting diversity pronoun pronouns prostitute race race and ethnicity racial racial diversity racial identity racial inequality racial justice racially racism segregation sense of belonging sex sexual preferences sexuality social justice sociocultural socioeconomic status stereotype stereotypes systemic systemically they/them trans transgender transsexual trauma traumatic tribal unconscious bias underappreciated underprivileged underrepresentation underrepresented underserved undervalued victim victims vulnerable populations women women and underrepresented Notes: Some terms listed with a plus sign represent combinations of words that, when used together, acknowledge transgender people, which is not in keeping with the current federal governments position that there are only two, immutable sexes. Any term collected above was included on at least one agencys list, which does not necessarily imply that other agencies are also discouraged from using it. The above terms appeared in government memos, in official and unofficial agency guidance and in other documents viewed by The New York Times. Some ordered the removal of these words from public-facing websites, or ordered the elimination of other materials (including school curricula) in which they might be included. In other cases, federal agency managers advised caution in the terms usage without instituting an outright ban. Additionally, the presence of some terms was used to automatically flag for review some grant proposals and contracts that could conflict with Mr. Trumps executive orders. The list is most likely incomplete. More agency memos may exist than those seen by New York Times reporters, and some directives are vague or suggest what language might be impermissible without flatly stating it. All presidential administrations change the language used in official communications to reflect their own policies. It is within their prerogative, as are amendments to or the removal of web pages, which The Times has found has already happened thousands of times in this administration. Still, the words and phrases listed here represent a marked and remarkable shift in the corpus of language being used both in the federal governments corridors of power and among its rank and file. They are an unmistakable reflection of this administrations priorities. For example, the Trump administration has frequently framed diversity, equity and inclusion efforts as being inherently at odds with what it has identified as merit, and it has argued that these initiatives have resulted in the elevation of unqualified or undeserving people. That rhetorical strategy with its baked-in assumption of a lack of capacity in people of color, women, the disabled and other marginalized groups has been criticized as discriminatory. Indeed, in some cases, guidance against a terms usage has arrived alongside directives intended to eliminate the concept itself. Federal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are one example; the Gulf of Mexico is a very different one. That shift is already apparent on hundreds of federal government websites. A New York Times analysis of pages on federal agency websites, before and after Mr. Trump took office, found that more than 250 contained evidence of deletions or amendments to words included in the above list. Here are some notable examples. Words that have been removed are shown in red with strikethroughs, and words that have been added are in green with underlines. Federal Aviation Administrations job page Working at FAA offers a unique opportunity to experience a career where your impact not only reaches throughout the aviation industry but around the world as well. Youll be a part of a diverse workforce utilizing the latest technology and systems dedicated to maintaining the safety and integrity of our civil airspace. National Park Services Stonewall National Monument web page Before the 1960s, almost everything about living openly as a lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) person was illegal. The Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969 is a milestone in the quest for LGBTQ+ civil rights and provided momentum for a movement. 2021 Head Start memo The last year has brought significant challenges to the Head Start workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disparate impact on under-resourced communities including many of those served by Head Start programs.There has also been heightened attention to racial injustice in our country, which has led to calls for major reforms to address long-standing societal inequities. These are particularly important concerns for OHS and the Head Start workforce. All staff have been impacted by COVID-19. Further, 60% of Head Start teaching staff are Black, Indigenous and people of color, and 30% have a primary language other than English. As such, OHS is committed to a culture of wellness that includes holistic support for the entire Head Start workforce. Key topics page of State Departments Office of Global Change The climate crisis knows no boundaries, and both the challenge and its solutions range from local to global in scale. Because of this, international cooperation and collaboration through negotiation and implementation of international agreements are essential. The Negotiations Team represents the United States in negotiations under the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and in many other international fora that address climate change, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), G7, G20, and others. The total number of web pages identified by The Times as having changed is an undercount. The analysis involved searching for changes on more than 5,000 total pages, but it did not capture the entire universe of the federal governments web presence. In addition, the pages were captured for comparison in early February, and more changes may have been made between then and now. The president and some of his closest advisers, including Elon Musk, have frequently portrayed themselves as champions of free speech. One of the executive orders Mr. Trump signed on his first day back in office decried what it described as a pressure campaign by the Biden administration to stifle First Amendment rights in a manner that advanced the Governments preferred narrative about significant matters of public debate, by way of putting pressure on tech platforms. Government censorship of speech is intolerable in a free society, it continued. Indeed, the office of the presidency carries with it a tremendous power to drive the discourse. But the pattern of vanishing words established here suggests Mr. Trump and his administration may be more interested in chilling the national conversation at least when it comes to their own disfavored topics than in expanding it. Chilean-born artist Marco Evaristti has come under fire for trying to starve three little piglets to death as part of a controversial art installation meant to raise awareness about animal welfare. Marco Evaristti sparked controversy when he originally announced plans for his And Now You Care? exhibition, but he really attracted criticism both from animal rights activists and the general public when it actually became a reality. Located in a former butchers warehouse in the Meatpacking District of Copenhagen, And Now You Care? featured three little piglets on a pile of hay, trapped in a cage made up of two metal shopping carts and surrounded by paintings of slaughtered pigs and the Danish flag. It was already an unsettling display, but it was his plan to only give the piglets water and let them starve to death that really shocked everyone. Photo: Matthieu Petiard/Unsplash Pushing back against his critics, Marco Evaristti explained that his provocative installation was a commentary about animal welfare in Denmark, one of the worlds largest pork exporters. It was designed to wake up the Danish society to the mistreatment of pigs in the Northern European country where tens of thousands of pigs die because of poor conditions every year. And Now You Care? opened to the public last Friday and Evaristti estimated that it would take the piglets about five days to die of starvation, during which time he himself would abstain from any food or drinks, in what can only be described as a bizarre display of solidarity. But his plans were thwarted on Saturday when the three little pigs disappeared. The controversial artist told police that while the exhibition space was being cleaned on Saturday morning, members of an animal rights organization came to check on the animals. They closed the door while the cleaning people were cleaning the toilet, and when the latter came out, the piglets were gone. Police were notified, but they have yet to charge anyone with theft, and Evaristti doesnt expect the animals to be returned. The And Now You Care? exhibition closed its gates on Tuesday because Evaristti said it was boring without the starving piglets, but that did little to appease his critics. Although animal rights organizations agreed with the message he was trying to convey, they did not appreciate his methods. One activist called the Chilean native a perverted artist, and Evaristti retaliated by threatening to take legal action against her. Sanat, Provokasyon ve Etik: Marco Evaristtinin Tartsmal Sergisi Danimarkada yasayan Silili sanatc Marco Evaristti, sanat araclgyla toplumsal meseleleri gundeme getiren provokatif calsmalaryla tannan bir isim. Son olarak, Danimarkadaki endustriyel domuz pic.twitter.com/KW2Ii4gQna tayfun poyraz (@tayfunpoyraz351) March 6, 2025 We understand Marco Evaristtis intentions with his exhibition, but it is not acceptable to protest one form of animal cruelty by committing another, Gitte Buchhave, director of World Animal Protectionss Danish arm, said in a statement. We have long criticized the conditions in Danish pig farming and will continue to do so, but this is not the way to create change. A museum in the German city of Wolfsburg recently removed a controversial art installation by English artist Damien Hirst after animal rights group PETA filed a complaint about it killing flies. Flies are generally seen as annoying pests to be exterminated or at least kept at bay, but a controversial art installation featuring a fly-killing UV light has attracted the wrath of animal rights group PETA and sparked a heated debate about the rights of the flying insects. Titled A Hundred Years (1990), the art installation by award-winning artist and entrepreneur Damien Hirst was recently removed from Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg after PETA filed a complaint claiming that it infringed on Germanys Animal Welfare Act, which bans the killing or harming of animals without proper reason. Whether flies fall under that law or not is yet to be determined, but the decision has already sparked controversy in Germany. Photo: Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg Killing animals has nothing to do with art, it just shows the arrogance of people who literally will stop at nothing for their own interests, Peter Hoffken, of PETA Germany, told Braunschweiger Zeitung. Representatives of the museum, on the other hand, said that they didnt think flies were covered by the Animal Welfare Act, adding that they would ask the artist if he would agree to replace the real flies with artificial ones. Doing so, however, would most likely ruin the whole idea of the art installation. Originally unveiled in 1990, A Hundred Years is a commentary on the fact that many flies die when exposed to public light. It consists of a transparent cube split into two areas one where the flies hatch and another where a UV lamp is hanging from the ceiling. The flies are attracted by the light, and whenever they fly to it through a small hole between the two areas, they are burned to death. Hirst described the artwork as a life cycle in a box. Interestingly, a previous version of the controversial art installation featured a dead cow head that attracted the flies, but that was apparently considered too much Damien Hirst has long been known for incorporating dead animals in his provocative art pieces, with some sources estimating that he has featured nearly one million dead animals in his art, most of them insects. Kekst CNC handles Crestview Partners as the private equity company acquires Smyth Cos., a leading packaging goods operation, from Novacap. The transaction is in tandem with Smyths founding family, and Scott Fisher, who helms the Minnesota-based company. Food, household goods, health & beauty, and automotive aftermarket companies use Smyths products. Crestview says its committed to supporting Smyths plan to pursue both tuck-in and transformational acquisitions across the flexible packaging markets. "We believe Smyth holds a uniquely strong position within the broader prime labels market driven by its innovative, customer-first approach, comprehensive product portfolio, and reputation for exceptional product quality, which enable the Company to flexibly serve leading consumer packaged goods customers at scale, said Bradford Williams, Crestvew partner and co-head of industrials group. Based in New York, Crestview manages funds with about $10 billion of aggregate capital commitments. Kekst CNC partners Jeffrey Taufield, Daniel Yunger, and analyst Bay Dotson represent Crestview. Not a Subscriber? Join O'Dwyer's & Get RFP Access Stop wasting time tracking down RFPs. O'Dwyer's connects you with organizations looking for PR firms & services. Get new business with O'Dwyer's! Join O'Dwyer's Severe traffic disruption in the heart of Tullamore is significantly affecting both motorists and public transport. Transport for Ireland Local Link has advised passengers that the hospital stop will be completely inaccessible while essential works continue. Several key bus routes are impacted including: 840 Banagher to Tullamore; 815 Tullamore to Athlone; 4994 Ballyroan to Athlone; 10062 Stradbally to Athlone. Passengers on northbound services must use the temporary stop on Harbour Street. Southbound services into Tullamore remain unaffected. The disruption is due to ongoing street enhancement works under the Urban Greenway project, which has forced a one-way traffic system on Columcille Street. Northbound traffic over the Kilbeggan Bridge is being diverted via Harbour Street. These major works including new paving installation will continue until May. READ NEXT: Prison sentence for Offaly man who spat in Garda's eye In addition Offaly County Council has announced the temporary closure of Tanyard Lane between O'Connor Square and the southern entrance of Tanyard Car Park as part of the completion of the Roselawn link road onto High Street. The works form part of the new route from Tanyard through Roselawn onto High Street. Traffic Changes: *Northbound traffic from Harbour Street will not be able to access Kilbeggan Bridge. *Kilbeggan Bridge will be restricted to one-way traffic. Diversion routes are in place *Offaly County Council acknowledges the significant inconvenience caused and has apologised for the disruption. READ NEXT: Outstanding Offaly pub nominated in seven categories in Irish Restaurant Awards Dallas Theological Seminary Announces New Leadership in Pastoral and Counseling Ministries NEWS PROVIDED BY Dallas Theological Seminary March 7, 2025 DALLAS, March 7, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ -- Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) is pleased to announce the appointments of Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs as the new Chair of the Pastoral Ministries Department and Dr. Andi Thacker as the new Chair of the Counseling Ministries Department. These strategic leadership changes reflect DTSs ongoing commitment to equip students for biblically faithful ministry and gospel-centered service in pastoral and counseling contexts. Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs: Leading Pastoral Ministries with a Vision for Biblical Preaching Dr. Arthurs joins DTS from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he served as the Haddon W. Robinson Chair of Preaching and Communication and Director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching. A recognized scholar and author, Dr. Arthurs brings decades of experience in preaching, rhetorical theory, and biblical interpretation, equipping generations of pastors for effective biblical communication. His published works, including Preaching as Reminding (winner of the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for Pastoral Ministry) and Preaching with Variety, have significantly shaped the field of expository preaching. His expertise in preaching, theology, and pastoral leadership will strengthen DTSs commitment to training pastors who faithfully interpret and proclaim Gods Word in a changing cultural landscape. Dr. Arthurs will also provide leadership for the William B. Dean, MD, Pastor Formation Fellowship, an initiative that provides specialized mentorship, training, and financial support to Master of Theology (ThM) students called to expository preaching and pastoral ministry. Dr. George Hillman, Vice President for Education at DTS, shared his enthusiasm about Dr. Arthurs appointment: We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Arthurs to DTS. His extensive experience, passion for biblical preaching, and commitment to mentoring future pastors make him an invaluable addition to our faculty. We are eager to see how his leadership shapes the next generation of godly servant leaders. Dr. Andi Thacker: Advancing the Counseling Ministries Department Dr. Thacker, a licensed professional counselor, educator, and expert in trauma healing and play therapy, has been part of the DTS faculty since 2014. She brings nearly two decades of clinical and academic experience and a passion for equipping counselors who integrate biblical wisdom with clinical excellence. Under her leadership, the Counseling Ministries Department will continue to train students for Christ-centered, professional counseling in a variety of ministry and mental health settings. Dr. Thackers background includes work in psychiatric hospitals, community mental health, church counseling, and private practice. She is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor, a registered play therapist supervisor, and a nationally certified counselor. DTSs Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), currently preparing for review by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Dr. Thacker will play a critical role in leading this accreditation process and advancing the departments mission. Dr. Thacker expressed her gratitude for this new opportunity: I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the new department chair. I deeply appreciate the dedication and leadership of those who have served before me, whose efforts have laid a strong foundation for our work. As I step into this role, I pray for wisdom and guidance, trusting in God to lead us forward in fulfilling our mission of teaching truth and loving well. Continuing DTSs Legacy of Ministry Preparation The appointments of Dr. Arthurs and Dr. Thacker mark an exciting chapter for DTSs mission to equip godly servant-leaders for ministry. Their leadership will strengthen the seminarys commitment to sound theological training, practical ministry preparation, and Christ-centered service in both the pastoral and counseling fields. For more information about the Pastoral Ministries and Counseling Ministries Departments at Dallas Theological Seminary, visit www.dts.edu. Media Contact: Jessica Chappell, DTS Media Relations, mediarelations@dts.edu SOURCE Dallas Theological Seminary Gaylord Oppegard arrived Thursday at Market on River wanting to talk about Medicaid with two of Wisconsins top officials. Oppegard is concerned about potential Medicaid cuts and the impact those may have on family members, including his 13-year-old granddaughter with cerebral palsy. Without Medicaid I don't know where they would be. They depend on Medicaid. That's a must, he said. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson were in Chippewa Falls on Thursday talking about their effort to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin, concerns about Medicaid cuts, health care funding and Evers state budget proposal, which addresses these issues. Evers and Johnson met with a group of about 20 people for a roundtable discussion on health care at the Wisconsin Farmers Union headquarters at Market on River, 128 W. River St. We really do have a lot of members who are concerned about health care, and have been for a long time, especially around access to health care for farm families, and so this has been an issue within our organization for decades, Wisconsin Farmers Union Executive Director Julie Bomar told The Chippewa Herald. She said the Wisconsin Farmers Union, which is nonpartisan, hosted the roundtable to have an important community conversation. Pamela Goodman, a retired public health nurse, was in the room to share her concerns. I have an 89-year-old mother-in-law who is in the hospital, and I can tell you that we were over 30 patients deep in the waiting (area) in the emergency room so a day-and-a-half before we could get into a hospital bed, she said. I have a great-niece that was just born in the southern part of the state with open-heart-surgery. A month old. So, Medicaid for both aspects young to old is extremely important. Goodman said shes seeing the dissolution of crucial systems and is concerned for health providers who rely on Medicaid funds to do their jobs. Despite worries over impending cuts by the federal government, at the state level Evers is proposing Medicaid expansion. Evers hopes his state budget proposal will help with health care coverage and cost issues. Attempting to expand Medicaid Evers' 2025-27 biennial state budget proposal, unveiled in February, includes a call to expand Medicaid. BadgerCare Plus expansion is the cornerstone of the budget proposal for DHS, a DHS release on Thursday says. This would expand high-quality, low-cost health care coverage to an estimated 95,800 low-income Wisconsinites and save the state $1.9 billion over the biennium. The Affordable Care Acts Medicaid expansion extended coverage to adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level and provided states with an enhanced federal matching rate. To date, 41 states have adopted the expansion, including Washington D.C., and Wisconsin is one of 10 states have not, according to health policy research group KFF. Expanding health care access makes it easier for enrollees to afford other expenses like food, housing and paying down debts. With possible Medicaid cuts on the horizon, officials are worried. We are still strongly advocating for Medicaid expansion despite what's happening federally. The state of Wisconsin has spent $2.9 billion of our own money over the last 10 years. We should have asked 10 years ago. It is still the right thing to do, Johnson said. The budget proposal also includes several initiatives to require insurance companies to cover more health care services and procedures. Twenty percent of claims made on health insurance are denied, and many times, those denials come as a surprise to the person, Evers said. In addition, the governor's budget seeks to prevent surprise medical billing and reporting unpaid medical debt to collections and credit bureaus. There's no reason in the world why health insurers should be saying: 'This is what we're going to deny and this is what we won't deny,' and we know that upfront, Evers said. Evers said transparency is an ongoing issue, not just for coverage denials but for pre-approval of medical procedures. There is no reason why we can't require health insurance to say: 'This is what were going to approve; it's automatic. And these are ones that we're going to have to have pre-approval.' With the Wisconsin Legislature firmly in Republican control, it is not clear how many of the Democratic governor's proposals have the potential to make it into a final budget bill. Hospital investments Evers' budget also aims to tackle insurance companies and prescription price gouging, lower out-of-pocket costs, reduce appointment wait times, enable state residents to get health care closer to home, and provide new hospital investments to improve health care access statewide, including in rural communities. Evers said significant cuts to Medicaid could impact the two new hospitals coming to Chippewa County. You know, they'll be starting out with a deficit if they do Medicaid, what everybody's fear is that that's going to go down, he said. They're not going to be able to pay the bills. Evers said Chippewa Valley has had more issues with health care than anywhere else in the state. Medicaid expansion is important to Wisconsin, he said. We're going to continue to fight for that. I know the leadership thinks it's a stupid idea, but I don't think it's stupid giving people the health care that they need, he said. Postpartum care, mental health services On Thursday, Johnson spoke about a need to extend postpartum coverage for pregnant women on BadgerCare from 60 days to up to one year after giving birth another proposed item in the budget. We are now one of two states that has not passed a postpartum Medicaid bill, which means that women in Wisconsin only have 60 days of postpartum care," Johnson said. "Every other state in the country, with the exception of Arkansas, is a full 12 months. And Arkansas sounds like they're on their way to getting it done, so we may very well be last. Mental health services were also discussed. Emily Berge, a licensed professional counselor in Eau Claire, said she doesnt think emergency rooms are the best place to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety unless someone's a risk to themselves or others. Berge, who is also the Eau Claire City Council president, said she thinks a dedicated facility in the area is needed. I think if we can have a facility for people to go that can talk to counselors Maybe they stay the night, because sometimes people are just like in this hot bed of stress at home, and they just need to get away just for one or two nights and get connected to different resources, she said. The ER wasn't, is not the place, I don't think, to do that. State Sen. Jeff Smith, D-Brunswick, said mental health services are lacking in the region and that puts a strain on local resources. He said in discussions over the last year about new hospitals in the area, we always ask, the top question is, And where does behavioral health fit in? It doesn't fit in, he said. That is the greatest loss that we've had here, from the hospitals (closing). He said privately-owned hospital clinics are not going to address the issue because it's too costly for them. The police busted a drug network operating in Kochi and arrested its alleged kingpin on Friday. The accused, Aashiq P Umar, a native of Malappuram, had been working in Oman for five years and reportedly smuggled drugs into Kerala using carriers. During the operation, the police arrested the entire network, including suppliers, carriers, and the head of the racket. Maggie Ashna, who was previously arrested for smuggling 500 grams of MDMA hidden in her luggage, identified Aashiq as the source of the drugs. Acting on a tip-off that Aashiq was at home, officers raided his house and took him into custody. ADVERTISEMENT Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ashwathy Jiji stated that the drugs were smuggled from Oman due to lower prices. The arrests followed a step-by-step investigation that first targeted the suppliers, then the carriers, and finally the leader of the operation. Further investigation is underway. Friends, Your anxiety is entirely justified. We are going through one of the most stressful times in American history. It is a national emergency. Yet the resistance to this foul regime continues to mount. Here's this week's report on 10 reasons for modest optimism, in rough order of importance. 1. The courts are stepping up their fight against the regime. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court rejected Trump's emergency request to freeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid as part of his efforts to slash government spending. The vote was 5-4, with Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joining the three liberal members to form a majority. It's the second 5-4 Supreme Court ruling against Trump since he returned to power, and it shows that an unlikely majority does exist to rein in Trump's excesses. This probably accounts for Trump's decision to back off from issuing an executive order dismantling the Education Department. The Supreme Court would almost certainly have held that only Congress can shut down a department. (Shutting the Education Department has also been"unpopular among Republican"leaders" in rural areas that heavily rely on federal funding.) Meanwhile, lower federal courts are now considering over 80 separate lawsuits against the Trump regime. So far, the vast majority of lower-court rulings have been against Trump. In an opinion handed down Thursday morning, Federal District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. extended an order barring Trump from withholding billions in congressionally approved funds to 22 states and the District of Columbia, including Federal Emergency Management funding. The judge said: "Here, the executive put itself above Congress. It imposed a categorical mandate on the spending of congressionally appropriated and obligated funds without regard to Congress's authority to control spending " In an evident and acute harm, with floods and fires wreaking havoc across the country, federal funding for emergency management and preparedness would be impacted." Also on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell ruled that Trump violated the National Labor Relations Act by firing National Labor Relations Board member Gwynne Wilcox, and that Wilcox remains in her position at the federal agency. Howell wrote: "The President's interpretation of the scope of his constitutional power -- or, more aptly, his aspiration -- is flat wrong." On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley extended a freeze on the Trump administration's cuts to research funding through the National Institutes of Health. Also on Wednesday, the Merit Systems Protection Board, which decides federal worker disputes, temporarily allowed thousands of Department of Agriculture employees swept up in Musk's government-gutting effort to get back to work. 2. Musk and Trump Republicans are seen to be targeting Social Security. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). By Cindy Petersen and Carl J. Petersen "The big joke on democracy is that it gives its mortal enemies the tools to its destruction." -Joseph Goebbels Donald Trump has shown he doesn't care about the law. He has built his power on a cult of personality that has made him immune to accountability within his base. As he proudly stated prior during his first campaign for the presidency, he "could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and [he] wouldn't lose any voters". Our Constitution protects against overreach through checks and balances, but this requires active participation by the other two branches of the government. Unfortunately, we cannot depend on Congress, with its Republican majority, to do its duty as it seems that those who are not full-blown MAGA are too scared of being primaried to take any action against the "Dear Leader" that could be interpreted as disloyalty. Spines are in short supply as Trump routinely violates the oath he took just a few short weeks ago to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States". With Congress having sidelined itself, it is up to the judiciary to enforce the limits of the power of the executive branch of the government that is spelled out in the Constitution. Unless the courts put a stay on the administration's unconstitutional or illegal behavior, they will continue their actions because the legal system is so slow. This is evidenced by the criminal trials that were forced to be abandoned after Trump's reelection. Even if the courts eventually prevent the most obscene of Trump's actions, the damage might have already been done. Also, the Trump-leaning majority on the Supreme Court cannot be counted on to provide justice with their abandonment of stare decisis and the principle that no man is above the law, especially the President. One example of Trump's violation of the separation of powers is the shuttering of USAID (United States Agency for International Development). This agency was created and funded by Congress, leaving the Executive Branch with the obligation of providing the services set by law on behalf of the American people. He cannot unilaterally disband it. While Trump claims USAID is corrupt and inefficient, he has offered no proof. It's interesting that, during his first administration, Melania and Ivanka both supported the agency. On separate trips to Africa, Melania commended USAID's funding for projects there. Melania was accompanied by staff from USAID during her 2018 tour to Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt. Ivanka visited Ivory Coast and Ethiopia to announce millions in USAID assistance for women entrepreneurs. Swinging the hatchet against USAID is Trump's co-president, Elon Musk. The world's richest man deprives the world's poorest of food and healthcare, even though he has not been elected or appointed to any oversight commission nor has he had a security check that every other person who works in the White House is compelled to have. Congress allows him to act without authority or accountability. If Musk cared about the mission of USAID or the welfare of the people who depend on the agency, he would not eliminate it or indiscriminately fire its employees before he understood how the department works. This would be a significant job for a $40 billion agency with employees deployed worldwide. Claiming a mission to cut spending and reduce waste immediately, Musk does not have the time for impediments like gathering facts. Instead, he is using the same strategy for the $6.75 trillion national budget that he used to destroy Twitter. After spending just two weeks on the job, Musk said he understood the complexities of the agency and declared his intention to feed it "into the woodchipper". Instead of providing facts to support his actions he promotes conspiracy theories. As the agency was abruptly shuttered without a plan, American citizens were stranded overseas, farmers were left worrying about contracts they had with the agency to provide $2 billion of surplus crops and China was given an opening to step in and gain influence in countries we have abandoned. Also dead in the water is an investigation by USAID of its relationship with Musk's Starlink. Does anyone think that this was a coincidence? Trump and Musk have also raided the Justice Department, attempting to fire prosecutors and FBI agents in retribution for the investigation of Trump's part in the attempted coup on January 6th. This will deprive the department of experienced agents who prevent illegal drugs from entering or being distributed throughout the country. Without a functioning Justice Department, our country will be more susceptible to a terrorist attack and human traffickers will be allowed to operate more freely. While Republicans spent the last three election cycles attacking Democrats for labeling their efforts at criminal justice reform as "Defund the Police," they idly sit by as Trump gets rid of the actual police. Next on Musk's agenda is the Department of Education. With 4,400 employees, this department has the smallest staff of the Cabinet agencies. The $238 billion it spends is just 3.5% of the federal budget. This includes funding for children with disabilities (IDEA), pandemic recovery, early childhood education, Pell Grants, Title I, and work assistance, among other programs. It is next on Trump and Musk's hit list. Shuttering the Department of Education would put our economy in danger since it depends on an educated population. The Department of Education also ensures that schools do not engage in discrimination, guaranteeing equal access to education for all, including for those with disabilities. It also provides financial aid for higher education and monitors those funds. Trump says that his action will return power to the states, but the Department of Education does not determine what is taught in schools. Individual states are responsible for their schools' curricula. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). OpEd News One-Time Security Check This Is NOT An Error Message Your site IP address* (145.224.119.253) is listed on one or more Internet blacklists. We get visited by hundreds of these spambots daily. To prevent these from taking resources away from legitimate users, we show this page. Please use the CAPTCHA below which proves you are human, not a spam bot. It's a one-time action** for your IP. After that, you will be able to access OpEd News easily. Thank you for your patience. * Here's more info about IP addresses. ** If your IP address is fixed, you'll be able to use this website from now on. However, if your Internet Service Provider (such as Verizon or T-Mobile) assigns you a different IP address every time you use your device, AND these IP addresses are NOT on an Internet blaclist, then all is good. If, for some strange reason, your ISP assigns you an IP that is blacklisted, then you'll have to go through this process again. (Unless you keep yourself logged in. We only check for spambots on non-logged in visitors.) Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots the ball against Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Moda Center on January 26, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) Getty Images Update: Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant is available for Friday at Oklahoma City. Deni Avdija is out. Chet Holmgren is out for the Thunder. The Portland Trail Blazers end their seven-game trip at the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. The Blazers are 4-2 so far, with both losses coming against elite teams, the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Thunder are also an elite team, but most of their best players have been ruled out for this game, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (rest) and Jalen Williams (right wrist sprain). Prediction: The Blazers have experienced bad nights against depleted teams. That must change on Friday. This is an excellent opportunity for the Blazers to pick up a game on 10th-place Dallas and 11th-place Phoenix. The Suns play at Denver, while the Mavericks host Memphis. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER What: Trail Blazers (28-35) at Thunder (51-11), 5 p.m., Friday. Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City. Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM). TV channel: KATU (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Xfinity: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. KUNP (Antenna: 47.1. Xfinity: 16, 302, 1170. DirecTV: 47. Spectrum: 184). How to Watch: Rip City TV Network. If you dont have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with the help of an HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or from Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions on how to set up an HDTV antenna on your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area by using the channel finder here. ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings) Moneyline: POR +124 | OKC -148 Spread: POR +2 | Over/Under: 226.5 INJURIES Blazers: Jerami Grant (right knee tendinitis) is available. Deni Avdija (left quad contusion), Dalano Banton (personal reasons), Robert Williams III (left knee strain), Deandre Ayton (left calf strain) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) are out. Thunder: Dillon Jones (G League two-way) is probable. Chet Holmgren (right lower leg), Jalen Williams (right wrist sprain), Luguentz Dortz (right patellofemoral soreness), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (rest), Isaiah Hartenstein (nasal fracture surgery), Ajay Mitchell (right great toe), Nikola Topic (left knee surgery), Cason Wallace (right knee contusion) are out. NEXT UP The Blazers return home to host the Detroit Pistons at 6 p.m. Sunday. -- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook) A sign for a Small Business Administration business recover center following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Baltimore. Julia Nikhinson | The Associated Press The Small Business Administration said it will relocate six of its regional offices in so-called sanctuary cities, part of a broader Trump administration effort to crack down on cities that it deems have immigrant-friendly policies. In a statement Thursday, SBA administrator Kelly Loeffler said offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City and Seattle will be relocated to less costly, more accessible locations that better serve the small business community and comply with federal immigration law. No details were given about where the offices might be moving to. Theres no legal definition for sanctuary city policies, but they generally limit cooperation by local law enforcement with federal immigration officers. Courts have repeatedly upheld the legality of sanctuary laws. The announcement came a day after Republican members of Congress hammered four Democratic mayors Wednesday about their so-called sanctuary city policies, accusing them of endangering Americans and threatening to prosecute local officials. The SBA was established in 1953 to offer resources to small businesses and helps administer small business and disaster recovery loans. It played a crucial role during the pandemic, helping distribute small business aid. It has at least one district office in each state, and some larger states, like California and Texas, have several. Offices provide counseling, training, and other resources that provide support for small business owners. The SBA office that serves most of western and central Oregon, as well as southwest Washington, is sited in Portland and was not on the announced relocation list. Separately, the Loeffler said SBA loans wont be eligible to businesses that have owners in whole or in part who arent U.S. citizens. The SBA doesnt give out direct loans, except when theyre related to disasters, but it works with lenders to distribute loans to small businesses. The loans typically have better rates than traditional loans. The SBA did not respond to a request for comment for more details. -- The Associated Press Firefighters inspect a house after bringing a deadly fire under control in Kelso, Wash. (Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue) Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue A man died in a house fire in Kelso on Thursday, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue reported. Firefighters arrived in the 1000 block of S 6th Avenue in the small Washington town 48 miles from Portland at about 10:45 a.m. to find the house in flames. Neighbors informed the fire crew that a man was trapped in the detached garage. The fire conditions inside the garage were fully involved and the fire had already flashed over before the first firefighters arrived, officials said in a statement. Crews from Longview Fire and Cowlitz Fire District 5 joined Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue in the 2-alarm fire response. Firefighters doused the fire within about 10 minutes. They searched the garage, where they found the man dead. Five other residents three adults and two children lived at the house and survived, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue said. Fire officials said they believe the blaze was caused by a portable electric heater and was accidental. The Kelso Police Department and the Cowlitz County Coroners Office is investigating the mans death, fire officials said. The victims name hasnt been released. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive One surviving roommate told police she saw an intruder in black clothing and a mask, with bushy eyebrows, the affidavit said. Bryan Kohberger's defense is trying to suppress her "bushy eyebrows" description, arguing she was drunk and sleepy. AP Text messages from two surviving roommates in the University of Idaho student homicides and a transcript of the 911 call both unsealed by the court Thursday afternoon shed new insights into the morning when the four college students were stabbed to death in November 2022. The texts between the female roommates, whom the Idaho Statesman is not identifying by name, revealed that the second-floor roommate saw someone in their three-story rental house wearing all black and a ski mask or covering over his head and mouth, and texted the first-floor roommate between 4:22 and 4:24 a.m., according to the prosecutions court filings. Im not kidding. (I) am so freaked out, she wrote, as her phone was about to lose power. So am I, the other responded. Come to my room / Run / Down here Later that morning, a 911 call sent police to the off-campus home on King Road in Moscow to discover four students stabbed to death. After a nearly seven-week manhunt, suspect Bryan Kohberger, 30, a former Washington State University graduate student, was arrested. He now faces four counts of first-degree murder, and prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted. The four victims were U of I undergraduates Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum; Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur dAlene; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls; and Ethan Chapin, 20, of Mount Vernon, Washington. The three women lived in the home with the two other young women, who went physically unharmed in the early morning attack. Chapin was Kernodles boyfriend and stayed over for the night. The surviving roommates and two unidentified friends called 911 on Nov. 13, 2022, to report that something happened in their house the night before and that one of their roommates was passed out after drinking the night before and not waking up, according to the unsealed court filing. Five female roommates lived together at the off-campus home at 1122 King Road in Moscow. Three of the women, and one of their boyfriends, was stabbed to death one Nov. 13, 2022. Angela Palermo/apalermo@idahostatesman.com Oh, and they saw some man in their house last night, one of the unidentified friends interjected, according to a transcript of the 911 call. The 911 call was placed on the first-floor roommates cellphone, according to a defense filing. Moscow police previously denied a Statesman public records request for audio of the call, citing the ongoing investigation. Kohberger is expected to stand trial in Boise this summer. Both surviving roommates are expected to testify during the trial, the prosecution wrote in the filings. The fact that one roommate saw an intruder was already known in the case, but the contents of her conversations via text were not. New filings provide insight on moments surrounding killings The night before a Saturday all five of the roommates, as well as Chapin, went out in Moscow. Chapin and Kernodle went to a party at his fraternity, while the two surviving roommates were out separately in the community, according to police. Mogen and Goncalves had been together at the Corner Club bar in downtown Moscow before stopping at Grub Truck, a food truck open late that parks nearby. By about 2 a.m., everyone was back at the house, according to a probable cause affidavit written by law enforcement. At around 4 a.m., the second-floor roommate said she was awakened by a noise she thought was Goncalves playing with her dog in one of the third-floor bedrooms. Not long after, she heard someone she thought was Goncalves say something along the lines of, Theres someone here, the affidavit said. How police justified arrest of Idaho stabbings suspect: Read affidavit for yourself The second-floor roommate looked outside her bedroom but saw nothing, she told police. Then she heard what she thought was crying coming from Kernodles second-floor bedroom and looked again. Finally, a third time, she saw an unknown intruder dressed in black clothing and a mask, with bushy eyebrows, walking toward her, the affidavit said. In a separate court filing, the defense is attempting to exclude her bushy eyebrows description of the man, on account of her reliability after she indicated in an interview with police four days after the crime that she was really sleepy and probably very drunk at the time she witnessed the intruder, the filing read. During her testimony before a grand jury in May 2023, she said she was uncertain of what the male intruder was wearing, according to the filing. After seeing the unknown man a little after 4 a.m. that day, the second-floor roommate attempted to call all four of her roommates. All calls went unanswered, and she eventually texted the first-floor roommate. No one is answering / Im rlly confused rn, she wrote to the other survivor. She then texted Goncalves. Kaylee / Whats going on The first-floor roommate roommate, at 4:24 a.m., told her to come sleep in her room. Im scRwd tho, the second-floor roommate replied. Ya I (know) but its better than being alone Police used the two roommates texts to develop a timeline that the stabbing deaths occurred between 4 a.m. and 4:25 a.m. The second-floor roommate eventually went downstairs and the two surviving roommates fell asleep, according to a recent legal filing from Kohbergers defense. Later that morning, the two roommates still hadnt heard from either Goncalves or Mogen, texting them at 10:23 a.m. to see whether they were awake. Pls answer, the second-floor roommate texted Goncalves. R u up, a message to Mogen read. R u up?? read another to Goncalves. Not quite two hours later, at 11:56 a.m., the 911 call was placed, according to a defense filing. Throughout the chaotic phone call, the phone was passed back and forth between the roommates and friends as they tried to answer questions from the dispatcher. Hi, something is happening. Something happened in our house. We dont know what. We have the 911 call began, according to the transcript. Moments after police arrived, one of the emergency responders told dispatch, I think we have a homicide, after finding Kernodle unresponsive, according to the transcript in the redacted court filing. Moscow police began investigating a quadruple homicide at an off-campus home near the University of Idaho on Nov. 13, 2022. A 911 call was made on a surviving roommates cellphone later the morning of the student stabbing deaths. Zach Wilkinson/ Courtesy of Moscow-Pullman Daily News Trove of new court filings unsealed this week The motions, with the text messages and transcript detailed, specifically asked Ada County Judge Steven Hippler of Idahos 4th Judicial District to allow the prosecution to present the evidence during trial. Several other so-called motions in limine were filed by the prosecution and Kohbergers defense to exclude a variety of evidence. The latest motions, filed Feb. 24, were sealed and unavailable to the public until Thursday. These motions were among dozens of legal briefs in the case unsealed this week after Hippler admonished the prosecution and defense for their pervasive practice of sealing filings. In his order earlier this week, he wrote that rather than attorneys sometimes sealing documents, its become the norm rather than the expectation. This approach runs counter to the publics First Amendment rights to know what is going on in its courts, Hippler said. 2025 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.). Visit www.TheNewsTribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A vigil sits at 3400 Northeast Williams in Portland following a Monday night shooting. Police identified 32-year-old Cedrell Washington as the victim. Austin De Dios The man killed in a shooting this week in Portlands Boise neighborhood has been identified as 32-year-old Cedrell Washington of Portland, police said. Police found Washington near the 3400 block of North Williams Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Monday, authorities said. A medical examiner determined his cause of death was homicide by gunshot wound. As of Friday morning, police had not reported any arrests related to the shooting, which marked Portlands third fatal shooting in a 24-hour span. However, authorities said Monday they had no reason to believe the shootings were connected. On Wednesday, officers arrested Aaron Rene Garza, 42, in connection with the fatal shooting that happened Tuesday near Northeast Gertz Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. So far this year, Portland has recorded six homicides, compared with 18 at this point last year. Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact Detective J.D. McGuire at jeff.mcguire@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-2081 or Detective Brent Christensen at brent.christensen@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-2087 and reference case number 25-056354. Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 or cfuentes@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. One of the defendants is accused of sending these military hard drives labeled "SECRET" to a buyer in China, according to a federal affidavit. The buyer sent active duty U.S. Army Sgt. Jian Zhao these photos of the hard drives he received, according to the FBI. U.S. Attorney's Office Three U.S. Army soldiers are accused of sharing top secret national defense material and other sensitive military information with a Chinese national and other unidentified buyers in China, according to unsealed court records. Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both active-duty soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, and Ruoyu Duan, a former soldier who lives in Hillsboro, were arrested Thursday on indictments out of Oregon and Washington. Zhao, a sergeant, is charged in federal court in Tacoma with conspiracy to obtain and transmit national defense information, bribery of a public official and theft of government property. Tian and Duan are charged in federal court in Portland with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. Zhao received payments totaling $15,000 in exchange for gathering electronic media, documents and other military information and sharing it with an unidentified conspirator, according to court documents. Zhao used internet-based encryption to communicate with his contact in China, offer prices for the classified material and ask his contact to find other buyers, a federal affidavit alleges. Among the information Zhao shared concerned the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, known as HIMARS and used on the battlefield in Ukraine, and documents related to U.S. military readiness in the event of a conflict with China, according to court papers. Zhao sold an encrypted military hard drive and 20 classified hard drives to co-conspirators operating on behalf of China, according to Oregon Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrow. He also is accused of selling an encrypted military computer, Barrow wrote in a detention memo. Hard to find. If you can guarantee both of our safety while making some money for both of us, sell it, Zhao wrote to his accomplice, according to Barrow. Video showed Jian Zhao photographing PowerPoint presentations from his desk at the army base in Washington. The material he transferred dealt with "Strategic and Operation Rockets and Missiles" and a presentation about a Pacific simulation-driven command exercise, according to federal prosecutors. U.S. Attorney's Office According to the indictment unsealed in Oregon, Tian secretly gathered information related to Army operations, including technical manuals and other sensitive material about the missions and capabilities of the Bradley and Stryker Army fighting vehicles, and then shared them with Duan in exchange for money. The alleged conspiracy between Tian and Duan, also known as Little Fish, occurred from Nov. 28, 2021, through Dec. 19, 2024, investigators said. Tian was an active-duty first lieutenant stationed at the Washington base as a health services administrator, according to his indictment. Duan was an active soldier from 2013 to 2017. Jian Zhao is accused of selling this encrypted-capable military computer to a buyer for $1,000, according to Oregon's U.S. Assistant Attorney Geoffrey Barrow. U.S. Attorney's Office Tian is accused of entering restricted military installations and removing non-public, sensitive Army photos and documents, his indictment says. Duan received money from financial accounts based in China and then paid Tian for the material, the FBI alleges. Tian accepted payments from Duan totaling at least $500 on March 29, 2023, their indictment says. Duan paid another unidentified accomplice about $3,200 for military information from June 7, 2023, to Nov. 24, 2023, according to the court documents. Tian sent Duan classified military information via his personal and Army emails, using links to Google drives, according to their indictment. The two also communicated via Facebook Messenger, sometimes using code language to make it appear that they were talking about tuition and class materials, according to the indictment. In a Feb. 24, 2023, exchange, Duan wrote on the social messaging platform, I see that nothing happened after you said youd ask the chief. Dont worry if it cant be done. I can find materials on wiki or reddit. ... The main thing is not to get in trouble. It is not easy to get to this point in the army. Tian responded, Downloaded. Dont be anxious. Im out and will send it to you when I get back, according to the indictment. A short time later, Tian added, Ive obtained the system permissions and can now download the pdf, the indictment said. By mid-October 2023, another unidentified conspirator introduced himself to Tian as a friend of Duans via WeChat and wrote, Boss Duan says you have things to sell. Mind telling what you have, according to the indictment. Video surveillance cameras at the Army base in Washington also caught Tian taking photos of documents on his computer screen in his office on several days in May 2024 and taking and walking away with documents marked SECRET, the indictment alleges. Other conspirators who arent named in the court documents sent packages of military information on classified hard drives to suspected buyers in China in exchange for thousands of dollars in payment, investigators allege. Much of the communications to arrange the deliveries were done via WeChat, with one person informing another that he had good stuff and to spread the news ... Its Brigade Level, according to court documents. Very sensitive document. Super difficult to get. This needs some time. This is way top (we) must be very careful, another responded on the chat. In another chat in October 2024, one person offered a copy of an unidentified 42-page document for 2.5K, according to an indictment. On the WeChat communications obtained by investigators, one person urged others to download the Signal messaging device, saying that was the safest ... this feels very risky. FBI agents from the Portland office and Washington state and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command were involved in the investigation. The three men were arrested Thursday and search warrants were executed at their homes, according to prosecutors. Zhao and Tian made their initial appearances in federal court in Tacoma, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Duan, 39, was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center at 3:11 p.m. on a federal marshals hold. Investigators said they suspect Zhao has access to a warehouse but havent been able to find it. It is unconscionable that a person who wears the uniform of a U.S. Army soldier would betray our country and the trust of his fellow soldiers, W. Mike Herrington, special agent in charge of the FBIs Seattle office, said in a statement. These arrests should send a message to would-be spies that we and our partners have the will and the ability to find you, track you down, and hold you to account, Herrington said. Protecting the nations secrets, especially those necessary to preserve our military advantage and protect our troops, is one of the FBIs top priorities. U.S. Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi promised swift, severe and comprehensive justice. The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken Americas defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China, Bondi said in a statement. Douglas A. Olson, the special agent in charge of the FBI Portland office, said, As a former member of the U.S. Army, Ruoyu Duan betrayed the oath of military service he had once taken. The actions by this former soldier and his co-conspirators caused significant risk and damage to U.S. National Security and violated the oath they took as military members to protect the American people, Olson said. -- 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. President Donald Trump said Thursday he was moving to suspend the security clearances of attorneys at a prominent law firm linked to since-discredited opposition research during the 2016 presidential campaign into any ties between the Republican candidate and Russia. The sanction against Perkins Coie is the latest in a series of retributive moves by Trump and his administration targeting a broad cross-section of perceived adversaries, including Justice Department prosecutors, career intelligence officials and most recently private-practice attorneys. Taken together, the actions appear designed not only to settle scores from years past but also to deter both government officials and private sector workers from participating in new inquiries into his conduct. This is an absolute honor to sign. What theyve done is just terrible. Its weaponization you could say weaponization against a political opponent, and it should never be allowed to happen again, Trump said after being presented with the executive order at the Oval Office. The executive order directs the attorney general, the director of national intelligence and other relevant agency heads to take steps consistent with applicable law to suspend any active security clearances held by individuals at Perkins Coie, pending a review of whether such clearances are consistent with the national interest. It does not say how many lawyers at the law firm which did not immediately respond to a written request for comment, might have such a clearance. Perkins Coie, headquartered in Seattle, has locations in 21 cities in the U.S. and abroad. Its website lists nearly 60 attorneys associated with its Portland office. The punishment arises from the hiring by Perkins Coie of Fusion GPS, a research and intelligence firm, to conduct opposition research on then-candidate Trumps ties to Russia. The arrangement was brokered by Marc Elias, who at the time was a well-connected partner at Perkins Coie and top lawyer for Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign but who has since left the firm and started his own practice. Fusion GPS in return retained former British spy Christopher Steele, whose dossier of research circulated in Washington during the campaign. The dossier, which was turned over to the FBI for its review, contended that Russia was engaged in a longstanding effort to aid Trump and had amassed compromising information about him. But the material has since been largely discredited as containing salacious and unverified rumors linking Trump to Russia, with Special counsel John Durhams 2023 report on the origins of the FBIs Russia investigation saying that FBI investigators who tried to corroborate Steeles findings were unable to verify a single substantive allegation. Steele has stood by his work. The dossier created a political firestorm in January 2017, weeks before Trump was inaugurated to his first term in office, when it was revealed that then- FBI Director James Comey had briefed Trump on the existence of allegations from the research. The subsequent revelation that the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee had helped fund the dossier added to questions about the legitimacy of Steeles research, which Trump as president repeatedly attacked as phony and inaccurate. Trump and his allies have long tried to use the dossiers flaws to undermine the entire investigation into ties between his 2016 campaign and Russia. But the reality is that investigation began months before the FBI agents who were working on it came into possession of dossier and was opened based on an entirely different tip that a Trump campaign aide claimed to have knowledge that Russia had dirt on Hillary Clinton, Trumps opponent, well before Russia was known to have hacked Democratic emails. And though special counsel Robert Muellers investigation did not conclude that Russia and the Trump campaign had criminally conspired to tip the election, it did allege a sweeping effort by the Kremlin to intervene on the Republican candidates behalf as well as evidence that the campaign welcomed the help. Since taking office, the Trump administration has fired Justice Department prosecutors who participated in special counsel Jack Smiths investigations into Trump and said it was stripping security clearances of lawyers who provided legal services for Smith and of former intelligence officials who signed onto a 2020 letter asserting that the Hunter Biden laptop saga bore the hallmarks of a Russian disinformation campaign. The same executive order also alleges that the firm engages in what the Trump administration describes as unlawful diversity, equity and inclusion practices. That follows a directive from Attorney General Pam Bondi last month that calls on the Justice Departments civil rights division to investigate, eliminate and penalize illegal DEI preferences, mandates, policies, programs and activities in the private sector and in educational institutions that receive federal funds. -- Eric Tucker, The Associated Press Alanna Durkin Richer and Michelle L. Price contributed to this report. A view of the site on the Columbia River where officials hoped to recover the cream-colored Ford station wagon the Martin family drove when they disappeared in 1958. Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian The salvage crew hoping to recover the cream-colored Ford station wagon carrying an Oregon family who disappeared in 1958 postponed their operation Thursday. The Hood River County Sheriffs Office attributed the delay to significant debris in the Columbia River, where Archer Mayo, a local diver, said he found what he believes to be the station wagon. The recovery operation is expected to continue Friday, although authorities said they could offer no timeline. FILE - The 1952 Christmas photo of the Ken Martin family, from left, Barbara, 7; Ken, Barbara, Sue, 4; Donald, 21; and Virginia, 6; in Portland, Ore., in December 1952. (Ken Martin family via AP, File) AP The Martin family had traveled from Portland to the Columbia River Gorge to collect Christmas greenery in December 1958 when they vanished. Their disappearance sparked intense speculation and many questions over decades. Beth Slovic is an editor on the public safety and breaking news team. Reach her at 503-221-8551 or bslovic@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com/subscribe. Photojournalist Kaoly Gutierrez, 21, spent three years documenting her grandfathers life in Swannanoa, NC. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, she witnessed the resilience of her grandfather and her community as they came together to rebuild. This story first appeared on palabra, the digital news site by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. By Allison Salerno | Edited by Valeria Fernandez In 1999, Federico Gutierrez left his job as a taxi driver in Mexico City, in search of a better life for himself and his family. The journey north, by bus and by foot, to Swannanoa, NC, an old Appalachian mill town, took about 15 days. He arrived como todos, like millions of Mexican nationals who migrated to the United States by walking across the southern border without papers. When he arrived in Swannanoa, he had no cash in his small backpack, just a change of clothes. He landed a factory job the same day he arrived. Relatives in Mexico wired him money to tide him over until his first paycheck. Twenty-six years later, he is the owner of an auto repair shop and a legal U.S. resident. In coming to the United States, you lose more than you were supposed to have gained, said Gutierrez, his eyes welling. You lose your youth and time with your family, in Mexico. The challenges of rebuilding a life from scratch 2,000 miles from home prepared Gutierrez for unexpected anguish. On Sept. 27, 2024, less than half a mile from his home, Hurricane Helene swelled the Swannanoa River, destroying everything he and his wife had built, including at least $10,000 worth of equipment for his business and about 40 of the 60 backyard chickens they raised for their eggs. The couple had no renters insurance. Even if Gutierrez had business interruption insurance, policies dont cover the loss of businesses ruined by floodwaters. Gutierrez started the business through word of mouth among neighbors, making extra money because factory shifts were limited. And he estimated that since Helene, his business revenues have declined 80%. Helene caused economic losses in the Southeast of at least $225 billion, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history, according to AccuWeather. The Swannanoa River flows alongside Historic Biltmore Village, an area heavily impacted by flooding from Hurricane Helene. The hurricane altered the landscape, widening the rivers path. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra The loss of all hed built was a huge setback, but Gutierrez said his experiences as a migrant gave him the strength to face challenges and keep going. You mature more to be able to withstand what life brings along, particularly in this country, he said. Recovery from a natural disaster such as Hurricane Helene or the recent wildfires in Los Angeles is difficult for small business owners, who cope not only with damage to their property and inventory but also to the surrounding roads and water and sewage systems. Their customers and employees might not be able to reach them, even if owners manage to get their businesses operational. Gutierrez and owners of reopened Latino businesses in Swannanoa including a restaurant, a salon and a tire shop are exceptional. According to FEMA, among businesses that close for at least five days after a natural disaster, 90% fail within a year after a disaster. And immigrants are more likely than Americans born in the United States to own their own businesses, according to researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Data from the 2018-2022 American Community Survey indicate that about 9.7% of all North Carolina working adults are self-employed (both incorporated and unincorporated businesses) and 12.2 % of those people are immigrants. *** Ive only seen my grandpa fully grieve once in my life, and that was when my mother died. We went to the hospital and had to look at her lifeless body on the table. The moment he stepped into the room and saw her there, he began shaking uncontrollably. I thought he was about to have a heart attack. As a child, and even until recently, I always had nightmares of the world ending. I hated movies in which this would be depicted streets overcome by tsunamis, land everywhere on fire, just a crisis beyond our control. The rawness of Mother Nature herself. I feared that if I watched it, it would somehow make it real. Even as an adult, I still felt that way. I knew that if the end of the world happened, I would want to be surrounded by my family and loved ones huddled together, holding each other like animals do when they die together. The other thing I feared was that we wouldnt get the chance to do that. I always worried the most about my grandpa. In my mind, I thought, If I can at least get to my grandpa, things wont be so bad. I can take care of him. Not that hes some feeble old man hes only 65, and when I really look, I truly see that untamed spirit in him that must have been most prominent in his youth, though its now covered by layers of life and pain. My grandpa has always been a strong man. He raised two daughters (my mom and my aunt), both of whom are just as strong. He came from Mexico to the United States by himself. Hes always had a strong character, with toughness and resilience that, to some, seems impossible. I used to, and sometimes still do, compare my grandpa to a rock in a current hes strong and seems unwavering in the midst of the stream. What we forget, though, is that water dissolves and slowly erodes even the toughest of rock. Federico Gutierrez outside of the camper where he sleeps while he builds his new home. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra A new life in the U.S. Gutierrez grew up in Mexico City, the second in a family of seven children. His parents supported themselves in part by selling milk from their cows to neighbors. The small subsistence farm also was home to chickens, goats, horses and lambs. When Gutierrez migrated to the United States, he left behind his first wife and two daughters. Since arriving in North Carolina, Gutierrez has remarried. His wife, Martha Calderon, 64, is a retired housekeeper at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa in Asheville. In the beginning, Gutierrez only knew one person in Western North Carolina, a cousin with whom he lived and who has since returned to Mexico. He said he felt powerless and isolated then, living in a culture where he did not know the language or customs. He thought mostly of how he needed to survive, earn money and pay rent. Martha Calderon, Federico Gutierrez's wife, lounges in her bed. Gutierrez and Martha met after Kaolys mom and Martha worked as housekeepers and became friends. They have been together for 15 years. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra Photos of Gutierrez's loved ones still hang on the walls of his damaged home the same home he has lived in for the last 15 years. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra He had learned car repair from fellow taxi drivers when he lived in Mexico City, and started the auto-repair business three years after arriving in the United States. Despite his role offering affordable auto repair in an area with limited public transit, Gutierrez said he doesnt feel more important than anyone else in his community. I feel like everyones important. The advantages of self-employment, he said, are that youre not forced to work on something that you dont like under pressure. Here you have more freedom because you know what youre doing and you work at your own pace. One added bonus is that he works mostly for friends. On a recent weekday morning, Jackeline Bautista, 44, pulled up to Gutierrezs property, and hopped out of her Jeep, carrying part of a new muffler. Gutierrez was fixing her 2005 Subaru Impreza. Bautista has been a customer for 15 years. She herself is an immigrant and an entrepreneur. Originally from Venezuela, she came to Western North Carolina from Miami with Job Corps, a free education and vocational training for young people ages 16 to 24. She now owns a cleaning and tax preparation business, employing 22 people. Hes the most honest person Ive ever known, Bautista said with a wide smile, adding that Gutierrez regularly gives her affordable workarounds to fix her vehicle. Hell give you options where other mechanics dont. To fix her Impreza, Gutierrez had first recommended she go to a junkyard to find an affordable replacement muffler. Because her car was so old, the junkyard had no replacement parts, so Bautista went to OReilly Auto Parts in nearby Black Mountain to buy a new one. Other mechanics, they automatically want you to buy a new piece, she said. Gutierrez repairs a tire in his makeshift backyard car shop. Depending on the job, he gets help from his assistants. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra Gutierrez's hands, stained from working on a car, show the marks of his labor. His time as a taxi driver led him to learn the essential skill of car repair a skill he still relies on for his daily livelihood. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra Gutierrez was visiting family in Mexico when he received news of the flood on the morning of Sept. 28. He was walking in a park in Morelia, Michoacan, a colonial city in Central Mexico and Calderons hometown, when he received a phone call from a family member in Asheville, telling him his home and business had been destroyed. The couple had planned to drive back to Swanannoa but, worried about their property, tried to catch a plane to North Carolina. Flights had been canceled due to Hurricane Helene so they ended up returning as soon as they could in their Honda Odyssey 2006. The 2,000-mile journey took 40 hours, with stops at Super 8 motels. *** I think about moments like this when something so big, like a hurricane, happens, and I remember that my grandfather is not a rock. Although he wasnt there to witness everything firsthand, like so many others, the pain he felt was no less. In fact, I sometimes fear that the situation could have been even worse for him if he had been there, and that my heart wouldnt have been able to bear it, especially knowing how stubborn the man is. When he finally came back from Mexico, my grandpa seemed shocked but unmoved at the surface. He grieved a lot when no one was looking. He holds up a strong front because thats what hes known, thats what he feels he can give during the time, especially when there doesnt seem to be anything left. He was eager to get back to work and kept insisting on going back to his house. Of course, it was difficult for him to understand that most of his tools were gone and that the house was condemned and deemed toxic. Still is, though he has the camper next to it now. Hes always been a stubborn man, not wanting to leave what was his home for many years. I understand where he comes from though. Over time, after scrounging for any tools that could be saved, he got back to work starting from scratch, doing small tasks like oil and brake changes. Asheville is a diverse mix of people some who grew up there and others who uprooted their lives and now call it home. Asheville was once seen as a place where natural disasters were unlikely. After Helene, that sense of security vanished. The storm forced people to confront the harsh realities of the climate crisis. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra The destruction left everyone heartbroken, especially at Gutierrez's home a place filled with memories of family gatherings and celebrations. The hurricanes widespread damage to the town and surrounding areas left the community in shock. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra The recovery Swannanoa, home to more than 5,000 people, 10% of whom are Latino, lies in a valley ringed by mountains. People came from across the country to help survivors after Helene. Hundreds of strangers donated their time, possessions and money. Five months after the deluge, Gutierrez wears donated clothes and lives on his property in a camper a stranger from Indiana gave him. The foundation of the one-story home that Gutierrez and Calderon rent is cracked and its walls are speckled with mold and weakened. The couple has no running water in the camper. Winter warmth comes from a small space heater powered by a generator. They flush the homes toilets by gathering water in buckets from the river. They take showers and do laundry at a FEMA care station three miles north. Swannanoa, named after the river that runs through it, bore among the worst destruction of Hurricane Helene. President Trump has visited it twice, once while still on the campaign trail and once after taking office, on Jan. 24. Both times, he called for the elimination of FEMA. He claims the federal agency is too bureaucratic and slow to respond; however a year earlier in Jan. 2024 the agency underwent a major overhaul of its protocols to ensure faster and more comprehensive response to survivors. As Helene roared through North Carolina, the river, normally less than two feet deep, peaked during the storm at more than 27 feet, according to the United States Geological Survey. Flooding and winds flattened homes, upended trees and cars, washed out roads and left a trail of mud, debris and black mold still visible in the community. The crow of roosters from Gutierrezs yard greets visitors driving onto his block. The neighborhood where he lives and works has far more empty lots filled with debris than it does habitable homes. A company contracted by Buncombe County was set up in a water-damaged fire department substation, offering applications in both Spanish and English for free removal of debris, including fallen trees, damaged vehicles and demolition debris, from private properties. Much of the area remains in ruins, despite ongoing reconstruction, bridge rebuilding and areas being cleared out, thanks to the efforts of workers and volunteers. Debris is still scattered everywhere, and the cleanup and reconstruction will take years. Many parts of town feel frozen in time. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra Everything was lost, said Alex Orellana, 41, owner of Swannanoa Tire Shop, as he finished unloading tires from a flatbed truck a few blocks from Gutierrezs yard. Floodwaters rose past doorways and business insurance didnt cover the losses. Orellana, who immigrated years ago from El Salvador, said he relied on loans from friends to get back in business after a four-month closure. We didnt receive any help if were being quite honest, said his daughter, Ana, 18. We had to rebuild on our own. After any natural disaster, businesses are largely expected to rely on their own resources to rebuild as grants and low-interest loans from the federal government (are) comparatively limited in both scope and amount, according to a 2023 report from the Congressional Research Office. Indeed, on Oct. 15, less than three weeks after Helen hit, the federal Small Business Administration ran out of money to assist small businesses. Two months later, President Biden approved $2.2 billion to be infused into the SBAs Disaster Loan program. By then, Gutierrez, who received $750 in serious needs assistance from FEMA to cover food costs, was already back in business. He said he has not applied for additional assistance from FEMA, instead relying on donations organized by family members to replace the lost equipment and help from an array of local charities in the Asheville area that continue to offer clothing, water and fresh food, as well as baby and menstrual supplies to storm survivors. A warehouse stocked with household supplies, organized by Poder Emma, served as a place where people could stop by and get what they needed. Several donation hubs run by nonprofits popped up around town, providing essentials like food, water and toilet paper to the community. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra Poder Emma hosted distribution days to hand out basic supplies and food and to help fill out FEMA applications. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra Gutierrez said he feels lucky, lucky that he and Martha werent home when Helene hit, lucky for his partnership with his wife, lucky for the love and support of his friends and family. Rebuilding is hard, but not as hard as arriving as a younger man in North Carolina alone so many years ago, he said. And even though he is still in survival mode, Gutierrez believes he is better off than people who were impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. Fire destroys entirely, he said. Floods, he said, eventually end. And if floodwaters try to take you, you can hold on to something until the waters recede. *** I sometimes sit and silently observe my grandpa, watching the way he moves through the world. I notice that his body is not what it used to be. I notice that when he turns a wrench in a car, he now slightly struggles and doesnt have enough strength. Of course, he would never admit this. I notice how much weight hes been losing, his body almost looking like bones underneath all the layers of clothes he wears. In between the sentences and witty remarks, in his eyes, I notice the pause and imprint of the life hes lived. The waters have slowly eroded him. Yet, even through the pain, even after losing everything, he hasnt lost his sense of humor or wit. Ive seen so many people grieve and fall into holes of despair, which is completely understandable everyone has the right to grieve in their own way. But my grandpa was different. He kept going, bursting into random Pedro Infante songs whenever he had the chance. To me, thats remarkable. Its a reminder that even in the darkest moments, its possible to keep going, find joy and keep the spirit alive. My grandpa is no stranger to rebuilding his life from the ground up, and perhaps thats why he doesnt let the weight of loss break him down. He just always says, Hay que echarle ganas. When you lose everything and your whole world is washed away, there really isnt any other choice but to rebuild. Loss is a natural part of it. We have an innate instinct to survive, to keep striving, to build. But we arent creatures who can do it all alone; we are interconnected and that connection is what keeps our spirit alive. I think thats why Ive taken these photos of my grandpa. In a way, these photographs are like fossils. They hold time, an imprint, a moment. They are proof that this was here, at least for a moment. People, moments, belongings and even your own body they all go away. Through these photos, this is the way I can hold on, a way for me to understand. All the houses on the south side of the river have been condemned, leaving them without electricity or city services until further notice. A member of the Gutierrez family took out a bank loan to buy the land where their damaged home stood. After Helene, the previous owner wanted to sell, and Gutierrez who had nowhere else to go saw it as his only option. This was before he had the camper. Gutierrez is a simple man at heart; all he wants is to live with his dogs, chickens and home, and to be able to work from there. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez for palabra The family of Chase Ditter has filed a wrongful death claim against the City of Columbus for the February 2024 police shooting that ended Chase's life. The three officers who were involved in the incident are also named in the suit. The claim was filed nearly a year after the 17-year-old Ditter was killed in his family's home by law enforcement. In the claim, Chase's parents, Cory and Cheryl Ditter, assert that Chase's death was avoidable and claim that officers' negligence led directly to his death. According to the claim, Chase walked home from Columbus High School midday on Feb. 6, 2024, after his medically diagnosed depression and other mental health issues caused him emotional problems. The claim states that school officials and School Resource Officer Jodi Hefti were aware of Chase's mental state, and knew that Cory Ditter, Chase's father, has been able to calm Chase in the past. The suit also asserts that Chase had not threatened to harm anyone at school that day or in the past. Nevertheless, Hefti one of the three officers named in the suit followed Chase in her vehicle and on foot to his home despite Chase expressing a desire to be left alone. The suit alleges that, while Hefti did follow Chase home, she did not suspect him to be armed. Cory arrived home and he and Chase entered the garage, then home. Cory asked Hefti and Ofc. Jamie Levander if he could speak to Chase and told them not to follow them, the claim said. Cory explained that he could calm Chase down if given a minute, to which Hefti allegedly replied, "Good luck with that." The claim states that Hefti and Levander, the second officer named in the suit, stopped the garage door from closing via the safety sensor and entered the garage. Levander opened the door from the garage to the house door and entered the kitchen with Hefti. The officers entered the Ditter home "without a warrant, consent or exigent circumstances," according to the claim. The claim states that Cory tried to calm Chase, who at this time was holding a knife by his side, though he did not threaten anyone or brandish the knife. Hefti yelled commands from a nearby room and aimed a taser Chase, deploying it seconds later. One electrified dart hit Chase while the other hit his father, causing Cory to fall. Chase moved toward his father, with the knife still in hand. The suit alleges that when Hefti fired the taser, Ofc. Kyle Blunck, who had unholstered his service weapon, was standing around a corner out of Chase's sight. After Chase moved toward his father, Blunck, the third officer named in the suit, fired two shots, which caused Chase to back away. The claim states that officers fired three or four more rounds into Chase's back, who then turned around to face the officers, who then fired several more rounds, 12 in total. According to the claim, the action took place within 30 seconds of the officers entering the home. "Any circumstance the officers could hope to rely upon to justify his death occurred only after officers unlawfully entered the home and first threatened and then shot Chase and his father with a taser," the claim states. The claim also asserts that Chase's rights under the Constitution were violated by using "an objectively unreasonable amount of deadly force," and that officers failed to use reasonable care in the following areas: Escalating the situation by unlawfully entering the home. Failing to warn Chase of the potential use of deadly force. Failing to attempt disarming Chase through communication and persuasion. Failing to consider that due to his mental health Chase's behavior did not reflect deliberate noncompliance. Using tactics reasonably expected to trigger aggressive conduct by an individual who was unable to immediately comply with officers' commands due to medical conditions, medical impairment, situational stress and behavioral crisis. Failing to use reasonable care by employing tactical options rather than yelling at and threatening to tase a person known to suffer mental illness and acting emotionally. The last point stands contrary to nationally recognized policing standards adopted by the Columbus Police Department in November 2021, the claim said. The claim concludes that the officers' negligence was the proximate cause of Chase's death and that Blunck willfully and maliciously assaulted Chase by continuing to employ deadly force after the threat had been stopped by the first two shots. It adds that the city's 911 dispatcher also failed to immediately send medical personnel upon notification of the shooting. The Ditters are claiming undisclosed damages for Chase's wrongful death, citing emotional trauma, pain and suffering, loss of expected wages, services and contributions, funeral expenses and other economic damages, loss of society, comfort and companionship, and emotional distress suffered by Cory. Through its attorney Terry Waite of North Platte-based Waite & McWha, the City of Columbus noted the Aug. 28 grand jury results that cleared the city's police officers of criminal wrongdoing. This was reached with a "no true bill" verdict, meaning the jury did not find sufficient evidence to continue the case. Under Nebraska's Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, the city has six months to investigate the claim and in that time frame, the next of kin cannot file a formal lawsuit. The city is conducting an additional and thorough investigation of the claims, the statement said, though counsel is confident that the evidence reviewed thus far does not support a claim of civil liability against the city or the officers. "Nonetheless, the untimely death of Chase Ditter was a tragic and unfortunate event, and the city's deepest sympathies remain with Chase Ditter's family, the officers involved and the entire community," the statement concludes. Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, is removed from the chamber as President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat from southwest Washington who has established a reputation for breaking with her party on certain partisan votes, has done so once again. Gluesenkamp Perez, a second-term member of Congress, was one of just 10 Democrats who voted with the majority Republican party on Thursday to censure Rep. Al Green, a Texas Democrat, for interrupting President Donald Trump during his address to Congress Tuesday. Green, who was removed from the chamber after his outburst, later said he disrupted the speech to protest Trumps efforts to slash Medicaid funding. He is the fourth House Democrat to receive the formal reprimand in the past two years, NBC News reported. Gluesenkamp Perez was the only Democrat from the Pacific Northwest to depart from her party on the vote. All five of Oregons Democratic House members three of whom walked out of the address in protest voted against the censure. When you knowingly break House rules, as Rep. Green did, it shouldnt be surprising to face consequences, Gluesenkamp Perez said in a statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Congress should respect the co-equal office of the presidency, regardless of who holds the job, do our constitutional duty, and stop with the theatrics at these events. The rural Skamania County resident has long touted her ability to cross party lines on difficult votes, a trait that has vexed fellow Democrats and the liberal among her constituents. In 2023, Gluesenkamp Perez was one of 22 Democrats who voted to censure a fellow caucus member for making pro-Palestinian comments following the Hamas attack on Israel that year. And while many Democratic members of Congress have committed to actively oppose Trump and his agenda, Gluesenkamp Perez has not strayed from her promise to work with lawmakers of any party. Partisan tensions are flaring in the media but it doesnt eliminate the need to solve the problems that matter to Southwest Washington and that most of us agree on, she said in a statement ahead of the presidential address. Gluesenkamp Perez in November defeated Republican Joe Kent for the second consecutive election to continue representing Washingtons 3rd Congressional District, a Trump-leaning district that includes much of the states southwest corner. Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 or cfuentes@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. Jurassic World by Brickman comes to OMSI. The museum has been impacted by Trump's funding freeze and it has paused most of its federally funded work. Anna Kucera The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry paused most of its federally funded work on March 1 amid uncertainty with the federal funding freeze. The Portland Museum has about 20 federally funded projects, which are at various stages of completion, according to information provided by OMSI. The federal grants total about $1 million, or about 5% of OMSIs total annual operating budget of approximately $22 million. The museum received notice of a funding freeze in late February. The grants are under review. We hope to have more clarity soon about whether federal agencies will be able to follow-through on their grant awards and funding commitments, Erin Graham, president and chief executive officer of OMSI, said in written responses. The Trump administration guided by billionaire Elon Musk has frozen federal funding and grants as part of a larger plan to shrink the federal workforce and reduce federal spending. However, most of the frozen funds, if not all, had already been appropriated by Congress. On Thursday, a second federal judge in Rhode Island ruled to keep a block in place on the Trump administrations efforts to freeze payments of federal grants and funding for other programs approved by Congress. The Trump administration in late January rescinded the funding freeze after facing legal challenges and judicial intervention. But it later said the pause was necessary to carry out a review of programs that didnt align with the administrations priorities. OMSIs teams will reassess the pause on federally funded projects beginning on March 14th when Congress either passes a Continuing Resolution, Graham said, or a budget to fund the federal government and more information is available. OMSIs Wildfire and Human Health in a Changing Climate project is among the 20 that are federally funded and impacted, she said. The project focuses on developing a new traveling exhibit and programming to engage youth in climate change and its impact on communities. Another federally funded initiative is the Advancing Discovery project that will update OMSIs popular labs with new exhibits and experiences. The paused projects are important to both OMSI and our partners with whom were working, and we truly hope our previously awarded funding is honored, Graham said. We are planning multiple scenarios and continuing to advance the initiatives funded by private philanthropy and our operations. Asked about the various scenarios, spokesperson Annemarie Eayrs said, theres a constant reevaluation on that because information is constantly changing, but leadership has looked at projects that havent started, for example, and that could potentially be pushed back. Meanwhile, museum visitors have seen little change, so far, but that could change. While the federal funding freeze has minimal impact on the museum in the near-term, Graham said, extension of the freeze will impact our ability to innovate and to provide new engaging learning experiences. OMSI, recognized by some as one of the top science museums in the country, said it served 1.1 million people last year. Part of the museums mission is to inspire curiosity through engaging science learning experiences, according to its website. --Yesenia Amaro is an investigative reporter with a focus on social issues and communities of color. Do you have a news tip related to immigration, deportations or publicly funded programs designed to help immigrant Oregonians? Get in touch, 503-221-4395; yamaro@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. In the latest job cuts to hit Oregon under the Trump administration, federal officials this week fired the vast majority of employees who manage real estate and provide services to federally owned buildings in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Christi Chidester Votisek, a spokesperson for Region 10 of the General Services Administration, declined to say how many employees were affected. An emailed statement from the agency said employees of the Public Buildings Service were notified on Wednesday that they were being separated from federal service as part of the agencys reduction in force and reorganization plan. Two long time employees of the Public Buildings Service division told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Wednesdays layoff notices affected about 165 people in four states Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska and that another 75 employees had taken earlier voluntary retirement offers. Together, the actions eliminated all but a handful of the roughly 245 full-time-equivalent employees in the division, including some three dozen in Oregon, they said. The numbers they cited are similar to those reported this week by the publication Government Executive, which said 165 of 178 employees in the region received reduction in force notices Wednesday. Both employees who spoke to the newsroom asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. They said they had no idea how the agency intended to manage the portfolio of federal buildings in the region, which includes some four dozen properties across the four states, including 10 in Oregon. Staff oversee service contracts with outside vendors, manage projects within the buildings and provide other real estate management services. I dont know who is managing these buildings now, said one employee. We have projects in progress. Who is making service calls and overseeing the contracts? No one has the answers. Earlier this week, the GSA posted a list of properties online that it said are not core to government operations and that it presumably intended to sell, including the 10 in Oregon that are managed by the employees laid off this week. By Wednesday, the list had been removed from the agencys website. The agencys statement Thursday said all layoff notifications were conducted in accordance with government policies, though a variety of the previous layoffs carried out pursuant to President Trumps executive orders and actions by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency are being challenged legally. The statement said the agency was centralizing the management of its services and was in touch with tenant agencies that may be impacted by the layoffs. The GSA will not only maintain facility services including repairs, maintenance, janitorial and security through our existing partners, but we will exceed the quality of service to enable our agency customers to fulfill their missions, it said. Another agency employee who spoke to The Oregonian/OregonLive said it was a sad day. Its such a great organization and they just gutted it, he said. Theyre breaking a lot of stuff and hurting a lot of people in the process. Ted Sickinger is a reporter on the investigations team. Reach him at 503-221-8505, tsickinger@oregonian.com or @tedsickinger Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe The OU Board of Regents will discuss housing and food rates, dean searches and master plan updates on Monday. The public meeting will be at 2 p.m. Monday in the Scholars Room at the Oklahoma Memorial Union. OU Students for Justice in Palestine announced it will protest the meeting and advocate for the universitys divestment from Israel. The protest will be held at noon Monday outside of the Bizzell Memorial Library. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name When major news breaks + a few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... Strategic plan refresh The board will consider the approval of OUs strategic plan refresh. In April 2024, an Executive Steering Committee chaired by OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. began the process of refreshing the universitys Lead On, University, a strategic plan that includes five pillars representing goals set by the university. According to the agenda, a 24-member cross-campus working group composed of students, faculty and staff representatives from the Norman campus, OU Health Sciences Center and OU-Tulsa campus examined the strategic plan and input to inform recommendations to the committee on the plans next phase, which would go from 2025 to 2030. The refresh process for the strategic plan will incorporate the OU Health Sciences Centers strategic plan and the development of a new five-year strategic plan for OU-Tulsa, according to a November meeting. Housing and Food rates The board will hear the 2025-26 room and board rates for Norman and Health Sciences Center residential colleges, residence halls, apartments and meal plans. According to the agenda, the standard meal plan, which is currently at $3,075, is proposed to increase $90 to $3,165. For Walker and Couch centers, the new rates for the two-bedroom suite for four people will have a $110 increase to $3,850 per semester, and a two bedroom suite for two people will have a $175 increase to $6,055 per semester. A two-bedroom connected suite for four people will have a $110 increase to $3,850 per semester, a two bedroom connected suite for three people will have a $145 increase to $5,065 per semester and a two-bedroom connected suited for two will have a $180 increase to $6,125 per semester. For David L. Boren Hall, a standard room for two will see a $90 increase to $3,125 per semester. A standard room for one will increase $135 to $4,610 per semester. For Headington Hall, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite for two people will increase $450 to $7,950 per semester; a two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite for four people will increase $350 to $5,550 per semester; a two-bedroom, one-bathroom suite for two will increase $400 to $6,750 per semester; and a four bedroom, two-bathroom suite for four people will increase $550 to $6,100 per semester. For residential colleges, a standard room for two people will increase $115 to $3,915 per semester, and a standard room for one will increase $190 to $6,625 per semester A one bedroom suite will increase $235 to $8,040 per semester, and a three bedroom suite will increase $210 to $7,155 per semester. The two standard room for two people will not increase and remain $6,700 per semester. For Cross Village, four bedroom suite will increase $170 to $6,100 per semester, the two bedroom suite for four people will increase $130 to $4,530 per semester, the two bedroom suite for two people will increase $200 to $6,750 per semester and the one bedroom suite will increase $255 to $8,715 per semester. For Traditions Square, a two bedroom, two bathroom single room will increase $120 to $4,170 per semester; a two bedroom, one bathroom single room will increase $105 to $3,615 per semester; and a four bedroom, two bathroom single room will increase $100 to $3,375 per semester. For Kraettli Apartments, a two bed furnished apartment will increase $30 to $965 per month, and a two bed unfurnished apartment will increase $25 to $850 per month. For McCasland Hall, a new first-year residence building set to open in August, a two bedroom suite for four people will be $4,400 per semester, a one bedroom suite for two people will be $6,200 per semester, and a one bedroom suite for one person will be $8,000 per semester. According to the agenda, all increases were within a range of 3%-6%. It also listed a comparison chart to Oklahoma State University and other colleges in the Southeastern Conference. In the chart, OU ranks as No. 11 with a $13,565 housing rate for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Vanderbilt University is No. 1 with $22,424 while Auburn University is No. 17 with $11,431. Dean searches The Board of Regents will consider the approval of a dean search for the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and Michael F. Price College of Business. According to the agenda, current interim dean for the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, Petra Klein, who has been in the position since December following the death of former dean Berrien Moore III, is not eligible to become a candidate. The agenda states the current interim dean for the Price College of Business, Laku Chidambaram, is eligible for the position. Chidambaram has served in the position since July 13 after former dean Corey Phelps stepped down to become the dean of the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University. Andre-Denis Wright, senior vice president and provost, is set to chair the committee for the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences dean search, while OU College of Law Dean Anna Carpenter is set to chair the Price College search. Master plan updates The board will consider approving several updates to the Campus Master Plan of Capital Improvements Projects. NO PAYWALL, NONPARTISAN Students pay about $14 in fees that support the Daily. If you're not a student, please join those invested in OU and Norman who have given more than $110,000 to support our trustworthy, independent journalism. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL JOURNALISM According to the agenda, updates to the Gallogly College of Engineering have estimated costs of $105 million, $80 million of which will be funded from state appropriations. The remaining amount will be funded through the university and private funds. The updates are meant to address critical space needs for the college and review potential expansion or renovation to several existing buildings. The agenda states that the goal of the master plan is to optimize space usage, consolidate programs and enhance educational experience for all students. According to the agenda, the board will consider approving $22 million to renovate the Chemistry Annex Building. The renovations would reconfigure the space, upgrade building systems and improve accessibility. A study to support each of these needs will be required, the agenda reads. The board will also consider approving $6.75 million in the construction of an Infrastructure Transportation Building. According to the agenda, the building will be an office and laboratory located on the OU Research Campus with the intention to offer space for the engineering college to support transportation research. The facility will include unmanned vehicles, battery testing, fuel cell testing and an open dry lab. The project will also include an office space for up to 12 faculty members and 40 graduate students. Funding for construction will be divided by the state, donor funds and university sources. Suicide prevention The board will consider approving the Suicide Prevention Resource Center to contract with the Education Development Center for their professional services. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center is funded through a five-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration with a total of around $37.9 million. According to the agenda, the Education Development Center was chosen because it was the only entity besides OU Health Sciences Center to receive the Suicide Prevention Resource Center award, which they received 17 years before the Health Sciences Center. The agenda states the Education Development Center possesses significant staffing resources and expertise relevant to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center project and would provide consulting hours to support four of its goals: Increase capacity of health, behavioral health systems and clinical workforces to screen, assess, treat and transition care effectively to reduce suicide deaths and attempts among those at risk who are in care. Increase capacity among state, tribal and community systems, and their workforces to implement what works to reduce rates of suicide deaths and attempts in populations they serve. Develop strong national public-private partnerships among key stakeholders from multiple sectors to advance the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, and develop policy and practice. Increase the availability of effective, appropriate resources to support suicide prevention among individuals at highest risk, survivors and their families to improve crisis response, help loved ones reach care and increase access to community supports for mental wellness. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center is funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminitration and has its own line in the federal budget, according to the agenda. Airplane purchases According to the agenda, the board will consider a proposal to compete, negotiate and award contracts and place orders of up to $2.2 million for the purchase of five airplanes for the School of Aviation. The new airplanes are meant to expand the fleet in order to meet increasing student enrollment. According to the agenda, in November 2022, the School of Aviation was approved to expand its fleet by nine aircrafts, which arrived in February 2024. This purchase allowed enrollment to increase by 79% in comparison to fall 2022, according to the agenda. The school, with the consultation of the Office of Budget and Financial Planning, developed a multi-year budget to increase freshman by another 60 students and expand the airplane fleet with five modern state-of-the-art airplanes. According to the agenda, the funding necessary for the expansion has been identified as available within the School of Aviation's operating account and other accounts set aside for aviation. Morris sculpture The board will consider the donation of a bust of former OU Provost J. R. Morris. Morris was a faculty member and top academic official at OU for four decades. During his time at OU, he was an academic counselor and taught graduate psychology classes. He served as associate dean of University College, vice president of University Community and provost and senior vice president of the Norman campus for nine years. He also served as interim president of the university from 1982 to 1994. Upon retirement, Morris received the title of provost emeritus and Regents professor emeritus and was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 1996. He died on Sept. 28. The bust was created by OU artist Sohail Shehada and is expected to be placed in the Bizzell Memorial Library, according to the agenda. Shehada received a masters degree in ceramics and a bachelors in architecture from OU. Street acquisition The board will consider authorizing the university to negotiate the acquisition of a single family home located on 425 Page Circle upon consultation with general counsel. According to the agenda, the university wishes to purchase for strategic purchases due to the homes proximity to campus and location near other single-family homes already owned by the university. The board will also consider entering into any agreements and execute and acquire any deeds, or instruments that may be necessary to transfer any titles for the transaction. This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure. Sophie Hemker copy edited this story. You are the owner of this article. Police on Friday charged a teenager for the role they say he played in a February high-speed chase across two central Pennsylvania counties, court documents show. Braedon T. Willis, 17, of Kingsport, Tennessee, was in a stolen pickup truck with three other teens that led troopers on a Feb. 23 chase from Dauphin into Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania State Police said. Shots were fired at a trooper as he tried to take the four suspects into custody, court documents said. Willis was charged with attempted homicide and 18 related offenses. Attempted homicide charges were previously filed against Kadence Gooch, 18, as well as 17-year-olds Christian Guerrero, Jr. and Jeremiah Begley, all of Kingsport, Tennessee. Court documents filed against Willis gave this account: Sometime after Feb. 19, Willis, Gooch, Guerrero and Begley stole a red pickup truck from an Oklahoma man who was out of town and did not know his vehicle was gone until police called him, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The teens drove the stolen truck north to Pigeon Forge in eastern Tennessee, where they broke into vehicles for cash but came up empty with only $15, according to the affidavit. Court documents said the group decided to go to Florida to try to steal from wealthier residents, but changed their minds and started driving toward Connecticut. Willis told police the four teens were randomly waving four firearms at passing drivers during the trek, according to the affidavit. The truck was headed north on I-81 through Cumberland County when one of the teens waved a gun at a New York woman traveling with her 7- and 3-year-old children. The woman called the police around 12:40 p.m. on Feb. 23. The teens told police they did not know which one of them was waving the guns at drivers in Cumberland County because they didnt even know they were in Pennsylvania at the time. Court documents said the teens believed they were in Massachusetts. Gooch was driving the truck at this point and for the rest of the incident, he told police. About 20 miles north on I-81, Trooper Joshua Zukoski intercepted the truck near mile marker 77 in West Hanover Township, Dauphin County and tried to pull them over. The truck initially pulled onto the highways shoulder but quickly fled, reaching more than 100 mph, according to the affidavit. The chase led off I-81 to the 7000 block of Manor Drive in West Hanover, where Guerrero and Begley fired at troopers out of the trucks windows, Willis told police, according to court documents. Willis and Gooch told police they handled the firearms in the truck but did not shoot, court documents said. Bullets hit Zukoskis patrol vehicle on the front right side headlight, the affidavit said. Three shell casings were recovered from the scene. The truck reentered I-81 north but then exited at mile marker 124 near Frackville and got onto Route 61. The teens threw four firearms out of the truck on Route 61, which police later recovered. The teens drove to a Walmart on the 500 block of Terry Rich Road in Saint Clair Borough, where the truck became disabled, court documents said. According to the affidavit, two teens ran up a nearby hill while two others went into the Walmart, where they shed their clothes and stole new clothing to disguise themselves. Gooch and Willis were arrested at the scene. Begley and Guerrero were later arrested in Connecticut and are being extradited to Pennsylvania to face attempted homicide charges and related offenses. Gooch was denied bail and is being held at Dauphin County Prison. Online court records show Willis, who is in custody, has not been arraigned as of Friday morning. By Alex Brizee and Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman (TNS) BOISE, Idaho Text messages from two surviving roommates in the University of Idaho student homicides and a transcript of the 911 call both unsealed by the court Thursday afternoon shed new insights into the morning when the four college students were stabbed to death in November 2022. The texts between the female roommates, whom the Idaho Statesman is not identifying by name, revealed that the second-floor roommate saw someone in their three-story rental house wearing all black and a ski mask or covering over his head and mouth, and texted the first-floor roommate between 4:22 and 4:24 a.m., according to the prosecutions court filings. Im not kidding. (I) am so freaked out, she wrote, as her phone was about to lose power. So am I, the other responded. Come to my room / Run / Down here Later that morning, a 911 call sent police to the off-campus home on King Road in Moscow to discover four students stabbed to death. Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a hearing at the Latah County Courthouse on June 27, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. (August Frank/Pool/Getty Images/TNS, file) TNS After a nearly seven-week manhunt, suspect Bryan Kohberger, 30, a former Washington State University graduate student, was arrested in Pennsylvania. He faces four counts of first-degree murder, and prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted. The four victims were University of Idaho undergraduates Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum; Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur dAlene; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls; and Ethan Chapin, 20, of Mount Vernon, Washington. Surviving roommates Dylan Mortensen (far left) and Bethany Funke (far right), and University of Idaho slaying victims Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylees shoulders), Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle (hugging). (Courtesy photo via Law&Crime Network, file) The three women lived in the home with the two other women, who went physically unharmed in the early morning attack. Chapin was Kernodles boyfriend and stayed over for the night. The surviving roommates and two unidentified friends called 911 on Nov. 13, 2022, to report that something happened in their house the night before and that one of their roommates was passed out after drinking the night before and not waking up, according to the unsealed court filing. Oh, and they saw some man in their house last night, one of the unidentified friends interjected, according to a transcript of the 911 call. The 911 call was placed on the first-floor roommates cellphone, according to a defense filing. Moscow police previously denied an Idaho Statesman public records request for audio of the call, citing the ongoing investigation. Kohberger is expected to stand trial in Boise this summer. Both surviving roommates are expected to testify during the trial, the prosecution wrote in the filings. The fact that one roommate saw an intruder was already known in the case, but the contents of her conversations via text were not. The night before a Saturday all five of the roommates, as well as Chapin, went out in Moscow. By about 2 a.m., everyone was back at the house, according to a probable cause affidavit written by law enforcement. At around 4 a.m., the second-floor roommate said she was awakened by a noise she thought was Goncalves playing with her dog in one of the third-floor bedrooms. Not long after, she heard someone she thought was Goncalves say something along the lines of, Theres someone here, the affidavit said. The second-floor roommate looked outside her bedroom but saw nothing, she told police. Then she heard what she thought was crying coming from Kernodles second-floor bedroom and looked again. Finally, a third time, she saw an unknown intruder dressed in black clothing and a mask, with bushy eyebrows, walking toward her, the affidavit said. In a separate court filing, the defense is attempting to exclude her bushy eyebrows description of the man, on account of her reliability after she indicated in an interview with police four days after the crime that she was really sleepy and probably very drunk at the time she witnessed the intruder, the filing read. During her testimony before a grand jury in May 2023, she said she was uncertain of what the male intruder was wearing, according to the filing. After seeing the unknown man a little after 4 a.m. that day, the second-floor roommate attempted to call all four of her roommates. All calls went unanswered, and she eventually texted the first-floor roommate. No one is answering / Im rlly confused rn, she wrote to the other survivor. She then texted Goncalves. Kaylee / Whats going on The first-floor roommate, at 4:24 a.m., told her to come sleep in her room. Im scRwd tho, the second-floor roommate replied. Ya I (know) but its better than being alone Police used the two roommates' texts to develop a timeline that the stabbing deaths occurred between 4 a.m. and 4:25 a.m. The second-floor roommate eventually went downstairs and the two surviving roommates fell asleep, according to a recent legal filing from Kohbergers defense. Later that morning, the two roommates still hadnt heard from either Goncalves or Mogen, texting them at 10:23 a.m. to see whether they were awake. Pls answer, the second-floor roommate texted Goncalves. R u up, a message to Mogen read. R u up?? read another to Goncalves. Not quite two hours later, at 11:56 a.m., the 911 call was placed, according to a defense filing. Throughout the chaotic phone call, the phone was passed back and forth between the roommates and friends as they tried to answer questions from the dispatcher. Hi, something is happening. Something happened in our house. We dont know what. We have the 911 call began, according to the transcript. Moments after police arrived, one of the emergency responders told dispatch, I think we have a homicide, after finding Kernodle unresponsive, according to the transcript in the redacted court filing. Student loan borrowers are in limbo after the Trump administration removed online applications for income-driven repayment plans from the U.S. Department of Education website. (Carl Court/Pool Photo via AP, file) Carl Court/Pool Photo via AP President Donald Trump has overhauled the student loan system weeks into his second term, creating uncertainty for borrowers across the U.S. The Trump administration has removed online applications for income-driven repayment plans from the U.S. Department of Education website. The IDR plans, which determine monthly payments based on income and family size, were blocked by a ruling from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in February. That ruling specifically blocked the Biden administrations SAVE plan and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, both of which are IDR plans. A federal court issued an injunction preventing the U.S. Department of Education from implementing the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan and parts of other income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, reads a statement on the Federal Student Aid website. As a result, the IDR and online loan consolidation applications are temporarily unavailable. There are about 13 million borrowers enrolled in an IDR plan, according to the Institute for College Access & Success. Those enrolled under the SAVE plan are in forbearance due to the Biden administration pausing payments amid the programs legal challenges in January. Borrowers enrolled in SAVE do not have to make monthly payments on student loans, and interest is not accruing on the loans. However, borrowers arent receiving credit toward their required 120 payments required for loan forgiveness under PSLF. The PSLF program supports public servants by forgiving the remaining student loan balance for those who make 120 qualifying monthly payments. The Department of Education is adjusting IDR applications to comply with the new court order, an agency spokesperson told CNBC. In the meantime, the DOE issued a notice in January informing SAVE borrowers that payments arent expected to be due until December. Because this transition will take time, servicers expect first payments to be due no earlier than December 2025, DOE said in the notice. Borrowers will be informed of any further change to this timeline. Borrowers who do not want to be in forbearance can contact their loan servicer to change repayment plans. However, borrowers who want to sign up for an IDR plan or switch between programs are in a waiting period while the DOE tweaks online applications. The Student Borrower Protection Center issued a statement criticizing the Trump administration, not the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, for the decision to pause IDR programs. Shutting down access to all income-based repayment plans is not what the 8th Circuit ordered this was a choice by the Trump Administration and a cruel one that will inflict massive pain on millions of working families, Persis Yu, SBPC executive director and managing counsel, said in a news release. This action comes as borrowers find themselves under attack by partisan attorneys general, the Republican tax plan in Congress, and now the Trump Administration all with the aim of pushing them further into debt. The Administrations cruel choice to cut off access to affordable repayment options passed by Congress and enshrined in millions of borrowers loan contracts comes at the same time as they are wreaking havoc on communities and families across our nation firing thousands of federal workers, and eliminating agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau charged with protecting the finances of everyday Americans. None of this is by accident. President Trump campaigned on lower costs, but once again has chosen a path that will ensure the greatest possible harm to the monthly budgets of everyday working families, Yu added. An anchor and reporter with Fox 43 will be leaving the station. In a post on Facebook, Marshall Keely announced that his time at the York news station has come to an end. I wanted to extend a big thank you to the team in York and all the folks of South Central Pa. who have been so welcoming, Keely said in the post. Its been an honor to in serve the community where I went to school and got my start in this profession. Originally from Maryland, Keely studied at Shippensburg University, during which time he received an Emmy Award for a story on a youth summer camp of cancer patients and survivors. He served as an intern and later production assistant at WHP 21. He later worked as a reporter for WJAC in Johnstown and WNEP in Scranton, before returning to our region to join the Fox 43 news team. While Keely did not announce what his next plans were, he did write in the post that my journey in television is not over! Ill have details to share in a few days, he wrote. Im excited for this next chapter and some warmer weather. To read Keelys full post on Facebook, click here. Sometimes, nothing starts off the day like a good bowl of cereal. (Getty Images) Getty Images While breakfast is full of wonderful food options from pancakes to eggs to bacon sometimes, theres just nothing like a good bowl of cereal. But theres one cereal box that people in Pennsylvania are reaching for more than any others. VegasInsider an online sportsbook that [offers] betting odds, trends, matchups, and unique quality content recently published a report covering each states favorite cereal in honor of National Cereal Day on Friday, March 7th. Pennsylvanias, according to a company press release sent via email, was that iconic staple, Cheerios. Cheerios also happened to be the top nationwide, too. VegasInsider researchers were able to determine Cheerios ranking and the rankings of the other cereals on the list by tapping into Google Keyword Planner data and analyzing searches. Cheerios, for example, averaged 103,120, searches over the past year. In second nationally was Lucky Charms with 84,570 average searches and in third, Cinnamon Toast Crunch with 74,310. A bowl of cereal in the morning is one of the most convenient breakfasts for those looking for a quick meal to start the day, the report reads. Some cereals can be healthy, some not so healthy, but its an enjoyable choice of food to start off the day. Former Olympian Ryan Wedding of Canada, seen here at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games has been added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List. Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images Getty Images The FBI announced on Thursday that a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder has been added to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List. Ryan Wedding, 43, faces several charges in the U.S., including conspiracy to export cocaine, continuing criminal enterprise, murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime, and attempt to commit murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime. The U.S. State Department is offering a $10 million reward for information that could lead to his arrest and conviction. This is addition to an offering of $50,000 for information that would lead to his capture. Officials say that Wedding, who goes by several aliases, including El Jefe, Giant, Public Enemy, James Conrad King, and Jesse King, ran a drug trafficking network that shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and eventually to Canada and the United States. He is also accused of orchestrating several murders and one attempted murder as part of operating this drug network. Wedding competed for Team Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He participated in the snowboarding mens parallel giant slalom and finished 24th overall. Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada, Akil Davis, the Assistant Director of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office, said in a press release. The alleged murders of his competitors make Wedding a very dangerous man, and his addition to the list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, coupled with a major reward offer by the State Department, will make the public our partner so that we can catch up with him before he puts anyone else in danger. Authorities say Wedding and his second-in-command, Andrew Clark, 34, directed the 2023 murders of two members of a family living in Ontario, Canada, in retaliation over a stolen drug shipment. One person survived that shooting but was left with severe physical injuries. Authorities said the pair also ordered the killing of another person in 2024 over a debt. In addition, Clark and Malik Damion Cunningham, 23, are charged with a separate 2024 murder in Ontario. Clark was arrested by Mexicos Naval forces last October. He was one of 29 accused drug cartel members sent to the U.S. earlier this year. It is believed Wedding could be living in Mexico, possibly under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel, according to Yahoo News. If convicted he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of life in federal prison. FILE - Adnan Syed gets emotional as he speaks to reporters outside the Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal building after a hearing, Feb. 2, 2023, in Annapolis, Md. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/The Baltimore Sun via AP, File) AP By Lea Skene and Brian Witte, The Associated Press BALTIMORE Adnan Syed, whose case amassed a worldwide following of Serial podcast listeners, will remain free even though his murder conviction still stands, a Baltimore judge ruled on Thursday. Judge Jennifer Schiffer agreed to reduce Syeds sentence to time served under a relatively new state law that provides a pathway to release for people convicted of crimes committed when they were minors. The judge ruled that he will be on supervised probation for five years. After considering the entire record, the court concludes that the Defendant is not a danger to the public and that the interests of justice will be better served by a reduced sentence, Schiffer wrote in the decision. The judges ruling followed a hearing last week that included emotional testimony from Syed and relatives of the victim, Hae Min Lee, who was strangled and buried in a shallow grave in a Baltimore park in 1999. Both prosecutors and defense attorneys told Schiffer that Syed, now 43, doesnt pose a risk to public safety. Lees brother and mother urged the judge to uphold his life sentence. Syed, who has maintained his innocence, was released from prison in 2022 after Baltimore prosecutors said they had uncovered problems with the case and moved to vacate his conviction, which was later reinstated on appeal. Since his release, hes been working at Georgetown Universitys Prisons and Justice Initiative and caring for aging family members. The judge noted in her ruling that Syeds behavior after his release gave her confidence he has achieved the maturity and fitness required for a crime-free life outside of prison, Schiffer wrote. Erica Suter, an attorney who represented Syed, said his legal counsel was focused on the joy and relief of this decision, adding that Syed was grateful the judge reduced his sentence. Given his accomplishments in prison and his work in the community since release, he was a model candidate for a sentence reduction, Suter said. Adnan is committed to continuing to be a productive member of his community and living a life centered around his family. David Sanford, an attorney for Lees family, said in a statement after the ruling that the state last week acknowledged it had previously presented false and misleading information during former Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosbys tenure to the court in support of releasing Syed. FILE - Adnan Syed, center right, leaves the courthouse after a hearing on Sept. 19, 2022, in Baltimore. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Sun via AP, File) We now know there was never any new information that called into question Adnan Syeds guilty verdict, Sanford said. Absolutely nothing changes the fact that Mr. Syed remains convicted of first-degree premeditated murder due to overwhelming direct and circumstantial evidence. We hope that one day Mr. Syed can summon the courage to take responsibility for his crime and express sincere remorse. At Syeds trial, prosecutors painted him as Lees jealous ex-boyfriend and built their case around a key witness whose credibility has been heavily questioned. But all these years later, arguments about whether to reduce Syeds sentence notably sidestepped the issue of guilt or innocence. The current Baltimore states attorney, Ivan Bates, who publicly raised doubts about the integrity of the conviction before becoming the citys top prosecutor, said last week that his office believes in the jurys verdict and has no plans to continue investigating the case. Recent court testimony reviewed the lasting impacts of Lees gruesome death and Syeds 23-year incarceration. Lees family and their attorney said old wounds were ripped open when Syeds conviction was vacated. The family later succeeded in getting the conviction reinstated after challenging the ruling on procedural grounds, arguing they didnt receive proper notice to attend the hearing that freed Syed from prison, where they participated only through a video connection. Hours before the hearing, Bates withdrew Mosbys earlier motion to vacate the conviction even as he supported a reduced sentence. On Thursday, Bates said his offices decision to withdraw the effort to vacate the sentence and the judges decision marked a just outcome for a tragedy that took the life of a young woman whose family is forever altered. FILE - Adnan Syed, right, and his mother Shamim Rahman, follow attorney Erica Sutter, not in the photo, to talk with reporters outside Maryland's Supreme Court in Annapolis, Md., Oct. 5, 2023, following arguments in an appeal by Syed, whose conviction for killing his ex-girlfriend more than 20 years ago was chronicled in the hit podcast "Serial." (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) AP I hope the Lee family can find peace and healing in the aftermath of this challenging experience, Bates said in a statement. My office is here to support them whenever they may need it. While the judge acknowledged Syeds accomplishments in her remarks to the court last week, she focused on what the Lee family has endured, including witnessing Syeds rise to celebrity following the release of Serial in 2014 and a television documentary about the case. I hope that everyone understands that Hae Min Lee and her family are the true victims in this case, she said. Their suffering cannot be overstated. First responders after a plane was reported to have crashed near Roosevelt Mall on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, in Philadelphia. (Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) TNS By Dylan Purcell and Ryan W. Briggs, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) PHILADELPHIA A key piece of hardware that aviation experts and pilots said could solve the mystery in the fatal crash of the medical transport Learjet on Jan. 31 turned out to be useless. The cockpit voice recorder recovered 8.feet deep at the bottom of the jets impact crater was repaired after extensive damage, but according to a preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report released Thursday, when investigators played back the 30-minute-long recording they found the device had likely not been recording audio for several years. There was brief communication with the Philadelphia Northeast Airport control tower, but no signs of trouble over radio, the NTSB said. No distress calls were made by the pilot or copilot. The jet also included an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, which could reveal more detailed flight tracking information than is now available, but that device was sent to its manufacturer for recovery and the results are not back. The preliminary report leaves open several unanswered questions about the condition of the jet on its sharp descent along Cottman Avenue near Roosevelt Mall, including the status of the engines or other critical flight components, such as the stabilizers that help an aircraft fly straight. The jet a medical transport Learjet 55 owned by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, headquartered in Mexico City crashed just after 6 p.m. All six occupants aboard the 43-year-old aircraft died, including a mother and her daughter who were on the journey home after the child had received four months of treatment at Shriners Childrens Hospital. As it slammed into the sidewalk at more than 278 mph, the aircraft exploded, showering the area with fiery debris and a massive fireball that lit up the sky. The inferno was captured from several angles on dashcams, doorbell cameras, and cellphones and went viral on social media. Several cars and rowhouses along the busy route were instantly set ablaze. Jeff Guzzetti, a former NTSB investigator, said that the lack of a functional voice recorder would make investigating the nature and cause of the crash much more difficult and was a violation of FAA rules for foreign air carriers. Its a critical piece of safety equipment in jet powered airplanes for this exact reason. It also begs the question why it wasnt working, he said. That really shows a black mark on this company and its oversight. The jet had taken off at 6:07 p.m. from runway 24 at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, and crashed just three miles away around 6:08 p.m. Tower audio of the takeoff revealed that an air traffic controller had a seemingly normal exchange with the crew as it departed, with the pilot calmly signing off, thank you, good day. But moments after, the crew failed to switch over and talk on another frequency as required. They were not heard from again. During takeoff, the jet quickly climbed to 1650 feet before veering to the left in a nosedive and hitting the ground at a steep angle of descent. The crash obliterated the plane and left a crater in the sidewalk eight feet deep. One person, Steven Dreuitt, 37, was killed on the ground when his car was engulfed in flames. His 9-year-old son survived but suffered severe burns over 90% of his body and remains in a Boston hospital that specializes in pediatric burn patients. At least 24 other people on the ground suffered injuries and several hundred homes were damaged, some of them set ablaze. Hundreds of firefighters and rescue workers swarmed the area to put out homes and cars on fire from the jet fuel or burning pieces of aircraft that struck them. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said he couldnt believe how nightmarish the retail strip had become. I felt like we were in the middle of a war zone, he said. The Learjet 55, had flown to Philadelphia from Florida on an uneventful flight earlier in the day, according to Jet Rescue spokesperson Shai Gold. Prior to the crash, the heavily-used jet had flown 12 flights in the preceding five days, covering 9,400 miles. In the past year it had 163 takeoffs before the fateful incident, flight records show. The pilot Alan Montoya Perales, 46, and his copilot Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez, 43 had thousands of hours of relevant flight experience, Gold said. Also killed were Jet Rescue members Rodrigo Lopez Padilla, 41, a paramedic, and Raul Meza Arredonda, 41, a doctor. While an older aircraft, the Learjet 55 is considered by experts to be a safe jet that was a marvel of speed and luxury when it was launched. NTSB records show at least 15 investigations into incidents for the Learjet 55, as far back as 1986. Most of the investigations found faults due to pilots who made errors navigating runway landings and takeoffs, sometimes in bad weather. 18 1 / 18 Small plane crashes in Philadelphia In one report about a fatal crash of a Learjet 55 in Venezuela in 2022, the crew declared an emergency during a landing approach due to a technical problem, apparently with its thrust reversers. On a second approach the jet went off the runway and struck a hill, killing all six occupants. In 2023, a Jet Rescue Learjet 35A, an earlier model, was involved in a fatal crash that killed all five crew members aboard. There were no passengers on the flight, which overran a runway. The jet crashed after landing at Cuernavaca Airport in Morelos, Mexico, according to news reports. And in 2019, a Jet Rescue Learjet 35 had a fire during a takeoff from Toluca Airport in Mexico that impacted its braking system. It was able to land successfully with no injuries or deaths. 2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Visit at inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Harrisburg University's new interim president, David Schankweiler, told PennLive's editorial board Thursday he believes the cash-strapped school's best days are just ahead. Jeffrey Totaro Student enrollment drops and programmatic missteps have rocked Harrisburg University to its core in recent years. The schools most recent financial statements bear that out: For the 2023-24 fiscal year, HUs operating expenses exceeded revenues by nearly $18 million. The Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting West Virginia offensive lineman Wyatt Milum for a pre-draft visit on Thursday. Milum will not count towards the teams 30 pre-draft visits, since West Virginia is considered a local school for the Steelers. Milum is a borderline day two to day three player that was once thought of as one of the top offensive linemen in the class, but has since fallen down boards. He played with Steelers center Zach Frazier. Pittsburgh already has two West Virginia offensive linemen on their team Frazier and Doug Nester. Milum could add to that pedigree and be another mid-round option for them to build depth on their offensive line. Milum will be one of the top seven tackles in this class, and with 32 1/8-inch arms, it would suggest he will slide inside. He was a four-year starter for the Mountaineers, and the Steelers would have gotten to know him quite well, given their local connections inside the building. It remains unlikely they will select Milum early, however, as the Steelers have a ton of needs they must fill in free agency to ake a guard as early as Milum is likely to come off the draft board. The Pittsburgh Steelers will not be in pursuit of Christian Kirk after all. While the Jacksonville Jaguars had planned to release Kirk, they have instead traded him to the Houston Texans for a 2026 seventh-round pick. It makes sense from the Jaguars perspective, as it gives them even more cap room than if they would have outright released him. Meanwhile, the Steelers, who had an interest in pursuing Kirk, will have to turn their attention elsewhere. Since they cleared $5 million in cap space with Cole Holcombs restructured contract, they could make that wide receiver move right now. But their attention will likely turn to players like Darius Slayton. Slayton is their top free agent target, and the team has vowed to fix that room going into this year. Kirk is a nice player, but he could not have been the only move for the Steelers. Just 1101 receiving yards and mounting injuries over the last two years are a significant concern. His yards per route run over those seasons is a solid 2.1, though, so there is talent there. However, the Steelers wanted to sign him at their price rather than pay what his contract entailed in a trade scenario. Pennsylvanians suffer from fractured election processes and they should also care more about local races, former Republican Gov. Tom Corbett urged Wednesday at Dickinson College, lamenting voter distrust and apathy, inconsistent voting regulations and inaction from lawmakers. Were fractured in our politics now because of a lack of trust, Corbett, the governor from 2011 to 2015, told The Sentinel after appearing in a conference about improving Pennsylvania elections. Election administration is also fractured but by design which can confuse voters, he said. States run their own elections, but Pennsylvanias 67 counties all run elections a little differently with conflicting regulations. Lawmakers should pass more uniform guidelines, but reaching consensus in the divided legislature reflects another fractured system, Corbett said. Ask him why voters have lost trust in elections post-2020 and he holds up his smartphone: Because they reach things on here that may or may not be true. Corbetts advice to voters is get educated. Learn from official sources how the election process works, and know that if your social media feed is full of controversies from other states, thats not your problem. A decade after he left office, Corbett helps lead a nonpartisan effort called Keep Our Republic. Founded in 2020, it educates people in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin about voting and seeks to build confidence back into the system. The nonprofit hosted state and local officials and voting experts in Carlisle for panel discussions about modernizing Pennsylvanias elections and improving voters trust. Corbett stressed to Wednesdays crowd the importance of local elections especially in 2025 as municipal races see much lower enthusiasm than national races. What affects you more every day: the federal government or the school board that youre paying for? he said. Corbett reminded people that in this Novembers election, there are three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices up for retention. The outcome of those races could reshape the political demographics of the court. But turnout is lower in odd-numbered years because people care less about voting for local races than for president, Congress or governor. In Cumberland County, nearly 80% of registered voters cast ballots in the 2024 election. In 2023, it was 37%. When people are looking at where they want to move, they look at the taxes, and its the real estate taxes that make big decisions, Corbett told The Sentinel. Yet youre not really weighing in on those elections? On fighting polarization, Corbett shares an idea that other states have adopted: open primary elections to independents. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.1 million registered voters (about 12%) who are unaffiliated with a party. Theyre disenfranchised, the ex-governor said, because only people registered with a party can vote in its primary here. Corbett doesnt see the U.S. becoming more than a two-party system, nor does he support ranked choice voting, but he said opening primaries to independents can move parties away from extremes. The tails wagging the dog, and that shouldnt be the case, Corbett said. Adding voters to a primary election who are closer to the political middle will theoretically advance less polarizing candidates to the general election. County commissioner suggests reforms Other election reforms that speakers floated at Dickinson College include making Election Day a holiday to free up schools to be voting precincts; increasing poll workers pay; and moving the deadline to request a mail-in ballot currently one week before an election to closer to Election Day. Cumberland County commissioner Kelly Neiderer had some ideas while on a panel about challenges and improvements to county-level elections. With Pennsylvanias top election officer Secretary of State Al Schmidt in the crowd, Neiderer asked state leaders to clean up language surrounding drop boxes and curing ballots. Regarding ballot drop boxes, she wants clarity as to how many and whats the protocol. Cumberland County has one drop box (at the Bureau of Elections office on Ritner Highway), but other counties have more. Cumberlands drop box was also always staffed when it was open, including having a sheriffs deputy for security and an employee to make sure voters did the mail ballot process correctly, Neiderer said. We ended up with very few set-aside ballots, and thats just different across counties, she said. I think when theres a difference, it creates confusion and possibly distrust. Not all Pennsylvania counties had ballot curing last November, Neiderer said. Curing aka notice-and-cure is when a county informs voters of errors with their submitted mail ballots that risk the ballots being rejected and allows the voters to correct those mistakes. Cumberland County did not offer curing last year, but Dauphin and Adams counties did. Curing policies also vary among counties that allow it. As a first-term commissioner, 2024 was Neiderers first presidential election in the job. She avoided the much more contentious 2020 election, which included President Donald Trumps false claims of fraud and cheating in swing states like Pennsylvania. It can be a challenge to accommodate every skepticism from voters, Neiderer said, but we welcome that in as Cumberland Countys election last year was safe, secure and accurate. Everybodys wanting to validate that things are being done appropriately, and they are, she said. The countys 2024 election took about 1,500 people to execute across 118 precincts, Neiderer said, and shes extremely proud of how well it ran under elections director Bethany Salzarulo. The county struggled initially with accommodating facilities to early voting but adapted quickly, she said, adding the longest wait to vote in the county was about 45 minutes. We were very pleased that on the day of the election we didnt have any major issues to speak of, Neiderer said, and all results were reported by 11 p.m. Two of the four starting days of the 2025 SunBet Poker Tour Time Square Main Event have been completed and another 67 entries on Day 1b have boosted the overall attendance to 147 entries here in Pretoria. With a price tag of ZAR 15,000 ($820), the Nahum Lum Memorial Main Event is still some ways off reaching theZAR 4 million ($217,580) guarantee but another two flights remain on Friday, March 7, 2025. It took almost an identical time as in the opening flight to reach the top 15% of the field today and the action concluded with the most spectacular hand of this stop so far, vaulting Gavin Sardini into the top spot with 579,000 in chips. Sardini flopped quads sevens and denied Huawei Sun from Botswana a berth on Day 2, who rivered the second nuts with pocket tens for tens full of sevens when all the chips went in. For Sun, it was a rather unfortunate day on the poker tables, as he was also the first casualty in the money in the ZAR 50,000 High Roller. But he has another two chances to make up for it and compete for a slice of the six-figure prize pool. All 11 Day 1b survivors hail from South Africa and that includes the former SPT Main Event finalists KM (367,000), Jedd Kossew (341,000), Cliton Taliwanth (240,000), Gareth Fourie (175,000) and Jaryd Jardien (165,000). Final Chip Counts Day 1b Rank Player Country Chip Counts Big Blinds Day 1b 1 Gavin Sardini South Africa 579,000 145 2 KM South Africa 367,000 92 3 JS South Africa 343,000 86 4 Jedd Kossew South Africa 341,000 85 5 Cliton Taliwanth South Africa 240,000 60 6 Gareth Fourie South Africa 175,000 44 7 Kinesh Pather South Africa 167,000 42 8 Jaryd Jardien South Africa 165,000 41 9 Jonathan Hoal South Africa 133,000 33 10 Bradley Moore South Africa 103,000 26 11 Norman Cherry Sr South Africa 70,000 18 Norman Cherry Sr (70,000) followed into the footsteps of his son, who was on the rail after bowing out earlier on Day 1b and had bagged up a short stack in the opening flight. Other familiar faces of the close-knit South African poker community who failed to advance were Jaco Mouton, Nic Ioannoy, Okkie Fourie, Giovanni Zanette, Rajeev Poonhath, Stephen Courtney, and Joe Rahme to name all but a few of today's casualties. Max Deveson wins the 2025 SPT Time Square ZAR 50,000 High Roller Max Deveson Wins ZAR 50,000 High Roller As previously mentioned, the ZAR 50,000 High Roller Event concluded today as well and the UK's Max Deveson put on a heads-up master class to overcame a large chip deficit in heads-up play and defeated Ronit Chamani and earn the biggest piece of the ZAR 2,016,000 ($110,880) prize pool in a field of 48 entries for his first SPT trophy. Ever since entering the South African poker scene, Deveson has been racking up impressive results but had the work cut out for him after entering the final five last in chips with a still very playable sub 50 big blinds. He eventually came out on top of a fierce heads-up encounter of more than two and a half hours to claim the ZAR 800,000 ($44,000) top prize. ZAR 50,000 High Roller Final Result Place Winner Country Prize (in ZAR) Prize (in USD) 1 Max Deveson United Kingdom 800,000 44,000 2 Ronit Chamani South Africa 554,000 30,470 3 Rex Hsu South Africa 360,400 19,822 4 Marko Nortje South Africa 201,600 11,088 5 Huawei Sun Botswana 100,000 5,500 The first seat open of the final day was Huawei Sun from Botswana, who got short and then jammed at the wrong time with queen-deuce suited, Chamani looked him up with red aces and faded the pair and flush draw sweat. Chamani closed the gap to Marko Nortje and then knocked him out to become the run-away chip leader. "It was a punt, you will be so disappointed in me when you see the stream. First against second in chips," Nortje told Cliton Taliwanth during level three of the Main Event Day 1b. Nortje had started the final five with the lead and jammed a jack-high turn with king-six suited for second pair and a flush draw. Chamani used three time bank extensions and then called with jack-deuce suited for top and bottom pair on the flop, which held after a brick river. Taiwan-born local resident Rex Hsu then three-bet jammed at the wrong time out of the small blind with ace-five. Chamani in the big blind isolated with ace-king and Hsu missed his gutshot to see Chamani enter heads-up with Deveson holding a lead of more than three to one. However, the tides changed slowly but surely as Deveson grinded down Chamani throughout six 30-minute heads-up levels and eventually won a flip with pocket treys versus jack-seven. While Chamani jumped into Day 1b of the Main Event and bowed out rather quickly, Deveson took the rest of the evening off. However, both are certainly be expected in the Main Event field tomorrow. Ronit Chamani The penultimate starting day is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. local time and retains the 50-minute level duration, whereas the turbo heat in the evening has 30-minute levels during the registration period and 15-minute levels thereafter. Both remaining flights will play a maximum of 15 levels or down to the top 15% of the field, whichever comes first. Stay tuned right here on PokerNews for more of the exciting live poker action from South Africa. Aiken Standard reporter Matthew Christian is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. He covers the Savannah River Site, city of Aiken, politics and public safety and courts. Matthew previously covered government and politics for the Morning News in Florence. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the University of Charleston in West Virginia. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Charleston, SC (29403) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. Occasional rain tapering to a few showers late. High around 85F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain showers early with scattered thunderstorms arriving overnight. Low 74F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Showers this morning becoming less numerous during the afternoon hours. High 84F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 72F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Summerville, SC (29483) Today Overcast with rain showers at times. High near 85F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early with scattered thunderstorms developing late. A few storms may be severe. Low 73F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain diminishing to a few showers this afternoon. High 84F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain showers early with scattered thunderstorms arriving overnight. Low 74F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Myrtle Beach, SC (29577) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High around 80F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Tropical storm conditions possible. Thundershowers overnight following a period of rain early. Low around 75F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-07 20:00:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 510 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Advisory Board Addition Comes At Key Growth Stage for the Robotic Perimeter Security IndustryNORRISTOWN, PA / ACCESS Newswire / March 7, 2025 / Asylon Robotics, the leading provider of robotic perimeter security solutions, is proud to announce the addition of David A. Culler, Jr., CAPT USN (ret), to its advisory board. Culler brings a wealth of leadership experience in both military and commercial sectors, particularly in the fields of drone technology, security operations, and strategic organizational management. David-Culler-Joins-Asylon-Advisory-Board A photo of U.S. Navy Captain David Culler, Jr. and an Asylon DroneDogAsylon Robotics has been at the forefront of revolutionizing security operations through robotics Welcome to the team! and automation. The company's flagship solutions, including DroneDog and Guardian, have set new industry standards for scalability, reliability, and real-time situational awareness. In 2024 alone, Asylon achieved over 100,000 completed security missions, logged more than 68,000 miles patrolled by DroneDog, and provided 1,000s of human-verified security event reports in real-time. By integrating these technologies with its fully staffed 24/7 Robotic Security Operations Center (RSOC), Asylon has redefined modern security strategies for critical industries and defense operations.Culler is the Founder-CEO & Co-Owner of Warriors Taphouse and the former Managing Director at PrecisionHawk. As the co-founder and CEO of HAZON Solutions, he played a pivotal role in advancing commercial drone inspection operations for Fortune 500 energy companies, ultimately leading to HAZON's successful acquisition by PrecisionHawk in 2018.A distinguished naval aviator, Culler commanded Strike Fighter Squadron 136 during combat deployments and later served as the Commanding Officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval installation in the world. His leadership earned Naval Station Norfolk the 2013 Installation Excellence Award and the Commander in Chief's Award for Installation Excellence. Over his military career, he accumulated over 3,700 tactical flight hours and 856 arrested landings, cementing his expertise in aviation operations and national security."David's unparalleled experience in aviation, security, and operational strategy makes him a perfect fit for Asylon's advisory board," said Damon Henry, CEO and Co-Founder of Asylon Robotics. "His leadership in both military and commercial drone applications will be invaluable as we continue to expand and refine our autonomous security solutions." Culler holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of New Mexico and a Master's in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He is also a graduate of the elite Navy Fighter Weapons School."Asylon Robotics is at the forefront of security innovation, and I'm excited to contribute to their mission," said Culler. "The integration of robotics and automation in security operations is a game-changer, and I look forward to supporting Asylon's growth and technological advancements." For more information on Asylon Robotics and its leadership team, visitasylonrobotics.com About Asylon, Inc.Asylon, a leader in robotic perimeter security solutions, is revolutionizing the future of unmanned security systems. As a pioneer in integrating both aerial and ground robotics, Asylon equips enterprises with cutting-edge tools to enhance safety and reduce operational complexities. Learn more by visitingAsylonRobotics.comor stay connected with Asylon atLinkedInandYouTube .Contact InformationRyan HodgensDirector, Sales and Marketingrhodgens@ asylonrobotics.com +19162182450SOURCE: Asylon PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-07 16:30:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 740 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $50,000 In e.l.f. Beauty To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their OptionsNEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 7, 2025 / If you suffered losses exceeding $50,000 in e.l.f. Beauty between November 1, 2023 and November 19, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).[You may also click here for additional information]Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. ("e.l.f. Beauty" or the "Company") (NYSE:ELF) and reminds investors of the May 5, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) contrary to its representations to investors, the Company was experiencing rising inventory levels as a consequence of flagging sales; (2) Elf falsely attributed the rising inventory levels to, among other things, changes in its sourcing practices; (3) to maintain investor confidence, Elf reported inflated revenue, profits, and inventory over several quarters; (4) accordingly. the Company's business and/or financial prospects were overstated; (5) all of the foregoing, once revealed, would likely have a material negative impact on the Company; and (6) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant timeOn November 20, 2024, Muddy Waters Research ("Muddy Waters") published a report entitled "e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. A Revenue and Inventory Mystery" (the "Muddy Waters Report"), alleging that Elf had "materially overstated revenue over the past three quarters," and that in "Q2 FY24, ELF management realized its growth narrative was in trouble as its inventory built. It appears that ELF then began reporting inflated revenue and profits. Its reported inventory also appears materially inflated as a result - i.e., to account for cash that has not really come in." Further, Muddy Waters accused the Company of concealing its inventory challenges from investors by falsely attributing its rising inventory levels to supposed changes in its sourcing practices rather than the true cause-insufficient sales.After the Class Period ended, on February 6, 2025, Elf released its fiscal Q3 2024 results and provided its fiscal 2025 outlook. Specifically, Elf revealed that it expected full-year fiscal 2025 net sales growth to be 27%-28%, down from the previous guidance of 28-30%, and also revised its adjusted EBITDA guidance to $289-293 million, down from $304-308 million, resulting in part from the updated sales outlook and a $7 million foreign currency loss. Further, the Company stated that it anticipated net sales growth was lowered to -1% to +2%, with management explaining that this reflected prudence amid softer consumption trends, challenging category conditions, and slower-than-expected new product performanceThe court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding e.l.f. Beauty's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.To learn more about the e.l.f. Beauty class action, go towww.faruqilaw.com/ELFor call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP ( www.faruqilaw.com) . Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.SOURCE: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-07 01:50:56 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1057 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESLONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2025 / Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSXV:GBU)("Gabriel" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed an initial closing (the "Initial Closing") of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of up to 114,152,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.05 per Unit (the "Offering"). For more information on the Offering, please see the Company's press release dated February 19, 2025, which is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile atwww.sedarplus.ca Pursuant to the Initial Closing, the Company has issued a total of 65,637,400 Units for aggregate gross proceeds of US$2.3 million (approximately C$3.3 million), of which a total of 29,297,971 Units have been issued to Electrum Global Holdings L.P. ("Electrum") and Paulson & Co. Inc. ("Paulson") in full and final settlement of US$1.03 million of outstanding indebtedness (including principal and interest) related to the previously announced bridge financing loans.Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share"), one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") and one contingent value right (each, a "CVR"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.065 for a period of 5 years following the issuance of the Units. Each CVR will entitle the holder, subject to certain limitations and exclusions, to a pro rata proportion of up to 65% of any proceeds received by the Company and/or its affiliates pursuant to any settlement or arbitral awards irrevocably made in their favour in relation to any future arbitration claim concerning the Company's investment rights in Romania, subject to a maximum aggregate entitlement of all CVRs issued pursuant to the Offering of up to C$1.689 billion.The securities issued in connection with the Initial Closing are subject to a statutory four-month hold period, which will expire on July 7, 2025. Completion of the Offering is subject to receipt of final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").Since the announcement of the Offering on February 19, 2025, the Company has entered into additional binding subscription agreements with certain eligible investors to acquire a total of 28,538,000 Units for aggregate subscription proceeds of US$1 million. Accordingly, the US$4 million Offering is now fully subscribed. One such additional binding subscription agreement was entered into by Dag Cramer, a non-executive director of the Company. Mr. Cramer has committed to subscribe for 19,976,600 Units. Although Mr. Cramer's participation is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), such insider participation is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101.The Company intends to complete additional closings of the Offering during the course of March 2025 for the subscriptions of Swiss Capital S.A. ("Swiss Capital") and Mr. Cramer. Closing of the US$1 million subscription by Swiss Capital is dependent on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") approval of the Personal Information Forms ("PIFs") of Swiss Capital, which PIFs have been submitted to the Exchange. Clearance of the PIFs is required as a result of Swiss Capital becoming a new 'insider' of Gabriel as, following closing, Swiss Capital will hold approximately 16.87% of Gabriel's issued and outstanding common shares.As previously announced, the terms of the Offering trigger thresholds requiring disinterested shareholder approval of aspects of the Offering pursuant to the policies of the TSXV, as further described in the Company's February 19, 2025 press release. The Company has sought and obtained written consents to the Offering, including the issuance of the CVRs and the creation of each of Electrum, Paulson and Swiss Capital as new Control Persons of the Company, from holders of over 50% of its Common Shares (after excluding from such calculation: (i) in the case of the CVR approval, the Common Shares held by all participants in the Offering, their affiliates and/or associates; and (ii) in the case of the approval of the each respective new Control Person, the Common Shares held by that new Control Person, their affiliates and/or associates of the Offering).The Company will not pay a cash finder's fee in connection with the Offering.The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States or to "U.S. persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act ("U.S. Persons"), except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities to, or for the account of benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. Persons.For information on this press release, please contact:Dragos TanasePresident & CEOdt@ gabrielresources.com+1 425 414 9256Simon LustyGroup General Counselsimon.lusty@gabrielresources.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Further InformationAbout GabrielGabriel is a Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's principal business has been the exploration and development of the Rosia Montana gold and silver project in Romania, one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Europe. Upon obtaining the License in June 1999, the Group focused substantially all of their management and financial resources on the exploration, feasibility and subsequent development of the Rosia Montana Project. An extension of the exploitation license for the Rosia Montana Project (held by Rosia Montana Gold Corporation S.A., a Romanian company in which Gabriel owns an 80.69% equity interest, with the 19.31% balance held by Minvest Rosia Montana S.A., a Romanian state-owned mining company) was rejected by the competent authority in late June 2024.Forward-looking StatementsThis press release contains % PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-07 05:16:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 428 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilMarch 18, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE:IIPR), if they purchased the Company's securities between February 27, 2024 and December 19, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Innovative and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-iipr/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byMarch 18, 2025 .About the LawsuitInnovative and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On December 20, 2024, the Company disclosed that on the previous day, PharmaCann Inc., the Company's tenant for eleven properties "which represented 17% of IIP's total rental revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024defaulted on its obligations to pay rent for the month of December under six of the eleven Leases, for properties located in Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. December rent, including base rent, property management fees and estimated tax and insurance payments, totaled $4.2 million for these six properties." On this news, the price of IIPR's stock fell fell $21.68 per share, or 22.73%, to close at $73.66 per share on December 20, 2024.The case is Giraudon v. Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc., No. 25-cv-00182.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC The Corvallis City Council has unanimously denied a developers appeal to retain an existing sewer line that services the Boys & Girls Clubs new workforce housing project the first of its kind in Corvallis. The four townhouse-style units are set to be available for rent at a price lower than market rate, with the intent of helping club employees build up their financial equity. But at this point, only two units are occupied under a temporary occupancy permit. Thats because the developer, Chris Saltveit, has not replaced a portion of the 4-inch sewer line with a 6-inch one, which would comply with the citys engineering standard. His logic, and the argument of the club, is that this standard is arbitrary, inconsistent with state plumbing code and an unnecessary expense. But a primary intention of fighting the city for this long was to shed light on how difficult it is to develop innovative solutions to ameliorate the housing crisis in Corvallis, according to Saltveit. After this experience, he said, he wouldnt take on a project like this ever again. Im sorry, but we tried, and I dont think it can be done, he told Mid-Valley Media. I just dont think it can be done in Corvallis, not with the way things are. Arbitrary or capricious The scope for the appellants hearing, which took place Monday, March 3, was limited, with council only determining if City Engineer Jeff McConnells decision to deny Saltveits request to retain the pipe was arbitrary and/or capricious in other words, if it was not supported by competent evidence. Josh Soper, one of Corvallis city attorneys, represented city staff in the hearing, and argued that council could really only reach one conclusion based on the evidence and the scope of the hearing. Its indisputable from the record that the city engineer carefully reviewed all of the arguments and the issues that were raised in the request to allow the 4-inch lateral to remain and reached a reasoned, logical, thought-out decision, he said, which, by definition, means that it is not arbitrary or capricious. While creating housing that is affordable is one of the citys goals, he said, it also prioritizes reducing operations and maintenance costs for public infrastructure. He argued that installing a wider pipe would ultimately be an investment in successful long-term maintenance. He added the state plumbing code does not apply to public sanitary sewer laterals (the portion of the sewer line the city wants replaced is in the public right of way). When it came time for the appellants oral argument, Saltveits attorney, Mike Reeder of Eugene, argued that the citys charter vests all authority and power in the City Council, and that therefore the councils review should not be limited. But regardless of scope, he said, the city engineers decision was indeed arbitrary and capricious. The city never adequately explained why it imposed such a standard, he said, and why no variance could be granted. To receive a building permit, Saltveit felt compelled to change the site plan to include a new 6-inch line, Reeder said, because if he had not done so, he would not have been able to obtain the permit. He did so under duress, Reeder said. Duress or desire During deliberations, councilors fairly homogeneously sided with their own staff. Councilor Paul Shaffer said he felt like Reeder was trying to divert the council from the business at hand by arguing matters irrelevant to the councils decision. Additionally, he said that the appropriateness of the 6-inch requirement was a hill to die on a year ago, not now. Was it under duress? Perhaps, probably, he said. But the applicant did provide a plan with a 6-inch line and then failed to do it. Thats problematic for me. Councilor Tony Cadena said he did not read it as duress but rather as a desire not to comply with the citys engineering standard. Councilor Carolyn Mayers said that as much as the Boys & Girls Club needed this workforce housing to fully come online, the delay had not been caused by the city. It was caused by decisions by the developer not to follow a standard he agreed to, she said. Any accusation the city gets of causing this to cost more money for people because of the delay would be inaccurate. I just wanted to be very clear on where the responsibility lies. The motion to deny the appeal passed unanimously. Did it make anything better? Saltveit told Mid-Valley Media he was very surprised by the overwhelming loss. This type of project is really a dream project because it creates no burden on the city and creates homes working people can live in, he said. You would think that would be looked upon favorably. When it came to the conduct of the hearing itself, he found it problematic that the city retained the same law firm that advises the City Council and Public Works to represent city staff during the hearing, he said. He believes the intent of questioning the city and of the appeal which was to address unnecessary costs and requirements when developing much-needed housing got lost somewhere along the way. "We failed in our communication," he said. The project was meant to serve as a prototype for other workforce housing projects in Corvallis, considered the most-rent burdened city in the state. Now he believes other employers may be dissuaded by the challenges the Boys & Girls Club has faced in getting its own project fully online. He, in concert with Boys & Girls Club CEO Helen Higgins, has decided not to appeal the council's decision to the Land Use Board of Appeals, the state agency that resolves development disputes. He said he's not sure what the benefit is in dragging the city to court. So I win, big deal, he said, imagining the hypothetical. Did it make anything better? He intends to get to work on replacing the sewer line the week after next, while the Club continues its efforts to make remaining two units available for occupancy. The replacement will cost $26,000. This story has been updated to reflect that the developer and the Boys & Girls Club will not be appealing the council's decision and will replace the sewer line. Related stories: PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-07 03:00:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 440 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CHIHUAHUA, MX / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2025 / Internacional de Ceramica, S.A.P.I de C.V. ("Interceramic") proudly announces the successful completion on February 26, 2025, of a nearly USD 640 million refinancing transaction, a landmark achievement that reinforces the company's financial strength and strategic vision. This transaction not only enables the full repayment of the previous acquisition bridge financing used in the Public Share Acquisition held in June 2024 but also fortifies Interceramic's capital structure, positioning it for sustained growth and market leadership.The refinancing transactions include i) a USD 320 million 4(a)(2) Private Placement ii)a USD 183 million equivalent Dual-Currency Senior Secured Term Loan and Revolver; and iii) a USD 135 million Subordinated Debt facility. ArtCap Strategies played the role of Global Coordinator, Administrative and Paying Agent in the transaction. Prudential Investment Management Services LLC acted as arranger on the private placement, and subordinated debt facility, and BBVA, Bladex, BNP Paribas, HSBC, and Scotiabank acted as Joint Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners on the senior secured termloan. Caria Capital acted as Advisor to the Company.The transactions were supported by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Holland and Knight LLP; Mayer Brown LLP; Rimon, P.C.; Mijares, Angoitia, Cortes y Fuentes SC; Galicia Abogados S.C.; Creel, Garcia-Cuellar, Aiza y Enriquez, S.C.; Fernandez, Garcia Naranjo, Boker y Garibay, S.C., Natera Consultores, S.C. and Alvarez Alcala S.C.; Mesta,S.C. and Mark Mendel as legal General Counsel.This refinancing initiative underscores Interceramic's resilience, financial discipline, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence. The overwhelming support from global investors is a testament to the company's strong fundamentals and successful growth trajectory.Victor Almeida, CEO of Interceramic, remarked: "This take-out financing is a defining moment for Interceramic. It reflects the trust and confidence that investors have in our company and our vision. With this new capital structure, we are more empowered than ever to drive innovation, expand ourmarket reach, and solidify our leadership in the industry." About Interceramic: Interceramic is the industry leader in the manufacturing of innovative ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as one of the top distributors of kitchen and bath products in Mexico. Since its inception 45 years ago, the company has strived to design and create groundbreaking products while maintaining unmatched quality and production standards. As one of the leading manufacturers in the Americas, Interceramic have established 10 manufacturing facilities with production capacity over 450 million square feet annually, with a network of 445 stores in Mexico, Guatemala and El Paso, Texas, Interceramic maintains nearly 5,500 full time positions.Contact InformationInvestor Relationsinversionistas@ interceramic.com SOURCE: INTERNACIONAL DE CERAMICA, S.A.P.I. DE C.V. PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-07 16:01:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 965 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 7, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. ("IIPR", "IIP", or the "Company") (NYSE:IIPR) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, and docketed under 25-cv-00182, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired IIPR securities between February 27, 2024 and December 19, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.If you are an investor who purchased or otherwise acquired IIPR securities during the Class Period, you have until March 18, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.[Click here for information about joining the class action]IIPR is an internally managed real estate investment trust ("REIT") purportedly focused on the acquisition, ownership, and management of specialized properties leased to state-licensed operators for their regulated medical-use cannabis facilities.As a REIT, IIPR's primary source of income is derived from rental revenue generated by the properties that it acquires. To measure its financial performance, IIPR uses funds from operations ("FFO"), a metric calculated by adding depreciation, amortization, and losses on sales of property to earnings and then subtracting any gains on sales of property and any interest income. REITs tend to consider FFO to be a more accurate measure of a REIT's value than net income because it addresses the limitations of traditional accounting methods-particularly regarding depreciation, which can misrepresent the true value of real estate assets-and focuses on the cash flow generated by a REIT's core operations. As a result, FFO provides investors with a clearer picture of a REIT's ability to generate revenue and pay dividends.The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) IIPR was experiencing significant declines in rent and property-management fees in connection with certain customer leases; (ii) the foregoing would likely impair the Company's ability to maintain FFO and revenue growth; (iii) accordingly, IIPR's leasing operations were less profitable than the Company had represented to investors; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.On November 6, 2024, IIPR reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024. Among other items, IIPR reported normalized FFO per share of $2.02, missing the consensus estimate of $2.03 and declining from $2.09 in the same period in 2023. IIPR also reported revenue of $76.5 million, missing the consensus estimate of $77.5 million and declining from $77.8 million in the same period in 2023. IIPR stated that the year-over-year decrease was due to a $3.0 million decline in contractual rent and property management fees in the third quarter related to properties that IIPR regained possession of since June 2023; a decline of $1.3 million due to rent received but not recognized in rental revenues resulting from the re-classifications of two sales-type leases beginning January 1, 2024; and $1.3 million of contractually due rent and property management fees that were not collected during the current quarter.On this news, IIPR's stock price fell $12.93 per share, or 10.51%, to close at $110.07 per share on November 7, 2024. 7.Then, on December 20, 2024, IIPR announced that on the previous day, PharmaCann Inc. ("PharmaCann"), the tenant for eleven properties that IIPR owns-and the revenues from which represented 17% of IIPR's total rental revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024-defaulted on its obligations to pay rent for the month of December under six of its eleven leases (the "Leases"), for properties located in Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. December rent, including base rent, property management fees, and estimated tax and insurance payments, totaled $4.2 million for these six properties. Further, IIPR stated that it applied security deposits held by IIPR pursuant to these Leases for the payment in full of the defaulted rent, in addition to late penalties and interest. Finally, the Company revealed that "although PharmaCann paid rent in full under the remaining five Leases totaling $90,000 for the month of December, as a result of cross-default provisions contained in each of the Leases, on December 19, 2024, PharmaCann also defaulted on its obligations under these five Leases, as a result of the non-payment of rent on the other six Leases." On this news, IIPR's stock price fell $21.68 per share, or 22.73%, to close at $73.66 per share on December 20, 2024.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-07 22:02:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 323 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Inside A Celebrity-Powered Mission for Change featuring Olivia Holt, Abbey Cowen, Rumer and Tallulah Willis!FIJI ISLANDS / ACCESS Newswire / March 7, 2025 / A groundbreaking volunteer initiative, Art LOVES Fiji, brought together a team from the United States to the breathtaking Fiji Islands to raise awareness and give back. Produced by Art LOVES Earth in partnership with VRTU Studios, this unique project combined creativity, community support, and environmental conservation to form long term local partnerships and make a lasting impact on the islands. Art LOVES FijiOver 12 days, the Art LOVES Fiji team visited multiple Fijian islands, collaborating with local communities and organizations, including Heart Heroes and Corals for Conservation with support of a group of celebrity actresses, filmmakers, photographers, actors, models, and philanthropists dedicated their time and talents. Prominent participants included actresses Abbey Cowen, Olivia Holt, Rumer Willis, and Tallulah Willis and Miss Supermodel Fiji Alisha Idana.The team visited several of the most remote island villages where they participated in women's and children's empowerment activities with the locals, including the Sustainable Nama Harvesting Program with local village women, a local partnership with Nama Fiji that supports the local women as their primary income source, to create opportunity for the women of the Yasawa islands.Another centerpiece of the campaign was helping plant a new coral reef in Fiji as part of the UN-endorsed "Reefs of Hope" coral restoration program, led by the NGO Corals for Conservation.Art LOVES Fiji is part of a broader campaign by Art LOVES Earth, which plans similar initiatives in other countries in 2025, that is actively seeking partnerships with tourism boards, celebrities, brands, and donors aligned with its mission to to create meaningful change.Founded by Ryan Hattaway, Art LOVES Earth is a platform that leverages creativity to inspire environmental conservation and community support worldwide. For more information on Art Loves Earth please visit: www.artlovesearth.com Contact InformationTiffannie RamosSenior Account Executivetiffannie@ taraink.com SOURCE: TARA, Ink. PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-07 11:10:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 788 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 $9.7 billion reinsurance transactionComprised of structured settlement and secondary guarantee universal life businessDemonstrates Resolution Life's prudent risk management, substantial capital strength and proven execution capabilities in the US life and annuity marketHAMILTON, BERMUDA / ACCESS Newswire / March 7, 2025 / Resolution Life, a global life insurance group focusing on reinsurance and the acquisition and ongoing management of portfolios of life insurance policies, is pleased to announce the signing of a reinsurance transaction with Protective Life Corporation's ("Protective") insurance subsidiaries. Protective is a U.S. subsidiary of Tokyo-based Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.The transaction scope includes blocks of in-force structured settlement annuities and secondary guarantee universal life business. Under the agreement, Protective will cede $9.7 billion in reserves and retain administration of the policies.The transaction will extend Resolution Life's position as a leading global manager of in-force life insurance to c.$100 billion of general account life and annuity reserves and over four million policies in-force.This comes on the back of strong momentum for Resolution Life with the recent announcement of the acquisition of Resolution Life by Nippon Life to assist in Resolution Life's next phase of growth.Warren Balakrishnan, CEO, US said, "This strategic transaction with Protective showcases our ability to manage complex life and annuity products at scale. Our substantial capital strength and proven execution record provide a strong, long-term partner for Protective Life and its policyholders. This transaction is a great example of our reinsurance offering to the US life and annuity market." Moses Ojeisekhoba, President of Resolution Life said, "This is an exciting time for ResolutionLife. With this transaction we continue to support the primary life insurance industry by providing long term capital for growth so they can respond to the changing needs of policyholders. With the recent announcement of Nippon Life's acquisition of Resolution Life, we will continue to accelerate our growth in the highly active, multi-trillion-dollar global life and annuity consolidation sector." Rich Bielen, President and CEO of Protective said, "At Protective, we are thrilled to announce this strategic reinsurance agreement with Resolution Life. This transaction represents an important milestone, allowing us to generate capital that can be invested for continued growth. We remain committed to growing life insurance sales through our valued distribution partners and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service to our customers. We are excited about the opportunities it brings for Protective, our customers and our partners." JP Morgan acted as financial advisor and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP served as legal counsel to Resolution Life. Wells Fargo served as financial advisor and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP served as legal counsel to Protective.ENDSNotes to Editors:About Resolution Life Resolution Life is a global life insurance group focusing on reinsurance and the acquisition and management of portfolios of life insurance policies. Since 2003 to date, prior Resolution entities together with Resolution Life have deployed approximately $19 billion of equity in the acquisition, reinsurance, consolidation and management of life insurance companies. Together, these companies have served the needs of over 13 million policyholders while managing approximately $390 billion of assets. Resolution Life today has operations in Bermuda, the U.K., the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Singapore assisting the restructuring of the primary life insurance industry globally. Resolution Life provides a safe and reliable partner for insurers by:Primarily focusing on existing customers, with selective new business growth in strategic marketsDelivering policyholder benefits in a secure, well capitalised environmentReturning capital to our institutional investors in the form of a steady dividend yieldAbout Protective Protective has helped people achieve protection and security in their lives for 118 years. Through its subsidiaries, Protective offers life insurance, annuity, asset protection and employee benefits solutions and is helping nearly 17 million people protect what matters most. Protective's approximately 3,800 employees put people first and deliver on the company's promises to customers, partners, colleagues and communities - because we're all protectors. With a long-term focus, financial stability and commitment to doing the right thing, Protective Life Corporation, a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., has $125 billion in assets, as of Dec. 31, 2024. Protective is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and is supported by a robust virtual workforce and core sites in the greater Cincinnati area and St. Louis. For more information about Protective, visit www.protective.com Media Enquiries:Resolution Life Temple Bar AdvisoryAlex Child-Villiers / Sam Livingstone / Alistair de Kare-Silver / Juliette Packard+44 (0)20 7183 1190 / resolution@ templebaradvisory.com Protective +1 205 268 7879media@ protective.com This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. 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: RLGH Finance Bermuda Ltd PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-07 01:31:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 590 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2025 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) between February 22, 2024 and October 23, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 1, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Newmont securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Newmont class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34541 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 1, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning Newmont's ability to deliver increased gold production at its Tier 1 operations, specifically, Lihir and Brucejack, in addition to lowering overall costs throughout its mining operations. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Newmont class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34541 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , 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 FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: Rosen Law Firm PA PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-07 08:15:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 781 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESS Newswire / March 7, 2025 / Zalando SE (Zalando) has successfully secured more than 90% of the share capital of ABOUT YOU Holding SE (ABOUT YOU) without treasury shares through its public takeover offer (Takeover Offer) and related agreements. The acceptance period for the Takeover Offer expired at midnight (CET) on 6 March 2025. The final results of the Takeover Offer will be published on 11 March 2025. Closing of the Takeover Offer, which is still subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to take place in summer 2025.On this basis, Zalando has the firm intention to implement a squeeze-out of the remaining minority shareholders of ABOUT YOU following closing of the Takeover Offer and the agreements entered into with key shareholders. Zalando has informed the management board of ABOUT YOU about this firm intention today. Zalando plans to implement the squeeze-out in connection with a merger of ABOUT YOU as transferring entity with Zalando or a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zalando as acquiring entity (merger squeeze-out), unless Zalando reaches an ownership of 95% of the relevant shares, which enables a direct squeeze-out without merger. In both cases, Zalando would acquire the remaining shares of ABOUT YOU in exchange for an adequate cash compensation. The amount of the cash compensation per ABOUT YOU share will be determined at a later date.Contact:Zalando SEValeska-Gert-Strae 5, 10243 Berlin, GermanyRegistered with the Commercial Register of the local court (Amtsgericht) of Charlottenburg under HRB: 158855 BListed: Regulated Market (Prime Standard) in FrankfurtISIN: DE000ZAL1111Zalando Media and Investor Relations contact:Media inquiries Sarah SyedBusiness & Financial Communications presse@ zalando.de Investor/Analyst inquiries Patrick KoflerInvestor Relations investor.relations@zalando.de About ZalandoFounded in Berlin in 2008, Zalando is building the leading pan-European ecosystem for fashion and lifestyle e-commerce around two growth vectors: Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B). In B2C, we offer an inspiring and quality multi-brand shopping experience for fashion and lifestyle products to more than 50 million active customers in 25 markets. In B2B, we are using our logistics infrastructure, software and service capabilities to help brands and retailers run and scale their entire e-commerce business, on or off Zalando. As an ecosystem, Zalando aims to enable positive change for the fashion and lifestyle industry.Important information: This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation to sell or an offer to buy any of the securities of ABOUT YOU Holding SE. The final terms and conditions and other provisions relating to the Takeover Offer are disclosed in the offer document, the publication of which has been approved by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority ( Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht ). Investors and holders of securities of ABOUT YOU Holding SE are strongly recommended to read the offer document and all other announcements in connection with the Takeover Offer as soon as they are published, as they contain or will contain important information. The Takeover Offer is made exclusively under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, especially under the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act ( Wertpapiererwerbs- und Ubernahmegesetz - WpUG ), and certain provisions of the securities laws of the United States of America applicable to cross-border takeover offers.The Bidder reserves the right, to the extent legally permitted, to directly or indirectly acquire further shares of ABOUT YOU Holding SE outside the Takeover Offer on or off the stock exchange. If such further acquisitions take place, information about such acquisitions will be published without undue delay, if and to the extent required by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany or any other relevant jurisdiction.Insofar as this document contains forward-looking statements, these do not represent facts and are identified by the words "will", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "intend", "aim", "assume" and similar expressions. These statements express the intentions, beliefs or current expectations and assumptions of Zalando SE and the persons acting in concert with it. The forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections made by Zalando SE and the persons acting in concert with Zalando SE to the best of their knowledge, but make no representation as to their future accuracy. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are usually beyond the control of Zalando SE or the persons acting in concert with Zalando SE. These expectations and forward-looking statements may prove to be inaccurate and actual developments may differ materially from forward-looking statements. Zalando SE and the persons acting in concert with Zalando SE do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements with respect to actual developments or events, general conditions, assumptions or other factors.SOURCE: Zalando SE 26-year-old Nigerian travel content creator Alma Asinobi is gearing up to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest journey across all seven continents. She announced her quest at a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday. Scheduled to commence on 15 March, Ms Asinobis ambitious expedition seeks to complete her route in under 70 hours. The goal is to beat the current record of 73 hours set by Sujoy Kumar Mitra and Ali Irani in Melbourne, Australia, on 7 December 2022. The record attempt has garnered significant support from the financial technology firm Risevest. Starting her journey from the icy expanse of Antarctica, she says she will traverse North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. 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 As the youngest and only Black solo record attempt in this category, Ms Asinobi said she is determined to challenge and transform the narrative surrounding passport inequality. This pervasive issue disproportionately affects travellers from regions like Nigeria. Rationale Speaking about the rationale behind the move, she said the attempt is about more than just breaking a record. Its about showing whats possible for young African women and anyone with a low-mobility passport. I want to prove that determination can overcome systemic barriers in global travel. My dreams should not be defined by my skin or the colour of my passport, she said. Regarding challenges, Ms Asinobi said she faced the challenge of obtaining more than ten visasmany of which came with repeated rejections. When I first started travelling, I spent more time researching visa requirements than destinations, Ms Asinobi admitted. This record attempt highlights her perseverance and sparks a larger conversation on the impact of low-mobility passports in todays globalised world, she said. Timed with Womens Month celebrations, she says she seeks to dismantle stereotypes and encourage young girls worldwide to dream big by taking centre stage globally. Every young girl should see that their dreams have no geographic or systemic boundaries, she emphasised. Another Guinness World Record Adding another layer to her initiative, Ms Asinobi has announced a second Guinness World Record attempt to create the most signed travel memorabilia in history. This project involves a Nigerian flag that will be signed by supporters from around the globe. The signing event is set for 23 March and is poised to symbolise unity, resilience, and the power of international collaboration. This is about taking Nigeria global, she explained. We want our flag to symbolise unity, resilience, and the power of collaboration, she said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On Thursday, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, hosted TikTok stars Habeeb Peller Hamzat and Amadou Jadrolita Elizabeth at the Government House in Benin City. The TikTokers posted videos from their visit on their Instagram pages, capturing key moments of their meeting with the governor. In one of the videos, they were seated at the boardroom table for discussions. Moments later, Governor Okpebholo entered the room, exchanging pleasantries with Peller and Jadrolita. During the meeting, the governor reaffirmed his administrations commitment to supporting young entertainers. He emphasised his plans to provide an enabling platform for their empowerment. 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 in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and other top government officials. Privilege Peller described their meeting with Mr Okpebholo as a privilege. How my girl and I met with the governor of Edo state. We exchanged pleasantries, and the governor assured us his commitment to supporting young entertainers as an empowerment platform in his government. Peller, an online streamer and content creator, and Jadrolita, known for her robot-themed content, have been making headlines recently. In December 2024, Peller proposed to Jadrolita. By February, he introduced her to his mother. This moment was captured in a viral video, in which Pellers mother is seen holding Jadrolita by the waist as they walk through the house, greeting family members. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed six Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) for federal government-owned hospitals in Akure, Gombe, Azare, Lafia, Maiduguri, and Kafanchan. The newly appointed CMDs and their hospitals are as follows: 1. Prof. Olusegun Sylvester Ojo has been appointed Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Akure, Ondo State. A seasoned medical professional, Prof. Ojo previously served as the pioneer Chief Medical Director of the Ondo State Specialist Hospital. 2. Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi has been reappointed as the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, following an outstanding performance during his first term. His reappointment underscores his exceptional leadership and contributions to the hospitals growth. 3. Dr. Dauda Abubakar Katagum, the Acting Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi State, has been confirmed as the substantive CMD. 4. Dr. Ikrama Hassan has been appointed as the Chief Medical Director of the newly upgraded Federal Teaching Hospital in Lafia, Nasarawa State. A consultant physician, Dr. Hassan previously served as the Medical Director of the Dalhatu Ibrahim Arab Specialist Hospital before its elevation to a teaching hospital. 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 5. Dr. Ali Mohammed Ramat, a renowned Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon, has been appointed Chief Medical Director of the newly established National Orthopaedic Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State. 6. Dr Haruna Abubakar Shehu, a Consultant Family Physician, has been appointed Chief Medical Director of the newly established Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, Kaduna State. All appointments are for four years, effective from the respective dates of assumption of office. Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahis second and final term as CMD of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, commenced on September 5, 2024. ALSO READ: Minister asks federal hospitals to adopt PHCs Dr Dauda Abubakar Katagums tenure as CMD of the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi State, took effect from December 6, 2024. President Tinubu congratulated the newly appointed and reappointed Chief Medical Directors, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service delivery in their respective roles. He also reiterated his administrations commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring all Nigerians have access to quality medical services. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) March 7, 2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian government has designated self-styled leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), Simon Ekpa, the Lakurawa terror group and 15 entities as terrorism financiers. Among the 15 businesss entities, 13 are either members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or BRGIE, according to documents released by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) after its meeting on 6 March. The latest designation of terrorism financiers, according to the NSC, was approved by President Bola Tinubu. The NSC had designated some persons and businesses for terrorism financing as seen here and here. The designated IPOB or BRGIE members include Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmaduabuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chinwendu Owoh and Ginika Orji. The Eastern Security Network (ESN), an armed terror group operating under the aegis of IPOB as a paramilitary wing of the organisation, has been inflicting terror on people in the South-east. The group is believed to be inspired by Mr Ekpas digital campaign of terror from his hideout in Finland. 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 Others are Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali, Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie and Ogomu Kewe. Two business entities, Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises and Seficuvi Global Company, were also so designated. Chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the NSC said the persons and businesses were recommended for designation following their involvement with terrorism financing. Their designation was in line with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the NSC stated, outlining four major sanctions against the designated persons. First, the NSC ordered an immediate identification and freezing without prior notice all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons in your possession and report same to the Sanctions Committee. Report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements, the NSCs second sanction read. Immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU for further analysis on the financial activities of such an individual or entity, read the third sanction. Lastly, the NSC ordered that all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this list be reported as a Suspicious Transactions Report to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The NSC further extended the sanctions to all funds or other assets that are owned or controlled by the designated persons and entities, and not only those that are tied to a particular act, plot, or threat of terrorism or terrorism financing. It stated that the sanction should be extended to those funds or other assets that are wholly or jointly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by designated persons or entities. The funds or other assets derived or generated from funds or other assets owned or controlled directly or indirectly by designated persons or entities will also be affected, according to NSC. The funds or other assets of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of designated persons or entities will also be affected, the body stated, urging all reporting entities to comply. Why they were designated For instance, Mr Ekpa, who is based in Finland, was designated for facilitating about 49 fundraisers in different countries between October 2023 and September 2024, according to the NSC document that summarised the sanctions imposed on those designated. Through his social media handles, particularly X (former Twitter), the subject was reported to have ordered attacks on government facilities, especially military and paramilitary formations across the southeast, the NSC document read. These actions resulted in the monumental loss of lives of security personnel and vulnerable population and destroyed government and public properties. Lakurawa terror group, according to a PREMIUM TIMES report, is linked to the Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam Wal Muslimin (JNIM), an affiliate of al-Qaeda in the Sahel. The group infiltrated Nigerias North-west and started imposing strict Shariah law before it went violent and finally profiled by the Nigerian authorities. Lakurawa was designated for six reasons, the NSC explained. First, the group was designated for its terrorist activities, including violent attacks, assassinations, and enforcement of radical Islamist rule, imposing strict governance on communities. Secondly, the NSC said it designated the group for what it referred to as Foreign Influence and Transnational Operations, saying the group comprised primarily of foreign fighters from Niger and Mali, operating across porous borders. The group was also designated for recruiting and radicalizing unemployed youth through financial incentives. It was also designated for establishing an Alternative Governance Structure through extrajudicial administration, imposing taxes, confiscating property and meting out punishments outside the legal framework. Funding and Criminal Enterprise: Lakurawa finances its activities through extortion, forced taxation (Zakat), cattle rustling, and ransom from kidnappings. Threat to National and Regional, the NSC said. Lastly, the NSC said Lakurawa posed a [transborder] security threat. Its affiliation with JNIM and similar groups heightens the risk of expanded terrorist networks and cross-border insurgency, it said. Given the severity of its actions and the threat it poses to national security, the designation of Lakurawa as a terrorist group is essential to curtail its influence, disrupt its financial networks, and prevent further violence and instability in Nigeria and the West African region, the NSC added. The other 13 individuals were designated for using their account numbers or setting a structure to raise funds for the terror group, IPOB, according to the NSC. Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, one of the business entities fingered, was designated based on intelligence sources which revealed that a bank account opened in the companys name and owned by one Okudah Anthony was used to collect donations for local chapters of BRGIE. The NSC said the funds were reported to have been received into the entitys Zenith Bank account number 1226773554, where several members of the group and sympathizers have so far made donations. For Seficuvi Global Company, the second business entity designated, the NSC said, its bank accounts are reported to be used by BRGIE to collect funds from members in Nigeria. Godswill Ogborin Nwaodun is the owner of the business and is linked to all BRGIE officials, the NSC stated. Both IPOB and BRIGIE are groups established to reignite the agitation for the secession of Nigerias five South-east states and parts of some neighbouring states as a sovereign Biafra nation a cause that fomented the devastating Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970. IPOBs leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested in 2015 as a result of his and his organisations separatist activities. He was charged with treasonable felony and held in detention until 2017 when the trial court the Federal High Court in Abuja -granted him him bail in April 2017. At the height ofIthe confrontation between IPOB members and the Nigerian Security forces, Mr Kanus home in Afara Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State came under a heavy attack. In the aftermath of the attack, Mr Kanu fled Nigeria while on bail. On 20 September 2017, the Nigerian government designated IPOB as a terrorist organisation. The Nigerian government captured Mr Kanu in Kenya in June 2021 and brought him to Nigeria to continue his trial from detention. However, the group has continued its violent campaigns while government forces have been unrelenting in its attacks on the group. The organisation, which began as a peaceful organisation until the military began targeting them, has insisted that it is an exercise of their right to self-determination to seek the secession of Biafra as a sovereign nation. In November last year, Finnish authorities succumbed to Nigerias diplomatic pressure to arrest Mr Ekpa, the self-styled leader if BRIGIE, and four others on suspicion of terrorist activities. The Finnish police said they suspected that Mr Ekpa has contributed to violence and crimes against civilians in South-eastern Nigeria. There are ongoing legal proceedings in Finland against Mr Ekpa and co-suspects. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print By Akbar Novruz Azerbaijan has reiterated its dedication to advancing global climate efforts during a COP30 briefing held in Brazil. According to Azernews, the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations shared this commitment on its official X account, emphasizing the significance of COP29 in shaping climate action. COP29 in Azerbaijan was a turning point in the progress of climate action. We aim to strengthen COP-to-COP cooperation, ensure sustainability and coherence, building on the initiatives of the Action Programme launched in Baku. As we move towards COP30 in Belem, we respect the collective efforts that have brought us to this day and stand ready to support the Brazilian leadership in leading the next phase of climate negotiations at this critical juncture, the statement noted. Azerbaijan continues to position itself as a key player in fostering global climate initiatives as preparations for COP30 gain momentum. President Bola Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of Doyin Okupe, a medical doctor, politician, communicator and strategist who played a significant role in Nigerias political landscape. A prominent son of Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, Mr Okupe, served as President Goodluck Jonathans senior special assistant on public affairs and President Olusegun Obasanjos special assistant on media. During his political career of over three decades, Mr Okupe served as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC). He was prominent in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Accord Party, of which he was the national leader. He was most recently the director-general of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election. Mr Okupe, a prince, made notable contributions to the medical field as the co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre, Lagos, and the publisher of Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper. President Tinubu recalled Mr Okupe as a bold and articulate advocate for national development, expressing deep sorrow over his passing at a time when his wealth of experience and insight were still invaluable to the nation. 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 president also commiserated with the government and people of Ogun State, particularly the Iperu-Remo community, who have lost an esteemed son and leader. ALSO READ: Doyin Okupe tackles Afenifere for criticising Tinubu He recognised Mr Okupes enduring impact on his home state and the deep void his passing leaves in the hearts of those who came in direct contact with him. President Tinubu prayed that God will grant repose to the departed patriots soul and comfort all Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) March 7, 2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, says her unjust suspension from the Senate violates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity. She made this known on her Facebook page while reacting to her suspension on Thursday by the Senate as recommended by its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months over total violation of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 as amended. The Senate also approved that her salaries and allowances be suspended. Reacting, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan said that Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity. The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The African Union (AU) has appointed Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africas Executive Director, to serve a four-year term on the AU Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligences Impact on Peace, Security, and Governance in Africa. This prestigious appointment recognises his extensive experience and dedication to advancing democratic governance and technological innovation across the continent. The Advisory Group was established following a resolution by the AU Peace and Security Council in June 2024 that mandates the AU Commission to establish an advisory group to study the impact of and harness the potential of AI in peace, security and governance. Samson Itodo is a renowned community organizer with extensive expertise in African politics, elections, social movements and youth development. He has been pivotal in advancing electoral integrity and democracy in Africa. He has also been instrumental in encouraging the inclusion of young people in politics. One of his most notable achievements is the successful #NotTooYoungToRun global campaign, which significantly lowered the minimum age for elective office in Nigeria. Samson serves on the boards of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and the Kofi Annan Foundation. Samson holds graduate and postgraduate degrees in Law from the University of Jos and a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. As a policy advocate, he provides strategic policy advice to parliamentary committees, electoral commissions, political parties, civil society organisations, and academic institutions. His current research spans social movements, election law, democratic innovation and African politics. The nine-member AU Advisory Group is tasked with supporting the AU Commission in conducting a comprehensive study on the impact and implications of AI on peace, security, stability, democracy, and development in Africa. The Group will also propose strategies to mainstream AI in elections, peace, and governance processes, leverage AI for reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction, and develop new approaches to address emerging challenges. Additionally, the Group will guide data protection and transparency while proposing options for a continental AI governance framework. 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 AU Advisory Group operates under the auspices of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye, whose office is pivotal in addressing the continents political stability and security challenges. The establishment of the Advisory Group attests to the vision of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. It is impressive that the AU under PAPs emphasises proactive strategies to harness AIs potential for promoting peace, security, and development across Africa. Samson Itodos appointment not only brings honour to Nigeria and West Africa but also signifies the nation/regions active participation in continental initiatives aimed at harnessing technology for sustainable development. His involvement is expected to foster collaboration among African nations in leveraging AI for the betterment of society. In response to his appointment, Samson Itodo expressed his gratitude, stating: I am honoured to serve and contribute to shaping Africas future through responsible AI governance in advancing elections, democracy and governance. This is a pivotal time to ensure technology enhances peace, security, and democratic processes across the continent. READ ALSO: Yiaga Africa applauds Tinubu for requesting INEC RECs removal With a distinguished career dedicated to fostering innovation, ethical leadership, and the common good, Samson Itodo brings a wealth of knowledge to this advisory role. His appointment marks a significant milestone for his professional journey and Africas ongoing efforts to harness the transformative power of AI for peace, security, and democracy. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of the Air Mobile First Aid Unit (AMFAU), a medical facility to strengthen efficient response to medical emergencies. The unit was set up by the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG) under a bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Germany. The Chief Of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, represented by Muhammad Abdullahi, director of Communication, Defence Headquarters, described the event as special to the fight against insurgency and other criminals in the country. He said that the Nigerian Armed Forces had benefited immensely from the agreement especially the Equipment Aid Programme (EAP). Mr Musa, an army general, said that the EAP covered a Medical Emergency Project at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), a Mechatronics project at AFEME, Counter Improvised Explosive Devices at NASME, and a Reconnaissance Wing Project at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), among other projects. The CDS said that the unit would strengthen medical emergencies, as it would provide emergency treatment including minor surgeries to injured personnel to save lives. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Musa said, The unit can be deployed for a maximum of 72 hours to any part of the country, and consists of a Triage, Theatre and a recovery ward. This project involves setup training, implementation and construction of molecular medical treatment facility for operation in order to ensure immediate and rapid medical support to personnel of the AFN. He said that so far, under the agreement, several personnel had been trained in Aero Medical Emergency, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and the provision of medical utility vehicles for Teams A and B. According to him, it also involves the provision of medical tentages and the construction of a training hall, among others. The CDS appreciated the German Government for the laudable efforts, and assured that the Nigerian Air Force would put the facility to optimal benefit. Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Hassan Abubakar, recalled that the agreement between Nigeria and Germany was signed in Abuja on 13 December 2012. He said, This bilateral agreement led to the creation of Project 1 which is a project arrangement related to the German Equipment Aid Programme for the period 2021-2024. The CAS, represented by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Training Command, Ahmad Dari, said the unit was designed to provide emergency medical care in various scenarios, including internal security, crisis management, and national defence. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with modern medical equipment and staffed by trained medical personnel. The Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine has been conducting short-term courses on emergency medicine, and plans are underway to expand training to non-medical personnel. This move aims to enhance the capacity of NAF personnel to provide medical care in emergency situations, he said. Mr Abubakar said the AMFAU was a testament to the benefits of international cooperation and collaboration. He added, The bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Germany had facilitated the transfer of technology, expertise, and resources, ultimately enhancing the NAFs medical capabilities. The CAS expressed gratitude to the German Government, Nigerias Minister of Defence, and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the project. With the AMFAU now operational, NAF is poised to enhance its medical capabilities, providing better care for its personnel and supporting national security efforts. The Nigerian Air Forces acquisition of the Air Mobile First Aid Unit marks a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance medical capabilities and provide better care for its personnel, Mr Abubakar said. Also, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ammett Gunthier, said as part of its foreign policy, Germany works closely with partners worldwide to support peace, security, and humanitarian efforts. The envoy, represented by the German Military Attache to Nigeria, Boris Bovenkamp, said the German Armed Forces plays a crucial role in these efforts, especially in regions facing security challenges. The ambassador said that Germany has no direct combat mission in Nigeria but has been supporting the Nigerian military in various ways. As Germany continues its international security efforts, cooperation with Nigeria will remain a priority. Strengthening diplomatic, military, and humanitarian ties will benefit both nations and contribute to a more stable and peaceful future, Mr Gunthier said. In his remarks, the Commandant, Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Science and Aviation Medicine, Rilwanu Abdullah, pledged to handle and maintain the facility to ensure maximum benefit to the personnel. READ ALSO: Nigeria Air Force chief honours veterans He said the facility was designed to provide critical training to military personnel on the management of medical emergencies in peace and war time. Mr Abdullahi appreciated the Chief of Air Staff who was instrumental to the resurgence of academic activities at the school, leading to the unprecedented accreditation of four medical courses in 2024. I once again congratulate the German Government through the GTAG for fulfilling their part of the partnership, Mr Abdullahi said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Enugu State Government has banned posting of materials on any outdoor surface or space in the state without prior approval. The General Manager of the Enugu State Structures for Signages and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), Frank Aninwike, announced this in a statement on Thursday. This is to inform all the political parties, churches, schools, printers, advertisers, marketers, producers and the general public that henceforth, no person or entity should post or display any poster on public or private structures, buildings, walls, highways or any outdoor surface or space within Enugu State without first obtaining the written approval of ENSSAA, he said. Mr Aninwike said it was unlawful to display materials on any outdoor surface or space in the state without first obtaining written approval from the ENSSAA. The general manager said the agency would no longer tolerate the defacing of outdoor surfaces and spaces. He explained that failure to comply with the directive will amount to violation of Sections 4 (1,g), 33, 34 of the ENSSAA Law 2016 which empowers the agency to control the posting and display of posters on outdoor surfaces and spaces 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 Mr Aninwike said the law also empowers the agency to make regulations on the subject matter. Please note that pasting or displaying of poster without first obtaining the written approval of ENSSAA shall attract a fine of up to N50,000,000 only, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court in Kano has convicted a woman of smuggling over $1.15 million and SDR135,900 (Saudi Riyal) from Saudi Arabia into Nigeria. The court convicted the defendant, Hauwa Ibrahim, after she pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering. A statement from the EFCC on Thursday said trial judge S. M. Shuaibu ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the federal government in line with Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022. According to the statement, Ms Ibrahim was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for attempting to smuggle an undeclared sum of $1,154,900 and SDR135,900 Saudi Riyals into Nigeria from Saudi Arabia. The defendant was accused of failing to declare the funds at the point of entry into Nigeria as required by law. Following her arrest, the Nigeria Customs Service handed her over to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The EFCC thereafter charged with two counts of money laundering under Section 3(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. She pleaded guilty to both counts when they were read to her. Following her guilty plea, the prosecuting lawyer, Musa Isah, reviewed the facts of the case and tendered exhibits including the undeclared monies and subsequently urged the court to convict her accordingly. I was deceived Pleading allocutus (pleading for mercy), Ms Ibrahim narrated said she deceived into bringing a box containing the undeclared funds into Nigeria, trusting the owners . Ms Ibrahim recounted how she was approached by a man, Nafiu in Saudi Arabia to enlist her help in carrying a box to Nigeria to a woman whose name was not disclosed. She said Nafiu informed her that the box contained dates and a small amount of cash and that he took him at his word. He also gave her the contact information of the woman, whom she called upon arrival into the country and handed over the box. Ms Ibrahim explained that she was later recalled by the airport authorities to return with her international passport and clear the box. On landing at the Kano airport, Ms Ibrahim said, she called the number given to her by Nafiu and the woman, who answered the call came. She said she handed over the box to her. However, after leaving the airport, she was recalled by the airport authorities to return with her passport to clear the box as she was the one that brought it to Nigeria. Upon her arrival, she was arrested and was shown the contents of the box she flew in with. She pleaded with the court to spare her as she had no knowledge of the contents of the box and that she was deceived by the sender who told her that the box only contained dates and small amount of money. After listening to her, the judge went on to convict her as charged and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money. Other cases of falsely declared funds Ms Ibrahim is not the first to be convicted for not declaring funds. In 2016, this newspaper reported how in 2016, one Agumandu Nnamdi was convicted for money laundering. Mr Nnamdi had falsely declared only $9,500 instead of $51,000 on his way to China on an alleged business trip. More Pictures: Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress has adopted indirect primary mode to pick its governorship candidate for the 8 November Anambra governorship election. Ajibola Basiru, the partys national secretary, said this while addressing reporters at the end of its NWC meeting on Thursday in Abuja. Our meeting considered the processes in the ongoing Anambra governorship election, which is scheduled for 8 November 2025. It was formally decided at the meeting that the mode of emergence of the candidate for that election will be through indirect primary, the APC secretary said. He said the decision was taken to carry along all the partys stakeholders based on the advice of the State Working Committee. Mr Basiru added that a stakeholders meeting with the State Working Committee, State Caucus, and aspirants would be held at the partys national headquarters at a later date to discuss the issue further. 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 assured that the partys leadership would provide a level playing field for all aspirants for the election. Engagement with government appointees The APC secretary added that the NWC also considered its proposition to begin an engagement with government appointees on their achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu immediately after the Ramadan fast. He said the initiative was to ensure engagement between the party and government officials to examine the progress and challenges faced by different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government. Mr Basiru further said that the NWC reviewed the ongoing e-registration of members of the party, adding that the consultants handling the project had been mobilised. He said necessary equipment and software had been acquired to ensure the exercise was seamless. Our commitment is that before the next election, we would have a register that has integrity and will also be useful for the purposes of accessing the demographics within the party, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the APC generated N350 million from the sale of its Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to seven governorship aspirants in Anambra. The nomination form was sold at N40 million, while the expression of interest form cost N10 million. The seven aspirants who purchased the forms are Chukuma Umeoji, Obiora Okonkwo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Paul Chukwuma, Onunkwo Obinna, Valentine Ozigbo, and Edozie Madu. The aspirants are to contest for the partys ticket at it primary slated for 5 April. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has expressed shock over the death of his former campaign director general, Doyin Okupe. Mr Okupe, a medical doctor, died on Friday. He served both former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan at different times as special assistant on media and communication. He was the director-general of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation but resigned in 2022 following a money laundering conviction. In a statement, Mr Obi described Mr Okupe as an active figure in the nations political space and a man who desired a better Nigeria. With great sadness this morning, I received the shocking news of the death of my dear elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe. On behalf of the family and the Obidient family, I sincerely mourn his passing. 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 Dr. Okupe was an active figure in the nations political space and a man who desired a better Nigeria. His death is a profound loss not only to his family and loved ones but to all of us. I would therefore like to urge members of the Obidient Movement and other groups to pray for the eternal repose of Dr. Okupes soul and to remember his family during these trying times. May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad and irreplaceable loss. May God Almighty bless his family always, Mr Obi said. Okupes Death a Deep Personal Loss Gov Abiodun Also in a statement on Friday, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, described the passing of Mr Okupe, as a profound personal loss. The deceased was an indigene of the state. Mr Abiodun said Mr Okupes passing came shortly after the demise of another revered figure, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Adeleke Idowu-Basibo. He paid tribute to Mr Okupes lifelong service to Nigeria, noting that the deceased remained a patriotic statesman and a committed member of the progressive political family until his final moments. He said, Receiving the news of the passing of my elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has left me with a profound sense of personal loss, especially coming so soon after the transition of the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo. Without a doubt, Dr. Okupes departure leaves a void that will not be easily filled. Beyond his political and professional engagements, Dr. Okupe was an affable, easy-going, and principled individual who, despite never flaunting his credentials, played a significant role in Nigerias resistance to military rule. Like many other democracy advocates, he endured detention and persecution under military regimes, standing firm in his convictions, he said. Mr Abiodun acknowledged Mr Okupes fluid political journey, emphasising that while his affiliations changed over time, his relationships with family, friends, and associates remained intact. Although he shifted political alliances as situations evolved, aligning with the National Republican Convention (NRC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Accord Party, and the Labour Party, he never severed ties with his friends across political platforms. Even after the 2023 general election, he openly admired and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubus progressive vision, the governor said. Describing Mr Okupe as an accomplished politician and strategist, Mr Abiodun said the deceased co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre and held key political positions, including National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, and Publicist for former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Mr Abiodun noted that Mr Okupes service in these diverse roles reflected his deep love for Nigeria and its people. Okupe was one of those rare politicians who could disagree without being disagreeable. He never used foul language, always remained respectful in discourse, and was quick to acknowledge his mistakes while bowing to superior arguments. Humility was his defining trait. Although he trained as a medical doctor, Dr. Okupe excelled in media and political communications, serving as a spokesperson for various administrations. His writing and public speaking skills were exceptional, making him an influential voice in national discourse. His passion for journalism even led him to establish his own media outfit, further cementing his role as a thought leader in political communication, he added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The State Working Committee (SWC) of the Labour Party (LP) in Imo State has passed a vote of no confidence in its Chairperson, Callistus Ihejiagwa. The SWC announced this at a news briefing in Owerri on Friday. Speaking on behalf of the committee, Bright Ofurum, the partys Publicity Secretary, cited alleged autocracy, financial recklessness, constitutional breaches, and betrayal of the partys principles as reasons for the action. Mr Ofurum said that Mr Ihejiagwa had abused the office of the chairperson, allegedly acting as a stooge for the ruling All Progressives Congress. He described Mr Ihejiagwas leadership as high-handed, alleging that he sidelined key officials and stakeholders in making major party decisions. He also accused the embattled chairperson of usurpation of SWC constitutional functions. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later According to him, the chairperson makes unilateral decisions and restructuring party leadership at both state and local levels without due process and not informing the leader of the party in Imo, Athan Achonu. Ihejiagwa exploited his personal relationship with the National Chairman to override due process, using his influence to impose changes without consultation. We consider his actions as a direct sabotage of the LPs mission in Imo, and his continued leadership would weaken our partys position in the state and jeopardise its electoral prospects. His dictatorial leadership style, disregard for stakeholders, and constant restructuring of party executives for personal gain have made him unfit to continue in office, Mr Ofurum said. He said the SWC demanded Mr Ihejiagwas immediate resignation and urged the national chairperson to intervene and reconstitute the SWC. However, he urged the national chairperson to reinstate hardworking members whom Mr Ihejiagwa illegally removed under the pretense of having the national chairpersons backing. Mr Ofurum warned that Mr Ihejiagwas continued stay in office could have dire consequences for LP in Imo, particularly endangering the partys House of Representatives member and his Imo assembly counterpart. He said that if immediate action was not taken, LP in Imo risked internal collapse, saying that many party chieftains had already lost confidence in his leadership. LP stands for integrity, transparency, and accountability. But Callistus Ihejiagwa has betrayed these values, and for the sake of the partys future in Imo, he must step down immediately, the publicity secretary said. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that party officials at the briefing included the state Secretary, Paulinus Udechukwu, the Zonal Chairperson/Deputy State Chairperson, Charles Uzomba (Orlu), Sunday Ike (Okigwe), and Innocent Nwadavid (Owerri). Others were the state Woman Leader, Chinedu Oleka, state Legal Adviser, Emeka Ihejirika, and the State Organising Secretary, Joseph Mbama. Also present were the Assistant State Secretary, Chris Uzowuru, the Okigwe Zonal Woman Leader, Adanma Nwauka, and the Okigwe Youth Leader, Amarachi Anyanwu, among others. Mr Ihejiagwa has denied the allegations made against him. Those allegations are not true, I remain the Imo LP chairman, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun screening seven governorship aspirants who purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest the party ticket for the 8 November 2025 election in Anambra. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the nomination form was sold at N40 million, while the expression of interest form cost N10 million. The APC generated N350 million from the sale of the forms to the seven governorship aspirants, which include Chukuma Umeoji, Obiora Okonkwo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Paul Chukwuma, Johnbosco Onunkwo, Valentine Ozigbo, and Edozie Madu. The aspirants, whose screening ended on Saturday, will contest for the partys ticket at its primary election on 5 April. Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC national chairperson, inaugurated the partys Anambra Governorship Election Screening Committee on Friday in Abuja and promised the aspirants free, fair, and transparent primaries. According to him, the committee is among other things, expected to scrutinise the original credentials submitted by the aspirants to ensure that they were authentic. 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 committees Chairperson, Ibrahim Shema, a former governor of Katsina, thanked the partys leadership for the confidence it has placed in its members. He assured that the committee would deliver on its mandate, noting that all the aspirants were qualified and capable of winning Anambra for the APC. At its meeting on Thursday, the APC National Working Committee adopted indirect primaries to select the partys governorship candidate in Anambra. Ajibola Basiru, the partys national secretary, had earlier said that the decision was taken to ensure that all its stakeholders in Anambra were carried along as advised by the State Working Committee. It was formally decided at the meeting that the mode of emergence of the candidate for that election will be through indirect primary, the APC scribe had said. Mr Basiru added that a stakeholders meeting with the state working committee, state caucus, and aspirants will be held at the partys national headquarters at a later date to discuss the issue further. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerian last-mile connectivity and tower operator Hotspot has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium led by solar-power company Clear Blue Technologies to deploy 312 solar powered mobile sites across Nigeria. Under the deal signed earlier this week at Mobile World Congress 2025, the sites will feature Clear Blues Illumience Smart Power solar solution designed for telecoms infrastructure. The Clear Blue consortium also includes Empower New Energy, which provides clean energy project financing across Africa, and Netis, which specialises in operating and managing telecom infrastructure and will the installation, operations, and maintenance services for the project. Clear Blue CEO Miriam Tuerk said the consortium has the expert skills and capabilities to quickly design, build and operate the network, solar power and tower sites. As everyone active in the telecom market in Africa is aware, it is a difficult operating environment with challenging TCO targets. And yet, it is probably the largest untapped telecom market in the world with significant growth potential, said Hotspot CEO Morenikeji Aniye. Clear Blue brings an innovative technology and service capability which, together with an innovative business model and structure, enables us to deploy and operate these sites while meeting stringent service and TCO targets. Clear Blue noted that the deal is subject to final contract negotiations and signatures. Assuming everything goes according to plan, Hotspot will roll out the solar-powered sites at the end of this year. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted the indirect mode of primary election in picking its flag bearer for the Anambra State gubernatorial election holding later this year. The partys National Working Committee (NWC) took the decision during a meeting at the partys national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday. Briefing journalists after the meeting, the National Secretary of the APC, Bashiru Ajibola, debunked the earlier claim in an advertisement that the party would adopt the direct mode of election. According to him, no such decision was ever taken by the party. Our (NWC) meeting considered the processes in the ongoing Anambra governorship election, which is scheduled to be held by November 8, 2025. The National Working Committee of the party took cognisance of the fact that advertisement had been made, and it seems the advertisement was seemingly projecting that the NWC had adopted a direct mode of primary, but in actual fact, no positive resolution of the NWC had been taken before today (Thursday) as to the mode of primary. 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 At the NWC today, it was put into consideration, now formally decided that the mode of emergence of the candidate for that election will be through indirect primary, he said. Mr Ajibola said a meeting of the NWC and the State Working Committee, state caucus and the governorship aspirant has been slated to discuss the preparations for the shadow election on Tuesday next week. In order to carry along all stakeholders, a stakeholders meeting with the State Working Committee (SWC), state caucus and the aspirants will hold at the national headquarters of the party by 1: pm on Tuesday next week to carry them along. And correspondence to this effect will be made to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). There will be supplementary advertisement and public sensitisation as to the mode of primary and the new timetable adjusted in line with that decision, the secretary stated. No fewer than seven party members have shown interest in the governorship race. The are Chukuma Umeoji, Obiora Okonwko, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Paul Chukwuma, Obinna Onunkwo, Valentine Ozigbo and Edozie Madu. Timetable for primaries Meanwhile, the party has also reviewed its timeline of activities in accordance with INECs schedule of activities. The APC said the party primaries will be held on Saturday, 5 April, according to its schedule of activities. The partys schedule of activities showed that it sold the nomination and expression of interest forms between Monday, 10 February, and Tuesday, 25 February. The party said it would begin screening aspirants on Friday, 7, and Saturday, 8 March. INEC reviews timetable of election activities Meanwhile, according to the timetable and schedule of activities for the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said party primaries begin on 20 March. This is contained in a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Committee, Sam Olumekun, on Thursday. The electoral commission had fixed Saturday, 8 November, for the governorship elections. He said political party primaries will be held between 20 March and 10 April. The candidate nomination portal will open at 9 a.m. on 18 April 2025 and close at 6 p.m. on 12 May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9 June 2025. Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11 June, 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday, 6 November, 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 polling units across the state on Saturday, 8 November 2025, Mr Olumekun said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has denied allegations by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that he threatened to make her go down if the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, goes down through criticisms from her supporters. Mr Bamidele who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, admitted that he called Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan on the phone at the time she stated, but that he made the call as an attempt to reconcile her with Mr Akpabio following the controversy surrounding his nightclub remark the senate president made in July 2024. He spoke on the issue during Thursdays plenary when senators debated Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans suspension. I listened to distinguished Senator Natasha on Arise News and I am saying to all my distinguished colleagues that I have no regrets about what she said about me. She said I called her at exactly 13 minutes past 12, I have no regrets. Everyone of you know it is characteristic of my own leadership role to try to reconcile everybody, he said . Background of the controversy The dispute began after Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the senate president of sexual harassment, claiming he made inappropriate remarks and advances towards her. She made the allegations during an interview with Arise Television last Friday. 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 senator also alleged that Mr Bamidele called her late at night and warned that she would go down if Mr Akpabio continues to face criticism as a result of the nightclub comment. Mr Bamidele, however, explained that his intention was to mediate the conflict between her and the senate president. What happened during the phone call Mr Bamidele said he approached the senate president and urged him to publicly apologise to Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan but he initially resisted. He said after he persisted on his request, Mr Akpabio later agreed to apologise to Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan. I went to the senate president and I got there that night. I said, sir, tomorrow in the chamber you will have to tender a public apology to distinguished Senator Natasha. I beg you in the name of God because of your office. I understand what you said, it is different from the way youre interpreting it by saying she should not speak as if she was in the night club. And Mr President, you explained again that what you meant by night club is that it is only in the nightclub that everybody try to raise their voice above the volume of the music. And I said Sir, I understand you but tomorrow youll need to explain that to her and other Nigerian women and apologise to her. he added. Following his persistent request for public apology, Mr Bamidele said the senate president asked him if he had also spoken to Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans over the issue. The senate leader said Mr Akpabios advice was what prompted him to call Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan over the telephone around midnight. And you (Akpabio) asked me a question that why is it that youre always coming to me to talk. Have you called Senator Natasha? Everybody is dragging me on the social media, the bloggers. Have you called her? I picked my phone to call Senator Natasha, placing her on speaker, DSP (Deputy Senate President) was there and two other of our colleagues. And I called. I didnt think that 12 midnight was anytime that we wouldnt still be awake as senators. We go to bed at 2 a.m., 3 a.m. People who are dragging us on social media should know that, he stated. What she stands to gain Mr Bamidele explained that the major thing he discussed with Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan during the telephone call was to persuade her and specifically asked her what she stood to gain from the criticisms on social media against the senate president. When I called Distinguished Senator Natasha, the first thing I said was Distinguished I am sorry, I hope I didnt wake you up? She said no sir I am still at work. You know I cant be sleeping by this time. And I said, how is my brother?(referring to her husband)? She said hes fine and right here. And I said, I only called you to ask you a question. She said, what? I said my dear sister, what would you gain because I am reading what all these people are saying on social media. And I said what would you gain if the senate president goes down? What did you stand to benefit? That was just the discussion. And she was talking. She said I didnt start this fight. As she was talking my telephone started saying reconnecting, meaning that the network was failing. I cut it off and called back. As as soon as I called back, Mr President, you took over the discussion even that you were talking to a friends wife who said her husband was by her side. And you said princess of the Senate, why are your people dragging me? And we discussed all of these. Mr Bamidele said Mr Akpabio later joined the conversation and spoke with Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, about a pending nomination for the public complaint commission. At the end of the discussion you spoke with the husband and reminded the husband about a pending nomination that he was supposed to make for Delta State. And I thought that was the height of it, Mr President, for nominating people who will serve in a Public Complaint Commission. Her husband is not the Governor of Delta, hes not a senator from Delta. That was the height of respect you could have for anybody by asking her husband to submit nominee for a five-year tenure in public service, that was how we rounded off that discussion, he said. Call for investigation Mr Bamidele called on the State Security Service (SSS) and other inteligence agencies to investigate the call records for that day to verify his claims. But, I listened to Distinguished Senator Natasha on Arise Television. She recalled the matter last week on Arise and simply said I called her at 13 minutes past 12, middle of the night to threaten her and said if SP goes down, you too must go down. I never said so, and I called on the DG DSS (SSS) and the security agencies who have unrestricted access to telecommunication network to please recall the discussion that I had with the same Senator Natasha on my phone. For me, if somebody says something that i know to be a blatant lie, it will be difficult for me to believe any other thing you say. That is why when she proceeded later that she was sexually harassed, senate president took me round his house and he was holding my hand with my husband following and he told me do you like this sitting room, if you like it Ill bring you back here so that we can be by ourselves. There was no way Ill believe all of that. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Combined team of security operatives, including members of vigilance group, killed notorious Lakurawa kingpin, Maigemu, in Kebbi State, a state government official said on Friday. The states Director of Security, Cabinet Office, AbdulRahman Usman-Zagga, said this in a statement on Friday in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. He said Maigemu was killed on Thursday at Kuncin Baba in Arewa Local Government Area, a remote area with challenging terrain, after a fierce gun battle. He added that this success comes just a week after Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State visited Bagiza and Rausa Kade communities in Arewa Local Government to condole with residents over the killing of six people by suspected Lakurawa cattle rustlers. During the governors visit, he assured the affected communities of immediate security reinforcement and strategic measures to tackle criminal activities in the area. Today, his proactive approach has yielded results with the elimination of this kingpin. His corpse is available as evidence, Mr Usman-Zagga 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 commended the governor for the commitment to security and the continuous logistic support to security operatives, especially those on special operations. The director urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing intelligence and reporting suspicious activities for lasting peace in the state. Lakurawa is a terror group that infiltrated Sokoto and Kebbi states through Niger Republic, exacerbating insecurity in the North-west region. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian government has launched new standards and guidelines for the establishment and coordination of organ and tissue transplantation services in the country. The new guidelines aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to international best practices. The document, which was validated on 13 November 2024, was officially launched by the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. Mr Salako described the initiative as a major milestone in enhancing organ donation and transplantation in Nigeria, emphasising that it provides a second chance for individuals suffering from end-stage organ failure. Today, we are here to unveil a comprehensive framework that will regulate organ and tissue transplantation services in our country. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to saving lives through ethical practices and robust oversight mechanisms, he said. Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Salahudeen Jimoh, the minister acknowledged Nigerias unique challenges in the organ transplantation sector, referencing recent cases of unethical organ harvesting and other malpractice concerns. 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 These cases underscore the urgent need for stringent regulations to protect organ donors and recipients alike, he noted. Nigerias battle against organ trafficking Nigeria has been grappling with cases of illegal organ harvesting, often linked to kidnapping, ritual killings, and human trafficking networks. Reports have emerged of groups luring victims with fake job offers only to harvest their organs for sale. Domestically, incidents of ritual killings and kidnappings for organ trade have been on the rise, with victims organs allegedly being sold to hospitals or trafficked abroad. Recently, an Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Mohad and four others were arrested for killing Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of Kwara State College of Education, and harvesting her organs for ritual purposes. In 2023, a student of the University of Port Harcourt was also arrested for murdering his girlfriend and harvesting her organs for ritual purposes. Similarly, a suspected trafficker was caught luring women through social media before abducting them for organ trade. With the new guidelines, the Nigerian government is addressing concerns surrounding organ transplantation and ensuring that the process is conducted ethically and transparently within the country. Stakeholder collaboration Mr Salako further explained that the guidelines resulted from extensive collaboration among healthcare professionals, legal experts, professional bodies, media organisations, and other key stakeholders. He said every detail was carefully scrutinised during the validation process to ensure it addresses the unique challenges we face in Nigeria. The document outlines key areas such as ethics in transplantation, donor protection, transplant patients safety, minimum standards for organ transplant procedures, and mechanisms for ensuring compliance. These guidelines aim to restore trust in organ donation in Nigeria by promoting transparency, accountability, and adherence to international best practices, Mr Salako added. Implementation and monitoring To strengthen the implementation of the regulations, the minister stressed the need for mapping and certifying all health institutions involved in organ donation and transplantation to ensure compliance with the highest standards of practice. Additionally, we will establish an organ donation and transplantation registry and banking system to streamline the management of organ donations across Nigeria, he stated. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Human Resource Management, Tetshoma Dafeta, commended the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee and all stakeholders involved in the development of the guidelines. This document is a milestone in our mission to improve healthcare and save lives, she said. It is also a beginning. Let us work together to implement these guidelines effectively and build a future where organ transplantation in Nigeria is a beacon of hope, not a source of fear. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print US President Trump says he is considering imposing large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia to pressure the country into a ceasefire and settlement deal with Ukraine. In a post made on Truth Social on Friday, the president said the sanctions would be in place until the three-year-old war between the countries ends. Mr Trump stated that he was strongly considering the sanctions given that Russia is pounding Ukraine on the battlefield right now. I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Ceasefire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!! he added. This is an unexpected turn of events, as Russia has received little pushback and pressure from the current administration since President Trump returned to the White House. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In the past, President Trump publicly admired Russian President Vladimir Putin but has only praised him since winning a second term. In February, the US President described the Russian leader as a very smart guy and a very cunning person. PREMIUM TIMES also reported that President Trump had begun brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine without involving the latter in the talks. He described a phone call with Mr Putin as lengthy and very productive. Trumps interaction with Ukraine President Trumps previous interaction with Russia sharply contrasts his interaction with Ukraine. Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys meeting with President Trump during a visit to the White House escalated into a heated exchange, with President Trump and his deputy, JD Vance, publicly berating Mr Zelenskyy. After the hostile exchange, Mr Trump posted on Truth Social that the Ukrainian president could come back when he is ready for peace. The US government also paused military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine a day later. President Trump has also once called Mr Zelenskyy a dictator and accused him of doing a terrible job at leading the East European nation. However, after he visited the White House, Mr Zelenskyy has tried to repair his relationship with the US president. On Tuesday, he wrote a letter to Mr Trump, which included an apology and sense of gratitude. President Trump also stated that the letter indicated Ukraines leader was ready for talks with Russia and the finalisation of the US minerals deal. The US and Ukraine are expected to hold peace talks in Saudi Arabia next week. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently in a dilemma over the failure of aspirants to buy the partys nomination form ahead of the 8 November 2025 election in Anambra State. The PDP initially scheduled the sale of forms between 24 February and 5 March. It had set 7 March as the deadline for submission of the forms. The partys governorship primary in Anambra is on 5 April. This would be followed by an appeal committee sitting on 8 April. But PREMIUM TIMES gathered that no aspirant had bought the PDP nomination forms for the primaries as of Thursday. Sources told this newspaper on Thursday that many aspirants rescinded their decision to buy forms because of the leadership crisis ravaging the party, particularly at the national level. The people who are supposed to mobilise for the possible victory of the party at the general election are fighting one another, a source close to an aspirant 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 So how can someone commit his or her N40 million for such a project? said the source, who asked not to be named. The PDP pegged the expression of interest and nomination forms for the primaries at N40 million. Ahead of the last governorship election in the state in 2021, the party had pegged the forms at N26 million. Only female aspirants paid N3 million for the forms at the time. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission warned political parties on Thursday against making sudden changes to their primary schedules. The electoral body said 12 of the 19 registered political parties for the election had submitted their primary schedules in compliance with section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022. It reminded the seven remaining parties to submit the required details without further delay, maintaining that the primaries for political parties selection of candidates were set to start on 20 March 20 and end on 10 April. Extension of time The Chairperson of the PDP in Anambra State, Chidi Chidebe, refuted reports that no aspirants had purchased the PDP forms for the November election. Mr Chidebe told PREMIUM TIMES that although the forms are purchased at the partys headquarters in Abuja, he was aware that some aspirants had picked their forms. I can tell you it is not true that nobody has purchased our governorship forms. I am aware some have purchased, but it will not be good for me to start mentioning names. Theyre not candidates yet, but just aspirants, he said. However, the PDP chairperson said the party has extended the deadline for the purchase of the forms by six days. It is (now) ending on Wednesday, 12 March, he said of the new deadline for the purchase of the forms. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP national spokesperson, asked for time to respond to our reporters questions. Mr Ologunagba ended the call when the reporter asked when he could call him back for a response. Avalanche of crisis The PDP has been facing a severe leadership crisis, particularly at the national level. The Chairperson of the partys Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, was recently expelled in what many perceive to be a continuation of a face-off over the control of the PDP between Mr Wabara and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. Apart from the Messrs Wike and Wabara feud, there is an intense contest about who is the authentic national secretary of the PDP, between Samuel Anyanwu and a former PDP National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye. The matter is currently being argued at various courts, including Nigerias Supreme Court where the case is scheduled for hearing on 10 March. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Rivers House of Assembly has extended the time for the chairperson and commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to appear before it to 10 March. Martins Wachukwu, the special assistant to the Speaker on Media Affairs, disclosed this in a statement to reporters in Port Harcourt on Friday. Mr Wachukwu said the extension of time was to enable the commission to explain some issues concerning its activities. The speakers aide said the house was unhappy that neither the RSIEC chairperson nor the commissioners honoured its earlier invitation. He said the decision on the latest invitation was taken at a sitting of the house, where it directed the clerk to communicate it to the chairperson and the commissioners. They are invited to explain the commissions actions concerning the 5 October 2024 local government council 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 Another reason for the invitation is to explain the unbudgeted expenditures undertaken by the commission. They are also to inform the House how the commission expects to generate funds to conduct the election it is currently proposing, he said. The speakers aide said the assembly would be forced to invoke the spirit and letters of the constitution if the chairperson and the commissioners failed to appear before it. Mr Wachkwu said the house had taken legislative notice of Governor Siminalayi Fubaras refusal to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill as ordered by the Supreme Court. The house has also taken notice of the governors refusal to submit the list of commissioner nominees to the house as earlier directed, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The 2024 report, the 18th edition of the Global Gender Gap Index, benchmarked gender parity across 146 economies, providing a basis for the analysis of gender parity developments across two-thirds of the worlds economies. As an African, I was super delighted to see Namibia at number eight and South Africa at number 18. Two African countries, one in the global top 10 and another in the global top 20! This is something to celebrate and a call to understudy why they ranked so high. Other African countries that featured in the top 50 are Rwanda at number 39, Liberia at number 42 and Eswatini at number 47. Happy International Womens Day 2025 to all readers! March 8th, the globally designated International Womens Day (IWD), a holiday celebrated annually to focus on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women is here again. The 2025 theme is Accelerate Action and highlights the urgent need to drive gender equality through bold, decisive actions, rather than slow progress. Thus, my motivation for writing this article, with performance improvement and transformation thinking. Introduction I am a female leader with personal identity and orientation of a global citizen, proudly African of Nigerian extraction, and firm belief in the wholesome value of humanity, in general, for development and societal sustainability, based on goodwill and purpose. As such, this article will highlight the context within which the IWD emerged, some emerging empirical data, and proffer some suggestions for consideration, based on continental practice benchmarks. I also believe in collective action at the individual, family unit, institutional, national and continental levels. This because from where I sit as an international consultant, who has had the privilege of participating in two of the African Peer Review Mechanisms (APRM) Country Review Missions (CRMs) of two countries in Africas Southern region and function as the CEO of the Africa Private Sector Summit with other continental exposures, there are commendable practices to glean from, for systemic continental improvement. Therefore, like Fareed Zakaria of CNNs Global Public Square (GPS) magazine programme would say, Lets get started! Contextual Background In announcing the theme for IWD2025, internationalwomensday.com asked us to all imagine a gender equal world; a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination; a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive; a world where difference is valued and celebrated. It therefore calls for gender equality and collectively #AccelerateAction. Then the big question Is this possible in Africa, as we progress in our aspirations for the Africa we want (Agenda2063)? History has it that IWD has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues globally still impacting womens advancement. We may recall that Vladimir Lenin declared 8 March as IWD in 1922 to honour the womens role in 1917 Russian Revolution; it was subsequently celebrated on that date by the socialist movement and communist countries. The IWD holiday became a mainstream global holiday, following its promotion by the United Nations in 1977. 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 Another important milestone on the subject of this article to consider, is the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, which flagged 12 key areas where urgent action was needed to ensure greater equality and opportunities for women and men, girls and boys. It also laid out concrete ways for countries to bring about change. The Beijing conference built on political agreements reached at three previous global conferences on women, and consolidated five decades of legal advances aimed at securing the equality of women with men in law and in practice. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 1995 was unanimously adopted by 189 countries as an agenda for womens empowerment that is now considered the key global policy document on gender equality. The big question: Now three decades post-Beijing Conference of 1995, how have African countries progressed on protocols acceded to in 1995? In preparation for Beijing +30 Status for Africa, the African Union, with support of the United Nations Economic Commission on Africa, facilitated a Beijing +30 Review Ministerial Consultative Expert Group Meeting on 6 November in Addis Ababa, in preparation of the 69th session of the Commission on Status of Women (CSW) to be held from 10-21 March. The meeting led to a published resolution, which concluded that different measures need to be adopted as implementation accelerators for proposed actions to yield impact at scale. The most important are stakeholders commitments, strengthening grassroots women and girls movements, the existence of strong institutions, and particularly Africas ownership of the implementation process by putting in place all necessary measures, including financing these actions with Africas own resources. In terms of global benchmarks, the World Economic Forums Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) annually benchmarks the state and evolution of gender parity across four key dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment. Since launching in 2006, it is the longest-standing index tracking the progress of numerous economies efforts towards closing these gaps over time. The 2024 report, the 18th edition of the Global Gender Gap Index, benchmarked gender parity across 146 economies, providing a basis for the analysis of gender parity developments across two-thirds of the worlds economies. As an African, I was super delighted to see Namibia at number eight and South Africa at number 18. Two African countries, one in the global top 10 and another in the global top 20! This is something to celebrate and a call to understudy why they ranked so high. Other African countries that featured in the top 50 are Rwanda at number 39, Liberia at number 42 and Eswatini at number 47. Call for Action As we mark this years IWD with the theme Accelerated Action, I reflect on the outcome of Namibia and South Africas GGPI ranking and feel obliged to advise the following for performance improvement for accelerated action: On jurisdictional/national levels: Namibias Zebra Principle works and may have greatly impacted its global top 10 ranking as number eight. South Africas approach to near universal adoption of the King IV Governance code, which promotes corporate altruism and responsible citizenship across the private, public and social sectors, and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), are worthy of understudy and possible domestication in other jurisdiction, with Rwanda, Liberia and Eswatini sharing their principles and practices as well. On an institutional level: adoption of any combination of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that align with institutional brand values as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) be considered. Ensuring inclusive gender practices in labour practices, with consideration of gender life cycle stages for societal sustainability and possibility of non-punitive career breaks and remote work have long term brand loyalty in employees and service providers across gender. On individual levels within families and communities: misogynistic resistance to women empowerment is real in some cultures in Africa and around the world, especially male dominated and paternalistic societies need to educate societies on the right of all persons, irrespective of gender, age or social standing to liberty to pursue life aspirations and contribute to society. Conclusion The African woman is an amazing reservoir of resources. Therefore, she needs nurturing through life cycle stages as a girl child; as an undergraduate young woman; as a professional or entrepreneur; as a mother nurturing future generations, through her reproductive years as a wife and mother with growing and dependent children; as a mature professional who wants to contribute her experiences; and as a retired grandmother and great-grandmother or matriarch with responsibility for passing the baton of family cross generational dignity, honour and purpose. There is so much gender parity can bring to our development agenda, as a people. So, lets accelerate action! No more talking! References United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (6 November, 2024). Resolutions of the Ministerial Consultative Group Meeting of the Gender Expert Group https://www.uneca.org/eca-events/sites/default/files/resources/documents/gender-poverty-social-policy/beijing-30/african_common_position_document.final_outome_document.pdf World Economic Forum (June 2024). Global Gender Gap -2024 Insights Report https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GGGR_2024.pdf Lucy Surhyel Newman is an international consultant, policy advisor and a 2024 Modern Governance 100 Honoree, wrote from Lagos, Nigeria. Email: [email protected]. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print To the women of Lagos: Your courage has already rewritten history. Now, own your power. Run for office. Demand boardroom seats. Launch that business. A truly progressive government must back you with the critical resources you need, from micro loans targeting female entrepreneurs to defined quotas that enhance inclusion. As we mark International Womens Day 2025, I am reminded of the powerful words of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: As women thrive, so will we all. These words, spoken in March 2015 at the opening of the fifty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York, remain as relevant as ever. In our dear Lagos State, a city beating with ambition and diversity, this truth resonates deeply. Today, I celebrate the courage, resilience, and indomitable spirit of Lagos women who shape our communities, drive our economy, and teach us what it truly means to lead. The Courage That Defines Us Two years ago, during the 2023 elections, many witnessed a moment that redefined bravery. In Surulere, Jennifer Efidi, determined to exercise her democratic right, was attacked by hoodlums attempting to suppress voters. Stabbed and bleeding, she refused to leave until she cast her vote an act of sheer defiance against violence and intimidation. She is not alone in this remarkable depiction of tenacity. Across our state, women like her rise daily against systemic barriers, economic inequities, and cultural biases to claim their space in society. This same resilience is reflected in women leaders across our state, including our Labour Party Lagos Chairman, Dayo Ekong, whose dedication to political mobilisation underscores the power of women in governance. My heritage taught me that greatness lies in inclusion. Lagos thrives when all voices flourish. Whether youre a Badagry fish trader, a Kogi-born tech innovator in Yaba, or a young girl in Ikorodu dreaming of politics, this is your Lagos. Beyond Rhetoric: Policy Solutions Rooted in Reality 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 Womens empowerment must go beyond words it demands action. In 2023, I pledged to prioritise womens inclusion in governance and economic systems. As we work toward building a Lagos that truly belongs to all, I urge you to join hands in dismantling barriers to womens economic participation and overall well-being. In a 2022 interview with a leading national newspaper, I highlighted the plight of divorced women left destitute by archaic laws. I also argued in favor of a care economy where women are not held back or left behind due to the burden of child care. I therefore proposed a tax incentive for corporate organisations who provide creches and other support system to keep women in the workplace and ensure they arent left behind by their male counterparts. The 2025 IWD is another platform to reiterate that no woman should start afresh with nothing after years of contributing to a household. A caring government must ensure that the right policies are implemented to make governance more humane. A Call to Action: Own Your Power To the women of Lagos: Your courage has already rewritten history. Now, own your power. Run for office. Demand boardroom seats. Launch that business. A truly progressive government must back you with the critical resources you need, from micro loans targeting female entrepreneurs to defined quotas that enhance inclusion. My heritage taught me that greatness lies in inclusion. Lagos thrives when all voices flourish. Whether youre a Badagry fish trader, a Kogi-born tech innovator in Yaba, or a young girl in Ikorodu dreaming of politics, this is your Lagos. This International Womens Day, lets do more than celebrate. Lets take action to make equity a lived reality, not just a slogan. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour is a Nigerian architect, entrepreneur and politician. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his administrations commitment to more collaboration with the troops operating in Zamfara State. On Thursday, the governor hosted Hassan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, during his official visit to Zamfara. Mr Abubakar, an Air Marshall visited Zamfara regarding the airstrike incident that resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians near Gidan Makera in Zurmi local government area on January 11, 2025. The civilian casualties were members of the local vigilante who were mistakenly identified as the bandits fleeing precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma. In his remark, Governor Dauda Lawal commended the Airforces timely response to distress calls in volatile areas across Zamfara State. I want to express my appreciation for the Chief of Air Staff, who, before his visit today, sent a strong delegation led by one of the most senior officers from the headquarters to commiserate with us and the people of Zamfara. He sent a delegation to Zamfara on two separate occasions. 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 want to reiterate that when the incident occurred, we addressed the media, clarifying that it was not intentional but rather an accident. The presence of the Chief of Air Staff in Zamfara reflects exceptional professionalism and concern. The governor noted that the Nigerian Air Force is crucial in combating banditry in Zamfara, Northwest, and the entire nation. I appreciate the Chief of Air Staff for the Air Forces contributions. They promptly respond whenever we reach out. We are clear about our stance. We have made it known to every listening ear that we are not ready and will never negotiate with the bandits. You can all attest that our position is paying off, as we are beginning to see results with peace gradually returning to Zamfara. I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Air Marshal that we are constructing an airport in Zamfara. I appeal that once the airport is completed, we would like an Air Force hangar to ensure swift operations in the state. We will keep contacting you because we need the Air Force. We cant thank you enough for making this visit. For us in Zamfara, its a significant morale booster that you traveled all the way from Abuja. From our side, I assure you that we will keep engaging with you and do everything possible to support the troops fighting banditry. I wish you a safe flight back to Abuja. Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff expressed appreciation to Governor Dauda Lawal for his cooperation in addressing the tragic situation of the accidental airstrike that occurred in Zamfara. You may recall that on January 11, 2025, airstrikes were carried out in Zamfara following an intelligence report of bandit activity in Gidan Makera in Maradun LGA. The area was targeted in pursuit of the terrorists associated with bandit Bello Turji. A few days after the strike, a news report claimed that the airstrike had mistakenly hit members of a vigilante group. Deeply concerned by the allegation, I immediately constituted a committee for a holistic assessment and investigation of the alleged strike. The fact-finding team has since submitted their report and findings, which confirmed that 11 members of the local vigilante were unintentionally killed. Our visit this morning is to express our sympathy to you, the families of the victims, and the good people of Zamfara regarding the tragic incident. The governor and the Chief of Air Staff held a private meeting with the families of the airstrike victims, along with 11 others who were injured. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Speaking at a State Department ceremony honoring hostages and their families, U.S. Senior Advisor Adam Boehler said, Theres nothing more important for this country than for everyone to know that if theyre abroad and theyre taken that the country has their back. This president, Donald Trump, has made it a critical priority of his and his administration to do that. ... You saw what the president said yesterday [March 5] to Hamas, where he made it abundantly clear that taking U.S. citizens or any citizens - wrongfully is not appropriate and it will be answered in the toughest way possible. ... So, its starting a new era - I do believe it is new where were saying that it is not acceptable in any case to hold American citizens abroad wrongfully. In the first month of President Trumps second term in office, 11 U.S. hostages or wrongfully detained persons were released, including Marc Fogel, who had been imprisoned in Russia, two Americans held in Gaza, two in Belarus, and six in Venezuela. Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel, who had previously been involved in hostage rescue efforts while working at the National Security Council, said, There is no one agency that gets this done. ... We will work with our partners in the CIA and the Intelligence Community. And we will demolish any political obstacles that stand in the way. My singular promise to you in this community is that I will do everything as your director of the FBI to marshal the resources necessary to make sure that no other American family feels that pain. ... We still dont have everybody back. Whatever lawful authorities we have at the FBI we are going to give 24/7, 365 days to make sure that we zero out this number and to make sure we prevent others from going into situations that you are now all too familiar with. Senior Advisor Boehler declared, This President has no qualms about using actions when its necessary, and we will all back him up on that. ... The President will continue to push until all of our Americans, dead or alive, are returned. Governor Dauda Lawal has sworn in Yakubu Sani Haidara, as the Head of the Civil Service of Zamfara State, along with 12 new permanent secretaries. The swearing-in ceremony, which marks the beginning of the tenure of the new Head of Service and permanent secretaries, took place on Thursday in the old chamber of the government house in Gusau. A statement by the governors spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Coordinator of Donor Activities and Programmes office has also been established under the Governors office. The statement added that the newly created office will be headed by a Permanent Secretary, reporting directly to the governor. The main role of the Permanent Secretary is coordinating all donor/ developmental partner activities and programmes in conjunction with implementing MDAs. In his speech at the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Lawal referred to the newly appointed Head of Service as a distinguished bureaucrat with an outstanding administrative career spanning over three decades. 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 Your appointment is a recognition of your capacity and dedication to public service. This new role presents an opportunity to deploy your wealth of experience in repositioning the civil service towards greater efficiency, productivity, and purposeful service delivery. As the Head of Service, you are responsible for driving forward the current public service reforms initiated by this administration. These reforms aim to build a more effective and responsive system capable of meeting the needs and aspirations of the people of Zamfara State. You are entrusted with supervising the Permanent Secretaries and the entire civil service to ensure that government policies and programs are effectively formulated and implemented. The governor also noted that the Permanent Secretaries appointment results from a thorough and transparent process. This involved an intensive refresher course, written exams, oral interviews, and ICT-based tests, culminating in a professional assessment by the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN). The decision to reform the appointment processes of Permanent Secretaries in the state to conform with current standards of service and best practice is informed by our desire to entrench merit rather than arbitrariness and favoritism as a tool for career advancement in the state civil service. We believe that to reform the public service, which is the central institution of policy formulation and government implementation, competence and professionalism must be the topmost priority. Alhamdulillah, with this exercise, we have set the necessary standard to sustain In sha Allah. Having taken the oath of office as Permanent Secretaries of Zamfara State Government, you should understand that your roles are critical to the successful implementation of the objectives of our administration; I believe that by your intellects and proven capacities, you will rise to the occasion with diligence and a sense of responsibility. As the accounting officers in your respective ministries and posts, you are expected to align your actions with the six points agenda of this administration and ensure that every policy and programme under your supervision contributes to the realisation of the objectives of our mission of delivering good governance to the people of Zamfara State. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Uba Sani has promised that his administration is determined to leave Kaduna State better than how it met it. He said that is why his government is executing projects in critical sectors like education, health and agriculture. He made the commitment at the ground breaking for the construction and upgrading of Zaria township roads, from Magajiya Junction to Kasuwan Amaru, with a link to Unguwan Liman/Albarkawa road intersection and Audi to Kako roads, in Zaria local government area. The governor further said that his administration was ramping up the implementation of its rural transformation programme, as it has initiated over 78 road projects across Kaduna State since assuming office. The governor who reiterated that these projects are progressing well, with contractors adequately funded to meet project deadlines, said that his focus is to connect local communities to provide social and economic benefits. When completed, these Zaria Township roads will serve a significant population of Zaria city, predominantly the urban poor. Job opportunities would be created. Commercial activities will significantly improve, while security will be enhanced in the city and its surroundings, he promised. According to him, Zaria is too important to be left in its present state. He added that the ground breaking is another demonstration of our firm commitment to the construction of new road networks, as well as the expansion, repair and maintenance of existing road networks to ease transportation and enhance businesses across 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 road from Audi to Kako on the outskirts of Zaria City connects the predominantly farming communities. Our administration is dedicated to promoting accelerated development by extending infrastructure to all local government areas, supporting our communities in achieving rapid economic growth, addressing infrastructure deficits, curbing rural-urban migration, and improving the quality of life for our people, he assured. Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Zaria local government, Jamil Ahmad thanked the governor for all the developmental projects that he has been executing in the area. The chairman pledged the total support of Zaria people to the Uba Sani-led administration, promising that the people would increase the number of votes that they gave the governor in the coming election. In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli welcomed Governor Sani home, pointing out that the governor is a son-of-the-soil. The emir who is the Chairman of Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, also commended Governor Sani for executing developmental projects across board. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On a Thursday morning on this date last year, armed men from the bandit family of Yellow Janbros stormed Kuriga town in Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, and herded students from their classrooms into the forest. News quickly spread on local and international platforms that terrorists had kidnapped more than 200 students before officials later gave the figure as 137. As the incident marks a year today, PREMIUM TIMES revisits the events that led to the abduction, the group involved and how the students were rescued. One of the big terrorists indirectly involved in the incident has been killed in a joint operation. Our reporter exclusively reported that the bandit family of Yellow Janbros, led by their son [also called Janbros], masterminded the abduction. But because of his inexperience in such abductions, it almost failed until he contracted the notorious Dogo Gide to fight the military operatives trailing them and the abducted students into the forest. About 300 students had just finished their morning assembly when they marched into their classrooms at the joint primary and secondary sections of the Local Government Education Authority School in Kuriga. The number of the kidnapped from the secondary section based on the statistics we took together with the parents is 187, a home economics teacher in the school, Sani Abdullahi, told Reuters a few hours after the abduction. He added that 40 pupils were taken from the primary section. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later This newspaper understands that the school authority was uncertain about the number of students kidnapped that day. It later agrees with the estimates given by the state government. The students were released after 17 days in captivity. All of them have come back home safely, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said in a broadcast by Channels Television. When asked about the actual figure, Mr Sani said: As the leader, I shouldnt bother myself about figures. What is more important is the return of the children. Nearly 1,500 students have been kidnapped from their schools in Nigeria since 2014 when Boko Haram, under the leadership of idiosyncratic Abubakar Shekau, kidnapped more than 200 girls in Chibok, a town in Borno State. Some of those students are still in captivity, married off to Boko Haram commanders. After that, a Boko Haram faction operating between North-west and North-central Nigeria has joined forces with criminal bandits to carry out other school abductions. Before the men came Terror activities around Kuriga forced the authorities to move a police post in the town to another town, Buruku. Apart from wanton attacks on its surrounding villages, Kuriga has suffered a series of terror attacks and abductions since 2018, with at least three deaths and 30 abductions, according to data we collected from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) last year. The town and other ransacked remote communities have paid more than N150 million as levies to the terrorists, a resident who pleaded anonymity for security reasons told our reporter a few days after the abduction. In 2018, we had to sell our old transformer and water pumping machine [provided by the government] to raise N15 million for the terrorists, he revealed, adding that farming activities have also been threatened after many farmers were forced to pay protection and access levies. The situation became unbearable for the residents of Kuriga, who formed a volunteer vigilante to confront the terrorists. The vigilantes protected the community with locally-made guns and torchlights until the infamous 7 March 2024 daylight attack. A day before the school abduction, the terrorists had attacked a small village near Kuriga. Upon hearing their presence in the village, Kuriga men spent the whole night monitoring the movement of the terrorists. 7 March 2024: A case of life and death Saving the students from the terrorists that day was a case of life and death, according to some armed volunteers who watched helplessly as the students were led into the forest. The terrorists arrived in the morning, a change of strategy that startled Kuriga residents. Our men were sleeping when they came, Haruna Husseini, one of the volunteers, recalled. The women raised the alarm, and some of us woke up and picked up our guns. But we could not do anything that day, he continued. Many students would have died that day if we had engaged the bandits in a gunfight because the bullets we use spread around even though you point your gun towards a target. READ ALSO: Nigeria takes delivery of mobile first aid unit from German govt Abduction transformed Kuriga Since the unfortunate abduction, Kuriga, a little-known town in the terror-ravaged Chikun LGA, has become popular, attracting the attention of agencies like the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). In collaboration with the Kaduna State government, UNICEF has revamped the towns education infrastructure. The dilapidated school where the students were kidnapped has now been renovated. The school has been open since the beginning of the year. Locals said security forces have also been deployed to the community, assuring them of their safety. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Edo State Police Command has detained eight suspects, in connection with the alleged killing of a site engineer, Efe Ogbeide, during the leadership crisis in Obazagbon Community of Benin. The commands spokesperson, Moses Yamu, confirmed the development to journalists on Thursday. Mr Yamu identified Joshua Edo, the chairperson of the community youths, as the prime suspect. Other suspects, according to him, include Obayuwana Happy, Uhunwangho Everest, Chidera Umeh, Simon Benjamin, Odion Adagbonyin, Kennedy Ohro, and Osayi Adagbonyin. Mr Yamu said the suspects were caught by operatives of the Iyekogba Divisions Operation Rescue and Anti-Kidnapping Unit at different locations. According to him, the crisis stemmed from disputes over the positions of chairman and traditional leader (Okiaghele), resulting in multiple deaths and the destruction of property worth millions of naira. 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 Commissioner of Police, Betty Isokpan, condemned the violence and vowed that all the culprits will face the full weight of the law. She assured residents that security agencies remain committed to safeguarding their lives and property, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the killing of Mr Ogbeide sparked outrage among civil society groups. READ ALSO: President Tinubu approves employment of 774 health fellows The Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) and the Edo State Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) staged a protest on Tuesday. The groups, led by NAPVID Executive Director, Melody Omosha, decried the brutal murder of the victim, who they described as a hardworking site engineer. According to Ms Omosha, the deceased, who was deaf, may not have heard warnings before the attack. The groups called for justice and better protection for persons with disabilities in the state. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in Ibadan on Thursday presented a Certificate of Appointment and Staff of Office to Samuel Adegbola, as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa. Mr Makinde had on Tuesday approved the reappointment of Mr Adegbola as the traditional ruler of Eruwa land. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Mr Adegbola was installed in 1998 but deposed on 29 November 2019, by an order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. In his remarks, Mr Makinde said the Eruwa kingship issue had lingered since 2019, leaving the town without a traditional ruler. According to the governor, Mr Adegbola had reigned for 21 years before the Supreme Court judgment that sacked him. He said the new selection process, put in place by the kingmakers of Eruwa to fill the vacant stool, unanimously reselected Mr Adegbola from the Akalako ruling house. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Makinde said he, as the governor, only had to endorse the kingmakers nomination without interference. He further said the roles of traditional rulers could not be overemphasised, saying, They are closer to the people. According to the governor, traditional rulers also play vital roles in securing and preserving culture in their respective domains. He pledged that his administration would continue to support and protect the traditional institution in the state. READ ALSO: Police detain eight over death of site engineer in Benin NAN reports that Eruwa is an ancient town and the headquarters of Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State. In his acceptance speech, the king promised to unite all his subjects to ensure that the people of Eruwa live together harmoniously. He also pledged to work towards the growth and progress of the ancient town and Ibarapa land in general. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print LOS ANGELES, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of International Women's Day on March 8th, America's fastest growing waterless beauty brand, Olive Tree People along with sub-brands LA Dope, Olive Rose and Olive Mush is celebrating its 25 women of the year who have been key to its growth. The 25 Iconic Beauty Consultants of Olive Tree People (pictured): Kaitlyn O'Donnell, Danielle Hampton, Kellie Sibley, Leah Flaming, Medina Culver, Melissa Cubberley, Mackenzie Holmsten, Melissa Ryan-Hillman, Shea Williams, Jenni Boyer, Dan'yell Reynolds, Carrie Smith, Nicole Godbout, Caroline Smith, Jena Kravitz, Morgan Rasmussen, Samantha Kelly, Tara Rosselli, Hayley Stell, Christan Cooper, Amanda Knox, Maisha Dible, Sable Cameron, Erin Wilkins, Mignon Hunt. Celebrating 25 of the brand's waterless beauty consultants for their hard work in spreading the waterless beauty message in a cover-style photoshoot, these women have been a huge part in Olive Tree People's journey since it came to the US in 2023. More than 50,000 waterless beauty consultants across the country have contributed to the brand's exponential growth, which saw a 1000% increase in growth in January 2025 and close to 3000% increase in 2024. Olive Tree People is a company made up of a 99% female workforce spanning across Germany, USA and Canada. Community is at the heart of Olive Tree People, and person-to-person reviews and sales empower women close to the heart of the brand to build their careers in beauty within the Olive Tree People family. The 'beauty consultant' title reflects the extensive training and dedication each person undergoes to educate the 168.6 million women in the US on waterless beauty. On set, consultants such as Jena Kravitz and Dr. Medina Culver both Legacy Founders in the Olive Tree People family give their expert insight via video interview for social (see here and here ) into the waterless beauty movement and what it means for the health of our biggest organ, both inside and out. "As a physician, it's my job to know and understand everything," says Dr. Medina. "People come to you for help and for advice. I had no idea about water being the main ingredient [in beauty products] and what that meant, and what refined oils and petroleum does to our bodies. When I learned that you can't unlearn it." Beyond beauty, the impact on women's lives is also seen through the company's OLIVEDA for Africa initiative, which constructs one well in Africa for every 100 hectares of mountain olive tree land the brand acquires in Spain. Water collection is still a responsibility that falls mostly upon women in rural regions (over 80% in some countries), a huge burden of time and energy that takes away from time available for education, work, and domestic life . Now, with 31,000 eco-certified olive trees planted on OLIVEDA land, around 15,000 residents in villages across Senegal and other nations of the continent are supplied with water from OLIVEDA wells. Join Olive Tree People in celebrating the women who have been instrumental in raising awareness and shaping the world of waterless beauty to what it is today. Our 25 beauty consultants were highlighted in an ad in TIME's 2025 Women of the Year print issue. About OLIVE TREE PEOPLE Founded in 2003 by Thomas Lommel, OLIVEDA International, Inc. is a pioneering global leader in waterless beauty. In 2023, the company launched sales through a distinct direct-to-consumer channel in the US. Its innovative skincare formulations replace 70% of water with hydroxytyrosol, a bioactive elixir from wild mountain olive trees, enhancing efficacy and sustainability. Lommel's journey began in an olive tree house he built for meditation, where he discovered the healing power of olive leaf elixir. This inspired Olive Tree Therapy, a blend of Mediterranean and Ayurvedic principles. With an efficacy 3,000 times greater than olive oil, this elixir reflects the resilience of olive trees, which can live up to 4,000 years. Through its subsidiary, OLIVE TREE PEOPLE Inc., the company has brands OLIVEDA, OLIVE ROSE, LA DOPE, and OLIVE MUSH, which promote sustainability across the US. OLIVE TREE PEOPLE builds water wells in Africa and provides olive tree sound baths that harness unique tree frequencies. As the largest investor in eco-certified mountain olive trees and a leading conservationist in Arroyomolinos de Leon, Spain, OLIVEDA International supports global sustainability. For more information, visit www.us.olivetreepeople.com . More About Olive Tree People The exciting journey into holistic beauty began many years ago with our "ancient and original tree" OLIVEDA. Our "trees" LA DOPE, which has its roots in Los Angeles, and OLIVE re:connected to nature are also part of it. As do our youngest "trees" OLIVE MUSH and OLIVE ROSE, which completely redefine holistic beauty under the umbrella of OLIVE TREE PEOPLE. They are all connected through growing towards holistic beauty, or, as we at OLIVE TREE PEOPLE say: From Tree to Beauty. For this reason, we protect overgrown, hundred-year-old mountain olive trees by buying large pieces of land, cultivating trees and land and eco-certifying them. These mountain olive trees do not only provide oxygen for hundreds of thousands of people, protect the soil from erosion and contribute to biodiversity, they also give us, in addition to our world-class, award-winning extra virgin olive oil, the autochthonous and worldwide unique beauty molecule Hydroxytyrosol, which perfectly protects human cells and enables the trees to live for up to 4,000 years. With love and dedication, we at OLIVE TREE PEOPLE are making ancient formulas, which are based on earthly wisdom and carry the life-force of the wonderful mountain olive trees, accessible for everyone. To create a natural cycle that makes it possible to protect and preserve the millennia-old high culture of the mountain olive trees. Our actions should contribute to a society that is developing more and more into an "Olive Tree Society" a society that, like the olive tree, is a symbol for life, love, and peace. SOURCE Olive Tree People CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America Corporation announced today that it will redeem on March 16, 2025 all CAD400,000,000 principal amount outstanding of its Floating Rate Senior Notes, due March 2026 (CUSIP No. 060505GE8, ISIN: CA060505GE87) (the "Notes"), at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date of March 16, 2025. Since March 16, 2025 is not a business day, the redemption price of the Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, will be paid on the next succeeding business day, March 17, 2025. Interest on the Notes will cease to accrue on the redemption date. Payment of the redemption price for the Notes will be made in accordance with the applicable procedures of CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. is the trustee and BNY Trust Company of Canada is the paying agent for the Notes. Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with 3,700 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 58 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC). Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of future results or performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions difficult to predict or beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider the uncertainties and risks discussed under Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in any of our subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was made. For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts. Investors May Contact: Lee McEntire, Bank of America Phone: 1.980.388.6780 [email protected] Jonathan G. Blum, Bank of America (Fixed Income) Phone: 1.212.449.3112 [email protected] Reporters May Contact: Jocelyn Seidenfeld, Bank of America Phone: 1.646.743.3356 [email protected] SOURCE Bank of America Corporation Newest Supply Center serves as a one-stop destination featuring high-quality products, expert guidance, and collaborative spaces CHICAGO, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brickworks North America (Brickworks N.A.), parent company of Glen-Gery , announces the opening of its new masonry supply center in Chicago, Illinois. The Brickworks Supply Center - Chicago, located at 810 Pershing Road in Chicago, is a space providing builders, contractors, masons and landscape contractors all the materials and tools needed to complete their projects. The new, larger trade area provides a convenient one-stop shop experience while the modern design center fosters collaboration and education amongst architecture and design professionals through engaging yet educational events. This newly completed center replaces an existing supply center on the same site. From left to right Mark Ellenor, Chief Operation Officer, Brickworks Ltd; Jerry Vinci, Director Integration, Brickworks Supply; Mitch Wilson, Project Manager, ARCO/Murray; Jose Torres, Manager, Brickworks Supply Chicago; Mike Zirngibl, Director Illinois, Brickworks Supply; Ozzie Munoz, Manager, Regional Operations, Brickworks Supply; Steve Bell, President, Brickworks North America, gather to celebrate the launch of the Brickworks Supply Center - Chicago. "At Brickworks North America, we understand that builders and contractors need more than just materials but rather a central hub focused on convenience, expertise, innovation and quality products," said Steve Bell, president of Brickworks North America. "The new Brickworks Supply Center is designed to meet these very needs by providing an abundance of premium products, tools and even professional guidance in one centralized location to better empower and equip construction professionals to complete their projects not only more efficiently but with confidence and ease." In 2021, Brickworks N.A. acquired several key businesses from Illinois-based Southfield Corporation, the largest independently-owned and operated family of brick and masonry supply companies in the country, to make their products and services more accessible to builders, contractors, architects, designers and homeowners alike. This further expanded the Brickworks N.A. footprint, and included Illinois Brick, Indiana Brick, Rose Brick, Edgewood Landscape Supply, and Lafayette Masonry Supply locations. The new Supply Center's 21,500-square-foot space joins the existing Brickworks Supply Centers in Illinois, including locations in Bridgeview, Champaign, Des Plaines, Naperville, New Lenox, Schaumburg and Springfield, making it more convenient and accessible for professionals and homeowners. The new Chicago location includes: A consultation area where a team of experienced staff can offer professional advice on installation and design, review plans and guide customers through the product selection process for projects of any size A stunning 3,000-square-foot showroom displaying an impressive portfolio of brick, stone and hardscape products from a diverse array of premium manufacturers A 10,800-square-foot warehouse hosting a large inventory of masonry materials, including brick, natural and manufactured stone, clay and concrete pavers, wall products, lighting, firepits, artificial turf, bulk materials and more, helping to ensure product is not only in stock and available to customers but offering a convenient one-stop-shop experience A 5,800-square-foot trade center where builders, contractors, landscapers and homeowners can purchase necessary tools and supplies, from brick, stone, mortar and hardscapes to masonry accessories A modern event space for industry events hosted by Glen-Gery Brickworks North America currently operates 26 company-owned masonry supply centers, known as Brickworks Supply Centers, in the U.S. To learn more about the Brickworks Supply Centers and the products available, visit www.brickworkssupply.com . ABOUT BRICKWORKS NORTH AMERICA Brickworks North America (Brickworks N.A.) is the North American arm of Brickworks Limited of Australia, the largest and most trusted brick manufacturer and supplier. Today, Brickworks N.A. is the leading brick manufacturer and distributor, operating eight brick manufacturing facilities under the Glen-Gery brand, a continuously innovative creator of premium brick products. Through technological advancements and product innovations, Glen-Gery offers a diverse, premium portfolio of more than 400 genuine clay brick products, which are crafted locally and sourced globally, catering to the high-style needs of today's architects, designers and homeowners. Together, Brickworks N.A. and Glen-Gery are taking building design to the next level, helping architects, builders and homeowners explore greater solutions, giving shape to expression, and forging deeper connections. Brickworks N.A. operates 26 company-owned Supply Centers, known as Brickworks Supply Centers, spanning across the Eastern and Midwestern United States, and three high-end Brickworks Design Studios located in Philadelphia, Baltimore and the global flagship store located on 5th Avenue in New York City. MEDIA CONTACT Stacey Bollinger [email protected] 443-789-7153 SOURCE Glen-Gery WASHINGTON, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CGTN America & CCTV UN releases "China in Springtime Sharing Opportunities with the World." A special event presented by the China Media Group at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, at the University of Chicago, will highlight pathways for cooperation in science, technology, business, and to continue to advance cultural exchanges between China and the United States. On March 10th, "China in Springtime Sharing Opportunities with the World" will host around 100 guests, including diplomats, former governors, professors, entrepreneurs and students from China and the U.S. to understand the complex challenges we face today and the solutions the leaders of tomorrow can provide. As part of the Young Envoy Scholarship (YES) Program, 50 thousand young Americans will visit China through study and exchange programs over the next five years. The belief is that the young can help forge better relations between China and the United States. Students who visited China will tell us about their experiences, how these people-to people exchanges offer them a chance to learn more about Chinese culture, create lasting friendships and help them gain a global perspective. We'll hear from students about their trips to China the places they visited, the people they met and how that has enriched their education and bolstered their hopes for improved Sino-U.S. relations. Technology is also important in bridging societies together. It is reshaping industries and economies at an unprecedented pace. Collaboration can take global advancements to new heights. We will discuss how breakthrough discoveries are bringing China and the U.S. together and the role of technology in finding common ground. The event is co-organized by China Media Group, China General Chamber of Commerce - Chicago, and the Future Wanxiang Foundation. (This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.) Contact : [email protected] SOURCE MediaLinks TV LLC Governor's order eases restrictions to July 1, 2025 for evacuees SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Hotel & Lodging Association supports Gov. Newsom's Executive Order extending the non-establishment of tenancy in Los Angeles County hotels to July 1, 2025 to give Los Angeles fire evacuees the ability to stay in hotels longer. "Gov. Newsom's order allows our hotels to continuously shelter individuals, families and pets as the LA community continues its long recovery from the devastating wildfires," said Lynn S. Mohrfeld, CHLA's President and CEO. "Removing these obstacles from hotels so they can provide shelter to those who lost their homes is simply the right thing to do." California law generally limits hotel stays at many hotels to 30 days. On Jan. 27, 2025, Newsom ordered stays extended to March 8, 2025 because otherwise the existing law "may deter hotels, motels, and other sources of short-term housing from making space available for displaced persons in need of temporary housing beyond 30 days, forcing them to vacate and find alternative shelter." The new order extends that deadline to July 1, 2025, ensuring that no evacuees would need to find alternative shelter as they recover from the wildfires. Multiple wildfires in Los Angeles collectively killed 29 people, burned more than 57,000 acres, destroying or damaged more than 18,000 structures, including homes, small businesses, and places of worship, with estimates placing this disaster among the most destructive in California history. "Our LA hotels continue to provide shelter and comfort for those who need our support," Mohrfeld said. "We are grateful for the governor's diligence and forethought on this critical recovery effort." About the California Hotel & Lodging Association The California Hotel and Lodging Association is the leading resource and advocate for California's more than 6,000 hotels, motels and boutique inns that employ more than 235,000 workers. CHLA, established in 1893, is the largest state lodging industry association in the nation and is a partner with the American Hotel & Lodging Association. For more information, go to www.calodging.com. Contact: Pete Hillan 831-227-5984 [email protected] SOURCE California Hotel & Lodging Association The Houthis, an Iranian-backed terrorist group in Yemen, continue to pose a threat to international peace and security. They have also created an untenable environment for continued aid provision in areas under Houthi control, declared U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Charge dAffaires ad interim at the United Nations. The United States, at President Trumps direction, re-designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization recently and is taking steps to eliminate their capabilities. One such means is the use of targeted sanctions aimed at depriving the Houthis of illicit revenues, said Ambassador Shea. Our sanctions seek to preserve space for legitimate activities that support Yemenis living in Houthi-controlled territory who bear no responsibility for the Houthis malign actions. We will also take steps to stop Irans support for Houthi terrorism, in accordance with President Trumps National Security Presidential Memorandum re-imposing maximum pressure on Iran, noted Ambassador Shea. She warned that the U.S. will take action against the Houthis should they resume their reckless attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways and on Israel. Ambassador Shea urged the Security Council to respond to Irans flagrant violations of our resolutions through its continued arming of the Houthis. We reiterate our call for this Council to take steps to strengthen the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism, or UNVIM, and for Member States to do their part by increasing funding for UNVIMs long-term planning, recruitment of staff, and critical infrastructure needed for enhanced capacity to inspect 100 percent of covered containers. Hamas, another Iran-enabled terrorist group, is advising the Houthis to keep their hand on the trigger for renewed attacks on regional states and international commerce, warned Ambassador Shea. Member States must stop making excuses for the Houthis and cease propagating a false moral equivalency on regional issues. Houthi actions have done nothing for the Palestinian people. They have only endangered the lives of innocent, and they have brought more suffering to Yemenis. The Yemeni people continue to suffer from economic repression and Houthi roundups. Moreover, Houthis are unlawfully detaining people and conducting sham trials, said Ambassador Shea. We categorically reject the unlawful process and strongly warn of any potential use of it as cover for politically motivated killings. The United States, stressed Ambassador Shea, will continue to oppose the destabilizing actions of the Houthis and will not abide any attacks on our interests. VANCOUVER, BC, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - GBM Health Holding, a global leader in integrated healthcare innovation, is proud to announce that its subsidiaries Gene Biotechnology Enterprises Ltd(Operating business as: "Gene Bio Medical") and Geno10X Bioscience Inc have been awarded a combined $1.5 million CAD in funding from Innovate BC. The grants, part of Innovate BC's Ignite Program, will accelerate the development of cutting-edge clean technology and life sciences solutions poised to transform healthcare and environmental sustainability. Driving Innovation Across Precision Medicine and Biotech The funding supports two pioneering projects: Gene Bio Medical Advancing a next-generation AI-powered diagnostic platform for early detection of chronic diseases, leveraging proprietary biomarker algorithms to improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs. Geno10X Bioscience Inc Scaling its sustainable bioreactor technology, which uses synthetic biology to produce high-value pharmaceuticals with 80% lower carbon emissions compared to traditional methods. "This recognition from Innovate BC underscores our commitment to solving critical challenges at the intersection of human health and planetary sustainability," said Jessica Hu, CEO of GBM Health Holding. "By combining Gene Bio Medical's precision diagnostics with Geno10X's green biomanufacturing, we're not only pushing scientific boundaries but also creating scalable solutions that benefit both patients and the environment." Strategic Impact and Market Potential Gene Bio Medical's project aligns with British Columbia's growing leadership in digital health, with potential applications across North America and Asia-Pacific markets. Meanwhile, Geno10X's bioreactor innovation addresses urgent global demand for decarbonized drug production, a sector projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. Both initiatives are expected to generate high-value jobs in BC and strengthen partnerships with academic institutions, including the University of British Columbia. About GBM Health Holding GBM Health Holding is a Vancouver-based conglomerate driving innovation across precision medicine, genomics, and sustainable biotechnology. Through subsidiaries like Gene Bio Medical and Geno10X, the company bridges advanced R&D with commercial solutions that prioritize health equity and environmental stewardship. Learn more at: https://www.innovatebc.ca/en/news/innovate-bc-awards-1.5m-to-five-research-development-projects-advancing-clean-tech-and-life-sciences-solutions-in-british-columbia. SOURCE Gene Bio Medical BEIJING, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ancient Chinese scholars used to say that people are fundamental to a country. The key to winning the hearts of the people lies in acknowledging their needs and ensuring their voices are heard. One of the most inspiring facets of Chinese President Xi Jinping's leadership is his determination to put the interests of his people at the forefront. He once said that people's support is our top political priority. By repeatedly representing public sentiments, President Xi has won the hearts of his nation. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), every year during the national two sessions, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has engaged in discussions and exchanges with deputies of National People's Congress (NPC) and members of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, seeking opinions from the people, consulting with the people, and understanding the needs of the people. During his speech at the deliberation session of the Inner Mongolia delegation to the Third Session of the 13th NPC in 2020, he stressed that the sole aim of the CPC in governance is to meet the needs of the people and give its all in serving them and striving for their wellbeing. "It is a must to put the people first on the new journey of building China into a great modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation." Addressing the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC in 2023, Xi said the people are the decisive force in building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects. Using the metaphor of "arithmetic of politics and popular support," the Chinese president has always stressed to remain committed to putting the people first. How to calculate this arithmetic? The answer could be found in the stories about what Xi cares during the two sessions. Has the 'Steamed Bun Office' gone? On March 8, 2019, during the deliberation of the Henan delegation at the second session of the 13th NPC, Xi asked a question: has the "Steamed Bun Office" gone?" His question elicited laughter from the audience, who responded in unison, "It's gone!" Residents in Henan love to eat steamed buns. In the past, there was a "Steamed Bun Office" in the capital Zhengzhou as the availability of steamed buns was a destabilizing factor. Now there is no need for such a special institution. The "Steamed Bun Office" was established in 1998 in Zhengzhou to strengthen the management of the steamed bun market and ensure that the citizens could enjoy "safe bun" by revoking unsanitary workshops. Henan is a major grain-producing province and a microcosm of Chinese agriculture. The establishment of the "Steamed Bun Office" highlights the longstanding issue of food security that has persisted for thousands of years in China, as well as the food security concerns that are always on Xi's mind. Xi has always stressed putting the improvement of comprehensive agricultural production capacity at a more prominent position, and continuing efforts on promoting the high-quality development of social security. When visiting national political advisors from the sectors of agriculture and welfare and social security, who were attending the fifth session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in 2022, Xi said that China has fed nearly one-fifth of the world population with 9 percent of the world's arable land and 6 percent of fresh water resources, hailing this hard-won accomplishment while warning against a lapse of attention on the issue of food security. The president underscored keeping the annual grain output at over 650 million tonnes and "filling the rice bowl of Chinese people mainly with Chinese grain." A small rice bowl is connected to the hearts of the people, and the hearts of the people represent the greatest politics. Over the years, Xi would always visit fields during local inspections to understand the grain situation and inquire about grain matters. In March 2024, after a trip to Changsha, the capital of Central China's Hunan Province, he traveled northwest to the city of Changde, the largest grain producer in the province. For 20 years, the city has ranked first in grain production in a province that holds one of the nation's largest food stockpiles. Local farmer Dai Hong welcomed the Chinese president to his home, and introduced his agricultural equipment. "President Xi walked between these tractors, and found these seeds. He pointed at the label and said they're produced locally. He was very interested in the technology being applied to farming, especially at such a crucial time of spring plantation. I found his timely visit really motivating," Dai told the CGTN. Ma Huijuan, a NPC deputy from the Ningxia delegation who works as a peasant, presented suggestions to improve grain production efficiency at this year's two sessions. She told the Global Times that the government's emphasis on food security and land cultivation has become more detailed in recent years, prompting more specific demands from NPC deputies and CPPCC members at the two sessions. Prior to the session, she visited local fields to understand community needs, and afterward, returned home to explain the government's beneficial policies in simple terms and plain language. Connecting the agricultural community with the Great Hall of the People is her mission as a NPC deputy. The keen attention on the "Three Rural Issues" continued into this year's two sessions. How should high-standard farmland be constructed? How can China ensure the income of grain farmers? Practical and effective suggestions from lawmakers and political advisors consistently lead to the introduction of more beneficial policies for agriculture. After being elected as an NPC deputy, Zhang Daoheng, president of a vegetable cooperative in Changzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province, proposed 16 recommendations related to the "Three Rural Issues," including the establishment of a public service platform for agricultural industries, the cultivation of new professional farmers, and the strengthening of policy-based agricultural insurance. These proposals received positive responses from relevant departments. This year, Zhang will focus on topics such as revitalizing idle farmland and protecting the enthusiasm for grain production, bringing the voices of the people to the national two sessions. In 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs handled 1,686 proposals, including 1,115 from the NPC and 571 from the CPPCC National Committee. This has generated great anticipation for this spring gathering. Electric heating beds for villagers In Banyan village, Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, the city of Haidong, in Northwest China's Qinghai Province, generations have traversed the rugged mountain paths, and the earthen houses have been patched up for decades. Unexpectedly, through relocation for poverty alleviation, villagers now enjoy a life envied by city dwellers. "What are the villagers' electric heating beds like?" On March 7, 2021, Xi asked the question to a local deputy when he took part in a deliberation with lawmakers from Qinghai Province at the fourth session of the 13th NPC. During a visit to the village in 2016, when the president had walked through the muddy paths of the newly established village, where such beds have not existed yet. "They are quite economical. It spent just one kilowatt of electricity for a night, costing only a few cents," the deputy answered. Due to its remote location in a poor mountainous area, with inconvenient transportation and limited access to information, the residents of Banyan village did not lead affluent lives. After completing their relocation, local villagers developed characteristic industries, resulting in a significant increase in the average annual income per person. The development journey of Banyan village is a microcosm of China's battle against poverty through relocation especially in remote ethnic minority regions. Is it a flush toilet or a pit latrine? How does the embroidery industry contribute to poverty alleviation? Every detail, no matter how small, that affects the villagers' livelihoods is a matter of great concern for the president. Over the past decades, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty, achieving the poverty reduction goals of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a full decade ahead of schedule. A series of practical measures for targeted poverty alleviation, including industrial poverty alleviation, educational support, and social security policies, have helped to improve the lives of the people. During the two sessions this year, a range of proposals aimed at advancing the development of ethnic minority regions brought about heated discussions, emphasizing economic growth through tailored support for local industries, educational enhancement, and social welfare improvements to enhance the results of poverty alleviation. The discussions underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development and increasing infrastructure investment to bolster connectivity and information access. Arithmetic of politics and popular support Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Xi has reiterated that the battle against corruption is first and foremost a political issue. The people's support is of paramount importance in governance. The people resent corruption most. If we let a few hundred corrupt officials slip through the cracks, we are letting down all 1.4 billion Chinese people. This is the simple arithmetic of politics and popular support, he said. China's anti-corruption battle continues to roar. In 2024, it made waves in sectors such as finance, energy, healthcare and sports, while dismantling sophisticated forms of graft that sought to conceal themselves as legitimate market practices. According to the country's top anti-corruption watchdog, 58 high-ranking officials under the supervision of the CPC Central Committee were probed last year, Xinhua reported in January. The crackdown on corruption has also intensified in areas impacting the daily lives of ordinary people. A campaign launched in April 2024 saw 433,000 low-ranking officials disciplined, with 14,000 referred for prosecution, according to Xinhua. In a People's Daily's survey before this year's national two sessions, netizens said the top three topics they were most concerned with were "livelihood security," "anti-corruption," and "social governance," all closely resonating with the hearts of the grassroots. In 2024, the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission handled 22 proposals during the two sessions, all of which have been successfully addressed, the commission said. The proposals and motions tackled a variety of important issues, such as advancing anti-corruption legislation, combating new and hidden forms of corruption, ensuring high-quality development of the private economy, optimizing the business environment, and promoting a culture of integrity. Xi has reiterated on many occasions that the country is its people, and the people are the country. The president's deep care for people's livelihoods during national two sessions shines like the warm sun of spring, touching hearts everywhere. Such care translates into concrete measures, making education more accessible for rural children, reducing medical burdens for the elderly, and safeguarding workers' rights. These improvements in people's lives are quietly transforming society, painting a beautiful picture of the Chinese path to modernization. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1329640.shtml SOURCE Global Times Geothermal energy has the capacity to power the world's energy demands 140X over, with the added benefit of being a clean firm power source SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Google Cloud today announced a collaboration with SLB and Project Innerspace to drive the adoption of global geothermal energy. This new collaboration will combine the extensive geothermal data set from Project Innerspace's innovative GeoMap , with the expertise of SLB's GeothermEx's geothermal consulting services, in order to accelerate the identification and development of geothermal resources globally. Energy demand is increasing, driven by economic growth and industrialization. A recent IEA report , produced in partnership with Project Innerspace, indicates that geothermal energy has the potential to meet global electricity demands 140 times over, second only to solar photovoltaic among clean energy technologies. This collaboration of established energy technology companies such as SLB, and organizations like Project Innerspace, will provide insightful information about geothermal potential to a variety of ecosystem stakeholders. "SLB's deep geothermal expertise, combined with Project InnerSpace's advanced visualization and analysis, can significantly accelerate the development of geothermal assets worldwide," said Irlan Amir, vice president, Renewables and Energy Efficiency at SLB. "This synergy empowers industry players to leverage the available data and SLB's GeothermEx team's expertise to rapidly assess project viability and drive faster deployment of this critical clean and firm energy source." "A central component of our theory of systemic change at Project Innerspace is the conviction that leveraging the technologies, capabilities, speed, and scale of the oil and gas industry is necessary to grow geothermal into a thriving global powerhouse. Indeed, should the oil and gas industry engage in geothermal at scale, it would be transformational for global economic growth, stability, and prosperity," said Jamie Beard, executive director, Project Innerspace. "It is our ambition as we build on this collaboration that we shift the massive potential of geothermal from the abstract into high impact reality. It's time to get boots on the ground." The tool in use throughout the collaboration GeoMap was developed by Project Innerspace with the support of a global team of more than 100 researchers and scientists, and is hosted on Google Earth Engine. The tool also leverages Google Cloud's scalable infrastructure, BigQuery and Vertex AI. GeoMap integrates diverse datasets, allowing users to visualize and analyze geothermal potential across different regions, effectively pinpointing promising locations for development. By combining Project Innerspace's mapping technology, SLB's geothermal expertise, and Google Cloud's powerful computing resources, the collaboration aims to simplify the process of identifying, developing, and deploying geothermal energy solutions globally. "This collaboration paves the way for widespread geothermal deployment on a global scale and will help meet future energy needs," said Kyle Jessen, managing director, Energy Sector, Google Cloud. "By bringing Project Innerspace's GeoMap, built on Google Cloud's AI and data technologies, and SLB's expertise in geothermal energy, businesses will have access to the tools and experience needed to grow geothermal energy programs around the world." This work builds on Google's leadership to support development of advanced geothermal technologies that can provide around the clock clean energy. In 2024 Google announced a new model to commercialize this technology in partnership with our electric utilities. To learn more, businesses can register for a Google Cloud visit at CERAWeek , and keep up with the latest news on our newsroom and blog . Both SLB and Project Innerspace are members of the Google Cloud Ready Sustainability Ecosystem , to help companies meet sustainability goals while driving business transformation. For more information, please visit slb.com/geothermal and projectinnerspace.org for Innerspace. About Google Cloud Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner. SOURCE Google Cloud GUANGZHOU, China, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the afternoon of March 6, 2025, the Guangdong Delegation to the third session of the 14th National People's Congress convened a plenary meeting, drawing 267 journalists from 107 domestic and international media organizations. During the Q&A session, reporters were invited to engage with Guangdong's leadership. Provincial Party Secretary Huang Kunming, Governor Wang Weizhong, and other delegates answered their questions, offering diverse perspectives on Guangdong's latest advancements and breakthroughs in pursuing Chinese modernization, as well as its ongoing initiatives. Huang Chuping, Director of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial People's Congress, presided over the event. A plenary meeting of the Guangdong Delegation to the Third Session of the 14th National Peoples Congress takes place on the afternoon of March 6, drawing 267 journalists from 107 domestic and international media organizations. A reporter from South China Morning Post inquired: "As a leading economic province and manufacturing powerhouse, what is Guangdong's strategy for building a modern industrial system, and what key priorities will guide your next steps?" Huang Kunming responded that Guangdong will spearhead the integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation. This will involve constructing a robust and modern industrial system, enabling the province to fulfill its responsibility as a major economic engine and lead the way in advancing Chinese modernization. He emphasized that Guangdong's continuously evolving industrial system facilitates significant advancements in productivity, solidifying its position as China's top economic province and a crucial global manufacturing hub. He noted that Guangdong has a vast and comprehensive industrial base, encompassing all 31 major manufacturing categories and housing nine industrial clusters, each exceeding 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion) in value. Furthermore, Guangdong's strength in innovation and robust infrastructure, coupled with its specialized workforce and diverse application scenarios, ensure the rapid translation of research findings and innovative concepts into superior products and services. In 2024, Guangdong's total import and export volume reached 9 trillion yuan ($1.2 trillion), further underscoring the benefits of its opening-up policy. He also highlighted the launch of the Action Plan for Attracting a Million Talents to South Guangdong, aimed at recruiting 1 million college graduates to work and start businesses within the province. A reporter from Macao Daily News then asked, "What are Guangdong's plans and initiatives for collaborating with Hong Kong and Macao to further develop the Greater Bay Area?" Wang Weizhong responded by highlighting the region's economic significance: despite occupying less than 1 percent of China's land and housing only 6 percent of its population, the Greater Bay Area generates one-ninth of the nation's GDP. Last year, the area's GDP reached 14.5 trillion yuan ($2 trillion), a substantial increase of 3.7 trillion yuan ($511 billion) compared to 2018, prior to the official unveiling of the development outline for the area in early 2019. He further emphasized Hengqin's crucial role as a platform for diversifying Macao's economy. From 2009 to 2024, Hengqin's GDP surged from 285 million yuan ($39 million) to 53.8 billion yuan ($7.4 billion), reflecting an impressive average annual growth rate of 27.4 percent. During the same period, the number of Macao-funded enterprises increased more than 400-fold in Hengqin. Currently, "four-new" industries (new materials, new energy, new equipment, and new medicine) account for 59.4 percent of Hengqin's industrial added value.Wang emphasized that Guangdong will support Hong Kong and Macao in deepening their integration into China's broader national development strategy. The "Open Day" format offers delegations a valuable platform to showcase their region's economic and social progress to the world. As China's leading economic province, Guangdong naturally attracted considerable attention. By embracing transparency and demonstrating an open, confident, and responsible approach, the Guangdong delegation made a lasting positive impression on the media representatives. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636700/Guangdong_meeting.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2599425/5205042/Guangdong_Province_Logo.jpg SOURCE Guangdong Province NORTHBROOK, Ill., March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilco Real Estate Sales announces April 16, 2025, as the qualifying bid deadline for the sale of two separate, highly visible office buildings in Oak Brook, IL, and Southfield, MI, that are set to go to auction April 23, 2025. The Oak Brook site, located at 2210 Midwest Road, offers a prime office and redevelopment opportunity in Chicago's sought-after western suburbs. This two-story, 28,154 SF building sits on 3.03 AC with suite options from 500 SF to 3,100 SF and is currently 60% occupied. With high visibility from I-88, ample on-site parking and a central location near Oak Brook Center mall, the property provides exceptional value for office tenants investors and developers. Strategically positioned near I-88, I-290, I-294 and I-355, the site offers easy access to O'Hare and Midway airports. Existing tenants include strong medical businesses that provide physical therapy, primary care and rehabilitation services. The property's strong demographics, versatile site layout and value-add potential make it ideal for new leasing, investment or redevelopment. This turnkey building is ready for new tenants or transformation by a visionary developer. Located at 26250 Northwestern Highway in Southfield, MI, this 33,420 SF, two-story building sits on 2.85 AC in the heart of Southfield's premier office, hospitality and retail corridor. Positioned just south of I-696, the site offers high visibility and accessibility, making it ideal for redevelopment. With four access points, including one on Corporate Drive, the site has versatile potential for retail, restaurants, hospitality, or other commercial uses. Its strategic location near Lawrence Technological University and Southfield city offices makes it a prime investment for buyers looking to capitalize on the area's strong economic activity. Daniel Miggins, vice president at Hilco Real Estate Sales, stated, "Both properties sit on major thoroughfares in well-established suburban areas providing fantastic demographics and value-add opportunities." Chet Evans, vice president at Hilco Real Estate Sales, added, "The Oak Brook site offers opportunistic Buyers tremendous value in a high profile and sought after marketplace.. Southfield is a unique site where a buyer has the option to reestablish office space or capitalize on the property's location with various development options." The sales of both 2210 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, IL, and 26250 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI, are being presented by a private seller. To participate, bidders must register to the auction platform. Bidders must be registered by April 16 at 5:00 p.m. (CT). The auction is scheduled to be held on April 23, 2025. Interested bidders should review the Bidding Procedures in order to participate in the auction sale process available on Hilco Real Estate Sale's website. For further information, please contact Chet Evans at (847) 418-2702 or [email protected] or Michael Kneifel at (847) 201-2322 or [email protected]. About Hilco Real Estate Sales Successfully positioning the real estate holdings within a company's portfolio is a material component of establishing and maintaining a strong financial foundation for long-term success. At Hilco Real Estate Sales (HRE), a Hilco Global company (HilcoGlobal.com), we advise and execute strategies to assist clients seeking to optimize their real estate assets, improve cash flow, maximize asset value and minimize liabilities and portfolio risk. We help clients traverse complex transactions and transitions, coordinating with internal and external networks and constituents to navigate ever-challenging market environments. The trusted, full-service HRE team has secured billions in value for hundreds of clients over 20+ years. We are deeply experienced in complex transactions including artful lease renegotiation, multi-faceted sales structures, strategic asset management and capital optimization. We understand the legal, financial and real estate components of the process, all of which are vital to a successful outcome. HRE can help identify the most viable options and direction for a company and its real estate portfolio, delivering impressive results in every situation. SOURCE Hilco Real Estate From exploring the latest industry trends to meeting the brilliant minds behind next-generation tech and creativity, UK House offers a dynamic space for discovery and connection. Whether it's AI breakthroughs, immersive storytelling, or emerging creative technologies, the UK House lineup ensures that attendees can experience the best of UK innovation in action. The just-released UK House @SXSW 2025's schedule features dynamic discussions with thought leaders in the tech and creative industries and celebrations of the transformative power of US-UK collaboration. On International Women's Day, the UK House program will spotlight the influence and experiences of women leaders in creative technology, reflecting the UK's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Alan Gogbashian, the UK's Deputy Trade Commissioner North America, will be at UK House engaging with US investors, buyers and business leaders to discuss opportunities to fuel their growth by partnering with the UK. AUSTIN, Texas, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UK House @ SXSW 2025 is set to be a must-visit hub for cutting-edge ideas, immersive experiences and high-impact networking. Taking place March 8-11, the just-released program features thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders, interactive showcases of UK innovation and invaluable opportunities to connect with the trailblazers shaping the future of tech and creativity. This year's lineup includes a Conversation Series featuring innovators from the UK and US, a special partnership with WIRED and immersive demonstrations of game-changing technology and creative breakthroughs. With a strong focus on UK-US partnerships, UK House will spotlight the talent, ideas and collaborations driving global innovation. Program highlights include: Conversation Series in partnership with WIRED: The Innovation Imperative: Charlotte Blank , US CMO of Jaguar Land Rover North America , delves into the intersection of behavioral science and strategic leadership, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, adapting to meet the evolving expectations of future consumers. , US CMO of Jaguar Land Rover , delves into the intersection of behavioral science and strategic leadership, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, adapting to meet the evolving expectations of future consumers. Conversation Series: This is London Calling, Bringing BBC + Roblox to Gen Z: How has the world's oldest broadcaster leveraged gaming to reach elusive Gen Z and Gen A audiences? Charles Hambro , CEO & Co-Founder of GEEIQ and James Reevell, Executive Editor for Youth Audiences, BBC iPlayer & BBC3, provide insights into the next frontier of audience engagement. How has the world's oldest broadcaster leveraged gaming to reach elusive Gen Z and Gen A audiences? , CEO & Co-Founder of GEEIQ and James Reevell, Executive Editor for Youth Audiences, BBC iPlayer & BBC3, provide insights into the next frontier of audience engagement. Conversation Series in partnership with WIRED: How UK & US Tech Collaboration is Transforming the Music Industry : Panelists Rubin Patel , CEO of TenWest; LaTecia Johnson , Co-Founder, Ingenius Studios; and Anne McKinnon , CEO and co-founder, Ristband; moderated by WIRED Editor Michael Calore , will discuss how transatlantic tech innovation continues to reshape music creation, distribution and audience engagement. Panelists , CEO of TenWest; , Co-Founder, Ingenius Studios; and , CEO and co-founder, Ristband; moderated by WIRED Editor , will discuss how transatlantic tech innovation continues to reshape music creation, distribution and audience engagement. Tea Tasting of 'SpecialTea' - Special-TEA: Created by British company Tregothnan in a nod to the special relationship between the US and the UK, the first-ever transatlantic tea blend will debut at afternoon tea with scones at UK House. 'SpecialTea' features leaves from tea planted in Cornwall by His Royal Highness Prince Philip and tea from Charleston, South Carolina . Created by British company Tregothnan in a nod to the special relationship between the US and the UK, the first-ever transatlantic tea blend will debut at afternoon tea with scones at UK House. 'SpecialTea' features leaves from tea planted in by His Royal Highness Prince Philip and tea from . Conversation Series: Cultural Power: Zaid Al-Qassab , Global CEO of M&C Saatchi Group, leads an essential deep-dive into cultural power - what it means, why it's the driving force behind brand relevance, who's wielding it effectively and why it's the ultimate competitive edge in 2025 and provide the ultimate playbook for future-ready brand success. , Global CEO of M&C Saatchi Group, leads an essential deep-dive into cultural power - what it means, why it's the driving force behind brand relevance, who's wielding it effectively and why it's the ultimate competitive edge in 2025 and provide the ultimate playbook for future-ready brand success. The Future of AI: Who wins, who loses and how do we shape it? Industry and government panelists including Polina Zvyagina , AI Policy & Governance Director at Meta; Austin Carson , SeedAI's Founder & CEO; Saumil Shah , VP, Chief of Staff to the CEO at Arm; and William Cutler , Head of Tech Policy and Deputy UK Tech Envoy at the British Consulate San Francisco, debate the critical infrastructure policies and industry partnerships governments need to build an AI-enabled future in a discussion moderated by B Cavello, Director of Emerging Technologies at Aspen Digital. Industry and government panelists including , AI Policy & Governance Director at Meta; , SeedAI's Founder & CEO; , VP, Chief of Staff to the CEO at Arm; and , Head of Tech Policy and Deputy UK Tech Envoy at the British Consulate San Francisco, debate the critical infrastructure policies and industry partnerships governments need to build an AI-enabled future in a discussion moderated by B Cavello, Director of Emerging Technologies at Aspen Digital. Conversation Series: The Attention Economy: How to Entertain in 2O25: Does every brand need to entertain to stay relevant? Dan Salkey , Founder and Strategy Partner at Small World; Lindsey Camell , Partnerships & Location Based Experiences North America at Hasbro; Claire Nance , Head of Global Gaming Business Success Strategy at Activision Blizzard, debate whether brands should create culture or stop chasing trends, and what brand fame really means. Does every brand need to entertain to stay relevant? , Founder and Strategy Partner at Small World; , Partnerships & Location Based Experiences North America at Hasbro; , Head of Global Gaming Business Success Strategy at Activision Blizzard, debate whether brands should create culture or stop chasing trends, and what brand fame really means. Premier League Live Screening Sunday March 9 th, UK House will screen NBC's broadcast of the Manchester United vs. Arsenal match. Fans can also enjoy items from a brunch menu, bar and enter to win a special prize. The Place to Be for UK-US Collaboration UK House is a collaboration of the UK's Department for Business and Trade (DBT) with the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign and the British Music Embassy. Located at the vibrant Palm Door on Sixth from March 8-11, UK House will be the center of British innovation and display over 60 of the UK's most exciting companies. Since 2020, over $187 million of UK-US trade has been a direct result of DBT's support of UK companies at SXSW. You can get more details and the very latest live coverage of all things UK House @SXSW on our social channels: LinkedIn: DBT North America Instagram: @ukintx Twitter: @UKatSXSW Join us at UK House @ SXSW 2025 and experience the future of British innovation! #UKatSXSW #SXSW2025 #BritishInnovation About the Department for Business and Trade (DBT): The UK's Department for Business and Trade is an economic growth department. We ensure fair, competitive markets at home, secure access to new markets abroad and support businesses to invest, export and grow. Our priorities are the Industrial Strategy, Make Work Pay, the Trade Strategy and the Plan for Small Business. About the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign GREAT is the UK's international communications program. It works closely with UK businesses, not-for-profit organizations and high-profile figures to promote the very best of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, encouraging the world to visit, study, live and do business with the UK. SOURCE UK's Department for Business and Trade XUZHOU, China, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the occasion of 2025 International Women's Day, themed "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," XCMG Machinery ("XCMG", SHE: 000425) is sharing inspirational stories of female employees around the world to honor and uplift the women and girls in a male-dominated industry who are breaking the gender gap with outstanding achievements and pioneering spirit. IWD 2025: XCMG Celebrates Inspirational Stories of She Heroes, Confronts Gender Gap to Break Boundary Isil Kanyilmaz, a marketing manager for XCMG Turkey, has seen the growth of a small team to a full corporation and many employees in the past three years. She noted that there are particular difficulties faced by women in the construction and machinery industries. "My journey in XCMG has been a journey of resiliency, determination, and growth, from breaking stereotypes to navigating male-dominated work environments. Nevertheless, witnessing the influence and contributions we can make in this ever-evolving field is also immensely satisfying. I encourage all young women who aspire to work in industries that are predominately male to pursue their dreams and not to be afraid to do so," she shared. A milestone moment for XCMG Turkey was the debut at Komatek 2024 tradeshow. Kanyilmaz and her team prepared for the event for over nine months and the immense success has set a new benchmark for excellence. She encourages females in the industry to have faith in their skills and know that they are capable of breaking through obstacles and having a big influence. Karen Souza has been with XCMG Brazil for more than three years. She started as a commercial analyst and now is an international business analyst responsible for managing exports from Brazil to Chile, Colombia, Guyana and the U.S. She won the top 30 employees award in 2023 for managing the company's record exports. "Working with another culture is extremely challenging, starting with the language, so it was very rewarding for me to be able to improve my English communication. It also opened doors for me to participate in XCMG Apprentice Season 9 and Global Training. Being able to visit China delighted me with the hospitality of the Chinese people and I was amazed by the technology of XCMG's factories," said Souza. Angela Gustiwong is a marketing insight specialist at XCMG Indonesia who joined in July 2024. She participated in the XCMG Apprentice Season 9 and remarked that beyond the technical knowledge and understanding of XCMG's products and technologies, the program provided a unique cultural and professional exchange. "At XCMG, we recognize the invaluable contributions of our female employees and are committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering work environment," said Gustiwong. " XCMG maintains a high standard of professionalism, regardless of cultural differences. Whether in China, Indonesia, or any other country, employees are expected to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and uphold a strong work ethic." Committed to celebrating diversity, encouraging collaboration and embracing different cultural perspectives, XCMG continues to lead the industry with innovation, efficiency, and global unity. SOURCE XCMG Machinery GUANGZHOU, China, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO; HKEX: 9896) ("MINISO", "MINISO Group" or the "Company"), a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design, today announced that it plans to release its December quarter and the full year of 2024 financial results before the U.S. market opens on Friday, March 21, 2025. The Company's management will hold an earnings conference call at 5:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Friday, March 21, 2025 (5:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. Simultaneous interpretation in English will be provided during the conference call. The conference call can be accessed by the following Zoom link or dialing the following numbers: Access 1 Join Zoom meeting. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99854017108?pwd=M6WgYlz4awEki6bx8Hc777G8qBrQO0.1 Meeting Number: 998 5401 7108 Meeting Passcode: 9896 Access 2 Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers by using the same meeting number and passcode with access 1. United States: +1 689 278 1000 (or +1 719 359 4580) Hong Kong, China: +852 5803 3730 (or +852 5803 3731) United Kingdom: +44 203 481 5237 (or +44 131 460 1196) France: +33 1 7037 9729 (or +33 1 7037 2246) Singapore: +65 3158 7288 (or +65 3165 1065) Canada: +1 438 809 7799 (or +1 204 272 7920) Access 3 Listeners can also access the meeting through the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com/. The replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live event at the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com/. About MINISO Group MINISO Group is a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide. For more information, please visit https://ir.miniso.com/. Investor Relations Contact MINISO Group Holding Limited Email: [email protected] [email protected] Phone: +86 (20) 36228788 Ext.8039 SOURCE MINISO Group Holding Limited BARCELONA, Spain, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, Huawei held a global healthcare industry session themed Digital Intelligence Drives Inclusive Healthcare. Experts shared their latest strategies and practices in digital transformation and AI application development. In-depth AI Convergence for Enhanced Intelligent Healthcare Solutions Picture1 Picture2 During his opening speech, Dr. Peter Zhou, Vice President of Huawei and President of the Data Storage Product Line, emphasized that based on the strategy, "always-on data and value release," Huawei has developed innovative products like the multi-modal converged data lake and DCS AI to elevate healthcare AI capabilities to new heights. Wind Li, Vice President of Huawei and CEO of the Global Public Sector BU, said that Huawei has supported over 5,600 healthcare facilities across more than 110 countries, and will continue to consolidate the foundation for digital and intelligent transformation, accelerate scenario innovation and AI convergence, as an effort to support the cause of global healthcare. Hong-Eng Koh, Chief Scientist of Huawei's Global Public Sector BU, delivered a keynote speech and discussed AI's vast potential in healthcare, mentioning it can greatly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of diagnoses, lessen the workload of doctors, and offer more personalized treatment options for patients. Ecosystem Collaboration Accelerates Healthcare Intelligence Luis Santiago Sanchez Fernandez, CTO of Andalusian Health Service (SAS), introduced centralized HIS/EMR system, Diraya, which brings equity and cross regional healthcare access to nearly 9 million residents. Also he introduced Andalusian Digital Health 2030 Strategies (ESDA) and the SAS digital program for the next 5 years. In alliance with Huawei, SAS aims to intelligent, humanized, efficient and secure health services. Tsvetomir Nikolov, IT Director of Acibadem City Clinic in Bulgaria, shared their practices in digital transformation. He believed that digital technology is essential for delivering comprehensive services to patients. Acibadem partners with Huawei to construct smart hospital campus and active-active data centers, enhancing data access performance for HIS/PACS/EMR services by 10 times. Feng Feng, KFBIO Europe Sales and Business Development Manager, mentioned that thanks to deep learning algorithms, AI can effectively assist doctors in making pathological diagnoses. KFBIO and Huawei have jointly developed an AI-based digital pathology solution, which helps improve diagnosis accuracy and efficiency. In the future, Huawei plans to boost its investment in tech innovation, integrate AI in scenario solutions, advance healthcare intelligence, and support universal access to healthcare. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2635847/Picture1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2635848/Picture2.jpg WASHINGTON, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from Oregon will have the chance to connect with NASA astronaut Don Pettit as he answers prerecorded science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related questions from aboard the International Space Station. Watch the 20-minute space-to-Earth call at 2:15 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 10, on NASA+ and learn how to watch NASA content on various platforms, including social media. NASA astronaut Don Pettit inside the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft. (Credit: NASA) Oregon Charter Academy, a virtual school serving thousands of kindergarten through 12th grade students statewide, is hosting an event in Wilsonville, Oregon, for students and their families. The event aims to raise awareness of career opportunities for aspiring STEM students. Media interested in covering the event must RSVP by 5 p.m., Friday, March 7, to Laura Dillon at [email protected] or 971-301-5060. For more than 24 years, astronauts have continuously lived and worked aboard the space station, testing technologies, performing science, and developing skills needed to explore farther from Earth. Astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through SCaN's (Space Communications and Navigation) Near Space Network. Important research and technology investigations taking place aboard the space station benefit people on Earth and lays the groundwork for other agency missions. As part of NASA's Artemis campaign, the agency will send astronauts to the Moon to prepare for future human exploration of Mars; inspiring Artemis Generation explorers and ensuring the United States continues to lead in space exploration and discovery. See videos and lesson plans highlighting space station research at: https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation SOURCE NASA ELKO Work in mining? Have a kid in school? Like the dark skies of a national park or wildlife refuge? Own a ranch? Guess what? The random cuts to federal workers probably affect you. If not, that could change in an instant. As one source said, Theres nothing that the federal government isnt touching, and that means services in those areas and so many more in Northeastern Nevada are likely to change as federal workers here are excised by the Trump administrations DOGE reduction program. Already, dozens of national park rangers, fish and wildlife officers, Bureau of Land Management employees and other federal workers in the state and this corner of Nevada have been given notice or outright dismissed through President Donald Trumps secretive DOGE team led by billionaire Elon Musk. Many were laid off on Feb. 14 Valentines Day. Some of those individuals, while not designated first responders, did fight fires when wildland areas erupted in flames, sources have said, endangering residents, wildlife and forests through the cuts. An email from the USDAs Forest Service press office to the Elko Daily Free Press said wildland firefighting positions are considered public safety positions. USDA has been actively working with [the federal Office of Personnel Management] on its wildland firefighting positions. Protecting the people and communities we serve, as well as the infrastructure, businesses and resources they depend on to grow and thrive, remains a top priority for the USDA and the Forest Service. Own a ranch? Geofencing, among other services, could be affected by the cuts. Mining rights could be slowed by a lack of staffing at the BLM. Fewer people at the Mine Safety Health Administration could slow accident investigations. These are just some ways the DOGE cuts are hitting home now or could impact Northeastern Nevada in the coming weeks and months. Watching the way this incompetent catastrophe is unfolding makes me understand the Cybertruck, one Northern Nevada federal worker said, referencing the boxy pickup made by DOGE leader Musks Tesla Inc. According to the Office of Personnel Management, the civilian federal workforce in Nevada stood at 14,000 in May 2024. Of those, 1,475 federal employees were on the job less than a year and 2,270 were on the job from one to two years. The Department of Veterans Affairs had the most workers with under one year of service, 655. The Interior Department, the steward of four-fifths of Nevadas public lands, had 253 Nevada workers with under a year on the job and the Agriculture Department, which operates national forests, had 91. DOGE has been targeting such probationary workers. The states two U.S. senators, Democrats Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, both have criticized the Trump administration for the random way Musks DOGE team has been handing out pink slips. Both senators also sent letters to agency heads of the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Interior and the U.S. Forest Service requesting data on the number of terminations and job descriptions for each terminated employee in Nevada. They still have not received responses. Despite my repeated requests for information about the mass firings and federal funding freezes across Nevada, the Trump administration still has not provided any answers, Cortez Masto said in response to questions from the Elko Daily Free Press on Thursday. I agree with the goal of government efficiency, but these chaotic actions conducted with zero transparency are irresponsible and will only harm Nevadans. Rosen authored a letter with 14 other senators to the Trump administration urging them to exempt seasonal firefighters from the federal hiring freeze. In Elko County In Elko, federal money flows into the school system, Great Basin College, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeastern Nevada, the Western Folklife Center, Northeastern Nevada Museum, Elko Regional Airport and so much more. I havent heard about anything yet. We dont get much federal money, with the exception of an occasional grant from the NEA every few years, said Kristin Windbigler, executive director of the Western Folklife Center. We do receive a little bit of money from the Nevada Arts Council and Nevada Humanities every year, but I think it will be a while before we know if they have been affected. Neither Elko County nor the city of Elko have been impacted yet. At this time, we have not experienced any direct impact from federal-level cuts, said Elko County Manager Amanda Osborne. However, it may still be too early to determine the full effects. As we are currently in the middle of the grant application season, there is potential for future impacts, but nothing definitive at this point. Elko City Manager Jan Baum likewise said theres been no impact to the city so far. We have not been directly affected by any grant cancellations. The Small Community Air Service Development Grant has not been received yet, but we also have not gotten a cancellation, she said. In general, the City of Elko does not rely heavily on grant funding. The Elko County School District is keeping an eye on any federal mandates, but there have been no cuts to date. In response to questions from the Elko Daily Free Press, the districts chief financial officer, Cassandra Stahlke, said the federal Education Department has directed schools to end racial preference, and after the review by the Nevada Department of Education, we have received the guidance below. Once the state receives additional guidance, they will direct the Local Educational Agencies on how to proceed. The states guidance, she said, includes schools may not consider race in admissions, hiring, financial aid, scholarships, student discipline, or campus life. They also may not indirectly use race by altering admissions policies (e.g., using essays or extracurriculars to infer race) or modifying standardized testing to achieve racial balancing. She said the school district has no diversity-focused offices, and this has not impacted any of the programming the district provides. She also said the school district has not lost any funding that would have come from the federal government through the state. We will not know our federal programs allocations until Congress passes the appropriations (October). We are forecasting cuts, and in preparation, we are cutting budgets in our federally funded grants by 15%. Like the school district, Great Basin College has received some guidance from the government but no cuts, according to Leslie Maple, the colleges media liaison. Great Basin College remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, she said in an email on Thursday. We have received guidance from the U.S. Department of Education regarding changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. But so far there have been no monetary cuts to the colleges programs. We continue to monitor state and federal developments and collaborate with the Nevada System of Higher Education to ensure we effectively serve our diverse student population while complying with applicable policies and regulations, she said. Severe cuts are expected at the Veterans Administration, the second-largest employer of federal workers. It remained unclear this week how that could impact the VA cemetery being built in Elko or the VA clinic under construction in the Elko Junction shopping center. The National Cemetery Administrations Pacific District office has told the Elko Daily Free Press it plans to continue construction of the cemetery once the winter season gives way to better construction conditions. National parks, other rec facilities One of the most visible cutbacks took place a month ago at Great Basin National Park in White Pine County, the only national park in Nevada, where one-fifth of the rangers and staffers were terminated by DOGE without warning in February. On Thursday, the Great Basin National Park Foundation sent a fundraising request to help support the park and the fired park rangers. When 20% five of the 26 Great Basin National Park staff were terminated on Valentines Day, Great Basin National Park Foundation was quick to offer urgent support, the foundations email says. We hired all five employees on a temporary basis through a $25,000 investment. We are highly concerned, not only about these staff, but also about future cuts. Soon after the Valentines Day firings, the park canceled tours for the popular Lehman Cave. The park alerted visitors to its website about the canceled tours, noting theyd be available as staffing was available, without reservations. Existing reservations were being refunded. At Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, no staffers had yet been cut, but the ax is dangling precariously. Other refuges in Nevada have lost staff and at the states main refuge office there have been reports of several cuts, though none could be confirmed. At the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which falls under the National Park Service, rangers, ecologists, maintenance workers and others were among 13 people fired in late February. The Forest Service told the Elko Daily Free Press it remains committed to ensuring public health and safety while balancing access to recreation areas during this transitional time. Recreation services and public access are vital to local economies. It is our intent to maintain access to recreation opportunities to the greatest degree possible. A USDA spokesperson told the paper as part of Trumps effort to trim waste from government, the agency made the difficult decision to release about 2,000 probationary, non-firefighting employees from the Forest Service. To be clear, none of these individuals were operational firefighters. Released employees were probationary in status, many of whom were compensated by temporary IRA funding, the spokes person said. But Rosen said the government cuts are affecting everyday Nevadans. What theyre doing, it isnt about government efficiency, Rosen said on the Senate floor on Thursday. Theyre mass firing the men and women who help provide vital services that countless Nevadans rely on, from Medicaid to food assistance. She continued, Its impacting our veterans who rely on the VA, our seniors who rely on Social Security and Medicare, our families who rely on Medicaid and CHIP for their kids health care and so many others. And this is no way to run a country, and the people in my state, theyre being hurt in the process. WASHINGTON, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shortly after touching down inside a crater on the Moon, carrying NASA technology and science on its IM-2 mission, Intuitive Machines collected some data for the agency before calling an early end of mission at 12:15 a.m. CST Friday. Intuitive Machines' IM-2 captured an image March 6, 2025, after landing in a crater from the Moon's South Pole. The lunar lander is on its side about 820 feet from the intended landing site, Mons Mouton. In the center of the image between the two lander legs is the Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment 1 suite, which shows the drill deployed. Credit: Intuitive Machines As part of the company's second Moon delivery for NASA under the agency's CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign, the IM-2 mission included a drill to bring lunar soil to the surface and a mass spectrometer to look for the presence of volatiles, or gases, that could one day help provide fuel or breathable oxygen to future Artemis explorers. Planned to land at Mons Mouton, IM-2 touched down at approximately 11:30 a.m. March 6, more than 1,300 feet (400 meters) from its intended landing site. Intuitive Machines said images collected later confirmed the lander was on its side, preventing it from fully operating the drill and other instruments before its batteries were depleted. The IM-2 mission landed closer to the lunar South Pole than any previous lander. "Our targeted landing site near the lunar South Pole is one of the most scientifically interesting, and geographically challenging locations, on the Moon," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator for science at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Each success and setback are opportunities to learn and grow, and we will use this lesson to propel our efforts to advance science, exploration, and commercial development as we get ready for human exploration of Mars." The Nova-C lander, named Athena, captured and transmitted images of the landing site before activating the technology and science instruments. Among the data collected, NASA's PRIME-1 (Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment 1) suite, which includes the lunar drill known as TRIDENT (The Regolith and Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrain), successfully demonstrated the hardware's full range of motion in the harsh environment of space. The Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations (MSOLO) as part of the PRIME-1 suite of instruments, detected elements likely due to the gases emitted from the lander's propulsion system. "While this mission didn't achieve all of its objectives for NASA, the work that went into the payload development is already informing other agency and commercial efforts," said Clayton Turner, associate administrator for space technology, NASA Headquarters. "As we continue developing new technologies to support exploration of the Moon and Mars, testing technologies in-situ is crucial to informing future missions. The CLPS initiative remains an instrumental method for achieving this." Despite the lander's configuration, Intuitive Machines, which was responsible for launch, delivery, and surface operations under its CLPS contract, was able to complete some instrument checkouts and collect 250 megabytes of data for NASA. "Empowering American companies to deliver science and tech to the Moon on behalf of NASA both produces scientific results and continues development of a lunar economy," said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for Exploration in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. "While we're disappointed in the outcome of the IM-2 mission, we remain committed to supporting our commercial vendors as they navigate the very difficult task of landing and operating on the Moon." NASA's Laser Retroreflector Array, a passive instrument meant to provide a reference point on the lunar surface and does not power on, will remain affixed to the top deck of the lander. Although Intuitive Machines' Nova-C Hopper and Nokia's 4G/LTE Tipping Point technologies, funded in part by NASA, were only able to complete some objectives, they provided insight into maturing technologies ready for infusion into a commercial space application including some checkouts in flight and on the surface. Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission launched at 6:16 p.m., Feb. 26, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Intuitive Machines has two more deliveries on the books for NASA in the future, with its IM-3 mission slated for 2026, and IM-4 mission in 2027. To date, five vendors have been awarded a total of 11 lunar deliveries under CLPS and are sending more than 50 instruments to various locations on the Moon, including the Moon's far side and South Pole region. CLPS contracts are indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts with a cumulative maximum contract value of $2.6 billion through 2028. Learn more about NASA's CLPS initiative at: https://www.nasa.gov/clps SOURCE NASA WASHINGTON, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will provide coverage of the upcoming prelaunch and launch activities for the agency's SpaceX Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is targeted for 7:48 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, March 12, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The targeted docking time is approximately 10 a.m., Thursday, March 13. The crew of NASAs SpaceX Crew-10 mission pictured during an equipment test at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Credit: SpaceX Coverage of the mission overview teleconference will be available on the agency's website. The crew news conference, launch, the postlaunch news conference, and docking will be live on NASA+. Learn how to stream NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will carry NASA astronauts Anne McClain, commander; and Nichole Ayers, pilot; along with mission specialists JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov to the orbiting laboratory for a science mission of about four months. This is the 10th crew rotation mission and the 11th human spaceflight mission for NASA to the space station supported by the Dragon spacecraft since 2020 as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program. The deadline for media accreditation for in person coverage of this launch has passed. The agency's media credentialing policy is available online. For questions about media accreditation, please email: [email protected]. Media who need access to NASA live video feeds may subscribe to the agency's media resources distribution list to receive daily updates and links. NASA's mission coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations): Friday, March 7 2 p.m. Crew arrival media event at NASA Kennedy with the following participants: Anne McClain, Crew-10 spacecraft commander, NASA Nichole Ayers , Crew-10 pilot, NASA , Crew-10 pilot, NASA Takuya Onishi , Crew-10 mission specialist, JAXA , Crew-10 mission specialist, JAXA Kirill Peskov , Crew-10 mission specialist, Roscosmos Watch live coverage of the crew arrival media event on NASA Kennedy's social media accounts. This event is open to in person media only previously credentialed for this event, and questions will be taken only during the crew news conference scheduled for later that day. Follow @CommercialCrew and @NASAKennedy on X for the latest arrival updates. 5:30 p.m. Mission overview teleconference at NASA Kennedy (or no earlier than one hour after the completion of the Flight Readiness Review) with the following participants: Ken Bowersox , associate administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington , associate administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Steve Stich , manager, Commercial Crew Program, NASA Kennedy , manager, Commercial Crew Program, NASA Kennedy Dana Weigel , manager, International Space Station Program, NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston , manager, International Space Station Program, NASA's Johnson Space Center in Meg Everett , deputy chief scientist, NASA's International Space Station Program, NASA Johnson , deputy chief scientist, NASA's International Space Station Program, NASA Johnson William Gerstenmaier , vice president, Build and Flight Reliability, SpaceX , vice president, Build and Flight Reliability, SpaceX Junichi Sakai , manager, International Space Station Program, JAXA NASA will provide audio-only coverage of the teleconference. Media may ask questions in person and via phone. For the dial-in number and passcode, media should contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 4 p.m., Friday, March 7, at [email protected]. 6:30 p.m. Crew-10 crew news conference (or directly following the completion of the mission overview news conference) with the following participants: Anne McClain , Crew-10 spacecraft commander, NASA , Crew-10 spacecraft commander, NASA Nichole Ayers , Crew-10 pilot, NASA , Crew-10 pilot, NASA Takuya Onishi , Crew-10 mission specialist, JAXA , Crew-10 mission specialist, JAXA Kirill Peskov , Crew-10 mission specialist, Roscosmos Watch live coverage of the mission overview news conference on NASA+. Media may ask questions via phone only. For the dial-in number and passcode, media should contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 4 p.m., Friday, March 7, at: [email protected]. Wednesday, March 12 3:45 p.m. Launch coverage begins on NASA+. 7:48 p.m. Launch Following the conclusion of launch and ascent coverage, NASA will switch to audio only and continue audio coverage through Thursday, March 13. Continuous coverage resumes on NASA+ at the start of rendezvous and docking and continues through hatch opening and the welcome ceremony. 9:30 p.m. Postlaunch news conference with the following participants: Ken Bowersox , associate administrator, NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate , associate administrator, NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate Steve Stich , manager, Commercial Crew Program, NASA Kennedy , manager, Commercial Crew Program, NASA Kennedy Dana Weigel , manager, International Space Station Program, NASA Johnson , manager, International Space Station Program, NASA Johnson Sarah Walker , director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX , director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX Mayumi Matsuura , vice president and director general, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA Watch live coverage of the postlaunch news conference on NASA+. Media may ask questions in person and via phone. Limited auditorium space will be available for in person participation. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, at k [email protected] . Thursday, March 13 8:15 a.m. Arrival coverage begins on NASA+. 10 a.m. Targeted docking to the forward-facing port of the station's Harmony module 11:45 a.m. Hatch opening 12:20 p.m. Welcome ceremony All times are estimates and could be adjusted based on real-time operations after launch. Follow the space station blog for the most up-to-date operations information. Live Video Coverage Prior to Launch NASA will provide a live video feed of Launch Complex 39A approximately six hours prior to the planned liftoff of the Crew-10 mission. Pending unlikely technical issues, the feed will be uninterrupted until the prelaunch broadcast begins on NASA+, approximately four hours prior to launch. Once the feed is live, find it online at: http://youtube.com/kscnewsroom. NASA Website Launch Coverage Launch day coverage of the mission will be available on the NASA website. Coverage will include livestreaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 3:45 p.m., March 12, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video on NASA+ and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the NASA Kennedy newsroom at 321-867-2468. Follow countdown coverage on the commercial crew or Crew- 10 blog. Attend Launch Virtually Members of the public may register to attend this launch virtually. NASA's virtual guest program for this mission also includes curated launch resources, notifications about related opportunities or changes, and a stamp for the NASA virtual guest passport following launch. Watch, Engage on Social Media Let people know you're following the mission on X, Facebook, and Instagram by using the hashtags #Crew10 and #NASASocial. You may also stay connected by following and tagging these accounts: X: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASASocial, @Space_Station, @ISS_Research, @ISS National Lab, @SpaceX, @Commercial_Crew Facebook: NASA, NASAKennedy, ISS, ISS National Lab Instagram: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @ISS, @ISSNationalLab, @SpaceX Coverage en Espanol Did you know NASA has a Spanish section called NASA en Espanol? Check out NASA en Espanol on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for additional mission coverage. Para obtener informacion sobre cobertura en espanol en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en espanol, comuniquese con Antonia Jaramillo: 321-501-8425; [email protected]; o Messod Bendayan: 256-930-1371; [email protected]. NASA's Commercial Crew Program has delivered on its goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station from the United States through a partnership with American private industry. This partnership is changing the arc of human spaceflight history by opening access to low Earth orbit and the International Space Station to more people, more science, and more commercial opportunities. The space station remains the springboard to NASA's next great leap in space exploration, including future missions to the Moon and, eventually, to Mars. For more information about the mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew SOURCE NASA Premium Self-Storage Spaces available just in time for St. Patrick's Specials. Grand Opening Celebrations to Follow! NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UPG Spaces is excited to announce the opening of HelloSpace+ @ FM 1044, a premium self-storage facility located at 1954 FM 1044 in New Braunfels, Texas. This state-of-the art property, opening its doors in March 2025, invites residents and business owners alike to enjoy its "Best Space. Best Price. Best Service." amenities. "We understand that business or personal self-storage needs must be met quickly and conveniently upon demand," stated Julie Farrar, President/CEO of UPG Spaces (United Properties Group, Inc.) Now Open: HelloSpace+ @ FM 1044 in New Braunfels, Texas With approximately five hundred units completed in Phase 1, this new technology-focused property offers climate-controlled, non-climate-controlled and open parking spaces. U-Haul trucks, trailers, boxes and packing supplies are all available on site. Rent online 24/7 at HelloSpacePlus.com with Live Agents available from 8 am to 8 pm every day for chat or telephone support. Meet our on-site office staff during normal business hours 7 days a week. The property will host a grand opening celebration in May 2025 which will include a City of New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the facility, and lots of giveaways! For more details about this location, visit HelloSpacePlus.com. About HelloSpace+: At HelloSpace+, we understand that storing your belongings is more than practicality; it's about trusting us to solve a storage problem when you need it. From our approachable and friendly staff to our modern and convenient facilities, HelloSpace+ is designed with you in mind. Whether you are storing your belongings for a short while or you are here for the long haul, our team is here to support you every step of the way. About UPG Spaces: Developing Self-Storage Assets for over 40 years, we provide Design, Build, Brokerage and Management Services. For more about our company, visit UPGSpaces.com. Contact Information: Name: Heath Edwards, Managing Director Phone: 888-406-5111 Email: [email protected] SOURCE United Properties Group, Inc. Disrupting the Status Quo with Women's Footwear: Antonia Saint NY Leads the Charge for Comfort, Health, and Innovation to Empower Women Worldwide NEW YORK, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of International Women's Day, Antonia Saint Dunbar, CEO and Founder of Antonia Saint NY, is calling for a major shift in how products for women are designed and manufactured. A trailblazing entrepreneur and health & wellness advocate, Dunbar has dedicated her career to solving real problems for women, first as Co-Founder of THINX, the FemTech leader in the period-proof underwear space, and now as the Chief of Design of Antonia Saint NY, a revolutionary footwear company prioritizing health, comfort, and innovation. The Fab Five Vida Collection, courtesy of Antonia Saint NY. Dunbar is urging consumers worldwide to rethink how they are selecting their footwear based on materials, construction, and product designstressing that the fashion and footwear industries have neglected women's well-being for too long. A Legacy of Innovation for Women's Health Dunbar first made waves in the industry as a co-founder of THINX, the groundbreaking brand that transformed menstrual health with period-proof underwear. With THINX, she helped redefine feminine hygiene by offering a comfortable, sustainable, and effective alternative to traditional productschallenging stigma, while prioritizing health, dignity, and function in product innovation. Now, as the CEO of Antonia Saint NY, Dunbar has turned her focus to revolutionizing women's footwear, another industry where comfort and health have taken a backseat to aesthetics. The Hidden Health Crisis in Women's Footwear and Fashion Foot pain and health issues caused by poorly designed shoes have reached crisis levels. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, 75% of American adults experience foot problems, with women disproportionately affected. In fact, 60% of women regularly wear uncomfortable shoes, leading to bunions, plantar fasciitis, chronic foot pain, and mobility issues. Despite these alarming statistics, major footwear and fashion brands continue prioritizing aesthetics over function, using stiff, non-breathable materials and outdated manufacturing techniques that fail to support women's feet and overall well-being Dunbar sees this as a serious public health issue, arguing that poorly designed shoes don't just cause temporary discomfortthey lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and a diminished quality of life. Dunbar's Mission: A Footwear Revolution with Antonia Saint NY At Antonia Saint NY, Dunbar has spent years researching and developing high-tech, ergonomic footwear designed to eliminate pain while maintaining a stylish aesthetic. Her brand integrates: Advanced comfort technology Soft but durable materials All-day ergonomic support This commitment to innovation is at the heart of her latest release: The Fab Five VIDA Collectiona line of elegant, yet ultra-comfortable and surprisingly tall high heels measuring at 90MM (just over 3.5 inches and unheard of in the "comfort shoe" category) featuring her patented Slim SoftSurround System technology. This cutting-edge system is engineered to provide unparalleled support, cushioning, and flexibility, proving that fashionable footwear can be both beautiful AND pain-free. However, her biggest challenge has been breaking through industry resistance to change. Many manufacturers prioritize cost-cutting and more traditional, widely accepted ways of production over consumer health, refusing to adopt new methods that would make women's footwear safer, more comfortable, and a foundational support for one's mental health/peace of mind. Now, Dunbar is using International Women's Day to encourage consumers to put their health first and call for a radical industry shift, and hold their footwear to a higher standard when selecting shoes based on material selection, product design, and manufacturing processes. A Call to Action: Consumers Need to Hold Their Footwear to a Higher Standard Dunbar's message is clear: It's time to disrupt the status quo. She is calling on consumers to demand more from their footwear, so that the product designers, manufacturers and engineers will be pushed to work together to eliminate pain-inducing products and replace them with healthier, more ergonomic designs that improve women's lives. To drive this mission forward, Antonia Saint NY is encouraging women to speak up about their experiences, demand better materials in the products they buy, and hold companies accountable for prioritizing profit over well-being. "Women cannot continue to sacrifice comfort for style," Antonia emphasizes. "We need companies that are willing to innovate, listen to women's needs, and manufacture products that truly serve and uplift us in the ways they were designed for." For more information on Antonia Saint Dunbar's manufacturing initiatives, and how she is driving innovative change through women's fashion, or to learn more about the Fab Five VIDA Collection with the patented Slim SoftSurround System technology for 360-degree comfort, please reach out to BPM-PR Firm at [email protected] or call 1.877.841.7244. ABOUT ANTONIA SAINT NY Antonia Saint NY creates elevated comfort footwear solutions for women and others who need them. Antonia believes that you should be supported in feeling as great as you look, so you can be busy fulfilling your destiny and not be distracted by something as simple as pain from your footwear. That's why the brand makes essential, classic shoe silhouettes that feel soft on the inside, with the patented Slim SoftSurround System so you can keep 100% of your mind present in your life, and focused on fulfilling your dreams. For more information visit https://antoniasaintny.com/. Media Contact: Alexa Summerson [email protected] BPM-PR Firm 877-841-7244 SOURCE Antonia Saint NY SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As college acceptance and financial aid letters arrive, California's high school seniors and college students have a major opportunity through the CalKIDS program to ease their education costs. CalKIDS is the nation's largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. This statewide initiative, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, provides eligible California public school students with CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500helping them take the next step toward college or career training by easing financial barriers to higher education. State Treasurer Fiona Ma greets students at Rancho Verde High School in Riverside County to promote CalKIDS. State Treasurer Fiona Ma helps students claim their CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts at Rancho Verde High School in Riverside County. Eligible students can use their CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and computer equipment. Since 2022, approximately $1 billion in CalKIDS Scholarships have been made available to more than 2 million of California's public high school students. To get the word out about this amazing program and ensure students and families are aware of and claim their CalKIDS Accounts, the ScholarShare Investment Board has established partnerships with high schools, school districts, community-based organizations, and financial aid directors at community colleges and universities across the state. Through a recent back-to-school campaign, these partnerships helped drive nearly 100,000 new scholarship claims in just four months. "CalKIDS is an incredible resource for California families," said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board. "Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is the easiest step students can take on their path to higher education, whether that means college, trade schools, or technical and vocational schools. This investment is designed to support students, particularly those from historically underserved communities. We want every eligible student to claim their scholarship account and take full advantage of this opportunity." Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is quick and easy. Families simply need the student's Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a ten-digit number, which can be obtained by contacting their school directly. Once they have the SSID, parents or students can visit CalKIDS.org to check eligibility and claim a scholarship account in just minutes. The funds can be used at accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, and career programs across the country. Once enrolled in a higher education program, students can log into their CalKIDS Account to request a distribution directly to their school to cover qualifying educational expenses. For students like Samantha from Moreno Valley College, a CalKIDS Scholarship was a game-changer. "I felt very fortunate and less stressed it was a huge help. I used the money for books and testing materials for school." "Studies show that students with just $500 or less set aside for college are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate," said Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director. "CalKIDS Accounts are more than financial assistancethey're an investment in students' futures, and we want to give every one of these students a reason to believe in their path to higher education." With roughly 60% of California public school students eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship and key college decision and financial aid deadlines approaching, now is the time for students and families to check their eligibility and claim their scholarship account. For more information on eligibility, scholarship amounts, and how to claim a CalKIDS Scholarship Account, visit CalKIDS.org. About CalKIDS: The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is the nation's largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, and Chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, the program is designed to promote the pursuit of higher education statewide by empowering families to build assets, nurture savings habits, and raise their educational aspirations. Eligible public school students can receive CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500 and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, is awarded a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175, ensuring more families have the resources needed to support their children's education. To learn more, visit CalKIDS.org. Contact: Vanessa Vizard Vizard Marketing & PR 951-533-6180 mobile [email protected] SOURCE CalKIDS Ping An ranks first in global patents in healthcare and fintech, according to two new reports from the Intellectual Property Publishing House. I n the fintech sector, Ping An has 8,582 patents, accounting for more than 2% of patents of the entire industry. In the healthcare sector, Ping An holds 4,176 patents, leading among domestic and international patentees. HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (hereafter "Ping An", "the Company" or the "Group" HKEX: 2318 / 82318; SSE: 601318) ranks first in global patents in healthcare and fintech, according to two new reports from the Intellectual Property Publishing House. The "Fintech Industry 2024 Patent Analysis White Paper" and the "Healthcare Industry 2024 Patent Analysis White Paper" included each industry's Global Patentee Top 10 list from 2019 to 2024. The figures demonstrate Ping An's strength in cutting-edge technology innovation and applications. Demonstrating outstanding competitiveness The Intellectual Property Publishing House operates under the China National Intellectual Property Administration. Its white papers show that Ping An has 8,582 patents in fintech, accounting for more than 2% of patents of the entire industry. Ping An's patent numbers also rank first in core business scenarios such as risk prevention and control, smart customer service, insurance claims and digital operations. In risk prevention and control, Ping An has 1,078 patents, exceeding the closest competitor by more than a hundred patents. In the fields of intelligent customer service and insurance claims, Ping An Group's patent volume is twice that of the number two entity. The fintech industry white paper points out that "Ping An Group demonstrates outstanding competitiveness in the fintech industry with its strong innovation capabilities and comprehensive patents." In healthcare, Ping An surpasses other domestic and international patentees with 4,176 patents. It also ranks first in the number of patent applications in niche technology areas such as medical image processing, healthcare and senior care, and smart consultation. The healthcare industry white paper points out that artificial intelligence (AI) technology has become a key driver in promoting innovation and progress in the healthcare industry, and Ping An's patent portfolio in healthcare is particularly strong, with leading numbers of patents in AI, blockchain and big data, significantly outstripping its closest competitors. Expanding scenario and application innovation for service quality and efficiency According to the two white papers, the global fintech and healthtech industries have entered a new stage, showing a trend of deep integration of core technologies and business scenarios. Ping An is fully expanding scenario innovation, with a large proportion of innovations in application areas that involve AI, blockchain, big data analysis and cloud computing. Ping An has been deeply involved in integrated finance and healthcare for many years, with a comprehensive digital transformation strategy. It continues to focus on developing AI-driven new quality productive forces in finance, promoting the integration of cutting-edge technology to achieve digital operations, digital management, digital governance, and create competitive advantages. With five industry-leading laboratories and nine major databases, covering finance, healthcare, senior care and other fields, Ping An is building technology capabilities for financial advisory, family doctor and senior care concierge services. As of the end of September 2024, Ping An employed over 21,000 technology developers and over 3,000 scientists, and had filed 53,521 patent applications. Ping An maintains a customer-centric approach, continuously upgrading to smarter, more personalized and efficient financial, healthcare and senior care services, for a "worry-free, time-saving, and money-saving" customer experience. Ping An's AI service representatives interacted with customers approximately 1.34 billion times in the first three quarters of 2024, covering more than 80% of the total customer service volume. Ping An also pioneered the AI image-based vehicle damage assessment technology for auto insurance claims, shortening the damage assessment time from several hours to several minutes, with an accuracy rate of over 95%. In 2024, Ping An Life launched its upgraded 1-1-1 Superfast Claim service, with one-sentence reporting, one-click uploading and one-minute validation. Now 93% of insurance policies can be underwritten within seconds, and the average claim processing time is only 7.4 minutes. In medical services, Ping An Health's AI-assisted consultation and treatment system has an accuracy rate of over 99% in triage guiding patients to the appropriate medical department and an accuracy rate of 95% in diagnosis. Ping An said that in the face of the era of AI transformation, the Company will continue to promote the deep integration of finance and technology and provide services to its 240 million retail customers with the brand promise of "Expertise Makes Life Easier". About Ping An Group Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEx:2318 / 82318; SSE:601318) is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. It strives to become a world-leading provider of integrated finance, health and senior care services. Under the technology-driven "integrated finance + health and senior care" strategy, the Group provides professional "financial advisory, family doctor, and senior care concierge" services to its 240 million retail customers. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve financial businesses' quality and efficiency and enhance risk management. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As of the end of September 2024, Ping An had more than RMB12 trillion in total assets. The Group ranked 29th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2024 and 53rd in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2024. 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 printing and shipping solutions company awarded 36 new franchise agreements in 2024 DENVER, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PostNet, a global leader in high-quality printing and shipping solutions, announced today that it awarded 36 franchise agreements and posted $74 million in gross sales in 2024. In 2024, PostNet awarded 36 franchise agreements and posted $74 million in sales, highlighting phenomenal growth for the printing and shipping solutions company. "Customers are demanding more value from the companies they choose to do business with, and our growth shows that we are meeting these customer demands," said Bill McPherson, PostNet's vice president of retail network development. "The PostNet model also provides our franchisees with the foundation they need to operate a business that is truly focused on the customer. The relationship between customer satisfaction and the happiness of our franchise owners has made our continued growth possible." McPherson said that of the 36 new franchise agreements awarded, 30 were issued to new franchisees and six were given to existing franchise owners who became multi-unit owners. The company was also recognized for its growth throughout the year. Not only was it named as one of Franchise Business Review's (FBR) Top 100 Franchises for Women, but the company made the Franchise Times Top 400 list and the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list as well. "The best franchise opportunities provide a clear roadmap to success, and PostNet dedicates itself to delivering tools that guarantee success to our franchisees," McPherson said. "Owning a PostNet gives our franchise owners the independence they crave while providing them with the established brand guidelines, marketing strategies and guidance they need to thrive." For more information about PostNet, visit www.postnet.com or to learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.postnetfranchise.com. About PostNet PostNet opened its doors in 1993. With nearly 700 locations in North America, Central America, South America and Africa, PostNet is a global leader in printing and shipping solutions. In 2017, PostNet joined the MBE Worldwide family. Combined, MBE has nearly 2,600 locations in 44 countries. For more information about PostNet services, visit www.postnet.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.postnetfranchise.com. About Fortidia Fortidia is the brand identity of MBE Worldwide S.p.A. - a privately-owned company headquartered in Italy - and its affiliates. Fortidia is a global commerce enabler for SMBs and consumers thanks to its platform including brands providing e-commerce, fulfillment, shipping, marketing and print solutions: PrestaShop, Mail Boxes Etc. (outside the U.S. and Canada.), PostNet, PACK & SEND, World Options, AlphaGraphics, Multicopy, Print Speak, GEL Proximity, and Spedingo. In 2023, the combination of its physical platform - including 3,200 Business Solutions Centers in 60 countries with 14,000 associates - with its PrestaShop e-commerce platform served 1.1 mln business customers worldwide generating 1.4 bln (US$1.5 bln) of System-wide Gross Revenue and 22 bln (US$23.8 bln) of Gross Merchandise Value. For more information, visit the Fortidia Group websites: www.fortidia.com - www.prestashop.com/en - www.mbeglobal.com - www.mbe.it - www.mbe.es - www.mbe.de - www.mbefrance.fr - www.mbe.pl - www.mbe.pt - www.mbe.co.uk - www.postnet.com - www.packsend.com.au - www.packsend.co.uk - www.worldoptions.com - www.alphagraphics.com - www.multicopy.nl - www.printspeak.com - www.gelproximity.com/en - www.spedingo.com/en MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR 865-977-1973 [email protected] SOURCE PostNet MIAMI, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ProChile successfully hosted exclusive Chilean pisco discovery and celebration events in Miami on February 25 and Houston on February 27, bringing the rich heritage and unique flavors of Chilean pisco to industry professionals. Pisco Chile Experience at Contessa Miami The immersive celebrations took place at Contessa in Miami and Federal American Grill in Houston, offering attendees a deep dive into Chilean pisco's distinctive qualities through curated experiences. Each venue collaborated with ProChile and Pisco Chile to craft exclusive pisco cocktails, highlighting the local influence on global cocktail trends. ProChile and Pisco Chile designed the events to introduce the U.S. market to Chilean pisco's artisanal craftsmanship, history, and versatility. Attendees engaged in tastings led by eight distinguished Chilean pisco producers: Pisquera Aba, Pisquera Bauza, Pisquera Casa Julia, Pisco Chanaral de Caren, Pisquera Dos Valles, Pisco Mulet, Pisco Nontay, and Pisquera Tulahuen. The events also featured an insightful masterclass, followed by a celebratory mixer where guests sampled an array of innovative pisco cocktails crafted exclusively for the occasion. "The U.S. market is showing increasing interest in artisanal-quality spirits with heritage, and ProChile is committed to introducing Chilean piscorecognized for its distinct quality and traditionto the global cocktail scene," said Claudia Serrer, Trade Commissioner of Chile in Miami. "With increasing trade and consumer interest, this mission demonstrated the growing demand for Chilean pisco, and we will continue working to connect it with new opportunities for expansion. Chilean pisco is gaining recognition as a versatile product that appeals to a wide range of tastes, offering fresh possibilities in mixology." The global pisco market is poised for significant growth, driven by the rising global appreciation for premium, artisanal spirits and the expanding cocktail culture, particularly in North America. The enthusiastic reception and strong attendance at both events underscore a growing interest in Chilean pisco and its potential to gain further traction in the U.S. market. About Pisco Chile Pisco Chile is the Pisco Trade Association of Chile, dedicated to supporting, promoting, and celebrating Chilean pisco and its producers while fostering global appreciation for its unique qualities and rich heritage. www.piscochile.cl About ProChile ProChile is the Chilean government agency responsible for promoting the country's exports of goods and services, contributing to economic growth through internationalization and trade diversification. Through its extensive network of regional and international offices, ProChile supports inclusive foreign trade initiatives, gender-inclusive economic participation, foreign investment, and tourism, all aimed at strengthening Chile's global presence. www.prochile.gob.cl Media Contact: Sicily Cronin 9172130254 [email protected] SOURCE ProChile MCLEAN, Va., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cassaday & Company, Inc., is pleased to announce that six of its financial advisors have been named to Investment News' 'Top Advisors in the USA' list for 2025. The honorees include: This recognition places these advisors among only 100 financial professionals nationwide to receive this distinction. According to Investment News, "the Top Advisors are quick to admit they have relied on their teams' expertise and support to enable their outstanding performance. That team ethic, along with an appreciation and use of technology, is a commonality. What separates the best is their ability to master client communication and the emotional side of the business." "When I founded the firm 30 years ago, my vision was creating a one-stop shop where clients could address all aspects of their financial situation through comprehensive, integrated advice," said Chairman & CEO Steve Cassaday. "Today, I have the privilege to work alongside a team of highly trained and experienced in-house professionals who provide clients with a holistic solution that integrates estate, tax, retirement, insurance, and financial planning while adhering strictly to the fiduciary standard." "We're grateful that our clients recognize our firm's distinguishing factors and honored they continue to place their trust in us," Cassaday added. Award Methodology & Disclosures The Investment News 2025 Top Advisors in the USA list was compiled through a rigorous process. Nominations were solicited from advisors, industry professionals, and clients, with all information verified by compliance teams. The final rankings were determined by a weighted scoring system based on overall AUM, AUM growth, and client growth between August 2023 and August 2024. This methodology ensures a balanced assessment of both practice scale and growth. Cassaday did not compensate Investment News for this award. About Cassaday & Company, Inc. Cassaday & Company, Inc. is an independent wealth management firm in McLean, Virginia with over $6.1 billion in assets under management (as of January 31, 2025). Learn more at www.cassaday.com. Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory and insurance services offered through Cassaday & Company, Inc., a registered adviser not affiliated with Osaic Wealth, Inc. Contact: Michelle Tigani (703) 506-8200 [email protected] SOURCE Cassaday & Company, Inc. STOCKHOLM, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Skanska has signed a contract with Sutter Health for an ambulatory surgery center and specialty clinic space in Pleasanton, CA, USA. The contract is worth USD 55M, about SEK 600M, which will be included in the US order bookings for the first quarter of 2025. The project includes the conversion of an existing 60,000 square foot (5,600 m2) office building to a 20,000 square foot (1,900 m2) ambulatory surgery center and a 40,000 square foot (3,700 m2) specialty clinic space. Once complete, the medical office building and surgery center will feature four operating rooms, three procedure rooms, a full sterile processing department, and spaces for multiple programs including orthopedics, podiatry, and ENT. The project will expand outpatient care services and specialty care needs to the greater Tri-Valley region in Northern California. Work will begin in May 2025 and the project is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2026. For further information please contact: Daniela Arellano, Communications Director, Skanska USA, tel +1 -213-317-4977 Jacob Birkeland, Head of Media Relations & Public Affairs, Skanska Group, tel +46 (0)10 449 04 94 Direct line for media, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99 This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/skanska/r/skanska-signs-contract-with-sutter-health-in-pleasanton--california,c4115552 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/95/4115552/3305889.pdf 20250307 US Surgery Center California SOURCE Skanska NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SLD Technology, a major sponsor, in collaboration with the Association of Medical Facility Professionals (AMFP) and SquareFootage.net is proud to present the 2025 D4Z Healthcare Summit, an exclusive industry event dedicated to advancing healthcare design, innovation and the reduction of healthcare harm. Taking place at the Omni Hotel in Nashville, TN, this non-profit event will donate all net proceeds to St. Jude Children's Hospital, supporting its mission to treat and cure pediatric catastrophic diseases. Healthcare harm represents the third leading cause of death in the United States and every healthcare facility should have the tools to be able to DESIGN 4 ZERO. The D4Z Summit brings together industry luminaries and stakeholders for an essential discussion on how to DESIGN, CONSTRUCT and USE healthcare spaces more effectively with the ultimate goal of protecting patients and surgical staff. The D4Z Summit will bring together top industry leaders, medical professionals, and innovators to discuss the future of healthcare environments. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with a distinguished lineup of speakers, including: Kyle Rudolph 3-time Pro Bowler, 12-year veteran of the Minnesota Vikings, and philanthropist. 3-time Pro Bowler, 12-year veteran of the Minnesota Vikings, and philanthropist. Dr. Bernard Harris Surgeon, author, NASA astronaut, and the first African American to perform a spacewalk. Surgeon, author, NASA astronaut, and the first African American to perform a spacewalk. Dr. Thomas Treasure Surgeon, author, evidence-based researcher, and expert in the investigation of Princess Diana's death. Surgeon, author, evidence-based researcher, and expert in the investigation of death. Dr. Alex Mitchell Surgeon, executive at the Canadian Health Authority, and consultant for healthcare design and construction across Canada . The event will also feature a high-profile panel discussion with executives from Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson, Providence Health, HCA, Vanderbilt, and St. Jude Children's Hospital. The D4Z Summit will celebrate innovation and excellence in healthcare design with the following awards: D4Z Project of the Year Winners, voted online, will be announced live, with the top three receiving awards on stage. Winners, voted online, will be announced live, with the top three receiving awards on stage. D4Z Hospital Honoree Recognizing an outstanding hospital, with its Board Chair and Dean of Students accepting the award and sharing insights into their success. Recognizing an outstanding hospital, with its Board Chair and Dean of Students accepting the award and sharing insights into their success. St. Jude Children's Hospital Donation To close the event, Kyle Rudolph will present a special donation check to St. Jude executives in support of their lifesaving work. Sponsorship & Media Opportunities Sponsorship opportunities are available, offering businesses the chance to gain visibility during the event and through media coverage before and after the summit, all while supporting a meaningful cause and charitable contribution to St. Jude Children's. For more information, sponsorship inquiries, or event registration, please visit www.D4Z.org or email us at: D4Z General Information at | [email protected]. D4Z Sponsorships at | [email protected]. D4Z Project of The Year Contest at | [email protected]. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE SLD Technology, Inc. Drivers and Warehouse Workers Demand Fair Contracts, Warn of Potential Disruptions WASHINGTON, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of Teamsters at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) held practice pickets today in Florida, Georgia, and Illinois, demanding fair first contracts that recognize their crucial role in the company's success. "UNFI Teamsters have waited long enough for the contracts they deserve," said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. "This company is playing games with workers' livelihoods, and Teamsters won't stand for it. If UNFI thinks it can keep stalling, it's in for a rude awakening. Our members are united, they're fed up, and they're ready to do whatever it takes to win what they deserve." In the past year alone, more than 1,000 UNFI drivers and warehouse workers have voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters. Since 2022, over 2,500 workers have organized with the union, bringing the total Teamsters membership at UNFI to more than 5,000. Yet, the company continues to stall negotiations and refuses to bargain in good faith. "We organized with the Teamsters to win the fair pay, benefits, and respect we deserve, but UNFI keeps dragging its feet," said Brad Duncan, a warehouse worker at UNFI and a member of Local 26 in Urbana, Ill. "We are fed up. It's time for management to get serious and bring a real offer to the table, or we'll do whatever it takes to win." As the primary distributor for Whole Foods in the U.S., UNFI risks major disruptions if it continues delaying contract talks. More than 1,250 workers nationwide are prepared to escalate their actions if the company fails to deliver. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Colin McCullough, (856) 625-6856 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters BARCELONA, Spain, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TECNO, an innovative, AI-driven technology brand, is thrilled to announce its success at the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards during the MWC 2025 in Barcelona. The TECNO MEGA MINI Gaming G1, the world's smallest water-cooled gaming mini PC, was recognized for its exceptional innovation in the Best Connected Consumer Device category of GLOMO Awards 2025. TECNO MEGA MINI Gaming G1 was recognized for their exceptional innovation in the Best Connected Consumer Device category of GLOMO Awards 2025. Under the theme "Create the AI Future," TECNO displayed its AI product ecosystem, including latest smartphones, laptops, pad, smart wearable devices, and advancing imaging and material technologies at MWC 2025. The products showcased at the show have won multiple global awards and recognitions, as well as being named Best of MWC by influential tech media. TECNO MEGA MINI Gaming G1 debuted at MWC 2024 and was exhibited at IFA 2024, where it was recognized with Best of MWC and IFA award, includes the 2024 Global Product Technology Innovation Awards Gold at IFA 2024. This time, recognition from the GLOMO Awards once again underscores TECNO's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in mobile and smart technology. Presented at MWC, the GLOMO Awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions in the global tech industry. In its 30th anniversary, the award continues to celebrate excellence in mobile and connected technologies, honoring the best of the best. Selected by over 200 independent judges, TECNO's win represents the highest honor, acknowledging unparalleled achievement across the entire digital landscape. The TECNO MEGA MINI Gaming G1 is celebrated as the world's smallest water-cooled gaming PC with a discrete graphics card. Powered by an Intel Core i9-13900H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, the device delivers exceptional performance in a highly portable form. Despite its ultra-compact size, it boasts powerful cooling capabilities, with a dual-fan system and a 6888 mm pure copper heatsink, ensuring optimal performance even during high-intensity gaming. The MEGA MINI Gaming G1 also features 15 diverse ports for connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4 support, offering fast data transfer and multi-display capabilities. TECNO launched its Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in September 2024, receiving overwhelming support from tech enthusiasts and gaming fans, surpassing 400% of its funding goal. The product is currently available online in the European market, including retailers such as Carrefour and MediaMarkt in Spain, as well as ElectroDepot and Amazon in France. This year, the G1 will be expanding to more markets across Europe. Apart from the GLOMO award-winning MEGA MINI Gaming G1 at the booth, TECNO is also showcasing how its practical TECNO AI is now integrated throughout its interconnected AI ecosystem. This ecosystem has been newly upgraded during MWC 2025, includes the latest CAMON 40 Series flagship imaging smartphone, debut AI Glasses, MEGABOOK S14 laptop, MEGABOOK K15S laptop, MEGABOOK T14 Air laptop, MEGAPAD 11, TECNO Watch GT 1, and the TECNO True 2 earbuds. SOURCE TECNO Mobile Limited DALIAN, China, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 3, local time, the Chery TIGGO family celebrated a historic milestone as TIGGO 4 marked the export of its one-millionth unit at Dalian Port, China. The event was attended by government officials, executives from Chery, global partners, and media, all gathering to witness this remarkable achievement. As a flagship model, TIGGO 4 has won over young consumers in over 70 countries, setting a new benchmark for A0-class SUVs with its advanced technology and precise market positioning. The million-unit overseas shipment ceremony of Tiggo 4 was held in Dalian The Australian version of Tiggo 4 Pro has earned a 5-star ANCAP safety rating During the celebration, Chery's leadership emphasized its "technology-first" strategy, committing to deliver high-quality vehicles through world-class R&D, manufacturing, and service systems. Since its international debut in 2018, TIGGO 4 has distinguished itself with three core strengths: robust safety, stylish crossover design, and superior user experience. Built to meet stringent five-star safety standards, the vehicle boasts an integrated cage body structure and seven airbags, ensuring top-tier safety. The international design team has crafted a muscular exterior and a minimalist, wrap-around cockpit, complemented by a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat for enhanced comfort. Tailored adaptations for different markets, such as improved off-road capabilities and durability for the South American version, and climate-specific optimizations for the Southeast Asian version, underscore the model's strong market adaptability. TIGGO 4's excellence has driven sales and earned international acclaim. On February 24, TIGGO 4 PRO received a five-star safety rating from ANCAP and was named "Car of the Year 2024" by the renowned automotive media outlet DRIVE. By 2025, the TIGGO 4 series is set to expand its global footprint further, entering the European market and marking a new chapter in the heart of the global automotive market. In fact, TIGGO 4 reaching the milestone of 1 million units exported is just a microcosm and a shining example of Chery's successful overseas expansion. Chery has consistently embraced the globalization philosophy of "In somewhere, for somewhere," achieving million-unit sales milestones with models like TIGGO 2, TIGGO 7, and TIGGO 8 through localized production and adaptation. With the millionth TIGGO 4, the Chery TIGGO family now boasts a formidable lineup of four million-unit export models. Moving forward, Chery will continue to push the boundaries of technological innovation, enhancing the TIGGO family's offerings to provide users with safer and more enjoyable driving experiences, shining even brighter on the global stage. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636471/Tiggo4.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636473/20250307_132417.jpg SPRINGFIELD, Mo., March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Homebuying should be simple, exciting, and stress-free. That's why Trendsetter Homes created The Homebuyer's Roadmap to Success, a campaign that just won Gold at The Nationals, the homebuilding industry's most prestigious marketing awards, presented by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). (L-R) Alexis Woodward, Ashlyn Davis, and Ryan Cantrell from Trendsetter Homes, alongside Kelly Primeau from CEA Marketing, celebrate their big win at the National Association of Home Builders' National Awards! (PRNewsfoto/Trendsetter Homes) Our award-winning downloadable guides provide Springfield, MO homebuyers with expert tips, checklists, and resources to navigate the homebuying journey with confidence. (PRNewsfoto/Trendsetter Homes) Competing against top builders nationwide, Trendsetter Homes earned this national honor for making the homebuying journey easier, clearer, and more accessible for buyers like you. The campaign's step-by-step guidance, transparent financing insights, and engaging digital tools help buyers move forward with confidencewhether purchasing a first home or finding the right fit for their next. A Smarter, Simpler Path to Homeownership At Trendsetter Homes, buying a home isn't just a transactionit's a journey we walk with you. Our award-winning approach ensures that you feel informed, empowered, and excited every step of the way. Here's what sets Trendsetter Homes apart: Clarity in the Process Our easy-to-follow roadmap takes the guesswork out of homebuying. Our easy-to-follow roadmap takes the guesswork out of homebuying. Financial Transparency We let you know what to expect through the process to help you make confident decisions. We let you know what to expect through the process to help you make confident decisions. Convenience & Support From virtual tours to on-site model homes, we make it simple to explore your options. From virtual tours to on-site model homes, we make it simple to explore your options. Quality & Design Our homes combine modern designs with smart, functional spaces built for today's lifestyles. Buyers Love Their Trendsetter Homes Real buyers, just like you, have already discovered the Trendsetter Homes difference: "Trendsetter is really setting new trends! Their houses are perfect place to settle down and to call home" Vadim K., Homeowner "The whole process with Trendsetter has been great. They have been professional, easy to communicate with, and went the extra mile to make sure we were happy with our new home" Tanner P., Homeowner Find Your New Home Today Trendsetter Homes is currently building in Springfield, Ozark, Republic, Willard, and Rogersville, MO. With homes ranging from the low-$200s to the mid-$400s, buyers can choose from a variety of modern, thoughtfully designed floor plans and visit model homes in every community. Your dream home is waiting. Let's make it happenvisit TrendsetterHomes.com or call 417-730-1843 to get started today. About Trendsetter Homes Trendsetter Homes is a leading homebuilder in Southwest Missouri, dedicated to making homeownership simple, transparent, and exciting. Known for quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and an exceptional customer experience, Trendsetter Homes delivers homes that buyers feel proud to call their own. Media Contact: Ashlyn Davis, Sales and Marketing Director 417-210-7900 [email protected] SOURCE Trendsetter Homes TVA issues Request for Proposals for a new utility-scale 100-megawatt battery storage system for its Kingston Energy Complex in Roane County, Tennessee . . Interested developers should preregister at tva.com/KingstonBESSRFP to be a part of the bid process. TVA will issue the bid packet to registered developers in late March or early April. TVA is building 5,500 megawatts of electricity by 2029 to power our region's growing economy. Download Kingston Energy Complex site rendering. Password: KingstonBESS KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tennessee Valley Authority is calling on the nation's premier Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developers to submit proposals for a 100-megawatt BESS system at the utility's Kingston Energy Complex under construction in Roane County, Tennessee. Once completed, the state-of-the-art energy complex will deliver 750 megawatts of combined cycle natural gas, 800 megawatts of flex-fuel aeroderivative turbines, 100 megawatts of battery storage and up to four megawatts of solar, which is enough electricity to power about 900,000 homes. TVA is accepting proposals from qualified integrators and providers to design, engineer, build, operate, and maintain the BESS that must be in commercial operation by 2029. Interested developers should preregister at tva.com/KingstonBESSRFP. TVA will issue the bid packet to registered developers in late March or early April and communicate the bid due date. TVA provides affordable, reliable electricity to more than 10 million consumers across seven states, and is aligned with the Administration's Energy Dominance Executive Order to use energy technologies and innovation to drive economic prosperity and national security. The BESS project is part of TVA's strategy to unleash American energy to power our region's growth. Over the past five years, the region's GDP has grown 2.9%, outpacing the national average of 2.4%. The region's unemployment rate has dropped by 0.3% while the U.S. rate has grown by 0.4%. In addition, the region's population has grown faster than the U.S. overall, especially in the working-age population and those under 20 years old. Pending required approvals and completion of applicable legal reviews and processes, TVA's current planning assumption includes building about 5,500 megawatts of new firm, dispatchable generation by 2029. In addition to Kingston, construction is underway at Shawnee, Kentucky, Cumberland, Tennessee, and Johnsonville, Tennessee. TVA has completed 1,400 megawatts of new gas units at Paradise in Kentucky and Colbert in Alabama. Construction will begin soon at New Caledonia in Mississippi, and other new generation projects are under consideration in Tennessee. The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation's largest public power supplier, delivering energy to more than 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA has one of the most diverse energy systems including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies. To prepare for the future, TVA is making significant investments in its power system toward new generation and transmission. TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. TVA maintains some of the lowest energy costs and highest reliability in the nation. TVA's residential rates are lower than those paid by over 80 percent of customers of the top 100 utilities. Industrial rates are lower than those paid by over 90 percent of customers of the top 100 utilities. In addition, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at TVA.com. SOURCE Tennessee Valley Authority BERKELEY, Calif., March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UrbanGeekz founder and CEO Kunbi Tinuoye graced the stage at the inaugural Africa Gate to Growth Forum at the top-ranked university, UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. Tinuoye, a sought-after public speaker and leading voice in the global startup ecosystem , shared her perspective on a dynamic panel discussion on fundraising in Africa. She was joined by Salim Ben Hassim Soumbounou, a multinational business executive, among others. "We commend the AGG Forum for highlighting the untapped potential of Africa, specifically French-speaking Africa." Post this Founder and CEO of UrbanGeekz Kunbi Tinuioye (center) speaking at the Africa Gate to Growth Forum: photo credit: photographer Xinyang Chen courtesy of Africa Gate to Growth The ' Unlocking Funding Opportunities for African Tech Companies ' panel offered invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by African startups. It examined a range of funding sources, including venture capital, crowdfunding, strategic partnerships, and debt financing. A key takeaway is the substantial impact of the African diaspora [whose remittances exceed $100 billion annually] as an untapped financial resource for developing startups on the continent. "We [ UrbanGeekz ] are deeply committed to showcasing technology and innovation in Africa," Tinuoye said in an interview. "We commend the AGG Forum for highlighting the untapped potential of Africa, specifically French-speaking Africa and its startup ecosystem." Through her participation, Tinuoye reinforces UrbanGeekz's commitment to amplifying diverse stories. By participating in these conversations, UrbanGeekz continues to play a pivotal role in spotlighting the African tech ecosystem within the global landscape. Tinuoye joined a stellar lineup of speakers, including H.E Inza Camara, Consul General of Cote d'Ivoire in New York; Me Lassiney-Kathann Camara , President of Africa Gate to Growth 2025; Isaac Bayoh is the Founder, AI Chief, and Officer at FuturAfric; and Spectra Adaora Ijeoma Asala of SAIA Ventures, among others. Hosted by the Ivorian Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization, in collaboration with several heavyweight cross-border institutions, Africa Gate to Growth (AGG) is the first-of-its-kind initiative to position West Africa, particularly Francophone Africa, as a global tech hub. The goal is to generate interest and investment in this emerging, often overlooked, French-speaking ecosystem. Their high-impact forum united dignitaries, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs. The goal was to discuss ways to accelerate the growth of tech startups in West Africa and connect Africa's innovation ecosystem with global markets. The daylong event featured a forum with exhibitor stands, expert discussions, and keynote speeches from industry leaders, allowing attendees to explore Africa's regulatory frameworks and growth opportunities. The forum preceded an immersive learning week for ten Ivorian startups participating in a rigorous AGG program in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley. The founders spent eight intensive days in and around Silicon Valley from February 21 to 28. During this time, they engaged in networking, pitch practice, hands-on workshops, and investor meetings. About UrbanGeekz UrbanGeekz is a black-owned African-American, Latinx, multicultural digital news platform focused on technology, business, science, and entrepreneurship. The groundbreaking videocentric multimedia platform covers tech, startups, and business. Its mission is to make tech 'cool' and accessible while highlighting innovative careers and STEM-related fields as exciting and rewarding paths, especially for women and underrepresented groups. About Africa Gate to Growth Africa Gate to Growth is a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Ivorian Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization in collaboration with SPECI, CLKA Law Firm, and the UC Berkeley Haas African Business Club. The event aims to bridge ecosystems between West Africa and the United States, fostering collaboration in finance, technology, and innovation. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics, Africa Gate to Growth seeks to unlock opportunities, drive digital transformation, and create sustainable growth in key regional sectors. SOURCE UrbanGeekz SALT LAKE CITY, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) is honored to host the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts' (NCECA) three flagship exhibitions as part of the 2025 NCECA Annual Conference, Formation, taking place March 26-29, 2025, at The Salt Palace Convention Center. The three cornerstone exhibitions at UMOCA include the 2025 NCECA Annual: True and Real, the 2025 NCECA Juried Student Exhibition, and the Multicultural Fellowship Exhibition, marking the first time all three cornerstone exhibitions will be presented within a single museum, just steps from the conference hub. True and Real features the work of 40 artists, including invited artists Simone Leigh, Syd Carpenter, Roberto Lugo, Tip Toland, and Steven Young Lee. Curated by Judith S. Schwartz, this showcase examines the relationship between material, process, and personal truth in contemporary ceramic art. The 2025 NCECA Juried Student Exhibition, co-juried by Adrienne Eliades and Nicole Seisler, highlights the next generation of ceramic artists, while the Multicultural Fellowship Exhibition, juried by Jennifer Ling Datchuck, provides a platform for diverse voices shaping the future of the medium. "These three cornerstone showcases for contemporary ceramic art anchor a more extensive series of opportunities to engage with creative vision and objects throughout the host region," said NCECA Executive Director Joshua Green. "It is particularly profound that for the first time, all three of these significant exhibitions will be accessible in a single museum so close to the conference itself." "Like NCECA, we are deeply committed to supporting and investing in our community of artists, makers, educators, and students," said UMOCA Curator of Exhibitions, Jared Steffensen. "The selections for these exhibitions reflect the depth and breadth of contemporary ceramic art and underscore the material's ability to convey meaning in profound ways." The 2025 NCECA Annual: True and Real and Juried Student Exhibition will be on view from March 7 to May 31, 2025, and the Multicultural Fellowship Exhibition will be on view from March 7 to May 3, 2025, at UMOCA. For more information, visit utahmoca.org. SOURCE Utah Museum of Contemporary Art Over 300 restaurants are participating in Denver Restaurant Week, highlighting The Mile High City's award-winning culinary community DENVER, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Denver Restaurant Week kicked off its 21 years of amazing restaurant experiences at unbeatable price points. Mayor Johnston and industry leaders joined VISIT DENVER at Ace Eat Serve to toast 21 years. The location was especially significant because Ace Eat Serve has been a guest favorite since Denver Restaurant Week started. The program runs Friday, March 7 through Sunday, March 16. The 10-day, two-weekend event includes over 300 participating restaurants more then ever before -- across the Denver metro area representing dozens of cuisine types and price points. Denver Restaurant Week 2025 Participating restaurants selected a $25, $35, $45 or $55 price for their menu for a multi-course dining experience offering the perfect fit for every appetite. All participating restaurants are listed on DenverRestaurantWeek.com. With participating restaurants across the Denver Metro area, diners are encouraged to explore new neighborhoods outside of their regular routine. Denver Restaurant Week is also the perfect time to revisit some classic Denver favorites. New this year! Diners can create an account on denverrestaurantweek.com and favorite restaurants that pique their interest. The portal also allows diners to mark when they have visited a restaurant to keep track of their personalized Denver Restaurant Week experience. At the end of Denver Restaurant Week, users can share their conquests on social media with a Spotify Wrapped-style summary. Denver Restaurant Week was created in 2005 to highlight Denver's growing culinary offerings over a traditionally slow time of year for restaurants. The program also aimed to improve the reputation of Denver's culinary scene with locals and visitors. In its inaugural year, 83 restaurants participated in the program. Since then, Denver Restaurant Week has grown to highlight Denver as a culinary destination with multiple James Beard Award-winning chefs and Michelin Guide recognized restaurants taking advantage of the special event. VISIT DENVER's Denver Restaurant Week would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors including Swire Coca-Cola, Uber Eats, Don Fulano Tequila, High Noon, J Vineyards & Winery, Montenegro, Orin Swift Cellars, Rombauer Vineyards, Colorado Restaurant Association-Mile High Chapter, Downtown Denver Partnership, and media sponsors 5280 Magazine, CBS Colorado, and Westword. To learn more and book a reservation, visit DenverRestaurantWeek.com. About VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau Celebrating 116 years of promoting The Mile High City, VISIT DENVER is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. Denver welcomed more than 37.4 million visitors in 2023, generating $10.3 billion in spending, while supporting tens of thousands of jobs and making Tourism one of the city's largest industries. Learn more about Denver at VISIT DENVER or Tourism Pays Denver. Follow Denver's social media channels for up-to-the-minute updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. Photos and logos can be accessed HERE please credit VISIT DENVER. With press or photo inquiries, please contact: Taylor Shields, Director of PR & Communications Caroline Campbell, PR & Communications Manager Natalie St. Hilaire, PR & Communcations Coordinator [email protected] SOURCE VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau LOS ANGELES, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Watchdog wrote a letter to California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara with new information showing why State Farm should not be granted an emergency 22% rate hike that includes a candid camera video recording of a company executive. In the video recording, Haden Kirkpatrick, Vice President of Innovation and Venture Capital at State Farm, admitted the company orchestrated rate hike requests with talk of pulling out of California. Kirkpatrick was fired by State Farm as a result of the video. In the letter, Consumer Watchdog Litigation Director Will Pletcher juxtaposed State Farm's comments at a recent meeting in Oakland where State Farm made its case for rate hikes with the blunt and contradictory statements made by Kirkpatrick, showing contempt for policyholders. Questioner: "I heard that the insurances pulled out of the California fire. It seems like it is all, I don't know, orchestrated." Kirkpatrick: "It kind of is, but not in the way you would thinkWe'll go to the Department of Insurance and say we're overexposed here, you have to let us catch up our rating and they'll say 'eh' because the Department of Insurance and the Insurance Commissioner is an elected position in California. He'll say 'nah.' And we'll say, 'Okay, then we are going to cancel these policies.'" At approx. time stamp 5:53 6:05 time stamp 6:33 6:56 "These remarks strongly suggest that policy cancellations are being wielded as a strategic bargaining tool rather than as a necessary response to financial risk," Consumer Watchdog Litigation Director Will Pletcher wrote in the letter to Lara. "This contradicts the impression State Farm sought to convey at the meetingthat it would remain in the market if rate relief were granted, and calls into question the transparency and good faith of State Farm's dealings with both regulators and policyholders." "At the meeting, State Farm insisted to you that it 'want[s] to be in the California market,' 'to continue to serve the millions of customers in the State of California,' and that 'we want to support the California market,'" Pletcher wrote. "But Mr. Kirkpatrick's comments suggest a different attitude toward certain California homeowners at State Farm: 'Like in Marin County and Northern California, or some of the fringe areas, like where the Palisades are, there should never be houses built in the first place' because Californians are building homes in these locations 'where they have natural areas around them for their ego.' This statement reflects a dismissive attitude toward large portions of the state, raising further concerns about State Farm's true commitment to maintaining coverage for homeowners in California." Consumer Watchdog wrote a separate letter to Lara taking issue with new information from the February 26, 2025 informal conference that confirms that why Lara should reject State Farm General's "emergency interim rate" requests: 22% for homeowners insurance (an average increase of $600 annually per homeowner policy), 38% for rental dwelling policies, and 15% for renters and condos. Read the letter here. Among the arguments made are that State Farm can cover Los Angeles wildfire losses; financial mismanagement, not catastrophe losses are to blame for State Farm's position; reinsurance transfers benefit the parent, not policyholders; a lack of transparency demands a denial of the rate hike, and no commitment was made to expanding coverage. SOURCE Consumer Watchdog ELKO A bill before the Nevada Legislature aimed at agricultural workers is one of two bills Elko County commissioners voted to oppose. The other is a bill to keep clocks in Nevada on standard time year-round. SB 172 is aimed at agricultural workers and would require minimum wages, overtime and transportation to service providers. Its a horrible, horrible bill, Elko County Commissioner Rex Steninger said on Wednesday. Chairman Jon Karr said, I would guess we are all for a letter against it. SB 172 would enact an agricultural workers bill of rights covering wages, overtime, periods of rest and meals, housing, protections for workers during emergencies and disasters and authorizing collective bargaining. Sen. Edgar Flores, D-Las Vegas, the bills key sponsor, testified before the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on Monday that overtime is the biggest contention for farm owners concerned about the bill, but he believes many farmers and ranchers do amazing work and thinks there is a chance for common ground. The committee meeting is online, and the committee heard horror stories from workers who remained anonymous. Flores told lawmakers the workers feared retaliation. Noe Orosco, the government affairs manager with Make the Road Nevada, read a letter by an anonymous farmworker to lawmakers describing 10 workers being forced to share a two-bedroom trailer provided by the employer that lacked heating and air conditioning, according to the Nevada Current. State Sen. John Ellison, R-Elko, testified many business owners, including him, allow workers who need to leave early to make up time later in the week to ensure they get 40 hours, the Current reported, and he said the housing provisions could require employers to construct new facilities. Time change Assembly member Selena La Rue Hatch, D-Reno, and state Sen. Robin Titus, R-Wellington, put forward the legislation to exempt Nevada from daylight saving time, opting instead to follow standard time all year. Karr told commissioners he wished this group would adamantly oppose this and send letters to every city in Elko County, as well as to Eureka and Lander counties. He said he opposed the time change because the sun would come up at 4:30 a.m. and be down by 8:30 p.m. in the summer. Steninger said he just wants to quit changing the time, and commissioners reported they had heard from city officials that the time change would impact little league sports. Known as the Lock the Clock act, the bill would take effect Jan. 1, 2026. If passed, Nevada would join Arizona and Hawaii in exempting themselves from daylight saving time. La Rue Hatch told the Reno Gazette she and Titus, a family practice physician, share concerns about the health effects of springing forward and falling back. We see that theres a lot of negative health effects when we switch the clocks either forward or back, including higher incidence of heart attacks, stroke, hospital admissions, car accidents and a whole lot more, she said. The Assembly Government Affairs Committee held a hearing on the bill Feb. 24. The time bill, AB 81, would put Nevada at Pacific standard time all year. Daylight saving time takes effect Sunday at 2 a.m. as usual. Clocks need to spring forward one hour. Air service bills Two bills focused on rural air services have the support of commissioners, who voted on Wednesday to send letters of opposition to the time and agricultural workers bills but voted to support two airport-related bills. AB 100 was failed in the Nevada Legislature last session. The bill provides grant money for rural airports, such as Elko Regional Airport, but Elko County Manager Amanda Osborne said bill sponsor Assemblyman Bert Gurr told her he didnt think it would go anywhere. The other air service bill, AB 293, provides support for airports, creating an aerospace office under the governor and could be another source of funding for rural airports. Osborne told commissioners AB 293 does a lot more than AB 100 and hopefully it will go somewhere. With all going on with commercial air service in Elko, I think its important we support both those bills. Elko Regional Airport just announced SkyWest Airlines, flying as Delta Connection, has added a mid-day flight on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays beginning May 8, and the airport is awaiting a grant to help with costs of those added flights. The city and the Flight Alliance of Northeastern Nevada also provide money to supplement SkyWests flights if minimum loads arent met. SkyWest flies to and from Salt Lake City. Commissioners also decided to ask Gurr to try for an amendment to a contractor licensing bill to make exceptions for contractors who cross state borders to work for places such as Jackpot in Elko County. Jackpot is near the Idaho border and a long way from other communities in the county and state. Commissioner Travis Gerber suggested an amendment to SB 16 that would mention certain towns, such as Jackpot and Jarbidge in Elko County, that are particularly impacted. Commissioners shot down a proposal from Commissioner Brian Gale, however, that would put a question on the Nevada ballot calling for county commissioners to be elected by their districts, rather than by voters countywide. Gale said he wanted voters in districts to choose their commissioners because otherwise, such as in his case, he won in the county because he had an R by his name, while his opponent, Jay Dalton, ran as a Democrat in the November 2024 election. MACAO, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wing Lei Bar at Wynn Palace is set to revolutionize the hotel bar landscape with a complete transformation that reinvents its appearance, atmosphere, hospitality approach, and beverage program. Under the visionary leadership of Head Mixologist Mark Lloyd, Wing Lei Bar is not just elevating the bar experience; it is establishing itself as a dynamic hub where cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals unite through innovative mixology that harnesses unexpected global culinary ingredients. This transformation celebrates the ethos of curated hospitality, positioning the bar as a trailblazer for unforgettable experiences in the cocktail world. Mark Lloyd, Head Mixologist Wing Lei Bar at Wynn Palace The overhauled Wing Lei Bar is more than just a makeover, it represents a significant shift in how hotel bars engage with their guests. The bar team embraces the spirit of personality-driven mixology, juxtaposing the palatial setting with an approachable and friendly service style. Lloyd, known for his imaginative techniques and fresh perspective, is shaking up the traditional hotel bar narrative and introducing a new era where flair meets authenticity. Guests can now relish in the luxury of an upscale bar experience without the stuffiness that often accompanies such venues. Mark Lloyd, an acclaimed bartender and cocktail maverick, has taken the reins as Head Mixologist at Wing Lei Bar, bringing a one-of-a-kind experience to guests. A native of Scotland, Lloyd traveled and worked extensively throughout Asia for the past 15 years. Having founded multiple bar concepts across five continents, the industry veteran further cemented his credibility in global bartending knowledge, after tenures as operations director and bar consultant in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Shanghai, including his time at the renowned bar chain J. Boroski. Lloyd believes that bartenders are tour guides in the guest experience, whether it be a neighborhood watering hole or an opulent hotel bar. His approach to hospitality boasts personal authenticity and seeks to find common ground between each guest and the bar. He forgoes heavily scripted service monologues, often heard in hotel concepts, and instead, presents the essence of the bar through its grand interior, the charming personalities, and his patience to understand each customer's individual needs. A cocktail experience with Lloyd is a bespoke journey from flavors to service. Drawing on his industrial chemistry and distilling background, Lloyd's unique understanding of spirits is most evident in his well-balanced cocktails. Lloyd's scientific training is unmistakable in the precise finesse of his infusions, affording Wing Lei Bar the momentum to catapult it to the top of the global stage. Debuting on March 12, Lloyd's two-prong cocktail program is split between a redesigned signature menu that highlights 12 reimagined takes on four classic cocktail styles (sours, stirred, classics, and alternatini), all with hints of culinary sensibilities for which Wynn Palace is celebrated; and Lloyd's bespoke bar program, built on his signature 4-question personalized approach. Via a commitment to classic techniques that forgo modern gadgets, like rotovaps and centrifuges, the revamped bar menu sees homemade infusions and tinctures at the forefront of every sip. The menu features an enticing array of repurposed ingredients sourced from inter-hotel departments and dining establishments, presenting an unpredictable drinks roster. Embodying a philosophy of "limitless cocktails," Lloyd's creativity knows no bounds, and every gastronomic ingredient from char siu off-cuts to avocado peels is a potential star on the cocktail stage. This approach engages both novice and seasoned cocktail aficionados alike, ensuring each visit offers something never experienced before. To further enhance its offerings, Wing Lei Bar proudly announces the launch of its culinary-inspired cocktail guest shift series in 2025. Kicking off on March 13, Thursday at 8 pm, the inaugural event will spotlight Union Trading Company (#48 on World's 50 Best Bars 2021), a celebrated Shanghai establishment with a decade of history under its belt. Under the tutelage of the talented Yao Lu, The Union Trading Company's general manager, Patrick Zhou, will showcase vibrant spices, ingredients, and flavors from the streets of Shanghai, translating culinary artistry into exquisite cocktails. Wing Lei Bar has already hosted industry icons like Sebastian Atienza and Lucilia Calichio from Tres Monos (#7 on World's 50 Best Bars 2024), Lorenzo Antinori from Bar Leone (#2 on World's 50 Best Bars 2024), Joe Schofield from Schofield's Bar (#1 on UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2024), and many more. Looking ahead in 2025, Wing Lei Bar has already secured an impressive roster of guest shifts and events each month, plus never-before-seen in Asia talents set for July. ABOUT WING LEI BAR Wing Lei Bar is a leader in pioneering personalized cocktails that cater to individual tastes, assembling flavor profiles like Lego building blocks into a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Designed to evoke the elegance of an antique jewelry box, the bar's stunning interior invites guests to embark on a sensory adventure. The bar's lavish setting coupled with its inventive drinks program invites guests to savor anything from a cheeky tipple as the sun sets through a nightcap to end the evening on a high note. Opening Hours: 5:00 pm to 1:00 am daily (walk-ins available) Address: Wynn Palace, Avenida Da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macao Website: https://www.wynnresortsmacau.com/en/wynn-palace/dining/wing-lei-bar Instagram: @wingleibar SOURCE Wynn Palace 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, March 7 : President Donald Trump has suggested that the US may not defend NATO allies that have not contributed enough to defence spending, casting doubt on a core aspect of the alliance. "Well, I've said that to them," Trump told reporters on Thursday in the Oval Office when asked about the potential change in approach. "I said, 'If you're not going to pay, we're not going to defend.' I said that seven years ago, and because of that, they paid hundreds of billions of dollars." Article 5 of the NATO alliance charter states that an attack on one member is an attack on all. The only time it has been invoked was after the September 11, 2001, attacks on US soil. Asked if he intended to make that official US policy, Trump called it a "commonsense approach," and he expressed skepticism that other NATO allies would defend the US if it got attacked. "I think it's common sense. If they don't pay, I'm not going to defend them," Trump said. "I got into a lot of heat when I said that. You said, 'Oh, he's violating NATO.' And you know, the biggest problem I have with NATO a I know the guys very well. They're friends of mine, but if the United States was in trouble, and we called them, we said, 'We got a problem. France, we got a problem.' Couple of others, I won't mention. Do you think they're going to come and protect us? They're supposed to. I'm not so sure." Asked why the US would stay in the alliance at all, Trump said he viewed the alliance as "potentially good" but "very unfair". The comments echo similar remarks Trump made on the campaign trail last year, which became fodder for Democratic attacks. Trump's nominee for NATO ambassador, Matthew Whitaker, told Senators at a confirmation hearing this week that the US commitment to the alliance would be "ironclad". Trump has long pushed for NATO allies to spend more on defence, arguing the US takes on a heavier burden than other members. NATO members are each expected to spend two per cent of their GDP on defence, but Trump has pushed for that target to be increased to five per cent. The US, which spends around three per cent on defence, would also have to significantly increase the Pentagon budget to reach Trump's target. As of last year, 23 out of 32 countries in the alliance had met the two per cent threshold. NBC News first reported that Trump was considering a change to how the US approaches the NATO alliance that would favour members that spend more on defence. NATO has been in the spotlight amid the war in Ukraine, which began more than three years ago when Russian forces invaded their neighbour. Proponents of the alliance have argued that the mutual defence pact is what would prevent further Russian aggression against NATO members like Poland. Sweden and Finland officially joined NATO last year. A staff member arranges commodities at a supermarket in Canberra, Australia, March 5, 2025. The latest National Accounts showed the Australian economy has turned a corner, and "in a very encouraging way because the private sector is beginning to take its rightful place as the main driver of growth in our economy," Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Thursday. Australian gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.6 percent in the December quarter and 1.3 percent through the year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Wednesday. (Photo by Zhang Na/Xinhua) CANBERRA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The latest National Accounts showed the Australian economy has turned a corner, and "in a very encouraging way because the private sector is beginning to take its rightful place as the main driver of growth in our economy," Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Thursday. Australian gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.6 percent in the December quarter and 1.3 percent through the year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Wednesday. "It was a solid rebound in growth, twice as much growth in the December quarter than the quarter before," Chalmers said in an interview with the Sky News. "Modest growth was seen broadly across the economy this quarter. Both public and private spending contributed to the growth, supported by a rise in exports of goods and services," said Katherine Keenan, ABS head of National Accounts, on Wednesday. Australia's economy has also emerged from a 21-month per capita downturn, as ABS showed GDP per capita grew 0.1 percent in the December quarter following seven consecutive quarters of falls. While the numbers were encouraging, they did not always reflect how people were feeling or coping in the economy, Chalmers acknowledged, adding they were taking action in response. The treasurer said the government's cost-of-living support aims to assist people wherever possible, adding that despite improvements in some national economic indicators, many are still under pressure. He highlighted ongoing global economic uncertainty and the additional challenges posed by severe weather. A staff member arranges commodities at a supermarket in Canberra, Australia, March 5, 2025. The latest National Accounts showed the Australian economy has turned a corner, and "in a very encouraging way because the private sector is beginning to take its rightful place as the main driver of growth in our economy," Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Thursday. Australian gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.6 percent in the December quarter and 1.3 percent through the year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Wednesday. (Photo by Zhang Na/Xinhua) Customers shop for groceries in Canberra, Australia, March 6, 2025. The latest National Accounts showed the Australian economy has turned a corner, and "in a very encouraging way because the private sector is beginning to take its rightful place as the main driver of growth in our economy," Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Thursday. Australian gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.6 percent in the December quarter and 1.3 percent through the year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Wednesday. (Photo by Zhang Na/Xinhua) Editor: JYZ Washington, March 7 : The Trump administration has decided to reopen the South Texas Family Residential Centre in Dilley, Texas, once again detaining migrant families facing deportation, according to CoreCivic, the private prison contractor operating the facility. CoreCivic announced on Wednesday that it reached an agreement with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reactivate the centre, which can house up to 2,400 parents and children, according to the Washington Post. "ICE's plans to resume operations at this facility, known for neglect and abuse of families and children, are the start of another dark chapter in this nation's treatment of immigrants," said Eunice Cho, senior attorney at the National Prison Project of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The contract will run until March 2030. The move marks a shift from President Joe Biden's 2021 policy of ending family detention. Immigration advocates strongly oppose the practice, calling it inhumane. Current 'border czar' Tom Homan confirmed to the New York Times on Wednesday that the Trump administration is considering restarting family detention. "We need family residential centres," he said, noting that the administration was also weighing reopening facilities in Dilley and Karnes City, Texas. "It's an option. We got a lot of options on the table." Reopening the Dilley facility aligns with Trump's broader immigration agenda. He has pledged to carry out "the largest deportation operation in American history," and urged Congress to allocate resources for expanded detention. Despite these ambitions, ICE has limited detention capacity, making large-scale deportations difficult without additional funding. CoreCivic has amended its agreement with ICE and signed a new lease with the facility's owner, Target Hospitality Corporation. The company is also adding nearly 800 new detention beds across multiple states, signalling further expansion in the private detention industry. The facility's reopening will have economic implications for Dilley, a small city of fewer than 5,000 residents, where the centre previously provided hundreds of jobs. Supporters argue that family detention deters illegal border crossings. However, critics highlight its high costs and ineffectiveness, noting that a 2015 court ruling limits how long children can be held in unlicensed facilities, leading to many families being released rather than deported. Trump officials maintain that the goal is to deport families together rather than release them into the US. Brussels, March 7 : European Union leaders have convened for an emergency summit in Brussels to address escalating security concerns after the suspension of US military aid to Ukraine. During the summit held on Thursday, European leaders have primarily focused on strengthening their defence commitments and ensuring continued support for Ukraine. European Union leaders also committed to working together to bolster the continent's defences and to free up hundreds of billions of euros for security after US President Donald Trump's repeated warnings that he would cut them adrift to face the threat of Russia alone. With the growing conviction that they will now have to fend for themselves, countries that have faltered on defence spending for decades held emergency talks in Brussels to explore new ways to beef up their security and ensure future protection for Ukraine. The gathering is the first summit of the 27 nations since an explosive meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, last week between US President Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky. The Trump administration has since announced a freeze on military aid and suspended intelligence-sharing with Ukraine -- decisions that could have dire consequences for Ukraine's war efforts. Among the attendees in Brussels were President Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa and French President Emmanuel Macron, who in remarks on Wednesday said Russia is no longer just threatening Ukraine but is also potentially now a serious threat to Europe. The 27 EU leaders signed off on a move to loosen budget restrictions so that willing EU countries can increase their military spending. They also urged the European Commission to seek new ways "to facilitate significant defence spending" at the national level in all member states, a statement said. The EU's executive branch estimates that around 650 billion euros ($702 billion) could be freed up that way. The leaders also took note of a commission offer of a loan package worth 150 billion euros ($162 billion) to buy new military equipment and invited EU headquarters staff "to examine this proposal as a matter of urgency". Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch supporter of Trump and considered to be Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in Europe, refused to endorse part of the summit statement in favour of Ukraine. But all 26 other EU leaders approved the bloc's stance that there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine and that the Europeans must be involved in any talks involving their security. The Europeans have so far been sidelined in the US-led negotiations with Russia. One of the primary outcomes of the summit is a renewed commitment from European leaders to boost their defence budgets. With the war in Ukraine continuing and the EU seeking to rely less on US support, leaders discussed ways to enhance Europe's military capabilities. The European Commission proposed measures such as fiscal flexibility and even joint borrowing to help member states increase their defence spending. Von der Leyen warned that Ukraine -- and Europe as a whole -- have arrived at a "watershed moment". "Europe faces a clear and present danger, and therefore, Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself. We have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for lasting and just peace," she said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also called for strengthening European nations' defence capabilities. After a meeting with Macron in France on Wednesday, Orban took to X and said: "My meetings in France confirmed that while we may disagree on the modalities of peace, we do agree that we must strengthen the defence capabilities of European nations." Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, reiterated the need for Europe to enhance its defence capabilities, saying it should happen even if some member states disagree. "We need more European defence, and if one or two countries do not want to share that view, I think that the others should go ahead as much as they can. And that is what I am advocating for," Frieden said before the meeting in Brussels. Zelensky has continued to receive firm backing from European leaders, who also discussed the expansion of military aid and potential security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky thanked European leaders for their continued support, saying it meant Ukraine was not "alone" in its fight to repel Russia's invasion. "It's very important you made a strong signal to the Ukrainian people," he said. Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated a rejection of any "dictated peace" in Ukraine as talks between Washington and Moscow fuel fears of an unfavourable settlement being imposed on Kyiv. "It is very important that we make sure that Ukraine does not have to accept a dictated peace but that it is a just and fair peace that guarantees (Ukraine's) sovereignty and independence," Scholz said. At least 20 countries, mostly European and Commonwealth nations, have expressed interest in joining a "coalition of the willing" proposed this week by the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support Ukraine. Starmer said the UK, France and other nations would form this coalition to draw up plans to offer Ukraine support in the event of a peace deal to end Russia's war. Countries that have publicly indicated they would consider sending peacekeepers to enforce a deal include Australia, Ireland, Luxembourg, Belgium and Turkey, which has the second largest army in NATO after the US. A number of other countries have not ruled out sending soldiers, including Canada, Denmark and Sweden. While details remain under discussion, the message was clear: Europe remains united in supporting Kyiv in the face of Russia. "Europe as a whole is truly capable of winning any military, financial, economic confrontation with Russia. We are simply stronger," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said. "We just had to start believing in it. And today it seems to be happening." During the summit, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said his country expects to deliver F-16 fighter jets for battle in Ukraine in 2026. He said the promised delivery of the jets had been delayed because Belgium is awaiting delivery of new F-35s to replace them. For its part, Sweden said it will send up to eight Gripen fighter jets to take part in a NATO mission to police the airspace of Poland, which borders Ukraine. The move comes after Sweden suspended plans to send its domestically developed Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine last year. A particularly notable moment in the summit came from Macron, who proposed extending France's nuclear deterrence umbrella to other EU countries. Such a move aims to strengthen Europe's defence position. However, it was met with mixed reactions. While some leaders welcomed the idea, others expressed concerns about nuclear policy complexities within the EU. Poland and the Baltic nations welcomed Macron's proposal. Scholz expressed reservations, emphasising NATO's existing deterrence system and advocating for increased defence spending across Europe instead. Asked to comment on France's offer, Scholz said: "What we have in terms of nuclear involvement, a I don't think that should be given up." Despite the strong support for ramping up defence capabilities, divisions remained over how to fund Europe's increased defence efforts. Some countries, including Hungary, have voiced scepticism about joint financing plans and proposed defence commitments. Russia, meanwhile, said it would not accept the presence of European peacekeepers in Ukraine, claiming that would signal direct NATO involvement in the war. The Kremlin also strongly decried as "extremely confrontational" Macron's warning on Wednesday about what he called Russia's "threat to Europe" and the need for unity. His speech indicated that France is thinking about "continuing the war", Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. In remarks on Wednesday to women who lost relatives in the war, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his country should choose a peace in Ukraine that will ensure the long-term security of Russia and its sustainable development. "We must choose for ourselves a peace option that will suit us and that will ensure peace for our country in the long term," Putin said. "We don't need anything else, but we won't give up our own," he added. While the summit underscored Europe's determination to support Ukraine and boost its defence capabilities, it also revealed ongoing debates over funding and strategic direction. The coming months will be vital as EU leaders work to move these discussions into concrete actions, ensuring Europe can sustain its role in supporting Ukraine while reinforcing its own security, experts said. Kyiv, March 7 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ahead of diplomatic-level talks later in the week with US officials. "Next week, on Monday, my visit to Saudi Arabia is planned to meet the Crown Prince. After that, my team will remain in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace," Zelensky said. US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said earlier on Thursday that a meeting with the Ukrainians was planned for next week in Saudi Arabia. He also said discussions were underway with Kyiv for a peace agreement framework and an initial ceasefire. Witkoff said that Trump was pleased by Zelensky's letter after last Friday's disastrous meeting in the White House. "He felt that Zelensky's letter was a very positive first step. There was an apology. There was an acknowledgement that the United States has done so much for the country of Ukraine and a sense of gratitude," he added. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others are expected to depart for Riyadh on Tuesday to attend the meeting, which will include Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski, media reported. Donald Trump said he would visit the Kingdom probably over the next month and a half but did not mention a date. "I'm going to Saudi Arabia. I said, I'll go if you pay a trillion dollars, $1 trillion to American companies, (spreading) the purchase over a four-year period, of a trillion dollars. They've agreed to do that, so I'm going to be going there," Trump said, suggesting a major investment deal with Saudi Arabia. The meeting signals a warming in US and Ukraine relations since the Oval Office blow-up between Trump and Zelensky last week. Following the row, the US cut off military aid for Ukraine and shut down intelligence sharing with the Ukrainian armed forces. The announcement came as Zelensky met European Union leaders for an emergency summit in Brussels on the Russia-Ukraine war and security in Europe. The European Union leaders backed new defence spending plans aimed at freeing up billions of euros for the continent's security after the Trump administration signalled that Europe would have to fend for itself in future. The 27 leaders signed off on a move to loosen budget restrictions so that willing EU countries can increase their military spendingi. They also urged the European Commission to explore new ways "to facilitate significant defence spending at national level in all Member States," a statement said. The EU's executive branch estimates that around 650 billion euros ($AUS1.1 billion) could be freed up in this way. Several East European leaders at the summit also welcomed French President Emmanueal Macron's plan of sharing his country's nuclear force to deter attacks. But it was dismissed by the Russian government as "extremely confrontational". The EU's 27 leaders on Thursday greenlit a plan drawn up by the European Commission that aims to mobilize a800 billion to "rearm Europe" against the perceived threat from Russia. At the EU summit, Zelensky told EU leaders that Ukrainian and American negotiators had "resumed work," and that "we hope that next week we will have a meaningful meeting". He thanked EU leaders for standing by Kyiv, with America's outreach to Russia raising fears Ukraine could be forced into an unfavourable deal. "We are very thankful that we are not alone," said the Ukrainian leader. Thursday's European summit comes a week after a White House blow-up between Trump and Zelensky led Washington to cut the military aid and intelligence sharing that has helped Kyiv fight off Russia's invasion. Dublin, March 7 : External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, has called on Irish President Michael D Higgins, marking the beginning of his visit to Ireland where he is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Irish counterpart. EAM Jaishankar on Thursday conveyed the regards of President Droupadi Murmu to the Irish President and the two leaders discussed about the role of culture in strengthening the nationhood. The EAM, who is on a tour of the UK and Ireland this week, posted on Thursday on X, "Honoured to call on President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin this evening. Conveyed the warm regards of President Droupadi Murmu." "Value his insights on the contemporary world and its development debates. Spoke of the role of culture in strengthening nationhood," he said. It marks the second leg of EAM Jaishankar's visit which began in London on Tuesday. In Dublin, he is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris. From Ireland, EAM Jaishankar will return to the UK to open new consulates in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Manchester, northern England, over Friday and Saturday. EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from March 4 to 9. During the Irish leg of his visit on March 6-7, the EAM will be meeting with his Irish counterpart, Simon Harris, other dignitaries and members of Indian community, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said in an official statement. India and Ireland share friendly bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural ties and growing economic engagements. India-Ireland interactions date back to the 19th century when a significant number of Irishmen joined the British Civil Service, medical, engineering and army services, the MEA said. Ireland had supported and assisted India during the Covid-19 pandemic under EU-ECHO mechanism, Ireland sent emergency medical assistance of 1248 oxygen concentrators, 425 ventilators and 2 oxygen generators in two consignments. Ireland has consistently supported India in its fight against terror. In the aftermath of the Pulwama cross-border terrorist incident on February 14, 2019, resulting in the killing of 40 CRPF personnel, then Irish Deputy PM and FM Simon Coveney issued a statement, strongly condemning the suicide bombing, expressing concern at the increasing levels of violence in the region and maintaining that Ireland will continue to work with India and the international community to support a comprehensive international response to preventing and countering terrorism. As per the MEA, Indian Embassy has been encouraging Irish companies to engage in major flagship programmes like "Make in India", "Digital India", "Clean India" and "Smart Cities". Dublin, March 7 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar began his visit to Ireland from the iconic General Post Office Museum, Trinity College and interacted with Irish leaders such as former PM Leo Varadkar. The 1916 Easter Rising depicted in the General Post Office Museum has a special "meaning for so many who fought for freedom from colonialism", he said on Thursday. In a series of posts on X, the EAM said, "Started my visit to Ireland going to the iconic General Post Office Museum in Dublin. The 1916 Easter Rising has a special meaning for so many who fought for freedom from colonialism." He also visited the Trinity College where he saw the Old Library. EAM Jaishankar also wrote on X, "Fascinating to see the Book of Kells and the Old Library at the Trinity College in Dublin. Indeed a proud celebration of Irish heritage and culture." He also spoke to Irish leaders such as Indian-origin former Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, and also interacted with Ministers James Lawless, Robert Troy, and Member of Parliament Malcolm Byrne. "A good conversation with former PM @LeoVaradkar, Minister @lawlessj, MoS @RobertTroyTD and MP @malcolmbyrne this afternoon. Appreciate their warm sentiments and steadfast support for India-Ireland ties", he wrote on X. EAM Jaishankar on Thursday also called upon Ireland President Michael D Higgins and conveyed the regards of President Droupadi Murmu to him as well as discussed about the role of culture in strengthening the nationhood. Sharing the details of the meeting on X, EAM Jaishankar said, "Honoured to call on President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin this evening. Conveyed the warm regards of President Droupadi Murmu. Value his insights on the contemporary world and its development debates. Spoke of the role of culture in strengthening nationhood." The EAM is on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from March 4 to 9. India and Ireland share friendly bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural ties and growing economic engagements. India-Ireland interactions date back to the 19th century when a significant number of Irishmen joined the British Civil Service, medical, engineering and army services, the MEA said. Ireland had supported and assisted India during the Covid-19 pandemic under EUECHO mechanism, Ireland sent emergency medical assistance of 1248 oxygen concentrators, 425 ventilators and 2 oxygen generators in two consignments. Ireland has consistently supported India in its fight against terror. As per the MEA, Indian Embassy has been encouraging Irish companies to engage in major flagship programmes like "Make in India", "Digital India", "Clean India" and "Smart Cities". Washington, March 7 : US President Donald Trump has signed executive actions that delay for nearly one mointh tariffs on all products from Mexico and Canada that are covered by the USMCA free trade treaty, a significant walkback of the administration's signature economic plan that has rattled markets, businesses and consumers. The executive actions follow a discussion Trump held on Thursday with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and negotiations between Canadian and Trump administration officials. "After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday, after a phone conversation with the Mexican President. He said the tariffs would be delayed until April 2. The USMCA is the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, negotiated by Trump during his first term, that makes the three North American countries a free trade zone. "I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl," Trump added. "Thank you to President Sheinbaum for your hard work and cooperation!" Sheinbaum, in a post on X, thanked US President Donald Trump for a "respectful" discussion about the tariffs he imposed. Sheinbaum said that "virtually all" of Mexico's trade with the United States is included in the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. "Practically all the trade we have with the United States is within the Mexico, United States, Canada Agreement. There is a part that has to do with rules of origin, but everything is practically within the trade agreement," Sheinbaum said at a news conference on Thursday. However, a White House official on a call with the press added some nuance to that argument: About 50 per cent of imports from Mexico and 36 per cent of imports from Canada are covered under the agreement, the official said, but many more items a" such as avocados a" are generally not covered because of the high cost of compliance. However, those items that technically are not in compliance with USMCA have in effect been treated at customs as if they were, or they weren't subject to tariffs. It's complicated trade policy, and the White House official suggested those goods producers could register to comply with USMCA rules to avoid the 25 per cent tariff for a month. But the official referred the press to the US Trade Representative for more details about which products will maintain the 25 per cent tariff and which won't once those details become available. Included in the USMCA-compliant goods are autos, which Trump announced on Wednesday would be subjiect to a one-month reprieve from the tariffs. The administration said the delay would give automakers time to move more production to the United States to avoid tariffs, which are now set to go into effect next month. But that is almost certain not to happen, because that would mark a significant undertaking, requiring massive hiring, investment and strategic planning. Energy from Canada, however, is not included in the USMCA, the White House official said. So that lower 10 per cent tariff is expected to remain in place, boosting gas prices in the Northeast United States. But the Trump administration temporarily on Thursday reduced the tariff on Canadian potash to 10 per cent (from the 25 per cent tariff imposed on Tuesday) to give farmers a bit of a break. Trump has frequently praised Sheinbaum, and on Thursday she said she informed him that there was a dramatic reduction in the amount of fentanyl seized at the US border with Mexico in February from January, crediting increased border controls between the two countries. Sheinbaum also said on Thursday that, with the pause in effect, she will not announce previously planned retaliatory measures against the US tariffs. However, Trump has sharply criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whom he accused of trying to capitalise politically on the tariff angst Canadians have felt. It was notable that Trump initially announced a reprieve for Mexico but not Canada, although he eventually granted one for Canada, too. "Believe it or not, despite the terrible job he's done for Canada, I think that Justin Trudeau is using the Tariff problem, which he has largely caused, in order to run again for Prime Minister," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. "So much fun to watch!" Trudeau has been equally and publicly critical of Trump, and he said in a press conference on Thursday that he expects Canada and the US to be in a trade war for the foreseeable future. And Trudeau said that all his country's retaliatory measures would remain in place unless the United States completely rolls back its tariffs, not just temporarily. Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CNN on Thursday his province is implementing a 25 per cent tariff on electricity exports to 1.5 million Americansa homes in Minnesota, Michigan and New York next week. The back and forth on tariffs alone is causing confusion. Trump has routinely threatened or briefly put in place tariffs only to announce delays or pauses, leaving Corporate America unclear on how to invest and whether to hire. Trump campaigned on steep tariffs on Day One. Instead, he signed several executive actions on his first day in office ordering his administration to investigate whether to pursue tariffs on a wide range of goods. In a signing ceremony, Trump announced that 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico would be coming February 1. But those tariffs were delayed a" first by a few days and then by a month after both countries sent delegations to negotiate on illegal border crossings and fentanyl. Earlier on Thursday, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC that more one-month tariff exemptions under USMCA are "likely". "It's likely that it will cover all USMCA compliant goods and services, so that which is part of President Trump's deal with Canada and Mexico are likely to get an exemption from these tariffs," Lutnick said. Trump's latest announcement on Mexico tariffs came one day after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the President is granting a one-month exemption to three major automakers from the newly imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a trade agreement negotiated, signed, and ultimately enacted during Trump's first term, aimed at replacing the former North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). On February 1, Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on products imported from Mexico and Canada, with a 10 per cent tariff increase on Canadian energy products. On February 3, Trump announced a 30-day delay in implementing the tariffs on both countries and continued negotiations. According to this decision, the relevant tariff measures took effect on March 4. Canada has announced retaliatory measures, while Mexico has signaled its intent to implement tariffs and other economic countermeasures. Businesses are increasingly concerned about the rising costs due to these tariffs, which could drive up consumer prices and contribute to an economic slowdown. The stock market has shown significant volatility in response to the new tariffs, with investor uncertainty mounting as fears of potential economic repercussions grow. The escalating tensions and economic uncertainties might have prompted Trump to reassess his trade policies. Trump has yet to make announcement on an overall pause on Canada tariffs. In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, he accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of using the tariff problem to further his re-election bid. Trudeau, meanwhile, said on Thursday that Canada will continue to be in a trade war with the United States for the foreseeable future. New Delhi, March 7 : The US Supreme Court has rejected a plea by 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana, seeking a stay on his extradition to India to face trial Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, had filed an "Emergency Application For Stay" with the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the US and Circuit Justice for the Ninth Circuit. He argued in his plea that his extradition to India violated the US law and the United Nations Convention Against Torture "because there are substantial grounds for believing that, if extradited to India, petitioner will be in danger of being subjected to torture." "The likelihood of torture in this case is even higher though as petitioner faces acute risk as a Muslim of Pakistani origin charged in the Mumbai attacks," the application said. The application also said that his "severe medical conditions" render extradition to Indian detention facilities a "de facto" death sentence in this case. The plea cited medical records from July 2024 showing that he has multiple "acute and life-threatening diagnoses", including multiple documented heart attacks, Parkinson's disease with cognitive decline, a mass suggestive of bladder cancer, stage 3 chronic kidney disease, a history of chronic asthma, and multiple Covid-19 infections. Rana's extradition was cleared by US President Donald Trump last month. In a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump announced that Ranaas extradition had been approved. "We are giving a very violent man back to India immediately. There is more to follow because we have quite a few requests. We work with India on crime, and we want to make things better for India," Trump stated. He is wanted in India for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. Eight locations in Mumbai were targeted by terrorists on November 26, 2008, which claimed the lives of over 174 people. Rana, 64, faces charges in India for providing logistical support to LeT. He was found guilty in the US for assisting the group, and India has long sought his extradition. He is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks. Mumbai, March 7 : Bollywood actress Kajol has shared a heartwarming birthday wish for veteran actor Anupam Kher. Taking to her Instagram handle, the 'Dilwale' actress wished Anupam a fabulous year ahead. Kajol also shared a candid photo featuring her with Anupam. In the image, the two can be seen striking a goofy pose for the camera. Alongside the photo, she wrote, "Happy birthday @anupamkher May this year put another notch on your belt saying fabulous!." Notably, Kajol and Anupam have worked together in several blockbuster movies, including "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge," and "Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain." The 'Kaagaz 2' actor is celebrating his 70th birthday on March 7. To mark this milestone, Anupam visited Haridwar with his mother and friends. The actor also penned a heartwarming note asking fans to send him wishes and blessings. Sharing a video, Kher wrote, "Today is my birthday! The 70th! The man who played a 65-year-old role in movies at 28 years old, and then mostly played characters older than his age. Her youth has begun now! How old is just a number, I am the perfect example for it. Please send me your wishes and blessings! Haridwar came with Maa, friends and family members! If this time birthday is special, then it will be full Sanatani! Hail Mother Gange! Har Har Mahadev! #HappyBirthdayToMe." The text on the video reads, "We have been hearing this for ages that age is just a number. Let me show you how." The video montage showcases Anupam Kher's transformation, featuring photos of him from the age of 28 to 70. At 70, he is seen pushing his limits in the gym, proudly displaying his toned, muscular physique. With a career spanning over four decades, Anupam Kher has appeared in over 540 films. He has been honored with two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards for his exceptional acting. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Mumbai, March 7 : Bollywood actress Ananya Panday recently revealed the challenge she is facing in stepping out of her house. Taking to her Instagram handle, the 'Student of the Year 2' actress posted an adorable photo of her pet dogs and captioned it, "How am I meant to leave the house ever??." In the image, her furry friends can be seen sitting and gazing at the actress as she clicks their photo. Ananya had previously revealed her new "travel buddy." "The actress took to her Instagram Stories to reveal her latest companiona book. To help her get through March, Ananya has chosen Agatha Christie's iconic "Death on the Nile." Along with the snap of the book, Ananya captioned the post, "Travel buddy this March." Meanwhile, Ananya Panday was recently spotted with Siddhant Chaturvedi at an outdoor location, sparking fresh speculation about a potential collaboration. Photos of the two actors, surrounded by cameras and crew members, quickly made their way across the internet, fueling rumors of a new project. While there has been no official confirmation, the leaked images have left fans curious if Ananya and Siddhant are coming together once again for another film. The duo first shared the screen in Shakun Batra's "Gehraiyaan," a 2022 romantic drama that premiered on Amazon Prime Video. Produced by Karan Johar, the film also featured Deepika Padukone and Dhairya Karwa. Following that, Ananya and Siddhant teamed up again for "Kho Gaye Hum Kahan," a coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by Arjun Varain Singh. Next, the 'Liger' actress is preparing for her upcoming roles in several exciting films, including "Tu Mera Main Tera," "Chand Mera Dil," and "Kesari Chapter 2." Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, "Kesari Chapter 2" features a stellar cast that includes Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan. This action-packed drama, produced by Dharma Productions, is based on the life of the renowned lawyer C. Sankaran Nair, who bravely fought a legal battle against the British Empire in the 1920s. Additionally, Ananya will be returning as Bella Chowdhary in the second season of the hit series "Call Me Bae." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Bengaluru, March 7 : The BJP and JD(S) legislators staged a protest in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the premises of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Friday, ahead of the presentation of the state budget for the financial year 2025-26 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The protest was led by the Leader of Opposition, R. Ashoka. BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, JD(S) Floor Leader in the Assembly C.B. Suresh Babu, JD(S) Legislative Council Leader Boje Gowda, and others participated in the protest. The legislators held placards with slogans such as "Zero Government", "Government that has not released funds for MLAs", and "Guarantee fraud". They demanded the release of funds for development activities in their Assembly constituencies. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a photo shoot at his residence with the handbag containing the budget copy and also posed with the budget document. His advisors and senior officials were present on the occasion. Later, the CM arrived at Vidhana Soudha in a wheelchair and held a special cabinet meeting to obtain approval for the budget before its presentation. Before entering Vidhana Soudha with the budget document, CM Siddaramaiah showed a thumbs-up sign to media representatives. Taking to social media, CM Siddaramaiah stated, "Over the past few days, I have held meetings with our cabinet ministers, senior officials from various departments, leaders of farmers, oppressed communities, minorities, and backward class organisations, as well as religious leaders from different faiths. By listening to the concerns of people from all castes, communities, and sections of society in a non-partisan manner, I have made an effort through this budget to respond to them positively. I believe that a budget is not just a set of numbers on paper but a roadmap for shaping the future of seven crore Kannadigas. Through this budget, I have made a sincere effort to ensure that every citizen of the state becomes a beneficiary of at least one government scheme. I am confident in this commitment." On Thursday, Karnataka BJP and JD(S) legislators met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his office in Vidhana Soudha and urged him to sanction Rs 150 crore in annual funds for constituencies represented by opposition MLAs in the 2025-26 budget. CM Siddaramaiah is presenting a record 16th budget in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The budget presentation is particularly significant in light of allegations that the governmentas guarantee schemes are straining the state economy. The total budget size is expected to exceed Rs 4 lakh crore, up from Rs 3.71 lakh crore in 2024-25. The opposition claims that the stateas debt will surpass Rs one lakh crore. Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Xu Xiaolan, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) A journalist asks a question during a group interview attended by members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Dixiao) Fang Zhong, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Wang Dinghua, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Yang Yi, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Zhang Zhaohui, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Xu Fengqin, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Zhang Shuxin, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Dixiao) Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Dixiao) Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Yang Yuni, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Yang Yuni, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Zhang Xinghai, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a group interview ahead of the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Editor: Zhang Zhou Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 7 : Affan, the sole accused in the brutal murder of four relatives and his 22-year-old girlfriend in Kerala, fainted while in police custody on Friday morning and was rushed to a nearby government hospital. A local court had granted police custody of Affan for three days. However, on Friday morning, he reportedly collapsed in the washroom of the police station where he was being held. He was taken to a hospital, but after a medical examination, doctors found no health issues, and he was sent back to custody. The police had planned to take him for evidence collection on Friday when the incident occurred. Affan faces charges for five murders and the attempted murder of his mother. However, the current investigation and remand proceedings focus on the killing of his grandmother. According to police, Affan bludgeoned to death his 13-year-old brother, his grandmother, his fatheras sister, and her husband Lateef, as well as his girlfriend, whom he brought home before murdering her. Meanwhile, his father, Rahim, who had been working in Saudi Arabia for seven years, returned home last week. The police have recorded his statement. Investigators have learned that Rahimas business in Saudi Arabia collapsed, forcing him to borrow heavily from close relatives. The killings allegedly stemmed from mounting pressure to repay these debts. Police sources say Affan was enraged by the repeated demands for repayment and decided to eliminate those pressuring his family. Regarding his girlfriendas murder, Affan reportedly told police that he did not want to leave her behind, so he killed her as well. Affanas mother, who survived the attack, is currently recovering. However, she has not changed her initial statement to the police, claiming that she sustained her head injury from a fall -- an explanation the police remain skeptical about. Bengaluru, March 7 : The Indian tech startup ecosystem now ranks second, after the US, in terms of all-time funding raised by companies with women founders, with a total of $26 billion in this space to date, a report showed on Friday. India is home to over 7,000 active women-led startups, accounting for 7.5 per cent of all active startups in the country. These startups have collectively raised $26.4 billion in funding, with 2021 being the highest funded year at $6.3 billion, according to data by Tracxn, a leading startup research and analytics firm. Bengaluru leads in both the number of women-led startups and total funding raised to date, followed by Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. On a global scale, 2022 saw the highest funding contribution from Indian startups at 15.18%. That year, women-led startups in India raised $5 billion, compared to $32.8 billion globally. In 2024, India ranked third globally in terms of funding raised by startups co-led by women, after the US and the UK, accounting for 3.96 per cent of funding raised by women-led startups across the globe. The retail sector takes a strong lead based on investments raised by women-led startups, securing $7.8 billion in all-time funding. Edtech ($5.4 billion) and Enterprise Applications ($5 billion) follow closely. Notably, sub-sectors such as B2C e-commerce, internet-first brands, and fashion tech are seeing significant activity, with several startups co-led by women, the report noted. The highest number of acquisitions of women-led startups was recorded in 2021, with 45 acquisitions. However, this number declined by 20 per cent to 36 in 2022, and further decreased by 30.5 per cent to 25 in 2023. In 2024, the number of acquisitions fell to 16. "These startups are not only securing massive funding but also redefining industries, generating employment, and setting new benchmarks for future entrepreneurs," said the report. While the startup ecosystem still has a long way to go in bridging the gender funding gap, these trailblazers are proving that women-led startups are driving India's growth story. IANS na/ Mumbai, March 7 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Friday, said Maharashtra has received the decades' highest annual foreign direct investment (FDI) in just nine months of the fiscal year 2024-25. A total of Rs 1,39,434 crore has been received in the first nine months of the financial year 2024-2025, said the Chief Minister, quoting the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The cumulative FDI equity inflow during October 2019 and December 2024 is reported at Rs 6,71,863 crore, which is 31 per cent of the total FDI equity inflow in the country. Maharashtra has thereby outpaced other competitive states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Haryana. In his post on X, the Chief Minister said, "Record foreign investment in the last 10 years, came to Maharashtra in just 9 months! The central government's DPIIT has released the foreign investment report for the end of December 2024, and Maharashtra has received the highest annual foreign investment in the last 10 years in just 9 months. A total of Rs 1,39,434 crore has been received in the first 9 months of the financial year 2024-2025. This is the highest foreign investment received in Maharashtra in any single year in the last 10 years." He further added, "In doing so, the Grand Alliance government has broken its own record for the financial year 2016-17. Of course, there is still one quarter left in this financial year.Heartfelt congratulations once again to the entire Maharashtra! Under the leadership of my colleague Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar and the cabinet, this race for our Maharashtra will continue." The Chief Minister's statement comes days after Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, in his address to the Assembly, said the state is a preferred destination for Foreign Direct Investment and it contributes over 14 per cent to the country's total GDP, being one of the leading industrial States in the country. He said that at the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2025, the government signed Memorandums of Understanding worth approximately Rs 15.72 lakh crore of investment with 63 national and international companies. This will generate more than 15 lakh employment opportunities in the State. Further, the government has planned to disburse the Investment Promotion Subsidy of about Rs 5,000 crore to different industries in the state to attract investments, foster industrial growth, and generate employment opportunities. The government enacted legislation last year to facilitate investments in a hassle-free manner through the effective implementation of the single window system to provide all the necessary approvals in a time-bound manner. Bhopal, March 7 : In a statewide crackdown on corruption in various cooperative committees, the Madhya Pradesh Economic Offences Wing (EOW) unearthed fraudulent activities in the procurement of nearly 20,000 quintals of paddy. The agency discovered that committee members, managers, and staff were involved in falsifying documents and manipulating warehouse and transport records. The scam extends beyond the procurement committees. According to a statement, some transporters, warehouses, and rice mills might also be involved in this scam. They circumvent the e-upaj portal by falsely registering farmers and creating fake procurement records. Many procurement committees have been found to falsely register farmers and claim paddy procurement on the e-upaj portal without actually procuring any paddy. They then create fake transport and warehouse records, and payments are made based on the quantities entered by the committee. This fraud costs the government crores of rupees every year. Following the instructions of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, the EOW launched a state-wide crackdown against the massive paddy procurement scam. The agency conducted raids on 150 procurement committees and 140 warehouses across 12 districts. During these raids, the EOW discovered shocking evidence of fraud and misappropriation in the procurement of 19,910.53 quintals of paddy, valued at approximately Rs 5 crore, according to the statement. So far, the investigation has covered 150 Upaj Samitis and 140 warehouses in districts such as Balaghat, Jabalpur, Dindori, Rewa, Satna, Maihar, Sagar, Patna, Gwalior, Namdapuram, Narsinghpur, and Bhopal. Chief Minister Yadav has asked the EOW to take stern legal action against the fraudsters. In Satna, a warehouse was found storing 535 quintals of husk instead of paddy, highlighting the extent of the scam. According to the statement, legal action is already underway against more than 79 officials from various procurement committees. The relentless efforts of 25 EOW teams are expected to uncover more fraudulent activities in numerous other committees. Reports of irregularities in paddy procurement have been flooding in from various parts of the state. Chief Minister Yadav has directed the EOW to take effective action to curb this scam. Following his instructions, 25 teams were formed to carry out statewide raids. In the Kanak warehouse in Satna, the investigation agency found husk instead of 535 quintals of paddy, which had been stored by Seva Sahakari Samiti Pindra and Seva Sahakari Samiti Hiraundi, District Satna. Both committees committed fraud in the procurement of 4,203 quintals of paddy. Similarly, 16 committees in the Balaghat district were involved in fraud while procuring paddy or making fake procurements, according to the statement. At the Sarhari centre in Dindori district, the EOW discovered fraud in the procurement of 1,053 quintals of paddy. A committee in Chhirari, Sagar district, was involved in making fake procurements and falsifying documents and receipts for the procurement of 401 quintals of paddy. The EOW will continue its action, and more scams will likely be uncovered. The agency is also investigating the roles of transporters, warehouses, and rice mills involved in this fraud, the statement further said. Bhopal, March 7 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has suggested the expansion of the Hawk Force and setting up new security camps in Maoist-affected regions in the state. CM Yadav also called for enhancing coordinated efforts from multiple agencies working in Maoist-hit areas to improve the economic and social development of people. Chief Minister made these assertions during a meeting with senior police officials to review the ongoing operation against Maoists in Balaghat and Dindori districts late on Thursday. He prioritised the installation of mobile towers and other developments, including road connectivity to improve communication infrastructure to ensure better reach to the people living in dense forest areas in Maoist-hit regions. "Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed that ongoing development projects in Naxal-affected areas of Madhya Pradesh be regularly reviewed. He emphasised that strict monitoring and evaluation should continue at the district, police headquarters, and state government levels to curb Naxal activities effectively," the government said in a statement. CM Yadav highlighted "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to eliminate Naxalism by 2026", stating that Madhya Pradesh will play an active role in this mission. He stated that the construction of roads, expansion of telecommunication facilities and deployment of security personnel in affected areas have yielded positive results in controlling Maoists, however, it needed more work to be done to get results. "Naxalism will not be allowed to take root in Madhya Pradesh under any circumstances, and the state will take the strictest possible actions for its complete eradication. Development projects should continue without interruption and modern equipment be used for surveillance to intensify efforts against Naxal activities," he added. During the meeting, Chief Minister emphasised that "Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently held discussions with Naxal-affected states to ensure the effective implementation of PM Modi's vision for a Naxal-free India by 2026". Meanwhile, the Chief Minister commended the recent police operation in Balaghat and nearby areas, where security forces eliminated four Maoists in an encounter. He congratulated the police officers involved in the operation, in which a large cache of weapons and ammunition was seized. Jammu, March 7 : The Army and police on Friday started a major search operation to trace three civilians who went missing while they were on their way to attend a marriage in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Officials said that a massive search operation is underway in the Lohai Malhar area of the Kathua district, where three civilians have gone missing. "Army and Jammu and the special operations group (SOG) of J&K Police have launched a joint manhunt to locate the missing individuals," officials said. The three civilians went missing in the Lohai Malhar area of Kathua after they left home to attend a marriage in the Billawar area. Twenty-four hours after they went missing, there is no clue about their whereabouts with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. However, the police have ruled out any terror angle in the investigation so far. Locals of the area said the three civilians went missing at around 8.30 p.m. Thursday when a marriage party was going from the Dehota village of Billawar to the Surag village of Lohai Malhar. Those missing have been identified as 35-year-old Jogesh Singh from Marhoon village, 40-year-old Darshan Singh from Dehota village and 14-year-old Baroon Singh from Dehota village of Billawar Tehsil of the district. A BJP MLA on Friday raised in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly the issue of the three missing civilians and sought a response from the government. As the Assembly session began for the day, BJP member Satesh Sharma raised a point of order to inform the House about the missing civilians in the Lohai Malhar area of the Billawar constituency. "I want to inform you about the three missing civilians. We want to seek answers from the government," Sharma said. In response, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said the Question Hour had begun and suggested the question be taken up afterwards. It must be mentioned that due to the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, alarm bells start ringing whenever a civilian goes missing. In the past, many youths who apparently were not connected with terrorism went missing and were later found to have joined the ranks of the terrorists. It is for this reason that the first thing the police and the security forces have to rule out in missing person cases is whether or not there is a terror angle to such disappearances. It must be mentioned that three civilians had also gone missing in February from the Kulgam district of the Kashmir Division. These three civilians were also on their way to attend a marriage when they went missing. Three Gujjar and Bakerwal men have been missing for the past three days from the Qazigund area in south Kashmir's Kulgam district. According to family members, the trio -- Reyaz Ahmad and Showkat Ahmad of Chandian Pajan and Mukhtar Ahmad of Pratap Pora Lammer -- went missing on the evening of February 13 after leaving their homes to attend a wedding at their maternal uncle's house in Ashmuji Bhan, Kulgam. Despite contacting all relatives and friends, the families have been unable to trace their whereabouts. "We have filed a missing report at the Qazigund Police Station," they stated, urging anyone with information to reach the families. Los Angeles, March 7 : Obsession with work can sometimes become unhealthy or in the case of Hollywood actor Walton Goggins, potentially fatal. In the third episode of 'The White Lotus' Season 3, the actor liberates a bunch of caged, venomous snakes, resulting in his character's girlfriend Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) getting bitten before being rushed to the hospital, reports 'Variety'. But in real life, Walton was the one bitten by a snake. The actor, who plays miserable Thailand tourist Rick Hatchett on the HBO series, told the story on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live', prefacing it by saying, "I am terrified of snakes. I don't just have a phobia, it's like a missing link when it comes to snakes. There's something, like, genetically wrong with me when it comes to snakes". As per 'Variety', the scene, which takes place at a snake sanctuary of sorts, required the actor to open various terrariums and pick up the snakes to let them free. A snake handler on set gave him a rundown on which of the reptiles were fine to touch, and which "could kill you". "For Rick Hatchett, the snakes represented him, and metaphorically speaking, he was releasing these snakes because he wants someone to release him from his pain," Goggins said, setting up the scene. "That meant nothing on the day. When I picked up the snake for the very first time, I started crying uncontrollably". When he was pulling one of the snakes out, it "didn't want to come", lunging toward him and biting him. "I wish I could have been cool", Goggins said of his reaction to the bite, but instead he yelled, "Oh my God, I've been bit by a snake", Since the actor had nine hours left to shoot that day, his wound was treated with some Neosporin and he moved on to the next take. But the next day, a 'White Lotus' producer called him and said, "We've been thinking about it maybe you should go to the hospital". Goggins replied, "For what? You said the snake was non-venomous. Am I dying a slow death?" Nonetheless, he did end up going to the hospital and was given a precautionary shot. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Mumbai, March 7 : Television actor Arjit Taneja, currently seen as Virat in the show "Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye," believes that Women's Day is more than just a date on the calendar-it's a year-round tribute to the women who inspire and shape our lives. Mumbai, March 7 (IANS) Television actor Arjit Taneja, currently seen as Virat in the show "Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye," believes that Women's Day is more than just a date on the calendarit's a year-round tribute to the women who inspire and shape our lives. For Taneja, it's not just a date on the calendar, but a daily reminder to appreciate and honour the incredible women who shape his life. The actor told IANS, "For me, Women's Day is so much more than just a date on the calendarit's a reminder to celebrate the incredible women who shape my life every single day. From my mother to my friends, they inspire me with their strength, kindness, and resilience, and I feel truly grateful to have them by my side." Arjit added, "Their endless support, love, and determination have profoundly shaped me, and I always strive to appreciate and honour them in every possible way. Even onset of Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye, I am fortunate to work with some truly amazing women like Sriti, Kishori Ji, Hemangi, Akanksha, and so many others, who bring so much passion and dedication to their craft. Their hard work, positivity, and the way they uplift everyone around them is truly inspiring. But for me, celebrating women isn't just about one dayit's an ongoing commitment. Whether through small gestures of gratitude or meaningful celebrations, I want the special women in my life to always feel seen, valued, and respected. They deserve to be appreciated, not just today, but every single day." For the unversed, Arjit made his television debut with the reality show "Splitsvilla 6" and went on to star in several popular TV dramas, including "Kumkum Bhagya," "Kaleerein," "Bahu Begum," "Naagin 5," "Naagin 6," "NathZewar Ya Zanjeer," and "Banni Chow Home Delivery." His latest show, "Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye" premiered in November 2023 and also stars Sriti Jha in the lead role. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Chennai, Mar 7 : Music director G V Prakash, who is scoring the music for director Vetrimaran's eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Vaadi Vaasal', featuring Suriya in the lead, has now disclosed that he has begun work on composing songs for the film. Chennai, Mar 7 (IANS) Music director G V Prakash, who is scoring the music for director Vetrimaran's eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Vaadi Vaasal', featuring Suriya in the lead, has now disclosed that he has begun work on composing songs for the film. Taking to his X timeline, G V Prakash wrote, "#Vaadivaasal song composing has started. @theVcreations @Suriya_offl" G V Prakash also posted a picture of himself with Vetrimaran at the composing studio. Quoting the music director's quote, the producer of the film, Kalaipuli S Thanu put out a tweet that read, "Agilame Aarathikka Inithe Aarambam. #VaadiVaasal (A sweet start as the world cheers)@Suriya_offl #VetriMaaran @gvprakash" It was in January this year that producer Thanu announced that shooting for director Vetrimaran's 'Vaadi Vaasal' would begin soon. Thanu's announcement came on the festival day of Maatu Pongal, an auspicious day when bulls are celebrated. Thanu posted a picture of himself with director Vetrimaran and Suriya and wrote in Tamil, "Agilam Aarathika Vaadi Vaasal Thirakirathu' (With the world cheering, the Vaadi Vaasal opens). Vaadi Vaasal refers to the narrow passage way, resembling a gateway, through which bulls participating in the popular sport of 'Jallikattu' are let into the arena. Interestingly, Jallikattu happens on Maatu Pongal day as part of Pongal celebrations. The film has triggered huge interest in fans for two reasons. The first is that Vetrimaran will be working with Suriya. The other reason why the film is eagerly awaited is because it is based on the novel 'Vaadivaasal', written by well known Tamil writer Ci. Su. Chellappa. 'Vaadivaasal' was a story based on the bull-taming sport of Jallikattu. Rumours doing the rounds in the industry suggest that the film is to be made as a three-part entity. However, there has been no official confirmation from the film unit in this regard. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Mumbai, March 7 : Author Tahira Kashyap delivered a powerful message on Women's Day, standing firm against anti-feminist groups who oppose the celebration of the day. In a video shared on her Instagram handle, the star wife and writer addressed the misconceptions surrounding feminism and reaffirmed the importance of celebrating Women's Day as a symbol of equality, not superiority. Sharing her video, she wrote, "Not for the men who are comrades in this movement; being feminist doesn't mean you hate men or feel superior to them. It's all about equality; that's it #HappyWomensDay #HappyWomensDay2024." In the clip, Tahira could be heard saying, "Wishing myself and all of you a very happy Women's Day. But there are a few people who get upset about this. Anti-feminist groups are against celebrating this day, to my utter dismay. They say that the wrong message is being sent, that there's a movement happening in films, books, and social media that is misleading others." She added, "When you are neither a daughter nor a feminist, it just seems like a pointless movement. Why do men feel threatened by progress? Why does it hurt their ego? Why does their success feel like a personal rejection to you? Today or any day, we will celebrate Women's Day. This movement will not stop." Several B-town actresses have expressed their thoughts on women's empowerment, stressing the importance of equality, support, and the need for society to value women in every aspect of life. Speaking to the media at an event, actress Dia Mirza stated, "I think there are few things that every woman everywhere needs to be recognized: one that everyone has the right to achieve the full potential of her being and that nothing in the world should ever stop her, and women supporting women can truly advance this work and can make this reality possible." International Women's Day, celebrated every year on March 8, takes on special meaning this year as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This landmark framework, widely supported across the globe, remains the most comprehensive effort to advance the rights of women and girls worldwide. By News Center President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an hosted a joint press conference with North Macedonias Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, following the signing of a Joint Political Statement at the Presidential Dolmabahce Office. In his speech, President Erdo?an emphasized the high level of cooperation established through the joint statement, stating, We have established a high-level cooperation mechanism with this joint declaration. I also want to visit Skopje. The steps to be taken for economic relations were a significant part of todays discussions. Our companies are continuing their operations with investments nearing 2 billion dollars in various fields. We are working to double the trade volume, which currently stands at nearly 1 billion dollars. The free trade initiative will contribute to this effort." President Erdo?an also touched on the ongoing defense industry projects, mentioning that Turkiye was one of the first countries to recognize North Macedonia's independence. "We are two friendly nations contributing directly to peace in the Balkans. Our relations have become as solid as the Stone Bridge in Skopje. One of the most important ties is the Turkish community in North Macedonia. Our brothers who migrated to Anatolia in the past have made significant contributions to our country and have strengthened the bond between us and North Macedonia," Erdo?an said. He further highlighted the ongoing fight against FETO (Gulenist Terrorist Organization) and emphasized the shared commitment to tackling the organization. The two leaders also exchanged views on global issues, particularly focusing on Ukraine and Gaza. Erdo?an reaffirmed Turkiyes support for Ukraines negotiations and expressed shared will for a two-state solution for Palestine. Prime Minister Mickoski, speaking at the press conference, expressed his pleasure at visiting Turkiye for the first time. We have many common ties. There is a cooperation between the Macedonian and Turkish nations. Our meeting with Mr. Erdo?an was very important. This meeting serves as an endorsement of the cooperation. We especially emphasize the economic aspect, Mickoski said. He went on to praise Turkiyes strength and influence in the region. Turkiye is an economic and commercial friend for us. It is a very powerful country with a significant impact in this region. We must mobilize all our knowledge to encourage Turkish firms to invest in North Macedonia. We have strong cooperation in the energy sector, especially regarding gas. In terms of education and culture, and security, given that we are both members of NATO, our cooperation is robust. We addressed these matters and signed agreements with Mr. Erdo?an. The establishment of the cooperation council is an important step. This step is crucial as we aim to establish strategic cooperation at the highest level. Mickoski emphasized that the strategic cooperation with Turkiye was of great importance for North Macedonia, particularly in the defense industry, energy, and infrastructure sectors. He noted that strengthening these ties on economic, political, and cultural fronts was key to their mutual success. "Our relations are very good. The Turkish community in North Macedonia is very important to us. Mr. Erdo?an is my friend, and his past, Turkiyes past, is closely tied to my country. He is always welcome to visit us, and I believe he will come to Skopje in the near future, Mickoski concluded. BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday that people of all countries are welcome to see with their own eyes a real and vivid China. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's, GMW.cn makes no representations as to accuracy, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information. Ahmedabad, March 7 : In a special engagement ahead of International Women's Day, the Adani Group welcomed a delegation of women ambassadors from nine nations to the conglomerate's projects in Khavda and Mundra, both in Gujarat, where they witnessed India's strides in clean energy, infrastructure and industrial development. The delegation first visited Khavda, a remote site in western India's arid Kutch district, where Adani Green Energy, the largest renewables company in India, is developing the worldas largest clean energy plant. Spanning an area five times the size of Paris, the 30 GW solar and wind energy project will play a critical anchor role in meeting India's rising energy demands with clean, affordable and reliable power. The ambassadors saw firsthand how the renewables project is integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable development, including the Energy Network Operations Centre (ENOC) overseen by women engineers. At Mundra Port, India's largest commercial port handling nearly 11 per cent of the country's maritime cargo and 33 per cent of its container traffic, the women ambassadors explored the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) in the Mundra Special Economic Zone (SEZ), where global players are investing in advanced manufacturing. They also visited Adani's state-of-the-art solar manufacturing plant, a key project in India's push for self-reliance in renewable energy. Across these facilities, the ambassadors met women professionals and engineers contributing to India's industrial, economic and energy transformation, underlining the growing role of women in shaping the countryas future. The delegation comprised: Chennai, Mar 7 : Kannada star Duniya Vijay, who will be making his debut in Tamil cinema through director Sundar C's upcoming magnum opus 'Mookuthi Amman 2', featuring actress Nayanthara in the lead, says that he is thrilled beyond words that he is to work with the same director who has directed his favourite star Rajinikanth in Arunachalam. Talking exclusively to IANS, Duniya Vijay said, "It is a very emotional moment for me. He (director Sundar C) took my name on stage and spoke about me. I love director Sundar C. I am very thankful to him, to the unit of this film and to the people of Tamil Nadu." The Kannada star, who will be playing the antagonist in the film, recalled that he had been to Chennai 30 years ago to meet Superstar Rajinikanth. "I am a big fan of Rajinikanth sir. I wanted to meet him and came here 30 years ago. I stayed for 15 days but couldn't meet him then. I then went back to Karnataka and became an actor there. After some years, I met Rajinikanth sir, who had seen my films and appreciated me," says the actor who makes no bones of the fact that he loves both Rajinikanth and also director Sundar C. "I simply love Sundar C sir as well. I became a fan of him 26 years ago when he made Arunachalam, featuring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead. I am thrilled that I will be acting under the direction of a director who has directed Superstar Rajinikanth," he says with his face brimming with happiness. Duniya Vijay will be playing the antagonist in the film and it looks like he has a very big role in this pan-Indian film that will be made at least with a minimum of Rs 100 crore. Says Duniya Vijay, "I will begin working on this film from the middle of this month. I will be here again next month for this film. I will be shooting for around 40 days for my role in this film." The film, which is to be released simultaneously in at least five languages, will feature a host of stars other than Nayanthara and Duniya Vijay. Actors Urvasi, Regina Cassandra, Yogi Babu, Singam Puli, Gopi Amarnath, Abhinaya, Iniya, Mynaa Nandini, Swaminathan and Ajay Ghosh will be among those who will be a part of this film. Music for the film is by actor and music director Hip Hop Tamizha. --IANS Mkr/ Los Angeles, March 7 : Actress Karla Sofia Gascon, who has been at the centre of racism controversy, has come out to thank the queen of pop, Madonna for her support. The 52-year-old actress who was the first trans person to be nominated for an Oscar for her performance in 'Emilia Perez', had been keeping a low profile after her past inflammatory tweets from 2016-2020 resurfaced, reports 'Female First UK'. She's now expressed her gratitude for the famous faces who have offered her kind words, singling out the 'Material Girl' hitmaker for particular praise. Karla shared a black and white photo of her and Madonna, 66, hugging and wrote on Instagram, "Madonna, I want to thank you for all the love you have shown me. For your invitation to the party you gave after the Oscars and for your words of love and strength. I love you. I also take this opportunity to thank all my fellow Hollywood professionals who expressed their support and admiration for me that night. Both at the gala and at the party". As per 'Female First UK', back in October, Karla told how Madonna had showered her with praise after seeing 'Emilia Perez'. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper, "Madonna was crying so much after the screening in New York.she told me, 'You're amazing!' She was crying and crying. I said, 'Madonna, please. It's only a film. Be happy'". Last month, Karla offered a "sincere" apology to the people she has hurt and pledged to step back from the spotlight. She wrote on Instagram, "I decided, for the film, for Jacques, for the cast, for the incredible crew who deserves it, for the beautiful adventure we all had together, to let the work talk for itself, hoping my silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is, a beautiful ode to love and difference. I sincerely apologise to everyone who has been hurt along the way (sic)". The actress spoke out after 'Emilia Perez' director Jacques Audiard branded her previous comments, which included posts about the murder of George Floyd, the Muslim community, and diversity at the Oscars, "inexcusable" and said he didn't want to speak to her. Kochi, March 7 : On International Women's Day, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) will honour two remarkable women entrepreneurs -- M.A. Akhilamol and Sangeetha Sunil, for their exceptional achievements in the fisheries sector. Kochi, March 7 (IANS) On International Womenas Day, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) will honour two remarkable women entrepreneurs -- M.A. Akhilamol and Sangeetha Sunil, for their exceptional achievements in the fisheries sector. This recognition celebrates their perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit, which enabled them to succeed despite challenges. The felicitation ceremony will be held at the CMFRI headquarters on Monday as part of the Womenas Day celebrations. Both Akhilamol and Sangeetha are beneficiaries of the CMFRIas Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub project, an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi. This program focuses on training, capacity building, and gender mainstreaming in fisheries, empowering entrepreneurs with cutting-edge skills and resources to innovate and thrive. Akhilamol, from Kodungallur, ventured into fish farming to support her childrenas education. After participating in CMFRIas training programs, she transitioned into aquaculture, eventually establishing a consultancy service, Ponnoos Aqua Clinic, to guide others in the sector. She now operates a thriving one-acre integrated fish farming unit near Kodungallur, cultivating sea bass, pearl spot, and mullet, alongside poultry rearing, vegetable farming, and floriculture. Her latest venture includes cage farming in the Kodungallur backwaters. Meanwhile, Sangeetha, a resident of Nayaramabalam in Ernakulam district, carved a niche in fish value addition. Under her brand aSalt N Spicy,a she specializes in an array of value-added products, including fish pickles, cutlets, chutney powder, and dry prawns. Her focus on indigenous seafood varieties has garnered significant recognition, as seen in the overwhelming response to her stall at the recent CMFRI fish festival. She is also a regular supplier to CMFRIas Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) sales counter. The success stories of these entrepreneurs underline the transformative role of the STI Hub project and highlight how innovation and determination can create lasting impacts in the fisheries sector. Mumbai, March 7 : Director: Shauna Gautam Star cast: Ibrahim Ali Khan, Dia Mirza, Jugal Hansraj, Suniel Shetty, Khushi Kapoor, Apoorva Mukhija and Aaliya Qureshi Run Time: 1 hour 59 minutes Medium: OTT Rating: 4 stars The Gen Z rom-com aNadaaniyana, which marks the debut of Ibrahim Ali Khan, the son of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, has arrived on the streaming medium, and the film looks to win over the viewers with its pairing of Ibrahim and Khushi Kapoor. Growing up, everyone faces challenges from choosing the right friends, making career decisions, trying to make the parents proud, to sometimes even wondering how to keep them from fighting. As teenagers, every setback felt like the end of the world, when in reality, it was just the beginning. aNadaaniyana takes us back to that time, reminding us of the innocence, chaos, and beauty of growing up. The film, which has released on the streaming giant Netflix, is directed by debutant Shauna Gautam, and follows the journey of its protagonists, Arjun Mehta (played by Ibrahim Ali Khan) and Pia Jaisingh (played by Khushi Kapoor), as they navigate school life, friendships, family dynamics, and their roles in everything around them. The story kicks off with Pia finding herself in a rather awkward situation, she needs to prove sheas dating someone to convince her friends that sheas not in love with her best friendas crush. To solve her dilemma, Pia ropes in Arjun, a new entrant and debate team scholar, offering him Rs 25, 000 crore per week to pretend to be her boyfriend, bringing back the good old aboyfriend for hirea trope to commercial cinema. And just like that, their aNadaaniyana begins. The filmas premise is set up from the very start perhaps rather quickly, with events unfolding at a steady, engaging pace leaving no time for anything but the stage for candy-cute romance that is yet to come. Director Shauna Gautam ensures the audience has enough time to settle into the world of Nadaaniyan, capturing the innocence of youth while balancing it with the complexities of teenage love and family struggles. The first half is lighthearted, focusing on friendships, school life, and young love, while the second half deepens into emotional territory as parental conflicts take center stage. There is something for everyone here - misunderstandings in a group of three, your typical acool but bullya boy who thinks highly of himself, the eventual takedown of the same & of course - quintessential Dharma-esque aesthetics. The school looks larger than life, the uniforms look more stylish than your average go-er ones and everything is just ten times more glam than reality. With veteran actors like Suniel Shetty, Mahima Chaudhry, Dia Mirza, and Jugal Hansraj playing pivotal roles, the film brings a wave of nostalgia. Seeing them on screen after so long is a treat, adding emotional depth to the story. And, of course, watching Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor evokes a strong sense of deja vu, as they carry reflection of their legendary parents, Saif Ali Khan and Sridevi. For his debut, Ibrahim Ali Khan is on the path to prove heas more than just another star kid. His hard work and dedication shine through in his performance, making him one of the more impressive on-screen presences in a long time. You canat help but look at him when he appears on screen, whether itas his coyish smile or old school Salaam Namaste Saif Ali Khan charm that he channels. Ibrahim sets a path for many more eyes on him for the future to come, hopefully on a 70mm screen. Khushi Kapoor, on the other hand, is in her element as the bubbly and spirited Pia. But beneath her cheerful exterior lies a deeper struggle, growing up in a broken family, dealing with friends who donat believe in her, and finding herself caught in a fake relationship where real feelings creep in unexpectedly. She has come a long way, and it shows. The music provides the much needed depth to the film, Sachin-Jigar have delivered yet again with a range of songs from Ishq Mein to Tirkat Dhoom and the title track which gives you almost Wake Up Sid music chorus sentiment. The screenplay could have been tighter, the dialogue delivery could have been smoother but all in all - your heart will continue to smile throughout due to some anadaana moments. Overall, aNadaaniyana is a rollercoaster ridea"full of highs and lows, much like life itself. Itas a film that resonates on multiple levels, bringing out nostalgia, warmth, and a sense of familiarity. You canat help but fall in love with its world. If you go in with the expectation to have your soul stirred, you may want to brush up on the nostalgic rom-coms you enjoyed back in the day, and remind yourself that some films are just meant to warm your heart, make you cry & leave you warm and fuzzy for your day ahead. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Kochi, March 7 : Lawyers at the Kerala High Court on Friday expressed their strong protests against the "curt" remarks by a judge against a women lawyer and demanded an apology in the open court. Following the incident that took place on Thursday, senior lawyers called for an urgent meeting of the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) and passed a resolution. The incident occurred on March 6 when the lawyer Saritha Thomas requested the Court to give her some more time to change vakalath as her husband Alex Scaria had passed away in January this year. The meeting of the Association stated that Justice A. Badharudeen reacted uncharitably and rudely to the lawyer's request. He even asked her, "Who is Alex Scaria?". The lawyers pointed out that this type of conduct is not only unbecoming of the Bench but also disrespects late Scaria, and hence Justice Badharudeen should apologise. On Friday, the KHCAA called an urgent general body meeting and decided to demand an open apology from Justice Badharudeen. But after this attempt failed, the peeved lawyers decided to boycott Justice Badharudeen's court. Later, the lawyers met Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar who said he would speak to Justice Badharudeen over the weekend and try to reach an agreeable solution. Incidentally, this is not the first time lawyers have objected to Justice Badharudeen's conduct in Court. In February last year, the KHCAA and the Bar Council of Kerala wrote to the Chief Justice claiming that the judge's interactions with the Bar were humiliating and insensitive. To curb unbecoming conduct, the KHCAA had also urged the Chief Justice to implement mandatory video recording of proceedings in all courtrooms. Mumbai, March 7 : There is a major shift in workplace culture as the burnout rates have dropped significantly from 35 per cent to 22 per cent, a new report said on Friday. According to a aGreat Place To Worka report, this change is linked to the increasing role of innovation in organisations. Companies that make innovation a part of their daily operations are not only sparking creativity but also improving employee engagement, boosting retention, and reducing stress at work. True innovation is not just about occasional brainstorming sessions or hackathons. It becomes a habit when employees are encouraged to think creatively in decision-making, teamwork, and problem-solving. Organisations that adopt a proactive approach to innovation become more adaptable and motivated, creating a culture where employees feel empowered to take risks and experiment with new ideas, the report mentioned. According to the report, 47 per cent of men have the access to innovation in their workplaces, while 39 per cent of women say the same. Another trend observed is that senior employees and managers have greater access to innovation, with senior managers at 57 per cent and employees with over 10 years of experience at 50 per cent. The report also identifies five key factors that drive innovation in organisations. First, companies that show genuine care for employees create a workplace where creativity thrives. Second, recognising employees' achievements helps build a culture of continuous improvement. Third, hiring diverse talent ensures a steady flow of fresh ideas. Fourth, strong leadership development programs inspire innovation at all levels. Lastly, companies that listen to employee feedback and act on it create a more trusting and dynamic work environment. The report lists five major barriers: lack of recognition and career growth opportunities, teams working in isolation, fear of speaking up, excessive focus on policies, and insufficient investment in employee learning and development. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for companies aiming to build a strong culture of innovation, the report added. Chennai, Mar 7 : Popular Malayalam actor Neeraj Madhav, who has played one of the leads in the recently released web series Love Under Construction, has now thanked director Vishnu Raghav for convincing him to play the lead character and making him realize what he had been missing. Taking to his Instagram timeline to pen a lengthy post, Neeraj Madhav wrote, "@vishnuraghav I owe you bigtime! Thanks for convincing me to play Vinod and making me realise what I've been missing." Stating that it had been a while since he had played relatable boy-next-door characters, Neeraj said such characters had indeed been "the foundation" of his acting career. "Moved on to explore and experiment more challenging stuff, but playing Vinod reminded me, this is my comfort zone and people are loving it too!," said Vinod, who showered praises on the director for his writing skills. "#LUC and every character in it has so much life. I was already impressed by your writing, but I'm super glad how very well it has translated onto the screen. You deserve all the praise and more. Cheers aliyaa ! #LoveUnderConstruction" Apart from Neeraj Madhav, the series features a host of actors. Among these, Aju Varghese and Gouri G. Kishan are part of the lead. Anand Manmadhan, Ann Saleem, Ganga Meera, Kiran Peethambaran, Manju Sree Nair and Saheer Mohammed play pivotal characters in the series. Directed by Vishnu G Raghav, who is best known for having directed the courtroom drama, 'Vaashi', the series has cinematography by Ajay David Kachappilly and music by well known music director Gopi Sundar. Editing for the series has been taken care of by Arju Benn and its art direction by Boban. --IANS Mkr/ -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New Delhi, March 7 : Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) -- deaths due to complications from childbirth or pregnancy per 1 lakh live births -- has declined significantly in South-East Asia, including India, said World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday, ahead of the International Women's Day. International Women's Day is marked annually on March 8 to raise awareness of the issues impacting women all over the world. MMR includes any maternal death that happens immediately or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, whether through childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage. "MMR has declined significantly -- between 2010 to 2020, a 41 per cent decline in the region versus a 12 per cent decline globally," said Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia. "In fact, our region is on track to achieve the SDG target on MMR by 2030," she added. Notably, India has reduced MMR by an impressive 70 per cent between 2000 and 2020. The country's MMR fell precipitously by 82.5 per cent between 1990 and 2020. The MMR under the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for 2030 is 70. Further, Wazed also noted improvements in women's labour force participation. "In our South-East Asia region, the gender gap in women's labour force participation has narrowed in most countries," she said. In the past decades, the total fertility rate has decreased for most of the countries in the region. However, Wazed also raised concerns over gender inequality and sexual violence against women in the SE Asia region. "In our region, all countries rank high on the global Gender Inequality Index. Nearly 40 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime," said Wazed. "This aggravates the risks of communicable diseases like HIV and STI, along with mental health challenges," the Regional Director said. The theme of Women's day this year is "For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment". "It calls for actions to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls, for a future where no one is left behind," said Wazed, noting that "empowering youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls is central to this vision". Kolkata, March 7 : Kolkata Police Law Institute (KPLI), which offers a two-year Master of Law (L.L.M.) degree and a three-year Bachelor of Law (L.L.B.) degree for in-service police personnel of Kolkata Police, West Bengal Police, and other state government organisations, has issued a notice cautioning about adopting unfair practices in examinations conducted by the institute. The KPLI principal has issued some strict guidelines to avoid such unfair means during examinations conducted by the institute amid instances of adopting unfair means by some participants. "It is observed that some participants are adopting unfair means in the examination hall. It is advised that no one enters the examination hall with books, study materials, notes and any kind of electronic gadgets including smart watches for strict adherence," read the notice, a copy of which is available with IANS. Besides offering L.L.M. and L.L.B. degrees for in-service police personnel of Kolkata Police, West Bengal Police, and other state government organisations, KPLI also offers a five-year degree L.L.B. degree for wards of serving and retired personnel of both Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. KPIL was incepted on August 19, 2016, during the current Trinamool Congress regime and was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The institute, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, has been approved by the Bar Council of India. The Kolkata Police Commissioner is the Chairman of the Institute. Flagging off the notification from the KPLI principal, BJP state general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay said that it is most unfortunate that the principal of the institute has to issue such a notice to prevent the adoption of unfair means in examinations. "Those who are responsible for preventing the adoption of unfair means in general examinations like the ongoing higher secondary examination are now adopting unfair means in examinations they are appearing in. Under the rule of Mamata Banerjee adopting unfair means in all sorts of examinations is the reality," Chattopadhyay claimed. KPLI authorities or anyone from the state administration were yet to respond on the matter. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiao) A journalist asks a question at a press conference attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, briefed journalists from home and abroad on China's foreign policies and answered questions on a wide range of issues during the press conference on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xiao) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei) A journalist with Xinhua News Agency asks a question at a press conference attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, briefed journalists from home and abroad on China's foreign policies and answered questions on a wide range of issues during the press conference on Friday. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Journalists work at a press conference attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, briefed journalists from home and abroad on China's foreign policies and answered questions on a wide range of issues during the press conference on Friday. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) A journalist asks a question at a press conference attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, briefed journalists from home and abroad on China's foreign policies and answered questions on a wide range of issues during the press conference on Friday. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei) Editor: Zhang Zhou New Delhi, March 7 : Slamming politics of appeasement, BJP leader Amit Malviya on Friday dared Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to meet and sympathise with a Dalit minor victim of 'Islamic Jihad' who was gang-raped in captivity for two months in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district. "Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the new Muslim League, will not go to Moradabad to meet this Dalit family because the rapists are Salman, Zubair, Rashid and Arif," wrote Malviya, incharge of BJP's National Information & Technology Department, in a post on social media handle X. In a stinging criticism of politicians who go soft against criminals from a particular community, Malviya wrote, in Hindi, "Akhilesh Yadav, the new fan of Aurangzeb and the one who cursed Maha Kumbh, seems to have gone mute." The police have arrested three accused, including the main accused, in the case that came to light on March 3, said Superintendent of Police Kunwar Akash Singh. Attaching a portion of the FIR registered on the victim girl's complaint in Bhagatpur police station, Malviya said the victim claimed she was threatened not to report the matter or else her uncle and brother would be killed, and she and her aunty would be abducted. "It was also said that they get a huge amount of money for Islamic Jihad," wrote Malviya, adding that it was also claimed that, so far, many Hindu girls have been converted. Seeking a serious probe and quick action against the evil mentality, Malviya said, "This entire episode should be investigated, and along with providing justice to the minor Dalit girl, this evil mentality growing in the society must also be crushed." The excerpt of the FIR shared by Malviya along with his post said that main accused Salman had bragged before the victim about how he had converted many women to Islam. The complaint also said in the FIR that the rapists used acid to remove a tattoo representing a Hindu God from her hand and repeatedly threatened to burn her face using the corrosive liquid. "After sexually exploiting me for two months, Salman dropped me in Bhojpur," she said in the FIR. Meanwhile, SP Police Kunwar Akash Singh said that police got the information about the incident on March 3 and immediately registered a case. "Out of the four accused named in the FIR, the main accused had already been arrested on Friday two more accused have been apprehended," he said. New Delhi, March 7 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday arrested WTC Group promoter Ashish Bhalla under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The arrest came days after multiple raids on the real estate group across the country, in connection with an alleged real estate fraud. Bhalla is accused of cheating and duping thousands of investors and companies. The ED conducted search operations under Section 17 of PMLA on the Group on February 27, at 12 locations in Delhi, Faridabad, and the NCR region. Bhalla had been on the run since then in an attempt to evade legal proceedings. With the ED raiding the WTC Group along with the Bhutani Group, large-scale financial irregularities have been found which indicates a clear breach of trust and fraud against hundreds of homebuyers by the accused companies and people associated with these firms. During search operations, documents related to funds collection of more than Rs 3,500 crore from various investors were found against 15 projects in the Delhi/NCR region. Additionally, incriminating documents related to the WTC Group and the Bhutani Group were found and seized wherein assets worth thousands of crores of market value had been transferred to the Bhutani Group at nominal value, thus transferring the Proceeds of Crime (POC) at nominal price. Documents related to cash transactions of the Group were also found. The scam has left over 20,000 buyers stranded with incomplete development and financial losses amounting to thousands of crores. The regulator initiated the investigation on the basis of dozens of FIRs registered by the Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW), PS BPTP Faridabad, and PS Faridabad Central on the basis of complaints from hundreds of homebuyers and investors against the WTC Group and its promoters and others for cheating, criminal breach of trust and fraud against hundreds of homebuyers by the accused companies/persons. The FIRs alleged that the WTC Faridabad Infrastructure Private Limited and promoters had lured the general public and plot buyers to invest in their project at Sector 111-114, Faridabad for allotment of residential plots to buyers. Bhutani Group had signed an agreement in July 2024 to buy a majority stake in WTC Group. Bhutani Infra has categorically denied any involvement in land or fund transfers from the controversial real estate group, adding that it has severed all ties with the WTC Group. Kolkata, March 7 : A single judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Friday, raised questions about the lapses and inadequacies in the security arrangements of West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu as he was injured during a ruckus in the Jadavpur University campus on March 1. The single judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh observed that as a member of the state cabinet, which is a constitutional post, the Education Minister is bound by some protocol, which includes the presence of adequate security personnel escorting him during any public programme he is attending. He observed that the March 1 ruckus was not a case where an adequate number of people attacked the Minister, breaking through the wall of security personnel around him. According to him, it would have been a different matter had the security personnel been injured while protecting the Minister from the crowd, which did not happen in this case, and hence, there were severe lapses and inadequacies in the security arrangements for the Minister. The state government counsel in the case and the four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee argued that it is not always right to get security personnel escorting the Minister while he is attending a political programme. Thereafter, Justice Ghosh made the observations that as a Minister, who is a constitutional chair, Basu is bound by some protocol. In a previous hearing on the same matter earlier this week, Justice Ghosh made some observations on the intelligence failure on the part of the Special Branch of the Kolkata Police that they did not have prior information about student agitation while the education Minister was there. Drawing a reference to the recent studentsa movement in Bangladesh, Justice Ghosh also observed that if such intelligence failures continue, the situation in the state might turn into a serious matter as it happened in the neighboring country. The ruckus broke out within the university campus on Saturday when the Minister's car was allegedly stopped after it entered the campus, and a scuffle followed. The students were demanding immediate elections for the universityas studentsa council. The agitating students alleged that while Basu decided to leave the campus in the face of the protests, his vehicle deliberately hit the two agitating students, following which they were severely injured and had to be hospitalized. Amid the protests, the Minister received minor injuries and fell sick. He was taken to the state-run S.S.K.M. Medical College & Hospital and was discharged later. Dhaka, March 7 : A midnight raid conducted by a violent mob consisting majorly of students and targetting the residence of an Awami League leader in an upscale area of Dhaka earlier this week has invited scathing criticism from several Bangladeshis who are outraged over police inaction and politically-motivated attacks that continue to increase alarmingly under the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The house belonged to Tanvir Imam, the son of H T Imam, who was an advisor to the ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The mob, consisting of over 100 youngsters, ransacked the flat on Wednesday, alleging that Awami League workers were hiding inside and a large cache of illegal weapons and cash were also hidden somewhere around. However, after the search, they admitted to finding nothing. Videos of the mob led by youngsters shouting anti-Awami League slogans while ransacking the building have now gone viral on social media. They show the mob storming into the house shortly after midnight and breaking down the door under the pretext of searching. Though the Dhaka police later said that it has arrested a few individuals in connection with the incident, several people claimed that the law enforcement agencies were aware of the so-called "search operation" much in advance and could have stopped it beforehand. The group was led by senior members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) who had received "intelligence" that Awami League leaders had hidden a stash of weapons in their house. However, hours later, they admitted that nothing was found, reported Bangladeshi media outlet BdNews24. Several local channels had also broadcast the break-in live on their social media pages, highlighting the growing anarchy in Bangladesh under the current leadership of Muhammad Yunus, the chief of the interim government who grabbed power after the shocking ousting of Hasina in August 2024. "In a movie-like style, they smashed the apartment door, entered the house, and looted everything. Now, one might aska"how is something like this possible in an elite area of the capital? In Bangladesh, anything is possible these days because the government itself legitimizes such actions," Asifur Rahman Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi human rights activist, wrote on X. "The mob's journey essentially began on August 5 with the ousting of Sheikh Hasina from power, and it continues to play a terrifyingly effective role in Bangladesh. Never before had Bangladesh witnessed such a history of mob activity," he added. Notably, a similar search was conducted at the same complex in the elite Gulshan area on Monday in the presence of the police authorities based on some allegations. Several people aware of the matter told local media outlets that the police had made it clear the second time that they would not be directly involved in the search operation but would join it later. Bangladesh has been grappling with nationwide violence and riots over the last many months and the protests marches that are being taken out on almost daily basis now highlight the growing impatience amongst the public over the degrading law and order situation in the country. New Delhi, March 7 : BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj on Friday lauded the 'Jan Aushadhi' initiative as a visionary project that was given a major impetus under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP MP emphasised that the 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras' have not only significantly reduced the cost of medicines for the common people but have also played a crucial role in boosting employment opportunities across the country, particularly through their franchise model. Speaking to IANS, Bansuri Swaraj said, "Today, as we celebrate 'Jan Aushadhi Kendra Day,' it fills me with immense pride to reflect on how this visionary initiative by Prime Minister Modi, has transformed healthcare accessibility for millions of people. The objective was clear a" to provide affordable, high-quality medicines to the masses. I am delighted to share that today, over 15,000 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras' are operational across India, making medicines more accessible than ever before." Swaraj was speaking from a 'Jan Aushadhi Kendra' in Karol Bagh, where she highlighted the impressive savings that customers experience. "For example, medicines for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Here, the medicines are available at up to 91 per cent lower prices compared to conventional chemists. Even multivitamins and calcium supplements, which are essential for everyone, are 94 per cent cheaper. The 'Jan Aushadhi Kendra' offers more than 2,000 affordable medicines, as well as over 300 surgical products," she said. "Just today, I purchased some items for my father and myself. At a regular pharmacy, my bill would have been around Rs 1,800, but here, I paid just Rs 700 a" and I got so much more for my money." Swaraj stressed that the 'Jan Aushadhi' initiative offers more than just cost-effective medicines. "This scheme not only helps families save money, but it also contributes to employment creation," she added. "The franchise model allows individuals, especially women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and people with disabilities, to open their own 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras' and earn a 20 per cent margin. The government has already provided incentives worth Rs 300 crore to franchise owners. Over the past decade, these centres have collectively saved the public around Rs 30,000 crore." Highlighting the larger impact of the initiative, Swaraj said, "In my view, 'Jan Aushadhi Kendra' is the foundation of a stronger and healthier India. It has empowered people with affordable healthcare while simultaneously creating livelihoods for many." Speaking to IANS, VK Saini, a long-time beneficiary of the scheme, shared his personal experience: "I have been a loyal customer of 'Jan Aushadhi' for years. The relief I have found in these medicines is unparalleled. I encourage everyone to use them a" they are effective and affordable." Similarly, Devendra Kohli, another satisfied customer, spoke about the importance of affordable healthcare. "As we age, we need medicines for various conditions, including heart problems, blood pressure, and diabetes. Thanks to 'Jan Aushadhi,' these medicines are available at huge discounts. I urge everyone, especially those who struggle financially, to take advantage of this scheme." Every year, March 7 is celebrated as 'Jan Aushadhi Diwas,' a day dedicated to raising awareness about the 'Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana ' and promoting the use of generic medicines. The celebrations are part of a week-long campaign that runs from March 1 to 7, with various events organised across the country. Launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings, the initiative aims to provide high-quality, affordable medicines to the public through a network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The initiative continues to grow, making healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians. Chennai, March 7 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, has written to his counterparts across various states, urging them to oppose the proposed delimitation exercise, which he termed a "blatant assault on federalism." In a strong statement, CM Stalin accused the Union government of attempting to punish states that have successfully implemented population control measures and good governance, by reducing their representation in Parliament. "The Union Government's plan for delimitation is a blatant assault on federalism, punishing states that ensured population control and good governance by stripping away our rightful voice in Parliament. We will not allow this democratic injustice!" CM Stalin posted on X on Friday. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister stated that he has reached out to several Chief Ministers, including Odisha's Mohan Charan Majhi, and leaders of political parties in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Punjab. His letters called for a united stand against what he described as an unfair and discriminatory move. To spearhead the Opposition, CM Stalin announced the formation of a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising leaders from various states. The first meeting of the JAC is scheduled to be held in Chennai on March 22. "We are forming a Joint Action Committee to ensure that our states are not silenced. Let us stand together -- not as separate political entities, but as protectors of our people's future," he emphasised. Earlier on Wednesday, CM Stalin said that Tamil Nadu is being forced to wage a major struggle for its rights, and that the upcoming delimitation process should not be based on the new Census. Addressing an all-party meeting convened at the Secretariat to discuss the issue, CM Stalin warned that delimitation based on population figures would disproportionately affect Tamil Nadu and other southern states. "The sword of delimitation is hanging over South India," he said, stressing that if parliamentary constituencies are restructured based on population, Tamil Nadu could lose eight parliamentary seats. "If the number of parliamentary seats in the country increases, we should get 22 additional seats. However, under the current population-based formula, we will only gain 10, which means a net loss of 12 seats. This is a direct attack on Tamil Nadu's political representation in Indian democracy," CM Stalin had asserted. Navsari, March 7 : With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to address the Lakhpati Didi programme in Gujarat's Navsari on International Women's Day on Saturday, many success stories of women entrepreneurs and achievers from the region are coming to the fore. Navsari, March 7 (IANS) With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to address the Lakhpati Didi programme in Gujarat's Navsari on International Womenas Day on Saturday, many success stories of women entrepreneurs and achievers from the region are coming to the fore. More than 34,000 women of Navsari have taken to self-employment with help from various government schemes and today, they have become financially independent and self-reliant. They started their home-run ventures by taking bank loans, and today, they have become role models in their village by becoming 'lakhpati' and 'millionaire' didis. Sangeeta Solanki of Shahu village took a loan with the help of Sakhi Mandal and started her own enterprise. She wanted to help her family and earn a living by doing some work. Initially, she earned money by doing sewing work but since the income was low, she moved to far-off locations for more work. "I joined a group of 10 women from the village and started a home business by taking a small loan. But even that was not enough," she said. She took training as Bank Mitra under CSC, set up a Bank Mitra unit at home, got equipment including a computer and printer installed under Mudra Loan and started working. She earned poorly in the first month but did not lose hope. She enthusiastically started banking work as well as services like PAN card, Aadhaar card, e-Shramik card, and gas and electricity bills. Today, she is earning an income of Rs 10,000 per month. She says that she is thankful to the Modi government for the transformational change in her lives, under the 'Lakhpati didi' yojana. Jignasaben Mistry, another resident of Moldhara village in Navsari taluka has a similar story to share. After graduating in commerce, she pursued a course in fine arts and started selling artificial jewellery, under the Sakhi Mandali yojana. With the aim to financially help the family, she started making and selling innovative artificial jewellery. She got assistance from government agencies for procuring raw materials for making artificial jewellery. Today, she has become self-reliant by selling her artificial jewellery at various government and private exhibitions and joined the list of millionaires by earning more than one lakh rupees per year. New Delhi, March 7 : India and Bhutan on Friday discussed boundary-related field matters while expressing satisfaction at the work completed by respective field survey teams and other stakeholders on the issue. The two sides also discussed the potential for technological and capacity building collaboration relating to survey and boundary-related work, as per the priorities of both the governments, during the two-day meeting held between the officials from government of India and Bhutan's Office of International Boundaries in New Delhi to review matters relating to boundary-related field work. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian side was led by Surveyor General of India Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana while Dasho Letho T Tangbi, Secretary, International Boundaries, in the government of Bhutan headed the delegation from the neighbouring country. Both sides also finalised the work plan for the next three field seasons. "India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, underpinned by mutual trust, shared values, and utmost goodwill at all levels. The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and is in keeping with the tradition of regular dialogues in all sectors of bilateral cooperation," read a statement issued by the MEA. India and Bhutan share a common perception of their strategic interests and cooperate closely on security issues and border management. India is also Bhutan's largest trade and development partner, and source of supplies of most of the essential commodities imported by Bhutan. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated last month how India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy since 2014 has made significant progress, whether it is Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal or Myanmar. "We have seen new roads, checkpoints, rail links, waterways, power grids, fuel pipelines and transit facilities. And there is much more to come in the days ahead," said Jaishankar in a session titled 'Act East, Act Fast and Act First' organised during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit on February 25. During his landmark visit to Bhutan last year, Primer Minister Narendra Modi had appreciated the Bhutanese King's vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, which will lead to economic prosperity and development in Bhutan and in the region in a sustainable manner, and further strengthen economic and investment linkages between India and Bhutan. "Be it a new airport for better air connectivity, be it new rail links between Gelephu to Kokrajhar and Samtse to Banarhat, be it operations of waterways through the Brahmaputra, we will soon see these projects completed swiftly. Integrated Check Posts will also be built to strengthen trade infrastructure," said PM Modi after being conferred with Bhutan's highest National Award the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' by the King of Bhutan in Thimphu on March 22, 2024. Chennai/New Delhi, March 7 : With the month-long strike by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)-backed Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU) at the company's manufacturing unit in Sriperumbudur ending on Friday, the South Korean tech giant said it welcomes the employees' decision to call off the "illegal strike". Chennai/New Delhi, March 7 (IANS) With the month-long strike by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)-backed Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU) at the company's manufacturing unit in Sriperumbudur ending on Friday, the South Korean tech giant said it welcomes the employees' decision to call off the "illegal strike". Samsung workers had been conducting a sit-in strike outside the company's manufacturing plant in Sriperumbudur since February 5. According to CITU sources, since the protest started, the company suspended 23 SIWU members. CITU has now agreed to a fair internal inquiry against those suspended, as Samsung allowed other protesting employees to return to work. "Samsung welcomes the workers' decision to call off the illegal strike and resume their duties at the Chennai plant. The company's initiative to welcome back striking workers and its proactive engagement have facilitated their return, effectively ending the strike," the company said in a statement. A Samsung India spokesperson further stated that "we remain committed to enforcing discipline in the premises and resolving outstanding issues directly with our workers to maintain a positive work environment." The strike began after the management suspended three office-bearers of the SIWU. Samsung India's suspension letters cited reasons such as insubordination, disruption of production, and refusal to follow orders. The company stated that the suspended employees would not be allowed to enter the manufacturing plant unless directed otherwise by authorities. The suspension letters also mentioned that a detailed complaint and charge sheet would be sent via email. A previous round of discussions between labour department officials and the striking workers on February 20 failed to yield any resolution. Samsung had stated that they maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any unlawful activities that threaten stability and workplace harmony. Employees must adhere to company policies, and those violating them will face disciplinary action following due process, according to the company. Hyderabad, March 7 : From making toys and other handmade products to now purchasing and running buses and petrol pumps and setting up solar power units, the women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Telangana have come a long way. A wide range of economic activity facilitated by the Telangana government and financial institutions is transforming the lives of lakhs of women members of SHGs. In a major move for the financial empowerment of SHGs, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy-led Telangana government decided to provide bank loans to them to purchase buses, which would be given for hire to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC). Under this first-of-its-kind initiative in India, SHGs will also be roped into operating buses, particularly in rural areas. The Chief Minister Revanth Reddy government has decided to allow Mandal Mahila Samakhyas (MMS) or the mandal level federation of women SHGs to purchase 600 buses and give them on hire to TGSRTC. In the first phase, 150 buses will be procured with each bus costing Rs.36 lakh. Under the scheme to be launched with 50 buses on International Women's Day, the SHGs would contribute some percentage of margin money while the remaining amount would be financed by the banks. The buses will be hypothecated to the respective MMS and registered in their names. For the first phase of procurement of buses, Rs.54 crore have been released from the Community Investment Fund of Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP). The TGSRTC will pay Rs 77,220 per month to the respective MMS as rental charges. The monthly hire charges will be paid for a period of seven years to reimburse the money invested by MMS. The money will be credited to the account of the respective MMS under the SERP Community Investment Fund. The move will also help the RTC management to acquire more buses to meet the increased passenger rush in view of the free travel for women scheme. The CM Revanth Reddy government is also planning E-auto subsidy of Rs.1 lakh for every auto rickshaw to be given to women who have completed driving training. These are two of the several initiatives under the Telangana government's 'Mahila Shakti' programme launched last year by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Last month, Telangana's first petrol pump, set up by Zilla (District) Mahila Samakhya (ZMS), was launched in Narayanpet. While the Revanth Reddy government has provided six guntas of prime land, ZMS has invested Rs.20 lakh, including for land levelling and working capital. Bharat Petroleum Company Limited (BPCL) has set up the petrol pump at a cost of Rs. 1.30 crore. SHG women are managing the petrol pump. Nine people including seven women have been employed who would receive a salary of Rs. 11,000 each per month. The petrol pump is estimated to generate a profit of around Rs. 50 lakh annually. This would be utilised by the Samakhya to support women SHG-led enterprises in the district. Narayanpet ZMS president Chandrakala Kotakonda is the manager of the petrol pump and she is enjoying her new role. "We are all excited about this new experience. This is not only financially empowering but helping us learn new things and giving us confidence," she said. The CM Reddy government now plans one such fuel station in every district and for this, the Telangana government will enter into agreements with oil marketing companies. Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (Telangana) CEO, Divya Devarajan, called it a unique and collaborative business model. Under another key initiative as part of the Mahila Shakti programme, women SHGs will set up 2MW solar power plants in all 32 districts. The Telangana government will provide financial assistance to these groups to set up the plants, which will contribute to women-led sustainable energy projects. The Panchayat Raj department has submitted a proposal to the Energy department for allocation of solar power plants of 1,000 MW capacity to SHGs. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who is also the Energy Minister, directed the Energy department to take steps to ensure that women SHGs get the chance to generate the entire 4,000 MW of solar power as planned by the Telangana government. The estimated cost for each one MW capacity solar power plant is Rs 3 crore. It is estimated that SHGs would get around Rs. 30 lakh income per year on one MW plant. The officials will guide women in taking loans from banks to establish solar power plants. The Energy department will take land on lease basis and hand the plots over to SHGs to set up the plants. Under Mahila Shathi, the government plans to provide financial linkages amounting to one lakh crore rupees to SHGs through banks and Streenidhi over the next five years. The government has set the target of transforming one crore women into millionaires over the next five years. The initiative also focusses on skill development training tailored to individual preferences, branding of SHG products, and robust marketing strategies to enhance the visibility and reach of SHG enterprises. It is also proposed to establish common processing centres and mini industrial parks for women SHGs in every Assembly constituency of Telangana. To support women in generating livelihood under the Indira Mahila Shakti programme, 25 mobile fish retail outlet (MFRO) vehicles were given to SHG women last month by the government. The approximate unit cost is Rs. 10 lakh, out of which 60 per cent was provided and 40 per cent was member contribution. As many women SHGs are engaged in stitching, the Telangana government is also giving them contracts to sew uniforms for students and the police. Under another scheme, women SHGs are being allotted Mahila Shakti canteens. Women are being trained to run the canteens and each canteen also employs five women. Telangana currently has 63.86 lakh women in the SHGs and the government plans to take this to one crore. According to socio-economic outlook 2024, a total of 46.68 lakh women are organised into 4.37 lakh SHGs. These groups are further organised into 18,000 Village Organisations, 553 Mandal Samakhyas and 32 Zilla Samakhyas in Telangana. During 2023-24, loans to the tune of Rs. 15,652 crore to 2,66,669 SHGs under the bank linkage scheme were provided. It was in 1990s that DWCRA (Development of women and children in rural areas) groups started in a few districts of then united Andhra Pradesh. Women came together to form thrift groups which were engaged in making toys and other handmade items. Their success led to a proliferation of such groups across the state. With the expansion of entrepreneurial activity of these groups and the support of successive governments, banks came forward to provide loans without collateral. A group meeting of deputies from the delegation of Sichuan Province is held at the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) A group meeting of deputies from the delegation of Hunan Province is held at the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Lu Ye) A group meeting of deputies from the delegation of Sichuan Province is held at the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) Editor: Zhang Zhou New Delhi, March 7 : India on Friday said that it remains concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation in neighbouring Bangladesh which has further been exacerbated by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes. The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh has been criticised severely for acquitting extremist elements and exonerating many Islamists since the fall of the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. "We support a stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding inclusive and participatory elections. We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation, which has further been exacerbated by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday. As Bangladesh slid into abyss following the fall of Sheikh Hasina government, the interim government led by Yunus has been accused of giving a free hand to the Islamist forces in the country and also relaxing comprehensively the policy of mandatory security clearance required for Pakistani citizens seeking visas, thus facilitating easy return of many notorious terror suspects who had earlier fled to the safe havens in Pakistan. With no end still in sight to attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, particularly on members belonging to the Hindu and Ahmadiyya communities, the MEA on Friday once again highlighted the serious issue and the interim government's botched up investigations that have so far been just an eyewash. "We have repeatedly underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus and other minorities, as well as their properties and religious institutions. As seen so far, only 1254 out of 2374 reported incidents between August 5, 2024, and February 16, 2025, have been verified by the police. Further, 98 per cent of these 1254 incidents were deemed political in nature. We expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson, and violence to justice without making such distinctions," the MEA spokesperson mentioned. Jaiswal admitted that development cooperation, which has been a priority area of bilateral relations, has suffered a dent due to the current situation in Bangladesh. "Development cooperation is a priority area of our relations with the people of Bangladesh. The recent security situation and longstanding local issues have affected the pace of implementation of some of these projects. The official discussions, therefore, focused on rationalising the project portfolio and executing mutually agreed-upon projects in a time-bound manner. Subject to obtaining the committed support and pending clearances from the Bangladesh side, we plan to move forward with these projects," Jaiswal said about a recent meeting that was held between the two countries on development cooperation. New Delhi, March 7 : Women in India are taking charge of their financial futures like never before, with a 45 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in women borrowers since 2022, multiple reports have revealed. A report by fintech platform mPokket showed a significant rise in female borrowers as in 2024 alone, loans worth Rs 4.8 lakh crore were taken by them. Healthcare remains a top priority for women, with 33.5 per cent of borrowers using loans to cover medical emergencies. Many women also turn to credit for education, with 20.6 per cent seeking financial assistance for skill development and learning. Entrepreneurship is another key driver, with 17.4 per cent of women borrowing for business purposes. The entrepreneurial spirit is particularly strong in East India, where 25 per cent of women borrowers are using credit to fund their businesses. Another report by CRIF High Mark also showed that women have taken the lead over men in loan growth and repayment discipline in 2024. The number of active women borrowers grew by 10.8 per cent in 2024, reaching 8.3 crore by December. This growth rate was significantly higher than the 6.5 per cent increase recorded for men, the report added. Additionally, they showed better repayment behavior in consumer durable loans, unlike their male counterparts. The report noted that government banks were particularly supportive of lending to women in 2024. The total outstanding loan portfolio of women borrowers rose by 18 per cent to Rs 36.5 lakh crore by the end of the year. However, their overall share in the total number of borrowers remained stable at around 24 per cent. A recent report by NITI Aayog revealed that at least 27 million women in India are seeking credit to run their businesses and are actively tracking their credit scores, highlighting a significant rise in financial awareness. As of December 2024, the number of women monitoring their credit had surged by 42 per cent compared to the previous year. New Delhi, March 7 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday sought a report within one week from the Punjab government and state police on a complaint against a pastor for allegedly sexually harassing a minor girl over the past three years. Taking note of a media report over the alleged harassment of the minor on church premises, the Commission issued notices to Kapurthala District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police of the district to investigate the matter and file an action taken report. The complainant brought to the notice of the Commission a newspaper clipping alleging that the named accused, a pastor, had been involved in the sexual harassment of the minor girl since 2022. According to the victim, in 2017, she visited the church where the accused allegedly exchanged numbers with her and sent inappropriate messages. The complainant also alleged that the accused took her to a separate cabin within the church premises, and committed the alleged sexual harassment on the pretext of superstitions and other issues. The complainant sought the intervention of the Commission in the matter and sought strict action against the accused pastor under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws. Earlier this week, the NHRC took suo motu cognisance of a media report and sought a report within two weeks from the Tamil Nadu government over an incident of alleged ostracisation of nearly 30 members of eight families in a village. The news report said that a village head ostracised all members of a family which dragged him to court over encroachment in Sambavarvadakarai town. Seven other families were also ostracised when they supported the litigant family. Reportedly, the police arrested 30 people of eight families when they protested in front of the office of the District Collector against their ostracism. According to the media report, carried on February 20, 2025, the victim families were barred from accessing local stores, other facilities, and communicating with other residents. New Delhi, March 7 : Amid a row over the duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers to voters across different states, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday said it has taken cognisance of the matter and will resolve the issue in the next three months. "Sample enquiry of over 100 electors reveals that electors with duplicate EPIC numbers are genuine electors. Since the allotment of EPIC series in the year 2000 to the States/UTs, some EROs did not use the correct series," the Election Commission said in a statement. It said it has already taken cognisance of the matter. "Irrespective of an EPIC number, an elector who is linked to the electoral roll of a particular polling station can cast his vote at that polling station only and nowhere else," it said. "The issue of allotment of duplicate numbers due to incorrect series across States/UTs could not have been detected as the States/UTs were independently managing the electoral roll databases. The Commission has now decided to resolve this long pending issue after detailed discussions within the technical teams and concerned CEOs in the next three months by ensuring a unique national EPIC number to the existing electors having a duplicate EPIC number and for future electors as well." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee last week accused the BJP of manipulating the electoral rolls with the blessings of the ECI and enrolling people from Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat as electors in West Bengal. She had also asked her party leaders to find out the fake voters in ten days. The Election Commission said India's Electoral Rolls are the biggest database of electors across the globe with over 99 crore registered electors. "In addition to the continuous updation of Electoral Rolls, the Election Commission conducts Annual Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise every year for updation of electoral rolls which happens during the period of October-December every year with the publication of final rolls in the following month of January," it said. New Delhi, March 7 : India on Friday said that it has conveyed its deep concern to the authorities in the United Kingdom about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during the ongoing visit of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar. Khalistani extremists based in Britain had tried to block EAM Jaishankar's convoy late Wednesday evening outside the Chatham House in London, an act that has been severely condemned, not just in India but all over the world. "We have conveyed our deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during the EAM's visit. There is a larger context to the incident. It brings out both, the license accorded to such forces as well as indifference to their intimidation, threats, and other actions aimed at impeding our legitimate diplomatic activities in the UK. While we have noted the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office on the matter, our view of its sincerity would depend on the action taken against culprits on this and previous occasions," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Thursday regretted the incident, asserting that any attempts to "intimidate, threaten, or disrupt" public events are "completely unacceptable". This is, however, not the first time that anti-India and radical elements had organised demonstrations, attacks, as well as arson in London. In March 2023, New Delhi had lodged a strong protest after Khalistani elements created ruckus at the Indian High Commission in London. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had demanded an explanation from the British authorities for the complete absence of the British security that allowed Khalistani goons to enter the High Commission premises. "This freedom given to British Khalistani extremists for their anti- Indian activities is unacceptable. The British continue to ignore our repeated protests about the space they give to such elements with the convenient excuse of the right to peaceful protest," former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal wrote on X on Thursday. Videos of the incident showing Khalistani goons protesting outside the Chatham House in London where the EAM was attending an event Wednesday night had gone viral on social media. One video showed a Sikh protester running towards the EAM's vehicle as he was leaving the venue after attending the think tank event. "Protest against what? There is peace in Punjab that they want to disturb, as well as peace between Indian origin communities in the UK itself. Are they protesting against any curb on their right to promote violence, terrorism and separatism in Punjab and the right to tear the Indian flag and insult a visiting Indian leader," Sibal questioned. "The UK wants to keep these elements in circulation as a point of pressure on India. This is apart from crass electoral considerations of their political class dependent on the votes of minorities in their respective constituencies," added Sibal, a seasoned diplomat who has also been the Indian Ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, France and Russia. EAM Jaishankar has on several occasions slammed the Khalistani extremists who have been misusing freedom laws in several countries, including Canada, UK and the United States. "Freedom of speech cannot be freedom to advocate violence, freedom of speech cannot be freedom to support separatism and terrorism in a foreign country," the EAM has asserted on earlier occasions. Kolkata, March 7 : A special court in Kolkata on Friday granted bail to private promoter Ayan Sil in the cash-for-school job case. The special court granted Sil bail in the CBI-registered case against a personal bond of Rs 1,00,000. Earlier, Sil was also granted bail in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases registered against him in this connection. However, despite being granted bail in CBI and ED-registered cases, Sil will not be out of the bars immediately. Sil will continue to be behind bars since the cases registered by both CBI and ED against him in the multi-crore municipalities' recruitment irregularities cases in West Bengal are still pending. The ED and CBI had shown Sil as arrested in municipalities' recruitment irregularities cases. Sil was arrested in March 2023 by the ED officials in the school- job case. In fact, during his arrest, ED recovered several documents from his residence that threw light on the municipalities' recruitment irregularities. Later, he was shown as arrested by both ED and CBI in the municipalities' recruitment irregularities cases. In this case, Sil was accused of arranging jobs in at least 17 municipalities in West Bengal against money. The total number of recruitments made illegally in these 17 municipalities stood at 1,821. The CBI had tracked the involvement of Rs 200 crore of illegal proceeds in municipalities' recruitment scam case. The majority of these 17 municipalities where such recruitment irregularities took place were from the North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas districts. Hyderabad, March 7 : The Congress government in Telangana has called a meeting of MPs of all parties in the state on Saturday to discuss the state's "pending issues" with the Centre. The government is likely to seek suggestions from the MPs on how to mount pressure on the Centre to clear the pending projects, sanction release of funds and resolve other pending issues. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will attend the meeting to be held at Praja Bhavan. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will preside over the meeting. According to an official statement, the meeting will discuss various state-related issues pending with the Union Government. The meeting is aimed at making the MPs raise the pending issues in the Parliament and take them up with the Centre. Deputy Chief Minister personally telephoned Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay and other MPs to invite them to the meeting. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar are among eight Lok Sabha members of the BJP from the state. The Congress party also has eight Lok Sabha members while AIMIM has one MP. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has four Rajya Sabha members while the Congress party has three Rajya Sabha MPs. They include Abhishek Singhvi and Renuka Chowdary. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Central ministers to seek the Centre's approval for the second phase of Hyderabad Metro and other key infrastructure projects. Revanth Reddy also sought approval for the southern segment of the Regional Ring Road (RRR) and Regional Ring Rail. He also pressed the need for the establishment of dry ports along the RRR corridor. The Chief Minister also proposed the development of a dedicated Greenfield Road and a parallel railway network, seamlessly connecting Telanganaas dry ports to seaports in Andhra Pradesh. He also sought Rs 20,000 crore in central funding for the ambitious project to rejuvenate the Musi River in Hyderabad. Revanth Reddy sought approval to establish the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in Telangana. The Chief Minister also recently accused Kishan Reddy of stalling the Centreas approval of Hyderabad Metro's second phase and other projects. The allegation had triggered a war of words between them. Mumbai, March 7 : Harman Baweja-led Baweja Studios is set to make its Tamil debut with the much-anticipated drama "Perusu". Baweja Studios has joined forces with Karthik Subbaraj and Kaarthekeyen S' Stonebench Films for their Tamil debut. Stone Bench Films is known for its innovative and genre-defining films such as "Jigarthanda Double X", "Mercury", and "Rathnam". The banner has consistently championed thought-provoking storytelling and unconventional narratives. Talking about the project, Harman Baweja stated, "Tamil cinema has always been home to some of the most compelling and boundary-pushing storytelling. At Baweja Studios, we are committed to backing solid content, and aPerusua is the perfect film to mark our entry into this dynamic industry. Partnering with Karthik Subbaraj, Kaarthekeyen S and their team at Stone Bench, who share the same passion for disruptive and engaging narratives, made complete creative sense right after Mrs found a home in the audiences' hearts. We believe aPerusua will not only entertain but also set new benchmarks in the comedy-drama space." Kaarthekeyen S, Producer/CEO of Stonebench Films added "We are excited to partner with Harman Baweja and Baweja Studios and welcome them to the Tamil Industry. With 'Perusu' as our first partnership we are confident that we will both have a winning start as this movie will be a complete laugh-a-minute entertainer. With Vaibhav and Sunil collaborating for the first time and with social media sensation Niharika NM making her debut the film is a solid comedy entertainer. We look forward to more collaborations with Baweja Studios in creating innovative content that Stonebench Films has always been known for. We are hopeful and confident that they will find this partnership fruitful too." Touted to be a laughter riot, "Perusu" stars Vaibhav Reddy, Niharika NM, Sunil, Chandini, Redin Kingsley, and Karunakaran in significant roles. Directed by Ilango Ram, the project is expected to reach the cinema halls on March 14. Beyond "Perusu", Baweja Studios' exciting lineup includes "Dil Ka Darwaza Kholna Darling", "Boy From Andaman", and "Ikhwan". Kathmandu, March 7 : Nepal has sought India's financial, economic, technical inputs and suggestions on the viability of the 141km Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line that aims at establishing a direct link between the Indian border city and the Nepalese capital. India and Nepal had recently held the 9th Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the 7th Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings on February 27-28 in New Delhi to review the implementation of ongoing cross-border railway links and overall bilateral cooperation in the railway sector. Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary at Nepal's Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation, who had led the visiting delegation at the meetings, told local media in Kathmandu on Friday that Nepal has now sought Indian perspective on the project's viability citing concerns over low financial return and the suggested 25-year payback period. "We are in a nascent phase in building the railway and we have little understanding of it... On the other hand, we are also building an expressway to link Kathmandu with the southern plains, so in this context, we have asked the Indian side for technical insights," Dhakal told Nepal's leading daily, The Kathmandu Post. During the meetings held in New Delhi, the Final Location Survey (FLS) Report of Raxaul-Kathmandu Broad Gauge Railway Link, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the commencement of passenger train services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section, and additional railway links were also discussed. The Indian delegation at the meetings was led by Rohit Rathish, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Pradeep Ojha, Executive Director, Traffic Transportation-Freight at the Ministry of Railways. "The Indian side had insisted that we link the current cross-border railway between Janakpur city of Nepal with Ayodhya as just last year, over 100 million people visited Ayodhya, and even if a fraction of them go to Janakpur, it would be a huge number," Dhakal stated. Both sides had also discussed the ongoing works of Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar broad gauge railway lines between India and Nepal, being developed with grant assistance from Government of India. "The preparedness for the commencement of work on the remaining sections of the two railway lines i.e. from Bijalpura to Bardibas on Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Nepal Custom Yard to Biratnagar on Jogbani-Biratnagar was also reviewed. The Nepali side assured that necessary facilitation will be provided for early commencement and completion of the work on the remaining sections of the railway lines," read a statement issued by the MEA, earlier this week. It was mentioned that both sides also agreed to enhance technical cooperation in the areas of capacity building, logistic support and training of Nepali railway personnel. In order to expand connectivity to enhance people-to-people linkages and promote economic growth and development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli had agreed in 2018 to construct a new electrified rail line with India's financial support, connecting the border city of Raxaul in India to Kathmandu in Nepal. As a first step, it was agreed that the Government of India would, in consultation with the Government of Nepal, carry out preparatory survey work within one year, and the two sides would finalise the implementation and funding modalities of the project based on the Detailed Project Report. The Prime Minister of Nepal had assured that the Government of Nepal will extend full cooperation for the early completion of the requisite surveys for the new rail line. New Delhi, March 7 : Former Health Minister and AAP leader Satyendar Jain on Friday opposed the BJP government's proposal to shut down 250 Mohalla Clinics even as Delhi BJP described his statement as an attempt to cover up the previous government's wrongdoings. Jain's claims came on a day when former Chief Minister Atishi wrote a letter to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reminding her to launch the women's Rs 2,500 monthly scheme on Saturday. Jain claimed almost 75,000 patients are availing the facilities of Mohalla Clinics daily in the city and to allege that 250 clinics exist only papers is not right. "If these were non-existent, then what was the need to shut them down," he said. "Our only request is to not shut down Mohalla Clinics as this will amount to penalising the public," he said. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva hit out at the former health minister, who is out on bail in a corruption case, claiming that it was surprising to see Jain, who had earlier claimed memory loss, appear in public to defend his tenure's biggest scandal. Sachdeva accused the previous Arvind Kejriwal government of renting private properties instead of using available government premises for these clinics and called this an act of corruption. He expressed hope that just as Jain's memory returned to defend the Mohalla Clinics, it would also return to admit the financial scams currently being investigated by the CBI and the ED. Sachdeva alleged that corruption took place in every aspect of the Mohalla Clinic project -- from renting premises to the doctors' examination of patients and their medical tests. He also pointed out that before the Kejriwal government, there were around 400 government dispensaries in Delhi, most of which were shut down to make way for the Mohalla Clinics -- and these clinics became centres of major corruption. Sachdeva claimed that properties owned by AAP supporters associated with ministers and MLAs were chosen for Mohalla Clinics, and they were paid rents far above market rates, leading to kickbacks. The Delhi BJP President questioned why the government ignored the available government dispensaries and premises while opening these clinics. He also asked Jain whether it was true that the rents paid for Mohalla Clinic spaces were higher than the prevailing market rates and whether he was ready for an investigation into this matter. Sachdeva highlighted a CAG report, which had also raised questions on payments made for patient check-ups and tests at Mohalla Clinics, suggesting the need for an investigation. On the women's Rs 2,500 scheme, Sachdeva stated that the daily statements by AAP leaders and former Chief Minister Atishi regarding the yojana were a result of their political desperation. He said that AAP leaders were aware that the two CAG reports that have surfaced were enough to ensure long jail terms for Kejriwal and his key associates. In this situation, to distract the public attention from these corruption-related CAG reports, AAP leaders are resorting to dramatic and misleading statements about the Mahila Samman Yojana. Sachdeva added that Atishi's correspondence about the Mahila Samman Yojana is nothing but political posturing. "If Atishi genuinely cares about women's issues, she must explain why her party's Punjab government, despite being in power for 37 months, has not yet disbursed the announced Mahila Samman amount," he said. Sachdeva emphasised that the BJP is fully committed to both women's empowerment and the Mahila Samman Yojana, and both will be implemented soon. Smoke billows after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills in Pocheon, South Korea, March 6, 2025. Seven people were injured Thursday after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills, the South Korean air force said. The KF-16 fighter jet abnormally dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a live-fire range in the inter-Korean border town of Pocheon, some 40 km north of the capital Seoul, at about 10:00 a.m. local time. (Xinhua) SEOUL, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were injured Thursday after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills, the South Korean air force said. The KF-16 fighter jet abnormally dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a live-fire range in the inter-Korean border town of Pocheon, some 40 km north of the capital Seoul, at about 10:00 a.m. local time. The incident destroyed seven civilian houses, leaving four people seriously wounded and three others slightly injured, according to multiple media outlets. Earlier in the day, South Korea and the United States held a combined live-fire exercise in Pocheon, mobilizing more than 160 pieces of military hardware, such as tanks, self-propelled howitzers, helicopters and fighter jets. Security personnel cordon off a civilian area where a fighter jet dropped bombs by accident during live-fire drills in Pocheon, South Korea, March 6, 2025. Seven people were injured Thursday after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills, the South Korean air force said. The KF-16 fighter jet abnormally dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a live-fire range in the inter-Korean border town of Pocheon, some 40 km north of the capital Seoul, at about 10:00 a.m. local time. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) This photo shows a building damaged after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills in Pocheon, South Korea, March 6, 2025. Seven people were injured Thursday after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills, the South Korean air force said. The KF-16 fighter jet abnormally dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a live-fire range in the inter-Korean border town of Pocheon, some 40 km north of the capital Seoul, at about 10:00 a.m. local time. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) An ambulance is seen near a civilian area where a fighter jet dropped bombs by accident during live-fire drills in Pocheon, South Korea, March 6, 2025. Seven people were injured Thursday after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills, the South Korean air force said. The KF-16 fighter jet abnormally dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a live-fire range in the inter-Korean border town of Pocheon, some 40 km north of the capital Seoul, at about 10:00 a.m. local time. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) This photo shows a building damaged after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills in Pocheon, South Korea, March 6, 2025. Seven people were injured Thursday after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills, the South Korean air force said. The KF-16 fighter jet abnormally dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a live-fire range in the inter-Korean border town of Pocheon, some 40 km north of the capital Seoul, at about 10:00 a.m. local time. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) This photo shows a building damaged after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills in Pocheon, South Korea, March 6, 2025. Seven people were injured Thursday after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills, the South Korean air force said. The KF-16 fighter jet abnormally dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a live-fire range in the inter-Korean border town of Pocheon, some 40 km north of the capital Seoul, at about 10:00 a.m. local time. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Rescuers leave a civilian area where a fighter jet dropped bombs by accident during live-fire drills in Pocheon, South Korea, March 6, 2025. Seven people were injured Thursday after a fighter jet dropped bombs on South Korea's civilian area by accident during live-fire drills, the South Korean air force said. The KF-16 fighter jet abnormally dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a live-fire range in the inter-Korean border town of Pocheon, some 40 km north of the capital Seoul, at about 10:00 a.m. local time. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Editor: JYZ New Delhi, March 7 : In a step towards promoting biodiversity within the urban landscape, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on Friday inaugurated the Amrut Biodiversity Park in the Yamuna Floodplains and described rejuvenation of the river as the government's top priority. Speaking on the occasion, LG Saxena said, "Restoration and rejuvenation of Yamuna flood plains is the top priority of the government. Green Delhi is our priority and we will leave no stone unturned to work towards it in a mission mode." The event was also attended by Member of Legislative Assembly Abhay Verma, Chief Secretary Dharmendra, Vice Chairman DDA Vijay Kumar Singh and other government officials. Developed as part of the Yamuna floodplain restoration scheme by the Delhi Development Authority, Amrut Biodiversity Park spans over 90 hectares on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River. This previously underdeveloped area, which was used for agriculture, nurseries, and settlements, had experienced prolonged depletion of its natural floodplain, soil texture, and native plant communities. "The site has a flat topography with an overall slope away from the Yamuna River, forming small catchment zones that collected water from annual inundation, which also resulted in the formation of gullies within the site," said a DDA official. Given the site's susceptibility to flooding, the park's landscape features have been strategically designed to manage stormwater, reduce flood risks, and improve the local water table through natural filtration. The six water bodies in the park have the capacity to hold 225 million litres of water. Slopes have been reinforced with jute, and grass has been planted to stabilise these slopes, as the area is prone to inundation during high floods. Kachha pathways have also been developed for walking and jogging amidst the natural plantation, the official said. As part of the efforts to restore biodiversity, approximately 14,500 trees of various species, including Neem, Kachnar, Cluster Fig, Peepal, Pilkhan, Chilbil, Senegalia catechu, Champaca, Mango, Mahua, Spanish Cherry, Kaim, White Mulberry, Kadamba, Jangal Jalebi, Kanak Champa, Amla, Karanj, Elaeocarpus ganiturs, Ashoka Tree, Jamun, Trumpet Tree, Imli, Tamarix, Teak, Arjuna, Baheda, Siris, Kala Siris, Star Fruit, and Madagascar Almond, have been planted here by National Botanical Research Institute, said a statement. Additionally, about 18,000 shrubs and approximately 3.21 lakh riverine grasses have been planted, establishing robust riverine grass communities. To foster public engagement with nature, two public interfaces have been established along NH-24, near the CWG Village. These areas offer amenities that connect visitors with the natural environment, even during flood-induced inundation periods. By integrating nature into the heart of the city and along the major highways, Amrut Biodiversity Park will contribute to cleaner air, cooler urban temperatures, and a healthier environment, addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation, said the statement. This park will not only offer respite to the city's residents but also restore the local ecosystem, and promote water conservation, it said. Seoul, March 7 : A South Korean man, presumed to be supporting impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, was in critical condition on Friday after setting himself on fire, police said. The 79-year-old man, whose name was withheld, set fire to himself on the rooftop of a building near Seoul City Hall at around noon, according to the police. He was taken to a hospital and remained in serious condition, Yonhap news agency reported. The man carried printed materials denouncing the opposition bloc, while supporting Yoon. Earlier in the day, a South Korean court ordered the impeached President to be released from custody after accepting his request to cancel his arrest over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Yoon has been held at a detention centre in Uiwang, just south of Seoul, since investigators detained him and brought him there on January 15 on charges of inciting an insurrection through his December 3 declaration of martial law. With his release, Yoon will be able to stand trial without physical detention. The Seoul Central District Court announced its decision about a month after Yoon's legal team filed the cancellation request claiming the prosecution's indictment of him on January 26 was illegal as it came a day after his detention period had expired. Detained suspects can be held longer if indicted within their detention period. Prosecutors countered that the indictment took place within the set period, as the criminal procedure code dictates it should be counted in days, not in minutes and hours, as claimed by Yoon's legal team. In siding with Yoon, the court explained that the detention period should be calculated in hours and his indictment took place outside the period. If Yoon, who was elected in May 2022 for a single, five-year term, is formally removed from office, a snap election will be held within 60 days. However, if the impeachment is dismissed, Yoon will immediately resume his duties. New Delhi, March 7 : Vice-Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Kuljeet Singh Chahal on Friday honoured the achievements of female employees and stressed on women empowerment on the eve of International Women's Day. New Delhi, March 7 (IANS) Vice-Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Kuljeet Singh Chahal on Friday honoured the achievements of female employees and stressed on women empowerment on the eve of International Womenas Day. Chahal acknowledged the crucial role and contributions of women in society and highlighted the key initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for womenas development and empowerment. He said that by introducing 33 per cent reservation for women in politics, the Prime Minister has set a new benchmark for womenas empowerment. Chahal further stated that with a vision of women-centric development and women-led governance, the appointment of Rekha Gupta as Delhias Chief Minister marks a new beginning for women across the country. He also emphasised that India is entering a new era, where President Droupadi Murmu stands as a strong symbol of the increasing role of women in leadership. He stated that under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, India is taking historic strides in womenas empowerment, ensuring greater representation and opportunities for women in all spheres of society. A Holi Milan programme was also organised by the NDMC Women Employees Welfare Association and the NDMC Welfare Department at the NDMC Convention Centre, Jai Singh Road. The event was attended by MP Bansuri Swaraj as the Chief Guest. Other guests included Sarita Tomar, NDMC Member/Patron, Rashmi Singh, IAS, Commissioner, Jammu & Kashmir, and Aarti Upadhyay, Entrepreneur/Social Worker, along with other NDMC Council Members D.P. Singh and Anil Valmiki. New Delhi, March 7 : To mark the International Women's Day observed on March 8, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has released the 'Cyber Security Handbook for Mahila Suraksha', a comprehensive guide aimed at empowering women. New Delhi, March 7 (IANS) To mark the International Women's Day observed on March 8, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has released the aCyber Security Handbook for Mahila Surakshaa, a comprehensive guide aimed at empowering women. The handbook would promote essential cyber hygiene practices by providing the best practices that women can adopt to safeguard their online presence and stay protected in todayas digital world, said a statement. CERT-In regularly carries out awareness activities to educate users about cyber security best practices to protect them against cyber security threats. CERT-In also publishes awareness booklets and posters through its website and social media handles on a regular basis to promote cyber awareness across the country. With a vision of proactively securing the countryas cyberspace, CERT-Inas mission is to enhance the security of India's Communications and Information Infrastructure through proactive measures and effective collaboration. CERT-In focuses on preventing cyber attacks, responding to incidents to minimise damage and recovery time, and raising cybersecurity awareness among citizens. Designated as the national agency under the Information Technology (Amendment) Act 2008, CERT-In performs key functions such as collecting, analysing, and disseminating cyber incident information, issuing forecasts and alerts, implementing emergency response measures, and coordinating national cyber incident response activities. Earlier, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) spearheaded a nationwide awareness campaign on Safer Internet Day, observed on February 11, 2025, to promote safe and responsible use of the Internet. Organised under the theme aTogether for a Better Interneta, the campaign aimed to educate and sensitise Internet users about cyber hygiene, online safety practices, and emerging cyber threats. This initiative was conducted under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) programme in collaboration with NIC, NIXI, C-DAC, NIELIT, MyGov, NeGD, and various partner institutions. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) played a crucial role in amplifying the outreach efforts through its extensive digital infrastructure and communication networks. As part of this extensive campaign, 1,521 awareness workshops were conducted across 35 States/UTs, 599 districts, 493 blocks/tehsils, and 134 gram panchayats, reaching over 3.08 lakh beneficiaries. These workshops covered key topics such as cyber threat mitigation, digital security best practices, and responsible online behaviour. Additionally, a series of expert talks, quizzes, and competitions were organised to further reinforce awareness. Mumbai, March 7 : Phi Commerce, a SaaS-based omnichannel payment solutions provider, saw its losses surge threefold in the fiscal year ending March 2024 (FY24) to Rs 28.9 crore as compared to Rs 9.4 crore in the previous fiscal year (FY23). The primary reason behind the surging losses was the companyas expansion efforts and rising operational costs. The companyas total expenses soared by 137 per cent to Rs 116.6 crore in FY24 from Rs 49.2 crore in the previous year. Payment processing charges were the biggest cost, rising 2.6 times to Rs 70.5 crore and accounting for 60 per cent of total expenses. Employee benefit costs also jumped by 109 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 27.8 crore. Other expenses, including legal fees, platform support charges, and share-based compensation for consultants, further added to the rising costs. Due to the sharp increase in spending, Phi Commerceas losses widened substantially. The company spent Rs 1.44 to earn every Rs 1 in FY24. Its return on capital employed (ROCE) stood at (-) 40.18 per cent, while the EBITDA margin was (-) 35.11 per cent. However, the Pune-based firm recorded a significant jump in operating revenue, reaching Rs 81.2 crore in FY24, up from Rs 34.7 crore in FY23, according to its financials. The company primarily earns revenue from commissions on GMV settlements with merchants, which contributed Rs 72.3 crore, or nearly 90 per cent of its total operating income in FY24. It also made money from technology infrastructure and value-added services for payment aggregation. Additionally, the firm generated Rs 3.4 crore in interest income from fixed deposits and non-current investments. As of March 2024, Phi Commerce had total current assets worth Rs 107.7 crore, with Rs 64.6 crore held in cash and bank balances. The company has raised $14 million in funding so far, including a $10 million Series A round led by BEENEXT, with participation from Opus Ventures. Opus Ventures remains its largest external stakeholder, followed by BEENEXT, according to data from TheKredible. Phi Commerce operates in the digital payments space with its flagship product, PayPhi, which provides businesses, banks, and networks with a unified omnichannel payments platform. Chennai, March 7 : The Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada versions of the much-awaited Hindi entertainer 'Pintu Ki Puppy' has been titled 'Kiss Kiss Kissik' and will release on March 21 along with the Hindi version, its makers announced on Friday. Chennai, March 7 (IANS) The Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada versions of the much-awaited Hindi entertainer 'Pintu Ki Puppy' has been titled aKiss Kiss Kissika and will release on March 21 along with the Hindi version, its makers announced on Friday. The prestigious production house, Mythri Movie Makers, will be releasing the film on a grand scale in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. The trailer of this film is to be released on March 8. The film, which is a complete entertainer with love, comedy, and action, will revolve around the character of a mischievous boy named Pintu. The story will revolve around Pintu as he navigates the unexpected twists and turns of love and life. The film, its makers claim, will captivate audience like a rollercoaster with emotion, laughter, and surprises. Producer Vidhi Acharya expressed his excitement and said, "We are very proud of aPintu Ki Puppy'. It has brought together an amazing cast and team and we look forward to the audience experiencing the magic we have created." The film introduces Sushant, Janya Joshi, and Vidhi, along with a key cast including Vijay Raj, Murali Sharma, Sunil Paul, Ali Asgar, Ajay Jadhav, Pooja Banerjee, Aditi Sanwal, Rhea S. Soni, Urvashi Chauhan, Pyumori Mehta Das, Mukteshwar Ojha, and Ganesh Acharya. Music for the film is by Dr. Nitz and Sonny KC, Prasad S. Shafaat Ali, Sonal Pradhan and Ankit Sharmaa"Abhinav Thakur. Screenplay and dialogues for the film are by Anadi Sufi and Shiv Hare. Additional dialogues have been penned by Farhad Samji and Piyush Singh while additional screenplay is by Dr Shyamli Pandey. Cinematography for the film is by Ajay Pandey and editing is by Manoj Magar. Produced by Vidhi Acharya (V2S Production) and written and directed by Shiv Hare, the film is set for a grand theatrical release on March 21, 2025. New Delhi, March 7 : On the eve of International Women's Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with the crew members of Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP II), Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, of the Indian Navy through video conferencing. Their sailing vessel INSV Tarini, currently in the South Atlantic Ocean at a distance of 450 nautical miles from the previous port of call Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, is heading to Cape Town, South Africa. During the interaction, the Raksha Mantri lauded the courage, dedication, and resilience of the NSP II crew, who have embarked on a challenging voyage of circumnavigating the globe, as part of India's continued efforts to showcase Nari Shakti in high-endurance missions. He congratulated the crew for the remarkable milestones of crossing Point Nemo, the world's most isolated waters and sailing through the Drake Passage, one of the most treacherous water bodies. In a post on social media handle X, Rajnath Singh wrote, "On the eve of International Women's Day, I interacted with the amazing crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama II. Their courageous journey aboard INSV Tarini, tackling the immense challenge of circumnavigating the globe, stands as a beacon of Nari Shakti." "Their unwavering resilience, calm demeanour, and meticulous approach during extended periods of harsh maritime conditions while traversing thousands of nautical miles exemplify the exceptional capabilities of women today. As a proud Nation, we celebrate their unparalleled achievements and extend our heartfelt wishes for the successful completion of this remarkable expedition," he wrote. The Defence Minister reiterated the government's vision of a gender-inclusive armed force, encouraging more young women to aspire for careers in defence and adventure sports. He acknowledged the invaluable role of women in bolstering national security and reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding opportunities for women in the defence sector. Dublin, Mar 7 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday held discussions with Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris in Dublin, focusing on a "new Action Plan" to reinvigorate ties between the two countries. The two ministers discussed cooperation in several areas, including trade, investment and technology linkages, setting up of a Joint Economic Commission besides sharing views on the regional and global developments, including the Ukraine conflict, West Asia, Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific, India-EU cooperation and multilateralism. "A warm and open meeting with Tanaiste and Foreign Minister Simon Harris of Ireland this morning in Dublin. We discussed our bilateral cooperation, including a new Action Plan to reinvigorate ties. Agreed to set up a Joint Economic Commission to increase our trade, investment and technology linkages," EAM Jaishankar posted on X. Harris said that Friday's decision to establish a Joint Economic Commission will deepen ties between the two countries even further. "Great to welcome India's Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Ireland today a" the first senior visit from India in a decade. With two-way trade already at a16 billion, we're committed to strengthening every opportunity for growth, investment, and collaboration, Ahead of minister Jaishankar's visit, the Irish Deputy PM had expressed hopes of engaging in talks on a range of bilateral and global issues, including discussing the Irish government's priorities for strengthening its relationship with India, as outlined in Ireland's Asia Pacific Strategy. "Minister Jaishankar's visit also provides an opportunity to recognise the many historic and cultural links between our countries, as well as the growing and vibrant Indian community in Ireland who make such an important contribution to Irish society," said Harris. The two-way trade between Ireland and India continues to grow substantially, each year. India is also recognised as an increasingly important strategic partner for the European Union with significant negotiations underway to conclude a Free Trade Agreement. Such an Agreement, if concluded, would be of significant mutual benefit to both sides with Ireland well placed to capitalise on the increased trade and investment opportunities arising. "We will discuss how we can best work together at a multilateral level to continue to uphold the values of democracy and of rule of law and in support of conflict resolution globally," Harris added. This is the first high-level visit to Ireland from India since the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. India and Ireland share friendly bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural ties, and growing economic engagements. India-Ireland interactions date back to the 19th century when a significant number of Irishmen joined the British Civil Service, medical, engineering and army services, the MEA said. Before concluding his Dublin visit, EAM Jaishankar also paid tributes to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at the St Stephenas Green Park in Dublin. Gandhinagar, March 7 : The Gujarat government has provided Rs 1,333.62 crore in assistance to farmers affected by crop damage in 2024 under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Over the past five years, a total of Rs 7,802.4 crore has been allocated, with Rs 5,852.8 crore contributed by the central government (75 per cent) and Rs 1,949.6 crore by the state government (25 per cent). Minister Balvantsingh Rajput, responding on behalf of the Chief Minister in the state Assembly, revealed the data and said that the government remains committed to supporting farmers, youth, women, and the underprivileged. He emphasised that the Gujarat government has always stood by its citizens during natural disasters, ensuring financial relief based on SDRF norms. The Gujarat government, in coordination with the central government, has allocated a total of Rs 7,802.4 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) over the past five years to support those affected by natural calamities. Of this amount, the central government contributed Rs 5,852.8 crore, accounting for 75 per cent of the total, while the Gujarat government provided Rs 1,949.6 crore, covering the remaining 25 per cent. In 2024 alone, the state distributed Rs 1,333.62 crore to farmers who suffered crop losses due to unseasonal and heavy rainfall. These funds were allocated through the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department to mitigate financial hardships faced by the agricultural community. The SDRF budget is utilised to provide compensation and assistance in various disaster-related scenarios, including loss of human life, injuries, damage to houses, loss of livestock, and destruction of crops. Additionally, funds are directed towards providing fodder aid, financial support to fishermen for damaged boats and nets, and assistance to artisans and handloom workers who suffer losses due to disasters. Kohima, March 7 : An all-party delegation, led by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, would soon meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to urge him not to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with neighbouring Myanmar. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) last year announced that the FMR, which allows people residing along the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each otheras territory without a visa, would be scrapped soon. Instead, the MHA decided to replace the FMR to adopt a new scheme to issue a pass to the border residents of both India and Myanmar living within 10 km on either side of the frontier to regulate cross-border movements. The Nagaland Assembly on Friday unanimously decided that an all-party delegation would meet the Union Home Minister to explain to him the "sentiment and resentment of the Naga people" against the MHAas decision to cancel the FMR between India and Myanmar. Participating in the discussion on the issue, the Chief Minister told the house that the restriction would affect the long-standing historical, ethnic, social, cultural, tribal and economic ties of Nagas living on both sides of the India-Myanmar border. The delegation would apprise the Home Minister about the concerns and unanimity of the house, which adopted unanimous resolutions passed on March 1, 2024, and the state cabinet decisions of February 8, 2024, and January 6, 2025. The Nagaland and Mizoram governments and a large number of political parties in the two northeastern states have been opposing both border fencing and the FMR. Four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram -- share a 1,643-km unfenced border with Myanmar. The MHA had earlier decided to erect fencing on the entire porous border, known for the smuggling of arms, ammunition, narcotics and various other contrabands, at a cost of Rs 31,000 crore. Meanwhile, the Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh governments, however, separately urged the MHA to erect fencing along the India-Myanmar border to prevent illegal trades of arms, ammunition, varied drugs and many other contrabands besides illegal cross-border movements of inimical elements. --IANS sc/vd (Photo provided to Guangming Online) On March 3, a total of 137 representatives attended the event Ambassadors Face to Face with CNNC (China National Nuclear Corporation) hosted in Beijing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, including 32 ambassadors, 8 charges daffaires and 1 representative from international organizations, as well as personnel from the Office of Commercial Development of Haiti in China. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) Zhang Kai, deputy general manager of CNNC, participated in the discussions and delivered a speech. Li Jinjin, deputy director-general of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Zhu Kai, director of the Bureau of International Cooperation of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, also attended the event. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) During the discussions, Zhang Kai welcomed the visiting diplomats. He emphasized that CNNC adheres to the initiative put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping for building a community with a shared future for mankind, upholding the principles of openness, sharing, cooperation, and win-win outcomes. Being proactive in the concepts of peace and development, CNNC has established stable partnerships with over 60 countries and regions globally and has undertaken in-depth collaboration with multilateral international organizations such as the IAEA and ITER, opening its nuclear research facilities and experimental platforms to the international community. As Chinas primary force in nuclear energy development, engineering construction, and technology application, CNNC remains committed to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, providing wisdom and diverse solutions in nuclear power technology, nuclear medicine, and nuclear irradiation for global sustainable development and the welfare of humanity. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) Zhang Kai highlighted the achievements by CNNC in clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient application of nuclear energy, including engineering construction capabilities and supporting operation and maintenance services for multi-type nuclear power plant products such as the Hualong One, China's third-generation nuclear reactor, the Linglong One multi-purpose small modular reactor, and the Generation IV high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. He also emphasized nuclear medical solutions like diagnostic nuclear medicine, radiotherapy equipment, and radiopharmaceuticals, along with irradiation technology applicable in agricultural breeding and food safety, showcasing the unique value of nuclear technology for global human health and well-being. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) During the event, the diplomats visited with great interest the exhibition by CNNC, focusing on presentations about CNNCs typological nuclear energy technologies, nuclear application solutions and international scientific collaboration. The delegation also toured the Beijing Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, the 101 Heavy Water Research Reactor, the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor, the Radiopharmaceutical Production Line, and the Key Laboratory of Nuclear Safeguard Technology at the China Institute of Atomic Energy of CNNC. Editor: Zhang Zhou Juba, March 7 : At least one United Nations (UN) personnel and several government soldiers were killed on Friday when a UN helicopter came under heavy gunfire in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, the UN mission said. In a statement issued in Juba, South Sudan's capital, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said the helicopter was conducting an evacuation mission in Nasir to rescue South Sudan People's Defence Force (SSPDF) soldiers who had been besieged for four days by the White Army armed group, which has been battling the SSPDF since last week. UNMISS said the attack killed one crew member and left two others seriously injured. "In addition, several members of the SSPDF, including an injured general, were killed during the attempt by UNMISS to extract them from the area, which was made at the request of all parties," the UN mission said. The mission said the evacuation was part of its efforts to prevent further violence in Nasir and ease political tensions following recent clashes between the SSPDF and armed youth that resulted in significant casualties and civilian displacement. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, expressed regret for the killings, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received, Xinhua news agency reported. UNMISS called for an investigation to identify and hold those responsible accountable. It also urged all parties to refrain from further violence and called on the country's leaders to take immediate action to resolve tensions through dialogue and prevent a further deterioration of security in Nasir and beyond. "It is vital that parties adhere to their commitment to uphold the ceasefire and protect the integrity of the Revitalized Peace Agreement," it said. Clashes erupted in Nasir on March 3 between the SSPDF and the local Nuer White Army, leading to the SSPDF's withdrawal from the town. The unrest also prompted the arrest of several senior army officers in the capital who were loyal to the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition, led by First Vice President Riek Machar. Bhopal, March 7 : Tension gripped Baktara town of Madhya Pradesh's Sehore district when a youth was found murdered on Friday morning. According to the police, the youth, of the Kirar community, had been stabbed to death and the incident led to an uproar, with enraged community members blocking roads by placing the dead body of the youth there. A few unknown people also set some properties on fire, and pelted stones at the police. The victim was identified as Bablesh Chouhan, aged around 30 years old. By Friday evening, local authorities summoned reinforcements and brought the situation under control. District Magistrate Balaguru K told IANS that the situation is now under control. "We promptly summoned the Quick Response Force from Bhopal and additional forces from nearby police stations. The victim had an altercation with his friend from the Dalit community. Both had been drinking together on Thursday evening when a verbal argument escalated under the liquor's influence, leading them to stab each other. The friend, Sanjay Ahirwar, managed to reach Shahganj police station despite his injuries and filed a complaint against Chouhan. An FIR was filed, but tensions soared when Chouhanas body was discovered on Friday morning," he said. Ahirwar, after informing the police, went to a hospital in Hoshangbad for treatment and was admitted. He was subsequently arrested as prima facie, his stabbing resulted in Chouhan's death, the District Magistrate said. Only a few days ago, a similar alarming incident had led to tension gripping the town after the Dalit community faced a boycott. A Dalit family faced backlash for constructing a house opposite the residences of influential individuals in Baktara town, and reportedly, as a punitive measure, the entire Dalit population in the area was deprived of their ration supplies. The influential community even threatened to impose a fine of Rs 1e lakh on anyone who assisted the Dalit community. It is alleged that members of an upper caste reportedly convened a Panchayat and decreed that the Dalits should be denied access to essential provisions such as ration, water, flour, pulses, and other groceries. They also proclaimed that individuals from the community should not be summoned for any labour, under the threat of a fine. The district administration's swift intervention had resolved the issue. The District Magistrate said that both incidents are separate. "Earlier, a different community had conflicts with the Kirar community. In Fridayas incident, it was a fight between two friends irrespective of their communities," he said. New Delhi, March 7 : Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan, during his visit to Australia, toured the historic Victoria Barracks, a landmark military facility known for its rich heritage and role in shaping strategic military planning and defence administration. At Victoria Barracks, the CDS was briefed by Brigadier Sean Parkes, Deputy G7 Army, on key strategic aspects of the Australian Army. According to the officials, the visit provided insights into the Australian Armyas operational framework and command structures. Gen Anil Chauhan was on an official visit to Australia from March 4 to 7. The Ministry of Defence said that this visit reflected the deepening ties between India and Australia in the realm of defence cooperation. During his visit, the CDS engaged in wide-ranging discussions with senior officials from the Australian including Australiaas Chief of Defence Force General Admiral David Johnston. Strengthening intellectual exchange, Gen Anil Chauhan also interacted with Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Sir Angus Houston, Board Director of Lowy Institute, as well as renowned strategic experts Dr Michael Fullilove and Sam Roggeveen. In the round-table at the Lowy Institute, Australiaas premier independent think-tank on international policy, engaging and in-depth issues on regional security, Indo-Pacific dynamics and emerging geopolitical challenges were deliberated. The discussions provided valuable perspectives on India-Australia defence cooperation, multilateral security frameworks, and strategic convergence in the Indo Pacific, official added. As part of the Defence Industry interface, Gen Anil Chauhan visited Advanced Navigation Systems and was given a detailed overview by Mark Le, Lead Executive Defence Indo-Pacific on cutting-edge technologies that enhance battlefield awareness, precision targeting and situational awareness in complex operational environments. Potential areas for collaboration in defence technology and innovation under India's Make In India initiative were deliberated. The visit also highlights opportunities for bilateral collaboration in maritime security, aerospace and next-generation defence systems. CDS also visited the Force Command Headquarters to gain insights into Australiaas operational command structure and discussed potential avenues for joint operations. During his visit General Chauhan interacted with the Australian Fleet Commander and the Joint Operations Commander, official added. New Delhi, March 7 : Amid a row over 'duplicate' voter identity card numbers, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said it would address the "decades-long" matter in the next three months. However, the Congress has rejected ECI's response, calling it "feeble and duplicitous". New Delhi, March 7 (IANS) Amid a row over 'duplicate' voter identity card numbers, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said it would address the "decades-long" matter in the next three months. However, the Congress has rejected ECI's response, calling it "feeble and duplicitous". The party has raised concerns over the integrity of the voter lists, which it claims are flawed and dubious. "The Congress rejects this feeble and duplicitous explanation by the ECI and reiterates its demands to come clean on the sanctity of voter lists in India," the grand old party's Empowered Action Group of Leaders and Experts (EAGLE) said in a statement on Friday. EAGLE was set by the Congress party to keep a "bird's eye view" of elections in the country and "monitor the conduct of free and fair elections by the Election Commission of India". The panel includes Ajay Maken, Digvijaya Singh, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Praveen Chakravarty, Pawan Khera, Gurdeep Singh Sappal, Nitin Raut, and Vamshi Chand Reddy. "The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a duplicitous response on the issue of same voter IDs being allotted to multiple voters. The ECI, in its response, hides behind its processes to offer a feeble explanation," added the statement. According to the statement, the ECI has been forced to admit that its voter lists are flawed and not trustworthy. The EAGLE statement further explained that "the Election Commission, in a letter issued on September 18th, 2008, to Chief Electoral Officers of all States, had said that 'voter-IDs are unique'. However, the ECI today says, the issue of duplicate voter-IDs is a "decades long issue". "Which statement of the ECI should the citizens of India believe? Why should an average Indian voter today trust the Election Commission?" the party questioned. "How is it that 17 years later, ECI speaks of constituting a body to clean up this process of multiple voter-IDs? Was the ECI then all along misrepresenting to the voters of India that the 'voter-IDs were unique'? If yes, then what are the other processes which ECI has been misrepresenting to its citizens?" the Congress questioned. The Congress leaders said that the initial response of the Election Commission to these questions was to defend itself by stating that 'this could happen only across states'. "But there are instances with clear evidence of many voters with the same voter-ID in the same assembly constituency in the same state," the party said, asking: "Is the ECI then lying? As the issue of duplicate voter-IDs clearly is not across different states, but rather in the same state and, in many cases, in the same constituencies." The party has asked why there has been a deafening silence on Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi's demand from Election Commission to provide a copy of the Maharashtra voter rolls. "This only reaffirms what the Congress party has been asserting - voter lists under the current ECI are dubious and flawed," said the Congress. Kolkata, March 7 : West Bengal Governor C.V Ananda Bose, on Friday, assured the vice-chancellors of state-run universities to speak to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the issues of increasing incidents of campus violence in the state. One of the participants in the meeting between the Governor and the vice- chancellors of state-run universities on Friday said that the Governor expressed concern over two issues. "The first issue is rising incidents of campus violence in the state and second is rampant consumption of addictive substances within the campus," he said. The meeting was convened by the Governor in wake of the ruckus within the campus of Jadavpur University on March 1 in which two students were injured and hospitalised "allegedly and deliberately" being hit by the vehicle of the West Bengal education minister Bratya Basu. He also said that while admitting that in-campus violence happens in other states and that did not mean that the same thing will happen in West Bengal as well. It is learnt that the Governor during the meeting specially emphasised on the installing of adequate number of CCTV cameras within the university campus and instruction "mental health support services" there. "There after the Governor said that it is high time that the state government should think seriously on two issues. However, the Governor refused to elaborate on these two issues unless he speaks to the Chief Minister in the matter," said a participant at the meeting. It is learned that a total of 18 vice-chancellors were present at the meeting convened by the government. Out of them 10 were present physically, while eight other were present virtually. The ruckus broke out within the university campus on Saturday when the Minister's car was allegedly stopped after it entered the campus, and a scuffle followed. The students were demanding immediate elections for the university's students' council. The agitating students alleged that while Basu decided to leave the campus in the face of the protests, his vehicle deliberately hit the two agitating students, following which they were severely injured and had to be hospitalised. Amid the protests, the Minister received minor injuries and fell sick. He was taken to the state-run S.S.K.M. Medical College & Hospital and was discharged later. Gurugram, March 7 : A cyber crime team of the Gurugram Police has arrested three persons including a woman for allegedly providing a bank account to cyber fraudsters in the name of customer service, officials said. The accused were identified as Nilofar and Abhishek, residents of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and Harshit Shukla, a resident of Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. According to the police, a complaint was received on February 13 at the Cyber Crime Police Station (South). The complainant stated in his complaint that he searched and inquired about the number of India Post on Google. "When he contacted that particular number, the persons on the other side cheated him of Rs 95,000 by engaging him in conversation," the complainant told the police. Based on his complaint, a case was registered under section 318(4), 319 at the police station. During the investigation, a police team led by inspector Naveen Kumar, SHO of the said police station took action and with the help of police technology arrested the trio accused on Thursday. During the interrogation, it was found that all the accused had owned fake Aadhaar cards made on Delhi address and through that, they had opened many bank accounts in their name. "The accused used to make those bank accounts available to cyber criminals for which the accused used to get Rs 5000 for one bank account," Sandeep Kumar, spokesperson of the Gurugram Police said. The police recovered three mobile phones, three SIM cards, three ATM cards, eight chequebooks and 11 passbooks from the possession of the accused. Further action is being taken in the case as per the rules. An investigation of the case is underway. Senior police officers of Gurugram claimed that the police are closely working with other agencies and organisations to counter cyber fraud. In view of the increasing cyber crimes, Gurugram Police is taking immediate action against cyber criminals. "Gurugram Police is working with full dedication to stop the increasing cybercrime and catch the criminals," Kumar said. Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 7 : Amidst the appallingly poor financial situation that Kerala is going through, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to meet Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday. This was announced by former Congress leader and Union Minister K.V. Thomas, who after parting ways with the party, has become close to the CPI-M-led Left in Kerala. Given his long experience in the Centre, he is presently the state representative stationed in Delhi and is playing the role of interlocutor between the Centre and the state. Thomas, who holds a state cabinet minister rank, on Friday met with Sitharaman ahead of Vijayanas official meeting with her. Vijayan will be raising, among other things, the special package that has been demanded for landslide-hit Wayanad and also about a possible relief for the hapless Asha workers whose protest before the state Secretariat demanding higher wages entered the 26th day on Friday. But Thomas, speaking to the media in Delhi, lost his cool when he was repeatedly asked about the steps taken by the Vijayan government to end the ongoing protest of the Asha workers. "There are other issues and not just the Asha workers protest," a peeved Thomas said, as he walked away. Incidentally, pressure is mounting on Vijayan over the steps taken by the Centre towards rebuilding Wayanad, which was hit by a landslide on July 30 last year, leaving four villages devastated and claiming 254 lives. While the Vijayan government was expecting a Rs 2,500 crore rehabilitation fund, on February 14, the Centre informed the state Finance Department that a loan of Rs 529.50 crore has been sanctioned for various rehabilitation projects in landslide-hit areas. However, the Centre had pointed out that this amount has to be utilised before March 31 Vijayan, in his upcoming meeting with Sitharaman, will be seeking more time for utilisation of funds that have been sanctioned, and will be seeking a grant also as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he asked the state government to submit a detailed memorandum during his visit to Wayanad, soon after the tragedy. sg/ Surat, March 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Gujarat, emphasised his government's commitment to poverty alleviation and infrastructural development, stating that "25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty" under his leadership. A grand roadshow welcomed him, with thousands of supporters lining the streets. Surat, March 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Gujarat, emphasised his government's commitment to poverty alleviation and infrastructural development, stating that "25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty" under his leadership. A grand roadshow welcomed him, with thousands of supporters lining the streets. After completing official engagements in Silvassa, he returned to Surat, where he was received by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister CR Patil at a helipad near Capital Square. Following the procession, PM Modi addressed a massive public gathering, outlining the government's efforts in economic and social development. Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel lauded PM Modi's leadership, saying that "true empowerment of the poor has taken place". He highlighted that under PM Modi's tenure, welfare initiatives have reached the grassroots, directly benefiting the marginalised. CM Patel cited key initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, which provided free food grains to millions, and the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, aimed at uplifting skilled artisans. He also noted that PM Modi had personally acted as a guarantor to help small street vendors secure loans of up to Rs 50,000, ensuring financial self-reliance among the working class. "The government has worked relentlessly to ensure that no one is left behind," Patel stated, emphasising that the benefits of economic growth were being distributed across all sections of society. Union Minister and Gujarat BJP President C.R. Patil underscored the government's efforts toward the welfare of disabled individuals, pointing out that "2.49 crore differently-abled citizens have received assistive devices, ensuring their economic and social inclusion". He highlighted a substantial increase in budget allocations for disability welfare, which rose from Rs 565 crore in 2014 to Rs 1,275 crore in 2024. Additionally, PM Modi-led government has improved accessibility at over 700 railway stations, 80 airports, and more than 1,000 bus terminals, making transportation more inclusive. C.R. Patil further stated that job reservations for disabled individuals had been increased from 3 per cent to 4 per cent in government employment and from 3 per cent to 5 per cent in higher education, providing them with greater opportunities. During his speech, PM Modi reiterated his vision of sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. He emphasised the importance of maintaining cleanliness and ensuring holistic development that benefits every section of society. "My government has always prioritised the welfare of the poor, the marginalised, and the underprivileged. We are not just building infrastructure, we are building a strong foundation for an inclusive and prosperous India," he said. The visit also marked the launch of the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, a scheme aimed at providing free food grains to the needy, which has already benefited millions across the country. PM Modi expressed his government's unwavering commitment to improving the standard of living for all citizens, stating that the reforms and policies implemented over the past decade had laid the groundwork for a "New India" where economic growth and social justice go hand in hand. His address concluded with a call to action for continued development and national progress, reinforcing the government's focus on infrastructural advancements and welfare programmes. Bhubaneswar, March 7 : The first day of the second phase of the budget session on Friday witnessed aggressive protests by the legislators of opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress over disrespect to former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik and rising incidents of violence against women in Odisha. Amid the opposition pandemonium, speaker of Odisha Assembly Surama Padhy adjourned the House till Monday. As soon as the proceedings of the house began on Friday, several members of the opposition BJD and Congress who were gathered near the podium of the Speaker started shouting slogans holding placards. Speaker Padhy first adjourned the house till 12 p.m. and later till 4 p.m. amid din by Opposition members. Meanwhile, the legislators of both Congress and BJD held protests under the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Biju Patnaik inside the assembly premises over safety of women in the state under the BJP rule and disrespect to the legendary 'Biju Babu'. As the opposition continued to create ruckus in the house even after the proceedings resumed at 4 pm, the speaker adjourned the house till Monday. Meanwhile, the opposition BJD legislators staged a walk out from the assembly and along with other party workers went to the Raj Bhavan to convey their concerns to governor Hari Babu Kambhampati. They submitted a memorandum to the governor seeking his intervention in the matter related to the 'arbitrary' shifting of Panchayati Raj Diwas to April 24 from March 5, the birth anniversary of Biju Babu. The party stated in the memorandum that the state cabinet in 1993 had decided to observe Biju Patnaik's birthday as the Panchayati Raj Diwas, acknowledging his contributions to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system. BJD asserted that this is the first celebration of Panchayati Raj Diwas in the entire country. The party claimed that Panchayati Raj Divas was observed on March 5 even during the Congress rule from 1995 to 2000 and BJD-BJP Coalition Government from 2000-2009. "Unfortunately, the present BJP government suddenly in the night of 3rd March, 2025 scrapped the Cabinet decision of 1993 by an executive order and announced shifting of Panchayati Raj and Lokaseva Divas to 24th of April with a political motive to demean the contribution of a towering personality like Biju Babu," alleged the party. The principal opposition party also raised objections over G.A. Department Notification that mentioned Bijayananda Patnaik in place of Biju Patnaik although he had been using the word Biju Babu for all official purposes since long. The party demanded that the legacy of Biju Babu as a national treasure should be carried on by Governments, no matter which party is in power. "We, therefore, demand and pray that the kind intervention of Hon'ble Governor would make the Government to reverse its executive order forthwith and restore the faith of four and half crore Odias in the undying legacy of the great freedom fighter Biju Babu," urged opposition BJD. New Delhi, March 7 : The Karkardooma Court on Friday granted a 15-day interim bail to the 2020 North-east Delhi riots accused, Shahrukh Pathan, who brandished a gun and pointed it at a police constable during the violence. Pathan, who is currently lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail, has been granted interim bail to attend to his father, who is unwell. The court granted interim bail to the Delhi riots accused on a personal bond of Rs 20,000 and a surety of the same amount. Abdullah Akhtar, counsel appearing for Pathan through video conferencing, said that his client has been in judicial custody since March 3, 2020, and has never been granted interim bail. Akhtar submitted that Pathan was granted parole to visit his ailing father and during the period of parole, the applicant complied with all the terms and conditions set by the court. "On March 1, 2025, the father of the applicant was admitted to RK Narender Prakash Hospital due to severe medical complications. The presence of the accused is urgently required during the pre and post-surgery period of his father. Further, there is no male member in the house of the applicant to look after his father," the counsel told the court. Pathan is accused in two cases related to the riots, including pointing a gun at Head Constable Deepak Dahiya and being involved in a plot to murder a man named Rohit Shukla. He was nabbed from Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district after he was caught on camera waving a gun at Delhi Police head constable Deepak Dahiya during the tensions in February 2020. An FIR was registered against Shahrukh Pathan on the statement of head constable Deepak Dahiya. As per his statement, he was present at a road in Jafrabad, under the Metro line, where many people had gathered illegally, and were raising slogans against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The members of the unlawful assembly had stones, bottles and pistols in their hands and started pelting stones on them. In the meantime, one person, carrying a pistol, ran towards him and fired 3-4 shots on the people around. When the accused was at a distance of around 9-10 feet from the complainant, he aimed the pistol at his head and fired with an intention to kill him. The complainant bent his head and somehow saved himself, the statement said. Shahrukh Pathan was booked for offences such as an attempt to murder, criminal force to deter public servant, and possession of a dangerous weapon. Later, charges for rioting and unlawful assembly were also added to the case. Naftogaz and ORLEN agree on supply of 100 mcm of LNG as part of broad cooperation in this area Naftogaz Group and the Polish oil concern ORLEN signed a memorandum of long-term cooperation in the field of liquefied natural gas (LNG), within the framework of which they concluded a contract for the supply of 100 million cubic meters of this fuel. "Within the framework of the memorandum of cooperation, Naftogaz and ORLEN have signed a contract for the supply of 100 million cubic meters of gas. The gas will come from a batch of liquefied natural gas that will be delivered to the terminal in Klaipeda (Lithuania). The gas will then be transported via the GIPL gas pipeline connecting Lithuania and Poland, and then through Polish territory to the interconnector on the Ukrainian border in Drozdovychi, where Naftogaz will receive it," Naftogaz Group's website said on Friday. As for the memorandum as a whole, which was signed by Head of Naftogaz Group Roman Chumak and Vice President of ORLEN Robert Soszynski, according to the report, it initiates long-term strategic cooperation between the companies and will allow Ukraine to create a more diversified gas supply system. "Ukraine has a powerful gas transportation system and the largest underground gas storage facilities in Europe, which creates unique opportunities for the development of the LNG market. Cooperation with ORLEN opens up prospects for strengthening energy security, diversifying supplies and integrating Ukraine into the European gas market," Chumak emphasized. According to Robert Soszynski, the memorandum between ORLEN and Naftogaz is the basis for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation in the important area of energy resource supply. "Our relations will be based on commercial terms, but securing an additional source of gas is vital for Ukraine also from the point of view of its security. It is thanks to diversification that ORLEN ensures stable gas supplies to Polish consumers and can be a reliable partner for foreign counterparties," he emphasized. Gandhinagar, March 7 : Over 1.5 lakh women in Gujarat have increased their incomes beyond Rs 1 lakh per year under the Central government's 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative, marking a major milestone in women's economic empowerment. Launched in 2023 with the goal of making 3 crore women financially self-reliant by 2027, the initiative has gained significant traction across India. Gujarat has seen 7.98 lakh women register, with a large percentage engaged in agriculture, handicrafts, and small businesses. One such inspiring story is that of Ramilaben Mukeshbhai Joshi from Alwada, Banaskantha. She started making 'Diwani Duvets' in 2024, and within just a year, her earnings surpassed Rs 1 lakh. "The self-help groups (SHGs) provided us with oxygen to live," says Ramilaben, highlighting the transformative impact of the initiative. The scheme assists rural women affiliated with SHGs in starting their own businesses, enabling them to earn an annual income of over Rs 1 lakh. Women are encouraged to venture into sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, and other local enterprises. The government provides training, financial aid, and market linkages to boost their incomes and create sustainable livelihoods. As of now, 7,98,333 women have registered under the scheme in Gujarat. Of these, 7,66,743 women are engaged in agriculture-based employment, while others have found financial stability in sectors like handicrafts, production, services, and small businesses. The initiative has gained immense traction in Gujarat, particularly in tribal regions. In districts like Navsari, Valsad, and Dang, 1,06,823 women have been identified under the scheme, with over 30,527 of them now earning more than Rs 1 lakh annually. One of the success stories emerging from the scheme is the Vanshree Restaurant in Karanjvel village, Vyara Taluka, Tapi district. Operated by Ramilaben Parshottambhai Gamit and ten other SHG members, the restaurant serves traditional tribal cuisine and has witnessed an impressive turnover growth. "We have been running this restaurant for four years. Initially, we received a Rs 50,000 loan for groceries and essentials. We have since repaid the loan, and now our monthly earnings range from Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh. In 2023, our turnover was Rs 40 lakh, which increased to Rs 41.88 lakh in 2024," said Ramilaben. She credits the government's support and proper guidance for their financial growth and stability. To ensure the successful implementation of the scheme, the Gujarat government has taken several key measures. At the taluka level, 124 master trainers have been appointed, who have trained over 10,000 women so far. These community resource persons (CRPs) work closely with SHGs, providing assistance and guidance. A digital livelihood register is maintained to monitor the progress of women entrepreneurs, facilitating training, financial aid, and market access. Bengaluru, March 7 : The Congress government has presented an anti-people, pro-Muslim budget, while also taking a record-breaking loan of Rs 1.16 lakh crore, marking the highest debt in Karnataka's history, said Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka. Bengaluru, March 7 (IANS) The Congress government has presented an anti-people, pro-Muslim budget, while also taking a record-breaking loan of Rs 1.16 lakh crore, marking the highest debt in Karnatakaas history, said Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka. Speaking to reporters after the budget presentation, he criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that this is his last budget, yet it contains no new announcements. Instead, the government has merely continued previous programmes without introducing any fresh initiatives. He pointed out that the government has postponed major irrigation projects in North Karnataka and Old Mysore regions, stating that they would continue only after central government approval. "This is just a waste of time, as nothing concrete has been decided," he remarked. Additionally, the government has set a Rs 60,000 crore target for the excise department and announced new bars and liquor outlets. He alleged that this move was aimed at silencing Congress MLAs by generating an additional Rs 40,000 crore in revenue from liquor sales. "The government has shifted from aAnna Bhagyaa (free food scheme) to aLiquor Bhagyaa (liquor scheme). They are increasing liquor revenue by Rs 4,000-5,000 crore to compensate for financial mismanagement," Ashoka criticised. He also warned that just like last year, the government might increase taxes post-budget, despite not announcing any tax hikes in the budget speech. He compared this to BJPas Basavaraj Bommaias budget, which was a surplus budget, whereas the Congress budget is full of deficits. He also noted that the 193-page budget document lacks any innovative measures. "This budget is purely aimed at repaying the Muslim communityas vote support," he claimed. Ashoka also criticised the Rs 40,000 crore allocation for tunnel projects in Bengaluru, calling it an unrealistic election stunt. He pointed out that the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) has not even been completed yet, and implementing tunnel projects is far-fetched. "Instead of addressing Bengaluruas real issues like potholes and garbage management, the government is trying to deceive people with such false promises. This is nothing but an election gimmick," he concluded. The budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, has failed to meet the expectations of the people of Karnataka, said Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra. Criticising the budget, Vijayendra stated that instead of announcing well-defined schemes with proper funding, the CM has made hollow promises to mislead the people. Vijayendra accused the budget of focusing primarily on appeasing the Muslim community under the guise of minority welfare. He criticised the lack of a comprehensive plan for the education sector and the absence of incentives for industries that could create employment opportunities. The BJP leader accused Siddaramaiah of using backward communities as a political tool while doing little for their actual progress. "Despite frequently mentioning the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, the CM has failed to introduce any meaningful programmes for their upliftment. Even the funds allocated in the previous budget for various backward-class, corporations have not been fully utilised," he claimed. Lastly, Vijayendra called out the government for failing to provide clarity on resource mobilisation, especially for funding new programmes and managing the deteriorating economic situation. He claimed that this budget is merely a showpiece, designed to deceive people rather than offering real solutions. Washington, March 7 : US President Donald Trump has said he wrote a letter to Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei inviting him to negotiate a deal. He did not divulge more. Trump divulged the communication to Iran in an interview. A short clip from the interview was released on Friday. He said the time for a deal with Iran "is coming up" in response to a question about his reaction to a Russian offer to help negotiate with Iran. "Something is going to happen one way or the other," he said further. "I hope that Iran, and I've written him a letter saying, I hope you're going to negotiate, because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them." "The other alternative is we have to do something because you can't let them have a nuclear weapon," he added, indicating a military solution. He had earlier in the response to the Iran question said there were only two ways Iran can be handled militarily or a deal. President Trump restored his 2020 policy of "maximum pressure" on Iran on February 4 "denying (it) all paths to a nuclear weapon, and countering Iran's malign influence abroad". But he has also said he was open to talks. The letter to Khamenei marks the first concrete step in that direction. There has been no response to Iran yet. But Khamenei said recently he is not in favor of direct talks with the Trump administration because it cannot be trusted. president Masoud Pezeshkian has said he is not averse to direct talks. "They have intensified all the sanctions and now they are saying that let's talk to each other," he has said. "First prove that you are open to dialogue and then we can talk to each other." But, in the end, Iran will go with the supreme leader's decision. Mumbai, March 7 : Bollywood multi-hyphenate, Farhan Akhtar, whose recent production 'Superboys of Malegaon' has been getting a lot of positive response, attended the launch of a helpline to help victims of cyberbullying and sextortion. The actor spoke with the media on the occasion, and lauded the initiative. The actor said that in cases of sextortion the victims should own up to their mistake, if they feel they have committed a mistake. The second step is to talk to people who could help them and give solutions to set the course right. He told the media, "Children while growing up due to shame or some accident, can harm themselves. So, 'Brush of Hope' is a very good thing. We have come here in support of it. So, I hope that through us and our friends, we can spread this awareness". When asked about how the problem area can be effectively tackled, the actor said, "It all comes down to shame. Everyone feels that what they have done is wrong. If you feel that you have made a mistake, the first thing you should do is to own up to your mistake. And you speak to people who can help you". "I would just say that the kind of structure that Maharashtra Cyber has made and the kind of helpline that Brush for Hope has created, that is very heartening to see. I am very happy that there are all these tools out there which can help boys, girls, men and women", he added. Cyberbullying and sextortion have emerged as a major threat in today's digital age, with an increasing number of people becoming victims of online abuse. Brush of Hope (BoH), a non-profit organisation, in collaboration with Maharashtra Cyber, has launched a dedicated helpline 022-65366666 to assist victims of cyberbullying and sextortion, the helpline aims to provide timely support by providing psychological counselling, legal guidance and emergency intervention, ensuring that affected people get the help they need without delay. The helpline will have two operational lines, which will be available six days a week from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, through which counselling will also be provided to the victims of cyberbullying. The launch was also attended by BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, and actress Jacqueline Fernandes. Yashasvi Yadav, ADG, Maharashtra Cyber, said that in today's time, women are victims of cyberbullying, sometimes they do not come to the police, it is their fear of their mind. The helpline will appeal to the victims to come forward so that they get justice. Washington, March 7 : US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened far-reaching sanctions against Russia until a ceasefire and a final settlement is reached with Ukraine. "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. "To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late." Russia launched a wave of aerial bombings early Friday hitting Ukraine with 67 missiles and 194 drones, according to Kyiv. Most of them were intercepted but some did make it through, hitting gas and power facilities. These threats were the first strong warnings for Russia from Trump, who had during the election campaign 2024 claimed the war would be over on the day he took office and even before. He had then, as now, also claimed Russia would have never invaded Ukraine if he was still president. The second claim cannot be tested but the first his confidence in finishing the war is being tested, as the war has been on for two months now after the start of his second term. President Trump has managed to strong arm Ukraine getting ready for a ceasefire and a final settlement. After a heated exchange with President Volodymyr Zelensky at an Oval Office meeting he announced a pause in all US aid to Ukraine, stopping even the exchange of intelligence. Mollified by a "regret" letter from Ukraine, Trump has said he is ready to work with Zelensky towards peace.Officials of the two sides are to meet next week for talks, including on a US-Ukraine agreement that will grant Washington rights in Ukraine's rich reserves of rare earth minerals. Aizawl, March 8 : Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday emphasised the need to preserve the rich traditions of Mizo ancestors, particularly the practice of Hawihhawmna, showing respect through both words and actions. The Chief Minister graced the state's most significant cultural festival, 'Chapchar Kut' and he was present on the opening day of the two-day carnival at the Assam Rifles ground in Aizawl as 'Kut Pa' (Father of the Festival). Addressing the festival, Lalduhoma stressed that values such as respect for elders, selfless service, mutual understanding, and helping one another in times of need are fundamental to maintaining social harmony and unity. He also spoke about the wisdom of Mizo ancestors, which continues to provide valuable guidance for both community well-being and economic progress. Mizoram's Art and Culture Minister C. Lalsawivunga served as the 'Kut Thlengtu' (Host of the Festival). This year's theme of the 'Chapchar Kut', "Zo Nun Ze Mawi-Hawihhawmna" (The Beautiful Zo Behaviour--Respect for Others), highlighted the importance of respect as a core value of Mizo society. The celebration featured vibrant cultural performances from various soloist and groups, including the Mizo Cultural Organisation, MZP Choir, Young Mizo Association, Art and Culture Department, PC Girls' School, Assam Cultural Troupe (NEZCC), Nagaland Cultural Troupe (NEZCC), Fiji Cultural Troupe (ICCR), Bawm Cultural Troupe, and the Hmar Cultural Troupe. The evening concluded with energetic performances by music bands, making the festival a grand showcase of Mizo culture and heritage. 'Chapchar Kut' literally means -- a festival held during the period when the bamboos and trees that have been cut down are being awaited to dry to be burnt for jhumming (slash and burn method of farming). During this brief layoff period of jhumming, the Mizo ancestors could have all the time for themselves. They spend their leisure hunting games, fishing, and others. The Chapchar Kut festival evolved sometime between 1450-1600 A.D. when the Mizo forefathers inhabit Lentlang. In the olden days, the festival could last for days and in the run-up to the grand finale, there were well laid down steps to be followed. Everyone in the village has a role to play; of course, the youths were most involved in every stage of the preparation and in the festival itself. Designed to be a festival of joy, all disputes and differences that may be there in the community should be settled, even altercation between married couples was a taboo during the celebration of the festival. Abundant supply of meat must be there and home brewed liqour must be over-flowing to keep their spirit high. They danced away all their cares and made merry all night long. That sums up how the Mizos celebrate Chapchar Kut in the olden days when they were heathens. Shel Silverstein was an irrepressible creative spirit and globetrotting troubadour who traveled around Europe, Asia, and Africa and wrote whenever inspiration hitin notebooks, on napkins, restaurant placemats, and paper bags. Born in Chicago in 1930, the childrens book author, illustrator, cartoonist, poet, playwright, and songwriter created endearing classics like The Giving Tree, A Giraffe and a Half, Dont Bump the Glump!, and Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?, all of which celebrated their 60th anniversaries in 2024, and Where the Sidewalk Ends, which turned 50. His books have sold 50 million copies worldwide, according to HarperCollins, and have been translated into 50 languages. Silverstein seemed to walk through life with a lightbulb of bright ideas shining over his headand when he died in 1999, he left behind a trove of notebooks, sketches, and musical recordings spread across homes in New York City, Key West, Marthas Vineyard, and Sausalito. These documents, and some of his possessions (library cards, decorative wood masks, rugs, and paintings), are housed at the Shel Silverstein Archives in Chicago. This repository of his work is managed by Silversteins nephew, Mitch Myers, a music journalist, and Silversteins niece, Liz Myers, a yoga instructor and Mitchs sisterwith assistance from senior archivist Joy Kingsolver, whos been working on the archive since 2002, and associate archivist Greg Pearson. When Shel died, we were all crushed, Mitch said of the family, which also includes Silversteins sister and his son, among others. The archive bought us together. PW was recently invited by the Silverstein family for an exclusive tour of the Shel Silverstein Archiveswhich are closed to the public. Mitch and Liz were there, along with Kingsolver, to give the tour. The Archives are located on an unremarkable street across from a trucking company, on the sixth floor of a fortress-like warehouse used to store fine art for museums, auction houses, and private collectors. Its not much to look at from outside, but stepping into the 6,000-square- foot, climate-controlled space is like walking into the colorful mind of Silverstein himself. There are shelves stacked with boxes filled with pages of Silversteins playful and poignant prose, some with handwritten editorial notes in the margins; sketches; and works-in-progress. On display on a table is his tattered sketchbook, open to a draft of Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out from Where the Sidewalk Ends, which has Wite-Out marks and his original drawings; and a paste-up of What if? from A Light in the Attic, which features his scribbled corrections in pen, and drawings of a walking carrot and teapot glued to the page, and is an example of how Silverstein adjusted his work before it went to press. Theres a media room with his records and guitars (He was an elementary musician, Mitch said of Silverstein, who wrote hit songs for Johnny Cash (A Boy Named Sue) and Loretta Lynn, but he knew three chords, no doubt!); rows of beat-up paperbacks salvaged from his houseboat in Sausalito (he liked sci-fi stories); and his extraordinary personal collection of childrens books, featuring copies of The Wizard of Oz and Charlottes Web; books of Ukrainian and Romanian folktales; and many rare and first editions, including board books from the 1910s. Growing up, the Myers siblings were close to Silversteina cool uncle who asked for their opinions on his work and encouraged them to pursue their dreams, and who always collected books. He didnt drive, Liz recalled. Hed walk from one used bookstore to the next and have them send books to his house. She grew emotional as she reflected on his impact. I dont know if I have anybody like that in my life now who loves to try new things as much as he did. He loved experiencing life. Like his peers Maurice Sendak and Dr. Seuss, Silverstein had strong opinions on childrens literature and didnt want to fill kids heads with happy endings that didnt mirror real life. Organizing his papers and creating and maintaining a database of his work has been an exciting, decades-long challenge for softspoken archivist Kingsolver, whos a whiz at remembering whats where. I like to create order, she said. Anything Shel saw was inspiration to create. The archive shows his creative process and how things flowed out of him. Keeping Silversteins work alive and introducing it to new generations is important to his familyas is Silversteins wish to only have his books published in hardcover. In the last years, the family have worked to digitize his music catalogue. He released more than 500 songs, which he either wrote or co-wrotetunes that over time have been re-recorded by musicians around the world. He also wrote hundreds of songs that have never been released. In addition to working on the music catalogue, the family have overseen the release of e-books of his classics, as well as three posthumous books (Runny Babbit, Runny Babbit Returns, and Everything on It). Theyre also planning to put out audiobooks and primers for young readers in the future. Alyson Day, Silversteins editor at HarperCollins, who worked on Runny Babbit Returns and Everything on It, has known the family professionally since 2008. A lifelong Silverstein fan, she still has her childhood copy of A Light in the Attic. Shel found humor in both light and dark moments, said Day. He had a grand, zany sensibility that really touches on your soul. The family are proud to be custodians of Silversteins legacy. Shel tried to speak to children on a one-to-one level, Mitch said. He wanted kids to believe in themselves and to follow their inner voice. Silverstein followed his voice, tooand his archive is a tribute to his circuitous artistic journey. Elaine Szewczyks writing has appeared in McSweeneys and other publications. Shes the author of the novel Im with Stupid. A week after Winter Institute 2025 wrapped up in Denver on February 26, the American Booksellers Association dedicated Thursdays issue of its weekly Bookselling This Week newsletter to respond to criticisms raised at a contentious WI2025 community forum. During that forum, booksellers criticized the ABA leadership and board for their refusal for more than a year to take a clear stand in support of indie booksellers who have been attacked for selling books about Palestine, as well as authors who are Palestinian and/or have spoken out against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. Other speakers raised concerns about double standards, some related to compensation, in the organization's treatment of its members. Booksellers had raised similar concerns at the community forum at WI2024 in Cincinnati. Perhaps John Evans, a past ABA board member who currently owns Camino Books in a San Diego suburb, summed it up best, when he said at the WI2025 community forum: "We aren't asking you to come out with a stance on the Israeli war. We are asking you to support booksellers in a censorious environment by making this statement publicly that it is not antisemitic to provide books to people who want them. All of this falls within the framework of a bookselling organization. This is not a political statement. This is a consensual, understood, fundamental principle of what we all do, and it's hurting us. You not supporting that. It's offending us." In a letter signed by all 12 ABA board members that appeared in BTW, the board emphasized that it, along with the staff of American Booksellers for Free Expression and ABA, condemns all attacks on bookstores, in particular the targeting of bookstores who have chosen to highlight Palestinian books and authors in their stores. Each bookstores curation is their own expression of their freedom of speech, and verbal attacks, demands to carry or not carry certain titles, and threats to stores are not acceptable. The board also promised to support any booksellers during times of persecution, harassment, curation challenges, and other attacks on booksellers and stores. The ABA wrote in a separate statement, which also appeared in BTW, that booksellers have been offered support, resources, education, crisis counseling, and provided with a hotline by ABA staff. This is the work that ABA is empowered to do by our ends policies and allowed to do as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association, the ABA declared. We cannot make a political statement on behalf of our members, but we can and do support our members in their right to express those views. The organization added: Book curation is a form of speech, and it must remain free. We condemn any harassment or threat to our members that aims to abridge this freedom. The ABA also emphasized that censorship of marginalized voices because of their identity is unacceptable. This includes censorship of Black and brown authors. This includes the censorship of LGBTQIA2S+ authors, emphatically including trans authors. This includes the censorship of Jewish and Muslim authors. And it includes the censorship of Palestinian authors, Palestinian books, booksellers who support Palestine, and booksellers who merely include Palestinian authors in their inventory. Trust Issues The ABA also used BTW to try to defuse additional complaints raised by booksellers at the community forum, including discrepancies in the financial compensation provided to speakers and panelists participating in Winter Institute, as well as restrictions placed on the freedom of expression of moderators of panels. The organization highlighted a statement explaining how compensation for speakers is determined, a subject raised in the meeting by Jazzi McGilbert, owner of Reparations Club in Los Angeles. I do appreciate their disclosure of their compensation policy because it confirms the issues Ive been raising" McGilbert told PW. "They sometimes make exceptions to their stated policy, and equity has not been my experience; Im not sure what the policy is if they can make exceptions at every turn. McGilbert explained that the ABA offered her a standard $100 honorarium to participate on an education panel, but denied her a one-day registration to the trade show. When McGilbert learned that similar presenters had received a complimentary registration, travel, and accommodations, she raised the issue with the ABA but was told she was incorrect; the ABA later acknowledged that compensation varied among panelists. "The notion that I was not receiving the same initial offer was troubling to me," McGilbert said. Nevertheless, she agreed to speak on the panel and pay for her own registration, at which point the ABA offered a scholarship to cover the registration cost. When all was said and done, I did not pay for my registration, McGilbert said, but that was not their initial offer, their second offer, or their third offer. It was made under duress. I have tried so many other avenues of trying to make them correct course, and the offer of a scholarship bothered her: "In my opinion, scholarships are need-based, and I don't want to take that away from anyone." Now, having spoken out about her treatment at the community forum, she said, I feel like Ive been demonized by the organization. McGilbert added that "the documented disparities in my casewhich the ABA has acknowledged in writingsuggest this review process has failed to produce the transparency or equity they claim to strive for. I've attempted to address these issues through internal channels, following the ABA's grievance processes. Instead of resolution, I experienced retaliatory actions" in private and by ABA staff during the community forum. "I remain committed to improving the ABA and advocating for equitable treatment of all booksellers, particularly Black booksellers and those from underrepresented groups," McGilbert said. In addition, the ABA noted in BTW that it had looked into an allegation made by Nadia Alawa, the owner of Mavey Books, in Ardmore, Pa., during the community forum, that at least three moderatorsincluding Alawa, who is Muslim, and Veronica Liu, the founder of Word Up Bookshop in New York City, who had spoken up about Gaza and its impact on U.S. booksellers at WI2024had been instructed by an ABA staff member during a pre-WI2025 moderator training Zoom call to resist going off topic during their sessions and to redirect any conversation about Palestine. Last year, ahead of WI2024 in Cincinnati, the ABA sent a memo to moderators providing them with a template response to employ in order to shut down any discussion of Palestine during their panel sessions; the ABA told PW that no such memo was issued this year, which was confirmed by the moderators PW spoke to. While several WI2025 moderators contacted by PW reported that they were not given any instructions about Palestine in their own trainings this year, Ashley Mireles-Guerrero, founder of Judging by the Cover Bookstore in Fresno, Calif., reported a similar experience to that of Alawa. Mireles-Guerrero said she was "given the directive not to field questions about 'the Israel/Palestine issue' as a moderator. It's distressing that an organization that claims to actively support free speech and expression explicitly asked us (its members and volunteers) not to speak freely." In BTW, the ABA acknowledged that a mistake had been made, writing that the staff member should not have used Palestine as an example. The example did not align with the trainings purpose and it contradicted ABAs explicit free expression value and commitment. The staff member has been addressed and training will be provided to all ABA staff to ensure that free expression continues to be supported at ABA events. Questions Remain Evans, of Camino Books, applauded the ABA's efforts to answer the calls for action. He said he hopes the organization's goal of transparency "extends not just toward members but outward to publishers, public figures, other cultural institutions and organizations, and the media. Censorship is never well-intentioned, even in defense of what you believe." He also sees improved communication as "a shared taskwe have to ask clear questions based on what we know are the limitations of the organizations mandate, and the board has to come to some kind of majority agreement to clearly respond. These things can take time." For others who spoke up at the forum last week, the ABA's statements don't go far enough. My questions remain mostly unanswered, Alawa told PW. Why are booksellers discouraged from free discussion at ABA events and panels, and who determines which topics members can discuss? What is the hidden agenda of which topics can be discussed? Does the board know that ABA restricts members from discussing certain topics? What other topics are being discouraged? Alawa argued that indie booksellers are obligated to speak up for the voiceless [and] battle ongoing censorship." These principles motivated her to step up when the ABA censored what we could talk about at panels and during the community forum. Ultimately, Alawa said, the ABA contradicted their commitment to transparency and improved communication when they took seven days to send out a commentary on their censorship and reaction to discussions of Palestine and Israel." Emily Autenrieth, owner of A Seat at the Table in Elk Grove, Calif., agreed with Alawa, saying that the ABA board's letter on combating transparency is half an answer and evades concerns. She points out that, between the first protest at WI2024 and the second at WI2025, a year went by before the ABA publicly acknowledged members' concerns over Palestine. The ABA has stood withand explicitly namedother groups whose rights, voices, and selves have faced erasure, Autenrieth said. We demand that [the organization] stop ignoring discrimination against one marginalized group while uplifting others." Alawa added that the ABA board's letters "assure us that we are all equal booksellers, but do not give any insight into censorship and free expression of opinion. We indie booksellers deserve, and many of us demand, full transparency on ABAs policy on freedom of expression, so we can share and tell the stories that matter to us and to our communities. This story has been updated with further information and for clarity. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is proposing to grant Ukraine privileged access to the European Union's single market as part of a final peace deal, The Telegraph said. "Lucrative access to a market of 449 million consumers would bring a much-needed economic boost to help rebuild the war-torn country, which is a candidate to join the EU. The plan would see Brussels choose which sectors to open up to Kyiv and which to keep closed," the publication said. It is noted that the key to this plan is Ukraine's rapidly developing defense industry, which produces a large number of drones, providing 55% of the weapons used by the Ukrainian army. Duty-free access to Ukrainian weapons would bring Kyiv money while also boosting the arsenals of EU countries rushing to increase defense spending and production. "It's already going in that direction," a senior EU official said, when asked whether the European Commission president was prepared to grant Ukraine an exemption from EU rules. Ideally, the plans would be part of an EU-wide final peace settlement, but they are not contingent on a deal, as exchanging access to the single market for weapons would accelerate Ukraine's membership of the bloc. "In defence, Ukraine has a lot to give. The integration of its highly innovative and thriving defence industry, with its capacity to scale, could be a firestarter for a much more integrated European defence market," EU's commissioner for enlargement Marta Kos said. "We are also working on plans to accelerate the integration of Ukraine into many more parts of the Single Market to attract more investments, to strengthen Europe-wide value chains, and to create new opportunities for both Ukrainian and European businesses. This will be a stepping stone to speed up the reconstruction of Ukraine," she said in her speech this week. The bloc has already moved to unify Ukraine's electricity market with the EU and will seek to deepen integration in the wider energy market. Opening up Ukraine's services sector has been discussed, as Kyiv is a major exporter of IT services and goods, with the largest number of outsourced developers in Eastern Europe. After the invasion, Ukrainian agricultural exports were exempted from tariffs, but an extension of EU agricultural subsidies to Ukraine is not under consideration. During the last week of Bidens presidency, the Vatican negotiated the removal of Cuba from the terrorism sponsors list in yet another example of its long-standing relationship with the Cuban dictatorship. Its time for the Church to stop whitewashing the regime and finally take a firm stand against the ongoing violations of human and religious rights. Here were the terms of the deal: The Cuban government would release 553 political prisoners, out of over 1200 that are incarcerated there. In addition, Cuba would lift restrictions on government entities like the Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), a military operated organization which controls the Cuban economy and contributes to keeping the regime in power. In exchange, the Vatican agreed to have Cuba removed from the terrorism sponsors list. Pope Francis proved a disappointing mediator. After being sworn into office, President Trump reinstated Cuba as sponsors of terrorism. Prisoner releases stopped immediately, and the regime once again showed its true colors: as usual it was using prisoners for political gain. Less than 200 prisoners have been released so far. The Vatican has not proven itself a champion of human rights, but an incompetent diplomat. The relationship between the Vatican and Cubas communist regime has been complex for over six decades. Following the Revolution of 1959, it appeared the Vatican had set the tone when it came to the new political order on the island, when Pope John XXIII excommunicated Fidel Castro in 1962 for his support of the communist ideology. Multiple papal visits followed through the years John Paul II in 1998, Benedict XVI in 2012 and Francis in 2015. While these visits offered some hope and somewhat encouraged religious tolerance, it's time for the Church to call for real change for the Cuban people. While Marxism and religion are philosophically opposed, Castro recognized in the 1980s that combining the two could be an explosive force. So, he changed his tune on religion and began using it for strategic manipulation. In 1990 The Sao Paulo Forum was created, gathering leftist political parties in Latin America with leaders that promoted a softer stance on religion and promoted liberation theology. This allowed figures like Hugo Chavez in Venezuela to claim Jesus as the first socialist and utilize religion in their favor to win the conservative vote. This socialist agenda has remained, and Pope John Francis just gave it a voice again. During his visit to Cuba in 1998, John Paul II negotiated the restoration of Christmas as a national holiday, after the celebration had been banned for 30 years. Originally from Poland, he played an important role in the fight against communism in the Soviet Union and was a great asset in bringing down the Iron Curtain alongside Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. Still, his visit to Cuba was a political triumph for the regime. Perhaps due to his advanced age and health, he did not criticize the government and no significant change resulted, apart from a public display of quasi-peace between the Cuban leader and the Vatican. Thats why, even with a legacy of opposing communism, John Paul IIs visit legitimized the Cuban regime more. Today, Pope Francis has an even softer stance when it comes to the Latin American left, in line with his background in liberation theology. Unlike his predecessors, he has never issued a strong condemnation of leftist authoritarian governments. Pope Francis focuses on dialogue and often points to economic disparities as the cause for political instability in the American continent. His reluctance to challenge left and right-leaning regimes equally has led many who once believed the church was an ally for human rights to call his motives into question. In the case of Cuba, major concessions were made during the Obama administration, such as new diplomatic relations, one-sided cultural exchange and a relaxation of embargo measures. All of these were made with the Vatican as a middleman, and none yielded positive results for the Cuban people. Raul Castro was also hosted at the Vatican in 2015 and Francis visited Cuba the same year. This approach, which some call diplomatic, not only failed to bring about real change but also emboldened a dictatorship that has shown the deepest disdain for Catholicism and its followers. Catholic leaders like Father Jose Conrado Rodriguez, who faces constant persecution, or protestants like Pastor Alain Toledano who had his church demolished, are just a few examples of the level of harassment religious leaders continue to face in Cuba. Catholic activists like the group Ladies in White have also been arrested and beaten many times as they protest peacefully. No improvements in religious freedom or human rights have come from the Vaticans diplomatic interventions in Cuba. The world needs the moral authority of the Church now more than ever. It needs that same church that has been a source of hope and guidance for many through difficult times. Cuba has played the role of evil genius for too long, destabilizing democracies in the hemisphere secretly while the world was preoccupied with the threat of other left-wing regimes over the past century. Cubans call on the Vatican to assume its responsibility once again as a fearless champion for the people. We call on Catholics to remain strong in their convictions so that the church will be held accountable, and we will never again be persuaded by the sweet sound of socialist lies. Gabriela Blanco is a speaker for the Dissident Project and the Gideons International as well as a member of the Ladies for Liberty. Instagram By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/07/2025 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 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. alum Kendall Long has welcomed her first child with husband Mitchell Sagely.Kendall, 33, took to Instagram Stories on March 5 to announce that she's given birth to a sweet baby."Hearts are SO full! Just enjoying our first few days as a family with the new BABE!" Kendall wrote. "Will share more soon."Kendall shared a picture of her newborn swaddled in a blanket, but she placed a big white heart over the baby's face.Kendall chose not to reveal the baby's sex or name in her initial Instagram Stories message, both announced both in a subsequent Instagram post on March 7."Welcoming our sweet baby GIRL to the world!! Elise Patrice Sagely," she captioned a carousel of photos."I can't even begin to tell you how enamored we were as we witnessed her first breath," she continued. "Love is truly an understatement for the emotions of the past few days.""Through all the congratulations to the both of us, Mitch would say, 'She was the baker, I just threw in a few ingredients' and tho I feel like that's somewhat hilariously on point, I couldn't have imagined going through labor without my husband by my side, encouraging me and kissing my forehead through every push."Kendall announced she was pregnant in September 2024."We have had quite the escapade these past few years but our most exciting adventure is yet to come," the couple wrote in a joint Instagram post at the time. "Baby Sagely due February 2025!!"She later added on social media, "Mitch and I are completely over the moon at the thought of becoming parents!! It was very HARD keeping this little secret but so grateful for you all and excited to share more as our lil nugget grows! Here is to the start of my second trimester! Xoxo."Kendall met Mitchell through mutual friends in December 2021 at a volleyball game and they apparently "clicked" right away and felt "a lot of chemistry."Mitch asked Kendall to be his girlfriend on Valentine's Day in February 2022, and then Kendall went Instagram official with Mitchell in April of that year and bragged about how she was "in love" already.Kendall and Mitch eventually eloped and secretly wed in 2022, but they waited until August 2024 to announce the news."We eloped and moved to Europe!" Kendall revealed via Instagram last summer."So I've been keeping a little secret these past few years. Days before Mitch and I jumped on a plane to move to Germany we got married in Santa Barbara!"Kendall, who competed on Arie Luyendyk Jr. 's season of and multiple editions of Bachelor in Paradise, announced in October 2022 that she'd be moving to Germany with Mitchell for his job as an aerospace engineer.Kendall revealed at the time she and Mitchell got engaged in late November 2022, and they quickly moved into an AirBnB in Germany in December of that year.Kendall wrote on Instagram how her California wedding around that time was "such a special day" because she and Mitchell celebrated with their beloved immediate family members."It's been incredibly hard for me to keep our secret and at times I've just wanted to shout to the world that I'm Mrs. Sagely!!" she gushed. "So finally getting to tell you all is so freeing!"The Bachelor in Paradise alum gushed about how she and her spouse have had an "unforgettable adventure together" since exchanging vows."We've traveled to some incredible places around the world and we have also [grown] closer from the struggles and small victories of adjusting to a life abroad," Kendall explained."It's truly bonkers to me that we've already been married for nearly two years!"Kendall added, "Starting our life together abroad has made me so grateful for my husband and every day I wake up incredibly proud of the life we are building together."Kendall and Mitchell looked forward to having a larger ceremony with family and friends in the United States but they said they "couldn't wait to start" their lives together.After Kendall and Mitchell moved into a place in Germany together in December 2022, Kendall revealed on the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast how she and her man were "doing very good," even though life was "a little chaotic" at the time.Kendall said leaving Los Angeles, where she lived her entire life near family and friends, and starting over in a brand new country was "a crazy transition" and adjustment for her. Mitchell is also from California."Germany does things a lot differently, so it's just adjusting to that. Learning the language, I know how to say, 'I don't know how to speak much German,' so that's helped me," Kendall shared with a laugh.However, Kendall and Mitchell both hoped to return to California eventually."Our families live so close together, and so that's the ultimate goal. [Germany] is moreso an adventure before we settle down and have kids," Kendall explained.When Kendall announced her engagement, she wrote on Instagram, "It's always been a HECK YES with you Mitch. I love your brain, I love your family, I pretty much just love every single thing about you! So incredibly over the moon that we get to start our epic adventure together in a new country."She added, "I've heard love explained to me by my parents and was scared I would never experience something so wonderful. But with you, love is so much better than I could have ever imagined it to be. I feel so lucky and I can't wait to officially be a Sagely."Kendall agreed to move to Germany even though she had repeatedly refused to give Chicago, IL, a chance with her ex-boyfriend Joe Amabile , which resulted in the Bachelor in Paradise couple splitting up.Kendall had dated Joe for nearly two years before they broke up in January 2020 Kendall and Joe fell in love on Bachelor in Paradise's fifth season in 2018, and then they moved in together in Los Angeles in April 2019.Kendall and Joe attempted to remain friends after calling it quits in 2020, but Kendall previously explained their breakup was difficult for her because they never fell out of love; it was logistics that broke them apart.Kendall said she wanted to continue living in Los Angeles, but Joe hoped to move back to his hometown of Chicago to be near his loved ones."What happened was we broke up, we fought... we had our differences... but then I came back to [Los Angeles] four months after and I was pushing to have that conversation," Joe recalled on Bachelor in Paradise's seventh season."You were pushing to have me move to Chicago," Kendall argued with Joe."I was pushing to have you try -- yeah," Joe clarified, "to come move to the city where I grew up in, where my friends and family are. I think if you just would've tried, we could've figured something out."Kendall said things probably would've ended the same way regardless because she had made it clear from the start of their relationship that moving away from her hometown was "a dealbreaker" for her."I wasn't going to change my mind and I think you were hoping I would," Kendall said on the show."Your thing was that you didn't want to move anywhere for a man... I should've been more than just 'a man' at that point, and we could've tried it," Joe pointed out.Once Kendall and Joe worked through a "messy" reunion and found the closure they needed, Joe pursued a relationship with Serena Pitt on Bachelor in Paradise's seventh season."If she really wanted me back," Joe said of Kendall on the ABC reality series, "she should have told me before I got here and before I started this. Because I really, really loved her."Kendall ultimately decided to quit the show because she said it was too difficult to watch Joe with Serena and her feelings for Joe registered as painful realizations that she wasn't over him. She didn't want to sacrifice her mental and emotional well-being to stay on the show.Joe is currently married to Serena , whom he wed in October 2022, and the couple is living together in New York City.Joe reacted to Kendall's engagement in December of that year on his "Click Bait with Bachelor Nation" podcast.Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group Photos by Kenda Lenseigne Lets face it, current truck prices are borderline insane. Post-COVID sticker shock has become the new normal, and your average working stiff is being forced to pay through the nose for a daily driver thats also pressed into service to transport kids and groceries, as well as running to the range or out to the woods. We figured wed take a cold hard look at the current midsized truck scene, and see if we could come up with a vehicle that would cover all the bases without cleaning out our bank account something that could serve as a household mule, while still offering decent offroad capabilities and the ability to shuffle all our sh!t to the backcountry. Coastal Offroad rock sliders were fabbed in an afternoon and provide protection and jacking points the entire length of the cab. As this was to also serve as emergency transport to a bugout location in the mountains, we wanted to keep things as low-profile as possible to avoid drawing attention to its contents. Due to CAFE standards, most manufacturers have shifted to four-banger turbos to scoot their midsized trucks around, and some are dabbling with hybrid powertrains. We wanted the simplicity and longevity of a naturally aspirated V-6, which left only one player in the running, namely Nissan. Although the Altima sedan is the butt of many well-deserved jokes, the Frontier has a reputation of being the cockroach of small trucks its almost impossible to kill. Their top-of-the-line Pro-4X model can be had for just under 40 grand if you shop carefully, but we figured that as we were planning to upgrade suspension and protection anyway, why pay extra for factory-installed stuff that was destined for the dumpster. The lower-spec, SV trim level can be had with various additional option packages, so we sourced a fully optioned, one-year-old CPO truck as the base from which to build. Dobinsons extended travel suspension components next to the factory units they replaced. Expensive, but worth the increase in performance. Small trucks can reach places big trucks cant, but they sacrifice capacity for agility. Making the most of bed space is critical, especially when the secure transport of firearms and other valuable items is a consideration, so we turned to Decked for a solution. Their drawer system for midsized trucks has recently received a refresh, and the result is way better than the previous model in terms of usable storage space. It maximizes capacity through the use of one enormous central drawer, which is big enough for the longest long-gun, Barretts excepted. Additional storage bins are situated behind the wheel wells, giving space for ammo cans and other essentials. Decked Cargo Glide system seems like it was made for range trips with steel targets. It sits over a bed drawer that accommodates guns and ammo. Dragging heavy steel targets from behind the cab is a royal PITA. We addressed this through the use of a Cargo Glide, which can safely carry up to 600 pounds enough for the most demanding range sessions. It was offset to allow access to the side bins and still allow space to load a dirt bike on top of the drawer system. The downside to installing a drawer system is that cargo inevitably sits higher in the bed, so to protect the rear glass from objects sliding around, we installed a headache rack, which also provides additional tie-down points. Nissan equips the off-road-oriented version of their truck with skid plates, which appear to have been made from old cookie sheets, but SV-and-below trim levels get nada. As the transmission pan is plastic, this leaves the truck extremely vulnerable to rocks and tree limbs when venturing off pavement. A set of beefy skid plates from Victory 44 was one of the first things we installed, as having the vehicle deadlined through an encounter with trail debris would defeat its entire purpose. These mated to an equally robust, though discreet, winch bumper to give protection to all critical drivetrain components and allow us to self-rescue in the event of burying the truck up to the wheel wells. A 12,000-pound winch is completely concealed inside the matte, powder-coated steel shell, and even the fairlead and hook are subdued and low profile. Look closely at that front bumper and you'll pick out the winch hook set into the fairlead, along with a 20-inch lightbar and twin spots. Everything is encased inside 0.188-inch-thick steel, including the 12,000-pound winch. Everything was installed in our driveway with hand tools in less than a day, with only a minimal amount of skinned knuckles and motherf@ckering. Victory 44 supplies an extra bracket to relocate the adaptive cruise control sensor from its original location behind the stock bumper to behind the grille, allowing the user to retain all functionality. This left only the rockers unprotected, a situation which was solved by Coastal Offroad. If youre at all handy with a welder, you can put some additional funds into other areas through the use of Coastals rock slider kits, which arrive as a bunch of pre-cut steel parts you then fit up and weld into place. We appreciated their use of massive steel C-brackets, which fit tightly around the chassis rails and bolt into place. Theyre so robust that they allow the use of a hi-lift jack anywhere on the sliders to get you out of a sticky spot, and the overall strength of the system is pretty impressive. Theres also the additional satisfaction of installing something youve built yourself. We finished ours with rattle can bedliner, though you can go with powder coating for a more professional look. Steel vehicle protection components are heavy, and this extra weight must be factored in when selecting suspension options. We wanted more ground clearance to fit bigger tires but knew that the easy route of bolting on a shock spacer was counterproductive. If all you want is the appearance of a lift, spacers are an excellent way of creating a mall crawler while destroying genuine offroad capabilities, as they reduce the amount of suspension droop and all but guarantee contact between the upper control arms and shock bucket when the suspension unloads. While we wanted to keep the budget firmly under control, unfortunately this is not an area when you can skimp and expect good results. Buy once, cry once. Dobinsons is an Australian company with a U.S. office in Florida, and they have extensive experience in equipping vehicles for the harsh conditions of the Outback. Their IMS shocks are heavy duty and pair with a set of front springs tailored to the additional load created by our bumper and skids. Add a set of forged aluminum upper control arms, and you end up with about 1.5 inches more suspension travel than stock and 2.5 inches of lift. We installed heavier springs in the rear, teamed with the same family of shocks used up front, which raised the back end a similar amount. Ride quality can sometimes suffer when a lift kit is installed (cough, Rough Country, cough), but were glad to report that this one, while a little stiffer than stock, soaks up minor pavement imperfections but really comes into its own on the trail. One aspect thats often overlooked is that once you have more suspension travel to play with, a limiting factor is the factory sway bar, or rather the sway bar linkages, which stop the wheels from fully drooping. Whiteline Racing came to the rescue with fully adjustable links, adding enough length to restore full travel. The truck arrived with Michelin Primacy LTX tires wrapped around its stock 17-inch alloys, which proved to be utterly crap in the rain. On its maiden voyage, we wound up sideways in a rainstorm on a 6-percent grade, staring at an oncoming truck through the driver-side window while frantically twiddling the steering wheel to regain control. Fun times. 33-inch Nitto G3 Grapplers work well in desert rock, and after a little work with a heat gun, don't rub the fender liners. We got a set of Nitto G3 Grapplers due to their balance of on- and off-road capabilities, and as this truck was going to be pressed into service as a hunting rig in addition to all its other duties, we wanted decent performance in the snow, too. The 285/70/17 LT meats proved to be an excellent all-round choice quiet on long road trips but still offering good traction in the loose stuff. As we wanted this truck to last a while, we took 10 minutes to address a problem which has plagued numerous generations of Frontiers. And one Nissans management could solve with the snap of their immaculate manicured fingers but they dont. The stock rear axle breather is mounted directly to the right-hand axle tube, which results in it getting clogged with road schmutz. Upgraded suspension works well on fire roads, but is really noticeable in the whoops. Beefy skid plates protect all the soft bits from debris. Unable to vent correctly, gases accumulate due to temperature fluctuations and eventually pop goes the seals. This situation has been responsible for more wrecked rear ends than Ron Jeremy, and can be easily fixed for next to nothing, by relocating the breather up out of the way. So, we did. Yes, we know Nissan is having financial difficulties right now, but this is an old-school truck that's easy to work on, and we're not too worried about it. All in all, we reckon the goal of subtly improving an affordable ride was achieved. No flashy aftermarket wheels, no lift for looks, no chrome, no wheel spacers, just improved capabilities from a factory-looking ride, without breaking the bank and depleting the ammo fund. Norway significantly increases support for Ukraine - up to EUR7.5 bln in 2025 All parties in the Norwegian parliament have agreed to provide an additional 50 billion kroner in aid to Ukraine for 2025, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said. "All parties in parliament agree on an additional 50 billion kroner in aid for 2025. This brings our total support for this year to 85 billion kroner, approximately EUR7.5 billion," he wrote on social media X. While Elon Musk's political influence continues to grow, his business empire is witnessing headwinds. IMAGE: A visitor views the Tesla Model 3 electric vehicle at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. Photograph: Reuters As Tesla prepares for its India debut, the global electric vehicle giant is facing speed bumps in many countries amid plummeting sales and a growing backlash against its CEO Elon Musk due to his political views and actions. The Tesla stock has also been on a downtrend, as investors worry about Musk's divided attention between his role as the head of multiple ventures and a key advisor to US President Donald Trump. While Musk's political influence continues to grow, his business empire is witnessing headwinds. In such times, the India entry could be a big opportunity for the US carmaker. Tesla has leased a 4,000 square feet showroom space in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex, India's costliest commercial hub, for Rs 23.38 crore (Rs 233.8 million) for five years. In the past, Tesla and Musk's other ventures benefited from the enthusiasm surrounding Trump's re-election, but recent market trends suggest that Musk's increasing political involvement may now be having unintended consequences. After initially surging following Trump's win in November, Tesla shares have corrected sharply, falling about 25 per cent in the past month, 12 per cent over three months, and 28 per cent year-to-date. Although the stock remains up 40 per cent over the past year, the recent slump has pushed Tesla's market capitalisation below the $1 trillion mark. Trouble for Tesla began early last year, when sales took a hit amid supply chain disruptions. The company reported first-quarter 2024 deliveries of just under 387,000 vehicles, its lowest in over a year. Production was impacted by multiple setbacks, including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which temporarily shut down Tesla's Germany factory. The plant was later targeted in an alleged arson attack, further disrupting operations. IMAGE: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during his visit to Tesla's manufacturing facility in Fremont, California. Photograph: ANI Photo One of the biggest setbacks came from China, where Tesla's 'Navigate on City Streets' feature has faced criticism for failing to meet expectations. Reports indicate that Tesla plans to roll out a software update to improve its Autopilot functionality in China, bringing it closer to the Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities available in the US. However, concerns over Tesla's regulatory challenges in China remain high, especially as the US shifts from a 'China plus one' strategy to an 'Anything but China' approach, discouraging reliance on Chinese firms. Tesla's struggles have further been exacerbated by global trade tensions. The Trump administration's decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods and an additional 10 per cent levy on Chinese imports has triggered retaliatory measures. Canadian officials have suggested a 100 per cent tariff on Tesla vehicles, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford terminated a contract with Musk's satellite company Starlink. Critics also argue that Tesla's product lineup has stagnated compared to new offerings from competitors. Tesla faces stiff competition from traditional automakers expanding into electric vehicles and newer EV-exclusive companies. Key players include BYD, General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, Rivian, Lucid Motors and NIO. Musk reportedly invested $250 million to support Trump's re-election campaign and later led a cost-cutting initiative within the government called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While Musk's appointment as a special government employee under Trump has granted him considerable influence over federal operations, concerns are growing about the potential conflicts of interest, particularly in sectors where federal contracts and regulations are key to business success. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com 'Decline of the UN did not start with the Trump administration. It has been happening over the last two decades or more.' IMAGE: US President Donald Trump holds a copy of an executive order during a joint session of the United States Congress, March 4, 2025. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters "There is no doubt that emasculating of the UN is not good for the more than 100 small member States, whose collective geopolitical strength derives only from their membership of the UN," says Ambassador T S Tirumurti, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York [2020-2022]. Ambassador Tirumurti was President of the UN Security Council for August 2021 and also chair of three committees of the council. India was elected non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the eighth time under his stewardship in 2021-2022. "At the best of times, even G20 cannot speak for the world. That's why India has been in the forefront of UN Security Council reform to ensure that the UN starts reflecting contemporary realities in expansion of permanent and non-permanent membership and ensure greater say for developing countries including from Africa. Otherwise it will be difficult to stop its downward slide," Ambassador Tirumurti tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih in the second part of his interview. Part 1 of the Interview: 'Trump Will Do A Deal With China' President Trump has withdrawn the US from UNHRC, WHO, UNESCO. Elon Musk backs the complete exit from the UN. As a former ambassador to the UN what international fallout is this likely to have> Is it even possible for the US to cut off all ties with the UN, an organisation that it helped found? I don't think that the US wants to cut off ties with the United Nations even if it is withdrawing or stopping funding to some of the UN agencies. But stoppage of funds and non-payment of dues by the US will certainly hit the UN and its agencies. That said, it is not just an American matter. You will recall that even European countries stopped funding UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) at a whim during the Gaza war without regard for the millions of Palestinian refugees who are depending entirely on UNRWA for their existence. There was hardly any outrage when that happened even though millions of Palestinian civilians, both women and innocent children, were affected. However, the decline of the UN did not start with President Trump's administration. It has been happening especially over the last two decades or more. Effectively what is happening is that the big powers, especially the P-5, are using the UN and other multilateral bodies to endorse their domestic positions or purely bilateral agreements. They have no use for multilateralism beyond this. For example, on the Gaza war, the US under President Biden vetoed UN Security Council draft resolutions as the sole dissenter even when the two European P-5 countries, the UK and France, voted for the drafts. Now President Trump is voting with the Russians on Ukraine against the UK and France, since the US is looking for a deal with Russia. Russia had also vetoed draft resolutions on Ukraine in the Council. Maybe the US and Russia will come to the UN Security Council to endorse their bilateral deal on Ukraine war. So effectively the role of the Council has been eroded. On another note, for example the European powers who are members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) recognise arrest warrants issued by the ICC on the Ukraine war, but not those issued by ICC on the Gaza war. So now the notion of a so-called rules based international order is subservient to domestic or bilateral priorities. There is no doubt that emasculating of the UN is not good for the more than 100 small member States, whose collective geopolitical strength derives only from their membership of the UN. At the best of times, even G20 cannot speak for the world. That's why India has been in the forefront of UN Security Council reform to ensure that the UN starts reflecting contemporary realities in expansion of permanent and non-permanent membership and ensure greater say for developing countries including from Africa. Otherwise, it will be difficult to stop its downward slide. IMAGE: Members of the UN Security Council vote during a meeting on the 3rd anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, February 24, 2025. Photograph: David Dee Delgado/Reuters Is the US going to become inward looking and stay away from promoting democracy and establishing peace and security in foreign lands from now on, a role it had solely spearheaded post the fall of the Berlin Wall? Frankly, I am not sure how much of a role the US or its Western allies have played in promoting democracy or in establishing peace and security, since the Cold War ended, when you look at what they have done or not done. For example, they effected regime change by force whether in Iraq in 2003 or Libya in 2011, where instability and/or collapse of governance continues after more than a decade. NATO even waged a war against Serbia in Europe and carved out Kosovo and dismembered a sovereign State. IMAGE: Ambassador T S Tirumurti IMAGE: Ambassador T S Tirumurti In 2021, the US withdrew hastily from Afghanistan leaving it in the hands of a radical Islamist Taliban. While they were in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, they could neither stabilise democracy nor Afghanistan. More recently, in 2024, they supported a former al-Qaeda leader to overthrow President Assad of Syria, leaving Syria open for foreign powers to make further inroads into Syrian territory and sovereignty. The logic of a deal with Russia to stabilise Europe has not yet been extended for a deal with Iran to stabilise the Middle East. Consequently, whether the US has been outward looking or inward looking, I do not think promoting democracy abroad or establishing peace and security has been uppermost in their minds when they intervene in countries. Part 3 of the Interview: 'Trump Won't Hesitate To Use Hard Power' Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'The cooperation in technology is one of the most important aspects of the visit.' 'It will have a long-lasting impact because it will shift the entire paradigm in the context of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, February 13, 2025. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale, who is in charge of the Bharatiya Janata Party's foreign affairs department, has led the party's Indian Diaspora outreach, its interactions with political parties abroad, and works behind the scenes as a bridge between Indian officials and the community during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's international visits. "Tariffs are definitely a concern, especially in sectors where our exports are high... A 25 per cent increase in tariff or something similar will definitely have some issues for Indian industry," Dr Chauthaiwale tells Archis Mohan/Business Standard in an interview about Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump. What is your assessment of the PM's recent visit to the US? The world is currently facing two crises -- the conflict in Gaza and the war between Ukraine and Russia. Despite these crises naturally being a priority for the US administration, PM Modi was invited to the White House within weeks of Trump's presidency and was among the top five visitors of the Trump administration. The visit showed that the overall chemistry between the two leaders and the direction in which the relationship is progressing are strongly positive. There are some contentious issues that need to be addressed, but overall, the visit was evidence of the importance that both sides place on the India-US partnership. IMAGE: Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photograph: Kind courtesy Vijay Chauthaiwale/Instagram According to the joint statement issued after the bilateral summit, the two countries committed to deeper engagement across various sectors. What, according to you, were the highlights? You could probably attribute this to my bias (Chauthaiwale is a scientist with a PhD in microbiology), but I think the cooperation in technology is one of the most important aspects of the visit. It will have a long-lasting impact because it will shift the entire paradigm in the context of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. This cooperation will enable India to transition from its expertise in software services and products to large-scale data analytics and data-driven AI and offer opportunities for Indian industry. There are concerns on tariffs. Tariffs are definitely a concern, especially in sectors where our exports are high. For example, I have worked in the pharmaceutical industry, and Indian pharmaceutical companies are likely the largest foreign pharmaceutical sector in generic medicines. So, a 25 per cent increase in tariff on these measures or something similar will definitely have some issues for the Indian industry. But we need to remember that it will also impact US consumers because the tariffs will naturally be passed on to someone else, and in many cases to the final consumer. So, we will have to see how it works out in the future, though the final picture is not yet clear. But yes, it is a matter of some concern. And what about agriculture? As I understand, we impose high tariffs on US agricultural products. So, reciprocal taxation will impact Indian agriculture too. What is your assessment of the talks between the two sides on issues involving undocumented Indians and legal immigration? I think there is political willingness on the Indian side to accept illegal migrants if they (the US) can prove that they are Indian citizens. It's not an issue about agreeing on what needs to be done in principle but rather about the process. Yes, there are concerns that they should be treated in a more humane way, and I believe the Indian government has raised these issues. The PM raised them, as did (External Affairs Minister) S Jaishankar, who expressed the government's view in Parliament. I am sure both the governments are talking about it. Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Reuters How do you see progress on legal migration, including H-1B and student visas? I don't see that as a major problem as of now because the US government and its tech industry will also need the talent, which only India, and maybe China, could provide. But China has its set of issues with the US. Therefore, I don't see that there will be a major reduction in the issuance of H-1B visas or even for the residency permit there. That process will go on and the joint statement seems to suggest that the US was willing to have a greater intake. Moreover, in the recent past, Indian companies who are working in the US are also absorbing a significant number of local talent. It is no longer that, which used to happen 20-25 years ago, when large numbers of Indian IT professionals would go from India to work for Indian companies in the US. That is still happening, but Indian companies are also taking a lot of local talent and creating employment locally too. It is creating a lot of positive impact. On defence cooperation, do you think there has been some forward movement? Yes, the Trump administration has offered India a lot of new technology, including F-35 fighter jets. Whether what will actually be realised is one issue, but the simple willingness of the US to offer such advanced aircraft, submarines, and other defence technology to India is a positive development. There was an easy camaraderie between the two leaders that was on display during the PM's visit. Do you think India might be treated a bit differently than some other countries by the Trump administration? I would say India-US partnership is in the interest of both the countries, and therefore Mr Trump and Mr Modi value it. The camaraderie you mention, even the personal gestures -- such as the US president gifting a coffee table book, personally signing it, and openly praising the PM -- shows this sentiment. Even when discussing tariffs, President Trump said that PM Modi is his great friend and that he respects India's friendship with the US. Such words show that the new US administration values this partnership. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com 'Balancing tunnel developments with ecological realities is a major challenge and, when overlooked, can contribute to mishaps.' IMAGE: Army Engineer Task Force with medical teams deployed for the rescue operation to facilitate the safe evacuation of trapped workers from the collapsed portion of the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal which crashed on February 22, 2025 in Nagarkurnool, Telangana. Photograph: ANI Photo Rescue operations at the Telangana tunnel mishap site have continued since the crash on February 22, 2025. Data shows India has been building more tunnels than ever, even as industry experts suggest that balancing development with ecology remains a challenge. In December, India's road ministry said that 42 tunnels covering 60.37 kilometre have been completed in relation to national highways to date. It further noted that 57 tunnels covering 93.96 km are currently under implementation -- 1.5x the length of the completed stretch. Multiple data points suggest India's tunnelling industry is at its busiest ever. A Crisil-FICCI report in September said that as urban agglomerations grow and land availability becomes scarce, tunnel construction is becoming a necessary solution. According to the report, of the 25 major tunnel projects in India as of September 2024, all except four are either completed or likely to be completed between 2020 and 2028. The trend is expected to continue, and tunnelling activity is likely to rise in the coming years, the two industry bodies observed. Many of these tunnels under construction are also aiming for various records, including the world's highest, the world's longest single-tube road tunnel, and several firsts for India, including underwater and undersea tunnels. The rapid rise in tunnelling projects has encouraged companies like Welspun Enterprises to narrow their business focus to tunnelling. In a recent call with analysts, company executives outlined a growth strategy for the transportation sector, focusing on build-operate-transfer toll and large-diameter tunnelling. The company envisages a project pipeline of Rs 1 trillion in the large-diameter tunnel segment for transportation. India's largest engineering firm, Larsen & Toubro, along with Adani Group-acquired ITD Cementation, Dilip Buildcon, Kalpataru Projects International, Afcons Infrastructure, and Megha Engineering & Infrastructures, are among those competing in this segment. Other industry estimates suggest that across sectors -- roads, water, hydroelectric, and transport -- the pipeline for such projects exceeds Rs 3.5 trillion. IMAGE: A view of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel after a portion near Domalpenta collapsed on February 22, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo According to projects tracked by India Infrastructure Research, a trade publication, as of May 2024, India has more than 1,470 completed and operational tunnels spanning over 3,400 km. This compares to a pipeline of more than 1,140 tunnels spanning roughly 1,750 km, including planned and under-bidding projects, as of May, according to the same research. A host of factors -- higher funding, the availability of better technology, and increasing city congestion demanding tunnel solutions -- are at play. Sunil Srivastava, managing director of Balaji Railroad Systems, an engineering and design consulting organisation, said, "As the number of tunnels increases, even if the percentage of risk remains the same, we see a higher number of incidents." "Balancing these tunnel developments with ecological realities is a major challenge and, when overlooked, can contribute to mishaps," Srivastava said, adding that "across the board, more planning is needed and that all voices from society must be considered to improve risk assessments and prevention." Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com JD-U leader praises Mughal, angers BJP. IMAGE: Janata Dal-United legislator Khalid Anwar with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Photograph: Kind courtesy Dr Khalid Anwar Mughal emperor Aurangzeb has been dead for 318 years but continues to heat up Bihar politics ahead of the 2025 assembly polls. After Khalid Anwar, a Janata Dal-United member of the Bihar legislative council, described Aurangzeb as 'achcha sashak (good ruler)', questioned Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi's suspension from the Maharashtra assembly's Budget session for praising Aurangzeb and termed it wrong, JD-U MLA Sanjeev Kumar and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul demanded that Anwar be sent to Pakistan. Khalid Anwar is considered close to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and seen as the JD-U's Muslim face. "It is very wrong for anyone to praise Aurangzeb, who was an extremely cruel ruler. He was anti-Hindu and massacred Hindus. Khalid Anwar should be sent to Pakistan, Bangladesh or Gaza for praising Aurangzeb," demanded Sanjeev. IMAGE: JD-U MLA Sanjeev Kumar with Nitish Kumar. Photograph: Kind courtesy, Dr Sanjeev Kumar/Facebook "He may be a JD-U MLC but it is a matter of mindset. Everyone knew that Aurangzeb was a cruel ruler, who killed Hindus, and destroyed temples," said BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur who wants the JD-U to expel Khalid Anwar and for his legislative council membership to be cancelled for praising Aurangzeb. Another senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister Tarkishor Prasad said Anwar should not praise Aurangzeb and was wrong to support Azmi. "I simply said that in my view Aurangzeb was a good ruler, who ruled as per his style. It was wrong to suspend any MLA for saying that Aurangzeb was a good administrator," Khalid Anwar said in his defence. Ahead of this winter's assembly elections, divisions in the ruling National Democratic Alliance over Aurangzeb may create trouble for Nitish Kumar's JD-U among Muslims, who are nearly 17 percent of Bihar's population and seen as traditional voters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal headed by Lalu Prasad. In an election year, the JD-U is trying to make a dent in the Muslim vote bank to increase its tally from the 2020 election when the JD-U won only 43 assembly seats out of 243, a poor performance by any yardstick. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Cadaver dogs of Kerala police on Friday joined the rescue operation inside the partially collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana in which eight persons remain trapped since February 22. IMAGE: Army's Engineer Task Force (ETF) continue the rescue operations at the Under-Construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel which crashed on February 22, 2025, in Nagarkurnool. Photograph: ANI Photo The team (including dogs and handlers) went inside the tunnel on Friday morning to locate the presence of humans, official sources said. The cadaver dogs of the Belgian Malinois breed can detect smell even from a depth of 15 feet, they said. After the dogs arrived by air from Kerala, the rescue officials went inside the tunnel on Thursday and prepared a plan on how and where to take the dogs to look for human presence. The sources said 110 rescue personnel, including NDRF teams, also went inside the tunnel along with the equipment required for digging. The cadaver dogs are specially trained to locate missing humans and human bodies. The dogs were sent for the rescue operation following a request by the State Disaster Management Authority, whose help in the matter was sought by the National Disaster Management Authority, a Kerala government statement said on Thursday. The rescue personnel had earlier used the services of a sniffer dog of the NDRF inside the tunnel for selecting the area to be taken up for digging to identify any human presence. Eight persons -- engineers and labourers -- have been trapped in the SLBC project tunnel since February 22 and experts from the National Disaster Response Force, Indian Army, Navy and other agencies are making relentless efforts to pull them out to safety. The rescue operation has been going on amid challenging conditions, including slush and seepage of water. The scale of illegal gambling and betting in India is staggering, with 1.6 billion visits recorded between October and December 2024 across four analysed platforms -- Parimatch, Stake, 1xBet, and Battery Bet. Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. IMAGE: A 3D printed Facebook's new rebrand logo Meta is seen in front of adisplayed Google logo in this illustration. Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters Big tech firms like Meta and Google must play a significant role in dismantling India's fast-growing illegal online gaming sector, according to a report by the Digital India Foundation, a not-for-profit think-tank. The illegal gambling and betting ecosystem in India operates through a sophisticated digital network, leveraging online advertisements, social media, messaging platforms, and payment technologies such as cryptocurrency. This illegal sector exceeds $100 billion annually and is growing at 30 per cent per year, driven by rising digital adoption, technological advancements, and regulatory uncertainty. The report, titled Illegal gambling and betting market in India: The scale and enablers, analysed digital platform policies and found that while strict regulations exist for paid advertisements, enforcement remains inconsistent. Scale of illegal gambling in India According to the report, the scale of illegal gambling and betting in India is staggering, with 1.6 billion visits recorded between October and December 2024 across four analysed platforms -- Parimatch, Stake, 1xBet, and Battery Bet. An analysis of traffic sources showed that social media alone drove 42.8 million visits to these platforms during the three-month period. This traffic was largely generated through direct paid advertisements from the Facebook ad network, influencer marketing, promoted content, and engagement campaigns. Need for a comprehensive crackdown Given the enormity of the problem, the report recommends a comprehensive strategy, including assigning liability to key enablers of the illegal market -- such as Google and Meta -- and enforcing strict compliance requirements. "To effectively address this concerning issue, relying solely on Web site blocking is not enough," said Arvind Gupta, head and co-founder, Digital India Foundation. "A broader strategy is needed -- one that targets the entire ecosystem enabling illegal betting and gambling. "This includes cracking down on user acquisition via advertising, payment operators, and software providers supporting these platforms." The Indian government has attempted to curb these activities through web site blocking and official advisories, but these measures alone have had limited impact, as illegal operators continuously adapt to evade enforcement. The report recommends that key government departments -- the ministry of information and broadcasting, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, the Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence, the Department of Consumer Affairs, and the ministry of electronics and information technology -- should collaborate with digital ad intermediaries, social media platforms, search engines, and ad networks to proactively monitor, flag, and remove illegal gambling-related advertisements. Global approach to illegal gambling regulation Internationally, regulators actively collaborate with digital ad and social media platforms to monitor content and implement mechanisms to flag illegal gambling material, including user-generated content, the report stated. In India, a review of government documents analysing the modus operandi of illegal betting platforms reveals that their core strategy is attracting and retaining users through aggressive, exaggerated advertising campaigns. According to ASCI's half-yearly report for 2024-2025, illegal betting and gambling advertisements have surged across digital media in new formats, further complicating enforcement. Illegal operators leverage search and referral traffic Google Search trends from February 2021 to December 2024 show an exponential rise in searches for platforms such as Dafabet, 1xBet, Parimatch, 4rabet, and Khelo24Bet, with major spikes during Indian Premier League seasons (March-April) in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Beyond search, illegal operators use aggressive search engine optimisation (SEO) tactics to rank highly for queries like 'best IPL betting site' and 'online casino without KYC', ensuring maximum visibility and attracting new users. Indexed resources and links keep these Web sites easily accessible, even to users who may unintentionally stumble upon them while searching for related content. Additionally, referral traffic contributed 247.5 million visits to illegal gambling sites --primarily from adult sites, sports-related Web sites, streaming services, and file-sharing platforms. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com A ballet between the elephant and the dragon contributing to each other's success is the 'only right choice' for India-China relations, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday as he acknowledged positive strides in bilateral ties after the end of the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia on October 23, 2024. Photograph: China Daily via Reuters There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undermine each other or undercut each other, Wang, who is also a member of the powerful political bureau of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), said at his annual press conference in Beijing. A 'cooperative pas de deux' between the dragon and the elephant is the 'only right choice for both sides', Wang said while replying to a question on how Beijing views the course of bilateral ties after the two countries ended the four-year stalemate in the ties. Bilateral relations between the two Asian giants froze after the Galwan valley clash in eastern Ladakh in June 2020. The four year military standoff ended last year. China-India relations have made positive strides over the past year after last year's breakthrough, he said. The successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan last October provided strategic guidance for the improvement and development of the bilateral ties, he said. After that 'both sides have earnestly followed through on the important common understandings of our leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes', he added. In an apparent reference to India stressing the importance of peace at borders for the development of relations, Wang reiterated China's oft repeated stand that the differences over the boundary or on other issues should not affect the overall bilateral ties. As two ancient civilisations, India and China have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution to the boundary issue, said Wang. "We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question or specific differences to affect the overall picture of our bilateral ties," he said in his widely televised press conference held on the sidelines of China's annual parliament session currently underway. There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undermine each other or undercut each other, he said, adding that both the countries should work with each other rather than guard against each other. "This is the only path that truly serves the fundamental interests of the two countries," Wang said. As important members of the Global South, China and India have the responsibility to take a lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics, he said in an apparent reference to the United States. The two countries must not only safeguard legitimate rights and interests of respective countries but also uphold the basic norms governing international relations, he said. "If China and India join hands, the prospect of greater democracy in international affairs and the stronger Global South will improve greatly," he said. Wang said 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations. "China stands ready to work with India to sum up past experience and forge a path forward and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development," he said. In 2024, India and China completed the disengagement process after firming up a pact for the withdrawal of troops from Depsang and Demchok, the last two friction points in eastern Ladakh, ending the over four years of freeze in ties. After the finalisation of the pact, Modi and Xi held talks in Kazan on October 23 when the two sides decided to revive the various dialogue mechanisms. Weeks later, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang held the 23rd Special Representatives (SR) dialogue in Beijing on December 18. On January 26, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri travelled to Beijing and held talks with his Chinese counterpart Sun Weidong under the framework of the 'Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister' mechanism. The European Union leaders declare that the European Union will continue to provide regular financial assistance to Ukraine and welcome the readiness of Member States to intensify efforts to provide military assistance to Ukraine in addition to the funds already allocated. This is stated in the text, which was strongly supported by 26 member states and added to the conclusions of the special meeting of the European Council adopted by the leaders of the European Union in Brussels on Thursday. The text was not supported by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support. In 2025, it will provide Ukraine with EUR 30.6 billion, with disbursements from the Ukraine Facility expected to reach EUR 12.5 billion, and EUR 18.1 billion under the G7 ERA initiative repaid by the windfall profits stemming from immobilised Russian assets, the text reads. The European Council also reviewed the work on providing military support to Ukraine. In addition to the funds already committed for Ukraine for this year, it welcomes the readiness of Member States to urgently step up efforts to address Ukraines pressing military and defence needs, in particular the delivery of air defence systems, ammunition and missiles, the provision of necessary training and equipment for Ukrainian brigades, and other needs that Ukraine may have, the document reads. Furthermore, the European Council calls on the Commission to take promptly all necessary measures for pre-financing under the above instruments. It also urges the Commission and Member States to use all options under the Ukraine Facility to increase financial support for Ukraine. In this regard, EU leaders stressed the important role of the European Union Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The European Council calls on the Council to advance work swiftly on initiatives, notably that of the High Representative, to coordinate increased EU military support to Ukraine, including the military needs component of the G7 ERA initiative, it is stated in the text attached to the conclusions. The leaders are convinced that Ukraine capable of defending itself effectively is an integral part of any future security guarantees. In this context, the European Union and Member States are committed to contributing to training and equipping the Ukrainian Armed Forces and to intensifying work to further support and develop Ukraines defence industry and deepen its cooperation with the European defence industry, the conclusions say. Amid allegations of a cover-up over duplicate voter identity card numbers, the Election Commission on Friday said it will address the "decades-long" matter in the next three months. IMAGE: Voters show their papers as they wait to cast their vote for the Lok Sabha elections, in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, May 25, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The Trinamool Congress flagged the issue of duplicate voter identity card numbers in different states and accused the EC of a cover-up. TMC MP Saket Gokhale said the Election Commission has finally admitted and accepted their guilt that duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers have been allotted to multiple people. "This is a scam and answers must be given," he posted on X. In a statement, the poll authority said India's electoral rolls are the biggest database of electors across the globe with over 99 crore registered voters. "As regards the issue of duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card numbers, the Commission has already taken cognisance of the matter. Irrespective of an EPIC number, an elector who is linked to the electoral roll of a particular polling station can cast his vote at that polling station only and nowhere else," it asserted. The poll authority said it has now decided to resolve this "long-pending issue" after detailed discussions within the technical teams and concerned state chief electoral officers in the next three months by ensuring a "unique national EPIC number" to the existing electors having a duplicate EPIC number. The new system will be applicable for future electors as well, it added. Explaining the procedure related to the updation of electoral rolls, the EC said at every booth, political parties also have the right to appoint booth-level agents who have a right to verify the electoral roll of the concerned booth and raise a complaint for the anomaly, if any. If any person has any objection, he has the option to file the first appeal to the district magistrate or district election officer under section 24(a) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. If the person is not satisfied with the decision of the first appellate authority, a second appeal to the chief electoral officer of the concerned state or Union Territory under section 24(b) of the RP Act can be filed. Data shared by the poll authority showed that across the country, 89 first-level appeals and one second-level appeal were made in Maharashtra and no other state. EC functionaries pointed out that no appeals were filed in West Bengal. The Madras high court has directed Ananda Vikatan Productions Private Limited to remove the caricature depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi shackled in chains during a meeting with United States President Donald Trump and inform the same to the Union government. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi with US President Donald J Trump at the White House, February 13, 2025. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters On receipt of the information, the Union ministry of information and broadcasting shall unblock the Ananda Vikatan website, said Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy. The judge passed the interim order on Thursday on a petition filed by Ananda Vikatan Productions Private Limited and Ananda Vikatan Publishers Private Limited, challenging an order of the I&B ministry, dated February 25, 2025, blocking the website and sought a consequential direction to the ministry to restore public access to the website. When the case came up for hearing, senior counsel Vijay Narayan, appearing for Ananda Vikatan submitted that the caricature depicting the leaders will not affect the integrity and sovereignty of India. It was freedom of expression. Section 69 A of the Information Technology Act lists reasons for which the Centre could issue directions to block public access to any information through any computer resource. The cartoon published by Ananda Vikatan did not fall under any of the reasons cited under the law for blocking public access to information, he added. Additional solicitor general, ARL Sunderesan, submitted that the impugned order says how the caricature offends section 69 A of IT Act. A committee appointed by the central government had already stated that public access to the website could be allowed if the magazine removed the offending caricature voluntarily, he added, and sought time to file a counter affidavit. After hearing both sides, the judge said, in view of the submissions made as to whether the caricature was a freedom of press or mischief can be decided later. In the meantime, subject to final order of this court, the magazine shall remove the offending caricature and inform the same to the central government. On receipt of the same, the central government can permit public access to the website, the judge added. The judge posted to March 21, for a further hearing of the case. The Karnataka high court on Friday set aside the Enforcement Directorate's summons to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi BM in connection with the MUDA site allotment case. IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah holding budget document arrives at the Vidhan Soudha ahead of the budget presentation during the ongoing session of state legislative assembly, in Bengaluru, March 7, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The court also quashed the summons issued to urban development minister B S Suresh (Byrathi Suresh), who was not named as an accused, but was called for questioning by the ED. Justice M Nagaprasanna delivered the verdict on petitions filed by Parvathi and Suresh challenging the ED's action. The summons had earlier been put on hold by the court on January 27. Parvathi's counsel, senior advocate Sandesh Chouta, argued that the ED was conducting a parallel investigation despite the case already being probed by the Lokayukta police and a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General of India Arvind Kamath, representing the ED, contended that Parvathi was the second accused in the predicate offence and had received proceeds of crime. Minister Suresh's counsel, Senior Advocate CV Nagesh, maintained that his client was not an accused in the case and therefore should not have been summoned. However, ASG Kamath countered that the Prevention of Money Laundering Act grants the ED the authority to summon individuals, even if they are not named as accused, to obtain documents and records. Siddaramaiah is also facing allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife Parvathi by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law B M Mallikarjun Swamy, Devaraju -- from whom Swamy had purchased a land and gifted it to Parvathi -- and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Lokayukta police establishment, located in Mysuru on September 27, 2024, following the order of the Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs. On September 30, the ED filed an enforcement case information report to book the CM and others taking cognisance of the Lokayukta FIR. The Lokayukta police, however, had last month given a clean-chit to Siddaramaiah, Parvathi, and two other accused in connection with the case, stating that allegations against the first four accused have not been proven due to lack of evidence. The ED, in its provisional attachment order dated January 17 following an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, had alleged that Siddaramaiah and other accused were involved in attempted money laundering in the MUDA site allotment case. The agency has said that the fourteen sites (plots) allotted to Parvathi in Mysuru upmarket were illegally allotted. "Illegal compensation in the form of sites at posh locality worth Rs 56 crore (Appx) was obtained through political influence..." it said. In the MUDA site allotment case, it is alleged that 14 compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru (Vijayanagar Layout 3rd and 4th stages), which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land which had been "acquired" by MUDA. The MUDA had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, where it developed a residential layout. Under the controversial scheme, MUDA allotted 50 per cent of developed land to the land losers in lieu of undeveloped land acquired from them for forming residential layouts. It is alleged Parvathi had no legal title over this 3.16 acres of land at survey number 464 of Kasare village, Kasaba hobli of Mysuru taluk. Ten construction workers from India were rescued overnight from a West Bank village where they had been held for over a month after being stripped of their passports, Israeli Population and Immigration Authority was quoted by local media as saying on Thursday. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Raneen Sawafta/Reuters Palestinians had lured the workers to the West Bank village of al-Zaayem with the promise of work and then taken their passports and tried to use them to cross into Israel, the authorities were quoted by Times of Israel as saying. The workers, who had originally come to Israel to work in the construction industry, were rescued in an overnight operation led by the Population and Immigration authority together with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Justice Ministry, the report said. They have been transferred to a safe location until their employment status is determined, it added. The IDF is said to have identified the illicit use of the passports and later returned them to their owners. News portal Ynetnews reported that the Palestinians used the Indian passports to easily cross checkpoints into Israel. Israeli forces intercepted some suspects at a checkpoint which led to the recovery of the Indian workers, Ynetnews said. Some 16,000 workers from India are said to have come to Israel to work in the construction industry in the last one year to fill a void left after tens of thousands of Palestinian construction workers were barred from entering Israel after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. Aligarh Bharatiya Janata Party MP Satish Gautam has sparked a controversy over the celebration of Holi at Aligarh Muslim University, declaring that "no one can stop anyone from celebrating Holi inside the AMU campus". IMAGE: Akhil Bharatiya Karni Sena members hold a protest against Aligarh Muslim University administration after the university declines to grant permission for a 'special' Holi event to be organised by some students on March 9, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, March 6, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Gautam also extended his support to Hindu students, saying, "If any Hindu student faces any problem in celebrating Holi inside the campus, then I am there to help him." The controversy erupted after members of right wing Hindu groups accused the AMU administration of denying permission to the Hindu students to organise a 'Holi Milan' function on campus. "No permission is necessary from anybody to play Holi anywhere," Gautam said, further fuelling the ongoing debate. Asked about potential objections or conflicts arising from such celebrations, Gautam issued a threatening remark, saying, "Agar koi mar peet karega to usay oopar pahuncha diya jaiga." Permission was sought for the event on Wednesday but it was reportedly denied. Local Congress leader and former Aligarh MLA Vivek Bansal accused the BJP of deliberately stoking controversy over the celebration of Holi at AMU for political gain, calling it "unfortunate". Bansal, who is also an alumnus of AMU, shared his personal experience, saying, "We always used to celebrate Holi with friends at AMU and I never recollect any bitterness or opposition on this issue from anyone. Then why is the BJP engaging in provocative politics and trying to disturb the peace?" He urged the BJP to refrain from inflaming tensions. On Thursday, Gyanendra Singh Chauhan, president of the Uttar Pradesh unit of Karni Sena, along with other members, marched to the district collectorate, submitting a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The group demanded the PM's intervention and called for action against AMU officials, alleging that the university had intentionally denied Hindu students the right to hold the event on Holi. The issue began on Wednesday when student leader Akhil Kaushal submitted an application to AMU authorities requesting approval for a special Holi celebration at the Non-Resident Students' Centre (NRSC) on March 9. However, AMU officials have strongly denied these allegations. AMU Proctor Mohammad Waseem explained that like in previous years, Holi would be celebrated traditionally across the campus and there would be no special function for any particular group. "Traditionally, all festivals, including Eid, Holi and Diwali, are celebrated across hostels. There is no precedent for holding a special function for any specific group. "We do not consider it advisable to start a new precedent as it can lead to misuse of such permissions under any pretext," Waseem stated. He also emphasised that there had been no conflict or violence among students over the issue. The Punjab police on Friday said a major target killing in the state, which was planned by proscribed outfit Babbar Khalsa International-backed terror module, was averted with the arrest of three people. IMAGE: The firearms recovered from the arrested terror operatives in Punjab, March 7, 2025. Photograph: Courtesy Punjab DGP on X Punjab's director general of police Gaurav Yadav said preliminary probe found that the module was handled by US-based gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Nawashehria, a close aide of Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda, along with his associate Laadi Bakapuria, presently based in Greece. "In a major breakthrough, Counter Intelligence, #Jalandhar averts another major target killing in #Punjab, planned by Babbar Khalsa International-backed terror module with the arrest of Three members of the module..," Yadav posted on X. He said arms and ammunition were also recovered. An FIR has been registered at the State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar. According to an official statement issued later, the DGP said those arrested have been identified as Jagroop Singh, a resident of Naushehra Kalan in Amritsar; Sukhjit Singh, a resident of village Mirzapur in Kapurthala; and Navpreet Singh alias Nav, a resident of village Fatehabad in Tarn Taran. Police teams have also recovered four pistols, including two sophisticated pistols -- .30 bore PX5 Storm (Bretta) pistol and 9MM Glock pistol -- and two country-made pistols -- .30 bore and .32 bore -- along with four magazines and 22 cartridges from their possession, he said. DGP Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the module was allegedly being handled by USA-based gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Nawashehria, who is a close aide of Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda and was working in connivance with him. The probe has also revealed that Nawashehria, with the help of his Greece-based associate Laadi Bakapuria, was motivating youths to carry out anti-national activities in the state, he added. The DGP said that further investigations are underway to trace backward and forward linkages in this case to dismantle the whole network. Additional IG, Counter Intelligence, Jalandhar, Navjot Singh Mahal said that following reliable inputs, an operation was launched and police teams from CI Jalandhar apprehended Jagroop and Sukhjit with weapons while they were waiting for their other associate in a car near an underbridge at Surya Enclave in Jalandhar. Following the disclosures allegedly made by arrested accused Jagroop about the involvement of another accused Navpreet, he too was arrested, Mahal added. The AIG said that Jagroop is a habitual criminal and earlier, he had been sentenced to three years' imprisonment in a murder case in Amritsar. The Supreme Court on Friday refused to order a status quo on Dharavi redevelopment project in Mumbai. IMAGE: The Dharavi slum in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar sought responses from the Maharashtra government and Adani Properties Pvt Ltd, which was awarded the tender for the project, on a petition challenging a December 20, 2024 verdict of the Bombay high court. The high court had cleared the decks for redevelopment of the slums in Dharavi and upheld the tender awarded to the Adani Group for the project, ruling there was no "arbitrariness, unreasonableness or perversity" in the decision. The high court in the process dismissed the plea of UAE-based Seclink Technologies Corporation challenging the state government's decision to award the mega redevelopment project to Adani Properties Pvt Ltd, which had made a Rs 5,069-crore offer. Seclink Technologies Corporation emerged as the highest bidder for the project first in 2018 with its Rs 7,200-crore offer, but the tender was later scrapped by the government. The Adani group had emerged as the highest bidder for the 259-hectare Dharavi redevelopment project in the heart of Mumbai and bagged it with its Rs 5,069-crore offer in the 2022 tender process. The corporation moved against the high court decision. While issuing notice on its plea, the bench directed Adani Properties Pvt Ltd to make payments for the project through a single bank account. After the bench issued notice on the plea, senior advocate C Aryama Sundaram appearing for Seclink Technologies Corporation urged the court to order a status quo. The CJI, however, said, "No." Sundaram informed the bench that the petitioner company offered Rs 7,200 crore in the first tender. "I will increase my offer of Rs 7,200 crore by 20 per cent," he told the bench, adding that the figure comes to Rs 8,640 crore. "What about additional obligations?" asked solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state. When the bench asked Sundaram, if it was willing to increase the offer "with the same obligations as put on the highest bidder", Sundaram said "yes". The bench noted Sundaram's submission on the proposed commitment and said, "The petitioner will file an affidavit to the said effect before this court." The matter would come in the week of May 25. The bench, however, clarified no special equities would be claimed by either sides. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Adani Properties Pvt Ltd, said the project work had already commenced. "I have carried out constructions. I have deposited funds. About 2,000 people are employed," he said. Mehta said some railway quarters were demolished aside from new constructions taking place. While dismissing Seclink Technologies Corporation's plea, the high court had also rejected its contention that the tender was "tailor made" to suit a particular firm of the private conglomerate, noting three bidders had participated in the process. The government had cancelled the 2018 tender and issued a fresh one in 2022 with additional conditions. The corporation first challenged the cancellation of the 2018 tender and subsequently the 2022 award of tender to the Adani Group. The state government had claimed in the high court that the tender was awarded in a transparent manner without any undue favour to the highest bidder. The government said the 2018 tender was cancelled and a fresh one was issued four years later owing to several factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war which affected the financial and economic state of affairs. The first tender for the mega redevelopment project was issued in November 2018. In March 2019, the bids were opened and it was found that Seclink Technologies Corporation was the highest bidder. Dharavi, one of the world's densest urban sprawls, is a slum colony having a mix of residential and small industrial units. SpaceX launched the eighth test of its Starship rocket on Thursday, successfully conducting and completing the 'catch' of the Super Heavy booster. IMAGE: A formation is seen from SpaceX's next-generation Starship spacecraft's launch atop its Super Heavy booster on its eighth test at the company's Boca Chica launch pad in Brownsville, Texas, US, on March 6, 2025. Photograph: Joe Skipper/Reuters However, the Starship broke apart less than 10 minutes into the flight, New York Post reported. Engineers from Space X said that the 400-foot-tall ship, launched from the company's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in Texas, lost altitude control after several engines stopped working 20 seconds before the end of the ascent burn. In a post on X, SpaceX stated, 'During Starship's ascent burn, the vehicle experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly and contact was lost. Our team immediately began coordination with safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency responses.' 'We will review the data from today's flight test to better understand root cause. As always, success comes from what we learn, and today's flight will offer additional lessons to improve Starship's reliability,' it added. During the live stream of the flight, nearly 1 million viewers witnessed as the ship apparently went out of control before the cameras completely cut out. The starship was expected to splash down in the Indian Ocean. However, videos that surfaced on social media showed flaming debris of Starship 8 in the night sky over the Atlantic Ocean, with users in Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas awestruck at the glistening wreckage as it crashed towards Earth, New York Post reported. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, flights at several Florida airports were temporarily grounded on Thursday due to 'space launch debris'. Elon Musk's company SpaceX lost contact with Starship 8 before it was able to deploy its test satellites, which were scheduled to occur at the 17-minute mark. Prior to the apparent explosion, SpaceX conducted its third catch of its Super Heavy booster, equipped with 33 Raptor engines, that returned to the Texas launchpad where the so-called 'chopsticks' mechanical arms caught the reusable and powerful propellant. Earlier on Monday, SpaceX postponed its eighth test of the Starship rocket just before its scheduled launch. The launch was delayed after a flight hold was placed due to a Super Heavy booster issue that was not resolved in time for launch, New York Post reported. The spacecraft was scheduled to take off from SpaceX's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in Texas. However, computers flagged a booster issue when just 23 minutes were left in the countdown. President Donald Trump delayed tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a short-term period for certain products before the 'big one' from April 2. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: Courtesy @WhiteHouse/X He said he agreed after having 'fruitful conversations' with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum while he slammed Canada for being a 'high tariff nation'. As per an official, the modifications in tariffs against Canada and Mexico are being brought in to 'protect American car manufacturers and American farmers'. It was noted that this will thus exclude the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)-eligible goods from existing tariffs. As per CNN, the USMCA was negotiated by Trump during his first term, which makes the three North American countries a free trade zone. Explaining the modifications, Trump said, "During this interim period, between now and April 2nd, this makes it much more favourable for our American car manufacturers." Speaking about his conversation with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, he said, "I spoke to the president of Mexico, a wonderful woman, today, and we helped them out with a problem they were having to do with the short-term tariffs. We had a very good conversation. Also, we discussed drugs, and they've been working much harder lately. We've made tremendous progress on both." Trump also shared the details of the conversation in a post on Truth Social. He wrote, 'After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement. This Agreement is until April 2nd. I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl. Thank you to President Sheinbaum for your hard work and cooperation!' Speaking about tariffs and Canada, Trump added, 'Those are happening next week, and the big one will be on April 2nd. Canada is a high-tariff nation. Canada charges us 250 per cent for our milk products and other products and a tremendous tariff on lumber and things as such. We don't need their lumber. We have more lumber than they do. We don't need Canada's lumber. So what I'm doing is I'll be signing an executive order freeing up our forests so that we're allowed to take down trees and make a lot of money and then re-harvest trees...We don't need trees from Canada. We don't need cars from Canada. We don't need energy from Canada. We don't need anything from Canada...We can be self-sustaining, which is in most things... I'm going to be freeing that up very shortly so that we don't have to go to other countries to buy lumber. You know, why should we be buying lumber from other countries? Paying tariffs, paying big prices, extraordinary prices. And we have lumber. We have the best lumber...' Earlier on Thursday, President Donald Trump had accused Justin Trudeau of 'using the tariff problem' with the US to run again for Prime Minister despite the 'terrible job he has done for Canada'. 'One murder gets national coverage because of political connections.' 'The other two and the brutal torture? Not much outrage.' 'Are Dalit and OBC lives worth less?' IMAGE: Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal. Photograph: ANI Photo As Chhagan Bhujbal took the floor in the Maharashtra assembly on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, his voice carried the weight of frustration and anguish. "One murder gets national coverage because of political connections. The other two and the brutal torture? Not much outrage. Are Dalit and OBC lives worth less?" he asked, speaking to Rediff.com after his speech in the assembly. His words echoed through the House, forcing members to confront an uncomfortable truth. Soon afterwards, senior Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) leader Jayant Patil, who sits across the aisle, was seen discussing the issues with Bhujbal. "Yes, these are serious and shocking issues and should be confronted upfront. Maharashta cannot and will not tolerate such barbarism," said Patil who also later raised these issue. "Forget about the role of cops, forget about the role of politicians. These people come only after a crime has been committed. But from where have we learned to be so barbaric? Many such gruesome crimes have been reported from three districts of Marathwada," Bhujbal pointed out to this correspondent. He urged the Speaker to take immediate action and form a collective of religious leaders, senior journalists, politicians, and corporate figures to develop initiatives aimed at eliminating such brutality at its root. A Cry for Justice "I wanted to bring it to the attention of the august House that there is an urgent need to find out the root cause of why some people in Maharashtra are engaging in such spine-chilling, horrifying tortures and mutilation of bodies and have the depravity to film and record such acts, and make them viral," Bhujbal told Rediff.com. "This is not a political problem or even a law and order problem. This is a social problem. Somehow, some people have started believing that such inhuman treatment is just and normal, and there will only be selective outrage when such cases come to light." Bhujbal cited the case of Somnath Suryawanshi, a Dalit man from the Vadar community, who died in police custody in Parbhani. "Even some cops are participating in custodial torture," he said. "BJP MLA from Beed Suresh Dhas pleaded that on humanitarian grounds, no case should be filed against the police officers under whose custody Suryawanshi died. It is utterly shameful that a person who has so stridently campaigned against meting out strict punishment to Walmik Karad and Dhananjay Munde should ask for forgiveness for the killers of Suryawanshi just because he belonged to the Vadar community and just because this time, the killers were cops," Bhujbal noted. "Doesn't the Constitution of India give Suryawanshi the same rights as it gives to Deshmukh? Was Suryawanshi not a human? Was he an animal?" 'Where Does This Cruelty Come From?' Bhujbal drew a chilling historical comparison. "The way Aurangzeb tortured Chhatrapati Sambhaji using hot iron rods, Kailash Govinda Borade, a Dhangar, was tortured by inserting hot iron rods into his private parts and scalding his skin with the same rods." "Where does this cruelty come from? Why is it happening in Maharashtra? Why are people becoming so inhuman and insane?" he lamented. Government Response: A Step Forward? Bhujbal revealed that, before his speech, he had sent newspaper clippings and video recordings of these brutalities to Chief Minister Devnedra Fadnavis and Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar. "Devendra (Fadnavis) sent a message to me later that the SP of Jalna has given strict orders to thoroughly investigate this case, and the main accused has been arrested." Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who had stepped out of the House, returned immediately on hearing Bhujbal's impassioned address and responded, "I called the SP of Jalna and asked him to charge the perpetrators of this brutal attack under MCOCA." "The chief minister, who was not present in the House. I am sure he will also make a strong statement about these brutal crimes," Bhujbal said. His call for justice remained firm, urging the government to ensure that no life -- regardless of caste or class -- was treated as dispensable. A Question That Remains Unanswered As Bhujbal's words settled over the assembly, the question loomed large -- will Maharashtra finally listen? Will justice truly be equal for all? Or will selective outrage continue to define which lives matter and which are forgotten? Photo: https://www.facebook.com/giorgiameloni.paginaufficiale/ Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has proposed extending NATO's Article 5 to Ukraine without granting the country membership in the military alliance, as this step would be "a guarantee of stable, long-term, effective security," the Financial Times reports. "Extending the same coverage that NATO countries have to Ukraine would certainly be much more effective, although it would be different from NATO membership. I think it would be a more stable, long-term, effective security guarantee than some of the proposals that I see," Meloni said. Asked what the difference was between Meloni's proposal and granting Ukraine full NATO membership, an Italian government spokeswoman said the move would ensure that the mutual defense clause would be activated "also to protect Ukraine ... even on territory outside NATO, regardless of Kyiv's membership." Meloni also ruled out sending Italian troops to enforce a possible ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, adding that deploying "European troops, French or British, is the most difficult decision ... I remain very puzzled by this proposal." A woman passenger stripped naked and started screaming on a Southwest Airlines flight about to take off from Houston to Phoenix in the United States, NBC News reported. Kindly note that this image has only been posted for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Pixabay.com A co-passenger filmed the naked woman walking up and down the aisle and now the video has gone viral. The plane was reportedly taxiing when the incident occurred. According to NBC News, the flight from Houston was delayed by over an hour due to the strip-down by the passenger. Houston police, in a statement released to NBC News, said, 'A passenger took off her clothes on a flight and was causing disturbance. She was removed from the flight and transported to the neuropsychiatric center at the Harris Health Ben Taub hospital in Houston for medical evaluation.' 'No charges were filed against the woman so her name was not released.' United States President Donald Trump had some words of appreciation for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams' hair as he told a pair of stranded astronauts aboard the International Space Station that 'we're coming up to get you'. IMAGE: Sunita Williams. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters Trump, 78, mused Thursday about the possibility of personally launching a rescue team into orbit to help bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Williams back to Earth -- and blasted former President Joe Biden for their eight-day mission stretching to nine months and counting. "Biden left them up there," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "We have two astronauts that are stuck in space. I have asked Elon (Musk), I said, 'Do me a favour. Can you get them out?' He said, 'Yes.' He is preparing to go up, I think in two weeks." He added that Musk is 'right now preparing a ship to go up' and get them. "And I see the woman with the wild hair, good, solid head of hair she's got. There's no kidding, there's no games with her hair," Trump said during remarks in the Oval Office Thursday while talking about Williams. Trump was responding to a question about Williams and Wilmore, who have been stranded on the International Space Station for the past nine months. When asked what his message is for the two astronauts, Trump said, "We love you, and we're coming up to get you. And you shouldn't have been up there so long." Describing Biden as the 'most incompetent president in our history', Trump said he 'allowed that to happen to you, but this president won't let it happen'. "We're going to get them out. We're coming up to get you," Trump said, lifting his head and looking up, as if sending the message to the astronauts. "They've been left up there. I hope they like each other, but they've been... maybe they'll love each other, I don't know, but they've been left up there. Think of it. There's a danger up there too. It can have some failures up there. That would be very bad. You got to get them out," Trump said. "So I've authorised Elon. A week ago, I said, we have two people up there that Biden and Kamala (Harris) left up there, and he knows it very well. I said, "Are you equipped to get them?' He said, 'Yeah.' He's got a starship, and they're preparing it right now, and so Elon is going to go up and get them. "Should I go on that journey just to be on the ship," Trump said amid laughter from the reporters present in the Oval Office. Musk said in a post on X that 'the astronauts were only supposed to be up there for 8 days and now have been there for 8 months'. "SpaceX could have sent up another Dragon and brought them home 6 months ago, but the Biden White House (not NASA) refused to allow it. President Trump asked to bring them back as soon as possible and we are doing so," he said. Williams, 59, and Wilmore went on what was meant to be an eight-day mission to the ISS aboard Boeing's Starliner in June 2024. However, technical issues including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions meant that the Starliner was unsafe for their return. In January this year, Williams broke the record for total spacewalking time by a woman by logging 62 hours and 6 minutes of spacewalk when she and Wilmore had conducted a spacewalk that month. In 2012, during a trip to the ISS, Williams became the first person to finish a triathlon in space, during which she simulated swimming using a weight-lifting machine and ran on a treadmill while strapped in by a harness so she would not float away. Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana has submitted a renewed application to Chief Justice John Roberts seeking a stay of his extradition to India after the US Supreme Court rejected his emergency bid. IMAGE: Tahawwur Rana. Photograph: ANI Photo Rana, 64, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. He had submitted an 'Emergency Application For Stay Pending Litigation of Petition For Writ of Habeas Corpus' on February 27 with Elena Kagan, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and Circuit Justice for the Ninth Circuit. A note dated March 6 on the Supreme Court website said that 'Application denied by Justice Kagan'. Rana has now renewed his 'Emergency Application for Stay Pending Litigation of Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus' previously addressed to Justice Kagan, and requests that the renewed application be directed to Chief Justice Roberts, according to the submission by Rana's lawyers on Thursday posted on the court's website. In his emergency application, Rana had sought a stay of his extradition and surrender to India pending litigation (including exhaustion of all appeals) on the merits of his February 13 petition. In that petition, Rana argued that his extradition to India violates United States law and the United Nations Convention Against Torture 'because there are substantial grounds for believing that, if extradited to India, the petitioner will be in danger of being subjected to torture'. 'The likelihood of torture in this case is even higher though as petitioner faces acute risk as a Muslim of Pakistani origin charged in the Mumbai attacks,' the application said. The application also said that his 'severe medical conditions' render extradition to Indian detention facilities a 'de facto' death sentence in this case. It cited medical records from July 2024 that confirm Rana has multiple 'acute and life-threatening diagnoses', including multiple documented heart attacks, Parkinson's disease with cognitive decline, a mass suggestive of bladder cancer, stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and a history of chronic asthma, and multiple COVID-19 infections. 'Accordingly, petitioner certainly has raised a credible, if not compelling, factual case that there are indeed substantial grounds for believing he would be in danger of torture if surrendered to Indian authorities. 'Further, because of his Muslim religion, his Pakistani origin, his status as a former member of the Pakistani Army, the relation of the putative charges to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and his chronic health conditions he is even more likely to be tortured than otherwise would be the case, and that torture is very likely to kill him in short order.' The US Supreme Court denied Rana's petition for a writ of certiorari relating to his original habeas petition on January 21, 2025. The application notes that on that same day, newly-confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio had met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington on February 12 to meet with Trump, Rana's counsel received a letter from the Department of State, stating that 'on February 11, 2025, the Secretary of State decided to authorise' Rana's 'surrender to India', pursuant to the 'Extradition Treaty between the United States and India'. Rana's Counsel requested from the State Department the complete administrative record on which Secretary Rubio based his decision to authorise Rana's surrender to India. The Counsel also requested immediate information on any commitment the United States has obtained from India with respect to Rana's treatment. 'The government declined to provide any information in response to these requests,' the application said. It added that given Rana's underlying health conditions and the State Department's own findings regarding the treatment of prisoners, it is very likely 'Rana will not survive long enough to be tried in India'. 'The issues raised by petitioner merit full and careful consideration, and the stakes are enormous for him. The very least the U.S. courts owe the petitioner is a full chance to litigate these issues, including exercising their appellate rights, before he is consigned to the fate that awaits him at the hands of the Indian government,' the application said. It added that if a stay is not entered, there will be no review at all, and the US courts will lose jurisdiction, and petitioner will soon be dead. 'Therefore, we respectfully request that this Court enter an Order staying the extradition and surrender of petitioner pending a full and considered hearing on petitioner's claims by the district court, circuit court, and, if necessary, a writ of certiorari to and further proceedings before this Court,' it said. US President Donald Trump, during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Modi in the White House last month announced that Rana's extradition to India has been approved. Aimee Parnell has been on the job at the Waypoint Center for about a month, and her enthusiasm as the new executive director of the Great Fall Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Gordon Hayward of Westminster writes about individual men and women who contribute day in and day out to the life of our community here in Southeastern Vermont. By Alimat Aliyeva The Philippines and Canada have agreed to sign an agreement on the deployment of troops and joint exercises amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, Azernews reports. According to the Ministry of Defense, negotiations have been successfully concluded, but the exact date for the signing of the agreement has not yet been announced. "This agreement will lay the foundation for expanded cooperation," the statement read, adding that it will foster "closer collaboration between the defense and military departments of both countries." This agreement comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes involve several nations, including China, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian countries. The joint exercises and potential deployment of forces are seen as a way to bolster regional security and enhance the capacity of the Philippines and Canada to respond to emerging threats. The agreement also reflects Canada's growing involvement in Indo-Pacific security, as the country seeks to strengthen its defense partnerships in the region. Both nations aim to promote stability, freedom of navigation, and adherence to international law in the contested waters of the South China Sea. Experts believe that this partnership could serve as a counterbalance to China's increasing military presence in the area, offering a strategic alliance between Canada, an important Western ally, and the Philippines, a key player in Southeast Asia. Zelenskyy discusses with King of Belgium country's participation in preparing first steps to end the war Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with King Philippe of Belgium the Belgian country's participation in preparing the first steps to end the war. I am grateful to His Majesty King Philippe of the Belgians for the audience, a message posted on his X reads. The President noted that Belgium's participation in preparing the first steps to end the war was discussed. Zelenskyy also counts on the assistance of the King of Belgium in returning Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia. I thank Belgium for the support throughout the three years of full-scale Russian aggression and for its position on achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the President concluded. State Rep. Laura Sibilia, I, represents the Windham 2 towns of Dover, Jamaica, Somerset, Stratton and Wardsboro and is the Ranking Member of the House Energy & Digital Infrastructure Committee. The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. The European Union will continue to support the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, that is, until the illegal annexation of Crimea and full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation. This is stated in the text, which was strongly supported by 26 member states and added to the conclusions of the special meeting of the European Council adopted by the leaders of the European Union in Brussels on Thursday. The text was not supported by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. As it is known, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously stated that Ukraine's return to the 2014 borders is an unrealistic goal. Thus, the EU's position is fundamentally opposed to the new US position. The European Union has from the very beginning stood by Ukraine as it exercises its inherent right to self-defence against Russias full-scale war of aggression, and it will continue to stand by Ukraine and its people. The European Council reaffirms its continued and unwavering support for Ukraines independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, the EU leaders stated. Land Information NZ expects all surveyors and conveyancers, and most LINZ support staff, will be conducting all their work on the organisations new Landonline platform by June. LINZs focus in 2024 had been on substantially completing the modernisation of Landonline, LINZ told Parliaments primary production committee last month. The programme had operated within budget and met its delivery targets with successful deployments of modernised services for both survey and title customers. Large parts of the modernised system are now available to customers, uptake has been strong and feedback positive, LINZ said of the mostly internally developed project. Customers were also reporting substantial productivity gains with up to 86% of title transactions available to conveyancers using Landonline. Around 62% of straight-forward house sale and purchase transactions were also submitted on the new system. Automated property transaction notifications were being widely used by banks and territorial authorities, again delivering substantial productivity benefits. Two out of four key survey tasks were available to surveyors and a test version of a digital survey plan viewer had also been released to a pilot group of surveyors. When fully developed this new tool is expected to be transformational for survey practice, LINZ told the committee. Amid the frantic pace of ongoing diplomatic outreach between Russia and the United States over ending the war in Ukraine, the two powers also have arms control high on their agendas. The Kremlin told reporters on March 7 that it was open to dialogue and broad discussions with the United States about their nuclear arsenals after US President Donald Trump issued a broad call for other nuclear powers to draw down their stockpiles. "Dialogue between Russia and the US on arms control is necessary, especially concerning strategic stability," Peskov said. That came in response to comments the previous day by Trump, who pledged to make denuclearization a goal in his second term as his administration looks to realign the US-Russia relationship and craft a peace settlement that ends the three-year war in Ukraine. The comments also come as Washington prepares to hold a meeting with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia next week about reaching a peace deal after holding similar talks with Russia in February. "It would be great if everybody got rid of their nuclear weapons," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on March 6. "I know Russia and us have by far the most. China will have an equal amount within four to five years. It would be great if we could all denuclearize because the power of nuclear weapons is crazy." While Trump specifically addressed the nuclear stockpiles held by China, Russia, and the United States -- who hold the world's largest nuclear-armed number of nuclear weapons -- Peskov said that discussion should also include European nuclear powers Britain and France, especially given recent comments by French President Emmanuel Macron where he said in a televised address that Paris was willing to extend its nuclear umbrella to other European nations. The Kremlin criticized Macrons offer, saying it contained "notes of nuclear blackmail" and that France was staking a claim to "nuclear leadership in Europe." Trump's comments on nuclear arms control build on previous statements in February where he said he wants to restart nuclear arms control talks with Russia and China as part of a process that could see all three countries agree to cut their massive defense budgets in half. Russia and the United States are the world's largest nuclear powers with more than 5,000 nuclear warheads each, while China is believed to have around 500. Frances stockpile sits at 290 and Britain at 225. Trump also tried to bring China into nuclear arms reduction talks when the United States and Russia were negotiating an extension of a pact known as New START. Russia suspended its participation in the treaty during the administration of former US President Joe Biden, as the United States and Russia continued their massive programs to extend the lifespans of or replace their cold war-era nuclear arsenals. Bosnia-Herzegovinas Srebrenica Memorial Center said it was closing for the first time ever because of security concerns amid rising tensions after a state court sentenced Milorad Dodik, the Serb Republic's president and a pro-Russian nationalist, to a year in prison and banned him from politics for six years. In a statement posted on social media on March 7, the center -- which marks the site of genocide committed by ethnic Serb troops against Muslim Bosniaks in 1995 -- said that it had locked its doors "until further notice and in accordance with the current security situation." The move comes after Bosnian officials challenged a set of laws barring the state judiciary and police from operating in Republika Srpska, the Serb-controlled part of the country. The contentious legislation has fueled tensions in the ethnically-divided Balkan country. On February 27, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska voted on the laws a day after the State Court in Sarajevo delivered a non-final judgment sentencing Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik to one year in prison and banning him from politics for six years for defying the orders of an international peace envoy. Dodik, who rejected the charges, was accused of failing to implement the decisions of the High Representative for Bosnia-Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, in July 2023. In response to the ruling, Dodik warned that he "would radicalize the situation" in the country. On March 7, he went a step further, calling on ethnic Serbs to quit the federal police force and courts. Dodik added afterward that he was not planning for a violent escalation of the situation, but he quickly noted that Republika Srpska had "the ability to defend itself, and we will do that." On March 7, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stepped up pressure on Republika Srpska's leaders, saying in a social media post that "we call on our partners in the region to join us in pushing back against this dangerous and destabilizing behavior." The system of government in Bosnia-Herzegovina is among the most complex in the world. Since the Dayton peace agreement, which was signed in 1995 and ended the war in Bosnia, the country has consisted of the Bosniak-Croat Federation and the ethnic Serb-dominated Republika Srpska under a weak central government. While Republika Srpska can pass laws on internal matters, state-level laws and institutions remain supreme according to the constitution. The Office of the High Representative (OHR), a position held since 2021 by Schmidt, oversees the implementation of civilian aspects of Dayton. Dodik is currently under US and U.K. sanctions for actions that Western governments say are aimed at the secession of Republika Srpska from Bosnia. He has denied that the Serb entity of Bosnia has ever pursued a policy of secession, while at the same time pursuing legislation to wrest back powers for Republika Srpska at the expense of the state of Bosnia. US President Donald Trump has said he sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proposing talks to reach a deal over Tehran's nuclear program. In an interview with Fox News recorded on March 6, Trump said he had sent the letter "yesterday." "I've written them a letter saying, 'I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing,'" Trump said. Snippets of the interview were aired on March 7, but the full sit-down will be broadcast on March 9, Fox News said. "I would rather negotiate a deal. I'm not sure that everybody agrees with me, but we can make a deal that would be just as good as if you won militarily," Trump added. "But the time is happening now. The time is coming up. Something's going to happen one way or the other." In comments at the White House later on March 7, Trump again voiced hope for a deal in the near future. "We cannot let them have a nuclear weapon," he said, adding that "something is going to happen very soon." "Hopefully we will have a peace deal," he said, apparently meaning a peaceful resolution of tension over Tehran's nuclear program. "Im just saying Id rather see a peace deal then the other. But the other will solve the problem. During his first term in office, Trump withdrew the United States from a landmark 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers and reimposed sanctions that had been lifted under its terms. Khamenei last month said he opposed direct talks with Trump, charging that he cannot be trusted since he left the nuclear deal. After abrogating the accord in 2018, Trump welcomed an offer by Japan's then-prime minister, Shinzo Abe, to mediate and in 2019 asked the Japanese premier to deliver a letter to Khamenei. The Iranian leader rejected the letter, saying it was "not worthy" of a response. Since returning to office in January, Trump has reinstated his "maximum pressure" campaign that was the cornerstone of his Iran policy in his first term, with the aim of slashing Iran's oil exports to "zero." Experts say the United States is unlikely to be able to entirely stop Iran's oil sales but will be able to substantially reduce it. In comments to AFP, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi insisted Iran's nuclear program "cannot be destroyed" through military action and dismissed the prospect of talks with Trump as long as the "maximum pressure" campaign was in force. Iran significantly accelerated its nuclear program after the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and is now enriching uranium to 60 percent purity. Experts say Iran is a short technical step from enriching uranium to 90 percent, which is considered weapons-grade level. Tehran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and has no plans to weaponize it. But the International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed "serious concern" over the speed with which Iran is accumulating highly enriched uranium. On March 6, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign aims to shut down Iran's oil industry and "collapse its already buckling economy." He added that "making Iran broke again" will mark the beginning of the government's sanctions policy toward the Islamic republic. U.S. President Donald Trump has again postponed for one month his announced 25 percent tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada, as fears grow over the potential economic damages of a widespread trade war. Despite the temporary exemptions for the two U.S. neighbors, Trump is still planning to press ahead with a global regime of reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners of the United States on April 2. Most of the tariffs go on April the second, Trump said. These exemptions dont do much to resolve the general air of uncertainty, Yung-Yu Ma, chief investment officer at BMO Wealth Management, was quoted by AP as saying. Businesses will still be cautious in the current environment until a lot more of the tariff picture is clear." The White House says its tariffs against Mexico and Canada -- the two largest U.S. trading partners -- are intended to force the countries to take stronger measures against illegal border crossing and the smuggling of drug, including deadly fentanyl. The plans for U.S. tariffs have many countries looking to impose retaliatory duties on American products and have roiled global stock markets amid fears of a trade war, economic slowdown, and rising consumer prices. Asked whether the recent stock market decline was due to his tariffs, Trump said: A lot of them are globalist countries and companies that wont be doing as well because were taking back things that have been taken from us many years ago. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had planned to announce retaliatory measures ahead of the temporary reprieve. Trump earlier had hailed her for making progress on illegal immigration and drug smuggling as a reason for previously pausing tariffs that were initially set to go into effect in February. I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum," Trump said on Truth Social. "Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the border. Sheinbaum said she and Trump had an excellent and respectful call in which we agreed that our work and collaboration have yielded unprecedented results. Mexico has cracked down on cartels, sent troops to the U.S. border, and handed over to the Trump administration at least 29 top cartel bosses long sought by U.S. authorities. She said the two countries will continue to work together on migration and security, and to cut back on fentanyl trafficking to the U.S. Meanwhile, AP quoted two senior Canadian government officials as saying that countrys initial retaliatory tariffs will remain in place despite Trumps postponement announcement. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the leader of Canadas most populous province, also said that, starting next week, the province will charge 25 percent more for electricity shipped to some 1.5 million Americans in response to Trumps tariff plan. The province supplies electricity to the U.S. states of Minnesota, New York, and Michigan. Ford said Ontarios tariff would remain in place despite the one-month delay by Trump, arguing that as long as the threat of tariffs remains, Ontarios position wouldnt change. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who will step down as the Canadian leader on March 9, said he does not expect the trade war that Trump has launched to ease any time soon. "I can confirm that we will continue to be in a trade war that was launched by the United States for the foreseeable future," he told reporters on March 6. With reporting by Reuters and AP "I took a deep breath. Even the air is different outside prison," said Tequila, sitting in her soldier's uniform on a metal-framed bed in a military barrack. She is one of more than 100 female convicts in Ukraine who have chosen to swap prison time for parole and military service. Their arrival on the battlefield comes as the Ukrainian Army faces a dire shortage of soldiers to hold off invading Russian troops. Ukraine has struggled to replenish the ranks of its army -- depleted by three years of full-scale war. Recently, Ukraine has introduced a new plan that paves the way for adults below the conscription age of 25 to join the military. Tequila, who asked to be identified only by her military call sign, did not reveal how she ended up in a prison in the northeastern city of Kharkiv. "Let's put it this way: I was sentenced for what I'd done. I paid with two years of my life for my unlawful acts," she said. Tequila said she spent about six months deciding whether to join the army and admits to having doubts and fears. Her fitness levels were poor -- she had sewed garments all day in prison -- and the military training was tough. She now serves with an assault unit on the front line. "My main role is comms," she said. "I relay commands from one radio to another. The guys are in position, the commanders somewhere else. I'm in the middle relaying commands." "I had doubts, but even if I was ordered to go on an assault mission right now, I'd go. The most important thing is that we're treated like normal people. They even feel sorry for us," she added. Dmytro Andreyev, a spokesman for the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine, said more female prisoners are now swapping prison for the army. "More than 7,000 former prisoners are fighting. Among them, more than 100 women are currently in combat units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It's a paradox that women are choosing to swap a penal institution, where there are three meals a day and warmth, for the trenches where there is a direct threat to life." Convicts On The Front Lines Brux is an operations duty officer and communicates with drone operators, mortar and machine gun units, and combat groups on the front line. Brux, who also requested that she be identified only by her call sign, was released into the army after volunteering to fight. "I was always ready for the worst-case scenario, but we were told that women wouldn't be sent on assault missions. I've always tried to learn well and digest all the information in order to be ready." The unit commander, whose call sign is Hedgehog, said the female prisoners don't lack motivation. "Freedom, the opportunity to change something in their life," he said. "Here, they can suddenly become a hero after prison, build a career, learn something new. That's what motivates them." Other female prisoners are waiting to join up. Halyna, 36, is serving five years for theft at a correctional facility in Ukraine's central Poltava region. Halyna, who only gave her first name, works there as a cook and is sitting in white coveralls and a hat in the facility's kitchen. "I want to go to war because my son died at the age of 25, and three months later my husband died on the front in Bakhmut," she said, referring to the eastern Ukrainian town that was captured by Russian forces in 2023. "I could do two jobs [in the military]," said Halyna. "I studied to be a doctor for five years at medical school and graduated in Kyiv. I worked with an ambulance crew and studied to be a pastry chef, too." "I want to go to defend Ukraine and our future children, to fight, to help the guys," she added. The deputy head of the correctional facility, Anastasia Vodinchuk, maintains they put no pressure on anyone to join up. "[We] say for example, 'Today, such and such a brigade arrived. Whoever wants to join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under a contract, please come up.' They talk. We're just there to sort out the logistics." Zelenskyy to visit Saudi Arabia on March 10, his team to remain there to work with US delegation Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday, March 10, where he will meet with the crown prince, and then his delegation will remain there to work with the US delegation. "Next week, on Monday, my visit to Saudi Arabia is planned to meet with the Crown Prince. After that, my team will remain in Saudi Arabia to work with American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Thursday evening. According to him, the war must be stopped as quickly as possible, and "Ukraine is ready to work round the clock with partners in America and Europe for the sake of peace." The President said that at a meeting of the European Council at the level of leaders, he presented a vision that rapid progress towards peace is possible. "We are preparing relevant practical proposals," Zelenskyy wrote. According to the head of state, the following priority steps are being considered as a prologue to a broader and more comprehensive settlement: "silence in the skies (stopping missile strikes, long-range drones and bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure) has been monitored, as well as silence at sea, that is, stopping all military operations in the Black Sea, which will guarantee calm and safe shipping." "As we told President Trump, Ukraine is working and will work exclusively constructively for the sake of a quick and reliable peace," Zelenskyy noted. Earlier, Zelenskyy announced the unblocking of cooperation with the United States and announced negotiations for next week. US President Donald Trump's envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said that negotiations between Ukraine and the United States would take place in Riyadh or Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, March 11. Before that, the media reported on a meeting of high-ranking Ukrainian and US officials in Saudi Arabia, but different dates were named: March 11 or March 12. From the American side, the meeting will be attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US President Donald Trump's envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. The Ukrainian delegation will be led by the head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak. Britain will continue to supply intelligence to Ukraine, though the more limited capabilities on offer from London and other European countries will make it difficult to replace the flow halted from the US earlier this week, The Guardian reported. The UK will also continue to supply its analysis of the raw data, sources said on Thursday, though in line with normal intelligence practice it will not simply pass on US information obtained via long-established sharing arrangements between the two countries, the publication said, citing sources. They are not as far reaching as US capabilities, not at the same scale and not able to take their place, a former Whitehall insider said. But they will allow Ukraine to maintain some early warning from attack and a degree of deep strike capability into Russia. Reconnaissance data collected from satellites, ground stations, surveillance aircraft such as Rivet Joint, and even covertly deployed ground forces is accumulated and shared with Ukraine in conjunction with open source material to enable damaging deep missile and drone strikes into Russia. Earlier it was reported that the US had banned the UK from sharing intelligence data received from the US with Ukraine. The ban applies to organisations such as the British Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Defence intelligence units. A Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 competition for local schools, with a trip to the European Parliament in Brussels for the overall winner, was launched recently in Athlone. All secondary schools in the Just Transition region, including those in Roscommon, Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, and East Galway, are invited to enter the inaugural competition. Launched at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in Athlone, the Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 is the brainchild of Social Enterprise Exchange (SEE). SEE is a local initiative connecting social enterprises across East Galway, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Westmeath and Laois. The launch of the competition was attended by SEE representatives, TUS staff, community leaders, and teachers and students from Our Ladys Bower, the Marist College, Athlone Community College and Colaiste Chiarain. SEE is describing the competition as a ground-breaking initiative aimed at empowering secondary school students to use business acumen to solve pressing social and environmental challenges in their communities. The competition invites students to explore the concept of social enterprises: businesses that address social or environmental issues while remaining financially viable. Unlike traditional businesses that prioritise profit maximization, social enterprises aim to create a positive societal impact. The competition will allow students to integrate essential business skills into real-world scenarios, empowering them to create social enterprises that can make a meaningful difference. Through a series of structured steps, students will research, plan, and develop their own business proposals. The competition is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in areas such as conducting feasibility studies, managing projects, developing communication strategies, creating financial projections, and crafting business proposals. These are all vital skills for students pursuing a future in business, and the competition ensures that students also understand how business can be harnessed to address social and environmental issues. A panel of judges from both the private and public sectors will adjudicate on the entries. To participate in Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2025, schools must express their interest by September 19th next, with the final submission deadline set for November 14th. The winners will be announced on November 25th with the successful team from each county invited to Leinster House to present their project to local politicians. The overall winner will have the opportunity to visit the European Parliament in Brussels, courtesy of Midlands Northwest MEP, Maria Walsh. Opening the recent launch event of the competition in the TUS library, Gabrielle McFadden, SEE Project Manager, addressed the enthusiastic group of students, teachers, and community leaders. It was amazing to see the energy and creativity in the room, she said. As we kicked off the Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 competition, I reminded the students that the only limit to their ideas is their imagination. The potential for innovation within this group of young people is truly inspiring. The events keynote speaker, MEP Maria Walsh, spoke to the students about the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change. From an idea springs innovation, the MEP said, urging students to think beyond conventional business models and see how they can use their entrepreneurial skills to address the challenges in their own communities. The world is in need of creative problem-solvers, and youour young innovatorsare the ones who will lead the way, she said. The event was hosted at TUS Technological University of the Shannon, with a warm welcome from Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS. We are delighted to partner with Social Enterprise Exchange to launch this exciting initiative, Prof. Cunnane said. Business is a powerful tool for social good, and we believe that by encouraging young people to explore social enterprise, we can inspire them to not only become skilled entrepreneurs but also compassionate leaders who will make a real impact in their communities. TUS is proud to support this next generation of social entrepreneurs. Declan Doran, Head of Lifelong Learning at TUS, also expressed his support for the competition. It is incredibly exciting to see the bright minds of tomorrow taking on some of the most pressing issues of today. The Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 competition is an opportunity to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit in our youth and show them how business can be a powerful force for positive change. Gabrielle McFadden further elaborated on the educational benefits of the project: "This competition is more than just an academic exercise. Its an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking, social conscience, and an entrepreneurial mindset. These are the skills that will serve them for the rest of their liveswhether they pursue a career in business or social impact, these are the leaders who will drive innovation in every field." The process of developing a social enterprise for the competition involves several key steps, each designed to deepen students understanding of business planning and community engagement. These include: Introduction to Social Enterprises: Students are introduced to the concept of social enterprises, with examples of successful local and global initiatives. They learn how business models can be adapted to create positive social impact. Community Research: Students identify and research a social or environmental issue that they are passionate about solving in their local community. This helps them develop a clear understanding of the challenges they aim to address. Feasibility Study: Students assess the viability of their idea by conducting market research, evaluating resources, and identifying potential obstacles. This step helps students determine the practicality of their idea before moving forward. Project Planning: Students outline their enterprise's goals, target audience, and strategic plan of action. This stage emphasizes clear goal-setting and detailed project management. Financial Projections: Students develop a budget, estimate costs, and project potential revenue. This helps them understand the financial aspects of running a sustainable business. Presentation & Feedback: Students present their business proposals to their peers, teachers, and a panel of local business leaders, who provide constructive feedback and guidance for improvement. The projects will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the creativity and innovation of the business idea, the quality of research and understanding of the identified community need, the clarity and accuracy of the feasibility study (including financial projections), the quality of the overall proposal, and the students' written presentation skills. SEE is grateful for the support and contributions of a variety of local organisations and community leaders, who played a vital role in making the launch event a success. These include Clodagh Barry from The Cluster Centre, Steve Dolan from Galway Rural Development, Louise Lennon from Irish Rural Link, and Martina Hourigan from Roscommon Womens Network, all of whom attended the event and provided invaluable support. SEE is also grateful to the Local Authorities of Longford, Westmeath, Roscommon and Laois for their ongoing support. The event also saw the attendance of Joanne Gillivan and her library staff colleagues at TUS who played a significant role in hosting the event. Declan Doran from TUS Lifelong Learning acknowledged their hard work: The library staff at TUS were instrumental in ensuring this event was a success. Their support shows the importance of community collaboration in educational initiatives. SEE looks forward to seeing how students across the region will use their business proposals to create solutions to the challenges facing their communities. The Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 competition is just the beginning of an ongoing journey to inspire and empower the next generation of social entrepreneurs. SEE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition fund programme 2021-2027. It is supported by The Cluster Centre, the EU, EMRA, Pobal, and the Government of Ireland. For more information about the Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 competition or to get involved, please contact: Social Enterprise Exchange, Tel: 087 2636728. Email: info@socialenterpriseexchange.ie; website: socialenterprisexchange.ie Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act to be Enforced in Maharashtra This directive officially acknowledges Sikh marriage rituals and streamlines the registration process for Sikh marriages. Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act to be Enforced in Maharashtra latest news: The Maharashtra government has instructed all Departmental Commissioners to implement the Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act across the state. This directive officially acknowledges Sikh marriage rituals and streamlines the registration process for Sikh marriages. Advertisement The Minority Development Department issued the official directives on February 25, 2025, to the Departmental Commissioners of Maharashtra. The Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy and an 11-member Sikh committee had reportedly submitted a representation on February 6, 2025, requesting the implementation of the act in the state. The Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act legally recognizes Sikh marriages performed through the Anand Karaj ceremony. It allows Sikh couples to register their marriage separately from Hindu laws, aligning with Sikh traditions. Since many states lack such provisions, Sikhs were previously required to register their marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, despite their unique religious identity. Originally introduced as the Anand Marriage Act in 1909, it was amended in 2012 to enable independent registration, though its implementation varies by state. Advertisement (For More News Apart Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act to be Enforced in Maharashtra stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Trump Postpones Tariffs on Canada and Mexico in Face of Trade Tensions Trump had originally declared the tariffs on March 4, but this is not the first time he has delayed such action Trump Postpones Tariffs on Canada and Mexico in Face of Trade Tensions latest news: In a recent turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump has again delayed the imposition of a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico for 30 days. Trump had originally declared the tariffs on March 4, but this is not the first time he has delayed such action. Earlier, he had declared tariffs on several Canadian and Mexican goods from February 4, only to delay them a day before they were to come into effect. Advertisement The move to postpone the tariffs has brought about a flurry of reactions. In Canada, Trump's threat to impose tariffs and his pronouncement to make Canada the 51st state have precipitated a boycott of American products. Reports show that Canadians have withheld American apples and switched to imports from other nations. Pizza vendors have also begun utilizing Italian tomatoes rather than those of California. ALSO READ: Exclusion of India as Trump Slaps New Tariffs on China, Mexico, Canada Advertisement On Thursday, Trump issued executive orders to prevent imposing tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The action has been interpreted as a reaction to the burgeoning patriotism spirit in Canada. Shopkeepers have indicated that they will cease selling American products, and many Canadians who had scheduled vacations in the U.S. have canceled. Trump's threat has sparked national pride in Canada. Two months back, in fear of losing the elections, a tide of opposition against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arose within the Liberal Party, and he announced his resignation. Today, the Liberal Party has become the leading party in the next elections. Advertisement On Tuesday, Trudeau said Canadians are smart and are perhaps humble as a people but won't walk away from a battle, particularly when the nation's people's welfare is in question. Mexico and Canada welcomed Trump's choice to postpone tariffs. Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc released that Canada was also going to temporarily suspend the tariffs on the goods of the Americans. After Trump said he would add tariffs on March 4, Canada put a tariff on $20.5 billion in US goods. Before that, Mexico had said that it would set tariffs on American products beginning on Sunday if the US did not reverse its position. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum thanked Trump for making his decision. Advertisement (For More News Apart Trump Postpones Tariffs on Canada and Mexico in Face of Trade Tensions stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) French fighters for first time take part in repelling enemy air attack Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dassault_Mirage_2000 French fighters, which arrived in Ukraine just a month ago, took part in repelling an enemy air attack for the first time on the night of Friday, March 7, the Ukrainian Air Force reports. As noted on the Telegram channel on Friday, F-16 and Mirage-2000 aircraft were involved in repelling the enemy's air attack. In addition, electronic warfare systems and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Defense Forces of Ukraine were used. As reported, on the night of March 7, 2025, Russian occupiers carried out a combined strike with various types of air, land and sea-based missiles on critical infrastructure facilities. They managed to shoot down 134 air targets. Editorial: Pakistan's Struggle Against Rising Extreminism 18 people, including five soldiers, were killed and 32 others were injured in a terrorist attack on the outskirts of Bannu cantonment Editorial: Terrorism in Pakistan is showing no signs of abating. On Thursday, the army foiled a terrorist attack on a check barrier in Charsadda in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Five civilians were injured in the operation, but the terrorists failed to achieve their goal of killing the soldiers posted at the check barrier. Earlier, on Tuesday, 18 people, including five soldiers, were killed and 32 others were injured in a terrorist attack on the outskirts of Bannu cantonment in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province itself. Six children were also among the dead. The next day, on Wednesday, the army claimed that all 16 terrorist elements associated with the Bannu attack have been eliminated. Advertisement On the other hand, the terrorist group Jeesh-e-Fursan, which claimed responsibility for the Bannu attack, had called the armys claim ridiculous and counter-claimed that only four mujahids died in the Bannu operation. Pakistani media is accustomed to publishing official press releases about terrorist attacks or other violent acts exactly. Despite this tendency or compulsion, it has now started showing an inclination to question the armys claims. The English newspaper Frontier Post published from Peshawar expressed this inclination in an editorial on Thursday. It has declared the claim of Jesh-e-Fursan as correct and has advised the armys information agency ISPR and the Pakistani government to tell the truth. The Institute for Economics and Peace, which ranks terrorist incidents globally, has recorded in its report called Global Terror Index 2025 that a major terrorist act took place in Pakistan every third day during the year 2024. Advertisement There were 45 percent more deaths due to terrorist violence in Pakistan in 2024 compared to 2023. The number of deaths in 2023 was 717; in 2024 it was 1099. In the same report, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has been described as the second most dangerous terrorist group in the world. According to the report, TTP took 558 lives through 482 terrorist operations during 2024. Pakistani media has been calling Jesh-e-Fursan a branch of TTP. Even now, it has accused Jesh-e-Fursan of having bases in Afghanistan and of supporting the Afghan Taliban. Along with this, allegations of Indias hand at the head of TTP have also been repeated. The Indian Foreign Office has termed these allegations as ridiculous and described Pakistan as a victim of the as you sow, so you reap mentality. Despite such allegations, the fact cannot be ignored that terrorism remains a major challenge for Pakistan and it has so far failed to meet this challenge. Last year, the government of Prime Minister Azam Shahbaz Sharif had ordered the army to launch an all-out campaign to make no concessions to terrorist groups and deal with each group with a strong hand. It was named Azam-e-Istihkam. The army also claimed to have eliminated about 700 terrorists from May to December 2024, but terrorist acts have not decreased. Advertisement According to Pakistani data, 91 people died in 74 attacks during January 2025. It is clear that despite operations like Azam, neither did the killing power of terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province decrease, nor did the attacks on government institutions and police stations-posts by the Baloch National Army (BNA) and other Baloch militant groups in Balochistan decrease. Pakistan, because it has been using terrorist groups to create instability in neighboring countries, especially India, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, is not getting support or sympathy from other countries for its current war on terror. This situation has become a threat to its geographical security as well as its economic security. This is no small tragedy in itself. (For More News Apart Editorial: Pakistan's Struggle Against Rising Extreminism stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Challenges in a Changing Information Ecosystem "What we are experiencing now is the result of a totally changed information ecosystem" Challenges in a Changing Information Ecosystem Corina Cristea, 07.03.2025, 13:00 What we are experiencing now is the result of a totally changed information ecosystem this is the assessment made by Prof. Alina Bargaoanu, PhD, European expert in combating disinformation and member of the Advisory Board of the European Observatory for Digital Media. She provided an analysis on Radio Romania about informational and cognitive warfare, the dictatorship of emotions, and the manipulation of algorithms on social networks in order to falsify reality. I believe that any era is defined by the dominant means of communication, says the expert in combating disinformation, and the pace of changes in terms of communication is so great today that we feel overwhelmed, confused, anxious, because we are not prepared, we do not have a similar historical period that would have trained us for such a great pace of changes: If we think about Romania, we are not very far, for example, from 1989, when we had only one TV program. There was a TV in the house and there were two hours when we watched TV, and that was just about all our exposure to mass media. After this period of informational austerity, there was that boom after 1989, with the explosion of the written press, after which radio stations started, then commercial television stations. It was already an informational space that was as much of a provider as possible. We didnt settle down very much with 24/7 televisions and bombastic headlines written down, that blogs appeared, after which the online version of newspapers appeared, after which social media started to appear a little, which already greatly crowded the informational space. We hadnt assimilate yet the experience of what Facebook was, that all kinds of platforms based on sound, on image appeared. Again, we didnt get to get used this change that artificial intelligence appeared, Chat GPT appeared, these enormous possibilities for creating content appeared. So, if we take Romania alone, in 35 years we have gone from a two-hour television program to an informational oversaturation, a continuous bombardment of the most varied content possible. The whole of society is caught in this whirlpool, and the effect of new technologies and changes is felt at the level of all generations. For a long time now, we have not been talking about simple actions of distorting the truth, the facts, explains Alina Bargaoanu, but we are talking about information warfare, political-informational warfare, or even cognitive warfare. At this moment, the information ecosystem has been transformed into a real weapon. Many times, digital platforms can be transformed into platforms from which to carry out actions to alter reality, to alter cognition, to install the dictatorship of emotions. The power of new communication tools to alter reality is indeed considerable. And because of this, the defense in terms of these weapons must be commensurate, that is, if we embrace this metaphor of information warfare, cognitive warfare, it means that you cannot leave people to defend themselves on their own. On the other hand, lets not forget that social media have represented a real tool for emancipation, for overthrowing tyrannies, dictatorial governments, Alina Bargaoanu points out. Meaning, right now there is a lot of dissatisfaction and a lot of frustration with social networks, but, she explains, I think it would be a shame to associate them only with this dark side and to forget that, at least in the early days, they contributed to a real democratization of the public space: They took over traditional media by storm, but sometimes rightly so, because traditional media were starting to represent closed spaces, and then they created this way of allowing new voices to appear in the public space. But now, really, you can see the dark side a lot, because they have also become very, very technological, and allow this distortion of the way we perceive the distribution of content. There are even companies that specialize in what is called rent a digital cloud, meaning they rent a digital crowd. If you want to have 1000 likes on your post, it means you pay x amount for the next likes. And these measurements, of what is called engagement, are processed by the human mind as an indication of popularity, and then as an indication of truth. This is because the popularity of information is interpreted by our brain as an indication of validation. Virality is one of the main weapons, and social media platforms create different speeds of content advancement, says Alina Bargaoanu. And she explains: such cognitive attack campaigns can also be carried out with truths, a content that is viral does not mean that it is false, it can be something as factual as possible, but the distortion occurs from the fact that it benefits from an increased number of likes by manipulating algorithms, and that popularity is interpreted as an indication of truth. I think that the strength of artificial intelligence at this moment is related to the ability to distort the distribution of content, concludes Alina Bargaoanu. Summit for Europe A European agreement for defense investment has been reached. Ilie Bolojan (Photo: presidency.ro) Leyla Cheamil, 07.03.2025, 14:00 European leaders met in Brussels on Thursday for an emergency summit, where they agreed on an arms plan meant to bolster defenses on the eastern flank of the Baltic and Black Seas. With the United States withdrawing its support for Ukraine amid a European campaign to support that country and to counter Russias expansionist tendencies, the 27 leaders of the community bloc gave the green light to a European Commission plan to strengthen defense. European leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine in Brussels and for providing security guarantees, together with the United States, in the event of a ceasefire. This week, EC President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a plan called ReArm Europe that could mobilize close to 800 billion Euros, of which 150 billion in the form of loans, to strengthen the continents defense capabilities. Several options are mentioned, including the possibility that member states significantly increase their military spending, without this being taken into account in the calculation of their deficit, limited in principle to 3% of their gross domestic product. These funds must be used to invest jointly, between at least two member states, in areas where the needs are most urgent, such as air defense, missiles, drones and anti-drone systems or even artillery systems. The EC President Ursula von der Leyen assured that with this equipment member states will be able to massively strengthen their aid to Ukraine. The Baltic states, Poland and Romania have imposed their point of view for prioritizing the eastern flank within the framework of projects with European funding worth 150 billion Euros. The details of this plan will be finalized together with the NATO teams. Attending the summit in Brussels, Romanias interim president Ilie Bolojan said: Certainly, a good part of this equipment, of these investments will be located in this area, and the production part, the consortium part, will be distributed throughout the European Union. And I think this is an opportunity for our defense industry as well, for part of these products to be made in factories in Romania, thus creating jobs. Bucharest will not send troops to Ukraine, but it could become a regional military center, for organization and support for troops sent by other states. Romanias presence will be necessary to know whether there will be elements related to the use of our countrys infrastructure, military bases, for example, on Romanian territory or elements of other military infrastructure such as ports and airports, Ilie Bolojan also said. (LS) Treason Allegations in Romania Six Romanians are presently facing treason charges. They have also been accused of connection with Russian agents The Direction for Investigating International Crime and Terrorism Roxana Vasile, 07.03.2025, 13:50 On Thursday morning prosecutors with the Direction for Investigating International Crime and Terrorism, known as DIICOT, announced that six people had been apprehended on treason charges after having negotiated with Russian agents Romanias coming out of NATO. Further information was provided later in the day and we learnt that the suspects were part of the so-called Vlad Tepes Command, which also included Radu Theodoru, a retired major-general and WWII veteran aged 101. The organizations main aim was, according to DIICOT, to affect the sovereignty and independence of the Romanian state and also to undermine the countrys political and defence capabilities through continued, conscious, public or conspiracy activities. Members of the aforementioned military-style organization have allegedly recruited followers and published on-line video materials. According to prosecutors, they would have initiated actions aimed at removing the present constitutional order of dismantling the political parties and instating a government made up of members of the aforementioned organization who would have served as ministers. They also wanted to remove all employees from state institutions, adopt a new Constitution, change the countrys flag, anthem and even its name. They also stood for a social order based on moral principles and a system based on collective wisdom. In January, two of the suspects travelled to Moscow where they allegedly met people ready to support the organization with a view to taking over power in Romania. In fact, the six persons indictment on charges of treason sources in Bucharest say is actually related to the expulsion of two Russian diplomats a day before. We recall the Romanian authorities decided to declare the Russian Federations military attache and his deputy persona non grata. The two have been accused of involvement in activities running against the 1961 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. According to the Romanian Intelligence Service, the two Russian diplomats gleaned information from fields of strategic interest and had activities in support of the anti-Constitutional moves of the Vlad Tepes organization. Moscow pledged to respond in kind and described the expulsion of the two diplomats as unjustified and unfriendly. Under the circumstances, the Romanian legal authorities on Thursday night decided the preventive arrest of two members of the command structure of the Vlad Tepes, organization whereas four other members have been placed under court supervision for a period of 60 days. (bill) The Canadian market closed notably lower on Thursday amid uncertainty about the Trump administration's moves with regard to tariffs and economic policies. The 25% tariffs by U.S. on Canadian goods and 10% on Canadian energy products came into force earlier this week. The Trump administration decided to delay the levy on auto companies for a month. The Canadian government, for its part, announced reciprocal tariffs on over $150 billion of US imports. Technology, healthcare, utilities, financials, real estate and materials shares were among the major losers in the session. The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index ended down 286.78 points or 1.15% at 24,584.04, more than 100 points off the day's low of 24,476.47. Aecon Group tanked 16%. The company posted a loss of $59.4 million in fiscal year 2024, as against a profit of $161.9 million in the previous year. Hut 8 Corp, South Bow Corporation and Celestica plunged more than 10%. Descartes Systems Group closed lower by 8.6% and Brookfield Asset Management ended down 7%. TecSys Inc., ATS Corporation, AtkinsRealis, Docebo Inc., Finning International, Shopify, Tourmaline Oil Corp., Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Franco-Nevada, Waste Connections, Enbridge, goeasy, Fairfax Financial Holdings and Onex Corporation lost 2 to 6%. Parkland Corporation, Badger Infrastructure, Rogers Communications, Telesat Corporation, Seabridge, Alimentation Couche-Tard, Wajax Corporation, Stella-Jones, MEG Energy, BCE, Cenovus Energy, Nutrien, Ag Growth International and BRP Inc., gained 2 to 6%. In economic news, the Ivey Purchasing Managers Index in Canada soared to 55.3 in February 2025 from 2020-lows of 47.1 in January. The Canadian trade surplus widened to CAD 4.0 billion in January 2025, the largest since May 2022. Canada's merchandise exports rose 5.5% to a record CAD 74.5 billion, while imports increased 2.3%, marking the fourth consecutive monthly rise for both. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Ukraine's Energy Minister German Galushchenko said the country's energy infrastructure and gas production facilities came "under massive missile and drone shelling" by Russia overnight. At least 18 people, including four children, were injured in the attacks, reports quoting local authorities said. The southern port city of Odessa and the eastern city of Kharkiv were heavily bombed. Ukraine's energy company Naftogaz' infrastructure also came under attack. Russia reportedly fired up to 20 missiles overnight using ships based in the Black Sea. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will be hosting a meeting next week between officials of Ukraine and the United States for talks on ending the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who walked out of a meeting with President Donald Trump last week over differences of opinion about a proposed minerals deal, said on Thursday that he will work "constructively" with Trump to reach a "fast" and "lasting" peace. Zelensky will be travelling to the gulf nation, but said he will not attend the meeting. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The UK government has has lifted asset freezes on 24 Syrian entities that were previously used by the Assad regime to fund the oppression of the Syrian people They include the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, and energy companies. "This approach underscores our commitment to help the people of Syria rebuild their country and , including through support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process. We will continue to judge Syria's interim authorities by their actions, not their words," a spokespersn for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said. FCDO made it clear that sanctions on members of the Assad regime and those involved in the illicit trade of captagon drugs will continue to remain in place. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Employment in the U.S. increased by slightly less than expected in the month of February, according to a closely watched report released by the Labor Department on Friday. The report said non-farm payroll employment climbed by 151,000 jobs in February after rising by a downwardly revised 125,000 jobs in January. Economists had expected employment to grow by 160,000 jobs compared to the addition of 143,000 jobs originally reported for the previous month. The Labor Department also said the unemployment crept up to 4.1 percent in February from 4.1 percent in January, while economists had expected the unemployment rate to remain unchanged. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News A Black Edition was recently launched with Honda Elevate in India which got an all-Black theme, which is currently trending in the country. Honda ships Elevate SUV back to its home market, Japan, from India where it is sold as WR-V. This model is now offered with a Black Style version with Z and Z+ trims. Lets take a closer look. Honda Elevate Gets Updated In Japan In January 2025, Honda launched Elevate Black Edition and Elevate Signature Black Edition in India for a starting price of Rs 15.51 lakh (Ex-sh). These versions get an all Black interiors and exteriors theme. It also came with Black Edition badge on tailgate. Both Black Edition and Signature Black Edition are based on top-spec ZX trim in India. Now, Honda has launched something similar in Japan with WR-V, which is a rebranded Elevate. There, Honda calls is Black Style and is offered with both Z and Z+ trims for a starting price of JPY 2,483,800, which roughly translates to Rs 14.67 lakh. Unlike Black Editions in India which come with a sole Crystal Black Pearl shade. Black Style versions can be had with any exterior colour including Crystal Black Pearl. In Japan with WR-V, Black Style is a combination of multiple exterior black highlights along with an all-black interior. These include black door handles, black ORVMs, black shark fin antenna and black alloy wheels with black nuts. On the inside, we get an all-Black theme, similar to the Black Editions offered in India. However, we dont see the Rhythmic Ambient Lighting system offered with Signature Black Edition in India. Elements like gloss black inserts, black padding on dashboard and doors, black stitches on steering wheel are common. Notably, WR-V Black Style gets fabric seats, unlike the leatherette ones in India. Black Style Features In Japan, with WR-V, Honda is offering a choice to combine all-Black interior theme and Black exterior highlights with any exterior colours, yielding interesting combinations. We think HCIL could boost sales in India by offering something similar here. Also, offering these with lower trim levels might prove beneficial too. With the launch of Elevate SUV, HCIL (Honda Cars India Limited) has firmly secured its footing in the Asian subcontinent. This was a much needed launch for Honda to survive evolving market trends. Also, Elevate is a strong contender in Hondas exports, which accounts for close to half of its total sales. Elevate is powered by a sole 1.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that is capable of generating 119 bhp of peak power and 145 Nm of peak torque. This engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. The American aerospace company Maxar Technologies has disconnected Ukraine from access to its satellite images with the wording "upon administrative request", reports the specialized portal Militarnyi with reference to several users of the commercial service. "The official justification that users received from the Maxar administration was "upon administrative request." In fact, the shutdown was a consequence of the United States government's ban on providing intelligence data to Ukraine. That is, the administration of President Donald Trump, through the Department of State, banned the provision of satellite data for Ukraine to American companies and commercial services," the portal's website said on Friday. With the help of Maxar, experts and journalists tracked the movement of Russian troops and the results of their flights. Zelenskyy after night attacks: Ukraine ready to pursue path to peace, our task is to force Russia to stop the war Last night, the Russian army carried out another massive attack against our energy sector, in total, the Russians used almost 70 missiles - cruise and ballistic, as well as almost two hundred attack drones against the infrastructure that ensures normal life, said President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Last night, the Russian army carried out another massive attack on our energy infrastructure. Various facilities were targeted in several regions Odesa, Poltava, Chernihiv, and Ternopil. In total, the Russians used nearly 70 missiles, both cruise and ballistic, as well as almost 200 attack drones. All of this was directed against infrastructure that ensures normal life. Currently, repair and restoration work is ongoing wherever needed. Unfortunately, ordinary residential buildings have also been damaged. In Kharkiv, a Russian missile hit close to an apartment building. People were injured. They are receiving the necessary assistance, he said on X Friday. , F-16 Mirage-2000. In particular, the Mirages successfully intercepted Russian cruise missiles. Thank you! I also want to recognize the performance of our anti-aircraft missile forces, army aviation, all our electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups, the message reads. The president noted that the first steps toward real peace must include forcing the sole source of this war, Russia, to stop such attacks against life. And this is something that can be effectively monitored. Silence in the skies banning the use of missiles, long-range drones, and aerial bombs. And silence at sea a real guarantee of normal navigation. Ukraine is ready to pursue the path to peace, and it is Ukraine that strives for peace from the very first second of this war. The task is to force Russia to stop the war, Zelenskyy stressed. Takeaways An internal investigation into allegations SFPD Officer Robert Vigil interfered in a criminal case involving his adult son found Vigil behaved in manner unbecoming an officer but didnt abuse his power or break the law. The investigation sprung from a report filed by the NM State Police Officer who investigated the incident, in which he wrote that that prosecutor from the District Attorneys Office told him Ofc. Robert Vigils involvement in the case would make it difficult to prosecute, and that the elder Vigil had interfered in other cases in Rio Arriba County. The officers son 19-year-old son Antonio Vigil was accused of punching a woman in the face at a party in Gallina, N.M. He claimed self-defense, saying the woman had pulled a gun on him. The woman told police the gun was inoperable, which she said Vigil and other partygoers knew because shed tried to get it to work when other attendees were shooting guns earlier in the evening, and that she only pulled it out of her pocket to defend herself against Antonio Vigil after he attacked her. State Police charged Antonio Vigil with battery and his alleged victim with negligent use of a deadly weapon, but later dismissed both cases. The Russian army lost almost 300 soldiers in Pokrovsk direction during the day, but intensified their efforts in Toretsk and Kursk directions, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. Thus, in Pokrovsk direction, the Ukrainian military neutralized 286 occupiers, 138 of them - irreversibly. A tank, seven cars, four UAV control antennas, two motorcycles, seven UAVs, two generators, five satellite communication terminals, two tanks, three cars and an enemy armored combat vehicle were also destroyed. Since the beginning of this day, in the direction of Pokrovsk, invading units have tried 17 times to break through our defenses near the settlements of Luch, Dachenske, Kotlyne, Nadiyivka and Andriyivka. One battle is still ongoing. At the same time, the Russians attacked the positions of the defense forces 32 times in the direction of Toretsk. The main offensive efforts of the occupiers were concentrated near Diliyivka, Krymske, Ozarianovka, and Toretsk. At the present time, one armed conflict is ongoing. In Kursk region, the Ukrainian military repelled 29 Russian attacks, two clashes are still ongoing. Since the beginning of the day, the enemy launched 22 airstrikes, in total dropped 31 guided air bombs on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas and made 427 artillery strikes. Tiny, cold-blooded animals like flies depend on their environment to regulate body temperature, making them ideal "canaries in the mine" for gauging the impact of climate change on the behavior and distribution of animal species. Yet, scientists know relatively little about how insect sense and respond to temperature. Using two species of flies from different climates -- one from the cool, high-altitude forests of Northern California, the other hailing from the hot, dry deserts of the Southwest (both cousins of the common laboratory fly, drosophila melanogaster) -- Northwestern scientists discovered remarkable differences in the way each processes external temperature. Forest flies showed increased avoidance of heat, potentially explained by higher sensitivity in their antennae's molecular heat receptors, while desert flies were instead actively attracted to heat, a response that could be tracked to differences in brain wiring in a region of the fly brain that helps compute the valence (inherent attractiveness or aversiveness) of sensory cues. The scientists believe these two mechanisms may have accompanied the evolution of each species as it adapted to its distinctive thermal environment, starting from a common ancestor dating back 40 million years (not long after dinosaurs went extinct). These findings, published today (March 5) in the journal Nature, help understand how animals evolve the preferences for specific temperature environments and may help predict the impact of a rapidly changing climate on animal behavior and distribution. 'Not enough people care about insects' "Insects are especially threatened by climate change," said Northwestern neurobiologist Marco Gallio. "Behavior is the first interface between an animal and its environment. Even before the struggle to survive or perish, animals can respond to climate change by migration and by changing their distribution. We are already seeing insect populations declining in many regions, and even insect vectors of disease like the Zika virus and malaria spreading into new areas." Gallio, a self-appointed "insect advocate," is a professor in the neurobiology department and the Soretta and Henry Shapiro Research Professor in Molecular Biology at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. His lab examines fruit flies and their sensing systems. Gallio acknowledged there is limited data because "not enough people care about the insects," but that available figures record a dramatic decline in insects in the past 20 to 50 years. Though bug haters may rejoice, Gallio said the population decline in the animal group with the most species on Earth is nothing to celebrate. In addition to their position at the foundation of most terrestrial food chains, insects pollinate 70% of our crops. Gallio said losing insect communities could cause catastrophic damage to ecosystems across the globe and have a direct impact on human wellbeing. Understanding heat circuits in the brain Previous work from the Gallio Lab focused on how small insects like laboratory flies respond to sensory cues like harmless and painful temperature changes. "The common fruit fly is an especially powerful animal to study how the external world is represented and processed within the brain," Gallio said. "Many years of work on fly genetics and neuroscience have given us a map of the fly brain more detailed than that of any other animal." In the present study, Gallio and colleagues wondered how the brain circuits and resulting behaviors compared in fly species that were very similar aside from their choices of thermal habitat. Using genetic tools, including CRISPR, to knock out certain genes and gene swaps between species, the team studied both the molecular and brain mechanisms that may explain species-specific differences in temperature preference. Ph.D. student and lead author Matthew Capek explained that they first found differences in the molecules that detect heat, causing them to activate at different temperatures. And while Capek said the difference in activation could explain the forest flies' preference for cooler environments, a shift in receptor activation was not enough to explain the behavior of the desert fly. "The desert fly seemed actively attracted to warmer temperatures -- around 90 degrees Fahrenheit compared to the forest fly's sweet spot just below 70 degrees," said Capek, who works in the Gallio lab. "In fact, the activation threshold of the antenna heat sensors corresponded to their favorite temperature range, which they will seek, rather than to a temperature they should avoid." "In other words, the fly doesn't behave any longer as though the antennae are telling it to run away from dangerous heat; they seem to be telling it higher temperatures are good, and to approach them." High cost, high reward Gallio was initially puzzled -- deserts are hot, so it did not make sense that flies sought out heat -- but a lab trip to the Anza Borrego desert of Southern California provided key inspiration. "Deserts in this region are very hot during the day, but temperatures can drop extremely rapidly when the sun goes down, and night can be downright freezing," said Alessia Para, also a key author of the study and a research associate professor of neurobiology. "Flies in this climate may need to constantly attend to the rapidly changing temperature and always seek the ideal range, finding shady spots during the day and hiding in cacti for warmth at night." Flies from more forgiving environments may instead ignore temperature except when it changes rapidly. Constantly detecting the right temperature is costly from an energy perspective, but for desert flies, it's life or death. "This comparative work is useful in a couple of different ways," Gallio said. "When an animal is born, the brain is already programmed to know if many of the things it will encounter are bad or good for it, and we do not understand how that programming works. These fly species represent a natural experiment because a stimulus that is good for one species is bad for the other, and we can study the differences that make it so. We also want to learn more about how animals have been able to adapt to different temperatures during evolution, so that we may be able to better understand and even predict how they react to ongoing climate change. Of course we care about the insects, and we hope that what we learn may help us appreciate and protect them better." The paper, titled "Evolution of temperature preference behavior in flies of the genus drosophila," was funded by the National Institutes of Health (grants R21NS130554 and 1F31NS129270) and by the PEW Scholars Program. Gallio is a member of the National Science Foundation's Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology in Chicago. Within the next decade, space agencies plan to bring samples of rock from Mars to Earth for study. Of concern is the possibility these samples contain life, which could have unforeseen consequences. Therefore, researchers in this field strive to create methods to detect life. For the first time, researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo and NASA, successfully demonstrated a method to detect life in ancient rocks analogous to those found on Mars. We've all seen the movies, in which "Scientists bring back something from space, with disastrous consequences," or with some similar premise. The idea makes for a fun story, but the idea of microbial aliens contaminating the Earth is based on genuine concerns, and is also nothing new. Back in the days of the Apollo program, on their return, the lucky astronauts who stepped foot on lunar soil underwent decontamination procedures and even quarantines, just in case. More recently, all eyes are on Mars, as multiple sample return missions are being planned. In order to ensure that samples from Mars cannot contaminate Earth life, the international Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) developed the sample safety assessment framework, essentially a set of protocols for those involved in obtaining, transporting and analyzing Mars rocks, to avoid contamination. A key component of this is our ability to detect the presence or absence of life in a sample. The issue of course being, we haven't actually got any. To plug this gap, Associate Professor Yohey Suzuki from the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of Tokyo, and his international team, looked at ancient microbe-rich Earth rocks analogous to the kind of Mars rocks we might expect to receive from the red planet in the coming years. "We first tested conventional analytical instruments, but none could detect microbial cells in the 100-million-year-old basalt rock we use as the Martian analogue. So, we had to find an instrument sensitive enough to detect microbial cells, and ideally in a nondestructive way, given the rarity of the samples we may soon see," said Suzuki. "We came up with optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy, which succeeded where other techniques either lacked precision or required too much destruction of the samples." O-PTIR works by shining infrared light onto prepared samples to analyze; in this case, the rocks had their outer layers removed and were cut into slices. While slightly destructive, it leaves plenty of material intact for other kinds of analyses, or even those we have not come up with. This essence of preservation for the future also took place with samples from the moon landings. A green laser then picks up signals from the sample where it was exposed to infrared light. With this, researchers can image details as small as half a micrometer, which is enough to discern when a structure is part of something living. "We demonstrated our new method can detect microbes from 100-million-year-old basalt rock. But we need to extend the validity of the instrument to older basalt rock, around 2 billion years old, similar to those the Perseverance rover on Mars has already sampled," said Suzuki. "I also need to test other rock types such as carbonates, which are common on Mars and here on Earth often contain life as well. It's an exciting time to work in this field. It might only be a matter of years before we can finally answer one of the greatest questions ever asked." A study led by Dr. Rodrigo Quian Quiroga, group leader of the Neural Mechanisms of Perception and Memory Research Group at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, has allowed scientists to observe for the first time how neurons in the human brain store memories independent of context in which they are acquired. Published in Cell Reports, the study confirms that neurons can distinguish objects or people regardless of their context, enabling the formation of higher and more abstract relationships, which constitutes the basis of human intelligence. This is the first study to observe this neuronal behavior in humans. Until now, research conducted on animals had shown significant differences in the coding of concepts (such as a specific place, object, etc.) when the context changed. For example, neurons responded very differently if a rat found an object in one location versus another. As a result, it was believed that such memories were stored in different groups of neurons. The study led by Dr. Quian Quiroga has yielded "surprising responses" that contradict previous findings, as neuronal responses to a specific concept remain the same when the context changes, such as remembering having seen a person in different locations. "The basic principle of neuronal coding in humans is the opposite of what has been observed in other species, which has significant implications," notes Quian Quiroga. Single Neuron Data The study involved data from nine patients in Argentina and the United Kingdom with treatment for refractory epilepsy, who had electrodes implanted to monitor the activity of specific groups of neurons individually. This allowed researchers to obtain precise recordings of their responses, unlike previous human studies based on fMRI recording, which cannot differentiate individual neurons. Patients were presented with two stories featuring the same person in different contexts, supported by images. Thanks to the monitoring of individual neurons while performing this task, researchers could observe which groups of neurons were activated and how they responded in the two stories. Specifically, they confirmed that if a neuron responded to a person's image, the response remained the same in both stories. Furthermore, when patients recounted the story themselves, the same neurons were activated seconds before they referred to the protagonist, and also in the same way for both stories. "Memories are stored in a much more abstract manner in humans compared to other animals. You can think of concepts or anything else in more abstract terms, independent of the context in which you learned them," explains Dr. Quian Quiroga, suggesting that this could be one of the "foundations of human intelligence." "This ability allows us to make much more abstract and complex associations and inferences than if we were forced to think of each concept within a specific, concrete context," he asserts. In other words, humans can decontextualize their memories to create more abstract thought. Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna considers the initiative of the head of the Italian government Giorgia Meloni to extend Article 5 of NATO to Ukraine without granting the country membership in the military alliance to be pragmatic and logical. "The initiative of Italian Prime Minister Meloni is very pragmatic since Article 5 of the Washington Treaty on NATO has a specific infrastructure. There is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, there is NATO, there is the European Command of the North Atlantic Alliance - there is a full-fledged infrastructure that has been formed to ensure the implementation of the terms of the treaty, including in the event of the application of Article 5," Meloni said on the national telethon on Friday. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Melonis proposal seems absolutely logical, since in combination with decisions regarding the European presence in Ukraine, the most logical thing would be to apply Article 5. "Of course, if such an initiative is considered, if there is no consensus on its application, there will be a similar format that will not be under the NATO umbrella. This is not a critical position, but, in my opinion, her proposal is absolutely pragmatic, it is not populist or political, it has a very pragmatic background," Stefanishyna added. As reported, on March 6, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed extending Article 5 of NATO to Ukraine without granting the country membership in the military alliance, since this step would be a "guarantee of stable, long-term, effective security." Photo: In 2024, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) implemented nine cash assistance programmes, supporting more than 26,000 people. "In 2024, the Ukrainian Red Cross implemented nine cash assistance programmes, supporting more than 26,000 people. The total amount of payments exceeded UAH 420 million," URCS said on Facebook Friday. According to Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, cash assistance programmes play a critical role in supporting the most vulnerable people, especially in times of war. "They give people the opportunity to address their most urgent needs and cover critical expenses in accordance with the defined eligibility criteria. We see how much this support changes lives, providing not only financial aid but also confidence in the future. It is important that these programmes complement existing social support mechanisms, reaching those who need additional assistance for various reasons," Dotsenko noted. This initiative has become vital for isolated elderly people, large families, internally displaced persons, families of missing persons, and those undergoing rehabilitation or in need of housing restoration. During the war, financial aid was particularly important, as people were able to decide on their own how to spend the money based on their most urgent needs. Some used it to pay for heating or buy firewood, while others bought medicines or winter clothes. Some programmes were implemented throughout Ukraine, with the exception of the temporarily occupied areas, while others were implemented in specific regions. The programmes were funded with the support of the British, German, Austrian, Danish, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swiss Red Crosses, as well as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Photo: https://t.me/ministry_of_defense_ua/12072 Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has announced a new initiative of the European Union, which will make it possible to attract additional resources for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Today in Brussels I have held a meeting with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. Important dialogue on financing Ukraine's defense," he wrote on the Defense Ministry's Telegram channel on Friday. According to him, the EU is currently working on a new initiative, "which will make it possible to attract additional resources for the supply of ammunition and missiles to the air defense; and the training and equipment of Ukrainian soldiers." He also said that he had discussed other formats of support with Kallas. "In particular, we are ready to create joint ventures with leading defense companies both in Ukraine and in the EU." "I am grateful to Kaja Kallas and the European Union for their stable position and support for Ukraine," he added. As reported, on Thursday, the Ukrainian Defense Minister began a multi-day working trip to European countries. Meetings have already taken place with the Defense Ministers of Poland and Germany, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz and Boris Pistorius. South Dakota Mines faculty and students scored a groundbreaking win at the recent Governors Giant Vision Business Plan Competition, sweeping first and second place in the open division and fourth place in the student category earning a record-breaking $32,000 in funding for the universitys entrepreneurs and startups. The annual competition is highly competitive and the biggest of its type in the state. The purpose is to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in South Dakotans and offer an opportunity to compete for start-up funds with the goal of creating new jobs and growing the states economy. For more than a decade, Mines students, alumni and faculty have received top honors at the competition. Dr. Tugba Ozdemir, Mines assistant professor of nanoscience and biomedical engineering, received first place and $20,000 for InovaSkin, an innovative skin serum product featuring a patent-pending hyaluronic acid binding peptide that attracts and binds the bodys natural hyaluronic acid within the skin. Ozdemirs strategic focus to finish approach has generated significant buzz, with medical spas expressing keen interest and investors providing commitments for future investments, demonstrating their confidence in InovaSkins success. Mines students Zack Holloway and Carson Daly of Airborne Dynamic Systems earned second place and $10,000 for their Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology, featuring cutting-edge software, setup and camera systems. The company, already serving the power industry and engaging with the Department of Defense, demonstrated its market readiness by making a sale at the competition. Winning this is a huge step for us, Holloway said. It allows us to further develop our drone technology, refine our manufacturing process and continue expanding our market presence. Holloway and Daly are now focused on scaling up production, getting test aircraft to customers, strengthening industry partnerships and continuing research and development to enhance UAV capabilities. Mines has played a crucial role in our entrepreneurial journey, Holloway said. The hands-on engineering education, support from faculty and opportunities like CAMP and Innovation Cycle have helped us develop technical and business skills needed to turn an idea into a company. Were excited about whats ahead and appreciate the continued support from the Mines community. Mines student Arik Ahmed won fourth place and $2,000 in the student division with OptiSig, an optical filter for cameras and mobile devices that authenticates images through light-matter interactions, creating a hidden signature to prove authenticity and deter tampering through cryptographic verification for biometric photo logins via an app. The success of Mines students and faculty is a testament to the effectiveness of the universitys Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program, said Beth Lambeth, Mines associate vice president (AVP) for research, innovation and entrepreneurship. The teams benefited from invaluable mentorship from Merle Symes, Jim Quinn, Shon Anderson and Jason Lambert. Joseph Wright, former associate vice president of economic development at Mines, also contributed significantly through pitch practice sessions. The record $32,000 in prize funding and top placements at Giant Vision this year highlights both the exceptional entrepreneurial talent of South Dakota Mines' business owners and the effective mentorship resources provided to its startup companies, Lambeth said. I am immensely proud of these South Dakota Mines startup companies. My deepest gratitude goes to Joseph Wright and our Entrepreneur-in-Residences (EIRs) for their invaluable strategic business planning insights, which will undoubtedly fuel their long-term success. Ozdemir echoed Lambeths sentiments, attributing her success to the EIRs, Symes, InovaSkins chief business advisor, her university colleagues Drs. Roman Shchepin and Tsvetanka Filipova, alongside with Ann Brentlinger and Lambeth all of whom encouraged her to invest time in developing and marketing her idea, while providing the resources and mentorship to bring it to life. During this process, Ozdemir enrolled in the Wharton School of Business Chief Technology Officer Executive Education program, thanks to a grant funded by the South Dakota Drug, Disease and Delivery (3D) Center. As a faculty member at South Dakota Mines, I am blessed with an innovation ecosystem here. The biomedical engineering department leadership gives high value to entrepreneurial activities as part of tenure criteria, which made me devote my time to commercializing my research findings into potential products, she said. With such an innovation ecosystem here at Mines, InovaSkins success is not a surprise. I look forward to working with our interns this summer to release our first 1,000 serum products to local medical spa salons as part of InovaSkins beta launch. South Dakota Mines extends its sincere gratitude to the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its dedication to fostering South Dakota small businesses and for the exceptional organization of the Governors Giant Vision competition. Chinese imports unexpectedly shrank in the first two months of 2025, while exports also decelerated amid escalating trade tensions with the US. Imports fell 8.4% year-on-year in the two months ended 28 February, missing expectations for an unchanged 1% increase, while exports rose just 2.3%, missing expectations for a 5% increase and slowing from December's 10.7% increase. Crude oil imports fell 5% year-on-year, while rare earth imports sunk 24.1% and copper imports fell 7.2%. Iron ore imports were down 8.4% as a result of weather-related disruptions in Australia. Imports by state-owned enterprises sunk 20.6%, while private firms registered a 2.7% rise. Exports to the US grew 2.3% year-on-year over the two months, while shipments to the European Union and Japan grew 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively, and exports to the Association of South-East Asian Nations, China's biggest trading partner, grew 5.7% year-on-year. Exports to Russia, on the other hand, fell 10.9%. China's overall trade surplus grew to $170.52bn in the first two months of the year as the world's second-largest economy continues to deal with mounting US tariff pressures as the two edge closer to a full-blown trade war after Donald Trump slapped additional tariffs on all Chinese goods. China quickly retaliated by imposing 10-15% tariffs on US farm products. "If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we're ready to fight till the end," said the Chinese embassy in some of its strongest rhetoric since Trump's inauguration in January. Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com AstraZeneca said its Imfinzi drug when used with chemotherapy had shown statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in survival in resectable early-stage gastric and gastroesophageal cancers before surgery. The findings come from results of the Matterhorn Phase 3 trial of 948 patients. Gastric cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death globally, with nearly one million people diagnosed each year, Astra said in a statement. "Despite receiving curative-intent chemotherapy and surgery, patients with gastric cancer commonly face disease recurrence and have a poor prognosis, said the trials principal investigator Yelena Yanjigian, who is chief attending physician of the Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Service at New Yorks Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. These exciting data show that a durvalumab-based perioperative regimen resulted in a clinically meaningful improvement in patient outcomes, including decreasing the risk of the cancer coming back." In 2024, there were roughly 43,000 drug-treated patients in the US, European Union and Japan in early-stage and locally advanced gastric or GEJ cancer. Around 62,000 patients in these regions are expected to be newly diagnosed in this setting by 2030. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com Photo: The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is assisting victims at the site of a rocket attack on Kharkiv. The Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response team in Kharkiv region is working at the site of the attack alongside other rescue services. They are searching the surrounding area and damaged buildings to identify victims, provide first aid to the injured, and transfer them to medical professionals, URCS said on Facebook Friday. Volunteers are also assisting people in evacuating from homes damaged by the attack and providing psychological first aid. Emergency and rescue operations are ongoing. As reported, eight people were injured in a Russian attack on a residential area in Kharkiv. Three apartment blocks and four private houses, a kindergarten, 25 garages, and 18 cars were damaged. Plan could see increase of 800bn as US turns away from Ukraine European leaders have agreed to a massive rise in defence spending at an emergency summit in Brussels after US President Donald Trump cut off military aid and stopped intelligence sharing with Ukraine. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen presented a 800bn (670bn) plan to leaders of the 27-nation bloc, including a 150bn loan scheme secured against unused funds in the EU budget. The special summit was called last week after Trump held direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but before the US presidents volatile encounter with Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office last Friday. Hard-right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is more aligned to Trump and Moscow, was the only leader not to sign up to the final communique. In an acknowledgement of Trump's pivot towards Moscow and demands from Washington that Europe rapidly increase defence spending, the remaining 26 leaders agreed that the EU would reinforce its overall defence readiness and "cut strategic dependencies". The bloc would also address critical capability gaps and strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base accordingly so that it is in a position to "better supply equipment in the quantities and at the accelerated pace needed". Zelenskyy made a surprise appearance at the summit having originally been scheduled to speak by video link. After some unsubtle strong-arm tactics by Washington to force him to agree to a minerals deal with the US and start peace talks with no security guarantees. Trump pulled intelligence sharing on Thursday, angered by Zelenskyy's criticism of Putin. The US envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, was blunt in his explanation og the move. The best way I can describe it is sort of like hitting a mule with a two by four across the nose. You get their attention, he said. On top of the pressure from US officials, Zelenskyy had to deal with news that Ukrainian opposition leaders confirmed they had met members of Trumps entourage but denied seeking to remove their president from power. Former president Petro Poroshenko admitted he and ex-prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko held discussions with US officials but both said they were opposed to Trumps demands for wartime elections. The Politico news website reported that the talks centered on whether Ukraine could hold quick presidential elections, with Trump aides confident that Zelenskyy could be levered out of power. However, recent surveys suggest he has a massive lead in the polls, further bolstered by anger over the US leader's bullying performance in the White House last week. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com Rebecca Romney (photo: Donnamaria R. Jones) Rare book dealer Rebecca Romney has appeared on the History Channel's Pawn Stars--a cameo she made, in part, to dispel the myth that book-collecting is a male-dominated field. One might say that myth-busting is a primary motive behind her nonfiction book Jane Austen's Bookshelf (Marysue Rucci Books). Austen was a genius, but not a lone genius; her work unfolds in conversation with other gifted women writers. Romney spoke with Shelf Awareness about life as a rare book dealer and reader, and how important it is to stay open when making new discoveries. She lives in Washington, D.C. Jane Austen's Bookshelf began with your discovery, on a house call, of a copy of Evelina by Frances Burney. A passage from another novel, Cecilia, by Burney appeared in Northanger Abbey, and gave you the roadmap for your book. What was it like to find a book that opens up such possibilities? That feeling is something that has nourished me in my work as a rare book dealer. I can't manufacture my product. I have to find it. You have to be both looking, and also open to what you find, especially if it's different than what you expected. That same thing can be applied to our reading. Books can say so many different things to us depending on where we are at any given time. I'd read [Northanger Abbey] multiple times, and finally I feel like I heard [Austen]. It made me feel even closer to her because I felt like I was finally hearing something that she wanted to say that I couldn't before. What first drew you to rare book dealing? I did not know this was a career that existed before I stumbled upon a job listing to become a rare bookseller. When the opportunity had presented itself, I ended up realizing that I had accidentally prepared myself for it the entire time. I grew up in Idaho, very far away from places like the Morgan Library. I did not think those places were for me, that they could enrich my daily life. And I was wrong. Those ideas were myths that are just not true. A lot of us are convinced that reading can be transformative. I wanted to use [my] book to show how book collecting can do the same thing, and that it is accessible in the way that you are already finding reading accessible--as a way to reach those points of enrichment. One especially enjoyable thread in the book is your investigation of the phrase "pride and prejudice." Did you ever land on the origin of it? No. I have only a circumstantial case. And I feel like that's what we get when we're looking at history. We build our narrative. And whether that is accurate is a question that is in some ways not useful, because the history is gone. But what I think is likely is that Cecilia came out; it was a really big book at the time. It's the first one of all these appearances [of "pride and prejudice"]. The passage in [the journal of Hester Lynch Thrale] Piozzi was [dated] the same year as Cecilia [by Frances Burney]. And Piozzi was very close to Burney. So it wouldn't surprise me at all if she was comparing herself to the plot in Cecilia. She's talking about whether or not she should marry [Gabriel Mario Piozzi], that all of her friends have this pride that she shouldn't marry him. So in some way, she is criticizing her friend's advice to her, based on her friend's own book. Similarly [Charlotte Smith's] Old Manor House comes later and, again, I would be shocked if Smith hadn't read Cecilia at least once, if not multiple times. I do think it is still a possibility that was just a phrase [used at that time]. But I think given how tightly networked the literary world was in that era, it is most likely that Burney is the originator. And that's why even now I kind of still say Austen probably got it from Burney. You also discuss the way language evolves over time. The term "romance" once meant any work with fantastical elements, like A Midsummer Night's Dream and even H.G. Wells's "scientific romances." It came to mean something quite different, a step beyond what you refer to as the "courtship novels" that Austen and her predecessors wrote. How do you think this evolution contributed to the fact that even Austen fans may not know of the women writers she read and reacted to? I talk about a lot of that stuff with romance, because I was grappling with my own biases. Why would I be interested in this? I realized that in fact it was aimed at women and communicated women's issues and needs. That was a feature, not a bug. When you start to look at this as one big literary tree of women talking to each other, you realize that there are women who understood a lot of the things that you feel, moving through life. I believe very strongly in the idea of autobiographical reading. I don't think you can approach a text without putting yourself into it in some way. And so instead of pretending that's not the case, I would rather talk about it, reveal it and explore it. How soon did you recognize this pattern of taste makers--people like dictionary author Samuel Johnson and Shakespearean actor David Garrick--in that time and how that continued to build on itself in the creation of the literary canon? I talk about this very early, in the Charlotte Lennox chapter, where I was beginning to see these patterns play out. Every woman's story was different and complex and compelling in its own way. I think that there is an easy way to answer the question, why don't we read these women writers anymore? The easy and glib answer is sexism. But, in fact, the reason that this is a book is because it's more complex than that, and in fascinating ways that deserve to be explored. Glibness really does it a disservice. Austen is not demeaned by the fact that these other writers are great, too. We use comparison to rank rather than reveal. This is the beginning of a conversation--not letting go of the mic. One of my favorite quotes of yours is, "A reader falls in love with the story in the book. A collector falls in love with the story of the book." In Jane Austen's Bookshelf, you allow yourself to be both. I have a very distinctive sense of what reading is versus collecting. I describe and structure that upfront, in order to define those terms for readers. There are a lot of people who think that they're only readers, who don't realize they're actually collectors. I gave the example of the teen whose favorite book is The Hunger Games. They start collecting all these different editions. As soon as you're buying a book not to read the text, but for some other reason, you're collecting. Do you have two copies of the same book? If so, you're a collector. I co-founded a book collecting prize, the Honey & Wax Prize. It's an annual prize of $1,000 for a woman in the United States, aged 30 and younger, to encourage women to have more ownership and more pride in that, and to name it. To me, the reading and the collecting side are distinct and synergistic. They influence each other. They are mutually beneficial even if they are technically distinct. --Jennifer M. Brown photo: Meg Antkowiak Ande Pliego began writing stories when she discovered she could wield her overactive imagination for good. A lover of stories with teeth, she writes books involving mind games, dark humor, general murder and mayhem, and, most importantly, finding the hope in the dark. You Are Fatally Invited (Bantam, February 11, 2025) is her debut novel, a twisty locked-room mystery centering on a thriller writers' retreat gone lethal. Handsell readers your book in 25 words or less: You Are Fatally Invited follows a writers' retreat for thriller authors, and the event coordinator who realizes she's not the only one with dark intentions. On your nightstand now: As I'm deep in the revision cave--as in, way deep in there, what-year-is-it in there--my nightstand (and e-reader) overfloweth. For physical copies, I have All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (which I have heard nothing but rave reviews of), the recently released satirical rom-com Unromance by my incredible agent sibling Erin Connor, and an early copy of Kate Alice Marshall's forthcoming thriller, A Killing Cold. On my e-reader, my current emotional support books are early copies of the thrilling fantasy heist To Steal from Thieves by M.K. Lobb, the delightfully fractured Alice in Wonderland-inspired fantasy House of Hearts by Skyla Arndt, and Saltwater by Katy Hays, who wrote the fantastic literary thriller The Cloisters. Favorite book when you were a child: Reading the Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien at 12 years old ignited an obsession known to alarm adults, perhaps for good reason--I might have translated Journey's "Faithfully" into Sindarin (that's Elvish. I was a fun child). Eragon by Christopher Paolini was the first contemporary fantasy I read, and gifted me my ongoing obsession with dragons. Your top five authors: This question is designed to root out the weak, I see. Tana French never misses the mark with her literary thrillers; I'm constantly dissecting her prose and the way she spins dialogue. I haven't read everything Stephen King has written, but he gave me a love for stories with teeth, and so many of my favorites lurk among his backlist, including The Institute, Under the Dome, and 11/22/63. With every thriller, Lucy Foley masterfully weaves such complex, rich plots together into one tight, incredibly satisfying mystery. Holly Black writes the layered, angsty characters and brilliantly crafted plots I can't get enough of in YA. And Adrienne Young's novels always have such heart paired with fascinating concepts, stretching your mind and soul in tandem. See, I'm not weak. I can totally keep the list to five authors. I didn't even mention Patrick Ness, whose books The Chaos Walking trilogy, A Monster Calls, and The Rest of Us Just Live Here have socked me hard in the feels. Book you've faked reading: I can already hear the gasps, but The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald; I'm just not riveted by miserable people having affairs! Book you're an evangelist for: Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young. It is the perfect blend of small-town thriller, magical realism, angsty romance, stunning prose, and spooky atmosphere. The only book I've read similar to it is Midnight Is the Darkest Hour by Ashley Winstead, a Southern gothic spin on all of the above. Both books burrowed deep into my soul and have grown their roots around my heart. (If you saw me sneak in a second book--no, you didn't.) Book you've bought for the cover: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (the Illumicrate edition). What can I say, I'm absolutely powerless in the face of sprayed edges and foiled hardcovers. Book you hid from your parents: Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Supremacy. As a very young fan of the movies, I got ahold of a paperback and squirreled it away in my nightstand drawer for months. Book that changed your life: Pierce Brown's Red Rising trilogy. It has one of the best renditions of friendship and character arcs in literature. Favorite line from a book: "Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes. You must look into that storm and shout as you did in Rome. Do your worst, for I will do mine! Then the fates will know you as we know you." --The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. The story is revenge at its finest. Five books you'll never part with: The Likeness by Tana French is, in my opinion, the crowning jewel of dark academia, with a character-driven mystery and delicious prose to savor. Under the Dome by Stephen King is a masterclass in mind games and character. The YA fantasy novel Caraval by Stephanie Garber (any of her books, really) is my go-to reread anytime I need to truly escape from the real world for a while. Leigh Bardugo's fantasy heist book Six of Crows altered my brain chemistry, and is peak fantasy for me. And last, The Nature of Disappearing, Kimi Cunningham Grant's stunningly crafted survival thriller. Book you most want to read again for the first time: It's a tossup between Alex Michaelides's The Silent Patient and Alice Feeney's Rock, Paper, Scissors. Both had brilliant plot twists that got me oh so good. Books you are looking forward to in 2025: A Rather Peculiar Poisoning by Chrystal Schleyer (Park Row, September 2) is a deliciously written, suspenseful historical mystery; the Fourth Wing/Mad Max mashup Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge (FSG, July 8); Autumn Krause's political intrigue fantasy Grave Flowers (Peachtree Teen, September 2); Kelly Andrew's latest YA horror novel I Am Made of Death (just released by Scholastic); Adrienne Young's adult fantasy debut Fallen City (Saturday Books, November 4); and, of course, the next Riley Sager thriller, With a Vengeance (Dutton, June 10). India, March 07, 2025: When you think of "financial markets," you might assume they are stagnant and slow to evolve. However, just a few years ago, Jignesh Shah took it upon himself to revolutionise the landscape. Known for his innovative approach to market infrastructure, Shahs work has earned him international recognition from prestigious institutions like the World Economic Forum, the Futures Industry Association, and Forbes. His efforts in creating global trading routes and forging partnerships with various international entities have significantly extended Indias influence on the global financial stage. Shahs journey from an Indian entrepreneur to a global icon is one marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to creating financial systems that connect the world. As we explore his international achievements, it becomes clear why Jignesh Shah is celebrated as one of the foremost innovators in the global financial markets. International Recognition: A Testament to Vision and Innovation Throughout his career, Jignesh Shah has garnered recognition from some of the most respected institutions in the world. These accolades are not just awards but a reflection of his visionary leadership and the immense impact he has had on global financial markets. One of the most notable recognitions came from the World Economic Forum (WEF), which named Shah a Young Global Leader. This prestigious title is given to individuals who are shaping the future of the world through innovation, dedication, and leadership. Being named a Young Global Leader was a testament to Shahs ability to think beyond the immediate needs of the Indian market and create systems that would influence financial markets globally. His vision to modernise financial trading by integrating cutting-edge technology and intellectual property (IP)-centric systems was recognized by the WEF as a pioneering effort that would have a lasting global impact. Another significant recognition came from the Futures Industry Association (FIA), which listed Jignesh Shah among the Dominant Financial & Futures Industry Leaders. This distinction further established his reputation as a global thought leader in the field of commodity and financial markets. The FIA acknowledged Shahs ability to not only innovate within India but also to create global trading models that could be replicated across emerging economies. His leadership in launching the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) was a key factor in his inclusion on this prestigious list. Shahs international recognition also extended to Forbes, where he was listed among the richest Indians until 2010. His wealth, however, is not what truly sets him apartit is the way in which he leveraged his success to create systems that benefited global economies. Forbes recognition was a nod to his business acumen, innovation, and the lasting impact of his work on the world stage. Global Partnerships: Cementing His Status as a Financial Market Innovator Jignesh Shahs influence on global financial markets was further solidified through his strategic partnerships with international entities and governments. These collaborations were essential in promoting his vision of a globally interconnected financial system and cementing his status as a true innovator. Under Shahs leadership, 63 Moons Technologies, erstwhile FTIL, the parent company of MCX, established partnerships with various governments, international organisations, and financial institutions. These partnerships were not merely business arrangements but collaborations aimed at promoting financial inclusion and modernising markets around the world. One of Jignesh Shahs most notable achievements in this area was his ability to export Indias financial expertise to emerging economies. Countries across Asia and Africa looked to Shahs models as examples of how to create modern, efficient, and inclusive financial systems. His work with these countries helped establish new financial infrastructures that were capable of supporting rapid economic growth. Shahs efforts also attracted the attention of global governments and institutions that were keen on modernising their own financial systems. His public-private partnership (PPP) model was highly successful in India and served as a blueprint for other countries looking to implement similar systems. Governments and financial institutions saw the value in Shahs approach, and his expertise was sought after by nations looking to bring their financial markets into the 21st century. A Legacy of Global Influence and Leadership By forming these strategic alliances, Jignesh Shah not only extended Indias influence but also positioned himself as a global thought leader in financial innovation. His ability to forge relationships with key global players ensured that his vision of a connected world through financial markets became a reality. In a historic move, an all-women police contingent will oversee security for Prime Minister Narendra Modis event in Gujarats Navsari district on International Womens Day, March 8. This groundbreaking initiative, announced by Gujarat State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, marks the first time in Indias history that only women personnel will be responsible for the Prime Ministers security, from his arrival at the helipad in Vansi Borsi village to the event venue. Over 2,300 women officers of all ranks will be posted, comprising 2,100 constables, 187 sub-inspectors, 61 inspectors, 16 deputy superintendents of police, five superintendents of police, one Inspector General of Police, and one Additional Director General of Police. The security arrangements will be overseen by senior IPS officer and Home Secretary Nipuna Torawane to ensure the smooth implementation of this unprecedented move. Prime Minister Modi will be on a two-day tour of Gujarat and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli on March 8 and 9. On Women's Day, he will speak at the 'Lakhpati Didi Sammelan' in Vansi Borsi village, an event aimed at empowering women through financial independence and self-reliance schemes. The O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) Jindal India Institute (JII) launched its one-year, fully online Master of Arts (M.A.) in India Studies programme successfully on March 5 at the JGU International Academy, Taj Mahal Hotel, Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The programme is a first-of-its-kind initiative, being the first full-degree Master's programme in India Studies by an Indian university. The M.A. in India Studies is conceived to enable engagement with India from a scholarly perspective grounded in the intellectual heritage and present realities of the nation. With increasing global influence of India, the programme responds to the growing need for a sophisticated, interdisciplinary appreciation of the country's point of view, context, and worldview. Envisioned as a 100% virtual learning process, it makes provisions for worldwide students, particularly professionals, to visit India's varied cultural and intellectual heritage anywhere across the globe. The program is particularly useful for global audiences, such as diplomats, members of the global Indian diaspora, business leaders, Indophiles, and India and South Asia scholars. It offers a chance to critically analyze and enjoy the richness of India's civilization and its modern relevance as the world's largest democracy. The launch event also had a panel discussion entitled 'Engaging with India: The Role of Specialised Knowledge about India for Effective Diplomacy' with distinguished diplomats who have dealt with India at the highest levels. The panel consisted of H.E. Prof. (Dr.) Anil Sooklal (High Commissioner of South Africa to India), H.E. Mr. Mariano Agustin Caucino (Ambassador of Argentina to India), H.E. Mr. Ganbold Dambajav (Ambassador of Mongolia to India), and H.E. Mr. Roman Babushkin (Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Russia). All the panellists provided insights into how specialized India knowledge improves diplomatic effectiveness and reinforces bilateral and multilateral relations. H.E. Mr. Mariano Agustin Caucino conceded, "I came with little knowledge of India but soon discovered its sheer size and dynamism, referring to it as 'the country of the future". H.E. Mr. Ganbold Dambajav pointed out Mongolia's long-standing spiritual connection with India, saying, "We must talk about karma because we are in India", while conceding he is still learning the country's vast diversity of languages, customs, and faiths. He pointed out that India is regarded as a 'spiritual neighbour' in Mongolia. H.E. Mr. Roman Babushkin, who called himself an Indophile, highlighted the hospitality Russian diplomats receive in India, remarking, "Two things you don't find anywhere else Indian weddings and Indian elections". H.E. Prof. (Dr.) Anil Sooklal, a member of the Indian diaspora, referred to the M.A. in India Studies as a 'necessity' and hoped that it would be a trendsetter towards promoting a better understanding of India. 'Every state is like a different country', he added, underlining the programme's significance in enabling the world to approach India on its own terms. The gathering of the audience was in excess of 45, with notable guests from different embassies and high-profile journalists and senior international community members from New Delhi. The event further outlined the course format and some of the central learning goals as an important move toward the setting of a coherent and interdisciplinary course on India studies. Prof. (Dr.) C. Rajkumar, O.P. Jindal Global University and Jindal India Institute President, emphasized the necessity of such an initiative. "In spite of India's rich intellectual heritage and its historical and contemporary importance, attempts to study India in its own universities have tended to be piecemeal, without a systematic, interdisciplinary approach that offers a comprehensive understanding of the country. While institutions across the globe have set up special centres for India Studies, no such initiatives in India exist on a significant scale. The Jindal India Institute and its Master's in India Studies are a beginning towards filling this lacuna", he said. Prof. (Dr.) Sreeram Chaulia, Director General of the Jindal India Institute, emphasised the programmes relevance, remarking, With Indias rise on the world stage, there is a growing need for a structured academic framework that enables a deeper understanding of its rich history, diverse traditions, and evolving role. As India asserts itself, it is equally important to cultivate a nuanced, self-aware engagement with its own civilizational and intellectual foundations. The Master's in India Studies at the Jindal India Institute provides students with the knowledge and critical understanding required to engage with India's history and present in a comprehensive manner grounded in its own intellectual self-awareness". The conference ended with a recommitment of the Jindal India Institute to developing a broad and deep engagement with India's history, ideas, and contemporary realities across the world. Ukraine received GBP 752 million under the G7 ERA initiative (Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration for Ukraine) from Great Britain, secured by revenues from frozen Russian assets, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. "The first funds from Great Britain, secured by revenues from frozen Russian assets, have arrived in Ukraine. Today we received GBP 752 million under the G7 ERA initiative. We will use the funds to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities," Shmyhal wrote on Telegram. The prime minister thanked the UK government and G7 partners for the mechanism that makes Russian funds work for Ukraine. "We expect that all sovereign assets of the Russian Federation will be confiscated and transferred to the benefit of our state in the future," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the world sees 21st-century hopes in India, as the country's fast-paced growth and remarkable achievements have turned India into a human powerhouse for world progress. In Bharat Mandapam, Modi reiterated that the world more and more looks at the 21st century as India's century, with recent achievements of the country setting it up as a model of innovation and possibility. Emphasizing India's economic rise, Modi pointed out that the country leaped from being the eleventh to the fifth-largest economy in the world in a decade and is set to take the third spot. He attributed a lot of this achievement to India's vibrant youth, whose vitality and new thinking are shattering barriers and transforming the future of the country. The Prime Minister painted India's metamorphosis with strong data: though it took the country until 2007 to achieve a GDP of $1 trillion, today the same amount is earned in each quarter. Moreover, 25 crore individuals have been removed from poverty over the past decade, more than the population of many countries. Modi pointed to major areas where India is now a global leader from solar power, with 30 times growth in capacity, to defense exports, which have increased 20 times over the last decade. He hailed India's becoming the second-largest mobile phone producer and the third-largest startup hub, highlighting the country's transition towards self-reliance and innovation. He also pointed out the measures taken by the government to control corruption, stating that Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has enabled the transfer of more than Rs 42 lakh crore directly to beneficiaries, avoiding leakages that were experienced in welfare schemes earlier. Modi attributed policy changes to unlocking India's potential, citing the opening up of areas such as space, geospatial mapping, and nuclear energy, which has led to hundreds of startups engaged in cutting-edge technologies. He compared today's ambition-filled India with a history of stifled aspirations, contending that citizens now expect high-speed trains and world-class infrastructure and the government is responding. On national security, Modi underlined a considerable decrease in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and other domestic extremism, crediting decisive government for that. But he cautioned against ideological dangers and warned that urban political environments are susceptible to extremist domination. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland, met with Irish President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin. In the meeting, Jaishankar extended warm wishes from President Droupadi Murmu and discussed the role of culture in national identity building. Posting details of the meeting on social media, Jaishankar said he was grateful for President Higgins' observations on global development discourse. "Privileged to meet President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin this evening. Transmitted the warmest regards of President Droupadi Murmu. Appreciate his observations on the modern world and its development debates. Discussed the place of culture in building nationhood", he tweeted. Jaishankar's Ireland visit on March 6-7 includes interactions with Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris, other senior government officials, and Indian community members, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. India and Ireland have strong historical links, founded on common democratic values, cultural affinity, and growing economic ties. In the nineteenth century, numerous Irish citizens held positions of various kinds in British India. In the more recent past, Ireland has provided vital support to India during the COVID-19 pandemic, donating oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and generators under the EU-ECHO scheme. India and the international community to tackle terrorism. Ireland has also been a strong ally of India in the war against terror. In response to the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, Irish leaders criticized the attack and committed to join hands withto tackle terrorism. The Indian Embassy has been proactively urging Irish enterprises to engage with major initiatives such as 'Make in India', 'Digital India', and 'Smart Cities'. The current visit is likely to further boost bilateral cooperation and forge new areas for cooperation in many sectors. The visit of Jaishankar is a significant milestone in promoting India-Ireland relations, further cementing the resolve to increase diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties for development and prosperity together. Traffic is at a standstill on the Outerbridge Crossing to New Jersey and lanes are blocked heading toward Staten Island due to crashes during the morning rush hour on Friday, March 7, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel Update: Lanes were reopened around 8 a.m. on the Outerbridge Crossing to Staten Island after a full closure due to a crash around 6:30 a.m. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. At least four people were taken from area hospital following two crashes that caused massive delays on the Outerbridge Crossing during the Friday morning rush hour. Full lane closures were reported during emergency responses to crashes in both directions. The FDNY responded to a crash called at 6:58 a.m. and transported four people to area hospital, according to a spokesman for the FDNY/EMS. The spokesman was unable to provide information about conditions. Traffic was at a standstill heading to New Jersey on the span after all lanes were blocked heading to Jersey due to the emergency response to a crash on the span around 7 a.m., according to 511 NY. Traffic backed up on the Outerbridge-bound exchange for the West Shore Expressway and the Korean War Memorial Parkway, according to 511 NY. All lanes were temporarily blocked on the Outerbridge Crossing to Staten Island due to a crash early in the Friday morning rush hour. The closure to Staten Island was reported around 6:30 a.m., according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Traffic backed up on Route 440 in New Jersey to at least New Brunswick Avenue, according to 511 NY. Traffic is at a standstill on the Outerbridge Crossing to New Jersey and lanes are blocked heading toward Staten Island due to crashes during the morning rush hour on Friday, March 7, 2025. The photo shows congestion on the approach to the span from Veterans Road West. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel Traffic is at a standstill on the Outerbridge Crossing to New Jersey and lanes are blocked heading toward Staten Island due to crashes during the morning rush hour on Friday, March 7, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. As colleges and universities across the U.S. collectively experience a decline in enrollment, the new president at Wagner College has announced he will pursue changes to reinvent the school and stabilize enrollment and it is starting with revamping what programs are offered to students. Dr. Jeffrey A. Doggett, who began his job as the colleges 21st president last July, is the fourth college president in five years. Coming on board, he hired a consultant to examine how the college is faring as it faces dwindling enrollment over the last nine years much like hundreds of higher education institutions in the nation. New Jersey City University first opened in 1929 as the New Jersey State Normal School to train teachers. A nearly century-old higher education institution in Hudson County facing financial challenges will pursue a merger with Kean University, state officials announced Thursday. New Jersey City Universitys Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to accept a merger proposal from Kean University in Union. It is a step that authorizes further discussions between the two public universities, but does not finalize an agreement, leaders of both schools said. Kean University enrolls approximately 17,000 students while New Jersey City University has 5,500 students, officials said previously. New Jersey City University would be renamed Kean Jersey City under the agreement, Kean President Lamont O. Repollet said in a letter to the campus community. New Jersey City University officials did not discuss the schools proposed new name in their communications to the campus. The move to hammer out a merger comes as New Jersey City University has been debating its future amid years of serious financial problems. Over the next several weeks, we will negotiate a letter of intent with NJCU that begins a thoughtful and hopefully successful process of bringing the long-serving institution into the Kean University system as Kean Jersey City, wrote Repollet, the states former education commissioner. New Jerseys secretary of higher education, Brian Bridges, had given New Jersey City University until the end of March to identify a potential university partner. New Jersey City University has been grappling for years with financial challenges and questions about oversight. The school was assigned a monitor by the state in 2023. The universitys leaders also discussed a possible merger with Montclair State University. Gov. Phil Murphy and Bridges issued a joint statement following the vote by New Jersey City Universitys board to move ahead with a Kean merger. The Murphy Administration is encouraged by the forward-moving progress at NJCU, Murphy and Bridges said. The State Monitor, NJCU Administration, and Board of Trustees have been collaborating diligently toward a future that sustains a strong public four-year option in Jersey City and Hudson County, Murphy and Bridges said. Maintaining access to high-quality post-secondary education for students and the community, who have long benefitted from NJCUs local presence, forms the basis of our shared commitment to the institutions future, Murphy and Bridges said. New Jersey City Universitys interim president, Andres Acebo, said in a letter that this next phase is more than an administrative step it is the deliberate construction of a bridge to our second century." By aligning our strengths with those of Kean University, we are setting the stage for a collaborative journey that will expand our academic horizons and deepen our community impact, Acebo wrote. New Jersey City University was founded in 1927, became a college in 1935 and was granted university status in 1998. Over the past two years, our campus has experienced a significant transformation. We have reinvested in our facilities, stabilized our operations, and broadened our enrollment pipeline, Acebo wrote. If the merger is finalized, the Jersey City campus would join Kean Universitys other campuses, including its campus in China. STATEN ISLAND N.Y.-- Hundreds of activists marched in Manhattan Tuesday night, March 25, to protest in support of Ukraine and the recent shift in federal power. The protesters gathered in Astor Place in Manhattan before marching along Broadway and stopping at the City Hall Park. Razom, a non-profit organization founded in 2014 and dedicates its mission to supporting Ukraine, set up the march. The non-profit is made up of volunteers and partners to provide humanitarian aid and operate programs that focus on health, advocacy, civil society and culture. - Hundreds gather to protest on streets of Manhattan. Kass Garced Kass Garced As an American this is moral. This is a question of principle and a question of democracy. Were turning on allies and were siding with an unprincipled, unmoral dictator, said Latvian protester Anita Batarags. The leading demonstrators repeatedly urged people to show up and call your congressmen and senators. The protest started shortly after 6 p.m. and led down the streets of Manhattan until late 8 p.m. - Hundreds gather to protest on streets of Manhattan. Kass Garced Kass Garced The NYPD sectioned off half of the road in favor of the protesters and led them through Manhattan. Since half of the roads were being blocked off, this caused some traffic delays. A leading member of Razom stated, The people united will never be defeated. Stand with Ukraine, and it is not just a fight in Ukraine, it is the fight of all of us. It has been more than a week since legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead in their New Mexico home, and the mystery over what took them continues to grow. It has led to speculation something that is often best to avoid in these situations but PEOPLE Magazine recently spoke to James Gill, Chief Medical Examiner, with the Connecticut office of the Chief Medical Examiner, about what may have caused their death. Gill is not working the case, but he shared a theory that is well, it is absolutely heartbreaking. From the initial kind of circumstances, it seems like he may have collapsed, Gill said. Hes got a history of heart disease. Hes got a pacemaker. So that would not be unusual. But the unusual part is that why then did she also collapse? Assuming she wouldve found him., then you start wondering about: There is this thing where the stress of seeing someone die that could have triggered a natural death in her. Gill told PEOPLE that, likewise, it is possible Hackman found his wife dead and collapsed from the stress of that, too. Just as likely, he said. Hes older. Hes got known heart disease. But the autopsy would certainly show if she had heart disease or cancer or what have you. He told PEOPLE that this scenario has been known to happen, king of a broken heart-type thing, almost. Suddenly finding your loved one dead on the floor that can increase your adrenaline and that stimulates your heart to beat faster, and that can put your heart into an irregular rhythm. He also said there are instances where people find loved ones and get despondent and they do something to take their own life, and that may be with pills or what have you. I think the toxicology workup will be helpful in excluding causes such as an intoxication or injuries. I think the autopsy and the toxicology testing is whats needed to be seen in order to make that final determination, he said. Otherwise, its kind of speculation at this point. Hackman was 95 and Arakawa was 65. Their loss was tragic, but the latest theory could make it even more heartbreaking than anyone first imagined. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Dozens of protesters rallied across the street from Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) Castleton Corners office on Thursday to express their disdain for her choice to back a budget resolution that could potentially open the door to cuts to Medicaid and HIV services. The House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget resolution, which Malliotakis voted in favor of, late last month. It includes a directive to the Energy and Commerce Committee the committee that oversees Medicaid and other government-run programs to cut $880 billion in spending between 2025 and 2034. DenIse Bilezikjian, left, and Sarah Walters of Peace Action Staten Island, hold Holds off our healthcare signs at a rally outside of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis office on Victory Boulevard on March 6, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney) Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney The $880 billion in cuts from the committee is the largest portion of the $2-trillion-or-so dollars that the resolution proposed, according to a budget model from the University of Pennsylvanias Penn Wharton School. The fear, however, is that much of the $880 billion would come from Medicaid, impacting millions of Americans who depend on the benefit to survive. Its not clear if the cuts would impact Medicaid at this point. We have a congresswoman who has no interest in finding out what her constituents find important. Shes in lockstep with the administration for her own political ambition, Randall Manor resident Denise Bilezikjian said. For over an hour, protesters shared their stories, chanted, and waved signs to passing cars and MTA buses many of which honked and shouted support back. Others gave the middle finger. Nevertheless, that did not deter them from chanting things like, Vote her out, Enough is enough, When they say cut back, fight back, and more. A heavy police presence, including fencing, blocked protesters from rallying directly in front of the congresswomans Victory Boulevard office. Scenes from a rally outside of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis office on Victory Boulevard on March 6, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney) Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney The rally was coordinated by Housing Works, Make the Road New York, and the New York Metro chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program. In a request for comment by the Advance/SILive.com, Malliotakis said: It is no surprise that an organization like Make the Road, a radical left group whose purpose is to protect illegal immigrants, including criminals, would be protesting outside my office. Regardless of immigration status, race, or gender identity, all find safety, support, and solidarity here, Make the Road New Yorks website reads. Scenes from a rally outside of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis office on Victory Boulevard on March 6, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney) Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney Housing Works Vice President for Community Mobilization Anthony Feliciano said this in a statement to the Advance/SILive.com: as Congresswoman Malliotakis attacks life-saving measures by calling for the shutdown of overdose prevention centers, she ignores the facts and endangers our most vulnerable. We must hold her accountable and demand that she vote no on any reconciliation cuts that threaten Medicaid, HIV services, or any safety net programs. Arlene Marin of Make the Road New York, right, reads a statement at a rally outside of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis office on Victory Boulevard on March 6, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney) Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney Arlen Marin, a Make the Road member, had a translator convey this to the crowd: I have to visit my doctor every three months to manage my viral problems and other health issues. Without Medicaid, I wouldnt be able to afford the doctors visits as frequently or when I am sick. I shouldnt be here in front of Congresswoman Malliotakis office demanding that we protect Medicaid. I should be home resting. But it is my duty to fight because like me, millions of people depend on Medicaid to survive. Now, as you all have a sense, I think, [that] the U.S. Healthcare system really has some major problems, said Oliver Fein, a doctor of general internal medicine at Manhattans Cornell Medical College. When you look at the outcomes of our system, we have the lowest life expectancy of any of the industrialized countries in the world. However, last month, Malliotakis gave this statement to the Advance/SILive.com: I have been very thoughtful and deliberate in this process, engaging with my party leadership and the chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee that oversees health to ensure that this framework did not put us on a track to cut benefits from our seniors, our disabled children with developmental disabilities, and vulnerable citizens who are eligible and rely on these programs, and to ensure that there were certain provisions also off the table that could impact our local hospitals. Staten Islander Regina holds a sign at a rally outside of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis office on Victory Boulevard on March 6, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney) Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney A Staten Islander who would only be identified as Regina, whose daughter has been on Medicaid since she was a baby, told the crowd: The richest country in the world wants to hurt 167,000 Staten Islanders and this is our community. One in three of our neighbors rely on it" According to the New York State Department of Health, there are actually 182,234 Medicaid enrollees on Staten Island as of January 2025. Housing Works member Charles Waters told the Advance/SILive.com that Medicaid pays for his HIV medicine and helps him with rental assistance. Waters has been HIV positive for 20 years, and undetectable for 15 years. Ruth Garcia, a Housing Works client, shouted her case to Malliotakis office during the rally. Ruth Garcia points to the office of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis while speaking at a rally on Victory Boulevard on March 6, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney) Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney As a woman, as a Hispanic woman, as a woman positive with HIV, your task will be immensely devastating to the most vulnerable community: Our children, our seniors as a whole, she said. Im here to talk to you, directly to you [Malliotakis]. Because you are the one who will get that vote on yes or no. Its in your hands. A New York State Department of Health report detailed that as of December 2023, there are 790 Staten Islanders living with HIV Non-Aids; 1,044 Staten Islanders living with AIDS; and 1,834 Staten Islanders living with HIV and AIDS. A 28-year-old Democratic candidate for the 49th District Council seat also made his case as a Medicaid kid. A passerby gives a thumbs up at a rally outside of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis office on Victory Boulevard on March 6, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney) Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney Without Medicaid, my siblings and I would not have been insured. Without Medicaid, my family would be forced to decide between groceries or seeing a physician. We would be forced to decide between a mortgage payment or my fathers cancer treatments. My mother would be forced to live a life of pain, Aidan Rivera said to the crowd. Thats the future Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis wants us to head towards. So as a constituent of New York 11, let me tell Congresswoman Malliotakis one thing. Real New Yorkers look out for one another, and Staten Island will fight this every step of the way. Scenes from a rally outside of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis office on Victory Boulevard on March 6, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney) Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney Some of President Donald Trumps MAGA fans have stunningly turned against one of his Supreme Court appointees: Justice Amy Coney Barrett. NBC News reported that Barrett has been part of the movement that has pushed the court further rightward, including on abortion and affirmative action. But some in the MAGA world have slammed Barrett for siding with liberal court members in decisions that have gone against Trump. She is a rattled law professor with her head up her a--, said Mike Davis, who once clerked at the Supreme Court for Justice Neil Gorsuch and described Barrett as weak and timid. The criticism stems mostly from some high-profile, 5-4 decisions in which Barrett was the deciding vote against Trumps side. Trump allies and others on the right were quick to pounce when Barrett and other justices rejected a Trump attempt to avoid paying U.S. Agency for International Development contractors as ordered to by a federal judge. DEI judge, influencer Jack Posobiec posted on X, suggesting that Barrett was a diversity, equity and inclusion hire, presumably because she is a woman. Before appointing Barrett in 2020, Trump had pledged to pick a woman to replace liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the court. Amy Coney Barrett was a DEI appointee, another far-right influencer, Laura Loomer, wrote. Barretts USAID vote followed a decision in January when the court, in another 5-4 decision, rejected a Trump bid to block a sentencing hearing in his criminal hush money case in New York. Barrett joined fellow conservative Chief Justice John Roberts in the majority in both cases, siding with the courts three liberal justices. Barrett defenders have fired back. Derek Muller, a Notre Dame law professor who studied under Barrett, said that he doubted she would be affected by the criticism. She has the resolve to be on the court just like the other justices do, he said. The justices know that unpopularity is not a measure of what a judge is doing, he added. The conservative National Review also weighed in with a column titled In Defense of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, deriding the MAGA criticism as nonsense. Barrett has cast key votes in conservative cases close to Trumps heart, including when the court overturned Roe v. Wade, ended affirmative action, expanded gun rights and undermined the power of federal agencies, NBC News said. It seems to me there is this impulse where personal loyalty to Donald Trump in an unquestioned way is seen as a requirement for a sitting justice on the Supreme Court. It doesnt matter how conservative that person might be, Anthony Kreis, a professor at Georgia State University College of Law, told NBC News. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis speaks to the Staten Island Advance editorial board in the Advances Bloomfield office on Oct. 10, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) Jason Paderon STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R Staten Island/South Brooklyn) divulged her legislative priorities for the next few months on topics ranging from working on tax bills to ending inhumane animal testing on the federal level. She already accomplished the first check off the list with the demise of congestion pricing, the congresswomen said. Tax cuts Malliotakis told the Advance/SILive.com that out of the six tax priorities proposed, she has been pushing four in the House Ways and Means Committee of which she is a part. She is additionally on the subcommittee on tax and the subcommittee on oversight. The cuts include lowering taxes for senior citizens on Social Security, she said. A middle-class tax cut package is also in her sights. Investment tax credit Malliotakis is backing an investment tax credit for new manufacturing facilities that open up here in the United States. Malliotakis specific goal for that legislation is to try to get pharmaceutical and medical supply chain back in the United States following COVID. It was a real wake up call. We recognize we cannot rely on other countries particularly communist China and that we need to make these things here, she explained. SALT deductions She added that they are working diligently to increase the state and local tax (SALT) deductions. The SALT deduction was capped for many New Yorkers when Trumps 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed. SALT, which began in 1913 according to the Bipartisan Policy Center, allows taxpayers to subtract a portion of their state and local property taxes, income taxes, and/or sales taxes from their federal taxable income. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act put a $10,000 limit on the SALT deduction, the first of its kind. The president has also indicated he supports doing that [upping the cap]. That [the cap increase] would provide some relief for middle class families, particularly homeowners that have high property tax, Malliotakis said. IRS refund checks An issue that hits close to home, Malliotakis is seeking to pass The Recovery of Stolen Checks Act, which is meant to give replacement checks to taxpayers who had their tax refunds from the U.S. Treasury stolen in the mail to be deposited directly in personal bank accounts, according to a written statement. Presently, the replacement checks are sent via snail mail, which could be subject to the same thievery as their predecessor check, the statement said. Malliotakis said roughly $5 million has been stolen from our district [Staten Island and South Brooklyn] alone, from hardworking taxpayers. So, we are trying to work with the IRS to resolve this issue. Its going to require the DOJs [Department of Justice] involvement, she explained. New York City safe injection sites Though there arent any Staten Island-based safe injection sites which are secure, monitored spaces for people to take illegal drugs under the watchful eye of supervisors to ensure they dont die, according to ABC Malliotakis is encouraging Attorney General Pam Bondi to shutter them. There are two centers in Manhattan run by OnPoint NYC: East Harlem and Washington Heights. We do not want them in our district, and so we want to make sure that the two that we have in New York City are shut down, Malliotakis said. Animal testing on the federal level An animal lover, Malliotakis is looking to pass the Safeguard Pets, Animals, and Research Ethics (SPARE) Act, which would end government testing on animals for medically unnecessary procedures. Its cruel, its inhumane, its unnecessary, and its costly, she said. Theres a way we can save taxpayer money, be humane and protect these animals, as well as focus on modern technologies that can be used for some experimentation. According to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, the federal government spends more than $20 billion annually on animal testing both at home and abroad. Ukraine would like to sign minerals deal with USA as soon as possible MFA Photo: MFA Ukraine remains ready to conclude an agreement with the United States on mineral resources, Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhy stressed, not ruling out signing the document in Saudi Arabia. "As for the agreement, Ukraine was ready to sign and remains ready to conclude an agreement with the United States on mineral resources. We are convinced that this agreement is beneficial for both sides. This is a good agreement and we really want to sign it," he said at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday. The spokesman stressed that he would not comment on the details yet so as "not to influence sensitive negotiations." "Lets wait. We would like to sign the agreement as soon as possible. We believe that this is an important element in the Ukrainian-American strategic partnership," the Foreign Ministry stressed. Tykhy added that he considers the upcoming meeting "one of the opportunities" for this. "But lets not act in advance," he urged. A major swing-state Democrat is slamming his fellow Dems for what he called unhinged protest actions during President Donald Trumps speech to Congress this week. A sad cavalcade of self owns and unhinged petulance. It only makes Trump look more presidential and restrained. Were becoming the metaphorical car alarms that nobody pays attention toand it may not be the winning message, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) wrote on X, per Fox News. Fettermans post included a screenshot of Politicos website with a headline suggesting that Democrats anti-Trump actions fell flat, the Hill reported. A sad cavalcade of self owns and unhinged petulance. It only makes Trump look more presidential and restrained. Were becoming the metaphorical car alarms that nobody pays attention toand it may not be the winning message. pic.twitter.com/hNgX7ouLjX U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) March 5, 2025 Snap polls from CBS, YouGov and CNN have showed that most viewers surveyed had a favorable opinion of Trumps speech, although the surveys showed that the audience was made up mostly of Republicans. Democrats held up protest signs with messages like MUSK STEALS and SAVE MEDICAID during Trumps speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. One Dem, Rep. Al Green of Texas, was escorted from the House chamber after standing up and shouting at Trump. Other Democrats walked out during the speech or boycotted the address entirely. House Speaker Ron Johnson has said that Green should be censured for his action. The Democrats should lose the Midterms based on their behavior at last nights Joint Address to Congress, Trump said in a Wednesday post on Truth Social. Fetterman also backed Trumps comments on Truth Social that Hamas must release all hostages now and return the bodies of murdered hostages or it is OVER for you. Fetterman, a staunch supporter of Israel, wrote on X, Free all the hostages or start killing Hamas members again. I fully agree with @POTUS. Fetterman earlier this year caused a stir when he said that Trumps plan to take over the war-torn Gaza Strip and turn it into a Middle East Riviera should be part of the conversation. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- One of the worlds largest shipping companies, which operates a major port right here on Staten Island, will invest billions of dollars in the countrys maritime industry in coming years. On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that France-based CMA CGM, the worlds third-largest container shipping line, will invest $20 billion over the next four years to foster U.S. shipbuilding capabilities, expand port infrastructure, grow logistics networks and develop air cargo services. Its so important because its about shipping. You know, we lost our way for many years. We havent done anything. We used to build a ship a day, and now we essentially dont build ships. Were going to start that, said Trump. In addition to building out ports and constructing new ships, the massive investment, which is expected to create 10,000 new jobs across the country, will also support the creation of an air cargo hub in Chicago and logistics research and development hub in Boston. I am proud to build on our long-standing relationship with the United States through this commitment of $20 billion to the countrys maritime future and logistics capabilities. Over the next four years, we will significantly grow our U.S.-flagged fleet, expand the capacity of key container ports on both coasts, develop state-of-the-art warehousing across the country, and establish a significant air cargo hub in Chicago, said Rodolphe Saade, chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) celebrated what the new investment could mean for Staten Island, with CMA CGM taking operational control of Staten Islands Howland Hook Marine Terminal in August 2023. After decades of outsourcing maritime jobs and investment, this commitment marks a crucial step toward revitalizing our domestic industry and strengthening Americas competitiveness by promoting investment in our ports, infrastructure, and waterways to drive long-term job creation and economic growth, Malliotakis said. The congresswoman said that the new investment will bring $300 million to the local shipping hub and create 300 new jobs, though its unclear whether that is a new investment from the company or part of the ongoing expansion that was announced when CMA CGM took control of the port in 2023. In September 2023, the company announced that it would invest $200-$300 million to fund the reconstruction and rehabilitation of wharves and ship berths, as well as upgrades to cargo handling equipment and the expansion of yard capacity. That investment, which was reported to take place over the course of seven years, will increase the terminal capacity by 50%, create 300 construction jobs and 80 permanent jobs at the location. CMA CGM did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per week Premium Includes: -- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time. -- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content -- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community -- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week! Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated that achieving a just, lasting and dignified peace between Russia and Ukraine requires "a solid diplomatic foundation on the basis of which the warring parties will sit down at the negotiating table," the Anadolu Agency reports. "Turkey supports the initiative for early ceasefire and cessation of air and sea attacks in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a measure to strengthen trust between the parties," Erdogan said during a speech at the Meeting of Leaders of Like-minded Countries. Erdogan also stressed that Ankara sees no reason not to include Turkey in EU programs for the purchase of defense products and the reconstruction of Ukraine. "For Turkey, inclusion in mechanisms such as the European Peace Facility, the purpose of which is the restoration and revival of Ukraine, is important," he said. "Joint planning with Turkey of all steps related to European security will meet our common interests," the Turkish leader noted. It was previously reported that Turkey, which has the second largest army in NATO after the United States, is open to providing troops to peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, Bloomberg reports, citing people familiar with the matter. At the same time, Turkey does not intend to be part of any peacekeeping mission unless it is involved in all consultations and preparations for its formation. System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948 /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:176 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x563de105d4c8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x563de1088a78)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x563de105d4c8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x563de1088a78)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 176 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x563de0f4de40)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x563de1088a78)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x563de1088a78)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x563dd6b639b0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x563de117e910)') called at (eval 1338) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x563de117e910)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Aguia Resources has locked in $1.5 million in fresh capital after completing a placement of 40 million shares at 3.8 cents a share, setting the stage for an aggressive drilling campaign at its high-grade Santa Barbara gold project in Colombia. The new cash will also support expansion of the companys gold processing plant to 50 tonnes per day (tpd) and cover general working capital needs. Aguia Resources executive chairman Warwick Grigor (centre) inspects the existing underground workings at the companys Santa Barbara gold mine in Colombia. A tranche of one million shares has been ringfenced for director applications, pending shareholder approval. Aguia expects to launch a 25-hole diamond drilling program at the start of the June quarter for 2500 metres. The campaign is designed to test extensions of the high-grade mineralised strike and dip at its main Santa Barbara and Mariana workings. The companys stock began its run on Tuesday, marching from 12 cents per share to 16c before it was handed a speeding ticket by the ASX. Industrials management said they were unaware of any unknown information, however, noted global tariff and trade developments were juicing demand for its high purity quartz. The free marketing did the trick as the companys share price surged up the following morning to a high of 23c, up 92 per cent from its close of 12c the week prior. Industrial is busy working on several projects and has released plenty of tasty titbits in its recent quarterly activities report, including encouraging feedback from parties interested in its Pippingarra pegmatite project in Western Australia, a China marketing blitz and progress on a maiden mineral resource estimate at Pippingarra due by the end of March. The company also touted its ongoing test work in China and a freshly funded war chest from a placement and share purchase plan, which it says has enabled meaningful progress towards development and achieving its aim of becoming a key supplier to the high purity quartz materials sector. With United States president Donald Trumps tariff sabre-rattling in the background, high-purity quartz looks likely to become another critical mineral darling to join a trend of raging antimony and gallium prices. Litchfield Minerals Ltd (ASX: LMS) 90% up (from 9.5c to 18c) Litchfield Minerals took out second place on this weeks Runner of the Week list. The base metals company released some juicy news to the market on Wednesday that it had uncovered two big, high-intensity sulphide-bearing targets over 1 kilometre at its cornerstone Oonagalabi project in the mineral-rich heart of the Northern Territory. Litchfield said a recently conducted pole-dipole IP survey had uncovered two massive chargeability anomalies stretching 1km in strike and plunging to more than 500m in depth. The companys shares ran on the news on Wednesday and its share price peaked at 18c per share on Thursday, up some 90 per cent from last weeks close, after well over $1m of stock traded hands. Litchfield says each target possesses a higher-grade core, with chargeability exceeding 40 to 60 millivolts per volt. The promising base metals targets were not drill-tested, offering highly compelling targets for Litchfields upcoming drilling program. Historical drill holes at Oonagalabi have glanced the chargeability shell and returned the best mineralisation numbers to date, reinforcing the strong correlation between chargeability and sulphide mineralisation. The company has locked in a phase one drilling program for late March, pending a final Territory government nod. Oonagalabis 3km mineralised strike in the Territorys mineral-rich heartland has the hallmarks of a big base metal system tied to some hydrothermal action. No wonder the market was frothing this untested high-grade core could be a game-changer for the sub-$5m market cap minnow, as copper demand remains solid despite most metals pulling back. InFocus Group (ASX: IFG) 73% up (from 1.5c to 2.6c) Ditching the pickaxe for the pixels, Runners final podium finish goes to fintech group InFocus, which saw its share price shoot up on news of its latest stablecoin payment project with the Seychelles-based group, GBO Assets. InFocus says it has sealed a US$1.52 million (A$2.41m) deal with GBO to build a cross-border stablecoin payment platform, bumping its total GBO contract haul to more than US$4m (A$6.35m), hot on the heels of a US$2.5m (A$4m) gaming gig. InFocus jumped to 2.6c per share on Tuesdays company announcement, up 73 per cent from its close of 1.5c last Friday after $2m of the stock was traded. GBO Assets, based out of the tech and tax-savvy Seychelles islands, has worked with some of the worlds largest gaming organisations that run physical casinos and online platforms. InFocus will design and develop a full-featured cross-border cryptocurrency payment system with AI-powered liquidity pools, real-time analytics, and exchange rate wizardry, which is set for delivery in the next two years. InFocus chief executive officer Ken Tovich believes the deal proves the company has supercharged its tech-chops with a newly enlarged team following its Prodigy9 acquisition earlier this year. InFocus market cap is still well below the net worth of its deals with GBO and just yesterday secured a further $250,000 of funding to service its contracts. It could well be a high-growth tech provider on the up. TG Metals Ltd (ASX: TG6) 71% up (from 10.5c to 18c) It wouldnt feel right to have a Bulls N Bears Runners of the Week list without a regimented goldie given the price was at all-time highs again this week. TG Metals rode the yellow metals $4650 per ounce wave that made Cyclone Alfreds swell look positively puny. The companys share price flew up on Thursday after it announced the acquisition of an 80 per cent interest in the Van Uden gold project in WA. The Goat blasted to a peak of 18c per share from a close last week of 10.5c, which was a 71 per cent rise on $110,000 in shares traded for the day. The Van Uden treasure chest consists of four promising mining leases and an existing resource of 5.3 million tonnes grading 1.38 grams per tonne gold for 238,000 ounces of gold. The company says the project was previously explored by Convergent Minerals and the Wesfarmers-acquired Kidman Resources to define shallow gold mineralisation at its Gold City deposit. Very little progress was made on the project under Kidmans ownership, as the companys focus shifted to the massive Mt Holland lithium deposit, which inevitably made it a takeover target. TG6 managed to snap up the Van Uden project for just $2.5m cash and $1m in shares - plus a deferred $0.5m kicker. The existing mining leases existing stockpiles and shallow gold make for an attractive toll treating option to generate some serious cash in the current gold environment. Sitting pretty near Marvel Loch and TG6s Lake Johnston lithium digs, the near-term cash flow gem still has plenty of exploration upside that could be soon self-funded, the company says. In a market this red-hot, golds glitter was TG6s gain. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au 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 Claes Bang was 50 when Ruben Ostlunds The Square won the Palme DOr at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. He had been acting since he was at high school on the island of Funen, west of Copenhagen, and had a good working career on home turf, but his starring role as the narcissistic curator of a modern art gallery thrust him on to the world stage. The Danish discovery was handsome, debonair, subtly dangerous. He spoke English. He spoke German. His resemblance to Pierce Brosnan was noted. Could he be the next James Bond? Not at his age, as he pointed out. Nevertheless, Claes Bang was undeniably a star. Bang is speaking to me from New Zealand, where he has just shot a buddy cop movie called The Wrecking Crew for Amazon and MGM; he is reticent about his own role but, given Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista play the cop duo, he is presumably a sinister European baddie. He has played quite a few of those. Im assuming they see a dark thing, right? he said recently, when asked about his strong line in villains. There have been quite a lot of those nasty ones. I honestly dont know [why], because I think Im quite nice. So it was reassuring, he says, to be asked to play Swiss folk hero William Tell. Everyone knows one thing about Tell: he managed to shoot an apple off the top of his sons head. The story is traditionally set in 1307, when Switzerland was ruled by the Austrian Hapsburg monarchy; Tell had been arrested for refusing to bow to the governors hat mounted on a pole. If he refused to shoot the apple, an entire village would be exterminated. His skill with the deadly crossbow was well known; at the urging of his courageous son, he took his chance. There is no evidence that William Tell actually existed, but the story celebrates a good peasants patriotic spirit and steady nerve. Nick Hamms film draws on an 1804 play written by Friedrich Schiller, a political liberal as well as a giant of German letters. Both Schiller and Hamm portray the Austrians as brutal and bloodthirsty; the Austrian king Albrecht (Ben Kingsley) is manipulative and half mad, while his local enforcer, Governor Gessler (Connor Swindells), is a sadistic thug. Advertisement Bang says he still cant get his head around the father who puts his sons life at risk, even at gunpoint. But when I started to find out that it was the centrepiece of this freedom story, a story of liberation, of standing up to your aggressor, thats when it became really interesting. He was also drawn to the idea of a flawed hero; at one point, he wonders if William Tell is a hero at all. Hamm envisaged Tell as a veteran of the Crusades who has returned to Switzerland with an Arabic wife, Suna (Golshifteh Farahani), he rescued in Jerusalem. They have settled in the mountains, raised a son and turned their backs on conflict and bloodshed. As their Austrian overlords become more monstrous, Tell resists the call to rebellion. A rebellion may well turn into a massacre, he reasons. He is also afraid of himself. He knows what he becomes in battle: a monster lurks within. Claes Bang and Golshifteh Farahani in William Tell. I like that there are these darker elements. Elements of doubt, where a character sees a side of himself he doesnt want to know about, says Bang. That gives you a lot more to play with than your straight shooter. What he likes are the grey zones, where heroes have faults and villains believe themselves to be in the right. Jean Paul, the manipulative bully hated by his wifes sisters and eventually murdered by his long-suffering wife in Sharon Horgans Bad Sisters, would probably say hes a good person, looking out for his family. Claes Bang with Anne-Marie Duff, who plays his long-suffering wife in Bad Sisters. The arrogant curator in The Square is oblivious to the fact hes a moron, even when he turns into a kind of vigilante. I think its always very interesting when the characters have a very different perception of who they are and what comes across because then that gives me a lot of space to move as an actor, says Bang. Advertisement Even Dracula, whose die would seem to be irrevocably cast after 130 years of drinking the blood of innocents, was an ambivalent villain in the acclaimed BBC series with Bang as the count. When they approached me, I thought: does the world really need another Dracula? But [creators] Mark [Gatiss] and Steven [Moffat] had done some really cool things with the character, he said later. The thing about Dracula, I think, is that he doesnt want to harm anyone. Hes not about that. Its just a sad outcome. He says what I really enjoy is a good conversation and a decent meal. The problem is that that will probably be the same person, but he just wants what we all want. Claes Bang as Dracula: He says what I really enjoy is a good conversation and a decent meal. The problem is that that will probably be the same person. Loading At the same time, he realised Dracula had a more visceral allure he couldnt explain. People seem to be weirdly drawn to him. Theres this whole thing of feeding off other people; I found out when I did it that there is something there that fascinates us. I probably even have it myself. You know what its like when sometimes youre holding someones hand and thinking, Grrr, what would it be like to take a big bite of that right now? I can sort of totally relate to that, not that I hope I would ever do it. William Tell is filmed in English. I just did a movie before this one mainly in French, some English and a little bit of Danish, Bang says. Thats the first Danish Ive spoken in 10 years. I dont ever work in my own language any more. The film was LInconnu de la Grande Arche, about a Danish architect who won a competition to design a monument at La Defense in Paris. I do not speak French, so I rehearsed the shit out of it, so I knew it all by heart, Bang says. It was fine, as long as nobody strayed from the script. Advertisement After five-odd years of Joker-induced nonsense, Lady Gaga the pop icon is back. Credit: Lady Gaga, Mayhem Last month, when Lady Gaga dropped the video to Abracadabra, the second single from her new album Mayhem, right in the middle of a Mastercard ad during the Grammys telecast (priceless), you could sense the palpitating heartbeats of Little Monsters everywhere. Mothers home, Im 100 per cent certain they all tweeted at each other. After a half-decade of Hollywood-induced nonsense the grandpa swing of Harlequin, her companion album to Joker: Folie a Deux; a second (!) duets collection with the late Tony Bennett here was concrete proof that Gaga was, finally, returning to her sacred well of maximal pop. Over squiggly acid synths, booming house beats and a vocal melody borrowed from Siouxsie and the Banshees Spellbound, Abracadabra might feel like a Frankenstein-ian facsimile of vintage Gaga, even down to the Bad Romance-esque nonsensical amor oo na na/ morta oo gaga chorus hook. But at this point, close enoughs a compliment. Trust Gaga, in 2025, to beat AI at its own game. Im not sure what the best live album ever made is, but I do know roughly when it came out. At least 30 years ago, before the internet murdered the live album as an art form. These days, YouTube is awash with fan-shot videos of every show an artist plays. The mystique of the live recording and its scarcity value is gone. In the old days, your favourite artist issued a live album once or twice a decade if you were lucky. Only when bands were in peak form did the tapes roll. Dud numbers were weeded out. Each live album was a carefully curated work of art. YouTube killed them. But the live album was once a cherished work of art. Credit: Sydney Morning Herald A highlight of those classic live albums was the chat between songs. Generally, this patter was far less rehearsed than the music. But you heard it over and over, as often as you played the record. The rhythm of those one-off quips and asides stuck in your head as stubbornly as the songs did. Neil Diamonds Hot August Night, that unavoidable live album of the 1970s, was frequently on my parents stereo when I was little. Just before playing Solitary Man, Neil said something that really used to freak me out. He said: Tree people out there, God bless you, Im singing for you too. As a kid, you cant possibly understand why this stuff happens, but you get a gut sense that it matters, Henry says. This is the reason I became an economist I just was really interested in trying to understand how humans could do such mad things. Henry was a respected public servant who rose to head the Australian Treasury for 10 years, from 2001 to 2011, and was later chair of National Australia Bank. He led reviews of the tax system for both the Howard and Rudd governments the latter is commonly known as the Henry review. He has a PhD in economics, two honorary doctorates, the Centenary Medal and a Companion of the Order of Australia. The seared half shell scallops with wakame, pickled ginger, herby bits and a sesame and soy dressing are the star of the meal. Credit: Janie Barrett His work now focuses on the environment. He is chair of the Nature Finance Council, the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation and Wildlife Recovery Australia, and a non-executive director of Accounting for Nature Ltd and the Digital Finance CRC. In 2022-23 he led the NSW governments independent statutory review of the states Biodiversity Conservation Act. We meet for lunch at the Wharf Street Cafe in Nambucca Heads, halfway between Henrys home near Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour where I am reporting on the state governments plans to create a 315,000-hectare Great Koala National Park. I packed a nice dress for our meeting, but I was delayed in a forest in the morning so I text from the road to alert him to my casual attire. He texts back, promising he wont be judgmental. Ken Henry has the berry power smoothie with blueberries, banana, coconut and milk and I have one with mango, mint and coconut water. Credit: Janie Barrett Henry is there when I arrive, looking fresh in a pale blue shirt the colour of the beautiful Nambucca River. We start our meal with smoothies berry for Henry and mango for me and share the special of seared half shell scallops with pickled ginger and herbs, easily the best part of the meal. For mains, Henry has fish and chips and I have slow-roasted tomatoes with haloumi on sourdough, both passable. We eat slowly while we talk and the staff are very patient with us as we linger long into clean-up time. By the time we think of coffee, theyve already cleaned the machine. Ken Henrys fish and chips is snapper. He would have preferred a bit less breadcrumb but nonetheless, says it is very tasty. Credit: Janie Barrett Henry tells me we are sitting not far from the old stomping ground of one of his ancestors: Angus Mackay, one of the settlers of Macksville who died a few months shy of 100 in 1894. Across the river, Nambucca Headland Museum holds Mackays Blackthorn cane a thorny stick awarded for service in the Battle of Waterloo and brought from Scotland in the 1830s. Seventy years later, and several hundred kilometres to the south, Henry was growing up in Taree. He was not even 10 years old when he saw the sawmill across the road close, and he saw this repeatedly as a teenager. Henry says he saw the impact on the community and his parents distress at the prospect of unemployment, though he believes his father counted himself lucky it didnt happen more often. The bill for lunch at the Wharf Street Cafe in Nambucca Heads I remember when I was very young, I wouldnt even have been in high school, I remember my father saying to the three boys: this not an industry for you, this industry does not have a future, Henry says. The reason for the sawmill closures was lack of timber all the big trees had already been logged, Henry says. His father had to go further afield, spending the week camping up in the mountains and returning home on weekends with his haul of logs. These days timber harvesting is done with huge machinery but back then, it was more like the wood chop event at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Henry saw his father use his axe to make notches in the trunk, insert a board, climb on it, and repeat the process until he was high enough in the tree to safely cut it with his chainsaw. I have the slow roasted tomatoes with haloumi on sourdough. Credit: Janie Barrett Henry believes it is time to end native forestry and shift to a full plantation model for reasons both ecological and economic. He points out that Forestry Corp consistently operates at a loss, so taxpayers are underwriting the destruction of forests for a handful of jobs. I put it to him that Forestry Corp explains its losses on the fact it provides services such as firefighting and state forest recreation that are not fully subsidised by the government, but Henry says this is inconsistent with the legislation. Former Treasury secretary Ken Henry with a wild wombat in the Southern Highlands about four years ago. Henry disputes claims that the wood that comes out of native forests is necessary for the economy or the construction industry. Unlike Henrys childhood home built from local hardwood, modern houses with timber frames use softwood plantation or imported pine. The main use of hardwood in building is high-end floorboards that, Henry points out, most people cant afford. Henry grew up surrounded not just by sawmills but also by bushland. He spent every afternoon after school either playing sport or in the bush, climbing trees, running through the forest, and visiting what was then called a swamp actually a healthy wetland full of beautiful birds such as kingfishers. Most of the wetlands in the Manning Valley have since been drained, producing acid sulfate soils and dried peat that can burn for months after a bushfire, Henry says. Henry was also drawn to the beach his father was one of the founders of the junior surf lifesaving club at Crowdy Head and the three boys all learned to surf. He tried surfing in Sydney while studying economics and law at the University of NSW in the late 1970s, but gave up after catching conjunctivitis from polluted water. His brothers still surf, but Henry lost the knack during his long decades in Canberra. For an 18-year-old country boy, Sydney felt a bit hostile at first, but he grew to like it. He met his wife Naomi at university and they spent five years in New Zealand while Henry did his PhD. In 1984 the couple decided to move to Canberra for Henry to work in Treasury under the Hawke-Keating government, while Naomi Henry worked for the National Library. He never lost his love of nature. In fact, the whole time he was running Treasury, he had a secret life as a wildlife rescuer and carer along with his wife and their two children. A wombat joey rescued by the Henry family. (It was not so secret to those who knew him he occasionally came to Treasury offices wearing a joey under his shirt because the animal needed to stay warm.) The family had about 280 hectares between two properties near Braidwood, and rehabilitated hundreds of animals, including eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, swamp wallabies, wallaroos, wombats, possums and gliders. Henry served as president of Wildcare Queanbeyan for a few years and was particularly devoted to a Rosenbergs monitor, similar to a big goanna, called Claws. A small mob of eastern grey kangaroos and a wombat that Ken Henry and his family rescued as joeys. They are in a pre-release site on the familys former property near Canberra. The giant lizard needed physiotherapy twice a day, which meant it could not go into torpor in winter. Henry built Claws an outdoor enclosure with central heating, but after 18 months the creature died of a bowel blockage. It was gut-wrenching, Henry says. Now back on the Mid North Coast with Naomi to be near his mother, Henry focuses on environmental work. Hes had faith in economics to provide environmental answers since 1992-93 when he was posted to the OECD and the very first meeting he attended was about climate change. Loading I ask why we are yet to solve the problem. Its a failure of democracy to consider the needs of future generations, Henry says. When I ask what gives him hope, he replies deadpan: What on Earth makes you think I have hope? He then says younger politicians joining parliament have the opportunity to create huge change, and it is not too late to make a difference. Or: Oh, you mean you havent heard about the smashable, crunchy trousseau grape? I mean, like, where have you been all this time? LOL. Sadly, its often a symptom of a kind of snobbery: Im writing my column this week about obscure, skin-contacted, amber wine fermented in an earthenware vessel buried in the ground in the Jura, just to demonstrate that Im ahead of the game. Its not always snobbery: theres a real fascination with discovery wines and the genuine desire to tell others about their pleasures. But its also true that those readers who are bored with Barossa shiraz and Coonawarra cabernet could turn their attention to their own backyard; there are hundreds of other interesting wines in this vast country. First, some context. There are, at a rough guess, 10,000 grape varieties worldwide. In their grape-variety bible, Wine Grapes (Penguin, 2012), Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding and Jose Vouillamoz describe 1368 varieties used for winemaking, most of them not grown in Australia. (Imagine factoring in all the wineries in all the wine regions in all the wine-producing countries: there are an estimated 100,000 wineries worldwide.) The more Australians travel, the more they discover about the wines and foods of the wider world and the more they want to be able to enjoy them at home. Wine Australia says imports grew from 82 million litres in 2014 to 106 million litres in 2023. Thats nearly 3 per cent a year. When I began writing about wine 42 years ago, Australians drank a tiny percentage of imported wine: Mateus Rose, Blue Nun, Black Tower, chianti in straw-covered flasks Now foreign wine is a much larger share of the market and we get all the good stuff as well as the run-of-the-mill. Thats because theres demand for it. I dont see much wrong with that. 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 Andrea Cook made it her New Years resolution in 2020 to stop driving her car for trips under two kilometres. Cook, a town planner from Abbotsford, quickly discovered almost all her journeys were under that distance, and her car was left languishing in her apartment parking space. I realised it was quite an expensive proposition to just have a car that mainly sits around, she says. I made the decision to sell it. Andrea Cook has opted to walk for most of her journeys. Credit: Justin McManus Cook now walks to most places and takes public transport, using car share services when she needs to travel to outer suburbs. The Allan government will be hoping others follow Cooks example. The message this week has been loud and clear: cars are not in. Plan for Victoria, the governments new 30-year development blueprint, outlined the slashing of car parking requirements in apartment buildings and suggested car parks around older train stations could make way for homes or open space. Advertisement Meanwhile, independent advisory body Infrastructure Victoria released its own report calling for speed limits on local streets be cut to 30km/h to improve safety and livability. It also flagged that road fees at peak times in central areas might be needed in future to deal with intense congestion. But for all the ambitions of policymakers to ease population pressures by tackling the states deeply ingrained driving culture, car ownership statistics suggest Victorians are not ready to let go of their steering wheels. The number of registered passenger vehicles in Victoria reached 4.16 million in 2024, rising at roughly the same rate as population growth. Public transport use, meanwhile, remains below pre-COVID levels. Professor Graham Currie, chair of public transport at Monash University, says cars are at the heart of Australian culture and family upbringing. This has been embraced by new migrants, even those from less car-reliant cities. They come here and expect to have public transport orientation, Currie says. But they also have a cultural affinity to be Australian, and they believe house ownership is a big part of that, and having a car becomes part of that. Advertisement However, Currie says habits are shifting, particularly among young people in inner suburbs with strong public transport links. The first stage of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project, set to open in 2035, will introduce six new stations in Melbournes eastern middle-ring suburbs, along with increased housing density in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Unlike existing suburban stations, they will have limited parking options. Currie backs that decision, saying car parks are a poor use of land. Theyre big bits of concrete, theyre soulless. No one wants to live next to a car park, he says. SRL stations are there to create a new way of living, which is about living around the railway and not using the car as much. Advertisement Meanwhile, state government data shows there were 13.6 million train trips in December last year, compared with 17.9 million in December 2019. Currie says public transport use is slowly recovering from the COVID-19 drop, but blames the lingering slump on factors including the rise of remote working and continuing concerns about infection. The Plan for Victoria report says reducing parking requirements for new developments close to public transport such as the governments 60 activity centres will reduce car use and make housing cheaper. Its estimated a car space can add about $50,000 to the cost of an apartment. The plan says: Housing will be less expensive because it doesnt include the need to provide costly basement car parking in areas where we want to see apartment-style development, and traffic congestion in these areas will be reduced because there will be fewer cars coming and going. Parts of Melbourne City Council have no minimum parking requirements for new apartment buildings after a 2018 study found up to 40 per cent of parking was unused every day. RMIT researchers have found that not automatically providing a car parking space with every apartment would help reduce car ownership, though better public transport was essential. Between 2004 and 2022, the number of apartments almost doubled in Melbourne, but public transport services within walking distance increased by only 5 per cent. Advertisement Planning Institute of Australia state president Patrick Fensham says it is crucial to reduce car reliance in well-connected locations of Melbourne, but any initiatives need to have a parallel infrastructure investment strategy. We cant continue to support road building and car usage at the rates that weve seen in the past, he says. Victoria Walks executive officer Ben Rossiter who gave up his car 19 years ago says policies that discourage car use enable other transport options to be favoured. Victoria Walks chief executive Ben Rossiter. Credit: Paul Rovere People want to live in walkable communities, he says. About 20 per cent of trips in Melbourne are undertaken on foot, and this has happened not through good planning and investment, but despite a lack of it. Its a problem state leaders have little choice but to tackle head on. Infrastructure Victoria warns congestion will only get worse as Melbournes population heads towards a projected 10.3 million by 2051. The citys roads will struggle to handle more traffic, its report states. Even with new and wider roads, motorists face a 46 per cent increase in road congestion between 2026 and 2036. Advertisement At first glance, the Minns governments decision to back away from an election pledge to buy back 2000 poker machines seems a betrayal of the many who have worked tirelessly for decades to reduce the tragic impact of gambling on many NSW lives. But the reality is that we are unable to kick the habit. We have Australias highest number of poker machines, and they remain a blight on our state. NSW Labor has walked away from a promise to remove 9500 poker machines from the state, but we understand why. Credit: Peter Braig and Dominic Lorrimer NSW politicians have been jockeying around on poker machine reform since late 2022, when the NSW Crime Commission delivered a damning report that found a significant amount of dirty money was being washed through them. Amid momentum for change, then-opposition leader Chris Minns vowed to hold a cashless gaming trial, buy back 2000 poker machines and increase the forfeiture rate. The latter two measures, we were told, would lower the number of machines in NSW by 9500. The trial was completed late last year but many thought it was set up to fail. The Independent Panel for Gaming Reform delivered a 530-page report, Roadmap for Gaming Reform, last November. And at a budget estimates hearing on Wednesday, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey cited its advice when confirming Labor had abandoned its promise to buy back machines from gambling venues. Weve listened to the advice of our expert panel, who have suggested that is not a good use of public money, he said. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua/posts/pfbid034UU8RGbDTbfZ6eNDQHLnKPLP4z8oWLmjNtxNAoR8q2ph4zcG8kMmc6tp7cgg3HpUl Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov held a meeting with European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius, during which, in particular, they discussed initiatives for ensuring financing of the Ukrainian army and procurement of defense products. "We continue to work together on the security strategy of Europe, where Ukraine plays a key role. We discussed initiatives that will allow us to ensure the financing of the Ukrainian army and the procurement of defense products. Ukraine is ready for deeper integration in the field of defense cooperation and joint production of weapons," he added on Facebook on Friday. Umerov stressed the importance of increasing the pace of production of armored vehicles, shells and other types of munitions by European defense companies. According to him, the European Defence Industrial Development Programme can be an important step in this direction - it opens up new opportunities for the procurement and production of weapons together with European partners. "I am grateful to Andrius Kubilius for the constructive dialogue. We are strengthening cooperation with the EU and working on common security," he added. As reported, on Thursday, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine began a several-day working trip to European countries. Meetings have already taken place with the Ministers of Defense of Poland and Germany, Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Boris Pistorius, and Kaja Kallas. 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 I am impatient for Goya in Madrid and Turner in London. I must return to Botticellis Birth of Venus in Florence and what about the Mona Lisa in Paris? The Tate Modern is packed, the Prado is heaving and theres no way around the queues at the Louvre. My art lovers list is getting longer, almost as long as the line for Rembrandts Night Watch at Amsterdams Rijksmuseum, but I wont despair because Ive found a shortcut to Europes artistic masterpieces. Switzerlands largest art museum, the Kunsthaus, feeds the soul. Its Switzerland. The snow-capped alpine country stereotypically defined by clocks, chocolate and cheese is unheralded for a rich cultural heritage, with world-class museums that are blissfully free of crowds. My mission for masterpieces will start with the gold standard in the picturesque banking hub of Zurich, where Switzerlands largest art museum, the Kunsthaus, feeds the soul. Like going to church aerial view of Kunsthaus Zurich. It feels a little like going to church, ascending the monumental staircase in the Pritzker Prize-winning building designed by architect David Chipperfield, to discover a high-calibre collection that spans more than a millennium of art from the Middle Ages to the present. Advertisement Van Gogh at Kunsthaus Zurich. Im sitting in the front pew with Monet, Picasso, Munch, van Gogh, Chagall, Giacometti, Warhol, Richter and others when I spot an old friend. Its just the two of us now. Renoir and me. Actually, three of us, if you include The Girl with the Blue Ribbon (c. 1880), as familiar as the tiny gold-framed print that hung on my bedroom wall throughout childhood. The real painting, a breathtaking testament to youth and purity, has a much less romantic story. Renoirs masterpiece is one in a collection of French Impressionist works amassed by a Zurich businessman, Emil Georg Buehrle, a German arms dealer who became Switzerlands wealthiest man during World War II by selling weapons to the Nazis. Its the story of Switzerland, says my guide, recalling details of works thought to have been looted from their original Jewish owners or bought cheaply from desperate sellers fleeing persecution. You cannot avoid being sucked into the vortex of sorrow where art is contextualised with conflict, but Buehrles collection provides a future for the past. The artworks are not guilty. Time is short. Theres a labyrinth of pastel-painted medieval buildings graced with stately beauty in the old town, but they must wait. Cosmopolitan Basel lies about an hour away by train. This lively, compact city on the mighty Rhine River carries serious artistic clout as the site of the worlds most important art festival, Art Basel, yet it remains untouched by mass tourism. Art Basel has grown to become the cornerstone of the contemporary art world. Credit: Basel Tourism I could venture from the city centre into France or Germany, but there are close to 40 museums in Basel. The Kunstmuseum is a private art cabinet that opened in the 17th century available to the public even before the Louvre and it is spellbinding as one of the worlds finest collections of works on paper without queues. Much is made of the Picasso works (including one of his Seated Harlequin). In 1967, the museum was about to lose two of them because they were on loan from a debt-ridden private collector who needed to sell. Local art lovers spearheaded passage of a referendum that would enable the city to buy them at a princes sum of just over eight million francs. Picasso was so moved by this display of civic pride that he gave the museum four more artworks. Advertisement One of the worlds finest collections of works on paper without queues Kunstmuseum. A tram trundles northwards, away from the city towards the foothills of the Black Forest, to the spectacular Renzo Piano-designed Fondation Beyeler. When I arrive at the most popular art gallery in all of Switzerland, another fine example of civic pride, it is almost entirely obscured by the first-of-its-kind fog installation by artist Fujiko Nakaya. More delightful surprises materialise inside the building, where Miro and de Kooning jostle with Klee and Bourgeois in a kaleidoscopic explosion of top-notch modern and contemporary art. Who knew Giacometti would fit so neatly in front of Bacon, with so little space between them that visitors can only admire the sculptures from behind? Its a new perspective on a country so unfairly derided as boring. The alps are as intrinsic to the Swiss national brand as the Matterhorn on a box of Caran dAche crayons, and mountains are easily reachable from Geneva, under three hours by train from Basel. The park of the Fondation Beyeler in spring. Credit: Mark Niedermann Geneva is the city of diplomats, the richest in Europe, a last gasp of art on my three-city tour. Through a hard-to-find doorway, the lively Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCO) has the genial air of artistic anarchy in an abandoned factory, yet it handles an astonishing collection of more than 6000 works. It is the largest contemporary art museum in Switzerland and a thrillingly raw space for art that will not fail to stimulate dinner conversation. Advertisement I wont find pickled shark (Damien Hirst) or rumpled bed (Tracey Emin) but challenging works by American artist Tishan Hsu are every bit as inconvenient for framing with huge, oozy-looking, fleshy-toned magnifications of body bits welded into computer parts. Sometimes theres a whiff of superiority in Switzerland arguably the best at everything from watchmaking to mountain scenery but you wont find elitism in the engrossing International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum near the Palais des Nations. International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. Credit: Getty Images This place cuts deep in a different way. The museum melds the work of humanitarians with artists to highlight the role of the Red Cross in assisting endangered people around the world. Many rooms are filled with startling works that inspire the pressing human need for dignity and survival against the odds. And this is one queue where unity is a force for good on the global stage Im happy to join. THE DETAILS Switzerland Advertisement Visit Exceptional art collections under the banner of Art Museums of Switzerland. See myswitzerland.com/en-au Travel An easy, comfortable network by bus/tram/train with Swiss Travel Pass. See swisstravelpass.com Zurich Stay A hotel with running shoes borrowed from the reception desk deserves extra points. Rooms from CH360 ($627) a night (in April). See 25hours-hotels.com Eat Two-Michelin star IGNIV is an unmissable experience if you can get a table. See marktgassehotel.ch/en Basel Stay Dorint Basel is close to the airport, within easy reach of the centre, next to the Messe Basel fairgrounds. Rooms from CH162 ($282) a night. See https://hotel-basel.dorint.com/de Advertisement Birmingham: Australias top dog has made his mark at the worlds largest and, arguably, most well-respected canine show. Tears of joy from owner Kay Sneath flowed freely, as a 50-year dream was realised at its first attempt. Kohl, a five-year-old borzoi named after the eyeliner because of his distinctive facial markings, topped his class in a rare international win at Crufts, Britains time-honoured dog show on Thursday. Kay Sneaths dog Kohl, a five-year-old Borzoi from Melbourne, has won best in breed at Crufts. Already Australias No.1 show dog covering all breeds, the Canadian-bred hound now takes home the Crufts best in breed ribbon for borzois, as his reputation around the globe grows. But for co-owner Sneath, a lifelong borzoi owner, breeder and lover, her whirlwind trip to Birmingham from Melbourne with her now legendary dog left her pinching herself. As a young girl, shed spend her pocket money buying dog magazines at her local newsagent that were already months out of date by the time they arrived. On Capitol Hill, Republican senator Thom Tillis was wavering in his support for Pete Hegseth, Trumps nominee for defence secretary, until the president threatened him with a primary and Tillis did a turnabout. (Tillis office said the senator was simply performing careful vetting.) Republican senator Roger Wicker told Zelensky in a meeting at the Hay-Adams Hotel last week that he was there with other senators as a show of support. But after Trumps confrontation with Zelensky later that day, Wicker took down a social media post showing him shaking hands with the Ukrainian leader. Senator Roger Wicker took down a social media post showing him shaking hands with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. Credit: Bloomberg More than half a dozen Republican defence hawks in the Senate not a group usually shy about communicating its views declined to comment for this article or did not respond to requests for comment about Trumps statements on Ukraine or why other Republicans were not speaking out. Most elected Republicans are fully supportive of Trump and his agenda, and on issues such as immigration, some Democrats are moving in his direction, reflecting public opinion. Democrats were divided over the wisdom of the protest by Democratic congressman Al Green during Trumps address to Congress on Tuesday night (Wednesday AEDT). But the lack of aggressive pushback from targets of Trumps retribution and policy agenda is striking, if understandable in other cases. University presidents were largely silent because they were protecting their institutions, said Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education. Dont wrestle with a pig, he said. Youll just get muddy and annoy the pig. Loading Business leaders rarely criticise presidents of either party, and in any case, they like Trumps plans for tax cuts and deregulation, if not his tariffs. They also recognised, one of them said, that periodically culling the workforce is actually good for a healthy organisation. But that business leader thinks CEOs see the way that Musk is going about slashing the federal workforce as totally crazy but would say so only on the condition of anonymity, fearing retribution. Pressure on intellectual life Not everyone is staying silent. Consider Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University. This is the greatest pressure put on intellectual life since the McCarthy era, Roth said in an interview. And I think itll be seen in the future, as that time was seen, as a time when people either stood up for their values or ran in fear of the federal government. Roth has called some of the Trump administrations rhetoric authoritarian and has spoken out in favour of diversity, equity and inclusion programs. In an interview in The Washington Posts opinion section last month, he criticised Trump, US Vice President J.D. Vance and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for using their Ivy League degrees to advance professionally while portraying themselves as populists against woke universities. People sometimes told him he had courage, Roth said, but he insisted it wasnt so. When people tell me, Oh, youre brave, it frightens the hell out of me, he said. Im a little, neurotic Jewish kid from Long Island. Im afraid of everything. Loading Roth was going public, he said, because its a scandal that the federal government is trying to keep people from speaking their minds. Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell, a frequent critic of Trump, said the real fear among Republicans in the House who might otherwise voice criticism of the administration on some issues was violence against their families. Im friends with a lot of these guys, and I had wrongly assumed that what was holding them back from speaking out against Trump was they were afraid of losing their jobs, he said in an interview. But what theyre afraid of is their own personal security. They tell me that their wives tell them, Dont contribute to us getting harassed at church or at the grocery store or at the club. Swalwell, who receives plenty of threats himself, said he spent hundreds of thousands of dollars of his campaign and office funds on security for his own family, and that his daughter recently included a member of his security detail in a drawing of her family for her kindergarten class. Eric Swalwell said the real fear among Republicans in the House who might otherwise voice criticism of the administration on some issues was violence against their families. Credit: Bloomberg Senator Todd Young is one Republican who has experienced browbeating from Musk for not staying in line. After Young asked tough questions last month at the confirmation hearing of Tulsi Gabbard, now Trumps director of national intelligence, Musk said on social media that Young was a deep-state puppet. Musk soon deleted his post and said he had spoken to Young, whom he was suddenly calling a great ally in restoring power to the people. Young went on to confirm Gabbard, although in an interview last week, he pointedly said he had not discussed her with Musk. I dont think anyone should be afraid to register their convictions, he said. OK? Democratic senator Chris Coons, who is friendly with a broad group of Senate Republicans, said in an interview that those who I have travelled with and worked with and prayed with and been involved with in foreign aid and foreign policy are struck by the swiftness, the forcefulness, the cruelty and the lack of organisation of the cuts. Senator Todd Young (pictured), whom Elon Musk called a deep-state puppet. Credit: Bloomberg Why do they not speak out? Musk, he said, had issued a credible electoral threat to finance primary opponents. And yet, senators only face re-election every six years. Frankly, Coons said, it is a combination of hoping that things change and somehow this all comes apart and the chainsaw approach to government stops. Totally reasonable to be worried Marc Elias, a prominent Democratic lawyer who oversaw the Biden campaigns successful efforts to beat back lawsuits filed by allies of Trump seeking to overturn his 2020 election loss, is sharply critical of Republicans who say they acquiesce to Trump out of fear. I know what its like to be targeted by him and the mob he unleashes, Elias said in an interview. It is totally reasonable to be worried. But for a Republican senator to say they are so worried that theyre going to betray their oath of office is such cowardice. Why are you in office? Marc Elias is sharply critical of Republicans who say they acquiesce to Trump out of fear. Credit: AP Other Republicans see the warnings of authoritarianism as overblown. Im becoming less and less sympathetic, said former congressman Peter Meijer, one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for his role in egging on the January 6, 2021, mob at the Capitol. The rending of cloth and the gnashing of teeth, good lord. After the anti-Israel protests against the war in Gaza on college campuses, Meijer said, theres a lot more that the fringes on either side share with each other. Loading That is the perspective of Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur who supported Kamala Harris for president in 2024 and who spoke recently in Washington at the Principles First summit, an annual anti-Trump gathering. The Republicans, he said, saw all the identity politics and all the wokeness on the left as the real silencing factor. Cuban added: Now that Trump has won, there isnt value in calling him names. Name-calling is good for running for office, sometimes. Good for trying to get people excited at a rally. But neither fit me. Olivia Troye, a first-term Trump White House official who broke with him and spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, said the Never Trump movement had splintered and it was difficult for her to watch what was happening. Were in a moment when theres self-preservation, and I dont blame people for that, she said. But we need to remind ourselves that we have the power. The only reason that they have the power and are continuing to do what they do is that people are going silent. As Trump has continued his aggressive effort to reshape the government, there are some signs that more people are speaking out. In a letter to lawmakers last week, five former defence secretaries who served under Republicans and Democrats Lloyd Austin, Jim Mattis, Leon E. Panetta, Chuck Hagel and William J. Perry condemned Trumps firing of senior military leaders last month and asked that the House and the Senate hold immediate hearings to assess the national security implications of Mr Trumps dismissals. House Republicans are facing voters angry about Musks assault on the federal bureaucracy at town hall gatherings around the country, a hint of a growing backlash. Jim Farley, chief executive of Ford, was critical last month of Trumps threat to impose tariffs on cars and components from Mexico and Canada, saying they will blow a hole in the US industry that we have never seen. Trump made good on that threat and imposed 25 per cent tariffs this week on all products from Canada and Mexico. But after a conference call on Wednesday with executives from the three largest vehicle makers, including Farley, Trump said he would pause tariffs on cars coming into the United States from Canada and Mexico for one month. Levitsky said he had some hope. The United States, he said, had a wealthy and diverse opposition, and rather than outright authoritarianism, there could be a slow and gradual slide into a gray area. As he put it, no democracy this old or this rich has ever broken down. Political news out of the US these days is a constant onslaught of world-changing events. Take a break from the news to get a sandwich and you risk missing the dawn of a new world order. During the past two weeks alone, Trump attacked Zelensky in the Oval Office, paused US military aid to Ukraine and introduced tariffs on American allies, escalating the risk of a global trade war. He also shared an AI-generated video of war-torn Gaza reborn as a Middle Eastern Riviera, complete with bearded belly-dancers, a six-fingered Elon Musk and himself and Benjamin Netanyahu sunbathing shirtless. Seemingly the only person pushing back on the Trump administration is actress Daryl Hannah, who began her Oscars presentation by declaring Slava Ukraine, which means the North American defence of the Western alliance has now been outsourced to a mermaid. The AI-generated video of Trump Gaza in which he appeared shirtless with Benjamin Netanyahu. Credit: Truth Social Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers, who were formerly anti-Russian hawks, are pulling ushankas over their ears to drown out the noise of their own hypocrisy. Last week, senator Lindsey Graham called on Zelensky to resign. This is the same Lindsey Graham who in 2023 said: I will continue to stand with and for Ukraines freedom until every Russian soldier is expelled from Ukrainian territory. Clearly standing time is over Lindsey, so sit. Good boy. Now, roll over. Oh. You already have. In these norm-shattering times, it somehow feels right that the only person now providing me with hope for the future of US politics is Marjorie Taylor Greene.If youre unfamiliar with the MAGA congresswoman from Georgia, I suggest you Google her name, followed by the words Jewish space lasers. Believe me when I say things only go downhill from there. From critic to investor: Trump welcomes crypto leaders to White House Washington, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 Donald Trump on Friday doubled down on his embrace of cryptocurrencies as he hosted top industry players at the White House, while making investments in the field. US crypto investors were major supporters of Trump's presidential campaign, contributing millions of dollars toward his victory in hopes of ending the deep skepticism of the previous Democratic administration toward digital currencies. "Last year, I promised to make America the bitcoin superpower of the world and crypto capital of the planet, and we're taking historic action to deliver on that promise," Trump told the assembled room of executives. Once hostile to the crypto industry, Trump has already taken significant steps to clear regulatory hurdles and has money invested. Trump has partnered with exchange platform World Liberty Financial and launched the "Trump" memecoin in January. First Lady Melania Trump announced a memecoin of her own, $MELANIA, one day before her husband's January 20 inauguration. The prominent founders, CEOs and investors, along with members of a Trump working group, assembled Friday to help craft policies aimed at accelerating crypto growth. On the eve of the event, Trump signed an executive order establishing a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" that would audit the government's bitcoin reserves, which were mainly accumulated by law enforcement from judicial seizures. "Unfortunately, in recent years, the US government has foolishly sold tens of thousands of additional bitcoin that were worth billions and billions of dollars had they not sold them," Trump said in his opening remarks. "From this day on, America will follow the rule that every bitcoin investor knows very well: never sell your bitcoin." Bitcoin, the world's most traded cryptocurrency, is heralded by advocates as a substitute for gold or a hedge against currency devaluation and political instability. Trump donor and Silicon Valley investor David Sacks, the administration's "crypto czar," said that if previous administrations had held onto their digital holdings over the past decade, rather than selling them, they would be worth $17 billion today. - 'Like criminals' - The summit's guest list included twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, founders of crypto platform Gemini, as well as Brian Armstrong of Coinbase and Michael Saylor, the boss of major Bitcoin investor MicroStrategy. In a gesture to the industry, Trump has already appointed crypto advocate Paul Atkins to head the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under Atkins, the SEC has dropped legal proceedings against major platforms like Coinbase and Kraken that were initiated during former president Joe Biden's term. Biden's administration had implemented restrictions on banks holding cryptocurrencies -- which have since been lifted -- and allowed former SEC chairman Gary Gensler to pursue aggressive enforcement. Sacks said the Biden administration treated the industry "like criminals" and launched investigations when there were no clear rules of the road. "We never thought that we would get attacked the way we did in our own backyard after trying to do the right thing for so many years," Cameron Winklevoss told the meeting. For believers, cryptocurrencies represent a financial revolution that reduces dependence on centralized authorities while offering individuals an alternative to traditional banking systems. Critics meanwhile maintain that these assets function primarily as speculative investments with questionable real-world utility that could leave taxpayers on the hook for cleaning up if the market crashes. The proliferation of "memecoins" -- cryptocurrencies based on celebrities, internet memes, or pop culture items rather than technical utility -- presents another challenge. Much of the crypto industry frowns upon these tokens, fearing they tarnish the sector's credibility, amid reports of quick pump-and-dump schemes that leave unwitting buyers paying for assets that end up worthless. Asked about the risky nature of crypto investing, Sacks said that the government's embrace of the industry did not amount to investment advice and warned that digital currencies were highly volatile, encouraging Americans to talk to an advisor before entering the market. "My job is not to encourage people to buy crypto. My job is to create an innovation framework for the United States," he added as he arrived at the White House. arp/sst Coinbase EU shifts on defence -- and concedes maybe 'Macron was right' Brussels, Belgium, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2025 As EU capitals line up behind the message that Europe must guarantee its own security, French President Emmanuel Macron could be forgiven for thinking... "I told you so". It is a message Macron has repeatedly drummed home since coming to power in 2017: Europe must be more self-sufficient on defence and break free from dependence on the United States. Today, his stance is being largely vindicated as President Donald Trump seeks a rapprochement with Russia and makes it clear Washington will not indefinitely underwrite Europe's security. Macron is one of a long line of French leaders to be wary of US pre-eminence in NATO. France, which like Britain has its own nuclear arsenal, has since Charles de Gaulle was leader in the 1960s been more sceptical of the United States. Now that European capitals are reaching a consensus that the United States may not be a reliable partner, many are also conceding -- with varying degrees of reluctance -- that "Macron was right," in the words of one diplomat. The bloc's 27 leaders gave the European Commission approval at a summit Thursday to press ahead with plans to mobilise hundreds of billions of euros to boost Europe's defences as a bulwark against Russia. And a sea change is taking place in Germany, Europe's number one economy, which has suggested strict EU spending rules should be changed to allow more long term defence expenditure. Such talk from Berlin would have been unthinkable a year ago. "Many European capitals have to learn -- what we have done in several decades -- in only a few weeks," Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu told France Inter radio Thursday. "The risk for us French is to appear as being a little chauvinistic and a little 'we told you so'," he conceded. France's sense of vindication has -- indeed -- drawn pushback too. "Apparently some people have time to gloat about being right. The rest of us are busy making things right for Ukraine," quipped one EU diplomat. "It is not so much a question of who said it first and, in any case, many European leaders have spoken in recent years about strengthening European defence and security," another diplomat told AFP. - Macron's 'judgement error' - Political analyst Sebastien Maillard of the Jacques Delors Institute argued that Macron set the right tone on European defence, but made an "error of judgement about the Russian threat". "History proves Macron right on strategic autonomy," Maillard told AFP, but his big 2017 speech on the subject was "somewhat discredited" by failing to believe US, British and Polish intelligence predicting Moscow's invasion. One diplomat from an eastern European state pointed out meanwhile that the region had been warning for "years" about the risks Russia posed. "The French did not listen and did business with Russia. So, we could also say this is an 'I told you so' moment from the eastern perspective," they said. Another diplomat argued France analysed the crisis correctly but "did not apply their own ideas" including sending "more military aid to Ukraine", although Paris has defended its record on support to Kyiv. - EU 'aligned' - There also remains fundamental resistance in some quarters to Macron's strategic autonomy push -- on the grounds that the bloc's security apparatus is not ready to be wholly European. When France argues for developing Europe's defence industry, some critics also hear a bid to enrich its own companies. "Of course one can say that Macron is right, yes, and we're all very much aligned now," an EU diplomat said. But the diplomat argued that "openness for third countries" was needed to "build our defence and our defence industry in the best way when it comes to scaling up -- and that cannot only be European". Nonetheless, the emerging consensus around boosting Europe's defences is seen as creating an opportunity for Europe's two biggest economies to unite on a matter of vital importance. Maillard recalled that Macron's autonomy push was "badly received" in Berlin in 2017. Germany's chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz, who has called for a massive defence surge, could be just the partner the French leader has "lacked", he said. Russia calls French nuclear comments a 'threat' Moscow, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2025 Russia views comments by President Emmanuel Macron about extending France's nuclear deterrent to other European countries as a "threat", Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday. Lavrov also reaffirmed his country's opposition to European forces being deployed in Ukraine if an accord was made to halt the conflict. Macron on Wednesday called Russia a "threat to France and Europe" and said France was "legitimately worried" about the United States shifting its position on the Ukraine conflict under US President Donald Trump. The French leader said he would open a debate on extending France's nuclear deterrent, following a phone conversation with Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz. "Of course it is a threat against Russia. If he sees us as a threat... and says that it is necessary to use a nuclear weapon, is preparing to use a nuclear weapon against Russia, of course it is a threat," Lavrov said at a press conference. In an apparent jab at France, Russian President Vladimir Putin said later: "There are still people who want to return to the times of Napoleon, forgetting how it ended." French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte invaded the Russian Empire in 1812 in a disastrous six-month military campaign that ended in Russian victory. Macron hit back at Putin after a summit in Brussels on Thursday, branding the Russian president an "imperialist" who sought to "rewrite history". Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier Thursday that Macron was "detached from reality" and making "contradictory statements". Macron also reaffirmed that European military forces could be sent to Ukraine if a peace accord was signed to guarantee "respect" of a deal. - 'No room for compromise' - Lavrov said Russia was unwavering in its opposition to the deployment of European forces in Ukraine as peacekeepers, suggesting they would not be impartial. "We see no room for compromise. This discussion is being held with an overtly hostile aim," he added. Russia would consider such troops in the same way as it would view a NATO presence in Ukraine, Lavrov said. He compared Macron to Hitler and Napoleon, saying that unlike those leaders, Macron did not openly say he wanted to conquer Russia, but he "evidently wants the same thing". Macron is making "stupid accusations against Russia" that Putin has dismissed as "madness and nonsense", he added. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Macron's speech "extremely confrontational", saying Russia felt that "France wants the war to continue." Macron is saying that "Russia has become practically an enemy of France" but not that NATO's military presence is encroaching on Russia's borders, he said. Defence Minister Andrey Belousov visited Russia's nuclear weapons development laboratory on Thursday. During the visit he told nuclear scientists the army was looking forward to getting its hands on "new developments" in the near future, the defence ministry said in a statement. Two armies, one goal: stopping Mexico-US migration Tijuana, Mexico, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 On one side of the border, US soldiers unfurled barbed wire. On the other, Mexican soldiers monitored a gap in the border wall. Both had the same objective: to curb irregular migration. Mexico and the United States have deployed thousands of troops to their 3,100-kilometer (1,900-mile) frontier since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, when he immediately declared a border "emergency." The efforts appear to be paying off: the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported a 65-percent drop in migrant interceptions in January compared with the same month of 2024. "If before there were a hundred daily crossings, now there are no more than five. Yesterday there were none," a Mexican National Guard officer told AFP during a patrol on the edge of the border city of Tijuana. The officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the fall to coordination between US and Mexican border patrols, including a WhatsApp chat in which they share data, photos and videos of their operations. Mexico has stepped up efforts to contain fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration to the United States, seeking to address two issues that Trump used to justify the 25-percent tariffs that he imposed on Mexican goods. After a call Thursday with Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump agreed to suspend most of the duties until April 2. The two countries were "working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl," he wrote on his Truth Social platform. - Military camp - Armed Mexican troops patrolled the steep slopes of an area on the edge of Tijuana known as Eagle's Nest, a well-known crossing point for migrants who are often guided by traffickers. On the other side of the border, to the west, was the US city of San Diego, about 15 hours away on foot. Since February 20, about 30 soldiers have set up camp next to the border, on a hill surrounded by ramshackle homes, dirt roads, chicken coops and garbage. Due to the rocky terrain, there is no wall along this part of the border, making it a key crossing point, the National Guard officer said. Despite the increased military presence, some migrants still risk trying to cross, like a Pakistani couple intercepted on February 26 with a child in their arms. They were handed over to the Mexican immigration authority, after the National Guard had the CBP check whether the adults had criminal records. "From the wall here, they are ours; from the wall there, they are theirs," the officer said about the demarcation of the border for intercepting migrants. Meanwhile, his troops filmed CBP helicopter overflights to share in the group chat. One of them has stuck a CBP patch on his helmet, a common gesture among law enforcement officers who exchange emblems as a symbol of friendship. On the US side of the fence, meanwhile, soldiers pushed a large roll of barbed wire uphill to use to reinforce the barrier, while others surveyed Mexican territory with binoculars. Republican lawmakers are urging US President Donald Trump to reverse his decision to suspend US military and intelligence aid to Ukraine, warning that a prolonged suspension of US military aid would have serious detrimental consequences, The Hill reports. "They acknowledge Trump has the right to temporarily halt weapons shipments to Ukraine to assess the war, pressure NATO allies to step up their contributions and to create a window to negotiate a peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. But they warn that stopping the flow of weapons and munitions to Ukraine for too long could have a devastating effect on Ukraines warfighting ability, which would undercut its leverage in talks with Russia," the report notes. And GOP lawmakers say that sharing intelligence should resume immediately, wondering what the United States has to gain from depriving Ukraine from critical battlefield intelligence. Its a concern for the Ukrainian people. I worry more about how people on the battlefield feel about it, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a leading advocate for supporting Ukraine, said of the pause on U.S. military shipments. Tillis warned the pause in aid, which was announced Monday, could be helpful to Putin. I think its bad optics, he said. I know its hard for the people in Ukraine. I was just there two weeks ago, he said. Tillis said Ukraine has enough weapons and munitions to hold the front line for now but expressed his hope that the pause in military aid wouldnt last long. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she opposed the stoppage of military aid. I do not think we should be pausing our efforts. Its the Ukrainians who are shedding blood, she said, calling the current moment a critical time for Ukraine. Some Republican senators expressed shock Thursday over Trumps statement that he would make a decision on revoking the temporary legal status for an estimated 240,000 Ukrainians living in the United States. One Republican senator who requested anonymity called the threat to deport thousands of Ukrainian refugees excessively punitive. Weve given them everything from jobs to housing until they get legal status and now revoke legal status? the lawmaker asked incredulously. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) emphasized that the pause on military aid to Ukraine will be temporary. Its a pause, importantly, not a stop. I think its part of a negotiation. And Im hopeful that in the end, that well get folks to the table and be able to negotiate a deal that will bring a peaceful resolution to this three years-long conflict, and one hopefully that will respect the sovereignty of the Ukrainian people, he said. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who has worked hard behind the scenes to put together the minerals deal, said he was dismayed by Trumps announced pause on sharing intelligence with Ukraine. Im very worried about that long-term, he said. It gives Ukraine an edge. Hopefully, all this will clear up pretty soon. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the intelligence that we provided the Ukrainians has been essential for them to be able to stay in the fight. I hope the pause would be lifted at some point, he said. The Texas senator said Trump is trying to exert leverage over Zelenskyy to agree to a deal. Its a pause, and I understand why, until theres some agreement with the Ukrainians, that wed want to do that, he said. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Armed Services Committee, said he doesnt support the decision to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine. I disagree with it, he said. Im hopeful that with everything going on right now, that will end up being a short-term issue and that well end up with a longer-term agreement providing military resources as part of a longer-term agreement, he said. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), another member of the Armed Services panel, said the pause on intelligence sharing is a decision thats been made by the commander in chief. I would hope that if theres intel out there that would be very worthwhile for the Ukrainians, that it would be passed on, she said. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said he was looking into the decision to stop intelligence sharing. Taiwan says detects 11 Chinese balloons near island Taipei, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 Taiwan detected 11 Chinese balloons near the island in a 24-hour period, the defence ministry said Friday. The balloons were spotted along with five Chinese aircraft and six warships in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT on Thursday), the ministry said in its daily report. It was the highest number of balloons recorded, according to an AFP tally of the data dating back to December 2023. China insists democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control. Beijing has increased the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty, which Taipei rejects. Taiwan is a potential flashpoint for a war between China and the United States, which is the island's most important backer and biggest arms supplier. While the United States is legally bound to provide arms to Taiwan -- which Beijing opposes -- Washington has long maintained "strategic ambiguity" when it comes to whether it would deploy its military to defend it from a Chinese attack. Despite long-standing strong bipartisan support in the US Congress for Taiwan, there are fears that US President Donald Trump might not consider the island worth defending if China attacked. French defence minister to host key European counterparts on Ukraine Paris, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 France's defence minister is to hold talks next week with counterparts from Britain, Germany, Italy and Poland to discuss support for Ukraine, an aide said on Friday. The ministers from Europe's five main military powers will meet in Paris on Wednesday, a day after France hosts a key meeting of European military chiefs of staff. "In view of a recent American decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine, the ministers will discuss coordinating action of our countries in support of Kyiv," the source close to Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, asking not to be named, told AFP. "They will also discuss necessary rearmament of Europe and our respective countries, which is essential to guarantee our collective security in the long term." The defence ministers of the five countries previously met in Berlin in November and in Poland in January. European countries have been scrambling to boost support for Ukraine as US President Donald Trump pursues direct talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end Moscow's three-year invasion of Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a defence spending surge and suggested extending France's nuclear deterrent to European partners in response. On Tuesday, France will host talks with military chiefs of staff whose nations are ready to offer Ukraine military support after any peace deal ending the war with Russia, a source close to Macron said. During a televised address on Wednesday evening, Macron confirmed he would receive the heads of the European armies next week. It has not been announced which countries will be represented at those talks. The objective is to discuss a possible deployment of European forces in Ukraine if a peace accord was signed to guarantee "respect" of a peace deal, he said. Israel army spokesman, face of Gaza war effort, to retire Jerusalem, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 The Israeli military's chief spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, who became the face of the country's war effort, will step down in the coming weeks, the army announced Friday. A former commando, Hagari became a household name after the war with Hamas erupted in October 2023, briefing the media and the general public almost daily -- sometimes several times a day. An army statement said Hagari served as spokesman "in a professional and devoted manner" during "one of the most complex wars in Israel's history". It added that Hagari's resignation, days after a new military chief was sworn it, has been approved by the new top commander, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. According to the statement, Hagari, 49, will step down "in the coming weeks", though no exact date was given. In a televised briefing on October 9, 2023 -- two days after the Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war -- Hagari, clad in khaki, said: "These are difficult days for everyone." "One thing must be remembered: we will win." Since then, he has had a constant presence in the media, briefing journalists on Israeli soil and during embeds with troops inside the Gaza Strip. His televised briefings, which usually included questions from reporters, were often scrutinised at home and abroad, in a war where information and narrative rivalled military action in importance. In the early months of the conflict, Hagari's media strategy earned him high public trust in Israel, with many viewing him as the most reliable source of war updates. He has shown maps, satellite images, audio clips and videos that illustrated the war effort and helped support the argument that Hamas militants were using hospitals as command centres -- an assertion central to Israel's case but firmly denied by the Palestinian group. Many international media outlets have questioned the credibility of the military's evidence. During Iran's first direct attack on Israel in April 2024, Hagari was on television almost hourly, providing real-time updates on the military's response. Before becoming the military's chief spokesman, Hagari led the elite Shayetet 13 naval special forces, renowned for counterterrorism and sabotage operations. Polish PM says backs withdrawal from anti-personnel mine treaty Warsaw, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Friday he backed withdrawing his NATO country from a landmark treaty prohibiting the use of anti-personnel landmines as he briefed the parliament on Poland's security. Designed to be buried or hidden on the ground, anti-personnel mines often mutilate victims who are not immediately killed, with aid groups decrying their long-term impact on civilians. The Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention, also known as the Ottawa Convention, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of landmines. "I will recommend a positive opinion for Poland to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention and possibly from the Dublin Convention," Tusk told lawmakers, clarifying he was referring to treaties on "anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions." Poland, a staunch Ukraine ally, has been calling for Europe to strengthen its defences against its neighbour Russia, with Tusk saying the continent must win the "arms race" with Moscow. At least two NATO countries, Finland and Lithuania -- both also bordering Russia -- have in the past months mulled exiting from the Ottawa Convention. "Let's face it: it's not something nice, nothing pleasant. We know that very well," Tusk said. "The problem is that in our environment, those we may be afraid of, or those who are at war, they all have it," he added. Lithuania on Thursday has quit the treaty banning cluster bombs citing security concerns over a threat from Moscow, sparking outrage from human rights watchdogs. France begins handover of military bases to Senegal: embassy Dakar, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 France on Friday began handing over military bases in Senegal, as part of a withdrawal of troops from the west African nation where it has had a presence since 1960. The French embassy in Dakar announced that facilities and housing in the Marechal and Saint-Exupery districts of Dakar had been transferred to Senegalese control. Others "will be returned according to the jointly agreed schedule", it added, without specifying a timeline. France announced on February 12 that it had set up a joint commission with Senegal to organise the arrangements for the withdrawal of French troops and the return of the sites by the end of this year. The embassy said the commission met for the first time on February 28. "The commission also launched work to overhaul the bilateral defence and security partnership," a statement read. Senegal gained independence from France in 1960 but has remained one of its former colonial ruler's closest allies in west Africa. But after its election in 2024, Senegal's new government has promised to treat France as an equal to other foreign partners. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who swept to power on an agenda of change, announced in November that all French and foreign troops would leave Senegal by the end of 2025. Local staff working for the French military will lose their jobs on July 1, the troops' commander wrote in a letter to a local labour leader. French military bases in Dakar and the surrounding area directly employ 162 staff while between 400 and 500 people work in subcontracted industries. The French army held a careers forum on Thursday to offer "redeployment opportunities" within local companies for the 162 set to be made redundant. UN crew member killed in attack on helicopter in South Sudan: UNMISS Juba, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 A United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan while attempting to rescue members of the armed forces on Friday, resulting in the death of a crew member, the UN said. A South Sudanese army general and other officers were also killed in the attack in Nasir, Upper Nile State, where violent clashes with rebels have been occurring for weeks. The UN team was attempting to extract the armed forces from the area following the escalated political tension. "The attack on UNMISS personnel is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law," said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom. "We also regret the killing of those that we were attempting to extract," Haysom added. South Sudan, the world's youngest country, ended a five-year civil war in 2018 with a power-sharing agreement between bitter rivals President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar. But tensions have been flaring in South Sudan's Upper Nile State, where the government says its army is fighting rebels supported by forces loyal to Machar, the first vice president. Over the past week, senior officials linked to Machar have been arrested by the government, threatening the country's fragile peace agreement. Polish PM backs withdrawal from anti-personnel mine treaty Warsaw, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Friday he backed withdrawing his NATO country from a landmark treaty prohibiting the use of anti-personnel landmines. Designed to be buried or hidden on the ground, anti-personnel mines often mutilate victims who are not immediately killed and aid groups have decried their long-term impact on civilians. The Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention, also known as the Ottawa Convention, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of landmines. "I will recommend a positive opinion for Poland to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention and possibly from the Dublin Convention," Tusk told lawmakers, clarifying he was referring to treaties on "anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions." Poland, a staunch Ukraine ally, has been calling for Europe to strengthen its defences against its neighbour Russia, with Tusk saying the continent must win the "arms race" with Moscow. At least two NATO countries, Finland and Lithuania -- both also bordering Russia -- have in the past months mulled exiting from the Ottawa Convention. "Let's face it: it's not something nice, nothing pleasant. We know that very well," Tusk said. "The problem is that in our environment, those we may be afraid of, or those who are at war, they all have it," he added. - 'Increase our defence' - Lithuania on Thursday has quit the treaty banning cluster bombs citing security concerns over a threat from Moscow, sparking outrage from human rights watchdogs. Amnesty International called the move "disastrous", while Human Rights Watch said it was "alarming", and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned it "weakens vital protections for civilians". But Tusk pledged Poland will use "every available opportunity to increase our defence" and brushed off a potential backlash. "We will not look at anyone. We will not fear anyone's criticism," he told the parliament. He also said Poland would introduce a large-scale military training programme for civilians. The scheme was intended to be ready by the end of the year "so that every adult man in Poland is trained in case of war," Tusk said. Earlier on Friday, Polish President Andrzej Duda said he had submitted an amendment to anchor in the constitution a defence spending mark of four percent of GDP, twice NATO's current target. Poland is far ahead of its allies in terms of military expenditure, aiming to spend 4.7 percent of its GDP on defence this year. The amendment would be "a guarantee that these expenses will actually be carried out," Duda, allied with the conservative right-wing opposition, told reporters. Tusk said the proposal should be "analysed very seriously" but did not say if his ruling coalition would back it. It would need a cross-party support of two-thirds of the lawmakers in the Polish parliament's lower chamber to enter into force. European rearmament should avoid US firms: Airbus Frankfurt, Germany, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 European governments should make sure increases in defence spending go to European firms and avoid dependence on US companies, the head of Airbus's defence division said in an interview published Friday. "If we spend extra money for defence on products off the shelf from the USA, we are cementing our dependence on others," Michael Schoellhorn, the head of Airbus Defence and Space, said in an interview with Germany's Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper. "The Danes are seeing right now that this might not be such a great idea, if they ever needed to defend Greenland with their American F-35 jets," he added. US President Donald Trump has indicated his designs on the territory of NATO ally Denmark, telling Congress on Tuesday that the US would secure Greenland "one way or the other." That and other suggestions that European security is no longer a priority for the US, including moves to open direct talks with Russia over an end to the war in Ukraine, have prompted a renewed focus on defence from European governments. Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans Tuesday to partially exempt defence funds from rules that limit new government debt, paving the way for a dramatic boost in military spending in Europe's largest economy. Schoellhorn said Germany needed to "realise that Europe is under threat and too weak in this new era of history -- both economically and militarily". Listed in Frankfurt, Paris and Madrid, Airbus is known for making commercial passenger jets. Its defence division manufacturers aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon jet and C295 transport aircraft. Colombian FARC dissidents take 29 soldiers and police captive Bogota, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 Dissidents of Colombia's FARC rebel group have seized 29 soldiers and police officers with the support of local residents in a guerrilla enclave of the country's southwest, the Defense Ministry reported Friday. The ministry in a statement denounced "the attempted murder and subsequent kidnapping of 29 members of the security forces" in Cauca department, adding that locals under guidance of guerillas participated in the seizure. Members of the main FARC dissident faction, the Central General Staff (EMC), which rejected the historic peace agreement signed by the Marxist rebel group with the state in 2016, carried out the attack, the ministry said. Videos published by the authorities show a tank in flames fleeing the area while a group of people pelted it with stones. In other videos, riot police can be seen throwing smoke grenades and advancing down a street during a gun battle. The events occurred in the municipalities of Argelia and El Tambo, major coca-growing areas. Coca is the main ingredient in cocaine. Writing on the social network X, President Gustavo Petro said the EMC was acting out of "desperation" and from a position of "military weakness." One faction of the EMC is in peace talks with the government but another faction withdrew from the talks last year and resumed attacks on state forces. Ukraine's recent recruits believe 'peace won't come quickly' Kyiv, Ukraine, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 Former osteopath Vasyl stood proudly in the Kyiv sun as he swore an oath to defend Ukraine in a war that Kyiv fears the US is forcing it to end on Moscow's terms. For recent recruits like him, Ukraine's fight against the invading Russian army looks set to get only tougher following US President Donald Trump's move to halt arms supplies and stop intelligence sharing. The Republican is trying to mastermind a ceasefire to the three-year war, but among the new fighters, there was little faith in the prospect of a lasting truce with the Kremlin. "Peace won't come so quickly because it depends on Russia, not on anyone else," Vasyl, 39, told AFP. "If they return to their homes now, there will be peace," he added. Ukraine has repeatedly said it wants to end the fighting, but will not agree to Russia's hardline demands. Moscow claims to have annexed four Ukrainian regions that it partially seized during the invasion and is demanding Kyiv pull its troops backs from even more land as a precondition to talks. - 'Fight with sticks' - Vasyl knows what he is up against -- he has been fighting at the front for three months. At an oath-taking ceremony in Kyiv on Friday, he and two dozen recent volunteers were lined up on a hill being formally inducted to the famed Da Vinci Wolves battalion. With their backs to the Dnipro river sparkling below in the morning sun, they looked up to a statue of the battalion's former leader Dmytro Kotsiubailo, flanked by three stone wolves. Kotsiubailo, who died two years ago, is widely regarded as a war hero in Ukraine. "Emotions were overwhelming. It's impossible to express how I felt. I still have goosebumps," Vasyl said. Vasyl only recently returned to Ukraine from Portugal, where he went after being turned away from trying to join the army in 2022 at the start of Russia's invasion. Ivan, another taking his oath on Friday, had been turned away in 2022 after trying to join the army aged only 17. "I kind of got a slap on the wrist," he recalled, saying recruiters told him, "children should not die at war." Now 20, he had managed to get into the Da Vinci Wolves battalion. Despite the Ukrainian army's wider struggle to replenish its ranks, the unit still attracts fresh volunteers due to its reputation as an elite fighting force. Commander Sergiy Filimonov said he was sure Ukrainians would put up a fight, even if the United States fully abandoned them. "We would very much like our partners and allies to help us," the 30-year-old said. "But if no one helps us, we are ready to fight with sticks, we have the experience of generations." - 'How can we surrender?' - In a stunning shift of US policy, Trump has initiated a rapprochement with Moscow and suspended military aid and intelligence to Ukraine. The Republican has also blamed Ukraine for "starting" the war and called Zelensky a "dictator". For commander Filimonov, accepting the kind of peace that Moscow and Washington seem to be pushing for would be unacceptable. He first served in 2014, when Moscow-backed separatists launched a war in the country's east and then enlisted against in 2022. He told AFP he is fighting "for freedom, for democracy, for the right to be called Ukrainians, for the right to have our own land." At Friday's ceremony, he spent several minutes reading aloud the names of fellow fighters killed in combat. Tears streamed down the faces of some soldiers, who remained still. "They have no voice now, but they live our struggle, they live in our memory," Filimonov told AFP. "How can we surrender? How can we give up our land? How can we give up our people? How can we give up our lives without a fight?," he asked. "This will not happen." The Ministry of National Unity and the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine have agreed on cooperation in supporting Ukrainians abroad and their integration into communities of temporary residence, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Unity of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov reported. "Today, we have agreed with the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine on cooperation in supporting Ukrainians abroad, their integration into communities of temporary residence, and most importantly, on working to preserve their connection with the Motherland," Chernyshov wrote on Facebook. According to him, this concerns cooperation in the following areas: development of the Unity Hubs network in EU countries; launch of digital platforms for our citizens who are abroad; collection and analysis of data on the situation of Ukrainians who were forcibly displaced both abroad and within the country. "The agreement was consolidated by signing a framework agreement with the representative of UNHCR Ukraine, Karolina Lindholm Billing. I thank international partners for their trust and shared vision of the future," he added. French defence minister to host key European counterparts on Ukraine Paris, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 France's defence minister is to hold talks next week with counterparts from Britain, Germany, Italy and Poland to discuss support for Ukraine, an aide said on Friday. The ministers from Europe's five main military powers will meet in Paris on Wednesday, a day after France hosts a key meeting of European military chiefs of staff. "In view of a recent American decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine, the ministers will discuss coordinating action of our countries in support of Kyiv," a source close to Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, asking not to be named, told AFP. "They will also discuss necessary rearmament of Europe and our respective countries, which is essential to guarantee our collective security in the long term." The defence ministers of the five countries previously met in Berlin in November and in Poland in January.0 European countries have been scrambling to boost support for Ukraine as US President Donald Trump pursues direct talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end Moscow's three-year invasion of Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a defence spending surge and suggested extending France's nuclear deterrent to European partners in response. On Tuesday, France will host talks with military chiefs of staff whose nations are ready to offer Ukraine military support after any peace deal ending the war with Russia, a source close to Macron said. During a televised address on Wednesday evening, Macron confirmed he would receive the heads of the European armies next week. It has not been announced which countries will be represented at those talks. The objective is to discuss a possible deployment of European forces in Ukraine if a peace accord was signed, to guarantee "respect" of a peace deal, he said. - Gabbard due in Paris - US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard would also be in Paris next week to meet the French national intelligence coordinator, a source close to the discussions said, confirming a report on the Intelligence Online (IOL) website. The source did not say what would be discussed. Before she was confirmed last month, Gabbard faced questions over her 2017 meeting with now-deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and her peddling of Kremlin propaganda, particularly false conspiracy theories about the Ukraine war. France on Thursday said Paris was providing military intelligence to Ukraine, after Washington suspended sharing its own with Kyiv. Trump and Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky had a public falling out in the Oval Office last week after which Ukraine's top ally suspended crucial US military aid. CIA director John Ratcliffe said Wednesday the United States had also "paused" intelligence sharing with Ukraine. France begins handover of military bases to Senegal: embassy Dakar, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 France on Friday began handing over military bases in Senegal, as part of a withdrawal of troops from the west African nation where it has had a presence since 1960. The withdrawal follows the departure of French forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Ivory Coast in recent years. The French embassy in Dakar announced that facilities and housing in the Marechal and Saint-Exupery districts of the capital had been transferred to Senegalese control. Others "will be returned according to the jointly agreed schedule", it added, without specifying a timeline. Senegal gained independence from France in 1960 but has remained one of its former colonial ruler's closest allies in west Africa. But after its election in 2024, Senegal's new government has promised to treat France as an equal to other foreign partners. French forces have withdrawn from other African countries and left their last base in Chad at the end of January, after the surprise end to military cooperation agreements between Paris and N'Djamena. Four other former French colonies -- Niger, Mali, Central African Republic and Burkina Faso -- urged France to withdraw its troops from their territories, and have moved closer to Russia. The French military presence has similarly decreased in Ivory Coast and Gabon, as part of a restructuring plan in west and central Africa. At the end of February, France handed over the military base in Ivory Coast that it had occupied for nearly 50 years near the economic capital, Abidjan. The French base in Djibouti, which houses some 1,500 people, is not part of the reduction. Paris wants to make it a "projection point" for "missions" in Africa, after the withdrawal of its forces from the Sahel. - Sovereignty - President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who swept to power on an agenda of change and national self-sufficiency, announced in November that all French and foreign troops would leave Senegal by the end of 2025. Faye describes himself as a left-wing pan-Africanist. "Senegal is an independent, sovereign country and sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of (foreign) military bases in a sovereign country," he said in a speech in December. France announced last month that it had set up a joint commission with Senegal to organise the arrangements for the withdrawal of French troops and the return of the sites by the end of this year. The embassy said on Friday that the commission met for the first time on February 28. "The commission also launched work to overhaul the bilateral defence and security partnership," a statement read. Local staff working for the French military will lose their jobs on July 1, the troops' commander wrote in a letter to a local labour leader. French military bases in Dakar and the surrounding area directly employ 162 staff, while between 400 and 500 people work in subcontracted industries. The French army held a careers forum on Thursday to offer "redeployment opportunities" within local companies for the 162 set to be made redundant. Faced with Russia, EU's defence must include Turkey Istanbul, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 Turkey, with NATO's second-largest army and a Black Sea coastline, is looking to play a key role in Europe's security after Washington's pivot away from the region. After two rounds of crisis talks on Ukraine and security following Washington's change of policy, Ankara has been quick to warn that European defences cannot be ensured without its involvement. "It is inconceivable to establish European security without Turkey," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after Sunday's London summit. Without Turkey, "it is becoming increasingly impossible for Europe to continue its role as a global actor", he added. A senior Turkish defence ministry returned to the issue on Thursday. "With the security parameters being reshaped due to recent developments, it is impossible to ensure European security without Turkey," he said. Even so, he said Turkey would be ready to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission "if deemed necessary". Ankara has consistently defended Ukraine's territorial integrity since Russia's 2022 invasion and supplied it with combat drones and naval vessels. But it has also maintained good ties with Russia and remains the only NATO member not to have joined the sanctions against Moscow. - A growing defence industry - With its unique position between the two warring parties, Turkey has repeatedly offered to host peace talks. Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have often received visitors such as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. In recent years, Turkey has considerably developed its defence industries, with exports growing by 29 percent to reach $7.1 billion in 2024, placing it 11th in global defence exports, Erdogan said in January. Driving its success are the Bayraktar TB2 drones which have been sold to more than 25 nations, among them Poland and Romania, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Military Balance survey. "Sales to European countries, particularly EU members, add credibility to Turkey's argument it is an important player in European security," said IISS expert Tom Waldyn. Its military, strategically located on the eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance and south of the Black Sea -- to which it controls access via the Bosphorus -- counts 373,200 active troops and another 378,700 reservists, IISS figures show. And these troops have been engaged in regular combat in northeastern Syria and northern Iraq fighting Kurdish insurgents, according to a Western diplomat. - 'Reshaping the balance of power' - "Turkey has maintained a consistent attitude in line with the UN Charter on the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Ukraine, he told AFP. "It has the second largest military in NATO but also the most effective as it's been in combat for decades," he explained. But EU cooperation with Ankara has been hampered by the Cyprus dispute, he said with a trace of exasperation. "How long can we afford to continue this stance?" For Nebahat Tanriverdi Yasar, an independent researcher and policy analyst who works in Ankara and Berlin, Turkey's careful management of its ties with both Kyiv and Moscow has left it in a unique position. "Turkey aims to carefully navigate its relations with Russia and its strategic defence support to Ukraine -- potentially with EU backing -- to reshape the balance of power in the region amid the emergence of a 'new order' where the EU seeks to assume greater responsibility for its security amid shifting US policies," she told AFP. Given the challenges that entailed, Ankara was "likely to pursue a pragmatic approach in the short term, focusing on expanding its mediation efforts, deepening defence cooperation with select European states, and leveraging its defence industry to address emerging gaps in military support," she added. But Sumbul Kaya, a political scientist in France argued that Turkey was "above all, driven by a desire to defend its own interests. "It only intervenes in neighbouring countries for internal security reasons, such as in Syria and Iraq," she said. "But there's no question of sending troops to fight wars everywhere -- that would not go down well with the population. "This crisis is an opportunity to stress that Turkey is both a NATO member and a candidate for membership in the EU." Trump invites Iran leader to nuclear talks -- or else Washington, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 US President Donald Trump said Friday that he has written to Iran's supreme leader pressing for new talks on its nuclear program, warning of possible military action if not. Iran's foreign minister told AFP on Friday that his country would not negotiate so long as the United States applies "maximum pressure," but he was not responding directly to Trump's letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump's outreach marks a departure at least in tone from the hardline stance that marked his first term and could put him at odds with close ally Israel, which last year carried out bombing strikes inside Iran. "Hopefully we can have a peace deal," Trump told reporters at the White House, saying "we're at the final moments" on the Iranian nuclear program. "I'd rather see a peace deal than the other," he said of military action. "But the other will solve the problem." Trump earlier revealed the letter in an interview on Fox Business in which he said he told Khamenei: "I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily it's going to be a terrible thing for them." It was unclear how Trump sent the letter, which Iran's mission to the United Nations said it has not received. Former president Barack Obama negotiated a landmark 2015 deal that promised sanctions relief in return for Iran curbing its nuclear program. Trump denounced the agreement and pulled out in 2018 during his first term, over the objections of European allies. He instead imposed sweeping unilateral US sanctions on any other country buying Iran's oil. Tehran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, initially adhered to the deal but then rolled back commitments. US officials estimate Iran would now need mere weeks to build a nuclear bomb if it chooses to. On his return to the White House, Trump said he was reinstating -- but only reluctantly -- his "maximum pressure" policy on Iran. He has since sidelined officials from his first term associated with the hard line, and has vowed to break out of a foreign policy establishment he describes as war-mongering. Trump's brash billionaire confidant Elon Musk was reported to have met Iran's ambassador to the United Nations shortly after the election to deliver a message that Trump wants calm and diplomacy. - Iran warns against US threats - Iran has been cautious about returning to diplomacy. "We will not enter any direct negotiations with the US so long as they continue their maximum pressure policy and their threats," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told AFP on Friday. Speaking on the sidelines of an Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Jeddah, Araghchi also warned that Iran's nuclear program "cannot be destroyed through military operations." "This is a technology that we have achieved, and the technology is in the brains and cannot be bombed," he said. Araghchi was a key negotiator of the 2015 deal, brokered by a then reformist government. Khamenei, 85, is the decision-maker in Iran's clerical system and has pointed to Trump's withdrawal in 208 as proof the United States cannot be trusted. But Iran is facing challenges not seen since the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic revolution that overthrew the pro-Western shah. Israel devastated Iranian air defenses and has also pounded two militant movements allied with Tehran's clerics: Hamas, which carried out the unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Lebanon's Hezbollah. Iran's main regional ally, Syria's Bashar al-Assad, fell in December to Sunni Islamist-led fighters. - War if not? - Former president Joe Biden backed returning to the 2015 deal but talks collapsed in part over the extent of sanctions relief. The National Iranian American Council, which supports engagement, said Trump should remain personally invested to show his commitment to diplomacy. "If Iran's leadership insists on waiting for the stars to align perfectly for negotiations, the window for negotiations is very likely to close and the risks of war will greatly increase to the detriment of all," said the group's president, Jamal Abdi. But Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the hawkish Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said Iran could use Trump's offer to buy time on its way to a nuclear weapon. "Tehran has set a trap for him, hoping to lure him into endless diplomacy that is used to blunt maximum pressure and dampen the credibility of an American or Israeli military option," he said. burs-sct-gw/bgs Where to live Golden Visas: the four European countries where you can still get citizenship by buying property Four European countries still offering golden visas to property buyers ENRC is seeking a total of $299 million (240 million) in damages from the firm and the SFO. The court has reduced that amount by 80 million but ENRC is appealing. How the eventual sum is split between the pair is still to be determined. The SFO has set aside the same amount in UK taxpayers money to cover the claim - nearly three times the bureaus annual budget. Most of their activities (as least the ones we know about) were surveillance. Surveillance has a key role in espionage and counterintelligence but it is towards the bottom of the intelligence pecking order. None of these spies were undercover members of Russian intelligence running agents working for sensitive UK institutions. This case does not deal the same blow to Moscow as for example the capture of the five strong Portland Spy Ring, whose trial at the Old Bailey in 1961 was until this Russo-Bulgarian case the biggest UK criminal prosecution ever of individuals involved with espionage and linked to Russia. I was being controlled by someone who was 10 years older than me. When I came to this country I came alone with him. My family was back home, my friend was back home. He not only became my family and friend at that time, he became everything for me. Europe should provide security guarantees for Ukraine, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is convinced. Bessent said in an interview with CNBC that Zelenskyy must recognize that Europe will provide security guarantees for Ukraine. However, according to him, the issue of a peace agreement with Russia remains extremely volatile. In turn, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that London is ready to support Ukraine, but cooperation with the United States is necessary. The United Kingdom will take a step forward on the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine, but for this it is necessary that the United States work together with us, he said. Sky News notes that discussions on future security commitments are continuing amid active diplomatic consultations between Ukraine's allies. As reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for a just peace with clear security guarantees, which is achievable together with the leadership of the United States and Europe. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal declares the readiness of the Ukrainian side to sign the announced agreement with the United States and the need for security guarantees from the American side. European Union leaders declare that member states are ready to contribute to providing security guarantees for Ukraine together with Ukraine and on the basis of their powers and capabilities. This is stated in the text supported by 26 member states and annexed to the conclusions of a special meeting of the European Council, adopted by European Union leaders on Thursday in Brussels. The text was not supported by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. A plan was hatched to stage a protest at the Kazakh embassy in London in September 2022, including dropping pigs blood on to the building from drones, in order to lure out opponents of the country. The spies then believed they could gather intel on those who turned up to the protest, to hand it over to Kazakh officials on Russias behalf. He was followed from Vienna to a conference in Valencia in Spain, with Ivanova able to get close enough on the plane to record the PIN number on his phone with a camera on the strap of her bag after the spies acquired his flight manifest. Mr Murphy said: This group had nicknames for each other and reading some of the messages and seeing some of the content on the devices you might be tempted to think this is not a serious threat but behind those nicknames was an extremely sophisticated intelligence gathering operation that posed a real threat to national security and a real threat to individuals, including journalists. I dont think from what the President said yesterday is any different to what he was saying in his first term in office, and indeed, what he pointed to is the fact that that position that he took in his first term has led to increased defence spending from Nato allies, he said. Less than half of Ukrainians (38%) consider the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) on the application of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions) against MP, leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko, an attempt by law enforcement agencies to truly punish the guilty, according to the results of a poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) on February 14-24. In contrast, the majority (59%) consider it an attempt to either distract attention from the situation on the front or neutralize the opposition on the eve of negotiations with the Russian Federation and possible elections. Among all respondents, 36% chose the option "an attempt to divert attention from the difficult situation at the front," and 35% chose the option "an attempt to neutralize the opposition on the eve of negotiations with Russia and possible elections." It is noted that 11% of those surveyed chose both options at once, so in total 59% chose one of the two or both. The remaining 9% could not decide on their opinion. The survey was conducted using telephone interviews (CATI) among 1,000 respondents aged 18 and over in all controlled regions of Ukraine. Under normal circumstances, the statistical error of the sample (with a probability of 0.95 and taking into account the design effect of 1.3) is no more than 4.1% for indicators close to 50% and 1.8% for indicators close to 5%, but in war conditions a certain systematic deviation is added to it. Mr Kinnock welcomed the meeting. Asked how hopeful he was of it leading to progress, he told Sky News: Its very welcome that those talks are taking place, and I think it reflects absolutely what the Prime Minister has been saying, which is that weve got to get Ukraine to the table: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. None has been provided. I have cooperated and spoken at length with the KC they instructed, at great cost to the party, to investigate a minor staff matter...She is dismayed that this statement has been made, and reiterated that no evidence against me has been sent to her. Who's in the Royal Box at Wimbledon? Gary Lineker, Mary Berry and Anthony Joshua among famous faces on Centre Court on day five Who's in the Royal Box at Wimbledon Centre Court on day five? There are 650 constituents in Britain and a majority of 326 is needed to form a Government, so in order for Tate to become prime minister, he would need to form the party, find supporters, and then win at least 326 seats across Britain. Since its debut in 2021, the show has been a massive success, offering viewers a comedic yet insightful look into the trials and triumphs of modern farming. Its popularity has turned the farm into a major tourist hotspot, attracting visitors from across the country. China voices support on nuclear cooperation, jointly solving nuclear issues Xinhua) 08:30, March 07, 2025 VIENNA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy voiced support on nuclear cooperation in benefiting the Global South, and on jointly dealing with major nuclear issues during the ongoing meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors. Li Song, China's permanent representative to the IAEA, said the country will further leverage its strengths in nuclear energy and technology, strengthening cooperation with IAEA to jointly promote atoms for the benefit of the Global South. Li said that China regards nuclear energy as a pillar for ensuring energy security, addressing climate change, and achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. The country also places significant emphasis on the development of the nuclear technology application industry, and aims to achieve an annual economic output of 400 billion yuan (55.79 billion U.S. dollars) from the industry by 2026. On jointly taking on major nuclear issues, Li emphasized China's support for strengthening international monitoring of Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, adding that China will continue to carry out independent sampling and testing activities. Li said China urges Japan to fulfill its commitments, ensuring that China and other countries at stake continue to carry out independent sampling and monitoring while the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water remains under strict international supervision. Commenting on the Iran nuclear issue, Li said the issue is at a crucial crossroads, and it is imperative to increase diplomatic efforts, promote dialogue and negotiations among all parties. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The deal and its negotiation process showed that the only way to properly address the Iran nuclear issue is through political and diplomatic measures, and to promote dialogue and cooperation, Li said. Iran has repeatedly emphasized the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, stating that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has expressed its willingness to actively engage in negotiations and cooperate with the IAEA. Li said China attaches great importance to this and encourages and supports Iran in its efforts to work with the IAEA to further enhance safeguards cooperation, aiming to resolve outstanding issues. China urges the United States, the primary disruptor of the JCPOA, to take substantive steps to re-engage in international diplomatic efforts and to initiate dialogue with Iran, Li said. China also calls on the E3 group of France, United Kingdom and Germany and the European Union to maintain dialogue with Iran, focusing on promoting peace and negotiations while avoiding provocations that could escalate tensions. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The level of trust in President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid aggravation of relations with the USA and an emotional meeting in the White House has increased among Ukrainians from 57% in the first half of February 2025 to 68% - as of March 1-4, 2025. This is evidenced by the results of a sociological study by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), conducted during February 14-March 4. "As of the first half of February 2025, before aggravation of relations between Ukraine and the United States, 57% of Ukrainians trusted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and 37% did not trust him. The balance of trust-distrust was +20%. Further, in the period from February 14 to March 4, 2025, the level of trust increased to 67%, and the share of those who do not trust decreased to 29%. Accordingly, the balance of trust-distrust improved to +38%," the KIIS press release reported on the results of the study on the website on Friday. "The preliminary survey by KIIS was conducted from February 4 to February 9, 2025, that is, before the start of U.S. negotiations with Russia and aggravation of relations between Ukraine and the United States. Thus, we can assess the impact of events during this period on trust in the president," the press release says. It is noted that from February 14 to March 4, 2025, many high-profile events took place, in particular, an emotional meeting at the White House on February 28, 2025. Sociologists recorded that already in the period of February 14-28, trust became higher than in February 4-9, 2025, and for the period of March 1-4, 2025, trust in Zelenskyy increased to 68%. Distrust in the period of March 1-4, 2025 was 27%. The balance of trust-distrust for the period of March 1-4, 2025 is +41%. The results of the study show that the situation is quite similar in all regions of Ukraine and the balance of trust-distrust is positive. Trust in the president is slightly lower in eastern Ukraine, but even in this region, the majority trust Zelenskyy - 60% trust and 36% do not trust. In other regions (west, center, south) 66-69% trust him and 28-30% do not trust him. Commenting on the survey, KIIS Executive Director Anton Hrushetsky said: "At least for now, we are observing a process of unification of society against the backdrop of new challenges facing Ukraine. The growth of trust in the president over the recent period [while from the beginning of the full-scale invasion until December 2024 it was mostly steadily declining] indicates that we are now seeing a 'rallying around the flag.' Further dynamics will depend on whether the atmosphere will be emotionally charged with increased risks, or whether there will be a cooling and more constructive conversation [with, of course, support for the defense efforts of Ukrainians]. In any case, it is important to emphasize that the main reason for unity and increased trust in the president is not attacks on him personally. Ukrainians perceive the rhetoric of the new US government as an attack on all of Ukraine and all Ukrainians Ukrainians really want peace, but our results consistently show that the absolute majority is against peace on any terms. Ukrainians are flexible and ready for even painful compromises, but not to a compromise that would be capitulation. Ukrainians retain the will to fight and will continue it despite everything." The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) conducted its own all-Ukrainian public opinion poll Omnibus on February 14 - March 4, 2025, to which, on its own initiative, it added a question about trust in President Zelenskyy. Some 1,029 respondents were surveyed using telephone interviews based on a random sample in all regions of Ukraine (the territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine). The survey was conducted among adult (aged 18 and older) citizens of Ukraine who, at the time of the survey, lived in the territory of Ukraine controlled by the government of the country. Formally, under normal circumstances, the statistical error of such a sample did not exceed 4.1% for indicators close to 50%, 3.5% for indicators close to 25%, 2.5% - for indicators close to 10%, and 1.8% - for indicators close to 5%. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/orbanviktor Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that he would put the issue of Ukraine's membership in the European Union to a vote within his country. "Granting EU membership to Ukraine is not a decision that should be made behind closed doors in Brussels, without consulting the European public. We will put the question of Ukraine's EU membership to a vote in Hungary, and the Hungarian people will have their say. We will follow their will," Orban said on the X social network on Friday. Russians continue to storm positions of Ukrainian defenders, 56 clashes occurred since beginning of day Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua Russian invaders continue to storm the positions of Ukrainian defenders. The Ukrainian Defense Forces are thwarting the enemy's insidious plans, inflicting significant losses on him in manpower and equipment. As reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Telegram channel, as of 16:00, some 56 clashes have occurred on the frontline. The invaders attacked most actively in Torets and Pokrovsk axes. Thus, in the Torets direction, the enemy attacked 13 times near Dyliivka, Druzhba, Dachny and Toretsk; 11 clashes are ongoing. In Pokrovsk axis, since the beginning of the day, the invaders have made 11 attempts to push the Ukrainian defenders from the occupied positions in the areas of the settlements of Yelyzavetivka, Promin, Oleksiivka, Andriivka and Ulakly. The defense forces are holding back the enemy's onslaught and have repelled nine attacks, two clashes are still ongoing. In addition, in Kursk region, the Ukrainian defenders have repelled five Russian attacks, five more clashes are still ongoing. In Lyman axis, the invading army has attacked seven times (three clashes are ongoing), in Kramatorsk axis six times (four clashes are ongoing). In Siversk and Novopavlivsk axes, the Ukrainian defenders have repelled two enemy attacks each, in Orikhiv axis two enemy assaults are continuing. In Kupiansk axis, one clash is ongoing. The enemy did not conduct offensive operations in Huliaipole and Prydniprovsk axes. The situation on other directions of the front did not undergo significant changes. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/mrochko.roman/ Russian occupiers shelled the Dniprovsky district of Kherson on Friday evening, injuring two residents of the city, reported head of the Kherson city military administration Roman Mrochko. "A 56-year-old Kherson resident was taken to the hospital in serious condition, who was injured as a result of Russian aggression in the Dniprovsky district at about 17:30. The man has a traumatic amputation of his right leg. Doctors are providing him with the necessary assistance," Mrochko wrote on Telegram. "In addition, a 48-year-old woman sought medical attention. At night, after enemy shelling, she received a concussion and a mine-explosive injury. Doctors assess the victim's condition as mild," the head of the city administration added. Almost 620,000 women are shareholders or associates in companies active in Romania, 12% more than in 2020 and 43% more than in 2015, shows a KeysFin survey based on Trade Register data. "This figure accounts for 36% of the total shareholders and associates in Romania, and if we add the holders of sole proprietorship/individual enterprises/family enterprises, we get to approximately 805,000 women directly involved in business," said KeysFin economic analyst Diana Florescu cited in the release. According to the report released on the occasion of the 2025 Women's Day, and considering only the companies that reported their results to the Finance Ministry in 2023, approximately 341 local companies (37% of the total) are majority-controlled by women (at least 50% of the capital). These companies had a turnover of RON 342 billion (the equivalent of almost EUR 70 billion), approximately 13% of the total in 2023. Businesses with Romanian women as majority shareholders or associates have on average three employees, an average net revenue of RON 104,000 and a turnover of over RON one million; in 2023, 95% of these were micro-enterprises. Romanian women controlled in 2023 98.3% of local companies with female shareholders, being followed by investors from China, Italy, Germany and the Republic of Moldova, with shares between 0.3 and 0.1% of the total. Overall, women from over 100 countries act as shareholders or direct majority associates in the Romanian business landscape, the experts show. By activity sector numbers, Romanian women operate as majority shareholders or associates (at least 50%) in trade (99,000), professional activities (46,000) and manufacturing (28,000), reveals Finance Ministry data. Expressed as a share of the total number of companies, the 2023 ranking is as follows: health & social assistance (63% of the total), education (58%), hotels & restaurants (57%). By cumulative turnover, women-run businesses hold the bulk in trade (RON 147 billion), manufacturing (RON 42 billion) and construction (RON 40 billion). As a share of total turnover, the order is: education (47% of total), health & social assistance (39%), and hotels & restaurants (32%) in 2023. In the 5 years to 2023, the average local gross salary has increased 45% to RON 7,233, according to the latest data broken down by the National Institute of Statistics. Thus, the gender gap impacting the average gross salary increased from 2.4% in 2019 to 5.5% in 2023. Romanian women recorded the highest gross incomes in IT&C, where the average was RON 12,197; energy & gas - with women earning an average of RON 12,046; and the extractive industry, with RON 11,400 gross per month in 2023. On the other hand, women working in Romania's hotels & restaurants have the lowest incomes, with an average monthly salary of RON 4,075 in 2023. According to the report, there are however certain fields in Romania where women are better paid than men, and the top spots are in administrative & support services, where women earn 17% more, collecting on average RON 6,214 gross monthly, the extractive industry (16.7% more), construction (however, in the case of this sector the number of female employees is 6 times lower than men, respectively 53,000 nationwide), public administration (7% more), or energy & gas (+3%) in 2023. At the opposite end, the largest wage gap recorded in 2023 is in financial intermediation and in the manufacturing industry, sectors where men earn on average 25% and 20% more than women, respectively. Romania has the third lowest gender wage gap in the European Union. "There are not many charts that favorably place Romania in the European Union, but in 2022, according to the latest Eurostat data, we recorded the third smallest gender pay gap, of only 4.5%, placing Romania immediately below the leader in the standard of living (measured by the minimum wage) - Luxembourg, which recorded a negative pay gap of -0.2% for the second time in history. This means that Luxembourg women employed in industry, services and construction (public administration, defense and social security are excluded) were on average better paid than men, according to Eurostat data," Diana Florescu added. On the other hand, economically more developed states such as Estonia, Austria or the Czech Republic have significant differences between men's and women's salaries, ranging between 18% and 21%. The liberalised natural gas market is the only one that can respond to the multiple current challenges, including price transparency and competition between different energy sources, according to Chairman of the Intelligent Energy Association (AEI) Dumitru Chisalita. "The interconnected and globally functioning system, with access to multiple sources, such as gas from different regions or LNG, ensures the security of gas supply, only at the existence of a fair price. The price cap means opening the way to increasing the risk in gas supply. However, liberalisation must be accompanied by smart demand-side solutions, such as energy efficiency and policies that protect vulnerable consumers, in order to avoid large price fluctuations that can affect household or company savings," the AEI official wrote in an analysis sent to AGERPRES on Friday. He says that an analysis of the developments in the natural gas price established on the Romanian gas exchange and on the most representative market in Europe (TTF Netherlands), reveals that, although there have been countless interventions in the natural gas market in Romania, it has worked and ensured the security of the continuity of the natural gas supply to the final consumer. "There are many voices that show that in Romania there is no way to have a gas market because there are only 7 gas producers, but the most conclusive proof of the functioning of the gas market is the continuity of gas delivery to consumers when the demand was higher than the gas sources. The market determined to cover the demand by purchasing gas the day before or during the day when the demand was higher than the sources. It is imperative to get out of the rhetoric of the past when Romania was an isolated energy island that solved its energy problems by restricting consumption and to understand that today we are physically and commercially interconnected, that is, we are in a situation to have gas and energy continuously even when demand is much higher than our supply." Chisalita adds that in his opinion, natural gas markets are global, with gas crossing borders between producers and consumers around the world. "Europe is lucky that, with the international rise of the TTF Netherlands gas exchange, global gas producers accept the European onshore price of gas in euros as a credible reference price." This strategic market plays a crucial role in gas supply in Europe, including Romania, and in ensuring the efficient allocation of gas supply. Also, analysing the price developments on the SPOT market in Romania (BRM) and the one in the Netherlands (TTF - the most representative gas market in Europe) it is possible to observe a correlation of prices between the two markets, a normal aspect considering that there is a single European gas market to which Romania also belongs. "It can be seen (...) that there were times when the SPOT price of gas in Romania was lower than the price of gas in Europe and vice versa, an aspect due to the difference between supply and demand at a given time, but especially as a result of the influence of the gas market in Romania. The functioning of the Romanian market is evident even at the time of manipulation of the gas market, with the related price evolutions. Analysing the difference established between the price of SPOT gas in Romania and Western Europe, we can see that the functioning of the gas market in Romania and the use of BRM quotations have determined a Romanian saving of E|UR 215 million in the last 5 years, compared to the situation in which the Romanian actors would referred to the TTF Netherlands indicators." The official adds that a "liquid, interconnected and efficiently functioning" gas market, with fair and transparent pricing for competing energies from various domestic and global sources, smart demand-side solutions and a stable legislative framework will ensure gas to consumers "continuously and at fair prices." "It has been proven that a price cap does not lower the global energy market price (the EU capped the price in 2022 - 2025), but it can create upward price pressure and increased price volatility in Europe. Romania has capped the price of gas and we do not have lower gas prices than four years ago. The implementation of an artificial price cap in Europe, according to the Romanian model, would not address the changes in global gas valuations, determined by the evolution of supply and demand dynamics. On the other hand, it would likely damage confidence in the FTT and lead the global gas community to turn to other unregulated and therefore more representative reference prices that are mainly located outside the EU. If the price of gas is artificially capped below market value, Europe no longer offers a competitive price to attract LNG shipments, which would jeopardize supply in the short term. LNG has been redirected to Europe when needed, but the trend could disappear at a capped price." Furthermore, the imposition of a price cap could jeopardise supply in the long term, as it would undermine Europe's credibility as a serious customer in the global gas market, and artificial price controls would make Europe a less attractive and reliable partner for suppliers, who might prefer markets where they can sell gas at competitive prices set by the market. In its traditional pastoral letter for the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church emphasizes the pedagogical role of holy icons, which serve as guides leading to Christ, the Source of all holiness, according to basilica.ro. Within the context of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate, the Synod states: For us, Romanians, the Sunday of Orthodoxy is an occasion of joy and thanksgiving to God for His abundant blessings upon our nation, as well as a tribute of gratitude for the multitude of venerable saints and confessors who have preserved the rule of faith as it was handed down to them by their forebears. Additionally, the hierarchs call attention to the collection for the Central Missionary Fund, encouraging the faithful to contribute to the missionary, pastoral, and social-philanthropic activities of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Pastoral Letter of the Holy Synod for the Sunday of Orthodoxy 2025 To the venerable monastic order, the reverend clergy, and the beloved faithful of the Romanian Patriarchate, Grace, joy, peace from God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and fatherly blessings from us! Venerable and reverend fathers, Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, The first Sunday of the Holy and Great Lent, known as the Sunday of Orthodoxy, reminds us each year of the trials and triumphs the Church has endured throughout history to uphold the true faith and preserve its dogmatic, canonical, and liturgical unity. In particular, this Sunday commemorates March 11, 843, when the veneration of the holy icons was fully and definitively restored in Constantinople, and the victory over the iconoclastic heresy was recognized as a triumph of Orthodoxy over all heresies. Theological disputes regarding the veneration of holy icons erupted in the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Emperor Leo III the Isaurian (717741). Through two imperial decrees issued in 726 and 730, he imposed the fight against icons as state policy. These conflicts continued under Emperor Constantine V (741775) and Emperor Leo IV (775780), during whose reign the opposition to holy icons intensified, leading to the formulation of erroneous iconoclastic teachings. The Christological controversies surrounding the veneration of icons led the iconoclast emperors to take extreme measures, resulting in the destruction of holy icons and the persecution of those who honored them. Many faithful were tortured, imprisoned, exiled, or even condemned to death. Countless clergy, monastics, and lay believers who venerated the holy icons sacrificed their lives in defense of the true faith. Saint John of Damascus (676749) stood out among the defenders of Orthodoxy during this period. He emphasized that veneration is directed to the person depicted in the icon, not to the material from which it is made, stating: I do not worship matter, I worship the God of matter, who became matter for my sake and deigned to inhabit matter, who worked out my salvation through matter. The first period of persecution against the veneration of holy icons lasted until the reign of Emperor Constantine VI (780797) and his mother, Empress Irene (752802). With the support of Patriarch Tarasius of Constantinople (784806), they convened the Seventh Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 787, where the Orthodox doctrine on the veneration of holy icons was officially restored. At this Holy Council, based on Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition, the Holy Fathers condemned the iconoclastic heresy and formulated the Orthodox teaching regarding the veneration of icons and holy relics. They proclaimed that the honor given to an icon passes to its prototype and that he who venerates an icon venerates the person depicted therein. With scriptural evidence, they affirmed that the one who gazes upon an icon is drawn into a personal relationship with the one represented in it: Through the icon, we come to know the archetype, for it serves as a means of elevating our thoughts to Christ and of partaking in communion with Him. When we behold the icon, we invoke the one depicted upon it in prayer. The Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, inspired by the Holy Spirit and in harmony with the dogmas of the faith established at the preceding Ecumenical Councils, reaffirmed the doctrine of the veneration of holy icons and relics, decreeing in the synodal dogmatic definition the following: We preserve unchanged all ecclesiastical traditions, both written and unwritten, that have been entrusted to us, among which is also the depiction of holy icons through painting, in accordance with the history of the Gospels proclamation, as a testimony that the Incarnation of God the Word was real and not merely an illusion. Following the divinely inspired teaching of our Holy Fathers and the Tradition of the universal Church, which we recognize as being of the Holy Spirit dwelling within her, we decree with all precision and diligence that, just as the honorable and life-giving Cross is exalted, so too must the honorable and holy icons be set upwhether painted, in mosaic, or crafted from any other suitable materialin the holy churches of God, on sacred vessels and vestments, on walls and wood, in houses and along roads. These include the icons of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, of our Most Pure Lady, the Holy Theotokos, of the venerable angels, and of all the saints and righteous ones. For the more frequently these are seen through their representation in icons, the more those who behold them will be lifted to remember and long for their prototypes, offering them a reverent kiss and the honor of venerationnot, however, the true worship (latreia), which, according to our faith, is due only to the divine naturebut rather the kind of veneration (proskynesis) offered to the image of the honorable and life-giving Cross, to the Holy Gospels, and to other sacred objects of worship. Incense and candles shall be offered in their honor, according to the pious custom of the ancients. For the veneration given to an icon passes to its prototype, and he who venerates an icon venerates the person depicted therein. Although the Church received this decree of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, a new period of iconoclasm began with the accession of Emperor Leo V the Armenian (813820), bringing renewed persecutions against those who venerated holy icons. This period came to an end in 843, when Empress Theodora of Byzantium (842846), together with Patriarch Methodius, convened a Synod in Constantinople, which, based on Holy Scripture and the writings of the Holy Fathers, reaffirmed the Orthodox doctrine on the veneration of holy icons and confirmed the validity of all the rulings of the Seven Ecumenical Councils. From that time forward, we Orthodox Christians have celebrated each year on the first Sunday of Great Lent the triumph of the true faith over all heresies, which is why this day is called the Sunday of Orthodoxy. Right-believing Christians, The Church has always understood the pedagogical role of holy icons, as they serve as guides leading to Christ, the Source of all holiness. For this reason, she has depicted the countenances of our Savior, the Theotokos, the angels, the apostles, and the saints in iconography. Through this, the Church emphasizes that Orthodox sacred art is not merely artistic expression but an expression of divine revelation and sanctity. As Leonid Ouspensky states, this sacred art must, on the one hand, convey the dogmatic truths of the faith, and on the other hand, communicate the lived experience of these truthsthe spiritual experience of the saints, that living Christianity in which dogma and life are one and the same. [ Leonid Ouspensky, Theology of the icon] For this reason, the Church sees the icon not as an optional aspect of Orthodox teaching, but as the very expression of Orthodoxy as a wholeof Orthodoxy in its entirety. The holy icons are not an addition to Orthodox faith as a mere embellishment, but rather they express the fullness of Orthodox faith, as a confession of faith through both word and image, through prayer before the icon of Christ and the saints depicted therein. The foundation of Christs depiction in icons lies in His Incarnation, as the Holy Evangelist John testifies: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Orthodox teaching affirms that, out of love for mankind, the Son and Word of God became Man (John 3:16), taking on flesh and the form of a servant so that we, in turn, might become children of God by grace, partake of eternal life, and behold the radiance of divine glory, just as He revealed Himself to His disciples on Mount Tabor. The light emanating from Christs icon and the icons of the saints directs us toward the unending light of divine glory in the Heavenly Kingdom, and the holiness of the icon also calls us to the sanctification of our lives. Beloved spiritual children, In the context of the anniversary events of 2025, for us Romanians, the Sunday of Orthodoxy is an occasion of joy and gratitude to God for His abundant blessings upon our nation, as well as an opportunity to offer thanksgiving for the multitude of venerable saints and confessors who have preserved the rule of faith as it was handed down to them by their forebears. The Sunday of Orthodoxy is the feast of the right-believing faith, proclaimed in word and deed by those who safeguard and confess the truth of the faith, which forms the foundation of authentic Christian life and Christs work in the world through His Holy Church. This day calls us to unity and communion with God and our fellow men through acts of Christian charity. These acts are the tangible expressions of love for our neighbor, as the fruits of true faith, which ceaselessly spring forth and aim to help those in distress and suffering, as the Holy Apostle Paul teaches us: But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased (Hebrews 13:16). No matter how great the challenges and crises of the world in which we live may be, we are called to remain steadfast in the true faith and in good works, placing our hope in God, Who gives us richly all things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17) Let us be united in doing good, bringing comfort to those in need, relief to the sick, compassion to those in sorrow, and offering generosity and kindness to our brethren, as Christ, the worlds Saviour, has taught us. A Call to Christian Generosity Again this year, we address our priests and faithful with a fatherly exhortation to organize, both on this Sunday and in the following Sundays, a collection for the Central Missionary Fund, each contributing according to the generosity of their heart, knowing well that God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) This fund is dedicated to supporting Romanian Orthodox parish and monastic communities with limited financial resources, as well as social institutions both in the homeland and abroad, ensuring the continuation and completion of various missionary endeavors. We know that all good gifts come from the Father of Lights, and thus, during the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, we call upon Gods mercy for those who offer fruits and do good works in His holy churches, and who remember the poor, praying to the Lord that He may reward them with His abundant and heavenly gifts [], remember all His people, and pour out His rich mercy upon all, fulfilling their requests for salvation. Having full confidence that you will once again show Christian generosity and respond to our call in this sacred work of charity, we pray to the Merciful God, that always having all sufficiency in all things, you may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8) And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all! (2 Corinthians 13:13) The text is signed by Patriarch Daniel, together with all the members of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The leader of the Vlad Tepes Command paramilitary organization Adrian Robertin Dinu was on a visit to Moscow in January 2025, from where he messaged the group's members to keep them on the loop on the meetings he had in the Russian capital and on future action related to the cancellation of Romania's presidential election, the prosecutors note in a report that also presents excerpts from the intercepted conversations. Two members of the group, Adrian Robertin Dinu and Marius Semeniuc, were put in pre-trial arrest for treason and connections to Russian agents, and another four (Sefan Mateescu, Raul-Mihail Lupu, Georgica-Cristian Atitiene and Radu Pompiliu Sofran) are being proved under judicial control. Radu Theodoru, a 101-year-old retired general, is also being investigated as a suspect in the case. Through various communiques, the Vlad Tepes Command was requesting Romania's exit from NATO, the resumption of economic and cultural relations with Russia, China and Iran, and also a new leadership structure for Romania through the "Getia" project. The leader of the Command reported to his Romanian comrades that in Moscow he had negotiated the formation of a new government, asking also the Romanian end to send him proposals for Romania's president, as well as minister proposals in a government with 9 ministries; the person who was to be appointed to Foreign Affairs minister was to sign an agreement to change the name of the country to the Romanian People's Republic and adopt a constitution for the new state. The requirements for the president nominee were for them to be a five-generation Romanian who has never betrayed, stolen, is not an imposter and is necessarily an Orthodox Christian. According to the indictment, starting in 2023, members of the Vlad Tepes organization got in contact with diplomatic staff of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bucharest, in particular with military air and naval attache, Colonel Chuprina Alexandr, as well as with deputy military attache, Colonel Ignatiev Evgheny. Stefan Mateescu and Major General (ret.) Ioan-Radu Theodoru can be seen in a photo posted on 02.11.2023 on the Facebook account called "Embassy of Russia in Romania", pictured at an event organized by the Embassy. On 29.11.2023, the group's leadership core held a meeting with representatives of the Russian Defense Attache Office in Bucharest, Colonel Chuprina Alexandr, and Colonel Ignatiev Evgheny, respectively. During the meeting, which took place at the house of Radu Theodoru, the objectives of the Vlad Tepes Command were presented, discussed and agreed upon, namely Romania's exit from NATO, the declaration of neutrality and the conclusion of a strategic treaty with the Russian Federation. Makovskiy Victor - military air and naval attache with the Russian Embassy, and deputy military attache Ignatiev Evgeni were identified as having links to the Vlad Tepes Command. The organization reportedly has around 10,000 sympathizers, some from the Army and other force structures. According to case documents, building on the beliefs, image and notoriety of retired General Radu-Ioan Theodoru, Stefan Mateescu and Adrian-Robertin Dinu initiated a campaign to attract as many people as possible to the organization, including from the National System of Defense, Public Order and National Security, who sympathise with anti-Western narratives. Without having a legal form, the organization over time took various titles such as the Vlad Tepes Operative Command, "Our Force", "Opus Nostrum Dirige" or Mihai Viteazu Command. "According to the organization's internal estimates, with the caveat of overestimation, the group has around 10,000 sympathizers. The members arrogate themselves military ranks and specific honorary attributions (e.g. Stefan Mateescu presents himself with the rank of general). The recruitment of new followers takes place both through personal interactions and through online platforms. For the online recruitment of new members, there is a platform associated with the name of Maj. Gen (rtr.) Theodoru Ioan-Radu, where one fills out a membership application form which is then validated internally. After verifying the candidates, they are included in the organization's WhatsApp groups," the prosecutors said. The National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) has ordered measures to prevent the spread of the foot and mouth disease virus to Romania after an outbreak was detected in neighboring Hungary, the Authority said on Friday. "On March 6, Hungary notified through the World Animal Health Information System of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease on a dairy farm in northern Hungary, near the city of Gyor, close to the border with Slovakia. The disease was confirmed by lab tests. Also, on January 10, 2025 Germany announced its first outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 36 years, on a buffalo farm in the state of Brandenburg, near the city of Berlin," the statement reads. ANSVSA has ordered additional prevention measures, such as: informing representatives of the main cattle, pig, sheep and goat breeder associations that they are required to notify the veterinarian about animals presenting behavioral changes, illness or mortality cases; publicizing the need and obligation of animal owners to notify the veterinarian whenever they notice behavioral changes, illness or mortality in animals; posting printed materials at free veterinary practices, city halls, churches, etc. with the aforementioned requirements. According to the animal health watchdog, the transport of animals and animal products from the restricted area (30 km around the city of Gyor) is temporarily suspended. The authority also ordered the stricter monitoring of all transports of cattle, pigs, sheep and goats as part of intra-community trade; more traffic controls to identify any unauthorized transports of animals; communication to economic operators who purchase cattle, pigs, sheep and goats about the obligation to pre-notify the county Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate of any purchase of animals of the above-mentioned species from the European Union. For each such transport the veterinarian shall assist in the unloading of the animals from the truck and shall perform a clinical examination of all animals. The county Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Directorates shall keep all operators and county institutions informed. Depending on the evolution of the epidemiological investigation and the notifications received, ANSVSA will send out recommendations and instructions through service notes regarding the evolution of the foot and mouth disease in the European Union. These shall be implemented by organizing meetings with the parties involved and interested. Former US President Donald Trump's national security adviser John Bolton sharply criticized the current approach of the head of state to the Russian-Ukrainian war, calling it a manifestation of weakness. In his post on Platform X on Friday, Bolton emphasized that Trump's policy is directly opposite to the philosophy of President Ronald Reagan, who adhered to the principle of "peace through strength." "The President has made one concession after another to the Kremlin. This is not strength, this is weakness," Bolton said, emphasizing that the United States' security interests in Europe are existentially important, much more important than just a matter of annual reporting. Bolton also called on all allies, including the United States, to increase defense spending, as this is critical to ensuring stability and security in Europe. As reported, earlier on Friday, Trump expressed frustration with Russia for continuing to attack Ukraine while the United States is working to mediate peace talks between the countries, and threatened to impose new sanctions if they do not stop. Boeings management needs to shape up, listen more to front-line employees, and communicate better, CEO Kelly Ortberg said at a sometimes edgy all-hands meeting Tuesday, as he took some pointed questions about a poor management culture. Citing employee feedback from a company survey, he said their voice needs to be heard. Were going to put an action plan on those things, and I think theyre going to be brutal to leadership, quite frankly, Ortberg added. Speaking in-person to employees in St. Louis, and via webcast to Boeings other facilities, Ortberg presented a progress report on his efforts to change Boeings culture, then took questions from employees. His remarks, shared with The Seattle Times by a company insider, touched upon failures in internal communication, a sometimes disrespectful management culture and his plans to improve leadership development. Answering employee questions, Ortberg also summarized Boeings approach to the newly controversial diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programs. Employees posting about the webcast on the Boeing subreddit of the Reddit social media site, and some interviewed Tuesday afternoon by The Times, were skeptical the management culture will change. Trust me, its broken all the way up the chain, one self-described employee wrote on Reddit, adding that anyone bringing up issues with management is then treated as a problem. Asking for respectful management Ortberg said hes taken input from a working group of employees, including factory workers and engineers, on how to implement the culture shift he believes is needed and to take another look at the values in the company and the behaviors of the company. Asked what specifically needs to change in the culture, he said Boeing needs to improve its interactions with employees. Ortberg described the talent at Boeing as awesome and said employees are engaged and want to be a part of turning the company around but indicated management must change how it treats employees. The thing I wish I could change is how we deal with each other, Ortberg said. During questions from employees, one woman working in the Global Services division asked what she can do after her complaints to Boeings human resources department about her manager produced no action. While there is a formal internal system called Speak Up that employees can use to report issues, anonymously or not, Ortberg wants broader openness so that employees dont fear being labeled a problem. Weve got to get to where we dont have to use a Speak Up system, that were just talking to each other about issues, talking with our leaders if we see issues, particularly around the safety system, Ortberg said. Were very insular, he added. We dont communicate across boundaries as well. We dont work with each other as well as we could. For the vice presidents who report to him, Ortberg has resurrected the intense weekly leadership debriefs that former Commercial Airplanes CEO Alan Mulally conducted two decades ago at Boeing, and later at Ford. Ive changed the whole cadence of the corporation, Ortberg said. We werent doing that before. So people werent as up to speed on whats going on. There was no avenue for people to voice things. Sometimes things fester. He advised leaders and managers within the company to sit down and talk to your people . I mean, really talk to em about whats going on. Boeing will step up leadership development training, Ortberg said. At one point, he offered help to anyone newly thrown in to management and not coping. If now youre leading a whole bunch of people and you have no idea how to do that, please reach out, he said. Skepticism in the ranks Several employees who spoke Tuesday to The Seattle Times about Ortbergs webcast welcomed the direction of his comments but were skeptical. One Renton quality mechanic, who asked not to be identified to protect his job, said everyone at his work today was much too busy to listen to the webcast, though may do so later. However the mechanic said he and others typically dismiss such talk from above. Most of the time, we write it off, he said. It becomes a box to tick. Management has mandated that I have to take the time to listen. Suggestive of the difficulty Ortberg faces in repairing Boeings damaged culture, the mechanic added that he and his peers need action, not words. The only thing that matters to us is what we see on the factory floor. A flight test engineer, who also asked not to be identified to protect his job, said he too will wait to see results from Ortbergs direction. There is a management-culture problem, the engineer said. If we see people being let go, well know hes serious. During the all-hands session, one employee asked if Boeings approach to DEI will change following the edict from President Donald Trump to discard any such programs. We are a defense contractor, as you all in this room fully well know, so we need to be compliant, Ortberg responded. But at this point I dont see a lot of changes. We have always been a merit-based focus in what we do, and I dont think thats going to change, he added. We need to put the best people in the jobs to have the best outcome. Having said that, we have to create an environment where everybody has an equal opportunity to be successful in the company. And so were going to continue to do that. Ortberg said the most positive changes already underway are in Boeings safety culture, a shift compelled by regulators following the MAX crashes six years ago and the Alaska Airlines fuselage blowout early last year. There, Boeing has made great strides, he said, with safety management and consideration of safety risks now factored into every decision. ST. LOUIS The Last Hotel in downtown St. Louis closed suddenly Thursday amid an intensifying fight among the owners. Owner Michael Qualizza announced the closure in a release on Friday, saying all employees would be terminated immediately. This was a tragedy that could have been easily avoided, he said in the release. By Friday morning, a sign on the hotel door urged guests to locate another hotel ASAP and suggested they use Trip Advisor. The Last Hotel, in the historic International Shoe Co. building at 1501 Washington Avenue, next to City Museum, opened in 2019 after a $54 million redevelopment. The name refers to the last, a tool used for shoemaking. It, like hotels across the country, struggled financially during the pandemic. But downtown St. Louis hotels havent fully rebounded even years later. The downtown convention center, which many hotels rely on for business, failed to book enough events, and 2023 sales fell almost 45% below pre-pandemic figures. Hotel Indigo on Olive Street was placed in receivership in 2023 after its owner defaulted on its loan. The hotel was auctioned off last year, though a sale to a California investor recently fell through and the hotel was put back on the market. And the Hyatt Regency at the Arch was placed into special servicing last year as its owner also failed to make loan payments. The Last Hotel had other problems: Qualizza has been in a yearslong dispute with his business partner Neil Freeman over hotel operations that has played out in multiple lawsuits, including one filed in 2021 by their lender. In that case, U.S. Bank alleges Qualizza and Freeman defaulted on a $12 million construction loan. Qualizza has alleged in multiple filings that U.S. Bank conspired against the duo; meanwhile U.S. Bank has alleged that Qualizzas erratic behavior caused a breakdown between his partner and the bank. Qualizza, in the lawsuit, claimed the banks actions against him were driven by their disapproval of his political beliefs and bank executives decided to weaponize their banking power for their woke political principles. All parties have denied the allegations. The suit is ongoing. Freeman and his lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Qualizza said in the statement on Friday that the hotel had been in receivership but a judge in Chicago recently ordered the receivership company, Maverick Hotels and Restaurants, removed. Maverick had sought to be removed as receiver, according to a copy of the court order. The court also awarded Maverick attorney fees for its work, paid according to the hotel owners respective interests in the property: 66% by Qualizza and 33% by Freeman, the order says. In an interview, Qualizza said he was ready to take over operations of the hotel, but the manager there who had worked under the receivership company opted instead to shut it down, fire employees and tell guests about 82 of them to find lodging elsewhere. He said Freeman played a role in the closure. The actions of Neil Freeman and Robert Habeeb (of Maverick Hotels) have not only harmed me, but have also inflicted severe financial and emotional hardship on hardworking employees and disrupted the lives of our guests, Qualizza said in the statement. We deeply regret the impact this has had on our team and the community. Robert Habeeb, CEO of Maverick Hotels, said he denied all of Qualizzas accusations about their involvement and operations of the hotel but declined further comment. Qualizza said he would like to reopen the hotel but is unsure it is possible at this point. BALLWIN The ex-police chief here scored a major step forward in his legal fight for reinstatement, backpay and damages after a St. Louis County judge ruled the city didnt allow him a proper chance to defend himself during a termination hearing. The ruling, part of an ongoing lawsuit against the city by ex-chief Doug Schaeffler, addresses Schaefflers chief claim against the city: that officials denied him due process against allegations of misconduct during a closed-door hearing in 2023. During the hearing an outside investigator presented a report raising numerous allegations that Schaeffler illegally searched scores of peoples background records without cause, used his position to solicit favors for personal business, engaged in sexually explicit behavior in public, discriminated against employees, bought alcohol in uniform and drove while intoxicated. The investigator had interviewed officers who filed complaints, interviewed Schaeffler and reviewed documents, according to court records. During the hearing, the report was presented to the Ballwin Board of Aldermen with Schaeffler and his attorney present but then the board went into another room to deliberate with City Attorney Robert Jones and the city administrator. Schaeffler was fired in December 2023. Judge Richard Stewart on Wednesday wrote that the city violated the Missouri Administrative Procedures Act, which governs administrative decisions by public agencies, by not allowing Schaeffler to cross examine witnesses, failing to have an official preside over the hearing and rule on Schaefflers objections, failing to adhere to rules of evidence and failing to produce a written decision supported by facts and conclusions of law. Schaefflers lawsuit, filed in January 2024, criticized the outside investigators report as hearsay and alleged officials conspired to oust him in a sham hearing in retaliation for asking the Ellisville Police Department to investigate an aldermans complaint about Ballwin Mayor Tim Pogue and the former city administrator. Ellisville police closed the complaint after their investigation determined it was unfounded. Schaefflers lawsuit also alleged his firing violated state law protecting public employees right to report reasonable allegations of wrongdoing, violated his constitutional rights to due process, and amounted to a wrongful discharge in violation of public policy. Schaeffler had been an officer for 36 years and became chief in December 2019. Ballwin is the fifth-largest city in St. Louis County, with a population of about 31,100. It is about 20 miles west of St. Louis. Schaeffler made $130,443 in 2022, according to the Post-Dispatch public pay database. He faces a class-action lawsuit alleging he improperly used the Regional Justice Information System (REJIS), a criminal database intended for work-related use by police, violated Missouri constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure, as well as invasion of privacy and negligence. Stewarts order Wednesday was in response to a motion Ballwin filed seeking to quash Schaefflers claim the hearing violated state law, but is not a final disposition of the case. Ballwin spokeswoman Megan Freeman declined comment Thursday, citing the ongoing suit. Schaefflers attorney Mark Sowers also declined comment. JEFFERSON CITY A final vote in the Missouri Senate on a plan to place St. Louis police department in the hands of a state-controlled board could come as early as Monday. While similar legislation has cleared the House for three straight years, the plan hasnt come to a final vote in the Senate. If the Senate passes it Monday, the measure will go back to the House for possibly a quick vote to send it to Gov. Mike Kehoe before the Legislature goes on spring break at the end of next week. While past House votes have mostly fallen along party lines with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed less is known about where some Democratic senators stand on the legislation. On Thursday, state Sen. Steven Roberts, a St. Louis Democrat, hinted that some Senate Democrats could ultimately break with him and vote yes. He said he and Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, won significant concessions, including on the structure of the body that would oversee the police department. Multiple Democratic priorities such as restitution for more exonerees and limits on shackling of pregnant women are also now added to the wide-ranging GOP-backed package that includes the state takeover. Republicans hold a 24-10 advantage in the Senate and the bill is expected to pass easily when it comes up for a final vote. As a state senator representing the city of St. Louis, Roberts said Thursday, I cannot vote in favor of a bill that allows the state to take power and accountability away from local elected leaders. But Roberts said that because of improvements to the bill, I understand that other members of my caucus will need to evaluate it on its totality as it relates to their districts. Roberts, during a news conference, had blasted St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, days after her poor showing in the first round of voting in this years mayoral election. He said Jones, who is fiercely opposed to the takeover, hadnt done enough work to shore up support from fellow Democrats. Roberts and Jones have a long history of criticizing each other. She couldnt even be bothered to reach out to the senator who represents nearly the entire city of St. Louis nor engage with any of our Democratic allies, Roberts said. During the press conference, Roberts turned around to fellow Democrats and asked, Has the mayor spoke with anyone here on this issue? Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, could be seen shaking her head no. She didnt respond to a question Friday asking if she had decided how she is voting on the House legislation. In addition, Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, D-Kansas City, has already voted for state control as a House legislator last year. She didnt say Friday how shed vote this year. And, Sen. Stephen Webber, D-Columbia, also didnt say Friday how hed vote. In August, Virvus Jones, the former St. Louis comptroller, and father and top ally of Mayor Jones, blasted Webber on X after Webber criticized St. Louis. This is real rich. Stl is the only place in Missouri where the democrats have any power and you want to (expletive) on us, Jones said. Stl has not fared any better under white democrats as we have under white republicans. If you feel this way keep your ass in Columbia or wherever you are from. In addition to the state takeover, the legislation that could come up for a vote Monday seeks to crack down on stunt driving, requires police to report to the state the citizenship or immigration status of people arrested for felonies and certain other crimes, and more. It contains Democratic priorities such as a limit on what jails and prisons may charge inmates for phone calls and a state task force on missing and murdered African American women. Another addition legislation by Roberts would allow formerly convicted individuals exonerated by evidence other than DNA profiling analysis evidence to seek restitution from the state. The measure also includes repeal of the Missouri Incarceration Reimbursement Act, which allows the attorney general to seize inmate assets and apply them to incarceration costs. The legislation is House Bill 495. KANSAS CITY, Mo. When Rep. Mark Alford held a raucous town hall on the edge of the Kansas City metro last week, a woman who said she works for the Social Security Administration pressed the Missouri Republican over billionaire Elon Musks newfound power as he slashes his way through the federal workforce. I wake up every single day just wondering if I have a job tomorrow, the worker said afterward. Thousands of Social Security Administration workers in the agencys Kansas City region suddenly face uncertainty over their job security. The region encompasses hundreds of workers in Kansas City and hundreds more in dozens of field offices across Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. The Social Security Administration, or SSA, rolled out a sweeping plan last week to cut thousands of jobs nationwide and consolidate the agencys 10 regions into four. The current Kansas City region would be absorbed into a new Mid-West/West Region. The overhaul plan shocked SSA workers in the Kansas City area, prompting many to weigh their future at the agency. The Star spoke with five SSA workers who raised concerns that the swift reductions risk endangering the timely delivery of Social Security benefits or at the very least questioned whether cuts will harm customer service in a four-state region with millions of monthly benefit recipients. All but one spoke on the condition of anonymity because they fear professional repercussions. At stake is not just their own jobs but the work they perform, some of the employees said. They expressed pride in the agencys record of uninterrupted benefits, which include payments to seniors, individuals with disabilities and their families. The agency also helps individuals enroll in Medicare. Social Security employees themselves are very fearful of a real downturn in our ability to provide these services, said Garth Stocking, the secretary of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1336, which represents workers in SSAs Kansas City region. He is also an SSA employee. Employees described a bleak mood among the agencys workforce in Kansas City. Long-time workers, some with over 30 years of experience, are contemplating early retirement. More recent hires are asking whether they should begin updating resumes and searching for jobs. The Social Security Administrations future presence in Kansas City is also in doubt. Little information has been provided about where the new consolidated region will be headquartered, employees say. Kansas City currently houses a regional office with 163 employees and a program service center with nearly 1,000 employees. The General Services Administration has placed the Richard Bolling Federal Building downtown on a list of non-core federal properties designated for possible sale. SSA is one of the buildings primary tenants. An SSA building in Kansas City, Kansas, is also on the list. The mood is so frustrated, so angry, so disgusted, feeling entirely disrespected This reorganization makes no sense on its face, Stocking said. We recognize that there sure could be some efficiencies, some things that could be found. But it should be done in a thoughtful way. An agency-wide email on Feb. 27 informed employees that those who dont want to undergo the restructuring may resign or retire. Workers were also offered the option of signing up for Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments, or VSIP, by March 14. For eligible employees, the VSIP offers payments of up to $25,000 to depart. The people who can retire are frantically trying to get their retirement estimates and seeing if going out on that VSIP plan is a good option for them, one employee said. The people who have to stay because they cant retire, their anxiety level is off the charts. Theyre panicking. The Social Security Administrations press office for the Kansas City region didnt respond to questions. U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, said the current moment is the first time since he was first elected to Congress in 2004 that the federal administration has ignored him as it pursues major changes affecting his district. Cleaver said he hasnt been consulted as agencies with a presence in Kansas City move forward with firings and restructurings. Basic information, such as how many probationary employees have been fired, is hard to come by. The congressman voiced particular concern that cuts to the Social Security Administration could lead to mistakes in getting benefits to Missouri residents. Any job cuts must be done with great care, he said, adding that a typical administration would be meeting with him and others to talk about their plans. First of all, if these were ordinary times, as I said earlier, we would be sitting down at the table discussing the proposed changes, Cleaver said. Ive been meeting with federal employees out of our congressional district now going on three weeks. And the stories were hearing are gory and really, really unfair. These are real human beings and theyre being pushed around like theyre checkers and inanimate objects. And I think thats wrong. The Social Security Administration represents just one element of a sprawling federal workforce based in Kansas City that faces cuts. Some 30,000 people work for the federal government across the metro. About 100 workers at the Internal Revenue Services Kansas City campus were fired last month as part of a purge of probationary employees. The Associated Press and other news outlets are reporting the IRS is developing plans to cut nearly half its workforce nationally. More than 4,000 people work for the IRS in Kansas City. Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said widespread firings and layoffs devastate communities and would risk a local recession. Kansas City has a huge federal workforce and the idea that we are going to see massive cuts, I mean, again, Kansas City, as strong as our economy is, we dont have thousands of open jobs waiting for these folks and I think that thats the biggest concern, Aune said. Bloated workforce cited The Social Security Administrations workforce reduction and reorganization announcement came as Musks Department of Government Efficiency initiative continues to make its way through the federal bureaucracy, with many agencies firing recently hired employees and canceling contracts with little review. The Social Security Administrations acting commissioner, Leland Dudek, took over the role last month after the previous acting commissioner reportedly resigned following clashes over how much access DOGE should have to recipient information. Musk has been critical of Social Security, calling the New Deal program the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time during an appearance on podcaster Joe Rogans show last week. Whether SSAs restructuring is a direct result of DOGE, the plan matches the overall tone set by President Donald Trumps administration: make changes fast and aggressively. Were also identifying shocking levels of incompetence and probable fraud in the Social Security program for our seniors, and that our seniors and people that we love rely on, Trump said in his address to Congress on Tuesday night. Citing out-of-context statistics, Trump claimed that government databases showed tens of millions of Social Security recipients older than 100 and said money is being paid to many of them. The Associated Press has debunked similar claims from Trump and Musk, finding a misinterpretation of data in Social Securitys software systems. In a news release Friday, the Social Security Administration said it planned to reduce the size of its bloated workforce and organizational structure, with a significant focus on functions and employees not directly providing mission critical services. The agency said its aiming for a workforce of 50,000 nationwide, down from 57,000. Whether SSA has a target workforce goal for the Kansas City region is unclear. Employees who spoke to The Star werent aware of one and SSA didnt answer a question about staffing goals for the region. The agency said in its news release that it anticipated achieving much of the staffing reductions from retirements and resignations. Additional cuts will come from reduction-in-force actions the federal governments term for layoffs. SSAs RIF plan is due March 13, but no date has been set for when it might be carried out. The reductions and reorganization prioritize customer service by streamlining redundant layers of management, the agency said. SSA is committed to ensure this plan has a positive effect on the delivery of Social Security services, the unsigned release said. Employees who spoke to The Star voiced fears the opposite will happen. The same workload will fall on fewer employees, resulting in more errors, one employee said. That in turn will create even more work as the agency spends time correcting mistakes. One employee weighing whether to jump ship and apply for VSIP was also wrestling with how their departure would affect co-workers. KC future unclear In addition to workforce reductions, employees are also grasping for information about whether the consolidation of the Social Security Administrations regions could eventually require them to move elsewhere. The Richard Bolling Federal Building, located on East 12th Street southeast of City Hall, houses extensive Social Security Administration operations. A total of 16 agencies occupy the buildings 1 million square feet, according to the General Services Administration. On Tuesday the building appeared on GSAs list of non-core federal properties for disposal, a designation that the agency is open to selling the building. In response to questions about the building, the GSA said in a statement that the list of non-core assets is subject to change. The entire list of properties was removed from the GSA website on Wednesday. The American Federation of Government Employees warned that cuts will increase wait times and delay benefits. Seniors, people with disabilities and others who rely on Social Security will experience more frustration, AFGE national president Everett Kelley said in a statement. The American people deserve better than broken promises and a hostile takeover of Social Security by unaccountable billionaires, Kelley said. We need to protect Social Security from this scheme not just for todays seniors, but for future generations. The Stars Kacen Bayless contributed reporting. KYIV, Ukraine Russia targeted Ukraines energy infrastructure in a large-scale missile and drone bombardment during the night, officials said Friday, hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said talks with the U.S. on ending the 3-year war will take place next week. Ukraine came under a massive missile and drone attack, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko wrote on Facebook. At least 10 people, including a child, were injured, authorities said. Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by striking energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without light and heat, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens, Halushchenko wrote. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraines power grid during the war. The attacks have depleted electricity generation capacity and disrupted critical heating and water supplies. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of weaponizing winter in an effort to erode civilian morale. Russia fired 67 missiles from air, land and sea and launched 194 strike and decoy drones, Ukraines air force said. Their primary target was Ukraines natural gas extraction facilities, it said. For the first time, Ukraine deployed French Mirage-2000 warplanes delivered a month ago to help repel the attack, according to the air force. Ukraine also has Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets to shoot down Russian missiles. Ukrainian defenses downed 34 missiles and 100 drones, the air force said, while up to 10 missiles didnt reach their targets and 86 drones were lost from radars, presumably jammed by electronic warfare. Western-supplied air defense systems are crucial for Ukraines fight but further U.S. help is uncertain under U.S. President Donald Trump, who says he is determined to end the war and has paused American military aid for Kyiv as a way of pressuring Zelenskyy to negotiate. In his nightly address, Zelenskyy said Thursday he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet the countrys crown prince, and his team would stay on to hold talks with U.S. officials. Zelenskyy welcomed a European Union plan to bolster the continents defenses. He expressed hope that some of the new spending could be used to strengthen Ukraines own defense industry. WASHINGTON Ripple effects of the Trump administrations crackdown on U.S. biomedical research promise to reach every corner of America. Its not just about scientists losing their jobs or damaging the economy their work indirectly supports scientists around the country say its about patient health. Discoveries are going to be delayed, if they ever happen, said Dr. Kimryn Rathmell, former director of the National Cancer Institute. All the people out there who have, you know, sick parents, sick children, this is going to impact, said neuroscientist Richard Huganir of Johns Hopkins University. The administrations unprecedented moves are upending the research engine that made the U.S. the envy of the world in terms of scientific innovation, Georgetown University health policy expert Lawrence Gostin said. Among the biggest blows, if it survives a court challenge: Massive cuts in funding from the National Institutes of Health that would cost jobs in every state, according to an analysis by The Associated Press with assistance from the nonprofit United for Medical Research. Thats on top of mass firings of government workers, NIH delays in issuing grants and uncertainty about how many already funded studies are being canceled under Republican President Donald Trumps anti-diversity executive orders. This week, lawmakers pressured Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the nominee to be NIH director, about the turmoil. Bhattacharya said if confirmed, hed look into it to ensure scientists employed by and funded by the agency have resources to do the lifesaving work they do. Patients who live in rural counties are 10% more likely to die of their cancer than those living in metropolitan areas, said Neli Ulrich of the University of Utahs Huntsman Cancer Institute. A third of patients travel more than 150 miles for care at the Salt Lake City cancer center. But for patients even farther away in Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming its also the regional hub for NIH-funded studies of new treatments. So Ulrichs center helps train local doctors to do at least some of the blood tests and other steps of clinical trials that let patients from far away participate without traveling a program threatened if her university loses tens of millions in NIH cuts. Most of the NIHs budget more than $35 billion a year goes to universities, hospitals and other research groups. The grants are divided into direct costs covering researchers salaries and a projects supplies and indirect costs, to reimburse other expenses supporting the work such as electricity, maintenance and janitorial staff, and safety and ethics oversight. NIH directly negotiates with research groups, a process that grants managers say requires receipts and audits, to set rates for those indirect expenses that can reach 50% or more. The Trump administration now plans to cap those rates at 15%. The administration estimates it would save the government $4 billion a year but scientists say it means theyll have to stop some lifesaving work. They are real expenses, thats the critical point they are not fluff, Ulrich said. Using separate cancer center funds to cover those costs would threaten other activities that are really important to us in serving our communities across the mountain West. A federal judge blocked the move for now but, until the court fight is done, researchers arent sure what they can continue to afford. Indirect costs directly support local jobs NIH grants divided between researchers in every state in 2023 supported more than 412,000 jobs and $92 billion in new economic activity, according to a yearly report from United for Medical Research that often is cited as Congress sets the agencys budget. The AP tallied how much money would be lost in each state under a 15% cap on those grants indirect costs. Those lost dollars alone would cost at least 58,000 jobs, concluded an analysis assisted by Inforum, a nonpartisan economic consulting firm that conducts UMRs economic impact reports. Consider Hopkins, which runs about 600 NIH-funded clinical trials plus other laboratory research and is Baltimores largest private employer. If we cant do science and we cant support the science, we cant support the surrounding community either, Huganir said. Research cuts could leave new treatments on the brink Huganir studies how the brain stores memory as people learn. He discovered a gene that, when mutated, causes certain intellectual disabilities. After years studying the SynGap1 gene, we have what we think is a really great therapeutic almost ready to be tested in severely affected children, Huganir said. He applied for two new NIH grants key for moving toward those trials. The problem is for the kids, theres a window of time to treat them, he said. Were running out of time. NIH reviews of new grant applications were delayed despite court rulings to end a government spending freeze, and its unclear how quickly they can get back on track. Even scientists with existing funding are left wondering if their projects from transgender health to learning why white breast cancer patients in Oklahoma fare worse than Black patients in Massachusetts will be caught in Trumps anti-diversity crackdown. Some already have, even though studying different populations is fundamental to medicine. Developments in oncology over the last year showing promise for cancer patients and others Developments in oncology over the last year showing promise for cancer patients and others Artificial intelligence applications in cancer detection and treatment Genome sequencing opens up the potential for more targeted treatments The promise of pre-chemotherapy surgery Reducing the need for mastectomy procedures Less invasive treatments for head, neck cancers Precise biology-guided radiation for bone and lung cancer therapy Another legislative session, another misguided effort by Missouri legislators to take over St. Louis municipal police department. The latest version of this perennial, paternalistic plan advanced in the state Senate last week. We have argued many times before that a state takeover of city police isnt the solution to the citys very real crime problem. But one provision in the latest measure has some value to it: It would require that St. Louis nudge up its police funding to 25% of city general revenue. Both of the citys current mayoral candidates in next months election strongly favor continued local control of the police, which provides an opportunity to derail this latest legislative juggernaut before it goes any further: Mayor Tishaura Jones and Alderwoman Cara Spencer each should vow, right now, to institute the 25% police funding level as mayor, with an eye toward fully staffing the understaffed department. Such a unified vow might short-circuit this latest takeover attempt. As an added benefit, it also happens to be good public policy. St. Louis police were under state control starting in the Civil War era, for reasons that had nothing to do with crime and everything to do with Civil War-era politics. Missouri voters a dozen years ago finally ended that archaic arrangement by referendum and gave the city back control of its cops. State Republicans have since attempted repeatedly to re-take the citys police department in defiance of both the states voters and their partys own supposed fealty to the concept of local control on the argument that the city cant provide adequate police protection. Crime is the citys most pressing problem. As this page has argued strenuously for years, the thoroughly discredited defund the police movement has made that crisis worse in part by prompting Mayor Jones to nix almost 100 vacant police positions upon taking office in 2021. But it doesnt naturally follow that state police control is some kind of panacea. Indeed, Jones herself has since moved to increase police pay, a crucial reform for recruitment. And the city saw higher homicide numbers while it was still under state control than in more recent years. No evidence nor logical justification exists to believe that moving political accountability further away from the citizens of St. Louis will lead to better public safety outcomes, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas argued in an op-ed on this page last month. He should know. Kansas City is the only major city in America where police are still under state control. And its one of the few major cities where violent crime has gone up instead of down in recent years. Meanwhile, Kansas Citys taxpayers fund duplications in administrative services, such as human resources, legal representation, information technology, facilities maintenance and more through separate city and Police Board systems, Mayor Lucas writes. And the state-appointed police board spends millions each year money that should go to officer salaries to settle legal actions with no substantial review by people accountable to the citys voters. Thanks but no thanks, Jefferson City. As the Post-Dispatchs Jack Suntrup reports, the measure now moving through the Legislature would create a six-member state board to control city police services. One seat would go to the St. Louis mayor, with the rest appointed by the governor and approved by the state Senate. Why St. Louis police should be under a board approved by politicians who live nowhere near St. Louis including outstate Republicans who routinely voice their ideological belligerence toward this Democratic-run city is a question to which weve never heard one good answer. But the provision in the latest measure setting a minimum level of police funding as a percentage of the citys budget isnt the worst idea weve ever heard. It would require the city to ramp up the 22.7% of city general revenue currently spent on police (not counting retirement and pension obligations) to 25% by 2028. Mayor Jones move in January to raise police pay by 7% across the board is good policy as far as it goes. But unfortunately, that plan is paid for by eliminating another 124 vacant officer positions this in a department already far understaffed. As the Post-Dispatchs Austin Huguelet has reported, the department is budgeted for some 1,220 commissioned officers but had just 860 in place as of January. The city needs increased police pay and more cops on the streets. That means spending more money, not just moving around existing funding. The continued, unacceptable prevalence of crime is the crisis that drives virtually every other crisis in St. Louis: population collapse, business flight, lost convention bookings, our very national and global reputation. Spending (at least) a quarter of the city budget to confront that crisis is more than warranted. Jones and Spencer will have much to disagree about in the weeks leading up their April 8 general election showdown. But they are united in fervently opposing a state takeover of the citys police. They can both help halt that takeover by preemptively and specifically committing to that 25% police funding level, while releasing detailed plans on how they would use that money to bolster police protection. The argument for a state takeover already is weak; with that vow on the record, it would become even weaker. Missouri is unique in that it has two of the largest and longest running rural providers in the nation. SMTS and OATS Transit, along with 28 other transit providers including two large metro systems, are collectively able to provide transit accessibility in all 87 counties. Not every state can boast this and it is something to be proud of. Due to lack of funding, some of these counties are only getting one or two trips a month. This doesnt help someone who needs affordable public transit to get to work, the doctor or the grocery store. Gov. Mike Kehoe has outlined budget requests including a cut of $5 million to state transit operating assistance a 42% decrease from current levels. This money is used for operating expenses, capital investments and as local matching funds required to secure federal funds. As we come out of the supply-chain issues and vehicles are now available, this flexibility is even more important. Just five years ago, the average cost to replace a vehicle was $55,000 requiring $11,000 in local match. This cost has jumped to over $100,000 requiring an average of $20,000-$22,000 in match. We must support the preservation of Missouri transit by maintaining the states $11.7 million investment in public transit, which mirrors the budgets in 2024 and 2023. Dorothy Yeager Executive Director, OATS Transit Missouri Public Transit Association Board The United States is still sharing intelligence with Ukraine that could help its forces defend themselves, but has scaled back the exchange of any intelligence that Ukrainian forces could use to attack Russian forces, CNN reported on Friday, citing two US defense officials. They said the United States does not want to be seen as actively helping Ukraine strike Russia, so the military aid was suspended earlier this week, the officials said. But the United States also has no intention of withholding information that could help Ukraine defend itself, they added. Meanwhile, they said, Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, the main satellite system Ukrainians rely on for battlefield communications, is still active. Earlier on Friday, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Russia for continuing to attack Ukraine while the United States is working to broker peace talks between the countries, and threatened to impose new sanctions if they do not stop. Air Force Master Sgt. Zachary Robinson holds the Air Force Sergeants Associations Pitsenbarger Award during a ceremony at Fargo Air National Guard Base, N.D., on March 1, 2025. (Brody Katka/U.S. Air Force) An Air National Guard member who subdued a gunman following a 2023 police shooting in North Dakota recently received the Air Force Sergeants Associations Pitsenbarger Award for extraordinary courage and selflessness. Master Sgt. Zachary Robinson, who is a Fargo police officer in his civilian career, received the award March 1 at the Fargo Air National Guard base in front of 119th Wing airmen and a host of city leaders. Robinson was honored for his heroism on July 14, 2023, when a 37-year-old man shot and killed Fargo police officer Jake Wallin. Officers Tyler Hawes and Andrew Dotas and an innocent bystander were injured. I, along with the Airmen of the 119th Wing, truly appreciate all that our first responders provide our community and couldnt be prouder of Master Sgt. Robinson for his service in and out of the military uniform, wing commander Col. Christopher Domitrovich said in a statement. Robinson was responding to a traffic accident with the three other police officers when a man in a nearby parked car opened fire on them. He shot off several rounds right away and those three officers fell to the ground, Robinson recalled during a phone interview with Stars and Stripes. The suspect then got out of his vehicle and thats when I was first able to see him. I took cover behind one of the vehicles involved in the accident and shot four rounds at him. He ran around the back of his vehicle out of my sight. Robinson called for backup as the shooter emerged from behind his vehicle and shot at a civilian fleeing the scene, he said. While the shooter was exposed, Robinson fired at him until he fell to the ground. After several unheeded demands that the gunman drop his weapon, Robinson said he closed in and killed the shooter just as backup arrived. Guns, ammunition and homemade explosives were found in the car of a shooter in Fargo, N.D., who killed a police officer and wounded two other officers and a bystander on July 14, 2023. (Fargo Police Department) Fargo police announced at a press conference the following week that they found 1,800 rounds of ammunition, guns and homemade explosives in the shooters car. Through his quick actions and instinct to run toward danger, Zach prevented a much larger tragedy in our community, Domitrovich said. Though he rejects the label hero, Robinson said he is honored to receive the Pitsenbarger Award. Nineteen months later, with the two injured officers back on duty after completing physical rehabilitation, Robinson said he is learning to walk the fine line between accepting the tragedy and being grateful that it wasnt any worse. I think now I feel a bit of relief, he said. Were very fortunate that we were a five-minute drive from a hospital where those guys could immediately get trauma care, but thinking about the one guy who didnt make it home that day is something that will probably never go away. You just kind of learn to adapt and keep moving forward. Senior Airman Max Weinstein, left, and Senior Airman Chris Carroccio, right, with friends at Geto Kogen snow resort, Japan, on Feb. 1, 2025. The pair rescued a Japanese snowboarder trapped in a snow hole during their visit. (Max Weinstein) Two American airmen used a rope to rescue a snowboarder trapped in a hole at a Japanese snow resort last month, according to the 35th Fighter Wing. Senior Airman Max Weinstein and Senior Airman Chris Carroccio were snowboarding Feb. 1 at Geto Kogen resort when they encountered the trapped snowboarder, the wing reported in a Feb. 19 news release. Geto Kogen, in Iwate prefecture, is three hours south of Misawa Air Base, the fighter wings home base. Geto Kogen commonly gets dumped on with insane amounts of snow, according to the Powder Hounds website. Each season the resort gets almost 50 feet of snowfall with a typical base of 13-16 feet and sometimes as much as 23 feet, the website states. The young airmen, both experienced riders, were snowboarding between trees in a remote part of the mountain when Weinstein spotted a hole in the snow, he told Stars and Stripes by phone Friday. It was in a river area that you couldnt see from the mountain, he recalled. A helmet camera captured video of the moment Weinstein spotted the Japanese snowboarder trapped in the hole. The man was standing upright with water running under his feet, he said. The Japanese guy was exhausted, added Carroccio, who had joined Weinstein at the entrance to the 15-foot-deep hole. Fortunately, the aerospace propulsion technicians, assigned to the 14th Fighter Generation Squadron, had a rope with them. We attached it around a tree and pulled him out, Weinstein said. They also retrieved the mans snowboard. The pair checked out the victim, who didnt speak English, in a flat area, away from the hole. After discovering he was uninjured, the trio snowboarded through trees to the bottom of the hill where their new friend reunited with a companion. He hugged me and that was when I realized what it meant to be an American warrior on and off duty, Weinstein said. We are here to help. Japanese snow resorts have experienced heavy snow in the past month. Avalanche warnings are common, and skiers and snowboarders risk being buried in deep snow each winter. Eighty-four skiers and snowboarders died in Japan between 2011 and 2023, according to a February 2024 study published in Sage Journal. Collisions with trees claimed 23 lives, while plunging into deep snow took 18 and avalanches killed five, according to the study. The Misawa airmen advised other service members hitting the slopes to ride within their abilities and come prepared. Always bring equipment, Carroccio said. Take account of the people you are going with and dont go alone. The Killeen Fire Department fights a fire March 2, 2025, at a storage facility in Killeen, Texas, that held the household goods of service members at Fort Cavazos moving to new duty stations. (City of Killeen) AUSTIN, Texas Nearly 200 military families at Fort Cavazos could be affected by a massive fire in Killeen on Sunday that destroyed an apartment building and a storage facility holding the household goods of service members moving to new duty stations. This is a terrible situation for our people who have lost their goods or had them damaged, said Lt. Gen. Kevin Admiral, commander of III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos, which is in Killeen. While we are grateful nobody was injured, we recognize this is a tremendous loss and an incredibly stressful event for everyone affected. We are committed to supporting our soldiers, families and Army civilians through this, from start to finish. In total, 18 apartment units were destroyed, displacing 36 residents, along with two commercial buildings, according to the Killeen Fire Department. Two additional commercial buildings were damaged. Fort Cavazos confirmed soldiers did live in the apartment complex and were displaced, but the exact number was not available. Among the damaged buildings were warehouses used by Scobey Moving and Storage and Mayflower Movers, which support military families moving to new duty stations. There were 128 military families with household goods at the site who were notified Thursday of the loss, according to a representative of the company who spoke on condition of anonymity. Mayflower and Scobey will provide support and updates as more information comes available, said Eily Cummings, a spokeswoman for Mayflower. From the time we were notified of the fire, the safety of everyone involved has been our top priority, she said. We understand the concern the fire has caused our valued military customers and their families. Their belongings are invaluable, and we are working urgently with local authorities to assess the impact. The Killeen Fire Department fights a fire March 2, 2025, at an apartment complex in Killeen, Texas, that left 36 people displaced, including soldiers assigned to Fort Cavazos. (City of Killeen) Army Emergency Relief, a nonprofit that provides financial support to soldiers, said it is projecting up to 187 families could experience loss from the fire. Those affected are eligible for a $1,000 grant and money has been set aside to help those in need, said Sean Ryan, spokesman for the nonprofit. AERs financial assistance is designed to provide a safety net for those who need it most, and were committed to helping our soldiers and families recover from this incident, said Tony Grinston, CEO of Army Emergency Relief. Fort Cavazos said Thursday that it does not yet have a complete count of the number of families affected and it is working with U.S. Transportation Command, the Defense Department entity that manages military moves, to determine how many soldiers lost property in the fire. Officials from TRANSCOM will visit the damaged warehouse to conduct a loss assessment. The command will activate its Emergency Family Action Center on Fort Cavazos and staff the center with experts who will assist affected personnel, according to Fort Cavazos. The Killeen Fire Department said it received a call about a grass fire that had spread to storage boxes at about 1:02 p.m. Sunday near the intersection of Atkinson Avenue and Liberty Street on the citys north side. The boxes were stacked high, and wind gusts were above 30 miles per hour. Soon, a second call came in that embers had ignited the roof of the nearby Liberty Manor Apartments. Killeen Fire Chief James Kubinski said the fire was one of the largest that he had seen in the city. Commanders had to make quick decisions on what structures to prioritize. They made some great decisions and in that, we kept it to four damaged structures, as it could have been a whole lot worse, given the high winds, he said. An investigation to determine the cause is ongoing, according to the fire department. The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, located near the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., educates visitors about Army history. (Aliyah Vivier/U.S. Army National Guard) CARLISLE, Pa. (Tribune News Service) The 2025 Newsweek Readers Choice Awards contest for Best Free Museum ranked the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Middlesex Township among the top 10. The center was one of 20 nominees selected for public voting by Newsweek editors and a panel of travel experts, and it ended up as No. 10 on the list that also includes the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg in seventh place. The St. Louis Science Center in Missouri received the most votes followed closely by the Baltimore Museum of Art in Maryland. This level of national recognition is a game changer for us, said Julie Germany, president of the Army Heritage Center Foundation, which supports the Army Heritage Center through development, fundraising and promotional outreach. Im not shocked, she said. All it takes is one visit to understand why it is so special. I have spent a lot of time over the course of the last few months talking with tour operators, bus tour groups, reunion groups and school groups from around the country. They get excited when they hear about USAHEC for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that it is free and open to the public. There is plenty of parking. There is no hassle getting here. The second reason is the experience. The centers campus includes the mile-long Army Heritage Trail, with exhibits that trace the history of the American soldier from the French and Indian War to the global war on terrorism. The main building features the Soldier Experience Gallery. Inside is one of the few places where you can see the lives and stories of individual soldiers play out before your eyes, Germany said. You can see how Army history is really American history. Making the Newsweek top 10 proves that the center is succeeding in its mission of connecting the story of the American soldier with the American public, Germany said. The list can serve as leverage to draw more visitors from outside the region to Carlisle and Cumberland County to shop, dine and stay overnight, she said. I am delighted, said Kate Lemay, the centers director. We have an incredible opportunity. We are kind of like the best kept secret in the museum world. We really need to get knowledge of our collection, our talented staff and what we do here out to a wider public. The Army Heritage Center is affiliated with the nearby U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, which trains senior military and civilian leaders. We have two main audiences: one being the general public, the other being the U.S. military and the professional development of its officers, Lemay said. USAHEC is the singular resource for understanding strategic land power and current events through the study of the Armys past. Word of the Newsweek listing comes as the center is developing a new brand in collaboration with the public affairs office of the War College. We have a fresh new look that we are going to be launching quite soon, Lemay said. We are capturing our audience and engaging with them in the moment. This honor is really going to help us get that reputation outside of our already known audiences. Aaron Jumper is the communications manager for the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp., which operates the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau. For us, as a destination, we are trying to reach people for that three-day weekend, Jumper said. We want people from outside the area, within a three-to-four-hour drive to make the Cumberland Valley their weekend getaway. Visitors are looking for experiences that are not going to break their wallet, he said. USAHEC is a great low-cost option we always recommend to people. There is no entrance fee. Already, the Army Heritage Trail has a knack for drawing attention to the broader campus. Visible from Interstate 81, the trail includes a helicopter and vehicles. Its incredibly easy to get to, Jumper said. Its just off the turnpike and I-81, a half-hour from Amtrak and less than 45 minutes from HIA (Harrisburg International Airport). Having the center on the Newsweek list will drive tourism to Carlisle and the Cumberland Valley, Jumper said. It will affect local hotels, restaurants and shops, he said. The center is planning events tied to the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army in June. 2025 The Sentinel. Visit www.cumberlink.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A U.S. Coast Guard HC-130J Hercules aircraft parked on the flightline at Air Station Barbers Point, Oahu, Hawaii, Aug. 15, 2024. (Joseph Pagan/U.S. Air National Guard) Search aircraft and patrol boats from the U.S. and the Marshall Islands continued searching Friday for a sea ambulance and its crew of four reported missing in Micronesian waters five days earlier. The 37-foot fiberglass vessel departed the Marshall Islands capital of Majuro for Mili Atoll, 75 miles to the southeast, at midday Monday and did not return by evening as planned, according to a news release Tuesday from the Marshall Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services. The crew was en route to a mass tuberculosis screening campaign, according to the ministry. Were still looking, but we havent found them, Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir, spokeswoman for U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia, Sector Guam, told Stars and Stripes by phone Friday. The vessel is equipped with communication and navigation systems to send a distress call, although no distress signal had been received as of Friday, according to New Zealand public radio RNZ Pacific. RNZ cited the Marshall Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services. The situation is critical, ministry spokesperson Charles Lomae told the station. The search is coordinated by the U.S. Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Honolulu, according to a Coast Guard search update Thursday. A Navy P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance plane from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, are conducting an aerial search with two Marshall Islands Sea Patrol vessels at sea, according to the Coast Guard. Searching for this vessel across the remote expanses of the Pacific tests aircrews with extreme distances and challenging conditions, but our shared commitment to this sea-connected community drives us, Muir said in the update. The people of the Pacific islands, seasoned mariners with remarkable resilience, inspire us to persist in these efforts, even when sightings remain elusive. The Poseidon crew searched Wednesday for three hours with no sightings before returning to Guam for fuel and crew rest, according to the Coast Guard. The Hercules crew deployed three marker buoys and scoured the area for three hours the same day, yielding no findings, before heading to Kwajalein Atoll to rest and refuel. The marker buoys transmit GPS data on sea conditions and enable precise search planning. The Marshall Islands vessels conducted searches the same day but also reported no sightings. Anyone with relevant information or sightings that may help responders is asked to contact the JRCC watch toll-free at 1-800-331-6176. Akino Miyagi, left, a protester who opposes the U.S. military presence on Okinawa, exits Naha District Court on Okinawa, Japan, with her attorney, Nozomi Kanetaka, on March 6, 2025. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) NAHA CITY, Okinawa A woman opposed to U.S. military presence on Okinawa was convicted in a Japanese court recently on 16 counts related to her protests the past four years, including a threat against the U.S. Consulate. A three-judge panel in Naha District Court on Thursday convicted Akino Miyagi, 46, of Higashi village, of offenses against six sections of Japanese law, including the Road Traffic, Public Offices Election and Explosive Control acts. She was sentenced to three years in prison suspended for four years and more than $2,000 in fines. Her lack of prior convictions spared her a prison cell, but she must serve extra time if she fails to pay the fine, Presiding Judge Tetsuro Sato said at sentencing. Miyagi repeatedly engaged in criminal acts to assert her beliefs, Sato said. It warrants severe accountability for her complete disregard to follow the laws. A self-described writer and butterfly scientist, Miyagi, after her sentencing, said she is undeterred as a protester. She said she had pleaded guilty in court to all but one of 17 counts. This sentencing will not change how I conduct my protest activities; I will continue doing them in the same way, she told reporters outside the courthouse. The range of what is permitted to do under the freedom of expression is only up to the point where it does not trouble the U.S. military or the government, such as the sit-ins or demonstration marches with placards in Henoko. The Japanese government is building a military airfield at Marine Corps Camp Schwab in rural Henoko to replace Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan city. In one incident, Miyagi carried a steel pipe filled with empty bullet casings and gunpowder on May 15, 2023, outside the U.S. Consulate in Urasoe city, according to court records. For that, she was convicted of violating the Explosives Control Act. However, she was acquitted due to a lack of evidence on a related charge of threatening police with the pipe, Sato said. Miyagi was convicted on one count of intrusion for interrupting an event Sept. 6 sponsored by the consulate at the Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort, where she shouted, Grenade! during a ceremony. Again on Aug. 26, 2022, Miyagi shouted, Bullets! and threw empty shell casings at a rally in Naha led by Liberal Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate Atsushi Sakima, records state. For that, she was convicted of two counts of the Explosive Control Act and one count of the Public Offices Election Act. Miyagi carried an empty bullet casing in protest again June 23 during the Irei No Hi ceremony at Peace Memorial Park in Itoman city, earning another conviction under the explosives act. She told reporters she collected the empty casings on land once part of the Marine Corps Northern Training Area, now part of the Yanbaru World Heritage Site. The Marines returned nearly 10,000 acres to Japanese control in 2016. Yanbaru is a focus of her protest activity, Miyagi said outside court. This is where the Ministry of Defense stated that they had completed the removal of obstacles, she said. I will continue fighting until I can secure a promise for the removal across the entire area. Miyagi was also convicted of violating the Road Traffic Act three times in 2021 and six times in 2022. In one incident, she stood in front of vehicles and blocked traffic on Road 70 near the Northern Training Area, according to court records. Miyagi may appeal the verdict , her attorney, Nozomi Kanetaka, told reporters. Trump would like to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine only after cessation of hostilities US President Donald Trump called providing security guarantees for Ukraine an easy task, but said he wants to end the war first. Trump said at a press conference at the White House on Friday that he wants to settle the war before thinking about security guarantees. He noted that his priorities are different from those of Europe. As for the security issue, that's the easy part, and the hardest part is resolving (the issue of ending hostilities), Trump added. British Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office Nick Thomas-Symonds, British Defence Secretary John Healey, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Army National Military Cemeteries and Office of Army Cemeteries Executive Director Karen Durham-Aguilera walk through the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, July 11, 2024. Starmer, Healey, and Thomas-Symonds were at ANC to participate in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. ( Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery/Army) LONDON - Britain, long past its days of empire, has continued to congratulate itself as a superpower in one global area: foreign aid. In poor countries around the world, the United Kingdom deployed experts and money to fight disease, hunger and poverty, projecting a kind of soft-power update of its colonial legacy. Conservative and Labour governments alike championed the effort, making Britain, briefly, one the few nations to reach the aspirational United Nations benchmark of spending 0.7 percent of gross national income on international development. Now, like the United States, it is pulling back. Prime Minister Keir Starmer unexpectedly announced plans last week to cut the governments foreign aid budget by 40 percent, diverting more than $7.5 billion a year to defense spending. Starmer said the shift in priorities was necessary in response to Russias war in Ukraine, but also that the last few weeks have accelerated my thinking - referring to a period in which President Donald Trump threatened to upend traditional U.S.-European security norms and pivoted toward Russia in the Ukraine war. But critics, including many who support beefing up the military, fear that Britain, having already withdrawn from the Europe Union, will now be even less engaged with the outside world. Richard Dannatt, a former U.K. military chief of staff, is an outspoken advocate for increased defense spending. But writing in the Guardian, Dannatt warned that cutting aid to fund it is a fundamental strategic error that risks making us weaker, not stronger. Funding one out of the money allocated to the other risks undermining the very security we are trying to ensure. Starmers announcement of the cuts, which came two days before he met with Trump at the White House, took many in his own cabinet by surprise. Anneliese Dodds, his international development minister, resigned three days later, writing that the cuts would remove food and healthcare from desperate people - deeply harming the UKs reputation. Foreign Minister David Lammy had been quoted earlier in February warning that Trumps sweeping cuts to American aid could be a big strategic mistake, creating an opening for China and others to assert greater influence. In an op-ed published in tandem with Starmers announcement, however, Lammy wrote, We are a government of pragmatists not ideologues - and we have had to balance the compassion of our internationalism with the necessity of our national security. Oxfam, Save the Children UK and more than 130 other aid groups implored the government to soften the blow. But few in Britain expect the decision to be revised anytime soon. Starmers Labour government - which swept the Conservative Party out in July - was already struggling to revive a stagnant economy and improve public services while abiding by campaign promises not to raise income taxes on working people. Now, with Europe spooked by an expansionist Russia and Trumps fading commitment to NATO, Starmer is moving his country to more of a war footing and needs money to pay for it. He has offered British soldiers as part of a potential international peacekeeping force in Ukraine, and pledged to increase overall defense spending to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product within two years, nodding to Trumps demand for NATO members to pony up more for their own military budgets. The military buildup has general support across Britains political spectrum. Foreign aid spending, meanwhile, as in most donor countries, has only a meager public constituency ready to fight for it. I dont think this is anything voters are going to punish Labour for at the polls, said Emma Mawdsley, a global development expert at the University of Cambridge. It is an easy target. Critics fear the cuts are likely to spell the end of Britains foreign aid heyday. The U.K. has never been the biggest individual aid donor, typically ranking behind the United States, Germany and Japan. But Brits have taken pride in spending more per capita than most Western governments. The international aid program became known in professional circles, Mawdsley said, for creating innovative ways of delivering and monitoring projects in remote - sometimes dangerous, sometimes corrupt - places. It was backed by an act of Parliament, the International Development Act of 2002, that stated that the purpose of the spending was to contribute to a reduction in poverty, not to boost British influence or trade. That was quite powerful stuff, said Stefan Dercon, an economics professor at Oxford University and a former chief economist for what was then Britains main aid agency, the Department for International Development, or DFID. There was a period when the country chose to reflect its national character in its foreign aid; it became the way the U.K. projected itself into the world. Foreign aid began its growth spell in the 1990s, when a good economy and the end of the Cold War allowed Western countries to focus more on humanitarian causes such as health, education and poverty. The program swelled under Labour rule, but Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, known as a liberal Tory, embraced it when he took office in 2010. It was under Cameron, in 2013, that the countrys spending on development assistance reached the U.N. target of 0.7 percent of gross national income (GNI). DFID not only survived, but gained a bit of swagger, with some of the best and brightest civil servants from all parties competing for jobs at the agency. There was a bit of zeitgeist to it, said Mark Malloch Brown, a British diplomat who served as U.N. deputy secretary general and as a Labour government minister. It was Britain back in the world, it was cool Britain, being a leader in this soft-power, values-driven agenda. By the time of the covid epidemic, Britains aid program had slipped from its high-water mark. Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson pared the budget back from 0.7 percent of GNI to 0.5, the level where it roughly sat before Starmers cut last week. (Although because Britain includes domestic spending on asylum seekers as part of its aid budget, some calculations peg the percentage spent on international development aid as much lower.) Johnson also dissolved DFID and folded aid programs into the Foreign Ministry, a milder version of what Trump has done by largely dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development and shifting its functions to the State Department. Andrew Mitchell, who remains a Conservative member of Parliament, served as Camerons cabinet secretary of state for international development. He said the cuts under prime ministers from both parties had destroyed the respect in which Britain was held and massively diminished our authority and, indeed, our national security. One of the examples of true British international leadership was on development, where our ideas and our influence gave us world stature, he said. Karla Adam contributed to this report. Reinforcement Syrian security forces deploy in Latakia, Syria, Friday, March 7, 2025. (Omar Albam/AP) Fierce clashes over the past two days between security forces under Syrias new Islamist government and gunmen belonging to the countrys Alawite religious minority killed scores of people, marking the most widespread violence since the fall of President Bashar al-Assads regime. The fighting and reprisal killings were centered in Syrias coastal region of Latakia, a heartland for the Alawite sect, and spilled into neighboring Homs and Tartus provinces, demographically mixed areas that have seen sporadic sectarian killings in recent months. Assad is a member of the Alawite sect and drew heavily from its ranks to fill his army. Since his ouster in December, Alawite militias have armed themselves and carried out attacks against forces affiliated with Syrias new government. The violence Thursday and Friday was far more brutal than during previous bursts. An Alawite leader who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the perilous security situation said more than 100 people were killed in Latakia province alone. Syrias interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, said that forces loyal to the former regime had tried to test the new Syria, adding that government forces had fought with honor. After the outbreak of violence, which included an attack on a convoy of Syrian security forces, security officials said that government forces were carrying out sweeping operations in coastal areas. A slew of videos purporting to show killings in Alawite areas were shared online, fueling sectarian passions. Two unverified videos filmed in the tiny Alawite village of Al-Mukhtariyya showed at least 27 bodies laid out on the ground. At least five were fully or partially stripped to their underwear. Others were barefoot or in socks and lay face down in the dirt, which was mixed with scarlet blood. My husband, oh God! one woman wailed. Other unverified videos showed men being executed or made to crawl on the ground and bark like dogs. Syrian officials did not respond to requests for comment. But the new government distanced its forces from those that were apparently carrying out retaliatory attacks and indicated that it was struggling to contain such violence. Large unorganized popular crowds had headed to the coast and had committed violations that the state was trying to stop, an official with the Interior Ministry told the state news agency. In the months since Assads ouster, al-Sharaa formerly known by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani has attempted to prevent sectarian bloodletting in a country emerging from 14 years of brutal civil war. But while Damascus has remained relatively stable, killings have occurred outside the capital. Alawite community leaders framed the unrest Thursday and Friday as the product of sectarian oppression, including abductions of Alawites and mass firings of members of the sect from government jobs. Some in the community had taken up arms in response to the discrimination and violence they have faced since the new government took power, these leaders said. They kidnapped, they killed, they humiliated, they kicked people out of jobs, said one Alawite writer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for security reasons and said his home was shaking from tank fire. One way or another, this was going to happen. Residents said the violence began with killings of Alawite civilians in the Daartur area of Latakia. Later Thursday, a convoy of security forces affiliated with the new government was ambushed in the village of Beit Ana, the birthplace of Suhail al-Hassan, a former commander of Syrias special forces under Assads government. An Alawite leader said the attack was provoked by the security forces, which had used racist slurs. He said that local leaders met Thursday and tried to calm tensions by reaching out to political and security officials with the government, but that no one responded. The attack on the convoy fueled further violence, setting off a fury of revenge killings and other retaliation, residents said. Col. Hassan Abdul Ghani, a spokesman for the Syrian Defense Ministry, said military forces had achieved rapid field progress and re-imposed control following treacherous attacks. We warn again of the dire consequences of continuing treachery, and we confirm that anyone who refuses to hand over his weapon to the state will face a decisive response without leniency, he said in a statement. Those who bet on chaos have not yet realized that the era of tyranny has ended. One video circulating online Friday showed an apparently indiscriminate response by government forces. In the video, a man pushes two unexploded munitions out of a helicopter flying along the Syrian coastline in Latakia province. The munitions are consistent with a Russian RGB-25, a depth charge typically used to destroy submarines, according to Trevor Ball, a former explosive ordnance disposal technician for the U.S. Army. He said in a message that the munitions would probably explode on impact when they hit the ground or the water. It was not clear from the video where they landed. In the coastal town of Jableh, which has been a hot spot of earlier violence, government security forces were going house-to-house, residents said. Weve locked the door. Theres artillery and shooting, one 32-year-old resident of Jableh said in a phone interview, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he feared for his safety. Listen, do you hear it? he said as gunfire cracked in the background. While several villages remained outside state control Friday morning, the Alawite forces were outgunned, residents said. All these villages are making resistance, the Alawite writer said. But our people only have Kalashnikovs. The result of this fight is clear: Our people will lose. There are bodies in the streets, he said. There is no time to bury them. Thousands of families had gathered at a Russian air base at Hmeimim, in Latakia province, in an attempt to seek protection, residents said, sharing pictures of the crowds. Russia, a key backer of Assads regime, is negotiating the future of its military bases in Syria with the new government. Asked about the fighting in the coastal area and threat to Russian troops, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the necessary security of our servicemen in Syria is provided at the proper level but declined to comment further. Turkey, Syrias neighbor and a key backer of Sharaas government, expressed alarm Friday at the spiraling violence. At this critical juncture, the tension in and around Latakia, as well as the targeting of security forces could undermine the efforts to lead Syria into the future in unity and solidarity, Oncu Keceli, a spokesman with the Turkish Foreign Ministry, wrote in a post on X. Such provocations must not be allowed to become a threat to peace in Syria and the region, he wrote. Sarah Cahlan, Jonathan Baran and Natalia Abbakumova contributed to this report. Col. Mark Mueller, atop a guard tower at the Iran-Iraq border, surveys the Zurbatia point of entry, Nov. 6. Mueller is the commander of the Border Transition Team, a U.S. unit that advises and supports Iraqi Border Police in Wasit province. (Ben Brody/Army) DUBAI - The Trump administrations sweeping foreign aid cuts are threatening to choke off information from inside Iran in the midst of a widening government crackdown targeting journalists and activists, according to Iranian analysts and activists. Iranian organizations monitoring human rights have laid off workers, civil society groups have suspended programs and news outlets have scaled back operations. Iranian analysts and activists estimate the cuts have affected dozens of groups employing hundreds of people. This comes at a pivotal time for Iran, which has been weakened regionally by recent hostilities and is gripped by an economic crisis. Iranian authorities have carried out waves of arrests, which activists fear will escalate as pressure on the country increases. Violators of human rights, you know, theyre like mushrooms. They grow in the dark. So if there is no light shed on what theyre doing, then they feel that they have a more open hand, said Ali Vaez, the Iran project director for the International Crisis Group. The organizations supported by the United States are largely based outside Iran and fall under the umbrella of democracy promotion. They include news organizations, programs supporting civil society and monitors collecting information on human rights abuses. Most of the U.S. support for these groups comes from the State Departments Near East Regional Democracy fund, known by the acronym NERD, which set up in the aftermath of the 2009 protests by Iranians against their government. In 2024, the Biden administration requested $65 million for NERD, including at least $16.75 million for internet freedom, according to the Congressional Research Service. One Iranian woman who had been working for a group reporting on human rights abuses inside Irans prison systems said she learned of the aid cuts when she and other researchers were called to a videoconference meeting and told by her manager that their positions were suspended indefinitely. She soon learned that most others she knew who were working in Iranian human rights groups have also been laid off. The United States has always said they stood for human rights, she said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. We all started to worry, maybe all of our work doesnt mean anything. It felt like we had trusted something for a while and it disappeared. Several Iranian groups declined to comment on the funding cuts, fearful that speaking out would trigger retribution from the Trump administration and hurt their chances of restoring support. Most organizations that receive U.S. support operate entirely outside Iran. Most of their work was collecting the statistics and data from other organizations. They dont have their own sources inside Iran, said Arsalan Yarahmadi, a founder of the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, one of the most prominent Iranian human rights organizations, which operates with a network of sources inside the country. He said his group does not get U.S. funding. Yarahmadi said some of the groups that receive U.S. funding do important work but others do little. Some, all they have is an Instagram page, he said. For these groups, losing their funding will not have a significant impact inside Iran. The Trump administrations plans for the Iran programs remain unclear. Some analysts predict the changes in funding could shift the power within Irans diverse, fractious opposition. In recent years, for instance, democracy activists played more prominent roles within the opposition, but some analysts predict that Irans monarchists, who want to see the country ruled by a shah as in the past, may expand their influence. Iranian officials have seized on news of U.S. funding freezes. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the funds were evidence of Americas interventionist policy, particularly during the Biden administration, which tried to pressure Iran and meddle in its domestic affairs through financial aid. Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the London-based Chatham House think tank, said some funding has perhaps inadvertently fueled Iranian paranoia. She added, The problem with this kind of funding in countries like Iran is that its interpreted at the highest level as national security issue because the United States is effectively trying to transform the Islamic republic. Inside Iran, many of the groups supporting human rights and civil liberties have scaled back operations over recent months because of the government crackdown. Security forces have targeted those considered to be critics after Iran suffered a series of geopolitical blows, including the rout of its allies, Hamas and Hezbollah, by the Israeli military and the toppling of longtime ally Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by rebels. Activists and journalists have been summoned by Irans judiciary for questioning, and individuals who had been recently arrested and released were called back to courthouses to give further testimony, according to activists. They are working to create a wave of fear, said Kambiz Ghafouri, an Iranian journalist based in Finland who has worked for several human rights groups. He said the spike in executions, especially of women, is unprecedented. Iran executed at least 901 people in 2024, including about 40 people in a single week in December, according to the United Nations. Ghafouri said the situation inside Iran reminds him of the months leading up to the women, life, freedom protests in 2022, when Iranian security forces launched preventative arrests of activists and others. On Iranian city streets, morality police have become more active, according to activists inside the country. Arrests of women accused of dress-code violations have increased, the activists said. And women recently detained for dress-code violations said judges have begun issuing probationary sentences rather than prison time, telling women they will remain under scrutiny. They are making sure that you are always afraid. There is a fear you could be summoned at any time, said one woman who was given a probationary sentence. Other Iranian journalists and activists outside the country have reported increased threats in recent months. Sajjad Khodakarami, an Iranian journalist who served time as a political prisoner and is now working from neighboring Turkey, said he had begun receiving anonymous Telegram messages with his address and the message we know where you live. Pressure on Iran is expected to increase in the coming months. The Trump administration has pledged to halt the export of Iranian oil - a crucial source of money for the countrys struggling economy - and recent U.S. intelligence reports suggest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering military action against Irans nuclear program. Khodakarami said he has already witnessed a slowing of information coming out of Iran, which he attributes to several internet freedom groups losing funding. Some groups offering high-quality free virtual private networks (VPNs) with U.S. support have received waivers, according to one Iranian internet freedom group. The waivers were intended to restore funding until the Trump administration review process is complete, but they were only issued to some projects at a select number of organizations, the group said. Everyone is extremely concerned because we have seen how useful this [information] has been in the past, Khodakarami said. Without it, we have a vacuum and we know the security forces act with more confidence in a vacuum. As pressure continues to build on Iran from the outside and domestic crises deepen, he fears the situation in Iran is becoming more combustible. It all feels like a sleeping volcano, he said. Two soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and a former soldier in Oregon have been accused of sharing classified military information with China, according to federal officials. (Matthew Lucibello/U.S. Army) WASHINGTON Two Army soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington and a former soldier in Oregon have been accused in separate indictments of sharing classified military information with China, according to the Justice Department. First Lt. Li Tian, a health services administrator serving in Washington, is accused of conspiring with Ruoyu Duan, a former soldier based in Oregon, to gather information secretly about the Armys operations, including technical manuals, from November 2021 to December 2024. Tian was tasked with obtaining instructions and manuals for Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles used by the Army and selling them to Duan, who was paid by unknown people in China, according to the Justice Department. Duan served in the Army from 2013 to 2017 and routinely made payments to other security clearance holders and active-duty service members, according to the indictment, though only two soldiers were named in indictments released this week. A second indictment accuses Sgt. Jian Zhao, a battery supply sergeant assigned to the 17th Field Artillery Brigade in Washington, of obtaining and selling about 20 government hard drives, some marked SECRET and TOP SECRET, to buyers in China. Zhao received at least $15,000 in payments from August to December 2024. These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation, Brig. Gen. Rhett Cox, the commanding general of Army Counterintelligence Command, said in a statement on Thursday. Tian and Duan are charged in Oregon with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. Zhao is charged in Washington with bribery, theft of government property and conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to an individual not authorized to receive it. In messages with a contact in China, Zhao sought buyers for sensitive information on military exercises between the U.S. and another country, an Army exercise in the Indo-Pacific region, the operation of strategic rockets and missiles, and the HIMARS multiple-rocket launcher, according to court documents. Zhao set a starting price of $3,000 to $4,000 for anything that touches HIMARS, a weapon system that Ukraine has deployed in its war with Russia. He haggled over the price of a HIMARS-related document, calling it very sensitive and super difficult to get. Zhao ultimately settled on a price of $6,500 for two documents, according to court documents. Zhao also offered to send an encryption-capable military computer to his Chinese contact in exchange for $1,800. The Justice Department said the documents that Zhao sent contained sensitive information related to U.S. military readiness in the event of an armed conflict with China. The defendants are the latest soldiers from Lewis-McChord to be accused of working with China. Joseph Schmidt, a former Army intelligence sergeant at the base, was charged in 2023 of trying to sell military secrets to China. He was later deemed mentally unfit to stand trial. In another incident in California in 2023, two Navy officers were accused of providing details on wartime exercises, naval operations and technical ship data to Chinese intelligence agents. While bribery and corruption have thrived under Chinas Communist Party, this behavior cannot be tolerated with our service members who are entrusted with sensitive military information, including national defense information, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement Thursday. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll stands by a new sign for Fort Bragg on Friday, March 7, 2025, during an official ceremony at the North Carolina Army post marking the return of the name Fort Bragg. The base was renamed Fort Liberty in 2023. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes) FORT BRAGG, N.C. Army Pfc. Roland L. Braggs youngest daughter shrugged off the idea that there was anything cynical about choosing her father as the new namesake for the services largest installation once named for a Confederate general. My father was a very humble man, and he was a good man, and he did what was right, Braggs 69-year-old daughter, Diane Watts, said Friday at the North Carolina post where she and her family members gathered with Fort Braggs top brass to recognize its new and old name. I couldnt be more thrilled. They found a good one in my fathers name. Less than two years after the Army officially changed Fort Bragg then named for Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg who was a slave owner and failed military tactician who struggled to relate to his own troops to Fort Liberty in June 2023, the worlds most populous military base is again Fort Bragg. This time named for Roland Bragg, the little-known World War II private whose Battle of the Bulge heroics earned him a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. Family members of the late Pfc. Roland L. Bragg pose by a new sign on the North Carolina Army post now named for him during a ceremony Friday, March 7, 2025. The Army renamed the installation after the World War II Silver Star recipient last month, after it had spent almost two years as Fort Liberty, a name chosen by a committee tasked with stripping the Army of Confederate ties. Fort Bragg was originally named for Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the change last month, undoing a yearslong and multimillion-dollar effort to find a new name for the post and eight other Army installations associated with the Confederacy. Hegseth had blasted the name changing efforts as woke and damaging to the militarys intergenerational bonds before taking the Pentagons top job under President Donald Trump, who has also long opposed the installations name changes. Hegseth did not consult with Pfc. Braggs family before delivering the order to revert the post to Fort Bragg in his honor. Watts said she only learned of the name change honoring her father when a news reporter called her shortly after the announcement. She thought it was a prank call, she said. On Friday, just outside the 18th Airborne Corps headquarters on Fort Bragg, Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson, the units commander, joined Col. Chad Mixon, the posts garrison commander, in permanently retiring the short-lived Fort Liberty colors and replacing them with the once-retired Fort Bragg flag. Officials made no mention of the posts past ties to the Confederacy during the ceremony. Anderson said they were choosing to look forward with Pfc. Bragg as a perfect example of an ordinary hero forged on Fort Braggs vast training ranges. Over 80 years have passed since Roland Bragg arrived here, eight decades of soldiers from Fort Bragg deploying to every major conflict, defending America and her allies across the globe, the lieutenant general said. Today, we salute a man who answered the call from North Carolina and forged the best version of himself, and so today, we honor a hero worthy of the name Bragg, which is synonymous with excellence. The 172,000-acre Fort Bragg is the most populous military base in the world, boasting some 282,000 people, including 50,000 active-duty service members. Known throughout the Army as the center of the universe, the base hosts some of the Armys most-deployed units, including its immediate response force an 82nd Airborne Division unit tasked with always being prepared to deploy quickly. The installation is also home to key units such as the 18th Airborne Corps, Army Forces Command, Army Special Operations Command, 1st Special Forces Command, 3rd Special Forces Group, Army Reserve Command, the Armys most elite unit known as Delta Force and the multiservice Joint Special Operations Command. Officials have said the installation boasts the second-largest population of general officers in the world after the Pentagon. Pfc. Roland Bragg Braggs Army service was brief but action-packed, and family members said it left a profound impact on him even though he rarely talked about his military days. Bragg of Webster, Maine, was drafted into the Army as a 20-year-old in 1943, according to the service. He trained at Fort Bragg before deploying to Europe to fight with the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 17th Airborne Division in the 18th Airborne Corps. In January 1945, amid the fierce fighting on the frozen battlefields of Bastogne, Belgium, Bragg was wounded and taken prison alongside four other soldiers by German troops. The captured soldiers were transferred to a German aid station where Bragg found he had something in common with their German guard both were freemasons, Anderson said. They somehow convinced the German guard to let the prisoners go, but only if [Pfc.] Bragg first knocked the German guard out with a rifle, so it looked like he struggled, the general said. Wounded as he was, Pfc. Bragg was more than happy to oblige. Bragg took the Germans uniform, stole a nearby ambulance and loaded his fellow wounded Americans into the back and raced toward U.S. lines under heavy fire. He survived, but he believed for more than 50 years that none of the men in the back of the ambulance made it. Only decades later did he learn one of the men did survive, his family members said Friday. Army Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson escorts Diane Watts, the youngest daughter of Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, and her family members during a ceremony on Friday, March 7, 2025, to mark the return of the North Carolina Army posts original name. After being known as Fort Liberty for almost two years, the post is again Fort Bragg, named now for the World War II Pfc. Bragg instead of Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes) By November 1945, Bragg left the Army to return to Maine where he spent his life running an auto repair and salvage garage and raising his three daughters. He died in 1999. Watts said Friday that she knew little of her fathers military service until her mother grew very sick toward the end of her life. Thats when her father opened up to her about his World War II experiences, she said. It was the first time I really heard him talk about the war and all the atrocities that he had lived through and experienced, Watts said. In one instance, she said, Bragg had placed in his breast pocket a package with a set of steel pencils that her mother had sent him so he could write letters home. He almost did not pick up the package before going into battle that day, she said. And he went out and got shot that day, and if he hadnt had that pencil set in his pocket, he would have been killed instantly, because the bullet would have gone straight through his heart, Watts said her father told her. Rebecca Amirpour, Braggs granddaughter, said he was a constant and steady presence in her life growing up in Maine. She described her granddad as a jokester who didnt take things to seriously. But he was also a pillar of their small community. Like other family members, she knew little of his military service. I never saw my granddad wear his military uniform, she said Friday. He was not one to go to a Memorial Day parade or a Veterans Day parade even one Memorial Day when I was marching in the parade in our town, he was working. The uniform I knew him to wear was green and blue Dickies work clothes. He was strong, hardworking and proud. Done this before Anderson said soldiers at Fort Bragg could now relate proudly to the posts namesake. His story is similar to the stories were making, the general said. An ordinary person comes to Fort Bragg to serve his nation or her nation, and they do great things. Thats why today is such a special day for us. The installations naming reversal will come with a cost, but Bragg officials insisted Friday that they could do it much cheaper than in 2023 when Fort Bragg became Fort Liberty. Army Col. Chad Mixon, left, and Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson, right, unveil the Fort Bragg colors on Friday, March 7, 2025, during a ceremony to mark the return of the North Carolina Army posts original name. After being known as Fort Liberty for almost two years, the post is again Fort Bragg, named now for World War II Pfc. Roland L. Bragg instead of Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes) Mixon, the garrison commander, said he believed the total cost to change the name back to Fort Bragg including new signs and updated websites would be less than $1 million. Weve done this before, he said. You know, we did this a couple years ago, and weve got a lot of know how this time around. It was not immediately clear Friday how the Army would pay for the name flip-flop. Mixon said his office was keeping track of all the costs and would seek reimbursement from a higher authority as we get to the end of the process. He expected that process to be fully completed on the post by May 31. Off the installation, road signs and some Fayetteville, N.C., businesses still bared the name Fort Liberty on Friday. Anderson said he was not certain how people would remember the brief period in which Fort Bragg was known as Fort Liberty. I cant say what people will think 15 years from now, the general said. But I will say that 15, 20 years from now, this place will still be producing warriors for our nation. That I can pretty much tell you with 100% confidence. Rear Adm. Michael York, commander, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, tours an Air Beam tent with members of the DLA Expeditionary team during the DLA Distribution Expeditionary Academy held from June 20 to July 3, 2024 in New Cumberland, Pa. (Dorie E. Heyer/Defense Logistics Agency) WASHINGTON Civilians working for the Navy and the Defense Departments health and logistics agencies were the first to lose their jobs as the Pentagon began firing workers this week. The Navy, the Defense Health Agency and the Defense Logistics Agency confirmed civilian job terminations are underway at those organizations, though information on those firings was limited Friday. The firings are part of a Defense Department-wide effort to reduce the civilian workforce by up to 8%, beginning with 5,400 probationary workers. Those layoffs began Monday, according to a memo released by the Pentagon that was dated the same day. The Navy does not have the number of civilian personnel fired readily available for public release, said Cmdr. Tim Hawkins, the Navys assistant chief of information, media operations, production and plans. The process is in progress. We will look to provide additional information when able. The Defense Health Agency also was unable to say how many probationary workers had been fired, though an official with the agency said, To date, DHA dismissals are restricted to headquarters positions that are administrative in nature. The Defense Logistics Agency confirmed Thursday that fewer than 100 civilian personnel of its workforce of 25,000 were dismissed Monday from their jobs. The civilian workers fired were probationary, officials confirmed. The federal government considers workers to be probationary if they have been on the job for less than one to two years. Probationary workers lack the employment protections of more seasoned workers. DLA released probationary employees consistent with the Department of Defenses broader efforts to ensure resources are aligned with the departments strategic objectives, the agency said in a statement. The Defense Logistics Agency provides logistics support to the military and foreign nations. It is the Defense Departments largest combat support agency. The agency declined to identify the divisions where the dismissed employees worked or whether more terminations are expected. The Pentagon is seen in October 2021. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes) Workers fired Monday were the first step in the Defense Departments effort to appropriately align its personnel resources with its critical war-fighting functions, read the March 3 memo signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Their employment, he said, was not in the public interest. The department will continue taking steps to implement [President Donald Trumps] direction to restore accountability to the American public, reduce the size of the federal governments workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition, and faithfully and responsibly manage taxpayer dollars, the memo reads. The firings were planned to start last week. Multiple Pentagon officials were unable to provide a reason for the delay. The firings will come in waves until officials dismiss the 5,400 workers required by Hegseth, a defense official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said Thursday. The official was unable to say how many layoffs had already occurred or what departments were impacted. On the same day that the firings began, Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., a Navy veteran, sent a letter to Hegseth urging him to mitigate workforce reductions at the Defense Department. Kiggans expressed concern about how cutting civilian staff with prior military service could impact national security. At a time when we are seeing global instability and rising threats from adversaries like China and Russia, it is vital that we protect our skilled workforce and focus on maintaining a robust and capable Department of Defense, she wrote. Kiggans urged Hegseth to ensure veterans are not disproportionately affected by layoffs. Their unique skills and dedication are critical to maintaining the strength of our military, she wrote. Veterans make up about 30% of the federal workforce but comprise nearly half of the Defense Departments civilian workforce. There are more than 950,000 civilian employees across the Defense Department, according to its civilian careers website. Democratic lawmakers warned last week the Defense Department is preparing to fire more than 70,000 civilians across its workforce. That would be within the 5% to 8% proposed cut outlined two weeks ago by Hegseth. This will inevitably impact defense readiness, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. Theres a domino effect that will extend across the military. People get demoralized and disillusioned. Costs go well beyond dollars and cents. Other lawmakers are focused on minimizing impacts to areas of the Defense Department that they consider to be critical, including shipyards, logistics, equipment maintenance, aircraft repair and information security. In early February, more than a month before Hegseth announced sweeping layoffs, Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, wrote a letter to the acting Navy secretary asking for exemptions to the services public shipyard workforce in the event of layoffs. Workers from Port Operations, the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, Pearl Harbor, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility install the accommodation ladder from the decommissioned amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa onto the pier at Ford Island, Hawaii, on May 13, 2024. (Claudia LaMantia/U.S. Navy) Our shipyards cannot afford to reduce their workforces. In fact, [Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine] needs to hire 550 workers annually just to meet Navy demand for the foreseeable future, the senators wrote. The Navy has four public shipyards Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Washington, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Hawaii that serve as maintenance depots for nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers. The four shipyards have a combined civilian workforce of more than 30,000 people. But lawmakers have argued the backlog of ships in maintenance in the past decade is, in part, due to a need for more workers. The Navy wrote last week in a letter to the lawmakers that it was working with the Defense Department to identify critical functions and positions at naval shipyards for exemption. The letter was signed Feb. 28 by acting Navy Secretary Terence Emmert. The [Navy] is committed to carry out workforce shaping in a manner that preserves lethality and readiness, while advancing the administrations imperatives of reduction and cost savings, according to the letter. Stars and Stripes reporter Linda Hersey contributed to this report. Jessie A. Mahaffey, shown in an undated photo, survived the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and died March 1, 2025, in Louisiana at age 102. (Pacific Historic Parks) Jessie A. Mahaffey, one of the last remaining survivors of the sinking of the USS Oklahoma during the 1941 Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, died March 1 in Alexandria, La. He was 102. The Oklahoma capsized and sank within minutes of the Sunday morning attack, killing 429 crew members. With Mahaffeys death, only two survivors of the Oklahoma are known to be living, according to a tally maintained by Kathleen Farley, president of the California chapter of Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. By that same tally, only 14 veterans who survived the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack are still alive. Jessie Alton Mahaffey was born Nov. 23, 1922, in Florien, La., according to an obituary posted online by Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many, La. Mahaffey joined the Navy in the summer of 1941 after graduating high school in Louisiana. After attending boot camp in San Diego, he was assigned to the Oklahoma. On the morning of the attack, he was preparing for an inspection when Japanese torpedo bombers attacked the Oklahoma, he told KTBS-TV in Shreveport in a Dec. 7 interview. He and five other sailors were scrubbing the battleships wooden deck using abrasive holystones attached to broomsticks, he said. It was a quiet Sunday, and we had the day off except for the yearly admiral inspection, he told the TV station. Then we heard a siren, saw planes and smoke. It must have only gone on for 45 minutes, but it was crazy. Japanese planes immediately targeted the Oklahoma, and it was struck by three torpedoes within 10 minutes. As it began to capsize, two more torpedoes slammed into it, and crew members were strafed as they abandoned ship. It turned upside down and we had to slide over the bottom of the ship into the water, he recollected in the interview. He swam to and boarded the USS Maryland, which was moored beside the Oklahoma. Mahaffey was later assigned to the cruiser USS Northampton, and he once again cheated death when it was sunk Nov. 30, 1942, during the Battle of Tassafaronga in the Solomon Islands. The Northampton was part of a cruiser-destroyer force tasked with preventing Japanese reinforcements from reaching Guadalcanal. Two Japanese torpedoes ripped open the Northampton, and within three hours the crew was forced to abandon the sinking ship. The ship was sunk at midnight, and we had to stay on rafts the whole night, he said in the interview. Mahaffey left the Navy when the war ended in 1945, returning to Louisianna where he worked for the phone company for 30 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, and is survived by two sons. His funeral will be held March 8 at Warren Meadows Funeral Home. The Department of Veterans Affairs building in Washington. (Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON The Department of Veterans Affairs refuted a warning by Democratic lawmakers that the agency is eliminating research grants, halting clinical studies and firing scientists as part of a workforce reduction across the federal government. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., said Thursday during a news conference that the VA is moving to defund research grants as well as shift its popular mail-order prescription drug service to the Defense Department. The changes are part of a sweeping cost-saving move by President Donald Trumps administration to downsize the federal government, the senators said. But Peter Kasperowicz, the VA press secretary, disputed those statements, saying the VA has no such plans. Veterans prescription services and research grants remain essential aspects of VA operations, Kasperowicz said in a written statement without elaborating. But Carl Blake, chief executive officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America, said his organization was informed research that could benefit paralyzed veterans, including studies of ALS, will end. There is no cure for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, which is a fatal condition. PVA has grave concerns about the impact that directives coming out of the administration could have on research, particularly research benefiting veterans with catastrophic disabilities like spinal cord injury or spinal cord diseases like ALS and [multiple sclerosis], Blake said. We have been alerted that VA researchers working specifically on ALS research have lost funding and that research will stop. It is beyond comprehension that the federal government would not want to invest in research that could improve and even save the lives of veterans with these conditions. The VA intends to reduce its workforce by 83,000 employees by August, according to an internal VA memo leaked this week to news outlets. Unspecified jobs will be slashed under an agency restructuring to meet Trumps executive order for downsizing the federal government. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., who is a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, demanded Thursday that VA provide an itemized list of job categories impacted in the layoffs. The VA previously denied separate statements by Duckworth and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., that veterans crisis line workers who respond to callers at risk of suicide were among probationary employees dismissed in firings of 2,400 workers since February. Workers had contacted the senators offices. It is administrative malpractice. It is stupid and it is wrong, Whitehouse said. In response to the leaked memo, VA Secretary Doug Collins posted to social media Wednesday night that the Trump administration is making generational changes at the VA to make the agency more transparent and accountable to veterans. Were making the department work better for veterans, their families, caregivers and supporters, he said. In 2024, Congress funded nearly $1 billion in VA research by scientists across the nation. The VA operates more than 100 research sites, where more than 3,600 scientists worked on clinical studies and trials. About half of the researchers are on time-limited positions renewed based on available research funding, according to the National Association of Veterans Research and Education Foundations. The organization has called for all medical care and research positions at the VA to be exempted from firings and hiring freezes. Takano, the top Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, warned a reduction or elimination of VA research grants will put the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage to China, which has prioritized advancements in biotechnology. Takano also expressed concern about the future of the Million Veterans Project, a massive repository of DNA samples collected from military veterans. VA-sponsored research using veterans DNA has examined how military service-connected injuries and illnesses, including from exposures to toxins, impact the health of troops. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said last month that she received information from VA researchers that their clinical studies were canceled or suspended without notice by the VA. Im hearing from long-time VA researchers in my home state of Washington who are right now being told to immediately stop their research and pack their bags not because their work isnt desperately needed, but because Trump and Elon [Musk] have decided to fire these researchers on a whim, she said. Murray, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and vice chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was referring to Musk, a tech billionaire serving as Trumps adviser in the government downsizing. The VA exempted direct-care health workers from job terminations. But the VA also canceled 585 contracts this week with nonprofit organizations after re-evaluation of the agreements, the agency said. The VA did not elaborate on the specific purpose or function of the contracts but said veterans direct services are unaffected. But Murray said she received reports of research projects suspended in studies of mental health, addiction withdrawal, cancer treatment, burn pit exposure, prosthetics and diabetes. The Trump administration is right now firing researchers at VA who do lifesaving work for our veterans research to prevent veteran suicide, build life-changing prosthetics, address opioid addiction, she said. At the Senate confirmation hearing for Paul Lawrence as VA deputy secretary, Murray said last month that My offices phones were ringing off the hook as I assume a lot of peoples were with really panicked calls from researchers at the VA. They had been laid off with zero justification, zero warning. The research the VA conducts is tailored to the needs of veterans, said Blumenthal, the top Democrat of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Transferring it or ending it is disastrous, he said. The Supreme Court building in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON The Supreme Court has rejected an argument by two veterans that the Department of Veterans Affairs had a duty to grant their claims for post-traumatic stress disorder when the evidence showed the decision to be a close call. In a 7-2 ruling, the court said the VA does not need to apply the benefit-of-the-doubt rule, a standard of proof that favors the veteran when there is a balance of positive and negative evidence. The decision supported the findings of the VA claims specialists who denied the veterans disability claims. One veteran sought a claim for PTSD, a mental health condition diagnosed in individuals whove experienced trauma. The other petitioned for a higher disability rating for his military service-connected PTSD. The high court supported the federal governments argument that the appropriate standard of review depends on whether the challenge is factual or legal in nature. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, voting in the minority with Justice Neil Gorsuch, wrote in the dissent that the U. S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, also known as veterans court, will continue rubber-stamping denials of VA claims instead of delving into the evidence. The Supreme Court reviewed a pair of similar cases Bufkin v. Collins and Thornton v. Collins. Doug Collins, named as the defendant in the cases, is the VA secretary. Joshua Bufkin served in the Air Force from 2005 to 2006 and Norman Thornton is a Gulf War Army veteran who served from 1988 to 1991. Bufkin obtained a nonprejudicial hardship discharge from the military after he said his wife threatened suicide unless he left the service, according to court documents. He filed a claim for PTSD related to his military service and the marital strife that it caused at home. Bufkin was denied disability compensation for PTSD, after his doctors disagreed on the diagnosis, according to court records. Thornton had sought a higher disability rating for his established medical diagnosis of PTSD but was denied. He had been rated with a 50% disability but sought a higher rating, arguing his mental health condition affected his ability to hold a job. Petitioners are veterans who applied for service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disability benefits and were dissatisfied with the VAs resolution of their claims, the Supreme Court wrote in its syllabus of the case. Attorneys for the veterans argued the veterans court had a duty to re-evaluate the evidence in the veterans cases based on the benefit-of-the-doubt rule. But the Supreme Court said the veterans court can overturn a decision only when there is clear error. The veterans court has the authority to decide relevant questions of law and set aside VA findings that are arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law, according to the majority opinion of the Supreme Court. The court stated in its opinion that Congress provides veterans a wide range of benefits, including compensation for disabilities caused or aggravated by active-duty military service. The VA administers the laws that provide for those benefits Veterans can appeal denials of VA claims to the Board of Veterans Appeals, which reviews the contested claims. If the appeals board rules against the veteran, the disputed claim can be challenged before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, or veterans court. Attorneys for the veterans argued the benefit-of-the-doubt rule has been used to decide disability payments for veterans for more than a century. But the federal government countered the role of veterans court is to review disputed cases for errors. Bufkin and Thornton filed challenges in veterans court after their cases were rejected by the veterans appeals board. The veterans court has exclusive jurisdiction to review final decisions of the board, according to court documents. In both cases the veterans court agreed with the denials made by the VA claims specialists. When the veterans later challenged the rulings in U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the court sided with the government and said the decisions were properly reviewed and handled. We hold that the VAs determination that the evidence is in approximate balance is a predominantly factual determination reviewed only for clear error, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in the majority opinion. At the initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Defense, it was decided to create a Unified Center for identification of bodies of victims of Russian aggression on the basis of the pathological-anatomical corpus, Commissioner for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances Artur Dobroserdov said. "At the initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Defense, it was decided to create a Unified Center for the Identification of Bodies on the basis of the pathological-anatomical corpus. This will help speed up the execution of forensic medical examinations and redistribute the workload between bureaus," the ministry said on the Telegram channel on Friday. It is noted that the project is supported by such international organizations as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP). In addition, a unified numbering of bodies is being introduced in the forensic medical service of Ukraine, which will make duplication impossible. In the future, this system should be integrated with the Unified Register of Persons Missing under Special Circumstances. The commissioner spoke about the developments in the issue of digitalization of body registration in forensic medical examination through the creation of an electronic database, during which it is expected to use an adapted module for recording information about bodies (with the assistance of the ICMP). Dobroserdov noted the importance of mandatory selection of biological material from the military in accordance with the Law of Ukraine On state registration of human genomic information. Thug, 33, walks out of court again despite punching his partner in the face A convicted drug dealer who attacked his girlfriend as she slept on a sofa has avoided prison a week after receiving a suspended sentence for assaulting police officers. Warren Whiteside was handed a probation order and community service at Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast for assaulting his partner during an incident last year. The victim was sleeping on a sofa on May 5 following an argument with 33-year-old Whiteside. He came downstairs and pulled a blanket off her before dragging her off the sofa by the hair and punching her in the face. A defence solicitor told the court Whiteside had recently completed a probation order and was willing to agree to another such order. They added: He has been dealt with just last week in relation to an assault on police, for which he got a suspended sentence. Any order could run alongside that to ensure that he does not reoffend. Read more One-eyed gangster who survived hit says he gave up crime after meeting Daniel Kinahan District Judge Anne Marshall said she was going to hand the defendant a two-year probation order so he could attend a domestic abuse programme and drug and alcohol counselling. However, she warned him: You must notify probation of any relationships you enter into and comply with any treatment they recommend. Judge Marshall also ordered Whiteside, from the Ligoniel Road in north Belfast, to complete 60 hours of community service. He was spared jail in 2019 after being caught with a rucksack full of diazepam alongside his heavily pregnant partner Deborah Thompson. The pair admitted being concerned in the supply of class C drugs. Whiteside, who Belfast Crown Court heard was a chronic drug addict, was handed an 18-month sentence, suspended for two years. Thompson, who at that point was due to give birth to the couples second child, was placed on probation for two years by a judge. Their offending came to light in 2016 after their details were linked to an investigation in England regarding the supply of diazepam via Facebook. As well as being caught with a rucksack full of the tablets in their home in June 2016, parcels sent from England containing boxes of the drug were intercepted by Royal Mail. A Crown barrister said the investigation in Great Britain centred around two people in Exeter who were selling and supplying diazepam on bogus Facebook accounts. The court was told Whiteside had a criminal record for drugs offences, while Thompson had previously been fined for failing to pay her TV licence. A defence barrister for Whiteside said that his client had a long-standing drug addiction which had been exacerbated following a paramilitary beating in January 2016. He also told the court that at one point Whiteside had been taking more than 20 diazepam tablets every day. Judge increases fines from 700 a day to 1,400 a day after hearing Mr Burke was continuing to enter grounds and buildings at Wilsons Hospital School From left, Enoch Burke's sister Ammi, mother Martina and brother Isaac Burke leaving the Four Courts, Dublin this morning. Photo: Collins Courts Enoch Burke's brother Isaac and mother Martina outside the Four Courts, Dublin this morning. Photo: Collins Courts Schoolteacher Enoch Burke has flat out refused to disclose information about his assets and income to the High Court, a judge has revealed. Mr Burke will now face an application from the Attorney General for the appointment of a receiver so the State can deduct fines from his salary. He currently owes the State 79,100 in unpaid fines for contempt of court. Mr Justice David Nolan also made an order today increasing fines from 700 a day to 1,400 a day after hearing Mr Burke was continuing to enter both the grounds and buildings at Wilsons Hospital School, in defiance of an injunction. In light of his refusal to comply with a direction from the court to disclose his assets, the Department of Education has been directed by the judge to set out on affidavit all information in its knowledge about his means to discharge the fines. This is to include his gross and net salary, bank account details, pension and other benefits. I do that in circumstances where Mr Burke has flat out refused to give me this information, Mr Justice Nolan said. Although sacked by the school, Mr Burke remains on fully-paid administrative leave, said to be around 48,000 per annum, pending the outcome of an appeal against his dismissal. The orders were made following yet another fractious hearing at the Four Courts. From left, Enoch Burke's sister Ammi, mother Martina and brother Isaac Burke leaving the Four Courts, Dublin this morning. Photo: Collins Courts Mr Burke did not attend, but his mother Martina, brother Isaac and sister Ammi did. Both Martina and Isaac Burke were ejected from the court by gardai at the request of the judge due to repeated interruptions. Members of the Burke family accused the judge of telling lies. They also hectored journalists present in courts, urging them to tell the truth. In an affidavit, Mr Burke said he could not in all good conscience engage in an exercise of disclosing his assets and salary. Prior to being ejected, his brother Isaac said: No judge has the right to strip a citizen of his livelihood because he will not deny his constitutional rights. Mr Justice Nolan gave Brian Kennedy SC, for the Attorney General, leave to bring an application for the appointment of a receiver by way of equitable execution. Enoch Burke. Photo: Gerry Mooney This would be an agent appointed by the State to take Mr Burkes income at source to satisfy the fines. As part of a belt-and-braces approach, the court also granted leave for an application from the Attorney General for a garnishee order, allowing for deductions from Mr Burkes salary. The motions will return to the court on March. The legal moves are part of the latest efforts to coerce Mr Burke into complying with a court order to stay away from the Co Westmeath school, in a row that has been ongoing for close to three years. He was previously jailed on three occasions and spent a total of 512 days in prison for contempt of court orders restraining him from the school premises. The dispute can be traced back to an instruction by the then principal of the school in May 2022 that staff were to address a transgender child by a new name and they/them pronouns. Although the child was not one of his pupils, Mr Burke publicly clashed with school management on the issue, precipitating his suspension and later his dismissal. Despite both events, he has continued to turn up for work on most school days when not in prison. Enoch Burke's brother Isaac and mother Martina outside the Four Courts, Dublin this morning. Photo: Collins Courts The teacher of German and history comes from a well-known family of evangelical Christians and refused to comply with the principals direction on religious grounds. He has repeatedly said he was jailed and fined for his opposition to transgenderism, a claim rejected by several judges, who have said he was imprisoned for contempt of court orders requiring him to stay away from the school and not due to his religious beliefs. After considering an affidavit today from the schools acting principal John Galligan, Mr Justice Nolan said he was satisfied Mr Burke was in contempt of court. He has actually attended not only at the premises, outside the gate, and on the grounds, but also inside the school. He has disrupted the school by actually entering into it, the judge said. Rosemary Mallon BL, for the schools board of management, said that in a judgment last month, the judge had indicated it was his intention to increase a daily fine for contempt to 1,400. She said there was sworn evidence of ongoing and blatant contempt of court and asked the judge to follow through on that intention. Mr Justice Nolan agreed to increase the fine. In the previous ruling, the judge said it was clear Mr Burke had no intention of abiding by court orders and that the teacher believed he was above the law. He said the time had come for the court to consider alternative methods of enforcing its orders other than imprisonment. Mr Burke was most recently released from Mountjoy last December, shortly before Christmas, despite not purging his contempt. He is understood to have gone to the school each day it has been open since then. The judge said that it seems there is extremely strong and probative evidence to support the assault charge against the men. From top left: Kenneth Fitzsimons, Dean Fitzsimons. Bottom from left: Jason Hennessy Jnr, Brandon Hennessy, Devon Hennessy are all accused of assault causing serious harm FOUR men accused of attacking a man who was allegedly branded with an iron, beaten, stapled and waterboarded have been refused bail again. Brothers Jason Hennessy Jr, 27, Devon Hennessy, 28, of Sheephill Avenue, Kenneth Fitzsimons, 44, and his son, Dean Fitzsimons, 24, of Castlecurragh Gale, Dublin 15 all made High Court applications this week. Judge Caroline Biggs made the ruling after hearing garda evidence of their objections to bail being granted and of the case against the men. All four men face a charge of assault causing harm which appears to be at the upper end of the scale and likely to result in a sentence of double figures if there is a conviction. The judge said that it seems there is extremely strong and probative evidence to support the assault charge against the men. As the judge made her remarks the four men were visible on the video laughing and talking together prompting to her to ask counsel: Do you want to control your clients. Dean Fitzsimons left the video booth when told the hearing could continue in his absence while his father and the Hennessys opted to stay. After summing up her decision Judge Biggs remarked: Bail is undoubtedly refused. The men had previously been refused bail at District Court level while a fifth accused Brandon Hennessy 21, did not make an application. They also face charges including make threats to harm, threats to property, false imprisonment. Det Sgt Mark Murphy gave evidence of the alleged incident and the strength of evidence against the accused men. He told the court that there were no conditions that could be imposed that would satisfy his concerns should the men be released. He said he believed that they would pose a danger to the community in Corduff and the nature of the alleged attack was intended to send out a message. He told how the injured man told garda he was punched, beaten with an iron bar and the blunt side of axe, a staple gun used on him, a motorbike driven over his legs and a red-hot branding iron with the word rat pushed into his torso and head. He also said that at one point it was suggested that he would be raped with a stick although no-one is charged with an offence connected to that. The man, who suffered burns covering three to four per cent of his body, had staples embedded in his body, suffered a broken arm and is still receiving hospital treatment. He told gardai the ordeal began on 12 February when he went to the Hennessy family home who he knows all his life. After going into an outhouse on the property with the Hennessys and Kenneth Fitzsimons he said his phone was grabbed from him and he was punched by Jason and then Devon and then beaten by Fitzsimons with an iron bar. They demanded he tell the truth and Brandon Hennessy told him that he had been fed false information. The court heard it is alleged that Jason Hennessy then took possession of a branding device with the word rat on it and said hell talk after this. The branding iron was not hot enough so a towel was put over his head and water poured on him. It is also alleged that when Dean Fitzsimons arrived on a Surron electric motor bike and drove over Mr Moore, he told him Ive been waiting for you. He then attacked him with a steel bar before beating him with the back of an axe for 20 minutes. He is also alleged to have threatened to cut off his ears with a Stanley knife. As the injured man begged t be let go he was brand on his torso five or six times and then on either side of head. The man told gardai he had never felt pain like it. When the man was let go after his phone messages had been deleted he made his way to a relatives house where the emergency services were called and he was taken to hospital. Jamie Moss (22) and Sarah Jane Byrne (36) were charged after detectives stopped a car on the Old Navan Road in Dublin 15 and recovered a pistol and ammunition. A man and woman charged after a seizure of firearms in Dublin over a year ago are facing trial on the charges. Jamie Moss (22) and Sarah Jane Byrne (36) were charged after detectives stopped a car on the Old Navan Road in Dublin 15 and recovered a pistol and ammunition. During further searches, gardai found a sub-machine gun, a sawn-off shotgun, and more ammunition. The accused, whose addresses cannot be published due to security concerns, are accused of possession of a 9mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol and a Sellier and Bellot round of ammunition for unlawful purposes at Old Navan Road on February 16, 2024. Swords District Court Ms Byrne is further charged with having a Tokarev calibre PPS-43 sub-machine gun, a sawn-off Beretta shotgun, and 27 rounds of 9mm Luger CBC machine gun ammunition under her control at her home in Dublin. Sergeant Maria Callaghan told Blanchardstown District Court the DPP had directed trial on indictment on the charges. Judge David McHugh adjourned the cases to a date in April for the book of evidence. Mr Moss and Ms Byrne have not yet indicated pleas to the charges. Both Craig Rowland and Laura Graham are due to be sentenced next week This is the Co Armagh mum guilty of child cruelty after her former partner inflicted "catastrophic" brain injuries on their infant son during a 'baby-shaking' episode. Both Laura Graham and her former partner Craig Rowland appeared in court today as they were told they will be sentenced next week. Graham previously admitted to wilfully neglecting her son but has not been pictured at court until today. Last October, a jury at Belfast Crown Court found Co Armagh man Craig Rowland guilty of murdering Lewis Oliver Rowland. The child sustained life-changing brain injuries in November 2015, when he was just 13 weeks old. He died in October 2018, aged three, from complications arising from surgery. Following the guilty verdict, the 29-year-old child killer was handed a life sentence by Mr Justice O'Hara. From Millington Park in Portadown, Rowland was back in Belfast Crown Court today where he was told a tariff will be imposed next Thursday, March 13. Appearing alongside him in the dock was his former partner Graham, who is 32 and from Edward Street in Lurgan. The pair both admitted a charge of wilfully neglecting their son on November 20, 2015, by failing to obtain timely medical treatment. Rowland was also charged with and denied murdering his son and he stood trial in Belfast last October. During the often harrowing four-week trial, the jury of eight men and four women heard that on November 20, 2015, the couple brought their baby son to Craigavon Area Hospital. Craig Rowland gave the middle finger to the press throughout the trial (Credit: Alan Lewis) When the pair arrived at the hospital at around 1.30pm, they told medics that the evening before Lewis had been unsettled and unwell. They also said they had put Lewis in his buggy and walked three miles from their home in Portadown to the hospital, which took around an hour, and didn't call an ambulance as they had no phone. The gravely ill baby underwent a CT scan that revealed he had serious brain injuries which resulted in a permanent and severe disability. Further examinations of Lewis on that date revealed he also had a spinal injury, a healing rib fracture and multiple bruises on his neck, head and chest. Due to the severity of his injuries, Lewis was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast that afternoon suffering from a bleed to his brain. After eventually being released from the Royal Hospital, Lewis was taken into foster care. He couldn't walk or talk and had to be fed through a nasal tube, but he could smile at his foster parents. In July 2018, consideration was given regarding a longer-term feeding tube and in October 2018 the little boy underwent surgery in a paediatric intensive care unit to insert a feeding tube directly into his stomach. The surgery was conducted on October 4, 2018, and he had further surgery on October 17 and 19 to re-adjust the feeding tube. In the early hours of October 20, Lewis developed breathing difficulties and a chest X-ray indicated he had pneumonia. He passed away later that day, at 1.30pm, aged three. It was the Crown's case that the "non-accidental" and "catastrophic" brain injuries suffered by Lewis in November 2015 which a number of medical professionals determined were a result of the baby being shaken played a significant role in his death. One doctor described the brain injury which he believed was caused by shaking as "one of the "most severe" he has seen in his 10 years of practice and determined it was sustained within a 24-hour period prior to Lewis being admitted to hospital on November 20, 2015. When he was called to give evidence at the trial, Rowland admitted telling lies "here and there" to police in the aftermath of his son's death but denied harming his baby son. Convicted baby killer Craig Rowland at Belfast Crown Court (Credit: Alan Lewis) From the witness box, Rowland accepted Lewis had sustained injuries but denied he was the one responsible. The jury rejected his version of events and convicted him, by a majority of 11 to one, of murdering his son. During today's hearing, Rowland's barrister Seamus McNeill KC told Mr Justice O'Hara that Lewis's injuries "could have been inflicted in a very short time frame consisting of a period of seconds of vigorous shaking." He added: "In all probability, this incident occurred at a time when Mr Rowland lost his temper when he was finding himself having to deal with an unsettled child. "We say the infliction of the injuries were, in all probability, as a result of a spontaneous act that lacked any pre-meditation." Mr McNeill also asked Mr Justice O'Hara to take into account the fact that Rowland "was 20 at the time" and that he has learning difficulties and "very limited academic ability." The senior judge was also addressed by Graham's barrister Martin O'Rourke KC. Pointing out that his client has no criminal record, Mr O'Rourke revealed that in the intervening years, Graham had another baby which was subsequently "taken from her." Mr O'Rourke said Graham's plea to child cruelty indicated her acceptance that she should have sought timely medical assistance for her baby son. The defence barrister also revealed she has a low IQ and a mild learning disability, spoke of her "immaturity" in November 2015 and said that her failure to protect Lewis and seek medical care for him was due to "fear" in her relationship. After listening to submissions from barristers for the Crown and defence, Mr Justice O'Hara said he would pass sentence next Thursday 13. Whilst Rowland was remanded back into custody, Graham was released on continuing bail. Mark McAnaw has numerous previous convictions, which include a conviction of raping a foreign student in Donegal in October 2010. A convicted rapist who threatened to kill three female Sunday World journalists will be sentenced later this year. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Mark McAnaw (52), previously of Letterkenny, Co Donegal, pleaded guilty to the harassment of Nicola Tallant, Amanda Brunker and Deirdre Reynolds on various dates in August 2023. He has numerous previous convictions, which include a conviction of raping a foreign student in Donegal in October 2010. He was convicted by a jury in 2012 of orally raping and sexually assaulting the student. He was sentenced to nine years in prison for this offending. McAnaw also has a 1989 conviction for kidnapping and convictions for assaults causing actual bodily harm from a Londonderry court in 2011. He also attacked a woman in her home days after they had gone on a date together in April 2018. In this incident, he was armed with a large kitchen knife when he forced his way into a womans home. McAnaw received an eight-year, four-month sentence for this in June 2023, backdated to 2018 when he went into custody. The final 16 months of this sentence was suspended for 16 years, and McAnaw was placed under the supervision of Probation Services. Detective Sargent John Brady told Kieran Kelly, BL, prosecuting, that he was called to investigate the harassment of three women. Deirdre Reynolds outlined in her garda statement that she was working as the acting Magazine editor with the Sunday World when she began to receive emails from McAnaw. The court heard that the emails varied from wanting to take Ms Reynolds for a drink to wanting to take me home and take my kit off and wanting to give me a good seeing to. The emails became more violent in nature, and he then told her that he was coming to Dublin and wanted A fucking basic thing like a normal phone call confirming that I can stay at your house. The final email to Ms Reynolds said: If you try and lastminute.com me, it will be a life-threatening mistake. I will turn up and put bullets in your nut. What happens to you will be your doing. McAnaw also referred to being an IRA Top Boy. Det Sgt Brady told the court that McAnaw contacted Nicola Tallant, the Sunday World's Investigations Editor in August 2023. In his first email, he said: Nicola, I would really love to come and meet you in the office around 4.30 to take you out for drinks and something to eat and then back to your house for some fun. The court heard that McAnaw turned up at Independent House, the building where the Sunday World is based. He was not allowed into the building and then emailed Ms Tallant to inform her that he was across the road in a coffee shop. The third complainant in the case is Amanda Brunker, who worked in TV, radio and for the Sunday World. The court heard McAnaw initially made contact with Ms Brunker in 2017. In August 2023, he left a public message for her on social media page. Ms Brunker said her heart sank and she felt ill when she saw his name appear. In the message, he told her that he was just out of prison and made a sexual reference. Other messages referred to his criminal connections. He also said that he would get Nicola Tallant to show him where Ms Brunker lived and have sex with them both. McAnaw was arrested, detained and interviewed. He offered apologies to Ms Reynolds and Ms Tallant but indicated that he would have sex with Ms Brunker with or without her consent. Ms Reynolds read her victim impact statement to the court. She said: Before 2023, I had no interaction with him. I felt physically sick when I discovered he was a convicted rapist and had carried out violence against women. She said: In late 2023, I suffered what may have been a panic attack and had to go get an ECG. Ms Brunker also read her victim impact in which she said: I live in constant fear that he will find where I live, rape and kill me. Shortly after his release in 2017 for the savage attack on a woman in Buncrana, he started sending me messages. He said he would kill me and take pleasure in doing so. She told the court: I have no photo of him, so I can't warn my family and neighbours. Ms Brunker said: I have seen him in court twice. He is a giant of a man. To this day, my son keeps a hurl beside the front door. Ms Tallants victim impact statement was read to the court on her behalf, which said: When he arrived at my office reception, I felt quite sick. He is a convicted rapist, and this made his arrival at my office even more uncomfortable. She said she had been comforted by the actions of the gardai and the court services. Det Sgt Brady agreed with Rebecca Smith, BL, defending, that her client is originally from the UK and came to Ireland 15 years ago. The court heard McAnaw is currently detained in the Central Mental Hospital. The garda agreed with counsel that at the time of this offending, McAnaw was not taking his medication. He also agreed that when gardai approached McAnaw in the coffee shop across from Independent House, he identified himself and was not aggressive. The court heard that McAnaw was interviewed on three occasions. He offered apologies to the women but also said that he would make it up to them in the future. Judge Pauline Codd adjourned the case until June 5 to prepare a probation report and obtain an up-to-date psychiatric report. While he faces life in prison for the shocking murder, it can now be revealed that Vial has a string of convictions, including for robbery and drug driving. The body of Robert Wilkin was found near Siabh Liag A convicted killer was put off the roads for driving under the influence of drugs while he awaited trial for murder. Alan Vial has been found guilty of murdering Robert Wilkin, whose body was found floating in the sea near Sliabh Liag in Co Donegal. The 66-year-old had been missing for eight days after his body was thrown over the cliffs at one of Irelands most popular tourist attractions. Vial (39), from Drumanoo Head, Killybegs and his former lover Nikita Burns (23), of Carrick, Co Donegal had pleaded not guilty to Mr Wilkin's murder in Donegal on June 25, 2023. NIkita Burns However, the jury of seven women and five men at the Central Criminal Court returned their majority, ten to two, verdicts finding each accused guilty of murder. The jury heard that Mr Wilkin suffered at least two fractures to the head before he was put over Sliabh Liag, among the tallest cliffs in Europe. While he faces life in prison for the shocking murder, it can now be revealed that Vial has a string of convictions in both Ireland and Australia, including for robbery and drug driving. The body of Robert Wilkin was found near Siabh Liag Vial also had convictions for possession of drugs and possession of a weapon. He could be belligerent and a nuisance when drunk and was barred from a number of pubs in Donegal. Last year Vial was banned from driving for six years after being caught speeding while under the influence of drugs. The Donegal was charged with drug-driving and two counts of dangerous driving in February, 2023 four months before he murdered Robert Wilkin. The drug driving case came before court last May while Vial was awaiting his murder trial. The court was told that on the day in question gardai received a report about a black Skoda driving dangerously on the Donegal Town-Ballybofey road, during which Vial was observed driving at high speed and overtaking dangerously. Gardai described Vial as having a flushed face, glassy eyes and slurred speech. He tested positive for the presence of cocaine and cannabis and was arrested. His solicitor told the court that Vial had suffered a breakdown in the months before the incident and had entered third-level education in prison. Vial was banned from the roads for six years for drug driving and was given two-year disqualifications on each of the two dangerous driving charges with the bans to run concurrently. Only months previously Vial had been put off the road for two years after he drove a stolen 20 ton rigid lorry 100km across Donegal. Just a few months before killing Robert Wilkin, in February 2023, Vial stole his fathers lorry, crossed the border into Northern Ireland to evade a garda pursuit and sped towards Strabane where police stopped him at a checkpoint. He was charged with 15 counts of dangerous driving and was also given a sentence of eight months in prison for stealing the lorry, which he drove through the gates of a fish factory in Dunkineely, also in February 2023. Mr Trump signed the document along with a series of executive orders in the Oval Office yesterday evening while speaking to reporters. US president Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House. Photo: Getty US president Donald Trump has signed a proclamation marking March as Irish-American heritage month and said of Irish and Irish-American people: Theyre great people, you have got to like them. Mr Trump signed the document along with a series of executive orders in the Oval Office yesterday evening while speaking to reporters. Theyre great people theyre great people. And they voted for me in heavy numbers, so I like them even more. You have to like that I know you are not supposed to but you have to like that. Read more One-eyed gangster who survived hit says he gave up crime after meeting Daniel Kinahan So, for the Irish-American people, this proclamation, Mr Trump said, holding up the signed document. The document, which was also signed by former US president Joe Biden last year and Mr Trump during his last term in office, calls on Americans to celebrate the achievements of Irish Americans and their contributions to our nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programmes. The move comes just days before Mr Trumps meeting with Taoiseach Micheal Martin in Washington DC for the traditional meeting of heads of state around St Patricks Day. US president Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House. Photo: Getty Zelensky: Thankful and grateful we are not alone The positive vibes from the US president will be warmly welcomed by Irish politicians and diplomats descending on various parts of the US next week. Trade, tariffs and the current conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza will be high on their agendas. Meanwhile, Mr Trump has postponed 25pc tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some imports from Canada for a month amid widespread fears of the economic fallout from a broader trade war. The White House insists its tariffs are about stopping the smuggling of fentanyl, but the taxes proposed by Mr Trump have caused a gaping wound in the decades-old North American trade partnership, and Canada has felt compelled to quickly take aggressive countermeasures. Mr Trumps tariff plans have also caused the stock market to sink and alarmed US consumers. Mr Trump has insisted that the tariffs could be resolved by fixing the trade deficit and he emphasised that he still plans to impose reciprocal tariffs starting on April 2. Most of the tariffs go on April 2, Mr Trump said before signing the orders. Right now, we have some temporary ones and small ones, relatively small, although its a lot of money having to do with Mexico and Canada. Mr Trump said he was not looking to extend the exemption on the 25pc tariff for cars for another month. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Headquarters dedicated to a detailed analysis of today's Russian massive strike and the use of Ukrainian air defense. "Usually after massive attacks, we conduct such analysis of combat operations - we identify weaknesses, as well as experience that deserves to be shared. Today there were all the necessary reports on this. Special attention is paid to the effectiveness of the use of our air defense," Zelenskyy said in an evening address. He recalled that in total, the Russians used more than 260 air attack vehicles during today's attack. "Today, this Russian attack on our energy system, on our civilian facilities, took place as usual for Russia, as meanly and cynically as always, as if there were no efforts at all by Ukraine and the world to end this war," Zelenskyy added. He stressed that Ukraine is ready for peace as soon as possible, and has already proposed specific steps. "And every day, new Russian attacks and reality itself prove that it is Russia that must be forced to make peace - to stop the war, to real diplomacy, to guarantee security and to a reliable, lasting peace," the president emphasized. "Its quite overwhelming to see my mum two years after she passed. Its a beautiful picture, which I will treasure. Eamonn Holmes with a portrait of his mother Josie, by London based artist Annis Booker Eamonn Holmes has described feeling very emotional after receiving a poignant painting of him with his late mother, Josie. The presenter admitted to being overwhelmed after being given the portrait of the pair by London-based artist Annis Booker. His mum passed away in November 2022 aged 93. Holmes said: I felt very emotional when I received the picture. "Its quite overwhelming to see my mum two years after she passed. Its a beautiful picture, which I will treasure. Eamonn Holmes with a portrait of his mother Josie, by London based artist Annis Booker The Belfast-born star, who hosts the GB News breakfast show, was unable to attend the funeral due to health reasons. Artist and psychotherapist Annis Booker, who is originally from Durham but is now based in London, said it was a pleasure to present Eamonn with the painting. She said: It was a true pleasure to paint Eamonn for a picture that features his late mother. Hundreds of Eamonn's fans left comments after he posted the image on Instagram. One wrote: "Wow, what a touching and sentimental piece to treasure. I'm sure your lovely mum would have loved this very much. I hope you find a special place to put it at home." Another said: "There's no love like a mother's - especially an 'Irish Mammy'. While one fan touchingly said: "That's so lovely. Your mum always has your back." When his mother passed away, Eamonn said that she was at last reunited with daddy now. That is our only consolation. "We loved and will miss her so much, added the broadcaster. "Every time I visited her, she came to the door to bless me with holy water and wave goodbye. "Now sadly it really is Goodbye Mummy x. Eamonn Holmes and mum Josie Writing in Best magazine back in 2019, Eamonn said his late father Leonard called his mum "The Queen" and she was such a role model. He said: "Their roles were clearly defined. He earned the money, and she ran the household. And what a job she did! "She set a bar almost impossibly high for any of us boys to judge our future wives against. Money was scarce, but standards were plentiful. "I lived in a house that was like a hotel. It was always clean, tidy; the beds were always made and there were three freshly cooked meals a day. "How did she do all that? Well, although she was incredibly loving and tender, she ruled with an iron fist and a rapier-like tongue - with five boys she had to! "Defy her at your peril. As she is prone to say to me: 'You might be on TV, but it won't stop me from giving you a slap across the back of your head!'" The 62-year-old added that his mother had also battled loneliness since the death of his father some 30 years ago. Zhenhao Zou studied at Queens University from 2017 to 2019 Undated handout screengrab from body worn camera of the arrest of Zhenhao Zou. Metropolitan Police/PA Wire Detectives from the Met Police plan to visit Northern Ireland on a search for any victims of a serial rapist dating back to when he studied in Belfast. The PSNI is working with colleagues in London who investigated the case of Chinese national Zhenhao Zou believed to be one of the most prolific sexual predators ever seen in the UK. The 28-year-old was convicted this week of drugging and raping 10 women in London and China. However, it is feared the real number of victims targeted could be more than 50. Zou was convicted of the harrowing attacks involving two women who have been identified and another eight who have yet to be traced. The PhD student attended Queens University in Belfast between 2017 and 2019. Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Policing Board, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the PSNI had been in touch with the Met and were working closely with them to establish if there are further victims. Zou moved from China to Belfast in 2017 to study mechanical engineering at Queens before heading to London in 2019 to do a masters degree and then a PhD at University College London (UCL). Read more One-eyed gangster who survived hit says he gave up crime after meeting Daniel Kinahan Investigators first charged Zou in January 2024, but waited for more than a year until he had been convicted before making public appeals for further victims to come forward. Sinn Fein Policing Board member Linda Dillon asked Mr Boutcher to outline of what work was being done to identify victims of this prolific offender from his time studying in Belfast. Mr Boutcher responded: Our thoughts go to the victims and survivors of this awful offending. The Met lead on this, they have been in touch with Queens also. The Chief Constable said he had been in touch with the senior Met detective in charge of the investigation, adding that they planned to visit Belfast in the wake of Zous conviction. Thus far, we havent seen that there was any offending here, he added. However, the fact we now have the publicity, which we couldnt have before because that would have prejudiced the trial, is again an opportunity to appeal for anyone to come forward who may have any concerns and have known this man. The issue is that many of the victims do not know they are victims. Undated handout screengrab from body worn camera of the arrest of Zhenhao Zou. Metropolitan Police/PA Wire I would appeal to anybody who met him, or in any way was alone with him, in any circumstances or been in his accommodation, that they come forward and speak to us. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck added that the Public Protection Branch of the PSNI has been liaising with the Met. We view this very much as still a live investigation it is important we use this opportunity to appeal to anyone, anyone who thinks they have impacted by this case or by this offender to please make contact with ourselves, he said. "They will be supported by specially trained detectives from public protection branch. Womens Aid has urged anyone in Belfast affected by the Zou case to contact them. In light of recent reports around serial perpetrator Zhenhao Zou, who was a student at Queens University Belfast and lived in Northern Ireland for two years, we want to reach out to those who may have been affected by this case, the organisation said. If you or someone you know may have been impacted please know that you are not alone. Zou filmed nine of the attacks as souvenirs, and kept a trophy box of womens belongings, jurors in his trial at Inner London Crown Court were told. Judge Rosina Cottage said he is a dangerous and predatory sexual offender and warned him he faces a very long jail term when he is sentenced on June 19. Most of his victims didnt even realise they had been drugged. Met Police seized hundreds of hours of disturbing videos and photos that he kept, around half of which are thought to have been filmed in the UK and half in China. After a month-long trial, Zou, who was most recently living in Elephant and Castle, south-east London, was found guilty of raping three women in London and another seven in China between September 2019 and May 2023. He was convicted of 11 counts of rape two of the offences related to one victim. Zou was also convicted of three counts of voyeurism, 10 of possession of an extreme pornographic image, one of false imprisonment and three of possession of a controlled drug with intent to commit a sexual offence, namely butanediol. He was cleared of two further counts of possession of an extreme pornographic image, and five counts of possession of controlled drugs to commit a sexual offence, namely one count involving MDMA, three involving ketamine, and one of alprazolam. Prosecutors said Zou appears to be a smart and charming young man but is in fact a persistent sexual predator, a voyeur and a rapist. Whakatane District Councils living together committee has approved a plan for managing four forestry blocks it owns. These include the Valley Road block that is currently being harvested, one on Eagles Hill Road, Waimana, which was harvested in 2022, one in Mangamate, Galatea, due for harvest in 2027 and one in Onepu due for harvest in 2044. Apart from the Eagles Hill block, the forests are on land that was already established in either exotic or indigenous forest before1990. This means they fall under the rules of the Emissions Trading Scheme and the council is required to replant them in forest cover within four years of harvesting. Failure not to do so would result in having to pay New Zealand Units of about $170,000. The council is planning to replant the 3.8 hectare Valley Road block in native vegetation over the next four years, for which budget will need to be allocated. At Wednesdays meeting, Councillor Andrew Iles asked what the council was doing to mitigate against flooding caused by slash left behind from the harvesting on Valley Road. Open spaces manager Ian Molony said staff were working closely with Bay of Plenty Regional Council in terms of meeting its requirements for the consent for harvesting. With the helicopter operation that youve seen as well, they will be going in there afterwards with a grapple, picking up a lot of that slash and taking it down to the lower reserve areas. We will be looking at chipping it as well. The Eagle Hill block is only 0.9 hectares and the council plans to replant it in natives with help from community groups and retain it as a community asset. The Mangamate block is 26ha and the council expects to receive some income from it following harvesting. Post harvesting the council plans to replant it in native vegetation and seek to revert ownership to the Crown. The largest of the forestry blocks is in Onepu, with 30.3ha adjacent to Military and Grieve Roads two kilometres west of Te Teko. The block is expected to provide an income to the council when it is harvested in 20 years time. The council plans to explore short-term multi-use opportunities to make it more of a community asset in the meantime. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. This article was not found. Please try another page. Papamoa East is desperate for a community centre to help with increasing social issues in the fast-growing Tauranga suburb, campaigners say. The Wairakei Community Centre Trust chairman Brian Cavit said the trust has a long-standing agreement with Tauranga City Council to build a facility in Papamoa East. Cavit and Papamoa East Anglican Mission Rev Sandra Johnston asked the council to consider their proposal again at a council meeting on Monday. Johnston said when Papamoa was recently voted as the countrys best suburb in Trade Me Propertys Peoples Choicest Awards it was with a sense of elation and despair. Like homes where you dont know whats going on behind closed doors, that also applies to Papamoa. Johnston is an Australasian accredited trauma specialist and said what came across her desk daily would make your hair curl. There was a part of Papamoa in desperate need of social services, she said. The trip to social services was a "bridge too far" for some Papamoa East residents. Photo / RNZ The up to 20km trip to the nearest Work and Income office or probation service in Mount Maunganui was a bridge too far for some people, Johnston said. Social issues in Papamoa included loneliness, isolation and domestic violence, she said. We desperately need a community centre down in Papamoa East. The older people are saying theres no heart in Papamoa. Theres no one centre where they can go and just go to be together as a group. The library and community centre at Domain Rd and pavilion at Gordon Spratt Reserve were too far away for people in Papamoa East, she said. A woman Johnston provided food to before Christmas said her children would be getting memories as presents because her rent was $990 a week so they couldnt afford gifts. Thats the part of Papamoa thats not being seen, and its quite scary. There needed to be a place where people of all cultures and faiths could go to access social services. Papamoa is Tauranga's largest suburb with an estimated population of 37,800. Photo / George Novak They need somewhere they can call Papamoas heart, and we need that heart now not in five years' time. Papamoa East/Wairakei being behind Merivale and Gate Pa as a priority suburb for a community centre was very worrying because the population would keep growing, she said. Papamoa East/Wairakei had a population of 9662 in 2023. This was expected to reach 14,495 by 2033, according to council data. The councils 2023 community centre action plan had provision for a $12.4 million community centre in Papamoa East to be built in 2031/32. This was budgeted for in the current long-term plan. Councillor Glen Crowther asked how urgent the need for a centre was. Johnston said it needed to be prioritised in the next annual plan based on the work she dealt with on a daily basis and the information she had from GPs, counsellors and psychologists and social services. Tauranga City councillor Rod Taylor. Photo / David Hall Councillor Rod Taylor asked where the church operated from currently. Johnston said it ran out of a medical centre, but the lease was up in June. We disappear because theres nowhere we can afford in Papamoa, the rents are so high. The church had to pick up the slack after their social services arm, Anglican Care Waiapu, closed its service at Hartford Ave in 2023, she said. Thats a few people doing an inordinate amount of work. Im not the only one, all of the ministers on the Papamoa strip are saying help. We need a community centre. General manager community services Barbara Dempsey said the councils community development teams worked with non-governmental organisations to try to facilitate support for particular areas. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. Fifteen boats were damaged in a fire at Tauranga Marina on Wednesday, with the cause yet to be determined. Four boats - a yacht and three launches - had to be removed from the water on to the hard deck due to the damage sustained, marina manager Greg Prescott said. Another 11 at the marina had insurance claims laid. Heat and smoke and electronic damage were unfortunately, sustained. A yacht damaged by the Wednesday morning fire at the Tauranga Marina. The pier was damaged in the fire, but due to ongoing upgrades and rebuilding under way at the marina, he said it would not take long to fix the damage. We can fix [the pier] very quickly because we have the parts here that we need. We have got a barge with a crane on site, and we will get the electrician down here. The marina in Tauranga Harbour at Sulphur Point bills itself as the Bays largest marina and haul-out facility, with more than 550 berths. The marina had been in the middle of rebuilding Pier D and E, but marina society chairman Eric Tait said those resources would have to be reallocated. We have had to pull them off, rebuild them, and move on them to the repairs. It was the first incident of this kind since the marina opened in 1982, Tait said. One of the launches damaged by the Wednesday morning fire at Tauranga Marina. The owners of each boat would need to contact their insurance companies, while the marina would need to contact theirs, he said. All marina members must be insured. They must have an electrical warrant of fitness and have public liability insurance. Its quite strict criteria to be a member of the society. The fire was first reported as affecting two boats in the Tauranga Marina at 1.20am on Thursday. At the height of the response, five fire trucks and three support vehicles were fighting the blaze, with eight crews from Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and Greerton stations attending. Five fire engines and three support vehicles attended the marina fire. A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said crews attended until 5.45am. The last truck left at 10.40am. A fire investigator was assigned to determine what caused the fire, the spokesperson said. The cause and origin of the fire have not yet been determined. Onerous compliance requirements for vintage cars are looking to get a shakeup in a proposal by the Government. Vintage and classic cars dont drive the mileage that daily-driving cars do, Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club chairman Donn White said. The average driver in New Zealand does something like 15,000km a year, he said. Vintage cars would not exceed 5000km a year, White said. I would be very surprised if many vintage and classic cars exceeded that. The Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club has been campaigning for an extended WOF since pre-Covid times. There are about 128,000 vintage vehicles in New Zealand and about 39,000 private motorhomes, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said in a press release. The owners of these vehicles must spend time and money on Warrant of Fitness (WOF) or Certificate of Fitness (COF) inspections every six months, he said. These Government proposals would include changes for WOF and COF check frequencies for particular vehicles from six to 12 monthly, Bishop said. A WOF is needed for privately owned light vehicles weighing less than 3500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM). A COF is needed for heavy vehicles over 3500kg GVM, or light vehicles used for commercial transport services. Extending the time between WOF and COF inspections is a sensible approach to ensuring vehicles are safe while not going overboard on compliance, said Bishop. White said that during the winter months, vintage cars are rarely used, and when it comes to the six-month WOF, theyve only done the number of kilometres it took to get to the WOF centre. Most of the 400 BOP Vintage Car Club members own several cars. Some people have large sheds crammed full of vintage cars, motorcycles, and so forth, said White. BOP Vintage Car Club chairman, Donn White with his personal collection. Photo / Bob Tulloch A warrant of fitness can cost in the vicinity of $90 for six months. This means each vintage car would cost $180 per year in WOFs. Vintage cars are very different from daily driving cars, said White. For a car to be classified as vintage it must be at least 40 years old, however, cars older than 30 years old are allowed in the club to avoid waiting for the car to be too old and expensive for restorations. They get pampered a lot more than your average daily driver. When theyre just going to work and commute and so forth, they dont really bond with the vehicle. Vintage and classic car owners bond with their vehicle, so they take extra care. Quite a lot of the cars are literally restored front to back, so theyre almost new again. Vintage car owners typically like to keep their cars in good condition and are very safety-conscious, not wanting to wreck their pride and joy, White said. White said all of this means that the vehicle is very reliable and is presented pretty solidly, so the chances are its not going to be involved in serious accidents and its also not going to fail a warrant of fitness check as readily as an average car would. COF inspection extensions Certificate of Fitness inspections for heavy motorhomes are also being considered for extensions. Certificate of Fitness inspections for heavy motorhomes are also being considered for extensions. File / Photo We fully support it, said New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) chief executive Bruce Lochore. It is something weve been lobbying for years. Our vehicles do very few km, theyre lucky if they do 6000km a year so having two inspections is a bit of an overkill. Lochore said the queues at VTNZ are long enough without vintage cars and motorhomes having to attend inspections twice a year. To get a certificate [of fitness], it varies anywhere between $250-$300. Thats quite expensive, especially when a lot of them sit there, they go out in the summer, they do their mileage in the summer, and they sit there for winter. Its never made sense. These motorhomes arent involved in crashes. Lochore said there are 14,000 NZMCA members in the Bay of Plenty. Vehicle Standards Compliance Amendment 2025 According to the Government Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance Amendment, Evidence suggests vehicle faults contributing to death and serious injury crashes occur less often for light vehicles over 40 years old than for light vehicles under 40 years old. Between the years of 2014-2023, there were seven vintage car crashes that resulted in death and serious injury featuring vehicle faults, in comparison to 870 crashes of the same severity involving cars 39 years old or younger. Evidence suggests private motorhome vehicle faults contribute less often to death and serious injury crashes than light vehicle faults, the report said. Between the years of 2014-2023, three motorhome crashes resulted in death and serious injury featuring vehicle faults, in comparison to 870 crashes of the same severity involving cars 39 years old or younger. The Government is asking for feedback on this proposed amendment through a consultation process. To submit for the consultation on the amendment of the rule, visit nzta.govt.nz/consultations. The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday, April 4, 2025. Celebrations for being named Choicest Suburb in New Zealand continue in Papamoa this weekend with thousands of blue-iced cupcakes and cups of coffee being given away, courtesy of Bluehaven Group. Papamoa has been named Choicest Suburb in New Zealand for 2025 in Trade Me Propertys Peoples Choice competition. The celebration will take place at New World The Sands and local cafes Kneed and Pablo, offering a taste of what makes Papamoa a sought-after place to live. On Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9, from 8am to 2pm, New World The Sands will hand out 2000 cupcakes, while Kneed and Pablo will offer 1000 complimentary cups of coffee one per person. Once the free coffee runs out, both cafes will continue serving drinks at half-price with any food purchase. Sunil Gaur, owner of Kneed Bakery at The Sands Papamoa Beach. Photo/Supplied. Kneed, known for its handcrafted pastries and gourmet baked delicacies, will serve Allpress Espresso coffee during the event. Kneed manager Renee Ball is excited to showcase the local business scene. Were looking forward to showing people how amazing some of the businesses are here and whats to come. Its valuable having shops here, so come and see whats happening in the future in Papamoa East. Check out the amazing vibes and incredible food on offer. New World The Sands owner/operator Mark Troup-Paul is looking forward to the weekend celebration. As a locally owned and operated business, we are incredibly proud to be part of this amazing community and celebrating all things Papamoa. With a focus on locally sourced and freshly made in-store products by our in-store butchers, bakers and chefs, we aim to give our customers an awesome experience every time. Shopping at The Sands Papamoa Beach is easy with 290 parks and flat access into all stores. Photo taken December 2024. Photo/Bluehaven Group. The Sands Papamoa Beach is home to a growing number of retail and food offerings, with more businesses expected to open in 2026. In addition to New World The Sands, Kneed and Pablo, the area also features Anytime Fitness, Ali Babas House, Pizza Hut, Glo Laser & Aesthetics, and Hello Sushi. Trade Me Propertys entry describing Papamoa emphasised its small-scale urban vibe, vibrant coffee culture, abundant amenities, and natural beauty as key factors in its appeal. Papamoa truly offers the best of both worlds, the entry read. Trade Me Property celebrated the Choicest Suburb award with the Papamoa Backyard Bash at the Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club on February 28. Tauranga City Councillor Steve Morris expressed his pride in the win. Thank you, Trade Me Property, for acknowledging what weve known all along that Papamoa is New Zealands choicest suburb. Tauranga City Councillor Steve Morris at the Trade Me Property celebration of the Choicest Suburb award at the Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club on February 28, 2025. Photo/Supplied. The competition, which attracted more than 130,000 votes, also recognised other categories such as Choicest Playground, Dairy, Public Toilet, Bush, Landmark, and Local Legend. Over the past few months, it has been fantastic to see Kiwis really rally together, sharing and supporting their favourite spots in Aotearoa, a Trade Me Property spokesperson said. The competition for the Choicest Suburb was hotly contested, with Morrinsville and Southshore also in the running. The original entry into the competition was titled Lifes a beach in Tauranga boomtown. Ultimately, Papamoa triumphed, with Trade Me Property describing the suburb as New Zealands answer to the Gold Coast. With its long, white sandy beaches, the Papamoa Hills Regional Park and shopping hubs like Papamoa Plaza, theres something for everyone. The Choicest Suburb award from Trade Me Property. With a population of 37,800, Papamoa is Taurangas largest and fastest-growing suburb. As of January 2025, the average asking price for a property in Papamoa is $976,200. The areas development continues, with the $1 billion town centre, The Sands, currently under construction in Papamoa East. Nathan York from Bluehaven Group, the developers behind The Sands, expressed his enthusiasm for the award. At Bluehaven Group, we have a passion for Papamoa, or Papadise as its known by locals, and we were thrilled with last weeks announcement from Trade Me. Thanks to everyone who voted and commented on what makes this place so special to you. If youre new to Tauranga or you havent visited Papamoa in a while, please come east to visit and experience everything that makes this the choicest suburb in New Zealand, York said. Voters were effusive in their praise of Papamoa: Papamoa is a great place to bring up kids, close to the beach, fantastic, relaxed shopping centres, and lots of great coffee places. We call it Papadise - great community, great weather. Papamoa has a fabulous community, helpful, great atmosphere, fantastic weather and the beach. Our dogs get free run on this beach daily. A small-town vibe with a chilled-out crew, where every corner feels fresh and new. Papamoa Beach, April 2024. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford/SunLive. Bay of Plenty MP and Papamoa resident Tom Rutherford also celebrated the award. This just reaffirms what we already know that Papamoa is an amazing suburb. Theres a lot of exciting growth happening, and The Sands town centre developed by Bluehaven Group has been an incredible success for Papamoa East since opening last year. Its great to have local stores and amenities in our community and were excited to see what Stage 2 and 3 next year have in store, as well as the future development of the area. For more information about the weekends celebration, click here. Juan Soto Malaga Friday, 7 March 2025, 17:46 Compartir A concert by cellist Arnau Tomas at the Picasso Museum, a requiem performed by Musica Ficta and Schola Antiqua at the Sagrado Corazon church, and a star-studded dinner at the Balneario, by the sea in Malaga. Could it get any better? Well, all of that happened last Saturday in the city, thanks to the Raices Malaga festival - a cultural and gastronomic event that highlights heritage through music and cuisine. The festival featured a gala dinner prepared by 13 chefs from restaurants with a total of 11 Michelin stars (two of them green stars for their commitment to sustainability) and 12 Repsol 'suns'. Although the musical lineup was hard to beat, the culinary side of the event was equally impressive. The chefs - Benito Gomez (Bardal, Ronda), Vicent Guimera (L'Antic Moli, Tarragona), Mauricio Giovanini (Messina, Marbella), Kisko Garcia (Choco, Cordoba), Diego Gallegos (Sollo, Fuengirola), Javier Jurado (Malak, Jaen), Pedro Aguilera (Meson Sabor Andaluz, Alcala del Valle), Lola Marin (Damasqueros, Granada), Diego Rene (Beluga), Juan Jose Mesa (Radis, Jaen), and Sergio del Rio (Oleo) - along with pastry chefs Cati Schiff and Puri Daza, set the bar high during an event held at El Balneario, in Los Banos del Carmen, another historic site in the province. Zoom The inaugural event of this festival was organised by the Gastroarte association and sponsored by the Unicaja Foundation. Last Saturday night's dinner featured 13 courses, the same number of years this collective of chefs has been active. The menu, created for a hundred guests, began with prawns marinated in citrus oil with Malaga goat cheese mousse, prepared by the chef of Messina in Marbella, and concluded with a baba soaked in spiced rum with Bourbon vanilla, created by Puri Daza and Antonio Martin from Daza pastry shop. The entire meal was paired with products from Malaga, including a young white wine from Ronda, a red from Moclinejo, and a sparkling wine from the Axarquia. The president of Gastroarte, Fernando Rueda, remarked before the start of the dinner that the festival, which has brought together music and gastronomy at heritage sites, has been "exceptional" given the large turnout at all the activities (most of them free). "We have sought quality, and some of the best in the world in their field have come to Malaga," he said. Rueda was in charge of the gastronomic aspect of the event. The first culinary session took place on Thursday last week in Antequera, at the restaurant Arte de Cozina, where chef Charo Carmona, a virtuoso of traditional cuisine, prepared a 16-course menu that recreated 18th-century dining, leaving the 40 guests in awe. Saturday's event, on the other hand, brought together under one roof some of the best chefs in the region. For the chefs, it was also a special occasion, allowing them to reconnect, cook together, and share experiences. Around 25 people worked in the kitchen at El Balneario, while the dining area was staffed by 12 professionals, along with four students from La Consula culinary school who attended as interns. Mauricio Giovanini, from the restaurant Messina, admitted that these events are just as enjoyable for the chefs as they are for the guests. "It's a time to share with colleagues," he explained. Similarly, Vicent Guimera, from L'Antic Moli, the chef who had travelled the furthest - from Tarragona - said, "These gatherings create synergies and introduce us to new projects." Before the dinner, the festival had two concerts: one at the Christine Ruiz-Picasso Auditorium at the Picasso Museum and the other at the Sagrado Corazon church. At the first venue, cellist Arnau Tomas, one of the most versatile and multifaceted musicians of his generation, performed three of Bach's six Cello Suites. Meanwhile, in the neo-Gothic church, Musica Ficta and Schola Antiqua presented A Requiem for Eternity, composed by Tomas Luis de Victoria. Cristina Vallejo Malaga Friday, 7 March 2025, 09:51 | Updated 09:56h. Compartir The Malaga feminist movement is taking to the streets this 8 March, International Women's Day, well aware of the challenges still facing the struggle for equality. Anabel Santos, from the Puntos Subversivos feminist women's association, summarises these challenges for SUR: "We have to promote equality and co-responsibility in care and housework and also in women's access to decision-making positions. In all these things we are still in our infancy." Malaga city rally Thousands are expected to join the 8 March International Women's Day demonstration on Saturday at 12pm, starting from the Plaza de la Merced. Mijas conference Costa Women Conference on 7 March at CIOMijas in La Cala, starting at 9am. Visit www.costawomen.com There is still work to be done to achieve equality at home, in the street and in high positions, as Santos says, "the abolition of patriarchy, all abolitions [in a veiled reference also to prostitution]; feminism is abolitionist". Abortion rights Lola Rodriguez is a veteran feminist from Malaga and founder more than twenty years ago of the lobby group against gender-based violence, Violencia Cero. She adds another concern with which women will attend this 8 March rally: "We have, no matter what, to protect the right to abortion. It is at risk. We have to fight for it, because with what is coming..." In a conversation with SUR, feminists from Malaga bring up the example of France, since there the parliament approved a move to enshrine abortion in its constitution, in contrast to how in the US they have taken steps backwards in its recognition. Abortion is a prime example of the paradox that surrounds the feminist movement: laws recognise rights, but there is always - more or less explicitly - the threat of moving backwards. Many of the women SUR speaks to find it ironic that they began fighting for abortion rights decades ago, before they thought about becoming mothers, and have to continue defending those rights after biology has put an end to their reproductive calendar. But they are very serious when they point out that it is a right that still cannot be exercised in many places in Spain and the world. Because the law, they say, is not being complied with. And it is not only this one. "We still have to continue demanding labour rights, better working conditions for women, and more public services," adds Carmen Martin, president of the Violencia Cero platform against gender violence. Glass ceilings, sticky floors, greater job insecurity among women than men, part-time contracts, wage gaps. These are still obstacles that affect women in their day-to-day work. Education Pilar Iglesias Aparicio, member of the support group for victims of reprisals and of the Puntos Subversivos association, adds that there are other aspects included in legislation that have not yet been applied: relationships and sex education, the training of judicial workers in gender perspective so that they know how to apply the laws well - "it is clear that there are many judges who act without such training", she says. Rosa Gomez Torralbo, who was part of the team that built the Andalusian Institute for Women, also urges the revision of the protection procedures for women, because she considers that they are not working. "We are seeing that violence is becoming more and more structured," they all agree. And they are even critical of the way in which the money earmarked for combating gender-based violence and supporting women is used: "Resources are being made available, but the problem is that there is no monitoring of their use," insists Martin. The campaign against gender-based violence has its own day marked on the calendar, 25 November, but this, and every, 8 March, it is an issue that takes much prominence. "We are losing the battle against violence, not only on the part of partners or ex-partners, but also with sexual violence against increasingly young children. And we have a commitment that I think is important, which is that pornography should not be freely accessible to children or adults either. And we also demand compliance with the law that prohibits reproductive exploitation, the 'commodification' of bodies, and surrogate wombs. In addition, we have proposed a law abolishing the prostitution system," summarises Carmen Martin, who insists: "We have an agenda; we have proposals." "It is the only agreed global agenda," says Anabel Santos. This is what characterises the fourth wave of feminism, the current one. Dialogue However, in addition to these challenges, there are others to which Santos herself refers: "A very important challenge ahead of us is good dialogue between all feminists and international pressure, to recover political dialogue." What she means by this is that the feminist movement needs to unite and from there have a voice in international organisations, in the UN, for example, after having agreed on a global agenda. Women and the global social movement they have built and which has never been as active as in recent years, need to be heard. Rocio Lopez, president of Forum de Politica Feminista, says: "The feminist movement has proven to be the only one that has maintained its strength after the pandemic and this fourth wave is global." But this effervescence has also coincided with a fracture of feminism, or with a greater visibility of the different aspects that compose it (that of equality, that of difference, socialist, liberal, libertarian...). What most reaches ordinary people is that it has split in two in many cities where on 8 March there is not a single demonstration, but two: that of feminism that has come to be called "classic" and that of other orientations influenced by queer theory, which makes gender identity and sexual identity something more fluid, not so much determined by biology as by choice, social negotiation and rebellion against established dualism. This also implies a diatribe on who makes up the subject of feminism, whether only the biological woman or whether it can be extended to people who feel women. United feminists In Malaga, however, as has always been the case, a single demonstration has been planned in which all sensibilities, banners and slogans, which in some cases include veiled attacks on each other, will coexist. And if it is possible to walk united from the difference, explains Andrea Barbotta, vice-president of the Andalusian council of women's participation, is because the feminist movement in Malaga is very solid, to which Anabel Santos adds: "There is a lot of training in pacts and negotiation or other leadership models. And that makes integration possible and division is not made visible, although it does, de facto, exist. Unity is also possible because feminism in Malaga has deep roots and in many ways is a pioneer, with many women who were part of the movement that reached the institutions, with one of the first women's centres in Spain, with the beginnings of the Andalusian Institute for Women, with associations of women victims of gender-based violence dating back to no less than the eighties. Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Opening of single RnD hub on mine action' On Tuesday, March 18, at 11.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference "Opening of single RnD hub on mine action." Participants include Chairman of the Board of the Public Association Ukrainian Mine Clearance Cluster Maksym Tkachenko; First Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian National Association for Humanitarian Mine Clearance Oleksiy Botnarenko; Chairman of the Ukrainian Public Association for Humanitarian Mine Clearance Oleksandr Bortnykov; Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Public Association for Humanitarian Mine Clearance and Restoration Anushavan Harutyunyan (8/5a Reitarska Street). The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel. Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards. Additional info by phone: (097) 935 9127. Adrian Mazon / Alejandro Hernandez Alicante Friday, 7 March 2025, 11:23 Compartir An explosion in a pyrotechnics workshop in Alicante killed the owner, pyrotechnician Pedro Luis Sirvent, and injured four others on Thursday 6 March. One of the injured sustained burns to 80% of his body, while emergency services attended to the other three for anxiety attacks and minor injuries. The reasons for the explosion are still under investigation. The incident occurred around 11.20am. Two ambulances, an SVB (basic life support ambulance) and two helicopters were mobilised to the area, as well as firefighters. The Alicante Local Police were the first to arrive at the scene, followed by the National Police, the Tedax bomb and explosives unit disposal and the homicide and judicial units of the police. In total, more than a hundred people were deployed, which reflects the scale of the incident. Zoom Emergency services at the scene. Miriam Gil Albert Among the injured were: Pedro Luis Sirvent's son; a 43-year-old woman who was taken to Hospital General de Alicante to be treated for an anxiety attack and smoke inhalation; and a 68-year-old man who was taken to the burns unit at the La Fe de Valencia hospital after suffering burns to 80% of his body. Shortly after the arrival of the emergency services, the scene of the incident was also visited by Alicante mayor Luis Barcala, security councillor Julio Calero and government sub-delegate Juan Antonio Nieves. Suspension of high-speed train service The Alicante-Madrid high-speed train line was temporarily closed at the request of the fire brigade, as the pyrotechnics workshop is very close to the railway line. However, the service was resumed in the early afternoon. Syracuse, N.Y. A 16-year-old boy from Clay possibly armed with a gun who was being sought by troopers is in custody. Brenden M. Warner had last been seen by a family member at his home in Clay around 10 a.m. Wednesday, said Trooper Jennifer Jiron, a spokesperson for the State Police. He was in police custody as of Friday midday, troopers said in an update. He had not been arrested at the time of the update, said Sgt Jack Keller, a spokesperson for the State Police. The boy was found in North Syracuse in good health, he said. When troopers sought the publics help to find him, they said he may be in distress, have a gun and that people should not approach. Extra police were added at Cicero-North Syracuse High School, according to a letter from North Syracuse School Superintendent Terry Ward to parents. In the letter Ward said that a 10th grader from CNS High School was being sought by police. Ward sent a notice to parents midday Friday that the missing student had been found. 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 New York The state Attorney Generals Office has joined a coalition of 19 other states to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging the firing of thousands of probationary federal workers, including hundreds in New York state. The lawsuit charges the Trump administration has directed federal agencies to fire employees without following the law. The layoffs have upended workers lives, disrupted essential services and forced states to scramble to provide resources for recently fired workers, Attorney General Letitia James said in a news release Thursday night. The Trump administration is required to provide advance notice of mass layoffs to employees and states so that states can get resources ready for unemployed workers, James said. Federal agencies are required by law to provide at least 60 days of prior written notice before they release any federal civil service employee, according to James. With this lawsuit, the AGs office is seeking a court order to stop further mass layoffs without notice and the reinstatement of all illegally fired federal workers who have been laid off since Jan. 20, 2025. In the last week of February, 372 federal workers filed for unemployment in New York, the AGs Office said. Thousands of workers across New York and the nation are now struggling to pay rent, put food on the table and care for their loved ones, James said. In Buffalo and Syracuse, more than 100 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees have been fired, leaving New Yorkers without a critical resource for assistance with their tax returns at the height of tax season, she said. The regional office of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Buffalo also saw major staffing cuts. More than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees nationwide were fired in February, including workers at VA medical centers in New York state. Workers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who were fired included seven staffers assigned to New York Citys Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, according to James. The employees that the Trump administration has targeted are workers who have either been newly hired or have recently been promoted or changed jobs. They are generally subject to a probationary period of one or two years, James said. In addition to New York, the following states joined the lawsuit: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin as well as the District of Columbia. President Donald Trump listens as Elon Musk speaks in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon) AP Washington Former Rep. Jim Walsh today urged his former colleagues in the GOP-controlled Congress to serve as a check on President Donald Trumps moves to dramatically reshape the federal government. Walsh, a Republican who represented Central New York for 20 years, is among 60 former members of Congress who signed a letter that urged the House and Senate to increase its oversight of Trumps administration. The group is concerned that Trump and his adviser, billionaire Elon Musk, have used the executive branch to make dramatic cuts to the federal workforce and spending decisions without consulting Congress. America is suddenly at a perilous crossroads, the letter said. The executive branch must yield to checks and balances. It must not seize for itself or for any unelected billionaire powers that defy accountability. The former members of Congress wrote that the challenges we face today are not partisan they are constitutional. The letter added, Recent actions taken by certain actors within the executive branch, Elon Musk, and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) represent an unprecedented challenge to congressional authority. The House and Senate have largely stood by without challenging Trump or Musk as they dismantle federal programs. As a result, Congress risks becoming nothing more than a ceremonial body, debating policies it no longer has the power to enforce, the letter said. This is not a theoretical concern it is an immediate threat to our constitutional order, the former House and Senate members said. The Framers acutely understood that unchecked power, no matter its source, poses a fundamental threat to liberty. Walsh, one of the longest serving House members in Syracuses history, rose through the ranks to become one of the senior members of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which controls federal spending. He is among 20 former Republican members of Congress who signed the letter along with Democrats and independents. The signers included former Rep. Michael Arcuri, a Democrat from Utica. The letter was organized by Issue One, a nonpartisan group in Washington, D.C., that works to build consensus for political reforms that promote democracy. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Oneida High School students in grades 9 through 12 will perform the musical Merrily We Roll Along this spring. The show is set in the showbiz world of the 1950s to 70s, centering on three friends: composer Frank Shepard, lyricist/playwright Charley Kringas, and theater critic Mary Flynn. The show follows the disintegration of the trios bond over 20 years, from when they meet as young, aspiring artists to when Frank has left theater and his friends behind for a swanky life as a Hollywood producer. The show tells the story in reverse chronological order, starting in 1976 and going back in time to 1957. The Merrily We Roll Along musical is based on a play of the same name written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The pair wrote multiple shows together, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning You Cant Take It with You. George Furth adapted Kaufman and Harts Merrily We Roll Along script into the musicals book, and Stephen Sondheim wrote music and lyrics. Sondheim, one of the most celebrated modern theater composers, is known for composing multiple other celebrated musicals, including Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park With George, and Into the Woods. Although Stephen Sondheim and George Furths original Merrily We Roll Along got off to a rocky start, in the years since its ill-fated premiere in 1981, the show has become a genuine classic thats celebrated for its gorgeous score and timeless themes of friendship and hope and how money and fame can derail them. In 2012, director Maria Friedman revived Merrily We Roll Along in London, reinventing the musical into a smashing success. Her production made its New York City debut in 2022 to sold-out crowds, and the Broadway earned Tony Awards for stars Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe alongside nominee Lindsay Mendez plus Best Revival of a Musical. Cast Franklin Shepard- Thomas Feola Mary Flynn- Arlee Westcott Charley Kringas- Evan Gwilt Beth Spencer- Hailey Centner Gussie Carnegie- Nadine Ray Joe Josephson- Drew Allen Production Team Director- Howie Schaal (Oneida alum) Asst. Director- Zack Stack (Oneida alum) Music Director/Producer- Heather OConnell Choreographer- Nicole Rossi (Oneida alum) Pit Band Director- Nick Anderalli Artistic Director/Set Design- Jennifer Nellis Costume Coordinator- Heidi Rush Performances will be 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 27 to 29. Tickets for the Thursday performance are $10 cash at the door for general seating. Tickets for the Friday and Saturday performances can be purchased online for $10 plus fees and seating is assigned. Syracuse.com will publish information provided by schools on their shows throughout the season. Photo provided by the New York State Police The New York State Police have asked the public for help finding Christopher R. Morgan, a psychiatric patient who escaped from the Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, New York, on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Photo provided by the New York State Police Photo provided by the New York State Police Update: Christopher R. Morgan, the man who escaped from a New York hospital while receiving psychiatric treatment on Thursday, has been found. The New York State Police thanked the public and the Port Jervis Police Department late Friday morning for helping find Morgan, who is now in custody. We appreciate the continued support of the community in helping us maintain safety in our neighborhoods, troopers said in a news release. Middletown, N.Y. Troopers have asked the public for help finding a psychiatric patient who escaped this week from a New York hospital. Christopher R. Morgan fled from the Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown at 2:39 p.m. Thursday, the New York State Police said in an urgent news release. If you see Morgan, do not approach him, troopers said. Troopers released a photo of Morgan running down a hospital hallway, sprinting as he tried to escape the 707 E. Main St. hospital in the lower Hudson Valley. The New York State Police have asked the public for help finding Christopher R. Morgan, a psychiatric patient who escaped from the Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, New York, on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Photo provided by the New York State Police Photo provided by the New York State Police Morgan was last seen wearing a white, long-sleeved button-down shirt, black pants and black shoes, troopers said. Details about his age, height and weight were not provided. Anyone who spots Morgan has been asked to immediately call troopers in Middletown at (845) 344-5300. Ministry of National Unity Kyiv, 7 March 2025 UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Ministry of National Unity of Ukraine today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a strategic partnership to support Ukrainians who have been forced to flee within Ukraine or abroad, maintain connections with their home country and communities, and attain durable solutions. As a result of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, around 3.7 million people are internally displaced within Ukraine, while some 6.8 million remain abroad as refugees, mainly in European countries. Since 2022, around 1.3 million refugees have returned and remained in Ukraine for at least three months with the desire to be back in their home and cultural environment and reunited with family members cited as the primary factors that motivated their return. While UNHCR is currently not promoting return to Ukraine, as the international armed conflict and attacks continue unabated, and urges hosting States not to induce or directly or indirectly pressure refugees to return, UNHCR recognizes that voluntary return to ones home country is a fundamental right that must be respected. According to UNHCRs most recent intentions survey, published in the Lives on Hold series in November 2024, 61% of the refugees and 73% of the internally displaced people (IDPs) still hope and intend to return home. Safety and security remain the main concerns and barriers to return, followed closely by access to employment and safe, dignified homes. The surveys also underscore a frequently expressed need for objective information to help displaced people make well-informed decisions regarding return. In response, UNHCR launched in 2024 the Ukraine is Home digital information platform. Through the Memorandum of Understanding, UNHCR commits to share its expertise and experience related to voluntary refugee returns and durable solutions, and to expand its support in these areas. Specifically, UNHCR will support the Ministry of National Unity in its efforts to develop legal and policy frameworks in line with international standards that will enable refugees, internally displaced people, returnees, and stateless people to enjoy their rights and access services without barriers. The MoU also recognizes the vital role of refugee and IDP-led organizations, IDP councils, and local civil society and community-based groups in fostering social and cultural connections, local participation, (re-)integration and cohesion. UNHCR will also support the Ministry with developing institutional and technical capacities, including expanding digital information platforms such as the Ministrys Unity App and UNHCRs Ukraine is Home website, and cooperate to generate and analyze data on the socio-economic conditions, specific needs, vulnerabilities, and future intentions of forcibly displaced Ukrainians. Building on its extensive cooperation with refugee-led organizations and refugee communities in host countries, UNHCR will work closely with the Ministry to develop and support its Unity App and Unity Hubs abroad to facilitate connections among displaced Ukrainians and their home countrywith a commitment to provide people with counseling, information and access to legal aid regarding issues of return or continued stay, including directly at the hubs (once established) and/or via the Ukraine is Home platform. We know from our regular surveys and daily conversations with internally displaced people and Ukrainians abroad that their longing for home and community remains strong, as is their attachment to their Ukrainian culture and identity. This is very understandable after they have been forced to flee from their homes and loved ones due to a brutal war. UNHCRs mandate and work to support all forcibly displaced people to access their rights, take free and informed decisions about their future and attain longer-terms solutions to their displacement be it through voluntary returns or through integration in their host communities is closely linked to the Ministry of National Unitys mission. I am therefore delighted to sign this MOU with Deputy Prime Minister Chernyshov and launch a practical cooperation in these areas that I believe will help remove barriers and ensure inclusive solutions for people to rebuild their lives, said Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCRs Representative in Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes because of the war not only need protection but also a strong connection to their homeland. The signing of the memorandum with UNHCR is more than a formality it is a concrete step towards establishing a system of support for Ukrainians abroad. Regardless of where they are now, we are working to ensure that they feel the support of their state and have the opportunity to return home when they are ready, said Oleksiy Chernyshov, Deputy Prime Minister Minister of National Unity of Ukraine. This agreement is the ninth that UNHCR has signed with Ukrainian ministries and national entities since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion in 2022 in addition to 19 with regional state administrations underscoring the close cooperation with and support for the Governments leadership of the humanitarian response and national recovery. UNHCR supported 4.3 million people in Ukraine in 2022 with different humanitarian and recovery programmes and 2.63 million people in 2023. In 2024, UNHCR delivered some 1.7 million multi-sectoral services, such as cash assistance, house repairs, psychosocial support and legal counselling to war-affected people across Ukraine to help them recover and rebuild. Brazil's Alex Pereira arrives for a middleweight bout title bout against Nigeria's Israel Adesanya in the UFC 281 mixed martial arts event, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, in New York. Pereira stopped Adesanya in the fifth round. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) AP No fighter has had a better start in a new weight than UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Hell look to defend his belt for the fourth time at UFC 313 Saturday against Magomed Ankalaev. Heres what you need to know: What: UFC 313: Pereira vs. Analaev Who: UFC light heavyweights Alex Pereira (C) vs. Magomed Ankalaev When: Saturday, March 8, 2025 Time: Main card starts 10 p.m. ET, prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada TV: Main card only on ESPN+, Prelims/Early Prelims on ESPNEWS, Disney+ and ESPN+ Stream: ESPNEWS can be streamed on fuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial), Hulu + Live TV (free trial) and Sling (half off first month) How to buy UFC 313 Pay-Per-Views can be expensive, and ESPN+ is offering a deal thatll allow you to save on UFC 313 and an ESPN+ subscription. It includes a year-long subscription and the UFC 313 PPV for $134.98. If you bought the annual ESPN+ subscription and PPV card separate, youd have to pay $200. You cant buy a UFC PPV card without an ESPN+ subscription, which is $11.99 a month. UFC PPVs are $79.99, meaning without an ESPN+ account youd have to pay $91.98 to watch Saturdays fights. UFC 313 Main Card Light Heavyweight: Alex Pereira (C) vs. Magomed Ankalaev Lightweight: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev Lightweight: Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes Womens Strawweight: Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo Lightweight: King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy Pereira has knockouts in each of his past four fights and seven total since signing with the UFC in 2021. Hes been the most electrifying and terrifying fighter in the promotion since signing, as any one of Pereiras punches can put his opponent to sleep. Ankalaev hasnt lost a fight since his first with the UFC in 2018. Since then hes gone 11-0-1, with an additional no contest in 2023. He quickly made up for the controversial knee against Johnny Walker that caused the no contest by knocking him out in the second round just months later. Ankalaev has been as solid of a fighter as there is in the light heavyweight division for years. Can I bet on UFC 313? Yes, you can bet on UFC 313 from your phone in New York State, and weve compiled some of the best introductory offers to help navigate your first bets from BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Bet365 and more. Pereira is a -120 favorite to beat Ankalaev on FanDuel. What is ESPN Plus? ESPN Plus is like having a VIP pass to all the best sports action, including live games and original content from UFC, MLS, NHL, MLB, college sports and more. You can stream it on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or even gaming console for $11.99/month or $119.99/year, or bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for just $16.99/month. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. On the occasion of International Womens Day, Birbank Biznes organized a special initiative to support and empower women entrepreneurs. On March 6-7, 2025, a sales fair was organized at the Passage 1901 venue, providing a platform for female entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, establish new partnerships, gain knowledge, and enhance their professional skills. With the participation of 60 women entrepreneurs, the initiative extended beyond the fair itself. On the first day of the event, Birbank Business announced exclusive benefits, including microloan discounts of up to 8% throughout March. Additionally, starting in June, Birbank Business will offer free professional training sessions to help women manage their businesses more effectively. These training programs will be conducted by the expert team of Birbank Business. The fair also hosted insightful panel discussions to celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and inspire those aspiring to start their own businesses. The first panel session, moderated by Ayan Najafli, a member of the Coordination Council of the COP29 Operations Company, was titled Uniting Our Strengths: From Partnership to Success. The discussion focused on collaboration opportunities between government institutions and the private sector, as well as the role of partnerships in fostering womens entrepreneurship. Panelists included Fargana Mammadova, Board member, Chief Human Capital and Organizational Development Officer of Kapital Bank, as well as a Board Member of SOS Childrens Villages Azerbaijan; Sadaqat Gahramanova, Deputy Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs; and Svetlana Aliyeva, Chief Operating Officer of PASHA Real Estate Group. The second panel, titled The Name of Success: Women, featured female entrepreneurs who have built their brands from the ground up, sharing their experiences and success stories. The session was moderated by Gunel Mavliyarova, Advisor for Product and Marketing Management of the Bir ecosystem. The distinguished speakers included Jale Hajiyeva, Executive Director of AMFA, Vice President of ASK, and a member of the KOBIA Public Council; Madina Guliyeva, Founder of the CozybyMadi brand; and Esmira Guluzade, Founder of Balli Bisi Confectionery House. Through this initiative, Birbank Business aims to support women entrepreneurs by providing them with increased visibility and new opportunities for business growth. Birbank Biznes brings together many banking products that entrepreneurs use every day: For more information about Birbank Biznes go to the website https://birbank.business/ call the 896 information center. MU report highlights need to remove barriers for women in agriculture A study led by researchers at Maynooth University and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on women in agriculture has, for the first time, provided an in-depth profile of female farmers in Ireland, identifying the barriers they face and recommending policy changes to tackle them. Dr Martina Roche, Maynooth University; Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Noel Grealish; and Noirin MacNamara, Maynooth University pictured at the launch of the report First in-depth national profile of women in agriculture in Ireland Changes needed to the intersections of agriculture policy with tax rules and social welfare entitlement criteria Attracting women into farming crucial for rural sustainability Call for more public recognition of womens role in farming HER-SELF, or Highlighting pathways to Empower Rural women to have Sustainable and Equitable Livelihoods in Farming, says that the agriculture sector needs to attract women in greater numbers to ensure future sustainability. The study, led by Dr Martina Roche of Maynooth Universitys Department of Geography, working with Dr Mary Anne Hurley of Munster Technological University, Dr Aine Macken-Walsh of Teagasc and MUs Dr Noirin MacNamara, analysed existing data on the sector from the perspective of gender. It provides the first comprehensive demographic and geographic report on women in farming in Ireland, showing: Female farm holders represent just 13.4% of farm holders in Ireland, with little increase since 1991 Female farm ownership is highest in areas where farm sizes are smaller and land values lower Farm incomes for female farmers are consistently lower than for male farmers and they receive lower direct farm payments Over half of Irish farmers do not have an identified successor in place and where there is an identified successor, over 80% are male There is a dominant norm of the farmer as male, stoic, the decision-maker and unwilling to seek help, the woman is viewed as helper, while the son is commonly considered the family heir, explained Dr Roche, who is Principal Investigator (PI) on the project. This impacts on the work of each person on the family farm, and importantly on each persons legal status, as well as farm family finances and decision-making patterns, she says. Dr Martina Roche of Maynooth Universitys Department of Geography is pictured speaking at the launch The study identifies barriers to female participation in agriculture, such as: a lack of access to land, succession issues and the challenge of combining farm work, off-farm work and caring responsibilities. The spouse of the farm holder, who is often a woman, faces additional barriers produced through the intersections of tax, social welfare and agriculture policies. More generally, there is a lack of visibility, representation and inclusion of women in farming. However, a greater focus on improving gender equality in agriculture, since the research was completed in September 2024, has been noted and is welcome. The study found that women do not feel they have the right to identify as a farmer. They understand that at a community level they are expected to fulfil the woman as helper norm and that they may be queried, ridiculed, and/or incur social penalties if they transgress that, Dr Roche said. It is important for women and other under-represented groups to self-identify as farmers, among other roles, and for all members of the sector to value the work they do on farms and to recognise their legitimacy in the agriculture sector. The report makes several recommendations to make farming more equitable. It calls for: A full Equality Impact Assessment of the intersections of agriculture policy with tax rules and social welfare entitlement criteria Dialogue and awareness raising around the challenges facing the sector such as advancing gender equality, generational renewal and improved work-life balance Gender equality in agricultural education including reviewing and revising educational courses Mentoring programmes for rural women entrepreneurs Better data collection including a gender analysis of existing data as well as the compilation of female-focused data Launching the report at Maynooth University, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) with responsibility for Research and Development, Noel Grealish, said: Women have always been integral to the family farm but often their crucial role has not been fully recognised or acknowledged. Recent initiatives through the CAP Strategic Plan and the Action Plan arising from the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture, have brought this issue to the fore. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to continue to prioritise work in this area. The findings and recommendations provided by this report, which is funded by my Departments Policy and Strategic Studies Research Call, will help shape future policies and research in this area. You can read the full report here. HER-SELF ran from May 2023 to September 2024 and was funded under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 2022 Policy and the Strategic Studies Research initiative. Samba Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Kolkata Posts: 2,322 Thanked: 30,023 Times View My Garage Re: West Bengal - A treasure for tourists A fun trip to Mandermani with 30 people, 1 dog & 9 cars! It has been a long time since our Car Photography group has gone for a drive together. The plan was to go for a short weekend drive and enjoy the rest of the day in the pool and on the beach, followed by a gala party in the evening, and call it a day. The next day will be a lazy drive back home. Choosing the destination was fairly easy. We zeroed in on Mandermani. It is a nice sea beach where the adults can have fun, the kids can run around and our dog a 6.5-year-old Lab (Nemo) can play as well. The only challenge was to find a good pet-friendly hotel & we found Sher E Bengal to be perfect for our needs. The double bedrooms with complimentary breakfast cost us Rs 5,500 per night per double bedroom and it was worth the money. The route was pretty straightforward- Kolkata- Dhulagarh- Kolaghat- Nandakumar- Kathi Bypass- Tajpur- Mandermani. Gmaps showed us less time through Tajpur rather than taking the left from Chaulkhola. On the return leg, we tried the coastal road to Kathi. The road condition throughout is now fairly good. Kolkata to Mandermani will roughly take around 3.5 to 4 hours. The team- Team Polo- Yours truly with wife Bhpian DogNDamsel12 & Nemo! Team Hexa - Bhpian arindamxeta with his Family Team Jimny- Dr.Divendu Mukherjee with his wife Dr.Debarati Mukherjee Team Jimny- Bhpian arghyaheart with his wife Team Grand Vitara - Bhpian AviC93 with his wife Team Grand Vitara - Bhpian SouraC with Family & Friends Team Etios- Dr.Saumyadeep Chaudhury with Family Team Ecosport- Bhpian Sayata with Family Team Duster AWD- Bhpian Burnout with his wife Day 1, 170 km, 4 hours Our meeting point was at 8 am at Azadhind Dhaba, Uluberia. We had our breakfast and started from there by 9-30 in the morning and we reached our resort by 12 noon. As soon as we reached, it was time to dive into the pool! Had a late yet tasty lunch! Post lunch it was already 4 pm and it was time to hit the beach. Nemo had a great time in the water so did the humans! The sunset was beautiful. On this trip I was driven by my wife in her Polo, so decided to get my hands on this bug and have some fun on the beach. Driving this EV cost me 500 bucks for around 500 meters! Who told EVS are economical? But it was fun pushing this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF3VgHsJ9TE The evening gossip! The Hotel. Day 2, 175, km 4.5 hours On the next day, we woke up late, had breakfast, and spent some time in the pool. By the time we checked out, it was already 12! The mandatory Car photography! Us, the whole team! Bhpian DogNDamsel with Nemo and Polo! Us! On the return journey, we had a late lunch at Hotel Abhijeet and reached our respective homes by sundown. Special thanks to Bhpian AVIC93 for arranging everything. It has been a long time since our Car Photography group has gone for a drive together. The plan was to go for a short weekend drive and enjoy the rest of the day in the pool and on the beach, followed by a gala party in the evening, and call it a day.The next day will be a lazy drive back home. Choosing the destination was fairly easy. We zeroed in on Mandermani. It is a nice sea beach where the adults can have fun, the kids can run around and our dog a 6.5-year-old Lab (Nemo) can play as well.The only challenge was to find a good pet-friendly hotel & we found Sher E Bengal to be perfect for our needs. The double bedrooms with complimentary breakfast cost us Rs 5,500 per night per double bedroom and it was worth the money.The route was pretty straightforward- Kolkata- Dhulagarh- Kolaghat- Nandakumar- Kathi Bypass- Tajpur- Mandermani.Gmaps showed us less time through Tajpur rather than taking the left from Chaulkhola.On the return leg, we tried the coastal road to Kathi.The road condition throughout is now fairly good.Kolkata to Mandermani will roughly take around 3.5 to 4 hours.Team Polo- Yours truly with wife Bhpian DogNDamsel12 & Nemo!Team Hexa - Bhpian arindamxeta with his FamilyTeam Jimny- Dr.Divendu Mukherjee with his wife Dr.Debarati MukherjeeTeam Jimny- Bhpian arghyaheart with his wifeTeam Grand Vitara - Bhpian AviC93 with his wifeTeam Grand Vitara - Bhpian SouraC with Family & FriendsTeam Etios- Dr.Saumyadeep Chaudhury with FamilyTeam Ecosport- Bhpian Sayata with FamilyTeam Duster AWD- Bhpian Burnout with his wifeOur meeting point was at 8 am at Azadhind Dhaba, Uluberia. We had our breakfast and started from there by 9-30 in the morning and we reached our resort by 12 noon.As soon as we reached, it was time to dive into the pool!Had a late yet tasty lunch!Post lunch it was already 4 pm and it was time to hit the beach.Nemo had a great time in the water so did the humans!The sunset was beautiful.On this trip I was driven by my wife in her Polo, so decided to get my hands on this bug and have some fun on the beach. Driving this EV cost me 500 bucks for around 500 meters! Who told EVS are economical?But it was fun pushing this.The evening gossip!The Hotel.On the next day, we woke up late, had breakfast, and spent some time in the pool.By the time we checked out, it was already 12!The mandatory Car photography!Us, the whole team!Bhpian DogNDamsel with Nemo and Polo!Us!On the return journey, we had a late lunch at Hotel Abhijeet and reached our respective homes by sundown.Special thanks tofor arranging everything. Last edited by Samba : 7th August 2024 at 22:37 . Who are they? Richard Sutton and Andrew Barto are pioneers of reinforcement learning, a machine learning technique modern AI models utilize. Sutton is often referred to as the "father of reinforcement learning" and serves as a professor at the University of Alberta. Barto is a professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts. Both scientists are not particularly pleased with how AI companies are applying their life's work. Richard Sutton and Andrew Barto won this year's Turing Award, considered the Nobel Prize for computing, for their significant contributions to machine learning development. The two researchers are now speaking out against OpenAI, Google, and other AI companies releasing potentially dangerous software to end customers. They criticized ChatGPT as just a money-making machine that will never produce a working artificial general intelligence (AGI). Sutton and Barto developed reinforcement learning (RL) during the 1980s, inspired by behaviorist psychology. Reinforcement learning is one of the three basic machine learning paradigms, along with supervised and unsupervised learning. Reinforcement learning teaches AI agents, through trial and error, to make decisions that achieve the most optimal results, similar to how humans learn. OpenAI, Google, and other corporations build their AI platforms with RL. Financial Times notes that Barto believes that bringing this kind of AI software to millions of people without safeguards is inherently wrong. Using a metaphor, Sutton and Barto pointed out that most or all AI companies are building a bridge and testing its structural integrity by opening it to the public. Barto says that sound engineering practices suggest that developers try to mitigate the negative consequences of technology. Neither OpenAI nor any other AI-focused company is doing that. Current AI models make errors, hallucinating non-existing "facts" with binary confidence, but the companies behind them are collecting billions of dollars in unprecedented funding campaigns. "The idea of having huge data centers and then charging a certain amount to use the software is motivating things, and that is not the motive that I would subscribe to," Barto said. For-profit companies only seek money-making opportunities. The eventual event of one of them bringing the first (AGI) onto the world is just bragging rights; even those are leveraged to boost sales. Proponents of AGI think that this kind of superhuman, all-digital intelligence is almost here and will radically revolutionize technology and everything else. Sutton suggested that AGI is just a buzzword for marketing campaigns. Barto remarked that companies developing AI need to gain a better understanding of how the human mind works before they can responsibly build systems with human-level intelligence. In brief: In what could have been the latest piece of disastrous news for Nvidia's RTX 5000 series, there have been reports that the missing ROPs issue affecting some desktop cards was also present in laptop GPUs. However, Nvidia has categorically denied this is the case, though the company's typically ambiguous answers suggest this issue may have been present but was caught and addressed during testing. According to German publication Heise Online (via HardwareLuxx), Nvidia has asked notebook manufacturers to ensure their manufacturing partners in the Far East work extra shifts to spot any laptops with missing ROP units before they are shipped to retailers. After some users discovered that their desktop RTX 5000-series cards had fewer ROP units than they were supposed to, Nvidia said that an issue had affected less than half a percent of RTX 5090, 5090D, and 5070 Ti GPUs, which shipped with at least one ROP missing. The company later admitted that the RTX 5080 was also affected though only after a user found the problem in their model. Nvidia added that this could affect gaming performance by four percent, but AI and compute performance were unaffected. As with the desktop GPUs, the reports claim only a tiny number of laptop GPUs were missing the ROP units. One manufacturer that Heise Online spoke to allegedly said its first batch of laptop devices had to be fixed, though it never said if the problem was also present in other batches. Nvidia told The Verge that its RTX 5000 laptops aren't missing ROP units. "All partners continue to run checks as part of our standard testing procedure," said Nvidia GeForce global PR director Ben Berraondo, who added that the company will be contacting both German publications to discuss the reports. The Verge triple-checked with Berraondo that "no laptop GPUs are affected by the missing ROP issue," to which he replied, "Correct, no further issues." Berraondo could be referring to the desktop cards' missing ROPs when he says there are no "further" issues, or he could mean that while the problem exists in laptop GPUs, manufacturers are conducting more thorough checks to ensure all ROP units are present before shipping. There have been reports that the top-end RTX 5000-series laptops were delayed from January to March while the mid-range and low-end variants have been pushed back from March to April or May. Heise writes that one possible reason for the delay could be that Nvidia only recently distributed the final vBIOS for the notebook GPUs. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to driving global climate action forward at the COP30 briefing held yesterday in Brazil, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN wrote on its X page, Trend reports. It was noted that the COP29 conference held in Azerbaija was a pivotal moment in advancing climate action. "we are committed to strengthening COP-to-COP collaboration and ensuring continuity and coherence by building upon Action Agenda initiatives launched in Baku. As we move forward to COP30 in Belem, we acknowledge the collective efforts that have brought us this far and stand ready to support Brazils leadership in steering the next phase of climate negotiations at this critical juncture," the Permanent Mission said. In context: AMD's Radeon RX 9000 series cards went on sale Thursday, starting at $549 for the RX 9070 and $599 for the RX 9070 XT. Following the launch, some retailers suggested that these new cards would only be available at MSRP for a limited time. However, AMD has denied these reports, stating that certain RX 9000 models will continue to be sold at the recommended prices even after initial stock runs out. AMD's Chief Architect of Gaming Solutions Frank Azor categorically denied that the $549 / $599 MSRPs are launch-only pricing, in a statement to The Verge. According to him, the company has collaborated with its AIB partners to ensure that "multiple vendors" will continue selling at least some variants of the cards at those prices. Azor added that, alongside the base models, manufacturers will also offer overclocked versions with premium configurations at higher prices to cater to different user needs. He further claimed that AMD is working with its partners to maintain a steady supply of RX 9000 cards in the coming weeks. Ready for you pic.twitter.com/S66imJtiXN Frank Azor (@AzorFrank) March 6, 2025 Reports of a possible price increase for the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT began circulating almost immediately after launch. Swedish retailer Inet.se told VideoCardz that the recommended prices would only apply "to a limited number of cards." Similarly, UK retailer Overclockers stated that only "a few hundred" units would be sold at MSRP, after which prices would increase. Demand today for our new @amdradeon cards has been phenomenal. We are working with our AIBs to replenish stock at our partners ASAP in the coming days and weeks. MSRP pricing (excluding region specific tariffs and/or taxes) will continue to be encouraged beyond today so don't pic.twitter.com/8VxGioMkev Frank Azor (@AzorFrank) March 6, 2025 Best Buy added further fuel to the speculation by listing the cards in a way that implied AMD's recommended prices were temporary. The retailer advertised its $549 RX 9070 SKUs with a "Save $80" banner and the $599 RX 9070 XT models with a "Save $130" sign, suggesting that prices would soon rise to $629 and $729, respectively. The Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT have received mostly positive reviews upon release. The RX 9070 XT, in particular, was widely praised as a strong competitor to Nvidia's mid-range GPUs and a good value offering. The RX 9070 was also recognized as a better value proposition than the RTX 5070, with the potential to be a hit among gamers provided AMD maintains a steady supply at the promised $549 price point. Rumor mill: Can Nvidia redeem itself and the Blackwell consumer line with the RTX 5060? Probably not, but it might not be too long before we find out. According to new reports, the RTX 5060 series, consisting of three cards, will be announced next week, though they might not be available to buy (assuming they're actually in stock) until a month later. According to VideoCardz, Nvidia has just informed its board partners that the RTX 5060 series will be announced on March 13, which is next Thursday. The same report claims that there will be three variants of the RTX 5060: the standard version, the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, and the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB. The latter two cards appeared in a Eurasian Economic Union database in January, strengthening the report's credibility. Related reading: AMD Radeon RX 9070 Review While Nvidia has not revealed when it plans on releasing these cards, Zed Wang, better known as his X handle/pseudonym MEGAsizeGPU, wrote in a post that they wouldn't be on the shelves until a month later. This lines up with previous rumors pointing to an April launch, though it's unclear if Nvidia will release all three cards simultaneously or stagger their launch. The RTX5060 family will be released in about 10 days but will be on the shelf a month later. MEGAsizeGPU (@Zed__Wang) March 7, 2025 Whenever the RTX 5060 series get here, it'll be surprising if we don't see a repeat of what happened and is still happening with the other Blackwell cards: low or zero stock levels and retailers having almost no availability. As for the cards themselves, the RTX 5060 Ti is believed to have a 180W TDP, though we don't know if this is for the 8GB or 16GB models, or both. For comparison, the 8GB RTX 4060 Ti has a 160W TGP while the 16GB version of that card has a 165W TGP. It's possible that AMD will release the Radeon RX 9060 is April, too. Team Red is also rumored to launch 8GB and 16GB versions of the RX 9060 XT, mirroring what Nvidia is doing with the RTX 5060 Ti. Ultimately, though, a lot of people will likely be apathetic about the RTX 5060 and its variants. Blackwell has drawn a slew of criticism for its underwhelming generational uplifts, pricing, dishonest marketing, and technical issues such as missing ROPs. The latest entry in the series, the RTX 5070, scored a lowly 60 in our review, where we called it overpromised, underdelivered, and ultimately pointless. Nvidia's xx60 series has long been a favorite among mainstream gamers: the RTX 3060 recently lost its long-held position at the top of the Steam survey to the RTX 4060, and the RTX 4060 Ti is in third place. Even the RTX 2060 remains in the top ten. We'll have to wait and see if the RTX 5060 (eventually) proves to be as popular. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. In Azerbaijan, journalists are held liable not for their journalistic endeavors but for obtaining opaque money from other entities and for becoming agents of influence in clandestine political initiatives of foreign governments, Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Zahid Oruj said, Trend reports. He made the remark at the plenary session of the Azerbaijani parliament today, during the discussion of the annual report on the protection of human rights in the country by the commissioner for human rights for 2024. "For instance, the 'Abzas Media' initiative is not a media conduit; rather, it serves as a platform for hybrid warfare and espionage. BBC, Voice of America, Russia Today, and other media entities, as well as organizations operating under cultural and humanitarian umbrellas such as UNDP and Russian House, are all included in the principles that our state has adopted, which are entirely in accordance with international laws and national dignity principles. Our country demands a symmetric relationship; otherwise, restrictive measures are decided. That is, the attitude exhibited towards us is reiterated.," the committee chairman said. Oruj additionally articulated the operational frameworks and strategic initiatives of human rights organizations. "HRW, Freedom House, and other organizations have not dedicated a report in the last four years to the return of Zangilan or Shusha residents to their liberated lands, including mine terrorism. The selective application of human rights has become a domain for those acting as legal exploiters and global prosecutors. The reign of legal monopolists is already failing. The local offices of several UN agencies, as well as the Red Cross Society, compared to the 1990s, were serving anti-Azerbaijani plans during the Patriotic War and after. A new international organization regarding missing persons is now in Baku, and it will serve humanitarian purposes without any political agenda," the MP added. On February 3, 2025, Azerbaijan sent a diplomatic note to Russia requesting the closure of the Russian House after informing the Russian side that the Rossotrudnichestvo representative office in Azerbaijan, officially known as the Russian Information and Cultural Center, was not registered as a legal entity and was operating in violation of Azerbaijani law. Later, the representative office of Russia Today (Sputnik) in Azerbaijan was shut down, with the understanding that they could only have one correspondent in the mix. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Goodall, Shatner to receive environmentalist awards from Sierra Club Los Angeles, United States, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2025 Jane Goodall and William Shatner are set to receive honors from the Sierra Club, the major environmental group said Thursday, at a time when climate and conservation protections are being drastically rolled back in the United States. Primate researcher Goodall and "Star Trek" actor Shatner, both renowned activists, will be recognized at a star-studded Los Angeles fundraising gala on April 2 which aims to spotlight environmental concerns at a critical moment. "We do not have the luxury of waiting for action on climate change and environmental justice as communities grapple with the crisis on a daily basis. The choices we make today will shape the future of our planet and our communities," Ben Jealous, executive director of the Sierra Club, told AFP. US President Donald Trump, who has called climate change a "scam," recently pulled Washington out of the landmark Paris Agreement for a second time, expanded domestic oil drilling, and signed executive orders to slow the transition to electric vehicles. Government agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have been targeted for mass layoffs. Goodall will receive the Sierra Club Lifetime Achievement Award "for her inspiring dedication to protect chimpanzees and conserving the natural world." Shatner will collect a Visionary Award "for using his platform to raise awareness about the climate crisis." Other honorees at the 2025 Trail Blazers Ball, which brings activists and environmentalists together with celebrities, include Indigenous climate activist and fashion model Quannah Chasinghorse. The Sierra Club boasts millions of members and supporters, and is the oldest US environmental group -- formed in 1892. Most scientists agree that climate change currently underway differs from natural cycles of the past. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says it is indisputably attributable to human activity, and in particular to the burning of fossil fuels, especially since the end of the 19th century. Greenpeace, locals protest over gas leak off Senegal, Mauritania Dakar, March 7 (AFP) Mar 07, 2025 Greenpeace condemned BP on Thursday for a gas leak that has been ongoing for several weeks at a new field the British oil giant operates off Senegal and Mauritania. The Mauritanian government said last week the leak had been discovered on February 19 at a well in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, which was jointly developed by BP, US firm Kosmos Energy and the national hydrocarbons companies of Mauritania and Senegal. BP confirmed the leak on Wednesday and said work was under way to repair it. It is unclear how long the gas has been leaking from the GTA field, which Greenpeace Africa stressed was "home to the largest deep-water coral reef, a unique ecosystem in the world". "A single spill can wipe out decades of marine biodiversity, contaminate food webs and destroy the habitat of hundreds of species," the environmental campaign group said. "The impacts will extend far beyond the drilling areas, affecting species migration, marine reproduction and the ecological balance of the entire coastal region of Mauritania and Senegal." Greenpeace accused BP of a "total lack of transparency" and said local communities on the West African coast had a right to know about risks to their environment and their survival. BP said on Wednesday the gas was leaking at a "low rate of release" and it "currently" expected the environmental impact to be "negligible". - Transparency call - Greenpeace said BP should "immediately publish independent data on the true extent of this leak and the measures taken to address it". It urged the governments of Senegal and Mauritania "to insist on complete transparency from BP and to establish robust systems for monitoring and mitigating environmental risks associated with gas extraction". Last week, Senegal-based think tank LEGS-Africa said local people should be told about the cause, extent and impacts of the leak. On Wednesday, local fishermen in the Senegalese coastal town of Saint Louis, close to the GTA field, issued a statement of protest. "Our health, our resources and are lives are in danger -- threatened by a covert form of pollution whose impacts could be irreversible," the fishermen's association said. "Fish stocks and the entire marine food chain are exposed to contamination that could wipe out years of conservation efforts and pose a long-term threat to the local economy," it continued. The association criticised the Senegalese government for its silence on the matter. The Mauritian environment ministry said last week it was working in "close collaboration" with the Senegalese authorities and an investigation was under way "to bring the situation under control and minimise the impact". BP said on Wednesday that production activities were continuing at GTA's three other wells. The field, which began operating on December 31, aims to produce around 2.5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year. els/mrb/gil/phz BP 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The body of a 26-year-old missing Bronx woman was found stuffed in a suitcase on Thursday just out New York City. Pamela Alcantaras body was found inside a red suitcase floating in a Yonkers creek. Alcantara was last seen on security footage, which shows her entering her Bronx apartment buildings elevator early Sunday. Theres no footage of her leaving. Police have taken a person of interest in for questioning, according to WABC. The New York Police Department hasnt released the persons identity, but WABC and CBS New York both report it is Alcantaras ex-boyfriend. There are no arrests at this time and the investigation remains ongoing, the NYPD said in a Friday morning statement to The Independent. The identity of the deceased is pending proper family notification. Alcantara was last seen early Sunday. In her final phone call to her mother, Alcantara asked her to pray for her ( CBS New York ) Her cousin, Naysa Peguero, told WABC Alcantara and her mother last spoke on the phone over a week ago. "'Mom pray for me,' she said that to her last Thursday," Naysa said. "She said, 'mom, I just want you to pray for me,' and that was all." During that phone call, Alcantara said shed see her mom at church on Sunday. She never showed up. Alcantara's aunt Isa Peguero told WABC shes certain her ex-boyfriend killed the 26-year-old. The pair dated for three years before Alcantara recently ended things, according to WABC. Alcantara was in the process of moving out of their shared apartment when she disappeared her family even bought her a car and helped her find a place to live to ensure she could get out. "She was supposed to move, and I think he found out," Isa told the outlet. "He used to put a recorder on the car and recorder in the bedroom so he can know everything what happened, what is she doing?" She was a very good girl, sweet, helped anybody, a relative told CBS New York. Naysa said Alcantara spent much of her time at work or at church. "She went to church, she went home, she spoke with her mom on a daily basis and she only spent time with church friends and went to work, Naysa told WABC. "I checked her Facebook, I was telling my mom, she doesn't have any pictures up," Naysa added. "The only thing she has was her profile picture up. She wasn't allowed to put any pictures up." 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A onetime Republican political candidate from New Jersey serving a 17-year federal sentence for trying to hire a hitman to kidnap, torture, and kill a woman he met through an online dating service is facing new charges over a series of vile threats he made from behind bars, according to a grand jury indictment handed down this week. I will spank you and bruise you when I breed you, Christopher Thieme allegedly wrote in December to a woman living in the Albany, New York area. I will impregnate you soon. And keep doing so. You cant run. I will destroy anyone who obstructs me. You belong to me and only me. Tick tock tick tock. Times [sic] up. Your body[,] my choice forever. Thieme, 45, is accused of repeatedly emailing the woman, who is not identified by name in court filings, from FCI Fort Dix, the South Jersey prison where he is presently incarcerated. He began sending the harassing, intimidating, and threatening messages last September, and continued to menace the woman for at least four months, the indictment states. In a November 2024 email, Thieme allegedly wrote, I cant wait to hold you down and put a baby in you. Its coming soon No one will get in my way. You cannot belong to anyone else. A third example included in the indictment reads, Your body. My choice. Forever. I snuck into your place to install hidden cameras. Shower. Bed. Etc. ... I might sell them or put you on Pornhub I am the only man who will ever impregnate you. Repeatedly. No one else can have you but me. open image in gallery Christopher Thieme ran in the 2002 Republican primary for a seat on the Sussex County Board of Freeholders ( Essex County Department of Corrections ) Following President Donald Trumps re-election in 2024, far-right agitators gleefully began posting dark spins on pro-choice slogan, My body, my choice. Thiemes words echoed precisely those of Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes, who wrote on X , Your body, my choice. Forever. A grand jury in Albany handed down the indictment on Tuesday. It was first obtained by Court Watch , an independent news organization that monitors the nations federal dockets for noteworthy cases. Thieme does not have an attorney listed in court records. His most recent public defender, Patrick McMahon, did not respond to a request for comment on Friday. Federal inmates can send and receive email to approved contacts via TRULINCS , a controlled, monitored messaging system, but are not able to access the internet. Recipients must give their permission before an inmate is allowed to email them; messages are limited to 13,000 characters about two pages worth of text and no attachments are permitted. Thieme, who began his current sentence in 2016, was hit with one count of cyberstalking and three counts of interstate threats to injure another person. If convicted, he faces an additional five years on the cyberstalking count and five years on each of the interstate threat counts. open image in gallery Christopher Thieme did his first prison stint after assaulting a woman in a Rutgers dorm ( Getty Images ) In 2018, Thieme was sentenced to 18 months in New Jersey state prison, to be served concurrently with his federal sentence, for subjecting an ex-girlfriend to what a judge called one of the worst, most egregious cases of cyber-harassment that [he had] seen. Thieme made the social media posts in 2015, before he was sent away, calling the woman, who had a restraining order against Thieme at the time, a promiscuous whore, while claiming, among other things, that she had sexually transmitted diseases, and was mentally disturbed. Another set of posts were aimed at the womans new boyfriend, who Thieme attacked as a sick, f****t pedophile, alongside assertions the man had sexually assaulted young boys and his own sisters. In 2005, Thieme was arrested after luring a woman back to a dorm room at Rutgers University and cracking her over the head with a pool cue. He was convicted on aggravated assault charges in 2007 and spent seven years in state prison. Roughly a year after Thieme was released, he met a woman online and went on two dates with her before she attempted to cut things off. He then offered to pay a Pennsylvania man $25,000 to abduct the woman, hold her hostage for a couple of weeks, then kill her once Thieme had emptied her bank accounts and sold her home, according to court papers. But Thiemes plot was foiled when his associate reported the plan to the FBI. Agents arrested Thieme in January 2016, and he pleaded guilty that December to charges of attempted kidnapping and murder-for-hire. open image in gallery Christopher Thieme's latest alleged target lives in Albany. New York ( Getty Images ) Before Thieme was sentenced, his attorney told the judge his client suffered from untreated mental illness, arguing, It is devoid of any logic or intelligence that somebody could think they could get away with such a scheme. In his own remarks to the court, Thieme called himself a broken man, and contended he felt horrified by his actions. Apparently unmoved, the judge told Thieme his plea for mercy rang a bit hollow. Last August, Thieme applied for compassionate release from FCI Fort Dix, claiming he suffered from long Covid, and asked to serve out the remainder of his sentence on home confinement. (Thieme told Vice at the time that he would refuse the Covid vaccine because he didnt want to be a guinea pig.) Again, his entreaties failed to influence the judge overseeing his request, who called Thieme dangerous and said his crimes had devastated his victims, and that a sentence reduction would not reflect the seriousness of [his] offenses. Thieme ran in the 2002 Republican primary for a seat on the Sussex County Board of Freeholders. At the time, supporters dubbed Thieme a grassroots wonder, and a man of the people, according to the Sussex County Watchdog, a local politics blog. He received 3,000 votes against incumbent Gary Chiusano, who sat on the board until 2008 and now serves as Sussex County surrogate. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. The Parliament of Azerbaijan has ratified the Charter of the Organization for Economic Cooperation D-8, Trend reports. The issue was discussed during the parliament's plenary session today. A draft law "On accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation D-8" was put up for voting and adopted in the first reading. The Organization for Economic Cooperation D-8 unites eight Muslim countries. The foundation of the organization was laid on the initiative of Turkiye on October 22, 1996, at the Development Cooperation Conference organized in Istanbul with the cooperation of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, and Pakistan. On June 15, 1997, the Organization was officially launched at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of eight countries in Istanbul. The Secretariat of the Organization is located in Istanbul. The organization's new goals are reflected in the "2020-2030 Roadmap" document. On December 19, 2024, at the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) held in Cairo, Egypt, Azerbaijan was unanimously elected as a member of the D-8. This membership reflects Azerbaijan's growing international stature and the opportunities for closer cooperation with the organization. Azerbaijan's participation in the activities of D-8 can make significant contributions to the development of the organization, considering the country's geostrategic position and economic potential. Azerbaijan will play a key role in expanding cooperation within the D-8 framework as a bridge between the East and the West and as one of the main economic and cultural centers of the Islamic world. Azerbaijan's joining of D-8 opens new opportunities for the development of economic and trade relations. Azerbaijan has extensive trade relations, particularly with Turkiye, Pakistan, Iran, and Malaysia. There are opportunities for cooperation in oil and gas exports, as well as in agriculture and industry. Additionally, located on the Middle Corridor route, Azerbaijan is becoming an important transit hub for D-8 countries through the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the Baku International Sea Trade Port. Azerbaijans presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Turkiye-Pakistan-Azerbaijan strategic partnership provide extensive opportunities to strengthen cooperation with D-8 countries. In addition to participating in economic integration projects within D-8, Azerbaijan will continue to contribute to the core principles of the organization. Azerbaijans membership in the organization further strengthens its international trade and economic position and broadens regional and global cooperation prospects. The official language of D-8 is English, and the organization's main principles are economic development, trade cooperation, fair economic systems, and the strengthening of international diplomatic relations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice More than 1,600 people have been put to death in the U.S. in the last half-century. Only three have been by firing squad. South Carolina is set to make it four Friday evening when it is scheduled to kill Brad Sigmon by firing squad. Idaho is now looking to add to the count, further. The state - which is home to famous killers such as Chad Daybell and suspects such as Bryan Kohberger - wants to remodel or build a facility to execute its death row prisoners by firing squad. A lack of the lethal cocktail needed in the more traditional injection executions has forced states to find alternative ways to carry out death sentences. Idahos push to bring back firing squads, has faced backlash. The states major construction union has said it will not participate. Opponents of the method paint it as barbaric. It has left the state unable to fulfill its hope of returning to firing squad deaths. What is lawful and what is ethical are two separate inquiries; acting lawfully may not equate to acting ethically, wrote Andrew C Erstad, chair of the Idaho Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, to Governor Brad Little, the Department of Administration and Department of Public Works in February 2024 following a government request for construction bids. open image in gallery Idaho's execution table. State lawmakers passed a bill in 2023 that allowed firing squads to be used as a backup method to lethal injections ( Idaho Department of Correction ) Building A Facility The chapter prohibits its 420 members from building facilities related to execution, explained Erstad. Designing spaces intended to end human life is inconsistent with the ideal of upholding human rights. The Independent obtained a cache of documents through an open records request revealing the difficulties Idaho correctional officials have faced in recruiting designers to build its new firing squad facility after the passage of a 2023 bill cementing the method as a backup to lethal injections. Idaho Department of Correction Director Josh Tewalt noted the issue in a 2024 letter to staff following the states failed attempt at executing Thomas Creech, a 74-year-old serial killer convicted of murdering five people. Executioners tried putting Creech to death via lethal injection but couldnt establish an IV line after trying eight times. His veins kept collapsing, department officials said. The states inability to kill Creech, Tewalt noted, prompted questions about using a firing squad as a secondary execution method for Idahos nine death row prisoners so the department began working to retrofit F Block, our current execution chamber, and accommodate a firing squad. Those initial efforts were unsuccessful because contractors who would engage in this type of work have expressed their unwillingness to work on a project related to executions, Tewalt admitted, adding, Efforts are ongoing. Once the state passed the firing squad bill, lawmakers appropriated $750,000 to remodel Idahos execution chamber at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Ada County. The total estimated cost ballooned to $1.26 million, with anticipated changes including ballistic glazing and detention doors. But construction hasnt started yet, a Division of Public Works spokesperson said in an email, claiming the Department of Corrections has held up the renovations. An IDOC spokesperson confirmed construction has not begun but did not clarify what is causing the delay. open image in gallery The front of Idaho's F block. The state is considering spending $1.2m to retrofit the facility to accommodate firing squad executions ( Idaho Department of Correction ) Design Difficulties Department officials havent finalized firing squad policies and procedures, the spokesperson continued, pronouncing the department is now considering the use of a remote-operated weapons system alongside traditional firing squad methods. No additional details were provided. So far, at least one company Okland Construction has held discussions relating to performing the work, according to emails and an estimate submitted by the firm mentioning an Action Squad space. Okland has a history of building and designing correctional facilities. However, the company appeared skeptical it could find collaborators to finish the job. We reached out to several design firms to help and they have all declined, Okland Director Ben Petzinger wrote in an email last year to an IDOC project manager. It doesnt look promising that we would be successful in finding a design/build partner given the American Institute of Architects' stance on designing this part of a correctional facility. Okland and Petzinger did not respond to emailed requests for comment. Despite the construction lag, state lawmakers are doubling down on their efforts to make firing squad executions a reality. In February, the state House overwhelmingly passed legislation that would make firing squads Idahos primary way of putting inmates to death. The bill passed the Senate Wednesday and is awaiting Littles signature, bringing Idaho one step closer to being the only state in the nation with such a policy. Mixed Opinions During public comments regarding the legislation last month, several Idaho residents voiced their support for the then-proposed bill. Daniel Murphy, of Boise, suggested Idahoans might even donate the bullets needed for executions. He quoted Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayors 2017 comments issued as part of a dissent in which she said: In addition to being near instant, death by shooting may also be comparatively painless. Sotomayor made the remarks in response to an Alabama inmate whod requested to be executed via firing squad. Take six rounds of [5.56x45mm] and eight rifles... The job is complete, continued Murphy. Speaking in opposition, Kate Lopez, a Twin Falls resident, questioned how firing squad executions would work. As I understand it, death by firing squad requires a hood over the head, restraints on the limbs, targets to the heart, she said. The state must fund the facilities using my taxpayer dollars that I would prefer be spent on education. open image in gallery Bryan Kohberger enters a courtroom for a hearing in Moscow, Idaho, in 2023. If Kohberger is found guilty and sentenced to death for murdering four University of Idaho students, he could be executed by firing squad Only four other states Utah, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Mississippi allow firing squad executions. Yet, none of the states use them as a primary method. The last firing squad execution was in 2010 in Utah. Idaho has eight men and one woman on death row. All of the men have been convicted of murder, including Daybell, who was sentenced to death in June for killing his first wife and the two children of his second wife, Lori Vallow. Robin Row, the only female death row inmate, was convicted of the 1992 arson deaths of her husband, son and daughter in Ada County. One high-profile accused killer who might join them is 30-year-old Kohberger, who has been charged in connection to the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students: Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21. On November 13, 2022, , Kohberger allegedly entered the home the three women shared around 4 a.m. and murdered the victims. Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt told reporters each victim was stabbed with a large knife and there was quite a bit of blood at the crime scene. Police discovered the bodies on the victims beds, leading them to think they were asleep when they were attacked. Kohbergers trial is set to start in August. Prosecutors have said theyll seek the death penalty if he is convicted. On Tuesday, his attorneys filed a 28-page motion insisting he shouldnt be executed because he has autism. The Future Of Executions Challenges with renovating the states execution chamber underscore ongoing obstacles to capital punishment. Lethal injection manufacturers are hard to come by out of fear of criticism from the general public. That has led to a shortage of the drugs needed. Six states Arkansas, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana and North Carolina have a de facto moratorium on executions due to challenges with lethal injections. In Idahos case, the state hasnt executed anyone since 2012. open image in gallery Chad Daybell sits and closes his eyes after the jury's verdict in his murder trial was read at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, in May. Daybell was convicted of killing his wife and his new girlfriend's two youngest kids. He too could face a firing squad in Idaho one day. ( AP ) In some instances, staff members performing executions are inadequately trained or not qualified to perform them, leading to complications, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Robin Maher, the organizations director, foresees legal challenges to firing squad executions and has concerns over putting aside resources to make them happen. They're willing to put that kind of investment into executing people, and I would say, likely, over the objections of many members of the public that would have other uses for those funds, she said, pointing the finger at state lawmakers. The publics enthrallment with firing squad executions detracts from what she believes are more important questions, such as whether we should be executing people and who are we executing now. This tremendous fascination with the new methods that are being proposed now and utilized is really a distraction, she said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Frantic text messages between two roommates on the night that four University of Idaho students were fatally stabbed have been released, providing a chilling new window into the mystery of what happened in those final moments. A recently unsealed defense motion in the case against Bryan Kohberger revealed new information on Thursday about what Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke were doing on November 13, 2022 when a masked attacker slaughtered their four roommates. Kohberger, 30, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the slayings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, who were killed at their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. The texts between the two roommates, identified as DM and BF in the court documents, begin shortly before 4:30 a.m., just after Mortensen says she saw a masked man walking in the hallway outside her bedroom door. No one is answering, Mortensen texted Funke, referring to their other roommates. open image in gallery From left: Dylan Mortensen, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Bethany Funke ( Instagram ) Kaylee. Whats going on, Mortensen texted to Goncalves, who was upstairs, according to the court documents. Goncalves did not answer. Instead, the texts continue between Mortensen and Funke. Im freaking out rn, Funke texted. She also texted Xana was wearing all black. Mortensen described seeing someone wearing something like a ski mask almost to which Funke told her to run downstairs to her bedroom so they could be together. Its better than being alone, she texted. Both roommates fell asleep in Funkes room, according to court records previously filed by the defense. Hours later, Mortensen sent a flurry of texts to Goncalves and Mogen asking if they were awake. Pls answer, she texted one of them. R u up, she asked another. Neither one responded. open image in gallery Court docs reveal text messages between the surviving roommates on the night of the Idaho murders in 2022 ( State of Idaho ) Seven hours after the initial round of texts, the roommates called 911 after a friend came to the house and discovered Kernodles body. Police arrived to find a gruesome scene. Goncalves and Mogen were found stabbed to death in an upstairs room, and Kernodle was found dead near her boyfriend Chapin. The new information comes after little has been revealed about the surviving roommates. Previously, only a portion of Mortensens account had been released by investigators, in which she had described hearing noises, and seeing the masked man. Both surviving roommates are expected to testify at Kohbergers trial later this year. The former criminal justice graduate student was arrested in Pennsylvania weeks after the killings. Investigators have not released any possible prior connection between Kohberger and the victims, but were able to match his DNA to genetic material recovered from the sheath of a knife found at the scene. open image in gallery Bryan Kohberger will stand trial in August for the stabbing deaths of four Idaho students Kohbergers lawyers have sought to exclude some of the DNA evidence, noting that blood from unknown people was also found inside and outside the home, and that DNA from three different people was found underneath one of the victims fingernails. The trove of recent filings also included a range of evidence they plan to include at trial, including surveillance videos, phone records, banking details and records of Kohbergers purchases from businesses including Dicks Sporting Goods, Under Armour and Walmart. Earlier this week, Kohbergers lawyers continued their effort to throw out the death penalty, this time claiming that he has autism spectrum disorder and executing him would violate the Eighth Amendments prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Luigi Mangione has written a letter from his prison cell to a mother who made him tear up as she detailed her struggles to pay for her daughters healthcare. Your letter is the first to make me tear up. I am so, so, sorry for what you and your daughter so senselessly had to endure, Mangione wrote from his cell at the end of December. Mangiones letter to Karen was shared with journalist and novelist Ashley Shelby, who published it on her Substack dedicated to the case. The mom, Karen, detailed how her daughter deals with a life-threatening condition. Karen told said that her daughter requires constant care and medical treatment and last year, costs mounted after she was hospitalized for 60 nights, according to the Substack. What she and I went through as a result of insurance calling the shots rather than the doctors is a horrible story, Karen said. She is improving, but hardly close to her old self. The mom referenced the famed mosaic of Christ in Majesty at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and referred to it as Warrior Jesus in her letter. She vowed that she would keep up the fight in Mangiones name. Mangione has developed a following of fans since his arrest in connection to the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot outside of a hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4. Mangione has pleaded not guilty. A specific motive for the killing has not been released, but many have speculated that is tied to Thompsons role with the insurance company. The 26-year-old is awaiting trial in New Yorks notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. New York, where he sent the letter from. open image in gallery Luigi Mangione has written a letter from jail to a mom who is struggling to pay for her daughters healthcare ( via REUTERS ) If you are able to send a photo of you/your daughter or the mosaic, it would mean a great deal to me, Mangione wrote to mom. I will put it up on my prison cell wall next to your letter. Your daughter is blessed to have a mother who loves her so much and fights for her so relentlessly. Initially, Karen felt very weird about writing to Mangione, she said, but did so after being driven by some force that didnt make sense but couldnt be ignored. The mom added that after hearing similar stories of Americans battles with health insurers, her anger has turned to determination to support nurses and doctors, telling them that a change was surely coming. Mangione has been inundated with fan mail since he began his prison stint. Last month the murder suspect released his first public statement since his December arrest where he told supporters he reads every letter he receives. open image in gallery Demonstrators handed out stickers featuring Mangione standing in for Jesus Christ outside his February pretrial hearing in New York Criminal Court ( The Independent ) I am overwhelmed by - and grateful for - everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support. Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe, Mangiones statement said. While I can't reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future. Supporters have been donating to his legal defense fund, which currently stands at $641,491. One generous donor gave $30,000 last month. Hundreds of his fans turned up in droves to support Mangione at his pre-trial hearing inside a New York courthouse last month. I think what happened was inevitable given the amount of tension between Americans and the healthcare industry, one New Yorker told The Independent outside the court. One person who traveled three hours from Maryland just to see the reaction to the hearing remarked on this tension: Somethings gotta give and that something was Luigi Mangione . hes a go-getter. Another protester, who flew in from Chicago to show solidarity, said: I think major changes are needed in insurance. Thompsons killing brought a spotlight and a charge to take action against wrongdoing by corporate entities milking as much as they can from normal people. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Florida mother and her boyfriend have been arrested after they allegedly subjected two young boys to unspeakable torment during a campaign of abuse that resulted in one having a heart attack. Tavares police have shared horrifying details of the case, which resulted in the February arrests of Kimberley Mills, 37, and Andre Walker, 36. Both appeared in court on Tuesday. The pair were taken into custody after rushing Millss 10-year-old son to the hospital suffering from cardiac arrest and covered in bruises, burn marks and other injuries. It was later found that he was suffering from "internal bleeding in his stomach area and possible head trauma, judging from dark marks around his eyes. The boy remained in critical condition as of Wednesday, according to News6. Tavares police said that after learning that law enforcement was on their way to the hospital, Mills and Walker fled. Mills later returned with the boys younger brother, according to investigators. open image in gallery Kimberley Mills, 37, and Andre Walker, 36, both appeared in court on Tuesday on charges of child abuse ( Tavares Police Department/ ClickOrlando ) Investigators say that the younger boy told officers how he and his older brother suffered unspeakable torment, adding his bravery has since given the agency the determination to ensure that justice is served. At Millss home, police discovered a six-foot ladder, a 10-pound weight and duct tape, according to the release. Investigators believe the items were used to restrain the 10-year-old boy, with his hands bound above his head, while the weight was dropped onto his exposed stomach. open image in gallery At Millss home police discovered a six-foot ladder, a 10-pound weight and duct tape, which were believed to restrain and abuse the boys ( Tavares Police Department ) A copper wire was also found at the property, which detectives said was used to inflict further harm on the boys. The sheer brutality of these acts is indescribable, the release stated. Mills faces charges of tampering with evidence, two counts of aggravated child abuse, two counts of child neglect and two counts of accessory to aggravated child abuse, police said. Walker faces charges of tampering with evidence, two counts of aggravated child abuse and two counts of accessory to aggravated child abuse. Tavares Police Department Detectives Courtney Sullivan and Doug Roberts both testified at the hearing on Tuesday. open image in gallery Walker, who faces charges of tampering with evidence, two counts of aggravated child abuse and two counts of accessory to aggravated child abuse, appeared in court on Tuesday ( WESH2 ) Roberts, who interviewed the younger brother, detailed the forms of abuse and said that both children had been subject to it. "He stated that [his brother] was being punished in the living room, and then after that, he was taken into the garage by Andre, who he also said was mom's boyfriend," Roberts said, per WESH2. "He was taken into the garage and punished further by Andre in the garage. Judge Brian Welke described the circumstances of the offenses and the nature of the injuries to the boys as egregious." Both Walker and Mills are expected back in court on March 24. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A former Olympic snowboarder has been added to the FBIs ten most wanted fugitives list accused of running a drug cartel that trafficked hundreds of kilos of Colombian cocaine from Mexico to the U.S. and Canada. Ryan Wedding, 43, from Thunder Bay, Canada, was added to the bureaus most wanted list Thursday, replacing alleged child rapist and murderer, Alexis Flores. The fugitive, who is believed to be on the run in Mexico and under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel, is wanted for masterminding a transnational narcotics trafficking network that routinely shipped tons of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and across the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the FBI. Wedding, who had aliases El Jefe, Giant and Public Enemy, has also been accused of orchestrating multiple murders, including an innocent Canadian couple who were killed in a case of mistaken identity in 2023. His addition to the FBIs most wanted list marks a stark fall from grace since he represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, placing 24th in the mens parallel giant slalom event. open image in gallery Ryan Wedding could face life in prison if convicted of murder, attempted murder and drug trafficking charges ( FBI ) Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada, said Akil Davis, the assistant director of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office in a statement Thursday. Matthew Allen, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administrations Los Angeles Field Division, added: The former Canadian snowboarder unleashed an avalanche of death and destruction, here and abroad. Now, his face will be on The Top 10 Most Wanted posters. Hes unremitting, callous and greed-driven. Todays announcement beams an even brighter searchlight on him. We ask that you help us find him. The FBI said it is now desperate to bring Wedding to justice, before the very dangerous man puts anyone else in danger. A $10 million reward for information on his whereabouts is being offered by the U.S. Department of States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized the financial incentive under the Narcotics Rewards Program. The FBI is also offering a separate $50,000 for information leading to the alleged drug kingpin being brought to justice. We are committed to protecting American communities from thugs who, with clear consciences, deliberately peddle illicit narcotics and prey on our youth, said Cartwright Weiland, senior bureau official for the State Departments NIL. open image in gallery Ryan Wedding was first investigated by police as a suspect in a marijuana growing operation in 2004 but was never charged ( FBI ) Not long after Weddings Olympics appearance, the suspect enrolled at the Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, where he took a part-time job as a bouncer, a friend told Rolling Stone earlier this year. Weddings friend believes that its through that role that the former athlete made his first forays into the underworld. Weddings descent into this world was no different from how one gains entree into any legitimate industry. He made friends who became connections. He networked, wrote Jesse Hyde, a Salt Lake City-based reporter for Rolling Stone. Police had been investigating Wedding on the suspicion that he was running a large marijuana grow operation in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, since 2004. In 2006, he was named in a search warrant in Maple Ridge, according to his athlete profile on Olympics.com. He was never charged. Wedding was convicted in May 2010 for attempting to buy cocaine from a government agent in 2008, and was sentenced to four years in prison. open image in gallery An FBI wanted poster of Wedding shared by the Los Angeles DEA in October ( FBI/X ) Wedding was indicted in October 2024 as the lead suspect alongside 15 other suspects on charges of running a transnational drug trafficking, the FBI and Canada's Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a joint statement. He could face a mandatory minimum penalty of life in federal prison if convicted, the FBI said. Officials said that Wedding runs the drug trafficking ring with fellow Canadian Citizen Andrew Clarke, which uses trucks and stash houses to transport cocaine across the U.S. and Canada. Their group has also been accused of being responsible for several shootings in the Peel Region, a municipality in the Greater Toronto Area. An Olympic athlete-turned-drug lord is now charged with leading a transnational organized crime group that engaged in cocaine trafficking and murder, including of innocent civilians, Martin Estrada, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said in October. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Wisconsin woman who stabbed her classmate to please the fictional horror character Slender Man over a decade ago will be released from a psychiatric hospital, a judge has ruled. Morgan Geyser, 22, has been at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute for nearly seven years after being convicted in the 2014 stabbing attack of Payton Leutner. Geyser was sentenced to 40 years but was granted release in January. However, the ruling hit a last-minute roadblock after the staff at the institution filed a petition last week asking the judge to revoke the release due to new concerns, which included Geysers reading material and her contact with an older man with unnatural interest in the crime. At the hearing on Thursday, several staff members testified on behalf of the state, revealing that Geyser was in possession of a book described by the program supervisor as a dark novel that revolves around murder and the selling of body parts on the black market along with sexual sadism. One of her therapists, Lisa Portmann, along with Dr. Kenneth Robbins, who had previously testified in the case, both told the court that despite new concerns raised in the petition, they believe Geyser is not a danger to herself or to others and should still be conditionally released. Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael Bohren denied the petition filed by the institution and approved Geysers release, saying in court that the state had not met the burden of clear and convincing evidence that she needed to stay in the mental health facility. open image in gallery Morgan Geyser (pictured in January 2025) will be released, a judge ruled ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Geyser and her classmate Anissa Weier were 12 in 2014 when they lured Payton Leutner, who was also 12, to a Waukesha park after a sleepover. Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times while Weier egged her on. Leutner barely survived. The girls later told investigators they wanted to earn the right to be servants of the fictional Slender Man and that they feared he would harm their families if they didnt carry out the attack. A plan for Geysers release will be discussed at a hearing on March 21. The Slender Man stabbing The plan to kill Payton Leutner in 2014 was fueled by the girls desire to please Slender Man. According to a criminal complaint, the plan was initially supposed to be carried out on May 30, 2014, the night of Geysers sleepover to celebrate her 12th birthday. But then they changed the plan and decided to kill her the next morning at a nearby park in Waukesha. Once at the park, Weier suggested they go for a walk to play hide-and-seek in nearby woods, she told investigators. The girls then forced Leutner to lie down on the ground and with a kitchen knife Geyser had brought from her home, she began to repeatedly stab her while Weier egged her on. Leutner suffered 19 stab wounds and barely survived, according to medical staff who treated her. open image in gallery Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier were both arrested in the attempted murder of their friend Payton Leutner ( Waukesha Police Department ) She was left for dead but then crawled onto a bike path and was found by a passerby. Police captured Geyser and Weier later that day as they were walking on Interstate 94 in Waukesha. Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide in a deal with prosecutors and a judge sent her to the psychiatric institute after determining she had a mental illness. She was diagnosed with early-onset schizophrenia after being taken into custody, according to Rolling Stone. Weier pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide and was also sent to the psychiatric facility after a jury found she was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the attack. In December 2017, Weier received the maximum 25 years in a mental health facility after pleading guilty to being an accomplice to second-degree intentional homicide. open image in gallery Payton Leutner, who survived the stabbing attack, was 17 years old when she was finally able to tell her story ( ABC News ) In February 2018, Geyser received 40 years in a mental hospital after pleading guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide. In 2021, Weier was granted a conditional release to live with her father and was ordered to wear a GPS monitor. After the attack, Leutner underwent 25 surgeries to repair her heart, liver, stomach, and pancreas after the attack, her mother Stacie Leutner told ABC Action News. But her emotional trauma was just as scarring, as she later revealed that she slept with scissors under her pillow for protection. Who is Slender Man? Slender Man is a fictional supernatural character, typically depicted as a spidery figure in a black suit with a featureless white face, that originated as a creepypasta or horror internet meme created in 2009 by Something Awful forum user Eric Knudsen under his username Victor Surge. When Geyser and Weier discovered Slender Man on Creepypasta Wiki, they apparently believed he was real and decided to become what they called proxies of the character, thereby proving their dedication to him and his existence to skeptics, according to the criminal complaint. Slender Man, How An Urban Legend Was Born on the Internet But to fully prove their dedication, the girls believed they had to kill someone. They decided that person would be their friend Payton. The stabbing sparked a fear of Slender Man in parents across the nation. Russell Jack, who was the police chief of Waukesha at the time, warned that the incident should be a wake-up call for all parents and that the internet is full of dark and wicked things. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A California man has avoided prison after being convicted of violently sexually assaulting and brutally disfiguring a woman as her terrified 13-year-old daughter looked on. Trevor Colombano, 38 years old, of Santa Rosa, was sentenced Tuesday to a single term of probation after pleading no contest meaning that he accepted conviction without admitting guilt to charges of sexual battery, assault with a deadly weapon, and mayhem a charge otherwise known as permanent disfigurement, according to the Sonoma County District Attorney. A public records search revealed Colombano had no criminal history. However, in a move that has sparked widespread condemnation, Colombano has evaded jail after Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Dana Simonds felt the defendant's cannabis consumption, stress, and mental health issues, were sufficient justifications for allowing him to be released from custody. Colombano faced further charges of inflicting great bodily injury upon the victim and the use of a deadly weapon alongside the charge of mayhem. The heinous incident unfolded on October 28, 2023. The victim, 41, was walking her dog outside of her Santa Rosa apartment. open image in gallery Ahead of his probation being granted, Colombano was facing a maximum prison sentence of nine years, plus an additional 18 months ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) During the walk, she was ambushed from behind by Colombano who is believed to have argued with his girlfriend just before, as per The Press Democrat. He began to molest her, and when she attempted to push him off her, his attack intensified, according to Sonoma County authorities. The attack began with the suspect punching his victim in the head, he then escalated after he picked up a landscaping rock and repeatedly bashed the victims face with it. He also ripped off the victims shirt and bra during the attack, according to Sonoma authorities. The womans 13-year-old daughter and 13-year-old cousin watched on as the victim was savagely beaten to the ground. Witnesses reportedly heard Colombano scream out, I am Jesus, Help me and Youre going to find out, according to court records seen by The Press Democrat. The woman was saved by two bystanders who managed to wrestle Colombano to the ground, holding him down until police arrived. The victim suffered multiple lacerations to her scalp and a full-thickness laceration to her lip. Her injuries were so extreme that they required 17 sutures, 5 staples. As a result, she has now been left permanently disfigured. Ahead of his probation being granted, Colombano was facing a maximum prison sentence of nine years, plus an additional 18 months. A psychologist reportedly examined Colombano and noted in February 2024 that he suffered from psychosis at the time of the attack a state that resulted in delusion. The doctor recommended antipsychotic medication, stress management, and cognitive behavioural therapy, according to a pre-sentence report seen by The Press Democrat. Stipulations included in his probation terms include drug testing, mandatory medication, and a ban on alcohol or unprescribed drugs including cannabis, even with a medical recommendation, the outlet added. As of Friday, Colombano was not listed on Californias sex offenders register though he is now required to. Prosecutors believe the defendant now poses an extreme risk to public safety. The traumatised victim delivered an emotional statement to the Court at Colombanos sentencing Tuesday, stating: When you have a stranger attack you in the way I was attacked, it felt like my ability to be strong was taken away from me. I have cried more in the last six months than I have in my entire lifetimemy daughter and my little cousin, both thirteen at the time, had to witness the whole thing. I cannot even put into words the feeling of not being able to protect yourself or your child at the same time, she added. The victim has now moved out of the state of California and during her appearance, begged the court to sentence Colombano to prison. A Change.org petition launched Wednesday, calling for the recall of Judge Simonds, has garnered nearly 800 signatures. District Attorney Rodriguez stated, Justice was not served in this case [...] This woman will be permanently scarred for the rest of her life, both physically and emotionally. Rodriguez added that the two 13-year-olds sense of safety would also be eternally compromised. Mr. Colombano is a menace to public safety, period, and should be sitting in prison. That wont happen. As there is no further action legally allowable for our office, the community, and more importantly, the victims will have to live with the consequences of this sentence. I am incredibly disappointed in the outcome of this case. Speaking with The Press Democrat, Colombanos defense attorney Roy Miller stressed his clients remorse and insisted his sincerity was not in question. It's important for criminal defendants to accept responsibility for their actions it's part of the rehabilitation process and Trevor did just that, Miller told the outlet. His client filed a five-page handwritten letter to the victim, as seen by The Press Democrat, that read: Everyday I try to think how I can help in repairing as much of the damage I inflicted as possible, but nothing I have thought of comes anywhere close to what you deserve. The Independent contacted Judge Simmonds, the Sonoma County DA, DA Rodriguez, and Roy Miller, comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Arizona man whose mother became famous for her parenting YouTube channel before she died in disgrace after being accused of abusing her adopted kids now faces prison time for the sexual abuse of a minor. Ryan Hackney, 31, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison on Tuesday in Pinal County, Arizona, after he pleaded guilty to sexual abuse and attempted sexual contact with a minor, according to the Arizona Republic. The court credited him for 58 days that he spent in jail over the course of the legal process. Ryan is the biological son of Machelle Hobson, who police arrested in 2019 on charges that she was abusing her seven adopted children. A girl reportedly told investigators that Ryan began abusing her when she was 8 or 9 years old and continued to do so until she was 11 or 12. Ryan's brother, 33-year-old Logan, was also sentenced to four and a half years back in January after he pleaded guilty to sexual abuse and two counts of attempting to commit sexual conduct with a minor. Logan received probation on the latter charge and was credited with 631 days that he spent in jail. Both of the brothers will have to register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives once they are released from prison. open image in gallery Machelle Hobson, aged 47, in 2019 after she was arrested and charged with 30 counts of child abuse related to a YouTube channel she produced using her adopted children. Hobson died in 2019 after suffering a non-traumatic brain injury while she was waiting to go to trial ( Pinal County Sheriff's Office ) In 2019, Hobson was accused of abusing her adopted children as she forced them to create content for her popular YouTube show. Hobson produced content on the video platform under the name "Hobson's Fantastic Adventures," amassing a following of 800,000 subscribers and pulling in approximately 350 million page views. The channel brought in tens of thousands of dollars for her. The children who spoke to police said Hobson would pepper spray and pinch their genitals as punishment and said she would lock them in closets for days without food or bathroom access if they forgot a line in a script or otherwise failed to follow her directions. When the situation at Hobson's home finally came to light, she was charged with 30 felony counts of child abuse and kidnapping that involved five of her adopted or fostered children. Her YouTube channel was removed by the platform. Before her arrest, Hobson had reportedly been investigated by the Arizona Department of Child Safety on nine occasions, but no evidence of abuse were ever formally discovered. Hobson pleaded not guilty to her charges, but then suffered a non-traumatic brain injury while she was locked up in Pinal County court custody and died six months later in a hospital. Ryan and Logan were arrested alongside their mother and were both charged for failing to report their parents actions to the authorities. It was ultimately another one of Hobson's biological children her daughter Megan who tipped police off to the abuse her adoptive siblings were facing. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The government in Albania has made the decision to shut down social media platform TikTok for 12 months. On Thursday, the countrys cabinet made the move over concerns the popular video-sharing platform incites violence and bullying among children. It comes after a teen stabbed another to death in November after a quarrel that started on TikTok. Since then, authorities conducted 1,300 meetings with some 65,000 Albanian parents who recommended and were in favor of the shut down or limiting the TikTok platform," Education Minister Ogerta Manastirliu said. He said his department had been in talks with TikTok on installing certain protections such as parental control, age verification and the inclusion of the Albanian language in the application. open image in gallery The move comes after an Albanian teen stabbed another to death at the end of 2024 following a dispute on the platform ( AP ) TikTok did not immediately respond to a request to comment on the government's decision. When Prime Minister Edi Rama said in December they were aiming at closing the social media platform, TikTok asked for urgent clarity from the Albanian government on the case of the stabbed teenager. On Thursday Rama said they were in a positive dialogue with the company," and that TikTok would visit the country soon to offer a series of measures on increasing the security for children. The company said it had found no evidence that the perpetrator or victim had TikTok accounts, and multiple reports have in fact confirmed videos leading up to this incident were being posted on another platform, not TikTok. Albanian children comprise the largest group of TikTok users in the country, according to researchers. There has been increasing concern from Albanian parents after reports of children being inspired by content on social media to take knives to school, or cases of bullying promoted by stories they see on TikTok. Authorities have increased police presence at some schools and set up other measures including training programs for teachers, students and their parents. The opposition has not agreed with TikToks closure and has set March 15 for a protest against the move. It said the ban was an act of intolerance, fear and terror from free thinking and expression. TikTok, which is operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, has faced questions in many countries and was briefly offline in the United States recently to comply with a law that requires ByteDance to divest the app or be banned in the U.S. The app suspended its services in the U.S. for less than a day before restoring service following assurances from Trump that he would postpone banning it. Earlier this week, the U.K.s data protection watchdog said was investigating how the app uses the personal information of 13 to 17-year-olds to deliver content recommendations to them. The Information Commissioners Office said that there are growing concerns around how social media platforms were using data generated by childrens online activity to power their recommendation algorithms, and the potential for young people to see inappropriate or harmful content as a result. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. A segment of the severe criticism originating from France pertains to an assertion by a member of the French parliamentary assembly, alleging that Azerbaijan is attempting to destabilize France and that its diplomats are accountable for the internal instability and recent tumultuous foreign relations of France, the political analyst and journalist, Rachel Avraham, said in a recent article published in the Jewish Press, Trend reports. In an article titled "France between Azerbaijan and Armenia" published in the US-based Jewish Press, Avraham, the founder and director of the Dona Gracia Center for Diplomacy, asserts that Azerbaijan's diplomats are being held accountable for the instability in France's domestic and foreign affairs. "It seems that Macrons government is looking for a scapegoat on which to blame its diplomatic and managerial failures. What is certain is that anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric has become a central component of French foreign policy and, paradoxically, even its domestic policy," the article further noted. In her article, which takes a closer look at France's maneuvers in the South Caucasus and the Middle East, Avraham points out that Azerbaijan and Georgia are pulling out all the stops to forge new regional cooperation platforms to tackle their everyday challenges, while outside meddling continues to throw a wrench in the works of stability in the region. She highlights that the West, particularly France, has been a thorn in the side of regional development with its policies, throwing a wrench in the works at every turn. The author points out that foreign players are keeping a close eye on every step in the South Caucasus, using diplomacy as their ace in the hole to chase after their geostrategic ambitions. History has a way of repeating itself, and when foreign hands get involved, it can really stir the pot, often fanning the flames of division and animosity. Avraham paints Azerbaijan as a tough nut to crack, standing its ground against foreign meddling and turning a cold shoulder to any third-party mediation in its peace talks with Armenia. Avraham goes on to discuss Frances growing role as a central player in the dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia. She notes that since the Second Karabakh War, Paris has taken on the role of Armenias patron, consistently supporting the country despite the risks this poses to its relations with Azerbaijan. As a result, France faces the possibility of losing its diplomatic ties with Azerbaijan due to excessive and misguided criticism. Addressing the European Unions (EU) involvement in the conflict, Avraham asserts that despite favorable economic relations with Azerbaijan, the EU has openly sided with Armenia. Azerbaijan remains concerned that the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA) could disrupt the peace process and support the revisionist groups in Armenia that oppose peace. The involvement of French military personnel in the EUMA further fuels Azerbaijans concerns. Avraham wraps things up by hinting that Frances backing of Armenia is meant to stir the pot and fan the flames of discord in the South Caucasus. "Given the information presented, it can be understood that the French are the ones interested in perpetuating the conflict in the South Caucasus and the ongoing dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan for their own political and diplomatic goals," she writes. The full article can be read in detail at the following link: https://www.jewishpress.com/blogs/dona-gracia-center/france-between-azerbaijan-and-armenia/2025/03/02/ Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijan and Turkiye have historically built their relationship on the principles of brotherhood, and over time, this has evolved into a strategic partnership and alliance, the political analyst Azer Garayev said in an interview with Trend. The two countries continue to strengthen their cooperation across political, economic, energy, defense, and cultural sectors. Political relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye are at the highest level. The foundation of these relations is shared history, culture, and national interests. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye continue to develop. The Shusha Declaration, signed in 2021, officially elevated these relations to the level of an alliance. The declaration envisions deepening cooperation in security, defense, and economic fields, Garayev said. According to him, both countries also actively support each other on the international stage. Turkiye demonstrated the clearest example of this brotherhood during Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the 44-day Second Karabakh War. Azerbaijan, in turn, is an important partner in strengthening Turkiye's position on international platforms. The common interests of Turkiye and Azerbaijan are not only regional but also global. Both countries are strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Turkic States Organization (OTS) and supporting the integration of the Turkic world. Moreover, they maintain close ties to present a unified position at international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), NATO, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and other international bodies, Garayev added. Discussing economic cooperation, the political analyst emphasized that economic relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye are developing at a steady pace. Azerbaijan and Turkiye aim to increase their trade turnover to $15 billion shortly. The key areas of economic cooperation between the two countries include energy, transportation and logistics, industry and trade, as well as technology and defense industries. There is extensive cooperation in the energy sector, including the TANAP and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan projects, as well as oil and gas exports to third countries. Recently, one of these projects, the Ighdr-Nakhchivan gas pipeline, was inaugurated, with Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan in attendance. As President Ilham Aliyev mentioned during the inauguration ceremony: The project we are inaugurating today will ensure the energy security of Nakhchivan. The gas coming from Azerbaijan will be transferred to Nakhchivan through the territory of Turkiye in the form of a swap and will save Nakhchivan from this problem, President Ilham Aliyev stated. This pipeline will provide a more stable and reliable gas supply to Nakhchivan. Previously, the autonomous republic imported gas from Iran, but now it will receive natural gas directly from Turkiye. The main advantages of this project include the diversification of Nakhchivan's gas supply, lower transportation costs, stable energy supply, and strengthening strategic cooperation in the energy sector. The realization of this project marks another step in our energy cooperation, and I am confident such steps will continue, he added. Garayev also pointed out the growing transportation cooperation between the two countries. Both countries are participating together in several projects, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Middle Corridor, and others. The next stage of this collaboration will be the Zangezur Corridor. As the head of state mentioned, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, which connects Turkiye and Azerbaijan, provides significant advantages for both our countries and the wider geography: ''This transport link has tremendous significance and benefits, especially in terms of uniting the Turkic world. Naturally, the unity and brotherhood between Turkiye and Azerbaijan make a great contribution to the entire Turkic world. My dear Brother, the esteemed President, has played an immense role in the unification of the Turkic world. Under his leadership, Turkiye has achieved great successes and created new opportunities for closer Turkic unity. Azerbaijan has always attached great importance to the unification of the Turkic world and has spared no effort to ensure this unity, make it eternal, and establish relations based on common interests and shared history.'' Additionally, the opening of the Zangezur Corridor will further enhance the land connection between the two countries, which will, in turn, contribute to the development of cultural, humanitarian, and people-to-people relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, he added. Garayev emphasized that both Azerbaijan and Turkiye are guarantors of peace and development in the region. As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated, Turkiye and Azerbaijan stand for peace, stability, and prosperity: ''We only want peace in our region, we want cooperation, and we want all of us to develop together. For this purpose, we have taken a number of steps and demonstrated how sincere we are. Inshallah, from now on, we are determined to implement all kinds of projects related to regional peace, prosperity, and security together.' Azerbaijan and Turkiye are not only strategic partners and allies but also leading countries in the region. Both countries are taking crucial steps to strengthen security and prosperity in the region, promote regional integration through cooperation, and foster economic projects. In this regard, the joint strategic initiatives of Azerbaijan and Turkiye play a vital role in maintaining peace, expanding cooperation, and ensuring sustainable development in the region. Azerbaijan-Turkiye relations are not limited to current realities; the future of these relations is even brighter. The two countries are implementing new projects to expand bilateral investment initiatives, develop joint weapons production and defense industries, and strengthen the economic and political integration of the Turkic world, Garayev noted. The political analyst stressed that the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye go beyond just diplomatic and economic ties. This is a strategic alliance based on the shared history and interests of our brotherly nations. The ongoing development of political and economic cooperation, the realization of new energy and transportation projects, and the prospects all indicate the strengthening of this partnership. The joint projects undertaken by Azerbaijan and Turkiye are significant not only for the two countries but for the entire region, and their success will contribute to the further strengthening of the Turkic world on the global stage, he concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel FILE - The moon is shown during a full lunar eclipse, Sunday, May 15, 2022, near Moscow, Idaho, with the reddish color caused by it passing into the shadow of the Earth. A Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 total lunar eclipse will be visible throughout North America in the predawn hours _ the farther west, the better _ and across Asia, Australia and the rest of the Pacific after sunset. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) Meteorologist Margaret Orr retired in 2024 after 45 years at WDSU in New Orleans. If you're African American or in certain organized or social groups, you know there's a national DEI boycott planned for Friday. If you haven't heard about it, know that some Black folks along with allies will be living their normal lives without buying breakfast, lunch or dinner out, without buying coffee, snacks and soda at a neighborhood convenience store and without going to a local or big box store to shop for clothes or groceries. The idea is for enough Black people to withdraw from commerce while standing together in favor of diversity, equity and inclusion and against companies that have moved away from DEI, a valuable business approach and strategy that works to make things better for everyone. A Current Affair reporter Seb Costello has resigned from the Nine Network, just months after the company launched a review into an incident where he chased an interview subject into a womens public toilet. Costello resigned from the company this week after 13 years, he confirmed to this masthead. After more than a decade at Nine, I have resigned from my role to seek a fresh challenge. I would like to thank Nine and wish them all the best, he said. Nine journalist Seb Costello has resigned from the network. Credit: Nine Costello made headlines in November when he, alongside a camera crew, followed a finance executive from a firm being sued by the corporate regulator, ASIC, into a bathroom and attempted to film and interview him over the top of a cubicle door. On the day they met in 2006, marketing and communications specialist Sarah Noye Davies, 38, and artist Paul Davies, 45, shared an instant attraction. Theyve been together ever since experiencing new life as well as loss. Sarah and Paul Davies at his studio in Paddington. Credit: Louie Douvis Sarah: I was 19 when I met Paul. Id just returned from living in London and a friend in Sydney said, Come and stay. Paul was his flatmate. I remember him coming down the stairs: tanned, good-looking and an artist. Weve been together since that day. I could see he was strong on routine: hed be in the studio at 7am and work through to 4pm every day. He likes order. On the second day of my stay, he took me to get coat-hangers! Pauls upbringing was less traditional than mine. He was a champion swimmer, spent a lot of time training and didnt have a TV until he was 15; his dad didnt believe they needed one. Pauls the same. We only got one recently. It was a running joke. What got it over the line is that you can buy TVs that are disguised as artworks, so now we have a Monet on the wall. On Friday morning, this masthead revealed that the John Holland Group was scrambling to address the scandal. Both the union and the company supported the sacking of two delegates this week and the launch of probes to uncover the extent of the alleged fraud against the taxpayer. Loading The labour hire firm implicated is MC Labour, a major player in Victorias construction sector. With union backing, it has operated a near-monopoly of labour hire supply on the Metro Tunnel site, sparking concern from industry insiders that the ghost shift scandal could have already cost taxpayers millions of dollars. A spokesman for the Victorian government late on Thursday confirmed the matter was under investigation and could be referred to police. We are aware CYP D&C [Cross Yarra Partnership Design and Construction] Joint Venture is currently undertaking an urgent investigation and if there is found to be criminal activity, it will be referred to Victoria Police, he said. These allegations are extremely serious and deeply concerning. Allegations of ghost shifts on the Metro Tunnel were also revealed in 2023, this time related to rail workers. An investigation by the national safety regulator found that timesheets were falsified, but they were beyond its remit because they did not relate to live safety risks. Metro Trains and contractor John Holland also investigated the issue, but their findings have never been released publicly. The company at the centre of the scandal, Morson International, was banned from Big Build projects while these probes were under way. Government Services Minister Natalie Hutchins said the government had only been made aware of the concerns regarding MC Labour on Thursday night and was investigating. I do want to emphasise the contracts that are in place in regards this contract work means that taxpayers will not be paying the bill, she said. The liability, if it is found to be true, will fall on the business that has a contract with government. Government Services Minister Natalie Hutchins. Credit: Justin McManus Opposition Leader Brad Battin called for clarity on whether MC Labour would be removed from Metro Tunnel sites as promised with previous cases. Victorians deserve to have a government that respects the taxpayer and spends their money wisely. This government clearly does neither, he said. Unlike Premier Allans decade of waste, the Liberals and Nationals have a clear solution: bikies off building sites, a Construction Enforcement Victoria watchdog, and a royal commission into CFMEU corruption. A spokesperson for the Victorian Infrastructure Development Authority, which oversees the states Big Build projects, also confirmed an investigation was under way. Any companies or individuals doing the wrong thing will face serious consequences, with the potential for allegations to be referred to Victoria Police, the spokesperson said. If there are any additional costs as a result of these allegations they will be borne by the consortium. Three senior sources familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, also confirmed the sackings of the CFMEU delegates and MC Labours alleged involvement. One of those sources said the alleged rort had potentially cost the taxpayer many millions, while another said it was a sum much lower. Loading While stories in media outlets have detailed ghost shift allegations on various Labor Big Build sites, it is the first time those alleged to be responsible have been sacked. The sacking of the delegates is part of a continuing scandal surrounding the CFMEU, and comes as the administrator to the powerful union continues to wrestle control of its networks and drive corruption from the sector. The CFMEU was placed into administration last year following the Building Bad investigation by this masthead, The Australian Financial Review and 60 Minutes, which found underworld figures had infiltrated the union. Following the revelations, the state government launched a review that recommended principal builders working on state projects report suspected criminal conduct and, where possible, address the behaviour. MC Labour has previously been implicated in scandal, with this masthead recently revealing its ties to underworld figures, including notorious ex-bikie Toby Mitchell. Since the union was plunged into administration, Irving and Smith have moved to crack down on the use of labour hire firms, arguing they have led to a new gig economy that disadvantages union members. CFMEUs Zach Smith at Melbourne rally in September 2024. Credit: Justin McManus But the labour hire industry has also been a honey pot for organised crime, with several of the states labour hire firms aligned with major gangland or outlaw bikie gang figures. It is suspected the practice of ghost shifts at the project has gone on for several years and could have added to the budget blowout on the major infrastructure project. MC Labour has had a long and, at times, controversial relationship with the CFMEU. In 2014, The Age revealed how MC Labour gave kickbacks to a CFMEU organiser, who resigned after the revelations. MC chief executive Marc Lunedei has since insisted the business was operating above board under his guidance. Loading His son, former MC senior manager Matt Lunedei, is a known close associate of Mitchell, whom he met while serving time in prison for aggravated burglary and theft. In 2021, Mitchell helped Matt Lunedei to recruit workers for MC. The company was contacted by this masthead on Thursday before publishing the allegations. In a statement sent on Friday afternoon, Marc Lunedei said his group welcomed the investigation, and it would assist with any inquiries. Today, MC Labour has been made aware through media outlets that an investigation has been initiated into allegations made relating to shifts performed by labour hire workers associated with a project partner. MC Labour has systems and controls in place to ensure that all labour shifts have been authorised according to the pre-existing and agreed authorisation processes. Our established governance framework is designed to uphold integrity and compliance with all regulatory and contractual obligations. The Metro Tunnel project has been beset with cost overruns and concerns that subcontractor groups with ties to union delegates have been filing fake invoices to Big Build companies for workers shifts that had not been fulfilled. On Thursday, Premier Jacinta Allan was at the Metro Tunnels new Town Hall station to spruik the project. Concerns about ghost shifts on Big Build projects emerged in 2023, when it was acknowledged as a problem by the state government. Our main message is we want to reassure passengers that Avalon is safe, and they should continue on with their travel, Suss said. Australian Border Force staff only attend the airport, which is classified as a tier 2 regional airport by federal authorities, to manage ad-hoc international charter and cargo flights. As calls for a review of the airports safety mount, the Home Affairs Department, Victoria Polices counterterrorism command and the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre have all launched investigations into the breach. Investigators believe the 17-year-old climbed through a hole in the airports security fence and walked to a Jetstar flight JQ610 with a stolen long-arm firearm and ammunition before claiming: Ive got bombs in my bag. Barry Clark after he helped to overpower an armed teenage boy on a plane at Avalon Airport. The teenager, who was wearing a high-vis jacket over what appeared to be a black suit and tie, was tackled to the ground by passengers and crew moments after he boarded the Sydney-bound aircraft in a scuffle captured on video. The footage of the incident, captured by a passenger, shows Echuca-Moama shearer Barry Clark and a Jetstar pilot overpowering the teenager, pushing him to the ground and putting him in a headlock, before emptying his tool belt and pockets and tying his hands behind his back. Clark, a former boxer, managed to throw the shotgun down the stairs outside the aircraft with the help of a pilot and other passengers. There were about 150 passengers on board the aircraft at the time. Loading The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared in court on Friday morning, dressed in the same white collared shirt and black suit pants he was wearing during his arrest. During the brief court appearance, he sat quietly at the dock and spoke only to answer the magistrates questions. The teenager is accused of stealing two 12-gauge shotguns and a rifle in regional Victoria, and had two or more firearms on him as he made his way to Avalon Airport, according to court documents released to the media. He was also allegedly carrying a faux homemade explosive, which had been fashioned to look like a legitimate explosive device. The court heard it was the teenagers first time in custody. The 17-year-old did not apply for bail on Friday and will return to court for a mention hearing on March 21. The incident has sparked widespread alarm that such a major security breach could unfold at a Victorian airport. The Transport Workers Union said on Friday it would urgently meet Jetstar, and called for an immediate safety review. The unions national secretary, Michael Kaine, said the aviation community had been left shaken and distressed by incident. There are serious questions to be answered here about how this potentially catastrophic event occurred, Kaine said. These workers deserve to be safe at work, just as travellers deserve to get safely to their destinations. Asked about the significance of the breach, police Superintendent Micheal Reid said on Thursday night it was very concerning that a person can approach an aircraft and make his way, potentially close to being inside an aircraft, with a firearm. Officers travelled nine kilometres from the nearby town of Lara, 18 kilometres north-east of Geelong, to arrest the teenager on Thursday. A spokeswoman for Victoria Police confirmed it did not have a permanent presence at Avalon Airport. She said officers patrolled the precinct regularly as part of the Lara response zone. Only nine airports in Australia have counterterrorism first-response capabilities, including those in capital cities, the Gold Coast and Cairns. The airports owners and operators have responsibility for passenger screening and perimeter security at Avalon. Home Affairs staff visited the airport on Friday morning to conduct an initial assessment of the site. A spokesperson said the department had a robust compliance program of government-mandated security requirements, but security services and contractual arrangements were ultimately a matter for the airport. As the matter is still being investigated it would not be appropriate to comment further, the spokesperson said. Flights at the airport resumed at 6am on Friday. Passengers of Jetstar flight JQ610 were not allowed to retrieve their checked luggage for several hours because the plane had been declared a crime scene. Jetstar offered passengers rescheduled flights at no extra cost. Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully said on Friday she was proud of how the pilot and cabin crew had acted during the security breach. Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer They couldnt have done anything better, Tully said. She said it was a cabin manager who first observed something was amiss when the teenager tried to board without a ticket. Asked whether the airline would perform its own investigation, Tully said the security breach was a matter for Avalon Airport and police, which were both investigating. We will obviously participate and work with them on that, but weve been flying out of Avalon for 20 years, and we know that has always been a safe and secure airport, Tully said. There is a nervous, busy energy in the newsroom this week as we plan for two major events to unfold. With Cyclone Alfred due to hit the east coast tomorrow morning, Age staff are working with our Brisbane and Sydney colleagues to keep you across the unfolding situation. For much of this week and weeks before it, we had also been anticipating another big event: a federal election to be called on Sunday or Monday for April 12. The cyclone may upend Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses plan, forcing him to call the election at a later date, although options are narrowing as it must be held by May 17. Cyclone Alfred may upend Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses plans to call the election this weekend. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen I have covered enough elections to have had my own best-laid plans upended. On one occasion I was an editor working on the political beat when I headed overseas to celebrate a significant birthday. Little did I know Julia Gillard would be visiting the governor-general to mark the start of the 2010 election it was a particularly unpredictable time in Australian politics. While my partner and I had envisaged enjoying carefree espressos in the Roman sunshine, he instead had to hear me lament for days all that I was missing back home. This was the 2010 election, however and I neednt have worried. With Labor and the Coalition each winning only 72 seats four short of a majority the victor was not declared until two-and-a-half weeks after the poll date, when Gillard secured enough crossbench support to form a minority government. I was back in Australia in plenty of time for the dramatic end. Voters are set to deliver the worst ever swing away from the WA Labor Party at Saturdays state election, but the overall result will probably still be the second or third best in the partys history. Two opinion polls published on Friday suggest the Liberals will claw back 12.2 to 13 per cent of the two-party vote statewide, which would net them the return of 11 seats in the lower house. WA Premier Roger Cook and Liberal leader Libby Mettam. Credit: WAtoday Premier Roger Cook has consistently said he expects to lose seats at this election, and Labor insiders say they are bracing for a loss of 12 to 18 seats. Labor will pop the bubbly if its closer to 12, while the Liberals and Nationals will reach for the top shelf if they get close to 18 seats. The meeting was also attended by Ruslan Rzayev, Azerbaijans Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Venezuela, and Christopher Alberto Martinez Berroteran, Venezuelas Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan. During the consultations, the current state of consular cooperation between Azerbaijan and Venezuela, as well as prospects for its development, were discussed. Opportunities for expanding the bilateral legal framework in this area were also explored. Moreover, the significance of disseminating cutting-edge methodologies in the delivery of digital consular services was underscored throughout the dialogues. Additional subjects encompassed synergistic collaboration between the two nations in domains such as migration dynamics, labor market integration, social protection frameworks, and various other sectors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Melbournes most expensive suburb offers tree-lined streets, picturesque heritage homes and access to sought-after private schools, but some buyers have never heard of it. Deepdene is the surprise top-ranked suburb on a new list of Melbournes most expensive neighbourhoods, recording a median house value of $3,433,956 in the 12 months to February, CoreLogic data shows. Tooraks well-heeled residents need not worry. Melbournes mansion central was only excluded as it did not meet the research centres requirements to calculate a median, which included low sales volumes, and the recent sale of a grand home for well above $100 million cements Toorak as the citys most prestigious neighbourhood. But the research highlights the depth of wealth in little-known Deepdene. Despite sharing the same postcode as Balwyn, which Deepdene was part of until declared its own suburb in 2008, house prices in this exclusive pocket of Melbournes inner east have outpaced its neighbours. At the time of Boldens advice to Congress in 2013, the space agency had identified 95 per cent of all asteroids with the potential to destroy human civilisation, but just a tiny fraction of so-called city-killer asteroids of which there are more than 25,000 that are smaller and more difficult to track. That year, Earth came close to disaster when an asteroid exploded over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk, injuring 1500 people. NASA now houses the Planetary Defence Coordination Office, set up in 2016 amid concerns that the US was failing to properly track the most dangerous near-Earth objects. Scientists have now mapped about half of the space rocks deemed to have the potential to level a city. Isaacman, who has not yet been confirmed as NASA administrator, has said not enough is being done to protect Earth from such threats. Planetary defence against NEO threats seems disproportionately underfunded relative to the likelihood and magnitude of the associated risks [and] consequences, he said on X. At one stage, scientists gave the YR4 a 3.1 per cent chance of hitting Earth. Some of their analysis suggested this risk could rise as high as 20 per cent. It received a ranking of three on the Torino scale, which ranks high-risk space objects only the second asteroid to achieve such a ranking. Now they believe it is more likely to hit the Moon. When it comes to planetary defence, SpaceX has so far been the primary launch partner for testing Earths readiness for a future Armageddon-style scenario. Credit: AP Astronomy experts argue the near-miss should serve as a wake-up call to bolster Earths defences and monitoring capabilities. It is a reminder that there are a lot of these objects out there, says Robert Massey, of the Royal Astronomical Society. Someday, something like this will hit us. A recent NASA war-gaming exercise to assess the readiness of America and its allies to deflect a hypothetical asteroid strike in 2038 warned that the world had limited readiness to quickly implement needed space missions to respond to a collision risk. Loading Isaacman, 42, joins NASA in the midst of job cuts, delays to its Moon program and problems with its flagship rocket project. He also faces competing priorities, with Musk pushing for NASA to skip a planned Moon landing, which he called a distraction, and instead push on for Mars. NASAs previous planetary defence work has at times struggled for funding. A former fintech entrepreneur, Isaacman is a government outsider. He founded Shift4 Payments in 1999, aged just 16. The business is now worth $US8 billion ($12.9 billion). He also has a reputation as something of a daredevil, owning the worlds largest fleet of private fighter jets and personally flying his Soviet-era Mig in air shows as the Black Diamond Jet Team. Part of his estimated $US1.9 billion fortune he has used to fund private space missions, commanding a SpaceX mission in 2021 and a second flight in 2024. Perhaps unusually for a Musk acolyte, his political record includes substantial donations to the Democratic Party as recently as last year. Chris Quilty, the founder of analyst firm Quilty Space, says Isaacman is viewed as very pro-commercial in his approach and he obviously has close ties to SpaceX. His appointment has been viewed positively by industry, Quilty says, though he notes that some major NASA contractors rivals to SpaceX will be less enthusiastic about his future stewardship. Isaacman has openly criticised NASAs funding for its Space Launch System program, which is backed by Boeing. At a cost of $US24 billion, the rocket is integral to NASAs plan to return to the Moon, but Musk is widely believed to want the project scrapped. SpaceXs own Starship and Superheavy rockets could be beneficiaries. When it comes to planetary defence, SpaceX has so far been the primary launch partner for testing Earths readiness for a future Armageddon-style scenario. Luckily, humanity has already proved it is possible to alter the course of an asteroid while it is still millions of miles from Earth. YR4 will make its closest approach to Earth in December 2032. Credit: NASA In 2019, NASA launched its Double Asteroid Redirection Test or Dart aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. On September 26, 2022, a probe weighing 500 kilograms collided at 14,000mph with Dimorphos, a 177-metre-long asteroid. The impact was enough to substantially alter the rocks orbit, providing a blueprint for a future deflection mission. But such a mission can only be a success if we can see what is hurtling through space towards us and a dangerous rock may need to be detected years, not months or weeks, before its potential impact with Earth to give the world time to prepare countermeasures. Already, a network of global observatories keeps an eye on the heavens for dangerous asteroids. The US, meanwhile, has funded a $US1.9 billion observatory in Chile, intended to map the nights sky in extreme detail. And, in 2027, SpaceX will launch NASAs $US600 million Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission, a satellite that uses infrared to spot asteroids. It is expected it will help the agency reach its target of tracking down 90 per cent of all dangerous space rocks. The launch contract was awarded this week and the mission will take place under Isaacman who called it an important program 20 years after it was first proposed after years of delays and a long struggle to secure funding. Lord Dover, senior technical officer at Bayfordbury Observatory, says these projects should offer a huge improvement in the worlds ability to detect threats. The earlier we can discover a potential impactor, the sooner we can act, he says. In the aftermath of the YR4 scare, NASA said the asteroid had provided an invaluable opportunity for experts at NASA and its partner institutions to test planetary defence science and notification processes. Loading On his announcement as Trumps preferred candidate to lead NASA, Isaacman said space exploration, including reaching Mars, would enable humanity to survive beyond Earth and serve as a hedge against catastrophic events that have shaped our planets past and will inevitably happen again. But it is the coming planetary defence missions Isaacman will oversee that could prove crucial to protecting a space-faring human race for decades to come. Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards Recieves Cotract For New Polar icebreaker NORTH VANCOUVER, BC, March 7, 2025 /CNW/ - The National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) is a long-term commitment to renew the vessel fleets of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), create a sustainable shipbuilding sector, and generate economic benefits for Canadians. The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, announced today that the Government of Canada awarded a $3.15-billion contract (before tax) to Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards for the construction of 1 of CCG's future polar icebreakers under the NSS. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening Canada's Arctic sovereignty and security. As part of its fleet renewal plan, the CCG is acquiring 2 polar icebreakers. The other polar icebreaker is being built by Chantier Davie Canada Inc. These vessels will strengthen the CCG's Arctic presence, and have greater, more advanced capabilities than the current, most capable CCG icebreakers. These larger, more powerful polar icebreakers will ensure the CCG's operations continue at higher latitudes for longer periods, while allowing its fleet to better support Indigenous Peoples, strengthen Arctic security, advance high Arctic science, and better respond to maritime emergencies. 2025 represents the 15th anniversary of the NSS, which plays a major role in strengthening Canada's economy and has created or maintained over 20,400 good middle-class jobs per year. Since 2010, Canadian shipyards have delivered 8 large vessels and 34 small vessels to the RCN and the CCG, while supporting federal fleets with critical repair, refit and maintenance work. The Arctic is an integral part of Canada and home to 150,000 Canadians and generations of Indigenous Peoples. With transformative agreements like the International Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) Memorandum of Understanding, signed last November with the United States and Finland, and through Our North, Strong and Free, A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defence, Canada is investing in our collective defence and security. Canada will continue to work with its allies to protect our country, our continent and our democratic values. Quotes "The contract awarded to Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards for the build of a new polar icebreaker is a significant step forward for Canada's economic and natural resource sectors. This advanced vessel will not only ensure safe and efficient navigation in our polar regions but also support the sustainable development of our natural resources. By enhancing our icebreaking capabilities, we are opening new opportunities for economic growth, scientific research and environmental stewardship. This project exemplifies our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to benefit our economy and protect our unique polar environments for future generations." The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Energy and Natural resources "Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing our nation's maritime capabilities. The contract awarded to Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards for the build of a new polar icebreaker underscores our dedication to ensuring safe and efficient navigation in Arctic regions. This state-of-the-art vessel will not only strengthen our icebreaking fleet, but will also support critical scientific research and environmental protection efforts, and ensure national security in the Arctic. We are proud to take this step forward in strengthening our maritime infrastructure for safeguarding Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic." The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant "The National Shipbuilding Strategy is providing the Canadian Coast Guard with its fleet of the future. The polar icebreaker to be built by the Vancouver Shipyards will be able to operate in the Arctic year-round, further bolstering our ability to deliver crucial services to Northern communities and support Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic." The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard "Our partnership with Seaspan to construct a polar icebreaker underscores our government's steadfast commitment to ensuring the Canadian Coast Guard can continue to protect Canada's sovereignty and interests, while also revitalizing Canada's shipbuilding industry, creating high-paying jobs and maximizing economic benefits across the country." The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry "Today's contract signing is the next step in our journey of fulfilling the vision of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, which is to build ships for Canada, in Canada, by Canadians. The NSS is demonstrating that a made-in-Canada approach is not only possible, but also imperative to our security and sovereignty. We look forward to starting construction on this ship next month, and to building more polar-class vessels for Canada and our Ice Pact partners." John McCarthy Chief Executive Officer, Seaspan Shipyards Quick facts The NSS is a long-term, multi-billion-dollar program aimed at renewing the fleets of the CCG and the RCN to ensure that Canada's maritime agencies have the modern ships they need to fulfill their missions, while revitalizing Canada's shipbuilding industry, creating middle-class jobs and maximizing economic benefits across the country. maritime agencies have the modern ships they need to fulfill their missions, while revitalizing shipbuilding industry, creating middle-class jobs and maximizing economic benefits across the country. Shipyards and companies in the Pacific region are playing an important role in supporting the federal government's shipbuilding needs. Approximately $10.25 billion in contracts has been awarded to Pacific region companies under the NSS. This represents 37% of the total value of NSS-issued contracts. These contracts have provided meaningful, long-term opportunities for skilled workers across the Pacific provinces. in contracts has been awarded to Pacific region companies under the NSS. This represents 37% of the total value of NSS-issued contracts. These contracts have provided meaningful, long-term opportunities for skilled workers across the Pacific provinces. The CCG currently has 18 icebreakers of varying sizes and capabilities, making it the second-largest icebreaking fleet in the world. In May 2021 , Canada announced the procurement of 2 new polar icebreakers under the NSS. On May 15, 2021, the umbrella agreement with Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards was amended to add 1 polar icebreaker to its work package. , announced the procurement of 2 new polar icebreakers under the NSS. On May 15, 2021, the umbrella agreement with Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards was amended to add 1 polar icebreaker to its work package. On November 13, 2024 , Canada signed the ICE Pact Memorandum of Understanding with the United States and Finland to deepen existing cooperation, strengthen their shipbuilding industries and allow new equipment and capabilities to be produced more quickly. These 3 key Arctic countries will work more closely together to engage our allies and partners to help meet future global demand for Arctic and polar vessels. , signed the ICE Pact Memorandum of Understanding with and to deepen existing cooperation, strengthen their shipbuilding industries and allow new equipment and capabilities to be produced more quickly. These 3 key Arctic countries will work more closely together to engage our allies and partners to help meet future global demand for Arctic and polar vessels. Canada's Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy applies to the polar icebreaker project, which requires companies to make investments and provide business activities in Canada equal to the value of the related contracts. Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy applies to the polar icebreaker project, which requires companies to make investments and provide business activities in equal to the value of the related contracts. The NSS Value Proposition applies to the polar icebreaker project and requires the Vancouver Shipyards to reinvest the equivalent of 0.5% of its polar contracts in 3 priority areas to benefit the greater Canadian marine industry: human resources development, technology investment and industrial development. Associated links BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has left for a working visit to Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia, a source in the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend. According to information, within the framework of the visit, Bayramov is to participate in an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as hold a series of bilateral meetings. Good king: JD(U) MLCs praise for Aurangzeb creates uproar in Bihar Assembly PATNA : A CONTROVERSIAL statement by JD(U) MLC Khalid Anwar praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and terming him as good king triggered a major uproar in and outside the Bihar Assembly on Thursday. Leaders from his own party and alliance have strongly opposed his remarks, with some demanding his membership be revoked and calling for him to be sent to Pakistan. Khalid Anwar said, Aurangzeb was not a cruel ruler, but a good king. He did not destroy temples. Historians should discuss this, not leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, said Khalid Anwar, JD(U) MLC. Anwar also criticised the suspension of SP MLA Abu Azmi for his praise of Aurangzeb in another Assembly, calling it wrong. Following the statement of Khalid Anwar, JD(U) leaders distance themselves. Sanjeev Kumar Singh JD(U) MLA from Parbatta in Khagaria district said: Aurangzeb was the cruellest ruler of India. He persecuted Hindus and demolished temples. If someone praises him, they should be sent to Pakistan and prosecuted for treason. BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachol said: Aurangzeb imposed taxes on non-Muslims and forced conversions. He was a cruel ruler. I demand the renaming of Bakhtiyarpur and Aurangabad in Bihar. RJD MLA Rinku Singh said in a democracy, everyone has the right to express their views. Khalid Anwar is not the Chief Minister, so his statement should not be seen as an official party stance, he said. The controversy has widened the rift within JD(U) and its alliance, with some JD(U) and BJP leaders mounting pressure on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take action against Khalid Anwar. With the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections approaching, such divisive debates are set to further polarise the political landscape. RJD MLA Bhai Virendra launched an attack on the JD-U and BJP on this issue, saying that the BJP only knows how to create hysteria. The public has understood who was responsible for the Godhra incident, Bhai Virendra said. He also criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, citing the Supreme Courts decision to restore Sunil Singhs membership in the Bihar Legislative Council. Nitish Kumar was slapped hard by the Supreme Court when it reinstated Sunil Singhs membership, Bhai Virendra said. 26/11 accused Rana seeks emergency stay on extradition to India NEW DELHI : Approaches US Supreme Court, says will be tortured if extradited ACCUSED in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Tahawwur Rana has approached the United States Supreme Court seeking an emergency stay on his extradition to India. In his application, Rana argued that he would not survive long enough to be tried in India due to various reasons. Rana, through an appeal, stated that if a stay is not entered, there will be no review at all, and the US courts will lose jurisdiction, and the petitioner will soon be dead. The accused in the 26/11 terror attacks claimed that if extradited to India, the likelihood is very high that he will be subjected to torture as he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin. He stated that because of his Muslim religion, his Pakistani origin, his status as a former member of the Pakistani Army, the relation of the putative charges to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and his chronic health conditions, he is even more likely to be tortured than otherwise would be the case, and that torture is very likely to kill him in short order. He cited the Human Rights Watch 2023 World Report, which documents the BJP-led Governments systematic discrimination and stigmatisation of religious minorities, particularly Muslims. Rana further argued that the Government in India is increasingly autocratic, and there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of torture if he surrendered to Indian authorities. In addition to these concerns, Rana highlighted his deteriorating health. He suffers from a 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm at immediate risk of rupture, Parkinsons disease with cognitive decline, and a mass suggestive of bladder cancer. He asserts that he cannot be sent into a hornets nest where he will be targeted due to national, religious, and cultural animosity. The US Supreme Court recently rejected a review petition filed by Tahawwur Rana. Following this decision, President Donald Trump announced that his administration had approved Ranas extradition, referring to him as very evil. Tahawwur Rana is a known associate of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the November 26 attacks in Mumbai in 2008. A Pakistani-origin businessman, physician, and immigration entrepreneur, Rana has alleged connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistans ISI. Ranas alleged role in facilitating the attacks has remained a point of contention between India and the United States for years. 61 killed in man-animal conflict in Mah in 14 mths Staff Reporter : In just 2 months this year, 15 tigers and 32 leopards died in State 19 poachers arrested so far in 4 tiger poaching cases Out of 32 leopard deaths, 21 died due in road and railway accident in 2 months this year The issue of increasing human-wildlife conflict in Maharashtra was raised in the Budget Session of the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday as many MLAs wanted to know the State Governments efforts to curb this menace. In reply, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik informed the Lower House that, from January 1, 2024 to February 27, 2025, Total 61 human deaths were recorded due to man-animal conflict, whereas 648 people were injured. Forest Minister informed the House that, due to various reasons, 15 tigers and 32 leopards also died in a span of just two months (January 1 to February 20) this year. Members from the Opposition asked what measures were being taken by the Government to reduce casualties due to wild animal attack, which had increased drastically all over the State. Members said many human and cattle deaths are taking place in attacks by tiger, leopard, elephant, sloth bear, wild boar, etc. all over the State. Therefore, the Government should reduce such attacks by taking bold measures. Forest Minister said that the State Government had sent a proposal to the Central Government to control the increasing population of leopards in the State with the help of sterilisation. Maharashtra Government proposed this project to be implemented on experimental basis. The proposal was sent in December last year, Naik informed the Lower House. In 2024-25, total 4,575 cattle were also killed in wildlife attack in the State, whereas 94,056 cases of crop loss were reported during this time period. This year, in two months, out of 15 tiger deaths, 8 deaths took place due to some natural cause,3 deaths happened due to railway or road accidents, and 4 deaths were reported due to poaching. Similarly, this year, the majority 21 leopard deaths took place due to railway or road accidents. 7 leopard deaths were due to natural cause, and 4 deaths were still unknown. While talking about poaching cases, Naik informed that the 4 tiger deaths, which took place due to poaching, are under investigation and till date, 19 poachers were arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed jointly by the Central and State Government. Members of the Opposition also raised the issue of vacant posts, shortage of equipment and vehicles in the Forest Department. In reply, Forest Minister accepted that there were some vacant posts in the department, but it was not hampering the wildlife conservation and other activities of the Forest Department. The Forest Minister also informed that, there was no shortage in equipment and vehicles in the department. Amid anti-India slogans... Pro-Khalistan protester tries to breachbarricade around EAM convoy in London NEW DELHI : India deplores security breach INDIA on Thursday condemned an incident of breach of security for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in London after a pro-Khalistani protester attempted to break barricades while some others were shouting anti-India slogans. In a firm reaction, New Delhi said it expects the host Government to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations in such cases and deplored the misuse of democratic freedoms by those elements. The incident happened as Jaishankar was leaving the Chatham House after concluding an interactive session at the institute, home to Royal Institute of International Affairs, on Wednesday evening. The External Affairs Minister was in London as in the first leg of his six-day visit to the UK and Ireland from Tuesday that is aimed at exploring ways to further boost bilateral cooperation. We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the UK, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists, he said. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations, Jaiswal added. Videos posted on social media showed a small group of pro-Khalistan protesters holding yellow flags were shouting slogans against India and Jaishankar on the opposite side of the road from Chatham House. As Jaishankar was about to leave the institute, a tall man was seen attempting to break the police cordon and run towards Jaishankars motorcade. The tall and bearded man even tried to block the ministers motorcade by standing in front of it. The man was swiftly taken away by Metropolitan Police officers. It was not the first such incident of breach of security by pro-Khalistan elements. In March, 2023, certain pro-Khalistan elements pulled down the Indian flag at the Indian high commission in London, triggering strong reaction from India. Following the incident, India summoned the senior-most British diplomat in Delhi and demanded an explanation over complete absence of security at the mission. India has been asking the UK to take action against pro-Khalistani elements operating from British soil. Babbar Khalsa terrorist with ISI links held in UP LUCKNOW : The terrorist identified as Lajar Masih had planned a major terrorist attack during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj AN active terrorist of Babbar Khalsa International with alleged links to Pakistans ISI, who had planned a terror attack during the Mahakumbh, was arrested from Kaushambi early Thursday, police said. The terrorist identified as Lajar Masih was nabbed in a joint operation by Uttar Pradesh STF and Punjab Police. Addressing a press conference here, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar said Masih had planned a major terrorist attack during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. However, due to intensive security checks at the religious gathering, he failed to execute his plan, he said. The Mahakumbh was held at Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. The DGP said the arrest of the terrorist also verifies smuggling of arms and drugs from Pakistan into India. Masih, a resident of Kurlian village in Ramdas area of Amritsar, Punjab, was nabbed around 3.20 am. The operation was carried out in the Kokhraj police station area of Kaushambi, Additional Director General of Police (UP Special Task Force, Law and Order) Amitabh Yash said earlier in the day. As per available information, the arrested terrorist works for Swarn Singh alias Jeevan Fauji, the head of the Germany-based module of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and is in direct touch with Pakistan-based ISI operatives, Yash said. He added the UP STF succeeded in recovering some explosives material and illegal arms from the terrorist. Among the seizures made are three active hand grenades, two active detonators, one foreign-made pistol and 13 cartridges of foreign make, the officer said. Besides, a white coloured explosive powder, an Aadhaar card with a Ghaziabad address, one mobile phone without SIM card was also seized from his possession, he said. This terrorist had escaped judicial custody in Punjab on September 24, 2024, the ADG added. Kannada actress Ranya Rao part of gold smuggling network, took hefty commissions BENGALURU : THE investigation into the arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, the daughter of a serving IPS officer, revealed that she was a part of the gold smuggling network and took hefty commissions to smuggle goods from Dubai to Bengaluru. The probe has revealed that Ranya Rao was smuggling gold at the behest of kingpins, and the international gangs nexus ran deep. Sources stated that the actress was not rich enough to make a purchase of Rs 17.29 crore worth of gold. The officers found that the actress received Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh commission to smuggle one kilogram of gold from Dubai to Bengaluru. The kingpins lured her into the gold smuggling, knowing well that she is the daughter of a serving IPS officer and taking advantage of the fact they could carry out the gold smuggling. The officers suspect the involvement of staffers at the Bengaluru International Airport, sources said. The probe is now focused towards finding out to whom Ranya Rao handed over the gold. The officers are gathering data from the bank accounts of Ranya Rao and analysing transactions of the last two years. Her mobile phone was seized, and information was gathered from the device to get clues about the network. Meanwhile, sources further stated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is most likely to take up the case following the seizure of a huge quantity of gold and cash from Ranya Rao at the airport and her residence. The DRI sleuths were sharing the information on the seizure of Rs 2.67 crore alleged unaccounted cash from her residence with the ED. Sources state that she might also face charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Sources said that Ranya Rao had not cooperated with the security checks at the airport and threatened the officers, saying that she was the daughter of the DGP. The officers got suspicious of her, and DRI was activated to track her movements. Meanwhile, the police personnel who allegedly escorted her from the airport have also come under the scanner. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials arrested the Kannada film actress after seizing 14.8 kg of gold from her at the Bengaluru International Airport on Monday night. The actress was taken into custody at the airport after her arrival on an Emirates flight from Dubai. The officers from the DRI had been monitoring her movements following her frequent trips to Dubai. Mah Govt to set up media centre to monitor news content MUMBAI : THE Maharashtra Government will set up a media monitoring centre to analyse news content of the print, electronic and digital media, and has allocated a budget of Rs 10 crore for the purpose. The centre will collect and analyse all factual and misleading news reports in print and broadcast media, and prepare a factual report, according to a Government resolution (GR) published on Wednesday. If there is a misleading news, it will be clarified in real-time. If there is a negative news, clarification will be given expeditiously, it said. The requirement for the centre was felt because of the growth of publications, channels and digital platforms, and there was a need for monitoring under one umbrella how the news related to Government schemes, policies is given, the Government order said. The centre, to work from 8 am to 10 pm every day, will be handled by the Directorate of Information and Publicity. The Government has given the administrative and financial approval for setting up the centre, the GR said. A professional consultant will be hired to collect Government-related news in PDF format. The news will be bifurcated into categories like positive, negative news, departments, issues, incidents and individuals. During monitoring of the electronic media content, the consultant would provide hourly alerts about trends, mood and tone of the news content. The consultant will be hired through an e-tender process for a period of one year. The Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) is authorised to extend the consultants term to two years if the work is found to be satisfactory. The term should not exceed more than three years, the GR said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. Azerbaijan has allocated funds for the major repair of the Amirli-Xanagahli-Ugurbayli and Alpout-Qarayusifli-Tumasli roads in the Barda district, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree in this regard. According to the decree, a whopping 1.5 million manat ($882,300) are intended for the comprehensive repair of roads connecting 11 settlements with a population of 15,000. The funds have been earmarked from the 2025 state budget under state capital investments for the Azerbaijan Automobile Roads State Agency. The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan is tasked with ensuring the financing of this amount as specified in the decree. Additionally, the Ministry of Economy is responsible for securing the necessary financial resources for the continuation of road repairs in the 2026 state budget under the designated capital investment expenditures. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan is tasked with addressing the issues arising from this decree. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Seek custody of Zero Mile: HCC directs NMC Anoop Kumar chairing the meeting of HCC as Municipal Commissioner, District Collector and other officers look on. Staff Reporter : Heritage Conservation Committee directs civic body to send proposal to State Govt Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) was directed to send a proposal to Maharashtra Government seeking transfer of custody of Zero Mile landmark to itself. At present, District Collectorate oversees the heritage monument and it is undergoing restoration as, years of neglect has led to discolouring and damage to some of the stones markers. Anoop Kumar, Chairman, Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC), Nagpur Municipal Corporation, issued the direction during its meeting held on Thursday. The issue of Zero Mile Stone came up for discussion against the backdrop of note from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who had requested Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to provide funds from its CSR for the monuments restoration and beautification of surrounding. Againstthis backdrop, it was stated that the monuments preservation and other activities can be carried out at best under the supervision of NMC. So the ownership of Zero Mile Stone should rest with the civic body and hence, HCC would draft a proposal and forward the same to Urban Development Department (UDD), Maharashtra Government, seeking their nod for carrying out the exercise. Given the historical importance of the Zero Mile Stone, Kumar said, the Government should transfer the land adjoining the structure so that its preservation can be carried out in proper manner. Also, the extra land can be put to use for beautification so that visitors would be able to spend their time and appreciate the beauty of the structure. Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari, District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar, Member Secretary and Chief Engineer, PWD, NMC, Leena Upadhaye, and IOCs General Manager Atul Gupta were also present at the meeting. Dr Chaudhari informed the meeting that Public Works Department, Maharashtra Government, had been entrusted the task of renovation and restoration of Zero Mile Stone. IOCs funds will be later used for beautification of the structures surrounding area. The Zero Mile Stone at Nagpur indicates direction of nine major metro cities of country, namely Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi and Pune. All these cities are at equi distance from the spot where the stone was erected at the time of start of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India in the year 1907. The structure consists of a pillar made from sandstone and another small stone represents the GTS Standard Benchmark having inscription. There are also four stucco horses adjoining the stone but they were added quite later. The height of the top of the pillar is 310.948 m (1,020.17 ft) above mean sea level. State Govt urges for non-tax revenue inclusion in divisible pool Arvind Panagariya, the Chairman, 16th Finance Commission, addressing reporters. By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla : Madhya Pradesh demands an additional 10% allocation for SC/ST population Finance Commission Meet Hoping to raise States share from the current 41 per cent to a more substantial 48 per cent, Dr Mohan Yadav led Government urged to the head of 16th Finance Commission, who is in Bhopal, to include multi-dimensional poverty as new criteria in a meeting. Highlighting appeals from Madhya Pradesh Arvind Panagariya, the Chairman, 16th Finance Commission, said that Madhya Pradesh has advocated for a 10% share of cess and surcharge, as the state currently receives no portion of these funds. The chairman added that the State Government also suggested including non-tax revenue in the vertical divisible pool. Panagariya stated, Madhya Pradesh Government has suggested if cesses, surcharges, and non-tax revenue are included in the divisible pool, then the current level of 41% is acceptable. If not, then 48% of the share should be allocated to the states. Other states are demanding a 50% share from the divisible pool, he mentioned in Bhopal while addressing mediapersons. On the horizontal divisible pool, Panagariya noted that Madhya Pradesh would benefit from the income distance criterion as against rich state where per capita income is more. The State has also proposed a new criterion, multidimensional poverty, to be added to the share allocation. Regarding the remaining criteria for tax devolution, the MP government suggested that the Finance Commission should give weight to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) population. Madhya Pradesh demanded an additional 10% allocation for the SC/ST population. The State also emphasised the importance of demographic performance, specifically the total fertility rate, and the States contribution to the total GDP. Previous commissions have used the income distance criterion, which allows for a larger devolution. Madhya Pradesh proposed the following weightages: 10% for population, 10% for the states share in the SC/ST population, 5% for demographic performance (total fertility rate), 40% for income distance, 5% for the multidimensional poverty index, 10% for area, 15% for forest cover, 2.5% for tax collection and fiscal efforts, and 2.5% for the States contribution to the total GDP (excluding union territories) in tax devolution from the horizontal pool. Additionally, Panagariya mentioned that other states have also expressed a desire for a portion of the cess and surcharge currently being levied by the Central Government. Historically, cesses and surcharges collected by the Centre have not been mandated for sharing with the states, as the Constitution does not permit it, the Finance Commission Chairman explained. The Chairman ducked questions on freebies offered by State and Central governments. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav was called on by Dr Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission and other officials, who are on a visit to the State at the CMs residence on Wednesday evening. After the deliberation with the State Governments head, Arvind Panagariya said on Thursday that before making final recommendations, his team is on tour to all the 28 states. Madhya Pradesh is the 20th state. Only after completion of meetings with all stakeholders details pertaining to the approval of state governments appeals and commissions recommendations can be divulge in details. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. The hustle and bustle of the "observers" from the European Union at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border shows no signs of letting up. Trend has obtained new relevant footage. As the footage shows, the "observers" in two "Toyota" vehicles belonging to the EU rolled up to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and started keeping an eye on Azerbaijani territories in the direction of Lachin district. The activity of "observers" did not go unnoticed by the soldiers of the Azerbaijani State Border Service. Just as they monitor Azerbaijani territories, Azerbaijani servicemen also closely monitor their activities. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. The Israeli publication The Jerusalem Post referenced a passage from Shakhriyars famous poem Heydar Baba Salam in its recent article about the cultural week held in Tabriz, Trend reports via the State Committee on Work with Diaspora. "The moment when Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recited a poem in his native language during the cultural week in Tabriz was significant, as it resonated with the Azerbaijani audience in attendance. This act not only highlighted his connection to the language but was also an integral part of the event celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Tabriz, an ancient Azerbaijani city that has long been a crossroads of various cultures," it said. Mordechai Keidar, a renowned expert on Iran and the Arab world, noted this moment in an article titled "President Pezeshkian of Iran is culturally oppressed," published in The Jerusalem Post, one of the most influential global publications. Kedar, a former lieutenant colonel in the Intelligence Corps of the Israel Defense Forces, is also a professor of oriental studies at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, where he serves as the director of the Center for Near Eastern and Islamic Studies. Additionally, he is a researcher at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. Tabriz, which for centuries served as the capital of the Azerbaijani people, is now recognized as the cultural capital of South Azerbaijan, home to a population that is overwhelmingly composed of Azerbaijani Turks. Although the region is administratively under the sovereignty of Iran, and Persian is widely spoken, the culture of South Azerbaijan remains deeply rooted in its Azerbaijani heritage. The majority of the population speaks Azerbaijani as their native language, making the culture of South Azerbaijan an inseparable part of the broader unified Azerbaijani identity. The article highlighted a dramatic moment during Pezeshkians speech at the closing ceremony of the cultural week. During his speech, the president honored the famous Tabriz poet Mohammad Hossein Behjat Tabrizi, known as Shahriyar, by quoting a few lines from his poem Heydar Baba Salam. At that moment, one of the officials organizing the event interrupted and warned Pezeshkian not to recite the poem in Azerbaijani. Pezeshkians smiling response, No problem. No problem reading two Turkic poems, earned applause from the audience. Dr. Kedar included the translated lines from the poem in his article. The article also recalled former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads visit to Tabriz, during which he joined the audience in reading Azerbaijani poetry. The author sarcastically pointed out that had the president not been interrupted at an event celebrating Azerbaijani culture in Iran, it might have gone unnoticed entirely. For more details, you can read the full article here: https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-844092 Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan organised an Iftar dinner in honour of the holy month of Ramadan at the "Yldz" hotel in Ashgabat. During the event, Ambassador Gismet Gozalov welcomed the guests and extended his congratulations on the arrival of month Ramadan. He highlighted the significance of the holy month as a symbol of solidarity, kindness, and mercy in the Islamic world. The Ambassador said that Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries that attaches great importance to and contributes to Islamic values and solidarity. He also pointed out that religious tolerance is a lifestyle in our country. Also, he said that the iftar table is to once again demonstrate solidarity and the greatness of Islamic values, to promote friendship and cooperation. The gathering was attended by Grand Mufti of Turkmenistan Yalkab Khojaguliyev and ambassadors of Muslim countries accredited in the country, along with their family members. Grand Mufti Yalkab Khojaguliyev recited a prayer during the opening of the fast about the importance of the holy month of Ramadan. Guests were treated to an array of traditional dishes and sweets of Azerbaijani cuisine, adding a cultural touch to the Iftar table. Ashraf Heybatov is a national artist of Azerbaijan who has been living in Germany since 1995. The world-known artist is a member of the UNESCO International Federation of Artists, a member of the Western European Academy of Science and Culture and the Russian Academy of Arts, chairman of the Baku Cultural Society in Germany and the Association of Azerbaijani Cultural Figures in Europe, and an international ambassador of peace. Trend News Agency presents an interview with the People's Artist of Azerbaijan Ashraf Heybatov: Ashraf, we know that you got your first degree as a historian, and history, in a sense, is reflected in your papers. However, you were not satisfied with your first education, and you enrolled at the University of the Arts. What brought you to art? My love for art led me to this art. I studied at the Azim Azimzade Art School before the Faculty of History. However, I have always had an interest in history. I met our national folk artist Sattar Bahlulzade, when I was 17 years old. Afterwards, I was influenced by Sattar Bahlulzade and thought of becoming an artist. Although you are currently living in Germany, you did not come to Germany directly from Azerbaijan. We would like you to tell us about the history of this relocation. In 1979, after graduating from higher education in Azerbaijan, I moved to Moscow. Meanwhile, we moved to Germany in 1995 from Moscow. My wife was Jewish by nationality. This was a great advantage for moving to Germany and living there permanently. That is because Jews were allowed to live in Germany without any impediments. Incidentally, to this day, Germany still welcomes Jews into the country. The early 90s can be described as a difficult period in every sense. Wasn't it difficult to organize your exhibitions in European countries? Opening exhibitions is my favorite activity. Every artist wants to showcase their work. In general, organizing an exhibition was not a major problem for me. I also received some support in this matter. For instance, I have personal relations with some ambassadors of Azerbaijan in European countries. They support me in this matter. By the way, I also often organize exhibitions in Azerbaijan. It is met with great interest and enthusiasm. German folk tales At that time, two books about you were published in Germany. Which of your pieces are included in these books? I have many books. Several of my books have also been published in Azerbaijan. In Germany, my book published in German is called German Children's Fairy Tales. This book was published in Frankfurt. My other book is also about fairy tales, published in German. In 2020, my brand new book was published. My book Roads to Karabakh was published in German and Azerbaijani languages. The book was published with the support of Humboldt University in Berlin. The book narrates about our historical Karabakh Victory, tells about our Glorious Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War. I think that German readers, after reading this book, will learn about Azerbaijan's inestimable successes in the war, the heroism of our people and the power of our state. It's interesting that you also have a municipal background in Germany. How would you characterize this part of your working life? Was it interesting for you to work so intensively with people as an artist? When we arrived in Germany, we first started living in the city of Koblenz. Since I was very active, organizing regular exhibitions and also painting works on a 450 square meter wall, I was chosen to be a council member in the local municipality. It was a very responsible job for which I had to be held accountable. I was up to the task. Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder, Germany What was the attitude of the German population toward the Azerbaijani municipal deputy? The German population was generally friendly, relations were very good and sincere. The Rathaus service operates in all German cities. My election to the municipality was based on the trust of the people. Turks, Russians and Jews living in the city voted for me. During my tenure we managed to solve many problems. I was elected to the municipality twice, each time for four years. In general, if you are businesslike and hardworking, you will be treated with respect. In this respect, they liked my lifestyle. Moreover, my art has always been highly valued. How is Germany through the eyes of an Azerbaijani artist? Germany, through the eyes of an Azerbaijani artist, is certainly very beautiful. Its nature resembles Azerbaijan in places. Mountains, forests, and rivers. There are many ancient churches here. Historical monuments are a separate world. In general, Germany also has a special attitude toward art. Quite famous, high-ranking people also take part in your exhibitions (in Germany). Could you share with us some of your memories of the most exciting meetings? There have been countless interesting encounters. However, I think that one of the first memorable events took place back in 1994. Chingiz Aitmatov, the great writer of the Turkic world, opened my personal exhibition in Germany's Lucksburg. The interest in this exhibition was enormous. My exhibitions are regularly held in other cities as well. Prominent intellectuals of Germany, influential social and political figures, deputies, etc., often come to my exhibitions. I have also had friendly relations with the world-famous German writer Gunter Grass. I attended his 80th birthday party. He invited me himself. In the city of Lubeck, a 3-hour drive from Berlin, there is a house-museum of Gunter Grass, where the anniversary took place. I drew a portrait of Gunter Grass, which I presented to him as a gift for his anniversary. The mayor of Lubeck presented me with an exquisitely designed album. I also had a personal acquaintance with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder. I met him many times at various events. He had a special sympathy for me. You know that Germany consists of 16 states. I have friendly relations with the prime ministers of several states. Sometimes we meet. My friendship with the former prime minister of Rhineland-Palatinate, Kurt Beck, also continues. Former Prime Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate Kurt Beck, Germany You have had an interesting life and creative path. Are you thinking of preparing these memoirs in the form of a compilation, a collection of memoirs? If so, would you like to publish it in Germany? I still write books, I haven't stopped writing. The Book of Life I am working on now - time and events - is like a kind of diary of my life. In the future, I am thinking about publishing this book in Azerbaijan. In line with the principles of socially responsible banking, TuranBank recently held a charity event in support of the Public Union "Children of Azerbaijan." As part of the project " Zrif ldn csur urklr", the bank facilitated the sale of symbolic jewelry handcrafted at the Reintegration Center, operated by the Public Union "Children of Azerbaijan." The initiative aims to assist girls who have suffered from violence and abandonment in enhancing their professional skills and covering their educational expenses. The goal of the project is to provide homeless and abused girls with social and economic independence, while also helping them develop skills and gain knowledge necessary to lead an independent life. This will allow them to more actively engage in society, expand their educational opportunities, and pave the way for personal and professional developmentultimately contributing to brighter prospects for their future. Through this initiative, TuranBank also supports its female employees by offering them the opportunity to receive symbolic jewelry, embodying the strength of gentle hands and brave hearts. It is worth noting that TuranBank will continue its efforts to improve the economic well-being of young girls and women. Since its establishment, TuranBank has grown steadily for 33 years and now operates 22 branches. The bank holds a strong position in the financial sector, known for the quality and quantity of its services. For detailed information on the products and services provided, please contact our 935 call center, visit TuranBank's official website, or follow us on our social media pages. TuranBank Reliable with us... BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. Azerbaijans national carrier, AZAL, will launch direct flights from Baku to Cukurova International Airport, located between Adana and Mersin, starting June 15, Trend reports. Flights on this route will operate twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays offering passengers a convenient travel option to both Adana and the neighboring city of Mersin, as well as other surrounding regions. Adana and Mersin are among Turkiyes major cities and popular destinations for tourists. The region boasts a rich historical heritage, archaeological sites, natural attractions, and resort areas. To purchase flight tickets, please visit the official website www.azal.az, use the airline's mobile app, or approach the ticket offices or accredited agencies of AZAL. Yes Significant efforts are being made No Much more needs to be done Some progress But there are still critical gaps Vote View Results BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. According to the relevant order of Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the next meeting of the working group established to prepare new draft regulations on discipline, garrison, guard services, and internal service of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held on March 7, Trend reports citing the Ministry of Defense. Senior officials of the relevant authorities of the Armed Forces participated in the meeting held under the leadership of the First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev. During the meeting, a broad exchange of views was held on the preparation of new military regulations, considering the successful reforms in the Armed Forces, the successes achieved, and the innovations applied under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev. Furthermore, strategic frameworks for the formulation of military protocols were deliberated, incorporating contemporary exigencies and leveraging the empirical insights of advanced nations in this domain. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. Uzbekcosmos and Azercosmos are putting their heads together to hammer out the details of a joint project aimed at getting to the bottom of soil salinization through the lens of Earth observation data, Director of the Space Research and Technology Agency under the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan (Uzbekcosmos) Shukhrat Kadirov said in an exclusive interview with Trend. "In 2024, an accord was established between Uzbekcosmos and Azercosmos for the collaborative execution of a project focused on the preliminary evaluation of soil salinization utilizing Earth observation data. This project will substantially enhance environmental monitoring and sustainable land use in our nations," he said. He asserts that Uzbekcosmos has established robust and fruitful partnerships with Azercosmos since the inception of its operations. Both institutions consistently conduct consultative meetings addressing various concerns in the space sector, encompassing the utilization of space technology, enhancement of the regulatory framework, and advancement of national space infrastructure. "An important step in cooperation was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022, which laid the foundation for further collaboration," Kadirov noted. As the director of Uzbekcosmos pointed out, the agency is also rubbing elbows with leading agencies from countries like Azerbaijan, Turkiye, France, the US, the UK, Monaco, and Japan. Cooperation is a two-way street. "To obtain high-quality space imagery and investigate new prospects in this domain, the agency frequently convenes meetings with various companies, including the US Geological Survey (USGS). Active discussions are presently occurring regarding new initiatives and avenues for collaboration," he said. He noted that Uzbekcosmos represents Uzbekistan on important international space organizations like the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), the Regional Space Applications Program for Sustainable Development (RESAP) under ESCAP, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the Intergovernmental Council on Space Cooperation of the CIS, and the International Astronautical Federation. The agency can actively influence international space rules and laws by joining these structures. In its new strategic plan, the agency seeks to promote international cooperation in space research, Earth observation, personnel training, and the exchange of sophisticated technologies and experience in using space data for socio-economic development. "One of the ambitious initiatives is the deployment of a satellite in 2026, as part of the collaboration between Uzbekistan and the member nations of the Organization of Turkic States. This project exemplifies our capability in developing advanced space systems and our preparedness for global collaboration. The project is presently in the coordination phase," Shukhrat Kadirov emphasized. According to him, the agency's main strategy over the years has been the downstream approach, focusing on data processing and the application of new technologies in practical activities. Through the implementation of the State Space Monitoring Program, unique information is provided for various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, water management, land relations, forestry, ecology, and geology. For example, the Earth observation system in 2024 allowed for the detection and transmission of over 100,000 violations of state norms to relevant authorities. "In 2025, Uzbekcosmos will continue to assist economic sectors actively using Earth observation technologies. These capabilities will open up new opportunities for territory management, environmental control, agriculture, and water management, as well as enable rapid response to emerging threats," he noted. The director also talked about the agency's big accomplishments in this area, such as a full evaluation of the state of green zones in eight regions of the country, which lets us watch how ecosystems change; the restoration of a digital database of agricultural lands, which helps us guess crop yields and the exact number of crops that will be grown; the identification of cases of field burning after harvest through monitoring; and the digitization of 35 dams to check their condition and water volume. "Additionally, the agency is actively developing new areas of space monitoring, including surveying work using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The introduction of precise methods for controlling mineral extraction volumes, such as the creation of topographic maps of quarries, allows for a significant increase in the accuracy of natural resource accounting," he added. Kadirov noted that the anticipated future also includes the development of a project for assessing evaporation and water use in agriculture using satellite data. Pilot projects in three regions of the country will help identify excessive water consumption and propose measures for conservation, which is especially important in the context of climate change. "Uzbekcosmos also plans to hold the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Uzbekistan, which will be an important step for the development of national space infrastructure. Uzbekistan will submit a bid to host this major event in 2028, which will provide the country with new opportunities for cooperation with global space organizations," he said. According to him, the agency is also preparing to implement educational projects in 2025 aimed at the development of space technologies and expanding cooperation with leading global organizations such as NASA. "The key project remains the development of the National Space Program until 2035, which will include the creation of innovative space infrastructure, the development of human capital, and participation in international programs for the exploration of the Moon and Mars," added Kadirov. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel 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. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 7. The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan is continuously working to expand the flight network and increase the number of flights on existing routes, Trend reports. Kazakhstan's SKAT airline plans to launch a new route to Germany from Shymkent to Munich from May 27 this year. Flights will operate three times a week (on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). Meanwhile, it is expected that the opening of this air route will contribute to the further development of trade, economic, business, and tourism cooperation between the two countries. Consequently, the total number of flights between Kazakhstan and Germany will increase from 11 to 14 per week. In a veiled criticism of the United Kingdom, New Delhi on Friday said the heckling of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar by Khalistani extremists in London brings out both the license accorded to such forces as well as the indifference to their intimidation, threats and other actions, aimed at impeding Indias legitimate diplomatic activities in the European nation. While we have noted the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office on the matter, our view of its sincerity would depend on the action taken against culprits on this and previous occasions, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing here. Advertisement The spokesperson said India has conveyed to the UK authorities its deep concern over the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during the foreign ministers visit. Advertisement The Indian minister was heckled by Sikh separatists while leaving Chatham House in London after attending an exclusive event. New Delhi condemned the incident, saying it deplores the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also condemned the incident. While the UK upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable, it said. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 7. Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdymukhamedov welcomed Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Ashgabat for a meeting to discuss bilateral cooperation and the development of the Middle Corridor, Trend reports. The two leaders emphasized the importance of connectivity and the development of the Middle Corridor. Prime Minister Kobakhidze highlighted transportation and logistics projects aimed at further enhancing Georgia's transit function. The meeting also focused on prospects for expanding cooperation in the transportation and energy sectors. The Middle Corridor is a vital link between Asia and Europe, addressing key economic challenges in Central Asia. It fosters trade, economic partnerships, and cooperation in energy and industry. Turkmenistan plays a key role, connecting Kazakhstan and Iran, with ongoing infrastructure development to strengthen its position as a key transit hub. Georgia and Turkmenistan established diplomatic ties in 1992 and have since cooperated in economic, cultural, and humanitarian areas. In 2022, direct flights began, boosting trade and collaboration, particularly in energy and transportation. Both countries highlighted the importance of the Middle Corridor for enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. Matteo Patrone, Vice President for Banking at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), will visit Albania from 10 to 11 March and Montenegro from 12 to 13 March, Trend reports. In Albania, Patrone will meet with Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Finance and EBRD Governor Petrit Malaj, and other private- and public-sector clients. This will be his first official visit to Albania in his current role. During his visit to Montenegro, Patrone will meet with Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, Minister of Finance and EBRD Governor Novica Vukovic, and representatives of businesses and state-owned companies. Ahead of the visit, Patrone emphasized the importance of the EBRD's work in both countries, noting that the visit highlights the Banks ongoing commitment to economic development in the region. He expressed interest in discussing current projects and exploring new opportunities for sustainable growth. The VP will be joined by Matteo Colangeli, EBRD Regional Director for the Western Balkans, and other key EBRD officials during the visits. The EBRD has been active in Albania since 1991, investing over 2.2 billion euros in 159 projects, including more than 200 million euros in 18 projects in 2024. Since Montenegro joined the EBRD in 2006, the bank has invested 933 million euros in 96 projects, with 104 million euros directed to 9 projects in 2024. 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. My personal style is: Unpredictably predictable, Im a Cancerian, I dress for my ever-changing moods. One day I'm Barbara Eden from I Dream of Genie, next I'm Zendaya from Dune 2. My personal style icon: Frankly, no one in particular. I get inspired by personal style but currently one does not get to see too much of that. An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me: I am a shoe girl. I love these big five-inch platform heels with black and white polka dot print and a neon pink and blue detail from my Radio Gaga collection. They spruce up every outfit, and the platform gives me the comfort to smile through endless social events. Shubhika Sharma's favourite black and white polka dot print shoes from Radio Gaga My favourite souvenir from my travels is: I love buying greeting cards as cheesy as that sounds. I collect postcards and cards from all over the world to write notes and letters to my loved ones. The best gift I have received: The gift of age. It is a gift that just keeps on giving. The best gift I have given: I am a serial gift-giver so its hard to pick one, but books have been my favourite gifts to give. I have a knack for knowing exactly the book one needs to help them through a certain time in their life. Books are Sharma's favourite gifts The last thing I bought: Shiny, hot pink 2-kilo dumbells. Evidently, my New Year's resolution to get fitter is still waiting to press start. The last book I read: The Legend of the Goddess: Invoking Sri Suktam by Om Swami. It traces our Vedic roots. 'The Legend of the Goddess: Invoking Sri Suktam' by Om Swami The last film I loved: The Emma Stone-starrer 'Poor Things'. It blew me away. My Spotify list would include these songs: Anything from Madonna to Abida Parveen, my moods dictate every second of my life. My beauty/ wellness routine is: Daily yoga and meditation. Soaked almonds, black raisins and black pepper on an empty stomach in the morning. My favourite holiday destination: Places that are seeped in history. Egypt especially, the museums of Cairo and Alexandria have left an indelible mark on me. A picture from Sharma's vacation album I love to collect: Cats. Every family member/ friend of mine has been gifted a rescue cat by me, one that they never asked for but are loving parents to now. My office too is home to two rescue cats, Chuppa and Chuppi. Sharma's rescue cats My fridge always has: Bread and butter to be dipped in my evening chai. Minimalism or maximalism: Maximalism always, always. My home looks like: An eclectic mix of bird feeders, potted plants, paintings and all things that ground me to my roots. My favourite room in the house is one large bedroom converted into a meditation, yoga and reading room. No beds, only pets allowed. Sharma at her home My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: India. The more I've started travelling within India, the more it blows my mind. For example, Auroville in Pondicherry is my favourite experience of traditional and contemporary coming together to create newness, hope and progress. My best ideas come when: I lock my phone away in a cupboard, switch on music and drift away into nothingness. The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: To buy my mum a sari. My idea of happiness is: Chai, cats, chats with family and uninterrupted quiet time with my books. There is something almost poetic about an empire being handed an invoice long after its declinea reminder that historys debts do not simply vanish with the passage of time. The latest demand18 trillion in slavery reparationsis staggering, not just for its sheer size but for what it represents: the ghosts of empire calling in their dues. The man delivering this verdict, Judge Patrick Robinson, is no rogue idealist. He was one of the key figures behind the ruling that the UK must return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a case that laid bare the casual cruelty of British colonial governance. The Chagossians were unceremoniously evicted from their homeland in the 1960s and 70s so that the UK and the US could turn Diego Garcia into a strategic military base. Families were dumped in Mauritius and the Seychelles, left to fend for themselves, while Whitehall bureaucrats wrote memos about the inconvenience of their removal. It was yet another chapter in the long, inglorious tradition of British imperial dispossession. Now, Robinson has turned his focus to a debt far older and far greater: the human cost of transatlantic slavery. The 18 trillion figure is not plucked from the air. It is an estimate of the economic benefits Britain reaped from centuries of enslaving millions, calculated against the suffering, destruction, and generational disadvantage inflicted on those it enslaved. And, crucially, it is an underestimate, according to Robinson. Yet slavery was not the only crime of empire. In British Malaya, another hidden history of forced labour and systemic abuse emerges. Tamil and South Indian Dravidian labourers, brought in by the British to toil in rubber estates and construct roads from the mid-1800s to the mid-1950s, endured conditions that amounted to slavery in all but name. These men, women, and children were subjected to relentless exploitation, radicalised economic subjugation, and physical abuse. Historical photographs of these labourers in their work environments provide chilling evidence of the systemic ill-treatment imposed by British colonial authorities, particularly the English. The economic fruits of this exploitation enriched Britain, but the labourers and their descendants received nothing. While slave owners in the Caribbean were compensated handsomely for their losses after abolition, those who suffered under imperial rulewhether in Malaya, the Caribbean, or Africawere left with nothing but the scars of history. The unfinished business of Empire Britain has always struggled with its imperial past, preferring to focus on grand narratives of progress and civilisation rather than on the violence, theft, and exploitation that underpinned it. Schoolchildren still learn about Wilberforces abolition of the slave trade but rarely about the vast compensation paidnot to the enslaved, but to the slave owners, ensuring that former masters were made whole while their victims received nothing. The consequences of that injustice linger. The legacies of slavery and colonialism are visible not just in the Caribbean or Africa, but in Britain itself. The great fortunes of families like the Gladstones, the Barings, and the Beckfords were built on human suffering. The institutions that define British respectabilitythe Bank of England, Oxford and Cambridge, the Anglican Churchare all entangled in this history. Even the modern City of London, the beating heart of global finance, owes much to the capital amassed from the trade in human beings and the sweat of indentured labourers. And yet, when the subject of reparations is raised, the British establishment recoils. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dismissed it outright last year, insisting that trying to unpick our history is not the right way forward. The phrase unpick our history is telling, as if acknowledging the past might unravel the entire fabric of national identity. The price of amnesia But history has a way of forcing itself back into the conversation. The Chagos ruling was a reminder that imperial abuses do not simply fade with time. The demand for slavery reparations is another. The Caribbean nations of CARICOM have been building momentum for years, pressing Britain to atone for its role in one of the greatest crimes against humanity. Barbados cut ties with the monarchy in 2021, and Jamaica may soon follow. Meanwhile, institutions like the Church of England and Lloyds of London have begun to acknowledge their complicity and pledge financial redress. For Britain, the reckoning is coming whether it likes it or not. The empire, once an engine of wealth and power, now looms as a liability. The world has changed. Countries that were once colonies now have a voice on the world stage, and they are using it. The fact that a judge of Robinsons stature is making these demands in international legal settings suggests that the conversation is not going away. And this extends beyond the transatlantic slave trade. The families and descendants of Tamil and south Indian labourers in colonial Malaya have an equally legitimate claim for reparations, in accordance with international human rights principles. Reparations serve to acknowledge and redress the causes and consequences of human rights violations, systemic inequality, and the enduring legacies of colonial oppression. The suffering endured by these labourersexploited in British-owned plantations and infrastructure projects, subjected to inhumane working conditions, denied basic dignitydeserves recognition. This is not just about the past; it is about the present and the future. The British government can continue to dismiss these claims, but the weight of history is growing heavier. We are currently collaborating with international human rights lawyers to initiate legal proceedings against the British government, seeking accountability and redress for these historical injustices. The bill has been presented So, what happens next? Britain will almost certainly refuse to pay. It will argue that the sins of the past cannot be laid at the feet of the present. It will point to foreign aid, to trade agreements, to the contributions of Caribbean, African, and Asian immigrants to British society. It will cling to the belief that its imperial legacy is a complicated, nuanced storynever mind that the victims of that legacy had no say in the matter. But history has a funny way of coming full circle. There was a time when British officials dismissed calls for Indian independence as unrealistic, when the idea of a dismantled empire was unthinkable. There was a time when they believed Chagos would remain a permanent British outpost. And yet, here we are. The bill has been presented. Britain may refuse to pay, but the debt remains. And history has a habit of collecting. 2025 promises to be a sky high year for Indian flyers. There are a spate of high profile launches on the anvil, right from at least two spanking new airports, to a flurry of new airlines taking to the skies. At least three new airline companies are scheduled to start domestic operations this year the Kerala-based Air Kerala and Al-Hind, as well as UP-based Shankh Air. It is to be noted that while all three have declared that they will start with domestic operations in 2025, none of them have got all the full approvals from the regulatory bodies, yet. All three, especially the Kerala ones, aim to focus on connecting the region to the Gulf and nearby foreign destinations. Air Kerala was originally conceived as a Kerala government project to alleviate the travel woes of the sizeable number of Malayali expats in the Gulf, though nothing much came out of it. The present avatar is supported by Malayali entrepreneurs based in the Middle East. Presently, India has national airlines plying domestically Indigo, Air India, Air India Express and SpiceJet and a few offering regional connectivity, like Fly91 based in Goa and Star Air headquartered in Bengaluru. Indias aviation history is a veritable graveyard of Icarian ambitions burnt by the sun of intense competition and market realities like razor-thin margins and the variable cost of oil which tends to fluctuate dramatically. Once deregulated in the nineties, Indias commercial aviation sector immediately expanded beyond the government operators Indian Airlines and Vayudoot, to see all kind of players and epiphanies. The first ever private airline, East West Airlines disappeared soon after its promoter Thakiyudeen Waheed was shot dead by underworld gangsters in Mumbai. Fate wasnt kind to many others, too, like ModiLuft which shut down despite a tie-up with Germanys Lufthansa, Air Damania which was merged with SkylineNEPC and stopped operations soon after, and even Air Deccan, which revolutionised Indian aviation by ushering in the low-cost model, but was forced to merge into Kingfisher Airlines (which itself went belly up once its high flying promoter Vijay Mallya fled the country to escape jail). In fact, the only one from the 1990s which survived for long was Jet Airways, which even became market leader for a point in time, before the curse of aviation caught up with it, too, shutting down in 2019. Recently, GoAir, despite being promoted by the Bombay Dyeing family, also got grounded. Its not always been a case of shutting down alone. Two years ago, Akasa Air, initially funded by stock market king Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, was launched, and has managed to stay afloat by the skin of its teeth. SpiceJet, too, after its launch in the mid-2000s has managed to hold its own despite changing ownership multiple times and severe financial and legal turmoil. As aviation experts say, the fate of the new airlines will depend on how well they manage their finances and save money in a sector where razor-thin profit margins are often the best you could hope for. But the glamour, and the prospect a nation of one billion plus which is already the fastest growing aviation market in the world keep beckoning. Back in 2022, during its state conference in Ernakulam, the CPI(M) adopted a policy document titled Navakeralathulla Party Kazhchappadu (The Party Viewpoint for New Kerala), advocating for welcoming capital investments of all kinds. However, at the ongoing state conference in Kollam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is proposing an amendment that incorporates an ideological safeguard. In his new policy document, Navakeralathe Nayikan Puthuvazhikal (New Ways to Direct New Kerala), Vijayan introduces a key revision: While we accept capital investments, we must also assert that investments contradicting our ideological stance cannot be accommodated. Notably, it was in the past week that the Vijayan government tabled the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025, aimed at facilitating the establishment of private universities in Kerala. Although the CPI(M) has traditionally opposed private and foreign universities, recent years have seen a shift in its ideological stance. If Vijayans clause is accepted, it could set a precedent where ideological adjustments become a prerequisite for approving capital investments, especially in high-tech sectors where mega multinational corporations, especially those from the West, are key players. Vijayans policy document also outlines an ambitious vision for Keralas startup ecosystem, aiming to create a globally recognised hub. It sets specific targets: the establishment of 15,000 startups and the creation of 100,000 new jobs by 2026. Meanwhile, the document reaffirms the partys commitment to attracting maximum investment from the Malayali diaspora worldwide. It also criticises the Union governments restrictions on the Kerala governments resource mobilisation efforts, particularly its curbs on off-budget borrowing through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The policy document hails KIIFB as part of an alternative economic strategy developed by the CPI(M)-led government. The Kerala government will continue to challenge in the Supreme Court the Union governments move to include KIIFB borrowings within borrowing limit constraints, Vijayan asserts in the document. Cinephiles in Karnataka now have reason to celebrate. As part of the state budget presented on Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that ticket prices across all theatres, including multiplexes will be capped at Rs 200. The decision comes as a surprise, as producers typically request for a hike in ticket prices on the opening days of a big-budget film. The objective behind the move is to make watching films on the big screen a more affordable experience that does not break the bank. ALSO READ | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah presents 16th budget The decision follows discussion that took place back in 2017, when Siddaramaiah brought up the Rs 200 ticket price cap but it stayed in the High Court, with the order eventually withdrawn. In addition, the state will also launch its own OTT platform to promote Kannada films. This initiative comes after actor-producers like Rakshit Shetty and Rishab Shetty voiced concerns over the representation of Kannada films on major streaming platforms. Furthermore, the government has also earmarked Rs 3 crore to build a repository for the preservation of Kannada film, in both digital and non-digital formats, showcasing the states social, historical, and cultural heritage. Cinema will be granted industry status, which will now provide them benefits that fall under the states Industrial Policy. In addition to this, Siddaramaiah also disclosed plans to develop a multiplex complex under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on 2.5 acres of land owned by the Karnataka Film Academy. Also executed under the PPP model are plans for an international-level film city in Mysuru is underway with 150 acres of land already transferred to the Department of Information and Public Relations. The total investment of the project amounts to Rs 500 crore. Arati Kadavs Mrs. has taken Bollywood by storm for its raw portrayal of a womans struggles and expectations she has to fulfil when married into a new family. The remake of Jeo Babys Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen has been lauded for its message and lead actress Sanya Malhotras powerful performance. ALSO READ | What is invisible abuse that Sanya Malhotras 'Mrs.' shines light on? In a recent conversation with Indian Express, Kadav expressed her perspective on the Karva Chauth celebration showcased in Mrs. and said it was the most fitting cultural touchpoint to portray in the Hindi film. The filmmaker said: First of all, in todays climate, making overt religious statements isnt as easy. What the original did was phenomenal, but it was also deeply tied to the socio-cultural realities of the South. With our adaptation, I wanted to reflect the world Ive grown up in and in North India, Karva Chauth felt like the most fitting cultural touchpoint. She further commented on Bollywoods portrayal of the Hindu ritual, saying, Interestingly, the Karva Chauth scene was a last-minute addition, just 20 days before the shoot. Because I kept thinking, How can we make a Hindi film about domestic life without addressing Karva Chauth? Especially considering how Bollywood has glorified the ritual, turning it into something celebratory and even gender-neutral. That portrayal bothers me. Our films have normalized it to such an extent that it has come to influence entire generations. ALSO READ | 'I incorporated my own experiences into the script': 'Mrs' director Arati Kadav When asked why she decided to do a remake of The Great Indian Kitchen, she replied, The story deeply resonated with me. In many ways, I felt it belonged to my mother, to my aunts, my cousins, to the women whose lives Ive witnessed up close. There was something intimate and familiar about it, and I believed I could do justice to this kind of rooted storytelling... Bollywood often leans toward hyper-sentimentalizing narratives like these, but I wanted to ground it in realism. Mrs.is available to stream on Zee5. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic achieved an export volume of 2.89 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electrical energy to the Iranian market in January 2025, the republic's State Energy Service told Trend. "The amount of electricity imported from the Islamic Republic of Iran was 2.71 million kWh," the agency said. To note, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic delivered a substantial output of 36.7 million kilowatt-hours of electrical energy to the Iranian market in the previous fiscal year. The Autonomous Republic secured a substantial 35.2 million kilowatt-hours of electrical energy through a strategic exchange mechanism with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Days after Ranya Rao was arrested in Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport for attempting to smuggle gold into the country, the actress has confessed to her crime. Rao admitted to carrying 17 gold bars on her person in a confession given to the revenue officials, according to NDTV. Rao, who arrived at the airport from Dubai via an Emirates flight, also divulged that she had travelled to other countries. "I have travelled to Europe, America, and (the) Middle East and have visited Dubai, Saudi Arabia. I wish to state that I am tired at present as I did not get enough rest," her statement read. In her confession, the actress also disclosed her family details, stating that her father is K.S. Hegdesh, a real estate businessman, and her husband is Jatin Hukkeri, an architect. Rao is the step-daughter of Karnataka DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, who denied having any involvement in the smuggling racket and distanced himself from the same. Rao came under the radar of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) due to her frequent round trips to Dubai 27 in the past year. According to Times of India, earlier trips showed that Rao was always accompanied by an officer who assisted her in bypassing security checks, with a government vehicle waiting to pick her up. Since the DRI received a tip-off of her activities, the officials were able to detain her just as she exited the airport, and found her in possession of 14.2kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore. The investigation extended to her Bengaluru abode, where she resides with her husband, where police uncovered gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore. As a result of the major bust, the actress was arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act of 1962 and has been remanded to judicial custody till March 18. Proton Beam Therapy is an an advanced form of radiation therapy that uses high-energy protons to precisely target cancerous tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues. It is highly effective for treating tumours in sensitive areas (e.g., Central Nervous System, prostate, head and neck and paediatric cancers). By reducing exposure of healthy tissues to radiation it causes fewer side effects and thus an improved quality of life. Delivery of the therapy itself is usually painless, and the therapy itself takes just a few minutes, though preparation time is longer. Apollo Hospitals recently signed a partnership with Ion Beam Applications (IBA), Belgium, to introduce the Proteus One system in India. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd first introduced Proton Therapy to India in 2019 at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, making it the first and only such facility in South Asia and the Middle East. The new system will be placed in Hyderabad. The new system uses DynamicARC which allows simultaneous beam delivery to the tumour from multiple directions, enhancing the targeting of the diseased tissue while sparing healthy tissue. This allows for faster, sharper and simpler treatment. It is, however, subject to statutory approvals. The global burden of cancer is projected to increase to 21.4 million cases by 2030. As per a study in Lancet Regional Health in terms of absolute number of cancer patients, India comes third behind China and the US. The country contributes 7.5 per cent of all new cancer cases and this is expected to grow to 1.5 million this year. The same study also points out that approximately three of five Indians diagnosed with cancer succumb to it. The countries with access to proton therapy are: the US, Europe, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Thailand. Australia is building a facility that is expected to open in 2025. Dr Preetha Reddy, executive vice chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said that the introduction of the Proteus One system marked a significant leap towards personalised, precise, and highly effective treatment for cancer patients. The Karnataka BJP has dubbed the state budget as a "Halal budget" and accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of minority appeasement. BJP Karnataka took to X to criticise the Congress government and stated Scam Cm Siddaramaiah in Karnataka presents a Halal Budget- appeasement at its peak, listing down the budget allocations made for the Muslim community. ALSO READ | Siddaramaiah makes strong case for Congress's guarantees in his 16th budget, allocates 51,034 crore for five schemes Amit Malviya, BJPs national IT department in charge, in his X post said, This is not Karnataka Congress budget but that of New Muslim League- Muslim appeasement at its peak. The BJPs list of Budget allocations and programmes that qualified as appeasement included reservation for Muslims in government contracts, 50,000 assistance for Muslim marriages, 150 crore for infrastructure development of Waqf properties and graveyards, 50 lakh for Muslim cultural programmes, new ITI college to be set up in Muslim-dominated areas, 50% fee concession for Muslim students under KEA, residential PU college for girls in Ullal town, increase in national and foreign scholarships for students, expansion of Bengalurus Haj Bhavan with additional buildings and self-defense training for girl students. Malviya recalled that, on December 9, 2006, Dr. Manmohan Singh, then Congress Prime Minister, had said that the Congress government had to devise innovative plans to ensure that minorities, particularly the Muslim minority, are empowered to share equitably in the fruits of development. They must have the first claim on resources. It was a premeditated statement because, on April 14, 2009, in the run-up to the Lok Sabha election, Dr. Manmohan Singh, when asked about it, reiterated his stance, stating that minorities, especially poor Muslims, should get priority when it comes to the nations resources. He categorically affirmed that he stood by his earlier assertion that Muslims should have the first right to resources. Today, while presenting the Karnataka government budget, CM Siddaramaiah confirmed that 4 % of public works contracts will be reserved for Muslims under Category - II B. Reservation will be provided in the procurement of goods and services under various government departments, corporations, and institutions for suppliers belonging to SC, ST, Category-I, Category-II A, and Category-II B, up to Rs one crore. Malviya argued that Congress was hell-bent on undermining the rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs, as enshrined in the Constitution. No reservation can be provided on the basis of religion. India will not let the Congress succeed with their sinister plans, he added. Leader of Opposition in Assembly R Ashok said it was Siddaramaiah's thanksgiving budget to Muslim voters. Vijayapura MLA and BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal said it was a "Halal budget" and also Siddaramaiah's last budget. State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra stated that the budget was a Congress blueprint for appeasement. Where is the budget for real growth? Farmers, youth and rural Karnataka are left behind while Congress focuses only on its vote bank. This is not governance, but a betrayal of Karnatakas future, said Vijayendra, adding that the Congress had prioritised appeasement over real development, when farmers were struggling with debts and crop losses and rural Karnataka suffered from lack of roads, power and irrigation facilities, SC/ST hostels remained underfunded and youth deprived of skill development and jobs. Elaborating on the issue, the BJP leader claimed that the CM had allocated 500 crore for Moulana Azad Schools while rural government schools remained underfunded. When MSMEs and rural entrepreneurs get no support, the CM has given special business schemes for minorities. The government has borrowed 1.16 lakh crore and there is a fiscal deficit of 90,428 crore. But the ruling Congress is spending on selective appeasement instead of empowering all, mocked Vijayendra. The veteran leader slammed the government stating that religious reservation to Muslim contractors was against the Constitution and alleged that the debt burden had increased, Kalyan Karnataka region had been neglected and the CM was mum over the implementation of the last budget announcements. More than 2,000 farmer suicides have been reported yet there are no special schemes for their welfare. Development work is being neglected in the name of guarantees and development of Bengaluru is not a priority, he said. Waqf and minority welfare minister Zameer Ahmed Khan defended the budget allocation. The budget size is 4.09 lakh crore and the Muslim population is 14 per cent. The CM has allocated 4,700 crore for Muslim development. The allocation should have been around 60,000 crore, proportional to the population. He has given the funds for education, said Khan. The Punjab Aam Aadmi Party governments crackdown on the agitating farmers in the state has escalated the tensions between the two. Until now, the farmers' organisations had directed their anger against the Central government over their demands like a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for the crops. However, Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns tough stance, particularly his walkout from a meeting with farmers on March 3, has added a new dimension to the conflict. The farmers organisations, under the umbrella body Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which had previously led protests against the three farm laws at Delhis borders in 2020, were taken aback by the chief ministers sudden aggression. Mann had actively courted the farming community, given its significant influence in the state. After the stalemate over the talks, the farmer groups proceeded with their planned sit-in in Chandigarh on March 5. Chief Minister Mann ordered a crackdown as the Punjab police detained key farm union leaders, forcing them to call off their strike. #WATCH | SAS Nagar (Punjab): On farmer leaders' statement on meeting with him, CM Bhagwant Mann says, "I told farmers that every day you hold 'rail roko', 'sadak roko' protest...This is causing immense losses to Punjab. The state is facing economic losses. Punjab is becoming a pic.twitter.com/jEGfQXv1Iz ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2025 The SKM has now warned that they would now direct their agitation against the AAP and not let the party MLAs come out of their houses, and would gherao them as they had done with the BJP leaders during the 2020 farmers' agitation. The next call for gherao (lay siege) of AAP MLAs is on March 10. For AAP, this standoff comes at a critical time. After a setback in Delhi, the party cannot afford to lose ground in Punjab. The ongoing confrontation with farmers presents both risks and opportunities for the ruling party. On one hand, farmer unions enjoy vast support among Punjabs Sikh and rural populations. A prolonged conflict could turn public sentiment against the Mann government, potentially benefiting opposition parties like the Congress and the Akali Dal, the two parties which previously ruled the state. On the other hand, the Mann government, facing growing anti-incumbency sentiment, could use this moment to reassert its administrative authority. The frequent farmer protests, often disruptive to daily life and businesses, have drawn criticism from sections of the public. A firm stance against these sit-ins could earn the government support from those frustrated by repeated disruptions. Frequent protests have also harmed Punjabs business environment. The BJP, which saw an increase in its vote share in the last Lok Sabha elections, has benefitted from this discontent. While the Punjab assembly elections are still two years away, AAPs crackdown on farmer protests may earn it a new and persistent adversary, but it could also help the party gain some political credibility and fill the perceived political leadership vacuum in the state. Moreover, AAP argues that many of the farmers' demands, such as the legal guarantee for MSP and timely grain procurement, fall under the jurisdiction of the Union government. The Centre, too, has been engaging with farmer leaders. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met with SKM leader Jagjit Singh Dallewalwho is still on an indefinite fastlast month, and another meeting is scheduled for March 19. As negotiations continue, the political ramifications of this standoff will be closely watched. The Jammu and Kashmir government has allocated 50 crore to establish a National Law University (NLU) in the region. Announced in the latest budget by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, this decision fulfils a long-pending demand for a premier legal institution in J&K. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has welcomed the move, calling it a historic milestone for legal education in the region. JKSA national president Ummar Jamal has praised the decision. In a statement, Jamal said the association had been advocating this for years and had even submitted a memorandum to the chief minister a few months ago, urging the government to act. The absence of a dedicated law university has forced aspiring law students to move to other states, leading to financial burdens and fewer opportunities, he said. Now, with an NLU in J&K, students will no longer have to leave their home state for quality legal education. He said unlike many other states that already have prestigious NLUs, Jammu and Kashmir lacked a specialised institution of this kind. He said establishing an NLU will enhance legal education and develop a new generation of lawyers, judges, and policymakers, strengthening the regions legal system. He said 50 crore allocation will help create a world-class university with modern infrastructure, advanced teaching methods and access to top legal scholars and professionals. He said the current law programmes at the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu lack practical exposure and advanced facilities. Teaching is mostly theoretical, with little focus on mooting, debating, and internships, he said. JKSA national spokesperson Farhat Riyaz called the move a transformational step for Jammu and Kashmir. This will make the region a centre for legal scholarship and research, providing aspiring lawyers with the resources, faculty, and opportunities to compete at national and international levels, she said. She said a stronger legal education system will improve J&Ks judicial and governance structures by producing well-trained legal professionals. With this initiative, Jammu and Kashmir move closer to matching other states in legal education, creating new opportunities for students and strengthening its place in the national legal landscape. The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday criticised the UK's approach to the security breach during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar's visit in London. MEA said it shows, "both the licence accorded to such forces, as well as indifference to their intimidation, threats, and other actions aimed at impeding our legitimate diplomatic activities in the UK." Also read | VIDEO | Jaishankar heckled by Khalistani extremist who ran towards his car, tore Indian flag as London police watch #WATCH | On the issue of security breach during EAM S Jaishankar's UK visit, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We have conveyed our deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during the EAMs pic.twitter.com/Dl0lWODJJ3 ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 Jaishankar's convoy came under attack on Thursday when a pro-Khalistan protester breached security and ran towards his car shouting slogans. Jaishankar was returning from Chatham House in London when the incident took place. A video of the incident had gone viral on social media. A group of protesters waving pro-Khalistan flags could be seen shouting slogans even as police remained in the area. Also read | UK foreign office condemns security breach during EAM S. Jaishankars London visit #WATCH | Delhi | On Development Cooperation with Bangladesh, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "...Development cooperation is a priority area of our relations with the people of Bangladesh. The recent security situation and long-standing local issues have affected the pace pic.twitter.com/atGttfeLHn ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025 MEA had already condemned and conveyed its "deep concern" to the UK authorities. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that there was a "larger context" to the incident. UK foreign office also reacted to the incident. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said that such attempts to "intimidate, threaten, or disrupt" public events are "completely unacceptable". He also added that the police swiftly acted to address the situation. Though India has noted UK's statement, MEA added that, "its sincerity would depend on the action taken against culprits on this and previous occasions." No action was reportedly taken against the attacker. The initial delay in responding to the incident by the UK police also came under question, though the UK in its statement said that "swift" action was taken by the Metropolitan Police. The massive row over the implementation of the National Education Policy in Tamil Nadu continues, with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stating they will not tolerate Hindi colonialism replacing British colonialism. Chief Minister Stalin also mocked the Bharatiya Janata Partys signature campaign in favour of three-language policy. "The tree may prefer calm, but the wind will not subside." It was the Union Education Minister who provoked us to write this series of letters when we were simply doing our job. He forgot his place and dared to threaten an entire state to accept #HindiImposition, and now he pic.twitter.com/pePfCnk8BS M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 7, 2025 In a post on social media platform X, Stalin said it was Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan who provoked the state into recent series of protests and said, He forgot his place and dared to threaten an entire state to accept Hindi imposition. Stalin added, Tamil Nadu will not be blackmailed into surrendering. The Tamil Nadu chief minister asserted the state has already achieved various targets which the Centre aims to achieve through NEP by 2030. Likening it to an LKG student lecturing a PhD holder, Stalin said, Dravidam does not take dictations from Delhi. Instead, it sets the course for the nation to follow. Thiru @mkstalin avl, our online signature campaign through https://t.co/turEZWjO2J is supported by over 2 lakh people within 36 hours, and our on-ground signature campaign continues to receive an overwhelming reception across TN. As the TN CM, you seem visibly rattled, and your https://t.co/9Id8nXuvid K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) March 7, 2025 Saying those who have tried to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu has been rejected by the state, Tamil Nadu will not tolerate Hindi colonialism replacing British colonialism, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader said. Stalin charged Hindi has been imposed to a nauseating extent, suffocating non-Hindi speakers, who are the majority in India. The DMK leader also mocked the signature campaign being carried out by the BJP in favour of NEP in the state and said it has become a laughing stock in Tamil Nadu. He dared the BJP to make NEP implementation their core agenda during the 2026 Assembly polls and make it a referendum on Hindi imposition. However, BJP state president K. Annamalai hit back at Stalin and said the latter is rattled seeing the support for the campaign. As the TN CM, you seem visibly rattled, and your rants against the Signature campaign mean nothing to us, Annamalai tweeted. Thiru @mkstalin, stop swinging your Paper Sword against the delusional Hindi imposition. Your fake Hindi imposition drama has already been exposed. It's unfortunate that you haven't realised it yet! Annamalai added. It is one of the rare occasions when two principal opponents in Telangana are on the same side of the political spectrum. The ruling Congress party and the main opposition party, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), are vehemently opposing the delimitation process in its current form as envisaged by the NDA-led centre. The national party and the regional party have expressed concerns that delimitation will result in injustice to the state with a lower number of seats as compared to the northern belt. The state cabinet which met recently has decided to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the matter and highlight their stand to the centre. Briefing the media after the meeting, revenue and Information Minister, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said, The approach of the centre towards delimitation is evil. In their mind, they are treating north and south India differently. It will be a big loss to South India as delimitation can lead to loss of seats here." ALSO READ | Stalin writes to CMs party heads urges leaders to join Joint Action Committee over delimitation "How much importance they are giving to south India is clearly reflecting in their actions. We have to debate this issue and fight centre on it. Everyone should benefit from delimitation including southern states. We are planning to hold an all-party meeting where the opinions and aspirations of Telangana people will take centre stage. After the meeting, we will convey with clarity what we expect from delimitation, he said. The Congress party is likely to officially announce the time and date of the meeting soon. The BRS will also receive an invitation to the meeting. BRS has extended support to Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalins call to the centre to halt the delimitation exercise and continue with the existing number of seats. The working president of BRS, KT Rama Rao echoed Stalins opinion and felt that the centre was punishing the southern states for effective population control. He went a step further and demanded that delimitation take place as per the states economy contributions to the centre and not the population. BRS is still contemplating how to make itself stand out and not be a part of Congress's agenda. The BRS is expected to make its stand clear once it receives the invitation to the all-party meeting. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah believes they will. During the ongoing budget session, he announced that the business rules have been prepared and are now awaiting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinhas approval. He said these rules are expected to bring administrative clarity until statehood is restored. Until we regain statehood, it is essential to establish business rules for clarity," he said. "It took some time, but we convened a cabinet meeting and finalised the business rules. #WATCH | Speaking in J&K Assembly, CM Omar Abdullah comments on EAM Dr S Jaishankar's recent statement on PoK He says, "...Foreign Minister has said that they will bring back the portion of Kashmir (controlled by Pakistan). Did we ever stop them? If you (Central govt) can bring pic.twitter.com/8exQTINWmM ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2025 Abdullah expressed confidence that Sinha would approve the rules, which he believes will reduce confusion in governance. As long as this system remains in place, it should operate smoothly without any confusion," he said. "Although I view this arrangement as temporary, implementing business rules is preferable to diminish confusion. Since Abdullah and his five-member cabinet took office, the dual power structure has faced criticism, with the elected government feeling restricted in its ability to function independently. In February, Abdullah called the power-sharing arrangement between himself and Sinha a recipe for disaster, arguing that governance is more effective under a single command structure than a hybrid system. The dual governance model has also been criticised by political parties, including the Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who argue that it slows decision-making and reduces administrative efficiency. Observers suggest that the new rules will give Abdullah, his cabinet, and MLAs more flexibility. However, Abdullah has faced repeated criticism from the opposition for not being vocal enough in demanding the restoration of statehood. The PDP and Peoples Conference (PC) leader Sajad Lone, in particular, have accused him of collaborating with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Even within his party, concerns have been raised that bureaucrats are not cooperating with ministers to address constituency issues. Speaking in the assembly, Abdullah expressed hope that statehood would be restored within a year of his assuming office. Until then, he expects that the rules established by his cabinet will provide greater freedom to function. However, observers believe that without statehood, the elected government will continue to struggle in making major decisions and fulfilling promises to the people. Amid reports that Iran and the US could carry out a joint strike on Iran, Israeli F-15i and F-35i fighter jets were seen conducting drills alongside a US B-52 bomber on Tuesday. The Israeli Defence Forces said the drills were aimed at practising "operational coordination" between the two militaries. But, many feel the drill could be aimed at readying the Israeli military for a potential joint strike with the US on Iran. The drills saw dozens of fighter jets, strategic B-52 bombers and refuelling aircraft simulating coordinated strikes on shared targets, according to Israeli media reports. The joint military exercise over the Mediterranean Sea is the first collaboration on this scale in two years. "The exercise aimed to strengthen and maintain the longstanding cooperation between the forces while expanding connectivity and building integrated capabilities for a range of scenarios," the IDF said. IDF and US Air Force hold joint aerial drill as allies prepare to contend with regional threats pic.twitter.com/Rys5Yqlw0g i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) March 6, 2025 However, speculations are rife that the drill is potentially aimed at readying the Israeli military for a potential joint strike with the US on Iran. The rumours are strengthened by reports that Israel is urging the US to take joint action against Iran's nuclear programme since the diplomatic efforts are faltering. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized collaboration with Washington to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Also read: Iran fears attack its nuclear sites, even secret ones, every night: Report Iran too is anticipating the attack with its fortifying defenses at its nuclear locations, including the secret one. Not only has Iran placed additional security on its nuclear sites, including air defence system launchers, but it is also on the verge of producing enough weapons-grade uranium to build several bombs. Iran too had recently carried out drills, which came to the attention of Israelis who said the Army was conducting ongoing constant assessments to ensure readiness for a wide range of scenarios, including defensive and offensive. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. Head of the State Tax Service under the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy, President of the Intra-European Organization of Tax Administrations (IOTA) Orkhan Nazarli held a video meeting with Commissioner and CEO of Singapore's Inland Revenue Authority Fook Chuen Ow, Trend reports via the Tax Service. The meeting focused on amplifying the parameters of bilateral and multilateral engagements, delineating the strategic priorities for synergistic collaboration in tax governance, and the establishment of a comprehensive legal and regulatory architecture. During the convening, the stakeholders engaged in a discourse regarding critical paradigms such as risk mitigation strategies in fiscal operations across the bilateral landscape, reciprocal data sharing frameworks, digital tax governance, and robust methodologies for the efficacious counteraction of tax fraud and evasion, among other pertinent topics. Furthermore, the imperative of augmenting bilateral synergies within the taxation domain was underscored, and cutting-edge methodologies for optimizing administrative efficacy were scrutinized. Nazarli extended an invitation to Ow to engage in the 29th Assembly of the IOTA, scheduled to convene in Baku. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel United States President Donald Trump said that he had sent a letter to Iran's leadership seeking negotiations on the nuclear deal. During an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Friday, Trump said that he hoped that Iran would agree to talk. "It's going to be a lot better for Iran," he said. Trump added that the other alternative is, "We have to do something because you can't let another nuclear weapon." Also read | Why an Iranian judge fined US government $12.6 billion for harming thalassemia patients Reportedly, the letter was addressed to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "If Iran doesn't negotiate, it will be very ugly for them. Iran can't have nukes. Other options are avaliable," he said. Trump in the interview further said that the US is not trying to hurt Iran. "They are great people...There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal," he added. Also read | Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei reposts old tweet from 2022 to react to Trump-Zelenskyy showdown The White House is yet to confirm on the letter. Meanwhile, Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov held discussions with Iranian Ambassador Kazem Jalali on Friday regarding international efforts to resolve issues surrounding Iran's nuclear program. Also read | Iran fears attack its nuclear sites, even secret ones, every night: Report Trump has insisted earlier that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons. US-Iran relations became strained since the former withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018, during Trump's first term in the White House. Sources also reveal that Russia has offered to mediate between Iran and the US, Reuters reported. United States President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose new banking sanctions, and tariffs on Russia over its intensified attacks on Ukraine. "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battleground right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED," Trump wrote on social media. "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, pic.twitter.com/kwrfbaQw4d President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) March 7, 2025 Also read | JD Vance reveals how his remark triggered Zelenskyy at Oval Office. The rest is history BREAKING: US President Donald Trump says he is 'strongly considering' large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until there is a ceasefire and a 'final settlement agreement on peace is reached'. https://t.co/EdMZXuR6n0 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 pic.twitter.com/scHClinWw0 Sky News (@SkyNews) March 7, 2025 Trump's statement came after Russia's drone and missile strike on Ukraine's energy grid. Also read | Is Trump risking US national security to woo Putin? US no longer sees Russia as major cyber threat, tweaks foreign policy Trump has urged both Russia and Ukraine to negotiate terms and end the ongoing war. The US president's new threat to Russia came after it paused military aid and intelligence to Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's blowout with Trump in Washington. Also read | US destroying world order, says Ukraines UK envoy as Kyiv tries to mend Zelenskyy-Trump relations "To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late," wrote Trump. Reportedly, the United States was gearing to give relief on the sanctions imposed on Russia as part of the negotiating deal to end the war and improve the diplomatic relations between both nations. US sanctions on Russia include measures aimed at limiting its oil and gas revenues, Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. With a shift in US-Russia relations, Ukraine has expressed concerns regarding its security. At the European summit in London, the UK and France agreed to work with Ukraine to find a peace deal to present to Washington in order to end the war. Kyiv has been making efforts to mend its relations with the US after Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance openly accused Zelenskyy of not showing gratitude for US military support during his visit to the Oval Office. Following the White House showdown, the UK called for a crucial summit of the European allies in order to find a solution to end the war. Two US soldiers stationed in Washington were arrested for allegedly leaking classified information including weapons documents to China, reports said. Along with the two active-duty personnel, a former soldier from Oregon was also picked up in connection with the development, US media reports said. The accused soldiers were identified by the Washington Post as Sergeant. Jian Zhao and 1st Lieutanant. Li Tian who were stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in western Washington. The ex soldier involved in the "crime against nation" was named Ruoyu Duan by the media. The trio reportedly stole data to be handed over to China as recently as December. Zhao allegedly handed over around 20 hard drives and documents detailing missile-launcher technology and US military drills in the Indo-Pacific to Beijing while Tian collected and handed data on U.S. weapons systems to Duan. The information that the 1st Lieutenant managed to collect included those on Stryker armoured vehicles, Washington Post said. Duan's role was to receive payment for the work done by Tian. He had secret-level clearance that helped him access Google Drive links used to store manuals outlining the capabilities of the Stryker, an eight-wheeled U.S. Army combat vehicle. Tian identified the files to be handed over based on specific demands from Duan, the FBI has found out. According to federal court documents, Duan is believed to have wired money to many others in the US Army although none other than the duo have ben named so far. He left the military in 2017 and has been residing in Oregon ever since, reports said. Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana tried to stay his extradition to India by alleging that he would be tortured in India as he was "a Muslim of Pakistani origin". But, his last-ditch attempt to evade justice failed after the US Supreme Court rejected his emergency application against extradition to India. As per the update that appeared on the Supreme Court Website on March 6, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Elena Kagan denied Rana's application. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. The Emergency Application For Stay was filed with the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and the Circuit Justice for the Ninth Circuit. Rana's main argument in the petition was that his extradition to India was a violation of the US law and the United Nations Convention Against Torture. He argued that he would be in danger of being tortured in India. In his case, the likelihood of torture was even higher as he was a Muslim of Pakistani origin charged in the Mumbai attacks. He argued that if the stay is not entered, there will be no review at all, and the US courts will lose jurisdiction, and the petitioner will soon be dead. Rana's petition also cited that he suffered from "severe medical conditions" that would turn into a "de facto" death sentence if he is extradited to Indian detention facilities. He submitted medical records from July 2024 that showed he had multiple "acute and life-threatening diagnoses", including multiple documented heart attacks, Parkinson's disease with cognitive decline, a mass suggestive of bladder cancer, stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and a history of chronic asthma, and multiple COVID-19 infections. Rana has earlier too tried to prevent his extradition, even employing a British barrister and Queens Counsel Paul Garlick, who argued for the benefit of double jeopardy to prevent the extradition. Rana had also made another appeal against the US State Department's order to delay the process on humanitarian grounds. On May 16, 2023, a magistrate judge in California ordered that Rana be extraditable to India for his alleged participation in the 26/11 terror attacks. South Korean and U.S. troops will begin their large annual joint military drills next week to enhance readiness against North Korean threats, the allies announced Thursday, days after North Korea threatened high-profile provocations against what it called escalating U.S.-led aggression. However, the announcement was overshadowed by the news of two South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropping eight bombs on a civilian area during a joint live-fire exercise with the U.S. military earlier Thursday. Eight people were injured and South Koreas military halted all live-fire drills across the country. The allies have already begun joint field training for the March 10-20 command post exercise dubbed Freedom Shield exercise, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The accidental bombing happened during one of the joint training exercises, though there were no U.S. soldiers involved in the incident. South Korean military spokesperson Lee Sung Joon and his U.S. counterpart, Ryan Donald, told a joint news conference that the training is meant to strengthen their countries combined defense posture by reflecting evolving challenges such as North Koreas growing military partnership with Russia. Lee said the two allies plan 16 brigade-level field trainings this year, up from 10 such drills last year. It was unclear how long the live-fire suspension would last. Military officials said they can restart firing exercises once authorities determine the cause of Thursdays accident and take steps to prevent recurrences. An initial investigation indicated one of the KF-16 pilots had entered wrong coordinates for a bombing site. North Korea views major South Korean-U.S. military training as an invasion rehearsal and often reacts with missile tests and fiery rhetoric. Earlier this week, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused the United States of intensifying confrontational actions and threatened to ramp up measures threatening the security of the enemy at the strategic level. She cited the recent temporary deployments of U.S. strategic assets like an aircraft carrier and long-range bombers in South Korea and other U.S.-involved military activities. Observers say North Korea could test-fire powerful nuclear-capable missiles designed to strike the U.S. mainland and American military bases in the region. Since his Jan. 20 inauguration, President Donald Trump has said he would reach out to Kim Jong Un again to revive diplomacy. North Korea has not responded to Trumps remarks and says U.S. hostilities against it has deepened since Trumps inauguration. During 2018 and 2019, Kim Jong Un and Trump met three times to discuss potential benefits for North Korea should it return to nuclear disarmament. But their diplomacy eventually fell apart after Trump rejected Kims offer to dismantle his main nuclear complex, a limited denuclearization step, in exchange of extensive sanctions relief. (AP) Utah on Wednesday became the first state to pass legislation requiring app stores to verify users ages and get parental consent for minors to download apps to their devices. The bill headed to the desk of Gov. Spencer Cox has pitted Meta, which operates Facebook and Instagram, against app store giants Apple and Google over who should be responsible for verifying ages. Similar bills have been introduced in at least eight other states in the latest fight over childrens online safety. The proposals targeting app stores follow legal fights over laws requiring social media platforms to verify the ages of users. Meta and other social media companies support putting the onus on app stores to verify ages amid criticism that they dont do enough to make their products safe for children or verify that no kids under 13 use them. Parents want a one-stop shop to verify their childs age and grant permission for them to download apps in a privacy-preserving way. The app store is the best place for it, Meta, X and Snap Inc. said in a joint statement Wednesday. We applaud Utah for putting parents in charge with its landmark legislation and urge Congress to follow suit. The app stores say app developers are better equipped to handle age verification and other safety measures. Requiring app stores to confirm ages will make it so all users have to hand over sensitive identifying information, such as a drivers license, passport, credit card or Social Security number, even if they dont want to use an age-restricted app, Apple said. Because many kids in the U.S. dont have government-issued IDs, parents in the U.S. will have to provide even more sensitive documentation just to allow their child to access apps meant for children. Thats not in the interest of user safety or privacy, the company said in its most recent online safety report. Apple considers age a matter of privacy and lets users to decide whether to disclose it. The company gives parents the option to set age-appropriate parameters for app downloads. The Google Play Store does the same. Apple and Google are among a litany of tech companies that help support the Chamber of Progress, a tech policy group that lobbied Utah lawmakers to reject the bill. Last year, Apple helped kill a similar bill in Louisiana that would have required app stores to help enforce age restrictions. Kouri Marshall, a spokesperson for the Chamber of Progress, called the measure a tremendous encroachment of individual privacy that he said places a heavy burden on app stores to ensure online safety. Republican Sen. Todd Weiler, the bills sponsor, argued its a lot easier to target two app stores than it is to target 10,000 (app) developers. Under the bill, app stores would be required to request age information when someone creates an account. If a minor tries to open one, the bill directs the app store to link it to their parents account and may request a form of ID to confirm their identity. Weiler said a credit card could be used as an age verification tool in most cases. If a child tries to download an app that allows in-app purchases or requires them to agree to terms and conditions, the parent will first have to approve. Melissa McKay, a Utah mother, is among those who pushed for the legislation. She said she started asking questions about device safety after her nephew in 2017 was exposed to really harmful content on another students device at school. Inaccurate age ratings on apps and faulty parental controls are at the root of online harm, McKay said. The eight other states considering proposals would similarly place responsibility on app stores to verify ages and seek parental permissions. A legislative committee advanced Alabamas bill last week. Lawsuits have delayed implementation of state laws regulating social media apps and websites. A federal judge in 2024 temporarily blocked Utahs first-in-the-nation law requiring social media companies to check the ages of all users and place restrictions on accounts belonging to minors. If Cox signs the Utah bill into law, most provisions would take effect May 7. The governors office did not respond to emails seeking comment Wednesday. Cox, a Republican, supported the state law currently on hold that requires age verification on social media. (AP) Its not his fault. Billionaire Elon Musk is telling Republican lawmakers that he is not to blame for the firings of thousands of federal workers, including veterans, as pushes to downsize the government. Instead, he said in private talks this week that those decisions are left to the various federal agencies. The message from one of President Donald Trumps most influential advisers came as Republicans publicly support Musks work at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency digging up waste, fraud and abuse but are privately raising questions as personnel cuts ripple through communities across the nation. Elon doesnt fire people, said Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., after a dinner-time pizza meeting with Musk in the basement of the Capitol. He doesnt have hiring and firing authority, added Hudson, who leads the House Republicans campaign arm. The presidents empowered him to go uncover this information, thats it. Its a remarkable shift of emphasis away from the chainsaw-wielding tech entrepreneur whose vast power has made him an admired, revered and deeply feared figure in the second Trump administration. The Republican president weighed in Thursday after a Cabinet meeting, saying he has instructed department secretaries to work with DOGE but to be very precise about which workers will stay or go. We say the scalpel; rather than the hatchet, Trump said on social media. Its very important that we cut levels down to where they should be, but its also important to keep the best and most productive people He said Musk and Cabinet officials will meet every two weeks to advance their cost-cutting goals. The comments come amid mounting legal disputes over Musks attempts to centralize management of the government workforce and bypass the traditional role of Congress to appropriate federal dollars. For example, the White Houses Office of Personnel Management directed federal agencies to fire probationary workers, who lack full civil service protection. The scorched-earth approach led to deep cuts that have occasionally been reversed, such as when workers on nuclear weapons programs were brought back on the job. A federal judge in San Francisco expressed concerns that layoffs violated the law, leading administration officials to insist that it was individual agencies not Musk or the Office of Personnel Management calling the shots. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., said Musk told lawmakers that some of the folks that were the probationary people, he didnt fire them, they were actually supposedly fired by the agencies and they messed up. Did Musk actually say they messed up? Well, if they were in fact, you know, critical people, and the agency did the firing, then yeah, they messed up, Gimenez said. But not him. Musk and his team have burrowed into agencies, accessing sensitive data and rattling career officials with their demands. Top officials, including at the Social Security Administration, abruptly stepped down after refusing to comply with Musks team. Tens of thousands of workers accepted an offer to resign early and more are facing potential layoffs. Were making good progress, Musk said late Wednesday as he dashed through the halls of the Capitol. The richest person in the world, Musk is known as a driven, demanding executive who is willing to take bold risks, often with great rewards. His enterprises include the rocket company SpaceX, electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla and social media platform X, known the world over. But his perch at DOGE is Musks first public foray into the grit of governing. The speed and scale of the cuts, which are being challenged in dozens of court cases, are introducing businessman to the concept of political blowback. When the topic of the fired federal workers came up during a Senate lunch, Musk deflected blame. I would say that there was an argument that thats not coming from DOGE, its actually coming from individual agencies, said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. Another Republican, Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky, said that Musk went so far as to emphasize that not only had DOGE not recommended mass termination of probationary employees, but that he thought some federal agencies were either incompetent or sabotaging the effort. Musk told them he wanted more precise terminations of those not performing. The point that he was making is that DOGE had not made recommendations for across-the-board cuts of all probationary employees at every agency, Barr said. But the agencies had implemented it improperly through either incompetence or in a handful of cases actual malicious efforts to sabotage and create a public relations problem for DOGE. In fact, scores of fired workers are being recalled back to work across the federal agencies. This week, about 180 employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were being told they could come back, in an email that said: Read this email immediately. Musk was invited to Capitol Hill this week by Trumps allies and party leaders to provide more information to lawmakers facing questions about the DOGE cuts. Many Republicans are being hammered at town halls back home, so much so that House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has encouraged them to meet with constituents in other venues. Musk gave his cellphone number to the senators - though not the members of the House - and his team is setting up a dedicated phone line the lawmakers can call if they have further questions, complaints or suggestions about his work, and about jobs and agencies that should be spared. Democrats, and their allies in outside advocacy groups, have been highlighting the way the cutbacks will hurt Americans. On Thursday, 141 House Democrats led by Virginia Rep. Gerald Connolly, the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, urged the OPM to reinstate all the probationary employees who have been unlawfully terminated. We write in strong opposition to the expansion of the Trump Administrations efforts to purge nonpartisan civil servants from the federal workforce, specifically recent unlawful mass terminations of employees in probationary status, wrote the lawmakers in a letter to the offices acting director, Charles Ezell. Indiscriminately firing thousands of these employees threatens the future of the nonpartisan federal workforce and our governments ability to deliver life-saving services to the American people. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said that if the White House wants to abolish an entire agency such as the Department of Education, Bring the bill to Congress. We welcome that fight. Jeffries added: Well stand on the side of the American people, and theyll continue to stand on the side of Elon Musk. (AP) Ukraine was given fair warning by the White House before President Donald Trump this week ordered a pause on U.S. military assistance and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, a senior administration official said Thursday. The Republican administration announced the pauses this week after Trump and President Volodymyr ZelenskyysOval Office meeting devolved into a shouting match, with the U.S. president and Vice President JD Vance excoriating the Ukrainian leader for being insufficiently grateful for the tens of billions of dollars in U.S. assistance sent to Ukraine since Russia invaded three years ago. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trumps special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, said the pause is already having an impact on Kyiv, adding that the Ukrainians brought it on themselves. The best way I can describe it is sort of like hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose, Kellogg said at an event Thursday at the Council on Foreign Relations. You got their attention. Kellogg said it was made clear to the Ukrainians before last weeks Oval Office meeting that the talks would focus on signing a critical minerals deal. The agreement, which the two sides still have not signed, would give the U.S. access to Ukraines rare earth deposits and could be of value to U.S. aerospace, electric vehicle and medical manufacturing. Trump administration officials have said the economic pact would bind the U.S. and Ukraine closer together and would give Russian President Vladimir Putin pause before considering malign action against Ukraine in the future. Zelenskyy had been pressing the White House for explicit security guarantees, to no avail. Kellogg said last weeks talks went sideways because Zelenskyy pressed Trump who is trying to play the role of intermediary to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia to side with Kyiv. Zelenskyy later called the heated words regrettable and said hes ready to sign an agreement. He told European leaders gathered in Brussels on Thursday he was grateful for their support and said the teams from the U.S. and Ukraine had resumed their work and hoped to have a meaningful meeting next week. Ukraine has been seeking peace since the very first second of the war, and we have always said that the only reason why the war continues is because of Russia, Zelenskyy said in his speech, which was published on the Ukrainian presidents website. Another Trump special envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that senior administration officials are arranging to hold talks next week with senior Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. Witkoff noted that Zelenskyy has been apologetic in recent days about the White House blowup and expressed gratitude. He was circumspect about whether the minerals deal would be signed during the expected meeting in Saudi Arabia. Well see if he follows through, Witkoff said. But Kellogg said he couldnt guarantee a resumption of weapons deliveries even if Zelenskyy accepts the deal. Thats up to the president, Kellogg said. He added, You dont negotiate peace discussions in public. You dont try to challenge the president of the United States in the Oval Office. Trump said in a speech before Congress on Tuesday that Zelenskyy had written to him to say he appreciates U.S. support for his country in its war with Russia. Trump said Zelenskyy told him that Ukraine is ready to negotiate a peace deal with Russia as soon as possible and would accept the minerals agreement with the U.S. to facilitate that. Although Trump said he appreciated getting the letter, he did not say if it would affect his policy toward Ukraine. The suspension of U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine will damage Ukraines ability to defend itself against ongoing Russian attacks against military and civilian targets, according to an assessment by the Institute for the Study of War. The research group said suspension of all U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine would also allow Russian forces to intensify their drone and missile strikes against the Ukrainian rear, affecting millions of Ukrainian civilians and the growth of Ukraines defense industrial base. (AP) The FBI will work to zero out the population of Americans detained or held hostage in foreign countries, Director Kash Patel said Thursday at a State Department ceremony honoring the hostage community and their families. My singular promise to you in this community is that I will do everything as the director of the FBI to marshal the resources necessary to make sure that no other American family feels that pain, he said during the flag-raising event. Patel spoke as the Trump administration is working to bring home Americans from multiple countries, including Russia and Venezuela. The government is also trying to secure the release of remaining American hostages held by Hamas, with Adam Boehler, President Donald Trumps nominee to be special envoy for hostage affairs, leading direct talks with the militant group. We still dont have everybody back, Patel said. Whatever lawful authorities we have at the FBI, we are going to give 24/7, 365 days to make sure that we zero out this number and to make sure we prevent others from going into situations that you are now all too familiar with. The FBI houses a multiagency fusion cell that handles hostage cases involving Americans in foreign countries. The State Department, meanwhile, relies on a special presidential envoy the position for which Boehler has been tapped to negotiate the release of Americans who are wrongfully detained. When the president asked me if there was any job that I thought that I wanted to focus on, Boehler said Thursday, I told him that this was the only one I would look at because I think theres nothing more important for this country than for everyone to know that if theyre abroad and theyre taken, that the country has their back. The Trump administration last month returned home Marc Fogel, an American schoolteacher jailed in Russia on drug charges, as part of a prisoner swap. (AP) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 11. Alandalus Property Company has entered into a 10-year agreement with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Group, to install solar power systems on three of its commercial properties in Riyadh and Jeddah, Trend reports. The deal includes the design, financing, installation, and maintenance of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with a total capacity of 3.4 megawatts peak (MWp) for Hayat Mall in Riyadh, and Alandalus Mall and Alandalus Mall Hotel in Jeddah. The partnership supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals by contributing to the countrys renewable energy targets and promoting environmental sustainability. Emerge will use its Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, enabling Alandalus to access green electricity while reducing energy costs. The agreement was signed by Alandalus Property Company CEO Eng. Faisal bin Abdulrahman Al-Nasser and Emerge General Manager Michel Abi Saab. This initiative reflects Alandalus Propertys commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles and aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across its properties. Two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and a former service member have been arrested on federal charges of espionage, bribery, and theft of government property. The accused allegedly conspired to leak classified U.S. military information to individuals in China, compromising national defense in exchange for personal financial gain. Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, along with Ruoyu Duan, a former U.S. Army soldier, now face serious charges following an investigation that exposed a deliberate scheme to smuggle sensitive military intelligence out of the country. The arrests, announced by the U.S. Department of Justice, underscore an ongoing and increasing threat of foreign intelligence infiltration within the U.S. military. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the accused in the strongest terms, saying, The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken Americas defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China. They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice. The FBI and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command revealed the depth of the conspiracy in separate indictments. According to prosecutors, Li Tian and Ruoyu Duan had been engaged in a covert operation to obtain and transmit classified U.S. Army operational data, including sensitive manuals related to military weapons systems. Tian, an active-duty Army officer, allegedly gathered technical information on Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles and provided it to Duan in exchange for money. Meanwhile, a separate but equally alarming indictment alleges that Jian Zhao, an Army Supply Sergeant, orchestrated a scheme to collect and smuggle classified hard drives marked SECRET and TOP SECRET to individuals in China. Zhao is accused of negotiating payments for the stolen materials and receiving at least $10,000 in illicit funds. Additionally, he allegedly attempted to sell a stolen encryption-capable military computer and classified information on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), as well as details regarding U.S. military readiness in case of conflict with China. Military officials and law enforcement have expressed outrage over the betrayal. Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of Army Counterintelligence Command, warned that this case highlights the growing foreign intelligence threats facing the U.S. Army. Douglas A. Olson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Portland Field Office, described the actions of Duan and Tian as a grave violation of the military oath, stating that their betrayal has placed U.S. national security at serious risk. W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Seattle Field Office, issued a stark warning to anyone considering similar acts of treason, declaring, These arrests should send a message to would-be spies that we and our partners have the will and the ability to find you, track you down, and hold you to account. Protecting the nations secrets, especially those necessary to preserve our military advantage and protect our troops, is one of the FBIs top priorities. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Columbia University has initiated a sweeping investigation into students involved in anti-Israel protests, a move that comes as the Trump administration ramps up its threats to slash federal funding to universities accused of tolerating disruptive campus activism. The universitys newly formed Office of Institutional Equity has sent disciplinary notices to dozens of students, targeting actions ranging from posting inflammatory social media content to participating in unauthorized demonstrations that have roiled the campus. The investigation follows months of escalating tensions at Columbia, where anti-Israel protests have frequently disrupted academic life and drawn sharp criticism for crossing into harassment and intimidation. Last spring, protesters occupied campus buildings, clashed with authorities, and plastered the university with provocative slogans and imageryactions that critics say created a hostile environment for Jewish students and faculty. Now, with President Donald Trump vowing to crack down on what he calls illegal protests, Columbia appears to be taking decisive steps to appease federal authorities and protect its $51 million in government contracts, which the administration has threatened to pull. Columbias updated harassment policy, rolled out last summer, is at the heart of the probe. The policy deems criticism of a countrys policiessuch as Israelsharassment if it includes discriminatory comments about individuals tied to that nation or employs code words that could imply bias. Under this framework, students like Maryam Alwan, a senior who penned an op-ed in the Columbia Spectator calling for divestment from Israel, have been hauled before the disciplinary committee. Alwans piece, which also demanded the university sever academic ties with Israel, was flagged as potentially subjecting others to unwelcome conduct based on religion or national origin. Possible sanctions range from warnings to expulsion. The Trump administrations influence looms large over Columbias actions. On Monday, federal agencies announced they were reviewing the universitys funding, citing its ongoing inaction in the face of relentless harassment of Jewish students. President Trump has doubled down, promising on social media to halt federal support to schools that permit such protests and to deport foreign students involved. Agitators will be imprisoned or permanently sent back to the country from which they came, Trump posted on Tuesday, signaling a hardline stance that has put universities like Columbia on edge. Critics of the protesters argue that their tactics have long crossed the line from free expression into intimidation. Last month, masked demonstrators stormed a History of Modern Israel class, distributing flyers featuring a crushed Star of David and calls to Burn Zionism to the Ground. Earlier this week, anti-Israel groups bragged online about vandalizing a Columbia Business School building with red paint and clogging toilets with cement-like substances. Columbias administration has defended its response to these actions, saying, We are resolute that calling for, promoting, or glorifying violence or terror has no place at our university. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Israel is reportedly considering reducing intelligence sharing with the United States over concerns about the warming relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to an NBC News report citing sources familiar with the matter. Israel is not alone in its concerns. The report indicates that several key U.S. alliesincluding the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabiaare reassessing their intelligence-sharing protocols due to fears that sensitive information could end up in the wrong hands. The primary worry among these nations is the potential exposure of valuable foreign assets as Washington moves toward closer ties with Moscow. According to NBC, there is growing unease that classified information could be leaked or shared in ways that would compromise high-level intelligence sources and operations. Citing unnamed sources, NBC reports that talks regarding the possible restriction of intelligence exchanges are already underway, though no final decision has been made. Despite the report, an Israeli official dismissed the claims, telling NBC that intelligence cooperation between Israel and the United States remains as strong as ever. The relationship between our intelligence agencies is solid and unwavering, the official said, countering concerns of a potential rift. Similar rejections of the report came from the UK and Canada, while New Zealand and Saudi Arabia have not commented on the matter. Should these concerns lead to actual reductions in intelligence-sharing, it could mark a significant shift in global security dynamics, potentially hampering U.S. access to vital intelligence from some of its closest allies. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) As Andrew Cuomo seeks a political resurrection with his bid for New York City mayor, a ghost from his past has reemergedone that is reigniting fierce debate within the citys Jewish community. Recently resurfaced photographs show Cuomo, then serving as President Bill Clintons Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in a diplomatic sit-down with none other than Yasser Arafat, the infamous Palestine Liberation Organization leader. The meeting, which took place on June 23, 2000, was part of a three-day trip to Israel, where Cuomo also engaged with then-Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. However, it is his exchange with Arafatinfamous for orchestrating terror attacks against Israelthat has sparked outrage. The fury stems from Arafats widely alleged role in launching the Second Intifada after failed peace talks at Camp David in 2000. While the PLO denied his involvement at the time, Hamas co-founder Mahmoud al-Zahar later revealed in 2010 that Arafat had, in fact, instructed Hamas to carry out attacks in Israel. Even Arafats widow, Suha, confirmed in a televised interview that he orchestrated the violence. With Cuomo now vying to lead a city that has seen a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks, critics argue his past association with Arafat is impossible to ignore. Yet, not everyone is rushing to condemn Cuomo. Supporters point to his long record of standing with Israel, arguing that his presence at the Arafat meeting was part of larger U.S. diplomatic efforts, not an endorsement of the PLO leader. There has been no greater ally and supporter of the Jewish people and Israel than Andrew Cuomo, said his spokesman, Richard Azzopardi, pushing back against the renewed scrutiny. Cuomo himself has made numerous visits to Israel and, as governor, signed an executive order barring New York State from doing business with companies that support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. His defenders insist that, unlike his progressive opponents in the mayoral race, Cuomo remains a bulwark against rising left-wing anti-Zionism. The greatest internal threat to America presently comes from the alliance between the Socialist Left and the Muslim Brotherhood that has infiltrated the Democratic Party under the banner of Progressivism, argued Matthew Schweber, a lawyer and Columbia University Jewish Alumni Association member. Brad Lander and Zohran Mamdani epitomize this threat, he said, referring to Cuomos rivals in the Democratic primary. Schweber added: Andrew Cuomo is the last line of defense against the menace of Defund the Police and Death to Israel. Needless to say, he is my first choice for NYCs next mayor. Rising anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism writ large are among the many unchecked crises gripping New York City, Azzopardi asserted. The members of the DSA and their supportersmany of whom hold office in city governmentfuel the spreading antisemitism. Governor Cuomo is the only person in this race with the experience and the proven track record to confront it. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Tensions in the Middle East reached a boiling point on Thursday as Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the region, issued a stark warning: if negotiations with Hamas fail, the United States and Israel could take joint military action against the terrorist group. Speaking outside the White House, Witkoff hinted at a looming deadline for diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages before Israel resumes full-scale combat operations in Gaza. When pressed by reporters for specifics, he remained tight-lipped. There definitely is such a date, but Im not at liberty to discuss what that is, he said ominously. Its unclear exactly whats going to happen. I think theres going to be some action taken. It could be jointly with the Israelis. While he emphasized that any military response would be principally led by Israel, Witkoff underscored Americas unwavering support. Very, very strong physical and emotional support from the United States, he added, leaving little doubt about Washingtons stance. The White House confirmed on Wednesday that it has been engaging directly with Hamas, a stunning admission marking the first time the U.S. has publicly acknowledged negotiating without regional mediators. The move signals a dramatic shift in Washingtons approach to handling the hostage crisisone that could redefine the administrations Middle East policy. President Donald Trump, however, remained deliberately vague about the possibility of joint military action. When questioned by reporters in the Oval Office, he issued a cryptic response. Youre gonna find out, Trump said. Somebodys gonna have to get a lot rougher than theyre getting. The diplomatic chaos deepened as conflicting reports emerged about how the U.S. was communicating with Hamas. Witkoff claimed he wasnt sure whether Adam Boehler, the U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs, had engaged with Hamas directly or through intermediaries. Yet, Hamas officials insisted they had met with Boehler in Qatar, according to reports from AFP. The breakdown of the ceasefire-for-hostages deal has only added to the mounting tensions. The first phase of the agreement collapsed on March 1, with Hamas rejecting Israels proposal for an extension. Washington subsequently offered Hamas a 60-day truce extension in exchange for 10 living hostages, according to Sky News Arabia. Yet, despite these overtures, Witkoff remained skeptical of Hamas sincerity. They havent been forthright, he said, though he expressed hope that their behavior would improve. For the U.S. and Israel, time is running out. Witkoff made it clear that the priority remains the safe return of hostages, including at least one American believed to still be alive. He also stressed the importance of recovering the bodies of those who perished in Hamas captivity. We estimate 22, maybe 24 live bodies, he said grimly. We want them all back, and we want the bodies back, too. These parents, who know that their children are gone or their relatives are gone, they need those bodies. They need to go and bury their children properly. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Approximately 800 Chareidim Jews, many from the Breslov and Shuvu Banim communities, gathered overnight Thursday to daven at the kever of Rav Ashi, the revered Amora who compiled the Gemara, located along the Israel-Lebanon border. This group, facilitated and escorted by the IDF, marked a significant shift from previous risky attempts to reach the site. The visit coincided with the 7th of Adar, which is the yahrtzeit and birth date of Moshe Rabbeinu, a meaningful day for tefillah at the Kevarim of tzaddikim. Your browser does not support the video tag. The kever, situated within the IDFs Tziporen outpost on the U.N.-delineated Blue Line, has long been a focal point of yearning for Chareidi Jews despite its dangerous proximity to Hezbollah-controlled territory. This time, the IDF ensured safe access, escorting hundreds of mispallelim under tight security. According to the Times of Israel, the IDF had initially planned for 250 participants, but the turnout swelled to nearly 800, reflecting the overwhelming desire to connect with this makom kadosh. This legal and protected visit contrasts with past incidents reported by YWN, where groups of Chareidim crossed into Lebanon illegally to reach Rav Ashis kever. On October 31, 2019, YWN detailed how a group reached the site under perilous conditions, noting its significance to both Jews and Shiite Muslims, who claim the tomb is of a Shiite Muslim, Sheikh Abbad, a founder of the Shiite movement in Lebanon who lived about 500 years ago. Just last month, YWN reported thay 20 young men from Shuvu Banim infiltrated Lebanese territory to daven at the kever, with several detained. Just days later, on February 23, YWN again reported another attempt by 30 Shuvu Banim members, resulting in four arrests after confrontations with security forces. The visit on Friday morning allowed hundreds to daven shacharis at the kever without crossing into Lebanese territory illegally. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The Israel Defense Forces announced on Friday that Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the IDFs chief spokesman who became a familiar face during the ongoing war, will conclude his role in the coming weeks and retire from the military. The decision, described as agreed upon with the new IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, is widely viewed as a dismissal. Hagari, who took on the role of IDF spokesman in March 2023, has served for two yearsa typical tenure for the position. However, sources indicate that his departure stems from Lt. Gen. Zamirs decision not to promote him to a higher rank, despite Hagaris high-profile service during one of Israels most intense conflicts. The chief of staff wished to express his great appreciation to Rear Adm. Hagari for his years of significant combat service for the State of Israel. Rear Adm. Hagari performed his role as IDF spokesman during one of the most complex wars in the countrys history, in a professional and dedicated manner, the IDF stated in its announcement. For many in the Jewish community and beyond, Hagaris nightly briefings since October 7th have been a source of clarity and reassurance during the war against Hamas and Hezbollah. His straightforward updates, often delivered in front of two Israeli flags, kept the public informed about military operations and the sacrifices of IDF soldiers. Yet, his tenure was not without controversy. Hagari clashed publicly with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and coalition members over issues like the handling of classified information related to hostages and the integration of Chareidim into the army, drawing sharp rebukes from political leaders. Among potential successors is Col. Benny Aharon, a former commander of the 401st Armored Brigade who led his unit in Gaza. With Lt. Gen. Zamir, a former tank commander himself, now at the helm, speculation is rife that Aharons combat experience makes him a favored choice. Hagaris exit follows a pattern seen with his predecessor, Brig. Gen. Ran Kochav, who was replaced in 2023 amid political tensions. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The US State Department has revoked the visa of a foreign student who participated in pro-Hamas demonstrations on a U.S. college campus. This marks the first enforcement action under President Donald Trumps directive to cancel visas of students involved in anti-Israel protestsone of his earliest executive actions upon returning to office. The State Department confirmed the revocation to Fox News, though it did not disclose the students identity or university, citing legal constraints. Yesterday evening, we revoked the first visa of an alien who was previously cited for criminal behavior in connection with Hamas-supporting disruptions, a State Department spokesperson said. This individual was a university student. ICE will proceed with removing this person from the country. The crackdown is a sharp departure from the previous administrations approach. Despite a surge in anti-Israel demonstrationssome turning violenton college campuses across the country, the Biden administration did not revoke a single student visa. The State Department reviewed over 100,000 student visas under Biden, but none were canceled, even amid incidents of vandalism, harassment, and threats against Jewish students. Trump, however, made his stance clear early on. As anti-Israel protests gained momentum, he vowed to strip Hamas sympathizers of their right to study in the U.S. In a fact sheet released by the White House, Trump doubled down on that promise: To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you. The visa revocation comes just as Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a cutting-edge initiative to track and remove foreign students engaged in extremist activities. According to a report by Axios, the AI-driven Catch and Revoke effort will scan online activity, protest footage, and university records to identify visa holders who express support for designated terrorist organizations like Hamas. Those who support designated terrorist organizations, including Hamas, threaten our national security, Rubio wrote on X. The United States has zero tolerance for foreign visitors who support terrorists. Violators of U.S. lawincluding international studentsface visa denial or revocation, and deportation. Over the past year, U.S. universities have become hotbeds of anti-Israel protests, many escalating into vandalism, violence, and direct threats against Jewish students. Police have been called to campuses as demonstrators blocked access to buildings, chanted antisemitic slogans, and, in some cases, engaged in physical confrontations with law enforcement. A December 2024 U.S. House of Representatives Staff Report on Antisemitism issued a scathing rebuke of federal inaction under Biden: The failure of our federal government departments and agencies is astounding. The Biden Administration turned a blind eye to this coordinated assault on public order; it simply refused to protect the civil rights of Jewish Americans, especially students. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Elon Musk be warned, Volvo is looking to go head-to-head with one of your best-selling electric cars. The Swedish brand this week unveiled its new four-door executive ES90, which comes with 435 miles of claimed range and class-leading ultra-rapid 350kW charging. While this is great news for EV buyers wanting more choice within the saloon-car market, it's sure to get nerves jangling in manufacturing circles, not least at Tesla HQ. The Model 3 was Britain's second best-selling new car in February, proving the popularity of the US brand's least expensive vehicle. However, other brands including BMW (i5), Mercedes (EQE) and Audi (A6 e-tron) all have EV offerings in this segment that will soon have to go up against the Scandi brand. Prices for the Volvo ES90 will start at 69,650 more than all three German competitors offerings and significantly more than the Tesla Model 3s opening price of 39,990. Here's what you need to know about it... Volvo's new ES90 is a 'large fully electric saloon' that is likely to ruffle some feathers because it will come with 435 miles of range, 350kW ultra-rapid charging and impressive performance The ES90 is a mix between a few body shapes with elements of a saloon, SUV and a hatchback. But it's being badged as a sedan (saloon for UK buyers), with Volvo calling it a 'large fully electric saloon' - and its a good-looking one at that. Similarities can certainly be drawn to the Polestar 2 from its Scandi sister brand with a bit of the Ford Capris sloping roofline thrown into the mix. But its higher off the ground than rival executive saloon EVs, and once you look more closely you can see Volvo designs passed down from the new EX90 SUV; T-shaped daytime running lights, no fake grilles, and the Lidar system on the roof. The rear spoiler is a sporty touch and works nicely with the C-shaped rear lights. The LED running strips up the rear window are a new feature for an executive saloon and hark back of Volvos old-school safety-first theme. The executive model measures is 500mm long and 1 942 mm wide and weighs over 2000kg The sloping rear gives it a sporty look and work well with the C-shaped LEDs, while the LED running strips are an unusual twist Inside the interior is plush. A showcase of Scandi minimalism at its finest, Volvo's done a fantastic job of making sure everything is clean and crisp and yet homely. It's not at all clinical the interior makes you want to settle in and relax; the cabin wraps around you, all the materials are clearly very premium (and are made from recycled materials including bottles) and its an inviting light space. Its also promised to be Volvos quietest-ever cabin. Theres a choice between light and dark theme, both of which feature a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen and a nine-inch driver display. Surround view, Google Built-in, 5G and super-fast Superset tech stack processing is all part of the executive cars package. This means youll get many over-the-air (OTA) software updates to improve driving and owning experience in the years to come. The interior looks brilliant and combines Scandi minimalism with an inviting and relaxing aura The 14.5-inch touchscreen houses most of the controls, which might be bugbear for some people and has Google Built-in. There's also a 9-inch driver display A lot of the materials used, which are very high quality, come from recycled products such as plastic bottles The five-seater also comes with a panoramic roof, which keeps the interior nice and light and spacious. You can opt for the light or dark interior trim How far will it go on a charge? Volvo is using its new SPA2-platform for the ES90, same as the EX90, and youll get a choice of two electric motors: the Single Motor variant has a 92kWh battery and rear-wheel drive while the Twin Motor and Twin Motor Performance both have a 106kWh battery pack and all-wheel drive. If you want maximum range then go for the Twin Motors 106kWh battery, which should deliver 435 miles on a single charge. This range puts it ahead of its saloon rivals; it offers 60 miles more than the BMW i5 and four miles of additional driving over the longest range Mercedes EQE. Performance wise, you get 680hp of almost instant power at your right foot's beckon call. This can translate to a 0-to-62mph acceleration time of just four seconds from the Twin Motor Performance almost as fast as the BMW i5 (its just 0.2 seconds faster on the sprint). Such potency does slightly eat into the range, lowering the distance on a single charge to 409 miles, which is still mighty impressive. The Twin Motor completes the same sprint it in 5.5 seconds with its 449hp but has the longest 435-mile range. The Single Motor delivers a more docile 222hp and 404 miles of range, and hits 62mph in 6.9 seconds. Its Polestar cousin, the 4, only manages 385 miles (best option) from its 100kWh battery. All ES90s have their top speed electronically capped at 112mph. This is the case for all new Volvos launched from 2020 as it became the first brand to pioneer speed limiters. It charges quicker than almost any other EV out there One of the biggest pulls though, alongside the range, is the ultra-rapid charging the ES90 offers. Its pretty hard to claim range anxiety when you have 435 miles to get through and then you can ultra-rapid charge your car from 10 to 80 per cent using a 350kW charger in just 20 minutes. In 10 minutes, you can add 186 miles of range. This is another stat that will make Tesla quake because even on its Superchargers you can only deliver 172 miles of range in 15 minutes to its highest-charging models. The ES90 has a 22-litre frunk for storing the charging cables and shopping bags The rear seats handily split 40/20/40 which gives you 1256 litres with the seats folded down Will the ES90 be practical? It almost seems a silly question really for any Volvo, as the Swedish brand has practicality and family cars down to a tee, but considering it's a saloon rather than an SUV, it has to be asked. Boot capacity is 425 litres with rear seats that fold down in a 40/20/40 split which then gives you 1256 litres. Theres also a 22-litre frunk (front trunk under the bonnet) for charging cables. The EX90 is available to order but deliveries won't arrive until early 2026 How much will the ES90 cost and when is it arriving? Volvo have a lovely and easy to use car specs page and configurator, so play around if you want to look at exact pricing structures and trims for the ES90, but the overview is as follows... The entry-level Single Motor Extended Range starts from 69,650, the Twin Motor from 83,250 (a big jump up) and the Twin Motor Performance from 87,850. In short, this isn't a cheap car by any means. However, Volvos promising a lot from this EV, so while reviews are yet to come in, it seems like you should be getting plenty for your money. Available to order this month, youll have to wait until spring for first UK deliveries . While clearing out my recently deceased Dad's home we came across this ring. After a little search we discovered that the symbol is for the Freemasons. We now believe our dad was a secret Freemason and wondered if his mysterious golden ring is worth a fortune. We have never come across one like this before. We have weighed it and it comes in at 7.9 grams. Christine, via email. Gold ring: It's a chunky piece of jewellery, hiding a secret... SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET YOUR MODERN TREASURE VALUED BY DAN Dan Hatfield, resident This is Money expert valuer, replies: As a self-proclaimed aficionado of secret societies, I couldn't resist the allure of appraising your Freemasons ring that recently graced my inbox. The Freemasons - a fraternity steeped in secrecy - have always intrigued me with their clandestine handshakes, ceremonial regalia, and, let's not forget, those intriguingly rolled-up trousers. It's a world that straddles the line between the fascinating and the faintly comedic. Tracing their origins back to the Middle Ages, the Freemasons began as guilds of stonemasons, the master builders of their time. These craftsmen were the brains and brawn behind the towering cathedrals and expansive universities that dotted the landscape. The guilds served not only to regulate the qualifications of those wishing to practice the craft but also to manage interactions with authorities and patrons. Over the centuries, the Freemasons broadened their membership criteria, evolving into a fraternity where you're as likely to encounter a high court judge as you are a local butcher. The modern version of the Freemasons is a diverse group of people (you have to be male to join Freemasonry but there are women's Grand Lodges that are separate from the men's lodges) with a commitment to mutual support, integrity, charitable endeavours, and societal improvement. Some members even liken it to an archaic version of Facebook - a platform for networking and camaraderie. Despite these noble principles, public perception of the Freemasons often veers toward suspicion. It swivels: This then shows of a blue enamel face with a square and compass The 15th century saw the emergence of certain rituals, which further evolved during the 17th and 18th centuries, adding layers of mystique to the fraternity. The symbolism of King Solomon's Temple forms the cornerstone of Masonic tradition, and while the organization isn't a religion, it does require a belief in a higher power. Lodges convene quarterly to induct new members, ceremonies enveloped in an aura of mystery and secrecy. Freemason jewellery truly came into prominence during the Victorian era, with enamel work being a standout feature. A notable aspect of such pieces was their ability to discreetly conceal their Masonic affiliation - a nod to the organisation's penchant for secrecy. I see from your photos that your ring has that rather interesting feature. Your ring prominently displays the iconic square and compass, symbolizing morality and moderation. The vibrant blue enamel, often susceptible to chipping over time (which can significantly diminish value), remains remarkably intact on your piece - a testament to its preservation. If you think about it, most Freemasons would have spent most of the time wearing the enamel finger down, to hide their affiliation but when swivelled it would reveal a plain signet-style face. Yours has minor scratches but I'm confident these can be easily polished out. While swivel rings gained popularity in the Victorian era, the design and hallmark of yours suggest a more contemporary origin. Although the date mark isn't visible in your photo, I'd estimate it hails from the late 1980s. Despite public suspicion, Freemason jewellery enjoys considerable demand. With over 200,000 members in the UK and millions globally, there's a dedicated market of enthusiasts with disposable income, passionate about Masonic artifacts. This niche, yet fervent, market often proves more lucrative than a broader, indifferent audience. Moreover, interest isn't confined to members alone; there's a notable appetite for such jewellery across Europe and particularly in America. Your ring's substantial weight of 7.9 grams and its 9ct (37.5 per cent pure) gold composition mean its intrinsic gold value is around 215, especially considering that gold prices have surged by nearly 40 per cent since January 2024. However, the desirability of Masonic jewellery ensures its value far exceeds mere scrap. Based on similar pieces I've come across; I would comfortably value your ring between 550 and 600. BUT, with gold prices increasing and estimates from some of the world's leading figures believing that gold could continue to grow sharply in the years to come I would strongly advise not to sell just yet, unless the money is needed right now. On top of this, I also think there will be an increase in demand for Freemason items in the future due to their current popularity. This has been such an intriguing item for me to value and a captivating journey through history, so thank you. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 7. The capital of the Republic of Korea hosted the 2025 World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) opening, gathering over 50 diplomats, international representatives, and experts in sustainable urban development, Trend reports. In the course of the ceremony, in his address, Nurgali Arystanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan and Executive Vice President of WeGOs City of Almaty, highlighted the significance of international collaboration in advancing smart and sustainable cities. He pointed out that Almaty is emerging as a regional financial, logistics, and transportation hub, which has led to the opening of new international organization offices and an increase in international flights. In September 2024, Almaty became home to WeGOs Central Asia Regional Office, which successfully hosted WeGOs Executive Committee Meeting. Additionally, the United Nations General Assembly recently adopted a resolution to establish the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. Ambassador Arystanov also emphasized Almatys achievement in 2023, when it received the bronze prize at the Seoul Smart City Prize, awarded by WeGO for its innovative solutions in sustainable development. Meanwhile, this recognition led to Almatys participation in a comprehensive training program focused on leveraging technology to improve energy, transportation, healthcare, and safety. ''The growing role of cities in international diplomacy is increasingly evident. As one of the founding members of WeGO (since its inception in Astana in 2010) and an active participant since 2021, Kazakhstan is committed to further cooperation within the organization in areas such as digital transformation, innovation, and the use of artificial intelligence in smart city development,'' he emphasized. Air Astana and Asiana Airlines currently operate direct flights between Almaty and Seoul. Furthermore, starting on April 7, 2025, Eastar Jet will launch two new direct flights between the two cities, enhancing connectivity and accessibility. Serica and EnQuest are in discussions over a possible merger amid a challenging backdrop for the North Sea oil and gas sector. Bosses at Serica believe a tie-up would deliver 'substantial potential benefits' such as greater scale and diversification, 'significant' synergies, and a stronger platform for future expansion. They said a deal would most likely involve a reverse takeover by EnQuest for Serica and include a return of capital to current Serica shareholders, who would own most shares in the enlarged business. Shares in the firm would also be listed on the Equity Shares (Commercial Companies) category of the London Stock Exchange. Under City takeover rules, EnQuest must declare a concrete intention to put forward an offer for Serica by 5pm on 4 April or walk away. 'There can be no certainty either that an offer will be made, nor as to the terms on which such offer will be made,' Serica told investors. Serica and EnQuest are in discussions over a possible merger amid a challenging backdrop for the North Sea energy sector Serica Energy shares were 4.4 per cent up at 125.8p on Friday morning, but EnQuest shares jumped 14.1 per cent to 12.4p, making them the FTSE All-Share Index's top performer. Talks between the two companies come as North Sea-based oil and gas producers struggle to remain profitable due to the Energy Profits Levy. The windfall tax was introduced three years ago by then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak after energy prices spiked following the loosening of Covid-related curbs and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It imposes a 38 per cent surcharge on profits from extraction activities in the North Sea, meaning oil and gas producers pay a headline tax rate of 78 per cent. Many firms and trade bodies have blamed the windfall tax for job losses, wiping out profits and discouraging investment in domestic production. Texas-based Apache announced last November that it plans to close operations in the North Sea by the end of 2029, blaming the 'onerous financial impact' of the EPL. Harbour Energy revealed on Thursday that it swung to a $93million loss in 2024, after incurring a $1.3billion tax expense compared to $571 million the prior year. While EnQuest has not yet published its 2024 results, the group recorded losses in the previous two years, including a $30.3million loss in 2023 after its net EPL charge totalled $77.2million. Its chief executive, Amjad Bseisu, has previously warned that the EPL was 'causing irreversible damage to an indigenous and strategically important UK industry.' EnQuest recently agreed to acquire Harbour's Vietnamese division in a 68million deal to bolster its non-UK operations. The cost of a first-class stamp will rise to 1.70 from 7 April, representing an increase of 3 per cent or 5p from the current level. Today marks the sixth rise in first class stamp prices in just three years. International Distribution Services, the owner of Royal Mail, also announced that the price of second class stamps will rise by 2p or 2.4 per cent to 87p. The group claimed the decision had been carefully considered and required 'balancing affordability with the increasing cost of delivering mail.' However, Citizens Advice blasted IDS for the change and claimed the move was 'yet another blow to consumers. It claimed the increase to price of second class stamps was 'unjust.' Going higher: The cost of a first-class stamp will rise to 1.70 from 7 April. Pictured is one of the new Royal Mail stamp designs unveiled this week The price hikes come in the wake of plans to remove second class deliveries on Saturdays and reduce deliveries to two or three days a week. Ofcom launched a consultation on the new proposals, which is open to the public until 10 April. A decision is expected this summer. Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail said: 'We always consider price changes very carefully but the cost of delivering mail continues to increase. 'A complex and extensive network of trucks, planes and 85,000 posties is needed to ensure we can deliver across the country for just 87p. 'Ofcom has recognised that reform is urgently needed to protect the one-price-goes-anywhere Universal Service which requires Royal Mail to deliver letters to around 32 million UK addresses six days a week. 'Reform will allow continued investment in the modernisation and transformation of the business to provide a more financially sustainable service.' According to IDS, the number of letters Royal Mail delivers has slumped from a peak of 20billion in 2004-05 to 6.6billion in 2024. The group expects the number of letters it handles could drop to 4billion a year within the next four years. It added: 'Over the same period, the number of addresses has risen by four million meaning the cost of each delivery continues to rise.' Tom MacInnes, director of policy at Citizens Advice, said: 'This is yet another blow to consumers, who are being forced to pay the price in more ways than one. 'While stamp prices continue to climb, millions of people face post delays every year. 'Royal Mail hasnt met an annual delivery target for five years, but consumers will pay 124 per cent more for a 1st class stamp, and 34 per cent more for a 2nd class stamp, than they did in 2020. 'Its unjust for Royal Mail to raise the price of a 2nd class stamp, while the regulator Ofcom looks at reducing 2nd class deliveries to alternate weekdays. And as 1st class stamps are becoming unaffordable, people could be forced by price pressures into choosing a slower service.' He added: 'Ofcom needs to act fast - consumers have a right to an affordable service, but year-on-year its allowing Royal Mail to charge more for a service that isnt being delivered.' Amanda Fergusson, chief executive at the Greeting Card Association, said: 'Here we go again. 'Yet again Royal Mail is asking people to keep paying more, for less, demonstrating the urgency behind our call for MPs to investigate Ofcom and Royal Mails plan to weaken the service. 'Our members - and their customers know imminent plans to slash second-class services will leave them reliant on a first-class stamp at runaway prices. ' 'Its time for MPs to act they must make sure Royal Mail isnt given carte blanche to make the postal service less reliable and unaffordable.' What's going on at Royal Mail? Royal Mail's parent company IDS is being sold to a business controlled by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in a deal worth 3.6billion. Starmer's Labour government approved the deal last year, paving the way for the more than 500-year-old postal service to pass into foreign ownership for the first time. The government will maintain a 'golden share, which means Kretinsky's business will have to get approval for any changes to Royal Mail's ownership, the location of its headquarters and its tax residency. Royal Mail must also adhere to the Universal Service Obligation, which Kretinsky has pledged he will do for 'as long as I am alive.' This week it emerged that Royal Mails takeover by Kretinsky is set to be delayed until the second quarter amid a political crisis in Romania. On Thursday, Kretinskys EP Group said the only regulatory bar still to be cleared was connected to its foreign direct investment in Romania. It confirmed that, while there were no major issues expected with the Romania investment and that talks to gain approval from authorities were 'progressing well', it believed clearance would only come in time to see the deal complete in the second quarter. EP Group had previously hoped to complete the takeover in the first three months of this year. Kretinsky needs to clear the regulatory hurdle in Romania because part of his business operates in the country. Romania is in the middle of political upheaval after a presidential election was cancelled last year following allegations of Russian interference. Ofcom said in January it had provisionally concluded that reducing the second class letter service to alternate weekdays, while keeping first class deliveries six days a week, would continue to meet postal users needs. This would save Royal Mail between 250million and 425million a year, according to the regulator. The owner of Boots has been sold to private equity for almost 8billion reviving hopes that the pharmacy chain could be floated in London. New York-listed Walgreens Boots Alliance, which owns the High Street firm as well as US group Walgreens, has been snapped up by buyout group Sycamore Partners. The deal is expected to result in parts of the business being sold by Sycamore including Boots. Pressure is now on ministers and City executives to persuade Sycamore to list Boots on the London stock market through an initial public offering (IPO). That would be a major boost for the Square Mile and wider economy following a dearth of listings in recent years. But it is feared Sycamore will in fact sell Boots to another private equity group rather than return it to the London market. Deal: Walgreens executives Stefano Pessina and wife Ornella Barra have offloaded Boots Russ Mould, investment director at investment platform AJ Bell, said: 'Sycamore is unlikely to keep Boots once the takeover is completed. The logical route is to first find a buyer and if that doesn't work, it might float the business on a stock market. 'The London Stock Exchange might be on a charm offensive in support of an IPO but Sycamore will care more about making money now rather than later.' Firms who showed interest in buying Boots two years ago including TDR, Apollo and Reliance Industries may throw their hat into the ring again. Industry expert Jonathan De Mello believes Sycamore may have already agreed a sale in principle with a buyer. Although an initial sales process was abandoned in 2022 due to suitors reportedly being unwilling to pay a 5.5billion price tag, Boots is regarded as more attractive to buyers now. It has enjoyed bumper sales in recent months thanks to a boom in the health and beauty market after the pandemic. Sales have soared thanks to popular skincare and fragrance brands, such as No7 which boasts actress Keeley Hawes as its ambassador and Floral Street, while its advantage loyalty card has also helped business thrive. Retail analyst Nick Bubb said it was hard to gauge how much Boots could be worth as owner Walgreens, led by Stefano Pessina, does not break down its sales and profits. The firm was reportedly valued at around 7billion last year, but Bubb said a 5billion price tag 'feels more realistic'. Pessina's wife Ornella Barra, chief operating officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance in charge of overseeing Boots, wrote to staff yesterday to reassure them 'nothing is changing today'. Should Boots return to the UK markets, it would be a much-needed vote of confidence. The value of European defence stocks has risen by more than 100bn this year as the Continent races to rearm. An index tracking the biggest European munitions firms including BAE Systems in the UK, Rheinmetall in Germany and Leonardo in Italy has risen 34 per cent since January. The rally comes as governments scramble to boost their military firepower amid fears they can no longer rely on the US to protect Ukraine against Russian aggression. The sense of urgency was underlined this week when Germany tore up its stringent debt rules to fund a massive rearmament programme. German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz, who is seeking to form a coalition after his Christian Democrats emerged as the largest party in last month's elections, said his country must do 'whatever it takes' to boost its defences. The prospect of higher European demand for everything from weapons and ammunition to fighter jets, tanks and warships has sent shares in London-listed BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce to record highs this week. Conflict: Ukrainian troops fire a cannon towards Russian territory in the Kharkiv region UK-based firms Chemring, Babcock and QinetiQ also recorded huge gains. And on the Continent, Leonardo and Rheinmetall scaled new peaks, along with French company Thales and Sweden's Saab. Analysts at JP Morgan said Europe's push to rearm has been 'turbocharged' by the realisation that countries cannot rely on the US for security and defence. It follows Donald Trump's decision to pause US military aid to Ukraine after a heated showdown with president Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office last week. 'There are 30 European countries in Nato and we expect many of them will soon commit to much higher defence spending,' JP Morgan said in a note. Keir Starmer has vowed to increase military spending from 2.3 per cent to 2.5 per cent of the economy by 2027 and 3 per cent by the next parliament. At an emergency summit of European leaders last week, the Prime Minister said the continent must do the 'heavy lifting' on defending Ukraine. EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen said rearming was 'urgent' and that governments 'must prepare for the worst'. Data from AJ Bell shows the Stoxx European Aerospace and Defence Index is worth 106billion more than at the start of 2025. It has gained 9 per cent, or 35billion, this week though defence stocks fell yesterday and 170 per cent, or 260billion, since the start of 2022 when Russia was preparing its invasion. Concern: German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz (pictured) said his country must do 'whatever it takes' to boost its defences Dan Coatsworth, an analyst at AJ Bell, said: 'Defence stocks have rallied hard as investors spy the second major tailwind for the sector in three years. 'First, we had Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 causing governments around the world to take their defence strategy more seriously. 'This year we've had secretary general Mark Rutte say Nato members will have to boost their defence spending by 'considerably more than 3 per cent' of GDP, with Donald Trump suggesting 5 per cent. 'All this points towards a rich pipeline of opportunities for defence contractors and investors want exposure to a sector that's going places.' The chairman of Barclays told Andrew Bailey 'you have destroyed him' after a probe was launched into then chief executive Jes Staley over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a court heard yesterday. Nigel Higgins made the remark when Bailey now governor of the Bank of England led the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 2019, a London tribunal was told. The FCA later fined Staley 1.8m after finding that he had 'recklessly' misled the watchdog by claiming that he and paedophile financier Epstein were 'not close'. Staley, who quit Barclays over the probe in 2021, is appealing the decision. Fighting back: Jes Staley (pictured) quit Barclays over the Jeffrey Epstein probe in 2021 Bailey yesterday was in court asked to recall conversations with Higgins around the time the investigation was launched. The case centres on a letter sent by Barclays to the FCA about the nature of Staley and Epstein's relationship. The watchdog's probe began after it received emails from Staley's former employer JP Morgan that cast doubt on what the letter said. Bailey explained: 'We had received an answer that looked straightforward: that there had been no close relationship. 'Now it looked like that answer was ill-founded. This raised awkward questions for Barclays and in particular for Mr Higgins.' ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 7. Turkmenistan and Georgia signed a cooperation and mutual administrative assistance agreement in customs matters today in Ashgabat, Trend reports via the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The agreement was signed following extensive negotiations during the official visit of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to Turkmenistan. The agreement serves as a legal foundation for further practical collaboration between the customs authorities of Turkmenistan and Georgia. Under the document, both sides will cooperate and exchange experience on a wide range of issues, including combating customs violations, such as smuggling, electronic exchange of information on goods and vehicles crossing borders, data analysis in customs statistics, and customs risk management. Turkmenistan and Georgia have steadily developed strong ties, particularly in trade, energy, and transportation. In 2024, the trade volume between Turkmenistan and Georgia reached $81 million. Georgian exports to Turkmenistan increased by 158 percent compared to 2023, totaling $22.93 million. A man who got into an argument over an EV car charger space in County Mayo is accused of causing nearly 9,000 worth of damage to a Tesla after he allegedly threw Tipp-Ex on it. Thomas Kelly of Railway Road, Clongriffin, Dublin 13 appeared before Castlebar District Court where he was charged with criminal damage after he was alleged to have caused 8,970 worth of damage to a Tesla car. In outlining the allegations for jurisdictional purposes, Garda Ciara Padden told the court that it is alleged that on July 18, 2022 the defendant was looking to use an EV charger located at the back of a Londis store in Castlebar. She said that it is alleged that the victim had left his Tesla car charging but had not returned in time to move the car when the charging process was complete. She alleges that when the injured party arrived, the defendant had a verbal altercation which resulted in a 'Tipp-Ex type corrective fluid' being thrown at the passenger side of the car. READ: 'Check your gardens and sheds': Gardai in renewed appeal to locate woman not seen in a month When questioned by Judge Fiona Lydon about the cost of the damage, Garda Padden said she had a receipt for the repairs and stated that Tesla had to replace every panel that was damaged which is the reason for the high cost of repairs. She added that Mr Kelly works for a company which puts up signs for supermarkets and that is the reason why he had the corrective fluid. The court heard that the DPP had directed that the matter be dealt with summarily in the district court but having heard the allegations, Judge Lydon refused jurisdiction. Mr Gary Mulchrone, solicitor for Mr Kelly asked Judge Lydon to defer the question of legal aid to a later date. Judge Lydon adjourned the case until April 2 for DPP consent. This post from a local activist blog is incendiary and anybody else would confront a courtroom battle if they penned it . . . However, we're documenting the comment because it sparks an important question: HAS THE VERDICT AGAINST THE CITY MANAGER FORCE HIS DEPARTURE?!?! UPDATE . . . He was just suspended. Over the years the guy has been at the razor's edge of getting fired at least three times. However . . . There's just no doubt that Platt is EXCEPTIONALLY smart and at every instance he has survived. Still . . . This big money decision might be the last straw as council has always been close to sending him packing. For more perspective we provide this quote and link from a newbie activist and then a longstanding leader of the local conversation . . . Check-it: The case exposed what insiders had whispered about for years: a city government where deception is strategy, and resistance is punished. Among those who have refused to stay silent is Gwen Grant, President and CEO of the Urban League of Kansas City, who has been unequivocal in her condemnation of Platts reign of terror against Black city workers. In a statement to The Defender, she declared: Brian Platt operates with impunity His long track record of discrimination, retaliation, and hostility toward Black employeesespecially Black womenshould have disqualified him from serving in this capacity long ago. The fact that he remains in power despite overwhelming evidence of his misconduct is a damning indictment of the political will in this city. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . BOMBSHELL VERDICT: Jury Confirms Corruption and Retaliation at the Highest Levels of Kansas City Leadership As Kansas City's most powerful unelected official, Brian Platt has built his career on lies, retaliation, corruption, targeting Black employees, women, and whistleblowers who dared to challenge him. This expose uncovers the shocking truth behind Platt's reign. Former KCMO city communications director awarded nearly $1 million in lawsuit against the city A jury awarded a former communications director for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, nearly $1 million Wednesday in a civil lawsuit he filed against the city. Developing . . . In this report we notice that guv officials were quick to walk back their real estate plans after quick public outcry . . . We updated our initial blog post on the topic and now here's another report with even more deets: Wednesday morning, the original list was removed and replaced with this statement: "We are identifying buildings and facilities that are not core to government operations, or non-core properties, for disposal. Selling ensures that taxpayer dollars are no longer spent on vacant or underutilized federal spaces. Disposing of these assets helps eliminate costly maintenance and allows us to reinvest in high-quality work environments that support agency missions." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . This report is worthwhile for two reasons . . . The easy-to-read missive offers EXCELLENT insight into a recent legal move that BLOCKED a KCMO crackdown against landlords. And . . . We notice our most progressive councilman working diligently to challenge the court decision. Check-it . . . Participating in Section 8 housing is generally a volunteer program. However, last year the City chose to create enforcements to comply. The goal is not to penalize landlords, said 6th District City Councilman Johnathan Duncan in an interview with the Telegraph in 2024. But we understand without strong enforcement measures, there are no additional incentives to comply. In response to the ruling, Duncan, who is associated with KC Tenants, says he intends to fight the injunction. I signed up to fight for better housing conditions for our residents and thats exactly what Im doing both in the courts and in Jefferson City, says Duncan. My office is working with the Citys legal team as they continue to fight the lawsuit in federal court. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . MCT: Judge rules in favor of KC landlords on Section 8 compliance Lots of local stories to catch up on in this report as we share info regarding local threats, court cases and community outreach . . . Check TKC news gathering . . . Suspects plead not guilty in overdose deaths of 3 men at found frozen at Northland home Jordan Willis and Ivory Carson were charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of delivery of a controlled substance He opened a store to serve his community in the KC area. Now he's been ripped off for $32K Ever Hernandez opened the small grocery store El Nopal 2 in honor of his mother, to serve the Hispanic community in Kansas City, Kansas. Now he warns others of a sophisticated check-cashing scam involving up to 40 people. 20-year-old man convicted in 2023 I-70 road rage killing near Oak Grove A Cape Girardeau, Missouri has been convicted for a 2023 road rage shooting on I-70 near Oak Grove that left 53-year-old Gary Denham dead. 2 men charged after violent crime spree ends near Kansas City park A pair of men have been arrested and charged after a violent crime spree ended with a Kansas City building surrounded by law enforcement officials. Man, woman found shot to death Tuesday afternoon in Northland; no suspects sought A man and woman were found shot to death Tuesday afternoon in a Northland house near U.S. 169 Highway and Northwest 68th Street. 20-year-old from Lee's Summit charged with multiple child sex crimes A 20-year-old from Lee's Summit could see 60 years behind bars after he was allegedly found in possession of child pornography. Clay County puts money from opioid lawsuits toward efforts to prevent future overdoses The Missouri county is spending money from lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies on treatment to prevent future fentanyl overdose deaths. 19 minors cited for possession, fake IDs at January concert in Independence An effort to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors led to 19 citations for possession and fake identification cards at a concert earlier this year in Independence. Cold Case: A 40 year mystery solved leads to another A man found dead in Iowa 40 years ago is identified as a Kansas City native. Troopers search for driver who shot vehicle along I-29 in Kansas City State Troopers are looking for the driver who shot a vehicle along I-29 in Kansas City during a possible road rage incident. Community holds vigil for Kansas City woman killed in multi-state crime spree last week Dozens gathered Thursday night to honor the life of Katie Bjorklund, a 33-year-old Kansas City woman who was shot and killed last week. Former sheriff reflects on murder, aftermath of two Wyandotte County deputies Deputies Patrick Rohrer and Theresa "TK" King were shot and killed by Antoine Fielder on June 15, 2028. Developing . . . ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 7. Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze held a meeting with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdymukhamedov in Ashgabat to discuss the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries, Trend reports. During their meeting, both leaders focused on the friendly relations between Georgia and Turkmenistan, emphasizing cooperation in various sectors. They highlighted the positive trends in the development of political and economic relations between the two nations. The PM expressed Georgias support for Turkmenistans efforts in ensuring peace in Central Asia and highlighted Georgias peaceful foreign policy. He also expressed his gratitude to President Berdymukhamedov for Turkmenistan's backing of Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. The sides agreed to sign agreements across various economic and political sectors to strengthen cooperation in multiple areas. Furthermore, PM Kobakhidze invited President Berdymukhamedov to pay an official visit to Georgia. The economic relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia show stable dynamics with potential for further growth. Despite the decrease in total trade turnover in 2023 to $5.54 million (a 2.5-fold decrease compared to 2022), the significant growth in imports from Georgia to Turkmenistan to $522,000 (a 27.3-fold increase) and ongoing cooperation in various sectors such as transport and energy create a foundation for strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships in the future. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel To finish the week we take another peek at lawyer, fashionista & hottie Kim as she fights controversy, sells merch and inspires our latest glmipse into pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Tribute To Local Heroes A retired Kansas City fire captain wants to ensure every fallen firefighter is remembered The Kansas City Fire Department has responded to all kinds of emergencies since 1868, but some firefighters who died doing this dangerous work have been forgotten. Ray Elder is making certain all of them are remembered, and their names added to the Firefighters Fountain and Memorial. Golden Ghetto Spill Warning Lamar Bridge over I-35 closed; hydraulic fluid on roadway Lamar Avenue bridge over I-35 to close for cleaning due to hydraulic fluid spill from contractor's vehicle Still Building Suburbs Contentious proposal to build apartments, townhomes in JoCo revived after court ruling The Kansas Supreme Court ruled in favor of Johnson County developer that proposed a controversial housing development in western Shawnee - bringing an almost six-year legal saga to an end Bringing Value To Community Building community, one donation at a time: Blessings Abound expands to south Kansas City, Missouri Blessings Abound Thrift Store spent seven years searching and found the perfect location in Martin City for its third store. More Weather Worries Joe's Blog: The next significant storm next week (FRI-3/7) Two storms are in the long-range forecast, with more substantial storm next Friday or Saturday in the Plains after round one on Wednesday Tech Trouble Confronts Celeb Merch Kim Kardashian accused of a Photoshop fail after sharing bikini snaps Kim Kardashian appeared on Instagram this Thursday to model more pieces from her latest SKIMS Swim collection. Managing MAGA Egos Rubio, Musk clash at Trump Cabinet meeting: NYT Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with tech billionaire and close Trump adviser Elon Musk during a contentious Cabinet meeting hosted by President Trump. Musk, the world's richest man who hel... Progressives Turn On Cali Guv David Axelrod reacts to Gavin Newsom's interview discussing transgender athletes | CNN Politics CNN Senior Political Commentator David Axelrod shares his thoughts about Governor Gavin Newsom's (D-CA) podcast episode with Charlie Kirk, in which they discussed the issue of transgender people in sports. Calling La Migra On Everybody U.S. citizen detained by ICE questions vote for Trump: 'Just following Hispanic people' A Virginia man said he was driving to work Wednesday with two other men near his home in Virginia when he was stopped by ICE agents with guns in their hands. Another Blowup For Tesla King SpaceX Starship explodes after failed launch Flights were briefly grounded at multiple major airports in Florida after a SpaceX spacecraft exploded minutes after launch. Not All Soldiers Are Heroes Former, active-duty Army soldiers charged in scheme allegedly selling sensitive military information to China The Department of Justice announced indictments against three U.S. Army soldiers - two active-duty and one former - for their alleged roles in gathering and selling sensitive information to China. Brits Start Build Up Keir Starmer to call Europe allies in diplomatic push on Ukraine EU leaders have agreed a boost 800bn in defence spending as the US pauses military aid to Ukraine. Holy Land Conversation Cont'd Scoop: Israel objected to secret U.S.-Hamas talks in tense call Israel only found out about the talks through alternative channels. Latest Middle-East Hot Mess Syrian forces clash with Assad-linked militants in escalating violence Fighters linked to Syria's ousted leader Bashar al-Assad mounted a deadly attack on government forces on Thursday, authorities said, in some of the worst violence against the government since Islamist-led rebels seized power. MAGA Frustrates Far East China's foreign minister condemns US imposition of tariffs as 'two-faced' Wang Yi hits out at 20% levy on Chinese goods and warns 'law of the jungle' could emerge from Donald Trump's policy Celebrate Tech Tool Breakthrough Scientists create the world's first 3D-printed PENIS Experts from South China University of Technology have created the world's first 3D-printed penis implant. Baller Looks Above . . . Chiefs player either saw an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena ... or SpaceX Starship explosion Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Joshua Williams says he saw an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena but may have been SpaceX Starship explosion. Home Team Roster Worries KC Royals rotation battle fizzles out before spring training heats up The Royals' rotation race was supposed to be a tight battle, but it ended before it really started. Here's why the fifth starter spot is already locked in. Kicking Off Local Good Deeds Sporting KC partners with Harvesters for a Heartfelt Food Drive during the 2025 Season Kickoff Block Party | Sporting Kansas City The excitement for the 2025 season of Sporting Kansas City got off to an energetic start with the team's Block Party, an event designed to bring fans and the team together. Fans had the chance to interact with their favorite players in a variety of fun and engaging ways, from Meatless Midtown Options Eat This Now: Everything vegetarian at Jerusalem Cafe As a former vegetarian, I couldn't let this issue go to print without at least one meatless feature, and Jerusalem Cafe stands out to me. Forecast For Now . . . Strong winds with the chance of brief sprinkles this evening Lots of sunshine this week with highs in the 50s and 60s Jorjiana - ILBB2 (feat. GloRilla) is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 11. Turkmenistan and Georgia have formalized their commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties by signing a cooperation program for 2025-2026, Trend reports. The agreement was signed by Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and his Georgian counterpart, Ilia Bochorishvili, during an official ceremony in Ashgabat. The signing took place as part of the official visit of the Georgian delegation, led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, to Turkmenistan. During the discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level dialogue to enhance bilateral relations. The talks also focused on expanding cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats, with a particular emphasis on collaboration within international organizations such as the United Nations. The agreement is expected to further strengthen diplomatic engagement and pave the way for deeper cooperation between the two countries in various fields. facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published March 7, 2025 CAPTION:Sophomore students from Neville and Wossman High Schools pose with representatives from ULM TRiO ETS and Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center MONROE, LA ULM TRiO ETS (Educational Talent Search) participants from the Monroe City School District celebrated National Job Shadowing Day at Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center (formerly E.A. Conway Hospital). On February 5, sophomores from Neville High School and Wossman High School spent the day job shadowing in several departments at the hospital. Carroll High sophomores did the same on February 6. The students practiced taking vital signs such as pulse and blood pressure, did ultrasound of a persons heart, conducted respiratory tests using sophisticated machinery, applied tourniquets to stop a bleed, and palpated tissue for tumors. The student groups were divided into small teams, with each team having a lead doctor and a physicians assistant. They wore gowns, gloves, and stethoscopes, and learned how to properly don and doff their personal protective equipment (PPE) so that they didnt contaminate themselves. After their department tours, the doctors reported to the main group on their activities, what they learned, and who asked the most questions. Job shadowing events such as these can help expand the horizons of high school students, allowing them to learn more about career opportunities in health sciences, including nursing, radiologic technology, and medical laboratory science, which are a few of the many programs available in the ULM College of Health Sciences. Feedback from the students about the day was very positive, as evidenced by the following remarks: "The lab was my favorite. I didnt know that so much chemistry and math were incorporated. I thank ULM TRiO ETS for allowing me to have this experience, said Kennedi Hall of Neville High School. I learned about different jobs within healthcare. All instructors did very well in making sure to keep the students engaged by involving physical activities, said Rihanna Ratliff of Wossman High School. I liked the trauma section where the tourniquet was used, as I found it very entertaining and unique, said Terrance James, Jr. of Carroll High School The Job Shadowing STEM day is conducted annually by ULM TRIO Educational Talent Search, in partnership with Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center. ULM TRIO extends special thanks to Beverly Lewis, MPA, BSN, RN, and Director of Economic Development & Community Initiatives at Ochsner, who coordinated the days activities, and thanks to all hospital staff who helped make the day a success. Talent Search is a federally funded college-access program whose mission is to increase the number of individuals who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education. ULM TRiO ETS has been assisting area students for more than 35 years. For more information about Talent Search, contact Mrs. Debbie Upshaw at (318) 342-1094, or visit https://www.ulm.edu/research/trio/talent_search.html CAPTION:Sophomore students from Carroll High School pose with representatives from ULM TRiO ETS and Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Infant Muslim girl killed in Rajasthan Police search operation Disturbing news from Raghunathgarh Village, Alwar, Rajasthan has come to light, where a one-month-old girl child Alisha was brutally killed by police in a home search raid on March 2, 2025 Friday March 7, 2025 10:29 PM , Syed Ali Mujtaba Alwar (Rajasthan): Disturbing news from Raghunathgarh Village, Alwar, Rajasthan has come to light, where a one-month-old girl child Alisha was brutally killed by police in a home search raid on March 2, 2025. The incident occurred when a group of policemen forcefully broke down the outer wall of Imrans modest home and when his wife Razia opened the door she was manhandled and dragged outside the house by the male policemen. The men in uniform wearing boots climbed on the bed and jumped over it where the infant child Alisha was sleeping crushing her to death immediately. The police acted without a warrant or prior notice to the accused Imran, a daily wage laborer who had no criminal record. CPI (M) demands action A delegation from the CPI (M) visited the family which included Brinda Karat, Kishan Parikh, Sumitra Chopra, and others. The CPI(M) delegation expressed solidarity with the grieving family and assured them of full support. This horrific act highlights the vulnerability of poor and marginalized Muslim families who are persecuted by anti-Muslim forces in the BJP-ruled state, said the press release issued by the delegation. The CPI(M) condemns this heinous act and calls for justice to be served swiftly and impartially, it added. [The writer, Syed Ali Mujtaba, is a journalist. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba2007@gmail.com Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Sudan takes UAE to ICJ over funding of RSF rebels Sudan has filed a case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing the oil rich Emirate of breaching the genocide convention by arming and funding the rebel paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Friday March 7, 2025 6:07 PM , ummid.com News Network The Hague: Sudan has filed a case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing the oil rich Emirate of breaching the genocide convention by arming and funding the rebel paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan's case against UAE Sudan in its application at the ICJ cited violations by the UAE of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, popularly known as Genocide Convention, in relation to the Masalit group in Sudan, most notably in West Darfur. In a statement released Thursday March 06, 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said Sudans Application concerns "acts which have been perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and militias allied with it, including, but not limited to, genocide, murder, theft of property, rape, forcible displacement, trespassing, vandalism of public properties, and violation of human rights." According to Sudan, all such acts have been perpetrated and enabled by the direct support given to the rebel RSF militia and related militia groups by the United Arab Emirates. Sudan in its application also expressed concerns acts adopted, condoned, taken, and being taken by the Government of the United Arab Emirates in connection with the genocide against the Masalit group in the Republic of the Sudan since at least 2023. "UAE complicit in genocide" Sudan in its case against the UAE at ICJ alleged that the UAE is complicit in the genocide on the Masalit through its direction of and provision of extensive financial, political, and military support for the rebel RSF militia. Sudan also asked the court to impose urgent interim orders, known as provisional measures, on the UAE, including doing all it can to prevent the killing and other crimes targeting the Masalit. Sudan was dragged into a deadly conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary rebels broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 7. The Ministry of Economy of Kyrgyzstan has put forward for public discussion a draft resolution introducing a temporary six-month ban on the import of vehicle bodies, Trend reports. Exemptions will be made for vehicle bodies intended for production and assembly within the country, which will be imported by several automotive companies: DT Teknik, TNK Shumkar, Jisu, Shunfa, Murad Auto, Kyrgyz Unaa Kurulush, Meridian Gold. The ban aims to combat the illegal import of vehicles and parts, as well as the operation of vehicles with counterfeit documents. As reported, in recent years, there has been an increase in the registration of so-called "constructors"vehicles assembled from various parts, which allows bypassing customs procedures and avoiding the payment of duties. The Ministry of Economy will notify the World Trade Organization and the Eurasian Economic Commission about the proposed ban, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will inform the CIS Executive Committee. If the proposal is approved, relevant state agencies will be responsible for enforcement. The draft resolution will come into effect 15 days after its official publication, if it is approved by the public and the government. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Trump, Zelensky to visit Saudi Arabia U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have revealed their plan to visit Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing effort to end the Russia Ukraine war Friday March 7, 2025 11:39 AM , ummid.com News Network [U.S. President Donald Trump with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. (File Image/X)] Riyadh/Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have revealed their plan to visit Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing effort to end the Russia Ukraine war. US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he plans to travel to Saudi Arabia in the next month and a half, according to news agencies. Trump has said he expects to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia at some point, but did not say whether he would during the upcoming trip. Zelensky to meet Saudi Crown Prince On the other hand, Zelensky said he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday March 10, 2025. During his visit to the Kingdom, Zelensky said he will meet the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman. "Next week, on Monday my visit to Saudi Arabia is planned to meet the crown prince," Zelenskiy said in a statement posted on his X account. The Zelenskys meeting with Mohammed Bin Salman will be held ahead of talks with U.S. officials later in the week. "After that, my team will remain in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace, he said. As US President Donald Trump had told us, Ukraine will continue to work constructively to achieve a quick and reliable peace, Zelensky wrote. US, Russia Meet to End Ukraine War Washington had earlier announced that Saudi Arabia will host Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for a Summit Meeting to find ways to end the Ukraine War. In the run up to the Summit Meeting, a series of discussions were held between the U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia for negotiations. Ukrainian President Zelensky who had a scheduled foreign visit to Saudi Arabia last month cancelled his visit upset for not being part of the negotiations. The negotiations between the U.S. and Russian officials however went ahead as per plan. After the series of meetings, the two sides said the discussions were fruitful and in the right direction. Zelensky's U.S. Visits Zelensky later travelled to the United States and met Trump in White House. The meeting however ended in a disaster after heated exchanges between the two leaders . After the failed meeting with Trump, Zelensky rushed to the United Kingdom. After discussion with the U.K. Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, Zelensky toned down his stand. Zelensky also wrote a letter to Trump saying he is ready to work with the U.S. President to end the war. Multiple media reports said Zelensky will be visiting the United Sates in coming weeks to meet Trump. Reports said he will be accompanied by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France President Emanuel Macron this time. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 7. Kyrgyzstan's passport has improved its position by 14 spots in the interactive Passport Index ranking compared to 2023-2024, now ranking 67th, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. Since March 6, 2025, the cost of a Kyrgyz passport has increased after the country ratified agreements with Albania, Montenegro, Thailand, Venezuela, and Cyprus. These agreements, signed in September 2024 in New York during the UN General Assembly, exempt holders of diplomatic and official passports of Kyrgyzstan from visa requirements. The Ministry highlighted that, at present, most countries offering visa-free entry for Kyrgyz citizens do so for holders of diplomatic and service passports. However, it noted that the gradual expansion of the visa-free regime will eventually extend to holders of ordinary passports, marking an important step toward broader international mobility for Kyrgyz nationals. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 8. Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam have signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in the energy sector, which will further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the countries, Trend reports. The agreements include: An MOU between the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam. An MOU between the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan, and VTech, a Vietnamese company. An MOU between the National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan and the National Power System and Market Operator Company Limited (NSMO) of Pakistan. The agreements were signed following a business meeting in Hanoi attended by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev and Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan Taalaibek Ibraev as part of their official visit to Vietnam. During the business dialogue, Talantbek Imanov, Director of the National Investment Agency under the President of Kyrgyzstan, presented the investment opportunities in Kyrgyzstan, while Minister Ibraev highlighted the countrys energy potential and key energy projects. In turn, Vietnamese entrepreneurs expressed their readiness for active engagement with Kyrgyzstan. Campers at the 2024 Teton STEM Academy use augmented reality goggles to interact with a collection of molecules that they can manipulate during an activity that took place in the 3D Visualization Center. From left, are Kelton Stucki, a freshman from Riverton; Alec Schuss-Taylor, a junior from Kansas City, Mo.; and Sophia Arnold, a Laramie freshman. This years camp is scheduled June 15-22 on UWs campus. (Chip Kobulnicky Photo) Twenty-four students from across Wyoming will have an opportunity this summer to explore the interdisciplinary sciences as they relate to a mission to Mars during the Teton STEM Academy June 15-22 on the University of Wyoming campus. Campers, who will be entering ninth, 10th and 11th grades this fall, will be chosen based on demonstrated interest and academic potential in math, science, astronomy and space. Students need to have at least a B average in science and mathematics and a passing score on the states standardized science and mathematics tests. As part of the application process, students must submit written essays on why they want to attend the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) camp. Additionally, each student must have two teacher recommendations. The application deadline is Friday, April 18. First preference will be given to Wyoming residents. However, students from other states are encouraged to apply. For an application, go here. The camp is free, except for a $75 registration fee due after students are selected. The UW Teton STEM Academy is free to participants. It is funded by a generous gift from the estate of Harry and Mary Ann Lawroski of Teton County, says Chip Kobulnicky, a professor in the UW Department of Physics and Astronomy and director of the Teton STEM Academy. On-campus housing and dining will be provided for attending students. Our camp provides high school students with college-level experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics that often shape a students future plans, Kobulnicky says. We want our campers to see college as part of their future and to see UW as an incredible opportunity after high school. The hands-on camp will allow students to design a Martian colony; choose landing sites on Mars; learn about digital communication; explore solar and hydrogen energy sources; take a field excursion in the Snowy Range; test for signs of life in soil samples; interpret geological features; and visit UWs 2.3-meter Wyoming Infrared Observatory on Jelm Mountain near Laramie. Professional astronomers; UW graduate students majoring in astronomy or education; and high school and junior high school teachers will lead the activities. Megan Candelaria, an assistant research scientist in the UW Department of Physics and Astronomy and associate director for the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium, serves as the associate camp director. Campers tell us that they make friends at the STEM Academy that they keep long after the camp -- friends who are like them and understand them and who inspire them, Kobulnicky says. For more information, email Kobulnicky at chipk@uwyo.edu. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Across Pacific Island nations, journalists are pushing back on draconian laws and defamation cases, while weighing the cost of Chinese economic help against true editorial freedom. VOAs Jessica Stone has the story. Camera: Sharon Elone The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. In a win for Elon Musk's X corporation, the U.S. state of California will no longer require social media companies to report about their content moderation practices. VOA's Matt Dibble has more from Silicon Valley. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 7. Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Tajikistan Nigina Anvari discussed with Deputy Secretary General of the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI) from South Korea Kuk-Hwan Seol the possibility of including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan in AFACI through diplomatic channels, Trend reports. The talks also centered on strengthening cooperation in agricultural development, particularly in areas such as livestock, crop production, and agricultural consultancy services. AFACI, a regional organization, plays a key role in promoting sustainable agricultural development and technological cooperation among its member states. According to the ministry, the initiative is vital in spreading innovative agricultural technologies, fostering knowledge exchange, and building capacity across the Asia region. Its concept supports the creation of a collaborative network of countries working together to address critical issues in food production, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural industrialization. The parties agreed to explore priority areas and improve the level and quality of cooperation in agricultural development, following established legislative procedures through diplomatic channels. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday criticized the United States for imposing tariffs on Chinese imports and vowed to "resolutely retaliate" if Washington continues to increase pressure on Beijing. Speaking to local and foreign media outlets during the annual meeting of Chinas parliament on Friday, Wang questioned the effectiveness of the U.S. governments tariffs against China and called on Washington to avoid conflicts and confrontation. "The U.S. should think about what they have gotten out of all the trade wars and tariff wars that they have initiated all these years," Wang said, adding that the economic and trade relationship between the two countries should be "mutual and reciprocal." "No country can fantasize about developing good relations with China while suppressing and containing it," he said, calling such behavior a "two-faced approach" that will be detrimental to the stability of bilateral relations and attempts to build trust. Wangs remarks come three days after the U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, bringing the total amount of tariff on Chinese products to 20% and prompting Beijing to slap tariffs of between 10% to 15% on a wide range of American agricultural products. "[U.S. Treasury] Secretary [Scott] Bessent expressed serious concerns about the PRCs counternarcotics efforts, economic imbalances, and unfair policies, and stressed the Administrations commitment to pursue trade and economic policies that protect the American economy, the American worker, and our national security," the Treasury said in a statement following a Feb. 28 telephone conversation with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, using the acronym for Chinas official name, the Peoples Republic of China. Despite his criticism of the U.S. tariffs against China, Wang said Beijing remains committed to maintain a "stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations" based on "mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation." "I hope that the United States will listen to the voices of the two peoples, recognize the general trend of historical development, look at China's development objectively and rationally, actively and pragmatically carry out exchanges with China," he told a roomful of journalists. In addition to bilateral relations with the U.S. Wang also criticized Washingtons Indo-Pacific strategy, saying the plan, which includes deploying mid-range capability missiles to countries like the Philippines, has only "stirred up trouble and create differences" in the region. "Instead of being the battleground of big power competition, Asia should be the place to showcase international cooperation," he said, adding that China advocates for open regionalism and sharing development opportunities in Asia based on mutual respect and benefit. Analysts say Wangs remarks suggest China is seeking to handle relations with the U.S. in a "firm yet not overly excited way." "China is telling the Trump administration that what they are doing is wrong, but they dont seem to be putting proposals on the table, which may be their attempt to avoid escalation in bilateral relations," said Ian Chong, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore. China as the pro 'status-quo' power In addition to weighing in on bilateral relations with Washington, Wang also reiterated Chinas support for multilateralism and opposition to "unilateralism" and "hegemony," a vague criticism of the U.S. decision to freeze foreign aid and pull out of some international organizations. "We will safeguard the multilateral free trade system, create an open, inclusive and nondiscriminatory environment for international cooperation, and promote inclusive economic globalization," he said during the news conference. When asked about the current role of the United Nations, Wang said China opposes the monopolization of international affairs by a few countries and hopes the voices of countries in the Global South, which include developing nations in Africa, Latin America and Asia, could be "heard more often." "As a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, China is aware of its international responsibility and will firmly uphold the centrality of the United Nations, serve as the mainstay of the multilateral system and be the voice of justice for the Global South," he said. Some experts say Wangs comments are part of Beijings efforts to present itself as a "steady" and "pro-status quo" power as the United States is dramatically changing its foreign policy approach. "Beijing wants to reassure other countries that China is the safer pair of hands and at a time when the Trump administration is pursuing a more zero sum-oriented trade war against friends and foes alike, Wang is trying to signal that China is open for business," Wen-ti Sung, a Taipei-based political scientist for the Australian National University, told VOA by phone. Despite Wangs statements, Chong in Singapore said China has yet to present concrete plans to fulfill their commitment to uphold the multilateral world system and support for developing countries. "China has been saying they want a multipolar world order for decades, but none of Beijings concrete proposals are on the table right now," he told VOA by phone. Beijing remains cautious of the U.S.-Russia interaction As the U.S. tries to increase engagement with Russia and facilitate a potential peace deal over the war in Ukraine, Wang said a "mature, resilient and stable" relationship between Beijing and Moscow wont be interfered by any third party. "Regardless of changes in the international environment, the historical logic of Sino-Russian friendship remains unchanged, and its endogenous dynamics will not diminish," he said, adding that Beijing and Moscow will continue to "uphold the international system with the U.N. at its core and promote the development of the international order in a more just and rational direction." Chong said Wangs remarks show Beijing is "cautious" about the recent interaction between Russia and the U.S. "China understands if there is some sort of arrangement between the Americans and Russians, the U.S. gets to focus a lot more on competing with China in the Pacific, and Beijing could face a lot more pressure," he told VOA. Apart from elaborating on Chinas foreign policy, Wang also reiterated Beijings claim over Taiwan. "Advocating Taiwan independence is tantamount to secession, supporting Taiwan independence is tantamount to interference in China's internal affairs, and condoning Taiwan independence is tantamount to destabilizing the Taiwan Strait," he said, adding that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait will "eventually be reunified." No media source currently available The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. A Russian diplomat claims the Central African Republic significantly succeeded in combating militants with Moscow's support. VOAs Purity Mwambia explains why that is false. Gunmen killed at least two dozen male residents of an Alawite town in Syria's rural coastal region on Friday, two Alawite activists and a war monitor said, citing contacts in the region and video footage from the scene. Reuters was able to verify the location in the video as Al Mukhtareyah, near the main M4 highway, using a road, buildings, trees and a utility pole which matched satellite imagery of the village. It showed at least 20 men lying in close proximity - some bloodied - by the side of a road in the town center. The precise date filmed, and who filmed it, could not immediately be verified but the direction of shadows show it was filmed in the morning in the past two months. Reuters was unable to confirm independently what had happened in the location. Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted by the rebels-turned-rulers Hayat Tahrir al-Sham last year, drew heavily on the Alawite community for the former security apparatus and bureaucracy of the Syrian state. Alawite activists say their community has been subjected to violence and attacks since Assad fell, particularly in rural Homs and Latakia. Rami Abdulrahman, of the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said local sources had told his organization that 38 men from the country's Alawite minority had been killed execution-style in the town. "Gunmen coming from the direction of the Idlib region arrived at dawn and rounded up the men while telling the women to remain at home. The men were then executed," Abdulrahman said. The two Alawite activists, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the killings were on Friday and blamed them on gunmen affiliated with Syria's new Islamist ruling authority. A government spokesperson and two officials linked to the ruling authority did not immediately respond to texts seeking comment. Security forces have sent reinforcements to the coastal region from their stronghold of Idlib and neighboring areas to crush a nascent insurgency by fighters they say are linked to Assad. Abdulrahman said the observatory had verified several other incidents in the past 24 hours where Alawite men had been killed or were humiliated, including being made to bark like dogs. Reuters could not independently confirm the reports. Hamas dismissed President Donald Trump's latest threat, saying it will only free the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire. The U.S. will revoke the legal status of 240,000 Ukrainian refugees, potentially leading to their deportation. European leaders meet in Brussels to discuss a potential future with less involvement from the U.S. Plus, International Womens Day in Cambodia. North Korea continues to shun international humanitarian workers despite ongoing humanitarian needs in the country, U.N. officials say. Elizabeth Salmon, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea, said this week that human rights conditions in North Korea continue to deteriorate as a result. "International staff of the United Nations and humanitarian and development organizations have not been able to return to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," Salmon said in her report to the 58th session of the U.N. Human Rights Council. "That means that the humanitarian and development assistance that the United Nations could provide is constrained, and an independent assessment of the humanitarian situation is not possible," Salmon continued. North Korea's official name is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The country's pandemic border restrictions in 2020 forced international aid groups, foreign diplomatic corps, and tourists to leave the country. Ongoing humanitarian needs The U.N. office that oversees humanitarian work in North Korea said it has been talking with Pyongyang for a possible date for its staff to resume their work. The deadline set for completing its planned goals in North Korea is set to expire at the end of the year. "There is currently no firm date for the return of international staff to Pyongyang, but discussions are continuing on timing and modalities," said a spokesperson for the office of Joe Colombano, the U.N. resident coordinator for North Korea. "We reiterate that the United Nations in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea stands ready to resume its regular activities to implement the Strategic Framework for Cooperation between the United Nations and the Government of the DPRK," the spokesperson told VOA on Wednesday. The U.N. Resident Coordinator Office works with about seven U.N. humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations children agency UNICEF, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), to implement a set of goals agreed to in the Strategic Framework. Some of the goals are "improving people's well-being" economically and socially, providing "technical assistance and transfer of knowledge, based on the U.N.'s own normative values" and "sharing and transferring international principles and values, standards and know-how." The window for completing the goals, initially set from 2017 to 2021, was extended to 2024, but in 2023, the U.N. and Korth Korea agreed to extend it to 2025, according to a letter the two signed. VOA asked North Korea's U.N. Mission in New York when Pyongyang plans to allow international aid workers back but did not receive a reply. Possible reasons Jerome Sauvage, former U.N. resident coordinator for North Korea, said Pyongyang may not be ready to admit international aid workers back into the country. "Humanitarian aid workers in the country require an expensive infrastructure from the North Korean side," such as setting up officers and security, said Sauvage. "This apparatus was dismantled in 2020" with staff reassigned and units dismantled and "is not easy for DPRK to rebuild." "DPRK has never enjoyed the presence of humanitarian aid workers," Sauvage added, saying, North Korean leader "Kim Jong Un called humanitarian aid a 'poison pill.'" Bradley Babson, a former World Bank adviser and current advisory council member of the Korea Economic Institute of America, said North Korea "does not want to be seen as weak and needing aid." "Economic engagement as opposed to humanitarian engagement might be more productive if there was a way to create a space for more normal economic interactions," Babson continued. "The Trump administration might want to use an economic rather than a humanitarian rationale for opening up a different kind of conversation." Diplomats returning Following the reopening of North Korean borders in 2023, China, Russia, Mongolia and Cuba resumed their missions in Pyongyang. In September, North Korea reinstated Swedish diplomats to resume their activities in Pyongyang, with Sweden becoming the first Western country to reopen its mission since 2020. Last week, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) told VOA Korean Service that its ambassador in Beijing formally assumed his post for North Korea. Poland sent its diplomats to Pyongyang in November to restore its mission, and Nigeria said in December it is preparing to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang. Soyoung Ahn contributed to this report. Pakistan ordered all documented Afghan migrants on Friday to leave the country by March 31 or risk deportation. The directive was issued a day after the Afghan Ministry of Refugee and Repatriation Affairs urged Pakistan to slow down the expulsion of Afghans. Pakistan launched the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program in October 2023, after a dramatic rise in violence that Islamabad blamed on militants operating from Afghanistan. Friday's order called on those with Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs) to leave the country in the next three weeks, saying deportation of documented migrants would begin April 1. In continuation of the governments decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders, the ministry said in a brief press release. All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before 31 March 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence with effect from 1 April 2025. This affects nearly 900,000 documented Afghan economic migrants residing in Pakistan. According to data from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) released Friday, more than 842,000 Afghans have left Pakistan since the expulsion drive began, including more than 40,000 deportees. It is highlighted that sufficient time has already been granted for their dignified return, the Pakistani interior ministry said. In late January, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs government approved a plan to repatriate ACC holders but did not specify a date. Security concerns Pakistan ranks second among countries most affected by terrorism, according to the Global Terrorism Index released this week. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, emerged as the fastest-growing terrorist group in 2024, almost doubling the number of deaths attributed to it in 2023. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing sanctuary to TTP militants, and Islamabad alleges Afghan nationals are involved in terror attacks claimed by the TTP and its offshoots. Fridays directive to expel documented Afghan migrants followed Tuesdays twin suicide bombing of a military compound in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that killed 18, including five soldiers. The Pakistani military said that Afghan nationals were among the 16 militants killed in the attack and that it was orchestrated from Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban denied Islamabads accusations. Arrests and detention Since the start of 2025, the UNHCR has recorded an uptick in the arrest and detention of Afghans, especially undocumented and ACC holders in the capital region, where it recorded 45 times more arrests than in January and February of 2024. The trend follows a November 2024 order by Pakistans interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, calling on Afghans to leave the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, and its neighboring garrison city of Rawalpindi by the end of that year. In the first two months of this year, more than 2,600 Afghans were arrested across Pakistan. Nearly 2,300 were undocumented or ACC holders, according to the UNHCR. Close to 1,200 were arrested in Islamabad and nearby areas. In January, Pakistan deported 1,000 Afghans. Of those, more than 800, who included women and children, were rounded up from the capital and Rawalpindi. The Pakistani advocacy group Joint Action Committee for Refugees raised alarm Friday, claiming that authorities had rounded up more than 200 Afghans in the capital and nearby cities. The rights organization called the action a violation of a recent court order that restrained authorities from harassing refugees, and it urged authorities to act according to the law. It is emphasized that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation process, the interior ministry said. Arrangements for food and health care for returning foreigners have also been put in place. The order for documented Afghans to leave takes place as Torkham, the busiest border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, remains closed after intense shelling from both sides in recent days. In the first Friday prayers of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, about 90,000 Palestinians prayed at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalems Old City under tight security by Israeli forces. Thousands made their way from the West Bank into Jerusalem after Israel allowed men over 55 and women over 50 to enter from the occupied territory for the prayers. Tensions have risen in the West Bank in the past weeks amid Israeli raids on militants. But there was no immediate sign of frictions on Friday. For many Palestinians, it was their first chance to enter Jerusalem since last Ramadan about a year ago, when Israel also let in worshippers under similar restrictions. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, the Israeli government blocked Palestinians in the West Bank from crossing to Jerusalem or visiting Israel. Last Ramadan, the war was raging, but this time, a fragile ceasefire is in place since mid-January although its future is uncertain. Since Sunday, Israel has barred all food, fuel, medicine and other supplies from entering Gaza for some 2 million people, demanding that U.S.-designated terror group Hamas accept a revised deal. In Gaza, thousands gathered for the Friday communal prayers in the shattered concrete husk of Gaza City's Imam Shafii Mosque, heavily damaged by Israeli forces during fighting. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset as a sign of humility, submission to God and sympathy for the poor and hungry. On Thursday evening, Palestinians strung festive Ramadan lights around the rubble of destroyed buildings surrounding their tent camp in Gaza City and set up long communal tables for hundreds of people where aid groups served up iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast. Prayers at Dome of the Rock At Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Nafez Abu Saker said he left his home in the village of Aqraba in the northern West Bank at 7 a.m., taking three hours to make the 45-kilometer trip through Israeli checkpoints to reach Jerusalem. If the people from the West Bank will be permitted to come, people from all the cities, villages and camps will come to Al-Aqsa to pray," he said. The reward of prayer here is like 500 prayers despite the difficulty of the road to get here. It brings a great reward from God, said Ezat Abu Laqia, who is also from Aqraba. The faithful formed rows to listen to the Friday sermon and kneel in prayer at the foot of the golden Dome of the Rock on the sprawling mosque compound. The Islamic Trust, which oversees the Al-Aqsa compound, said 90,000 attended the prayers. The Israeli police said it deployed thousands of additional officers around the area. The compound, revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, and the surrounding area of Jerusalems Old City have been the site of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police in the past. The Old City is part of east Jerusalem, captured by Israel along with the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast War. Israel has since annexed the sector, although Palestinians seek it and the territories for an independent state. Tight security, checkpoint delays Thousands of Palestinians coming from the West Bank lined up at the Qalandia checkpoint on the edge of Jerusalem to attend the prayers. But some were turned away, either because they didnt have the proper permits or because the checkpoint closed. Israeli police said authorities had approved the entry of 10,000 Palestinians from the West Bank but did not say how many made it into Jerusalem. All the young people, elderly people and women were waiting here. They refused to let anyone cross at the checkpoint, said Mohammed Owaisat, who arrived to find the crossing closed. The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire brought the release of 25 Israeli hostages held by militants in Gaza and the bodies of eight others in exchange for the freeing of nearly 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. But an intended second phase of the deal meant to bring the release of remaining hostages and a lasting truce and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza has been thrown into doubt. Israel has balked at entering negotiations over the terms of the second phase. Instead, it has called for Hamas to release half its remaining hostages in return for an extension of the ceasefire and a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. It says its bar on aid to Gaza will continue and could be escalated until Hamas accepts the proposal a move rights groups and Arab countries have decried as a starvation tactic. Hamas has demanded implementation of the original ceasefire deal. A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Friday to discuss the implementation of the deal and to push for the second phase, Egypts State Information Service said. Israels military offensive has killed over 48,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants. The campaign was triggered by Hamas' Oct. 23, 2023, terror attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took a total of 251 people hostage. Most have been released in ceasefire agreements or other arrangements. Hamas is believed to still have 24 living hostages and the bodies of 34 others. A new play about anti-apartheid icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela seeks to highlight the struggles of Black women in South Africa who had to wait years for their husbands' return from exile, prison or faraway work during decades of white minority rule. The play about the late former wife of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first Black president, is adapted from the novel The Cry of Winnie Mandela by Njabulo Ndebele. It explores themes of loneliness, infidelity and betrayal. At the height of apartheid, Madikizela-Mandela was one of the most recognizable faces of South Africa's liberation struggle while her husband and other freedom fighters spent decades in prison. That meant constant harassment by police. At one point, she was banished from her home in Soweto on the outskirts of Johannesburg and forcefully relocated to Brandfort, a small rural town she had never visited nearly 350 kilometers away. Even after she walked hand-in-hand with her newly freed husband in 1990 and raised her clenched fist, post-apartheid South Africa was tumultuous for her. Madikizela-Mandela, who died in 2018 aged 81, was accused of kidnapping and murdering people she allegedly suspected of being police informants under apartheid. She also faced allegations of being unfaithful to Mandela during his 27 years in prison. Those controversies ultimately led to her divorce from Mandela, while their African National Congress political party distanced itself from her. The isolation and humiliation inspired Ndebele to write about Madikizela-Mandela for South Africa's post-apartheid generations. "How can they implicate Winnie in such horrendous events? She is the face of our struggle," Ndebele's character, played by South African actor Les Nkosi, wonders as he describes his thoughts upon hearing the news of the ANC distancing itself. "The announcement invokes in me a moral anguish from which I'm unable to escape. Is she a savior or a betrayer to us?" A key scene addresses Madikizela-Mandela's appearance before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a body formed to investigate human rights abuses during apartheid. She denied murder and kidnapping allegations and declined a request to apologize to families of alleged victims. "I will not be the instrument that validates the politics of reconciliation, because the politics of reconciliation demands my annihilation. All of you have to reconcile not with me, but the meaning of me. The meaning of me is the constant search for the right thing to do," she says in a fictional monologue in the novel. The play also reflects how the Mandelas' divorce proceedings played out in public, with intimidate details of their marriage and rumors of her extramarital affair. For the play's director, Momo Matsunyane, it was important to reflect the role of Black women in the struggle against apartheid who also had to run their households and raise children, often in their husbands' long absence. "It's also where we are seeing Black women be open, vulnerable, sexual and proud of it, not shying away. I think apartheid managed to dismantle the Black family home in a very terrible way. How can you raise other Black men and women when our household is not complete?" Matsunyane said. In the play, one Black woman tells a group of friends how her husband ended their marriage when he returned home after 14 years abroad studying to be a doctor and found she had given birth to a child who was now 4 years old. Another woman tells the same group who call themselves "Ibandla Labafazi Abalindileyo" (Organization of Women in Waiting in the isiXhosa language) that her husband returned from many years in prison but left her to start a new family with a white woman. Madikizela-Mandela, played by Thembisa Mdoda, gets to answer questions about her life and the decisions she made during an encounter with the women. The play, which also draws on the protest music of that period, opened at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg and will run until March 15. Pope Francis hit the three-week mark Friday in his hospitalization for double pneumonia, in stable condition and resuming his therapies after giving the world a tangible indication of just how frail and sick he is. The Vatican said the 88-year-old pope had a good nights rest and woke up Friday morning just after 8 a.m. He resumed his respiratory and physical therapy, using high flows of supplemental oxygen to help him breathe. Doctors said they didn't expect to give another medical update until Saturday, given his continued stability and absence of respiratory crises or other setbacks for several days now. But Francis offered a first public sign of just how weak he is on Thursday by recording an audio message that was broadcast to the faithful in St. Peters Square who had gathered for the nightly recitation of the rosary prayer. In it, Francis thanked the people for their prayers. But his voice was barely discernible through his labored breaths, and he spoke in his native Spanish, not Italian. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square, I accompany you from here, he said to the hushed square. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you. The message served many purposes. It was the first public sign of life from the pope since he entered Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, and it put to rest right-wing conspiracy theories and rumors calling into question his true medical status. The Vatican said Francis himself wanted to record it, to thank all those people who had been praying for him. In his Sunday message last weekend, Francis said he had felt the affection of so many people and felt as if I am carried and supported by all Gods people. But the audio also underscored just how weak Francis is. For anyone used to hearing his voice, this audio which is often so soft it sounds like a whisper was an emotional punch to the gut that hammered home just how hard it is for him to even breathe. The cardinal presiding over the prayer, Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime, had told the crowd at the start of the service that he had beautiful news, a beautiful gift to share. Oh, che bello, marveled one nun in the crowd. Oh, how beautiful. The clearly surprised crowd broke into applause and then applauded again after Francis final Gracias. Fernandez Artime, for his part, bowed his head as he listened. The 88-year-old pope has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man. The Vatican has given twice-daily updates on Francis condition but has distributed no photos or video of him since the morning of Feb. 14, when he held a handful of audiences at the Vatican before being admitted to Romes Gemelli hospital for what was then just a bad case of bronchitis. The infection progressed into a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia that has sidelined Francis for the longest period of his 12-year papacy and raised questions about the future of his papacy. The absence of any images of Francis in a country where the image and voice of the pontiff is a part of everyday life helped fuel dire conspiracy theories, primarily among right-wing critics of the pope, about Francis true fate. Francis has issued written messages from the Gemelli, including some that seemed very much like him. But even Vatican officials had been clamoring to hear his voice, saying the popes calls for peace are particularly needed at a time of such global conflict and war. More than any pope before him, Francis has mastered the art of informal and direct communication, often recording cell phone videos for visitors, anything from a Happy Birthday for someone's mother to a religious prayer for a particular church group. For the considerable effort it must have taken, the audio message made clear that he understood the power of his voice, even in its weakened state. Doctors on Thursday reported that Francis was in stable condition, with no new respiratory crises or fever. He continued his respiratory and other physical therapy Thursday, worked, rested and prayed from the 10th floor papal suite at Romes Gemelli hospital. His prognosis remains guarded, meaning he is not out of danger. The pope has been sleeping with a noninvasive mechanical mask to guarantee that his lungs expand properly overnight and help his recovery. He has been transitioning to receiving high-flow oxygen with a nasal tube during the day. President Donald Trump on Thursday doubled down on his threat that Hamas must free the remaining Israeli hostages immediately. The U.S.-designated terror group said it will do so only in exchange for a lasting truce and accused the U.S. and Israel of trying to back out of negotiations. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 7. The OSCE organized a three-day seminar in Turkmenistan to strengthen cooperation at border checkpoints in Central Asia, Trend reports. The regional seminar on managing border checkpoints (BCPs) along transit corridors in Central Asia was held in Ashgabat from March 4 through March 6. The event was organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Participants exchanged experiences in BCP management, integrated and coordinated border management, and data sharing. Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, John Macgregor, emphasized that the OSCE actively supports Turkmenistan's efforts to enhance regional cooperation in border management. He highlighted the importance of exchanging best practices and data among various agencies to improve the efficiency and security of border checkpoints. Leading experts from the UK, the OSCE Secretariats Border Security and Management Unit, the UN Counter-Terrorism Offices CT Travel Programme, and the European Unions BOMCA-10 Programme participated in the event. The seminar was organized as part of the OSCE Centres extra-budgetary multi-donor project, "Strengthening the Capacity of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan," with financial support from the Government of Germany. U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and sent a letter to its leadership on Thursday saying he hoped the Islamic Republic, arch foe of longtime U.S. ally Israel, would agree to talk. "I said I hope you're going to negotiate, because it's going to be a lot better for Iran," Trump said in the interview with Fox Business Network broadcast Friday. "I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something, because you can't let another nuclear weapon." There was no immediate response from the foreign ministry in Iran, where it is currently the weekend, to a request for comment on Trump's remarks. The letter appeared to have been addressed to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The White House did not immediately respond to a request about that. "There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal," Trump said. "I would prefer to make a deal, because I'm not looking to hurt Iran. They're great people." Trump has upended U.S. foreign policy after taking office in January, adopting a more conciliatory stance towards Russia that has left Western allies wary as he tries to broker an end to Moscow's three-year-old war in Ukraine. Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, a multinational agreement to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons, in 2018, a year into his first White House term. He said in February he would like to make a deal with Iran that prevents that country from developing a nuclear weapon. Russia has offered to mediate between the United States and Iran, a source briefed on discussions told Reuters on Tuesday, as the Kremlin vowed to do everything possible to facilitate a peaceful solution to tensions over Tehran's nuclear program. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov discussed international efforts to resolve the situation around Iran's nuclear program with Iranian ambassador Kazem Jalali, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday. On a windy Thursday outside Washington at the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed his British counterpart to discuss how best to quickly end Russia's war in Ukraine. "European leadership of NATO, led by the U.K., led by others, is, we believe, the future of defense on the continent," Hegseth said. British Defense Secretary John Healey said the United Kingdom had increased its defense spending and would continue to do so. "You challenged us to step up on Ukraine, on defense spending, on European security. And I say to you that we have, we are, and we will further," Healey said. On the possibility of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, Healey said the U.K. believes Kyiv is ready to make the most of a "unique opportunity." But as to whether the U.S. has seen enough to resume intelligence sharing with Ukraine, that is up to President Donald Trump, the U.S. defense secretary said. "We're very encouraged by the signs we're seeing. Ultimately, he will make the determination. But it is a pause for now," Hegseth said. Hegseth added that Trump is "laser focused" on ending the bloodshed. In a joint address to Congress on Tuesday evening, Trump said he was working to end the war in Ukraine. "It's time to stop this madness," he said. Trump's comments came the day after the United States paused military aid to Ukraine and a few days after an acrimonious Oval Office meeting on Feb. 28 concluded with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy leaving the White House without an agreement. In his address, Trump said he received a letter Tuesday from Zelenskyy that said Kyiv was "ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible." VOA National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed that his administration was negotiating with Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror group, to free the remaining hostages, and he doubled down on his earlier ultimatum that there would be hell to pay in Gaza if they were not released immediately. Youre going to find out, Trump said from the Oval Office when asked by a reporter what he meant. Trump highlighted his Wednesday meeting with freed Israeli hostages. I had the honor of spending a lot of time yesterday with quite a few of the people that we got out, and I can't believe how badly treated they were, he said. Earlier Thursday, Steve Witkoff, the presidents special envoy to the Middle East, told reporters at the White House there could be some action taken by the administration that could be done jointly with the Israelis. Hamas has an opportunity to act reasonably, to do what's right, and then to walk out, Witkoff said, referring to U.S. and Israeli demands that Hamas not have any military or political role in postwar Gaza. Neither Trump nor the White House responded to queries on whether the options being considered would include military action. In the past, officials have said they will not send American troops to Gaza. Trumps decision to begin direct talks with Hamas to release hostages, led by special envoy for hostages Adam Boehler, marks a departure from Washingtons long-standing policy to not negotiate with terrorists. We are helping Israel in those discussions, because we're talking about Israeli hostages. And we're not doing anything in terms of Hamas. We're not giving cash, Trump said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said in a statement that Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas. Hamas said the best path to free the hostages was through ceasefire negotiations. It added that threats from Trump were encouraging Israel to walk away from the multiphase Gaza ceasefire deal reached on Jan. 19, a day before Trump took office. The language of threats does not intimidate us; it only complicates matters further, Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement posted on a Telegram channel affiliated with the group. Wednesday on Truth Social, Trump posted, Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. ... I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you dont do as I say. His administration sent $4 billion in weapons to Israel this week, the second time in a month it bypassed congressional approval for sending arms to the country. The U.S.-Hamas talks appear to be a new diplomatic track, separate from ongoing negotiations between Hamas and Israel, with mediation by Qatar and the U.S., to secure phase two of the Gaza ceasefire. Hamas accused the U.S. and Israel of trying to back out of negotiations as phase one ended last weekend. Most people are expecting the ceasefire will collapse because they are expecting that Prime Minister Netanyahu is going to start pounding Gaza again, said Mirette Mabrouk, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. And as soon as that happens, there will be no more hostage releases, she told VOA. Arab counterproposal In addition to the two negotiation tracks, Arab nations on Tuesday endorsed a counterproposal to Trumps call to expel Palestinians and turn Gaza into a beach destination. Under the Arab plan, Palestinians will remain there, and Hamas will be excluded from governance. Israel has rejected the plan, but Washington sees it as a good-faith first step, Witkoff said in response to VOAs question during a gathering of reporters at the White House on Thursday. We're evaluating everything there. So, it's a little bit early to comment, he said. Israel has also blocked all aid into Gaza since Sunday, repeating long-standing charges that it is being diverted to Hamas, which international agencies deny. Theres now a fuel shortage in the territory, further jeopardizing basic services such as trash removal. The war in Gaza began with the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in about 250 people being taken hostage. Israels counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 48,400 Palestinians, about half being women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. By Ken Bredemeier U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday delayed his new 25% tariffs on most Mexican exports to the United States for four weeks after hearing directly from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on how her government had helped curb the flow of migrants and the deadly opioid fentanyl into the United States. Trump said on his Truth Social media platform that the reprieve on tariffs would extend to April 2 and not be imposed on Mexican goods imported by U.S. companies that fall under a trade agreement he reached with Mexico and Canada in 2018 during his first term in the White House. He made no mention of easing the same 25% tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S., although Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick signaled in a television interview Thursday that it was likely. On Wednesday, Trump delayed for a month the new duty on vehicles manufactured in both Mexico and Canada that are being shipped to the United States. In his Truth Social post, Trump said he eased the tariffs on Mexican goods "as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl." He ended the post by saying "Thank you to President Sheinbaum for your hard work and cooperation!" In a statement on Thursday, Sheinbaum said "We agreed that our work and collaboration have yielded unprecedented results, within the framework of respect for our sovereignties." Later, at a news conference, she said that during a Thursday phone call, Trump at first wanted his tariffs to stay in place. But Sheinbaum said she gave him examples of the results she had achieved in the past month, including how Mexico limited the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. and how Mexican authorities had sent 29 top cartel operatives wanted by American officials to the United States. She also dispatched 10,000 troops to Mexico's northern border to try to halt the flow of migrants and drugs into the United States. "Mexico was treated with a lot of respect, and we reached this deal that benefits both nations," she said, although it remained unclear what might happen next month when the tariff pause ends. Sheinbaum had threatened retaliatory tariffs against U.S. exports to Mexico, but unlike Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, had held off on announcing them as she pressed for a diplomatic solution. Trudeau said Thursday he welcomed indications that the U.S. could delay substantial tariffs on Canadian products for a month, but nonetheless said his plan to impose retaliatory tariffs would remain in place for now. The Canadian leader said he expects Canada and the U.S. to be in a trade war for the foreseeable future after having what he called a colorful but constructive call with Trump this week. Trudeau said the two sides are "actively engaged in ongoing conversations in trying to make sure these tariffs don't overly harm" certain business sectors and workers. He also reiterated that "we will not be backing down from our response tariffs until such a time as the unjustified American tariffs on Canadian goods are lifted." Trump touched off the trade war Tuesday by imposing tariffs against Washington's three biggest trading partners, 25% on Mexican and Canadian exports, while doubling an earlier 10% levy on Chinese products to 20%. All three countries announced they would retaliate with their own extra duties on U.S. goods. Lutnick said that for companies with products that comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, "you will get a reprieve now." Trudeau said Lutnick's comments align with conversations Canadian officials have had with the Trump administration. "But I am going to wait for an official agreement to talk about Canadian response or look at the details of it, but it is a promising sign." Trudeau said. "But I will highlight that it means that the tariffs remain in place and therefore our response will remain in place." Canada's initial $21 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs have been applied on items such as American orange juice, peanut butter, coffee, appliances, footwear, cosmetics, motorcycles and certain pulp and paper products. Ottawa plans a further $87 billion in tariffs in three weeks on American products such as electric vehicles, fruits and vegetables, dairy, beef, pork, electronics, steel and trucks. Trump's tariffs have roiled U.S. stock markets in a broad stock selloff this week as investors worry about higher costs for consumers and businesses. In a speech Tuesday night to the U.S. Congress, Trump acknowledged the tariff turmoil, saying, "Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again. There will be a little disturbance, but we're OK with that. It won't be much." Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Global stocks were mixed Friday as President Donald Trump's unpredictable tariff tinkering weighed down sentiment even as Wall Street stocks shot higher following reassuring comments from the head of the Federal Reserve. After a down day in Europe, US stocks looked poised for another rocky round following mixed employment data. Briefing.com analyst Patrick O'Hare said investors were reassured by a midday appearance from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who said the US central bank is in no hurry to shift course on monetary policy. "When Powell came out with a calm and reassuring tone, it gave the market an excuse to rally," O'Hare said. All three major US indices finished the day in positive territory. The broad-based S&P 500 finished at 5,770.20, up 0.6 percent for the day but down 3.1 percent for the week. Earlier, US jobs data for February showed the country's economy added 151,000 jobs last month, up from January's revised 125,000 figure, but fewer than analysts estimates as unemployment ticked higher. Analysts described the report as unspectacular but good enough to suggest the labor market is not weakening precipitously. But global markets have been unnerved by Trump's gyrations on trade policy. "US President Trump's bewildering tariff policy is creating heightened uncertainty and investor concern with hedge funds having liquidated global equity positions at the fastest rate on record," noted Axel Rudolph, senior technical analyst at online trading platform IG. London finished flat, but in Frankfurt the DAX closed 1.8 percent down, and France's CAC 40 lost 1.0 percent. Trump caused disarray on trading floors after he announced Thursday he would delay tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods covered under a North American trade agreement until April 2, days after they had taken effect following a previous delay. The decision came after a similar one-month reprieve for automakers following talks with Ford, General Motors and Jeep owner Stellantis. But Trump has said he will not modify broad tariffs for steel and aluminium imports, due to take effect next week, while China was hit with 20-percent tariffs earlier this week. "Even though Donald Trump has made more goods exempt from tariffs on Canada and Mexico, it's the constant tinkering that's upset investors," noted AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould. "The fact Trump keeps changing his mind confuses matters as companies have no idea what's going on from one day to the next," he added. Japan's Nikkei shares index led losses in Asia, closing down more than two percent. Chinese markets, which had been riding a wave of stimulus-induced optimism, ended the week modestly lower. Elsewhere, bitcoin plunged as much as 5.7 percent before rallying slightly after Trump signed an executive order to establish a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" without planning any public purchases of the cryptocurrency. - Key figures around 2130 GMT - New York - Dow: UP 0.5 percent at 42,801.72 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.6 percent at 5,770.20 (close) New York - Nasdaq: UP 0.7 percent at 18,196.22 (close) London - FTSE 100: FLAT at 8,679.88 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 1.0 percent at 8,120.80 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 1.8 percent at 23,008.94 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 2.2 percent at 36,887.17 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.6 percent at 24,238 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.3 percent at 3,372.55 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at 1.0844 from 1.0785 on Thursday Pound/dollar: UP at 1.2925 from 1.2882 Dollar/yen: DOWN 147.97 from 147.98 Euro/pound: UP at 83.87 pence from 83.72 pence Brent North Sea Crude: UP 1.3 percent at 70.36 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.0 percent at $67.04 per barrel bur-jmb/jgc China's exports grew slower than expected in the first two months of the year, official data showed Friday, as a deepening trade war with the United States piles on economic malaise. Over a month into his second term as US president, Donald Trump has slapped sweeping tariffs on the export-dependent nation, citing Beijing's failure to stem fentanyl flows as justification. China last year saw exports surge to a record high -- a key economic lifeline as persistent woes including slow consumption and a property sector crisis weighed on activity. While experts say the full impact of Trump's tariffs on China's economy remains to be seen, early signs indicate that its overseas shipments are bound for choppy waters. Exports in US dollar terms in January and February combined grew 2.3 percent compared to the same period last year, official data from China's customs administration showed Friday. The reading came in short of a Bloomberg forecast, which had anticipated exports to grow 5.9 percent during the first two months of 2025. It also represented a slowdown from 10.7 percent growth in December. The deceleration could be "partly due to the slowdown of export front loading, which was strong late last year to avoid the trade war", wrote Zhiwei Zhang, President and Chief Economist at Pinpoint Asset Management. The full extent of damage caused by new US tariffs -- imposed in two rounds of 10-percent blanket hikes in early February and this week -- will likely begin to be seen next month, said Zhang. Imports, meanwhile, fell sharply during the first two months, a sign that domestic consumption remains mired in a slump. Shipments into China during the period fell 8.4 percent, well below a Bloomberg forecast of one percent growth, customs data showed. In addition to weak spending, the fall in imports could have been due to a decline in "imported parts and components as inputs for re-exports", wrote Zhang. The figures come as China holds its biggest annual political gathering in Beijing, known as the "Two Sessions". At Wednesday's opening session of the country's rubber-stamp legislature, Premier Li Qiang announced a national growth target of "around five percent" for this year -- the same as 2024. Many experts say that goal is ambitious, given the accelerating headwinds facing the world's second-largest economy. pfc/oho/fox On 24 February, the third anniversary of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement which reads: The European Union and its partners have acted swiftly and in a united manner to support Ukraine. The European Union has provided Ukraine with economic, humanitarian, financial and military assistance totaling 135 billion, including 48.7 billion in military aid. The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support, including for the countrys post-war reconstruction. Ukraine is part of our European family. The Ukrainians have expressed their wish for a future within the European Union. We have recognized this by granting Ukraine candidate status and by launching accession negotiations. In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we underline the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine. We emphasize the need to ensure that the international community continues to focus on supporting Ukraine to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula. The European Commission held an informal videoconference meeting on 26 February to hear an update from French President Emmanuel Macron on his meeting with US President Donald Trump. European leaders agreed that they must stand together in the face of the United States drift regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas travelled to Washington to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting was cancelled at the last minute by Mr. Rubios office, officially due to an overbooked schedule. Ms. Kallas said that, as a replacement, she would meet with senators and members of Congress to discuss Russias war on Ukraine and transatlantic relations. In its Gaza plan, Egypt writes: There will be no major international funding for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza if Hamas remains the dominant and armed political element on the ground, controlling local governance. This is why Cairo proposed to remove Hamas and replace it with interim bodies controlled by Arab, Muslim and Western states. In Cairo, the Arab League adopted a project to rebuild Gaza based on the Egyptian plan. The final text consists of about a hundred pages. It acts to sideline Hamas and increases the aid needed for reconstruction from $20 billion to $53 billion. Nearly half of Gazas residents are expected to be transferred to seven security zones while construction begins. For the first six months, the government is expected to be assumed by a committee of 20 technocrats not affiliated with political parties, acting within the framework of the Palestinian Authority. Then elections are expected to be held, for the first time in two decades. The Palestinian police force is expected to be supported by Egyptian and Jordanian police. The plan will be submitted to the United States by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). President of the European Council Antonio Costa commented: Together, we must implement this plan. Together, the European Union, its partners in the Arab world and the international community. It is in difficult times that you can count on predictable and reliable partners and friends. Recent developments in the Middle East have made the Arab League and its members more relevant than ever to the European Union. Our support for the Palestinian Authority remains unwavering. The European Union supports the Palestinian Authoritys reform agenda. This will play a crucial role in the governance of Gaza. It seems that the United States will withdraw from the Middle East, excluding Israel, as it does from Europe. The Arab states will be left to their own devices, just like those in the EU. The latter is already running to fill the role of the Americans in the region. Voltaire, International Newsletter is a weekly newsletter on international politics. It features 10 to 15 pages of contextualized, sourced news items. Its aim is to enable you to follow the decline of the unipolar world and the emergence of a multipolar system. The newsletter is published in several languages. Several foreign ministries from different countries have already subscribed. Our director of publication and editor-in-chief directed French magazines several years ago, and has won journalism awards abroad. He has regularly contributed to some fifteen major dailies and magazines around the world. Voltaire, International Newsletter is available by subscription for 500 a year, is published 42 times a year (not in July-August, nor during the Christmas holydays). Its an indispensable tool for any professional in international relations or defense. Whats more, 10 times a year, subscribers are invited to Zoom virtual meetings with publications director Thierry Meyssan. Contents of issue N123 EDITORIAL 2995 Arab League summit for Gaza AMERICAS 2996 Dan Bongino appointed FBI Deputy Director 2997 House of Representatives and FCC denounce the EU DMA 2998 Melania Trump against revenge porn 2999 - $100 billion for semiconductor chip manufacturing 3000 The United States proclaims an official language 3001 Washington Joins Geneva Consensus Declaration 3002 U.S. resumes military support for Israel 3003 President Trumps State of the Unions Adress 3004 BlackRock buys the ports of the Panama Canal 3005 Pedro Castillos trial begins EUROPE 3006 United Kingdom disavows its ambassador in Washington 3007 United Kingdom disavows Emmanuel Macron 3008 Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine 3009 Hostile States Attack Political Refugees in France 3010 Matthias Warnig wants to exploit Nord Stream 2 3011 The next German government commits to reinvesting 3012 Viktor Orban criticizes the London summit 3013 The Rearming Europe plan 3014 EPP in favor of redefining the EU against Russia 3015 Venice Commission concerned about the wording of Georgias law on assemblies and demonstrations 3016 The London summit as seen by Volodymyr Zelensky 3017 European Press Freedom Report 2025 3018 Vladimir Putin reacts to US change in Ukraine 3019 Dmitry Medvedev welcomes Trumps correction of Zelensky 3020 Towards a lifting of US sanctions against Russia 3021 Russia in favor of a reduction in military spending by the Big Three AFRICA 3022 EU grants 90 million to Egypt ASIA 3023 Benjamin Netanyahus Hell Plan 3024 Bezalel Smotrich welcomes the "Hell Plan" 3025 - $2.5 million intercepted at Beirut airport 3026 Ahmed el-Shareh appoints a committee to draft the Constitution 3027 Tension against Syrian Druze 3028 Saudi Arabia grants amnesty to opponents 3029 Mohammad Javad Zarif forced to resign 3030 Reorganization of the Uzbek security services after the plot against Komil Allamjonov INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 3031 Keir Starmer leads Coalition of the Willing We are so back. After months off the air during which time the country kind of collapsed and 9-1-1: Lone Star reached its disappointing conclusion, both equally important 9-1-1 has finally returned to us, and it feels like it was worth the wait. Sob Stories is the best the show has been since, well, early November. Though not as over the top as some of the series finest hours, the more contained story offers a pretty exceptional showcase for the Buckley siblings. Maybe 9-1-1 is righting the ship and bringing us back to emotionally resonant character-driven plots that balance out the bee-nados. Maybe I just really missed the 118. Either way, Im happy to be here. We open with a 911 call (try not to act shocked) as a sobbing voice tells Maddie he needs help. I just want this to end, the voice pleads, and Maddie flags possible self-harm before the man reveals that he has someone else with him, a girl named Jayna, who is screaming through a gag in the background. Its not a suicide; its a kidnapping and Athena is en route to the address theyve traced. I thought I could save her, but they dont want to be saved, the voice wails, and the whole thing is deeply creepy. (Made all the more so by the fact that the voice itself is obviously being distorted, even though no one acknowledges this.) Maddie does her best to connect with the caller, telling him hes not a monster and that she understands him, but she makes the mistake of insisting that she wont let the police find him if he lets Jayna go. When Athena arrives at the scene, its an empty lot, and the caller knows hes been lied to. You were wrong, Maddie; I am a monster, he says before hanging up. Its one of the more intense cold opens that 9-1-1 has delivered, and Jennifer Love Hewitt does a great job playing Maddies tearful desperation. (More on her later this is really JLHs episode!) After the harrowing kidnapper call, we thankfully move on to something chiller: an animal shelter on fire. Okay, yes, also very stressful, but Im going to put your mind at ease right now and tell you that all of the dogs make it out safely. Its touch-and-go for a minute, though, when one of the cutest pups makes a run for it into the flames. Thankfully, Buck risks his life to rescue the little guy, once again defying Bobbys order to get out of there as the ceiling collapses and finally emerges with the dog in his arms. Bobby doesnt even seem that pressed the dog is, after all, a very good boy. Sadly, the relief of the moment is undercut by Bucks realization that his new best friend is being carted off to a kill shelter, where hell be euthanized unless hes adopted. If only there were someone, anyone to take him in. Speaking of dogs, Athena is taking Maddie to meet with Missing Persons detective Amber Braeburn, whom she describes as a real bloodhound. (Please just work with me on that transition.) Braeburn doesnt think the crying 911 call was a hoax, and she praises Maddie for connecting with the kidnapper, even though Maddies still beating herself up for breaking his trust. They listen to a very similar call from ten years prior that was connected to the discovery of a murdered girl, and Maddie has done some sleuthing of her own, finding another call fitting the pattern in Portland and identifying Jayna as a runaway from Bakersfield. (Go off, Reddit sleuth!) Based on the limited clues available, its a little surprising that Braeburn is immediately fixated on a suspect, a sex offender named Richard Bullock who lives at a transient hotel popular with runaways. Unfortunately for Braeburn, shes been so aggro about catching this guy that he filed a complaint, and she can no longer approach him without hard evidence or its considered harassment. Well, Ive never been above a little harassment, says Athena, who is supposed to be one of the good cops. Meanwhile, Eddie appears to be making good on his threat of leaving Los Angeles and moving to El Paso to be closer to Christopher. Since he signed a year-long lease at his current place, he needs to find a subletter before relocating and hell have to do it fast, because hes already put a down payment on his Texas home. (Like Buck, Im a little caught off guard by how quickly things are moving!) Buck agrees to help Eddie by joining him as he meets potential renters, which goes about as poorly as youd expect. Its not clear to me if Buck is intentionally sabotaging Eddie by pointing out all the things that might make someone not want to rent his place its in the flight path, there was a meth lab down the street or if this is a more subconscious desire to keep his bestie from leaving. Eddie clearly sees it as a problem, though, and he tells a wounded Buck to go. Unfortunately for Buck, he sticks around just long enough to eavesdrop on Eddie meeting with two more possible subletters, who ask if Eddie is moving to Texas for work. Los Angeles was actually the job opportunity, but no ties here, he tells them. Everything that matters is in Texas. Buck is devastated, and frankly, so am I. To cheer himself up, Buck adopts the dog he rescued (duh) and names him Blaze. Bobby isnt thrilled about having a dog in the firehouse hes not even a Dalmatian! but Buck promises he wont bring him in every day. Its just while theyre getting to know each other. I dont want him to think Im an abandoner, Buck says while glaring at Eddie. Eddie notes that Bucks apartment doesnt allow for dogs, and Buck says hell move if he has to, making a loud and pointed reference to Eddies own relocation plans. Yes, despite the fact that Eddie asked him to not let anyone know about his departure just yet, Buck has gone ahead and ripped that Band-Aid off for him. This sort of backfires, as the rest of the 118 is very supportive, with Bobby telling Eddie hes making the right choice and that hes a good father. Guess its just Buck and Blaze against the world, then! Elsewhere, Athena is trying to find Richard Bullock, the primary (well, only) suspect in the sobbing 911 call kidnapping. Hes no longer at the motel, but his ex, Isabelle, shares some useful information namely, that she caught him hitting on underage girls before she kicked him out and that he full-on sobs like a little bitch on the phone. Sounds like our guy! As much as Isabelle doesnt want to cooperate with pigs (hey, she said it), she seems convinced that this is an urgent situation once Athena shows her a photo of Jayna. Shortly thereafter, Athena, Braeburn, and a SWAT team arrive at Bullocks alleged hideout. Once again, hes cleared out, but hes left behind some evidence: blood and Jaynas ID. Looks like Braeburns instincts were right or perhaps theres something else going on here. Whatever the case may be, Jayna is still out there, and so is her kidnapper. Maddie gets another call from that same crying, distorted voice he knows they talked to Isabelle (which is bad), but he also says hes kept Jayna alive longer than he usually does because hes trying not to kill her (thats good). The call is traced, and units are 12 minutes out of the location, but given how the first call went, no one is confident that its even a real address. The situation is dire, especially when the caller starts talking about how long it takes someone to die after their throat is slit. He asks Maddie if she could imagine that happening to Jee-Yun. (At this point, you might wonder how Bullock knows Maddies daughters name. I certainly did!) Believing hes moments away from killing Jayna, Maddie tries a different tactic: She urges the caller to end his pain and save the girl by using the gun in his hand to slay the monster. No more tears, says Maddie. Just peace. Its a disturbing scene, and JLHs reaction of horror and disgust when Maddie hears the gunshot is visceral. Athena arrives on the scene and finds Bullock dead with a gunshot wound to the head. She also finds Jayna cowering in a closet but safe. Billie Eilishs when the partys over plays, and its suitably haunting. I am haunted! I was worried that they were going to brush past Maddie talking someone into suicide because doing so saved Jaynas life, but she is appropriately wrecked when she meets with Athena and Braeburn to debrief. I know he wasnt a good guy, but the despair in his voice it was raw, it was so real, she says. I have to give 9-1-1 credit for really going there with this story line and to JLH, whose work here is so strong that it made me even more excited for the I Know What You Did Last Summer legacy sequel coming out this summer. Back at the 118, Maddies brother is still sulking about Eddie. He finally reveals that he heard what Eddie said about not having any ties in L.A., but concludes, I dont need you either, cause Ive got Blaze. Of course, right at that moment, Blazes family shows up his real name is Bingo, and hes been missing since he got spooked by some fireworks. Buck says good-bye (I teared up) and realizes something important about family. When he shows up at Eddies place that evening, its to apologize. Hes also there along with Bobby, Hen, and Chimney to take Eddie out for a going-away meal. But most importantly, Buck will show his full support for Eddies move by becoming his subletter, which honestly felt a little inevitable. Buck shares that he was happy when Blaze/Bingo was reunited with his family, because he realized that was where he belonged, just as Eddie belongs with Christopher. Whatever peace Buck feels is going to be pretty short-lived, however, as Maddie finds herself knocked to the ground by an unknown assailant while doing the dishes. The kidnapper removes their mask, and surprise, its Detective Braeburn. This seemed pretty obvious to me; why would you hire Abigail Spencer and not give her something juicy to do? Id also guess Braeburn was the one making the creepy crying phone calls because there has to be a reason that voice sounded so distorted and that she shot and killed Bullock. I look forward to finding out why she set this whole thing up and what she means when she says, Youre gonna be so mad at me before chloroforming Maddie. (Aside from the obvious.) Mostly, though, Im excited to watch JLH continue to shine. Call Log I said I wasnt going to get worked up about Ryan Guzman leaving the show unless we got confirmation, and it does seem like hes leaving, doesnt it? At this point, I dont really see how he stays, especially since he makes a point of saying how much Christopher is thriving in El Paso. Ive heard your complaints about Buddie mentions in the recaps. Here is what Ill say: The show knows exactly what its doing with many of these scenes, and ignoring the subtext whether its there as a wink to fans, or as an actual hint of whats to come seems silly to me. Do you think the writers dont know how it sounds when Buck tells Eddie, I didnt mean to out you in front of Cap and everyone else? That fake voice was so clearly fake! It was faker than Bucks alias of Freddy Fakeman. I know Maddie was under a lot of stress, but how did no one else point out that it sounded exactly like someone (perhaps even a woman!) speaking through a voice changer? Today I learned that Dalmatians were historically kept in firehouses to keep the horses calm. Thank you, 9-1-1, for remaining the most educational show on television. Warning: Youll have to read, ahem, subtitles if you dont speak Korean. Photo: Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures This article was originally published in February 2020 after Bong Joon Hos Parasite won the Oscar for Best Picture. With Bongs latest, Mickey 17, in theaters, were running this guide again. Its been five years since Bong Joon Ho made Oscars history with Parasite, and his follow-up, Mickey 17, is his biggest venture yet a $100-plus million science-fiction movie starring Robert Pattinson as a space drudge whose job is to take on dangerous missions and to be resurrected in a human printer every time he dies. Its Bongs first film to be entirely in English, though as the director said onstage at the Golden Globes: Once youve overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films. To that end, we know you might be curious about some of the other Korean-language works from Bong Joon Ho that havent received the global attention of his earlier mixed-language releases like Snowpiercer (2013), his revolutionary uprising set in a speeding train, or Okja (2017), his descent into the bowels of factory farming via an adorable, genetically engineered super pig. His best work still might be the movies set domestically in South Korea, like Memories of Murder and Mother, where you would have to read, ahem, subtitles if you dont speak Korean. So foreign-language fluency aside, weve put together a little guide to some of the deeper cuts in Bong Joon Hos oeuvre that display his breadth and evolution as one of the modern heirs to Hitchcock. Incoherence (1994) Incoherence is Bongs thesis film made during his time at the Korean Academy of Film Art, and features a four-part story (told in episodes) of various public figures in the intellectual class of Korean society (like professors and public prosecutors) who criticize the younger generation for malfeasance, laziness, and sexual immorality all while doing these acts in private. In person, Bong said that hes partially proud of the film for its structure and some camera movements, many of which can be seen in episode two, as he tracks the editor-in-chief of the Chosun Ilbo (a famously conservative national paper), who steals milk from other peoples houses. The film contains many of Bongs obsessions: a satirical stab at the wealthy, long tracking shots, and the trope of fake news. Incoherence is currently unavailable on streaming services in the U.S., but theres always YouTube. Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000) While the Korean title more straightforwardly references its original inspiration, The Dog of Flanders, the film itself is entirely original and Bong Joon Hos first feature film that he both wrote and directed. As such, while there are familiar thematic concerns a circle of malfeasance, the hypocrisy of the Korean elite its very much still an early project, in which hes working out his style. The protagonist is an ornery, unemployed academic (Lee Sung-jae) who becomes fixated on a barking dog in his apartment complex, and goes to extreme lengths to silence it. Meanwhile Bae Doona (Sense8; The Host) plays the one trying to save the animals. Theres a memorable visual in the film where a roll of toilet paper unfurls onto the street a handy metaphor for tracing a through line from Barking Dogs to Parasite. Memories of Murder (2003) At a 2020 retrospective screening of Memories of Murder in New York, Bong acknowledged that there were spiritual similarities between his crime drama and the 2007 movie Zodiac but, he pointed out, as much as hes a fan of David Fincher, his film came first. Memories of Murder is, like Zodiac, about a search for a serial killer that becomes more about the mental states of the men in charge of the investigation as it stretches on and resources are taxed. Theyre a pair of detectives one a blustery local played by Bongs muse Song Kang-ho, the other an aloof but more experienced investigator from Seoul who clash at first, then become close. But their odd-couple partnership doesnt make them any better equipped to proceed or the answers more forthcoming. Memories of Murder plays, in some ways, like an anti-procedural, as much about fumbled information and lost opportunities as about who may be responsible for the gruesome happenings. It begins as a story of a crime and becomes, imperceptibly, one about a tragedy enveloping not just the murderers victims but the men who find themselves splintering under the pressure to catch him. Stream on Tubi Influenza (2004) This short film from 2004 is both a fascinating technical exercise as well as the bleakest distillation of Bong Joon Hos worldview of the unrelenting brutality of life under capitalism. He shot the film as part of a digital-shorts grant through the Jeonju International Film Festival, and made it to look as though it were cobbled together from found footage taken from CCTV cameras rigged around Seoul. Its through this surveillance footage that he begins to tell a narrative of a businessman who loses his job and gradually turns to violent crime over the years. Theres no dialogue, and the shots are often fixed at odd angles (except for one scene that rather horrifyingly uses an oscillating security camera in a parking lot) all of which only manages to heighten the darkness of the physical comedy. Influenza is probably Bongs work that most directly speaks to the absolute devastation wrought by the IMF crisis of 1997 on modern Korean society. Stream on The Criterion Channel The Host (2006) In South Korea, this 2006 phenom about a mutant that crawls out of the Han River to terrorize Seoul still holds the record as Bongs highest-grossing hit. Given the director, though, you should know better than to expect any of the standard creature-feature beats. The monster in The Host is an ungainly creation born from the illegal dumping of chemicals on an American Army base. Years later, in a sequence thats equal parts frightening and funny, it emerges to gallop alongside the riverbank, gobbling up and regurgitating random leisure seekers unlucky enough to get in its way. While it makes off with children and leaves destruction in its wake, its never as scary as the partnership between the Korean government and the U.S. military that lurches into motion to deal with it, instantly becoming a morass of misinformation and trampled rights. As is always the case in Bongs work, its the lumbering systems that are most likely to crush individuals underfoot especially if theyre as powerless as the ragtag family at the films heart. The clan of oddballs and down-and-outs has more than a little in common with the Kim family in Parasite, including Song as a hapless patriarch. Stream on Max Mother (2009) The opening and closing scenes of Bongs masterful 2009 film are, swear to God, among the greatest bookends in movie history. They both involve the unnamed protagonist, a small-town widow played by the incredible Kim Hye-ja, dancing. The first, which takes place in a grassy clearing while the credits appear onscreen, is a sequence of deadpan absurdism. The second occurs on a bus in the golden sunlight of a late afternoon, and is utterly devastating. What unfolds in between these points is a thriller about a woman whose life is turned upside down when the son she dotes on and lives for, a teenager with an intellectual disability played by Won Bin, is accused of murder. When she first starts trying to clear his name, Mother comes across as a blackly and unpredictably funny story of an unlikely amateur detective in over her head. But the film soon reveals depths much murkier than youd ever initially expect, delving into what it means to love someone so much that theres no price you wouldnt pay to protect them, no matter the cost to yourself. Casting directors, you seeing this? Photo: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon/YouTube Well, what a dang eventful week in late night. This week marked Donald Trumps first joint address to Congress in his new term, and we all talked about it. Stephen Colbert went live to really unpack the madness that went down, whereas Seth Meyers looked at Trumps address and decided that, actually, you can just watch his dumb comedy show for news now. This will be the true point of distinction between late-night shows that remain in the political-commentary format and those that perhaps evolve beyond it. Most late-night shows had unkind words to say about the politicians who made theatrical performances against Trump during his address. Compared to what has gone down recently in South Korea and Serbia, the level of resistance in legislative bodies is in the words of Azealia Banks Nathan. Some late-night outlets applauded the efforts of those who work within the system, and others found the funny outside of it. Is there a right answer? It depends on what you want out of late night. PreJon Stewarts Daily Show, the nightly boys stayed away from politics. That can be a funnier tack, if one that is more removed from the audiences lived experience. Heres who walked that balance best this week in late night. 5. Politics is just pro wresting, and its huge that a late-night host finally admitted it. Jon Stewart compared Trumps meeting with Zelenskyy to John Cenas heel turn with the Rock and Cody Rhodes. Politics, stan wars, other pro sports: Its all been wrestling for a minute! And whats more, his comparison made room for the invisible hand of capitalism to be the actual Worst Heel (Vince McMahon) in the situation. 4. Stephen Colbert should be lauded for Strangers With Candy every day. And considering how many days of the week hes televised, its fucked up how little of that time is dedicated to praising Colbert and Paul Dinello for their campy yet deeply accurate abusive gay relationship. Shoutout to Brian Tyree Henry for derailing his own network air time to give flowers to his special guy. 3. After Midnight had on three of the best Debras to ever do it. Alyssa Stonoha, Sandy Honig, and Mitra Jouhari got back on the late-night tip a few years after their Adult Swim show ended. Its the best thing After Midnight does with its budget: reuniting big-dick-swinging motherfuckers in the comedy world, for the casual enjoyment of CBS viewers. The elimination game the Debras played, generating new security questions for password recovery, allowed each woman to display the thing they think is funniest with an economy of words. And when Stonoha lost, real Deb-heads knew shed won because shes grown her hair the longest since her show was on the air. Its incredible, and I am insanely jealous. 2. This is the most palatable Ive found a recent recap of events, basically all year. When Amber Ruffin said Theres a new hell and its the skyyyy! I felt that. Ruffin found exactly the right balance between what is crazy about living in unprecedented times and what is awesome about those aforementioned times. Most importantly, this feels like a time when you could adopt and/or fire your boss, which is what she does to Seth Meyers in this segment. My only note is for Seth: Always rub facial products into your face upward; it helps with any lifting properties therein. 1. This was one of those rare late-night clips that broke through into the greater online discourse. Is it because Amanda Seyfried was in Twin Peaks: The Return, and all the Lynch-heads were on high alert post-Oscars? Highly likely. But when Seyfried broke out the dulcimer and chirped California by Joni Mitchell like a cartoon songbird, the world took notice. So often, celebs go on late night with an alleged skill. Rarely do they crush so thoroughly that people are now preemptively against any Mitchell biopic not starring Seyfried. And all us marshmallows knew, long, long before. This doesnt do it for you? Photo: Christopher Polk/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Imaes Bob Dylan dropped out of college and left Minnesota at 19 to play Greenwich Village clubs, befriending folk icons and writing love songs. Timothee Chalamet dropped out of NYU and played a terminally gay Italian boy. These men are not the same. Despite Chalamet dedicating years of practice to play Bob Dylan for A Complete Unknown, there are some things you just have to experience. Namely: the swagger of bagging a perfect 10. Chalamets first long-term public relationship, with the final boss of nepo babies, Kylie Jenner, is playing out before the worlds (and Club Chalamets) eyes as he graduates to leading man. Below, a timeline of his quest to become one of the greats who also dated a Kardashian. So far no kids and no Oscars, but theres always next year. January 7, 2023: Kylie and Travis are off again, sources tell Us Weekly of Jenners relationship with Travis Scott, the father of her two children. They were supposed to spend the holidays together, but she went to Aspen to be with her family and friends up there This has happened so many times before, theyre known to be on again, off again, but always remain friends and great co-parents. January 25, 2023: Like any good Hollywood romance, it starts in Paris. Enter rizz god Timothee Chalamet, who has Kylie giggling backstage at Jean Paul Gaultier for Haider Ackermanns one-season guest spot at the haute couture label. This matters even if you dont care about fashion because Ackermann frequently dresses Timothee, including the white tux he wore to the Oscars when nominated in Best Actor for Call Me by Your Name. April 6, 2023: Guess whose Range Rover is in Timothee Chalamets driveway. April 7, 2023: Kylie and her security detail swing by an art show in Santa Monica to pick up Timothee. Security drives them around the corner to a taco spot, brings their food to them in the backseat, and waits outside for about 30 minutes, per the Daily Mail, before driving off. It may be all black with tinted windows, but a custom extended Lincoln Navigator isnt exactly low key. April 14, 2023: People reports they are hanging out and getting to know each other. April 27, 2023: Monica Barbaro of Top Gun: Maverick is in final talks to portray Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown. Her resemblance to the Kylie Cosmetics founder is noted by X users, even as early as 2018. (Chalamet has been attached to the biopic since 2020.) May 5, 2023: Kylie attends her annual family dinner, the Met Gala, wearing Haider Ackermann for Jean Paul Gaultier. June 1, 2023: The paparazzi perched in a tree outside Chalamets Beverly Hills home photograph Jenner holding a carton of cigarettes and an ashtray outside while chatting with Pauline Chalamet, Tims older sister. It confuses a generation raised on anti-smoking ads. July 28, 2023: Travis Scott sneaks a line about Timothee Chocolate AP and chocolate the Vs, Got the Willy Wonka factory into his new song MELTDOWN off UTOPIA, the rappers first full length project since the Astroworld tragedy. Burn an athlete like its calories, he continues in that verse. Find another flame hot as me, bitch. Yeah, is you fuckin crazy? (Nah) is you fuckin crazy? (What?) The song Billboards critic called disappointingly one-dimensional debuts at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. August 2, 2023: They are still dating, BTW. September 5, 2023: Every celebrity and their mother was at Beyonces Renaissance World Tour, including Stormis mom. She and Timothee give Drunk in Love, chain-smoking inside SoFi Stadium and confirming their relationship in front of God (Beyonce). smoking cigarettes at a beyonce concert i see weve left etiquette at the door https://t.co/AufNXQYZkE ceo of kory (@korysverse) September 5, 2023 Simone of Club Chalamet shares a long post about Chalamets smoking and his choice of company. After months and months of gossip media bombardment, gossip speculations, sources from the kajenner camp, her people stalking Timmys private residence, and his obvious avoidance of her, has finally paid off and had her primary objective met. Timothee has now played her hand and relented, she writes on Reddit that night in a since-deleted caption. September 8, 2023: Kylie accompanies Timothee to a New York Fashion Week dinner for Haider Ackermanns collaboration with Augustinus Bader. September 10, 2023: Theyre making out at the U.S. Open. This has the complete opposite energy of Challengers, but Luca Guadagnino was probably into it. September 21, 2023: Kylie Jenners lock screen happens to be a photo of Timothee kissing her cheek. In the photograph of her holding her phone, taken at Prada during Milan Fashion Week, shes gripping it with three fingers while holding up Prada sunglasses. Fall 2023: In an episode of The Kardashians that wont air until June 2024, Kylie cries while discussing her body image. I went on a journey last year dissolving half my lip filler, Kylie shared during the episode, which was filmed in the fall of 2023. I hate having this same conversation over and over and over again because it feels like a waste of my breath because I think, with me, its just never going to change. But its just been October 24, 2023: Meet Khy. Kylies clothing line is soft-launched on Instagram. Following in her sisters footsteps, the debut collection is officially announced by WSJ. magazine, which describes it as the wardrobe of a biker babe during the apocalypse who happens to have internet access and a Pilates-toned body. So, in other words, Chani from Dune, if she was born in Los Angeles. November 1, 2023: The day of Khys first drop, Chalamet supports Jenner as she accepts brand innovator of the year from WSJ. The actor also presented the film-innovator award with Martin Scorsese but thats not who he left with. November 11, 2023: Chalamet makes his sophomore debut on Saturday Night Live and attends the after-party with Jenner, though they arrive separately. November 28, 2023: The Wonka premiere couldnt be their red-carpet debut, for posteritys sake, but Kylie attended both the London and L.A. screenings and parties, per People. Timothee walks straight up to Club Chalamet, in a swarm of fans, who posts about it online, saying Thanks to everyones positive feedback and support regarding my experience at the L.A. Wonka premiere. I was very lucky and I think after the events of recent months, it was a nice karmic scenario for both me and Timothee. December 24, 2023: Chalamet can be seen at the Kardashian Christmas Eve party in the background of Landon Barkers Snapchat despite rumors he didnt attend. January 7, 2024: Selena Gomez is allegedly overheard saying Jenner denied someone a photograph with Chalamet at the Golden Globes. While Timothees Rainy Day in New York co-star would go on to deny those rumors (setting off new dating rumors instead), it was the nucleus of gossip surrounding Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner that night. The pair avoided cameras for the most part, with only a handful of photographs of Kylie on Getty, but they still managed to be caught kissing during commercial breaks. February 4, 2024: Travis Scott performs at the Grammys, in case you were wondering. March 7, 2024: Cosmic, a new fragrance by Kylie Cosmetics, launches. March 10, 2024: Both attend the Vanity Fair Oscar party but walk the carpet separately. March 11, 2024: Kylie lands Sam Edelmans 20th anniversary campaign, which she says epitomized that fashion is more than just something to wear, it is a source of power. Around this time, shes also papped in Bottega Veneta, casually holding a single case of Sprinter, label out. March 16, 2024: After some Dune: Part Two press, Timothee begins filming A Complete Unknown in New York City. March 22, 2024: Timothee and his assistant/best friend, Nick Spiro, attend the launch party for Kylies canned vodka soda, Sprinter, at Catch LA. You may know him from his supporting role Guy Waiting With Timmy For Kylie Jenners Security to Pick Him Up for Tacos. April: Daniel Tosh spreads a rumor that Kylies pregnant. while were sitting here joking about kylie having timothees firstborn, clubchalamet is somewhere being 5150d, @kirkxxs tweets. while were sitting here joking about kylie having timothees firstborn, clubchalamet is somewhere being 5150d sk (@kirkxxs) April 23, 2024 April 25, 2024: Multiple sources confirm Kylie is not pregnant shes doing long distance while Timos on set. May 10, 2024: Kylies phone background is (still?) a selfie with Timmy while shes promoting Sprinter in Las Vegas, per DeuxMoi. May 23, 2024: They casually get a table at Kwame Onwuachis Tatiana in Lincoln Center, the New York Times No. 1 restaurant of 2023. June 18, 2024: A day before A Complete Unknown wraps, Jenner is seen at Stereophonic on Broadway. Whatcha doin in town, girl? June 20, 2024: Travis Scott is arrested for disorderly conduct in Miami Beach. June 28, 2024: A month later, Kylie and Timmy see a movie at only the most famous cinema in Los Angeles, the TCL Chinese Theatre. July 19, 2024: Backgrid drops photos of Timothee and Kyliee touring the South of France. July 24, 2024: Timmys Bob Dylan vocals debut in a trailer for A Complete Unknown. August 9, 2024: Travis Scott is arrested again, this time for assaulting a hotel security guard in Paris. August 10, 2024: Leo baby Kylie celebrates her 27th birthday on a yacht in the Bahamas playing poker with Chalamet and a small group of close friends, per a source. Shes incredibly happy with him. Shes never been in love like this before, the source tells People. Hes great for her. Also: Her family loves him. And Hes so discreet and always has her back. Hes very much a gentleman and everything that Kylie deserves. If it wasnt clear, the source adds: They are very serious. September 30, 2024: Back in New York, Chalamet is seen on set of his ping-pong movie, Marty Supreme, which, fun fact, also stars Tyler, the Creator. Now thatd be a good PR relationship. October 12, 2024: Sources do their best investigative work and tell us Kylie and Timothee ate standard meatballs for dinner at Little Charlis. What is the plot, again? October 17, 2024: Right, hes a movie star. Photos of Timothee kissing Gwyneth Paltrow leak from the set of Marty Supreme. October 27, 2024: Timothee stops by his own look-alike contest. In retrospect, where was the simultaneous Kylie Jenner look-alike meet-up? October 28, 2024: Kylie wears a feathered Jean Paul Gaultier gown from Ackermanns 2023 spring couture collection at the CFDA Awards. December 10, 2024: Theyre holding hands at the premiere party for A Complete Unknown, right in front of Joan Baez, Sylvie Russo, and Kris Jenner. January 5, 2025: Kylie dispels new pregnancy rumors attending the Golden Globes. This time, Timothee debuts Ackermanns Tom Ford collection and there are countless photographs of their PDA throughout the night. (Adrien Brody wins Best Actor.) Timothee is used to attending awards shows and events, but it was nice having Kylie there to support him, a source tells Page Six. Kylie really is his best friend and his biggest supporter. They have such a strong connection and he was so thankful she could be there with him. January 14, 2025: Chalamet rides a Lime bike onto the red carpet at the London premiere of ACU. (And eats a fine for not returning it.) January 15, 2025: Chalamet wears a cunty little pink scarf at the Paris premiere of ACU. Kylie skipped the red carpet, but met him for dinner, amid news of the Kardashians fleeing the California wildfires. January 23, 2025: Everything leads up to Oscar nominations. Both Dune: Part Two and A Complete Unknown are up for Best Picture, with Timmys Bob Dylan against Adrien Brodys Laszlo Toth for Best Actor. January 26, 2025: Kylie attends the SNL afters to celebrate Chalamet pulling double-duty. February 11, 2025: Kylie Jenner rubs on her boyfriends humpback and gives him a standing ovation as he receives the artist of the year award at the Santa Barbara international film festival reads a Reddit post on r/TimotheeChalametDaily. What else is there to say? February 15, 2025: The ACU press campaign winds down in Berlin. Kylie Jenner wears a full black sequined gown to the A Complete Unknown premiere while her man wears an all-pink sweatsuit and tank top. Its the difference between fashion and style; divorce would be on the table, personally. In footage, she sits down next to him without a word. Later, per The Hollywood Reporter, she strokes his face while he speaks. Bob Dylan, the man, the artist, became a shining light for me and a guide for me to this day, Chalamet says at one point. His individuality and the refusal to be a part of the masses. February 16, 2025: Timothee wears all-black Bottega Veneta for the BAFTAs. In photographs, hes clasping his fingers around Kylies left hand, creating a knot of fingers. (Adrien Brody wins Best Actor.) Kylie is wearing John Galliano, posting photos and videos in the gown, and spraying perfume. February 17, 2025: Oh, what do you know? ahhhh my new sister fragrance coming 2.27, Kylie posts on Instagram, announcing Cosmic 2.0. February 18, 2025: Oscar voting ends right as Cosmic 2.0 promoting begins. February 23, 2025: Timothee doesnt include self-made billionaire Kylie Jenner when he lists the names of a bunch of greats he aspires to be like in his SAG Best Actor acceptance speech. (Adrien Brody loses, is gagged a little bit.) February 25, 2025: Cartier throws a poker night in honor of Chalamets Oscar nomination. He forewent the dinner offered by Cartier and asked for a poker night instead, inviting a random assortment of A-listers. Even a member of the Pussy Posse shows up. Timothee and Kylie went head-to-head once, on a defeat he graciously and proudly accepted. (She was, sneakily, one of the most formidable players at the table, raising big bets with the confidence of a high roller, as a woman whos up Bs should, writes GQs Frazier Tharpe.) February 26, 2025: WWD reports the Instagram announcement for Cosmic 2.0 earned $3.1 million in media impact value for Kylie Cosmetics in one week, according to Launchmetrics. March 2, 2025: Timmy brings his mom and his girlfriend to the Oscars, though we dont see them interact. Front row at the Dolby Theatre, the couple is near-immediately photographed kissing before host Conan OBrien can even get onstage. He loses Best Actor to Adrien Brody and switches from his butter-yellow Givenchy suit (debuting Sarah Burton for the label) to a black tux. Kylie also changes from Miu Miu into a matching black lace gown, pressing her cheek into his for photos at the Vanity Fair after-party. May 5-7, 2025: Kylie and Timmy start the week off apart. She attends the Met Gala Monday, while he watches a Knicks Game. But! The pair reunite in Rome for their red carpet debut. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 7. Uzbekistan announced the establishment of the Namangan Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in an effort to develop industry and attract investment, Trend reports. The initiative is outlined in the presidential decree on additional measures to improve the efficiency of special economic and industrial zones. The Namangan SEZ will operate under a free customs zone regime, allowing resident companies to import raw materials, components, and supplies without immediate customs duties or economic restrictions. Goods within the zone will be considered outside Uzbekistans customs territory until they enter the domestic market. Meanwhile, locally supplied raw materials, components, and services provided to SEZ residents will be classified as exports, making them eligible for export incentives. However, goods sold by SEZ residents within Uzbekistan will be treated as imports, subject to customs duties and taxes. Earlier, Uzbekistan and Hungary held talks on the establishment of a special economic zone for the implementation of projects of Hungarian and European companies in Tashkent region. Five-storey building in Bari had been evacuated last year after being declared unsafe. Firefighters in the southern Italian city of Bari on Thursday night pulled an elderly woman out alive from the rubble of a five-storey building, 24 hours after it collapsed. The woman, 74, had been trapped under the rubble since the apartment block collapsed on Wednesday night, sparking a round-the-clock search by rescuers. Dozens of firefighters focused their efforts on a specific area of the building whose 80 residents had been evacuated last year after authorities deemed it structurally unsafe. The woman, who reportedly remained in her fourth-floor apartment despite the evacuation order, was found thanks to her mobile phone signal. After she was pulled out alive from the rubble, rescuers and local residents broke into a long applause as the woman was transferred to hospital. E vivaEstratta dalle macerie e affidata ai sanitari la donna dispersa. Eccezionale intervento dei #vigilidelfuoco a #Bari, emozionante lapplauso finale liberatorio della gente pic.twitter.com/L7QTPErHGu Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) March 6, 2025 Despite the ordeal, the woman appeared to be in good health and had been kept alive due to an air pocket thanks to a security door that led to the attic. "She was found inside the building, in the area of the stairs, where we imagined she was" - Bari firefighter commander Rosa D'Eliseo told news agency ANSA - "She was taking the stairs to get out, she evidently sensed the danger and was running away." The building, constructed in the 1950s and added to the 1970s, was evacuated more than a year ago after structural problems were detected in a damaged central pillar that suddenly gave way on Wednesday evening. Renovation works had got underway last week. In addition to the woman, two families also lived on the first floor, perhaps illegally, reports state broadcaster RAI News: one was reportedly out of town at the time of the collapse, the other managed to escape as soon as they heard the walls creaking. A passerby who witnessed the building collapse described it as "a scary, apocalyptic scene", telling RAI there was "dust everywhere, people screaming, running in every direction". Photo Vigili del Fuoco TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 7. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have officially established a free trade regime, following the successful implementation of the necessary bilateral procedures, Uzbekistan's Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade told Trend. This milestone was achieved under the Protocol on Exemptions from the Free Trade Regime to the agreement on long-term trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The protocol was approved by presidential decree. As of the implementation of the new trade regime, customs tariffs on most items manufactured within both nations have been removed. Furthermore, trade procedures have been made more straightforward, and limitations on mutual commerce have been removed. For example, Turkmenistan has abolished customs duties on various Uzbek imports, including cement products, which previously had a 100 percent duty, as well as textiles, furniture, and glassware, which were subject to 50 percent duties. The duties on water heaters, plastic, and polypropylene products have also been removed, having previously stood at 15 and 10 percent, respectively. Furthermore, tariffs on food products such as sausages and meat, which were taxed at $2 per kilogram, and cotton oil, which had a $1 per kilogram duty, have been lifted. To ensure the effective use of the free trade regime, Uzbekistans Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade, in coordination with other relevant ministries and agencies, has launched a mechanism to facilitate the export of local products to the Turkmen market. In 2024, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan reached $1.14 billion, marking an increase of 5.5 percent compared to the previous year. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Gordon Deegan Plans to establish a 650 million hydroelectric pumped storage power project located at the former mine site Silvermines, Co Tipperary, have taken a major step forward. This follows An Bord Pleanala confirming that the Silvermines Hydroelectric Energy Storage Project has been deemed mature enough to enter the permit granting process for Projects of Common Interest. Projects of Common Interest (PCI's) are essential infrastructure projects that aim to strengthen the European energy market and help the EU achieve its energy and climate goals. The appeals board stated that it has acknowledged the Silvermines Hydroelectric Energy Storage Project in its capacity as national competent authority to evaluate Projects of Common Interest. The appeals board will evaluate the project under an EU procedure which aims to streamline the consenting process for trans-European energy projects which are contained in a list of projects adopted by the European Commission. The Silvermines Hydroelectric Energy Storage Project, when operational, will be able to store as much as 296 Megawatts (MW), with a daily storage capacity up to 2,175MWh of electricity. This will be sufficient to power 185,000 households or 21,000 small businesses in Ireland everyday. The project was first mooted about a decade ago and the 148-hectare site is located in Tipperary on the Northern ridge of the Silvermines Mountain range. Local TD, Alan Kelly (Lab) has been a long time supporter of the project which will utilise the existing void to create a lower reservoir and see the creation of a second, upper reservoir just below the crest of the hilltop. Silvermines Hydro project is being developed and managed by Siga-Hydro Limited, an Irish company based in Nenagh, Co Tipperary. In 2023, the project owners teamed-up with the Foresight Group, a global infrastructure investor. Accounts for a connected firm Silvermines Tipp Hold Co Ltd show that it received a capital injection of 14.5 million in 2023. The Project of Common Interest procedure now being overseen follows three steps - notification; pre-application procedure and statutory permit granting procedure. After the permit granting procedure, An Bord Pleanala will make a final decision on the project. It is estimated that the project will create 400 jobs during construction and throughout its operational phase it is expected to employ as many as 50 employees in the pumped hydro station alone. In advance of the plans being lodged, Siga Hydro hosted three informational events at Silvermines across three days in December where over 120 community members participated. By Cillian Sherlock, PA A man and a woman have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a man in Co Donegal. Robert Robin Wilkin (66) was thrown off the Sliabh Liag cliffs on June 25th, 2023. Alan Vial (39), of Drumanoo Head in Killybegs, and Nikita Burns (24), from An Charraig in Co Donegal, were found guilty of the murder, and were sentenced at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin on Friday. Detective Garda David Durkin told the court that Vial had several previous convictions for road traffic and public order-type offences while Burns had no previous convictions. Mr Wilkin, originally from Omagh in Co Tyrone, had two sisters and a brother. Victim Robert Wilkin's sister, Irene McAleer, and brother, David, leaving the Central Criminal Court in Dublin this afternoon. Photo: Collins One sister, Irene McAleer, said Mr Wilkin was the eldest of the siblings and they looked up to him during their childhood. She described the murderers as two cold, calculating individuals and said the sentencing had brought the family a degree of closure. She said the family was sickened by their attitude to Mr Wilkins life, and added that hearing the evidence was emotional and traumatising. Ms McAleer said the family had been on an agonising journey filled with grief, denial and undoubtedly anger. She added: Now that the case has finished, we feel at a certain degree of closure to accept that Robin has passed, although the brutal nature of his death is something that none of us will ever come to terms with. This is something we will have to live with us that will live us for the rest of our lives. She added: To sit in the same room with those two very cold, calculating individuals has been so difficult. The fact neither of these individuals have shown a grain of remorse has been overwhelming at times. Ms McAleer was sickened, she said, when she heard that Burns had said she hoped the body would not be found and that the victim's family "wouldn't bother to come looking for him". She was further upset when she heard Vial "mocking" her brother, by declaring during one of his Garda interviews it was ironic that Robin had said he wanted to be buried at sea. Ms McAleer said that contrary to some reports, Mr Wilkin was not estranged from the family. She added that he was travelling his own path and lost regular contact with his siblings, adding: Robins callous and unnecessary murder has deprived us of a chance to reconnect. Ms McAleer said the family would live with the details of the cruel, needless murder for the rest of their lives, adding that Vial and Burns had dumped his body off a cliff like his life was worthless. She said listening to gruesome evidence had been absolutely harrowing for the family who had unanswered questions about whether he suffered or if the first blow killed him. As a family this isnt the end for us, our grieving will begin now, and whatever way we can navigate through it. Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the statement reflected the pain and suffering of the family. He commended gardai for conducting an extensive and very difficult inquiry, adding that they showed professionalism in pursuing the case. He sentenced Vial and Burns to life imprisonment. High Court reporters The family of an Irish Canadian man who died by suicide at University Hospital Kerry has settled a High Court action for 125,000. Liam Mitchell was 61 years of age when he died at University Hospital Kerry and had been living in Kerry for over three years after moving here from Canada. Mr Mitchells two daughters, Siobhan OKeefe, who lives in Austria and Kelly Dawn Mitchell, who lives in the UK, sued the HSE over their fathers death. The familys counsel Dr John OMahony SC told the High Court it was a very tragic case. Mr Mitchell, who was born in Montreal, had moved back to Ireland where his mother was from to reconnect with his heritage. Counsel said an apology had been given to Mr Mitchells family and was contained in a HSE review of the case. The apology read: The Mental Health Services wish to express their deepest condolences to the family and to acknowledge the devastating impact of his death. "They commit to ensuring that the recommendations identified in this report are implemented. Liability was admitted in the case. Mr Mitchell who lived at Gneeveguilla, Sliabh Luachra , Co Kerry had been referred to the to University Hospital Kerry on September 6th, 2019 for assessment. Mr Mitchell, who had a history of mental health issues, was admitted to the mental health unit at the hospital for a review of medication, but he remained an inpatient there for eleven weeks until his death on November 23rd, 2019. In the proceedings, it was claimed there was an alleged failure to have maintained adequate and ongoing supervision and care of Mr Mitchell, and there was an alleged failure to adequately monitor Mr Mitchell. It was also claimed that there was an alleged failure to advise all members of the staff who had any part in the care and management of Mr Mitchell that he was likely to attempt to carry out suicide. A HSE system analysis review report, which addressed the circumstances of Mr Mitchell's death, was carried out. It identified issues around communication and documentation of information about the patient's risk review and risk management plan, but said there was no evidence that these had a direct impact or bearing on the sad outcome. A number of recommendations were made including that the service should review the process in place at the time for the handover and communication of information between shifts and the multidisciplinary team. This was to ensure a new system was effective about the communication of and response to information pertinent to patient care. It also recommended that a revision of relevant policies take place and include the requirement to state clearly that when a patients possessions are removed on admission that they be listed and recorded. Noting the settlement in the High Court, Mr Justice Paul Coffey offered his deepest sympathy to Mr Mitchells family. High Court reporters An unsuccessful Kerry general election candidate has gone to the High Court claiming voting ballots were torn out of boxes at a polling station in Kerry on election night. Michelle Keane, of Talbot Bridge, Knocknagoshel, ran as an Independent candidate in Kerry in November. She claims to have seen ballots removed from boxes in front of her. She is seeking an order from the court to have the marked register of electors, which shows who voted, released to her and for documents in the case to not be destroyed. Ms Keane received over 1,500 first preference votes in the general election but lost out on the ninth court before Independents Michael and Danny Healy Rae, Sinn Feins Pa Daly and Fianna Fails Norma Foley were elected. At the High Court on Friday, Ms Keane submitted an ex parte application where only one side is represented naming the Clerk of the Dail, the Irish Government and returning officer Padraig Burke as respondents. Ms Keane told Mr Justice Garret Simons that she was seeking documents in the public interest and for democratic transparency and accountability and electoral fairness under Sections 130 and 131 of the Electoral Act 1992. She is also seeking to compel the respondents to release a statement of explanation as to what happened with ballot papers Ms Keane alleges were tore out right in front of me on the night of November 29th, 2024, when I attended the polling station. Mr Justice Simons said any petition against an election should have been initiated within 28 days of the polling day, and it was now over three months after the election. Ms Keane said she was allegedly being fobbed off by officials in her efforts and said that six months after the election, documents sought by her can be destroyed. She told Mr Justice Simons that people had come to her telling her they had voted for her and she needed the marked register to cross check the election because people have a right to know where their vote went. We live in a democracy. I physically saw a presiding officer tear out the ballots, and I made a formal statement to gardai, and that is still under investigation, she said. Mr Justice Simons asked if Ms Keane was seeking to set aside the election result in Kerry and was told that it was one of the aspects of her application. In her affidavit, Ms Keane claims she was in the Toureencahill polling station at around 8.45pm on the night when she claims she witnessed two election staff allegedly "tearing out ballot papers from the ballot box" and that she was the only other person in the room when this happened. Ms Keane submits that under the Electoral Act 1992, that "after an election, the marked registrar showing who voted is available for inspection by certain individuals or entities". Ms Keane submits that political parties and candidates have the right to inspect the register to check voter turnout or investigate the election's integrity. Mr Justice Simons said he would deliver his judgment in the case on Tuesday. Ryan Dunne A 37-year-old man accused of murdering his partner told gardai that he might have stabbed her with a very sharp knife, but he could not say how deep into her body it went, a jury has heard. The trial also heard on Thursday that Daniel Blanaru was told by gardai that a stab wound to Larisa Serban's chest was 12cm deep and it was not possible for her to do this herself. Mr Blanaru, from Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Serban (26) on or about August 12th, 2022. It is the State's case that she was stabbed to death by Mr Blanaru, whom they argue was a jealous and "controlling" partner. The jury previously heard that in garda interview, Mr Blanaru said that Larisa had a knife in her body after they had an argument. He said that Larisa told him to get out of the house, then she went and took a knife and came towards me. The jury viewed video footage of Mr Blanarus interviews in Ashbourne Garda Station on August 12th, 2022, with Detective Sergeant Robert Madden giving evidence to counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Antonia Boyle BL. During the interview, the accused, who was speaking through a Romanian interpreter, was asked what time he had stabbed Larisa, to which he replied: Do you think I know? I dont know. Mr Blanaru confirmed that a fight between them took place in the doorway of the bedroom. I threw the knife away. I had the knife in my hand and I threw it down. Im not sure where it went, either into the bedroom or the hallway. He went on to tell gardai: I put my hand over the knife and took the knife away from her and when we were fighting and moving, I dont know, I think I might have stabbed her. Mr Blanaru said that he did not know if he had used force, as it happened very quickly. He was asked if a lot of violence had been used, to which he replied: Yes, because I was trying to take the knife away from her. I know that she was holding her hand on her chest. He said that the knife used was a very sharp kitchen knife, but he did not know how many centimetres went in. During the interview, Det Sgt Madden referenced a report from State pathologist, Dr Heidi Okkers, who said that there was a stab wound to Larisas chest on the left hand side of the breast. The wound was 3.7cm long,1.3cm wide, and 12cm deep, with the knife going through the rib and left lung. Dr Okkers said that significant force was used and it was not possible for Larisa to do this herself. No, not her, said Mr Blanaru. Det Sgt Madden next put to the accused that Dr Okkers has said there were defensive wounds on Larisa, including bruising to the back of her hands and forearms. Mr Blanaru replied that Larisa had these bruises two weeks before the stabbing. She done it herself and then she went to the police, he said. Det Sgt Madden again referenced the report by Dr Okkers, in which it was outlined that Larisa had suffered a fracture to the bone in her arm, which was a defensive injury. Dr Okkers also identified linear scratches on Larisas hand, abrasions on the knuckles of her right hand, and scratches on her fingers. There was a small puncture wound on her upper right arm, bruising to her legs, and abrasions on the right leg. Dr Okkers said that all bruising was fresh and recent, and there was an injury to the back of the head consistent with a hard impact against a flat surface. Dr Okkers said that all these wounds were defensive, while two stab wounds were consistent with a significant use of force. The cause of death was the stab wound to the chest. To this, Mr Blanaru said to gardai: My thoughts are the same as yours. This couldnt happen. I think happened something else here, but I dont know. Only God knows. In his fourth garda interview on August 13th, 2022, Mr Blanaru was asked if he had stabbed Larisa once, to which he replied: Yes. I dont remember. He was asked if he had withdrawn the knife after stabbing her, to which he replied: Of course. I know I threw the knife away from my hand. He confirmed that Larisa let out a cry and grabbed her chest, before she told him to go, to run. It was put to Mr Blanaru that it seemed that the relationship between him and Larisa was deteriorating for some time before the night of the stabbing, to which Mr Blanaru confirmed that they were always arguing. The trial continues on Friday before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury of 11 men and four women. A delegation from the European Commission and representatives of key funding bodies visited SETU (South East Technological University) in Waterford recently to see progress on the TU Rise (Tu Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise) programme. SETUs, TU RISE team hosted Kai Stryczynski, Stephanie Gantzer-Houzel and Elena Panteva, from the European Commission, along with Enda Hogan, Assistant Director of the Southern Regional Assembly, and his team. Also in attendance were Neil McDermott from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Cassandra Hinchy from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, welcomed the delegation, emphasising the Universitys commitment to strengthening research and industry collaboration through the programme. Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice-President of Research, Innovation, and Impact at SETU, opened the presentations by highlighting the strategic role of the TU RISE programme in enhancing the university's research capacity and fostering partnerships with enterprise. Speaking after the event, Professor Campbell said: "TU RISE funding has facilitated the creation of new opportunities for research and innovation at SETU, ensuring our academic expertise translates into impact for the region." "This visit allowed us to demonstrate the progress we have made in fostering collaboration between SETU and industry, and we look forward ting to build on this momentum to ultimately transform the south east from a region of socio-economic disadvantage to one of innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact," she said. Dr James O'Sullivan, Head of Innovation and Commercialisation at SETU, provided an update on TU RISEs progress to date, and gave the delegates more detail on the project milestones reached so far. Attendees also heard from researchers actively involved in programme-supported projects. Dr James Cullen, a TU RISE postdoctoral candidate, spoke about his research project collaboration with Kerry group, while Dr Joe OMahony, TU RISE project investigator, and PhD candidate Ahmad Morwat, presented their research showcasing how TU RISE funding enabled them to collaborate with Analog Devices on an industry-focused project. SETUs TU RISE Academic Industry Liaisons, Dr Dean Callaghan (Engineering and Technology), Dr Brona Kehoe (Health) and Professor Helen Hughes (Eco-innovation), spoke about their work in building partnerships that connect the university's researchers with industry and Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement at the university, provided an overview of the Rural Innovation Hubs, which will support rural enterprises in accessing research, innovation, and knowledge transfer opportunities. A joint-initiative with Carlow County Council, Carlow Local Enterprise Office and Carlow Community Enterprise Centres, the first Rural Innovation Hub was launched in the refurbished Station House in Hacketstown, in Co. Carlow, with further hubs planned across the south east region. The meeting also facilitated an informal, collegial discussion between delegates, where SETU's TU RISE staff had an opportunity to showcase the programme further. Commenting on the visit Mr Hogan said: "TU RISE is empowering Irelands Technological Universities to drive regional innovation and economic growth. By expanding research capacity, strengthening industry collaboration, and supporting knowledge transfer, TU RISE ensures that cutting-edge discoveries translate into real-world applications." He went on to say: "Aligned with the EUs goal of a more competitive and smarter Europe, this investment in research excellence fuels a smarter, more competitive economy, equipping businesses and communities with the tools to thrive in an innovation-driven future." TU RISE is co-financed by the Irish Government and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27, and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27. SETU also acknowledged the support of the Higher Education Authority of Ireland and the Southern Regional Assembly in delivering the initiative. For more information on the programme and SETUs research and innovation activities visit https://www.setu.ie/research-innovation/tu-rise Eva Osborne On Thursday, gardai worked with the PSNI to conduct a major multi-agency checkpoint on the N1/M1 in Dundalk, Co Louth. This checkpoint involved the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) carrying out immigration checks on 10 buses, leading to two people being refused Leave to Land. Gardai said the two people will be deported from the country on Thursday night. The policing operation, with a focus on rural crime and human trafficking, was aimed at preventing and detecting criminality along the border and at preventing and disrupting the free movement of criminals based in the Republic and Northern Ireland. Alongside the immigration checks, there were four detections for drug driving (tested positive for cocaine and cannabis) and other vehicles were seized for having no tax or insurance and other Road Traffic Offences detected The Department of Social Protection identified 16 people for whom they wish to carry out further enquiries, and Revenue Customs detected Marked Gas Oil being unlawfully used in six vehicles, one of which was seized. The operation was led by gardai from the Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Division, assisted by the Garda Air Support Unit, Armed Support Unit, Garda National Immigration Bureau, and the Garda Human Trafficking Investigation Unit, alongside officials from Customs and the Department of Social Protection. Photo: An Garda Siochana The Garda operation also served as a Mandatory Intoxicating Testing (MIT) checkpoint and focussed on providing a high-visibility policing presence to help reduce road deaths. Transport Infrastructure Ireland implemented a full traffic management plan to divert all traffic over a period of four hours off the N1 southbound at Junction 18 and onto a slip road where the checkpoint was in place. Sgt Declan Higgins of the Louth Roads Policing Unit said: "Under the JATF, we work closely with the PSNI and they have a similar checkpoint operation North of the border. What were trying to do is prevent criminals from using our road network. "The checkpoint is also part of the road safety initiative of An Garda Siochana, were targeting drink and drug drivers and also people driving without insurance." Chief Inspector Adam Corner of the PSNI said: "We are proud to be involved in this JATF operation with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana. We are utilising a number of PSNI resources in order to control the strategic road network to deny criminals the use of the road. "Criminals are looking to exploit our border region and border communities and its through working with An Garda Siochana, sharing information, we will relentlessly pursue those looking to cause misery and those who look to commit crime in the border area. Why cash still matters While cash use has dropped sharply, there is still a substantial group of people who depend on notes and coins in their financial lives. The Reserve Bank estimates cash is only used in about 13 per cent of consumer payments, but there are around 1.5 million high cash users, who use it for more than 80 per cent of their in-person transactions. When cash is accepted at fewer stores, it also hits some parts of society harder than others. Treasury says groups most likely to bear the brunt of lower cash acceptance are regional and remote areas, older people, and low-income households. Cash is also valued for privacy reasons, and because its not subject to telecommunications or technology outages (such as in natural disasters). For all these reasons the government wants to make sure cash doesnt go the way of cheques which are being phased out from 2028. So, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced in November that certain businesses, including medium and large retailers that sell groceries and fuel, would have to accept cash. The proposed mandate will not apply to small businesses with turnover under $10 million, except for outlets of larger franchises. The proposal was quickly welcomed by the advocacy group for seniors, Council on the Ageing (COTA), which said cash remained vital for financial independence for many older Australians. As it has become harder and harder to pay with cash over the years, weve seen too many people left with no option to pay for goods that doesnt see them hit them with additional charges, COTA chief executive Patricia Sparrow said. Armaguards woes last year highlighted the strain on the cash distribution system. Credit: Aresna Villanueva But the response has been much less positive from the Australian Retail Association, which has warned of potential costs and pushed for a delay to the mandate. In a submission to the federal Treasury, the ARA said it recognised the continued use of cash by some vulnerable members of the community, but it did not support the policy in its current form, raising a slew of objections. It underlined the costs of maintaining the infrastructure for accepting cash payments such as having extra security, maintaining safes, and secure transport and warned these costs could ultimately be passed on to consumers. The ARA also said concentrating cash transactions in certain locations could increase security risks, saying many businesses were already trying to use less cash in response to increasing crime in store. Key details of the mandate are also still the subject of consultation. How do you define an essential business? A Treasury discussion paper proposes clothing for children and infants be considered essential, for example, but not adult clothing. The last truck carrying cash is going to cost a lot of money. NAB chief executive Andrew Irvine Would there be a maximum payment that businesses would need to accept in cash? This is what US states including Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York have done. Or would retailers only be required to accept cash at certain times of the day to limit the security risks? In Denmark, for example, physical stores arent allowed to refuse cash payments between 6.00am and 10.00pm Retailers say the cash mandate shouldnt mean customers also have a right to always receive change in cash. Credit: Justin McManus Does the mandate mean customers also have a right to expect to receive change in cash? You might assume that it would, but the ARA says requiring businesses to keep enough cash to give change or refunds in notes and coins could be tricky in circumstances when there are limited notes and coins on hand (such as in small communities). And how long might the mandate remain in place? Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock recently predicted cash would be around for probably another 10 years and business groups are pushing for future reviews into how long the mandate will stick around. Ai Group chief executive Innes Willox says: It would be useful to insert a grandfathering provision that would require government to go back, in say five years time, and look whether the mandate is still needed or should be adjusted in the future. The strain on cash infrastructure As these details are ironed out, the bigger challenge for banks will be how to efficiently supply cash to the community, even as physical money gets used less and less. Loading The cash distribution system is already under strain, and that will only intensify as cash usage dries up further, spreading the cost of cash distribution across a dwindling number of cash transactions. Some experts say it makes sense to rationalise the banks network of ATMs something thats been talked about for years while theres also a question of how the cost of cash gets passed on to consumers. This is a sensitive issue, as underlined by the backlash Commonwealth Bank faced late last year after announcing it would move thousands of customers into an account that charges a $3 fee for taking out cash at a branch. Politicians slammed CBA forcing it to press pause on the move and instead consult affected customers on other options. Australian designer Christopher Esbers latest show at Paris Fashion Week is a shimmering message to Hollywood stylists and stars that he is ready for his Oscars red carpet moment alongside Dior, Chanel and Ralph Lauren. A beaded top worn by Australian runway stalwart Mali Koopman above pants with an insouciant Sydney silhouette could easily be seen on Emma Stone. The pairing seems increasingly possible given the top is one stitch of separation from the Oscar-winning actress. Esber enlisted Swiss-born couturier Cecile Feilchenfeldt to attach five kilograms of beads and resin chips to the tricked-up tank top, following her work on the custom Louis Vuitton dress Stone wore to the Oscars. Mali Koopman in a 5kg tank top and models at the Christopher Esber show, autumn 2025, Paris Fashion Week. Credit: Luca Tombolini We were looking at antiquity, ideas from the past and detailing used in flamenco, Esber says from Paris. From there, we created this really dense, beaded knitted top, which uses plenty of hard surfaces like tortoiseshell that you would have seen in the 1920s. The electoral combatants have sharpened their pitch to Western Australian voters in a state poll that most people predict is a forgone conclusion. Labor is universally tipped to win a historic third term in Saturdays election after two landslide victories in 2017 and 2021. WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam. Credit: Nine But the Liberals are hoping the party can significantly erode the incumbents 53 of 59 seat stranglehold on the WA lower house. Two opinion polls published on Friday point to gains for the Liberals. A Demos AU survey of 1126 people predicts a 57-43 two-party preferred vote, with a 13 per cent swing against Labor that could put up to 11 seats in reach of the Liberals. Newspoll similarly predicts Liberal gains of up to 11 seats, with its polling showing a 57.5 to 42.5 two-party-preferred Labor lead from a 12.2 per cent swing, up from 56-44 a month ago. Liberal leader Libby Mettam said Labor had taken Western Australians for granted and after eight years it was time for a change. Premier Roger Cook reminded voters about his partys Made In WA manufacturing strategy which has been its key pitch during the election. AAP Just under 60,000 Energex customers were without power at 7pm Friday, the electricity provider reported, and that number was expected to rise dramatically as wind strength increased. Loading Elective surgeries had already been cancelled and, on Friday afternoon, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said other health services were already starting to be directly impacted. The Redlands Satellite Health Centre has temporarily closed due to potential flood risk, but critical medical equipment has been relocated, as has the staff, he said. So if there are people who require kidney dialysis or chemotherapy, they will still get that treatment and that has been communicated directly to them. Wynnum-Manly Primary Care Clinic has temporarily closed for safety and thats related to back-up power supply staff have also been redeployed. All hospitals remain open for emergency care. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner warned flooding across the city would be very different to previous floods that have inundated the region, with residents to see more widespread impacts. In 2011, we had the Mud Army [to help with recovery], and that worked so well because there were parts of the city that were affected by river flood, but there were many parts ... that werent affected at all, he said. Erosion at the Southport Spit on Friday. Credit: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images Schrinner compared Alfreds threat with the 2022 Brisbane flood, for which he said there was next to no warning. Loading Collopy said more rain fell in February 2022 some parts of Brisbane received 1100 metres in three days than was expected from Alfred. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, meanwhile, warned of supply shortages in Queensland supermarkets after the cyclone passes through, with supply chains set for some major short-term disruption. Tropical Cyclone Alfred is likely to hit shore the land midday [Saturday], and then its important for the workers of the supermarkets to be where they need to be as safe as possible, he said on Friday. Its also clear that distribution centres, as of this afternoon, have started to close down. Bleijie said shoppers would have to be patient once the cyclone passes. As youd appreciate farms will be impacted, freight logistics to fill the supermarkets shelves will be challenging, particularly if staff have properties that are impacted, he said. So I think all Queenslanders will understand and appreciate natural disasters and a little bit of patience and care for our retail hospitality workers in the next few days. Empty shelves at Coolangatta Woolworths as Cyclone Alfred approached. Credit: Chris Hyde/Getty Images Amid the angst, though, a little joy. Crisafulli said a young mum, hunkered down at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island, gave birth to twins overnight on Thursday. Loading We had paramedics and midwives who assisted the mum, and they continued to care for her, he said. Thats a one of those little gems in an otherwise really, really stressful time for everybody. Acting Queensland Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy said telecommunications had been cut in some Gold Coast areas due to 26 mobile base stations losing power and running out of battery. Chelepy said affected suburbs included Balinga, Balinga North, Binna Burra, Burleigh Waters, Coolangatta, Parkwood, Bundall, Reedy Creek, Mudgeeraba, Currumbin, Springbrook and OReillys retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland. NBN outages which affect the landlines are also occurring in those same areas, and the moment it is safe to do so, our telcos, who we have been engaged with, will get into those areas and try to get generation to those stations, he said. Crisafulli said he remained confident in south-east Queenslanders resolve as Alfred neared their homes. I know this is an unusual event its been a long time since the cyclone across the coast this far south, but the way that people have treated this has been quite frankly remarkable, he said. The vast majority of people have done the right thing, and my view is if you give people the information, humans rally in times of crisis. Washington: US President Donald Trump has postponed 25 per cent tariffs on certain imports from Mexico and Canada for a month amid widespread fears of the economic fallout from a broader trade war. The White House insists its tariffs are about stopping the smuggling of fentanyl, but the taxes proposed by Trump have caused a gaping wound in the decades-old North American trade partnership. Trumps tariff plans have also caused the stock market to sink and alarmed US consumers. In addition to his claims about fentanyl, Trump has insisted that the tariffs could be resolved by fixing the trade deficit and he emphasised while speaking in the Oval Office that he still planned to impose reciprocal tariffs starting on April 2. US President Donald Trump addresses Congress on Thursday. Credit: AP Most of the tariffs go on April the second, Trump said before signing the orders. Right now, we have some temporary ones and small ones, relatively small, although its a lot of money having to do with Mexico and Canada. On 8 March, the World Customs Organization (WCO) joins the international community in celebrating International Womens Day 2025 by highlighting the outcomes of its Successful Women In Customs campaign. Launched by WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders in March 2024, the campaign has brought to the forefront the inspiring stories of 10 strong and capable women from all around the globe working in Customs. During the kick-off event for the campaign, echoing the saying You cannot be what you cannot see, Secretary General Saunders emphasized the importance of showcasing influential figures to inspire future generations. The successful women in Customs interviewed for this campaign are invited to share details of their achievements, the challenges faced in their careers, their work environment, their ambitions, their passions and their personal life. Each interview concludes with their views on broader topics such as leadership, communication, ethics and continuous learning. In keeping with the International Womens Day 2025 theme: For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment and the WCO theme for 2025: Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity, today the WCO wishes to underscore the added value that women bring to their Customs administrations and the crucial roles they play in day-to-day Customs operations. All these women practice continuous self-reflection and self-improvement, demonstrating determination and resilience. This strengthens our belief that gender equality and diversity (GED) is not only a matter of equal rights, but that it can also form part of a Customs administrations performance strategy since it unlocks innovation, said Secretary General Saunders. Through this campaign, the WCO is honouring the achievements not only of these leading women but of all women working in the Customs sector, and is reaffirming its commitment to fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can achieve their full potential. Other recent WCO initiatives to address GED include the launch of the third edition[1] of its Compendium on Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs. This updated edition was published with financial support from His Majestys Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom, under the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme. Other vital resources in this domain include the updated 2023 version of the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool, designed to help Member administrations assess and improve their gender equality practices, and the Declaration of the Customs Co-operation Council on Gender Equality and Diversity, adopted in 2020. [1] This follows the first edition was issued in 2021 and the second edition in 2023 which was made possible with the financial support of the United Kingdom. Women in Customs Click on image to enlarge BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. Russia and Iran discussed international efforts to address the Iranian nuclear program, Trend reports. The discussion took place during a meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Iranian Ambassador Kazem Jalali. The talks addressed issues on the international agenda, including the outcome of the current session of the IAEA Board of Governors. The parties emphasized their commitment to strengthening bilateral coordination in line with the decisions of the leadership of Russia and Iran, as well as in consideration of the results of the meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries held on February 25 in Tehran. On January 16, 2016, the JCPOA came into force between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) regarding Irans nuclear program. However, on May 8, 2018, the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions on Iran starting from November 2018. In 2020, Iran announced that it would no longer be bound by restrictions outlined in the nuclear agreement. By the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to pursue a strategic plan in the nuclear sector to counter the sanctions, leading to a suspension of additional steps and the Additional Protocol as per the nuclear agreement. As part of this, Iran suspended the implementation of additional steps and the additional protocol outlined in the nuclear deal starting February 23, 2021. Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faced a reduction in monitoring capabilities by 2030 percent. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. The next meeting between representatives of the US and Ukraine will be held in Saudi Arabia, the publication of Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry on X said, Trend reports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for holding the planned meeting between the US and Ukraine, which will be held in Jeddah next week, the statement reads. The Painted Lady ('Plebejus idas nevadensis') is a butterfly native to mountain meadows. In the image, several males and one female are drinking salts directly from the ground in Sierra Nevada, in the summer of 2020. With just one month left until spring, Rob Wilson resumed a routine he has followed since 2018: on the last weekend of February, he ventures into the countryside near Colmenar Viejo in Madrid, where he lives. From then until the end of summer, sometimes on his own and sometimes accompanied by his colleague Juan Pablo Cancela, he takes the same walk each time from the nearby stream to the mountain in search of butterflies. While not enough time has passed for his observations to have scientific validity, Wilson has noticed a decline in the number of lepidopterans. The rare species are particularly scarce. His observation mirrors a global trend. In Spain, Europe, the United States, and other regions with reliable data, the landscape is the same: a world with fewer and fewer butterflies. The easiest thing is to choose a site close to your home. I have one in Colmenar Viejo, says Wilson, an entomologist at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC). You go to that same spot every week between March and September. And you walk a route of one to two kilometers, with an imaginary box two and a half meters on each side and five meters in front of you. Basically, you take note of all the butterflies that enter your imaginary box. Thats whats called a transect, explains Wilson. Cancela, also an entomologist at the MNCN, continues: Many species are easy to identify while theyre flying, but some are more complicated. For those, we carry a butterfly net we have a permit from the Madrid regional government. If theres a species thats difficult to identify, we capture it, identify it, and release it. This is how they estimate the abundance of butterflies in Colmenar Viejo and globally. To observe trends, we need more years of data. But in these eight years, species that were once abundant are now scarce, and others that were rare to begin with are no longer seen, says the British ecologist, who resides in Colmenar Viejo. In the United States, dozens of scientists like Wilson and Cancela, along with hundreds of volunteers, have been doing the same thing since the early 2000s. The results of their transects have just been published in the journal Science and are alarming: for the 342 species with statistically significant data, the U.S. has lost 22% of its butterfly population since 2000. For 107 species, the losses exceed half of their numbers. These declines are happening across all latitudes and bioclimates, but are particularly severe in southern regions, which are more vulnerable to the heat and droughts driven by climate change. This connection is confirmed by the few species that have thrived only 3% of species are growing significantly. Two-thirds of those that have increased in number are primarily found in Mexico. Collin Edwards, a biologist at Washington State University and the first author of this extensive study, explains: Many of those that are increasing are found primarily in Mexico and/or Central America. He adds: This is consistent with our finding that butterfly species tend to thrive at the northern edges of their ranges, which is what we would expect to see in the northern hemisphere with a warmer climate. In other words, subtropical species are moving northward. The Apollo ('Parnassius apollo') is a typical mountain butterfly. Due to agriculture and climate change, it is moving uphill and disappearing from the lower elevations. Rob Wilson The decline observed in the United States is even more pronounced in Europe. Where long-term data exists, the longer the time series, the worse the situation for butterflies. Since 1992, Belgium has lost a third of its butterfly species, and the populations of the remaining species have declined by 30%. In the United Kingdom, with its long tradition of lepidopterists, 8% of butterfly species have disappeared since 1976, and the global population of these insects has shrunk by half. However, it is the Netherlands that seems to be heading towards a world without butterflies. A 2019 study, using the archives of natural science museums to estimate butterfly abundance since 1890, concluded that only 16% of the butterflies that existed at the end of the 19th century remain in the land of tulips. This conclusion, supported by more recent counts, paints a bleak picture. The three Atlantic countries share common challenges that have contributed to this decline: very high human population densities and urbanization, which have reduced butterfly habitats; intensified agriculture, where monocultures do not support species diversity; and the widespread use of pesticides. New threats, such as climate change and the abandonment of rural areas, have compounded these issues. Cristina G. Sevilleja, from the Netherlands Butterfly Conservation Institute, also leads the Butterfly Conservation Europe project. She explains: In the west, the main cause of decline has been the intensification of agriculture, whereas in other regions, like Eastern Europe, the abandonment of traditional farming and livestock practices is transforming open areas into scrubland. Her organization is responsible for the Meadow Butterfly Indicator, an index used by the European Commission to assess biodiversity, specifically insect populations. The latest data from this indicator show that lepidopteran populations have decreased by 32% in the European Union and by up to 36% across Europe as a whole. Constanti Stefanescu, an ecologist at CREAF, has been studying butterflies in the Spanish region of Catalonia and the Mediterranean basin for decades and reports similar findings to those observed in the United States. Over the past 30 years, butterfly populations have decreased by between 30% and 40%, says Stefanescu, who is also a researcher at the Granollers Museum of Natural Sciences and heads the Catalan Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (BMS). There are BMS programs across Europe, all of which monitor butterfly populations in the same way that Rob Wilson does in Colmenar Viejo. However, in Catalonia, systematic studies have been conducted since 1994. Among grassland species, some have lost half their numbers. Among forest species, there have been some gains, but the average is a 20% decline, adds Stefanescu. Zullich's Blue butterfly ('Agriades zullichi') now only has a few specimens left, and not many, in the peaks of Sierra Nevada. Its habitat barely covers 70 hectares. Its caterpillar feeds exclusively on one plant, also found in high mountain areas. Jose Miguel Barea With fewer years of study, the situation is even worse in Spains Cantabrian mountain range. Amparo Mora, a researcher at Picos de Europa National Park the first protected area in Spain highlights a threat that might seem counterintuitive: The abandonment of the countryside is causing the environment to become overgrown. This rewilding is damaging biodiversity, she explains. The vast majority of butterflies, up to 90%, are meadow species and, like most insects, require open spaces full of flowers. However, the lack of large herbivores, whether wild or domesticated, is causing these spaces to become overgrown. Mora has been conducting transects in the Cantabrian park for nine years. The park was once home to 137 butterfly species, 60% of those found in the Iberian Peninsula. But over this period, abundance has plummeted by 45%; we will need to wait another five or 10 years to see the full picture, but the numbers are already telling us something, the researcher points out. Spains far south, in Sierra Nevada, is home to more than half of Iberian butterfly species. They are also being monitored, but the data available is still too limited to predict their future. Jose Miguel Bareas doctoral thesis, which has studied the Lepidoptera of the Penibetic mountain range for two decades, revealed mixed results. Of the 125 documented species, 13% are seeing significant population increases, 19% are in decline, and another 8% are stable. However, the remaining 60% show uncertain trends. Climate change is driving a double process: on the one hand, generalist species are replacing specialists that depend on very specific microhabitats, and on the other, every year, these species are appearing at higher altitudes or further north. This follows a universal adaptation law: species migrate north, higher up mountains, or deeper into the seas. Yolanda Melero, from CREAF-UB, and her colleague Pau Colom, from University of Barcelona, recently published a study on the same trends observed in the mountains, but in urban parks. Melero leads a project examining the state of urban butterflies in parks and green spaces in Madrid and Barcelona, such as Casa de Campo and Montjuic. Their focus is on understanding the interaction between threats, particularly urbanization and climate change. In general, we have observed that the most specialist species those with less capacity for dispersal are doing worse, says Melero. Colom, for his part, acknowledges that some species may even benefit, such as thermophilic species that are now colonizing cooler areas previously unsuitable for them. However, he adds: When you look at the trends for the entire butterfly community in a location, most species are on the decline. Additionally, the heat island effect in urban environments may make these areas even more inhospitable. The African Grass Blue ('Zizeeria knysna') is a butterfly native to North Africa that has thrived in southern Spain since the last century. Over the course of this century, it has begun to appear in the central and northern regions of the peninsula. It is one of the winners of climate change. JuanPabloCancela (Juan Pablo Cancela) Miguel Lopez Munguira, from the Centre for Research in Biodiversity and Global Change at the Autonomous University of Madrid, was Jose Miguel Bareas thesis director and has been studying the butterflies of Sierra Nevada for more than 40 years. He was also one of the leaders of the team of specialists who produced the Atlas of Diurnal Butterflies of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands in 2004. They are now putting the finishing touches on a new version of the Atlas, which may be published next year. Between 2004 and 2025, we havent lost any species, but we are going to lose them, he says. However, we are already losing many populations in many places, he adds. Looking to the future, he believes that a cataclysm awaits them if nothing is done. Butterflies are simply too fragile to face such a powerful enemy. Climate change is linked to changes in land use, leading to the intensification of agriculture, with its pesticides, which is harmful, as well as the abandonment of agriculture, which also harms animals that depend on open spaces, he explains. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed Rafael Tudares Bracho was kidnapped at 12:39 p.m., on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. At the time, he was taking his seven- and eight-year-old children to visit their grandmother, who had just had surgery. Two months have passed since that moment and his whereabouts are still unknown. Theres no information about his physical integrity or his state of health. Rafael Tudares Bracho is my son-in-law. This is the reality we face after his forced disappearance but its also the story of thousands of men and women in Venezuela. Despite the efforts to locate him which include constant visits to detention centers and filing formal requests with the authorities to access information the Venezuelan state is keeping his whereabouts a secret, even denying him the right to a phone call. I am the legitimate president, elected by more than 7.5 million Venezuelans. In each vote, I recognize the will for change in my country. But today, Im also just any ordinary Venezuelan. Im experiencing what thousands of my compatriots have suffered: I have a relative who has been kidnapped by the state. I have a daughter who wanders through detention centers, searching for her husband. I have grandchildren who lived through the terror of seeing how armed and hooded men took their father away, leaving them in the middle of the street. These same men now stationed around the corner from their house, wearing the same hoods and carrying the same weapons serve as a permanent reminder of who took him. Is this my story? No. Its the story of many Venezuelan families who live in a state of constant uncertainty, threatened and persecuted. Families who, like mine, receive pressure and warnings to remain silent, not to report, not to be difficult. My commitment along with Maria Corina Machado and other opposition leaders in Venezuela has been to fight for freedom and political change in a context of serious human rights violations. We have faced systematic attacks against the civilian population, practices that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has described as state terrorism, revealing the magnitude and systemic nature of these crimes. Since I accepted the nomination as an opposition candidate less than a year ago, I have been the victim of harassment, persecution, and threats, including the risk of being arbitrarily deprived of my freedom. This is what happens in Venezuela when you stand on the side of the people and when you understand the desire for change that mobilized almost eight million Venezuelans to vote for a better future. Its the risk that every citizen runs should they choose to oppose authoritarianism and the loss of basic rights and freedoms. Is yearning for a dignified life a crime? It certainly is not. Added to this panorama is the strategy of expansive political persecution, as Nicaraguan writer Sergio Ramirez described to me. A persecution that not only seeks to silence the opposition within Venezuela, but extends its tentacles beyond, trying to silence any dissident voice and even forcing citizens into exile, including my wife Mercedes, myself, and many others. This strategy subjugates family members and friends, generating a climate of fear to shape a controlled, submissive society. Rafael has been disappeared just because hes my son-in-law. This is despite the fact that the Venezuelan Constitution establishes that the criminal responsibility of a person cannot extend to their family members. You cannot take a family member hostage. However, believe me, our loved ones are hostages, bargaining chips, negotiating pieces. Rafael, Jesus, Dignora, Rocio, William, Enrique, Americo, Freddy, Perkins, Magaly, Claudia, Pedro and many others including military personnel are being held captive today by the Venezuelan state, awaiting the moment to be exchanged. In recent days, informal sources told us that Rafael was brought before a judge in a legal procedure that was flawed from the start. In this clandestine trial, he was charged with treason, conspiring with foreign governments and criminal association the same crimes that I am charged with. His defense was left in the hands of a lawyer appointed by the state, a common practice for those detained in the post-election context. The persecution of political dissidents in Venezuela isnt new, but it has intensified since the 2023 opposition primary elections. State repression against opponents, political leaders and their families has intensified, as documented by national and international NGOs, the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela and the UN subcommittees on torture, enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention. Recent cases follow the same patterns: arbitrary detentions, hooded officials, enforced disappearances, incommunicado detention, isolation, denial of the right to a private lawyer, clandestine trials without the familys knowledge, denial of due process, lack of access to health care and total isolation from the outside world. This is nothing other than a kidnapping. I have explained this to the authorities throughout the international community whenever I have met with them. The Venezuelan government wants to silence us, the family members. They want to stop our struggle. They want to make us feel guilty, when clearly the only culprit here is authoritarianism and its practices of state terrorism. Despite the adverse context, the pressures and the risks, as a father, I remain firm in demanding freedom for my son-in-law and for all those who, like him, are unjustly kidnapped. As president-elect, following the civic process of July 28, 2024, I remain committed to defending justice, freedoms and human rights in my country. Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is the winner of the 2024 Venezuelan presidential elections, as certified by the Carter Center. He is also the recipient of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from the European Parliament. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Achill natives who have moved away and become part of Irelands diaspora must be helped to return home to revitalise the local community, according to a local councillor. Cllr Paul McNamara made the call at last week's meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District after reference was made to data from Census 2022 which revealed that almost half of the houses on the island are vacant. Cllr McNamara said the houses were not so much vacant, but too far removed from good infrastructure and services for locals to be able to live in them. Erris councillor Gerry Coyle said a similar situation applied in Erris where locals built homes but had to move elsewhere to make a viable living and he called on Mayo County Council to develop public infrastructure to keep people living in the area. The discussion arose during a presentation by Gaeilge Iorrais and Pobal Gaeilge Acla on the promotion and strengthening of the Irish language in both areas. Irish Language Development Officer, Colm MacEachmharcaigh, said he had worked extensively on Achill Island. The main challenge we find in Achill is we have a declining population, particularly young families, which has seen numbers in national schools drop from 475 to 260 over recent years. Without young families, there will be no Gaeltacht. There is a huge opportunity in that 45% of the houses were recorded as vacant on Census night 2022 and I would ask Mayo Co Council to push some of them back into use because right now if a family went on daft.ie to look for a house in Achill they would not find one. Cllr McNamara praised the work of those people who are promoting the Irish language on Achill Island but said there were "a lot of reasons" for the vacant homes, including the absence of people who are forced to work in Dublin and the wider East Coast region. A lot of people live in urban towns and do not want to commute to and from Achill, so it is about how to attract these people back. We also must make planning permission more accessible, particularly for those wanting to build on their own land; and it is vital that road networks are upgraded, particularly leading into the Achill area, as that makes travelling times more beneficial." Cllr McNamara said it was true that Achill had seen several national schools close in recent years but pointed out: This is happening right through from Donegal to Cork and not just here. There is a total fall-off of numbers in the rural areas so it is important everyone tries to do their best for their local areas. Cllr Gerry Coyle said the so-called empty houses were homes built by natives that would never be considered vacant. These houses were built on sweat and tears. The people might have left Geesala or Achill but their hearts stay at home and the first thing they say is they built a house so they have a home to come back to when they can. They say to us, this is what we call home, even when they are living in Manchester. But when they are in Geesala, they say they are home. A councillor said the bad weather of recent months has left many roads in a poor state. Independent Cllr John O'Malley told a meeting of Westport-Bemullet Municipal District that a programme of works was needed in 2025 to repair the damage of the past winter. We are going to have to put together a programme either with a velocity tractor or something to keep the roads safe because a lot are so bad and getting worse by the day. You can fill potholes but then two or three days later they are as bad again. Its not fair to people driving into them and then needing to pass an NCT. The meeting heard that Transport Infrastructure Ireland has approved works on the N59 Newport-Derrada. Head of the municipal district Seamus OMongain said he hoped a contractor would be appointed shortly. A Manchester-based utilities and infrastructure service provider with strong ties to counties Mayo and Sligo recently had teams on the ground in the west of Ireland assisting the ESB with its response to Storm Eowyn. IES Utilities Group was called upon to provide a rapid and skilled response to the destruction caused by Storm Darragh before Christmas and then Storm Eowyn in January. On the day after the storm on January 24, more than 750,000 homes and businesses were without power across the country. In the aftermath of Eowyn, IES Utilities has had over 160 overhead linesmen and women deployed across north Wales, Scotland and England restoring electricity networks after critical infrastructure suffered from extensive damage. The company was eager to send teams to help the ESB in Ireland after seeing first-hand the challenges and destruction caused by the storm. The firm has strong ties to the west of Ireland. Managing director Ged Shannons family is from Belmullet and group finance manager Mary McDonagh hails from Attymass. They were exceptionally proud to be helping the community in their native county. CEO Brendan Flynns family is from Sligo and he said that he was proud of the work IES carried out in the West of Ireland over the past few weeks. When the call came we were more than happy to send our teams to provide help and given that we were helping in the west of Ireland, it was an added bonus, he said. Many members of the team were taken by the friendly welcome they received in local communities. One group took the time to assist the local community in Castlebar to clear debris caused by Storm Eowyn. At another location in Mayo, a team met a 90-year-old man who was keeping himself warm in his car. When the team heard of this, upon reconnecting the area to the main supply, they returned to this customers property to ensure that his sockets and heating were powered as well. I am proud that the team has stepped up and were able to not only repair the power lines but also found the time to help the local communities they visited, said Mr Flynn. Originally, the company's teams were deployed in Donegal and restored over 9,000 customers in the first days of their deployment. They then worked in Silgo, and finally in Mayo, where they restored over 20,000 customers. Team leader Mark Barton said there was a vast amount of seemingly irreparable damage. There were electricity poles snapped in half, hanging off powerlines, poles in rivers, and large trees that blocked busy roads, he said. We utilised tracked machinery and access equipment and were able to clear the dangerous defects and rebuild the powerlines. On February 12, after 14 days of providing support since the initial call to action, the crews from IES Utilities were officially stood down and sent back to England. IES Utilities were commended on their effort and hard work in supporting the wider restoration works for ESB Networks. U.S. President Donald Trump says he wants to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and sent a letter this week to the countrys leaders inviting them to open talks, in a further step in a series of initiatives that are changing traditional U.S. foreign policy from top to bottom. I said, I hope youre going to negotiate, because it will be a lot better for Iran, the Republican said in an interview with Fox Business aired Friday. The United States withdrew from the nuclear deal negotiated by the Barack Obama administration and European partners in 2018, during Trumps first term, arguing that the pact was too beneficial to Tehran and opened the door to the regimes ability to arm itself with nuclear weapons to attack Israel if it failed to comply with the terms of the pact. In fact, the negotiations that led to that agreement had begun with a letter from Obama in 2009 to the Iranian government. I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something because you cant let them have a nuclear weapon, the U.S. president said in the interview, reiterating his refusal to let another country become a nuclear power. Trump did not specify exactly to whom his letter was addressed, but it could be to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The U.S. president had already expressed his interest in reaching some kind of agreement with Iran in February, which he considers to be weakened after the failures of its attacks against Israel and the blows to the Islamist groups it backs (Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza). After the 2018 debacle, the Democratic administration of Joe Biden had tried to salvage the nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and to establish confidence-building measures with Iran. But the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked the war in Gaza, scuttled any attempt at rapprochement. In the meantime, the Islamic Republic has been steadily accelerating its uranium enrichment program, which U.S. intelligence services consider to be well advanced. Both Israel and the United States have assured that they will not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran. The question of a possible new nuclear deal with Iran had come up in the U.S.-Russia talks held two weeks ago in Saudi Arabia to explore a way out of the war in Ukraine, in another of the Republican administrations steps to make a 180-degree turn on a foreign policy that until now had been one of unconditional support for Kyiv and isolation of Moscow. Trump had also raised his administrations interest in negotiating with Tehran on this possible pact and the regimes support of Islamist groups in the Middle East during his phone call, a week earlier, with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Moscow had expressed its willingness to cooperate. Following those talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who headed his countrys delegation, traveled to Tehran to meet with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. According to what the head of Iranian diplomacy declared afterwards, Lavrov informed him of the details of the meeting he had held in Riyadh with the Americans. This Friday, the Russian ministry indicated that its number two, Sergey Riabkov, had discussed international efforts to resolve the situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear program with Iranian ambassador Kazem Yalali. There are two ways Iran can be handled, militarily or you make a deal, Trump said in his interview with Fox Business. I would prefer to make a deal, because Im not looking to hurt Iran. Theyre great people. And, he insisted, Im not sure that everybody agrees with me, but we can make a deal that would be just as good as if you won militarily. But the time is happening now, the time is coming up. Something is going to happen one way or the other. The JPOEA, signed in 2015 between Iran and a number of international powers, provided for relief from certain sanctions imposed against Tehran, worth billions of dollars, in exchange for Iran dismantling part of its nuclear program and subjecting it to the control of the international community. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Mykhailo Podolyak, 53, is one of the most popular figures in the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Podolyak works under Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiys chief adviser, and one of his key responsibilities is defining the political strategy that will guide Ukraine to survive the Russian invasion. As Zelenskiy has openly acknowledged, survival hinges on maintaining the United States as a crucial ally. In an interview with EL PAIS on Wednesday in Kyiv, Podolyak made it clear that Ukraines strategy is focused on rebuilding its relationship with Washington. The priority, admits this veteran member of Zelenskiys team he has been part of the Presidential office since 2020 is to restore bilateral relations with the U.S. following the commotion caused after Donald Trumps return to the White House. I recommend we stay calm. We know the political style of the 47th president of the United States taking the initiative, being aggressive in information, and dominant. But we also know that we still need to sit at the negotiating table, he says. Question. CIA Director John Ratcliffe says Zelenskiy has changed his strategy of confrontation with Trump after the Pentagon suspended military aid to Ukraine. Is that correct? Answer. No, no, no. The U.S. is one of our key partners and the president of Ukraine proposes restoring the negotiation channels. There are three main areas for negotiation. First, the strategic economic partnership within the framework of the Mineral Resources Agreement. Second, the continuation of military aid. It is a fact that many [military assistance] programs have nearly been completed and most of the resources have already been used. The programs approved by the previous U.S. administration are coming to an end and everything needs to be renegotiated. Third, the synchronization of positions in the negotiation process with Russia and the conditions for ending the war. There is no point in speculating today about the suspension of military aid or the sharing of intelligence data. What is needed is to talk about restoring a constructive bilateral negotiation process with the U.S. Q. But this is not speculation, it is something that Washington has confirmed. What are the biggest threats if Ukraine is left without U.S. defense assistance? A. Intelligence data is critical because it allows us to understand where Russian troops are being relocated, how their logistics work, the concentration of military resources within Russia, or even where offensive and counteroffensive actions are expected. The supply of certain unique equipment, such as the anti-missile defense systems [Patriot], which protect civilians and critical infrastructure, is also crucial. And more. But we have already faced certain situations before, during this war, in which there was speculation about the suspension of military aid. Q. Trump has proposed renegotiating a broader agreement on the mining of Ukraines strategic minerals. Zelenskiy has insisted that this pact must include future defense guarantees. Do you know whether the U.S. president has accepted this request? A. The framework agreement on mineral resources is a path to large-scale strategic and economic cooperation. The first annex, I speak conditionally, would outline the economic structure of these agreements how they would function, what investments should be made, in which sectors, how the sovereign fund [shared between both governments] would operate, the countries respective roles, how the fund will be replenished, how profits will be distributed, and the total volume of production and its implementation. Then the question will arise of how we ensure that this is safe. Because one of the reasons for the war besides Russia wanting to destroy Ukraine, dominate the region, and return to the concept of the Soviet Union is also a very pragmatic Russian objective: to seize the territories where mineral resources are located. To prevent this, it is crucial to understand how the agreement will be defended and what security guarantees will be in place. These could include a no-fly zone, missile bases, a significant upgrade of the Ukrainian armys capabilities, and investment in Ukraines military production. Q. Does this mean that guarantees on defense assistance will be part of the agreement that will now be renegotiated? Or will they be left for later, as Trump wants? A. As I said, we need to take it step by step. All of this is being discussed and will have different stages of implementation. But when the U.S. invests in any country, they are interested in ensuring that those territories will be stable and that no one else will claim them. And after the war, it will be necessary to clearly define the status of the territories and ensure that they are protected from any action by Russia. These are obvious things that will be discussed later. Q. What has surprised you most about the tensions sparked by Trump and his team toward Zelenskiy? A. Russias silence. They have chosen a clever strategy. They are not making any comments. They are pretending that Ukraine does not want negotiations and that Russia does. At the same time, missile and drone attacks against civilians are increasing. Russia is achieving its goals by increasing pressure on the civilian population of Ukraine, on critical infrastructure, and at the same time it is not making any comments. They expect the pressure to fall solely on Ukraine. The second thing that has surprised me is very positive: the growing role of Europe. Europe understands not only the overall risks posed by Russia but also the challenges to the European security architecture. Europe is showing a willingness to take responsibility today. Q. But Putin has commented on the events of the last few days, celebrating many of Trumps decisions A. What Russia is doing is a strategy of information deception. By the way, [Russian Foreign Minister] Lavrovs words were very eloquent. He said that even if we sit down at the negotiating table, they will continue with missile and drone attacks. They are covering things up, masking everything very carefully. They are taking a false position. They are pretending to be peacemakers. Putins supposedly peaceful attitude seems to say: Yes, we are ready for negotiations. We are ready for a ceasefire, but they are definitely not ready for either negotiations or a ceasefire. And they want to blame Ukraine for this. If they want real peace, all they must do is to stop the missiles, at least they need to do this. President Zelenskiy said: Look, lets do a prisoner exchange, all for all, lets stop the missile attacks on Ukrainian territory. This would show that they are really ready for the negotiation process. But Russia is not ready for any of that. It still wants to continue its expansion. Q. Zelenskiy has said that the process to end the war must be under Trumps strong leadership. What role does Europe have? A. Of course, the U.S. plays the leading role in this area. But the configuration of the negotiations could be like this: there will be Ukraine, because the fighting is taking place on Ukrainian territory; the U.S., because it is the main organizer of the negotiation processes and one of Ukraines key partners. But also Europe, because the war is taking place on European soil. We see the positions of [French President] Macron and [British Prime Minister] Starmer, who are ready to take an active part in this. How the war ends will depend on what kind of security framework Europe is in. And the war will clearly show who is who in Europe. And Europe is an ally of Ukraine. Of course, Europe must sit at the negotiating table because this affects the future of Europe. But the U.S. is creating the opportunities for negotiations today and we must give it the option to pursue this initiative. Q. Youve written that every U.S. president since George Bush Sr. has tried to reach out to Russia. Is there a difference in Trumps case? He not only praises Putin and criticizes Zelenskiy, but also makes constant public statements humiliating Ukraine these are made by himself, his team, and his family. A. They speak in this way not only about Ukraine, but also about other partner countries, often with irony, with provocative statements. This is characteristic of their style, nothing more, and we take it calmly. The U.S. governments have always wanted to reset relations with Russia, and this has always been a fatal mistake, because Russia has completely different goals, and any reset of relations with Russia, as they understand it, is possible only on condition of their dominance. A reset will never work. But there is another mistake made by all previous U.S. administrations: they viewed Ukraine not as a subject of its own, but as a territory within Russias sphere of influence. They were always ready to hand Ukraine over to Russia. The Trump administration, despite all these ironic statements and media pressure, wants to dominate, and, more importantly, they now consider Ukraine to be a subject in its own right. The U.S. wants to achieve its own dominance by putting pressure on Russia. This is not a reset, but U.S. dominance. I think Trump will succeed where previous administrations failed with Russia. It will not try to restore relations, but rather definitively consolidate this concept of U.S. dominance. The fate of Ukraine seems different because today it is seen completely as a subject and has nothing to do with Russia. Q. Do you think a peace agreement with Russia will be reached in 2025? A. Only if there is an accurate and fair assessment of who Russia is and what its real motives are. Only if tools of coercion are used against Russia, i.e. significantly increasing the cost of the war for them. And only if it is not encouraged at the diplomatic and informational level to escalate further. With these three conditions, a ceasefire is certainly possible. But there must be compensations, security guarantees. A peace agreement can be signed, but not on Russias terms. A ceasefire is possible at any time if the right tools of pressure are used. The problem is that no one is using these tools. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Allentown, PA (18103) Today Mostly sunny and a bit warmer, but with still comfortable humidity levels. . Tonight Mostly clear and milder overnight. Donald Trumps cruel offensive against migrants have brought individuals like Yolanda Magallon Perez into the spotlight. Her arrest by ICE agents was recently captured on video by residents of El Monte, a city east of Los Angeles. The arrest, which also involved her eldest son, Jonathan, set off a chain reaction that has disrupted the fragile balance thousands of Latino families in the United States are living under. Yolanda was the primary caregiver for her 21-year-old daughter, Xitlali Tejeda, who is battling bone cancer and is confined to a wheelchair. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage across California, leading to small protests in the streets and in front of the immigration detention center where Magallon has been held since the end of February. Magallon, a 50-year-old Mexican woman who has lived in the United States since 2002, was arrested when she stepped outside her home to move her car. As soon as she left the house, agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) emerged from several unmarked cars to question her. She remained silent as several neighbors watched. Everything is fine, you havent done anything, one of her four children tells her while recording on his phone his mother being handcuffed on February 24. But they are going to take me, she replies. Yolanda was escorted to a van minutes later, despite having a virtually clean criminal record, with only a minor theft charge from 2005, according to her defense attorney. Yolanda was escorted to a van minutes later despite her criminal record being virtually clean, with only a minor theft charge committed in 2005, according to her defense attorney David Acalin. Protesters outside the ICE detention center in Otay Mesa, San Diego. Manu Ortiz Jonathan Tejeda, Yolandas son and Xitlalis brother, left the house amidst all the commotion and was also arrested by the agents. Unlike his mother, he has a long and colorful criminal history, according to Acalin, who is also representing him. The family claims he has reformed, arguing that the authorities are pursuing him for a crime committed a decade ago, for which he has already paid the price. One of his primary responsibilities now is being the main breadwinner of the household. Yolanda is considered what ICE refers to as a collateral arrest. She was not the primary target of the immigration agents, but she was swept up in the aggressive campaign that Trump launched after returning to the White House. Magallon is currently being held at the Otay Mesa detention center in San Diego, located on the border with Mexico. This facility is often a starting point for deportations of undocumented immigrants to their home countries. Xitlali explains that her osteosarcoma (bone cancer) began to spread a year ago. She is now in her second cycle of chemotherapy, and the combined effects of her treatment and surgery have left her confined to a wheelchair. I cant walk or go to the bathroom alone, she told the press. Yolanda was her primary caregiver, helping her bathe, get dressed, and prepare her meals. Now that I dont have her, everything is difficult. I havent eaten well. All I think about is what will happen to her, she says. With Yolanda and Jonathan both gone, Xitlali is left without crucial support for the familys finances. The family has received help from the office of Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, who has offered to cover part of their rent to prevent Yolandas three children from being left homeless. The family has also launched a petition for financial assistance not for Xitlalis medical treatment, but to help with the legal battle they are now facing. With them at risk of being deported, my health is in great danger. I ask the community for help so that I can pay for a lawyer, says Xitlali. Support for Yolanda Yolanda had her first court hearing before a judge on Thursday, marking the start of her case. Her attorney is pushing for the judge to approve her release on bail. Acalin has submitted documents and evidence to the judge proving Xitlalis dependency on her mother. However, he is not very optimistic, acknowledging that this may not be enough to keep Yolanda in the United States. The situation would be different if Xitlali were a minor, as immigration rules provide for such cases through a procedure known as cancellation of expulsion. Protesters demand the release of Yolanda. Manu Ortiz While Acalin manages the legal process, a group of local activists and DACA recipients (known as Dreamers) are applying pressure in the streets. We demand that ICE and the courts recognize the costs of separating a mother from her daughter, especially when this daughter is fighting for her life, says Flor Martinez, one of the organizers of the demonstration in support of Yolanda, which was held outside the detention center. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition As part of his government efficiency efforts, U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking to eliminate Daylight Saving Time (DST). In speeches, he has positioned himself as a proponent of keeping standard time year-round. Currently, most of the United States follows daylight saving time for about eight months, while Arizona and Hawaii remain on standard time. Attempts to abolish time changes have failed in Congress, including the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act. Some states have passed or proposed legislation to remain on Daylight Saving Time or Standard Time permanently, but federal approval is required. One compromise idea suggests moving clocks forward one hour in March and back 30 minutes in November, then keeping that schedule indefinitely. Elon Musk, heading Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has encouraged public debate on the issue, calling for votes on the matter. However, previous attempts to establish permanent DST, such as in 1974, failed. The debate remains unresolved due to split preferences between DST and standard time, leaving lawmakers hesitant to act. How did daylight saving time come about? The history of daylight saving time in the United States began with a satirical essay by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, in which he suggested that getting up early would save candles, which he did as a joke. Germany implemented it in 1916 during World War I to save fuel, and soon the rest of Europe followed suit. The United States adopted it in 1918 with the Standard Time Act, which established five time zones and daylight saving time. However, Congress abolished it despite Woodrow Wilsons veto, leaving each state to choose its adoption. New York influenced others to keep it because of its financial importance. During World War II, Franklin Roosevelt established a permanent daylight saving time, called War Time, which lasted until 1945. Subsequent lack of regulation created disorder, leading to the Uniform Time Act of 1966, signed by Lyndon Johnson, which established uniform rules for schedules. Since then, daylight saving time has remained in place with adjustments to its duration; however, there have been trials such as 1974, when it was applied year-round. When does daylight saving time begin in the United States? Daylight saving time in the United States begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. This year, the date falls on March 9, 2025, while it will end on November 2. In 2026, the changeover dates will be March 8 and November 1. The daylight saving time changeover begins at 2:00 a.m., at which time the clocks must be set forward one hour, changing to 3:00 a.m. In the fall, the clocks are set back one hour, from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Most of todays electronic devices change the time automatically. Which states do not follow daylight saving time in the United States? Arizona, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are the states and territories that do not observe daylight saving time. Will daylight saving time be permanent in the United States? Proposals to maintain a single schedule have emerged since 2015 with the argument that the lifestyle and work patterns of modern citizens are no longer compatible with changing the clock twice a year. In Mexico, daylight saving time ceased to be used in 2022. The Trump administration has not made an official announcement suggesting that the time change will disappear. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Open Society Foundations and the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at Wits Business School are excited to invite you to a public lecture by Binaifer Nowrojee, President of the Open Society Foundations, one of the worlds largest funders of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights. This lecture comes at a pivotal time in our history. At the United Nations Summit for the Future', held in New York in September 2024, global leaders arrived at a set of agreements - a Pact for the Future - which includes safeguarding future generations, international peace and security, science, technology and innovation, digital cooperation, and transforming global governance. In November 2024, Brazil hosted the G20 under the theme Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet, which focused on the importance of co-ordinated actions to combat climate change, promote a just energy transition, and preserve the environment. These global events have laid the foundation for the 2025 G20 Summit to be hosted by South Africa in 2025, under the theme 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability'. The lecture will be followed by a high level panel representing the public, private and philanthropy sectors. In attendance will be the leadership of the university that includes the Vice Chancellor, the Provost and Deans. We look forward to hosting you. Blind student sees success at Wits Matric special needs top achiever pursues legal studies to fight injustice in South Africa. Kabelo Motaphi Kekana, a first-year law student at the University of the Witwatersrand, is demonstrating that disability is no barrier to success. As South Africa's top-performing matric student with special education needs last year, he reflects on his achievements: At first, I didnt expect it, but my friends and family believed in me. Their confidence and support helped me persevere. They stood by me throughout the year, and because they trusted me, I learned to trust myself too. Kekana is determined to prove that disability does not define ones potential. I just want to show the world that disability is not a limitation to success. You can achieve anything you set your mind to, regardless of the challenges you face. I want to encourage others who have disabilities or face obstaclesyour journey does not end because of these challenges. With the right support, anything is possible. His decision to study law stems from his passion for justice. South Africa is a country with many injustices, and a lot of people struggle to access the justice they deserve. I want to be part of the solution, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to fairness and justice. Adjusting to University life can be daunting, but Kekanas experience at Wits has been overwhelmingly positive. At first, I thought that being disabled in such a prestigious university would be a challenge. I expected people to be arrogant, but I was wrong. The students and staff here have been incredibly welcoming and supportive. The transition has been smooth, thanks to the assistance provided by the Disability Rights Unit (DRU). The DRU plays a crucial role in special needs students academic journeys, offering essential resources such as assistive technology and accessibility support. When I arrived, I wasnt familiar with using a computer, but the DRU introduced me to adaptive technology. Now, I use assistive software that provides spoken feedback for everything on the screen, allowing me to work just as efficiently as any other student." Kekana receives training from an assistive technology specialist at the DRU, to help him navigate these tools. The software allows me to operate a computer independently, and the DRU ensures we have access to the latest assistive technologies. Their support has been invaluable. His aspirations extend beyond his academic journey. I want to become a lawyer and advocate for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. My goal is to show the world that nothing is impossible. Currently, I am also a member of a non-profit organisation that supports individuals across South Africa. It is still in the early stages, but I am passionate about helping others. His advice to other students facing challenges is simple but powerful: Never let anything discourage you. Life is full of obstacles, but success requires determination and hard work. There is no path to success without challengesyou just have to face them head-on. Dr Leila Abdool Gafoor, Head of the Disability Rights Unit at Wits, emphasises the Universitys commitment to providing equal opportunities for students with disabilities. Our role is to ensure that students receive the support they need to function independently and thrive academically. We assess their needs based on medical documentation and provide necessary accommodations, such as assistive technology, accessible study spaces, and extended exam times. The University has made significant strides in enhancing accessibility. We have specialised labs, assistive software, and concession processes that students can access online. Our focus is on fostering independence, ensuring that students graduate as self-sufficient individuals ready to enter the workforce. For students unsure about whether they qualify for special education needs support, Gafoor encourages them to reach out. Many students struggle without knowing that help is available. We urge them to visit the Disability Rights Unit, ask questions, and access the resources they need to succeed. Harshila Dulabh - expertly guiding Business Intelligence at Wits As one of the first women to study computers at Wits in the mid-80s, Dulabh has always had the ability to see new paths and harness the power of data. Dulabh took over as the Head of Business Intelligence Services (BIS) in January 2025 following the retirement of Kevin Mcloughlin, who had been at the helm since the founding of BIS in the late 90s. Dulabh has an intimate understanding of Wits information needs having played various roles in the life of the University. As a student, she was among a handful of women enrolled for BSc in computer science in 1984 a decision she says was hard to explain to some of her family members, as they could not fathom what it entails and associated careers. Compounding her familys confusion is that Dulabh had left the small town of Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal to study a BSc in Biological Science, with the intention to study medicine, but she switched in second year. I guess it all worked out for the best, says the Wits alumna. Afterall, Wits was a pioneer as the first university in South African to own a computer in the 1960s. As a student she held a part-time job at Wits ICT, then known as Wits Computers and Network Services (CNS). This paved the way for fulltime employment upon graduation. When the University established BIS in 1997, headed by Mcloughlin, Dulabh was a natural choice to transfer to this strategic division, which provided critical data about the Universitys growing student population, student performance, and other key indicators to inform decision-making and interventions. As a data scientist, backed by a masters degree in information engineering from Wits, she values quality and well-curated data as these are the building blocks for many strategic and operational decisions. Lauded for reliability and dependability when it comes to meeting the needs of the many stakeholders at the University, Dulabh received the Vice-Chancellors Service Excellence Award (2023) in the Grade 5-6 category. An Impactful Contribution With institutional memory stretching over four decades, Dulabh says she is proud of the progress made in IT and data science and looks forward to the next chapter. She oversees a team of highly qualified professionals and interns across five units specialising in data engineering, data science, institutional research, statutory reporting, and constituent relationship management. BIS delivers descriptive and diagnostic insights to inform operational management and planning across all levels and key data domains (staff, student, finance, research, etc.). The team also provides predictive analytics to enhance student success. A focus of Dulabh's work is leveraging the Wits enterprise data warehouse to address the University's reporting, analytics, and enrolment planning needs. She is currently a member of the team responsible for a government-funded project focused on designing an integrated student data warehouse for the South African higher education sector, with the goal of promoting student success. As leaders in this field, BIS regularly hosts workshop and is working with the Southern African Association for Institutional Research to host a conferenced themed Advancing Data-Driven Education with Learning Analytics, AI Ethics, and Emerging Technologies on 12 -14 May 2025. Outside of Wits, Dulabh is the mother of two Wits graduates who chose to follow their fathers path into medical fields. She enjoys the outdoors and preparing nutritious meals for her family. Related article: Student Success Imbizo Access to essential services such as health, education and justice will become more difficult for non-English speakers following U.S. President Donald Trumps historic decision to declare English the countrys official language on March 1. Previously, important documents such as school registration forms, drivers license applications, and requests for healthcare services like Medicare and Medicaid were available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all. However, this will no longer be mandatory, posing a significant barrier for the millions of foreigners who do not speak English. The administration has framed the measure as a way to promote migrant integration. In an executive order, it stated that establishing English as the official language would streamline communication, reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society. However, migrant advocates see it as part of a broader exclusionary policy. America will always be a multilingual and multicultural society, no matter how many xenophobic policies Donald Trump tries to enact, Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, said in a statement. It is unclear how far this shameful executive order will be implemented, but denying people the right to interact with government agencies and access services they are eligible for in the language they speak will cause severe harm not just for the people seeking services and information, but for society as a whole as civic participation diminishes." Although not officially designated at the national level, English is the predominant language in the United States, with more than 30 states already recognizing it as their official language including states with large Latino populations, such as California and Florida. Nearly 80% of the population speaks only English, and immigrants must pass an English-language test to obtain U.S. citizenship. However, the country is home to more than 350 languages, and states like Alaska and Hawaii have granted official status to several Indigenous languages. While the executive order does not mandate the elimination of other languages in federal administration, it allows agencies to discontinue their use. Since 2000, a policy introduced under president Bill Clinton required all government offices and federally funded institutions to offer services in multiple languages to accommodate non-English speakers. The designation of English as the official language now joins a series of executive orders signed by Trump that negatively impact foreigners. The Republican president, along with several conservative governors, has blamed undocumented immigrants for straining public services such as education and healthcare and for burdening federal finances despite the fact that they pay taxes while receiving minimal benefits. However, the new decree will not affect them alone. Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House. Evelyn Hockstein (REUTERS) Priscilla Prado, a naturalized U.S. citizen, is concerned about how the measure will affect her. Originally from Costa Rica, she obtained U.S. citizenship through marriage to an American. While she has some knowledge of English, she admits she prefers to use Spanish whenever possible. This measure is going to affect me because when I need a medical service or a public service, it will be difficult for me to request it if there are no translators, she says. I am not good at communicating in English and I could misinterpret what theyre telling me. The number of people in the United States who spoke a language other than English at home has nearly tripled, from 23.1 million (about one in 10) in 1980 to 67.8 million (nearly one in five) in 2019, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Hispanic population is the largest minority group in the United States, making Spanish the most widely spoken language in American homes after English. It is spoken by 62% of non-English speakerstwelve times more than the next four most common languages combined (Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic). Organizations advocating for Latino rights have warned about the orders impact on the community. This action is not just about language it is part of an unprecedented and dangerous campaign that seeks to single out, surveil, and target communities based on their background and beliefs, regardless of whether they are American citizens or not, the organization Voto Latino posted when the order was announced. Latinos are not the only ones concerned. The chairs of three Congressional caucuses Adriano Espaillat of the Hispanic Caucus, Grace Meng of the Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Yvette Clarke of the Black Caucus issued a joint statement in response to the executive order. What happens when a senior with limited English proficiency needs help accessing their earned Social Security benefits? Or when a non-native English speaker needs help enrolling in Medicare? the statement said. Trump claimed he would fight for everyday Americans. Hes done just the opposite. This executive order is reckless and only serves to make life harder for working people. Beyond the barriers to accessing essential services like healthcare and education, the imposition of English poses other serious risks. It could prevent individuals from testifying in court, reporting crimes, or exercising their right to vote. In the 1970s and 1980s, migrant children were often punished in schools for speaking languages other than English, leading many to abandon their mother tongue in favor of English. Over the years, however, multilingualism has gained recognition, and now their children are making efforts to reclaim the languages that were once forbidden to their parents. A migrant protest in California, February 1. ERIK S. LESSER (EFE) Bernardo Ferdman, a consultant for organizations specializing in diversity, underscores the importance of preserving languages. It has a lot to do with cultural identity, what ones references are, who I am, who we are or my group. Asking people to erase these references is like saying that these identities are not valid. This is what the government is doing, trying to create history in a certain way, not allowing diversity. Supporters of Trumps decree praise its attempt to homogenize the population through language a goal they have pursued for years. The most recent effort to declare English the official language was in 2021, but similar attempts date back to the 1980s. Organizations such as ProEnglish, which advocate for making English the sole official language, argue that it should be mandated for migrants. Official English would also reinforce Americas historic message to new immigrants that we expect them to learn English as the first step in their assimilation and that we are committed to ensuring that all Americans share in the economic, social and political benefits of having a common language, states the ProEnglish website. While foreigners recognize the advantages of speaking English to live and work in the U.S., critics argue that eliminating the option to communicate in other languages is counterproductive to integration. I understand that you have to learn the language of the country where you live, but not all people have the same level of learning, says Prado. For some it takes more time and if it is forced upon us from the moment we arrive, it is very difficult. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition BEIJING - China's top diplomat Wang Yi on Friday warned Japan not to interfere in affairs related to Taiwan, saying that would only "invite trouble" for itself even as bilateral relations have recently shown signs of improvement. At a press conference held during this year's annual parliamentary session, Wang also said China will "resolutely counter" U.S. pressure after the administration of President Donald Trump doubled its additional tariff on all imports from the country to 20 percent earlier this week. On China's ties with Japan, the foreign minister noted a "positive momentum of improvement" since President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed in Peru last November during their first summit to promote a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship. Wang said this year marks 80 years since the end of Japan's colonial rule of Taiwan and criticized "some unrepentant individuals in Japan" for "still working in the shadows for the so-called Taiwan independence forces." "To provoke trouble in the name of Taiwan is to invite trouble for Japan," the top diplomat warned, referring to a claim that "a contingency for Taiwan would also be a contingency for Japan," which was upheld by the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He vowed that China, which regards Taiwan as a renegade province, will "realize complete reunification," saying this is "unstoppable" and that seeking independence is "doomed to backfire." Wang stressed that China has presented "an opportunity, not a threat" to Japan during their history of interactions. He added it will "responsibly" handle the lifting of its total ban on Japanese seafood imports and its detention of Japanese nationals over espionage allegations "in accordance with laws and regulations." The two sides agreed in September last year that seafood imports from Japan will gradually resume, contingent on China's participation in monitoring of treated radioactive wastewater discharged from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea. China had imposed the blanket ban immediately after the first release of treated water in August 2023. Wang mentioned Sino-Japanese ties in the annual press conference on the sidelines of the National People's Congress session after skipping the topic last year, probably for the first time since 1997, amid strained relations over the treated wastewater issue. Criticizing the Trump tariffs, Wang said China "resolutely opposes power politics and hegemony," adding, "A big country should honor its international obligations and fulfill its due responsibilities. It should not put selfish interests before principles, still less use its power to bully the weak." Washington has slapped extra tariffs on Chinese imports, accusing Beijing of not doing enough to clamp down on the flow of illicit drugs into the United States. The Asian powerhouse has unveiled retaliatory measures, including up to 15 percent additional duties on U.S. farm imports to be implemented from Monday. Wang insisted China has "put in place the toughest and most comprehensive counternarcotics policies in today's world" and the drug abuse issue should be resolved by the United States itself. Washington "should not return good with evil, or even impose arbitrary tariffs," he said, citing the two countries' past anti-drug cooperation. Turning to China's relations with Russia, Wang said "no matter how the international landscape evolves," their friendship will "not change." He made the remarks in response to a question about recent dialogue between the United States and Russia toward ending the full-scale conflict in Ukraine, now in its fourth year. Wang vowed that China will "continue to play a constructive role" in resolving the Ukraine crisis and bringing about peace, saying, "No one wins in a conflict but everybody gains in peace." China and Russia have been strengthening their ties in recent years, with Beijing opposing Western sanctions on Moscow over the war. Wang said China will commemorate the 80th anniversary of what it calls its victory in the 1937-1945 War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit involving Russia in Tianjin this fall. Xi has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in war anniversary events in early September, according to Russian media. The top diplomat also blamed the Philippines for tensions in the South China Sea, where China's sweeping territorial claims overlap with those of neighboring countries, saying Manila creates "frictions" and that its moves are intended to "smear China." "China will continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with law," he said. The two governments often trade barbs over clashes of their vessels in the contested waters. Related coverage: Tours to North Korea via China suspended shortly after resumption China aims for around 5% GDP growth in 2025 amid trade row with U.S. Trump complains security pact with Japan nonreciprocal A man and his dog who were trapped stayed the night in a truck after crashing off Highway 89 in Sierra County on Tuesday. TOKYO - Japan on Friday expressed its "full confidence" that the United States will fulfill its obligations under a bilateral security treaty to defend the Asian nation, after President Donald Trump questioned the long-standing pact, calling it nonreciprocal. Japan, which sees the alliance as the linchpin of its defense and diplomacy, will also "proactively" consider ways to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the alliance and maintain close communication with the United States, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said. The comments came after Trump, in his first remarks on the pact since returning to the White House in January, told reporters, "I love Japan. We have a great relationship with Japan, but we have an interesting deal with Japan that we have to protect them, but they don't have to protect us." In recent years, Japan and the United States have been beefing up the interoperability of the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military in the face of growing security threats from North Korea and China. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, well-versed in defense issues, rejected Trump's assertion, saying at a parliamentary session on Friday that the bilateral security pact is reciprocal, noting Japan is obliged to host U.S. bases. The relationship between the two countries is not one in which the United States "unilaterally protects Japan," Ishiba added. Hayashi said the two nations can now "help each other seamlessly" in responding to various situations following a legal change enabling Japan, whose Constitution renounces war, to exercise the right of collective self-defense when certain conditions are met. "We have full confidence that the United States will fulfill its obligations under the Japan-U.S. security treaty by using all available capabilities, including nuclear ones," Hayashi told a regular press briefing. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani also echoed that view in his comments to reporters. Although he refrained from directly addressing Trump's remarks, he emphasized that Tokyo is "working to fundamentally strengthen" its defense capabilities toward the goal of increasing its defense spending to 2 percent of its gross domestic product in fiscal 2027. Trump's return has raised concerns that Washington will put more pressure on its allies to spend and do more to defend themselves. He has cast doubt on NATO while Elbridge Colby, tapped to be undersecretary of defense for policy in the Trump administration, urged Jaapn to increase its budget to 3 percent of GDP earlier this week. Under the Japan-U.S. security pact, U.S. military forces are stationed in Japan, mostly in Okinawa, which is close to both Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. The Senkakus, administered by Japan but claimed by China, have been at the heart of tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. In their first face-to-face summit in February, Ishiba confirmed with Trump that the uninhabited islands are covered by the security treaty. Related coverage: Trump complains security pact with Japan nonreciprocal Trudeau expects a trade war between Canada and the US for the 'foreseeable future' The Nordic countries have responded to the deepening conflicts within the NATO alliance between American imperialism and its erstwhile European allies over recent weeks with calls for more European military independence and rearmament. Northern Europe and the Arctic contain various points of dispute that could rapidly sharpen under conditions in which Washington views the continents imperialist powers as competitors and even adversaries, rather than allies. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson all attended the emergency summit called by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London Sunday. The gathering was organised after US President Donald Trump engaged in a shouting match with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House last Friday and continues to pursue talks with Russia. After Starmers announcement of a coalition of the willing to strengthen support for Ukraine against Russia and deploy ground forces to the country to oversee a ceasefire, both Frederiksen and Kristersson indicated their openness to consider deploying troops. Former Swedish Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Karl Bildt said that the shouting match between Trump and Zelensky was a provocation from the US side. In an interview on Swedish radio, Bildt argued that, taken together with the American vote at the United Nations with Russia to pass a resolution in the Security Council calling for an end to the war that did not mention the Russian invasion, Fridays clash pointed to a fundamental shift in US foreign policy. We have to try and help Ukraine stand against both Moscow and Washington in this new world, he added. Bildt has for decades been one of the most pro-US politicians in Sweden. He was one of the most vociferous advocates of Sweden joining NATO, which was viewed above all as facilitating a closer military alliance with Washington. When Kristersson formally finalised the countrys NATO membership, he did so in Washington, not at NATOs headquarters in Brussels. The Nordic countries in particular have long viewed close relations with Washington as fundamental to their military and security interests. Denmark, Iceland and Norway were founding members of NATO. Sweden and Finland, notwithstanding their official neutrality during the Cold War, were key to American spying on the Soviet Union and diplomatic activities. Over recent years, all of the Nordic countries have signed bilateral defence cooperation agreements (DCAs) with Washington, giving American troops unrestricted access to dozens of bases from Denmark in the south to locations above the Arctic Circle in Norway and Finland near the Russian border. But the breakdown in relations between America and Europe is having a major impact in the Nordic and Baltic regions, which could well emerge as a significant flashpoint in future conflicts over spheres of influence. Although government officials continue to repeat at every opportunity that the US remains a reliable or close ally, they are being forced to acknowledge that this is no longer the case. The Norwegian Armed Forces Defence Research Establishment released its 2025 defence update last month, in which it noted for the first time that the US could no longer be considered a secure ally. The Nordic and Baltic countries joined with Germany and other European NATO states at a summit in Helsinki that agreed in January to a new operation to militarise the Baltic Sea, Baltic Sentry. The air and naval surveillance activities, initially planned for a three-month period but expected to be extended, are being coordinated from a NATO base in Rostock, Germany and do not include prominent American involvement. Britain has its own presence in the Nordic and Baltic regions outside of NATO structures with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), which includes the Netherlands, Nordic and Baltic countries. While this initiative has long been viewed as a compliment to NATO, this could change if the NATO alliance continues to drift apart. In a comment published over the weekend by Danish public broadcaster DR, EU and NATO correspondent Ole Ryborg argued that European military dependence on the US, long held up as an expression of the solid Transatlantic partnership, is now a major security and political risk. He noted that the F-35 fighter jets purchased by Denmark could be rendered inoperable at the push of a button in Washington. As Ryborg explained, Ukraine is not alone in being in a vulnerable situation. President Trump has said he will not rule out the use of economic or military force to gain control of Greenland. And right now, the United States has such power. He therefore urged two strategic conclusions: first, the European powers must continue to militarily back Ukraine and secondly, Europe is about to embark on a major rearmament and it must take place outside the normal defense structures that have been built up within NATO over the past 80 years. European commission president Ursula Von der Leyen unveiled Tuesday a plan to invest 800 billion in defence. The EU plans to facilitate this with 150 billion of loans and by relaxing debt rules to allow member states to spend more on their war budgets. Europes ruling elites expect the largest contributor to this mad rearmament plan to be Germany, where discussions are ongoing to remove all military spending worth more than 1 percent of GDP from the countrys debt brake rule, which prevents the government from borrowing to fund spending. A separate special fund to support key military and defence infrastructure to the tune of 500 billion is also being finalised. Paying for these investments will entail a massive onslaught on the working class. Compared to these vast sums, the contributions from the Nordic countries are relatively modest, though still considerable given these countries size. Denmarks Social Democratic-led government unveiled last month a significant boost in military spending over the next two years. The coalition government, which also includes the right-wing Liberal and Moderate parties, will spend an additional 50 billion kroner (approximately 6.7 billion) on defence equipment and ammunition in 2025 and 2026. Sweden committed in late 2022 to hike its military spending by over 60 percent by 2028, while the Norwegian parliament unanimously adopted a massive 12-year expansion of defence spending last year that will almost double defence spending by 2036. Swedens defence industry has exports of over $2 billion annually and includes the production by Saab of the Gripen fighter jet, submarines, armoured vehicles, anti-tank weaponry and ammunition. A significant element of Denmarks new spending plan will involve strengthened defence production cooperation within Europe. Frederiksen met with Stre in February to agree to a cooperation agreement on defence with Norway, which is slated to be publicly unveiled at an event later this spring. In addition to joint operations in the North Sea and Arctic, the agreement will focus on procurement and production. As Stre said, We are agreed that we must strengthen the military industries so that they can produce what we need. We will investigate whether there are specific possibilities for cooperation between Norwegian and Danish industry and research communities. A similar bilateral deal was signed between Denmark and Finland on Tuesday. Denmarks rearmament announcement comes on top of a 2023 package committing an additional 200 billion kroner (about 27 billion) to defence spending by 2033 in order to increase Danish military spending beyond the threshold of 2 percent of GDP required by NATO. Both the 2023 agreement and the latest plan were finalised in cross-party agreements, with the opposition Conservatives, Socialist Peoples Party, Social Liberals and Liberal Alliance as well as the far-right Denmark Democrats and Danish Peoples Party backing them. Explaining the purpose of the latest announcement last month, Frederiksen stated that Denmark was in the most dangerous position it had experienced for many years due to the threat posed by Russia. She urged the chief of the military, who has received more powers to decide on equipment purchases, to buy, buy, buy new equipment. The additional spending is intended to cover the cost of new missile and air defence systems, including against drones and offensive military equipment for the Danish Armed Forces depleted by its significant military assistance to Ukraine. In December, the government already presented a plan to invest 15 billion kroner (2 billion) in Arctic defence, specifically new ships, drones and personnel for Danish operations in and around Greenland. Danish control over Greenland is crucial for Copenhagens role as an Arctic power, including its claims to significant areas of the Arctic seabed for economic exploitation. Underscoring their readiness to collaborate with the most reactionary forces to achieve their interests, last months military spending increase coincided with a standing ovation in the Danish parliament for a member of Ukraines fascist Azov Battalion. Dmytro Kanuper, who boasted in now deleted social media profiles that he read Hitlers Mein Kampf and fought as an Azov Battalion member in Mariupol, addressed the event alongside Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. In a mild rebuke of the Donald Trump administration Wednesday, the Supreme Court upheld by 5-4 a lower court temporary restraining order (TRO) that requires the Government to issue payments for ... work already completed by contractors for the US Agency for International Development (USAID), most of which are non-profit corporations that provide various medical services overseas. Chief Justice John Roberts and Trump nominee Amy Coney Barrett joined the three moderates to vacate the stay Roberts had entered on February 25, thus allowing the TRO to finally take effect. The ruling cautioned the lower court, however, to clarify what obligations the Government must fulfill to ensure compliance with the temporary restraining order, with due regard for the feasibility of any compliance timelines. The one-paragraph shadow docket order was posted less than 12 hours after Trump patted Roberts on the back following Tuesdays foul, fascistic diatribe to the joint session of Congress. As he gestured, Trump can be heard on video telling Roberts, Thank you again, I wont forget it, an apparent reference to Robertss majority ruling last summer that granted Trump broad immunity from criminal charges arising from the January 6, 2021 coup attempt. Arch-reactionary Samuel Alito claimed to be stunned that a court would compel the Government of the United States to pay out (and probably lose forever) 2 billion taxpayer dollars. The openly corrupt Clarence Thomas and Trump nominees Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh joined Alitos dissent, which hinged on the extreme theory that the Trump administration has sovereign immunity, shielding it from equitable claims based on services under contracts that predate the January 20 inauguration. What likely stunned Alito, and perhaps Trump as well, is that Roberts and Barrett dared take a position adverse to the Trump administration, however equivocal. Bringing to mind Trumps notorious pattern of stiffing his contractors during his heyday as a real estate huckster, Alito called the Supreme Courts refusal to stay the TRO a most unfortunate misstep that rewards an act of judicial hubris and imposes a $2 billion penalty on American taxpayers. Alito does not explain how compelling the government to pay for services rendered and products delivered by its contractors with money already allocated by Congress constitutes a penalty. Legal precedents suggest that paying contractual debts is an obligation, not punishment. For decades, the State Department has used USAID to further imperialist interests through ostensibly humanitarian health and welfare programs that in fact dramatically affect millions, particularly in impoverished regions of the globe. Trump ordered a 90-day pause on all foreign aid his first day back in office, throwing global USAID efforts into chaos. Since that time, the Trump administration has placed about 2,000 people directly employed by USAID on leave and eliminated 1,600 jobs altogether. The Trump administration announced last week that it intends to terminate more than 90 percent of USAID contracts and withhold more than $58 billion already authorized by Congress. In their brief to the Supreme Court, the plaintiff organizations wrote that their work on behalf of USAID advances US interests abroad and improvesand, in many cases, literally savesthe lives of millions of people across the globe. Their evidence demonstrated that the payment freeze has already forced them to shut offices, furlough or terminate staff and even discontinue businesses entirely. On February 13, District of Columbia Judge Amir Ali declined the plaintiffs request that he stop the spending freeze but granted a TRO compelling the US government to release funds owed on contracts in existence before Trumps inauguration. On February 25, he limited the required payments to work performed and products delivered before the date of his TRO. Ali described the funding as necessary to prevent irreparable injury to multiple programs. He listed hospital construction in Nepal, Cambodia and Vietnam, health programs in Bangladesh, HIV/AIDS prevention in Africa and shelters for Central American youths fleeing gang violence, among other examples. On Thursday Ali held further proceedings to implement his orders following the Supreme Court action. The plaintiffs requested that the outstanding bills be paid by Monday, March 10. The government refused to commit to a deadline, writing that the administration had canceled the vast majority of plaintiffs USAID contracts and that any balances owed would be paid in due course. Ali also heard arguments on the plaintiff organizations motion for a preliminary injunction that could order the government to maintain certain USAID contracts. The Trump administration lawyer, Indraneel Sur, argued that the administration has already reviewed and canceled most of the contracts, mooting the case because there is no longer aid to restore. The funding freeze is not continuing, he said. Its over. Lauren Bateman, an attorney for some of the plaintiff organizations, argued, All evidence suggests these terminations were not made in good faith. Ali is expected to rule relatively soon, trigger more appeals to the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Published below are statements from electoral members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), denouncing the Australian Electoral Commissions (AEC) move to deny the party official status. The SEP submitted a list of more than 1,500 electoral members, complying with draconian electoral laws imposed in 2021 by the then Liberal-National federal government, fully supported by the Labor opposition. However, the AEC rejected the partys application, after more than four months, claiming that several of those listed said they were not SEP members. Citing phoney privacy concerns, the AEC will not tell the SEP who these individuals are, making it impossible for the party to check the AECs assertions or amend its membership list. The anti-democratic move means SEP candidates must appear on ballot papers without their party name. This is an attack on both the SEPs capacity to advance its program and the right of voters to identify socialist candidates and cast an informed ballot. The AECs decision is part of a broader effort to suppress opposition to all the major parties, including Labor, the Liberal-Nationals and the Greens, amid mounting anger over their program of austerity and war. It comes just weeks ahead of a federal election that poses the real possibility of a hung parliament, a nightmare scenario for the ruling class. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Australia will hold an important public meeting on March 19, opposing this political censorship. At the meeting, the SEP will outline its campaign to build a socialist alternative to war, austerity, and attacks on workers rights. It will also provide a Marxist analysis of the deepening global crisis and the ruling elites increasing reliance on repression to maintain its grip on power. Election ban on the SEP: An attack on democratic rights WHEN: 7 p.m. (AEDT) Wednesday, March 19 WHERE: Lansdowne Rooms, Bankstown Library, Bankstown, NSW Reserve your seat now! For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be live-streamed via Zoom. Read our statement against the decision here. **** Gino, a construction worker from Townsville, wrote: Im writing to voice my outrage and concerns over the actions of the Australian Electoral Commission in denying the Socialist Equality Party the right to run under its own name, as an alternative to the two major parties. As a supposed democracy we must have the right to select, form, establish, and allow new political parties. Especially when the Labor Party and Liberal-National Coalition do not support the working class! We have seen, over the last several decades, the gap between wealthy and poor widen, all under the governance of the two major parties. We have seen our environment slowly degraded, once again for the benefit of the few. We have time and again seen the machinations and manipulation of the two major political parties for their own gain. We have seen the misappropriation of taxpayer monies, with no transparency or accountability. To not allow the SEP to have a voice in our democracy is scurrilous to say the least and is anything but democratic! We must have the right to vote for an alternative to what currently exists. I firmly believe the recent actions by the AEC to reject the SEP were founded on very flimsy and farcical investigations into the SEP membership. I firmly support the SEPs registration, and I call on the AEC to ensure the SEP are fully registered for the upcoming federal election. Anything to the contrary would be an attack on democracy itself! Gino Rob, a retired rural/construction worker living in the Australian Capital Territory, wrote: Over forty years, from the time of [former prime ministers Malcolm] Fraser and [Bob] Hawke, Ive watched the orchestrated dismantling of many of the gains the Australian working class achieved throughout the 20th century, by both the capitalist based major parties. The anti-democratic AEC has the authority to arbitrarily and deliberately delay and refuse the registration of any real alternative to Labor or the Liberal-Nationals. My adult children, [and others of their] generation, have little hope for a life free from the endless stress and anxiety, scraping through from payday to payday, all for the benefit of landlords, bankers and property developers. And then theres their environmental future, which is so mentally debilitating for those who dare to wade through the misinformation and disinformation pushed upon them by the tech oligarchs just to uncover the facts. We are told Australia is a truly rich countryso rich, in fact, that it can afford to treat its children with utter contempt. The capitalist system has degraded humanity right around the world to a hopeless future. These are manmade existential problems with real and workable solutions. The Socialist Equality Party and the International Committee of the Fourth International is the only alternative. **** Election ban on the SEP: An attack on democratic rights WHEN: 7 p.m. (AEDT) Wednesday, March 19 WHERE: Lansdowne Rooms, Bankstown Library, Bankstown, NSW Reserve your seat now! For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be live-streamed via Zoom. TOKYO - The foreign and economy ministers of Japan and Britain agreed Friday to promote free and open international trade, with concerns mounting over repercussions from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats against major trading partners. At the first "two-plus-two" dialogue on the economy between the two countries held in Tokyo, the ministers confirmed that they will work together to address energy and security challenges, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said in remarks to the press. Iwaya and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto met with their British counterparts, David Lammy and Jonathan Reynolds. "Sharing fundamental values, Japan and Britain will maintain cooperation to uphold and strengthen a free, fair and rules-based global economic order," Iwaya said. Lammy emphasized that the common interests of the two nations lie "in a stable international system." Muto said the four reaffirmed the importance of dealing with "overproduction and economic coercion" issues by bolstering supply chains of critical materials, apparently with concerns over China's steel and electric vehicle output. The ministers also affirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration on reforming the World Trade Organization and supporting the clean energy transition in developing countries. Britain is the second nation with which Japan has an economic two-plus-two ministerial framework following the United States, their common security ally. For London, Tokyo is the first partner of such talks. The gathering comes as Trump's long-threatened trade war is turning into reality. His administration has imposed 25 percent duties on many goods from Canada and Mexico and doubled his additional tariff on Chinese imports to 20 percent on Tuesday. The move prompted vows of retaliation from the three countries, though the president said Thursday that he will pause until April 2 the higher tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico that are covered by a North American free trade pact. "It's crucial that we counter the increasing trade fragmentation that is damaging the global economy, and that we stand up for fair, rules-based international trade," Reynolds said, while none of the ministers directly mentioned Trump's policies in front of reporters. Japan and Britain, the world's fourth- and sixth-largest economies, respectively, have been boosting their economic cooperation especially since the latter's departure from the European Union in 2020. In December, Britain became the 12th member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, of which Japan is also a member. The free trade pact came into force in 2018 after the U.S. withdrawal in 2017 during Trump's first four-year presidential term. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to start the new economic dialogue when they met in November on the fringes of the Group of 20 summit in Brazil. Earlier in the day, Iwaya and Lammy held a separate meeting. They agreed to continue exchanging views to realize a "fair and lasting peace in Ukraine," which is fighting against Russia's prolonged invasion, according to the Japanese foreign minister. Related coverage: Trump grants automakers 1-month reprieve from new tariffs Trump complains security pact with Japan nonreciprocal China warns Japan not to interfere in Taiwan affairs The first creditors meeting at Whyalla Steelworks on Monday was told its finances were in an even worse state than previously thought. The administrator, KordaMentha, said the steelworks had lost a total of $319 million since July and owed creditors more than $1.3 billion. The 60-year-old plant was placed into administration by the South Australian (SA) Labor government on February 19, with bipartisan support. The unprecedented move was immediately endorsed by the federal Labor government, which pledged $1.9 billion to a joint state-federal bail-out package totalling $2.4 billion. The federal governments primary concern is not preserving jobs, or transitioning to green steel production, but ensuring that Australia retains a foothold in the key strategic industry, especially as Australia prepares to play a leading role in a US-led war against China. When the administrators arrived, owner OneSteel Manufacturing, part of Sanjeev Guptas GFG Alliance, had just $8 million in the bank, not enough to make payroll. The facilitys 1,500 direct employees are owed a total of $189.7 million, including annual leave and redundancy entitlements. Workers have been told they will not be allowed to cash in annual or long service leave entitlements during the administration. OneSteel owes a further $437 million to trade creditors, including local small businesses and contractors, around 2,500 of whom are effectively employed at the steelworks. Whyalla Hose and Fitting Services, which employs 15 workers, was owed $600,000, owner David Bruce told the Advertiser. He said the business had only just finished paying off a $750,000 state government loan it had needed to take out when Arrium, the previous owner of the steelworks, collapsed in 2016. CBCH/Max Cranes Whyalla was owed a similar amount, and owner Chris Birch said OneSteels long-unpaid bills had led him to refuse work from the company. This meant CBCHs 70 staff had to be put on shorter shifts. Birch told the Advertiser it had been clear since around September that GFG was in serious trouble, and noted the impact this was having on the whole town of around 22,000. All the businesses in Whyalla started to communicate with each other as to how everyone was travelling and it started becoming evident that things werent good in the town, he said. Chrys Press said his industrial dry-cleaning business was owed $50,000 by OneSteel and had lost about 80 percent of its work since the two extended shutdowns at the steelworks last year and GFGs broader financial problems provoked business collapses, layoffs and an exodus of workers from Whyalla. OneSteels inability to pay its bills had also caused Whyalla Port, owned by a separate GFG subsidiary, to shut down. A representative of Peak Iron Mines told the Advertiser its inability to export iron ore through Whyalla had put 200 direct SA jobs at risk. The appointment of administrators and injection of cash by the state and federal Labor governments has been welcomed by local businesses, workers and residents, as at least a temporary reprieve. But the figures revealed at the creditors meeting indicate that the sums allocated for existing debts and ongoing running costs in the $2.4 billion government bailout package are woefully inadequate. Just $50 million has been earmarked for Creditor Assistance payments. Even limited as these are to paying half of what a creditor is owed, and discounting the $570 million in debt to other GFG entities, for which the government funds will not be used, this would seem to fall far short of what is required. The $384 million in government funding allotted to running expenses while the steelworks is in administration could also prove problematic, given the plant has been losing an average of $1.5 million a day over the past seven months. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said on Monday he suspected the administration could take as long as it did in 2016, which was a 17-month process, the Australian reported. A major contributor to the financial woes of the steelworks were two major breakdowns that put the plant out of action for around eight months last year. BlueScope, the only other company in Australia that operates a blast furnace to produce steel from iron ore, rather than scrap metal, will be brought in as experts to advise on how to bring the plants output back up to capacity. BlueScope had initially been flagged as a possible buyer for Whyalla, but has since indicated it would only be interested in operating the steelworks, not owning it. Joint administrator Sebastian Hams said it seemed maintenance and repairs had been lacking for most of the time GFG had owned the steelworks, the condition of which was a lot worse than KordaMentha had expected. Hams also suggested that the facilitys ovens, which turned metallurgical coal, largely sourced from GFGs Tahmoor coal mine in New South Wales (NSW), into coke for the furnace, were shut down in 2023 simply because the maintenance wasnt done. The company claimed that the move, forcing the plant to rely on imported coke, which workers said was of inferior quality, was cause for celebration, as part of the transition towards green steel production. But the new electric arc furnace, supposedly ordered from Italy and set to be put into operation last year, never eventuated. The administrator placed the value of the property, plant and equipment at OneSteel at just $385 million, barely more than half what GFG paid for the steelworks in 2017, in what was widely considered to be a fire-sale bargain. The $570 million owed to other parts of Guptas ailing empire are a reflection of what Hams described as agreements in place here with various related parties that mean this business is hardwired to make losses. Hams comments about the dire state of the steelworks and its economic viability should be a stark warning to workers. While there may be an initial flurry of spending to get the plant back up to speed, the role of the administrators will be to restructure and slash costs, to make the steelworks more attractive to potential buyers. This was the role KordaMentha played when it was appointed as administrator of the steelworks in 2016-17 after the collapse of previous owner Arrium. More than 6 percent of the Arrium workforce was slashed during the administration, on top of 250 job cuts at Whyalla the previous year. With the full support of the unions, KordaMentha imposed a new enterprise agreement that included a 10 percent wage cut and other regressive measures, aimed at slashing $17 million in labour costs. The vast related party debt, most of which is unsecured, highlights that the threat to jobs, wages and conditions extends far beyond Whyalla. Tahmoor coal mine, recently shut down for four weeks as a result of GFGs failure to pay suppliers, is reportedly owed $144 million by Whyalla, placing the livelihoods of the 450 workers and contractors employed there further at risk. A plan to sell the mine, promoted by the union bureaucracy as the only salvation for workers, appears to be in doubt, amid claims GFGs asking price of $800 million was too steep. OneSteel also owed $156 million to InfraBuild, until recently one of the few profitable components of Guptas global operation. Moreover, KordaMentha claims that Whyalla was selling steel products and coking coal to InfraBuild$140 million worth in the past six monthstoo cheaply and says it will seek to renegotiate the prices. InfraBuild, which employs more than 5,000 workers at its electric arc furnaces in Sydney and Melbourne and ten manufacturing mills in the eastern states, reported an $81.3 million loss in the six months to December 31. This included more than $16 million relating to professional fees incurred in relation to creditor settlement and restructuring expenses. The company also faces a demand from one of its bondholders to immediately repay more than $800 million. The likely imposition by the Trump administration of a 25 percent tariff on steel imported from Australia further clouds the prospects of InfraBuild and Whyalla, while tariffs on Chinese steel could also have implications for Tahmoors coal exports. Workers at Whyalla Steelworks, Tahmoor Colliery and InfraBuild, as well as at BlueScope, throughout the steel industry and more broadly, need to take up a unified struggle to defend their jobs, wage and conditions. This is impossible under the control of the trade union bureaucracies, which have imposed one sellout deal after another, based on the phoney pretext that workers must make sacrifices to keep their jobs, and presided over the destruction of most of the Australian steel industry over the past four decades. Workers need to take matters into their own hands and build rank-and-file committees, independent of the unions and Labor, to lead the fight for their livelihoods. This poses the need for a political and industrial struggle against the subordination of the needs of the working class to the profit interests of the corporate and financial elite. The alternative is the fight to establish workers governments, to implement socialist policies. Critical infrastructure like the Whyalla Steelworks, along with the major corporations and banks, must be placed under democratic workers control and ownership, to serve the needs of the working class, including for the mass construction of affordable housing, not further enrich the wealthy few. The explosive confrontation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House last week has roiled the Australian ruling elite, just as it has provoked concerns and consternation in capitals around the world. For the Australian state, the shifts in US foreign policy have immediate implications. Since World War II, Australian imperialism has prosecuted its own predatory interests under the umbrella of an alliance with the US as the global hegemon. The two are deeply connected, including through a vast increase in the integration of their militaries over recent years, in preparation for war with China. Trumps readiness to blow up long standing alliances with the European powers has inevitably raised questions in establishment circles over the implications of the deep-going Australian alignment with the US. The questions as raised publicly are not over the US alliance per se, but the unpredictability of Trump and the possibility that similar shocks to the old alliance system may be delivered elsewhere. The blow-up in Europe, moreover, has coincided with public demands from a senior figure in the Trump administration this week for Australia to immediately boost its military spending from 2 to 3 percent of gross domestic product. That hike, which would cost tens of billions of dollars a year, is part of the Trump administrations acceleration of the conflict with Beijing. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US President Donald Trump, Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton [Photo by X/@AlboMP, AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Facebook/Peter Dutton/] For Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Liberal-National opposition leader Peter Dutton, the timing of the rift has provoked more immediate headaches. The eruption of geopolitical conflicts coincides with a federal election that must be held by May 17. Both major parties are in a crisis, with polls predicting a hung parliament resulting in an unstable minority government. With unofficial election campaigning underway, both Albanese and Dutton have sought to avoid the question of foreign policy. Their support for the Israeli genocide in Gaza and for massive military spending is widely unpopular, and they clearly wish to avoid scrutiny over the uncertain and destabilising implications of the actions of the White House. Both were nevertheless compelled to respond to Trump berating Zelensky which indicated that the US would back away from its massive investment in what has effectively been a US-NATO proxy war against Russia. Albanese declared: [W]e stand unequivocally with Ukraine in their struggle because we regard that as a struggle for the upholding of international law. This support would persist for as long as it takes. The Labor prime minister did not directly criticise Trump, nor has he since the inauguration of the fascistic US administration six weeks ago. Albanese has previously refused to comment on Trumps open plans for the ethnic-cleansing of Gaza, his threats to seize Greenland and Canada and his sweeping attacks on democratic rights domestically. While Albanese did not explicitly speak out against Trump over Ukraine, it is significant that this is the only issue on which the Labor PM has struck a different note to the White House. Albanese differentiated from the fascistic gangster on a right-wing and militarist basis. Contrary to his assertions, the Ukraine war has nothing to do with the defence of democracy or international law. It was deliberately provoked by the US and NATO, in order to inflict a major defeat on Russia. The imperialist powers have provided hundreds of billions to Ukraine to prolong the conflict, as hundreds of thousands have been killed. Zelensky rules as a dictator through a Ukrainian state infested with fascistic and Nazi forces. Australia has been one of the largest non-NATO contributors, providing over $1.5 billion in aid since the war began. That has included the provision by the Labor government of offensive weaponry to Ukraine. Albaneses comments dovetailed with those of the European powers, such as Britain, France and Germany, which are committed to continuing the war to advance their own predatory interests on the continent. The prime ministers statements also echoed the positions of sections of the US military-intelligence establishment, such as the CIA, which are deeply committed to the Ukraine war. For that wing of the US ruling elite, represented politically by the Democrats, war with Russia is seen as a necessary stepping stone to conflict with China, which is viewed as the chief threat to American global dominance. Trump speaks for another faction, which sees the Ukraine conflict as a costly diversion from a more immediate confrontation with Beijing. In an indication that those divisions in the US are being reflected within the Australian political establishment, the Labor governments position has also been marked by uncertainty and a rapid about face. Senior Labor ministers initially stated that Australia would not participate in a British and European-led plan to dispatch peacekeepers to Ukraine. But on Tuesday, following a meeting of the National Security Committee of Cabinet, Albanese told the media that Australia would give consideration to any request for participation in such a force. Contrary to the terminology used, such a deployment would have nothing to do with peace. It would involve Australia in European-led efforts for a deepening of the conflict with Russia, posing the prospect of a massive war on the European continent. Dutton also made contradictory statements. On Monday, he described Trumps clash with Zelensky as disappointing. Dutton has been one of the few major Western politicians to directly criticise Trump. He said: In relation to Ukraine, the Australian view at the moment is different to the United States, and my job as Prime Minister will be to lobby the President of the United States to reconsider his position in relation to Ukraine, because I think its in all of our collective best interests if were able to provide support to Ukraine, and thats something Im dedicated to. Albaneses response, he added, had been weak. But the very next day, Dutton echoed the positions of the US president. He opposed any deployment of Australian forces to Ukraine, stating: I think the Europeans have that task, and I think what President Trumps pointed out is that the Europeans need to do more in the defence of Europe, and thats a statement of the obvious. Duttons comment coincided with warnings from figures around the national-security establishment that such a deployment would be costly, could have little impact and divert resources from the build-up against China in the Indo-Pacific. Notwithstanding their gyrations, both Albanese and Dutton have repeatedly emphasised their ironclad commitment to the US alliance. Stronger US-Australia defence ties and the transformation of the continent into a forward base for a US-led conflict with Beijing has been the centrepiece policy of the Albanese government, with full support from the Coalition. That reflects the fact that the dominant sections of the Australian ruling elite view their own predatory interests, particularly in the South Pacific, as best being prosecuted as part of the US military drive throughout the region. This is coming with increasing demands, however. Speaking to the US Senates Armed Services Committee on Wednesday, Elbridge Colby, Trumps nominee to head policy at the US Defence Department, demanded a massive boost to Australian military expenditure. The main concern the United States should press with Australia, consistent with the presidents approach, is higher defence spending, Colby stated. He added: Australia is currently well below the 3 percent level advocated for NATO, by NATO Secretary General [Mark] Rutte, and Canberra faces a far more powerful challenge in China. The comments were striking for being delivered in public, for putting a dollar figure on the demand and for explicitly connecting this to the preparations for conflict with China. Marcus Hellyer, a defence economist, told the Age that an increase from the 2 percent of GDP currently spent on the military to 3 percent would equate to a rise from $56 billion a year to a nominal $130 billion in ten years. Under conditions of a budget deficit, predicted to last for at least a decade, the increase would mean a massive intensification of the assault on healthcare, education and every other area of social spending. Yesterday, Albanese responded to Colbys comments, declaring that Australia determines our national interest. He touted the fact that the Labor government has already increased military spending to record levels, and is rolling out missiles and other offensive capabilities across every branch of the defence force. Those comments, along with the discussion about deploying troops to Ukraine, must serve as a warning to the working class. Whatever the twists and turns of foreign policy, Australia is deeply enmeshed in what already has the character of a developing world war. The program of Labor, the Coalition and every other official party is militarism and war. The only alternative is building a socialist movement of the working class, aimed at abolishing the root cause of the descent into global conflict and barbarism, the capitalist system itself. Europe is responding to the growing conflict with the US by massively rearming. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, yesterday presented the assembled heads of state and government of the European Union with a plan to rearm Europe, which she said would raise an additional 800 billion over four years for military equipment, military support for Ukraine and the development of a European defence industry. A soldier fires a machine gun from a Leopard 2 tank at the Field Marshal Rommel Barracks in Augustdorf, Germany, Wednesday, February 1, 2023. [AP Photo/Martin Meissner] Facilitated by a relaxation of EU debt rules and other incentives, 650 billion is to come from the member states themselves. The EU intends to provide a further 150 billion in a fund. We are in an era of rearmament. Europe is ready to massively increase its defence spending, said von der Leyen, explaining her initiative. It was about both the short-term urgency to act and support Ukraine and the long-term need to take much more responsibility for our own European security. In a televised address to the French people on Wednesday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his offer to extend Frances nuclear umbrella to Germany and other European countries. He would respond to the historic appeal by future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Christian Democratic Union, CDU) and talk about an extended nuclear deterrent, Macron said. However, the decision on the use of nuclear weapons will always remain in the hands of the French president. In contrast to von der Leyen, who kept a low diplomatic profile, Macron attacked the US directly. Unlike in the past, our ally in America can no longer be relied on, he said. We must strengthen our defence. In this respect, we remain linked to NATO, but we must strengthen our independence. The future of Europe must not be decided in Washington or Moscow. Macron accused Russia of having become a threat to France and Europe for years to come. No one can believe that Russia will stop after Ukraine. Germany is blazing the trail in Europes rearmament programme. On Tuesday evening, the leaders of the CDU, Christian Social Union (CSU) and Social Democrats (SPD), who are negotiating a coalition government, appeared before the press and announced a rearmament programme that hardly anyone could have imagined just a few days ago. At around 1 trillion, it is 10 times greater than the special fund that Olaf Scholzs government adopted three years ago, which he described as a new era. All defence spending that exceeds 1 percent of economic output (around 45 billion) is to be exempt from the debt brake, which sets strict limits on new government borrowing. Originally, a further special fund of 400 billion had been under discussion. With the regulation now proposed, military expenditure can be increased far beyond this. Experts estimate it could rise by at least 500 billion. Special fund for infrastructure In addition, the CDU/CSU and SPD have agreed on a special fund totalling 500 billion, which is also not subject to the debt brake. This is to be used to finance the expansion of infrastructure. However, this is notas the SPD would have us believeabout repairing schools and investing in hospitals but about direct and indirect preparations for war. In addition to the rearmament and expansion of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), which is financed from the defence budget, achieving war readiness requires the development of a huge arms industry that is independent of US imports and the expansion of war-related infrastructure. This is the purpose of the special fund. The project is reminiscent of Hitlers infamous Autobahn construction, which was also presented as a civilian project but in reality served in the rapid transport of troops. Today, the issue at stake is also the transport of troops. President of the IFO think tank Clemens Fuest, who proposed the fund together with other economists, told the F.A.Z. newspaper that it should be used to invest in civil defence and in the military upgrading of infrastructure, stable bridges first and foremost. The fund will also focus on digitalisation, reconnaissance satellites, secure communication, drones and other weapons technologies that are crucial for modern warfare and in which Europe lags far behind the US, as well as independence from supply chains and the supply of raw materials and energy. A background paper written by the President of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Moritz Schularick, who, like Ifo head Fuest, is part of the group of economists who proposed the huge special fund, is revealing. The paper also bears the signatures of two leading defence industry executives, Thomas Enders, the former CEO of Airbus and current president of the think tank DGAP, and Rene Obermann, Airbus supervisory board chairman. Airbus is the second largest defence company in Europe. The paper makes clear that the gigantic arms build-up is not for defence, as claimed, but to escalate the war against Russia with vast quantities of modern weaponry and to prepare for further wars. The papers core is an appeal to direct defence billions specifically towards creating an asymmetric superiority in the event of war, writes the F.A.Z., which has access to the text. Overall, the proposals are aimed at superiority on the modern battlefield, and less on support or logistics aspects of defence. Germany must initiate a SPARTA project (Strategic Protection and Advanced Resilience Technology Alliance) for European defence, the economists and defence industry executives demand. This means the immediate launch of major armaments programmes with a focus on new technologies and sovereign intra-European procurement. Today, superiority on the battlefield is achieved through mass, in combination with technological excellence, as the war in Ukraine shows. In the short term, the paper calls for, among other things, an extensive drone wall over NATOs eastern flank with tens of thousands of combat drones. In the medium term, technical improvements such as a European Multi-Domain Combat Cloud for the decentralised, networked use of data on the battlefield are to be developed. Constitutional amendment at breakneck speed The CDU/CSU and SPD are seeking to adopt their huge rearmament programme with tremendous haste, ruthlessly disregarding election promises and democratic procedures. They have agreed on the funding before the actual coalition negotiations on the joint programme of the new government, which will not be elected until mid-April at the earliest, have even begun. In order to obtain the necessary two-thirds majority, the voted-out Bundestag will be convened once again to pass the necessary constitutional amendments in the third reading on March 17 at the latest. They are to be approved by the Bundesrat, the upper chamber of parliament, on March 21. The new Bundestag will then convene for the first time on March 25. This unprecedented procedure, which ruthlessly tramples over the election results, was chosen because the SPD and CDU/CSU, together with the Greens, have the required two-thirds majority in the old Bundestag. In the new Bundestag, they would have to rely on support from the Left Party or the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The Greens are still reluctant. They are offended because they were not consulted at an earlier stage. However, they have already made it clear that they will vote in favour of the constitutional amendment if the words climate protection are inserted somewhere in the text. Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz vehemently spoke out against relaxing the debt brake during the parliamentary election campaign. Now, in less than 10 days, he has done a 180-degree U-turn and is in favour of a rearmament programme that would increase the national debt from the current 63 percent to 90 percent or even 100 percent of annual economic output within a short space of time. Merz justified his new stance by saying that Europe must grow up in the face of new international challenges. Whatever it takes must now apply to defence, he declared. The phrase was coined by former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi, who used it during the financial crisis to announce support for the banks to the tune of around 500 billion. The scale of the rearmament programme that is now being introduced is reminiscent of the early years of the Nazi dictatorship. The share of the military budget in the German national product rose from 1.5 percent in 1932 to 5.5 percent in 1935, the third year of Hitlers rule. As financing from tax revenues was no longer possible, armaments were financed by state-backed loans. The higher the debts rose, the more inevitable the war became. Germany would have been bankrupt if Hitler had not invaded Poland in 1939 and later the Soviet Union and started the most brutal campaign of plunder in history. Dominate Europe to become a world power Sums on a similar scale are involved this time around. And the German ruling class is going down the same path again. It is trying to dominate Europe in order to become a world power. Back in 2014, Ursula von der Leyen (then German defence minister) and the current Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (then foreign minister) announced that Germany must once again play a role in world politics that is commensurate with its economic weight. Since then, the country has massively rearmed and played a leading role in the war against Russia in Ukraine. Now those in power see an opportunity to free themselves from American domination. An editorial published in Der Spiegel on March 6 expressed this with remarkable candour. Under the headline America is now our adversary, Mathieu von Rohr wrote: The Western alliance is broken. Europe must now become strong itselfor it will perish. According to Der Spiegel, the significance of this fundamental shift for Germany cannot be overemphasised. The Federal Republic was in many respects an American creation, the US was a big brother. That is now over. Von Rohr wrote almost triumphantly: Dramatic events can awaken forces. Nobody strengthened Nato like Putin when he invaded Ukraine. ... There is no reason why 500 million Europeans cannot defend themselves against Russia alone. They are economically strong enough to be able to do soand they will have to now. It is particularly important that Germany, which has been so hesitant militarily in the past, must now take a leading role as the most important European nation. Lifting the debt brake on defence spending can only be the beginning, he continued. Europe needs strategic autonomy and also requires nuclear armament. One can find dozens of similar comments. Former Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer (Greens), for example, called for the reintroduction of compulsory military service and a European nuclear umbrella in an interview with Die Zeit, arguing that the West is finished and that Europeans and Germans must now think about our own security. In its election statement, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) wrote that the response of Germanys ruling class to Trumps Make America Great Again was Deutschland uber alles. It is responding to Trump by rearming at a pace not seen since Hitler. This is now being stunningly confirmed. Only the working class, which has to bear the costs and consequences, can put a stop to this war madness by uniting internationally and combining the fight against social cuts and exploitation with the fight against war and capitalism. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Howard University Hospital health care workers on strike. The Stand Up for Science protests taking place today mark a significant development in the growing opposition to the fascistic Trump administration. Thousands of scientists, workers, professionals, students and youth have organized demonstrations in Washington D.C. and more than 100 other locations across the United States, Canada and Europe to oppose Trumps attacks on science and democratic rights. The Socialist Equality Party welcomes these demonstrations. We call for the broadest possible mobilization of the working class and for the expansion of the protests internationally. There must be a global fight against the destruction of critical public health programs, as well as infrastructure monitoring Earths weather and climate, the health of lakes, rivers, forests and grasslands, fish and wildlife, and more. This assault is being spearheaded by the fascist billionaire Elon Musk in the name of improving government efficiency, which is Orwellian doublespeak for eradicating all limitations on the accumulation of wealth by the corporate oligarchy. Trump and Musk are taking particular aim at all aspects of public health, already slashing over 5,000 positions across the 13 units of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Their chief agent is HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who embodies the total repudiation of science and progress. One of the most notorious purveyors of anti-vaccine disinformation and quackery, with no relevant health qualifications, Kennedy now oversees what were once the worlds preeminent public health agencies. He is responsible for handling multiple health crises, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a catastrophic flu season that has already killed 20,000 Americans this winter, the growing threat of an H5N1 bird flu pandemic, and the worst measles outbreak in the US in over a decade. With this vicious opponent of science at the helm of HHS, the dangers posed to the American and world population cannot be overstated. Among the most significant attacks on science carried out in just the first six weeks of the Trump administration are: Withdrawing from the World Health Organization and any form of international collaboration to fight viruses and diseases that know no borders Denying the reality of climate change and seeking to ban any discussion of the role of giant corporations and the fossil fuel industries in causing it Implementing funding freezes affecting scientific research across multiple agencies and universities, including the cutoff of billions in funding for the National Institutes of Health Laying off roughly 5,000 workers at the Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service and Forest Service Manipulating vital Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports to cover up science related to bird flu, while imposing a gag order across public health and other federal agencies Threatening to completely dismantle the Department of Education All these actions will have vast real-world ramifications for the American and international working class. Cumulatively, they represent characteristic ideological features of far-right politics: contempt for science, education, public health, philosophical materialism, and the progressive legacy of the Enlightenment. The administrations ultra-nationalist America First program is inherently hostile to international scientific collaboration, which is essential for addressing global challenges like climate change and pandemic prevention. The fight for a scientific understanding of nature and society must reject all attempts to divide humans by race, a social construct engendered by the capitalist ruling elite to suppress social opposition. This requires an explicit rejection of the bipartisan attacks on immigrants, including the attempts by Trump to end birthright citizenship. Any defense of science, however, cannot be left in the hands of the Democratic Party, which has been given a platform at many of todays protests. It was the Biden administration which carried out the forever COVID policy of unending mass infection, death and debilitation with Long COVID. The continued spread of COVID-19, as well as the emergence of bird flu and the return of long-eliminated pathogens like measles, are all a consequence of the Biden administrations open repudiation of public health, which paved the way for Trump and Kennedy. Eight years ago, similar protests were organized against the first Trump administration under the banner of a March for Science, involving over 1 million people globally. That these demonstrations must be repeated today is a testament to the failure of any strategy aimed at pressuring the Democratic Party, one of the two parties of the American capitalist class. A break with the Democrats also requires a break with the trade union bureaucracies, which have long stifled any independent challenge to the ruling elite. They share central responsibility, along with the pseudo-left Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), for the unsafe reopening of factories, workplaces and schools at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the needless deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Special note must be taken of the United Auto Workers (UAW), an official supporter and sponsor of todays protests, which has worked to wholly accommodate itself to the Trump administration. On Tuesday, after Trump announced his latest round of tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China, UAW President Shawn Fain declared, We look forward to working with the White House to shape the auto tariffs in April to benefit the working class. Anyone who studies economics scientifically knows that tariffs will only bring ruin to the working class, because of both skyrocketing prices and the thousands of layoffs in the auto industry and beyond that will result. The fight for science is above all a class issue. As with the book-burning of the Nazis, every reactionary government and historically outmoded social class has denigrated and persecuted science and a materialist world outlook for definite political ends. The development of science has thus always depended on progressive social forces. Under capitalism, the international working class is the revolutionary force in society, whose objective position stands in direct opposition to the capitalist state, trade union bureaucrats, corporate oligarchs and the capitalist socioeconomic system as a whole. Modern science and technology have made it possible to wipe out hunger and disease, vanquish ignorance and mysticism, and provide a high standard of living for every human being on the planet. Moreover, the revolutionary developments in transportation and communications, most recently through the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, have shattered the barriers to human interaction and made possible the education and integration of all humanity on a scale never before seen in history. The fight for science and human progress can only take place through the building of a socialist movement in the working class. Scientists are experiencing the same process of proletarianization now affecting doctors, teachers and other professionals. Scientists must recognize their common interests with all workers facing attacks on their living standards, jobs and democratic rights. No matter your education level or salary, to the oligarchy that rules America, you are as expendable as any other worker. A genuine defense of science requires the preparation of mass strike action by all federal workers, including those in scientific agencies, against job cuts, funding freezes and attacks on working conditions. This must be connected to a broader movement of the entire working class, in the US and internationally, against inequality and exploitation. The same scientific methods necessary to understand the natural world must also be applied to understand society. A materialist analysis clearly demonstrates that capitalism is a historically outmoded social system that stands as the chief obstacle to human progress. We call on all those attending todays protest to join the International Youth and Students for Social Equality and the Socialist Equality Party and to build a revolutionary socialist movement, to carry forward the defense of science as part of the struggle for a socialist society based on social equality instead of private profit. The demonstration in Berlin against the Zelensky regime in Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing an uncertain domestic political future as the Ukrainian government deals with the fallout from Zelenskys disastrous meeting with US President Donald Trump and the potential imminent cut-off of US aid. The already existing tensions within the Ukrainian ruling class are being exacerbated as US imperialism and the European imperialist powers themselves are divided over the Ukraine question. Since the pro-NATO 2014 coup against the elected President Viktor Yanukovych, the country has essentially existed as a US- and NATO-backed client state. With the funding and arms from NATO, Ukraine has waged a war against Russia for over three years now, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Now, amid mounting fatigue with the war and discontent in the Ukrainian population, there is significant anxiety in the Ukrainian ruling class that Zelensky has become a serious liability following the return of Trump to the US presidency. Last Monday, shortly after Trump labeled Zelensky a dictator without elections, Ukraines parliament held a vote on a resolution supporting the legitimacy of Zelenskys presidency despite the undemocratic cancellation of the countys presidential elections, which were scheduled to take place in the spring of 2024 according to Ukraines constitution. The vote was aimed at bolstering Zelensky just prior to his White House visit on Friday. But although Zelenskys own Servant of the People party holds an outright majority in parliament, the first vote failed to pass, garnering just 218 voteseight short of the required 226 votes. Later on Tuesday, the draft resolution ultimately passed after former President Petro Poroshenko announced that he and his European Solidarity party would no longer oppose the resolution as it was part of key defense and international legislation. Just weeks prior, Zelensky had signed a decree that placed sanctions on Poroshenko for high treason and supporting a criminal organization. According to the countrys domestic security agency, the SBU, which led the investigation, the sanctions were placed due to Poroshenko posing threats to national security, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and the creation of obstacles to sustainable economic development. Poroshenko responded to the accusations by directly blaming Zelensky for the charges stating, There are many accomplices in this crime: Zelenskys entire team, the Cabinet of Ministers, which was forced to submit to an absurd proposal, members of his National Security and Defense Council. But the customer, executor, and signatory is oneZelensky personally. Poroshenko became the president of Ukraine after the 2014 coup and has been a longtime political rival of Zelensky. In the 2019 presidential elections that brought Zelensky to power, Poroshenko was roundly defeated, despite being the preferred candidate of US imperialism at the time. Since then, Poroshenko, a billionaire oligarch, has retained a significant political presence both at home and abroad. In Ukraines parliament, he has been serving as head of the European Solidarity Party. He has also often met with Western leaders, while at the same time fighting a plethora of criminal charges brought against him by the Zelensky regime. Others sanctioned by Zelensky were Viktor Medvedchuk a former pro-Russian opposition leader in Ukraine now residing in RussiaKostyantyn Zhevago, Hennadiy Boholyubov, and Zelenskys former financial backer and oligarch Igor Kolomoisky. The sanctions mean that all related assets of the targeted individuals have been frozen. Poroshenko, Medvedchuk and these other individuals have also been blocked from conducting financial transactions, among other restrictions which will last indefinitely. In the weeks since, Poroshenko has called for national unity and refused to criticize his political rival following last weeks debacle at the White House. However, he did state that he hopes Zelensky has a Plan B following his fallout with Trump. These moves against Zelenskys political rivals were taking place just as talk of a return to elections in Ukraine has surfaced in recent weeks, with some proposing presidential elections in Ukraine as part of any potential peace deal. While meeting with Trump officials at the Munich Security Conference in February, Zelensky attempted to head off any attempt to impose elections on Ukraine by its Western backers. I am ready to speak about elections if you want. Ukrainians dont want [them]; totally dont want [them], because they are afraid. Because otherwise we will lose the martial law, our soldiers will come back home, and Putin will occupy all our territory, Zelensky stated. More recently, Zelensky offered to step down in exchange for NATO membership, a move that has been flatly rejected by the Trump administration as it seeks to abandon the USs role in the Cold War military alliance and plot its own course for a potential war with China. As Zelensky has turned to the EU for support in the wake of his White House visit, the Trump administration has already begun meeting with Zelenskys rivals within the Ukrainian ruling-class. According to Politico, four senior Trump officials held secret meetings in Kiev with Poroshenko, as well as with former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who in 2014 was recorded threatening to drop nuclear weapons on Russia. Conversations reportedly centered on whether Ukraine could in fact hold snap elections with the ultimate goal of removing Zelensky from power. As a top Republican foreign policy expert told Politico, Poroshenkos people and Yulia [Tymoshenko], theyre all talking to Trump World, positioning themselves as people who would be easier to work with. And people who would consent to many of the things that Zelenskyy is not agreeing to. While Zelenskys White House trip ultimately failed to secure a deal based on giving up a huge share of Ukraines critical minerals, oil, gas and infrastructure to US imperialism, there remains hope in the Ukrainian bourgeoisie that a deal can still be worked out that would salvage Ukraines status as a US client state. Speaking to the Kyiv Independent, former Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyukwho was handpicked for his role by US imperialism following the 2014 coupurged the signing of the minerals deal, despite the blowup between Zelensky and Trump, as a means to save the Ukrainian ruling class. We urgently need to develop a roadmap on how to fix the situation we all find ourselves in. Neither Ukraine nor the Trump administration has benefited from this, only the war criminal (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. It is better to sign this (resources) agreement as soon as possible to show that Ukraine is ready for any kind of investment. If the U.S. president needs this deal to sell it to his MAGA base, we are okay with this. But we need real investments and economic cooperation. Inter-imperialist tensions between the European powers and the US have also impacted the return of what the New York Times called in an article this week, the Long shunned, Pro-Russia politicians. Unsurprisingly, the newspaper failed to mention that the pro-Russia political opposition was systematically censored and persecuted under Zelensky with the help of the US prior to the start of full-scale war in 2022. One such figure featured in the article is Oleksandr Dubinsky, a Ukrainian parliamentary member currently in prison. Dubinsky is pro-Trump and has been accused of having ties to Russia, despite at the same time being under sanctions from both the US and Russia. Following Zelenskys White House debacle, Dubinsky called for an emergency parliamentary session on Zelenskys impeachment on X. The events of the past hoursthe public humiliation of Zelensky at the White House, Trumps acknowledgment of Zelenskys diplomatic failure, and Ukraines loss of unconditional U.S. supporthave marked the final act of the regimes collapse. But Zelensky has not only failed in foreign policyhe has driven the country into a state where anyone who disagrees with his course faces repression, Dubinsky wrote. I appeal to all Members of the Ukrainian Parliament: stop wasting time, stop waiting! Zelensky is bankrupt. Zelensky is not Ukraine! It is time to put him on trial. If he cannot offer a real way out of the crisis, then it is up to us to make fateful decisions, Dubinsky declared. Danielle Khalaf speaks at a press conference held by the Arab American Civil Rights League. March 2, 2025 [Photo: Arab American Civil Rights League] Danielle Khalaf, 14, an eighth-grader at East Middle School in Plymouth, Michigan, is fighting to defend her First Amendment rights under conditions in which all constitutional rights are under attack by the president and ruling oligarchy of the United States. On January 10, Danielle refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I decided I wanted to sit down because I didnt feel comfortable standing because of whats happening in Palestine, declared Danielle, describing the event at a press conference on February 27. After the pledge was over, the teacher said that anyone sitting down was being very disrespectful to soldiers, to America, she continued. Danielle reported that she approached the teacher to explain her reason for refusing to stand, but was shouted at and told, Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you dont like it, you should go back to [your] country. As a US citizen, Danielle was understandably distraught, and says she left the room in tears. The Arab-American Civil Rights League (ACRL) is demanding accountability from the Plymouth-Canton School District, and threatening legal action. The press conference was widely covered in the Detroit area, and continues to circulate on social media. One of the Facebook posts from WXYZ-TV has been viewed over 5,000 times and generated hundreds of supportive comments. As an actual veteran, I can definitely say that I did not spend four years overseas so some teacher in Michigan could berate a girl for not standing for the [pledge]. I served so that people could enjoy their constitutional rights and be safe, wrote Brian A. Stone. The utter irony of people attacking this young woman for doing what this country should stand for, the right to peacefully dissent (not storm the Capital and kill police), wrote another commenter. In response to a post that said The teacher shouldnt have said that but this girl should have stood up, over a hundred responded defending Danielles constitutional right to protest. Reed Bennett wrote, So that first amendment yall love so much doesnt apply to people you disagree with. In this country we have the right, and are expected, to exercise a freedom to follow our conscience, not blindly follow something just because someone else believes differently. A single-minded set of actions born of one persons mandate is NOT what our country is about. If you want to FORCE people into following ONE ideal, you are looking at a dictatorship, not what we are based on. Our forefathers wanted to ensure FREEDOM for ALL, not uniform directives demanding certain outcomes, was another response. Under the Biden administration, protests opposing the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza became the target of politicians in both the Republican and Democratic parties who overwhelmingly support the Zionist apartheid state of Israel. Pro-Palestinian sentiment and protest has been branded antisemitism, college students have been expelled or faced deportation, university presidents were forced to resign. The attacks on free speech rights initiated under Biden have now escalated under Trump. On March 4, Trump issued a statement on his social media platform declaring, All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests. Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on on [sic] the crime, arrested. NO MASKS! ... The World Socialist Web Site commented, Trump is placing himself above the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and asserting police-state powers to imprison and deport any who voice public opposition to him or his government. ... The WSWS has emphasized that the Democratic Party will not oppose Trump on these fascistic policies, reserving their opposition solely to support for the war against Russia in Ukraine. Danielle Khalaf is to be applauded for her courage and her willingness to stand up for what she knows is right. The support shown for her indicates that, as the WSWS has stressed, there exists a profound historical connection in the population, particularly in the working class, to the principles of the American Revolution and the defense of democratic rights. The student walkouts on Tuesday in defense of immigrants, the protests of federal workers, and the upcoming Stand Up for Science demonstrations portend an explosive confrontation between the working class and all factions of the ruling class. As one Facebook comment said, I am a veteran and I would take a knee right now. What is happening in this country is appalling. Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, disrupts President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite] The House of Representatives voted Thursday morning to censure 77-year-old Representative Al Green, a Houston, Texas Democrat, for disrupting President Donald Trumps fascistic address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. The vote was 224-198, with 10 Democrats joining a unanimous Republican caucus to rebuke one of their own members for daring to speak out against Trumps lies. Green rose to his feet during the first minutes of Trumps speech, after Trump claimed he had a massive mandate for his ultra-right policies, despite his narrow victory at the polls last November. Green shook his cane at the president, while declaring that he had no mandate to slash Medicaid, the program on which more than a quarter of Greens own constituents rely for health coverage. After Green refused several demands to sit down, House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove him from the chamber, while the Republicans present began chanting USA, USA. Only two Democrats followed Green out, while the rest sat and listened in silence to Trumps interminable litany of lies and provocations, occasionally flipping up signs the size of ping-pong paddles as their sole show of opposition. On Wednesday afternoon, after Johnson brought up a motion to censure Green, the House voted narrowly and by a straight party-line vote, 211-209, to reject a Democratic motion to table the censure resolution. The resolution was then brought to a vote on the next morning. After its passage, Green was summoned to the well of the chamber to have the censure resolution formally read out to him. Several dozen members of the Democratic caucus rose and accompanied him, while singing the civil rights anthem We Shall Overcome. This touched off screaming matches between Democrats and Republicans until Johnson ultimately declared a recess. The House Freedom Caucus, the most right-wing faction of the House Republicans, announced it would propose a resolution to strip Green of his committee assignments and bring it to the floor of the House next week. Later, fascist Republican Andy Ogles of Tennessee released a resolution he said he would introduce next week to punish all Democrats who participated in the disruption of Thursdays proceedingby joining Green in the well of the Houseby depriving them of their committee assignments for an entire year. A similar measure was undertaken in 2019 against fascist Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, but only because she had made thinly veiled public death threats against three Democratic congresswomen, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Greene, Lauren Boebert and several other Republicans also vocally interrupted addresses by President Joe Biden to Congress, but were neither censured nor otherwise reprimanded. Greene, Boebert and the other Republican interrupters, as well as Republican Joe Wilson of South Carolina, who shouted you lie during a speech by President Barack Obamathe first such action in modern timesall voted to censure Al Green for his heckling of Trump. The cynicism of the Republicans is only matched by the spinelessness of the Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined to whip the vote on Greens censure, telling members merely to vote their conscience. Ten Democrats took the opportunity to side with Trump and the Republicans: Ami Bera and Jim Costa of California, Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi of New York, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Jim Himes of Connecticut, Jared Moskowitz of Florida, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio and Ed Case of Hawaii. All ten stand on the right wing of the Democratic Party. Six of the ten come from very competitive districts, including three from districts carried by Trump in last years presidential election. Of the remaining four, Houlahan is a former military officer, Himes is ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, Moskowitz is a rabid Zionist who has joined with Republicans in witch-hunting protests against the genocide in Gaza. Speaking on CNN, Himes said, I have no love for Donald Trump, but I do have reverence for the Office of the President. Houlahan, speaking to the Philadelphia Inquirer, said, Immediately following the vote I met with a three-star general in charge of the Defense Intelligence Agency to talk about cuts there, and the consequences of that to our intelligence community, and thats my way of working through all these atrocities this administration is leveling. In subsequent remarks to the House, Al Green defended his interruption of Trump. I heard the speaker when he said that I should cease. I did not, and I did not with intentionality. It was not done out of a burst of emotion, he said. I think that on some questions, questions of conscience, you have to be willing to suffer the consequences. And I have said I will. I will suffer whatever the consequences are, because I dont believe that in the richest country in the world, people should be without good healthcare. He said that his positive, righteous incivility was in response to the ignoble incivility from Trump, who had called Democratic members of Congress lunatics during his speech Tuesday night. While any member of the House who used such a term in debate would have been interrupted and his words would be stricken from the record, there was of course no rebuke to Trump for his unprecedented diatribe against the opposition party. If Al Greens protest was an empty gestureand it certainly wasthere was nothing empty about the decision of the Democratic congressional leadership to stay silent and complicit as the fascist president vilified them and lied endlessly to the American people. The Democrats will do nothing to fight Trump, even when their own members are under public attack. There are obvious class reasons for this: The Democratic Party, like the Republicans, is a party of the American financial oligarchy. The Democrats oppose Trump only on those issues on which the oligarchy itself is divided, as over the war against Russia in Ukraine. On the most basic class questions, above all the attack on the working class and the gutting of social programs and democratic rights to pay for the crisis of American and world capitalism, the two parties stand together. Health workers on strike against the privatization of federal hospitals in Rio de Janeiro. The banner reads Nisia the enemy of the SUS [Public Health System] [Photo: Mayara Alves/SINSPREV/RJ] Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Workers Party - PT) fired Health Minister Nisia Trindade on February 25. In the two years that she led the ministry, her tenure was marked by the largest dengue outbreak in the countrys history and the deepening of the herd immunity policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She will be replaced by the former Minister of Institutional Relations, Alexandre Padilha, who previously headed the Ministry of Health between 2011 and 2014 in the government of Dilma Rousseff (PT). Former president of Brazils largest epidemiological institute, Fiocruz, ex-minister Trindade was considered a technical cadre who had been chosen by Lula for his supposed reconstruction of Brazil after four years of destruction by the government of fascist ex-president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022). With the replacement of Trindade, Lula hopes that the health ministry under Padilha will help him increase his governments increasingly low approval rating and put him in a better position in the 2026 presidential election. Absent from the bourgeois media has been an objective assessment of Trindades tenure at the head of the health ministry, first and foremost in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The many allegations in the media that her resignation represented an act of misogyny by the Lula government have been amplified by the pseudo-left, which throughout the pandemic has functioned as a left-wing cover for the COVID forever policy of the worlds ruling elite. Any serious assessment of Lulas health ministry has to take stock of the COVID-19 pandemic in just over two years of his government. Significantly, the day after Trindades resignation, Brazil marked five years since the first case of COVID-19 in the country, a subject little reported in the Brazilian media. In mid-February 2023, shortly after Lulas inauguration, his governments health ministry decided to end the release of daily COVID-19 data in Brazil without any scientific basis. Days later, Trindade made her first nationwide pronouncement, saying, finally, the time has come to celebrate our country's biggest popular festival [Carnival]. As the WSWS wrote at the time, this statement on the eve of Carnival, when the service and tourism sectors in Brazil make billions in profits, also expressed the Lula governments intention not to place any restrictions on the economy even as the pandemic worsens. Today, this situation has only worsened in Brazil, which saw an increase in the number of cases and deaths at the beginning of the year after the Christmas and end-of-year celebrations. Carnival, an event that brings together millions of people across Brazil, has served as a super-spreader event for the novel coronavirus in the country. Even with this well-established pattern, the Lula government has preferred to ignore science in favor of private profits. The country is going through a new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will certainly worsen in the coming days and weeks due to Carnival. Positivity rate for SARS-CoV-2 (in green) in Brazil between February 17, 2024 and February 15, 2025 [Photo: Instituto Todos pela Saude] Data released on February 25 by the Todos pela Saude Institute showed that the positivity rate for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 , grew by 7 percentage points in one month, reaching 24 percent. In recent weeks, the increase in the positivity rate has coincided with the reopening of schools across Brazil for the start of the school year. These figures are supported by the National Council of Health Secretaries (CONASS). According to its COVID-19 panel, between the second (9-16) and third (16-22) weeks of February, the number of cases rose from 13,709 to 22,097. In the same period, the number of deaths rose from 82 to 153. Brazil has a total of 39 million cases and 715,000 deaths from COVID-19. COVID-19 data in Brazil, however, hugely underestimates the real rate of infections and deaths. A study entitled Epicovid 2.0 published in December showed that 28.4 percent of the Brazilian population (around 60 million people) have already had at least one COVID-19 infection, a figure 1.5 times higher than the official count. When Trindade gave her speech at the end of February 2023, it was clear that the Lula government intended to ignore the need for nationally coordinated monitoring of the pandemic exactly what had marked the open policy of herd immunity adopted by the Bolsonaro government. Analyzed today, the speech made two years ago by former minister Trindade becomes even more repulsive in the face of what was promised. Repeating the claim of the worlds ruling elite that our great ally is vaccination, she continued: The more people with a complete vaccination schedule, the more we will be protected from the severe forms of the disease. This was an explicit acknowledgement that the novel coronavirus would be free to spread in Brazil, ignoring the fact that even mild infections can cause numerous effects associated with Long COVID that can also be minimized with the vaccine. In May 2023, she welcomed the World Health Organizations (WHO) unscientific decision to end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency of International Concern, saying, Were still going to live with COVID-19. At the end of 2023, the Lula government abandoned universal vaccination against COVID-19 and limited it to a few specific groups, deepening the herd immunity policy initiated by Bolsonaro. Throughout 2024, the lack of vaccines for COVID-19 and countless other diseases was widely reported in the Brazilian media. Today, Brazil is applying the COVID-19 vaccine against variants of Omicron XBB. However, the variants that have been dominant in Brazil since the middle of last year are descended from JN.1, which is why the WHO has been recommending the use of updated vaccines for this variant since last April. According to an early February report in O Globo, the health ministry could have asked [health agency] Anvisa for exceptional authorization to import ... or made an exceptional purchase of doses ... adapted for JN.1 but chose not to. Without any warning to the population about COVID-19 and the effects associated with Long COVID, the vaccination campaign has been a failure. Only 21.6 percent of the population eligible to be immunized has taken the booster dose recommended by the Ministry of Health. Among most of the Brazilian population who have not updated their doses is former minister Trindade, who was recently exposed by the Brazilian media for not having taken the booster dose last year. The Lula governments negligence in response to the pandemic is also expressed in relation to Long COVID. According to the Epicovid 2.0 study, 65.2 percent of people infected with the new coronavirus have or have had Long COVID, which corresponds to around 40 million people (18.9 percent of the Brazilian population). A report by Agencia Brasil in early February about a Fiocruz study showed that Long COVID remains unnoticed in health services, indicating that patients are unable to obtain the necessary care and health services are not prepared to care for them. According to the report, The research also points out that, despite the high cost of Long COVID to individuals, families and society, awareness and understanding of this condition are very low. This widespread neglect of public health in Brazil by the Lula government has not gone unnoticed even among the unions that supported his election. The Union of Workers in Health, Labor, Welfare and Social Assistance in the State of Rio de Janeiro (SINSPREV/RJ)affiliated to the CTB union center controlled by the Maoist Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB) which is part of the PT party federationwrote after Trindades dismissal that her tenure was marked by authoritarianism, arrogance, disrespect for health workers, ... the instances of social control in the SUS ... [and] the problems in vaccine management. It denounced the slicing up of the federal network [of hospitals], handing over hospitals to the municipality of Rio [de Janeiro] and to social organizations which in practice are disguised forms of privatization. SINSPREV/RJ also wrote that this is a policy that not even the extreme right has dared to practice in Brazil. For this reason, workers at Rio de Janeiros federal hospitals have been on strike since May 2024. SINSPREV/RJ also criticized the narrative of misogyny about Nisia Trindades dismissal, the end of public tenders in federal public health and the fact that Nisia Trindades management has never [complied] with the provisions of the 2023 strike agreement in federal health. This is just one example of the countless sectors of the federal workforce that have gone on strike for months against the Lula government over the past year, such as teachers and federal education workers and environmental workers. In a revealing article, Folha de S. Paulo reported at the end of January that Lulas base sees lack of social mobilization as a risk for the government and the election in 2026. It mentioned the criticism from social movements and trade unions that Lulas government has lost connection with the popular layers, which was expressed particularly in the fiasco of last years May Day rally organized by the PT-controlled trade union federations and their satellites. Since then, Lula has shown himself to be incapable of seeing the widespread social misery in Brazil that has undoubtedly been driven in part by the COVID-19 crisis. According to a report in Folha on February 27 based upon comments by Lulas allies, the current president has an excess of optimism that, at the current juncture, according to them, borders on alienation. The report also wrote that Lula still hasnt realized the true dimension of the problems his government is facing, particularly the sharp drop in his approval rating, which is even occurring in states in the Northeast, where the PT has always reaped an avalanche of votes in the 2022 election. Lulas alleged alienation has objective class roots. This is a government that was elected to satisfy a section of the Brazilian ruling class that was unhappy with Bolsonaro and received the support of Joe Bidens government in the US and the European imperialist powers. In turn, this process is accelerating the defection of workers from the PT and the unions it controls, of which SINSPREV/RJ is just one example. The fundamental task for Brazilian workers is to break with the illusions promoted by the pseudo-left and the unions that the Lula government can be pushed to the left. At a time when workers in the US and around the world are fighting back against attacks on their fundamental social and democratic rights, a process that will accelerate as the impact of Trumps trade war intensifies, Brazilian workers must see their struggle in defense of social rights in Brazil as part of an international struggle against the source of these attacks, the capitalist system. Join the upcoming online meeting of the Educators Rank-and-File Committee (US). 'Stop Trump's Plans to Gut Public Education! Mobilize the Working Class in Defense of Immigrants and Social Rights!' on March 15, at 12 p.m. EDT. Register here. Educators protest at US Capitol in February. [Photo: NEA] Opposition is mounting among educators, parents and students across the United States to President Trumps plans to shut down the Department of Education (ED) and dismantle the nations public school system. Concern is intensifying following the Senate confirmation earlier this week of Trumps pick to lead the department, Linda McMahon, a billionaire wrestling industry magnate. McMahon supports the expansion of school vouchers, which divert public funds to private, for-profit charter and parochial schoolsundermining the constitutional separation of church and state while slashing or eliminating federal funding for low-income, disabled and non-English-speaking students. What Trump is doing will be a disaster for education, a teacher who joined her students in a walkout at Detroits Western International High School against the witch hunt of immigrants earlier in the week told the World Socialist Web Site. She continued: If the Department of Education is disbanded, the schools will be in trouble. Title 3 and Title 9 funds a lot of positions. It will hurt the most vulnerable students, including those with disabilities. The public schools are already hanging on by a thread. We need more funding, more staff, more supplies. I can only imagine how bad it would be to do with less. My school has 1,200 ESL (English as a Second Language) students. Most speak English well, but they grew up in families who spoke a different language at home. Plus, we have hundreds of newcomers. The district is required by law to have ESL services, but they are not getting it because of the lack of staff. They say we have a failing school, but 75 percent of the students are English learners, and they are not getting the services they need. Michael, a New York City teacher, said: An attack on public education is an attack on democracy itself. A democracy requires informed, critical citizens; though Trump and his corporate backers would much prefer unquestioning, obedient workers. No doubt, they plan to privatize and Christianize our public schools, destroying a cornerstone of our pluralistic society. First they came for the books, then they came for public education; next theyll come for our Republic. Shortly after her confirmation, McMahon sent an email to ED employees stating that Trump and the American voters had tasked us with accomplishing the elimination of the bureaucratic bloat here at the Education Departmenta momentous final missionquickly and responsibly. She added that education would be sent back to the states. A California teacher said, McMahon shouldnt even be in the position. The Secretary of Education should be a former teacher who supports public education, not the privatization of the education system. According to the Wall Street Journal, an executive order has already been drawn up for Trump to sign, which would direct the McMahon to take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Education Department based on the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law. The experiment of controlling American education through Federal programs and dollarsand the unaccountable bureaucrats those programs and dollars supporthas failed our children, our teachers, and our families, the draft order reads. The abolition of the half-century-old department by presidential executive order would be illegal, as the funds the ED administers are mandated by federal law. Legal experts cited by the Wall Street Journal state that dismantling the department would require a 60-vote majority in the Senate. However, the article ominously notes, The draft order doesnt mention Congress, suggesting that Trump may attempt to violate federal law. According to the American Federation of Teachers, the ED is legally required to distribute funds that support 26 million children living in poverty through Title I, 7.5 million students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 10 million students relying on Pell Grants for college or trade education, and 12 million benefiting from career and technical education through Perkins grants. On March 4, the administration canceled over $1.25 billion in ED contracts and grants or imposed other operational cuts. Hundreds of millions have been slashed from programs tracking student outcomes and reading instruction strategies, teacher training initiatives, collaborations between universities and high need schools, support for rural schools and other critical education programs. As anger mounts, the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) and NEA (National Education Association) bureaucracies have responded with a series of impotent March4Education protests this week, urging parents to write to Congress in opposition to Trumps measures. Tied to the Democratic Party, which is capitulating to Trump, union officials are working to prevent a repeat of the wildcat strikes that swept the country during his first administration. Instead, they are peddling the illusion that the courts will intervene and that electing Democrats in 2026 will somehow restore normalcy. Striking West Virginia teachers in 2018 Commenting on the unions, a Detroit high school teacher said: The DFT [Detroit Federation of Teachers] doesnt want any members involved, and hardly any people show up at the union meetings. They told us at the next meeting they are going to set a fundraising goal for the Democrats. Thats crazy! What have the Democrats done for us? I got tired of Sanders when he wouldnt stand up for the Palestinians. Ive lost faith in the Democrats for a while. You expect them to stand up, like they claim they are going to do, but it never happens. Its obvious that the Democrats arent for us and wont fight Trump. They just reveal that there are two faces of the same party. You have some teachers saying that, if they shut down the ED, the next day should be a teachers general strike. But there is more potential than there is a movement right now. We need to build up a movement for that. I was inspired by what the teachers did in West Virginia and other states in 2018, and we need to do something like that again. The 2018 strike wave by teachers in West Virginia, Arizona and Oklahoma was sparked by rank-and-file educators in direct rebellion against the AFT and NEA, which worked to suppress any meaningful struggle during Trumps first administration. The Detroit teacher continued: The AFT is really controlled by an old guard that sets the political bounds and makes it hard for younger teachers to change anything. The March4education was bogus. We need a mass movement of people out there to stop what Trump is doing. Only the people have the power to stop this. In contrast to the union bureaucracy, educators are pressing for decisive action against the existential threat to public education. In Chicago, nearly 28,000 teachers and school support staff have been working without a contract for over eight months, with growing support for strike action to recover lost wages and oppose demands by school authorities and Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson for huge cuts, including potential layoffs and school closures. The district faces a $500 million deficit for the 2025 fiscal year, largely due to the Biden administrations decision to let federal COVID-19 school funding expire. Although the months-long mediation, fact-finding and cooling off period have expiredlegally allowing teachers to strike under Illinois lawthe Chicago Teachers Union has yet to even call a strike authorization vote. In Portland, Oregon, educators, who struck in November 2023, are fighting demands for $40 million in cuts. The Democratic-controlled school district has been cutting the budget since the 2022-23 academic year, but officials claim that additional costs from the contract after the strike must now be made up. In addition, 35,000 educators in Los Angeles, 14,000 in Philadelphia, 7,000 in San Diego, 6,500 in San Francisco and 3,000 in Oakland have contract battles this year. Conditions are rapidly emerging for a powerful nationwide struggle by educators, uniting with broader sections of the working class to oppose the witch hunting of immigrants, the mass firing of federal workers, Musks threats to privatize the US Postal Service and Amtrak, and the gutting of vital social programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, which tens of millions rely on. But such a movement requires independent organization and leadership, free from the control of the trade union bureaucracies and the Democratic Party. This means building rank-and-file committees in every school and neighborhood to unite workers across industries and borders, mobilize in mass protests, strikes and coordinate national and international actions. Such action must be united with a political struggle against both corporate-controlled parties, the expropriation of the oligarchs, and the redistribution of wealth to secure the democratic and social rights of the working class, including the right to free, high quality education for all. TOKYO - Some parts of Tokyo and its surrounding areas are expected to be hit by heavy snowfall at the weekend, the Japanese weather agency said Friday, warning of traffic disruptions due to icy roads. Up to several centimeters of snow are expected to accumulate in Tokyo's western areas, and snow may also return to the heart of the capital, where it also fell earlier this week. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Tokyo and nearby prefectures are covered with cold air with temperatures below minus 3 C at 1,500 meters from the ground. Mountainous areas are especially expected to see heavy snow after noon on Saturday through the morning of Sunday. In the 24 hours through 6 p.m. Sunday, areas encompassing Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, western Tokyo and Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture are expected to see up to 10 cm of snow, according to the agency. Related coverage: Tokyo, nearby areas brace for heavy snow, some expressways closed Massive wildfire in northeastern Japan persists despite rain TOKYO - The Nakamise shopping arcade, a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo's Asakusa, is nearing the completion of its first roof replacement since the aftermath of World War II. The work, part of which was open to the media Thursday, started in June of last year after roof leaks due to the deterioration of tiles in place since 1945, according to Caname Co., the firm handling the renovation. It has been replacing the copper tiles, grown greenish with rust, with over 7,000 reddish-brown new ones that may take on a similar patina in 30 to 40 years. The arcade's buildings of small shops are situated on the grounds of Senso-ji temple, lining the open-air walkway from the iconic Kaminarimon gate to its main hall. "The bright shine of the new roofing is beautiful, and it will also be a pleasure to see its color gradually change," Yujun Moriyama, a temple official, told reporters. Masako Takashima, 81, who runs an accessories shop in the arcade, expressed happiness with the new look. "I hope it helps us to welcome customers with a renewed spirit," she added with a smile. Related coverage: Street in Asakusa claimed as longest shotengai in Japan Retro cafes bring sips of nostalgia to Japan's social media-driven youth Foreign visitors to Japan, their spending, hit record high in 2024 SEOUL - A South Korean court Friday approved the release of President Yoon Suk Yeol from detention, following his arrest and subsequent indictment over his brief imposition of martial law in early December, a decision that could lead to him being allowed to stand criminal trial without physical restriction. The Seoul Central District Court granted Yoon's request for release, saying his detention since mid-January is unjustified. Despite the court's approval, one of Yoon's lawyers said the president will not be released immediately as prosecutors can file an appeal against the decision within seven days. The president was indicted in late January over charges of insurrection relating to his abrupt declaration of martial law on the night of Dec. 3, which lasted only six hours before being rescinded. The court, which began preparatory hearings for Yoon's criminal trial last month, said the indictment made on Jan. 26 after the president's detention period had expired was illegal. Prosecutors who made the indictment have said it was before the period had expired, claiming days spent for another district court's judgment about the detention of the president by an anti-corruption body should be excluded from the period. The president filed the release request at the court on Feb. 4. The court has held a preparatory hearing to identify major issues and evidence to be presented in connection with his martial law declaration. He allegedly conspired with then Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun and others to commit insurrection with the decree. Yoon is also currently facing an impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court. Following the parliament's passage of an impeachment motion against him over his martial law imposition, the court held hearings on the matter and is expected to decide whether to impeach or reinstate him later this month. Related coverage: Acting South Korea president hopeful for "new chapter" with Japan South Korean President Yoon indicted for insurrection over martial law TOKYO - Major general contractors in Japan are getting behind space development as they eye the Artemis lunar exploration project, which envisions the construction of a permanent base on the Moon for human activity. Japanese companies are scrambling to enhance autonomous technologies they have developed in disaster response and other fields in hopes of using them to help construct a base for operations and scientific research on the Moon. Some of the futuristic concepts stretch the imagination. Artemis, the first lunar exploration project since the U.S. Apollo program, is being led by the United States, while Japan will also participate, along with Britain, Canada and other countries. The Artemis I mission, with robots and mannequins aboard, launched in November 2022, and as of January 2025, the Artemis II crewed mission was scheduled for April 2026 for a flyby of the Moon. Japan's Taisei Corp. is developing unique technologies focused on the bumpy surface of the Moon, involving the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's lunar mapping technology. With gravity of one-sixth that of the Earth's, extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night and high radiation levels, the lunar surface is an unforgiving environment for human activity, making special construction techniques essential. At this point, it is unclear whether Japanese companies such as Taisei will be involved in the Moon base construction, but it has not stopped the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and others from supporting the development of such technology. "Japan is ahead of other countries in research on autonomous construction on the Moon, and we are in a good position to take advantage of this opportunity," said one ministry official. The Japanese government, meanwhile, is pushing for such autonomous technology to support the domestic workforce as well, which is suffering from critical labor shortages due to the country's declining population. Taisei has built an autonomous vehicle that would be equipped with a NASA device called the 3D-LiDar, using laser light to measure the distances between objects to determine the terrain while mapping the Moon's surface. The vehicle is being tested in Mie Prefecture in central Japan to explore technologies for accurately moving between multiple locations on the Moon in an environment where satellite positioning systems are not available. There are no structures or other landmarks required by 3D-LiDar on the Moon. The company says that like the reading of a person's fingerprint, it can apply a detailed analysis of ground elevation levels caused by sand, rock and other materials found on the Moon's surface. It honed the technology at the Tottori Sand Dunes test site in western Japan, which provides an environment similar to the Moon's surface. Industry peer Kajima Corp., known for the world's first effort to construct a dam using fully automated construction equipment, is aiming to transfer its technology to space development. System construction built on experiences from a dam project in Akita Prefecture in northeastern Japan is underway to simulate automated construction on the Moon's surface. Kajima also envisions a concept that appears to come straight out of science fiction -- artificial gravity residential facilities featuring trees, parks and roads on the Moon. Dubbed "Lunar Glass," the giant living complexes that would be built on polar regions of the Moon would artificially generate gravity by spinning like a toy top, enabling inhabitants inside the cylindrical structures to live life as they would on Earth. The project imagines birds, rivers, cars and boats on artificial oceans in a reduced ecosystem -- all held together in the lunar glass by its rotation. An artificial gravity transport system would allow interplanetary travel between the Moon, Earth and eventually Mars. Because spending prolonged periods in low gravity has adverse health effects, an official of the project said Kajima is "out to prove that Japan has the leading technology for this in the world." Japanese general contractors' space research efforts date back to the 1980s, when the United States was planning the International Space Station. Obayashi Corp., which built the Tokyo Skytree in Tokyo's Sumida Ward, is a pioneer. In 2012, when the Skytree opened, it unveiled its vision of the next "ultimate tower" with a "space elevator" that would travel like a train, connecting ground and space via cables. Shimizu Corp., another pioneer in this field, aims to build a more advanced autonomous construction system using artificial intelligence. The company is also researching a foldable lunar habitat to reduce the cost of transporting materials to the Moon. The Artemis missions will strive to bring supplies from Gateway, a space station to be assembled in lunar orbit, to the base on the Moon while establishing a human presence, operations for scientific research and creation of an economic zone. The U.S. and Japanese governments have also agreed to send two Japanese astronauts for lunar landings. Artemis was the name of a Greek goddess who became associated with the Moon, twin to Apollo, who was associated with the Sun. It is hoped the establishment of a permanent human presence on the Moon will pave the way for future human missions to Mars. Related coverage: Japan successfully launches flagship H3 rocket for more precise GPS 210 hacks made on JAXA, other Japan targets by China group since 2019 ispace to attempt June Moon landing, would be 1st by Japan firm "Pawn Stars" star Rick Harrison is heading to the altar ... after proposing to Angie Polushkin with one of his most treasured items from his iconic Vegas pawn shop. A rep for Rick tells TMZ ... the eye-popping ring is one of Harrison's favorite gems to come through his famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop -- and he calls it "breathtaking just like Angie is." TMZ We're told it's a 6.5-carat pear-shaped ring -- the stone originally came into Rick's pawn shop in a different setting, but Rick wanted something more personal and customized a brand new design. Instagram / @rick_harrison Harrison shared photos of his romantic proposal ... getting down on one knee in Casablanca Valley, Chile -- but we're told this is actually his SECOND time popping the question! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the couple's trip to South America, Rick originally proposed to Angie in his living room. But, when he told his daughters, they called it the most unromantic proposal ever -- insisting he needed to do it again. While in Chile, Rick was so taken by the scenery that he knew it was time for round two! And of course, Angie said yes. Getty TMZ broke the story ... Angie -- a Vegas-based nurse who is 18 years younger than Rick -- started dating the reality star about a year ago. The new relationship kicked off roughly four years after Rick filed for divorce from his wife, Deanna, in July 2020. Rick and Deanna were married for about seven years. Instagram/@rick_harrison Hopefully Rick's found his happily ever after ... congrats!!! One of my favorite things about Trader Joe's is their familiar yet fresh takes on food and groceries everyone loves. For example, corn salsa can be delicious. But a sweet and spicy corn salsa loaded with chiles and onions? Now that is top notch. And the fact that you can grab so many tasty ready-to-eat dips at your local Trader Joe's feels pretty heaven-sent. As I just hinted, I have been a fan of the Corn and Chile Salsa at Trader Joe's for as long as I can remember shopping at Trader Joe's. It has been a savior on many lunch or dinner occasions. I've been known to snack on the salsa with tortilla chips and use it as a garnish on steak and grilled chicken. Related: 15 Best Trader Joe's Dips, Ranked by Former Employee SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On my most recent trip to Trader Joe's I finally stumbled upon the much-talked-about Everything and the Elote Greek Style Yogurt Dip and it immediately went into my cart. Inside the tub, the dip is a creamy greek yogurt base mixture with corn, everything bagel seasoning, elote seasoning and grated cheese. Upon my first taste, I thought the dip was great to eat on its own. But upon my second taste, I had a lightbulb moment and I combined the Everything and the Elote dip together with the Corn and Chile Salsa and I'm so glad I did. Related: The Best (and Worst) Times to Shop at Trader Joe's Courtesy of Justine Lee The union of the two dips gave birth to my platonic ideal of corn dip: creamy cheese, juicy kernels of sweet corn, a nice kick of heat and it was highly dippable. You don't have to take my word for it. I made this dip combo as an appetizer before dinner, and my family disappeared it in minutes. I can't wait until the weather gets warmer, so I can make this corn dip for endless picnics and cookouts. Related: 12 Popular Tortilla Chips, Ranked Worst to Best How to Make The Easiest Trader Joe's Ultimate Corn Dip To make this corny-as-heck dip, combine equal parts Trader Joe's Elote Greek Style Yogurt Dip and Trader Joe's Corn Chile Salsa in a bowl. Mix to evenly combine. I like to cover the bowl and let it chill for 15 minutes or so to allow the flavors of both dips to meld. Serving is as easy as pairing the ultimate corn dip with your favorite chips or veggies. I love to serve it up with thin pita crackers or sturdy tortilla chips. Just make sure to enjoy your share as a chef snack before you serve to the masses. Once it's out, this dip won't last long. Courtesy of Justine Lee Up Next: Related: Fans Are Losing It Over Rumored Return of Trader Joe's Viral Mini Tote Bags: 'Please Let Me Get One' MORIOKA, Japan - An evacuation order affecting a northeastern Japan city was partially lifted Friday, as the risk of the further spread of a wildfire that broke out nine days earlier abated in some areas, local authorities said. The evacuation order was lifted for 957 people in part of Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture, while remaining in place for 3,639 people in other areas of the city. Firefighting efforts and recent rainfall have helped weaken the fire, but city officials remain on alert. "I was worried my house might burn down because we are close to the mountains. My husband is unwell, and I was constantly worried," one 77-year-old resident who was allowed to return home said. "When I saw on TV that the evacuation order was lifted, I was so happy that I cried," she said. The fire has burned approximately 2,900 hectares, or 9 percent of the city. Smoke was still seen rising in several areas as of Thursday, with fire authorities working to confirm what connection they have to the potential source of the blaze. Amid a strong wind and dry weather advisory issued for Ofunato, firefighters continued battling the fire from the ground on Friday, while Self-Defense Force helicopters dropped water from the air. According to Ofunato authorities, the fire broke out on Feb. 26, leaving 1,249 people in evacuation centers and 3,061 people sheltering at relatives' homes or other places as of Friday morning. Related coverage: Massive wildfire in northeastern Japan persists despite rain More homes at risk as massive wildfire expands in northeastern Japan More firefighters across Japan urged to join battle against wildfire March 5 marked the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer observed ahead of Easter. Good Friday (April 18) is a day of fasting, during which Catholics abstain from eating meat during the day's one full meal, according to the website of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis. During the day, they can eat two smaller meals, which combined do not equal a full meal but should not eat at other times of those days. Most Catholics also give up something else they enjoy regularly, as part of the church's practice of abstaining from luxuries during Lent, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catholics are also asked not to eat meat on Fridays during Lent, but can eat seafood. So many restaurants have deals or special menu items during Lent. Here's a roundup of offers; remember check with local businesses for deals, too. When is Fat Tuesday?: What to know about the last day of Mardi Gras Arby's Surf & Turf Deal For a limited time, Arby's has a Surf & Turf sandwich deal. Customers can mix and match two sandwiches for $6.99; choices included a Crispy Fish sandwich and a Fish N' Cheddar sandwich, both made with an Alaskan Pollock filet, and the restaurant chain's classic Beef N Cheddar sandwich. Burger King's Big Firey Fish Sandwich Beginning Wednesday, Burger King brings back its Big Firey Fish Sandwich to the menu, available through April 20. The sandwich is made with a breaded white Alaskan Pollock filet with spicy glaze topped with sweet tartar sauce, lettuce, and crunchy pickles on a brioche bun. Members of the Royal Perks loyalty program can get one for $2 with the purchase of one at regular price. Carl's Jr. and Hardee's Redhook Beer Battered Fish Sandwich Carls Jr. and Hardee's, both owned by CKE Restaurant Holdings, are bringing back the Redhook Beer Battered Fish Sandwich to their menus during the Lent season. The sandwich, made with a Beer-Battered Pollock fillet, served on a bun with iceberg lettuce and Kens Tartar Sauce, made with sweet relish, cabbage, carrot, pieces and spices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sandwich, sold individually or in a 2 for $7 combo, is available now through April 22 at Carl's Jr. and March 5-April 29 at Hardee's locations. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers' Deluxe Crispy Fish Sandwich The fast-food chain has brought back its Deluxe Crispy Fish Sandwich a four-ounce battered flounder filet topped with American cheese, tartar sauce, lettuce and pickles on a toasted bun for a limited time, through April 22. Jack in the Box menu adds Jack's Fish Sandwich The sandwich, on the menu until April 17, is a breaded Alaskan Pollock fish filet with tartar sauce and fresh lettuce on a toasted buttery bun. Prices start at $2.99 and on Fridays you can get $2 Fish Sandwiches in the Jack app. Long John Silver's Lent deals For a limited time, Long John Silver's has $6 shrimp baskets and a $10 shrimp sea-share entree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's the breakdown on the $6 shrimp specials: Six-piece coconut butterfly shrimp: Comes with a choice of one side and two hushpuppies. Six-piece grilled shrimp: Seasoned, grilled, and served on rice with one side. Six-piece batter-dipped shrimp: Battered and served with choice of one side and two hushpuppies. Crispy breaded popcorn shrimp: Popcorn shrimp served with choice of one side and two hushpuppies. The $10 Shrimp Sea-Shares special comes with a choice of 15 coconut butterfly shrimp, 15 grilled shrimp, 15 batter-dipped shrimp, or a shareable serving of breaded popcorn shrimp. Also available for a limited time: the Oreo Cookies & Cream Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory Bakery. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Lent deals Beginning March 3, Popeyes is bringing back two limited-time specials during the Lent season: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Shrimp Tacklebox ($5.99): The combo comes with 8 breaded butterfly shrimp with a side dish and biscuit. A Surf n Turf option lets you substitute 4 shrimp for 2 chicken tenders and dipping sauces. The Flounder Fish Sandwich ($5.99): An Alaska flounder filet marinated in herbs & spices, fried in a crunchy southern coating, and served with tartar sauce or Spicy Spread, pickles on a warm brioche bun. Qdoba's Citrus Lime Shrimp special for Lent Available for a limited time nationwide at the Mexican food chain is Citrus Lime Shrimp, a serving of shrimp sauteed in a zesty citrus-garlic sauce (available for order in stores and the Qdoba app). Red Lobster's Lobsterfest returns The restaurant chain's Lobsterfest, which kicked off Feb. 11, runs through Sunday, April 20. Among the 10 dishes are Rock Lobster Tail and new entrees including Garlic Butter-Poached Maine Lobster, Lobster Mac & Cheese and these other new menu items: Lobster & Shrimp Linguini: Maine and langostino lobster meat and shrimp tossed with fresh tomatoes and linguini in a creamy lobster sauce. Lobster Roll: Warm lobster meat in melted butter on a toasted sweet Hawaiian roll. Served with your choice of side. Lobster Pappardelle Pasta: Maine and langostino lobster meat tossed with pappardelle pasta, asparagus, and fresh tomatoes, in a garlic sauce. Lobster Bisque : Serving sizes of a cup or bowl. Create Your Own: Choose your own "perfect Lobsterfest feast" by selecting up to three lobster entrees. Sonic's menu adds Fish Sandwich for Lent Available March 5 to April 17: Sonics Fish Sandwich, a wild caught Alaska pollock filet served with tartar sauce, chopped lettuce and crinkle-cut pickles on a brioche bun. Subway: $6.99 footlong deal Subway has a limited time $6.99 footlong deal for orders through the Subway app and website (1 per customer; use code 699FL). Lent options include the Tuna Sandwich and Veggie Delite. Taco John's Alaskan Flounder Fish Tacos Available through early May are Alaska Flounder Fish Tacos, a crispy seasoned battered and fried filet topped with lettuce and pico de gallo in a warm flour tortilla and drizzled with creamy fiesta sauce. Available a la carte for under $4 or as a combo with two tacos, a small Potato Oles, and a small fountain drink (availability and pricing varies). Whataburger's Whatacatch Sandwich and Platter on menu for limited time Whataburger, the San Antonio-headquartered fast-food chain with more than 1,000 locations in 16 states, is bringing back its Whatacatch Sandwich and Platter for a limited time (March 4-21). The Whatacatch Sandwich is a wild-caught Alaskan pollock filet coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, served on a bun with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce. The Whatacatch Platter has two filets served with fries and tartar sauce on the side (optional side of jalapenos). Prices vary by market. White Castle adds Shrimp or Fish Nibblers to menu White Castle has Panko Fish Sliders, made from wild Alaskan pollock all year round, but its seafood menu is expanding for a limited time. Shrimp Nibblers are available in small, medium and sack sizes through April 20 (or while supplies last; in all markets except Florida). Also available: Fish Nibblers made from wild Alaskan pollock; they are on the menu year-round everywhere except Indianapolis, Louisville and Nashville markets, but are on the menu there for a limited time (not available in Florida). More Lent-timed food specials and deals Alaskan Leader Seafoods: The producer's Miso Black Cod products have begun arriving at Costco and Sprouts locations nationwide, and are on the menu at Pacific Catch restaurants. The Budlong Southern Chicken: The Chicagoland-based chain has a buy one, get one Fish Fry sandwich deal available on Ash Wednesday, every Friday in March and April, and during the last week of Lent (offer good in-store or online with code FISHFRY). Casey's: Every Friday during Lent, Caseys is offering $4 off any Large Cheese Pizza, Veggie Breakfast Pizza or Specialty Pizza using promo code LENT. Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken: The chain is again offering its Fish & Chips Combo a 6-ounce serving, with potato wedges and tartar sauce. Take a photo of your meal using the QR code on the packaging or in the Lee's Famous Rewards app and Lee's will donate a meal to a local family in need. Lions Choice: The Missouri-based sandwich chain has its Crispy Cod Sandwich, served with cheese and tartar sauce on a buttery sesame bun, available on Ash Wednesday and every Friday through Lent. Sold separately ($6.49) or as a meal with fries and a drink ($11.99). Taim Mediterranean Kitchen: Get O.G. Falafel Pitas for $9.99 every Friday in March (dine-in only). Zaxbys: Southern Fried Shrimp is back on the menu at participating locations through April 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This story was updated with new information.) Follow Mike Snider on Threads, Bluesky and X: mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider. What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lent 2025: Get deals on fish and seafood at fast-food chains, restaurants A new study ranks the best states for women, and Massachusetts took the top spot once again. The personal finance website WalletHub released the study this week, which it compiled using data from several federal agencies. It used the data to compare states across 25 key indicators of living standards for women, like median earnings and quality of womens health care. The Bay State maintained the No. 1 position from last year's ranking. The year before that, Massachusetts was No. 3 on the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Women still lag behind men when it comes to economic prospects, executive positions and political representation," a WalletHub analyst said. "On top of tackling these important issues, the best states for women also ensure that they have access to high-quality health care, receive the same educational opportunities as men, and live in safe communities. Why is Massachusetts the best state for women? Massachusetts was named the best state for women in 2025 in part because it has one of the lowest unemployment rates for women, according to the study. Other highlights of Massachusetts' ranking in the study include: Massachusetts has the lowest share of women who lack health insurance, at 2.1%. Massachusetts hospitals rank fifth in the nation for womens health care. Massachusetts has the second-lowest share of women who couldnt afford to see a doctor in the past year. Massachusetts has the second-highest share whove had a mammogram within the past two years. Massachusetts has the second-highest life expectancy for women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts is also a good state for mothers because it ranks as the best state to have a baby in and the best state for working moms, according to the study. Which states are the best for women in 2025? A couple other New England states joined Massachusetts in being ranked highly for women. Here are the top ten states on the list: Massachusetts Minnesota District of Columbia New York Maryland Maine Vermont New Jersey Washington Hawaii Melina Khan is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY Network - New England, which serves more than a dozen affiliated publications across New England. She can be reached at MKhan@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: MA is the best state for women in 2025, per new study. Here's why The Miss Teen Volunteer America pageant returned to the Carl Perkins Civic Center on Thursday evening, where 51 young women are competing for the coveted crown. The preliminary night kicked off with the singing of the National Anthem by long-time pageant supporter Mal Matthews while Miss Tennessee Volunteer 2018 winner Christine Electra Williamson was the evening's host. The winner will be the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship and Miss Volunteer America CEO Allison Alderson-Demarcus says the seven judges are looking for the most well-rounded young lady to take home the crown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Competition scores are based on four categories, talent, interview, fitness and wellness, and evening gown, totaling 25% each. Miss Mississippi Teen Volunteer Izzy Karns hugs Miss Teen Volunteer Anna Grace Loudenbeck after being awarded as a preliminary winner during night one of the 2026 Miss Teen Volunteer America Pageant hosted inside Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, Mar. 6, 2025. On Thursday night, Miss Mississippi Teen Volunteer Izzy Karns won the fitness and wellness competition and Miss Nebraska Teen Volunteer Abi Howard won the talent portion. More: Miss Jackson Volunteer, Miss Madison County Volunteer winners crowned More: Miss Volunteer America pageant returns to Jackson for third year More: Miss Maryland wins Miss Teen Volunteer America in pageant's third year Representing all 50 states and Washington, DC, the teen competition is for girls between the ages of 13 and 18, complete with all the same glitz and glamour as the Miss Volunteer America pageant. Miss Nebraska Teen Volunteer Abi Howard reacts as she is named a preliminary winner during night one of the 2026 Miss Teen Volunteer America Pageant hosted inside Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, Mar. 6, 2025. During Wednesday night rehearsals, reigning Miss Teen Volunteer America Anna Grace Loudenbeck reflected on her year as a titleholder and her guiding mission of "authenticity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You can be a normal girl and have a great job like being Miss Teen Volunteer America, you don't have to grow up in it to achieve it," Loudenbeck said. "Besides that, your success is not defined by a crown that's placed on your head, rather the ambition, the drive, and the compassion that you show other people through what you do." Miss Nebraska Teen Volunteer Abi Howard hugs Miss Teen Volunteer Anna Grace Loudenbeck as she is named a preliminary winner during night one of the 2026 Miss Teen Volunteer America Pageant hosted inside Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, Mar. 6, 2025. Though the competition framework remains the same, Demarcus says that each class of girls "takes a different feel" and that the talent portion showcases new things each year. This year, drumming, a clarinet ensemble, and archery are among the most unique showcases. "We have a young lady that's doing archery this year, so that's something that's new and different for us," she said. "We've got a lot of dancers and a lot of really, really talented girls so I'm anxious to see how they do and what their personalities are like now that they're here in person. It's interesting, some of it is more the same but still, they're all so different and bring something unique to their title and to the experience." The pageant begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, with finals starting at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here. This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Miss Teen Volunteer America pageant draws 51 contestants to Jackson TN The American Red Cross is encouraging you to test your their smoke alarms to make sure the devices are working as you turn the clocks forward of daylight saving time on Sunday. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out, Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, said in a release. Every second counts when theres a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When daylight saving time starts this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home. Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help more than 6,100 people across Pennsylvania affected by more than 1,500 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that organization responds to annually across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization suggests: Installing smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Replacing smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarms manufacturer instructions. Practicing your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before its too late. Including at least two ways to get out of every room and selecting a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbors home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you cant afford to buy smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Go to SoundTheAlarm.org/GreaterPA for more information. Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, along with community partners, has saved at least 2,284 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how to get involved, go to redcross.org/homefires. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A fire torched a home in Kelso, Washington on Thursday morning, leaving one person dead and five others displaced including three children, authorities said. The damages from the fire that occurred in the 1000 block of South 6th Street are estimated to cost $175,000, according to Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue. Alleged serial burglar of Tigard school arrested While the fire crews were on the way to respond, dispatchers were told someone was trapped in the garage and it was declared a second-alarm fire. A fire in Kelso, Washington left one person dead and five others displaced. March 6, 2025 (courtesy Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue). A fire in Kelso, Washington left one person dead and five others displaced. March 6, 2025 (courtesy Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue). A fire in Kelso, Washington left one person dead and five others displaced. March 6, 2025 (courtesy Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue). Upon arriving, crews saw a single-story home with a detached garage engulfed in flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters searched the home while also extinguishing the fire in the garage and primary residence, Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue said in a release. The fire was brought under control at approximately 10:55 where the garage was able to be searched and a deceased male was located. Kelso Police Department along with Cowlitz County Coroners Office are conducting the investigation into the mans death. Tesla dealership in Tigard shot at overnight The cause of the fire was determined by investigators to be accidental and the result of a portable electric heater. The three surviving adults and two children who were displaced are receiving temporary assistance through the American Red Cross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. A person is dead following an officer shooting during a narcotics investigation in north Phoenix near Loop 101, according to authorities. Around 10:20 a.m. Thursday, Phoenix police officers responded to the shooting near 23rd Avenue and Beardsley Road, according to the Phoenix Police Department. Glendale police officers were also at the scene, the Glendale Police Department confirmed. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration spokeswoman Jodie Underwood said the shooting happened during the narcotics investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no injuries to Phoenix or Glendale officers, according to information from both departments. The person killed in the shooting had not been identified. It was unclear which agency the officer involved in the shooting works for. DEA officers fatally fired at two people in separate Valley incidents in late 2024, including on Nov. 13 in the area of 3rd Avenue and McDowell Road in Glendale and on Dec. 11 in the area of 43rd and Peoria avenues in Phoenix. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: DEA investigating fatal shooting in Phoenix involving an officer SHELBY COUNTY, Iowa One person was killed in an armed standoff with law enforcement in Harlan on Thursday. According to the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, at around 4:30 a.m. deputies were called to the 1800 block of College Place in Harlan for a welfare check. When deputies arrived at the scene they were met with an armed male. 2 charged after dozens of animals found in poor conditions at Des Moines motel Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While deputies were negotiating with the male he made aggressive movements toward deputies, leading to a deputy firing at the suspect, the sheriffs office said. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old David Plagmann, was transported to a local hospital where he later died. The sheriffs office said first responders also found an adult woman, identified as 31-year-old Alexis Martin, dead at the scene. According to the sheriffs office, this is an isolated incident and theres no threat to the public. The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave. An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the sheriffs office and the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation. Iowa News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Mar. 6Ten students and one adult were taken to the hospital after falling ill during a concert rehearsal at the Wentworth School in Scarborough Thursday morning. The first sign that something was wrong came when a student passed out on the risers in the cafeteria, where 120 third and fourth graders were rehearsing, Superintendent Diane Nadeau said at a news conference Thursday afternoon. Other students on stage then began to complain of respiratory symptoms. School staff called 911 just after 10 a.m. and ambulances from multiple towns were sent to the school to begin treating students, police and fire officials said in a statement. The school was evacuated and students were walked to the high school while sick students and school staff were evaluated. All 11 patients were released from the hospital as of 4 p.m. on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school has both carbon monoxide and fire detectors, and no gases or other issues were detected inside the school, Fire Chief Rich Kindelan said. The school is looking into whether the temperature on the stage and limited ventilation in the space might have caused the illnesses, the department said in a statement Thursday afternoon. Kindelan said during the news conference that fire officials had inspected the building twice for several gases. There were no reports of a smell and the cause of the illnesses is still under investigation, he said. Wentworth serves about 700 students in grades 3 to 5 and has more than 100 staff members. All on-duty and some off-duty Scarborough firefighters responded to the scene with other agencies, Kindelan said. Ambulances from Scarborough, Falmouth, Biddeford, Buxton, Portland and Northeast also responded and there was still a large presence of first responders at the school late Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About a dozen firefighters stood outside the entrance of the school around 11:15 a.m. and some staff members appeared to go back inside. One employee said officials had been looking for a gas leak but had not found any signs of one. Students and staff returned to the building and classes resumed as normal around noon, Nadeau said. At the high school, a line of parents waiting to pick up their children moved slowly. Students dismissed to their parents came out of the building without their backpacks. Maura Reminga, who was standing in line to pick up 10-year-old Leah and 9-year-old Austin, said she received an automated call from the school which was "a bit alarming." Her mind went to the possibility of an active shooter or bomb threat, she said. But after seeing an email from the school that said students fell ill, she was relieved that her children weren't in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maria Camp said she heard in group chats with parents that there had been a gas leak at the school, but officials at the school hadn't told parents exactly what happened. She said her high school daughter was able to see her 10-year-old son, Henry, after he had evacuated and confirm that he was OK. Camp said she's grateful for Scarborough's strong community and, despite some chaos in picking up her child, she has faith in school officials. OTHER INCIDENTS Thursday's evacuation comes a few months after other schools in the area reported closures and incidents related to potential gas leaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, Yarmouth High School was evacuated after several students fainted but no issues were found after a series of air quality tests. South Portland Middle School reported two strong gas odors in January, but no leaks were found. District officials later said the propane smell could have been related to a malfunction in the school's natural gas system. Copy the Story Link DES MOINES, Iowa What began as one mans epiphany has become one of the most visible homeless-advocacy groups in the Des Moines metro, and this weekend, the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry turns ten years old. Ten years ago, explains Robby Collier, a UBFM volunteer, (founder) Joe Laslo was recovering from a serious bike accident when his pastor gave a sermon about the homeless. It hit him right then that he should act. Collier says when Laslo was healthy enough, he used his bike as a way to reach the homeless on the streets of Des Moines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A look inside Des Moines homelessness crisis The first day he set out with 20 burritos and 20 bottles of water. He handed them all out. Tonight, the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry which sprang from Laslos efforts handed out 800 burritos, along with over 800 sandwiches, bottles of water, blankets, warm clothing and sleeping pads to homeless and food insecure Iowans in Des Moines. Over 40 volunteers work together every week and say the connections they make with the people they serve are some of the most important in their lives. I can talk about it on the TV, I can talk to you one-on-one, Collier says, but once youve seen it and youve actually gone out and built that relationship with a hug, with a kind word, with a burrito it really fills your heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday (March 8th) the Ministry will celebrate ten years of service with a party at Twisted Vine Brewery in the East Village. The public is welcome to attend. Metro News: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. A 12-year-old girl was killed when an unoccupied SUV rolled down a hill and struck her outside a Washington school, officials and news outlets reported. The sixth grader was walking on a sidewalk to recess at about 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, when she was hit by a 2018 GMC Acadia, the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Public Schools said in a release. The driver failed to properly park, and the SUV rolled about 75 yards down the street before fatally striking the student outside Washington Middle School, KING-5 and the school district reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police told McClatchy News the 51-year-old female driver was not impaired. The investigation is ongoing. The school went into shelter-in-place following the tragic incident and ended classes early, the district said. The childs identity is not being shared to protect the privacy of her family, the school said. Counseling will be available to students at the middle school on March 7. Please hold your loved ones close and seek comfort in one another. Remember, you can reach out to me and our school staff if you have questions or concerns, Principal Adrian Manriquez said in an email to families. Teen track athlete collapses outside of high school and dies, Minnesota officials say Man offers women and kids ride to Walmart, then kidnaps and terrorizes them, NE cops say 7 people identified murder suspect, but another man went to prison, Illinois suit says WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump complained Thursday that his country's decades-old security treaty with Japan is nonreciprocal, as he steps up pressure on allies to increase defense spending and buy more American products. While speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump suddenly touched on Japan. "I love Japan. We have a great relationship with Japan, but we have an interesting deal with Japan that we have to protect them, but they don't have to protect us," he said. "That's the way the deal reads...and by the way, they make a fortune with us economically," he said. "I actually ask who makes these deals?" Trump's reference to Japan came while he was accusing European countries of "ripping off" the United States in trade while failing to pay enough for their own national security. "We've been supporting the whole world...We were supporting NATO. We were paying the bills for other countries," Trump said, adding members of the transatlantic security alliance are "friends of mine" but he is "not so sure" they will come to help if the United States is in trouble. Since returning to the White House on Jan. 20, Trump has not spoken much about Japan and the latest remarks were his first questioning the fairness of the U.S.-Japan alliance during his nonconsecutive second term. Although Trump has repeatedly said U.S. allies can and should do more, he did not make any such complaints publicly when Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited Washington in February. Instead, Trump told a joint press conference with Ishiba following their meeting that the United States is "totally committed to the security of Japan." "We will extend the full strength of American deterrence capabilities and defense of our friend and ally, 100 percent," he added. The revised bilateral treaty, signed in 1960, commits the United States to come to the defense of Japan if it is attacked and requires Japan to grant the United States the right to establish bases to station its forces on the Japanese archipelago. Under the treaty, over 50,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed in Japan, with more permanently based than in any other country. Both Japanese and U.S. officials believe the strong presence of the U.S. military is vital for maintaining peace and prosperity not only in Japan but also in the Indo-Pacific, amid China's growing clout and North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile development programs. As part of sharing the cost of U.S. forces stationed in Japan, Tokyo provides host-nation support totaling about $2 billion annually, which the United States uses to pay for workers and utilities. During his first term, Trump pressured Japan, South Korea and other allies to pay more for U.S. security support. Trump once grumbled that under the U.S.-Japan treaty, even if the United States were attacked, Japan would not be obligated to assist and could "watch it on a Sony television." His remarks on Thursday came after his choice for a top Pentagon policy post earlier this week pressed Japan to raise its defense spending to 3 percent of gross domestic product as early as possible. In a statement submitted for a confirmation hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Elbridge Colby, the nominee to be undersecretary of defense for policy, said Japan should speed up the revamp of its armed forces to focus on safeguarding "its own archipelago and collective defense in its region." "The best way for the United States to support this shift is to make these priorities and urgency clear to Tokyo in a constructive but pressing fashion," he said. In 2022, after Trump's first term, Japan decided to double its annual defense budget to 2 percent of GDP by 2027, a dramatic shift in postwar security policy under the country's war-renouncing Constitution. Related coverage: Trump grants automakers 1-month reprieve from new tariffs Japan brushes aside U.S. demand to boost defense budget to 3% of GDP Trump says Ukraine returning to talks to end war with Russia [See Cleveland murder statistics in the player above.] EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) East Cleveland police officers responding to a Thursday evening shooting found a 15-year-old boy dead. It happened before 7 p.m. in the 1700 block of Elwood Road, according to a Friday news release from Acting Police Chief Ken Lundy. Thats near Chambers Elementary School. Richmond Heights police search for missing teen The teen had been shot in the jaw and had no signs of life, reads the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement East Cleveland EMS transported the boy to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner later identified the boy as Alex Holloway, 15, of East Cleveland. Sobriety checkpoints this weekend in NE Ohio East Cleveland detectives are now investigating. Anyone with information is urged to call them at 216-681-2162 or Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the shooter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) 2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. We remember and honor those 168 who lost their lives on April 19, 1995, when a bomb went off in front of the Murrah building in downtown Oklahoma City. 168 Days to remember those lost in the OKC bombing: Terry Smith Rees. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum. We want to remember Terry Smith Rees, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Sarah Rudolph Collins (center), escorted by her husband (right), hugging her childhood friend Tom Ellison at the MLK Reflections breakfast on March 7, 2025. Rudolph survived the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, that killed her sister Addie Mae Collins and three other young girls. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector) Sarah Collins Rudolph, a survivor of the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, said Friday she is still waiting on something more than an apology from the state. Ive been trying for so many years to get restitution from the state of Alabama, Rudolph said Friday at the Martin Luther King reflections breakfast at Auburn University at Montgomery. Our governor said Well Sarah, you do deserve an apology, but I wasnt in office at that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rudolph was 12 years old on the morning of Sept. 15, 1963. She was in the basement lounge of the 16th Street Baptist Church. As her sister Addie Mae Collins, 14, tied a sash on Denise McNair, 14, an explosion ripped through the building. The bomb went off, and all I could do was holler Jesus! Addie! Addie! Rudolph said. But Addie didnt answer. The explosion killed Addie Collins; McNair; Carole Robertson, 14 and Cynthia Wesley, 11. Rudolph suffered injuries that led to blindness in her right eye. She said she still has glass from the terrorist attack in her left eye. The doctors dont want to remove it yet, because, you know, Ill just go blind if something goes wrong, Rudolph said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rudolph later testified in the 1977 trial of Robert Chambliss, a KKK member who was convicted of the bombing and sentenced to life in prison. She said her mother never got to see justice served for her 14-year-old daughter. My mother, she was angry, and she felt like they did her wrong, because they kept talking about doing something, but they never did, Rudolph said. So when she died, she died waiting. KKK members Thomas E. Blanton, Jr. and Bobby Frank Cherry were convicted for their roles in the bombing in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Both were sentenced to life in prison. Blanton died at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer in 2020. Cherry died at Kilby Correctional Facility outside Montgomery in 2004. A fourth man suspected of participating in the bombing, Herman Frank Cash, died in 1994, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Ivey sent Rudolphs attorney a letter in 2020 that apologized for the bombing, and said the governors attorney would begin discussion on restitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would seem to me that beginning these conversations without prejudice for what any final outcome might produce but with a goal of finding mutual accord would be a natural extension of my administrations ongoing efforts to foster fruitful conversations about the all-too-difficult- and sometimes painful-topic of race, Iveys letter read. In response to a request for an update on those discussions, the governors office sent a copy of the 2020 letter with no other comment. Glenn Person, a graduate student at AUM, sang at the event, repeating a stanza about waiting for change. Its been a long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come, he sang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rudolph said she is putting her trust in God. So Im still waiting, still hoping, she said in an interview. Im leaving it in Gods hands. The event was rescheduled due to snowy weather that impacted Montgomery in January, but Chancellor Carl Stockton said he was glad the event happened Friday ahead of the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and Jubilee celebrations in Selma. Its important to learn from history, he said. OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Two people were arrested in connection to a shooting that occurred near Walhalla on Thursday morning. According to the Oconee County Sheriffs Office, the shooting took place on Blue Ridge Boulevard early Thursday morning. Deputies said they spoke with two men who said they were shot at in a car on Blue Ridge Boulevard near the Poplar Springs Road overpass. Investigators learned that an argument transpired between the victims and suspects at a location in Walhalla prior to the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims left in a car, officials said, while the suspects, identified as 20-year-old Daniel Jordan Perry and a 14-year-old from Walhalla, followed them in a Ford Focus. Deputies said the suspects pulled up to the victims vehicle and fired into their car before leaving the scene and heading toward Seneca. The suspects were arrested at a home on Kermit Street. Both Perry and the 14-year-old were charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and discharging a firearm into a vehicle while occupied. Perry remains at the Oconee County Detention Center while the 14-year-old was taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Arrest warrants have been issued for two adults as Fitchburg police continue to search for five children who were reported missing earlier this week. Ruth Encarnacion and Isael Rivera are both wanted on five counts of custodial kidnapping of a minor by a relative, according to the Fitchburg Police Department. Police on Thursday announced that they were trying to track down Encarnacion, Rivera, and the kids they live with, including 10-year-old Alexandra Rivera, 9-year-old Alejandro Rivera, 5-year-old Alonzo Rivera, 4-year-old Abigail Rivera, and 9-month-old Adonis Rivera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement launched an investigation into the familys whereabouts after receiving a missing person report for Encarnacion on Monday. The Department of Children and Families then reported her five children missing on Wednesday. Police noted that preliminary information indicates the family is traveling in a black 2018 Infiniti QX60 with Massachusetts registration 5GCX18. An Amber Alert hasnt been issued because the designation is not intended for missing child incidents involving parental kidnapping or child custody situations that lack specific information about the children in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death, according to police. The Fitchburg Police Department Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Worcester District Attorneys Office are working together on the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is urged to contact Fitchburg police at 978-345-9650. 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 BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Two men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a shooting in Lost Hills at the El Toro Market in late February. Officials with the Kern County Sheriffs Office said Cristofher Visoso, 20, and Giovany Juarez, 18, both of Lost Hills were arrested in Lost Hills and Shafter in connection to the shooting Friday. Deputies were dispatched to the El Toro Market on Highway 46 on Feb. 25, for a report of an assault with a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cookies for a Cause returns to Compassion Corner After the shooting, the victim was taken to a hospital with moderate wounds and was listed as stable. Visoso and Juarez were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, child endangerment and participation of a criminal street gang. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kern County Sheriffs Office at 661-861-3110. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. DES MOINES, Iowa Two people have been charged after dozens of animals were found in unsanitary conditions at a northeast Des Moines motel. According to court documents, on January 3 a law enforcement officer responded to a report of animal cruelty at a motel on the northeast side of Des Moines. The report claimed there were about 54 cats living in a unit in poor conditions, and that there was a foul odor emanating from the room. When Animal Services Officers arrived at the unit, they were told by one of the occupants, identified as 28-year-old Damon Lee Chaplin, that there were only two cats and one dog living inside, but the other occupant, identified as 46-year-old Melisa Sue Leverich, later told the officers that there were numerous animals inside, court documents state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Des Moines officers make arrest after hearing gunfire while responding to crash Officers discovered 37 cats and one dog inside the single-bedroom motel room. According to a criminal complaint, the room contained excessive animal waste and the animals were suffering from flea infestations and ear mite infections, and some of the cats had hair loss and upper respiratory infections. In addition to the 37 cats and one dog, the officers also discovered nine dead cats who were in various stages of decomposition, a criminal complaint states. At the time, officers took custody of 32 cats and allowed Leverich and Chaplin to keep five cats and the dog so long as the animals received vet care, court documents state. When the officers followed up six days later they found additional cats in the motel room that werent accounted for during the initial call, and learned that none of the animals had received vet care, according to court documents. All the animals 20 cats and one dog were impounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, ownership of the cats and the dog has been transferred to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. On Wednesday, Leverich and Chaplin were arrested and charged with one count of animal neglect with serious injury or death and two counts of animal neglect with injury. Both are being held in the Polk County Jail on $4,000 cash/surety bonds. Preliminary hearings have been scheduled for March 17. Metro News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. An active-duty U.S. Army soldier stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord was arrested Thursday after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to individuals in China, the U.S. Attorneys Office reported. Another active-duty JBLM soldier and a former soldier also were arrested after being indicted on charges of conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property, the office said in a news release. The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken Americas defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China, U.S. Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi said in the news release. They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An indictment in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington alleges that beginning in July 2024 and continuing to the time of his arrest, active-duty solider Jian Zhao, a U.S. Army supply sergeant, conspired with others to obtain and transmit national defense information to individuals based in China, according to a news release. Zhao is further alleged to have committed bribery and theft of government property. The allegations against Zhao contend he conspired to collect and transmit several classified hard drives, including hard drives marked SECRET and TOP SECRET and negotiated their sale to individuals in China, receiving a minimum of $10,000. Zhao is further alleged to have conspired to sell an encryption capable computer that was stolen from the U.S. Government, and sensitive U.S. military documents and information, including information related to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), and information related to U.S. military readiness in the event of a conflict with the Peoples Republic of China, according to the news release. An indictment in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon alleges that beginning in November 2021 and continuing until December 2024, former soldier Ruoyu Duan and active-duty soldier Li Tian conspired to gather sensitive military information, including technical manuals. The materials included information on the Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles. Tian is alleged to have gathered the materials and passed them on to Duan, the news release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Seattle field offices and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, according to the news release. Officials from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Seattle field office, CBP Office of Professional Responsibility and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service assisted. It is unconscionable that a person who wears the uniform of a U.S. Army soldier would betray our country and the trust of his fellow soldiers, said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Seattle Field Office. These arrests should send a message to would-be spies that we and our partners have the will and the ability to find you, track you down, and hold you to account. Protecting the nations secrets, especially those necessary to preserve our military advantage and protect our troops, is one of the FBIs top priorities. The Lancaster Police Department has arrested two juvenile suspects in connection with the murder of Jelani Jackson, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to four. The two juveniles, whose identities have not been disclosed due to their age, are charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. This development follows the earlier arrest of Lamonte Roberts, 31, on November 20, 2024, in Richland County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts faces multiple charges, including murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Kenyan Blair, 19, also remains in custody facing similar charges. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police search for armed and dangerous suspect in Lancaster murder case Preventing and addressing violent crime remains the top priority for the Lancaster Police Department, stated Chief Don Roper. Our committed officers and law enforcement partners have dedicated countless hours to resolving this violent incident. The murder of 18-year-old Jelani Jackson occurred on September 4, 2024, in Lancaster, South Carolina. The investigation has involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office, the Multijurisdictional Violent Crimes Task Force, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Don Roper expressed gratitude for the support from various local, state, and federal partners, highlighting the contributions of organizations such as the CMPD VCAT, the Richland County Fugitive Task Force and SRT Team, ATF, FBI, the Lancaster County Coroners Office, and the Sixth Judicial Circuit Solicitors Office. The case remains active and ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the Lancaster Police Department or submit tips anonymously through available channels. VIDEO: Police: 18-year-old recent high school student shot, killed in Lancaster BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday that people of all countries are welcome to see with their own eyes a real and vivid China. Wang made the remarks at a press conference held on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the National People's Congress. Wang noted that friendship between the people is the foundation for bilateral relations and motivation for peace. "As China sustains socio-economic development and expands high-standard opening up, we have seen more frequent exchanges and closer ties between the Chinese people and people of other countries," he said. People in the Global South view China positively. Among people from developed countries, discovering and embracing China has also become a trend. By traveling to China, or through social media interactions, more people have seen a China that is safe, open and modern, and got to know the friendly, open-minded and witty Chinese people, Wang said. "It is time to get rid of the information cocoon and take off the tinted glasses. People of all countries are welcome to see with their own eyes a real and vivid China and feel with their heart the dynamism and drive of the 1.4 billion Chinese people," Wang added. Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least two people and injured 24 others over the past day, regional officials reported on March 7. Ukraine's Air Force said it shot down 100 out of 194 drones launched overnight, including Shahed-type attack drones, as well as 34 missiles out of 67. According to the Air Force, 86 drones disappeared from radars before reaching their targets, indicating they were likely decoys meant to overwhelm Ukraine's air defenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, and mobile fire groups repelled the attack. Fighter jets, including F-16s and French Mirage 2000s, were also deployed. Russia carried out a mass missile and drone attack overnight, targeting infrastructure facilities in the Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts, according to officials. A Russian ballistic missile attack on Kharkiv injured eight people and damaged more than 30 houses, officials reported. Two of the injured were hospitalized. In Donetsk Oblast, 12 civilians were wounded, including six in Sloviansk, two in Kramatorsk and Bahatyr each, and one in Myrnohrad and Kostiantynivka, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kherson Oblast, Russian airstrikes killed two people and wounded one, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. In Poltava Oblast, debris from a downed aerial target struck a house, injuring two people, including a child, Governor Filip Pronin said. A 66-year-old man was wounded in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where 19 houses and apartments were damaged, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported. Russia also carried out a large drone attack on Odesa Oblast, with officials still assessing potential casualties, Governor Oleh Kiper said. Read also: Damage to critical infrastructure reported in multiple regions following Russian missile attack Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ELK POINT, S.D. (KCAU) A man charged with murder in the death of a woman in Dakota Dunes in 2023 has had two other lesser charges dismissed. Alfredo Castellanos-Rosales (Courtesy Webb County, Texas Sheriffs Office) On March 5, a prosecuting attorney dropped one count of contributing to the neglect of a child and one count of contributing to the abuse of a child in the case of Alfredo Castellanos-Rosales, 41, of Sioux City, according to court documents. He is still charged with one count of first-degree murder. Castellanos-Rosales is accused of killing Jordan Beardshear on April 25, 2023, at the Wellington at the Dunes apartments in Dakota Dunes. After the alleged murder, a search for Castellanos-Rosales began, and he was later apprehended in Mexico and turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A jury trial is scheduled for Monday, March 10. Iowa appeals court affirms second-degree murder conviction for Sioux City man On Feb. 24, 2025, Castellanos-Rosaless counsel filed a motion to change the venue of the trial, arguing that it would not be possible to seat an impartial jury in Union County. However, a spokesperson with the South Dakota Attorney Generals Office told KCAU 9 that the judge denied that motion. Castellanos-Rosaless estranged wife, Reyna Castellanos, was also arrested in 2024 on accusations that she was an accessory to the Dakota Dunes murder. She has a court appearance scheduled for March 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gage Teunissen contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. DENVER (KDVR) Deputies arrested the man who allegedly snatched a pair of bulldog puppies from an enclosure at a Centennial pet store in February, alongside the owner of the getaway car, but are still searching for one of the missing dogs. Jonathan Muniz, 32, was arrested on Feb. 28 at a residence in Denver, the same day the 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office announced charges had been filed against Timothy Davis, 37, for his alleged role in the theft. Police: Armed woman shot by Clear Creek County deputies after chase, crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis was accused of faking a seizure and distracting employees of Perfect Pets while Muniz allegedly took the puppies from the enclosure located near the back of the store and then sprinted for the front door. The whole incident was caught on a surveillance camera. Bianca Rose Larsen, manager of Perfect Pets, told FOX31s Rachel Saurer on Feb. 23 that two men entered her busy store on the afternoon of Feb. 21 and said they gave her some red flags right off the bat. When the man, alleged to be Muniz, tried to flee with the dogs, an employee managed to grab him, causing him to trip and fall, throwing the puppies in the process. He was able to get up and leave the store, fleeing in a gold Cadillac Escalade, according to the sheriffs office. The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office shared this screenshot of body-worn camera footage of an arrest made in connection to puppy thefts. (Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office) An employee of Perfect Pets reunites with a stolen bulldog puppy (Courtesy the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office) This English bulldog puppy is still missing after it was stolen from Perfect Pets in Centennial on Feb. 21. (Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office) Muniz is being held without bond and is facing charges of robbery, theft, conspiracy to commit theft, third-degree assault, violation of a protection order and two counts of cruelty to animals. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 10 for a preliminary hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies also obtained an arrest warrant for the owner of the Escalade, who turned herself in on March 5. Porfiria Tacorante, 34, posted a $25,000 cash or surety bond and is facing charges of theft and conspiracy to commit theft. She is scheduled to appear in court on March 19. One of the puppies was returned on Feb. 24 after a woman who purchased the puppy from a street vendor in Denver saw a news story about the theft. She said she had purchased the dog for $1,500 Perfect Pets was selling the pups for $4,299. The second puppy has not been located. Anyone who has information about the dog is asked to contact Investigator Erik VanCleave at 720-874-7762 or evancleave@arapahoegov.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Bogdan Boceanu is the latest Romanian national to be linked to the ongoing investigation into EBT benefits stolen in Kern County, and appeared in court Thursday morning with Alberto-Ionel Baran. Alberto-Ionel Baran is one of the three Romanians to first be named by the District Attorney for this case. Boceanu was the first one not allowed bail and Thursday was his review hearing. The no bail order was kept in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baran had been held on a $150,000 bail, but Thursday he was put under no bail. Coroner IDs man shot, killed by deputies at Virginia Avenue Park This order was requested by prosecutors, who said they believe illegal funds might have been used to post bail. Norbert Karaba posted bail and the other two Romanians, Fernando Stantu and Mari-Mar Milica, did not show up to court and have outstanding warrants for their arrests. Boceanu is due back in court Tuesday, March 11, and Baran is back in court Tuesday, March 18. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. DENVER (KDVR) Boulder police are looking for whoever shot squirrels with darts in the past week. Community members have reported seeing at least two squirrels shot with darts. Boulders Animal Protection Officers are working to capture the squirrels so they can receive medical care for their injuries. Weve included photos below of the squirrels seen by police with darts, which could be disturbing to some readers. Photos: Firefighters rescue young yak from icy pond in Evergreen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boulder Police Department said the squirrels were seen in the 3800 block of Colorado Avenue, and said squirrels typically travel within a mile or two radius to forage for food. The agency said its possible that whoever is responsible lives in that area. The residential area is sandwiched between the Boulder Community School of Integrated Studies on Aurora Avenue and the University of Colorado Boulders East Campus Research Park on Discovery Drive. The Boulder Police Department shared these photos of squirrels who had been shot with darts. (Courtesy the Boulder Police Department) The Boulder Police Department shared these photos of squirrels who had been shot with darts. (Courtesy the Boulder Police Department) Police are requesting anyone with information to contact animal protection officers at 303-441-1874. Its not the first case of animals being shot in the metro area. In June 2024, a Denver resident reported a squirrel on her property that had been shot with an arrow. The squirrel was ultimately trapped and taken to Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation, where the squirrel was expected to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Denver Animal Protection Officer told FOX31 in 2024 that the agency considered the shooting of the squirrel inhumane, noting that it injured or maimed the animal, but left it alive. Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather A Denver Police Department spokesperson also told FOX31 that shooting an arrow or dart at an animal would, at minimum, fall under unlawful throwing of projectiles and missiles. Colorado law says it is illegal to throw stones, projectiles or other missiles on public or private property for any reason. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Two big Michigan Lottery prizes set to expire soon were still unclaimed as of Friday morning, according to Michigan Lottery spokesperson Jake Harris. A Powerball prize worth $250,000 and a Lucky For Life prize worth $25,000 a year for life are both set to expire this month. The Powerball ticket matched four white balls and the Powerball drawn March 11 last year 1, 3, 7, 16, 66 and Powerball 5. It won a $50,000 prize that was multiplied to $250,000 because the ticket had the Power Play option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ticket was sold at the Kroger store located at 4099 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills. The Powerball ticket must be claimed by 4:45 pm. March 11. The unclaimed winning Lucky For Life ticket matched the five white balls 18, 25, 34, 39 and 48 drawn March 26 of last year. It must be claimed by 4:45 p.m. March 26. The ticket was purchased at Merriman Drugs located at 31320 5 Mile Road in Livonia. If either prize is not claimed before they expire, the money will go to the Michigan School Aid Fund. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2 unclaimed winning Michigan Lottery tickets set to expire soon Two active-duty U.S. soldiers stationed in Washington state and one former soldier were arrested on bribery and theft charges after being accused of selling sensitive information to China, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Jian Zhao and Li Tian, Army soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Ruoyu Duan, a former Army soldier, were arrested on Thursday after a federal grand juries in Washington and Oregon indicted them. Tian and Duan were charged with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property, the DOJ said in a Thursday news release. Zhao was charged with conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to a person not authorized to receive it, bribery and theft of government property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken Americas defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice. The indictment out of Oregon alleges that around Nov. 28, 2021, Tian and Duan conspired to surreptitiously gather sensitive military information regarding the Armys operational capabilities. Tian would then give the information to Duan in exchange for money. Tian was gathering information about Bradley and Stryker Army fighting vehicles, the DOJ said. Zhao is accused of conspiring with other individuals, beginning around July 2024, to obtain and transfer national defense information to people based in China. Zhao was also alleged to have committed theft and bribery of government property, according to the DOJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhao was also charged with efforts to collect and distribute several classified hard drives, including some marked secret and top secret, while negotiation with people in China. In exchange for the sale of the hard drives, Zhao would get at least $10,000, according to prosecutors. Zhao also faces allegations of selling an encryption-capable computer that was stolen, including information regarding the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), a rocket launcher that was developed in the 1990s, according to the DOJ. Zhao is alleged to have violated his duties as a U.S. Army Soldier and public official to protect sensitive military information in exchange for money, the DOJ statement said. In total, Zhao is alleged to have corruptly received and accepted payments totaling at least $15,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A coalition of 20 attorneys general is suing the Trump administration over mass layoffs. The lawsuit claims that federal agencies did not provide the required notice for the layoffs. It said that notices allow employees to budget for lost income and for states to mobilize resources. A coalition made up of 20 attorneys general from across the US is suing the Trump administration over the firing of thousands of probationary federal workers. On Thursday, the attorneys general for 19 states and Washington, D.C., filed the lawsuit in a federal court in Maryland, arguing that President Donald Trump's administration violated legal requirements governing the layoff of federal workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit, which names multiple federal agencies and their secretaries as defendants, claims that federal agencies failed to provide the legally required notice before carrying out the terminations. It specifically accused the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) of unlawfully directing federal agencies to conduct mass terminations of probationary employees "suddenly and without any advance notice." Probationary employees are typically workers who have served in the role for less than two years. Under federal law, agencies must generally give employees 60 days' written notice of a "Reduction-in-Force" before they are released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, when 50 or more employees within an agency receive these notices, federal laws require the agency to notify state governments. The lawsuit said that these notices serve critical purposes: they give employees time to find new jobs and budget for the loss of income, and they allow states to better mobilize resources, including job placement services, training opportunities, and connections to social services. "Over the past month, the new Administration has run roughshod over the RIF requirements," the lawsuit said. As a result, it said that employees and their families are "struggling to make ends meet," while plaintiff states have been forced to "scramble and expend additional resources to identify even which agencies have conducted layoffs and which affected employees require support." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorneys general involved represent the states of Maryland, Minnesota, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, as well as Washington, D.C. "The Trump administration's illegal mass firings of federal workers are a slap in the face to those who have spent their careers serving our country," New York AG Letitia James said in a statement. The attorneys general are seeking a court order to stop further mass layoffs without the required notice period, and the reinstatement of workers laid off since January 20, 2025. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of probationary employees have been fired amid the push by the White House and the Department of Government Efficiency to shrink the federal workforce. Last week, a federal judge in San Francisco ruled that the OPM must withdraw memos calling for other agencies to terminate probationary employees, saying the OPM had exceeded its legal authority. Earlier this week, the OPM quietly revised a memo about firing probationary employees, clarifying that individual agencies, not the OPM, are responsible for terminating federal workers. Read the original article on Business Insider Nearly half of the countrys attorneys general sued the Trump administration over the Department of Government Efficiencys mass firings of federal workers. The AGs accuse the administration of terminating tens of thousands of probationary employees without first following federal regulations, including a 60-day advance notice to affected employees and states. The federal government and many states require companies to notify employees ahead of mass layoffs. These large-scale, indiscriminate firings are not only subjecting the Plaintiff States and communities across the country to chaos. They are also against the law, the suit filed Thursday says. Where an agency fails to provide such notice, the employees may not be released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has run roughshod over these requirements in the past month, harming both the individuals and the states they live in, the AGs argued. Twenty attorneys general sued the Trump administration over mass firings of federal workers saying proper notice wasnt given (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) As a result, many affected employees and their families are struggling to make ends meetto pay rent, buy groceries, and care for their loved ones, the complaint states, adding that states are also impacted. The lack of notice has impeded states ability to support the terminated workers with resources; states are now facing increased administrative demands related to adjudicating unemployment claims, decreased tax revenues, and increased demands for social services. The states are asking the court to require the administration to halt the reductions in force of probationary employees that they have conducted unlawfully and without notice, to reinstate any probationary employees who were terminated as part of mass terminations on or after January 20 President Donald Trumps first day in office and to conduct any future layoffs in accordance with applicable laws. New York, Maryland, California and Illinois are among the states suing the administration, including the departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Defense, and their secretaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the states that joined the lawsuit are considered Democrat-leaning. The Trump administrations illegal mass firings of federal workers are a slap in the face to those who have spent their careers serving our country, New York Attorney General James said in a statement Thursday. Thousands of workers across New York and the nation are now struggling to pay rent, put food on the table, and care for their loved ones. Today, I am joining my fellow attorneys general in defending the rights of workers who serve our communities and stopping the chaos and confusion this unjust policy is causing. The firings across the federal workforce have prompted protests. Even Musk has admitted mistakes were made with some of the firings (Getty Images) DOGE, led by the worlds richest person Elon Musk, has been abruptly and haphazardly laying off workers. In some circumstances, the administration has walked back on its sweeping moves, trying to re-hire critical workers after firing them, including some working to combat bird flu and some working at the National Nuclear Security Administration, prompting calls across party lines for the cost-cutting arm to slow down. After mistakenly axing a U.S. Agency for International Development program aimed at curbing the spread of Ebola, the tech billionaire told Trumps cabinet: "We will make mistakes. We won't be perfect, but when we make mistakes we'll fix it very quickly. For example, with USAID one of the things we accidentally canceled, very briefly, was Ebola prevention." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the first time Musk has gotten into hot water over mass firings with little notice. The X owner was sued in a class action lawsuit after he failed to provide a 60-day notice before laying off hundreds of employees in 2022. Rival factions of an Ecuadoran drug trafficking gang fought Thursday in the violent port city of Guayaquil, leaving at least 22 people dead, officials said. Another three people were wounded in a series of clashes in the city, the local police said in a statement as it increased an earlier toll of 12 dead. A police source told AFP the gunfights involved opposing factions of a gang called Los Tigerones, one of the most powerful in this formerly peaceful country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ecuador is home to an estimated 20 criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping and extortion, wreaking havoc in a country of 18 million squeezed between the world's biggest cocaine producers, Peru and Colombia. In recent years, Ecuador has plunged into violence amid the rapid spread of transnational cartels that use its ports, like Guayaquil, to ship cocaine to the United States and Europe. Women stand on a sidewalk close to a massacre site in Guayaquil, Ecuador on March 6, 2025. / Credit: MARCOS PIN/AFP via Getty Images Homicides, for example, have risen from six per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018 to a record 47 in 2023. Experts say the gangs are constantly mutating and growing stronger with profits from crime. Guayaquil is the capital of Guayas, one of seven provinces where a state of emergency has been in force for the past two months as the government battles the gangsters. In February, clashes between rival criminal groups in Guayaquil claimed the lives of 14 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month President Daniel Noboa said he would ask unspecified allied countries to send special forces to help him wage this fight. The violence is not letting up as Ecuador gears for a runoff election April 13 in which Noboa will face leftist Luisa Gonzalez. In January, the military said a leader of one of Ecuador's biggest crime syndicates, Los Lobos, was arrested at his home in the coastal city of Portoviejo. The U.S. last year declared Los Lobos to be the largest drug trafficking organization in Ecuador. In 2024, Noboa declared a state of "internal armed conflict" after a brutal wave of violence, sparked by the jailbreak of a powerful crime boss. Ex-Army recruiter flees state with 17-year-old girlfriend after estranged wife's murder Why Trump wants to eliminate the Education Department The Settlement | Sunday on 60 Minutes BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China has joined forces with Thailand, Myanmar and Laos to crack down on telecom fraud in the Thai-Myanmar border region, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday. The telecom fraud parks in northern Myanmar near the border region with China have all been removed, Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing annual session of the National People's Congress. "Our mission is to cut off the predatory hands targeting Chinese nationals, and to remove the cancer of telecom fraud," Wang said. QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) More than 20 people were injured in a pepper spray incident in Queens Friday afternoon, according to the FDNY. The incident happened at 124-6 14th Ave. in College Point at 12:46 p.m. M.S. 379 is at that address, according to the New York City Public Schools website. More Local News Twenty-two people were reportedly injured due to a reported pepper spray incident, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The injuries were minor, officials said. It remains unclear if any students or faculty were involved. PIX11 News contacted the New York City Department of Education but hasnt received a response. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A 26-year-old Afghan man was shot by police in the eastern German town of Schonebeck and later died in hospital, police said on Friday. Police were called to an apartment building in Schonebeck, south of the city of Magdeburg, on Friday morning. The man was reported to have threatened a 26-year-old German, police in Magdeburg said. The motive to the incident remains unclear, a police spokeswoman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special forces were called in after the Afghan man threatened the officers with a knife. As a result, "shots were fired at the suspect," a police spokesman said, adding that the man later died in hospital. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. The Afghan national came to Germany in November 2022 and lived in Schonebeck, according to the Interior Ministry. Aside from entering the country illegally, he had not come to the attention of the police, a ministry spokeswoman said, citing the latest information available. Schonebeck is located some 130 kilometres south-west of Berlin. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) An incident management team from the Florida Forest Service will be joining South Carolina Forestry Commission personnel in the ongoing effort to suppress the Covington Drive Fire near Myrtle Beach. The 28-member Florida team was requested to provide additional overhead on the 2,000+ acre wildfire, the Forestry Commission said in a news release. This will ensure the Forestry Commission can maintain an adequate level of public safety around the state amid higher-than-usual wildfire activity. Getting into where some of the fire is at as it is in a swampy area. So getting into those areas with our equipment, a lot of this has been as you have seen an air show, Patrick Mahoney, a spokesman with the Florida Incident Management Team, said. A lot of it has been dragging hoses in from you know, county resources, having to get in there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Forestry Commission personnel and resources from other parts of the state who have been helping out during the Carolina Forest fire will be able to return to their home units where fire prevention and suppression is still needed. South Carolina, Florida and 11 other states are a part of the Southeastern Forest Fire Compact, which allows for firefighting personnel and resources to be shared across state lines, the Forestry Commission said. Activation of the compact is a common practice employed by forestry agencies throughout the south and across the country to bolster firefighting efforts in areas that are experiencing unusually high or otherwise extraordinary fire activity. Weve relieved some of the ones whove been here from the very beginning, Mahoney explained. We have some more South Carolina folks coming in to replace them because its always good to have that local flavor here with us. That way, they can help guide us and direct us through some of the issues going on. South Carolina Forestry Commission firefighters also go to other states, particularly out west, every year to assist on large wildfire incidents that would otherwise overwhelm local resources. All certified wildland firefighters and incident command system (ICS)-trained personnel, regardless of home state or agency, train to the same standards and under the same framework so that they can fall in seamlessly on any incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of our South Carolina IMT personnel and firefighters undergo regular training for exactly these kinds of special assignments, said state Forestry Commission Forest Protection Chief Darryl Jones. Not only do they provide much-needed help, but they also bring that valuable ICS experience with them back to South Carolina. The Florida complex incident management team will begin work on Friday, providing firefighting personnel, incident commanders, planning chiefs, operations specialists and support staff, all of whom are trained to handle high-pressure wildfire situations that demand a coordinated and strategic response. Forestry Commission firefighters in dozers, firetracks and wildland fire engines will remain on the fireline conducting direct wildfire suppression, and a contingent of SCFC IMT members will stay on board as well to form a combined interagency team. * * * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. * * * Jackie LiBrizzi is a multimedia journalist at News13. Jackie is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, and was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. Jackie joined the News13 team in June 2023 after she graduated as a student-athlete from the University of South Carolina in May 2023. Follow Jackie on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. More than 3,400 flights will have to be cancelled due to strikes expected at 11 German airports on Monday, according to an initial estimate by airport association ADV, predicting some 510,000 travellers will be affected. "Striking at 11 locations at the same time is a new dimension," asid ADV managing director Ralph Beisel on Friday, hours after the trade union announced the industrial action at major transport hubs including Germany's Frankfurt and Munich airports. Beisel said the strikes were a nightmare for affected passengers, citing "far-reaching consequences for individual mobility and economic processes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strikes come amid an ongoing wage dispute for public sector workers which already to led to cancellations at major German airports last month. Some 800,000 passengers have faced disruptions due to collective bargaining negotiations so far, according to ADV. Joachim Lang, managing director at German aviation association BDL called Monday's strikes disproportionate. "An entire industry is being shut down across the board, even though airports and airlines, as well as restaurants, retailers and hotels, are not parties to the collective agreement," he said. Lang called for new strike regulations in the critical infrastructure sector. LONDON (AP) Three Bulgarian nationals based in Britain were convicted Friday by a London jury of spying for Russia on what police said was an industrial scale. The trio, nicknamed the Minions by one of their ringleaders, was accused of putting lives in danger as they followed orders on behalf of Russian intelligence to carry out surveillance across Europe on Kremlin opponents, including journalists, diplomats and Ukrainian troops. Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were convicted at Londons Central Criminal Court after a trial that began in November. Jurors deliberated for more than 32 hours before finding the Bulgarians guilty of plotting to spy for an enemy state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They face up to 14 years in prison when they are sentenced in May along with three other Bulgarian members of the same spy cell. The three, who were tangled in sexual relationships with one of their handlers or each other, denied being in on the plot and claimed they didnt know who they were working for or were lied to by their superiors. Prosecutors said that the suspects carried out operations in the U.K., Austria, Spain, Germany and Montenegro between 2020 and 2023. It was alleged that they spied on a U.S. air base in Germany where they believed Ukrainian troops were training, and had discussed kidnapping or killing opponents of the Russian state. They also allegedly tried to lure a Bulgarian journalist who uncovered Moscows involvement in the 2018 Novichok poisoning of a former Russian spy in Salisbury, England, into a honeytrap romance with Gaberova. The spies followed Bellingcat journalist Christo Grozev from Vienna to a conference in Valencia, Spain, and the gang's ringleaders discussed robbing and killing him, or kidnapping him and taking him to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group also discussed dropping fake pigs' blood on the Kazakhstan Embassy in London by drone as part of a fake protest intended to win favor with Kazakh spies. The spy ring was led by two other Bulgarian defendants, ringleader Orlin Roussev and his underling Biser Dzhambazov. They previously pleaded guilty to espionage charges and having false identity documents. A sixth Bulgarian man, mixed martial arts fighter Ivan Stoyanov, 33, has also admitted spying for Russia. Roussev, 47, was directed by alleged Russian agent Jan Marsalek, an Austrian national wanted by Interpol after the 2020 collapse of German payment processing firm Wirecard. His whereabouts are unknown. The cell discussed plans in chats on secure messaging app Telegram that were found by police on Roussevs phone. In the messages, Roussev was nicknamed Jackie Chan, while Dzhambazov, 43, went by Mad Max and Jean-Claude Van Damme. He referred to his trio of spies as the Minions, after the yellow cartoon sidekicks from the film Despicable Me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A trove of what police called really sophisticated spyware was found in a raid on Roussevs operations center in a former guesthouse in the faded English seaside town of Great Yarmouth. It included homemade audiovisual spy devices hidden inside everyday objects including a rock, mens ties, a Coke bottle and a Minions cuddly toy. Dzhambazov, who worked for a medical courier company but claimed to be an Interpol police officer, was in a relationship with two other defendants his laboratory assistant partner Ivanova and beautician Gaberova. Gaberova, in turn, had ditched painter-decorator Ivanchev for Dzhambazov, who took her to Michelin-starred restaurants and stayed with her in a five-star hotel. When police moved in to arrest the suspects in February 2023, they found Dzhambazov naked in bed with Gaberova rather than at home with Ivanova. Both women claimed during the trial that they had been deceived and manipulated by Dzhambazov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reading some of the messages and content on the devices you might be tempted to think this is not a serious threat," said Commander Dominic Murphy, counterterrorism chief at Londons Metropolitan Police. "But behind those nicknames was an extremely sophisticated intelligence-gathering operation that posed a threat to national security and individuals, including journalists. This was industrial-scale espionage on behalf of Russia, he said. The number of measles cases associated with an outbreak in western Texas has grown to 198, with 39 cases reported over the last three days, according to new data released Friday. Almost all of the cases are in unvaccinated individuals or in individuals whose vaccination status is unknown, with 80 unvaccinated and 113 of unknown status. At least 23 people have been hospitalized so far, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Just five cases have occurred in people vaccinated with one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Amid growing Texas outbreak, how contagious is measles? Children and teenagers between ages 5 and 17 make up the majority of cases, followed by children ages 4 and under. So far just one death has been reported in an unvaccinated school-aged child, according to DSHS. The child did not have any known underlying conditions, according to the department. PHOTO: Xerius Jackson, age 7, gets an MMR vaccine at a vaccine clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department on March 1, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas. (Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images) The Texas death was the first measles death recorded in the U.S. in a decade, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A possible second measles death was recorded on Thursday after an unvaccinated New Mexico resident tested positive for the virus. The New Mexico Department of Health said the official cause of death is still under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaines County is the epicenter of the outbreak, with 137 cases confirmed among residents, according to DSHS. More than 90% of cases have been identified in just six counties, which account for less than 1% of the states total population, the department said. State health data shows the number of vaccine exemptions in Gaines County have grown dramatically. Roughly 7.5% of kindergarteners in the county had parents or guardians who filed for an exemption for at least one vaccine in 2013. Ten years later, that number rose to more than 17.5% -- one of the highest in all of Texas, according to state health data. MORE: Measles cases are rising in US as Texas outbreak grows. Should we be concerned? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the CDC has confirmed a total of 222 cases in 12 states so far this year in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington. The total, however, is likely an undercount due to delays in reporting from states to the federal government. The majority of nationally confirmed cases are in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Of the cases, 3% are among those who received one dose of the MMR shot and 2% are among those who received two doses. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humans. Just one infected patient can spread measles to up to nine out of 10 susceptible close contacts, according to the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health officials have been urging anyone who isn't vaccinated to receive the MMR vaccine. PHOTO: One year-old River Jacobs is held by his mother, Caitlin Fuller, while he receives an MMR vaccine from Raynard Covarrubio, at a vaccine clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department on March 1, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas. (Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images) The CDC currently recommends that people receive two vaccine doses, the first at ages 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. Most vaccinated adults don't need a booster. Texas health officials are recommending -- for those living in the outbreak area -- that parents consider an early dose of MMR vaccine for children between ages 6 months and 11 months and that adults receive a second MMR dose if they only received one in the past. Earlier this week, the CDC said in a post on X that it was on the ground in Texas, partnering with DSHS officials to respond to the measles outbreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 due to the highly effective vaccination program, according to the CDC. However, CDC data shows vaccination rates have been lagging in recent years. ABC News Youri Benadjaoud contributed to this report. 39 new cases of measles reported in Texas as outbreak grows to 198: Officials originally appeared on abcnews.go.com PASQUOTANK, N.C. (WAVY) A third inmate is on trial in connection to a deadly attempted prison break at Pasquotank Correctional Institution in 2017. Jonathan Monk is accused of helping start a fire in the sewing facility at the prison on Oct. 12, 2017, before murdering four prison employees. He is charged with four counts of first degree murder. Sewing plant manager Veronica Darden, correctional officers Wendy Shannon and Justin Smith, and maintenance mechanic Geoffrey Howe were killed. According to The Daily Advance, jury selection was completed Thursday and opening arguments could begin in Pasquotank Superior Court Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the other inmates convicted in their murders were sentenced to death. Wisezah Buckman was sentenced in November 2023 and Mikel Brady, the self-proclaimed pack leader, was sentenced in 2019. A fourth suspect, Seth Frazier, is still awaiting trial. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN) Four children are facing charges after Liberty Police responded to Belmont Pines Hospital twice Thursday evening. Three girls ages 11, 13 and 14 and a 15-year-old boy are each facing charges of assault, aggravated riot, and inciting violence. Police say the 11-year-old faces an additional charge of harassment by an inmate. According to a police report, staff reported a child spit blood on multiple employees. A few hours later, police were called back to the facility after staff reported a 15-year-old kicked, hit, and tried striking employees with his cast. The report states three other children started acting out and began to entice violence by yelling verbal threats and holding fists up at staff members. Officers say it evolved into a riot when several others started participating. Other law enforcement agencies including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Hubbard Township, Hubbard City, and Girard responded to assist. According to the report, officers were able to restore order after entering the hospital. The four children facing charges were taken to the Trumbull County Juvenile Detention Center, however, the 11-year-old was brought back to Belmont Pines due to her age. Belmont Pines released the following statement Friday: Last night, Belmont Pines Hospital experienced a disturbance on one of the residential units. Police were called and worked with our trained staff promptly to bring the situation under control. All children and staff are safe. We appreciate the swift assistance from Police. We are open and fully operational. Belmont Pines Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Four people were arrested after they were allegedly involved in the theft of a flatbed trailer from a business near Homestead Meadows South, according to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office. Brandon Gomez, 23, Yarelly Jaqueline Viramontes, 17, Claudia Martinez, 40, and Gerardo Antonio Hernandez, 33, were all arrested and were involved in the crime, the Sheriffs Office said. Gerardo Antoniio Herhandez, 33. Photo: EPCSO. Claudia Martinez, 40. Photo: EPCSO. Yarelly Jaqueline Viramontes, 17. Photo: EPCSO. Brandon Gomez, 23. Photo: EPCSO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office says on Saturday, March 1, deputies responded to the 15000 block of Quillayute regarding the theft of a flatbed trailer from a business nearby. Upon arrival, deputies reviewed surveillance footage which showed three people involved in the theft. The suspects were driving a silver Jeep, the Sheriffs Office said. On Monday, March 3, the Sheriffs Office received anonymous information on where the stolen flatbed trailer was located. Deputies then conducted a follow-up investigation at a residence located on the 300 block of Citadel. Once deputies arrived at the residence, they found the stolen trailer, and the Silver Jeep used during the crime, the Sheriffs Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives obtained two search warrants which led to the seizure of the stolen flatbed trailer, the Jeep, and a stolen gray Dodge Ram. Gomez was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, interference with public duties, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, theft of property, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle with a total bond of $57,000. Viramontes was charged with theft of property with a total bond of $10,000. Martinez was charged with no license plate light and failure to appear with a total bond of $1,035. Hernandez was charged with theft of property with a total bond of $10,000 and was wanted for an outstanding warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Four people were sentenced, including three from Rochester, after a dispute between juveniles led to a house shooting in Lockport in 2022, the Niagara County District Attorneys Office announced. Officials said the dispute happened on Nov. 7, 2022 and the shooting occurred later that day. A car full of people, including a juvenile, drove to a house on Hawley Street before at least two stepped out of the vehicle to open fire on the house. 50-year-old Christina Knight-McCoy of Lockport was the driver, officials said. Over 20 rounds were fired into the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the occupants of the house, including children, were sleeping at the time and no one was injured. Knight-McCoy was sentenced to 2 1/3 to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to reckless endangerment. Her twin sister, Bettina Knight, of Rochester, was sentenced to one to three years after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a firearm. Quannell Armstrong, 28, and Timothy Jones, 31, both of Rochester, received the same sentence of six years in prison for attempted criminal possession of a weapon. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. LA PAZ, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Bolivian Prosecutor's Office confirmed Thursday the issuance of an arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales on charges of human trafficking and statutory rape. The arrest warrant was issued after an appeal filed by the ex-president's defense was declared inadmissible in February. Attorney General Roger Mariaca told local media the warrant must be executed by the police while the immigration authority must enforce the ban on Morales leaving the country. Bolivia's Special Crime Fighting Force is tasked with arresting the former head of state. The charges against Morales, who served as president from 2006 to 2019, stem from his alleged relationship with a minor in 2016, who went on to give birth to a daughter. The former president's attempt at reelection in 2019 resulted in a political crisis after allegations of electoral fraud led to the annulment of the elections and his subsequent resignation amid social turmoil. The federal government canceled $400 million in grants to Columbia University amid its antisemitism probe into the school, the Justice Departments Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced Friday. The cancellation is due to the universitys continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students, the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education and the U.S. General Services Administration said in a joint statement. A university spokesperson said Columbia is seeking to reverse the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are reviewing the announcement from the federal agencies and pledge to work with the federal government to restore Columbias federal funding, the spokesperson said in a statement. We take Columbias legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff. The departments said additional cancellations are likely to follow. The school has some $5 billion in federal grant commitments, according to the agencies. Since October 7, Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation, and anti-Semitic harassment on their campuses only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus. Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer, she added. The decision comes after Barnard College, an affiliate of Columbia, saw arrests and injuries when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed a campus building. Columbia has been a consistent target of Republicans since students at the university began the nationwide pro-Palestinian encampments that occurred last spring, occupying a central swath of campus for weeks last summer. The funding cut for Columbia follows threats earlier in President Trumps term to stop grants to schools over antisemitism or diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Leading water quality experts have a message for the more than 3 million people who have settled along the shores of Floridas largest open-water estuary: Go out and experience the waters of Tampa Bay. Get your feet wet. Fall in love with it. Because when you love something, youll want to protect it. That lesson was among the messages from the free community conversation Thursday night on the future of Tampa Bays water quality and supply, hosted by the Tampa Bay Times in partnership with Tampa Electric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 275 people convened at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center in Tampa for a temperature check on the myriad water quality problems plaguing Tampa Bay and what we can do about them. Five experts, including scientists and government officials, met onstage for the discussion: Ed Sherwood, executive director of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Peter Clark, president and founder of Tampa Bay Watch. Margaret Mars Brisbin, assistant professor of biological oceanography at the USF College of Marine Science. Santino Provenzano, senior environmental director at The Mosaic Co. Warren Hogg, chief science officer at Tampa Bay Water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a conversation moderated by Tampa Bay Times economy and health editor Justine Griffin, panelists outlined the state of the bay, hitting on topics like seagrass loss, over-development and red tide. In case you missed it, here are five takeaways. Old Tampa Bay almost beyond the tipping point The northern section of Tampa Bay the water beneath bridges like the Gandy and the Howard Frankland is facing a historic low amount of seagrass. Why that matters: Seagrass houses tiny marine life, sucks in carbon dioxide and creates a natural deterrent to storm surge. A 2023 survey showed Old Tampa Bay lost more than 2,500 acres of its seagrass in recent years, or nearly 40% of its coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Old Tampa Bay, experts warned, is almost beyond a tipping point. Theres places in Old Tampa Bay where there were lush seagrass beds for a number of years, and now its barren, Sherwood told the crowd. Thats scary to me, because that is a significant area of Tampa Bay that has struggled in the past, but weve never lost the amount of seagrass that we have in the past few years. Sherwood said conditions in the northern bay are similar to the embattled Indian River Lagoon, where years of seagrass loss contributed to a record 1,100 manatee deaths in 2021 as many sea cows struggled to find food. Theres not one main pollution culprit in Old Tampa Bay. Poor circulation, nutrient pollution from runoff and tailpipe emissions are some of the main threats. More nature-based infrastructure and better circulation is needed to bring Old Tampa Bay back into health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to get real about it, Sherwood said. Tampa Bay area might run out of cheap water With no signs of development in the bay area slowing down, could Tampa Bay run out of clean drinking water over the next decade? The region is projected to need up to 38 million gallons of new water supply by 2043, according to Tampa Bay Water projections. We will not run out of water but what we might run out of is cheap water, Hogg told the audience. With miles of coastline nestled against the Gulf of Mexico, there is sea water available that could eventually be desalinated for drinking. But the problem with that, Hogg explained, is that its expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hogg also explained that as the regions wholesale water utility, Tampa Bay Water is expanding its ability to treat river water for drinking, which should help the agency meet the regions demand through the next eight or so years. Its also eyeing Lake Tarpon, the regions largest freshwater lake, and considering reclaimed water as a possible source down the line. Reclaimed water is a very large possible source, but its not at the point where we can turn a project into drinking water. We need to do more research, and we need to do a lot of public engagement to make sure that the community is receptive of those projects, Hogg said. Mosaic weighs in on injecting wastewater underground For roughly the past year, The Mosaic Co. has applied to either test or begin injecting its phosphate wastewater underground at four of its facilities, including two in Hillsborough County. That has made some environmental advocacy groups worried about possible leaks or aquifer contamination. On Tuesday, Mosaic and state regulators will hold a public meeting about the Fortune 500 mining companys plans to begin testing underground injection at its Plant City facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Provenzano said sending the companys wastewater underground could be a responsible way to deal with the byproduct of fertilizer production. The reason were looking at that as an option for disposal is we are sensitive to the fact that we want to try and find other ways to keep nutrients out of surface water, Provenzano said. Provenzano also said that the biggest controversy around a 2016 incident in which more than 200 million gallons of Mosaics contaminated water drained into the aquifer was around disclosure and transparency. I think our company learned a really important lesson there that led to some regulatory changes around reporting the pollution incidents all across the state, Provenzano said. Not just one pollution smoking gun For Tampa Bay, pollution comes in many forms and thats why solutions for tackling each source are complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin asked each panelist what they consider the largest threat facing the regions water quality. Brisbin said the rapid conversion of costal habitats into condominiums, roads and sidewalks has led to more polluted runoff entering Tampa Bay. More concrete means fewer natural barriers to slow and filter the flow before it dumps into the bay. While its really important for all of us to act as individuals and make the best choices that we can, in order to make really big changes ... policymakers and regulators need to also be on board, Brisbin said. Brisbin also underscored the importance of federal environmental regulators like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at a time when the Trump administration is making sweeping cuts to the federal workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Provenzano also said there needs to be more political will from elected leaders around water quality. Clark said while the region has seen big improvements to curbing stormwater runoff entering the bay, the recent seagrass losses are evidence that more needs to be done. Get outside and enjoy the bay Getting the public to become immersed in the bays nature is perhaps one of the most effective ways to spur action, the experts agreed. As the next generation comes to take our place, how do we expect them to protect the things that weve already started if they dont love the bay? said Clark. So get your family out, get your kids out, talk to your schoolteachers, organize programs. Sherwood put it this way: Get out on the bay experience it, he said. See how (the bay) changes through time. If you see things changing in the negative, raise awareness in the community about what the issue is and find solutions. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Islanders have seen a dizzying surge in EBT card fraud over the past week, with about $500,000 stolen from cards in the Providence, Cranston and Pawtucket areas. The R.I. Department of Human Services (DHS) confirmed Thursday more than 1,800 beneficiaries using the SNAP benefit cards were affected. State officials said the fraud isnt connected to the recent cyberattack that potentially affected more than 700,000 Rhode Islanders. Instead, theyre blaming skimming devices, which are instruments fraudsters attach to payment machines, and they steal peoples EBT information when theyre buying things like groceries and other household essentials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was just baffled because I knew I didnt use any, said Richard Vasquez, a Providence resident, who discovered his EBT card had no funds when he tried to use it at a store. LEARN MORE: How to avoid card skimmers while out shopping Without the funds, Vasquez said hes not sure how hes going to put food on his table. Are you supposed to look at your kids and say, Well, dont eat all that meal right now because youve got to save some for later?' he said. To put the level of fraud over the past week in context, federal officials reported in January only having reimbursed $411,000 in stolen SNAP benefits for 1,047 approved claims during all of 2023 and 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And unlike during those years, federal officials are no longer picking up the tab for stolen benefits, leaving it up to states to decide whether to budget for the losses. So far, Rhode Island lawmakers have chosen not to include any money in the upcoming budget to cover such losses, meaning people are unlikely to get reimbursed if their money is stolen. I recognize the level of concern, frustration, and uncertainty this can cause for our SNAP community, DHS Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito said in a statement. In addition, the recent end of the federal reimbursement of stolen funds has created further complications for customers. State officials said they believe the majority of the skimming of EBT cards over the past week happened a single location, which they didnt disclose. Asked about the fraud on Thursday, Gov. Dan McKee recommended people reach out to human services with any concerns. Theyre the ones who are managing these cards, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12 RESPONDS: How to avoid EBT fraud Vasquez said he hoped state leaders would take note of the recent fraud and take action to help people who lose SNAP benefits at no fault of their own. The program covered more than 144,000 Rhode Islanders in 2024. Real Rhode Island citizens are going to struggle and suffer for this, Vasquez said. Anyone who thinks they may be a victim of EBT fraud can reach out to 1-855-697-4347. To prevent fraud, state officials recommend the following: Change your PIN frequently and check your account balance regularly. Dont share your PIN. (DHS will never ask for your PIN or EBT card number) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you need help changing your PIN, call ebtEdge at 1-888-979-9939. (When you call, enter your card number at the prompt, listen to your balance, and after that message plays you will be directed to the main menu and receive a prompt for the pin change option. You can also log on to www.ebtedge.com or the ebtEdge mobile app for enhanced EBT Card security options including protecting benefits by freezing cards when theyre not in use. Additional information can also be found at https://dhs.ri.gov.) Freezing your benefits card provides the highest level of customer protection. The detailed instructions for this process are included in the link above but simply ensures your card cannot be accessed at times when it is not in use. It does require action from the customer both before and after any transaction to lock and unlock your card. SNAP beneficiaries who believe they may have been targeted by fraud can contact DOAs Office of Internal Audit, Fraud Detection and Prevention Unit by visiting the Office of Internal Audit website and submitting a Fraud Allegation Form (https://omb.ri.gov/internal-audit/fraud-hotline/fraud-allegation-form). For additional information and to access the appropriate forms to notify DHS visit https://dhs.ri.gov/resources. Local police should be contacted first only in cases where EBT cards are physically stolen. Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Guernelli (sguernelli@wpri.com) is the consumer investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Another farm in Palm Beach County will soon be gone, replaced by 26 estate homes on a 26-acre parcel in an incorporated area of the county bordering Haverhill. The Mecca family has been farming tomatoes on the property since 1973, but it is no longer profitable for them to continue, according to a spokeswoman from the family who testified before county commissioners during a Feb. 25 zoning hearing. The NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) trade agreement was the beginning of the end for tomato farmers in the county, she said. Ninety percent of them have already gone out of business. Local farmers have had to sell to developers. The legacy of this great farming Mecca family is The Reserve at Eagles Landing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NAFTA established a free-trade zone in North America and was signed in 1992 by Canada, Mexico and the United States. After it took effect on Jan. 1, 1994, tariffs on the majority of goods produced by the three nations were lifted. Coincidentally, President Donald Trump's decision to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico while doubling the duties on some Chinese goods to 20% as part of his "America First" agenda likely would have helped Palm Beach County farmers, but not enough in the short term. Vanishing farmland: More farms in Palm Beach County are being sold to developers Farm after farm in recent years has been sold to make way for development. The good news for farmers is that they have been able to cash out and sell their property for tens of millions of dollars. The Palm Beach Post reported in 2022 that hundreds of acres of farmland were being gobbled up by developers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported an alarming loss in farms of 500 or more. In 2002, there were 26 such farms in Palm Beach County. In 2017, there were only nine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, the trend has exacerbated. The Mecca family tomato farm off Lantana Road will soon become the site of 26 estate homes. Kolter Homes is building a senior citizen development on what was once a large farm near Loxahatchee. GL Homes purchased the Johns family farm west of Boca Raton and the Whitworth farm west of Boynton Beach. Those two sales alone resulted in the loss of more than 1,500 acres of farmland to residential development. More: An influx of wealth, CEOs and financial firms is changing the shape and style of West Palm The approvals prompted Robert Zoeller, a suburban Boca Raton resident who lives adjacent to the Johns farm, to urge county commissioners in 2022 to stop paving paradise to put up a parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the recent commission zoning hearing, there was no discussion of the loss of another farm other than the Mecca family spokeswoman saying the Meccas had no choice but to stop farming. The Reserve at Eagles Landing will have 26 large estate homes County commissioners unanimously approved the needed zoning changes to allow the Reserve at Eagles Landing development to move forward. The zoning was changed from Agricultural Residential to Residential Single Family. Thomas Mecca and Gary Spiegel, the owners of Mecca Farms, will develop the property themselves. They also received approval to increase the density from one dwelling unit per 10 acres to one dwelling unit per acre, a 10-fold increase. With the change, they will be able to build the maximum number of homes, 26, on the 26-acre parcel. Access will be from Lantana Road. Reserve at Eagles Landing would be built west of Lantana off Lantana Road, replacing a tomato farm. The Mecca family justified the zoning changes by noting that a recent boom in population has put significant strain on the housing market with a large number of employers relocating their operations to Palm Beach County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These new residents now compete with existing residents for a limited supply of housing, resulting in price increases and other market impacts, the Mecca family said in the application submitted to the county. Staff concluded that the rezoning was appropriate. One issue, though, was that the development will add to overcrowding at Discovery Key, an elementary school at 112% of capacity. The Mecca family will soon replace its tomato farm with 26 estate homes. The family called it the end of an era, claiming it was forced to develop the land due to the NAFTA law. The large estate homes will have lots that are about 140 feet wide and 200 feet deep. The property is located just west of State Road 7 and just south of Lantana Road and Lago Del Sol Drive. Lindsay Crane, who lives in Lago Del Sol, urged that the project be rejected. She said: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We purchased our house 12 years ago to be in suburbia but still have that rural secretive area no one knows we're back there. Anything that can be done to try to keep it as farming land is greatly appreciated. Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and issues impacting homeowner associations. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Mecca family tomato farm to be replaced by 26 estate homes PARIS, Ky. (FOX 56) The discovery of dead roosters near a home on March 2 by Bourbon County deputies led law enforcement to find nearly 80 dead and severely injured chickens. According to a news release from the Kentucky State Police Department (KSP), deputies with the Bourbon County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) were dispatched to the 1000 block of Clay Kiser Road near Paris. FBI Louisville warns of rise in violent networks targeting minors online The sheriffs office responded to the first call for service at the residence, troopers said. Deputies reportedly found several dead roosters behind the home and asked for help from state police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers and detectives responded to the scene and, after securing a search warrant, confirmed over 70 deceased roosters at the location along with others that were severely injured, KSP wrote. The investigation indicates that the animals deaths and injuries were a direct result of chicken-fighting activities. A uniform citation from state troopers shows that 79 dead and severely injured chickens were found. A veterinarian at the residence realized that the injured chickens would not be able to recover, and they were humanely euthanized. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Six people were each charged with 79 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals, according to state police: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abel Aguirer, 33 Gil Aguirer, 38 Marco Espinoza, 30 Babian Lopez, 30 Maeja Hepibetomeia, 43 An investigation into the alleged cockfighting operation remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday sought to present China as a source of stability in the world amid turbulent times, saying Beijing would fight for peace while staunchly defending its interests. Wang, who was facing the world's media at a press conference during the "two sessions", spoke highly of China's "resilient" ties with Russia while warning the United States that Beijing would resolutely respond to Washington's attempts to contain Chinese development. In the 90-minute press conference, the top diplomat also laid out Beijing's positions on a range of issues including the Ukraine war, the Middle East, Taiwan, and the South China Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. This year, Wang fielded 23 questions, more than the 21 answered last year. Here are some of the key takeaways. Wang spoke about the US multiple times throughout the press conference, calling out Washington's "suppression" of China's development on several occasions. On how China would engage with the new administration of US President Donald Trump, the Chinese diplomat said mutual respect was the basic principle governing relations and that "no country should fantasise that it can suppress China and maintain good relations with China at the same time". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Such two-faced acts are not good for the stability of bilateral relations or for building mutual trust," he said. Wang's comments came as Trump pushed ahead with tariffs on Chinese goods, a move that led to quick retaliation by Beijing. "If the US continues to contain China, we will resolutely counteract," he said. But Wang also appeared to offer some conciliatory remarks, saying that cooperation between the US and China would bring about mutual benefit and that it was "fully possible" for the two rival economies to become partners and contribute to each other's success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang said China's foreign policy was increasingly welcomed by the international community, and its role in addressing global challenges was increasingly "expected and commended" by countries around the world. "Choices made by countries, especially major countries, will determine the trajectory of our times and shape the future of the world. China's diplomacy will stand firm on the right side of history," he said. "We will provide certainty to this uncertain world ... We will be a just and righteous force for world peace and stability." Wang described countries in the Global South as a "key force for maintaining world peace, driving world development and improving global governance". He noted that these developing countries accounted for over 40 per cent of global GDP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Global South holds the key to bringing stability to the world and making it a better place," he added, calling for greater unity and cooperation among emerging economies. "No matter how the world changes, our heart will always be with the Global South, and our roots will grow deeper in the Global South," Wang said. Asked about China's relations with Russia, Wang said the deep friendship and momentum of ties between the two neighbours would not change, no matter how the international landscape evolved. Their "mature and resilient relationship ... will not be swayed by any turn of events or be affected by any third party," he said, adding that the China-Russia relationship was a stabilising force in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a separate question on the Ukraine war, Wang called Beijing's stance "objective and impartial", noting that the Chinese government had promoted peace since the conflict erupted more than three years ago. He said China was willing to work with the international community to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis. But Wang stopped short of making an explicit call for European countries - including Ukraine - to be included in ceasefire negotiations. Wang issued harsh remarks on the South China Sea, suggesting that extraterritorial countries were behind the Philippines' maritime frictions with Beijing. "Infringement and provocation will backfire, and those acting as others' chess pieces are bound to be discarded," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comments come amid heightened tensions with Manila in the key international waterway, which China claims almost entirely. Several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. Wang said China would firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty but added that the situation in the South China Sea remained stable given the joint efforts by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). External forces are behind the frictions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, top diplomat Wang Yi said on Friday. Photo: AP alt=External forces are behind the frictions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, top diplomat Wang Yi said on Friday. Photo: AP> 6. Israel-Gaza war On the Middle East conflict, Wang dismissed US President Donald Trump's proposal to take over Gaza, saying that Gaza belonged to the Palestinian people and that "changing its status by forceful means will not bring peace but new chaos". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pledged Beijing's support for Egypt's peace plan, as well as that of other Arab countries, and said that China would continue to back the two-state solution. "The crux of the cycle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies in the fact that the two-state solution is only half achieved, with the state of Israel long established and the state of Palestine still out of reach," Wang said. Asked how China viewed its ties with the European Union (EU) amid growing economic tensions over electric vehicles, Wang said China believed that the two sides had the "capacity and wisdom" to resolve issues through consultations. He said China and the EU should deepen strategic dialogue and mutual trust, and that Beijing believed that Europe could become a trusted partner to China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China and the European bloc will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ties this year. Responding to a question about Taiwan, Wang reiterated earlier statements that Taiwan had never been a country. "It was not in the past, and it will never be in the future," he said. Support for Taiwan independence would jeopardise stability in the Taiwan Strait, he said. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited, by force if necessary. "Seeking Taiwan independence is doomed to backfire, and using Taiwan to contain China will be nothing but a futile attempt. China will realise reunification, and this is unstoppable," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Editors note: The location of the fire in this story has been updated based on a correction from the Horry County Coroners Office. NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) A 61-year-old man died Monday in a Georgia hospital from injuries he suffered in a January fire near the North Myrtle Beach Walmart, according to the Horry County Coroners Office. Gary Thibault died at Doctors Hospital of Augusta, where he was taken after the Jan. 4 fire behind the Walmart, the coroners office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coroners office said Thibault was injured while burning boxes to stay warm. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Next time you swig some British spring water, take a moment to ponder where it came from maybe Harrogate, Malvern or Buxton? From the late 1700s, English towns with nearby springs were transformed into spa destinations, becoming magnets for those who believed these waters could cure everything from scabies to smallpox. Today, these places, many of which are surrounded by granite hills and filled with reminders of the spa booms that shaped them, are fantastic destinations in their own right. Here are seven historic English spa towns that should be on your radar. 1. Buxton, Derbyshire The Romans settled the area around whats now known as Buxton in about 70 CE, drawn by the natural warm springs there. They subsequently built a temple dedicated to the goddess Arnemetia on the site, along with some spring-fed baths. Equally fond of steamy soaks was the fifth Duke of Devonshire in 1780, he built the citys Georgian crescent and filled it with spa hotels. The buildings now house swanky Buxton Crescent hotel, where you can bathe in the mineral-rich waters that attracted the Romans all those years ago. Other highlights of this Peak District town thats home to Englands highest market include Buxtons Grade II-listed Pump Room (now home to Buxton Visitor Centre) and St Anns Well, which has quenched locals thirst for centuries. 2. Harrogate, North Yorkshire When Harrogates sulphuric waters were discovered in 1571, visitors from across England flocked there, initially gathering in marshy areas where the water flowed to the surface. By the 1700s, wellheads and ornate bath houses had been built, and the towns grandest structure was the Royal Pump Room (now a museum), where wealthy visitors sipped Harrogates healing waters beneath an ornate octagonal roof (hard-up locals could drink for free from a communal tap outside). Today, the Turkish Baths, in the former Royal Baths complex that first opened in 1897, is a great spot for a soak. Highlights there include the original terrazzo flooring and todays treatments are significantly more appealing than those from the 1800s. Peat bath, anyone? Harrogate's spa history dates back to 1571 when natural spring water was discovered here. Photograph by John Corry, Getty Images 3. Malvern, Worcestershire Former fans of this towns spring water, filtered through the Malvern Hills hard rocks, include Florence Nightingale and Charles Darwin. During Victorian times, thousands flocked here for the so-called water cure pioneered by Dr James Wilson. The treatment involved stripping naked, being wrapped in spring water-soaked sheets and laying in a cold bath. Today, the town is surrounded by numerous springs, one of which feeds St Anns Well, a shell-shaped fountain where you can fill your flask before hiking to the summit of nearby Worcestershire Beacon, 1,394ft above sea level. You can learn more about Malverns history at the Malvern Museum, inside a medieval gatehouse on Abbey Road, or soak in the natural spring water at The Malvern Spa. 4. Bath, Somerset The hot spring in what we now call the city of Bath was in use long before the Romans arrived in Britain in 43 CE; a local tribe had been worshipping a goddess they called Sulis there for many years. The Romans, however, had grander plans and went on to build a huge bathing complex, all fed by that same hot spring. Much later, in the 18th century, King George III was the power behind Baths eventual transformation into Englands most popular spa town. Today, the citys most famous landmarks include the Roman Baths, an ancient complex of pools where Romans bathed while paying their respects to Sulis Minerva, the goddess of healing (artefacts on display include a bronze statue of the deity). To live like a Roman, head to the adults-only Thermae Bath Spa, which has several pools filled with 35.5C spring water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Going to Bath? Here is where you should stay.) 5. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Cheltenhams healing waters were discovered in 1716 when, according to legend, a landowner noticed pigeons gathering around a spring, pecking at salt deposits. The site soon became Cheltenhams first spa, while the pecking pigeons became the towns symbol and now adorn its signposts. Soon, aristocrats, royalty and writers were flocking to Cheltenham to drink and bathe in the waters, which were recommended by doctors as a cure for everything from pimples to ulcers. The towns numerous spa buildings included Pittville Pump Room, probably the grandest of the lot and still standing today; it houses the original spa pump and you can even taste the famous water there (a word of warning its incredibly salty). The Pittville Pump Room is one of the grandest spa buildings in Cheltenham still standing today. Photograph by Jim Monk, Alamy 6. Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire The healing benefits of this towns spring water were first documented in the Middle Ages, and by the 1800s, the town was a magnet for water-based experiences thanks to its mineral-rich water, which wasnt just used to treat ailments such as gout (and rabies, apparently), but also used by bakers to make bread and butchers to preserve meat. Today, Leamington Spas grandest landmark is the Royal Pump Rooms, now a museum packed with more than 12,000 artefacts that recount the history of the spa town. One of the best ways to learn about the areas history is on a free tour led by volunteers from the Leamington Society (advance booking required). 7. Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent In 1606, Lord Dudley North came across a Kent spring filled with rust-coloured water and took a sip; rejuvenated, he raved about the waters healing powers to friends, and soon, the water of Tunbridge Wells became known as a cure for everything from infertility to hangovers. Grand bath houses sprang up around the Chalybeate Spring, where dippers served glasses of water for a fee. Today, you can still visit the spring in The Pantiles, a Georgian colonnade built not long after Lord Dudley Norths discovery, and buy a bottle of the Royal TW Water for a taste of the slightly bitter but mineral-rich water. (Explore history and healing in some of Europe's oldest spa towns.) To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). An Oregon man was arrested on Tuesday and accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla service center. Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, was charged with illegally possessing an unregistered destructive device after federal prosecutors say he launched two separate attacks at a local car dealership in Salem this year, the United States Attorneys Office, District of Oregon announced on Wednesday. Prosecutors did not mention any political motivations behind the alleged attack. However, Lanskys arrest comes just days after a Tesla charging station near Boston was set on fire in a suspected arson incident. Other suspected arson incidents targeting Tesla have occurred in recent days in Colorado and Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, peaceful protests have been happening outside Tesla stores across the U.S. The demonstrations, held in opposition to the companys CEO, Elon Musk, are part of whats become known as the Tesla Takedown movement. The movement aims to bring down the companys stock prices by putting pressure on shareholders and Tesla vehicle owners in response to Musk overseeing President Donald Trumps so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is tasked with making drastic cuts to federal spending. The facility Lansky allegedly targeted was a Tesla service center, according to a criminal complaint obtained by HuffPost. Salem police officers were first called to the Tesla center in the early morning of Jan. 20 after receiving a report of an individual launching makeshift incendiary devices at Tesla vehicles. When officers arrived, they observed multiple fires at the dealership, including a Tesla vehicle ablaze. Suspect holding a Molotov cocktail, left, and a fire-damaged red Tesla SUV, right. Department of Justice A witness who was charging his car at the time told officers he saw a person light an object on fire before throwing it at a red Tesla SUV, then launch another one into the showroom window, according to the complaint. Authorities described the incendiary devices as being made from glass wine bottles filled with an ignitable liquid, stuffed with styrofoam-like material and wrapped in cloth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The witness left the scene, but surveillance footage cited in the complaint allegedly showed the suspect brandishing an AR-15 style rifle with a suppressor and pointing it toward the witness as they drove away. The suspect then moved on to launch more incendiary devices at two vehicles before leaving, according to the complaint. A total of seven Tesla vehicles were damaged from the attack, with one vehicle being destroyed, authorities said in the complaint. The Tesla centers general manager told detectives that the incident caused $500,000 in damages. The second attack at the Tesla center happened on Feb. 19. This time, authorities alleged that Lansky fired multiple rounds of bullets at the business in the early morning, according to the complaint. A security guard told officers he did not hear the gunshots, leading them to believe Lansky used a suppressor. Officers began looking at Lansky as the suspect after lifting his fingerprints from the incendiary devices left at the scene and reviewing his firearm registration, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An attorney listed as representing Lansky did not immediately respond to a request for comment from HuffPost. Related... A 71-year-old man, who prosecutors called a violent sexual offender, has pleaded guilty to receiving and possessing images of child sexual abuse years after he was released from the Civil Commitment Center on McNeil Island. Alan Lewis Meirhofer is facing a mandatory minimum 15-year prison sentence after a group of teen boys told investigators that Meirhofer was preying on them. According to investigators, Meirhofer befriended teen boys in the Skagit County area by inviting them to hang out at his residence, where he provided them gifts like food, clothing, alcohol, cash, and marijuana. When one of the boys borrowed a phone, he noticed that Meirhofer had sent members of a group chat images of his friends. The teen also saw images of child sexual abuse on the phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teens mother alerted police and Meirhofer was arrested in March 2021 and his electronic devices were seized. During that investigation, more than a dozen images of child sexual abuse were found, linked to accounts controlled by Meirhofer. On July 17, 2024, Meirhofer was taken into federal custody. Before this investigation, Meirhofer was a convicted sex offender noted as a high chance of re-offending. In 1988, he was convicted of rape, kidnapping and burglary in connection to two sexual assaults on a boy, according to the Seattle Times. While police searched his home, they found jewelry and photographs belonging to the family of one of Meirhofers then-unknown victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Seattle Times, Meirhofer was deemed The North End Rapist. Its believed he started as late as 1986. Police say he would break into multiple homes and attack or rape victims while wielding a knife. In December of 1986, the Seattle Times reported that he broke into a Green Lake-area home using a sliding door in the early morning hours. He was wearing a mask and carrying a knife, having earlier cut phone lines to the home. Two women inside the home barricaded themselves in a bedroom as Meirhofer tried to get to them, the Seattle Times reported. A 13-year-old fled the home to get help. Three weeks later, he broke into another Green Lake home and raped a 13-year-old girl, according to the Seattle Times. The Seattle Times reported that Meirhofer cut the phone lines again and entered the home when the girls mother left for work. The girl was made aware of his presence by his body odor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then in 1990, he was convicted again for first-degree burglary while armed with a deadly weapon and second-degree assault. He was then civilly committed to the sexually violent predator civil commitment center on McNeil Island. McNeil Island is located southwest of Tacoma. From 1875 to 1975, it was owned by the government and was used as a federal penitentiary. It was then made as a state correctional facility before shutting down and becoming the special commitment center it is in the present for chronic and violent sexual predators. He was released in 2017 as a registered sex offender level 3, the level with the highest risk of reoffending. According to the Washington State sex offender registry, he never completed a sex offender treatment program when he was released. The incident involving the teens was brought to investigators attention in March 2021. He will be sentenced on June 2. UNITED NATIONS, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Nearly a quarter of governments across the world reported a backlash on women's rights in 2024, according to a UN report published on Thursday. Women's and girls' rights are facing unprecedented growing threats worldwide, from higher levels of discrimination to weaker legal protections, and less funding for programs and institutions that support and protect women, said the report released by UN Women, ahead of International Women's Day. The report, titled "Women's Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing," found that in the past decade, the world registered a disturbing 50 percent increase in the number of women and girls living in conflict. "Recent global crises -- like COVID-19, the climate emergency, soaring food and fuel prices -- are only increasing the urgency to respond," it said. Despite substantial progress made in some fields since the 1995 World Conference on Women, such as girls education, maternal mortality, and women's representation in parliaments, the report said that significant efforts are still required to achieve gender equality and bring us closer to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Data shows only 87 countries have ever been led by a woman, and a woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a partner or member of her own family. Digital technology and artificial intelligence spread harmful stereotypes, while the digital gender gap limits women's opportunities. Featuring the new Beijing+30 Action Agenda, the report outlined six points on its action plan to address gender inequality: a digital revolution for all women and girls, freedom from poverty, zero violence against women and girls, full and equal decision-making power, peace and security, as well as climate justice. 2025 marks 30 years of progress since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most visionary roadmap on women's rights from the 1995 World Conference on Women. "Complex challenges stand in the way of gender equality and women's empowerment, but we remain steadfast, pushing forward with ambition and resolve. Women and girls are demanding change -- and they deserve nothing less," said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous. They say age is just a number. There are many cases in recorded history where boys who were too young for military service lied about their age, claiming to be older so they could enlist and fight for a cause they believed in. Whats far less common is for men of a certain age to lie about that age claiming to be younger. If you could ask Canadian-born John William Boucher, he would probably tell you that age really is just a number and that he has the medals from two American wars to prove it. He was born in Ontario when Canada was still a British colony. As a young man, he would head south to fight in the American Civil War, and as an old man, he would serve on the battlefields of World War I, a difference of some 52 years. J.W. Boucher was born in December 1844 and was sent to a boarding school as a teenager, sometime around the death of his father. He spent his youth there and at the age of 19, he headed south, where the U.S. Civil War had been raging for two years. The Canadian wanted to fight for freedom in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the Union Army wasnt very particular about who they were enlisting to wear the Union blue. Enlistment exams consisted of ensuring the recruit had all of their limbs, they were old enough and that they were males (and until 1863, they also had to be white). It didnt matter that he was Canadian, as Canadian citizens joined the Northern armies in the tens of thousands. Boucher actually failed to join twice because he appeared too young, but he was finally recruited in Detroit and was sent to the 24th Michigan Infantry Regiment, where he served until the end of the war. Boucher went home to Canada after the war, and led a fairly normal life for a Canadian at the time. He worked on railroads, in factories and as a security guard for a foundry in Ontario. He also started a family and became a fishing guide. By the time World War I broke out in Europe, Canada had come to govern itself, though Britain still controlled its international affairs. So when the British Empire declared war on the Central Powers, Canada came along for the ride. J.W. Boucher was a widower whose children had grown up. As more than 620,000 Canadians put on uniforms to fight in the Great War, Boucher watched as his tiny fishing village turned into an armed encampment. As many veterans can probably sympathize, it made him yearn for his old military days. I saw youngsters whom I had later taken out on camping and fishing trips suddenly grow to sturdy manhood. The uniform had transformed them. He told the Syracuse Post-Standard in 1918. Then came the inspiration. My place was among them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The old man went to the nearest recruiting station to offer his services, but was turned away. At the time, the oldest an enlistee could be was 45 years old. Boucher was 69. He tried again two years later when he heard that a particular unit needed a cook, so he tried his luck at age 71 and was again denied. He even appealed to a senator for help in returning to service but that didnt change anyones mind, either. Finally, in January 1917, the 257th Canadian Railway Battalion raised its age limit to 48, and Boucher confidently walked into the medical examination claiming to be a stout 48 years old. He was accepted as a private and trained to be a combat engineer, also known as a sapper. Boucher was sent to France, where his years of working on Canadas railroads came in handy. He built, maintained and repaired the trench railways that moved men, material, food and ammunition between frontline positions. Boucher, who was clearly older than everyone, hid his real age from most, but was given the nickname Dad. They built the rails from France to Belgium, all under fire from the front and from aircraft above. The man they called Dad was only found out because he was sent to an infirmary as he suffered from arthritis. At age 73 he was dismissed from active service and sent to London as he awaited transport back to Canada. While there, Boucher received a gracious invitation from Buckingham Palace. On December 21, 1917, Englands King George V received the 73 year old in his private study, where the two had an informal discussion about his life, the war and the U.S. commitment to it. Not long after that meeting, Boucher was on his way back home. Boucher became a notable man as word of his elderly daring spread across the United States and Canada. He moved to Syracuse in 1919, where he became a U.S. citizen before moving to Detroit and then Miami. He died in February 1939 at the age of 94. HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. Authorities are searching for answers after nine Highland Park businesses were targeted in an early-morning rash of burglaries on Friday. According to city officials, a group of five people either burglarized or attempted to burglarize nine businesses in the city over a span of about 30 minutes. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officials said during each incident the thieves broke through the front door or window of the businesses in search of cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group responsible is believed to have been traveling in a single vehicle at the time of the incidents. Officials provided the following list of business hit: Michaels in the 1800 block of Second Street Potbelly in the 1800 block of Second Street Dairy Queen in the 600 block of Central Avenue Jimmy Johns in the 300 block of Skokie Valley Road Chic Cadre Nail Salon in the 180 block of Skokie Valley Road Highland Tobacco and Vape in the 1800 block of St. Johns Avenue BP Gas in the 600 block of Central Avenue Hearing Health Center in the 180 block of Skokie Valley Road A vacant space in the 600 block of Central Avenue LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are now searching for answers and say the burglaries appear to follow a similar pattern to a string of crimes that other North Shore communities have experienced. During those incidents, officials said a group of thieves targeted a number of commercial businesses in a short period of time, spending around 30 seconds in each business in search of cash. City officials said local police have been in contact with all of the impacted businesses and an investigation into the incidents is underway. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. JERUSALEM (AP) In the first Friday prayers of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, about 90,000 Palestinians prayed at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalems Old City under tight security by Israeli forces. Thousands made their way from the West Bank into Jerusalem after Israel allowed men over 55 and women over 50 to enter from the occupied territory for the prayers. Tensions have risen in the West Bank in the past weeks amid Israeli raids on militants. There was no immediate sign of frictions in Jerusalem on Friday. However, Palestinian authorities said Israeli soldiers had stormed eight mosques around the city of Nablus, in the north of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement posted to X, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Israeli operations set fire to large sections of the Al-Nasr mosque in the old city of Nablus, posting a photo of the interior of the mosque, where walls appeared blackened. The mosque used to be a Byzantine church. Asked for comment, the military said it was not aware of any fire set by soldiers at the site. A chance to enter a holy place For many Palestinians, Friday marked their first opportunity to enter Jerusalem since last Ramadan about a year ago, when Israel also let in worshippers under similar restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, the Israeli government blocked Palestinians in the West Bank from crossing to Jerusalem or visiting Israel. Cuts to USAID by the Trump administration have also set back aid groups operating in Gaza. Last Ramadan, the war was raging, but this time, a fragile ceasefire is in place since mid-January though its future is uncertain. Since Sunday, Israel has barred all food, fuel, medicine and other supplies from entering Gaza for some 2 million people, demanding Hamas accept a revised deal. Prayers at the Dome of the Rock and in the rubble of Gaza In Gaza, thousands gathered for the Friday communal prayers in the shattered concrete husk of Gaza City's Imam Shafii Mosque, heavily damaged by Israeli forces during fighting. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset as a sign of humility, submission to God and sympathy for the poor and hungry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday evening, Palestinians strung festive Ramadan lights around the rubble of destroyed buildings surrounding their tent camp in Gaza City and set up long communal tables for hundreds of people where aid groups served up iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast. At Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Nafez Abu Saker said he left his home in the village of Aqraba in the northern West Bank at 7 a.m., taking three hours to make the 45-kilometer (20-mile) trip through Israeli checkpoints to reach Jerusalem. If the people from the West Bank will be permitted to come, people from all the cities, villages and camps will come to Al-Aqsa to pray," he said. The reward of prayer here is like 500 prayers despite the difficulty of the road to get here. It brings a great reward from God, said Ezat Abu Laqia, also from Aqraba. The faithful formed rows to listen to the Friday sermon and kneel in prayer at the foot of the golden Dome of the Rock on the sprawling mosque compound. The Islamic Trust, which oversees the Al-Aqsa compound, said 90,000 attended the prayers. The Israeli police said it deployed thousands of additional officers around the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The compound, revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, and the surrounding area of Jerusalems Old City have been the site of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police in the past. The Old City is part of east Jerusalem, captured by Israel along with the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast War. Israel has since annexed the sector, though Palestinians seek it and the territories for an independent state. Tight security and delays at checkpoints Thousands of Palestinians coming from the West Bank lined up at the Qalandia checkpoint on the edge of Jerusalem to attend the prayers. But some were turned away, either because they didnt have the proper permits or because the checkpoint closed. Israeli police said authorities had approved the entry of 10,000 Palestinians from the West Bank, but did not say how many made it into Jerusalem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the young people, elderly people and women were waiting here. They refused to let anyone cross at the checkpoint, said Mohammed Owaisat, who arrived to find the crossing closed. The fragile ceasefire The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire brought the release of 25 Israeli hostages held by militants in Gaza and the bodies of eight others in exchange for the freeing of nearly 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. But an intended second phase of the deal meant to bring the release of remaining hostages and a lasting truce and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza has been thrown into doubt. Israel has balked at entering negotiations over the terms of the second phase. Instead, it has called for Hamas to release half its remaining hostages in return for an extension of the ceasefire and a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It says its bar on aid to Gaza will continue and could be escalated until Hamas accepts the proposal a move rights groups and Arab countries have decried as a starvation tactic. Hamas has demanded implementation of the original ceasefire deal. A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Friday to discuss the implementation of the deal and to push for the second phase, Egypts State Information Service said. Israels military offensive has killed over 48,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants. The campaign was triggered by Hamas Oct. 23, 2023 attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took a total of 251 people hostage. Most have been released in ceasefire agreements or other arrangements. Hamas is believed to still have 24 living hostages and the bodies of 34 others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas on Friday released video footage of Israeli hostage Matan Angrest in captivity and claimed that remaining hostages feel the Israeli government has abandoned them and also called on Trump to bring them home. In the video, Angrest, an Israeli soldier taken captive from the Nahal Oz military base, says theres no sunlight and that winter conditions are tough in Gaza. Likely speaking under duress, he appealed to Donald Trump, saying the U.S. president is the only one who can return all the hostages because of his influence over Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Angrest's family said it was shaken by the video and added that his appearance in the footage makes them fear that he has been tortured. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The Abilene ISD (AISD) has announced its new leadership changes. Shannon Marshall, courtesy of Abilene ISD Shannon Marshall was named as the new Director of Federal Programs for AISD. Marshall will replace Kimberly Brumley, who is set to retire from AISD. Marshall has been the principal at Thomas Elementary School since 2022 and assisted refugee students with access to language services. I am beyond excited to step into my new role with Abilene ISD. I look forward to collaborating with an incredible team and making a meaningful impact, Marshall said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the transition, Ortiz Elementary School Principal Kimberly McCutcheon is expected to lead Ortiz and Thomas for the 2025-26 school year. Jay Ashby, courtesy of Abilene ISD Meanwhile, Jay Ashby has been promoted to Executive Director for Innovation and Program Development, and Brandon Randell will serve as the new ATEMS Principal and director of The LIFT. Ashby started at AISD in 2011 as a teacher and became ATEMS Principal and Director of The LIFT in 2021. Ashby will be responsible for moving the districts innovation and grant-funded programs, including the Building Brighter Futures initiatives and changes to the districts footprints. Brandon Randell, courtesy of Abilene ISD Im excited for this new opportunity to support even more campuses across Ailene ISD, Ashby said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brandon Randell, who has been the assistant director at the campus since 2021, will replace Ashby as the leader of ATEMS and THE LIFT. My time at ATEMS has been an amazing experience, working with an outstanding staff and the most creative students, Randall said. Randell was also a chemistry teacher in AISD, an adjunct professor at Cisco College, and an assistant principal at Cooper High School. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An Abilene man has been sentenced to 7 years in prison for a child sex crime. James Westfall received his 7 year sentence Thursday after pleading guilty to one count of Indecency with a Child. 9 other child sex crime charges were waived as part of Westfalls plea. Court documents state a child came forward in May 2024 and reported he had been sexually abused by Westfall from September to October of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an interview with detectives, the documents state the victim described multiple instances of sexual assault. Westfall was initially arrested in July and has remained in the Taylor County Jail ever since on a $70,000 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An Abilene property owner has racked up $77,000 in penalties after failing to comply with city mandates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an Abilene Board of Building Standards meeting, officials addressed the fate of a long-abandoned property at 300 Wall Street, just west of Winters Freeway and North 1st Street. Once part of Lockheed Martin, the complex has sat vacant for years. The board, which has the authority to order demolitions, had previously instructed the California-based owner to submit a repair plan and start pulling permits. That order came 154 days ago, with a $500-per-day fine for noncompliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the real estate broker overseeing the site, steps have been taken to secure the buildings, including boarding them up and installing fencing. I am calling this 300 Wall Street 2.0. The owner, not only was he absentee, but I think he had other things going on in California to let this slide the way that it did. At this point, we have it boarded up, we did some landscaping, the real estate broker told the board. It does not look like a shaggy dog anymore, it looks good. The intent is to get the electrician today to get us an order or a permit to get electricity in there so we can get Wi-Fi and cameras. From there, we will be working with the permitting department to go forward to open up for high bandwidth for users. It is a great building on the north side. The First Street building, I dont think it was a lease continuous, but we made a few leases in there. But it is a good property, and we will get it cleaned up. A plan of action is expected to be submitted soon. However, the hefty fines must be addressed. Timeline of Events: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement September 20, 2019 Property mowed by city July 30, 2020 Property mowed by city February 10, 2022 Alerted of problematic structure by APD. Structure was broken into and unsecured. Some activity taking place was juveniles caught with firearms, property used as a hangout for vagrants and drug use, copper theft. Windows, doors and fence found to be unsecured, and damaged. March 8, 2022 Property was secured by city contractor. April 19, 2022 Property cleaned up by city contractor. January 22, 2023 Property mowed by city. August 2, 2023 Property mowed by city. January 11, 2024 Affidavit of condemnation recorded at county clerk. January 16, 2024 Condemnation notice and 30-60 sent to property owner. March 8, 2024 Discovered there have been 136 calls logged for APD for this property. Property requires regular attention from Law Enforcement and Code Compliance. March 21, 2024 Served administrative search warrant, discovered extensive interior damage and dangerous conditions. April 3, 2024 Board ordered 30/60 Owner not at hearing. August 22, 2024 Property mowed by city. September 3, 2024 Informed by Taylor County Appraisal District that this property was originally scheduled for June 2024 tax auction but was rescheduled for the December 2024 tax auction. September 10, 2024 Notice of October hearing posted on structure. September 11, 2024 Notice of October hearing sent to property owner. September 11, 2024 Inspected property. Found the exterior to still be in substandard condition. Observed many broken windows, broken doors, open doors, open roll-up doors, vandalism, and grounds that are unmaintained except for the portion of the grounds that have been maintained by the city. October 2, 2024 Board ordered civil penalties (unpaid as of Feb 10, 2025) December 2, 2024 Informed the owner that the property taxes have been paid. Property will no longer be going to tax auction. February 13, 2025 Notice of March hearing sent to property owner and posted on structure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. BEACH PARK Ill. Felony charges have been filed against a Beach Park man who allegedly sold cocaine to undercover detectives, including once near an elementary school. Officials from the Lake County Sheriffs Office said 34-year-old Evan Crews has been charged with several felonies, including three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver within 500 feet of a school and one count of violating an order of protection. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to deputies, the charges were handed down following an undercover operation conducted by members of the Lake County Sheriffs Office Special Investigations Group (SIG). Deputies said the operation began back in January after SIG received a tip claiming that Crews was allegedly trafficking drugs. During the course of the operation, deputies said Crews allegedly sold more than 90 grams of cocaine to undercover detectives on several occasions. Photo provided by the Lake County Sheriffs Office shows 34-year-old Evan Crews who is accused of drug trafficking. During one of the alleged drug deals, Crews allegedly suggested a meet-up location that was within 350 feet of an elementary school. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, after wrapping up the investigation on March 5, authorities took Crews into custody in the 200 block of Water Street in Waukegan. It is absolutely unacceptable that anyone would endanger our communities by trafficking dangerous drugs, let alone so close to an elementary school. Our Special Investigations Group, in partnership with the ATF Chicago Field Division, remains relentless in holding drug traffickers accountable and keeping these poisons off our streets, Sheriff John Idleburg said. I commend our detectives and law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in this case. Crews is currently being held in the Lake County Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An accessory social security office will be closing in Abilene soon, but the large field office will remain open. Abilenes Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, located in the Enterprise Building downtown, is one of three social security offices slated to close in the State of Texas due to the Department of Government Efficiencys efforts to save money in federal operations across the county. Abilene on list of Social Security Administration offices DOGE is closing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in Abilene currently holds hearings three times a week that allow social security disability beneficiaries to prove their disabilities to a judge. Closing this office will save the Government more than $26,000, according to the DOGE savings website. Two Abilene federal offices land on DOGE savings list Abilenes main social security field office located on ES 11th Street is not going to close. KTAB and KRBC spoke with management Friday, who confirmed the closure of the smaller ODAR office. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Police have arrested a suspect accused of at least half a dozen burglaries targeting a Tigard school building and church, authorities said. Alexander Bradley, 38, was arrested just before 7 a.m. on March 1 near Southwest Durham Road and 92nd Avenue, the Tigard Police Department said. He was arrested on multiple outstanding warrants. Significant tip in 1958 Martin Family disappearance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the booking process, Tigard police said Bradley took off an outer sweatshirt, revealing another distinctive sweatshirt underneath that matched photos of the suspect in a Tigard-Tualatin School District and church burglary case from back in December. Police said Bradley is accused of committing multiple burglaries over the last several months at the TTSD Caring Closet a building that has been the target of repeat break-ins and the Christ the King Lutheran Church on Southwest Bull Mountain Road. Our staff members are grateful for how Tigard police officers persevered to make this a safer space and ensure that services can continue going to those who need them most, Tigard-Tualatin School Districts Interim Communications Director Alex Pulaski said in a statement. Bradley was booked into the Washington County jail on previous arrest warrants, possession of methamphetamine and giving false information to police after authorities said he initially gave them a fake name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. KABUL, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Construction of a road has begun in Jalalabad city, the provincial capital of east Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, the state-owned Bakhtar news agency reported on Friday. The municipal authorities will fund the project at an estimated cost of 19 million afghanis (260,000 U.S. dollars), the report said. The report added that the project will facilitate transportation and local agricultural products to reach the market. The Afghan interim government plans to create jobs for people by launching small and medium development projects in different provinces. (KRON) The Democratic Party has been taking heat for the past several days over the behavior of many Democratic House members during President Donald Trumps joint address to Congress Tuesday. While some members declined to show up, others wore pink in protest of Trumps policies effects on women. Still others brandished signs that have since been mocked as giving bingo. Salesforce joins growing list of companies ending diversity hiring initiatives Public displeasure with the Democrats shambolic showing during the address has now apparently led to one Bay Area representative being chased down at Chicagos OHare Airport. UNITED STATES JULY 11: Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., speaks with a group of West Point cadets in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Jim Barrett, a flight attendant, politely chased me down at Chicago Airport, tweeted Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Fremont) on Thursday. Sir, I am a Democrat but the way the party behaved was embarrassing. Made us look heartless. I dont care who is up there, you stand for the boy with cancer. Be more rational & get your act together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During President Trumps speech, he introduced a 13-year-old boy who had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and had him honorarily inducted into the United States Secret Service. Trump also introduced the family of Laken Riley, a college student who was killed by a Venezuelan migrant, and Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania teacher who spent more than three years in a Russian prison. WASHINGTON, DC MARCH 04: Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) (L) joins fellow Democrats in holding up signs to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump as he addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Democrats, some brandishing signs that read FALSE, Save Medicaid, or Musk Steals, largely sat impassively by throughout the 90-plus minute address. The signs, former Joe Biden spokesperson Symone Sanders Townsend said afterward, are not landing. Khanna said he replied that a few of us did stand and clap and we must be the party that still believes in kindness, decency, and trying to bring together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was more disarray on the House floor on Thursday. A bipartisan vote to censure Rep. Al Green (D-TX) for heckling Trump erupted into yelling, singing, and warnings of more punishments to come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Some Americans are observing International Womens Day with a call to action. Protests and rallies are set to take place Saturday in communities across the country as part of the Womens March Unite and Resist mobilization effort. The prominent womens rights organization, which formed in the days after Donald Trumps first inauguration, said the goal of Saturdays events is to build and strengthen the relationships well need to face whats ahead. The group encouraged people to create the networks well need to resist fascism and the takeover of our freedoms. The planned mobilization comes six weeks into Trumps second administration. Since taking office, Trump has authorized several executive actions that are likely to have a disproportionate effect on women. Not least among these is the executive order the president signed within hours of his inauguration dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion in the federal government. The following day, Trump rescinded a decades-old executive order that prohibited government contractors from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some legal experts worry the moves could give the federal government, the largest employer in the United States, a green light to discriminate. Many activists are also concerned about threats to abortion access. Trumps appointment of three conservative justices to the Supreme Court in his first term paved the way for the reversal of Roe v. Wade, which overturned 50 years of precedent guaranteeing the right to abortion. During his campaign, Trump frequently flip-flopped on whether he would sign a national abortion ban as president, eventually declaring he would veto such a bill if it reached his desk. Still, his administration appears to be cracking down on access to reproductive health care via other avenues. The Justice Department filed a motion this week to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Biden administration over Idahos near-total abortion ban. And on Thursday, Trumps nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Marty Makary, told a Senate committee that he would review a Biden-era rule that allows patients to get mifepristone, one of two pills frequently used in a medication abortion, without seeing a health care provider in person. The pill, which is also used for miscarriage care, has become a lifeline for women in states with more draconian restrictions. Women of Michigan Action Network, one of the local organizations working with Womens March, invited members of its community to join Saturdays event, laying out what it believes is at stake in a statement: Our rights and our country are being threatened on every front: freedom of the press, marriage equality, healthcare, the economy, reproductive freedom, a functioning government, and our right to live in a democracy, not a dictatorship! This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A woman without a headscarf holds a sign reading, "For Freedom" in Farsi, beside a burning dumpster amid protests against the Islamic Republic of Iran's mandatory hijab law in Tehran on Oct. 1, 2022. Protests erupted across the country after Mahsa Amini died in the custody of "morality police" who had forcibly detained her for "improper hijab." Credit - Anonymous photographer/Middle East Images/Redux The scale and intensity of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests in Iran were initially astonishing. The protests, which began in 2022 and ran into the following January, offered a new perspective on Iranian society. Why, in a country where where economic crises aboundand were the basis of large demonstrations in 2017 and 2018, did womens protests gain the solidarity and support of broad segments of society? The answer sheds light on lesser-heard narratives about contemporary Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2022 protests initially erupted in response to the systematic repression of women through compulsory hijab, laws enforcing a conservative Islamic dress code. However, over time, they brought deeper societal issues to the surface and, at their peak, he protests fostered a unique sense of solidarity across the country, with diverse voices heard from Kurdistan and Baluchistan to Tehran and including social, civil society, and political groups. As a result, the struggle against gender oppression became entwined with the struggles of marginalized ethnic groups, labor unions, and civil organizations. This suggests that Iran is experiencing interwoven waves of protests, each more intense than the last. The 2022 protests demonstrated that women, alongside other oppressed and disadvantaged groups, are at the heart of these movements. They will play a central role in shaping the future of Iranian society. Even today, a significant number of Irans political prisoners are women and three womenPakhshan Azizi, Varisha Moradi, and Sharifeh Mohammadihave been sentenced to execution. Despite the severe repression by state forces, the 2022 protests have yielded positive results. After the Iranian government spent months drafting a new Chastity and Hijab bill, it ultimately withdrew from enforcing it, fearing renewed protests. At the same time, despite the coercive efforts of the government, women have successfully imposed their demand for the right to choose their own dress code. The resistance against compulsory hijab has even drawn in men, who not only refuse to align with the governments policies but also oppose the repression of women protesters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the womens struggle has not only forced the Islamic Republic to retreat, but also created cracks in the patriarchal structures of Iranian society. Violence against women continues, often enforced by husbands or male family members. But it is undeniable that the fight for gender equality has challenged traditional concepts such as honor and family dignity. Decades ago, most women who advocated for gender equality or freedom of dress felt compelled to demonstrate their loyalty to traditional values. Today, they no longer feel the need to pledge allegiance to religious and cultural norms. Womens activism has disrupted the traditional patriarchal family structure, diminished the influence of certain Islamic laws, and weakened religious and traditional values. By demanding their rights, women have played a crucial role in Irans secularization and democratic aspirations. Protesters against the veil, protected by young men, march in central Tehran March 10th on the third day of demonstrations for women's rights in the Islamic Republic of Ayatollah Khomeini. Bettmann Archive/Getty Images The roots of resistance by Iranian women date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the Constitutional Revolution. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the status of women worsened both in the private and public spheres. Almost immediately after the establishment of the Islamic Republic, women faced calls for compulsory hijab. But tens of thousands marched on March 8, 1979, International Womens Day, chanting, In the dawn of freedom, there is an absence of freedom, and forced the government to back down. At that time, secular womens groups began organizing. But in the chaos of the post-revolution period and, especially, the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War, these groups were repressed. Not only did enforcement of compulsory hijab go forward, but the regimes anti-women laws also became institutionalized. Coupled with the eight-year war, the state suppression temporarily silenced the womens movement. But resistance continued in different forms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sociologist Asef Bayat has documented the impact of everyday resistance against the Islamic Republics repression, gradually challenging both the clerical establishment and traditional patriarchal beliefs. Because a significant portion of the violence against women stems from the ideological foundations of the Iranian regime, the women's movement has directly confronted the dominant ideology of the government, and its religious laws. In this context, it becomes clear that the leadership of women in the 2022 protests was neither sudden nor spontaneous. Rather, they were rooted in a long history of organizing in the public sphere and resisting oppression in everyday life. My sisters, womens rights activists, and feminists across the globe, the time has come for us to unite and criminalize gender apartheid as a crime against humanity. Our strength lies in solidarity, in sisterhood, and in standing together to realize womens rights. Not long ago I had an inspiring conversation via TIME Magazine with Margaret Atwood about gender apartheid and the similarities between what we face today and the dystopian world of her historic novel The Handmaid's Tale, which I read in prison. What has been happening in Iran is a reminder of resilience of women in the face of oppression. Listen to the experience of women in Iran and Afghanistanhelp us fight with gender apartheid by amplifying this fight. As March 8 approaches, lets join hands and stand together for a world free from violence against women and gender apartheid. Lets fight for equality, democracy, and freedom. Lets remember that the shared path to Woman, Life, FreedomJin, Jiyan, Azadiknows no borders. Contact us at letters@time.com. ADAMS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) Adams County deputies arrested and charged a man with possession of child pornography. Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said deputies executed a search warrant at the home of Brandon Butler, 25, on North Palestine Road on Thursday, March 6. Adams County deputies searching for escapee According to the sheriff, investigators located evidence of child sexual assault material (CSAM) inside of the home on devices used and controlled by Butler, who was arrested. Brandon Butler (Courtesy: Adams Co. Sheriffs Office) The investigation is ongoing, and Patten expects additional charges to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a pause in sharing U.S. intelligence, the Ukrainian military has reported little effect from that decision on the front. The pause is likely to have a higher toll on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, experts and military officials say. The U.S. stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine on March 5, soon after freezing all military assistance in an effort to pressure Kyiv into quick negotiations with Russia. Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, said the Ukrainians had "brought this on themselves," for not cooperating in peace talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. aerospace company Maxar Technologies has also reportedly restricted Ukraine's access to its satellite imagery, according to the Ukrainian media outlet Militarnyi. Ukrainian officials said they are working on alternatives with foreign partners. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that France is continuing to provide its intelligence to Ukraine. There is nothing unique about the United States intelligence capabilities. It is possible to replace them, Mykhailo Samus, military expert and director of the New Geopolitics Research Network, told the Kyiv Independent. A satellite image shows a convoy of Russian troops near Ivankiv, Ukraine, heading toward Kyiv on Feb. 28, 2022. (2022 Maxar Technologies) Effects on battlefield Several soldiers and commanders fighting across the front said that the intelligence cutoff has little to no effect on their battlefield operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the tactical level, the Ukrainian army has a range of means to get its own intelligence, mostly from drone surveillance. Other sources include the Ukrainian-made situational awareness system Delta, praised by NATO after testing in 2024, and regular reconnaissance operations. My drones give me the intelligence, said Spys, an artilleryman fighting in Kursk Oblast who is being identified by callsign only for security reasons. According to Samus, American intelligence may have had only a sporadic impact on the frontline. I am convinced that the frontline will cope without intelligence from our U.S. partners, said Yurii Fedorenko, commander of the elite unmanned systems regiment Achilles fighting in Kharkiv Oblast. Yaroslav "Strilok," a soldier of the Achilles Strike Drone Battalion, carries a first-person view drone at positions near Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, on Dec. 8, 2025. (Aria Shahrokhshahi/The Kyiv Independent) However, both military and experts agree that theres never too much intel when it comes to battlefield operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has managed to develop the production of intelligence tools that allow us to cover a certain operational depth, Fedorenko said. But in war, it is important to control the enemy at all stages, from production and logistics to the areas of concentration, and then to the front line, he added. Strikes deep into Russia and occupied territories Since early 2024, Ukraine has regularly conducted drone strikes deep within Russia and Russian-controlled territories, hitting military and strategic targets such as oil refineries. The strikes have helped to slow down Russias frontline logistics and reduce Moscow's gas and oil exports that fuel its war effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. intelligence cutoff is unlikely to threaten the planning of those operations by restricting Ukraines access to satellite images, as Ukraine has its own satellites, Samus said. We still have good intel from our own means. Ukraines military intelligence (HUR) confirmed that Ukraines crowdfunded satellite had taken over 4,000 images of Russian facilities, used to cause "billions of dollars" in losses to Russia. We still have good intel from our own means, Samus said, And we have (Ukrainian-made) drones that can see at least a couple hundred kilometers deep (into Russia). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A soldier who asked for anonymity to discuss sensitive matters told the Kyiv Independent that his unit sometimes seeks intel from HUR, which is consistently better and more up-to-date than the intel available within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As of this publication, HUR hasn't responded to a request for comment. Defense from massive air attacks The main burn of the intelligence cutoff will be felt by Ukrainian civilians, experts said, as it threatens Ukraine's ability to detect on time Russian aerial strikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The air defense system does not rely on satellite information, but on information from long-range radars, Viktor Kevliuk, a retired military officer and defense expert, told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Radars are usually turned off to avoid detection by the enemy, he said. But they are turned on to monitor the air situation at long distances when satellites warn of enemy launches of cruise missile carriers or ground- and sea-based ballistic missiles. The U.S. actions deprive the Ukrainian Defense Forces of knowing in advance about the beginning of an air attack, Kevliuk added. The U.S. Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) planes used radars that worked 400-500 kilometers deep within Russia, Samus said. He underscored that Ukraines European partners have the same electronic reconnaissance capabilities and might share this information. Ukrainian rescue services clear debris after a Russian ballistic missile strike in central Kyiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 20, 2024. (Vlada Liberova/Libkos via Getty Images) Civilians evacuate the area after a Russian ballistic missile strike in central Kyiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 20, 2024. (Vlada Liberova/Libkos via Getty Images) As an alternative, Ukraine can fill up the gap in this intelligence with two Swedish-provided ASC 890 aircraft that were included in a Swedish military aid package for Ukraine last May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They would detect (enemy activity) 300 kilometers into Russian territory, including the activity of Iskander (ballistic missile systems), strategic aviation, and so on, Samus added. But according to reports, the two aircraft are yet to arrive in Ukraine. It leaves concerns about the harm to civilians that Russian attacks could inflict until then. U.S. intelligence knows when Russia is planning something very bad for our cities. And if they were to withhold this information, it just means that more Ukrainian civilians will die. Take the Oreshnik, for example, said Myroslav Hai, an officer in the Ukrainian army. Russia launched its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile against Ukraine on Nov. 21. Moscow pre-notified the U.S. before the attack through nuclear risk reduction channels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. intelligence knows when Russia is planning something very bad for our cities. And if they were to withhold this information, it just means that more Ukrainian civilians will die, Hai told The Kyiv Independent. We will adapt This is not the first time that the U.S. have taken such steps, Fedorenko said, citing months-long delays in military aid and selective provision of intelligence about Russia in the past. During the full-scale war, Ukraine has managed to overcome many changes and difficulties, and it will adapt to the U.S. intelligence cutoff, soldiers said. We will endure, Bart, a special forces sniper fighting in the Pokrovsk direction who is being identified by callsign only, told the Kyiv Independent. Russia is running out of breath here. Ukrainian soldiers of the 93rd Brigade take part in combat drills outside Pokrovsk, Ukraine, on Feb. 13, 2025. (Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images) The pause in intelligence sharing is just the latest of a series of striking measures taken by the the U.S. administration that are working in Russias favor, filling Ukrainians with disappointment about its once-ally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will not surprise me if (Trump) starts giving intelligence to (the Russians), Bart added. (The U.S.) has sided with Russia and are allowing it to use its weapons more effectively, Samus said. They used to be called the leader of the democratic world, but not anymore. Now they are people who make decisions that facilitate war crimes, he added. This is a catastrophe for the United States, not for us. Toma Istomina contributed reporting. Read also: In Kyiv, Trumps intel freeze raises fears of Russian missiles striking without warning Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FORT STEWART, Ga. (WSAV) Additional soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) have been deployed to the southern border, the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield announced on Thursday. Approximately 200 Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade (3CAB) departed on Wednesday, March 5. The general support aviation battalion will assist in the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies. They will also provide aerial medical evacuation capabilities. The Soldiers will carry out their missions, directed by President Donald J. Trump, until relieved. The length of the deployment is currently unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The addition of 3CAB brings the number of Fort Stewart and 3ID supporting the Southern Border mission to approximately 400. They join the other Title 10 forces along the border, totaling the personnel at approximately 9,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released its Campus Antisemitism Report Card this week, giving a B grade to the University of Texas at Austin while naming a pro-Palestine student group as a reason why the school didnt score higher. ADL Austin Regional Director Jackie Nirenberg said that the report card covers multiple variables, but is focused on creating a culture of safety and belonging for Jewish students. One of the biggest ones is how clear University administrations are about their code of conduct, Nierenberg said. The report card isa tool so that theres a benchmark of where a university or college is in terms of Jewish wellbeing, safety, belonging, etc., and what are some ways that that that experience for their Jewish students can be improved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The variables are split into three categories: publicly disclosed administrative actions, Jewish life on campus, and campus conduct and climate concerns. UT Austin scored high for Jewish campus life with just one deduction for not having a Jewish staff and faculty group. For publicly disclosed administrative actions, ADL said the university mostly exceeded expectations and only met expectations for its antisemitism advisory council and its code of conduct around antisemitism. ADLs grading rubric for UT Austin. Green means above expectations, yellow means meeting, red is below expectations. The ADL said the level of hostile anti-Zionist student groups and faculty was below its standards. However, it said that the total amount of antisemitic and anti-Zionist incidents were within their standards. UT Austins grade is the highest of Texas schools evaluated by the ADL. Texas A&M and Rice University each scored a C, while the University of Houston scored a D. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a way ofallowing schools to find ways that they could improve upon what theyre doing, Nierenberg said. ADL is here as a partner and a resource. Its not a punitive tool. It is a tool of learning and encouraging institutions to catch up to a problem that is growing exponentially every day and putting our students at risk. ADL targets student activists The report specifically calls out the Palestine Solidarity Committee, a student organization, for its regular protests and actions to disrupt pro-Israel events on campus and in the broader community. The April 2024 protests at UT Austin began as part of a national teach-in, with PSC setting up tents on a campus lawn. The report claims that the students declined the schools requests to move their tents and claims that those students sent threats to the University. It did not cite evidence for those claims. How UT Austins new protest response team handles student demonstrations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University leaders and Gov. Greg Abbott then escalated the situation by calling in UT Austin Police, the Texas Department of Safety and other local law enforcement agencies loaded with crowd control weapons and armor. Texas DPS troopers form lines at an April 2024 protest at University of Texas at Austin (KXAN viewer photo) No encampments will be allowed. Instead, arrests are being made, wrote Abbott on social media at the time. KXAN previously reported that House Democratic Caucus Executive Director Ali Zaidi wrote to caucus members during the protests, saying it showed a rate of escalation and aggravated response that rose to a point that merited alerting the caucus. It is our belief that this behavior by law enforcement created further chaos and harm to the health and well-being of students which must not go unaddressed, the letter reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UT committee says administrators violated campus rules in response to April protests UT did a great job of communicating its expectations vis a vis demonstrations on campus, and exercised its its response. Responsibility to stop demonstrations when they violated the code of conduct, so in that sense, they did exactly what they needed to do, said Nierenberg about the response. When the protests ended, 79 people had been arrested. PSC was suspended from campus activities following the protest, KXAN previously reported. PSC responds: Report desperate and absurd Ammer Qaddumi, a PSC organizer, was arrested during the April 2024 protests, but the criminal trespass charge against him was dropped. In August 2024, he sued former UT President Jay Hartzell and UT Vice President Sharon Wood for violating his First Amendment rights. UT Austin Police arrest PSC organizer Ammer Qaddumi during an April 2024 protest at the University of Texas at Austin. The charges against him were dropped shortly after. (KXAN viewer photo) In response to the ADL report card and its naming of PSC, Qaddumi called the ADL desperate and said it just shows that PSCs organizing efforts are effective. He also criticized the reports lack of distinction between antisemitic and anti-Zionist as absurd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overwhelming majority of so-called antisemitic acts that they reference are, in fact, anti-Zionist acts against the State of Israel for the genocide and the senseless killing of innocent men, women and children in Gaza over the last year and a half, he said. To label all of that as antisemitic is just misguided, and it gives a bad impression of the sort of climate we have at UT. We do not hate Jewish students. We dont hate Jewish people. Zionism, a political movement created in the 1890s, argues that the only solution to antisemitism is for Jewish people to settle in Palestine, displace its residents and create a Jewish state in the region. We are not antisemitic. We are anti-Zionist. Our work is against the Zionist state, the apartheid state for the way they have been inflicting harm, inflicting an occupation on our brothers and sisters in Gaza and West Bank in Palestine, Qaddumi said. More than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 100,000 have been injured by the Israeli Defense Forces retaliatory campaign following the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. Around 1,200 Israelis have died and around 5,400 were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Originally appeared on E! Online Adnan Syed will not see the inside of a prison cell following his 2022 release. After years of the 43-year-old's 2000 murder conviction of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee being overturned and reinstated, he will not be going back to prison, a judge confirmed in documents obtained by NBC News. "After considering the entire record," Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer wrote in her March 6 ruling, "the court concludes that the Defendant is not a danger to the public and that the interests of justice will be better served by a reduced sentence." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Syedwhose conviction was reinstated by Maryland's Court of Appeals in March 2023 after it was overturned in 2022 for the second timewill remain on five years of supervised release under Maryland's Juvenile Restoration Act since he was 17 at the time of Lee's killing. (He is still convicted of first-degree premeditated murder.) More from E! Online Meanwhile, his attorney Erica Suter praised the judge's decision in a statement to the outlet since Syedwho was serving a life sentence in prison and an additional 30 years after his 2000 convictionwas a "model candidate for a sentence reduction" due to "his accomplishments in prison and his work in the community since release." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Lee family's attorney emphasized that despite Syed being free, he is still convicted of her murder. On behalf of the family, David Sanford said in a statement, "We hope that one day Mr. Syed can summon the courage to take responsibility for his crime and express sincere remorse." Syed's case gained traction after the Serial podcast cast doubt on his conviction in 2014. In 2016, a Circuit Court judge granted him a new trial after his conviction was vacated, but the Maryland Court of Appeals ultimately denied the trial after Maryland's attorney general appealed the decision. JIM LO SCALZO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock But six years later, the chance of freedom came up again after City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn ruled in 2022 that Syed's murder, kidnapping, robbery and false imprisonment convictions be vacated, per documents obtained by NBC News at the time. Her decision was made on the grounds that Syed's conviction was flawed. Phinn wrote that trial prosecutors did not properly turn over evidence to defense lawyers that could've proven someone else killed Lee. She noted that the uncovered evidence would have added a "substantial and significant probability that the result would have been different." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the conviction was reinstated less than a year later after Lee's family filed a notice of appeal requesting to do so since they were not provided sufficient notice at the hearing that led to his release. "We are equally pleased that the Appellate Court is directing the lower court to conduct a transparent hearing where the evidence will be presented in open court," Lee's family said in a statement to NBC News, "and the court's decision will be based on evidence for the world to see." Now, read on to learn more about the case and how a podcast may have changed its outcome. (E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal Family.) Hae Min Lee The 18-year-old high school senior played varsity field hockey and lacrosse and managed the boys' wrestling team, and was due to graduate with honors with the class of 1999. She dated Adnan in 1998, dancing with the prom with him that year, but they were broken up by that December. They had kept their relationship under wraps to their families due to cultural and religious differences. According to multiple accounts, the two were still friends, but whether or not Adnan was handling the split well or was far more angry and jealous than he let on became a central point of the investigation. Lee was last seen alive on Jan. 13, 1999. Her body was discovered in Baltimore's Leakin Park on Feb. 9, 1999. She had been strangled. At the time of her death, she was said to be dating a guy named Don, whom she'd met while they were both working at LensCrafters. He told police he was at work (albeit at a different store location than usual) when Lee disappeared and a store manager confirmed as muchbut via Serial, we learned that the manager of the location he claimed to be working at was his mother. (Serial of course discussed Don at length, as did the various armchair investigators who rehashed and dug even deeper into the info relayed on the podcast.) A memorial plaque was dedicated and two trees were planted in her honor at Woodlawn High. Adnan Syed The teen was painted as a normal, pot-smoking, not-too-troublesome senior at Woodlawn High School, a kid who liked to go to the mall and hang out with his friends, just like any other, and who, like Lee, was an honors student. Syed is of Pakistani descent and Serial raised the question of whether his being Muslim affected how the cops and the court treated. The prosecution suggested he was a flight risk, despite his parents' lack of financial means and Adnan having never left the country before, let alone traveled to Pakistan. The prosecution, led by Kevin Urick, successfully contended at trial that Syed arranged to have Lee meet him in a Best Buy parking lot, where he strangled her and then had Jay Wilds come and help him move Lee's body to Leakin Park. Wilds became a key witness for the prosecution. When Syed was convicted at his second trial (the first was declared a mistrial), his attorney Charles H. Dorsey III pleaded on his behalf for a merciful sentence, insisting the murder was a "crime of passion" rather than proof that Syed was a killer who should be locked up forever. Syed continued to insist he was innocent at sentencing and stated his intention to appeal. A judge vacated his conviction in 2016, but prosecutors appealed and it was reinstated in 2019. But after a year-long investigation led by the Baltimore State Attorney's Office, it was the prosecutors who filed to have his conviction vacated in 2022and it was. After 23 years behind bars, Syed was put on house arrest Sept. 19. The state attorney dropped the charges on Oct. 11, and he was a free man. Sarah Koenig, Julie Snyder & the Rest of the Serial Team Koenig, a veteran journalist and a producer on Ira Glass' seminal This American Life radio show, had no idea that her weekly deep dive into Syed's casewith executive producer Snyderwould turn into a cultural phenomenon. She also said she came into it with no preconceptions and was not trying to exonerate Adnan. "I wasn'tand we weren'ttrying to create problems where there were none," Koenig told Fresh Air's Terry Gross in 2014 after season one's 12-episode run ended. "...Obviously I don't want anyone to suffer because of the work I'm doing, but I also feel like there's a strong tradition of doing these kinds of investigative stories. And we weren't doing anything differently than we would do in any other story." Talking to Syed (the sound of his collect call from prison became one of the podcast's identifying features) was "very complicated," she said. "A lot is going on in any one conversation with Adnan, which is...he might be innocent and he might be guilty. It's zero sum, a little bit, right?" Koenig was in the courtroom on Sept. 14, 2022, when Syed's conviction was vacated. "You might be asking what on earth happened," she said on a subsequent new episode of Serial. "I've spent the last few days trying to understandThe prosecutors today are not saying Adnan is innocent. They stopped short of exonerating him. Instead, they're saying that back in 1999, we didn't investigate this case thoroughly enough. We relied on evidence we shouldn't have and we broke the rules when we prosecuted. This wasn't an honest conviction." She said that Hae's brother, Young Lee, addressed the judge via Zoom before she made her decision. "Young Lee tried to keep it together, but he couldn't," she said in describing the scene. "He also told the judge he believes in the justice system. He's not against a new investigation. He said to Judge Phinn, 'Make the right decision.'" Jay Wilds After giving testimony at Syed's murder trial, Wilds retreated into anonymity and refused on-the-record interview requests for Serial. In December 2014, after the podcast's season one finale aired, he told The Intercept in his first public interview that he felt Sarah Koenig had "demonized" him. Wilds became a key witness for the prosecution, while the defense contended he was lying to protect himself. Koenig would raise the question of why Adnan, who at the end of the day didn't seem that close to Jay, would have enlisted him to help bury a body. She also spent a lot of time talking about the inconsistencies in Jay's story between his two interviews with detectives and his testimony at trial. "People have to realize, we try cases in the real world," Kevin Urick, who prosecuted Syed, told The Intercept when asked about Jay's story changing multiple times. "We take our witnesses as we find them. We did not pick Jay to be Adnan's accomplice. Adnan picked Jay. Remember, Jay committed a crime here. He was an accomplice after the fact in a murder. A very serious crime...People can very seldom tell the same story the same way twice. If they did, I'd be very suspicious of it because that would look like it was rehearsed." "My wife knows about my involvement in this case," Wilds said. "Because I eventually cooperated with the police and testified, I know that there are people back home who would consider me a snitch and would hurt me. So, for the most part, we've been really protective about our privacy." He told The Intercept that Syed first showed him Hae's body in the trunk of his car outside Wilds' grandma's house, not in the Best Buy parking lota revelation that was not relayed during the trial or by Serial. But Wilds insisted he had nothing to do with the act of murdering Lee. "There's nothing that's gonna change the fact that this guy drove up in front of my grandmother's house, popped the trunk, and had his dead girlfriend in the trunk," he said. "Anything that's going to make him innocent doesn't involve me. Hae was dead before she got to my house. Anything that makes Adnan innocent doesn't involve me. There is a specific point where I became involved in this. What happened before that, I don't know." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cristina Gutierrez Adnan's lead defense attorney, whom according to Serial's reporting was dealing with a glut of health and financial issues while she was representing him, asked for and was granted a mistrial after jurors overheard the judge referring to her as a "liar" during a sidebara controversial move, Koenig surmised, as it seemed as though the trial was going the defense's way. Gutierrez consented to being disbarred in 2001 after she was accused of mishandling client funds. Suffering from multiple sclerosis and various other ailments, she died of a heart attack in 2004. In asking for a new trial, Syed's legal team argued that Gutierrez made a critical mistake by not calling an eyewitness who said she'd seen the defendant at the library at the purported time of the killing and could have provided an alibi. Rabia Chaudry The attorney, activist and host of the podcasts Undisclosed and The 45th is the one who brought the case to Sarah Koenig's attention after seeing a 2001 article Koenig had written for the Baltimore Sun about Gutierrez's disbarment. Her younger brother was one of Syed's best friends growing up and she knew his family. She wrote in 2014 about being inspired to at least attempt to influence the legal process after watching the documentary West of Memphis, about the ultimately successful fight (which became a big cause celebre) to free three young men convicted of the 1999 murders of three little boys in West Memphis, Ark. Chaudry is also the author of Adnan's Story: The Search for Truth and Justice After Serial and was an executive producer on HBO's The Case Against Adnan Syedwhich is getting a new episode in light of the bombshell twist that is Syed no longer being convicted of murder. Asia McClain Chapman The author of Confessions of a Serial Alibi wrote two letters to Syed after his arrest offering to testifybut she wasn't called to testify until it was to support his petition for a new trial. Chapman told the court that it was her choice to reach out to Syed in jail all those years ago, that no one asked her to. Koenig had tracked her down during the course of making Serial. A security guard from the library testified at the retrial hearing that there were no cameras to confirm Chapman's story, and he didn't remember seeing Syed. He admitted on cross that it was as long time ago, so he might not remember everything about that day. "I am at the point where I'm happy with not having an answer. Well, I wouldn't say 'happy,' but I am willing to accept that I will never know," Chapman told the Observer a few months after testifying. "And I'm at the point now where although I care if an innocent person is behind bars, I believe it's the court's decision to establish guilt or innocence and that no amount of racking my brain is going to help the situation." She added, "If you can just remind people that everyone involved in this case is just a normal person. We didn't ask to be bumped into the spotlight the way that we all have been, and we're trying to do the best that we can." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App A Baltimore judge ruled Thursday that Adnan Syed, who was featured in the "Serial" podcast more than a decade ago, does not have to return to prison and will remain on five years of supervised release under Maryland's Juvenile Restoration Act. After considering the entire record, the court concludes that the Defendant is not a danger to the public and that the interests of justice will be better served by a reduced sentence, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer wrote. The decision comes after years of court rulings and appeals that included one prosecutor supporting overturning Syeds murder conviction and the prosecutors successor withdrawing that motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years after he was convicted of murder in the killing of his former high school girlfriend, Hae Min Lee, in 1999. His case was made famous by the hit podcast Serial in 2014, which raised questions about his conviction. The current Baltimore states attorney, Ivan J. Bates, in February withdrew the motion to vacate Syeds conviction but has supported a reduction in his sentence based on rehabilitation. In a statement Thursday, Bates called the ruling a "just outcome for a tragedy that took the life of a young woman whose family is forever altered. I hope the Lee family can find peace and healing in the aftermath of this challenging experience. My office is here to support them whenever they may need it. Syed's lawyer, Erica Suter, said her client was "focused on the joy and relief of this decision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Given his accomplishments in prison and his work in the community since release, he was a model candidate for a sentence reduction. Adnan is committed to continuing to be a productive member of his community and living a life centered around his family," she said in a statement. Officials escort Adnan Syed from the courthouse in Baltimore on Feb. 3, 2016. After Thursday's ruling, Lee's family said that though his sentence has been reduced and he can remain free, Syed remains convicted of first-degree premeditated murder because of overwhelming direct and circumstantial evidence. "We hope that one day Mr. Syed can summon the courage to take responsibility for his crime and express sincere remorse," said David Sanford, counsel for Lee's family. Syed, now 43, has maintained his innocence. Circuit judges overturned his conviction twice, most recently in 2022, but Marylands appeals court reinstated it each time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the most recent instance, the appeals court reinstated the conviction after it found that officials failed to provide sufficient notice for Lees family to attend the hearing. A hearing was held Feb. 26 about whether Syed should have his sentence reduced, which is allowed under a 2021 state law that allows reductions for some people sentenced as juveniles. When Lee was killed, she was 18 and Syed was 17. Lees family has opposed any reduction in Syeds sentence. Lees mother, Youn Wha Kim, said at the Feb. 26 court hearing that her world collapsed when her daughter was killed. I was living in a prison without bars while Syed was living in a prison with bars, she said in a statement read by a translator. I had no will to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syed and Lee attended Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County and had dated and broken up. Lee disappeared on Jan. 13, 1999, and her strangled body was found buried in a shallow grave in a Baltimore park the following month. A tribute to Hae Min Lee, class of 1999, in a Woodlawn High School yearbook in 2002. Syed was arrested and charged in her killing. A first trial ended in a mistrial, but in a second in 2000 a jury convicted Syed of first-degree murder, kidnapping, robbery and false imprisonment. Syed was freed in 2022 after a judge overturned his conviction, and he has been allowed to remain free for further court proceedings. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Members of the Chinese medical team pose for a group photo with Chinese and Zimbabwean officials at the Chinese embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara) HARARE, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe held a reception on Thursday to mark the 40th anniversary of the Chinese medical team's presence in Zimbabwe. The event also saw the bidding of farewell to the 21st batch of the Chinese medical team, who were awarded medals in recognition of their dedicated service to the country, and the welcoming of the 22nd batch. Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini said the partnership between Zimbabwe and China in the health sector is a shining example of what nations can achieve when they work together with mutual respect and friendship. "For the past 40 years, these teams have been at the forefront of delivering quality healthcare to our people, often in the most remote and underserved areas," he said. "Not only have they healed bodies, but they have also strengthened the bonds of friendship between our two nations. The enduring legacy of their work will be felt for generations, both in the lives of those they have helped and in the healthcare system they have contributed to building." Kwidini added that Chinese medical teams exemplify the power of compassion, collaboration, and dedication. Cheng Yan, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, said the milestone not only marks four decades of unwavering dedication and service to Zimbabwe by Chinese medical teams, but is also a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries. "Their efforts embody the spirit of China's vision for a global community of health for all, and demonstrate that their mission is not just about treating illness, but about building bridges of friendship between our peoples," he said. Cheng said China and Zimbabwe maintain close exchanges in medical personnel training, adding that China will invite more than 60 Zimbabwean hospital staff and medical officials to visit China this year. Over the past year, the 21st batch of the Chinese medical team has treated over 14,000 patients, trained more than 1,000 local health workers, and established critical health facilities. The Department of Government Efficiency has bulldozed through federal programs, slicing spending and jobs. Spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk, the efforts aim to shrink a federal workforce that President Donald Trump has called bloated. Thousands of probationary workers have been caught in the crosshairs, including employees at the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Opponents have filed several legal challenges to the cuts, and its uncertain how much of the federal dismantling will stick. But we know that behind these job losses are Floridians with bills to pay and lives to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And we want to hear from you. Are you one of the many reeling from a layoff? Are you worried about your programs future funding? Do you fear your job may be on the chopping block? What has the Tampa Bay Times not reported on or considered regarding the Department of Government Efficiency? We want to tell your story and how these federal cuts are affecting the Tampa Bay region, our state and our country. Submit your story using the Google form below, and a reporter may contact you. (You can also access the form here.) Maybe you want to tell us why your job is important. Or what passions led you to your field. Whatever it is, we hope youll share your story with us. CBS parent company Paramount moved to dismiss a lawsuit lobbed by President Donald Trump over an allegedly unfair "60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. In a pair of Thursday motions, Paramount argued the suit should be dismissed for multiple reasons. One motion argued filing in the Northern District of Texas venue was a blatant attempt at "forum shopping." The other argued that the suit should be tossed on First Amendment grounds. This lawsuit is an affront to the First Amendment and is without basis in law or fact, attorneys for Paramount wrote in the latter motion. They not only ask for $20 billion in damages but also seek an order directing how a news organization may exercise its editorial judgment in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the Texas court in which Trump filed suit, Paramount alleges that none of the Defendants is subject to personal jurisdiction in Texas on these claims. CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a New York corporation, CBS Interactive Inc. and Paramount Global are Delaware corporations, and all three have their principal place of business in New York. The network released the full, unedited interview with Harris last month amid pressure from Trumps FCC. But the president doubled down on the speech-chilling assault, telling reporters that edits to the interview probably did affect the election in his second terms first Cabinet meeting. The network's opposition to the suit sets them apart from other news organizations in Trump's second term. Disney-owned ABC News settled a $15 million suit late last year after Trumps election win, apologizing for host George Stephanopoulos on-air claim that Trump had been found liable for rape. Mark Zuckerbergs Meta also settled a $25 million suit stemming from its removal of Trumps accounts for violating the platform's terms of service. Last month, Burundi and Tanzania signed an agreement with two Chinese state-owned companies to construct a new railway to ports on the Tanzanian coast. This will be landlocked Burundis first railway, and its primary use will be exporting minerals, specifically nickel. At a cost of more than $2 billion, it is just the latest major infrastructure project financed by an outside power to be announced in Africa. These days, coverage of major infrastructure projects like these are usually framed in terms of the emerging geopolitical competition for minerals, which is not necessarily inaccurate. The U.S. and China, for instance, are each currently financing railways linking copper mines in Central Africa with ports on opposite sides of the continent. But there is more to these developments than geopolitical competition: Large-scale infrastructure projects built and planned across the African continent, which have attracted billions of dollars in investment in recent years, are essentially replicating colonial models of infrastructure, in turn recreating economic and trade relationsand their associated inequitiesfrom a bygone era. Most colonial economies in Africa were extractive in a straightforward sense. Raw materials like copper, gold, rubber and timber were extracted and shipped to Europe to support the economies of colonizing powers. Infrastructure was therefore built to connect mines and plantations to ports, rather than to other locations on the continent. The basic goal was to get raw materials from the interior to the coast as quickly and cheaply as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is easy to see a similar economic logic operating today. On the other side of the continent from Tanzania and Burundi, mining giant Rio Tinto is building a new railway in Guinea. At the cost of $6.2 billion, the nearly 400-mile-long TransGuinean Railway Corridor will connect the enormous planned Simandou iron ore mine with a newly built port on the Atlantic coast. Other planned projects have the same rationale. The proposed 900-mile-long Trans-Kalahari Railway in Botswana and Namibia, with an estimated cost of around $9 billion, would be used to transport coal from mines in Botswana to the Namibian port of Walvis Bay for export. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. These are all new ventures, but other planned infrastructure projects build on colonial-era blueprints in a more literal sense. One of the biggest infrastructure projects announced in Africa in recent years is the Lobito Corridor, which is being financed to the tune of $2.3 billion by the U.S., European Union and African Development Bank. The corridor will expand the existing railway between Angola and the Copperbelt region in Central Africa, with the goal of transporting 2 million tons of minerals every year for export to Europe and North America. That is essentially what the corridor was originally built to do during the colonial era, although the original railway never successfully competed with other rail links to these mines and was eventually destroyed in the 1970s during the Angolan Civil War, ironically by a U.S.-backed rebel movement. The basic goal of colonial-era infrastructure in Africa was to get raw materials from the interior to the coast as quickly and cheaply as possible. It is easy to see a similar economic logic operating today. The same economic logic, alongside geopolitical competition, explains why China has promised $1 billion to upgrade the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority, or TAZARA, Railway, which was originally built by China in the early 1970s and links the Copperbelt to Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian coast. The project is part of Chinas Belt and Road global development initiative, and as with the other railways projects, the expanded line will primarily be used to export minerals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, Chinas willingness to finance the TAZARA Railway also signals a change in its investment strategy in Africa. In 2011, China agreed to finance a new passenger and freight railway to link Kenyas two largest cities, Nairobi and Mombasa, a project that was completed in 2017. However, that line was supposed to be the first stage in a bigger network across East Africa. And that plan has not been realized because China declined to build the planned extension of the railway to Ugandas capital, Kampala, leaving Uganda to sign a contract with a Turkish company to undertake the work in 2024. That reflects a shift in Chinas infrastructure investment in Africa from a mix of projects that included the provision of public goodslike roads, stadiums and rail links between population centerstoward a greater emphasis on extractive infrastructure. Of course, railways built primarily for mineral exports are not unique to Africa. The Pilbara region in northwestern Australiathe epicenter of the worlds iron ore industryhas three rail lines that do nothing besides transport vast quantities of the metal from mines to the coast. Two of these lines are even owned by companies building similar railways in Africa: Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals. The difference, however, is that these are not the only major infrastructure projects in Australia. The kind of infrastructure that is built can have lasting legacies. In Zambia, for instance, most urban centers and road infrastructure are still grouped along the railway built 120 years ago to connect mines in Congo with ports in South Africa, even though the railway itself is now hardly used. As a result, a map showing the location of urban centers in Zambia in the 1930s is still largely accurate. Another legacy is the low level of trade between countries on the continent. African countries export far more to countries outside the continent than to neighboring ones. High transport costs or non-existent routes impede intra-African trade, so the economies of many African countries remain orientated to exporting primary resources to outside the continent. Meanwhile, the lack of industrialization throughout much of Africa means there is little domestic demand for minerals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The infrastructure deficit and the problems this causes are widely recognized. In 2013, the African Union launched the Africa Integrated Railway Network Project, which aimed to construct a high-speed network connecting capital cities across the continent by 2033, the first stage of which would alone require more than 10,000 miles of track. Almost none of that project has been built, however, as the planned railways have failed to attract funding, and very few, if any, of the planned connections will be completed by 2033. Instead, investment continues to pour into roads, railways and ports linked to mining for export. That is perhaps better than no investment at all, and it may open up new and unanticipated opportunities for the countries in which they are built. Yet, this infrastructure will shape the future direction of trade in African countries for decades to come. For now, that means that African trade will continue to be externally orientated and support economies based on extraction. Duncan Money is a historian and researcher who works on the mining industry, with a focus on copper, as well as on Southern Africa more broadly. He has a doctoral degree in history from Oxford and has worked in various countries in Africa, Europe and North America. The post In Africa, the Race for Critical Minerals Is Recreating Colonial Models appeared first on World Politics Review. In an extraordinary admission, Social Security Administration acting Commissioner Lee Dudek told the New York Times that his decision to require parents of newborns in Maine to apply in person for a Social Security number in an office rather than by simply filling out a form at the hospital came about because he "was ticked" at the state's governor, Janet Mills. I was ticked at the governor of Maine for not being real cordial to the president, Dudek told the paper in reference to a testy White House exchange between Mills and President Trump over his executive order banning transgender women from competing in womens sports. I screwed up. Ill admit I screwed up. On March 5, Maines Department of Health and Human Services sent out an email notifying hospitals and birth centers that effective immediately, the option for parents to participate in the enumeration at birth process will be suspended, the Portland Press Herald reported, adding that the agency was following guidance given to it by the Social Security Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspension of the program in Maine drew swift rebukes from health care providers in the state. It makes absolutely no sense to me at all to do this, Dr. Joe Anderson, advocacy chair of the Maine chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, told the Press Herald. I see no logical explanation for forcing parents and newborns with 11,000 babies born in Maine every year to sit in a crowded waiting room, when we have done this easily, securely and efficiently for decades. On March 7, Dudek reversed his decision to suspend the decades-old policy that is in place in all 50 states, calling it a mistake. I recently directed Social Security employees to end two contracts which affected the good people of the state of Maine. The two contracts are Enumeration at Birth (EAB), which helps new parents quickly request a Social Security number and card for their newborn before leaving the hospital, and Electronic Death Registry (EDR) which shares recorded deaths with Social Security, Dudek said in the statement posted to the Social Security website. In retrospect, I realize that ending these contracts created an undue burden on the people of Maine, which was not the intent. For that, I apologize and have directed that both contracts be immediately reinstated. EAB and EDR continue in place for every state and were not affected. As a leader, I will admit my mistakes and make them right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Trump demanded that Mills offer him a "full-throated apology" for challenging the legality of his executive order on trans athletes. "While the State of Maine has apologized for their Governor's strong, but totally incorrect, statement about men playing in women's sports while at the White House House Governor's Conference, we have not heard from the Governor herself, and she is the one that matters in such cases," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform Saturday morning. Mills responded to Trump's demand on Monday at an event in Bangor. "If the current occupant of the White House wants to protect women and girls, he should start by protecting the women and teenage girls who are suffering miscarriages and dying because they can't get basic, lifesaving health care in states across this country," Mills said. "If he truly cares about women and girls and people of this country, let's see the economic plan. Let's see the health care plan. Let's see the education plan." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, the enumeration at birth procedure remains in place in Maine. On its website, the Social Security Administration describes the process as one of convenience. The Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program eliminates the need for a parent to gather the necessary documents, complete an Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5), and take or mail original documents to a local Social Security office for processing, SSA states. Citing his missteps as commissioner and Trump's current pick to head the SSA, Dudek told the Times that he did not expect his tenure at Social Security to last very long. I cant imagine the nominee would want to keep me after the way Ive been doing things here, Dudek said. In October, the Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families (RICCF) released a report titled Children in Crisis Cant Wait: The Case for System Transformation. The report highlighted the increasing demand for behavioral health services for children in crisis, along with the growing gaps in the states ability to meet these needs. At the time, children were being sent to out-of-state psychiatric facilities for care, and the situation was dire. Around the same time the report was released, Rhode Island was accepted into the federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program. Newport Mental Health serves as the CCBHC for Newport County, offering a wide range of services for children and families (see our January 2025 column for more details). Today, the state, along with many partner agencies, including Newport Mental Health, is actively working to address the problems and close the gaps identified by RICCF. Collaborative solutions for complex needs The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is working very hard to bring back the children placed out of state says Stephanie Lujan Rickerman, division director of childrens services at Newport Mental Health. They are trying to get them out of hospitals and into treatment in the community, and we are partnering to help them do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Rhode Island, DCYF is responsible for the well-being of children, regardless of whether they are in the departments care. With a dynamic new leadership and an ambitious strategic plan for 2025-2030, the agency recognizes Newport Mental Health, and all of Rhode Islands CCBHCs, as key partners in providing the right behavioral health services at the right time, ensuring the least restrictive care possible (i.e., keeping children out of hospitals unless necessary). Dayna Gladstein, president & CEO of Newport Mental Health Rickerman participates in biweekly meetings at DCYFs Providence office, where agencies that provide childrens services, including CCBHCs, come together to discuss complex cases and find collaborative solutions. She cited an example of how CCBHCs provide essential wraparound services. In one case, a parent was ready to be reunited with their child, but housing was the only barrier to reunification. CCBHCs helped by connecting the family to housing assistance resources. Newport Mental Healths newly introduced Intensive In-Home Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS) program (developed by Yale University and operating in Connecticut) is also playing an important role. Newport Mental Health is working to take the program statewide through partnership expansion. Since its launch, DCYF has referred seven children to the program at NMH. Rickerman recalls a recent case where IICAPS was combined with services from Child & Family, a family-focused nonprofit based in Middletown. One sibling enrolled in IICAPS, while another continued treatment with Child & Family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our families are incredibly complex, explains Marty Sinnott, president & CEO of Child & Family. It takes a well-integrated system of care of which Newport Mental Health is an essential part to meet the diverse needs of these families. Newport Mental Health and Child & Family collaborate through the Family Care Community Partnership (FCCP), a program that wraps services around families experiencing stress, whether related to finances, behavioral health, substance use, housing security, or other challenges, and develops a comprehensive support plan. We need to look at how all these pieces fit together, Sinnott says, referencing IICAPS, FCCP, and other services, including hospitalization. Newport Hospital is taking steps to increase capacity for adolescent inpatient care. The IICAPS program can help prevent some kids from needing that level of care. We have to find the best ways to maximize our resources and create the biggest impact. Its so important to have Newport Hospital here, adds Rickerman. Sending a child to Providence for treatment can put a huge strain on the family. There are transportation challenges, and parents often have to take time off work. Having a facility on the island makes it easier for families kids get the care they need, and parents can keep their jobs and participate in family therapy. Reaching the children and families who need help Newport Mental Health has also partnered with Aquidneck Pediatrics to enhance care coordination. A nurse from Newport Mental Healths childrens team regularly attends meetings to share information, discuss client needs and review referrals. Recently, one of our school-based clinicians spoke with a pediatrician about concerns regarding a childs eating habits. In another case, a young client with eczema was found to also have asthma, prompting our nurse to coordinate care through the East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP), a nonprofit providing health and human services support such as medical and dental care. Integrated care like this is crucial to a childs and familys overall well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also collaborate with many Newport County schools and organizations, including Looking Upwards, the Newport County YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Bradley School in Portsmouth. Some initiatives are already in place, while others are in the planning stages. Statewide leadership The partnerships between Newport Mental Health and state and local agencies offer several important benefits for Rhode Island, says Richard Leclerc, director, RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals. These collaborations help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of behavioral health services, which can lead to a range of positive outcomes and benefits for the individual, the community, and the state. Some of these improvements include stronger community support networks, such as the collaboration between Newport Mental Health and state and local agencies to ensure individuals have access to a wide range of services. This would include counseling, psychotherapy, care coordination with primary care and other services, medications, and assistance with supported housing and employment. When we improve the access and effectiveness of services, we improve the quality of life. Access to care allows individuals to maintain employment and become more self-sufficient, reducing stress and fear. As the first CCBHC in the state (a designation we first received in 2018), Newport Mental Health has a head start in developing our programs, all of which are replicable, and science based. Because CCBHCs operate statewide, every community has the potential to access these lifesaving, client-centered services like IICAPS if the state continues to support behavioral health. Children and families represent the future of Rhode Island, and it is essential that we invest in their well-being. Supporting children is our top priority. A healthier Rhode Island means stronger economic growth and improved quality of life for all. By focusing on the needs of children today, we can make a lasting, positive impact on the future of our state. Newport Mental Health is actively collecting and tracking data to show the outcomes of the high standard of care being delivered, and we look forward to sharing the results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayna Gladstein is president & CEO of Newport Mental Health in Middletown. Peace of Mind, which is co-written with Kristan McClintock, appears monthly in The Newport Daily News and online at newportri.com. Newport Mental Health is a 501(c)3, charitable nonprofit and a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) that provides mental health and substance use treatment to those who live, work, and study in Newport County, regardless of their income, insurance, or ability to pay. Newport Mental Health offers programs and services for children and adults; immediate access to care is available by calling 401-846-1213. For more information, please visit newportmentalhealth.org This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Newport Mental Health partners with agencies to improve child care JERUSALEM (AP) The Trump administrations cuts to USAID have frozen hundreds of millions of dollars in contractual payments to aid groups, leaving them paying out of pocket to preserve a fragile ceasefire, according to officials from the U.S. humanitarian agency. The cutbacks threaten to halt the small gains aid workers have made combatting Gazas humanitarian crisis during the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. They also could endanger the tenuous truce, which the Trump administration helped cement. USAID was supposed to fund much of the aid to Gaza as the ceasefire progressed, and the Trump administration approved over $383 million on Jan. 31 to that end, according to three USAID officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But since then, there have been no confirmed payments to any partners in the Middle East, they said. The officials, who have survived multiple rounds of furloughs, spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. Two senior officials at aid organizations confirmed they have not received any of the promised funds, after spending millions of dollars on supplies and services. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the political sensitivity of the issue and of their work in Gaza, said they could not afford to continue aid operations indefinitely. Some organizations have already reported laying off workers and scaling down operations, according to internal USAID information shared with The Associated Press. That could imperil the ceasefire, under which Hamas is supposed to release hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners and ramping up the entry of humanitarian assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. established very specific, concrete commitments for aid delivery under the ceasefire, and there is no way ... to fulfill those as long as the funding freeze is in place, said Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International and a former USAID official. USAID has been one of the biggest targets of a broad campaign by President Donald Trump and Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to slash the size of the federal government. USAID payments frozen, some NGOs scale down Gaza response Before Trump took office, USAID had roughly $446 million to disburse to partner organizations in Gaza in 2025, the USAID officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But after Trump froze global foreign assistance, USAIDs Gaza team had to submit a waiver to ensure the funds for Gaza aid could continue to flow. They received approval Jan. 31 to secure over $383 million in funding, less than two weeks after the U.S.-brokered ceasefire was reached. Some $40 million was subsequently cut under a measure that no money be provided for aid in the form of direct cash assistance. USAID then signed contracts with eight partner organizations, including prominent NGOs and U.N. agencies, awarding them money to flood supplies and services into Gaza. Then, the officials said, they began hearing that organizations were not receiving the promised payments even as they had already spent millions, expecting USAID reimbursement. Some of those organizations are now spending less and scaling back programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Medical Corps, a global nonprofit that partners with the World Health Organization and provides medical and development assistance, was awarded $12 million to continue operations at two hospitals in Gaza. These include the largest field hospital in Gaza, whose construction was funded by USAID at the request of the Israeli government, according to internal USAID information. The freeze has forced the organization to lay off some 700 staff members and offer only basic services at the hospitals, with a skeletal crew, said one USAID official. A former IMC staffer, who quit citing lack of stability, said the program providing life-saving treatment for malnutrition was significantly scaled down for lack of funds. The former staffer, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the organizations details, said the current nutrition services were at a minimum level. Another former IMC staffer, who also left recently and spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss information not meant to be shared with media, said the USAID cuts have reduced the amount of medical supplies brought into Gaza and led the majority of IMCs partners to reduce their programming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said that some organizations have already purchased stocks of medical supplies, food to treat acute malnutrition, lab and medical equipment ready to enter Gaza, but because of the shortfall they have not been able to afford movement of those goods. Meanwhile, termination letters severing the contracts between USAID and Gaza partners were also sent out to organizations that were major providers of shelter, child protection and logistical support in the Gaza aid operation, a USAID official said. Some of the termination letters seen by the AP were signed by new USAID deputy chief Peter Marocco a returning political appointee from Trumps first term. They instruct organizations to immediately cease all activities and avoid additional spending chargeable to the award, citing a directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. USAID Gaza response in crisis as truce is tenuous Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the spending freeze, officials say USAID has been wracked by internal chaos and the introduction of new regulations since the new administration took office. During the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire, Israel had to allow at least 600 trucks of aid into Gaza a day, as well as 60,000 temporary homes and 200,000 tents. Two USAID officials said the agency was originally supposed to buy 400 temporary homes that would make it into Gaza by the end of Phase 1, and over 5,200 more during the next phase. That figure has since been slashed to just over 1,000. USAID was never able to purchase the mobile homes because of newly imposed policies requiring extra approvals for procurements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 2, some 40% of the Gaza team was locked out of their email accounts and software necessary to track awards, move payments and communicate with the organizations. An email sent immediately following the lockout came from Gavin Kliger, a DOGE staffer. Access to the servers has now been restored, the officials said, but the team is smaller after waves of layoffs. From an original team of about 30 people, only six or seven remain. Very few mobile homes entered Gaza during Phase 1 of the ceasefire, which ended last week, prompting Hamas to accuse Israel of violating the truce. Since the end of Phase 1, Israel has cut off all aid shipments into Gaza in a bid to pressure Hamas to accept an extension of the ceasefire. That has sent aid groups scrambling to distribute reserves of food and shelter to the most needy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is considering cutting off electricity to raise the pressure on Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With USAID in flux, the U.S. risks losing its influence, said Dave Harden, the former USAID assistant administrator of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Aid and a longtime director of the agencys work in the Palestinian territories. U.S. aid assistance to Palestinians ... never, ever equated to U.S. assistance to Israel, never quite balanced, but always gave us a seat at the table, always helped us to have real discussions with both the Palestinians and the Israelis about what the future might hold, Harden said. Now, he said, Were just simply not at the table in a meaningful way, and so I think the ceasefire is fragile. ___ AP correspondents Josef Federman in Jerusalem, Sarah El Deeb in Cairo and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed reporting. AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) In Aiken County classrooms, students are working hard to reach their goals. We wanna make sure that everybody is included and no one is left out, Aiken Outreach board member Kate Antrim said. Aiken Outreach, a nonprofit, fills the gaphelping cover costs for high schoolers field trips, uniforms, and supplies. A $10,000 grant from local equestrian facility Stable View keeps support flowing to all Aiken County high schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have talked about fees for sports, but apparently theyre well-funded, she added. The problem really lies in the academic area, the need, and also in terms of the social need. They work with teachers and counselors to find students who need a little extra help. They may have a fee for a class, like welding classes or culinary classes, which cost money. They may want to go to a technical school to take an off-campus course. We hear that request, and then we decide whether we will fund it or not. 99.9% of the time, we do. The process is simple. A teacher or counselor submits a request, and Aiken Outreach acts fast. Its usually within 24 hours. I drive out and give them the check; thats my job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since its all volunteers, every dollar goes directly to students. No overhead, no delays. Just recently we supplied South Aiken High with ties for the gentleman to wear when they graduate cause theyre hard to come by and theyre expensive, Antrim recalled. Aiken Outreach focuses on high schools, with plans for a fundraiser to help the community connect with their causequietly supporting everything from yearbooks to prom tickets. No is a word we dont use or try not to use because we wanna help these students. If you want to learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit https://aikenoutreach.com/ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Alabama Greek Foundation is inviting Birmingham City Schools 11th and 12th graders to attend its college fest on March 18. The event will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium. Transportation and lunch will be provided for students and attendees. Sloss Tech returning to Birmingham in June There will be informative workshops, college representatives and engaging activities. For more information, call 205-329-0470. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, displays a poster board of people killed by gun violence in Birmingham in 2024 during a debate in the Alabama House of Representatives on March 6, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama House Wednesday approved a bill making it a state crime to possess "Glock switches," or devices that turn a semi-automatic firearm into an automatic one. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama House of Representatives Thursday approved a bill banning a firearm modification known as a Glock switch that converts semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons. SB 116, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, passed the House 77-23. The legislation, the first gun restriction to pass the Alabama House since 2010, was amended by the chamber and goes back to the Senate for concurrence or a conference committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Possession of Glock switches is already a federal crime, but supporters of the bill say making it a state offense will allow prosecution without transfers of jurisdiction. Birmingham police say Glock switches were used in a mass shooting in Birmingham last September that killed four people and left 17 injured. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The legislation mirrors federal law. A person who owns or sells the combination of parts that create a Glock switch is guilty of a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. The legislation does not apply to law enforcement or people that register their firearm with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. That just exempts anything that is already exempt under federal law, said Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, who carried Barfoots bill in the House and sponsored a Glock switch ban that passed the House last year but did not get a vote in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During debate over the measure, Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, displayed a poster with photos of victims of gun violence in Birmingham. Good, bad or ugly, they are still someones child, she said. Im not coming here to discuss this issue for any other reason than I see this every day. It impacts so many that I know. The bill is part of a broader public safety package prioritized by Gov. Kay Ivey and legislative leaders. We will expand Aniahs law, boost our successful Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, ban Glock switches, and we will enhance supervision of high-risk juveniles. Working together, we will create a safer Alabama, Ivey said in her State of the State address in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chamber passed a committee substitute 85-16 that would make the legislation effective immediately. I want to briefly thank so many for their collaboration on this. I know many have called for this for many years, Ensler said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CAIRO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- At their recent emergency summit in Cairo on Tuesday, Arab leaders embraced Egypt's Gaza non-displacement reconstruction plan as a "unified Arab plan" and a practical alternative to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Gazans. They dismissed Trump's suggestion, and opposed U.S. and Israeli anti-Palestinian policies. They rejected any form of displacement of the Palestinians, starvation policies and scorched earth tactics, attempts to alter the demographic makeup of Palestinian land, halting humanitarian aid to Gaza or closing relief crossings, Israeli aggression in the West Bank, as well as annexing parts of the West Bank under any guise. Despite broad Arab and international support, the plan faces real challenges given the U.S.-Israeli stance and the massive 53 billion dollars in required funding. STRUCTURED PLAN, STRATEGIC SHIFT Egypt's reconstruction roadmap for Gaza is structured into three phases over five years, with an estimated total cost of 53 billion U.S. dollars. The adoption of Egypt's reconstruction plan signals a unified Arab stance against Trump's displacement proposal. Analysts say the plan serves both practical and political objectives. It reaffirms Gaza's place within the Palestinian state while offering an Arab-led solution that aligns with international legitimacy resolutions. "Egypt's plan confirms that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state and will be rebuilt in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions," said Ezzat Saad, director of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs. He stressed that the plan does not ignore Gaza's deteriorating security, as it includes training for Palestinian security cadres for stability in Gaza and requires a UN Security Council resolution to deploy peacekeeping forces. The plan also enjoys rare Arab unity, with all 22 nations standing against Trump's displacement proposal. Hani Al-Masri, director of the Ramallah-based Masarat Center for Research and Studies, called the plan "a positive step" in practically opposing displacement and offering a clear alternative to U.S.-Israeli proposals. MULTIPLE CHALLENGES While the Egyptian plan offers a structured alternative to forced displacement, its success depends on international political will, as Arab states alone cannot implement it, said experts. Saad explained that the 53-billion-dollar funding estimate aligns with UN projections, and that resources will be raised at an international donor conference in Cairo next month. The reconstruction cost reflects the extent of devastation in Gaza. Although Arab and European nations are expected to contribute, experts say that securing funding remains uncertain. Jordanian lawyer and writer Muhammad al-Subaihi warned that financing would likely fall solely on Gulf states as Europe and the United States remain financially strained due to the Ukraine crisis. The plan assumes a ceasefire, but Israel appears set to escalate rather than withdraw. Without firm guarantees to halt displacement and secure a lasting ceasefire, implementation faces significant hurdles. "Therefore, any discussion of reconstruction remains meaningless without addressing the core issue -- ending the war and lifting the siege on Gaza," said Al-Masri, Masarat's director. "There is no sign that Arab backing for the plan will change Washington or Tel Aviv's stance. Trump has not retracted his displacement plan; rather, his administration and Israel quickly opposed the Egyptian proposal," he noted. HAMAS'S ROLE One of the most contentious issues surrounding the plan is Hamas's role in Gaza's future governance. Egypt's proposal envisions a technocratic administration overseeing reconstruction, signaling a potential power shift in Gaza's leadership. "I believe the Egyptian plan will succeed in the absence of Hamas, which has issued clear statements indicating that it doesn't mind withdrawing from the political scene," Saad told Xinhua. However, Israel's demand for Hamas's disarmament remains a major sticking point. "Hamas will not leave Gaza or surrender its weapons, as that would mean its elimination," Al-Subaihi, the Jordanian lawyer and writer, argued. While Hamas's exclusion may simplify diplomatic efforts, ignoring its influence on the ground complicates long-term political arrangements. Echoing Al-Subaihi, Al-Masri said that Hamas is an active force on the ground, and any future arrangements in Gaza cannot take place without an understanding of it. "Hamas may not be part of a new government, but it cannot simply be ignored or eliminated," he added. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is reminding state residents to keep up with their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors through a program. Through the Be Alarmed! program, the OSFM is urging Illinois residents to test, inspect and replace broken or expired smoke and CO alarms in their homes. As Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 a.m. on March 9, the OSFM wants people to install new 10-year sealed battery alarms while they change their clocks. Current Illinois state flag wins overwhelmingly in redesign contest Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The time change serves as a bi-annual reminder for all Illinois residents to test all smoke and CO alarms in their houses. When people find alarms that arent working, they should replace them immediately. Reviewing fire escape plans with family and holding a drill to practice them can be essential to safety as well. Early warnings from smoke alarms are crucial, as on average, a person has less than three minutes to escape a home fire today, Illinois State Fire Marshal James Rivera said. Taking just a few minutes each month to test, inspect, and replace broken or expired alarms is simple, but working smoke alarms save lives. Its also important to review and practice your fire escape plan, identify two ways out of every room, and designate a meeting place outside the home. Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reporting that nearly three out of every five home fire deaths across the country resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke detectors. Over one-third (38%) of all home fire deaths came from fires where no smoke alarms were present. According to NFPA, when working smoke alarms are present in homes, the risk of dying in a house fire is cut by 60%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE announces closures of 6 Central IL buildings According to statistics from the Be Alarmed! program, 74% of smoke alarms were not working in homes before residents received their new 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms (14,034 of 19,036 pre-existing smoke detectors). We are excited to report our first direct save from our Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program in Greenville on February 16, said Philip Zaleski, Executive Director of Camp I Am Me by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. This success highlights the hard work and dedication of the 320 departments across 61 Illinois counties, which continue to make a significant impact on fire safety. I encourage other departments to join us in our efforts to help save lives throughout the state. In 2024, the program brought new smoke alarms to over 2,800 homes and 5,252 residents across the state. These people were also educated about the importance of having a fire safety plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 40,000 smoke alarms, worth almost $1 million, have been distributed to Illinois fire departments since 2018 when the Be Alarmed! program started. This fire safety education and smoke alarm installation program is administered between Camp I Am Me and the OSFM. Be Alarmed! is aimed at creating fire-safe communities. For more information on the program, visit www.ifsa.org. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. U.S. Marshals have arrested Josue Zepeda-Padilla, a high-ranking alleged member of the MS-13 gang, in North Carolina after a year-long manhunt. Gang member, 2 others in country illegally arrested for possessing 2 kilos of meth Zepeda-Padilla was tracked down to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where authorities apprehended him this week. He is one of seven alleged MS-13 gang members indicted for the kidnapping, assault, and robbery of a 15-year-old in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have stated that Zepeda-Padilla is in the United States illegally. The arrest marks the culmination of a lengthy search by U.S. Marshals, who have been pursuing him for his alleged involvement in serious criminal activities. VIDEO: New plan addresses gang violence in Lancaster Allies of socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani have launched a super PAC in his support, according to state Board of Elections filings. The PAC, called New Yorkers for Lower Costs, was formed Tuesday for the purpose of supporting Mamdani with ads and other materials ahead of Junes Democratic mayoral primary, the filings show. There are no records it has spent or received any money yet, and its unclear who exactly is running the PAC, though the Daily News was able to confirm its incorporation paperwork was filed by Regina Monge, a progressive political consultant based in Washington, D.C. Mamdani is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, which has long been critical of the involvement of super PACs in the electoral process since they have no spending limits and serve as a way for rich donors to flood local races with cash. The candidate earned the left-wing groups endorsement earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought DSA was against dark money, a New York political operative who has worked on various local campaigns told the Daily News after being informed of the new pro-Mamdani PAC. This is interesting. I guess if you cant beat them, join them? But a source on Mamdanis team said the PAC is a positive sign for the campaign, showing that those in the political sphere believe in Mamdani and see him as a powerful and viable candidate. Mamdanis mayoral bid has gained traction over the past few months with snazzy social media content and strong left-of-center policy takes. He has campaigned on a promise to freeze rents for rent-stabilized tenants in the city, make city buses free and provide free universal childcare. He has raised more than $3.4 million with public matching funds since his campaign announcement in October much of that money coming in the form of small-dollar donations, which his team has touted as signs of strong grassroots support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Queens assemblymember came in third in a recent Quinnipiac University poll, netting 8% of the vote to former Gov. Andrew Cuomos 31% and Mayor Adams 11%. Monge, the consultant who filed the paperwork for the new Mamdani-boosting PAC, has a history of working for lefty political organizations and politicians. The Justice Democrats, a political action committee formed by ex-Bernie Sanders staffers that was instrumental in electing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other progressive members of The Squad, paid Monge nearly $47,000 during the 2024 election cycle for fundraising consulting, records show. More recently, on Jan. 28, the campaign for Jessica Cisneros, a progressive congressional candidate in Texas, paid Monge $3,000 for consulting. Monge didnt return a request for comment, and a Mamdani representative declined to comment on the PACs formation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Independent expenditures like the new Mamdani PAC arent allowed by law to coordinate with declared candidates theyre supporting. Super PACs can be a powerful force in mayoral races offering an avenue for millionaires and billionaires to pour funds into campaign mailers and political ads in support of their preferred candidates. So far, the only other super PAC thats been filed in the race is in support of Cuomo. The government corruption elephant in the discussion not talked about is allowing the unionization of government civil service workers. Allowing the federal government to be unionized was not a good idea. Private unions should be allowed, althoughtheir history is plagued by corruption. Miles Dake, Waukesha Congress must restore funding to USAID The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) isnt just a government agency its a mirror reflecting who we aspire to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the noise of partisan battles, USAID has quietly embodied a truth about America: that we dont turn away from suffering, that we understand the simple, human power of lending a hand. Letters: Musk's list of dubious DOGE accomplishments. Congress must hold him accountable. For decades, USAID has done what America does best build. It has fought hunger, battled disease and helped rebuild countries ravaged by war and disaster. But its more than aid; its a declaration that American values stretch beyond borders. Cutting USAID isnt a budget decision its a moral one. It says we no longer care if a child goes hungry because of where they were born. It says American farmers shouldnt have markets beyond our shores. It says we are retreating from a world that, like it or not, is deeply connected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The soul of a nation isnt found in slogans. Its in the quiet work, in agencies like USAID, where compassion and strategy meet. Defunding it chips away at who we are and who we could be. Congress must protect USAID. Because the world is watching. Kerri Giese, Shorewood Tips for getting your letter to the editor published Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: USAID funds must be restored to meet lifesaving mission | Letters Students getting their l lunch at a primary school. (Photo by Amanda Mills/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) I am once again asking Ohio lawmakers to please just feed the children. For all that is good and decent, at long last, may we please at least just make sure schoolchildren arent going hungry? Pleading for the state government to make sure that Ohio schoolchildren arent spending their days dealing with hunger pangs, tired, irritable, distracted, unable to concentrate, unable to learn, well, that has traditionally been an obscene and mind-boggling ask for too many Ohio lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They keep declining to do it. But as my buddy Alexander Pope says, hope springs eternal in the human breast. So I will continue sounding the call, because I hold the firm and unshakeable, but apparently insane opinion that schoolchildren shouldnt be going hungry. They should be fed. All of them. Whatever meals they need. Student hunger is pervasive in Ohio. With more than 1.6 million public school students, about 57% of them meet qualifications and are participating in free and reduced lunch programs. Data from Feeding America shows 1 in 5 Ohio children live in homes that are food insecure. In some counties like Cuyahoga and Adams and Scioto, its 1 in 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the rub: A 2023 report from Childrens Defense Fund Ohio found that 1 in 3 children who live in those food insecure homes dont qualify for free school meals because their households are technically over the 185% of poverty line. Many others dont participate for fear of judgment. This means that hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren in Ohio are going hungry during the school day because either theyre not covered or fear the stigma. Rubbing gravel on the wound, Republicans in U.S. Congress are right now looking at making cuts that would slash national school meal programs, impacting 280,000 Ohio kids. But in Ohio, a new bipartisan bill, Ohio Senate Bill 109, would make sure that no Ohio K-12 student has to go through the day hungry. The legislation sponsored by state Sen. Bill Blessing, R-Colerain Twp., and state Sen. Kent Smith, D-Euclid, would provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to public and chartered nonpublic school students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 2023 Ohio budget season, a proposal for universal school meals was made but was never passed. Under this cycles proposal, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce would be directed to reimburse public and chartered nonpublic schools who participate in the national school breakfast and lunch programs by covering the gap between the federal reimbursements for free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches and those who would be required to pay because they dont qualify for meal assistance. The bill lists an appropriation of $300 million to support the state reimbursements. The state operating budget is projected at $108 billion for fiscal year 2026 and $110 billion for fiscal year 2027. Blessing and Smith plan to push for the bill to be included in the two-year budget due July 1, currently under negotiation in the Ohio House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A group of high schoolers from across Ohio rallied at the Statehouse this past Tuesday advocating for it. Every teacher Ive ever talked to about it has told me the same thing: Hunger is an enormous barrier to learning. Meanwhile, kids are being put into social situations where they either go hungry or face the judgment of their peers. As we all know, the antenna of fear of social stigma and judgment is sky high in childhood and adolescence. We have a simple and effective solution: Remove the stigma, remove the fear of judgment, remove the school meal caste system, and just feed the children, all of the children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the basic humanity and decency of it isnt compelling enough, I can make an economic argument. Well-fed kids make for more attentive and engaged students. Attentive and engaged students have better academic success. Most successful students become successful citizens. Successful citizens grow the economy. So, feed the children. All of the children, all the same. Please just feed the children. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Amazon delivery driver Fernando Barreto-Hernandez was arrested after allegedly assaulting people, including a 14-year-old girl, while working in L.A. County. (Glendale Police Department) An Amazon delivery driver has been arrested after allegedly assaulting people while working in Los Angeles County. Fernando Barreto-Hernandez, a 24-year-old Los Angeles resident, was arrested Jan. 24, according to a Glendale Police Department news release. While working as an Amazon delivery driver, he allegedly assaulted a woman on Jan. 21 while she was walking near Brand Boulevard and Chevy Chase Drive in Glendale. Three days later, Barreto-Hernandez was arrested in connection with a similar incident that occurred in December, in which a female minor was assaulted, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barreto-Hernandez is out of custody on bond and was charged with lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old and touching a person against their will for sexual arousal. He has pleaded not guilty. Barreto-Hernandez has worked for Amazon, Amazon Flex and FedEx. Anyone with information about other potential victims is urged to contact detectives with the Glendale Police Departments assaults unit at (818) 548-3106. 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. An Amber Alert has been canceled in Missouri as three children thought to have been abducted were found safe, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The highway patrol issued the alert around 6 p.m. Thursday, asking for the publics help locating a gray sedan. Police said the car and children were last seen in the 100 block of Hadley Grove Road in Moscow Mills on Monday. The children, siblings ages 1, 6 and 9, were all safely located after having been missing for 48 hours, the highway patrol announced on Friday. Police said the children may have been with 33-year-old Lauren Castellana. Before leaving Moscow Mills, Castellana allegedly threatened the children, according to police. Editors note: The missing adolescents have been found safe, according to police. Per station policy, the photos and names have been removed from this story. MOSCOW MILLS, Mo. An Amber Alert has been issued for three children taken by their mother earlier this week. The alert originates from Moscow Mills, and authorities are actively searching for the vehicle, described by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for a gray 2023 Chrysler Pacifica with Missouri license plate RK8H5Z. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the mother and her three children were last seen on Tuesday evening. The father called local police to report everyone missing on Thursday. Police said the mother made threats against the children before they left. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News The vehicle was spotted in Bloomington, Illinois, on Wednesday night. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or its whereabouts to contact them immediately as the search continues. All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. AMESBURY, Mass. (WWLP) A quick stop to buy sugar turned into a life-changing moment for an Amesbury man, who is now the first winner of the Massachusetts State Lotterys new $2,500 a Week for Life instant ticket game. Alfred LaRoche claimed his prize after purchasing the $10 ticket from Black Duck Market & Deli on Federal Street in Newburyport. Rather than opting for lifetime weekly payments, LaRoche chose the one-time cash option and received a $2 million payout before taxes. Courtesy of the Massachusetts Lottery Commission LaRoche, a carpenter, said his decision to buy the ticket was based on a lucky hunch. Ticket number 19 was on display, and since 19 is his lucky number, he decided to give it a shot. Adding to the superstition, the store clerk even rubbed the ticket for good luck before handing it over to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With his winnings, LaRoche plans to build a new cottage, fulfilling a longtime dream. The Black Duck Market & Deli will also benefit from the sale, earning a $26,000 bonus from the Massachusetts State Lottery for selling the winning ticket. The $2,500 a Week for Life game launched on February 18 and offers players a chance at a lifetime prize from a $10 ticket. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. No collusion. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) While Donald Trump is freaking out Nevada and the U.S. with his buck-wild tariff tirades against allies, a group of Democratic senators are reminding him it is still illegal for the U.S. to lift tariffs and import bans on Russia. Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Sen. Ron Wyden, her Democratic colleague on and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, put together a letter this week signed by eight other Democratic senators, including Nevadas Jacky Rosen, telling Trump not to violate two pieces of legislation enacted shortly after Vladimir Putin launched his war of aggression on Ukraine in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the laws made Russia ineligible for most favored nation trade status, effectively slapping a 35% tariff on any Russia goods that might make their way to the U.S. (youd think Trump would like that). The other banned U.S. imports on Russian oil, gas. and coal. Under the laws, the senators wrote, the only way a U.S. president can normalize trade with Russia or lift the ban on imports is if Russia meets conditions which include but are not limited to ending the war it started and withdrawing from Ukraine. The senators felt it necessary to bring the laws to Trumps attention, they explained in the letter, because you have made baseless claims that show a fundamental misunderstanding of this conflict. You have erroneously claimed that Ukraine should have never started [the war] You have called Ukraines democratically-elected president a dictator, while praising Russias dictator as a very smart guy. And last week you staged a press conference in an attempt to publicly coerce Ukraine to accept peace under Russia-dictated terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the senators, worried that Trumps behavior indicates hes probably thinking about it, told him he must notand cannot, under statute unilaterally normalize trade or lift the import ban on Russian products unless and until Ukraines peace demands are met and their free and independent government has accepted a peace agreement. Since the senators sent their letter on March 4, Trump has paused military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. As of Thursday Trump had not responded to the letter, according to Cortez Mastos office. In a social media post Friday, Trump raised the possibility of imposing sanctions and tariffs on Russia, but that may have been more performative than sincere, given the level of sanctions and tariffs on Russia already. The apprentice Its hard to imagine Trump heeding the senators warning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In keeping with the spirit of Project 2025 and appeasing his authoritarian inclinations, Trump is attempting to prove he can deliberately ignore acts of Congress whenever he wants. Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against his administration for exactly that violating the Constitutions separation of powers doctrine and obliterating the Constitutionss system of checks and balances by usurping congressional authority. Nothing in Trumps second term so far indicates he has an ounce of respect for the U.S. Constitution, but everything about Trump 2.0 suggests hes ready, willing, and he and his henchmen believe able to replace the rule of law with rule by Trump. By refusing to spend money that Congress already authorized the root of so many of the suits against the administration Trump is flouting the greatest constitutional power granted to Congress, and the greatest congressional check on the executive branch, the power of the purse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why would he worry his orange head about cavalierly brushing aside a couple of mere trade laws like the ones identified in the Cortez Masto-Wyden letter? Especially when those laws are unfriendly to his role model and idol, Putin? If anybody wants to take him to court over that, they can get in line. Meanwhile, the current Republican-controlled Congress has done nothing to check Trumps lawlessness so far, and theres scant evidence it ever will. The Cortez Masto-Wyden letter notes when the bills rescinding most favored nation status for Russia and banning Russian imports were passed in 2022, it was with bipartisan support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats an understatement. Both measures passed the Senate unanimously. On final passage in the House, only three members voted against the favored nation bill, and only nine against the import ban. (As is his custom, Nevadas only Republican in Congress, Rep. Mark Amodei, voted with the Republican majority, i.e., in support of both bills.) Now Republicans sit quietly while the U.S. casually junks its eight-decade role as leader of the free world to instead become the worlds newest corrupt autocracy, led by a Putin apprentice. Its simple, Cortez Masto said in a statement provided by her office. Russia is responsible for the illegal invasion of Ukraine. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle should be standing up for Ukraine which is a friend, partner, and fellow democracy, not siding with Vladimir Putins brutal dictatorship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Trump, the U.S. no longer is nor has any desire to be a global if flawed force for progress, broadened prosperity, human rights, and goodness in general. On the contrary, the official U.S. posture now is that all those goals are for losers. On-again-off-again tariff blustering at erstwhile allies like Canada, Mexico, and Europe, while at the same time lifting tariffs on a militarist regime led by a murdering dictatorial thug, may seem preposterous. But thanks to congressional Republican complicity and fear, dignity, honor, and truth are out, and preposterous is in. MOSCOW, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday cautioned those opposing Russia by invoking French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's failure to conquer Russia some 200 years ago. Speaking at a meeting with employees and beneficiaries of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, Putin said: "There are still people who want to go back to the times of Napoleon, forgetting how it ended." Putin's remarks came after recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron. In a televised speech on Wednesday, Macron said that Russia poses a threat to France and Europe, announcing that he would consider sending European troops to Ukraine to help enforce a peace deal. Napoleon invaded Russia in June 1812, and was forced into a winter retreat with heavy casualties later that year. HARDINSBURG, Ky. (FOX 56) Five people were injured after an Amish buggy was rear-ended on Thursday in Breckinridge County. According to Kentucky State Police (KSP), it happened around 3:15 p.m. CST on Kentucky Highway 259 South near the McDaniels Community. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Officials said 55-year-old Brenda Aubrey was traveling south in a 2004 Ford Taurus on KY 259 when she reportedly rear-ended a horse-drawn buggy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the buggy, 33-year-old Elise Girod, and three juvenile passengers were flown to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment, state police said. Two of the juveniles have since been released, but Girod and another juvenile remain hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Aubreys injuries were non-life-threatening, per KSP, and she was taken to Breckenridge Memorial Hospital. The crash is still under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Ana Anita Buckner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, surrounded by family members. She was born March 3, 1937, to Juan de Dios and Visitacion Fernandez in Quintana de la Serena, Spain. Find obituaries from your high school Ana immigrated to the United States in 1959, settling in Warren, Ohio, where she married her husband Charles Buckner in 1960. She is survived by three children, Debbie Blazsek, John (Rebecca) Buckner and Tula Ruiz (Tom Fishel); two sisters, Emilia Nogales and Eladia (Stephen) Silverstein and several nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with one more on the way! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After her husbands passing, Ana joined the workforce as a nurses aide at Trumbull Memorial Hospital. She took great pride in raising her three children, who themselves, went on to become a public-school teacher, a United States Navy Chief, and a registered nurse. After retiring, Ana joyfully cared for her grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews, hosting daily dinners in the home that her husband built. Ana loved sharing her Spanish culture, cuisine and heritage with her family and friends, and after retiring, traveled yearly to her hometown. She maintained lifelong friendships from her youth, as well as frequently making new friends. To her friends in Spain, she was la Americana, to her family, she was Nani or Tita Anita She is preceded in death by her husband; two infant sons; her parents; brother, Domingo Fernandez; brother-in-law, Manuel Nogales; sister, Maria Lambea; brother-in-law, Anthony Lambea and son-in-law, Todd Blazsek. Friends will be received on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, Ohio from 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m., where funeral services will be held immediately following at 1:00 p.m. with Father Ryan Furlong officiating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Entombment will take place in Crown Hill Burial Park. The family would like to thank moms nurse Cristen, Patriot Palliative and Hospice Care. We are grateful to have had mom cared for in her own home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to DAV.org. Condolences may be sent at www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ana, please visit our floral store. A television tribute will air Monday, March 10 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:21 p.m. on WYTV and 6:35 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Faisals view The $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, spearheaded by Egypt and endorsed by the Arab League last week, is a better alternative to US President Donald Trumps proposal to displace Palestinians and rebuild the enclave into a beach resort, or Israels approach of blocking aid and hoping Gazans starve or leave. It is a fine plan but it is far from being a slam dunk, at least when it comes to the main stakeholders: the US and Israel. It is also not a royal flush, especially when it comes to the financial question. Whenever I ask who will foot the bill? when it comes to rebuilding Gaza, the assumption is wealthy Gulf states. For years, they have shouldered the burden of regional crises, but this is not the 1980s, when Gulf aid and largesse had few stipulations. Todays Gulf is more business savvy and politically aware, and as a result is unwilling to fund an endless cycle of destruction. There are also views that, as put by former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki al Faisal, Israel must pay for reconstruction. Without holding back on the immediate humanitarian aid which is needed at the moment, the overarching mood in Gulf capitals when it comes to reconstruction is that not a dime should be spent without guarantees that Gaza will never be destroyed again. While it was impressive that the Arab League managed to achieve consensus in Cairo at least among the leaders or representatives who attended its main fault seems to be that it has forgotten the elephant outside the room: Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington has made its position clear: It wants Hamas gone. Meanwhile, Israel not only and understandably refuses to work with Hamas, but has further complicated things by dismissing any role for the Palestinian Authority, or UNRWA. Its no surprise that the Israelis almost instantly rejected the proposal. Despite reaching what looks like a dead end, Trumps team surprised everyone by announcing it held direct talks with Hamas. The flurry of Arab, Islamic, and international meetings coming up in Saudi Arabia including a possible visit by the US president to the kingdom in the next few weeks signal that something could still be cooking. If any deal is to be made, the Trump administration alone has the leverage to offer Hamas security guarantees, and a way out to Qatar, Algeria, or elsewhere. Trump may also be the only leader who could pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into accepting a deal. But to do that, Washington needs to be convinced by the Arab plan, which at this stage needs a lot more refining, and a bit more marketing. Efforts to reform, revive, and empower the Palestinian Authority would go a long way, also there needs to be something more glamorous in the plan for Trump or the US; that is the art of the deal after all. In this context. Saudi Arabia has an important role, beyond its traditional ones in religious legitimacy, political clout, and financial ability. Riyadh has a lot to offer Washington, in Gaza and beyond. It can facilitate negotiations with Russia, reach a possible solution with Ukraine, continue to stabilize oil prices, and provide Trump with a crowning achievement: normalizing ties with Israel, if such a deal comes with recognition of Palestinian state. The stakes are high and time is running out. The longer this drags on, the more Palestinians suffer and the war grinds on. The best hope, for Palestinians and Israel, is that Washington finds elements it can work with in the Arab plan to end the war and rebuild Gaza. And in that context, the Cairo declaration can be seen as a starting point, not a final destination. Speaking to a joint session of Congress in early March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that his administration identified $59 million in federal funding that had been spent on New York City hotel rooms to house immigrants living in the country illegally. Elon Musk, an adviser to Trump, made the same claim in the past, as well. The New York City comptroller's office said the city actually had received $80.5 million worth of FEMA funds in early February that were then revoked by the federal government. One of the FEMA payments received and revoked amounted to around $59 million. The funds came from FEMA's Shelter and Services Program, which reimburses nonfederal entities for costs incurred from migrant arrivals, including housing. That program is separate from FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, meaning that U.S. Congress apportioned funding to the Shelter and Securities Program specifically to cover costs associated with migrant arrivals. The New York City mayor's office said only $19 million of the $59 million payment was spent on hotel costs and that the city was not paying "luxury rates" for hotel rooms. A July 2024 report from the city comptroller's office found that New York was, "with few exceptions," paying market rate for hotel rooms used to house asylum-seekers. Addressing a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump made several claims about federal spending that he described as wasteful including the assertion that his administration had identified $59 million supposedly spent on New York City hotel rooms to house immigrants living in the country illegally. "Just listen to some of the appalling waste we have already identified," Trump said, before listing projects that the government had supposedly spent money on, including "$59 million for illegal alien hotel rooms in New York City." Elon Musk, an adviser to Trump, has made the same claim, as well. Weeks before Trump's speech, Musk claimed on X (archived) that his cost-cutting agency, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), identified the alleged spending by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), writing, "That money is meant for American disaster relief and instead is being spent on high end hotels for illegals!" The @DOGE team just discovered that FEMA sent $59M LAST WEEK to luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants. Sending this money violated the law and is in gross insubordination to the Presidents executive order. That money is meant for American disaster relief Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 10, 2025 The city did receive around $59 million and some additional funds at the start of February from FEMA's Shelter and Services Program, which allocates money to nonfederal entities, like cities, to offset the cost of migrant arrivals, including housing. Congress apportions this money separately from the funding it designates for disaster relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, contrary to the claim, the money was a reimbursement for expenses already paid by the city not paid directly to hotels, "luxury" or otherwise. Of the approximately $59 million awarded by FEMA, $19 million went to hotel costs, according to the New York City mayor's office. The city was not paying "luxury rates" for hotels, the mayor's office said. Following Musk's Feb. 10 X post, Cameron Hamilton, the acting head of FEMA, said on X that the payments in question were suspended and that "personnel will be held accountable." The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fired four FEMA employees, including the agency's chief financial officer, on Feb. 11. The DHS, of which FEMA is an agency, claimed the four staffers had circumvented leadership to "make egregious payments for luxury NYC hotels for migrants." On Feb. 12, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander told reporters that $80.5 million of FEMA funds was revoked from New York City on Feb. 11 after the city received the money the previous week. New York City Mayor Eric Adams also posted (archived) about the funds on Feb. 12, saying the money was awarded in 2024 but not disbursed until "last week." Both Adams and Lander said they would attempt to recoup the funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs for the DHS, said in a statement (archived) on Feb. 12 that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem had "clawed back" the money mentioned by Musk on Feb. 10 and identified by Lander and Adams as FEMA Shelter and Services Program funds. Noem said the money was used to fund "NYC migrant hotels." The city comptroller's office confirmed via email that the DHS sent the funds to New York on Feb. 4 and that the money was seized on Feb. 12. According to Lander, the seized funds consisted of $58.6 million from FEMA's Shelter and Services Program - Allocated and $21.9 million from FEMA's Shelter and Services Program - Competitive. Musk's Feb. 10 statement likely referred to just the SSP-A payment. Lander's numbers align, with slight variations, with those published on FEMA's website. However, while SSP funds do sometimes cover housing for immigrants, the fund's scope is wider than that, covering "services associated with noncitizen migrant arrivals" in the awarded communities, according to FEMA's website. Liz Garcia, a spokesperson for the mayor's office, said $19 million of the $58.6 million SSP-A award was spent on hotel costs, contrary to Musk's claim that $59 million was disbursed for that purpose. Garcia told local media outlets the funds were reimbursement for direct hotel costs incurred by the city. The remainder of the $58.6 million was spent by the city on other shelters, food, security and other costs, Garcia confirmed to Snopes. Garcia also said in the reported statement that the city was not paying "luxury rates" for hotels, as Musk claimed. According to a report by New York's comptroller released in July 2024, 49,460 asylum-seekers stayed in hotels paid for by the city at the end of May 2024. The average daily rate for asylum-seeker hotels across the city and Yonkers in January 2024 was $156, where those hotel rates were negotiated through a Department of Homeless Services agreement with the Hotel Association of New York City. The report further argued that "with few exceptions, the City is paying market rate for the hotel rooms" where the rates were negotiated with the hotel group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk further claimed on X that the FEMA payments to New York "violated the law" and were an "insubordination of Trump's executive order." It was unclear exactly which law or executive order Musk was referring to in fact, the money was originally made available to bodies like the New York City Office of Management and Budget by the U.S. Congress. The X post also claimed that the money sent to New York City was "meant for American disaster relief and instead is being spent on high end hotels for illegals." However, FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, from which states can seek support during domestic disasters, is a separate fund from the SSP. FEMA cannot reallocate funds to other programs for example transfer funds from the DRF to the SSP without congressional approval. FEMA allocated the following SSP funds to the New York City Office of Management and Budget in fiscal year 2024, according to the agency's website: SSP-A Round 1: $38,864,884 SSP-A Round 2: $20,437,241.07 SSP-C: $20,437,241.07 The agency distributed a total of $640.9 million in fiscal year 2024 to nonfederal entities across the country through the SSP-A and SSP-C awards. Though the money for New York City was allocated in 2024, it was not paid to the city until February 2025, according to the comptroller's office. Sources: Ciscomani, Juan. H.R.2882 - Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R.2882, 23 Mar. 2024, https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2882/text#:~:text=Provided%20further%2C%20That%20%24650%2C000%2C000,U.S.%20Border%20Patrol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comptroller Brad Lander. "LIVE: President Trump's Illegal Reversal of FEMA Funding." YouTube, 12 Feb. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/live/AA7_Y99Jj34. @elonmusk. "The @DOGE Team Just Discovered That FEMA Sent $59M LAST WEEK to Luxury Hotels in New York City to House Illegal Migrants. ." X, 10 Feb. 2025, https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1888891512303263815. Fiscal Year 2024 Awards | FEMA.Gov. 3 Sept. 2024, https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/shelter-services-program/fy24-awards. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. "Comparing Per Diem Hotel and Service Costs for Shelter for Asylum Seekers." New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, 22 July 2024, https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/comparing-per-diem-hotel-and-service-costs-for-shelter-for-asylum-seekers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @NYCMayor. "This Morning, Our Office Learned about the Federal Government Clawing Back More than $80 Million in FEMA Grants Applied for and Awarded under the Last Administration, but Not Disbursed until Last Week." X, 12 Feb. 2025, https://x.com/NYCMayor/status/1889751171738263559. President Trump's Speech to Congress, Annotated and Fact-Checked. https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2025/03/politics/transcript-speech-trump-congress-annotated-dg/. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025. Shelter and Services Program | FEMA.Gov. 1 Oct. 2024, https://www.fema.gov/grants/shelter-services-program. Shelter and Services Program-Allocated FY24 Awards | FEMA.Gov. 3 Sept. 2024, https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/shelter-services-program/fy24-awards/ssp-a. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelter and Services Program-Competitive FY24 Awards | FEMA.Gov. 3 Sept. 2024, https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/shelter-services-program/fy24-awards/ssp-c. Shivonne, Adeja. "Feds Cut $80M FEMA Grant to NYC over Allegations of Luxury Housing for Migrants." FOX 5 NY, 13 Feb. 2025, https://www.fox5ny.com/news/feds-fema-grant-nyc-migrants. Statement from a DHS Spokesperson on Termination of 4 FEMA Employees Who Made Payments to Luxury Hotels for Migrants | Homeland Security. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/02/11/statement-dhs-spokesperson-termination-4-fema-employees-who-made-payments-luxury. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025. Sundaram, Arya. "Trump Revoking $80 Million to NYC in Grant Funds to Shelter Migrants." Gothamist, 12 Feb. 2025, https://gothamist.com/news/trump-revoking-80-million-to-nyc-in-grant-funds-to-shelter-migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @TriciaOhio. "Secretary Noem Has Clawed Back the Full Payment That FEMA Deep State Activists Unilaterally Gave to NYC Migrant Hotels. ." X, 12 Feb. 2025, https://x.com/TriciaOhio/status/1889736343879622926. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkFKNkAEzQ8. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025. ANDERSON Unable to reach an agreement on the installation of sidewalks, the Anderson Board of Zoning Appeals continued two requests. The BZA Wednesday continued a request from Lowe's and Bill Terry with Weihe Engineering for a special exception to open a Dutch Brothers Coffee Shop. The proposal is to build a 950-square-foot drive-thru coffee shop on the south side of the existing Lowes store in the parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal said there would be 14 parking spaces for walk-up customers and employee parking. The business would utilize existing entrances. Tim Stires, deputy director of the Anderson Municipal Development Department, said Terry requested a waiver from the requirement to install sidewalks. Stires said the proposed site has electric poles, junction boxes and guide wires for utility poles that are embedded in concrete. With no compromise agreement on the sidewalk installation, the BZA voted to continue the request until its April 5 meeting. The BZA also continued a request from Iglesia Evangelica de Santidad Inc. for a special exception to open a church in the former IOOF Lodge building at 3217 Marine Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stires said Antonio Camposeco, the pastor of the church, said the small congregation couldnt afford to build sidewalks for several years. He said the church indicated it took out a loan to purchase the building and cant afford the cost of installing sidewalks. Stires said BZA members proposed a two-year extension on the sidewalk construction, but church members didnt believe the funds would be available. The property extends from Marine Drive to Madison Avenue on the west. Stires said the estimated cost of 400 feet of sidewalk is $16,000 along Madison Avenue. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Thieves delivered a setback to an organization that supports abandoned pets in our community. The Animal Humane New Mexico Thrift Shop wasnt targeted just once this week, but three times. The shelter said the break-ins greatly impact their work helping animals find homes. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We typically adopt out close to 3,000 animals every year, but we impact over 10,000 when it comes to community pets as well. When we lose out on opportunities of earning revenue here, it directly impacts our mission, said Animal Humane New Mexico Executive Director Val Wilson. Animal Humane New Mexico said on Monday a man and woman broke into their thrift store on Menaul Blvd., and stole $4,000 worth of jewelry. That same night, someone else tried to break in with a rock, but was not able to get inside. Then on Thursday morning, they said a man broke through a window by the entrance, crawled inside and stole a safe and jewelry. The thrift shop said they are looking at $12,000 worth of stolen goods and damages. All of that affects our overall mission. The money that we earn here at our thrift shop goes directly back to the pets in our care and the pets in our community. Its devastating. Its disheartening, said Wilson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thrift store is looking at adding extra overnight security. The Albuquerque Police Department is investigating the break-ins. Animal Humane is asking anyone with information to contact police. Animal Humane is asking the community for support and said those who want to help can donate online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Months of proactive community engagement appeared to be paying off for the developer of the Grange Solar Grazing Center agrivoltaics project in central Ohio. Open Road Renewables knew it faced an uphill battle before the state energy-siting board, whose recent deference to local opponents has helped make Ohio one of the most challenging places in the country to build large solar arrays. So the company showed up early and often in Logan County, listening to residents feedback and committing millions of dollars in donations for community investments. As public comments rolled into state regulators, the developer reviewed the submissions last month and found a clear majority of those weighing in supported its plan. The analysis filtered out hundreds of repeat comments, at least 140 of which came from just 16 people who mostly opposed the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Optimism around Grange Solar lasted only days, however. On Feb. 21, staff at the Ohio Power Siting Board recommended denying the projects permit: Staff believes that any benefits to the local community are outweighed by the overwhelming documented public opposition and, therefore, the project would not serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Open Road Renewables withdrew its application for Grange Solar late last week, making it at least the fifth large solar project in Ohio to be canceled over the past 15 months. The case highlights the power that local opponents have to block renewable energy projects in Ohio, even when they otherwise check all the boxes for regulatory approval. It also raises the question: What more can developers do? Open Road Renewables held listening sessions last spring for its up to 500-megawatt solar farm to learn about community concerns and address them even before applying for its permit. Beyond the $5 million in annual local tax revenue the development was expected to generate, the company committed $10 million in donations for a community center, public safety, a river cleanup, job training, and other programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All legitimate concerns about the project were addressed and the benefits would have been spread far and wide, Doug Herling, vice president of Open Road Renewables, said in an emailed statement. The section of the siting board staffs report that focuses on whether Grange Solar serves the public interest does not discuss local benefits. Nor does it address statewide public-interest issues, such as growing energy needs, efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and projected positive economic impacts. The staff report also does not address conflict-of-interest issues and procedural problems raised by the developer about some of the local governments filings. And it doesnt mention the companys analysis of public comments, showing that three-fourths of those who had commented on the project supported it. The staff recommendation also does not consider the merits of opponents reasons for not wanting Grange Solar to move ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [T]he dozens of pages of the [Power Siting Board] staff report represent rigorous analysis and thorough fact-checking of every aspect of Granges planned project, Herling said. But there is no such fact-checking of the onslaught of anti-solar propaganda, which caused local officials to make statements against solar. Renewable energy developments face increasing headwinds across the country, often fueled by misinformation. Research released last June by Columbia Universitys Sabin Center for Climate Change Law identifies hundreds of projects encountering significant opposition across 47 states. And a July 2024 report from the watchdog organization Energy and Policy Institute lists multiple fossil-fuel companies with links to anti-renewable front groups and activists. Withdrawing the Grange Solar application was a difficult business decision, Herling said in a phone interview with Canary Media. Management at the company felt it could have eventually won, if not at the Ohio Power Siting Board then perhaps on appeal. But even if the company did prevail, it had no guarantee on how long that would take. And Grange Solar is not the only site Open Road Renewables has been working on. The decision to withdraw the application is not surprising when you consider the cost of the administrative proceedings, hearings, and appeals that lay ahead and the challenge of persuading the Ohio Power Siting Board to override the recommendation of its staff to deny the application, said Matthew Eisenson, a lawyer with Columbia Universitys Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. He represented two landowners who had agreed to lease their property for the Grange Solar project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ohio Power Siting Boards staff report acknowledges that Grange Solar is exempt from terms in a 2021 law, Senate Bill 52, which let counties block most large new solar projects. Two representatives from the host county and townships would still have served as ad hoc siting board members for deciding the case. However, the [Power Siting Board] staffs recommendation to deny the application when the only purported defect was the existence of local opposition, particularly opposition from local government officials, is analogous to giving local government officials veto power, Eisenson said. Our voices were heard, said Aubrey Snapp, a representative of the Indian Lake Advocacy Group, which has opposed Grange Solar and applauded its demise in a Feb. 28 statement. Other stakeholders had very different reactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regulatory staffs recommendation to block the Grange Solar Grazing Center not only disregards the needs of Logan County workers and their families, but also squanders the potential for Logan County to become a leader in renewable energy and attract further investment, said a statement from IBEW Local 32, the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which its lawyer in the case, Daniel Loud, provided to Canary Media. The union also found fault with the local government leaders who opposed the solar farm. Local decision-makers have a fundamental responsibility to prioritize the economic well-being of their communities. By rejecting the Grange Solar project, they have failed to uphold this responsibility and have jeopardized the livelihoods of countless workers and families. DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A municipal board now has two seats open after another supervisor announced his resignation earlier this week. Lower Paxton Township Supervisor Chris Judd resigned from the board due to health concerns, the township announced Thursday. He was elected to the board in 2017. Due to a recent health challenge and other commitments, I must step down as Lower Paxton supervisor and end my 15-year career in public service, Judd said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast Before being elected to the board, Judd served on the townships Public Safety Committee and he was a member of the 2004 Lower Paxton Township Long Range Planning Committee. The administration and employees are decent, hard-working people and, along with the board of supervisors, they do difficult, often thankless, work. I thank them now, Judd said. I will miss working with each and every one of them, but I leave knowing our proud Township is in good hands. In February, former Supervisor Chairwoman Robin Lindsey announced her resignation from the board due to it not prioritizing the residents, employees and first responders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If any residents are interested in filling the open seats, they can send their resumes and applications, found here, to the address below by March 21, and they must be registered elector of the township. Lower Paxton Township Supervisor Vacancy Letter of Interest Attn: Brad Gotshall 425 Prince Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109 Bgotshall@lowerpaxton-pa.gov Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) State senators have deadlocked about whether to ask the South Dakota attorney general to file a lawsuit seeking $100 billion from the Peoples Republic of China for damages suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic. House Concurrent Resolution 6009 claimed that the virus resulted from a genetic research project at the Peoples Liberation Army bioweapons BSL-4 laboratory in Wuhan, China. It called for establishing a South Dakota COVID-19 victims relief fund that would make up to $250,000 available for each impacted person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution on a 40-28 vote cleared the South Dakota House. Republican Rep. Brandei Schaefbauer is prime sponsor. The Senate took it up Thursday. Republican Tom Pischke, the lead sponsor in the Senate, said he believes that China launched a viral attack on the world. Other states have brought lawsuits against China, according to Pischke, such as Missouri, which he said is seizing all China-owned assets there. The resolution also calls for the lawsuit to name as other defendants the Chinese Community Party and the Wuhan laboratory. China is just the beginning of this, Pischke said. No other senator spoke after he finished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote ended in a 17-17 tie. Republican Amber Hulse passed the first time when the roll call reached her. She voted yes when her name was called a second time at the end. Mark Lapka meanwhile was excused. Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, serving as Senate president, could have broken the tie. Instead, he declared that the measure failed. Pischke gave notice of his intent to reconsider the vote. But when the time came, he decided to not proceed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. (KRON) An Antioch man who sexually abused a child and was caught with more than 600 images of child pornography was sentenced to more than a decade in prison, the Contra Costa County District Attorneys Office announced. Following a three-week jury trial, 52-year-old Casey Stuart Millikin was convicted in November 2024 of two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, one count of unlawful communications with a minor and one count of aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material. Last week, on Feb. 28, Millikin was sentenced to 11 years and 8 months in state prison. Presiding Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge H. Glenn Kim said Millikin used his position of trust to commit the crimes against a particularly vulnerable victim, according to the DAs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No prison time for Santa Rosa man who bashed, disfigured mothers face in front of child A homeowner reported to authorities that they found Millikin looking at images of nude children, sparking an Antioch Police Department investigation in March 2020. A search warrant was obtained for Millikins laptop, prosecutors said, which contained more than 600 images of child pornography. Around the same time as the child pornography investigation, prosecutors said a child told law enforcement that Millikin sexually abused them at least twice in 2015. An arrest warrant was obtained for Millikin in April 2020, and he was located and arrested in April 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millikin was ordered to register for life as a sex offender upon release from prison, the DAs office said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. BEIRUT, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A group of Israeli settlers on Friday entered a tomb in southern Lebanon, which they claimed belongs to a rabbi, the Lebanese state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported. The settlers entered "the Tomb of the Servants" located on the outskirts of the Houla village in the morning "under the pretext of a 'religious visit' organized by the Israeli occupation forces," the NNA reported. Israel announced on Thursday the visit to the site that it claimed belongs to "Rabbi Ashi," the NNA reported. Israeli-based i24NEWS previously reported that the Israel Defense Forces' Northern Command was preparing for a "complex and sensitive operation" of securing the entry of Jewish groups into the tomb. A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has been in place since Nov. 27, 2024, ending the nearly 14 months of hostilities and promising a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon by Jan. 26. However, the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 at the request of the United States. Still, Israeli forces maintain control over five key strategic positions along the border beyond the Feb. 18 deadline, raising concerns over the sustainability of the truce. Earlier this week, the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee explicitly discouraged Republicans from holding in-person town hall meetings with their constituents, after several viral videos emerged of events where voters harangued Republicans for allowing Elon Musk to gut crucial federal programs. The move was essentially an acknowledgment of the groundswell of fury nationwide over President Donald Trumps and Musks haphazard and authoritarian power grab. Needless to say, many liberals have been eager to highlight the cowardice in refusing to meet ones constituents face-to-face. That includes Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who couldnt help but laugh after someone shared footage of her staring down a hollering group of anti-LGBTQ hecklers at a 2022 town hall in her district, and continuing with the event after the lights went out at one point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right wingers have been trolling me and disrupting our town halls for years, the New York Democrat wrote on X. Anyone who lets this stuff be an excuse to hide from the public and stop doing town halls is not cut out for the job. Criticism is part of the gig. Take it on the chin and move on. Literally. Right wingers have been trolling me and disrupting our town halls for years. Anyone who lets this stuff be an excuse to hide from the public and stop doing town halls is not cut out for the job. Criticism is part of the gig. Take it on the chin and move on. https://t.co/FoSGqqZKBR Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 7, 2025 Shes right. Shes literally giving attendees a Mary J. Blige-esque shoulder rock in that video. If AOC can hit a clean shimmy while facing off against blatantly bigoted constituents who were apparently raging over an affordable housing policy designed to assist older people in the LGBTQ community, Republicans should be just as willing to stand face-to-face with their constituents, who may be fearful of the next crucial government program Trump wants to cut (no dance moves required). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And whether the GOP lawmakers choose to host in-person town halls in their districts or not, it seems their constituents may still have a place to gather to air their grievances. In a livestream she held after Trumps joint address to Congress on Tuesday, Ocasio-Cortez encouraged Democrats to host town halls in GOP-held districts, an idea also floated by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee. And Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California says hes up for it, too. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) New Britain town officials say three dogs are deceased after an overnight apartment blaze Friday. According to police, the fire happened around 12:37 a.m. at a multi-family home on the 180 block of Board Street. The flames were put out by 1:11 a.m. Pedestrian struck by 2 cars in Meriden Town officials said the fire was on the third-floor of the three-family multi-unit home, but also extended to another apartment. It was first reported as an electrical problem, then a fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries to emergency crews or occupants were reported, but town officials said three dogs were deceased. Hartford and West Hartford fire crews provided coverage during the blaze, police said. The Red Cross is assisting displaced families, police said. The fire marshals office is investigating. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Excavations on monumental fountain ruins resulted in the discovery of a statue of Hermes from the Roman Imperial Period. Including its pedestal, the marble statue once stood over 5 feet tall. Other excavations of the site also uncovered pieces from statues of Aphrodite, Eros, Artemis, and Nemesis. Recently, the Heritage for the Future project uncovered a kings mosaic house in Pergamon, Turkey. Archaeologists working on the project thankfully didnt call it a day after that, because they managed to make yet another remarkable find. Excavations on the ruins of a fountain in Aspendosan ancient Greco-Roman city now located in modern-day Turkeyunearthed a marble statue of the god Hermes. Figures that remained buried for centuries in Aspendos, the silent witness of time, have come to light, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkeys Minister of Culture and Tourism, said in a press release . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial dig took place in 2024, but excavations in the city are ongoing, according to the release. The statue of Hermes was unearthed in many pieces, and was later pieced back together in the excavation warehouse. Once fully assembled, the sculpture stood at just over 5 feet tall, including its pedestal. The statue depicts Hermes holding a staff in his left hand and a purse in his right, with a billowing cloak hanging from his shoulders. He is seemingly in motion, with his weight shifted onto his left foot and his right leg gently bent, as if stepping forward. At his feet is a ram peering up at him. In Greek mythology, Hermes was known as the fleet-footed messenger of the gods. Son of Zeus and Maia, Hermes was the trickster of the pantheon. In one myth, he stole fellow god Apollos cattle, consequently becoming the protector of thieves, shepherds, cattle, and merchants. Experts used the stylistic qualities of the statue to date it back to the Roman Imperial Period (between the late 2nd century A.D. to early 3rd century A.D.). Imperial art, also referred to as classical art , is known for its smooth lines, elegant drapery, naturalistic forms, and idealization of the naked body. According to the Center for Public Art History, the most difficult thing for experts to pinpoint is what exactly makes Roman art Roman, but generally, it can be chalked up to the Romans ability to adapt and combine influences across centuries to make their art unique. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Excavations at the site also uncovered pieces of other statues, including heads thought to belong to Aphrodite and Eros. Both deities are associated with sexual, carnal love, but Aphrodite is also known as the goddess of beauty. Many modern words, such as aphrodisiac, are derived from Aphrodites name, which itself comes from the Greek word for foam: aphros. Both heads reflect similar stylistic qualities to the Hermes statue, and to other pieces of the time. Torso pieces were also found in the same region. Researchers believe they belong to statues of Artemisgoddess of hunting, wildlife, and nature (also known as Diana in Roman mythology)and Nemesissymbol of justice, balance, and vengeance. Finds from the ancient city Aspendos contribute to the Heritage for the Future initiatives efforts to invest in archaeological research and contribute to the cultural heritage of the region. I would like to sincerely thank the employees of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums who contributed to the project, Ersoy said, and hope that these works we will erect will be beneficial to the cultural and tourism life of our country. You Might Also Like By Nicolas Misculin BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Heavy rains in the Argentine port city of Bahia Blanca, southwest of the capital Buenos Aires, left at least 10 dead and caused substantial flooding on Friday. More than 260 millimeters (10 inches) of rain fell within a few hours, destroying bridges and causing asphalt roads to collapse, the city said, adding that more fatalities could not be ruled out. "All available resources are being deployed with municipal teams, the provincial government, the navy and the Argentine army to provide assistance," Bahia Blanca authorities said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm forced the evacuation of homes and health centers in the major commercial port city some 600 km (400 miles) from the capital. Social media images showed mothers fleeing a flooded hospital with their newborn babies. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and Defense Minister Luis Petri visited the city, posting images on their social networks of military trucks patrolling the dark, flooded city at night. President Javier Milei canceled his scheduled activities in Mendoza province on Saturday, said spokesperson Manuel Adorni. He did not say whether Milei would travel to the city. Economy Minister Luis Caputo said on X that the government had authorized 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million) of financial aid for Bahia Blanca, home to 300,000 residents in Buenos Aires province. (Reporting by Nicolas Misculin y Maximilian Heath in Buenos Aires; Editing by William Mallard) Photo by Andrew Brookes | Getty Images Snitches may get stitches, but telling that to an accomplice or witness to a crime is a felony in Arizona, an appellate court ruled. Doing so is intimidation and meets the standard for obstructing a criminal investigation because it carries a loaded connotation implying a threat of reprisal, according to the Arizona Court of Appeals. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donovan Larriba-Tucker was convicted in 2023 of first-degree murder and several related crimes, including obstructing a criminal investigation and tampering with physical evidence, for the 2018 murder of a 16-year-old Chino Valley High School student who he stabbed seven times. The altercation between Larriba-Tucker, who was 26 at the time, and the teenager stemmed from a dispute over a girl that Larriba-Tuckers 15-year-old brother was dating. While the brother and two friends fought with a group of boys in a field, Larriba-Tucker approached another boy associated with the rival group who was waiting by his car and stabbed him. That boy was taken to a hospital, where he died. After the stabbing, Larriba-Tucker told his brother and their two friends no snitching. He also gave his bloody shirt to one friend to dispose of and instructed another friend to get rid of the knife he used. The friends initially lied to police, but later told the truth when confronted with inconsistencies in their stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A three-judge appellate panel on March 6 ruled that Larriba-Tucker clearly intimidated the teenagers. One of the teens testified during the trial that the no snitching order sent chills down (his) spine. The threatening nature of the directive was clear, the judges wrote, given that none of the boys told the truth because they feared a violent response from Larriba-Tucker. The term snitch and thus, snitching carries a loaded connotation, wrote Acting Presiding Judge Kent Cattani. However, Larriba-Tucker did score a minor victory in the ruling: The court overturned his conviction for tampering with evidence for having the teenagers dispose of his bloody shirt and the murder weapon. The appeals court ruled that the state law he was convicted of violating requires the defendant to know that an official proceeding was either pending or about to be instituted. But a police investigation doesnt meet the definition of an official proceeding in statute, and the legislature deliberately omitted the term investigation from the tampering statute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had the Legislature that adopted the tampering statute intended to encompass actions taken by a defendant to steer an investigation away from him before he knew an official proceeding was about to be instituted, it could have adopted broader language, Cattani wrote. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Republican-controlled House of Representatives censured Rep. Al Green this week after he disrupted President Donald Trumps joint address to Congress. Green, D-Texas, joins a list of more than two dozen lawmakers formally disciplined by the House. Among them is Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., who was censured four years ago for sharing an anime video that depicted him murdering a Democratic member of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement A censure, where House lawmakers vote to discipline one of their colleagues, is a relatively rare occurrence. Gosar was the first lawmaker to be censured in more than a decade when his colleagues took him to task in 2021. Greens censure passed largely on party lines this week on a 224-198 vote. Ten Democrats voted with Republicans in favor of the resolution. All of Arizonas House Republicans, including Gosar, voted to censure Green. Two of the states three Democrats voted against the measure. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., did not vote. Green stood during Trumps address and shouted You dont have a mandate before being drowned out by Republicans and removed from the chamber. Why was Gosar censured? Gosar was censured by the House for sharing a violent animated video on social media in 2021. In the clip, Gosar was depicted murdering Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and attacking President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement All House Democrats and two Republicans voted to censure Gosar at the time. Lawmakers debated the measure for four hours. Gosar defended the clip as a metaphor for the Democratic Partys immigration policy. "For this cartoon, some in Congress suggest I should be punished. I have said decisively there is no threat in the cartoon other than the threat immigration poses to our country," Gosar said on the House floor before the vote. Ocasio-Cortez supported the measure, saying at the time that lawmakers should draw the line against depicting and inciting violence. What is a House censure? A censure registers the Houses deep disapproval of member misconduct that, nevertheless, does not meet the threshold for expulsion, according to the House historian. Advertisement Advertisement The House approves a censure by a majority vote. Then, the censured lawmaker must stand in the well of the House while the censure is read aloud as a form of public rebuke. The first lawmaker to be censured was Rep. William Stanbery of Ohio, who was disciplined in 1832 for insulting House Speaker Andrew Stevenson. Other forms of rebuke Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., was reprimanded by Congress in 2020, a similar measure that is considered less severe than a censure. Schweikert was reprimanded on a voice vote. He was disciplined for ethics violations that included not complying with campaign finance rules, including reporting errors on his financial report, misuse of congressional funds for unofficial purposes and pressuring office staff to perform campaign work, House records show. Advertisement Advertisement Schweikert at the time was the first member of the House to be reprimanded in eight years, and is the 11th to be formally reprimanded since the modern system of ethics discipline was implemented in the 1960s. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Has an Arizona member of Congress ever been censured? LITTLE ROCK, Ark. A bill in the Arkansas legislature aims to provide an income tax credit to unpaid caregivers of elderly relatives. Rep. Ashley Hudson, House Bill 1076s sponsor, explained that the bill hopes to provide tax credits to people providing care to elderly relatives, relatives with dementia, and veterans. Arkansas Sports Raffle Act passes House committee The bill has a $1.5 million cap in credits each year. The credit is voluntary and first come first served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maximum tax credit that can be claimed per year is $2,000 or $3,000 if the caregiver is caring for a veteran or their loved one has a diagnosis of dementia. David Cook, with the Alzheimers Association, spoke in favor of the bill. Family caregivers play an important role here in the Natural State, just providing care for their own personal loved ones, many of them absorb multiple costs, Cook said. Certain requirements must be met for the caregiver and the person receiving care to be eligible. An eligible family member as described in the bill means an individual who is at least 62 years of age, requires assistance with at least two activities of daily living, and lives in a private home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The caregivers income cannot be over $50,000. The statute is very specific in supporting those low and middle-income caregivers who are doing all they can to sustain, Cook said. Its not refundable but it does give them a break if they have tax liability on their taxes. While no one spoke against the bill, there were questions about if the Department of Finance and Administration could safeguard against possible fraud. Hudson said the bills parameters are not an attractive opportunity for someone to dishonestly claim the credit. Live Blog: Arkansas legislature update for Thursday A representative from the Department of Finance and Administration pointed to different parts of the bill that help protect like the cap and having qualified purchases to apply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook says this bill would accomplish one of their goals. To make sure we empower and support these family caregivers who are playing such a pivotal role in the state Arkansas in delivering care, Cook said. Hudson told the committee she hopes this bill could be expanded on in the future. The Arkansas AARP says there are 420,000 family caregivers in Arkansas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Sen. Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, makes a motion on Senate Bill 307 while his colleagues (from top) Sens. Jonathan Dismang, Ricky Hill and Missy Irvin listen on March 6, 2025. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) The Arkansas Senate on Thursday asked the states utility regulator to provide suggestions on a bill that would change the process for building electricity-generating plants. Sen. Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, made the motion for the Arkansas Public Service Commission to provide the requested analysis of Senate Bill 307 by 9 a.m. Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal of the 62-page bill, lead sponsor Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, told his colleagues Wednesday, is to mitigate the sharp increase in rates expected as a result of generating or purchasing energy to meet the demand that will be created by at least two of the states coal-fired plants going offline in a few years. Hickey made his motion Thursday after SB 307 failed to garner enough support to advance Wednesday. Noting that he had spoken to Dismang ahead of time, Hickey told senators they were allowed to make this request because the Arkansas Supreme Court has previously defined the PSC as a quasi legislative and executive agency. I believe that this has the potential of one of the largest fiscal impacts, at least monetary, for the whole state that weve seen in years, and I believe that we need to give it its utmost importance, and this is an attempt to do that, he said. Hickeys motion specifically requested that the PSC recommend: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to best use a model to provide protection for ratepayers, and also provide expediency to maintain and efficiently expand energy generation. How to define strategic investment allowed under the bill. How to quickly determine the feasibility of projects and whether theyre providing a positive cost benefit to the state. How to structure additional aspects of the bill that the PSC may deem problematic. Hickey also asked that Doyle Webb, current PSC chairman and former Republican Party of Arkansas chairman, create an environment that will allow the document to be prepared without the influence of the legislative and executive branches, and utilities, industry or other parties that may have a vested interest in the bill. Crossett Republican Sen. Ben Gilmore asked Hickey about requesting the PSC to weigh in on policy that it will have to make decisions on, noting that while chairing the energy committee, he heard its representatives say they were policytakers not policymakers. The Arkansas Legislature and governor will remain the policymakers because theyll ultimately decide how to direct the language of the bill, Hickey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to Benton Republican Sen. Kim Hammers question of whether Mondays deadline allowed enough time for the PSC to comply with the Senates request, Hickey said the agency is already familiar with the bill, and the deadline was reasonable. The importance of this and what it means for Arkansas, I just think were going to have to find that time, he said. After the Senate unanimously approved Hickeys motion on a voice vote, the Texarkana Republican suggested that his colleagues consider debating the bill on the Senate floor as a committee of the whole, which would allow people to give sworn testimony and to help the bill to move quickly through the Legislature. I just think that thats going to be the most prudent and efficient way to handle a bill of this size, Hickey said. So again, Im not making that a thing, that is just food for thought for you all to think about over the weekend so that youre not blindsided. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Benton County lawsuit against a former reality star accusing him of pretending to have a contractors license and failing to complete work on a home has been dismissed, according to court documents. Jason Duggar, star of TLCs 19 Kids and Counting, was named as a defendant in the lawsuit along with Madison Holding, LLC. The lawsuit was filed by Mark Thompson on Sept. 10, 2024. Thompson said he entered into a contract to buy a home in Bella Vista from Madison Holding, with Duggar as the contractor, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint said Duggar claimed to have a contractors license, but the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board reportedly did not have one on file. The contract required 22 items to be repaired within 30 days, but after 11 months, most of the repairs were not completed, the complaint said. Settlement reached in lawsuit involving HGTV stars companies: court records Duggar was accused of not completing work in the master bedroom and bathroom, as well as failing to fully install the sod. The complaint listed various other issues, including the need to repair crown molding upstairs and fix roofing problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the lawsuit, Duggar acknowledged the roofing issues in April or May and said they would be addressed. In late May, Duggar allegedly said Thompson should pay someone else to make the repairs instead of him continuing to do so. Thompson accused Madison Holding and Duggar of fraud, negligence and breach of contract and breach of warranties in the lawsuit. In Oct., both defendants asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed. Duggar said in a motion that he was not contracted with Thompson and that he operates using the contractor license of a company he is affiliated with, Build Master Construction. The motion also said Thompsons complaint lacks the necessary elements to survive a Motion to Dismiss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney for Thompson filed a motion to dismiss without prejudice on March 6, which was granted on the same day by Benton County Judge Christine Howart. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Officials with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism announced Thursday $3.85 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants will be going to counties across the state. Parks department officials said in a release that it is awarding $3.85 million in FY2025 Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects within 20 counties across the state. The grants fall into two categories: Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods Park grants and matching grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program (ORGP) has provided $55.47 million in matching grants since 1988 and $17.4 million in FUN Park grants since 1991, Secretary Shea Lewis said. These funds have undoubtedly enriched the quality of life for Arkansans statewide, fostering greater access to outdoor recreation and bolstering the vitality of local economies. Arkansas awarding more than $4 million in FUN grants for outdoor recreation projects Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that the money awarded will stretch across the state and across outdoor activities. I want Arkansas to be the best state in America to live, to work, and raise a family. But in order to do that, we have to make big improvements to things like our schools, our state parks, and public safety, the governor said. We are proud to announce that $3.85 million were distributing will stretch across Arkansas and across outdoor activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katherine Andrews, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, said that the grants program supports the cities awarded in their efforts to developing facilities that encourage active lifestyles and enhance quality of life. The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program plays a vital role in expanding access to quality outdoor spaces across Arkansas, Andrews said. We are proud to support these 23 cities in their efforts to develop parks and recreational facilities that encourage active lifestyles, strengthen local economies and enhance quality of life. Arkansas to get more than $32 million in federal grant to improve roads, Little Rock awarded $25 million Some grant recipients include $774,662.38 for Benton to create the Cherry Demuth Campground/River Access and $100,000 for Hot Spring County to create the Bismarck communitys first community recreational site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To see the full list of grant recipients, visit ADPHT.Arkansas.gov. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday that people of all countries are welcome to see with their own eyes a real and vivid China. TWIN GROVES, Ark. Officials with the Faulkner County Sheriffs Office have requested that the Arkansas State Police investigate a deadly shooting involving an officer from the Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC) K-9 team Thursday night. According to a release, FCSO deputies issued an alert on Thursday to be on the lookout for 41-year-old Joseph Blair of Faulkner County who was an absconder from the DOC and was considered armed and dangerous. After tracking him throughout the day with the help of the U.S. Marshals, Blair was eventually located around 6:30 p.m. in a wooded area near Solomon Grove Baptist Church where deputies said he was armed with a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faulkner County man arrested Friday in fathers deadly shooting Authorities said that DOC officers fired at Blair and killing him. He was pronounced dead by the Faulkner County Coroner at 8:30 p.m. Blairs body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the manner and cause of death. Investigators with the ASP will be preparing a case file to present to the Faulkner County Prosecutor who will determine if the deadly use of force was consistent with Arkansas Law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. An investigation into a 40-year-old homicide continues after the victim was identified Thursday. Joe Carter, captain of the Arkansas State Police Special Operations Criminal Investigations Division, said it was a random discovery. He was found in 1984 along the side of the interstate by a mowing crew, close to the Carlisle area, Carter said. Arkansas State Police identifies victim in 40-year-old cold case as Missouri man Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy by Arkansas State Crime Laboratory revealed that the mans death was caused by strangulation. The remains were that of Earl James McDaniels, Carter noted. Last year in March, the ASP Cold Case unit began looking into McDaniels case again, submitting his remains to the Othram Labs, a specialized DNA and genealogy testing facility in Texas. Othram Labs is the same group that helped create the recent break in the Morgan Nick case. They sent us some genealogy tests and we reached out to the Washington State attorney generals office to help us identify a family member, Carter said. Texas-based company discovers DNA link between Morgan Nick and a potential suspect Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDaniels daughter gave her DNA sample to the lab on Feb. 24, confirming his identity. Othram Labs leaders said in a statement that cases like this are important because now McDaniels family knows he didnt just disappear. Carter said the news was shocking but is hoping this will give the family peace of mind. I believe it was kind of some closure for them, Carter said. They didnt know what had happened. The mystery still remains as to who would have wanted to kill McDaniels, and how he ended up in Arkansas. Were asking the general public for help, Carter said. We ask if anybody knows him, or was anybody associated with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities solve Little Rock womans 1985 killing in Texas Anyone who can help with this case is urged to contact the Arkansas State Police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. Arkansas Supreme Chief Justice Karen Baker (right) sits with Associate Justices (from left) Shawn Womack, Rhonda Wood and Courtney Hudson as they wait for an address from the governor in the Arkansas House of Representatives on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) Chief Justice Karen Baker must provide to the rest of the Arkansas Supreme Court a human resources report into her behavior in the Justice Building on Dec. 4-5, 2024, five of her six colleagues wrote in a Thursday per curiam order. On Dec. 4, Baker entered Administrative Office of the Courts Director Marty Sullivans office in the Justice Building when he was not present, prompting a complaint to Supreme Court Police by court employees, according to Arkansas Business. She reportedly left Sullivans office disheveled and harassed AOC staff, both claims she has disputed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the human resources investigation into her actions concluded, Sullivan sent Baker a memo on Jan. 13, asking her to stay away from AOC offices and not to communicate with his staff, pending the conclusion of a judicial disciplinary review against her. On Jan. 23, Rogers-based attorney Tom Mars filed an administrative civil appeal to the state Supreme Court on Bakers behalf, asking that Sullivans findings and recommendations from the HR investigation be dismissed. Even reviewing the evidence in the light most favorable to AOC, the evidence is insufficient to support a finding of harassment, by any definition, Mars wrote in Bakers petition to the high court. Neither AOC or this Court has the authority to prevent the Chief Justice from communicating with the Director of AOC or its employees or prohibiting the Chief Justice from entering AOCs offices. Baker_v._Sullivan per curiam Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Tim Griffins office, representing Sullivan, filed a motion to dismiss the case Feb. 3. Baker and Mars argued the chief justices visits to the Justice Building were for completely legitimate reasons. The Supreme Court, with the exception of Baker and Associate Justice Courtney Hudson, wrote Thursday that it was impossible to know this since Baker has not filed the HR report with the court. The five justices ordered Baker to file the report with them by noon Tuesday, and Sullivan will be allowed to provide additional information to the court by noon on March 14. Baker attempted on Jan. 3, her third day as the states first elected female chief justice, to fire Sullivan and nine other AOC staff. With the exception of Hudson, the remaining justices declared the attempt null and void and outside the scope of Bakers authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Jan. 6 order from the same five justices said Baker could not unilaterally appoint three new members to the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, which investigates complaints about the conduct of judges and the justices. The commission gave notice Thursday that it will hold a special meeting March 14. On Jan. 8, Baker issued an administrative order declaring both per curiam orders invalid, citing Arkansas Constitutional Amendment 80, which states in Section 4: The Supreme Court shall exercise general superintending control over all courts of the state These functions shall be administered by the Chief Justice. She also cited a state statute that says the chief justice is directly responsible for the efficient operation of the judicial branch and of its constituent courts and for the expeditious dispatch of litigation therein and the proper conduct of the business of the courts. Baker reiterated her stance on the matter twice in January: once during a rare public Supreme Court business meeting Jan. 23 and again before the House Judiciary Committee a week later. She told the committee that the dispute over her authority could lead to litigation. GATESVILLE, Texas (FOX 44) The arrest of an armed fugitive at a Gatesville hotel also led to a missing woman being found. The Coryell County Sheriffs Offices Organized Crime Unit, assisted by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, executed a high-risk warrant service at a Gatesville hotel on Wednesday. This was done in order to apprehend 38-year-old Jerry Neil Loer, Jr., of Gatesville, who was an armed fugitive with direct ties to a criminal gang. During Loers apprehension in his hotel room, SWAT Team members discovered narcotics in plain view within the room. Tallie Saladiner, of Gatesville, was also found in the room. She had been listed as a missing person by the Gatesville Police Department since January 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police catch wanted man in connection to narcotics investigation The Coryell County Sheriffs Offices Organized Crime Unit then secured a search warrant for the hotel room, resulting in Loer being booked into the Coryell County Jail for the following offenses: Administrative Release Violation (Blue Warrant) Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 Under 1 Gram in a Drug Free Zone (3rd Degree Felony) Possession of Marijuana Under 2 Ounces in a Drug Free Zone (Class A Misdemeanor) Felon in Possession of a firearm (F3) Tampering with physical evidence (F3) The Sheriffs Office says this investigation remains ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A joint swat operation in Bay County has resulted in the arrest of several armed and dangerous robbery suspects, as well as the seizure of 1000 pills of fentanyl. Bay County Sheriffs Office has arrested three individuals in connection with an armed robbery and false imprisonment. Three others involved in the incident are still at large. On March 2, BCSO said they responded to the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort about in reference to a robbery. The victim came to Panama City Beach for a family celebration when he met a woman, Monierra Turner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panama City man found guilty of trafficking over 1,400 grams of meth Unknown to the victim at the time, Turner had devised a plan with Kyle Vallery to rob the victim after she met him at a local club and convinced him to give her a ride home. When they arrived at the location, the victim was approached by Vallery and two other men identified as Deaven Gilliam and Kylin Nolan. BCSO said the men were armed with handguns and a rifle, the victim was struck in the head with one of the firearms and forced back into his vehicle. The men took possession of the victims car and held him inside at gunpoint. The victim was robbed of his money, jewelry, shoes, and cell phone. The men took the vehicle to several locations and picked up two other men, Ashanti Williams and David Smith Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the victim was held hostage for several hours, he was released with his vehicle in an area of town unfamiliar to him, officials wrote. Authorities said arrest warrants were obtained for all parties involved and served with the help of BCSO SWAT, CID, U.S. Marshals Task Force, and the Panama City Police Department. On March 6, Vallery and Williams were taken into custody. Vallery was in possession of two firearms, the victims stolen shoes, a large amount of cash, 1000 fentanyl pills, and 111.7 grams of marijuana. Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office arrests man for alleged stabbing Gilliam, Nolan, and Smith Jr. are currently wanted in connection with the robbery and have active arrest warrants, BCSO said. Williams is currently on probation for the charge Manslaughter, and Vallery was just released from prison on gun charges in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bay County Sheriffs Office warns the public against approaching the suspects that remain at large. If they are seen in public, call 911 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 785-TIPS or by using the Bay County Sheriffs Office app. The following individuals have been arrested: Montierra Jaquia Turner Principal to robbery with a firearm Principal to false imprisonment Principal to grand theft of a motor vehicle Kyle Lee Vallery Robbery with a firearm False imprisonment Grand theft of a motor vehicle Trafficking in fentanyl more than 28 grams Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute Ashanti Williams Accessory after the fact to robbery with a firearm Accessory after the fact to false imprisonment Accessory after the fact to grand theft of a motor vehicle The following individuals are wanted: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deaven Dremond Gilliam Robbery with a firearm False imprisonment Grand theft of a motor vehicle Kylin Demond Nolan Robbery with a firearm Fale imprisonment Grand theft of a motor vehicle David Jeremiah Smith Jr. Principal to robbery with a firearm Principal to false imprisonment Principal to grand theft of a motor vehicle Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted a permit to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, nearly one year after a container ship struck its center span and caused its devastating collapse into the Patapsco River. The permit grants the Maryland Transportation Authority permission to construct the bridge that will reconnect the I-695 Baltimore Beltway and improve community accessibility lost following the collapse of the original structure that claimed the lives of six Baltimoreans, according to a news release Thursday from the Baltimore District of the Army Corps of Engineers. The regulatory branch of the Army Corps issued two permits last year allowing for preliminary construction tasks, including explosive demolition and removing the remaining portions of the old bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than one year after the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore District is proud to have provided fair and efficient permitting efforts to enable the construction of a new bridge, said Baltimore District Commander Col. Francis Pera, in a statement. To have both removed the bridge wreckage and issued relevant permits for its reconstruction on this timetable is a testament to our dedicated Regulatory Branch and our commitment to support an energetic economy across the Mid-Atlantic. Gov. Wes Moore unveiled the design for the new bridge last month. It will be a taller cable-stayed bridge and is expected to be completed by October 2028. Nebraska-based construction giant Kiewit Corp. was selected last summer as the bridges designer and builder. The new bridge is estimated to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, with full federal funding expected to foot the bill, according to state officials. Its design includes reinforced pier foundations, pier protection islands and six structural dolphins for increased protection. Construction of a temporary trestle to allow construction access is expected to begin this summer. The trestle will require the installation of some 1,200 36-inch steel piles covering an area of 400,000 square feet with the top of the pile being 10 feet above the Patapscos mean high-water line, according to the Army Corps. The Army Corps expects the in-water construction of the new Key Bridge to begin in early fall 2025. Have a news tip? Contact Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at nzimmerman@baltsun.com. The Army is grappling with a staggering attrition rate among newly enlisted troops, even as recent recruiting figures suggest the service is clawing its way out of a yearslong enlistment crisis. Nearly one-quarter of soldiers recruited since 2022 have failed to complete their initial contracts, according to internal Army data reviewed by Military.com. While the Army's recruiting totals look solid on paper, a high dropout rate raises serious doubts about whether those numbers are an accurate portrayal of how well the service is manned. It remains unclear why the Army is losing so many soldiers, but one explanation could be the declining quality of its recruiting pool. One-quarter of all enlistees last year had to go through at least one of the Future Soldier Preparatory Courses, which were set up as a sort of silver bullet for recruiting woes -- getting applicants up to snuff with academic or body fat enlistment standards before they ship out to basic training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Pentagon's No. 2 Spokesperson Has Long History of Antisemitic, Bigoted Social Media Posts The military's recruiting challenges have largely centered around finding young Americans eligible to serve, a pool that the Pentagon has estimated at only about 23% of 17- to 24-year-olds. One senior Army official with direct knowledge of the service's recruiting efforts said only about 8% are eligible for a so-called "clean enlistment," meaning the recruit didn't need any waivers or have to attend a prep course. "If this is the new normal, we're taking in a whole quarter of the Army that isn't hitting the standard," Gil Barndollar, a senior research fellow at the Center for the Study of Statesmanship, said in an interview with Military.com. "The bigger question, though, is a human capital problem. If we have a crisis and we need a lot of people, what is the state of the nation? We're looking at a country which by a lot of metrics -- physical ability, cognitive ability -- all those numbers are going in the wrong direction." According to service data, roughly 25% of prep course soldiers do not make it through their first contract and wash out of the Army within the first two years of their enlistment. But even more strikingly, soldiers who do not attend the prep courses aren't that much different -- they have a 20% attrition rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers give the first public glance at the prep courses' success. Some service officials interviewed by Military.com noted the Army is in a difficult position and would come nowhere near meeting manning standards without those courses. Here are the rates at which soldiers wash out of basic training: Soldiers who did not attend any prep course: 11.3% Academic track prep course: 15.3% Fitness track prep course: 16% Soldiers who attended both prep courses: 18.7% "I don't know what an acceptable attrition rate is, but we have to meet people where they are," the senior Army official told Military.com. "The quality of new soldiers is an enormous problem we're paying for. But that's just where the country is." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, the Army has more than doubled the number of waivers it grants to new recruits, from 8,400 in 2022 to 17,900 last year. Many of those are medical waivers. That increase is largely attributed to MHS Genesis, a new centralized medical records system that gives the military unprecedented access to applicants' health histories. Some recruiters say the system is disqualifying applicants over minor injuries or past treatments, while others note a dramatic rise in teenage medication use and diagnoses for conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The Army has also loosened restrictions on criminal backgrounds. Last year, the service granted 1,045 waivers for misdemeanor offenses, up from 895 in 2022. More strikingly, it approved 401 felony waivers -- quadrupling the 98 granted in 2022. The Army prohibits waivers for crimes related to sexual violence. "U.S. Army Recruiting Command remains committed to recruiting young men and women into our Army that are ready and qualified to join the most lethal fighting force in the world to ensure our nation's security," Madison Bonzo, a service spokesperson, said in a statement when asked about whether the Army is concerned that the quality of recruits is worsening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On paper, the service started turning around its recruiting woes last year, bringing in 55,300 new active-duty troops against a goal of 55,000. Additionally, it ended the year with a healthy surplus of 11,000 in the so-called delayed-entry pool, which will be counted in this year's numbers. The significant pool of delayed enlistees is largely due to the Army having such a healthy recruiting year that it ran out of space in basic training units. The service is set to dramatically expand its capacity for basic trainees this spring. "We've seen record numbers across the country," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News on Wednesday, touting recent recruitment gains. But the exodus of new enlistees begs the question: Does the extremely short turnaround make those recruiting wins meaningless? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The active-duty Army counts someone as a new recruit once they ship off to the Future Soldier Preparatory Course or basic training, meaning dropouts may not be reflected in data briefed to senior leadership or Congress. In February, Military.com reported on Defense Department inspector general findings that the service might be skirting its own rules on recruiting, sending applicants to the prep course designed to help them meet body fat standards even though they were too overweight to even qualify. The inspector general found about 300 applicants were turned away at the prep course for being too overweight -- a figure that would nearly nullify the Army's recruiting victory last year. Related: 'Last Stop USA': How the Army Is Trying to Fill in for a Broken Education System (NewsNation) Federal prosecutors have charged an active-duty Army soldier with obtaining, sharing and ultimately selling national defense information to Chinese buyers. The newly unsealed federal indictment accuses Jian Zhao, a battery supply sergeant stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington state, of entering in July 2024 into a corrupt scheme in which he allegedly shared classified information with someone in Changchun, China, identified only as Co-Conspirator 1. Zhao, through the co-conspirator, allegedly sold an encrypted military computer, 20 classified hard drives, photos of classified documents and more to buyers. The information reportedly included details of the United States High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He allegedly received at least $15,000 between August and December 2024 from the deals, according to court documents. Zhao also faces charges of bribery and theft of government property. Bill to pay troops during shutdown filed as funding deadline looms Federal prosecutors in Oregon have also charged Li Tian, an active-duty Army soldier stationed at the same base in Washington, with sharing sensitive information with a former soldier. Tian allegedly shared documents, including technical manuals, with former service member Ruoyu Duan in exchange for money, according to a news release from the Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said Tian and Duan were both taken into custody Thursday and charged with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken Americas defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China, U.S. Attorney General Pom Bondi said in a statement. They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Two people were arrested after meth was found hidden in Cheeto bags in Indiana. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Detectives with the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force were called after two packages believed to contain narcotics were found at a parcel delivery facility. Detectives found around 40 pounds of suspected methamphetamine inside the packages. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parcels were addressed to a location in the 1800 block of Ridgeway Avenue. Investigators spotted a white van arrive at the address and two people, later identified as Natasha Renee Garner and Goldie Rodney Junior Flenor, get out of the vehicle. As investigators in marked cars attempted to stop the suspects, they accelerated and hit a deputys cruiser. Both were taken into custody. A federal complaint was filed against Garner and Flenor for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CHARIKAR, Afghanistan, March 7 (Xinhua) -- In the face of economic hardship and limited opportunities, Afghan women are forging their own paths to self-reliance. Among them is Fazila, a young entrepreneur who has not only built a career for herself but also created job opportunities for many others by establishing a clothing and handicrafts production workshop. Located in the Ashqabad area on the outskirts of Jabal Saraj district, Fazila's workshop operates in one of the impoverished regions of Parwan province, approximately 76 km north of Kabul. As the world marks International Women's Day on Saturday, she expresses her pride in the workshop that now employs around 160 women, each earning a monthly salary. Within the workshop, women engage in a variety of tasks, including embroidery, traditional clothing production, bag stitching, and crafting decorative household items. They also produce burkas-full-body veils traditionally worn by Afghan women. "Our products include tablecloths, traditional garments, embroidery, stitched bags, and similar handcrafted items," Fazila told Xinhua. What started as a modest venture just six months ago has rapidly expanded. "We began with an initial investment of 10,000 Afghanis (about 138 U.S. dollars), and today, our capital has grown to nearly 500,000 Afghanis (about 7,000 U.S. dollars)," she said. With an ambitious vision for the future, Fazila aims to establish similar businesses in other areas of the province to create more employment opportunities for women. She also calls on local authorities to collaborate with them and urges investors to provide financial support. Despite restrictions preventing Afghan girls from attending school beyond grade six according to present rules, women and girls in Fazila's workshop have found a source of hope and stability through employment. They are working diligently to achieve financial independence and secure a future for themselves. Rishma, a 28-year-old colleague of Fazila, teaches sewing skills to new trainees. She finds deep satisfaction in her role, emphasizing how a positive work environment has contributed to her overall well-being. "I am very happy to be one of the teachers here, sharing my sewing skills with students," Rishma said. For Fatima Rahmani, another young woman at the workshop, the opportunity has been life changing. Forced to drop out of school, she has spent the past three months training as an intern, determined to become financially independent and support her family alongside her father. "It is crucial for young women to earn their own income, to not be dependent on others, and to build financial independence," Rahmani said. "I am happy to be here, learning embroidery and handicraft skills." The workshop's establishment has been met with enthusiasm and support from the local community. Many residents see it as a promising development that not only benefits women but also strengthens the region's economic resilience. "Everyone in the community, including elders like me, fully supports women seeking employment in this workshop," local resident Abdul Wahid told Xinhua. "We will do our best to help them succeed." Since the Afghan interim government took power in 2021, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has issued business licenses to more than 1,200 female entrepreneurs, according to ministry spokesperson Abdul Salam Jawad Akhundzada. Akhundzada also noted that more than 120,000 Afghan women are currently running businesses without formal licenses. These women are active in seven key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, industry, relief services, logistics, and trade. Despite the challenges, Afghan women like Fazila, Rishma, and Rahmani continue to push forward, proving that with determination, resilience, and community support, they can carve out a future of independence and success. WARWICK A 48-year-old Woonsocket man, who is accused of threatening to shoot people prior to his arrest at the Community College of Rhode Island, faced a slate of charges at his appearance in District Court, Warwick, Friday morning. Junior Sage is charged with illegal possession of a firearm after being convicted of a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, four counts of felony assault, disorderly conduct and obstruction of a police officer. Sage, who carried knives and an Airsoft-style pistol, was at the center of a disturbance on a college-bound transit bus on Thursday before he stepped off the transport at CCRI, police say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two witnesses told Lincoln police detectives that Sage had threatened to "blow their heads off," Lincoln police Detective Lt. Bradley Stewart told Judge Brian A. Goldman. Junior Sage, 48, of Woonsocket, appears in District Court, Warwick, the in the aftermath of his arrest Thursday on the campus of the Community College of Rhode Island. Sage was accused of carrying an Airsoft pistol Sage was carrying an Airsoft-type pistol and a knife with a blade longer than 3 inches, Stewart said. Airsoft pistols are designed to fire plastic projectiles for sport or different types of firearm training. The guns can shoot metal, Stewart told Goldman. The judge set Sage's bail at $75,000 with surety. A defendant must pay 10 percent of that amount in cash or the full amount in property to win release. Goldman referred Sage to the public defender's office, ordered mental health counseling and imposed a no trespass order. Lincoln police Detective Lt. Bradley Stewart briefs Judge Brian A. Goldman in District Court, Warwick, on Friday, following Thursday's public safety emergency on the campus of the Community College of Rhode Island. Held without bail as a probation violator Later, however, Sage appeared before Judge Kevin F. McHugh, who determined that he had violated his probation in a different case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McHugh ordered Sage held without bail. The 2023 case involved reckless driving and prohibited possession of a weapon other than a firearm. CCRI on 'Shelter in Place' order A report to police dispatchers triggered a response to the campus at about 12:30 p.m. About 400 faculty, staff and students are on the campus at that time of day, according to CCRI spokeswoman, Amy Kempe. The detectives arrested Sage near the bus stop. The emergency forced college security to issue a "Shelter In Place" order on the CCRI campus and administrators at other nearby schools took the same approach as a precaution. In a letter to the college community on Friday, CCRI's interim president, Rosemary A. Costigan, acknowledged that what happened Thursday was "deeply unsettling" for many. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costigan said she had asked state police to review the case, assess public safety measures and provide recommendations, if needed, to strengthening security protocols on all four campuses. "We are committed to learning from this incident and strengthening our emergency preparedness," Costigan said. State Rep. William W. OBrien, a Democrat who represents North Providence, in the General Assembly, renewed his call for the enactment of a law that would arm campus security on the CCRI campuses as well as the campus at Rhode Island College. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Junior Sage, who triggered CCRI's 'shelter in place' held without bail Caleb McCray, a graduate of Southern University and member of Omega Psi Phi , was arrested in connection with the death of Wilson on February 27. An arrest has been made in connection with the death of Caleb Wilson, a former 20-year-old college student at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., who died after an alleged fraternity hazing incident. Sources confirmed to local news outlet WAFB 9 that the Baton Rouge Police Department has arrested Caleb McCray, a graduate of Southern University and member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and charged him with criminal hazing and manslaughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to WAFB, the Baton Rouge police department planned a press conference to discuss the developing situation at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 7. McCrays arrest comes after Wilson, a junior mechanical engineering student and member of the marching band at Southern University, died on February 27 after he allegedly took part in a hazing ritual while pledging the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Initial reports to the authorities about the incident claimed the college student was standing in a line in a park when he collapsed. However, days later, sources claimed the first story was fabricated and that Wilson had been punched in the chest before he collapsed and started seizing. The location also changed from a park to a warehouse. Its further alleged that members of the fraternity met after Wilson was taken to the hospital to come up with a cover story for the incident. In response to the updated claims, Southern University released a statement offering support to Wilsons loved ones, condemning the unsanctioned practice, and announcing an internal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hazing is a violation of the Universitys rules and regulations as well as Louisiana law, and it will not be tolerated in any form at Southern University. Southern University and A&M College continues to hold in our thoughts the family and loved ones of Caleb Wilson. We are deeply saddened by the reports of actions that led to his unfortunate and unnecessary loss of life, the statement began, adding that the university is conducting an internal investigation. Once the investigation is complete, we will take appropriate action. The University has implemented a ban on membership intake for all student organizations that remains in effect until further notice, the statement continued. Hazing is a violation of the Universitys rules and regulations as well as Louisiana law, and it will not be tolerated in any form at Southern University. News of the arrest also arrives just days after Wilson was honored and remembered at two separate vigils held at Southern University and at his home church, Pilgrim Baptist, in Kenner, La. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the vigil at the school, which gathered hundreds, John K. Pierre, the universitys chancellor, said Caleb was young, gifted, bright, and a great soul. More must-reads: The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) this week announced the return of Buddha Sheltered by the Serpent King Muchalinda to Nepal, acknowledging that the 12th-century sculpture was stolen from Guita Bahi in the Kathmandu Valley. The decision follows new provenance research and collaboration with Nepalese officials, the museum said. The return comes as institutions are being increasingly drivenor forcedto restitute and repatriate stolen cultural goods. More from Robb Report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statue, which depicts the Buddha protected by the serpent king during a storm, has been on display at the museum since 1997. This return reflects the importance of provenance research as well as the Art Institutes proactive outreach and collaboration with countries and communities, said Jacques Schuhmacher, the museums executive director of provenance research, in a statement. The Nepalese government welcomed the move. This sacred sculpture is a carrier of stories, traditions, and values its return strengthens the bond between heritage and community, ensuring future generations can connect with their history, said Sharad Raj Aran, of Nepals embassy in Washington, D.C. The repatriation not only strengthens Nepals cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for future cooperation between Nepal and the AIC. The AIC maintains one of the largest provenance research teams in the US, underscoring a broader institutional shift toward addressing problematic acquisitions. The return of the Muchalinda Buddha is part of a growing trend in the museum world, with many institutions now facing increased scrutiny over the provenance of artworks in their collections. Best of Robb Report Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. AUSTIN (KXAN) NASA is hosting multiple events throughout this years South by Southwest Conference & Festivals. The agency kicked off day one by bringing out the Artemis II astronauts. The four-member crew will be the first to visit the moon since the 1970s. The mission is now less than a year away. NASA Astronaut Reid Wiseman said the Artemis II mission was the first step in the Artemis campaign for humans on Mars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Astronaut Jeremy Hansen said that beyond the moon, the mission has three purposes. One is inspiration. The second is capacity, and then, the final one is collaboration, Hansen said. The trip will take the astronauts into the orbit of the moon, and they will take photos of the far side of the moon and perform experiments. No mission to deep space would be complete without a little radiation study, Astronaut Christina Koch said. During the event, NASA announced a new competition creating a mascot for the Artemis II mission. Wiseman said every mission has a mascot. But its more than a mascot. Tied to a string, the doll serves an important function. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This stuffed animal on a string tells you everything you need to know about engine performance, Wiseman said. Its not so good at roll, but it tells you everything you need to know. Designs can be submitted through NASAs website. The submission deadline is May 27. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. During Milwaukee's frigid temperatures in early February, Steve Paradowski found himself facing a familiar problem in the apartment he moved into over 10 years ago his heater wouldn't turn on. Paradowski, 68, told Public Investigator he couldn't remember the last time both heaters in his Seaway Terrace apartment at 4601 S. First St. had worked. As soon as one was repaired, it didn't take long before it broke again or the other one stopped working, he said. Public Investigator called the phone number on the Seaway Terrace Apartments website, which is the same number for the Illinois-based property owners, Kinzie Realty, three times. Reporters also followed up with five emails over the next three weeks. Nobody responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But just three hours after Public Investigator published an article about Paradowski's faulty thermostats and nonfunctioning heater, he said he got a call from the property manager. "I just had a long talk with the manager," Paradowski texted the morning of March 3. "Apparently, your article was read by the owners who contacted the manager. A maintenance man is on the way as we speak." That day, Paradowski said his living room heater was fixed. Two days later, maintenance fixed the thermostats that had been hanging from the wall since he moved in. Even the closet door, which Paradowski said had been broken for nearly his entire time there, was repaired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a little overwhelming," Paradowski said. "I didn't expect them to act so quickly." Paradowski said property manager Scott Snarski personally visited his apartment to check over the completed repairs. More: What are the heat laws tenants should know in Wisconsin? Andrew Brown, a representative for Kinzie Realty, said the company never received any voicemails from Public Investigator at its Evanston offices, even though reporters used the contact information on Seaway's website. According to Brown, Paradowski didn't formally request maintenance work. Tenants have to make these requests through email, phone, online, or in person before they're logged in the company's software, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are no logged work order requests from this tenant from the past several years," Brown wrote in an email. Paradowski said he knows a filing a work order is required, but thought he could ask maintenance directly for help, which he's done in the past. But Brown said notifying maintenance staff isn't sufficient for a request. He said the other tenant in the story, Nailah Boyd, who also reported heating problems, has also been visited since the article's publication, and her issues are being resolved "as rapidly as possible." Boyd's thermostat had been "repaired promptly" after she submitted a maintenance request in December, Brown added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the same time, it is possible that her heat was compromised, but were not certain," Brown said. Brown also pointed out that Kinzie Realty did not own the apartment building until 2018. The company owns or manages several apartment buildings in Wisconsin and the greater Chicago area. "Were regretful that this prior owner may not have focused on repairing property maintenance issues timely, but we cant be responsible for their flaws," Brown said. Paradowski said the problems with his apartment go back farther than just the issue with his living room heater. He also took issue with Kinzie Realty taking away residents' free storage units in 2018 and maintenance staff making a hole in his wall in 2019. Steve Paradowski said maintenance staff made a hole in the wall of his one-bedroom apartment at Seaway Terrace Apartments, giving him two options: buy your own AC unit, or rent one from Seaway. He said he couldn't afford to pay for either. According to a notice viewed by Public Investigator, maintenance made the hole to install a sleeve for a standing air conditioning unit. Paradowski was given two choices: buy his own AC unit, or rent one from Seaway. He said he couldn't afford either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though his heating issues are resolved, Paradowski said it shouldn't have taken an article for Kinzie Realty to respond to Public Investigator. But sometimes, that's what it takes, he said. "It's good," he said. "Because I guarantee you, I'm not the only one." Quinn Clark is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be emailed at QClark@gannett.com. Contact Public Investigator Government corruption. Corporate wrongdoing. Consumer complaints. Medical scams. Public Investigator is a new initiative of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and its sister newsrooms across Wisconsin. Our team wants to hear your tips, chase the leads and uncover the truth. We'll investigate anywhere in Wisconsin. Send your tips to publicinvestigator@jrn.com or call 414-319-9061. You can also submit tips at jsonline.com/tips. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee's Seaway Terrace Apartments fixes tenant's heat ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) A man was arrested on Friday on several child pornography-related charges, according to the Athens Police Department. The police department began their investigation on Feb. 27, 2025, after the Regional Evidence Analysis & Cyber-Intelligence Team received information regarding child sex abuse materials. Indictments name 3 additional men charged in 2023 deadly shooting at birthday party Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timothy James Swaffer, 30, was identified following the investigations, APD said. A search was conducted at Swaffers home on Audubon Lane in Athens. Officers found several images of children under 18 participating in sexually explicit acts. Swaffer was arrested for ten counts of possession with intent to disseminate child pornography. APD said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. SAYRE, Pa. (WETM) An Athens woman could see nearly two years behind bars after she was convicted on numerous charges relating to an incident back in September, according to information from the Bradford County District Attorneys Office. Betsy Lynn Gomez, 60, was recently sentenced to a minimum of 145 days to a maximum of 23 months and 29 days to time inside the Bradford County Correctional Facility followed by 30 months of probation. Gomez was sentenced for the conviction on the charges of simple assault, resisting arrest, institutional vandalism, and driving under the influence of alcohol, the DAs office said. Bradford County inmate sentenced for having gun with altered serial number Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges come from an incident in Sayre back in September where the DAs office said police arrived at an incident involving Gomez on North Thomas Avenue where Gomez was telling profanities from her car while it was stuck under a large chain gate. Gomez refused officer commands to shut off the car and continued to rev the engine in an attempt to free herself from the gate. Gomez was eventually arrested and was placed in a holding cell where she managed to escape one of her hand-cuffs and struck the glass door of the holding cell numerous times, trying to break it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. (KRON) An Atherton woman who worked as an immigration attorney based in San Jose will make her first court appearance on Friday to face visa fraud charges. Danhong Jean Chen, also known as Maria Sofia Taylor, will appear before U.S. Judge Susan van Keulen in federal district court in San Jose. After fleeing the country, Chen was recently extradited by authorities from the Kyrgyz Republic back to the United States. A grand jury indicted Chens ex-husband and business partner, Jianyun Tony Ye, and Chen in 2019. According to the indictment, the couple committed fraud and related crimes to obtain immigration benefits for more than 100 foreign investors through the governments employment-based immigration fifth preference, or EB-5, visa program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, Ye pleaded guilty to visa fraud and obstruction and was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison. He has since served that sentence and been released from custody. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a civil complaint in October 2018 against Chen. Immediately after the SEC filed its civil enforcement complaint, Chen fled from the United States and remained a fugitive until she was arrested in the Kyrgyz Republic at the request of the United States, according to prosecutors. Chen, 60, was the sole partner at the Law Offices of Jean D. Chen in San Jose, which specialized in immigration law. Chen prepared and submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fraudulent documents that contained false signatures and falsely described how applicants would qualify for the EB-5 program, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office Northern District of California. ICE releases details on Sunnyvale fathers arrest Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the EB-5 program, foreign nationals could obtain permanent United States residency, commonly known as green card status, by investing in qualifying businesses in the U.S. To obtain permanent residency status, the applicants investment must amount to $500,000 if made in certain geographical areas with low employment rates; if the investment is not in a designated low-employment area, the investment must amount to a minimum of $1,000,000. The Law Offices of Jean D. Chen, operated by Chen, represented clients who invested a total of approximately $52,000,000 into projects under the EB-5 program. Chen fraudulently obtained immigration benefits through the EB-5 program on behalf of her clients by, among other actions, falsifying documents, prosecutors wrote. Chen is charged with 10 counts of visa fraud. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Farnham is prosecuting the case based on an investigation by the FBI. The Justice Departments Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in the Kyrgyz Republic to secure Chens arrest and extradition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Israels bombardment has reduced Gaza to 50 million tons of rubble. Much has been made of Donald Trumps vision of a Middle East riviera but, in the video above, The Telegraph explores some of the lesser talked about solutions for clearing the debris and rebuilding the area. Roland Oliphant, The Telegraphs Senior Foreign Correspondent, dives into an ambitious plan to build a new island with the rubble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How do those living in Gaza feel about it? And what about Israel or the United Nations, which has been drawing up plans for Gazas reconstruction? Find out in the report above. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. SHANGHAI, March 7 (Xinhua) -- East China's Shanghai has set up a special committee on low-altitude radio spectrum safety to safeguard the sound development of its low-altitude economy. According to a Xinmin Evening News report on Thursday, the committee will work with two working groups, with one group focusing on low-altitude electromagnetic safety research and testing and the other group concentrating on low-altitude drone cluster performance radio technology, with the aim to ensure proper use and protection of spectrum resources, achieve secure communication among low-altitude flying vehicles, and explore application scenarios of Shanghai's low-altitude economy. Low-altitude industries are becoming an important engine to promote economic growth, sci-tech innovation and urban digital transformation. At the end of 2024, Shanghai launched a guideline on speeding up the high-quality development of radio enabling industries, saying that the city will focus on cutting-edge fields such as 6G technology, satellite internet and the low-altitude economy. In 2024, a low-altitude company named Vertaxi in Shanghai witnessed a three-fold year-on-year revenue increase in its small and medium-sized industrial drone business. Company Vice President Sheng Liang said there was an urgent need to build an efficient and safe low-altitude intelligent network, in which radio technology played a key role. The company will drive innovation in low-altitude communication, navigation and positioning, as well as data transmission through the research and development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, in order to enhance the secure application of the radio spectrum. The committee is composed of representatives from 36 enterprises and institutions from across the city -- covering networks, terminals, solutions, application scenarios and regulation in the low-altitude domain. It will deal with issues such as monitoring, identification and interference protection of flying vehicles, the news report said. The low-altitude economy in China has flourished in recent years, with an increase in drone manufacturers and expanded applications. The Civil Aviation Administration of China estimates that the country's low-altitude market will soar from 500 billion yuan (about 69 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023 to 1.5 trillion yuan in 2025 -- and as much as 3.5 trillion yuan in 2035. An independent audit commissioned Thursday by U.S. District Judge David O. Carter shows how L.A. city officials have neglected tracking homelessness spending. The city has failed to collect accurate data on its vendors, relying mostly on outsourcing from an agency. This highlights another frustrating case of taxpayer dollars becoming misallocated, after auditors reviewed $2.4 billion in city funding. The global consulting firm Alvarez and Marsal audit highlights inadequate financial oversight that paints a lack of accountability for taxpayer dollars. "Insufficient financial accountability led to an inability to trace substantial funds allocated to the City Programs," the report states. "The lack of uniform data standards and real-time oversight increased the risk of resource misallocation and limited the ability to assess the true impact of homelessness assistance services." Related: L.A. Woman: Former Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department Kristin Crowley Most of the discrepancies were found at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). The government agency has outsourced management of much of the city's homelessness fundingincluding sheltering, feeding, and serving people. Tracking the spending became impossible when auditors reviewed the poor documents provided by the agency. Auditors also found that LAHSA failed to verify whether the services invoiced were provided. Elizabeth Mitchell, an attorney for the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights whose lawsuit prompted Carter to order the audit, said in a statement: These findings are not just troubling they are deadly." She emphasized the failure of financial integrity, programmatic oversight, and dysfunction of the system resulting in devastation on the streets for both housed and unhoused. "Billions have been squandered on ineffective bureaucracy while lives are lost daily. This is not just mismanagement; it is a moral failure. Related: 'CHAOS: The Manson Murders' Examines Attempts to Explain the Mystery Around Charlie Manson While managing the homelessness spending was mainly outsourced to LAHSA, the responsibility for the city's tax dollars lies in the hands of the elected officials: Bass and the City Council. All five members have been invited to comment at Carter's scheduled public hearing to discuss the audit on March 27. This also includes Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, City Controller Kenneth Mejia, county Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger and the auditors. An incredibly flawed system prompts the question about stripping hundreds of millions in annual funding out of LAHSA to instead have cities and counties manage homelessness spending. Mayor Bass has been critical about defunding LAHSA before. New urgency has been at the core of our work to bring people off the street, not the creation of new bureaucracy, Bass said in a statement. We cant afford to just create new paperwork or slow momentum to reduce encampments and connect people with housing and mental health treatment. L.A. County Board of Supervisors Committee chair Nithya Raman also emphasizes that LAHSA has shown its ability to make the most from homeless services contracts by leveraging city funds to secure additional federal and state funding.My recommendation to this committee is that we move this forward so that we can be cognizant of the benefits that this kind of effort could bring, Raman said, but also for us to be able to answer what potential losses we might face as a result of bringing these contracts in house. Get Your Daily Dose! Sign up for The Daily Brief to receive Los Angeles Magazines latest stories directly in your inbox. Subscribe below or by clicking here. (Bloomberg) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out calling an election over the coming weekend, ending the chances of a national vote before May as a cyclone bearing down on the country disrupted the center-left Labor governments planning. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Friday night that he would not be kicking off an election campaign on Sunday or Monday, ensuring that the 2025 vote would be held on May 3, May 10 or May 17. I have no intention of doing anything that distracts from what we need to do, and what we need to do is to look after each other at this difficult time, Albanese said, speaking less than 24 hours before Cyclone Alfred is due to make landfall. Australian elections are usually called on a Sunday and run for a minimum of 33 days with the vote taking place on a Saturday. The vote must be held by May 17. The Labor government had been widely expected to call an election this weekend for April 12, off the back of strong economic news and the first rate cut in four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Albaneses announcement Friday rules out an election on that date, and with April 19 and 26 both unavailable due to national public holidays, the government is left with no choice but to head to an election in May. It also means that Labor will now have to hand down a national budget in just under three weeks on March 25. Albanese said on the ABC that it had always been his intention to run his government to the end of its term in May. Certainly, my sole focus is not calling an election. My sole focus is on the needs of Australians, he said. (Updates with further details around election timing.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. A woman was severely injured in her right leg by a shark attack on Australia's east coast on Friday, emergency services said. The 50-year-old woman was flown to the hospital by rescue helicopter in serious but stable condition. The attack took place at Gunyah Beach, south of Sydney. People on the beach heard her screams and rushed to her aid, despite the danger still posed by the shark, said Andrew Bibby of NSW Ambulance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The injured woman probably would not have made it out of the water otherwise, he said, adding, "The bystanders that assisted before we got there were just absolutely remarkable." Not only did they pull the woman out of the water, they also administered first aid before the paramedics arrived. It was not initially unknown what type of shark attacked her. The 9News channel reported, citing residents, that bull sharks had been sighted in the area. Along with great white sharks and tiger sharks, this species is considered one of the most dangerous types of predatory fish. There has been a recent increase in shark attacks in Australia, especially in the tropical state of Queensland further north. In February, a 17-year-old girl was fatally injured off Bribie Island near Brisbane. In December, a man was killed while spearfishing near Humpy Island in the Great Barrier Reef. SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday ruled out calling a national election for April on Sunday or Monday, as had been expected, so his government can focus on an approaching cyclone in Queensland state. A national election must be held by mid-May, and had been expected for April so the government could avoid delivering a national budget forecast to show a deficit. "It is our intention to serve full term," Albanese said in a television interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Friday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The preparation work had been done to deliver a budget on March 25, he said. Australia ordered thousands of people in its eastern regions to evacuate before Tropical Cyclone Alfred makes landfall on Saturday, as the storm brought heavy rain, huge waves and strong winds that cut off power, swamped beaches and shut airports. "I have no intention of doing anything that distracts from what we need to do. And what we need to do is to look after each other at this difficult time," Albanese added. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Alex Richardson) Originally appeared on E! Online The discovery of Andrea Michelle Reyes came after years of searching and a DNA test. The now-27-year-oldwho was abducted by her biological mother Rosa Tenorio when she was just 23 months old from New Haven, Connecticut, in 1999was discovered in Puebla, Mexico, after authorities reopened her cold case file in 2023 and partially utilized new DNA technology. In a statement shared to social media, the New Haven Police Department shared that detective Kealyn Nivakoff had located Andrea after a combination of interviews, search warrants and social media, reuniting her with her father, who had sole custody of her at the time of her abduction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detective Nivakoff determined that Andrea, now in her 20s, had been taken by Rosa to Mexico and was residing in Puebla, a city of over a million people, the statement, shared to X March 5, detailed, adding that Nivakoff, was able to establish contact with Andrea and, in partnership with the DNA testing at company Ortham, confirm the relationship between father and daughter. More from E! Online The discovery allowed Andrea and her fatherwhose identity was left anonymousto have their first reunion in over 20 years. The New Haven police shared that while a warrant to arrest Andreas mother is still active, it is only viable in the United States and she is suspected to be residing in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police indicated that Andreas father had gone to Mexico himself several times, embarking on futile searches for his daughter until her ultimate discovery by police. The authorities concluded in their statement, No cold case is ever closed, we remain committed to resolving every cold case and this is a perfect example of that effort. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children News of Andreas discovery came just days after police in Colorado discovered now-14-year-old Abdul Aziz Khan, who was abducted by his mother Rabia Khalid in 2017 amid a custody battle that was detailed in a 2022 episode of Netflixs Unsolved Mysteries. Were overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found, his family said in a statement to authorities. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) Furniture, electronics and power tools were recovered during a search warrant in Marshall in February, bringing several open cases to a close. Items taken during past robberies were recovered from the 1100 block of Hayes St. on February 27 as authorities from the Marshall Police Department and Harrison County executed a search warrant. Officials discover meth, marijuana during traffic stop, Wills Point man arrested Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Harrison County violent crimes and narcotics task force teamed up with Marshall PD criminal investigations and patrol divisions, arresting two men, 56-year-old William Allen George Jr. and 21-year-old Leon Mathew McVay. William Allen George Jr. Courtesy of Marshall Police Department Leon Mathew McVay Courtesy of Marshall Police Department So far, the following have been recovered throughout this investigation: Electronics: TVs, cameras and a drone Power Tools: Welding machine and accessories Yard Equipment: Push mower and weed eater Furniture Investigation reveals no fentanyl exposure at Lufkin gas station George was charged with possession of a controlled substance but was released from jail on Feb. 28. McVay was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and is being held at the Harrison County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said this investigation has allowed them to close multiple cases of stolen property. The Marshall Police Department expects additional charges to be filed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Two endangered sun bear cubs have been rescued from illegal wildlife traffickers. World Animal News reported on the cubs' remarkable rescues and experiences in rehabilitation. A three-month-old cub named Mano was intercepted by Indonesian authorities from a poacher's vehicle. Seven-month-old Henri was found caged. "Sun bears are the world's smallest and most vulnerable bear species," said Neil Greenwood. Greenwood is the Program Director for Wildlife Rescue at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the nonprofit funding the cubs' rehabilitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to World Animal News, the cubs are now in the care of JAAN Indonesia, where they are learning the survival skills they missed out on developing in the wild, like how to climb trees, crack coconuts, and forage for termites. "Mano has been with us for six months now," said JAAN's Femke den Haas. "Last November, she graduated to our Forest School ... Mano is now starting to fold leaves to make a nest in trees, which is a very positive sign." Mano will soon be fitted with a GPS tracker and released into a protected national park. Henri's recovery will take longer since he spent so much of his early life in a cage. The illegal wildlife trade threatens not only individual animals but entire ecosystems, impacting humans too. Biodiversity is important for food production and economic stability species loss can lead to vanishing resources and increased food costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildlife even keeps our planet cool. Fruit-eating animals play a vital role in tree seed dispersal. When these animals are lost through illegal trade it can lead to further deforestation. According to a World Wildlife Fund report, the average size of wildlife populations has declined by 73% in the past 50 years. Despite this, the illegal wildlife trade has increased and facilitated the spread of invasive species. Lawmakers and conservationists are working to safeguard wildlife. 20,000 tortoises were rescued from poachers in Madagascar. And the U.K. expanded a ban on elephant ivory to protect other ivory-bearing species. Protecting vulnerable wildlife and, by extension, the delicate ecosystems in which they play an essential role will be an ongoing effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Providing monthly care costs for Mano and Henri and their GPS collars underscores our commitment to finding a holistic solution to wildlife crime and its impact," Greenwood told World Animal News. "The ultimate end goal is to reintroduce these animals back into the wild, where they will be a valuable part of the population," he said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. BREAUX BRIDGE, La. (KLFY) A man in St. Martin Parish allegedly arrested after authorities raided a gambling operation and seized illegal devices, vapes, and CBD, official said. According to authorities, Moehammed Dubashi, 45, of Youngsville was allegedly arrested on Thursday March 6. for the charges of illegal gambling, unauthorized gaming devices, and dangerous chemical substances. Officials said they received information regarding illegal gaming and other unlawful activities at the Henderson Hwy. One Stop located on La. 352 in Breaux Bridge in early February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tabaco Control conducted a joint operation on February 26. that resulted in a seizure of eight illegal gaming devices, 716 illegal vaping, 154 unauthorized CBD, 106 nitrous oxide cat ridges and Dubashis alleged arrest, authorities said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Bond details were not released for Dubashi. This investigation remains active and ongoing. We will update when more information is released. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. CHICAGO (WGN) Fresh off his return to the city from the hot seat on Capitol Hill, Mayor Brandon Johnson paid a visit Thursday to Pearls Place, a Bronzeville staple where political and business leaders regularly dine, and opened up about the questioning he faced, the ongoing teachers contract negotiations and President Trumps vow to abolish the Department of Education. Johnson became the first mayor since Richard M. Daley to testify before Congress when he, along with the mayors from New York, Boston and Denver, answered questions about sanctuary status in their respective cities on Wednesday before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Mayor Brandon Johnson defends Chicagos sanctuary city status at congressional hearing on Capitol Hill Yesterday was an opportunity for the City of Chicago for our story to be told, and be told in a way I believe the rest of the nation can appreciate, Johnson told WGN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a Republican-led, six-hour hearing, Johnson and the other mayors were accused of protecting criminals and not following the Trump administrations anti-immigration efforts. In Chicago, city ordinance and state law prevent police officers from questioning people about their immigration status and limits their ability to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Welcoming City policy has been around for 40 years. We comply as a city with all laws, local, state and federal, Johnson said. We know that the Illinois Trust Act that had bipartisan support, that Gov. Bruce Rauner signed into law, and that it also compliments our efforts to ensure that local law enforcement focuses on local issues. Johnson said he does not know the number of people that ICE agents have arrested in Chicago. Among the local issues outside of law enforcement is the nearly year-long teachers contract negotiations between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools. On Wednesday, CTU leaders shared petitions signed by thousands of CPS educators with the Chicago Board of Education. Theyre demanding smaller class sizes, a better teacher evaluation process, more money for veteran educators, extra planning time for teachers, and additional enrichment time for students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a deal isnt met, teachers could strike as soon as this month. To help pay for a potential contract, the Board of Education will consider increasing the CPS budget. This budget amendment is a step in the right direction because it is the responsibility of our public school board to ensure that we are investing in the hopes and aspirations of our families in our public schools, Johnson said. Regarding the US Department of Education, the mayor said Chicago would face major consequences if President Trumps proposal to abolish the agency is approved by Congress. The impact that any loss of resources from the federal government would have on our public school system would be significant, he said. We think about special education, we think about our bilingual education. Those resources are critical in the overall direction of our schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The world should listen to Africa, heed its concerns, and support it in exploring a new development path of self-reliance and self-strengthening, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday. There will be no global modernization without African modernization, and the stability and development of Africa is vital to the future of humanity, Wang told a press conference held on the sidelines of the ongoing annual session of the national legislature. China and Africa are always good friends, good partners and good brothers with a shared future, Wang said, noting that the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history. China has established strategic partnerships with all African countries having diplomatic ties with it, and the China-Africa community with a shared future has been elevated to an "all-weather" level, he said. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Over the past 25 years, China has helped Africa build or upgrade nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads and more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, Wang said, adding that in the past three years alone, Chinese enterprises created more than 1.1 million new jobs in Africa. Noting that China has remained Africa's largest trade partner for 16 consecutive years, Wang said China-Africa cooperation is "visible, tangible and truly beneficial" to African people. Mar. 6The rain should mostly move out of the Baltimore area, making way for windy conditions before sunny and warmer temperatures take over the next week, according to the National Weather Service. Thursday is forecast to be mostly cloudy, with a high of 51, then breezy, with a west wind of 14 to 19 mph, increasing to 21 to 26 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 47 mph. Thursday night should be mostly clear with a low around 35 and west wind of 21 to 26 mph, gusting up to 47 mph. [Get the latest weathercast from FOX45 News] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Baltimore area dealt with rain throughout Wednesday, and there was a threat of a tornado, but the region managed to avoid any severe damage. "During yesterday's severe weather event in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area, we did not have any severe reports in the Baltimore area," said Kevin Witt, a meteorologist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "There were two Severe Thunderstorm Warnings issued yesterday. They were issued for parts of Culpeper County in central Virginia and for parts of Charles County in southern parts of Charles County in southern Maryland." Sunshine should predominate starting Friday. That day's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a high near 57 and west wind of 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. There's a slight chance of showers Saturday after 1 a.m., with overnight skies mostly cloudy, a low around 41 and calmer conditions. The rest of Saturday should be partly sunny with a high near 51 and low around 32. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a high near 54 and low around 38. Conditions are predicted to heat up during the workweek. Monday is expected to be sunny with a high near 63 and low around 38. Tuesday's forecast calls for more sunny skies with a high near 70. And Wednesday should be mostly sunny with a high near 73. Baltimore Sun reporters Dan Belson and Matt Hubbard contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich. Originally Published:March 6, 2025 at 7:12 AM EST Banning Andrew Tate content could cost the Government trade with the United States, a former culture secretary has warned. Baroness Nicky Morgan said any move against the controversial social media influencer could become unstuck amid Donald Trumps desire to step back from regulation of social media platforms. She added that campaigners for the Online Safety Act were now worried it could be used for bargaining during trade negotiations with Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law, which regulates online speech, is thought to be heavily disliked by Mr Trumps administration because it can levy massive fines on US tech companies. However, Baroness Morgan said any consideration by the UK Government to rework the online harm laws to avoid tariffs would be a huge retrograde step. Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme about whether trade consequences would follow any move against Tate, she said: There could be. And I think what worries a lot of us now who campaigned for the Online Safety Act is that actually the act itself could be up as part of the bargaining on the trade deal. For the very reason that President Trump appears to want to take a step back from regulation of the platforms, and theyre allowing him to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That will be, I think, a huge, retrograde step. She said the UK had done the right thing in bringing the Act into force and that it was just the starting point in regulation of the social media companies. Fuelled by misogyny Her comments came after it emerged Kyle Clifford had watched Tates videos before murdering and raping his ex-partner and also killing her sister and mother. The former soldier was said to be fuelled by misogyny as he killed Louise Hunt, 25, her 28-year-old sister Hannah and their mother Carol, 61, in a knife and crossbow attack at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, in July last year. Tate, 38, is a British-American former kickboxer who has millions of followers online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and his brother Tristan, 36, face charges in the UK of rape and human trafficking. They deny the allegations and earlier this week left Romania for the US, where Floridas attorney general has launched a criminal investigation into them. Baroness Morgan added that Cliffords case and revelations of him watching Tate proved so-called legal content can be absolutely deeply, deeply harmful to others and transfer to physical offline harm. Ken Macdonald, the former Director of Public Prosecutions, said that a lot of what [Tate] says online is illegal. If hes encouraging this sort of behaviour, hes breaking UK criminal law, and he ought to be held accountable for it, and Im afraid at the moment, he hasnt been held accountable for it, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the potential risk of worsened trade with the US, Lord Macdonald said: I think this is a very sinister development and I think we need to hold the line. This is bullying, its the tech-bros, as we like to call them now, becoming completely out of control and deciding they are going to order what nation states can do and cant do and thats intolerable. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Former President Barack Obama was spotted in San Franciscos North Beach neighborhood Thursday night. The former commander in chief was on the West Coast this week. On Wednesday, he made an appearance at Inglewoods Intuit Dome where he took in the Los Angeles Clippers vs Detroit Pistons game in the company of Clippers owner, Steve Balmer. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA MARCH 05: Former President Barack Obama greets assistant coach Larry Drew of the LA Clippers ahead of the game between the LA Clippers and the Detroit Pistons at Intuit Dome on March 05, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) The 44th presidents West Coast jaunt also apparently included a stopover in the City by the Bay. According to users on Reddit, Obama was seen near North Beach mainstay, Vesuvio. Tony! Toni! Tone! guitarist DWayne Wiggins dies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a crowd gathered around Vesuvio as I approached it last night, lots of cops blocking traffic, a user posted. I thought maybe there was some sort of violent crime or something happening, but as I approached the crowd of onlookers, I heard what everyone was muttering about. Apparently Barack Obama was there, flanked by Secret Service and everything. Was anybody else there? Can anyone confirm it? Can confirm we saw him, another user posted. We noticed heavy security way beyond what even Pelosi rolls with, so we stopped to watch and he quickly ducked out of an adjacent doorway into a black SUV and they sped off. So was the former president grabbing a beer at Vesuvio, the decades-old North Beach bar, famous as a hangout for Jack Kerouac and the beatniks? It doesnt seem like it. Apparently, there is a private dining space located above the bar called Officina, owned by the Quince & Co. restaurant group. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, former President Obama was dining there on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Users on Reddit corroborated the Chronicles report. There is a low key dinner spot upstairs that does private service for high profile people, a user posted. If he stopped into Vesuvio, its probably because he was having dinner upstairs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Mar. 6By 2026 the Ector County Coliseum will get more air conditioned space and a face lift for Barns B and C. During a Thursday meeting, which was scheduled Thursday rather than Tuesday due to Spring Break, commissioners voted to update the barns by combining them. The barns, Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett said, will be combined and will offer air conditioned space by March or April of 2026. Fawcett said funding for the project will come from the Hotel Occupancy Fund. "It will open for more events with more air conditioned space." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fawcett said stakeholders including representatives from the SandHills Rodeo, Permian Basin Fair and the Chuck Wagon Gang offered input on what they felt for needs for the Coliseum. Fawcett said square footage will increase and construction will pause during this year's Permian Basin Fair. Commissioners also: Heard a safety corridor study by Kimley Horn and also about grant money available for safer streets. The goal is to draft a safety action plan after holding public workshops and analyzing crash reports to recommend countermeasures. Fawcett said the exciting thing is to go after some federal funds to help bolster roadways for safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accepted a donation from Barnhart Bolt to the Sheriff's Office for $39,000. Approved the Early Voting Schedule and the Election Day Vote Centers for the May 3 Joint General Election. Approved Mike Gardner as the airport board appointee for the Odessa Schlemeyer Field Airport Board. Approved Judge Dustin Fawcett as the MPO Board appointee. Approved the Care Coordination Agreement between the Ector County Health Department and PermiaCare. Approved a correction on a warranty deed between Ector County, Texas, and Odessa Junior College District. Approved a TxDOT Consultant Selection form for the TxDOT 2406ODESA Project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approved a Designation of Sponsors Authorized Representative form for the TxDOT 2406ODESA Project located at Odessa-Ector County Schlemeyer Field. Approved an Amendment by and between Ector County and Tyler Technologies, Inc., to grant Tyler Technologies permission to access and review data stored in the EJM Database. Approved a Variance Application for a Replat of Lot 25, Block 10, 385 Ranch Estates West, Precinct #4. Approved an annexation of a 3.94-acre tract, situated in Section 40, Abstract 593, Block 42, Township 2 South, Texas and Pacific Railway Company Survey, Ector County. Approved a Subdivision Plat Application for J & P Subdivision, 2nd Filing, being a 1.16-acre tract of land within a 22.00-acre tract, located in Section 5, Block 41, Precinct #2. Approved a budget amendment request for the Coliseum project. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Authorities need help finding a Baton Rouge man who was added to the U.S. Marshals Services 15 Most Wanted list in December 2023. Leethel White, also known as Lee Lee, 47, is wanted by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder. White is accused of shooting two women at close range in January 2016 in the Gardere area. One woman died, and the other was seriously injured. Authorities said White is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 215 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on both arms, his chest and his back. Officials said that he should be considered armed and dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I urge anyone with information that can help us find Mr. White or his remains and close this investigation to come forward and help us bring closure to the victims and their families, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Louisiana William Travis Brown Jr. said. Former Southern University student charged in hazing death case The USMS usually doesnt give rewards if the fugitive is dead. However, they might offer compensation when theres doubt about the fugitives status. Authorities are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his whereabouts. The reward remains available for credible information that either leads to Whites capture or confirms his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you know where White is or where his remains are, call the U.S. Marshals 24-hour tip line at 1-877-WANTED2. You can also share tips through the USMS Tips App. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) The Broome County Sheriffs Office needs your help locating a man who has an outstanding warrant for probation violation. Police are looking for Sean Post, who is described as a 5-foot-10-inch white male with brown hair and blue eyes, weighing approximately 190 pounds. He is in violation of probation for burglary. Tips may be submitted electronically using the Broome County Sheriffs Office website: https://gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/warrants or via telephone by calling the Broome County Sheriffs Office tip line at (607) 778-1196 or Warrants Division at (607) 778-2923 or (607) 778- 2933. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. Belarus and Russia ratified the Union State Security Pact, expanding the nuclear umbrella and military integration. Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko invites U.S President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin to Minsk for peace talks. Belarus criminalizes sharing information on military movements and expands in absentia prosecution of exiled opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Newsletter Belarus Weekly Join us Local media reported that a stray drone crashed into power lines in Belarus, causing outages in Mazyr. Belarus hits record low in the Freedom House report, ranking 192-194 out of 207 globally. Belarus, Russia ratify Union State security pact, providing for nuclear umbrella, military bases Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko have concluded the ratification of the Union State security guarantees, expanding Russias nuclear umbrella over Belarus and deepening the military integration of the two countries. The Union State security pact was signed on Dec. 6, stipulating that Russian nuclear weapons can be used against an aggressor state even ones that dont have nuclear weapons themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin signed the law ratifying the agreement on Feb. 28, after speedy consideration in Russias State Duma in February. Belaruss Lukashenko signed the ratification law on March 4, his press office reported. The pact will enter into force after the sides exchange ratification documents. The security pact signing comes on the same day the Russian parliament ratified another agreement postponing Belaruss repayment of about $800 million in Russian state loans. Opposition politician Pavel Latushka, formerly an official in the Belarusian foreign ministry, linked the two ratifications. Lukashenko got himself into debt with Russia, and now hes paying with the countrys national sovereignty, Latushka said. Beyond expanding the Russian nuclear umbrella to cover Belarus, Article 5 of the agreement provides for the establishment of Russian military bases and stationing of Russian troops on the territory of Belarus to prevent and repel acts of aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the implementation of this provision would require a separate agreement between Minsk and Moscow. Russia has been pushing to establish an air base in Belarus since 2015. The treaty also obliges the parties to support each other in the event of a threat to their constitutional orders allowing each to potentially intervene to suppress public protests in either of the two countries. The Union State security agreement lasts for ten years and is automatically extended, unless one of the parties declares its intention to withdraw six months in advance. According to NATO estimates, Belarus hosted up to 30,000 Russian troops in the buildup to the Russian attack on Kyiv in February-March 2022, in the pretense that they were taking part in the Union Determination-2022 military drills. Following Russian forces withdrawal from the northern front, the number of Russian troops in Belarus gradually fell, with just about 2,000 soldiers now being left, according to the Belarusian Hajun monitoring project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September 2025, Belarus is to host up to 13,000 troops for the Zapad-2025 (West-2025) exercises. The Russian-Belarusian plans to hold the exercises have sparked concern among Ukrainian officials. Read also: Ukrainian troops logistics in Kursk Oblast destroyed, they face risk of encirclement, sources say Lukashenko claims readiness to host Trump, Zelensky, Putin for talks in Minsk Minsk is prepared to host the leaders of the United States, Ukraine, and Russia for talks on ending Russias war against Ukraine, Lukashenko, a staunch Moscow ally, said in an interview on March 4. Lukashenkos remarks came shortly after the United States imposed an immediate freeze on military aid to Ukraine, in a move the White House claimed was meant to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into entering peace negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with U.S. Internet media personality Mario Nawfal, Lukashenko reiterated his praise for U.S. President Donald Trump, and said he was willing to help achieve his goal of brokering peace between Kyiv and Moscow. Its only 200 kilometers from the Belarusian border to Kyiv half an hour by plane, Lukashenko told Nawfal. "You are welcome to come. We will sit down here. Well come to an agreement quietly, without noise, without shouting. So tell Trump: Im waiting for him here, along with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and Zelensky. Well sit down and calmly negotiate. If you want to make a deal. The Kremlin has already backed the proposal. This issue has not been raised or discussed in any way. But, of course, Minsk is the best place for us. It is our main ally, so it is the best place for negotiations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the early days of Russias all-out invasion, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia were held in Belarus but were later moved to Istanbul. Minsk has repeatedly attempted to get a seat at the negotiating table, at the same time requiring security guarantees for itself. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi said, Belarusian officials have the right to claim a fair hearing in the process of bringing the aggressor and his accomplices to international legal responsibility for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Belarus previously hosted talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2014 and 2015, which led to the signing of the Minsk Agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreements were meant to stop Russias war in eastern Ukraine, but both of the documents were ultimately violated by Russia. Two days before launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin declared that the Minsk Agreements no longer existed. Lukashenko has been trying to make himself noticed by Trump, rushing to congratulate him on winning the U.S. presidential elections even before the results were confirmed, and promising to nominate President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Following the failure of the rare earth metals deal with Ukraine on Feb. 28, Lukashenko ordered his ministers to look into the issue of mining rare earth metals in Belarus. Read also: Trumps increasing support for Russia leaves Zelensky with fewer options to secure U.S. backing Belarus criminalizes spreading information on movement of military units, broadens grounds for repression of exiled opposition Updates to the criminal code in Belarus have introduced prison sentences of up to three years for the unauthorized sharing of information about the deployment of military units and their movement within the country, Human Rights watchdog Viasna reported on Feb. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The changes to the code also broaden the category of offenses that can be subject to in absentia prosecution. Since Russia unleashed its all-out invasion of Ukraine, Belarusians have been reporting the movement of Russian troops, and sharing footage and information on Russian troop locations with independent media and open-source intelligence projects. Ninety-three Belarusians have been sentenced on extremism charges for doing so. The updated criminal code, which entered into effect on March 2, essentially outlaws sharing any form of content featuring the military in Belarus during wartime, emergencies, or counter-terrorist operations unless the authorities have already shared such information. Violations are punishable by up to three years of imprisonment, or six years, if premeditated and committed by a group, and causing significant damage, the amended code reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The updated criminal code also introduces the new status of a president who ceased to fulfill his duties and criminalizes violence, threats, and libel against him. According to the current constitution, the incumbent, Alexander Lukashenko, can be re-elected once more and rule until 2035. Although there are no apparent signs of an impending transition of power, the Belarusian authorities have established an extra-governmental body the All-Belarus Peoples Assembly, which is headed by Lukashenko to which the dictator could retire after leaving the presidency, while still wielding considerable influence. Drone crashes into high-voltage power lines in Belarus, causing local blackout A stray Russian attack drone crashed into high-voltage power grid lines at a thermal power plant on Feb. 27, causing the most significant damage by a drone in Belarus so far, Flagshtok, a local news outlet in the Homiel region, has reported. Russian drone incursions into the Belarusian airspace have risen sharply since July 2024. At least 395 drones were recorded flying over the country in the second half of the year, and this year 94 were spotted in January alone. The Belarusian authorities dont comment on the incidents, and never publicly objected to them with their ally Moscow. On the morning of Feb. 27, residents of Mazyr, Homiel Oblast, about 45 kilometers from the border with Ukraine, were cut off from heating and hot water supplies. Local state energy company Homielenergo attributed the problem to a breakdown in the rather old heat supply system, without elaborating on the cause. Heating and hot water supplies were restored after a full day of repair work. According to Flagshtoks sources, the drone crashed into the high-voltage lines of a thermal power plant, triggering its automatic protection system, which led to a full shutdown of the plant, which is located south of the Mazyr Oil Refinery a strategic object reportedly protected by Belarusian air defenses. Restarting the plant caused a fault in the piping system. On the same night, another drone crashed and set fire to a farm building in Ziabrauka, a village next to a military airfield in the Homiel Oblast. Residents reported the sound of gunfire and a blast at around 4 a.m. Belarus given its lowest ever ranking in Freedom in the World report Belarus ranked 192-194th out of 207 countries and territories worldwide on the level of political and civil liberties, according to global human rights watchdog Freedom Houses Freedom in the World report, which was published on Feb. 26. The Freedom in the World report, first published in 1973, tracks the condition of political rights and civil liberties around the globe. According to its authors, global freedom declined in 2024 for the 19th consecutive year, and Belarus received some of the worst aggregate scores for political rights and civil liberties. The country scored just seven points out of 100, sharing its position with Azerbaijan and Myanmar. Hundreds of Belarus opposition supporters take part in a march in Warsaw, Poland on Jan. 25, 2025. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images) The report also notes Minsks role in the indoctrination of Ukrainian children forcibly deported from the occupied territories. According to the recent estimates by Belarusian opposition Peoples Anti-Crisis Management initiative, up to 3,500 Ukrainian children from Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories were transported to Belarus. Belarus is also one of the most repressive countries for lawyers. Over the past four years, up to 27% of Belarusian lawyers were disbarred or lost their licenses after representing political prisoners in courts, U.S. government-funded broadcaster RFE/RL reported, citing the International Observatory of Lawyers. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Mar. 6BEMIDJI A new Pheasants Forever chapter covering the northwestern portion of the state including Beltrami County, called Wings and Water, was recently unveiled. "Pheasants Forever is proud to introduce the newest chapter in Minnesota," a release said. "The Wings & Water chapter volunteers are excited to generate involvement in conservation efforts on local, public lands." The chapter will first meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, at Lazy Jack's Bar and Grill in Bemidji. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With opportunities to access public lands, the chapter will focus on restoring and expanding these acres," the release said. "Despite being outside of the pheasant range, they will strive to increase wildlife habitat quantity and quality for deer, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, waterfowl and more." Chance Steward, Pheasants Forever's western Minnesota regional representative, will work with and support the new chapter. "This chapter represents an incredible opportunity to bring together passionate conservationists in a region rich with public lands and diverse wildlife," Steward said in the release. "They will serve as a hub for habitat restoration, water quality initiatives and community engagement with other conservation partners. Uniting around a shared commitment to conservation, we're ensuring that the wild landscapes of northern Minnesota remain genuine and accessible for generations to come." Pheasants Forever, combined with Quail Forever, is the nation's largest upland habitat conservation nonprofit organization comprised of over 480,000 members, supporters and partners. There are 754 chapters nationwide. Since its creation in 1982, Pheasants Forever has donated more than $1 billion to over 580,000 habitat projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unique among national conservation organizations, chapters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever retain 100 percent decision-making control over fundraiser dollars, allowing volunteers to support impactful wildlife habitat projects, public access initiatives and conservation education programs throughout the upland bird range," the release said. For more information about the Wings & Water chapter, contact President Briar Verbout at bverbout@gmail.com. For more information about Pheasants Forever in Minnesota, contact Steward at CSteward@PheasantsForever.org. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended President Trumps global trade tariffs on Thursday at the Economic Club of New York, explaining that the Trump administrations America First trade policy involves more than low prices. Access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American dream. The American dream is rooted in the concept that any citizen can achieve prosperity, upward mobility and economic security, he said. For too long, the designers of multilateral trade deals have lost sight of this. International economic relations that do not work for the American people must be reexamined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newly minted Treasury Department leader said the president will restructure trade relationships in an aggressive campaign to rebalance the international economic system. To the extent that another countrys practices harm our own economy and people, the United States will respond. This is the America First trade policy, said Bessent. We are identifying bad actors across a range of criteria not just tariffs applied to our exports, but non-tariffs barriers, laws which unfairly apply fines to our exporters, government policies which undercut global competition and suppress wages, and currency manipulation that enables persistent trade surpluses. The Trump administration aims to analyze economic policies with allies and adversaries alike to recoup on what the administration considers unfair agreements and boost domestic production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a follow-up Q&A with Fox Business Network commentator Larry Kudlow, Bessent said Trump believes three things. One, that it [tariffs] is a good source of revenues. Two, it protects our important industries and the employees. And three, hes added a third leg to the stool, and he uses it for negotiating. On Tuesday, Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico and an additional 10 percent tariff on China. On Thursday, the president offered exemptions to certain imports on the North American tariffs for a month. Economists have warned that higher levies could impact consumer prices to the detriment of Americans. However, Trump said the blow will be worth the price that must be paid, while Bessent said tariffs could be a one-time price adjustment. Bessent also warned that the U.S. will work to craft crippling sanctions on Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, Ive said and written that economic security is national security. Nowhere is this more evident than the U.S. Treasurys sanctions actions, Bessent said. Bessent said the U.S. would close off Irans access to the international financial system by targeting its oil supply chain at all stages. Making Iran broke again will mark the beginning of our updated sanctions policy. Watch this space, Bessent said. If economic security is national security, the regime in Tehran will have neither. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. RIYADH, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia confirmed on Friday that a meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. delegations would be held in the western port city of Jeddah next week. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Saudi Foreign Ministry noted the kingdom's "continued efforts to achieve lasting peace to end the Ukrainian crisis," without specifying the date and the content of the upcoming meeting. Earlier on Friday, the Kiev-based UNN news agency, citing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reported that Ukrainian and U.S. delegations are expected to meet for peace talks next week in Saudi Arabia. "On Monday, I am scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with the Crown Prince (Mohammed bin Salman). After that, my team will remain in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners," Zelensky was quoted as saying. He stressed that Kiev is committed to achieving peace and is working on a solution to the conflict, expressing Ukraine's readiness to coordinate "with partners in America and Europe for the sake of peace." On Thursday, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told reporters that he is set to meet with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia on March 11 to discuss a potential peace agreement. The upcoming Ukraine-U.S. meeting follows a rare shouting match at the White House between U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelensky in late February, leading to the cancellation of an anticipated bilateral minerals agreement. (Bloomberg) -- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the US economy may see some disruption as the Trump administration shifts the basis for growth away from the government and toward the private sector. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Could we be seeing this economy that we inherited starting to roll a bit? Sure, Bessent said in an interview Friday on CNBC. Look, theres going to be a natural adjustment as we move away from public spending. A number of economic indicators have suggested a slowdown in growth, with a key gauge of manufacturing having tilted toward stagnation in March and consumer confidence declining. Bessent argues that the expansion under the Biden administration was artificially supported by government spending. He spoke before Fridays February employment report, which showed steady job growth on the eve of policy changes. The market and the economy have just become hooked, and weve become addicted to this government spending, Bessent said. Theres going to be a detox period. Asked about whether President Donald Trump would shift his policy moves in order to prop up the stock market, the Treasury chief said that there is no such Trump put, as stock analysts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no put, he said. The Trump call on the upside is, if we have good policies, then the markets will go up. Stocks tumbled well over 1% in three of the past four trading sessions as the Trump administration imposed tariff hikes on Mexico, Canada and China. While equities rallied on Wednesday amid optimism over some of the levies being put on hold, market participants have pointed to unease over plans for further protectionist actions at the start of April. The S&P 500 was down 4.2% for the week as of 10:48 a.m. in New York Friday. Asked whether tariffs would be kept for the long term, Bessent said, Well see. Trump on Thursday downplayed the reaction in stocks, saying Im not even looking at the market. He argued that foreign countries are ripping us off and that tariffs would put the US on a stronger footing over time. Therell always be a little short-term interruption. I dont think its going to be big. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump takes in a lot of information every day, and the stock market is part of it, Bessent said. I watch everything. Course Adjustment Its a much-needed course adjustment, Bessent said of Trumps economic policies. Well see whether theres pain, he added. Im confident if we have the right policies, itll be a very smooth transition. Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, said in a separate interview with Bloomberg Television that the February jobs report already illustrates the transition that the Trump administration is aiming for. Were going to be reducing government employment and reducing government spending and increasing manufacturing employment, Hassett said. As you can see in the jobs report today, youre already seeing a pivot in that direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manufacturing jobs rose by 10,000 in February. Government employment which has been among the drivers of job growth in recent years saw the weakest gain in nearly a year, while federal payrolls were down by the most since June 2022. Overall, payrolls rose by 151,000. Policies including extending the 2017 tax cuts, implementing deregulation and reducing American deaths from fentanyl will spur the economy, Hassett predicted. All of that is going to give us the 3% or 4% growth that were all hoping for that we got in the first term with Trump, he said. --With assistance from Kasia Klimasinska and Jonathan Ferro. (Updates with remarks by NEC chief Hassett in final four paragraphs.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. If your alarm goes off Sunday morning and you roll out of bed feeling a little more groggy than normal, you shouldnt be shocked. Chances are you will have gotten a bit less sleep. One hour less, to be exact. Thats because at 2 a.m. daylight saving time will go into effect. Clocks suddenly jump to 3 a.m., springing forward and stealing 60 minutes of slumber. Changing the clocks is a biannual ritual that has roots dating back as far as the late 1700s. Its days may be numbered, with medical experts and some politicians arguing the practice should be stopped due to its potential impact on health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story of daylight saving The modern idea of shifting clocks has its beginning in a joke by a Founding Father. According to multiple sources, Benjamin Franklin comically proposed the idea back in 1784, pitching it as a way for the people of Paris to cut down on how much they had to spend on candles. About 100 years later the issue appeared again, and this time seriously. A British builder was able to get a member of Parliament to author a bill that would shift clocks in April and September. The bill failed. However, the next effort to legislate time changes was successful. This time it was in Canada, where in 1908 the residents of Port Arthur, Ontario, decided to set their clocks forward by one hour, according to timeandtable.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first version of daylight saving time came to the U.S. during World War I to help save fuel as part of the war effort, according to information from the Smithsonian. The country brought back war time during World War II, but it was discontinued in September 1945. Twenty years later, timekeeping in the U.S. had become chaotic. According to the Smithsonian, at that time 71 of the countrys largest cities were using daylight saving time and 59 werent. In an attempt to settle the situation, Congress in 1966 passed the Uniform Time Act, which split the year in half. On the last Sunday in April each year daylight saving time would begin, and on the last Sunday in October standard time would resume. In 1974, President Richard Nixon signed a law that made daylight saving time the official and only time in the U.S. in an attempt to address an ongoing national gas crisis. But the move proved unpopular and was repealed by the end of that same year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then there have been small changes to the dates when clocks are adjusted, with things currently standing that theyre moved forward on the second Sunday in March and back on the first Sunday in November. Concerning health impacts Regardless of the reasons for changing the clocks, health experts agree that the results of the practice can be dangerous. Dr. Matthew Viereck, a neurologist at Reading Hospital, said moving clocks forward or backward can create a variety of health concerns. Thats particularly true when people lose an hour of sleep. Dr. Matthew Viereck Youre more prone to experience sleep deprivation, he said. You also see a disruption of circadian rhythms, the internal body clock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viereck said those disruptions can have adverse health effects, like an increase in the frequency of heart attacks, which increase by about 24% in the days after the time shift. Medical experts also see more strokes, victims of workplace accidents and patients from motor vehicle crashes. There are some things people can do to help minimize the impacts of time changes, Viereck said. The first is to prepare by gradually adjusting the time you go to sleep and wake up. Starting about a week before the shift you can go to bed about 15 minutes earlier each day. Viereck said people should make sure to get a solid seven to nine hours of sleep in the day or two before the time change and avoid overscheduling themselves in the morning for a few days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good sleep habits are also important to dealing with time shifts, Viereck said. That includes avoiding excess light and caffeine in the evening and sleeping in a dark, cold, quiet room. Its also good to get exposure to daylight in the morning, he said. Daylight is one of the most powerful signals of external time. Getting light in the morning can help with your body shifting to the new time. Viereck said that if anyone is experiencing continuing sleep issues they should speak with the physician. Time for a change? The health issues associated with changing the clocks has led medical experts to call for the practice to be abolished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. is one of only about 70 countries to use daylight saving time, most of which are in North America and Europe. Even in the U.S., two states Arizona and Hawaii dont make the switch. And the American Academy of Sleep thinks the rest of the country should follow suit. In a statement published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine in 2020 it said it is unequivocal in advocating for the elimination of daylight saving time. The U.S. should eliminate seasonal time changes in favor of a national, fixed, year-round time, the statement says, later adding that standard time best aligns with human circadian rhythms. Viereck said he agrees with that stance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I would like to see is that standard time be made permanent, he said. Viereck said standard time most aligns with humans internal body clocks, adding that if daylight saving time were made permanent instead it would mean some areas of the country wouldnt see daybreak until as late as 8 a.m. at some points during the year. That could be dangerous with kids going to school and people going to work, he said. COLORADO CITY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A multitude of factors is forcing many cotton gins across the Big Country and surrounding areas to scale back production, with some at risk of shutting down entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vast cotton fields are one of the defining features of the West Texas landscape, but those in the cotton industry are facing particularly tough times. Producers Coop Gin in Colorado City, a staple since the 1930s, has seen a steady decline in production in recent years. Gin manager Ray Ritchey highlights some of the challenges contributing to this downturn. With lower prices, farmers are having a hard time putting anything together and making a profit. That escalated with the drought and topped that off. We had well over several weeks of above 100-degree temperature. Were in the processing end of it, and if you dont have it, you dont process it, Ritchey shared. Big Country agriculture facing weather and legislative concerns in 2025 However, Colorado City isnt alone in feeling the effects. During a recent address to the Abilene Kiwanis Club, Taylor County Extension Agent Steve Estes discussed how some cotton gins in the northwest part of the Big Country are adopting creative strategies just to stay open. These three came together and pooled some of their employees and they worked between the three, and they would gin cotton in one for a while and then they get caught up, and they would shut that gym down and go to another gin and run it for a little while. These are things that we had never seen before, Estes explained. Drought and falling prices arent the only challenges rural cotton farmers face. A growing number of farmers are seeing their operations decline as employees leave for opportunities in other sectors. Oil and gas companies, as well as wind farms, are drawing younger generations away from cotton fields and into the oil patch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate change & the future of cotton production in West Texas While some government assistance, such as a Small Business Administration Loan (SBA), can help farmers and farm-related businesses keep their doors open, Ray Ritchey says the stress factor is increased when there is no product to help pay back the loan. This area has been declared a disaster area back in 22, and it did make us eligible for SBA loans. Still, with that being said, its harder to buy yourself out of debt with just no volume, Ritchey said. The National Cotton Council estimates that in the 1890s, nearly 900 U.S. cotton mills operated. Today, that number has fallen to around 100. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) A Big Wave surfer on the Big Island has been charged with 25 offenses including abuse, unlawful imprisonment and possession of firearms. According to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, 46-year-old Kealiiwainue Mamala is facing charges for domestic incidents that occurred between November 2024 and March 2025. Murder suspect dead after officer-involved shooting on Big Island Court documents revealed Mamala is accused of abuse of a family or household member by causing bodily injury by impeding normal breathing or circulation of blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamala is also accused of assaulting a woman with a fishing pole stand, rupturing her eardrum, striking her with a propane torch and breaking her nose. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news He faces multiple counts of misdemeanor Ownership or Possession of a Firearm Prohibited for a Springfield Armory, model 1902 rifle and Snake Charmer .410 caliber pistol. Officials said Mamala has also been charged with Terroristic Threatening. The most serious offenses, Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree and Felony Abuse are all class C felony offenses and carry a penalty of either a five year prison term or five years probation and up to 12 months in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of now, Mamala is being held at the Circuit Court matter without bail for 14 charges. He faces 11 other charges on $116,020 bail in the District Court matter. Check out more news from around Hawaii Prosecuting Attorney Waltjen said they have filed a motion to hold Mamala without bail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. TEXAS (KMID/KPEJ)- The 89th Texas Legislative session is fully underway as the Texas House and Senate continue to decide what new laws will go into effect. Of the more than 6,000 bills that have been introduced this session so far, House Bill 2683 is the only one that will help the fast-growing food truck industry. What this does is it provides freedom for food truck operators in terms of the permitting process, especially in a place like ours here in the Permian Basin where you have multiple cities and multiple counties that a food truck may serve, said state representative Brooks Landgraf. Rather than forcing those operators to get different permits in each jurisdiction that theyre in, what if we just had one statewide permit that would allow them to operate legally and in compliance with certain health and safety regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We recently sat down with Odessa city councilman, Craig Stoker. Who touched on the citys impact on local food truck vendors. Stoker Q&A What are the current city ordinances the city has in effect for food truck vendors? So right now, looking at the city ordinances, youve got about three different iterations that have been put together that are about three, five, and seven years old. And so what were doing is looking at those and trying to decide, what role does the city have in enforcing any of it? What role does the county play? And what role should we play? So we are currently working with the fire marshals office to make sure that what were writing into the ordinance follows the international fire codes that the fire department follows. What are your thoughts on House Bill 2683? It just makes sense Ive been in talks with some of the leaders in Midland about how we even come up with a Midland-Odessa super permit where if youre good in Midland, youre good in Odessa. I think that it gets the city out of the way of these small businesses and lets them operate. What is the city doing to help out local food truck vendors? We will be hosting a town hall for the food truck owners. Itll come to council, so therell be plenty of opportunity for feedback from the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH: HB 2683 and its impact on local food truck vendors Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. A member of the California Assembly representing part of Los Angeles has proposed a bill that aims to reduce vigilantism but that critics say would criminalize self-defense. Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles) proposed Assembly Bill 1333, which would eliminate certain circumstances under which homicide is justifiable, including, among others, in defense of a habitation or property, CalMatters explains. The bill would additionally clarify circumstances in which homicide is not justifiable, including, among others, when a person uses more force than necessary to defend against a danger, the outlet added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deadly force wouldnt be considered necessary when the shooter could have safely retreated, during cases of mutual combat or when the shooter knowingly provoked a person, CalMatters detailed. What this bill is focused on is someone who goes out in public, picks a fight and when the victim responds they shoot them and claim self-defense, Zbur told CalMatters. Republicans, however, say the bill would take away peoples right to self-defense. Sheriff Bianco claims new California bill would make self-defense illegal We have situations where police have to react in the moment, and those are trained individuals, said Assemblymember David Tangipa of Fresno. Now were asking people who are untrained to make decisions that could cost them their lives. It doesnt matter the (bills) intentions, its the implications at the end of the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill could be heard in committee later this month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, questions Del. J.B. Akers, R-Kanawha, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, about a bill that would define "men" and "women" by biological sex in state code on Friday, March 7, 2025. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography) A bill that would define men and women in state code thus barring transgender people from using facilities in certain places that match their gender identity passed the West Virginia House of Delegates on Friday. Senate Bill 456 already passed the state Senate earlier this week. Now, the bill will return to its originating body where lawmakers there will need to concur or deny amendments made to the bill in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With four members absent and not voting, the House approved the bill 87-9 on Friday; every Democrat in the body voted against the bill. SB 456 will, for the first time, define men and women in state code by tying the terms to a persons sex; it does not recognize the existence of nonbinary people or those who do not identify as male or female, though it does require that accommodations be made for people who are intersex or who are born with similar conditions. Through the definitions added to code, the bill bans transgender people from accessing bathrooms, locker rooms and other facilities that align with their gender identity. Those bans apply to all state-owned buildings, including public schools, higher education institutions, state corrections facilities and domestic violence shelters that receive state funding. There are no provisions, however, that levy criminal penalties against schools, higher education institutions or others who fail to uphold the bills requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, lawmakers in the House voted down an amendment from Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, that would have stopped the proposed bill from allowing individuals to inspect someones genitals adults or children to prove their sex. The body did, via voice vote, approve an alternate amendment from Del. J.B. Akers, R-Kanawha, that will only allow a treating health care provider to visually or physically examine a minor child for the purpose of verifying their biological sex without the consent of the childs parent, guardian, or custodian. There are no protections against such exams for adults. In debate on the House floor Friday, Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, said its obvious that the point of passing laws like SB 456 is to gain political favor from those who have made denying trans people rights a staple of their beliefs. While the legislation may be legally toothless, he continued, it will still hurt people who are already marginalized especially trans people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bill like this does have real consequences, and real people do get hurt, and unfortunately, its a very, very small subsection of our society that simply wants to exist and be left alone, Pushkin said. Their elected officials instead run bills aimed directly at them, putting the target directly on their back because of the political expediency involved I would gladly rather have a negative mailer sent out against me, really, than to be firmly planted on the wrong side of history today. Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha Akers, who chairs the House Committee on Judiciary which approved this bill before it came to the whole floor for a vote, said that he understands transgender people exist and should be treated with dignity and respect. He continued, however, saying that dignity and respect should not include access to single-sex spaces. Theres a reason why we have federal laws such as the Violence Against Women Act, Akers said. Its because we recognize the disparity in power between men and women, which, again, men and women are legally equal in all respects, but physically as a matter of common sense, they are not, which is why they deserve protections in places such as shelters and correctional institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no empirical evidence to support claims that trans people commit harassment or assault against others when using bathrooms or facilities that align with their gender identity. Instead, people who are trans are more likely to be victims of such attacks when forced to use facilities that dont match their gender identity, according to a study from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. In that study, nearly 70% of transgender people surveyed said they experienced verbal harassment in gender-segregated bathrooms and changing rooms. Ten percent of respondents reported physical assault. Transgender children already face higher rates of harassment, assault and sexual violence than their cisgender peers. A 2019 study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that the rate of sexual assaults against trans middle and high school students at schools that restrict their bathroom and locker room access based on sex jumped from 26% to 35% in the preceding 12 months. And in West Virginia, the state Coalition of Domestic Violence opposes the measure. A leader for the shelter told lawmakers that SB 456, if passed, could impact their ability to serve transgender individuals. Additionally, tight budgets could make it impossible to build separate spaces based on sex as required under the bill. It denies individual freedoms under the guise of protecting women and is counter to our survivor-centered and empowerment values, the coalition said in a prior statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 456 is one of several pieces of legislation lawmakers are considering that would explicitly target transgender people. On Thursday, the Senate passed a bill that would ban hormone treatment for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria, nearly eliminating any options in West Virginia for gender-affirming care for youth. Another measure would mandate that teachers tell parents when a child requests to be referred to by a name or pronouns that are different from the students biological sex. Democrats in the Legislature have criticized Republicans focus on such bills, which they say dont do anything to improve issues in the state and instead attack a small percentage of people who are already marginalized. In a statement Friday, Andrew Schneider, director of the statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization Fairness West Virginia, said the bill is a continuation of the Legislatures all-out attack on transgender people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake: Gov. Patrick Morriseys bathroom ban will hurt countless transgender people, but it will also hurt women who are not transgender, he said. This bill empowers a hateful but vocal minority to question the gender of anyone using the bathroom in our state When lawmakers police who is and isnt a woman, when they dictate what bodies are acceptable, when they decide who gets to be safe, we all lose. Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio In a line of questioning with Akers during discussion of SB 456 on Friday, Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, asked whether any measure in the proposed legislation would bring revenue or jobs to the states struggling economy. Akers, in response, said he is not aware of any. It blows my mind how many times we could recycle the same damn bill over and over again because thats what were doing. Just recycle, wash, rinse, repeat, do nothing, Fluharty said. [These are ] bills that do nothing for people of West Virginia. [They] only do something for the politicians in West Virginia. [They are] election bills. Thats what these are really about. Doesnt add one single job we just heard, doesnt add one single job. Doesnt raise one single dollar in the state. The legislation is a key priority for Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who promised it in his State of the State speech last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is similar to last years Womens Bill of Rights, which would have codified the definitions of man and woman and banned transgender people from using restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity. The Legislature last year ran out of time to pass that bill, which was a priority for former Gov. Jim Justice. If the Houses changes to the bill are approved by the Senate, SB 456 will be the third piece of Legislation requested by Morrisey that is sent to him for a signature. The first two House Bill 2024 and HB 2025, which update terms for the states personal income tax and corporate net income tax respectively have already been signed by the governor. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) With daylight saving time set to start Sunday, a group of state senators introduced a bill Thursday that would put whether Michigan follows it in the future up to a vote. SB-126 would eliminate daylight saving time in the state and add a question to the 2026 state ballot, allowing voters to decide whether or not it goes into effect. However, polls have previously shown that Americans prefer permanent daylight saving time to permanent standard time. Lawmakers in Michigan have been going back and forth on daylight saving time for years, with at least one chamber seeing at least one bill on it introduced in every legislative session since 2015. The content of these bills would differwhether for or against daylight saving time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, on the federal level, U.S. Rep Celeste Maloy (R-UT) introduced a bill in January that would give states the power to observe daylight saving time year-round. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where it has sat ever since. President Donald Trump has indicated he would not push one way or another, saying Thursday, Its a 50/50 issue, and if something is a 50/50 issue, its hard to get excited about it. He continued, saying, Its something I can do, but a lot of people like it one way. A lot of people like it the other way. Daylight saving time starts soon: Could this be the last time the clocks change? However, in December, Trump advocated for eliminating daylight saving time entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health experts also say permanent standard time is undeniably better for us. More daylight exposure at earlier hours of the day is better for the bodys circadian rhythm and melatonin production, meaning better sleep and other boons for your blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels. The U.S. began observing daylight saving time in 1918 as a wartime measure to save energy, but they did away with it after a year. It was re-implemented during World War II in 1942but states and localities being allowed to decide when they wanted to switch between daylight saving and standard times spelled chaos for Americans. In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, standardizing the modern practice of changing the clocks twice a year. However, a national energy crisis in 1973 led to then-President Richard Nixon signing an emergency daylight saving time bill into lawand the country observing daylight saving time year round. Eight months later, President Gerald Ford signed a bill to put the U.S. on standard time for four months of the year, with a similar schedule continuing to this day. This year, the clocks will spring forward this Sunday, March 9, and are scheduled to fall back Sunday, Nov. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) A bill that proponents say would remove defenses for librarians, but opponents say may lead to librarians being arrested for what book a child reads is heading to the Senate floor. House Bill 1239 would update South Dakotas criminal code to remove current protections given to public schools and libraries preventing them from being charged with crimes for distributing material they deem harmful to minors. CO2 pipeline company reacts to pipeline bill signing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, HB 1239 passed through the Senate Judiciary committee 5-2 and will now move the Senate floor, if passed there the bill will then go to Gov. Larry Rhodens desk for further consideration. The bill states obscene material would be banned through whats known as The Miller test. The Miller test is a three-part test used to determine if material is obscene. It was established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973. South Dakotas current law protects librarians at schools, universities and other places from being charged with giving minors harmful materials if its part of their job. Amy Bruner of Sioux Falls said the goal of the bill is not to get anybody arrested, but to give parents a leg to stand on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will establish guardrails for defining what is not allowed in schools and libraries and legally binding these public institutions to keep obscene material away from minors, Bruner said. The bill will give parents and community members a leg to stand on when we approach our libraries and school boards. Lisa Gennaro, with Concerned Women for America, who said minors are bombarded with overtly sexual content and the library is another place its happening. Sexual literature desensitizes readers to violence the same way porn does, novels market non-consensual sex, normalizing it and further feeding into rape culture, Gennaro said. Weve got great libraries. This is just another way that its happening. Sam Matson, Lobbyist with the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, said the bill would limit access on educational materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont want South Dakota to become a book banning state and I fear that this bill is the first step in accomplishing that, Matson said. Removing the affirmative defense for schools, libraries, and museums could have serious consequences. Robin Lerseth of Pierre said the bill wont protect children but only lead to staffing difficulties. HB 1239 will not ensure that my children are shielded from harmful material the only way to do that is ensure familys use common sense, Lerseth said. Common sense tells me it is not the librarians fault if my child wanders away from the childrens section of the library and finds something questionable. Republican Sen. Helene Duhamel said she believes its ultimately the parents job to shield their child from material they might find obscene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is it the librarians job or the legislatures job to decide what your child reads? I think it is the role of the parent. Should the librarian be held liable if a child checks out inappropriate material, arguably all books in a library have literary value, so its most appropriate for the parent to make that decision, Duhamel said. Republican Sen. Tom Pischke, responded to Duhamels comments saying that the legislature does make laws around things like tobacco and alcohol for children that they dont leave up the parents discretion. We protect kids, nobody is bringing a bill to not let kids smoke, not let kids vape, we have all kinds of protections in the law to protect kids, thats what we do here as a legislature. Pischke said. You cant just say leave this to the parents. Republican Sen. Amber Hulse, said while she would be voting for the bill, she believes its not solving the problem of getting these books off the shelf. She added that this could cause many librarians to leave the profession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do think the intentions on this bill are noble, do I think this is this is the best approach on how to do that I dont really think so, Hulse said. I dont know if this bill is really getting to the meat of what the problem is and as legislators we are supposed to ask what the problem is and if the bill actually solves it. Republican Sen. Tamara R. Grove, said this bill is about deterring bad behavior and allowing parents the opportunity to be heard. There is no cause of action as a parent, so I cant file with the states attorney, I cant do all of these things, I just have to be subjected to whatever the schools determine is ok to be on the shelves, Grove said. Ive heard its up to the parents well the parents are here and they are saying they dont have a voice. Republican Sen David Wheeler, said this bill isnt going to change whats obscene and not obscene or what books are going to be on the shelf. He added he doesnt want librarians making decisions on books because they are being threatened by parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It only changes the ability of people to threaten librarians with criminal conduct if they dont agree with them, theres a huge range of what could possibly be obscene material, Wheeler said. Our libraries are supposed to be centers of information and thought and that can be a wide range and it can be controversial and we dont want them to be liable because something crosses the line. Yes- Blanc (R), Grove (R), Mehlhaff (R), Pischke (R), Hulse (R), No- Duhamel (R), Wheeler (R) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China's ongoing national "two sessions" have sent a clear signal that the world's second-largest economy is dedicated to progress through sci-tech innovation. According to the 2025 government work report, which was submitted Wednesday to the annual meeting of the national legislature for deliberation, China will remain committed to innovation-driven development, with a focus on talent cultivation, along with integrated progress in education and sci-tech innovation. In its pursuit of high-quality development, China regards science and technology as the primary productive force, and relies on innovation to open up new areas in development and cultivate fresh driving forces. The country's emphasis on the development of new quality productive forces provides a vivid example. With sci-tech innovation playing a leading role, these new forces are breaking away from traditional growth models and old paths. Instead, they are pursuing productivity development that features high-tech, high efficiency and high quality. In recent years, innovation-driven development has yielded significant outcomes. Emerging industries such as integrated circuits and artificial intelligence are experiencing rapid growth, while the BeiDou navigation system is providing precision services globally. Domestically-developed large passenger aircraft have entered commercial operation, and new energy vehicles are injecting fresh momentum into the automobile industry while contributing to China's green transition. Commercial spaceflight and new types of energy storage are also reporting rapid growth. Additionally, this year's government work report states that China will promote emerging industries such as commercial spaceflight and the low-altitude economy, while also cultivating industries of the future including biomanufacturing, quantum technology, embodied AI and 6G technology. This innovation drive has boosted China's economic structural adjustment. In 2024, the industrial added value of national high-tech zones accounted for 24.1 percent of the country's total. Also, the added value of core industries of the digital economy rose to about 10 percent of national GDP last year. China has markedly increased its fundamental research input -- which is evident from the country's policy support initiatives, substantial investments in research and development, and growing sci-tech talent pool. Its research and development expenditure increased by 8.3 percent and accounted for 2.68 percent of GDP last year. China is actively promoting integrated advancements in technological and industrial innovation to build up the momentum of new growth drivers while upgrading and reviving traditional ones. Notably, innovation has also driven the upgrading of traditional industries, with factories getting smarter via 5G and AI, and the logistics industry becoming more efficient thanks to BeiDou navigation technology. It has also created new consumption demands, such as AI-powered smart terminals and elderly care robots. Drone technology, meanwhile, has spurred the low-altitude economy, which is becoming a new growth point. Tech giants such as Huawei and BYD have emerged as market leaders in their respective fields, while startups like DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics have demonstrated the country's potential in the fields of AI large models and humanoid robotics. Of course, China's innovation push is not just for its own sake. Its technological progress has significantly reduced the cost of clean energy, making it more accessible for countries in need of low-carbon transformation. China has pledged to expand opening up and cooperation in the sci-tech sector, which serves the well-being of the whole of humanity. As China improves its self-reliance and ability in science and technology, its new quality productive forces will be expanded and new growth drivers cultivated, helping ensure the long-term growth and high-quality development of its economy. Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Doug Herndon. (Photo: Richard Bednarski/Nevada Current) A bill before state lawmakers would require that candidates for judge have participated in at least ten trials, a requirement that exists in no other state. Another provision seeks to make allegations against judges in Nevada public, even before any formal charges have been filed. During a meeting of the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Thursday, Assembly Bill 141 came under fire from lawmakers, the chief justice of the state Supreme Court, and the Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission, which regulates the judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Doug Herndon, who served for 15 years on the Clark County District Court bench, said during public comment that hes had attorneys appear before him who have tried more than 10 cases and I wouldnt want them to be judges. And I had attorneys that appeared in front of me on a regular basis that never tried cases, but I thought would be wonderful judges because of their experience and their knowledge. Herndon said the most important metric for judicial qualification is already in the statute a requirement the candidate has practiced law for ten years and been a state bar member for two years. The majority of other states have adopted lesser requirements. Assemblymember Erica Roth of Reno noted a threshold of 10 trials is very hard for a lot of attorneys, especially those who practice in civil law, because you just go to trial a lot less, and you could have less than 10 trials under your belt but still be qualified. Its a form of swagger not to make it to trial, Committee Chair Brittney Miller suggested, adding a very experienced attorney with years of experience in hundreds of cases may have very few trials, and feel that is a badge of their performance or excellence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longtime Las Vegas attorney Phil Aurbach says most attorneys are very disappointed in the crop of judges that have no civil experience. Most civil attorneys will tell you that if youre in the District Attorneys office or the public defenders office, there is a high likelihood you would have over 10 trials relatively shortly. If youre a civil attorney, the probability of 10 trials is very unlikely, even after 10 years of practice. The measure is backed by Las Vegas businessman Jay Bloom, who has been a defendant in more than a dozen civil lawsuits, according to Clark County District Court records. Last year, Bloom filed a political action committee aimed at judicial accountability. AB 141, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Duy Nguyen of Las Vegas, would also make minutes from the Judicial Discipline Commissions (JDC) deliberations public. The measure is supported by the Nevada Press Association and the Nevada Open Government Coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges, no matter where in the country or at whatever level, hold positions of significant authority and power like Spiderman, Nguyen testified. With that power comes great responsibility. Responsibility to act with integrity. Responsibility to act with fairness, and being responsible for their actions when a judge faces charges. However, the measure seeks to make allegations against judges public in cases before charges have been filed. Currently, all proceedings are confidential until the JDC files a formal complaint, a policy intended to prevent false allegations from becoming public. Most states keep complaints confidential until charges are filed. The decision to file a complaint is a serious step you should not take lightly or file simply to get back at a judicial officer for a decision you disagree with, says the JDCs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nguyen told lawmakers the measure strikes a balance between protecting the privacy of deliberations and ensuring transparency. The JDCs general counsel and executive director Paul Deyhle asserted the bills provisions are contradictory. If the Commissions deliberative sessions are to remain private, then how can confidentiality be maintained if any minutes of those very same deliberations are made public? he asked during public comment. Nguyen did not respond to the Currents inquiry about the seemingly contradictory language. Editors Note: This reporter is a board member of the Nevada Press Association. House Speaker Destin Hall introduced a bill he says will close a loophole that he says some sheriffs are using to not notify ICE before suspects subject to a detainer are released. The bill was introduced, in part, because of a continued dispute between ICE and the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office. READ MORE: Sheriff responds after proposed bill would require ICE notification before release Last month, Channel 9 was with ICE agents as they arrested Jose Napoleon Serrano. The twice-deported Honduran national was subject to a detainer. But ICE says the agency wasnt notified before he was released, and thats why they had to arrest Napoleon Serrano when he was on his way to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Halls new bill would make that phone notification mandatory. If youre illegally in North Carolina and youre committing crimes, you gotta go, Speaker Hall said. Speaker Halls bill says the 48 hour detainer hold starts when the prisoner would otherwise be released from jail. Currently, the 48 hours start when the jail gets the detainer. It also says the jail has to give ICE a two-hour warning before that person is released. Speaker Hall says this closes a loophole being used by a handful of sheriffs in the state. I think its just disappointing, he said. I think any elected official who would make a decision that is clearly not in the best interest of the public safety of the citizens of the state to let somebody walk out of a jail when the federal government has an ICE detainer on them, is just putting politics ahead of public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Garry McFadden says he will follow this law if it is enacted. Immigration attorney Jailah Espinosa says the bill provides clarity but worries the 2-hour notification window may be tough to enforce. We know things can be kind of fluid in that time, she said. I think that is going to be a point of contention. VIDEO: Only On 9: Following ICE arrests, suspects taken to Alamance County Jail The Iowa State Capitol on Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa lawmakers approved bills on elections, firearms and immigration law enforcement Thursday just ahead of the Legislatures first funnel deadline of the 2025 session. Most bills needed approval by a committee in one chamber this week to remain eligible for consideration. There are exceptions to this deadline, such as bills that involve taxes, government spending or oversight components, or legislation that is sponsored by leaders. However, much of the legislation that failed to gain approval in committee this week is considered dead and will not be up for consideration for the rest of the session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the bills tabled Thursday would penalize sleeping and camping on public property, as well as allow local governments to create public camping spaces for homeless populations. The legislation was considered in subcommittees Wednesday, with the House version, House Study Bill 286 gaining approval while the Senate version, Senate Study Bill 1195, failed. Though the House version passed the first round of the legislative process, Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison, said in the House Judiciary Committee Thursday that the measure will not move forward. Theres a lot of work on that legislation that would need to be done, and so that legislation is not running today, Holt said. But it was a good discussion, a lot of good information in the subcommittee, so I appreciate that. Though the bill on homelessness did not advance, several other high-profile measures cleared the funnel deadline Thursday: Elections House Study Bill 294 would create protections and penalties relating to election materials produced with artificial intelligence, or algorithmic discrimination caused by AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House Economic Growth and Technology Committee advanced the bill, with its floor manager Rep. Ray Sorensen noting the bill was a work in progress. Rep. Austin Baeth, D-Des Moines, cautioned the committee on moving too quickly on the issue, noting a similar law had passed in Colorado and is not going well. We are on the cutting edge right now We could perhaps use some time to learn from the mistakes of others and come out with something perfect maybe it needs to be next year, Baeth, who voted to advance the bill, said. Another bill on elections, House Study Bill 281, advanced through the House State Government Committee Thursday. The legislation would allow the Iowa Secretary of States office to work with federal and state agencies, as well as private companies, to confirm the citizenship status of voters registered in Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate proposed the bill after his office issued controversial guidance leading into the 2024 general election. Pate directed county auditors to challenge the ballots of more than 2,000 registered voters whose citizenship status was in question. The Senate State Government committee also passed a measure with this provision Wednesday, but the House bill tackles several other subjects, including a ban on ranked choice voting. The legislation also includes increasing the threshold for political party recognition from 2% to 10% of the total votes cast for a candidate in the previous general election. The measure was passed 14-7 through the House committee with no debate. Air quality House File 191, which advanced from committee, would prohibit airborne emissions of contaminants that would affect temperature, weather, or the intensity of sunlight. Some House Environmental Protection Committee members tied the legislation to the chemtrails conspiracy theory, which holds that certain aircraft are involved in a scheme to spray chemicals affecting health, fertility or weather patterns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Ken Croken, D-Davenport, who was part of the subcommittee on the bill, said it would ban a practice that theres no evidence is actually occurring. The bill references geoengineering which, according to the Harvard Solar Geoengineering Research Program, is an emerging practice that could manipulate the environment and partially offset the effects of climate change by releasing particles into the atmosphere that would reflect more sunlight back into space, or remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One of the bills authors, Rep. Sam Wengryn, R-Pleasanton, said he has seen several reports from different states and companies that this practice is already happening. (The bill) is just a matter of getting the ball rolling on this to look, hopefully bring in if we could, the state universities take a look examine the air quality and see if there is actually something here, Wengryn said. Pipelines Four bills advanced from the House Judiciary committee Thursday to restrict pipeline projects from using eminent domain and protecting intervenors in Iowa Utilities Commission proceedings. Firearm age limits House Study Bill 262, which would lower the age limit to carry a firearm from 21 to 18, will head to the House floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holt said there will likely be an amendment stipulating that permits will not be allowed for 18-21 year-olds to satisfy the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS, requirements. Under current law, Iowa is a permitless carry state for anyone over the age of 21. Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque, opposed the bill in the House Judiciary Committee, noting that gun violence is the second leading cause of death for children and teens. Holt said there are all kinds of rights we could lose based upon what someone might do, but he urged committee members to think of a 20-year-old living alone who would like to own a handgun to protect herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is an adult, Holt said. She has a right to do that. The bill was approved 17-4. Immigration enforcement The House Judiciary Committee approved legislation that would establish a Class D felony charge for law enforcement officials, including elected sheriffs, who do not comply with immigration law enforcement requirements in Iowa Code. House Study Bill 285, passed by a subcommittee Wednesday, would create this criminal penalty for law enforcement officers who knowingly and intentionally defy state law on immigration enforcement. The measure comes following comments made on social media by Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx stating that he would not comply with immigration detainer requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holt said that under current Iowa Code, state funding is at risk for a local entity if one employee chooses to go against Iowa law on immigration enforcement. The bill, he said, would place the punishment on the individual directly. I have always been a big fan of our sheriffs and deputies and our law enforcement, obviously, I was one, Holt said. Theres nothing to worry about if you comply with the law, not a thing. While the legislation was passed as-is, Holt said he would likely advance an amendment during floor debate to lower the penalty from a felony to a serious misdemeanor charge. Cami Koons contributed to this report. Coming Friday: Which bills remain alive for the 2025 session and and which ones missed the cut BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A contest for new and recently established businesses in Binghamton is now offering its largest prize purse yet. Details of the 15th annual Binghamton Business Plan Competition were announced today at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator. The contest is a collaboration between the Binghamton Local Development Corporation and SUNY Broomes Entrepreneurial Assistance Program with support from M and T Bank and The Koffman. This year, the total amount of prize money has been increased to $10,000, with first place receiving $7,000, second place gets $3,000 and third place receiving $1,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leighton Blackwood, who recently purchased Chroma Cafe and Bakery on Court Street, is a testament to the impact of even a third-place finish. Blackwood says the prize money coupled with a bevy of in-kind services really helped him get off his feet. Success is not a solo feat. It takes the input of an entire village. I believe that is really what this competition is about. Its about presenting your vision for what you want to contribute to Binghamton, building that network, learning from those who have been there before and really just creating a roadmap to bring your ideas to life, Blackwood said. Among the businesses offering free services, accountants Davidson Fox, web designers Idea Kraft and Freshy Sites, the law firm Coughlin and Gerhart, signage from 3i Graphics and memberships to the Greater Binghamton Chamber and Triple Cities Makerspace. There will be a free 3-day online Business Development Workshop series offered from 5 to 6 p.m. March 24th through the 26th to assist participants with their application. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, go to the Economic Development page at Binghamton-NY.gov Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Dozens of protestors rallied in Binghamton on Thursday against a Trump administration proposal to disband the federal Department of Education. The demonstration outside of Binghamton High School was organized by local labor unions representing teachers and professors and included students and members of local progressive groups like Citizen Action and Indivisible. Protestors claim that if all of the Department of Educations money for public schools were discontinued, New York State would lose $1.5 billion in Title 1 funding for low-income schools and $983 million to support students with disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barbara Mullen is a retired school social worker and co-lead for Indivisible Binghamton. Binghamton alone is at risk of losing $8 million for programs that are interventions that help students do their best, reduce barriers to academic achievement. We are very, very concerned, said Mullen. While President Trump has announced his desire to dismantle the Department of Education, he hasnt committed to what would happen to the funding it distributes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. A historic mining town nestled in southern Arizona's Mule Mountains declared a housing emergency and is taking steps to address a housing shortage. The Bisbee City Council passed an ordinance Tuesday expanding zoning laws to allow for an increase of housing density on underutilized or vacant lots in certain areas in Bisbee. Two weeks earlier, the council passed a resolution declaring a housing emergency, stating the need to prioritize affordable housing and urging the state Legislature to allow for local control of zoning laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bisbee followed in the footsteps of Sedona, which declared a housing emergency two months earlier. "We need housing and I'm going to be sending this up to the Legislature through a group of us mayors that are doing this... We think that local control is the best way to go and the best way to solve our problems," said Bisbee Mayor Ken Budge at a Feb. 18 city council meeting. This resolution is a response to state legislative bills that have been aimed at overriding local zoning controls, and accessory dwelling unit requirements for the last couple years according to city officials. What will the zoning expansion mean for Bisbee residents? The ordinance passed Tuesday to expand zoning laws, is one effort Bisbee is taking to address the city's lack of housing. The ordinance allows additional housing to be built on existing lots near amenities like parks, schools and shopping areas, as well as near existing amenities like sewer lines, power lines, streets and roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City planning officials said the housing types that could be built include cottages, duplexes, triplexes or fourplexes. It's a great idea, said Pete Skinner, a Bisbee councilmember, at a Jan. 21 work session on the resolution. We need more affordable housing. We need more duplexes and triplexes there is really not very many in this town at all. Im all for it. The zone expansion reduced minimum lot sizes to 2,500 square feet compared to 6,000 square feet for a single-family home and allows for range of buildings, from duplexes to tiny homes. The infill development could reduce the cost per resident to maintain infrastructure, city officials said. As more people pay property taxes, more money can go towards community and infrastructure projects. The flexible zoning code could also attract housing developers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will be the first step. Before you can attract developers, youve got to have the zoning, so they dont have to fight the zoning laws, Budge said. The Bisbee mayor said he first saw the need for more flexible zoning options when the city had to remove a tiny home in Saginaw. Even though the tiny home would have been a suitable addition to the neighborhood, the zoning code did not allow for one to be built. A view of State Route 80 as it enters downtown Bisbee on May 16, 2024. Housing officials said the benefits of the zoning expansion could be seen shortly after the overlay zone goes into effect, and residents could get relief as soon as one year as Bisbee solicits bids for a property called Sierra Cobre. Sierra Cobre is a 16-acre property off Melody Lane, near the county's administration buildings. The city said this ordinance, which will go into effect in April, will benefit the developer chosen for this property. City officials said after speaking with the applicants, the city could see around 25 units built on this property, with the potential for future expansion. Why is Bisbee facing an affordable housing crisis? City officials blame the large number of vacation rentals for the lack of affordable housing options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent data shows that out of 2,600 occupied housing units about 9% of Bisbees housing stock is short-term rentals, Budge said. Of course, Sedona is the poster child of whats going on with this, but were not very far behind if you consider the amount of units we have, he said. The city has spent the last several years trying to address the issue of affordable housing. In 2021, the city partnered with the nonprofit Step Up Bisbee/Naco as part of the Bisbee Workforce Housing Initiative to remediate dilapidated houses and sell them below market value to essential workers. Since the formation of the Workforce Housing program, the program has completed 10 homes. In 2022, Bisbee passed an ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units. That was two years before Gov. Katie Hobbs signed House Bill 2720, legalizing the construction of casitas, or auxiliary dwelling units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bisbee also acquired Hillcrest apartments to turn the historic former hospital into affordable housing. This project has been stalled due to a lack of available low-income housing credits. City Manager Stephen Pauken said although two buyers completed bids to purchase the building, the sale was contingent on obtaining low-income housing tax credits, which it failed to win. What happened in Sedona? Similar to Bisbee, Sedona also blames vacation rentals as part of the lack of housing options. The vibrant northern Arizona city has led the call for help in local control over short-term rentals. In January, the Sedona City Council passed a resolution declaring a housing shortage emergency while urging state lawmakers to pass a law allowing local governments to regulate the number and location of short-term rental units. The city has struggled to address its affordable housing crisis and previously introduced different programs and incentives to prevent short-term rentals and for homeowners to rent to local workers or displaced long-term residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution came after the number of short-term rentals tripled from 400 units at the beginning of 2020 to approximately 1,203 in October 2024. Reach the reporter at sarah.lapidus@gannett.com. The Republics coverage of southern Arizona is funded, in part, with a grant from Report for America. Support Arizona news coverage with a tax-deductible donation at supportjournalism.azcentral.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Bisbee declares housing crisis, approves denser zoning Last week, we reported that parents of students at Blessed Sacrament School hired a canon lawyer to potentially take their claim to the Vatican. Sen. Dan Laughlin speaks on closing of Blessed Sacrament Friday, Bishop Lawrence Persico of the Diocese of Erie released a statement on the subject reading in part: Out of respect for the legal process, I have been unable to address public concerns about the Blessed Sacrament campus until today. Because of the public interest, I can now share that I have sent a letter to the canon lawyer representing the concerned parent, reaffirming that I will not reverse my approval to close the campus. I stand by the Erie Catholic School System boards data-driven decision, made in the best interest of all our students. It is because our students are best served with opportunities provided by a school system that I will not support Blessed Sacrament becoming a parish-based school. I empathize with parents facing this change and want to express that I appreciate their dedication to providing a faith-based education for their children. Bishop Lawrence T. Persico. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. A federal judge Thursday ordered the reinstatement of a National Labor Relations Board member and had harsh words for President Donald Trump in the process. Senior Judge Beryl Howell, of U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., said Trump lacks the power to freely fire members of the NLRB, in this case Gwynne Wilcox, the first Black woman to serve on the board. The President does not have the authority to terminate members of the National Labor Relations Board at will, and his attempt to fire plaintiff from her position on the Board was a blatant violation of the law," Howell wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five-member NLRB polices unfair labor practices and mediates worker-management disputes. Follow live politics coverage here Central to Wilcox's case, Howell wrote, "is the Presidents insistence that he has authority to fire whomever he wants within the Executive branch, overriding any congressionally mandated law in his way. Trump does not have that power, Howell contended, writing that Trump's "interpretation of the scope of his constitutional power or, more aptly, his aspiration is flat wrong." Howell said the framers of the Constitution, "anticipating such a power grab," gave the courts "the power to interpret the law, including resolving conflicts about congressional checks on presidential authority." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An American President is not a king not even an 'elected' one and his power to remove federal officers and honest civil servants like plaintiff is not absolute, but may be constrained in appropriate circumstances, as are present here, Howell wrote. A President who touts an image of himself as a 'king' or a 'dictator,' perhaps as his vision of effective leadership, fundamentally misapprehends the role under Article II of the U.S. Constitution, she added. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling. Deepak Gupta, an attorney for Wilcox, celebrated the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decisive victory firmly rejects an extreme presidential power grab. Todays decision is a win not only for Ms. Wilcox but also for the integrity of the National Labor Relations Board and its vital mission to protect American workers," Gupta said in a statement. "The court has reinforced key legal protections for independent agencies that Congress designed to be impartial. The Senate confirmed Wilcox for a second five-year term in 2023. The Trump administration also terminated Jennifer Abruzzo, general counsel at the NLRB, in January. She began her four-year term in July 2021. The initial termination of Wilcox came amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, led by tech mogul Elon Musk, to reshape the federal government and push for massive layoffs. A separate judge over the weekend called Trumps firing of a top government watchdog "unlawful." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the fired official, Hampton Dellinger, the head of the governments independent whistleblower agency, dropped his lawsuit challenging his termination after an appeals court allowed him to be removed while his case proceeded. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) In Morgantown Thursday blind and visually impaired children in grades 1-12 competed in the West Virginia Regional Braille Challenge a braille reading and writing contests, testing them in comprehension, speed, and accuracy. Thirty students from 16 West Virginia counties participated in the challenge. The event was hosted by WVUs Childrens Vision Rehabilitation Program (CVRP) as well as the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Romney with this years event being the first the one not hosted in Romney. The challenge is a part of a national competition developed by the Braille Institute. CVRP will send the tests to the Braille Institute, who will let them know if any of the students qualify for the national competition in Los Angeles. West Virginia law enforcement will be targeting this traffic violation starting Friday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12 News spoke with Drew Moorman Jr., a student at Nitro High School who competed in the challenge. He said that he started using braille in his day-to-day life five years ago after a medical complication made him completely lose his eyesight. He said CVRP has helped him learn the skills he needs to navigate day to day life. It got competitive last year and that was my first year. Moorman said. But this time, like, I didnt have any anxiety. I just knew what to expect and I just had to do my best. Moorman told 12 News that braille is his primary form of reading. Developing technology is also being infused with braille to create cutting-edge education tools such as the Monarch braille display, which the CVRP uses to help Moorman and other students with their homework, acting as a word processor, graphing calculator and tactile graphic display. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The one-China principle is the political foundation for China-Japan relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday. Eighty years have passed since Taiwan returned to China, yet some unrepentant individuals in Japan are still working in the shadows with the so-called "Taiwan independence" forces, Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the national legislature. He urged them to stop the propaganda that "a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency." "To provoke trouble in the name of Taiwan is to invite trouble for Japan," said Wang. Friday marks 60 years since Bloody Sunday, a major turning point in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. On March 7, 1965, hundreds of civil rights advocates, including late Congressman John Lewis, gathered for a peaceful march for voting rights in Selma. But that peace was shattered on the Edmund Pettus Bridge by Alabama State Troopers. They came toward us. Beating us with nightsticks, trampled by horses, releasing the tear gas. I thought I was gonna die on that bridge. I thought I saw death, Lewis told Channel 2 Action News in 2015. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Lewis was hospitalized with a cracked skull. But the attack on the marchers bolstered support for the Voting Rights Act. Five months later, Johnson signed the act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We said it was worth it. The blood, the beatings, the jailing, it was all worth it, Lewis said in 2015. Over the years, survivors and civil right leaders have gathered in Selma to walk across the bridge again as a reminder for what they went through. Lewis made a final trip across the bridge in March 2020, a few months before he died from pancreatic cancer. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the 60th anniversary this weekend, Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock says he will make the trip to Selma. Selma reminds us better than most places that unarmed truth and unconditional love as Dr. King used to say will have the last word, Warnock told Channel 2 Action News. Warnock said he believes there is still work to do. We need every voice. That is fundamental truth of democracy in the first place. Every voice matters. We have to raise our voices not only at the polls, but after. We need to raise our voices now more than ever, he said. There will events throughout the weekend in Selma and Montgomery. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SELMA, ALABAMA - MARCH 01: Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) arrives to speak to the crowd at the Edmund Pettus Bridge crossing reenactment marking the 55th anniversary of Selma's Bloody Sunday on March 1, 2020 in Selma, Alabama. Mr. Lewis marched for civil rights across the bridge 55 years ago. Some of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates attended the Selma bridge crossing jubilee ahead of Super Tuesday. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) A marcher holds up a sign as she crosses the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Selma, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) The Rev. Jesse Jackson arrives at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 1, 2020, to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Members of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club gather near the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 1, 2020, before a march including Democratic presidential candidates to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former gubernatorial candidate and former state Rep. Stacey Abrams waves to the crowd as she crosses the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Selma, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) People gather on a sidewalk on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 1, 2020, before a march including Democratic presidential candidates to commemorate the 55th anniversary of SELMA, ALABAMA - MARCH 01: Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) is held aloft by Rev. Al Sharpton and others as he speaks to the crowd at the Edmund Pettus Bridge crossing reenactment marking the 55th anniversary of Selma's Bloody Sunday on March 1, 2020 in Selma, Alabama. Mr. Lewis marched for civil rights across the bridge 55 years ago. Some of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates attended the Selma bridge crossing jubilee ahead of Super Tuesday. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) SELMA, ALABAMA - MARCH 01: The Rev. Al Sharpton runs after crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge during a reenactment marking the 55th anniversary of Selma's Bloody Sunday on March 1, 2020 in Selma, Alabama. Some of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates attended the Selma bridge crossing jubilee ahead of Super Tuesday. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. John Lewis speaks to marchers as they cross the Edmond Pettus Bridge Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Selma , Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) CORRECTS SPELLING OF FIRST NAME TO STACEY INSTEAD OF STACY - Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate and former state Rep. Stacey Abrams, second from left, walks on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 1, 2020, to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Marchers prepare to walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 1, 2020, to commemorate the 55th anniversary of SELMA, ALABAMA - MARCH 01: People walk over the Edmund Pettus Bridge during a reenactment marking the 55th anniversary of Selma's Bloody Sunday on March 1, 2020 in Selma, Alabama. Some of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates attended the Selma bridge crossing jubilee ahead of Super Tuesday. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SELMA, ALABAMA - MARCH 01: Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) speaks to the crowd at the Edmund Pettus Bridge crossing reenactment marking 55th anniversary of Selma's Bloody Sunday on March 1, 2020 in Selma, Alabama. Mr. Lewis marched for civil rights across the bridge 55 years ago. Some of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates attended the Selma bridge crossing jubilee ahead of Super Tuesday. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Protesters stage a die-in as groups cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Selma, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to the bottom to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree. We welcome diverse viewpoints. Tennessee state Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, stood before the Senate Education Subcommittee Wednesday and put forth a bill that would require undocumented children to pay tuition to attend public school in this state. He proudly claimed the bill was being brought under the guise of fiscal responsibility. But we all know this was pretext for a far more nefarious purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this bill, Mr. Watson has doubled down on his run to be the most inhumane member of the General Assembly. Sen. Bo Watson, R- Hamilton County, defends SB 836 before Tennessee senators vote at Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Between this bill, SB0836, and his legislation felonizing elected officials voting in favor of sanctuary cities, he has truly distinguished himself as a senator to be ashamed of. The supermajority in the General Assembly is increasingly emboldened to pass bigoted and reprehensible legislation because they have the votes. Opinion: Democrats won't root for America unless they are in charge. That's shameful. Tennessee is the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan. We should be moving away from this checkered past, not sliding back towards the same ideologies that birthed that hate group in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our state and its most vulnerable residents, undocumented children who have no blame for their legal status, deserve better. John Baxter, Nashville 37209 Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee bill targeting undocumented students is inhumane | Letters Treasurer Dereck Davis (right) said most people did not vote for the kind of economic chaos a new revenue estimates report forecasts for Maryland. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) A key fiscal panel cut another $280 million from the states revenue projections Thursday, warning of an impending unnecessary negative shock to the states economy driven by expected federal budget and employment cuts. The updated projections from the Board of Revenue Estimates lower than in December come amid increased concern about federal budget and employment cuts and a looming potential shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treasurer Dereck Davis, one of three members of the board, stopped short of a profane summation. Madam Comptroller told me I couldnt swear, so I wont say what kind of show we have going on, but if you think about it, you can figure it out, Davis said. The treasurer said he believed chaos was not what people voted for in November. They just wanted grocery prices to come down. They just want to be able to afford their electric bill. They just want to be able to handle the basic necessities, Davis said. And what we seem to have is just utter chaos right about now. From one day to the next, we dont know whats going to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We get a lot of criticisms here in Maryland about our business climate, but the one thing that weve always heard is that businesses, above all else, value certainty. They want to know whats going to happen from one day to the next, he said. And we cant provide that at the state level, because they cant provide that from the federal level. The boards $280 million cut in revenue projections over two years includes a loss of nearly $400 million in personal and corporate income taxes over two years,that are offset by small gains in other areas. In a normal year, a reduction equal to about 1% of the general fund budget would not generate much angst. Its not a normal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report is the final revenue forecast before the 90-day session ends. It also serves as an early warning of the fiscal impact of federal budget actions. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Stephen S. Hershey Jr. (R-Upper Shore). (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) Republicans pointed to the report as more proof of the states outsized reliance on federal jobs and policies that make it difficult for private businesses. Marylands financial picture has gone from bad, to worse to abysmal, said Senate Minority Leader Sen. Stephen S. Hershey Jr. (R-Upper Shore). No matter who has been in the White House, economists have warned for at least 20 years that our economy is too dependent on federal jobs. Despite repeated calls for economic diversification, Maryland remains highly dependent on federal employment, contracts and grants, making budget planning challenging when federal spending fluctuates. State fiscal leaders are struggling to develop a way to balance state finances while projecting federal changes that will affect the budget, but Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) said, No accurate economic model exists to predict President Trumps behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our revenue forecast reflects a write down for FY 25 and FY 26 compared to the (December) forecast. But these write downs, or at least the FY 26 write down, is almost entirely a preemptively defensive move. To date, we have not seen reductions in our withholding revenues, but we know they are coming, and therefore this write-down is the fiscally prudent approach. We do expect a negative shock to our economy within the year, said Lierman, who chairs the board that includes state Budget Secretary Helene Grady. Lierman called the new forecast sobering. Robert Rehrmann, director of the Bureau of Revenue Estimates, said the updated forecast is based on data from other shutdowns, sequestration more than a decade ago and what is publicly known about expected reductions in federal employment. He characterized the effort as a conservative approach. There are roughly 161,000 federal employees in the state. In tax year 2023, 252,000 households reported some form of federal wages, accounting for about 9% of total gross income. All told, Rehrmann said the projections Thursday included the expectation that almost 30,000 federal workers in Maryland will lose their jobs and the $3 billion in wages in tax year 2025 that come with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is really a floor, because it doesnt include contractors or grant-supported jobs as well, Rehrmann said. This is just direct federal employment. But its clear, you know, the importance of the federal government to our labor force and our economy. Lawmakers in the House and Senate continue work on Gov. Wes Moores fiscal 2026 budget, which included plans to cover a $3 billion projected deficit. The latest combined revenue estimates for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 are $280 million lower than projections issued in December, which Rehrmann said had already baked in some assumptions about federal cuts. Bureau of Revenue Estimates Director Robert Rehrmann said federal reductions projected in December are coming faster than expected and theyre as bad or worse than what we feared. (Photo Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) Now, however, I think its safe to say, compared to what our expectations were in December, a worst-case scenario has developed, he said. These cuts are materializing quicker than anticipated, and theyre as bad or worse than what we feared in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel lowered current-year personal income tax collection estimates by $143 million. Corporate income tax collections expectations fell almost $22 million from the December estimate. Those changes are not affected by the current federal cuts, Rehrmann said. The panel also lowered its expectations for the coming fiscal year. The new forecast shows personal income tax collections decreasing by almost $201 million. Early projections set personal income tax growth at 4.1 %. That estimate would assume no federal actions. In December, the board forecast a 3.1% growth in withholding. The March update lowers that growth projection to 2.1%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are based largely upon 30,000 jobs lost or anticipated to be lost, and the contracting associated with that, said Senate Budget and Taxation Chair Guy Guzzone (D-Howard) Let me just say that it doesnt include things like the tariff actions that are going on right now, and it doesnt include the grant monies and federal dollars that we are accustomed to receiving for various things like Medicaid. So, before us right now is the seriousness of what is going on in Washington and what it means to Maryland. House Appropriations Chair Ben Barnes (D-Prince Georges and Anne Arundel) predicted more budget cuts that we look at as we move forward as well as increased revenues. House Appropriations Chair Ben Barnes and Senate Budget and Taxation Chair Guy Guzzone said new revenue projections mean more budget cuts and a likely tax package. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) The budget proposed by Moore increases taxes on high earners while providing modest reductions $173 on average to six in 10 taxpayers. The plan also includes the elimination of itemized deductions. The House and Senate appear intent on altering Moores plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, a late-filed proposal to impose a 2.5% sales tax on some business-to-business services cleared a key procedural hurdle. The identical House and Senate bills now move to full public hearings. The House Ways and Means and Senate Budget and Taxation committees could hold those hearings on that proposal as early as next week. House and Senate leaders expressed interest in the tax. Barnes told reporters its important to recognize that we are not the goods economy that we once were, that we are becoming more of a services economy. And so, I think it works in tandem with. governors plan of [tax] reform. House and Senate Republicans voiced opposition to the proposed business-to-business sales tax. While my Democratic colleagues will make the case that these revenue numbers are further evidence of a need for new or higher taxes, I would submit that this is the last thing our state needs, House Minority Leader Del. Jason C. Buckel (R-Allegany) said in a statement. Maryland has got to get control of its spending. We have to take a hard look at how we are spending money and realize we cannot afford a Mercedes government with a Honda economy. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The Mahoning County Board of Elections has a lot of stuff. Most of the voting machines are kept in the basement of Oak Hill Renaissance Place but other things, including old registration documents and spare machines, are on the fifth floor. Director Tom McCabes key card only gets him up to the third. Hes had access to the fifth floor for 14 years so why has his access to the fifth been cut off? Someone cut that off, said Atty. Dave Betras, chair of the board of elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Betras took his complaint to county commissioners. He put his badge up, couldnt get there. We had to go to the third floor and walk up, Betras said. In January, First News was given a tour of the building and even then, McCabe needed another employees elevator key to reach the fifth floor, but McCabe claims hes had access for years. If it is true, somebodys going to have to tell me why they did it. If its not true, I think Atty. Betras needs owes the board an apology, said Mahoning County Commissioner Geno DiFabio. I dont owe the board an apology cause I was just there. He couldnt get to the fifth floor, Betras said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All this comes as Betras and others have been pressing commissioners to move election offices and equipment out of Oak Hill, saying it just isnt suitable. DiFabio says he and his colleagues are still working on it. We look at something every day about that move, he said. Although commissioners purchased the old Infocision call center in Austintown late last year, DiFabio says hes in no hurry to move anyone in there, telling me he thinks the boards equipment can stay where it is for the time being. Is it perfect conditions? No. But can it suffice until we get there? Why I dont wanna, Im not going to be forced into making a bad decision, DiFabio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, its not likely the debate over moving will be resolved any time soon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) The Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) Authority held a meeting Thursday, discussing the current state of the airport to city and county leaders. In 2024, GJT saw record passenger numbers, serving over 571,000 throughout the year. Executive Director of GJT Angela Padalecki says the airport set a new goal for this year. Weve set a goal as an airport to hit that 600,000-passenger mark and we really hope that well hit it this year, as we see airlines invest more and more into Grand Junction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also highlighted was an impact study conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics, finding GJT generated $817 million in total business revenue. The airport is also in the process of constructing a new runway that will replace the primary runway. The runway replacement program relies mostly on federal funding. So far, GJT has obtained over $135 million for the project. In 2018, we broke ground on our runway replacement program. Its a program to replace the primary runway at the airport. Were expected to finish that program in 2030. Padalecki talks about the scope of the project and how big it really is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Runways are expensive, theyre huge. The service area alone is the equivalent of adding two lanes to I-70 from Horizon Drive to the Utah border. The runway replacement program allows the airport to remain open with very little operational impact during construction that happens outside the fence of the runway thats used currently. WesternSlopeNow will provide more updates on the runways construction as it develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) Boardman is expanding its driver training grant to all eligible students within Mahoning County. Police Chief Todd Werth announced Friday that the townships $147,885 grant to help train young drivers will be expanded to cover students within all of Mahoning County who qualify. He said that the township recently got permission from the state to offer the grant money outside of the township. The money was awarded last year through the Drive to Succeed program from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students will receive $475 to help fund the approximate $500 cost for driver training, which includes 24 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, all of which is mandated for 16 and 17-year-olds who want to drive. Students should contact their respective schools to express interest in the program. A representative of the school can then contact Boardman Police Sergeant Paul Grimes (pgrimes@boardmantwp.com or 330-726-4177) about interest in the program. Grant eligibility includes the following: The student must be enrolled and in good standing at their respective Mahoning County-based high school or have a letter from their local school district approving them for homeschooling and meet other eligibility requirements. The student must be age 15 years and 5 months or older prior to the start of driver training. The student must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0. The student must be in good standing including no habitual truancy, no habitual absences, and no excessive detentions for tardiness or being late to class, or other disciplinary issues. Financial need must be proven by the student and family and will be determined by guidelines established by the Ohio Department of Education Office of Nutrition National School Lunch Program and used by their High School Food Services Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The body found in the Eel River on Tuesday has been identified as Arthur Campbell, 60, of Logansport. Shortly before 9:30 a.m., first responders were dispatched to the area near the 200 block of Eel River Avenue, where they found Campbell in about a foot of water, Captain Jet Quillen, a public relations officer with the Indiana Department of Natural resources, explained Tuesday. Since the body was found in a public waterway, the death falls under DNR jurisdiction. Foul play is not suspected, and an autopsy performed by the Cass County Coroners Office on Thursday was inconclusive pending a toxicology report. The coroner did note, however, that fluid was found in Campbells lungs. UPDATE: BOGALUSA, La. (WGNO) The boil water advisory issued for the City of Bogalusa was lifted on Tuesday, March 11, according to city officials. BOGALUSA, La. (WGNO) The City of Bogalusa is experiencing water loss at several locations and has issued a boil water advisory after multiple water main breaks occurred. According to a release on the citys Facebook page, crews have been working to restore water since 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 6. In a 1:15 p.m. update on March 7, repairs were reportedly being concluded, but the boil advisory is persisting until samples can be tested and confirmed to be safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teachers protest mayors decision to not pay NOLA Public Schools The main breaks had cut off water services to a local hospital, major businesses, the paper mill, residents and City Hall. Updates are planned to be provided by the city on Monday after samples have been tested. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. Neighbors in Pittsburghs Bon Air neighborhood are tired of seeing condemned homes on Schuchert Street. People there tell Channel 11 theyve been trying to get them demolished for nearly a decade. The issue was raised loudly at a community meeting with city officials earlier this week. If you cant tear it down, at least come and get rid of the trees that have turned from weeds into trees, Marcia Chmill shouted, Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 11 caught up with her outside one of those blighted properties, Thursday. I spoke with numerous people. I told them how unsafe it was, she said. Her street has ten homes on it; two are condemned. She says she first complained about 117 Schuchert in 2016. It has since become a dumping ground with overgrown trees and animals inside. Where people are struggling to pay rent, the animals live free and then they travel all the way to the other neighbors house, she said. Mickey Mouse, Ratatouille and Rocky Raccoon. They all live there. One neighbor resorted to keeping a raccoon trap on his porch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Down the road at 124, its more of the same. Neighbors tell Channel 11 a previous neighbor tried shooting raccoons with arrows that are still lodged in the roof. According to the latest public data from the City of Pittsburgh, these homes are two of more than 1800 buildings condemned within city limits. Its frustrating for my constituents. Its frustrating for me, Pittsburgh City Councilman Anthony Coghill said. He represents Bon Air. We can condemn them, but we cant demo them until they are imminent need and theres four different tiers, he said. According to city data, both of these homes are rated a 2 out of 4 meaning they are considered unsafe. Both are privately owned, like the majority of condemned homes in Coghills district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cost is also a barrier. Coghill says the price of demolishing a house has more than doubled since the pandemic. He also told Channel 11 he agrees with neighbors who say their district is not getting a fair share of tax money used for demolitions. 11 Investigates has been looking into the issue of blight in the city. Several properties were demolished in Homewood South last month. Just this week, we told you State Rep. Brandon Markosek is proposing a statewide blighted properties database. Theres not enough getting done and us neighbors have to suffer, Chmill said. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) Bosnia's top court on Friday temporarily suspended a set of laws enacted by separatist Bosnian Serb authorities that barred the state judiciary and police from operating in the Serb-controlled part of the country. The contentious legislation has fueled tensions in the ethnically divided Balkan country. Bosnia's Constitutional Court said it had to act quickly because the newly adopted laws could harm the constitutional order of Bosnia-Herzegovina. It is expected to declare the laws invalid after thorough deliberation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bosnian presidency member Denis Becirovic and two other officials on Thursday lodged an appeal against the set of laws passed earlier this month by Bosnian Serb lawmakers, saying they violate Bosnias constitution and a peace agreement that ended Bosnias 1992-95 war. Bosnian Serbs passed the legislation after a Bosnian court convicted Milorad Dodik, the pro-Russia president of the Serb-run entity in Bosnia called Republika Srpska. Dodik was sentenced last month in absentia to a year in prison and a six-year ban from public office for his separatist moves. Dodik, who is not in imminent danger of arrest, has said he plans to ignore the verdict, which becomes official after an appeals process. In his first comments on the court's temporary ruling Friday, Dodik said that he doesn't recognize Bosnia's judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know exactly what I am doing, while what they are doing is another matter, he said on X. If we allow them to bring us down now, Republika Srpska will never recover. I am fully aware of my actions, and that is my responsibility. I am available to everyone except the illegitimate Prosecutors Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is politically motivated and aims to create a scandal, Dodik said in an English language post. Bosnias officials say that the set of laws represent a coup and a major step in the disintegration of the country advocated by the Bosnian Serb separatist leader. The European Union said the laws undermine the constitutional and legal order of Bosnia. The U.S. Embassy in Bosnia issued a statement saying it is deeply concerned about the Bosnian Serb decree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bosnia consists of two entities, one dominated by Bosnias Serbs and the other run by the Bosniaks, who are mostly Muslim, and Croats. The Dayton peace accords that ended Bosnias war, which killed more than 100,000 people, also envisaged that the entities are bound by joint state institutions, including the army, top judiciary and tax administration. Dodik was convicted for disobeying the decisions of High Representative Christian Schmidt, the top international official in the country, that sought to curb a Bosnian Serb pro-independence drive. Dodik has repeatedly called for the separation of the Serb-run half of Bosnia to join with neighboring Serbia, which prompted the former U.S. administration to impose sanctions against him and his close allies. Dodik, a supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, has had Russias backing of his policies. In a statement on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed solidarity with Dodik. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passing of the new laws has spurred fears of armed incidents between rival Serb and central Bosnian police forces. The war in Bosnia erupted when the countrys Serbs rebelled against independence from the former Yugoslavia and moved to form a mini-state of their own with the aim of uniting it with Serbia. BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday stressed the need to accentuate the important status and uphold the due authority of the United Nations (UN). "Facts have shown that the UN has withstood tests and has been instrumental," Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress. "China believes that the more complex the problems, the greater the need to accentuate the important status of the UN; the more pressing the challenges, the greater the need to uphold the due authority of the UN," said Wang. Noting that all countries want to prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle, Wang said to this end, the first thing to do is to cement the cornerstone of sovereign equality, and those with stronger arms and bigger fists should not be allowed to call the shots. Meanwhile, the principle of fairness and justice must be upheld, multilateralism must be observed, and the authority of the international rule of law must be strengthened, he said. China is well aware of its international responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and it will firmly safeguard the central role of the UN, come forward to be a pillar of the multilateral system, and speak up for justice for the Global South, Wang said. He added that China is ready to work with all sides to reflect on the founding vision of the UN, observe the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and build a more just and equitable global governance system. BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) A new trail project might need special signs to warn people about the contaminants in the soil. The Rocky Mountain Greenway Project would partly cover what used to be the Rocky Flats nuclear production facility. Its a place where they used to make triggers for nuclear missiles. Previously: Advocates sue to block trail through Rocky Flats, citing plutonium plume The meeting held Thursday afternoon was about putting up signs to give people who use the trail some basic knowledge about the potential risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new trail would follow part of the notorious Rocky Flats site on the western side of Superior. The trail would connect the northern part of the Flats through Superior along U.S. 36 and up to Boulder. Whats planned is this trail here that would pass through and under HWY 128 and then access the trails that are on Rocky Flats, said Justin Atherton-Wood, a planner with Boulder parks and open space. A presentation slide on the greenway. (KDVR) These red Xs indicate the location of existing pedestrian gates that trail users must open and close, like I said, to leave the Coalton trail to leave the facility, Atherton-Wood continued. Rocky Flats used to be a nuclear weapons production facility where workers made triggers for missiles. It was closed in the 1990s but left behind radioactive material like plutonium and uranium. Experts have said thats been mitigated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renewed effort in Pueblo to identify burned human remains found in 2017 We know that it has been reduced in the amount of plutonium thats there, but theres no dispute whether there is plutonium on the site from any party that Im aware of, said Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann. The federal government doesnt dispute that. No one disputes that. Now planners want to put up warning signs with a map of the property, rules and regulations, and an international symbol of radiation with a QR code with more information. The concerns that are present today are part of why were here to talk today and offer alternatives for visitors to continue to enjoy public lands without necessarily accessing Rocky Flats, said Atherton-Wood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioners didnt end up voting on the plan, but they did hear from a handful of experts who are worried the greenway would kick up contaminants creating potential cancer risks. Breathing plutonium contaminated air is the most dangerous way of being exposed to plutonium, said Dr. Deborah Segaloff, with Physicians for Social Responsibility. Randy Stafford, with Rocky Flats Public Health Advocates said, I am asking you to withdraw from the flat partnership and close connections to Boulder County Trails to Rocky Flats so people dont go on to that site and bring contamination back off of it. Five years ago, Colorado identified the first cases of COVID in the state Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, the Lyons Colorado Board of Trustees supported a resolution opposing the Rocky Flats Greenway trail, urging Boulder County to withdraw from the project. That move comes after the Westminster City Council voted to end participation in the greenway trail. Broomfield dropped out of the Jefferson Parkway project, which was also slated to go through Rocky Flats. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) A 17-year-old boy with a loaded shotgun boarded a plane at an Australian airport before being restrained by a pilot and two passengers, police said Friday. The boy was disarmed and detained before police arrived on the scene Thursday at Avalon Airport in Victoria state. Barry Clark, a passenger who tackled the suspect, said the boy had posed as a maintenance worker and became agitated when questioned by a flight attendant at the planes entrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I looked up and then within a second I saw the barrel of a shotgun and I thought to myself that aint a tool that should be on a plane, Clark told Network 10 television. When I saw the complete gun I said: were in trouble here, Clark said. Then I saw it (move) towards her chest and so I thought, well, Ive got to do something this is all happening in a matter of seconds, Clark added. Passenger takes on suspect Clark, a former professional boxer and sheep shearer, said he snuck up behind the boy then pushed the gun and the flight attendant away in different directions so that she would not be hit if the gun discharged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I then proceeded to do what I had to do and just put him in a bit of a lock, got his hand and twisted it and put it up in his back, threw him to the floor and then put my knee in his back and held him in a position where he couldnt get out, Clark said. Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid told reporters the boy from Ballarat in regional Victoria had climbed through a hole in the airports security fence before making his way to the planes stairs. Reid credited Clark, the pilot and another passenger with restraining the boy. This would have been a very terrifying incident for the passengers of that plane and Victoria Police really commend the bravery of those passengers who were able to overpower that male, Reid said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sydney-bound Jetstar Airways Flight 610 was carrying about 150 people and no one was hurt, police said. The flight was cancelled. Counterterrorism police not involved in the investigation An investigation was being carried out by crime squad detectives with no involvement from the police forces counterterrorism unit. The boy has been charged with multiple offenses including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, orchestrating a bomb hoax and possessing a firearm, a police statement said. He was remanded in custody to appear in a childrens court on a date to be determined. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australian airports had robust security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident is concerning for members of the public. I commend the work of police and aviation officials in responding to it quickly, Albanese told reporters. Avalon Airports chief executive Ari Suss said his organization was working with Victoria Police in response to the emergency. As part of our ongoing commitment to security, we have implemented further measures across the airport, including within the terminal and surrounding areas, Suss said in a statement. We continue to work closely with authorities to maintain a safe and secure environment for all travelers, he added. Jetstar, a budget subsidiary of Sydney-based Qantas Airways, said it was working with police and the airport to understand what happened. SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) An event at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance wont be the only fundraiser on Saturday to help a South Dakota Air National Guard member whos been battling cancer. The vice-president of operations with Taco Johns in Sioux Falls saw a KELOLAND News story this week about the health challenges facing Chris Thesenvitz and decided he wanted to help, too. Ted Miller felt a special connection with Chris Thesenvitz, even though the two have never met. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The air guards been part of our life for a lot of years. My son spent 18 years in the air guard, so when I saw the story, I just felt like it was something we should take part in, Miller said. So all eight Taco Johns locations in Sioux Falls will host a fundraiser Saturday morning to help cover the cost of home renovations for Thesenvitz, whos now in a wheelchair. Taco Johns will donate half of its breakfast sales to Thesenvitz. Our bacon and sausage breakfast burritos are, theyre the go-to for everybody, Miller said. Taco Johns will have extra staff on duty to serve the large breakfast crowds expected for Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Offensive struggles plague USD in loss to Oral Roberts Knowing that this is going to someone personal, that is within the community, thats wonderful, Taco Johns Supervisor Crystal Coster said. Taco Johns says customers always step forward when someone in the community needs help. Generosity is ready to order to assist an air guard member whos now waging the biggest battle of his life. Its such a horrible story. You look at somebody whos gave so much of his life to our community and to our country, it just makes you want to help, Miller said. The breakfast benefit runs from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday. You can also place orders online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That will be followed by fundraising activities at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance in the afternoon and evening. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. BRENTWOOD, Calif. (KRON) A new Costco opened for business in the East Bay Friday. In Brentwood, where it opened, the mayor is touting the major retailer as a big boost to the local economy. KRON4 caught up with shoppers who camped out overnight. Hundreds of people descended on the location Friday morning, both inside and outside the store. Some of them slept on the sidewalk in their lawn chairs with blankets. One woman even celebrated her birthday in line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeland Security ends TSA collective bargaining agreement, in effort to dismantle union protections Where else would you go at 7 a.m. for your 30th? said Karly Murray. Maybe some cool things, exclusives that they dont have, maybe some cool bourbon, you never know those are some hot commodities. Costco is a members only warehouse known for its deep discounts on bulk items. I got eggs, but I got to go get a cart. Aint no carts. Yeah. I got a list of things. I got my list in my pocket, laughed shopper Cornelis Trsae. The new Brentwood location at Heidorn Ranch Road, south of Lone Tree Way, is the third Bay Area Costco to open in a year. The mayor of Brentwood said Costco will create more than one hundred jobs and bring in $1 million a year in tax revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is going to help hopefully launch our innovation center which is supposed to be kind of a job-centric area to bring in partners and bring in high paying jobs, so people dont have to commute as much, said Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer. Police are warning drivers to expect delays around the store. Theyre asking shoppers to take Sand Creek Road and to allow plenty of time to get here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Former New Orleans Police Department Sergeant Todd Morrell was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to six counts of wire fraud. Morrell admitted to a scheme where he got paid for hours he didn't work by submitting fake time sheets to both the police department and an off-duty job at the local fairgrounds. Sometimes, he billed both places for the same time, and in one case, he was even racing cars while claiming to be on duty. Morrell must also pay more than $5,000 in fines and penalties. The post Brickbat: Double Time appeared first on Reason.com. One in every four pounds paid in income tax will go towards sickness benefits by the end of the decade, analysts have warned. Policy Exchange, a think tank, said Britains sickness benefits bill would rise to 100bn by the end of the decade, equivalent to 1,500 per person. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts that income-tax receipts will total 392.1bn in 2029-30, meaning the equivalent of just over one pound in every four will be spent on sickness benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Policy Exchange said Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, and Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, ought to take urgent action to cut the ballooning cost of health and disability benefits for working-age adults. It comes as the Chancellor faces pressure to raise taxes or cut spending to shore up her Budget. Slow economic growth, high borrowing costs and demands to raise defence spending have left Ms Reeves at risk of breaching her fiscal rules. Policy Exchange called for ministers to strip under-30s of personal independence payments (PIP) unless they seek work or training. Jean-Andre Prager, the reports author and a former adviser to Rishi Sunak, said changing the benefit rules would encourage more young people into work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: We need a new social contract that says we owe it to each other and to ourselves to create a better safety net. One that fundamentally realigns and rebalances the incentives in our system, encouraging engagement, enabling possibility, creating aspiration and opening a world of opportunity while preserving the protective safety-welfare function of the state. It should not demonise a section of society, but must inspire people to want to contribute to their life chances and to the wealth of the nation. This is a task that could not be more urgent for the new Government to address. PIP is given to disabled people regardless of their employment status or financial means and is intended to reflect the costs incurred as a result of their condition or conditions. The annual cost of these payments is set to rise from just under 34bn this financial year to almost 50bn in 2029-30, according to the OBR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PIP claim rates for 16 to 19-year-olds have tripled since 2019, Policy Exchange said. At the same time, almost 1m people aged between 16 and 24 are now classed as Neets not in employment, education or training. The think tank said PIP should become conditional for people aged 16 to 30. It said: Individuals in this age cohort would be required to look for work, to volunteer or be engaged in further education and training, except in exceptional circumstances. Lord Blunkett, a work and pensions secretary in Tony Blairs government, said: The recommendation that for the under-30s there should be some form of conditionality is well worth exploring. Paul Johnson, the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said: It is not surprising the Government is looking [at welfare cuts] when it sees the astonishing speed with which spending on disability benefits and incapacity benefits has been rising in recent years, and is currently projected to rise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just bringing the rate of growth down against forecasts could save potentially reasonably significant amounts of money, a few billions of pounds a year for sure. Mr Johnson added that cutting welfare spending could help pay for the extra 15bn of military funding that may be required to get the defence budget up to 3pc of GDP, a goal Sir Keir Starmer has said the Government wants to reach in the coming years. Mr Johnson said: We have not had increases in defence spending as a fraction of national income for many many decades and we want to do it now, as the population is ageing, as we are spending very high amounts on debt interest, as we have taxes at their highest level ever, as we have growth in the doldrums. That is going to require some really tough choices. The Chancellor is under pressure from the left to maintain benefits spending despite the growing need for extra defence spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iain Porter, senior policy advisor at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, urged Ms Reeves not to reduce payments. He said: Talk of cutting billions is causing deep fear among people with serious and ongoing health problems. Almost a quarter of working-age adults in a family receiving these benefits have had to use a foodbank in the last year, and further hardship will do nothing to improve the nations health. The Chancellor has an unenviable task but she does have choices, and in an increasingly uncertain world, the financial pain and risk shouldnt be passed on to those who can least afford it in the form of cuts. Working-age health-related benefits are on track to rise from 2pc of GDP to 2.2pc by the end of the decade, according to the Resolution Foundation. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. MOIRA, N.Y. (WWTI) A 33-year-old Bronx man is facing grand larceny charges after allegedly scamming a Franklin County resident out of around $44,000. According to New York State Police, they arrested Luis Peralta Morban and charged him with third-degree attempted grand larceny and fourth-degree grand larceny. Chase Mills resident charged with sexual abuse of minors On Friday, February 28, State Troopers members responded to Delancy Ave in the village of Brushton for a fraud complaint. The investigation began when an 87-year-old victim from Brushton reported being scammed out of around $44,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged victim was initially contacted by a male via phone call gaining the trust of the victim by stating it was a relative who needed assistance. The victim was contacted on different occasions providing large amounts of money to the suspect. On the third contact with the suspect, the victim started to get suspicious of the incident and contacted law enforcement. Peralta Morban was arrested after an investigation and was transported to the state police headquarters in Malone for processing. He was arraigned in the Town of Moira Court, where he was later released on his recognizance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. MARINE PARK, Brooklyn (PIX11) Brooklyn residents are outraged over a plan to build a battery energy storage facility in Marine Park. The project has sparked safety concerns about potential fires, explosions, and toxic fumes. At a packed town hall meeting Thursday, community members voiced their concerns. Joan Rubino lives near the site where the plant is being built on Flatbush Avenue. What happens if something goes wrong and theres an explosion? Rubino questioned. Is NineDot going to be responsible for that? Responsible for lives if lives are in the question? Thats my concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Local News Claudia Greco lives directly behind the plants site and worries about potential safety risks that could threaten her home and family. Any fire or toxic overspread or anything from that site would really go through the entire house, she said. Energy company NineDot, which utilizes lithium-ion battery technology for its storage projects, said the existing power grid in Marine Park is extremely stressed. The new battery plant aims to improve its reliability by providing extra support. While some residents have raised safety concerns, Anthony Santamaria, the vice president of construction for the energy company, told PIX11 News the facility can store and release electricity without producing direct emissions or pollutants and is equipped with safety measures. He said the facility differs from the lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and other devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our systems are heavily regulated. They have 24/7 monitoring. There are battery monitoring systems, there are remote operation centers, and the FDNY also has the ability to remote in through our certificate of fitness holder, he said. According to the American Clean Power Association, fire-related incidents at battery energy storage sites are rare, with only 20 incidents in the last decade at operating energy storage facilities across the country. Still, residents fear that even a rare incident could have serious consequences for their community. Even though they say their fire safety is best in class, theres always the possibility, said Greco. There is always the possibility, and not one of them, when I asked them, would be willing to live behind their plant. Behind their storage system, in my house, or any of my neighbors. The facility has already gotten the necessary FDNY approvals and is expected to open early next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. By Andrew Osborn and Anastasiia Malenko LONDON/KYIV (Reuters) -Thousands of Ukrainian troops who stormed into Russia's Kursk region last summer in a shock incursion are nearly surrounded by Russian forces there, in a major blow to Kyiv which hoped to use its presence there as leverage over Moscow in any peace talks. Ukraine's situation in Kursk has deteriorated sharply in the last three days, open source maps show, after Russian forces retook territory as part of a gathering counteroffensive that has nearly cut the Ukrainian force in two and separated the main group from its principal supply lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The precarious situation for Ukraine comes after Washington suspended its intelligence sharing with Kyiv and raises the possibility that its forces may be forced into a politically awkward and psychologically difficult retreat back into Ukraine, or risk being captured or killed. The battlefield reversal comes at a time when Kyiv is under mounting U.S. pressure to agree to a ceasefire with Moscow and as Russian forces continue to advance along parts of the front line inside Ukraine, even as Ukrainian forces stage a fightback in one area. "The situation (for Ukraine in Kursk) is very bad," Pasi Paroinen, a military analyst with the Finland-based Black Bird Group, told Reuters. "Now there is not much left until Ukrainian forces will either be encircled or forced to withdraw. And withdrawal would mean running a dangerous gauntlet, where the forces would be constantly threatened by Russian drones and artillery," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If Ukrainian forces are not able to restore the situation quickly, this could be the moment where the Kursk salient begins to finally close into an encircled pocket." There was no official confirmation of the Russian thrust from the Russian Defence Ministry or the Ukrainian military, both of which tend to report battlefield changes with a delay. Yan Matveev, another military analyst, said on Telegram that Ukraine had a difficult choice to make. "The only argument in favour of holding the bridgehead is political. To use the remnants of the bridgehead for bargaining. And also a little morale - after all, a retreat is a retreat...," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TAKING WAR TO RUSSIA Ukraine's incursion into Kursk last August was the most serious attack on Russian territory since the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 and was designed to bring the war to ordinary Russians, whom the Kremlin had tried to shield from the fallout from the fighting raging inside Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said it was also aimed at trying to ease pressure on Ukrainian troops defending their own country from Russian forces in the east by forcing Moscow to divert resources to defend its own territory, and at giving Kyiv a potential bargaining chip in future peace talks. The incursion was embarrassing for Moscow and raised uncomfortable questions about its ability to protect its own borders. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said his forces would regain full control of Kursk by force and rejected any idea of making it part of wider future talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Open source mapping from Deep State, an authoritative Ukrainian military blogging resource, showed on Friday that around three-quarters of the Ukrainian force inside Russia had now been almost completely encircled. It showed they were joined to the remaining Ukrainian force located closer to the Russian border by a land corridor around 1 km long and less than 500 metres wide at its narrowest point as Russian forces move to cut that off too. Deep State said late on Thursday that Russian forces had advanced near the nearby settlement of Kuryilovka. In an update released on Friday it also said that Russian forces were pressuring Ukraine's positions in the border area with Sumy region as part of the same operation and moving to try to block supplies to Ukrainian forces inside Kursk. "It is worth noting that the enemy has an advantage in UAVs (drones), both reconnaissance and strike. The most commonly used is the FPV drone. They are mainly responsible for fire control of everything that moves in or out of Kursk region," Deep State said in its note. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yuri Podolyaka, an influential Russian war blogger, said Russian forces had broken through south of Sudzha, a Russian town located inside the nearly surrounded pocket. "The Russian Armed Forces have driven a deep wedge (up to 4 kilometres deep) and actually reached the alternative supply route to Sudzha (which the enemy was using because the main road could not be used)," Podolyaka wrote on his Telegram channel. A Ukrainian military analyst and former commander, Evhen Dykyi, said Ukrainian forces had, however, improved their positions in the last day or two on the approaches to Sudhza. "Just yesterday, we launched another round of counterattacks there," he told Ukrainian Radio NV. "Now it's our turn to strike at their rear and logistics. We will see how successful this counter action turns out to be." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's General Staff, in a late evening report on Friday said that its armed forces had repelled 29 Russian attacks in the Kursk region over the past day. Russian forces, it said, had launched 22 air strikes. (Reporting by Andrew Osborn in London and Anastasiia Malenko in KyivEditing by Alex Richardson, Gareth Jones, Ron Popeski and Chizu Nomiyama) BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, March 7 (Xinhua) -- There has been a decrease in bullying cases among students in Brunei schools, with 447 cases recorded in 2024 compared to 734 cases in 2023, a government minister said on Thursday. Hajah Romaizah Haji Mohd. Salleh, the minister of Education, said at the Legislative Council that contributing factors include aggressive or violent behavior by parents at home, students witnessing family members being beaten or abused, a lack of discipline among students, the influence of peers and living environment, and students who feel they cannot be challenged. The minister added that actions undertaken by her ministry include internal suspension for five to 10 days, during which students carry out learning under supervision, undergo community activities and counseling sessions, and participate in a program conducted by the National Service Programme at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. The local daily Borneo Bulletin reported that bullying cases went viral on social media in early 2025 and mid-2023. The Ministry of Education requested the public to refrain from spreading unsubstantiated information regarding the incidents and to avoid speculation that could disrupt the investigation. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) When Tesla employees walked into a dealership in Tigard, Oregon, Thursday morning, they discovered the building had been damaged overnight by gunfire. Surveillance footage showed a suspect or suspects firing several bullets around 1:46 a.m., police said. Significant tip in familys 1958 disappearance prompts underwater search Officials say at least seven shots were fired at the car dealership, damaging three cars and shattering windows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One bullet went through an office wall and into a computer monitor, Tigard police said. Fortunately, this happened overnight when the property was unoccupied. Damage recorded at the Tesla dealership in Tigard on March 6, 2025. (Tigard Police) Damage recorded at the Tesla dealership in Tigard on March 6, 2025. (Tigard Police) Damage recorded at the Tesla dealership in Tigard on March 6, 2025. (Tigard Police) Damage recorded at the Tesla dealership in Tigard on March 6, 2025. (Tigard Police) Damage recorded at the Tesla dealership in Tigard on March 6, 2025. (Tigard Police) Damage recorded at the Tesla dealership in Tigard on March 6, 2025. (Tigard Police) Damage recorded at the Tesla dealership in Tigard on March 6, 2025. (Tigard Police) However, police have not been able to form a description of the person or people involved. The shooting comes one day after Nexstars KOIN obtained court documents showing a man had been arrested for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails and shooting a Tesla dealership in Salem (about 40 miles south of Tigard) on two separate occasions in January and February. While the motivation for this has not been confirmed, we are aware that other Tesla dealerships have been targeted across Oregon and the nation for political reasons, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This past weekend, some Tesla dealerships in the U.S. became sites for protesters amid backlash over CEO Elon Musk and his role in the Department of Government Efficiency. And another Tesla dealership in Colorado was vandalized in January and February by a suspect who planted incendiary devices and spray-painted the words Nazi cars on the building, the Associated Press reported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Aiming to prevent more people from crossing the border illegally, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has doubled the size of a buoy barrier in the Rio Grande in the last couple of years. Around 1,000 feet has been added to the barrier, which has previously been challenged in court. It was created in July 2023. Border crossings can be dangerous. In November 2023, hundreds of migrants attempted to cross the border in Eagle Pass, Texas. Several people, even babies, were swept away. NewsNation witnessed one man who was unconscious and required CPR to resuscitate him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crossings have dropped this year, reportedly by 94 percent compared to 2024. Officials have attributed this to several factors, including mass Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations done under President Trumps administration. Vance visits the border Federal officials, including Vice President Vance, made a stop in South Texas on Wednesday at a location that was once a hot spot for migrant crossings. NewsNation went out on a boat with Border Patrol during Vances trip. During his visit, Vance urged people in the U.S. without authorization to return to their countries voluntarily and return only through legal pathways to avoid deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said the administration hopes to build the entire border wall by the end of the term. In response to a question about whether the U.S. can strike cartels in Mexico since they are now considered terrorist organizations, Vance said the designation allows them to deploy the full resources of the United States military to engage in serious border enforcement. Of course, the President is going to make the determination about how we deploy those forces, Vance said. But our hope here, our hope is that Mexico takes this job seriously. NewsNations Xavier Walton contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Tribal officials in Wisconsin are uncertain how the closure of federal Bureau of Indian Affairs offices in Wisconsin will affect their members. Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced that leases for nearly two dozen BIA offices around the country will be terminated, including two in Wisconsin. The BIA helps the federal government maintain a relationship with tribal governments and promotes tribal self-determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BIA office in Ashland employs 40 people. DOGE said the annual lease for the building is $649,408. It is scheduled to close by the end of August. At a much smaller BIA office in Shawano, DOGE said, the government lease is for $36,395. Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill said his tribe mostly does business with the Ashland office, which is responsible for processing fee-to-trust land applications. When the Oneida Nation purchases land on its reservation its intent is to transfer the property into a federal land trust, making it sovereign from local jurisdiction and taxes. Hill said tribal members also work with the office in their real estate transactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the BIA offices help the federal government fulfill its obligations to tribal nations as required by treaty law. Hill said tribal officials and lobbyists will continue to educate decision-makers in the federal government about federal trust responsibilities and the services that tribal communities rely on. The office of U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican whose district includes Ashland and much of northern Wisconsin, said he is not worried about the changes affecting tribes. The Department of the Interior is committed to upholding federal responsibilities to tribal communities, a BIA spokesperson said in a statement. Indian Affairs offices remain open and continue to provide services. The Department of the Interior is working with GSA (General Services Administration) to ensure facilities will be available for the continued delivery of BIA services. Sign up for the First Nations Wisconsin newsletter Click here to get all of our Indigenous news coverage right in your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: More tribal uncertainty as Bureau of Indian Affairs offices closing Jeremiah T. Byrds defense is asking the judge handling Byrds criminal case to rule that all of Byrds statements are inadmissible at trial. In particular, Byrds defense attorney is asking Daviess Circuit Judge Joe Castlen to find that Byrd had been illegally detained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, and that any statements Byrd made while at the Daviess County Sheriffs Office were the result of that detention. Byrd, 19, of the 700 block of Sycamore Street, was charged with murder, tampering with evidence and possession of a handgun by a minor in the June 2023 shooting death of Gay Mee Paw, 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Byrd was a minor when the incident occurred. Byrd first reported the death, telling law enforcement that Paw had been shot in a drive-by while she and Byrd were driving on U.S. 60, and that Byrd had driven her to Willet Road where he put her body on the side of the road and drove home before calling dispatch. Byrd returned to Willet Road where he was detained by an OPD officer and later transferred to Daviess County Sheriffs Office detectives, who took him to the sheriffs office for questioning. Castlen has already ruled that Byrds statements to detectives, where he confessed to shooting Paw, cannot be used in court. Castlen found detectives had not honored Byrds request for an attorney, which violated his Fifth Amendment constitutional right to counsel. Castlen also ruled Byrds confession cannot be introduced at trial if Byrd gives a different account of the incident to jurors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the latest motion, Byrds attorney, John Bennett, argues that Byrds Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure was also violated, when an OPD officer at Willet Road took Byrds drivers license and keys and had Byrd sit next to a patrol vehicle. When Byrd tried to go to where his family members were standing, OFD Officer Aaron Creager immediately shouted at him to stop and return, Bennett writes. Given the circumstances a reasonable person would not have believed he was free to leave, Bennett writes in his motion. At the time Byrd was being held, Bennett writes, officers did not have an objectively reasonable suspicion that Byrd was involved in the shooting. As evidence, Bennett quotes statements Creager made to Byrd, including, Were just trying to figure out whats going on and Youre not under arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, Byrd was handcuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car by Creager, although the information Creager was given by a DCSO detective was he (Byrd) was driving this vehicle with her, someone shot em, the motion says. Law enforcement lacked probable cause at the time Byrd was being detained, Bennett writes. After being interrogated at the sheriffs office, where he confessed, detectives allowed Byrd to call his aunt, who is his legal guardian. During that call, which was on speaker and was recorded in the interrogation room, Byrd told his aunt I had to admit it and said, they already got the evidence for it. They already showed me everything. Bennett writes Byrds detention was an improper seizure under the Fourth Amendment, so all of Byrds statements should be prohibited from use at trial, including the recording on his conversation with his aunt, and statements he made aloud in the interrogation room when detectives were not present. Bennett writes Byrds requests for an attorney and to speak to his aunt were refused or ignored, and that Byrd was seized without any end in sight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (H)e was not told what he had been charged with, he was not told he was free to leave, his movements were restricted and monitored by law enforcement, and he was told that he would not be allowed to speak with his guardian until he told detectives what happened, Bennett writes. It was apparent that Byrd believed he had no option but to confess and that doing so would in some way benefit him, Bennett writes. The statements Byrd made to his aunt were an exploitation of his arrest. Castlen previously ruled Byrds statements to detectives during his interview had been coerced, in that his requests to talk to family or have an attorney were denied. But Castlen also previously ruled the recording of Byrds phone call to his aunt would be admissible. In addition to barring the statements, Bennett is also asking the court to prevent prosecutors from using other evidence collected as a result of Byrd being detained, including evidence from Byrds vehicle, Paws cell phone and purse, Byrds keys, his cell phone and any photos of the vehicle. A hearing on the motion will be held next week in circuit court. The trial is scheduled for April. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A California hemp company has filed a lawsuit against the sheriff of the Madison County Sheriffs Department and multiple sheriffs deputies after the department allegedly illegally seized $3.9 million of hemp that was mistaken for illegal marijuana last year. California Gold Farms, a licensed hemp grower filed the lawsuit claiming that in early 2024, a transporter was carrying approximately 1,000 pounds of hemp flower from CGF to hemp processing facilities in North Carolina and New York when he was pulled over in Madison County, Tennessee. While driving on Interstate 40, the transporter allegedly noticed the sheriffs department vehicle and slowed down to 10 mph under the speed limit. The deputy then began following him for two to three miles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Student receives voicemail about gang rivalry: MPD The deputy, who was identified in the document as Keaton Gregory, eventually pulled the van over, claiming the driver was failing to stay in his lane. CGF says in the lawsuit that the transporter showed the deputy paperwork proving that the cargo was legal hemp. Deputy Gregory then searched the truck based on the odor of marijuana. The lawsuit states that the deputy testified he was trained that hemp and marijuana have an indistinguishable smell. Collierville restaurant cooperating with authorities after womans death Sixty-nine boxes of hemp were found, each allegedly labeled with laboratory testing results showing compliance with federal and state hemp laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy willfully ignored these lab results and identified the legal hemp as marijuana without any basis, said the lawsuit. The smell of marijuana or presence of THC is not what makes a product illegal. The transporter was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The charges were allegedly dismissed two months later by a Madison County General Sessions Court Judge. Two suspects charged with attempted murder for Hickory Hill shooting CGF also claims in the lawsuit that the deputy and the sheriffs office did not test the hemp to see if the product was legal, and just presumed it was marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company says they were following all of the rules CGF is a licensed grower, the driver was a licensed transporter, and the hemp was properly tested and documented. CGFs business has operated successfully for almost two years without incident, regularly moving legal hemp products across the county, including through Tennessee, said the lawsuit. Yet, in one traffic stop, due to Defendants ignorance of the law, years of hard work and business development were destroyed. The company says the Madison County Sheriffs Office has refused to return the hemp to CGF, even after charges were dropped against the driver. Memphis man indicted, accused of selling stolen DVDs, Blu-rays online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with Deputy Keaton Gregory, CGF is also suing Madison County Sheriff Julian Wiser, Madison County, and 10 other deputies, who were allegedly on the scene when the property was seized. The company claims they have suffered a property loss of $3.9 million as a result. Hemp was legalized in the United States by the federal government through the Agriculture Improvement Act, otherwise known as the Farm Bill. The bill removed industrial hemp and hemp-derived products from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, making hemp an ordinary and legal agricultural commodity. We have reached out to the Madison County Sheriffs Department for comment but we have not heard back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A 15-year-old Racine County boy says he was inspired by California's Menendez brothers when he stabbed his mother to death earlier this week, according to prosecutors. Reed R. Gelinskey was charged Thursday with first-degree intentional homicide by the Racine County District Attorney's Office. As police arrived at the Caledonia home in 10000 block of White Manor Court at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Gelinskey dropped a knife in front of officers and admitted to killing his mother while asking officers to kill him, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gelinskey's mother is only identified with the initials SG in the complaint. Gelinskey told a detective during his interview that he came home from school and felt depression and an urge to kill his parents, the complaint says. Gelinskey said he had been taking his brother's anxiety medication for about a month and during the night of the murder he took about nine pills, according to the complaint. The teen said the pills didn't help with anxiety but made him feel high and he enjoys that. According to the complaint, Gelinskey said he searched the home for a hammer because he was going to kill his father when he came home from work but could not find one large enough. Gelinskey said after dinner, his mother was seated on the couch using her computer and so he started watching a movie. Gelinskey said he turned on a Netflix documentary about Lyle and Erik Menendez, famed brothers who were convicted of killing their parents at their Beverly Hills home in 1989. Gelinskey said this is when he developed the plan to kill his parents and he said it came to him during the "shotgun scene," which graphically depicts the killing of Jose and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gelinskey's mother went upstairs at about 9:50 p.m. and that is when he got up to hide his sleeping medication, according to the complaint. He said after hiding the medication he grabbed a steak knife and put it in his pocket before telling his mother that he couldn't find his medicine. Gelinskey said he hid a dumbbell bar in the sleeve of his sweatshirt while his mother came down to look for the pills. As his mother's back was turned, Gelinskey hit her twice in the head with the dumbbell, the complaint says. Gelinskey said he thought she would fall over but she did not so he threw her to the ground and grabbed the knife. According to the complaint, Gelinskey said his mother tried to kick him off her several times but eventually he stabbed her three times in the chest and twice in the neck. Gelinskey said his mother asked him, "Why?" and he replied, "Pain," the complaint says. After the attack, Gelinskey said he contacted his friend via Snapchat and told her to call the police. He said he sat on the floor until he heard sirens and once those stopped, he went outside to investigate where he was met by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She is dead," Gelinskey said to officers, according to the complaint. "She is dead from what I did," he added. Gelinskey appeared in court Thursday where bail was set at $1 million. If convicted, he faces a mandatory life sentence. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin boy inspired by Menendez brothers kills mother Two weeks after the administration of US President Donald Trump announced a compliance review of Californias high-speed rail project, the head of the rail authority stressed the need for new sources of funding to guarantee the trains completion. During a recent board meeting, High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri said that the authority will continue to ask for federal dollars while cautioning that the timeline and price could grow if a significant funding gap is not closed. Choudri said that he has come to a conclusion, if we do not stabilize a funding approach on this, the inefficiencies will continue to pose a risk to schedule and cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that industry experts have come together to establish a plan and that he will continue to communicate with the governors office, the state Department of Finance and the Legislature. Choudris comments come as the project faces new scrutiny that could jeopardize federal funding commitments at a time planners are already trying to find tens of billions of dollars to finish the rail system. The review will focus on a $4-billion promise made under the Biden administration for construction in the Central Valley. Challenges over the projects timeline and budget have been acknowledged in previous board meetings by members, transit experts and project leadership. The first portion of the line is expected to open 13 years after the entire project was originally supposed to be done in 2020 and the budget is about $100 billion more than the $30 billion initially proposed. Lawmakers and a state-appointed advisory group say private investment will be necessary to finish the project. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin), a dogged critic of the rail line, sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel asking for the agency to investigate the authority. This comes after Kiley previously introduced a bill to defund the project, and asked the Department of Transportation to initiate a probe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How is it possible to have spent over $13 billion without a single station opening? Where have these funds gone? Who benefited from that, he wrote. The authority said it welcomed the investigation and posted on X that the project has been audited more than 100 times. Every dollar is account for and progress is real 50 structures built, 14,600 jobs created and 171 miles under construction. More than 80% of the spending has been funded through the state, Board Chair Tom Kelly said this week. Construction on the project has been limited to a stretch in the Central Valley, with a segment from Bakersfield to Merced expected to be completed by 2033. Although the entire route from San Francisco and Los Angeles was environmentally cleared last year for construction, there is no clear timeline for when construction would begin elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly stressed that the project will affect states beyond California with a goal to establish a southwest corridor that would include Arizona and New Mexico, and reiterated plans to connect to the privately owned Brightline West project, that would connect Southern California to Las Vegas. Its not just simply a California project, Kelly said. Unauthorized overtime payments cost the City of Oakland nearly $1.7 million over a period of several years, the city's auditor reported. Meanwhile, the California city faces an estimated budget shortfall of $280 million over the next two years, according to CBS News Bay Area. An investigation was kicked off following a whistleblower complaint in July 2023. It was found, between January 2018 and May 2024, the city overpaid 526 employees across two departments due to an incorrect formula in the payroll system. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This issue of excessive overtime pay warrants the city's immediate attention because taxpayers have essentially been incurring significant costs that were never approved," City Auditor Michael Houston said in a news release Feb. 20. Here's what the situation means for taxpayers. Budget crisis Houston added the overpayments are especially troubling due to current budget shortfalls, which have prompted the city to look "under couch cushions for spare coins." Lifelong Oakland resident Dion Baker says it's hard to hear about years of overspending while the city lays off workers and slashes public safety spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A bit of frustration and a bit of sadness because trust for leadership in general, I'd say, is a little low," he shared with CBS News Bay Area. Read more: Jamie Dimon issues a warning about the US stock market says prices are 'kind of inflated.' Crashproof your portfolio with these 3 rock-solid strategies The city has also cut off millions in funding to community organizations who provide social services to those in need, according to the local broadcaster. "What I read and see on the TV, what's going on right now, people like me, I'm scared to death," John Hutchinson told CBS News Bay Area. The 88-year-old resident is homebound and says he relies on Meals on Wheels not only to feed himself but for social interaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins vowed to get to the bottom of the situation. "What I'm going to do is have a talk with the auditor and see what the best course of action is moving forward," Jenkins told reporters. Next steps? There's concern the overpayment discovery may simply be the tip of the iceberg. Houston fears even more excessive overtime pay might be found outside of the two departments and the specified time frame named in the report. City officials were unable to explain the nature of the incorrect payment formulas, the report says. Houston recommended city officials review overtime formulas for all employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the money itself? "I don't know if we can recoup the money or not," Oakland Public Works Director Josh Rowan told CBS News Bay Area. "But I think the bigger issue is the perception damage." What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. SACRAMENTO California lawmakers coalesced behind a bipartisan push for more wildfire recovery aid, projecting unity across party lines as President Donald Trump and other Republicans seek to link federal help to conservative policy priorities. A joint letter led by Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla and GOP Rep. Ken Calvert and signed by every member representing California, obtained exclusively by POLITICO, urges congressional leaders to allocate more funding to help Los Angeles rebuild after catastrophic January wildfires that killed dozens of people and incinerated thousands of structures. The letter makes no mention of preconditions or of the $40 billion Gov. Gavin Newsom previously requested. But the broad list of signatories underscores how the drive for more federal assistance is bridging partisan divides within Californias large House delegation and testing Republican adherence to Trumps negotiating line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and administration allies have repeatedly talked up attaching strings to federal money, floating ideas like requiring voter ID at the polls and reining in a key coastal regulator. The letter echoes Calverts January statement on X that Californians are entitled to receive federal disaster assistance in the same manner as all Americans, which paralleled pushback to Trump from other House Republicans including frontline members who had just fended off well-funded Democratic challenges. Just as the federal government has come to the aid of communities impacted by wildfires across the western United States, tornadoes in the Midwest, ice storms in Texas, or hurricanes in the Southeast, we should once again support the recovery of the impacted families, businesses and communities in Los Angeles County, it says. While the letter comes one week ahead of a March 14 government shutdown deadline, it made no mention of attaching wildfire aid to an expected funding patch or any other must-pass bill on the upcoming congressional agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of both parties also signed onto a similar request of then-President Joe Biden in January, when the fires were burning but Trump had yet to retake office. Newsom also worked behind the scenes to organize the letter. The Democratic governor has set aside his enmity toward Trump to try and secure more help for his scorched state, traveling to Washington to meet with the president and seeking to expedite rebuilding by suspending regulations Trump has deplored. Melanie Mason contributed to this report. Syrian security forces are seen on the Tartous-Latakia highway in Latakia province, northwestern Syria, on March 7, 2025. (Str/Xinhua) DAMASCUS/ANKARA, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Syrian security forces on Friday launched a major operation against Qardaha, the hometown of former President Bashar al-Assad, a war monitor reported. The operation, which saw the forces deploying tanks and armored vehicles, followed their recent takeover of Baniyas, a strategic coastal city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said. It came as Anas Hasan Khattab, head of Syria's General Intelligence Service, accused on social media former military and security officials from al-Assad's regime of directing attacks against Syria from abroad. The SOHR reported earlier in the day that forces from the defense and interior ministries combed Baniyas and its surroundings, employing heavy artillery and machine guns. It added that reinforcements continue to pour into coastal regions, suggesting a prolonged military campaign. Meanwhile, intense clashes erupted in Latakia and Tartous over the past 24 hours, as government forces moved to crack down on armed resistance, it noted. According to the SOHR, since the onset of the clashes along the coastline, 35 members of government forces, 32 fighters affiliated with the former regime, and four civilians have been killed, with dozens wounded. Amid the security campaign, authorities in Latakia and Tartous announced on Friday the extension of curfews and postponement of university exams. As tension escalates in Syria's coastal regions, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli said Friday in a statement that the violence in Latakia "could undermine efforts to lead Syria into the future of unity and solidarity." Syrian security forces are seen on the Tartous-Latakia highway in Latakia province, northwestern Syria, on March 7, 2025. (Str/Xinhua) Syrian security forces are seen on the Tartous-Latakia highway in Latakia province, northwestern Syria, on March 7, 2025. (Str/Xinhua) Syrian security forces are seen on the Tartous-Latakia highway in Latakia province, northwestern Syria, on March 7, 2025. (Str/Xinhua) SAN FRANCISCO Two of Californias most prolific Democrats fighting deepfakes are finding themselves on common ground with first lady Melania Trump. State Sen. Aisha Wahab and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan both told POLITICO's California Decoded newsletter in exclusive interviews that they welcome the first ladys push on the Hill this week to pass the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act, aimed at outlawing non-consensual deepfake pornography and forcing tech companies to remove that kind of content when flagged by users. Melania Trump could be a powerful ally in the battle the two lawmakers have been fighting from the other coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is where we as society and a country can come together and say We wont stand for this, said Wahab, who authored legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year, including similar rules allowing people to ask that deepfakes of them be taken down. The first ladys communications director, Nick Clemens, told California Decoded: Protecting children from malicious attacks online is something First Lady Melania Trump cares very deeply about, and there is bipartisan support for legislation like the Take It Down Act. Melania Trump said during her tour on the Hill that she got involved in this cause due to concerns about the heartbreaking impacts on young women in particular. Bauer-Kahan, who is carrying a bill this session that would criminalize the online hosting and distribution of unauthorized deepfake porn, also embraced the backing from Trump world on this particular issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I often say tech policy is best done when consistent across the country, but thats been hard the last few years, the San Francisco area lawmaker told California Decoded. Bauer-Kahan said the more pressure legislators can put on Big Tech at all levels to devote resources to taking down malicious and explicit deepfakes, the better. She added that automated programs designed to detect and take down illegal explicit deepfakes have improved, but getting these companies to take ownership over this issue is challenging. Its an unusual message of support for the Trumps agenda from Democrats in a state the president loves to hate. Donald Trump himself even mentioned the bipartisan federal effort in his address to Congress on Tuesday another bridge, however narrow, between the White House and Sacramento. Not all deepfake rules are created equal, though politically at least. One of the measures Newsom signed last year drew a legal challenge from Elon Musks X, arguing the requirements to label certain AI-generated political content violates free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deepfaked revenge porn is a bipartisan issue, though. The Melania Trump-backed measure has the support of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). It is sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.). Donald Trump said during his speech earlier this week he might make use of the TAKE IT DOWN Act himself. Im going to use that bill for myself, if you dont mind, Trump said. Nobody gets treated worse than I do online. Nobody. Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICOs California Decoded newsletter. California joined seven Democrat-led states that sued the Trump administration Thursday, seeking to halt hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts to teacher training programs designed to increase instructors in direly needed STEM fields as well as educate students who have disabilities or are learning English. The suit, filed in federal district court in Massachusetts, zeroes in on two Obama-era grants Congress created to address teacher shortages in rural and urban areas and encourage college students studying STEM subjects science, technology, engineering and math to take on teaching jobs in K-12 education. The Department of Education cuts amounted to roughly $148 million in California and $102 million for the other states that have sued: Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, Wisconsin and Colorado. Nationally, the funding losses totaled $600 million. No Republican-led states have filed suit. Three teacher groups filed a separate complaint this week in a Maryland federal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Southern California, nearly 600 college students are in the current cohorts studying to be teachers under the grants and were to be assigned to high-need school districts. The cut "isn't just a policy change. It's a betrayal of students, teachers and our communities," said A.Dee Williams, a Cal State L.A. educator professor who works with trainees as the head of the Los Angeles Urban Teacher Residency Program. Reached via email, a spokesperson for the Department of Education declined to comment because the litigation is pending. In announcing the grant cuts Feb. 17, the Department of Education said the programs use taxpayer funds to "train teachers and education agencies on divisive ideologies" that were "inappropriate and unnecessary." It cited "critical race theory, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); social justice activism; 'anti-racism'; and instruction on white privilege and white supremacy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has pledged to rid schools and universities of "wokeness" and use federal funding as leverage. He also intends to dismantle the Department of Education, calling the agency "a big con job" infiltrated by "radicals, zealots, and Marxists" that misused taxpayer dollars. Read more: How California schools, colleges are responding to Trumps DEI crackdown The Thursday suit alleges the teacher training grant cancellations have led to "immediate and irreparable harm" that will "disrupt teacher workforce pipelines, increase reliance on underqualified educators, and destabilize local school systems." The University of California and California State University, pipelines to the teaching force, will lose the majority of their $56 million in multiyear grants if a federal judge does not block the cuts. The other $92 million in funds allocated to California go to private universities and other nonprofit educational groups that administer the grants, which are also at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Universities would have to look to layoffs, reduced hours for university staff, reduced funding for aspiring teachers," California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said in announcing the state's lawsuit. "Without these programs, impacted rural and urban schools will have to resort to hiring long-term substitutes, teachers with emergency credentials, and unlicensed teachers on waivers. This will harm the quality of instruction and can lead to increased numbers of students falling short of national standards," the suit states. The states also allege the Trump administration has violated the Administrative Procedure Act, which regulates executive branch rule-making, and circumvented Congress, which authorized the funds and controls the federal budget. California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta speaks at a news conference on March 6, 2025, in Los Angeles to announce a lawsuit against the Trump administration over budget cuts to teacher training funds. (Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times) "The departments actions appear to encompass 'policy objectives' of ending disfavored but lawful efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives that Congress expressly directed grantees to carry out in creating these programs," the suit says. It adds that the programs are mandated by law to ensure "general education teachers receive training in providing instruction to diverse populations, including children with disabilities, limited English proficient students, and children from low-income families." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit points out that many of the grants some of which supported increasing racial diversity in teaching were approved under the first Trump administration. Bonta disputed the department's anti-DEI characterization during a news conference Thursday. He accused the administration of "waging the culture wars with these buzzwords" to "feed their political base and create political cover for a blatantly unlawful action." The cuts took place last month amid sweeping undoing of federal spending in the Department of Education and other government agencies and programs since Trump's inauguration. Trump has tasked his chief cost-cutter, Elon Musk, with running the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is not a federal agency. DOGE has recommended vast cuts to federal programs, many of which involve LGBTQ+ or diversity issues, and been met with a bevy of lawsuits. Among the canceled programs is a $7.5-million grant at Cal State L.A. to train and certify 276 teachers over five years to work in high-need or high-poverty schools in the Los Angeles Unified and Pasadena Unified school districts. Under the program, teachers would focus on working with disabled students as well as on STEM subjects and bilingual education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: How Linda McMahons mission to dismantle the Education Department could affect California Other cancellations include an $8-million program at UCLA to train at least 314 middle school principals and math, English, science and social science teachers to serve roughly 15,000 students in Los Angeles County school districts, among them LAUSD, Glendale Unified, Lancaster Unified and Norwalk-La Mirada Unified. "Terminating these education grants will clog the pipeline of passionate, qualified good teachers [and keep them] from entering our classrooms," Bonta said. "It'll squash aspiring teachers, individuals who feel called to do this work.... It will yank teachers out of school and away from kids who deserve every investment in their education, in their future." Nationally, there is a shortage of about 400,000 teachers, according to the Learning Policy Institute, including tens of thousands of positions in California. With inadequate pay and long hours, the profession has struggled to attract new workers or retain ones who enter, as burnout is a major issue. Schools and districts in less-wealthy and rural areas have also faced hurdles in recruiting or keeping workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shireen Pavri, CSU's assistant vice chancellor for Educator and Leadership Programs, said she was "devastated" by the cuts. The decision "pulls out the academic and financial support from students who are currently enrolled.... It negatively impacts the infrastructure we have carefully built," said Pavri, who joined Bonta with a colleague and a student at the event Thursday. At Cal State L.A., Williams has worked closely with grant-funded trainees as a principal investigator for the Los Angeles Urban Teacher Residency Program. The program, which lasts more than a year, works with "teacher residents" who focus on STEM and are placed in schools alongside mentors to gain on-the-job training. When the student teachers get permanent jobs in their own classrooms, "they hit the ground running," he said, citing grant-funded training and mentorship. "They know what they are doing. They are confident and they are supported, and that's why they succeed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jonathan Sze, a Cal State L.A. educator in training who teaches chemistry at Woodrow Wilson High School, said the Trump administration's decision would "likely prevent people who are like me from becoming teachers." Sze, who was studying to become a pharmacist, switched in recent years to focus on teaching science. The grant to Cal State L.A. has helped pay for his education and salary in the classroom, where he teachers 10th- and 11th-graders. By August, he expects to have credentials to teach on his own. Because he received his grant funding before last month's cancellations, Sze said he does not expect the changes to affect his training. "But this program and programs like this should continue they have to continue to support the next generation of teachers." 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. CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. The Camden County Presiding Commissioner is facing multiple felony charges for accusations he unlawfully removed controversial law enforcement surveillance cameras from a state highway in Camdenton. Ike Skelton has been vocal about his opposition to cameras that can read license plates, also known as LPR or Flock Cameras. Ozarks First spoke to Skelton in December 2023, when he was at odds with the sheriffs office over utilizing these particular kinds of surveillance cameras in Camden County. Camden Co. leaders divided over Flock Cameras Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that time, the county commission passed an ordinance restricting the use of high-speed Flock Cameras that read license plates and store data for law enforcement agencies in certain areas. That was a year before the incident hes now facing charges for. December 2024 Court records indicate a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper witnessed Skelton and another person near a Flock Camera mounted on a pole on U.S. Highway 54 near Ball Park Road in Camden County on Dec. 31, 2024. Documents claim Skelton told the trooper the agreement for the Flock Camera was no longer in effect. However, records show previous Camden County Sheriff Tony Helms signed a 5-year camera agreement in May 2022 with the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The probable cause statement indicates that the agreement was still in effect in December 2024 when Skelton allegedly removed the camera from the pole where it was mounted. The charges Skelton is charged with Stealing $750 or more and Tampering With Service Of Utility, which are both Class D felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison or up to $10,000 in fines. The cost to replace the Flock Camera is estimated to be $800. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skelton is also charged with Obstructing Government Operations, which is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The history The ordinance the county passed in December 2023 restricting the use of Flock Cameras did not include state roads, which is where the camera in question was located. Back then the commission said it wanted to change the ordinance to include city or state roads, but that change was never made. Ozarks First Investigates is working to learn whether Skelton will retain his position as Camden County Presiding Commissioner in light of the charges. This story will be updated if we get a response from the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have a story youd like Ozarks First Investigates to look into, email Investigates@OzarksFirst.com or call 417-295-TIPS. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. The News Canadas Liberal Party elected Mark Carney as leader, propelling the former central banker who has never held office to become the countrys prime minister at a pivotal moment. As Justin Trudeaus successor, Carney will immediately be tasked with navigating a fractured relationship with US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened tariffs and even Canadas sovereignty, before having to steer the party through national elections later this year. Carney long seen as the frontrunner, was both the riskiest choice and the safest, Canadian journalist Andrew Cohen wrote in The Globe and Mail before the election results were announced: Carneys economic know-how makes him well suited to take on Trump, analysts said. SIGNALS Canadas Liberal party gets a Trump bump Sources: The Washington Post, USA Today, The Economist Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Canadas Liberal Party has long languished in the polls, President Donald Trumps non-stop attacks on the USs northern neighbor have caused a dramatic turnaround in the ruling partys prospects. The party has reversed a 20-point polling deficit, a comeback with no comparison in Canadas modern history, one expert told The Washington Post. Donald Trump is going to be the uninvited guest in the next Canadian election, a pollster said, noting that his attacks may well shape who wins the next vote. The Liberals rise is not only driven by Trumps attacks, The Economist noted, but is also motivated by Trudeaus departure. The Canadian leaders popularity had gradually slumped in recent years, and voters quickly began returning to the Liberals after his resignation. Conservatives Trump connection could become a liability Sources: France 24, The New York Times, The Guardian Despite the Liberals changing fortunes, the Conservatives have consistently maintained a lead in the polls. However, party leader Pierre Poilievres backing from high-profile Trump allies such as Elon Musk could become a liability for him given the surge of anti-American sentiments that Trumps tariffs and rhetoric have unleashed. I think hes going to have to differentiate himself from Mr. Trump, much more than he was planning to. His opponents, of course, will accuse him of being Trump-lite, an expert on Canadian politics told The New York Times. The party has also had to shift its message on the fly, adopting a Canada-first approach that marks a break from its previous rhetoric that the country is broken. Now they have to say: Well, it is but we still really love it, a Canadian analyst said. Canadas intelligence agency warns of growing AI threat Ahead of Canadas elections this year, one of the countrys intelligence services has warned of the growing threat of interference from artificial intelligence. China is likely to use AI to push narratives favourable to its interests and spread disinformation among Canadian voters, the Communications Security Establishment Canada warned, noting that Russia or Iran could use low-effort cyber or influence operations. This threat is also likely to grow in coming elections, as hostile actors continue to collect billions of data points on democratic politicians, public figures, and citizens that will allow them to rapidly improve their ability to conduct targeted influence campaigns, the agency warned. MANILA, Philippines (AP) Canada and the Philippines, both vocal critics of Chinas increasingly aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea, have concluded talks for a key defense pact that would allow their forces to hold joint combat drills and boost defense engagements, the Department of National Defense in Manila said Friday. Canada and other Western nations have been reinforcing their military presence in the Indo-Pacific to help promote the rule of law and expand trade and investment in the region. That dovetails with Philippine efforts under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to broaden defense ties with friendly countries to bolster his countrys defense as it faces an increasingly assertive China in the disputed South China Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement with Canada will establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building exercises, the Philippine defense department said. It is expected to allow larger joint exercises, including in the South China Sea off the western Philippines. No date was specified for signing the agreement but a Philippine official said that could happen in the next few months at the earliest. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told The Associated Press in an interview on Wednesday that the Philippines would continue to build security alliances with other friendly countries to deter Chinas aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teodoro said China's hostile actions should be regarded as a global threat because they could eventually restrict movement in the South China Sea, a key global trade route crucial for global supply chains. The Philippines has visiting forces agreements with the United States and Australia that provide a legal framework for temporary visits by foreign troops and large-scale combat exercises. The Philippines signed a similar accord with Japan in July that's expected to be ratified by Japanese legislators by mid-year. Negotiations with New Zealand also recently concluded, and officials have been holding talks with France for a similar accord. Philippine authorities may seek visiting forces agreements with other countries including Germany, India and Singapore, Teodoro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and has deployed coast guard and navy fleets and suspected militia ships to guard what it says is its territory and airspace. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan also lay claims that clash with Chinas, and territorial confrontations have flared between Beijing and Manila in the last two years. In August, Canada joined the United States, Australia and the Philippines in air and naval maneuvers to promote the rule of law and unhindered passage in the South China Sea. China said it conducted air and sea combat patrols on the same day. Although no confrontations were reported, the Philippine military said three Chinese navy ships tailed the four-nation maneuvers. Last month Canadian Ambassador to Manila David Hartman said his country has been vocal in confronting the provocative and unlawful actions of the Peoples Republic of China in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea and will continue to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada signed an agreement on defense cooperation with the Philippines last year. Another agreement signed in Ottawa in 2023 gave the Philippines access to data from Canadas Dark Vessel Detection System, which harnesses satellite technology to track illegal vessels even if they switch off their location-transmitting devices. The Philippine coast guard has used the high-tech Canadian technology to track Chinese coast guard ships and fishing vessels in the South China Sea. Celebrated Canadian author Louise Penny announced Friday that she will be boycotting the U.S. due to President Donald Trump's plan to put tariffs on all goods from Canada. In a statement posted to her official Facebook account, the murder mystery novelist called Trump's actions "an unprovoked trade war against Canada," and said she does not feel she can enter the U.S. "until that economic sword, that could throw hundreds of thousands of Canadians (as well as Americans) into poverty, is removed completely." Trump imposed tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico Tuesday, before walking some of them back two days later. The president is now threatening to implement tariffs on Canadian dairy and lumber as early as Friday. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday slammed Trump's tariffs as "a very dumb thing to do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The novelist called her decision not to travel to the U.S. "painful," adding that she has made many personal and professional friends stateside. "Butenough," she wrote. "What is happening is not just a potential economic catastrophe for Canada and so many other nations, it is a moral wound." Penny also announced that she will no longer do in-person events in the U.S., ending a 20-year stint of touring the country. The creator of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels was planning a launch event for the 20th installation of the series, "The Black Wolf," at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., but will now be hosting it in Ottawa at the National Arts Centre on Oct. 28. "Please understand this decision is not meant to punish Americans," she wrote in her statement. "This is about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with my fellow Canadians." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The author said she hopes Americans will still attend her Canadian events, where they "will be welcomed with open arms." Penny is best known for her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, which was turned into the 2022 Amazon Prime miniseries "Three Pines." The eight-episode series featured British-American actor Alfred Molina as Gamache, a charismatic and talented inspector solving crimes in Quebec. The author also co-wrote the 2021 political mystery thriller "State of Terror" with Hillary Clinton. The book kicks off with a new U.S. president choosing a political enemy as secretary of state and avalanches into a series of terrorist attacks from political adversaries that the administration must address. A representative for Louise Penny did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (Bloomberg) -- Supply Lines is a daily newsletter that tracks global trade. Sign up here. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crude is among the beneficiaries of President Donald Trumps one-month reprieve on tariffs for some imports from Canada and Mexico, a boost to oil industry leaders initially concerned that it wouldnt secure relief. Under orders signed Thursday, the tariffs, meant to encourage the countries to combat illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, will not apply to goods covered by the North American trade agreement known as USMCA. Oil covered by the the USMCA is exempt, while oil that isnt USMCA-compliant remains subject to the tariffs, a White House official said. We are pleased President Trump delayed the imposition of tariffs on Canadian crude, petrochemicals and refined products, and we are hopeful a permanent agreement can be reached before tariffs ever take effect, said Chet Thompson, president of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canadian crude is a major ingredient in some US refineries. And some regions of the country are reliant on gasoline and other refined products from Canada. As of late Thursday, oil industry executives were still sorting through paperwork and certification requirements necessary to ensure relief from the 10% and 25% levies on energy from Canada and Mexico respectively. Trumps decision also prompted a rush by some energy industry representatives to scour trade schedules and confirm the treatment of some oil products, with some questions remaining about the diluent used to thin viscous Canadian bitumen for pipeline transport. Some 62% of Canadian imports were not USMCA-compliant and would be subject to the tariffs under recent trade data, with much of those energy products, said a White House official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. However, the official cautioned that percentage could drop as importers rush to comply and secure the tariff relief. The distinction is between products that are USMCA eligible and those actually traded under the pact. Trumps relief extends to the latter category. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, currently, many oil importers dont bother shipping crude that would otherwise qualify for USMCA preferences across the border under the trade agreement rules. Instead, they frequently opt to pay a small duty that they receive back at the refinery in the form of a credit, a person familiar with the practice said. The benefits of avoiding a 10% tariff are worth the extra paperwork of proving the oil is from North America. Shippers of the crude could use a certificate or origin provided by the oil producer or through some other method such as a bill of lading or invoice, the person said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. March 7 (UPI) -- Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding was added to the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive list on Thursday as U.S. authorities hunt for the man they accuse of operating a transnational drug trafficking operation that shipped thousands of pounds of cocaine from Colombia to Canada and the United States. Wedding, 43, is believed to be residing in Mexico, and the U.S. Department of State's Narcotic Rewards Program on Thursday announced a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction. The FBI is warning that he "should be considered armed and dangerous." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ryan James Wedding is wanted for allegedly running and participating in a transnational drug trafficking operation that routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California, to Canada and other locations in the United States," the FBI said in a statement. "Additionally, it is alleged that Wedding was involved in orchestrating multiple murders in furtherance of these drug crimes." Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding, seen here in an undated photo from 2024, was added Thursday to the FBI's infamous Ten Most Wanted Fugitive List. Photo courtesy FBI/Release Wedding represented Canada at the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics, finishing 24th in parallel giant slalom. In the interim years, he has been accused of becoming a drug lord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A U.S. indictment announced in October accuses Wedding, Canadian citizen Andrew Clark, 34, and 14 other co-conspirators of operating a drug ring that smuggled thousands of pounds of cocaine through Mexico and Southern California. Clark was arrested by Mexican authorities on Oct. 8, about 10 days before the U.S. indictment was revealed. Federal prosecutors said Wedding, Clark and the others conspired to ship bulk quantities of cocaine from Southern California through a Canada-based drug transportation network from January 2024 through August. The shipments were transported from Mexico to Los Angeles, where they were stored in stash houses before being picked up by couriers for transport into Canada on long-haul semi-trucks. During the law enforcement investigation, nearly 2 metric tons of cocaine with a street value of up to $25.2 million, three firearms, amunitation more than $255,400 in U.S. currency and more than $3.2 million in cryptocurrency were seized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada," Akil Davis, assistant director for the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, said Thursday in a statement. Wedding and Clark have been accused of turning to murder as part of the drug conspiracy, allegedly directing the killing of at least three people. U.S. Prosecutors said they were behind the Nov. 20, 2023, shooting that killed two people and injured a third in the Ontario town of Caledon. They also allegedly ordered the murder of a third victim, 39-year-old Mohammad Zafar, on May 18, 2024, in Brampton, Ontario. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Clark and another defendant, 23-year-old Malik Damion Cunningham, have been charged with a fourth murder. Following the announcement, authorities in Canada were quick to publicize that Wedding had been added to the FBI's most infamous list. "We will continue working with our U.S. and Mexico counterparts in the search for Wedding," the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said on X, referring to Wedding as the "alleged leader of a Mexican cartel-linked criminal network." Chinese FM calls for supporting Africa in exploring new development path of self-reliance, self-strengthening CANTON, Conn. (WNTH) A Canton man was arrested for allegedly making a threat toward a school on social media, according to state police. Colby Kordas, 23, was charged with threatening in the second degree against a school and breach of peace in the second degree. Man facing larceny, drug charges after stealing from South Windsor stores State police said Kordas was arrested by troopers on an arrest warrant around 1:28 p.m. on Thursday after an investigation into a report of a social media threat made by Kordas toward a local school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kordas was turned over to state police custody and taken to Troop L in Litchfield, where he was charged. Kordas posted a $10,000 court-set bond. He is scheduled to appear at Waterbury Superior Court on March 19. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Since President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the surprise arrest of a man accused of taking part in the killing of 13 U.S. service members in Afghanistan, his top national security aides have repeatedly disparaged the Biden administration as either unwilling or unable to bring those responsible to justice. The attack, conducted by an ISIS-K suicide bomber, killed an estimated 170 Afghan civilians waiting outside Kabul airport near an entrance known as "Abbey Gate." The deaths were emblematic of the chaotic withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan in 2021. Five former Biden administration officials, as well as a current U.S. official, say the capture of the suspected ISIS-K operative, Mohammad Sharifullah, was not solely the work of the Trump administration. They say it was aided by a yearslong joint intelligence effort by the United States and Pakistan targeting ISIS-K, the Afghan branch of the Islamic State, including Sharifullah in particular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This didnt just happen overnight, a former senior Biden administration national security official said. This is the culmination of efforts that were quite deliberate. Mohammad Sharifullah, alleged to be a co-conspirator in the murder of American soldiers at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan, was apprehended and extradited Tuesday. Asked about the claim, Brian Hughes, a National Security Council spokesman for the Trump administration, dismissed it. This arrest and extradition was made possible because of the emphasis the Trump Administration placed on this case," he said in a statement. "Since January 20th, we have prioritized engagement with the Pakistani government on this case and provided the critical intelligence. CIA Director John Ratcliffe also credited the Trump administration. Remember, the Biden administration had that 3 years to do this. They didnt find anyone," he said in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday. "They didnt hold anyone accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National security adviser Mike Waltz said on Fox News: In three years, the Biden administration couldnt bring this man to justice. In a month, through our intel sharing relationship, the great work of Director Ratcliffe, [Attorney General] Pam Bondi, [FBI Director] Kash Patel, he landed overnight. But the former senior Biden national security officials and two U.S. defense officials said the Biden administration stepped up intelligence sharing with Pakistan many months ago and built an intelligence sharing cell designed to target ISIS-K members living along the Afghan-Pakistan border. They said this weekends capture was a result of those efforts. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, visited Pakistan several times in recent years and played a key role in strengthening relations and intelligence sharing, said the former Biden administration officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence-gathering efforts. Last summer, Pakistani security forces arrested a man with the same name along the Afghan-Pakistan border, only to learn they had the wrong man, the two former officials said. We were very focused on this guy in particular, one of the officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ratcliffe said that he highlighted the case with Pakistani officials on his second day on the job as CIA director. But he credited Trump himself for the arrest. "It's the Trump effect," Ratcliffe said on Fox Business. "Everywhere I go, everyone I talk to, all of our foreign partners, allies and even problematic partners, want to do more with the United States. It's the Trump effect." The former Biden administration officials credited the new administration for continuing the intelligence sharing and spurring Pakistan to find the terrorist, but they also expressed annoyance that Trump aides had accused them of being negligent. Thats just false, one said. Sharifullah's role in attack Trump also appeared to overstate Sharifullahs role in the attack, at least as it was described in an FBI affidavit and a Justice Department news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his address to Congress this week, Trump said Sharifullah was the "top terrorist responsible" for the Abbey Gate bombing. Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity," he said. "And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice. Kelly Barnett, whose son, Darrin "Taylor" Hoover, was killed in the attack, told NBC News that Trump told her Sharifullah was one of the key planners. The president came on and he told us they had caught this guy, this terrorist. He said, Were not going to call him mastermind, because hes not a mastermind, Barnett said. Hes, you know, pure evil. But he was the architect of the bombing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Department prosecutors say in court papers that Sharifullah said he had been in prison until two weeks before the bombing. He told the FBI he was recruited after his release from prison and was provided with a motorcycle and a cellphone. Sharifullah admitted to helping prepare for the Abbey Gate attack, including scouting a route near the airport for an attacker, says a Justice Department news release summarizing the court documents. Sharifullah specifically checked for law enforcement and American or Taliban checkpoints; he then communicated to other ISIS-K members that he believed the route was clear and that the attacker would not be detected. Court papers also say he confessed to participating in other terrorist attacks in Moscow and Kabul. ISIS-K, which stands for ISIS-Khorasan, is an offshoot of the group that emerged in Syria and Iraq more than a decade ago known as ISIS. In April 2023, the Taliban killed an ISIS-K figure described as the mastermind of the Abbey Gate attack, with no U.S. involvement, Biden administration officials said at the time. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Workers at German kindergartens and other care facilities went on strike on Friday, the latest industrial action in an ongoing wage dispute involving public sector employees. Trade union verdi said it was expecting a strong turnout after calling for strikes in sectors dominated by female workers, including daycare centres, youth and welfare offices, hospitals and care homes. Thousands of employees walked off the job in the northern city of Hamburg, the union said, with thousands expected to join rallies in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many daycare centres remained closed across Germany in an attempt by labour representatives to ramp up pressure on the federal government and municipalities before a third round of collective bargaining negotiations due to begin next week. Verdi said Friday's strikes were also intended to send "a clear signal" on the occasion of Equal Pay Day, marked each year on March 7, and International Women's Day on Saturday, calling for "more pay equity and better working conditions" for public sector workers in social professions, which are typically dominated by women. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Officials with Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) announced Carmi-White County High School students enrolled in SICs dual credit Introduction to Agriscience class recently toured Elastec, an environmental solutions company based in Carmi. The SIC says the class, led by instructors Briley Lenkaitis and Kirk Murphy, visited Elastec on February 26 to gain insight into the companys operations, career opportunities and environmental products. The tour began with a presentation by Elastec Chief Executive Officer Curt Kessler and Project Manager Brian Orr, who provided an overview of the companys history, culture, product line and key milestones. SICs Forensic Falcons soar to victory at state championship Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say founded in 1990, Elastec specializes in manufacturing environmental protection equipment, including oil skimmers, containment booms, incinerators and workboats. Following the presentation, students toured the companys facility, which is housed in a former Walmart building. They observed oil skimmers being welded, explored a medical waste incinerator and workboat and learned about the functionality of oil booms. Officials say Carmi-White County High School dual credit students who attended the tour included Zachary Brown, Jaden Sauls, Cade Allen, Lucas Lueke, Ty Hollingsworth, Elijah Bryant and Ayden Funkhouser. SIC Dual Credit Students tour Elastec. Pictured (l-r) are Zachary Brown, Jaden Sauls, Cade Allen, Lucas Lueke, Ty Hollingsworth, Elijah Bryant, and Ayden Funkhouser. (Courtesy: SIC) Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). DENVER (KDVR) A group of cars parked in a downtown Denver garage were painted with what has been described as hateful slurs. The four vehicles were parked in close proximity to each other on the second level of the public parking garage near East 11th Avenue and Lincoln Street. Drivers frustrated with aggressive window washers; What are your rights? One of the owners found the damaged cars Thursday morning. Emily Butler spoke with FOX31 and said she does not feel she was targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (I) definitely was angry. It definitely feels violating, you know, to have your property damaged, and with the words that were on it are kind of hateful, Butler said. It didnt feel targeted at me, but when a hateful message gets put out there, its a little jarring, and then on top of that your property is damaged. When FOX31 went to the parking garage, there were vehicles spray painted with anti-LGBTQ and racist messages. Some of the damaged vehicles were still there around noon on Thursday. FOX31 did not make contact with the owners of the other vehicles. FOX31 Weather: View the latest Denver forecasts, maps and radar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are cameras at the garage entrance. A driver who uses the garage told FOX31 that large gates limit access to the garage after hours. In Westminster two weeks ago, cars were also vandalized with obscene graffiti. Police said no one has been charged in that case. In Denver, Hate Free Colorado said these types of incidents raise serious concerns. We dont know the intent behind the person, why they did it. But the impact certainly is significant. It certainly causes people to question whether they belong in a community that raises fears when somebody sees this hateful graffiti on a vehicle or a building. Ultimately, it makes people wonder about their safety and security, Hate Free Colorado Spokesman Jeremy Shaver said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Butler reported what happened to Denver police and parking garage management. Its hard when it is kind of hateful messaging. (It) feels a little intentional to get into a private parking garage that was closed after hours, like they had to kind of go out of their way to get to these cars, even though theyre pretty random cars, Butler said. LA soccer player accused of using derogatory term against Rapids player during match Butler said she was able to get some of the paint off of her car, but questions linger as to why anyone would do this in the first place. Denver police said officers are looking into this criminal mischief case involving at least four vehicles. At this point, a spokesman for DPD said they are not aware of any other cases. They are asking anyone with information about the incident to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) On Thursday, three motions failed to pass during a called meeting of the Carter County Commission to appropriate funds and facilitate expenses related to the Hurricane Helene disaster response, recovery, and reimbursement efforts. Those motions involved check requests for Crawford & Company for almost $7,000, YA Engineering Services for around $5,000, and Unified Building Sciences for around $8,000. For the last five months, the mayor and finance director had the sole authority to make such purchases. This is allowed under an emergency declaration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each company rendered engineering services on the Major Henderson Folsom House after it was damaged during Helene. They were here to test the integrity, structural integrity, electrical integrity, Robert Acuff, Carter County commissioner, said. So unless its a one-stop shop, what Commissioner Johnson said tonight, therell be a number of engineers with specialties involved. Commissioners who voted against these motions wanted more detailed information about the work that was done. After the motions initially failed, during comments, Commissioner Angie Odom asked to make a motion to request that the companies provide the finance director with more information about the scope of their work. The motion also involved revisiting the motions for a vote at the next full commission meeting. This motion passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont pay our bills with a company that we have supposedly contracted with, then they can seek legal alternatives, Acuff said. When that occurs, they can also sue for damages as well as make the county pay for any legal fees, our own included. And they could apply penalties. Also at the meeting, Tennessee Emergency Management Agencys (TEMA) Hazard Mitigation Officer Shannon Ball discussed the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program. Another motion that originally failed involved paying landfill fees for the estimated 200 tons of debris from five homes near Jenkins Hollow Road for $11,500. Another motion was made to pay these fees using the countys unassigned fund balance, and this one passed. The three motions to pay Crawford & Company, YA Engineering Services and Unified Building Sciences will go up for another vote on March 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. CARTHAGE, Mo. The Carthage Crisis Center will hold a reception next week for its new executive director. The event is planned to welcome Eileen Sherlock, who started three weeks ago, at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, in the dining room of the Crisis Center at 100 S. Main St. The reception will also recognize Jim Benton, who led the shelter for more than nine years. We are confident that Eileens experience and expertise will significantly contribute to achieving increased ministry opportunities for the Carthage Crisis Center, board President Hal Andrews said in a statement. All of us on the board are looking forward to working with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherlocks background includes 15 years in program and business development, grant fundraising and leadership. She also directed a suicide and overdose prevention program and secured grants to support underprivileged youths in sports, promoting social engagement and equal opportunities. She also spent six months on a women's empowerment team in Cairo. For five years, she coordinated material assistance across 20 churches for a refugee resettlement program, and she spearheaded financial support for Jamaican children who could not attend school unless they were documented and had appropriate school uniforms. Her background in finance was very strong, board Vice President Mark Elliff said in a statement. Part of what we look for to operate the Crisis Center is grants and fundraising. Her heart and concern and desire to help the homeless was a factor that you dont find often." The Carthage Crisis Center was founded in 1996 when Grace Episcopal Church joined forces with 16 other churches in Carthage to address homelessness in the city. The center operated out of a small building at Fifth and Lyons streets in Carthage and operated without a director until Brian and Marilyn Bisbee were hired to be the executive directors. In 2009, the center moved to a much larger 43,000-square-foot home at Central and Main streets. Benton and his wife were hired in 2015, and Benton announced in November he was leaving to focus on his ministry at the First Baptist Church in Jasper. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) As soon as a potential lead came in a decades-old cold case of a missing Portland family, it was the talk of town in Cascade Locks Thursday morning. Buzz starting going around as soon as the story broke that a barge with a crane attached is soon set to pull what investigators believe to be the Martin family car out of the Columbia River. People started sharing the news with friends and posting about it on their local social media pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ritz-Carlton building in Portland may be in trouble Customers inside neighborhood coffee shop Thirsty Cafe were also asking around about the latest details in the search for the Martin family, who vanished in 1958. Other customers told KOIN 6 News they had actually recently watched a 2008 documentary KOIN 6 anchor Jeff Gianola did on the subject, so the details of the case were more fresh in their minds. Thirsty Cafe owner Meredith Wix added a lot of people in town are hoping to get some answers about what truly happened to the Martin family. Were a quiet little town and so when anything ever happens, theres rumors of everything, she told KOIN 6 News. So its very interesting to see what everybodys chattering about. But really, theyre just trying to wonder whats going on. A lot of people remember the story from what Ive read. So hopefully something comes up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TIMELINE: 1958 Martin family disappearance As the barge with the crane arrived from upriver, people around town gathered at the edge of the river trying to get the best view as possible. Meanwhile, the Thirsty Cafe kept Hood River County Sheriffs Office deputies caffeinated as they worked to excavate the evidence. Itd be cool if we got some clues on what actually happened, Wix said. People even traveled to Cascade Locks from the Washington side of the river just to see what might happen. Its a historical event, said Lori Call, who drove from High Prairie because she was curious to watch the developments with her own eyes. Just the thought of this being such an old case and that this is what theyve been waiting for to pull this car up to show how and what occurred back then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alleged serial burglar of Tigard school arrested Other longtime Cascade Locks locals told KOIN 6 theyve also been fixated by the mystery of the missing Martin family for decades. From some of the documentaries, sounds like the family could have been murdered before the car went into the river. So it is quite fascinating that weve had this right here in our own backyard and now its such a big deal, said Cascade Locks Museum Board President Debora Lorang. Was there foul play involved? Was it just a plain accident? So itll be nice at least for some closure on it, added Port Commission President Brad Lorang. Its taken 67 years to finally hopefully break this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Mar. 6EDITOR'S NOTE The Dominion Post reporter David Beard is not related to Kylah Beard, the defendant in this case. dbeard @domininopost.com KINGWOOD The case of a former Hopemont Hospital certified nursing assistant charged in the scalding death of a resident will head to Preston County Circuit Court. Magistrate Patricia Grimm found probable cause to put Kylah Beard's case before a grand jury following a Thursday preliminary hearing that ran about 90 minutes. She is charged with malicious neglect of an incapacitated adult causing death Hopemont resident Larry Hedrick was a nonverbal 61-year-old with dementia and other medical conditions who required total care. On the night of Jan. 4, 2024, he suffered severe burns in a whirlpool bath that led to his death at West Penn Burn Center on Jan. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Investigator Terry Keelin testified for the state. He said Hedrick had been a resident there since 2017, following an arrest that led to his being sent to Hopemont. Keelin didn't supply details of the alleged crime or the case. The investigation included footage from three camera in the hallway that ran between the nurse station and the tub room across the hall, he said. Beard took Hedrick into the tub room at 7:12 p.m., and came in and out of the room leaving Hedrick alone three times, for a few seconds each time. The camera footage did not make clear what Beard was doing, he said, but there was a cart in hall and she may have been getting something off of it. At about 7:20, Keelin said, Beard came out and spoke to another CNA who came into the tub room with her. Beard wanted her help adjusting the water temperature. For whatever reasons, she hadn't seen the temperature gauge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That CNA came out about eight minutes later. Beard came out again and contacted yet another CNA who came into the room with Beard. The CNA who first came in with Beard later testified that the gauge on the tub showed a water temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit. The water level was up to Hedrick's shins. Regulations prohibit a water temperature above 104 degrees. Keelin said the water was drained from the tub by the time the second CNA entered the room. Beard and two other CNAs took Hedric back to his room to treat his burns Questions for Keelin by Prosecuting Attorney Jay Shay brought mention of the other defendant in this incident, Registered Nurse Delilah Clyburn-Hill, into the narrative. Keeling said Clyburn-Hill told the CNAs to leave Hedrick in the tub. While not saying anything, Hedirick was indicating his pain by rubbing his legs and scraping his skin off. He did not receive any pain medication until two hours after he entered the tub room. Defense attorney Dayton Meadows brought to the stand former Hopemont buildings and grounds manager Dennis Reckhart to pursue a line of thought that faulty equipment played a role in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through a long series of questions, Reckhart explained that each hot water tank for the hospital has two thermostats, one for each tank element. The thermostats are made to close if the water temperatures exceeds 120 degrees. From the tanks, the water flows to a nearby mixing valve where it mixes with cold water and then circulates through the hospital's miles of pipes. The water typically runs about 118 degrees and cools as it flows, dropping from 102 to 111 degrees by the time it reaches a floor. They hadn't had any problems with thermostats for years, Reckhart said, but shortly before the incident one of his staff had talked with the supplier who recommended they keep a spare in stock because malfunctions are unpredictable. He ordered a replacement and gave it to the employee. Reckhart said he assumed the employee had replaced one of the thermostats, but also said they had no indication any of them were faulty until the night of the incident, when one on top of a tank failed and allowed excessively hot water into the pipes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reckhart said he wasn't on duty that night but was called in afterward and stayed on site for 18 hours. He said that he was placed on leave during the investigation and was cleared of any wrongdoing, but was never put back on the work schedule. That forced him to give his notice and find another job. Meadows attempted to use the faulty thermostat as the reason for the 134 degree water entering the tub. But Shay noted Reckhart's testimony that the tub also has a mixing valve, similar to a home shower, that allows the person filling the tub to control the water temperature. Meadows said Beard's actions didn't rise to the level of criminal responsibility. She sought help when she realized the water was too hot and the situation was outside of her control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shay said Beard left the room three times and failed in her duty of care. All she had to do was look at the tub's temperature gauge and turn the mixing valve knob. "To say it was out of her control is preposterous." Issuing her decision, Grimm told Beard that binding her case over to a grand jury was not a finding of guilt or innocence. She simply found probable cause for the grand jury to hear it. Beard and Clyburn-Hill face the same charges. Magistrate Bo Ward last month found probable cause to bound Clyburn-Hill's case over to a grand jury. They face fines of up to $5, 000 and 5-15 years in prison if convicted. Editor's note: This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. More than a month after the sentencing of her daughter's killer, Tamika Brown still struggles to find peace. The hit-and-run that took her daughter's life on Sept. 26, 2023, remains a source of deep anguish, a loss worsened by what she sees as an inadequate justice system response. This past Jan. 24, Julisa Prak stood before a Superior Court judge, facing sentencing for leaving the scene of a collision causing death. The crash killed 23-year-old Jada Symone Brown-Howard. Prak had been in custody since Oct. 9, 2024, when a case review was ordered. Brown had hoped the sentencing would bring justice for her daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Standing at the defense table, dressed in orange prison scrubs, Prak tearfully apologized to Brown-Howard's family, seated just feet away, as court security stood guard in the aisles. She told the court she planned to become a nurse after release the same aspiration as the young woman she killed. Jada Symone Brown-Howard, a 23-year-old nursing student, was killed in a hit-and-run while walking in her Wilton neighborhood, near New Caslte, on Sept. 26, 2023. Twenty-one-year-old Julisa O. Prak has been charged in connection with the crash. The judge imposed the minimum penalty: six months in prison, plus five years of probation following her release, $7,500 in restitution and 150 hours of community service. For Brown, still grieving the loss of her daughter, the ruling provided little satisfaction. A dreadful discovery after an evening walk On the night of the hit-and-run, Jada Brown-Howard, a nursing student, left home for a walk in the Wilton neighborhood in New Castle. When she didnt return, her mother went searching for her. For hours, Brown drove around the community unaware that she had passed her daughters body multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not until 2 a.m. that Brown finally stopped and looked closer at what she thought was debris on the ground near Wilton Boulevard and Edinburgh Drive. It was Jada. ORIGINAL STORY: Mother finds daughter in road after New Castle-area hit-and-run. Police arrest a driver Fearing that her daughter had been attacked, Brown placed Jada in her car and rushed her to the hospital, desperate to save her. The gurgling sounds she heard from the back seat gave her hope there was a chance, but doctors told her otherwise. She said they told her Jada had suffered an internal decapitation and that she had died on impact. Brown struggles to accept that explanation. There's people that have broken necks all the time and they're still coherent, she said. I dont know if my daughter died instantly. I cant confirm that. How the investigation unfolded The details surrounding the crash, and the response from law enforcement, haunt Brown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Castle County Police records show that on the night Jada was killed, Praks boyfriends mother called 911 to report a crash. Officers later found Prak at a gas station with front-end damage to her vehicle. Prak told police she had heard a loud boom but, after pulling over and seeing nothing, she assumed she had hit a deer. She said a long line of cars honking at her to move convinced her to leave the scene. When officers searched the area she described, they found no evidence of a crash. Later that night, Brown arrived at the hospital with her daughters body. Staff called 911. Police soon realized that the two reports were likely connected. A further investigation painted a different picture than Praks initial account. In a review of Prak's call logs, police found that she had made several calls to family and friends before her boyfriend's mother called 911. They saw that Prak had been on a FaceTime call at the time of impact. Authorities also uncovered text messages asking Prak, Is the person OK? and The lil girl OK? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives later obtained surveillance footage of the crash. The video evidence contradicted Prak's claim that she had pulled over and that there was a line of cars behind her. After the trial, Brown questioned whether officers sincerely suspected Prak of wrongdoing. She believes this, and a lack of drug testing was a crucial misstep in the investigation. If the officer had done his due diligence, Jada would have been found sooner, she said. Why did I have to find my child? she asked. Why prosecutors recommended a six-month sentence While Brown doesn't believe Prak intentionally hit Jada, she remains troubled by the 23-year-old driver's decision to flee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law in Delaware requires drivers to stop and provide aid in an accident. Leaving the scene of a fatal collision is a felony. Still, prosecutors dropped the charge of operating a vehicle causing death a more serious offense in Praks case. SURF IN SAFETY: 5 key steps to defend your digital privacy under Delaware's new law Brown believes her daughters case was not pursued with the same level of seriousness as others, pointing to past cases where drivers received harsher sentences. She questions whether race played a role. State prosecutors argue that they followed sentencing guidelines and that the circumstances of Praks case did not warrant a longer prison term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cannot imagine a mother's pain to discover her child like that, said DOJ spokesperson Caroline Harrison. But we have to follow the recommendations in the law," she explained. "If anyone has discretion to add more time than what is recommended then thats going to be the judge, Harrison added. Either way, for Brown, the legal outcome provides little solace. More than a month after Praks release, she remains tormented by questions, pain and an absence that no prison sentence could fill. A mothers struggle to cope with her loss Twenty-three-year-old Jada Brown-Howard was killed in a hit-and-run crash in the Wilton community, near New Castle, on Sept. 26, 2023. Twenty-one-year-old Julisa Prak was charged by New Castle County Division of Police in connection with the crash. Since Jadas death, Brown has struggled to find peace. It has affected her relationships with her other children. They only get a fraction of me now, she admitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mother of three surviving children finds herself holding back from doing things with them, feeling guilty that Jada isnt there to share in those moments. Thats what that girl took from me, Brown said. She said she has tried counseling but says it only forces her to reopen wounds for hourlong sessions leaving her to manage by herself until the next appointment. Trying to move forward, Brown said she started a new business but doesn't find joy in much of anything without her daughter. A lot of me died with Jada, she said. You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Driver who killed Jada Brown-Howard sentenced to six months KIGALI, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda has successfully performed 44 kidney transplants since launching its domestic program in 2023, a senior official has said. Minister of State for Health Yvan Butera briefed members of the Rwandan Parliament on Thursday in the national capital of Kigali, highlighting progress in expanding healthcare services, including the increase in kidney transplants and heart surgeries performed within the country. "We have so far performed kidney transplants for 44 Rwandans since the inception of the program," Butera said. The initiative aligns with the government's efforts to reduce the number of patients seeking treatment abroad, thereby lowering costs for families, he said. The domestic kidney transplant program was launched in 2023, while the heart surgery program was introduced in 2022. Butera said these medical advancements complement the recent expansion of healthcare services covered by Rwanda's community-based health insurance, commonly known as Mutuelle de Sante, which enables the majority of Rwandans to access insured medical treatment. According to Butera, the Ministry of Health has added kidney transplantation, heart surgery and cancer treatment to the list of services covered under Rwanda's community-based health insurance package. Butera also revealed that 541 heart surgeries have been conducted in Rwanda since the program's launch in 2022. According to the Ministry of Health, Rwanda's community-based health insurance now covers 83.5 percent of the population. The New Jersey Supreme Court unsealed court records in a dispute with the Camden diocese over whether a state grand jury can issue a presentment on sex abuse claims. (Getty Images) After a Pennsylvania grand jury in 2018 found hundreds of Catholic priests had sexually abused at least 1,000 children over seven decades, New Jerseys then-Attorney General Gurbir Grewal launched an investigation of allegations of sexual abuse by members of the clergy within Catholic dioceses here. Prosecutors wanted a grand jury empaneled to consider evidence in the case, but Camdens diocesan leaders successfully squashed it, persuading trial and appellate judges that a state grand jury had no authority to issue a presentment against a private religious entity and that all court records in the matter should be sealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday, the state snagged a win in the long-fought battle, when the New Jersey Supreme Court ordered the records to be unsealed and agreed to hear arguments in the case next month. The decision clears the path for prosecutors to potentially bring the case to a grand jury if justices agree with the states argument that grand juries are constitutionally permitted to issue presentments on matters of public affairs or conditions, and clergy abuse qualifies as such. A presentment is a formal presentation prepared by a grand jury to call the publics attention to a specific matter, and can be related to criminal allegations. Arguments are expected to be held during the courts April 28-29 session. First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay Ruotolo said the clergy abuse task force Grewal created has never wavered in its mission, and prosecutors remain committed to bringing charges when warranted and proceeding with a grand jury presentment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, we have been seeking to convene a grand jury to present evidence collected by prosecutors across the state regarding decades of sexual abuse, the conditions that made that abuse possible, and the systematic failures to prevent it and to allow the grand jury, as the conscience of our community, to make recommendations to ensure widespread abuse by clergy can never happen again, Ruotolo said in a statement. She said shes grateful the state Supreme Court agreed to hear the case. Now that this case has been made public for the first time in this years-long dispute, victims and survivors will have an opportunity to make their voices heard and to speak to the real harms that we have never lost sight of, she said. A spokesman for the Camden diocese and attorney Lloyd D. Levenson, who represents the diocese, did not respond to requests for comment. James King, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference, declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the unsealed briefs, prosecutors argued that trial and appellate judges erred both in entertaining a challenge to a hypothetical grand jury presentment that does not yet exist and in barring a presentment that focuses on the conduct of private individuals. Statewide sexual abuse by clergy, and the States failure to prevent it, have had a tremendous impact on the public, prosecutors wrote. The grand jurys presentment power is a tool to voice the public conscience, to learn from past harms, and to propose reforms. The lower courts rulings preclude the use of that tool to address one of the most wrenching harms in recent memory, they added. But the Camden diocese argued that a presentment is unnecessary because abuse victims can get relief through civil lawsuits. Levenson also accused the state of having an ulterior motive to mitigate the public relations debacle it created by promising in press releases in 2019 that a presentment would be forthcoming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A grand jury is not authorized to return a presentment against the Roman Catholic Church relating to decades-old allegations of clergy abuse. A grand jury may only return a presentment that refers to public affairs or conditions which are imminent and pertinent, Levenson wrote. The internal operations of the Catholic Church from long ago are not public affairs or conditions, are not imminent and pertinent, and thus are not an appropriate subject matter of a presentment. Despite being blocked from presenting the case to a grand jury, the state task force has continued its investigation, fielding more than 550 calls on a 24-hour hotline alleging sexual, physical, and mental abuse by clergy, according to the briefs. At least four clergy have been arrested, according to the briefs. Mark Crawford, the New Jersey director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), said hes thrilled the Supreme Court unsealed the court records and plans to attend the arguments. The victims here have a right to know whats been going on after six dark years of silence, Crawford said. Look, the Camden bishops actions did not just impact the victims of the Camden diocese, but every victim in this state. The other Catholic dioceses all stood by in silence and said nothing nothing! when they knew that these items were being litigated in court to prevent the presentment by a grand jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called the Camden dioceses actions to stifle the state investigation the same old playbook. Its lets suppress what we know, prevent it from getting to the public while publicly saying were going to cooperate, were going to be open and transparent, Crawford said. What does that say about their care or compassion for the victims, who simply want to be validated, who want a voice, who want their stories told, who want to be heard? An earlier version of this story misstated the duties of a grand jury when issuing a presentment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Hundreds of flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were delayed by an average of 74 minutes early Friday evening as rainy weather made its way through metro Phoenix. Earlier flights had been delayed by an average of 49 minutes. A ground delay was in effect for Sky Harbor because of low clouds from the inclement weather. It was scheduled to remain in effect through 9:59 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration's National Airspace System. Low clouds can affect flights because they negatively impact pilots' visibility when flying, making conditions less safe, according to the World Meteorological Association. Advertisement Advertisement At about 5:15 p.m. on March 7, flight tracking website FlightAware showed 615 delayed flights and 11 canceled flights out of Sky Harbor. Here's what travelers should know if they're flying. Where to fly: New flights from Phoenix to spring-break hotspots Is Phoenix airport having delays today? Winter storms brought rainy, cloudy weather to metro Phoenix. The National Weather Service in Phoenix predicted a 100% chance of rainfall for Friday and precipitation amounts between one-half to three-quarters of an inch. Most of the flights delayed Friday out of Phoenix were Southwest Airlines flights. Southwest spokesman Dan Landson told The Arizona Republic that the airline's staff is working through the weather and getting passengers to their destinations safely and as fast as possible. What is the meaning of ground delay? Ground delays are when flights headed to an airport experiencing adverse conditions must delay their takeoffs, according to the FAA. Advertisement Advertisement The FAA can also order a ground stop, when flights cannot take off or land because it's not safe enough to do so. While the FAA can order a ground delay or ground stop, it does not cancel flights. How long will my flight be delayed? The FAA's delay trend outlook forecasted the effects of the ground delay based on original departure times as follows: 8-9 a.m.: 191 minutes 9-10 a.m.: 151 minutes 10-11 a.m.: 123 minutes 11 a.m.-noon: 105 minutes Noon-1 p.m.: 94 minutes 1-2 p.m.: 88 minutes 2-3 p.m.: 83 minutes 3-4 p.m.: 79 minutes 4-5 p.m.: 76 minutes 5-6 p.m.: 73 minutes 6-7 p.m.: 70 minutes 7-8 p.m.: 68 minutes 8-9 p.m.: 64 minutes 9-10 p.m.: 61 minutes Advertisement Advertisement Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist whos covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republics consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. (This story has been updated with new information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport faces hundreds of flight delays. Here's why CBS on Thursday filed two motions to dismiss President Donald Trumps amended complaint against the network over its editing of an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election campaign. Paramount Global, CBS Broadcasting Inc., and CBS Interactive Inc., the three defendants in the case, argued that Trumps lawsuit, which was amended last month, in part, to add Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) as a plaintiff, is an affront to the First Amendment and is without basis in law or fact. Trump and Jackson seek to punish a news organization for constitutionally protected editorial judgments they do not like, the defendants said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They not only ask for $20 billion in damages but also seek an order directing how a news organization may exercise its editorial judgment in the future, they added. The First Amendment stands resolutely against these demands. Trumps legal action stems from two different versions the network released for Harris answer to a question about Israel during a 60 Minutes interview broadcast in October. Trump has accused the network of election interference over what he described as deceptive editing of the shows sit-down interview with Harris, an assertion that has been repeatedly disputed by CBS. The answers that aired on each news show were simply excerpts of a single answer Vice President Harris gave to a single question, and taken together, viewers heard virtually all of Harris answer, the CBS motion said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS has also released the full transcript and camera feeds of its interview with Harris following pressure from Brendan Carr, the new chair of the Federal Communications Commission under Trump. Trump at first sued the network for $10 billion but recently doubled his demand to $20 billion after CBS originally moved to get the case tossed out. The judge denied that effort since the original suit had been amended. In a separate motion on Thursday, the defendants repeated their request to get the amended complaint dismissed, citing the lack of personal jurisdiction, noting that at a minimum the case should be transferred from Texas to the Southern District of New York. None of the Defendants is subject to personal jurisdiction in Texas on these claims, they said. CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a New York corporation, CBS Interactive Inc. and Paramount Global are Delaware corporations, and all three have their principal place of business in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to CBSs motions, Ed Paltzik, an attorney for Trump, told Axios that Trump is committed to holding those who traffic in fake news, hoaxes and lies to account. CBS and Paramount committed the worst kind of election interference and fraud in the closing days of the most important presidential election in history, Paltzik said. President Trump will pursue this vital matter to its just and rightful conclusion. This comes as Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder of Paramount, the parent company of CBS, has previously told her companys board that she wants the issue at hand resolved one way or another as Skydances acquisition of Paramount is pending approval by the FCC, according to The New York Times. The proposed merger is also the subject on an investor suit, according to Variety. Related... CBS Newss parent company Paramount filed a pair of motions in district court to dismiss President Trumps $20 billion federal lawsuit stemming from the 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris just before the 2024 presidential election. One of two motions, both filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, said the presidents lawsuit is an affront to the First Amendment and is without basis in law or fact. Paramounts legal team wrote that Trump is seeking to punish a news organization for constitutionally protected editorial judgments they do not like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They not only ask for $20 billion in damages but also seek an order directing how a news organization may exercise its editorial judgment in the future, one motion reads. The First Amendment stands resolutely against these demands. The lawsuit, which Trump filed in late October, accused CBS News and 60 Minutes of deceptively editing the interview with Harris to portray the then-White House candidate in a more favorable view. Trump said in the lawsuit that CBS News engaged in partisan and unlawful acts of election and voter interference by editing the Oct. 7 interview with Harris. Critics pointed to the answer the ex-vice president gave about Israels war in Gaza that was not part of the television broadcast but was released online. The president initially sought $10 billion in damages, but the lawsuit was amended in February with the price now doubling to $20 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the other motion, Paramount contended that editorial judgements made by 60 Minutes are non-commercial speech that lies wholly outside the scope of both the Lanham Act and the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The studios legal team also said the court lacks subject-matter jurisdiction. The motions were filed after it was reported that Paramount had talks with Trumps legal team about potentially settling the lawsuit, thinking that it would make it more likely that he would greenlight Paramounts merger with Skydance. Apart from the lawsuit, CBS News is facing a probe from the Federal Communications Commission, led by Chair Brendan Carr. The investigation was opened over the same interview. Days earlier, CBS News released the full transcript of the 60 Minutes interview with Harris. In making these edits, 60 Minutes is always guided by the truth and what we believe will be most informative to the viewing public all while working within the constraints of broadcast television, the news program said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps legal team is still of the view that 60 Minutes committed election interference. President Trump is committed to holding those who traffic in fake news, hoaxes and lies to account, the presidents legal counsel Ed Paltzik said in a statement to Axios. CBS and Paramount committed the worst kind of election interference and fraud in the closing days of the most important presidential election in history. President Trump will pursue this vital matter to its just and rightful conclusion, Paltzik added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ATHENS, Greece (AP) Clashes broke out in Greece's two largest cities Friday, as protesters hurled gasoline bombs and flares outside parliament, during a censure motion debate against the government over its handling of a deadly rail disaster two years ago. Police fired tear gas and stun grenades at the violent protesters and used water cannons when the clashes broke out moments after Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis began speaking at the end of the three-day debate. The government survived the challenge in a 157-136 vote announced late Friday. Inside the assembly, activists in the visitors' gallery threw leaflets down onto lawmakers before being removed by police. Violence also erupted in the northern city of Thessaloniki. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitsotakis center-right government faced a censure motion over the 2023 train collision that killed 57 people and injured dozens more. Friday's demonstrations, the third round of nationwide protests held in a week, follow the second anniversary of the Feb. 28, 2023 collision at Tempe in northern Greece. In a rare display of unity, four center-left and left-wing opposition parties tabled the no-confidence motion, arguing that the government has failed to accept responsibility for multiple rail safety system failures identified by investigators. You want to hide the criminal responsibility of the government for the Tempe tragedy, Socialist opposition leader Nikos Androulakis told lawmakers, addressing the prime minister. No Greek citizen will forgive your unacceptable behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite widespread public anger over the Tempe rail disaster, the fragmented opposition has struggled to capitalize on the discontent. Prime Minister Mitsotakis accused his political opponents of engineering a political stunt, adding: When I visited the scene of the accident ... it was the most difficult moment of my life. Relatives of crash victims attended Friday's protest rallies, publicly expressing gratitude to demonstrators. People are here because they understand whats going on and they demand justice, said Chrysoula Chlorou, whose 55-year-old sister Vasso was killed in the crash, while attending a protest in the central city of Larissa. She added: We will stand with everyone who has the strength to raise their voices for the people and we thank them very much. ___ Kantouris reported from Thessaloniki, Greece. ANDOVER Voters will have a say on the creation of a historic district along Central Street when Town Meeting rolls along in April. The Planning Board unanimously approved by a vote of 6-0 to recommend at Town Meeting establishing a Central Street Historic District and bylaw at its meeting on Tuesday. Town Meeting begins April 29. The idea for the historic district came from residents on the street looking to protect the homes. It has been presented to the Select Board and Planning Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal of the local historic district and its designation as one would help preserve and protect the streets history and the homes which line it. It would maintain Central Streets unique identity with its historical and architectural importance. The bylaw would regulate certain exterior alterations visible from a public way and set architectural standards. Houses on Central Street date back to the 1700s and 1800s including The Benjamin Franklin Smith House, The Pink House, at 65 Central St. Some of the towns oldest homes are on the street. In June, a Central Street Historic District Study Committee was created to take a deeper look into seeing if the area of Central Street qualified as a historic district and subsequently, if a recommendation to make it a historic district would follow at Town Meeting. Assistant Planning Director Lisa Schwarz said over a seven-month period, the steering committee held meetings and public hearings. A report was also submitted to the Planning Board as well as the Massachusetts Historic Commission. The state commission reviewed the report and recommended moving forward with the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entirety of Central Street was reviewed. A map highlighted all 39 properties in the possible historic district. The homeowners were notified and a public hearing was held on Jan. 13. Board members asked Schwarz if the community had any concerns about the historic district. Schwarz said concerns revolved around the process such as exemptions and waivers. These items have been outlined in the proposed bylaw. If the article is approved at Town Meeting, a commission would be formed to create design guidelines for the district. Approval for design guidelines would be voted on pending the articles passage. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) During the 12th annual West Texas Hunger Summit Central High School students and the special education program teacher talked about a new program that is being offered for students who face food insecurity. The program provides 300 bags of food and snacks that are given to teachers each Monday for students who are on the free or reduced lunch program. Of the 3,000, we have almost 1,300 students on free and reduced lunches so there is a lot of food insecurity, said Kira Connel, a special education teacher at Central High School. We really aim to be able to curve that and meet those basic needs for students by giving them the snack bags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the bags, also called fueling bags, there is a QR code that allows students to share if they need more support. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for more information after a woman was found lying in the center of the roadway with critical injuries. According to an FHP news release, the woman, identified as a 27-year-old from Century, Fla., was found Wednesday morning just before 9 lying in the center of the roadway on County Road 4, also known as Byrnveille Road. UPDATE: NAS Pensacola lifts lockdown after reports of shots fired onboard Corry Station Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers said they also found a one-wheel hoverboard in the westbound lane that she was riding. Anyone with more information about the incident can contact by dialing *347. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Fort Liberty, the nations largest Army installation, officially reverted to its former name, Fort Bragg, on Friday. The renaming ceremony marked the end of Fort Libertys brief existence, restoring the name to honor a different Bragg. Sec. Hegseth signs memo renaming Fort Liberty to Fort Bragg, but theres a twist Originally named after Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg, the North Carolina base was renamed Fort Liberty in 2023 as part of a movement to remove Confederate symbols from public spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed an order to reinstate the Bragg name, this time in honor of Army Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II paratrooper and Silver Star recipient from Maine. Today we honor a hero worthy of the name Bragg, said Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson during the ceremony. Rebecca Amirpour, granddaughter of Roland L. Bragg, spoke on behalf of the family, describing her grandfather as a strong, hardworking and proud man. The renaming ceremony was attended by a few hundred people, including active servicemen and members of the public, who gathered under black and yellow tents in front of the bases command center headquarters. VIDEO: Sec. Hegseth signs memo renaming Fort Liberty to Fort Bragg, but theres a twist The Associated Press contributed to this report. NEW DELHI, March 7 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 boats, including trawlers, were gutted in a devastating fire at a fishing harbor in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, the police said Friday. However, no loss of life or injuries has been reported in the blaze. The fire broke out Thursday evening at the Nehru Bangla fishing harbor of Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha. Twelve large boats, including some trawlers, and over five engine-powered indigenous boats were completely gutted in the blaze, a police official said, adding the incident triggered panic among fishermen. Firefighting operations continued for several hours as flammable materials like diesel, cooking gas cylinders, and fishing nets worsened the situation. Local media reports said nearly 300 to 400 trawlers were anchored at the fishing harbor when the fire broke out. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. The police have registered a case and ordered an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire. Colorado Treasurer Dave Young speaks at the opening of Colorado Democrats' Aurora field office on June 28, 2022. (Faith Miller/Colorado Newsline) President Donald Trumps chaotic game of chicken in a trade war with Mexico and Canada threatens to raise consumer costs, undermine Colorados economy and complicate the states efforts to close a billion-dollar budget gap, Treasurer Dave Young said Thursday. For the second time, Trump has backed off plans to impose broad tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, signing an executive order Thursday to delay the 25% tariffs on most goods from the two countries until April 2. The move, announced earlier this week, had sent Wall Street stocks tumbling and heightened fears of an economic slowdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking alongside other state treasurers in a virtual press conference, Young said that the chaos and confusion caused by Trumps actions are making carrying out his duties, which include safeguarding the states cash flows and investing public funds responsibly, much more difficult. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX While Im glad to see that President Trump may be reconsidering his policies with this announcement of a temporary pause, we know this will continue to cause chaos, said Young. The right thing to do is to end this game of chicken today. Young, a Democratic former state lawmaker from Greeley, has served as Colorados state treasurer since 2019. One of four statewide executive offices elected by voters, the treasurer oversees the management, investment and disbursement of state funds, along with a handful of savings and loan programs and the states Division of Unclaimed Property. Trump first announced the tariffs soon after taking office in January, before agreeing to a 30-day pause on Feb. 3. Despite insisting on Monday that there would be no room left for Mexico or Canada to negotiate, Trump backed off his plans again by exempting most goods those covered under the 2018 trade deal known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, negotiated during Trumps first term from the tariffs in an executive order signed Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young cited statistics linking over 115,000 Colorado jobs to trade with Canada and Mexico, and highlighted the Suncor oil refinery in Commerce City, which processes oil imported from Alberta, Canada, as one way in which Coloradans would be hit particularly hard by the tariffs. A trade war will result in punishing prices, brutal layoffs and decreased activity, undermining Colorados vibrant economy, said Young. With Colorado lawmakers already facing an estimated $1.2 billion budget shortfall this year, the economic headwinds created by tariffs, and the continued uncertainty about when and how they will go into effect, could have serious consequences for the states ability to fund public services, he added. This is uncertainty that actually adds to the crisis we have in budget right now, Young said. Certainly for businesses, as to whether or not they want to invest in our economies they dont turn on a dime like President Trumps mind does every morning when he wakes up. They actually have to plan for the future, they have to make smart investments, and this chaos doesnt lead to effective planning and successful operation of businesses. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (FOX40.COM) Additional charges were added against the suspect in a Sacramento stabbing from earlier this year after the victim died, the Sacramento Police Department said. According to police, on January 26, officers responded to a report of a stabbing near the intersection of 23rd Street and I Street. Police said officers found the stabbing victim, who was then transported to the hospital. The officers arrested a suspect and he was booked into Sacramento County Main Jail on felony assault charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Domestic dispute leads to stabbing, deputies investigate The police said that on Thursday, they were informed that the victim had died from his injuries. According to police, the suspect was then additionally booked for homicide. Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Multiple people are likely to face potential charges such as hazing, negligent homicide, manslaughter and obstruction of justice in the case of a 20-year-old Southern University student who died following an alleged off-campus fraternity ritual, according to a Louisiana district attorney. It has been a week since the death of Caleb Wilson, a mechanical engineering junior at the school in Baton Rouge. While no arrests have been made yet, East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore told The Associated Press on Thursday that, in his opinion, it is clear hazing was involved. Wilsons exact cause of death has yet to be determined and details of the alleged hazing incident have not been publicly released by the Baton Rouge Police Department or Moore's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This young man came here to go to school and to graduate in a cap and gown, and not leave in a black bag, Moore said. It's a shame that this happened. And it's a shame that hazing continues, despite all the previous deaths we have seen across the country. In Louisiana, hazing can be a felony under the Max Gruver Act, which passed in 2018 and was named after a Louisiana State University student who died of alcohol poisoning after a hazing ritual at the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house. In that case, a former member of the fraternity was convicted of negligent homicide and was sentenced to five years in prison. However, a judge suspended all but 2 years of the term. Moore said that in the death of Wilson, this will likely be the first time he uses the Max Gruver Act to prosecute. The legislation prohibits hazing, regardless of whether the targeted person voluntarily allowed it. Under the act, if a person being hazed dies or is seriously injured then violators face up to a $10,000 fine and five years in prison. Additionally, organizations, representatives and officers of an organization, and educational institutions can also face penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill vowed that there would be justice for Wilson. Caleb Wilsons death was senseless - it should have never happened, she posted on X on Thursday. We must end hazing in our State. Its our job to make sure that it doesnt happen again. Remembering Caleb Wilson Hundreds of Southern University students, alumni, staff and state leaders gathered for a vigil Wednesday evening in honor of Wilson. They carried candles, brass instruments and photos of Wilson, whose friends nicknamed him Cheese because of his big grin and his ability to make others smile. Friends and family took turns telling stories of Wilson, who by an overwhelming number of accounts was joyous, bright, talented and driven. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He walked this campus with a purpose, Chaselynn Grant, a longtime friend of Wilson's, told The Advocate. I know he is smiling down. Among Wilson's passions was music. He played trumpet for the university's famous marching band, known as the Human Jukebox, which recently performed at the Super Bowl in New Orleans. During the vigil, Wilsons father recalled walking into his sons apartment after his death and seeing his band uniform laid out and ready for Mardi Gras season. I want to thank yall for the love you gave my son, Corey Wilson said to a crowd of people at Wednesdays vigil, The Advocate reported. This was Calebs life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the bands performance at one of New Orleans Mardi Gras parades over the weekend, members donned black mourning bands across their uniforms and played Stevie Wonders Love Light in Flight in honor of Wilson. In a post on Facebook, the band wrote that they carried Wilson's spirit with every step and every note. This was more than just a performance, the post read. It was a tribute, a farewell and a promise that Caleb's legacy will live on. A man has been charged with kidnapping and raping a 12-year-old girl in Minneapolis last fall. Danylo Boldon, 24, was recently charged with one count of 1st-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 14 in Hennepin County. According to a criminal complaint, police were called to the 5200 block of 34th Avenue South in Minneapolis on Oct. 8 on a report of a missing girl. Police were unable to find the girl, but she turned up later that night at a Minneapolis home and began ringing the doorbell. The victim told police that a stranger had grabbed her off the street, put her into his car and drove away. He then allegedly sexually assaulted her in his car, before eventually dropping her off around a mile away at a fast food restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim told police that she had been raped, and said her attacker had a hand tattoo that was either a rose or a spider web. A medical examination found injuries consistent with her account. A DNA sample collected during the girls examination matched the profile of Boldon. He was arrested on Feb. 5, with the complaint noting that he has a rose tattoo on his hand. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Thursday night Charleston County Council heard from the county library board of trustees regarding a controversial oath of office. A concern that came up earlier this year was whether the board could require their members to take an oath of office, pledging allegiance to the constitution. The oath reads below: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am duly qualified, according of the Constitution of this State, to exercise the duties of the office to which I have been elected, (or appointed), and that I will, to the best of my ability, discharge the duties thereof, and preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of this State and of the United States. So help me God. Some members of the library board of trustees spoke to the council asking for them to make a decision as they believed they needed to countys approval to require an oath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From our perspective, the issue had always been whether the board it was in our purview to make such a decision. This addition of the new trustees, the topic came up about the oath. Looking at our bylaws they werent helpful in providing us direction, our next look was to county council, said Rob Byko, the chair of the Board of Trustees for Charleston County Public Library. The council voted 7 to 2 in their committee meeting to not require library board members to take an oath and leave it up to the state general assembly. They cited in their reasoning that is not required for any of the other 46 library boards in the state to take an oath. Councilmembers Honeycutt and Kobrovsky were the 2 who voted no, explaining their desire to follow the Attorney Generals opinion that was requested by State Senator Matt Leber. That statement reads in part: Members of the Charleston County public library board of trustees are officers within the meaning of article iv section 4 of the South Carolina constitution. they are therefore required to take an oath of office prescribed in the article vi section 5 of the South Carolina constitution Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My position was simply when you have the opinion of the top legal officer of the state saying you have to do it, I take that as we have to do it, and it shouldnt be a problem to affrim or swear allegiance to the United States. That was simple issue, and I think most people in the county would want that, said Larry Kobrovsky, the vice chair for Charleston County Council. State Senator Leber who brought this issue to Attorney General Wilson said in a statement following the countys decision that reads in part: All this energy spent in order to not take an honorable oath. Its a disgraceful shame. I have no problem insisting on the law being followed. Loving america is easy for me. In their motion, the county requested that the decision be made by the general assembly where state lawmakers can decide if they require an oath of office. Whatever county council instructs us to do we as a board will follow that instruction enthusiastically, we all love our country we love our state we love our community the people on our board love the public library, said Byko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final vote will come at the Charleston county council meeting on Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A Charlotte man who was already registered as a sex offender was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), the U.S. Attorney Office announced. The acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District reports that Thomas Robert Boehm III, 36, of Charlotte, was also ordered to register, again, as a sex offender after his release from prison and to pay restitution to his victims. Lenoir man sentenced to 14 years for possessing child sexual abuse material while on supervised release for similar conviction Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents and court proceedings, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) referred a tip to law enforcement that a Dropbox account user had uploaded and maintained several video files containing CSAM. A search warrant for Boehms account, and a forensic analysis of his files revealed that the defendant possessed the equivalent of more than 6,000 images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including children under the age of 12. On Feb. 22, 2024, Boehm pleaded guilty to possession and access with intent to view child pornography involving prepubescent minors. Boehm remains in federal custody. He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. Boehm was convicted in Onslow County in 2011 for taking indecent liberties with a child. The FBI and CMPD investigated the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Armstrong with the U.S. Attorneys Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) Students at a Chatham County school will be moved across town next year while their building is under construction, and some parents are concerned about the transition. Thursday night, school officials at Georgetown K8 held a meeting with parents to discuss what the upcoming renovation would entail. This is going to be great for our community, and Im just so honored to say its going to be coming our way, District 6 School Board Representative for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools David Bringman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The renovated building will include a new gym, new locker rooms, new bathrooms, safety upgrades, an updated drainage system and a new sign for the school. During the construction, students will temporarily be moved to what the school district is calling a swing site at what used to be Largo-Tibet Elementary School. Just because were at Largo-Tibet that doesnt mean were not still in Georgetown. Georgetown K8 is not the building. Georgetown K8 is the heart of the people, Georgetown K8 Principal Kim Mole, said. Despite those reassurances, some parents had doubts about the transition, specifically about transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Largo Tibet building is a 13-minute drive across town without any traffic. Right now, the school is right down the street from my house, Christopher Bridgewater, a Georgetown K8 parent, said. I have to be at work super early, and I dont get off until super late. So, when everyone talks about traffic, I experience it on both ends, in the morning and afternoon. Now theyre saying theyre going to be bringing them further away to a more congested area from what Ive experienced. The biggest change for many students at Georgetown will be taking the bus to school. Currently, the majority of them walk or arrive to school by car. Look at how nice our buildings are, our education is awesome, but they havent figured out the details that actually involve the safety and the overall well-being of our kids because my kid has been at the bus stop basically stranded, Analisa Laster, another Georgetown K8 parent, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School officials said that the district is already working on new bus routes to get Georgetown students to Largo-Tibet. Were running dry runs. If your baby and you want to hop on the bus and ride from Georgetown to your new school and hop off and hop right back on and ride back, thats what they do to make sure all those routes are actually going to work, Bringman said. Largo-Tibet is currently being renovated to accommodate students for next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. TAHLEQUAH, Okla. An agreement with Cherokee Nation and Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma will allow low-income Cherokee Nation citizens help with legal services. Cherokee Nation signed an agreement on March 4 with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma. The partnership will assist in several areas, from housing and eviction legal services to court representation for unemployment insurance benefits, bankruptcy, debt, student loans, car titles, payday loans, drivers license restoration, and other financial situations. When you are low-income and are dealing with landlords, debt collectors, whatever it may be, they have attorneys, but if you cant afford your own, you are at the mercy of people who have resources you need. Michael Figgins, executive director of Legal Aid Service of Oklahoma Figgins said low-income Cherokee citizens who go to Cherokee Nation Human Services now have access to legal counsel to get what they need and have the denials reversed to preserve their housing and status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is very much needed in the Cherokee Nation, providing additional services to our people, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. said in a prepared statement. With this agreement, Hoskin said we can assist crime victims and people who face other barriers, such as housing, issues with finance, troubles in the workplace, or barriers to health or wellness. Sometimes in unique situations, even becoming a Cherokee Nation citizen requires legal services to navigate the process, Hoskin said. He said more Cherokee citizens would be eligible for legal help with this agreement. Cherokee Nation First Lady January Hoskin has long advocated for Cherokee Nation citizens who need somewhere to turn for legal services, Hoskin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cherokee citizens would often ask me about services available, and one service people would ask me about is, Do you provide a lawyer? and I hated to have to say no, said Cherokee Nation First Lady January Hoskin. She said the citizens asking often had no means to afford a lawyer. This usually led to people being taken advantage of or staying in bad situations because they couldnt access legal help. Council Speaker Mike Shambaugh said every Cherokee deserves due process. Anytime as leaders that we can help those in need who dont have the means to help themselves, I think its our duty to do this. Council Speaker Mike Shambaugh Eligible citizens must reside within the Cherokee Nation Reservation, meet established income qualifications, and be serviced through an existing Cherokee Nation low-income program. Referrals will be made based on service needs determined by an evaluation by Human Services. Cherokee Nation citizens should not contact Cherokee Human Services expecting an immediate referral to legal aid. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, and other Cherokee Nation leaders joined Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma representatives to sign an agreement on March 4 allowing eligible low-income Cherokee citizens to receive legal services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. CHICAGO A Chicago Ridge man is facing a felony charge in connection with a shooting that unfolded inside a South Side apartment in mid-2023. Chicago police say 36-year-old Lorenzo Smith has been charged with one felony count of first-degree murder. It is a charge that officers say stems from Smiths alleged role in a shooting that left a 28-year-old woman injured. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an initial report by police, the shooting allegedly occurred in the evening hours on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, inside an apartment in the 200 block of 42nd Street in Bronzeville. Photo provided by Chicago police shows 36-year-old Lorenzo Smith who is accused of injuring a woman in a shooting inside a South Side apartment in 2023. Officers said the victim was inside an 11th-floor apartment with several other people when a gunman allegedly opened fire. The woman suffered a gunshot wound to her head and was later taken to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities said Smith was eventually taken into custody in connection with the incident by the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Task Force on Thursday. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones appeared in court for a detention hearing the day after his arrest. It is unclear what led to the shooting and authorities have not provided an update on the victims condition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. CAIRO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A Hamas delegation arrived in Egypt's Cairo on Friday for talks on implementing terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal and pushing forward negotiations on its second phase, Egypt's State Information Service said in a statement. Egypt is holding intensive talks with Hamas leaders, as well as U.S. and Qatari mediators, to continue the implementation of the ceasefire and to begin the 2nd phase of the deal, according to the statement. A three-phase Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, took effect on January 19. The negotiations for the second phase of the deal remain stalled after the initial 42-day phase expired on March 1. Egypt has been intensifying diplomatic efforts to achieve a Gaza ceasefire and advance the strip's reconstruction. On Tuesday, Egypt hosted an emergency Arab summit and proposed a Gaza non-displacement reconstruction plan valued at 53 billion U.S. dollars. However, the plan necessitates a permanent ceasefire in the strip to encourage financing and investment for its implementation. Eliazar Rodriguez was running errands in Roscoe Village when he was stopped by two men with a laminated flyer outside a Starbucks. They said they were raising money for their little brother who was killed in a drive-by shooting and told Rodriguez that they were struggling to gather funeral funds. I said, I know what its like to struggle, so Im more than happy to help with what I have, Rodriguez said. He gave the men $15 through Apple Pay and wrote his name down on a sheet pledging his donation. One of the guys took Rodriguezs phone to make the transaction, showed him the screen to confirm that Rodriguez donated $15 and the two men went on their way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next thing Rodriguez knew, he got an instant notification from his bank telling him he had a $3,000 charge for a carpet purchase. I was just blinded by my naivety and my wanting to do good and be kind to others, only to be kind of slapped in the face, Rodriguez said. Rodriguez is not alone he is one of dozens who have recently lost thousands of dollars to a scam going around Chicago where con artists will use a sad story to lure victims into paying them thousands of dollars when the victim thinks they are only paying a small amount of money. The Tribune spoke with multiple people victimized by this scam, and while some say that the con is nothing new, the rise in popularity of Apple Pay, PayPal and tap-to-pay credit card transactions has allowed scammers to take off with thousands of dollars from people on the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funnily enough, that same week, I saw the same two guys at a different part of Roscoe Village, said Rodriguez, who was scammed in November. But instead of saying that they were trying to raise funds for their little brother shot in the drive by, they were now trying to raise funds for autism awareness. Since June 2024, the Illinois attorney generals office said it has received approximately 10 complaints from consumers who were approached by individuals requesting charitable donations on the street. In these cases, consumers allege that after making what they thought was a small donation to a charitable organization, donors later discovered they were charged hundreds or thousands of dollars. Credit card charity-based scams are common, according to John Breyault, a fraud expert with the National Consumers League. In 2023, credit cards were the most common payment method used in fraud reports, according to the Federal Trade Commission. There were over 114,000 cases of fraud involving credit card payments, followed by over 83,000 fraud cases involving debit cards and 65,000 cases involving a payment app or service. Whats a little unusual to me, to be honest with you, is that they are actually approaching people on the street in real life, Breyault said. That part is much less common. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago has seen thousands of fraud cases involving a credit card, but it is unclear how many of those cases were related to this specific scam. According to Chicago police data analyzed by the Tribune, there were 2,537 reported cases of credit card fraud in 2024. Only 17 of those cases resulted in an arrest. Unfortunately, that is also not unusual, Breyault said. One of the reasons that fraud is such a widespread crime is that it is relatively low risk for the criminals who perpetrate it. And dealing with the banks and credit card companies can be a headache, according to victims who spoke to the Tribune. Generally speaking, if a person willingly hands over their card to a merchant but gets billed the wrong amount, then it will not be considered credit card fraud but rather credit card dispute, according to the Capital One. I felt like they didnt really know how to handle the situation, because ultimately, at least in the beginning, they said that it was my fault since I willingly gave my phone, Rodriguez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, Rodriguez was able to get his money back two weeks later, thanks in part to Starbucks employees who could corroborate his claim and photos he had taken of the flyer and the location where he got scammed. But for some people, getting that money back can take months. Thats what happened to Abigail Grady, who got scammed in late December in Lakeview East and did not get the issue fully resolved until February. When she was approached, two men ran across the street to tell her about how they were raising money for someones younger brother who was hit by a car. She was initially going to give the men cash, but they said they could not accept cash. I think at some point I was like, OK, Ill donate like, $10 and the guy took out a card reader and he kept tapping my card, and the other guy is talking to me, chatting me up, saying how appreciative they are, Grady said. Grady later realized that she had four separate charges of $3,000 on her card, meaning that she lost a total of $12,000. She contacted her bank, but without a receipt to back up her claim, the process was much longer and more strenuous than Grady would have liked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so essentially the (credit) card company was like, We cant do anything to help you. You have to talk to the claims team specifically, Grady said. So luckily I got connected with somebody really quickly that same day. And he essentially was like Well, did you try and dispute it with them? And I was like, Well, I looked to see if they existed or who the LLC that was charged on my card was. The claims team then argued to the credit card company that Grady had tried to dispute the charge with the men who approached her, but was unsuccessful in her interaction. That argument was enough to convince the company, and Grady finally got the issue resolved. Some victims have been less successful. Claire DesHotels was approached by two men with a clipboard near her home in Roscoe Village in late October. The men told her they were going door-to-door to ask for funeral funds for a young boy who was killed and even showed DesHotels a newspaper clipping of the boy. Like other victims, DesHotels wrote down that she was giving the men $20 on a clipboard and completed a tap-to-pay transaction while the men asked her how her day was going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But minutes after the interaction, DesHotels realized she was out $2,400. She immediately contacted her credit card company, Barclays. The company initially canceled the transaction and put the alert under fraud review, but about two months later determined that the transaction was not fraud because DesHotels agreed to making the transaction and did not have a receipt to back up her claim. When the Tribune initially spoke with DesHotels, she was still figuring out how to get her money back. She was talking to her friend who is a lawyer for advice and even filed a police report in hopes that it would help her case. Im getting married in September and my fiance and I are trying really hard to save for the wedding and its like I dont have $2,400. Im just living within my means myself, DesHotels said. A spokesperson for Barclays initially said that the company is unable to disclose cardmember account details, but a day after the Tribune reached out, Barclays told DesHotels that they were going to fully credit her account for the $2,400. Keeping yourself safe The first step someone should take after being scammed is contact their bank immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of what can be done to help people recover from these scams can only be done if you report it properly, Breyault said. Dont wait a couple days or a week until you get in touch with your bank about this. Get in touch with them right away. And what I would say is, when you call, just explain the situation. While it may seem that filing a police report does not often result in an arrest for credit card fraud, Breyault still recommends any scam victims to file a police report as soon as possible. The more reports police have, the more likely they will be able to spot trends and target areas where the con artists are working. That report can also serve as an important paper trail for people when talking to their banks about the transaction. Breyault also recommended people file a complaint to their states attorney general. Typically, companies like PayPal and Venmo and others have to get a money transmitter license to operate in a particular state, and so that is usually regulated by the state, and the attorney general can help point you in the right direction on that, Breyault said. The Illinois attorney generals office said they recommend anyone impacted by this scam to contact their local police department and to check online if a charitable organization is registered with the attorney generals office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victims can also reach out to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, although the bureau may not be able to address claims right away due to the Trump administrations orders to halt operations at the agency. As far as precautions, Breyault said that if someone approaches you on the street asking for money for a charitable cause, it is better to not give money right away but rather to wait, ask for more information and then decide whether to donate. If a person is also asking you to donate specifically through Venmo, Apple Pay or a similar app, then Breyault said that is another red flag. By handing over a credit card or Apple Pay or paying through Venmo, its really equivalent to handing someone cash, Breyault said. For victims, Breyault said, there is often guilt. That was true for Rodriguez. I spent a lot of time just blaming myself and feeling a little stupid or very stupid and gullible for (ignoring) obvious red flags, Rodriguez said. But Breyault emphasized that no one should blame themself for falling for a scam. One of the things that is vexing for many people like me who work in that space is that theres a lot of stigma attached to it. The people who are victims often feel like they fell for it, and the scammers bank on that, Breyault said. This happens to lots of people. Theres no sort of one profile thats immune to these types of scams. And so one of my priorities is to make sure that everybody understands that everyone has a fraud story. (Bloomberg) -- Chilean hard-right presidential contender Johannes Kaiser is now tied with Evelyn Matthei, who is widely considered the frontrunner, according to a new poll that marks a shock development in this years contest. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthei was backed by 17% of respondents while Kaiser garnered 16.9% of support, according to LatAm Pulse, a survey conducted by AtlasIntel for Bloomberg News and published Friday. The poll, which was conducted before former head of state Michelle Bachelet closed the door to another presidential run on March 5, placed the center-left leader in third with 14.5%. Kaiser is a self-described libertarian and lower house deputy who is capturing Chiles attention due to his unexpected strength in polls. Long viewed as a fringe candidate, he has called for reducing taxes and red tape, and his tough-on-crime stance includes bringing back the death penalty. Kaisers rise comes as voters cite public security, crime and drug trafficking as top problems currently gripping one of Latin Americas richest economies. Kaiser represents a genuine right-wing candidate who is capable of even defending Pinochet, Mauricio Morales, a political science professor at Universidad de Talca, said in reference to the bloody dictatorshoip led by Augusto Pinochet between 1973 and 1990. For a right-wing voter, Kaiser represents truth, renewal and hope. This year, Kaiser slammed traditional conservative parties aligned with Matthei after they negotiated a pension reform with President Gabriel Borics left-wing government. He is piquing voters interest as appeal fades in another hard-right contender, Jose Antonio Kast, who lost to Boric in the 2021 runoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, the Chilean government electoral body Servel officially recognized Kaisers new political party, called the National Libertarian Party. The survey also had some good news for Carolina Toha, who stepped down as interior minister on March 4 and said she will run for president for the center-left. Forty-one percent of respondents view her favorably, well above Matthei, Kaiser and Kast with 32%, 32% and 29%, respectively. Still, Toha a political heavyweight whose previous roles include lower house deputy and mayor was backed for president by only 8% of poll respondents. She continues to be perceived as a second choice, as left-wing voters prefer Bachelet while centrists opt for Matthei, Morales said. This week, Bachelet said she will enthusiastically support whoever the center-left selects to represent the sector in this years election. Good politics require new generations to step up, and others should now seek the nations top job, said Bachelet, who was head of state between 2006 and 2010 and again between 2014 and 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will not be so easy for Toha to absorb Bachelets support, at least in an initial phase, Morales said. The first-round vote will be on Nov. 16 and a run-off, if needed, would take place on Dec. 14. Local laws forbid consecutive terms for any head of state, meaning that Boric will not be able to seek reelection. AtlasIntel surveyed 2,181 people in Chile between Feb. 24-27. The poll has a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. --With assistance from Valentina Fuentes. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Chilean center-right presidential candidate Evelyn Matthei pledged to crack down on crime and illegal immigration, while doubling economic growth, as she unveiled campaign priorities ahead of the November election. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking before hundreds of people in a packed theater Thursday night, Matthei said that, if elected president, she will use satellites, helicopters and cameras to monitor Chiles borders, expel thousands of foreigners who committed crimes and build five new jails. The former government minister, mayor and senator is trying to capture the zeitgeist of the moment as Chile braces for a renewed influx of foreigners, after President Donald Trump clamped down on immigration into the US. There are at least 320,000 undocumented immigrants in Chile, a country of about 20 million that has seen a surge in murders in recent years associated with foreign organized-crime groups such as Tren de Aragua. Illegal immigration is serious, Matthei said. In the prison of Arica, 60% of inmates are foreigners. So, respecting the institutional frameworks, we will take measures that ensure the control of our borders. In an ambitious election program, Matthei also promised to double the pace of economic growth by cutting down on red tape and encouraging construction. At the same time, her administration would reduce waiting lists for medical procedures, increase access to daycare and strengthen public eduction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We wont cut social programs that are well-evaluated, Matthei said. But, we will be very demanding and tough when it comes to superfluous or poorly-executed spending. We need a state with more muscle and less fat. Leading Polls The remarks give both investors and voters greater insight into the vision of a front-runner in this years presidential election. Matthei has led in the polls, backed by Chileans who are fed up with problems including organized crime and drug-trafficking. Still, her campaign has been tested by the lack of unity among conservative contenders, with hard-right candidates Johannes Kaiser and Jose Antonio Kast forging ahead with their own campaigns for head of state. At the event, Matthei introduced some of her top advisors. Speakers included Cecilia Cifuentes, a professor at Universidad de Los Andes who detailed plans to spur investments, as well as campaign director Juan Luis Ossa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their remarks often circled back to the idea that there would be no room for improvisation in public policies and spending. To that point, Matthei vowed to reduce government expenditures by 1% of gross domestic product. Her collaborators include many people who worked under former center-right President Sebastian Pinera, such as Paula Daza, who helped guide Chile through the pandemic as health ministry undersecretary; Ignacio Briones, who was finance minister and Alejandro Weber, who was finance ministry undersecretary. The Left Mattheis campaign announcements capped a busy week for Chilean politics. On Tuesday, Carolina Toha stepped down from her post as interior minister and said she will compete for the presidency for the center-left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, the influential ex-President Michelle Bachelet ruled out a third run for the nations top job. Previously, Bachelet beat Matthei in the 2013 election to secure her second term as head of state. A Pulso Ciudadano survey published on Sunday showed Matthei leading the race for head of state with support from 24.3% of voters, followed by Bachelet with 15.9%. Hard-right contenders Kast and Kaiser garnered 10.6% and 9.7%, respectively. Toha polled just 1.9%. Critics point out that Mattheis support in polls has remained relatively steady, sparking fears her campaign may be stagnating. She has also come under fire in recent weeks after the center-right parties that back her negotiated a pension reform with current President Gabriel Borics leftist government. The first-round vote will be on Nov. 16 and a run-off, if needed, would take place on Dec. 14. Local laws forbid consecutive terms for any head of state, meaning that Boric will not be able to seek reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. One could almost be forgiven for forgetting that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a novelist. Well over a decade has passed since she published the best seller Americanah, about a young Nigerian womans confrontation with race and identity, which quickly secured a spot in the contemporary canon. The novel elevated Adichie to rare literary stardomonto the cover of British Vogue, into a Beyonce song. She continued to write but stuck to nonfictionlong essays on feminism and, more recently, on grief. Yet with the exception of a few short stories, she wasnt producing much fiction. When I asked her during an interview two years ago about the long wait for a new novel, she said the question made her go into a panic. The droughtwhich is how she sees itis now over. Dream Count, her new novel, is about four African womenincluding three who share Adichies Nigerian backgroundand their love lives. The books central occupation is a serious one: how men affect the existences of women, either as destructive forces, objects of longing, or distractions from womens dreams. Chiamaka is a travel writer holding out for someone who will make her feel truly known; Zikora, her best friend, is a lawyer who badly wants to settle down and start a family; Omelogor, Chiamakas cousin, is a successful banker in Nigeria who rejects all pressure to live a conventional life; and, finally, Kadiatou, the books most interesting and original character, is a Guinean housekeeper who works for Chiamaka, tries to build a new life in America and finds herself the victim of a powerful and predatory man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: Chimamanda Adichies fiction has shed its optimism] Adichie spoke with me in the days before the novels publication. I was curious to hear about the characters but also about how Adichie sees the United States right now. In her usual outspoken way, she had much to say about masculinity, Donald Trump, and the way that politics is skewing art. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Gal Beckerman: Almost all the writing youve published over the past decade has been nonfiction, like your essay We Should All Be Feminists. Fiction offers you, as you said in your authors note to Dream Count, a chance to explore complexities. How does it feel to be back in that fiction mode? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Ive always wanted to be in that mode, so not being in it was hard. That expression, writers block, is one I dont like, but it speaks to what it was: an inability to write fiction. I had that for a few years, and I just remember being terrified. I dont know how to be moderate in thinking about my own creativity. And so, really, what it felt like when I couldnt write fiction was: I felt like I was shut out of myself. Because fiction is the thing that gives meaning to me. It just gives me joy. Beckerman: I wanted to read you a quote from a 2016 interview you gave that I think is a kind of keystone for understanding the bigger themes of Dream Count: Put a group of women together, and the conversation will eventually be about men. Put a group of men together, and they will not talk about women at all We women should spend about 20 percent of our time on men, because its fun, but otherwise, we should also be talking about our own stuff. The four women in this book are each contending with the men in their lives, and men who are mostly doing damage to them. Adichie: I might have to revise that number: maybe more like 15 or 18 percent. I should say that that is more about what I wish the world would be than about what the world is. And I think that fiction, if nothing else, has to be honest. It has to be unforgivingly honest. And I dont want to write about womens lives as I wish they were. So, for example, I know many women who, looking at their relationships from the outside, its very clear to me, and I think to most people, that its an unhealthy relationship. But Im always interested in how women justify to themselves remaining in those relationships. Someone actually just said to me that all the men in the book are jerks. Beckerman: I was about to say that too! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adichie: Really? I feel like Ive been grossly misunderstood. Good Lord, come on. Theres one that we might argue is not the most appealing of men. But even [him], I think, we could view with some empathy. But I feel like the other men are not jerks. I suppose if Im hearing it this often, it must mean there is some truth to it. Beckerman: It does seem that what matters more in the book is the way their actions end up affecting each of the four women. Adichie: I would argue that heterosexual womens lives are, in fact, shaped quite often by men. Girls are often socialized from childhood to be nice in a way that boys are not socialized to be nice. You know, its women in relationships who almost unconsciously make compromises and sacrifices; were often taught that love is self-sacrifice, and that makes us feel ashamed to think about ourselves. Men do not have the same kind of fear of consequences if theyre selfish. I dont even know if it occurs to men. Beckerman: I know you dont think all the men were jerks, but while I was reading, the idea of a certain aggressive, careless, destructive masculinity was inescapable, especially at a moment when American politics and culture have been overtaken by what one writer in our pages just called an Adolescent Style. Do you think this novel has something to say about the particular form of what might be called immature patriarchy that were living under right now? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adichie: I think that many of the women in my book do, in fact, escape masculinityif not escape, then they have figured out ways to sort of push it to the side. Honestly, just thinking about what is happening in this country, it feels as though America is no longer America. It feels to me a disservice to my novel to try to talk about the masculinity of my beloved characters alongside this confederacy of dunces. [Read: The key mismatch between Zelensky and Trump] Beckerman: But I do feel like, reading this right now, there was something that echoed with our times. Adichie: I would actually say that the actions of the Trump administration feel more like those of toddlers, not men. How they are acting doesnt feel manly. I think I want to make a distinction between manly and masculinity. So there is a kind of ugly, masculine energy, but its not a manly energy. I think to be manly is to show maturity, responsibilityand theres none of that. But what Ive been thinking about more in this novel, as in all my work, is love. Im a hopeless romantic who hides it behind sarcasm. I remember a few weeks ago thinking that what were witnessing from Trump is actually from a lack of love. So you cannot love a country and treat it with such careless recklessness; you just cannot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beckerman: When you say that America doesnt feel like America anymore, how does that affect how you think about your role as a writer? Adichie: Im still a little bit dizzy. Its been a month, and just so much has happened. But in general, I like to make a distinction between myself the writer and myself the citizen. Yes, of course, political issues do inform my fiction, but I hope that I never let it either propel or become a hindrance to my writing. I think of my writing as something thats quite separate from my political self, if that makes sense. Which is not to say they arent intertwined, because most of my fiction is political. As a citizen, things have changed for me. I mean, you have to remember that I come from Nigeria, where, growing up, America was the place where everything went the way it was supposed to go. And the reality is that Nigeria and the U.S. are the same now. Someone said to me, Are you thinking about moving back to Nigeria? Well, no, because its the same. Beckerman: Nigeria moved to you. Adichie: The only difference is that I dont have to use my generator as much here in the U.S. In Nigeria today, we have a president who, in my opinion, was not elected. And Nigerian politics has always been a politics of patronage: the Big Man, and you give your friends jobs, that kind of thing. But I think that Nigerian leaders, even if they just pay lip service to ideas like competence, they are not likely to be so brazen about creating sort of long, lasting actions from personal vengeance. Its the brazenness of it [in the U.S.] that just feels to me stranger, stranger than Nigeria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beckerman: I wanted to ask you to talk about the Kadiatou character in the book, whom you based on the story of Nafissatou Diallo, the Guinean immigrant who was allegedly assaulted in a New York City hotel suite in 2011 by Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund. You write about her in your authors note, and the idea that fiction can become a kind of justice, that your depiction of her was a gesture of returned dignity. Did it worry you at all as a fiction writer, interested in complexity, about approaching the creation of a character with that motive in mind? Adichie: Actually, I feel as though the motive came afterwards. And honestly, I did not want to write an authors note. The legal department of my publishers felt I should. And it made me go back and read my own work. I also dont think of my fiction in terms of themes. I only find out the themes afterward. And I realized I was fascinated by her, but also I loved her. Beckerman: Did that make it hard to write about her in complex ways? The way you would if you were inventing someone? Adichie: Well, shes the character who I spent the most time on, but thats also because I did a lot of research. Guinea is a country thats not familiar to me. I talked to people. I watched endless videos of Guinean women cooking. Shes the character who took the most work. I hear you about the complexity, because I had unconscious noble ideas for her. To write honestly about people is to start off with the premise that people are flawed. I think what I worried about most was just having her be a believable human being. And to do that, I decided at some point just to completely put aside everything I knew about the real person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Chimamanda Adichie: How I became Black in America] Beckerman: The book is full of women taking account of the men in their lives, but it is also very much about mothers and daughters. You write in the authors note that this was a book about your own mother, who recently died. Adichie: I started writing it after my mother died, but I did not set out to write about my mother in any way. And actually, again, it was when I went back to reread this book that I just thought, My goodness. At the risk of sounding a bit strange, I just felt my mothers spirit, and it was actually very emotional for me. I remember just weeping and weeping after I had read it. I became a bit dramatic. I feel as though she opened the door for me to get back into my fiction and my creative self. But just seeing how much of it was about mothers and daughters, I thought, Is this all this novel is about? And I did not think this in a hopeful way. I was thinking, I hope its also about other things. Beckerman: Well, its also about jerks. But we wont relitigate that. More than a lot of other writers, I feel like you really have insisted in your public comments on that need for complexity. And you say some version of this, again, in the authors note. You talk about contemporary ideologyI think youre thinking about the left here, though its obviously also true of the rightthat sort of stamps out that possibility of contradiction. You talk about reaching answers before questions are asked, if the questions are asked at all. I wonder if you worry at all about art being shaped by that ideology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adichie: I do worry, and I am seeing that. Even the idea of an authors note, which you could read through an ungracious lens as being defensive, as explaining too much. I think we live in a time of this kind of ideological capture, and youre right that it exists on both sides. Its almost as though the intellectual right doesnt exist anymore. But of course, Im more interested in the left, because its my tribe. And if there was some magical way, I would want to protect fiction writers and artists from what is a kind of tyranny, this ideological conformity. And also, I think that there are young people who are really brilliant, who are original, but who see the climate that we live in and who then, in some ways, dim their lights. And we suffer for it. Article originally published at The Atlantic MANILA, Philippines China banned 25 more U.S. firms, the latest addition to a bourgeoning list of American defense firms barred from conducting economic activity there. The Ministry of Commerce stated in a press release this week that the ban aims to protect the countrys national sovereignty and security. It effectively halts existing export activities, blocks imports, and prohibits companies from making new investments in China. Chinas response comes as President Donald Trumps moves to increase trade tariffs against China take effect. The list was released by the commerce ministry a day ahead of President Trumps two-hour speech to Congress in Washington on March 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his speech, Trump pledged to impose reciprocal tariffs to take effect on April 2. Whatever they tariff us other countries we will tariff them. Thats reciprocal, back and forth. Whenever they tax us, we will tax them. If they give non-monetary barriers to keep us out of their markets, then we will do non-monetary barriers to keep them out of our market, Trump said. Chinas ban list includes some 25 American firms; 10 companies are listed in the unreliable entity list while 15 are added to the export control list. Companies in Chinas expanding unreliable entity list include Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc, Americas largest military shipbuilder; S3 AeroDefense; Cubic Corporation; defense and space company ACT1 Federal; AI companies TextOre and Exovera; TCOM Limited Partnership; Stick Rudder Enterprises LLC; and Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement also included US biotech firm Illumina Inc. which was ushered into the unreliable entity list last month. The 15 U.S. companies in the export control list are General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Leidos, Gibbs & Cox Inc., IP Video Market Info Inc., Sourcemap Inc., Skydio Inc., Rapid Flight LLC, Red Six Solutions, Shield AI Inc., HavocAI, Neros Technologies, Group W, Aerkomm Inc., General Dynamics Land Systems, and AeroVironment. The announcement came at the height of Chinas much-awaited Two Sessions Meeting, an annual political gathering of more than 5,000 delegates to discuss key issues, including economics, foreign policy, and security. Geopolitical watchers expected the meeting to include pronouncements on Taiwan, a rogue province China has threatened to take back by force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, China hit Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and 26 other American defense and dual-use firms with an export ban after Washingtons arms sale to Taiwan. Experts earlier warned that the tariffs could plunge China and the U.S. into a full-scale trade war. China has filed lawsuits against the additional tariffs at the World Trade Organization this week. Before Trumps congressional speech, Chinas foreign ministry bemoaned tariffs related to fentanyl and Chinas alleged inaction in countering the drug flow, an accusation the ministry said is a flimsy excuse to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Instead of recognizing our efforts, the U.S. has sought to smear and shift blame to China, and is seeking to pressure and blackmail China with tariff hikes. Theyve been punishing us for helping them, reads a March 4 government post on X. Intimidation does not scare us. Bullying does not work on us, the post stated. If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, were ready to fight till (sic) the end. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday criticized US foreign policy and warned Washington against trade disputes. If every country followed the US' example of prioritizing its national interests in every foreign policy decision, the world would return to "the law of the jungle," Wang said on the sidelines of the National People's Congress in Beijing. Wang urged major powers to fulfil their international commitments and responsibilities, referring to foreign aid cuts under US President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also warned Washington regarding the US tariff policy against China. Since taking office in January, Trump has imposed new tariffs on imports from China - initially at 10%, then doubled to 20% in a second step. "No country should fantasize that it can suppress China and maintain a good relationship with China at the same time," Wang said. "Such two-faced acts are not good for the stability of bilateral relations or for building mutual trust." In response to US tariffs, Beijing retaliated with tariffs on US agricultural products and announced further measures against certain US companies. Wang said the US and China should be partners that contributed to each other's success. However, "if the US keeps containing China, we will resolutely counteract," Wang added. Chinas top diplomat, Wang Yi, slammed President Donald Trump on Friday, accusing him of being two-faced in his dealings with Beijing and warning of retaliation if Washington imposes additional tariffs. Beijings furious rebuke follows Trumps decision to double tariffs imposed on Chinese goods last month, raising them from 10 percent to 20 percent. The president citing ongoing shipments to North America of ingredients used to produce fentanyl, the deadly opioid fueling the U.S. drug crisis. In response, ChinaAmericas third-largest trading partnerhit back with a 15 percent tariff on key U.S. exports, including chicken, pork, soybeans, and beef. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese foreign minister had a stern warning for the U.S. at a press conference in Beijing on Friday: Impose further tariffs and China will hit back, he said. If you choose to cooperate, you will achieve mutual benefit and win-win results; if you blindly exert pressure, China will definitely, resolutely counter, told reporters in the capital on the sidelines of Chinas Two Sessions, the countrys annual political gathering. Wang said China has provided all kinds of assistance to the United States in the spirit of humanitarianism and criticized Washingtons latest tariff hike as irresponsible. The United States should not repay kindness with grievances, let alone impose tariffs without reason. This is not the behavior of a responsible major country, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang accused Trump of contradictory dealings with Beijing. No country can imagine suppressing and containing China on the one hand, and developing good relations with China on the other. This two-faced approach is not only not conducive to the stability of bilateral relations, but also unable to establish mutual trust, Wang said. The diplomat added: The abuse of fentanyl is an issue that the U.S. has to solve itself. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment. His comments echoed remarks by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, who accused the U.S. on Tuesday of bullying Beijing and said the fentanyl issue is a flimsy excuse to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also warned that China would not back down if Washington escalated tensions. If the U.S. has other agendas in mind and if war is what the U.S. wantsbe it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, were ready to fight till the end, the spokesperson added. 27,523 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? 27,523 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? * In 2024, China's economy demonstrated resilience and the effectiveness of overall reform. * As 2025 marks the final year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), experts believe that the around-5-percent growth target proposed in the government work report balances what is needed and what is possible. * The concerns of the public are the key issues highlighted in the government work report. BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China's government work report, unveiled Wednesday at this year's annual session of the national legislature for deliberation, has garnered widespread attention from home and abroad. How did the world's second-largest economy perform in the past year? What are its major development goals and policy directions for 2025? In the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, guest speakers shared insights on the nation's commitment to achieving its growth target while advancing high-quality development. This photo shows the recording site of the 14th episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency. (Xinhua/Li Xin) STEADY PROGRESS AMID CHALLENGES China's GDP expanded by 5 percent last year to 134.9 trillion yuan (about 18.8 trillion U.S. dollars) and contributed about 30 percent to global economic growth, according to the government work report. Huang Lianghao, an official with the Research Office of the State Council, described the achievements as "hard-won and extraordinary." "China promoted growth within a reasonable range and effectively improved the quality of its economy," noted Huang, also a member of the drafting group for the government work report, highlighting a 3.4-percent reduction in carbon emissions per GDP unit. "In 2024, China's economy demonstrated resilience and the effectiveness of overall reform," said national lawmaker Yuan Yuyu, chairman of Medprin Regenerative Medical Technologies Co., Ltd., a Guangzhou-based biotech firm. Employees are busy at a workshop of Galaxis Technology in Nanhu District of Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Last year, the number of newly established business entities in China exceeded 20 million. "The rapid development of enterprises vividly reflects the advancement of the country's high-quality development and the steady growth of new quality productive forces," noted Yuan. STRATEGIC REFORMS FOR SUSTAINED GROWTH As 2025 marks the final year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), experts believe that the around-5-percent growth target proposed in the government work report balances what is needed and what is possible. Huang emphasized the target's alignment with employment stabilization, risk prevention, and the country's development goals through 2035. A researcher works at the Advanced Attosecond Laser Infrastructure in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) "It not only demonstrates the government's precise grasp of the general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability amid a complex economic environment, but also conveys a profound strategic consideration for medium- and long-term high-quality development," said national political advisor Jin Li, vice president of Southern University of Science and Technology. Huang expressed confidence in China's economic fundamentals despite external pressures, citing positive factors such as burgeoning technological breakthroughs and expanding domestic demand. Regarding employment, the report sets a goal of creating over 12 million new urban jobs and an around-5.5-percent surveyed urban unemployment rate. Huang underscored reforms in vocational training to address structural labor mismatches, while Jin stressed educational reforms to cultivate talent for emerging industries. A job seeker fills in personal information during a job fair held in Qingzhou City, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 11, 2025. (Photo by Wang Jilin/Xinhua) Yuan advocated for deeper industry-academia collaboration: "Universities hold talent resources while enterprises possess application scenarios. Bridging them will accelerate technological breakthroughs." PEOPLE-CENTERED POLICY ORIENTATION More funds and resources will be used to serve the people and meet their needs, according to the government work report. China will raise the minimum basic old-age benefits for rural and non-working urban residents by 20 yuan and ensure an appropriate increase in the basic pension benefits for retirees. It will also continue to deepen the reform of public hospitals to better serve the public interest. Highlighting healthcare commitments, Yuan said as health has become increasingly significant to the people, companies have the responsibility to provide more innovative products, drugs and medical apparatus and lower the costs to meet the people's needs. Teachers and parents play games with children at a kindergarten in Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) The government also plans 300 billion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds to support consumer goods trade-in programs. "The concerns of the public are the key issues highlighted in the government work report. It proposes various measures to benefit the people and enhance their well-being," said Huang. (Video reporters: Wu You, Zhou Yang, Fang Kuan, Yue Deliang, Zhen Xin, Hao Xiaojiang and Wang Chenghao; Video editors: Tan Yixiao, Zhang Yuhong, Cao Ying and Wang Han) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged on Friday to help Africa accelerate its economic development as Beijing looks to strengthen ties at a time when the United States is cutting off aid to the continent. Wang's comments, made during his press conference at the annual political event known as the "two sessions", included pledges to help the continent "speed up the process of industrialisation and modernisation in agriculture" and keep up with the development of "digitalisation, green sectors and artificial intelligence". He also said Beijing would promote Africa's "representation and voice in international affairs", adding: "Africa is the land of hope for the 21st century; without the modernisation of Africa, there can be no modernisation of the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. "The stability and development of Africa are crucial to the shared destiny of humanity. The world should listen to Africa's voice and pay attention to its concerns. "Africa is undergoing a new awakening, and all nations should support Africa in forging a new path of self-reliance and self-strengthening development." The foreign minister also pointed to Beijing's efforts to help improve governance and the establishment of more than a thousand projects to help improve livelihoods - two areas where Beijing has traditionally provided strong support for African countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang's comments about Africa did not mention the US, but were a clear attempt to position China as a crucial supporter of the continent's development at a time when Donald Trump has frozen all US aid and Washington is scaling back its presence on the continent. It also ties in with Beijing's broader drive to act as a leader for the developing world. Beijing has invested heavily in a variety of infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and, according to Wang, China has been Africa's biggest trading partner for 16 years. He also expressed full support for South Africa hosting this year's Group of 20 summit. Last year, President Xi Jinping met multiple African leaders during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, where Beijing pledged to step up support for better governance and security training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump did not visit Africa at all during his first term as president and earlier this week told Congress that "nobody had heard of" Lesotho as he defended his decision to stop aid payments. This week the Supreme Court ordered the US government to pay nearly US$2 billion to contractors and recipients of grants from the US Agency for International Development and the State Department for work already carried out. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. By Ryan Woo, Ethan Wang and Laurie Chen BEIJING (Reuters) -Beijing will "resolutely counter" U.S. pressure on tariffs and the fentanyl issue, China's foreign minister said on Friday, adding that major powers "should not bully the weak", in a veiled swipe at the Trump administration's foreign policy. Top diplomat Wang Yi also presented China as a reliable global power in the midst of geopolitical turmoil and U.S. President Donald Trump's withdrawal from international institutions, part of a clear appeal from Beijing to Europe and countries in the Global South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. levied an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports this week over the continued flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl into the country, threatening to worsen an escalatory spiral of trade actions. "If one side blindly exerts pressure, China will resolutely counter that," Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary meeting. The U.S. "should not repay kindness with grievances, let alone impose tariffs without reason," Wang added, referring to the "various assistance" Beijing has provided Washington on tackling the flow of fentanyl precursor drugs into the U.S. No country can suppress China on the one hand and develop good relations with China on the other, said Wang, when asked how China would engage with the Trump administration over the next four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such a "two-faced" approach is not helpful to stable ties, he said, without identifying any individual in the U.S. administration. Wang's largely subdued remarks on the U.S., without mentioning Trump once by name, suggested Beijing wishes to keep the prospect of potential future trade talks alive, said Wen-Ti Sung, a Taiwan-based nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub. "They want to pursue any room for de-escalation with Trump when it comes to trade," Sung said. "One way of doing it is to keep the level of rhetorical intensity down to manageable size to preserve room for manoeuvre for both sides." UKRAINE STANCE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On resolving the Ukraine war, China wants to achieve a "fair, lasting and binding peace agreement" acceptable to all parties, Wang Yi said. "China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in the final resolution of the crisis and the realisation of lasting peace, in accordance with the wishes of the parties concerned, together with the international community." Western countries have urged Beijing to take a more active role in using its economic leverage over Russia to stop the war, but Beijing has so far refused to publicly criticise its strategic partner or halt its economic support of Moscow. China-Russia relations are a "constant in a turbulent world, not a variable in geopolitical games," Wang told the press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese President Xi Jinping recently reaffirmed Beijing's "no limits" partnership with Moscow in a telephone call with his Russian counterpart on the third anniversary of Moscow's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump has upended U.S. policy on Ukraine after taking office last month, showing a more conciliatory stance towards Russia that has unnerved Washington's traditional allies in the West. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday the Ukraine conflict is a "proxy war" between Washington and Moscow that needs to end, and has previously said that Washington wishes to "peel off" Moscow from Beijing. Analysts say Beijing wishes to exploit the growing transatlantic rift to bolster its ties with European countries, which have been strained over Ukraine and trade tensions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "China still has confidence in Europe, and believes Europe can still be China's trusted partner," Wang said. GLOBAL SOUTH Wang also urged developing countries to "continue to improve our representation and discourse power in global governance". "If every country emphasizes its own national priorities and believes in strength and status, the world will regress to the law of the jungle, small and weak countries will bear the brunt," said Wang in a veiled reference to Washington's actions. "Major powers ... should not be profit-driven, and they should not bully the weak." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the first two months of taking office, Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from several multilateral organisations and climate agreements, suspended most foreign aid, and voted against a United Nations resolution condemning Russia for the Ukraine invasion. "At a time when the Trump administration's foreign policy is revising a lot of established expectations, China wants to present itself as preserving the status quo," said Sung, the analyst. "When the Global South sees a retrenching, inward-looking U.S., there's a fear of a strategic vacuum - one that China intends to help fill." (Reporting by Laurie Chen, Ryan Woo and Ethan Wang in Beijing; Writing by Laurie Chen; Editing by Tom Hogue and Lincoln Feast.) Beijing will firmly counter the Trumps administrations pressure on China, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told journalists on Friday, as the U.S.s wild swings in trade policy unnerve markets and foreign governments. As Chinese leaders gathered for the Two Sessions, the most important event in the countrys political calendar, Wang took questions on topics like the South China Sea, tensions with India, and blocked seafood imports from Japan. Yet president Donald Trumps decision to hike tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%, just six weeks into his term, loomed over the press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No country should fantasize that it can suppress China, and maintain good relations with China at the same time, foreign minister Wang Yi told journalists on Friday. Pointing to Chinas efforts to control flows of fentanyl into the U.S., Wang accused Washington of meeting good with evil." "Imagine if every country emphasised their own priority and believed in strength and status, the world would fall back into the law of the jungle," he added. On Tuesday, Trumps now-20% tariff on Chinese goods came into effect, his second tariff hike on the country's imports since taking office. The president also imposed steep 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada; he then suspended some of those duties, like those on cars, until April, when U.S. officials plan to unveil new reciprocal tariffs on a country-by-country basis. Tariff uncertainty is hurting U.S. markets, with the S&P 500 losing all its gains since Trumps election last November. Fiery criticism Beijings criticism of U.S. policy this week has taken a fiery tone. If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, were ready to fight till the end, the Chinese embassy wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Chinas response to Trumps tariffs has remained relatively restrained. Beijing imposed its own duties of as much as 15% on U.S. agricultural products, including pork, chicken, cotton and soybeans. It also added several defense contractors to its unreliable entities list. Beijing slapped new taxes on U.S. oil, gas, agricultural machinery, and heavy vehicles in response to Trumps first tariff hike in early February. On Friday, Wang told reporters that if you use only pressure, China will firmly counter," referring to Washington. When asked about the success of DeepSeek and its AI models, Wang criticized unjustified external suppression of Chinas technological development. Yet he noted that where there is suppression, there is innovation. The rest of the world Wang also touched on Chinas relations beyond the U.S. He called Europe a trustworthy partner, with the capacity and wisdom to properly resolve pending issues through friendly consultation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Union has grumbled about cheap goods from China, particularly electric vehicles. Last year, the European Commission imposed anti-subsidy duties on Chinese-made cars, alleging that they benefited from an unfair level of state support. Beijing responded with its own tariffs on goods like European cheese and brandy. Chinas foreign minister also spoke warmly of the so-called Global South, which he called a key force for maintaining world peace." Wang also praised Indonesia's decision to join the BRICS, and said the group should be "made bigger and stronger to give more momentum to the development of the Global South." Wang also said that Chinas mature, resilient and stable relationship with Russia will not be swayed by any turn of events. Chinese companies have filled the gap left behind by U.S. and European companies exiting the Russian market in the wake of Moscows invasion of Ukraine. A record trade surplus Recent trade data show the challenge that Beijing faces in navigating a more protectionist world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, China reported a 2.3% increase in exports and a big 8.4% drop in imports during January and February, compared to the same period a year ago. While that led to a $171 billion trade surplus, a record, both numbers came in below expectations. Despite optimism in Chinas tech sector in the wake of DeepSeek, the country is still struggling with weak domestic consumption and potential deflation, as the economy is still weighed down by a lengthy property crisis. Chinas exports to ASEAN and Latin America grew faster than those to the U.S., yet non-U.S. markets are starting to consider their own tariffs on cheap Chinese imports. The risk of a tariff cascade makes it more imperative for policymakers to prop up domestic demand to cushion growth, HSBC economists wrote in a note on Friday. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com (Bloomberg) -- Supply Lines is a daily newsletter that tracks global trade. Sign up here. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas top diplomat accused Donald Trump of taking a hypocritical approach to bilateral ties and denounced tariffs, as tensions rise between the worlds largest economies. Foreign Minister Wang Yi defended his nations actions on stemming the flow of fentanyl to the US on Friday at a high-profile briefing, and accused the Republican leader of using the issue as a pretext to pressure his government. The US shouldnt return good with evil or even impose arbitrary tariffs on Chinese products, he said on the sidelines of the National Peoples Congress in the Chinese capital. No country should fantasize that it can suppress China and maintain good relations with China at the same time. Such two-faced acts are not good for the stability of bilateral relations, he added, seemingly calling out Trump for praising Xi as brilliant and touting their great relationship while imposing his most sweeping tariffs yet on the Asian nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wangs broadside against the US will add to uncertainty over the prospect of talks to broker a trade deal that would stop further hikes to duties that Trump this week raised again. Chinese officials have so far responded with targeted actions and measured rhetoric in contrast to the last trade wars Wolf Warrior approach, but in the absence of dialogue frustration appears to be building. From Wangs words, we could see that China perceives that the US doesnt respect China, said Zhu Junwei, a former researcher in the Peoples Liberation Army who is now director of American research at Grandview Institution in Beijing. Both governments have given no public indication that talks are forthcoming. While Trump signaled a desire to speak with Xi before his first wave of tariffs on China kicked in, the two men have yet to have a call since the US leader took office. Chinas commerce chief said Thursday that he wrote to his US counterpart last month about opening lines of communication. A slew of US trade actions in the coming weeks may yet raise the urgency for negotiation to prevent the trade war from spiraling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Beijings rhetoric signals its unwilling to accept talks linking fentanyl to tariff hikes, said Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Washington-based Stimson Center. If we are coerced, or if we compromise during this first two rounds, then that will incentivize a further coercion from the United States, using more tariffs to force China to accept compromises, she said in a Bloomberg TV interview, explaining Beijings possible thinking. As Trump shakes up the world economy with tariffs, Chinas top diplomat seized the opportunity to frame his country as a steadying force. China brought much needed stability to a changing and turbulent world, Wang said. Trumps embrace of Russias Vladimir Putin and withdrawal of support for Ukraine has horrified much of Europe, raising questions about the US commitment to NATO. Western allies worries come as the Republican leader talks about somehow claiming Greenland, the Gaza Strip and adding Canada as the 51st state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang, a 71-year-old veteran diplomat, projected an air of confidence as he said Europe and China should now step up communication amid the increased uncertainty. One of Joe Bidens biggest diplomatic successes was drawing Brussels away from Beijing, which had for years courted Europe as a buffer with the US. While Wang reiterated Chinas support for peace talks to end the war in Ukraine he didnt directly answer a question on whether Beijing would send peacekeeping troops, but did reaffirm his nations close ties to Moscow. The China-Russia friendship will not change, he said. It is a constant in a turbulent world, rather than a variable in geopolitical gains. As Trump reshapes the balance of power, Wang seized on US policy swings to present Beijing as the adult in the room, stressing Chinas commitment to the UN-centered world order. That message of stability contrasted with Beijings growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and tough rhetoric on taking Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy. China will realize reunification, and this is unstoppable, Wang said, criticizing Japans growing support for the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The briefing, which ran some 80 minutes long, carried a sense of triumph as Wang touted Chinas economic strength and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, while questioning the direction of US inflation and Americas manufacturing sector. What has it achieved from tariffs and trade wars these years? Has its trade deficit widened or narrowed? he asked. Has US inflation gone up or down? Has the life of its people got better or worse? --With assistance from Josh Xiao, Rebecca Choong Wilkins and David Ingles. (Updates with comments.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) Along with fulminating against the United States, Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi reasserted Chinas South China Sea claims, blasted Japan for its past aggression and covered a wide range of other issues during his annual meeting with the press. Here are some of the key topics covered during his Friday press conference. Wang says South China Sea tensions are a shadow play driven by US China has clashed frequently with the Philippines over ownership of and access to islands in the South China Sea, whose rich fishing grounds China claims virtually in its entirety. However, Wang was quick to place blame elsewhere, saying Manila was being manipulated by forces outside the region, its standard term for the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang called the entire conflict a shadow play, saying an unidentified regional official had used the term at a recent meeting, and said each incident was a line of script disseminated by the foreign media with the goal of smearing China. China will continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with the law. When managing Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Shoal, we will also reflect our humanitarian spirit according to actual needs. But I want to make it clear here that infringement and provocation will inevitably bear its own fruit, and those who are willing to be chess pieces will eventually be discarded. Scam centers in Myanmar that prey on Chinese citizens Wang also said that Chinese cooperation with its neighbors had eliminated many of the compounds where Chinese nationals, many of them coerced or lured by false promises of legitimate jobs, are forced to contact people in China in a bid to extract money from them through false claims of debts owed or other illegal means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the cyber fraud parks in northern Myanmar near the border have been cleared. China, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos are working together to crack down on cyber fraud in the Thai-Myanmar border area. Our mission is to cut off the evil hands reaching out to the people and eradicate the cancer of online cyber fraud, Wang said. Such operations, usually linked to organized crime, are notoriously quick to resume operations elsewhere. China has been battling the issue for years as the gangs grown increasingly sophisticated in their access to victims' private information. Hundreds of citizens from other countries have also been caught up in such fraudulent schemes targeting victims as far away as the United States. China warns against Japanese support for Taiwan Wang referred to the upcoming 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, saying there are still some people in Japan who have not reflected on their mistakes. China's education and propaganda systems keep alive memories of Japan's brutal invasion and occupation of much of China before and during the war and anti-Japanese consumer boycotts and other protests pop-up over perceived slights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang also linked the issue to Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy that was a Japanese colony until the end of the war and which maintains close ties to Japan to this day. China claims the island as its own territory and has threatened to take control by force if necessary. Wang said it is better to remember that if Taiwan causes trouble, it is to cause trouble for Japan. China also claims uninhabited islands in the East China Sea that are controlled by Japan, and regularly sends ships and planes into areas surrounding them, much as it does with Taiwan. That prompts Japan to scramble jets to defend what it says are islands legitimately absorbed before World War II because no other nation had a legal claim to them. That too has proved a source of tension in the region and a space where China can challenge the authority of the U.S. and its allies. China blasts US turn toward Asia-Pacific Wand touted China as the center of stability in Asia, an engine of economic development and a support for regional security, while blasting the U.S. for basing intermediate-range missiles around China and having done nothing but stir up trouble and create divisions. China advocates open regionalism and share Asias development opportunities on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang said if every country stresses my country first and is obsessed with a position of strength, the law of the jungle would reign (across) the world again. While China has been the subject of suspicion and concern from the Indian Ocean to northern Japan, the South Pacific has lately emerged as a major area of competition between China on one side and the U.S., Australia and New Zealand on the other. Chinas secret security agreements and promises of infrastructure have prompted the three to tighten relations in recognition of the islands strategic geographic location after years of what some have described as neglect. However, a U.S. cutoff in aid, along with generous Chinese incentives, could further push them into Beijings arms. Three of these Tuvalu, Palau and the Marshall Islands are also among Taiwans handful of formal diplomatic allies. (Bloomberg) -- A Chinese lawmaker affiliated with a top local chip firm asked Beijing to let state-backed firms keep the identity of their foreign suppliers a secret, at a time Washington is increasingly blocking the countrys access to Western hardware and semiconductors. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US-blacklisted, government-backed firms should be allowed to keep their suppliers anonymous when buying from overseas companies, National Peoples Congress delegate Guan Wenhui proposed this week. Instead of a public tender process as required by law, such corporations would then conduct purchases privately, she said. Publicizing the foreign sellers would only draw scrutiny and potentially force them to sever any remaining ties with Chinese firms, said Guan, who works for a unit of Naura Technology Group Co. a chip gear maker thats been on a US export blacklist since late 2024. Guans proposal shone a spotlight on the difficulties that Chinese tech buyers have grappled with since the US began a campaign to block the flow of technology to its geopolitical rival. US companies now cannot sell to blacklisted firms like Naura without first obtaining Washingtons approval, forcing many foreign suppliers to cut ties with Chinese clients. In another instance, Nvidia Corp. is prohibited from supplying its most advanced chips to the country, stymieing Chinas AI development. In practice, many Chinese firms do find workarounds, for instance through third parties in neutral countries. So I would like to suggest these chip firms can be allowed to proceed with their procurement in a nonpublic manner to avoid disclosing their partners and ensure their access to advanced global tech, Guan said during a breakout meeting on the sidelines of the annual NPC plenary session on Thursday. She also amplified an existing drive by Beijing to achieve self-sufficiency in critical technologies. While theres a process for turning proposals from NPC delegates into law, many such submissions never become concrete policies. Nonetheless, Guans comments highlight a growing trend: Chinese data is becoming increasingly hidden from the world, making it harder and more costly to understand whats really happening in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guan is a quality control engineer from Beijing 718 Yousheng Electronics Co., a firm that the US House Select Committee on China has identified as potentially having ties to the Chinese military. Yousheng is controlled by a unit of Naura, according to Chinese corporate data base Tianyancha. Chinas technology development has faced significant challenges after a yearslong US-led campaign to limit access to cutting-edge semiconductors, which power everything from artificial intelligence to smart vehicles. Beijing has said it will harness the entire nations resources to achieve breakthroughs. The emergence of DeepSeek this year rallied China and fueled hopes that the countrys AI progress isnt necessarily hampered by a lack of the most sophisticated chips. Still, many including Nvidia boss Jensen Huang argue that semiconductor firepower is key to winning the AI race. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (NewsNation) Republicans can poke fun all they want at her choose your fighter video showcasing progressive Democratic congresswomen, says TikTok creator Sulhee Jessica Woo, who has more than 5 million followers. At the end of the day, it is a silly TikTok video, but whos talking about it? Everyone, she tells On Balance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. by Martina Fuchs UNITED NATIONS, March 6 (Xinhua) -- As International Women's Day takes place on Saturday, UN Women has urged strong action for the rights and empowerment of women and girls around the world, commending China for playing a leading role in promoting female entrepreneurs, granting access to higher education and eradicating poverty. In a virtual interview with Xinhua, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, UN Women's deputy executive director, said China has played a crucial role in creating a world where all women and girls enjoy equal rights and opportunities. PROGRESS SLOW, UNEVEN The rights of women and girls are facing unprecedented growing threats worldwide from rising discrimination, weakening legal protections, and reduced funding for programs and institutions that support and protect women, UN Women warned on Thursday. Its latest report Women's Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing, published ahead of the 50th International Women's Day on March 8, shows that in 2024 nearly a quarter of governments worldwide reported a backlash on women's rights. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a global framework for gender equality and a historic milestone in the development of women's rights globally. Gumbonzvanda said she was in Beijing 30 years ago. "Seeing where we are today, there has been significant progress. More girls are in school, more than ever before. Maternal mortality has dropped by one-third and women's representation in parliament has improved by 26 percent. But that is not enough," she added. "We continue to see that progress has been slow and uneven, and not in all areas. Whilst progress has been made, the pace has not been enough. UN Women continues to prioritize issues around women, poverty and the prevention of violence against women," she noted. Despite important progress, only 87 countries have ever been led by a woman, and a woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a partner or member of her own family, she said. The report also features the new Beijing+30 Action Agenda, a roadmap focusing on six actions: a digital revolution for all women and girls to ensure equal access to technology, freedom from poverty, zero violence, full and equal decision-making power, peace and security as well as climate justice. "The digital revolution for all women and girls is a critical priority, as well as women in decision-making, climate justice issues, and peace and security for women. We want a world of peace," Gumbonzvanda stressed. Established in 2010, UN Women is an organization under the United Nations dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women with the aim to accelerate progress on meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide. CHINA'S PIVOTAL ROLE "Over the past five years, the proportion of women in the total employment population in China has reached 43 percent and that progress is very notable," Gumbonzvanda said. "Women also account for 55 percent of internet entrepreneurs in China and 45 percent among the science and technology workers in China. That is remarkable progress." "China has also made strong efforts to ensure maternal health and safety. In 2023, maternal mortality decreased to 15.1 per 100,000 beds. Of course, no woman should die giving birth, but the decrease in China is quite outstanding," she said. "In education, we also see great progress in China. The enrollment of women in higher education reached 60.2 percent in 2023," she added. Gumbonzvanda said that China has been "a very strong advocate" for the UN Sustainable Development Goal 1, which calls for ending poverty by 2030. "That focus has been very critical as China has lifted over 770 million people out of extreme poverty over the last four decades. This is the effort that needs to continue," she noted. She expressed her hope that UN Women will step up collaboration with China. "We want China to continue to be a strong advocate, a strong convener, like we have done 30 years ago, and be the voice around issues of gender equality, the empowerment and rights of women in multilateral spaces like the UN. We really appreciate the continued global voice of China," Gumbonzvanda said. "This year marks the 30th year since the Beijing Conference. We hope China will continue to be a place where we can come to for inspiration and for the world to sustain this agenda. We really appreciate the relationship with China and the role of China in the United Nations," she stressed. Chris Cuomo says Elon Musk should stop trying to blow up what works in the government and instead figure out why his rocket doesnt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly delivered a blistering assessment of President Donald Trumps attitude and insults toward her country on CNN, prompting anchor Christiane Amanpour to express open astonishment at the analysis. Trumps on-off-on-off tariffs on Americas northern neighbor are causing too much uncertainty for Canadas economy and will ultimately batter Americans, said Joly. But they are actually just a pretext of the U.S. presidents desire to put us into a state where we are much more weakened economically in order eventually to annex us, she argued. Canada is a strong country and can definitely stop Americas aggression, though, she said, adding: Canadians are united. Theyre united to defend our country, theyre united to defend our jobs, and, as I was saying, also our way of life. Were not Americans. Were very proud of our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she later continued: We have been shown too much disrespect by the Trump administration at this point, calling us a 51st state, calling our prime minister governor. This is not only a personal issue between Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau and President Trump. Its way more than that. Trump is posing a fundamental threat to the future of Canada, she warned. Canada will now work to boost trade among its own provinces and territories and use its ties with the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, South Korea and Mexico, she said. Amanpour was stunned by Jolys candid talk. Im like, my mouth has dropped. My jaw has dropped, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is a major ally with a common border and youre talking about having to defend yourself against America and talking about separating yourself from America towards Mexico and Europe, Amanpour added. I can barely internalize it. Its like the end of an era. Watch the full exchange here: Related... Artificial intelligence and art have been controversial for years. So it's no surprise that Christie's faced protests over its first-ever AI-dedicated auction, which the auction house says was the first ever from any major auction house, faced protests. In February, more than 5,600 artists signed an open letter asking Christie's to cancel the sale. "Many of the artworks you plan to auction were created using AI models that are known to be trained on copyrighted work without a license," the open letter reads in part. "These models, and the companies behind them, exploit human artists, using their work without permission or payment to build commercial AI products that compete with them. Your support of these models, and the people who use them, rewards and further incentivizes AI companies' mass theft of human artists' work." A representative for Christie's shared a statement about the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "From the beginning, two things have been true about the art world: one, artists are inspired by what came before them, and two, art can spark debate, discussion, and controversy," the statement reads. "The discussions around digital art, including art created using AI technology, are not new and in many ways should be expected. Many artists -- Pop artists, for example -- have been the subject of similar discussions. Having said that, Christie's, a global company with world-class experts, is uniquely positioned to explore the relatively new and ever-changing space of digital art: the artists, collectors, market and challenges." The representative also pointed to a positive reception to the auction on X, formerly Twitter. Artist Daniel Ambrosi tweeted, "So thrilled to have been a part of this unforgettable experience... and delighted that my artwork is going home with someone!" A person looks at AI artwork created by Huemin called Dream-0 #9 at a press preview for Augmented Intelligence at Christie's in New York. The auction, dubbed Augmented Intelligence, closed Wednesday morning. More than 30 lots attracted hundreds of bids and brought in $728,784, Christie's reports. And there's a generational twist: The auction house says 37% of registrants were completely new to Christie's, and 48% of bidders were millennials or members of Gen Z. "The auction redefines the evolution of art and technology, exploring human agency in the age of AI within fine art," a promotional statement from Christie's read. "From robotics to GANs to interactive experiences, artists incorporate and collaborate with artificial intelligence in a variety of mediums including paintings, sculptures, prints, digital art and more." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (GANs, or generative adversarial networks, are generative AI models that create new data or images that resemble the data they are trained on.) A person holds a print out of AI artwork created by ClownVamp's The Junk Machine at a press preview for Augmented Intelligence at Christie's in New York. The open letter gathered 6,493 signatures, of which 5,646 were verified. The signers range from illustrators to authors to art therapists to cinematographers, from countries all across the globe. The highest price in the sale was $277,200 for a work by Refik Anadol titled Machine Hallucinations -- ISS Dreams -- A. It used a data set of more than 1.2 million images taken from the International Space Station and satellites. Another work, Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst's Embedding Study 1 & 2, sold for $94,500. It was the result of a text-to-image model trained on altered images of Herndon herself and came to Christie's following its inclusion in the 2024 Whitney Biennial. MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas (KETK) CHRISTUS Health broke ground on their new state-of-the-art Mount Pleasant health care facility on Thursday. CHRISTUS Health breaks ground on new Cancer Center in Longview The new 33,500-square-foot facility will operate 15 emergency treatment beds, state-of-the-art imaging technology, an onsite laboratory and clinic space for primary care doctors, outpatient physical therapy, cardiology and visiting specialists. Access to health care in a rural community is limited and with CHRSTUS coming in, especially with Primary Care, we can get you plugged in with our provider that can get your holistic needs, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally, but also get you connected with the specialists you need close to home, whether that is cardiology, neurology, nephrology, we have got you covered. Cheryl Shovan, FNP Family Medicine Specialist, CHRISTUS Health Mount Pleasant Representatives with CHRISTUS, the City of Mount Pleasant and Titus County all attended the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday. Photo courtesy of CHRISTUS Health. Photo courtesy of CHRISTUS Health. Photo courtesy of CHRISTUS Health. Image courtesy of CHRISTUS Health. Building this facility is a step in the right direction for the future of health care in Mount Pleasant, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic family medicine provider in Mount Pleasant, Dr. Jay Cannon said. We already take care of a large number of patients in this area and we are only going to get bigger and better with this facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CHRISTUS Health announces Women with Heart scholarship for high school seniors CHRISTUS said they plan to employ 50 full-time nurses and providers after the construction is completed by Jackson Construction of Quitman sometime this winter. It is a major initiative of CHRISTUS to continue to identify areas where we can best serve the community, CHRISTUS Health senior vice president of group operations for Northeast Texas and North Louisiana Chris Glenney said. This facility in Mount Pleasant represents our commitment to providing access to world-class health care and fits in perfect harmony with our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Wil Phinney Underscore Native News Charles F. Chuck Sams, the outgoing director of the National Park Service, said he was shocked by the firing of nearly 1,000 NPS employees on Feb. 14 and cautioned park guests that they will see the consequences of the budget-cutting edicts of the Trump administration. Sams, the first Native American to lead the National Park Service (NPS), sat down for an interview with Underscore Native News on Feb. 13 before cuts to NPS employees were announced by the White House. On Feb. 16, he fired off a strongly worded post on Facebook and then met for a second interview with Underscore on Feb. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How can the national parks be healthy and happy if their staff are not healthy and happy? Sams asked from his home in Pendleton during the second interview. I have great concerns for the staff of the National Park Service, he said. You can feel their angst, their confusion and their frustration and their anger. You know, its one thing to be let go because you fail in doing your job or you just dont meet the bar. Its another to be fired without any specific reason There may be rhyme or reason to it. I dont know what that rhyme or reason is. And nobodys been able to explain it, at least publicly so far. Sams said visitors are going to notice changes due to the cuts, a prediction already coming true amid reports of long lines, visitor center closures, canceled rentals and other negative impacts on park visitor experiences. Sams said hes baffled by the politics, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im perplexed, he said, because, in general, national parks have been nonpartisan. Parks dont know any party. Flora and fauna dont have any party. Its humans who are responsible for being able to be their protector and preservationists. And thats the expectation that was laid out in the 1916 Organic Act when it was passed to hold these lands for ourselves in perpetuity for the next generations. Reflecting on his journey Sams, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Eastern Oregon, returned with his wife, Lori, and 11-year-old daughter, Ruby, to their home in Pendleton in January after his term as parks director under the Biden administration. In his interviews with Underscore, Sams reflected on his three-and-a-half years in Washington, D.C. overseeing the National Park System, a federal organism that includes 85 million acres of public lands, 20,000 employees, 250,000 active volunteers, tens of thousands of buildings, and 12,000 vehicles in a fleet of aircraft, boats and ships. All told, the National Park Service oversees about $377 billion of assets. Sams said he had no intentions of re-entering federal government service after serving in U.S. Navy intelligence decades ago to satisfy a treaty obligation to protect the United States. He was stationed with an attack squadron at Whidbey Island Naval Base in the Puget Sound and served in the first Gulf War in 1991. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did my time in the military and thought that I was done and had no intention of ever returning back to federal service, Sams said. Trump changed all that. After the first Trump administration, I saw that there was a need to help rebuild the trust in the American people about what we were doing, especially in federal lands, and what we could do to ensure that balance was there, he said. Democrats normally pick a long-serving member of the NPS to lead the organization, Sams said. But in talking with President Biden and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Sams said, it was very clear that they wanted to see some cultural changes and shifts within the National Park Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As NPS Director, Sams worked in the U.S. Department of the Interior under Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna of New Mexico and the first Native American to head the Interior Department. Change couldnt be accomplished by edicts alone, so Sams visited 112 of the countrys 250 national park sites, part of the National Park Services 433 holdings, where he talked with staff at all levels. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and National Park Service Director Chuck Sams at a reception in the Secretarys Office in Washington D.C. (Photo courtesy of Interior Department) The only way I was going to see this change was to get out and visit the parks and talk to the line staff, talk to the GS4, GS5, GS7, GS9 (referring to rank, pay grade and qualification of federal government employees), for the people out there daily, Sams said. The guys out there that are trimming trees, that are doing interpretation, that are clearing the roads. In his official capacity, Sams traveled from A-to-Z, visiting Arcadia National Park in Maine to Zion in Utah. He went to the bottom of the Grand Canyon by helicopter to check out the Colorado River bed and flew to Banff, Alberta to discuss co-management, particularly for bison, with counterparts in Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In those three-plus years, I got to see both incremental and grand changes in the way the National Park Service did its work, Sams said. I came away still impressed from the first day I ever met a National Park Service ranger, of their dedication and their willingness to serve. I was constantly impressed by the staff at all levels through the Park Service for their willingness to work hard each and every day to be Americas stewards of these resources. Haaland directed Sams to fiercely tell the stories that were not necessarily being told at sites in the park system, including through interpretive panels popular throughout the National Park System. All this new information, Sams said, was to be shared so that more people could see themselves in the park. During Sams tenure, the National Park Service used Great American Outdoors Act funding in parks across all 50 states, several U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. Those improvements new roadways and trails, as well as renovated visitor centers, new kiosks and interpretation represented an annual investment of about $1.3 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sams pointed out the new interpretive signs at Whitman Mission, the site of the so-called massacre of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and 11 others in Walla Walla, Washington in 1847. One of the interpretive signs at Whitman Mission says: One-sided representations that portray the Whitmans as martyrs and depict a Native massacre of non-Indians have further marginalized the associated Native peoples. Addressing the missions complex historical context including the complicated legacy of Manifest Destiny and its continued impacts on Native populations will promote healing and understanding. Centering Indigenous knowledge in land stewardship One of Sams own initiatives promoted the expansion of co-management and co-stewardship between the federal government and tribal nations. Sams took the education that I got here on the Umatilla Indian Reservation and applied it to the development of the co-stewardship and co-management policies that he laid out for the National Park Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Interior Departments most recent Tribal Co-Stewardship Report noted that, by the end of Sams tenure, the number of units co-stewarded by tribal nations had more than quadrupled, exceeding 400. I took some solace in understanding that if we as Native people have been managing this land for 30,000 years, these 85 million acres could be managed in a way that respects tribal knowledge and ways of knowing, Sams said. A memorandum from President Biden in November 2021 promised to use Indigenous knowledge to help further understand the natural world, with an emphasis on understanding climate change. Sams met early on with his counterparts Martha Williams at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tracy Stone-Manning at the Bureau of Land Management and Camille Touton at the Bureau of Reclamation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And we all sat down and said, What can we do on a landscape scale? What can we do together with the funding that we have to look at ecosystem function across our federal landscape and what partners are not currently at the table? All four federal bureaus had been working regularly with states, local counties and gateway communities in and around national parks. But who was missing from the table was, of course, tribes, Sams said. And being able to figure out how we could bring tribes to the table to co-steward these resources was extremely important. Chuck Sams and Native staff at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Photo by Tony DeYoung In March of 2022, Sams met for the first time with Native leaders and members of Congress to promote the expansion of co-management and co-stewardship between the federal government and the tribal nations that call the parks home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sams said he reminded staff at the National Park Service that when they took their oath of office it was an oath to protect the U.S. Constitution and to abide by the Constitution, as well as treaties, which Sam notes are the supreme law of the land. And if treaties with tribes are the supreme law of the land and supersede the Constitution, then we have an extra obligation to ensure that those treaties are also honored, Sams said. Furthermore, Sams said, many treaties for tribes whose ancestors managed the lands for thousands and even tens of thousands of years mark out the importance of flora and fauna, and the obligation to protect and preserve lands. It is logical, Sams said, that tribes should co-manage federal lands. The Pacific Northwest Fish Wars of the 1960s-70s and the Belloni and Boldt court decisions proved to the federal government that tribes have a right to co-manage resources. We have a right to co-manage salmon, Sams said. We have a right to co-manage the water that the salmon live in. We have a right to co-manage the trees, then the watersheds where the water runs down to the rivers that help the salmon. New forms of public service Back home in Oregon, Sams is still committed to public service. On Feb. 18, the Oregon Senate confirmed Sams, who was nominated by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, to a seat on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, which has the responsibility to develop a regional power plan, along with a fish and wildlife program, to balance the environment and energy needs of the Northwest. Its mission is to ensure, with public participation, an affordable and reliable energy system while enhancing fish and wildlife in the Columbia River Basin. Sams was previously nominated for the Northwest Power and Conservation Council in 2021 by then Gov. Kate Brown. Shortly afterward, he was nominated by President Biden for the NPS position in August of that year, confirmed by the U.S. Senate in November and began his tenure as parks director in December of 2021. He served eight months on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council before he went to work in the Biden Administration. Sams said he was surprised and honored when he was asked to serve as the director of the National Park Service, although his resume speaks for itself. Chuck Sams and Mexicos Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragan on the National Mall. Photo courtesy of NPS In addition to serving in the Gulf War as a Navy Intelligence Officer, Sams has worked for more than three decades in tribal, state and federal government, as well as in the nonprofit natural resource and conservation management field, with an emphasis on the responsibility of strong stewardship for land preservation. Sams holds a Master of Legal Studies degree in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma School of Law, plus a bachelors degree in business administration from Concordia University. Sams has had a variety of roles with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, including as executive director. He has also had roles as president/chief executive officer of the Indian Country Conservancy, executive director for the Umatilla Tribal Community Foundation, national director of the Tribal and Native Lands Program for the Trust for Public Land, executive director for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, executive director for the Community Energy Project, and president/chief executive officer for the Earth Conservation Corps. He also served as director of the CTUIR Department of Communications. Sams brought to the NPS fresh ideas, as well as an unapologetic command of and demand for treaty obligations in the U.S. Constitution, merged with traditional lessons and beliefs he learned from his elders on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Morale has been stricken hard and maliciously In his Feb. 16 Facebook post, Sams explained his reaction to the federal cuts. The firings on Friday of the staff hit close to home. Nearly 1,000 lives have been turned upside down; these are people who I have met personally, people who have stepped forward to serve the nation, and thus all of us, Sams wrote. Sams said park staff across this nation have been terminated from their positions for no real or documented reason. These positions cover nearly all types of job categories: natural resources, cultural resources, interpretation, education, maintenance, partnerships, administrative, and more. The American people and our international guests will see longer lines into parks, we will see visitor centers with limited hours or closed, we will see water treatment plants in danger of failing, we will see delays in response for medical treatment and search and rescue, we will see a reduction in Ranger led programming and we will see degradation and possible destruction of our national treasures both natural and cultural, Sams wrote. Sams said he visited thousands of staff members, volunteers and partners during his tenure as parks director. The National Park Service has consistently attracted people who love their country; people that are willing to forgo more lucrative opportunities in order to ensure our collective history, special places, natural and cultural resources are protected now and for future generations, Sams wrote. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and National Park Service Director Chuck Sams paying their respects at Flight 93 National Memorial in September 2024. Photo by Maria Castro Now, Sams wrote, Morale has been stricken hard and maliciously. Those still in uniform and working will have to dig very deep to keep the faith that Americas best idea will continue. That Americas best idea is worth fighting for today and every day. That Americas best idea will stand for those generations to come. It is up to every American to fight for this idea, that the work of our Rangers continues to be of national importance. We all must stand with our Rangers now and help those who are trying to find their way, now that they have been let go, or those who have been spared and must now do more with less. We need the next generation of stewards, or we will all suffer a fate that lacks integrity in preserving lands, waters, flora, fauna, and our collective history. Sams might take some comfort in knowing that, during his stint with the Biden administration, national parks received bipartisan support. While I was there, I never met a member of Congress that didnt love the national parks, Sams said. According to NPS data, park visitation has risen steadily following the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 325 million visits across all National Park Service units in 2023. Some parks have implemented timed-entry reservations, parking lot closures, traffic management and other measures to control overcrowding during peak seasons. Now, park-watching organizations warn that smaller parks may close visitor centers during off-peak hours or entirely for certain days due to staffing shortages. Larger parks are expected to reduce hours for key facilities or limit access to certain areas. The Los Angeles Times reported that service cuts include park rangers who respond to medical emergencies, as well as visitor center employees and the crews that clean bathrooms and empty garbage cans. Given national parks popularity, it can be politically precarious for lawmakers to appear to be even remotely against national parks, which Sams calls the biggest classrooms in the country. They may not like how were managing them. Thats a policy issue at times, Sams said during his first interview with Underscore. But they love the parks and they wanted to see their park thrive. They wanted to see their park enjoyed. They wanted to see it protected, preserved, and enhanced. Thats a concern now, he continued. Because if we are going to continue with Americas best idea, its got to be funded at the appropriate amount to sustain these lands in perpetuity. Lessons from his elders Sams is proud to have led the National Park Service. I couldnt have thought of a better job to have, he said. And, you know, coming from a long line of tribes that loves to tell stories, storytellers, preserving those stories and making sure that they are heard and that they are repeated and that they are taught, they have lessons to teach, was a great opportunity to do that on behalf of the American people. Sams said the lessons hes learned from his elders have informed his decisions in life. He recalled a story from when he was 21 years old, just out of the Navy and fishing with his grandfather, Charles Sams, Sr., on the big river at Cascade Locks. Sams, sound asleep in his sleeping bag on the scaffold, slept through his 4 a.m. duty to check the nets. He awoke to the smell of tobacco emanating from his grandfather, who was pulling the net out himself. I apologized and was trying to help and he says, Whats the matter with you? And Im like, I dont know. That doesnt matter to me. He goes, What is your plan? And I told him, Im gonna go to college, Ill get a degree, Ill find a job Ive done my time. As his grandfather was cleaning a salmon from the net Sams had forgotten to check, his grandfather told him, You know youre responsible to ensure that salmon come back year after year. Youre responsible for the water in this river, youre responsible for the trees and for all the other animals that made you a human being. Your obligation never ends, his grandfather continued. So, youre not just going to go to school and get some job. Youve got to figure out how youre going to uphold your responsibility to Creators law. Thats what youre going to do. So thats what Sams did, and continues to do through his work for the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. I think as a Cayuse-Walla Walla, Sams said, the promise that we made through our covenant with the Creator to be the voice for flora and fauna to protect, preserve and enhance them, it never ends. KANSAS CITY, Mo. In a late Thursday evening session, Kansas City councilmembers approved a plan to insource animal control operations away from KC Pet Project. KC Pet Projects current contract with the city ends on April 30. It was extended by one year in 2024. Last week, Forest Decker, Kansas Citys director of Neighborhood Services, told FOX4 the city issued an request for proposal for a new vendor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KC Pet Project has outsourced services to the city since 2020, but some city leaders and residents raised concerns about slow response times, among other issues. Hotel closure reveals reduction of crime near I-70, Noland KC Pet Project saw major changes in December, when two chief officers resigned from their posts. Steve Kaufman, KC Pet Projects interim CEO, spoke with FOX4 before Thursdays meeting and said if the city takes over animal control again, it would be a sad day for Kansas Citians who want to see animal services improve. Last month, Kansas Citys Director of Neighborhood Services Forest Decker said the city plan would include 10 animal control officers that are on duty at all times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofit also tried to make the case that putting animal control in house again would cost the city nearly $600,000 annually. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android KC Pet project will continue to operate its animal shelter at Swope Park. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) The City of Grand Junction has withdrawn a contract to purchase an area on North Avenue that would have been the new home for the Resource Center. The city announced Thursday it terminated the real estate purchase contract to buy 2851 North Ave. after a result of the extensive due diligence conducted on the property. The contract would have expanded overnight shelter and services for those experiencing homelessness or are housing insecure, the city said in a news release. City council member Dennis Simpson previously told WesternSlopeNow the city was looking at that address to relocate the Resource Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city is now seeking alternatives to help the unhoused community. The release said the city will work closely with city council, local nonprofits and other stakeholders to decide the next step. The lease for the Resource Center, 261 Ute Ave., ends April 15. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) awarded the City of Savannah $972,000 grant dedicated to public safety. This comes as part of a larger near-$2 million grant from the school, announced in late February, for non-profits and government entities in the cities of Atlanta and Savannah. According to the city in a March 7 release, this particular grant will be used to enhance public safety measures by expanding the Citys public safety technological footprint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of the City of Savannah, I extend my deepest gratitude to President Paula Wallace and the Savannah College of Art and Design for their unwavering commitment to our community through the SCAD Serve Community Fund, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said. This generous grant will significantly enhance the Savannah Police Departments citywide technological capabilities, providing cutting-edge tools such as improved cameras, call boxes, and mapping to ensure the safety and security of our residents and visitors. We are grateful for SCAD SERVE Community Funds investment in the Savannah Police Department through this philanthropic grant, City Manager Jay Melder said. SCAD has long been a public safety partner with the City, and these grant funds will provide our law enforcement officers with new tools and capabilities to help keep us safe. Americas Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia also received a grant to fund a mobile grocery store to make healthy food available to those in need. SCAD students will create designs to convert a tractor trailer into the mobile grocery store. SCAD SERVE volunteers have partnered with Americas Second Harvest for more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. ST. LOUIS St. Louis City right now is frantically cutting down potentially dangerous limbs, which could be threatening unsuspecting citizens. This follows a million-dollar plus jury verdict on behalf of a man who was nearly killed by a falling branch. We noticed forestry crews contracted by St. Louis, cutting down limbs on Jamieson, even during the extreme winds Wednesday. They were taking down rotting and potentially hazardous limbs that could do a lot of damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just blocks from where a man nearly died when a limb fell on him waiting at this bus stop in 2022. It fell from a tree that remains standing today. It was a massive branch and there was no avoiding it, attorney Chris Saracino said. Local Gold Star parents speak out after terrorist behind deadly attack captured Co-counselor Alex Wolff, who also represented the victim, said, He broke his neck, shattered his ankle. Hes very lucky to be alive. Wolff and Saracino recently won a $1.54 million jury verdict. There were no reports or inspections or maintenance on that tree that we could discover at all, Saracino said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They claim St. Louis relies on the public to call in concerns about trees, rather than being proactive. There are things that a certified arborist can see that a member of the citizenry are not trained to recognize, Wolff said. This past November, FOX 2 News we featured residents concerns about the trees in the same neighborhood. Peoples lives are in jeopardy man, Bob Jackson said, unaware at the time of the man struck by a limb nearby. Jackson was raising the alarm about his own hazards. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Just from here, the houses you can see immediately around us. There are three homes that have been damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the Forestry Division said citizens could get action by calling the Citizens Service Bureau, something Saracino and Wolff say should be in addition to proactive tree maintenance. To find out they had no plan at all was really shocking, Wolff said. A city spokesman said they could not comment because of the litigation. Counselor Saracino believes recent tree trimming is a sign St. Louis is stepping up. I would also hope they would do that proactively and make sure the people of St. Louis are safe, Saracino said. Youre encouraged to contact CSB if you have concerns about a tree or any other St. Louis safety issue. You can report a problem online here or call 314-622-4800. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Clackamas County commissioner accused of theft and forgery earlier this week has stepped down from her position after a fellow leader called for her to resign. In a statement issued, Clackamas County Chair Craig Roberts personally requested Commissioner Melissa Firesides departure. Officials announced she submitted her resignation letter on Friday, effective immediately. U.S. soldiers suspected of selling classified data to China indicted in Oregon, Washington Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I recognize that for many, this decision is not soon enough, and I know how difficult and upsetting this situation has been for our community, and I want to thank you for making your voices heard, Roberts said in a statement. The Board remains committed to fulfilling our responsibilities to you and ensuring that the business of Clackamas County continues to move forward. The county administrator has already started searching for a new commissioner with a website that outlines the hiring process. Roberts said the community will remain informed throughout the process, as public involvement is crucial. Commissioners will meet Tuesday to flesh out the plan on how to fill the Firesides seat after her resignation. We are glad to get into a room and figure out what we want that process to look like. Its really up to the board of county commissioners, said Clackamas County Commissioner Ben West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new commissioner will be selected by a majority vote from the current commissioners. There will probably be an application process. And if you were qualified to run for the seat and you live in Clackamas County, then youre qualified to apply. And so well have to go through a robust process to make sure its fair and transparent, West said. Fireside was elected as commissioner in November, replacing former county leader Mark Shull. Although the allegations against Fireside were publicized just this week, she was indicted for first-degree aggravated theft, first-degree theft, two counts of computer crime, two counts of identity theft and two counts of first-degree forgery on Feb. 28. West said that he and other commissioners put pressure on her to resign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We suspended her pay. We knew payroll was about to cut, but we didnt think it was justified for the taxpayers to continue to pay her salary, West said. This needs to be in our rearview mirror. And I think that the board of county commissioners and probably the residents of Clackamas County are also relieved. Clackamas County Circuit Court documents say Fireside unlawfully and knowingly [accessed] a computer system to steal at least $10,000 from an 83-year-old man from Sept. 17 to Sept. 26 of last year. According to the indictment, Fireside additionally stole about $5,000 from the older man on a separate occasion. Portland police hold news conference on Dawson Park investigation Fireside has also been accused of attempting to defraud others using his signature, as well as the signature of Oregon Rep. April Dobson. Documents alleged Fireside used the signatures to write promissory notes for up to $30,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Dobson issued a statement on the charges on Wednesday: Last summer, Melissa Fireside came to me as a friend looking for temporary relief for her personal business. My instinct was to support a single mother of a young child during a tough time. I drew up a contract which explicitly stated she would repay the loan within one month, and she did so. In November I was contacted by law enforcement who informed me there was an issue with the source of the money Melissa Fireside used to pay me back. I did not hesitate to share all the information I had to help the detectives with their investigation. I have not been in contact with Melissa since learning about her alleged crimes. Couple who owned Portland limo business gets 5 years for stealing $34 million from client Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have so much work ahead of us in Clackamas County, and our residents deserve leaders they can trust. I believe Melissa Firesides actions are unacceptable for an elected official and call on her to resign immediately. The former commissioner is expected to appear in court again on April 28. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. BRUSSELS, March 6 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) leaders on Thursday greenlighted plans to enhance the bloc's defense capabilities and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. At a one-day special summit here, the leaders endorsed the ReArm Europe plan introduced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday. The EU leaders agreed to activate the national escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact in a coordinated manner, which allows for increased defense spending and provides immediate budgetary flexibility across EU member states, according to a statement released after the meeting. They called on the Commission to explore further measures, while ensuring debt sustainability, to facilitate significant defense spending at the national level in all member states. The leaders also acknowledged the Commission's proposal for a new EU instrument that would offer member states up to 150 billion euros (161.8 billion U.S. dollars) in loans backed by the EU budget, according to the statement. They urged the European Council to "examine this proposal as a matter of urgency." Trump has been pressing European partners to take more responsibility for their own defense, warning that the U.S. may not protect its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies who fail to meet spending targets. His remarks have raised concerns in the EU, prompting calls for stronger collective defense efforts. In a separate statement, 26 EU leaders expressed their support for Ukraine, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban notably absent from the agreement. The leaders approved the bloc's stance that there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine and that the Europeans must be involved in any talks involving their security. The EU has recently found itself sidelined in the peace talks, while the U.S. takes center stage in the negotiations. They also vowed to continue financial support for Ukraine, committing 30.6 billion euros in 2025. Of this, 12.5 billion euros will be disbursed through the Ukraine Facility, while 18.1 billion euros will come from profits generated from immobilized Russian assets, according to the statement. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollar) Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, speaks to the Senate Republican caucus after it elected him to be Senate Majority Leader for the 2025 session at a meeting on Nov. 14, 2024. Soon-to-be Senate President Matt Regier looks on. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan) District courts in the state of Montana saw more than 57,000 cases filed in 2024, with a record 13,854 criminal cases filed across the states 22 judicial districts. The former chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court has described the states court system as stressed, even as far back as 2019? To fix that, Sen. Majority Leader Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, introduced a bill to create a new intermediate-level court to remove complex civil cases related to the constitutionality of government actions, as well as asbestos claims, from the district courts purview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill passed the upper chamber 28-22, with four Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition. The goal, according to McGillvray, is to free up the district court dockets and allow specialized judges to rule on complicated constitutional issues, which would enhance the efficiency and productivity of the court. I think the definition of insanity is keep doing the same thing over and over, youll get the same result, which is a clogged up court system that is behind on dealing with these civil cases that need to be addressed in an efficient manner, McGillvray said during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 4. The new government claims court created in Senate Bill 385 would have concurrent jurisdiction with the states district courts over alleged illegality or unconstitutionality of government actions, including legislative actions, administrative rules, citizen-passed ballot measures and agency permitting actions. The three justices would be appointed by the governor, rather than elected as district court and state supreme court justices are currently, and serve six-year staggered terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGillvray listed off the number of additional district court judges needed to cover the existing workload 11 across the state including five in Yellowstone County as justification for the new court. But opponents of the new court said McGillvrays bill wasnt adequately addressing the issue among district courts, took power away from the judicial branch and Montana voters, and was just a reaction to the Legislature losing several court cases over laws passed during the last two sessions. Anne Sherwood, representing Friends of the Third Branch, an educational organization focused on the states judiciary, raised concerns about how many cases the court would actually divert from district court, saying that constitutional challenges are a small portion of the dockets. She also pointed out one major refrain from the Republican majoritys judicial reform push has been enhancing accountability for judges. These judges are going to be appointed by the governor. Theyre not going to be accountable to the people of Montana, Sherwood said. These judges are going to be making decisions that have statewide impact, and people are not going to be able to vote for or against those judges. Thats huge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents for the bill included the Montana Family Foundation, Americans for Prosperity-Montana and an attorney representing himself. Derek Oestreicher, chief legal counsel with the Montana Family Foundation, said the group doesnt typically weigh in on judicial bills, but felt the bill provided an opportunity to address a strained court system where judges are stretched thin with growing caseloads, especially criminal, neglect and dependency cases. These cases demand careful attention and swift resolution, particularly when vulnerable children and families are involved, Oestreicher said, adding the Foundation sometimes saw cases take years to resolve. The burdens on our court system have resulted in delayed justice far too often. This bill is a win-win for Montana. On the other side, Al Smith, representing the Montana Trial Lawyers, said the group opposed the new court and would rather see the legislature direct funds to the district courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre taking powers that are granted to district courts and handing them over to an appointed, not elected judiciary, Smith said. Who came up with this idea? Was it the courts? Was it the people that used the courts? Was there any deliberative process to determine that this is the answer to our problems? Senator Barry Usher, R-Billings, asks a question during a Montana Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. (Nathaniel Bailey for the Daily Montanan) A Court of Chancery and Business The bill came out of the interim Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform, but in another form. Originally introduced as Senate Bill 52, a proposed Court of Chancery would have also been a three-judge governor-appointed court, but would have overseen business law, land-use law and constitutional law. In an early press briefing with Senate GOP leadership, McGillvray emphasized that the Chancery Court was basically a business court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The whole goal of this, of course, is to expedite business cases and bring them up to the surface and provide high quality judges where theyre predictable, theyre ruled by the rule of law consistently and accurately, and attract businesses in the state of Montana, McGillvray said. The bill came close to getting a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee the Senate GOP sent out a press release about it on Feb. 5 but towards the end of February, McGillvray withdrew it. He said the courts jurisdiction was too broad and unwieldy, and that the Governors Office had concerns, so he reduced the jurisdiction. But the junque file for SB 52 documents detailing comments and emails among legislators, staff and consultants during the bill drafting process indicates a court focused on constitutional claims was always the goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email to McGillvray, Rob Natelson, an attorney and former UM law professor who was an advisor to the Judicial oversight committee and contracted by the Legislature for $10,000 to help draft some of the judicial reform bills, outlined his consideration for the court. The new courts jurisdictional scope should cover areas in which the existing system has been a problem in Montana, wrote Natelson. The poor quality of adjudication of constitutional cases has been a MAJOR problem in Montana. Another draft version of the Chancery Court would have only given it jurisdiction over constitutional claims and environmental lawsuits involving the Montana Environmental Policy Act the law upon which a recent controversial court case, Held v. Montana, was predicated, and an order overturned two legislative statutes. The new bill draft, SB 385, was requested by Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, using leadership privileges to submit a late draft request. McGillvray carried the bill and it passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 5-3 party-line vote. The Montana Senate is seen during the Wednesday, February 12, 2025 session. (Nathaniel Bailey for the Daily Montanan) Floor debate Debate continued on the Senate floor Wednesday, mostly along partisan lines. Democrats, and a small number of Republicans, said it was adding partisanship to the judiciary and ignoring the existing problem with district court case loads, while a majority of Republicans lauded the effort to streamline the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This work can help with those district court demands, said Sen. Barry Usher, R-Billings, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. I think this is a great deal, I think the sponsors done a lot of research. We spent a lot of time in the judicial select committee on this and I think its a great bill. Republican Sen. Russ Tempel of Chester said he opposed the bill for its costs. The fiscal note indicates that the court would cost the state a million dollars in fiscal year 2026, $3.5 million in 2027, and roughly $2 million each of the next two years. I was sent here to reduce government, not increase government, Tempel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the bills fiscal note, each judge would be paid $240,000 20% higher than associate judges on the states supreme court. McGillvray said the higher salary was not meant to disparage sitting supreme court justices, but to properly incentivize highly qualified, specialized judges for the new court. I think (Supreme Court judges) should be paid higher too. We need to start paying the judges more, because we need good judges and we need to attract high-quality attorneys, McGillvray said. Salaries and expenses for the government claims court would come from the states general fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other opponents latched onto an amendment added in committee to put asbestos claims under the courts jurisdiction. Currently, asbestos-related claims, a major issue for residents of Libby who have been exposed to asbestos-tainted vermiculite mined near the town, are handled by the Montana Asbestos Claims Court, created in 2017. Hundreds of cases were moved from district courts to the asbestos court, and several lawyers who represent asbestos victims testified against the bill in committee. Three Democratic senators said theyd received emails from residents of western Montana, specifically near Libby, worried the bill would affect the asbestos cases currently active. McGillvray said he added asbestos claims to the jurisdiction of the government claims court at the request of current Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Cory Swanson, and that active cases would just have the option of changing venue. Sen. Cora Neumann, D-Bozeman, said the bill should be considered in the context of dozens of other judicial reform legislation pushed by the GOP-majority this session. I can see how when bill after bill is introduced on the same topic, because its a high priority for part of the caucus, you start to lose track, almost, Neumann said. At the end of the day, this is just another attempt to control the courts, which our Chief Justice asked us not to do. In committee, McGillvray called opponents who testified against the bill as hard-left dark money groups that like the status quo, and on the Senate floor he pushed back against detractors again, saying many positions taken by opponents were red herrings. He said an efficient and consistent justice system will bring business and money to Montana. I think this is a great idea, whose time was a long time in coming. Its time to move forward with fresh ideas, McGillvray said. The final vote tally wavered a bit around the pass-fail margin before ending at 28-22, with Republican Sens. Mike Cuffe, Gregg Hunter, Jeremy Trebas and Tempel joining all Democrats in opposition. The bill was referred to the Finance and Claims Committee for further consideration. An 18-year-old Clarksville woman is jailed in Nashville after police say she set up a robbery that led to the shooting death of a Georgia man late last year. Mohamed Keita, 23, of Riverdale, Georgia, was found dead in the driver's seat of his car, backed into a parking space in the lot at William Pitts Park on Dec. 1. Police belive Keita was shot the night before. Detectives found a jar of marijuana and a holstered pistol inside his car, police said in a statement shortly after the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested the Clarksville woman, who was 17 at the time of the shooting, on an outstanding juvenile criminal homicide warrant, police said in a Thursday night statement. The Tennessean is not naming the woman as she is charged in juvenile court. During questioning, the woman admitted to "setting up and participating in a robbery which ultimately led to Keita's death," the police said. The woman is being held in the Downtown Detention Center pending a juvenile court hearing, police said. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Police: Clarksville woman charged months after park homicide Mar. 7Clayton council has once again voted to approve a rezoning request and preliminary plans to develop a 529-home subdivision on Sweet Potato Ridge Road following a drawn-out and contentious process. Thursday marked the third time council voted on the request and preliminary development plan submitted by Mark Schnicke, on behalf of SDG Warner Village, which proposes construction of a new residential subdivision on a 183-acre site on the south side of Sweet Potato Ridge Road, just west of Main Street (Ohio 48). The plans were approved in a 4-3 vote, with councilmen Ryan Farmer, Kenny Henning, and James Gorman voting no. Greg Merkle, Tina Kelly, Brendan Bachman, and Mayor Mike Stevens voted yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Warner Village plans were initially rejected in January by a 4-3 vote. Then Councilwoman Tina Kelly, who originally voted in opposition of the project, unexpectedly made a motion to reconsider on Feb. 6. Council subsequently approved the plans, also by a 4-3 council vote, with Kelly switching her vote. At the Feb. 20 council meeting, some residents said they were frustrated by the reconsideration vote, which had not been listed on the meeting agenda. A handful of residents spoke ahead of Thursday's vote, with at least one resident showing support of the development. Several others echoed concerns shared previously by residents throughout the monthslong approval process. These included potential effects on the Northmont school district and the plan's inclusion of around 100 rental homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilman Kenny Henning spoke just prior to Thursday's vote, cementing his opposition to the housing proposal, citing resident concerns, and criticizing the actions of council in the approval process. "Tonight marks the third meeting regarding this vote, and yet, the overwhelming sentiment from our residents has remained the same they do not want this development," Henning said. "... I will continue to push for integrity for local government and demand that the voices of our community be heard and respected." Henning also referenced the potential for a resident-led referendum on the issue. "I wish the referendum committee much success on getting the signatures they need to put this on the November ballot, so the residents can vote this down," he said. Hoping to head off worsening traffic in a booming area, West Palm Beach is buying up property to build a road connecting downtown to the growing Clear Lake district. The citys Community Redevelopment Agency agreed Monday to spend $5.5 million to purchase a half-acre warehouse site on Fern Street near the intersection with Tamarind Avenue. The property at 914 Fern Street is key to the citys plans to extend Fern Street across railroad tracks to Australian Avenue by connecting it with a small two-block road called Clearwater Place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort comes as the Clear Lake district the sliver of land between Clear Lake and the CSX tracks becomes the site of increased development interest. December saw the groundbreaking of the Berkeley Palm Beach, a 25-story luxury lakefront condominium building on Australian Avenue just south of Clearwater Place. And February brought the news that the Cleveland Clinic had signed a contract to buy property on Australian Avenue just north of Clearwater Place, where it plans to build a 150-bed hospital. An exterior rendering of the Cleveland Clinic hospital planned on Australian Avenue in West Palm Beach's Clear Lake district. Developers are also hoping to move forward soon with plans for Transit Village, a $1.3 billion, 6-acre mixed-use project on Clearwater Drive and South Tamarind Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those and other projects in the area including a Vanderbilt University business school campus downtown, just north of Fern Street promise to increase the need for routes between the two districts. Currently no road crosses the tracks in the eight-block stretch between Okeechobee Boulevard and Banyan Road. Project could remove more than 11,000 cars a day from nearby roads Buying the property is necessary because Fern Street sits more than a half-block north of Clearwater Place, so connecting the two roads requires bending the Fern Street extension down to the south to make sort of an S-curve there, said Kevin Volbrecht, the citys director of engineering services. Volbrecht told commissioners Monday that extending Fern Street across the tracks would remove an estimated 11,000 vehicles a day from Okeechobee Boulevard and Banyan Street during peak traffic hours. This is obviously going to be a tremendous benefit for the city and for all of the commuters in and out of the city, he said. A slide from a presentation by West Palm Beach's Community Redevelopment Agency shows how Fern Street would extend across railroad tracks and connect to Clearwater Place. The area is red is the property the CRA agreed to purchase Monday. The $5.5 million price tag for the property is well above the appraised value of $1.7 million assigned to it by the county property appraiser. CRA executive director Chris Roog told commissioners the price was negotiated down during talks with the owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We essentially had to come up with a price that did incentivize the owner to relinquish the property for the road, he said. City commissioner Christina Lambert called the price a worthy investment given the traffic relief it would bring to a fast-developing part of the city. WEST PALM NEWS: Traffic relief coming to city's busiest road, but it could take a while It seems like a fair amount for the amount of trips were going to be diverting, she said. Traffic relief from the extension is still at least three years away, though. Roog told commissioners that they expect construction work to start in late 2027 and for the new roadway to be finished sometime in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Marra is a reporter at The Palm Beach Post. Reach him at amarra@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm Beach buys land to connect Clear Lake district to downtown ***Related video above: Why Cleveland rejects so many who apply to be police officers*** CLEVELAND (WJW) The FOX 8 I-Team has learned Cleveland police are voting on a new three-year contract, and it would give officers a 3% pay increase each year. This comes as the force has dwindled dramatically in size, sometimes resulting in delays in getting officers to emergencies. In recent years, the city has increased officer pay, offered signing bonuses for new recruits and moved to 12-hour shifts. All of that, an effort to attract more officers and keep them from leaving the Cleveland police force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More stolen cars, new security measures at Hopkins Airport: I-Team The city believes it is making gains in recruiting officers, yet more officers continue to leave Cleveland police, including 18 already this year. Union leadership is recommending officers approve the proposal now up for a vote. Weve learned it also includes no increase in cost to officers for medical insurance, and it calls for continuing with signing bonuses to attract new recruits. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Commissioned in 1895, the USS Olympia is the oldest steel warship still afloat in the world. It's famous for winning the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Olympia transported the remains of a US soldier to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1921. Commissioned in 1895, the USS Olympia boasts several claims to fame. The heavily armed US Navy warship helped win a decisive victory in the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Commodore George Dewey, who later became a renowned admiral, issued a famous instruction to Captain Charles Gridley from the ship's pilothouse: "You may fire when ready, Gridley." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olympia also transported the unidentified remains of a US serviceman to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1921. Now a museum exhibit at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, Olympia is the oldest steel warship still afloat in the world. I climbed aboard Olympia to explore its intricate engine room, crew quarters, and weaponry. Take a look inside. Measuring 344 feet long and weighing 5,870 tons, the USS Olympia once held a crew of 40 officers and 390 men. The USS Olympia in 1899. B.L. Singley/Underwood & Underwood/Archive Photos/Getty Images In addition to the ship's roles in the Battle of Manila Bay and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympia escorted other vessels as a convoy during World War I. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One of my favorite fun facts is that she was so fast that she would actually outpace the convoy she was escorting," Greg Williams, manager of historic ships at the Independence Seaport Museum, told Business Insider. "She could do a top speed of 22 knots, whereas the merchant ships could only maybe do 10, 12 knots, and so she actually had to zig-zag back and forth to keep pace with the merchants who were sailing in a straight line." Olympia also carried out humanitarian relief missions and sailed the world to serve as a symbol of American might and protect American interests abroad part of President Theodore Roosevelt's philosophy to "speak softly and carry a big stick." Olympia was decommissioned in 1922 and has served as a museum since 1957. Olympia is docked in the Delaware River as part of the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. Olympia docked in the Delaware River. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The river's fresh water helps preserve the historic ship since it's less corrosive than salt water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My tour of Olympia began in the ship's wood-paneled wardroom, where officers would eat, work, and socialize. Olympia. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Officers worked under Olympia's captain and admiral to manage the operations of the ship and its crew. Even the wardroom included a 6-pounder gun in the corner for use during battle. Olympia. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider During battle, the wardroom functioned as the ship's sick bay. We then walked down into the engine room, where a dizzying amount of machinery comprised Olympia's large engines. Olympia's engine room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider At two-and-a-half stories tall, Olympia's custom-built engines were larger than most on ships of a similar size to prioritize speed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the boiler room, crew members shoveled coal into furnaces to power the ship's two steam engines. A boiler room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The furnaces were numbered to help crew members distribute the coal evenly in an ordered sequence so as not to snuff out any of the fires. At top speed, Olympia burned through over 600 pounds of coal per minute. After a shift in the boiler rooms, crew members washed themselves in a washroom. A washroom. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Sailors were required to wash up after shoveling coal so they wouldn't track soot all over the ship, much of which was painted white. Crew members ate, slept, and socialized in the crew quarters. Crew quarters. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The living arrangements offered little privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sailors slept in canvas hammocks that hung from the ceiling. Crew quarters on Olympia. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Williams said the hammocks were taken down and stored during the day "to prevent anyone from taking a nap." There wasn't much privacy in Olympia's toilets, known as heads, either. Toilets on Olympia. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider "The original heads would have had panels between the seats so you're not elbow-to-elbow, but it's not a whole lot," Williams said. Each crew member received one wooden box to store their possessions. Crew members kept their personal items in boxes. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Everything a sailor owned had to fit in one box. The ship's refrigerated drinking water dispenser, located in the crew quarters, was known as a "scuttlebutt." The scuttlebutt. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olympia was one of the first ships to feature refrigeration, allowing the crew to enjoy cold water. The exact origin of the name "scuttlebutt" is unknown, but Williams said he's looking into it. At the ship store, sailors could purchase items like razors, toothbrushes, and chocolate. The ship store. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Purchases in the ship store came out of the sailors' pay. Cooks prepared meals for the officers and crew in the ship's galley. The galley. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The galley featured a coal-burning stove and copper kettles lined with lead. "The Navy was so concerned that copper would leach into the food and affect the health of the sailors," William said. "All they knew about lead back then was it was an inactive metal, it didn't rust, and it heated nicely. They tried." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gun deck held Olympia's major weaponry, such as 5-inch, 51-caliber deck guns. A 5-inch, 51-caliber deck gun. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The 5-inch, 51-caliber deck guns could shoot up to 10 miles and fire nine rounds in one minute. The gun deck also featured 5-inch, 40-caliber breech-loading rifles. A 5-inch, 40-caliber breech-loading rifle. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Olympia's 5-inch, 40-caliber breech-loading rifles could fire distances of up to 6 miles, but were replaced by more advanced weaponry in World War I. Commodore George Dewey and Captain Charles Gridley's stateroom featured a sliding pocket door to create two separate cabins. The admiral's cabin. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider As the highest-ranking leaders on Olympia, Dewey and Gridley worked, ate, and slept in their stateroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stateroom featured original wood furniture from the 1890s. Original wood furniture in the admiral's cabin. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The wood was damaged in places, but it appeared amazingly well-preserved. Williams pointed out the enormous gun next to a table where treaties were signed as an example of "gunboat diplomacy." The admiral's cabin on Olympia. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider "At this point in time, the Navy is kind of a de facto arm of American foreign policy, so you have admirals who are given a lot of leeway, especially compared to today, about making agreements with foreign powers," Williams said. "So if Dewey, or whoever the admiral is, wants to sign a treaty with somebody, they will do it here right next to this thing that they're going to enforce that treaty with." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Up on the top deck, much of Olympia's original furnishings remain intact. The deck of the Olympia. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The plaque reading May 1, 1898, the date of the Battle of Manila Bay, is original to the ship. So is the Olympia's bell. The 6-pounder gun beneath the signal bridge can still be fired today for ceremonial purposes. A gun on the deck of the Olympia. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The Independence Seaport Museum hosts weddings where couples can get married on the deck of the ship or inside the museum with a ceremonial gun salute. A plaque memorializes the fallen service member whom Olympia transported for burial at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1921. A plaque commemorating the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier's journey aboard the Olympia. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Marines stood guard over the casket for the entire 15-day journey from Le Havre, France, to Washington, DC. The soldiers latched themselves to the casket to keep themselves from going overboard. The wooden pilothouse contained the ship's main steering helm, or steering wheel, as well as a compass and bunk for the captain. The pilothouse. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Dewey commanded the Battle of Manila Bay from the pilothouse. During the Battle of Manila Bay, Gridley was stationed in the conning tower, where another steering wheel was encased in a protective metal structure. A steering wheel inside the conning tower. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Dewey famously began the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 with the command, "You may fire when ready, Gridley." Gridley received the instruction while stationed in the conning tower. My tour ended with a display of a bronze memorial depicting "Victory" from 1899. A bronze memorial from 1899. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The "Victory" figure is shown holding a ribbon that reads "Gridley, you may fire when ready." The memorial was first mounted on Olympia's forward turret, then moved to the front of the conning tower before its permanent exhibit near the ship's exit. Visiting the oldest steel warship still afloat in the world showed me just how long warships have been crucial to America's national security. Olympia. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The US does not have the largest navy in the world. That distinction belongs to China. Much of the US Navy's post-Cold War shipbuilding projects have been plagued with issues causing them to run over budget and behind schedule, which could prove disastrous in a war with China. At his joint address to Congress in March, President Donald Trump announced a new White House office to "resurrect the American shipbuilding industry" to produce new ships "very fast, very soon." Read the original article on Business Insider ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A Rochester icon is back: The Clock of Nations! Its in Tower280 on E. Broad Street, just feet from its original location in Midtown Plaza. The clock had been in storage at the Rochester airport until Ken Glazer, CEO of Buckingham Properties, started to rehab the clock with his team and in partnership with the City of Rochester and Monroe County. Glazer said that the clock was much heavier than the team had anticipated, and they needed to make special accommodations to store and work on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no manual or blueprints, Glazer says the Buckingham team and other local artists and contributors got the clock in working order. City and project leaders talked about how this installation will continue to spark revitalization downtown while reminding Rochesterians of the Citys history and of meeting people under the clock. So many people have reached out, and they all started with my grandfather used to take me here,' Glazer said at an unveiling event Thursday. [Its] a connection to downtown that we lost for a while, and it brings families together. The future we are living is mixed-use, said Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, when discussing the froer use of the Midtown Plaza as an all-commerical shopping mall. You have businesses on the first floor Housing and businesses side by side. That is what Rochesters future is, and that is what this clock symbolizes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clock is open to the public every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will be on at different times throughout the day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) While clocks are springing forward an hour this weekend, federal lawmakers say the U.S. should abandon the biannual tradition and observe daylight saving time permanently. Daylight saving begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, beginning the annual period when U.S. clocks spring forward an hour in March and fall back in November. Yes, this means we lose an hour of sleep when the clock skips from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. While Ohio is among more than two dozen states that have previously pushed to observe daylight saving permanently, the Buckeye States effort is curtailed until federal law changes. Under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, states can change to standard time but not daylight saving, which requires a change to federal law to transition to perpetual daylight saving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years Columbus Auto Show canceled Thats why Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation earlier this year to keep time permanently forward, meaning clocks would not be set back at the end of fall. Named the Sunshine Protection Act, the bills passage would mean later sunsets in the winter but also later sunrises. For example, the sun rises around 7:15 a.m. and sets around 4:30 p.m. on the first day of winter in New York. The act would change sunrise to 8:15 a.m. and sunset to 5:30 p.m. I hear from Americans constantly that they are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year its an unnecessary, decades-old practice thats more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them, said Scott in a release. Im excited to have President Trump back in the White House and fully on board to lock the clock so we can get this good bill passed and make this common-sense change. Ohios House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill in December 2023 to urge the U.S. Congress to pass a previous version of the Sunshine Protection Act. The measure was under consideration in Ohios Senate, but only received one hearing last June and never passed out of the General Government Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus eviction crisis set to get worse as pandemic era federal funding runs out Reps. Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria) and Bob Peterson (R-Sabina), the bills primary sponsors, had argued the U.S. no longer needs the biannual tradition of changing clocks, pointing to studies that say moving clocks in the spring and fall causes a number of work, school, safety and sleep-related issues. Continuing to change the time results in a higher number of cardiac issues and strokes and prolonged seasonal depression, Creech said. A recent study revealed that sleep loss, even for as little as one hour, can decrease a childs quality of life, showing significant negative impacts on the childrens physical well-being as well as their ability to cope with the school environment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A new business and restaurant are expected to open at the Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek. Windsor Fashions According to the mall, Windsor Fashions, a womens clothing store, will open in late March on the lower-level near Victorias Secret. Windsor is reportedly relocating from The Greene Town Center. The Mall at Fairfield Commons is excited to welcome Windsor Fashions to our list of amazing retailers, says Ashley Mays, general manager of the Mall at Fairfield Commons. We consistently listen to shopper insight and demands as we look towards the future as we continue to grow our retail and restaurant offerings. Bleu Wave Seafood & Pho On social media, Bleu Wave Seafood & Pho, a seafood eatery, claims it is moving into the former site of Flyboys Deli at the mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restaurant said in January it wants to open in March. Online records from the Ohio Liquor Control show the business has applied for a liquor license. As of date, the license remains pending. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisory body on Friday held its second plenary meeting of the annual session. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attended the meeting. During the meeting, 14 members of the CPPCC National Committee shared their views and gave their suggestions. Wang Guosheng said it is imperative to implement more proactive and impactful macro policies to promote sustained economic growth. Sun Dongsheng called for deeper integration of artificial intelligence with industries, and the formulation of industrial development plans based on a scientific approach. Lu Guoyi said it is necessary to improve basic market systems and market regulation, and push forward the development of a unified national market in a prudent and orderly manner. To boost domestic consumption, Li Xiaopeng emphasized the need to establish long-term mechanisms and sound institutional arrangements. Li Shufu called for efforts to support the digitalization and green transition of private manufacturing enterprises. To cope with population aging, Jiao Hong suggested refining the supporting policies on childbirth and optimizing the development and utilization of human resources. Other political advisors shared their views on marine economy, integrated urban-rural development, silver economy, and the development of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as well as on teachers, regional medical centers, governance on super-large and mega cities, and talent cultivation. A U.S. Coast Guard cutter crew on Thursday offloaded more than 12,000 pounds of narcotics at a Miami Beach port that the agency says is worth hundreds of millions of dollars on the street. Members of the Cutter Valiant dropped over 6 tons of the cocaine at Coast Guard Base Miami Beach valued at more than $140 million from six interdictions in the Caribbean Sea conducted by U.S. and allied forces, according to the agency. About 17 suspected smugglers were detained during the operations that involved multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard cutters Valiant and Joseph Doyle, the Royal Netherlands Navys HNLMS Groningen, the Royal Canadian Navys HMCS Harry DeWolf, the U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team Pacific, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. Law enforcement crew members from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant stand in front of seized cocaine and engine covers at Base Miami Beach Thursday, Mar. 6, 2025. The Valiants crew secured the illegal drugs after six interdictions in the international waters of the Caribbean. The seized contraband was the result of six interdictions in the Caribbean Sea, and 17 suspected smugglers were transferred ashore to face federal prosecution in U.S. courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These seizures are a testament to the Coast Guards continued dedication to safeguard America by securing our maritime borders, Lt. j.g. Jesus Martinez Borges, a Seventh Coast Guard District enforcement officer, said in a statement. The Coast Guard and our partners work tirelessly to deny drug trafficking organizations access to smuggling routes bound for the United States. Our efforts contribute to federal investigations and prosecutions that further seek to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal activity abroad, which threaten Americans here at home. The Coast Guard detailed four of the interdictions in a press release Thursday. On Feb. 2, a Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard air crew located a suspicious vessel in international waters about 30 miles north of Venezuela. The crew of the Groningen, along with a U.S. Coast Guard crew embedded on the ship, intercepted a speed boat with five people on board, and hauling about 6,220 pounds of cocaine, according to the agency. A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant law enforcement team prepares to get a small boat lifted aboard the ship after a drug interdiction about 50 miles northeast of the Dominican Republic, Feb. 17, 2025. The same day, an HC-144 Ocean Sentry plane from Coast Guard Air Station Miami detected a boat traveling in international waters about 35 miles southwest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyle intercepted the vessel, catching three people and confiscating about 2,200 pounds of cocaine, according to the press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 14, a Dutch patrol airplane crew spotted a boat traveling about 18 miles north of Venezuela. Two patrol boats launched from the Groningen with U.S. Coast Guardsmen aboard chased after the speed boat, but the vessel found Venezuelan international waters before they could catch it. However, the speedboat crew jettisoned about 571 pounds of cocaine during the pursuit, which the Coast Guard recovered, per the agency. Then on Feb. 17, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations airplane crew spotted a boat traveling in international waters about 50 miles northeast of the Dominican Republic, according to the Coast Guard. The Cutter Valiant launched a patrol boat crew, which intercepted the speedboat, catching five suspected smugglers and seizing 1,280 pounds of cocaine. Crew members from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant uses plastic wrap to bind captured cocaine at Base Miami Beach, Florida, Thursday, Mar. 6, 2025. The Valiants crew secured the illegal drugs after six interdictions in the international waters of the Caribbean. The Valiant crews interdiction is one of many law enforcement actions highlighting the time-tested partnership and outstanding coordination of the Seventh Coast Guard District, Coast Guard Sector San Juan, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine Branch, Cmdr. Matthew Press, commanding officer of Valiant, said in a statement. Miami Herald staff writer David Goodhue contributed to this story. In 1988, 19-year-old Cathy Swartz was a young mother living with her fiance Mike Warner and her 9-month-old baby Courteney in Three Rivers, Michigan. On Dec. 2, Warner returned home from work to find his fiancee dead in the couple's bedroom; she had been strangled and her throat had been cut. In the baby's room, Courteney was standing in her crib, unharmed. Now a mother herself, Courteney Swartz reflected on her mother's tragic death in an exclusive interview with David Muir for "20/20." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm 100% convinced she was trying to save her baby because I feel like she would've just ran outside and yelled . . . but I was upstairs and she wasn't going to leave that apartment without me," she said. PHOTO: Cathy Swartz is seen in this undated family photo with her baby Courteney. (Courteney Swartz) Though Cathy Swartz's killer left behind a fingerprint on a pink phone and a bloody footprint in the bathroom, police ran thousands of prints without finding a match to the prints left at the crime scene. Similarly, the suspect's DNA left on the phone generated no matches in CODIS, the national criminal offender DNA database. Detectives worked the case for decades without identifying the perpetrator as Cathy Swartz's family waited for answers. In a new "20/20" episode, "The Code Breakers," airing March 7 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC, and streaming the next day on Hulu, David Muir explores the innovative DNA technology Othram used to crack the murder cases of two young women, Catherine Edwards and Cathy Swartz, that haunted their small communities for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "20/20" features Muir's exclusive interviews with Cathy Swartz's daughter, law enforcement, as well as interviews with prosecutors and a prior victim speaking out for the first time on television about her assault by Edwards' killer. PHOTO: Courteney Swartz was a baby at the time of a vicious attack that left her 19-year-old mother, Cathy Swartz, dead while she was in a crib just a room away. She spoke in an exclusive 20/20 interview with ABC News David Muir. (ABC News) Now a state-of-the-art forensic lab near Houston, Texas -- which is focused solely on partnering with law enforcement on cold case investigations -- is gaining attention for its ability to use powerful DNA testing technology to help crack seemingly unsolvable cases. Othram, Inc. has been linked to some of today's most talked about criminal investigations, including the Gilgo Beach serial killings and the Idaho college student murders. "We can identify almost any perpetrator anywhere from any case," Othram Chief Business Development Officer Kristen Mittelman told ABC News' David Muir as they spoke inside the company's lab. For the families of murder victims like Cathy Swartz, the answers that Othram is helping provide come after decades of waiting and wondering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the country in Beaumont, Texas, Othram partnered with investigators on the case of beloved schoolteacher Catherine Edwards after the case hit a dead end. On Jan. 14, 1995, 31-year-old Edwards failed to show up for lunch with her parents and identical twin sister, Allison Brocato. When the family checked Edwards' home, they found a chilling scene: Edwards was dead, slumped over her bathtub with her hands handcuffed behind her back. PHOTO: On January 14, 1995, 31-year-old Texas schoolteacher Catherine Edwards failed to show up for lunch plans with her parents and identical twin sister. (Allison Brocato) The first officer on the scene, Carman Brown Apple, recalled arriving and recognizing the victim's name. "I went to college with her. We were in sororities together," Apple told David Muir outside the townhome where Edwards was found. "She was so full of life . . . and to come to the scene and then suddenly realize it was Mary Catherine, it just knocked me for a minute." Although police collected a sample of the killer's DNA left on the bedspread and from a rape kit, there were no matches for the suspect in CODIS and the investigation soon stalled. More than three decades later, local law enforcement agencies in Beaumont and Three Rivers separately partnered with Othram as a final effort to identify a suspect in each of the murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Othram's powerful DNA sequencer helped build the suspects' DNA profile from microscopic samples of evidence. That DNA profile was then compared to other publicly available profiles in specific databases, like GEDMatch PRO, which allow law enforcement searches. Investigators were then able to build family trees for the suspected killers. PHOTO: David Muir visited David and Kristen Mittelman at Othram Inc.'s facility in The Woodlands, Texas, as part of his reporting on the 1988 Cathy Swartz and 1995 Catherine Edwards murder cases. (ABC News) In the case of Edwards, Beaumont detective Tina Lewallen and genetic genealogist Shera LaPoint helped create a family tree that led to a suspect named Clayton Foreman, who had grown up in Beaumont and attended the same high school as the victim, Edwards. When investigators finally became aware of Foreman, he was living in Ohio and working as a rideshare driver. Investigators learned Foreman not only attended the same high school as Edwards, she and twin sister Brocato were also bridesmaids in Foreman's wedding to his first wife in 1982. Investigators also discovered that Foreman had a prior record for aggravated assault in 1981. According to documents filed in Jefferson County Texas' District Court, Foreman admitted to the sexual assault of a woman named Paula Ramsey but pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and received three years of probation. MORE: How a Colorado man pushing his wife off a cliff exposed decades of lies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Routine DNA collection of offenders by law enforcement for the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) did not begin until the mid to late 1990s, according to the FBI and the DNA Identification Act of 1994. Clayton Foreman's DNA did not exist in CODIS when Edwards' murder occurred in 1995. Investigators noted that Foreman's assault of Ramsey bore striking similarities to Edwards' murder, but it wasn't until 2020 when investigators discovered the record of the 1981 file. Ramsey said she was initially reluctant to go to the police but summoned the courage to do so about a week after the assault. "I just felt awful and shameful," Ramsey told "20/20" in her first and only interview about the 1981 attack. "I was just like, 'I can't, I'll never tell anybody what happened.' I was kind of like, I don't know if anybody would believe me. Is it my fault? Was it my fault?" During Foreman's 2024 trial for the murder of Edwards, Ramsey took the witness stand and offered emotional testimony about why she chose to testify about the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I wanted to see justice done for her [Catherine Edwards]," Ramsey said. Foreman was convicted of Edwards' murder and sentenced to life in prison. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years in prison and is appealing his conviction. PHOTO: David Muir speaks with Fmr. Beaumont Police Officer Carman Apple outside the townhouse where Texas teacher Catherine Edwards was found murdered in 1995. (ABC News) In the Cathy Swartz case, Othram's genetic genealogy team built a DNA profile and subsequent family tree for the suspected killer based on the DNA sample provided by police. This helped investigators narrow down their potential suspect to four brothers who grew up in the Three Rivers area. After further investigating, police cleared all of the brothers but one, zeroing in on 53-year-old Robert Waters. Waters relocated after the murder and, in 2023, was residing in Beaufort, South Carolina. He ran a successful plumbing business and was married with children. Investigators learned that Waters knew Cathy Swartz's fiance and briefly visited the couple's apartment a month before she was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives visited Waters in Beaufort and took his fingerprints and a DNA sample -- both were a match to the suspect's DNA and fingerprint left at the crime scene. Days after his 2023 arrest, Waters died by suicide in jail. Authorities found devotional pamphlets open to pages describing forgiveness in his cell. "He's a coward. I mean, to take her away from all of us in the manner that he did, and then he got to go live his life," Cathy Swartz's childhood friend, Jennifer Outman, told "20/20." MORE: How far would a wife go to keep $2M Ponzi scheme a secret? Othram founders David and Kristen Mittelman believe the DNA technology they employed in the Edwards and Swartz cases will eventually become a routine part of criminal investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think we're going to live in a world in this lifetime where there are no unidentified victims, victims that are voiceless. . ." Kristen Mittelman said. "I think we're going to live in a world where perpetrators are caught the first time they commit a crime and not . . . decades later." "I have been living with this for 36 years," Courteney Swartz told "20/20." ". . . They solved this case with DNA, so I can close this book and open up my own book with my own kids. And there's no words for that." If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cold cases that once baffled investigators are getting solved with help of cutting-edge DNA technology originally appeared on abcnews.go.com MEMPHIS, Tenn. WREG Investigators have been digging deeper to answer questions loved ones and the community continues to ask about a mother who was found dead in a large retention pond in East Shelby County. Thursday, the Collierville restaurant where Kristen Fundos husband said she was meeting a friend said they are cooperating with authorities in the investigation. NEW, FRIDAY: Collierville PD investigating reports of drink tampering at two restaurants Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Shelby County Sheriffs Office said early Saturday morning, their diving team found Fundos body in a SUV submerged in the retention pond off Grays Mill Drive, in the back of a neighborhood off Walnut Grove. Kristen Fundo. Courtesy: Michael Fundo Her husband told Your News Leader it was near a family members home and about seven miles from the restaurant where Fundo had been earlier Friday night. Family releases more details about mom found dead in sunken car Fundo had told him she was meeting a friend at Casa Mexicana in Collierville, and her husband said the bill shows she had two margaritas and food during the more than two-hour dinner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he was out of the country, but his wife seemed fine when he talked to her around 7 p.m. He checked in about an hour later and saw her location near the pond. Courtesy: SCSO He showed us the series of text messages he then sent letting her know his brother would be driving by that location to see if the truck is there. An hour after that, he wrote, I love you. I hope youre ok. Im panicking really bad. Collierville police stated Saturday evening someone filed a report about possibly someone drugging them on the same night, and at same restaurant, where Fundo and her friend were. They wouldnt give further details, nor would they say if it could be connected to Fundos fatal crash. They only stated, We will not release reports while they are under investigation and added it could be another 6 months or so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple investigations, but few answers after moms fatal crash into pond Thursday, the manager of Casa Mexicana told Your News Leader they were deeply sorry to hear the news. While he wasnt aware of the possible drugging report, he could confirm they are working and cooperating with authorities including the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission. A state spokesperson said they have opened an investigation. SCSO said its investigation is ongoing too. While they didnt see signs of foul play, an autopsy is being conducted. At this point, an official cause of death hasnt been determined. They said the vehicle in the pond was implicated in an earlier hit and run. We checked again Thursday, but theyve yet to provide any further details. The crash report shows a rendering of the Fundos route. Her vehicle veered off the road and into the water. How and why she wound up there still remains unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A family is now searching for answers. The grief unbearable. Fundo was just 35 years old. She was a mother and wife. She was known for her kindness and endless love. Her husband said a family member started a GoFundMe to help with funeral and other expenses. If you want to help, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. BOGOTA (Reuters) - Twenty-nine members of Colombia's security forces have been kidnapped from two locations in Cauca province after attacks by a FARC dissident faction, the defense ministry said on Friday. The incidents took place in El Plateado, where security forces are carrying out a months-long intervention against armed groups, and La Hacienda, the defense ministry said in a statement, blaming the Carlos Patino faction dissidents from the former FARC rebels who rejected a 2016 peace deal for the kidnapping. "The lives and security of the kidnapped members of the security forces are the direct responsibility of those who committed this loathsome crime," the ministry said. (Reporting by Julia Symmes Cobb) (Bloomberg) -- Colombias foreign minister still sees the US as a strategic partner under Donald Trump, saying she wants to reset diplomacy a month after President Gustavo Petro triggered a brief tariff war with a post on social media. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laura Sarabia, who Petro tapped as his top diplomat the week before his blow-up with Trump, sought in an interview to mend fences with the Andean nations main trading partner and principal ally in the region. We need to bet on diplomacy and on established channels, putting our historic relations on the table and not basing it on megaphone diplomacy, Sarabia told Bloomberg News during a 45-minute conversation this week at her Bogota office. Colombias relationship with the US, she said, is one built on trust and permanent dialog. To that end, Sarabia said Trumps homeland security chief is planning a visit this month to discuss drug trafficking and migration. The US president is using those issues to justify imposing 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. And it was Petros initial refusal to accept deportation flights over the treatment of migrants that threatened to expose Colombia to similar economic pressure. So while we want to keep betting on the US, Sarabia said the government is also looking to expand our options to other parts of the world. Those include Persian Gulf states like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which Petro visited recently, but also Indo-Pacific nations and potentially even expanding Colombias established ties with China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The daughter of an air-force officer and a graduate of a military school, Sarabia, 30, had an internship in the defense ministry and then worked for a senator, Armando Benedetti, before joining Petros 2022 campaign. After his election victory, she rose to key positions in the new administration including chief of staff and director of the presidents administrative department, where she became Petros right hand. While her ascent riled a group of ideological purists inside government, Sarabia gained Petros confidence and trust, often acting as the main conduit between the leftist president and Colombias business establishment. She hopes to leverage those ties in her new role. We have talked with the private sector about the challenges and warnings regarding not only the tariff issue, but also the policies that have been established by the Trump administration, Sarabia said Wednesday in her first on-record remarks to international media since taking the job. Market diversification does not mean replacing markets or replacing the US. The cabinet infighting triggered in part by her promotion, as well as the spat with Trump and a guerrilla offensive in Colombias northeast, however, have taken a toll on Petros approval rating. It sunk to a new low in February, with 64% of respondents disapproving of the way the president is running the government, according polling conducted by AtlasIntel for Bloomberg News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colombias status as the worlds top producer and exporter of cocaine, meanwhile, has always been central to its relationship with the US. The area planted with coca leaf the raw material used in making the drug increased 10% in 2023 to a record 253,000 hectares (625,000 acres). Thats enough to produce more than 2,600 tons of the narcotic, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Sarabia acknowledged the issue will be top of mind when she hosts US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Noems department didnt respond to requests for comment seeking to confirm the looming visit. Asked whether Colombia is preparing for a possible decertification by the US in its fight against illegal drugs, Sarabia said the government is working to reduce coca cultivation. Petro, who changed the countrys tack against drug trafficking to focus more on seizing shipments from cartel bosses than on forcing farmers to eradicate their crops, is planning to pay growers to substitute coca for other products like coffee or cocoa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear if that strategy will be enough to reassure the Trump administration about Colombias status as a trusted partner in the war on drugs. But Sarabia agreed that the US has the right to audit and scrutinize all the money it spends on international cooperation. Drugs, Migration The invitation we have made to the United States and to the entire region is to discuss the drug problem as a regional problem, Sarabia said, adding that migration should be approached similarly. Regarding the standoff with Trump in late January, when he announced sweeping tariffs on the Andean nation before abruptly withdrawing the threat, Sarabia said both sides were able to achieve their goals after a tense set of negotiations. The US president continued pushing forward with his mass-deportation policy while Petro ensured Colombians would be returned in a dignified manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Andean nation has sent 12 planes to pick up 2,000 migrants so far this year and will continue to do so. But Sarabia said Colombia is seeking financial help from the US as Petros government grapples with deep fiscal challenges. Good relations dont mean there arent disagreements, Sarabia explained. Thats precisely what diplomacy is for to be able to talk and reach good agreements. (Updates with new polling data in the ninth paragraph. A previous version corrected Sarabias employment history in the sixth.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Tina Peters in a July 21, 2022, booking photo. (Newsline illustration from photo courtesy of Pitkin County Sheriff's Office) The MAGA movement makes no secret of its contempt for the previously uncontroversial notion that the republic, in the words of John Adams, is a government of laws, not of men. Instead, it is restructuring the government as a function of one man, President Donald Trump, who alone decides what the law is. This transformation, from republic to proto-monarchy, was articulated by Trump himself last month, when in a social media post he declared, He who saves his Country does not violate any Law. He who thinks hes saving the country now is trying to save Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump Department of Justice began meddling this week in the case of Tina Peters, the former Republican Mesa County clerk who participated in a breach of secure election equipment. Peters was convicted in a state court of violating state law by a jury of her peers, and she was sentenced to almost nine years in prison. But the message from Trump is that no laws, not even state criminal statutes, are legitimate if the outcome of their application is that one of his supporters faces justice. This is an attack on state sovereignty, and if Trump prosecutors succeed in modifying Peters sentence or conviction it will do grievous harm to the rule of law in Colorado. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In the aftermath of the 2020 election, Peters earned a national reputation as a fanatic proponent of baseless election conspiracies, especially those that concerned the election equipment in her own office. She teamed up with other election deniers in a scheme to prove the equipment couldnt be trusted and allowed unauthorized access to sensitive software and system passwords. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, a Mesa County grand jury charged Peters with multiple felony counts in connection with the security breach in her office. The grand jury was randomly selected from among local citizens, the same pool of people who elected Peters clerk. The prosecutor was District Attorney Dan Rubinstein, an elected Republican. The jury in Peters trial similarly comprised everyday Mesa County citizens. They found her guilty on three felony counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one felony count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, and several misdemeanors. During an October sentencing hearing, Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis, a Republican, told the court that Peters actions had caused distrust in the countys election system, and he said, Shes made a laughingstock of this community. Rubinstein emphasized the gravity of Peters crimes. This case is by far the most aggravated attempt to influence a public servant I ever saw in my career, he told District Judge Matthew Barrett. It should yield the most aggravated sentence. Barrett appeared to agree. Handing down a lengthy prison sentence, he said to Peters, You are a charlatan You betrayed your oath. This is all to emphasize that at no point during the trial did anyone make a plausible case that Mesa County elections were actually compromised, that Peters joined the conspiracy in good faith, or that the prosecution and judge were guided by anything other than facts and the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why a court filing this week that cast doubt on the integrity of the Peters prosecution was so disturbing. The document, transparently motivated by politics, was signed by Yaakov Roth, acting assistant attorney general in the DOJs Civil Division; J. Bishop Grewell, the acting U.S. attorney for Colorado; and assistant U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly in Colorado. They said theyre reviewing the Peters case to determine, in upside-down world-fashion, whether it was oriented more toward inflicting political pain than toward pursuing actual justice or legitimate governmental objectives. Again, there is zero evidence that Peters prosecutors were motivated by politics. Conversely, everywhere you look there is abundant evidence that the Trump administration is eager to twist the law to serve its interests. Trump, a convicted felon, has long tried to undermine the courts and launched personal attacks against individual judges. He pardoned nearly every one of the Jan. 6 defendants, including the most violent insurrectionists. Trumps DOJ has sacked officials who worked on legitimate investigations into him and prosecutors who handled Jan. 6 cases. And the department pursued an apparent quid pro quo in which it would drop corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for Adams assistance in the administrations immigration enforcement, an abuse of power that sparked a mass resignation. Its especially alarming to see Grewells name on the filing in the Peters case, since hes the DOJs top lawyer in Colorado. Grewell was named acting U.S. attorney in early January and has worked in the Colorado District office for more than a decade. Hes not just some faceless D.C. functionary. Hes a longtime Coloradan whos served under Democratic and Republican administrations. But with this move, its clear hes corrupted, and Coloradans can no longer trust that he will fulfill his duties honestly. The rule of law in America was established over generations in institutions that, though flawed, were generally trusted by many to operate with impartiality and integrity. Now that trust is being squandered, and Coloradans this week got a glimpse into how the Trump administration is dismantling the hard-won authority of the law. Once its gone, the only authority left will be that of a criminal who acts like a king. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (Getty Images) Colorado voters could decide this year whether to bring in more money for a state program that provides free meals to all public school students after the original funding mechanism did not raise enough for actual demand. In order to continue funding universal meals and to fulfill the full program approved by voters, we need additional funding to sustain this effort, and this bill is a solution, state Rep. Lorena Garcia, an Adams County Democrat, told lawmakers during a committee hearing on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is sponsored by Garcia and Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, a Commerce City Democrat. It passed its first committee hearing on a 7-5 party-line vote with Democrats in favor. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Colorado voters approved Proposition FF in 2022, creating the Healthy School Meals For All program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of family income. The original analysis for the program that was presented to voters expected the program to cost between $50 million and $80 million per year. But the annual cost is closer to $150 million. The Proposition FF funding mechanism brought in about $100 million, leaving a $50 million shortfall to fully fund the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 25-1274 would refer two measures to the ballot in the fall to make up the expected gap in future years: one to allow the state to retain the money collected over the Proposition FF revenue estimates and another to increase revenue collections. Proposition FF operates by limiting income tax deductions for people making at least $300,000 per year. The current limit is $12,000 for single filers and $16,000 for joint filers, but HB-1274 would lower those limits to $1,000 and $2,000, respectively. That would raise taxes for about 194,000 Coloradans who make more than $300,000, according to a nonpartisan legislative analysis. The state would not collect the additional funding until 2026, so lawmakers would still need to find a way to fund the program this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its first year, the program provided more than 100 million meals to students and saved families up to $1,300 per child per year, according to Anya Rose, the director of public policy at Hunger Free Colorado. Its great news for students and community health, but it also means continued investment is needed to sustain the program, she said. This program is reducing child hunger, improving academic outcomes, attendance and mental health. Supporters said that the funding increase would not only support students by ensuring they are sustained throughout the school day, but also local farmers who provide ingredients and food service workers who could benefit from higher wages. Rep. Lori Garcia Sander, an Eaton Republican, cited food waste concerns in her opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know students need food in their bellies to focus and learn, she said. I think if voters who approved FF knew how much food is thrown away, they would be appalled. The bill now heads to the House Finance Committee. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The City of Columbus launched some big plans for the Eastland neighborhood Thursday night. The Department of Neighborhoods is spearheading the Eastland for Everyone Community Plan that outlines projects to spur community growth and development. The plan spans six square miles of southeast Columbus and outlines what the department calls 8 Big Ideas. Some of which include creating more housing, community and educational spaces, retail developments and job opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some efforts are already underway to revitalize the community. The Eastland Mall, for example, is now in the process of being torn down to renovate the space into use for future developments. Additionally, the Vista Village tiny home subdivision now housing residents. Noelle Britt, Eastland Neighborhood Program Specialist, said a part of the vision is to make sure everyone in Eastland has equitable access to recourses. What we heard a lot during this process is that so many folks have to leave to do so many things, to meet so many basic needs and that is something we need to address, she said And you will see that moving throughout the plan. A higher quality of life, a place where everyone can belong or call home and a strong sense of community which I hope you all feel that tonight. Britt said they received a lot of community input that helped build this plan and Columbus mayor Andrew Ginther said the city is fully committed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to strengthen our neighborhoods, build a stronger community and ensure were creating a healthy space where everyone can thrive, said Ginther. The Eastland Advisory Committee will reconvene in the spring with community partners to keep the ball rolling toward a promising future for eastside residents. To view the full Eastland For Everyone Plan, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. On Feb. 21, Maine's Democratic governor, Janet Mills, publicly upbraided Donald Trump over his transgender policies. Here's what happened after that. Out of the blue, the Trump administration canceled a contract that allowed parents in the state to apply for Social Security numbers for their newborns by simply checking a box on a form at the hospitalthe way parents in all 50 states have done for decades, as the Social Security Administration has said. The change meant that new parents would have to bring their infants to one of only eight Social Security field offices in Maine, sometimes by traveling for hours, exposing the newborns to infectious diseases in public. It makes absolutely no sense to me at all to do this. Dr. Joe Anderson, American Academy of Pediatrics Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That happened Thursday. The change, which came with no explanation, created an immediate uproar among Social Security advocates and healthcare providers in Maine. Dr. Joe Anderson, advocacy chair of the Maine chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said that eliminating the program creates a lot of unnecessary and unfair burdens for families. It makes absolutely no sense to me at all to do this, Anderson told the Portland Press Herald. I see no logical explanation for forcing parents and newborns with 11,000 babies born in Maine every year to sit in a crowded waiting room, when we have done this easily, securely and efficiently for decades. As has happened so often with the Trump White House's thoughtless policy decisions, this one was reversed a day later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee Dudek, the acting commissioner of Social Security, issued a press release Friday, stating that the contract allowing parents to apply for their newborns' Social Security numbers through Maine's healthcare agency, along with another through which Maine authorities reported deaths of Maine residents to the Social Security Administration, had been reinstated. Read more: Hiltzik: Trump, the GOP and DOGE have launched their attack on Social Security. You should start worrying now "In retrospect, I realize that ending these contracts created an undue burden on the people of Maine, which was not the intent," Dudek said. "For that, I apologize and have directed that both contracts be immediately reinstated." If throwing a stink bomb into Maine wasn't the "intent," what was? No one in the administration has said. I asked the Social Security Administration for further explanation, but haven't received a reply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Social Security advocates, however, the intent was clear. The move, said Max Richtman, president of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, defies common sense and implies nefarious motives....Why on earth would the administration want to make it harder for parents to register their children for Social Security unless the aim was to shrink the size of the program?" The advocacy organization Social Security Works had the same impression. "Canceling those contracts created waste, abuse, and at least the potential for fraud," said Nancy Altman, its executive director. "There is no policy reason for canceling them, and many policy reasons against it. The only explanation is political revenge against Maine Gov. Janet Mills. Trump has said that he's "not touching" Social Security, but actions speak louder than words. A few points about the Enumeration at Birth policy, which allowed Maine parents, like those of all other states, to register their newborns through their state agencies, almost immediately upon giving birth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Hiltzik: The richest Americans finished paying their Social Security taxes last week. Most of us will pay all year The Social Security Administration website advises new parents on the simplicity of the process: "When you complete the application for your babys birth certificate, you will be asked whether you want to apply for an SSN [Social Security Number] for your baby. If you say 'yes,' you will be asked to provide both parents SSNs. If you dont know both parents SSNs, you still can apply for your childs SSN." The procedure has been in effect since the 1980s, and has covered all 50 states since 1997. The Social Security Administration says that 99% of all babies born in the U.S. get their Social Security numbers this way. Since about 3.5 million babies are born in the U.S. every year, that's a lot of babies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having a Social Security number soon after birth has become only more important over the years. It's needed so parents can claim the child tax credit if they're eligible, claim the newborn as a dependent, open a bank account or buy savings bonds for the child, and for infants to be covered by public healthcare programs, 529 college savings plans, and other services. Requiring parents to bring their infants to a field office is, as Dudek acknowledged, a burden and dangerous besides. That's especially true as the DOGE budget-cutters rampaging through the Social Security Administration have stated their intent to cut the agency's customer service budget, in part by closing field offices. The so-called Department of Government Efficiency's website, where it lists contracts it has canceled and their value, listed enumeration contracts in five states Maryland, Arizona, Michigan, New Mexico and Rhode Island (but not Maine) totaling about $8 million. But those cancellations were purportedly aimed at stripping diversity, equality and inclusiveness elements out of state policies, not at forcing parents to register their newborns in person. I reported a few days ago on the sheer ignorance of the attacks on Social Security by Trump and Elon Musk, his DOGE czar. Musk has called Social Security a "Ponzi scheme," which is utterly untrue, and Trump has trumpeted claims that the system is rife with fraud also untrue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This latest fiasco underscores how little they know about Social Security, and how little they care. They're taking aim at the most popular public program in America, and the best anti-poverty program in its history. Their meddling is certain to produce a massive political blowback. They might even have been able to get away with this latest stunt, but they seem to have read the writing on the wall. Still, the very idea that they tried it was infuriating, embarrassing, and, perhaps more importantly, very scary. 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. NAIROBI, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President William Ruto has appealed for calm in South Sudan, where an escalating security situation threatens to jeopardize a peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war. Ruto, who spoke with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar on Thursday, called on both leaders to engage in dialogue to foster peace in the country, even as the region works toward stabilizing South Sudan under a regional framework. "I also informed the two leaders that regional consultations are underway to determine the best path forward for the situation in South Sudan," the presidency said in a statement issued in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, on Thursday evening. Ruto, who serves as chairman of the East African Community, made the call following clashes that erupted in Upper Nile State in mid-February between the South Sudan People's Defence Forces and armed civilian groups known as the White Army. The fighting in Nasir, a strategic town, has escalated tensions this week in Juba, South Sudan's capital, leading to the arrest of senior government and military officials from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), which is led by Machar. More than 20 people have been reported killed, and several others injured on the outskirts of Nasir, now deserted, located on the border between South Sudan and Ethiopia. Machar's spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, said on Thursday that two ministers and senior military officials allied with Machar were arrested this week, while other senior military officials were placed under house arrest by security forces. Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, saying that the officials were detained for being in conflict with the law. Makuei accused the opposition SPLM/A-IO of attacking government positions in Nasir on Tuesday. Machar, whose political rivalry with Kiir has previously fueled civil war, criticized the removal of some of his allies from government positions in February, saying it threatens the 2018 peace deal between the two sides. The deal, aimed at ending years of civil war, has faced repeated delays and challenges, particularly in unifying armed groups to form a national army. CHEYENNE With a high volume of individually sponsored bills filed for the Wyoming legislative session this year several of which were filed by first-time lawmakers veteran legislators said there was a noticeable shift from state problems to hot-button national issues. Committee bills are discussed during the Legislatures off-season, formally known as the interim. This is a time when lawmakers meet, conduct research and hear hours of public testimony as they draft bills for the upcoming session. These bills are a result of Wyoming stakeholders coming together to find a solution to Wyoming problems. Typically, around 20% of committee bills filed each session fail to become law, said Rep. Lloyd Larsen, R-Lander, who has served in the Legislature since 2013. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle calculated about 40% of committee bills in this legislative session failed to make it to the finish line this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would not disagree that weve, over the last two sessions, seen more committee bills not be considered in committee, or die in committee, Larsen said. A majority of individual-sponsored bills filed this legislative session focused on election security, restricting abortion access, protecting gun rights, targeting the transgender community, and ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the state. Wyoming recently made national headlines as the first state to have a legislative chamber controlled by the Freedom Caucus, a group of hardline Republicans. Sen. Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, said politics were at play as members of the Freedom Caucus in the House seemed more concerned about passing their Five and Dime plan than any legislation that would actually help Wyoming constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We chose to take individual bills from the Freedom Caucus, (people) wrote them, and no one had ever seen them, Driskill said. We brought them in on the first day of the session, their Five and Dime plan, and they left committee bills that were vetted by both the House and Senate, had all kinds of public comment, (on the table). That, he said, has been his real heartburn this session. Weve dealt with national social issues that came out of D.C., from the Freedom Caucus handlers, rather than looking at ourselves and saying, How can we keep our economy going, build highways, have good jobs? Driskill said. Instead, we are worried about regulating peoples lives. This session is probably going to go down as the Freedom Caucus session. You know, what did we accomplish? Abortion. Guns. Election bills. What do any of those have to do with the long-term future of my kids? Driskill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Committee bills In December, the Wyoming Freedom Caucus released its Five and Dime plan, saying the goal was to push five bills through within the first 10 days of the session. These bills included: requiring proof of Wyoming residency and U.S. citizenship in voter registration; invalidating drivers licenses issued by other states to those who came into the country illegally; banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education; ending investment of state money in environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds, and reintroducing a vetoed property tax bill from last years budget session. Wyoming Freedom Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody, told members of the media during a pre-session news conference at the Capitol the plan came about from a poll that was taken statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody (2025) Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody The ideas are based on priorities that came from the people throughout the state of Wyoming, in which the Freedom Caucus is prepared to carry out in the House, Rodriguez-Williams said at the time. None of these bills were committee-sponsored, and all passed easily through the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, several committee bills, including ones that addressed affordable housing and regulated Wyomings billion-dollar gaming industry, failed to push through the finish line. In 2024, legislative leadership budgeted between $50,000 to $65,000 for each interim committee, according to a Legislative Service Office annual report. If a committee met six times on a $60,000 budget, each meeting cost around $10,000, according to LSO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically speaking, committee bills are first on the list to be heard in committee of the whole (the first floor reading) in each chamber. We didnt see that this year, Larsen said. There were a lot of other bills, personal bills, that were brought up and debated. On the House side, we struggled, for a variety of reasons, getting through bills. Rep. Lloyd Larsen, R-Lander (2025) Rep. Lloyd Larsen, R-Lander Larsen said hed never seen so many personal bills filed in a session that failed to help move the state forward, and he attributed this to the majority of lawmakers in the House of Representatives who were only in their first or second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Affordable housing Many bills related to the issue of affordable housing some that had been vetted through both the Regulatory Reduction Task Force, which cannot sponsor legislation, and a committee that did sponsor the work did not make it to the finish line this session. A measure to expand affordable housing development qualifications for tax increment financing (TIF), a change supported by Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins, did not make it past a House committee. Two other measures that were vetted in both the Regulatory Reduction Task Force and sponsored by committees, one to limit property development exaction and mitigation fees and another to allow for multi-family dwellings to have single stairwells, were barely debated this session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaming bills Gambling has exploded into a billion-dollar industry in Wyoming after the state legalized new forms of gaming in the last several years. Lawmakers decided last year it was time for legislators to step in and review existing regulations. The Legislature has been responding to the growth of gaming in the state now for about six years, Larsen said. Weve never been out in front of it. After roughly 18 hours of committee meetings, working group sessions and a statewide comprehensive study of the gambling industry, the Joint Appropriations Committee sponsored five bills for the general session that aimed to improve the states gaming laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among these were clean-up legislation to make current gaming laws more uniform and a bill that allowed national betting on Wyoming horse races. Former Rep. Tom Walters, R-Casper, who chaired the working group, told the WTE this bill would have generated revenue for the state. Former Rep. Tom Walters, R-Casper Former Rep. Tom Walters, R-Casper Horse racing tracks around the country are closing on a regular basis, Walters said. But Wyomings opening tracks, and our market is growing. It makes a lot more money for the state of Wyoming, because now you have a larger wagering pool. However, four of these bills never made it out of the House speakers drawer. The bill that made the best progress was House Bill 85, Local approval for simulcasting, which gave city and town governments the ability to approve or deny simulcasting permits for historic horse racing machines a power currently reserved at the county level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters said his constituents always brought up the issue of pop-up gaming machines in their favorite bars at the end of every legislative session. Collins, who supported HB 85, previously told the WTE hes been frustrated with the approval process. Mayor Patrick Collins Mayor Patrick Collins speaks during an investment announcement event in the Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. We have 10 approved casinos inside the city limits, and our governing body had no input on their approval, Collins said. Were the governing body closest to the people living in Cheyenne, and I think we should have had the responsibility for making that decision. This bill made it all the way through the House of Representatives before dying in the Senate presidents drawer. Action News Jaxs Ben Becker has learned that a committee at Citizens Property Insurance Corporation has recommended that the company move its headquarters out of downtown Jacksonville. Becker obtained a notice of intent to award leased office space to an address at 8787 Baypine Road, which is near Baymeadows Road and Interstate 95. The City of Jacksonville has been fighting to keep Citizens Insurance from leaving Downtown for nearly a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 28, Action News Jax obtained internal documents detailing 41 employee safety complaints dating back to 2023. They ranged from a naked man entering a nearby building, a man being stabbed Downtown, a bullet going through one of the EverBank buildings windows, and a homeless man exposing himself and then urinating on himself in front of a Citizens employee. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Here are the ITN score rankings from a few weeks ago the committee was using as a guide to make its decision this week. The newly chosen site had been ranked first. The existing location downtown ranked third. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1.) Jacksonville IV FGF, LLC c/o Boyd Watterson Asset Management. Proposed Location: 8787 Baypine Road 32256, Pts: 78.18 2.) Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. Proposed Location: 4800 Deerwood Crossing Pkwy 32256, Pts: 77.88 3.) Amkin West Bay LLC a Florida Limited Liability Company. Proposed Location: 301 West Bay Street 32202, Pts: 76.55 4.) JAX LC Owner 2 LLC. Proposed Location: 14000 Citicards Way 32258, Pts: 76.47 5.) The Atlantic Land and Improvements Co. Proposed location: 550 Waters St., Pts: 51.89 6.) 841 Prudential MOB. Proposed Address: 841 Prudential Drive, Pts: 44.01 7.) Rosecran 2004, LLC. Proposed location: 225 Waters St., Pts: 39.11 [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan released the following statement Friday afternoon regarding the Citizens Property Insurance office in Downtown Jacksonville: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Jacksonville remains committed to making every reasonable effort to retain this anchor employer. I have spoken to Sheriff Waters, and we will work together to place a JSO stop station in the building for extra security. There is a window still open for Citizens Property Insurance to remain downtown. We are hopeful their Board of Directors will reevaluate this decision given the progress thats been made, not only in terms of safety, but also the many exciting projects that are coming out of the ground. 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. SPRINGFIELD TWP., Ohio (WKBN) The Springfield community came together Thursday at Fine Arts Night, filling the auditorium at Springfield Intermediate School for Fine Arts all in support of a local family. It was to honor 15-year-old Jason Daff and his mom Angela Brown who were tragically killed in a car crash Monday evening. Jasons brother, Jayden, 12, is still fighting for his life in the hospital. Their sister Peyton spoke publicly for the first time about the accident that took the lives of her brother and their mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you for everything you did for Jason. He really, really, really loved it here, Peyton said. He was always so happy and with our mom is how he would have wanted to go. They were so attached to each other, and they knew they would always be together in every lifetime. Im glad they are together, and everyone should be thankful no one is alone in this. We all have someone, and we really need to stick together right now. A family member then took over reading Peytons statement as she broke down. Jayden is the strongest kid I know. He is still in critical condition and fighting very, very hard, said family member Kerrie Neuberger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The choir honored Jason, singing a song Jason was working on for a competition. The cheer team collected donations to help the Daff family. It just took everyone by surprise. Its very sad. He played a big part in this, and he will be missed, said Chance Richardson, a 10th grader at Springfield Local. Though the event almost didnt happen, Superintendent Rachael Smith says the kids rallied to honor Jason. They wanted to be able to use this day to celebrate Jason so for us to be able to do that, we cannot really even explain the gravity of what we know were doing tonight for Jason in his honor and also for the family as part of the healing process, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jasons dad also took the stage. There wasnt a dry eye in the auditorium. I always asked my son Jason what it was like to be up here and now I know. School was everything to him. He loved his friends, he loved everybody and he would be very proud that everybodys here, Randy Daff said. Support for the family has been shown throughout the Valley this week. Students and staff from around a dozen schools wore blue as a small gesture Thursday Jaydens favorite color. They wore Jasons favorite color, red, on Wednesday and Angelas favorite color, purple, on Friday. Several fundraisers are planned to support the Daff family. Donations are also being accepted at any Huntington Bank branch under the name Daff Family Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. ARP, Texas (KETK) The Arp community is coming together to support the owners of a local restaurant whose family home burned down on Tuesday. Daniel Granados, who helps run the family business explained how the fire initially began. The motor unit locked up and they send electrical signal, I guess, to the outlet and just started sparking and just overheated, Granados said. Martins Mill Mustangs win 2A D2 state championship Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days since the fire, the people in Granadoss community have shown up to the restaurant to share condolences, buy tacos and make donations. Everybodys so loving here, our community, so, so loving, so supportive, the morale, Granados said. Andrew Thomas is one of those supporters who first heard about the fire on Facebook. I pulled in earlier in the parking lot was packed, Thomas said. Thats what it supposed to be, you know it doesnt take that many people to make a big difference. Granados said he and his family are so thankful for the support so far. I mean, were left speechless because we didnt think, you know, everybodys so loving here, Granados said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best way people can help them out is by eating at Chelitas Tacos or by donating to their GoFundMe. The restaurants address is 509 E Longview St, Arp, TX 75750. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. A U.S. firm spent years secretly tracking scientists and activists who challenge the pesticide industry using taxpayer money to do it. Now, after public backlash, the company says it's shutting down. But is the damage already done? What happened? For years, v-Fluence, a Missouri-based firm with ties to agrochemical giants, ran a private online portal where it stored detailed profiles of over 500 critics of pesticides and genetically modified crops, reported The Guardian. This included personal details like home addresses, phone numbers, and even information about family members. The portal's audience included over 1,000 industry executives, lobbyists, regulatory staffers, and academics, all with a vested interest in silencing the opposition. The operation was partially funded by U.S. taxpayer money, with contracts funneled through organizations promoting industrial agriculture abroad. After an investigation led by The Guardian, The New Lede, Le Monde, and other international media partners, the exposure triggered widespread condemnation and legal threats. v-Fluence has since said it has eliminated the profiling and laid off staff, though critics say the harm cannot be undone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Those of us who were profiled still do not know who accessed the information and how it was used," said London research professor Michael Antoniou, who was profiled on the portal. "The fact that v-Fluence and the industries it serves resorted to these underhand methods shows that they were unable to win on the level of the science." Why is this surveillance concerning? Beyond the obvious privacy violations, v-Fluence's actions highlight how corporations attempt to manipulate public discourse around pesticides and GMOs. By tracking and discrediting critics, they aim to suppress legitimate concerns over chemical safety, environmental impact, and public health. This is especially alarming given that v-Fluence worked with Syngenta, a pesticide company facing thousands of lawsuits over its herbicide paraquat, which has been linked to Parkinson's disease. Wendy Wagner, a University of Texas law professor and expert on toxic substance regulation, noted, "I'm quite familiar with corporate harassment of scientists who produce unwelcome research. ... But I have not encountered the use of larger databases that track personal details of numerous critics of a corporation [including independent scientists and journalists]. It is hard to see the relevance of personal details short of use as harassment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If industry-backed operations like this continue, scientists and activists could be discouraged from speaking out, leading to weaker regulations and more unchecked corporate influence over food and environmental policies. What's being done about v-Fluence? After The Guardian and its media partners exposed the operation, v-Fluence hired a law firm to see if it violated EU data privacy laws. The review found the company wasn't legally bound by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) but advised it to follow the rules anyway, just in case. As a result, v-Fluence removed the profiles but plans to continue its "stakeholder research" with updated guidelines. The revelations have sparked growing calls for stricter oversight of corporate lobbying and surveillance, with advocates pushing for the U.S. government to stop funding organizations that undermine scientific integrity. Groups like Greenpeace, Food & Water Watch, and the Center for Food Safety are working to expose industry misconduct and push for stronger regulations. Staying informed and speaking out, especially on social media, can help keep these tactics in check. Holding corporations accountable isn't just about privacy; it's about protecting public health and the environment. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. LAKE ODESSA, Mich. (WOOD) A renewed effort is underway to build dozens of wind turbines around Lake Odessa, an Ionia County community of less than 2,000. The company leading the charge, Toronto-based Cordelio Power, held a community meeting Thursday to try to sell residents on the idea. We really, really need energy in this country. This is an opportunity for the landowners to find an additional source of revenue thats going to get them ahead, that is going to keep the family farm within the family farm, Brad Lila, vice president of development at Cordelio Power, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palisades owner touts ultra-safe small modular reactor The Tupper Lake Wind Project is the latest in years of efforts by several companies to harness wind energy in Ionia County. Cordelio Power, which got involved a year ago, is proposing building up to 47 wind turbines. Already, 75 landowners are on board and the company is looking for more. Owners will get paid to lease their property and host a wind turbine. Its a win-win, Cordelio says. Its a competitive industry, a very competitive industry, Lila said. This gives them that opportunity to continue for generations. A community meeting host by Cordelio Power in Lake Odessa about the Tupper Lake Wind Project. (March 6, 2025) Not everyones on board just yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Me and my wife have talked about selling our property if this actually takes place, Darren Schafer, who lives in Lake Odessa, said. He said his house is in a rural area about a mile from where some turbines might end up. My concern is my quality of life, he said. The way I understand it, theyre not going be too far from my house. The red flashing lights at night, just takes away the value of your property. Cordelio Power says its wind turbines have an automated system so they only flash red when an airplane flies overhead. Otherwise, the community wont see them. Consumers Energy breaks ground on new solar farm in Calhoun County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is still in its early stages. Once the company gets enough landowners on board, it will need to get a project permit from the local government and then come up with design plans. If everything works out, it hopes to start construction in late 2027 or early 2028 and be done by the end of that year. Cordelio Power said the Thursday informational meeting would be the first of many and that its plans could change based on feedback. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. The cause of death for legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, remains a mystery, though several theories have been floated by pathologist James Gill and Sante Fe fire chief Brian Moya. Gill posited Hackman may have "collapsed" leading to his wife's death due to the stress of seeing her husband deceased. He floated two other potential causes of death, suggesting either one could have died from "a broken heart." From the initial kind of circumstances, it seems like he may have collapsed, he told People. He's got a history of heart disease. He's got a pacemaker. So that would not be unusual. But the unusual part is that why then did she also collapse? Assuming she would've found him. Then you start wondering about: There is this thing where the stress of seeing someone die that could have triggered a natural death in her. Gene Hackman in a scene from the film 'Twice In A Lifetime', 1985. (Photo by Bud Yorkin Productions/Getty Images) Archive Photos/Getty Images Moya, meanwhile, suggested the two could have passed away in a similar timeframe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Just because both bodies were in similar ways where we, as experts, sad to say that we know a lot about how people die and how long people are dead for both bodies are in a similar manner that it could be a similar timeframe," Moya said. That timeframe has been complicated, according to a report from People, due to the mummification of the bodies found on Feb. 26. Gill suggested the "postmortem changes" won't be a good indicator of when the couple died due to the mummification after the bodies started decomposing. You're not going to be able to tell from the postmortem changes, because once you get to mummification then all bets are off," he said. "It depends where in the house they were, what were they wearing, all sorts of things can affect the postmortem changes. Once you get to that mummification stage there's nothing to ... be able to distinguish the two deaths timewise. Many questions remain about regarding the circumstances surrounding their deaths, but earlier this week, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office issued an update based on the New Mexico Gas Company's "extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide at Gene Hackman's home," ruling out one cause of death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There were no significant findings. NMGC did issue five (5) red tags. One red tag was for a minuscule leak (0.33% gas in air not a lethal amount) at one of the stove burners," the statement read. "The other four red tags were for code enforcement violations -not involving gas leaks or carbon monoxide involving a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces." In an affidavit obtained by Fox News, investigators described their deaths as "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation." Results from the toxicology report are expected to take weeks. Rep. Spencer Gosch, R-Glenham, speaks on the South Dakota House floor on March 5, 2025. Gosch supported a bill Thursday allowing concealed handguns on college campuses so students can protect themselves "the way God intended." (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) People with firearms training will be allowed to carry concealed handguns on college campuses in South Dakota if Gov. Larry Rhoden signs a bill passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday at the Capitol in Pierre. A call for rejection from a representative who formerly served as a Highway Patrol trooper and said he lost sleep over the proposal, along with a plea from another who leads a campus suicide prevention group, werent enough to keep Senate Bill 100 from a 55-14 win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It passed even more decisively in the Senate on Feb. 12, with just two senators saying no. The bill came from Sen. Mykala Voita, R-Bonesteel, who amended it after input from the Board of Regents to allow colleges to ban guns near flammable chemicals and require them to be locked up when in their owners dorm rooms. The amended bill also requires people to have an enhanced concealed carry permit which can only be obtained after completing a firearms safety course to carry on campus. One senator said it might be the best bill hed ever seen, calling it a boon to self-defense for young people. The bills prime sponsor in the House, Glenham Republican Spencer Gosch, added his own superlatives to the self-protection theme as he urged his fellow representatives to give the idea a green light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a great bill for the citizens of South Dakota to be able to protect themselves the way God intended, Gosch said. Id urge you to please vote yes. Rep. Jim Halverson, R-Winner, was the first to rise in opposition. I slept very little last night because I couldnt make peace with my God if I didnt stand up and speak against this bill today, Halverson said. He spoke of his time in the state Highway Patrol, firearms-related threats to law enforcement officers at the state Capitol, and a lot of stuff I dont want to talk about today involving guns. Military members and law enforcement go to great lengths to secure their firearms, he said, and he doubts college students are likely to treat their weapons with the same degree of respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A locked box in a dorm room just doesnt seem like a good plan, Halverson said. Its a great bill for the citizens of South Dakota to be able to protect themselves the way God intended. Rep. Spencer Gosch, R-Glenham Rep. Erik Muckey, D-Sioux Falls, is director of Lost & Found, a nonprofit group that works to prevent suicides on campus. Suicide is the leading cause of death among college-aged students, and he said South Dakotas rate of suicide by firearm is 12 times the national average. I hate seeing that statistic, because it hurts my heart, hurts my soul, said Muckey, who said bills like SB 100 carry more risk of contributing to suicide than personal safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Marty Overweg, R-New Holland, rejected that idea. He described himself as a grandpa who worries more than anyone, but doesnt worry about guns causing suicides. People make their own choices, he said, and adults are empowered to take risks. The right to bear arms and protect oneself, he said, shouldnt be infringed upon because Im worried something bad might happen. Those rights are solid, Overweg said. Those rights belong to every law-abiding citizen, 18 years and older, and I say if they have the right to protect themselves, they should have that right. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The U.S. Small Business Administration will close its regional office in Chicago and move it out of the city because of its immigrant-friendly policies, the agency said Thursday. However, the agency does not appear to have any plans to move or close its district office in the city, which provides direct services to local small-business owners. Confusion began swirling Thursday when the agency announced it would relocate six regional offices throughout the country because they are in cities that do not comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Over the coming months, the Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City and Seattle regional offices will be moved to less costly, more accessible locations that better serve the small business community and comply with federal immigration law, the SBA said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SBA did not mention any plans to close or move any district offices, including in Chicago, but the announcement still raised alarm in some corners, an example of the often chaotic approach of the administration of President Donald Trump regarding the operations of federal agencies, leaving the agencies and their employees mired in confusion. The SBAs Chicago regional office, which serves as a sort of headquarters for the agencys field operations throughout the Great Lakes region, is at 332 S. Michigan Ave. But the agency also operates a field office, called a district office, in the same downtown space, said former SBA regional administrator Geri Aglipay, who was appointed by President Joe Biden and served as regional administrator for the Great Lakes region during Bidens tenure. According to the agencys website, the SBA operates at least one district office in every state. At the Illinois district office, which has a Springfield branch in addition to its Chicago location, according to the SBAs website, small-business owners and entrepreneurs can receive services that include counseling and help applying for loans or disaster assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SBA services will not be impacted by the relocation of the regional office in Chicago. The timeline for the regional office move is forthcoming, but we expect it to occur in the coming months, said Mary Owen-Thomas, a local spokesperson for the agency. Former regional administrator Aglipay also said that the relocation of the Chicago regional office should not affect the ability of field staff to serve small-business owners. Still, she said, she is deeply concerned that the decision to relocate the offices specifically because they are located in sanctuary cities could send a message to immigrants and their allies that the SBA does not support immigrants. Thats not true, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement from the SBA came after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the mayors of New York, Boston and Denver, defended their cities sanctuary policies at a hearing before congressional Republicans this week. In the news release Thursday, the SBA also said it would begin requiring citizenship verification for SBA loan applicants. Under President Trump, the SBA is committed to putting American citizens first again starting by ensuring that zero taxpayer dollars go to fund illegal aliens, agency administrator Kelly Loeffler said in a statement. Aglipay said that during her tenure, the staff of the Chicago regional office was made up of a few people, including herself. Those are the staff who would be potentially told to move offices because of the relocation mandate, she suggested not the more numerous staff of the district office located in the same space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, she emphasized, the decision to move the regional offices out of sanctuary cities could send a damaging message. It may cause small-business owners to be hesitant to approach the SBA and our resource partners in the field, Aglipay said. According to 2022 research from the SBAs own Office of Advocacy, immigrants own businesses at higher rates than native-born Americans. As of 2018, around 18% of businesses with employees were owned by immigrants, according to the research. MOSCOW, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The European Union's (EU) latest plan to increase defense spending is at odds with efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday. "Such confrontational rhetoric and developments that we are now seeing in Brussels and European capitals ... are clearly at odds with the desire to find ways to peacefully settle the situation around Ukraine," Peskov said. Moscow is closely monitoring the process, the spokesman said, noting that the efforts are mainly directed against Russia, which the EU views as its main adversary. "This ... could potentially be a topic of our deep concern and the need to take appropriate retaliatory measures to ensure our security," Peskov said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday unveiled an 800 billion-euro (844.6 billion U.S. dollars) plan to significantly increase defense spending across the bloc. She stressed that in response to escalating security threats across the EU, Europe had entered "an era of rearmament." Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins speaks during the inauguration of Gov. Bob Ferguson on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Wash. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard) The leader of the Washington state House of Representatives said the quiet part out loud this week: lawmakers should brace for a special session if Congress slashes funding for Medicaid, the health care program for lower-income Americans. What Medicaid cuts could look like in Washington In Washington, Medicaid is known as Apple Health. The program covers about 1.9 million people in the state, around 20% of the overall population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a report congressional Democrats released on Thursday, if the Republican budget cuts a third of federal Medicaid funding across all populations and geographies, Washington could see: 61,000 rural residents lose their health coverage 210,000 children lose their health insurance Nearly 1 in 5 seniors lose their nursing home care More than 600,000 people in total cut off from their health insurance Cutting the program by a third could be a heavy lift to get through Congress, but some Republican lawmakers have floated it as an option to help pay for tax cuts. Were on a plan to finish our work by Sine Die. If they just decimate Medicaid, theres no way to plan for that, House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, told reporters on Wednesday. Such a move, she said, would put Washington and the rest of the country in completely uncharted territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Legislature is in the midst of a 105-day session that is scheduled to end April 27. Finishing on time is already going to be a challenge as legislators and Gov. Bob Ferguson wrestle with how best to plug a roughly $6 billion hole in the next two-year state budget. Meanwhile, the Republican-led U.S. House passed a budget last week that assumes an extension of the 2017 tax cuts and $880 billion in reduced spending from an array of programs that include Medicaid and Medicare. If the federal government pares back its Medicaid spending, it could force states to pick up the tab. Rural hospitals would be affected too as they rely heavily on Medicaid and Medicare dollars. For Washington, backfilling the potential cuts could amount to several billion dollars a year depending on what the state would want to cover and could afford to pay for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington received more than $12.5 billion in federal Medicaid funding in the 2023 fiscal year, according to U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington. Total spending in the state operating budget was on track to be around $37 billion this fiscal year. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, with whom Jinkins spoke recently, last week outlined several potential consequences of Medicaid cuts. For example, if the federal government stops providing matching funds to states like Washington that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, it would force Washington to spend $2.8 billion to maintain coverage for about 647,000 people. With so much uncertainty, Jinkins said no state can plan for what might occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way that were thinking about this is: What do we need to do to balance our budget, and know theres the potential that there are Medicaid implications to that? she said. As to adjourning on schedule, she said, I really dont know where well be should the federal cuts happen. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT) Veterans across Eastern North Carolina are telling their stories as part of the Veterans History Project. Congressman Greg Murphys office hosted an event Thursday, Mar. 6, 2025 where veterans are interviewed about their service and experience to be submitted to the countrys national archives. I wanted to be a part of it because I think its very important that people remember what we did back in them so that I answered my nations call when they call me, Veteran Bill Dawson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For us as staff, when we come and help staff these events, its always really emotional, to be honest, Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Greg Murphy Lindy Robinson said. You have that sense of pride. You see the sense of pride in a veterans face as they talk about their service. Veterans are paired up with interviewers, micd up and filmed talking about their experiences serving our country. The places I was able to go. I spent a year in Thailand which was very interesting and my last duty station was The Pentagon and I never thought I would be working in The Pentagon but that was quite an experience, Dawson said. Theres a lot of experience that I have had and a lot of trauma, Ive seen a lot of people die, Veteran Richard Mahler said. That frustrates me because people dont realize the value of a human life and when its extinguished, its not coming back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interviews will be submitted to the National Library of Congress for everyone to hear. Congressman Murphys office said they had a good turnout and are reaching out to other veteran organizations to hear more stories in the near future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) State police say theyve received multiple reports of a scam call telling Connecticut residents theyre under investigation for money laundering. On Friday, state police issued a warning to residents about the call. The said it typically comes from unknown male callers claiming to be members of the state police or U.S. Marshal Services. New Google feature flags when you might be getting scammed in real time Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scammers usually speak with a thick accent when they falsely tell victims they are under investigation, state police said. The call usually appears to be coming from 860-706-5652, which is the Central District Major Crime Headquarters main landline, but the calls are not being made by CDMC, and its believed to be a scam attempt, state police said. State police say these calls are not from them and that troopers and other law enforcement agencies will never ask for money or personal information over the phone. Litchfield woman says she was scammed out of $900 from ticket website Anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be from the police or any other government agency should not provide any personal information, and should instead hang up and verify the call by contacting the organization directly, using an official phone number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Report any calls that seem suspicious to 911. The scam calls are under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) The Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations is hosting a space to allow residents to hear about candidates running for local office in Decatur. The non-partisan group will hold a forum at the Decatur Public Library on the second-floor auditorium Saturday afternoon. From 1-2 p.m., city council candidates will take the stage and from 2-3 p.m., school board candidates will respond to their questions. Decatur Schools, Park District approve purchase of Oak Grove Park Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All candidates will get the same questions and have two minutes to respond to each question. Our goal is to inform voters on the stance of the candidates about local issues, CONO President Kathy Williams said. These office holders decide our tax bills and so much more! We also want to see as many people as possible vote. Residents will be able to write questions for volunteers to read to candidates. Questions can also be submitted to CONOs Facebook page. Illinois residents can register online on the State Board of Elections website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Ever since a large-scale Spanish solar plant project resulted in the discovery of Copper Age settlements in 2021, archaeologists have continued to mine the site for new discoveries. The latest major find at the site: details of a hilltop fortress once protected by three concentric walls. Theres also a mysterious death, with the skeletal remains of a former soldier found face down amidst suspicious surroundings. A solar plant project that began in 2021 in Almendralejo, Spain, took an unexpected turn when workers discovered settlements from the Copper Age in the area. Since then, archaeologists have been reaping the rewards. Construction on the plant started in November of 2021 and quickly uncovered a set of settlements from the Chalcolithic era. The energy giant behind the plant, Acciona Energia, called in archaeologists who have since uncovered details of a 140,000-square-foot fortress on a hillwhich included stone and adobe walls, three ditches over six feet deep, and a 27-inch wide entrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hilltop fortress, known as Cortijo Lobato, was only in use for 400 years, according to the study of the site as reported in El Pais. Archaeologists believe that, despite the highly fortified location that featured three concentric walls and 25 towers, enemies eventually managed to attack and destroy the pentagon-shaped fortress. At some point, the site also sustained a debilitating fire. One of the strongest indications that this was an intentional act is the burning of wooden doors embedded in the adobe walls, said Cesar Perez, lead archaeologist, according to El Pais. These doors were far from other flammable materials, which suggests that the fire was not accidental, but rather the result of an assault on the fortificationa scene of violence and destruction in which the settlement was attacked, its defenses breached, and the structure ultimately set ablaze. The fort, though, was once part of a larger community. These fortifications usually delimit a settlement or an area to monitor the surroundings, Alicia Lizarraga, Acciona Energias environment manager, said in a statement. Their purpose could be defensive, to protect the community and its resources from wild animals and from conflicts with other peoples. Perez agreed. The sophistication of the defensive design and the need for a large workforce reinforce the idea of a structured and well-organized community, Perez said, according to The Times. It had a violent end. We are seeing more and more in this type of site that the level of conflict in the Chalcolithic period was higher than previously thought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The combination of both a moat and a wall was rare in the period, and the size was also impressivetwice as large as the only other similar site throughout Spain, according to Victoria Bazaga, the regions culture minister. Carbon dating of animal remains mixed into the fires ashes put the forts final demise around 2450 B.C.well ahead of the next human interaction with the location, which came about 2,700 years later during the Late Roman Empire. In all, archaeologists located 11 sites: six ranging from the last centuries of the fourth millennium B.C. to the early centuries of the third millennium B.C., and another five spanning from the Bronze and Iron age to the Lower Roman Empire period. In the area where they found evidence of Roman-era habitation, crews also discovered a grave near a ditchjust one shallow burial of a man believed to be between 25 and 35 years old at the time of death. He was positioned face down, had his feet cut off and a sheathed daggerknown as a pugio placed on his back. This suggests the individual may have had a military role, as the pugio was the standard dagger used by Roman legionnaires, Perez said, adding that the act was likely hasty due to the shallowness of the grave. The obvious deliberateness of placing the dagger on his back is a way of indicating he was a member of the army and was given a dishonorable burial. Perez said that only one Roman legion was stationed in Spain at the time: Legio VII Gemina. Established in 74 A.D., the legion was headquartered in modern-day Leon, and known to specialize in road surveillance and security. And, maybe, cutting off feet. You Might Also Like ST. LOUIS Rose Chartrand didnt think shed still be talking about a Verizon store in south St. Louis more than two years after shopping there. We sit there, and we sit there and sit there waiting, Chartrand said. Rose told FOX 2 she planned to switch from AT&T to Verizon and buy two phones in the process. She said the salesperson she was working with left before the transaction was complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had to go and then the other guy that came in, he would take care of me. We sat there and waited for an hour, and I finally said, You know what, Ill come back or call me when its ready. Chartrand said. Rose said that call never came. When she followed up with a call of her own, she said no one at the store was aware of her order. I just said heck with it, and I went to AT&T, Chartrand said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News About a month after her visit to the Verizon store, Rose told FOX 2 she received a letter welcoming her to Verizon. But we never got anything. We never got the phone. We never got the iPad. We didnt get the watch. We got nothing, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rose said she thought nothing more about it until December of last year, when this notice arrived in the mail. It informed her Verizon was reporting her unpaid equipment charges to the IRS. It said she could prevent Verizon from reporting to the IRS by making a payment to the company. FOX 2 contacted Verizon on Roses behalf. Moments after our interview ended, she got a call from the company. FOX 2 helped Rose explain what happened to the Verizon representative. The representative told us it appeared Rose had established an account, but when no payment was made, the account was disconnected. The fact Rose never received her equipment further complicated things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local Gold Star parents speak out after terrorist behind deadly attack captured The representative noted this was a unique situation and that it would require an investigation to get to the bottom of it. Rose was advised to submit a claim to Verizons fraud department, which she did. Rose told FOX 2 that Verizon contacted her to say the situation was resolved. She says her account was cleared and there will be no lasting impact on her credit. Verizon couldnt share specific details with us about what happened but sent a statement. Verizon will take any necessary steps to make sure our customers are made whole if issues arise. We encourage all customers to utilize tools including the My Verizon app, our website or their own personal billing settings to access and track their accounts, Verizon stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rose said shes grateful for FOX 2s help and is relieved to have this burden behind her. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. A cartoon in the New Yorker decades ago showed two prisoners chained to the wall at the wrists and ankles, well off the ground, in a jail cell, in a cave. One man turns to the other and says, Okay, heres my plan. I thought of this after reading the news with my coffee. Outside a thick, fuzzy, gray sky loomed. The ridge was almost obscured. Panic seemed to sit on my chest and admire its polished fingernails. All of my older friends express this anxious hopelessness off and on. We feel older these last few months as the chaos and cruelty escalate. We are more tired and forgetful, noticing an increase in food stains on our shirts, strange streaks on our good pants. We blame Elon Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brooding weather mirrored my present state, which is, lets say, concerned, with the usual random pockets of happiness, and hope in the goodness of people and that silly old Constitution. I still experience life as a great gift, in a mixed grill sort of way. Once when Carrie Fisher was in a long period of sobriety, an interviewer asked her if she was happy now, and she replied, Happy is one of the things I am most days. Where is our North Star, pointing home? We have never lived in a country where men behave like this. While we wait to see whether Musk and President Trump defy the coming court orders, while we wait for the mass protest marches and general strikes to begin, my friends and I are taking care of each other and our families. We give to the ACLU and Oxfam. We check in with each other: The system works because we are not all freaked out on the same day. Someone always feels hopeful about the future. It is me, quite often. I know in my Sunday-school teachers heart that goodness surrounds us, that grace bats last and that things are not going to end up well for these guys. Yay, karma. Millions of people are being damaged. Direct action is needed, is happening, is beginning to grow. We watch and hope. We savor all that still works, the beauty all around us, small moments. Of course, in my cranky case, some are vengeful: Watching the little Musk boy scold Trump in the Oval Office gave me a new lease on life. I laughed for days at the look on Trumps face, like someone trying to be polite on a bad first date. As Musk raved on to the press, you could see Trump wanting to be supportive of this strange little billionaire. You could see him thinking, Why did I agree to this; and who do I fire? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some moments are practical: crisp clean sheets on the bed as often as possible, lying in between them like a delicious sandwich filling. Some are cultural. Edward Norton as Pete Seeger in A Complete Unknown. Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter singing a duet of Homeward Bound, the old genius and the new green sprout that has broken through the concrete. One recent morning in the gloom I called a friend who can sometimes offer hope, but he refused to talk about the latest news: The day before, Trump had accidentally fired the nuclear weapons staff oh, well. This was the final straw for my friend. You big baby, I said. Pick pick pick. I asked what his plans for the day were. He said, languidly, I think Ill just sit back and try to enjoy the fascist paradise. I burst out laughing, somewhat hysterically, perhaps like Blanche DuBois on crack cocaine. Picturing him reclining by the pool on a chaise longue with a frosted lime rickey and a long cigarette holder lifted my spirits all morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My friends and I are looking around for hope, answers and maybe a prophet or two. We peek around like worried children. The author Barry Lopez wrote: Were all searching for the boats we forget to build. My great friend, the writer Mark Yaconelli, visited a working community in one of the most destitute areas of Glasgow, called Gal Gael, of lost young people, recovering addicts, homeless folks and war veterans, building a sailboat in the old ways. They chipped and carved and planed with ancient tools, and no nails. They wedged slabs of wood together, slotted them perfectly. They were happy. They had purpose and each other. Their boat-building was about cultural pride, and a reconnection with lost roots. Mark asked the director, What will you do with this boat? After a minute, the man replied, Well go sailing. Maybe we need to build a bunch of little boats. We can start or join projects to feed and protect those most in danger now, meals and community organizing, getting to know each other. My friends and I recall going to Vietnam protests in the 60s where 12 people showed up, but ultimately we stopped the war. Will large and small demonstrations make a difference? Theyre good for the soul. We have to continue to act on our understanding of what is right. We need to perform acts of compassion that are missing in the current nasty public sphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When anyone sees people like us respond in a human and compassionate way, its a check against the feral thing we all carry inside. When I got sober in 1986, a man said to me that at the end of his drinking, he was deteriorating faster than he could lower his standards, and this was me exactly. I honestly and deeply think that this is happening now in the Capitol. We are hitting bottom, where theres nothing left to do but to give in to what you cant control. Its time for trust and surrender. The clenched muscles let go since theres nothing left to clutch. The letting go gives a taste of peace, long overdue, and thats when the shift occurs, maybe not at first in the scary situation, but internally. Usually a story that begins with gloomy weather and a heavy heart ends with the sun coming out, but something better happened the day of the fuzzy gray morning. A fine curtain of raindrops began falling, and it made me so happy. We are all parched for moisture, inside and out. Puddles and the first paperwhites, well worth the chill. Anne Lamott, an author of fiction and nonfiction, lives in Marin County. Her latest book is Somehow: Thoughts on Love. X: @annelamott 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. The Utah Capitol is pictured with downtown Salt Lake City behind it on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) A Utah lawmaker who ran a bill that quickly became wildly unpopular across the political spectrum has confirmed to reporters that hes pulling it from consideration. Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, R-Sandy, said during a media availability that SB337 a bill to create a mighty new state body called the Beehive Development Agency that would have had broad land use, taxing and planning authority wont be moving forward during the 2025 legislative session, which ends at midnight on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (SB337) is not moving, Cullimore told reporters on Thursday, the second-to-last day of the 2025 session. Yeah, its dead, Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, added. Cullimore acknowledged it was published late in the session, leaving little time for debate. The first version of the bill also stoked a lot of outcry, while he said the aim was to better coordinate planning and tax use tools across the state for economic development and housing. The messaging got away, and so many people saw this as state overreach, he said. Really the intent was to take all these tools and, Im not going to say consolidate power, but consolidate the tools so that we know theyre being used most efficiently and effectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Cullimore said similar legislation is likely to return in the future, perhaps in 2026. The governor was a huge supporter of this bill, and so I dont think the ideas going to go away, Cullimore said. But I think it needs to be retooled and bring some more people to the table so that as it further develops they have more input and can help with the messaging along the way. Adams echoed that the messaging around Beehive Development Agency probably came out wrong. I think theres a lot of good things that were intended with the bill, but at times the messaging gets away, and I think that makes it tough, Adams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if he plans to revive the bill next year, Cullimore jokingly said, If they find a sponsor, probably, drawing laughs from other Senate Republican leaders. Under SB337, the Governors Office of Economic Opportunity would have a new tool in the Beehive Development Agency, which would be an independent nonprofit that would have ultimate planning power with broad bonding, land use and taxing authority. Its meant to accomplish statewide strategic objectives by facilitating and streamlining significant community impact project areas. A previous version of the bill would have totally preempted cities and counties local control by allowing the Beehive Development Agency to designate up to three significant community impact project areas in a city each year regardless of consent from local officials. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But last week, Cullimore changed the bill in a Senate committee after negotiating with groups including the Utah League of Cities and Towns and the Utah Association of Counties to address their concerns. The new version of the bill would require a city or county council to consent or not consent to inclusion in one of the Beehive Development Agencies significant community impact plans within 45 days of the agencys commissioner proposing a draft plan. If they consented, SB337 specified that decision would be irrevocable. The bill would have also also required the Beehive Development Agencys commissioner to coordinate with a list of other powerful, previously created agencies (many of them controversial) that also have broad land, bonding and taxing use authority, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Central Florida Expressway Authority leaders are continuing to push ahead with a controversial highway project that promises to bring relief to fast-growing eastern Orange and Osceola counties, CFX confirmed Friday. The Osceola Parkway Extension would run 14 miles from SR 417 through the Sunbridge area. 1.3 miles would be through an easement on the protected conservation land. Initially, both Orange and Osceola County leaders were in favor of the project to ease congestion. As the years wore on, opposition to the toll road grew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, 86% of Orange County voters backed preserving the forest in a referendum, and Orange County attempted to hit the brakes on its approval of the road. I represent a million and a half people that showed up at the polls, Commissioner Nicole Wilson said. It has been an ongoing investment. It belongs to all of us. In a response to Orange Countys concerns about survey stakes appearing in the forest despite their withdrawal of support, CFX leaders said the approval of prior county leaders had already set things in motion. We moved forward with the design of the 14-mile expressway based on a number of approvals both Orange and Osceola counties received from state agencies regarding the section through Split Oak, CFX spokesman Brian Hutchings wrote Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hutchings added that two of CFXs 10-member board represented Orange County, and repeatedly discussed the need for the communitys infrastructure to adjust. His email included two pictures from Google Maps to highlight the dramatic difference in development over a 20-year span. One of Orange Countys primary concerns was the promised trade of 1,550 acres of land for the Split Oak easement, with commissioners wondering why the road project was progressing despite the deal not being finalized. Hutchings said the land swap was in the works and, along with money that will help restore the former orange groves into prime Gopher Tortoise habitat, was set to be finalized in the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also reiterated that CFXs project would bring enhancements to Split Oak, including an upgrades entrance, picnic tables and a viewing platform over a pond. At the request of one commissioner, Orange County leaders will discuss what if any actions they can take to stop the road project at an upcoming meeting. I think its super important for the county commissioners and the mayor to come to terms with that at some point in time, a bad vote happened, commissioner Kelly Semrad said. I think that it is time that Orange County come back to the people with an answer that explains how it happened, why it happened, and why it would never happen again. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. CHURCH POINT, La. (KLFY) A Church Point man has been charged with murder in connection with a January shooting, authorities said. Joseph Casey Wilridge Jr., 23, of Church Point is charged with second degree murder and convicted felon in possession of a firearm in the death of of Eric St. Julien. Police said the homicide occurred during a loss of electricity in Church Point on Jan. 28. According to police, Wildridge shot St. Julien five times near his residence at the corner of Kelly Street and Sunrise Street. St. Julien died at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said that Wilridge was out on probation at the time of this incident and more arrests are forthcoming in this case. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Wilridge has been booked into the Acadia Parish Jail without bond, authorities said. Joseph Casey Wildridge Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. DAMASCUS, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Syrian security forces have taken full control of Baniyas, a strategic coastal city, as remnants of the former government's military retreated from the area, a war monitor reported Friday. Forces from the defense and interior ministries combed Baniyas and its surroundings, employing heavy artillery and machine guns, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, adding that reinforcements continue to pour into coastal regions, suggesting a prolonged military campaign. It said intense clashes erupted in Latakia and Tartous over the past 24 hours, as government forces moved to crack down on armed resistance. According to the observatory, since the onset of the clashes along the coastline, 35 members of government forces, 32 fighters affiliated with the former regime, and four civilians have been killed, with dozens wounded. There are also unverified reports of additional casualties, missing personnel, and battlefield executions of captured fighters, it added. Despite government forces' gains in Baniyas, armed elements remain entrenched in coastal mountain villages and the city's northern districts, maintaining positions along the Baniyas-Jableh highway. Government forces have been repeatedly ambushed on key roads, including the Tartous-Homs highway and the Baniyas-Jableh route, where fighters reportedly used guerrilla tactics against advancing troops. As tension escalates in Syria's coastal regions, uncertainty looms over whether government forces can fully stabilize the situation or if an extended insurgency will take root. Amid the tension, authorities in Latakia and Tartous announced on Friday the extension of curfews and postponement of university exams. According to a report by state news agency SANA, the curfew in Tartous was being extended to 10:00 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) Saturday, whereas the curfew in Latakia was being extended to 9:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) Saturday. Meanwhile, Latakia University and the University of Tartous have both postponed all scheduled exams, with new dates yet to be determined, SANA reported. Mar. 7MASSENA The mayor of Cornwall, Ontario, had an opportunity to address the Massena Town Board during its most recent meeting, bringing a message of unity between Cornwall and Massena, and the United States and Canada. Town Supervisor Susan J. Bellor said Justin Towndale had reached out to her for a Zoom conversation and she invited him to the meeting. "Justin sent an invitation to us a couple of weeks ago to have a chat, so we've had a nice conversation online, and then we invited the mayor for tonight," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a pleasure to be here. I appreciate the invitation to join you," Towndale said. "I just want to kind of bring greetings on behalf of your neighbors in the city of Cornwall. Our city certainly has seen a lot of change over the last few years, and we continue to grow, and that's good for everybody." He said he can see New York from his home in Cornwall. "That just shows how close we are," he said. There's also the shared power between Ontario Power Generation and the New York Power Authority, Towndale said. "I thought that's the kind of close connection we have here. I'm saying this because I'm trying to illustrate that we are really a region," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he made a comment to a reporter talking about the "invisible line in the sand that divides us." But, he said, while the border is real, he had his passport and had no problem traveling to U.S. "I don't feel like I'm going to a foreign country," Towndale said, recalling visits to Massena while growing up and visiting places like the mall and restaurants. "All this is to say we're neighbors, we're friends, we're allies." He said, because of the closeness between the two municipalities, there should be more reachout. "I feel like my term started two years ago and I probably should have done that," he said. "Historically, my predecessors have invited the town supervisor and the mayor of the village to the inauguration. So, that falls on me as a responsibility as the mayor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also because of the closeness of the two communities, Towndale said they're both impacted by regional events. "Any positive impact in this region, any negative impacts affect both of our communities very directly, economically and socially," he said. He said a Canadian resident had been in the Twin Towers for a meeting on 9/11 when the terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. "He was killed as part of that attack. So, that touched our community as well. We're not immune to these effects," he said. "I raised this just to show how close our communities are and how close our countries are and how events that happen in the United States affect us." A suggestion to rename the scenic Mogollon Rim Road "The Donald J. Trump Highway" hit a dead end in the Arizona Senate. On a 15-9 vote Thursday, the Senate rejected a proposal sponsored by Sen. Wendy Rogers, a Flagstaff Republican who is an ardent Trump supporter. It takes at least 16 votes to pass a measure in the Senate. The failure of Senate Concurrent Memorial 1001 wasn't for lack of support for the concept, at least from the 17 Senate Republicans. But they failed to meet the 16-vote threshold because Sen. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix, was absent and Sen. Frank Carroll, R-Peoria, voted "no" despite saying he backed the idea of naming an Arizona highway after the president. Advertisement Advertisement Carroll explained his vote by saying he believes the idea should be broached only after Trump has left office. When the day comes, Carroll suggested the name should be applied to Loop 303, which runs through parts of his district. Federal law, which the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historical Names follows, states a geographic feature cannot be named after a living individual. The naming should happen five years after the individual's death and then only if the person has a direct and long-running association with the feature. There have been exceptions, however, most notably the naming of Piestewa Peak in Phoenix. Democrats had no love for the rebranding idea. Sen. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, ticked off a list of Trump transgressions that she said argued against receiving such an honor, from his 34 felony convictions to his incitement of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Sen. Mark Finchem, R-Prescott, rose to defend the president, portraying Trump as the victim of criminal witch hunts by the "full force" of the government. Advertisement Advertisement "I'll close with this," Finchem said. "Bill Clinton." SCM 1001 proposes that the state naming board rename State Route 260 in north-central Arizona for Trump. The measure is a suggestion, not a mandate. Although the measure failed, given the Republican control of the Senate, it was expected to be revived in a future floor session. In 2022, Rogers introduced the same proposal, but it never got a committee hearing. Reach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-228-7566 and follow her on social media @maryjpitzl. Tougher rules: Bipartisan bill cracks down on encampments as Trump targets 'illegal protests' on campuses Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cruise Donald J. Trump Highway? Here's what to know about Arizona plan THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) Switzerland hasn't shown that it's meeting the requirements of a landmark climate change decision from Europes highest human rights court, the Council of Europe announced Friday. The council said the European Court of Human Rights has sided with a group of older Swiss women against their government, ruled in April 2024 that countries must better protect their people from the consequences of climate change and that Switzerland had failed to comply with its duties to combat climate change and meet emissions targets. Six months after the decision, Switzerland asked for the case to be shut, arguing it was fully in compliance with the obligations set by the Strasbourg-based court. The intergovernmental body that supervises the courts judgments, the Committee of Ministers, recognized that Switzerland had made some progress but hadnt demonstrated it was meeting all of the requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Environmentalists hailed the decision as a victory. The Swiss Federal Council is not getting away with its arguments at the Committee of Ministers. Switzerland must improve its climate policy to remedy the violation of our human rights, Rosmarie Wydler-Walti, co-president of Senior Women for Climate Protection and one of the plaintiffs in the case, said in a statement. The group, which counts around 2,000 members across Switzerland with an average age of 73, argued that older womens rights are especially infringed on because they are most affected by the extreme heat that will become more frequent due to global warming. Following a three-day meeting this week, Bern was asked to provide more information on a number of topics including concrete measures being taken to alleviate the most severe or imminent consequences of climate change in Switzerland, including any particular needs for protection, especially for persons in vulnerable situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Committee of Ministers, composed of the foreign affairs ministers from the bodys 46 member states, will meet again in September. The decision ignited debate in Switzerland and the government claims the court has overstepped its mandate. Corina Heri, an expert in climate change litigation at Tilburg Law School, said the decision to ask for more information was typical of the compliance process at the ECHR. Nothing is final yet, she told The Associated Press. Environmental groups, frustrated by what they see as the failure of elected officials to combat climate change, have increasingly turned to courts to advance their cause. Late last year, the International Court of Justice took up the largest case in its history, hearing the plight of several small island nations helpless in combating the devastating impact of climate change that they feel endangers their very survival. The world has already warmed 1.3 degrees C (2.3 F) since pre-industrial times because of the burning of fossil fuels. Between 1990 and 2020, sea levels rose by a global average of 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) and parts of the South Pacific have seen significantly more. The Lebanon Reporter has filed a formal complaint against two Boone County Commissioners concerning actions taken in January and February. The complaint asks the Indiana Public Access Counselor, in part, for an opinion on whether commissioners denied access to public records, if Commissioners President Scott Pell erred in issuing a stop work order on a fueling station, and if Commissioners Vice President Tim Beyer erred in signing a letter and contract with separate vendors without authorization after commissioners declined to do so. The Lebanon Reporter published a story in early February that referenced a phone call with then Indiana Public Access Counselor Luke Britt in which he opined that an offer letter Pell said Jan. 29 he had made to an attorney should be public record since commissioners had refused to release the document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioners soon after hired attorney Beth Copeland to represent them. Copeland said this week she took the printed reference to the informal call with Britt to mean that a formal complaint had been filed. She said she emailed Britt Feb. 7 to ask if anyone had filed a formal complaint against commissioners and was told no complaint had been filed. The Lebanon Reporter filed its formal complaint in late February and received confirmation from Britt shortly after that it was received. Copeland said she was not aware of the complaint Monday, when she told commissioners in a public meeting that no complaints had been filed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Britt left office in late February before rendering a decision on the Boone County issue. Acting Indiana Public Access Counselor Steve Carter confirmed on Friday morning that the complaint was received and filed. The Office of the Public Access Counselor provides guidance on the states public records and open meetings laws. Under normal circumstances, it takes the counselor a month or more to issue an opinion. But the office has a backlog of cases at present because of Britts departure. Copeland asked The Lebanon Reporter for its complaint this week and by Friday had provided all of the documents requested. As a result, The Lebanon Reporter will withdraw that portion of its formal complaint to save the public access counselors time. Legal ad Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copeland also provided documents requested this week confirming a legal advertisement Boone County Auditor Deb Crum said during a special commissioners meeting Jan. 29 was placed in The Indianapolis Star to announce the meeting. Commissioners normally have their executive administrator, Kaylee Jessie, place their ads. Normal commissioners meetings need not be advertised any further than posting a note outside the meeting room. Jessie confirmed during the meeting that she posted it on the door after a constituent questioned the legality of the meeting. So the meeting was legal. The Lebanon Reporter later emailed Crum to clarify that government entities must advertise hearings in advance, but not regular meetings. Crum does the advertising for the Boone County Council. The commissioners Jan. 29 meeting did not require a legal ad. When legal ads are required, they must be placed in a newspaper that operates in the same county as the governing body to meet the legal requirement. For Boone County, thats The Lebanon Reporter, although elected officials are welcome to also advertise in papers in other counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of that email discussion with Crum, The Lebanon Reporter on Feb. 19 requested a copy of the ad she said was placed in Marion County and the confirmation she said was received. Crum responded via email that she would provide them as soon as possible, but continued to claim she was too busy to produce the public documents. Finally, on Feb. 26, she emailed, We did not end up advertising the special meeting Boone County Councilman Kevin Van Horn asked Crum during Mondays commissioners meeting why she said the ad was placed and confirmed when it was not. Crum did not answer him. Also on Monday, The Lebanon Reporter received from another source a letter Crum wrote directing Jessie to place that ad in The Indianapolis Star for the Jan. 29 meeting and a screen shot of the ad that was printed the day before the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copeland also provided the $23 invoice for the ad and the ad proof this week. Crum offered no explanation for saying the ad had been placed and then later claiming it hadnt been placed. Kathy Linton, editor of The Lebanon Reporter, explained, We werent questioning the legality of the meeting. We knew that night that it was a legal meeting. Our concern was why they would have placed an ad that was not needed in a newspaper in another county instead of the newspaper of record for Boone County, and why a copy of the ad and the confirmation that it was published were not available to the public. We now have those documents and assume anyone else who requests them will be allowed access. Mar. 6The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved supporting applications for grant funding toward the first phase of construction of the shared user trail planned on the abandoned Union Pacific Railroad line from Albert Lea to Hartland. The first grant application, for $2.5 million, is through the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. If awarded, the funds would go toward the construction of the portion of the trail from Fountain Street in Albert Lea to Manchester, excluding the Minnesota Highway 13 crossing. The engineer's estimate for that span of the trail is $7.3 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County Engineer Phil Wacholz said in his background information on the project that all right-of-way has been acquired for the project, which is typically a hurdle to similar projects. Construction will include culvert replacements, grading, aggregate base, pavement, slope restoration and other pertinent items. The grant would require an $833,000 match, which could include expenditures made from local sources prior to the grant award. The second application, for projects up to $400,000, would be through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Regional Trail Grant and would go toward rehabilitating three railroad bridges in the rural portion of the trail. If awarded, the county would receive $300,000, and the county would be required to have a $100,000 match. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third grant is one the city of Albert Lea is applying for to replace the bridge near Shoff Park with a new pedestrian bridge. The grant is through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Local Trail Program Grant and could be used for projects up to $400,000. It would also require a 25% match. Second District Commissioner Dawn Kaasa brought up a concern about all of the match funding needed if the grants were awarded. Wacholz said presently the county has $650,000 set aside for the project, and the county is setting aside $110,000 each year toward trail construction and $40,000 for trail maintenance. Freeborn County and the city of Albert Lea have been working toward the development of the trail for the last several years and in 2023 approved a joint trail action plan that discusses the development of the property. The plan breaks the trail up into possible development segments that could be completed, as well as possible costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trail enthusiasts and city and county officials say the trail would benefit people walking, and biking and improve access to schools, parks and even the rural areas. When complete, the trail would run 15 miles from Albert Lea to Manchester and then north to Hartland, where eventual plans call for extending it to New Richland, Waseca and even Waterville, where the Sakatah Singing Hills State Bike Trail is located. In other action, the commissioners: * Approved the county's registration ordinance for cannabis businesses. * Recognized Sara Barnes with the Rose Olmsted Advocacy Award. * Amended the Third Judicial District's veterans court contract with the state to allow for a reduction in the state allocation toward the program. Probation Director Lyndon Stinson said there had been some overlap in funds from state and federal grants, and the district will return the unused funds. The grants fund the program in its entirety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Approved sending three team members of the veterans court to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals conference in May in Kissimmee, Florida. The cost, estimated at $6,500, will be covered by state funds. * Approved a railroad crossing agreement with Union Pacific for Margaretha Avenue improvements in Albert Lea. The project includes railroad signal upgrades, roadway and sidewalk improvements and railroad crossing improvements. MnDOT will use federal railroad safety funds for the new signals that will be installed. * Approved an expansion of the conditional use permit for Peterson Excavating and Demolition to add a 5,000-square-foot hoop building to the property for storage of black dirt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Approved an expansion of a conditional use permit for David Malakowsky for the addition of a 30,000-bushel storage bin and an air system from an existing dryer to the storage bins on property in Freeborn Township. * Approved the resignation of Alexa Jacobson, a public health home and community registered nurse. The board also voted to refill the position. * Voted to fill an open public health community health worker position, after the individual who had been working in the role accepted a new position as a family home visitor. * Accepted the resignation and retirement of Elaine Wulff at the end of March. * Approved the Minnesota Deferred Compensation Plan. * Approved a policy for phased retirement with the county. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Oak Hill Renaissance Place on Oak Hill Ave. is temporarily closed to investigate an odor. County commissioners announced the closure Friday morning at about 11:30 a.m. saying that a tenant in the building had a plumbing issue and used a chemical to try to fix the issue, which was found to be the cause of the smell. All employees and visitors were required to leave the building for the remainder of the day. Operations are expected to resume on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The safety and well-being of our employees and the public remain our top priority. We appreciate everyones cooperation and will provide updates as more information becomes available, the notice from commissioners read. Mahoning County Clerk of Courts Michael Ciccone said that anyone needing title work on Friday can use the Sebring Title Office at 606 E. Ohio Avenue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man is facing charges after he was accused of breaking into a couples home and stealing their car after they left for vacation. Jevonte Williams has been charged with aggravated burglary, theft of property $10,000 to $60,000, theft of property $1,000 or less, and evading arrest. According to police, on Tuesday, March 4, officers responded to a burglary call at a home on Dunn Avenue. The residents, a man and his girlfriend, reportedly told police that they had left for vacation on February 27 and when they returned on March 3, they found that their 2018 Volkswagen Atlas was gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say that the couple also told officers that the inside of their home had been ransacked and that numerous items were stolen. Police say that officers noticed that the living room door had been pried open and that one of the bedroom windows had been shattered. The couple reportedly told police that they had left the keys to the Volkswagen inside of their home before they left. Carjacking suspects evade police in pursuit across Memphis Memphis Police say that on Thursday, March 6, detectives spotted the stolen Volkswagen in the parking lot of the Superlo on Quince Road and saw a man, later identified as Williams, in the drivers seat. Police say that detectives tried to apprehend Williams but he ran away. Memphis Police say that detectives chased Williams but lost sight of him after he jumped a fence and ran through a drainage ditch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say that detectives and assisting officers set up a perimeter and searched the area. They reportedly found Williams in the drainage ditch behind a home on Kimball Avenue. Detectives searched Williams and reportedly found the key fob to the Volkswagen in his pocket. Memphis Police say that detectives searched the Volkswagen and found multiple packages addressed to a home on Dothan Street. Detectives reportedly went to the home and spoke with a man who said the packages had been stolen off the front porch earlier that day. Police say detectives were able to watch surveillance footage of the theft and identified Williams as the person who stole the packages. Police say that after his arrest, Williams was taken to St. Francis Hospital on Park Avenue to be checked out. Investigators met him at the hospital, and he reportedly told them that he had bought the car from a person called C-Lo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memphis Police say he was unable to give any details to support his claim. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A married couple in Portland who owned a limousine business were sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison Wednesday after stealing $34 million from one of their clients. Sergey and Galina Lebedenko are the former owners of Astra Car Service, LLC, a Portland-based chauffeur and limousine business. The couple met their victim in 2007 as a client who hired them to drive him to the airport. 1 dead, 5 displaced after fire torches Kelso home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over many years, the Lebedenkos took financial advantage of the client to the tune of $34 million, purchasing 14 homes and properties, 7 vehicles, luxury items like shoes, watches, jewelry and gold bars, and even having an ownership stake in a private jet, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. By 2018, Sergey provided rides for the client on an almost daily basis. Galina also worked on other personal tasks for the clients partner, such as paying bills, sorting mail and providing pet care. Despite the frequency and variety of work, there was no formal contract other than a sole invoice in 2013 that Galina produced showing rates of $90 per hour for driving and $60 per hour for other tasks, authorities said. In 2016, the client provided the Lebedenkos with an American Express credit card to charge expenses for the ongoing work. However, federal investigators said the couple began to take advantage of the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a single day in 2023, the Lebedenkos charged their victims credit card 17 times for a total of $17,900 for picking up and delivering a prescription and meals, the U.S. DOJ said in a release. As part of their sentences, the court entered a Final Order of Forfeiture against assets the Lebedenkos purchased with proceeds of their fraud, including 14 real properties and 19 financial accounts, which are pending forfeiture and sale. Ritz-Carlton building in Portland may be in trouble While the sum of restitution the couple must pay their victim will be determined at a later date, the government intends to seek remission of forfeited assets to the victim. The Lebedenkos were each sentenced to 57 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release. They were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering and 34 individual counts of wire fraud following a grand jurys indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) An Oklahoma County judge said an Oklahoma couple must pay back thousands of dollars in restitution after tricking friends and family into investing into their shell company. Had theyd been better, they wouldve taken more money from more people. Fortunately for us, they were not very good, said Gentner Drummond, Oklahomas Attorney General. LOCAL NEWS: Fraudulent purchases made at Norman hospital gift shop, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond talked to News 4 before catching a flight. His team investigated Brian Kelley Berry and his wife Amanda Berry for tricking friends and clients into investing into their shell company. Brian Berry. Image courtesy OCDC. Amanda Berry. Image courtesy OCDC. Its an egregious act of breach of trust, said Drummond. The two were fired from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance, or Mass Mutual, back in 2020. Shortly after, they created Icon Financial Group LLC. Drummond said they convinced friends and clients to move their Mass Mutual investments to Icon. Instead of growing their money, prosecutors said the couple spent the money and even moved to the Florida Keys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They lived a life of luxury and leisure on the monies of other people, said Drummond. In 2022, a grand jury indicted them on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretenses. In January, they pleaded guilty. Brian Berry received five years and 13 on probation. I hope Mr. Berry enjoys living for free for five years on the state of Oklahoma, said Drummond. Amanda Berry got 18 years probation. Getner Drummond said Mass Mutual compensated some of the Berrys victims. They had no duty to do but they did, said Drummond. Now, the Berrys are ordered to pay $451,000 in restitution to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, an additional amount of approximately $22,000 to another victim for economic losses, and $10,000 to a victim who MassMutual had not reimbursed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LOCAL NEWS: What else is in that book?: Waurika explicit class assignment raises curriculum concerns Berrys attorney, Clay Curtis provided the following statements to News 4: Id like to think both sides respect the courts decision. I thought Judge Kirkpatrick was very thoughtful in deciding what sentence was appropriate. For all the mistakes he made, Brian Kelly Berry did take responsibility for his actions and told the court and the victims he was much more responsible than his wife. Im proud of him for taking ownership of his role. I am very sorry for all the pain hes caused. Luckily every victim will have been repaid in full very shortly. Most already have been made financially whole. As for the emotional trauma its caused I can only hope they find peace. Clay Curtis, Partner, Overman Legal Group As for Drummond, he hopes this serves as a warning. Were going to find you and were going to put you in prison for a long time. So do the right thing. Work hard every day and dont break the law, said Drummond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. JAKARTA, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Flash floods and landslides struck Sukabumi Regency in Indonesia's West Java province on early Friday, resulting in one fatality and leaving seven others missing, according to an official. Hadi Rahmat Hardjasasmita, spokesman for the West Java Regional Disaster Management and Mitigation Agency, reported that heavy rainfall began at approximately 17:00 Jakarta time on Thursday and intensified. This downpour triggered the flash floods shortly after midnight. "At about 03:00 a.m. on Friday, we began evacuating residents to village office buildings," he told Xinhua. "Seven people are missing and are currently being searched for, while one person has been confirmed dead," he added. The flash floods destroy one bridge, and landslides buried roads in several areas. However, according to Hardjasasmita, heavy machinery has since cleared the debris from the roads. Regarding the missing individuals, Desiana Kartika Bahari, head of the Jakarta Search and Rescue Office, said that search and rescue operations are underway. Sukabumi Regency falls under the jurisdiction of the Jakarta Search and Rescue Office. The country's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency has issued warnings about extreme weather conditions this month, with the peak expected between March 11 and March 20. A South Korean court ordered the release of impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol after accepting his request to cancel his arrest warrant related to his brief imposition of martial law, news agency Yonhap reported on Friday. Yoon has been detained since January on charges of inciting insurrection through his December 3 declaration of martial law. He was not immediately freed and the prosecution is likely to appeal the decision, according to media reports. The Seoul Central District Court's decision would allow Yoon to face his criminal trial without being physically detained, Yonhap reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yoon, 64, faces two ongoing legal proceedings, including a Constitutional Court impeachment case and criminal charges of alleged sedition and abuse of power. If found guilty, he could face a long prison sentence. The Constitutional Court is expected to issue a ruling on the impeachment case by the end of next week. If Yoon's impeachment is upheld, new elections would be required within 60 days. Yoon's declaration of martial law, what appeared to be an attempt to crack down on his political opponents, was short-lived but plunged South Korea into political turmoil. The crisis has severely damaged South Korea's international reputation and stalled the country's economic growth. Experts from around the country convened Thursday to discuss the evolution of religious liberty in America at Utah Valley Universitys annual First Amendment Conference. Lawyers and academics argued in favor of religious liberty, though some claimed that religion is too institutionalized in the government or too little. What does religious freedom mean? In order to establish just how much religion is permitted in the public sphere, speakers explored the meaning of religious freedom at the time of the American Founding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early American history, Catholics, Quakers and other non-Protestant Christians suffered from social exclusion and were prevented from sharing their voices in government. According to Michael Briedenbach, a history professor at Ave Maria University, this exclusion drove colonists to develop stronger laws protecting their right to practice religion. He spoke at length about the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prevents the federal government from establishing a national religion though many people disagree about what establishing means in this context. Historically, it meant that the government could not create a state religion, or a Church of the United States. Michael Breidenbach, Ave Maria University associate professor of history, talks with Troy Smith, Utah Valley University civics and law professor of constitutional government, at the First Amendment Conference, hosted by Utah Valley Universitys Center for Constitutional Studies, at UVU in Orem on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Both spoke on a Religious Liberty and the American Revolution panel. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Troy Smith, a professor of government and law at UVU, characterized the relationship between religious people and a government that allows them to practice without discrimination as one bound by covenant theory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Covenantal thinking created an American national identity, said Smith. He emphasized that the covenant ties together a government and a people willing to preserve religion in a healthy, moral way that does not intrude on the rights of others. Smith said this covenant can only hold when people respect one another and choose equality over dominance. Justification under God, with liberty for all Speakers outlined a relationship between justifying First Amendment rights with either secular reasoning or spiritual belief. Weve always understood that humans have something in them thats sinful, and because of that, we have to structure our government in a way that ... doesnt allow any one person to accumulate too much power, said Owen Anderson, a professor of philosophy and religion at Arizona State University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont see (pluralism) as an end to itself, Anderson said. The whole saying is e pluribus unum, (not just) pluribus. ... If you only have the diversity and the plurality, you dont have anything that holds you together. Timothy Sandefur, vice president for legal affairs at the Goldwater Institute in Arizona, and a self-described libertarian atheist, posited that America would do better if Christianity wasnt used to justify it saying that that was exactly what Thomas Jefferson, writer of the Declaration of Independence and advocate of the Bill of Rights, didnt want. Timothy Sandefur, Goldwater Institute vice president for legal affairs, Owen Anderson, Arizona State University professor of philosophy and religious studies, and moderator Bradford P. Wilson, Center for Constitutional Studies distinguished visiting scholar, talk on a panel called The Laws of Nature and Natures God: Religion and the Declaration at the First Amendment Conference, hosted by Utah Valley Universitys Center for Constitutional Studies, at UVU in Orem on Thursday, March 6, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The separation of church and state has been good for religion as well as the state, said Sandefur. He said that efforts to characterize America as a Christian nation actually detract from religious principles. (Separation of church and state has) made America the most religious modern country because there is a flourishing competition among ... religious groups, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Churches are there caring more about what people think and need in their lives, as opposed to an established church, which only cares about what politicians think and need in their lives. A new era for religious freedom in America Michael Erickson, a legal partner at Ray Quinney & Nebeker, argued that the conservative makeup of the current Supreme Court has created a new era for religious liberty and the laws governing it. Particularly, panelists covered two upcoming Supreme Court cases Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond. In both cases, the state of Oklahoma declined to fund Catholic charter schools on the basis that using public funds on a religious school is unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is likely that the Supreme Courts conservative majority, which has already ruled in some cases that states must fund religious education, will decide that Oklahoma must fund these schools, the panelists said. This raised the question if a state must fund Christian schools, can Muslim, Jewish or Hindu schools or schools attached to other faiths also receive government funding? Panelists made the point that religious freedom does not only include Christians, it must also include other faiths. (America) truly (is) a melting pot and that doesnt exclude religion, said Erin Smith, associate counsel with First Liberty Institute, which defends religious liberty cases. (First Liberty has) represented Muslims, weve represented Sikhs, weve represented ... different denominations within the Christian faith, weve (represented) Judaism. Erin Smith, First Liberty Institute associate counsel, speaks on a panel discussion about religion in public charter schools during the First Amendment Conference, hosted by Utah Valley Universitys Center for Constitutional Studies, at UVU in Orem on Thursday, March 6, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Smith said that religious liberty cases had come to court more during the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She predicted that Donald Trumps pro-Christian policies, including the new White House Faith Office, could erase policies that are used against people of faith to punish them. Nevertheless, Erickson foresaw challenges where changes in the political administration might prevent charter schools for minority religions from receiving funding where an administration might grant them funding one term, but a new administration might repeal them the next. There has to be a way to have plurality, have a vibrant religious community, what George Washington and John Adams imagined ... and having this in a way that allows for a vibrancy without the government interfering and excluding on one hand or another ... is not easy, Erickson said. (The Oklahoma cases are) not going to be ... easy ... to address. Smith mentioned religious liberty cases that have come up in First Libertys work recently, including a case where young California students were asked to read a book about transgenderism and then required to teach to younger students; a case in Washington, D.C., where a fire chief wanted to wear a beard for religious expression though his office precluded him from doing so; and a Pennsylvania chaplain whose supervisors wanted to review and censor his sermons before he gave them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith praised plaintiffs for advocating for their religious beliefs. The more educated you are about your rights, (the) easier to know when you can stand up for them, said Smith. What about religious freedom in Utah schools? Utah is a highly religious state, with nearly two thirds of the population being Christian, as the Deseret News previously reported. And it isnt just parents leading the push for religion its also their children. Joseph Kerry, an elected member of the Utah State Board of Education, said that he grew up in an era when courts had outlawed prayer and discussion about God in schools. Joseph Kerry, Utah State Board of Education member, moderates a panel discussion on religion in public charter schools during the First Amendment Conference, hosted by Utah Valley Universitys Center for Constitutional Studies, at UVU in Orem on Thursday, March 6, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Thats changing, and what surprises me is its by the students, said Kerry. Students ... are now saying, I want to pray, and I want to pray in groups, I want to pray with my friends before the sporting event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said hes seeing this phenomenon in grades from elementary school all the way to senior year of high school. Anxiety in our young people is off the charts. Depression in our young people is off the charts, and this has led to high levels of suicidal ideation (and) actual suicide, and I think young people are just looking for ... this elusive peace ... that everybody talks about, said Kerry. I dont know if its really a search for God, I dont know if its really a search for organized religion, but I do think there is this sense that there is something bigger than them ... capable of bringing them something that theyre unable to find on their own. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A Crestview man was arrested for allegations of child abuse and lewd and lascivious battery on a minor. According to a news release, in early February 2025, the Crestview Police Department Criminal Investigations Division received a case regarding allegations of an incident at the Cross Point Church North Campus. In the complaint, investigators were informed that a 5-year-old child reported to their parents that a volunteer teacher had touched them inappropriately. In addition, officials said that the child was also struck while in a church classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office arrests man for alleged stabbing During the investigation, staff members of Cross Point Church cooperated and provided investigators with the necessary information. As a result of the investigation, there was probable cause obtained to charge 35-year-old Robert M. Watson III, of Crestview, with lewd and lascivious battery on a victim under 12 years of age and child abuse. On Wednesday, a warrant was approved and issued for Watson, who was en route to the United Kingdom for work-related travel. Investigators said they coordinated with his attorney, and Watson voluntarily returned to the United States upon being notified of the active warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watson was taken into custody by the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office upon arrival at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport in Valparaiso Thursday morning. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Okaloosa County Jail, where he was later released on a $10,000 signature bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Crews were on the scene of a house fire in southwest Charlotte Friday morning, officials said. The Charlotte Fire Department said it happened in the 11900 block of Musket Lane just after 5 a.m. Officials said 30 firefighters had the flames under control in 20 minutes. ALSO READ: Salisbury remembers fallen firefighters 17 years after deadly Millwork fire Thankfully, no one was hurt, CFD said. Investigators determined the fire started after an electrical malfunction in the bathroom. According to CFD, the fire caused $125,000 in damages. WATCH BELOW: Charlotte brewery faces lawsuit after NoDa fire (Bloomberg) -- Across Latin America, crime and insecurity fears are providing a boost to conservative politicians, who are seen by many residents as better suited to making their countries safer. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly 54% of Brazilians said crime and drug trafficking are the top issues facing their country, surpassing both corruption and the economy, according to LatAm Pulse, a survey conducted by AtlasIntel for Bloomberg News and published Friday. Half of the respondents there said the political right had better plans to combat illegal activities, while only about one-quarter said the left is better prepared. Crime also ranked as the top issue in Chile with almost 55% of respondents choosing it and over 44% of them said right-wing politicians had the best plans to fight it. Nearly 48% of Colombians picked crime as their countrys top problem, while half of those polled said they preferred proposals from conservatives to make their country safer. The growing concern over drug traffickers and robberies represents a vulnerability for the regions progressive leaders, many of whom are already under fire for their economic records. Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas popularity has sank in recent months over frustration with rising food prices, while Colombias Gustavo Petro and Chiles Gabriel Boric are suffering with their electorates due to paltry growth. Crime is likely to be on the top of Latin American voters minds as leftist presidents, or their successors, gear up for tough election fights in coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The streets in Santiago de Chile remain comparatively safer than many Latin American capitals, but the growing presence of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua has fed the perception that Boric is weak on crime. In Colombia, Petros efforts to negotiate with illegal armed groups have so far failed to yield significant security gains as rival groups battle for control of cocaine-producing regions. Murders have dropped significantly in Brazil in recent years. But the entrenched presence of gangs in urban slums and rural outposts along with surging street crime, such as the theft of smartphones, has Brazilians worried: Nearly three quarters of respondents there 73.2% said crime is currently getting worse. In Mexico, which has long grappled with scourge of drug cartels, nearly half or respondents ranked crime as the countrys top issue second only to corruption. Still, Mexicans are holding faith in President Claudia Sheinbaums abilities to curb the violence: 41% of the respondents said the political left had the best proposals to combat criminality. AtlasIntel surveyed 2,164 people in Argentina, 2,181 in Chile, 1,807 in Colombia and 2,125 in Mexico, all an with a margin of error plus or minus 2 percentage points. In Brazil, it surveyed 5,710 people with a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percentage point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Beatriz Amat. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Crosswinds contributed to a small plane crashing late Thursday morning at the Grand Strand Airport in North Myrtle Beach, according to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft, a single-engine Cirrus SR22, sustained fairly significant damage, according to Ryan Betcher, the assistant director of airports. It crashed in the grass after the pilot attempted a go-around because of the crosswinds, the report said. The incident happened at about 11:45 a.m., and the pilot was the only person on the plane, the FAA said. They were treated for minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took off from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in Concord, North Carolina, at 10:51 a.m. and arrived at Grand Strand Airport at 11:41 a.m., according to data from the flight-tracking website FlightAware. It is registered to SOAR47 LLC. Betcher said airport officials also respond to all incidents at the airport to assist with FAA and NTSB coordination and oversee the removal of the aircraft. They also inspect all impacted areas before reopening the runway. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. By Nandita Bose, Suzanne McGee and Michelle Conlin (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump wooed the cryptocurrency industry's elite at the White House on Friday, hosting a first-of-its-kind summit focused on his plans for a government-owned stockpile of digital assets. Trump welcomed a wide range of industry players including Zach Witkoff, one of the founders of the president's own crypto business, World Liberty Financial, his social media posts showed. In addition to top administration officials and lawmakers, guests in the White House's State Dining Room included MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor, Coinbase co-founder and CEO Brian Armstrong, investors Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, and entrepreneur David Bailey. A major focus of the event was Trump's goal to build a strategic reserve containing bitcoin, which he formalized in an executive order on Thursday that also said there would be a stockpile of other digital assets. That order directed the secretaries of Treasury and Commerce to develop "budget-neutral strategies" for acquiring additional bitcoin that have no "incremental costs" on taxpayers. "We don't want any cost to the taxpayers," Trump said at the summit. The reserve will be capitalized with bitcoin owned by the federal government that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings, White House crypto czar David Sacks said in a post on social media platform X. Sacks told reporters at the White House that establishing a bitcoin reserve should have been done a long time ago. He said taxpayer funds would not be used to acquire digital assets and that there were existing protections in place to safeguard consumers from crypto investments. The plans disappointed some in the market who had hoped for a firm plan to buy new tokens. The announcement weighed on the price of bitcoin, last down 3.4% at $86,394. "This (strategic reserve) is going to be the biggest point of contention for many of us," said JP Richardson, co-founder and CEO of Exodus, a bitcoin wallet developer. Although he owns the four coins other than bitcoin that Trump has suggested including in the reserve, he does not think they have a place in a strategic reserve. "Crypto has made big strides, but it's still a relatively nascent industry," Richardson said. Other coins are smaller and function in a very different way, one he said may create more risk. Officials invited to the summit praised Trump and executives for clearing the way for the industry's growth. Other industry executives said it was good to see the administration being collaborative with the industry after years in which some felt they were under attack over security and consumer protection issues. March 7 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump, who has a financial stake in cryptocurrencies, brought crypto founders and investors to the White House Friday for what's billed as the first-ever "crypto summit." Friday's event, the first of its kind and which was led by White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks, attracted a list of who's who among cryptocurrency company leaders who gathered to discuss digital asset issues and regulation. Trump's embrace of crypto is a dramatic departure from how other presidential administrations have dealt with emergent cyber currency. As a candidate, Trump got financial support from many crypto companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The so-called summit comes as Trump holds a stake in crypto company World Liberty Financial, and it's happening against the backdrop of the administration dropping cases against crypto companies and other corporations across several agencies. The cases being paused or dropped include accusations of foreign bribery, safety violations, unfair labor practices and environmental crimes. White House Crypto Czar David Sacks speaks to reporters outside the White House in Washington, D.C., on Friday. The summit, the first of its kind, attracted cryptocurrency company leaders who gathered to discuss digital asset issues and regulation. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI Sacks pointed out how Friday's event follows Trump's creation of a cryptocurrency strategic reserve. An executive order creating the crypto reserve -- the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve -- was signed Thursday in the Oval Office and it will be seeded with an estimated 200,000 bitcoins seized in court proceedings. Sacks called it a "digital Fort Knox." President Donald Trump's (seen in the Oval Office on Friday) embrace of crypto is a dramatic departure from how other presidential administrations have dealt with emergent cyber currency. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI Trump's White House event is an overture to the industry that was a substantial contributor to his 2024 campaign and played a major role in his election win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the event also comes as more attention is being focused on that relationship between the industry and the president, as well as high-profile global cases of cryptocurrency fraud. President Donald Trump makes remarks at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Friday. At left is Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and at right is David Sacks, White House Crypto Czar. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI In a March 4 report, the watchdog group Public Citizen said that the Trump administration "has already halted or moved to dismiss enforcement investigations and cases against 89 corporations" including seven crypto companies. Beneficiaries of dropped cases include billionaire tech executives from Elon Musk to Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, Sam Altman ad others, according to Public Citizen. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent converse during a White House summit on Friday. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI Public Citizen said in a statement, "After freeing January 6 rioters, Donald Trump's second administration is rapidly moving toward a new priority: granting 'get out of jail free' cards to corporations facing investigations and federal lawsuits over corporate misconduct. Trump's administration is rapidly moving to halt and hinder federal investigations and cases against alleged corporate lawbreaking." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the cases Trump's administration has dropped are SEC investigations and lawsuits against Trump contributors Robinhood Crypto and Coinbase. Later Friday, President Donald Trump departed the White House aboard Marine One in Washington, D.C., headed for a weekend trip to Florida. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI Cryptocurrency criminal issues are a global concern, and there have been major crypto fraud cases and some led to collapse of crypto companies. The cases include alleged South Korean crypto fraudster Do Kwon, who was extradited to the United States in January to face federal criminal charges in the $40 billion collapse of TerraUSD. President Donald Trump departs the White House in Washington, D.C., headed for a weekend trip to Florida. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI In May 2024, Gemini crypto exchange was forced by New York Attorney General Letitia James to return $2.18 billion to defrauded users. In November 2023, FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was found guilty of all charges in the multi-billion dollar fraud collapse of crypto exchange FTX. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Cyber hackers targeted the College of Southern Nevada, and the school is now on the hook for millions of dollars. CSN revealed at Thursdays Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents meeting it was the victim of a scheme called ghost students. The core issue is we were attacked, Vice President of Student Affairs at CSN Juan Avalos said. Avalos and other leadership from CSN sought to assure the board of regents the attack was caught quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Hackers] tested all the fences. Found weaknesses and then attacked, Avalos said. We noticed it. We responded. We created filters to try and protect that. According to CSN, the hackers enrolled as transfer students because that specific student group is not as vetted as new enrollees. From October to December of 2024, the two-year college told regents it was getting a large number of federal financial aid applications. However, on the first day of the spring semester, CSN noticed problems. We received the first signal that this was the magnitude that it was on the first day of classes in spring, when students actually had to show up, Avalos said. Day one, we had instructors saying I have a full class and no one is here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An external audit showed CSN accumulated a debt of $7.43 million tied to the ghost students scheme. The debt included tuition, fees, and write-offs. CSN also had to pay back the U.S. Department of Education for the federal loans it awarded the fake students. NSHE Regent Patrick Boylan of Clark County questioned how the hack could have happened. Theres no accountability, is that what youre telling me? No one is being held accountable as usual in NSHE, Boylan said The community college was vulnerable since it is a large school with less enrollment requirements, according to CSN. Nothing in the report indicates that we had a failure of an individual staff member or someone else to do their job, CSN Acting President Dr. William Kibler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Sandoval, president of the University of Nevada, Reno, told regents at Thursdays meeting most ghost student applications come from outside the United States. As part of an external audit, CSN was told to improve its financial aid process and implement a fraud prevention task force. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. China's 2025 growth, reform agenda more than "shot in arm" for global economy Xinhua) 08:35, March 07, 2025 BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China's development agenda for 2025 unveiled Wednesday at the annual national legislature session fans optimism for all -- it's expected to not only consolidate the recovery of the world's second-largest economy, but also provide a much-needed boost to a global economy grappling with persistent challenges. STABILIZER FOR GLOBAL GROWTH China plans to expand its economy by around 5 percent in 2025, unchanged from the target set for 2024, according to a government work report submitted Wednesday to the national legislature for deliberation. A 5-percent growth in China equates to about one third of the global growth, Danilo Turk, former president of Slovenia, as well as president of Club de Madrid, told Chinese media. "If we think about this, we can see the stabilizing effect of Chinese growth, and its stable growth benefits the whole world." Earlier this year, the World Economic Forum (WEF) predicted a global economy under considerable strain, with 56 percent of the surveyed chief economists expecting the global economy to weaken in the year ahead. In response to the shifting economic landscape complicated by weak demand and rising trade tensions, China has intensified its pro-growth policies since last September, yielding positive results. This year, China will apply a moderately loose monetary policy and a more proactive fiscal policy, raising the deficit-to-GDP ratio to around 4 percent. Concerted efforts will be made to facilitate policy implementation and guide expectations. CATALYST FOR CHANGE Amid sluggish global growth, international organizations have called for structural reforms to unlock economic potential and ensure sustainable development. In January, the International Monetary Fund emphasized the need for decisive policy actions to enhance economic dynamism, boost the supply side, and address medium-term growth risks. China has long pursued structural reforms to push for a greener, smarter, and more inclusive economy. John Quelch, executive vice chancellor of Duke Kunshan University, observed that the most notable feature of China's economic development policy is its long-term focus, which ensures positive outcomes. In 2025, China plans to implement guidelines on developing a unified national market and release a revised negative list for market access to stimulate market innovation and development. The government work report also emphasized fostering new quality productive forces, vowing support for funding for industries of the future, and the extensive application of large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) models. Such efforts are cultivating new growth drivers for the world economy. For instance, the rise of China's electric and smart vehicles has accelerated the global automotive industry's green and intelligent transformation. Meanwhile, promoting AI technologies, such as DeepSeek, has allowed industries worldwide to harness the benefits of the digital economy. Borge Brende, president and CEO of the WEF, is upbeat about China's medium and long-term economic prospects, highlighting AI as a strong force reshaping global economic growth. "If you apply AI in a good way, it can increase productivity by 10 percent in the coming decade. That means a lot of prosperity for those that are able to implement it in a strategic way." PILLAR FOR COOPERATION Despite rising trade protectionism and decoupling attempts overseas, China has reiterated its commitment to high-standard opening up, sharing the benefits of cooperative development through expanding trade and two-way investment. The government work report said the country will further develop green and digital trade and support localities where conditions permit in developing new types of offshore trade. Trials to open sectors such as telecommunications, medical services and education will be expanded, while foreign investors will receive support in collaborating with upstream and downstream enterprises in industrial chains. With a population of over 1.4 billion, including more than 400 million middle-income consumers, China represents a massive and rapidly growing market. A survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in China revealed that nearly 70 percent of consumer industry respondents plan to increase investments in China in 2025. Lin Yong, a national political advisor from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said the global investors' move to expand presence in China "makes business sense" as the Chinese market can yield returns for them. "It's important that China shows to the world that it will open more its economy," said Carlos Aquino, director of the Center for Asian Studies at Peru's National University of San Marcos, citing the hosting of the China International Import Expo as an example, which benefits both Chinese consumers and the rest of the world by promoting imports. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China and India should be partners that contribute to each other's success, which is the only right choice for both sides, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday. As the two largest developing countries, China and India have a shared task to accelerate their own development and revitalization, Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress. There is every reason for the two countries to support each other rather than undercut each other, and to work with each other rather than guard against each other, Wang said, adding that this is the path that truly serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. Noting that China-India relations have made positive strides in the past year, Wang said exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels between the two sides have been strengthened, yielding a series of positive outcomes. China and India, two ancient civilizations, have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution, Wang noted. He stressed that the two sides should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question, or let specific differences affect the overall picture of bilateral ties. As important members of the Global South, China and India have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics, Wang said. "When China and India join hands, the prospects for greater democracy in international relations and a stronger Global South will improve greatly," he added. Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, Wang said China stands ready to work with India to advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development. (MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) took a minor into custody after he allegedly stole a car from a pizza delivery driver. On Thursday, March 6, detectives of the motor vehicle theft unit assisted in the investigation of a stolen 2012 Hyundai Tucson. According to CSPD, the car was stolen while the driver was delivering pizza at 200 Mountain View Lane near Highway 24 in Manitou Springs. The owner had left the car running while at the door of the customer. CSPD said the car was equipped with a LoJack system allowing officers to track the vehicle, which was parked in the parking lot of Whitney Young Apartments off South Academy Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives spotted the suspect, a minor, southbound from the apartments on El Morro Road. Detectives gave the individual several commands to surrender, however, he escaped. CSPD said that after a short distance, he was taken into custody. The minor was in possession of the keys of the stolen Hyundai. He now faces several charges including Second-Degree Motor Vehicle Theft, Felony Eluding, and Obstruction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. A Canton man who owns multiple firearms faces charges for allegedly posting a video on social media of an individual holding an assault rifle with a caption that advised local schools better beware. Colby Kordas, 23, was arrested Thursday on charges of second-degree threatening against a school and second-degree breach of peace, according to Connecticut State Police. He was taken into custody in connection with a warrant police had for his arrest after he was located by troopers with assistance from the Canton Police Department. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, state police began investigating on Feb. 20 when they received a complaint from someone who claimed that they saw a Snapchat story posted by Kordas. She told troopers she had previously gone to school with Kordas and that the alleged video posted to his story showed a man holding an assault rifle. She did not know who the man was but told troopers it was not Kordas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The caption on the video allegedly read local schools better beware, the warrant affidavit said. The woman who made the complaint said Snapchat gave a location of the story as Waterbury. The woman was able to take a screen recording of the alleged story and provide it to investigators. State police said they completed a Snapchat law enforcement emergency disclosure request for information about the account, according to the warrant affidavit. The phone number associated with the account was confirmed to belong to Kordas, the warrant affidavit said. Investigators also found that Kordas had a valid pistol permit and three guns registered to him, according to the warrant affidavit. Authorities obtained a risk protection order and a risk protective warrant to seize the guns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities responded to Kordas home and informed him that they were there because of his social media post, state police wrote. According to the warrant affidavit, Kordas allegedly told police he posted the story as a joke and that the individual in the video, which was taken in Waterbury, was his friend. He allegedly said he did not wish to give investigators a written statement, the warrant affidavit said. Kordas allegedly told police his three firearms were in his bedroom and that two of them were in a gun safe, the warrant affidavit said. The other was allegedly found on a shelf next to the safe, which state police claimed was improperly stored and loaded, according to the warrant affidavit. State police said Kordas also allegedly had a box of ammunition in his bedroom and another in the garage. All of the firearms and ammunition were seized under the risk warrant and later as evidence in the criminal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kordas pistol permit was also seized. State police completed a revocation request form and sent it to the states Special Licensing and Firearms Unit, the warrant affidavit said. Kordas posted a $10,000 bond following his arrest and is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on March 19. A man has been sentenced to just under a year in prison after being found guilty of multiple charges in connection with an incident in Montville in 2019 when authorities said he took off from police during an attempted traffic stop after struggling with an officer. Oles Jean-Baptiste, 48, of Norwich was found guilty on charges of interfering with an officer, engaging police in pursuit and disobeying an officers signal, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice. The verdict was returned by a jury on Feb. 27 following a trial in New London Superior Court. Following the verdict, Superior Court Judge Elizabeth C. Leaming sentenced Jean-Baptiste to 364 days in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DCJ officials said evidence at trial showed that Jean-Baptiste fled from Montville police on Dec. 26, 2019, when an officer tried to pull him over using their lights and sirens. He increased his speed and and fled to a residence where authorities said he tried to run inside. An officer was able to stop Jean-Baptiste from getting into the home, leading to a struggle, according to the DCJ. Jean-Baptiste was able to escape and hopped a fence. He was later arrested. The New London States Attorneys Office would like to thank the Montville Police Department for their work in this case, DCJ officials wrote in a statement issued Thursday. The case was prosecuted by Assistant States Attorney Carlos Cruz with assistance from Investigator Peter Camp. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has a new nonstop route to Austin, Texas, through Frontier Airlines. The route, which starts Friday and has fares as low as $69, travels to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and operates twice a week. To take advantage of the $69 fare, tickets must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. April 21. Discounted fares are only valid for nonstop travel on select days of the week, March 14-May 21. The following blackout dates apply regarding the promotional offer: March 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30. Travelers seeking the discount fare must purchase tickets seven days in advance of departing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flight frequency and times are subject to change. All tickets are nonrefundable, except if you cancel within 24 hours of booking for flights seven days or more prior to departure and when otherwise required by the Department of Transportation. Please check flights.flyfrontier.com for additional details. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Fly from Cincinnati to Texas for $69, starting Friday. Here's how SYDNEY (Reuters) -Ex-tropical cyclone Alfred lingered off the south-east Australian coast on Saturday and forecasters said Brisbane is likely to miss the worst of the storm, a relief for millions of residents in the region who have been staying indoors. Alfred, now downgraded to a "tropical low", crossed the islands off the coast of Queensland overnight, and is heading towards the mainland in the coming hours, the Bureau of Meteorology has said. Thousands have been evacuated and local media reported that about a quarter of a million people are facing power outages as violent winds toppled power lines. Officials said one man had died in floodwater in New South Wales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities urge residents to stay indoors and warned of worse to come. "The impacts are already being felt, and there is worse to come in the hours ahead," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a news conference from the National Situation Room in Canberra. "Its impact will be serious and will intensify over coming hours and indeed over the coming days, it will still bring strong winds, heavy rain, flooding and dangerous conditions across South East Queensland and North East, New South Wales over this weekend and in the days beyond," he said. Brisbane and the Gold Coast will be hit with heavy rain today, while the northern New South Wales city of Lismore, among the worst impacted by record floods over the years, has already begun flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile two Australian defence force vehicles on their way to help residents in Lismore were involved in a road collision and several officers were injured, officials said. Brisbane Airport remains shut and the city has suspended public transport. More than 1,000 schools in southeast Queensland and 280 in northern New South Wales have been closed. Videos posted on social media and local news networks in Brisbane and the Gold Coast show flooded roads, fallen trees, damaged homes and waves crashing in on the beaches. Officials have described Alfred as a "very rare event" for Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, which was last hit by a cyclone more than half a century ago in 1974. The city of about 2.7 million had near misses from cyclones in 1990 and 2019. (Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Kim Coghill and Sharon Singleton) Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala's centre-right government is set to introduce stricter asylum and migration laws aimed at deterring potential migrants. "Our goal is clear: to prevent illegal migration," Fiala said in Prague, stressing the need for tougher measures at both the national and European levels. The proposed legislation includes faster deportations, enhanced security checks, and accelerated asylum procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Interior Ministry, authorities will also increase monitoring of asylum seekers' whereabouts. Applicants who display "problematic behaviour" a term not explicitly defined could face restrictions on state benefits and health insurance. Additionally, transit zones would be established at international airports, and entering these areas will not be legally considered entry into Czech territory. The announcement comes amid an election campaign, with the Czech Republic set to hold parliamentary elections later this year. Polls suggest a strong lead for the right-wing populist opposition party ANO, led by billionaire Andrej Babis. An Ohio father is speaking out after his 4-year-old daughter developed severe complications from the flu, including a severe brain injury. "I just want people to take the flu more seriously," Bradley Boler, a security guard and father of four in Chillicothe, Ohio, told "Good Morning America." "I'm just an average guy working your 9 to 5, trying to take care of my kids and my family. I always thought that the flu was just, take some medicine, rest and you're OK and it struck down Locklynn." PHOTO: Bradley Bolers 4-year-old daughter Locklynn experienced severe complications from the flu and has been receiving treatment at Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. (Bradley Boler) According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu, or influenza, is a "contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses" that can be mild to severe and is spread through "tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flu symptoms vary, and some people might not show any signs of the flu. Symptoms can include a fever, chills, a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea, the latter two of which can be more common in children. Flu leads to school closures in 4 states, plus how to prepare a 'flu box' Kids younger than 5, in particular, are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu and can have the flu for a longer period of time than others. Boler, 31, told "GMA" three of his four children, his daughters, all tested positive for influenza A at the end of February. Two of his girls have since recovered, but unlike her siblings, Locklynn's condition grew worse and she contracted pneumonia as well and collapsed at home on Feb. 24 before she was rushed to an emergency room. PHOTO: Bradley Boler described his daughter Locklynn as daddys girl and the boss of their home. (Bradley Boler) "She jumps up out of the bed and runs to the bathroom. And then she collapsed right before she got to the bathroom door and it looked like she was having like, a seizure," Boler recalled, adding, "I picked her up, and then I realized that she wasn't breathing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boler said his fiancee and his sister did CPR and compressions on Locklynn as he drove all of them to a local hospital near their home in Chillicothe, but Locklynn was without oxygen for at least four minutes before she was successfully resuscitated. In a matter of hours, Boler said his daughter went from being a "feisty" boss and "daddy's girl" to someone nearly unrecognizable. "It don't feel real," he said. "It's pretty crazy. It's like, I wake up to the nightmare." PHOTO: Bradley Boler said seeing Locklynn become so critically ill so quickly has been a nightmare. (Bradley Boler) Locklynn was transferred by air ambulance on Feb. 24 to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, where Dr. Marlina Lovett, an attending physician in the pediatric intensive care unit at Nationwide Children's, has been on her care team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lovett said Locklynn came into the hospital "critically ill." "When she arrived to our hospital, she had a breathing tube in place," Lovett told "GMA." "She was on the ventilator. She was essentially unresponsive and she was very critical at that point in time." Doctors at Nationwide Children's diagnosed Locklynn with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, a severe brain injury marked by myoclonus or muscle spasms. Today, Locklynn remains on a ventilator to help her breathe and doctors expect she will have to stay in the hospital for at least the next few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are concerns about her ability to control her body with movements, how awake she'll be long-term," Lovett said. "We don't know how interactive she'll be with her parents. We suspect that she'll probably need a feeding tube all her life and she'll probably be wheelchair bound and unable to walk. But some of the other stuff, we just need more time to see what Locklynn's recovery can be." Despite the devastating diagnosis, Boler said he and his family remain hopeful. "She'll more likely never walk again. She'll never talk. She has no awareness. But, you know, God works in mysterious ways. You never know," Boler said. "She's little. She could always get better. We're just hopeful. We got a lot of family that are helping us, family, friends and all the prayers that we're getting." Father warns about how serious flu can be for kids as 10-year-old son battles virus Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Boler and Lovett said they hope that by sharing Locklynn's story, they can raise awareness about the flu and why the virus shouldn't be taken lightly. "The flu's something we all have to take pretty seriously, because it can make kids and adults and those with additional illnesses really sick, and I think that's what we saw with Locklynn -- and unfortunately, the flu can have some very severe complications," Lovett said. The best way to prevent or reduce the severity of flu, according to the CDC, is to get a flu vaccine. Other ways to avoid getting sick include regular handwashing, avoiding others who are sick, and covering coughs and sneezes. "If one person sees what I'm talking about and is like, 'Look at their kid,' and like, 'Maybe we need to go to the doctor,' and it saves that kid's life, then I feel like I have [an] obligation to do that," said Boler. "I don't want this to take anybody else's babies." Dad speaks out after 4-year-old daughter gets serious complications from flu originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com Daddy Yankee and Mireddys Gonzalez - Credit: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee reportedly has filed a $250 million financial mismanagement and defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife and her sister after he regained control of his music companies, El Cartel Records and Los Cangris, amid the couples divorce. In the new lawsuit filed Tuesday in Puerto Rico and obtained by Billboard and the Los Angeles Times, the musician doubles down on his claim that ex-wife Mireddys Gonzalez Castellanos, and her sister, Ayeicha Gonzalez Castellanos, improperly withdrew $100 million from his companies bank accounts before the women were forced to relinquish control under a court order. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new complaint also accuses the sisters of hiding or destroying documents related to ventures such as Yankees highly successful La Ultima Vuelta World Tour, Billboard reported. The lawsuit further alleges the women deleted or removed essential emails related to the operation of the companies and migrated the information to devices that have not been turned over or identified, the outlet said. Yankee, born Ramon Luis Ayala Rodriguez, reportedly says he found the irregularities after he ousted his ex-wife from her management role at the end of December. (The couple officially divorced last month after nearly 30 years of marriage. Yankee, who announced his retirement from the music industry in 2022, revealed his split from Gonzalez in an Instagram story late last year.) In his new filing, the Gasolina rapper, 49, reportedly alleges the sisters disorganized, unprofessional and irresponsible handling of his career as well as their alleged defamatory campaign against him caused him significant personal and financial harm. For instance, he claims to have found uncashed checks, including royalty payments dating back decades, that are now worthless in some cases due to expiration dates. This lack of diligence and administrative imprudence on the part of [the sisters] cost [Yankee] millions of dollars, the new court documents say, according to The Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yankee says the womens alleged actions, including their gross and stubborn negligence, also damaged his career, good name and personal prestige as one of the most important international Latin music figures. Billboard reached out to Gonzalezs attorneys for comment but did not immediately receive a response. It was Gonzalez who filed the divorce petition that Yankee publicly confirmed on Dec. 2, 2024. With a heart full of respect and honesty, I want to share some important news about my personal life, he wrote on Instagram. After more than two decades of marriage and after many months of trying to save my marriage, which my wife and I share, today my lawyers respond to the divorce petition received by Mireddys. He said at the time that he respected Gonzalezs decision and was grateful for their time together. Along with being his wife, she was his manager and the CEO of El Cartel Records. The former spouses share three adult children: Yamilet, Jesaaelys, and Jeremy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not an easy time, but I understand that it is part of my life process, he wrote in December. It is time to accept and move forward, and protect my stability, my children and everything built over so many years. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Friday on the Daily 8, were looking at the new animals coming to John Ball Zoo, a new exhibit coming to the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the hotel at Gun Lake Casino and more. You can watch the full Daily 8 for March 7, 2025, in the video player above or check out any of the stories mentioned below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each weekday, the Daily 8 brings you the top eight stories we are keeping an eye on in and around West Michigan. Join us again on Monday for the Daily 8. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Mar. 6Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information since initial publication. Workers have largely cleaned up a manure spill attributed to a tank failure that occurred Friday at the Meadow Star Dairy near Pennock, company officials told the West Central Tribune. The tank is part of the renewable natural gas digester system at the dairy. There was no thermal event or explosion, according to Grant Zimmerman with Amp Americas and Brady Janzen of Riverview Dairy LLP, owner and operator of the dairy. Zimmerman said a mechanical, physical failure of the tank occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a week's worth of manure was spilled. All of it was contained on site. There was no environmental contamination. No one was injured and no animals were harmed. The dairy contacted state and regulatory officials to report the Feb. 28 spillage, they added. A spokesman for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said cleanup is being monitored and there is no indication at this time that there has been an impact to waterways. Amp Americas works in partnership with Riverview Dairy, of Morris, and constructed digesters at the Morris company's Meadow Star, East Dublin, Swenoda and Louriston dairy operations in Kandiyohi, Swift and Chippewa counties. Dooley's Natural Gas, of Willmar, constructed a renewable natural gas pipeline to transport the renewable gas produced by the digesters at each site to an interstate transmission line for natural gas. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, takes part in a group deliberation with National People's Congress (NPC) deputies from the Taiwan delegation at the third session of the 14th NPC in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese leaders on Friday attended deliberations at the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), the national legislature. Top political advisor Wang Huning took part in a group deliberation with NPC deputies from the Taiwan delegation. He stressed the need to adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference. Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, called for deeper and more substantive integrated development across the Taiwan Strait to enable Taiwan compatriots to share the opportunities and the achievements of Chinese modernization. Cai Qi, a member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, participated in a group deliberation with his fellow deputies from Qinghai Province. He stressed the need to deepen reform comprehensively, effectively improve the quality of the economy and promote growth within a reasonable range. Cai also urged the province to enhance ecological conservation to safeguard "the water tower of China" and maximize its ecological function. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended group deliberations with deputies from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, respectively. He noted that China has made solid progress in its modernization and achieved new breakthroughs in advancing the cause of "one country, two systems." He urged the two regions to fulfill their mission of practicing "one country, two systems" in the new era and strive for greater development. Wang, Cai and Ding are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, participates in a group deliberation with his fellow deputies from Qinghai Province at the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, attends a group deliberation with deputies from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, attends a group deliberation with deputies from Macao Special Administrative Region at the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Dame Julie Kenny, who has died aged 67, was a formidable South Yorkshire businesswoman and community leader who spearheaded the rescue of Wentworth Woodhouse, the Georgian mansion that was Britains largest private home until its decline towards dereliction. Julie Kenny rose to prominence as co-founder and chief executive of Pyronix, a Rotherham-based manufacturer of sensors and controls for security alarm systems. She became both a national voice in her own industry and a driving force in a multiplicity of bodies concerned with economic development, entrepreneurship and skills training for the South Yorkshire region. She also took on sensitive assignments in local government, serving from 2010 to 2014 as an intervention commissioner in Doncaster, appointed by the Secretary of State to oversee senior council appointments and governance issues; and from 2015 to 2018 as a commissioner in Rotherham, following revelations of child sexual exploitation in the town and damning criticism of its councils childrens services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone who worked with Julie Kenny recognised her ability to command a room and knock heads together when necessary but also her innate warmth and kindness. Her talents were tested to the full at Wentworth Woodhouse, where she became chair of trustees in 2014. She described the campaign to purchase and repurpose the crumbling mansion as one of the most inspiring, yet hardest, challenges of my life Many people told me it was impossible. But my view is that nothing is impossible with time, energy, and belief. The original Jacobean house within what is now the metropolitan borough of Rotherham had been extended to more than 300 rooms with a frontage of 618 feet by the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham (1730-82), who twice briefly served as prime minister. Having passed to the Earls Fitzwilliam, it suffered the depredations of open-cast mining in its park after the second world war and was battered by the 30-year occupancy of a physical education college. Wentworth Woodhouse: it had more than 300 rooms with a frontage of 618 feet but more recently suffered the depredations of open-cast mining in its park and the 30-year occupancy of a PE college - James Mulkeen Sold off by the Fitzwilliam trustees in 1989, it was sold again a decade later before finally being acquired in 2017 with rain pouring through the broken roof into its staterooms for 7 million by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years later, with government support, major roof repairs had been completed, enabling internal restoration to advance. Revered by those who worked with her to save the structure and plan bold new uses for its quarter of a million square feet of space, Dame Julie (as she became) was a fundraiser to whom few could say No. To all who would listen, she preached not only the importance of the physical conservation project but also its significance as a catalyst for creating life-changing opportunities through community engagement, education and apprenticeships in a disadvantaged area to which she was passionately devoted. She had been due to deliver that message on March 13 to a fundraising banquet at the Mansion House in the City of London: urging City livery companies to support the event, Lord Mayor Alastair King described Dame Julie as a lady who walks through brick walls. Julie Ann Bower was born in the Hillsborough district of Sheffield on August 19 1957 and brought up in nearby Stannington. She would later say that her determination to succeed in adult life was a reaction to a harsh and unhappy childhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was the fourth of five children of Cyril Bower and his Dutch-born wife Hendrika, nee Klement, who divorced when Julie was five. At seven, she had to beg the grocer for tick until her mothers wage came in; at 10, she was cooking and cleaning for the family and caring for her baby stepbrother. In her own recollection, the household was violent and chaotic, with debt collectors regularly banging at the door and at 17 she had a nervous breakdown. A year later she decided to get out and never return. She took a train to Cornwall, found secretarial work in a solicitors office and blamed Sheffield itself for her rough start, but I was wrong, I should have been blaming the family She was later reconciled with her mother, but not with her stepfather. She went on to qualify as a solicitor through part-time study and to practise as a litigation lawyer until she met Paul Kenny, a fellow native of Sheffield, and returned north with him in 1986. Having sold her house to raise capital, they started Pyronix as a manufacturer of passive infrared receivers motion sensors which usually flash red but if youve got one that blinks blue, its one of ours. Julie gave up legal work to take a full-time role in the business and to lead it as chairman and chief executive after her divorce from Paul Kenny. It grew to employ 200 staff and export to 65 countries, achieving annual sales of more than 25 million by the time it was sold to a Chinese buyer in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She chaired both the British Security Industry Association and the Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers Community, in which one colleague described her impact as like Fred Trueman [the fearsome Yorkshire fast bowler] among gentleman players. In later years she was chairman or non-executive director of several other businesses and maintained a vast portfolio of pro bono commitments and trusteeships, ranging from the National Coal Mining Museum and the Sheffield Theatres Trust to the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce. She was also the last chairman of the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward before its abolition in 2012. Julie Kenny was appointed CBE in 2002 and raised to DBE in 2019; she was a deputy lieutenant of South Yorkshire and its High Sheriff in 2012. In 2022 she was installed as Master Cutler in Hallamshire, only the second woman in 398 years to take that prominent role in Sheffields industrial community. She married first, in 1977, Robert Venton and secondly, in 1986, Paul Kenny, with whom she had two sons, Oliver and Laurence, and a daughter Charlotte. Thirdly, in 2017, she married Iain Hall, who survives her with her three children and three stepchildren. Dame Julie Kenny, born August 19 1957, died February 21 2025 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY (KSNT) A Pottawatomie County jury has returned a guilty verdict in the third murder trial for Dana Chandler on Friday. Members of the jury delivered their verdict on March 7, declaring Chandler guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. Law enforcement took her into custody following the decision. The jury began deliberations around 10:30 a.m. on March 7 with their verdict coming in at around 2:15 p.m. on the same day. Chandlers charges stemmed from the deaths of her ex-husband Mike Sisco and his fiance Karen Harkness who were killed by gunfire in their bed in 2002. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trial ends early when man pleads guilty to Topeka murder Chandler was originally arrested in 2011 and convicted in 2012, receiving a life sentence. However, the Kansas Supreme Court later overturned the verdict after it was found the prosecutor in the case lied to the jury. A jury failed to reach a verdict on the case in 2022 during a second trial. The renewed Chandler trial has experienced some drama since it got started in February this year. Chandler fired her defense lawyers just before the trial started, choosing to represent herself. Chandlers children and Siscos mother were called to testify in the case, leading to some emotional moments in the courtroom. Two of Chandlers sisters who were coming to northeast Kansas to attend the trial were involved in a crash on Feb. 11, leading to a temporary pause to the court proceedings. One of Chandlers sisters, 74-year-old Marsa Chandler, died at a local hospital following the crash while the other was seriously injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Husband accused in Tecumseh wifes murder allegedly used tracking device, hidden cameras 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 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Its a pattern type injury. Its a penetrating injury that was likely caused by a Phillips screwdriver, said State Medical Examiner Dennis Klein. Dennis Klein testifies in Scott County Court. Klein was among witnesses who took the stand Thursday in the Scott County jury trial of Christopher Behal, of Park View, who is accused in the death of his girlfriend. Klein performed the autopsy on Taylor Escontrias-McKee in Ankeny, Iowa. The jury saw photos of McKees body. Prosecutors followed up with a question about what could cause the injuries McKee suffered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can you speak to the amount of force that would be necessary to cause that laceration above Taylors right eye? asked a prosecutor I would consider this in the severe category, said Klein. I cannot give you a metric to what that would be, probably would be a significant amount of force if you were to fall from a height, or would have to receive a significant blow. In the courtroom, Behal only glanced at the images, mostly averting his eyes while testimony continued. The autopsy Klein performed revealed McKee had a blood alcohol level of .338, more than three times the legal limit of .08. Officers confirmed Behal was drunk that night. Christopher Behal averts his gaze while images of Taylor Escontrias-McKees body are shown to the jury. One of the things that I immediately noticed was that there was a large bottle of alcohol, a large Hawkeye Vodka bottle, on the bed, said Scott County Deputy Sheriff Ethan Roling, who investigated the couples apartment. Ethan Roling testifies in Scott County Court. DNA on the blood of the suspected weapons found at the scene and in Behals car matched McKees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DNA profile that developed from the swabs of the metal end of the screwdriver matched the profile of Taylor Escontrias. And the probability of finding that profile in unrelated individuals chosen at random would be less than one out of 5.8 octillion, said Stanton Freilinger, a criminalist for Scott County. (A criminalist is an expert who examines physical evidence from crime scenes.) Stanton Freilinger testifies in Scott County Court. Testimony will continue Friday morning. The incident in 2024 On March 14, 2024, deputies responded to a crash in Mt. Joy. Officers found Behal unconscious behind the wheel, and they say he smelled of alcohol. They also found a bloody knife, bloody cell phone and blood all over the interior of the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behal was sent to the hospital. A detective said that while Behal was at the hospital, he requested a welfare check of his girlfriend, saying he had visions of violence. Investigators found McKees body in a bloody scene at the couples apartment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. ROME (AP) Pope Francis was hospitalized on Feb. 14, after suffering a bout of bronchitis for weeks and after increasingly finding it hard to speak publicly. His condition soon developed into double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pope had part of a lung removed as a young man, is overweight and sedentary, creating a complex health picture that has resulted in the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy. Despite several days without any acute respiratory crises, his prognosis remains guarded, meaning he isn't out of danger. Doctors say he is in stable condition, and that the infection is taking its normal course under treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is a day-by-day look at his hospitalization at the three-week mark, and how his condition has evolved, based on information provided by the Vatican. Feb. 14 Pope Francis is hospitalized with bronchitis and a slight fever immediately following a morning of audiences. Doctors diagnose respiratory tract infection. Two subsequent events in the following days are canceled, and a cardinal is slotted in for the pope to celebrate a Sunday Jubilee Mass. Feb. 15 Francis fever breaks while respiratory infection continues. Doctors order absolute rest. Delivery of traditional noon blessing for Sunday is canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feb. 16 Condition stable (stationary), pope follows Mass on television. Feb. 17 Pope Francis is diagnosed with polymicrobial (bacterial, viral and fungal) infection in the respiratory passages, marking a setback. Treatment adjusted. Wednesday general audience canceled. Feb. 18 Chest scan indicates Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs, marking another setback; cortisone and antibiotic treatments are confirmed. Jubilee audience on Saturday is canceled. Feb. 19 Condition stable with blood exams indicating levels of inflammation improving. Premier Giorgia Meloni visits, first known outside visitor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feb. 20 Popes condition improves slightly. Feb. 21 Popes doctors say at a news conference that the pope remains in critical condition and isn't out of danger, but that his condition isnt imminently life-threatening. Doctors say the pope has developed steroid-induced diabetes that is being treated. Warn of sepsis risk. Prognosis is guarded. Feb. 22 Pope in critical condition after experiencing a respiratory crisis and requires high-pressure oxygen through nasal tubes, in the first mention of assisted breathing. Francis also receives two blood transfusions after tests show signs of anemia and low platelet count that later are resolved. Setback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feb. 23 Doctors report that the pope has gone into onset of slight kidney failure, in a setback. No repeat of the respiratory crisis, but he remains in critical condition. Feb. 24 Doctors report slight improvement. No crises. Mild renal failure isn't causing concern. Feb. 25 Condition remains critical, but stable. No acute respiratory episodes. Underwent chest scan to monitor double pneumonia. Prognosis remains reserved. Feb. 26 The mild renal failure has regressed, in an improvement. Continues to receive oxygen through nasal tubes, and undergoes respiratory physiotherapy. Doctors no longer refer to condition being critical, but repeat prognosis is guarded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feb. 27 Doctors say a chest CT scan taken a day earlier shows the normal evolution of pneumonia infection as it's being treated. Again no reference to critical condition. Feb. 28 Pope suffers isolated coughing spasm during which he inhaled vomit, in a setback requiring noninvasive aspiration to remove. Responded well. Placed on a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask to pump supplemental oxygen into his lungs. Prognosis remains guarded. March 1 Condition stable after respiratory crisis. Pope alternates noninvasive mechanic ventilation mask with long periods of nasal tube with high flows of supplemental oxygen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement March 2 Condition stable. No need for noninvasive mechanical ventilation, just the nasal tube high pressure oxygen therapy. Pope participated in Mass. March 3 Two acute bronchospasm episodes in a setback requiring bronchoscopies, or a camera-tipped tube with a device to remove mucus plugs, yielding abundant secretions. Restarted the noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Pope remained alert, oriented and collaborative during maneuvers. Prognosis remains guarded. March 4 Stable condition with no crises. Pope is alternating high-flow delivery of oxygen through nasal tubes by day to noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask delivery by night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement March 5 Stable condition with no incidences of respiratory crisis. Physical therapy added to the course of respiratory therapy. Spent the day in an armchair working, including a call to the parish priest of Gaza. March 6 Stable condition with no incidences of respiratory crisis. Physical therapy and respiratory therapy continue, work alternating with rest and prayer. Pope records an audio message that is broadcast to the faithful in St. Peters Square thanking them for their prayers. His voice is weak and he's out of breath. March 7 Stable condition, continuing respiratory therapy. March 8 Doctors say continued stability shows Francis is responding well to treatment and showing gradual, slight improvement. Prognosis remains guarded. March 9 Francis remains stable. March 10 Doctors declare Francis is no longer in imminent danger of death from pneumonia, but keep him in the hospital for further treatment. March 7 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for the telephone. In 1918, Finland signed a peace treaty with Germany shortly after declaring independence from Russia. In 1936, Adolf Hitler ordered Nazi troops into the Rhineland, violating the Treaty of Versailles. In 1945, the U.S. 1st Army crossed the Rhine at Remagen, Germany after capturing the strategically important Ludendorff Bridge (also known as the Bridge at Remagen). World War II in Europe ended two months later. On March 7, 1965, civil rights marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., were turned back by police in what came to be known as Bloody Sunday. File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI In 1965, hundreds of civil rights marchers trying to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., were turned back by state troopers and sheriff's deputies. Dozens of people were beaten and injured in what became known as "Bloody Sunday." Marchers voluntarily turned around on a ceremonial walk to the bridge two days later and, on March 21, with protection by federal and National Guard troops, the main Selma-to-Montgomery march began. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI On March 7, 2017, Malta's iconic Azure Window, a natural rock arch pictured in 2014, collapsed into the sea during a storm. File Photo by Domenic Aquilina/EPA In 1984, the U.S. Senate confirmed William Wilson as the first U.S. ambassador to the Vatican in 117 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1985, "We Are the World," a song composed by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and recorded by a series of high-profile music stars was released worldwide with the goal of generating funds for the USA for Africa charity. The song and related promotions eventually raised about $63 million. The Ludendorff Bridge over the Rhine between Erpel (foreground, east side) and Remagen (background, west side) after it was captured by U.S. troops on March 7, 1945. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Signal Corps In 2010, Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Director for her film The Hurt Locker. In 2013, the U.S. Senate confirmed John Brennan as director of the CIA. On March 7, 1936, Adolf Hitler ordered Nazi troops into the Rhineland, violating the Treaty of Versailles. File Photo courtesy of NARA File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI In 2017, Malta's iconic Azure Window, a natural rock arch, collapsed into the sea during a storm. Kathryn Bigelow, director for the film "The Hurt Locker," appears backstage with her Oscar at the 82nd annual Academy Awards in Hollywood on March 7, 2010. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Sweden became the 32nd member of NATO after a longstanding policy of nonalignment. File Photo courtesy of the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office This weekend is "spring forward," the time every year when most people in the U.S. set their clocks one hour later as daylight saving time begins. Its a rule that to many seems arbitrary and unnecessary, and research shows it can have negative impacts on our sleep cycles and overall health. So why do we do it? Here's a look at the history behind daylight saving time in the U.S. When Does The Time Change? This year, it happened at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9. Its one of two times each year that the time changes. The exact days are set by federal law and have shifted over the years. The current dates went into effect in 2007 as part of the Energy Policy Act passed when George W. Bush was president. Why Does The Time Change? DST was originally intended to reduce energy costs in times of war. It was first signed into law in the U.S. during World War I on March 1, 1918, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. The law was repealed after the wars end and put in place again during the Second World War. That led to it being known as "war" time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no set rules on time across the nation from the end of WWII through 1965. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 put DST into federal law and established official time zones, ending confusion over what time it was in different parts of the country. Does Daylight Saving Time Really Save Energy? It was thought that in nice summer weather when days are already longer people would spend more time outside and less time using electricity indoors in the evening. But whether there's any real benefit is a subject of deep debate. A 2008 study by the U.S. Energy Department, after the DST "season" was extended by four weeks under President Bush, found that electricity savings during the additional weeks was about 0.5% per day, or 0.03% of total electricity use for the entire year. Critics say any savings are minuscule and are driven by larger economic motivations, including lobbying by retail businesses, who contend that DST leads to more people out shopping and doing other activities in the evening. Whose Idea Was It? There's also debate over where the idea of DST came from in the first place. Some give a nod to Benjamin Franklin, but many historians credit a New Zealand man who first proposed DST in an 1895 paper. Germany was the first country to implement it, in 1916 during World War I. How Does Changing Time Affect Our Health? Scientists have linked changing time twice a year to several health and safety issues. A study in 2016, for example, found that the rate of strokes is 8% higher in the first two days after either time change. A 2020 study connected the springtime change to a 6% rise in traffic accidents. And a 2017 study found the fall time change resulted in an 11% increase in symptoms of depression reported at hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors think the reason for these impacts is due to a lack of sunlight, as well as disruptions to circadian rhythms. Some experts think it would be better to stick with DST year-round, while others think standard time all the time would be best. What's Public Opinion On 'Falling Back' And 'Springing Forward'? A survey taken in 2022 by YouGovAmerica showed that 59% of people in the U.S. supported year-round DST. Nineteen percent were against it, while 22% were undecided. A move to temporarily make DST permanent for two years amid a nationwide gas shortage In 1974 was reversed after just a few months due to public outcry that included concern over kids going to school in the dark and an increase in traffic crashes. Weather.com reporter Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between. AUSTIN (KXAN) This weekend, when the clocks jump an hour ahead, we gain more daylight in the evening but lose an hour of sleep. The disruption to our sleep habits can make for a riskier commute to work and school. Daylight saving time: How long until the clocks change? A University of Colorado study found that fatal car crashes increase by 6% in the week after daylight saving time begins. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drowsy driving contributes to more than 100,000 crashes every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be aware of your own sleep patterns and how they can change. AAA recommends that drivers get enough sleep, that is really critical to preventing drowsy driving, and we recommend at least seven hours of good sleep. said Doug Shupe with AAA Texas. A lot of people dont realize that drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence, and so fatalities due to drowsiness are actually 10 times higher than what is actually reported. So thats why, you know, drowsy driving can play a role in devastating crashes, he added. During the fall and winter months, many drivers head to work and school in daylight and return home in the dark. But this weekend, that will flip. Its really important that we watch out for kids in the darker hours. Were going to have a darker drive in the morning, so parents and guardians should make sure children wear lighter clothing. Go over the rules of the road and safety practices with them. Talk about the importance of crossing only at designated crosswalks, being cautious while waiting for the bus, and watching for drivers, Shupe said. Lawmakers at the state and national levels have considered doing away with the time change altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. On Sunday Americans will be forced to comply with a century-old practice that the majority of the public disagrees with: the twice-annual clock change. Daylight saving time, or DST, was first implemented in the U.S. with the Standard Time Act of 1918 as a wartime policy intended to conserve energy during World War I. After alternating between national year-round DST during World War II and local-option DST over the following 20 years, Congress sought to bring standardization to time zones and DST dates with the Uniform Time Act in 1966. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2005, Congress voted to extend DST, originally observed for only six months in the U.S, to eight months, from March to November. Today, 20 years later, we now see 48 states change their clocks twice a year for only 18 weeks of standard time. Its time for Congress to take the next step to bring uniformity to our time system and make daylight saving time permanent. Its clear that Americans want to do away with changing their clocks twice a year, both here in Florida and throughout the country. In Florida, our state Legislature overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation in 2018 to become the first state in the nation to adopt permanent DST. Across the U.S., 20 states have since enacted legislation or passed similar resolutions. Not a partisan issue This is truly not a partisan issue, but instead, an everyday American issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans and Democrats agree that permanent DST is the path forward, with states ranging from Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina to Washington, Oregon and Maine wanting permanent DST. President Donald Trump has also consistently said that he wants to end the practice of changing our clocks. States cannot make the change to permanent DST on their own, however, without express approval from Congress. Thats why I urge my colleagues in Congress to pass my bipartisan legislation, the Sunshine Protection Act. My bill, which is championed by Sen. Rick Scott in the U.S. Senate, would end the biannual clock change while allowing states and territories that choose to not observe DST to continue to do so. With 50% of those who want to end the time shift favoring permanent DST over only 31% preferring permanent standard time, its clear that the momentum is on our side. Clear benefits The potential health benefits of permanent DST are substantial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a staggering 43% of adults and 20% of children in the U.S. suffering from obesity, we need to consider all tools at our disposal to tackle this chronic health crisis. Research demonstrates that the extra daylight at the end of the day can help combat obesity. Studies in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity and the Journal of Physical Activity and Health show that during this time, children experience an increase in physical activity. Further research also found that the extra hour of evening daylight increases pedestrian activity by 62% and cyclists activity by 38%. A Republican trifecta in Washington that won in part for its promise to Make America Healthy Again would be smart to seize this opportunity. Permanent DST can make us safer: Studies in the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of Safety Research show that the shift would reduce fatal car crashes by increasing visibility for commuting drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers with the Brookings Institution also found that robbery rates drop by a stunning 27% during the extra evening hour of daylight and that the four-week extension of DST in 2007 saved $59 million per year in avoided social costs by reducing evening robberies. Making DST permanent could also present workforce productivity benefits. A recent survey found that 43% of employed respondents say the week after DST ends in the fall is their most unproductive at work. Recent research also found that changing our clocks in the spring can negatively affect worker productivity for up to two weeks. Thats a lot more than just one groggy Monday. U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan Popular will, political headwinds and tangible benefits are on our side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its time to stop the clock on outdated policy and spring forward for good. Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Republican, represents Floridas 16th Congressional District in the House of Representatives. He serves as vice chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and chair of the Health Subcommittee. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Daylight saving time makes Americans healthier, safer | Opinion Daylight saving time starts this weekend, which means long, sunny evenings are on the horizon. On Sunday, Americans will turn their clocks forward, marking the start of daylight saving time in 2025. The controversial practice of "springing forward" and "falling back" has been observed in most states for decades. Here's what to know about the annual practice and why we follow it. When does daylight saving time start in 2025? Daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9. Do clocks go back or forward in March? In the spring, participating states turn clocks forward one hour on the second Sunday of March, causing us to spring forward and lose an hour of sleep. When does daylight saving time end in 2025? Clocks "fall back" on Sunday, Nov. 2. Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday of November each year. Why do we lose an hour in March? We spring forward, losing an hour, in March to add more hours of daylight in summer evenings. When does spring start in 2025? The first day of spring is Thursday, March 20. When did daylight saving time start in the U.S.? Why was it created? Daylight saving time was introduced in the United States in 1918 with the Standard Time Act, which was meant to lower fuel costs during the First World War. The law also established a standard time and allowed the federal government to create five time zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government stopped observing daylight saving time after World War I ended but reimplemented it during World War II. Congress decided to make daylight saving time permanent for two years from 1973 to 1975, extending the hours of daily sunlight year-round to conserve energy during the oil embargo crisis. However, the law was repealed in 1974 for being unpopular and ineffective. In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, standardizing the length of daylight saving time. The dates we use to observe daylight saving time today starting on the second Sunday of March and ending on the first Sunday of November were established in 2005 when Congress amended the Act. According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time saves energy, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime. Which states don't have daylight saving time? Hawaii and parts of Arizona do not participate in daylight saving time. The Navajo Nation which spans across Arizona, Utah and New Mexico does observe the time change, making it the lone participant in Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands do not observe daylight saving time. Is it daylight savings time or daylight saving time? While it's common to hear "daylight savings" with an "s," the correct term is "daylight saving time," since the practice saves daylight. Is daylight saving time ending permanently? Not yet. According to The Arizona Republic, there have been discussions about abolishing the semiannual time changes, and President Donald Trump, Elon Musk and others support it. But any permanent change would require congressional approval. While several states have passed bills to establish year-round daylight saving time, any changes require federal action. Until the Uniform Time Act is repealed or a new federal bill is passed, the time changes will still occur in 2025. Is Ohio considering getting rid of daylight savings time? No state can adopt permanent daylight saving time unless the U.S. Congress passes a law to authorize it first, USA TODAY reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Ohio's House State and Local Government Committee passed House Concurrent Resolution 7 in October 2023, urging Congress to enact the Sunshine Uniformity Act. This act would make daylight saving time permanent and end the bi-annual tradition of changing the clocks. State representatives Rodney Creech, R-West Alexandria, and Bob Peterson, R-Sabina, sponsored the bill. Under this resolution, passed by the Ohio House, switching to permanent daylight saving time would increase the hours of sunlight in the evenings during the winter months, which helps combat mental health issues, Creech said. The bill was adopted by the House and referred to a Senate committee in December 2023. What states are considering getting rid of daylight saving time? Ohio is one of at least 30 states considering legislation related to daylight saving time as of 2024. Here are the states that are considering getting rid of switching time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaska California Georgia Idaho Indiana Illinois Kentucky Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi New Jersey New York North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Washington Contributing: Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Daylight saving time 2025: When to set clocks forward The Daviess County Democratic Party will be holding its quadrennial party reorganization meeting within the next month, and local party Chairman Larry Miller is anticipating a large turnout. We hope for a big turnout, he said. You try to reach out to all of the precincts in the county and city, and a lot of the precinct doesnt have active members. But were going to make an effort to make sure all of the precincts are notified and included and involved. If the past is any indication, while theres not a lot of people that show up for each precinct, I think well have a good number of people, but there will be a lot of them from the same precincts. The reorganizational meeting, which will be scheduled soon, is the opportunity for the local party to vote on new leadership through its executive committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All registered Democrats at the time of the meeting are eligible to vote. Everybody thats on there now, including me as chair, we all have to declare our intention to run again, then the people who are precinct leaders and Democrats in general elect the executive committee, Miller said. Its kind of a cleaning house, and it gives new people a chance. If they really want to run, they can place their name in the hat. Miller said he will again seek the chairmanship. Early indications are that there could be multiple candidates for the executive committee seats. Its going to be wide open, Miller said. Ive talked to other people on the executive committee, and well probably talk to everybody to think about if they want to run again. Theyll have the opportunity to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The executive committee includes 20 seats, which must be split evenly between males and females. The executive committee then votes on the chairman and vice chairman which must be filled by both sexes then the chairman selects the secretary and treasurer. Miller said the party has thrived by having the equality. Its turned out really well, he said. You think diversity, and we have several African Americans on the executive committee. And its wide open for people to run and vote on that. Miller said hes hearing alarm from many community members about the actions being taken by President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unheard of, unbelievable, what theyre doing in Washington D.C., and what Trump is allowing (Elon) Musk to do wholesale eliminating departments, or trying or attempting to, Miller said. I think thats a good thing as time goes on, because there will be pushback. The Supreme Court has already pushed back on Trump wanting to suspend all foreign aid. But think of the damage theyve already done, between USAID and attempting to eliminate the Department of Education. Miller said Democrats might be more supportive of the actions to make cuts in the federal workforce if it was being handled in a more systematic method, rather than mass firings. Theres a way to make reforms and to trim the workforce if you need to, but there is a way to do it, and you dont let someone do it who doesnt have an understanding of the federal government, doesnt really care about the employees, Miller said. Theres no concern for how it impacts people, and very soon, as time goes on, theyre going to feel Republicans and Democrats all of our people are going to feel the effects all around the country, and Owensboro and Daviess County already have. I dont think thats what people voted for. My personal opinion is they put a halter on Trump during the campaign so that he wouldnt really say what he wanted to, but now that hes elected, its unleashing the demons on the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the local Democratic Party participated in a protest Wednesday at Republican Congressman Brett Guthries office in Bowling Green, and Miller said Morgan Eaves, executive director of the Kentucky Democratic Party, will be the guest speaker at its 6 p.m. meeting Tuesday at the LIUNA union hall at 827 Old Hartford Road. She will discuss ways for residents to make their voices heard. There are a lot of people taking action right now, Miller said. We have a lot of people that are phone calling the U.S. Senate and U.S. Representative every day. Ive gotten a lot of people on our website that will check in and say, I want to be involved. What can I do? We want to coordinate (efforts) to make them more effective. KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has exported dried fruits worth 5 million U.S. dollars to China during the past year, Abdul Baqi Bana, deputy for the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Kandahar, said on Friday. According to Bana, over the past year, 9,800 tons of dried fruits were exported from Afghanistan to China. The exported dried fruits were mostly figs, raisins, and apricots, Bana said, adding that Afghanistan has also exported 62,310 tons of dried fruits valued at more than 244 million dollars to other countries. Afghanistan's main export items include coal, saffron, fresh and dried fruits, hand-woven carpets, and precious and semi-precious stones. Overall, Afghanistan's total trade volume in 2024 surpassed 12 billion dollars, with a 38 percent growth in imports from the previous year along with a 4 percent drop in exports. New data reveals which U.S. states lead in offering workplaces that prioritize employee satisfaction and which ones fall short. The leadership guidance website People Managing People released a 2025 report on which states have the best and worst workplace cultures. Analysts used a weighted composite score based on 24 metrics, including average salary, average number of paid holidays, and quit rate. Based on the findings, states with major cities dominate the top spots. The top 10 states with the best workplace culture include the District of Columbia, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Washington, California, Ohio, and Maryland. The 10 states with the lowest workplace culture ranking are Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results found that midwestern and northeastern states are most likely to foster positive workplace cultures. The District of Columbia may not be a state, but the U.S. capital and federal district is where workers generally enjoy higher salaries, lower quit rates, and fewer hours worked. New York and Illinois came in second and third, thanks in part to their state policies that protect workers and promote higher wages. On the other hand, the worst states for workplace culture were found in the western and southern regions, with mountain states like Wyoming and Montana particularly underperforming among workers. These two states had some of the highest quit rates, at 3.7% and 3%, and Idaho had the lowest employee satisfaction. Analysts suggest that mountain states likely scored lower due to fewer wellness and employee assistance programs, limited paid leave, and longer work hours. From a political perspective, states with stronger workplace cultures tend to be more liberal-leaning blue states, while those with the weakest workplace cultures are predominantly conservative-leaning red states. The findings are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, KFF, Statista, and Oxfam from 2021 to 2024. RELATED CONTENT: D.C. Celebrates 50 Years Of Homegrown Go-Go Music With The Go-Go Museum And Cafe Sen. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, listens to a speaker on the South Dakota Senate floor on March 4, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) A bill to reduce South Dakotas subsidy for high school dual-credit courses, which was defeated earlier this week in a legislative committee, was revived Thursday at the Capitol in Pierre and passed the state Senate 23-11. The dual enrollment program lets high school juniors and seniors earn both high school and college credits through in-person or online courses. The bill would shift the cost-share for the program to a 50-50 split with students. Currently, the state pays two-thirds of the $150 per credit-hour cost, which is a reduced rate compared to regular university tuition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students and families that currently pay about $50 per credit hour would experience a price hike to $75 per credit hour, saving the state and costing families about $1.2 million annually. The Senate Education Committee voted 4-3 to reject the bill Tuesday, but the full Senate forced the bill out of the committee. Sen. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, framed the bill as necessary given the current budget situation, referring to declining sales tax revenue and other budget difficulties that have caused proposed cuts in numerous state departments and programs. Sen. Ernie Otten, R-Tea, the lead co-chair of the Legislatures main budget committee, said the existing subsidy is fiscally irresponsible given those broader budget constraints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got to align this thing in such a way that we can match that thing up and not cause a fiscal cliff, he said. That is what is at stake here. Supporters of the bill also emphasized that the change does not eliminate the program. Opponents warned that increasing the cost for students would limit access, particularly for low-income families. This is a tax increase on families that have kids that are going to higher education, said Sen. Michael Rohl, R-Aberdeen. The bill now heads to Gov. Larry Rhoden for his consideration. Mar. 7The Maine Attorney General ruled that a Waldo County sheriff's deputy was justified when he shot and killed a Belfast man who was swinging a burning gas can toward police. Daniel Ryan, 65, was killed by Sgt. Nicholas Oettinger in June 2024 after calling Waldo County dispatch and threatening to burn down a six-unit apartment building, according to the results of the investigation released Friday by the Office of the Maine Attorney General. "When Sgt. Oettinger shot Mr. Ryan, he reasonably believed that Mr. Ryan was posing an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death, not only to Sgt. Oettinger, but also to the other two officers accompanying him, as well as other individuals occupying units in the apartment building," Attorney General Aaron Frey wrote in his report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney general's office investigates all police uses of deadly force in Maine. It has never found a police shooting unjustified. Arriving officers from the Waldo County Sheriff's Office and Belfast Police Department could hear Ryan breaking glass and threatening to set the building on fire. After police had knocked the door down with a sledgehammer, Oettinger, armed with a rifle, entered the apartment, the report reads. Ryan then came out of a room holding a five-gallon gas can with "flames shooting out of the top" and was swinging it in the direction of the officers, according to investigators who reviewed the body camera footage. Oettinger then told Ryan to put his hands up and drop the can. When Ryan did not comply, he shot him out of concern that the flaming gas can would explode and hurt him and the other officers, he told investigators. Ryan was declared dead at the scene with gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen when firefighters went into the apartment to extinguish the flames. Copy the Story Link Video above: Ex-NOAA employee says layoffs could make forecasts less accurate TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Democrats representing Florida in Congress signed onto a letter urging the federal government to reconsider staffing cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) ahead of hurricane season. This comes amid reports that hundreds of jobs were slated to be slashed at the agency, totaling up to 10% of its workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Report: NOAA cuts impact meteorologists in Florida who track hurricanes In the letter, addressed to Office of Management & Budget Director Russell Vought, the eight congressional Democrats warned of potential negative impacts of workforce reductions at NOAA as part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. These cuts, particularly those affecting meteorologists and weather forecasters, pose an immediate and severe threat to hurricane preparedness and response in Florida and across the nation, the letter said. With less than three months to go until the official start of hurricane season, the lawmakers warned job cuts at NOAA would leave our state more vulnerable to extreme weather, potentially increasing the cost of disaster response and recovery while putting lives at greater risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane season is 100 days away: Here are the names Florida is still reeling from the devastation caused by three deadly storms in 2024. Slashing the workforces at NWS and NOAA cripples their ability to warn and protect the public, endangering millions of Americansespecially those in coastal and storm-prone regions like the Tampa Bay area, Tampa Bay area Rep. Kathy Castor said in a statement. These cuts are not just irresponsible; they are deathly dangerous and will leave us vulnerable to hurricanes and other disasters. The letter was signed by Rep. Castor, who represents Hillsborough and Pinellas counties; Rep. Darren Soto, who represents Orange, Osceola and Polk counties; Rep. Maxwell Frost, who represents Orange County; Rep. Lois Frankel, who represents Palm Beach County; Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who represents part of Palm Beach and Broward counties; Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who represents part of Palm Beach and Broward counties; Rep. Frederica Wilson, who represents part of Broward and Miami-Dade counties; and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who represents Broward County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Frankel called the situation a catastrophe waiting to happen. Rep. Wasserman Schultz criticized Florida Republicans who did not join Democrats in signing the letter. National Hurricane Center changes Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America I crafted this letter to protect NOAA and the NWS without partisan rhetoric, so my Republican colleagues could comfortably join forces with us, Rep. Wasserman Schultz said in a statement. Sadly, they refused to unite around our residents safety. I hope they speak privately with the President to head off this reckless effort. If they dont, I pray that none of them have reason to regret not speaking up. When asked about the staffing cuts last week, a NOAA spokesperson told WFLA the agency does not discuss internal personnel and management matters as per longstanding practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2025 hurricane season begins on June 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. During a meeting with his counterpart on March 6, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hailed the United Kingdom for "stepping up" in taking a lead among European allies to support Ukraine. "We are in the middle of a dynamic security environment, where on (the European) continent, President (Donald) Trump is calling on our European allies to take the lead, and you have done just that, sir," Hegseth told U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey during a press briefing in Washington. Hegseth further commended the U.K. for chairing the latest meeting of the Ukraine defense contact group: "And that's, again, the United Kingdom stepping up," Hegseth added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth's comments come amid shifting political dynamics within the United States as the Trump administration has ruled out sending its own troops to Ukraine as a security guarantee for the embattled nation instead encouraging European allies to take the lead in securing Ukraine's post-war stability. "You challenged us to step up on Ukraine, on defense spending, on European security. And I say to you that we have, we are, and we will further," Healey responded to Hegseth during the press briefing. Healey's comments come during the U.K. Defense Secretary's visit to the United States to discuss plans for peace in Ukraine. The meeting occurred as EU leaders were meeting in Brussels to discuss additional support for Ukraine. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on March 2 that a number of European nations, including the U.K. and France, are developing a 'coalition of the willing' that will include "planes in the air and boots on the ground" in an effort to negotiate a successful ceasefire in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters reported on March 6, citing diplomatic sources familiar with the matter, that France and the U.K. aim to finalize a peace plan with Ukraine "in days" to present to the United States. The comments from Hegseth come amid a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, with Trump echoing Kremlin narratives and accusing President Volodymyr Zelensky of prolonging the war. In recent days, the United States has significantly distanced itself from Ukraine by halting military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. The move follows a heated exchange in the Oval Office on Feb. 28 in which Zelensky and Trump got into an argument in front of reporters. Following the tense exchange, European leaders reaffirmed their support for Zelensky and Ukraine on Feb. 28 with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating that "Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It's up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Macron open to extending Frances nuclear protection to European allies amid threat from Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. CBS has filed a motion to dismiss President Donald Trumps $20 billion lawsuit over former Vice President Kamala Harris 60 Minutes interview last year, calling the suit an affront to the First Amendment without basis in law or fact. The president had previously claimed the outlet edited the interview in such a way as to attempt to make him look bad to voters, allegedly contributing to voter interference. He filed the lawsuit in October, months before taking office, prompting CBS to publicly release the unedited video of Harris last month in a bid to demonstrate there was nothing unusual or manipulative in the editing. All broadcast interviews are edited, if only for length to fit the format of a program. The suit by Trump is unusual in that it appears to aim at control of editing decisions made by news organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump filed suit in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Texas, stating the outlets actions violated the Texas Deceptive Practices Trade Act, a law that regulates commercial business practices. CBS responded Thursday, stating the suit lacked the proper venue as well as personal and subject-matter jurisdiction. Plaintiffs President Donald J. Trump and Representative Ronny Jackson, public officials at the highest ranks of our government, seek to punish a news organization for constitutionally protected editorial judgments they do not like, CBS attorneys wrote in court documents. This lawsuit is an affront to the First Amendment and is without basis in law or fact. They not only ask for $20 billion in damages but also seek an order directing how a news organization may exercise its editorial judgment in the future, the filing added. The First Amendment stands resolutely against these demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the case is not dismissed, attorneys also asked for the lawsuit to be transferred to the Southern District of New York, where the headquarters of CBS News is located. In a statement to Axios, Trump attorney Ed Paltzik said that the president is committed to holding those who traffic in fake news, hoaxes and lies to account. CBS and Paramount committed the worst kind of election interference and fraud in the closing days of the most important presidential election in history. President Trump will pursue this vital matter to its just and rightful conclusion. Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, is investigating the matter. The networks stinging attack was a surprise. CBS has been considering settling the suit to avoid further delaying a merger with Skydance Media in an $8 billion deal, which regulators in the Trump administration need to approve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First Amendment experts have voiced concerns over the case, stating the networks defense is solid as news editors have wide discretion as to what they can choose to air, with the only parameter being that the information must not be distorted. Editing is commonplace across news organizations. Network leaders had invited Trump to participate in his own 60 Minutes interview prior to the election but he refused. He did sit down with the program in 2020. Valerie McCray, the Democratic nominee, concedes on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) The crowded field of candidates vying to succeed outgoing Indiana Democratic Chair Mike Schmuhl got one more entrant on Friday, with psychologist Valerie McCray signaling her interest just ahead of the March 7 deadline. McCray joins four other contenders: former Allen County Democratic Party Chair Derek Camp; former Indiana Sen. Karen Tallian; at-large Gary Common Council Member Darren Washington; and former attorney general nominee Destiny Wells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former gubernatorial nominee and educator Jennifer McCormick dropped out of the race before the Friday deadline. Most recently, McCray ran on the Democratic ticket for U.S. Senate, losing to former U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, a Republican. Business as usual will not work, McCray said in a release. We must excite, unite, and expand our party to ensure its survival. I am committed to bridging the divide and building a stronger, more resilient Indiana Democratic Party. That starts with a bold plan to control the messaging narrative, robust training programs across our party infrastructure, and organizing at the precinct level. The three dozen electors who will ultimately choose Schmuhls successor havent yet been selected by party insiders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indiana Democratic Party holds votes in phases, with county chairs elected this past Saturday. From that pool come the 18 congressional district chairs and vice chairs who will be part of the bloc selecting the next party leader but, according to party rules, those electors wont be selected until March 8, one day after chair candidates must formally submit their paperwork. The remaining 17 or so voters include constituency caucuses and Democratic National Committee members. Democrats havent held a statewide office since 2018 and operate as a superminority party in both legislative chambers. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rep. Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.), while defending her vote to censure Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) on Thursday, urged her fellow Democrats to hold themselves to a higher standard. Pointing to Congresss low approval ratings, Gillen argued the decision was not unprecedented. There is a certain level of decorum and civility that should be adhered to on the floor. If Democrats want Republicans to adhere to those standards, then we have to make sure our own colleagues adhere to the same standards, Gillen said Thursday on NewsNations The Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not unprecedented, Gillen told host Blake Burman, referencing a similar resolution that Democrats supported in 2009 after Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) screamed you lie during former President Obamas joint address to Congress. That item expressed disapproval of Wilsons outburst but stopped short of a censure. The New York lawmaker was one of 10 Democrats who voted to censure Greens outburst during President Trumps speech to Congress Tuesday night. Green protested early in the speech when Trump was boasting about his 2024 presidential election victory and how it was a mandate from the American people. The Texas Democrat pushed back on the notion, saying he did not have a mandate to cut social programs such as Medicaid. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) warned those in attendance to maintain decorum and later directed the sergeant-at-arms to restore order. That led to Green, who is serving in his 11th term, being removed from the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) introduced a resolution that would censure Green for his protest. The House adopted the resolution with a 224-198-2 vote, making Green the 28th member of the lower chamber to be rebuked in history. And I think that we should hold ourselves to the same standard and look, the American people have indicated that their approval rating of Congress has never been lower, Gillen said Thursday. The New York Democrat noted that constituents want to see us working together and actually getting things done to improve their lives. Thats what Im trying to do every day on [Capitol] Hill, and when we have stunts like this, it doesnt instill any faith that Congress is actually doing that, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apart from Gillen, the nine other Democrats who voted to censure Green were Reps. Ami Bera (Calif.), Ed Case (Hawaii), Jim Costa (Calif.), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.), Jim Himes (Conn.), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.), Marcy Kaptur (Ohio), Jared Moskowitz (Fla.) and Tom Suozzi (N.Y.). Green and Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Ala.) both voted present. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. House Democratic leaders warned Friday that they wont back a long-term extension of current funding levels, which GOP leaders are teeing up for a vote next week. The top Democrats Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), Whip Katherine Clark (Mass.) and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (Calif.) said the Republicans bill is a partisan effort that threatens to cut funding for healthcare, nutritional assistance and veterans benefits through the end of the current fiscal year. That is not acceptable, the Democrats wrote Friday in a letter to fellow House Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers are racing to avert a shutdown before government funding runs out on March 14. Fridays letter amplifies a similar warning Jeffries delivered in the Capitol a day earlier. The Democrats are the minority party in the House, but their opposition to the spending bill could sink the effort because Republicans hold just a hairline majority and some GOP lawmakers have not committed their support for the proposal. Those dynamics are putting pressure on Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to unite his warring conference behind the spending bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), which would extend 2024 funding through September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson on Thursday predicted hell do just that. I believe well pass it along party lines, but I think every Democrat should vote for the CR, he told reporters in the Capitol. Democrats are critical of the CR strategy because they want to fund the government at higher levels, established under the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), which was supported by both parties in 2023. The top appropriators in both parties and both chambers have been in talks for months to secure a deal governed by the higher 2025 numbers. But Johnson has abandoned the effort, opting instead to keep the 2024 levels over the next six months. And Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said this week that he supports that plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not going to live through CRs every two weeks and all that kind of stuff, Cole told reporters Wednesday. The Speaker is very insistent that we go all the way to September. I agree with that decision. Democrats disagree, and theyre hoping their opposition to the CR will force Republicans back to the negotiating table. The top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, Rosa DeLauro, remains ready to negotiate a meaningful bipartisan spending agreement that puts working people first, the leaders wrote. The Democrats charged that the Republicans CR plan is part of a broader strategy to cut funding to federal programs to help offset President Trumps promised extension of tax cuts. They warned that the major social welfare programs wont be spared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Democrats would enthusiastically support a bill that protects Social Security, Medicare, veterans health and Medicaid, but Republicans have chosen to put them on the chopping block to pay for billionaire tax cuts, the leaders wrote. We cannot back a measure that rips away life-sustaining healthcare and retirement benefits from everyday Americans as part of the Republican scheme to pay for massive tax cuts for their wealthy donors like Elon Musk, they added. Medicaid is our redline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. House Democrats latest viral video attempt went embarrassingly awry. TikToker Sulhee Jessica Woo on Thursday shared a political take on the Choose Your Fighter riff of the Choose Your Character online trend in honor of Womens History Month. The clip shows Woo and Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Jasmine Crockett (Texas), Lauren Underwood (Ill.), Katherine Clark (Mass.), Judy Chu (Calif.) and Susie Lee (Nev.) appearing to jump into the screen and then pull fighting poses alongside a list of their skills. Dozens of critics on social media from all political persuasions summed up the video with one word: cringe. It follows criticism of other Democratic-led protests that have so far failed to hit the mark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump White House responded with its own take on the trend. Hey @HouseDemocrats, we fixed this for you, it captioned its version, featuring President Donald Trump and his top aides, that it shared on the Elon Musk-owned X platform, formerly known as Twitter. The text read: America Chose Its Fighters Last November. Related... BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- National lawmakers from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have dismissed a series of U.S. sanctions on the region under the pretext of so-called "forced labor." They also welcomed individuals from all over the world to see the real Xinjiang with their own eyes. About 100 Chinese and overseas journalists from more than 70 media outlets on Friday attended an open panel discussion of the Xinjiang delegation to the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC). Commenting on the U.S. so-called "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act" and "Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act," Ma Xingrui, an NPC deputy and secretary of the Xinjiang regional committee of the Communist Party of China, said the two documents "aim to hinder Xinjiang's progress and plunge the region back into poverty and backwardness, which could breed separatism that contains China's development." Noting that last year's World Media Summit in the regional capital of Urumqi welcomed 200 representatives from over 100 international media outlets, Ma said foreign correspondents conducted field investigations across the whole region, and their observations revealed no evidence substantiating claims of "forced labor" or "genocide." "I invite global journalists to embark on field investigations across the region to see a real Xinjiang, rather than be blindfolded by certain media focused on slandering Xinjiang," he added. Wang Mingshan, another NPC deputy who is also deputy director of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Xinjiang, said sanctions imposed by certain countries under the pretext of "forced labor" had severely infringed upon the rights and interests of Xinjiang enterprises, thus creating "forced unemployment" and "forced impoverishment." According to the International Labour Organization, the definition of "forced labor" entails three elements: "menace of any penalty," "involuntariness" as well as "work or service." "People of all ethnic groups can choose where to work and what to do based on their own will," said Wang. "The so-called 'forced labor' in Xinjiang is an outright pseudo-proposition." After visiting Xinjiang last year, Alena Douhan, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, said the unilateral sanctions threatened the rights of vulnerable groups in China and called for them to be lifted. "Xinjiang will never allow itself to be exploited or bullied," said Wang, adding that a 2024 resolution, passed by the region opposing U.S. sanctions, has provided enterprises with strong measures to combat hegemonism and power politics. "We encourage more enterprises to take up legal weapons and defend their legitimate interests and rights," Wang said. Democratic senators are asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate whether tech billionaire Elon Musk, a senior adviser to President Trump, is leveraging his government position to pressure advertisers into spending more on his social media platform, X. In a letter dated Wednesday to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the five senators pointed to recent reporting indicating that, in 2024, as Musk was preparing to take on his influential new role in the Trump administration, X was pressuring advertisers who boycotted the platform to return and threatening policy repercussions if advertisers do not cooperate. If Musk acts on threats that X is reportedly making to advertisers, and uses his government position to protect those who engage in business with him or harm those who do not then he risks running afoul of criminal ethics laws, read the letter sent by Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Cory Booker (N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Adam Schiff (Calif.) and Chris Van Hollen (Md.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Justice (DOJ) would have the responsibility to investigate such misconduct by a public official, they added. The letter comes after The Wall Street Journal reported last month that an attorney at X told the advertising conglomerate Interpublic Group to get its clients to spend more on Elon Musks social-media platform, or else. The threat came amid a pending merger between Interpublic and its biggest rival, Omnicom Group. That merger, the senators noted, requires review by antitrust enforcers such as the DOJ. Interpublic understood the implication of this threat: if its advertisers do not generate more revenue for X, it would face the risk that Musk could use his power in the Trump Administration to delay, or even block, Interpublics pending $13 billion dollar merger with its rival, the senators wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has reached out to DOJ and X for comment. The same group of senators sent a related letter to Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson and acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi of the DOJs antitrust division, asking them to independently evaluate the Interpublic merger that Musk may be threatening. The senators said they were concerned that officials at X could be attempting to strike a quid-pro-quo deal, pressuring Interpublic to get its clients to spend a certain amount on advertising on X in exchange for directing President Trump to use his antitrust enforcement agencies to allow Interpublics merger with Omnicom to proceed. Musk is not above the law by virtue of being the worlds richest man, they added. If evidence emerges that Musk is, in fact, using his official role to coerce advertisers or is participating in particular matters in which he has a financial interest, we ask that DOJ investigate the potential violation of federal ethics laws, as the Department should for any other federal employee who appears to be breaking the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WITH NO CONSTITUTIONAL POLICE TO ENFORCE our nations basic laws, the most practical check on a tyrannical president is Congresss power of the purse. And for the last couple of weeks, as the March 14 deadline for passing a government funding bill approaches, congressional Democrats have been moving toward asserting that power. Republicans need Democratic votes to pass a government-wide appropriations bill for the 2025 fiscal year. Democrats have counteredand rightly sothat theres no point in giving the president a new budget if he continues to defy the current one. Theyve made clear they will help only with guarantees that Elon Musk and DOGEs lawless impoundment of congressionally approved funding will end, and that every penny Congress provides will be spent as Congress directs. So what happens next? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keep reading to find out! But before you do, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. The Republican fallback position, since they wont stand up to Trump and Musk, has been to give up on a new funding bill, and to propose a long-term continuing resolution (or CR) instead. This would fund the government at current levels and with existing congressional mandates through the end of September. A CR could be seen as a small victory for Democrats. It would force Trump to live with a Biden approved budget, and prevent Republicans from changing spending levels or imposing their ideological vision for the rest of the year. And the alternative is to let the government shut down. But here is the problem: Large parts of the government are being shut down anyway, by Trump and Musk, without the consent of Congress. So a continuing resolution would only protect those parts of the government that Trump and Musk want to keep. It would fund multiple programs that are not in fact continuing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, the CR will provide more than $40 billion to USAID for public health, nutrition, and support for democracy around the world. Sounds great! But USAID has been reduced to a shell, its grants mostly terminated, its staff mostly fired. The CR will give $79 billion to the Department of Education, which the Trump administration is seeking to eliminate, $9 billion to the Environmental Protection Agency, which its new administrator, Lee Zeldin, plans to shrink by two-thirds, $47 billion to the National Institutes of Health, though much of its funding for research on diseases like cancer and Alzheimers has been frozen, and $684 million to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, though its headquarters has been shuttered. And so on, and so on. Join now The dilemma for Democrats who will be asked to vote for a continuing resolution is that this continuing resolution will be a lielike sending tuition money to a child who has dropped out of school. Barring further judicial or congressional intervention, the power of the purse will largely have been transferred from Congress to the billionaire and his pet president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what choices do Democrats have? One option would be to swallow a CR to the end of the fiscal year. An argument for this would be that maintaining government funding on paper would help the plaintiffs who are trying to persuade judges to unfreeze the funds Trump and Musk have already frozen. But Congress should not rely entirely on the courts to save the day. While the Supreme Court did rule this week that USAID must honor its agreements with several humanitarian organizations, it was only to pay them for contracted work they had already done. Even then, four Justices dissented from this narrow decision. Who knows how the Supreme Court will rule when the pivotal questions surrounding impoundment come before it. A better option for Democrats would be to agree to a much shorter CRsay, a month. That would allow Democrats to assess how the court battles are playing out and to keep negotiating a government funding bill with guardrails to ensure Trump actually abides by it. As for those guardrails, there are several approaches that Democratic appropriators have likely thought about. The most obvious would be to restate and even strengthen the provisions of the current Impoundment Control Act, which requires the president to seek timely congressional approval if he doesnt want to spend funds that Congress has approved for some program or purpose. But the administration is already disobeying this law, which it considers unconstitutional, and congressional Republicans have thus far rejected any language that places additional requirements on the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would suggest another approach, one that would empower Congress without forcing Trump to do anything newrequiring the comptroller general of the United States (a nonpartisan official appointed by Congress) to make monthly reports detailing any recent presidential impoundments of congressionally appropriated funds. Share The Bulwark This would be powerful because under current law, such reports by the comptroller trigger a mandatory congressional vote, and an impoundment is considered legal only if both the House and Senate approve it. Making them monthly would thus force the Republicans to take regular votes on Trumps refusal to spend funds on everything from cancer research to Meals on Wheels to implementing the CHIPS Act. Finally, Democrats have a nuclear optionto refuse to pass a CR, and allow the government to shut down until the Republicans agree to such safeguards. They could exercise it now, or after another short term funding extension, if nothing else seems to be working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever strategy Democrats choose, they need to understand that the fight theyre in is different from any fight theyve experienced in the past. Its not yet clear that all of them do. So far, the Democrats mantra has been that Trump and Musk are trying to cut Medicaid and other government programs to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Thats true, and its a potent argument. But its also the argument Democrats always use against Republicans. It makes the unprecedented crisis were in seem normal. In fact, Trump, Musk, and the ideologues around them are not primarily interested in cutting spending (like their authoritarian role models from Russia to Hungary, theyd likely be happy to see government checks from big social programs keep flowing). What they are interested in is power. They want to eliminate or downsize every part of the government that is dominated by nonpartisan civil servants who work for the people, rather than for a particular president. Their legislative agenda is to break the legislative branch, to reduce Congress to the status of an advisory body. And if no one stops them from impounding lawfully appropriated funds, thats what Congress will become. The American people will pay a terrible price for the destruction of our governments talent and capacity and from the shredding of our Constitution. Perhaps the pain we will suffer will cause more of us to vote for Democrats in two years. But the country cant afford to wait that long. The fight must be joined next week. Share PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco announced that a man was arrested Friday after he allegedly performed sexual acts next to sleeping kids while talking to an undercover detective on social media. Nocco said the suspect, Juan Lugo, was talking to an undercover detective who was posing as 14-year-old girl on Snapchat on Thursday night. The sheriff said Lugo was talking about wanting to have sex with the girl. At 11 p.m., Lugo was driving in Pasco County with his girlfriend. Nocco said Lugos girlfriend was pulled over in a traffic stop and arrested for possession of meth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman, who is the mother of 7 and 9 year old kids, was taken to jail. Nocco said Lugo went back to the house to babysit the kids. He started talking to the undercover detective again on Snapchat and told them look who Im babysitting, the sheriff said. Nocco said Lugo then continued to ask the undercover questions that were sexual in nature. Missing teen lured to mans home was killed, dismembered: St. Pete police Nocco said Lugo eventually told the detective Hey, I want to drive over to Daytona, pick you up, so you can have sex with a 7 and 9 year old. Nocco said Lugo started smoking meth and performing a sexual act next to the 7 and 9 year old while they were sleeping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The detective notified the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, who tracked Lugo. Nocco said the deputies pulled up to Lugos house 30 minutes later. He said Lugo was wearing the same clothes as he was in the videos and matched the suspects description. Lugo was arrested and taken into custody for performing lewd and lascivious acts, Nocco said. Hes a demon. This guy has done bad things around kids, Nocco said. Nocco said Lugo also had warrants of Rhode Island. Very lengthy and violent history in Rhode Island, the sheriff said. Nocco said more charges are pending for Lugo. Investigators believe there may be more victims in this case. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pasco County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Workers with area labor unions rallied in the QCA in support of federal employees. The demonstration happened outside of Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meekss office in Davenport. Protesters called on Miller-Meeks to stand up to President Trump and Elon Musk after thousands of federal employees were laid off under the Trump administration. Seven thousand federal employees live in Iowas First Congressional District. Union members say the firings have a widespread impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Quad Cities News reached out to Miller-Meekss office for comment on the rally. We got a statement from her spokesperson: Losing a job can be an incredibly tough and emotional experience. Earlier today, President Trump made it clear that secretaries are responsible for workforce changes, and we will actively press them to ensure every decision is carefully reviewed before being finalized. Office of Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. President Donald Trump discussed immigration, among other topics, during his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. Former Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia joins Cuomo to discuss how Democrats acted during the speech. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. House Democrats have drafted a resolution to condemn Republican leaders after the GOPs campaign arm falsely portrayed a Hispanic lawmaker as an illegal immigrant. Led by Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), the resolution denounces the attack on Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) by the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) as a vile and xenophobic smear. It seeks to condemn, formally, the GOPs entire leadership team for calling into question the citizenship of their colleague. [X]enophobic and anti-immigrant rhetoric has no place in Congress, reads a draft of the resolution obtained by The Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Espaillat, the head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, aired a Spanish-language response to President Trumps prime-time address to Congress on Tuesday, accusing Trump of governing more like a king than a president. The video prompted the NRCC to respond with a social media post hammering Espaillats message while claiming hes living in the country illegally. Democrats literally chose an illegal immigrant to give their response to President Trumps address, the NRCC posted on the social platform X. Predictably, this radical called Trumps presidency a reign of terror. Democrats couldnt be more disconnected from the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim was false: Espaillat emigrated from the Dominican Republic as a child, and while his family overstayed their initial tourist visa, they obtained green cards within a year. Espaillat has been a U.S. citizen for more than four decades. With that in mind, the NRCCs message drew an immediate backlash from immigrant rights advocates and Democrats on Capitol Hill, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who went after the NRCC in kind. These people are disgusting, Jeffries wrote on X. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) was even more forceful. Whoever is the intern @NRCC that tweeted this racist s needs to be fired, wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for the NRCC dismissed the criticisms on Thursday, defending the post as merely an assertion of facts, since Espaillat had once lived in the country illegally. Democrats caring more about policing words and fighting facts instead of policing our border and fighting crime shows just how out of touch they are, the spokesman said in an email. The defense did little to appease Espaillat, who said the NRCCs attack was just the latest example of Republican disdain for immigrants as the GOP has shifted toward more isolationist policies under President Trump. [The] Republican Party has been invaded by xenophobes and anybody that doesnt look exactly like them, they consider to be an illegal, Espaillat said Thursday in the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unfortunate that they are not aware of the diversity of our nation its made up by people from all over the world and so theyre profiling, he continued. They know my story, and they know that I became a legal resident and a citizen and I used the paths that were established by the law to do that. And they dont recognize that, because to them, anybody else that looks like that, is an illegal. Its not the first time in recent days that attacks on immigrants have stirred controversy in Washington. Last week, Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) had questioned whether Elon Musk, the billionaire Trump ally who was born in South Africa, has American interests in mind as he leads the administrations efforts to gut the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Musk has just been here 22 years, and hes a citizen of three countries, Kaptur said. I always ask myself the question: With the damage hes doing here, when push comes to shove, which country is his loyalty to? The remarks were quickly condemned by Republicans, who accused Democrats of hypocrisy when it comes to their position on immigrant rights. Emily Brooks contributed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Three months ago, the Danish postal service celebrated its 400th birthday describing itself as a backbone of society and lauding its great service for the oldest postal service in Scandinavia. But three months is a long time. On Thursday, Danes awoke to the news that its state-run postal service, PostNord, would end all letter deliveries by the end of the year. Despite Danes sending more than 100 million letters last year, with 271,000 being reliant on physical mail to complete day-to-day activities, the postal service said it would deliver its last letter on December 30 and start removing its 1,500 letter boxes as early as June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PostNord cited a 90pc decline in letter volumes since the turn of the century as the reason for its abrupt decision. With Royal Mail expecting letter volumes to be down to 80pc of their peak within the next four years, and on Friday announcing a further rise in the price of stamps, is the writing on the wall for Britains beleaguered postal service as well? It certainly makes for worrying viewing when you look at the steps the Danes took in advance of scrapping letter deliveries. The postal service raised the price of stamps, so that it costs 2.82 to send a letter in Denmark, and similarly made job cuts to try and stem its losses. It repeatedly warned that letter volumes were declining and that it needed to innovate while lobbying the Danish government to water down its equivalent of the Universal Service Obligation (USO). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, it was successful, and its government agreed that it would no longer have to deliver mail to all parts of Denmark. Under its USO, Royal Mail must deliver letters six days a week to all 32 million addresses in Britain for the price of a stamp, but it has spent the past four years lobbying to have this commitment reduced. It looks set to be successful with Ofcom, its regulator, proposing Royal Mail should only deliver second-class letters every other weekday and not on Saturdays, claiming this would save between 250m and 450m annually. And while the price of a stamp may not have reached Danish levels, it has risen by almost 75pc in two years with a first-class stamp in March 2023 costing 95p and today being 1.65. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From April 7, stamp prices will increase further with a first-class stamp costing 1.70 and a second-class stamp costing 87p. It represents the fifth increase for first-class stamps since 2022. Dinah Johnson, founder of The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society, said she feared Royal Mail was following a similar path to the Danish postal service. She said: I just dont think anyone is going to be able to stop our postal services demise. We live in a time where leave it long enough and theyll forget or give up about it is the norm. I appreciate the world has gone digital for better or worse but the sticking point for me is that our postal services are just that a service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, said the Danish postal services decision represented a wake-up call for Britain. He said: This is not something that anybody should allow to passively sleepwalk into, and the example of Denmark shows the jeopardy if the Government and the management of Royal Mail gets this wrong. People of Britain and rural communities have been well served by the USO under successive governments and it is right we have a universal service but at the same time do so in a way that uses the best of modern technology. Royal Mail made a loss of 348m last year compounding a 419m loss the year previous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its parent company, International Distribution Services (IDS), has warned the National Insurance rise in April will add 120m in costs for the company, and that this would be reflected in further job losses and stamp price increases. Royal Mail is in the process of being bought by Czech billionaire, Daniel Kretinsky, after IDS accepted a 3.6bn takeover offer, but the deal is being examined by the Government to scrutinise any national security risks. Mr Kretinsky has previously refused to rule out price rises, warning it was simple maths that the company had to stem its losses. Royal Mail was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. DENVER (KDVR) Denver police said a shooting victim died at a hospital after a shooting on Speer Boulevard on Thursday that led to a police pursuit and investigation on Federal Boulevard. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox On Thursday just after noon, the Denver Police Department posted on X that officers were investigating a shooting on the 2700 block of Speer Boulevard. This is a few blocks away from the Mile High Stadium parking lots. The department said officers set up a perimeter further south in the area of Federal Boulevard and West 20th Avenue after pursuing a possible suspect and were working to contact the suspect as of 12:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 12:50 p.m., officers said they were working to contact the suspect. At 6:45 p.m., the agency said the victim of the shooting had died. The department had a suspect in custody, being held for investigation of first-degree murder. FOX31s Heather Willard contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied reports that President Donald Trump planned to sign an executive order that would dismantle the Department of Education. ABC News, citing unnamed sources, reported earlier in the day that the order was pulled ahead of an planned ceremony on Thursday. Sources told ABC News that a draft of the executive order called on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to facilitate a department closure by taking all necessary steps permitted by law. Dolly shares love note to family, friends and fans after husband Carl Deans death The Department of Education regulates services for 50 million students across the country. Its purpose is to ensure equal educational opportunities, complement the efforts of the states, and promote student achievement in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does this by providing funds, identifying issues and focusing national attention on them, and enforcing statutes prohibiting discrimination against students. The department is not responsible for developing curriculum, determining state education standards, setting requirements for graduation and enrollment, or establishing schools. Just to put a lens on where we need support, where we need to be putting support and making sure that were providing equal and equitable opportunities for all kids whether theyre in rural areas, urban areas or suburban areas, said Tennessee State Representative and former teacher Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville). Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky said in a press release that he believes states and local communities are best shaped to meet the needs of students. Major food distributor breaks ground on first Tennessee facility with $40M investment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States and local communities are best positioned to shape curricula that meet the needs of their students. Schools should be accountable, Massie said. Parents have the right to choose the most appropriate educational opportunity for their children, including home school, public school, or private school. Abolishing the department could negatively affect special education students and those in lower income households. This department in particular, it is the most vulnerable in our public schools. It is the disabled, it is the rural kids, it is the urban kids, and it is our vocational programs. Its really going after the most vulnerable in our society, Johnson said. And again, we have to reiterate, the feds dont decide where this money goes. State and local programs decide that. See more top stories on WATE.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eliminating the department altogether would require congressional approval. In its place, President Trump wants individual states to have more control of education policy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. NEW DELHI, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Authorities on Friday pressed in cadaver dogs to intensify the rescue operation inside a collapsed tunnel in the southern Indian state of Telangana, where eight people remain trapped since Feb. 22. The cadaver dogs belonging to the police were airlifted to aid the rescuers in tracing the trapped workers. "This morning cadaver dogs and their handlers went inside the tunnel to locate the trapped humans," an official said. "Yesterday rescue officials went inside the tunnel and prepared a plan on how and where to take the dogs to look for human presence." The collapse took place inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, about 207 km south of Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana. According to officials, 50 people were inside the tunnel at the time of the collapse. While 42 survived by rushing out immediately, eight who were believed to be at the bottom end at that time could not come out. Immediately after the collapse, authorities launched a massive rescue operation and brought rescuers from the Indian army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Navy and a group of rat-hole miners to pull out the trapped men from the tunnel. The rescuers braved a massive pileup of mud and water. However, so far no breakthrough has been achieved. Officials said the cadaver dogs of the Belgian Malinois breed are specially trained to locate missing humans and human bodies. These dogs are said to have the efficiency to detect smell even from a depth of 15 feet. VOLINIA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) An Indiana man was taken to the hospital after a crash near Decatur Thursday afternoon, deputies say. Around 12:37 p.m., deputies with the Cass County Sheriffs Office were called to a crash on Decatur Road near Dewey Lake Street in Volinia Township. They found that a vehicle driven by a 48-year-old Allegan woman had been driving north on Decatur Road when it crossed the center line into the other lane of traffic and crashed into a vehicle driven by a 48-year-old Indiana man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was taken to the hospital by ambulance with injuries deputies say were not life-threatening. The crash is being investigated, the sheriffs office said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. CHOCOWINITY, N.C. (WNCT) During Wednesdays storm on Mar. 5, 2025, deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office responded to a call for two horses and a pony in the road. The call came around 1:16 p.m. for the area of Taylor Road. Deputies arrived and quickly took action to ensure the safety of the animals and the public. With the cooperation and assistance of locals, deputies successfully corralled the horses and pony back to their fenced pasture without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office reminds people to regularly check their fencing, especially following severe weather to prevent animals from escaping their enclosures. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. UPDATE (3/7) The Anderson County Sheriffs Office shared that the body of Kaleb Killy was located Thursday night by the Tennessee State Patrol Unit. It was reported that Killy took his own life. ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Deputies with the Anderson County Sheriffs Office are searching for a missing and endangered man. According to the sheriffs office, Kaleb Killy was last seen Thursday in Liberty. Investigators said Killy might be driving a Volkswagen Passat and is heading out of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you see Killy, deputies advise against approaching him, but report seeing him to the sheriffs office immediately. Anyone with information about Killys whereabouts is asked to call (864) 260-4400, or submit a tip anonymously online. Reference case number is 2025-02886. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) The Monongalia County Sheriffs Office announced Friday afternoon that the wrong man was arrested earlier this week in a negligent homicide case that involved the death of a man in Cheat Lake in January. On March 4, the sheriffs office reported that Singh Sukhjinder, 37, the man wanted for negligent homicide in the January collision on Interstate 68 that led to the death of Kevin Lataille, had been arrested in Phoenix, Ariz. The sheriffs office said that it had received information that Sukhjinder was in the area and requested cooperation from local law enforcement. Kidnapping suspect threatened to take victim to middle of nowhere West Virginia and shoot her, deputies say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after midnight on March 4, the sheriffs office said it received a confirmation request of Sukhjinders warrant from the Phoenix Police Department during a traffic stop, and that the subject of the traffic stop was taken into custody. However, later that day, the Monongalia County Sheriffs Office learned that the man who was arrested in Phoenix was not the suspect and merely had a name and identifiers that were similar to Sukhjinder. The man arrested in Phoenix is no longer in custody. After learning of this, the Monongalia County Sheriffs office continued its search for Sukhjinder and was able to locate the real suspect on March 6 in Fontana, CA through cooperation with law enforcement in San Bernardino County. Sukhjinder is currently being held in the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, California and is scheduled to appear in San Bernardino Superior Court on Monday, March 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Jason Weida, Gov. Ron DeSantis' chief of staff and former AHCA Secretary (Photo via AHCA) A March 1 deadline for the DeSantis administration to submit to the Legislature a report on the immigration status of hospital patients came and went without the report being delivered. Neither the Senate nor the Florida House of Representatives had received the statutorily required report by the deadline, according to legislative aides. The report was mandated by a 2023 immigration law passed by the Legislature before Gov. Ron DeSantis failed presidential bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis Communications Director Bryan Griffin on Sunday attributed the missed deadline to not having all the hospital data on time. The state Agency for Health Care Administration did not respond this week to a request for the latest edition of the report. But former AHCA Secretary Jason Weida in January told members of a House health care budget subcommittee that the report, covering calendar year 2024, shows that hospitals provided roughly $572 million in health care to illegal aliens. We all look forward to hopefully addressing those issues in the very near future, Weida, who is now DeSantis chief of staff, told the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee on Jan. 15. Unless the findings have changed, that would be about the same amount as in last years report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first edition of the annual report tracked hospital data from June 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023, and 10 years of hospital audited financial data. It found that fewer than 1% of all Florida hospital admissions and emergency room visits involved patients who self-reported as not legally residing in the United States. AHCA estimated that hospitals provided more than $573 million in health care services to patients who were not in the country legally. AHCA, though, was unable to determine how much of that care provided to migrants was uncompensated or find any obvious correlation between the level of uncompensated care and the level of illegal aliens presenting at the hospital. The report for 2023 also stated that high levels of uncompensated care are more associated with rural county status than illegal immigration percentages. There also did not appear to be a correlation between total profitability and illegal immigration percentages. All the counties that had negative profit margins had below average illegal immigration ratios. AHCA subsequently posted a different iteration of the report on a public dashboard; that report didnt include that information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature appropriated an additional $577,000 to AHCA in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget for the staff and resources necessary for its data collection efforts for migrants and nursing homes. Florida Phoenix reporter Jay Waagmeester contributed this report. This story has been updated to include comment from the DeSantis administration. Gov. Ron DeSantis has been talking a lot about how unfair property taxes are, and how hed like to see the end of them in Florida even if that isnt likely in the last two years of his second term. Some of his GOP colleagues are taking him up on the challenge, pledging to phase them out over the next eight years. But there are few details on how they will make up the approximately $50 billion in revenues those taxes generate for schools, law enforcement, utilities, water management districts and more. We are here on the second day of the regular session of 2025 to announce the beginning of the end of property taxes in the free state of Florida, said Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, R-Belleview. State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, seen here at a Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony in 2024, sponsored a bill last year to require a study examining the impacts of phasing out property taxes. Chamberlin sponsored a bill last year to require a study examining the impacts of phasing out property taxes. The bill didnt pass but a similar version (SB 852) has been filed this year by Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And even if the study doesnt move forward, Chamberlin has a bill (HB 357) to install a $100,000 exemption on all properties homesteaded and non-homesteaded by putting the measure before voters in the 2026 election. Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, also has a bill (SB 1016) to expand the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $75,000. Chamberlin said cutting and eventually removing all property taxes is needed in the face of a housing affordability crisis in the state. He noted property tax revenues have risen 40% on average across the state in the last four years. Those property taxes, however, bring in about $50 billion in revenue for local governments, helping to fund critical services, such as public schools, law enforcement and some utilities. To remove that revenue stream, lawmakers would need to find a way to make up the money Florida also doesn't have a state income tax to avoid closing schools and slashing police budgets, for instance. And if the Sunshine State got rid of property taxes, it'd be the first to do so. Property taxes are local, not state. So wed need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60% of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform/lower them We should put the boldest amendment on the ballot that has a chance of getting that https://t.co/WpOQmjNl0X Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 13, 2025 The challenge: Finding another source of revenue Although he doesnt have a concrete plan in place yet, Chamberlin said hes hopeful DeSantis efforts to find bloat in local governments, combined with an increase in sales taxes could make up for the loss of property taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent weeks DeSantis has continually stressed the unfairness of property taxes, saying that an annual levy on someones home means it can never really be owned, merely rented from the government. Moreover, rising home values are theoretical, DeSantis maintains, based on an estimate of market value, not an actual sale price. As those values have risen in recent years, the taxes are pinching residents, he said. If property appraisers are saying your house is 20% more, even if you have a homestead (exemption) it doesnt provide you full protection, DeSantis said Wednesday at a press conference in Tampa. Rep. Fentrice Driskell speaks at an organization session held by Florida legislature at the Florida Capitol Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. For decades, though, lawmakers have sought to cut or limit spiking property taxes. In 1995 the Save Our Homes amendment capped increases in the assessed value of homesteaded properties at 3% per year. Non-homestead properties also have assessed value hikes capped at 10% per year. But Floridas rampant growth means rising values have pushed revenues for many local governments higher, even without increasing property tax rates. That growth, though, also means a greater need for the services local governments provide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have noted any tax swap that increases sales taxes while removing property taxes would be regressive, requiring poorer residents to pay more while wealthier property owners pay fewer taxes as a portion of their income. Some Democrats also are skeptical a dramatic reduction, much less the complete elimination of property taxes, can be done without large cuts to vital services. The governor never talks about what services he would cut if we move forward with that proposal. So which teacher would the governor fire? said House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell of Tampa. Which law enforcement officer would he tell to go home? Does he not want trash picked up in a timely manner in these neighborhoods? At DeSantis urging, Republicans in the Legislature passed a bill in 2021 to prevent local governments from cutting their police budgets without approval from the state. Its unclear how that would be possible if property taxes were eliminated, but Chamberlin said that phasing them out over time will allow the state to prevent any deep cuts to law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got plenty of room to take care of lowering peoples taxes immediately while we figure out this plan, Chamberlin said. Were not looking to cut funding out of police departments, as a matter of fact Im looking to fund them more with a new structured plan thats even smarter. This wouldnt be the first time lawmakers have tried to end property taxes. As House Speaker in 2008, Marco Rubio tried to phase them out, only to run into similar concerns over replacing the tax with an increased sales tax. Even some Republicans are wary of taking such a big step. Everybody in this building is sitting around talking about this whole tax issue, said Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, who served as Senate president the previous two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of people who own property that are paying taxes that dont live here. I feel pretty uncomfortable about some of these broad, sweeping statements about eliminating property taxes. I think we should caution our members as to the outcomes if we just do that. Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis: Property taxes unfair. Can Florida afford to drop them? States and cities are planning to do street-level immigration enforcement despite concerns about racial profiling. (Photo: John Partipilo) As the Trump administration seeks more partners to help round up immigrants living in the United States illegally, some states and cities are eager to step up, despite risks of racial profiling. Florida, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia and even Arizonas Democratic governor are pursuing statewide plans to help find immigrants for possible deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the number of state and local agencies planning task force agreements with the feds to do street-level immigration enforcement has reached 121 departments in 12 states: Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. The sudden ramping up of the local task force agreements which led to racial profiling lawsuits 20 years ago when they were common in Republican and Democratic states is a sign that the Trump administration wants more deportations, said Tom Wong, an associate professor and director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Center at the University of California, San Diego. These agreements are intended to be the force multiplier they need in order to enact mass deportations. The Trump administration is using all the tools at its disposal to try to ramp up the identification and detention of undocumented immigrants, Wong said. President Donald Trump wants to move quickly: He recently reassigned Caleb Vitello, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to a different post because immigration arrests and deportations werent as robust as Trump wanted. The United States would need to deport more than 2,700 people a day to meet his goal of 1 million a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doris Meissner, who held top positions in the former Immigration and Naturalization Service in the Reagan and Clinton administrations, said the task force agreements had basically disappeared in recent years because of their reputation for leading to racial profiling and over-policing in immigrant communities. The agreements were discontinued in 2012 during the Obama administration. That has changed dramatically and quickly with the new Trump administration, Meissner said in an interview. [The agreements] are now on a list of ramping-up actions were seeing in pursuit of mass deportations. The administration is increasingly pressuring state and local authorities to help with immigration arrests traditionally reserved for federal agents, according to a February report by the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank where Meissner is now director of the U.S. immigration policy program. Focus on crime Along with state and local law enforcement agencies, the Trump administration has enlisted federal agencies that have never before played a role in immigration enforcement: the Internal Revenue Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Migration Policy Institute report found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One result of local involvement, according to a report Wong authored in 2019, is that once residents know that local police could question and arrest them on immigration charges, they are less likely to report crimes when they are victims or witnesses. The new task force agreements allow local law enforcement, after training, to investigate immigration violations during day-to-day patrol duties. Sheriff Larry Kendrick in Owyhee County, Idaho, said he opted for it because voters in the county want it. My constituents support President Trump, Kendrick said. And of course me. I support the presidents mission 100%. I will do anything in my power to assist him. Kendrick said he doesnt expect non-criminal immigrants, such as those staffing local dairy farms, to get any trouble from his deputies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We havent had any crime, really, out of that, Kendrick said. The main thing that bothers me is fentanyl. Wong said its typical for counties such as Owyhee County, which voted almost 83% for Trump last year, to be eager to join forces on immigration. But non-criminal immigrants are still likely to pay a price, he said. It is naive for local officials to think they will only focus on things like fentanyl, when most of the immigration enforcement functions are going to identify undocumented immigrants, likely with no criminal history, Wong said. Most officials do stress the importance of removing criminals when calling for more task force agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In announcing the revived task force program, border czar Tom Homan said he planned to prioritize criminals but also expected to deport people living here illegally even if they had no criminal record. We promised a mass deportation and thats exactly what were going to do, Homan told sheriffs at a February conference. New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, said in a statement she supports state and local law enforcement agencies applying for the new task force cooperation agreements. Criminals who are in our country illegally and pose a danger should be apprehended and removed, she wrote. No renewed interest Some areas that made use of the agreements decades ago are not interested in trying it again. In 2010 there were 40 such agreements in 19 states, including nine in Virginia and seven in Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To date there are no agreements in Virginia or Arizona, though Arizonas Democratic governor, Katie Hobbs, signed an executive order Feb. 25 calling for an unspecified partnership with federal authorities in the states four border counties. The goal is stopping more fentanyl and human trafficking and not to indiscriminately round people up, according to Hobbs statement. Arizona sheriffs have not heard anything specific about the governors plan, said David Rhodes, the Republican sheriff of Yavapai County and president of the Arizona Sheriffs Association. Yavapai County voted heavily for Trump. And much of the nations fentanyl supply is smuggled over Arizonas highways, Rhodes said, so hes happy to cooperate with federal authorities on immigration. But hes not sure he wants the task force model if it means he and his deputies will have to single people out based on appearance to ask about immigration status. I dont know how you could even tell from looking at somebody that theyre here illegally or not. So we dont do that. Thats very risky, very close to racial profiling there, Rhodes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE guidelines issued in February say racial profiling is simply not something that will be tolerated under the new task force agreements. In Virginia, which had the most task force agreements of any state in 2010, no sheriff has yet shown interest, said John Jones, executive director of the Virginia Sheriffs Association. However Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order Feb. 27 requiring state police to sign a task force agreement and local jails to cooperate with the state task force. In North Carolina, a bill progressing in the state Senate would mandate state agencies cooperate with federal immigration authorities, but does not include specifics. In Hudson County, New Jersey, one of the few urban, immigrant-friendly Democratic areas that had a task force agreement in 2010, leaders have no interest in trying it again, said county spokesperson Mark Cygan. Since 2018, the state has had an immigrant trust directive directing local authorities not to cooperate with federal immigration authorities or ask about immigration status during routine police work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the sort of abuses there have been, and listening to our constituents and advocates that work on immigrant right here in Hudson County, we realized this policy just wasnt going to work out for our county anymore. So we dropped out of the agreement, Cygan said. Editors note: This story has been updated with new agreements announced as of March 5. 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ISTANBUL, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged here on Friday a strong diplomatic foundation for realizing a just and lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia. "We draw attention to the importance of a solid foundation whereby both of the warring parties are present at the negotiating table for a just, permanent, and honorable peace," Erdogan said when addressing an online meeting organized by the European Union. "We advocate for an immediate declaration of ceasefire, as well as the idea of the cessation of aerial and maritime aggression as a confidence-building measure," he added, noting that Turkiye firmly supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence. On Thursday, the semi-official Anadolu Agency, citing anonymous Defense Ministry sources, reported that Turkiye might consider contributing troops to a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine if necessary. A "new detail" could help solve the mystery of when legendary actor Gene Hackman and wife, Betsy Arakawa, died, according to a retired New York Police Department inspector. The new details comes just a few hours before the Santa Fe Sheriff's office is scheduled to give an update on the case. "Santa Fe Country Sheriff Adan Mendoza will be joined by officials from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator and the New Mexico Department of Health in a joint news conference to report updates in the death investigation of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. Santa Fe City Fire Department officials will also be in attendance," the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Paul Mauro isn't assigned to the case, he revealed how cameras in the area could help police nail down the time frame of their deaths. While no cameras were found on the premises, Maura believes cameras from the gated community could tell the story. Gene Hackman in a scene from the film 'Twice In A Lifetime', 1985. Archive Photos/Getty Images "It's a gated community. So, there are probably cameras at the gate and on the streets. The neighbors almost certainly have Ring cameras," Mauro told Fox News. "The digital evidence is going to show investigators, in a very pointed way, at what point, whatever occurred, occurred. You're going to get a narrow window that you can work with.... You can pull the Ring camera from the neighbors, pull the camera from the front gate, from the surrounding areas. You can see any cars going in and out." Mauro went on to suggest that the cars of Hackman and Arakawa could help in determining where they went before their deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Cars these days are rolling computers... what if the last time they were in the car they went to a doctor they have never gone to before or something like that?" he posited. "Then you're going to follow that up because it's going to have a GPS in there... You can say, 'Well, the day before she died, looks like she was at a pharmacy and re-upped her pills, and she got a pill that she'd never gotten before.' Maybe she had a bad reaction to it. Did he find her and was he going for help and fell? These are all theories you have to entertain, and the digital evidence will lead you there." New details will be unveiled during the news conference at 4 p.m. EST on Friday afternoon. Related: Pathologist Lists 3 Possible Causes of Death for Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy More than 15 million birds have been depopulated across Ohio because of the bird flu. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine spoke in Darke County Thursday, detailing his plan for the disease. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7s Mason Fletcher was at the Versailles Fire Department as DeWine addressed state agriculture leaders. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeWines biggest point was asking for federal help with the disease. The federal government is really going to have to accelerate research that is being done, DeWine said. DeWine says he will be speaking with the Secretary of Agriculture soon to ask for federal help. The bird flu is having an impact on the economy, especially in grocery stores. Its really kind of sad right now the way the economy is, Xenia resident Marlene Norris said. According to the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture Brian Bladridge, over 30 percent of laying birds in Ohio have been killed as a result of the bird flu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norris says she may have to cut back on her baking. I try to limit what I do with the eggs that I have, Norris said. I spread it around, depending on what Im going to do that week. The Ohio Poultry Association says it may be a while before egg prices return to normal. When we are decreasing, as we have the supply and the demand has remained the same, its very difficult for that to happen until we get back into production, Jim Chakeres with the Ohio Poultry Association said. Stores in the area have been displaying signs saying there is a limited supply of eggs. Some people in the community have decided to take their egg needs into their own hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Personally, I have my own chickens. I dont buy the eggs, Don Johnson from Xenia said. Johnson says he knows several people who have started their own back-yard coops. However, bird flu may no longer be on the rise. According to the Ohio Health Department, there were 18 bird flu detections the last week of January. That number is down to zero for the first week of March. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] BINGHAMTON N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A Binghamton bakery that was recently taken over by its 4th generation is receiving a prestigious New York State designation. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo visited Di Rienzo Brothers Bakery to announce that the 120 year-old establishment has been named to the state Historic Business Preservation Registry. The registry recognizes businesses that are at least 50 years-old and have made a significant cultural contribution to their community. The bakery was founded by Italian immigrant Gaetano Di Rienzo in 1904 and still uses the same Italian bread recipe. His grandsons Luigi, Felice, Carmen and Anthony added a deli to the Henry Street location in the early 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Carmens children, Stacey Root and Chris Di Rienzo are helping their father run the business. Chris says that in addition to the classic Italian breads and rolls, theyre planning to add new styles like brioche, sourdough and ciabatta breads. Were hoping to continue with that local community. This bread is all made right here, right in Binghamton, New York. We try to keep as many products right here in Binghamton, New York and every loaf is made with love, Di Rienzo said. Di Rienzo says all of their breads are made and delivered fresh with just a few ingredients and that they can custom make bread products requested by local restaurants. The deli has also become famous locally for its year-round Friday fish fry which becomes even more popular during Lent. But Chris says it all was the result of a mistake. His uncle Louie ordered rotisserie ovens in the 80s to start selling chicken out of the deli, but the restaurant supply company delivered fryers instead. And thus, the fried fish business was born. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warning, the deli closes at 5:30 on Fridays and has been known to run out of fish before then. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. Its a viral Instagram post that makes a startling claim. President Trump has ordered over 100 million hectares of forest the equivalent of 280 million acres to be chopped down, reads the text superimposed over a photo of towering redwoods. Thats nearly three times the size of California. As of Friday afternoon, this particular post has been shared more than 100,000 times. Similar posts claiming that Trump has ordered logging companies to cut 280 million acres of trees in National Forests and protected public lands have surfaced on other social media sites as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But are they accurate? Heres everything you need to know. Where is this coming from? On March 1, Trump quietly signed an executive order called Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production. In it, the president bemoaned heavy-handed Federal policies that have forced our Nation to rely upon imported lumber, thus exporting jobs and prosperity and compromising our self-reliance. He also claimed such policies have contributed to wildfire disasters. The United States has an abundance of timber resources that are more than adequate to meet our domestic timber production needs, he continued. It is vital that we reverse these policies and increase domestic timber production to protect our national and economic security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rest of the order laid out Trumps plan to accomplish that. So what is Trumps plan? Trump directed the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to come up with ways to facilitate increased timber production and improve the speed of approving forestry projects. He instructed the departments of agriculture and the interior to exempt "timber thinning" and "timber salvage" from the National Environmental Policy Act meaning the government would no longer require environmental assessments or environmental impact statements before approving those activities. And perhaps most important, Trump told the same agencies to use the emergency regulations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to "the maximum extent permissible" under existing law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the same day Trump issued his American timber production order, he also put out another order launching an investigation into whether imports of these products threaten to impair national security. Usually, the ESA shields about 400 species that live in Americas national forests grizzly bears, spotted owls, wild salmon from actions that would destroy their habitats. But the government can bypass those protections in certain situations, such as "acts of God, disasters, casualties, national defense or security emergencies. In theory, Trump could declare a national security emergency over, say, imported Canadian lumber once his investigation concludes and then use emergency ESA exemptions to help the logging industry cut down more trees on public land. Roughly a quarter of the lumber used in the U.S. comes from Canada. How many acres are at risk? In Trumps executive order, he targeted timber from Federal lands managed by the BLM and the USFS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USFS manages 193 million acres of forest and woodlands, according to its website. The BLM manages 58 million acres, according to its website. Thats 251 million acres in total not quite the 280 million figure thats been circulating on social media (and in some news reports), but still a lot. Whether all 251 million acres are actually in danger of being chopped down or clear cut, however, is a different question. Even in the most extreme scenario, the U.S. logging industry wouldnt have the sawmills or workers required to ramp up and raze forests nearly three times the size of California within the next four years. The bottom line Trumps recent moves make it clear that he wants to reduce, streamline or circumvent environmental regulations in order to increase domestic timber production and reduce imported timber from places like Canada. Even Trumps new Forest Service chief is a former timber industry lobbyist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That signals more trees will be cut down. How many more remains to be seen. Ultimately, Trump is unlikely to flatten hundreds of millions of acres during his second term. But whatever the scale, environmentalists warn that expanding logging while reducing oversight will damage fragile ecosystems, threaten old-growth forests, increase pollution and even worsen wildfires. This Trump executive order is the most blatant attempt in American history by a president to hand over federal public lands to the logging industry, Chad Hanson, a wildfire scientist at the John Muir Project, told the Guardian. Trumps exact approach logging in remote forests and telling communities that it will stop fires is responsible for numerous towns being destroyed by fires in recent years, and hundreds of lives lost. BOSTON (WWLP) The ARC of Massachusetts drew a crowd of hundreds at the State House on Thursday, with a ceremony honoring this years legislative award winners. The ARC and the Massachusetts Disability Council hosted the ceremony, and their advocacy works to ensure disabled adults have equitable access to home care, employment, and other necessary services. Senate President Karen Spilka spoke to the importance of involving disabled voices in conversations about their rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of you here are leading the way in this state to make us closer to an inclusive and supportive commonwealth, said Spilka. Representative Sean Garballey and Senator Robyn Kennedy are this years legislative honorees. Kennedy is the senate chair of the committee on children, families, and persons with disabilities, and she says its a particularly challenging field to legislate. And lets be clear, its not easy work. Theres a lot that goes before the committee on children, families, and persons with disabilities. A whole lot of stakeholders with a lot of ideas about how things need to be done, said Kennedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of having state safeguards for disability rights, regardless of the status of federal funding or regulations. Thursdays honorees promised to continue to fight for disability rights through the upcoming budget, which wont be finalized until July. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. DENVER (KDVR) Reports out of Washington, D.C., say President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education to the maximum extent appropriate. Families here in Colorado are bracing for the impacts that move, along with others he is making, could have. Educators and families are concerned about the impacts dismantling the department could have on all students, but especially students in special education classes. White House reverses course on Education Department executive order Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are coming for the disability community. Thats why Im so glad to see all of you here today, state Representative Manny Rutinel told a crowd that came out to advocate for disability rights. Community members from across the state joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers at the capitol Thursday for Disability Rights Advocacy Day (D-RAD) 2025, hosted by The Arc of Colorado. I suspect that at different days, at different times, you wouldnt have seen people feel as though they absolutely need to be here to forward the human rights of individuals with disabilities, said Pamela Bisceglia, Advocacy Denver Executive Director. Speakers at a rally for the rights of people with disabilities talked about funding cuts at the national level that could pose a threat to services. Some worry about the outlook for families with students who may use services from Medicaid and have students enrolled in special education classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the Department of Education goes away, that can be a scary place because how do you ensure their child is receiving what they need to if that federal enforcement mechanism goes away? But hopefully, we can buff up our state enforcement mechanisms and really lean into the fact that there are a lot of people here that wan the best for people with disabilities and students with disabilities specifically, said Sarah Peilsticker, staff attorney at Disability Law Colorado. Unsuspecting items that could be impacted by tariffs Research from the states Department of Education shows federal dollars cover about 15% of special education funding in the state as of 2022, but advocates still worry about the impact the loss of that money, combined with the cuts to other services, could have on families. At the state level, we have not been able to fully fund special education in the state of Colorado. So if funding becomes uncertain, we get a lot of that funding from the Department of Education. So if funding becomes uncertain, that affects services that people with disabilities receive, that affects the students classrooms, it affects the staffing shortage that is already pretty rampant, said Peilsticker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it is the worst case scenario, Bisceglia said about potential cuts coming to Medicaid, dismantling of the Department of Education, and the state being forced to make cuts in a tight budget. The Trump administration has proposed the idea of dismantling the agency to put education back into the hands of the states, but many states rely on the department for some of their school funding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. West Doss, chairman of the Arkansas Educational Television Commission, addresses the commission during its quarterly meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Screenshot via livestream) A proposal to eliminate the governing board that oversees educational public television programs in Arkansas is not likely to advance further in the Legislature, the board chairman said Thursday. The Arkansas Educational Television Commission oversees Arkansas PBS programs and finances and acts independently of the Arkansas Department of Education despite operating under its umbrella. Senate Bill 184, which passed the Senate in February, would abolish the commission and transfer its powers and authorities to the education department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the commissions quarterly meeting Thursday, Chairman West Doss said he came to an understanding with SB 184s sponsor, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan of Jonesboro, earlier that morning. Im passionate about education, Im passionate about what this commission has done, and I will fight for it every minute of the day, so thats what we were doing, Doss said. Maybe we didnt have all the Is dotted and the Ts crossed, but we have saved the commission now. Weve saved the work that we are doing. Sullivan has been a vocal critic of Arkansas PBS, particularly since its regularly scheduled 2022 audit indicated that administrators might have sidestepped state laws related to contract bidding, and a specially requested audit that concluded last year led auditors to forward the findings to a prosecuting attorney. Arkansas PBS CEO Courtney Pledger told lawmakers in September that the agency had learned from its mistakes and errors, but Sullivan told the Senate the commission should have taken action in response to the audit findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twenty-three Republican senators voted to approve SB 184 on Feb. 17, but the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs has yet to take up the bill for discussion. Committee chairman Rep. Jimmy Gazaway, R-Paragould, told the Advocate Wednesday that Sullivan anticipated an amendment to the bill and had requested it not to be heard yet. Bills are considered deferred in a committee if they are not heard for three meetings in a row, and sponsors must give two days notice to remove a bill from the deferred list. Discussion Arkansas PBS could lose both federal and private funding, limiting its ability to provide public programming, if its governance is no longer independent of the states executive branch, Pledger and other opponents of SB 184 have said. The dissolution of the commission would also cause far-reaching legal and practical problems for Arkansas PBS and the state itself, according to a Feb. 27 letter to the agency from a Washington, D.C. law firm that specializes in telecommunications law. The Advocate received the letter via the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the Arkansas Secretary of Education (or any other elected official or individual appointed to serve at the pleasure of an elected official) has the power directly to control the broadcast stations, there would be little question that the Secretary was directly involved in the states political and administrative process, wrote Margaret Miller of Gray Miller Persh. He would in fact be a political officer of the state. AETC State Reorganization Letter Miller also said the Federal Communications Commission might require every new Arkansas education secretary in the future to go through the whole expensive and time-consuming transfer process of obtaining Arkansas PBS FCC license. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette first reported on the letter Feb. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to questions Thursday from commissioner Gary Newton, Doss said he directed Pledger to seek the expert legal opinion on short notice because the commission and the agency were facing extinction. If we put [Arkansas PBS] under a political entity, such as the head of the Department of Education, appointed by the governor they are political animals, and Arkansas PBS becomes a propaganda arm for whoever is in power, whether its the Republicans or its the Democrats or its the Green Party or whoever, and thats the reason were an independent commission, Doss said. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Sullivans wife, Maria Sullivan, and Newton to the Arkansas Educational Television Commission last year. Newton said he disapproved of Doss apparently speaking for the whole commission in his discussion with Sullivan about SB 184. He also said he was disappointed to learn about the letter from a news outlet instead of from Arkansas PBS leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For that subject to not be on the agenda, it feels like its being kept from the very commissioners whose role on this commission is at stake with the passage of SB 184, Newton said. Doss continued to defend his and Pledgers request for the opinion and said his discussion with Sullivan avoided a potential tragedy. As far as Im concerned, and [as far as] I think Sen. Sullivans concerned, its over right now, said Doss, who could not be reached for further comment Thursday after the meeting. Sullivan refused to answer questions from the Advocate about his conversation with Doss. He said the Advocate rarely prints anything as accurately as he would prefer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 184 would also abolish the Arkansas State Library Board, which oversees public libraries and disburses state funds to them on a quarterly basis. Sullivan has been critical of the State Library Board and its relationship with the American Library Association, a nonprofit trade organization that advocates for public libraries and helps them secure grant funding. The commission later adopted a motion by Newton directing Pledger and her staff to work with the education department to make PBS rich library of professional development videos available to homeschoolers and private school teachers as well as public and charter school educators. Commissioners also adopted several motions from Newton directing PBS executives and staff to work with the education department to explore the potential development of broadcast quality videos highlighting high-wage Arkansas industries and job availabilities and videos based on the science of reading to help young learners and those struggling with literacy. Another Newton motion directed PBS staff to develop an evaluation tool for assessing whether the networks programming meets AETNs mission as described in law, whether it or something comparable is available on the commercial market, how educational is it, and how Arkansas is it. Commissioners also approved it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overall goal [of the flurry of motions] is to try to demonstrate relevance and that we as a commission are doing our jobs, Newton said. Arkansas Advocate Editor Sonny Albarado contributed to this story. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX As President Donald Trump prepares to order the dismantling of the Department of Education, the financial arm of the agency which makes loans directly to borrowers and manages trillions of dollars in student debt faces an uncertain future, with steep staff cuts and lack of communication exacerbating the uncertainty, according to interviews with more than a dozen current and former department employees. The $1.64 trillion financial portfolio is managed separately from the departments policy apparatus, the latter of which Trump has sought to wind down or reassign to other agencies. But Trump acknowledged Thursday that the massive loan balance was a complicating factor in his effort to shutter the agency. Weve actually had that discussion today, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, suggesting that the debt could land at Treasury, Commerce, or the Small Business Administration. He said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler would really like to do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then there is the question of whether the government will stay in the business of lending money to students directly. Project 2025 the Heritage Foundation effort that was authored by many Trump allies, though Trump tried to distance himself from it during last years campaign suggested a new agency should be established to extend loans going forward, run by a Senate-confirmed leader and board of trustees. But the government would get out of the business of making the loans directly, instead reverting back to a role as guarantor of loans underwritten by other companies. The new agency would be funded by Congress, with a goal of treating taxpayers like investors, with loans that could have better terms for certain academic disciplines or professions. Easy access to federal student loans and grants does not give students the incentive, necessarily, to make sure they are pursuing careers or degrees that will lead to careers with a solid return on investment, Lindsey Burke, the director of the Heritage Foundations Center for Education Policy and author of the corresponding Project 2025 chapter, told CNN in an interview. In Project 2025s vision, old loans should be moved to the Treasury Department, which would manage defaults and collections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How Treasury would manage the portfolio is unclear. Roughly 40% of the loans are currently delinquent, or behind in payment, according to people familiar with the data; after 90 days, the missed payments are reported on a borrowers credit report, and after 270 days without payment, the loan officially goes into default. Experts warn that an avalanche of new defaults could be approaching as borrowers come to terms with the end of a multi-year pause on loan payments and changes to more affordable payment programs. Its a tidal wave coming for an unprepared village, said one former senior Education Department employee who departed recently. The fallout is not even hypothetical now. To try to keep borrowers current on their loans and avoid slipping off these financial cliffs, the Education Department employed contractors to ramp up communication and offer other payment options. The drafting and dissemination of those pre-default e-mails, current and former Education employees told CNN, were done by Accenture, an outside company whose contract DOGE has eyed canceling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people who would write those e-mails have been fired, and the more affordable [repayment] plans are going away, said the former employee. Its almost like the government doesnt even want to get paid. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Shrinking options available to borrowers The cancellation of payment programs based off a borrowers income after months of legal challenges has added uncertainty for borrowers facing weeks of strained staffing and customer service backlogs at the Department. In 2023, the Biden administration introduced a series of more affordable payment plans known as SAVE that allowed borrowers to cap their monthly student loan bills at 5 percent of their income, instead of the previous 10 percent. Republican state attorneys general sued, arguing the plans were too generous and footed by non-college-educated taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it moves to comply with a judges order to end the SAVE plan, the Education Department has removed applications for all income-driven repayment plans from its website, effectively locking out borrowers from adjusting their plans if theyre unable to pay the standard rate. During nearly three years as an analyst at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Nicolas Salem paid $250 each month to pay down the $25,000 in debt he accrued to graduate from Tufts University. When he and his entire division were laid off from the CFPB, his income fell to $0 overnight. But with no options to adjust his payments and no luck reaching his loan servicer, Mohela, after more than 17 combined hours on hold hes grappling with how to handle the hardship. I think Im going to have to move, Salem told CNN in an interview, calling the payments an extreme drain on the money he had saved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, officials at the Office of Federal Student Aid held a meeting to explore whether certain income-based repayment plans could be reinstated on the website if they werent completely covered by the injunction. The outcome, said one of the meetings participants, now rests with the agencys newly installed lawyers. The income-based repayment plans that survive are expected to be more costly for borrowers. Weve been told SAVE is not coming back in any way, shape, or form, one FSA staffer told CNN. Strained ranks, lack of communication Colleges and universities are expected to share information with admitted students about qualifying aid packages in a matter of weeks, shortly after April 1 admissions deadlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Education employees told CNN that the agency hasnt been able to provide any communication to schools, servicers, or borrowers about how to navigate the changes that are coming. And many staffers with institutionalized knowledge about the aid programs have been fired or left. Education Department employees, like those at other federal agencies, received Elon Musk-inspired fork in the road emails in January saying they could stop working and still get paid if they resign as of September 30. Then this past weekend, the department offered certain employees buyouts of up to $25,000. Between those two efforts, roughly a quarter of the Student Aid divisions 1,500 employees are departing, according to employees briefed on the numbers. Now, the department is preparing for steep layoffs that are expected to target a majority of remaining employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If [Trump] says, Were going to have a 50% reduction in staff, there is reason to be concerned about how the system will work: Is that enough people? says Neal McCluskey, director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute. Were going to learn whether or not they can do the job with fewer of them. The cuts would mean FSA must serve the same roles with a fraction of the personnel and outside contractors who performed critical functions. Im afraid of what the coming days, weeks, months, years will bring not just for me and the Department, but for the borrowers we serve, Colleen Campbell, FSAs Executive Director of Loan Portfolio Management, wrote in a public post on LinkedIn. Campbell said she and her dwindling staff are working in an impossible environment. The Department faced backlash in 2024 when a revamp of the student aid application form the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA underwent a facelift. The botched rollout created confusion for applicants and, in some cases, delayed aid disbursements for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several staffers from the US Digital Service were detailed to the Education Department in 2024 to assist in the process. Those employees, according to sources in the agency, were among the 21 USDS staffers who resigned in protest over employees from Musks Department of Government Efficiency effort trying to gain access to sensitive data. Experts say the FAFSA rollout is a cautionary tale to what could lay ahead. We already saw the impact of not getting enough appropriated money to manage the FAFSA process, says Michele Shepard Zampini, senior director at the Institute for College Access and Success. Now having so many career staff gone its cause for concern. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Michele Shepard Zampinis name. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BOSTON, Mass. (SHNS)Auditor Diana DiZoglio did not want to discuss her attempts to probe the Legislature over objections of top Democrats while appearing before lawmakers to discuss the state budget, but tensions over the long-running fight bubbled to the surface nonetheless. Several Democrats on the Joint Ways and Means Committee appeared frustrated by DiZoglio at a budget hearing Thursday. Some pressed her on the constitutional separation of powers, gesturing at without explicitly debating their ongoing dispute about the voter-approved audit law. These leased federal offices in Massachusetts impacted by DOGE cuts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the topic inched into the spotlight over nearly two hours of testimony, DiZoglio urged lawmakers to leave it untouched and instead remain focused on Gov. Maura Healeys fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. I think its important that we dont use this hearing to try to lead into trying to garner more information for potential litigation, to change the subject matter of this hearing. That is why Im trying to stay on point today, DiZoglio said. I think that is the judicious thing to do considering the fact that we are likely to be in litigation over constitutional issues. Sen. Lydia Edwards, a Boston Democrat, spent several minutes asking DiZoglio about past attempts by the auditors office to audit the judiciary, which like the Legislature is its own branch of government separate from the executive department. She inquired whether the auditors office respect[ed] that line that they said, youre going too far.' When DiZoglio suggested the line of questioning was irrelevant to Healeys budget proposal, Edwards said the panel has an important role to ask questions of the function of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, the number-two House Democrat on the panel, similarly defended her decision to bring up constitutional questions that DiZoglio wanted to be out of bounds. I know that youre a little tense about constitutional issues, but I happen to like them. The other thing I happen to like is that this committee pretty much funds your entire operation, so to the extent that the taxpayers expect me to ask these questions, they will be asked, Ferrante said to DiZoglio. At one point, Ferrante quizzed DiZoglio on whether the states highest court has the power to enact legislation or appropriate funds. After some back-and-forth, DiZoglio said, Madam vice chair, what are we doing here today? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im happy to have debates about the issues that I know youre concerned about. I do think this is an inappropriate time to be trying to go down the rabbit hole of, again, this issue of constitutionality that I know is so important to you, DiZoglio said. If we have to do it because were going to keep getting peppered with questions and this is going to be a kangaroo court instead of a budget hearing, I guess youve got us here. In response to a question from House Ways and Means Committee Chair Aaron Michlewitz, DiZoglio drew a contrast between the work of her office and the high-profile federal government spending cuts being pursued by Elon Musk and the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency. Massachusetts, she said, has an auditor elected by voters to a four-year term, who does not answer to the governor as the states chief executive. Musk has been effectively tapped by President Donald Trump to oversee massive federal spending decisions without being elected himself. Another salient difference is I am not a billionaire, DiZoglio added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DiZoglio also irked Democrat Rep. Sally Kerans when she said that her predecessor, Auditor Suzanne Bump, worked actively to sabotage the work of our office for the last two years. Im offended, I guess, would be the plainest way of saying it, Kerans, of Danvers, said. I served with [Bump] in the House of Representatives. Auditor Bump was integrity personified, and I think she raised the level of professionalism in that office, and Im pleased to see that it very clearly has carried forth right to the present and the fine people in that office doing this very important work. DiZoglio replied that her comments about Bump were her attempt to speak honestly and respectfully about the transition from one auditor to another. I very much respect the work of the prior auditor, she said. That does not change the fact that the prior auditor has very publicly, very publicly, worked to sabotage the efforts of her former team here, and that did pose a challenge, and sometimes it still does, but we work through it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bump endorsed DiZoglios opponent in the 2022 Democratic primary for auditor, Chris Dempsey, and argued publicly that the office did not have the power to audit the Legislature before passage of the ballot question DiZoglio backed. DiZoglio, a Methuen Democrat, previously served in both the House and Senate, where she regularly clashed with legislative leaders. She campaigned for auditor in part on subjecting the Legislature to new scrutiny and slamming lawmakers for their top-down, opaque approach. Last year, voters approved a ballot question explicitly empowering the auditors office to examine the Legislature. Top Democrats continue to resist, saying they have concerns that an audit as DiZoglio envisions it would represent an overreach by the executive branch into legislative business. The matter has been stalled for weeks. Lawmakers have not formally asked the courts to weigh in, and DiZoglio has repeatedly and unsuccessfully urged Attorney General Andrea Campbell to initiate litigation that could bring resolution and lobbed criticism at legislators for their resistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, DiZoglio said she might pursue a writ of mandamus to force movement. One budget-related topic marbled throughout DiZoglios appearance Thursday was how long the state auditors office gets to complete audits of state agencies. Under current law, the office must examine every state agency every three years, and an outside section in Healeys budget would extend that to every five years. DiZoglio said more time would allow her team to go deeper on the audits it conducts, plus free up more bandwidth for high-profile scrutiny of agencies like the MBTA. Were only able to go so far because of this three-year turnaround where the size of state government has grown tremendously, but that time period has not been changed in many, many, many years, DiZoglio said. This was an issue before I was even elected to this role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said on Friday that the U.S.'s decision to impose an additional 20-percent tariff on imports from China under the pretext of the fentanyl issue is groundless. The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a related query. "It is typical protectionism, unilateralism and bullying practice," the spokesperson said, citing a recently released white paper titled "Controlling Fentanyl-Related Substances -- China's Contribution." China urged the United States to correct its wrongdoings, view and solve its own fentanyl issue in an objective and rational way, instead of scapegoating others, the spokesperson added. Experts are warning about the burgeoning threat of the measles virus, as families and students gear up for spring break. The viral disease has resulted in nearly 160 infections in Texas and more in other states around the country. An unvaccinated child died last month in the Lone Star State and a second person in neighboring New Mexico may have also died as a result of the outbreak. Approximately one out of five people who get measles will be hospitalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the government issued a travel advisory after just 58 cases were reported. Now, experts are warning about this years spring break travel. "It's not so much about who you're traveling with as it's about the people you don't know that you're going to be around as you're traveling," Mark Dworkin, associate director of epidemiology at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, told CBS News this week. "You get on a plane. You're with a whole lot of people. Everybody's got a different feeling about everything, and that includes about immunizations." Millions of Americans are expected to travel for spring break this year. Health officials are telling people to remain cautious amid the transmission of the measles virus (AFP via Getty Images) This year, roughly 173 million Americans are expected to take to the skies in March and April, Airlines for America told ABC News. Those who have been fully vaccinated have lifelong protection, and two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine are 97 percent effective against measles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the majority of the nations adolescents have two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine or more, breakthrough infections have occurred in the recent outbreak. Those types of infections are more likely in areas with outbreaks. Breakthrough infections are usually associated with milder disease and symptoms, including fever, runny nose and other symptoms. Still, measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, with the ability to live for up to two hours in the air after someone who is infected leaves. Some people may not know they have it, as the viral incubation period is typically between 11 to 12 days from exposure to the point when symptoms start. The majority of people who are vaccinated are protected against measles. However, breakthrough infections can occur in areas where there virus is spreading (Getty Images) About three out of 100 people who get two doses of MMR vaccine will get measles if exposed to the virus. However, they are more likely to have a milder illness, and are also less likely to spread the disease to other people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are warning those who remain unvaccinated against measles about the risk of traveling. "We're not dealing with business-as-usual right now," Dworkin said, "and this is a disease that people who are incubating this disease who are going to get it, they can be infectious days before they even start to get sick." SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) The Department of Education manages more than $1.5 trillion in student loan debt for more than 40 million borrowers. Trump wants to dismantle the Education Department. Heres what it does One of the Department of Educations tasks is to oversee the process for students applying for college financial aid. At Le Moyne College, about 95% of students receive some kind of financial aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I say to families financial aid is not a prerequisite to attend. It just is needed by most people, and without that, they would not be able to attend, Maximo Flint-Morgan, the director of financial aid at Le Moyne College, said. The Department of Education also oversees the Pell Grant. The Pell Grant is free dollars for students to help pay for tuition or other related fees. Its only available for need-based students, Flint-Morgan explained. At Le Moyne, Flint-Morgan said about 35% of students receive the Pell Grant. The Department of Educations money also provides dollars for students through federal work-study. Work-study is like a part-time job for students in financial need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The work-study jobs can include working as a lifeguard, receptionist, or tour guide, among other things. Education is often known as the great equalizer. The Department of Education offers a grant for those looking to educate other. Theres also the federal teach grant, which is exclusively for students who sign up to pursue a degree in teaching and a degree to become teachers in a high-need school district and in a high-need field, Flint-Morgan said. The Department of Education also issues guidance on how civil rights laws should be applied to students and reviews all federally recognized accrediting agencies that accredit colleges and universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. Will President Donald Trump end daylight saving time in the U.S. permanently? Not according to his latest comments on Thursday. Daylight saving time is this weekend, and Elon Musk recently polled the masses on X / Twitter about what they would desire in the United States. Here's what to know what we know about President Donald Trump potentially ending daylight saving time. and responses on Musk's DST options to when DST starts and why it exists. When is the daylight saving time change 2025 in U.S.? Participating states turn clocks forward an hour on the second Sunday in March during the spring. Daylight Saving Time ends on the first Sunday of November in the fall of each year and that's when states turn clocks back an hour. When does daylight saving time change 2025 spring forward? In the U.S., clocks will officially spring forward at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countdown Timer Is Donald Trump going to permanently end daylight saving time in 2025? Trump was asked when he plans to get rid of the time change Thursday, according to Newsweek. "Ok, are you ready? So, this should be the easiest one of all, but it's a 50-50 issue," Trump responded. "And if something's a 50-50 issue, it's hard to get excited about it. I assumed people would like to have more light later. But some people want to have more light earlier because they don't want to take their kids to school in the dark." President Donald Trump previously had not set a date but declared through social media platform Truth Social that he would eliminate Daylight Saving Time which would also require approval from Congress: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldnt! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation." Elon Musk X / Twitter poll asks US opinion if daylight saving time change was cancelled A poll by Elon Musk on X / Twitter with more than 21 million views asked the question: "If daylight savings time change is canceled, do you prefer:" An hour earlier An hour later If daylight savings time change is canceled, do you prefer Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 5, 2025 US daylight saving time change reaction to Elon Musk X/ Twitter poll I don't understand the question. I want more sunlight in the afternoon, please. Thanks. Julie Hamill (@hamill_law) March 5, 2025 Please, save the northern west coast so we can have more sunlight in the winter months. pic.twitter.com/6RFOm3XLJd Empress Heavy (@HeavyMetalShip) March 5, 2025 Make a compromise and move it a half hour! We dont need it dark at 8a. Construction workers start at daybreak! Its dangerous for school children! However, nobody likes it getting dark at 5p! So make a compromise, cut it in the middle! Melissa E (@Time2CTruth2) March 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can you just move the Sun and make it daylight for longer Evan (@StockMKTNewz) March 5, 2025 Spring ahead and leave it there. I dread the "fall back", those long winter nights are brutal. J_Dew (@Jd_Dew) March 6, 2025 Permanent Standard Time is best for our overall health. Our circadian rhythm is in sync with natural time. Springing forward throws off our natural sleep cycle. My Vote: No more Daylight Saving Time. pic.twitter.com/3HlYFZOIDb TexasTwin2 (@D_K_Morrow) March 6, 2025 Could you change time back to 1953 please? Alan (@A1an_M) March 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If push comes to shove, stay with Standard Time, but I'd be okay with permanent Daylight Saving, too. Just lock the clock already. Sarah Salviander (@sarahsalviander) March 5, 2025 Do I gain or lose an hour of sleep for daylight saving time at 2 a.m. March 9, 2025? We lose an hour of sleep when the clocks "spring forward" and are turned ahead at 2 a.m. for one hour when Daylight Saving Time begins. In the fall when DST ends, clocks "fall back" an hour in November. That is when people gain an hour of sleep. Why does daylight saving time change at 2 a.m.? In an interview with Time Magazine, author Michael Downing cited his book, "Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time," to explain how Amtrak and the railroads were the main reason clocks change at 2 a.m. for DST. There were no trains leaving the station at 2 a.m. on Sundays in New York City when Daylight Saving Time was established. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sunday morning at 2 a.m. was when they would interrupt the least amount of train travel around the country, Downing said. Which U.S. states don't change clocks for Daylight Saving Time? As of July 25, 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation noted that only Hawaii and parts of Arizona do not participate in daylight saving time. The Navajo Nation is the lone exception in Arizona. The territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands also do not participate. According to the website, states may exempt themselves from observing daylight saving time by state law in accordance with the Uniform Time Act, as amended. What to know about daylight saving time. What time is it in Louisville? Visit timeanddate.com to see the current time in Louisville. Daylight Savings Time and time change in Kentucky Kentucky first observed daylight saving time in 1918, when the Standard Time Act established daylight saving time to conserve electricity during World War I. After the war was over, daylight saving was no longer national law and became a local option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between 1918 and today, Kentucky observed daylight saving time for 75 years, according to timeanddate.com. For a while, cities across Kentucky were inconsistent, with some observing the time change and others not. But starting in 1970, Time and Date AS has tracked observance of daylight saving time in Kentucky every year. Over the years, researchers have tried to tie your body getting an hour less of sleep that night to a variety of issues, including an increase in car crashes and health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. In 2019, Kentucky Republican Reps. Bart Rowland of Tompkinsville and Brandon Reed of Hodgenville pre-filed a bill to do away with resetting clocks every six months and instead use daylight saving time all year long. To do so, however, requires authorization by the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under federal law, states are allowed not to observe daylight saving time, with Arizona and Hawaii being the lone states to do so. States are not allowed to stay on daylight time throughout the year. Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Daylight Savings 2025: Time change springs forward Sunday. Will Trump end DST? Fired National Park Service and Forestry Service workers share how the loss of their jobs could impact visitors. Courtesy of Kenan Chan, Eileen Kramer, Robert Hartwig For the past seven years, Jaelle Downs cleaned up messes. As a forestry technician and wilderness ranger for Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington state, Downs picked up trash that campers left behind and buried human waste. Downs camped alongside visitors and taught them Leave No Trace principles to minimize human impact on ecosystems. She also was a first responder for visitors experiencing medical episodes. Were not just there to tell people what to do. Were also there to assist them, Downs said. But now, Downs job is one of an estimated 3,400 terminated Forest Service positions. She will not be there if someone needs help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the Trump Administration and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) mass-fired many National Park Service employees and U.S. Forest Service staff. In its push to slash the federal workforce, the Trump administration claims these firings were necessary to curb unnecessary government spending. The cuts targeted newly-hired and promoted workers who were in probationary periods. Termination letters like the one Downs received stated that workers were underperforming and no longer in the public interest. But their performance reviews said otherwise. In 2024, Downs direct supervisor gave her a glowing evaluation that highlighted her excellent motivation and initiative in the summer season amidst severe understaffing, according to the document reviewed by HuffPost. Downs and many other national parks and forest service workers lost dream jobs they had worked years to get. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And visitors or fans of national parks and preserves could also lose once the spring and summer months begin, as well. A lack of workers and resources can lead to a devastating ripple effect for travelers, according to employees. I dont think people are going to enjoy what they find without us cleaning up so many messes, Downs said. HuffPost asked laid off national park service and forest service workers to share their worries about what could happen next: Jaelle Downs, a fired wilderness ranger for the Forest Service, is worried about how cuts like hers will affect public safety. Courtesy of Jaelle Downs Former workers are concerned trails could become less accessible and filled with more trash. As one of her jobs, Downs identified potential tree hazards in parking lots and trailheads, and removed large rocks and logs off the trail to keep them safe and passable for visitors. In one incident, she was the one to spot and monitor a lightning-strike tree fire until more help arrived.Without us out there, Im really concerned that people are going to have a lot more trouble getting out to these spaces, Downs said. I worry about a lot more injuries happening, and then its going to be even harder for search and rescue to get up the trail.Downs was one of nine employees terminated from the Cle Elum Ranger district where she worked. The firings also included other wilderness rangers, trail crew members, recreation employees, botany and timber technicians, Downs said, noting that, by her count, there is only one staffer left to do trail work for her office. Its pretty scary to think that theres going to be no one out in the woods this summer working and doing all these jobs that really need to get done, she said.Without workers like Downs, People will still be there, but the facilities wont be there, which is going to just encourage a lot more poor behavior, like dumping trash and human waste on the ground next to locked bathrooms, Downs warned. And trash in parks is not just unsightly its a public health hazard. Having human waste overflowing and then washing into the lakes and rivers is super concerning, Downs said. Its definitely a health concern for wildlife and people.In response to HuffPost questions about visitors experiences becoming less safe and overall worse due to these firings, the U.S. Forest Service said in a statement to HuffPost that it remains committed to ensuring public health and safety while balancing access to recreation services and public access, which is vital to local economies. It is our intent to maintain access to recreation opportunities to the greatest degree possible.The agency said it will ensure firefighters have the training, tools, and resources they need to work alongside our state and local partners, as well as private landowners, to continue the work to protect lives and livelihoods.Permanent staff had unique safety knowledge, too. When HuffPost asked how the firings would impact visitors, the National Parks Service said in a statement that it is hiring seasonal workers to continue enhancing the visitor experience as we embrace new opportunities for optimization and innovation in workforce management.But fired federal workers said volunteers and seasonal staff are not replacements for permanent staff who hold deep institutional knowledge and unique subject matter expertise like theirs. As a logistics management specialist for Lake Clark National Park in Alaska, Eileen Kramer was in charge of answering the phones and the radios and making sure people have what they need to be in the backcountry of Alaska, she said. When she and four other NPS workers were let go at Lake Clark due to the cuts, the firings represented half of on-site staff in Port Alsworth.And in a park that is more than 4 million acres and located in a remote area with no grocery stores, every staff member matters. Kramer said the cuts at her park included a 20-year veteran facility manager at the park who Kramer says was in charge of fixing all the boats and vehicles. He knew how everything worked and how to fix it. And so now people are like, What do we do when something breaks?People just dont realize how few resources there are out here. And when you take away this huge chunk of experience and local knowledge, it has rippling effects, Kramer said. Our team has been significantly reduced.Despite being fired as part of sweeping cuts by DOGE, Kramer had recently won a regional award from the Department of the Interior for excellence in efficiency. The job Im doing isnt some crazy cushy government gig. Like, Im out here in the wilderness, Kramer said.Kramer was responsible for training seasonal staff on working satellite phones, driving boats, encountering bears, and other safety and survival skills necessary for thriving in off-grid Alaska. Kramer is concerned what could happen without people like her to train park rangers and college-aged seasonal staff stationed in the park.If theyre not trained well, how are they going to help the visitors when something comes up? she said.Kramer said that firings like hers may result in reduced emergency responses and shorter open hours at visitor centers. If youre planning to come to Lake Clark, you should call, make sure [the park is] going to be open and talk to someone about trip planning, because those sorts of resources might not be available when you arrive, Kramer suggested.Important history shared about the parks could be less accessible. As the only visual information specialist for Homestead National Historic Park, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Robert Hartwig brought the stories within these Nebraska and Kansas sites to life. A visual informational specialists work on websites, social media and in outdoor exhibits is often how visitors will first interact with these historic landmarks. Beyond fixing decades of grammar errors on web pages, Hartwig added closed captions and alt text on informational videos and images, and voiced his parks audio guides so that low-sighted people and children could make meaningful connections to the landscapes in front of them. Hartwigs job is to help explain to visitors why these sites deserve federal recognition. Homestead National Historic Park, for example, commemorates the Homestead Act, which allowed any qualified person to claim up to 160 acres of land including approximately 3,500 Black Americans who successfully claimed ownership of prairie lands after the 1866 Civil Rights Act.Hartwig was in the final stages of prepping a yearslong project that mapped Oklahoma Black homesteaders when he was abruptly fired from the National Park Service for failing to demonstrate fitness for continued employment despite receiving a staff award for his performance in 2024, according to documentation HuffPost reviewed. A project like [the Black homesteaders], when it comes to fruition, allows for history to be told, Hartwig said, noting that getting engagement on a larger scale, with a more diverse and older audience as well is extremely beneficial to park, extremely beneficial to the people that are able to get something out of that as well.The public could lose valuable scientific knowledge, as well. As a biological science technician and lead fisheries diver, Kenan Chan monitored the health of marine ecology at the Channel Islands National Park in California, a park that is home to more than 2,000 plants and animal species. Chan is one of the thousands of permanent employees who had developed years of unique scientific expertise on the park he served. Like other probationary employees fired in February, Chans termination letter stated that he had failed to demonstrate fitness or qualifications for continued employment because of your subject matter knowledge, skills, and abilities. But Chan, who received high-scoring performance reviews, said his expertise is critical. Without us, thats a lot of knowledge that just went out the door, Chan said about the loss of permanent National Park Service staff like him.Take the island fox, which can be found nowhere else in the world than on the Channel Islands. Now, when you visit these islands, youll likely see these small, cute foxes running around, Chan said. But before biologists and conservationists brought the fox back through breeding programs and habitat restoration, the species was on the brink of extinction. Its an example of the positive impact that park scientists have, Chan said. Through his job, Chan tracked data on almost 100 different kinds of algae, invertebrates and fish. His work helped inform public safety for humans, too. At one point, Chan collected samples on the toxin levels in harvested recreational and commercial lobster to better inform the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and to help ensure the health of the public, Chan said. Its easy to go to a park...and see these grand landscapes and these beautiful places, but what makes those beautiful places? Well, in part, the animals and the plants there, Chan said. Without the biologists studying and restoring and understanding and protecting these species, the parks arent the same. "Without the biologists studying and restoring and understanding and protecting these species, the parks aren't the same," Chan said. He estimated that he has done close to 500 dives during his time at the Channel Islands. Kenan Chan What can we do about all of this? Heres what workers said visitors can do to help offset some of these changes.Visit the parks. Chan said continuing to go to national parks helps to show why they are important. But understand that there may be staffing shortages, so be patient and dont blame staff, Chan said. Current staff are doing their absolute best given their current resources.Cant find a clean or open bathroom or visitor center? Make it known to staff, management, and your elected officials about how staffing shortages are causing a less-than-stellar experience for you at the park, Chan said. Let your legislator know how you feel. Kramer suggested contacting your state legislators and your representatives: Tell them, This is going to impact my experience in the parks, and this isnt right.Protest. There are growing grassroots protest movements, too. Find the one in your area to join. One group of fired and current NPS workers called Resistance Rangers, is organizing March protests across National Parks. Downs said the public should feel empowered to advocate on behalf of their environment.Public lands belong to all of us, Downs said. Theres this tendency for people to be like, Oh, its the Forest Service land. And its like, No, its actually your land. [The Forest Service] just take[s] care of it. Related... At a hastily assembled meeting of the IRS procurement office on Wednesday, a top official had a troubling message for the team. We have DOGE, he said. They are down here in our office. Within a day, IRS procurement employees were told to quickly close out several contracts that had only recently been terminated raising concerns that they would be stiffing contractors. Normally, there are several days or weeks between a contracts termination and it being closed out to ensure all final expenses are covered and all work is paid for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The acting chief procurement officer who alerted employees to DOGEs presence, Guy Torres, left his job the following day, despite announcing that he was taking on the position just last week. Torres had been the deputy chief procurement officer since 2021. The chief of the data and strategy division within the procurement office, Tommy Bennett, also left Friday. After this story was published, IRS spokesperson Jodie Reynolds told HuffPost that Torres and Bennett had both been planning to retire since around the time of the Fork in the Road email offering federal workers a deferred resignation program. Torres last day is March 11, she said, and Bennetts last day was Friday. An IRS procurement official shared details and documents related to the DOGE assault with HuffPost, which is not sharing their name to protect them from possible retaliation. The office processes the IRS contracts with outside companies, such as technology vendors. For IRS officials, the order to quickly close out contracts without first confirming that contractors had been paid all the money owed to them for work and expenses rang alarm bells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toward the end of the day today we received urgent instructions to close out these contracts within a few hours, the IRS procurement official told HuffPost Thursday. Policy states that we cannot close out contracts without making sure all payments are settled and we receive a release of claims from the contractor. Its just such a rapid turnaround that theres no way that the procedures could have been followed, they added. Requests for comment to the former procurement office leaders went unanswered Friday. Are you a government official whos been pressured to violate rules or laws? Contact HuffPost senior reporter Matt Shuham on Signal at 646-397-4678 or at mattshuham@protonmail.com. Dont use a work device or network. One small business owner whose contract was being canceled told HuffPost that nothing about this is normal. She found out about the terminations by email, and said the IRS officials her company was working with werent even aware her contract had been terminated Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically enough, my job is to make government more effective and efficient, said Leila Rao of AgileXtended, a small consulting firm that was working to modernize IRS technology and information flows. This is the most inefficient way to pursue efficiency Ive ever seen. Rao said shed heard that DOGE representatives killed our contract just based on a few buzzwords they dont like, like communications, consulting, or professional services. She said between the IRS contract and another recently canceled contract at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 70% of her business has now disappeared. She worried that if the cuts held, her company would have to let go of two-thirds of its 15 employees. Normally, Rao noted, a terminated contract would take several weeks to fully close out. But this time, she said, a helpful IRS procurement officer had encouraged her to get any final invoices in quickly because theyre getting pressure to not just terminate contracts, but to disburse that money... the implication is, as soon as you accept this, we can have that money marked unclaimed, and they have other uses for that money. One of several emails she received from the IRS in the past day asked if her company was open to a no cost settlement and if so, please confirm and provide a release of claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She worried the unusual language might be an attempt to bilk her out of compensation for her firms work. Thats not language Ive ever seen from the government, she said. The New York Times reported Tuesday that two DOGE representatives had pushed for access to agency databases, including, most recently, one that has information about the agencys contractors. The cuts at the IRS reflect a broader slash-and-burn agenda carried out by Trump officials, and particularly the team at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, to cut with a hacksaw first and ask questions later. The cuts have often left dangerous or even potentially deadly destruction in their wake such as with widespread contract cancellations at the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, which a judge insisted on Thursday that the Trump administration reverse by Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many workers who were summarily fired by the administration have since been ordered to be rehired by judges or rehired due to supervisors need for their work. Thousands of probationary IRS employees were already laid off last month, and potentially tens of thousands more may face job cuts in the near future. Thats raising concerns that the gutting of the agency could weaken efforts to fight fraud and could cost taxpayers more than DOGE ever saves. Related... By Nathan Layne and Aleksandra Michalska PARKERSBURG, West Virginia (Reuters) -Jennifer Piggott proudly hung a red-and-blue Trump campaign flag outside her one-story home during the November election race. Now, after she was abruptly fired from her civil service job, her days of supporting the president are over. Piggott is among more than 125 people dismissed in February from the Treasury Department's Bureau of Fiscal Service in Parkersburg, West Virginia, unsettling a community that voted overwhelmingly for Republican President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nobody that I've talked to understood the devastation that having this administration in office would do to our lives," Piggott, 47, told Reuters in an interview, saying she would not have supported Trump if she knew then what she knows now. "As much as I think that President Trump is doing wonderful things for the country in some regards, I don't understand this at all," she said. Piggott worked at BFS for five years and had recently been promoted. That promotion made her a target as the Trump administration began firing thousands of probationary federal workers - a group that includes new hires but also existing workers moving from one internal position to another. The renunciation of allegiance to Trump by Piggott, a church-going conservative and three-time Trump voter, comes as political analysts are parsing early signs of a possible backlash in Republican strongholds where the government-slashing efforts of the president and his cost-cutting czar Elon Musk are beginning to be felt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House spokesman told Reuters that Trump had been given a popular mandate to overhaul the federal government to combat waste, fraud, and abuse. Trump edged out his opponent, Democratic former Vice President Kamala Harris, by 1.5 percentage points in the November contest. "The personal financial situation of every American is top of mind for the president, which is why he's working to cut regulations, reshore jobs, lower taxes, and make government more efficient," Harrison Fields added. The Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency did not respond to requests for comment. Spokespeople for Riley Moore, who represents Parkersburg in the House of Representatives, and Senator Jim Justice did not respond to requests for comment. Senator Shelley Moore Capito told Reuters that while she understands the concerns some have about the DOGE cuts, she supports the Trump administration's efforts to "right-size" government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump spoke at length about eliminating unnecessary programs during his address to Congress on Tuesday but made no mention of the mass government firings that have roiled the country. So far 100,000 workers have been fired or taken a buyout. Reuters/Ipsos polling shows Americans' attitudes toward Trump are so far essentially unchanged since he began firing federal workers in February. As of March 4, his approval rating was holding steady at 44%. West Virginia is also strong Trump country. He won the state in November with 70% of the vote, among his biggest victories. Still, the economic impact of the mass dismissals across America may not be felt immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A handful of Republican voters who lost their federal jobs joined Democrats for a rally of more than 100 people protesting the cuts near the two BFS office buildings in Parkersburg last week, cheering on a local union leader as he criticized Trump and Musk while standing next to a large "Fat Cat" balloon. Support for Trump's shrinking of government can, however, be heard in places around Parkersburg - a middle-aged couple singing DOGE's praises over breakfast at a local diner; a hotel patron saying remote workers deserved to be fired; a young bartender lamenting federal workers' relatively high pay. In interviews with three dozen workers, business owners and politicians in Parkersburg, which sits at the convergence of two rivers including the mighty Ohio, nearly all said Trump's focus on cutting government spending was a worthy goal. But most said they knew BFS employees to be hard-working and didn't see them as the right target if the aim was to eliminate waste. Scot Heckert, a Republican who represents parts of Parkersburg in the West Virginia state legislature, said he was worried that layoffs at BFS, which employs about 2,200 workers in Parkersburg, would "devastate" the local economy because the workers earned higher-than-average salaries, and because of the looming prospect of another round of cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said his daughter-in-law was among those fired and that he was seeking more information on why so many jobs were eliminated in a seemingly indiscriminate manner before he would commit to backing Trump in the future. "People voted for Donald Trump to make a change," he added. "It's an unfortunate thing in our community that is plagued with many things as it is." BUSINESS IMPACT To the residents of Parkersburg, West Virginia's fourth-largest city with 29,000 people and the seat of Wood County, the cuts driven by Musk's DOGE feel like the latest in a series of economic blows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parkersburg has lost a third of its population over the past five decades, mirroring a hollowing out of manufacturing across the state. The glass producer Corning sold its Parkersburg factory in the 1990s, and in 2005 a major shovel plant buffeted by Chinese competition closed. BFS, which manages the federal government's accounting and payment systems, is a provider of stable, solid-paying jobs in Wood County, where the median household income is two-thirds the national average and 14% of the population lives below the poverty line. The community is now bracing for another round of layoffs, with all government agencies ordered to make plans to cut career staff by March 13. That could mean hundreds more cut at BFS. Business owners in Parkersburg said they were worried that more job losses would ripple through the economy in the form of depressed spending on everything from clothing to rent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owners of the Blennerhassett Hotel, a fixture of downtown Parkersburg for more than 130 years with its turreted brick facade, have already told staff that seasonal hiring will be kept to a minimum for the usually busy summer months. "It's a major economic disaster for our community," said co-owner Wayne Waldeck, likening the potential scale of the expected job cuts to another factory leaving town. Parkersburg Brewing, a local bar and eatery, is also worried about a hit to demand. Roughly one-sixth of the brewery's 65 members, who pay an annual fee for a larger pour and other perks, work at BFS, manager Samantha Gibbs said. "They have the extra money to come spend at places like this and give back to the community, and now a percentage of that is lost," she said. "That's going to affect us tremendously." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia ranks third among the contiguous 48 states in the percentage of its total workforce 3.7% in federal jobs, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows. That's about double the national average. Only Virginia and Maryland, the two states closest to Washington, are higher at 4.6% and 5.9%. John Deskins, an economics professor at West Virginia University, said he is worried about potential job losses at other large federal facilities in the state. "We stand to suffer a disproportionate share when those jobs disappear, when that income disappears," he added. VETERANS CAUGHT IN LAYOFFS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roger Conley is a Trump supporter who left the Republican Party last year because he thought it was too liberal. In a Facebook post before BFS workers were cut, Conley said DOGE was acting like any successful business in boosting efficiency and wondered why anyone would question its moves to lower costs. Then his son lost his job at BFS, according to union members. In a February 20 Facebook post, Conley said while he still backed Trump, he questioned the need to fire so many people so quickly and whether Musk was the right person to lead the effort. When reached by phone, Conley declined to comment. His son did not respond to requests to be interviewed for this story. Meanwhile Piggott, who like other fired probationary employees received no severance, faces an uncertain future. She said she and her husband, a disabled military veteran, have been discussing ways to make ends meet including selling their home. She teared up when talking about how many veterans, who make up about 30% of the federal workforce, had lost their jobs at BFS and other agencies. One veteran caught up in the BFS layoffs was Chauncy James, who was promoted twice during his 18 months at BFS, the second time to building maintenance. James, 42, said he too worries about making his mortgage payment and feeding his five children. At last week's rally he marched with a sign criticizing Musk and said he regretted voting for Trump. "They are pretty much just coming here, chopping heads off, without really doing their homework," James said. "He got elected president and he's doing a lot of things that people never even imagined that he was going to do to us." (Reporting by Nathan Layne and Aleksandra Michalska in Parkersburg, West Virginia; Editing by Ross Colvin and Pravin Char) STORY: Jennifer Piggott voted for Trump in the November election. Then, in February, she was fired from her civil service job. PIGGOTT: "I feel a little bit betrayed." She was among more than 125 people dismissed last month from the Treasury Department's Bureau of Fiscal Service in Parkersburg, West Virginia. PIGGOTT: "There's always that back and forth conversation now it's like, 'You knew this was coming,' but we didn't, like, nobody that I've talked to understood the devastation that having this administration in office would do to our lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cuts have shaken up a community that overwhelmingly voted for Trump. He won West Virginia with 70% of the vote - one of his biggest victories. But the betrayal felt by Piggott, a church-going conservative and three-time Trump voter, comes as political analysts are examining early signs of a possible backlash in Republican strongholds like Parkersburg, where the government-slashing efforts of Trump and DOGE are beginning to hit home. PROTESTER: "Elon Musk has basically taken over our government and has calling the shots, unfortunately, it seems to be." A handful of Republican voters who lost their federal jobs joined Democrats at a recent anti-DOGE protest near the Bureau of Fiscal Service offices in Parkersburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the federal job losses in the state could soon extend beyond the BFS building, says West Virginia University economics professor, John Deskins. "West Virginia is at the very top of the states in terms of the federal workforce as a share of total workforce in the state. So, if the federal layoffs happen, if they hit West Virginia, we stand to suffer a disproportionate share when those... when those jobs disappear, when that income disappear, disappears, when that spending leaves the state economy." But in Reuters interviews with three dozen workers, business owners and politicians in Parkersburg, nearly all said that Trump's focus on cutting government spending was a worthy goal. And Reuters/Ipsos polling shows Americans' attitudes toward Trump are so far essentially unchanged since he began firing federal workers in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of this week, his approval rating was holding steady at 44%. PIGGOTT: "Cutting costs, and waste, and fraud and, and, and, we love that big picture. I love that big picture, my friends, you know, we were excited about that because it is true. But again, I can't go... I can't help but go back to the fact that what is the decisions that you're making right now solving in the big picture? It just... So the concept of voting for that again, voting for Elon Musk essentially to wreck people's lives, I can't do it." The economic impact of the mass dismissals across America may not be felt immediately. So far, 100,000 government workers have been fired or taken a buyout. Parkersburg is bracing for another round of layoffs, with all government agencies ordered to make plans to cut career staff by March 13. President Donald Trumps shift on the Department of Government Efficiency began with a warning from an unlikely source. Jesse Watters, a co-host of the Fox News hit show The Five, is usually a slick deliverer of MAGA talking points. But on February 19, Watters told a surprisingly emotional story about a friend working at the Pentagon who was poised to lose his job as part of the Trump administrations sweeping cuts to the federal workforce. I finally found one person I knew who got DOGEd, and it hit me in the heart, said Watters, who urged his Fox colleagues to be a little bit less callous. Although Watters soon resumed championing DOGE, the moment went viral. Trump watched the clip and asked advisers if it was resonating with his base of supporters, according to one of three White House officials I spoke with for this story (they requested anonymity so they could discuss private conversations). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the ensuing weeks, the president grew unhappy with the television coverage of cuts affecting his voters, according to two of those officials, while the White House fielded calls from Cabinet members and Republican lawmakers frustrated by Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul empowered to slash the federal government. Some of Trumps top advisers became worried about the political fallout from DOGEs sweeping cuts, especially after seeing scenes of angry constituents yelling at GOP members of Congress in town halls. [Read: Hungary joins the DOGE efforts] All of this culminated in Trump taking his first steps to rein in Musks powers yesterday. The president called a closed-door meeting with Cabinet members and Musk, one that devolved into sharp exchanges between the DOGE head and several agency leaders. Afterward, Trump declared that his Cabinet would now go first in deciding whom in their departments to keep or fire. DOGE lives. Trump has made clear that Musk still wields significant authority. And those close to Trump say that the president is still enamored with the idea of employing the worlds richest man, and still largely approves of the work that DOGE is doing to gut the federal bureaucracy. Some in the White House also believe that clarifying Musks purview might help the administration in a series of lawsuits alleging that Musk is illegally empowered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trumps first public effort to put a leash on Musk appears to mark the end of DOGEs opening chapter, and a potential early turning point in Trumps new administration. Many in the GOP have reveled in the brash way that Musk and his young team of engineers have strode into government agencies, seized the computers, and slashed jobs and budgets. And few Republicans have been willing to publicly challenge Musk, who has taken on hero status with many on the right and wields an unfathomable fortune with which he can punish his political foes. But important figures within the presidents orbitincluding some senior staffers and outside advisersnow quietly hope that the cuts, as Trump himself posted on social media yesterday, will be done with a scalpel rather than the hatchet. I dont want to see a big cut where a lot of good people are cut, Trump said to reporters in the Oval Office after yesterdays meeting. But, he added, Elon and the group are going to be watching them, and if they can cut, its better. And if they dont cut, then Elon will do the cutting. Six weeks into Trumps term, the White House has declined to say how many people have left the federal government so far, or how many more it wants to see fired as it looks to reshape the governments civil service of 2.3 million workers. Democrats, shaking off their despondency after Novembers elections, have rallied against Musk, trying to save agencies such as USAID and warning that all Americans, no matter their political party, would feel the impact of DOGE cuts to agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, the IRS, and the Department of Agriculture. Musk paid them no heed, trashing Democrats objections to his more than 219 million followers on X and wielding an actual chain saw onstage at a conservative conference last month. Days later, he directed that an email be sent to the entire federal workforce asking workers to justify their employment by listing their accomplishments of the past week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the breaking point for several Cabinet members. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and FBI Director Kash Patel were among the officials who voiced complaints to their staff and to the White House that Musk was usurping their authority, one of the White House officials told me. Their agencies, along with many others, instructed employees not to reply to Musks email, and the governments main personnel agency later said that responding was voluntary, neutering DOGEs threats. Trumps Cabinet officials broadly agree with DOGEs missionto reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in governmentbut object to the seemingly haphazard way it is being executed. [Juliette Kayyem: Is DOGE sure it wants to fire these people?] That pushback from inside the administration was combined with rising public anger about the cuts that exploded at several lawmakers town halls in recent weeks. From Georgia to Kansas, Republicans took sharp criticism about the cuts, including from some in the crowds who described themselves as Trump voters and veterans. The National Republican Congressional Committee told lawmakers this week to postpone holding any further town halls. The anger reverberated to Capitol Hill this week, with several Republicans privately urging DOGE to slow down. Majority Leader John Thune said on CNN on Tuesday that Cabinet secretaries should retain the full power to hire and fire, a belief he later reiterated privately to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, according to one of the White House officials who was briefed on the call. This person told me that in recent weeks, Wiles has also relayed to Trump other GOP lawmakers concerns about Musk, including that the constant drip of stories about DOGE slashing key jobs is distracting from their political messaging on issues such as immigration and taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk was invited to a Senate lunch on Wednesday, a meal that took place just hours after the Supreme Court delivered a significant blow to the Trump administration in one of several ongoing legal fights over spending cuts. In the meeting, lawmakers later told reporters, several senators urged Musk to better coordinate with Congress by giving them more visibility into his process. They also offered to make the cuts permanent by enshrining them in legislation. Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters afterward that the the system needs to be fine-tuned to coordinate between DOGE and Congress and the administration, and that Musk needs to be better about addressing senators concerns. Musk, in the lunch, distanced himself from some of the more unpopular firings. Hours later, he had a similar meeting with House Republicans, some of whom voiced unhappiness with that days news reports about plans to fire 80,000 Veterans Affairs workers, thousands of whom are veterans themselves, in a move that would likely delay vital services to those who have served the country in uniform. Trump also grew angry at those reports, snapping at aides that he did not want to be seen as someone who betrayed veterans, many of whom he believes voted for him, an outside adviser who spoke with the president told me. That, when combined with the complaints from his advisers and worries that Musk was beginning to drag down his own poll numbers, prompted him to call for the meeting with the DOGE leader and the Cabinet heads at the White House yesterday. The meeting soon grew volatile, according to an official present, with Rubio snapping back at Musk when the billionaire accused him of not moving fast enough with his firings. Musk and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also clashed over the quality of air-traffic controllers, while Doug Collins, who runs the Department of Veterans Affairs, urged that any layoffs be done more carefully. Trump agreed. Details of the meeting were first reported today by The New York Times. In addition to announcing that the Cabinet secretaries would be in charge of firings, Trump said that similar meetings would be held every two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone is working as one team to help President Trump deliver on his promise to make our government more efficient, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told me in a statement when I asked if Musks role is shrinking. Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the State Department, said in a statement: Secretary Rubio considered the meeting an open and productive discussion with a dynamic team that is united in achieving the same goal: making America great again. The Departments of Defense and Transportation, the FBI, and the VA, as well as DOGE, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Musk later wrote on X that the meeting was very productive. Yet for some in MAGAs populist wing, the moment was perceived as a humiliation for the billionaire. They rallied around efforts to protect the Pentagon and the authority of Hegseth, a popular figure on the right. A cartoon of Trump walking Musk like a dog on a leash was passed around on the Hill and in right-wing-media circles. Some predicted that Trump would soon jettison his billionaire completely. [Read: The Trump voters who are losing patience] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House insists that Musks work will continue. The Office of Personnel Management outlined plans this week for a new wave of firings, offering guidance to cut entire teams and job categories. Most of those fired so far have been probationary employees, who are typically new hires with fewer job protections. Democrats, who see Musk as a potent political target for their party, have downplayed the significance of Musks seeming demotion. I dont think anything has fundamentally changed. Representative Adam Smith, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, told me. Its not about government efficiency and effectiveness. Its about crippling the federal workforce because he sees it as a threat to him instead of a service provider to the country. In an effort to ward off other court challenges, the administration has also tried to stress that Musk, who is a special government employee, is not technically running the U.S. DOGE Service; instead, the White House said last month, DOGE is administered by Amy Gleason, a former health-care executive who worked for the agency in a previous iteration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim was undermined, however, by Trumps own words: When he spoke before Congress on Tuesday night, he repeatedly referred to Musk as the head of DOGE. Article originally published at The Atlantic (Bloomberg) -- Elon Musks cost-cutting crusade is trickling down to US statehouses. Most Read from Bloomberg Governor Ron DeSantis is launching Floridas own version of the Department of Government Efficiency known as DOGE. Already, he wants to cut $3 billion and more than 700 state government jobs as part of the upcoming budget. Kansas and Missouri lawmakers are soliciting input from their residents for ideas on how to slash costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since January, states have launched at least eight task forces or legislative efforts aimed at boosting government efficiency. And lawmakers in nearly a dozen other states have proposed bills that would create their own DOGE-like divisions. The efforts, mostly from Republican governors and lawmakers, show how state officials are eager to capitalize on the Trump administrations rhetoric around cost-cutting. Typically, the mundane work of government budgets doesnt garner very much attention. State spending has surged recently, driven in part by a massive infusion of $195 billion in federal pandemic aid directly to their coffers. States spent more than $3 trillion in fiscal 2024, the most since records began over 30 years ago, according to the National Association of State Budget Officers. Meanwhile, US state government employment stands at a record 5.5 million as of February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To be sure, states versions of DOGE are unlikely to usher in the same kind of dramatic fallout that is taking place at the federal level where Musk has said he wants to eliminate as much as $2 trillion in federal spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And unlike the federal government, most states have some kind of balanced budget requirement, and Republican officials regularly push for cost cutting given their preference for smaller government. Its probably more of a branding effort than a real, substantive effort to reduce spending, said Stephen Slivinski, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. He said some states may have pursued budget cuts regardless of DOGE because of less optimistic financial forecasts. States usually already have efforts in place to review spending and encourage efficiencies, he added. Many state programs have provisions to sunset after seven to 10 years, for example. And big Democratic-led states arent following the DOGE trend. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is trying to lure federal workers who were fired and has proposed a budget that increases spending by nearly 4%, and Massachusetts governor has also proposed a larger budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida, Oklahoma DOGE DeSantis announced in late February that he wants the task force to use AI to review Florida agencies to find ways to cut further. He said the state will abolish an additional 70 boards and commissions this year. The Republican official has long been focused on culling costs, and his proposed budget for fiscal 2026 would slash spending by $3 billion, or 2.5%. Florida already has a government efficiency task force that meets every four years to develop such recommendations. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced in February that he was launching DOGE-OK, appointing a volunteer who will submit a report by March 31 with cost-cutting recommendations. DOGE-OK has an account on the Musk-owned X to share its progress, similar to the one for the federal DOGE. Stitt, who told lawmakers that he talked to Trump at Mar-a-Lago about DOGE at the state level, has promised to have fewer employees on state payroll than when he took office in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt has previously pushed for cutting unnecessary regulations in the state. Ive been DOGE-ing in Oklahoma since before it was cool, Stitt said in a statement on Feb. 14. In Illinois, Representative John Cabello, a Republican, proposed a bill to create a state DOGE. He wants to end what he described as wasteful state spending, reduce the burden on taxpayers and get rid of non-essential jobs. The government is not supposed to be a jobs factory, Cabello said. We should be creating an environment for private business to flourish, not creating government jobs. Some state officials have used the attention around DOGE to tout longstanding efforts to rein in costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa was doing DOGE before DOGE was a thing, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said in a Congressional hearing about DOGE last month. Since 2022, the state has cut 21 state agencies and removed 1,200 regulations, helping save $217 million in 18 months. Still, she signed an executive order creating an Iowa DOGE task force. --With assistance from Erin Hudson. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. COLOMBO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will launch an initiative on Saturday to recruit women into the traditionally male-dominated transport sector, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake announced in parliament on Friday. The initiative coincides with International Women's Day. According to Rathnayake, a significant number of women will be hired as engine drivers and railway guards over the next two years. Additionally, women will take on the majority of school bus driving positions in the government-operated fleet. As the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) looks for ways to slash federal spending, the head of DOGE has tens of thousands of dollars due to his companies right now. Before you write that off as insignificant for a company like Tesla, with revenue topping $97 billion in 2024, the money we found wasnt trivial. It could cover entire salaries. KTLA 5 News has identified upwards of $100,000 in unclaimed property records for Tesla in California and Texas. This money is just sitting there, unclaimed. KTLA 5 News found unclaimed funds owed to Tesla in California and Texas. March 2025. But thats just Tesla. You might be surprised to hear that the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (yes, there is such a thing) estimates that state treasurers are holding over $70 billion in unclaimed property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of those billions, a significant portion belongs to the government itself. Yes, as DOGE looks for efficiencies, it may need to start with the governments own money sitting unclaimed in many states, held by the government. Homeland Security, the United States Postal Service, Medicare, the Armed Forces, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Transportation, the National Park Service, and the Veterans Administration all have money waiting. Customs and Border Protection hit the jackpot: we found one sum of $143,140 from Wells Fargo sitting in the California Unclaimed Property fund, owed to Customs and Border Protection. There are many other amounts in the thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars owed to CBP. Its their own money, just sitting there. We found money owed to the IRSyes, they have a refund coming. Twenty pages of listings just in California include jackpot amounts of $28,000, $75,000, and $80,000. In fact, KTLA identified more than $700,000 in unclaimed money for the IRS just in California. The number may be much higher, as we only accounted for amounts over $1,000. The unclaimed money owed to the IRS comes from pretty much every large bank, corporation, and more. Free money, available to be put to useif only the IRS would claim it. Unclaimed Funds KTLA 5 News found unclaimed funds owed to the IRS. The US Treasury has its own set of listings (separate from the IRS)twenty-plus pages worth, with amounts like $75,755, $29,998, $19,000, $16,000, and $12,000and thats just in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Veterans Affairsso much has been made about our veterans and that agency. Pages of listings just in California show unclaimed money in amounts like $46,000. The Social Security Administration has twenty-plus pages of listings. The amounts are smaller, but many are still in the thousands of dollars. Remember, this is unclaimed money. Its just waiting for the right government agency to come and claim it. School districts and state agencies are listed, too. Yes, we found that the California State Controller, which runs the unclaimed property site in California, actually holds unclaimed moneyamounts including $14,000 and $11,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE estimates it may have saved $55 billion already by canceling or renegotiating leases and contracts, selling assets, and finding savings. Some estimates show far less. Whatever that amount is, theres another $70 billion in unclaimed property funds belonging to people all over the country, much of it caught in this crazy cycle of unclaimed money belonging to the government actually being held by the government. So why does it sit unclaimed? Well, it could be that many large agencies arent even aware the money is there. We spoke with the IRS and Customs and Border Protection. Both were looking into the issue. Neither was aware of the large sums we told them about. However, the CBP told KTLA, These types of unclaimed property cases are not unusual due to the large amounts of transactions involving the collection of fees, taxes, and duties from importers every day. In 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collected over $92.3 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to people like you and me, collecting unclaimed funds can be cumbersome and confusing. This author recently found I had $100 in unclaimed moneynothing huge, but not tiny either. I sent photos of my drivers license, proof of my social security number, and all the requested information. The state responded with an acknowledgment of receiving my info, with an added note that it then had another six months to return my unclaimed money if it found I had satisfied all the requirements. And thats the easy process. Next-of-kin funds can sometimes require death certificates and notaries and a whole process in some states. If the amount isnt large enough, it may just be easier to leave the money unclaimed. With all this talk about efficiency, a state-by-state look at unclaimed property and what belongs to the US government may yield unexpected funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you think you may be owed money or have unclaimed property, check the states where you currently live or lived in the past and follow the process to claim your money. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators has a link and interactive map to each states site here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. There is a new staffer from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency seeking access to sensitive data at the IRS and his family has ties to a sanctioned Russian oligarch. The Washington Post recently reported that two DOGE representatives, Gavin Kliger and Sam Corcos, have been at the IRS seeking private taxpayer information in unprecedented ways that would violate current IRS privacy law. Corcos demanded detailed taxpayer and vendor information when he arrived at IRS headquarters late last week, according to the Post. IT workers at the agency initially refused, based on Corcos lack of background and tax checks. By the end of the day, Kliger and Corcos were discussing the idea of an omnibus agreement that would allow agencies across the government to access taxpayer data and use it to hunt for instances of fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting IRS commissioner Melanie Krause has signaled openness to DOGEs demands, according to reports. The IRS typically closely guards taxpayer data, with federal law prohibiting the agency from sharing it with other agencies. Violations of taxpayer privacy law carry both civil and criminal liability. Since Donald Trump took office, Musk and DOGE have moved to fire tens of thousands of federal workers while demanding sweeping access to sensitive personal data and government systems. Musks blitz through federal agencies has largely been led by inexperienced staffers with ties to Silicon Valley or Musks businesses many of them young, like Kliger. The Post didnt provide additional information about Corcos background or identity, but he is the CEO of a health-care tech company and has multiple ties to Musks company SpaceX. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times reported that Corcos is the CEO of the health care start-up Levels. A career federal employee confirmed Corcos identity to Rolling Stone, and says Corcos has been embedded at the Treasury Department. Corcos, 36, founded Levels in 2019 with a former SpaceX lead engineer and Dr. Casey Means. Means is a holistic doctor with ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Corcos brother interned at SpaceX, according to his social media accounts. Levels received seed and Series A funding from Andreessen Horowitz, a venture capital firm led by Trump donor Marc Andreessen. Levels describes itself as metabolic health company using [continuing glucose monitors] to help people make healthier choices. Corcos wife, Varvara Russkova Corcos, spent three years at the VC firm GVA Capital, which was previously exposed as a vehicle for one of the richest oligarchs in Russia, Suleyman Kerimov, to funnel his money into various American companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation by the San Francisco Standard detailed the elaborate web of shell companies used by GVA to distribute $28 million of Kerimovs money into Bay Area investments in 2015 and 2016, revealed in court filings and offshore company databases. Kerimovs money flowed into various companies via GVA Capital from a Delaware trust called Heritage Trust. The U.S. Treasury Department blocked the trust and made its funds inaccessible in 2022, saying it was created to obscure Kerimovs interests in U.S.-based assets. Heritage Trust was also how Kerimov invested in SpaceX in 2017, holding what was then 1 percent of the company, and he continued to hold the stake even after he was first sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2018, according to a recent report by Bloomberg News. By 2022, when the U.S. Treasury Department blocked the $1 billion Heritage Trust, the SpaceX holding had already been disposed of, Bloomberg reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russkova Corcos was one of three venture partners listed on GVAs archived website, and she worked with the firm from 2016 to 2019, according to her LinkedIn. Corcos and Russkova married some time after 2020. One of the founders of GVA Capital, which was registered in the Cayman Islands, was Pavel Cherkashin. In an interview with the San Francisco Standard, Cherkashin said he enjoyed working with Kerimov and had no hesitations about doing so, noting that Kerimov wasnt sanctioned at that time. The DOGE staffers wife, Russkova Corcos, was also involved in another GVA-funded crypto venture with Cherkashin. That venture began in 2017 and beta launched in 2018, according to an archived version of its website. Kerimov is worth an estimated $10.9 billion, and represents the Republic of Dagestan in the Federation Council of Russia. He is considered close to Vladimir Putin, according to the European Union, which described his ties to Putin in its decision to sanction him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kerimov received large sums of money from Sergei Roldugin, who is the caretaker of Vladimir Putins wealth, the Official Journal of the European Union said in 2022. Kerimov attended a February 2022 meeting of oligarchs at the Kremlin with Putin to discuss the effects of Western sanctions, according to the European Union. Some of Kerimovs immediate family members were also sanctioned by the Treasury in 2022, and a $300 million yacht that the U.S. claims secretly belongs to Kerimov was seized in Fiji in 2022. Kerimov started intermittently turning off his yacht tracking in the weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine. The same month that the U.S. first sanctioned Kerimov, April 2018, the names of most of GVAs principals and venture partners, including Russkova Corcos, were wiped from the GVA website, according to archived snapshots of the site. Russkova Corcos is a Moscow native who developed two startups that she sought American funding for, in Boston and then San Francisco, one that used Russian aviation technology, before partnering with GVA in 2016. She now lists herself as an angel investor, working with a San Francisco-based company called Atta Ventures investing in health tech, fintech and future of work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no evidence that Russkova Corcos committed any wrongdoing while working with GVA Capital. Citigroup is being investigated by the Justice Department, the FBI, and the IRS for its handling of Heritage Trusts assets, according to a report in Bloomberg late last year. The federal government has an enormous amount of information about every human in the country. Part of the social contract between the government and the people is that that information will be safeguarded, says Kel McClanahan, the Executive Director of National Security Counselors, a public interest law firm that specializes in national security and privacy issues. McClanahan (whos represented Rolling Stone) is representing federal employees in a class action suit against Trumps Office of Personnel Management that alleges the agency illegally used an insecure server in mass emails to government staffers. Corcos and Russkova Corcos did not respond to Rolling Stones requests for comment, nor did spokespeople for the White House, Treasury, and IRS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, Russkova Corcos has posted critically about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and in support of late Russian dissident Alexei Navalany on Facebook. Last month, the Trump administration disbanded the FBIs Foreign Influence Task Force. This week, Trump announced his administration is gutting an anti-money laundering law requiring shell companies to disclose their owners and beneficiaries. This move will likely complicate efforts to trace money trails in U.S. business by foreign investors. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. DOGE staffers are building IKEA flatpacks so they can sleep in the office buildings of the very federal agencies that they are trying to dismantle, according to a new report. The Elon Musk-led cost-cutting arm has swiftly terminated federal workers, slashed contracts, and taken steps to reduce the governments real estate footprint, upending the federal government in a matter of weeks. But one area DOGE staffers arent reportedly cutting down on is sleep. DOGE employees have reportedly transformed at least four rooms on the 6th floor of the General Services Administrations building to sleep in, equipping them with beds from IKEA, lamps and dressers, two agency employees told Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are definitelysleeping there, said one GSA staffer. The home furnishings dont stop there. The cost-cutting army is allegedly weighing spending about $25,000 to install a washer and dryer on that floor of the Washington D.C. office building, a February 25 invoice obtained by the outlet shows. Elon Musks DOGE staffers are allegedly sleeping in a General Services Administration federal office building - and even weighing up making further home improvements (Pool via AP) The makeshift rooms in question reportedly share office space with conference rooms and can only be accessed by those with high-security clearances. The Independent has reached out to the agency for comment. Its not immediately clear for how long this arrangement has been going on or for how long it will continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government employees are working incredibly hard and long hours to help reduce the federal deficit and ensure an effective government, a spokesperson for the agency told Politico. Any purchases the agency has made followed all appropriate laws and regulations, the spokesperson said. In accordance with the Sleeping in Federal Buildings bulletin, specific instances of an employee sleeping at the 1800F building was expressly authorized by an agency official. That 2019 bulletin states that sleeping in federal buildings is prohibited, unless an agency official authorizes someone to sleep there so long as the person is directed by a supervisor to remain in the building to conduct official government business and it is necessary for the person to sleep on the premises or, in the case of an emergency where there is imminent danger to human life or property, where persons are directed to shelter-in-place. Rooms in the General Services Administration building in Washington are apparently being converted into bedrooms for DOGE workers to sleep in, according to a new report. (AFP via Getty Images) The DOGE staffers appear to be embracing Musks habits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tech billionaire was sleeping at the DOGE offices at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Wired reported in January. This isnt the first time Musk used his workspace as a bedroom. He told Ron Baron in a 2023 interview that he slept on the floors of Tesla factories in California and Nevada for three years, calling them his primary residence. I actually slept on a couch, at one point on a tent on the roof and then but for a while there I was just sleeping under my desk which is out in the open in a factory for an important reason, the worlds richest person said. He has served as the CEO of Tesla since 2008. Since the team could see me sleeping on the floorthey knew I was there and that made a huge difference and then they gave it their all. As the Department of Government Efficiency rapidly moves to reshape the federal government, several groups challenging DOGE in court are attempting to determine how Elon Musk's budget-slashers were able to rapidly entrench themselves in at least 15 agencies. Over the coming week, federal judges have ordered key Trump administration officials to testify about mass firings and the dismantling of key agencies, while DOGE representatives will likely have to turn over evidence in dozens of cases and participate in a sworn deposition for at least one case. The legal challenges materializing against DOGE could present an existential challenge for the group, whose effectiveness has in part stemmed from its ability to move quickly and make massive changes without the normal oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: DOGE says it's saved $105 billion, though it's backtracked on some of its earlier claims While Musk and Trump have touted DOGE's transparency -- including on DOGE's website, where it lists recently canceled contracts -- the plaintiffs challenging the group have argued that the group has relied on secrecy to hide tactics that violate federal law. "[T]he entity has worked in the shadows -- a cadre of largely unidentified actors, whose status as government employees is unclear, controlling major government functions with no oversight," one lawsuit alleged. That secrecy has also made it harder for nonprofits or federal unions to successfully block DOGE in court, with many plaintiffs relying on media reporting -- rather than documentary evidence -- to prove the harms DOGE has allegedly caused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The court can't act based on the media reports. We can't do that," one federal judge said in a case about the constitutionality of Musk's power. "The things that I'm hearing are concerning indeed and troubling indeed, but I have to have a record, and I have to make a finding the facts before I issue something." PHOTO: White House Senior Advisor to the President and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk departs the U.S. Capitol, Mar. 5, 2025, in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) But that might begin to change as the cases against DOGE progress and plaintiffs are entitled to receive discovery -- i.e., the exchange of evidence -- relevant to key allegations. At least one federal judge has ordered a DOGE representative to sit for a sworn deposition about the group's access to the federal government's sensitive data. A federal judge in Washington, D.C, was scheduled Friday afternoon to consider what kind of regulations will govern the transparency behind DOGE after the group argued it shouldn't be subject to the Freedom of Information Act, and next week might provide some of the first sworn testimony about Trump's effort to rapidly reduce the size of government since retaking office. On Monday, a federal judge in Washington is holding a hearing at which the acting chief operating officer of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau has been ordered to testify about the ongoing dismantling of the agency, and a separate judge in California on Thursday is requiring the acting director of the Office of Personnel Management to testify under oath about how the Trump administration allegedly ordered the mass firing of probationary employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will prove in this case that remarkably, and I do not say this lightly, your honor, Acting Director [Charles] Ezell is not telling the truth to this court," a lawyer challenging the mass firings alleged, prompting the judge overseeing the case to order Ezell to testify in person. "We're going to have Ezell come out here and he's going to be under oath right up there and these lawyers are going to quiz him," U.S. District Judge William Alsup said. MORE: Lawyers use Trump's speech before Congress in suit against DOGE During a court hearing on Thursday about Ezell's testimony, lawyers with the Department of Justice said the administration is considering making Ezell unavailable for testimony despite the court's order, citing logistical concerns and their potential appeal of the decision. Lawyers for the plaintiffs called the move a clear defiance of a court order and a delay tactic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No final decision had been made," a DOJ lawyer told Judge Alsup, suggesting the final decision would be made in Washington. The Trump administration has already begun its appeal in more than a dozen cases challenging Trump's executive actions, and two adverse rulings have already reached the Supreme Court. DOGE's secrecy to be tested in court with sworn testimony, depositions originally appeared on abcnews.go.com WASHINGTON D.C. (WCIA) The U.S. Department of Justice is intervening in a lawsuit, as it views a new Illinois law governing nonprofits violates the Constitution. Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill into law in June requiring large nonprofits that report more than $1 million in grants to share data over their leaders demographics. The law went into effect at the start of the year. DOGE announces closures of 6 Central IL buildings Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove), who said last year the laws goal is to get more organizations to be diverse so they can more effectively help their communities. It is crucial for diversity and inclusion to be embraced within the non-profit sector, as many of these organizations serve diverse communities, Johnson said after her bill was signed. Inclusive leadership positions of nonprofits will enhance the organizations overall mission. The American Alliance For Equal Rights sued several state government leaders including Illinois Department of Human Rights director Jim Bennett in January over the law, calling it unfair and illegal. The U.S. Department of Justice also filed a Memorandum of Law in support of United States Motion to Intervene for AAER v. Bennett on Tuesday. Court documents show attorneys believe the law violates an Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill in Illinois statehouse would require standardized emergency plans for schools The United States cannot and will not sit idly while a state denies its citizens equal protection under the guise of diversity, said U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Discrimination in all its forms is abhorrent and must be eliminated. The Department of Justice will continue to exercise its statutory right to intervene in cases whenever a state encourages DEI instead of merit. One of President Donald Trumps main goals is ending Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across all forms of government. Trump signed an executive order on the first day of his second term to end DEIs infiltration of the Federal Government. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. The Justice Department is investigating whether the nations largest egg producers are conspiring to keep prices high as the bird flu outbreak worsens and grocery stores start setting rations for customers, two people familiar with the matter told POLITICO. The price-fixing investigation is in very early stages and targets large egg producers such as Cal-Maine Foods and Rose Acre Farms, the people said. The Capitol Forum first reported the DOJ investigation. The Justice Department declined to comment. Cal-Maine and Rose Acre did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 160 million commercial poultry have died or been culled as a result of this current outbreak of avian influenza, which dates back to 2022. Egg-laying hens have been hit particularly hard, and egg prices have soared as a result: In January, the average price of a dozen large, grade-A eggs was $4.95, a record high according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced a $1 billion plan to slow the spread of the virus and lower egg prices, including by exploring egg imports as a means to boost the national supply and lower prices. Some groups, including the anti-monopoly organization Farm Action, have recently called for an investigation into egg producers, alleging that the companies are taking advantage of the worsening virus to raise prices beyond what their increased costs would justify. In February, Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya, a Democrat, urged FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson to investigate egg industry price practices to address Americans' cost-of-living increases. Cal-Maine and other egg producers paid $53 million in 2023 after being found guilty of price-fixing in a separate federal lawsuit. DES MOINES, Iowa A Des Moines man wanted on multiple domestic violence-related arrest warrants was taken into custody Thursday after police say he struggled with officers. Two Des Moines police officers suffered minor injuries as the man resisted during the arrest. Corey Carson Sgt. Paul Parizek, the spokesperson for the Des Moines Police Department, said the incident happened shortly after 3:30 p.m. when officers found Corey Carson, 30, at a business near E. 26th Street and E. University Avenue. Carson ran as he noticed officers approaching. He then fled on a bicycle before ditching it and running again. Sgt. Parizek said officers used a taser but it was ineffective. Three DMPD officers tried to take Carson into custody and a bystanders video posted to social media shows police struggling with Carson in the roadway near E. 28th Street and E. University Avenue as he allegedly resisted arrest. The video shows officers punching Carson during the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 killed in Shelby County armed standoff Two other local law enforcement officers are also seen joining DMPD officers as they take Carson into custody after a short struggle. Sgt. Parizek said they were part of a task force that happened to be in the area. Two DMPD officers suffered minor lacerations in the arrest. Carsons arrest warrants were related to multiple domestic abuse assault cases in which a female partner reported being injured by Carson. Sgt. Parizek also said there were 12 warrants for violating a no contact order. The video posted to social media shows about 80 seconds of the six-minute event, according to Sgt. Paul Parizek. He says a review will be done of officers use of force during the arrest, which is standard DMPD policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carson is being held in the Polk County Jail on the outstanding warrants along with three new charges from Thursday: two counts of interference with official acts causing bodily injury and one count of possession of a controlled substance methamphetamine. Metro news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Dominion Energy participated in an event on Capitol Hill to promote a federally funded energy assistance program aimed at helping low-income families. Dominion Energy officials say the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible customers with their energy costs through federal funding. We understand that the cost of utility bills can be a significant burden for vulnerable households, and we want our customers to know that we are here to help, said Kaytee Watson, manager of customer assistance at Dominion Energy South Carolina. Last year, thousands of Dominion Energy South Carolina customers received LIHEAP assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominion Energy attended the LIHEAP Action Day on Capitol Hill, hosted by the National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition. This day allows utilities and human service organizations to mobilize support for LIHEAP by visiting with elected officials who represent their communities. We encourage anyone facing hardships to reach out to us so we can connect them with programs like LIHEAP and other resources. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the support they need to keep their homes warm and safe, Watson added. In 2024, Dominion Energy said more than 66,000 customers received approximately $18.3 million in energy assistance through LIHEAP, EnergyShare, and other agency utility bill assistance programs. Officials say to contact your local community action agency to learn more about LIHEAP or to apply. A list of agencies, information, and other available assistance programs can be found on Dominion Energys website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. Federal workers, Democrats and even some Republican lawmakers want to believe that President Donald Trump clipped billionaire adviser Elon Musks wings Thursday. But many of them arent counting on it. After Trump privately told his Cabinet that they are in charge of their departments and Musk does not have the authority to fire government workers a stunning shift in their alliance should it pan out rank-and-file federal employees said they were skeptical in light of weeks of confusing and contradictory guidance. None of the more than a dozen federal workers POLITICO spoke to reported being told by their supervisors or labor unions that anything had changed directly due to Trumps Cabinet meeting and subsequent comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't really expect them to necessarily start implementing what they say they will, said David Casserly, an employee at the Department of Labor who said he was speaking in a personal capacity. I'll believe it when I see it. The news of Thursdays Cabinet meeting set off rampant speculation within the federal workforce about the true intent of Trumps comments, which come amid growing legal and political scrutiny. A pair of lawsuits argue that the empowerment of Musk within the Trump administration is so far-reaching that, barring confirmation from the Senate, it exceeds constitutional limits. A U.S. Department of Agriculture worker chalked up Trumps comments to damage control after the president said in his joint address to Congress Tuesday that Musk is the head of the Department of Government Efficiency. That could prove to be a legal liability after Trumps White House previously argued in court that Musk was not the leader of DOGE and had no authority to make distinct policy decisions himself. Musks popularity is also sinking in polls, and Republicans in Congress have faced angry constituents at town halls who have complained about DOGE's slash-and-burn approach to cutting the bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its total bullshit. I dont know what else to say, quipped a second Labor Department employee. I dont trust a word of it, said a third federal worker, who described it as Trump attempting to insulate himself a bit from the court losses and the shift in public opinion, but I dont think it will change anything. While DOGE has excited the GOP base that is eager to chop down government waste, the Trump administration has been dogged by headlines about essential employees, like nuclear safety workers and bird flu response aides, being fired and then hastily re-hired. Republicans have also faced blowback over veterans being laid off and questions over reported plans to cut tens of thousands of staffers at the Department of Veterans Affairs. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social Thursday, Trump broke rhetorically with Musks aggressive approach to cutting the government. We say the scalpel rather than the hatchet, he said. Its very important that we cut levels down to where they should be, but its also important to keep the best and most productive people. But in classic fashion, Trump seemed to contradict himself afterward, telling reporters that Musk would step in if departments didnt adequately trim the government themselves. "Elon and the group are going to be watching them, and if they can cut, it's better. And if they don't cut, then Elon will do the cutting, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The back-and-forth didnt go unnoticed by federal workers. At the USDA, employees said they do not believe Trump will enforce new guardrails on Musk or that their day-to-day reality will shift as a result of his remarks. Ongoing funding freezes at the department have prevented employees from processing payments to farmers across the country, and job cuts at key regional offices have slowed farm loan applications to a snails pace. DOGE also froze government credit cards, meaning employees cant put gas in government trucks needed to perform farm inspections that are required in order to pay out certain cost reimbursements. Zero optimism and zero trust, said one Agriculture Department employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Capitol Hill, Democratic lawmakers were similarly skeptical, though they hope Trump carries through with demoting Musk and pulling back dramatic cuts to the federal workforce. If thats true, thats good news for the country and the separation of powers, said Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). But I think its reasonable to give it a few business days to see whether any actual change has happened. Because right now theres lots of evidence of, sort of, mayhem. And if the president wants to get that under control, he can. And if he doesnt, he wont. In a Friday interview on Fox News, Speaker Mike Johnson suggested that Trumps remarks at the Cabinet meeting presaged a real shift in governance. But he provided few details and downplayed any tension between the billionaire tech mogul and Trumps hand-picked officials. I think the president kind of did a recalibration yesterday, he said. He brought in Elon and he brought in the Cabinet secretaries, and they had a dialogue about the process to formalize more of this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson also said some government workers would get their jobs back and that Veterans Affairs needs employees who are doing this noble work of taking care of veterans. Stay tuned because it's gonna be corrected, he said. And I've talked to Elon about this personally, and many of us have. He has completely pure motives. He's trying to make the government work better for the people, all the people. And the essential employees and the people doing great work will come back." But employees throughout the federal workforce said they had not received any instructions from their department heads about what, if anything, had changed after Thursdays Cabinet meeting. One employee at the federal Forest Service an agency that has already seen 3,400 workers fired, in part prompting the agencys chief to retire, with thousands more planned firings said there have been no new directives from leadership about the practical impact of Trumps decree because nobody knows what to trust these days, whether its bluster or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is a lot of low morale, fear and anxiety every day with employees, the person added. The administration has faced setbacks in court and elsewhere as it works to slash the government, including when a federal board recently ordered USDA to reinstate more than 5,600 workers for at least 45 days. Many federal employees who survived the firings cant do our jobs because of executive order and DOGE restrictions, said a different USDA worker. Ill believe they arent letting Elon Musk run the show when staff are able to deliver on their agency mission and the people we serve can access our resources without disruption. It is unclear whether unions that represent federal workers are alerting their members of any changes in the wake of Trumps comments to his Cabinet. The American Federation of Government Employees and the National Treasury Employees Union did not immediately respond to questions about whether they provided any guidance to workers on his remarks or if their legal strategy would shift as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent termination letters to hundreds of employees several of whom were working on laboratory safety and improving testing for critical public health threats in February, only to undo the decision for dozens this week. One employee, who was terminated and then un-terminated, said that Trumps crackdown on DOGE does not make them feel more secure that they wont be part of another round of firings. It feels like there may still be targeting of probationary employees that are trying to build their careers, the employee said in a message. Now that I am rehired, everyone is just talking about the upcoming reduction in force every day. I in no way feel like I will be immune. One CDC employee who was not rehired was also unimpressed with the move, calling it too little too late. Lives have been upended. Americans have been harmed, the former employee wrote in a message to POLITICO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like other jaded federal employees, officials at the State Department, where an overhaul is expected in the wake of the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, are not willing to trust that Musk and the DOGE aides are facing new limits. I dont think its real, a State Department official said in a text message. The if they dont cut, Elon will comments show whos really in charge. Liz Crampton contributed to this report. 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 MAGA loyalists across the country are eager to pay fealty to President Donald Trump by attempting to put his name or likeness on U.S. currency, airports, roads and even Mt. Rushmore. The Trump administration has made it clear that the president, who has a habit of plastering his name in huge letters across his real estate, values loyalty over all else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on Thursday, Arizonas Senate Republicans couldnt find the votes they needed to recommend that State Route 260, which runs through rural areas between Cottonwood and Show Low, be renamed Donald J. Trump Highway. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Senate Concurrent Memorial 1001, sponsored by MAGA die-hard Sen. Wendy Rogers, of Flagstaff, would have urged the State Board on Geographic and Historic Names to rename the highway that runs through Rogers district after Trump. But one Senate Republican, Frank Carroll, of Sun City West, voted against the proposal, resulting in its failure on a 15-9 vote. Republican Sen. Shawnna Bolick was absent from the vote. But because memorials dont have the power of law, even if Carroll or Bolick had voted for the proposal, the renaming would remain merely a suggestion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carroll said that many of his constituents would love to see a highway named after Trump, who he predicted would be recorded in history as the greatest president in the 21st century. But the proper time to do that would be after Trump had completed his second term, Carroll explained. Rogers, who can often be seen around the Capitol showing off her gold Donald Trump sneakers that retail for $399, promised to continue proposing SCM1001 each year until it is approved. This is the third time shes introduced the measure: Previous efforts in 2021 and 2022 never earned a committee hearing, much less a vote on the Senate floor. Before voting against the memorial, Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, D-Coal Mine Mesa, pointed out that the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names, which follows the naming rules of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, doesnt consider naming a landmark after a person until theyve been dead for at least five years. The board also requires some sort of connection or contribution to the landmark or area from the person being memorialized. Sen. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, said she was appalled by Rogers proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should name our public places after people who have led exemplary lives, not after a person who has led a disgraceful personal life, Epstein said, describing Trumps failures to pay his employees and felony convictions related to his attempt to cover up an affair. She added that Trump made a mockery of democracy on Jan. 6, 2021, when his followers stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to stop the transition of power from Trump to Joe Biden. Sen. Mark Finchem, R-Prescott, one of the states most prominent election deniers, claimed that Epsteins complaints about Trump were nothing more than propaganda. Finchem was at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and posted favorably about the events on social media as rioters were fighting with police and storming the seat of American government in an attempt to keep Trump in office, even after he lost an election to Joe Biden. The language of SCM1001 is a tribute to what Rogers sees as Trumps accomplishments, including his establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency, which will dismantle government bureaucracy, eliminate excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures and restructure federal agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, DOGE, which is directed by unelected billionaire Elon Musk, has pushed the federal government into chaos by firing federal employees indiscriminately in the name of cutting out waste, fraud and abuse, but then several times has backtracked and asked those employees to return to work after finding that their jobs were vital to public safety. A series of lawsuits have argued that DOGEs actions are illegal, and some judges have already blocked some of the groups efforts. In the proposal, Rogers also praises Trump for building 400 miles of the worlds most robust and advanced border wall, cutting taxes and dropping out of the United Nations Paris Climate Agreement. Arizona is far from the only state where Republicans are looking to ingratiate themselves to Trump by naming things after him. Republicans introduced proposals to create their own Donald J. Trump Highway in Missouri, Kentucky, Wyoming and Utah, Politico reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican lawmakers in West Virginia just recently proposed a resolution to rename Spruce Knob, the highest point in the state, Trump Mountain. And a state representative in Tennessee wants to rename Nashvilles airport after him. Republicans in Congress have introduced legislation to rename Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia after Trump. Republican congressmen have also introduced proposals to put Trumps likeness on $100 bills and to create a new $250 with Trump face on it, as well. A congresswoman from Florida proposed legislation shortly after Trump took office in January to feature his visage on Mount Rushmore, alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much like the text of Rogers proposal, statements about proposed name changes to honor Trump heap ample praise on the president, with some members of Congress calling him the best president of their lifetime, even though its only six weeks into his second term. Donald J. Trumps top priority as president is the best interests of American workers and American families, SCM1001 reads. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ULAN BATOR, March 7 (Xinhua)-- A steppe fire has devastated at least 7,500 hectares of land in the eastern Mongolian province of Dornod, which borders China, according to the country's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Friday. The steppe fire, which erupted in Bulgan Soum (administrative subdivision), was fully extinguished by Thursday evening, the NEMA reported. According to experts, most of forest and steppe fires are caused by human negligence, careless handling of fire and burning of grass in the spring. In view of this, the NEMA has warned residents of Ulan Bator and 21 Mongolian provinces not to make bonfires or throw cigarette butts on the ground in dry weather. In 2024, a total of 90 forest and steppe fires were reported across Mongolia, devastating 685,521 hectares of forest and grassland. Donald Trump Jr. swiftly denied a report he might run for president in 2028 on Friday and he needed a few expletives to do it. Mediaite claims that the presidents oldest son is considering running for the nations highest office after his dads second term ends, and the outlet credited three high-level (and anonymous) sources. Don has been the most politically involved of all the Trump kids and has always kept the lanes open for a presidential run, one White House insider and close friend of the Trump family told Mediaite. He is a valued voice for his father, and a real possibility to be a contender in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If thats Don Jr.s plan, there may be a few issues. First, President Donald Trump has suggested on multiple occasions he might attempt a third run for president despite that violating the Constitution. Also, current Vice President JD Vance is considered by many as a leading candidate for the next Republican nomination, though not necessarily by Trump himself. However, the reported presidential nepo-baby denied any plans to run for president, pointing out he was a key figure in getting his dad to pick Vance as VP. Don Jr. sent Mediaite a statement chock-full of expletives and threw in a slur, to boot: I accurately predicted that my buddy JD would be an instant power player in national GOP politics, so your theory is that I worked my ass off to help get him the VP nomination because I want to run for president in 2028? Are you fucking retarded? Im actually glad youre printing this bullshit though because at least now the rest of the press corps will see how shitty your sources are and how easily youre played by them. Congrats, moron. Still, another unnamed Trump family friend insisted to Mediaite that Don Jr. has serious political ambitions and is just trying to avoid ruffling Vances feathers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One hundred percent he will run, but only for president not VP, they said. He is older and more experienced than JD. In about a year, real conversations will start about him running. At this point, its too soon, and he doesnt want to start a battle with JD, especially since they are friends. It does look as if Don Jr. is taking a more active role in the second Trump administration, such as visiting Greenland in advance of a possible annexation attempt. Related... WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Thursday seemed to knock billionaire Elon Musk back a notch, with adverse federal court rulings, anxious GOP lawmakers and the unpopularity of Musks move-fast-and-break-stuff efforts to gut the government seemingly convincing him to put DOGE on a leash. Musks meme-inspired Department of Government Efficiency has directed mass layoffs of federal workers and the wholesale dismantling of federal agencies. But in a social media post on Thursday afternoon, Trump suggested DOGE would have less autonomy and need to be less reckless in its cuts in the future. DOGE has been an incredible success, and now that we have my Cabinet in place, I have instructed the Secretaries and Leadership to work with DOGE on Cost Cutting measures and Staffing, Trump wrote on TruthSocial. As the Secretaries learn about, and understand, the people working for the various Departments, they can be very precise as to who will remain, and who will go. We say the scalpel rather than the hatchet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps sudden focus on the work ahead for agency heads and away from what DOGE has been doing comes after a federal judge last week ruled that it was likely illegal for the Office of Personnel Management, where Musk acolytes have taken control, to direct agencies to fire thousands of employees. The judge said OPM had no authority to do something only individual agencies can do. In what appeared to be an effort to stave off more lawsuits, days later, OPM abruptly changed its guidance to say it was actually up to agencies all along, not OPM, to fire people. The shift by OPM is one of the clearest signs yet that the Trump administration knows that what its been doing is likely illegal. Musk, meanwhile, faces numerous further lawsuits challenging his appointment and DOGEs actions as unconstitutional and unlawful. Elon Musk, shown here leaving the White House on Tuesday night, is the world's richest man. But his signature government project, DOGE, might be facing a tighter leash from President Donald Trump. Bloomberg via Getty Images In remarks from the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said he had convened a meeting with Musk and several of his department heads. He suggested he would prefer his department heads to handle budget cuts but that Musk would still loom over them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments signal that Musk is likely to still wield significant power, and that DOGE-led efforts like potential mass layoffs at the Department of Veterans Affairs are unlikely to cease anytime soon. So I had a meeting, and I said, I want the Cabinet members to go first, keep all the people you want, everybody that you need, Trump said. And so were going to be watching them, and Elon and the group are going to be watching them, and if they can cut, its better. And if they dont cut, then Elon will do the cutting. Norm Eisen of State Democracy Defenders Fund, a nonprofit legal group thats been challenging Musks and DOGEs actions in court, said the presidents latest comments on Musk show that hes feeling the heat to stop saying his billionaire buddy is in charge. He made clear that Musk and DOGE have been calling the shots. Thats unconstitutional, Eisen said in a statement. Unfortunately, closing the barn door after the horse has bolted does no good. In fact, this attempted backtrack is an admission that the vast chaos that Musk and DOGE have wrought without proper approval and documentation is illegal and so must be completely unwound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Capitol Hill, Republicans have grown increasingly anxious about DOGEs doings, though only a handful of GOP lawmakers have outright criticized Musk or suggested there might be better ways of implementing the presidents agenda. Musk met with Republicans in the House and Senate on Wednesday, acknowledged DOGE had made occasional mistakes and handed out his cell phone number. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) said senators pressed Musk to work with Congress on the cost savings hes trying to achieve. What they said is, How do we work with you to codify and get into statute some of these things that youre actually doing? ... so that we can do more of it and make it permanent and be more successful, Hoeven told HuffPost. Helping to drive the GOP fretting: The public largely has a negative opinion of Musks role as head of DOGE and fears the worlds richest man has been given too much power over the federal government, even if people in theory support DOGEs stated mission of increasing efficiency and rooting out waste in the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, however, DOGEs efforts on those fronts have been inconsistent at best. Its publicly posted lists of cuts have been riddled with errors, and agencies have repeatedly had to call back workers who were dismissed after realizing they were too politically precious or critically important. Democrats, while still struggling with their own anti-Musk and anti-Trump messaging, seem to be growing slightly more confident about their ability to defeat the administration in court. Its not within the Presidents prerogative at all to be dismantling federal programs, whether were talking about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Agency for International Development or Department of Education, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) told reporters. The Presidents job in Article II is to take care that the laws are faithfully executed, not that the laws are mangled and destroyed and undone, and that that holds equally true for the spending of money. All along, the DOGE mission has been in tension with lawmakers constitutional power to control federal spending, and federal courts have been pushing back on Capitol Hills behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OPM case unwound one of DOGEs signature actions the firing of probationary workers across the government. And there are six separate lawsuits challenging Musks appointment as unconstitutional under the Appointments Clause. These cases allege that Musk is exercising the powers of a principal officer under the Constitution and, thus, must be confirmed by the Senate. Since hes exercising these powers without appointment, all actions of DOGE must be unlawful, they argue. So far, these lawsuits have not led to an order blocking Musks actions, but they could in the coming months. In denying a temporary restraining order on Feb. 18 in a case 14 states brought against Musk and DOGE, District Judge Tanya Chutkan hinted that the plaintiff states argument may succeed in arguments for a preliminary injunction. Plaintiffs legitimately call into question what appears to be the unchecked authority of an unelected individual and an entity that was not created by Congress and over which it has no oversight, Chutkan wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public Citizen and the American Federal of Government Employees are pressing another district court judge to allow discovery of documents to show Musks control over DOGE and his direction of the organizations actions in another lawsuit that has been consolidated with two other similar cases. On Wednesday, Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit watchdog, brought a new suit on behalf of a group of nonprofits similarly challenging Musks appointment. Defendant Elon Musk is not, legally, the President of the United States, nor is he a federal elected official of any kind, the complaint states. And Mr. Musk is not a Senate-confirmed officer of the United States. But he and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)not, in fact, a federal executive departmentare lawlessly and unconstitutionally wielding sweeping power across the executive branch. Trump administration lawyers have sought to deflect these cases by claiming that Musk does not lead DOGE, that Trump did not appoint him to lead it and that Musk and DOGEs actions are really just recommendations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is all rebutted by the voluminous public statements made by Musk and Trump prior to and since Trump took office on Jan. 20. Perhaps the most public of these statements came on Tuesday when Trump declared that DOGE is headed by Elon Musk during his televised speech to a joint session of Congress. That statement has since been introduced into the court records in each case against Musk as evidence that Musk indeed leads DOGE. Related... Originally appeared on E! Online President Donald Trump has another message for the NASA astronauts. As Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Willmore remain in space after an eight-day mission last June went awry, the president shared a some words of encouragement to the NASA astronauts 21 months into their time on the International Space Station. "We love you and we're coming up to get you, and you shouldn't have been up there so long," he said in a C-Span broadcast, via Forbes. We're gonna get them out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also shared that he asked SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, also the head of his new Department of Government Efficiency, to retrieve them from space as a favor adding, "Elon is right now preparing a ship to go up and get them." As Trump put it, "I said, 'Are you equipped to get them?' He said, 'Yes,' He's got a starship and they're preparing it right now. So, Elon is going to go up and get them." Trump added that Musk, whose space tech company is behind the craft set to retrieve the astronauts, "is preparing to go up in two weeks," falling in line with the timeline previously shared by the astronauts to CNN, where they said theyd return to Earth around March 19. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid his address, the president also shared a few lighthearted comments about the situation. "They've been left up there, I hope they like each other, he joked. Maybe theyll love each other, I dont know. And while Trump also joked about getting on the ship and taking the journey himself, he concluded, "When they come back, I'll greet them, how about that." Joe Raedle/Getty Images Trump had previously commented on the debacle, noting in a February Truth Social post that Williams and Wilmore had been virtually abandoned. However, the astronauts pushed back on the claim, with Williams telling CNN's Anderson Cooper in a Feb. 13 interview regarding their extended time on the ISS, as pretty darn good. For more information on the situation, read on. June 2024 Sunita Suni Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore launched into space on Boeings Starliner spacecraft June 5, 2024, with plans to stay at the International Space Station for eight days. Shortly after their launch, the astronauts reported a stable and isolated leak in their propulsion-related plumbing, per the Associated Press. While the leak remained stable throughout their travel to the ISS, four more leaks emerged and five thrustersdevices used for accelerationfailed. They were able to safely dock at the ISS, with the understanding that their mission would likely last longer than eight days. August 2024 Two months after their faulty launch, NASA came forward with the debacle of the two astronauts stuck in space. At the time, the space organization was still trying to determine whether the Starliner would be fit for a return to space, and Boeing maintained at the time it should have been, with the company telling E! News in a statement, If NASA decides to change the mission, we will take the actions necessary to configure Starliner for an uncrewed return. Meanwhile, former NASA official Scott Hubbard quelled public concern over Wilmore and Williams predicament, telling the Associated Press the astronautswho have each been to space before on prior missionsare only kind of stuck, emphasizing that they have plenty of supplies and work to do. August 2024 After NASA confirmed that Williams and Wilmore would return to Earth on a SpaceX mission in February or March, rather than attempting to fix the Starliner, their families spoke out. Wilmores wife Deanna Wilmore told WVLT in August of her familys predicament, You just sort of have to roll with it and expect the unexpected." Meanwhile, Williams husband Michael shared that he didnt think his wife would be unsettled by spending more time in space, telling The Wall Street Journal, That's her happy place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement November 2024 Just before celebrating six months in space, Williams and Wilmore shared insight into their Thanksgiving celebrations aboard the ISS. We have a bunch of food that weve packed away that is Thanksgiving-ish, Wiliams told NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt from the ISS on Nov. 27. Some smoked turkey, some cranberry, apple cobbler, green beans and mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Williams also reiterated that she and Wilmore were doing just fine amid their extended stay in space. People are worried about us, really, dont worry about us, she added. Were feeling good, working out, eating right. We have a lot of fun up here, too. December 2024 After the astronauts celebrated six months in space, NASA confirmed they would be staying even longer than previously thought. Although the organization had originally planned for the duo to return in February, delays in the SpaceX mission that would retrieve them led their stay to be extended to March or April, NASA said at the time. February 2024 In February, President Donald Trump claimed in a Truth Social post that Williams and Wilmore had been virtually abandoned in space amid their eight-day-turned-eight-month journey. However, following the headline-making comment, the astronauts pushed back on the presidents claim. We don't feel abandoned, Wilmore insisted to CNNs Anderson Cooper in a Feb. 13 interview. "We don't feel stuck. We don't feel stranded. We come prepared. We come committed. Williams interjected during the interview that the pair were doing pretty darn good, actually. We've got food, we've got clothes, we have great crew members up here, she continued. Of course, it was a little bit longer stay than we had expected, but both of us have trained to live and work on the International Space Station and I think we've made the most of it. During the interview, Wilmore and Williams also confirmed theyd be returning to Earth when SpaceX launches its Dragon capsule March 12. They'll come here, rendezvous and dock," Wilmore explained. We'll do a turnover for about a week and we will return on or about the 19th of March. March 2024 Just days before her father was set to return, Wilmores daughter Daryn Wilmore spoke out on her fathers time in spaceand how she felt about the delays in his return to Earth. Its a bit mentally exhausting, she told the Daily Mail in a March 6 interview. There's been issues. There's been negligence. And that's the reason why this has just kept getting delayed. There's just been issue after issue after issue. Daryn expressed that her father was bummed, but otherwise doing well on the ISS, adding, My dad is very resilient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Downtown St. Paul will lose its only grocery store when the Lunds & Byerlys closes on March 26. Tres Lund, chief executive officer of the Edina-based supermarket chain, said the grocery, which opened at 115 E. 10th St. in 2014, had been profitable in its first seven or eight years, but struggled during the pandemic when downtown employers, including the state of Minnesota, shifted to remote work. An increase in store security expenses and decrease in customer visits left operating costs far outpacing sales, and staffers were tough to hold onto amid incidents of shoplifting, harassment, vandalism and an arson that caused upward of $500,000 in damage in 2022. After the arson and the fire, I had a lot of outreach from folks who were very concerned, but they realized our resolve was to get that store reopened within four days, in record time, said Lund, who predicted better days ahead for downtown despite its well-documented challenges. Our capital city is going to pull through this. There are too many business leaders and city staff, and people who care so deeply about weathering this storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lund said Friday that he had met with city officials and the property owner on Wednesday to discuss preserving the space to someday accommodate another grocer. We are going to have our shoulder into helping the city with a grocery alternative to the degree thats possible, said Lund, noting the Downtown Development Corporation, a new nonprofit real estate subsidiary of the St. Paul Downtown Alliance, was also engaged to ensure we can actively bring that to fruition. Lunds & Byerlys will continue to offer online delivery in the area. The grocer also operates two stores in and near downtown Minneapolis, which is also served by a Whole Foods and Trader Joes. History In late 2011, a divided St. Paul City Council voted 4-3 to complete the 254-unit Penfield apartment development after a previous developer walked away during the economic downturn. The decision not only installed new luxury housing in a corner of downtown better known for small artist studios. It also drew Lunds as the grocer was known before incorporating its Byerlys stores into its name. Its opening in 2014 was hailed as a badly needed addition to an increasingly residential downtown short on grocery options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city was able to sell the development in 2016 to real estate investment company Jones Lang LaSalle for a profit. We opened this store early in St. Paul because of the population base, Lund said. We were excited then about the development prospects, and certainly the Penfield project. We were profitable within that year-plus, and then for seven years. We were on a good trend, and then things began to change, most significantly the pandemic. The issue was remote work, and that was a national and international issue. Efforts to switch up food offerings, reduce store hours late last year and make other changes were unable to make the math work on paper. I am saddened by this announcement, yet grateful for the investments both Lunds & Byerlys and the building owner have made in our city, Mayor Melvin Carter said in a statement. We look forward to our continued partnership as we realize our vision for a thriving downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Council Member Rebecca Noecker, who represents downtown, said there remains a need for a grocery store in the area. This was the downtown grocery store, and every neighborhood needs a grocery store, Noecker said on Friday. Even in the midst of this difficult decision, theyve agreed to leave all of their equipment in place, and the landlord has agreed to that. All the shelving, all the coolers, all the refrigeration will still be there. My priority is going to be working with city staff to try to find another grocer who wants to come into the space, knowing all the infrastructure will be there for them. Plans for Grand Avenue Lund said his company has maintained a grocery for more than 40 years in Highland Park, which shifted locations on Ford Parkway in 2022 into freshly built space within the Highland Bridge development. Though initial planning was put on hold in 2020, Lunds & Byerlys still plans a mixed-use development on Grand Avenue that would incorporate apartments above a new grocery, replacing the former home of a North Face clothing retailer and surrounding real estate around 799 Grand Ave. Were still going to develop land on Grand Avenue at some point. We see that as a development opportunity, said Lund, noting that since the 2022 arson at the downtown location, my relationship has grown significantly with Mayor Carter as well as other business leaders, working on the framework to get through this difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lund said his company had worked with the St. Paul Area Chamber and the Downtown Alliance on public surveys of the Central Business District to assess perceptions of crime downtown, which have shown improvement as crime trends have softened. Still, he said, downtown suffers because too many city, county and state employees now work remotely, even as some employers in the private sector begin to call their employees back to the office. Between the city, county and the state, thats a pretty significant population, Lund said. There is national recognition that workforce presence is part of a bustling city. That is well within the mayor, and county and state to influence. Our capital city needs us back. Many businesses that also experienced remote work, youre seeing a national trend to shift that back. Lund said the Downtown Alliances Downtown Investment Strategy, released last year, and the launch of the Downtown Development Corporation were bright spots, and the opening of the new Pedro Park this fall and several office-to-housing conversions in the pipeline gave him optimism for the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For downtown St. Paul, there is an upcoming resurgence, Lund predicted. None of us can put our finger to a specific date, but things will get better. The new Vieng Chan Market, located at the site of the former Coopers Foods on West Seventh Street, and the Mississippi Market on East Seventh Street are each about 1.8 miles away from downtown. A two-level downtown Walgreens on Wabasha Street offers some grocery items, mostly frozen and refrigerated foods. Related Articles COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The Columbus Division of Police is sharing stats from a successful Operation Unity in the South Linden and King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhoods this week. Police said the operation was aimed at fixing needs specific to each community in order to make it safer for those who live there. Officers made 12 felony arrests, three misdemeanor arrests, four juvenile arrests, 11 adult arrests, seized eight firearms two of which had Glock switches on them. They also executed two search warrants and served 26 arrest warrants. Cold case suspect extradited to Columbus after DNA links him to 1992 rape, murder Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus Police commander Scott Evers said they also cleared out nearly 90 complaints from junk motor vehicles to parking complaints to narcotics houses to just anywhere along the spectrum. So the focus is, you know, the prevention stuff. We made contact with 30 citizens to try to do some prevention discussions with them to make people safer, Evers said. Among those complaints included: 33 traffic stops 6 traffic citations 16 warnings 111 parking citations 30 citizens contact prevention efforts. He said they also use this operation to talk with community members about prevention efforts. What are the deep root issues that are causing the crimes and how do we affect those things? And a lot of thats connecting with resources. So we work with the different city entities, we work with churches, we work with nonprofits. And a lot of it just depends on what the community needs for that specific area based on the issues that were seeing, Evers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple drugs were seized as well including more than 260 grams of cocaine, more than 30 grams of methamphetamine, 62 pills, 50 grams of fentanyl and $4,960 in cash. 10 vehicles were also impounded. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The archive video above aired on March 6, 2025. MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) Meriden police say an arrest has been made after a man was struck by two vehicles while crossing the street Thursday afternoon. The 73-year-old pedestrian is in stable condition as of Friday, according to police, who said he was transferred from the scene to a trauma center by LIFE STAR. Man accused of trying to kidnap 2 juvenile girls at Bristol Dollar Tree Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police determined the man was legally crossing the street at the intersection of Park Street and Center Street when just after noon he was struck and knocked to the ground by a blue Ford Explorer with a New Jersey license plate. The vehicle kept driving and left without trying to help the man or call authorities, according to police and a video of the incident. While the pedestrian remained on the ground, police said a red Toyota Rav4 ran him over, causing additional injuries. That driver did stop and is cooperating with the investigation. Waterbury man hospitalized with life-threatening injury after traffic incident Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first driver was later located near the Meriden Public Library and admitted to his involvement, police said. Diego Mosqura-Garcia, 31, was charged with evading responsibility in a motor vehicle collision causing serious injuries, operating a motor vehicle while license is suspended, and failure to exercise due care near a pedestrian. Mosqura-Garcia was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Meriden Superior Court on March 20. The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked contact Officer J. Golden #600 at 203-630-6201 or jgolden@meridenct.gov. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. The driver in a high-speed chase in Henry County faces drug- and traffic-related charges, according to a news release from the Henry County Sheriffs Office posted on Facebook. Andrew Dura (Henry County Sheriffs Office) At 11:40 p.m. Wednesday, the Henry County Sheriffs Office tried to stop a car going 98 mph in a 55 mph zone. When the driver refused to stop, a pursuit began. When the vehicle stopped, deputies methamphetamine, marijuana, and other controlled substances, the release says. (Henry County Sheriffs Office) The driver, 51-year-old Andrew M Dura of Mineral, Ill., was taken into custody and faces charges including: (Henry County Sheriffs Office) Operating on a foreign license while suspended in Illinois Speeding 35 or more over the posted limit Operation of uninsured motor vehicle Reckless driving Possession of adult-use cannabis in a motor vehicle Fleeing to elude a peace officer Obstructing a peace officer Methamphetamine possession Possession of a controlled substance (six) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. SEOUL, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Casualties of a mistaken fighter plane bombing in South Korea rose to 15 civilians and 14 soldiers, the defense ministry said Friday. Two KF-16 fighter jets dropped four respective air-to-surface bombs by mistake outside a live-fire range in Pocheon, some 40 km north of Seoul, on Thursday. The bombs were dropped on civilian areas in Pocheon, destroying a church, houses and vehicles. Three of the eight bombs fell inside a nearby military unit, according to local broadcaster YTN. Among the 29 injured, 20 returned after treatment and the other nine were still being treated in hospitals. Two civilians suffering from serious injuries underwent surgery, while two soldiers and five civilians sustained minor injuries. The misguided bombing came from pilot errors as the pilot of one combat plane entered target coordinates wrong, according to the military's initial investigation. Investigation was underway for the mistaken bombing. The defense ministry planned to unveil its interim findings on March 10. RICE LAKE, Wis. (WFRV) Police in Wisconsin arrested a driver on their fifth operating while under the influence offense during a traffic stop which also revealed multiple weapons and drugs. According to a Rice Lake Police Department release, Sergeant Belich conducted a traffic stop on the south side of the city around 9 p.m. on Thursday, and requested K9 Kash for assistance. Sheriffs Office investigating overnight homicide at Wisconsin gas station Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement K9 Kash alerted to the scent of controlled substances, leading to a search of the drivers vehicle, which revealed several drugs and weapons: Methamphetamine Prescription pills Cocaine Paraphernalia Loaded gun Tear gas (CS Gas grenade) Detonation cords The driver, a previously convicted felon, was the only person in the vehicle and was arrested on several charges: Operating while under the influence 5th offense Possession of a firearm as a felon Possession of: Improvised explosive devices Methamphetamine Schedule 1 & 2 narcotics Cocaine Drug paraphernalia Failure to appear (warrant) Wisconsin man arrested in drug bust during traffic stop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several other charges have been referred as well. No additional details were provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Shreveport man has been sentenced for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Quintell Dewayne Gladney, 45, was sentenced to 262 months (21 years and 10 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, said the U.S. Attorneys Office, Western District of Louisiana. According to information presented in court, on May 26, 2020, the Shreveport Police Department performed a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Gladney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect arrested for alleged puppy mill, aggravated animal cruelty The officer approached the vehicle and began a conversation with Gladney and noticed what appeared to be a firearm in his waistband. Officers learned that Gladney was a convicted felon and asked Gladney to step out of the vehicle, but he refused. The officers then opened the door and removed Gladney from the vehicle for officer safety. A pat down search revealed that he did in fact have a loaded FN Herstal Model Five Seven 5.728 pistol in his waistband, stated the news release. The U.S. Attorneys Office said officers found over $3,000 in cash in Gladneys pockets, along with several small bags of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana packaged for distribution in the vehicle. They also uncovered more than 41 rounds of 5.728 caliber ammunition inside the vehicle. Gladney pleaded guilty on July 31, 2023, and admitted to illegally possessing the firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Shreveport Police Department investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert F. Moody. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. LOVING COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Texas Department of State Health Services is notifying the community in Loving County of a missing radiographic camera, an industrial device that contains radioactive material. The material is sealed within multiple protective layers, and the risk of exposure is low. The camera, commonly used in the oil and gas industry, is owned by National Inspection Services and went missing along State Highway 302 approximately 10 miles east of Mentone as it was being transported between work sites. The company is actively searching for the camera with support from DSHS and local authorities. It is also offering a reward for the recovery of the camera. This type of radioactive source is called a sealed source because the radioactive material is sealed inside a capsule, which is locked inside the camera with protective shielding and other safety features. Levels of radiation outside the camera itself are not dangerous. However, if someone attempts to open the device, they could be hurt by the radioactive material inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If someone finds the device, they should not try to open it and should contact local law enforcement, Reeves County Emergency Management at 432-287-4125, or the DSHS 24-hour phone line at 512-458-7460. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. The News Dubais once-idyllic expat lifestyle has become unattainable for many as costs rise and salaries stagnate. An influx of more than 400,000 expats since the pandemic has made the labor market more competitive, dragging down salaries and benefits even for top jobs, according to Bloomberg. Employers dont expect to offer UAE workers a pay bump this year. Rents for villas have nearly doubled, while apartment prices have risen 66%, according to real estate consultancy JLL, forcing many to consider commuting from neighboring Sharjah or even Ras Al Khaimah, 120 kilometers away. Dubai is now the Middle Easts most expensive city for international employees, ranking 15th globally, according to consultancy Mercer. The dream, however, is still alive for the rich. Around 800 millionaires left Britain for the UAE last year, drawn by low taxes and luxury lifestyles, while significant numbers of wealthy Germans are also considering the move. Real estate developers are struggling to meet demand for high-end homes, with $100 million listings on the rise. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A man has been extradited from Spain to Charlotte to face charges related to an alleged international technical support fraud scheme, according to acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron. Bikramjit Ahluwalia, 39, is a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates and lives in Dubai, UAE. Now that he is in the States, Ahluwalia is expected in court on Friday, March 7. Officials say Ahluwalia, who has operated under the usernames Biku, Internetteam5000, Don Bonsa and Bobby, is accused of being part of a tech support fraud scheme. He is charged with: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Max. sentence of 30 years) Money laundering conspiracy (Max. sentence of 20 years) Conspiracy to damage a protected computer (Max. sentence of 5 years) Wire fraud (Max. sentence of 30 years) In general, officials describe this type of scheme as malicious pop-ups falsely telling users that their computer has a virus or another serious issue. The scheme then pushes users to buy unnecessary repair services or technical support. Five pounds of fentanyl seized from Statesville man accused of trafficking in Gaston County; lethal dose for over a million people: Officials According to an indictment, Ahluwalia and another man, Andrew Brolese, owned Digital Marketing Support Services (DMSS), a company based out of the country of Seychelles, which is a country made up of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DMSS reportedly published and sold malicious pop-ups to force victims to contact call centers for tech help. The indictment continues that from April 2016 to March 2021, Ahluwalia, Brolese and other conspirators targeted victims in the United States. Some of the victims were 55 years old or older. It is said that the victims received malicious pop-ups stating that malware was on their computer or that technical issues were impacting their service, software or devices. The victims were reportedly told to call a phone number for help. Authorities say the phone number would go to overseas call centers, which would provide fake diagnoses of computer issues and trick victims into paying hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars. The indictment continues that Ahluwalia and Brolese worked with others to sell calls from victims to companies all over the world posing as tech support. This included someone who owns businesses in North Carolina. Ahluwalia and Brolese reportedly received over $31.2 million in illicit payments through wire transfers to overseas bank accounts owned by DMSS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This investigation was led by the Nashville Cyber Task Force, which includes the Knoxville FBI Office and Police Department. The Spanish government helped to arrest and extradite Ahluwalia. The Justice Departments Office of International Affairs worked to secure the extradition. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Warren is prosecuting the case out of Charlotte. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. It was Sunday, quiet and mild aside from the two Ospreys' dual rotors thrumming the chests of the Marines packed inside. The sortie was just over a mile away from its objective -- an airfield the troops aboard were meant to seize -- located on a sparsely populated island north of Australia's mainland. The flight on Aug. 27, 2023, was part of a routine training exercise with the Australian military. It came weeks before the Marines' rotation to the Pacific was set to end. Lima Company was tasked with seizing two airfields on Melville Island, and Capt. Joshua Watson was in charge of leading the 38 Marines aboard the two Ospreys to their objective, which was nicknamed "Cheetah." Watson, then a first lieutenant and executive officer for Lima Company, was in one of the aircraft, call sign Dumptruck-12, which trailed behind the lead Osprey. He was keyed into the aircraft's intercom, listening to the chatter from its crew as it approached its final descent to the objective, not knowing what awaited him and his Marines in the coming seconds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Pentagon Caps Civilians' Government Charge Cards at $1, Limits Travel as Part of Trump Cuts The pilots and crew chief were "calm, cool and collected," he said, even as the two Ospreys nearly collided, causing the fuel-heavy aircraft he was in to bank dramatically -- once, twice, three times, before it began to plummet nose-down. "I didn't have any thought or indication that something was going wrong until I heard 'brace for impact,'" Watson said in an interview with Military.com on Thursday. He relayed the signal to the Marines in the troop cabin -- they were going to crash. The impending tragedy would prove fatal to the three aircrew: Both pilots, Capt. Eleanor LeBeau and Maj. Tobin Lewis died, crash-landing the Osprey in a way that would allow the 20 other passengers on board to survive, Watson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They didn't give up," he said. "They flew the aircraft all the way to the ground, and I truly owe my life to them, and I wouldn't be here ... and you can say the same for 19 others." Cpl. Spencer Collart, the crew chief, survived the initial impact but returned to the burning wreckage in an attempt to save the pilots at the cost of his own life. He was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal last year, the service's highest noncombat award for acts of valor. "[It's] hard to believe, but he got [the full company of] 108 infantry Marines excited about going to ride on a V-22 and execute a mission on a Sunday, just the way he presented himself and carried himself was awesome," Watson said of Collart, describing him as having an "absolute phenomenal attitude." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watson, an infantry officer at the time, also earned that same award for his actions in the aftermath of the crash, for which he was honored in a ceremony Feb. 28. Lewis, who took control of the aircraft in the moments before it crashed, gripped the controls with both hands, pulling back on the cyclic in an attempt to level the Osprey out and slow its speed into the trees, which Marines later said were getting closer and closer as a stall warning blared into the troop cabin amid the perilous descent. "And after I heard 'brace for impact,'" Watson said, "it was about three to five seconds later and we were on the ground." The Osprey hit the ground in Melville Island's jungle forest before skidding 200 feet. Trees sheared the aircraft's tail off and the Osprey "burst into a fireball" on impact, according to a subsequent mishap investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm alive" was Watson's first thought post-impact. It was fleeting as he absorbed the chaos around him. Smoke, fire and debris filled the cabin as alarms blared -- his ankle was broken. The Marines were in shock; some were unconscious. He saw a light punching through the smoke toward the rear of the aircraft, marking the only exit amid the flames. "Leave everything and get out the back," he recalled saying in a first-person account of the crash published last month. Watson explained that he unstrapped himself and, as he checked the Marines to his left and right, began tending to his radio operator, who was unconscious. He pushed the radio operator to the aircraft's rear ramp, ushering other Marines out as he checked under seats and wreckage to make sure no one was trapped. Within two minutes, the Marines in the troop cabin were out of the flames. Watson was the last to leave the cabin. "I tried to be as deliberate as I could in that moment to make sure that there was no one remaining onboard," he told Military.com. "I had a feeling that I was gonna have one shot to make sure everybody got out due to the nature of the fire in the crash." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thinking the aircraft might explode, Marines started to scramble away as others worked to free another service member pinned underneath the fuselage of the Osprey. Watson began directing other leaders to control the chaos. He sent two to sweep the area to make sure they had everyone accounted for. Three Marines were missing -- LeBeau, Lewis and Collart. Watson assigned two noncommissioned officers and a platoon commander to get the surviving Marines to a casualty collection point, where they began treatment. The corpsman's medical bag was lost in the crash so Marines had to rely on sparse individual first aid kits, or IFAKs, to tend to casualties. Watson radioed to the section of AH-1Z and UH-Y1 helicopters circling above, which had accompanied the Ospreys on their flight. The helicopters couldn't land because the forest was too dense. While coordinating higher-level casualty care, Watson directed the remaining Marines to move the injured more than a mile away to their intended airfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He guided multiple rescue helicopters into position and facilitated the insertion of several medical teams," a news release announcing Watson's award said. "Watson was the last Marine to recover and transport to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, where he and his Marines received treatment for their injuries." Watson said that, from day one, accountability is drilled into every Marine officer's head. When he signed his original contract to join the Marine Corps in 2016, he did so with the intention of flying himself. But when he went to The Basic School, where new officers are trained, he switched to infantry. "You fall to your level of training, you don't rise to the occasion," he said. "I one hundred percent felt that." Watson has "come full circle," he said, now being stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, where he is a flight student and slated to fly rotary-wing aircraft. It was at Pensacola where he received the award for valor late last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his interview and written reflections, Watson asserted that training and preparation were critical to his and his Marines' success in the chaotic scenario. Communication, accountability, rehearsals, equipment inspections -- tasks that can occur well before takeoff -- proved crucial and life-saving in hindsight. "There's no book answer for a lot of these questions," he said. "But [it was] training, experience and the trust in everyone that really got us to the answers." Related: He Died Trying to Save Fellow Marines from a Burning Osprey. Now, Spencer Collart Will Be Awarded for His Valor. Jes Staley did not give a clear account of his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein because of his dyslexia, according to Barclays chairman. In evidence to the High Court on Friday, it was revealed that Nigel Higgins claimed to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) that Mr Staley doesnt read a lot and may have made a mistake during an investigation into his relationship with the paedophile financier. Mr Higgins defended his former colleague by claiming he had no motive to mislead the FCA, which previously handed Mr Staley a lifetime ban from the City over his failure to disclose the full nature of his ties to Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Staley is trying to overturn the ban in the High Court. Robert Smith KC, Mr Staleys barrister, told the court that Mr Higgins previously asked regulators whether they had taken into account Mr Staleys underlying conditions during its investigation into whether they were misled. During the meeting between Mr Higgins and Sam Woods, the head of the Prudential Regulation Authority, Mr Higgins said: [Mr Staley] is dyslexic, he doesnt read a lot of things, he may have made a mistake. What is his motive to mislead? Mr Woods responded that the agency would not speculate on motives. The High Court battle centres on a short letter that Barclays sent to the FCA in 2019 denying that Mr Staley was close to Epstein and claiming the two men cut contact before Mr Staley joined Barclays in 2015. Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his prison cell in 2019 awaiting trial on new sex trafficking charges - REUTERS On Friday, Andrew Bailey, the Bank of England Governor and former head of the FCA, was questioned over his recollection of events leading up to Mr Staleys ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bailey, who said he was not aware of Mr Staleys dyslexia, gave an hour of evidence at the High Court hearing, which concluded its first week of evidence on Friday. The Governor was asked about phone calls and meetings he had attended alongside Mr Higgins. According to a witness statement from Mr Bailey, Mr Higgins had pressed him on whether the FCAs investigation was about the girls a reference to Epsteins arrest for soliciting underage girls for sex. I recall that Mr Higgins had a habit of switching arguments and he attempted to reframe the question as one which was about whether Mr Staley knew about or saw the girls. However, that was not the question that was asked and was not what was reflected in the letter from Barclays, Mr Bailey said in the witness statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Carney, the former Bank of England governor, had also attended a meeting between Mr Woods, Mr Bailey and Mr Higgins during the FCA investigation. After reviewing some of the 1,200 emails between Mr Staley and Epstein, Mr Carney said: I did not have a presumption of guilt, not until I read the emails, the court heard. In 2008, Epstein was convicted for soliciting a 17-year-old minor but according to notes from Mr Higgins: The clear impression from [Mr Carney] was that he thought the original conviction was about sexual activity with a minor. Mr Higgins is due to give evidence on Monday. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. NEW YORK (PIX11) Theres a new warning for New York and New Jersey residents, especially if you drive. E-Z Pass warns of a new round of text messaging scams targeting both drivers and non-drivers. More Local News Residents may receive a message claiming they have an unpaid toll bill that they must pay within 12 hours otherwise theyll face late fees. The message instructs the recipient to text back the letter Y to then click a link and pay their bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents who receive either of these messages are advised not to click the links and to check their accounts using the following official E-Z Pass websites. More Congestion Pricing News Official E-Z Pass websites: Any real messages from E-Z Pass will come from the number 39769. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. KIEV, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian and the U.S. delegations are expected to meet for peace talks next week in Saudi Arabia, the UNN news agency reported Friday, citing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "On Monday, I am scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with the Crown Prince (Mohammed bin Salman). After that, my team will remain in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners," Zelensky was quoted as saying. He stressed that Kiev is committed to achieving peace and is working on a solution to the conflict. "The war must be stopped as soon as possible, and Ukraine is ready to work around the clock with partners in America and Europe for the sake of peace," Zelensky emphasized. One day earlier, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told reporters that he is set to meet with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia on March 11 to discuss a potential peace agreement. EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) East Palestine has hired a new village manager. The new manager, Antonio Diaz-Guy, is a lifelong resident of the area, according to a news release from the village. For me, its more than just a position its a deeply personal and profoundly meaningful opportunity, Diaz-Guy said. Though I grew up in Negley, East Palestine was always the center of my world. Some of my best memories were made here watching the town from the front window of Guys Bakery, strolling through the summer car show, and exploring the park during the autumn craft festival. Now, I have the privilege of shaping the future of the town that shaped me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the release, Diaz-Guy graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in economics and philosophy. He is currently attending Youngstown State University, obtaining a masters degree in business administration. Diaz-Guy has also spent over a decade in the medical imaging and diagnostics field. He said his mission is to drive the economic and social growth of the village by fostering a business-friendly community. He would also like to increase efficiency, and enhance transparency and communication with the residents. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Did someone say all-you-can-eat tacos? Not so fast. A so-called Taco Museum has been making its way through Texas, promising unlimited tacos and an immersive dive into taco history. Beware readers are warning that its actually a scam. Here's what you need to know. What is the Taco Museum? The Taco Museum, a pop-up exhibit that previously toured California, promised three stops in Texas. However, many are now calling it a scam after all Texas events were abruptly canceled without warning. The organizers deactivated their website and failed to issue refunds, leaving ticket holders frustrated and out of pocket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in California, those who attended described it as underwhelming. In a Reddit thread exposing what they've described as a scam, users claimed the exhibit featured little more than two taco trucks, Taco Bell commercials, and neon signs from taco restaurants and brands. "Dont waste your time, money, or gas. It was absolutely horrible," one user wrote. "No swag bags, 2 taco vendors who ran out of meat and tortillas by 3pm. Salsa bar not on ice and in 80 degree heat. It was in a parking lot with limited shade to sit. 0/10 do not recommend." According to the now-deactivated website, the Taco Museum marketed itself as a vibrant, interactive experience that celebrates everything taco-related. It claimed visitors could: "Discover the rich history behind this beloved dish as you explore stunning taco-inspired art from talented creators." "Indulge in our all-you-can-eat taco bar, featuring a variety of flavors to delight your taste buds." "Snap unforgettable photos at our engaging exhibits, perfect for sharing on social media." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, there are dozens of threads and hundreds of comments about the event, with many users expressing disappointment that it either did not meet their expectations or, in some cases, never happened at all. What happened with the Taco Museum? In Texas, the museum was scheduled to stop in: Austin (2515 Brockton Dr.) Feb. 15 San Antonio (River North Icehouse, 317 W. Jones Ave.) Feb. 22 Fort Worth (Stockyards Station) March 1 But none of these events took place. Several readers contacted the Austin American-Statesman and other news outlets that covered the museum, expressing concerns about the event. One attendee said she purchased two VIP tickets for $50 each but received an email at 3 a.m. on the day of the event, informing her it had been postponed until March. She immediately requested a refund but received no response. When she followed up weeks later, she still heard nothing, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an attachment, she sent the email, which stated: "We are writing to inform you that, unfortunately, todays Taco Museum event has been postponed. The venue initially believed they could accommodate the number of attendees we were expecting. However, at the last minute, they realized they would not be able to safely handle the demand as anticipated. After careful deliberation, weve made the difficult decision to reschedule the event to March 8th.Please understand that we did not take this decision lightly. Given the short timing and the logistical challenges that arose, we felt this was the only viable option to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for all of our attendees. We understand how disappointing this may be, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause but it was unavoidable.Were happy to share that we already have a new venue lined up for the event, and we are just in the final stages of contract negotiations and will share details of the new venue this week. Were working hard to ensure the rescheduled event will be a fantastic experience, and we are confident youll love the new location." Since the original postponement, readers have not heard from the event organizers, and the website has been deactivated. "For me its $100 out of pocket, but I know for some thats a lot of money and an upsetting thing to realize they paid for something that isnt happening," one reader wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In light of confusion, MySA reported that the owner of River North Icehouse at San Antonio's event had no knowledge of the event at all and was never in contact with event organizers. The Dallas Observer noted that those attendees who did arrive for fake museum were met with an entirely different event Booty, Brunch, and Bubbly, a hybrid fitness and food pop-up that was actually scheduled to happen that day. (The events have no affiliation.) "On February 22nd, the day of the 'original event,' we had around 30 people show up for it. All were very upset when they realized they had been scammed out of money," River North Icehouse co-owner Seth Klein told MySA. "We feel pretty bad for all the people who lost out on money because of it. It's also negatively impacted our business as people are associating us with the scam," Klein continued. What to do if you bought tickets for the Taco Museum If you bought tickets for the Taco Museum and are seeking a refund, many readers have confirmed that their refund requests have been unsuccessful. It is still unclear who the exact organizers of the taco museum are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, some people, including those who attended the makeshift event in San Diego, have reported successfully receiving chargebacks from their banks. If you are still seeking a refund, contacting your bank or credit card provider to initiate a chargeback may be a viable option. The Austin American-Statesman has reached out to the event organizers for comment. They have not responded. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Taco Museum is likely scam, readers say, and they never got refunds Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has granted preemptive pardons for police and military personnel responding to an armed attack that killed at least 22 in the southern city of Guayaquil yesterday. We need you to act decisively and without fear of reprisal, Noboa wrote in a post on X on Friday morning. Defend the country, I will defend you. Its not the first time the increasingly hardline Noboa has offered pardons to security officers fighting crime in Ecuador, even before they have been deployed or accused of wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN en Espanol has reached out to the presidents office for clarification on the extent of the pardons. The attack in Guayaquil unfolded across three locations in the city on Thursday afternoon and left at least 22 people dead and six injured, authorities told CNNE. Preliminary reports suggest that the attack arose out of a profit-sharing dispute between different factions of the Los Tiguerones criminal gang, according to a police statement shared with CNNE. Among the deceased and injured, several have a history of robbery, drug trafficking, and weapons possession, police wrote. Ecuadorean authorities raided several homes overnight and early in the morning after the attack, arresting 14 individuals and seizing weapons and ammunition, Ecuadors Ministry of Defense announced in a post on X on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guayaquil, Ecuadors largest city, has suffered grievously in the countrys ongoing drug-fueled violence epidemic. In 2024, the city recorded nearly 2,000 homicides, government statistics show. Noboa has sought to crack down on Ecuadors spiraling security crisis since becoming president in 2023, declaring several states of emergency and designating 22 criminal organizations as terrorist groups, moves that have prompted criticism from some rights groups domestically and abroad. Instability in Ecuador, fueled by the international drug trade, has been the backdrop of Noboas campaign for a second term this year. He fell short of securing an outright majority in the first round of voting in Ecuadors general election last month. A second-round vote in the coming months will decide if the Latin American country will stick with Noboas approach or seek an alternative voice in leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com No one should be happy with Florida Power and Lights historic request for a nearly $9 billion rate hike. Likewise, no one should assume that the state Public Service Commission, which must rule on it, will give consumers a full and fair hearing. For Florida households already struggling with some of the highest housing and insurance costs in the country, this rate hike is a recipe for further pain. The initial monthly increase for residential customers may sound modest, at about $12 per 1,000 kilowatts, but higher increases are proposed for businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gas station owners, grocers, farmers and mom-and-pop retailers will all have to weigh passing on higher utility costs to customers. Other charges, for such things as funding FPLs solar power construction, could increase bills even more. A state-sanctioned monopoly Still, FPLs request for higher rates and increase shareholder returns was expected. FPL is owned by NextEra Energy, a roughly $144 billion publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. NextEras officers and directors have a fiduciary responsibility to look out for their shareholders. But its FPL subsidiary is also a state-sanctioned monopoly, and that carries a special responsibility to Florida citizens. Here is where both FPL and the PSC have failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, FPL poured millions into a deceptive campaign that would have limited rooftop solar growth. In 2022, the utility wrote a bill that would have discouraged solar investment. NextEra gave $10,000 to the bill sponsors PAC. Former Senate President Wilton Simpson led the charge to oust Public Counsel J.R. Kelly, who argued for reasonable rates on behalf of consumers and blocked FPL from charging for a natural gas fracking project in Oklahoma. FPL sunk $400,000 into committees that helped Simpson win the elected agriculture commissioners post in 2022. And of course, FPL turned out to be a major player in the dark-money scandals unveiled by an Orlando Sentinel investigation that started in late 2020. A prolific political player Most people knew that NextEra was a prolific campaign contributor, earmarking millions to federal and state candidates. In 2023 and 2024 in Florida, the company and its subsidiaries showered $1.3 million on committees, parties and candidates, according to OpenSecrets.org, including $770,000 on Republican House and Senate campaign committees. But FPL wasnt content with showering cash on politicians. The utility bankrolled political consultants whose companies propped up ghost candidates in Miami-Dade and elsewhere to confuse voters, split the vote and secure state Senate seats for friendlier legislators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to imagine any lawmaker being friendlier to FPL than the Florida Public Service Commission, whose five members are appointed by the governor. Created to oversee utilities, the panel has instead protected them. At the height of the ghost candidate scandals, a group of lawmakers asked the PSC to specifically audit FPL to ensure that electric bills werent funding political spending or schemes. The PSC just said no. A lapdog, not a watchdog In 2021, the PSCs lapdogs took one hour to finalize a $4.86 billion rate increase for FPL, one structured to hit residential customers especially hard. A lawsuit challenging the rate hike included 60 witnesses, 635 exhibits and more than 70,000 pages of evidence and testimony. In response, the PSC produced little more than a page to justify its decision, according to a 4 to 2 Florida Supreme Court order sending the PSC back to the drawing board. The commission must do the job it was created for, justices wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PSC has at times acted as though its job is to service FPLs bottom line. In another case involving a former FPL subsidiary, Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muniz described the PSC as a black box unable or unwilling to produce evidence that a rate hike was warranted. It wasnt an aberration, the justice said, but literally every order that we see from the PSC. A breath of fresh air The voice in Tallahassee most forcefully demanding accountability is Republican state Sen. Don Gaetz, the influential former Senate president who came out of retirement and rejoined the Senate in November. In the current legislative session, Gaetz is sponsoring SB 354, increasing the number of PSC commissioners to seven and requiring new members to be a CPA and a chartered financial analyst. The bill limits shareholder profits from rate hikes, mandates an annual report from the PSC on economic repercussions of higher rates and requires disclosure of the salaries of utility executives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaetzs bill has the attention of FPLs army of 37 paid lobbyists in Tallahassee. He said FPL President Armando Pimentel personally flew to Tallahassee to meet with him about it. The senator told the Sun Sentinel Editorial Board his bill would affect all utilities, not just FPL, but Ive heard nothing from any other utility about it. Senate Bill 354 simply demands that the PSC do what four state Supreme Court justices said the panel failed to do when FPL last came looking for a historic multibillion-dollar rate hike: Its job. The PSC does not have to wait for a staunchly pro-business Legislature to recommit to rate hikes that are fair, justified, reasonable, transparent and in the public interest. It can, and should, start right now. The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board includes Executive Editor Roger Simmons, Opinion Editor Krys Fluker and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Executive Editor Gretchen Day-Bryant, Editorial Page Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Sweeney and editorial writers Pat Beall and Martin Dyckman. Send letters to insight@orlandosentinel.com. A CNN instant poll after Tuesday nights joint address to Congress reported that 66% of speech watchers said that President Donald Trumps policies will move America in the right direction. Thats a pretty good snapshot of how the night went for Democrats, who spent the evening disrupting the proceedings, walking out, refusing to stand for ordinary Americans who had been through all manner of traumas and paddle-raising their policy disagreements as if they were at some kind of elite fundraising gala events with which many of them are all too familiar. It was a sorry sight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, Trump looked out at the assembled party, scowling at all of them, and said, in essence, he could cure cancer or land a rocket on the moon and none of these people would give him any credit because they hate him that much. All the camera had to do was pan to the sea of faces to make Trumps point. He was right. Most Democrats refused even to look Trumps Cabinet members in the eye. Presidential addresses to Congress are always reminders that elections have consequences because the winner gets to frame, talk and control the narrative, and the losers have to sit on their hands or, in the case of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, fiddle with their phones. Trumps speech was, of course, often exaggerated and misleading, as is always the case. He also glossed over innumerable inconvenient facts such as his love of tariffs raising prices rather than fulfilling his election promise of lowering them from day one and the tariff-driven total collapse in recent days of the postelection bounce in the stock market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But then, most of his voters dont pay day-to-day attention to the market or subscribe, as we do, to the gospel of free international trade and the importance of long-standing multinational alliances to global security. We were appalled that allies such as Canada and Mexico are now being forced into economic combat they did not seek, not to mention blamed for Americas fentanyl problem and Trumps lack of understanding that their inevitable, and justified, retribution is already having detrimental effects on the American economy. But Trump, or his speechwriters, have become much more sophisticated in their narrative skills. Take, for example, Trumps mid-speech listing of the ages of people that the Social Security Administration believes to still be alive, including some seemingly as old as the republic itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was made clear weeks ago that this was in part a database quirk in the agency and in part a general lack of understanding that a country with more than 340 million people actually does have tens of thousands of centenarians and living dependents of centenarians. It does not mean that massive numbers of checks are being sent to the dead, since there are other verifications. And, of course, there are some checks being sent because the agency is so massive that a) fraud has always existed and b) so have errors. Trumps Department of Government Efficiency will wipe out neither. But none of that mattered, and although post-facto fact-checkers huffed and puffed, Trump actually was careful to stop just short of saying that checks were being sent to all of these superhuman Americans while deftly leaving the impression that was the case. That level of rhetorical sophistication was missing from all of his previous congressional addresses. Trump also has greatly improved his ability to highlight ordinary people in his addresses, creating actual real-time drama by signing an executive order in the middle of giving a speech, announcing an acceptance to West Point live on television and, in one case, instantly making a thrilled and cute kid a member of the Secret Service, his wide eyes filling every law enforcement officer, or other first responder, watching at home with pride. Manipulative? Sure, to some. For others, reality television from Capitol Hill from a master of the craft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, Trump is ruthless and divisive. But he knows how to make himself look the opposite, even as that empathic skill from Democrats has drowned in a cocktail of resentment and anger. The folks in the gallery should, of course, have been a stark reminder for Democrats that ordinary Americans often deal with unspeakable horrors in their lives and they now are turning to a rebranded Trump, not the party that historically championed their values, as their savior. Once again, it was revealed just how absolutely Trump has captured the working and middle classes, the blue-collar Americans without whom the Democrats cannot win. Trump deftly maneuvered the hapless Democrats right where he wanted them into a catch-22. They did not want to stand in support of his culture war salvos, yet doing so meant disrespecting individuals who served as proxies for millions of people who saw themselves in their shoes. Democrats should open their eyes: One astute commentator noted Tuesday that the party cannot look to its representatives in Washington to solve its malaise, self-evidently the case at the joint address, but that any renaissance will have to come from middle America. Indeed. Democrats will need to recapture from Trump that commonsense message at pain of their own marginalization. _____ (NewsNation) Heritage Foundation fellow Jonathan Butcher said shutting down the Department of Education needs to be a priority for conservatives. President Donald Trump will not sign an executive order Thursday asking new Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dissolving the department, a White House official confirmed to NewsNation. Butcher, a researcher at the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank, noted of the DOE, The important parts can be moved, acknowledging that some programs are crucial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dems should recognize issue of border security, de Blasio says The White House has reversed course and will continue to review the department, a White House official said. An official previously told NewsNation the signing would take place Thursday afternoon. Linda McMahon will join NewsNation Live on Friday at 9:30 a.m. ET: Heres how you can watch live. A draft of the executive order was obtained by The Wall Street Journal early Thursday morning. The draft reportedly directed McMahon to take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure. According to the Journals reporting, McMahon would be instructed to do whatever it takes to shutter the agency based on the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is Social Security money going to millions listed as old as 149? The long-promised closure of the department could have major implications on what kids learn, how schools are funded and the future of student loans for millions. Trump has previously accused the department of indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual and political material. He campaigned on the idea of giving educational power to the states. NewsNations Anna Kutz contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. From education to employment, a new city program allows graduates from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to immediately enter the workforce. Applications open Monday and the city of Charlotte plans to hire 29 graduates right out of CMS. The new hires will make $23/hour and get full benefits. City of Charlotte Workforce Development Program Manager Sherri Jones says this is a great alternative for students who choose to not go to college or enlist in the military. City introduces CMS apprentice program for recent graduates Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a very supportive environment with so much room to grow, she said. With 22 different departments, over 400 different occupations, oh my goodness, they could stay in Charlotte for the rest of their career. The city hired 17 CMS graduates as part of the pilot program in 2024. One of the graduates is Noor Hamdoun, an East Mecklenburg High School alumna. She works for the CharMeck 311 customer contact center. Hamdoun says she applied for the program to learn new skills. She hopes to work in real estate in the future. She says entering the workforce was an adjustment but has been a great transition. She hopes the program will set her up for future success. The opportunities that Im able to receive from working here are great. I do believe this job is very valuable and it sets the foundation up for my future career, she said. It was definitely an adjustment after graduating and then going straight to the workforce. But it has taught me so many skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To apply, you have to be a CMS graduate and at least 18 years old by July 11. There are open positions with Charlotte Water, CDOT, CATS, aviation and more. As one of the benefits, after six months, the city of Charlotte will pay for classes at Central Piedmont Community College. The application will be available online on Monday. In the meantime, for more information, interested applicants can email workforcedevelopment@charlottenc.gov. VIDEO: CMS seniors awarded scholarships to join college marching band An electric vehicle charging station in Damariscotta, Maine. (Evan Houk/Maine Morning Star) Despite wanting 150,000 light-duty electric vehicles on Maine roads by the start of the next decade, the state ran out of funding for a key incentive program last year. However, a bill introduced Thursday could help fill that gap. The Legislatures Energy, Utilities and Technology held a public hearing for LD 585, which would amend language in the Efficiency Maine Trust Act to allow more flexibility in using certain program funds that are currently only used for subsidizing heat pumps. The bill would remove those limitations so certain revenue, known as forward capacity market funds, could be used for electric vehicles as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This change, as well as other language updates proposed in the bill, could, in turn, reduce electricity costs for ratepayers, said Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-York), the bill sponsor. The additional load from electric vehicles dilutes the rates utility companies must charge to maintain and operate the grid, which helps reduce costs for all ratepayers, Ingwersen explained. While Efficiency Maine has a variety of funding mechanisms for heat pump incentives, there arent other revenue streams for the now-exhausted electric vehicle rebate program, said Executive Director Michael Stoddard. In mid-November, Efficiency Maine had to stop issuing EV rebates except for those designated for low-income customers because it exhausted the $13.5 million provided for the program when it launched in 2019. Efficiency Maines EV rebate program offered up to $2,000 for the purchase of a new battery electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid to Mainers of any income. The rebate amount increased to $7,500 for low-income consumers and included an option to get some money back for purchasing a used hybrid or electric vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Efficiency Maine originally forecasted its funding for EV rebates would last through this coming June, but Stoddard previously told Maine Morning Star that demand accelerated more than expected in the second half of last year. Stoddard shared this unexpected ramp up with the committee Thursday when they raised questions about future demand for electric vehicles. Although there was high demand last year, Stoddard reminded the committee that the language in the bill would still allow the trust to use the money on heat pumps if EV demand were to fall off. It gives us some discretion to move around and adjust to the market, Stoddard said, noting that demand for heat pumps remains high. Gov. Janet Mills has encouraged the transition to heat pumps, setting a goal in 2019 of installing 100,000 by 2025. That goal was met in 2023, so the governor set a new target of another 175,000 heat pump installations by 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Governors Energy Office testified in support of the bill, seeing it as a tool to aid in an affordable energy transition. Public Advocate Heather Sanborn also supported the bill for its potential to reduce costs for customers. [Efficiency Maine] has a track record of demonstrably driving down rates for all ratepayers, Sanborn said. We think their efforts should continue. Environmental advocates also spoke in favor of the bill for its potential to encourage more Mainers to make the switch to EVs. Given that transportation is responsible for nearly half of the states carbon emissions, the states climate action plan calls for the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles to combat climate change. One member of the public spoke in opposition to the bill. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) Local businesses are hurting amid the egg shortage and soaring prices. In Holyoke, a popular Irish pub, Mitchells Public House, has had to implement a surcharge and re-evaluate their menu because of rising prices. We do our traditional Irish breakfast all day long, which requires eggs, which is very hard for us. I do a lot of specials, which now I kind of have to think about them and how many eggs are involved. I also like to bake, which now Im not baking as much as I would, says Orla Mitchell, Owner of Mitchells Public House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why should America worry about Trump? Try the price of eggs, say some Democrats Agriculture Brooke Rollins unveiled a nearly $1 billion plan to address soaring egg prices caused by the ongoing Bird Flu outbreak. The plan includes importing $70 million of eggs from Turkey, more funding for vaccines, and research. The U.S. also plans to put $500 Million towards biosecurity measures to crack down on barns and repopulate flocks. Mitchell hopes customers will still stop by for their favorites like Corned Beef and Hash. Theyve even started catering and offering dinner to make ends meet. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A mature, resilient and stable China-Russia relationship will not be swayed by any turn of events, let alone be subject to interference by any third party, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday. The relationship is "a constant in a turbulent world rather than a variable in geopolitical games," Wang told a press conference held on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the national legislature. No matter how the international landscape evolves, the historical logic of China-Russia friendship will not change and its internal driving force will not diminish, he said. The two countries have found a path of "non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party" in developing their relations, Wang said, adding that it is a pioneering effort in forging a new model of major-country relations, and has set a fine example for relations between neighboring countries. Last year marked the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties. President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin had three face-to-face meetings, jointly steering the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era into a new historical stage, Wang said. This year will be the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II. Back then, China and Russia fought valiantly in the main theaters of Asia and Europe respectively. The two nations made immense sacrifice for and major, historic contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, he said. "The two sides will take the opportunity of joint commemoration of this important historical milestone to advocate the correct historical view of World War II, defend its victorious outcomes, uphold the U.N.-centered international system, and promote a more just and equitable international order," he said. Workers at 11 German airports, including major transport hubs Frankfurt and Munich, are set to strike on Monday as part of an ongoing wage dispute, trade union verdi said. Public sector workers and ground staff at Berlin airport, as well as in Hamburg, Stuttgart, Cologne/Bonn, Dusseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen and Leipzig-Halle have also been called on to join the 24-hour industrial action, meaning operations at all major German airports will be affected. Germany has been hit by strikes as the union tries to increase pressure on the federal government and municipalities ahead of another round of talks on a collective wage agreement covering some 2.5 million public sector workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Verdi is demanding an 8% pay rise - worth a minimum of 350 ($365) more per month - as well as higher bonuses and three additional days off. Employers have rejected the demands as unaffordable, with both sides due to meet near Berlin for a third round off negotiations from March 14 to 16. Some 20,000 health care workers took part in industrial action on Thursday, while employees at kindergartens and care facilities were due to go on strike on Friday. A large share of employees at airport operators is covered by collective wage agreements for public sector workers, meaning they could join the industrial action due to start at midnight (2300 GMT Sunday). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Verdi on Friday also called on ground staff to strike for 24 hours, as the union is negotiating a separate collective agreement for the sector. Industrial action related to the ongoing wage dispute led to flight cancellations at Germany's Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Munich airports last month. Public sector workers at Frankfurt Airport last went on strike in March 2023. Verdi has criticized the employer side for not presenting a new offer during a second round of talks in mid-February. "We have been forced to carry out this strike because the employers have so far not presented any offers in the current collective bargaining negotiations for public service employees and have shown no willingness to meet our justified demands," said verdi deputy chairwoman Christine Behle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted that the strike was announced in advance to allow passengers to make alternative travel plans. German flagship carrier Lufthansa, whose biggest hub is based in Frankfurt, as well as aviation industry association ADV, have criticized the strikes. Workers in Frankfurt have been asked to join a rally on Monday morning. Elon Musk celebrated the firing of a state employee from Texas who refused to remove his gendered pronouns from his work email signature. Frank Zamora was laid off from the Texas Real Estate Commission, a state agency that governs real estate practices, last month. The 31-year-old refused to remove his gendered pronouns from his email signature following a mandate issued days after Governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to reject woke gender ideologies and comply with the law and the biological reality that there are only two sexes male and female. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott, a Republican, took to X Thursday to celebrate Zamoras dismissal and shared a report from the Austin American-Statesman, tweeting: A Texas state employee refused to remove pronouns from email signature. He was fired before noon. Musk, whose Department of Government Efficiency has played a major role in the Trump administrations firing of an estimated 20,000 federal workers, commented on Abbotts post with two fire emojis. Elon Musk, pictured at CPAC last month, celebrated the firing of a state agency worker who refused to comply with his companys pronouns policy (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Abbotts initiative came 10 days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office on January 20 that stated it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female. The order also stated that departments must ensure that official government documents, including passports and visas, reflect sex accurately. Two days later, Trump issued a sweeping executive order banning DEI initiatives across the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zamoras supervisor at the TREC sent him and his colleague an email about the companys directive to remove pronouns from email signatures. Greetings all. It was a beautiful weekend in Austin and I hope you were able to enjoy it, began the email obtained by the Guardian. On a very different note, based on a recent directive from Governor Abbott, the agency is modifying its employee email signature block template by removing preferred pronouns. Asking employees to ensure their signature complied with the attached template, the email continued: I understand this change may have an impact on employees and I am sensitive to that. The Governor, however, has directed the agency to act and so we will. Zamora penned a letter and noted his refusal to comply with the directive. He told the Guardian he was ultimately given the choice between removing the pronouns, resigning or being terminated. He was terminated after refusing to either resign or change his email signature. The Independent has contacted the TREC for more information. This is an adapted excerpt from the March 5 episode of All In with Chris Hayes. During Karoline Leavitts first official on-camera briefing as White House press secretary, she alleged that Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency and the Office of Management and Budget found that there was about to be 50 million taxpayer dollars that went out the door to fund condoms in Gaza. It was supposed to be the first big gotcha from DOGE. But, as we know now, it was a lie. As Jeremy Konyndyk, the former director of the U.S. Agency for International Developments Foreign Disaster Assistance Office, told me recently, the U.S. government gets condoms for about 5 cents apiece. That means $50 million would buy a billion condoms, or roughly 467 for every Gaza resident. And according to a federal 2024 report, USAID didnt provide or fund any condoms in the entire Middle East in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 fiscal years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the false figure, Musk told reporters from the Oval Office some of the things that I say will be incorrect and should be corrected ... nobodys gonna bat a thousand and admitted his agency would make mistakes but well act quickly to correct any mistakes. On Tuesday, Reuters released an analysis of what DOGE says are its results. Reuters audited the claims of so-called savings and waste on DOGEs website and found that in its latest update this week, DOGE either modified or removed more than 1,000 entries on its list, nearly half of the spending arrangements it had listed the week before. Reuters reported that DOGE triple counted a $655 million contract, claiming more than $1.8 billion in savings that did not exist. DOGE also claimed that it saved $8 billion by canceling a contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcements Office of Diversity and Civil Rights. But that contract was actually worth just $8 million, according to a federal database. Even contracts still up on DOGEs website dont make a ton of sense; some of them list savings of $0. And when there are savings, sometimes the task force appears to take credit for programs that ended under previous presidents, including at least one from George W. Bushs administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But these arent the only blunders Musk and the Trump administration are stumbling into. On Tuesday, the General Services Administration published a list of more than 400 properties it wanted to either close or sell, deeming them not core to government operations. That list included the J. Edgar Hoover Building, aka the FBI headquarters, and the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building, frequently referred to as Main Justice. Now, maybe Trump and Musk are serious about selling off the FBI and DOJ offices maybe they think Pennsylvania Avenue needs some new retail space but this could be yet another mistake. On Wednesday, that entire list of properties for sale was gone and replaced with a page that read coming soon. Of course, this comes after other widely reported blunders, like the Trump administrations firing the nuclear strategy experts and the people trying to contain the bird flu outbreak and then scrambling to hire them back when they realized what they had done. Now, everyone makes mistakes. But if you were a writer for a publication or had a cable news show and you made this many mistakes in such a short period of time, you would be fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems like the public is getting tired of all the errors, too. The head of the National Republican Congressional Committee told GOP lawmakers to stop holding town halls, because angry voters keep showing up to yell at them about DOGE. On Wednesday, Musk had to march over to Capitol Hill and answer to Republicans with angry constituents who are sick of the reckless chain saw routine. After meeting with Musk, Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin told reporters the billionaire acknowledged theyre moving fast and its not going to be perfect. Johnson also said Musk is setting up a process so he and his team can be contacted quickly to reverse mistakes. But it appears that DOGEs process to contact Musk and his team quickly was just the billionaires giving senators his personal cellphone number to report mistakes like a You Messed Up Again hotline. And if I had to guess, Musk is going to be fielding a lot of calls. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Elon Musks X refused to hand over hundreds of account details to British authorities during and after last summers riots, as the US billionaire attacked the Government for imprisoning people for social media posts. Figures published by X, formerly known as Twitter, showed that the company refused over half of UK government information requests in the second half of 2024. It handed over information in 379 out of 806 cases, a 47pc disclosure rate. The rate is significantly lower than those of Google, Meta, TikTok and LinkedIn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The figures cover requests from police and other law enforcement agencies, and can include data such as peoples email, internet addresses and an accounts private messages. The data covered July and Augusts riots, when dozens of people were arrested for social media posts and some received prison sentences. During the summer, Mr Musk compared Britain to the Soviet Union and accused the newly elected Labour Government of censorship. In January, he wrote: At this rate, the UK Government will pretty soon be executing people for liking a meme! Police routinely ask social media companies to hand over information to assist in law enforcement investigations, often to help identify anonymous accounts or see who they might be communicating with. The people of Britain have had enough of a tyrannical police state https://t.co/0PtR5qQOKw Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 24, 2024 Legal teams at the companies assess the requests, and can reject them if they are seen as overly broad or legally dubious. A small number are made as emergency requests, where police consider there is an imminent threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xs legal website says it may seek to narrow requests that are overly broad, request additional context if the nature of the investigation is not clear, or push back on the request for other reasons. The company recorded a spike in requests from the UK during the second half of 2024. The number of requests rose to 806 from 635 in the first half of the year. The 47pc of requests X complied with was similar to its compliance rate in the EU, but significantly lower than the US, where it disclosed information in 78.5pc of cases. It was also significantly lower than other tech companies. Meta, which owns Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, released data in 84pc of cases in the UK during the first half of 2024. Google released data in 88pc of requests during the same period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok released data in 62pc of cases and LinkedIn 61pc. The companies have not yet released data for the second half of 2024, when a series of violent riots erupted across the UK after the killing of three girls in Southport by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana. The number of request for X users details made by the police surged in the wake of the Southport riots - Simone J Rudolphi/Drik/Getty Images Last month The Telegraph revealed that 292 people had been charged with online communications offences under the Online Safety Act since October 2023, with 67 people convicted. People jailed for social media posts during the riots included Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Conservative councillor, who was given a two and a half-year sentence for posting on X: Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f---ing hotels full of the b------s for all I care, while youre at it take the treacherous government politicians with them. Julie Sweeney, 53, was sentenced to 15 months after calling for a mosque to be blown up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The figures come as Yvette Cooper faces a legal battle with Apple over the Home Secretarys demands that the company break the iPhones most advanced encryption feature. Apple has launched a legal challenge to the Home Office demand that it install a backdoor in its iCloud system. Mr Musk supported the challenge this week, writing good in response to the news. The Home Office was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A mechanical mishap rocked Elon Musk's SpaceX Starship rocket, causing multiple air travel disruptions. On March 6, a SpaceX Starship rocket exploded shortly after taking off in Texas, resulting in the grounding of flights at several airports in Florida. Elon Musk's Starship previously exploded during a test flight in January, causing debris to fall over Turks and Caicos. Elon Musk's SpaceX Mishap Occurred Barely 10 Minutes Into The Rocket Launch POOL/EPA / MEGA During a recent live stream, viewers witnessed a concerning incident when engines on the rocket shut down approximately eight minutes after launch, shortly after the booster had been successfully retrieved at the launch tower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dan Huot, SpaceX's communications manager, commented during the broadcast that the loss of engine power seemed to lead to a loss of altitude control of the spacecraft. The situation escalated as the spacecraft began to spin, resulting in a complete loss of communication. During the incident, several media sources reported that flights from Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport experienced delays due to debris from a space launch. According to PEOPLE, smaller airports in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, Florida, were also impacted. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) activated a Debris Response Area, which involved temporarily slowing down aircraft operating outside the debris area or halting departures at their originating locations. The FAA Instructed Musk's Company To Conduct A Mishap Investigation ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA After experiencing the mechanical issue, SpaceX was directed by the official governing body to conduct a detailed analysis through a mishap investigation. Despite this incident, regular operations have since returned to normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX reported via its X account that during the ascent burn of its Starship vehicle, it experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly, resulting in the loss of contact. The company stated that its team promptly coordinated with safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency measures. They expressed their commitment to reviewing the flight data to determine the incident's root cause. SpaceX continued that an energetic event at the aft section of the Starship led to the loss of several Raptor engines before the ascent burn was completed. "As always, success comes from what we learn, and today's flight will offer additional lessons to improve Starship's reliability," the statement added. They reassured that any surviving debris from the incident fell within a designated Debris Response Area, as official protocol demands. The Government Of Turks And Caicos Reacted To The Latest Incident Aaron Schwartz - CNP / MEGA This is not the first time Musk's rocket would experience a severe glitch. In January, the Starship experienced an explosion during a test flight, which resulted in debris falling over the Turks and Caicos Islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government of Turks and Caicos promptly issued an advisory statement after the launch that took place on Thursday, and the catastrophe that followed. The official page assured that authorities are in communication with the US FAA, SpaceX, and relevant UK agency leaders to clarify the situation following the incident. They have also initiated post-incident protocols, assuring that the National Security Secretariat is committed to keeping members of the public informed as they prioritize the safety and security of the Islands. Inside The Firing Of Some SpaceX Employees Aaron Schwartz - CNP / MEGA Three years ago, The Blast shared that the tech guru's SpaceX company underwent a complete staff shakedown after his employee spoke about his concerning behavior since acquiring X (formerly Twitter). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concerned staff urged SpaceX executives to condemn Musk's "harmful Twitter behavior" in their open letter. They were served the shock of their lives when the company turned around and relieved them of their duties. In the letter, the employees at SpaceX expressed their concerns regarding Musk's behavior on Twitter, describing it as a significant source of distraction and embarrassment for the team, especially in recent weeks. They referenced the company's "No A-shole" policy and called for a public condemnation of Musk's detrimental online conduct. The letter emphasized that, as the CEO and foremost spokesperson, Musk's tweets effectively serve as public statements for the company, highlighting the need to communicate that his messaging does not align with SpaceX's mission, values, or the work being done by the team. Elon Musk Battles Deadbeat Allegations From His Latest Baby Mama, Ashley St. Clair Instagram | Ashley St. Clair In his personal life, the government official is battling some controversies. As shared by The Blast, the socialite's 13th baby mama finally surfaced and disclosed that she had welcomed a child with Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just hours after the news broke, St. Clair expressed her disappointment that Musk had completely ghosted her despite her attempts to reach out. She mentioned that they had been working on a private agreement regarding their child's upbringing, and she now needs Musk to follow through to finalize it. Brian Glicklich, a representative for St. Clair, stated on X that they are waiting for Musk to acknowledge his parental role to quell unwarranted speculation publicly. Glicklich emphasized that Ashley believes the billionaire intends to conclude their agreement swiftly, prioritizing the well-being and security of their child. He assured that St. Clair remains strong and focused, hoping for a response from Musk. Hopefully, Elon Musk and his SpaceX team are right on top of the situation. It was the sobriety of Emmanuel Macrons TV address yesterday that first struck a different tone. No Rococo gilt mouldings. No boldly-coloured abstract art next to damask hangings. Nothing that screamed: Im talking to you from the Elysee Palace. No star TV interviewer, blow-dry at the ready, fawningly lobbing soft questions to Le President. White background, dark tie, few gestures: taking up the mantle of a war president, Emmanuel Macron was certainly conscious of seizing his last opportunity to leave a strong historical legacy. This has come after months of parliamentary gridlock, placeholder PMs and plummeting poll numbers but in his constitutional role of military and diplomatic leader, he projected the gravitas, vision and sincerity that has long eluded him. In unusually blunt terms, Macron called out the Russian threat. He said that: President Putins Russia has assassinated opponents inside our own countries, manipulated elections in Romania and Moldova; cyberattacked our hospitals to cripple their operations, spreading countless lies on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russians, Macron added, are also currently spending over 40 per cent of [their] budget re-arming. They plan to increase their military by 300,000 additional soldiers, 3,000 tanks, 300 fighter and bomber jets. Who could believe they mean to stop at Ukraine? The same day, after Donald Trump enacted his promise to suspend Ukrainian access to US intelligence, France formally offered Ukraine its own intelligence production. The 8th president of the Fifth Republic has also committed Frances independent nuclear force to extend its protective umbrella over her European allies. If that option is taken up it will mean the end of Charles de Gaulles exclusively French vision for our nuclear power. In the French psyche, its comparable to Britain getting rid of the Monarchy. Having laid out the dire prospect of war-war, Macron is still pushing jaw-jaw. Right after his broadcast, he had dinner with Hungarys fractious PM Viktor Orban, the strong champion of Donald Trump: the topic of this one-on-one was specifically to talk about the war in Ukraine. (The two have always had good relations.) A Washington visit, together with Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky, has also been mooted for next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this has proved popular with the French public. A Toluna/Harris Interactive Institute snap poll published yesterday showed that 52 per cent of viewers found his TV address convincing, 68 per cent favour raising Frances military budget and 61 per cent approve extending French nuclear deterrence to the EU27. 58 per cent also support arms delivery to Ukraine and would understand reducing some of the States expenditure, including some social benefits, to make this possible. Its not a honeymoon yet, but Emmanuel Macron can now enjoy more political breathing space than he has known in almost a year. His more rabid opponents, on the hard-Right and the hard-Left, find themselves wrong-footed. Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella of the National Rally were slow in expressing support for Zelensky (they eventually did in the belief that there are votes in it for them); Jean-Luc Melenchons France Unbowed still sticks by its pro-Russia stance. From just hoping to retain relevance, the French president has scored a win. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) Three children who were last seen on Tuesday in Newport have been found safe along with their mother. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued an Endangered Child Alert for the children. Previously, the TBI said they may be with their mother was reported missing. Silver Alert issued for woman last seen in Morristown The TBI identified the three children as Trevor Holt, 17, Emma Holt, 12, and Adelin Holt, 8. They were last seen on March 4 in Newport. All three children were believed to be with their mother, Melissa Holt, 46, who was been reported missing. (TBI) (TBI) (TBI) Dolly Parton dedicates new song to husband, Carl Dean, after his death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say nearly 400 people go missing in Tennessee each year. Thats five people for every 100,000. Check this list of people missing from East Tennessee to see if you can help locate someone. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. After months of growing dissent over the perceived two-tier justice taking root in Britain, the Sentencing Council earlier this week ignited a major row with new guidance which appeared to confirm those fears. The planned changes would make the ethnicity or faith of an offender a bigger factor when considering whether they should be jailed. The guidance stated that courts should contemplate ordering a pre-sentence report on offenders who came from an ethnic minority, cultural minority, and/or faith minority community, or who were transgender. Such reports are drawn up to provide information that could mitigate against jailing an offender. Members of both the Labour and Conservative front-benches have rightly taken a robust stance against the new rules and demanded they be scrapped. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged a reconsideration as soon as possible, and threatened to override them through legislation given that she cannot reverse the Sentencing Councils decisions directly. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has stated that he will attempt to overturn the guidance through judicial review in the absence of any change in the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But how did this proposal ever reach this stage given the reaction of Parliament? Why has an unelected agency been handed control of such a politically sensitive matter, with ministers left powerless to overturn its decisions? The creeping quangofication of governance has been a disaster for both policy and democratic accountability. Its reversal is long past due. Now would be a good time to start. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. This National Weather Service map shows surface wind speed projections for Hurricane Isaias as of 8 a.m. E.T. on Aug. 1, 2020. All eight members of Floridas Democratic congressional delegation are calling on the Trump administration to reconsider its announced workforce reductions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS), saying that they pose an immediate and severe threat to hurricane preparedness and response in Florida and across the nation. The layoffs, part of its DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) initiative, have affected 880 NOAA employees, according to CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investments in weather forecasting and emergency preparedness are essential to our national security and economic stability, and we strongly oppose any actions that weaken our ability to protect lives and property from natural disasters, reads the letter addressed to Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management & Budget. These cuts are not just numbers on a balance sheetthey directly impact public safety, emergency preparedness, and our ability to protect the people of Florida, the letter continues. Reducing NOAAs capacity to track and forecast severe weather events will leave our state more vulnerable to extreme weather, potentially increasing the cost of disaster response and recovery while putting lives at greater risk. The missive is signed by the Democratic U.S. Representatives from Florida Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Kathy Castor, Jared Moskowitz, Darren Soto, Frederica Wilson, Lois Frankel, Maxwell Frost, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. In their statement, the Florida Democrats note that [n]o Florida Republican House member signed on to the warning letter. The lawmakers said that the reduction of NOAAs workforce raises serious concerns about the agencys ability to provide reliable forecasts as hurricane season beckons in a few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slashing the workforces at NWS and NOAA cripples their ability to warn and protect the public, endangering millions of Americansespecially those in coastal and storm-prone regions like the Tampa Bay area, said Tampa Bay area Rep. Kathy Castor in a written statement. These cuts are not just irresponsible; they are deathly dangerous and will leave us vulnerable to hurricanes and other disasters. Investments in NOAA and the National Weather Service (NWS) are an investment in emergency response, added Congressman Moskowitz. I saw it firsthand as Floridas Emergency Management Director, when my team and I relied on these agencies to prepare for and respond to disasters across our state. With hurricane season right around the corner and officials, organizations, and families looking to these agencies to stay safe, these workforce cuts threaten to handicap emergency response. TOKYO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Japan's customs reported a record 33,019 cases of counterfeit products imported in 2024, up 4.3 percent from the previous year, government data showed Friday. The number of intercepted items infringing intellectual property rights climbed 22.8 percent to 1.3 million, underlying the spread of online shopping, according to the Finance Ministry. Clothes accounted for 11,774 cases, representing 31.3 percent of the total, followed by bags, accounting for 7,293 cases, or 19.3 percent. Meanwhile, tobacco and smoking-related products represented the largest portion of the total goods at 191,976. The estimated market value of genuine versions of the seized products stood at around 28.2 billion yen (about 191 million U.S. dollars), the ministry said. The entire Phoenix field office of the U.S. General Services Administration has been fired, according to a federal court administrator. The field office "was the subject of a reduction in force," said Debra Lucas, the district court executive and clerk of court for the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The firings included people who operated and maintained the Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse in downtown Phoenix, Lucas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This hit every part of GSA," she said. "There were cuts from all areas." The General Services Administration is an independent agency that manages the government's real estate portfolio and oversees most government contracts. The agency had about 12,000 employees, according to its 2024 annual report. People contracted by the General Services Administration to work on courthouse operations, maintenance and cleaning were still in place, she said. Lucas said she did not know how many people the Phoenix field office firings affected. She said she believed there were cuts across the entire General Services Administration region, known as Region 9, which includes Arizona, Nevada, part of California and Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government spending cuts: Here's the latest on Mesa's plans to save money "My understanding is there were hundreds plural let go from Region 9 alone," said Lucas, who has been in her position since January 2020. She said her office was in a "wait and see" moment until she could schedule more meetings to get guidance on moving forward. She said the layoffs would have a "major impact" on the work of the courts. "We'll continue with our mission at the court," Lucas said. "The main concerns would be some of the major systems. If we have our air conditioning go down, or our boilers go out and we don't have heat, or we have major leaks within the facilities, or we have elevator failures, or power failures. Those are the kinds of things that could definitely impact our ability to complete our mission." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firings come amid President Donald Trumps mass layoffs in the federal workforce and funding freezes across the government. Members of the Public Buildings Service, a division of the Government Services Administration, were notified on March 3 that they were being fired, a statement the agency sent to The Arizona Republic on Friday said. The firings were taken "in support of" three of Trump's executive orders: one titled "Hiring Freeze," issued Jan. 20, another titled "Eliminating the Federal Executive Institute," issued Feb. 10, and a third called "Implementing the Presidents Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative," issued Feb. 11, according to the agency's statement. The statement said the Government Services Administration was "executing on our strategy to centralize the management of our services, make data-driven decisions and partner with best-in-class commercial services." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Government Services Administration statement said the agency was in contact with "customer tenant agencies" affected by the firings like Arizona's federal district court "and will continue to support their critical work for the American taxpayer while we execute a plan to increase space utilization and occupancy." Service for tenant agencies would improve under the new, centralized regime, the statement said. "In this new model, the GSA will not only maintain facility services including repairs, maintenance, janitorial and security through our existing partners, but we will exceed the quality of service to enable our agency customers to fulfill their missions," the statement said. The news of the firings drew a rebuke from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, who described the move as reckless, chaotic and illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These mass terminations done without regard to the impact on families and states like Arizona are exactly why I sued the Trump administration yesterday," Mayes said in an X post. Mayes joined 19 other attorneys general on Thursday in a lawsuit fighting the Trump administration's efforts to carry out mass firings of federal employees. The Trump administration has canceled leases for 24 federal offices in Arizona, according to a government data portal detailing the president's efforts to downsize the federal government. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., held hearings on the lease cancellations last week, and sent a letter to the Government Services Administration on Friday noting his concerns. The O'Connor courthouse's air conditioner was undergoing needed repairs, he wrote, and if it isn't fixed, the facility would not be able to remain open in Phoenix's triple-digit summer. The Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse in downtown Phoenix on March 7, 2025. "The chaotic termination of GSA staff and leases isnt 'government efficiency' just the opposite," Stanton said in a statement to The Republic. "It only makes it harder for Arizonans to access federal services." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meredith Cramer, a tech worker who lives in Maricopa, was a lease administrator working on contract for the Phoenix office of the Government Services Administration 10 years ago. She described the agency's employees as "extremely hardworking" and said the layoffs will have an impact on the private sector as well. "The government tries to house as many federal agencies as they can in the buildings they own, because it costs them nothing," Cramer said. "But there's more federal agencies in Phoenix than can fit in the federal buildings, that can sit in the building, so they have to lease spaces out in a lot of the private downtown buildings." Reacting to the news of the layoffs Friday, U.S. District Court Judge G. Murray Snow expressed his gratitude to the Phoenix General Services Administration employees, who he characterized as "nothing but terrific." "They are very important in maintaining our operations at the courthouse," Snow said. "The employees I dealt with were such high-level employees. They are dedicated to the public good, and always have been. They were remarkable, and deserve the thanks of the American people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snow served as the chief judge of Arizona's U.S. District Court for nearly seven years, just recently stepping down. In that role, he frequently worked with General Services Administration employees. Have a news tip? Reach the reporter at jjenkins@arizonarepublic.com or 812-243-5582. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JimmyJenkins. (This article was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Firings at Phoenix field office will have 'major impact' on courts NEW YORK An outside lawyer appointed by the judge overseeing the criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams advised the judge on Friday to dismiss the case permanently, rather than approve the Justice Departments request to abandon it for now while preserving the right to reinstate it in the future. Paul Clement, a prominent conservative Supreme Court advocate, wrote in a 33-page brief that the court has a limited, but critical, role to play in evaluating the Justice Departments effort to stop prosecuting the Democratic mayor on corruption charges. Judges have no authority to force the department to continue prosecuting a case, Clement wrote. But judges do have a role in approving how a case is dismissed once the department has decided to abandon it. In the Adams case, the proper remedy is a permanent dismissal, Clement told U.S. District Judge Dale Ho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allowing the department to retain the right to revive the charges could create an appearance of improper leverage over the mayor, Clement suggested. Or, he acknowledged, it could create an actual shakedown, in which the administration could use the threat of the charges to pressure the mayor to assist with President Donald Trumps agenda. Ho appointed Clement last month to present adversarial arguments on the departments bid to abandon the charges against Adams. Ho does not have to follow Clements recommendation. The extraordinary effort by top Trump administration officials to stop prosecuting Adams sparked a crisis in the Justice Department. Emil Bove, then the departments acting No. 2 official, ordered the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office, which brought the case, to drop it and to do so without prejudice, a legal term meaning the charges could be refiled. Boves order triggered a revolt inside the department, prompting the resignation of Danielle Sassoon, who was the interim Manhattan U.S. attorney, and several other top prosecutors in New York and Washington. In her resignation letter, Sassoon alleged a quid pro quo between the Justice Department and Adams in which the charges would be dropped in exchange for the mayors help with Trumps agenda, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his brief, Clement took aim at Boves argument that prosecutors should retain the ability to bring the charges again in the future. That scenario, Clement wrote, would create a palpable sense that the prosecution outlined in the indictment and approved by a grand jury could be renewed, a prospect that hangs like the proverbial Sword of Damocles over the accused. Such an ongoing prospect of reindictment is particularly problematic when it comes to the sensitive task of prosecuting public officials, Clement wrote. There is an inherent risk that once an indictment has been procured, the prospect of reindictment could create the appearance, if not the reality, that the actions of a public official are being driven by concerns about staying in the good graces of the federal executive, rather than the best interests of his constituents. If the Justice Department is committed to dismissing the case now, Clement wrote, the department should have to do so with prejudice meaning the charges could never be revived. That scenario would eliminate the distinct appearance problems presented by a sitting elected official working under the ever-looming prospect of reindictment. While Adams initially consented to prosecutors effort to drop the case without prejudice, since then he has also separately asked the judge to drop the case permanently. Prosecutors havent responded to that request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams attorney Alex Spiro simply said, The first-of-its-kind airline upgrade corruption case is now over in a jab at the prosecutions charge that Adams accepted bribes from Turkish interests in exchange for gifts like improved airline seats. The case is not over, however, as Ho must still determine the course of action. In a brief filed Friday night, Bove and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Justice Departments argument for ending the case by unearthing a set of documents that are certain to be seen as a warning shot within the Manhattan U.S. Attorneys office: internal emails and texts from Sassoon and members of the prosecution team. Blanche and Bove argued that the messages proved that prosecution was a political act engineered by Damian Williams, Sassoons predecessor, who published an op-ed critical of New York state politics shortly after he left office. Blanche and Bove cited a draft email by Sassoon in which she wrote that she was personally disappointed in my predecessors self-serving actions after his departure, including the creation of a personal website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And they included messages from Hagan Scotten, who had been one of the lead prosecutors on the Adams case before resigning. Scotten, according to the message disclosed by Blanche and Bove, wrote that it was pretty plausible that Williams had a political motive in bringing this case. In response, Spiro said he was vindicated in calling the case a political hit job masquerading as a prosecution Representatives of Erie Port Authority are in Washington D.C. this week on behalf of Governor Shapiro and others for whats called the Great Lakes Days. Executive Director of the Port Authority Julie Slomski along with others are advocating for the Great Lakes, and in particular Lake Erie. Tracy Elementary unveils new book vending machine Participants have been meeting with local representatives talking about ways to bring funding into things like Great Lakes restoration as well as investments into our port infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I like the most too is of course meeting with our legislators here in their D.C. offices but also to legislators throughout the Great Lakes and having conversations with them. I think thats very helpful too to understand how we all are one team, said Julie Slomski, executive director of the Erie Port Authority. Its unfortunate how this went down City, county officials explain property tax bill delays Port authority leaders from throughout the Great Lakes are taking part in the commissions meeting to discuss bipartisan ways to strengthen our communities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Several EU members have pledged to provide up to 15 billion euros ($16.3 billion) in additional aid for Ukraine, European Council President Antonio Costa said at a summit on March 6. EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss plans for boosting Europe's defense capabilities and support for Ukraine amid the seismic foreign policy shifts in the U.S. Ukraine's President Volodmyr Zelensky also took part in the meeting. The summit concluded without additional EU aid packages for Ukraine as the discussed 20-billion-euro tranche ($22 billion) was dropped from the final declaration. Kyiv needs more support now than ever, as the Trump administration has frozen all military assistance flowing to the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As any EU-wide assistance package is under threat of being blocked by Hungary's Moscow-friendly leader, Viktor Orban, top EU officials suggested that further aid should be provided through a "coalition of the willing." "Immediately, member states can increase their support thanks to the increased fiscal space," Costa said at a press conference in Brussels. During the summit, EU leaders unanimously agreed on a new defense initiative that could mobilize up to 800 billion euros ($867 billion) through loans and loosening fiscal rules for government spending. "Several member states have already announced their pledges up to 15 billion euros. Today, we have also tasked the Council to work urgently on further initiatives to address Ukraines pressing military and defense needs," Costa said, without naming the countries. "This is a tipping point for Europe. And today, we have shown that the European Union is rising to the challenge," the European Council president said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Regardless of Trumps Ukraine peace deal, war with West is foundational to Putins rule, experts say Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- A chaotic geopolitical environment will force Europe to shoulder more and more of its defense burden, and that cost is likely to increase substantially, according to the European Unions defense industry chief. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last weeks, weve seen what I would call quite a turbulent development, the EUs Andrius Kubilius said on Bloomberg TV Friday. Its still not perhaps very clear what finally will be the American strategy. With US President Donald Trump pulling back US support for Ukraine, the EU and its member states are under pressure to mobilize potentially trillions of euros in additional defense funds to counter the threat of Russian aggression. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously said the EU faced defense investment needs of around 500 billion ($543 billion) over the next decade. The financing needs are very important and costs are increasing very rapidly as the EU comes under pressure to boost funding in areas like air defense and logistics, Kubilius said. At an emergency meeting in Brussels Thursday, EU leaders discussed a European Commission proposal that includes up to 150 billion in loans to member states for defense spending, as well as plans to allow countries to use their national budgets to potentially spend 650 billion on defense over four years without triggering budgetary penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bloc, slowed down by lengthy internal discussions during clutch moments in the past, is intent on showing it can move fast now on defense. The commission was initially set to enact decisions at a leaders gathering in June. But von der Leyen rushed ahead to lay out financial options and defense gaps to be treated as priorities, with the goal of taking decisions when the leaders meet again in two weeks. The commission is also set to unveil a new defense strategy on March 19. Shoring up local weapons manufacturers will, however, take both money and time. Europes defense industry is undersized and unprepared for rapid rearmament, and stockpiles have been all but emptied by support for Ukraine. Kubilius also expressed confidence that the EU would be able to replace the Starlink satellite communications system quickly in Ukraine if owner Elon Musk were to pull the plug. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has shocked the bloc into swift action by blindsiding both Ukraine and European allies with his direct outreach to Vladimir Putin. The US president has demanded NATO allies increase military spending from the current 2% of GDP target to a whopping 5%. Widely decried as unrealistic as a bloc-wide target, the demand has nevertheless provoked a deluge of pledges to massively increase spending. A point of contention in Europe has been what preference to give to homegrown industry a view embraced by former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghis influential report on competitiveness versus buying off the shelf from third countries such as the US, the UK and South Korea. --With assistance from Gian Volpicelli and Michal Kubala. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Ursula von der Leyen is ready to push EU rules to breaking point to give Ukraine privileged access to the blocs Single Market as part of a final peace deal, The Telegraph can reveal. Lucrative access to a market of 449 million consumers would bring a much-needed economic boost to help rebuild the war-torn country, which is a candidate to join the EU. The plan would see Brussels choose which sectors to open up to Kyiv and which to keep closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Key to the plan is Ukraines booming defence industry, which is churning out large numbers of drones and provides 55 per cent of weapons used by its army. Tariff-free access to Ukrainian arms would bring in money for Kyiv, while boosting the arsenals of EU countries that are rushing to ramp up defence spending and manufacturing. Ukraines defence industry is producing cutting-edge drones - Mykola Tys/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock EU leaders gave their blessing to a plan to unlock 800 billion (672 billion) in defence investment at a summit in Brussels on Thursday. During the Brexit negotiations, Brussels warned Britain against trying to cherry pick access to the Single Market without taking on the full obligations of EU membership, such as freedom of movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its already going in that direction, a senior EU official told The Telegraph, when asked if the European Commission president was ready to stretch EU rules for Ukraine. Ideally, the plans would form the EUs part of a final peace settlement but they do not depend on a deal being struck because the exchange of Single Market access for arms will speed up Ukraine eventual membership of the bloc. One EU diplomat pointed out that Ukraine wanted to join the EU, not leave it, and that Donald Trump kickstarting peace talks with Russia without Kyiv meant the world had changed. Cherry picking here is OK, if we are the ones picking the cherries to be picked, the diplomat said, before predicting the plan would be welcomed by most member states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In defence, Ukraine has a lot to give. The integration of its highly innovative and thriving defence industry, with its capacity to scale, could be a firestarter for a much more integrated European defence market, said Marta Kos, the EUs commissioner for enlargement. We are also working on plans to accelerate the integration of Ukraine into many more parts of the Single Market to attract more investments, to strengthen Europe-wide value chains, and to create new opportunities for both Ukrainian and European businesses. This will be a stepping stone to speed up the reconstruction of Ukraine, she added in a speech this week. The bloc has already moved to couple Ukraines electricity market to the EU and will push to deepen integration in the wider energy market. Opening up Ukraines services sector has been discussed, with Kyiv a big exporter of IT services and goods, with the largest number of outsourced developers in Eastern Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian agricultural exports were made tariff-free after the invasion, but extending EU agricultural subsidies to Ukraine is understood to be off the table. Brussels also opened up roaming phone calls without extra charges for being abroad to Ukrainians after many fled the country to Europe. Antonio Costa, the European Council president, Volodymyr Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, in Brussels this week - Omar Havana/AP Ukrainians already have a form of freedom of movement into the EU, thanks to rules giving them temporary protection in the bloc. It allows the four million Ukrainians who have fled to obtain residence rights, access to education for children, and access to the labour market without having to claim asylum. But the EU officials insisted decisions on Ukraines progress towards full membership would be entirely merit-based. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joining the EU is a long and difficult process, requiring candidate countries to take on large tracts of European law and often embark on painful reforms. Predicting when a country can join is difficult. Albania has been waiting to join for more than 10 years and hopes to be granted entry by 2030. Ukraine would like to join by 2028 but that is a pipe dream. In the meantime, Brussels is looking to give Kyiv as many of the benefits of membership it legally can. However, that risks angering other candidate countries, especially in the Western Balkans, who have not had the same treatment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. European Union leaders plan to significantly increase defence investments, following the United States' drastic turn on support for Ukraine, despite internal frictions. "We are determined to invest more, to invest better, and to invest faster together," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the end of a special EU summit in Brussels. The commission president pledged to table a legal proposal on a fund filled with 150 billion ($162.4 billion) in loans before the next EU summit in two week's time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money is to be used for joint procurement from European producers. A share of the purchases should be for the benefit of Ukraine, von der Leyen said. Von der Leyen plans to allow individual EU countries to temporarily exempt certain defence investments from the bloc's strict debt and deficit limits. "This will allow member states greater fiscal flexibility that they need and give them the space to invest in defence immediately and substantially," she said. The commission president said easing the debt rules could unlock up to 650 billion. EU countries are to be given the possibility to re-direct regional development funds towards defence investments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission president also hopes to mobilize more private capital and aims to simplify EU rules related to defence investments. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for fewer antitrust rules for cooperating with arms producers and the possibility for EU countries to join procurement project of others. The EU are under pressure to move forward quickly after Washington announced plans to suspend military and intelligence support for Ukraine, but struggled to speak in unity. Kremlin-friendly Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban did not back a joint EU statement for solidarity with Ukraine and more support for Kiev. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement endorsed by the remaining 26 EU countries reaffirmed the bloc's position on the war in Ukraine and its commitment for continued aid for Kiev including weapons deliveries. EU leaders also laid out their demands for an end to the war, including Ukraines territorial integrity, credible security guarantees and no peace negotiations without Ukrainian or European representatives. "We all want peace," said European Council President Antonio Costa, who chaired the special EU summit, at the end of the meeting. "The difference is that 26 countries believe that the path to peace is by boosting the defence capacity of Ukraine," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hungary has isolated itself from that consensus, it is on its own. An isolated country does not mean division." The EU and Ukraine are alarmed by the prospect of the US and Russia seeking a peace settlement bilaterally which could grant Moscow territorial concessions, exclude Ukraine from NATO and close the door on US participation in future peacekeeping operations. EU countries worry that a peace deal favouring Russia could allow Moscow to attack Ukraine again and possibly other European countries. "There is no doubt that the war in Ukraine, the new approach of the American administration toward Europe, and, above all, the arms race initiated by Russia ... pose entirely new challenges for us," said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arriving at the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And Europe must take up this challenge, this arms race. And it must win it," Tusk added. The thread posed by Russia and the US' U-turn triggered a new debate about nuclear deterrence among EU leaders. Ahead of the EU summit, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday he is considering placing allied European countries under the protection of French nuclear weapons. Macron was following up on a suggestion by likely new German chancellor Friedrich Merz to hold talks with western European nuclear powers over an umbrella approach. Germany's complicated post-war history means that it did not develop its own nuclear weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the proposal, Scholz referred to NATO's system of nuclear deterrence, which is based on stationing US nuclear weapons in some European countries including in Germany. According to expert estimates, the US still has around 100 nuclear bombs stationed in Europe, some of which are said to be stored at the Buchel airbase in Germany's Eifel region. In an emergency, they are to be deployed by Bundeswehr fighter jets. Other EU leaders, including Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden, welcomed the idea. Twenty-six EU member states denounced Russian aggression and pledged continued support for Ukraine in a joint resolution issued at an emergency summit on March 6, despite Hungary dissenting. The lack of consensus on the declaration, which stopped short of committing concrete steps in support of Ukraine, underscores the persistent differences between Moscow-friendly Budapest and the rest of the bloc. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban can still block major decisions that require a unanimous vote, such as the six-month extension of sanctions against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking ahead of the summit, the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, suggested that European countries might seek to push forward new support for Ukraine through a "coalition of the willing" to avoid Hungary's veto. "The European Council reaffirms its continued and unwavering support for Ukraines independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders," the statement reads. The 26 EU members committed to several principles in pursuing a just peace in Ukraine, namely, Kyiv and Europe's participation in any negotiations, no ceasefire without a subsequent comprehensive peace agreement, security guarantees for Ukraine, and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The U.S.'s outreach to Russia and bilateral talks on Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18 sparked concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump might seek to cut a deal with the Kremlin while sidelining Kyiv and Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Achieving peace through strength requires Ukraine to be in the strongest possible position, with Ukraines own robust military and defence capabilities as an essential component," the statement reads. The declaration came as the EU agreed to mobilize up to 800 billion euros ($867 billion) for defense spending amid fears that the U.S. might scale down its presence on the continent. The ReArm Europe initiative, proposed by the European Commission, includes a 150-billion-euro loan ($162 billion) covered by unused budget funds and a step to loosen fiscal rules and free up 600 billion euros ($650 billion) in government spending. The Trump administration's decision to freeze military aid for Ukraine and intelligence sharing also highlighted Europe's growing role in sustaining Ukrainian resistance against Russian aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, the proposal to commit a new 20-billion-euro package ($22 billion) was dropped from the text of the declaration. The document reaffirmed that the EU would continue providing Ukraine with already pledged support in 2025, including 12.5 billion euros ($13.5 billion) under the Ukraine Facility and 18.1 billion ($19.6 billion) as part of the G7 loan covered by frozen Russian assets. To ensure the support of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the declaration also included calls on the European Commission, Slovakia, and Ukraine to "intensify efforts towards finding workable solutions to the gas transit issue." Fico, who has adopted increasingly anti-Ukraine rhetoric but avoided blocking steps on the EU level in Orban's fashion, has repeatedly lambasted Kyiv over ending the transit of Russian gas through its territory to Slovakia and other EU countries. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine, US delegations to meet next week, Zelensky announces Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In a city usually synonymous with bloated bureaucracy, not all official gatherings are worth the fuss. The emergency EU summit on March 6, however, was one to remember. EU member states agreed to unlock what could amount to an unprecedented 800 billion euros ($867 billion) for defense spending amid mounting signs the U.S. is no longer a reliable ally, and the defense of Ukraine is falling squarely on their shoulders. "Europe is finally waking up and hearing the alarm bells," one senior European diplomat with knowledge of the discussions told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These kinds of discussions wouldn't have happened two or three weeks ago, let alone two or three months ago." The impetus for the emergency summit were the recent actions of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has become increasingly hostile toward Ukraine and Europe, as he seeks what appears to be a rapprochement with a newly-emboldened Kremlin. Speaking at the summit, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen summed up the crisis facing Europe, describing it as a "watershed moment" where Europe faces a "clear and present danger." "It's like a nightmare we want to wake up from." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the EU is trying to step up to meet the moment, another alliance of nations from Europe and beyond is also taking shape. Coalition of the willing With the U.S. receding from its role as a guarantor of European security and pulling vital intelligence and military support from Ukraine, Europe is preparing to fend for itself. "It's like a nightmare we want to wake up from," an EU official told the Kyiv Independent at the Brussels summit. The Trump administration's about-turn away from more than eighty years of U.S. global leadership has prompted the outline for a new alliance of nations to secure peace for Ukraine and Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Led by France and the U.K., the so-called "coalition of the willing" could be made up of a mix of EU states, other European countries, and like-minded partners including Canada and Australia. "The wider the better" said the EU official, "if we can count on Norway and the U.K., why not?" they added, in a sign that Brexit now appears to be a distant memory. French President Emmanuel Macron and President Volodymyr Zelensky attend an EU emergency summit in Brussels, Belgium, on March 6, 2025. (Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images) Demonstrators wave a giant Ukrainian flag banner reading "Defend Ukraine, Defend Europe" at a protest in Brussels, Belgium, on March 5, 2025. (Nicolas Tucat/AFP via Getty Images) Paris has proposed a path to peace that would start with a one-month truce in the air and at sea. French President Emmanuel Macron said this would give Russia a chance to prove it is serious about peace. Crucially, this plan also received support from President Volodymyr Zelensky at the meeting of EU leaders on March 6 paving the way for a wider plan to be formulated with the help from U.K. and Ukraine which will then be presented to the U.S. and, eventually, Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But how any peace deal might be enforced remains a topic of debate among coalition leaders. "There is no problem finding willing countries, the problem is figuring out what and how to enforce," another senior EU diplomat told the Kyiv Independent. "Discussions won't be concrete until we know what there is to enforce." Coalition countries have so far pledged varying levels of support to a future peacekeeping force for Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference alongside U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 27, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that together, the countries were "ready to support Ukraine with troops on the ground and planes in the air." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.K. and France have clearly said they would send troops to Ukraine to uphold a peace deal. Around ten other countries, including Spain, Portugal, Australia, Denmark, Canada, and Turkey, said they could be open to sending peacekeepers, while others, including the Netherlands and Ireland, committed logistical and technological support to the plan. New steps to support Ukraine have already been taken in the short term Norway announced it would more than double its support this year, the U.K. will give Ukraine an additional $2 billion for air defense, and Franco-British Starlink competitor Eutelsat is in discussions with Ukraine on reducing its dependence on Elon Musk's technology. The next step will be a meeting next week, convened in Paris by President Macron, of military chiefs from countries willing to commit troops to enforce peace in Ukraine in an effort to coordinate and draw up a potential peacekeeping mission. Read also: Regardless of Trumps Ukraine peace deal, war with West is foundational to Putins rule, experts say Coalition of the billing The EU, for its part, does not have authority or responsibility over defense, but it can provide financial assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU leaders' meeting in Brussels on March 6 took steps towards a dramatic long-term transformation of European defense, pledging to "substantially increase expenditure on Europe's security and defense" and tasking the European Commission to find more money and more financial tools to help member states quickly ramp up military spending. "Russia is leading a hybrid war against our democracies. It seeks to uproot the world we have, a world of peace which we built since the end of the Cold War," French Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad told the Kyiv Independent at the meeting. "We will define the areas in which we're lacking, be it ammunition, drones, or cyber, and then figure out common European financing to support member states in making those investments," he added. One of the ways it plans to support this surge in defense spending is through a 150 billion euro ($162 billion) fund from which member states can borrow money to spend on collective European defense, or to support Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leaders also endorsed another crucial step for the EU getting out of the way. The bloc will loosen its debt rules, allowing member states to dramatically increase their defense spending by borrowing more. Should all EU states decide to ramp up defense spending by 1.5% of GDP on average, these new rules could mean an additional 650 billion euros ($705 billion) spent on defense in the EU over four years. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk didn't mince his words on the sense of urgency. "There is no doubt that the war in Ukraine, the new approach of the American administration to Europe, and the arms race started by Russia pose completely new challenges to us," Tusk told reporters at the meeting. "Europe must join this arms race and win it." The Power Within order the Kyiv Independents first-ever magazine now. pre-order now The Power Within Book The outcast EU leaders also made another significant move highlighting this new sense of urgency ignoring Hungary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban chose not to support the bloc's statement of intent on continued support for Ukraine on the battlefield, in peace talks, and beyond. Rather than trying to convince Orban, the 26 other EU leaders decided to crack on without him. "Hungary has always made things difficult; it's good that the rest said, 'We don't buy it; you go your own way.' It's just more pragmatic to ignore Prime Minister Orban," the EU diplomat said. That sentiment was echoed by European Council President Antonio Costa. "Hungary is isolated," he said at the end of the meeting. "We respect Hungary's position, but it's one of 27. And 26 are more than one." (L-R) Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides speaks with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, EU Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas, and Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk before an EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, on March 6, 2025. (Thierry Monasse/Getty Images) The Hungarian leader lashed out after the meeting, aligning himself with Trump and accusing other EU leaders of wanting to "continue the war (in Ukraine) as long as it takes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This sets up another clash between Budapest and the 26 other member states in the coming weeks. Not having Hungary on board at this meeting made little practical difference, but upcoming debates about renewing sanctions against Russia, continuing to freeze Russian assets, or new support packages for Ukraine could still see Hungary grinding the EU to a halt. That, and the fact the EU is fundamentally not designed to tackle defense issues, means the future of European military rearmament, and Ukrainian survival, will rely on the commitment of individual EU countries, and allies further afield. In a clear sign of the importance of these new partnerships, the presidents of the European Commission and European Council, as well as the EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas, convened a video call with the leaders of the U.K., Turkey, Canada, Norway, and Iceland to debrief them on the EU's new plans. As Europe gears up for this new reality, EU officials speaking to the Kyiv Independent were stoic, "The spirit of our discussions is that Europe will have to go it alone. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst." Read also: Trumps increasing support for Russia leaves Zelensky with fewer options to secure U.S. backing Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. CAIRO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff discussed on Friday a Cairo-proposed plan for Gaza's early recovery and reconstruction, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. In a phone call with Witkoff, Abdelatty stressed the plan was adopted at the recent emergency Arab summit with full support from participating Arab leaders. The minister expressed Egypt's aspiration to continue positive and constructive interaction with the U.S. side to review the plan and its advantages in an integrated manner, according to the statement. He also stressed the necessity to continue joint efforts to implement all phases of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, demanding that Israel should allow the entry of humanitarian relief into the enclave to pave the road for its early recovery and reconstruction. Witkoff, for his part, said Cairo's plan includes attractive elements and reflects good intentions, adding he expects to learn more details about the plan in the coming period. The Egypt-drafted reconstruction plan for Gaza includes an early recovery phase to address urgent humanitarian needs and a comprehensive reconstruction phase. The plan is estimated to cost 53 billion U.S. dollars and aims to rebuild Gaza without displacing its residents. European leaders have vowed to rearm the continent at historic emergency talks held after the United States threatened to rip up 80 years of security guarantees over the trajectory of Russias war in Ukraine. Since taking office in January, US President Donald Trump has fundamentally changed transatlantic relations, suspended all military aid and intelligence sharing to Kyiv and again cast doubt that the US would defend its NATO allies if attacked. With Russia posing what French President Emmanual Macron called an existential threat to Europe, the continent is now scrambling to prepare for the once-unthinkable prospect of defending itself in a potential future conflict without the help of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as the European Union leaders push for Ukraine and Europe to heard in peace talks, they were joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels on Thursday. Zelensky announced he will visit Saudi Arabia next week to present an initial ceasefire plan ahead of talks between Kyiv and Washington, following his unprecedented televised argument with Trump in the White House last week. Heres what to know: Billions in defense spending At an extraordinary meeting of the European Council in Brussels, the EU leaders agreed to plans that could free up billions of euros to ensure Europes security, boost defense spending, and shore up support for Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EUs executive arm presented leaders with a proposal that could mobilize up to 800 billion euros ($862 billion) to bolster defense on the continent. Part of the rearmament plan would provide countries with loans totaling up to 150 billion euros ($162 billion). European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen called it a watershed moment for Europe and said detailed legal proposals will be studied ahead of another meeting at the end of the month. A senior EU official told CNN they expect the blocs leaders to give a green light allowing the defense plan to be moved forward very swiftly. Macron also announced the EU will give Ukraine more than $33 billion in assistance, taken from Russians sanctioned by Europe. In 2025, the EU will provide Ukraine with 30.6 billion euros, financed by Russian assets, Macron said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leaders said that Russias war of aggression against Ukraine constituted an existential challenge for the European Union, and that Europe must become more sovereign, more responsible for its own defense and better equipped to act and deal autonomously with immediate and future challenges and threats. Alarm over Article 5 A joint declaration from the NATO leaders summit in Washinton, DC last year, stated that Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to NATO security. In the eyes of his allies, Trump is throwing that central theme to the wind. On Thursday, Trump again suggested the US may abandon its commitments to the security alliance a key bedrock of Western security against the risk of a Russian attack saying that member countries were not spending enough on defense. I think its common sense. If they dont pay, Im not going to defend them, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the core of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and enshrined in Article 5 of the treaty is the promise of collective defense that an attack on one member nation is an attack on all. Ukrainian servicemen of the 43 Artillery Brigade fire a 2S7 Pion self-propelled cannon toward Russian positions, at a front line in the Donetsk region, on February 22, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. - Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images Trump has long complained about the amount NATO members spend on defense compared with the US. But his comments could raise alarm around the world, coming as the US changes its position on the Ukraine war, and amid accusations the Trump administration is aligning with Russia over its allies. We see now the White House takes steps towards the Kremlin, trying to meet them half way, so the next target of Russia could be Europe, Kyivs ambassador to the United Kingdom Valerii Zaluzhnyi said Thursday. He added that the US is destroying the current world order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday emphasized the importance of the US commitment to NATO, saying, Let me be clear, the Transatlantic relationship and the Transatlantic partnership remains the bedrock of our Alliance. A peace deal with Europes involvement As European leaders voiced near-unanimous support for Ukraine, European Commission President Von der Leyen warned that negotiations for peace would only be possible with Europes support. Of the 27 EU leaders present in Brussels, all but one signed a text calling for a peace deal that respects Ukraines independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while including Ukraine in the negotiations. Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban abstained. Frances Macron had outlined a plan for a one-month air, sea and energy infrastructure ceasefire in Ukraine, which could pave the way for a more lasting peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he warned that allies must avoid a ceasefire that is discussed in haste. And Ukraine withdrawing its NATO bid without a security guarantee as a condition of any ceasefire is obviously unacceptable, he added. Zelensky said he is preparing practical proposals to end the war with European leaders. The first step would be for Russia to stop airstrikes on energy and civilian infrastructure and halt all military operations in the Black Sea, Zelensky posted on X. The Ukrainian president will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia next week, and his team will stay in the country to work with our American partners, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK and Turkey, two NATO allies and key backers of Ukraine but not EU members were not present at the summit. Britains leader Keir Starmer has said he is ready to put boots on the ground in Ukraine to help keep any truce agreed between Kyiv and Moscow. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russias foreign ministry, rejected the one-month ceasefire proposal, and said the idea of European peacekeeping troops being deployed in Ukraine would be unacceptable. The ministry said the normalization of the Russia-US relationship is causing panic in Europe. Meanwhile, Chinas special envoy for European Affairs Lu Shaye said he hopes Europe can be stirred by the Trump administrations aggressive and domineering policies toward Europe to at least reflect on some of their past policies toward China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNNs James Frater, Rob Picheta, Niamh Kennedy, Mitchell McCluskey, Tara John, Caitlin Hu, Mariya Knight, Kevin Liptak, Christian Edwards, Daria Tarasova-Markina, Sophie Tanno, Anna Cooban and Olesya Dmitracova, contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Bloomberg) -- European natural gas pared gains in another roller-coaster day driven by geopolitics, amid news that Russia is willing to discuss a temporary truce in Ukraine. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benchmark futures swung on Friday, before closing up 4.5%, though still ended the week down almost 10% to cap a fourth straight weekly decline. Theres rising speculation that some Russian gas may return to the continent, which is struggling with high energy bills, and prices remain prone to sharp moves. Earlier Friday, gas hit a five-month low before US President Donald Trump said he is strongly considering banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a cease fire and final peace agreement is reached. That briefly pushed prices almost 9% higher. Speculators closing bullish bets on European gas have also added to the recent selloff, amplifying price swings. High levels of algorithmic trading and rapid political shifts dont make nice bedfellows for a calm orderly market, said Nick Campbell, a managing director at Inspired Plc. Given the ever-changing narrative regarding the start of peace talks, I expect it to continue. Russia is ready for talks on a truce if theres progress toward a final peace settlement, according to people familiar with the matter in Moscow. The US and Ukraine plan to meet in Saudi Arabia next week for their first direct talks since Trumps Oval Office bust-up with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the situation on the front line remains intense. An overnight Russian barrage damaged private company DTEKs gas production facilities in central Ukraine, the firm said on Telegram. Ukraine, facing gas shortages, has been turning to the European markets for fuel imports, further tightening supply. It may be difficult for Russian pipeline gas to make a comeback after the European Union went to great lengths to diversify supplies. Yet the bloc still imports large quantities of liquefied natural gas from Russia and appears less intent on phasing those out for now as it focuses on defense priorities. Read Also: EU Leaders Call for Ukraine Gas Solution on Slovakias Push For now, the continent looks well supplied and milder weather has eased pressure on the market. But some LNG vessels have been diverting away from Europe after the recent price drop, while price-sensitive buyers in India are looking to make spot market purchases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europes reliance on volatile LNG cargoes has increased after higher-than-expected gas consumption this winter caused a rapid depletion of the regions fuel stockpiles. Dutch front-month futures, Europes gas benchmark, closed at 39.97 a megawatt-hour. --With assistance from Priscila Azevedo Rocha. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. The European Parliament has lifted restrictions on lawmakers meeting some Chinese officials, in a fresh indication of a potential thaw in EU-China ties. The recommendations were introduced in April 2023 as a follow up to a sanctioning blitz in 2021, when the sides traded blows in a row over alleged human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang region. The guidelines, which covered both China and Iran, stated that "official counterparts (parliamentarians) will not be invited to visit the European Parliament" and that there would be no "official missions" to the countries while sanctions remain in place, "unless the mission includes at least one member" who has been sanctioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Furthermore, they instructed that bilateral contacts with officials should be "limited to office holders and parliament's services should be notified". Meetings at multilateral forums were also meant to be notified. However, the harder-line posture began to crack at a meeting with senior lawmakers last month, when European Parliament President Roberta Metsola proposed that the measures be withdrawn. Restrictions on meeting officials from Russia and Belarus remain in place. A European Parliament spokesperson confirmed the change, saying that the "non-binding guidelines regarding contacts with some third country representatives were issued at a very specific time and context". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The aim was to provide clarity to MEPs in the last parliament at a time when a complete overhaul of EP internal rules were under way (on missions, declaration of meetings and access to buildings, etc)," the spokesperson said. "New, more robust and transparent, internal rules" introduced in November 2024 meant that "the guidelines have become superfluous and could even cause confusion", she explained. "The new rules in place for MEPs ensure stronger and binding reporting requirements with regard to meetings with any representatives of the countries concerned, even subject to sanctions." The new code of conduct "obliges members to publish all scheduled meetings, also when delegated to their assistants, with interested representatives falling under the Transparency Register and with representatives of public authorities of third countries". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are now also obliged to "declare their attendance at events organised by third parties, where the reimbursement of their travel, accommodation, or subsistence expenses, or the direct payment of such expenses, is fully or partly covered by a third party". In something of a triumph for Beijing, which has been long pushing for better ties with the parliament, there is no longer any specific guidance on China. Separate restrictions on meeting officials from Qatar and Morocco - which have been embroiled in corruption scandals involving the parliament - have also been removed. However, in response to questions from the Post, the spokesperson said parliament is reviewing whether to guidance on China and Iran is needed. After China sanctioned MEPs in March 2021, parliament refused to ratify an EU-China investment pact, effectively putting the proposed accord into a deep freeze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has since been looking for ways to unlock that deal, which would likely require sanctions to be lifted first. In recent meetings in Brussels and Munich with lawmakers and academics that were subject to those sanctions, Chinese officials past and present have revived their requests for mutual removal. From left, European Council President Antonio Costa, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrive for an EU Summit at the European Council building in Brussels on Thursday. Photo: AP alt=From left, European Council President Antonio Costa, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrive for an EU Summit at the European Council building in Brussels on Thursday. Photo: AP> Whereas in the past they proposed a simultaneous elimination of the sanctions, they now propose something asymmetrical: China would lift four or five sanctions for every one lifted by the European side, given that Beijing put dozens on its list, while there are only five on Europe's. The parliament's change may also reflect the rapidly shifting state of geopolitical alliances. Following the return of US President Donald Trump, the transatlantic relationship has frayed to a degree not seen in decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States has switched its support to Russia in its war against Ukraine, this week deciding to stop sharing intelligence with Kyiv, a move that would severely hamper its efforts to target Moscow's forces. He has also declared a trade war on Europe and threatened a barrage of tariffs. To this backdrop, there has been a softening in tone towards China from even Europe's most hawkish quarters. In two high profile speeches, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc could deepen trade and investment ties with Beijing, even suggesting that new agreements could be reached. China, for its part, has embarked on a "charm offensive" in Europe. Diplomats have travelled through capitals making a pitch for jointly upholding the multilateral order, pointing to the wrecking ball taken to the status quo by Trump. Even Beijing's hardliners have adopted a conciliatory tone in an effort to peel the bloc away from Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When you look at how the Trump administration has implemented a brazen and domineering policy towards Europe, treating its allies in this way, honestly, from a European perspective, it's quite appalling," China's special envoy for European affairs Lu Shaye said on the sidelines of top advisory body the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing on Wednesday. In his previous role as China's ambassador to France, Lu embraced the tag of "wolf warrior" diplomat, finding himself summoned to the French foreign ministry on seven separate occasions. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. CATLETTSBURG A new trial date is still to be determined for an Ashland man facing a capital murder charge stemming from the 2020 death of 27-year-old Raven N. Warner. Demitrius Butler, 55, has remained in the Boyd County Detention Center since 2021 on charges of murder and first-degree arson after prosecutors allege he set fire inside a residence in the 3000 block of Railroad Street. Initially charged with manslaughter, Butler received a superseding indictment following additional investigations upgrading his charge to murder and leading the Commonwealth to pursue the death penalty, if convicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Butlers defense counsel and doctors are in the process of evaluating Butlers mental competency after attorneys argued Kentucky law prohibits the execution of individuals deemed intellectually disabled. On Thursday, attorneys for Butler said there have been some delays in the physician evaluations but final interviews are expected to be completed later this month. In response to the additional time needed, Boyd Circuit Judge John Vincent scheduled Butler for another pre-trial conference on April 17. During that proceeding, Vincent said he will reassess the availability for Butler on the courts trial calendar. A world-class war and history museum in Everett is making it easier for the community to visit their exhibits full of rare military artifacts, aircraft, and vehicles with free admission all year round. The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum in Everett has been educating and entertaining visitors since 2008. Three separate aircraft hangers serve as special exhibits, and there is much to see, learn, and experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their exhibits include, Causes of War, Women in World War II, and Animals in War. Adrian Hunt, the Executive Director of the museum told KIRO 7 that, unlike other history and war museums, the quality of the Flying Heritage and Combat Armor collection makes it unique. This is a museum that has really high-quality planes and tanks restored to their original condition and most of them work, Hunt said. In addition to their rare and restored collection, KIRO 7 also learned that its not just about what this museum displays that makes it stand out, its where these artifacts come from that makes it special. We have planes and tanks from all the different countries most museums focus on one country or another and dont have everything but we have American, we have British, we have Russian, we have Japanese, and we have German, all the main countries that were involved in World War II, Hunt said. In addition to its historical displays, the Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum also has a special theater that shows four short movies. According to their website, each film features one significant battle of WWII and incorporates information about artifacts at the museum. From the theater to the digital, another feature guests can explore is the interactive video wall that examines in-depth content on the eight wars that were important to the United States. The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more on the history of this museum, click here. This story was produced and originally published by Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom. It was made possible by donors like you. For Col. Leslie Zyzda Martin who was fired from the Wisconsin National Guard despite four investigations failing to substantiate allegations against her the language in Wisconsins military justice law is clear: Any members of the National Guard who think they have been wronged by a commander can make a complaint that must be reviewed and resolved as soon as possible by a superior officer. Yet more than a year after making such a complaint, Zyzda Martin says she is still waiting for some kind of justice. The commander whom she has accused of unceremoniously firing her, Brig. Gen. David May, is still interim head of the Wisconsin National Guard and may be retiring soon. And his boss, Gov. Tony Evers, informed Zyzda Martin in August hes declining further review, but didnt provide records of any proceedings related to the particular review she requested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military legal experts who reviewed the provision in Article 138 of Wisconsins military justice code agreed it compels the Guard and the governor, as commander-in-chief, to review such complaints, especially because the complaint involves an adjutant general. Whoever reviews the complaint must also provide documentation of the proceedings of that review. A lawyer who advises the Legislature agreed the law allows Zyzda Martin to appeal to the governor, but doesnt appear to provide recourse if the governor declines to act. Guard spokesperson Bridget Esser emphasized the state Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division determined in 2023 that the Guard did not discriminate against Zyzda Martin. That finding responded to a sex discrimination complaint Zyzda Martin filed in June 2022. She withdrew her appeal in January 2024, but continued to pursue the Article 138 complaint. The Guard said while four investigations didnt substantiate three complaints against Zyzda Martin, information gleaned from those investigations caused May to lose confidence in her ability to command. The Guard did not provide a detailed explanation for her firing when Wisconsin Watch asked, saying it was protecting Zyzda Martins privacy even after she signed a waiver for the Guard to release her personnel records to the news outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evers spokesperson Britt Cudaback said the Guard has provided legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for demoting and firing Zyzda Martin. In order for a wrong to be remedied, a wrong must be identified, Cudaback said. Based on a review of Zyzda Martins complaint, supporting documents, and investigatory files of the three inspector general complaints made against her, there is no indication of any wrongful action against her. After her firing in November 2021, Zyzda Martin worked for the South Carolina Guard, but the disciplinary letters May put in her military record from her time in Wisconsin prevented her from being promoted. Because of that, she retired in October, ending her 34-year military career. I still dont know what I did wrong, Zyzda Martin said. I have no idea. Legal avenue for recourse Last year, a Wisconsin Watch investigation highlighted Zyzda Martins case. It was notable because the Wisconsin National Guard has been plagued for years by allegations of sexual harassment and a culture that hasnt supported women in uniform. Previous reporting on those allegations led to Evers firing former Adjutant General Donald Dunbar, but commanders who served under him, including May, have remained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zyzda Martin suspects her termination relates to how she handled a sexting case at Volk Field and other changes she made there, including updates to the airfields safety program after a technician died while changing light bulbs on a runway. An independent investigation into the death later found that Volk Field, at the time under Mays command, was not properly staffed and had significant voids in safety program management, training, and compliance. Because of the broad discretion military commanders have, retribution can be swift for those who report wrongdoing. Service members have few avenues for recourse, but Wisconsin provides one legal remedy: the Article 138 complaint. The law entitles any member of the state military forces who believes theyve been wronged by a commanding officer and is refused redress to complain to any superior commissioned officer, who shall forward the complaint to the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the officer against whom it is made. According to the statute, which mirrors the one in the federal Uniform Code of Military Justice, the superior officer shall examine the complaint and take proper measures for redressing the wrong complained of; and shall, as soon as possible, send to the adjutant general a true statement of that complaint, with the proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zyzda Martin filed an Article 138 complaint over her firing with Evers office in November 2023. She argues Evers is the proper person to review the complaint because, as commander-in-chief of the Guard, he oversees May. Zyzda Martin also already sought redress with May and Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, making Evers next in the chain of command. In January 2024 Evers chief legal counsel Mel Barnes said Evers was deferring a decision on whether to look into Zyzda Martins case to allow for the completion of an inquiry by the Governors Office, according to a letter Barnes sent to Zyzda Martin. Eight months later, Evers' office sent a letter saying it reviewed the record of her removal and was declining to take further action on the complaint. But the office has produced no record of any correspondence or proceedings related to either an Article 138 review or the inquiry the governors office said it was undertaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Guard confirmed there were no records of any proceedings related to any reviews or inquiries in a November email to Zyzda Martin. The Guard and Evers did not respond to Wisconsin Watchs requests for records of any proceedings. If there was that inquiry, I should have documents showing that, Zyzda Martin said. The governor has the responsibility, law or not, to do the right thing and look into it. A right to a meaningful investigation Though military legal experts said Wisconsins military justice code requires the Guard and the governor to review Article 138 complaints, there are no specifics in the statute of what the proceedings must look like. I dont think that the resulting reporting has to be a seven-volume magnum opus, said Eugene Fidell, who teaches military justice at Yale Law School and co-founded the National Institute of Military Justice. But I think there has to be an effort to apply the mind and find the facts and explain what, if anything, the governor is going to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Often Article 138 complaints go nowhere, but they are a necessary step if a service member plans to take a case to court, Fidell said. The complaining party has a right to an up-or-down vote on a complaint and there has to be a meaningful investigation and there has to be a report generated, Fidell said. But Wisconsins law does not provide guidance on how such a review should be conducted, a key departure from how such complaints are handled on the federal level, said retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Chip Hodge, a military attorney, who now represents service members globally in legal cases. Usually the services provide procedural guidance and on implementing the law, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I havent seen that in Wisconsin which leads to that ambiguity. It seems like they could be taking advantage of the ambiguity. Lt. Col. Ryan Sweazey, a retired F-16 pilot and former inspector general in the U.S. Air Force who has worked with Zyzda Martin on her complaint, suspects that is the case. The governor's office said, Were not taking further action, you lose, essentially, which is a violation of the Wisconsin state statute, said Sweazey, who founded the Walk The Talk Foundation, an advocacy group helping service members navigate the military judicial system. The law is nice but if there is no accountability for violating the law or circumventing it, what is the point? But David Moore, an attorney with Wisconsins Legislative Council, a nonpartisan agency of the Wisconsin Legislature, said the law is not clear on what it compels the governor to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear to me that Article 138 envisions a process for filing a complaint with the governor, but even if it does, that tees up that tricky question of you can take it to the governor, but does he really have to do anything? Moore said. And if he doesnt do anything, is there any recourse to that? Although Evers is commander-in-chief of the Guard, Moore said that does not make him an officer in the context of the Article 138 statute. Also no court has clarified exactly what the law means. Allegations not substantiated The investigations against Zyzda Martin were the result of complaints made through the Air Forces Office of Inspector General. In one case, even after the initial complainant voluntarily withdrew the complaint, May pushed for an investigation to continue, but the allegation still wasnt substantiated. In the end, May issued two letters of admonishment to Zyzda Martin on Nov. 8, 2021, the day she was fired. May and Knapp used information from the investigations as the basis for discipline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This effectively railroad(ed) her honorable career, Zyzda Martins attorney Toni ONeill wrote in her Article 138 complaint. One letter said that although one investigation into Zyzda Martins work was unsubstantiated, 13 of 26 Guard members interviewed noted some level of concerning conduct or negative connotations about her approach. But Zyzda Martin says she was never told about any complaints and had little direct interaction with employees at Volk Field because everyone worked separately during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter also said there was evidence in one investigation of an unhealthy command climate, but Zyzda Martin noted the Guard never opened a separate inquiry into those allegations as required by military law. May and Knapp fired her before their third investigation into her conduct was complete. That violates military guidance on such investigations, which directs commanders to defer discipline until an investigation is done. Zyzda Martin said May told her years ago he planned to retire in March 2025. Another source granted anonymity to share internal Guard information confirmed thats still the case and that May didnt apply to become the permanent adjutant general. Zyzda Martin now works for a defense consulting firm and said she is considering her next move to clear her name. If this is how the leaders of our defense treat their subordinates, can you imagine what is happening to the structure of our defense department? Zyzda Martin said. If governors are going to be in charge of the military, they need to be held accountable and follow their procedures. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Evers declines review in case of fired Wisconsin National Guard officer Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday that Wisconsin has joined a multistate lawsuit against President Donald Trump and his administration over the mass firings of federal workers. The lawsuit, which was filed Thursday, argues the Trump administration unlawfully directed federal agencies to fire thousands of probationary employees. "These large-scale, indiscriminate firings are not only subjecting the Plaintiff States and communities across the country to chaos," the complaint reads. "They are also against the law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, also said federal agencies failed to provide the required 60 days of advance notice to fired workers and to states, "so that they have an opportunity to mitigate the harms of layoffs." Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday, March 7, 2025, that he was joining a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration for "illegal" mass terminations of federal workers, which have impacted at least 6,000 veterans. The lawsuit seeks a court order reinstating probationary employees who have been fired since Jan. 20. About 2,400 workers have been fired from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in recent weeks and a newly released memo revealed plans to slash the VA workforce by as many as 83,000 people. Workers, including disabled veterans, have already lost their jobs at Wisconsin VA medical centers. It's estimated that about 30% of the federal workforce are veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evers slammed Republicans in a Friday statement, accusing them of "messing with the lives and livelihoods" of federal workers through drastic cuts to programs many Wisconsinites depend upon. Evers said the jobs being cut will have an impact on veterans' health services, fighting against avian flu and navigating safety in dangerous weather. "Republicans actions are wrong, illegal, and bad for our state and our country thats why were headed to court to try and stop them, Evers said. This is the latest in a series of legal challenges Wisconsin has joined against the Trump administration. In January, Evers and Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joined 22 states in suing the Trump administration to stop the withholding of essential federal funding. Evers and Kaul sued the Trump administration again in February, along with 22 states, for defunding critical medical and public health research. Also in February, the two sued Trump to block the administration and Elon Musk from accessing restricted government records on millions of federal employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday's lawsuit was filed by 19 Democratic-led states and D.C. The other states involved are Maryland, Minnesota, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. "This campaign has inflicted immense harms on tens of thousands of probationary employees and their families," the complaint reads. "It has rendered them jobless without providing any advance notice that might have given them an opportunity to seek other employment or even budget to prepare for the loss of income." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Gov. Evers sues Trump over 'reckless' mass firings of federal workers WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio (WCMH) A former deputy with the Fayette County Sheriffs Office was arrested Thursday after being accused of possessing child pornography. 34-year-old Justin Bennett was arrested after a weeks-long investigation and has been charged with nine counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor. Bennett was relived on duty and placed on administrative leave when the investigation began in February and he has since resigned. Cold case suspect extradited to Columbus after DNA links him to 1992 rape, murder Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FCSO was first alerted to Bennetts alleged ownership of child pornography materials on Feb. 18 which led to Madison County detectives obtaining a search warrant for his house, where they seized electronic devices. Those detectives alerted the FCSO on Thursday after investigating those electronic devices. This gave authorities probable cause to arrest Bennett, who was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals, per the sheriffs office. He could face additional charges as the Madison County Sheriffs Office and Fayette County Prosecutors Office assist in the investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Following comments by a former commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) in March 2025, a rumor spread that the agency could soon stop sending payments to beneficiaries such as retirees and people with disabilities. Speaking to CNBC for an article that published March 1, the former commissioner, Martin O'Malley, predicted that the system will "collapse" and that there will be an "interruption of benefits" within the "next 30 to 90 says" due to agency changes initiated by billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The speculation by O'Malley, a former Maryland governor who served as SSA commissioner under former President Joe Biden, prompted worry among Social Security recipients. Users on X, Bluesky, Reddit, Instagram and TikTok posted about his comments, with one TikTok user saying: "Recipients like me, people who get checks, can expect interruptions in those checks. So, in the next 30 to 90 days, if that happens, I'm going to guarantee you there's going to be a whole bunch of upset Social Security recipients." Days before O'Malley's comments, the SSA announced it was aiming to cut some 7,000 employees to align with goals established by President Donald Trump's administration to reduce the federal workforce. It was unclear, as of this writing, how exactly that goal was affecting day-to-day operations around payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, it was unknown how or if staffing cuts directed by Trump's administration could change the distribution of Social Security checks. No other former or current leaders of the agency have made public statements similar to O'Malley's, and there was no irrefutable evidence to lend credit to, or discredit, his prediction. We reached out to him to further explain why he believed the system could "collapse" or payments could face interruptions within a few months, as well as the SSA to respond to his claims. We will update this story if we receive responses. Here's what O'Malley said The March 1 CNBC article stated: Social Security has never missed a benefit payment since the program first began sending individuals monthly benefits more than eight decades ago. But the recent actions at the U.S. Social Security Administration by Elon Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency are putting monthly benefit checks for more than 72.5 million Americans at risk, former commissioner and former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley told CNBC.com. "Ultimately, you're going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits," O'Malley said. "I believe you will see that within the next 30 to 90 days." It was unclear why O'Malley chose that timeframe "30 to 90 days" for his prediction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also urged Social Security beneficiaries to "start saving now," before any possible interruptions to payments. According to CNBC, O'Malley claimed that staff cuts in the past had already caused systems to temporarily stop (he didn't share specifics), and that such outages could happen more frequently and for longer periods of time if the agency continues to reduce its workforce. Presumably, those system outages could delay how the SSA process payments and beneficiaries access services. SSA workforce announcements In a series of news releases in late February, Lee Dudek, the acting SSA commissioner, announced workforce changes to align with goals established by Musk's cost-cutting agency, DOGE. For example, in a Feb. 21 statement, Dudek said the agency's Office of Analytics, Review and Oversight (OARO) which has coordinated operations to detect and prevent fraud, among other duties would face "organizational realignment" or, that it would dissolve in its current form and other sections of SSA would supposedly absorb its work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, a few days later, on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25, the SSA closed its Office of Transformation and Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity, placing those employees on administrative leave. Shortly after that, on Feb. 28, the SSA announced its goal to cut some 7,000 jobs, writing in a statement: Consistent with recent executive orders issued by the White House, the Social Security Administration will continue to implement efficiencies and reduce costs, with a renewed focus on mission critical work for the American people. The agency plans to reduce the size of its bloated workforce and organizational structure, with a significant focus on functions and employees who do not directly provide mission critical services. Social Security recently set a staffing target of 50,000, down from the current level of approximately 57,000 employees. [...] Social Security anticipates that much of the staff reductions needed to reach the target of 50,000 will come from retirement, [Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments], and resignation. Additional reductions will come from reduction-in-force (RIF) actions that could include abolishment of organizations and positions. RIF also can include directed reassignments from one position to another position in the agency. Agencies are required to submit their RIF plans to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) by March 13, 2025. No date has been set when a RIF might begin after OPM approves the plan. The agency then announced on March 3 that it had frozen hiring, as well as reduced overtime for employees. According to the SSA, those changes would save the agency $550 million. Sources: "After Receiving Reports of a MySSA Portal Outage, Rep. Raskin Solicits Immediate Information from Social Security Administration." Congressman Jamie Raskin, 5 Feb. 2025, raskin.house.gov/2025/2/after-receiving-reports-of-a-myssa-portal-outage-rep-raskin-solicits-immediate-information-from-social-security-administration. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayen, David. "Social Security Administration Could Cut Half Its Workforce." The American Prospect, 26 Feb. 2025, prospect.org/health/social-security-administration-could-cut-half-its-workforce/. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025. Friedman, Drew. "O'Malley Stepping down as SSA Commissioner." Federal News Network - Helping Feds Meet Their Mission., Federal News Network, 18 Nov. 2024, federalnewsnetwork.com/people/2024/11/omalley-stepping-down-as-ssa-commissioner/. Accessed 7 Mar. 2025. Hussein, Fatima. "Social Security Administration Could Cut Halve Its Workforce amid DOGE Cuts." AP News, 28 Feb. 2025, apnews.com/article/social-security-layoffs-doge-musk-trump-93efbed33957af5ec8ac37744d0592de. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025. Kashinsky, Lisa, and Brakkton Booker. "DNC Chair Race Kicks Off, as Martin O'Malley Announces Bid - POLITICO." POLITICO, Politico, 18 Nov. 2024, www.politico.com/news/2024/11/18/dnc-chair-race-omalley-00190186. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Konish, Lorie. "Social Security Has Never Missed a Payment. DOGE Actions Threaten "Interruption of Benefits," Ex-Agency Head Says." CNBC, 1 Mar. 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/03/01/doge-actions-may-cause-social-security-benefit-interruption-ex-agency-head.html. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025. Press, Associated. "Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley Loses Bid to Become Democratic Party's National Chair." The Baltimore Banner, 1 Feb. 2025, www.thebaltimorebanner.com/national/ken-martin-minnesota-democratic-national-chair-ALPGK352Y5DQXFZBFZMQ76O65Y/. Accessed 7 Mar. 2025. U.S. Social Security Administration. "Social Security Announces Change to Improve Agency Operations and Strengthen Protections." Ssa.gov, 21 Feb. 2025, www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-02-21-a. Accessed 7 Mar. 2025. ---. "Social Security Announces Workforce and Organization Plans." Ssa.gov, 28 Feb. 2025, blog.ssa.gov/social-security-announces-workforce-and-organization-plans/. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ---. "Social Security Dissolves Duplicative Office." Ssa.gov, 25 Feb. 2025, www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-02-25. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025. ---. "Social Security Eliminates Wasteful Department." Ssa.gov, 24 Feb. 2025, www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-02-24. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025. ---. "Social Security Identifies Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Savings." Ssa.gov, 3 Mar. 2025, www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-03-03. Accessed 7 Mar. 2025. ---. "Statement from Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner, about Commitment to Agency Transparency and Protecting Benefits and Information." Ssa.gov, 19 Feb. 2025, www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-02-19. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025. COLOMBO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Over 500,000 tourists have visited Sri Lanka in the first two months of this year, a minister said here on Friday. Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe told the media that Sri Lanka plans to attract 3 million tourists this year, adding that the government has identified 100 new locations as tourist attractions and plans to invest 1 billion rupees (3.4 million U.S. dollars) in developing basic infrastructure in these areas. He said the target could be met since half a million tourist arrivals were recorded in the first two months of the year. By Yimou Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan is considering warning citizens about risks of travelling to countries with strong ties to China, such as Laos and Cambodia, as they could be caught up in Beijing's campaign against Taiwan independence supporters, according to a senior Taiwan official and an internal memo. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own despite the island's rejection, issued guidelines last year to punish "diehard" Taiwan independence activists, including with the death penalty, even though Chinese courts have no jurisdiction on the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last month, a senior Chinese official gave closed-door instructions to state security units to "implement" the guidelines in countries friendly to China, according to a government memo reviewed by Reuters and a senior Taiwan security official. Both cited intelligence gathered by Taipei for that assessment. China's Taiwan Affairs Office and foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement, Taiwan's foreign ministry told Reuters China had tried to use the guidelines to "shackle" Taiwan's democracy and freedom. The ministry said it had asked its overseas offices to monitor and assess related risks and would boost public awareness on travel safety. Taiwan security agencies have been looking at whether to raise the alert level for travel to certain countries for its citizens, the official said. Reuters was not able to establish whether any decision had been made on the alert or the countries for which that review was underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwanese in Cambodia, Laos and some unspecified African nations could risk being taken in for investigation on suspicion of backing independence, the official said, citing Taiwan's assessment of the development and speaking on condition of anonymity. "They might be taken for questioning by the local or Chinese police there, at least to psychologically intimidate them," the official told Reuters. The foreign ministries in Cambodia and Laos did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Taiwan has concluded that some countries, including some in Southeast Asia, have declined to cooperate with China's request, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan has complained of a pattern of ramped-up pressure by China in recent years, including military actions, trade sanctions and coast guard patrols around Taiwan-controlled islands next to China. Beijing's guidelines issued in June instructed China's courts, prosecutors and state security agents to "severely punish Taiwan independence diehards" for what it called "secession." The instruction was given during a two-day meeting on Taiwan that began February 25, the memo said, citing Taiwan's intelligence. The meeting was led by Wang Huning, who is part of the Communist Party's elite Politburo Standing Committee and one of President Xi Jinping's closest advisers, the memo said. In the meeting, Beijing's embassies and overseas police stations in countries with "a high degree of trust" with China were asked to implement the guidelines by targeting Taiwanese tourists, students and residents, the Taiwan government memo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China's government has previously denied maintaining overseas police stations but has said there are volunteer-run centres outside China that help Chinese citizens renew documents and offer other services. Taiwan's government raised its travel warning for China in June last year following the threat from Beijing, which drew condemnation from Taipei and Washington. Taiwan's foreign ministry currently has its second-highest "orange" travel alert for both Cambodia and Laos, telling its citizens not to go unless absolutely necessary due to scam centres which detain and traffic Chinese speakers to work in them. China's 20-year-old Anti-Secession Law gives the country the legal basis for military action against Taiwan if it secedes or the possibility of peaceful "reunification" is exhausted. The law is vague on what constitutes Taiwan independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future. Taiwan, which has its own military, passport and currency, is governed independently as the Republic of China, its official name. The Republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists, who set up the People's Republic of China. (Reporting By Yimou Lee; Editing by Kevin Krolicki and Clarence Fernandez) By Dan Levine and Leah Douglas -The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is planning a large study into potential connections between vaccines and autism, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, despite extensive scientific research that has disproven or failed to find evidence of such links. The CDC's move comes amid one of the largest measles outbreaks the U.S. has seen in the past decade, with more than 200 cases and two deaths in Texas and New Mexico. The outbreak has been fueled by declining vaccination rates in parts of the United States where parents have been falsely persuaded that such shots do more harm than good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, whose role includes authority over the CDC, has long sowed doubt over the safety of the combined vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). In a cabinet meeting last week, Kennedy initially downplayed news that a school-aged child had died of measles in Texas, the first such death in a decade, calling such outbreaks ordinary and failing to mention the role of vaccination to prevent measles. Last weekend Kennedy published an opinion piece on Fox News that promoted the role of vaccination, but also told parents vaccination was a personal choice and urged them to consult with their physician. It is unclear whether Kennedy is involved in the planned CDC study or how it would be carried out. He did not respond to a request for comment. HHS and CDC cited what they described as skyrocketing autism rates in a joint statement on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "CDC will leave no stone unturned in its mission to figure out what exactly is happening," the statement said. "The American people expect high quality research and transparency and that is what CDC is delivering." President Donald Trump's nominee for CDC director, Dr. Dave Weldon, is set for a U.S. Senate committee hearing next week. Some senators have expressed concerns over Weldon's views on vaccines. Weldon declined to comment. Dr. Wilbur Chen, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and former member of the CDC's vaccine advisory panel, said the existence of such a study, conducted by the federal government, is itself enough to raise doubts about vaccines among some in the general public. "It sends the signal that there is something there that is worth investigating, so that means there must be something going on between vaccines and autism," Chen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autism diagnoses in the United States have increased significantly since 2000, intensifying public concern. Many researchers attribute the rise in diagnoses to more widespread screening and the inclusion of a broader range of behaviors to describe the condition. But some public figures have popularized the idea that vaccines are to blame, an idea stemming from a since-debunked study from British researcher Andrew Wakefield in the late 1990s that connected a rise in autism diagnoses with widespread use of the MMR shot. The causes of autism are unclear. No rigorous studies have found links between autism and vaccines or medications, or their components such as thimerosal or formaldehyde. There is widespread speculation among scientists that its neurological characteristics may develop in utero, when the fetal brain is being wired. Studies have linked autism to maternal factors in pregnancy, and some research suggests a link to birth complications and timing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, in an address to Congress this week, cited the rise in autism among children. "So, we're going to find out what it is, and theres nobody better than Bobby and all of the people that are working with you, Trump said, referring to Kennedy. The White House had no immediate comment on the planned CDC study. Kennedys anti-vaccine views have drawn concern among some Republicans. During Kennedys confirmation hearing Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and physician, suggested that the nominee disavow any links between vaccines and autism. Kennedy denied that he was anti-vaccine, but did not acknowledge that such a link had been debunked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week Cassidy questioned Trumps nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, over his stance on investigating a potential link between autism and childhood vaccinations. "I don't generally believe there is a link, based on my reading of the literature," Bhattacharya said. "But we do have a sharp rise in autism rates, and I don't think any scientist really knows the cause of it. I would support a broad scientific agenda based on data to get an answer to that." (Reporting by Dan Levine in San Francisco and Leah Douglas in Washington; Editing by Michele Gershberg, Nia Williams and Chizu Nomiyama) By Jarrett Renshaw and Jonathan Saul (Reuters) - The U.S. government is studying ways it could ease sanctions on Russia's energy sector as part of a broad plan to enable Washington to deliver swift relief if Moscow agrees to end the Ukraine war, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Reuters had reported earlier in the week that the United States was drawing up plans to potentially lift Russian sanctions on select entities and individuals, but it was not clear at the time whether the initiative would include Russias enormous oil and gas industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is among the world's largest oil and gas producers, and the U.S. has sought to starve Russia of the cash it needs for the war effort by targeting the industry with sanctions, and by leading a multilateral effort to cap the price of Russian oil exports to $60 a barrel. The White House has asked the Treasury Department to explore options for easing energy sanctions ahead of expected talks between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war, the two sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. That work would allow Washington to roll back the sanctions quickly in the event of a peace deal, according to the sources, who made clear the effort should not be read as an indication that the U.S. would lift the sanctions without Russian concessions. Trump says he plans to meet with Putin in Saudi Arabia in coming weeks to negotiate a deal to end the three-year-old Ukraine war, and analysts say relaxing the sanctions represents a likely centerpiece of any agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Friday also raised the prospect of imposing more large-scale U.S. sanctions on Russia and called on both countries to get on with negotiating a peace deal. Trump's threat came after Russian forces hit Ukrainian energy and gas infrastructure overnight. The Russian attack was the first since the U.S. paused aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The White House National Security Council and Treasury did not respond to requests for comment. The energy sanctions inquiry is part of a broader review of U.S. actions against Russia that includes potentially lifting sanctions on select entities and individuals, including some Russian oligarchs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014, the United States has imposed a series of sanctions packages, including travel bans, asset freezes, as well as measures aimed at hitting the energy, finance and defense sectors. The Trump administration wants the ability to move swiftly to lift sanctions and avoid delays due to lack of preparations, the sources said, adding that it wanted to avoid previous turmoil when other sanctions were lifted. Delays in lifting U.S. sanctions on Russian aluminum producer Rusal in 2019, for example, created disruptions for firms in the transport, construction and packaging industries, and contributed to a 30% spike in aluminum prices. The Treasury is also looking at what Russia's full return would do to global oil prices and how it could shift trading patterns that have seen European markets shift away from Russian supplies and toward those of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China and India have continued to buy Russian oil but payment problems and ship insurance gaps have complicated deliveries. (Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw and Jonathan Saul; Editing by Richard Valdmanis, Simon Webb and Marguerita Choy) The devastation caused by the Los Angeles area wildfires earlier this year has widespread implications for the national housing market, with one expert forecasting an economic collapse. What is happening? Dave Burt, founder of investment research and consulting firm DeltaTerra Capital, recently told CNBC that he expects a fifth of all homes in the United States to devalue over the next five years because of a warming climate. "In the past, insurers have not increased prices because of these increasing weather events," Burt said. "That's all falling apart now because of the fragility of the system and some of the insurance market failures that we've seen in just the last few years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burt, who predicted the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008, thinks that there will be repercussions nationwide as extreme weather events like the fires that swept through Southern California force the insurance industry to increase the premiums that homeowners pay. And since the cost of owning a home is inversely proportional to its value, the latter may ultimately tank. "We think that those 20% of markets could be down 30% over the next five years in value, which is very similar to the 2007 to 2012 great recession experience," he added. Why is Burt's prediction concerning? Burt's statement has been substantiated by a new study from First Street. The climate-risk firm projects that 84% of U.S. homes could decrease in value by 2055, reaching total losses of $1.47 trillion. The report found that insurance costs are expected to spike by 25% over the next three decades because of the underpricing of risk and the increasing likelihood and severity of extreme weather events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Climate change is no longer a theoretical concern it is a measurable force reshaping real estate markets and regional economies across the United States," Jeremy Porter, head of climate implications research at First Street, told CNBC. After all, such catastrophes caused $140 billion in insured losses last year worldwide, making 2024 the third-costliest year on record. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What is being done about the looming insurance crisis? With homeowners either facing sky-high premiums or scrambling for alternatives after getting dropped by insurance companies, addressing the crux of the issue is a daunting but crucial task. That's what makes solutions that attempt to reverse the planet's overheating which supercharges extreme weather all the more important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether it's new legislation that promotes energy efficiency, research that helps us move on from dirty energy sources, or small lifestyle changes that limit our reliance on plastic, every step can help mitigate the effects of rising global temperatures and climate disasters. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. For the first time, Gwinnett County officials are converting an extended stay hotel into affordable housing for vulnerable residents. The $13.2 million project on Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Peachtree Corners will create 73 affordable rental units with 70% reserved for seniors, homeless youth and young adults aging out of foster care. Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson was at the State of the County address on Thursday when Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson made the announcement. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] This is more than a housing project. This is a lifeline, Hendrickson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county is investing $7.7 million as a partnership with the Gwinnett Housing Corporation with additional funding from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and Chase Bank. County officials say the need is urgent, citing data showing 622 homeless seniors sought housing assistance over a 21-month period. Its a win-win for the community, Hendrickson said. Now you dont have a property sitting vacant, attracting crime. We can repurpose it into something meaningful. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All units will be designated for households earning less than $45,000 annually. County leaders hope this first-of-its-kind project for Gwinnett County will lead to similar conversions throughout the county. They are our community, Hendrickson said. Were a compassionate government. Were going to continue to provide services to those who most need it. The hope is to be able to begin construction this summer and begin leasing out units in March 2026. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NASA could experience extinction-level cuts in President Donald Trumps upcoming budget request, sources say. The president has begun shaking up the space agency with members of the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency on-site at its facilities to review contracts and spending last month. The White House also made a last-minute decision to pause mass firing up to 1,000 probationary federal employees. On Friday, multiple sources familiar with the Trump administrations proposal told Ars Technica that NASA's science programs, delivered through the Science Mission Directorate, could face sweeping 50 percent cuts for fiscal year 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, NASA could face an approximate 25 percent budget cut, they added. Space advocacy organization The Planetary Society told The Independent that multiple NASA sources had verified the proposal to them. NASAs science programs budget could be slashed in half, according to sources (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) In a statement Friday, it said the result of the cuts would be nothing short of an extinction event for space science and exploration in the United States. Speaking to reporters in Houston on Thursday, NASAs Science Mission Directorate, Nicola Fox, denied receiving official information about the proposed budget reductions. We haven't had any information yet about the budget, and I hate planning something on rumors and speculation, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 30 percent of the space agencys $25 billion is allocated to science programs. Some of NASAs most significant achievements over recent decades have been delivered by science programs, including its Ingenuity Mars Helicopter flying above the Red Planet and New Horizons becoming the first spacecraft to explore Pluto. Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought is believed to be spearheading the proposed budget cuts, sources said. Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought previously suggested cuts in a FY 2023 shadow statement through his think tank (AP) In a shadow budget for FY 2023, Voughts conservative think tank the Center for Renewing America proposed a 50 percent reduction in NASA science programs due to its misguided spending on carbon reduction systems and climate change programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed cuts, however, seem at odds with Trumps goal of commercializing space and planting the American flag on Mars. The presidents alleged request for NASAs budget is just a starting point for negotiations with Congress. Trumps budget proposal could be up to three months late, the top House Republican appropriator, Oklahoma Representative Tom Cole, told reporters earlier this week. Cole said he doesnt expect to receive the budget request before late April to early May. The Independent has contacted NASA and the White House for more information. ITASCA, Ill. The Village of Itasca announced Thursday that it will not host its annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration this year. According to a village spokesperson, the display which has been held annually in Itasca for nearly three decades, will not take place this year due to nearby construction. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland The display is usually held at Hamilton Lakes business park, located in the 500 block of East Devon Avenue, but officials said that because of construction that is scheduled to take place in and around the area, the fireworks display would be logistically unfeasible Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was an extremely difficult decision to make, Village Administrator Carie Anne Ergo said in a press release. Itasca takes great pride in hosting the biggest and best fireworks show in Northern Illinois. Our first priority is always the safety and security of Itasca residents, businesses and visitors. Given the unique challenges presented this year, we cannot confidently recommend hosting fireworks in 2025. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines While this years event is canceled, there is potential that the show could return next year. Officials said the village will reevaluate the feasibility of hosting fireworks again in 2026 this fall. Until then, officials said the Village Board has directed staff to look at ways to repurpose the funds by supporting other community events in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA (Reuters) -Conflict in Congo has sent 63,000 refugees fleeing to neighbouring Burundi in its largest such influx in decades, with conditions dire at a crammed stadium camp and many stuck in fields outside, the U.N. said on Friday. About 45,000 displaced people are sheltering in a crowded open-air stadium in Rugombo, a few km (miles) from the border with Democratic Republic of Congo where the Congolese army and M23 rebel group are fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The situation is absolutely dire. Conditions are extremely harsh," Faith Kasina, the regional spokesperson for East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes, told reporters in Geneva. "The stadium is literally bursting at its seams and there is no additional space for shelter." Sanitary conditions inside the stadium are said to be poor with only 10 to 15 stalls of latrines for tens of thousands of people. Many families are being forced to camp in open fields nearby, according to the agency. "Numbers keep swelling, it's a race against time to try and save lives," said Kasina, adding that the needs are fast outpacing the aid being provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The refugees include a large number of unaccompanied children separated from their families, the agency says. On 21 February, UNHCR told a press briefing in Geneva that it would seek to move people from the stadium. However logistical challenges mean it takes six to eight hours to move large numbers of people to the Musenyi refugee site in southern Burundi. That site, which can host 10,000 people, is now 60 per cent full, according to the agency. The agency has urged countries to contribute to its emergency appeal for $40.4 million for lifesaving help to support the potential influx of 258,000 refugees into Burundi, Tanzania and Zambia. The M23 advance is the gravest escalation in more than a decade of the long-running conflict in eastern Congo, rooted in the spillover of Rwanda's 1994 genocide into Congo and the struggle for control of Congo's vast mineral resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rwanda rejects allegations by Congo, the United Nations and Western powers that it supports M23 with arms and troops. It says it is defending itself against the threat from a Hutu militia, which it says is fighting with the Congolese military. Burundi has had its own soldiers in eastern Congo for years, initially to hunt down Burundian rebels there, but more recently, to aid in the fight against M23. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, Editing by Miranda Murray, William Maclean) The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted air traffic at four Florida airports on Wednesday after a SpaceX craft broke apart after launch, raising concerns about falling debris. The Starship vehicle broke apart following the eighth flight test of the rocket launched from Boca Chica, Texas. The agency briefly halted flights into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Orlando for possible space launch debris in the area, the agency said in an alert. According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, several flights were observed holding their position off Floridas coast and over the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mishap marks the second time a Starship vehicle has broken up after ascending to space, disintegrating into a shower of sparks caught in multiple videos on social media. The last such loss was on Jan. 16, after which the FAA required SpaceX to conduct a mishap investigation. Last week, the agency lifted that prohibition, saying SpaceX could launch while the agency continues its oversight into the Jan. 16 mishap. The FAA on Thursday said it's requiring a new mishap investigation of the latest flight. Starships booster rocket successfully reentered the atmosphere and was "caught by an assembly known as Mechazilla," but the vehicle itself was seen spinning in space before the break up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on X, SpaceX said during Starships ascent burn, the vehicle experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly and lost contact with the ground. SpaceX immediately began coordination with safety officials on its contingency response plans, which also must be approved and coordinated with the FAA. The ground stops at the airports lasted roughly 50 minutes, with Miami last to lift the order. BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes enhanced exchanges, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, and stronger goodwill between all sectors of China and Japan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday. All these are in the long-term interests of both sides, Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing annual session of the national legislature. Last November, leaders of the two countries reached important common understandings on following the four political documents between China and Japan, comprehensively advancing the strategic relationship of mutual benefit, and building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship fit for the new era, according to Wang. "With concerted efforts, bilateral relations have demonstrated a momentum of improvement and growth," he said. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. "To remember history, one can better shape the future. To forget history, one may lose his direction going forward," said Wang. Guarding against the revival of militarism is a duty Japan must carry out without a moment's relaxation, Wang said, adding that "this is also the firm resolve of the Chinese and Asian people that will not be challenged." Wang said that in this test of conscience and integrity, the right choice for Japan is to abide by the principles enshrined in its pacifist Constitution and keep to the path of peaceful development. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday that the previous day's explosion of a SpaceX Starship spacecraft disrupted about 240 flights, with space debris concerns requiring more than two dozen of those planes to divert. It was the second straight explosion of a SpaceX test launch. The FAA on Thursday issued ground stops that lasted for just over an hour for aircraft departing for four Florida airports -- Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Palm Beach. The FAA said the incident resulted in 171 departure delays, 28 flights were diverted, and 40 airborne flights were held an average of 22 minutes while the agency's Debris Response Area was active. The 171 planes had an average delay of 28 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on Thursday, the FAA said it was requiring SpaceX to perform a mishap investigation into loss of the Starship vehicle. Last month, the FAA approved SpaceX's launch license for Thursday's test flight while its investigation into the company's previous Starship failure remained open. In doing so, the FAA said it reviewed SpaceX's license application and early details from the company's mishap investigation before determining that Starship's eighth flight could proceed. Videos on social media showed fiery debris streaking through the skies at dusk near south Florida and the Bahamas. Starship broke up in space shortly after it began to spin uncontrollably with its engines cut off, a SpaceX live stream of the mission showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The failure of the eighth Starship test comes just over a month after the seventh also ended in an explosive failure. The back-to-back mishaps occurred in early mission phases that SpaceX has easily surpassed previously, a setback for a program Elon Musk sought to speed up this year. On Friday, Musk called Thursday's explosion "a minor setback." Responding to another post on his social media platform X, Musk wrote: "Progress is measured by time. The next ship will be ready in 4 to 6 weeks." The 403-foot (123-meter) rocket system is central to Musk's plan to send humans to Mars as soon as the turn of the decade. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio) OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A dark money group with deep ties to Governor Kevin Stitt, and a history of backing his agenda, has launched a new ad campaign for his tax cut plan, just weeks after Stitt abruptly distanced himself from State Superintendent Ryan Walters following the groups leader raising his own concerns over Walters. The ad, which urges Oklahomans to support Governor Stitts proposal to cut income taxes, has been running on Oklahoma TV stations since late February. A new day in Oklahoma, a narrator says in the ad. Taxes lowered, record savings, more than $4 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The advertisement presents a positive image of Stitts leadership, claiming he has cut taxes without reducing essential services. Dark money group running ads attacking liberal OK Supreme Court justices has political agenda of its own It also calls on viewers to contact their representatives in support of further income tax cuts. Tell your legislators, support Kevin Stitts Half and a Path Plan, the narrator says. The ad includes several staged scenes depicting Stitt interacting with Oklahomans. One scene in the ad was originally used in a 2018 campaign commercial when Stitt first ran for governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Stitts campaign is not responsible for this latest ad. Instead, it was funded by 46 Forward, a group that previously played a role in last years push to remove three Oklahoma Supreme Court justices. 46 Forward operates as a dark money group, meaning it is a private organization that receives donations from various sources, pools the money together, and then uses it for political spending. Like ad attacking them, dark money is also responsible for ad urging voters to support OK Supreme Court Justices Unlike Political Action Committees (PACs), which are required to disclose their donors, dark money groups like 46 Forward can keep their funding sources anonymous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its concerning that dark money is in our politics, but not only that, its in arguments and debates in the legislature itself, attorney Tim Gilpin said. Its dark money, no doubt very wealthy people wanting to influence us and the legislators themselves one by one. All you can find out from a dark money PAC is who is registered as their agent. Now, theres not a lot you can figure out from that. Public business records list three individuals as the principals of 46 Forward: Romney McGuire, wife of businessman Richard McGuire, who previously chaired Stitts campaign. Richard Tanenbaum, CEO of the real estate firm Gardner Tanenbaum. Rudy Blanco, who runs Tulsa-based company Pathway Services. Records show that both Blanco and Tanenbaum, along with their wives, personally donated the maximum allowable amounts to Stitts gubernatorial campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late January, Tanenbaum spoke at a business leaders forum hosted by The Oklahoman. According to The Oklahoman, he criticized State Superintendent Ryan Walters, arguing that Walters leadership of Oklahomas public schools was harming the states workforce and business prospects. PAC with ties to Stitt behind newest dark-money-fueled ad attacking supreme court justices He said businesses like his are dead in the water without the workforce, the Oklahoman reported. He also went so far as to call for Walters removal as superintendent, according to the Oklahoman. Just a couple weeks later, Stitt, who had previously appointed Walters as his own Secretary of Education, began distancing himself from Walters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets not terrorize and make our kids not show up at school, Stitt said in a Feb. 12 press conference. Stitt then replaced three members of the State Board of Education who had historically supported Walters policies. If were not top ten in education, Oklahoma should be mad. We should try something else, right? Stitt said. Less than two weeks after that, 46 Forward began running its tax cut ad. Oklahomans vote yes to retain 2 of 3 Supreme Court justices The timing doesnt seem coincidental to political analyst and Flash Point fill-in host Jeff Berrong. All these folks talk and interact with each other, and yeah, theres no question that this is tied together, said Jeff Berrong. This whole world, its a small world. Theres no question that these folks are supportive of the governors agenda. They definitely tend to be there when he needs them, whether its to try to remove people from the Supreme Court or pass tax cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes not sure its really that deepat least in this particular case. Its not nefarious in this case, said Berrong. I guarantee you [46 Forward] want to cut the income tax. Theres a whole lot of people on that side of the fence who feel the exact same way. And so they are giving him air support for his agenda But In the case of what I would call the Stitt-Walters divorce, you have all sorts of people who are just theyre tired of it. All these folks talk. And so its not surprising that theyre on the same page. News 4 has attempted to reach the three individuals listed as 46 Forwards principals for comment but has not received a response. Stitts office has also declined to comment on his ties to 46 Forward, referring all questions to either Stitts campaign or 46 Forward itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Some families say a new bill in South Carolina that would hold fentanyl dealers accountable for overdose deaths isnt strong enough. The legislation is in the South Carolina House currently, but Channel 9s Tina Terry spoke with families who say it should be expanded to include other deadly drugs. He knew what he was taking, but didnt know the risk, said Holly Alsobrooks. Shes been telling her sons story for years. Her son, Cody, died after taking just one pill that was laced with fentanyl. It happened in 2020, and since then, she and other parents have gone to Columbia pushing for a bill like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 3591 was in a subcommittee this week, and if passed, it could send fentanyl dealers to prison for up to 30 years for the deaths they cause. But Alsobrook says the bill is now outdated. The fentanyl-induced homicide is not something that we are for. It doesnt include all drugs, and we know that we have xylazine and many other drugs that people are coming up with now. Our loved ones tox screens are coming back with multiple drugs, she told Terry on Thursday. Lancaster County officials say there were 223 overdoses in 2024 from all opioids, not just fentanyl. Some of them were deadly. Sixth Judicial Circuit Solicitor Randy Newman agrees that the bill should include all illegal drugs. He traveled to Columbia to speak out on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would suggest a drug-induced homicide bill in that it would cover any drug thats a controlled substance. It would include fentanyl, but it would also include all these other drugs, Newman said. Georgia and North Carolina currently have drug-induced homicide laws. On the phone Thursday, one sponsor of the bill said it may be easier to pass it this session as is and then make changes later. The bill moves on to the House Judiciary Committee next and would have to pass the full House before going to the Senate. Well keep an eye on the bills progress this legislative session. (VIDEO: 4th wave: Overdose deaths for Black, Latin people tripled in Mecklenburg County since 2019) ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) Its been three years since Ross Booker died. In 2022, a car hit him while he was working as a tow truck driver. Now, his co-workers and family are using his memory as a reminder of Scotts Law slowing down and moving over when you see flashing lights. There have been three Scotts Law violations resulting in crashes in Illinois so far this year. Last year, there were a total of 27. Thats why a procession in Champaign County had two goals today: Raise awareness and respect for this law, while also honoring the life of Ross Booker. We hold no ill will: Parents remember son killed on the job in Champaign Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 20-year-old was a tow truck driver for Tatmans Towing and a volunteer firefighter. Everybody is somebodys somebody, said Tatmans Towing owner Jim Hampton. Booker was clearing debris at a crash in Champaign. Officials say a 16-year-old did not slow down while driving by the scene and hit Booker. He later died at the hospital. The tragedy has been remembered every year since with a special 11-mile drive. Were going to make the procession through town, and were going to go right past the accident site where Ross was hit and where he was eventually killed, Hampton said. Thats pretty emotional for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hampton added that the journey of 12 tow trucks started in Urbana and ended at Bookers final resting place at a cemetery just outside St. Joseph, his hometown. And sitting at the end of the road, on a bench dedicated to their son, was Marita and Dave Booker. Champaign unanimously approves $2M wrongful death settlement When you dont slow down and move over, the bench that were sitting on is your end result, Marita Booker said. The Bookers much like Tatmans Towing are preaching one critical message for drivers everywhere: Follow Scotts Law and respect the blinking lights. When you dont slow down and move over, you leave a family asking that question, Why didnt you slow down and move over? It seems like an easy concept, Marita Booker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said they plan on bringing the event back next year and into the future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Frustrations continue for Jason and Tammy Merritt after waiting a month for their lost luggage, which ended up being on board the Carnival Cruise Line the entire time. They didnt drop the ball. They intentionally set it down and theyre not picking it back up, said Tammy Merritt. PREVIOUS STORY: Family wanting answers after luggage is lost on cruise ship for weeks, AirPods tracking them Jason and Tammy Merritt. Image courtesy Tammy Merritt. Jasons luggage was lost during their entire vacation, from February 8 until February 16. The suitcase remained missing weeks after their sail ended and they returned home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While at home, they tracked the bag with Apple AirPods that were inside the luggage. It showed the suitcase still on the ship for weeks. We kept showing them, Hey, were tracking it. Hey, its here. You know, Can you go to deck zero? No, its not going to be there. You know, weve searched all the floors, every rooms been checked. Theres nothing, Merritt said. On Thursday morning, their luggage was delivered to their home after more than 30 days of waiting, however, half of their belongings are missing. Theres about 39 items missing, and she took the majority of his clothes. She took all of his shoes, belts, and his entire toiletry bag. So electronic toothbrushes, razors, medications, she took it all, said Tammy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The key to their Ford Bronco is also missing from the luggage, as well as the name tag on top of the luggage, which had their name, address, and phone number. Carnival told the Merritts that a thief, who was doors down from their room, had the bag the entire time. They let her off of that boat without checking any of her belongings. They just let her go, Merritt said. News 4 reached out to Carnival Cruise Line via email on Wednesday and Thursday to see if they would be replacing what was stolen, and got no response. We also called a worker in contact with the Merritts and left a message. Tammy says their next steps will be contacting local authorities and pursuing legal action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) One of the families who said their babies suffered brain injuries at their daycare last October has filed suit. The lawsuit, filed in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Thursday morning, accuses Early Beginnings Childcare and Learning Center and the worker they said is responsible of negligence. The suit demands accountability from all parties. Sean Alto, an attorney with Cooper Elliot representing the family, said his clients want answers as to how the alleged negligent behavior was able to persist at the daycare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allegations against Huber Heights daycare prompt criminal investigation The lawsuit lists one employee by name as the family claims a witness saw said employee shake a baby. Alto said the family tried to have a conversation with Early Beginnings Childcare and Learning Center and their parent corporation for weeks but were ignored. The attorney said a lawsuit is necessary to get justice for baby Theo, who was just 3 months old at the time he received the injury that required emergency brain surgery. The lawsuit demands a trial by a jury. If the jurors rule in favor of the family, the jury would decide what kind of compensation the defendants would have to pay to the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, what a jury decides to do, thats up to them, said Alto. But accountability is the ultimate goal here. Early Beginnings Childcare and its parent company have not responded to the 2 NEWS request for comment. Alto said the lawsuit isnt about just Theos injury, but an alleged pattern of behavior that has gone unchecked. What weve come to understand is that this wasnt an isolated incident, said the attorney. This wasnt one student who was injured. It was four. And not only that, the school knew about the first incident before Theo and did absolutely nothing to protect the other students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit lists three additional victims who reportedly suffered similar injuries at the day care. This happened over and over and over again, said Alto. The school knew about it and they failed to act. As a result, more children were hurt. The Cooper Elliot law firm wants any other families whose children may have been hurt at this daycare to reach out to them directly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Paterson police gunned down Najee Seabrooks, 31, on March 3, 2023, after he called them for help during a mental crisis. (Photo courtesy of Najee Seabrooks family) The family of a Paterson man gunned down by police after he called them for help has filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the city. Najee Seabrooks, 31, was in a mental crisis on March 3, 2023, when he barricaded himself in his brothers bathroom and called 911 for help because he thought people were trying to kill him. A five-hour standoff ensued, and officers ended the impasse by shooting him as he exited the bathroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seabrooks death was the eighth at Paterson police officers hands since 2019, making the department the deadliest statewide with a historic and well-documented pattern and practice of acquiescing in its officers excessive use of force, the lawsuit states. The state attorney generals office took over the department three weeks after Seabrooks was killed. Suffering from a mental health episode is not a crime, and asking for help during a mental health episode should not lead to death, attorney Raymond M. Brown wrote. Defendants misconduct caused Mr. Seabrooks to fear that he would be killed by the very police he called for assistance, and he was right. Seabrooks cousin, Nicole Ricketts, and his mother, Melissa Carter, filed the lawsuit Monday, naming as defendants the city, public safety director Jerry Speziale, and Officers Johnbek Sagdic, Anzore Tsay, Jose Hernandez, Hector Mendez, Qiao Lin, and Mario Vdovjak. It accuses the men of excessive force, assault and battery, negligence, and state-created danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for the attorney generals office declined to comment on the lawsuit. At the time of his death, Seabrooks worked as an interventionist with the Paterson Healing Collective, a group that responds to such calls to defuse tensions and connect people in crisis with care. Besides calling police that day, he also called friends at the collective for help. But police refused their assistance even though they were on the scene, barred them from the apartment, told them to quit communicating with Seabrooks, and deployed emergency response officers armed with riot gear, tasers, pepper spray, and high-powered firearms, the lawsuit says. Those officers then flouted de-escalation strategies to calm the situation, including avoiding a direct confrontation by physically distancing themselves from Seabrooks, slowing down the situation so the passage of time could naturally de-escalate things, avoiding threatening speech and actions, and using family, friends, and trained mental health workers to defuse tensions, according to the complaint.\ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers removed his family from the apartment, trapped him in the bathroom, heckled him to come out, fired 15 sponge-tipped projectiles at him, and tried to break down the door with a battering ram, the lawsuit states. When Seabrooks peeked out of the bathroom and saw the polices show of force, he yelled: Thats how you coming? Even after Seabrooks began cutting himself with a kitchen knife, officers noted he would likely pass out from blood loss but still stood with guns drawn, pressuring him to surrender, the lawsuit says. The PPD officers gross deviation from accepted de-escalation principles had tragic but foreseeable consequences, Brown wrote. Mr. Seabrooks posed no danger to anyone and was not suspected of any crime. Instead, he was clearly a man in need of mental health assistance. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A total of 337 stilt houses in the water village Kampong Ayer in the capital city of Brunei have been monitored following a series of house collapse incidents over the past years, a government minister said on Thursday at Brunei's Legislative Council. Haji Muhammad Juanda, Brunei's minister of development, said that 101 houses were in need of repair, while another 202 houses required urgent repair. Additionally, 34 houses were categorized as satisfactory. The Public Works Department at the Ministry of Development has provided technical advice to house owners on safe and effective structural improvements, according to the minister. Kampong Ayer is a village built above water and a renowned tourism destination in Brunei. The stilt houses consist of wooden and concrete structures connected by wooden bridges. HONOLULU (KHON2) The grandmother of the toddler who prosecutors said died of abuse by her mother has filed a lawsuit against the state. Three-year-old Sarai Perez Riviera died at her Kapolei home in June 2024. Mother, girlfriend charged for murder of 3-year-old girl The Medical Examiner said the cause of death was starvation and dehydration and she appeared to be chronically abused. Sarais grandmother filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Human Services saying relatives called Child Welfare Services and another child advocacy group at least three times in 2024. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You They worried that Sarai and her siblings were dirty and uncared for and appeared to be skinny and losing weight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did fail the family. That really is the crux of the case. She did what she could to try and help the children. She reported it and DHS and CWS failed to protect these four kids. As a result, one of them is dead, said Mark Gallagher, family attorney. An Oahu grand jury indicted Sarais mother and girlfriend Janae Perez and Ashleigh Utley for murder and other charges related to her death. DHS said while it cant comment on pending litigation, ensuring the safety of children is at the heart of everything they do. Check out more news from around Hawaii If you see or hear something concerningor even if you just have a feeling that something isnt rightplease dont hesitate to report it. Be as descriptive as possible. Trust your instincts and call the CWS hotline or 911 if you believe a child may be at risk of child abuse or neglect. Your call could be the first step in getting a child the help they need. DHS Child Welfare Services Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. With his mother in her 80s, John Robinson says he knew he was going to lose her at some point. He just didnt know it would be Christmas night. Or because of a drunk driver. Robinsons mother, Merion Jean Jones, 81, died three days after a two-car collision on Christmas Day in Tacoma. Robinson was driving north on Yakima Avenue in a Nissan Maxima with his mother when they were struck by another driver while turning left at the 84th Street intersection. According to the Pierce County Medical Examiners Office, Jones cause of death was multiple blunt-force injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Jones death, her children, Robinson, 62, and Lenita Dixon, 63, found themselves working through feelings of anger, grief and frustration. It also left them with questions about the investigation into the collision and the man accused of causing it. Robinson wondered if the other driver had been over-served at a nearby establishment. Dixon said she felt the investigation wasnt taken as seriously as it should have been. Robinson didnt understand why a Tacoma Police Department officer wrote in a report that the collision appeared to be minor when it happened, and that the vehicles involved werent damaged enough to raise immediate concern for life-threatening or serious injuries. The report states that was why a police traffic call-out wasnt initiated, which, according to a police spokesperson, would have deployed a traffic-fatality team with specific training related to investigating the scenes of fatal wrecks. Robinson is a police patrol sergeant for the Department of Veteran Affairs. He questioned why the other driver wasnt held in jail on vehicular-assault charges. A spokesperson for the Prosecuting Attorneys Office, Adam Faber, didnt speak to the specifics of this case, but he said its common in DUI cases for prosecutors to wait for toxicology results to come back before a decision to file charges is made. People are often hurt in traffic incidents, and for it to be considered criminal, investigators would need to be able to prove the driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol or prove the suspect was driving with disregard for the safety of others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of DUI and then taken to a hospital to have his blood drawn. According to court documents, his blood-alcohol content was more than triple the legal limit of 0.08 when it was drawn two hours after the crash. He was booked into the county jail and later released. The man was charged in February with DUI vehicular homicide in Superior Court, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Hes expected to appear for an arraignment to enter a plea in the case March 10. If this person was as drunk as they said he was, then it should have been heavier charges initially, and he really should not be on the street right now, Dixon said. The News Tribune posed Robinson and Dixons questions about why the wreck was initially considered minor and the mans booking charges to a police spokesperson, officer Shelbie Boyd, on Wednesday. She said she would forward them to a sergeant on the traffic-fatality team to see if they could provide further information. Boyd did not provide a response as of Thursday afternoon. Merion Jean Jones (far left on couch) is pictured with family members and relatives at her sons house in Puyallup on Christmas Day 2024. Jones died three days after the vehicle she was a passenger in was struck by a suspected drunk driver later that night. Im here Mom When the wreck occurred, Robinson was driving his mother home after a Christmas dinner at his home in Puyallup. Robinson had family in town from Australia, and they had plans to begin a road trip the next day that would take them to Disneyland, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two were chatting while they waited for the light to turn green at 84th Street. When they began to turn left, Robinson said out of nowhere he felt the impact Just, pow, Robinson said, and the vehicle spun. Air bags deployed, and when the car came to a stop, Robinson said the vehicle was smoking, and he felt dizzy. Jones was unconscious, and Robinson said he heard a gurgling sound in her chest. He called 911. The Tacoma Fire Department arrived and got them out of the car. When Jones was put on a gurney, Robinson said she became conscious for a moment while a fire official tried to ask her questions. And then she finally looked at me and she said, Johnny? And I said, Im here Mom, Robinson said. And I just knelt down and kissed her on her head, said, Im here Mom. And she lost consciousness. Robinson called his sister, Dixon, who lived just blocks away. At the scene, she and Robinson got the impression that the incident was a hit and run. Dixon posted on social media asking if anyone in the area had information about the other vehicle, a Jeep Gladiator. It wasnt until Dixon was contacted by a detective two days after the wreck that she learned the other driver had been arrested at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dixon said it was a relief that police knew who the other driver was. Both she and Robinson expressed frustration over the Police Departments communication with them about the incident. I dont want to be too openly critical of them because Im in law enforcement, too, and I know we make mistakes and that no one is perfect, Robinson said. But I would have liked to have known that the man was there instead of thinking he left. Just explain things to us. The vehicle Merion Jean Jones was a passenger in when it was struck by a suspected drunk driver is shown after the collision occurred Dec. 25, 2024, in Tacoma. He robbed our family of the last moments ... Jones children said she was a tough woman with a heart of gold. Robinson said he wanted the man who caused the collision to know what a wonderful woman his mother was. He robbed our family of the last moments we really could have had with her, Robinson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and she moved to the Pacific Northwest with her mother after living in Wyoming for a time, according to Robinson. She attended Garfield High School in Seattle. Jones was married a couple times, Robinson said, but she raised her two children on her own. Dixon remembers her mother working as a cashier for Safeway. Robinson said there were times when they struggled financially, but he and his sister would have never known because of how protective Jones was of them. She was devoted. Her kids came first, Robinson said. She could be strict because she was being both mother and father. So it was difficult for her, raising two children on her own. Jones was especially known for her cooking and baking. Robinson said her rum cake was legendary. At Christmastime, she often made mini versions to give as gifts. Dixon said she cooked with her mother a lot, trying new recipes or preparing holiday meals. She said shes tried to maintain some of Jones recipes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She loved to make gumbo, Dixon said. She thought she made the best gumbo. I think I do. Jones was also active in her church, Paradise Missionary Baptist Church in Seattle. Later in life, after her husband, Jesse Jones Sr., died, Robinson said Jones sold her house in Seattle, and she lived in a retirement community for a time before moving in with Dixon in Tacoma. Dixon said she didnt really know how to process what had happened in the days after her mothers death. She and Robinson said their family hadnt ever experienced something like that. Dixon said she went numb from it. Dixon said nothing would bring her mother back, and it wasnt lost on her that the man charged in the wreck will have to live with the fact that bad decision-making led to someones life being taken, but Dixon said Jones didnt deserve that, and actions have consequences. What I want is for the punishment to be severe and public and open so that people can understand that you cant just get behind a wheel and be drunk and just take someone out, Dixon said. Regardless of their age or their lot in life. BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) Romanian far-right populist Calin Georgescu filed his candidacy Friday in a rerun of last year's presidential election that was annulled by a top court after his surprise first-round win. As the 62-year-old Georgescu arrived at the Central Election Bureau in the capital, Bucharest, hundreds of supporters waved Romanian flags and chanted: Last resort, another revolution! Romania's Constitutional Court annulled the first round results two days before the Dec. 8 runoff, after allegations emerged that Russia had run a coordinated online campaign to promote the outsider. At the time, Georgescu, who ran as an independent, denounced the court's decision as an officialized coup and an attack on democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On December 6 democracy was killed, Georgescu told reporters Friday. Today the Romanian people were resurrected. I submitted the file with over 324,000 signatures, out of respect for the Romanian people who understood that they must defend their democracy and free expression. It is unclear whether Georgescu will be allowed to participate in the European Union nation's new election. Prosecutors launched a criminal probe against him last month, accusing him of incitement to actions against the constitutional order, supporting fascist groups and false declarations of electoral campaign funding and asset disclosures. The first round of the rerun is scheduled for May 4. If no candidate wins more than 50% of ballots, a runoff will follow on May 18. The deadline for presidential candidacy applications is March 15 at midnight, after which the Central Election Bureau has 48 hours to register or reject them. Rejections can be appealed within 24 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the Nov. 24 election, Georgescu, who is under judicial control and has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, had polled in single digits and declared zero campaign spending. Allegations quickly emerged of electoral violations and Russian interference. Moscow denied it meddled in the election. Georgescu has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and questioned Ukraine's statehood, but says he is not pro-Russian. Incumbent Bucharest mayor and mathematician, Nicusor Dan, also filed his candidacy on Friday, as an independent, under the campaign slogan Honest Romania. Since Romania canceled the election, Georgescu has become a cause celebre among the far-right, with support coming from prominent figures such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk, who have both strongly criticized Romania for annulling the vote. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)- On Thursday, Federal Transfer Center officials said the Federal Bureau of Investigations has been notified that an inmate has died while being held in Oklahoma City. According to the FTC, 43-year-old Chad Reed was found unresponsive just after 1 a.m. Reed was previously sentenced to 108 months on felony drug charges while residing at the Federal Transfer Center since August. Warm, breezy Friday followed by Saturday snow Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No word on the cause of death. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. (COLORADO) The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Denver Field Office is warning of an increase in scams involving free online document converter tools. According to the FBI, criminals use free online document converter tools to load malware onto victims computers, leading to incidents such as ransomware. To conduct the scheme, cybercriminals across the globe use any type of free document converter or downloader tool. This may be a website claiming to convert one type of file to another, such as a .doc file to a .pdf file. It might also claim to combine files, such as joining multiple .jpg files into one .pdf file. The converters and downloading tools will do the task as advertised, but the resulting file can contain hidden malware giving criminals access to the victims computer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The converters can scrap submitted files for: Personal identifying information, such as social security numbers, dates of birth, phone numbers, and more Banking information Cryptocurrency information (seed phrases, wallet addresses, etc.) Email addresses Passwords The best way to thwart these fraudsters is to educate people so they dont fall victim to these fraudsters in the first place, said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. If you or someone you know has been affected by this scheme, we encourage you make a report and take actions to protect our assests. Every day, we are working to hold these scammers accountable and provide victims with the resources they need. FBI Denver says many victims dont realize they have been infected by malware until it is too late, and their computer is infected with ransomware or their identity has been stolen. The law enforcement agency encourages individuals to take the following steps to protect themselves from this scam: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take a breath, slow down, and think. Be aware of your actions online and what risks you could be exposed to. Keep your virus scan software up to date and scan any file you receive before opening it to help eliminate malicious software from being installed on your computer. If you are a victim of this scam, FBI Denver recommends taking the next steps: Contact your financial institutions immediately. Take steps to protect your identity and your accounts. Change all your passwords using a clean, trusted device. Make a report at IC3.gov. Run up-to-date virus scan software to check for potentially malicious software installed by the scammers. Consider taking your computer to a professional company specializing in virus and malware removal services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr sent a letter to the CEOs of Alphabet and Google, calling out the refusal of YouTube TV to carry a network, Great American Family, as a potential case of discrimination against faith-based programming. In his letter to Sundar Pichai and Neal Mohan, which he posted on X, Carr wrote that he has received a complaint from Great American Media in which they claim that YouTube TV deliberately marginalizes faith-based and family-friendly content. He noted that the network is carried on cable and streaming services including Comcast, Cox, Hulu, FuboTV and DirecTV stream. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement YouTube TV refuses to carry them, Carr wrote. I have received complaints that Googles @YouTubeTV is discriminating against faith-based programming. These concerning allegations come at a time when American public discourse has experienced an unprecedentedand unacceptablesurge in censorship. Im asking Google for answers pic.twitter.com/jmFvMM3VS5 Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) March 7, 2025 Carr acknowledged the limitations on the FCCs authority over virtual MVPDs compared to cable distributors, as program carriage rules apply to traditional television. The FCC has had multiple open proceedings to expand the regulatory framework to virtual MVPDs like YouTube TV, Carr noted. Carr is requesting that the company brief FCC staff. Understanding the nature of carriage policies in the virtual MVPD sector can help inform the FCCs approach to the broader set of regulatory issues the FCC has been called upon to address, he wrote. A YouTube spokesperson said, We welcome the opportunity to brief the FCC on YouTube TVs subscription service and the strategic business decisions we make based on factors like user demand, operational cost and financial terms, and to reiterate that we do not have any policies that prohibit religious content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Great American does have a presence on YouTube, with a Pure Flix channel that has more than 275,000 subscribers and the Great American Family channel that has more than 100,000 subscribers. YouTube users also can subscribe to certain channels like Max and Paramount+ without needing a YouTuve Tv subscription. In his letter, Carr put the Great American Family carriage in the same context as his criticism of tech giants over their content moderation policies. Carr has long claimed social media platforms have engaged in discrimination against conservative voices. He has talked about reforming a key law, Section 230 of the Communications Act, that has immunized platforms from lawsuits over third-party content. In his latest letter, Carr noted that Google offers a range of products that have benefited from the protections contained in Section 230 of the Communications Act. With respect to those covered products, Googles conduct is only protected to the extent its actions, as relevant here, are taken in good faith. If there is any action on Section 230, tech companies are likely to challenge the FCCs authority. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, a Democrat, recently wrote, Only Congress can change and amend the law that gave us the internet as we know it today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the Supreme Court has said content moderation is a form of free speech by private actors, Gomez wrote. And recent decisions (Major Questions, elimination of Chevron Deference) only further signal that the FCC injecting itself into this debate will be a fools errand. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Chair Brendan Carr of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), President Donald Trumps censure-in-chief, is waging a war on the First Amendment and freedom of the press by investigating all of the president's perceived enemies and the major media networks, while letting Fox News and Rupert Murdoch off the hook. The selective weaponization of the FCC against media outlets that President Trump dislikes by threatening to revoke their licenses is not only unprecedented and dangerous but also beyond hypocritical. The fact is that only Foxs leadership has repeatedly violated the character qualifications required for broadcast licensees. In 2023, the Media and Democracy Project (MAD) and its allies, former FOX executives and FCC officials, asked the FCC to deny the renewal of a Fox-owned local broadcast stations license. The groups alleged that senior management of Fox Corporation including Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch manipulated their audience by knowingly broadcasting false news about the 2020 election. How do we know? The factual findings in the Dominion case confirmed that Fox repeatedly made false statements. In my opinion, they undermined our democracy and contributed to the Jan. 6 insurrection. The commission responded by taking the rare step of opening the issue for public comment. But over 550 days later in the waning moments of the Biden administration, the FCCs Media Bureau grouped together MADs petition with politically motivated complaints against ABC, CBS and NBC and dismissed them all stating it was an attempt to thwart the weaponization of the licensing authority of the FCC in a way that is fundamentally at odds with the First Amendment. We can see how well this preemptive maneuver turned out because Chairman Carr immediately reinstated the complaints against ABC, CBS and NBC, but not MAGAs favorite network, FOX. Even before he had assumed the position of chair, Carr was leveraging the FCCs power to coerce Paramount/CBS over the 60 Minutes transcript. Now, the FCC chairman is digging into ABCs debate moderation, NBCs Saturday Night Live guest appearances and CBSs 60 Minutes but wont touch Fox. Carr is twisting the FCCs public interest and character standards into partisan tools. ABC is accused of bias in moderating a presidential debate because it pointed out a few of Trumps lies. The CBS case is second-guessing editorial decisions on 60 Minutes, and NBC is incorrectly accused of violating the equal time rule. None one of which is based on court findings. Despite the current political climate and the FCCs alarming attacks on the First Amendment, we decided to appeal. Why? We are right on the facts.Plus, our appeal will demonstrate the difference between our petition and the flimsy cases that Carr has embraced and can be used to strengthen the rules preventing the weaponization of free speech. The Murdochs and Foxs lies about the election contributed to the Jan. 6 insurrection in the Capitol and duped millions of Americans into believing that the election was stolen. These actions shocked the conscience and grievously damaged the country. We believe strongly that the only way to protect our democracy and the FCC from further weaponization is to establish a bright-line test to provide clear guidance for when an evidentiary hearing is required in a broadcast license renewal. Our petition can be used to protect First Amendment rights by establishing that the courts should adjudicate questions of defamation and free speech, not partisan political appointees. Once adjudicated, it is up to the FCC to determine the proper consequences for a broadcast licensees actions through an evidentiary hearing where the facts can be collected and thoroughly reviewed. By relying on court adjudication, the FCC would be protecting against politically motivated complaints such as those brought by the Center for American Rights. Some argue that Fox News is a cable outlet and that the FCC has no jurisdiction over cable television. But this argument ignores the fact that the Communications Act of 1934 and subsequent FCC rulemaking impose character requirements on broadcast licensees. Congress decided that owning and operating a broadcast station on the public airwaves is not a right its a public trust. Never before has the commission been confronted with so much evidence attached to a petition that clearly shows that an FCC broadcast licensee undermined that trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is also important to note that Foxs actions are not protected by the First Amendment. Preeminent First Amendment champion Floyd Abrams settled that debate by filing in support of MADs petition. Fox and Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch demonstrate why those standards are needed. Before Fox settled the Dominion defamation case for $787.5 million, the judge found it knowingly spread falsehoods. In my opinion, those actions damaged public confidence in elections and those decisions were made to protect the company's profits. Carr must stop playing political games and ignoring a case against Fox that is based on judicial rulings showing egregious behavior. To serve the public and defend free speech, the commission should use MADs Fox petition to erect bright-line protection against the misuse and abuse of the commission's rules. There are seismic tremors rocking the U.S. regulatory state. Chevron deference is dead, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is attempting to make large cuts in federal spending and hiring, and President Donald Trump has brought "independent" agencies to heel with increased presidential oversight. Also notablethough it has received little fanfareis that late last year, the Supreme Court agreed to hear FCC v. Consumers' Research, a case that could shake the foundations of the modern administrative state. Congress routinely passes vague, open-ended statutes, leaving major elements of policymaking to unelected bureaucrats. Unfortunately, courts have been reluctant to rule that Congress has delegated too much power to an agency since the New Deal. Cass Sunstein, the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard, once quipped that the so-called nondelegation doctrine "has had one good year"1935, when the Supreme Court struck down two vague lawsand over 200 "bad ones." However, a few years ago, several justices signaled a willingness to revive the nondelegation doctrine, and FCC v. Consumers' Research involves one of the most egregious examples of congressional abdication to an agency in modern memory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After breaking up AT&T for holding a monopoly on local and long-distance phone service, Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Section 254 of that law instructs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a financial "support" system to subsidize telecommunications services for favored constituencies, including rural households, schools, and libraries. Congress left it to the FCC to determine how to fund this subsidy program. Notably, the law does not cap the amount of money the FCC can raise. Eventually, the FCC settled on collecting a fixed percentage of phone companies' long-distance service revenues and cutting checks to tech and telecom companies. But the FCC doesn't actually exercise those powers. Instead, it delegates its rate-setting and disbursement functions to a private nonprofit called the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)an entity Congress never authorized in the statute. Comprised largely of industry insiders and subsidy recipients, the USAC has exploded the size of the universal service fund, from $753 million in 1996 to $8.4 billion in 2023. The USAC's regular exactions from phone companies and customers operate on autopilot. Indeed, it appears the FCC's passive approvals of USAC tax rates would continue even if the FCC lacked a quorum to conduct normal agency operations. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit rightly struck down this accountability-shrouding subsidy program. The problem is simple: The Constitution grants the people's elected representatives in Congress "all legislative Powers," including the power "to lay and collect taxes." Representatives' obligation to stand for election constrains them from recklessly raising taxes, but the USACa private, unaccountable, and self-perpetuating nonprofitfaces no such restraint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stakes are high, and it is promising that the Supreme Court wants to weigh in. Its decision is expected this spring or summer. The Constitution does not permit Congress to delegate its legislative powers, nor does it allow the government to empower a group of private citizens to exercise the sovereign power of taxation. Suppose Congress can offload its constitutional taxing and spending duties onto the FCC and USAC. What stops it from empowering grocers to set the food stamp budget, hospital executives to set the Medicare budget, or defense contractors to set the defense budget? Under the Constitution, Congress must make such difficult decisions itselfand face the people's judgment. The Cato Institute authored an amicus brief in FCC v. Consumers' Research, supporting Consumers' Research. The post The FCC and Its Private Taxman Go to Court appeared first on Reason.com. Frederick County awarded the school district a $35,700 grant as part of a state initiative aimed at ending child poverty across Maryland. In 2024, Gov. Wes Moore (D) launched the ENOUGH Initiative, which stands for Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments and Households. Frederick Countys Local Management Board applied for funding for Frederick County Public Schools, the city of Frederick and community-based organizations, according to the school district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county in December was awarded $300,000 to establish a Neighborhood Action Plan with community partners and residents living near Hillcrest and Waverley elementary schools to increase investments to the area and improve economic mobility. More than one out of three children living in the Golden Mile neighborhoods live in poverty, according to the school district. Hillcrest Elementary School has a Free and Reduced-Price Meal (FARM) rate of 93%, and Waverley Elementary has a FARM rate of 86%. FCPS is obligated to spend $35,778 in in-kind contributions for this grant. According to the school district, the $35,700 grant will be divided for different parts of the initiative, which were: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $2,762 to pay community liaisons and interpreters at Hillcrest and Waverley $12,868 for staff mileage reimbursement and to purchase a language interpreting device and other related supplies $11,270 for a contract with a community organization to provide financial stability training to parents $8,100 to purchase food for parent training events and incentives for participation $700 to cover indirect costs Doreen Bass, grants coordinator for FCPS, and DeVeda Coley, the supervisor of community schools, presented information about the grant to the Frederick County Board of Education at the Feb. 26 school board meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Maryland, community schools receive Concentration of Poverty grants. Eligibility is determined by the four-year average of the percent of the schools students living in poverty. Hillcrest and Waverley elementary schools are both community schools. Bass said the grant will go toward creating focus groups within the community and meeting with parents and other community members to identify causes of childhood poverty and what we can do to help eradicate those causes. She added that the goal of the Neighborhood Action Plan, which is part of the ENOUGH Initiative, is to submit the plan and receive more in funding from the state next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bass said the in-kind contributions obligated by the grant are not cash, but a commitment of your time on behalf of FCPS staff members. Coley said it was exciting to see the partnerships developing between different county and community organizations, and that the initiative is going to be a really great thing. She said this years work for the initiative will be determining this is the need. This is what were going to need to do, and this is who needs to be involved. DAKAR, March 7 (Xinhua) -- France officially transferred control of two military sites in the Senegalese capital of Dakar to Senegalese authorities on Friday, according to a statement from the French Embassy in Senegal. In accordance with the decision of the joint commission on Feb. 28 this year and the treaty on military cooperation signed between France and Senegal on April 18, 2012, the French side transferred the facilities and accommodations of the Marechal and Saint-Exupery quarters to Senegal. The two sites, located near Hann Park, had been prepared for return since the summer of 2024, according to the French embassy. Other military sites will be handed over based on the agreed schedule. In late December 2024, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced plans to implement a new cooperation doctrine aimed at removing all foreign military presence from Senegal starting in 2025. This announcement followed an earlier statement made to the French press, in which Faye declared the closure of France's permanent military base in Senegal. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) We all know that DOGE is cutting thousands of federal jobs. Its impacting the nations employment figures, but it isnt the whole story. U.S. employers announced over 170,000 layoffs for February, an increase of 245% since January. Only a third of the layoffs are DOGE cuts. We havent seen layoff numbers that high since the early months of COVID. News 4 visited a local job fair to take the temperature of employers and job seekers as our economy hits some turbulence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a plethora of opportunities and jobs, but we have to be willing to go out there and seek them, Metro Tech CEO and Supt. Aaron Collins said. About 50 employers were at Metro Tech Springlake Campuses career fair on Thursday. Collins is also on the Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board and he said work is needed everywhere. Welders, construction, plumbers, auto body, automotive mechanics, nurses, Collins said. The job search has been challenging, job seeker Bryan Johnson said. Those seeking the work are not brimming with such confidence though. More cuts planned at Veterans Affairs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uncertain. Very shaky, Johnson said on his view of the job market. Johnson has a bachelors and masters degree in mechanical engineering. He was laid off from UPS last fall and for the past five months hes been working as a Lyft driver and at Remington Park to make ends meet. Keeping a good attitude and just every day just waking up in the morning and just improve myself, Johnson said. Its kind of hard trying to get people to get back to me, Metro Tech culinary student Joseph Tryial said. Tryial is an 18-year-old student at Metro Tech who is also seeking work. Hes hoping to land something before his may graduation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to start small, you know, build up my experience, Tryial said. With layoffs in February up 245% from the month before, job seekers know the competition may increase. Thats despite Oklahoma numbers that show about 103,000 job openings compared to over 50,000 unemployed people. State job openings and labor turnover data for January of this year are set to be released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on March 20. National data will be released on March 11. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WKBN) A federal grand jury this week in the U.S. Western District Court of Pennsylvania indicted a Grove City man on child sex abuse material charges. Michael Boston, 40, faces charges of transportation of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of sexual material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The indictment was issued Monday and Boston was taken into federal custody Tuesday. A detention hearing is set for March 11 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher B. Brown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment charges Boston with transporting child pornography on three separate occasions: Oct. 25, 2022, April 18, 2023, and July 20, 2023. He is also accused of having child pornography on Oct. 11, 2024. State charges were filed in November against Boston after a search warrant was served at his home in October and investigators reported finding at least 1,500 images and videos of child sex abuse material on Bostons phone and computer, court documents said. When the warrant was served, Boston refused to speak to investigators, reports said. He was a one-time teacher of hearing-impaired students at Riverview Intermediate Unit in Clarion, Pa. When WKBN reached out to the school after the state charges were filed, the school said Boston no longer worked there and they were cooperating with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as part of the Department of Justices Project Safe Childhood. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. A federal judge on Friday rejected a request to block employees with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing a sensitive federal payment system at the Treasury Department. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly denied the request from the Alliance for Retired Americans and several employee unions, finding they failed to show they would face irreparable harm if the DOGE staff gained access. If Plaintiffs could show that Defendants imminently planned to make their private information public or to share that information with individuals outside the federal government with no obligation to maintain its confidentiality, the Court would not hesitate to find likelihood of irreparable harm, Kollar-Kotelly wrote. But on the present record, Plaintiffs have not shown that Defendants have such a plan, she continued. The judge also lifted an earlier order that restricted access to the system, known as the Fiscal Service, which handles 90 percent of federal payments. Her previous order allowed two DOGE-affiliated employees to receive read-only access to the payment system. This initially included Cloud Software Group CEO Tom Krause and 25-year-old Marko Elez. After Elez resigned in early February, the order was updated to allow a new employee detailed to the Treasury Department, Ryan Wunderly, to receive access to the Fiscal Service. Despite Kollar-Kotellys decision Friday, another ruling remains in place blocking the DOGE team from the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late February, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas partially granted a request from 19 Democratic attorneys general, agreeing to bar the DOGE team from the Fiscal Service. However, Vargas also offered the Trump administration a process through which they could eventually gain access. If administration officials certify that DOGE staff have received proper training and share details about their vetting and security clearances, the judge said she would consider lifting or modifying her order. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. We have a long road ahead of us, to be sure, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said after a Providence federal judge sided with 23 Democratic attorneys general in granting a preliminary injuction on Thursday, March 2, 2025, blocking the Trump administrations federal funding freeze. (Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current) A Providence federal judge on Thursday offered a civics lesson along with his order stopping the Trump administration and federal agencies from blocking access to federal grants and aid. The preliminary injunction by Chief Judge John McConnell Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island grants a request from a coalition of Democratic attorneys general seeking to reverse the federal funding freeze set in motion by a memo the Office of Management and Budget released in late January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Executives categorical freeze of appropriated and obligated funds fundamentally undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government, McConell wrote at the beginning of his 45-page ruling. The interaction of the three co-equal branches of government is an intricate, delicate, and sophisticated balancebut it is crucial to our form of constitutional governance. Here, the Executive put itself above Congress. It imposed a categorical mandate on the spending of congressionally appropriated and obligated funds without regard to Congresss authority to control spending. This case, State of New York v. Trump, was filed by Democratic attorneys general from New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha applauded the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont have kings in this country, and todays preliminary injunction reaffirms that, Neronha said. The Trump administration had argued that the freeze officially ended with the rescinding of the two-page Jan. 27 memo instructing departments and agencies throughout the federal government to pause payments on grants and loans. However, the AGs had outlined a long list of harms caused by the disruption, including to Head Start program providers across the country who had difficulties accessing federal funds and were forced to consider layoffs, service reductions and even closures. McConnell took note of federal funds for critical transportation infrastructure, including the $60 million reimbursement promised to Maryland for the costs of removal and salvage of debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Budget uncertainty caused by the freeze led Brown Universitys research community to suspend orders of large research equipment, which over time will negatively impact the ability of researchers to conduct their studies, McConnell wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McConnells ruling followed a two-hour hearing in Providence on Feb. 21, during which Department of Justice attorney Daniel Schwei acknowledged the budget memo was too broadly interpreted at first. But Schwei argued the AGs request seeking to stop the administration and federal agencies from blocking access to any federal grants and aid was too broad. Lawyers for the Trump administration, McConnell said, had not cited any constitutional or statutory authority allowing it to categorically freeze funds Congress authorized federal agencies and departments to spend. The Court is not limiting the Executives discretion or micromanaging the administration of federal funds, McConnell continued. Rather, consistent with the Constitution, statutes, and caselaw, the Court is simply holding that the Executives discretion to impose its own policy preferences on appropriated funds can be exercised only if it is authorized by the congressionally approved appropriations statutes. The U.S. Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case and another lawsuit filed by the National Council of Nonprofits, American Public Health Association, Main Street Alliance and SAGE in Washington, D.C. began when the Office of Management and Budget issued a two-page memo on Jan. 27 instructing departments and agencies throughout the federal government to pause payments on grants and loans the next day at 5 p.m. In the other case, District Judge Loren L. AliKhan issued a preliminary injunction last week blocking the Trump administration from implementing a sweeping freeze on grant and loan programs. Both AliKhan and McConnell are Biden appointees. AliKhan had issued a temporary restraining order on Feb. 3, shortly after McConnell Jr. had issued one on Jan. 31. There is a silver lining here: right now, the Judicial Branch stands strong, Neronha said. Judge McConnell decided to grant our request for a preliminary injunction, so that this case may be heard on its merits, because frankly, the law is on our side. In doing so, Americans should feel encouraged that the President cannot impose his will where he does not have the constitutional power to do so. And while he may continue to try, we will continue to fight. Neronha added that We have a long road ahead of us, to be sure. A federal judge has effectively ended the ability of compounding pharmacies to make their own copies of Eli Lillys weight loss and diabetes drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro. In a sealed decision filed late Wednesday, Judge Mark Pittman of the Northern District of Texas declined to issue an injunction to stop the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from declaring there was no longer a shortage of the medicines active ingredient, tirzepatide. The lawsuit against the FDA was brought in October by a trade organization representing compounding industry groups. The Outsourcing Facilities Association (OFA) alleged the agency was abruptly depriving patients of much needed treatment and artificially raising drug prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compounders had been allowed to produce and sell hundreds of thousands of their own versions of popular anti-obesity drugs, so long as the FDA considered them in shortage. Compounded drugs are sold at vastly lower prices than the branded versions, but drug companies and some obesity specialists have expressed concerns that some compounded products arent FDA-approved. After the suit was filed, the FDA temporarily paused to reconsider the declaration to end the shortage but ultimately reaffirmed its decision in December. The agency said it would not take any enforcement action against compounders before the court ruled. The agency at the time gave drug compounders a transition period to avoid patient care disruption. Smaller, state-licensed pharmacies had until Feb. 18 and now must immediately stop producing their own copies of the drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larger outsourcing facilities, which are FDA-regulated and can create prescription-specific compounded drugs as well as bulk orders, must cease compounding, distributing or dispensing tirzepatide injections by March 19. The OFAs lawsuit said the FDA made its decision to remove tirzepatide from the shortage list based only on statements from the manufacturer, without notice, without soliciting input from affected parties and the public, and without meaningful rationale. In a statement to The Hill on Thursday, OFA Chair Lee Rosebush said the group is considering all of its options regarding the judgment, including an appeal. Rosebush said he couldnt comment on specifics of the decision until the court unseals it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eli Lilly in a statement said the decision marks the end of the road for mass compounding of risky, unapproved knockoffs that threaten the health and safety of Americans. Any company that continues mass compounding tirzepatide is breaking the law, and we will work with regulators and law enforcement to stop it, a company spokesperson said. A similar OFA lawsuit against the FDA for removing from the shortage list semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, is pending. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. DENVER (KDVR) In a bold move by the Trump Administration, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced Thursday that it would be relocating the Denver regional office to a less costly, more accessible location that would better serve the small business community and comply with federal immigration law. Denvers office is not alone: Administrator Kelly Loeffler said Thursday that Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City and Seattle offices will also be impacted. Loeffler said that these municipalities do not comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. Boebert claims Johnston proved Denver is a sanctuary city; advocates voice support of such policies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement comes on the heels of Denver Mayor Mike Johnstons appearance before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where he was grilled over state and local policies and laws that limit how local law enforcement can work with federal immigration agents. The SBA, which aids small business owners and entrepreneurs in their business ventures, also said it would be rolling out a new policy that requires loan applications to include a citizenship verification provision, to ensure only legal, eligible applicants can access SBA programs. The release said that this will ensure that applicant businesses are not owned in whole or in part by undocumented citizens, and said this new policy will bring the SBA in-line with President Donald Trumps executive order titled Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders. Loeffler said in a release that there have been a record number of undocumented people entering the U.S. over the last four years, placing the blame on former President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under President Trump, the SBA is committed to putting American citizens first again starting by ensuring that zero taxpayer dollars go to fund illegal aliens, Loeffler said in a release. Today, I am pleased to announce that this agency will cut off access to loans for illegal aliens and relocate our regional offices out of sanctuary cities that reward criminal behavior, Loeffler continued. We will return our focus to empowering legal, eligible business owners across the United States in partnership with the municipalities who share this Administrations commitment to secure borders and safe communities. For the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area, the SBA ranks healthcare and social assistance businesses as the biggest industry based on Census Bureau data, with around 80,500 employees in the industry earning a cumulative $4.09 million in wages. Denvers SBA office is located on 19th Street, near the 16th Street Mall, which boasts many businesses that rely on commuter spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre going to no longer be coming to us local businesses that are more on the strip and that affects us, the general manager of Kings Smoke and Vape told FOX31s Shaul Turner. The shop offers discounts to downtown area employees. A spokesperson for the Denver Mayor said the regional offices serve several states, and local services will still be provided. Denver has long partnered with the SBA to help small businesses across our city. Small businesses are the heart and soul of Denver, and we will continue to work closely with the local district SBA Colorado office to support the thousands of small business owners that call our city home, the mayors office said in a statement. The SBA has not announced its new location, how many employees will be moved or a relocation date, but says the move will likely take place within the next few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. The Justice Department on Friday put three federal prosecutors in Manhattan on leave, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. Two of the prosecutors -- Andrew Rohrbach and Celia Cohen -- worked on the prosecution of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Rohrbach also worked on the successful prosecutions of Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, former crypto executive Sam Bankman-Fried and lawyer Michael Avenatti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: New York City Mayor Eric Adams asks court to toss case against him due to prosecutorial misconduct Cohen worked on multiple mob cases and prosecutions of violent street gangs. The third individual placed on leave -- a member of the office's civil division -- posted about Elon Musk and Ed Martin, a leader of the Stop the Steal movement and President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., the sources said. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York declined to comment. The Justice Department moved to dismiss corruption charges against Adams, prompting the resignations of several prosecutors in New York and Washington, including Danielle Sassoon, the acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan, who accused the mayor and the Justice Department of negotiating a quid pro quo. Federal prosecutors who investigated Eric Adams put on leave by Justice Department: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Abuja A lawmaker in Nigeria has been suspended from her office after she complained of sexual harassment by the senate president, sparking protests and condemnation from feminist groups. Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan accused the legislative body's president, Godswill Akpabio, of making unwanted advances toward her in an interview with Nigerian media last week and filed a petition against him. She was then suspended for six months, a move that was justified over an earlier argument that erupted in the senate chambers about a change in her seating arrangement. Separately, the sexual harassment petition was rejected on procedural grounds. "My unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity," Akpoti Uduaghan said in a statement posted on social media. "The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond." The suspension on Thursday came just days before International Women's Day, celebrated each year on March 8. Detailing the alleged sexual harassment, Akpoti Uduaghan said the senate president who denies the accusations repeatedly blocked a motion she tried to advance in the chamber and then tied its advancement to demands for sexual favors. Speaking to broadcaster Arise TV, the senator said she was told by Akpabio that the motion could go through if she "took care" of him. "He then said... 'You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy,'" she said. The change in seating, which sparked a row in the chambers, "was a trap, a set-up," by Akpabio, who ordered the change, Akpoti Uduaghan said. Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio reacts after emerging as the leader of the chamber in Abuja, Nigeria, June 13, 2023. / Credit: KOLA SULAIMON/AFP/Getty "I have been dehumanized, I have been maligned... the seat change was just the straw that broke the camel's back," she said. Protesters and counter-protesters took to the streets of the capital Abuja on Thursday over the issue, with one group calling on her to apologize. Those who have come to the senator's defense say the row has highlighted long-standing women's rights issues in the socially conservative west African country. Mabel Adinya Ade, the founder of a women's rights group, said the suspension had "exposed the deeply entrenched gender-based violence (GBV) and the systemic marginalization of women in Nigerian politics." Calling the suspension a "stunning display of patriarchal impunity," Ade, in an article published Thursday in Law and Society magazine, said "the message is chilling: speak out, and you will be punished." "By stifling women's leadership, Nigeria is sabotaging its own progress," she argued. Of the Nigerian Senate's 109 members, only four are women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ex-Army recruiter flees state with 17-year-old girlfriend after estranged wife's murder Why Trump wants to eliminate the Education Department Woman recalls "Bloody Sunday" violence in Selma, Alabama HONOLULU (KHON2) Fireworks safety was a key part of state lawmakers plans this session, but only a few bills are moving forward. After the deadly New Years explosion in Aliamanu, fireworks safety was at the top of everyones minds, but just a few of the 13 state Senate fireworks bills are advancing to the House. Hawaii legislature advances bills to combat illegal fireworks Ewa Senator Kurt Favellas bills were aggressive asking for searches at our ports for illegal fireworks to an outright ban on aerials. None of them made the cut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not saying anything negative about my colleagues bills, but if you wanna have more bite, ban outright ban, period, nothing comes in, said Sen. Kurt Favella, (R) Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point. Favella said he understands not everyone agrees with him and uncertainty in Washington, D.C. forced Hawaii lawmakers to adjust funding priorities. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news We need to offset certain things, said Favella. We worried about Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, medical, SNAP, that kind of stuff. I know the Governor and my colleagues are worried about those things that provide for our families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate bills that did pass include funding the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and creating an illegal fireworks division under the Department of Law Enforcement. DLE Director nominee Mike Lambert said in a statement that these bills ensure that state and county law enforcement agencies have the resources and laws to tackle this very important issue. Illegal fireworks turned in after Hawaii tragedy: It might happen to us Another bill part of Governor Greens package includes tougher penalties for fireworks offenses and introduces new laws for sending and distributing them. In a statement, Honolulu Fire Chief Sheldon Hao said HFD is encouraged that some bills have advanced, bringing us closer to meaningful changes that will have a positive impact on public safety and the well-being of our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though his bills did not make it through this session, Senator Favella said his fight for public safety will continue and he plans to introduce his bills as resolutions, which means they wont be laws, but more like requests. Favella added he plans to introduce similar proposals next session. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You We dont want a memorial every time somebody dies, and then we gonna do something, said Favella. I dont like that because every time get one accident and somebody dies, then we like put a light, put a crosswalk, we gotta be proactive instead of being reactive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration's dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development has targeted a huge range of programs for cuts, from a few thousand dollars for an interpreter in Ukraine to multimillion-dollar efforts to fight diseases like malaria in Myanmar. Reuters reviewed a copy of a 368-page document that showed the most extensive list to date of the thousands of USAID programs and contracts that have been canceled as President Donald Trump on January 20 announced a sweeping freeze on almost all U.S. foreign aid to ensure the funding was in line with his "America First" policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers obtained the list, shared with members of Congress through a USAID whistleblower, as Pete Marocco, the administration official overseeing the cuts, met for the first time this week with members of congressional committees to answer questions on the freeze. The lengthy list of programs from across the globe illustrates the far-reaching impact of Washington's cuts, which decimated USAID operations around the world and jeopardized the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid. The Trump administration has said that in just six weeks they have saved American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars through rapid-fire moves to cancel contracts, fire workers and root out fraud and waste in the government, although they have offered little evidence to support that assertion. One eliminated USAID program provided support for Myanmar's efforts to eradicate malaria, another contract paid an interpreter in Ukraine. Others were intended to help control HIV in the Dominican Republic or boost fisheries in Ghana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics have said the deep cuts in funding by the United States, the world's largest single donor, undermine American leadership and leave a vacuum for adversaries like Russia and China to fill. CONGRESS WANTS MORE INFORMATION Members of Congress, including some of Trump's fellow Republicans, have sought more information on the aid cuts but received few answers when Marocco, director of the State Department's Office of Foreign Assistance, spent an hour on Wednesday answering questions from the members of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. He held a similar session on Thursday with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several lawmakers walked out of both meetings frustrated with what they described as Marocco's failure to answer their questions thoroughly and furious over how foreign aid is being slashed. They said Marocco alleged that foreign aid programs were riddled with fraud, but provided little evidence. "Tearing this whole system down is doing massive damage to humanitarian concerns around the world, in terms of disease, in terms of nutrition, in terms of clean water. And it's doing massive damage to U.S. interests in terms of our soft power, our relationships, our leadership on issues, including democracy around the world," U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley said after the meeting. "You're burning down the village right now because you found a few termites in a post," the Oregon Democrat told reporters. The State Department declined comment on Marocco's meetings, citing a policy of not commenting on communications with Congress. Marocco left both sessions through side doors, without talking to reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics also say it is illegal for the administration to freeze aid and cut USAID without notifying and consulting Congress. Some also say Trump's actions violate the Constitution, which gives Congress, not the White House, the authority to decide how to spend government money and which programs to fund. (Reporting by Patricia ZengerleEditing by Humeyra Pamuk and Bill Berkrot) COLOMBO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing boat and apprehended 14 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters on Thursday night, the navy said in a statement on Friday. The statement added that the arrests took place in the waters off Mannar, in the country's northern province. The navy said the seized boat and the fishermen were brought to Mannar and handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for further legal proceedings. With these latest arrests, the navy has seized a total of 19 Indian fishing boats and detained 145 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters so far in 2025. The navy reiterated that it continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to prevent illegal fishing by foreign vessels, citing concerns over its impact on the livelihoods of local fishermen. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) A Rockford company that has only been in business since 2016 has already grown internationally. Randy James is the Director of Brand Relations for Fire Department Coffee. He says the fire fighter-led coffee maker gas has grown exponentially over its almost decade run and continues to grow. The active-duty Rockford firefighter has been with the company for six years. Its been a lot of fun to see this company grow right here in Rockford, said James. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The magic began at the companys 3,500-square-foot roastery on Harrison Avenue. This is where the green coffee comes in, gets roasted, and then packaged either in ground or whole bean, he said. They roast the coffee with special flavoring, then cool down the beans. In this facility, were roasting thousands of pounds of coffee a day, he said. The coffee goes in for a certain amount of time at a certain temperature, gets roasted depending on whatever flavor were roasting it on the day, and then itll dump onto this cooling tray and then itll stop that roasting process where we want to stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once cool, the beans are either packaged whole or grounded. James then introduced us to Fire Department Coffees facility, six and a half miles north on West Riverside. There they have a storefront and much more. This is where a lot of our product gets stored, after it leaves the roastery it comes up here, James said. He said the company makes as many as 30 different types of coffee. He also said witnessing the companys growth has been a joy. From humble roots really, from Luke starting his company in about a 900 square foot strip mall location, and then just selling locally at farmers markets and that type of growth, and then we moved into 3,500 square feet on Harrison Avenue, the entire operation in there, now were in 35,000 square feet here on Riverside, he said. Its allowed us to grow with the demand to serve our retail partners all around the country. Were excited this year well be in about 10 thousand retail locations nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James said the company is expanding its international reach this year. Were going to also move into full-chain Walmart in Canada, so were excited about that, he said. He said he hopes the companys growth makes its hometown proud. One of the things were really proud of here at Fire Department Coffee is that our roots are in Rockford, Illinois. Started by a Rockford firefighter, still a lot of Rockford firefighters on staff here. No matter where we go, no matter how big our reach gets this will always be home for us. The community has supported us, and were so appreciative, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Two people, including a firefighter, were injured in a blaze that ripped through a triple-decker in Boston early Friday morning. Crews responding to a report of a fire at 59 Goodale Road in Mattapan after 4 a.m. found heavy flames on the front porches on the building, according to Boston Deputy Fire Chief Michael Doherty. Doherty said firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the flames, but photos shared by the department showed heavy charring to porches on the first and second floors. At approx. 3:30 heavy fire on the 1st & 2nd floor porches of 59 Goodale Rd Mattapan. A 2nd alarm was immediately ordered. Firefighters were able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire. pic.twitter.com/eF8djB3AGr Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) March 7, 2025 The firefighter and one injured resident were transported to a local hospital by Boston EMS, according to Doherty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 12 residents and two dogs were displaced by the fire. The Red Cross is assisting them. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Deputy Fire Chief Michael Doherty briefs the media on the 2 alarm fire at 59 Goodale Road. 1 Firefighter & 1 resident transported @BOSTON_EMS . 12 residents and 2 dogs were displaced @RedCrossMA .The BFD-FIU is investigating the cause of the fire. pic.twitter.com/Tc4ZjPMZiz Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) March 7, 2025 Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Firefighters responded to a blaze at a house Thursday morning in Terre Haute. The fire happened a little after 9 a.m. in the 2100 block of North 25th Street. When Terre Haute firefighters arrived on scene, they found smoke coming from the house. Terre Haute Fire Captain Nick Arnold said the home appeared to be unoccupied but said the house did have utilities. No one was hurt and no other structures were impacted by the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) The Walton County Fire Rescue responded to a 20+ acre brush fire on Thursday afternoon. Fire officials said it happened shortly after 1 p.m. on Cook Road in the Oak Grove community, just north of Darlington. Bay County man charged with manslaughter in 2022 fentanyl death Crews worked alongside the Florida Forest Service to bring the fire under control. The fire has been extinguished, officials confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Forest Service is now plowing containment lines to prevent any further spread. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. (NewsNation) For the first time in 15 years, the United States is putting someone to death using a firing squad. Death row inmate Brad Sigmon is scheduled to be executed in South Carolina on Friday. Sigmon chose a firing squad over lethal injection and electrocution, which are also authorized by the state, citing concerns over the drugs or process used in injections. This undated image provided by the South Carolina Department of Corrections shows Brad Sigmon. (South Carolina Department of Corrections via AP, File) While the method may seem barbarous, it felt the most humane to the inmate, his lawyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that he chose this, that tells you how fearful he is about this lethal injection process thats so shrouded in secrecy, his lawyer, Gerald Bo King, told the Washington Post. Sigmon feared that in the electric chair, he would be cooked to death and that lethal injection could cause pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs and can feel like suffocation or drowning, King told the Washington Post. What is Brad Sigmon sentenced to die for? Sigmon, 67, is being executed for the 2001 killings of his ex-girlfriends parents at their home in Greenville County. I miss my momma and daddy, Sigmons ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Armstrong, said of her slain parents to USA Today. I didnt get to see them grow old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Carolina Supreme Court rejected an 11th-hour and likely last appeal to halt the execution Thursday. Condemned South Carolina killer chooses to be executed by firing squad Why did Sigmon not choose lethal injection? Sigmons main appeal to halt the execution was to gain more information about the drug South Carolina uses in lethal injections so he could have a better understanding of what to expect, King said. South Carolina has a shield law that keeps secret the suppliers of its lethal injection drugs, the members of the execution team and the procedure used to kill an inmate. This undated photo provided by the South Carolina Department of Corrections shows the states death chamber in Columbia, S.C., including the electric chair, right, and a firing squad chair, left. (South Carolina Department of Corrections via AP, File) Autopsies from two inmates executed by lethal injection in South Carolina showed massive amounts of the drug pentobarbital and a considerable amount of fluid in their lungs. A defense expert testified the inmates might have struggled to breathe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lethal injection, electrocution and now firing squads. A look at US execution methods Lawyers for the state have said fluid is often found in the lungs of prisoners killed by lethal injections, though other courts have not ruled it was cruel and unusual punishment. Other than South Carolina, five states authorize the use of firing squads, including Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Utah. Only Utah has utilized death by firing squad on three inmates in 1977, 1996 and 2010, since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. How the firing squad execution will happen Fridays execution will be carried out by three volunteer firing squad members using live ammunition from behind a wall about 15 feet from the inmate, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bullet-resistant glass has been installed between the witness room and death chamber. The inmate will be strapped into the chair, and a hood will be placed over his head. A small aim point will be placed over his heart by a member of the execution team, officials said. Not much is known about the people who will fire the rifles. Prison officials said they have completed all required training. The information released by the state to the public does not indicate what might happen if an inmate survives the initial shots. Is the firing squad a humane or heinous method of execution? Some say the firing squad is more humane than lethal injections, which have been botched in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in a 2017 dissent that in addition to being near instant, death by shooting may also be comparatively painless. Her comments came in the case of an Alabama inmate who asked to be executed by firing squad. A Supreme Court majority refused to hear his appeal. In her dissent, Sotomayor said lethal drugs can mask intense pain by paralyzing inmates while they are still sentient. What cruel irony that the method that appears most humane may turn out to be our most cruel experiment yet, she wrote. Bryan Kohberger faces firing squad execution, Idaho victims dad supports Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. James Williams, an emergency room physician, has testified on the effectiveness of the firing squad. There is a lot of evidence that the near-instant loss of blood pressure means no blood gets to the brainstem, and there is a rapid loss of consciousness, he told The Marshall Project. However, Williams stresses that, just as with any other execution method, protocols must be precise to avoid mistakes. Talking about the Utah firing squad deaths, Williams said that when the written protocol was fully followed, none were botched, which speaks strongly to the reliability of this method. Utah had four loaded rifles and South Carolina will use just three, along with a blank, which should be adequate. But theres the possibility a shooter is not adequately trained or faulty ammunition, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Five dogs were rescued from bad conditions thanks to a concerned citizen sharing a tip. On Monday, Greenville Animal Protective Services received an anonymous tip regarding an act of animal cruelty. The report witnessed a man in the area of Deck and McClellan Streets, repeatedly slamming a young puppy against the ground before throwing the dog into the backseat of a car and driving away. On Wednesday, an APS officer responded to an unrelated call in the area of Pitt Street and spotted a car matching the suspects vehicle in a nearby driveway. After further investigation, officers responded to the owners home in the 700 block of Hooker Road and found three adult dogs and two puppies in harsh living conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenville police arrested Hassan Artious Moore, 29, the individual accused of the abuse. He was charged with felony animal cruelty, misdemeanor animal cruelty, and failure to vaccinate. Additionally, Moore was cited for violations including the use of excessively heavy and short tethers, unclean housing conditions, leash law infractions, and failure to properly dispose of animal waste. All five dogs are now safe and expected to be placed up for adoption into loving homes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Mar. 6GRAND FORKS Clerks at five Grand Forks businesses sold tobacco products to underage buyers during the Grand Forks Police Department's compliance checks Tuesday, March 4. The GFPD's Education and Outreach Bureau, along with area underage buyers, did compliance checks at 20 different businesses that have tobacco licenses, according to a press release issued Thursday morning, March 6. The checks were carried out in compliance with SYNAR grant funding through the Grand Forks Public Health Department and North Dakota Department of Health. During the checks, individuals under the age of 21 enter establishments that sell tobacco products under police officer supervision and attempt to purchase said products. They do so without concealing their age, and promptly display identification if/when asked for it, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The businesses where tobacco products were sold to the underage buyers include the Rock Bottle Shop, Hugo's #12 located downtown, the Diamond Lounge, Simonson's Station Store located at 310 Gateway Dr. and Petro Serve USA on 1220 University Ave. The clerks who sold the tobacco products were issued citations, and the stores will face administrative sanctions. Five civilians have been killed and nine others injured as a result of Russian attacks in Donetsk Oblast. Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office on Telegram Quote: "The armed forces of the aggressor state dropped two aerial bombs, likely FAB-250 bombs equipped with a UMPK unified gliding and correction module, on the village of Ivanopillia. An 89-year-old woman sustained fatal injuries under the rubble of a destroyed house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four more men, aged 43, 57, 62 and 75, were killed in the city of Pokrovsk and the villages of Yablunivka and Kostiantynopil." Details: Five local residents women aged 47, 55, 63, and 80, as well as a 76-year-old man sustained mine-blast injuries and shrapnel wounds during air and artillery attacks on houses in these settlements. Three other civilians in Drobysheve suffered shrapnel wounds and contusions, including a 65-year-old man, his 58-year-old wife, and a 75-year-old man. A 51-year-old man sustained injuries in the village of Dobropillia. The Russian attacks also caused damage to buildings, vehicles and a gas pipeline. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (Reuters) - Russian attacks on a series of villages killed five residents of eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region on Friday, prosecutors in the region said. Donetsk prosecutors, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said one resident was killed in the town of Pokrovsk, a focal point of Russian advances westward through Donetsk region. Two others were killed in attacks on villages near the city of Kostyantynivka, farther northeast and one other victim was identified as a resident of a village near the town of Kurakhove, which Russia's military said it captured in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian troops have been advancing slowly but steadily through Donetsk region as part of a drive to capture the Donbas, made up of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. (Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar) BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Brunei is strengthening efforts to promote tourism products based on culture, nature, and adventure, Haji Abdul Manaf Metussin, Brunei's minister of primary resources and tourism, said on Thursday. Among the tourism products being specially emphasized are education and Islamic tourism, birdwatching, and diving, the minister said at Brunei's Legislative Council on Thursday. Brunei's tourism authorities organize events such as the Brunei December Festival, Brunei Gastronomy Festival, Local Products Expo, and Mid-Year Conference and Exhibitions. The minister also mentioned that they are working closely with online travel agencies to allow visitors to book their rooms directly. Brunei is a Southeast Asian country located in the northern part of Borneo Island, with rich natural resources and lush green rainforests. BUNNELL, Fla. (WFLA) Detectives shut down an undercover drug operation on Thursday that led to the discovery of a neglected child and two dogs and the arrest of four people. According to the Flagler County Sheriffs Office, SWAT teams served a search warrant in the 5000 block of Nutwood Avenue. A search of the residence, containing four RVs and a modular home, led detectives to the discovery and seizure of multiple firearms, methamphetamine, cannabis, and other various drug paraphernalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside one of the RVs, detectives said they uncovered a child who appeared to be neglected, and two dogs, both visibly emaciated with skin infections that resulted in the loss of fur. The Flagler County Sheriffs Office arrested the owners of the RV, David Price, 38, and Clara Sands-Benefield, 30. They have been charged with child neglect and animal cruelty as well as possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Detectives arrested two other individuals, Margaret Rush, 55, and Howard Crouch, 53. They have both been charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on suspected narcotics activity or drug dealings in Flagler County should call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A home health aid is accused of molesting an 86-year-old disabled woman he was caring for. NBC affiliate WTVJ reported that 39-year-old Juan Jose Romero Ruiz was arrested Wednesday and faces charges of sexual battery and lewd lascivious molestation of an elderly disabled person. Family members told police that the victim has dementia and poor short-term memory. The family hired Ruiz, who worked for Pembroke Pines-based Lovable Family Home Care, to tend to the womans basic needs, such as cleaning and companionship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retired Sarasota ROTC teacher charged with inappropriately touching students WTVJ reported that Ruiz started working for the victim on Tuesday. An arrest report stated that the victims grandson checked surveillance footage and saw Ruiz molesting his grandmother. He immediately alerted family members of the incident. He also called Ruizs company and demanded that Ruiz be removed from the home. Police said that the grandson also found footage from the day before of Ruiz sexually battering the victim. The fact that this guy acted on his impulse was, for lack of a better word, within hours of arriving at the home, indicates to me at least, this is most likely not his first time doing this, said Anthony Bruno, the victims family attorney told WTVJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers said they detained Ruiz at the companys Pembroke Pines office. He is being held with no bond at Broward County jail and an immigration hold. My understanding is (the victim) is doing well, all things considered, I cant advise us to whether she can fully comprehend what occurred to her given her condition, Bruno said. The family is obviously traumatized. Lovable Family Home Care told the news station that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement officers. We are both saddened and in shock about this very unfortunate situation. As an agency in the community for the past 12 years, we have been working hard and strive to always give our members the best care, the statement said in part. We have limited information and since this is an ongoing investigation, no further details can be provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sunrise Police Department said it is determining if there are additional victims. Anyone who may have had similar experiences or additional information is asked to call police at 954-746-3499. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Travel between Asia and Europe usually means a layover or at least a flight connection; sometimes two if Australia or New Zealand are on the itinerary. Cities such as Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, all of which host some of the worlds busiest airports, have long been among the go-to transit hubs for passengers. Air India is aiming to add Delhi and Mumbai to the list as part of its new "Via India" marketing drive and "long-term vision" of India becoming a "global transit hub." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Indias geographical advantage and impressive airport infrastructure, combined with Air Indias robust route network, offer convenient one-stop access for travellers from the West to East and vice-versa," says Nipun Aggarwal, the airline's chief commercial officer, talking up the carrier's hopes to see the cities added to the list of layovers for intercontinental travellers. "Air India has optimised its international network to offer faster connections to travellers from the UK and rest of Europe to Australia and South-East Asia via India and vice versa, reducing connection times to around 2.5 hours," the carrier said recently. The announcement followed India and China agreeing to reopen aviation five years after the two giant nations nearly went to war, a relaxation that will see around 3 billion people regain air travel access to each other's countries. Air India also recently announced expanded codeshares with Lufthansa Group and All Nippon Airways (ANA). In February 2023, Air India made headlines with a world record combined order of 470 passenger jets from Airbus and Boeing, with deals lauded not only by the Indian government but by former US president Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. The former state-run flag carrier Air India was bought by conglomerate Tata Group in 2021. (Photo by Getty Images) One of the less noticed features of the Virginia Way is the long-running tendency of the commonwealths leaders to conduct their decision-making behind closed doors. While the Virginia Freedom of Information Act presumes all government business is by default public and requires officials to justify why exceptions should be made, too many Virginia leaders in practice take the opposite stance, acting as if records are by default private and the public must prove they should be handled otherwise. In this feature, we aim to highlight the frequency with which officials around Virginia are resisting public access to records on issues large and small and note instances when the release of information under FOIA gave the public insight into how government bodies are operating. VDHs rebuff of FOIA request draws scrutiny The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) appears to have improperly used a Freedom of Information Act exemption meant for limited, careful use by the governors office, drawing scrutiny from state officials and journalists alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation began when the Richmond Times-Dispatch received a heavily-redacted FOIA response from VDH regarding communications between state and local officials during Richmonds January water crisis, which left residents without safe drinking water for nearly a week. The extent of the redactions raised concerns about whether the agency was unnecessarily withholding public records. Graham Moomaw, a reporter at The Richmonder and former journalist at The Mercury, followed up on the issue, asking Gov. Glenn Youngkins office about VDH use of the working papers exemption a rule meant to shield records prepared specifically for the governor or cabinet secretaries for personal or deliberative use. Moomaw says the governors office denied any involvement, indicating that VDH had not consulted them before applying the exemption. I was reacting to an egregious response they gave to the (Richmond Times-Dispatch), Moomaw said. And then, after the governors office said, We dont agree with what VDH did, and were reassessing this, I filed a piggyback FOIA with VDH, saying Id like everything you gave to (the Richmond Times-Dispatch), but with less stuff redacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moomaw filed his follow-up request on Feb. 28, but as of publication, VDH has not responded. Virginia court upholds COVID-era public comment limits in Wegmans lawsuit A years-long legal battle over a controversial Hanover County land use decision has reached another turning point, as the Court of Appeals of Virginia ruled that COVID-era restrictions on public comment during the projects approval process did not violate the states FOIA. The case stems from Hanover Countys board of supervisors approval of a Wegmans distribution center near a historically Black neighborhood and a neighboring subdivision a choice that sparked immediate backlash from residents. Many joined forces in a lawsuit challenging the approval process, arguing that restrictions imposed during the pandemic limited public participation and transparency. Although advance notice of the vote was published in a local newspaper, residents argued that there was no mention of a cap on public comment registrations and restrictions on physical access to the board room for those wishing to observe the proceedings in person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their lawsuit also challenged the countys classification of the Wegmans project as an essential government function a designation that allowed it to move forward under a pandemic-era ordinance intended to ensure continuity of governance during the early days of COVID-19. Additionally, by the time the limited public hearing took place, new proffers related to the project were introduced for discussion documents that residents had not been able to review or comment on beforehand, the lawsuit stated. The case has taken multiple turns in court. The Hanover Circuit Court dismissed the residents lawsuit, but the Virginia Supreme Court later ruled that they had the right to challenge the supervisors decision leading to the latest appeal. The Mercurys efforts to track FOIA and other transparency cases in Virginia are indebted to the work of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, a nonprofit alliance dedicated to expanding access to government records, meetings and other state and local proceedings. Arlington schools ditches X for Bluesky, citing toxicity and costs Arlington County Public Schools has abandoned its X (formerly Twitter) account, opting instead to post updates on Bluesky, a newer social media platform with far fewer users The shift, which began in late February, has drawn questions from some school board members about the decision to leave a larger audience behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why not maintain both? asked school board member Miranda Turner at a recent meeting, according to ARL Now. The school systems Bluesky account, created in December, has significantly fewer followers than its longer-standing X account. But Superintendent Francisco Duran defended the move, explaining that interactions on Bluesky were healthier and more constructive compared to the negativity and harassment often seen on X much of it from people outside the local community. Beyond concerns over toxicity, school officials also pointed to the cost as a major factor. Unlike X, which now charges for verification, Bluesky offers free account authentication, providing an extra layer of credibility without the financial burden. X once offered free verification for government agencies, businesses, public figures, and journalists to ensure accounts were legitimate. But after Elon Musks takeover and rebrand, verification became a paid feature, making it harder for institutions like school districts to prove authenticity without added expenses. Have you experienced local or state officials denying or delaying your FOIA request? Tell us about it: info@virginiamercury.com SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) An Olympic snowboarder who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City was moved up to the FBIs 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list on Thursday. The U.S. State Department is now offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Ryan Wedding also known as El Jefe, Giant, Public Enemy, James Conrad King, or Jesse King is wanted for allegedly operating a transnational drug trafficking network that regularly smuggled hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The FBI said he has also orchestrated the deaths of several people, calling him a very dangerous man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada, said Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office. Davis said federal authorities bumped Wedding into the 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list and added $10 million to the existing $50,000 reward to encourage the public to help in the search efforts. READ NEXT: Lagoon announces zoo closure and rehoming of animals [This] will make the public our partner so that we can catch up with him before he puts anyone else in danger, Davis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $10 million authorized by the U.S. State Department is in addition to the FBIs current $50,000 reward and is a joint offer between the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican governments as part of a unified effort to bring Wedding to justice. The reward offered today will help bring this defendant to justice in the United States. We urge anyone with information about Wedding to contact law enforcement and help us get Mr. Wedding into custody, said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. Authorities say Wedding, and his second-in-command Andrew Clark, ordered the deaths of two members of a Canadian family for a stolen drug shipment and another victim over a drug debt. Clark was arrested in 2024 by Mexican authorities and extradited to the United States. According to the Olympics website, Wedding placed 24th in snowboarding in the 2002 Winter Olympics. The site said he was convicted in 2010 of attempting to buy cocaine from a U.S. agent and sentenced to four years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former Canadian snowboarder unleashed an avalanche of death and destruction, here and abroad, said Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administrations Los Angeles Field Division. Todays announcement beams an even brighter searchlight on him. We ask that you help us find him. Anyone who has information can contact their local FBI office or submit a tip online. To communicate with the FBI through a non-government-operated platform, message or call +1-424 495-0614 on WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Former Charlotte flight attendant accused of secretly recording underage girls pleads guilty to federal charges CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A former American Airlines flight attendant from Charlotte pleaded guilty on Thursday to federal charges after he was caught trying to record an underage girl inside a plane bathroom. The incident occurred in 2023 on a flight from Charlotte to Boston. Authorities said Estes Carter Thompson III, of Charlotte, tried to lure and secretly record a minor in the bathroom. PREVIOUS: AA settles lawsuit over case involving girl recorded in bathroom on CLT flight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the young girl went inside the planes bathroom, she discovered a phone taped to the toilet, recording her. The girls parents confronted Thompson following the encounter. Thompson was taken into custody upon landing in Massachusetts. FILE In this photo provided by the law firm Lewis & Llewellyn LLP, an iPhone is taped to the back of a toilet seat on an American Airlines flight from Charlotte, N.C., to Boston, Sept. 2, 2023. Estes Carter Thompson III, an American Airlines flight attendant arrested on suspicion of trying to secretly record a 14-year-old female passenger using an airplane bathroom last September 2023, is being held in custody until his trial. (Lewis & Llewellyn LLP via AP, File) Following his arrest, the FBI found evidence on Thompsons iCloud account showing he had recorded other minors between January and August 2023. Thompson was accused of recording a 7-year-old on Flight 1617 from CLT to Denver on Aug. 23; a 14-year-old on a July 26 flight from CLT to Kansas City (Flight 1615); and a 9-year-old on a Jan. 23, 2023, flight from Austin to Los Angeles (Flight 2869), according to the filed complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives also reportedly found 272 still images of one of the children that appeared to be screenshots from the video, the FBI reported. Some of the pictures reportedly included screenshots from the video next to the childs face. Other photos on Thompsons iCloud account allegedly showed photos of an unaccompanied minor in her seat on a July 9 flight from CLT to San Antonio, according to the complaint. There were also allegedly hundreds of child porn images seemingly created by artificial intelligence. Thompson was fired from American Airlines following his arrest. In a separate civil lawsuit, the victims family reached a confidential settlement with American Airlines this February. On Thursday, Thompson pleaded guilty to felony sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 17 in Massachusetts. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Continuing Coverage Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Former CIA Director John Brennan, who has worked under several US administrations, has said that US President Donald Trump's suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine is pressure and blackmail against Kyiv. Source: European Pravda with reference to The Huffington Post Quote from Brennan: "Ive never seen anything like this in my nearly 35 years of experience... whereby US intelligence was stopped for a political purpose and to try to coerce a partner like Ukraine to accede to the wishes of an administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it could be calamitous on the battlefield if this remains in place over time." Details: Brennan added that he believes Trump's actions are more of a "pressure tactic and extortion". "The Europeans do not have the capability to provide the type of intelligence that the US intelligence community has been providing - all different types of intelligence that again feeds and fuels the Ukrainian government, military, security, intelligence services. You take away that, you really do enfeeble the Ukrainian services," he said. Background: On 4 March, it became known that Trump had decided to suspend all military aid to Ukraine, including that which was already on its way. On 5 March, it was revealed that intelligence sharing, including that related to Russian missile launches, had also stopped. Unofficially, this move by Washington has increased anxiety among NATO allies about whether the United States can continue to be trusted. The Wall Street Journal reported that the suspension of US military aid to Ukraine could last until Donald Trump decides that Volodymyr Zelenskyy supports peace talks with Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A former patrol officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) pleaded guilty on Thursday to COVID emergency loan fraud, the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) announced. Kalynn Fields, 34, of Baltimore, Md., filed false and misleading information in order to get $35,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. According to court documents, Fields created two businesses in June 2021 and May 2022, which she used to apply for the loans. At the time, she was a patrol officer with MPD and failed to report the outside business venture, despite MPDs policy requiring her to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland, DC Attorneys General sue federal agencies to stop mass firings of federal probationary employees In September 2021, Fields reportedly submitted a PPP loan application for $20,000 on behalf of one of her businesses. She claimed the business was General Freight Trucking, Lond Distance when she did not have a freight trucking license or the insurance required to run such a business. Fields had not complied with the PPP Program rules and misspend the PPP funds she received as part of her fraudulent PPP loan application, court documents stated. She also had someone submit an EIDL application, on behalf of one of the businesses, containing materially false statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the initial application was denied, she had someone upload fabricated documents to the application portal. Falls Church man found guilty of hate crime for threatening church members The application was later approved. Fields pleaded guilty to wire fraud on March 6, 2025, having obtained $35,000 in loans. She faces up to 20 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20. DC News Now reached out to the Metropolitan Police Department for a statement and is waiting for a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig is looking to make a comeback, filing paperwork to run for mayor in this year's election. Craig filed his "Chief James Craig for Mayor" candidate committee Monday, allowing him to collect donations for the August primary. A message was left with Craig's campaign, which has not responded yet. Detroit Police Chief James Craig answers questions during a news conference, Friday, June 7, 2019, at the Detroit Police Headquarters in Detroit, addressing the police response to a possible serial killer. Investigators believe a "serial murderer and rapist" targeting prostitutes is at large in Detroit. Craig was appointed police chief by Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr after the city filed for bankruptcy. Craig led the department during the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations, when he was scrutinized for excessive force against protesters, who filed a lawsuit against the city and called for his resignation. The city eventually settled for $1 million to resolve the lawsuit, which claimed Detroit Police officers used tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, mass arrests and more without probable cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craig also faced scrutiny for the department's use of facial recognition technology, which resulted in two wrongful arrests. Though he counts Project Green Light, the police department's surveillance initiative intended to reduce crime by setting up cameras at participating businesses, as an accomplishment for the city. He served as Detroit's police chief for eight years before retiring in 2021. Craig then pursued a run for governor in 2022 on the Republican ticket, however, state officials knocked him off the ballot after it was discovered his nominating petitions contained fraudulent signatures, leaving him short of the required number to qualify. He unsuccessfully opted to run on a write-in campaign. The city of Detroit mayoral primary is nonpartisan. The former police chief then ran for a U.S. Senate seat in 2024 but suspended his campaign, acknowledging he was eyeing a run for Detroit mayor instead. Joining him in the race, so far, are the Rev. Solomon Kinloch of Triumph Church; City Council President, Mary Sheffield; former City Councilwoman and nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins; Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal III; attorney Todd Perkins; businessmen Joel Haashiim and Jonathan Barlow; and activist Rogelio Landin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ex-Detroit Police Chief James Craig to run for mayor in 2025 election New Assyrian Catholic Church in Iraq to Promote Interfaith Unity Baghdad -- The imminent inauguration of a Church in Ur of the Chaldeans, four years after the visit of Pope Francis, is a "message" and a sign of "openness", this according to Card Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans. The site, he hopes, will become a place of pilgrimage for Iraqis and believers from all over the world, Christians and Muslims, for Abraham "is their common father," the prelate told AsiaNews. The opening was set for 6 March, the anniversary of the pope's apostolic journey, but will instead "be held after Easter, after Ramadan and Lent." This is also necessary because, the prime minister (Mohammed Shia al-Sudani) and other Muslim figures are expected to participate [in the ceremony], which is why we preferred to postpone it after the month of fasting and Islamic prayer." The church will be a landmark and a place of pilgrimage "like the Church of the Baptism on the Jordan River or the Abrahamic House in the United Arab Emirates," the prelate explained. "Today, we need these signs and places to unite all humanity for they represent a meeting point for all religions." This church is "important for Iraq and Iraqis." It is "a Christian 'sign' in a place with a huge Muslim majority, which will help others understand Christians and respect their faith, looking at the points of union and accepting the elements of diversity, to live in peace and stability." Four years after Pope Francis's visit, his first apostolic journey abroad while COVID-19 pandemic was still raging, Iraq's Catholic community is ready to inaugurate the Ibrahim Al-Khalil Church in Ur of the Chaldeans, named after Abraham (father of Jews, Christians and Muslims). The church is part of a larger complex that rises in the desert plain, with a pyramidal shape; not only a place of worship, but also a religious, social and cultural facility closely linked to Francis and his message on the three great monotheistic religions who are affiliated with the prophet. This will further encourage dialogue after the pope signed the Document on [Human] Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019 with Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb of al-Azhar, the highest authority in Sunni Islam, and met, in Iraq, with Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the foremost Shia cleric. The place of worship is also intended to encourage Iraqi Christians, whose numbers have dwindled in the past 20 years, from around 1.5 million to just a few hundred thousand. The building stands in an area of 10,000 square metres and includes a large room of 600 square metres and a 23-metre-high bell tower. The church does not only intend to serve the Christian community, but is expected to attract tourists from all over the world, especially Christian pilgrims. "Four years after the Pope's visit, everyone still remembers him," Card Sako said. "He too, several times in the past, has said that Iraq is in his heart." The pontiff's health conditions are a source of anxiety not only among Christians, but also for Iraqi authorities and many Muslims. "Two days ago, the prime minister called me asking about his conditions and wishing him a speedy recovery," Sako said. "He enjoys great respect among the population. With his presence, he was able to change [at least in part] the mindset, strengthen coexistence, the sense of brotherhood, awareness that faith is a personal matter, while being part of the country represents a common good." The latter is a key issue in Iraq "and generally in the Middle East: from Syria and Lebanon to Iraq and Palestine, we must put an end to extremist and violent ideology, war, death, destruction. We must resort to soft diplomacy". The Chaldean patriarch looks to other Arab nations for examples, including those in the Gulf, where "an extremist religious ideology is no longer; faith is at the base, but the regime, the system of government must be civilian. We must work to build the rule of law, justice, equality, in which respect and security are achieved." In addition, Iraq must promote its cultural and archaeological heritage, "the real black gold" as he likes to repeat, because "thanks to tourism and pilgrimages, it is possible to support the country's economy. One day oil will run out, but antiquities, treasures, if preserved, will remain." Promoting the country's heritage, he warns, must be accompanied by a commitment to peace because "the many war fronts are worrisome and we do not know what will happen. Syria and Lebanon are also elements of uncertainty, although I hope we can continue on the path of political, national and economic construction." Returning to the church in Ur, the patriarch hopes that it can become "a sign of openness" and help "to reason and see [things] better. Here's an example: Two days ago I published a book on Islam, how a Christian looks at the Muslim faith in the elements that bring us together as well as the points of divergence, the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, a chapter on the Virgin Mary. "I intend to distribute it this Ramadan to provide them (Muslims) with the tools to better understand Christians who are not Nazarenes (or Nazoreans), a term that refers to a [1st-century AD] Jewish Christian sect. I try to open up the Muslim world and help it to think through how to interpret the sacred books, as we did with the exegesis of the text." Finally, Card Sako shares what worries everyone, "the pope and his health. Many have written to me in recent days, including Muslims, to underline how he represents a sign of hope, a light onto humanity for his farsightedness, humanity, and openness." UNITED NATIONS, March 7 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for actions to defend and advance the rights of all women and girls, ahead of International Women's Day, which falls on March 8. "We gather today not just to celebrate the International Women's Day, but to move forward -- resilient, united, and unwavering in our pursuit of equality, development and peace for all women everywhere in the interest of humanity," said Guterres in remarks at an event at the UN headquarters in New York. He said this year marks the 30th anniversary of the landmark conference, the UN World Conference on Women held in Beijing, China, in 1995, and its reaffirmation that women's rights are human rights. Since then, women have broken barriers, shattered ceilings, and reshaped societies, the UN chief said. "Yet, these hard-fought gains remain fragile -- and far from enough." Guterres said that violence, discrimination and economic inequality still plague our societies. "As we see in every corner of the world, from pushback to rollback, women's rights are under attack. Centuries of discrimination are being worsened by new threats," he said. "Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we are witnessing the mainstreaming of chauvinism and misogyny." "We cannot stand by as progress is reversed. We must fight back," he stressed. Guterres affirmed his commitment to the Gender Equality Clarion Call, which is part of the UN System-wide Gender Equality Acceleration Plan: "A bold, urgent pledge to defend and advance the rights of all women and girls." "So, on this International Women's Day, let us be guided by the voices of women and girls around the world, and always choose action over apathy. Let us realize the vision of the Beijing Declaration. Accelerate action. And march forward -- for every woman, for every girl, for everyone, everywhere," the UN chief said. No, this isnt an old Billions plot line. On Friday, Frances former head of domestic intelligence agency was convicted in Paris for acting outside his authority and misusing public resources to help luxury conglomerate LVMH trace extortionists who allegedly targeted the companys CEO, Bernard Arnault, over 10 years ago. Bernard Squarcini was also found guilty of partaking in unlawful surveillance of an Arnault critic while working as a security consultant for LVMH after he left the spy agency, Bloomberg reported. More from Robb Report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the trial, judge Benjamin Blanchet said Squarcini deliberately chose to break the law for financial gain. The 69-year-old has been sentenced to a two-year jail term, which he can carry out outside of prison with an electronic bracelet. The Paris criminal court also fined the former head of the Direction Centrale du Renseignement Interieur a total of $706,300 (651,500), according to the publication. As for Arnault, neither he nor his company were charged in the case. LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE had previously settled with prosecutors back in 2021; as part of the agreement, the conglomerate had to pay about $10.9 million (10 million) with no admission of guilt, Bloomberg reported. Arnault denied know anything about an extortion stunt against him involving an alleged extramarital affair, saying in a November testimony that he only discovered the plot in the press years later, Bloomberg reported at the time. Arbault calling the blackmail ordeal wacky on the stand, and said it would have been perfectly normal for his late top aid Pierre Gode to handle security matters without consulting him, according to the publication. The reported swindler, a paparazzo who was allegedly seeking about $325,000 (300,000) for images of the supposed affair, was never found, Arnault said, and the photos were never published. Due to his position as head of Frances domestic intelligence agency at the time, Squarcini claimed it was within his jurisdiction to investigate the 2008 blackmail attempt, he said at the trial. The security consultant will appeal the verdict, said one of his lawyers, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Squarcinis unlawful surveillance conviction reportedly involved spying on the activities of Francois Ruffin, a left-wing filmmaker. Ruffin, who has since entered politics, released Merci Patron! in 2016, a documentary that criticized LVMH. Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. DES MOINES, Iowa Former Iowa Senate President Jack Kibbie died earlier this week. Kibbies public service began in 1960 when he was elected to the Iowa House. The Democrat was then elected to the Iowa Senate in 1964 and served in that body at the Statehouse until 1968. He returned to the Iowa Senate in 1989 and served until 2013. 10 years of two-wheeled service, one burrito at a time Before his time in politics, Kibbie was a tank commander in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning him a Bronze Star. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kibbie was 95 years old at the time of his death. Governor Kim Reynolds released a statement on his passing Thursday: Kevin and I were saddened to learn of the passing of former Iowa Senate President Jack Kibbie. I first met Jack when we both sat on the IPERS Investment Board, me as Clark County Treasurer, him representing the Iowa Senate. I later had the great privilege of serving with him in the Iowa Senate. Many will remember with admiration his long and accomplished career in that body, where he served his Northwest Iowa constituents for decades and played a pivotal role in the creation of our community college system. But what will always stick with me is the kindness and grace with which he treated all his colleagues, even those of us who served in the opposite party. Jack was an outstanding public servant, a good man, and a dear friend. He will be missed. Gov. Kim Reynolds The Governor ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff until sunset Friday night. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. ANDERSON Former Madison County Sheriff and Alexandria Mayor Ron Richardson died Wednesday night after a years-long battle with colon cancer. Richardson, 68, served two terms as sheriff, winning election in 2006 and 2010. He retired at the end of his second term after 39 years as a member of the sheriffs department. Richardson was elected mayor of Alexandria, serving from 2015 through 2019. Another former Madison County sheriff, Scott Mellinger, said Thursday he met Richardson on his first day with the department when he was assigned to the jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He broke me in, Mellinger said of Richardson. A year later, he and I worked midnight shift patrol together for three years. Mellinger said Richardson worked in several areas with the Madison County Sheriffs Department. Becoming sheriff was one of his lifetime aspirations, he said of Richardson. He made it. A true public servant. Terri Austin, former chairperson of the county Democratic party, said Richardson did a great job as sheriff. He was his own person and had an incredible career in law enforcement, she said. He was strong in his faith and committed to his family. Austin called Richard a warrior who fought hard against cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted that Richardson had many close friends who leaned Republican and he was able to talk easily with people regardless of political affiliation and other factors. Richardson was a longtime member of the Madison County Democratic Party, but in 2022 he supported Republican candidate John Beeman for sheriff. Beeman was elected to the office by defeating Democrat Joey Cole. Alexandria Mayor Todd Naselroad said the transition when he took over as mayor after Richardson left office was smooth. He showed me the ins and outs of how government worked, Naselroad said. The FBI announced Thursday that a former Olympic snowboarder has been added to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his capture. Ryan Wedding, 43, is a Canadian who once competed at the giant slalom snowboarding competition at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is wanted for allegedly running a drug trafficking ring that exported significant amounts of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and Southern California, to other areas in the U.S. and to Canada. Wedding has also been accused of facilitating several murders in furtherance of his alleged drug operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada, Akil Davis, the assistant director of the FBIs Los Angeles field office, said in a press conference Thursday. Canada's Ryan Wedding at the 2002 Winter Olympics. / Tony Marshall/EMPICS via Getty Images The alleged murders of his competitors make Wedding a very dangerous man, and his addition to the list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, coupled with a major reward offer by the State Department, will make the public our partner so that we can catch up with him before he puts anyone else in danger, he continued. In a press release , the FBI disclosed that investigators believe Wedding may be residing in Mexico, but have also listed the U.S., Canada, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica as other likely places. They added that his aliases include El Jefe, Giant, Public Enemy, James Conrad King, and Jesse King. The $10 million reward was also authorized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio under the Narcotics Rewards Program, an initiative to assist law enforcement with drug busting operations. Cocaine from one of three seizures this year in the Los Angeles area from a group led by Canadian former Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding, 43, sits on a table during a press conference at the FBI office in Los Angeles on October 17, 2024. / Christina House / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Weddings alleged right-hand man, Canadian national Andrew Clark, 34, was arrested last October by Mexican authorities, according to the FBI, and is part of the 29 fugitives Attorney General Pam Bondi announced arrived back to the U.S. from Mexico last week to face their respective charges. If convicted, Wedding faces a mandatory minimum penalty of life in federal prison for his continuing criminal enterprise charge the FBI writes. Murder and drug trafficking charges could subsequently add 20 or 10 to 15 years in prison respectively. Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding was added to the FBIs 10 most wanted list Thursday for allegedly running a transnational drug trafficking network. Authorities have accused him of shipping hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California, to Canada and other locations in the United States. Wedding is a Canadian who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada, Akil Davis, the assistant director of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged murders of his competitors make Wedding a very dangerous man, and his addition to the list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, coupled with a major reward offer by the State Department, will make the public our partner so that we can catch up with him before he puts anyone else in danger. FBI officials said Wedding orchestrated murders related to the drug crimes. He earned the name El Jefe, becoming boss of a violent transnational drug trafficking organization, said Matthew Allen, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administrations Los Angeles Field Division. Now, his face will be on The Top 10 Most Wanted posters. Hes unremitting, callous and greed-driven. Todays announcement beams an even brighter searchlight on him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio has authorized a $10 million reward for information that leads to Weddings arrest and/or conviction. The FBI is also currently offering of $50,000 for information leading to Weddings apprehension, which is being facilitated through a joint effort from the Canadian and Mexican governments as part of a unified effort to end his transnational drug trafficking. If convicted, Wedding would face a mandatory minimum penalty of life in federal prison for his criminal enterprise charge. Weddings second-in-command, fellow Canadian Andrew Clark, was arrested by Mexican authorities last year. Clark was among the 29 fugitives who arrived in the U.S. last week to face charges for his role in the criminal operation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) After spending multiple years in a Cambodian prison, a former Tampa attorney will serve out another nine-year sentence in the United States. Rugh James Cline, 44, was sentenced Thursday to nine years in prison for paying a child in a foreign county to engage in a commercial sex act with him, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Unspeakable torment: Brother recounts details of abuse 10-year-old brother received from Florida mom, boyfriend Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Cline took multiple trips to Cambodia between February and May 2019, during which he paid four Cambodian girls to engage in sex acts with him on several occasions. Authorities said Cline had his laptop with him when he was arrested overseas. Investigators discovered hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material when they searched the device. Cline was ordered to spend two and a half years in a Cambodian prison and to pay a $200 fine, as well as $3,750 in compensation to each of the victims, before being sent back to Florida to face charges in the states. Florida Bar records show Cline graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 2010 and was admitted to the Bar later that year. He is no longer eligible to practice law in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A former Wyoming County correction officer has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for a child pornography charge, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Friday. 40-year-old James Sutton of Depew was sentenced to 100 months in prison, which works out to a little over eight years. Prosecutors said Sutton used his cell phone to upload nearly two dozen video files containing child pornography from the internet to the social media platform Kik. The videos included minors under the age of 12, and depictions of violence. The uploads happened in October 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sutton worked at the Wyoming Correctional Facility, a state prison in Wyoming County. He was convicted of distribution of child pornography. He had originally been facing five to 20 years in prison. Upon release, he will be subject to 30 years of post-release supervision. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. DENVER (KDVR) Multiple crews responded to a Fort Collins home that sustained damage Friday morning when a car crashed into it and the structure caught fire. At 1:38 a.m., Poudre Fire Authority crews were called to a home in the 2400 block of Evergreen Drive on reports of a car that crashed into a house and a subsequent growing fire. The home is in the P.O.E.T neighborhood, east of Overland Park. Thank God somebody reported: Parents react to Ponderosa High School bomb threat Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A video posted by Poudre Fire on X shows the charred car crashed through the front of the house and made it completely inside the home. A Fort Collins house sustained damage when a car crashed into the front of the home and the structure caught fire. (Poudre Fire Authority) When the first crews arrived at the address, they said the front of a single-family home was engulfed in flames. More crews were called to assist. Firefighters attacked the fire from the front and back of the home, while other crews searched for anyone stuck inside. Fort Collins Police Services confirmed that all residents of the home were accounted for and that no injuries to anyone inside were reported. However, Poudre Fire said the driver of the car that crashed into the home and a passenger were taken to a local hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox The fire has been extinguished. A Fort Collins house sustained damage when a car crashed into the front of the home and the structure caught fire. (Poudre Fire Authority) A Fort Collins house sustained damage when a car crashed into the front of the home and the structure caught fire. (Poudre Fire Authority) At this time it is unclear what factors may have led the driver to crash into the house and if the fire started after the car crashed. Poudre Fire said the home sustained extensive damage, and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced family. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and more information will be released as it becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. KSNF/KODE As we put a wrap on our latest Severe Weather Preparedness Week coverage, we focus tonight on flooding. According to the National Weather Service, floods are the deadliest weather-related killer, claiming on average around 100 lives each year. Many parts of the Four States experience it at times every time theres significant rainfall. Miami, Neosho, Seneca, and countless areas in McDonald County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We spent some time this week with Gregg Sweeten, whos the McDonald County emergency management director. He told us flash flooding is the worst because it catches people off guard. In 2019, an Anderson woman died as a result of flash flooding. And people should also keep in mind, theyre not the only ones at risk. We dont want you to put first responders in danger. If you get out there and you get stranded, all youre doing is putting the first responders that have to come and get you in danger. And, you know, thats why we harp on turn around dont drown is because we dont want that, said Sweeten. Sweeten also told us residents should realize where they are, as in whether they live in an area prone to flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our area, flash floodswhich happen when water rises rapidly in one area with the potential for fast-moving waterand river floods are the most common. Carl Junction Fire Chief Joe Perkins says flood safety starts before the water rises. Most of us have common roads we drivelike to and from work. Make note of any areas that might flood and then make a plan. If this road is closed, I can go here, here, and here, and that sounds simple, but a lot of people dont think about it, and thats the reason why they end up getting into trouble and into bad situations, especially during flooding, said Perkins. And in Newton CountyA proposed monitoring station could help save lives in two places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That proposed monitor would be located on Lost Creek near the intersection of Highways 86 and CC. The station would monitor river levels at a spot identified by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as a low water crossing. The information gathered would help in deciding when to close the highway and could even benefit people downstream. This particular branch of Lost Creek leads down into Seneca, and that way we might be able to get some earlier warnings into them when we might have some flash flooding, said Charla Geller emergency management director. Again, this monitoring station is just a proposal right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not known when the state could place it in operation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. WASHINGTON, March 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is "strongly considering" imposing sanctions on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached with Ukraine. "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED," Trump said on Truth Social. "To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!" said Trump. The threat from the president came as the U.S. and Russian teams have been engaging in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine and normalizing ties between Washington and Moscow on a broader scale. It also followed the announcement from both the United States and Ukraine that the two countries will hold talks next week in Saudi Arabia on a ceasefire and a framework for peace with Russia. Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy for Middle East, told reporters Thursday outside the White House that the "idea" for the U.S.-Ukraine talks "is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well." "Next Monday, I have a visit planned to Saudi Arabia for a meeting with the Crown Prince. After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday on social media. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry welcomed the scheduled talks, which would take place in the country's second largest city of Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea, the ministry said in a brief statement on Friday. "The Ministry affirmed the Kingdom's continued efforts to achieve lasting peace to end the Ukrainian crisis," the statement said. On Thursday, Trump said when sharing his thoughts with reporters on reaching a Russia-Ukraine peace deal: "I think Ukraine wants to make a deal because they don't have a choice." "I also think that Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way - a different way that only I know - they have no choice either," said the president, who was surrounded by reporters in the Oval Office. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) They are the women that dedicate their life to education and community development, and on Thursday afternoon their efforts were recognized in front of city leaders. Dr. Sonia Dinnall, Catherine Mastronardi, Tracy Little-Sasanecki and Aiyanna Rodriguez were the four recognized. We are mothers, daughters, sisters, leaders, and changemakers, shared Dr. Sonia E. Dinnall, Superintendent, Springfield Public Schools. Thursdays recognition, a full-circle moment for one honoree, Catherine Mastronard,i who is now leading the community she grew up in, They brought up their family of six girls in Springfield who all went to Springfield Public Schools. Greater Holyoke YMCA holds first women leaders panel in honor of Womens History Month Tracy Little-Sasanecki, President of the Springfield Education Association shared her inner motivation as she gave her acceptance speech, And it just takes another woman, to see another woman. The youngest honoree, Aiyanna Rodriguez, was recently accepted into American International College and plans to go into criminal justice. It also makes me want to continue my journey as a young leader, shared Rodriguez. Recognition at Springfields City Hall becomes new motivation to push beyond gender boundaries. So let us use this day and every day to challenge the status quo, to break down barriers and to inspire the next generation of women to dream bigger and reach higher, shared Dr. Sonia E. Dinnall, Superintendent, Springfield Public Schools. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Fox News host Bret Baier weighed in on what it was like to interview President Trump, noting that theres a lot to fact-check. Baier sat for an interview with NOTUS for a newsroom forum Wednesday, just hours after Trump delivered a joint address to Congress. He was asked what the most challenging part of interviewing Trump is. Baier interviewed the president just before the Super Bowl last month. The fact-checking real time, you have to debate what is worth dying on that hill and having that moment, Baier said. Because theres a lot to fact-check, as you know, through something he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in an effort to get news, I think you try to steer him to the questions youre trying to go to, to the heart of the issue, he added. During his interview with Baier, Trump defended his plan to place tariffs on Canada because of a trade deficit between the two countries. Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially, in subsidy to Canada? Trump said. According to the Census Bureau, the trade deficit with Canada last year was far less than Trumps claim at about $63 billion. Economists noted the deficit is not a subsidy. The money goes toward buying goods and services with value, not heading to Canada out of American goodwill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has since said the tariffs were intended to curb the flow of migrants and fentanyl coming into the U.S. During the Fox News interview, Trump also said the U.S. is not that rich right now. We are $36 trillion [in debt], thats because we let all these nations take advantage of us, Trump said. According to information from the World Bank Group, the U.S. gross domestic product is the worlds biggest by far, at $27.7 trillion. While Baier admitted its hard to get Trump to truthfully answer questions, he noted that he often speaks with the media, unlike former President Biden. He does answer more questions than any other president Ive ever seen. I think hes already answered some 1,400 questions from the press in some way, shape or form, Baier said. Comparison to the last president, contrast rather, night and day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He eventually answers the question, you just have to give him some time to get there, and thats a challenge in a TV interview, he added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. DAKAR (Reuters) - France handed over two military facilities to Senegal on Friday, the French embassy said, the first formal step in ending French military presence in the West African country as the region shifts away from the former coloniser. France set up a joint commission with Senegal last month to organise the restitution of military bases and the withdrawal of 350 troops by the end of 2025. Senegal's neighbours Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have all already pushed out French troops and turned to Russia for help fighting jihadist insurgencies on their territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France also began its military withdrawal from Chad in December after the government there - an important Western ally in the fight against Islamic militants in the region - abruptly ended its defence cooperation pact with France. "In accordance with the decision of the joint commission... the French side handed over facilities and accommodation in the Marechal and Saint-Exupery quarters to the Senegalese side," the French embassy in Senegal said in a statement on its website, referring to sites in Dakar. Other handovers will take place according to a jointly agreed timetable, it said. Senegal's president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, said during his New Year's Eve address that all foreign military presence in Senegal would be put to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faye had also said in an interview a month earlier that France's military bases were incompatible with Senegalese sovereignty and would have to be closed. (Reporting by Robbie Corey-Boulet, Writing by Sofia Christensen, EDiting by Timothy Heritage) The former chief of Frances internal spy agency has been convicted of using public resources and his position of power to serve the private interests of Europes richest man, Bernard Arnault, the LVMH chief executive. On Friday, the Paris criminal court sentenced Bernard Squarcini, the former head of Frances central directorate of internal intelligence, to four years in prison, two of which were suspended, and a 200,000 (168,000) fine. He was tried on charges ranging from passive influence peddling, embezzlement of public funds, compromising national defence secrets and forgery of public documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Squarcinis sentencing ended a lengthy and complex trial that spanned his career as Frances former spy chief between 2008-2012, and then as a private consultant between 2013-2016, whose main client was French luxury goods powerhouse LVMH. Squarcinis main client was French luxury goods behemoth LVMH, headed by Bernard Arnault, Europes richest man - Benoit Tessier/Reuters While working as head of intelligence, Squarcini assigned French agents to conduct surveillance operations and track down a blackmailer who was targeting Mr Arnault, in what the prosecution said was a flagrant and inappropriate misuse of public funds and resources. Agents were largely kept in the dark about the identity of the businessman they were protecting, and were dispatched to Paris and Aix-en-Provence. Instructions were given orally, and pains were taken not to leave a paper trail, according to testimonies given by agents in court documents obtained by Radio France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I asked why the business leader did not file a complaint with the judicial police, pointing out to him that this was not part of our anti-terrorist missions, one of the agents told investigators. None of my business He told me that it was none of my business and that the mission came from very, very high up. I understood that it came from above Bernard Squarcini. The blackmailer, Mr Arnaults former bodyguard, claimed to have photos of the billionaire and his purported mistress. Mr Arnault claims not to have known about the surveillance operation and insists that it was requested by his chief adviser at the time, Pierre Gode, who died in 2018. After being forced out of the spy agency in 2012, Squarcini then founded his own private consultancy company, Kyrnos Conseil, where he billed LVMH 2.2 million (1.85 million) in services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the biggest missions for LVMH was mounting an elaborate three-year surveillance operation between 2013-2016 against then journalist Francois Ruffin, who headed Fakir, an independent newspaper. Mr Ruffin, now a politician, was also working on a documentary Thanks boss!, a David and Goliath-type story in which he took up the plight of a French couple left unemployed and riddled with debt after LVMH relocated their Kenzo factory from France to Poland. As part of the film, Mr Ruffin was also planning to challenge Mr Arnault and disrupt an LVMH shareholder meeting. Mr Arnault claims that he was unaware of the surveillance mission against Mr Ruffin and that it was a request made from Mr Gode. Using money and power to evade justice Proceedings against LVMH were dropped in 2021, after the group agreed to pay a 10 million (8.4 million) settlement to close the criminal probe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the sentencing, Mr Ruffin criticised Mr Arnault, accusing the billionaire of using his money and power to evade justice. The judgement states that it was at the request of LVMH, that it was in the interests of LVMH, that it was at the instigation of LVMH. It is now clear that the worlds leading luxury group, with its perfumes and fine suits, has its feet in the mud and for years has been guilty of invading privacy and violating freedom of expression. Squarcini plans to appeal the conviction. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. PARIS (Reuters) - A budget-constrained France could launch a national loan to fund plans to beef up its defence spending, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and Finance Minister Eric Lombard said on Friday. European countries are hastening to boost defence spending and maintain support for Ukraine after President Donald Trump froze U.S. military aid to Kyiv and raised doubts about Washington's commitment to its European NATO allies. Lombard told a news conference on Friday that a national loan dedicated to defence was "among the tools that we can choose from". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bayrou told Europe 1 radio and Cnews TV that such a loan was "a possibility, but we would still have to decide on it", and no such decision had yet been taken. In a televised address on Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron said France would spend more on defence - though he did not say how much more. He said there would be no tax increases to finance that, but tough choices would have to be made. His push to beef up French defence spending will not be easy as, with one of the biggest budget deficits in the European Union, France is under mounting pressure to rein in overall spending. It passed its 2025 budget last month only after weeks of delay in a deeply divided parliament. (Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Peter Graff) Archive Photos/Getty Images After more than two and half centuries of slavery, the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the 13th Amendment, Black people in America were no longer bound by the violent constraints of slavery legally. Nonetheless, the transition from enslavement to life post-emancipation was not going to be easy. In an attempt to support this transition, the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, commonly referred to as the Freedmens Bureau, was established. Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year marks 160 years since that bureau's creation, which makes this a great time to recognize its legacy, its unfulfilled promises, and what we can learn from it all. Although this agency was short-lived lasting from 1865 until 1872 its impact was huge, including the pivotal role it played for Black Americans transitioning from slavery to life as freedpeople and the stories it continues to illuminate about generations of Black folks and American history. What is the Freedmens Bureau? The Freedmens Bureau was established on March 3, 1865, when the act that created it was passed by Congress and later signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. As the National Archives explains, the bureau provided basic necessities like food, clothing, medical care, and temporary camps for shelter. It helped freedpeople legalize marriages and locate family members, as many Black families were routinely and violently ripped apart during slavery. It helped Black soldiers and sailors collect back pay, bounty payments, and pensions. The Freedmen's Bureau also helped freedpeople navigate labor contracts, sometimes helping them negotiate better terms than those offered that were still in alignment with the Black codes, laws passed by Southern state governments after the war that placed extreme limitations on the rights of Black people. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), these laws required newly freed people to sign labor contracts with white planters on terms almost indistinguishable from slavery. Education was another major focus for the bureau. It set up schools for newly freed Black people and poor white people. US Army officer Otis Howard, who was appointed commissioner of the Freedmens Bureau in 1865, used funds from the bureau to purchase land and construct campus buildings for the first historically Black college and university (HBCU), Howard University. The bureau also helped establish other HBCUs during Reconstruction, including Fisk University and Morehouse College. Land Redistribution: 40 Acres and a Mule Another crucial piece of support the bureau offered was helping freedpeople purchase land. In the beginning, one of its most ambitious goals was land redistribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On January 12, 1865, 20 Black leaders in Savannah, Georgia, mostly Baptist and Methodist ministers, met with General William T. Sherman and Lincolns secretary of war, Edwin M. Stanton, to discuss the needs of formerly enslaved people. That meeting resulted in General Shermans Special Field Order 15, which set aside land on the southeast coast for formerly enslaved people. The order, which stated so that each family shall have a plot of not more than forty acres of tillable ground, led to the origin of the phrase 40 acres and a mule Americas most famous attempt to provide some form of reparations for American slavery. Initially, the bureau planned to lease these lands up to 40 acres to the freedpeople for a set time, generally three years, and then allow them to purchase the land. This was the ultimate desire of the freedpeople, Damani Davis, an archivist who oversees the National Archives Freedmens Bureau collection, tells Teen Vogue. They wanted and needed a permanent or long-term federal institution that would help them achieve their dream of economic independence and self-autonomy through ownership, rigorous educational opportunities, protection, and equality before the law. By June of that year, around 40,000 Black people had been settled on the land set aside for them through Shermans orders. Initiatives like land redistribution initially offered hope for economic independence and self-sufficiency, but were curtailed by President Andrew Johnson. In April, one month after the Freedmens Bureau was established, Lincoln was assassinated, then Johnson took office. Johnson, a white supremacist, had land taken from many of the freedpeople and returned to former Confederates. By the summer of 1866, most of the land had been taken back. Challenges and Opposition The will to truly support the transition of the Freedpeople from enslavement to self-sufficient citizenship was not there. The Freedmen's Bureau was never adequately funded or allowed to become a long-term agency committed to a true transition from slavery to freedom, explains Davis. The former Confederates, and most white Southerners in general, opposed any federal support for the Freedpeople that would contribute in any way to their social, economic, educational, or political advancement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps more importantly, though, political opposition also hampered the Bureaus effectiveness. The agency was initially supposed to exist for one year, but in 1866, lawmakers sought to remove the expiration date and expand support to include freedpeople and refugees everywhere across the United States, not just the South. Iterations of the bill were vetoed by President Johnson twice before the Senate and the House overrode the veto. On July 16, 1866, the Freedmens Bureau Act of 1866 became law. But just seven years after its creation, in 1872, it was disbanded. Unfortunately, throughout its entire short existence," says Davis, it was completely hamstrung by those who opposed it and did not want it to succeed in fulfilling aspirations held by Black Americans and their supporters. Recordkeeping and Legacy Though the Freedmen's Bureau ceased operations in 1872, it resulted in the creation of millions of records with the names and information of hundreds of thousands of formerly enslaved people. Labor contracts, marriage certificates, and reports on racial violence documented the lives and struggles of freedpeople during Reconstruction. These records are invaluable to historians, genealogists, and descendants of the formerly enslaved. The records provide a wealth of information that could be useful for those who are interested in learning about the beginnings of Reconstruction, the end of slavery, and a lot of precursors to the violence and the eventual triumph of Jim Crow, says Davis. A lot of the precursors to things that happened later are highlighted within the Freedmens Bureau records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NMAAHC is currently leading a transcription project to digitize these records and make them more accessible to the public. Anyone can begin searching through the records online. This critical resource has revealed and continues to reveal previously unknown information about countless Black Americans, enabling their stories to be told, and fostering a deeper understanding of American history. The Freedmens Bureaus achievements in education, legal advocacy, and recordkeeping laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements. Its brief existence was a testament to the federal governments capacity to address systemic inequality. When looked at in the context of its limited resources, the political opposition that it faced, and the short timeframe of its existence, the Freedmen's Bureau can be viewed as a relative success in the work that it was able to accomplish and the services that it did provide, says Davis. However, the agencys limited lifespan and unfulfilled promises do underscore the failure to provide reparations for formerly enslaved people and their descendants. With the reversal of land redistribution efforts, many freedpeople were left without the means to achieve economic independence. This has had a lasting impact, contributing to the many inequities faced by Black folks including the racial wealth gap that persists today. From the standpoint of Black Americans' broader needs, hopes, and aspirations, it was a failure," says Davis. "But that wasn't necessarily the fault of the Freedmen's Bureau itself. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want to read more Teen Vogue history coverage? Ukraine's French-provided Mirage 2000 fighter jets took part in repelling a Russian air attack on Ukraine for the first time on March 7, according to Ukraine's Air Force. Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault overnight, firing 67 missiles of various types and deploying 194 drones. Ukraine's air defenses intercepted 34 missiles and 100 drones, with anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, and mobile fire groups contributing to the effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fighter jets, including F-16s and French Mirage 2000s, were also deployed. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed on Feb. 6 that the first Mirage 2000-5s pledged to Kyiv had arrived in Ukraine. The jets were part of a military aid package announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in June 2024, which included pilot training. Macron did not disclose the total number of aircraft France would supply. The Mirage 2000, a fourth-generation supersonic fighter, was first introduced by Dassault Aviation in the 1970s. The Mirage 2000-5 variant, introduced in 1999, features upgraded avionics, improved air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities, and an advanced sensor and control system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deployment of Mirage 2000 jets marks a significant step in Ukraine's air defense strategy as it continues to strengthen its capabilities against ongoing Russian attacks. Read also: 2 killed, 24 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over past day Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A New Oxford trucking company was sentenced to two years of probation and an $80,000 fine after having previously pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act in a federal criminal case last year, according to a news release and court records. The company pleaded guilty in October of 2024 to one felony count of violating the Clean Air Act, with prosecutors recommending the company be sentenced to an $80,000 fine and two years of probation. That recommendation was ultimately taken by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, who imposed the recommended sentence during a hearing on March 6, 2025, according to a press release issued by the United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously reported: New Oxford trucking company pleads to Clean Air Act violation - disabled emissions monitor The charge had brought the potential for a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to five months of probation, according to court documents. Frock Brothers Trucking, Inc., is seen on Frock Drive, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in Oxford Township. Prosecutors alleged that the company had conspired with a mechanic, based in Lititz, Pa., to remove emissions monitors from diesel trucks operated by the company, according to the criminal complaint. The complaint alleged that between Nov. 13 and Dec. 28 of 2018, the company contracted Leon Martin, who operated as a mechanic out of his home in Lititz, to disable or remove emission control components that were required under the Clean Air Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case, prosecutors listed eight 2014 Kenworth trucks owned by the company that had their emissions systems disabled or removed by Martin. Martin pleaded guilty to one count of felony violation of the Clean Air Act and a second count of felony conspiracy, according to court records. On March 6, 2025, Martin was sentenced to two years of probation, a three month home curfew, and a fine of $500,000 by Judge Munley. Tampering with required emissions monitoring devices in heavy duty vehicles results in a significant increase in air pollution, said Allison Landsman, the Special Agent in Charge for the Environmental Protection Agencys Criminal Investigations Division, in the Thursday news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays sentencing demonstrates that we will hold violators accountable for breaking our environmental laws. Defense counsel makes their case Prior to the sentence being handed down, the counsel for Frock Brothers argued for a lower sentence, requesting a fine of $8,000 and one year of probation, court records show. According to the documents filed by Frock Brothers and their counsel, the company was founded by brothers Ed and Daniel Frock in 1982. After "starting with almost nothing," according to the defense counsel, the brothers built the business together. At its peak, the company had 70 tractors, 300 trailers, and employed around 85 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Frock, who "played a lesser role in the company," sold his entire interest to his brother, Ed Frock, in 2021, the documents said. "Ed Frock, and Ed Frock alone, made arrangements with Leon Martin, a mechanic in Ephrata, Pennsylvania to have eight diesel trucks altered so that they would disable the emission control systems in the vehicles," the documents by counsel allege. Frock Brothers Trucking, Inc., is seen on Frock Drive, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in Oxford Township. Defense counsel argued that, towards the end of his career, Ed Frock "began to exhibit disdain towards the industry that he thought had become over regulated," calling his actions a "final act of defiance" towards those regulations. Ed Frock, the documents note, died in 2022, and the company was passed to his wife, Jane, who previously had "no involvement in the business." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Through multiple obstacles, including the surprise revelation about the altered trucks, and related investigation, Jane has worked every day thereafter to keep the company afloat," counsel argued in the document. "When Jane learned about the steps Ed had taken to alter the eight diesel trucks a few years before his passing, she was surprised, upset and immediately took steps to remedy the problem," counsel told the judge, adding that Jane Frock had "ordered that the eight trucks be altered back to their original condition." According to the company's counsel, "Frock Brothers Trucking, Inc., through Janes insistence, cooperated completely with the Government investigation." In closing their argument to the judge, counsel stated that "Frock Brothers Trucking, Inc. is a unique corporate defendant whose current leadership played no role in the offending and criminal behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Frock Brothers Trucking, Inc. has no prior history of misconduct and has fully accepted responsibility for the conduct of its former owner," the document argued. Prosecutors remained firm on sentencing recommendations In the federal prosecutor's sentencing document, the government acknowledged that the company's cooperation had "saved the United States substantial time and effort," but stated that "Frock does not have in place any program to prevent or detect future violations." Prosecutors argued, in their documents, that any sentence in the case must "reflect the seriousness of the offense" and "afford adequate deterrence to criminal conduct." Frock Brothers Trucking, Inc., is seen on Frock Drive, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in Oxford Township. In requesting the $80,000 fine, the prosecutors note that it would require the company to "disgorge some of the savings realized from its illegal conduct," which would act as a "deterrence to others considering this activity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the prosecution, Frock has a total net worth of almost $2 million. "The defendants suggestion of a one year term of probation and a paltry fine of $8,000 would provide no deterrence to others similarly situated who contemplate engaging in similar criminal conduct and polluting the atmosphere," prosecutors argued. Harrison Jones is the Hanover reporter for the Evening Sun. Reach him at hjones@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Hanover Evening Sun: Adams County trucking company gets $80K fine, probation for violations Denver-based carrier Frontier Airlines launched its nonstop flights to Tampa International Airport from Milwaukee Friday with service operating three times per week. Frontier is offering fares as low as $59, exclusively for Discount Den members. Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on April 21. Sale fares are valid for nonstop travel on select days of the week during March 14 through May 21. "With summer travel just around the corner, we are thrilled to launch this new service at MKE," wrote Josh Flyr, Frontier's vice president of network and operations design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Frontier announced 16 new routes expanding service across the U.S. and the Caribbean. Frontier currently offers nonstop flights from Milwaukee to Denver and Orlando. Milwaukee's airport has nonstop flights to over 35 destinations across North America. A full list of all nonstop destinations from Milwaukee can be found on the airport's website at www.mitchellairport.com. When should I book 2025 spring break flight tickets? Airlines generally post the best deals on Tuesday, but sales can appear at any time. You can find the links for the latest airfare deals from Milwaukee here. Average prices for U.S. flights are usually cheapest around 38 days before departure, with historically low prices ranging between 21 to 52 days before takeoff, according to Google Flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Traveling for spring break? Here's a look at some new nonstop flights from Milwaukee in 2025 Journal Sentinel reporter Claire Reid contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Frontier: New flight to Tampa from Milwaukee's airport starting March The "Zhejiang Agricultural Machinery Going to Africa" Virtual Expo kicks off at Yongkang International Convention and Exhibition Center, in the city of Jinhua in east China's Zhejiang Province, March 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Peng Songhan) by Xinhua writer Peng Songhan HANGZHOU, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The introduction of Chinese agricultural machinery to Africa has brought great opportunities to the continent, an Egyptian expert told Xinhua at an agricultural machinery expo. The "Zhejiang Agricultural Machinery Going to Africa" Virtual Expo, which kicked off on Thursday in the city of Jinhua in east China's Zhejiang Province, aims to promote cooperation between Zhejiang and Africa in the agricultural machinery sector to enhance food security and agricultural modernization. Zhejiang, home to more than 4,200 agricultural machinery companies, has established itself as a leading force in China's agriculture sector. As of now, its agricultural machinery sector has generated over 11 billion U.S. dollars in output. The expo welcomed more than 100 government officials, industry representatives and agricultural machinery dealers from over 20 African countries, including Egypt, Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria. "Smart agricultural machinery was a huge challenge for us in Egypt," said Mostafa Gouda, a professor at the National Research Centre of Egypt and Zhejiang University. "But now, with China's equipment, we've found solutions. It's a game-changer." Morocco faces similar challenges in terms of agricultural machinery. "Agriculture is crucial to our economy, but it's also a sector struggling with high costs, especially for small and medium-sized businesses," said Meriem Homaid, CEO of the Morocco SIEMA Agricultural Exhibition, adding that many farmers contend with outdated equipment and limited access to modern technology. However, Homaid sees a promising opportunity -- one rooted in China's agricultural machinery industry. "Chinese machinery offers high performance at competitive prices," she said. "It presents a unique opportunity for Moroccan farmers to embrace modernization without breaking the bank." Homaid also highlighted its adaptability to Morocco's diverse terrains and its eco-friendly features, such as solar power systems and water-saving solutions, which align with the country's sustainability goals. In Gouda's view, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the key driver of agricultural modernization in Africa. He noted that access to advanced machinery has long been a hurdle across Africa, which the BRI aims to address by fostering cooperation and investment. He emphasized that China's agricultural cooperation with Africa is "unique," pointing to China's greenhouses and smart systems, which have gained widespread popularity in Africa for their effectiveness and affordability. "This partnership with China isn't just an opportunity for Egypt -- it's an opportunity for Africa," he said. "With the right machinery, the right technology and the right collaboration, we can reshape the future of farming. And that future is bright." Enditem (Liu Che also contributed to the story.) SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) In an Executive Appropriations meeting on Thursday, $600,000 was allotted for statewide sexual assault prevention to be used during the next three years, equating to $200,000 a year. This happening after the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault saw Friday that sexual assault prevention funding was absent from the budget. They then asked the community to reach out to their legislators. PREVIOUS STORY: Utah lawmakers to cut sexual assault prevention funding, advocates asking for community outreach Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are very grateful, both to the Legislature as well as the community, Sonya Martinez-Ortiz, executive director of the Rape Recovery Center, expressed during an interview with ABC4.com. It really is the community, that sort of collective response to our ask, for people to pay attention to this, that moved the needle. During the brief meeting of the Executive Appropriations Committee (EAC), Jonathan C. Ball, fiscal analyst for the state, didnt mention directly the added funding but noted changes that had been made based off the priorities of the executive branch and subcommittee chairs. Also, on this list is a number of items that were priority for the executive branch that were negotiated by EAC chairs and included here, Ball reported to lawmakers and other members of the EAC. Though the funding had been passed in committee, chances for change are possible when the final appropriations bills, coined the bill of bills, is introduced to the House floor in tomorrows final day of the legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although funding was secured, members of UCASA are concerned how the cut in sexual assault prevention programs will have on the 13 existing centers who will now have to share that $200,000 a year. While we are very grateful to the community, and to everyone that helped to make this happen, Bethany Crisp, systems director for UCASA, told ABC4.com. That is still quite a cut from 1.1 million a year, down to that 200,000. Martinez-Ortiz expanded on this, saying that funding goes towards 13 separate centers across the state. There are 13 designated rape crises throughout the state, Martinez-Ortiz explained. So, this does mean that [money] will have to be split up between 13 organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funding in question is funding used by these organizations in the prevention education efforts. These organizations use it to provide state approved curriculums to Jr. high and High school students about healthy relationships and how to seek out help. These also include programs for university students and other businesses and organizations. Taking this big of a hit, it does mean that many of [these organizations] will scale back programs, I cant speak for the other organizations, but we will take the funding that is provided to us, and we will make it go as far as we can make it go, Martinez-Ortiz stated. Resources If you or anyone you know may be a victim of sexual assault, Crips said to call UCASAs helpline at 801-736-4356 for English or 801-924-0860 for Spanish. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. HONOLULU (KHON2) In a bold move, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education as he looks to shrink the size of federal government. The Trump administration is preparing to eliminate the Department of Education, with a draft executive order directing education secretary Linda McMahon to initiate the closure. $25.3M athletics facility breaks ground at Ewa Beach school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move seeks to return education control to the states. Americas education quality and statistics has dropped drastically, and so we are no longer number one across the world, and centralizing education, which the federal Department of Education does, is simply not good for America. Its not good for our education system, said State Representative Diamond Garcia, House Minority Floor Leader. However, critics, including the Hawaii State Teachers Association, argue such a move would disrupt funding and oversight for essential programs, particularly those supporting special education students and low-income students. Those concerns voiced at a recent town hall meeting with Hawaii Congresswoman Jill Tokuda. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You I have some teachers that are preschool teachers that Im concerned about for them, but also, its the kids, said Maureen, a teacher in Honokaa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the HSTA, the state Department of Education receives nearly 11% of its annual funding from the federal government. Federal funds provide Hawaii nearly $52 million a year in Title 1 grants to hire teachers and support staff. Loss of those funds could mean a larger teacher shortage. Hawaii Athletics announces partnership with Nike, BSN Sports Hawaii could also lose about $38 million in federal support for special needs students. And school meal subsidies could be at risk. The HSTA has voiced its concerns, its members participating in a recent rally in Washington, D.C Those who support the Presidents agenda say they see the move as a benefit for the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the President has made clear that its not cutting funds and were no longer funding programs. Were simply wanting to remove the oversight, the bureaucracy, the red tape from the Federal DOE, and let the states handle things for themselves, said Rep. Garcia. Check out more news from around Hawaii Its not clear what the state would do if the federal government followed through with eliminating the DOE, but it is certain that as the future for the department unfolds, Hawaii educators and legislators are closely monitoring developments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. A suspect in the murder of rapper G$ Lil Ronnie has been arrested ... TMZ has confirmed. Forrest Hills Police Chief David Hernandez tells TMZ Adonis Robinson -- a 24-year-old man -- was arrested in Livingston, Texas ... about 75 miles outside of Houston. G$ Lil Ronnie Crime Scene Photos - Click image to open gallery The Intelligence division of the FHPD was involved in the arrest ... though it's unclear how they tracked Robinson down. We're told a second suspect -- a 21-year-old named Jakobe Russell -- is still at large. TMZ As you know ... G$ Lil Ronnie and his five-year-old daughter R'Mani were shot to death at a car wash in Forrest Hills -- a suburb near Fort Worth, TX Monday. The two were spending time together to celebrate her birthday when cops say the two suspects jumped out of their white Kia and fired multiple bullets into the car, killing R'Mani and wounding Ronnie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We obtained video from the scene which shows then men then chase Ronnie around the parking lot ... before killing him. Officers arrived at the scene, but they could not save the two. Police Identify G$ Lil Ronnie and Daughter's Murder Suspects, Call Them Cowards The suspects were identified by law enforcement Wednesday ... and, Chief Hernandez called the two men cowards. A motive for the shooting hasn't been identified. After a week of voting and more than 18,800 clicks in the poll, Gallatin High School's Aidynn Oden has emerged as The Tennessean Student of the Week honoring dancers. Oden, a sophomore, is a member of Gallatin's award-winning Wavettes dance team and is currently enrolled in the school's dance program. She and her team recently competed at the National Dance Alliance High School Dance Nationals in Orlando, Florida, where they placed 5th in Hip Hop and 8th in Game Day. One of Oden's teachers wrote that she is an assistant choreographer for the dance program's spring concert, and that she's not only a leader in dance, but also "in the classroom" at Gallatin High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of The Tennessean Student of the Week series, we ask teachers, staff and administrators to send us their nominations, and then we let you, the reader, decide who wins by casting votes in our online poll. This week, we asked schools from across Middle Tennessee to send us their best dance students. We got nominations for hip-hop and ballet students and everything in between. We will be taking a short recess for spring break after this week, as many of our schools will be doing the same, but we will return with a new poll on April 7. Be sure to mark your calendar now because you won't want to miss out. The April 7 poll will feature students who excel in E-Sports, but first, let's revisit the dancers from this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As always, we believe every student who gets nominated for the Student of the Week feature is a winner. So here's a little bit about our other nominees from this week, as written by those who nominated them: Ella Procter: Montgomery Central High School The senior has danced her whole life at her local studio and throughout her matriculation in high school. During her sophomore year, Procter suffered a tear in her shoulder that caused surgery and 6 weeks off. She didnt let that stop her, though. She came back stronger than ever! Ava Goggin: Beech High School The junior has been on the dance team since she was freshman. Goggin is such a devoted team member and incredibly talented dancer. She not only performs on the dance team but dances on a competition team with American Academy of Dance in Hendersonville. Bryleigh Johnson: Rossview High School The senior has been training to dance since the age of three at Dance Force. As soon as she was eligible, she joined both her middle school and high school dance teams. Johnson has been a committed varsity member of the RHS dance team for four years and now serves as captain. Throughout all four years of high school, she has balanced the demands of competitive dance while maintaining her focus on education and leadership. Her commitment, discipline and passion exemplify the qualities of an outstanding student-athlete. Annabella Venerma: Mount Juliet High School The senior has danced for roughly 11 years with nine of those being competitive. She has been a part of the Mount Juliet High School Dance Team (MJDT) for the past 3 years and served as a captain this past season. This past season, her hip-hop routine once again placed 7th in the nation. She was also awarded the DTU Pro award this past season at DTU Camp, a three-day dance summer camp through the competitive circuit Dance Team Union. After high school, she plans to attend a four-year university and major in sustainability studies. Ella Gould: Montgomery Central High School The senior has been a member of the dance team for 4 years and is currently a captain. She has overcome a lot in her 4 years on the MCHS dance team and has battled her way back from injury. She was recently named an All American at Universal Dance Association dance camp. This year she also helped lead her team to placing 6th place in nationals in the hip-hop division. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Gallatin's Aidynn Oden wins The Tennessean dance Student of the Week Mar. 7A Galt high school received its very first state recognition last month. The California Department of Education selected Estrellita High School as one of 74 Model Continuation High Schools for 2025. The DOE said the schools provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through "exemplary" instructional strategies, flexible scheduling and guidance and counseling services. Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school, and are at risk of not completing their education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The school principal and staff have worked very hard to provide a learning environment for students that demonstrates caring for students first, and a support system built on knowing what each student needs to be successful," Galt Joint Unified High School District superintendent Anna Trunnell said. Estrellita was one of just two campuses in Sacramento County to be honored this year, along with Calvine High School in the Elk Grove Unified School District. There are 429 continuation high schools that serve nearly 49,000 students throughout the state. To be considered for the designation, districts and schools must submit an application and undergo an on-site visit by an outside review team, as well as final analysis of eligibility that takes several months, the DOE said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An official awards ceremony will take place at a conference in San Diego in April. "The priority of our Model Continuation High Schools is to give students more than a diploma," State Superintendent of Schools Tony Thurmond said. "The teachers and administrators aim to provide students with a student-centered approach that meets their diverse academic, social, and emotional needs and opportunities to explore options beyond high school, preparing students for the future whether they choose to pursue further education or join the workforce." Trunnell said to her knowledge, this is the first award in Estrellita's history. Last year, Liberty Ranch High School received a California Distinguished School award and both comprehensive high schools were included in the district receiving an Advanced Placement District of the Year award from the College Board in 2020. "Estrellita receives great support from our school board and district office administration," Principal Joe Schallberger said. "We have a great group of teachers and support staff that try to build strong positive relationships with our students. Our goal is to provide support for our students to graduate and leave with a post graduate plan. We are excited and honored to be a California Model Continuation School." Kim Gatton, the principal at Calhoun Elementary School in McLean County, has been selected to be a member of the Numeracy Counts Administrator Academy Design Team, a team of educators across Kentucky who will be designing professional development curriculum focusing on improving math literacy in early elementary school classes. Gatton was one of six principals across the state to be selected for the team. Im excited for the opportunity to be selected for the team, Gatton said. As a team member, I will play a first-hand role in designing some of the professional development curriculum for teachers across the state which puts me in a great position to utilize these trainings for my own staff members during the first limited cohort of teachers and educators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gatton said that, because shes a member of the design team, elementary school teachers and principals across McLean County will be eligible to attend the training sessions that will take place this summer. Gatton, a former high school chemistry teacher, said that she understands how valuable math literacy is for students. The state has already made a big push for reading literacy in younger elementary school students, so now its time to also focus on math literacy, she said. The push for improved math literacy in grades kindergarten through third is because of Kentucky House Bill 162, which passed in 2024. The bills goal is that all students have the skills necessary to demonstrate procedural skill and fluency, building from conceptual understanding to application, in order to solve real-world problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The focus on numeracy, the ability and confidence to understand, reason with and apply mathematical concepts in real-world situations, according to the Kentucky Department of Education, is not just about performing calculations, but also about understanding the context and meaning of those numbers. As a member of the design team, Gatton will be working with educational leaders from the University of Louisville, Northern Kentucky University, the University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, the Kentucky Center for Mathematics and regional educational cooperatives. The initial cohort of educators participating in the new math literacy focused curriculum trainers are limited to 125 participants at each of eight training sites. The Kentucky Department of Education states that understanding the nature of high-quality mathematics instruction, and what teachers and students should be doing in the classroom is essential for an instructional leader of a school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why Gatton said she is honored to be a part of the design team and to extend her knowledge to her other team members. As a former chemistry teacher, I understand how important math literacy is for students as they pursue more education or enter into a career, Gatton said. So, by focusing on math literary while the students are still in early elementary school, we will be able to show students why math is important for practical uses and real-world applications. The design team met for the first time in Lexington in February and will continue to meet until the training sessions begin this summer. Teachers will use the information and curriculum training received in these classes beginning during the 2025-2026 school year. (NEXSTAR) The causes of death for actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were released Friday after days of mystery and speculation. At a media conference Friday, Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner for New Mexicos medical investigator office, identified Hackmans cause of death as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiac disease, with Alzheimers disease as a significant contributory factor. Arakawas cause of death was said to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Gene Hackmans wife Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus. But what is it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hantaviruses are found throughout New Mexico and primarily in deer mice. Human infections are rare but serious. There have been 136 such cases in the past 50 years in the state, and 42% of those cases were fatal, said Erin Phipps, New Mexico State Veterinarian. Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26. Hackman was found on the floor of the homes mudroom alongside a walking cane and sunglasses, and Arakawa was found on a bathroom floor near a space heater. One of their dogs was discovered dead nearby. An open prescription bottle was also found near Arakawas body, with pills scattered on the bathroom countertop. The medical examiner clarified Friday the pills were thyroid medications, which were being taken as prescribed and not believed to have contributed to her death. Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa arrive for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, in January 2003. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File) A responding deputy had previously said he believed Hackman and Arakawa may have both fallen abruptly based on the position of the items found near their bodies, according to an affidavit. He observed no immediate signs of trauma, the document indicated. The medical examiner confirmed both Hackman and Arakawa had no signs of internal or external trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bodies did, however, show signs of decomposition, bloating and, at least in Arakawas case, mummification of her hands, the deputy said. Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza and Jarrell shared evidence that suggested Arakawa may have died several days before her husband. Email activity and surveillance footage show she was alive on Feb. 11, communicating with others and running errands. However, there was no additional communication or comings and goings after that day. Gas company shares findings from Santa Fe home of Hackman, Arakawa Hackmans pacemaker had registered cardiac activity on Feb. 17 with some abnormal activity on Feb. 18 the last on record for the device. Based on the evidence, Jarrell said it was reasonable to conclude Arakawa died first and Hackman died about a week later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if Hackman was possibly not aware that Arakawa had died, an official on Friday said it was difficult to answer, but that it was quite possible. An autopsy revealed Hackman had very extensive heart disease, including multiple prior heart procedures and prior heart attacks. A look at his brain also showed advanced Alzheimers, Jarrell said. When asked if starvation may have killed Hackman, the medical examiner shared there was no food in his stomach, so he hadnt eaten recently, but he also wasnt showing signs of dehydration. The couple was not discovered until Feb. 26. Santa Fe County deputies are pictured on Feb. 27, 2025, outside of the Santa Fe house where Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead the day before. (AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales) The cause of death for the dog found dead inside the home is unknown. The sheriff said necropsy results for the pet were still pending. Dogs do not get sick from hantaviruses, Phipps said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials initially noted in the search warrant affidavit that there were no issues with the gas pipes and no signs of a carbon monoxide leak at the home. Sheriff Mendoza later said at a Feb. 28 news conference that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning. The New Mexico Gas Company, earlier this week, said its investigators had identified five red tags (i.e., safety concerns) at Hackman and Arakawas home, though none were believed to be a factor in the deaths, the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office said. One of those red tags was issued due to a minuscule gas leak stemming from a stove burner, but it was not a lethal amount, officials said. Legend: Voice actor behind Space Ghost dead at 67 Hackman, a Hollywood icon, won two Oscars during a storied career in films including The French Connection, Hoosiers and Superman from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arakawa, born in Hawaii, studied as a concert pianist, attended the University of Southern California and met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a California gym. Hackman dedicated much of his time in retirement to painting and writing novels far from Hollywoods social circuit. He served for several years on the board of trustees at the Georgia OKeeffe Museum in Santa Fe, and he and his wife were investors in local businesses. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. The seemingly mysterious deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe, N.M., home were both natural and occurred days apart before they were discovered, authorities announced Friday. Hackman, 95, had heart disease and Alzheimer's disease and probably died days after his 65-year-old wife, who died of hantavirus, the New Mexico medical investigator's office announced. The contributing factors in Arakawa's death were attributed to rodents. The bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa were discovered at their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26, but Hackman's pacemaker was active only until Feb. 17, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza. Gene Hackman accepts his Oscar for lead actor at the 44th Academy Awards in Los Angeles in 1972. (Associated Press) Santa Fe County sheriffs deputies responded to the home and discovered Arakawas body in a bathroom with prescription pills scattered on a countertop nearby. Hackmans body was found in another room, according to a search warrant affidavit filed in the Santa Fe County Magistrate Court. Both bodies showed signs that they had fallen down abruptly and were partially decomposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both died from natural causes, Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner at the medical investigator's office, said. Jarrell performed the autopsy on Hackman and said his brain showed "advanced Alzheimer's disease as well as blood vessel changes in the brain secondary to chronic high blood pressure." "He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his death," Jarrell said. When asked whether Hackman's Alzheimer's disease prevented him from being able to tell if his wife was dead, Jarrell could not say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think that question is difficult to answer, but I can tell you that he was in an advanced state of Alzheimer's, and it is quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased," Jarrell said. An examination of Hackman's pacemaker showed some signs of activity on Feb. 17 and "an abnormal rhythm" the next day, which were the last signs of life, authorities said. While officials said they could not provide an exact time and date for the deaths, they think Arakawa died Feb. 11. Investigators pieced together Arakawa's last days through surveillance footage and emails, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She picked up her dog from a veterinary hospital on Feb. 9. Then she was seen on surveillance footage on Feb. 11 at a local Sprouts supermarket around 3:30 p.m. and a CVS Pharmacy shortly before 4:30 p.m., according to investigators. She stopped at a pet food store and shortly before 5 p.m. returned to her neighborhood and activated the remote control to open the gate to her subdivision. Earlier in the day, Arakawa wrote to her massage therapist over email. There was no email activity on the following day, according to officials. Though Jerrell did not pinpoint exactly where Arakawa contracted hantavirus, they did note that it is transmitted by rodent droppings or saliva, and characterized by flu like symptoms, fever, muscle aches, cough, vomiting and diarrhea. Erin Phipps, New Mexico state public health veterinarian, said there were signs of rodent entry in some structures on the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly 38% to 50% of people in Southwest who are infected and experience respiratory symptoms die from the disease, officials said. The rest of the Hackman family was notified about the investigation results, Jarrell said, adding that it's unusual for her office to comment on death investigations. But the "circumstances surrounding these two deaths require accurate dissemination of important information." One of the couple's dogs the one that Arakawa had picked up from the vet was found dead in a closet near her body, and two other dogs found on the property were able to enter and exit the home through a door at the rear of the residence, according to Mendoza. The couple's bodies were discovered by maintenance workers at the Santa Fe Summit housing community, where Hackman and Arakawa led private lives, authorities said. They told investigators they had not spoken to the couple in more than two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 'Just a regular guy': Gene Hackman enjoyed a quiet, simple life in Santa Fe, until tragedy struck last week On Sunday, Hackman was memorialized at the Academy Awards ceremony by actor Morgan Freeman. The two co-starred in the films "Unforgiven" and "Under Suspicion." "Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer whose gifts elevated everyone's work," Freeman said. "He received two Oscars but more importantly he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world." Gene always said, I dont think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work. I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more. Rest in peace, my friend, Freeman 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. Gene Hackmans wife Betsy Arakawa died from rodent-born hantavirus one week before the actor ultimately died from cardiovascular disease and advanced Alzheimers, according to the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. OMI chief medical investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell and Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared the autopsy results in a press conference on Friday, confirming that both individuals died naturally in their New Mexico home before they were found on Feb. 26. It is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around Feb. 18. Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Mrs. Hackman passed away first, with Feb. 11 being the last time that she was known to be alive, Dr. Jarrell said. There is no reliable scientific method to accurately determine the exact time or date of death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would assume that that is the case, given his Alzheimers status, that Mr. Hackman was able to live on his own and survive, Sheriff Mendoza then explained of the week difference in their given times of death. They further noted that the CDC is aware of Arakawas hantavirus diagnosis and added that dogs cannot get sick from the virus typically carried by deer mice in the region, which is transmitted from animals to humans. Officials did say that their late dog Zinna was taken to a local veterinary hospital on Feb. 9 for surgery, perhaps explaining why the pet was found crated in their bathroom. New Mexico Department of Health chief veterinarian Dr. Erin Phipps also provided specifics about the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome that killed Arakawa, who likely brushed off her illness due to its flu-like symptoms: Hantavirus can be transmitted to people through rodent urine, droppings or saliva, so it is important to take special steps when cleaning up after rodents. Avoiding contact with or breathing in aerosolized rodent urine or feces, especially in a poorly ventilated area, is key. Hackman, meanwhile, tested negative for the hantavirus. His official cause of death was listed as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with Alzheimers disease as a significant contributory factor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This update comes one week after the previous related press conference, where Mendoza announced that Hackmans pacemaker revealed his last event occurred on Feb. 17, nine days before his and Arakawas bodies were eventually found. News of their deaths then broke a day later on Feb. 27. Both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide. An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr. Hackmans pacemaker. This revealed that his last event was recorded on Feb. 17, 2025, the sheriff said last week, citing an OMI pathologist. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual. Collected from the residence from the search warrant, there were two green in color cell phones, two bottles of medication, one bottle of over-the-counter Tylenol, My Request medical records and a 2025 monthly planner calendar, he added. Those items were secured from the residence for evidentiary purposes. Earlier this week, the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office and City Fire Department further reiterated that carbon monoxide poisoning is not believed to be a factor in their deaths, despite a minuscule, non-lethal gas leak found on a stove burner. Authorities also told the AP they incorrectly identified the breed of the dog that was found near Arakawas body as a German shepherd when it was actually a kelpie mix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 26, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriffs Deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased. The bodies of Mr. Hackman and his wife were located in separate rooms, Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office media coordinator Denise Womack-Avila initially told TheWrap in a Feb. 27 statement. Foul play is not currently suspected as a factor in those deaths. Cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Officials subsequently updated Arakawas age upon her death to 65. Per the search warrant affidavit, detectives first located the bodies with signs of decomposition and mummification in both hands and feet, though there were no observable wounds otherwise. There were also scattered prescription pills found on a bathroom counter near Arakawas body, while Hackman was found dead in the mudroom. Additionally, Hackmans daughters and granddaughter told TheWrap, It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss. The two-time Oscar winner, his pianist wife of 34 years and one of their dogs were found dead after a home maintenance worker called in a welfare check. Two other dogs were found alive on the property. Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding the couples passing, foul play has never been suspected. The post Gene Hackman Cause of Death: Actor Died of Heart Disease and Alzheimers One Week After Wife Succumbed to Hantavirus appeared first on TheWrap. UNITED NATIONS, March 7 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday strongly condemned all violence and called for an end to hostilities after the latest escalation killed at least 237 people in Syria. Guterres is concerned about the recent clashes in Syria's coastal areas, including reports of extrajudicial killings and civilian casualties, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said during a daily briefing. The UN chief strongly condemns all violence in Syria and calls on the parties to protect civilians and cease hostilities, Dujarric said. Guterres is alarmed by the risk of escalating tensions among communities in Syria at a time when reconciliation and peaceful political transition should be the priority, Dujarric said. "After 14 years of conflict, Syrians deserve sustainable peace, prosperity and justice." At least 237 people have been killed in Syria's coastal region since the latest military escalation began on Thursday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, on Friday. The Observatory reported that military personnel, opposition fighters, and civilians were among those killed as government forces continued their crackdown on remnants of the former regime's military factions in the governorates of Latakia, Tartous, and Hama. It marked the deadliest escalation in the country since the fall of the previous government last December, the Observatory said. Gene Hackmans death was caused by cardiovascular disease and Alzheimers disease and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died of hantavirus, according to the chief medical examiner for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home in late February. Although the local sheriffs department initially stated there was no indication of foul play, an affidavit released by New Mexico authorities later called the deaths suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation. More from TVLine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies found Hackman and Arakawa, and their dog, deceased during a visit to the couples house. Per the affidavit, the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened. Per our sister site Variety, it appears that Arakawa died on or around Feb. 11, while Hackman passed about a week later. Hackman had advanced Alzheimers disease and severe heart disease; his pacemaker showed a cardiac event taking place on Feb. 17, according to the Office of the Medical Investigator. According to the Centers for Disease Control, hantavirus is a potentially fatal virus spread mainly by rodents. According to the warrant, maintenance workers found Hackmans body in the houses mudroom, with sunglasses and a cane nearby; an officer on the scene said it looked like he had suddenly fallen. while Arakawas body was on a bathroom floor. A counter in that bathroom also contained an open prescription bottle, with pills spilled out. Both bodies showed signs of decomposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A German shepherd was found dead near Arakawa in the bathroom; two other dogs were found, alive, on the property. Local officials did not find evidence of a gas or carbon monoxide leak in the house. Best of TVLine Sign up for TVLine's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The causes of deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were revealed by officials on Friday, more than one week after the couple was mysteriously found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home. Hackman, 95, died of cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease likely around Feb. 18, about one week after his wife died from a rare syndrome, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, on about Feb. 11, officials said. Hackman's death was from "hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributory factor," Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator for the state's Office of the Medical Investigator, announced at a news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer's disease," she said. "He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think, ultimately, that is what resulted in his death." PHOTO: Gene Hackman arrives with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., Jan. 19, 2003. (Mark J. Terrill/AP) MORE: Gene Hackman's wife dies from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome: What to know Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted through rodent urine, droppings or saliva, officials said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the disease "initially causes flu-like symptoms that can progress to more severe illness where people have trouble breathing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who contract hantavirus after being exposed to rodent excrement often feel ill for roughly three to six days, Jarrell said. "Then they can transition to that pulmonary phase, where they have fluid in their lungs and around their lungs," she said. "And at that point, a person can die very quickly, within 24 to 48 hours, roughly speaking, without medical treatment." Hackman was likely home with his deceased wife for one week before he died, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said. There was no food in his stomach, which means he had not eaten recently, but he had also no evidence of dehydration, officials said. Hackman "was in an advanced state of Alzheimer's, and it's quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased," Jarrell said, adding that the "question is difficult to answer." PHOTO: The house owned by actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, Feb. 27, 2025, in Santa Fe, N.M. (Roberto E. Rosales/AP) MORE: Gene Hackman's 2 surviving dogs are 'safe and adjusting,' friend says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Academy Award-winning actor and his wife were found dead during a Feb. 26 welfare check, with no obvious signs of how they died, the sheriff's office said. Authorities said last week that the couple tested negative for carbon monoxide. The New Mexico Gas Company also concluded its investigation for carbon monoxide at the home, saying there were "no significant findings" of leaks. Authorities said last week that their deaths were "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation," according to a search warrant affidavit. PHOTO: Sherif Adan Mendoza speaks at a press conference on March 7, 2025. (Pool via ABC News) Hackman was discovered on the floor in the mud room and it appeared he fell suddenly, according to the search warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hackman suffered from "severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure," Jarrell said. The actor's "initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on Feb. 17, with subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on Feb. 18, which was the last record of heart activity," Jarrell said. Hackman tested negative for hantavirus, officials noted. Arakawa was found lying on her side on the floor in a bathroom, with a space heater near her body, according to the search warrant. Her body showed signs of decomposition; there was mummification to her hands and feet, the document said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Gene Hackman and his wife test negative for carbon monoxide after mysteriously found dead On the counter near Arakawa was an opened prescription bottle, with pills scattered, according to the search warrant. The pills were determined to be thyroid medication that was being taken as prescribed and did not appear to have any contribution to her death, officials said on Friday. One of the couple's three dogs was found dead in a crate about 10 to 15 feet from Arakawa's body, officials said. But their two other dogs were found alive. It appeared they had access to a doggy door; one dog was found near Arakawa's body and the other was located outside, according to Mendoza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff on Friday outlined Arakawa's final days. MORE: Gene Hackman, Oscar-winning star of 'Hoosiers' and 'Unforgiven,' dies at 95 On Feb. 9, Arakawa picked up one of their three dogs -- the dog who was later found dead in the home with the couple -- from a vet hospital after a procedure, which may explain why the dog was discovered in a crate when the bodies were found, the sheriff said. On the afternoon of Feb. 11, Arakawa went to a farmer's market, CVS and a pet food store, and entered her gated community at 5:15 p.m., the sheriff said. There's no evidence she had any communication after Feb. 11, the sheriff said, saying all of her emails were unread after that date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's possible the dog died from lack of access to food and water, said Dr. Erin Phipps, veterinarian with the New Mexico Department of Health, but officials are awaiting results of the necropsy. Dogs do not get sick from hantavirus, she noted. There were 864 cases of hantavirus in the U.S. from 1993 to 2022, according to the CDC. Gene Hackman's wife died of hantavirus; actor died of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's: Officials originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died a week apart of different diseases in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home last month, authorities said Friday. Arakawa, 65, died on or around Feb. 11 from pulmonary syndrome caused by hantavirus, a disease typically spread by rodents, the medical examiner said at a press conference. Hackman, 95, died on or around Feb. 18, a week later, of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimers disease as a significant contributory factor, said Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator. There was no food in his stomach but no evidence of dehydration, the medical examiner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their dog that was found dead in a crate in a bathroom closet had been taken to the veterinarian for a procedure two days prior to Arakawas death, possibly explaining why it was kept in the kennel, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said. He added that an investigation found there was one minor leak from a single burner on the kitchen stove that let off gas that made up 0.33% of room air a pretty minute and insignificant amount, he said, throwing cold water on speculation that the couple and their dog died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Their remains did not test positive for carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities said earlier. Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa during the 60th Golden Globe Awards in 2003. Steve Granitz via Getty Images Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home during a Feb. 26 wellness check, which was conducted after a maintenance worker saw their bodies through the windows. While one of their dogs was found dead in a crate, their other two were alive on the property. Both bodies were found in a state of decomposition, with Hackman in the foyer and Arakawa in a bathroom near scattered prescription medications for high blood pressure and thyroid conditions. A sheriffs deputy on the scene said it appeared as if Hackman and Arakawa had both suddenly fallen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hantavirus, the rodent-spread infection that caused Arakawas death, is characterized by flulike symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, cough, vomiting, diarrhea and shortness of breath. Symptom onset occurs one to eight weeks after exposure to rodent feces. Over the past five years, New Mexico has confirmed between one and seven hantavirus infections in humans each year, Dr. Erin Phipps, the state public health veterinarian, said at Fridays press conference. This is a serious disease, she continued. Forty-two percent of these infections here in New Mexico were fatal. Most transmission occurs around the patients residence or workplace. Related... The cause of death for actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has finally been revealed. After The French Connection actor, his wife, and one of their three dogs were found dead in their home in New Mexico, their family initially suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. However, at a press conference on Friday, law enforcement officials from Santa Fe County revealed the true cause of death to the public. Gene Hackman And Wife Betsy Arakawa Did Not Die From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Luis Guerra/The Grosby Group/ MEGA The cause of death for the Oscar-winning actor has finally been revealed, but it might leave some with more questions than answers. On Friday, March 7, the Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico at the office of the Medical Investigator, Dr. Heather Jarrell, said that she believes that he passed away on February 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to her findings, he passed away due to hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with Alzheimers disease as a significant contributing factor, as reported by Us Weekly. The family was informed of the autopsy findings before they were released to the public. Betsy Arakawas Cause Of Death Deemed Natural Guerra Jr/The Grosby Group / MEGA Dr. Jarrell went on to say that she believed that Betsy Arakawa died about a week prior to her husband, on the evening of February 11. The cause of death for Mrs. Hackman is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, she stated. The cause of death is natural. In a statement shared with the public, the Santa Fe Countys Sheriffs Office stated, On February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriffs deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased. In their initial statement, they clarified that foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time. Gene Hackmans Family Believed He Died From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning CAMERA PRESS/Pat Lyttle/MEGA His daughters, Elizabeth and Lesie, and his granddaughter, Annie, released a statement to the public mourning the loss of the legendary actor. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy, they said at the time. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They previously told TMZ that they suspected that he passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning, prompting County Sheriff Adan Mendoza to explain that they were waiting on approval of a search warrant before they could investigate the premises. After finding no gas leaks on the property, they deemed the deaths suspicious, in a copy of the report obtained by TMZ. The Familys Deaths Were Deemed Suspicious MEGA In the affidavit, a detective concluded that The death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation because the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened, deputies observed a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, a deceased dog laying 10-15 feet from the deceased female in a closet of the bathroom, the heater being moved, the pill bottle being opened and pills scattered next to the female, the male decedent being located in a separate room of the residence, and no obvious signs of a gas leak. They went on to state that Arakawa was found unconscious next to a space heater and in a state of decomposition with bloating in her face and mummification in her hands and feet. Sources told TMZ that Hackman was found in a separate bedroom, fully clothed, with sunglasses next to him. Close Friends Were Concerned For The Actors Health CAMERA PRESS/AFF/MEGA Shortly before the actors passing, friends of the family revealed that they had been concerned for his health for months. Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, who said they had known the couple for over thirty years, claimed that Hackman had become increasingly homebound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noticed that he had quit riding his bike through the neighborhood about a year ago and told People magazine, He was really slipping there. She also described Arakawa as so fit and in perfect health. RIP to Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa in 1986 - Credit: Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images The causes of death of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been revealed, the chief medical examiner announced Friday, nine days after the couple was found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home. Both Hackman and Arakawas deaths were found to be the result of natural causes, albeit six days apart: Dr. Heather Jarrell said that Arakawa likely died on Feb. 11 from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, while Hackman died Feb. 18 (based on pacemaker information) from heart disease, with advanced Alzheimers disease also a contributing factor. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also shared a timeline of what they believe was Arakawas last day of life on Feb. 11: She was seen on surveillance video that day running errands like going to a veterinarian, farmers market, and CVS, and had an email conversation at some point that day. At 5:15 p.m. on Feb. 11, Arakawa used the clicker to access the private community where her and Hackmans house was. After that, there was no additional outgoing communication or activity, leading investigators to believe she died on Feb. 11. (There is no exact scientific method to pinpoint exact time of death, Dr. Jarrell said.) Hackman, investigators believe, died a week later on Feb. 18, with an autopsy revealing the primary cause as extensive heart disease, along with advanced Alzheimers disease. Police did not share any other concrete details about Hackmans last week of life following his wifes death, though the medical examiner said Hackman had an empty stomach at the time of his death. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), according to the Mayo Clinic, is a rare infectious disease that begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses rapidly to more severe disease. It can lead to life-threatening lung and heart problems. The disease is usually caused by inhaling hantaviruses that have become airborne from rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Its unclear how Arakawa became infected, or if she was aware of her infection prior to her death. On Feb. 26, the actor, his wife of 34 years, and one of their dogs were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza; the dog that died was in a crate following a veterinary procedure days earlier, and investigators noted that dogs cannot be carriers of HPS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office said in an initial statement that foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths but that an active and ongoing investigation was underway. Soon after news of the deaths surfaced, Hackmans daughter Elizabeth spoke to TMZ and said she and her family suspected carbon monoxide poisoning; the coroners office soon dismissed that theory, as local gas companies found no evidence of a gas leak, and the autopsy reports confirmed that. Hackman, whose gravitas and humanity made him a compelling onscreen fixture for 40 years, starred in classic films like The French Connection, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Conversation, and Superman. He retired from his acting career in 2004 with two Oscars (out of five nominations total), three Golden Globes (as well as a Cecil B. DeMille Award), and two BAFTA awards. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Originally appeared on E! Online Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's final moments have been revealed by authorities. Two weeks after the police found the coupleas well as one of their three dogsdead inside their New Mexico home on Feb. 26, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza held a press conference alongside the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator and the New Mexico Department of Health to give updates in their investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officials revealed that Arakawa likely passed away around Feb. 11one week before Hackmans pacemaker recorded his last activityfrom hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory illness caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents. The 65-year-old had been seen on visiting a local grocery store, pet food shop and CVS pharmacy that day, according to Mendoza. Surveillance footage showed her returning to the gated community where she and Hackman lived around 4:54 p.m. Hackman's cause of death has been ruled as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)or hardening of the arterieswith Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor, according to authorities. During the press conference, medical investigator Heather Jarrell noted that the 95-year-old was in an "advanced state" of Alzheimer'sa neurodegenerative brain disorderand it was "quite possible that he was not aware" Arakawa had died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He was in a very poor state of health," Jarrell said. "He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his in his death." And though there was no food in Hackman's stomach at the time of his death, Jarrell said she "did not see evidence of dehydration." Authorities believe Hackman died around Feb. 17 due to the readings on his pacemaker. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Arakawa was active on email in prior days, "numerous" messages were left unopened on her computer on the night of Feb. 11, according to Mendoza. He said there was no additional outgoing email communication from Arakawa after that night, leading investigators to believe she died at home some time around then. Hackman's cause of death has been ruled as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)or hardening of the arterieswith Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor, according to authorities. During the press conference, medical investigator Heather Jarrell noted that the 95-year-old was in an "advanced state" of Alzheimer'sa neurodegenerative brain disorderand it was "quite possible that he was not aware" Arakawa had died. Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images "He was in a very poor state of health," Jarrell said. "He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his in his death." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And though there was no food in Hackman's stomach at the time of his death, Jarrell said she "did not see evidence of dehydration." Authorities believe Hackman died around Feb. 18 due to the readings on his pacemaker. According to a Feb. 26 search warrant affidavit obtained by E! News, Hackman was found dead in a mudroom. A deputy noted he believes the Birdcage actor may have suddenly fallen. Arakawa was found on the floor of a bathroom with a bottle of prescription pills on the counter and scattered on the surface, and a space heater near her head. Both bodies showed mummification and Arakawas showed signs of body decomposition, according to the affidavit. Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images The sheriff also confirmed at a Feb. 28 press conference, At the time of death, they were negative for carbon monoxide, which means to me that is possibly ruled out as a cause of death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the investigation, Morgan Freemanwho costarred alongside Hackman in Unforgiven and Under Suspicionhonored his contributions to the film industry at the 2025 Oscars, describing him as a generous performer." "Gene always said, I don't think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work, Freeman said during the March 2 ceremony. So I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you will be remembered for that and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend. Keep reading to look back on Hackmans life 1965 Image/Getty Images 1969 Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images 1971 Getty Images 1974 Tony Korody/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1976 Fairchild Archive/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images 1986 Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images 1988 Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images 1988 Mario Ruiz/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1989 Purschke/ullstein bild via Getty Images 1991 Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images 1992 Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images 1993 Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1993 Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage 1993 Avalon/Getty Images 1995 TriStar Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images 1996 Ron Davis/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1996 Jan Jarecki/Penske Media via Getty Images 2000 Tim Boyle/Newsmakers 2001 Takashi Seida/Heightened Productions Inc. via Getty Images 2001 LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP via Getty Images 2003 Vera Anderson/WireImage 2003 Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images 2005 Evan Agostini/Getty Images For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Officials on Friday announced the causes of death for actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, more than a week after the couples bodies were found in their New Mexico home. An autopsy revealed Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory virus contracted through exposure to excrement of an infected mouse, said Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner at New Mexicos Office of the Medical Investigator. Officials said they believe Arakawa likely died on Feb. 11, the last day she sent an outgoing communication. Hackmans autopsy revealed he died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimers disease as a significant contributing factor, Jarrell said. He tested negative for hantavirus. Officials said they believe he died around Feb. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hackman and Arakawa both tested negative for carbon monoxide, and neither body had evidence of acute internal or external trauma, Jarrell said. Hackman, Arakawa and one of their dogs were found dead in their New Mexico home on Feb. 26. The couples bodies were discovered by two maintenance workers who said the front door was ajar when they arrived, according to a search warrant. Hackman, 95, was found in a mudroom, while Arakawa, 65, was found in a bathroom. The dog, reportedly an Australian kelpie mix named Zinna, was found in a closet in the bathroom. Two other dogs were found alive on the property. Officials are awaiting Zinnas necropsy results, they said Friday. Arakawa picked up Zinna from a veterinary hospital on Feb. 6 after the dog underwent a procedure, Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza said at the news conference Friday announcing the couples causes of death. Dogs are not known to become infected with hantavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The search warrant described their deaths as suspicious and noted that an open prescription pill bottle was on the bathroom counter near Arakawa, along with scattered pills. Officials said Friday that the pills were thyroid medication that were being taken as prescribed. They do not believe the pills contributed to her death. Mendoza had told NBCs TODAY show on Feb. 28 that he was pretty confident there was no foul play involved, but noted that investigators were not ruling that out. Investigators said last week that the couple may have been dead for days or even several weeks before they were found, noting that Hackman likely died on Feb. 17 the day his pacemaker last recorded an event. But Jarrell, the chief medical examiner, said Friday that the pacemaker recorded an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on Feb. 18 and that he likely died around that day. In a statement last week, Hackmans family said he was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN)A Geneva County man accused of making terrorist threats toward investigators made his first appearance in Houston County on Thursday. Victor Newman, 39 of Chancellor was arrested on February 25, 2025, and charged with making terrorist threats. This comes after an alleged incident on February 19, when officers say he threatened to cause harm to someone or something. According to Rickey Stokes News, court testimony revealed Newman made threats against the criminal investigator in charge of his case, and Newman had photos of the investigators home and family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RSN adds that the investigator received threats in the form of text messages and voicemails, claiming they would kidnap members of their family, rape them and kill them. Newman remains in the Houston County Jail with a $250,000 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)On Saturday, 175 wildfires happened across the palmetto state, causing officials to put a statewide burn ban into effect; on Wednesday, most bans were lifted, but two counties, Horry and Georgetown counties, due to dry conditions. With enhanced fire conditions such as strong winds and dry air, the South Carolina Forestry Commission and county officials both agreed to continue enforcing the burn ban in Georgetown County. We agreed with their position on leaving the state ban in place for Georgetown and Horry Counties, given the active fires we still have. All our fires in Georgetown County are contained. However, we still have active burning, which requires the South Carolina forestry commissions that are usually working our county to dedicate their time and efforts to those fires, said Brandon Ellis, Georgetown County Emergency Service Director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews sent out choppers, plows, and fire units to help tame the flames, and because of those efforts from local, state, and neighboring agencies, residents were able to return home that night. Officials said that evacuation and the Carolina Forest fire in neighboring Horry County should serve as reminders to take burn bans seriously and be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice if necessary. We encourage people to have an emergency plan, build an emergency kit, and have a way to receive emergency alerts, weather alerts, and emergency notifications, said Ellis. There is no update on when the fire ban will be lifted, but Georgetown County will post more information on their social media once it is released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. BEIRUT, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese army's Directorate of Guidance stated on Friday that the Israeli forces continued its "blatant violation" of Lebanon's sovereignty by "facilitating the entry of settlers to visit an alleged religious site" in southern Lebanon. In a post on X, the army condemned the Israeli entry into the Al-Abbad area of the village of Houla as "another example of the enemy's persistent breaches of international laws, resolutions, and relevant agreements, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement." Earlier in the day, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported that a group of settlers entered the Al-Abbad tomb "under the guise of a religious visit," noting that Israelis claim the site is associated with Rav Ashi, a Babylonian Jewish rabbi. The agency added that the visit was organized by the Israeli army. Meanwhile, three people were injured on Friday when Israeli forces opened fire on the eastern outskirts of the village of Kafr Kila in the eastern sector of the Lebanese border region. "Two members of the Jihad Al-Binaa team tasked with assessing damage from Israeli attacks, along with a Syrian national, were wounded when Israeli occupation forces opened fire on them," the NNA reported, noting the Syrian national was in critical condition. A U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024, bringing an end to more than a year of clashes between Hezbollah and Israel following the war in Gaza. Despite the truce, the Israeli military continues to launch strikes in Lebanon, citing efforts to eliminate Hezbollah threats. While the agreement stipulated a full Israeli military withdrawal from Lebanese territory, Israel has maintained a presence in five key locations along the Lebanese border beyond the Feb. 18 deadline for its pullout. GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD) The Georgetown County Sheriffs Office is hosting a public hiring event on Monday, March 10. At the event, attendees can learn about the agency and get a jumpstart on the application and testing process. Officials say positions are open for patrol deputies, courthouse deputies, corrections officers and 9-1-1 telecommunications. Starting salaries for deputies are now $53,000 and corrections officers get a $5,000 signing bonus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enjoy full benefits, generous vacation time and paid academy training for certification. There is also entry into a Merit Increase Program at 5 years, said Georgetown County Sheriffs Office officials. If you are unable to attend the hiring event, deputies ask you to call 843-546-5102 to make an appointment. The hiring event will be held at 430 N. Fraser Street. Attendees are asked to bring a valid government ID. For job descriptions and salary information, visit the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office employment page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. WASHINGTON (AP) Georgetown Law School's dean on Thursday rebuffed an unusual warning from the top federal prosecutor for Washington, D.C., that his office won't hire the private school's students if it doesn't eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Dean William Treanor told acting U.S. Attorney Ed Martin that the First Amendment prohibits the government from dictating what Georgetown's faculty teach or how to teach it. Given the First Amendments protection of a universitys freedom to determine its own curriculum and how to deliver it, the constitutional violation behind this threat is clear, as is the attack on the Universitys mission as a Jesuit and Catholic institution, Treanor wrote in a letter addressed to Martin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin's exchange with the dean isn't the first time that the conservative activist has used his office as a platform for parroting the political priorities of the Republican president who gave him the job in January. Martin, who refers to himself as one of President Donald Trumps attorneys, roiled his office by firing and demoting attorneys who prosecuted Trump supporters for storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Martin promoted Trump's baseless claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election and represented Jan. 6 riot defendants before taking office. His letter of inquiry to Georgetown also dovetails with Trump's agenda. On his first day back in the White House, Trump signed an executive order ending DEI programs in the federal government. In a letter dated Feb. 17 but emailed to the dean on March 3, Martin said a whistleblower informed him that Georgetown Law School "continues to promote and teach DEI." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is unacceptable, he wrote. Martin warned the dean that his office wouldn't consider any Georgetown law students for jobs, summer internships or fellowships until his letter of inquiry about DEI programs is resolved. Treanor said Georgetown was founded on the principle that serious and sustained discourse among people of different faiths, cultures, and beliefs promotes intellectual, ethical, and spiritual understanding. Your letter challenges Georgetowns ability to define our mission as an educational institution, he wrote. Treanor closed the letter by writing, We look forward to your confirming that any Georgetown-affiliated candidates for employment with your office will receive full and fair consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on Thursday, Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee asked the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in Washington to investigate their grave concern that Martin may have engaged in professional misconduct since taking office. In a letter to the office, the senators accused Martin of repeatedly abusing his position, including by using the threat of prosecution to intimidate government employees and chill the speech of private citizens. Mr. Martins conduct not only speaks to his fitness as a lawyer; his activities are part of a broader course of conduct by President Trump and his allies to undermine the traditional independence of Department of Justice investigations and prosecutions and the rule of law, the senators wrote. A spokesperson for Martin's office wouldn't comment on the Georgetown letters and didn't respond to a separate request for comment on the senators' letter. Georgetown Law School Dean William Treanor is defending his schools curriculum after the Washington, D.C., U.S. attorney threatened to not hire any students from institutions that teach diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Interim D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin sent a letter to the law school last month asking if the institution eliminated all connection to DEI, a top target of the Trump administration. At this time, you should know that no applicant for our fellows program, our summer internship, or employment in our ofce who is a student or afliated with a law school or university that continues to teach and utilize DEI will be considered, Martin wrote in the letter, according to The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treanor responded on Thursday the school complies with all laws around discrimination and harassment, but he shot down Martins attempt to influence curricula. The First Amendment, however, guarantees that the government cannot direct what Georgetown and its faculty teach and how to teach it, Treanor said. The law school dean said it is a constitutional violation for Martin to say he will not hire from certain schools unless they teach what he wants. We look forward to your confirming that any Georgetown-affiliated candidates for employment with your office will receive full and fair consideration, Treanor concluded in the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has reached out to Martins office for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed the states 2025 budget. It includes millions for a project that will have a major impact on the CSRA. Georgia lawmakers awarding $99.8 million to fund a new research facility for Augusta University. Local leaders say its way past time for a new building. This research building, I believe, will be a key part of us attracting the kind of physician scientists that we need, the highest caliber physician scientists. You need to give them a great place to work. And frankly, some of the buildings that were talking about replacing are ones that were a little old when I was in medical school there, much less any any of our current residents, said Dr. Mark Newton, (R) Chairman of Appropriations Committee for Higher Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 150,000 square foot building will cost more than $146 million. In addition to the state funding, the university has raised nearly $30 million through philanthropy and donations. The new facility will include modern lab spaces, advanced equipment and an updated technology infrastructure that will support the modern needs of researchers. Dr. Russell Keen, President at AU said the university is thrilled to receive the funding so it can move forward to bigger and better things. Weve been on a mission to improve our research and to climb the rankings of our medical school and to sustain world class programs like in cancer and immunology and neuroscience and brain health and all of those things. Weve got folks from all over the world coming to the U.S. for pediatric brain tumors and clinical trials and things of that nature. And so its really going to help us create pockets of excellence, Dr. Keen explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State and local leaders believe the new research facility will have far reaching impact. I think its going to impact everybody in the state of Georgia and nation. I mean with the research and what they may achieve and the cures they may come across. Its an impact a whole lot bigger than our local community. But its its great to get the support in our community for sure, said Representative Gary Richardson, (R) District 125. The university expects to break ground on the research building in spring of 20-27. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. ATLANTA (AP) Georgias Senate passed a bill that could allow President Donald Trump and more than a dozen people to seek compensation for legal bills stemming from an attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The bill passed unanimously by state legislators Thursday would enable compensation from counties for attorneys fees and other legal costs in criminal cases in which a district attorney has been disqualified if the case gets dismissed, or compensation for the cost of arguing the district attorney should be disqualified. Trump and 18 co-defendants were indicted in Fulton County in August 2023. The accusations included asking Georgias Republican secretary of state to find enough votes for Trump to win the battleground state, harassing an election worker and attempting to persuade Georgia lawmakers to ignore the will of voters and appoint a new slate of electoral college electors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was disqualified from the election interference case by a state appeals court based on a romantic relationship she had with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom Willis hired to lead the case. Georgia Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II, an Augusta Democrat, posed a different hypothetical. If you have that young person, possession of marijuana, whatever it may be, and the prosecutor has done something wrong and that case is dismissed because the prosecutor did something wrong, theyre entitled to have their attorneys fees back, Jones said. Thats actually something that we probably would have pushed many years ago. Another bill passed the Senate Thursday that would give subpoena powers to State and House committees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both bills come a year after the state Senate passed a bill creating a special committee to investigate various forms of misconduct" by Willis, including her relationship with Wade. The committee tried to subpoena Willis for a hearing last year but she did not appear. A judge later ruled the committee was allowed to subpoena her. Nothing has come of the committee's investigation, but Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and other Republicans said last week they want to investigate Stacey Abrams. They want to look deeper into recent ethics findings that voter participation group New Georgia Project improperly coordinated with Abrams' 2018 gubernatorial campaign. She would have been the first Black woman to serve as a U.S. governor but lost to Republican Brian Kemp, who defeated her again in a 2022 rematch. They also want to investigate unsubstantiated claims by new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin that Abrams benefitted from $2 billion that a coalition of groups trying to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases received from President Joe Bidens administration. Abrams says she received none of the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Kramon is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Kramon on X: @charlottekramon. Preliminary talks between Germany's conservatives and the Social Democrats (SPD) on forming a government are expected to continue into the weekend, senior representatives from both sides indicated on Friday. "I assume that it will take a while," said parliamentary leader Alexander Dobrindt from the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU), noting that negotiators had made time to allow the talks to continue over the next two days. The CSU is part of the conservative bloc led by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of presumptive next chancellor Friedrich Merz, which came out on top in last month's election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPD co-leader Saskia Esken also said she does not expect final results on Friday, as the exploratory talks were due to continue. "We are talking about many key issues, and some are easier to talk about than others. We have very different views," Esken noted. The conservatives are racing to form a government as Germany faces a mountain of challenges, including sluggish economic growth, a vast backlog in infrastructure investments, pressure to ramp up defence spending and take a leading role in Europe amid a US foreign policy shift. The two sides made a major breakthrough on Tuesday, agreeing on a massive spending plan aimed at enabling investments in infrastructure and defence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are now trying to push through the debt-funded proposal in the outgoing parliament, as backing is expected to be more difficult to achieve once newly elected lawmakers take their seats on March 25. The main talking points on Friday's agenda include finance and social policy, with Dobrindt saying good progress was also being made on the contentious topic of migration. While noting a great willingness on both sides to reach an agreement, the CSU politician said "it still needs a little time." Both sides have agreed to keep silent as the talks are progressing. It is currently unclear when results can be expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Migration in particular could prove to be a stumbling block, after conservative leader Merz vowed to issue instructions to reject all migrants at Germany's borders on his first day in office. Speaking on a programme of public broadcaster ARD, SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil reiterated that his party would "not go along with de facto border closures." Dobrindt declined to comment when asked about Klingbeil's statement on his party's red lines when it comes to migration. He merely noted that the talks were held in a "very good" climate, adding that "the crucial thing is to reach agreement in these discussions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPD leader Esken also described the talks' atmosphere as positive, saying she was "confident that we will achieve a good result," while warning against mistaking the exploratory talks for coalition negotiations. The first step was to explore the possibilities for coming together and building the necessary trust before delving into the issues at hand and working together for four years, she said. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called on the population to continue to fight for gender equality, as the world prepares to mark International Women's Day on Saturday. "Gender equality continues to be a mandate for us to act," Steinmeier said at an International Women's Day event at his official residence in Berlin on Friday. He warned against tendencies to undo progress that has already been achieved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Globally, we see how populist parties aim to create the impression that gender equality is a kind of weird obsession by progressive forces," the German president said. "We are seeing large tech companies that were proud of their modernity for a long time, only to suddenly stop diversity programmes and rave about a new 'masculine energy' in companies and society at the behest of a new American administration," he added. Upon returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump ordered the end of all federal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives aimed at promoting equal treatment and inclusion, especially of groups that have historically been under-represented or discriminated against. Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Facebook parent company Meta, earlier this year stressed the need for "masculine energy" in corporations, claiming they have been "neutered." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hostility towards women is also on the rise in Germany, particularly online, Steinmeier said, noting that women faced abuse and hatred just because of the fact that they are women. As a result, many women are withdrawing from the public sphere, including mayors and lawmakers, the head of state said. Steinmeier noted that only 32.4% of lawmakers in Germany's incoming parliament following elections on February 23 are women, down by 2.3 percentage points compared to the previous legislative period. Equality and democracy are inextricably linked, Steinmeier said. "If our democracy has a problem with women, then our country has a democracy problem." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chair of the National Council of German Women's Organizations, Beate von Miquel, called on the new government to make achieving gender equality a priority, as "democratic and women's policy achievements are fundamentally attacked and women are forced back into old roles." CANAL FULTON, Ohio (WJW) Detectives are investigating after a German shepherd was found dead at a Stark County dog park on Thursday morning. Investigators believe the dog was left inside the fence at the Canal Fulton Dog Park between 8:15 a.m. and noon, according to the Canal Fulton Police Department. More stolen cars, new security measures at Hopkins Airport: I-Team Investigators said the German shepherd appeared young and very emaciated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canal Fulton police are now trying to identify the dog owner. Anyone with information is asked to reach out to investigators at 330-854-2211. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. By Friederike Heine BERLIN (Reuters) -More than half a million passengers will be affected and thousands of flights cancelled due to a 24-hour strike at major German airports on Monday, after trade union Verdi called for employees in the public sector and ground handling to walk out. The association of Germany's airport operators ADV said that around 510,000 people would be affected and more than 3,400 flights cancelled as a result of the strike, which marks a major escalation after Verdi staged several walk-outs last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Germany's air traffic will be largely shut down on Monday," the ADV said in a statement, adding that the strike was a "horror scenario for affected passengers" that would affect not only mobility, but also the economy. Frankfurt Airport said there would very likely be no departures from Germany's main hub. It advised passengers to refrain from coming to the airport and called on those transferring through the airport to check the flight status on their airline's website. Other airports affected on Monday include Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne/Bonn, Duesseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin and Leipzig-Halle. Germany's air traffic control operator, DFS, said it would not be directly affected by the strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union, which is demanding an 8% wage increase, or at least an increase of 350 euros ($380) more per month, as well as higher bonuses and additional time off, said it called the warning strike after a second round of collective bargaining failed last month. Employers have rejected the demands as unaffordable. Negotiations are due to continue later this month. ($1 = 0.9216 euros) (Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Friederike Heine, Ludwig Burger, Alex Richardson, William Maclean) RIYADH, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Friday condemned Israel's Gaza aid blockade and rejected forcing residents out of the enclave. In a final statement issued by the GCC's Ministerial Council following its 163rd session held Thursday in the Saudi city of Mecca, the GCC member states affirmed their solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings. The Israeli aid blockade "constitutes a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement, international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention," read the statement published on the GCC's website, which urged the international community to "stop these grave Israeli violations, activate international accountability mechanisms, and ensure sustainable access to aid." The GCC countries also reject in the statement "any attempts to forcibly relocate residents of Gaza, as this constitutes a gross violation of international law and humanitarian principles," calling for global protection for the Palestinian population. It is necessary to abide by the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas and halt the "Israeli aggression" on Gaza, the statement said. The GCC countries support "the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all occupied Palestinian territories," it said, demanding urgent collective action be taken to achieve a lasting solution that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. According to the statement, the member states also commend and support the outcomes of the Extraordinary Arab Summit-Summit for Palestine held recently in Egypt. The GCC consists of six member states, namely the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. Germany should reduce its dependence on U.S. defense manufacturers amid shifting political signals from Washington, the CEO of Airbus Defense and Space, Michael Schollhorn, warned in an interview with Augsburger Allgemeine, published on March 7. Schollhorn emphasized that Berlin should prioritize European defense companies, particularly as Germany's likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has announced plans to raise hundreds of billions of euros for defense and infrastructure. "If we continue to buy off-the-shelf products from the United States with this higher defense spending, we are cementing our dependence on others," Schollhorn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The business executive added that Denmark may already realize that purchasing U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets was a questionable decision, mainly "if they actually had to defend Greenland." Schollhorn's remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial statement on March 4, in which he once again expressed interest in acquiring Greenland through purchase or force. Schollhorn argued that Europe's defense industries must collaborate more closely instead of competing individually. "We need not only an increase in defense spending at the national level but also a coordinated approach among key European countries," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments come amid growing scrutiny of Trump's foreign policy, as the U.S. president has echoed Kremlin narratives, sidelined Kyiv and Europe in direct talks with Moscow, and accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of prolonging Russia's war. On March 6, Trump also cast doubt on Washington's commitment to defending its NATO partners, saying that the U.S. will not protect those that fail to meet defense spending targets. During a meeting with Zelensky on Feb. 28, Trump said that Europe should take responsibility for Ukraine's security and refused to offer U.S. guarantees. Washington has since frozen all military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a move widely seen as an attempt to pressure Kyiv into negotiations with Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Maxar Technologies reportedly restricts Ukraines access to satellite imagery Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BERLIN (Reuters) - The number of asylum applications in Germany fell significantly in the first two months of this year, the BAMF federal office for refugees and migration said on Friday. Popular support for a reduction in asylum seekers had a big impact on last month's national election, contributing to the first and runner-up finishes of the conservatives and the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD), respectively. The BAMF said that in January and February, a total of 29,947 people applied for asylum, a decline of 43.4% compared with the same period last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of asylum applications came from Syria, at nearly 8,000, followed by Afghanistan, according to BAMF. How to approach migration is a major point of contention in exploratory talks on forming a new governing coalition between Friedrich Merz's conservatives and the Social Democrats (SPD). Merz has demanded a crackdown on migration, presenting a five-point plan in January that he said his future coalition partner would have to accept. Lawmakers from the SPD pointed out that Merz would not, as chancellor, be able to simply railroad through a plan they deemed in large part illegal. "The figures show the extent to which we are pushing back irregular migration through consistent action," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, an SPD member, said on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Faeser, "significantly more people" are being deported from Germany at the same time, with an increase of more than 30% compared with the start of 2024. (Reporting by Alexander Ratz; editing by Miranda Murray and Mark Heinrich) The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has called on the president of the country's lower house of parliament to cancel two special sessions of the outgoing parliament intended to push through a massive spending plan aimed at enabling investments in infrastructure and defence. According to a letter obtained by dpa on Friday, the AfD's parliamentary group has asked Bundestag president Barbel Bas to cancel the sessions scheduled for March 13 and 18, arguing that Bas is required to convene the new parliament instead, which is due to hold its inaugural session only days later. If Bas does not comply with the request by Monday, the AfD group and individual lawmakers plan to initiate urgent proceedings before the Constitutional Court to prevent the sessions, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following elections on February 23, which saw the conservatives come out on top, the old Bundestag continues its work until the new parliament convenes for the first time on March 25. The conservative bloc comprised of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) is currently in preliminary talks with the Social Democrats (SPD) about entering coalition negotiations. The two sides made a major breakthrough on Tuesday, agreeing on a multibillion-euro spending plan aimed at enabling investments in infrastructure and defence. They are planning to create a special fund of 500 billion ($528 billion) to fix Germany's crumbling infrastructure, while looking to ease strict constitutional rules on taking on new government debt, the so-called debt brake, for specific defence investments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plans require a two-thirds majority to alter Germany's constitution. But electoral gains last month by the AfD and The Left - on the opposite end of the political spectrum to the AfD - mean it could be far more difficult to achieve backing once newly elected lawmakers are seated. Instead, the CDU/CSU led by Friedrich Merz and the SPD hope to push through the plan in the outgoing parliament with the help of the Greens, who are still part of the current caretaker government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Until the new Bundestag convenes, the old parliament is considered to have a quorum and the authority to make decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Bas scheduled the two special sessions upon request by CDU/CSU and SPD lawmakers, but the AfD questions the legitimacy of the decision, according to a statement by its parliamentary group. The party argues the old Bundestag may only be convened in emergencies, "particularly if the old parliament is to decide on such important issues as constitutional amendments." The Left, which made major gains in February's vote, also said it is considering taking legal action. "We are currently examining a range of legal options for taking the matter to the Constitutional Court," the managing director of party's parliamentary group, Christian Gorke, told dpa. Independent lawmaker Joana Cotar, formerly a member of the AfD, has also announced she will take the matter to the Constitutional Court. By Thomas Escritt and Matthias Williams BERLIN (Reuters) - The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party will file a complaint to the Constitutional Court next week over plans to raise new debt through a special fund, the Rheinische Post newspaper said on Friday, citing a senior AfD lawmaker. Germany's would-be next chancellor, conservative leader Friedrich Merz, and the Social Democrats (SPD), with whom he is trying to form a government, plan to raise new debt and throw out restrictive borrowing rules in a fiscal policy sea-change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But obstacles are piling up for their plans to create a 500-billion-euro ($542 billion) infrastructure fund and scrap constitutional limits on borrowing known as the 'debt brake', plans they want to get approved by the outgoing parliament. "The old Bundestag (lower house) is at best legitimate to act in emergencies, but not to set a fundamental course for the future," the AfD's Stephan Brandner was quoted as saying. "This ignores the will of the voters as expressed two weeks ago in the election," he added in a later statement. The rush to agree new fiscal rules before a new government is even in place is the latest fallout from Donald Trump's tumultuous first few weeks back in the White House, which have prompted fears that the U.S.'s decades-old role as guarantor of Europe's security might be drawing to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AfD, which like Trump opposes further military aid to Ukraine, has slammed the borrowing plans as an "orgy of debt", questioning the legitimacy of the old parliament to take major decisions, while the Left party - from the other end of the political spectrum - has also threatened legal action. Merz and the SPD are hoping the plans can clear the outgoing parliament, where the votes of the Greens - strong backers of Ukraine and also in favour of taking on more debt - would be enough to secure the needed two thirds majority. PARLIAMENTARY HURDLES The Bundestag will vote on the measures on March 18 before the formation of the new parliament on March 25. Then the AfD and the Left - which objects to increased military spending - would have the votes to block both moves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plans must also clear the Bundesrat upper house of parliament, which represents Germany's 16 federal states. There, a fourth party would be required to achieve the necessary two thirds majority. The leader of one of those parties, the Free Voters (FW), which is in coalition with the conservatives in Bavaria, told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper on Thursday that the proposals were still too vague to vote on. Herbert Aiwanger, the party's leader, accused Merz of going back on promises of maintaining a tight fiscal policy that the conservatives made during the election campaign. ($1 = 0.9220 euros) (Writing by Matthias Williams; Editing by Miranda Murray and Gareth Jones) Fewer asylum seekers were granted protection status in Germany in January and February compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures released by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) on Friday. Some 19.1% of applicants were granted protection status or the right to remain due to a ban on deportations during the first two months of the year compared to 45% during the same period in 2024. The lower protection rate was mainly due to decisions being paused on applications from Syrian nationals following the overthrow of Syria's long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. The Interior Ministry justified the temporary halt on decisions with the dynamic situation in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syria continues to top the list of the main countries of origin for asylum seekers in Germany, with Syrian nationals accounting for 27.7% of asylum applications in February, followed by Afghans at 15.3% and Turkish applicants at 10%, the BAMF figures showed. Despite the lower protection rate, BAMF has made 55,070 decisions on asylum applications in the last two months, which is consistent with the 54,705 decisions it made during the same period last year. The average duration for the process was 12.3 months in February, as the office works through a backlog caused in part by the high number of applications in 2023. Those who submitted an application in the last 12 months received a decision after an average of 4.3 months, BAMF noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of first-time asylum applications in Germany decreased to 229,751 in 2024, a 30.2% drop from 2023. The number of asylum applications in the European Union, Norway and Switzerland also fell during this period by 12%, according to the EU asylum agency. Mar. 6A Goffstown man accused of trafficking human body parts out of Harvard Medical School's morgue is seeking to have the charges against him tossed out. Cedric Lodge, the former manager of the morgue, was indicted in 2023 after being accused of stealing and selling body parts from donated cadavers. His wife, Denise, was also charged. Lodge faces charges of unlawfully transporting stolen goods worth $5,000 or more. He is accused of letting buyers come into the morgue to pick out body parts they wanted to buy. He would allegedly steal parts of donated cadavers like brains, skin and bones, bring them to his home and ship them to buyers through the U.S. Postal Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gruesome scheme allegedly operated from 2018 through 2022, according to a complaint filed in federal court in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where one of the four other defendants lives. In a brief filed this week in a Pennsylvania federal court, Lodge's lawyers argued the charges don't hold up because human body parts are not legally considered property and can't be assigned a market value. "Counts 1 and 2 of the indictment against Mr. Lodge allege that he conspired to, and transported, 'goods, wares, merchandise, securities, or money' in interstate commerce in the form of human remains whose value exceeded the $5,000 jurisdictional amount," the brief said. "Courts are in agreement in finding that human remains cannot constitute 'personal property.' As a matter of law, therefore, the alleged conduct cannot fit within the ambit of Counts 1 and 2 and these counts should be dismissed on this basis alone." The brief also argued that because human remains are not "property," they have no compensable value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The government cannot simply aggregate the value of multiple human remains to satisfy this requirement," the brief stated. Anatomical Gift Program Lodge worked in the morgue as part of the Anatomical Gift Program until Harvard Medical School terminated his employment on May 6, 2024. According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, a nationwide network of people bought and sold human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School and an Arkansas mortuary. "Some crimes defy understanding," Karam said in a statement. "The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges allege that Lodge stole organs and other parts of cadavers donated for medical research and education before their scheduled cremations. Prosecutors claim in court paperwork that Lodge transported stolen remains from Boston to his home in Goffstown and made arrangements for sales via cellphone and social media. The indictment says Harvard Medical School employees are not allowed to "remove, keep, or sell any human remains, in whole or in part, belonging to a donated cadaver." In October 2020, a customer purchased two "dissected human faces" for $600 from Lodge, the indictment alleges. Another sent Denise Lodge a check for $1,000 with the memo line "Head number 7," documents state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2020, a customer later sent another $200 check, with the memo line "braiiiiiins." Court documents allege Denise Lodge shipped stolen human remains in the mail from a post office in Manchester. Harvard Medical School released a statement saying officials are "appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus." "The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research," the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are so very sorry for the pain this news will cause for our anatomical donors' families and loved ones, and HMS pledges to engage with them during this deeply distressing time." pfeely@unionleader.com The family of Jhoser Sanchez, the motorcyclist allegedly struck and killed by an off-duty Washington State Patrol trooper, has started a GoFundMe to help lay him to rest. His mother, Yolimar Sanchez Barbosa, wrote, Our family is devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of my son Jhoser, who was taken from us in a police-involved car accident. He was a bright and loving soul who brought joy to everyone around him and his absence has left a void that we cannot begin to describe. The 21-year-old Sanchez was allegedly struck by off-duty WSP trooper Sarah Clasen on the night of March 1 in Richland, Washington, according to the Richland Police Department. Clasen was arrested and is facing charges of vehicular homicide after an officer believed he smelled an odor of intoxicants coming from her person at the scene, according to court documents. Clasen was making a left-hand turn on State Highway 240 when she hit a motorcycle she didnt see coming from the oncoming lane, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WSP Chief John R. Batiste released a statement regarding the crash. The Washington State Patrol offers our sincerest condolences to the victim and their loved ones, Batiste stated. I have every confidence that the Richland Police Department will investigate this case with great care and professionalism. We are thankful there were no other injuries and will of course, cooperate in any way requested by the independent investigating agency. Jhoser Sanchezs GoFundMe can be found here. Congress must pass its required funding bills by Friday, March 14, or face a government shutdown. The latest struggle to pass the appropriations bill comes just a few months after Congress again stared down a government shutdown deadline. In December, they passed a last-minute deal to keep the government running. During a federal government shutdown, thousands of federal workers are furloughed and federal services are significantly reduced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what Arizona residents need to know about the possibility of a government shutdown, including what must happen to avoid it, what happens during a government shutdown and how it would affect the Grand Canyon State. When is the deadline to avoid a government shutdown? Current government funding expires at the end of Friday, March 14. Is DOGE giving money back? Here's the latest news on DOGE stimulus checks Are we going to have a government shutdown? If a funding bill is not passed, then the government will shut down. Lawmakers admit they are still divided and unlikely to pass the necessary bill in time to avoid a government shutdown. Congress may try to extend funding with a continuing resolution, with Republicans suggesting a long-term extension that would continue funding through September. There is likely to be a vote on the extension on Tuesday, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget has become an opportunity for Democrats in Congress to protest many of Trump's recent policies and changes. The bill must receive at least seven votes from Democrats in the Senate to receive the required 60 votes to pass. They are likely to use the spending bill and looming government shutdown to receive certain trade-offs. When was the last government shutdown? The last government shutdown occurred about six years ago. The shutdown began on Dec. 22, 2018, and ended on Jan. 25, 2019. At 35 days, it was the second-longest government shutdown in United States history. It was also the second shutdown during Trump's first term. The first happened in January 2018 and lasted for just two days. Which Arizonans would a shutdown affect? In addition to Arizona's federal employees, the federal government employs about 3 million people nationwide, according to FRED. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the word 'shutdown' sounds like a complete stop, that is not the full picture. Federal agencies classify their workers either as essential or nonessential. Workers identified as essential continue to work but might not be paid right away. On the other hand, nonessential workers are furloughed and not allowed to work or be paid until the government reopens, according to a breakdown compiled by Reuters. Essential workers who are part of Arizona's 60,000 federal employees, such as U.S. Postal Service employees and air traffic controllers, would still work through a potential government shutdown. What would happen to Arizona national parks? Under a potential government shutdown, national parks, monuments and other sites will be closed to the public, with rangers furloughed and facilities shut down. Some states may temporarily fund park operations, as seen during the 2018-2019 shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a government shutdown loomed in 2023, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobb intended to use state money to keep the Grand Canyon National Park open. Previous shutdowns have kept visitors out of national parks or resulted in damage to parks that operated with minimal staff. Which federal workers would stay on the job during a government shutdown? Federal law enforcement, such as the FBI and Secret Service, would remain operational. Border Patrol and immigration enforcement agents will continue working. However, local governments would not receive new aid for migrant shelters. The Transportation Security Administration's airport security screeners and air traffic controllers would remain on duty, but new hires and some major infrastructure projects could face delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government programs such as Social Security and Medicare, food assistance and the military would be mostly untouched by a government shutdown. Many could see minor disruptions and delays to benefits and services. Social Security retirement and disability benefits including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will continue to go out. The U.S. Postal Service would not be affected because it does not depend on Congressional funding. USA TODAY reporter Riley Beggin contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Will there be a government shutdown? What to know as deadline looms BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The U.S. Marshals task force is asking the community to keep a lookout for a wanted parolee. Jeremiah Markham, 46, is wanted by U.S. Marshals for failing to register as a sex offender. His criminal history includes rape, sexual battery, burglary, domestic violence, threats and DUI. Suspect in Virginia Avenue deputy-involved shooting was armed: KCSO Markham has multiple tattoos on his chest, back and arm areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshals describe him to be 5 feet, 9 inches tall and about 190 pounds. He has ties to Kern and Fresno counties. If youve seen him or have any information on his whereabouts, call or text the tip line at 979-1187. All information about Markham is confidential. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. OTTAWA, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The Canadian government announced Friday that it awarded a contract to Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards for the construction of one of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)'s future polar icebreakers. According to a news release issued by Public Services and Procurement Canada, the contract valued at 3.15 billion Canadian dollars (2.19 billion U.S. dollar) (before tax) is part of the CCG's fleet renewal plan which is acquiring two polar icebreakers. The other polar icebreaker is being built by Chantier Davie Canada Inc., said the release, adding that these vessels will strengthen the CCG's Arctic presence, and have greater, more advanced capabilities than the current, most capable CCG icebreakers. According to Seaspan Shipyards Chief Executive Officer John McCarthy, the company will start construction on this ship next month. The CCG currently has 18 icebreakers of varying sizes and capabilities, making it the second-largest icebreaking fleet in the world. Rep. David Nagel, a Gilmanton Republican, poses in front of the State House in Concord March 6, 2025. Nagel was recently removed from the Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee amid a dispute with Republican Party leadership. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin) Last month, as the New Hampshire House of Representatives was meeting in Concord for a voting day, Rep. David Nagel was pulled aside by his colleague Rep. Jim Kofalt, a fellow Republican. It was kind of like The Godfather, he said, referring to the 1972 mob crime film. (Kofalt) came up to me and he said he wanted to have a word. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nagel, a Republican representing Gilmanton, assumed Kofalt wanted to discuss a bill hed emailed him about that morning as the two went for a walk through the State House. I thought thats what he wanted to talk about, he said. And the walk ended up in the Speakers Office. They never informed me at any point why they were taking me up there, and all of the sudden the doors shut. There, Nagel said, Kofalt, along with Republican House Speaker Sherman Packard and Deputy Speaker Steven Smith, questioned him over recent votes and stances he took in his role on the House Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee. They wanted him to step in line with Republican leaderships agenda. I considered it an attempt at intimidation, Nagel said. I dont like to read peoples motives necessarily, but to me thats what it seemed like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside of his work in the State House, Nagel is a doctor with decades of experience who is known nationally for his work on pain management. He was the only Republican member of the committee whos also a doctor. Kofalt is also on the committee. I spent a lot of my life fighting bullies, Nagel said. I just basically said, You know, you guys got to do what you have to do. I have to do what I have to do. Im sorry theres a conflict. During that meeting, Kofalt told Nagel he was going to recommend Nagel be removed from the committee. A few weeks later, Nagel said, he received an email saying he was being replaced on the committee. Nagels disconnect with party leadership goes back even further though. He said hed previously declined a leadership position as clerk of the committee because it was his understanding that if he accepted, he would be expected to vote with Republican leadership at least 95% of the time. He also didnt think the position matched his strengths, and as the only doctor in the majority, he wanted to be less restricted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was fully aware that there were requirements being made of people appointed to leadership positions. Theres no way in hell I was going to live with that, he said. My policy is that either side, I dont care which side youre on if you vote with the party more than 90% of the time, youre not thinking hard enough. Smith confirmed he was present at this meeting, but denied that the meeting was an intimidation attempt. Nothing of the sort, he said. Kofalt and Packard did not respond to multiple requests for an interview. The problem that we were trying to solve is when you have a member on a committee that says, I dont care what anybody else thinks because Im right and youre wrong, Smith said. If you were working with a group of people and had one like that, wouldnt you want to get rid of them? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith confirmed that these disagreements are why Nagel was removed from his committee. He said it wouldnt have happened if he voted closer in line with Republican leaderships wishes. He straight up told us, No, I know about this. Im right and youre wrong. he said. Its kind of hard to have a working relationship with someone who thinks that way. Smith said Nagel was trying to thwart anything we were trying to do and that he believed since hes a doctor he knows better than anybody else. Our hope is that people think more and recognize that our opinion isnt always necessarily correct, he said. Rep. Nagel was unwilling to embrace that idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Nagel argued his views, while different from Republican leadership, were much closer in line with the views of the constituents and stakeholders they heard from during hearings. And he wasnt the only Republican to cross the aisle and vote with Democrats on these bills. Nagel said his opposition to several Republican-backed bills irked the leadership, including House Bill 392 which wouldve terminated the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Health Equity in addition to other state divisions determined by Republicans to be too focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. House Bill 223 which seeks to exempt certain medical providers operating within 15 miles of a critical access hospital from licensing requirements was another. However, Nagel said the final straw for his Republican colleagues was his opposition to House Bill 524, which seeks to eliminate the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. There was no way I was ever going to support that bill, Nagel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New Hampshire Vaccine Association is a nonprofit established in 2002 by the Legislature with the goal of providing universal access to vaccines for children. It purchases vaccines in bulk to be distributed to providers across the state, combining money from all insurers to get a 30% discount on vaccines. It doesnt set or recommend policy. The Republicans behind this bill, including its sponsor Rep. Michael Granger, argued the private sector could better fill this function. Doctors, nurses, and health insurers widely disagreed and argued the bill would result in decreased access for vaccines for children and could contribute to disease outbreaks. Testimony in the hearing for this bill was overwhelmingly in opposition. Everyone involved in obtaining vaccines for our state and for the children of our state is aligned in thinking this is a really good program, Dr. Patrick Ho, president of the New Hampshire Medical Association and a psychiatrist in Lebanon, previously told the Bulletin. Theres no reason to do away with it. Nagel said he hasnt met a person who supported the bill except the woman who introduced it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was introduced by Laura Condon, who has a history of promoting vaccine conspiracies and has recently questioned publicly whether vaccines cause cancer and falsely asserted online that vaccines cause autism. Nagel was removed from the Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee the day before it voted to advance HB 524 to a floor vote. On Thursday, the full House voted narrowly, 189-181, to approve the bill. It is now being considered by the Ways and Means Committee, and the Senate and governor will also need to approve it for it to be enacted. The public support against this bill was astronomical, Nagel said. It was kind of like, Who are we here for? Are we here for a small group of people or are we here for everybody? Rep. Lucy Weber, the ranking Democrat on the Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee, said she didnt want to get involved in Republicans internal affairs, but did express disappointment in Nagels removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is extremely unfortunate that a physician with a nationally known reputation as a pain specialist, who has an enormous amount of interest in this area and who ran the only post-polio clinic that this state has ever had, was removed from our committee, Weber said. There is no rational reason to take one of the few Republicans with any medical training at all off the committee. The ordeal has left Nagel feeling unsure of his footing within the party. He noted hes always been a moderate. I ran to create a bipartisan coalition to represent basically the middle, people that dont have a voice, he said. Ive said that since the day I got here. Asked if he was considering leaving the Republican Party, Nagel said, Im staying where Im at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem is that if youre a moderate Republican or youre a moderate Democrat and you leave the party because youre disenchanted with it and you become an independent, you all of the sudden have no voice, he said. And what youve functionally done is youve left the parties increasingly in the hands of fewer and fewer people that are more extreme in their views. So now, by doing something that was constructive for you, youve created something thats destructive for the system. He said a lot of people have asked him if he should be a Democrat. If it was purely about health care policy, sure, he said. I think Democrats do a much better job on issues like that, but I think on other issues Republicans do better. Neither the New Hampshire Republican Party nor Gov. Kelly Ayottes office responded to requests for comment. In Novembers elections, Republicans won a 44-seat majority in the 400-member state House and an eight-seat majority in the 24-member Senate. I kind of think that this is going to be a short two-year majority if they keep doing stuff like this, Nagel said. Getty Images. As state legislative sessions grind on, Republican lawmakers have filed a new batch of bills that would grant legal rights to fetuses and fertilized embryos. Lawmakers in at least eight states Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas have considered bills to go even further, to punish women who seek abortions. Most of these states have already banned abortion. But new criminalization bills would allow women to face homicide charges for obtaining abortions. The bills would classify an embryo or fetus as an unborn or preborn child who can be a victim of homicide. Many of the bills would repeal parts of state laws that explicitly exempt women from being punished for seeking abortions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we truly believe in the equal humanity of the preborn, then our laws must uphold that truth in practice, Idaho state Sen. Brandon Shippy, a Republican, told fellow lawmakers while introducing his bill in February. The bill would allow women who seek abortions to be prosecuted under the states homicide laws. Justice requires accountability for intentional actions, Shippy said. To exempt any group from accountability actually undermines the laws integrity and diminishes the value of the life being protected. Shippy did not answer requests for comment. Most lawmakers, including Shippy, admit this type of legislation is a long shot. His bill is sitting in an Idaho Senate committee, although the chambers Republican leaders have indicated they wouldnt move it forward. But similar bills are still pending in five other states Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina and Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, conservative lawmakers in several states are introducing less punitive bills that are structured around the same legal concept: fetal personhood. A longtime cornerstone of the anti-abortion movement, fetal personhood is the idea that a fetus, embryo or fertilized egg has the same legal rights as a newborn. If the law considers fetuses to be people, then abortion should legally be considered murder. But experts and reproductive rights advocates have long warned of the legal chaos that could result from fetal personhood laws, with potential implications extending far beyond abortion. In some ways its a hornets nest, said Rebecca Kluchin, a history professor at California State University, Sacramento, whose research has focused on fetal personhood efforts. If you establish fetal personhood, it raises all of these questions. Do you recognize a fetus on your taxes? How do you calculate the census? What do you do about miscarriages? What about alimony? It is really messy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And this year, less than two months after voters approved a state constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion, a Republican legislator introduced a fetal personhood bill that would put the question on the ballot again in 2026. If the bill is approved by two-thirds of the state legislature, the question would ask Montanans whether they support amending the state constitution to grant full rights to all people at any stage of development, beginning at the state of fertilization or conception. The measure passed out of committee last month along party lines. At a legislative hearing, Montana residents expressed concern that a personhood ballot measure would not only outlaw abortion but also eliminate access to in vitro fertilization and expose women who miscarry to possible criminal prosecution. An estimated 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, though the percentage is likely higher for all pregnancies, since many losses happen before a woman knows shes pregnant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Defenders of such legislation have downplayed its impact on IVF and insist that states have a duty to protect all life. For those of you who believe that a human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection, because the right to life is the foremost of unalienable rights, I dont see how any of us could be satisfied with having a law on the books that does not actually protect human life beginning with the biological beginnings of human life, which is fertilization, South Carolina Republican state Sen. Richard Cash told fellow legislators in February while introducing his bill. Critics also worry criminalization bills could drive medical providers out of state and cause women to delay seeking medical care over fear of being punished for pregnancy complications. They say personhood language could even threaten individuals end-of-life decisions, such as do not resuscitate directives, which are often used by people with terminal illnesses. Child support and tax credits Many personhood bills are not, at face value, about banning abortion. Yet they ultimately could have the same effect. Some experts say that any attempt to weave fetal personhood language into state law could set the stage for stricter abortion laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new Ohio bill would let taxpayers claim conceived children as dependents on their taxes. And Republican lawmakers in Kansas introduced a bill to guarantee child support payments to mothers from the moment of conception. These bills often look, on their face, like theyre trying to be helpful to pregnant people, said Carmel Shachar, faculty director of the Health Law and Policy Clinic at Harvard Law Schools Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation. But oftentimes the way theyre drafted, theyre almost impossible to take advantage of. For instance, Georgias Department of Revenue has interpreted the states anti-abortion law as allowing residents to claim a fetus with a detectable heartbeat as a state tax deduction. But the maximum tax savings is only about $150, according to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. And because its a deduction, rather than a refundable tax credit, its not available to many families with low incomes. At least 19 states either through state law, criminal statutes or case law have declared fetuses at some state of pregnancy to be people, according to a 2023 report from Pregnancy Justice, a nonprofit that conducts research and advocates for the rights of pregnant people, including the right to abortion. Fetal personhood language in state law has allowed prosecutors to press murder charges for the killing of a fetus after the killing of a pregnant woman in multiple states, including New Hampshire and Oklahoma. Laws also have allowed women in several states to be prosecuted for child endangerment for substance use while pregnant. Anti-abortion discord Historically, anti-abortion laws that carry criminal and civil penalties have targeted abortion care providers, such as physicians. Yet bills that would allow broader criminal prosecution of abortion are not unheard of; theyve popped up over the years in conservative-led states, such as North Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But they arent widely popular, even within the anti-abortion movement. In February, a representative from the North Dakota Catholic Conference spoke against a Republican-sponsored fetal personhood bill that would add unborn child to state laws relating to murder, assault and wrongful death lawsuits. The conferences co-director told lawmakers that while his group opposes abortion, it doesnt support punishing women who seek one. The bill made it to the House floor, where it eventually failed. Theres a real division in the pro-life movement, said Kluchin, the history professor. To some folks, abortion is murder, so anyone who commits abortion, whether a provider or pregnant person, should be accused. But most of the pro-life movement doesnt go that way. Their thought is, how can you be compassionate if you accuse a woman of murder? Thats not going to get the general public on your side. Many lawmakers proposing the homicide bills acknowledge theyre unlikely to garner widespread support, even among their fellow conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its a way to say, Here are my pro-life bona fides, Kluchin said. Im not sure it matters that it isnt going to get out of committee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An expectant mom waits at a health clinic with her 1-year-old daughter. Republicans in multiple states are introducing bills to grant embryos and fetuses the same rights as children. (Angel Valentin/Getty Images) As state legislative sessions grind on, conservative lawmakers have filed a new batch of bills that would grant legal rights to fetuses and fertilized embryos. Lawmakers in at least eight states Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas have considered bills to go even further, to punish women who seek abortions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of these states have already banned abortion. But new criminalization bills would allow women to face homicide charges for obtaining abortions. The bills would classify an embryo or fetus as an unborn or preborn child who can be a victim of homicide. Many of the bills would repeal parts of state laws that explicitly exempt women from being punished for seeking abortions. If we truly believe in the equal humanity of the preborn, then our laws must uphold that truth in practice, Idaho state Sen. Brandon Shippy, a Republican, told fellow lawmakers while introducing his bill in February. The bill would allow women who seek abortions to be prosecuted under the states homicide laws. Justice requires accountability for intentional actions, Shippy said. To exempt any group from accountability actually undermines the laws integrity and diminishes the value of the life being protected. Shippy did not answer requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most lawmakers, including Shippy, admit this type of legislation is a long shot. His bill is sitting in an Idaho Senate committee, although the chambers Republican leaders have indicated they wouldnt move it forward. But similar bills are still pending in five other states Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina and Texas. Meanwhile, conservative lawmakers in several states are introducing less punitive bills that are structured around the same legal concept: fetal personhood. A longtime cornerstone of the anti-abortion movement, fetal personhood is the idea that a fetus, embryo or fertilized egg has the same legal rights as a newborn. If the law considers fetuses to be people, then abortion should legally be considered murder. But experts and reproductive rights advocates have long warned of the legal chaos that could result from fetal personhood laws, with potential implications extending far beyond abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some ways its a hornets nest, said Rebecca Kluchin, a history professor at California State University, Sacramento, whose research has focused on fetal personhood efforts. If you establish fetal personhood, it raises all of these questions. Do you recognize a fetus on your taxes? How do you calculate the census? What do you do about miscarriages? What about alimony? It is really messy. And this year, less than two months after voters approved a state constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion, a Republican legislator introduced a fetal personhood bill that would put the question on the ballot again in 2026. If the bill is approved by two-thirds of the state legislature, the question would ask Montanans whether they support amending the state constitution to grant full rights to all people at any stage of development, beginning at the state of fertilization or conception. The measure passed out of committee last month along party lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a legislative hearing, Montana residents expressed concern that a personhood ballot measure would not only outlaw abortion but also eliminate access to in vitro fertilization and expose women who miscarry to possible criminal prosecution. An estimated 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, though the percentage is likely higher for all pregnancies, since many losses happen before a woman knows shes pregnant. Do you recognize a fetus on your taxes? How do you calculate the census? What do you do about miscarriages? What about alimony? It is really messy. Rebecca Kluchin, researcher and professor at California State University, Sacramento Defenders of such legislation have downplayed its impact on IVF and insist that states have a duty to protect all life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those of you who believe that a human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection, because the right to life is the foremost of unalienable rights, I dont see how any of us could be satisfied with having a law on the books that does not actually protect human life beginning with the biological beginnings of human life, which is fertilization, South Carolina Republican state Sen. Richard Cash told fellow legislators in February while introducing his bill. Critics also worry criminalization bills could drive medical providers out of state and cause women to delay seeking medical care over fear of being punished for pregnancy complications. They say personhood language could even threaten individuals end-of-life decisions, such as do not resuscitate directives, which are often used by people with terminal illnesses. Child support and tax credits Many personhood bills are not, at face value, about banning abortion. Yet they ultimately could have the same effect. Some experts say that any attempt to weave fetal personhood language into state law could set the stage for stricter abortion laws. A new Ohio bill would let taxpayers claim conceived children as dependents on their taxes. And Republican lawmakers in Kansas introduced a bill to guarantee child support payments to mothers from the moment of conception. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These bills often look, on their face, like theyre trying to be helpful to pregnant people, said Carmel Shachar, faculty director of the Health Law and Policy Clinic at Harvard Law Schools Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation. But oftentimes the way theyre drafted, theyre almost impossible to take advantage of. For instance, Georgias Department of Revenue has interpreted the states anti-abortion law as allowing residents to claim a fetus with a detectable heartbeat as a state tax deduction. But the maximum tax savings is only about $150, according to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. And because its a deduction, rather than a refundable tax credit, its not available to many families with low incomes. At least 19 states either through state law, criminal statutes or case law have declared fetuses at some state of pregnancy to be people, according to a 2023 report from Pregnancy Justice, a nonprofit that conducts research and advocates for the rights of pregnant people, including the right to abortion. Fetal personhood language in state law has allowed prosecutors to press murder charges for the killing of a fetus after the killing of a pregnant woman in multiple states, including New Hampshire and Oklahoma. Laws also have allowed women in several states to be prosecuted for child endangerment for substance use while pregnant. Anti-abortion discord Historically, anti-abortion laws that carry criminal and civil penalties have targeted abortion care providers, such as physicians. Yet bills that would allow broader criminal prosecution of abortion are not unheard of; theyve popped up over the years in conservative-led states, such as North Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But they arent widely popular, even within the anti-abortion movement. In February, a representative from the North Dakota Catholic Conference spoke against a Republican-sponsored fetal personhood bill that would add unborn child to state laws relating to murder, assault and wrongful death lawsuits. The conferences co-director told lawmakers that while his group opposes abortion, it doesnt support punishing women who seek one. The bill made it to the House floor, where it eventually failed. Theres a real division in the pro-life movement, said Kluchin, the history professor. To some folks, abortion is murder, so anyone who commits abortion, whether a provider or pregnant person, should be accused. But most of the pro-life movement doesnt go that way. Their thought is, how can you be compassionate if you accuse a woman of murder? Thats not going to get the general public on your side. Many lawmakers proposing the homicide bills acknowledge theyre unlikely to garner widespread support, even among their fellow conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its a way to say, Here are my pro-life bona fides, Kluchin said. Im not sure it matters that it isnt going to get out of committee. 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. WASHINGTON Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., blasted a conservative political consultant with close ties to President Donald Trumps orbit who questioned whether he could win re-election next year. Tillis was responding to comments on X by Arthur Schwartz, who said Republicans will need a new senate candidate in NC in 2026, pointing to a poll from the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling that found Tillis trailing Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper in a hypothetical general election matchup. The president needs a majority to continue his agenda, Tillis said in an interview Thursday. Behavior by people like this guy, its the thing thats the single greatest threat to us to deliver the majority next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillis said Schwartz doesnt have the temperament to be anywhere around the political circles that guarantee that we come back into a majority next year. Arthur Schwartz is a political hack that should probably just keep on being a smart guy and a billionaire, because hes a s----- political consultant, he added. Tillis won his previous two Senate races in battleground North Carolina by less than 2 percentage points. He formally launched his 2026 re-election campaign last year. Schwartz responded to NBC News social media post about some of Tillis critical comments of him by saying on X: Every Republican senator I know wants Tillis to drop out so we can run a serious candidate who will beat away misfits like Mark Robinson that will get crushed in a general. Maybe Thom should be planning his post senate future instead of reading his mentions on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson, Republicans scandal-plagued candidate for governor in North Carolina last year, lost to Democrat Josh Stein by 15 points. I have nothing against Tillis; I barely know him, Schwartz also said on X. Hes a mediocre candidate with no connection to the Republican base in a critical swing state. If Rs are serious about defending our senate majority we need to start looking for a replacement for Tillis and we need to start NOW. Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Notably, Schwartz helped shepherd Pete Hegseths nomination for defense secretary through the Senate, a process in which Tillis became the key vote to confirm him. Hegseth faced allegations of alcohol abuse, a sexual assault and the financial mismanagement of organizations that he led, all of which he denied. Ultimately, three other Republican senators joined all Democrats in voting against his nomination, requiring Vice President JD Vance to break a 50-50 tie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear what Tillis is referring to regarding Schwartzs being a billionaire. Asked Thursday whether he stands by his vote to confirm Hegseth, Tillis responded, 100%. He said Schwartzs behind-the-scenes behavior toward him and other senators is part of the reason why I put Pete Hegseths nomination in the balance. Let me do due diligence. Dont tell me how to do my job, Tillis said. And Arthur Schwartz should not even be walking the halls of the White House, in my opinion, based on his behavior. ... He wants to flex with me, then we are where we are. It is not clear what role, if any, Schwartz plays in the Trump administration. He did not respond to requests for comment about his official role or Tillis criticisms of his behavior. The White House also did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, when NBC News reported on an affidavit containing allegations against Hegseth signed by his former sister-in-law, Danielle, Schwartz referred to himself as an adviser to Hegseth and a volunteer for the Trump administration. Schwartz is a friend of and consultant to Donald Trump Jr., the presidents son. He is facilitating the Senate confirmation process for Elbridge Colby, Trumps nominee to be Hegseths undersecretary of defense for policy. Republican members on the Senate Armed Services Committee grilled Colby this week over his stances on Taiwan, China, Iran and NATO allies. Vance appeared before the committee to endorse Colby, whom he called a friend. Tillis said: Anything that [Schwartz] represents in Congress, he better not have his fingerprints on it, because Im a reflexive no to anything he represents. Thats how bad I think he is for the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Surabian, a Republican strategist affiliated with Vance, also responded to Tillis comments, posting on X: What kind of s----- campaign is @ThomTillis running that he attacks someone who no one in NC has ever heard of over a tweet? While Arthur isnt a billionaire, he is indeed a smart guy. We have worked together for years overseeing all of Don Jr.s political activities. Not smart! Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., backed Tillis during an interaction with reporters Thursday in the Capitol. I endorsed Thom a long time ago. Look, Ive known him long before he was ever in this role and supported him. Hes a great partner for the state, Budd said. Hes tough, Ill tell you. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Sen. Dan Dawson, R-Council Bluffs and Rep. Bobby Kaufman, R-Wilton talk to reporters March 6, 2025, about their proposal to make changes to Iowa's property tax system. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The Republican leaders of the Iowa Legislatures tax committees released their property tax proposal Thursday. Rep. Bobby Kaufman, R-Wilton and Sen. Dan Dawson, R-Council Bluffs, chairs of the House and Senate Ways and Means committees, respectively, introduced legislation that they said in a news release would be the biggest property tax system overhaul since the 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure, introduced as House Study Bill 313 and Senate Study Bill 1208, makes multiple changes to Iowas system of property taxes that the lawmakers said would provide an estimated $426 million in property tax cuts. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The bill would move Iowas local property tax system away from assessing properties using rollbacks a method where the taxes based on the assessed market value of a property is limited based on the statewide aggregate property values. Instead, Iowa would use a revenue-restricted system, Dawson told reporters Thursday. The bill would create a new schedule of assessment limitations and a 2% growth factor restriction, based on the fiscal years actual property tax dollars that have been certified for a local property tax levy. While the change would mean property owners pay more taxes based on the value of their property, Dawson said the revenue restriction buys down that rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without a revenue restriction, its going to be a windfall to local governments, which will be a shellacking to our property taxpayers, Dawson said. This all has to work in unison. So at the end of the day, this is going to be property tax relief for Iowans, but not one of these parts will come out of system. The system change would be phased in over five years. Kaufmann said the change would help address problems local governments have with the rollback system and would provide more certainty for local jurisdictions as they plan budgets over the long term. The number one thing I have heard with my visit with local governments has been that they have no predictability in what the revenues are going to look like, he said. They have to wait for the rollback to come in, in December. And trying to plan out responsibly, two years, three years, four years, five years next to impossible in the current system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system also shifts funding from Iowas system of tax credits back to the state, which Kaufmann said would go toward about $400 million in school funding coverage through the state that is currently allocated through local property taxes. Were spending hundreds of millions of dollars on these credits right now, Kaufmann said. Without their existence, we can reappropriate those dollars for direct property tax relief. Other components in the legislation include a $25,000 property tax exemption for homesteads and a property tax freeze for seniors over age 70 who have incomes at 250% or less than the federal poverty level. The legislation has been anticipated as Republican leaders at the Statehouse have repeatedly stated that property tax changes will be a top priority in the 2025 session. The lawmakers said the new measure builds off of the 2023 property tax law that capped levy rates for cities and counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, said Iowans should be extremely skeptical about the property tax proposal. Over the last decade, every attempt by GOP lawmakers to fix Iowas property tax system has failed, Jacoby said in a statement. Property taxes just keep going up every year, especially for homeowners. House Democrats believe we need to put money back in the pockets of homeowners and renters immediately. While the measure was introduced Thursday, there will likely not be movement on the bill through the committee process for several weeks. Kaufmann said the bill was introduced this week in order to give time to local governments, schools and other impacted entities to review the legislation and give feedback to lawmakers on how best to proceed with potential changes. How those conversations turn out, what feedback we get, may result in some changes to the bill, Kaufmann said. Were not dropping this out and saying, This is perfect, as is, this will pass out of subcommittee next week. This will be a thoughtful process, that will take up the most the rest of the session, to make sure that we get it right and understand all the impacts. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE An earlier version of this article was first published in the On the Trail 2024 newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Friday mornings here. Hello, friends. My name is Cami Mondeaux, your D.C. correspondent reporting from Capitol Hill in Washington. Ill be taking over this newsletter from the great Samuel Benson, who did a masterful job at informing you over the last few years. As I take the reins, heres what Ill focus on I spend a lot of time on Capitol Hill chasing lawmakers down hallways and staking out closed-door meetings between top political leaders, and Im excited to give yall a front-row seat to all the action. One of my favorite parts of this job is pulling back the curtain to show you how these big decisions are made and what deals were agreed upon to get there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope to make Washington make sense and Ill need your help to know how best to do that! More on that at the bottom of this edition. But in the meantime, lets get to the biggest stories from this week. The big idea GOP goes virtual to avoid protesters People fill the room during a town hall meeting at the George Culver Community Library Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Sauk City, Wis. | Morry Gash House Republican leaders are encouraging members to conduct events with their constituents through virtual calls due to an increase of protests at in-person meetings. The protesters are frustrated with DOGE cuts and other Trump administration policies. Rep. Richard Hudson, chairman of the National Republican Campaign Committee, advised GOP lawmakers in a closed-door meeting on Tuesday to steer clear of in-person events and opt for tele-town halls instead, members inside the room told the Deseret News. The advice comes after several GOP-led events have been bombarded by those with concerns about government layoffs and spending cuts with some Republicans saying those protests have extended beyond official events. Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, has seen his fair share of DOGE-related concerns at his in-person and tele-town halls, which he says have been both widely attended and productive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think every member should do whats best for their district and constituents, and if the tele-town hall option allows members to reach more people while facilitating a discussion, then thats helpful, Moore told the Deseret News. I look forward to hosting more in-person and tele-town halls in the coming months. Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., told reporters she has witnessed protesters coming to her personal home and verbally attacking and insulting my children and family. For me personally, its just not safe to do an in-person town hall because I dont know what to expect, Boebert said. Democrats were quick to target GOP leadership over their advice, accusing Republicans of hiding from their constituents amid an ever-changing political atmosphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So House Republicans political strategy is see no families nor workers, hear no protesters, speak to no one and hope everyone gets less angry at them when they rip away Americans health care? Got it, said Viet Shelton, communications director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, House Democrats chief fundraising arm. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended leaderships advice by claiming many of the protesters seen at Republican events are paid by George Soros-funded groups and other Democrats to make a scene for the cameras. Democratic activists who dont live in the district very often will show up for these town hall events and theyll go in an hour early and theyll fill all the seats so the constituents and the people from the community that are actually represented dont even get a seat, Johnson said. Im not saying all the Democrats in these town halls that youve seen on television were not from the local area, but there are people who do this as a profession. So why would we give them a forum to do that right now? Meanwhile, Democrats are leaning into Republicans attempts to get a handle on the backlash but being sure not to leave any fingerprints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has denied any Democratic involvement in recent protests, arguing we dont need paid protesters. The American people are with us. 3+ things to know Trump gives longest speech to Congress in history: Here are the highlights President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. | Win McNamee Trump gave his first joint address on Tuesday night in what ended up being the longest presidential speech to Congress in U.S. history. Heres my live coverage from that speech as I sat in the front row of the press balcony. Here are some of the highlights from that speech that didnt make it in my first pass: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump designates 13-year-old cancer survivor D.J. Daniel as an honorary member of the Secret Service. Trump announces the capture of a top Islamic State leader who was behind the 2021 attack on the Kabul airport that killed 13 American service members, including a Utahn, during the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump renames a wildlife sanctuary after 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was killed last year by two migrants in the country illegally. The refuge is in Houston, Texas, where Nungaray lived. And in case you missed it, heres a recap of the Democratic response by Sen. Elissa Slotkin, written by our very own Gitanjali Poonia. Whats next Thats a wrap on my first edition, thanks for making it through to the end! As we start to refocus our coverage, Id love to hear from you on what you want to see included. Do you have any burning questions for your representative? Have you always wanted to know what the hottest trends are for lawmakers? (Check out this story I wrote last year about an energy drink that is all the rage among staffers and lawmakers alike.) Ask away, and Ill do my best to bring you all the inside knowledge. In the meantime, reach me by email or follow me on X for more timely updates from the Hill. Speaking Thursday evening at a Fort Worth private school, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott made the case for school vouchers again: That parents, not the government, are best equipped to decide what type of education is best for their children. Although Abbott has struggled to get a voucher proposal through the Texas Legislature in years past, he sounded confident that a bill will reach his desk this year. Abbott was in Fort Worth on Thursday to rally supporters of education savings accounts, a school voucher-like program that gives families public money to pay for private school tuition or homeschooling expenses. The governor spoke at a Parent Empowerment Night at Temple Christian School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the event, Abbott acknowledged that the proposal has passed the Texas Senate in session after session after session, only to fail when it reached the House. But the current session is likely to bring different results. Currently, 77 representatives are signed on as authors on the Houses education savings account bill one more vote than the bill needs to get through the chamber. Abbott, however, encouraged families not to assume the bill is already across the finish line. Pointing to a row of Republican lawmakers in the audience, he encouraged parents to call their senators and representatives offices to voice their support for school vouchers. Event attendees hold signs saying Vouchers are not conservative while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a Parent Empowerment Night event, where he advocated for school choice and vouchers, at Temple Christian School in Fort Worth on Thursday, March 6. Abbott insisted that the proposal doesnt represent an attack on public schools, saying that the state will have approved record per-student funding and teacher pay by the end of the legislative session. But he also accused public schools across the state of promoting a woke, leftist agenda. Our schools are for educating our kids, not indoctrinating our kids, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the event Axel and Stacy Van Hout were standing in the back of the schools gymnasium, waiting for Abbott to arrive. The couples son is a first-grader at Temple Christian. Although hes a public school graduate himself, Axel said he isnt happy with the quality of education provided in public schools. So when his son was old enough to start pre-K, he and Stacy decided to look for options outside their school district. Theres been so much push for different ideologies, he said. I want my son to be raised in the Christian faith, and thats where we want him to be. Axel said he didnt think families who are looking for better educational options for their kids should be penalized by having to pay private school tuition. If anything, he said he thinks low-performing schools should be penalized, so families could get a better idea of whats going on there. More top stories from our newsroom: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One suspect arrested in killings of rapper and child Protesters question euthanasia at Fort Worth animal shelters Grief lasts for mom who lost daughter to domestic violence [Get our breaking news alerts.] House, Senate voucher bills differ on details Two separate education savings account plans are working their way through the Texas Legislature. While both plans would set up programs that give families public money to pay for private school tuition, they differ on some key details. The House version, House Bill 2, would establish a priority list for applicants, giving highest priority to students with disabilities whose families earn up to 500% of the federal poverty level about $156,000 for a family of four if the number of applicants is greater than the number of spots available. Following those students on the priority list would be students whose families earn up to double the federal poverty level, followed by those whose families earn between 200% and 500% of the poverty level, then those in families earning more than five times the poverty level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate version, Senate Bill 2, would set aside 80% of the voucher programs spots for students with disabilities and students in families earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level. About 79% of school-aged children in Texas fall under that income threshold. Unlike the House version, which gives higher priority to lower-income families, the Senate version would treat families earning less than the federal poverty level the same as those earning more than $100,000 or more a year. The idea of a universal voucher program is more popular among Texas voters than one restricted to lower-income families, according to a survey conducted last month by Texas Southern Universitys Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center. Of the 1,200 Texas registered voters polled, 63% said they would support a universal education savings account program, while just 45% said they would support a program that was only available to lower-income families. But critics point out that voucher programs without income restrictions tend to benefit wealthiest families the most. In states that have already implemented voucher programs, the majority of students who accepted a voucher were already enrolled in private schools before the programs rolled out, according to a report released in October by FutureEd, a nonpartisan think tank at Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy. The event attendees give Texas Gov. Greg Abbott a standing ovation after he spoke at a Parent Empowerment Night event, where he advocated for school choice and vouchers, at Temple Christian School in Fort Worth on Thursday, March 6. Both Arkansas and Iowa launched voucher programs in 2023 and expanded eligibility to all students in the state starting this year. In 2023, 64% of voucher recipients in Arkansas and 66% in Iowa were enrolled in private schools the year before, according to the report. That effectively means that taxpayers in those states were subsidizing private school tuition that those students families had already committed to paying. Also in 2023, state lawmakers in Oklahoma passed the Parental Choice Tax Credit Act, creating a voucher-like program that gives tax credits of up to $7,500 for families to put toward private school tuition. Lawmakers said the program was intended to help low-income families who were trapped in failing public schools. But last month, the Oklahoma Tax Commission reported that nearly half of the tax credits the agency gave out for the spring 2025 semester went to families making $150,000 a year or more more than double the states median household income. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) Gov. Andy Beshear gave an update Thursday afternoon on the states response to Februarys deadly flooding during a press conference. Kentuckys expedited major disaster declaration has been expanded to include 14 counties, with Estill, Simpson, and Johnson counties added. RELATED l FEMA works to jump start flood recovery efforts in eastern Kentucky There are eight disaster recovery centers open across the Commonwealth, per a news release. Two more were added on Thursday at the Breathitt County Public Library and the Clay County Health Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roads across the Bluegrass have continued to open across eastern Kentucky since the flooding subsided, but 22 state highways remain closed. Federal help for storm debris removal is reportedly active in Pike, Perry, Martin, and Knott counties as of Thursday afternoon. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Debris removal always seems like it takes too long. You want to get the chaos out, Beshear said. But once it starts in the full plan, its done much more quickly than anyone could imagine watching once we had all the crews out in eastern Kentucky after the 2022 floods, and the difference that it made day to day, week to week, and month to month was something incredible to see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear met with swift water rescue teams from across the state on Thursday, who rescued over 1,000 Kentuckians during Februarys deadly storms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine gives the State of the State Address. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.) Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has promised to push federal officials to provide greater support to farmers affected by bird flu. The governor spoke alongside state Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge Thursday as well as the state veterinarian and poultry industry representatives. State impacts Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, commonly known as bird flu, has been spreading throughout the country since the beginning of 2022, but a recent a recent spike has hit Ohio farmers particularly hard. According to the latest USDA data, Ohio has culled nearly 14.5 million birds since the beginning of this year alone. Thats more than double any other state over that timeframe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX And to put it in perspective, Baldridge said, as far as the layer facilities, about over 30% of our layer birds here in Ohio have been depopulated. Those are the ones that are laying the eggs each and every day. He noted that one facility raising ducks and a few raising turkeys have been impacted as well. DeWine explained that once farmers detect a case theres little they can do besides cull the flock. The doctor tells me the fatality rate is very, very, very high, right? he said, looking to State Veterinarian Dennis Summers. You could be as high as 90, 95, even 100%, so those birds are going to basically die anyway. The point, the point is youre trying to either slow this thing down or, obviously the main goal is to stop it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To that end, Summers noted, One thing that we definitely want to make sure that were keeping an eye on is an effective way to use a vaccination strategy for poultry for HPAI. So thats one thing that were going to be continuing to watch, and hopefully we have that as a tool in the toolbox here for Ohio. Jim Chakeres, who heads up the Ohio Poultry Association, has made the same point with state lawmakers, but the idea of vaccinating flocks faces competing interests within the industry. Farmers who focus on meat production known as broilers could see their export business dry up following vaccination because buyers in other countries worry birds coming in could carry the virus and infect their domestic flocks. In a recently announced $1 billion response effort, USDA officials earmarked $100 million to research vaccines or other treatment, and the agency has awarded a conditional license to develop a bird flu vaccine. Despite that funding though, a vaccination program would be a significant step. The agency has stockpiled vaccines in the past without actually using them. What DeWine wants The governor said he would be an advocate for the state and its farmers but one of the things that is clear, is the federal government is really going to have to accelerate the research that is being done in regard to bird flu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The potential impacts extend beyond hot spots like poultry farms in Western Ohio, DeWine said not explicitly referencing the risk of human infection but noting obviously bigger ramifications in regard to bird flu. Ohio reported its first case of human infection last month one of 70 tallied so far. Although one person in the U.S. has died, there has been no indication of the virus spreading from person to person. DeWine said hed convey the message to speed up research when he speaks to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins Friday. The governor added that hed push for the secretary to extend the extra financial support she announced recently to farmers who have already been impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things that the federal government has done is up the amount of compensation, DeWine said. One of the things Ill take up with the secretary is to see whether or not that could be backdated, basically retroactive, because some of these farmers (losses) obviously occurred before the date when it went into effect. But even with greater support, Chakeres warned that egg prices wouldnt come down right away. Our farmers are working every day to get those barns cleaned and disinfected so they can repopulate and start producing eggs again, he said. That takes time. It takes that chick 21 days to hatch. It takes 18 weeks before that hen is going to start laying eggs again. So it just takes time to repopulate the facilities. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DAR ES SALAAM, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Telecommunications stakeholders from across Africa have called for greater cooperation among African countries in exploring modalities for the establishment of a unified roaming system to drive digital integration, the East African Community (EAC) said in a statement on Friday. The statement said the stakeholders made the call in a workshop jointly hosted by Smart Africa and the EAC Secretariat in the Ugandan capital of Kampala. The Knowledge Exchange and Stakeholder Engagement Workshop on the One Africa Network and EAC One Network Area marked a significant step toward realizing a seamless and harmonized telecommunications framework across the continent, the statement said. It said establishing a unified roaming system across multiple countries required coordination between different governments and service providers. "One key challenge is ensuring that all participating nations agree on common policies and technical standards." The workshop brought together policymakers, regulators, mobile network operators, and development partners to discuss key policy, regulatory, and implementation challenges affecting Africa's digital integration, according to the statement. It added that by leveraging these frameworks, the continent seeks to accelerate regional integration, drive economic growth, and empower citizens with greater access to digital services. BURNSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Gov. Josh Stein returned to western North Carolina on Thursday afternoon, touring storm-damaged areas in Yancey County. The governor met with first responders, teachers, and residents who lived through some of the most violent storm impacts seen during Hurricane Helene. The visit came one day after the state Senate advanced a relief package worth more than half-a-billion dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Queen City News he will sign it if it reaches his desk. Certainly, I absolutely will. Im grateful that the House and Senate have moved, theyre getting the ball rolling, theyre starting our work. Eric Church, Luke Combs honored with Artist Humanitarian Award for raising $24 million for Helene recovery and rebuilding Stein insisted that the package will not be the last round of help from Raleigh. We are not done, this package is not the final package, it cannot be. Because the needs are immense. There were 60 billion dollars in damages in all of Western North Carolina, said Stein. But the governor also said federal assistance will need to continue to ensure Western NC can fully recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NC education leaders balk at bill that eliminates DEI concepts in schools We need them to come up with a disaster relief package, I dont know where it is in the process, weve been reaching out talking to their offices, that has to happen as soon as possible, he said. The relief bill passed by the Senate on Wednesday needs to have some changes approved by the House before it can be sent to the governors desk for his approval. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Transportation announced Thursday that they are giving out more than $200 million in Community Crossings matching grants. These grants are to be used in local road and bridge construction projects. The money will be split across 245 cities, towns, and counties throughout Indiana. These different communities filled out applications for these grants back in January. Funding for these grants comes from the states matching grant fund for this type of work. Community Crossings has given out more than $2 billion since 2016 when it was created. Improving and maintaining roads and bridges at all levels is crucial for enhancing quality of life and public safety for Hoosiers, said Gov. Braun. Communities across the state need investment in their local infrastructure and we are pleased to partner with them to make necessary improvements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are the local areas to receive grant money: Brazil $616,401.23 Clay County $1,500,000.00 Daviess County $1,120,970.25 Knox County $1,500,000.00 Martin County $1,106,930.25 Merom $24,842.42 Newberry $102,000.00 Oaktown $82,200.57 Parke County $1,500,000.00 Putnam County $1,457,989.50 Shelburn $252,729.74 Staunton $71,387.25 Sullivan County $1,500,000.00 Vermillion County $1,500,000.00 Vigo County $749,799.61 Long-term funding has already been approved for these grants to continue their work as part of House Enrolled Act 1002, passed in 2017. To learn more about the Community Crossings matching grant program, you can click on the link here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) The Democratic prime sponsor of legislation that would give child care workers in South Dakota expanded eligibility for financial assistance says she hopes that Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden will sign it into law. Rep. Erin Healy acknowledged that the only opposition to House Bill 1132 came from the state Department of Social Services within Rhodens administration. The department administers the child-care assistance program, which is federally funded. DOGE having an impact in South Dakota Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite top DSS officials arguing against it, HB 1132 had received solid support among Republican state lawmakers, passing 39-31 in the House and 20-14 in the Senate. Its lead Senate sponsor is Republican Tim Reed. The legislation now is on the way to Gov. Rhodens office for review and his decision whether it should become law. A veto likely would kill it, because neither chambers vote came close to the two-thirds majority needed for an override. DSS currently awards child care assistance to applicants whose household income is no more than 209% of the federal poverty level. The legislation would expand the income threshold to 300% for child care workers with children. Its a huge step in strengthening the child care workforce, getting more workers out into the field and increasing access to child care, and more workers means more slots, and more slots means more child care for families, Healy said during the Democratic leaderships weekly news conference on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funding comes from the federal government to the department. Asked by KELOLAND News why she thinks the governor would sign the legislation into law, despite the departments opposition, Healy said she plans to go to talk to the governor or his staff about it. Im not quite sure how aware Governor Rhoden is about the child care crisis, but this is one small solution, Healy said. She noted that the expansion made it through both the House and the Senate, both of which have more than two-thirds of Republicans. We need to try something, and we need to try something different. We cant just let our facilities and our providers close. And so Im hopeful that we can have that conversation, Healy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department knows that the expansion wont affect state governments budget, she said, and there hasnt been a waiting list of applicants. Reed brought a bill last year that sought to direct the department to conduct a statewide study of child care. The Senate tabled it. Reed, Healy and others serve on a task force thats been looking at what other states do. When the expansion bill received a Senate committee hearing, Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff testified that the expansion could lead to a waiting list and that the department might have to shrink the general 200% household income threshold to 185%. Healy said on Thursday that, by expanding eligibility for child care workers, the legislation would expand the pool of possible applicants for child care assistance and potentially there could be a wait list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know that. It hasnt happened, she said. But what I think is important is that if we dont have child care workers taking care of children, then people, both people who need child care assistance and people who can afford to pay what we call tuition, the cost of the services, then theres not going to be slots available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. YANCEY COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) North Carolina Governor Josh Stein visited Yancey County on Thursday to evaluate flood damage from Hurricane Helene. County Sheriff Shane Hilliard met with Gov. Stein to talk about two upgrades the county needs. When the storm hit the county in September, some areas saw more than 30 inches of rain. Sheriff Hilliard asked for updates to the state Viper radio system, which helps first responders communicate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff also asked that Gov. Stein set aside funding to help the county with Helene recovery efforts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Update: Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Lee Dudek announced the reversal of a decision terminating Enumeration at Birth in Maine in a Friday statement, calling it a "mistake" and directing the programs be reinstated. An ostensible crackdown on waste, fraud and abuse inside the Social Security Administration is making giving birth even more complicated for some Americans. New parents in Maine must now go into a Social Security office to register their newborn children for a Social Security number, ending a decades-old rule that allowed parents to apply at a hospital shortly after birth. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services notified hospitals via email on Wednesday that effective immediately, the option for parents to participate in the enumeration at birth process will be suspended, per the Portland Press Herald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents will need to visit their local Social Security Office to apply for their childs Social Security number, the notice states, clarifying that the process for applying at birth for a Social Security number, the most common method by far, is going the way of the dodo. The changes force Mainers to bring their babies into one of just eight offices across the state, with swaths of the state an hour or more away. Existing SSA guidance noted that applying when you provide information for your babys birth certificate in the hospital was the easiest way to get a Social Security number. The department has been hard at work revising long-standing practices since DOGE head Elon Musk made claims of fraud inside the Social Security system. The Maine DHHS, in a statement to the Press Herald, attributed the development to a change in federal policy. Its unclear if Maine is the only state to be impacted by the change or just the first to experience it. The abrupt end to a decades-long policy comes after Maine's governor publicly clashed with President Donald Trump over her commitment to upholding the legal rights of transgender athletes. At the time, Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from the state. See you in court, Mills told the president at a National Governors Association gathering, promising to defend the legal rights of transgender athletes. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A city man who police said had 51 bags of crack cocaine in his home when it was searched last month was indicted Thursday by a Mahoning County grand jury. Dennis Artis, 60, faces charges of possession of cocaine, a second-degree felony; and possession of fentanyl, a fourth-degree felony. He has been in the Mahoning County Jail on $40,000 bond since he was arraigned in municipal court following his arrest Feb. 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Artis was arrested when police served a search warrant at his 145 W. Chalmers Ave. investigating drug activity. Reports said officers had to break the door down because it was barricaded from the inside. Artis was found on the second floor, reports said. He had $3,000 cash when he was found, reports said. Reports said police found the crack cocaine in the living room, and the cash was in an upstairs room and also on Artis. At the jail, deputies found 11 pills inside Artis shoe, reports said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) As people prepare to Spring ahead on Sunday at 2 a.m. for Daylight Savings, the Green Bay Metro Fire Department is reminding residents to do more than just change the clocks. The Green Bay Metro Fire Department announced on Thursday that it is launching Operation Beep Beep, an initiative to ensure that every resident has properly functioning smoke alarms. Jackson Elementary partakes in cereal box collection, domino challenge to support local food pantries Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release says that now is a great time to check smoke alarms for fresh batteries and to test their functionality. According to the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, the National Fire Protection Association says roughly three of five households dont have properly functioning or quality smoke alarms. Standard smoke alarm, test button shown Standard smoke alarm, test button shown Smoke alarms are a lifeline, because in the middle of the night, youre not going to wake up to the smell of smoke, Lieutenant Shauna Walesh said. Its extremely important to have smoke alarms, because theyll give you that early notification to get out of the home in case of a fire. Lt. Walesh said that many smoke alarms will come with a test button to make sure that theyre alerting you, and that its important to change the batteries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 United States Cheese Champion announced, nine cheeses in Wisconsin finish in top 20 Thanks to a $29,880 FEMA grant, the fire department is providing and installing smoke alarms at no cost to Green Bay, Allouez and Bellevue residents. Visit the Green Bay Metro Fire Department website or call the smoke alarm hotline at (920) 448-3303 to participate in Operation Beep Beep for free installation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Thursday morning, the Greene County Health Department held the fourth annual Septic Installer Symposium and Exhibition. Its environmental health specialist Danny Miller said this gives installers from across the county a chance to network and grow their knowledge in the field. This event also featured presentations from the Indiana Department of Health on new and updated rules, regarding septic installation. Miller said this is the perfect time of year to hold an event like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children with disabilities can apply for up to $20,000 with this scholarship We want them to be familiar with any new technology or any new changes to the rules and ordinances that they may face in the upcoming year, said Miller. Especially with it being the wet season, it is better to get it out of the way now rather than having to deal with it halfway through the installation year. Miller said these events have grown in attendance every year so far and they hope that continues in the future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. Norwich Anybody notice anything that you want to change about Greeneville?" That question was posed by 16-year-old Caroline Forvilus, at the first official meeting Thursday of the new Greeneville Youth Group a collection of five Greeneville teenagers who are seeking to change the perception of their neighborhood. The five members included Forvilus, Senjianah Noze, 16, Jeremiah Noze, 17, Serge Fabre, 17 and Sobrina Jeanty, 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forvilus' question then led to a discussion about the perception of Greeneville starting with the swing sets at the Greenville Playground. Jeanty said she had not been there since she was a child. Senjianah Noze asked her why. "Well, I stopped because well, when I was a child, my sister used to bring me there," said Jeanty. "But now, whenever I want to go there by myself, my parents say it's, you know, dangerous over there. So they don't want me to walk by myself." Fabre, the group's president, asked her why her parents thought it's too dangerous. She said her parents had heard about criminal activity in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What do you think would have to happen for your parents to trust that the neighborhood was safe?" Fabre asked her. Group members mentioned neighborhood watches, patrols and curfews. But Senjianah Noze said people won't obey curfews, and will be out no matter what. Fabre asked Nancy Procko, a long-time member of the Greeneville Neighborhood Revitalization Committee who was moderating the meeting, if there was a neighborhood watch in Greeneville. Proclo told her there was and it meets the second Tuesday of every month. "So if you ever have a concern about something in the neighborhood, either you can attend the meeting, or you can report it to me, and I will bring it up at the meeting. But it's important for you to also keep up on the safety of the neighborhood. Let everybody know what's going on," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Procko said the 25-year-old GNRC has made the city aware of sidewalks, blight, and been involved in the planned demolition of the deteriorating Capehart Mill to create a park. Greeneville has other neighborhood groups such as the Greeneville Neighborhood Committee and Greeneville Neighborhood Watch. But she said most of the GNRC members are older, and has had trouble attracting new members. Fabre, after working with Nancy Procko on Sparkle, a GNRC annual events in which flowers are placed in front of Greeneville businesses, talked with her about what else needed to be done to help the community. That led him to form his group with local teens. "For me, I just joined because I want to actually help out the community," Noze said. "Because personally, I've never helped or volunteered within a community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Thursday's meeting, the members and Procko went over upcoming community events and how they could raise awareness of them, including an annual Earth Day cleanup on April 26 and Sparkle in May. They discussed making posters, creating a website for the GNRC, recording a video for social media, and advertising on the student news program at Norwich Free Academy, which they all attend. Fabre said the group's goal is to increase participation in the various organizations and events in the community, which Fabre said has a poor reputation. "Our primary goal is to make Greeneville a better place," he said. "And give it a good reputation, Forvilus added. The group is scheduled to hold its next meeting March 26 at 3 p.m. at the Greeneville fire station, 446 North Main St. d.drainville@theday.com PRAGUE, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The Czech government announced on Friday that it will propose legislation to streamline immigration procedures and bolster national security. The proposal aims to accelerate deportations of individuals residing illegally, expand the vetting of asylum seekers and migrants, and lower social standards for asylum applicants, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said at a press conference. Fiala emphasized that the reforms are intended to curb irregular migration while maintaining the Schengen Area's principles of free movement. According to the Directorate of the Foreign Police Service, Czech authorities detained 9,461 individuals linked to illegal migration in 2024, a 31.9 percent drop from the previous year. In 2022, nearly 30,000 illegal migrants were apprehended. While police attribute the decline to existing security measures and international cooperation, the government views the proposed law as a proactive step to address future challenges. The legislation also includes provisions for detention facilities at international airports to enhance border security. Under the proposal, asylum seekers who fail to cooperate with authorities or misuse the migration system may face movement restrictions within the country. The amendment will be submitted to the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Parliament, as a parliamentary initiative, with a request for expedited approval, the Interior Ministry said. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) The New Mexico Health Department reported 30 infections Friday, three times as many as the prior report. This jump does not signal a rapidly expanding outbreak, NMDOH spokesperson David Morgan told Source via an emailed statement, but reflects steadily rising cases just added to the case count this week. The increase in case numbers today is the combined total of test results from the New Mexico Department of Healths Scientific Laboratory Division and the known contacts of confirmed cases that also developed clinical measles, Morgan said. It is important to note that many of these cases were not identified until after their illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That being said, Morgan added, We do expect to see more measles cases in the ongoing outbreaks in Lea County and Texas among people who are unvaccinated. The majority of confirmed measles cases involve unvaccinated people. The large majority of Lea County residents are vaccinated and well-protected even if they come into contact with the virus. According to the reports, officials identified 14 cases in the first week, six cases in each week between Feb. 16 and March 1 and four cases this week. Newly reported infections include very young children. Lea County now has three infections in children ages 0 to 4; eight cases in children ages 5 to 17; and 15 adult cases. Four cases remain pending. Measles is an airborne, highly contagious respiratory disease. People can spread infection days before symptoms show, which can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that spreads over the body. Severe complications include pneumonia, brain swelling and even death. Approximately one in five cases requires hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Melissa Mason, a pediatrician and chair of the immunization committee for the New Mexico Pediatric Society, told Source NM last week that two doses of the measles vaccine offers the most effective prevention. This is the gold star of vaccines, after a second dose, you get 97% protection, Mason said. NMDOH reported Thursday that an unvaccinated adult tested positive for measles and died, but the cause of death is still under investigation. This follows the Feb. 26 death of a Texas child, the first U.S. death from the disease in a decade. The ongoing outbreak started in Gaines County, Texas, just across the state line from Lea County. Cases in Texas continue to rise, with health officials there reporting just under 200 cases, mostly in unvaccinated children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reported nationally, recent comments made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continued to downplay the role of vaccinations and instead touted nutrition and the role of Vitamin A. Vitamin A can be used in treatment, but it does not prevent measles, according to the CDC. Vaccine Information Children under the age of six months cannot receive the vaccine. The CDC says that adults vaccinated in the 1960s may need an additional dose of the vaccine for the most effective prevention. New Mexicans can use Vax View to look up previous vaccine records, NMDOH will hold free measles vaccination clinics in Lea County in two locations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. onTuesday, March 11. Hobbs Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso Lovington Public Health Office, 302 N. 5th Street NMDOH can also assist with finding local pharmacies with vaccines in stock or questions about symptoms on the helpline at 1-833-796-8773. The line is staffed with nurses who can provide information in English and Spanish. Further information can be found online. BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) A Guatemalan man was arrested Thursday and charged with the possession and production of child phonography. Mario Rene Garcia Martinez, also known as Mario Rene Martinez Garcia, was arrested in Valley Stream, N.Y. The 33-year-old Guatemalan national is alleged to have used his smartphone to record sexually explicit videos and images of a female minor while she was sleeping during two occasions in Feb. 2024. Ansonia man arrested following child porn investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appearing in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport, Garcia Martinez was charged with production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30. He was also charged with possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Haven Police Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. ST. LOUIS More than 100 guests who planned to stay at a Washington Avenue hotel this weekend were abruptly told they had to leave and find a new place to go. It all happened on Thursday at The Last Hotel STL on Washington Avenue. The closure impacted around 25 employees and dozens of guests. The hotels general manager said a judge ordered the management company could no longer oversee operations at the hotel, forcing them to send their employeesand guestspacking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Some guests arrived from out of town to see a sign on the front door informing them that the hotel was closed due to unforeseen circumstances. Hotel employees told FOX 2 they stayed after they were already relieved of their duties to ensure that arriving guests were informed of the abrupt change. A man who identified himself as the co-owner of the hotel told FOX 2 the sale of the property has been caught up in the courts and that a judge placed the hotel in receivership. He said the judge recently ruled that the current management company could no longer operate the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, he feels Thursdays events were avoidable and added that hes hopeful the hotel can soon reopen Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) Guilford County will not give up on a sales tax increase. It was turned down by voters in November, but county leaders are already gearing up to put it back on the ballot in the spring of next year. Guilford County Commissioners Chair Skip Alston said they need to start now because there is work they need to do behind the scenes. They also want to start this conversation early, so that voters understand what it means when they vote for or against the sales tax increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A quarter of one cent, Alston said. Its a small increase that voters continue to turn down. Maybe the 7th time. Maybe the 8th time, but who is counting? Alston said. He thinks 2026 might be the time to tip the scales with help from lawmakers. If we can put on the ballot exactly what those funds are going to be used for rather than just saying a quarter cent sales tax increase, Alston said. The county has asked the general assembly to allow the ballot to say the increase will fund education. But North Carolina Senator Amy Galey said its not that simple because there is no way to ensure that money gets used for that purpose Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is what we are fighting for now, Alston said. As the county heads into budget season, the only way to get additional funds to pay teachers and classified workers is to raise property taxes. That would mean we would have to increase our taxes by 7 cents. About a quarter cent would get us just about there, and that would allow everybody to participate, Alston said. About 40 percent of the revenue from the sales tax would come from visitor spending in the county. Each year, it could bring in around $35 million that stays in the community. Unfortunately, the state has not been doing a good job in looking out for our schools, Alston said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alston is concerned about federal cuts, including those at the Department of Education. That is going to be a very frightening situation, Alston said. The sales tax increase is another step to prepare for the uncertainty ahead, according to Alston. That is another revenue stream that if the federal government doesnt come through for our schools, the state doesnt come through for our schools, then we can have that as a supplement in order to hopefully close the gap, Alston said, Budget talks have started for the year. With so many changes at the federal level, Alston tells FOX8 they will likely have some tough decisions ahead, and they hope voters will understand how important the sales tax increase is to fund schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. A former American Airlines flight attendant has pleaded guilty to filming a teenage girl who was using the airplane bathroom on a Boston-bound flight in 2023 and to having recordings of four other young girls using airplane bathrooms. Estes Carter Thompson III, 37, of Charlotte, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement on Thursday. Thompson also pleaded guilty to having recordings of four additional minor female passengers -- one of them as young as 7 years old -- using bathrooms aboard aircraft he had worked on previously, Foley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Court Judge Julia Kobick scheduled sentencing for June 17. Thompson was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in April 2024. He was arrested in January 2024 in Lynchburg, Virginia. Estes Carter Thompson III, 37, of Charlotte, North Carolina Prosecutors said he taped his iPhone to the toilet to record a teenage girl who was using the airplane bathroom on a Boston-bound flight on Sept. 2, 2023. On that day, while working as a flight attendant onboard an American Airlines flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to Boston, Thompson videorecorded or attempted to surreptitiously video-record a 14-year-old female passenger as she used the airplane bathroom, Foley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Midway through the flight, the girl got up to use the main cabin bathroom nearest to her airplane seat. When she arrived to the bathroom, it was occupied. After the girl had been waiting a short time, Thompson approached her, told her that the first-class bathroom was unoccupied and escorted her toward first class, Foley said. Before she entered that bathroom, Thompson told her that he needed to wash his hands and that the bathrooms toilet seat was broken, and he briefly entered the bathroom. After Thompson exited the bathroom, the girl entered the bathroom and saw red stickers on the underside of the toilet seat lid, which was in the open position, that stated, INOPERATIVE CATERING EQUIPMENT and REMOVE FROM SERVICE, and SEAT BROKEN was hand-written in black ink on one of the stickers, Foley said. Underneath the red stickers, Thompson had concealed his iPhone to record a video, Foley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl used her own phone to take a picture of the red stickers and the concealed iPhone she found in the bathroom before exiting, at which time Thompson allegedly re-entered it immediately, prosecutors said. According to court documents, when the girl returned to her seat, she told her parents about what she saw and showed them the picture. The victims parents reported the matter to other flight attendants onboard who notified the flight captain, who in turn notified law enforcement on the ground. The victims father confronted Thompson who, shortly thereafter, locked himself in the bathroom with his iPhone for three to five minutes before the flights descent, prosecutors said. Parents of girl on Boston flight say attendant put camera in bathroom to record their daughter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the flight arrived at Logan International Airport, law enforcement saw that Thompsons iPhone may have been restored to factory settings, prosecutors said. A subsequent search of Thompsons suitcase was found to contain 11 INOPERATIVE CATERING EQUIPMENT stickers, like those seen by the girl on the back of the toilet seat, Foley said. A search of Thompsons iCloud account revealed four additional times between January and August 2023 in which Thompson recorded a minor using the bathroom on an aircraft. The minor victims depicted in the recordings were 7, 9, 11 and 14 years old at the time. Investigators also found over 50 images of a 9-year-old unaccompanied girl in Thompsons iCloud. The images included photos taken while the young girl was seated in her seat pre-flight, and close-ups of her face while sleeping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said that hundreds of images of AI-generated child pornography were also found stored on Thompsons iCloud account. For the charge of attempted sexual exploitation of children, Thompson faces a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. For the charge of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor, Thompson faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Both charges also provide for at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. 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 A shooting at a Los Angeles recording studio left a man hospitalized and police searching for the gunman late Thursday. The shooting was reported around 10 p.m. at The Room Recording Studios at 4550 Melrose Ave. in East Hollywood, just off the 101 Freeway. Officers arrived to find the victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Miller confirmed. The victim, who was not identified, was taken to a local hospital. His condition was unknown, Miller said. Police respond to a shooting at The Room Recording Studios in East Hollywood on March 6, 2025. (OnScene.TV) Police set up a perimeter around the scene but the gunman had already fled the area, Miller said. No description of the suspect, believed to have fled in a white Audi, was released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video showed at least one person being detained at the scene, but their involvement in the shooting was unclear. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. BEIRUT (Reuters) -Gunmen killed at least two dozen male residents of an Alawite town in Syria's rural coastal region on Friday, two Alawite activists and a war monitor said, citing contacts in the region and video footage from the scene. Reuters was able to verify the location in the video as Al Mukhtareyah, near the main M4 highway, using a road, buildings, trees and a utility pole which matched satellite imagery of the village. It showed at least 20 men lying in close proximity - some bloodied - by the side of a road in the town centre. The precise date filmed, and who filmed it, could not immediately be verified but the direction of shadows showed it was filmed in the morning in the past two months. Reuters was unable to confirm independently what had happened in the location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Syrian state news agency SANA, citing a security source, said "individual violations" had been perpetrated after large, unorganised crowds headed to the coastal region following attacks on government security personnel on Thursday. "We are working to stop these violations," the source said, without giving details or commenting on specific incidents. Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted by the rebels-turned-rulers Hayat Tahrir al-Sham last year, drew heavily on the Alawite community for the former security apparatus and bureaucracy of the Syrian state. Alawite activists and community leaders say their community has been subjected to violence and attacks since Assad fell, particularly in rural Homs and Latakia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rami Abdulrahman, of the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said local sources had told his organisation that 38 men from the country's Alawite minority had been killed execution-style in the town. "Gunmen coming from the direction of the Idlib region arrived at dawn and rounded up the men while telling the women to remain at home. The men were then executed," Abdulrahman said. The two Alawite activists, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the killings were on Friday and blamed them on gunmen affiliated with Syria's new Islamist ruling authority. A government spokesperson and two officials linked to the ruling authority did not immediately respond to texts seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security forces have sent reinforcements to the coastal region from their stronghold of Idlib and neighbouring areas to crush a nascent insurgency by fighters they say are linked to Assad. Abdulrahman said the observatory had verified several other incidents in the past 24 hours where Alawite men had been killed or were humiliated, including being made to bark like dogs. Reuters could not independently confirm the reports. (Reporting by Timour Azhari in Beirut; Editing by Timothy Heritage) Gypsy Rose Blanchard saw many things behind bars, and now, she's passing her knowledge along to Luigi Mangione. Blanchard, who was sentenced to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, has shared a lot about her time incarcerated since her release in December 2023. In a new interview, the reality star and mother-of-one gave a piece of advice to Luigi Mangione, who, for those unfamiliar, is awaiting trial for his alleged role in the killing of Brian Thompson, the former United Healthcare CEO. Blanchard Gives Advice To Luigi Mangione About Avoiding Weird People MEGA On December 9, 2025, after being accused of shooting and killing United Healthcare CEO Thompson on December 4, law enforcement arrested Mangione after days of searching in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his arrest, Mangione was charged with several crimes, including stalking, murder through the use of a firearm, and a separate firearms offense. Once Mangione's profile was made available, several members of the public became infatuated with his pedigree and good looks. Consequently, Mangione has been showered with praise from people worldwide; however, the support has started to overwhelm him. According to the FAQ section of a website published by Mangione's legal team, the 26-year-old "appreciates" all of the mail he's received. Yet, due to the processing time, he's asked people to refrain from sending more than they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a conversation with TMZ, Blanchard advised Mangione to be careful regarding the deluge of mail he was receiving. Theres a lot of weirdos out there," she said. A lot of people were like, Im gonna marry you someday. Ignore them." Social Media Reacts To Blanchard's Comments About Luigi Mangione Gypsy-Rose giving advice on weirdos is like a plot twist within a plot twist HanH (@_h_HannaH) March 6, 2025 On social media, some users replied to Blanchard's advice to Mangione, questioning her authority to speak on the topic, considering her first marriage was to a fan, Ryan Scott Anderson. "Didn't she marry one of her fan mail senders?" someone asked before another replied, "She sure did ... the f-ck?" Another user also chimed in and called Blanchard's statements "diabolical." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third user slammed Blanchard before saying her past has not been "forgotten." Several other users replied to the mother of one's comments about "weirdos" and hinted that she was referring to herself. "She's one of them," a netizen wrote before someone else echoed similar thoughts and wrote, "Isn't she one of them!?" Mangione Allegedly Filmed 20+ Sex Tapes Before Arrest MEGA After Mangione's arrest in December 2024, more information about his background began hitting the internet. Mangione's friend, R.J. Martin, discussed a back injury the Ivy League graduate suffered earlier that stopped him from being "physically intimate" with romantic suitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Martin, Mangione's condition, called "spondylolisthesis," worsened after a surfing accident, and the change in his lifestyle reportedly "weighed on" him. In March 2025, another source spoke to a different publication and revealed that before his arrest, Mangione allegedly filmed "at least 20 videos of him having sex" with various individuals. The source claimed they'd seen some of the footage and that it was more than homemade recordings. "It wasn't just some grainy, late-night mistake," they shared. "It was perfect lighting, everything," they said. "He wanted to be watched. He got off on it." Donald Trump Isn't Happy About The Lugi Mangione Praise ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA President of the United States, Donald Trump, hasn't been happy about the praise Mangione has been receiving from members of the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The twice-impeached political figure blasted those sharing positive sentiments about Mangione as "terrible" people before saying they had a "sickness." "I think it's really terrible that some people seem to admire him, like him," Trump said. "I was happy to see that it wasn't specific to this gentleman that was killed. It's just an overall sickness as opposed to a specific sickness ... That was a terrible thing. It was cold-blooded. Just a cold-blooded, horrible killing." New York City Police Commissioner Agrees With Trump MEGA New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch shared thoughts similar to Trump's and denounced those coming to Mangione's defense. "We have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder," she said before slamming the "senseless act of violence" as a "calculated crime" that not only endangered New York citizens but also ended the life of a husband, father, and friend. "We dont celebrate murders, and we dont lionize the killing of anyone, she finished. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity is supporting seniors with a new program that offers guidance on financial matters, and helps protect against scams and fraud. As technology advances, schemers are finding new ways to target seniors and their hard-earned savings. Bank of America has joined forces with the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity for day one of their new free series, Savvy Seniors. It teaches seniors how to recognize financial scams and reduce their risk. Examples of common scams include lottery schemes, tax and debt collection schemes, and home improvement schemes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say schemers are mostly targeting seniors who have a regular income, trusting and polite, or dealing with grief. Susan Zelenski, a Financial Center Manager for Bank of America told 22News, They will give you a sense of urgency, like it is so important that you react right away. We need this money. You have to pay your taxes or theres a warrant for your arrest. The sheriff is going to come arrest you or, my God, I love you so much. I want to come see you. But I dont have the money for a plane ticket. Theres always a sense of urgency for you to give that money up. She says schemers tend to try to impersonate someone close to you like a family member or friend. To avoid this, she recommends verifying their identity by contacting them through a known phone number or email address you have on file. Also, if a caller claims to be from an established organization like a hospital or charity, look up the organization yourself. If you become a victim of identity theft, its recommended to contact your local police and the Federal Trade Commission. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said on Friday that the U.S.'s decision to impose an additional 20-percent tariff on imports from China under the pretext of the fentanyl issue is groundless. The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a related query. "It is typical protectionism, unilateralism and bullying practice," the spokesperson said, citing a recently released white paper titled "Controlling Fentanyl-Related Substances -- China's Contribution." China urged the United States to correct its wrongdoings and to address its own fentanyl issue in an objective and rational way, instead of scapegoating others, the spokesperson added. China released the white paper on Tuesday, which introduces the country's commitment, work and progress in controlling fentanyl-related substances. The country has established complete legal and administrative systems for scheduled precursor chemicals, overseeing their production, sales, purchase, transportation, import and export, said the spokesperson. To intensify the oversight of fentanyl-related substances exports, the Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, has enforced stringent export licensing requirements and international verification protocols for precursor chemicals, including five types of precursors of fentanyl-related substances, according to the spokesperson. Looking back at some less heralded but important bills. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Sometimes the best bills are straightforward and dont carry divisive baggage. That means they also dont get enough attention. So, I want to highlight some great legislation moving through the General Assembly. The first would eliminate a backlog of untested rape kits in Indiana by providing additional funding. This one is a no-brainer. The fact that women out there were raped, and the state just lets their case languish is frankly appalling. These women deserve justice and closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 1413 would disperse $2.5 million to law enforcement agencies to process their backlog of untested rape kits, according to the Indianapolis Star. The money will pay for equipment thats sorely needed in the states crime labs. The insufficient amount of equipment has led to the current six- to eight-month delay in testing, according to the bills author, Rep. Becky Cash, R-Zionsville. The current proposed state budget includes the money, and my hope is the Senate agrees to keep it in. Tax changes for the win Also in the budget is a sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene products and adult diapers. The cost to state coffers is about $11 million but these are necessary items people need just like food and should not be taxed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And speaking of taxes, a newborn tax credit is a welcome move by lawmakers. Senate Bill 497, from Sen. Greg Walker, would provide a tax credit of up to $500 per newborn child. Eligible taxpayers would have an Indiana adjusted gross income at or below 720% of the federal poverty level. That is about $112,000 for a single person; about $152,000 for a family of two and about $231,000 for a family of four. A fiscal impact statement said each year, approximately 80,000 babies are born in Indiana, and around 3,000 adoptions are finalized. There are bills moving in both chambers that would exempt testing strips from drug paraphernalia statutes. Senate Bill 312 and House Bill 1167 both would allow Hoosiers to use items marketed to detect the presence of a drug or controlled substance, including field test kits and test strips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 1167s author, Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, said the strips can detect dangerous substances like fentanyl and xylazine. She said local health departments, nonprofit groups and others are distributing test strips to Hoosiers in active addiction, helping them avoid potentially lethal overdoses. Meltzer reintroduced the bill after it failed last year. This bill will save lives. Another bill would provide much-needed oversight on the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Senate Bill 516 would require the quasi-public agency to tell local units of government about acquisitions of more than 100 acres whether its bought in one or multiple transactions at least 30 days before those purchases close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after the IEDC snapped up thousands of acres in Boone County for a massive innovation park before locals knew what was happening. The bill from Sen. Brian Buchanan also tasks the IEDC and the executives of communities that host innovation development districts like one within LEAP with annually compiling reports about the districts activities over the last calendar year. The more transparent these projects, the more Hoosiers will be comfortable with them. And the last bill I will highlight is perhaps not one that is necessary but welcome easing restrictions on wine delivery. Senate Bill 107 would allow Indianas wine dealers to deliver wine directly to customers and would create an opportunity for gourmet wine businesses to deliver wine directly to a consumers home or office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The luxury of convenience that was introduced as a necessity by the COVID-19 pandemic delivery services should be a luxury that is here to stay for customers and businesses alike, said Sen. Ron Alting. SB 107 paves the way for wine dealers to deliver directly to customers, creating an equal chance for growth alongside liquor and beer vendors. This list should show Hoosiers that most of the bills passed in the General Assembly are bipartisan in nature and helpful to Hoosiers. And I say cheers to that! SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Normally, a financially thriving salon isnt thinking about closing its doors and moving. But founder and owner of Tailored Hair, Lizzy Broughton, said she was so close this month to moving her business out of the East Village area. After two recent break-ins and countless calls to the police over aggressive or naked homeless people, she is reevaluating her business location. She said, We got so desensitized that all of a sudden we are like, yeah this isnt normal. SuperLotto Plus winning ticket sold in East County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Broughton says her lifeline from the city in the form of Safe and Clean Officers has been a help, but she says they only respond to the next dangerous incident and the problem has gotten worse over her 12-year tenure on the corner of 15th and F Street. There is no plan with the homeless community right now and if there is, it isnt working, she continued. Broughton says that sometimes her customers dont feel safe coming to her shop and for workers its the opposite. Last night one of our employees called and said I cant get out the front door because there is a homeless person sleeping on it, said Broughton. The business owner explained that shes invested over a decade and millions of dollars into her shop but if things dont get better, shes relocating out of downtown San Diego period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after city officials scraped their plans for a proposed 1000-bed homeless shelter on Kettner and Vine, so they are back at the drawing board in trying to get their arms around one of the most retractable issues theyve been dealing with for years homelessness. The big question is: will the city articulate a plan for success? Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. By Sarah Morland (Reuters) - Haitian economist and former central bank chief Fritz Alphonse Jean took over the rotating presidency of Haiti's transitional presidential council on Friday, taking the top executive role in a country battling a devastating conflict with armed gangs. Jean took over from architect Leslie Voltaire in a friendly ceremony, following a more fraught transition in October when the first president refused to sign the transition decree over an unresolved corruption scandal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean thanked Voltaire at a ceremony at the Villa d'Accueil, which is now serving as the government headquarters, instead of the National Palace in downtown Port-au-Prince that is the now site of frequent gun battles. "Today our country is at war, and it is imperative we unite to win," he said in a speech, pledging a "corrective war budget" and to train more than 3,000 new police and army recruits this year to address endemic shortfalls in personnel. The government spent some $227 million, or 9% of its 2024/25 budget, on the national police, according to U.N. data, though it remains underfunded and under-gunned. A U.N.-backed mission, with approximately 1,000 mostly Kenyan troops, has partially deployed to Haiti to help boost police, but since its arrival gangs have continued to gain territory, forcing hundreds of thousands more from their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 1 million people are now internally displaced, nearly 10% of the Caribbean's most populous nation. Last month, the U.N. said in a letter seen by Reuters that Haiti's request for a more financially robust peacekeeping force is not considered feasible if it does not first substantially reduce gangs' existing control, but proposed a hybrid model to boost the scant voluntary security support received so far. Jean also doubled down on a commitment to hold long-delayed elections by a February 7, 2026 constitutional deadline, a move encouraged by the United States but that critics fear could legitimize powerful gang leaders. Voltaire said Friday's transition took place in "an atmosphere of mutual respect, friendship, solidarity and continuity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean's term is set to run until August 7 this year, after which businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr is set to take over through to the February 2026 deadline. Three council members, who are accused of corruption but retain their seats on the nine-member top executive council, continue to be excluded from the leadership agenda. The transitional council, which was introduced in April last year and which has been marked by political in-fighting, has come under fire by various sections of society including the country's two top police unions for failing to address the violence. (Reporting by Sarah Morland in Mexico City; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols at the United Nations; Editing by Sandra Maler) A senior Hamas figure in Gaza has accused US President Donald Trump of blatant double standards in his demand for the immediate release of hostages still held in Gaza but told CNN that Hamas direct meetings with US officials aim to achieve stability in the region. Mushir al-Masri was speaking to CNN from Gaza after the White House confirmed it had negotiated directly with Hamas with the aim of securing the release of hostages in Gaza, breaking a long-standing US policy of not talking to groups it deems to be terrorist organizations. The comments also come with the Gaza ceasefire hanging by a thread, after Israel blocked vital aid into enclave in an attempt to pressure Hamas to reverse its rejection of a revised proposal to extend the truce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Masri told CNN Thursday that any meetings held with the American side aim to achieve stability in the region, to end the war on the Gaza Strip, and to stop the aggression against our Palestinian people. He said stability can only be achieved through an agreement with Hamas. I believe that meetings with the American side aim to achieve this goal. Since the October 7 terror attack, Israel has refused to hold direct talks with Hamas and vowed to eliminate the group. Following news of the talks between and US and the militant group, Israel said it expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas without saying what its position was. US President Donald Trump poses for photos with the family of Edan Alexander at Ohel Chabad Lubavitch on October 7, 2024 in New York City. - Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Masri said that Hamas wanted to resolve the issue of American-Israeli hostages in Gaza in exchange for the start of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire, in which the remaining live hostages would be released in return for a sustainable end to the fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only one living American hostage, Edan Alexander, is believed to remain in Gaza. The group also holds four dead Americans. At least 12 dual US-Israelis are thought to have been captured on October 7. He said that Trump speaks about Israeli prisoners, who are only a few dozen, while ignoring the nearly 10,000 Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. Israel has been pushing Hamas to extend the initial phase of the ceasefire and release more hostages without providing any firm commitment to withdraw its forces and move to ending the war. Despite the talks between Hamas and the US, there has been no letup in Trumps threats to Hamas. On Thursday it was posted on his Truth Social site account that Hamas should release all hostages now or there would be hell to pay. Palestinians walk past tents lining the streets amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on February 18. - Omar al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images The US envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, raised the specter Thursday of American military action in Gaza, telling reporters at the White House that it was unclear what would happen if Hamas does not comply with American demands to release hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think theres going to be some action taken, he said. It could be jointly with the Israelis. Its unclear right now. But I think Hamas has an opportunity to act reasonably. To do whats right. And then walk out. Masri, who is also a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council representing North Gaza, said Trumps recent threats were designed to provide a safe cover for the occupation to commit further acts of genocide against the Palestinian people. He urged the Trump administration not to become a replica of the Biden administration in its support for Israel. Masri told CNN: It is fundamental that a mediator remains neutral, stands in the middle, and works to bridge the gap between the partiesUnfortunately, this is not what we see from the US administration. He claimed that the US administration, through its blatant bias toward Israel, positions itself as a party to the conflict rather than a mediator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Threats and intimidation will not be effective. Attempts to forcibly displace the people of Gaza are futile, he added. Trump has repeatedly said that the Palestinian population in Gaza must leave the territory so the US can take ownership of it and build a Middle Eastern riviera. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Palestinian militant organization Hamas is warning the Israeli military that hostages held in the Gaza Strip could be killed in the event of new military operations. "Any escalation of aggression" against the Palestinian people could lead to the killing of a number of those people still being held captive in Gaza, Hamas spokesman Abu Obaida said in a video address. He held Israel responsible for the death of the hostages as well as for not adhering to the Gaza deal. According to Israeli information, Islamists in the Gaza Strip are still holding 24 hostages and 35 bodies of those abducted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the living hostages is a young soldier who holds both Israeli and German nationality, according to Israeli sources. Additionally, a Thai national and the bodies of several other foreigners are being held. Hostages who have been released have reported hunger and mistreatment at the hands of Hamas and other Islamists. The families of the abducted fear that time is running out for the remaining living hostages. Hamas says Trump statements 'complicate' search for ceasefire Hamas on Thursday criticized threats made by US President Donald Trump, the day after he said he was giving the group a "last warning" to hand over any remaining hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These threats complicate things with regard to the ceasefire agreement and encourage the occupying power [Israel] to shirk its obligations," Hamas wrote on its Telegram channel. On his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump wrote: "Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you." He urged Hamas leaders to leave Gaza. Trump appealed to Gaza's population to make a "smart decision" and release the hostages, warning that there would be "hell to pay" if they did not. At the same time, the US government confirmed that it had held direct talks with Hamas about the hostages - yet another change to long-standing US policy on talking to groups classified as terrorist organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is increasing pressure on negotiators to find a way to extend the ceasefire in Gaza, or risk a return to all-out hostilities. Hamas said that it had fulfilled its obligations in the first phase of the deal, and called on Washington to pressure Israel to agree to a second phase. The second phase envisages the release of the hostages and a permanent end to the Gaza war. Hamas has denied Israel's request for an extension of the first phase with the release of more hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners. Israel says that without the release of more hostages, the war in the Gaza Strip will begin again. Palestinian killed in Israeli attack on Gaza City One Palestinian was killed and several others injured in an Israeli drone attack on Gaza City, a local hospital said on Thursday. The Israeli military said the Palestinians were targetted because they had placed an explosive device near Israeli soldiers. A 39-year-old Hamburg man has been charged with stalking and harassing his former girlfriend following their separation in October 2023. Ryan Stufflet is facing two counts of stalking and one count of harassment, according to court documents. An arraignment hearing before District Judge Kim Bagenstose has been scheduled for later this month. Tilden Township police provided this account: A 56-year-old female contacted police in January to report that she was a victim of harassment and stalking by Stufflet, her former boyfriend who she separated from in October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Stufflet would drive by her home at all hours of the day, leave voice messages on her phone, follow her in his vehicle and consistently post pictures and videos about her on his social media accounts. The victim told police that she had not done anything to lead Stufflet to believe that she was still interested in dating him since their separation and told him numerous times that she wanted to be left alone. During the investigation, the victim continued to provide police with new content that showed a continuous pattern of harassment. The victim provided police with copies of voicemails from Stufflet and cellphone records showing that he called her 104 times between December 2023 and January 2025. She also handed over surveillance video depicting Stufflet driving by her home several times while revving his engine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police contacted Stufflet this week to inform him of the allegations and asked him to provide his side of the story. He was advised that police were in possession of phone records and voice messages that he left the victim. Stufflet confirmed that he had left the voice messages in question. He then directed a profanity at the police officer and ended the phone call. (NewsNation) Republican lawmakers in New Hampshire are proposing that raccoons and squirrels should be considered legal pets. It follows widespread outrage at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for seizing and euthanizing PNut the Squirrel, the beloved pet of a New York man, last year. The NYSDEC also confiscated and euthanized the mans raccoon, Fred. House Bill 251 would allow gray squirrels, which PNut was, and raccoons to be kept as pets without the need for a permit with a caveat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump to sign executive order on student loan forgiveness program If a wildlife rehabilitation facility makes the determination that the animal cannot survive in the wild and such animal is up to date on any vaccines required, the bill reads. The bill, if passed, would also not allow the confiscation or euthanization of the animals unless permission from the owner was given. Women honored for saving victim being attacked at Ohio park However, there are concerns that the measure would increase the possibility of rabies transmission. According to the New Hampshire Bulletin, the chief of the Fish and Game Departments wildlife division said the agency is unapproving the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill references that a squirrel or raccoon would have to have any required vaccinations, Dan Bergeron, the division chief, said. There are no statutes that we have that require vaccinations for either of these animals, and one of the main reasons for that is because there are no approved vaccines for these animals because they are wild animals, he added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. President Donald Trump has not been timid about his attempts to dismantle the Department of Education. It's part of his central battle in shrinking the size of the federal government, a charge spearheaded by his Department of Government Efficiency [DOGE], under the watchful eye of Elon Musk. Linda McMahon, the newly-instated Secretary of the Department of Education, professed a more nuanced view of the departments future during her confirmation hearings. But during a March 7 TV appearance on Fox & Friends, when McMahon was asked if she believed that the country needed an Education Department, she replied with a stark no, we dont. In a separate appearance on NewsNation Live, McMahon said she believed that student loans and grants might be best served in another department, echoing comments made by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many experts have said that the dismantling of the agency would be complicated and difficult, and questions remain as to what will happen to student loans if the departments doors are shuttered. Amid reports of a pending Executive Order from Trump, heres what we know so far. What has Trump said will happen to student loans if the Department of Education is dismantled? In the Oval Office on March 6, Trump was asked what department or agency would handle student loans if the Department of Education was dismantled. Trump told reporters that he doesnt believe student loans should be run under the Department of Education, and instead will likely end up being run under the Treasury Department, the Small Business Administration (SBA), or the Commerce Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve actually had that discussion today, Trump said. The loans would be brought into a group where they really do that that is, by the way, the most complicated thing in moving, but its really simple if you do that. Trump said he hopes specifically for the SBA to take hold of the student loan process, which he says Kelly Loefflera Republican, a former senator from Georgia, and the new administrator of the SBA has already expressed interest in. Kelly really liked it and would like to do it, he told reporters. Read More: What Trumps Win Means for Education What are experts saying about Trumps plan? According to Andrew Gillen, research fellow at the Cato Institute for Economic Freedom, the SBA would be a strange choice because the office is set up to process small business loans. Gillen doubts theyd be set up to handle over 40 million student loan borrowers with federal loan debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gillen and Jonathan E. Collins, an assistant professor of political science and education at Teachers College, Columbia University, both argue that it will more likely be a job for the Treasury Department. A lot of the student loan repayment programs already require income verification, which the Treasury Department already has, Gillen says. So, from an efficiency perspective, that makes sense. And they're already scaled up to handle millions of new borrowers. The outstanding federal student loan balance is $1.693 trillion, per the Education Data Initiative, and is managed separately from the departments policy apparatus, primarily through the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA). Gillen says, though, that the topic of student loans is completely separate from Trumps issues with the Department of Education, considering that many big financial aid programsincluding the Pell Grant and work-studyexisted before there was a Department of Education. Whether they would run better, or more equitably, outside the Education Department depends heavily on where Trump plans to move student loan administration. Collins points to the thirty-year precedent of these programs being under the department, and their impact to allow people to access higher education. Further, he notes that Trumps desired full dismantling would require an act of Congress, and with the Senates filibuster rules, he doubts that it will actually occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon acknowledged Congress importance during her confirmation hearing process. [The Education Department] is set up by the United States Congress and we work with Congress. It clearly cannot be shut down without it, she told Sen. Bernie Sanders, who asked if she agrees that if theres a move to dismantle the department, it has to first go through the legislature. Instead, Collins believes it's more likely that Trump will continue to decrease spending under the Department, much like he has done in other areas under the purview of DOGE. Were more likely to continue to see what we've been seeing from the Trump Administration," Collins says. "Gutting all the activity underneath it and basically make it [the Department of Education] a shell of itself, with the federal student aid program being kind of next on the chopping block. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the uncertainty around student loan forgiveness, Gillen, says, is not related to the Trump Administration, but rather the student loans cases that are moving through the court systemparticularly the Biden-Harris Administrations Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, which was blocked by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in mid-February. Read More: What Student Loan Borrowers Need to Know About Income-Driven Repayment Plans What has happened regarding student loans since Trump returned to the White House? In late February, the Department of Education shut down parts of the applications for SAVE and other income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. Though Trump has distanced himself from Project 2025, a far-right Heritage Foundation policy plan unveiled in April 2023, the initiative has since been mirrored in many of his early actions. The Project 2025 document suggested phasing out IDR plans for student loan borrowers and replacing them with a one-size-fits-all IDR plan. In June 2024, the Center for American Progress stated that this plan could mean spiked monthly student loan payments, ballooning interest, and heavy blows to credit scores. The Project 2025 document also suggested transferring the FSAthe largest provider of student financial aid in the nationto a new government corporation with professional governance and management and that the Administration should consider returning to a system in which private lenders, backed by government guarantees, would compete to offer student loans, including subsidized and unsubsidized, loans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gillen says with so much uncertainty, the fallout of what Trumps plans are for the Education Department cannot be fully predictedand this uncertainty has caused alarm among student loan borrowers and forgiveness advocates. Borrowers already struggle with massive call wait times to contact their servicers. The likely disruptions caused by a resource-starved Department of Education without the ability or desire to ensure proper oversight of loan servicers, will result in mass chaos, more delinquencies and defaults, and worse, the Student Borrower Protection Center wrote on its website on March 3. On March 7, Trump signed an Executive Order titled Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness in which he moved to limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), which has allowed government and some nonprofit workers to receive loan forgiveness after they completed 10 years of service in those jobs and made 10 years of minimum payments. In the Executive Order, Trump excludes from the program individuals employed by organizations whose activities have a substantial illegal purpose. The Presidents aim is to cut out organizations and nonprofits that engage in activities he says support illegal immigration, human smuggling, child trafficking, pervasive damage to public property, and disruption of the public order, which threaten the security and stability of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of alleviating worker shortages in necessary occupations, the PSLF Program has misdirected tax dollars into activist organizations that not only fail to serve the public interest, but actually harm our national security and American values, sometimes through criminal means, the Executive Order reads. For Collins, his overall concern about student loans is how further changes to the system might impact affordabilityone of Trumps major assurances that he campaigned onespecially as student loans typically allow for more affordable access to higher education. The story of the higher education system in America is that it has been a ladder for opportunity, Collins says. And now you're kicking the ladder when folks are in the middle of the climb. So what's the pathway to the top now? Its this concern that stays at the forefront for many, as the future and direction of student loans remains uncertain. Contact us at letters@time.com. Hundreds of peaceful protestors were crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama 60 years ago today when they were met by a wall of police. Protesters were tear gassed and beaten. A young man named John Lewis suffered a fractured skull. Led by Martin Luther King, Jr., Lewis and others, the protestors returned later that month and completed the 54-mile march to Montgomery in their push for voting rights. Most of the original marchers, like Lewis, who went on to become a leading member of Congress, have since died, but this weekend, faith leaders, members of congress and civil rights veterans will gather in Selma to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday," which helped lead to landmark federal voting rights legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The anniversary will be marked by a host of programs, including a service at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, where activists gathered for the march. A bipartisan congressional delegation will travel to Alabama to remember the history and salute civil rights veterans, including Lewis, who for years led the annual congressional pilgrimage there. Congressman John Lewis (far left) and President Barack Obama walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with other Civil Rights leaders to mark the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches on March 7, 2015. It really is about looking back, but also looking forward," said Robert Traynham, president and CEO of the nonpartisan Faith & Politics Institute, which host the congressional trip. The 60th anniversary is honoring the legacy and the impact of these individuals, what these leaders did 60 years ago. But it really is about how do we take those lessons learned, how do we take that impact that they made 60 years ago and apply that to today." The milestone anniversary comes at a crucial time as some states adopt measures to restrict the teaching of Black history, ban books and impose election changes that activists said disenfranchise voters of color. We are hearing attacks constantly now from the new administration, from members of Congress who are claiming that our history, and particularly the history of Black folks and communities of color in this country, is not important, is not worthy of being told," said Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center and SPLC Action Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important, she said, to acknowledge the foot soldiers" in places like Selma, who risked their lives to fight for voting rights. This is some of the most inspiring stories of courage and resilience that we have in our history, that people, everyday people, stood up and demanded that the country give equal protection under the laws and equal access to the ballot box," Huang said. Bloody Sunday is worthy of remembering The televised brutality on the Edmund Pettus Bridge 60 years ago garnered national attention and was a turning point in the civil rights movement. The landmark Voting Rights Act was signed into law that summer. What King, Lewis and others were able to do was to shock the nation by revealing the violence of Jim Crow and resistance to integration," said Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization pushing to end mass incarceration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visual spectacle of all of that violence against nonviolent protesters is what moved this country, he said. Alabama Rep. Terri Sewell, co-host of the congressional pilgrimage, said the commemoration is a chance to reflect on an important part of American history and inspire people to protect democracy. What happened on Bloody Sunday is worthy of remembering so that we will never forget it, she said. Equal Justice Initiative Executive Director Bryan Stevenson speaks as EJI dedicates its National Monument to Freedom in the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery, Ala., during a Juneteenth Celebration on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The monument lists the surnames of formerly enslaved people. 'We're still in the midst of this struggle' Throughout the weekend, there will be a host of commemoration events spearheaded by different organizations, including the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee. More than 40 members of Congress are expected to join the Faith & Politics three-day trip, which includes stops at historic sites in Montgomery, Birmingham and Selma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests will also include descendants of some of Alabamas legendary civil rights veterans, including the late Fred Shuttlesworth. On Friday, the group will visit the Edmund Pettus Bridge for a moment of reflection. That quiet reflection of looking back and honoring, obviously all of the foot soldiers, all of the civil rights leaders, I think it's the most important thing that we can be doing, not just on Friday, but every day," said Traynham. Alabama Rep. Terri Sewell and other Democrats spoke at a press conference March 5, 2025 where they urged Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Sewell has reintroduced the bill several times, but it has stalled in Congress. Deborah Barfield Berry The Brown Chapel AME Church, which served as a command center and rest stop for protestors, will host a program Sunday featuring Stevenson. Brown Chapel was not going to sit on the sidelines as a spectator while there were persons who were brave enough, courageous enough, faithful enough to participate, said Pastor Leodis Strong. They didn't see it as an epic history watershed moment, they saw it as just a struggle for their lives, their human dignity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stevenson said the anniversary is a reminder of the nations shameful history of disenfranchisement and why participating in the political process is important. We're still in the midst of this struggle, said Stevenson, who last year opened a sculpture park in Montgomery dedicated to preserving Black history. There is still intense resistance to Black political power through the vote. We've seen gerrymandering. We've seen restrictions on voting rights. We're seeing the resurgence of new barriers that disproportionately impact poor people and Black people when it comes to registering to vote. Stevenson said his message Sunday will be you're not too old or not too young to stand up for justice, to make a difference. And that's the legacy of Bloody Sunday and the activism of the march in 1965. More: New Alabama sculpture park, Black history museums are changing the way history is told Push for John Lewis voting right bill With attention focused on the anniversary, Democrats also hope to press Congress to act on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal bill would among other things restore a key provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that required states with a history of discrimination to get federal approval before making election changes. The fight for voting rights is just as urgent as it was 60 years ago," said Sewell, who reintroduced the bill Wednesday. Opponents argue the bill is unnecessary and that much has changed since the 1960s, when states erected barriers to prevent Black people from voting. Supporters acknowledge it stands little chance of passing in the Republican-controlled Congress. Still, South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, who has championed the bill, said it's worth trying. He said attention to the commemoration may help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope it will serve to keep the focus on that. Every chance I get, I try to remind people that we dont have the luxury" of not passing the measure, said Clyburn, a close friend of Lewis and an honorary chair of the congressional pilgrimage. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Faith leaders, lawmakers and activists said they also hope the commemoration will spur efforts to protect voting rights and support social justice. We were right in 1965 to lift up social (justice), we're right now," Strong said. Youre not going to be able to make America great by marching backwards We're going to have to keep marching forward because the best of America is forward." Follow Deborah Berry on X at @dberrygannett and on Bluesky at @dberryjourno.bsky.social This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 60 years since Bloody Sunday: The 'most inspiring stories of courage' DAR ES SALAAM, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Hussein Ali Mwinyi, president of Tanzania's Zanzibar, on Friday called for the establishment of an East African Community (EAC) petroleum development fund to develop the region's petroleum industry. Closing a three-day 11th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Tanzania's port city of Dar es Salaam, Mwinyi said inadequate funding is a primary bottleneck to the development of the petroleum industry in the EAC region. "With this fund in place, we will support our projects and invest in training, research, development, and innovation across the petroleum sector," he said. Mwinyi said traditional financiers, on whom Africa has relied for decades, are withdrawing support, particularly in Africa, citing climate change concerns as the primary reason. He said the EAC member states could learn from the African Petroleum Producers' Organization, which, in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank, established the Africa Energy Bank to address the impending funding crisis in the African oil and gas industry triggered by the global energy transition. The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organization of eight member states -- Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda -- that aims to promote economic, political, and social integration in East Africa. The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed a new case of travel-related dengue on Oahu, bringing the total so far this year to three. The latest case comes about a week after the of 2025. Like the previous cases, DOH said this affected individual was exposed to the virus while traveling in a region where dengue is common. DOH said teams have been deployed to conduct inspections and implement mosquito control measures in the affected area, which it did not disclose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department usually sends notices to area residents, informing them of the dengue case. In the first case, a Hawaii Kai resident confirmed to the Star-Advertiser seeing a notice posted to a gate on Lunalilo Home Road. Dengue outbreaks occur in many parts of the world, including popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean ; Central and South America ; Asia ; the Middle East ; Africa ; and some Pacific islands including American Samoa, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. In 2024, the department confirmed 16 cases of travel-related dengue, including 11 on Oahu, four on Maui, and one on Kauai. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. These cases reported travel to Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Philippines and India. is a viral illness spread by mosquitoesand can be transmitted from an infected person to a mosquito, and then to another person. While Hawaii is home to Aedes mosquitoes which can carry dengue, the disease is not established here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several regions worldwide are experiencing higher-than-usual dengue activity. Symptoms include fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and rash. These typically last two to seven days, DOH said, and while severe illness can occur, most people recover within a week. If symptoms develop within two weeks after a trip to an area with dengue, residents should seek medical advice from their health care provider. 5 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . Governor Maura Healey announced a new website in the Bay State designed to assist federal workers fired by President Donald Trump as part of his downsizing plan for government efficiency. The website, featuring the slogan Fed Up? Make a Difference with Team Massachusetts, provides employment and job training resources for federal workers. Features include job search tools for careers in state and local government, promotion of careers in high-growth Massachusetts industries, and services from MassHire career centers statewide. Donald Trump and Elon Musk have been recklessly firing essential public servants who care for our veterans, support our fishing industry, protect consumers, maintain our parks and more, Governor Healey said. To all of our federal workers if youre fed up with the damaging tactics of Trump and Musk, we want you to consider continuing your career here in Massachusetts, whether thats in state or local government or in one of our many thriving industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new website also includes veteran-specific employment resources, as recent VA layoffs disproportionately affected them, according to the Healey administration. Veterans are essential to the federal workforce, and these layoffs threaten both their livelihoods and the critical services they provide, said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. FILE - President Donald Trump listens as Elon Musk speaks in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) Attorneys file class action appeals to federal board for thousands of workers Trump fired The announcement comes as Trump seeks to target fraud, waste and abuse in a bloated federal government. The president and his adviser Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency have fired both new and career workers, telling agency leaders to plan for large-scale reductions in force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts has more than 46,000 residents who work for the federal government in various sectors, including public administration, education, transportation and warehousing, and for the postal 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 Three heli-skiers were killed by a massive avalanche in Alaska's Chugach National Forest on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The victims were buried by 40-100 feet of avalanche debris according to the professional backcountry guides with Chugach Powder Guides. The slide is believed to have ran close to 3,000 vertical feet and a half mile long. Considering the immense depth of debris, the guides were unable to recover the buried skiers. The Alaska State Troopers have since identified the victims. They are as follows: David Linder, 39 of Florida Charles Eppard 39, of Montana Jeremy Leif, 38, of Minnesota All three victims were guests of Chugach Powder Guides. According to a company spokesperson, the skiers were caught and buried on a run that the heli operation frequents. According to eye-witness reports, all three skiers deployed their avalanche airbags once the slide began. The skiers were on a heli-ski trip with Girdwood-based Chugach Powder Guides. Photo: VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm/Getty Images The Minnesota Star Tribune has identified David Linder as the owner of Sub Arctic Media, a company that owns more than 20 talk and radio shows across Minnesota. Charles Eppard, of Big Fork, Montana leaves behind his wife Brittany and their daughter Belen, according to a GoFundMe created to raise money for Eppard's family. Jeremy Leif, according to his LinkedIn and Facebook pages, was the CEO of Leif Consulting Group, a company he founded in 2023. POWDER extends its thoughts and condolences to the friends and families of the deceased during this difficult time. Related: Three Heli-Skiers Killed, Buried 40-100 Feet by Massive Avalanche LAS VEGAS (KLAS) It took 21 years for Hollie Chadwick to go from a Henderson Police Department employee to police chief, and the city gave her 21 days to decide how it should end. The city announced in a statement Chadwick was fired after being placed on administrative leave in February. On February 13, 2025, I placed Police Chief Hollie Chadwick on leave and informed her that her employment with the City was coming to an end. I respect Chief Chadwicks 23 years of service to the City, Garcia-Vause wrote in a statement. Because of that, I offered her the opportunity to leave on the best terms possible. Chief Chadwick chose not to sign or negotiate the terms of the separation agreement that was offered to her. Her at-will employment has now ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia-Vause wrote the decision was not based upon any finding of specific misconduct by Chief Chadwick, and it is not considered a separation for cause. I did not come to this decision lightly rather, it was clear to me that our vision and leadership styles were not aligned, she wrote. My focus is on the path forward. My goal is to grow the future leaders of this department from within. To accomplish this goal, I plan to move quickly to identify and appoint a new Chief, a seasoned law enforcement professional with a proven track record to establish a foundation of stability, set the example, mentor and create a formal leadership development program in order to build a strong pipeline of future leaders who are prepared to eventually be a future Chief. Garcia-Vause said she was grateful for the men and women of the Henderson Police Department. 8 News Now reported Chadwicks leave from her position on Feb. 13, and the city did not provide a reason for the decision by Henderson City Manager Stephanie Garcia-Vause. Chadwick was given 21 days to decide whether she would be fired or retire, according to multiple sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the city, Chadwick served the Henderson Police Department for 21 years and held several leadership positions including sergeant of the patrol and problem-solving group, lieutenant overseeing SWAT & more. In the past decade, two former Henderson police chiefs have filed lawsuits regarding their departures from the city. Former chief LaTesha Watson filed in 2023 and former chief Patrick Moers filed in 2018. 8 News Now has reached out to Chadwick and a legal representative for a statement but has not received a response. The city said one of its deputy chiefs, Itzhak Henn, is the acting chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memo_Police-Chief-UpdateDownload A shaky 21 days Following Chadwicks placement on leave, the City of Henderson was inundated with calls for transparency from residents and an elected official. Henderson Councilwoman Carrie Cox spoke to 8 News Now one day after Chadwicks leave and said in her opinion she wished the abrupt departure was handled differently. The same day, representatives from the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers told 8 News Now Investigators the decision was not unexpected and was a long time coming. The Henderson Police Supervisors Association filed a complaint against Chadwick and the police department in December 2024. The complaint accuses Chadwick, among other things, of union busting, saying she engaged in an unfair labor practice by arbitrarily punishing and retaliating against the HPSA President for conducting union business Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 18, the Henderson City Council met for a regular meeting which ended in residents calls for more transparency regarding the police chief. Mayor Michelle Romero read a statement into the public record, noting elected officials hands were tied. Henderson City Charter Sec. 1.090 notes appointment of executive officer, such as the police chief, must be made by the city manager. Interference by city council into a decision made by the city manager, such as the removal of the police chief, is unauthorized, according to Sec. 3.140. On Feb. 19, the city cancelled Cox and Councilman Dan Stewarts public meeting with the community, only a few hours after residents calls for transparency at city hall. The City of Henderson responded to 8 News Now questions regarding when the meetings were canceled and for what reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morning Meet Ups and Community Connections are City-sanctioned events that provide residents with up-to-date information on City initiatives, city staff wrote in a statement to 8 News Now. Staff is currently evaluating Mayor and Council engagement events to ensure they can be appropriately staffed after recent events have resulted in requests for security. 8 News Now had attended several of the Morning Meetups which have traditionally been lightly attended and largely civil. On Feb. 20, Hendersons police unions announced they pulled their endorsement from Councilwoman Carrie Cox following remarks she made about the police chiefs removal. The Associations stand with the City of Hendersons right to make managerial decisions of at-will employees regarding personnel issues. The union leadership wrote Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox said she earned the unions endorsements while running for office and while serving on the council, and said she is a staunch advocate and support for the police department. I will always support the men and women of the Henderson Police Department, she said. On Tuesday, Mayor Romero called a recess during a moment of infighting between members of the council regarding the chiefs departure. The council members left the chamber while residents sat and spoke amongst themselves, some expressing displeasure at the abrupt adjournment. After 21 days both sides on the city council called for the fighting to end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A sign that read Justice for Emily Pike. No More MMIW was held up during a candlelight vigil outside the Encounter AZ church in Mesa on March 6, 2025, to honor and support San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike, whose tragic death was reported in February. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror Say her name! Emily Pike! was shouted repeatedly as hundreds of people gathered outside a church in Mesa for a vigil to honor and support the family of San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike, who was murdered in February. We have to say her name, Gail Pechuli said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pechuli, the familys spokesperson, said it was important because the family wants people to share Emilys story. She said seeing the large crowd show up in support of Emily has touched their hearts. It gives them a lot of hope at a time where they need comfort and strength, she said, and the family understands Emily is now part of MMIW. The family has been inundated with support and requests to use Emilys story to raise awareness for MMIW, the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women that the family, like so many others, now finds itself an unwilling part of. Signs reading Justice for Emily Pike and No More Stolen Sisters stood out among the hundreds of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people gathered on March 6 at Encounter AZ church in Mesa for a candlelight vigil for Emily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family and supporters sat inside the sanctuary. At the same time, hundreds gathered outside as speakers shared their condolences, sang songs in honor of Emily, and discussed the beauty of the community coming together to raise awareness about the ongoing MMIW crisis. In the midst of tragedy and sorrow, something good should come out of this, Pechuli said. Thats what gives the family hope. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Emily was a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and her family lives on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in southeastern Arizona. At the time of her disappearance, the 14-year-old was living in a group home in Mesa. She was last seen on the evening of Jan. 27 near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road, according to the Mesa Police Department. Two days later, the police issued a poster for Emily, listing her as a missing or runaway juvenile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A month after she went missing, the Gila County Sheriffs Office reported that Emilys remains were found on Feb. 14 outside of Globe, in a remote area off of U.S. Route 60. A memo from the sheriffs office that was leaked on social media reported that there were visible face and head trauma, but the cause of Emilys death was undetermined. It remains an active homicide investigation, and GCSO is collaborating with several agencies, including the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A memorial honoring San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike can be seen at the intersection of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road in Mesa, the location where she was last seen in January. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror Emilys tragic death has put a spotlight on the harsh realities of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples epidemic that has impacted Indigenous communities for generations, but has only recently drawn attention outside of Native communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indigenous children are disproportionately overrepresented in the child welfare systems not only in Arizona but in the United States generally, according to the 2024 Interim Progress Report by Arizonas Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Task Force. Indigenous children make up nearly 11% of the children placed in out-of-home care as of June 30, 2024, according to statistics from the Arizona Department of Child Safetys Semi-Annual Child Welfare Report from September 2024. Children placed in group homes are more likely to run away than if they were placed in foster homes or kinship placement, according to the welfare report. The Arizona Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Task Force highlights that the DCS report does not include tribal nations in its data breakdown, making it impossible to quantify the impact on Indigenous communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a glaring gap because Tribes are not notified, and they are likely in locations where a tribal child might be found and potential partners to help recover missing and runaway children, reducing the likelihood of exploitation or trafficking, the task force report states. Hundreds of people gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Encounter AZ church in Mesa on March 6, 2025, to honor San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike and raise awareness about the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis. (Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror When Emily went missing, Pechuli said it took a week before the family was notified by San Carlos Tribal Social Services. She was labeled as a runaway, Pechuli said. The family believes that is why the group home, the group home supervisor and tribal services did not act right away. They said that she was going to come back, she said. She has no place to go. Shes 100 miles away from home, shes gonna come back, and the family wasnt notified until a week later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emilys family did not know what had happened or that nothing was being organized to find her. Then, a few weeks later, they were told that her body had been found. They identified her through dental records, but they came to the house to get DNA from the mother, Pechuli said. Now, the family is waiting for the coroner to release the young girls body so they can begin the burial services. The familys priority is to get the remains back and have Emily come home one more time, Pechuli said. The family plans to lay her to rest in a burial place near their home in San Carlos. Indigenous women wore red and had a red handprint across their mouths in support of MMIW during the March 6, 2025, candlelight vigil in honor of San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike, who was killed in February. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror Pechuli said that a lot of the major news coverage surrounding Emilys death has focused on her death, how she was a runaway and lived in a group home. Very little has been written about who Emily was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was more than that, Pechuli said. She had a lot of hope in her. Emilys mother, Stephanie Dosela, said her daughter loved cats, and she would always have a cat around their home in San Carlos. She was a happy girl, Dosela said. She liked to brighten everyones day. Dosela said it has been very emotional to see so many people gather to support Emily, and it is hard for her to take it all in. It took me a lot of strength to come here, she said of the vigil hosted in honor of her daughter. Dosela said she is thankful for everyone who has shown their support for her daughter and the support for all missing and murdered Indigenous people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want justice for my daughter, she added, expressing hope that, with so many people raising awareness, it will help her daughters case and others. Shiloh Ashley from the Cheyenne Ricer Sioux Tribe stands along the roadside church, holding the sign No More Stolen Sisters during the candlelight vigil in honor of San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike at Encounter AZ in Mesa on March 6, 2025. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror What happened to Emily has resonated with many people across Indian Country and has put out calls of action to raise awareness about the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis. Shiloh Ashley from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe attended the vigil and held a sign along the roadside that read: No More Stolen Sisters. Ashley said she attended the vigil to support the family and raise awareness for MMIW, but Emilys story also resonated with her since she experienced foster care as a teenager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its so heartbreaking, Ashley said. Emily was so young, and what happened to her highlights the vulnerability Indigenous people face. Its really scary, she added. My heart hurts for her and her family and all the other people that go through this in Indigenous communities. The San Carlos Apache Tribe said in a statement that their community is mourning Emilys tragic death. This is a terrible loss for the teenagers family and our tribe, they stated. Pechuli said that the tribe has never experienced this type of loss before and it has left many tribal members in shock after all the details came out. It hurts a lot of people on a lot of levels because she was a part of our tribe, she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MONTGOMERY, Alabama Citing its robust local news coverage, strong editorials and coverage of local topics, judges this week honored the Herald-Banner as the top award-winner in the annual Best of CNHI journalism awards for 2024. The Herald-Banner was named Division II Newspaper of the Year. CNHI operates more than 70 newspapers from weekly to daily in 25 states crisscrossing the country. Finalists were the Crossville (Tennessee) Chronicle and the Lebanon (Indiana) Reporter. Judges applauded the Herald-Banner for overcoming challenges encountered by newsrooms across the country placing its focus on its own community for the answers and it shows through concentration on being a hyper-local newspaper emphasizing comprehensive coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kent Miller, who came aboard as editor of Herald-Banner Publications in August of 2023, pointed to the C in community journalism as his driving philosophy for the newspaper. Newspapers like the Herald-Banner need to aspire to be the storytellers and record keepers for their community, he said. Community newspapers do what other news outlets cant or wont do cover a community. Miller continued, noting the state of the newspaper industry that has seen countless communities and small towns across the country left without local representation. It creates a desert instead of a snapshot when a local newspaper goes under and it leaves the people of those smaller towns without a voice, he said. People dont realize what theyve lost [when a paper closes its doors] until its too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges also singled out the Herald-Banner for making great use of the available news hole by making sure almost every column inch is filled with relevant local content. and unlike many smaller newspapers, judges lauded the Herald-Banner for producing hard-hitting, top-flight local editorials in every edition [and] publishing an editorial page that stimulates community conversations and serves as a marketplace of ideas. Herald-Banner publisher Lisa Chappell credited the staff for working tirelessly for the community. We do this because we believe in true journalism and that our community deserves to have a local newspaper. To be recognized and celebrated by our peers is just icing on the cake, Chappell said. This newsroom is small but mighty. They do an excellent job and I am proud of each one of them. They publish three newspapers and a quarterly magazine as a four-person team and they do it with heart. They have earned their recognition as Newspaper of the Year. Along with the Newspaper of the Year Award, individual staffers also were recognized for outstanding work done in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller was recognized as Editorial Writer of the Year, Warren Morrison was named Designer of the Year for the second year in a row and David Claybourn was awarded Photographer of the Year with judges particularly taking notice of his front page solar eclipse photo that ran last spring. The four honors earned by the Herald-Banner set a high-water mark for CNHI as the most captured in a single year by one newspaper. Additionally, Claybourn was a finalist for Sportswriter of the Year and regular freelancer Laurie White King was a finalist for Photographer of the Year. Brenda Statz lost her husband Leon, a 57-year-old farmer and father of three after a long-fought battle with depression. But the Loganville family's story is about more than mental health among farmers in the American heartland. Across rural, suburban, and urban communities, thousands of families have faced the same tragedy, underscoring that the mental health workforce was never built for today's needs. Consider that in Wisconsin: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant let these dire statistics kneecap the potential for progress that can strengthen families and save the lives of hardworking people like Leon Statz. A single action can start a movement. A report written a century ago proves it. America revolutionized healthcare training at turn of 20th century At the turn of the 20th century, the United States was among the richest and most scientifically advanced nations in the world, but its healthcare system was held back by not only inequities but also poor training that led to folk medicine and snake oil quakery. Then the Carnegie Foundation commissioned the Flexner Report. The 1910 expose so convincingly advocated the biomedical model of healthcare training and indicted its unscientific alternatives that within months of its publication, half of all medical schools in North America closed. Opinion: Wisconsin faces a mental health crisis. We must invest for the sake of our kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report led to a redesign of physician education that to this day defines our modern medical training regime. But some consequences were less transformational. After the reports publication, most Black medical schools shuttered, and today, only about 5% of doctors identify as Black. Similar revolution needed to solve mental health workforce crisis The Statz's story and thousands of others like it, alongside widely reported shortages of mental health specialists and family physicians, paint a stark picture. We need to reform the workforce not because the system might fail, but because it already has. Top mental health experts convened recently to sketch out some promising approaches to reverse this status quo. First, solving the problem will include fundamentally changing the makeup of the workforce. Too many conversations center on shortages or needs of specific professional groups. But simply increasing professionals alone, using the current configuration, wont work. A better north star is peoples access to care, which centers solutions around the patients perspective in addition to the clinicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, the workforce should be more diverse and accessible. What if a first responder to a mental health crisis was an empathic person with lived experience, someone like Brenda Statz? Lightly trained mental health workers drawn from their own communities inspire trust, the skill that cannot be taught. Research has found that workers trained as peers, community health workers, navigators, and lay counselors all offer benefits to patients across a range of settings. Micro-credentials like these can be streamlined through digital training and supervision that respects where people come from. Rand, the Bipartisan Policy Center, and the National Governors Association are among the policy organizations calling for expansion. Third, newer care delivery models like mental health integration in primary care, mental health crisis response, and telehealth are more workforce friendly. Models like these should shape todays training, licensing, and credentialing requirements. In 1910, the Flexner Report professionalized medicine because thats what was needed at the time. Our current crisis calls for something different entirely a broader and nimbler workforce grounded in empathy and inclusion as well as expertise. Its time for a 21st Century Flexner Report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even more, its time for action. Wisconsin mental health advocates back changes at state level Wisconsin mental health advocates back "earn-while-you-learn" programs for clinicians and expanding Medicaid coverage for community health workers to include mental health. Wisconsin could also join the new Social Work Licensure Compact to bring in more out of state practitioners. In 2024, the Assembly passed a reciprocal credentialing bill, which would have sped up entry to in-state practice for out-of-state practitioners. Proposals for tax credits up to $200K for psychiatrists in underserved areas are also promising. Reforms like these need champions to bring them over the finish line. Opinion: Wisconsin health care is bleeding. Tony Evers' vetoes only worsen trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brenda Statz founded the Farmer Angel Network to honor her husband and obtained certifications to help her neighbors all while running the family farm without Leon and working six days a week at a Lands End store to make ends meet. I just keep hoping families realize theyre not alone, Statz said. Were here. The depression that stole Leon Statz propelled Brenda to do everything she could to help give other families a fighting chance. The rest of us should do no less. Anna Bobb, MPH, is the executive director of Path Forward , a community of donors and doers working to accelerate solutions for improving access to mental health and substance use care. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: We must fix shortage of mental health workers. Here's how. | Opinion Twenty-one countries around the world have a "Do Not Travel" warning from the U.S. State Department, as of April 30. The agency regularly updates or reissues its international travel advisories, which give Americans a risk assessment for each country. Here's what to know about the warnings and how the State Department issues them. What are the State Department's travel advisory levels and what do they mean? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department has four levels of travel advisories: Level 1: Exercise normal precautionsLevel 2: Exercise increased cautionLevel 3: Reconsider travelLevel 4: Do not travel The agency issues travel advisories for every country in the world. Factors considered in setting advisory levels include crime, terrorism, civil unrest, the risk of wrongful detention, health, the likelihood of a natural disaster and current events, the State Department says. Level 1 is the lowest advisory and indicates there is some risk in any international travel. Level 2 means there are "heightened risks to safety and security," which could apply to specific areas of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Level 3 advises Americans to reconsider traveling to the nation because of "serious risks to safety and security." Level 4 is the highest advisory level indicating there is a "greater likelihood of life-threatening risks." The department advises Americans to write a will and leave DNA samples if they decide to travel to a Level 4 nation in preparation for possible worst-case scenarios. Some nations could have multiple levels, with parts of the country more of a concern. For example, the advisory for Mexico, as of April 30, has specific levels for each state within the country, ranging from Level 1 to Level 4. In each advisory, the State Department explains the factors contributing to the level designation, identifies possible areas of more risk and gives advice on what to do if you decide to travel to that country. Examples of countries with each travel advisory level Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are examples of countries in each advisory level, as of April 30: Level 1: Canada, Australia, Ireland, Portugal, Argentina and multiple Caribbean islands, including Aruba and St. Lucia, are among the Level 1 countries. Level 2: Popular European tourist destinations, including France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany, have Level 2 advisories. Other examples are mainland China, South Africa, Morocco, Peru, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. Level 3: Countries with Level 3 advisories include Colombia, Egypt, Guatemala and Jamaica. Most of the Level 3 nations include specific higher risk areas that the State Department says to avoid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Level 4: The State Department has designated 21 nations as Level 4, advising Americans not to travel to them. They include Russia and Ukraine due to Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Others at Level 4 include North Korea, Syria, Iraq, Sudan and South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Venezuela and Haiti. How often does the State Department review travel advisories? The State Department says it reviews Level 1 and 2 travel advisories at least every 12 months and Level 3 and 4 advisories at least every six months. "A Travel Advisory will also be updated anytime there is a change in U.S. government posture, normally as it relates to ongoing security concerns," the department says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to look up travel advisories around the world You can find the State Department's travel advisories in a searchable list and a map on the agency's website, as well as on the map below. !function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}(); Kristi Noem says she's "very confident" undocumented migrants stole her purse Ashlie Crosson named 2025 National Teacher of the Year Kristi Noem says if Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. we'd "immediately deport him again" Several western Cumberland County residents were evacuated from their homes Tuesday night as high winds blew a wildfire out of control in the Browntown Road area near Pleasant Hill. A reverse 911 call and warnings were sent out to residents in the area to evacuate, and Pleasant Hill Elementary School was opened for a shelter for the evacuees. We had 137 homes evacuated in the area and around 100 people went to the shelter set up at the school. It went well and [Tracie] Buckner [Pleasant Hill Elementary principal] was very accommodating and helpful, Travis Cole, Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency director, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cole said the wind made the fire spread quickly but with the rain moving in later it helped stop the fire and residents were able to return to their homes around 11 p.m. Cole said there were numerous reports of damage throughout the county but most of it was minor. There was a home that was damaged by a tree falling on it and they were connected with Red Cross and were helped with housing. The rest were tree damage and roof damages from the wind, torn shingles, but nothing major, Cole said. Cumberland County was under a high winds warning Tuesday evening. Cumberland County Meteorologist Mark Baldwin said, The highest wind gust at the Crossville Airport was 59 mph from the south. TTU's campus clocked a 63 mph gust. The high wind warning was definitely needed. Those are rarely used, but we definitely met the criteria for that warning with wind gusts greater than 58 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldwin explained the unique weather situation. March is notorious for powerful storm systems crossing the country, and these systems often have lots of wind. These systems are powered by a powerful springtime jet stream that develops between the conflict of cold air and warm air. Winter's cold air is moving out, while spring's warmth is moving in. That's not always a peaceful transition. This is why March is known as the windy month. These powerful low pressures are followed by strong high pressure systems. The pressure differences cause wind and the greater those differences, the higher the winds The fires were mostly extinguished by 11, as the rain moved in. Thankfully, the warm front with this system stayed south of Tennessee or we would have had severe thunderstorms to deal with, too, Baldwin said. Officials with the Tennessee Division of Forestry assisted the Cumberland County Fire Department and were working on reports about the wildfire near Browntown Road Thursday morning and were unavailable for comment. Cole said he estimated there was more than 100 acres burned and was was not aware of any structures damaged or injuries from the fire. Lake Tansi Property Owners Association General Manager Sam McAdoo reported the Lake Tansi Marina was closed until further notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email blast to Lake Tansi POA members McAdoo wrote, There are multiple reports of power lines down and outages within Lake Tansi POA. Please be aware there may be trees down throughout the property. Due to damage sustained, the marina is closed until further notice. Please do not try to enter the marina. The structure has sustained damage, and the boat ramp is closed and inaccessible. There does not appear to be any damage to boats either in storage or in the water. We will contact boat owners if needed. We are working to have repairs done as soon as possible. The heavy winds also toppled a tree that downed an electrical wire in Fairfield Glade, sparking a brush fire that led to a brief evacuation of residents. The fire burned 8-10 acres of vacant property, said Don Arbuckle, Fairfield Glade Fire Departments public information officer. There were no reports of damage to nearby houses. The department was alerted to the fire at 9:40 p.m. from the 9-1-1 dispatch. Twenty-one firefighters in the volunteer department responded with four trucks and 1,500 feet of hose, Arbuckle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There also was a blown transformer at another location at the time. We responded to that as well, he said, adding it turned out there was no fire there. So we returned to the original fire scene to aid personnel already fighting that fire. About 12 people left their homes and were provided temporary shelter at the Fairfield Glade Police Department building, Arbuckle said. Cole said numerous homes were still without power Thursday morning. See related story about power outages. Keith Robinson of Fairfield Glade contributed to this article. SEOUL, March 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's Ministry of Justice said on Friday that it is waiting for the prosecution to order the release of detained President Yoon Suk-yeol following a decision by the Seoul Central District Court to cancel the detention of Yoon. The prosecution has said that discussions are currently underway regarding the court's decision to cancel the detention, according to Newsis news agency. If the prosecution immediately appeals against the court's decision to cancel the detention, there are chances that Yoon will not be released immediately. According to Article 97 of the Criminal Procedure Act, a prosecutor may immediately appeal against a decision to cancel the arrest. And the Article 410 of the same Act states that if an immediate appeal is submitted, the execution of the trial will be suspended. The Seoul Central District Court approved the release of Yoon earlier on Friday, opening a possibility for the impeached leader to be tried without detention. Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year, but it was revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly hours later. A motion to impeach Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14, and since then the constitutional court held 11 hearings on Yoon's impeachment with its final verdict widely expected to be delivered next week. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is demanding an apology from the House Republicans campaign arm after it falsely portrayed the CHCs chair as an illegal immigrant. The National Congressional Campaign Committee (NRCC) deleted the controversial social media post Friday. But the unannounced move did little to appease the Hispanic Caucus, which is asking the NRCC to go further. You cant sweep this under the rug, the group wrote on the social platform X. We demand a retraction and an apology, not a mulligan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NRCC stirred the controversy on Wednesday when it posted a message attacking Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), the head of the CHC, over his Spanish-language response to President Trumps address to Congress the night before. Democrats literally chose an illegal immigrant to give their response to President Trumps address, the NRCC posted on X. Predictably, this radical called Trumps presidency a reign of terror. Democrats couldnt be more disconnected from the American people. The claim was not true. Espaillat was born in the Dominican Republic and lived illegally in the United States for a brief period in the mid-1960s when he was roughly 10 years old after his familys tourist visas expired. But they obtained green cards within a year, granting legal status, and Espaillat, 70, became a U.S. citizen more than 40 years ago. The NRCC post quickly sparked denouncements from Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who didnt pull punches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people are disgusting, he wrote on X. Separately, Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), the CHC whip, crafted a resolution condemning the entire GOP leadership team for calling into question the citizenship of their colleague. On Thursday, an NRCC spokesperson defended the illegal immigrant claim as simply a statement of facts. On Friday, however, the group quietly deleted the post a development first reported by NOTUS. A NRCC spokesperson said Democrats have blown the episode out of proportion, arguing that the Democrats are merely trying to shift attention away from the controversy surrounding their protests of Trumps speech on Tuesday, including Rep. Al Greens (D-Texas) remarkable heckling of the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We refuse to let Democrats distract from their disastrous Joint Address antics, NRCC Communications Director Will Kiley said in a statement. Only a handful of them voted to censure Al Green while refusing to apologize for their disgraceful behavior toward President Trump, American workers, and victims of violent crime. Their antics on the House floor were far more egregious than any tweet. The group declined to comment on the CHCs demand for an apology. Espaillat has more sinister theories about the Republicans strategy. He said the GOP, under Trump, has simply put a target on the backs of all immigrants in the country, legal or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The] Republican Party, has been invaded by xenophobes and anybody that doesnt look exactly like them, they consider to be an illegal, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Gov. Kathy Hochuls administration is bypassing the correction officers union, offering illegally striking guards at over 30 New York prisons another deal if they return to work Friday. The state proposed a new deal which is opposed by the union in a desperate attempt to get the prisons fully staffed after the guards walked off the job on Feb. 17 over unsafe working conditions. Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello told reporters Thursday the new terms would establish a committee focused on safety that would address concerns about the HALT law governing solitary confinement in prisons. Correction officers have argued the law limits their ability to control unruly inmates and safely do their job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The potential agreement would also include many of the same provisions included in the first deal offered by the state and accepted by the union last week, including: A 90-day suspension of some aspects of the solitary confinement law 2.5 times overtime pay for 30 days after officers return to work Adjourning legal proceedings against participants in the illegal strike Reimplementation of health insurance for those whod been terminated No discipline for striking workers Striking workers have demanded changes to the states solitary confinement laws. Getty Images They deserve it. Weve heard them. We need them. They play an important role in public safety, Martuscello said of the correction workers. The proposal is being offered to the guards without the support of the leadership of the correction union, the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association or NYSCOPBA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martuscello said the unions head, Chris Summers, gave him a verbal agreement that he would sign a deal, but that never happened. Unfortunately, this evening, President Summers and his executive board have refused to sign the Memorandum of Understanding, once again failing his members, he said. The Watertown Daily Times first reported a letter shared by the unions executive board to NYSCOPBA members asking them to side with them in rejecting the deal. The executive board alleges that Hochul and DOCCS sprung the deal on them at the last minute in order to pin the threat of not returning to work Friday morning on the union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They refused and gave us an ultimatum, which is why we had no choice but to decline to sign the agreement in its current form, the board writes in the letter. The Albany Times Union reported earlier in the day that the unions brass was not on board with the emerging deal. The union confirmed as much in a later statement without details. This agreement does not represent the best interests of our membership, NYSCOPBA spokesperson James Miller wrote in a statement to reporters earlier Thursday. At this time, NYSCOPBA will not be signing this agreement, Miller added. The rift between the unions leadership and its members has been on full display for weeks, with several officers telling The Post they dont trust their bargaining unit to represent them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unions executive vice president Matt Keough said as much Wednesday, Spectrum News reported. The wildcat strike entered its 18th day on Thursday. Getty Images Our union membership has no faith in us right now, Keough said. Despite the lack of a legally binding agreement, Martuscello is offering a verbal commitment of his own. These terms outlined, that my employees asked for, will be upheld and we will follow this to the letter for those individuals that return to duty tomorrow, he said. The wildcat strike, now on its 18th day, has thrown the state prison system into chaos and forced the Hochul administation to call in thousands of National Guard troops to man the detention faciltities. Last month, X users spotted an ad on the social media platform from the @AppleTV account for the second season of Severance. The promo marked a conspicuous return for Apple to advertising on X in more than a year after pausing campaigns due to the rise of far-right content on the network that appeared alongside ads and backlash against Elon Musk grounded in criticism that he endorsed antisemitic conspiracy theories. It coincided with a period around the time of his political ascension that saw a flurry of other brands resume or increase spending on X, namely Amazon. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerns that Musk is leveraging his influence in the Trump administration have been cited by five Democratic senators, who asked the Justice Department to investigate whether Musk is violating federal ethics laws. Senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Richard Blumenthal, Adam Schiff, and Chris Van Hollen on Wednesday wrote to the Justice Department over the possibility that Musk is strong-arming businesses into returning to X under the threat of retaliation. They cited an incident in which an attorney for the company allegedly demanded that advertising conglomerate Interpublic Group get its clients to spend more on Elon Musks social media platform, or else, reported by The Wall Street Journal. Interpublic understood the implication of this threat: if its advertisers do not generate more revenue for X, it would face the risk that Musk could use his power in the Trump Administration to delay, or even block, Interpublics pending $13 billion dollar merger with its rival a merger that requires review by antitrust enforcers such as the DOJ, the letter stated. Musk is currently the head of the Department of Government Efficiency and is regularly seen alongside Trump at the White House. Shortly after he bought then-Twitter in 2022, he immediately moved to steer the platform toward his free speech ideals. This included reinstating banned accounts, such as those from Kanye West and Donald Trump, and launching a new paid verification system that allowed some users to impersonate brands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The loosening of content-moderation restrictions sparked an exodus of advertisers over concerns that their ads appear next to or are associated with controversial content. A report from nonprofit Media Matters for America, which has been sued by Musk, released last year alleged that the platform was placing ads for companies such as Apple, Bravo (NBCUniversal), IBM, Oracle and Xfinity (Comcast) next to content that touts Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party. Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Sony Pictures and Lionsgate were among the major advertisers that backed away from the platform. In the letter, the senators said that Musk started to threaten policy repercussions against advertisers as he began for his new role in the administration. They urged federal prosecutors to probe him for potential violations of ethics laws, including a prohibition on bribery and another that bars him from participating in matters in which he has a financial interest. In this case, DOJs decision on whether to thwart the Interpublic merger is now potentially linked to Xs advertising revenue which would give Musk a direct stake in the outcome, the senators wrote. In a separate letter, the senators also wrote to the Federal Trade Commission over the possibility that Musk may retaliate against Interpublic by pressuring the agency to block its merger or bribe the conglomerate by directing Trump to allow its deal with Omnicom to proceed in exchange for getting its clients to spend more on X. They pointed to a significant conflict of interest between Musks government position and his various businesses. (Interpublic has recently signed a new deal with X for potential ad spending, according to The Wall Street Journal.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disney, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Discovery and Comcast, among others, have resumed advertising on X, according to market intelligence firm MediaRadar. Still, companies collectively spent less than $3.3 million from January to September, which represents a 98 percent decline from the same period last year. The resumption of spending by Disney, which resumed ad campaigns over the summer, and Apple were particularly encouraging signs for X because they were among its largest advertisers before Musk took over. Last year, the Justice Department filed a landmark antitrust lawsuit against Apple targeting its alleged monopoly over the smartphone market and practices meant to keep consumers dependent on iPhones while preventing them from switching to rival devices. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Horry County Schools has taken multiple steps to monitor how the Carolina Forest wildfire is impacting students and staff members in the areas near the blaze. Spokesperson Lisa Bourcier told News13 on Friday that the district has a team of professionals who monitor and improve air quality within the schools. They are familiar with the schools mechanical and electrical systems. The district also has health care professionals assess conditions, and adjustments are being made daily. FIRE IN THE FOREST: Covington Drive Fire 55% contained, still 2,059 acres, officials say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a proactive measure, our facilities team took steps on Sunday evening to reduce our buildings outside air intake by adjusting our HVAC systems, so the systems are circulating internal air and not external air, Bourcier said. We have also implemented our HVAC bipolar ionization system, which effectively filters out air particles, including smoke. She also said portable HEPA filters have been added to various schools to enhance air purification, and that there has been carbon monoxide monitoring throughout the week to ensure that the school environments are safe. Horry County Fire Rescue drone footage shows Carolina Forest wildfire The district is also encouraging parents to communicate with their school principals if they have been affected by the wildfire situation, if they have not already done so, to make sure absences can be waived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bourcier said that if families have needs beyond waiving absences, including counseling services for students, they are encouraged to reach out to their school for help. We also want to reassure parents that counseling services will be available for students who may have been affected by the fire, Bourcier said. Our trained professionals are ready to provide support and guidance to help students cope with any emotional distress they may be experiencing. News13 goes behind the scenes of Carolina Forest wildfire with South Carolina Forestry Commission She also said a notification was provided to staff members on Monday that explained how they can request emergency leave in the event that they are impacted by the wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue monitoring the indoor air quality over the next several days to ensure a healthy environment as we welcome back our students and staff each day, Bourcier said. * * * Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) A Houma man who works in Lafayette was arrested Thursday and charged with child sex crimes, authorities said. Richard Charles Tujague, 56, of Houma, is charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile and computer aided solicitation of a minor. Tujague was arrested as part of an undercover chat operation by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, where he was unwittingly chatting with an undercover agent online, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tujague lives in Houma but was working in Lafayette at the time of this arrest, officials said. Tujague was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center as a fugitive from St. Tammany Parish. He will be transported back to St. Tammany Parish at a later date for booking. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest His bond information is unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing. This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crime Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, the Covington Police Department and the Lafayette Parish Sheriffs Office. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. House Republicans from New York are asking federal health agencies overseen by Robert Kennedy Jr. to rule on whether ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo violated federal policy by sending elderly patients to nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The congress members want Kennedys department to weigh in on whether Cuomos controversial March 25, 2020 order telling such facilities to accept recovering or stabilized COVID patients matched federal guidelines during the early pandemic. Five years ago, over 15,000 vulnerable New Yorkers died in nursing homes because of a reckless directive that forced COVID-positive patients into ill-prepared nursing home facilities after kicking them out of hospitals Rep. Mike Lawler, the Hudson Valley congressman who drafted the letter, told The Post. New York House Republicans are asking federal health agencies overseen by Robert Kennedy Jr. to determine if ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo now a mayoral candidate violated federal policy. Aaron Schwartz CNP The March 6 letter was co-signed by GOP Reps Nicole Malliotakis, Nick Langworthy, Claudia Tenney, Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im demanding the CDC [Centers for Disease Control] and CMS [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] tell us the truth: Did Cuomos order follow federal guidelines, or did he defy them? Families of our constituents deserve answers, not excuses, Lawler said. The congress members noted that a house subcommittees GOP majority report said the policy was inconsistent with federal guidance and that even a Democratic minority report said the edict arguably contradicted federal CMS guidance. The House GOP members also asked why Cuomo, who was previously married to Kennedys sister, Kerry, would have scrapped the policy less than two months after it went into effect if it met guidelines. Congress members want the department to weigh in on whether Cuomos controversial March 25, 2020 order telling nursing homes to accept recovering or stabilized COVID patients matched federal guidelines during the pandemic. AP The revised May 10, 2020 Cuomo policy forbade hospitals from releasing patients unless they tested negative for COVID-19 and barred hospitals from discharging a patient to a nursing home unless the operator certified he could take care of the patient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In defending the ex-governor, Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi cited a US Department of Justice watchdog report into leaks to the media about the agencys investigations into pandemic-related nursing home deaths that concluded the disclosures were partisan hits on Democrats and aimed at impacting the 2020 election. It is also indisputable that the Inspector General investigated this issue and found that the Department of Justice corruptly used its power to go after Governor Cuomo and other Democratic governors over COVID in nursing homes for purely political purposes, he said. Rep. Mike Lawler told The Post, Five years ago, over 15,000 vulnerable New Yorkers died in nursing homes because of a reckless directive that forced COVID-positive patients into ill-prepared nursing home facilities. Kevin C Downs forThe New York Post It also concluded that New Yorks nursing home policy was consistent with federal guidance, that a dozen states Democratic and Republican had similar protocols, and that those states had worse infection and death rates than New York. The attorney general and an independent review ordered by New York State concluded the same. Civil court cases involving this nursing home issue were dismissed and three separate DOJ probes, as well as one done by the Manhattan district attorneys office, were closed after concluding no laws were broken and there was no evidence of wrongdoing, Azzopardi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cuomo spokesman also claimed no credible study has ever linked nursing home admissions guidance to an increase in deaths, but rather to community spread that brought COVID into nursing homes months before the US government was even aware it was here. A few independent studies claimed the March 25, 2020 nursing home directive, during the six weeks it was in effect, did cause additional deaths of nursing home residents. Kennedy, the CDC and CMS had no immediate comment. NEW YORK (PIX11) Just minutes into President Trumps address to Congress, Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) stood up, waved his cane, and shouted at Trump, interrupting the speech. While his actions led to his immediate removal from the House chamber, the disruptive display was revisited Thursday as the House decided with a 224-198-2 vote to censure Rep. Green. More Local News Ten Democrats voted with Republicans in favor of the censure; no Republicans voted against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disruptive behavior continued during the reading of the censure resolution, as Green and fellow Democrats started singing We Shall Overcome, an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, as Speaker Mike Johnson was speaking. Green, now serving his 11th term, offered no regrets Wednesday when he explained his actions. Green said he did not blame Johnson or those who had escorted him out after his outburst. Friends, I would do it again, Green said. I did disrupt and I did so because the president indicated he had a mandate and I wanted him to know he didnt have a mandate to cut Medicaid. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State What is censure? The punishment by censure is a rather infrequent event, with Green becoming the 28th House member cited. A censure is a formal statement of disapproval adopted by a majority vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The member is not expelled from office or loses any rights or privileges. Censure is considered a punishment one step below expulsion from the House. Recent cases of censure While considered infrequent, there have been four instances of censure in the last three years. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz) was censured in 2021 when Democrats were in the majority. Gosar posted an animated video that depicted him committing violence against Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez with a sword, an extraordinary rebuke that highlighted the political strains testing Washington and the country. In 2023, Republicans took back the House and censured three Democrats Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and then-Reps. Jamaal Bowman of New York and Adam Schiff of California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schiff was censured on a party-line vote for comments he made during the investigations into Trumps ties to Russia. Tlaib was censured for the alleged promotion of antisemitic rhetoric, using the slogan, from the river to the sea. Bowman was censured for pulling a fire alarm as lawmakers scrambled to pass a funding bill before a government shutdown deadline on Sept. 30, 2023. He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count and was fined $1,000. This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Mar. 6By a surprisingly strong margin, the House of Representatives voted to end the annual safety inspections that all car and truck owners are required to have in New Hampshire. While the legislation (HB 649) has been a popular topic for debate, it has always failed to get much traction in the Legislature due to the vocal opposition of the New Hampshire Auto Dealers and the New Hampshire Municipal Association. Local officials in cities and towns rely on the inspection fees every year to help balance their budgets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, after a brief debate, however, the bill that affects all non-commercial vehicles sailed through the House, 212-143. The vote was so strong that House Ways and Means Chairman John Janigian, R-Salem, turned down the offer for his committee to review it. House Deputy Speaker Steven Smith, R-Charlestown, said residents have been complaining about how the inspections are unfairly applied. "I have tried to work with the industry, and they have stopped us at every turn," Smith said. "I am mad as hell and I want to send a message that it is the people of New Hampshire that I am worried about today," Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Smith said he wrote legislation a few years ago to prevent inspection dealers from flunking a car for inspection due to "cosmetic rust." But Smith charged that constituents have complained to him they had failed inspections for this very reason. "You have the right to drive an ugly-looking car or truck in this state," Smith quipped. For the first time, House GOP leaders got behind the change, with Majority Leader Jason Osborne, R-Auburn and House Transportation Committee Chairman Tom Walsh, R-Hooksett, issuing a joint statement in celebration of the vote. "For too long, hardworking Granite Staters have shouldered the financial burden of annual vehicle inspections," Osborne and Walsh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This mandate hits working families the hardest, adding costs and inconvenience without clear benefits. In a state built on personal responsibility, it's fair to ask whether this system still serves the people." Critics warn NH could lose federal funding Rep. Seth Miller, D-Dover, said the state risks losing up to $200 million in federal highway aid if it eliminates the program. That's because New Hampshire beefed up its inspections to include air emissions testing more than 25 years ago because of poor air quality. The federal Environmental Protection Agency could choose to sanction New Hampshire if it gets rid of the inspections, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't know if it will happen, but it is an unacceptable risk at this point especially given our financial position," Miller said. House Democratic leaders had agreed the program had its flaws and should be reformed but did not want to do away with it. There are only 14 states with annual safety inspections including Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine. There were 29 House Democrats who backed eliminating inspections while 15 House Republicans opposed the move. What's Next: The bill heads to the state Senate and its Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill later this spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prospects: Shaky. State Senate Republicans may be leery of getting rid of a major source of revenue for cities and towns at the same time they put together a tight state budget. klandrigan@unionleader.com JOHANNESBURG, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Microsoft announced on Thursday that the U.S. software giant will invest 5.4 billion rand (about 297 million U.S. dollars) in South Africa by the end of 2027 to expand its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in the country. Microsoft's Vice Chair and President Brad Smith made the announcement in Johannesburg at an event attended by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday afternoon. Smith said the latest investment builds on the company's 20-billion-rand investment over the past three years to establish South Africa's first enterprise-grade data centers in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Speaking at the event, Ramaphosa welcomed the investment, stating that it demonstrates continued confidence in South Africa and its economy. "They signal to the business and investor community that South Africa's economy continues to hold immense potential and that it is a favorable place to do business, where their investments are secure," he said. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Pet rescues and animal shelters hear it over and over: a family has to give up their dog because they had to move and the new place has a rule. It is heartbreaking to have to watch families come in day after day who truly love their pets and they have no other option but to surrender them because they have to move their family into new housing for whatever reason, maybe they lost a job, or the cost of living is so astronomical for the majority at this point, Jill Dobbs, executive director of the Northern Nevada SPCA, said on Friday. She was testifying in support of Senate Bill 166 (SB166). They have no choice. And to watch these parents who are already in such a difficult place have to surrender their kids best friend is horrifying, Dobbs said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB166 would expand existing state laws regarding insurance policies. Apartment complexes and other multifamily housing wouldnt be allowed to exclude pets. Another section of the bill would apply to housing units that are state-funded, making sure they would allow at least one pet. Its actually known that if somebody has a pet, the family stays together, according to Mindy Elliott, who spoke on behalf of the Nevada Rural Housing Authority. Advocates said housing policies are among the most common reasons dogs, cats and other pets have to be given up. These policies also keep families from adopting pets from shelters, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Susan Riggs, senior director of housing policy for the ASPCA, said the majority of insurance claims at multi-family housing units come from slip-and-fall cases. Vicious dogs arent a big problem, she said. Current state law prohibits an insurance company from refusing to issue, canceling, refusing to renew or raising premiums solely based on the breed of a dog. They can only do that if an individual dog is known to be dangerous or vicious. SB166 is sponsored by Democratic Sen. Melanie Scheible, who represents District 9 in Clark County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Yemen's Houthi loyal fighters shout slogans as they participate in an armed-tribal gathering against Israel and its main allies the US and UK on December 23, 2024, in the suburb of Sana'a, Yemen. Credit - Mohammed HamoudGetty Images When the U.S. returned Yemens Houthi movement to its list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations on Mar. 4, the decision not only reversed the Biden Administration policyit also reignited debates over U.S. strategy in Yemens decade-long civil war and its humanitarian fallout. The Houthis have attacked Red Sea shipping and launched missiles toward both Israel and Saudi Arabia. But critics argue the terrorist designationwhich carries penalties for doing business with the factioncould exacerbate an already dire situation where millions of civilians rely on aid to survive. The United States will not tolerate any country engaging with terrorist organizations like the Houthis in the name of practicing legitimate international business, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in the statement announcing the designation. Iran supplies the Houthis with drones, missiles, and training, enabling the group to target Saudi cities, Israel, and international shipping lanes. With Hezbollah and Hamas diminished, and the Assad regime no longer controlling Syria, the Yemeni militia has grown more prominent in Irans axis of resistance. Both the U.S. and Israel have launched bombing raids on the Houthis, including an October U.S.srike by B-2 stealth bombers on underground weapons caches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But restoring the terrorist designation may only have a tangential impact on the Houthis, says Nader Hashemi, associate professor of Middle East and Islamic politics at Georgetown University. The sanctions that go with it don't really weaken these countries, he says. They're mostly, I think, grandstanding and an opportunity for, in this case, the Trump administration to try and distinguish himself from Biden and to present himself as really standing for himself against America's enemies. Other experts agreed the move is more about domestic political posturing than achieving change on the ground. Some said it may actually heighten the threat to shipping. If the Houthis continue to engage with shipping attacks, now that theres a terrorist designation, it contributes to greater tensions in the Middle East, Hashemi says. In this sense, there could be greater economic cost if ships traveling through the Red Sea are fired on, forcing them to choose different routes or if there are now greater insurance rates that have to be charged because of the threat of the attack. The consumers would have to pay the price for this added expense if businesses are charging more to send their ships through the Middle East. When they're pressurized, [the Houthis] generally responds militarily, says April Longley Alley, Senior Expert for the Gulf and Yemen at United States Institute of Peace. Theyve been threatening for a while to retaliate, either inside of Yemen or outside. Who are the Houthis? The Zaydi Shia Islamic religious ideology of the Houthis allows for recasting violence as resistance. The groups founder, Hussein al-Houthi, framed the movement as a revival of Zaydi identity against perceived marginalization by Yemens Sunni-majority governments and growing Salafi-Wahhabi influences. Its a hodgepodge of sorts, says Bader Mousa Al-Saif, assistant professor of history at Kuwait University and a fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. Its messianic, its eclectic, it gives full subservience to the descendants of the Prophet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the current leadership of Husseins brother, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the group has weaponized this ideology, portraying its fight as a divine struggle against foreign occupiers and neighbors, notably Saudi Arabia, which invaded in 1934. These [radical ideologies] are the things that motivate action and motivate violence, Al-Saif stresses. Policymakers are treating symptoms, theyre not treating the origins of the issue. If you go out and you try to block ships or you try to safeguard ships, you're not dealing with the issue on the ground. [The Houthis] are on the ground in Yemen. They've been trying to close up on their own population. They're not allowing people to express themselves so we need to listen to Yemeni civilians. Yemen has a long history of political divisionfor much of the 20th Century it was two countries, North Yemen and South Yemen. The current war dates from divisions that surfaced during the Arab Spring that were encouraged by other nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which involved their own militaries. Those rivalries have hamstrung UN-led efforts at political settlements, and the Houthis have detained dozens of UN staff since 2021. The UN notably suspended operations in the Houthi-controlled Saada region after 8 more staff members were forcibly detained. In February, the U.N. World Food Programme announced that one of their aid staff died while in detention in Houthi-controlled northern Yemen. So many Yemeni staff have been kidnapped, tortured, for no reason but their alliance with the United States. And theres something really sinister about that, says Fatima Abo Alasrar, Senior Policy Analyst for the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies. It is a movement that stands as a threat to other religions, to other countries, and to the United States primarily. What is Yemen's humanitarian situation? An estimated 19.5 million people now need humanitarian assistance and protection services 1.3 million more people than last year. Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Middle East and North Africa, and among the worst humanitarian crises in the world. In 2024, USAID provided Yemen with roughly $620 million in total aid. Trump has since shuttered the agency. And though Secretary Rubio issued a waiver for life-saving humanitarian aid, aid groups in Yemen claim operations remain suspended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates warn that being listed as a terrorist state by the U.S. may stifle humanitarian aid from other sources, which 80 percent of the population are critically in need of. Innocent people are going to suffer, says Hashemi. Any humanitarian organization that wants to pursue exporter contracts or engage in bank transfers in order to facilitate aid will now be blocked because of this terrorist designation. A report from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, which went to war against the Houthis, has stated that returning the Houthis to the terror list will not impede critical aid flows. It cites a 2021 document from the Houthis previous designation to highlight ways to authorize humanitarian aid relief, such as licenses and good faith exceptions. Experts say the reality is less clear. While there have been measures put into place to prevent the worst impacts on the humanitarian space, it really depends on how the private sector and the international banking system interprets the cut-outs that are there, says Alley, noting that the private sector in Yemen is strikingly fragile. General licenses make it so that transactions are authorized that otherwise would not be. They act as a safeguard intended to balance U.S. counterterrorism goals with the urgent need to prevent famine and protect the livelihoods of millions of Yemenis. The real risk to the Yemeni economy and to Yemeni livelihood is this issue of over-compliance, Alley says. Some parties may avoid Yemen altogether out of fear of running afoul of the U.S. Treasury Department, which enforces the sanction. This has a knock-down effect throughout the country, so we have to see how it plays out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We shouldn't limit ourselves to such an option, Al-Saif says. We should have an integrated toolkit that looks at different aspects without having the average Yemeni impacted. Contact us at letters@time.com. A Hudson, Wis., man has been charged with killing his wife in their townhome Wednesday and then threatening to end his life by making officers shoot him. Before the first Hudson police officers arrived at Chad Aaron Haworths townhome on a welfare check, the 54-year-old told dispatch how he was having issues with his wife and that officers would shoot him because thats how it ends, according to charges filed Thursday in St. Croix County Circuit Court. Haworth then told an officer over the phone that, Shes no longer with us and that she had been dead for a half-hour. He said he knew that because his knife is incredibly sharp, the charges say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a three-hour standoff that included the St. Croix County Emergency Response Unit, Haworth eventually left the townhome, surrendered and was arrested. He had blood on his pants and hands. His wife was found dead on a bed with a large cut to her neck. Haworth is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mayhem with the use of a dangerous weapon and aggravated battery intending great bodily harm. At an initial court appearance Thursday before Judge R. Michael Waterman, Haworths attorney raised whether he was competent to face the charges. Waterman ordered that he undergo a competency evaluation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haworth does not have a previous criminal history in Wisconsin, court records show Minnesota court records show that Haworth, while living in Burnsville, was civilly committed as mentally ill in April 2022. The commitment ended six months later. Court records show that Burnsville police were called to Haworths home on Christmas Day 2020 on a weapons-related incident after Haworth reported that his wife, Carmen Haworth, pulled a knife on him and he was going to shoot her and better get here this time. Officers arrived and spoke with his wife, and determined that a serious crime had not been committed. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of misuse of 911 in March 2021. According to Thursdays complaint: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after 3 p.m., police were dispatched to Haworths townhome in the 1600 block of Namekagon Street just after Haworth had called 911. Dispatch advised officers that Haworth said his wifes lover got his password for his iPhone and got rid of the statements he had made. Haworth said his 26-year-old son is going to be all alone, and he was crying and worried about his cats getting out. He was yelling and was defensive, and said he had no way out. Earlier in the day, just after 11 a.m., Haworth called Hudson police and told an officer that he had concerns that his wife was cheating on him and possibly poisoning him with their cats medicine. He said he had no evidence, that it was a hunch. He said he was going to the doctor. At no time during our original conversation did he make any statements causing concern for his well being or for his wifes, the officer wrote in the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the officer arrived at the townhome, he called Haworth, who blamed his wife for his iCloud account being closed. He said that when he told her about it, she laughed at him. Haworth said he snapped and his wife is no longer with us. When the officer asked if she was still breathing, Haworth said, she thought it was funny until it began and then she realized and started screaming for help, the complaint states. Yeah, thats when she quit laughing. Yeah, so she was laughing at me right up until the exact moment. Its real nice. Haworth refused to come out of the townhouse so officers could check on his wife, and said he had to contemplate taking his life or have the officer take it. When the officer told Haworth that his sergeant wanted to speak with him, he said, Well just to let you know . Its loaded. Its loaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six officers decided to try to make entry into the townhome to check on Haworths wife. When officers knocked and announced they were coming in, Haworth yelled, I have a gun at the door, the complaint says. Officers moved back and took cover and waited until the emergency response unit arrived to take over. Once in custody and at the jail, Haworth asked to see a doctor. When the doctor asked him if he had any thoughts of harming himself, he shook his head, no. When asked if he had any thoughts of harming others, Haworth, who was looking down at his legs, let out an exaggerated exhale and shook his head, no. It was the second homicide in four days in St. Croix County, both allegedly committed by the victims husband. Gordon Laakso, 70, of New Richmond, is charged with strangling his wife, 68-year-old Mary Laakso, on Sunday and dumping her body in a Polk County cornfield. When police responded to the couples home on a possible domestic disturbance and welfare check, he said that, We were both really at each others necks and that shes dead, the complaint says. He later said, Oh, you didnt find her? before telling police where they could find his wifes body. Related Articles A Hudson man was arrested after a search of his home earlier this week led to the discovery of child pornography, authorities said. Jacob Casaceli, 40, of Hudson, was arraigned Thursday in Marlboro District Court on charges including two counts of possesion of child pornography, according to the Hudson Police Department. Hudson police investigators, with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the United States Secret Service Task Force, executed a search warrant at Casacelis home on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hudson Police Chief Richard DiPersio said the search uncovered child sexual assault materials, images, and videos on various devices in the home. Casaceli was taken into custody without incident. An investigation is ongoing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Protest marches Friday in Serbia's capital of Belgrade and a northern city saw tens of thousands of people respond to a call from university and high school students to strike as part of a monthslong struggle against corruption in the Balkan country. The massive marches were part of a nationwide anti-graft movement that started after a concrete canopy crashed in November at a railway station in the northern city of Novi Sad, killing 15 people and triggering protests against the populist government of President Aleksandar Vucic. I am here for justice, for a better tomorrow, Srecko Nedeljkovic, a Belgrade resident, said. "Thats all its about, nothing else. The only important thing is that we live in a country governed by the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many in Serbia believe that the huge concrete construction fell down because of poor renovation work fueled by government corruption in infrastructure deals with Chinese state companies. Authorities have said it was an accident that happened because of construction flaws. They have indicted 16 people over the crash but doubts prevail that the actual culprits will face justice. University students behind the protests have insisted on full accountability, which has garnered widespread support among Serbia's citizens who are largely disillusioned with politicians and have lost trust in state institutions. Many shops, bars and restaurants in Serbia on Friday remained closed in support of the universities and schools where classes have been suspended for more than three months. Smaller protests were held in several other towns and cities throughout the country after calls by protesters for a general strike. In Belgrade, a huge column of people walked on the streets around the downtown area passing by government buildings. Marching students said their protest presented a prelude to a massive rally planned for March 15 in Belgrade, after similar rallies were held in previous weeks in other cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blowing whistles while led by a group of drummers to create noise as they passed through the central city zone, the protesters then went silent for 15 minutes half way through the march to honor the 15 victims of the canopy fall. They carried banners showing a red handprint, symbolizing blood on the hands of the authorities because of the canopy crash. Vucic has sought to downplay the protests, saying they were part of a ploy by the West to oust him from power. Vucic on Friday said he had discussed an alleged attempted revolution in a phone conversation with Russia's President Vladimir Putin. Vucic said on Instagram that Russia understands well and can see clearly what is going on and will continue to support legally and legitimately elected authorities in Serbia. Persistent protests have become the biggest challenge to Vucic in years. The populist leader and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party have held a firm grip on power in Serbia for over a decade, facing accusations of stifling democratic freedoms despite formally seeking European Union entry for Serbia. In a counter-protest, a group of pro-Vucic students started camping outside the Serbian presidency building, saying they want to continue normal studies and demanding an end to months-long blockades of Serbia's universities. The protest was apparently designed to minimize the scope of the anti-graft students' actions. Human remains were found inside a home along with hundreds of animals both alive and dead. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to Canton police, hundreds of rats, three dogs, two birds, and two turtles were also found inside the home on Wertz Avenue. The man renting the home, Billy Jack Park, 45, was arrested earlier this week and charged with seven counts of prohibitions concerning companion animal complaints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Stark County Coroner confirmed to WOIO the bones found are human. TRENDING STORIES: At this time, Park is not facing any charges in connection with the bones. It was probably one of the worse hoarding situations, Jackie Godbey said. Godbey is the executive director of the Stark County Humane Society. Having that many in cages, some roaming free, the dogs, the birds, the hoarding situation, it was bad. In my opinion, not livable. No animals or person should be in that condition, he said. The house has been condemned. The Canton Health Department informed the owner that the house either has to be cleaned up or torn down. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The U.S. decision to suspend the flow of military intelligence to Ukraine this week has aided the Russian advance along a critical part of the front, weakening the negotiating position of President Volodymyr Zelensky and killing many Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to five senior Western and Ukrainian officials and military officers familiar with the situation. As a result of this pause, there are hundreds of dead Ukrainians, one of the officers told TIME in an interview on Friday in Kyiv, asking not to be named when discussing sensitive military operations. The biggest problem is morale, he added, as the armed forces of Ukraine are being left to fight without some of their best weapons systems, not as a result of Russian attacks but American pull backs. Its really causing an advantage for the enemy on the front line. Read More: Russian Strikes on Ukraine Kill at Least 20 as U.S. Cuts Intelligence Sharing With Kyiv Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. stopped providing intelligence to Ukraine shortly after the Presidents of both counties, Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, clashed in the Oval Office on Feb. 28. During the meeting, Zelensky questioned whether the Russians could be trusted to abide by any ceasefire. President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance responded by berating the Ukrainian leader on camera. You dont have the cards," Trump said. "Youre gambling with World War III. In the days that followed, the U.S. suspended military aid to Ukraine, including intelligence sharing. Questioned about that decision on Thursday, President Trumps special envoy to Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, said the Ukrainians had brought it on themselves. The U.S. response to Zelenskys position was sort of like hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose," Kellogg said. "Got their attention." The impact for the Ukrainians has been most acute in the Russian region of Kursk, where the Ukrainian armed forces are struggling to hold a swath of territory that they seized in a shock offensive last August. That assault marked the first foreign invasion of Russian land since World War II, humiliating the Kremlin and drawing thousands of North Korean troops into the war to help Russia regain control of the area. President Zelensky sees that region as a critical source of leverage in any future peace talks with the Russians. His aim is to trade parts of the Kursk area for Ukrainian land that Russia has occupied. We will swap one territory for another, Zelensky told the Guardian last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the U.S. halted intelligence sharing, however, the Russians have made swift advances in Kursk, aiming to cut off Ukrainian supply lines into the region, according to military officers and fresh maps of the battlefield produced by Deep State, an open-source intelligence organization. If we do nothing, there will be huge consequences, the co-founder of Deep State, Roman Pogorily, told local media on Tuesday. The main supply line for Ukrainian troops operating in Kursk is now under constant attack, he added. It is impossible to move normally along it. A source in the Zelensky government confirmed that operations in the region of Kursk have been worst affected by the loss of access to U.S. intelligence. Not only Kursk, in all Russian territory there are problems now, he says. The Ukrainians have lost the ability to detect the approach of Russian bombers and other warplanes as they take off inside Russia. As a result, Ukraine has less time to warn civilians and military personnel about the risk of an approaching airstrike or missile. Its very dangerous for our people, the government source says. It has to be immediately changed. Read More: Zelenskys Oval Office Clash with Trump Draws Pride and Fear in Ukraine The loss of U.S. intelligence has also hurt the ability of Ukrainian forces to launch long- and intermediate-range strikes against Russian targets. Some of those strikes have been conducted in recent years using an American weapon known as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS. When the U.S. first provided these weapons to Ukraine in 2022, it also began sending intelligence from U.S. satellites that allowed for precision strikes against Russian command centers far behind the front lines. The satellites allow us to see what the enemy is hiding, Oleksiy Reznikov, who was then Ukraines defense minister, said at the time. The HIMARS allow us to destroy it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These capabilities have now been crippled without access to information from U.S. satellites. Even Maxar Technologies, a private space technology company headquartered in Colorado, has stopped sending Ukraine images from its satellites, according to two Ukrainian military officers familiar with the situation. Ukrainian forces have often used satellite images from Maxar to plan long-range strikes against Russia. In an emailed statement to TIME on Friday, Maxar Technologies confirmed the disruption to service in Ukraine. The U.S. government has decided to temporarily suspend Ukrainian accounts in the system that the government uses to provide access to commercial satellite imagery. Maxar has contracts with the U.S. government and dozens of allied and partner nations around the world to provide satellite imagery and other geospatial data, it said. Each customer makes their own decisions on how they use and share that data. Adding to the Ukrainian sense of abandonment, the group of Western partners who helped receive and process satellite intelligence at the military headquarters in Kyiv have departed, says the source close to Ukraines general staff. Theres no one left, he says, declining to be more specific in identifying what partners he meant. Some European intelligence agencies have rushed to help fill the gap left by the Trump Administration. But it will take time for them to deploy, and they are not likely to make up for U.S. intelligence capabilities any time soon, two of the Ukrainian officers say. We are really thankful to European partners, one of them says. This is the only one solid point that gives us any hope, because without this support, we cannot survive. Contact us at letters@time.com. Hungary will carry out an opinion survey on Ukraine's potential accession to the European Union, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on March 7, according to Politico. "We have the so-called national consultation scheme, which we use regularly to collect the opinion of the people, so we will use the same scheme just now," Orban told reporters after an emergency summit of EU leaders in Brussels. Orban, widely regarded as the EU's most pro-Russian leader, has repeatedly opposed military aid for Ukraine and warned that Ukraine's EU membership would "destroy" Hungary. He has maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin despite Russia's full-scale invasion, amplifying Kremlin narratives in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2010, Orban's government has held more than a dozen so-called national consultations on issues such as migration and LGBTQ rights. These referendums are non-binding letter campaigns sent to Hungarian voters with questions framed to align with the government's position. The political opposition and civil society groups have criticized these consultations as propaganda tools, pointing to their leading wording and low participation rates. For instance, a 2023 consultation on EU migration policy asked Hungarians if they supported Brussels's creation of "migrant ghettos" in Hungary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than 20% of voters participated, but 99% of those who did responded "no." "For the first time, Hungarians have a chance in Europe to decide whether they support Ukraine's EU membership or not," Hungary's government spokesperson Balazs Orban posted on X. Ukraine applied for EU membership in 2022 and was granted candidate status within months. Accession talks began in June 2024, with European leaders setting 2030 as a target for Ukraine's potential entry. Like all EU members, Hungary holds veto power over further progress, allowing Budapest to delay or block Ukraine's accession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: EU leaders sideline Hungary as they pledge continued support for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BUDAPEST (Reuters) - The EU cannot afford to finance Ukraine's military efforts as U.S. financial aid is no longer guaranteed, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday after the leaders of 26 EU countries signed a statement voicing support for Ukraine without Hungary. Orban, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, who is also cultivating ties with Moscow, told state radio that his government would launch a domestic "public consultation" on Ukraine's European Union accession in the coming weeks. The state-funded political campaign will come as Orban, in power since 2010, faces elections in 2026 with the economy just clambering out of an inflation crisis and with a surging new opposition party posing the strongest challenge yet to his rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European leaders on Thursday backed plans to spend more on defence and continue to stand by Ukraine in a world upended by Donald Trump's reversal of U.S. policies. The European Union's defence summit in Brussels took place amid fears that Russia, emboldened by its war in Ukraine, may attack an EU country next and that Europe can no longer rely on the U.S. to come to its aid. But Orban, who has refused to send weapons to Ukraine since the start of the war, and kept close relations with Moscow, said that instead of prolonging the war, Europe should support Trump's peace talks. He said the way the EU wants to support Ukraine now, while also boosting Europe's own defence spending, would "ruin Europe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If now the US quits (financing the war)...why would the other 26 member states have a chance to take this war to the end?," Orban told state radio. "Today it appears that I have vetoed. But within weeks they will come back and it will turn out that there is no money for these goals." Trump has said Europe must take more responsibility for its security. On Thursday he cast doubt on his willingness to defend Washington's NATO allies, saying that he would not do so if they are not paying enough for their own defense. His decision to shift from staunch U.S. support for Ukraine to a more conciliatory stance towards Moscow has deeply alarmed Europeans who see Russia as the biggest threat. (Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Toby Chopra) JUBA, March 7 (Xinhua) -- At least one United Nations (UN) personnel and several government soldiers were killed on Friday when a UN helicopter came under heavy gunfire in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, the UN mission said. In a statement issued in Juba, South Sudan's capital, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said the helicopter was conducting an evacuation mission in Nasir to rescue South Sudan People's Defense Force (SSPDF) soldiers who had been besieged for four days by the White Army armed group, which has been battling the SSPDF since last week. UNMISS said the attack killed one crew member and left two others seriously injured. "In addition, several members of the SSPDF, including an injured general, were killed during the attempt by UNMISS to extract them from the area, which was made at the request of all parties," the UN mission said. The mission said the evacuation was part of its efforts to prevent further violence in Nasir and ease political tensions following recent clashes between the SSPDF and armed youth that resulted in significant casualties and civilian displacement. Nicholas Haysom, special representative of the secretary-general and head of UNMISS, expressed regret for the killings, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received. UNMISS called for an investigation to identify and hold those responsible accountable. It also urged all parties to refrain from further violence and called on the country's leaders to take immediate action to resolve tensions through dialogue and prevent a further deterioration of security in Nasir and beyond. "It is vital that parties adhere to their commitment to uphold the ceasefire and protect the integrity of the Revitalized Peace Agreement," it said. Clashes erupted in Nasir on March 3 between the SSPDF and the local Nuer White Army, leading to the SSPDF's withdrawal from the town. The unrest also prompted the arrest of several senior army officers in the capital who were loyal to the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition, led by First Vice President Riek Machar. NEW ORLEANS, La. (KLFY) New Iberia native, Walter B. Gonsoulin Jr. has been named the National Superintendent of the Year by The School Superintendent Association on Thursday afternoon during the National Conference on Education in New Orleans. Gonsoulin was rewarded with a $10,000 check to which will go to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated or the school now serving the same area. To me, this is one of the greatest honors of my life. As a child growing up in New Iberia, Louisiana, I never could have imagined achieving this honor. said Gonsoulin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonsoulin is the first superintendent from Alabama to be honored with this award. He has been a superintendent for Jefferson County in Alabama since 2019. Since then, he developed a college and career readiness initiative that led to 357% increase in the number of students that earned industry credentials, indicating that those students possess the qualifications for entry-level employment. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest With this honor, Gonsoulin is excited for the recognition for his county and the hard work put into the programs. However, I want to be clear, while my name is on the award, I am only one part of it. I would not be in this position if it were not for the hard work of the teachers, administrators, support personnel, board members, students, and parents. They are the heartbeat of Jefferson County Schools. said Gonsoulin. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. Rep. Steve Tanner, R-Nampa, presents a bill to the Idaho House Education Committee to require public schools to collect the immigration statuses and nationality of students. (Mia Maldonado/Idaho Capital Sun) The Idaho House Education Committee on Friday voted to introduce a bill to collect the immigration statuses of students in public schools. The bill would add immigration status and nationality to the demographic data collected by Idaho public schools, ranging from K-12 schools, higher education institutions and public career technical schools. It would require the data to be available on the state department of educations website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Court in 1982 ruled public schools cannot deny any student enrollment based on immigration status, but bill sponsor Rep. Steve Tanner, R-Nampa, said public schools face challenges to accommodate the needs of English language learners. The bill would address those challenges, and provide the state statistics needed to inform public policy, Tanner said. Rep. Dale Hawkins, R-Fernwood, is a cosponsor. The Idaho State Board of Education already collects a variety of K-12 student demographic data ranging from age, gender, race and ethnicity and housing status, among other things. It also records whether a student is an immigrant. For those identified students, it records the date they began attending a U.S. school, their native language and the country of their birth. This is the second time the bill sponsors introduced this bill. A similar bill was introduced on Feb. 21, but it died in committee, Boise State Public Radio reported. The next step in the legislative process is for the bill to receive a hearing, which could take place in the coming days or weeks. It would have to pass the Idaho House and Senate in order to reach Idaho Gov. Brad Littles desk where he can sign it into law, let it become law without a signature or veto it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion to introduce the bill for a hearing passed in a 9-5 vote. The vote breakdown was the following: Votes in favor: Rep. Douglas Pickett, R-Oakley Rep. Dale Hawkins, R-Fernwood Rep. Ron Mendive, R-Coeur dAlene Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls Rep. Tony Wisniewski, R-Post Falls Rep. Dan Garner, R-Clifton Rep. Kyle Harris, R-Lewiston Rep. Kent Marmon, R-Caldwell Rep. Steve Tanner, R-Nampa Votes against: Rep. Lance Clow, R-Twin Falls Rep. Jack Nelsen, R-Jerome Rep. Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint Rep. Chris Mathias, D-Boise Substitute for Rep. Monica Church, D-Boise SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This article was originally published in Idaho Capital Sun. In an effort to help Idahoans follow major bills, resolutions and memorials through the legislative process, the Idaho Capital Sun will produce a legislative notebook at the end of each week to gather information in one place that concerns major happenings in the Legislature and other news relating to state government. To receive the full extent of our reporting in your inbox each day, sign up for our free email newsletter, The Sunrise, on our website at idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/. Here is our quick rundown of the major happenings during the eighth week of the Idaho Legislatures 2025 session. Idaho governor signs House Bill 93 Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 93 which may be one of the most contentious bills considered during the 2025 legislative session into law on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After several years of failed attempts from conservative legislators, it will allow state taxpayer dollars to fund private, religious and home schooling expenses like tuition, tutoring and other costs. The bill provides a refundable tax credit up to $5,000 for a parent of homeschooled or private school students to pay for expenses including tuition and fees, tutoring, textbook costs, curriculum and transportation. The refundable tax credit is increased to $7,500 for special needs students. Idaho can have it all strong public schools AND education freedom. Providing high-quality education for Idaho students will always be our top priority, Little said in a press release about signing the bill. Critics, including Idahos Democratic legislators, some Republican legislators and many public school teachers and administrators, say the bill will take away $50 million of public taxpayer dollars from the states general fund that could have supported public schools, transportation needs and other important public services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement by the entire Democratic legislative caucus, the legislators said the governor betrayed promises he made during his Jan. 6 State of the State address that any bill that would use state funds to support private education would meet standards of fairness, accountability, responsibility, and transparency. HB93 has none of these, but, like so many Republicans, he bowed to out-of-state billionaires instead of prioritizing the needs of real Idahoans, the Democratic caucus said. The governor has sacrificed his legacy as a pro-public schools governor and a fiscal conservative by signing a bill that siphons public dollars to subsidize private school tuition for the wealthy. The people of Idaho can now expect what has happened in other voucher states: starved public schools, higher property taxes as local districts will be forced to run bonds and levies, and exploding state budgets that threaten infrastructure and public safety. But Little, in the press release, defended his record of supporting increased public education funding every year he has been governor. I am proud that we have put close to $17 billion into our K-12 public school system since I took office and increased public school funding by close to 60 percent in just a few years, he said. Our investments in education initiatives have increased 80 percent overall since my first year in office. In addition, Idaho ranks first in the nation for our return on investment in public schools. Little signs bill that would create mandatory minimum fine for misdemeanor marijuana possession Little also signed House Bill 7, which would create a $300 minimum fine for adults convicted of possessing three ounces or less of marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Co-sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa; Sen. Brandon Shippy, R-New Plymouth; and nine other Republican legislators, including House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, it was the sixth bill to become law during the 2025 legislative session. Supporters of the law, including Skaug, said the law is a way to be tough on marijuana and differentiate Idaho from its surrounding states of Oregon, Washington, Montana, Nevada and Utah, which have all legalized cannabis use by adults in various forms. The new law will go into effect on July 1. Legislation of interest during the eighth week of the 2025 session House Bill 32: Sponsored by Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa, and Rep. Robert Beiswenger, R-Horseshoe Bend, the bill would prohibit local governments, health districts and school districts from mandating that an individual must wear a mask or face covering to prevent the spread of an infectious disease. The bill was delivered to the governor on Friday. The Idaho Constitution says the governor has five days not counting Sundays after the bill has been presented to him to act on legislation. Little then has three options: to sign it into law, to allow the law to go into effect without his signature or to veto the bill. House Bill 243: Co-sponsored by Reps. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, and Rod Furniss, R-Rigby, the bill would repeal age-based child-to-staff ratios for child care facilities in Idaho law. The Idaho House passed the bill on a 54-15 vote Thursday. It now heads to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee for consideration. House Bill 83 and Senate Bill 1039: The bills sponsored by Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, and Senate Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, R-Burley, respectively, would combine two immigration-related bills proposed this legislative session. House Bill 83 would allow law enforcement to record a persons documentation status only if they are already detained or under investigation for a crime. If an individual involved in a crime is found to be living in Idaho without legal authorization, they would face a misdemeanor charge for illegal entry. A second offense would result in a felony charge, and a conviction would lead to deportation. Senate Bill 1039 would ban immigration sanctuaries in Idaho, criminalize the presence of dangerous illegal aliens, and prohibit their transportation into the state. It would also require law enforcement to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. House Bill 83 was sent to the Senates amending order, where the bills may be combined in the coming days of the session. Senate Bill 1101: Sponsored by Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, the bill would clarify and add guidance to Idaho coroners roles in death investigations. The Idaho Senate passed the bill on a 25-10 vote Wednesday. It may be taken up by the House Local Government Committee in the coming days of the session. Senate Bill 1077: Sponsored by Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, the bill would subsidize crisis pregnancy centers in Idaho through a grant program with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, providing more than $1 million in taxpayer funds to qualified centers, with centers receiving a minimum grant of $25,000. The Senate State Affairs Committee voted against advancing the bill on Friday, which may have killed it for the session. House Bill 109: Sponsored by Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur dAlene, the bill would require the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to seek federal approval to exclude candy and soda from foods eligible for coverage by the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP (formerly known as food stamps). The Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee, on an 8-7 vote Tuesday, sent the bill to the House floor with a recommendation that it pass. It is on the Houses third reading calendar and may be taken up in the coming days of the session. House Bill 322: Co-sponsored by Reps. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, and Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello, the bill would raise the salary for each judicial position in Idaho by $17,000. The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration voted to advance the bill to the full House with a recommendation that it pass. It may be taken up in the coming days of the session. House Bill 158: Co-sponsored by Reps. Barbara Ehardt and Marco Erickson, both R-Idaho Falls, the bill would protect the identity of sources who provide journalists with confidential information or documents. The House voted unanimously to pass the bill on Tuesday. It now heads to the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee for consideration. What to expect next week Senate State Affairs Committee Senate Bill 1124: Sponsored by Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle, the bill would create the Wildfire Standard of Care Act, which would establish a standard of care through electric utility wildfire mitigation plans, subject to approval by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for regulated utilities. It would also establish that an electric corporation that substantially complies with a wildfire mitigation plan could not be found liable in any civil action to recover damages or impose liability, including for death of or injury to people or property. The bill is scheduled for a public hearing before the committee on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Education Committee Senate Concurrent Resolution 108: Sponsored by Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, the resolution would affirm the Idaho Legislatures support for inclusion of PragerU Kids supplemental education resources in Idaho public schools. This resolution recognizes their value in fostering patriotism, personal responsibility, and a strong appreciation for Americas founding principles while commending the Department of Education for its commitment to educational excellence and expanding innovative learning opportunities, the resolutions statement of purpose says. The resolution is scheduled for a public hearing before the committee on Monday. House Health and Welfare Committee House Bill 290: Sponsored by Rep. Dori Healey, R-Boise, the bill would transfer decision-making authority about vaccination requirements for children attending day cares and schools from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to the Idaho Legislature. The bill is scheduled for a public hearing before the committee on Monday. How to follow the Idaho Legislature and Idaho Gov. Brad Littles work during the session Here are a few tools we use to track the Legislatures business and how to let your voice be heard in the issues that matter most to you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to find your legislators: To determine which legislative district you live in, and to find contact information for your legislators within that district, go to the Legislative Services Offices website and put in your home address and ZIP code. Once youve entered that information, the three legislators two House members and one senator who represent your district will appear, and you can click on their headshots to find their email address and phone number. How to find committee agendas: Go to the Idaho Legislatures website, legislature.idaho.gov, and click on the all available Senate committee agendas link and the all available House committee agendas link on the right side of the website. How to watch the legislative action in committees and on the House and Senate floors: Idaho Public Television works in conjunction with the Legislative Services Office and the Idaho Department of Administration through a program called Idaho in Session to provide live streaming for all legislative committees and for the House and Senate floors. To watch the action, go to https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/Legislature/ and select the stream youd like to watch. How to testify remotely at public hearings before a committee: To sign up to testify remotely for a specific committee, navigate to that committees webpage, and click on the testimony registration (remote and in person) tab at the top. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to find state budget documents: Go to Legislative Services Office Budget and Policy Analysis Divisions website https://legislature.idaho.gov/lso/bpa/budgetinformation/. How to track which bills have made it to Gov. Littles desk and any action he took on them (including vetoes): Go to the governors website https://gov.idaho.gov/legislative-sessions/2025-session/. You can scroll down to the bottom of the site and enter your email address to get alerts sent straight to your inbox when the page has been updated. Reporting from Idaho Capital Sun journalists Clark Corbin, Mia Maldonado and Kyle Pfannenstiel contributed to this legislative notebook. Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com. Fredericks neighborhood advisory council system could see significant changes designed to generate more community engagement and improve communication with city officials. One proposed change is volunteer liaisons to communicate with the city about neighborhood issues. Changes to the number of neighborhood councils and boundaries for them could also be considered. A committee formed in 2023 to revamp Fredericks neighborhood advisory council system outlined its recommendations in a public meeting Feb. 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, there are 12 neighborhood advisory councils. Each is supposed to provide a forum for people to communicate with the city about their neighborhood, according to the city website. Each council represents a different part of the city. The NACs were originally created in 2002 and were supposed to hold monthly meetings. However, the councils each have differing levels of participation and engagement, City Council President Katie Nash said in an interview on Wednesday. Some meet quarterly, some meet more often, and some hardly ever meet, she said. Just yesterday at a NAC 7 meeting, we had a gentleman hes been a resident in the city for 40 some years ask what the NAC program even is, NAC 7 Coordinator David Firman said in an interview on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NAC coordinators are in charge of helping to organize each individual NAC. The reason for the meeting Feb. 27 was to gather input on potential changes to the number of and boundaries for the NACs. However, the meeting was the first time many NAC leaders heard the Ad Hoc Neighborhood Engagement and NAC Committees proposals to improve engagement and communication efforts, NAC 7 Coordinator Missy Conner said. Conner said she has participated in her local NAC for around nine years. I was very impressed by the amount of work the committee had put into it, she said in an interview on Wednesday. One of the things that used to help drive participation at NAC meetings was the Frederick Planning Departments community outreach meetings, Conner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outreach meetings used to be presented before each NAC to hear feedback from the community on new building developments that affect an area, Conner said. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, individual outreach meetings with each NAC stopped in favor of a single monthly outreach meeting for new developments across the city, she said. One of the proposals outlined by the ad hoc committee was to bring back the community outreach meetings at a local level and allow liaisons of the NACs to attend planning meetings earlier in the development process. The proposals also called for: Each NAC to appoint a volunteer liaison dedicated to communicating with the city Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A board of the volunteer liaisons to meet regularly, discuss NAC engagement and relay relevant information from the city to the NACs Each NAC to maintain pages and share local information on social media The city to provide funding to advertise for NAC meetings via signs, newspaper ads and more A city official to post agendas and minutes for NAC meetings on the city website A city official to disseminate the concerns of the NACS to the city Overall, the proposed ideas are meant to update a system instituted when the city was much smaller, ad hoc committee member Gayle Petersen said. Its currently not an organized system, and its not representative of a city [approaching] 100,000 people, Petersen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The liaisons added by the proposed system are meant to improve communication between the city and the NACs, Petersen said. However, ad hoc committee member Lance English said the proposed changes added a layer of unnecessary bureaucracy. The NACs should instead be consolidated and streamlined, and volunteers should not have more work added to their plates, he said. The then-Board of Aldermen approved a charter change in September that mandated the body have five district representatives and two at-large representatives, a change from its previous five at-large members. The new districts for council members to represent were approved by the City Council in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement English said the number of NACs should be reduced and their boundaries should align with the City Council districts. Currently, the city has one employee dedicated to communicating with all 12 NACs Chowan Brightful, the citys community engagement specialist. The whole idea of reducing the number of NACs was to relieve pressure on the city liaison, English said. City Council Members Donna Kuzemchak and Nash both said they are not currently in favor of further expansions to the citys communications department to account for communication difficulties with the NACs. The communications department has grown in recent years, and the city still has not solved some of its communications issues, Kuzemchak said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nash, who attended the Feb. 27 meeting, said the purpose of the ad hoc committee was not to draw up boundaries for the NACs to align with the districts, but to find ways to improve the NAC system in general. That could mean changing the boundaries of the NACs, but not necessarily, Nash said. All of the proposals are just ideas, Petersen said, and she welcomes feedback. Nash said she would like to have a change to the NAC system finished by the end of the current City Council term in November. The City Council Government Operations Committee will have a discussion of NAC boundaries under the new legislative districts in a 2 p.m. meeting on Thursday at Frederick City Hall, according to its agenda. This article was originally published in Capitol News Illinois. A new Illinois bill aims to add some oversight of families who homeschool their children, a response to concerns that the state does little to ensure these students receive an education and are protected from harm. The measure, known as the Homeschool Act, comes after an investigation by Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica last year found that Illinois is among a small number of states that place virtually no rules on parents who homeschool their children. Parents dont have to register with any state agency or school district, and authorities cannot compel them to track attendance, demonstrate their teaching methods or show student progress. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Under the new bill, families would be required to tell their school districts when they decide to homeschool their children, and the parents or guardians would need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. If education authorities have concerns that children are receiving inadequate schooling, they could require parents to share evidence of teaching materials and student work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Rep. Terra Costa Howard, a Democrat from a Chicago suburb who is sponsoring the legislation, said she began meeting with education and child welfare officials in response to the news organizations investigation, which detailed how some parents claimed to be removing their children from school to homeschool but then failed to educate them. The investigation documented the case of L.J., a 9-year-old whose parents decided to homeschool him after he missed so much school that he faced the prospect of repeating third grade. He told child welfare authorities that he was beaten and denied food for several years while out of public school and that he received almost no education. In December 2022, on L.J.s 11th birthday, the state took custody of him and his younger siblings; soon after, he was enrolled in public school. The most recent numbers available at the time of the news organizations investigation showed nearly 4,500 children were recorded as withdrawn from public school for homeschooling in 2022 a number that had doubled over a decade. But there is no way to determine the precise number of students who are homeschooled in Illinois, because the state doesnt require parents to register. The bill would require the state to collect data on homeschooling families. Regional Offices of Education would gather the information, and the state board would compile an annual report with details on the number, grade level and gender of homeschooled students within each region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeschool families and advocates said they will fight the measure, which they argue would infringe on parental rights. Past proposals to increase oversight also have met swift resistance. The sponsor of a 2011 bill that would have required homeschool registration withdrew it after hundreds of people protested at the Illinois State Capitol. In 2019, a different lawmaker abandoned her bill after similar opposition to rules that would have required curriculum reviews and inspections by child welfare officials. The Home School Legal Defense Association, which describes itself as a Christian organization that advocates for homeschool freedom, said it plans to host virtual meetings to educate families on the bill and ways they can lobby against it. Kathy Wentz of the Illinois Homeschool Association, which is against homeschool regulations, said she is concerned about the provision that would allow the state to review education materials, called a portfolio review in the legislation. She said visits from education officials could be disruptive to teaching. The bill would require all private schools to register with the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica investigation found that its all but impossible for education officials to intervene when parents claim they are homeschooling. The states child welfare agency, the Department of Children and Family Services, doesnt investigate schooling matters. Under the proposed law, if the department has concerns about a family that says it is homeschooling, the agency could request that education officials conduct a more thorough investigation of the childs schooling. The new law would then allow education officials to check whether the family notified its district about its decision to homeschool and compel parents to turn over homeschool materials for review. The increased oversight also aims to help reduce truancy and protect homeschooled students who lose daily contact with teachers and others who are mandated to report abuse and neglect, Costa Howard said. Some truancy officials said that under existing law they have no recourse to compel attendance or review what students are learning at home when a family says they are homeschooling. Jonah Stewart, research director for the Coalition for Responsible Home Education, a national organization of homeschool alumni that advocates for homeschooling regulation, said the lack of oversight in Illinois puts children at risk. This bill is a commonsense measure and is critical not only to address educational neglect but also child safety, Stewart said. This article first appeared on Capitol News Illinois and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) Illinois hunters took 649 bobcats in Illinois for the 2024-2025 season, as the statewide population continues to increase. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, hunters and trappers in Fulton County reported harvesting 26 bobcats, the highest of any county. Pike County came in second, with 25 bobcats reported. In total, 674 bobcats were harvested: 415 by hunting, 234 by trapping, and 25 salvaged from roadkill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, 130 mountain lions were harvested in the state. Last year, 370 bobcats were harvested. The Illinois Bobcat Foundation says the American bobcat is the only native wild cat in the state. It was put on the endangered species list in 1972, but removed from that list in 1999. Hunting began in 2016. Bobcats were eliminated from Illinois prior to the 1870s due to habitat loss and overharvest The IDNR said research from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale indicated the Illinois bobcat population could support an increased annual harvest without causing the population to decline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. With electrodes stuck to different parts of his back along his spine, Shane Callahan practiced walking on a recent day with help from an exercise specialist and a harness that helped hold him upright. Callahan has a spinal cord injury, so he wasnt supporting all of his own weight or moving his legs by himself. But something had changed. He had a little bit of sensation in his feet. Its pretty strange, said Callahan, 22, of Lockport, who was injured as a passenger in a car accident 1 1/2 years ago. Since he started using the device with the electrodes, he said, he can feel his feet touching surfaces, though they still cant feel pain or temperature. I think theres definitely noticeable progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The device, called the ARC-EX, delivers electrical pulses to his spine during his sessions at Next Steps Chicago, a neurological rehabilitation clinic in Willow Springs. The device was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December, with some experts hailing it as a milestone in therapy for people with spinal cord injuries. Next Steps is one of the first two clinics in the country offering it. Its pretty miraculous, said Mary Jones, a physical therapist and director of operations at Next Steps Chicago. I spent my career working toward this and to see it come to fruition is nothing short of amazing. Now, during Callahans appointments at Next Steps, neuro-adaptive exercise specialist Creighton Goss attaches electrodes to the back of Callahans neck along his cervical spine and then midway down his back, near his thoracic spine. Thin electrical cables connect the electrodes to the ARC-EX device, which delivers continuous electrical pulses throughout Callahans appointment. The stimulation doesnt hurt, but It definitely wakes you up, Callahan said with a smile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ARC-EX is not the first device to deliver electrical stimulation through the skin to help people with spinal cord injuries. But unlike other commercially available devices, the ARC-EX delivers stimulation directly to the spine, rather than to other parts of the body that a person wishes to move, such as to an arm or a leg. The idea is to restore hand strength and sensation even when stimulation is no longer used. The device is supposed to be used for up to an hour a day, alongside therapy or training, to help improve hand strength and sensation for people with incomplete spinal cord injuries. About two-thirds of people with spinal cord injuries in the U.S. have incomplete injuries, meaning that though their movement may be extremely limited, their spinal cords have not completely lost the ability to transmit messages to and from the brain. Some instruction from the brain gets through but not enough to create a movement, so were providing an amplification of that signal from the brain, said Dave Marver, CEO of Onward Medical, the company that sells the device. Dr. Arun Jayaraman, executive director of the Technology & Innovation Hub at Chicago rehabilitation hospital Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, who is not involved with Next Steps, called the device an additional tool that can be used to improve spinal cord signals to the limbs. He said its the first device of its kind to be FDA-approved and available for everyday use by clinicians, rather than just for research purposes. The AbilityLab has an agreement to use the device for its research studies in stroke and other medical conditions later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The devices FDA approval is huge for the spinal cord injury community, said Marco Baptista, chief scientific officer with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which helped support the devices development with an investment in Onward. Philanthropic venture fund SCI Ventures, which was co-founded by the foundation and other nonprofits, now holds that investment, and any revenue received from the investment will go toward supporting more research, Baptista said. One, this can be a device that can help people, and, two, it provides this path forward that other therapies can then follow, Baptista said. Next Steps Chicago, a standalone nonprofit, helped test an earlier version of the device and has always felt its important to bring cutting-edge technologies into the community, Jones said. This is a catastrophic lifelong condition, Jones said of spinal cord injuries. To make somebodys life a little bit easier, to give them 10% improvement, thats a big deal for someone who hasnt moved their arm or is dependent on someone else for round-the-clock care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The device costs clinics about $40,000, Marver said not a small price tag, but also not the most expensive piece of equipment a clinic like Next Steps uses. In a study funded by Onward and published in May in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Medicine, 72% of participants saw improved strength and function in their hands and arms after using the device. The FDA specifically approved the device to be used to improve hand sensation and strength. Improving hand function is a priority for many people with spinal cord injuries, Marver said, sometimes even more so than regaining the ability to walk. They need their hands to get through activities of daily living, to feed themselves, to clothe themselves, to go to the bathroom, Marver said. These are all things that introduce independence, dignity, quality of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The device doesnt work for everyone, but so far Next Steps has seen about a dozen patients have positive results, including Callahan, Jones said. Though Callahan still has hand function, the device has helped with other areas of his body, Jones said. Callahan said hed been a patient at Next Steps for about a year when Jones asked him if he wanted to try the ARC-EX device. She was explaining the research behind it and the possible benefits of using it, and it seemed it was applicable to my injury, so I thought why not, Callahan said. Callahan uses a wheelchair and is paralyzed from the diaphragm down. After his accident, he spent about two months as an inpatient at AbilityLab and then another six months doing outpatient rehab with the AbilityLab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, he goes to Next Steps about three times a week, for two hours at a time, where he practices movement in the treatment gym. At a recent appointment, Goss had him kneel in front of a low table, which he used to brace himself, using his arms. Goss then slowly helped Callahan move his legs back and forth, an exercise designed to help him practice shifting weight from one leg to the other. Callahan isnt sure how much strength, movement or sensation hell ever regain. Everyone and every injury is different. Nothing is guaranteed, Callahan said, but hes trying to recover as much as he can. It would definitely improve my quality of life, not just for me, but for my family, Callahan said of the prospect of regaining more function. Were hoping you walk in one day and say, Peace out, Im done, Goss said. That would be the goal. That would be the goal, Callahan agreed. Cellphones in the classroom might soon be a thing of the past in Illinois public schools. Gov. JB Pritzker proposed legislation that would require all school districts to adopt a policy that prohibits cellphones during class time. Districts would be required to come up with ways to store the devices securely. There would be exceptions in case of an emergency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. A Chicago Heights crematory has been shut down after the Illinois Comptrollers office received a complaint last month of the facility mishandling human remains, according to the state agency. Heights Crematory, 230 E. 11th St., faces penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation found during the comptrollers offices ongoing investigation and could have its crematory license revoked. It is prohibited from taking on any new cases and is receiving help from the state to process about 100 bodies it had in storage. There were bodies sort of stacking up at this crematory, said Abdon Pallasch, communications director for the comptrollers office, declining to elaborate on conditions as their investigation continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Sharkey of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association said Thursday his group forwarded a complaint they received of poor conditions at Heights Crematory to the comptrollers office Feb. 18, prompting the state investigation. We immediately, that very day, brought the complaint to the regulatory agency with the hope that they would do the right thing, Sharkey said. He said Heights Crematory is not a member of the association and its owner, Clark Morgan, is not a licensed funeral director. We are all just absolutely horrified by seeing this kind of thing. It besmirches all the good, hard work that funeral directors do every day, Sharkey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heights Crematory did not respond to messages left by the Daily Southtown seeking comment. The comptrollers office said in a statement that since receiving the complaint, regulators have been at the crematory every day it has been open to process the paperwork needed for cremation of the current cases and to ensure cremation is done according to current industry standards. As of Wednesday, 23 bodies received before the investigation began were still waiting to be cremated. Most of the issues have since been resolved but we are still on site closely monitoring the situation and making sure families have peace of mind about the cremation of their loved ones, the state agency said. The comptrollers office said members of the public can call its pre-need licensing and certification enforcement division at 312-814-2451 to report any concerns about privately owned cemeteries, funeral homes or crematories. _____ (Samantha Moilanen contributed to this report.) ____ RABAT, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan police seized 5.7 tons of cannabis resin near the Atlantic coastal town of Moulay Bousselham, the official MAP news agency reported Thursday. The operation was carried out in close coordination with Morocco's General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance, the domestic intelligence service. Two suspects were arrested for alleged links to a criminal network active in international drug and psychotropic substance smuggling. One suspect was caught red-handed when attempting to traffic the cannabis resin in a foreign-registered truck. A female suspect was later arrested during a separate operation in Kenitra. A judicial investigation has been launched to identify any accomplices and uncover the full extent of the network, according to the MAP. This is the second cannabis resin trafficking case uncovered in Morocco within a week. On Tuesday, police confiscated 4.3 tons of cannabis resin products in Temara, south of Rabat, and arrested five suspects. Morocco has stepped up efforts to combat drug smuggling, especially cannabis resin, in recent years, by working with European and other international partners. CHICAGO The votes are in the people of Illinois would like to keep the state flag as it is. The public had nearly a month to vote on 10 proposed state flag designs, along with two former state flags and the existing flag, as part of the Illinois Flag Commissions contest that could have led to a new flag to represent the Land of Lincoln. While the states flag did not receive a majority of the vote, it won with more than 165,000 votes, with the second-place finisher collecting less than 33,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some may call it an SOB a seal on a bedsheet and the vexillogical community may hate it, but people overwhelmingly prefer our current state flag, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said in a news release announcing the contest results. Ted Kaye, a vexillologist, or person who studies flags, has disparaged Illinois flag and told the Tribune earlier this year that the design contest should be seen as suspect because the votes of residents who wanted a change were split among more than 10 options. The possibility of a new flag is not completely closed. The commission will submit a report to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1, and Tim Butler, a commission member and former Republican state representative, said it will most likely contain information on the other finalists. The final decision is up to the legislators. It is absolutely up to the lawmakers, Butler said. State law would need to be changed, so thats them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Doris Turner, a Springfield Democrat who sponsored the 2023 bill leading to the design contest, said in a January interview that the flag competition process did not cost the state any money, noting that the commission was made up of volunteers who selected the design finalists, which were disclosed in December, from nearly 5,000 submissions. Butler expects the commission to meet again before the April 1 deadline, as the Secretary of States office has inquired about the commissions availability in March. ____ CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker addressed the Trump administrations potential elimination of the Department of Education saying the move would devastate students across Illinois. Students in rural communities who rely on federal funding to keep their schools open, students with disabilities and special needs who receive additional support in their classrooms, low income students who depend on Pell Grants to earn their college degrees, all will be affected, Pritzker said. During President Trumps campaign, he called for states to take over the role of managing money for the groups Pritzker mentioned, instead of the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump accused the department of indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual and political material. A draft of the executive order reportedly directed Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and his administration are taking action to support thousands of workers impacted by federal job cuts. The state is hosting two job fairs aimed at providing new employment opportunities for those affected. The first event kicked off today in Edwardsville. Held at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, multiple state agencies were offering job positions in a wide range of industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As federal job cuts loom under President Donald Trumps plan to streamline the government, concerns are growing as the federal government is Illinoiss second-largest employer after the state itself. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News In response, Governor JB Pritzker is organizing job fairs for various fields, including engineering, health care, accounting and environmental services. Germaine Yancy, a veteran who is seeking employment, said the job cuts are devastating. When I heard about the job cuts, it was something that never happened in the history of the United States of America, Yancy said. We always kept jobs and kept families fed and move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Woods, another job seeker, is one of many Illinois IRS employees laid off in the federal government restructuring. Third person arrested in connection to death of Colin Brown Woods said he was caught off guard when he was let go and is grateful for the states job fair. They just sent an email and said, Here you go, by the way. And it didnt even come from an agency itself. State officials at the job fair say theyre committed to helping workers transition. If things can be taken away at the federal level, people need to look at all other resources. If their job is impacted, have a plan B, said Moses Holman from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second job fair is scheduled for March 20 at Malcolm X College in Chicago Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Lawmakers have wasted little time prioritizing a misguided measure that would take the state backward. State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, recently introduced Senate Bill 3, a proposal to ban the sale of all consumable hemp products in Texas, except for medical marijuana and products exclusively containing cannabidiol, or CBD. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says the legislation is necessary to halt the sale of products containing THC the intoxicating ingredient in marijuana following reports of certain products being sold with THC concentrations above the legal limit in Texas. As a career law enforcement official, I understand the desire to protect the public, and especially our youth. But this bill would only stand in the way of upholding public health and safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, the U.S. Congress passed the federal Farm Bill, making it legal to grow industrial hemp, defined as cannabis containing delta-9 THC levels of 0.3% or less. Texas lawmakers in 2019 allowed the sale of consumable hemp products using the same THC threshold. Many retailers abide by state law. But the vagueness of state law and the weakness of its enforcement regime have also allowed bad actors to capitalize, with some selling intoxicating products that circumvent or directly violate state law. With SB 3, lawmakers are calling for the state to respond to these gaps not by addressing them specifically, but by banning all THC products outright. After years of witnessing the failures of drug prohibition, I believe this approach will only create more problems for law enforcement and the public. Such bans typically fail because they do nothing to stem demand. As prohibition forces out the legitimate manufacturers and retailers who had been operating legally, less scrupulous actors, including elements of organized crime, will jump at the opportunity to expand their customer base. This shift to the illicit market creates the potential for much graver harm, due to nonexistent product standards and the presence of sellers who may also be involved in other illegal activity, including human trafficking, gun-running and the sale of deadly drugs such as fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, local police would be left to shoulder the burden of enforcing a new ban on THC products. This would place additional strain on police departments, many of which are already struggling to tackle the serious crimes that present the largest threat to public safety. Rather than focusing their limited resources on solving violent crime, for example, SB 3 would direct law enforcement to begin targeting businesses for selling any product containing THC. The new law would also lead to more arrests and prosecutions, which would further bog down the courts and criminal justice system. My opposition to the ban-it-all approach is not an endorsement of the status quo. The 2019 law approving the sale of THC in Texas contained major flaws, including no age restrictions for THC products, an oversight that ensured minors would have easy access to this new market. Amending the law to restrict consumable hemp sales to adults aged 21 and older should be an obvious starting place. But if we want to rein in bad actors, we must also commit to enforcing the current law. Earlier this year, Timothy Stevenson, a Division for Consumer Protection official at the Texas Department of State Health Services, testified at a state Senate hearing that his agency has only six employees to oversee the more than 7,000 registered hemp businesses in Texas. If we care about protecting the public from illegal THC products, the least we could do is adequately fund the regulatory body that has been given this responsibility instead of rushing to create another enforcement challenge for police. Like Patrick and other lawmakers, I am concerned about the current state of the consumable hemp industry in Texas, especially when it comes to marketing and safety standards around THC-containing products. But an outright ban is a poor solution that will only compound the threats these products pose to public health and safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retired Lt. Diane Goldstein is a 21-year police veteran and executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, a nonprofit group of police, judges, and other law enforcement professionals who support policies that improve public safety and police-community relations. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas SB 3 ban on hemp would create more problems for police | Opinion COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The U.S. Department of Education is facing an uncertain future as the White House weighs dismantling it all together. This left some people in central Ohio worried about what dismantling the department could mean for the future of education in the state. Republican strategist Matt Dole said people need to be patient right now since no moves have been made. He said President Donald Trump wants to send funding from the federal department back to the state departments, not to cut all federal dollars to schools and programs. With change comes anxiety and I understand that, but again I think if we listen to the president, his goal here is not to cut teachers, not to cut funding to education, said Dole. Scott DiMauro, president of the Ohio Education Association, said Trumps word is not enough to make him feel comfortable that students and educators will not be negatively affected. There is an inconsistency in terms of what were hearing out of this administration in Washington and what they are actually doing, said DiMauro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visas, ETIAS, ETA: Update on international travel requirements Dole said the presidents goal is to cut bureaucracy and put more money directly into the classroom, but DiMauro said eliminating the Department of Education could mean cuts to special education, Title 1 and career tech programs. Teachers in central Ohio have those same concerns. I worry about my students getting the services that they need in order to have equal access to education. So its just a constant like its a worry, said central Ohio intervention specialist Traci Arway. Im thinking about all the other families out there that have kids that are considered SPED students. Im worried about the funding, especially Title 1, said local educator Larry Carey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arway said a lot of the kids she works with rely on programs funded by the federal government and that getting rid of the department could have a huge impact on her students future. I worry that we are creating more of a system of the haves and have nots. And I believe dismantling the Department of Ed will just continue to foster that, said Arway. Carey said his job is funded through the federal Title 1 program. So if Title 1 funding is cut, his job could be at risk. Carey said he is more concerned though about his students. It frightens me for the future of our kids. I mean, our kids are who are going to uplift us and drive us to the future and cutting funding for them is not going to do anything but hurt us, said Carey. Trumps press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the executive order on the Department of Education would not come down on Thursday so the timeline on the decision is unclear. Keep in mind an executive order alone would not be enough to dismantle the department. It would take an act of Congress. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The independent lawyer tasked with presenting arguments to Manhattan Federal Judge Dale Ho as he weighs tossing the case against Mayor Adams on Friday recommended permanent dismissal of the charges, in part finding that even the appearance of the Justice Departments motion creating a conflict for the mayor is deeply troubling. Last month, the DOJ asked Ho to dismiss the case without prejudice meaning it could be brought again to avoid it interfering with Adamss reelection campaign and so that the mayor could assist the Trump administrations immigration enforcement aims unimpeded, among other factors. That provision touched off widespread criticism. Paul Clement nodded to those concerns in his filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dismissal without prejudice creates a palpable sense that the prosecution outlined in the indictment and approved by a grand jury could be renewed, a prospect that hangs like the proverbial Sword of Damocles over the accused, Clement wrote. Even the appearance that the prospect of re-indictment would cause public officials to be more attendant to the executive branch than to constituents is deeply troubling and raises serious accountability concerns, he later wrote. A dismissal without prejudice fuels those concerns by expressly preserving the possibility of re-indictment. After Adams agreed to those terms at a court hearing, the judge appointed Clement to file arguments testing the motion to give him another side to consider, including what would happen if he denied the DOJs motion. Clement served as solicitor general from 2005 through 2008 under President George W. Bush. Clement said if Ho were to deny the governments motion, he could not constitutionally force prosecutors to proceed with the case, which could end up seeing a dismissal made necessary anyway by them neglecting to make it ready for trial on time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The special attorney said the judicial branch had a vital, but limited, role in determining whether a case brought by the executive branch should be dismissed, and that all roads to be explored, including the separation of powers principles constraining the judges options lead to dismissal with prejudice. Prosecutorial discretion can play an important role in promoting individual liberty. No matter how clearly someone has violated a federal criminal statute, neither the courts nor the citizenry can compel the executive to initiate a criminal prosecution, he later wrote. The governments dismissal motion, filed by Trumps acting No. 2 at the DOJ Emil Bove, ignited a legal and political firestorm, with Ho facing calls to appoint a special prosecutor from former federal judges, legal scholars, and ethics experts. The DOJ motion came after the Manhattan prosecutors who had been handling the case withdrew from it or quit rather than obey orders to ask Ho to dismiss it, at which point it was transferred to Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interim chief of the Southern District of New York prosecutors office, former Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who resigned, in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said prosecutors were preparing to file more charges against the mayor that would accuse him of trying to hide his crimes from the FBI and ordering others to do the same, which Adams has denied. Sassoon told Trumps new AG that she couldnt satisfy the order to drop the case given the dangerous precedent it would set and said it stemmed from what amounted to a quid pro quo between the mayor and the Trump administration, one that would see Adams let off the hook in exchange for giving the Trump administration free rein to carry out its policy objectives. The veteran federal prosecutor, a Republican who last year secured the conviction of prolific crypto conman Sam Bankman-Fried, was one of at least seven DOJ staffers to step down in Manhattan and Washington, D.C. after the people Trump has placed in charge of the federal governments law enforcement arm intervened in the case. Adams has cited their protest resignations in his bid to get the case permanently dismissed. The former federal judges who wrote to Ho after the motion, calling on him to hand the case to a special prosecutor, said, The Justice Department seeks to use this Court as the fulcrum for its leverage against Mayor Adams. If so, the Court should not allow it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, his attorneys, and Trumps DOJ leaders have denied the existence of a quid pro quo, claiming the issue of the mayor being able to assist in Trumps immigration crackdown was discussed as a matter of national security. Clements recommendation is good news for the mayor. After the DOJs dismissal motion, the mayor separately asked Judge Ho to dismiss the case with prejudice ergo, kill it for good arguing that DOJ staffers who quit rather than stand by the effort to absolve him of charges had engaged in prosecutorial misconduct and destroyed any presumption of innocence he had. Ho has also ordered briefs from the DOJ due Friday opposing that effort, should it choose to stick to its effort to retain the possibility of refiling the case in the future. Adams has pleaded not guilty to bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and two counts of soliciting contributions from foreign nationals in the indictment filed in September. It accuses him of peddling his political influence to wealthy Turkish officials and businessmen starting a decade ago when he was Brooklyn borough president. The feds say Adams accepted luxury travel and hotel stays worldwide and solicited illicit campaign donations from his foreign benefactors that were funneled through U.S. citizens. Adams partly repaid the bribes by forcing FDNY officials to sidestep safety precautions to prematurely open a Midtown skyscraper housing Turkeys consulate in time for a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the legal saga drags on, Adams has refused calls to resign. Four of his deputy mayors quit, whom hed installed to boost trust in his office after his indictment, and Gov. Hochul announced plans to install new guardrails that would ramp up oversight of his office. Hes facing a growing crowd of competitors in this years mayoral race, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who announced their bids this week. The mayors job approval ratings have hit an all-time low, with a Quinnipiac University poll released this week showing only 20% of voters are happy with the job hes doing, and 56% think he should resign. An agency error allegedly cost a Marion County man a job opportunity. Indiana Supreme Court justices are now weighing whether the state should or even could provide him relief. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) An Indiana man maintains that an agency error cost him a job opportunity, over $1,000 in fines and a night in jail but state attorneys argued Thursday that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles isnt responsible for any damages, instead directing him to an administrative review process. Even if there is an error, even if the bureau received accurate information from the courts and still did not accurately reflect that on the driving records, theres still no private right of action to sue for damages, said Frances Barrow, a deputy attorney general with the state. Chief Justice Loretta Rush presents during a State Budget Committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Barrow, on behalf of the BMV, appeared before the Indiana Supreme Court on Thursday and urged the justices to dismiss the case, as a trial court had already done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Indiana Court of Appeals disagreed with the lower courts findings, ruling that because Chris A. Kelly wasnt challenging a drivers license suspension but rather the states failure to maintain accurate records he qualified for judicial relief. Moreover, we note that if the BMV fails to accurately maintain individuals records as required by statute, it is not a mere technicality. Such a failure has real-life consequences, especially for the many individuals such as Kelly who have livelihoods that are dependent upon being able to legally drive a vehicle, the three-judge panel ruled. Following the ruling, the BMV petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene, though justices seemed wary of state arguments and unsure whether the law written by the General Assembly allowed for any remedy. Your client was very much harmed. He was arrested, (had) lots of fees (and) lost a job based on what youre saying the BMV should have done, Chief Justice Loretta Rush said to Kellys counsel. (but) how do we come up with, BMV, you should keep your records in a way that doesnt harm Indiana drivers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How do we determine what the parameters are of the BMVs duty?. Case background Kelly, a Marion County resident, was pulled over in August 2020 for two minor traffic infractions, as outlined in a January 2023 complaint. A Marion County prosecutor twice sent SR16 records to the BMV to delete his related conviction and restore Kellys driving privileges around November of 2020 and February of 2021. Still, law enforcement pulled Kelly over multiple times and the suspended license showed up on Kellys record, costing him a job for an outside sales position. Kelly reported paying more than $1,000 in tickets, at least 30 calls to the BMV alongside letters, emails and an in-person visit. (The BMV) breached the duty of care they are required to provide, concluded Kellys complaint. This has caused the plaintiff to not be able to work in his industry since 2020. Plaintiff cannot work in his field due to negligence of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As summarized by his counsel, Daniel K. Burke told the Indiana Supreme Court on Thursday that there is an implied right to sue in law. If there isnt, he said Kelly has no remedy. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US But Barrow, with the state, argued that the proper avenue for relief for an alleged mistake was a material error review process which can be initiated by submitting an application online and not a court. There is no indication that the legislature intended that the 4.5 million Hoosiers with Indiana driver licenses may sue the Bureau for damages arising from incorrect driving records, said Barrow. Multiple justices questioned Barrow and Burke about the process and whether the court could rule on such relief seeming to sympathize with Kellys plight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Christopher Goff noted that such a mistake appeared to linger on Kellys record for months without any action from the BMV. It seems to me that the statutory language, at least at this very early stage of the proceeding, could fairly be read to give this person some avenue for relief, said Goff. The courts, and not the administrative review process, were the proper venue to determine relief, argued Burke. This is something that the Court of Appeals, I believe, correctly pointed out: the material error review statute lists a number of provisions to which it applies and specifically does not include the driving record statute, Burke said. Now it does apply to court orders, but were not challenging the accuracy of the court order. Were challenging the failure by the Bureau to maintain the accurate record. Rush and the rest of the justices didnt indicate when to expect a ruling. Complaint_Equivalent Pleading Fi SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX JUBA, March 7 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Friday appealed for calm and reiterated his commitment to peace, hours after 27 people were killed in a violent attack on government forces and a UN helicopter in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. Kiir said the deaths, including an army general and the commander in Nasir, occurred on Friday morning when the United Nations mission attempted to evacuate South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) officers trapped in Nasir following clashes earlier this week with the White Army, a local militia allied with the opposition Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO). "This morning, two UN helicopters flew to Nasir to evacuate the general and the officers. Both came under heavy fire. I regret to inform the nation that in the process, we lost General Majur Dak and all the officers," Kiir told journalists in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. "Only one pilot survived. One of the helicopters managed to take off but later crash-landed in Malakal, killing all passengers on board," he added. He said those killed included SSPDF soldiers and UN staff sent to rescue the remaining SSPDF forces. The president urged citizens across the country not to take the law into their own hands and reiterated his administration's commitment to maintaining peace nationwide. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that South Sudan does not return to war and called on the people to uphold peace and unity. "I am appealing to you to remain calm. I have said time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their own hands. The government, which I lead, will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast on the path of peace," Kiir assured. Meanwhile, Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed that 27 people, including UN personnel, were killed when the UN helicopter came under heavy gunfire in restive Nasir County. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for an investigation to identify those responsible and hold them accountable. The UNMISS also urged all parties to refrain from further violence and called on the country's leaders to urgently intervene through dialogue to de-escalate tensions and prevent further deterioration of the security situation in Nasir and beyond. Clashes erupted in Nasir on Monday between SSPDF forces and the White Army, leading to the SSPDF's evacuation of the town and the arrest of several senior army officers in the capital who are loyal to the SPLM/A-IO led by First Vice President Riek Machar. Machar, whose political rivalry with Kiir has previously fueled civil war, criticized the removal of some of his allies from government positions in February, saying it threatens the 2018 peace deal between the two sides. The deal, aimed at ending years of civil war, has faced repeated delays and challenges, particularly in unifying armed groups to form a national army. Analysts said the armed clashes underscore the fragile state of South Sudan's 2018 peace agreement and highlight the urgent need for continued dialogue to prevent further conflict. Authorities have revealed disturbing new details about the alleged torture that Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old Black transgender man who was found dead in upstate New York last month, was subjected to before his death. Seven people have been charged with first-degree murder, battery and a slew of other charges, according to an indictment released by the Ontario County district attorney on Wednesday. In the indictment, prosecutors allege that the defendants tortured Nordquist for one month before his death. Assistant DA Kelly Wolford said at a news conference that Nordquist was physically and sexually assaulted; denied proper nutrition and hydration; forced to consume feces, urine and tobacco juice; and had his face covered with fabric and bleached poured on him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They treated him like a dog, Wolford said, alleging that the defendants physically restrained him and forced him to obey commands. One of the suspects, Precious Arzuaga, is also accused of coercing a 7-year-old and a 12-year-old to participate in Nordquists alleged torture, prosecutors say. The six others charged are Jennifer Quijano, 30; Kyle Sage, 33; Patrick Goodwin, 30; Emily Motyka, 19; Thomas G. Eaves, 21; and Kimberly Sochia, 29. The Office of the Ontario County Conflict Defender, which is representing the seven suspects, declined to comment on the indictment to NBC News. The New York Times reports that two of the attorneys said they learned of the indictment from news outlets; several said they were reviewing the new charges and expected their clients to be arraigned next week. The Times spoke to a lawyer for Quijano who said: It is important to let the legal process play out and to not rush to judgment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nordquists family has said he traveled to New York in late September to meet Arzuaga, 38, with whom he had developed a relationship online. He had planned to return to Minnesota two weeks later, and his mother requested a welfare check when he did not return. His family last heard from him in January, according to the missing persons report. His remains were found in February in a field in Yates County, about 50 miles south of Rochester. Nordquist was close to his family, especially to his mother, Linda. She has criticized the law enforcement response to her concerns about her sons state in the weeks leading up to his death. Nordquist was buried on Monday near his familys home outside St. Paul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LGBTQ advocates have questioned why prosecutors have not charged those arrested with hate crimes. Authorities previously said that they found no signs that Nordquists killing meets the criteria of a hate crime, saying the suspects had known Nordquist and that they self-identify as part of the LGBTQ community. On Wednesday, Wolford stressed that the first-degree murder charge is the highest count that is available under New York state law. The case, she said, is bigger than a hate crime. A hate crime would make this charge about Sams gender or about Sams race, and its so much bigger. To limit us to a hate crime would be an injustice to Sam, she added. Sam was beaten, assaulted, sexually abused, starved, held captive. And we cannot make sense of that. We cannot put that on his gender, and we cannot put that on his race. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com An Indigenous prayer song pierced the quiet night outside of Encounter AZ Church in Mesa. Hundreds of people bowed their heads, candles gripped tightly, as they remembered and honored 14-year-old Emily Pike. The candlelight vigil held Thursday night, only blocks from where Emily was last seen, served not only as a remembrance of the joyful teenager but also as a unifying message: We will not be forgotten. "We have to remember, the system, the system failed Emily and has failed so many of our relatives," said Stephen Roe Lewis, governor of the Gila River Indian Community. "We can't let one more Emily die in such a violent way." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, was found dead and brutalized near Globe in Gila County almost three weeks after being reported missing from her group home in Mesa. Family, friends and strangers alike gathered from across Arizona and the U.S. to pay their respects. Despite the somber occasion, togetherness was a theme that permeated throughout the vigil. People softly tapped neighbors on the shoulder to help light candles, even as the evening breeze blew the flames out. A mother hugged her child close while a song and prayer filled the silent night and the candles flickered, illuminating their faces. Hugs were shared amongst strangers as they huddled around a large inflatable screen to watch the service. The thing that united all the attendees was that they came to support Emily and her family and bring visibility to missing and murdered Indigenous people. Emily: A light and a spark Emily loved pink. She loved anything sparkly and colorful and had boundless creativity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Her hobbies were horizonless. ... She wanted much more for herself," said Alyssa Dosela, Emily's aunt who lives on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Some family members drove over two hours to attend the vigil. Family and friends described Emily as a sweet and soft-spoken girl who did well in school and was looking forward to college. She was kind and quiet, smart and jubilant. Many said she would light up a room just by smiling, her grin infectious. She was a spark, they said. One relative likened her to Tinker Bell, sparkling and full of light. "I've been crying every day," said Agatha Key, Emily's grandmother, her voice breaking. "She's my only granddaughter." Emily's disappearance and death struck home for those in attendance, many sharing that they could have been her. Shannon Bollinger (left) and Shiloh Ashley hold posters at a vigil honoring Emily Pike, an Indigenous girl who was found killed, on March 6, 2025, at Encounter AZ Church in Mesa. Shannon Bollinger, an attendee, said she was part of the foster care system in metro Phoenix, like Emily, and had run away at least once. Nobody came looking, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bollinger wasn't alone. Speakers noted that Indigenous children in the foster care system were reported missing at a higher rate than their counterparts and that Indigenous children were murdered at a higher rate than their counterparts. "This is an epidemic ... and we're finally getting recognition," said April Victor, Emily's aunt. 'Let everyone know her name' Chants of "Emily, Emily, Emily!" rang through the still night, a vow that her name would be remembered. Hundreds of community members rallied around Emily's death and family at Thursday's vigil, the crowd outside the church spilling over the curb onto the street as the night continued. Inside, the church was packed full of relatives and those close to Emily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily's family and friends wore shirts with three photos of the teen with the words "In Loving Memory" and the dates May 16, 2010, and February 2025. The date of Emily's death has not been released as the investigation continues. Posters, candles, flowers and stuffed animals left at the site where 14-year-old Emily Pike was last seen before she disappeared on March 6, 2025. Emily's case ignited a renewed energy and focus on missing and murdered Indigenous women and people. Some speakers shared how their nieces, nephews, sons and daughters were found killed or had never been found. Others were motivated by spreading awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous people. Still, others felt it was their parental responsibility to attend in support of missing children. "Everyone is taking this on a personal level," said Gail Pechuli, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, holding a drawn portrait of Emily. Many attendees wore red as a tribute to the movement, while some painted a red handprint over their mouths. The handprint is a symbol of the voiceless and the silence of the media and law enforcement when it comes to missing Indigenous people, according to Native Hope, a Native American advocacy group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to data analyzed by the Urban Indian Health Institute in 2018, Arizona ranked third in states with the highest number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. In a survey of cities that provided data, Tucson ranked in the top 10. Attendees hold posters and candles on March 6, 2025, at Encounter AZ Church in Mesa at a vigil honoring Emily Pike, a 14-year-old girl who was found brutally killed almost three weeks after she had been reported missing. Hashtags on social media, like #JusticeforEmilyPike, #NoMoreMMIW and #SayHerName, served as a reminder of Emily's tragic death and brought visibility to missing and murdered Indigenous people. Emily's case has taken the national stage with the leaked details of her death catching like wildfire and breaking people's hearts. Cities across the U.S., including Denver, planned to hold their own vigils for the teenager. "That passion, that hurt, that anger, that sadness, it's pouring out onto streets to let everybody know her name," said Dosela, Emily's aunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the vigil came to a close and the wind blowing out the candles out stilled, Victor, Emily's aunt, raised her voice, singing, "Remember me, down the road, hand in hand, you and me." Soft voices picked up the song, carrying the message that Emily would not be forgotten. What happened to Emily Pike? Emily was last seen in late January walking on foot at McKellips Road and Mesa Drive near her group home in Mesa, according to Mesa police. Her remains were found almost three weeks later on Valentine's Day in a woody area off U.S. 60, northeast of Globe in Gila County. An internal memo from the Gila County Sheriff's Office leaked information about the condition of Emily's body when it was found, sparking outcry on social media. A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office said that the information was not officially released and declined to comment. Two federal agencies, the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs, officially joined the investigation, the Gila County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday night. Spokespeople for the FBI and Sheriff's Office declined to comment on the involvement of the federal bureaus. The Gila County Sheriff's Office remained the lead agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriff's Office said no suspects were identified as of Wednesday night. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Community mourns Indigenous teen Emily Pike, found dead near Globe Mar. 6WAPAKONETA A shooting range at the Auglaize Fish and Game sportsman's club has been ordered shut down immediately and is to remain closed until such time as numerous improvements to the club grounds and revisions to and documented enforcement of safety regulations are in place. Auglaize County Common Pleas Court Judge Frederick Pepple issued a 10-page ruling to that effect Wednesday following a one-day trial to the court earlier in the week. Brent and Janet Christler filed a civil lawsuit in October of last year asking that a temporary or permanent injunction be issued against the fish and game club, whose property at 15408 Wapak-Fisher Road abuts land owned by the Christlers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple claimed that on multiple instances since 1998 stray bullets or projectiles from the club either struck their home or passed close to the occupants. The suit further alleged the fish and gun club violated Ohio law by failing to comply with safety guidelines generally recognized and accepted by the National Rifle Association After hearing nearly nine hours of testimony on Monday, Pepple ruled in favor of the Chrislter couple. A journal entry of the case stated that the Auglaize Fish and Game Protective Association "is hereby enjoined from operation of its shooting range ... and in order to continue operation of its shooting range must make and maintain" numerous changes as a condition of its continued use. The judge required the following amendments to the club's safety plan, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members must log in and log out with dates, times and full names and addresses of all persons with them each time they use the range; Members who bring guests must agree to be responsible that those guests not fire any weapons; The club must enforce those and other safety rules; The club must make all of its records available to the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office upon request; The club shall, within 30 days of the judge's ruling, request the chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife, to inspect the side berm of the shooting range and correct any deficiencies to gain compliance with the NRA Range Source Book. The court is to be notified once the berm is in compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fish and game club must permanently comply with the requirements and amend as applicable its shooting range or cease use of its range until such compliance is attained. Regulations lacking Pepple said the club's safety plan "fails to clearly identify penalties, sanctions or consequences for violation of range rules." He said there was no provision in place to ensure members were aware of a safety plan or had be required to read such a plan before using the range. Janet Christler testified during the trial the couple filed their lawsuit after prosecutors said there was no criminal remedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I had a new grandbaby living at my house and I told my husband we needed to do something. He contacted the (Auglaize County) prosecutor's office and was told there was nothing they could do and that it was a civil matter," she testified. Citing existing case law in a similar incident, Pepple said an injunction was warranted because the plaintiffs have proven by clear and substantial evidence" that the fish and game club was operating its shooting range "without being in substantial compliance" with the Ohio Administrative Code. "Such negligent operation ... has prevented the plaintiffs from fully enjoying the use of their residential property and, unless the nuisance is abated, will continue to cause such injury...." Tannerite addressed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also addressed by the judge's ruling was the alleged presence of tannerite on club grounds. According to a report from the Auglaize Couty Sheriiff's Office, on Dec. 26, 2024, shooters on the fish and game club grounds illegally used tannerite, an explosive material designed to be placed behind a target and explode if the target is hit. Pepple said testimony indicated an explosion could be heard a quarter of a mile away that day. Club members denied knowledge that anyone had used the substance on club property, but deputies investigating the scene "corroborated witness accounts of a loud explosion" and said tannerite residue was found at the scene. Pepple, in his ruling, said he found claims of club members to be "not credible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Christlers were represented at trial by St. Marys attorney Zach Ferrall. Wapakoneta attorney Matthew Kentner served as legal counsel for the sportsman club. In his closing statements, Ferrall said the presence of firearms demanded that the club be carefully scrutinized. "This is a fish and game club. We as a public require the club to have high standards for something so potentially dangerous," Ferrall said. "The only solution for my clients is for shooting at that range to stop." Featured Local Savings (NewsNation) Border Patrol agents in Texas Rio Grande Valley sector are ramping up efforts to dismantle smuggling operations. Human smugglers are becoming more sophisticated, agents said, using tunnels as part of a broader network of illegal entry points along the border. NewsNation spent time with the Border Patrol Marine Unit, whose agents serve as the first line of defense against illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area is a common route for smugglers, who use rafts to get migrants across the river and onto U.S. soil. But theyre not only using rafts agents say smugglers have also taken their operations underground. During a recent operation along the banks of the Rio Grande, the team approached a makeshift tunnel, where smugglers had installed a pipe before agents were able to seal it off with cement. Border Patrol welcomes military assistance Agents told NewsNation the tunnel was only halfway completed and never fully operational but that it was just one of many, as smugglers along the border continually adapt their methods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A drainage system that was once used by smugglers, according to Border Patrol, was blocked off by a cage placed by agents, but officials said cartel operatives are still attempting to repurpose it. There was evidence that fresh cuts had been made clear signs of smugglers testing weak points, agents said. Alongside this system, smugglers are also reportedly digging makeshift tunnels and constantly looking for new ways to bypass security. Once they start digging holes like that, you gotta be extra careful and not just look at the actual drain, but look around. And thats how we found that other one, Cesar Hernandez of the Border Patrol Marine Unit told NewsNation. Agents later uncovered another tunnel after finding wooden planks reinforcing the walls and a wooden door, both covered with fresh brush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border Patrol agents said they remain vigilant while searching for tunnels along the Rio Grande because smugglers work fast. One day, the area can look untouched, they said; the next, a tunnel can be found hidden under fresh brush or debris. Do ICE arrest numbers align with Trumps mass deportation plans? The Marine Unit is one of the most dangerous jobs in Border Patrol, agents said. They told NewsNation that while the job may seem quiet on the surface, the reality is far from it. Their work never stops, they said, and they remain on high alert because smugglers and cartel scouts are always watching. Smugglers arent just going underground. Theyre still using the river too, officials said. Even with tunnels emerging, the Rio Grande remains a critical crossing point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Mexican side of the river, migrant camps that were once full now appear abandoned, reflecting a shift in enforcement. Border Patrol is apprehending fewer migrants, and cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico is ostensibly having an impact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) Nearly 60 years after a young girl was mysteriously found dead in a shed behind her familys Marble Falls home, a KXAN investigation is leading to a change in her case. On this weeks Inside the Investigation, Director of Investigations and Innovation Josh Hinkle discusses the new legislation sparked by his reporting. Related Reading: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join KXAN Investigative Reporter Kelly Wiley every Friday at 10:30 a.m. on YouTube, Facebook, or KXAN.com for a live recap of the latest headlines and in-depth reporting from the KXAN Investigates team. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. From the moment she found out she was pregnant, Krystena Murray was excited to capture every step of the journey. "I have always known I wanted to be a mom," Murray told ABC News. "There was an assignment for school when I was younger, and we were supposed to pick a career. My mom said 'What do you want to be?' And I said, 'A mom.' And she says 'No, like, what do you want to do with your life?' And I looked at her and said, 'A mom.' " The Savannah, Georgia resident chose in vitro fertilization (IVF), a fertility treatment where mature eggs are collected from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. IVF is a game changer for many families, and recent data show that in the US about 250,000 patients per year receive IVF cycles. PHOTO: Krystena Murray is shown during an interview with ABC's JuJu Chang. (ABC News) "I was a single woman, and I spent years trying to find the perfect person," Murray said. "And the older I got, the more I realized I was more interested in being a mother before I got any older than I was in pursuing a person." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News Studios' "IMPACT x Nightline: Switched Before Birth" streams on Hulu beginning Thursday, March 6. The 38-year-old photographer was an oncology nurse for nearly a decade before switching careers. To afford IVF, she worked two and a half jobs, nearly depleting her life savings. Her first IVF embryo transfer was unsuccessful, but her second one worked. Murray imagined what the baby she was carrying would look like, saying she chose a sperm donor with features similar to hers: dirty blonde hair, blue eyes and fair skin. Her baby arrived in December 2023. In the delivery room, that feeling of euphoria shattered moments after the baby boy was born. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They actually held him up for me to see before they took him off to be cleaned and weighed and footprints and all of the things," Murray said. "My first thought was "He's absolutely beautiful. He's gorgeous.' And my second thought was, what happened?" According to Murray, the baby was African American. It was immediately evident that something didn't go as planned. "My first thought was, 'Was it the embryo or was it the sperm?'" Murray said. "My next thought was, 'If he is not mine and he's someone else's embryo, can he be taken?'" Shortly after, she took a DNA test, which confirmed that the baby was not biologically hers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than a month and a half later, Murray says the clinic Coastal Fertility Specialists informed her that they had identified the baby's biological parents, who were living in another state. "I was still hoping that, you know, there would be some way that I could keep custody of him," Murray said. However, Murray said that the baby's biological parents sued her for custody, and that was when she made what she called an impossible decision. After raising him for the first five months of his life, she gave up the only son she had ever known. "That was the worst day of my life," Murray said. "It wasn't just that I was bonded to him. He was bonded to me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murray sued Coastal Fertility Specialists, seeking a judgment of more than $75,000, along with punitive damages, recovered attorney fees, treble damages and all other costs. Coastal Fertility Specialists said in a statement to ABC News that their practice "deeply regrets the distress caused by an extremely rare human error" and extends their "sincerest apologies." They emphasized that "this incident does not reflect the high standards we have upheld for 15 years, and no other patients were affected." They also informed ABC News that they implemented additional human witnessing in their lab. They said they also introduced a state-of-the-art digital witnessing system that electronically verifies patient samples in real time using advanced scanning technology. Murray's story may be shocking, but it is not the first of its kind. Daphna and Alexander Cardinale experienced a similar situation. Five years ago, the Los Angeles couple was excited to make their daughter, Olivia, a big sister but struggled to conceive. Eventually, they turned to IVF and were able to get pregnant. PHOTO: Daphna and Alexander Cardinale filed a lawsuit against their fertility clinic and ultimately reached a private settlement. (ABC News) Daphna gave birth to a baby girl. Even though the infant didn't resemble her older sister at first, the couple didn't think much of it. However, Alexander couldn't shake the doubt from his mind, especially when others pointed out that their baby appeared to be Asian. The Cardinales are caucasian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple requested a DNA test. "That image will be burned into my brain forever," Alexander said. "That reading that it's 99.9% accurate that you're not the father. And then she asked me to read the results for the mother, and then it was 99.9%. It's earth-shattering!" The clinic informed them that their embryo had been switched with the embryo of another couple. That couple had given birth to Alexander and Daphna's biological daughter, named Zoe. Even more shocking, the two families lived just miles apart. They agreed to meet when both baby girls were just over three months old. The two families got together almost every day for the next few weeks. Eventually, they made an agonizing decision: they would switch their four-month-old babies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was surreal," Daphne said. "I gave her a bath the first night she was here. And then after I gave her a bath I was like "Oh, you smell like home." And so I was like, okay. I think that was the moment when I spelled it that I was like "Oh, you are my baby." The Cardinales filed a lawsuit against their fertility clinic and ultimately reached a private settlement. Attorney Adam Wolf represented both Murray and the Cardinales. He told ABC News that his firm has also represented more than a thousand others in lawsuits against fertility clinics. "Whether it is dropping eggs or embryos on the ground, or mixing the wrong sperm with the egg or switching embryos from couple A to couple B," Wolf said. "Those are things that are life-altering." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mishaps may be rare, but families who experience them face unimaginable consequences. Wolf says that at the crux of the issue is a need for more regulation to prevent and track mistakes, and better enforcement in the event of an error. "This is now a maturing industry that greatly needs regulation," Wolf said. "People like Krystena needed it a year ago, and the next Krystena will need it before this happens." The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) says that IVF is "one of the most heavily regulated procedures in all American medicine." They also say that medical providers have an ethical duty to disclose clinically significant errors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ASRM's affiliate group The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) accredits and oversees IVF clinics. ASRM says on their website that "to be a SART member, clinics must meet a rigorous set of standards, including credentialing of clinic staff, accreditation of their laboratory, and adherence to the routinely updated Practice and Ethics guidelines set by ASRM." Those recommendations include protocols for embryo transfers and genetic testing. Boston IVF employee gives insight into safe practices.PHOTO: (ABC News) However, Dov Fox, who studies the intersection of fertility care and health law, says that these are "just recommendations" and that "they're not enforced in any meaningful way." Dov Fox is the Herzog Research Professor of Law at the University of San Diego where he directs the Center for Health Law Policy and Bioethics. He is also the author of an academic book "Birth Rights and Wrongs: How Medicine and Technology are Remaking Reproduction and the Law" and investigative podcast "Donor 9623" on this topic. Regarding the state of regulation, Fox says that "assisted reproduction in the United States is not the wild west, but there are no enforceable measures to reliably keep things from going wrong or from making them right if and when they do." "Federal policy is limited to FDA requirements that donors be tested for communicable diseases like AIDS, and a 1992 law that asks clinics to report pregnancy rates to the CDC."He explains that CDC data "doesn't include either why successes didn't happen, what the failure resulted from Was it pre existing infertility complications for example, or a mix up, switch loss or destruction that might have related to negligent misconduct?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also no federally mandated requirement for clinics to report mistakes if they occur, nor is there a centralized database that tracks errors. However, according to Fox, regulation could pose the risk of increasing prices and therefore potentially reducing access and stifling innovation. ABC News contacted the lawyer for the clinic, who stated that it is not their practice to comment on ongoing litigation. For Krystena Murray and the Cardinale family, they say there are measures that can be implemented that would prevent mistakes from occurring, and they are insisting on change. Alexander and Daphna Cardinale have launched a nonprofit 'Hope Without Harm.' "And so now our purpose has become just educating everybody else about it and saying that this is probably not going to happen to you, and here are the steps you can take to be safer about it," Alexander Cardinale said. "There was a mistake made, and then because a mistake was made, we can say, oh, well, how do we prevent it next time?" "I wanted to tell my story," Murray said. "I wanted people to realize that this isn't just something that might happen or that could happen, this is something that does happen. And for them to hear how hard it is when it does happen." Inside IVF mix-ups that left women carrying embryos that weren't theirs originally appeared on abcnews.go.com SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The Sioux Falls School District is helping female students pursue careers in construction. Hundreds of area middle school girls received hands-on experience during Thursdays Pizza, Pop and Power Tools event at the CTE Academy in Sioux Falls. Students received experience with power tools, concrete, tiling, welding and even heavy machinery. Theyre getting to learn from experts and hear about their careers and their journeys, organizer Justin Rey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE having an impact in South Dakota Eighth-grader Ava Johnson was especially excited to learn something new. My dads a welder, so I think its really interesting learning about that stuff and wanting to become like him, Johnson said. Washington High School senior Morgan Berry took part in this event back when she was in middle school. When I was in eighth grade, I came over here and did it. I did a birdhouse. The guy that I did it with was super supportive, and I just kind of fell in love with welding. I started that at my home school, still enjoyed it, went on to the CTE Academy and here I am, Berry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As she was teaching girls how to weld, Berry hoped she could encourage others to pursue a career in the trades. I just really want them to know that theyre not alone. Its kind of easy for me to be like, Hey, youre good. I wear my nails. We can still be girls, and we can still be in this mans field,' Berry said. All to help the girls understand that construction is for them, too. As we know, in the Sioux Falls area, the construction and work is just very rapid and growing in our area and throughout the state of South Dakota. Women are in a great position where they can step in and be a key part of the workforce, Rey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres so few women in the industry. Im the only woman in my class and were pretty good at it. I mean, we always need more people, and its always good to have diversity, Berry said. The School District also partnered with Associated General Contractors of South Dakota and the Sioux Falls chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction for the event. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has directed his staff to review and possibly alter national monuments as part of a push to expand U.S. energy production, a move that could further shake up public lands amid mass firings of national park and forest employees. Conservationists fear that cherished landscapes including two newly minted California monuments will be stripped of protections for significant cultural and ecological resources. But conservatives have argued that public lands should remain open to oil drilling and coal mining, among other uses. In a Feb. 3 order, Burgum directed his assistant secretaries to "review and, as appropriate, revise all withdrawn public lands," citing a federal statute corresponding to the 1906 law that allows presidents to create national monuments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The directive was part of a sweeping secretarial order, called "Unleashing American Energy," that seeks to boost resource extraction on federal land and water. Burgum gave agency officials 15 days to submit plans on how to comply with his order, which are now under review. "At this stage, we are assessing these reports to determine if any further action is warranted, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that all items are thoroughly evaluated as part of our internal management process," said J. Elizabeth Peace, senior public affairs specialist for the Interior Departments Office of the Secretary, in a statement. Peace did not indicate when the review might conclude or what actions could be taken. Critics see the move as opening the door to redraw or eliminate monuments. Mountains to the east are seen as birds fly close to Mount Wilson in the San Gabriel Mountains, located within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and Angeles National Forest. President Biden expanded the San Gabriel Mountains monument in May of last year. (David McNew / Getty Images) During his first term, President Trump sharply reduced the boundaries of two monuments in Utah Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante and stripped protections from a marine monument off the coast of New England to allow commercial fishing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Biden reversed the changes , but some believe the review underway will pave the way for similar actions by the second Trump administration. Whether presidents have the authority to alter monuments is unclear and hotly contested. Litigation challenging Trump's previous monument reductions was still pending when Biden reversed them and the matter was never settled. In recent weeks, thousands of recent hires at the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service were laid off as part of a broader effort by Trump and advisor Elon Musk to slash the federal bureaucracy, which has sparked protests and backlash. What is a national monument? Most national monuments are created by presidents, but Congress can also establish them. The Antiquities Act of 1906 gives presidents the authority to designate monuments to protect "objects of historic and scientific interest" and can encompass geologic wonders, archaeological sites and wildlife habitat. Presidents on both sides of the political aisle have used the law to set aside land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monuments can be managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies. They typically exclude oil and gas drilling, coal mining and other forms of energy production. Whats at stake in California? California is home to 21 national monuments, more than any other state spanning rugged coastlines, stately sequoia groves and striking desert canyons. They include the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument near Los Angeles and the Sand to Snow National Monument east of the city, as well as the Lava Beds National Monument in the far northeastern part of the state. Sean Hecht, managing attorney for the California regional office of Earthjustice, a nonprofit focused on litigating environmental issues, believes the states youngest monuments are most at risk of being rolled back, citing political reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his final days in office, Biden designated two national monuments in Californias desert and far north Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sattitla Highlands National Monument. Native Americans led the charge to safeguard the land they consider sacred. Older and more established monuments tend to be popular in California while new monuments are often not as established with a wide constituency, and therefore are more vulnerable politically, Hecht said in an email. He added that Trump may target the monuments as part of an effort to undo recent actions by Biden. Chuckwalla National Monument, south of Joshua Tree National Park, was named for stocky lizards that inhabit the rugged desert landscape. (Ernie Cowan / For The San Diego Union-Tribune) The new monuments are also home to natural resources that could make them a target, stakeholders said. Sattitla , which spans more than 224,000 acres of lush forests and pristine lakes near the Oregon border, has been explored for geothermal energy development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Located south of Joshua Tree National Park, 640,000-acre Chuckwalla could be targeted for water beneath the rugged desert floor, according to Donald Medart Jr., former councilman for the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, which was among the tribes that led the push for the monument designation. "To extract all that groundwater would leave a devastating effect on our area," said Medart, now a tribal engagement specialist for Onoo Po Strategies, a consulting firm. If its oil the Trump administration is after, the Carrizo Plain National Monument a renowned wildflower viewing destination in southeastern San Luis Obispo County may be eyed. The grassland plain, home to several vulnerable plants and animals, historically had drilling and is the only monument in the state with oil potential, said Brendan Cummings, conservation director for the Center for Biological Diversity, a nonprofit focus on protecting endangered species. Attempts to alter monuments in California and elsewhere would almost certainly be met with lawsuits, according to conservation and environmental groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monument designations have divided recreationists. Anglers, hunters and hikers have said that ushering in resource extraction on public lands will cut off access to activities in breathtaking landscapes. But off-road vehicle enthusiasts and those who support dispersed camping say mining and drilling are typically compatible with their needs and that monument designations can push out their preferred use of the land. At stake is access to outings in nature that bring joy and mental health benefits and big business. Outdoor recreation contributed $81.5 billion to California's economy in 2023, according to figures from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Those who enjoy hunting and fishing on public lands "should be concerned about decision-making behind closed doors for the future of these wild places," Joel Weltzien, California chapter coordinator for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, said in a statement. Ben Burr, executive director of the BlueRibbon Coalition , a nonprofit that advocates for off-highway vehicle access, voiced his support for reviewing the nations monuments with the hope that changes will allow for more varied forms of recreation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monuments tend to limit the kinds of recreation use that can happen and really give preferential access to certain user groups, he said. Monuments typically limit camping to particular areas, he said as an example, while some people want to be able to hunker down far from other people. Is Project 2025 in play? Monument proponents fear Burgum's order is part of the enactment of Project 2025, a controversial policy playbook written by conservatives as a guide for the Trump administration. Project 2025 calls for downsizing more monuments and repealing the Antiquities Act. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum during his Senate confirmation hearing. (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press) But some are skeptical about how far Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota and GOP presidential primary candidate, will go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Leshy, an emeritus professor at UC College of the Law, San Francisco and a former solicitor at the Interior Department, described Burgum as "kind of a conventional choice" to head the department that manages millions of acres of public land. While Burgum is close to the oil and gas industry, he doesn't appear to be a "real ideologue," said Leshy, who is the author of Our Common Ground: A History of Americas Public Lands. Burgum is also known for maintaining good relationships with tribes in North Dakota. Native Americans "by and large, they're quite supportive of the national monuments and the protective things that have been done," Leshy said. "So does he want to take on that interest group and alienate them? I don't know." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Intuitive Machines on Friday declared an early end to its Athena moon mission after the lander touched down sideways a day earlier. The Houston-based company has now suffered two landing mishaps in two years. A photo released Friday showed the landers legs in the air. The company said the mission is over because the solar panels on the lander are not expected to be able to recharge it. With the direction of the sun, the orientation of the solar panels, and extreme cold temperatures in the crater, Intuitive Machines does not expect Athena to recharge, Intuitive Machines said on its website. The mission has concluded and teams are continuing to assess the data collected throughout the mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tipped again: Commercial lander on the moon but not upright The company said it has activated what it could on the lander since touching down near the moons south pole Thursday as part of the IM-2 mission that launched Feb. 26 from Kennedy Space Center. That includes the PRIME-1 drill, the primary payload flying as part of NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. But on its side the drill was not able to dig into anything. Neither of two rovers, nor a hopper designed to explore areas around the lander, were able to be deployed from Athena. The companys landing attempt was at Mons Mouton, a location about 100 miles from the south pole the farthest of any ever made at the moon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But during its descent Thursday, the company had issues with Athenas laser navigation system and the lander touched down inside a crater about 800 feet outside of its target zone. The 2024 landing attempt also was in the south pole region where the terrain is much more complicated than the flat surfaces that can be found in other parts of the moon. This southern pole region is lit by harsh sun angles and limited direct communication with the Earth, the company stated. This area has been avoided due to its rugged terrain and Intuitive Machines believes the insights and achievements from IM-2 will open this region for further space exploration. Fellow Texas company Firefly Aerospace managed a perfect landing on mostly flat terrain five days earlier with its Blue Ghost lander. Intuitive Machines Athena lunar lander is on the moons surface. But, teams dont believe its in the correct position. This is the companys second trip to the moon as part of NASA s Commercial Lunar Payload Services Initiative (CLPS). Last year, the companys Odysseus lander made it the moon and then tipped over! In the coming days, Intuitive Machines hopes to determine the exact location and position of Athena. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the second commercial moon landing in less than a week. On Sunday, Fireflys Blue Ghost lander successfully landed on the moons surface carrying ten NASA payloads. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. TOKYO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The forest fire in the northeastern Japanese prefecture of Iwate has weakened after two days of rain through Thursday, while the government announced plans to offer financial support for disaster victims. Officials in the wildfire-hit city of Ofunato in the prefecture said Thursday that they are considering lifting evacuation orders in certain areas after rainfall provided some relief for firefighters. As of Thursday, the orders apply to 4,596 people across 1,896 households. According to Ofunato authorities, the official count of buildings damaged from the fire was downgraded to 78 from an initial 84 after closer on-the-ground inspection. The flames have consumed about 2,900 hectares, or 9 percent, of the city's land area since it broke out on Feb. 26, with rainfall having slowed down the blaze's progression. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said during a parliamentary session on Thursday that victims of the forest fire in Ofunato City would be covered by an existing law aimed at helping disaster victims rebuild their lives, which would offer up to 3 million yen (about 20,000 U.S. dollars) to those whose houses were damaged by the fire. Intuitive Machines confirmed that its lunar lander, Athena, touched down on the Moon at approximately 11:30 a.m. CST on Thursday (12:30 p.m.). The companys IM-2 mission is part of NASAs CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative. A post-landing news conference will take place at 4 p.m. EST from NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston. Watch live on NASA+. Teams are still trying to assess the orientation of the vehicle is it upright, tilted, etc. Well need to follow NASA and Intuitive Machines social media updates! Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Authorities in Queensland, Australia, are investigating a possible animal-cruelty case after reviewing footage that showed children skipping rope with a python. The video appears to have been deleted, but images of the disturbing incident are circulating online. 7 News in Australia reports that the footage was captured in Woorabinda and shared earlier this week. The case is under investigation by Queenslands Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. The snake has been identified as a black-headed python, a non-venomous reptile that grows to about 6 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the footage, according to reports, the children laughed as they skipped rope with the reptile. It's not clear if the snake was dead before, or killed during its use as a jumping rope. Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers, which relocates problem snakes in Australia, shared the accompanying image, stating via Instagram: The saddest part about this video is that the children were being encouraged by an adult to carry out this behavior. Its extremely important that parents educate their children on respecting wildlife so incidents like this dont continue to happen. The company added: We have seen a big increase lately in members of the public catching snakes or hurting/killing snakes like in this video, and its sickening to watch. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Australia investigating after kids shown jumping rope with a python SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The San Diego Humane Societys law enforcement team determined no laws were violated surrounding the death of a horse on the second day of the rodeo at Petco Park in January. The team announced Thursday it has concluded its investigation into the horses death and stated there is no probable cause for the horses owner, or the rodeo organizer, to face criminal charges. PREVIOUS: Investigation underway into horse death at Petco Park rodeo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 16-year-old mare participated in the saddle bronc competition on Jan. 11. She died in her holding pen minutes later. A veterinary report on Jan. 13 stated the mare had no indication of illness or distress during the competition. Shortly after returning to her pen, the report said the mare began trembling and eventually died during an on-site veterinary exam. According to the humane society in Thursdays statement, a necropsy determined the horse was in her third trimester of pregnancy and the cause of death was a ruptured uterine artery that happened spontaneously. Border Report Live: Trumps on-again, off-again tariffs add to confusion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities immediately investigated whether criminal negligence played a role in the horses passing. San Diego Humane Societys Humane Law Enforcement cannot prove definitively whether the horses participation in the rodeo directly contributed to her death or that anyone had knowledge that she was more pregnant than the assumed eight months based on the horse owners breeding schedule, the humane society said. It added that the horse appeared very well maintained and provided for, and that her death appears to have been an accident. The San Diego-based law firm, Pease & Ijadi, APC, responded to the humane societys announcement with a rebuttal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SD Humane fails to mention that each horse used in this saddle bronc event had a tight bucking strap tied around the abdomen, which forces the horse to buck wildly against the painful apparatus, the law firm said. Clearly this is what caused the ruptured in an 8-month pregnant horse. This is not the first major incident to take place at the San Diego Rodeo. During the inaugural event in January 2024, a 6-year-old horse named Waco Kid threw off his rider and crashed into a fence, an incident that shocked spectators. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. The Columbia University campus. Credit - Luiz C. Ribeiro/New York Daily News/Tribune News ServiceGetty Images Nearly a year after college encampments were staged across campuses in the U.S., Columbia Universitywhose student protests garnered national attentionhas begun investigating students who have been critical of Israel. The university, under a new committee known as the Office of Institutional Equity, has sent notices to studentspunishing them for writing op-eds, co-hosting art exhibits related to encampments, or sharing social media posts that reveal students political views, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the investigations are technically within their purviewthe First Amendment only protects speech from federal, state, and local governmentssome experts are critical of their actions. Private institutions, including private campuses, are not bound by the First Amendment, says Nadine Strossen, a professor at New York Law School. But Columbia has to honor First Amendment principles here. Read More: Columbia University Investigates Students Critical of Israel The investigations come as the federal government takes action against student protesters, particularly those that are critical of Israel. On Friday, the Trump Administration announced that it would be rescinding more than $400 million in federal grants to Columbia due to its failure to address antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There seems to be a plausible claim that Columbia is cracking down on students' free speech under pressure from the federal government, says Strossen. And when an ostensibly private sector action is resulting from pressure by the government, it is as if the government itself had directly acted. Last year, numerous university presidents were called to testify before Congress regarding the state of antisemitism on campus following a wave of pro-Palestinian protests. President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order in January due to anti-Semitic harassment in schools and on university and college campuses. The directive was criticized by Palestine Legal, which said the order would sow a climate of fear and suspicion on campus, and to chill speech critical of Israel or supportive of Palestinian rights, and called it a McCarthyite crackdown of pro-Palestinian students. Student activists appear to be undeterred by the investigations. On Thursday, pro-Palestian protests took place at Columbia, and the closely affiliated Barnard College, after nine people were arrested the day prior when local police broke up an encampment. Under the First Amendment, speech is protected so long as it is not bullying or harassment that targets a specific individual or particular group of individuals. Strossen contends that holding up a poster or sharing a social media post does not fall under the category of unprotected speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative from Columbia told TIME the university does not comment on individual matters or pending investigations. Read More: No, Trump Did Not Bring Back Free Speech An August 2024 report by Columbias task force on antisemitism found that Jews and Israelis at Columbia were often ostracized and humiliated on campus. For the purposes of the report, antisemitism included calls for divestment from Israel, and exclusion based on real or perceived ties to Israel," according to the Associated Press. Columbias Rules of University Conduct states that students, staff, and others have the right to protest on campus and exercise free speech. Strossen also points out that more than 100 higher education universitiesincluding Columbiahave officially endorsed the Chicago Statement, a free speech policy statement. Last September, the school announced a new policy meant to address discrimination and harassment on campus that said that if speech about a countrys policies or practices is directed at or infused with discriminatory comments about persons from, or associated with, that country or another country, then it may constitute Discriminatory Harassment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas does not, of course, mean that individuals may say whatever they wish, wherever they wish. The University may restrict expression that violates the law, that falsely defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, the Chicago Statement reads. But these are narrow exceptions to the general principle of freedom of expression, and it is vitally important that these exceptions never be used in a manner that is inconsistent with the Universitys commitment to a completely free and open discussion of ideas. Strossen adds that even if students are not penalized for their actions, the fact that they are being investigated causes intimidation. Even if you end up not being punished for the mere fact that you're being investigated and forced to defend yourself, it can itself be chilling, she says. Not only will that have some punitive impact on the people who have spoken, but it can well have a deterrent or chilling impact on other people, deterring them from engaging in similar expression. Contact us at letters@time.com. Iowa Republicans introduced a bill to overhaul the states property tax system. The measure, House Study Bill 313 and Senate Study Bill 1208, would create a new formula to calculate property taxes. It would also change how much money goes toward education through property tax relief. The bill would increase the Iowa school-funding formula to 100% over the next five years. Its currently around 88%. Republicans say the move would cut property taxes by hundreds of millions of dollars. Democrats want to guarantee those savings before signing off on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local tax authorities will be given time to read the details and implications. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Industry leaders and elected officials push for a law that would allow the year-round sale of higher blends of ethanol across the country. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch ) Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and attorneys general from 15 states have penned a letter to members of Congress, urging them to support legislation that would allow the year-round sale of an ethanol-blended fuel. The letter, and commodity groups in Iowa, said the expansion of the ethanol market would help farmers and liquid fuel producers, and lower the cost at the pump for American consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current Clean Air Act allows the sale of 10% ethanol blended fuels, but ag and liquid fuel industry leaders are pushing for wider acceptance of a 15% blend known as E15, sometimes seen at the pump as Unleaded 88. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allows for the sale of E15 for lightweight vehicles made after 2001, but restricts the sale during the summer months. EPA, however, has granted waivers in the past to allow for summer sale of E15, and some Midwestern states, including Iowa, will have access to year-round E15 beginning April 28. The letter calls on Congress to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 to amend the Clean Air Act to allow 15% ethanol blends. The bill has been supported by ethanol and petroleum industries. Addressed to U.S. House leaders Mike Johnson and Hakeem Jeffries and Senate leaders John Thune and Chuck Schumer, the letter also pointed to executive orders declaring a national energy emergency and establishing a national energy dominance council as a reminder of the executive branchs support for the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has already taken bold action to support year-round E15 and unleash American energy greatnessa stark contrast to the Biden EPA, Bird said in a press release about the letter. Now, were calling on Congress to follow President Trumps lead and grant permanent, nationwide access to E15 gasoline. Iowa Corn Growers Association President Stu Swanson thanked Bird for her long-time advocacy and support of the issue. Passage of year-round E15 will provide consumers access to a cleaner burning, cheaper option at the pump, while putting dollars back in the pockets of American farmers through increased corn demand, Swanson said in a press release. Iowa corn farmers are ready to provide homegrown, more affordable energy solutions to all Americans. The National Corn Growers Association also submitted a letter on behalf of nearly 9,000 corn growers from across the country, urging congressional leaders to pass the legislation amending the Clean Air Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the association, year-round availability of E15 would result in increased corn demand of about 2.3 billion bushels per year and provide an opportunity to curb the weakening farm economy. A legislative solution for consumers to access year-round E15 comes at no cost yet would provide critical support to our nations energy sector, overdue relief to American families, and necessary economic security to rural communities, the letter on behalf of corn growers read. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association also pushed for the legislation at its annual conference in February, with attendees signing a letter addressed to Thune and Johnson. IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw said the AGs letter shows the widespread support of the higher ethanol blend across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumers in all 50 states deserve to save 15 to 20 cents a gallon with E15, Shaw said in a statement. Corn farmers deserve a growing market during these difficult times. And we can accomplish those things without requiring oil refiners to comply on a state-by-state basis. But that takes action from Congress. Shaw said Congress must put year-round E15 in the upcoming continuing resolution, the budget lawmakers must pass by March 14 to avoid a partial government shutdown. Lets see this over the finish line, Shaw said. Attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, and West Virginia signed on the letter. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DES MOINES, Iowa As measles cases spread throughout Texas and across the U.S., Iowa parents are reaching out to hospitals with concerns. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets, like a cough or sneeze, according to the Iowa Clinic. Symptoms include a rash that starts on the face and progresses down the body, high fever and a cough. Measles is not usually deadly, but 2025 saw the first measles related death since 2015. Children under the ages of five are most susceptible to the disease. The Iowa Clinic says this, and the recent outbreak have parents concerned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the minds of parents, I understand why theres questions, said Dr. Dan Pelzer a pediatrician with Iowa Clinics. As pediatrician, I do my best to answer those questions and be on the same side and protect the children and our kids, who are especially susceptible to measles. According to the CDC, the nationwide vaccination rate should remain above 95% to keep outbreaks from occurring. The CDC reports that during the 2023-24 school year, 89.1% of Iowa kindergarteners were vaccinated against measles. Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, the Iowa Clinic says people who havent been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine should refrain from travel and areas with high outbreak risk factors. If a person with measles were to walk into a room full of unvaccinated people, 90% of them would get measles. Its that contagious, said Dr. Pelzer. If it walks into our clinic, we have to clear out the entire clinic for two or three hours because it can remain airborne for that long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iowa Clinic shared a fact sheet sharing best practices to keep a child safe from measles, but Pelzer says the best prevention is vaccination. I just want to make sure that Im protecting the children of central Iowa the best that I can, and to me, its unequivocal, without a doubt that the best way to do that is by vaccinating them and protecting them from measles, said Dr. Pelzer. The CDC recommends a child gets the first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years old. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Pelzer encourages any parents with concerns about measles or vaccinations to contact their childs pediatrician. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. DES MOINES, Iowa High property taxes is something that Iowans have known well for the last several years, along with city leaders trying to find ways to overcome shortfalls in budgets. Senate Study Bill 1208 and House Study Bill 313 are companion bills that look to overhaul the current property tax system in the state according to the republican bill sponsors. In previous years, anytime weve done property tax legislation, its been calling around the edges, tinkering with in the current system, making incremental improvements to the current system and this bill takes a completely different approach, said State Representative Bobby Kaufmann (R) District 82 from Wilton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is estimated by the republican sponsors to provide $426 million in property tax cuts, implements a 2% revenue restriction to give relief to Iowans, $25,000 homestead tax credit and gives seniors a property tax freeze if they make less than a certain income threshold. The bill aims to lower tax levies by phasing out a rollback system that hasnt been updated since 1977. These changes would be applied over the next half decade. Snow piles up in Carroll with more snow on the way Iowans will get a $400 million property tax cut through basically the state assuming a greater portion of school funding, said State Senator Dan Dawson (R) District 10, from Council Bluffs. Rep. Kaufmann and Sen. Dawson said the bill was a result of years of conversations with local and city governments. There is no expectation for the bill to move forward quickly as both want the state to see the proposal, and amendments may be added. They both expect the bill to pass this session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrat leadership and members of the Iowa House caucus responded to the bill dropping on Thursday afternoon. Iowans should be extremely skeptical about the GOPs latest property tax plan. Over the last decade, every attempt by GOP lawmakers to fix Iowas property tax system has failed. Property taxes just keep going up every year, especially for homeowners. House Democrats believe we need to put money back in the pockets of homeowners and renters immediately. Rep. David Jacoby (D) District 86 from Coralville Iowa News: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Iowa State University has rescinded unaccepted offers for enrollment in graduate program due to worries about federal funding. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa State University graduate school programs have started rescinding offers to prospective students as departments scramble to respond to funding uncertainties. Someone who identified themselves as an international, prospective Ph.D. student posted a letter online they received from ISU on March 5 stating an offer the student had previously received from the universitys department of chemistry was being withdrawn due to current uncertainties with federal research funding that supports most work done by graduate students at research universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the letter, even if the student was able to accept the offer, the university couldnt guarantee it would be able to provide a graduate assistantship to them. The name of the sender and recipient were removed from the letter by the recipient. This decision in no way reflects on the quality of your graduate school application, the letter stated. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The student could not be reached for comment by the time of publication. ISU spokesperson Angie Hunt provided a statement from the university in response to questions from the Iowa Capital Dispatch. She did not provide information on how many offers have been rescinded from what programs. She also did not say how graduate enrollment will be impacted and if a recent preliminary injunction from a federal judge halting proposed 15% indirect funding caps on National Institutes of Health grants has changed this practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of fall 2024, ISU has 4,170 enrolled graduate students and 634 professional students. Iowa States academic units are currently reviewing offers for graduate student admissions and apprenticeships, Hunt, on behalf of ISU, said in an emailed statement. Based on unprecedented acceptance rates and uncertainties with funding, some departments have made the prudent yet difficult decision to rescind offers to some graduate students who had not yet accepted their offer of admission. The university posts updates online on how grant projects and other federally funded programs should respond to federal actions. Natalie Andreasen, a Nebraska student who has already accepted her offer to the ISU genetics and genomics Ph.D. program, said while shes been assured by the university that her acceptance has been locked in with no chance of that changing, shes still concerned about other students, both now and in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel terrible for these people, because you put in so much effort and time into your application, Andreasen said. You do all this work, you do all these interviews, you get accepted initially and then its like, Oh, sorry. Andreasen said she accepted her offer about a week before she heard that some offers were being withdrawn. She chose ISU because of the recommendations she heard from her peers and the positive environment she found when visiting the Ames campus. While she is still excited to attend the university, Andreasen said shes worried about the possibility that the research she hopes to conduct wont be funded, leaving her without a paying job and critical work experience. She hopes to study how genetics impact certain diseases and disorders, an area that is heavily funded by NIH. If changes to federal funding impact what projects are funded at ISU, Andreasen said faculty might not be able to bring on students to work as researchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youd have to pay your way, Andreasen said. As a Ph.D. student, theres no way to support yourself at that point, because youre spending so much time in your work, where its like, if youre not getting paid for that, you cant really work outside of that, so you cannot provide for yourself at that point. From what shes heard from ISU faculty, Andreasen said they want to accept students to help with their work, but theyre unsure if theyll be able to. If they cant get funding and I cant research with them, that limits my opportunity of what I can work on and all of that, Andreasen said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Irans foreign ministry summoned the British ambassador over what it described as baseless accusations by U.K. officials against the government, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency said Friday. IRNA said the ministry summoned Hugo Shorter, the British ambassador to Tehran, in response to the repeated baseless accusations by senior British officials and the allegation that Iran is attempting to interfere in the UKs internal affairs. Irans formal protest was conveyed to him, IRNA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, U.K. Security Minister Dan Jarvis announced that Britain will place the whole of the Iranian state including Irans intelligence services and the Revolutionary Guards on the highest level on its foreign influence watchlist. In a statement to Parliament, Jarvis said direct action by Iran against UK targets has substantially increased over recent years," and the Iranian government was targeting journalists, dissidents and Jewish and Israeli people. In October, the head of the British domestic intelligence agency MI5 said it and its police partners had responded to 20 Iran-backed plots since January 2022. The plots represented potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents, Ken McCallum said. According to the IRNA report, Iran emphasized that the hostile stance of British officials and the unfounded claims against Iran contradict international law and diplomatic norms. The ministry also warned that such actions would further deepen the Iranian peoples distrust of British policies toward Iran and the West Asia region. The British ambassador stated that he would convey the message to his government, IRNA reported. PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have discovered 59 D-30 howitzers in northern Afghanistan's Baghlan province, a security official said on Friday. The howitzers, left over from past wars, were discovered on the outskirts of Bano district of the province, said Naqibullah Mohammad, police director of Bano. Similarly, Afghan security forces discovered a dozen anti-personnel mines and some ammunition in eastern Parwan province early this week. The Afghan interim government, since assuming power in August 2021, has rounded up thousands of arms and a huge quantity of ammunition as part of efforts to stabilize the security situation across the war-ravaged Central Asian country. JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's chief military spokesperson, one of the main public faces of the war in Gaza who faced criticism from Defence Minister Israel Katz, will step down from his post and retire, the military said on Friday. The army said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a former special forces officer, would leave at the end of his term and had worked "in a time of one of the most complex wars in Israel's history, in a professional and devoted manner". Israeli media outlets said an expected promotion had been blocked by the new head of the military, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, and Hagari's departure was a consequence of his strained relations with senior ministers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hagari was officially rebuked by then-army chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi in December for overstepping his authority as spokesperson when he criticised a piece of proposed legislation that would decriminalize passing classified military information to the prime minister. Defence Minister Israel Katz said Hagari's comments represented a "complete deviation from his authority". Hagari issued an apology but came under further pressure when Katz criticised Halevi over what he said was a failure to cooperate fully with an inquiry by the State Comptroller into failures during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas. Israeli media carried comments from Katz's spokesperson criticising Hagari after the military issued a statement saying it was cooperating with the inquiry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harari has been a familiar figure on Israeli television screens since the start of the war, delivering regular briefings as well as video statements from Gaza and other locations. Halevi himself stepped down from his command this week after accepting responsibility for the failures around the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas-led gunmen that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken into Gaza as hostages. Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians and devastated the coastal enclave, leaving most of the population sheltering in bombed-out buildings or tents. (Reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by Andrew Heavens) Israel on Friday said its forces did not set ablaze a mosque in Nablus in the West Bank. The military does not know the cause of the fire in the al-Nasr mosque, the Israeli army said in response to an enquiry. At the same time, it said it was checking reports that Israeli soldiers had destroyed parts of other mosques in the city in the north of the West Bank. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry in Ramallah had earlier strongly criticized the alleged invasion of eight mosques in Nablus by Israeli troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the allegations, the Israeli forces destroyed parts of the places of worship and burned down large parts of the al-Nasr mosque. The Palestinian news agency WAFA also reported that Israeli troops had detained three Palestinians in several neighbourhoods of the city of Nablus during the operation. Two Palestinian civilians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike near a mosque in the Shejaiya district of Gaza City, the Palestinian WAFA news agency reported on Friday. The Israeli military said shortly afterwards that a group of militants had tried to plant an explosive device near an Israeli military position. The Israeli Air Force had bombed the militants to eliminate the threat to Israeli troops, the military said. The information from both sides could not be independently verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has been in place since January 19, but the first phase of the ceasefire deal ended on Saturday. Indirect negotiations on the details of the second phase have not yet begun and it is therefore unclear how long both sides will continue to respect the ceasefire. Two Palestinian civilians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike near a mosque in the Shejaiya district of Gaza City, the Palestinian WAFA news agency reported on Friday. The Israeli military said shortly afterwards that a group of militants had tried to plant an explosive device near an Israeli military position. The Israeli Air Force had bombed the militants to eliminate the threat to Israeli troops, the military said. The information from both sides could not be independently verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has been in place since January 19, but the first phase of the ceasefire deal ended on Saturday. Indirect negotiations on the details of the second phase have not yet begun and it is therefore unclear how long both sides will continue to respect the ceasefire. Mosque blaze in Nablus Israel on Friday said its forces did not set ablaze a mosque in Nablus in the West Bank. The military does not know the cause of the fire in the al-Nasr mosque, the Israeli army said in response to an enquiry. At the same time, it said it was checking reports that Israeli soldiers had destroyed parts of other mosques in the city in the north of the West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian Foreign Ministry in Ramallah had earlier strongly criticized the alleged invasion of eight mosques in Nablus by Israeli troops. According to the allegations, the Israeli forces destroyed parts of the places of worship and burned down large parts of the al-Nasr mosque. The Palestinian news agency WAFA also reported that Israeli troops had detained three Palestinians in several neighbourhoods of the city of Nablus during the operation. SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) A popular franchise offering sweet frozen treats will open in the Nexton community just in time for the hot spring and summer months. Ritas Italian Ice & Frozen Custard will open its new location off Metropolitan Avenue. Guests are invited to stop by for a grand opening celebration from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and enjoy live music from a DJ, merchandise giveaways, and an opportunity to meet Ritas mascot, Ice Guy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Franchise owners Kelly and Chris Frevel will host the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m., and present a $1,000 grant to the Summerville Police Department. The first 50 guests in line will be rewarded with free Italian ice for a year. Plus, Ritas will be offering $2 small Italian ice and $3 small gelati all day to celebrate its opening. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has proposed extending the application of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty to Ukraine without its official accession to NATO. She believes this would provide long-term and effective security for Ukraine. Source: Meloni's statement; Financial Times Details: Meloni said granting Ukraine NATO collective security guarantees without formal membership would be more effective than other options, including the deployment of peacekeeping forces to monitor a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Extending the same coverage that NATO countries have to Ukraine would certainly be much more effective, while being something different from NATO's membership. I think that would be a stable, lasting, effective security guarantee, more than some of the proposals I'm seeing." Details: When asked about the difference between Melonis proposal and granting Ukraine full NATO membership, she said that this step would ensure that the mutual defence provision would apply "also in defence of Ukraine... even on territory outside NATO, regardless of Kyiv's membership". Meloni stated that sending undefined military contingents, whether from the UK or from any other country, is the most complicated and possibly the least effective solution. She added that she had repeatedly expressed this view and had also ruled out the possibility of deploying Italian troops in this context. Background: At the end of February, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that Ukraine's most effective security guarantee is its membership of NATO. US President Donald Trump said on 26 February that as part of a future agreement to end the war in Ukraine, he excludes the possibility of Ukraine's membership of the North Atlantic Alliance. Trump also said that the reason for Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine was supposedly the Alliance, and more specifically, the promise that Ukraine would eventually become a member of it. Earlier, the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also excluded Ukraines NATO accession as part of a "negotiated settlement" of the war. Ukraine, meanwhile, continues to insist that it has not changed its position regarding membership of the North Atlantic Alliance. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Alvise Armellini ROME (Reuters) -An Eritrean who was among a group of sea migrants held on an Italian coast guard vessel for 10 days in 2018 is entitled to compensation, Italy's top appeals court has ruled, triggering the fury of Italy's right-wing government. More than 150 migrants were blocked at sea on the Diciotti coast guard ship in August 2018 as then-Interior Minister Matteo Salvini refused to let them disembark in the Sicilian port of Catania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 41 of them, from Eritrea, turned to the courts with the assistance of rights activists, seeking damages for illegal detention. After their case was twice rejected by lower courts, in 2019 and 2024, one took it to the top Court of Cassation. On Thursday the court ruled in favour of the migrant, who was not named. "Government actions can never be considered exempt from judicial review when they go beyond the limits imposed by the Constitution and the law, especially when the fundamental rights of citizens (or foreigners) are at stake," the Cassation said. Meloni, whose administration has taken a hard line on immigration and has clashed several times with the judiciary, including over a stalled plan to send sea migrants to Albania, vented her indignation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing on X, she said it was "very frustrating" to be forced to compensate "people who attempted to enter Italy illegally ... with the money of honest Italian citizens who pay taxes" when state resources are scarce. The Cassation left it to lower-level judges to determine how much compensation the migrant should get, but the amount is likely to be between 1,000 and 2,000 euros ($ 1,087-2,174), according to experts. "Let the judges pay and welcome the illegal immigrants, if they care so much," Salvini, who is now deputy prime minister and transport minister, said on X, slamming the Cassation's ruling as "yet another disgrace." One of the activists who gave legal aid to the migrants, Giovanna Cavallo, told Reuters all 41 of them had obtained refugee status, so calling them "clandestine", as Meloni's party has done on social media, was incorrect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly all have relocated to other European countries, Cavallo said. She also said the 40 migrants who did not continue the legal battle might still earn the right to compensation and this would be decided by the courts in coming months. In the 2018 episode, Salvini eventually relented after Albania and Ireland offered to accept some of the blocked migrants, and Italy's Catholic Church agreed to take responsibility for the rest at no cost to the taxpayer. Prosecutors in Sicily had sought in 2018 to investigate Salvini for abuse of power and kidnapping of the migrants, but the Italian Senate denied them permission, ending the case. ($1 = 0.9198 euros) (Reporting by Alvise Armellini, editing by Gavin Jones and Angus MacSwan) Italy's highest court on Friday ruled that the government must pay compensation to a group of migrants who were held for around 10 days in 2018 on a coastguard ship after being rescued in the Mediterranean. At the time, just over 150 migrants were rescued by the Italian coastguard. Then interior minister Matteo Salvini banned the migrants from disembarking the coastguard's Diciotti ship in the port of Catania in Sicily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were only allowed to leave the boat after Albania and Italy offered to take in some of the group. The Catholic Church in Italy also offered to help. Some migrants demanded compensation after the incident. Following Friday's decision by the Supreme Court of Cassation, a court must now determine the exact amount of damages to be paid. Italy's right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, criticized the court's decision, complaining that the government would have to use "the money of honest Italian citizens who pay taxes" to compensate people who "tried to enter Italy illegally." Salvini, now Italy's deputy prime minister, called the ruling a "disgrace." As interior minister, he sparked criticism for his "closed ports" policy towards migrant rescue ships. ROME (Reuters) - Italy's co-ruling League party is pushing Rome to pick U.S. company Starlink over French-led operator Eutelsat in talks to obtain systems for secure satellite communications, saying Starlink's technology is more advanced. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government aims to guarantee encrypted communications between the government, diplomats and defence officials operating in risky areas. Reuters reported this week that Eutelsat is among companies in talks with the government along with U.S. billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink, which dominates the sector with 6,700 active satellites against just over 600 owned by Eutelsat. "In the Italian interest it would be odd to choose a French entity instead of a more technologically developed and avant-garde system like the American one," the League said in a statement late on Thursday, without naming the two companies. Matteo Salvini's far-right League, part of the Italian ruling coalition along with Meloni's Brothers of Italy and the more moderate Forza Italia, is a strong supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump to whom Musk is a close adviser. In an interview with Bloomberg TV on Thursday, Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke confirmed discussions were going on with Italy, which is looking for a solution to its immediate needs amid delays in the development of the EU's IRIS satellites. "What we can do until IRIS gets there is what the Italians are looking at, and we are in discussions with them because right now there are Starlink and us who have low constellations in orbit," she said. After the interview, sources in Meloni's office said Italy had not entered formal negotiations with Eutelsat or other operators and any decision would be taken "in full compliance with institutional procedures and with the utmost transparency". Opposition parties in Italy questioned the advisability of giving a key national security contract to Musk, whose company is currently under the spotlight amid suggestions it could cut off Ukraine from Starlink, hurting satellite communications that play a key role in Kyiv's ability to fight Russia's invasion. "We are certain that, in a delicate phase like this, every choice must be weighed exclusively in the name of Italy's national interest, without ideological prejudice, considering the U.S. an indispensable partner for the security and growth of our country," the League party statement said. Musk welcomed the League's position on his social network X. "Much appreciated," he wrote in a comment to an English translation of the statement. (Reporting by Angelo Amante and Elvira Pollina, editing by Gavin Jones and Mark Heinrich) NEW DELHI, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The Indian defense ministry on Friday signed a 248-million-U.S. dollar deal with Russia's Rosoboronexport for the procurement of engines for T-72 tanks. The deal also includes the transfer of technology from the Russian side to the state-run Armored Vehicles Nigam Limited (heavy vehicle factory) based at Avadi in the southern city of Chennai, according to a statement by the ministry. India will buy "1,000 HP Engines for T-72 Tanks in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi knocked down conditions," said the statement. According to the ministry, T-72 is the mainstay of the tank fleet of the Indian army, which is at present fitted with 780 HP Engine. "Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1,000 HP Engine will enhance the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Indian army," the ministry said in the statement. Theres no love lost between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the rest of the famous political clan, so its not surprising that Jack Schlossberg, the son of Caroline Kennedy, thinks RFK could be doing a lot more to counter a deadly measles outbreak in Texas. Schlossberg addresses RFK Jrs wife, actress Cheryl Hines, in an Instagram video posted Thursday, asking her to say shes sorry for how her husband who is an outspoken opponent of vaccines is running the countrys response as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Hey Cheryl Hines, its Jack Schlossberg, he says in a video taken just after he got out of the shower. Weve never met, but Ive got a favor to ask. I need you to call up the family of the child who died of measles, and say, Sorry. Can you do that for me, babe? Schlossberg, who has been a political correspondent for Vogue magazine since 2024, added, Almost every single case of measles is in someone whos not vaccinated, Schlossberg continued. I think youre the perfect person to say sorry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death hes referring to was that of an unvaccinated school-aged child, who was the first to die of the disease in an ongoing measles outbreak in Texas. Kennedys immediate response when the news broke on Feb. 26 was to tell reporters that it was not unusual and that this kind of thing happens in the U.S. every year. The CDC quickly pointed out that measles had been officially eliminated in 2000 thanks to widely available vaccines. On March 2, Kennedy backtracked on his stance, writing in a Fox News essay that he is deeply concerned about the outbreak and is now recommending people get the MMR vaccine. He is, however, still pushing non-scientific remedies such as cod liver oil. Hines previously criticized her husband went so far as to compare public sentiment against anti-vaxxers to the kind of persecution that Jews like Anne Frank suffered in World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hines is best known for her role as the wife of Larry Davids character on Curb Your Enthusiasm. In his video, Schlossberg misspelled her last name as Heins. The post Jack Schlossberg Demands Cheryl Hines Apologize for Childs Death From Measles | Video appeared first on TheWrap. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) A trial date has been set for three men in connection to the Jackson bribery case. The trial for Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba and Jackson City Councilman Aaron Banks, Ward 6, has been set for July 13, 2026. The three men were previously indicted in connection to the bribery scandal. Owens has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. Lumumba has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. Banks has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the unsealed indictment, Owens conspired with Lumumba, Banks, former Jackson City Councilwoman Angelique Lee, Ward 2, Sherik Marve Smith and others to carry out a bribery scheme to enrich themselves from October 2023 to May 2024. Hinds County DA asks for more resources despite indictment The documents stated that Owens, on behalf of two individuals purporting to be real estate developers from Nashville, Tennessee, facilitated more than $80,000 in bribe payments to Banks, Lumumba and Lee in exchange for their agreement to take official action to ensure the approval of the developers proposed downtown Jackson development project. The two developers were confidential human sources for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Owens allegedly solicited and accepted at least $115,000 in cash and promises of future financial benefits from the developers to use his relationships with Banks, Lumumba and Lee to act as an intermediary for the over $80,000 in bribe payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January 2024, Banks allegedly solicited a $50,000 bribe in exchange for future votes in favor of the project. The documents stated that he also accepted an initial payment of $10,000 in cash from the developers via Owens in February 2024, along with a promise of funding for the employment of a family member and a protective detail service. Prosecutors said Lee accepted cash, deposits and other gifts for her future votes in favor of the proposed real estate development project in the City of Jackson. The documents showed that Lee accepted $19,000 from February 2024 to March 2024. The court documents stated that about March and April 2024, Lumumba accepted a bribe payment of $50,000 from the developers via Owens in the form of five $10,000 campaign-donation checks to disguise the true source of the funds in an attempt to avoid scrutiny from the public and law enforcement. Lumumba directed a city employee to move a deadline to favor the purported developers project, and Banks and Lee agreed to vote in favor of it, according to the indictments unsealed Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owens, Lumumba, Smith and the purported developers traveled in April on a private jet paid by the FBI to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, according to the newly unsealed indictment. During a meeting on a yacht that was recorded on audio and video, Lumumba received five campaign checks for $10,000 each, and he called a Jackson city employee and instructed that person to move a deadline for submission of proposals to develop the property near the convention center, the indictment says. The deadline was moved in a way to benefit the purported developers who were working for the FBI by likely eliminating any of their competition, the indictment says. Banks, Lumumba and Owens previously pled not guilty to the charges against them, and they each received a $10,000 unsecured bond. Banks, Lumumba and Owens were ordered to give up their passports. Their trial was continued, but a new date has not been announced. Smith who is an insurance broker and a relative of Owens, according to court documents was charged with conspiracy to commit bribery. Smith waived his right to prosecution by indictment and consented to prosecution by information, and he pled guilty to the charge. Smiths sentencing hearing was continued until further order of the court due to some issues that the parties are working to resolve prior to the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another sentencing hearing in Jackson bribery case pushed back Smith conspired to give cash payments and campaign contributions to two Jackson elected officials, and the money came from the purported developers who were working for the FBI, according to court documents. The case was brought against Lee in August 2024, and she resigned from the Jackson City Council after she was charged with conspiracy to commit bribery. Investigators said the FBI raided Lees home in May 2024 and found items in connection to the bribery case, except a sweatshirt and perfume. The Associated Press reported the seizure occurred on the same day agents raided the offices of Owens and the downtown cigar shop that he owns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the items found in the district attorneys office was a lockbox made to look like a book labeled as the U.S. Constitution, containing about $20,000 in cash, with about $9,900 showing serial numbers confirming it was paid by the purported developers to Owens, according to the newly unsealed indictment. Lee pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery, and her sentencing was pushed back to a later date. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. The city of Jacksonville recorded the highest increase in tax revenue among Calhoun County cities in 2024, according to state data. The city's tax revenue rose by about 13 percent last year, reaching $13.35 million, up from $11.8 million in 2023. The data was presented by Mark Hearn, associate dean of Jacksonville State Universitys College of Business and Industry, during the annual Calhoun County Economic Forum last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacksonville is one of the big jumps, Hearn said during his presentation, part of a program hosted by the university and the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. City officials believe the increase was largely driven by sales and use-tax revenue, which rose to $11.5 million in 2024, up from $10.4 million the previous year. The Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT), which allows the state to collect and distribute sales tax from online and out-of-state retailers, increased to $1.18 million, about $146,000 more than in 2023. Lodging tax revenue also grew by approximately $62,000. City Council President Tony Taylor attributed the growth to Jacksonville residents and those from nearby areas choosing to shop locally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local people stayed local, shopped local and bought their goods and services here in town, Taylor said. And thats not only residents of Jacksonville, but the surrounding areas that all come here to shop. Not only has the impact of residents shopping habits helped the city, but several new businesses have opened since 2024, including Rock 'N Rooster, Sud Stop, Whataburger, Pet Sense, Rise Urgent Care, Clinical Urology Associates and Ivy Row Apartments. TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Trade Minister Yoji Muto will visit Washington from March 9-11 to discuss economic ties with U.S. senior officials, the trade ministry announced on Friday. The Asahi newspaper reported late last month that Muto would visit with the hope of gaining exemptions on proposed tariffs on key Japanese export items such as cars and steel. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met President Donald Trump in Washington in early February, where the two leaders discussed Japanese companies' investment and job creation in the U.S. (Reporting by Kantaro Komiya; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) (Bloomberg) -- Japans Trade Minister Yoji Muto will visit the US next week as Tokyo steps up efforts to seek a reprieve from President Donald Trumps tariff campaign. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visit is set to take place from March 9 to March 11, just before the presidents extra levies on steel and aluminum are expected to kick in on March 12, Japans Trade Ministry said Friday. Muto is expected to meet his counterpart, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to the ministry. Japan is seeking an exemption from Trumps blanket 25% duty on the metals. The Asian nation, which is the biggest foreign investor in the US, is also looking to be excluded from Trumps reciprocal tariffs that are planned from April 2. Japan also wants to discuss a proposed 25% tariff on foreign car imports that may be announced the same day. Muto announced his visit after Trump earlier this week slapped tariffs on Canada and Mexico then delayed some of them including levies on cars for one month. The president also doubled a levy on China. Tokyo is paying close attention to all trade developments as Japanese carmakers operate in Mexico and Canada and Beijing is one of its most important trading partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nations are scrambling to minimize the potential impact from Trumps tariff push. South Koreas Acting President Choi Sang-mok recently spoke with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and discussed tariffs as Ahn Duk-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, met with Lutnick in an effort to soften the potential blow. Like other nations, both Japan and South Korea are exposed to pressure from Trump to invest in the US rather than send goods there. Earlier this week, Trump touted interest from Tokyo and Seoul to invest heavily in a proposed Alaska pipeline to transport natural gas. The auto tariff poses a big threat to the Japanese economy while Japanese firms would also be vulnerable if Washington slaps 25% tariffs on the chips and pharmaceutical sectors. Last year, auto exports accounted for 17% of all outbound shipments from Japan, with more than a third of the total bound for the US. Still, Japanese manufacturers already make more cars in the US than they ship to the market, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. In 2023, Japanese carmakers made 3.3 million cars in the US, more than twice the 1.5 million cars they exported to the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Updates with Mutos plan to meet his counterpart) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. TOKYO (AP) A Japanese high court on Friday ruled that Japan's refusal to legally recognize same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest victory for same-sex couples and their supporters seeking equal rights. Fridays decision by the Nagoya High Court, in central Japan, marks the ninth victory out of 10 rulings since the first group of plaintiffs filed lawsuits in 2019. The decision was also the fourth high court ruling in a row to find the current government policy unconstitutional, after similar decisions in Tokyo, Fukuoka and Sapporo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a fifth court ruling expected later this month in Osaka, the Supreme Court is expected to handle all five appeals and make a decision. The Nagoya court said Friday that not allowing same-sex couples the legal right to marry violates a constitutional guarantee of equality. The court also upheld the right to individual dignity and the essential equality of both sexes. The current civil law, which defines marriage as being between a man and a woman, is discrimination based on sexual orientation and lacks rationality, the ruling said. The government has argued that marriage under civil law does not cover same-sex couples and places importance on natural reproduction. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters after the ruling Friday that the government will monitor pending lawsuits and public opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs and their lawyers say the overwhelming winning record of 9-1 in the courts is already enough and the government should quickly take action. More than 30 plaintiffs have joined the lawsuits on marriage equality filed in five regions across Japan since 2019. They argue that civil law provisions barring same-sex marriage violate the Constitutional right to equality and freedom of marriage. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) called out President Donald Trump to make a point about the rights hypocrisy and she did it in the slickest way possible. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee dragged four Democratic mayors to Capitol Hill on Wednesday so Republicans could essentially bully them into forcing local law enforcement to do the jobs of federal immigration officials. The committees efforts were an obvious ploy to promote Trumps aggressive mass deportation plan. But Crockett wasnt having it, according to a clip that made its way onto X, formerly Twitter. Defending the four mayors, the Texas lawmaker asked them to answer a yes or no question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have any of you been made aware of any immigrant that has had 34 felony convictions that has still been able to roam in your cities? Anyone? Of course, Crocketts sly question was a hilarious reference to Trumps 34 felony counts. After most of the mayors answered no, Crocket continued. I was just curious, she said. Because we are so concerned about crime and I know that my Republican colleagues would never want anybody with 34 felony convictions roaming around. Because that could be a danger to the community. Social media users were impressed by Crocketts clever burn. Shes such a badass. Kelli (@_ke11ani) March 5, 2025 This was perfect! Thank you Rep. Crockett for standing strong and speaking out. J.E. Frederick (@je_frederick) March 6, 2025 Crocketts hilarious jab at Trump wasnt the only highlight from the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) lectured Boston Mayor Michelle Wu that the federal government has jurisdiction and supremacy over all immigration laws, she reminded him that Congress hasnt even managed to pass comprehensive legislation on immigration. Respectfully, congressman, you could pass bipartisan legislation and that would be comprehensive immigration law, she said. In 2024, Trump forced Republicans to kill a bipartisan border deal because he didnt want President Joe Biden to have a political win leading up to the 2024 election. Wu, a daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, then called out Republicans false narrative that immigrants in general are criminals, or immigrants in general cause all sorts of danger and harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is actually what is undermining safety in our communities, Wu said. If you wanted to make us safe, pass gun reforms. Stop cutting Medicaid. Stop cutting cancer research. Stop cutting funds for veterans. That is what will make our city safe. Related... SINGAPORE, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau has arrested four suspected drug traffickers and seized a significant quantity of heroin and cannabis, with an estimated worth of exceeding 619,000 Singapore dollars (about 464,250 U.S. dollars). According to a statement released on Thursday, the drugs seized could have sustained the addiction of approximately 2,630 abusers for a week. The four Singaporean suspects were apprehended in two separate operations conducted on Tuesday. The bureau also urged the public to remain vigilant against drug traffickers who attempt to sell harmful controlled substances disguised as everyday edibles. These illicit products, often packaged to appear as harmless candies or snacks, pose a serious risk to consumers. Investigations into the suspects' drug-related activities are ongoing. (1 Singapore dollar equals 0.75 U.S. dollars) Three soldiers, including an active-duty supply sergeant and a former service member, were arrested Thursday on federal charges related to espionage, bribery, and theft of government property, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both active-duty U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Ruoyu Duan, a former Army soldier, were indicted by federal grand juries in Oregon and Washington. Tian and Duan face charges in the District of Oregon for conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhao was charged in the Western District of Washington for allegedly conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to unauthorized individuals, as well as for bribery and theft. The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken Americas defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China, said Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi. They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice. According to the indictment in Oregon, Duan and Tian conspired from November 2021 to December 2024 to gather and transmit sensitive U.S. military information. Investigators say Tian collected classified data on military weapon systems, including the Bradley and Stryker Army fighting vehicles, and transmitted the information to Duan in exchange for payment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate indictment, Zhao was accused of conspiring to obtain and sell classified U.S. military documents and equipment, including encrypted government computers and top-secret hard drives. Prosecutors say Zhao began negotiating with contacts in China in July 2024, arranging the sale of classified materials in exchange for payments exceeding $15,000. Among the items Zhao allegedly attempted to sell were hard drives labeled SECRET and TOP SECRET, sensitive documents related to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), and intelligence on U.S. military readiness in the event of conflict with China. FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the alleged activities, stating, The FBI and our partners will continue to work to uncover attempts by those in China to steal sensitive U.S. military information and hold all accountable who play a role in betraying our national defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox of Army Counterintelligence Command said these arrests highlight the growing foreign intelligence threats facing the U.S. military. We remind all members of the Army team to increase their vigilance and protect our Army by reporting suspicious activity, he said. Authorities from multiple agencies, including the FBIs Portland and Seattle Field Offices, U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, collaborated in the investigation. This is a stark reminder that our adversaries actively seek to exploit individuals with access to sensitive information, said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Seattle Field Office. These arrests should send a message that we will find, track down, and hold accountable those who betray their country. The case is being prosecuted by attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justices National Security Division and U.S. Attorneys Offices in Oregon and Washington. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional individuals involved in the alleged conspiracy could still face charges. Photos below provided by the U.S. Department of Justice: Photo Courtesy: U.S. Department of Justice Photo Courtesy: U.S. Department of Justice Photo Courtesy: U.S. Department of Justice Photo Courtesy: U.S. Department of Justice Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo Courtesy: U.S. Department of Justice Photo Courtesy: U.S. Department of Justice Photo Courtesy: U.S. Department of Justice Photo Courtesy: U.S. Department of Justice Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) went after Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), accusing him of being a complete and total fraud over his vow to remove Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) and others from committee assignments. Ogles said Thursday that he is looking to strip some of his Democratic colleagues from their posts after they sang a song in support of Green on the House floor. The Texas Democrat was censured over his protest of President Trumps Tuesday night speech to Congress. Jeffries said Ogless resolution is going nowhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im here in the office. Just finished up a telephone town hall meeting with my dynamic sister, our Attorney General Tish James. And my team informs me that some far-right extremists have introduced a resolution to try to throw Democratic Members of the House off of our committees, Jeffries said in a statement Thursday night. That resolution is going nowhere, he continued. You aint throwing no one off of any single committee. These people are malignant clowns. You arent throwing anyone off of any committee in the House of Representatives, the Democratic leader added. Dont make me expose you to folks who dont know you. Greens outburst during Trumps address came after the president boasted of his 2024 presidential election win, calling it a mandate from the American voters. The Texas lawmaker fired back during the speech, standing up and yelling that Trump didnt have a mandate to cut Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) warned members to maintain decorum and eventually requested the sergeant-at-arms to escort Green out of the chamber. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) introduced a resolution to censure Green a day later. The measure was adopted with a 224-198-2 vote including 10 Democrats who voted in favor of it. On Thursday, as Green stood in the House chamber, some of his fellow Democrats surrounded him when he started singing We Shall Overcome. Johnson once again called for the members to maintain decorum. Ogles, shortly after, said he is drafting privileged resolutions to remove each of them from their committees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to act like a child in the Halls of Congress, you will be treated like a child, Ogles said. Other Republicans are looking to do the same. House Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) said the conservative caucus is filing a measure to remove the disruptive and disrespectful Green from his committee assignments. We expect @SpeakerJohnson to bring it to the House floor for a vote next week, Harris Harris said. The Hill has reached out to Ogless office for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The first Friday prayers of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan were held without incidents in Jerusalem, despite fears of confrontations. Some 9,000 worshippers took part in the prayers at the Noble Sanctuary, known to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalem's Old City, according to estimates by the Waqf authority. The Muslim authority is responsible for the administration of the site, while Israel is responsible for security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site is considered the third holiest in Islam and is also sacred to Jews because two Jewish temples used to stand there. Israel has ramped up security measures in Jerusalem during Ramadan, fearing violence. Police said around 3,000 security forces were deployed. In the past, there has been increased tension and violence in Jerusalem during Ramadan. This year, the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas called for confrontations in the city during the holy month. As in previous years, Israel's security authorities have also imposed restrictions on worshippers from the West Bank. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that only men above the age of 55, women above the age of 50 and children up to 12 years old will be granted access to the holy site during Ramadan, and they must carry a valid travel permit and undergo a security check. No restrictions apply to Arab Israelis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian WAFA news agency reported, citing eyewitnesses, that dozens of elderly worshippers had been turned away at checkpoints, with authorities saying they did not have the relevant travel permits. Palestinian worshipers perform the first Friday prayer of the holy month of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. -/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A shocking turn of events unfolded Friday when a former Huntersville JetBlue pilot, charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, took his own life. According to Massachusetts State Police, the deadly encounter with the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section happened at the Wonderland MBTA Station in Revere. The suspect, identified as Jeremy Gudorf, 33, was found parked in his vehicle. When troopers approached the wanted suspect, they said he pulled out a firearm and abruptly shot himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gudorf was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Authorities are still awaiting official confirmation of Gudorfs identity from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, but they believe the man involved is indeed the same Jeremy Gudorf who was arrested previously at Logan Airport in Boston this February. PREVIOUS: JetBlue pilot arrested on Huntersville warrant for sexual exploitation of a minor Gudorf had been on the radar of law enforcement for a while. In October 2024, investigators with Huntersville Police received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding images tied to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation led to a search warrant for Google, which eventually provided crucial information linking Gudorf to the crime. Authorities believe that, at the time of the offenses, Gudorf was living in Huntersville. They said before he could be identified as a suspect, he moved to Ohio. After an arrest warrant was issued for him in connection with charges of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested him in February. Gudorf had an outstanding child sex charge when Fridays confrontation occurred. MORE QCNEWS.COM Crime & Public Safety Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A longtime jewelry store in south Dayton is set to close, according to a social media post. Staffords Diamonds announced Thursday it is going out of business and holding a sale. The business, formerly known as Stafford Jewelers, is located at 2555 Miamisburg Centerville Road in Miami Township. After 40 years in business, we are closing our doors, said the post. But first, were having a HUGE Going Out of Business Sale! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A discount of up to 70 percent off is being offered for customers. Until March 15, customers can receive an additional 10 percent off. According to the companys website, the business started in a strip mall in Miamisburg, expanded to another unit, and built and moved into its current location on State Route 725. The business rebranded to Staffords Diamonds in 2016. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. SHEFFIELD Members of the Northeast Joint Fire District board approved a contract to divide district funds between Sheffield and Monroe townships Wednesday evening at the Sheffield Fire Hall. Sheffield Township Trustee Alan Kohta said what each township gets will be based off what they contributed to the district. The district used money to pay for labor, operating costs, fuel and some repairs for vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All we used the money for was day-to-day operations, he said. The fire district was formed in 2023, and it initially included Monroe, Sheffield and Kingsville townships. Kingsville withdrew after a levy for funding the district failed multiple times in the township, which left Monroe and Sheffield on their own. Sheffield withdrew from the district at a Dec. 31, 2024 meeting. The move made the district effectively nonexistent, and no business could be conducted. Sheffield trustees voted to temporarily rejoin the district so it could be properly closed out. A lawsuit was filed against Kingsville Township after they left the district, but district leadership said previously it would be dropped because the district is dissolving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawyer negotiated the contract to divide funds between Sheffield and Monroe townships. The approved contract will be sent to the Ashtabula County Auditors Office, which will determine what percentage of the districts money each township gets. Monroe Township Trustee Roger Sherman said he is sure the auditors office will be fair in dividing the funding between the townships. Sherman said they are going to make sure everything is done and all the districts bills are settled. Were just checking to make sure weve got everything, so we can be done, he said. We dont know if we [are] or not. Weve got to check, and the lawyers going to take care of the rest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohta said district leadership are also double checking bank statements. Were all just looking to make sure theres no open invoices, he said. Kohta said they are not aware of any other bills that need paid. If there is more business to settle, there could be another meeting. It depends if the lawyers need us to hold another meeting, Kohta said. Kohta said any meeting must happen before the end of March, which is when Sheffields temporary membership in the district ends. Jonah Bevin photographed in his Louisville hotel, March 7, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Deborah Yetter) A judge has entered an emergency protective order against former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin sought by his adopted son, Jonah Bevin, now 18, directing him to have no contact with Jonah until the matter can be heard in court. The order does not include Glenna Bevin, Jonahs adoptive mother, but directs her to appear at the March 19 court hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to the court, Jonah alleges his adoptive parents, Matt and Glenna Bevin, abandoned him in a brutally abusive facility in Jamaica last year and sought to send him to Ethiopia, his birthplace, last month after he went public with his allegations in an interview with the Kentucky Lantern. I now believe they were trying to get me to disappear, Jonahs statement said. The Bevins, who are divorcing, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The order bans Matt Bevin from any contact or communication with Jonah pending the hearing and requires he remain at least 500 feet away from him. It also requires Bevin to temporarily surrender any firearms in his possession within 24 hours to the Jefferson County sheriff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his interview, Jonah said that at the Jamaican facility, he endured several months of severe beatings, death threats, waterboarding and being buried in sand before Jamaican child welfare authorities shut down the Atlantis Leadership Academy in early 2024, citing abusive conditions. They removed eight youths, all Americans. Jonah and child advocates who worked to relocate the youths have said the Bevins declined to act on his behalf or return him to the United States. As a result, he for a time ended up in the custody of the Jamaican child welfare system. It is a startling turn of events involving the former Republican governor who campaigned on improving the states adoption and foster care system and his wife, who as first lady, made child welfare her primary focus. Then-Gov. Matt Bevin speaks during the National Rifle Association Convention at the Kentucky Exposition Center on May 20, 2016 in Louisville. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Matt Bevin, as a candidate and later governor, often mentioned the Bevins adoption of four children from Ethiopia, including Jonah, took them to public events along with the couples five biological children and posted frequent photos on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jefferson Family Court Judge Angela Johnson granted the order Friday just a few hours after Jonah, who traveled to Louisville with child advocacy lawyer Dawn J. Post Thursday, filed the petition in Jefferson County. Johnson also is the judge handling the pending divorce case of the Bevins, Jonah also filed a police report Thursday with Louisville Metro Police, alleging he was abandoned in Jamaica by the Bevins.. A final copy of the report is not yet available. Post, who specializes in what she calls broken adoptions, said they are hoping the report will prompt authorities in Kentucky to consider criminal charges in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Kentucky law, abandonment occurs when a parent or guardian deserts the minor in any place under circumstances endangering his life or health and with intent to abandon him. It is a Class D felony, the least serious, and carries a penalty of one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Jonah, in an interview Thursday, said hes pursuing the case because he has learned that many more youths, including adoptees, have suffered from maltreatment at troubled teen residential facilities that claim they can help emotional and behavioral problems. Theres many other kids like me that need help, he said. They need their voices to be heard. Post said her visit to the facility in Jamaica, where she traveled to offer free legal help to the youths removed from Atlantis, underscored the magnitude of the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My goal as an attorney for children has always been and only been to make a difference, she said. Theres this whole population of broken adoptions, a significant, significant number. Jonah, in his statement, also details multiple incidents of abuse and neglect he said involved him after the Bevins adopted him at age 5 and a group of three siblings from Ethiopia in 2012. He said he was slapped, struck and grabbed and at one point assaulted by someone connected to the family. Jonah, said he was last homeless in Utah after he turned 18, said in the statement he would like to return to Kentucky but is afraid to do so because without court protection. Due to the nature of the threats, abandonment and neglect, I have reasonable cause to believe that further harm may occur without the issuance of an immediate protective order, his statement said. Post has said she is working to find a more suitable placement for Jonah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his first public comments since he left the Jamaican facility in February 2024, Jonah told the Kentucky Lantern last month he experienced brutal beatings and other mistreatment at the Atlantis Leadership Academy, which promoted itself as the perfect location for healing. It was one of several residential facilities his parents sent him to, starting at age 13 he said. After Jamaican authorities removed the youths from Atlantis, Jonah said the Bevins made no effort to come to his aid, leaving him in custody of that countrys child welfare system. Advocates for the youths said they were unable to reach the Bevins to arrange his return to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jonah said he and two other boys at Atlantis, also Black and both adopted, were the last to leave Jamaica after their adoptive families took no action to help return them. At that point, I didnt think nobody cared about us especially the Black kids, he told the Kentucky Lantern. Adopted at age 5 from an Ethiopian orphanage, Jonah said that after turning 18, he was living on his own in Utah with no support from the Bevins, who are wealthy and live in Anchorage, an affluent enclave east of Louisville. He said he was living in temporary housing, supporting himself with part-time construction work. At the Jamaican facility, conditions including beatings, waterboarding, threats, ridicule and food deprivation are alleged in more than a dozen federal lawsuits pending in Florida against Atlantis, and its affiliates. Jonah is not among former residents who have filed the lawsuits but is considering joining the litigation, Post said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among defendants in the lawsuits against Atlantis are the facilitys founders, Randall and Lisa Cook, a husband and wife who have not responded to any of the lawsuits. Randall Cook allegedly fled the jurisdiction of Jamaican law enforcement authorities in April 2024 to escape prosecution, one of the lawsuits said. It said multiple former staff members are facing criminal charges of abuse and neglect in Jamaica. The Cooks could not be located for comment and the Atlantis phone number does not work. Jonah, in an interview, described a violent beating from facility staff after he attempted to escape three days after his arrival at Atlantis in December 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was bleeding from my nose, mouth, he said. They made me clean it up with a mop. They made me clean up my own blood. After that, I was getting beaten every day. He and seven other youths, all but one under 18, would remain there until Jamaican child welfare authorities conducted a surprise inspection in February 2024, removing them. Jonah said that he and two other youths, all Black and all having been adopted in the United States, were abandoned by their families and placed in custody of Jamaican child welfare authorities. He and Post said that lawyers for Atlantis and some parents appeared at court hearings in Jamaica arguing that the youths were exaggerating or lying about the abuse and that the facility should be reopened. That effort failed and Jamaican authorities began working to try to get the youths home. Bevin, a Christian conservative, served as governor from, from late 2015 through 2019 before he was defeated in his bid for a second term by current Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat. As governor, Bevin promoted adoption and called for sweeping improvements to the state child foster and adoption system he said had obstructed the Bevins effort to adopt a child in Kentucky. Then-Gov. Matt Bevin and his now estranged wife Glenna Bevin talked on KET in 2017 about their experiences with adoption. (Screenshot) During his 2015 campaign, Matt Bevin was highly critical of Kentuckys adoption system and said in a 2017 interview on KET his desire to reform it was the driving reason I made the decision to run. Matt Bevin said in the KET interview the introduction of four adopted Black children who spoke no English into his household went smoothly. It has been a very, very seamless transition, Bevin said. But Jonah had a different recollection, telling the Kentucky Lantern that he as early as age 8 didnt feel like he fit into the household, struggling to master English and trying to overcome learning disabilities. He said he clashed with others in the home, including Glenna Bevin, whom he said was largely in charge of overseeing the children. I was getting in trouble, he said. When I couldnt speak English, if I did something wrong, I couldnt understand. At age 13, Jonah said the Bevins sent him to what would be a series of out-of-state residential facilities for youths before he wound up at Atlantis in Jamaica in late 2023. He said he was taken there in handcuffs by a transport team hired to move him from a residential center in Utah. Jonah Bevin and his lawyer Dawn J. Post in Louisville, March 7, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Deborah Yetter) Conditions at Atlantis first reported last year in the Sunday Times of London, attracted international headlines after celebrity hotel heiress Paris Hilton flew to Jamaica in April to aid the youths as part of her advocacy work to reform what she calls the troubled teen industry that victimized her. She has created a foundation, 11:11 Media Impact to promote her advocacy. Jonah said he had no idea of Hiltons celebrity or advocacy but was grateful for her support and the attention generated by her visit. Post, who said she specializes in working with children from broken adoptions, said the problem is more widespread thanpeople realize and that a for-profit industry has developed purporting to help such youths, It includes consultants, who help parents identify facilities, transport teams that take youthssometimes forciblyto such places and loosely regulated residential facilities, some outside the United States. Meanwhile, she said a Gofundme account she started to help support Jonah is doing well, with more than $13,000 raised in just a few week. He already has used some of the proceeds to buy clothes and other necessities, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (Reuters) - Jordan supports Syria in every measure it takes to protect its security and rejects any foreign meddling and efforts to push its neighbour towards chaos, Jordan's foreign ministry said on Friday in a statement. Syrian security forces have been battling for two days to crush a nascent insurgency by fighters from Bashar al-Assad's Alawite sect in western Syria, with scores reported killed as the Islamist-led government faced the biggest challenge yet to its authority. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Writing by Enas Alashray; Editing by Andrew Heavens) A federal civil trial begins March 17 in Wisconsin's Eastern District court, where a jury will hear arguments on the final claims of a lawsuit brought against former Wauwatosa police officer Joseph Mensah by the parents of 17-year-old Alvin Cole, whom Mensah shot and killed at Mayfair Mall in February 2020. Here's what to know about the case. Trial comes a year after Judge Lynn Adelman denied Mensah's motion for summary judgement The trial comes nearly a year since U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman decided that a jury would be needed to determine the outcome of the final claims in parents Tracy and Albert Cole's lawsuit against Mensah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is impossible to know what happened and whether Mensahs use of deadly force was reasonable" due to conflicting testimonies from Mensah and other officers who were at Mayfair that night, Adelman wrote in his decision and order from March 2024. Officer testimonies differed in whether Cole was holding a gun, or pointing it at Mensah, in the 10 seconds leading up to Mensah shooting Cole five times. In that same decision, Adelman declined Mensah's attorney's motion for summary judgment regarding a claim in the lawsuit that Mensah used excessive force, the Journal Sentinel previously reported. When did Alvin Cole's family first file their lawsuit that goes to trial March 17? The Cole family first filed the federal lawsuit in 2021 against Mensah, the City of Wauwatosa and former Wauwatosa police chief Barry Weber. The Cole family's suit was consolidated with lawsuits filed by the families of Jay Anderson Jr. and Antonio Gonzales, two other people of color Mensah killed while on duty within five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the March 2024 decision, Adelman granted summary judgment that ended two other claims in the Cole case, one against Weber and the other against the City of Wauwatosa. Summary judgment is a final decision made on statements and evidence without going to trial when a judge sees no genuine dispute to any material fact. What happened the night former Wauwatosa police officer Joseph Mensah shot and killed Alvin Cole? Cole, a 17-year-old from Milwaukee, was shot and killed on Feb. 2, 2020 after several Wauwatosa police officers responded to a call to Mayfair Mall for a report of a disturbance including an individual with a gun. Mensah arrived to find other officers and mall security guards running after Cole and others. During the chase, Cole shot himself in the arm and fell to the ground, as officers yelled at him to "drop the gun," the Journal Sentinel reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cole family's lawsuit says 10 seconds passed between the accidental shot and Mensah shooting Cole five times. Cole died in The Cheesecake Factory parking lot. No other officers had fired their weapons. In June 2020, Mensah was identified as the Tosa officer under investigation for the shooting, and ultimately was not criminally charged. What will the jury decide? The jury will have to decide whether Mensahs use of force when he shot and killed Cole was unreasonable, according to pretrial reports filed by the plaintiffs and the defendant. Theyll also decide whether Mensah is liable for the loss of society and companionship of Cole to his parents. What attorneys are representing Joseph Mensah and Alvin Cole's parents in the upcoming federal civil trial? Legal representatives for both parties appeared in court before Judge Adelman for a pretrial hearing March 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albert and Tracy Cole are represented by Nate Cade and Kimberley Motley, both of whom focus their work on civil rights cases. Joseph Mensah is represented by Joseph Wirth and Jasmyne Baynard, who co-lead the Milwaukee-based Wirth + Baynard. The pair represented the City of Wauwatosa, and won, the lengthy legal battle against protestors regarding the legality of the Wauwatosa curfew in anticipation of protests against the county's district attorney decision to not charge Mensah for shooting Cole. Baynard has represented police officers in her work, including one Monona police officer whom a judge ruled violated Black man's rights by entering home. Witnesses at Joseph Mensah's trial to include Wauwatosa cops, eyewitnesses Here's what witnesses may be called in the federal trial, according to court documents discussed at a pretrial hearing March 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tracy and Albert Cole, the parents of Alvin Cole. Joseph Mensah, former Wauwatosa officer who shot and killed Alvin Cole. At least three Wauwatosa Police officers who were present at Mayfair Mall Feb. 2. Individuals who were eyewitnesses to the shooting in the Mayfair Mall parking lot. Individuals who were teenagers at the time and with Cole that February night. Wieslawa Tlomak, the now-Milwaukee County Chief Medical Examiner who conducted the autopsy of Alvin Cole in 2020. Each side plans to call its own expert witnesses for the trial. Both witnesses have policing backgrounds and have been called in other trials. Ricky Burems, a retired Milwaukee Police Department homicide detective, is the expert Cade and Motley will call for their plaintiffs, the Coles. Attorneys representing Mensah will call on their expert, Mike Knetzger, a former Green Bay police officer and certified use of force analyst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses called by both sides will be called back-to-back, Adelman determined during the pretrial hearing. Cole family versus Mensah trial could last three to five days When the trial begins the morning of Monday, March 17, the Cole family's attorneys at Cade Law Group and Motley Legal Services will go first in presenting their case and calling witnesses to the stand. Mensah's attorneys at Wirth + Baynard will follow. Legal representatives of both parties expressed to a Journal Sentinel reporter that they expect the trial to last the entire week. Judge Adelman, however, said during the pretrial hearing March 3 that he "doesn't want any delays" with the trial and expects it to last three days. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about the Joseph Mensah civil trial starting March 17 ALMATY, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan plans to reduce oil exports through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) system by 70 percent in March, the country's Kazinform news agency reported on Friday, citing Kazakh Deputy Energy Minister Alibek Zhamauov. The country aims to adjust oil production to meet its supply quota under the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreement. "A significant portion of our oil exports goes through the CPC. In March, volumes through the CPC will be reduced," Zhamauov stated at a press conference in Astana. He specified that the reduction would amount to 70 percent of Kazakhstan's usual CPC transport volumes for the month. According to earlier reports, the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station, the largest facility of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium in Russia's Krasnodar region, came under a drone attack on February 17. Seven unmanned aerial vehicles loaded with explosives and shrapnel were involved in the incident. The 1,511-kilometer CPC pipeline, which connects oil fields in western Kazakhstan and Russian offshore fields in the Caspian Sea to a marine terminal in Novorossiysk, is the main export route for Kazakh oil. It accounts for more than 80 percent of Kazakhstan's pipeline crude exports. Judge Beverly Cannone has denied Karen Reads request to add another attorney to her defense team ahead of the start of her second murder trial. Cannone ruled in a Friday filing in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court that Mark Bederow, who currently represents the controversial blogger known as Turtleboy, wont be allowed to join Reads lineup of high-powered attorneys over conflict of interest and information sharing concerns. Judge Cannone denies Karen Reads request to add attorney Mark Bederow to her defense team. pic.twitter.com/9dA7XqT9Wz Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) March 7, 2025 The affirmation submitted in support of the motion is insufficient on its face, Cannone wrote in the ruling. The court cannot permit such conflicted representation and declines to add to the defense team that currently members at least four lawyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bederow currently represents Aidan Kearney, known online as Turtleboy, on three criminal cases in the state, including witness tampering allegations in Reads murder case. Also on Friday, Reads lawyers entered new exhibits to support their motion to dismiss the case for extraordinary governmental misconduct. Read is accused of hitting her Boston police officer boyfriend John OKeefe with her Lexus SUV in Canton on Jan. 29, 2022, and leaving him to die in a snowstorm after a night of drinking. The defense has sought to portray Read as the victim, saying OKeefe was actually killed inside the Albert family home and dragged outside. Cannone will rule on the motion to dismiss ahead of Reads retrial, which is scheduled to begin with jury selection on April 1. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW (This story has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) As a Northern Kentucky man was being ordered to prison for sexually abusing homeless boys in the Philippines and returning home with images of abuse, the judge presiding over the case said it shared similarities to the case against disgraced financier and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Robert Werner, 46, of Walton, was sentenced Friday in federal court in Covington to 30 years in prison, the statutory maximum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show Werner pleaded guilty in October to a single count of extraterritorial production of child sexual abuse material. This is the worst case of this kind that I think Ive ever had, U.S. District Judge David Bunning said before handing down the sentence. Prosecutor: Man had access to 'seemingly neverending buffet' of homeless boys While living in the Philippines in early 2021, Werner came into contact with an unnamed individual who had access to a rotating selection of young boys and made them engage in sex acts for foreign customers, prosecutors said in a presentence court filing. Over a roughly five-month period, Werner and the individual, identified in court documents as the facilitator, sent nearly 13,000 messages that showed the exchange of abuse images. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boys were homeless, lived under a leaky roof and relied on the person trafficking them, prosecutors said, adding the money Werner sent in exchange for recorded or live-streamed sex acts was used for basic necessities. Prosecutors say Werner also paid for custom child sexual abuse material and had multiple in-person meetings at hotels where he engaged in sex acts with the boys. Werner even rented a house for an illicit sex party with at least 11 underage boys. Werner returned to the U.S. in November 2021 after his visa expired and brought some abuse images home with him. For at least a month after his return, he continued sending money overseas and asked for more pictures of specific children, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to prosecutors, the person trafficking the boys was arrested in the Philippines in May 2022 and a forensic review of their phone led investigators to Werner. That individual is facing the possibility of a life sentence. Werner was interviewed by law enforcement in April 2024 and admitted that he engaged in sex acts with the boys five times, with the youngest being only 13 years old, prosecutors said. He had a seemingly neverending buffet of boys, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Rothberg said. Judge 'had trouble sleeping' over facts of sex abuse case Werner addressed the court during Fridays hearing and asked the judge for mercy so he could have the opportunity to make amends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sorry to the victims, my family, my friends, he said while holding back tears. Present in the courtroom was Werners sister, who covered her ears as prosecutors recounted the abuse. Brandi Lewis, Werners attorney, said that Werner was in the Philippines for work and it was not his plan to perpetrate sexual abuse. However, prosecutors argued that Werner believed he would be able to get away with such conduct overseas. Hes readily accepting responsibility for his actions, Lewis said. While Werner asked the court to consider a lighter sentence of 250 to 300 months, Bunning said that granting such a request would not be appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive had trouble sleeping this week because of what Ive read in this case, said Bunning, who is no stranger to presiding over cases involving child sexual abuse images. This is just the worst of the worst, he added. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Judge cites comparison to Epstein in case of man abusing boys overseas NEW YORK (AP) A judge has no choice but to grant the Justice Departments unusual and divisive request to dismiss New York City Mayor Eric Adams corruption case, a court-appointed lawyer said Friday. But he recommended that prosecutors be barred from ever reviving the charges so they dont hang over Adams like the proverbial Sword of Damocles. Paul Clement, who represented the federal government before the Supreme Court as President George W. Bush's solicitor general, delivered the recommendation to Manhattan federal Judge Dale E. Ho in papers filed two weeks after Ho appointed him to provide neutral advice on the case. In a written submission, Clement told Ho that there was ample reason to dismiss the prosecution without granting the Justice Department's request to be able to refile them after this year's mayoral election, which would leave a prospect that hangs like the proverbial Sword of Damocles over the accused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to the sensitive task of prosecuting public officials, Clement wrote, the prospect of re-indictment could create the appearance, if not the reality, that the actions of a public official are being driven by concerns about staying in the good graces of the federal executive, rather than the best interests of his constituents. Adams spokesperson Fabien Levy said on the social platform X: To quote @NYCMayor, Yeah, duh. Ho appointed Clement after Acting Deputy U.S. Attorney General Emil Bove defended the request at a hearing. Bove argued that the charges came too close to Adams reelection campaign and would distract the mayor from assisting the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. Bove had suggested the charges could be reinstated after the election if the new permanent U.S. attorney decided it was appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a filing late Friday signed by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Bove, the government continued to maintain that the judge should allow reinstatement of the charges in the future. They also cited text messages in which prosecutors who worked on the case discussed strategy and how to react to recent public statements about political corruption by former U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who stepped down late last year. Blanche and Bove obtained the text messages as part of an investigation of the Adams prosecution team that Bove disclosed two weeks ago. They suggested that they would reference those materials if Ho conducts a hearing, saying any additional inquiry will not reflect well on Manhattan prosecutors. The filing came the same day two prosecutors who worked on the Adams' case Celia Cohen and Andrew Rohrbach were placed on leave while the internal probe continued, according to a person with knowledge of the action. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the individual was not authorized to speak publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cohen and Rohrbach did not respond Friday to messages seeking comment. Two other prosecutors on the case had already been placed on leave and one has resigned. The government also was expected to file papers soon in response to a recent request by lawyers for Adams asking that the charges be dismissed with prejudice, meaning they could not be refiled. That request is pending. Adams was indicted in September and accused of accepting over $100,000 in illegal campaign contributions and travel perks from a Turkish official and others seeking to buy influence while he was Brooklyn borough president. He has pleaded not guilty and insisted he is innocent. Ho has said that oral arguments, if necessary, could occur next week on the government request to dismiss the indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bove initially directed then-interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon to request dismissal, but she refused, telling Attorney General Pam Bondi in a Feb. 12 letter as she offered to resign that she could not agree to seek a dismissal driven by improper considerations. She said the indictment was brought nine months before New York's June Democratic mayoral primary, consistent with longstanding Justice Department policy regarding election-year sensitivities, and the threat of possibly refiling the charges amounted to using the criminal process to control the behavior of a political figure. Besides Sassoon, whose resignation was accepted by Bove the day after her letter, six prosecutors, including five high-ranking ones at the Justice Department, resigned before Bove made the dismissal request himself, along with two other Washington prosecutors. In his recommendation to Ho, Clement observed that the Justice Departments move to end the case precipitated a series of resignations and unusual public disclosures concerning internal deliberations about the case and the decision to seek dismissal. Suffice it to say that those materials raised material questions concerning both the initial decision to pursue the indictment and the subsequent decision to seek dismissal, he wrote. ATLANTA (AP) A judge on Friday declined a Georgia state senators request for an arrest warrant against a state House staffer following a confrontation between the two earlier this year. State Sen. Colton Moore, a Republican from Trenton, had sought the arrest warrant against Keith Williams, a lawyer in the House speaker's office, after the two men were involved in a scuffle outside the House chamber in January. Fulton County Magistrate Judge Robert Wolf said at the end of a hearing that he hadn't seen sufficient evidence to support probable cause that criminal charges were warranted. Phil Holloway, an attorney for Williams, applauded the judge's ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's been our position all along that this event that happened at the Capitol was certainly unfortunate I think probably everybody that was involved in it has at least some degree of regret but it's never risen to the level of a crime, he said after the hearing. Catherine Bernard, a lawyer for Moore, said she believes the probable cause standard was met and that they intend to appeal the judges decision to Fulton County Superior Court. I'm a bit depressed and disappointed," Moore told reporters. "I walked out of the courtroom thinking, Where will I find justice? Moore, one of the state Senate's most conservative members, was arrested Jan. 16 after he tried to push his way past House staffers who were blocking him as he tried multiple times to enter the state House chamber for the governor's state of the state speech. House Speaker Jon Burns, a fellow Republican, banned him from the chamber last year after Moore denounced late House Speaker David Ralston on a day when Ralston was being honored and his relatives were watching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before trying to enter the House chamber, Moore told reporters that the law didn't allow Burns to keep him from attending a joint House-Senate session to listen to Gov. Brian Kemp. Williams put his arms around Moore and shoved him away as Moore tried to enter the House chamber, and the senator fell to the ground. State troopers handcuffed Moore and brought him to the Fulton County Jail, where he was booked on misdemeanor charges of willful obstruction of law enforcement officers. The day after Moore's arrest, Burns said he was lifting his ban on the senator entering the House chamber. State Senate and Republican Party leaders had rallied around Moore. During Friday's hearing, the judge heard testimony from three Capitol police officers, as well as from Moore and his fiancee. Williams chose not to testify. Moore's lawyer had issued subpoenas to Burns, the speaker's chief of staff, Lt. Gov Burt Jones and House Majority Leader Rep. Chuck Efstration, but the judge threw out those subpoenas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video of the confrontation was shown in court. Moore's attorney also played video of the senator's bruised left hand taken several hours after the tussle. Moore testified that, as an elected senator, it was his compelled constitutional duty to attend a joint session of the General Assembly. I did everything I could to peacefully enter the chamber," he said. But Andrew Fleischman, an attorney for Williams, suggested the senator was trying to make an end run around Burns decision to ban him from the House chamber. Maj. Gary Langford with the Capitol police said Moore seemed to make sure to keep his hands down as he tried to enter the House chamber but that he's a big man and used his body to lean into those who were blocking him. There was pushing back and forth, Langford said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under questioning from the judge, Langford said he would have pursued charges if he saw a crime happen. The judge noted that Capitol police did, in fact, charge Moore with a crime that day. The judge asked if Langford saw how Williams acted, and the officer said he did. Then the judge asked whether he sought a warrant for Williams, and the officer said he didn't. Moore's attorney asked the judge to consider charges of battery, aggravated battery, criminal intent to interfere with government property, disruption of a session of the House and unlawful practice of law. The judge said the question of Moores ban from the House doesnt excuse or explain what either party did here. He also said that regardless of who started the confrontation, there did seem to be a back-and-forth. A Fulton County magistrate judge denied a Georgia state senators request for a criminal warrant against a staff member working for House Speaker Jon Burns. Judge Robert Wolf ruled that Sen. Colton Moore did not provide sufficient evidence to charge Keith Williams with assault. We had a reporter in the courtroom as the judge made his ruling. Well have the latest on Channel 2 Action News at 4:00 p.m. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Capitol police arrested Sen. Colton Moore on Jan. 16 when he tried to enter the chamber for the 2025 State of the State address. Burns had barred Moore from the chamber because of statements he made about the late House Speaker David Ralston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams, who works for Burns, and others tried to keep Moore out of the House Chamber. There was a shoving match and Moore hit the ground before the Georgia State Patrol arrested him. Burns later announced that Moore would be allowed back into the chamber moving forward. But Moore wanted Williams, a member of Burns staff, to be charged with assault. He requested a hearing for a criminal warrant for Williams. He also subpoenaed for Burns and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to testify; however, the judge in the case ruled that Burns and Jones did not have to appear. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A self-confessed Albanian cannabis farmer has been granted asylum in the UK even though the judge admitted he may well be making up his refugee claim. The Albanian, 22, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court he came to Britain aged 17 in 2019 to escape a gang who had forced him to work in a cannabis farm to pay off a debt his father owed to them. He claimed that the gang had remained interested in him despite his escape, visiting his family home to ask about his whereabouts in a threatening way. He may well be making this up Lawyers for the Albanian claimed his threatened deportation by the Home Office would put him at risk of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment in breach of article three of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Refugee Convention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Home Office disputed his claims that the gang had maintained an interest in him and argued that he could move to a different area or seek protection from the Albanian state to avoid his safety being put at risk by the gang. But the judge Daniel Sheridan admitted: It is extremely difficult to evaluate whether the appellant is telling the truth about the gang regularly visiting his family home. He may well be making this up. However, equally, he could be telling the truth. He explained that he had to abide by the law on the threshold of proof needed to determine whether to grant the Albanians asylum claim. Asylum claim lodged before rule change Because his asylum claim was lodged before the then home secretary Priti Patel introduced tougher rules raising the threshold, it was only required that there was a reasonable degree of likelihood that it was true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that the [Albanians] evidence is internally consistent and consistent with the expert evidence, I am satisfied that this (low) standard is satisfied, he said. I therefore find that there is a real risk that the gang who previously forced the [Albanian] to work for them has an ongoing interest in [him] and will target (and pose a real risk to) him if he returns to his home area in Albania. Judge Sheridan added: I find that there is a reasonable degree of likelihood that the [Albanian] will not receive adequate state protection, and will be unable to avoid those he fears by relocating to another part of Albania. He therefore ruled that the Albanian youth was entitled to protection under the Refugee Convention and that his deportation would breach the UKs obligations under international agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case, disclosed in court papers, is the latest example exposed by The Telegraph where migrants or convicted foreign criminals have won the right to remain in the UK or halt their deportations, often by citing breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). They include an Albanian criminal who avoided deportation after claiming his son had an aversion to foreign chicken nuggets, and a Pakistani paedophile who was jailed for child sex offences but escaped removal from the UK as it would be unduly harsh on his own children. There are a record 34,169 outstanding immigration appeals, largely on human rights grounds, which threaten to hamper Labours efforts to fast-track removal of illegal migrants. Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to close a loophole that enabled a Gazan family to come to the UK after applying under a Ukrainian refugee scheme. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: Once again we see a criminal exploiting the ECHR to stay in the UK when he should quite clearly be kicked out. It defies belief and common sense that judges are accepting these claims which are not backed up by any concrete evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These absurd human rights laws simply have to change. It is not acceptable for foreign criminals to stay in the UK where they pose a risk to the British public. What about the human rights of our own citizens to be protected from criminals? These human rights laws must be urgently changed. A Home Office spokesman said: We robustly challenged this evidence at appeal. Our processes are underpinned by a clear framework of safeguards and quality checks, ensuring that claims are properly considered, decisions are sound, and that protection is granted to those who genuinely need it. On Thursday, it also emerged that Albanian mafia kingpin Maksim Cela, who had been sentenced to 25 years for murder and terrorism, is free to roam the streets of Britain after claiming his ECHR rights would be breached if he was returned to Albania. He claims he would be at risk from rival gangsters if he was sent home, breaching his Article 2 rights to life and Article 3 prohibiting torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His asylum claim was rejected by a judge at the First Tier immigration tribunal. But a separate claim that his life was at risk from rival gangs if he returned to Albania was accepted. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to release some foreign aid payments by Monday evening to U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) contractors and nonprofits who challenged the freeze, a decision he called the first concrete step toward compliance with his previous order to resume existing foreign aid contracts. U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, an appointee of former President Biden, said the government must release the payments by 6 p.m. on Monday and that he would weigh a timeline for releasing the rest of the funds while he considers whether to grant injunctive relief to the plaintiffs as litigation is ongoing. The new schedule comes after the Trump administration for weeks attempted to fend off Alis order to resume existing foreign aid contracts. The administration has broadly looked to dismantle USAID, including by firing employees and freezing its payments to contractors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration took the effort all the way to the Supreme Court, which in a 5-4 emergency decision Wednesday declined to lift Alis enforcement efforts and sent the case back to set the new timeline for releasing the nearly $2 billion. When the Supreme Court speaks, I want to take that action as soon as possible, to give clarity, Ali said. About $70 million of the funds owed to the plaintiffs were already released overnight, following the high courts decision, the judge said. The USAID contractors who sued the Trump administration alleged they were waiting on hundreds of millions of dollars in outstanding invoices from the government. Two other nonprofits also sued, claiming Trumps executive order freezing foreign aid violated the separation of powers and caused irreparable harm to their operations that heavily rely on USAID funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result has been catastrophic, considering billions of dollars in lifesaving humanitarian aid have without warning been shut off literally overnight, Stephen Wirth, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said Thursday afternoon during a hearing. They argued that the State Department could not have feasibly conducted a case-by-case review of all contracts, instead suggesting the agency made an unlawful blanket decision to stop all aid. The Justice Department has said in court filings that an individualized review process was completed for grants and federal assistance award obligations, though the review of some contracts was ongoing. Ali questioned how such a review could occur so quickly, to which the government replied that the plaintiffs request for a temporary restraining order resulted in a shift in resources to get the job done more quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs have a problem that is of their own litigation choices, said Justice Department lawyer Indraneel Sur. Earlier Thursday, a different federal judge declined to immediately spare USAID personal services contractors from mass firings, in part because the harm they face is directly traceable to changes the government made to their contracts. The judge suggested relief should be sought through different channels. Lawyers for the coalition of USAID contractors and nonprofits said Thursday afternoon that there are more varied awards in their case, contending the argument that contract disputes should be litigated elsewhere is much stronger in the other case. Ali took the motion for a preliminary injunction under advisement but signaled that his decision is not predetermined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont hold argument unless Im actually, genuinely still wrestling with some issues, the judge said. Zach Schonfeld contributed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A federal judge has set a new deadline of Monday for the Trump administration to pay a large batch of backlogged invoices for foreign aid programs, but he sharply scaled back the amount of money that will need to be sent out by then. U.S. District Judge Amir Ali issued the new directive Thursday, just a day after the Supreme Court rejected the administrations emergency appeal of an earlier order that Ali issued in a pair of lawsuits challenging President Donald Trumps broad freeze on foreign aid. The judges earlier order had imposed a deadline of Feb. 26 for the State Department to send out an estimated $2 billion the government owes to contractors and grant recipients who run aid programs abroad. But the Feb. 26 deadline passed while the administrations appeal was pending, and the high court on Wednesday sent the case back to Ali with instructions to clarify the governments obligations now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alis new order gives the Trump administration until 6 p.m. Monday to pay the plaintiffs in the lawsuits all the money they are entitled to on invoices and similar requests to draw down grant funds initiated prior to Feb. 13. Contractors and grantees who are not parties to the litigation are not subject to the new Monday deadline, so the money they are owed will likely remain frozen for now. Its not entirely clear how much money the administration will be required to disburse by Monday, but people involved in the litigation said it appears to be at least several hundred million dollars. During a hearing Thursday afternoon that stretched to more than four hours, Ali repeatedly emphasized that he was seeking to follow the Supreme Courts admonition that he show due regard for the feasibility of any compliance timelines. I intend to take that instruction very seriously, the judge said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Department officials worked overnight Wednesday to approve about $70 million in payments to the plaintiffs in the suits, Justice Department attorneys said in a court filing Thursday. Ali, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, said that volume of approvals gave him confidence that the State Department could get the remainder of the accumulated bills out to the plaintiffs by working at a similar pace over the next four days. The governments made a good showing by getting that, Ali said. I do appreciate the governments taking action on that front. Justice Department attorney Indraneel Sur said the agencies might have difficulty executing the payments over the weekend when many banks are closed, but Ali said he didnt think that would be a problem since the most recent batch of payments was approved overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of Thursdays hearing was devoted to the issue of whether Ali should issue a preliminary injunction extending a temporary restraining order he issued last month against the foreign-aid freeze Trump initiated shortly after he took office. That order is set to expire on Monday. The Justice Department contends that the freeze has been lifted and officials have conducted a case-by-case review of each contract and grant, terminating many of them for specific reasons. The pause is essentially finished, Sur said, arguing that there is no need for the court to continue to block a blanket policy that is no longer in effect. But an attorney for some of the aid contractors, Stephen Wirth, said the review was a sham to allow the pause to continue despite Alis order to halt it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defendants never lifted the pause on foreign assistance. Instead they doubled down, Wirth said, as he asked the judge to reverse the contract terminations. I dont think here that the government has changed course. Ali didnt immediately rule on the aid groups request for an injunction that would prolong the restraining order, but he said he was considering benchmarks to get the full backlog of past-due payments processed. A federal judge ruled that President Trumps firing of Gwynne Wilcox was unlawful and ordered her restored to the National Labor Relations Board in an opinion that excoriated his quest to craft a new, super-powerful presidency. A President who touts an image of himself as a king or a dictator, perhaps as his vision of effective leadership, fundamentally misapprehends the role under Article II of the U.S. Constitution, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell of Washington D.C. wrote Thursday. Her opinion mirrored the hearing she held Wednesday, when she delved into the history of the NLRB and unspooled the development of the unitary executive theory, a maximal version of which would imbue Trump with direct control over everyone in the executive branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the hearing, she acknowledged that she is a mere speed bump on the way to the Supreme Court. The Trump administration is unabashed that Wilcoxs firing was illegal under current law, but it considers that law unconstitutional and is openly aiming to reach the Supreme Court and convince it to overturn its own precedent. The President seems intent on pushing the bounds of his office and exercising his power in a manner violative of clear statutory law to test how much the courts will accept the notion of a presidency that is supreme, she wrote. She ordered that Wilcox be permitted to carry out her duties as a rightful, presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed member of the Board, adding that a President has never removed a member of the NLRB in the 90 years since it was created by Congress. The case is running parallel to a similar one stemming from the firing of a member of the Merit Systems Protection Board. A different federal judge restored that member to the board earlier this week. Both cases are on track to reach the Supreme Court, where the Trump administration will test its bet that the conservative supermajority is ready to nullify the congressionally granted removal protections for these kinds of agencies. Theyre one of the last bastons of independence in the executive branch, as the Roberts Court has steadily eroded agency protections. As Howell pointed out Wednesday, that last bastion includes the Federal Reserve, harbinging global economic instability if it were made vulnerable to a Trump takeover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts are now again forced to determine how much encroachment on the legislature our Constitution can bear and face a slippery slope toward endorsing a presidency that is untouchable by the law, Howell wrote. The President has given no sufficient reason to accept that path here. Read the opinion here: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A man who was found guilty of a rape that occurred just over 30 years ago in Albuquerque received his prison sentence Thursday. In November, a jury found Gilbert Contreras guilty of attacking and sexually abusing a jogger near the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in 1994. The woman died in 2013, but her rape kit was not tested until 2020. New Mexico State Police officer arrested for DWI resigns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contreras was taken into custody in 2022 after the rape kit was processed and linked his DNA to the crime. The trial relied heavily on the DNA evidence and testimony of two people who helped the victim after the attack. Judge Courtney Weaks said it is unfortunate the victim could not get her rape kit tested sooner. And its a sad statement for how the government in the state of New Mexico treated these types of cases 30 years ago, Weaks said. Weaks sentenced Contreras to 54 years in prison and acknowledged that, at 59 years old, its likely Contreras will die in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. DAKAR, March 7 (Xinhua) -- France officially transferred control of two military sites in the Senegalese capital of Dakar to Senegalese authorities on Friday, according to a statement from the French Embassy in Senegal. In accordance with the decision of the joint commission on Feb. 28 this year and the treaty on military cooperation signed between France and Senegal on April 18, 2012, the French side transferred the facilities and accommodations of the Marechal and Saint-Exupery quarters to Senegal. The two sites, located near Hann Park, had been prepared for return since the summer of 2024, according to the French embassy. Other military sites will be handed over based on the agreed schedule. In late December 2024, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced plans to implement a new cooperation doctrine aimed at removing all foreign military presence from Senegal starting in 2025. This announcement followed an earlier statement made to the French press, in which Faye declared the closure of France's permanent military base in Senegal. Senegal's shift in policy regarding foreign military presence, particularly the French military contingent, began in 2010 under former President Abdoulaye Wade. Since then, the number of French troops in Senegal has been reduced from 1,200 to approximately 350. Over the past two years, military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have expelled French troops, prompting a broader reassessment of foreign military deployments in the Sahel region. Chad has also followed this trend, announcing the termination of its security and defense cooperation agreement with France in November 2024. Meanwhile, Cote d'Ivoire officially assumed control of the last remaining French military base in the country in February 2025. A judge denied a motion to stop the release of a Wisconsin woman from a mental health facility more than a decade after she conspired to stab a classmate to please the fictional horror character Slender Man." Morgan Geyser, 22, was 12 years old when she and Anissa Weier lured classmate Payton Leutner to a park for the violent attack in May 2014, convinced it would keep the fictional boogeyman from harming their families. She has spent seven years at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute and was cleared for release into a group home earlier this year. Three medical experts testified in January that Geyser was no longer a threat to the public following considerable progress. Her treatment would continue while she was under supervision of the group home. Morgan Geyser appears in a Waukesha County courtroom in Waukesha, Wis., on Jan. 9. Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren ruled that Geyser's release would continue as planned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bohren said that under the conditional release, Geyser will still be placed under "substantial supervision," which he said is "in many ways more strict from the rules and restrictions on the person than they would be when she was in the institution from the standpoint of freedom within the confines of the institution." Bohren said that "there is no reason to stop the process on conditional release" and that authorities would "go forward with the conditional release program." The judge said that the state did not meet its burden of proof to block the release and that he weighed testimony from Geyser's doctors who knew her. He said that what they saw in the state's petition to block her release did not change their views about her. Bohren said the testimony of a therapist who worked at the institution where Geyser stayed satisfied him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geyser allowed her therapist to testify about their confidential conversations. The therapist said that she had no concerns about Geyser's attitude in therapy, describing Geyser as being extremely open when she was undergoing therapy, and that she did not have any concerns about Geysers behavior. Bohren also said he saw "no hidden agenda" or evidence of lying or deception on Geyser's part. He said that he was satisfied with her communication with others in the institution and that it was truthful and accurate, and he said she responded well to questions. The motion to stop Geyser's release focused on two points of contention: a book that included dark themes that Geyser read and her sending a man artwork of a violent nature while she was under care at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. Prosecutor Abbey Nickolie told the judge that the man had been "sexually aroused" by Geyser's crime. Anthony Cotton, her attorney, told the judge that Geyser willfully disclosed both the book and the contact with the man to the team determining her conditional release. He also said Geyser asked for a no-contact order with the man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bohren addressed the book in court Thursday and noted that the sole testimony about the nature of the book was from a doctor who called it "humorous" but said he does not know the accuracy of the doctor's assertion. "He basically put the book in context," Bohren said. "Nobody challenged that context." Regarding the man, Bohren said it appeared Geyser stopped contact with him once she realized what he was doing. He said, "There's nothing in the record that shows that she did anything to encourage the person besides sending him some pictures." "I don't find that in and of itself a reason to find she's at risk for herself or at risk to harm the community in a conditional release plan," he said. Just because she participated in the contact "doesn't mean she encouraged it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Geyser and Weier lured Leutner to the woods and stabbed her 19 times. Geyser repeatedly stabbed Leutner as Weier egged her on, prosecutors have said. Leutners parents said their daughter mustered the strength to crawl out of the woods because she wanted to live. Geyser was mentally ill in the aftermath of the stabbing, and in 2017 she agreed to plead guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide. She was sentenced to a maximum of 40 years at a mental hospital. Weier, who did not stab Leutner, was sentenced to 25 years in a mental hospital but was released in 2021 after just four years at Winnebago Mental Health Institute. A hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. ET March 21 to go over Geyser's conditional release plan. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Some Tennessee veterans say they are concerned and outraged over the Trump Administrations proposal to layoff 80,000 employees at the Department of Veteran Affairs. An internal memo, which was obtained by the Associated Press, states that the cuts are part of the administrations efforts to reshape the federal workforce. The veterans services for us were bad enough as it was, said Air Force veteran Marty Ness-White. Their first job feels like to say no to all claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Trump admin plans to cut 80,000 employees from Veterans Affairs: internal memo Ness-White served in the Gulf War and has since become an veteran advocate through Vet to Vet Middle Tennessee. She believes the government should increase the number of employees and offices to help veterans obtain their benefits. By eliminating even more of the people at the VA, its just detrimental to those who are still fighting, added White. I know people who have been fighting for six years to get the coverage for service-connected ailments and injuries. Veteran Affairs Secretary Doug Collins reportedly said the department will continue to hire open mission critical positions while the agency downsizes. Collins later confirmed the planned cuts in a video posted X, saying the goal is to reduce the workforce by 15%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More cuts planned at Veterans Affairs Some veterans told News 2 they believe the government should hire more employees instead of laying them off. Many asked to remain anonymous as they feared retaliations for speaking against the VA. A common complaint was how long it takes for them to receive their benefits. Meanwhile, a few veterans spoke about the need for a new efficient process to obtain benefits. Allocate enough offices and officers at those locations to serve the amount of veterans in the community and to make it so it isnt a battle to get what they should be getting, added White. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Both Republicans and Democrats have voiced their concerns over the proposed layoffs. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) took to X to voice his concerns stating, The VA is in need of reform but current efforts to downsize the department and increase efficiency must be done in a more responsible manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about Vet to Vet Middle Tennessee, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Six people were taken to Indianapolis hospitals after reportedly overdosing downtown, according to emergency responders. At 2:55 p.m., multiple ambulances were dispatched to the corner of North Alabama and East Washington streets, near the Julia Carson Transit Center, for reports of multiple people overdosing. "I just see one guy laying in the middle of the street," a 911 caller told dispatchers. Another caller described a man who injured his face on the concrete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They're just ODing everywhere," the woman said. Emergency medical personnel took two patients to Eskenazi Hospital, two more to IU Health Methodist Hospital and the remaining two to Community Hospital East. Five of the six patients were in critical condition, the fire department said. Four required breathing assistance. By 3:21 p.m., the emergency response was complete. It's unclear what drugs the patients used. All of the people treated are adults and by 4:40 p.m., their conditions were upgraded to stable. At least one person was released from a hospital. Additional details have not been announced. IMPD officers responded to multiple apparent overdoses in the 300 block of E Washington St. The investigation is continuing. More information is below. pic.twitter.com/ufVTQaRoQs IMPD (@IMPDnews) March 7, 2025 Get help: How to anonymously request fentanyl test strips More: Is your Indy neighborhood at risk for overdose? What you should know. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 6 people taken to hospitals in 'mass overdose' President Donald Trumps plan for shuttering the Education Department is turning out to be a particularly drawn out process for one of Washington's worst-kept secrets. Trump has repeatedly urged Linda McMahon to put herself out of a job as Education secretary, and she promoted the agencys final mission to its staff soon after being sworn in Monday. But critical elements of the presidents long-awaited executive order including when Trump plans to sign it have been in flux for weeks. I want to just do it, the president said in the Oval Office on Thursday after he was asked when he would sign the order. We're starting the process. We're trying to get the schools back into the states. Let the states run the schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest tumult over the agency surged after media outlets cited a draft version of the order that a White House official described as an incomplete document stories that infuriated the administration and scuttled its announcement plans Thursday. Trump is not expected to sign an order on the department this week, the official told POLITICO, fueling the sense of whiplash among Democrats and even some conservatives who have advised the administration about the directive. In the Oval Office, Trump also said the federal governments $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio could eventually move under the authority of the Small Business Administration, the agency McMahon ran during Trumps first term. Such a move would require congressional action. Were not getting our guidance from Democratic politicians, said a White House official who was granted anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The president is still committed to this campaign promise, which shouldnt be a shock to anyone. The American people elected him knowing this would be his intention. Lawmakers, including two key Republicans, still expressed their misgivings with the idea Thursday a sign of the rocky path to 60 votes Trump will need in the Senate to pursue the fullest extent of his demolition plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Education actually has some functions that we think are important, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said in the Capitol. I support it. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who has grown frustrated with the slash-and-burn methods of Elon Musks spending cuts and Trumps expansion of executive authority, sought to lay out some boundaries. "There may be a case for spinning off some programs. There may be a case for downsizing the department. But those are decisions the new secretary should make, Collins, the Senates top appropriator, told reporters. The decision of whether to abolish the department is one that only Congress can make." Democrats and their allies were also quick to warn against dismantling the department, offering a preview of the bigger fight ahead for Trump on an idea thats popular among conservative Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Education Department declined to comment. The White House, Trumps appointees and Musks government-slashing operation have already cut research spending, pruned the agencys workforce and sought to excise diversity programs that have motivated contemporary conservative politics the past several years. But all of those changes merely foreshadow anticipated additional reductions among the agencys rank and file, while the presidents budget proposals are expected to include significant cuts to department funding. While the draft order circulating Wednesday was built atop of weeks of rumors and speculation about the precise timing and nature of the directive, the language of that document viewed by POLITICO had been revised significantly from earlier versions, according to people familiar with the directive who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes the removal of key operational language, dates and deadlines that had been present in a prior draft. The White House declined to comment on the language in draft versions of the order. There has also been a debate among outside White House advisers over whether Trump needs to issue an order to abolish the department at all, people familiar with the matter said. For now, Democrats are left to continue speculating about when Trumps order will arrive. All of us in the community here are going to remain hypervigilant, Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union, said during a Thursday press conference with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and National Education Association President Becky Pringle. Today, the order didn't come out. It could eventually come out. I almost feel like we got a stay of execution today. Jordain Carney, Madina Toure and Megan Messerly contributed to this report. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The man accused of orchestrating the murder of Tupac Shakur insists he is innocent. Duane Keffe D Davis, 61, spoke with 8 News Now from jail five times since September and as recently as Tuesday. I wasnt there. No car, no nothing. I wasnt even in Vegas, Davis said from the Clark County Detention Center. Man linked to Tupac Shakur murder involved in Las Vegas jail fight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A grand jury indicted Duane Keffe D Davis in September 2023. He has remained in custody since his arrest. Davis said he would soon be released from jail during each meeting with 8 News Now. Las Vegas judge approves private investigator in Tupac Shakur murder case Clark County District Court Judge Carlie Kierny set bail at $750,000 with a requirement to know where bail money originated from to make sure Davis could not profit from the criminal case. Davis has publicly said he was sitting in the front passenger seat of the car, which pulled up side-by-side with Shakurs, before the September 1996 shooting near the Las Vegas Strip. Marion Suge Knight, the then-head of Death Row Records, was driving the car with Shakur sitting in the passenger seat. Knight was injured in the shooting. Shakur died from his injuries several days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tupac murder: Keffe D has no immunity, Las Vegas prosecutors say Davis said he granted interviews and admitted involvement in the murder in a book to make money. Davis insisted his constitutional rights are being violated and that he had made a deal for immunity with the federal government years ago. I was never supposed to be put in jail for this, he said. Never. At the time of his arrest, Davis was living in Henderson, had grandchildren, and had fought cancer. Keffe D is really a good person, Davis said. Davis now faces charges after a physical altercation with another inmate. That dude tried to attack me, he said. I tried to defend myself. A jury trial is scheduled for February 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Mar. 7Kalispell Public Schools has launched Empowering Educators, a competitive scholarship program to help employees transition into teaching or obtain needed endorsements for hard-to-fill positions, particularly in special education. The new competitive scholarship program will prioritize employees affected by job cuts. "With all of the shifting there are going to continue to be some open positions that are going to be challenging [to fill] ... . We do recognize that one of the best ways to be able to fill these shortages is investing in the people that we already have," district Special Services Director Chamea Bennett said in a Feb. 25 presentation to the school board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certified and classified employees working part- or full-time may apply. The district will reimburse recipients up to $5,250 annually for a maximum of four years, to further their education or teaching qualifications. Recipients must continue working for the district while receiving scholarship money. Scholarship pathways include earning a bachelor's or master's degree that leads to a Montana teaching license or obtaining endorsements to teach specific subjects, grade levels, or student populations. The endorsements will be key Bennett said, when reassigning employees to different positions. "People will be able to fill one of those positions that they might not be qualified for at this moment," Bennett said. The Empowering Educators scholarship program will be paid for through the Adult Education fund. This budgeted fund contains money from a permissive levy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kalispell program is based off a Bozeman program called Transition to Teaching. "I think this is a wonderful idea," school board trustee Linda Kaps said. For more information, or to apply, email bennettc@sd5.k12.mt.us or call the Special Services Department at 751-3400 extension 3408. Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is seriously considering a run for governor of California and has given herself a deadline to decide. At a pre-Oscars party last weekend, Harris was asked by another partygoer when she would make a decision about jumping into the California governors race. She gave a definitive answer, according to two people with knowledge of the conversation: the end of the summer. And in calls to supporters, allies and trusted aides in recent weeks, Harris has made clear that she plans to make a decision in a few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris timeline, reported here first, is the clearest indication to date that she may enter the race to succeed the termed-out Gavin Newsom in the Golden State. And, allies said, a win would almost certainly take a 2028 presidential run which Harris is still mulling off the table. Harris maintains significant leads in early national polls of the field of possible candidates, yet shes had some frank conversations with advisers and confidants in Washington about how difficult they expect the presidential primary to be. Harris aides note she has long been intrigued by the idea of being the chief executive of the fifth-largest economy in the world and the first Black woman to be governor in America. Harris' public appearances since leaving office point to a politician who sees a future as a Democratic Party leader from one coast or another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last few weeks, she made an appearance at the NAACP Image Awards to accept the Chairmans prize. She is headed to Las Vegas, which is in an early primary state, this weekend for a moderated conversation about artificial intelligence and talking with advisers about other ways to keep her name in the national conversation. Harris has also kept on some of her most senior and trusted aides under her newly formed organization Pioneer49, including chief of staff Sheila Nix and senior advisers Kirsten Allen and Ike Irby. Longtime advisers Brian Nelson and Minyon Moore as well as her White House chief of staff Lorraine Voles all remain key parts of her informal kitchen cabinet. Other top aides in California are waiting for the signal from Harris to engage. Since losing the election, Harris has told all her aides and allies to keep every possible path open. I am staying in this fight, she repeated to allies in phone calls and at private gatherings. Harris has yet to convene formal conversations about a run for governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, the mere prospect of her running for the top job in the state has already sent several California Democratic candidates in the 2026 field for governor looking for other options. State Attorney General Rob Bonta will seek reelection, telling POLITICO he wont run for governor in part because Harris was likely to clear the field if she runs. I hope she does. I have already raised my hand to endorse her, if she does, Bonta said, but I think only Kamala Harris knows the answer. Former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, who is eyeing the race closely, has suggested she would not challenge Harris in the states primary where the leading two candidates, regardless of their party, advance to a November matchup. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, a close Harris ally in California who shares some of the same top consultants, would also stand aside and likely slot into another statewide race if Harris runs. Others like former state Senate leader Toni Atkins, former state Controller Betty Yee and state schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond have long supported Harris. Only former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has suggested he will stay in the race, though even people close to him have shared doubts about those plans. Her name recognition, her favorables, her ability to run a successful campaign would have the impact of clearing the field on the Democratic side," Bonta said. If anyone wants to stay in, will I tell them, You should leave because she's clearing the field? Absolutely not. They can run. I think they'll lose, and I will support her. Former Kansas House Majority Leader Don Hineman said implementing fusion voting in Kansas, which allows more than one political party to nominate the same candidate, would help broaden the perspective of a Republican Party that has grown increasingly intolerant of diverse views. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Former Kansas House Majority Leader Don Hineman finds himself searching for a remedy to the Republican Partys movement away from a framework that anchored GOP role models Dwight Eisenhower, Robert Dole and Nancy Kassebaum. It feels like the center of Kansas and also the American political spectrum has been abandoned by the Republican Party, said Hineman, a Republican who left his southwest Kansas seat in the House six years ago. Those of us, like me who identify as Eisenhower, Dole and Kassebaum Republicans, feel as if they were abandoned as well. Where did my party go? What do I do now? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said one option for drawing the GOP closer to the center would be the return in Kansas to fusion voting, once a common feature of American electoral systems. It would allow more than one political party to nominate the same candidate. If three parties nominated the same individual, the candidates name would appear on ballots three times in association with each nominating party. This approach to coalition building used in Kansas until the early 1900s would determine the winner by combining all votes received by each individual. I believe that fusion voting shows us a path forward a chance at a much brighter future for representative democracy, Hineman told participants at a fusion voting seminar Thursday at Washburn University in Topeka. He said election of candidates through this method would foster alliances with a more diverse groups of supporters and provide elected politicians greater autonomy to make decisions outside demands of leaders in the dominant Republican or Democratic parties. In Kansas, Saline County District Court Judge Jared Johnson dismissed this week a lawsuit filed in July 2024 by United Kansas, a recognized political party in Kansas, to challenge the states prohibition on fusion voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a GOP candidate for governor, submitted the motion to dismiss the case based on interpretation of the Kansas Constitution. Schwab said the idea of fusion voting was illegal. Officials with United Kansas plan to appeal the judges decision to idle the lawsuit. Pretty broken Bill Kristol, editor of the center-right web-based publication The Bulwark and a contributor to CNN and other networks, said he grew up with fusion voting in New York state and was intrigued by how multi-party endorsements could help the electorate find middle ground. He said states should be open to reform such as fusion voting, especially because it didnt require disbanding existing political parties or trigger complex changes in mechanics of voting. The obvious point to make, you know, our politics is pretty broken, Kristol said by video link. We can debate whos responsible for that, but surely we cant really think that the two-party system is working well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kristol was a Republican for 40 years before declaring himself an independent in 2021. He served in the administrations of Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In 2016, he opposed the nomination of Donald Trump, who was elected to a first term as president. Kristol said he voted for Democratic President Joe Biden in 2020 and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in 2024. No longer do the Republican and Democratic parties serve as big-tent organizations skilled at assimilating different groups of people and capable of compromising on finer points of public policy, Kristol said. The two-party system used to work, he said, but dogmatism and authoritarianism has dominated the major parties for the past decade or so. It is striking how rigid the parties have become. The gulf between them has widened and the ability and desire to work across the aisle has lessened, Kristol said. One-party rule Oscar Pocasangre, senior data analyst in the electoral reform section of the New America think tank, said a shortcoming of elective politics was the insufficient number of competitive races. For example, he said, only 8% of the 2024 races for Congress were decided by less than 5 percentage points. In the four Kansas congressional races, winners secured a seat in the U.S. House with double-digit margins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said many areas of the United States essentially had one-party rule, but introduction of fusion voting could produce greater competition if minor parties decided to form coalitions to support independent candidates. Electoral competition is a feature of elections that makes a lot of the good things about democracy work, he said. Electoral competition is how you get accountability. Its how you get disciplined politicians. Without electoral competition elections lose a lot of their meaning. You get to vote, but not much of a choice. Jess Wisneski, co-chair of the New York Working Families Party dedicated to labor and community issues, said the history of fusion voting in New York state showed voters appreciated the chance to maintain allegiance to an alternative party while casting votes for candidates capable of prevailing. In New Yorks 1994 gubernatorial contest, for example, the Republican and Conservative parties aligned with GOP state Sen. George Pataki, while the Democrat and Liberal parties fused for then-Gov. Mario Cuomo. Cuomo won the major-party competition with 2.27 million Democratic votes to Patakis 2.15 million Republican votes. But Pataki upset Cuomo, the 12-year incumbent, by adding 328,000 Conservative Party votes to Cuomos 92,000 votes from the Liberal Party. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The city manager for Kansas City, Missouri is off the job one day after the city lost a whistleblower lawsuit. In a memo from Mayor Quinton Lucas on Thursday, the mayor said he suspended Brian Platt with pay. Lucas did not provide a reason. The city council will take it up formally on March 20. On Wednesday, former city communications directors Chris Hernandez won his lawsuit against the city, in which he alleged Platt declared it was OK to lie to the media. Their disagreement was over a road resurfacing project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hernandez was a TV news reporter in Kansas City before working for the city. Hernandez said Platt demoted him when he pushed back. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Platt joined Kansas City as city manager in December 2020. His current contract runs through 2027. The City released the following statement to FOX4 Thursday: Kansas City respects the leadership of the Mayor and City Council as they navigate this decision. Effective immediately, City Manager Brian Platt is suspended with pay under the guidelines of the City Charter. The City Council will review and take action on this matter at its next meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2025, and an official update will follow. During this time, Deputy City Manager Kimiko Gilmore will step in as Interim City Manager to ensure continuity in city operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. FOX4 will continue to update as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Brian Platt has been suspended from his role as city manager, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced Thursday night. Platt has been suspended with pay effective Thursday, according to Lucas. His suspension comes one day after the former director of communications for the Kansas City government won a whistleblower lawsuit against the city, alleging that Platt demoted him in 2022 because he resisted Platts encouragement to lie to the news media. In a letter to Platt shared with members of the media Thursday night, Lucas wrote that the Kansas City Council will make a decision on Platts employment status during the councils March 20 meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Deputy City Manager Kimiko Gilmore has been promoted to Interim City Manager effective Thursday. Kansas City respects the leadership of the Mayor and City Council as they navigate this decision, city press secretary Sherae Honeycutt wrote in a statement Thursday night. The lawsuit, tried by a Kansas City jury this week, was filed against Platt by former city communications director Chris Hernandez in the fall of 2022. In August 2022, Platt removed Hernandez, a former TV news reporter, from his nine-year role overseeing a 20-member staff that supplied public information to reporters and the public. Hernandez retired from the city in 2023. In the lawsuit, Hernandez alleged that he was forced out because of his unwillingness to lie to the press, which he says Platt suggested during a meeting just before Hernandezs removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial, Platt denied that he had proposed lying to the media, saying that he was trying to lighten the mood during a tense conversation with city communications staff. At the end of the eight-day trial, jurors awarded Hernandez $928,829 in damages. Platt became city manager in 2020. In March 2024, his contract with the city was extended through August 2027 - with a 16% raise - after Platt became a finalist for a city manager role in Austin, Texas. In 2023, five civil rights organizations, including the NAACP and Urban Summit, called for Platts resignation after the forced resignation of Andrea Dortch, the citys director of civil rights and equal opportunity. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. MOSCOW, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The Russia-China relationship is a significant stabilizing factor in global affairs, with both sides making major contributions to the establishment of a more just world order, said Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova. Responding to a question from Xinhua at a daily briefing on Thursday, Zakharova said that as each other's largest neighboring countries, Russia and China maintain a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination characterized by dynamic and vibrant interstate cooperation aimed at achieving sustainable development for both nations and safeguarding their fundamental interests. "Russia-China relations are not directed against third countries. We are not forming military-political alliances. Our friendship is primarily aimed at benefiting our own nations, and ultimately the world as a whole," she said. The partnership is an important stabilizing factor in world affairs, making significant contributions to the democratization of international relations and the multi-polarization of the world order, Zakharova added. Russia and China will resolutely counter any attempts to sow discord in bilateral relations, she said. As this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Zakharova said Russia and China are jointly committed to safeguarding the history of World War II and opposing any distortion of historical narratives. TOPEKA (KSNT) Lawmakers gave their approval for a new bill this spring that would change how elections work in Kansas. Republican Senator Mike Thompson introduced Senate Bill 4 on Jan. 14. If passed into law, the bill would require the return of advance voting ballots by 7 p.m. on the day of an election, ending the current three-day grace period for submission of ballots. Supporters of this legislation say the bill would make sure disputes end at the ballot box. Opponents take the positions this bill would suppress voting rights for many groups, including those who live in rural areas, in assisted living homes and those who live outside the state. Members of the military also rely on advance voting and mail-in ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive served in a lot of places where thats the case, and Ill die to stop that from happening in our country, said Republican Representative Pat Proctor. Squatting could become a crime in Kansas with new bill Democrat Representative Kirk Haskins said other states have a much longer period for citizens to vote. Kentucky even has a public holiday dedicated for elections, a measure Haskins unsuccessfully fought for in Kansas. There is no reason for you to state that things will get better if you remove the votes that come through the grace period, Haskins said. Senate Bill 4 was passed with amendments by the House at a vote of 80-39 on Thursday, Feb. 27. The measure later passed the Senate with amendments at a vote of 30-10 on Thursday, March 6. It is now waiting for a final decision by Governor Laura Kelly who will agree to pass it into law or veto it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. House Majority Leader Chris Croft talks to colleagues during a Feb. 25, 2025, session of the House. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Kansas Republicans returned from last years Republican National Convention dismayed by the partys decision to soften its stance on abortion. The RNC platform would only go so far as to oppose late-term abortion. Part of the problem, as Kansas House Majority Leader Chris Croft explained in a private video meeting with Republicans on July 26, was the ripple effect of Kansas voters overwhelmingly supporting abortion rights in the August 2022 election. Kansas Reflector obtained a recording from the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody was talking about how Kansas lost Value Them Both, and it affected the rest of the country, Croft said during his weekly call with select Johnson County Republicans and invited guests. For Croft, the issue underscored the need for Republicans to preserve their supermajorities in the Kansas House and Senate, which would allow them to overhaul the way Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected. He promised to work on it in the 2025 legislative session, but there was a catch. Remember, the problem last time was we could not agree amongst ourselves what the heck we wanted, Croft said. Do we want to use the federal selection process, or do we want to use election? And we got to get this thing figured out and move forward until we get it done. Kansas voters overwhelmingly supported anti-abortion candidates in November, expanding the GOP supermajorities in both chambers at the Statehouse and setting the stage for an overhaul of the judicial selection process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, the Kansas Senate adopted a resolution that calls for the election of justices to the Kansas Supreme Court by popular vote. The House now has a choice: Accept the Senates resolution, pass an alternative, or table the issue for another year. The stakes, as Croft made clear last July, include abortion rights. Opponents also fear that elected justices could overturn rulings that require adequate and equitable funding of public schools. Senate President Ty Masterson presides over the Senate on March 5, 2025, before debating a resolution to make the Kansas Supreme Court an elected office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Senate Republican leadership took a victory lap Thursday after Senate Concurrent Resolution 1611 passed by a 27-13 vote, with four Republicans joining Democrats in dissent. The resolution, which required 27 votes in the Senate and would require 84 votes in the House, would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot in August 2026 that asks voters to replace the decades-old merit-based selection of justices with direct elections. Under the current system, the Supreme Court Nominating Commission reviews applications for a vacancy and sends three finalists to the governor, who makes the appointment from those three finalists. The commission consists of five attorneys who are elected by attorneys, and four members appointed by the governor. Justices already are subjected to retention votes after they are appointed and again every six years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than a system that consolidates authority in the hands of an elite society of super voters, its time to restore the power to all Kansans, said Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican. Before the vote, 17 organizations issued a joint statement opposing the resolution and supporting the current method for selecting justices. The organizations include the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, Kansas National Education Association, Kansas AFL-CIO, and the Disability Rights Center of Kansas. The statement warned of the likelihood, based on elections in other states, that dark money would dominate the judiciary. SCR 1611 shifts too much power over the selection of Kansas Supreme Court justices to special interests outside the state of Kansas who do not care about the rule of law in our state, the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Senate vote, Rep. Rui Xu, a Westwood Democrat, wrote on X: Republicans are mad that our Supreme Court wanted us to fully fund school and not ban abortions so now they want to change the Supreme Court. House Republican leadership has not publicly indicated whether it will take up the Senates resolution or produce its own. One alternative would be to require Senate confirmation of the governors appointments. When Croft, an Overland Park Republican, brought the issue up in July, he lamented that nobody in the Legislature gets a vote on those appointments. Thats gotta be fixed, he said. In a new motion filed Friday by Karen Reads defense team, her lawyers entered new exhibits to support their motion to dismiss the case for extraordinary governmental misconduct. The filing includes a corrected version of the inverted interior sallyport garage video, a photograph of condition of Reads right taillight in the sallyport garage after Trooper Michael Proctor and others at the Canton Police Department had access to it, and several photographs of the reconstruction of the the taillight with pieces recovered from 34 Fairview Road. During Wednesday's hearing in the Karen Read case, the defense argued their "Motion to Dismiss for Extraordinary Governmental Misconduct" To supplement that argument, the defense has entered new exhibits including photos, videos, and previous testimony: pic.twitter.com/Tibphif3Si Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) March 7, 2025 Everything you need to know about the Karen Read murder trial Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proctor was the lead investigator assigned to the death of Reads Boston police officer boyfriend John OKeefe. Proctor came under fire for a series of disparaging texts he sent regarding Read, which he read aloud in court during witness testimony. He was relieved of his duty, without pay this past summer following a mistrial in the Read case. Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor shows the jury a broken tail light while testifying, Monday, June 10, 2024, at Norfolk Superior Court, in Dedham, Mass., during the trial for Karen Read. Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, in 2022. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) Regarding the sallyport video, Reads lawyers specifically point to a 34 second clip during which time Trooper Proctor approaches and has unfettered access to the right rear taillight of Ms. Reads SUV. They also highlight an unidentified individual apparate and then disappear from the frame near the right rear taillight. The defense contends the one of the interior back wall sallyport camera was manipulated with due to a different colored chyron than the 1/29/22 inverted video produced to the defense on April 4, 2024 from the same camera. Reads lawyers also filed a motion Friday to admit Mark A. Bederow as part of the defense counsel for her upcoming retrial. Bederow currently represents controversial blogger Aidan Kearney, also known as Turtleboy, on three criminal cases in the state, which includes witness tampering in Reads murder case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Reads defense team and prosecutors argued over her motion to dismiss the case. Defense attorney Alan Jackson repeatedly asserted that the prosecution engaged in bad police work rooted in bad faith. He claimed that evidence, including videos of Reads Lexus, had been hidden and manipulated, and Jackson even alleged that potential jury tampering occurred during Reads first trial. Norfolk County Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan blasted Reads lawyers for allegedly creating a false narrative and shifting blame. Read is accused of hitting John OKeefe, her boyfriend at the time, with her Lexus SUV on Jan. 29, 2022, and leaving him to die after a night of drinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense has sought to portray Read as the victim, saying OKeefe was actually killed inside the Albert family home and then dragged outside and left for dead. Judge Beverly Cannone will rule on the motion to dismiss ahead of Reads trial scheduled in April. Jury selection for the trial is expected to begin on April 2. Karen Read tells her story in exclusive one-on-one interview: Ive been framed Both of Fridays filings can be read in full below: Karen Read Supp Exhibits for Motion to Dismiss by Boston 25 Desk on Scribd Karen Read Motion for Admission of Bederow by Boston 25 Desk on Scribd 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 HUTCHINSON (KSNT) A Kansas man serving time at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility died at a hospital earlier this week. David Thompson with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) announced in a press release on March 7 that Devon M. Stutesman, 24, was found unresponsive in his call on Saturday, March 1. KDOC staff attempted to keep him alive while emergency medical services arrived who transported him to a local hospital. Stutesman died the afternoon of Monday, March 3. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating this case per state law. Stutesman was serving a 122-month prison sentence for convictions of possession and distribution of heroin and attempt to traffic firearms into a correction facility in Lyon County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jury deliberates verdict in Dana Chandler murder trial 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 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Kansas City Manager Brian Platts job is in jeopardy and it should be. He must be held accountable for questionable behavior at City Hall that led to a near-million dollar judgment against the city. In a stunning announcement Thursday evening, Mayor Quinton Lucas informed Platt via a letter that he was suspended with pay effective immediately. In consultation with my City Council colleagues, I write to inform you that you have been suspended with pay from your position as City Manager, effective immediately, Lucas wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Platt will learn his fate at the next City Council meeting on March 20, according to Lucas letter. We think this is the right step. We trust that the council members will treat this with the gravity it deserves. Late Thursday, we asked a spokeswoman for the Mayors office why the City Council took this action but had not heard back before publication. Lucas appointed Deputy City Manager Kimiko Gilmore to serve as interim City Manager, according to correspondence he sent to Platt. The City Council will ratify or reject this determination or take other action at its next scheduled meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2025, Lucas wrote to Platt. Within one day of the meeting you will be provided with notification of the City Councils action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve questioned whether Platt was fit to manage city affairs since we learned he told staffers its OK to lie to the media. But we cant be any more clear: City officials lying to the media is wrong. Retaliating against a whistleblower who pushed back against this asinine policy is worse. Platt, his associates at City Hall and even Lucas learned this lesson the hard way. And this haphazard approach to media relations will come at a steep cost to city taxpayers almost $1 million was awarded to former city Communication Director Chris Hernandez. Its also an affront to the very community our officials are supposed to look out for. And make no mistake: We do not condemn these actions as aggrieved, self-important journalists. Our concern is for the public trust, which has been violated by an official serving at the highest levels in city government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, a Jackson County jury found credible evidence that Platt retaliated against Hernandez and demoted him for standing up to Platts unethical mandate that lying to the media was acceptable. Hernandez made these claims in a 2022 whistleblower lawsuit. After an eight-day trial, the jury unanimously sided with the former city employee. As we did when we first learned of Hernandezs lawsuit, The Star Editorial Board unequivocally disagrees with this approach to media relations. Simply put: Not telling reporters the truth is bad public policy. Because of Platts actions, the jury awarded Hernandez $928,829 in back pay and damages. Verdict warrants a closer look Lucas should not be absolved of blame here, either. He testified during this trial that he was on board with Platts decision to reassign Hernandez to a dead-end position in city government, The Star reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a more pressing issue at City Hall is how employees such as Hernandez and others have been treated, said 1st District Councilman at Large Kevin ONeill. We spoke with ONeill prior to Platts suspension. Another former employee, ex-civil rights and equal opportunity director Andrea Dorch, sued Platt and the city for race- and age-based discrimination last year. That case has yet to be adjudicated but we will surely keep a close eye on developments there. We as a council must have a serious discussion as to how we go forward, ONeill wrote in an email to this board. We have tremendous momentum in KCMO and I want to keep that momentum going. However, this verdict warrants a closer look and discussion at how our city manager interacts with our employees. Platt was hired in 2020. Since then, Kansas Citys legal payouts have increased from about $9.3 million per year to more than $13 million annually, according to 3rd District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She cited data presented during a finance committee meeting Wednesday. Not all of these claims can be tied to personnel issues, but a majority of them can, Robinson said via text message before we learned of Platts punishment. While I wont go into personnel matters, taxpayer funded legal claims have ballooned to more than $13 million annually, Robinson said. This is something the council should take a hard look at and address with a sense of urgency. This is not just about cost containment and a line item on the budget. There are real people behind these numbers. We as elected officials are ultimately responsible for these outcomes. From our vantage point, nothing has changed: Platt and staff must abandon questionable practices such as these inside City Hall. If not, maybe its in his best interest and the publics to look for employment elsewhere. Depending on how things shake out in the coming days and weeks, he may have no other choice. We all must question if the heavy-handed tactics deployed by Platt and others at the city managers office is worth the cost of doing business. TOPEKA (KSNT) Laura Burton with the Kansas Childrens Discovery Center joins the 27 News Morning crew with a live bridge science demonstration. The center will stay open on Monday for spring break this year and have new activities for the first week off of school on March 17. KBOE to vote to remove controversial Kansas high school graduation requirement For more details, watch the interview above or head to their website here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe is defending his stance on the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, saying the move would remove politics from the governing of the crime-stricken city. In an exclusive, one-on-one interview with Kehoe, the Republican said its not going to be a board made up of people from outside of St. Louis. Its interesting when people say state control because the board members are made up of the mayor and four city residents, Kehoe told FOX 2. And so it really is control of the local residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP governor, who is from north St. Louis, says the model in place before the 2013 swapping of power worked for the citizens and the police officers of the St. Louis. We think its a good model to have happen, he said. Were taking politics out of that. When asked about the future of St. Louis Police Chief Robert Tracy, Kehoe signaled support for the chief, saying Tracy is moving the department in the right direction. When asked directly if Tracys job was in jeopardy, Kehoe simply replied, I hope not. Im a big fan of Robert Tracy, Kehoe said. Chief Tracy has done a great job for our city police and the men and women of public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News In a wide-ranging interview with FOX 2, Kehoe also touched on how hes handling the first few months of his new job. Its going great, the former senator and first term governor said. The atmosphere in the Legislature is much different than Ive seen in years past. When asked about public dollars being used to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals on the Missouri side of the stateline, Kehoe said its more than stadiums and fanbases. Weve said all along that the Chiefs and Royals are really economic development engines for the Kansas City region and for many parts of our state, by the way, Kehoe said. We want to look at this as an economic development opportunity to maintain that business in the state of Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has to be a good return on investment for Missouri taxpayer dollars, and I think thats the ground floor. When asked specifically how lawmakers plan to sell this plane to people from St. Louis or Joplin, the governor maintained the economic investment will be good for all Missourians. Its got to be the good return on investment no matter what part of the state you live in, he said. Lawmakers are set to have a busy week before they head out on Spring Break, with bills relating to St. Louis Police and tax cuts likely to be voted on by the General Assembly. Friday, Kehoe travels to St. Louis to receive an award from his high school alma mater, Chaminade Preparatory School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very honoring for me to be able to go there, he said. I went (to school at Chaminade) on a work scholarship. Kehoe will receive the inaugural Spirit of Chaminade Award. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. WACO, Texas (FOX 44) With the Lego Brick Convention coming to Waco this weekend, teachers and librarians at Kendrick Elementary are using Lego Education to improve students S.T.E.M. and social skills. So what the Legos are doing, when theyre learning their basic STEM skills, like coding and engineering, but theyre also learning about just basic life skills, how to communicate with each other, how to work together as a team, says school librarian Emily Derosier. Second grade students were broken up into teams of three and went through five stations all with different tasks falling under science, technology, engineering, and math. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naila Gonzales, a student in the class, mentioned her favorite station was the Legos controlled by a computer. At this station, students were being taught how to input codes on their computer that would instruct the Legos to move in whatever pattern they programmed. It felt kind of interesting, because I never saw like a Lego controlled by a computer, Gonzales explained. As the students worked together to solve their Lego worksheets, Ms. Derosier expressed her excitement for the learning experience. Their enjoyment, their excitement about using Legos, something that theyre used to, but using it in a more educational setting, she explained. The Lego Education activity is not only secluded to second-grade students, but is used within all grade levels at Kendrick Elementary School. As the school year continues, Derosier plans to keep developing lessons through the Lego Education with the help of the teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. OSLO, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Norwegian parliament on Thursday agreed to increase the country's support for Ukraine in 2025, with an additional allocation of 50 billion Norwegian kroner (4.59 billion U.S. dollars). The extra funding brings Norway's total contribution to Ukraine for this year to 85 billion Norwegian kroner, and to 205 billion Norwegian kroner for the period up to 2030. "A broad political agreement has been reached in the Storting (the Norwegian parliament) to substantially increase Norway's support for Ukraine," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said in a statement. (1 Norwegian kroner = 0.092 U.S. dollar) HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) A constitutional amendment has been introduced in Kentucky that would limit a governors power to grant pardons. The bill was heard by a house committee today. The bills authors say it would change Kentuckys constitution to prevent the governor from issuing pardons beginning 30 days before a general election. That ban would continue until inauguration in December. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) Thursday was an emotional time for members of the Kentucky Senate Judiciary Committee who voted on a bill to get tougher on those who violate emergency protective orders (EPOs) in Kentucky. Mary Ann Pratt told her story on Thursday in support of a bill that would escalate the third conviction of violating an EPO from a misdemeanor to a class D felony. Bill giving schools time to make up for lost days gets approval despite changes: Heres what lawmakers added Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pratt told the committee about numerous attacks as well as threats she was subjected to from her husband since late 2022. How many times do I have to go through this? Pratt asked. Ill worry when he gets out. Whats it going to be? Is it going to be just a little? Im posting. I love you a post, or is it going to be Im going to kill you.' Read more of the latest Kentucky news The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill on Thursday. It is now on its way to the full Kentucky Senate for debate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) A ceremony was held on Thursday in Frankfort, marking five years since the first COVID-19 case was reported in Kentucky. On March 6, 2020, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency. It was just 10 days later that businesses, venues, and other parts of Kentuckys infrastructure began to shut down, and the daily lives of residents drastically changed. 2 arrested in connection with rape, strangulation at University of Kentucky Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to state officials, since the start of the pandemic, COVID-19 has contributed to the deaths of more than 20,450 Kentuckians. COVIDs long shadow touched all of our lives, Gov. Beshear said at the ceremony. You dont lose that many people in a span of only about three years, more than we lost in World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the Korean War put together. We lost more Kentuckians in that one period than we had more than all of those wars combined. You dont suffer that level of loss and not feel it deeply. Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health, highlighted the spirit of community that helped Kentucky fight the pandemic. As we commemorate five years since COVID-19 changed all our lives, I encourage us to take heart that by being kind, caring and compassionate to each other, we did get through it, and most importantly, we got through it together. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beshear encouraged Kentuckians not only to honor the lives that were lost during the COVID-19 pandemic but to continue caring for fellow community members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Kenyas ruling and main opposition parties have signed an agreement that will see both sides involved in critical government policy making in what critics have described as an attempt to silence opposition. President William Ruto and main opposition leader Raila Odinga signed the agreement on Friday as their supporters held a march around the capital, Nairobi. Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, said Fridays pact was not a new political formation but an agreement that would help build the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruto, who leads the United Democratic Alliance, said leaders had always made politically correct decisions and not those that are good for the people of Kenya. He hailed Odinga for always making difficult decisions for the interest of other Kenyans. So basically theres no opposition party in parliament in Kenya? political analyst Nanjala Nyabola posted on X. The opposition Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka wrote on X that Fridays pact was the biggest betrayal of Kenyans. It is the fourth time Odinga a five time election loser - has signed a pact with a ruling president. Odinga and Ruto said their pact was not aimed at distributing government positions amongst the two parties, but instead it provided a framework for consultations on issues that affect Kenyans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Odinga said it would help ease tension in our country and that the opposition had realized that it was not enough to stand aside and criticize. We commit to hold regular consultations on pressing issues, Odinga said. The opposition in Kenya has been criticized for being quiet as the government increased taxes and cracked down on young anti-government protesters in June 2024. In February, Odinga ran and lost the African Union chairperson bid to Djiboutis Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, a move that created uncertainty over Odingas political future. Marty Makary, a career surgeon and President Trumps nominee to run the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), faced senators in his confirmation hearing on Thursday, aligning himself with the Make America Healthy Again agenda but stopping short of outright endorsing some recent, controversial decisions. Makarys hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, like the hearing for Jay Bhattacharya for the National Institutes of Health the day before, was relatively tame, especially compared to the confirmation process of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. A public policy researcher and professor at Johns Hopkins University, Makary was a prominent skeptic of COVID-19 lockdowns and frequently appeared on Fox News during the pandemic. He leaned on his career in research when making his case before the committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe in the scientific process. In addition, I also believe that we can use common sense, Makary said in his opening remarks. President Trump and Secretary Kennedys focus on healthy foods has galvanized a grassroots movement in America. Childhood obesity is not a willpower problem, and the rise of early-onset Alzheimers is not a genetic cause. We should be and we will be addressing food as it impacts our health. Democrats hammered Makary on recent moves by the Trump administration to cut FDA staff and pressed him on plans to exercise his authority over drugs such as the abortion pill mifepristone. Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) left before the question portion of the hearing began, but said in his remarks that it does not matter who the next FDA commissioner is. I think everybody on this committee and the people of America understand who is running the government, referring to Elon Musk. Here are three key takeaways from the hearing: Makary says he will resume vaccine committee meetings Since Kennedy was confirmed as HHS secretary, the FDA abruptly cancelled a meeting dedicated to discussing the next influenza vaccine strains, without any given reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) lamented this development, saying it went backwards on Kennedys promises of transparency. Cassidy asked Makary how he would ensure transparency if confirmed as FDA commissioner. I was not involved in that decision. Certainly, if confirmed, once in office, you have my commitment to take a look at it. As you know that [Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC)] takes a look at guidance and recommendations from international groups such as the [Global Influenza Programme] International Consortium, Makary said. The FDA nominee, however, appeared to take issue with the influence that the World Health Organizations Global Influenza Programme has on the U.S.s flu vaccine policy, speaking in favor of U.S. independence from such international groups. When pressed by senators on both sides of the aisle on the canceled meeting, Makary repeatedly distanced himself, stating he was not involved in that decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) asked if he would reconvene the VRBPAC meeting if confirmed, to which he said, The VRBPAC committee will be meeting if confirmed and Im commissioner, yes. Commits to independent scientific review of key abortion drug If confirmed, Makary stands to have enormous influence over access to drugs in the U.S. including the mifepristone, one of two drugs commonly taken for medical abortions. According to Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Makary had said in a meeting in her office that he was clear on the overwhelming scientific conclusion about the safety of this medication. He did not confirm these remarks on Thursday, instead responding that the FDAs risk evaluation and mitigation strategy requires ongoing data collection and that he wouldnt prejudge the data before looking at it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically citing mifepristone, which was approved for use in abortions in 2000, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) asked Makary if he would commit to upholding science and evidence-based drug approvals for all FDA approved products. Sen. Murray, you have my commitment to come to follow the independent scientific review process at the FDA, which is a tried-and-true process and that has been around, and so that is my commitment to you, Makary said. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) doubled down on the issue, challenging Makary on his claim that he will remain an independent scientist amid heightened political rhetoric on abortion. I have no preconceived plans to make changes to the mifepristone policy, Makary told Hassan, though he speculated there may be unidentified drug interactions that the FDA could identify in the future. Happy to look at rehiring fired FDA employees As with the decision to cancel the FDAs flu vaccine meeting, Makary also distanced himself from the recent department layoffs, repeating that he was not involved in those decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FDA employees were among thousands of probationary workers fired from the HHS last month, however, some employees overseeing areas including medical devices and food ingredients were hired back days later. Collins noted that many FDA employees are not paid with taxpayer dollars, their salaries instead funded through user fee agreements. Makary stated he would conduct an assessment of the staffing and personnel at the agency. He gave a similar response to Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) when she directly asked if he would rehire the fired FDA scientists, such as those who were working on the bird flu response. Alsobrooks argued firing FDA staffers for the sake of saving taxpayer dollars made no sense, since entire offices in some cases are paid with money derived from user fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Makary was non-committal, saying, if an employee has not logged on to their VPN in two years, then I dont want to rehire that individual. But if there are people that deserve a look, of course Im happy to look at that. The layoffs have been carried out by the Department of Government Efficiency. Trump on Thursday reportedly told his cabinet staff that they are fully in charge of their respective departments and do not have to cede control to Musk and DOGE. Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) said the understaffing at FDA was causing chaos and a serious morale issue. He questioned how Makary would ensure the FDA would retain its status as upholding the gold standard of science around the world if it didnt have enough inspectors on staff. After first repeating that he wasnt involved in such decisions, Makary said he would conduct an ongoing assessment to ensure that the scientists and food director have all the resources they need to do their job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (NewsNation) After being missing for seven years, Abdul Aziz Khan has been located, but law enforcement says it will still take time before he is reunited with his father. Khan was 7 when he was taken by his mother and stepfather during a custody battle. The family had been on the run until they were located in Colorado last month. Douglas County, Colorado, Sheriff Darren Weekly joined NewsNation to discuss the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Significant tip in 1958 Martin Family disappearance prompts underwater search He said deputies quickly began to unravel the story provided by Khans mother and stepfather when they were questioned by police. Officers had been called after a homeowner saw them make an entry into a home that was up for sale, though it isnt clear why they were there since they did have an apartment in a nearby city. Weekly said it would take time to get Khan back home. When I met with dad, he told me he actually hasnt seen Aziz for nine years, Weekly said. This is the only life that Aziz has known, so its going to be baby steps to get them back up to that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the process is underway, and Khans father has come to Colorado to facilitate the process. Missing family blames mad honey psychosis for disappearance Weekly told NewsNation that both Khan and another child who was found with him are in good health, and the second child is still being identified. In the meantime, he said the kids are in good hands with the states Department of Human Services, and deputies on the scene worked to make them comfortable when they were found. They went to a neighbors house, got these kids food, Weekly said. They were watching Peppa Pig and Blues Clues with these kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) Mayor of Kinston Don Hardy was recently appointed to the National League of Cities Military Communities Council. Hardy will serve a one-year term with the council, helping a diverse group of local leaders develop and guide programs that are beneficial to communities that share demographics, size or location. Hardy was appointed by NLC President Steve Patterson, the Mayor of Athens, Ohio. Being appointed to the Military Communities Council at the National League of Cities by Mayor, President Patterson is an incredible honor and a vital opportunity for Kinston and the surrounding communities. said Mayor Don Hardy. As Mayor and a veteran, I understand the unique challenges our military families and veterans face. This appointment allows me to advocate for stronger resources, better support systems, and policies that enhance economic opportunities, housing, and healthcare for those who have served. Kinstons voice will be heard on a national level, ensuring that we continue to build a community that honors and supports our military families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Patterson added that Mayor Hardy will help to ensure that these communities will have the resources needed to, lift up their communities and improve the lives of their residents. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) A kitchen fire caused two residents to be displaced Thursday evening. Around 5 p.m., firefighters were called to the 5900 block of Sorrel Tree Road for the blaze. The fire was caused when a man was cooking in the kitchen and caught some paper on fire. The paper was thrown in the trash after the fire was thought to be put out, but the fire ignited in the trash can, Rockford Fire reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The home was deemed unsafe for living by Rockfords Building Department after the incident. The Red Cross is assisting the two residents who were displaced. The blaze caused $24,000 in damages but no one was injured. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Few cities have experienced a sharper economic change of fortune than Detroit. It was one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation between 1900 and 1950. In the nearly 75 years since then, it has lost over 60% of its population, becoming the defining example of a postindustrial city in decline. Chronic population loss creates a significant mismatch in the housing market. An ongoing reduction in the demand for housing leads to an oversupply of vacant properties. Vacant properties can quickly deteriorate due to neglect, arson, vandalism and crime. Shuttered and repossessed homes line the streets of a middle-class neighborhood on the East side of Detroit. Charles Ommanney via Getty Images Rehabilitating abandoned and neglected properties is often not possible. It can take just a few years for vacant homes to transition from being habitable to blighted. What should policymakers do with the growing unwanted inventory? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One option is to do nothing and wait for real estate developers to clean up the parcels and hopefully rebuild. In the absence of private sector action, which often fails to take hold, city officials may implement policies to remove blighted properties and stabilize neighborhoods. Thats what Detroit has been doing since 1974. As a result, 17% of the citys land area is now composed of vacant land where houses once stood. As a group of economists who study municipal finance of cities experiencing population decline, we took a deep look at the success of razing blighted properties in Detroit. Detroit removes thousands of blighted homes Between 2014 and 2019, the city demolished 20,800 blighted properties through the Detroit Demolition Program. The heaviest concentration of demolitions occurred in the lowest-valued areas of the city such as the Brightmoor, Burbank and Midwest neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 2014 to 2019, many of the demolitions were funded by the federal governments Hardest Hit Fund. The goals of the fund are to help reduce homeowner foreclosures and stabilize neighborhoods. This fund spent US$52 million tearing down homes in Detroit. As with any government intervention, it is critical to evaluate costs and benefits so leaders can be sure they are implementing the most effective revitalization strategy. Costs and benefits of demolition Research demonstrates that demolitions not only eliminate blight, they also stabilize neighborhood housing values, improve property tax compliance, reduce crime and eliminate toxic materials such as asbestos and lead paint. From the perspective of city finances, the success of razing a property can be assessed in two ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, does it increase the value of nearby properties? A study that two of us published in 2017 answered this question in the affirmative: Tearing down an abandoned building in Detroit does increase the value of nearby properties by a small amount: $162. Second, how do changes in the value of those nearby properties affect Detroits property tax revenue? If property values increase, property taxes increase too, so it is possible to calculate how long it takes for the city to recoup its costs. On average, demolishing a blighted structure in Detroit costs $21,556. In the case of Detroit during the period examined, our research shows the benefits of the program in terms of increased property values are limited and do not fully cover the demolition costs. Even if you optimistically assume the benefits of demolition extend to properties as far as about 2 blocks away, the increase in property tax revenue generated from the demolition is too small to cover demolition costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To understand why, imagine drawing a circle around the razed property with a radius of about 0.125 miles, which is how we defined 2 city blocks, and then examining the change in property value and tax revenue of the properties within the circle. While removing a blighted property is a win in many other ways, it doesnt have much effect on neighboring home values. Our findings indicate that vacant lots also have a negative effect on the property values of surrounding homes. For example, for homes within 2 city blocks, the net effect of a demolition without redevelopment is an increase in neighboring home prices of $162. In this case, it would take 50 years for money collected via property taxes to equal the costs of demolition. Its hard to say what happens if the lot is redeveloped because so few are. If you measure the effect using smaller rings around the razed property, full cost recovery times get even longer. State and federal assistance Yet over the long run, these demolitions are essential for maintaining quality of life and positioning the city for future redevelopment. Some would argue that it is the role of government to pay for programs like this in struggling cities. Under President George W. Bush, for example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which included funds for the demolition of blighted structures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal Hardest Hit Fund covered many of the demolitions in Detroit from 2014 to 2019. When that program ended, city voters showed their enthusiasm for removing blighted properties by approving Proposal N, a $250 million Detroit-funded plan to continue the demolition program. However, additional property taxes to cover demolition costs may further put the city at competitive disadvantage in the region, nationally and globally. Detroit already has among the highest property taxes in the country. Allowing the state to foot the bill would keep property taxes affordable, but support for such programs is mixed in the state Capitol in Lansing due to resource constraints and the fact that other Michigan cities such as Flint have also struggled with declines in population. Lessons learned from Detroits razing Detroit and other postindustrial American cities such as Cleveland, Ohio, and Gary, Indiana, have experienced population declines in recent decades, but these challenges are by no means exclusively a United States phenomenon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout history, cities such as Rome have experienced enormous drops in population. Paris lost population in medieval times. Some ancient cities such as Carthage and Petra have been fully abandoned. In the coming years, Japan, Korea and a number of European countries are on track to experience significant population decline. Many resource-dependent cities in China have the same problem. That means lessons learned from Detroit may be helpful to policymakers in other places. Many leaders in Detroit did not imagine that the population would decline over decades, and they didnt plan for that happening. Other cities have an opportunity to prepare. They can start by diversifying their economies and city revenue streams so that government has the funding to step in and ensure that quality of life is maintained as population shrinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Mark Skidmore, Michigan State University; Camila Alvayay Torrejon, Universidad Catolica del Norte, and Dusan Paredes Araya, Michigan State University Read more: Mark Skidmore receives funding from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Camila Alvayay-Torrejon receives funding from Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Dusan Paredes Araya receives funding from Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. BUDAPEST, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Hungary has reported its first case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in more than 50 years, the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nebih) announced on Friday, following its detection at a cattle farm in the northwest of the country. The outbreak was identified earlier this month at a farm in Kisbajcs, which houses around 1,400 cattle. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the highly contagious viral disease, prompting authorities to impose immediate restrictions. Hungary's chief veterinary officer has ordered the closure of the affected farm and launched an investigation to trace the source of the infection, Nebih said. Strict control measures have been introduced to prevent the spread of the disease, including a ban on transporting susceptible animals and related products. FMD primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, and blisters on the mouth and feet. While the virus "very rarely spreads to humans," Nebih noted, outbreaks among livestock can cause severe economic losses due to its rapid transmission and mandatory culling policies. "In the event of a confirmed case, all cloven-hoofed animals on the farm must be destroyed," Nebih said, adding that the process of eradicating the infected herd and identifying the source of the virus is underway. Authorities have urged farmers to follow strict biosecurity protocols and immediately report any suspected cases. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Rising country star Emily Ann Roberts is playing two shows at the Bijou Theatre in November after the first one sold out in record time. This will be the Knoxville natives first time headlining in the city since her sold-out Cant Hide Country album release show in 2023. I am so blown away by my hometown! I cant sleep at night thinking folks didnt get a chance to get tickets so I knew we had to add a 2nd night. We are gonna do everything we can do to make these shows as special as the fans have made us feel selling it out!!! said Roberts. Knoxville to host WWE Smackdown in May featuring Tiffany Stratton, Cody Rhodes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These performances will mark the end of Roberts ongoing tour, which kicked off on March 7 in Boston. The tour will take her across the United States and include stops in New York, South Carolina and Nevada. She is also preparing to release her new single, Scratching Out A Living on March 14. Tickets can be bought for the November 7 performance here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B00625CBA667A84. Emily Ann Roberts performs Easy Does It on Living East Tennessee The additional show comes on the heels of a whirlwind year for the artist, during which she has shared the stage with Blake Shelton, Clint Black, Cody Johnson, and Megan Moroney. In an interview on Living East Tennessee, Roberts shared insights into her busy schedule, reflecting on how much she has done from touring to song writing. She also announced the sold out Bijou show during her appearance on Living East Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Russia has rejected the possibility of any concessions in future peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has stated that it will not make compromises, denied the possibility of deploying peacekeepers in Ukraine and dismissed the prospect of a ceasefire through talks. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: During a visit to the Moscow branch of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation on 6 March, Russia's ruler Vladimir Putin emphasised that Russia will not "give in to anyone" and intends to achieve peace conditions that will provide it with long-term guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Putin has also declared 2025 the 'Year of the Defender of the Fatherland' underlining Putin's efforts to prioritise militarising Russian society and rallying support behind Russia's war effort in Ukraine in 2025. Putin stated that Russia 'will not give up' its 'own' territory in future peace negotiations likely referring to illegally annexed territory in occupied Ukraine." Details: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated at a press conference that Moscow will not consider any initiatives to deploy European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. According to Lavrov, such actions would be tantamount to the deployment of NATO forces and therefore Russia would consider this move to be direct involvement of the Alliance in the war. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also stressed that any proposals that might give Ukraine a "respite" on the battlefield are unacceptable to the Kremlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, Lavrov emphasised that Russia will insist on taking into account the so-called "root causes" of the war, which, as he claims, include halting NATO expansion and security guarantees for Russia. He claimed that US President Donald Trump understands these demands, whereas European countries are ignoring them. Quote: "Russian officials often invoke the concept of 'root causes' to allude to their demands for NATO to abandon its open-door policy and to blame the West and Ukraine for Putin's decision to invade Ukraine." To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 6 March: Russian leader Vladimir Putin and other Kremlin officials explicitly rejected making any concessions in future peace negotiations or accepting any US, European, or Ukrainian peace proposals and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the possibility of a negotiated ceasefire on 6 March. Russian officials will likely take advantage of the suspension of US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine to spread a longstanding Russian information operation meant to falsely portray Russian victory as inevitable. The Kremlin welcomed a Trump administration official's recent comments mischaracterising Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine as a "proxy war", and Russian media portrayed the statement as an admission that the United States is a participant in the war. US and Ukrainian delegations will conduct bilateral meetings in Saudi Arabia next week. Ukrainian opposition politicians rejected the possibility of holding elections in Ukraine before the end of the war. European countries continue to announce new military assistance packages and other measures to support the Ukrainian military. Ukrainian forces recently advanced on the Pokrovsk front and Russian forces recently advanced on the Kupiansk, Borova, Siversk, Pokrovsk and Kurakhove fronts. Russian leader Vladimir Putin attempted to assuage Russian fears about conscripts going to war amid continued reports that Russian military units are forcing conscripts to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD). Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Dmitry Antonov and Lucy Papachristou MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Friday that it was essential to engage in a dialogue with the United States on arms control after President Donald Trump made a broad call for the world's nuclear powers to ditch their weapons. The Kremlin said these discussions should also include Europe's nuclear arsenals, especially after French President Emmanuel Macron this week suggested extending the protection of France's nuclear weapons to other countries on the continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who has pledged to make denuclearisation a goal in his second term, said on Thursday: "It would be great if everybody got rid of their nuclear weapons". He added: "I know Russia and us have by far the most. China will have an equal amount within 4-5 years. It would be great if we could all denuclearise because the power of nuclear weapons is crazy." Asked about Trump's comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "Dialogue between Russia and the U.S. on arms control is necessary, especially concerning strategic stability." He said European nuclear arsenals could not be ignored in this dialogue. The issue, he added, had gained greater urgency since Macron's speech on Wednesday in which he floated the idea of extending a French nuclear umbrella to other countries and called Russia "a threat for France and Europe". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has said the speech contained threats towards it and "notes of nuclear blackmail". The Kremlin has called it highly confrontational and said France was staking a claim to "nuclear leadership in Europe". Russia and the United States are the world's biggest nuclear powers, with over 5,000 nuclear warheads each. China has about 500, France has 290 and Britain 225, according to the Federation of American Scientists. A U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty that caps the number of strategic nuclear warheads both countries can deploy is due to run out in February 2026. A senior Russian official warned last month that the outlook for extending the treaty, New START, did not look "very promising". Trump said in February he wanted to have conversations with both Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping about imposing limits on their nuclear arsenals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He gave no specific timeline for these discussions, but said he hoped to get started in the "not too distant future." (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) In response to the European Unions newly announced rearmament initiative, Russia has signalled plans to bolster its own defence. "All this militarization is directed primarily against Russia," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday, according to the Russian news agency Interfax. Moscow views the EU's initiative as a potential threat and will take necessary steps to safeguard its security, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EUs decision to ramp up military capabilities came during an emergency summit on Thursday. A key proposal discussed was the ReArm Europe plan, introduced by the European Commission earlier this week, which aims to mobilize nearly 800 billion to beef up EU defences. By Dmitry Antonov and Mark Trevelyan MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia and the U.S. both see draft accords discussed by Moscow and Kyiv in the early weeks of the war as a possible basis for a Ukraine peace deal, the Kremlin said on Friday, though Ukraine's president has previously rejected them as unacceptable. The draft documents - discussed at talks in Istanbul at the end of March 2022 - would have obliged Ukraine to give up its NATO ambitions and accept permanent neutral and nuclear-free status, in return for security guarantees from the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France - the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the two sides disagreed over Russian demands, which included a right of veto over actions by the guarantor states to assist Ukraine in the event of an attack. "There were very, very, what I'll call cogent and substantive negotiations, framed in something that's called the Istanbul protocol agreement," U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN last month. "We came very, very close to signing something, and I think we'll be using that framework as a guidepost to get a peace deal done between Ukraine and Russia." Asked about Russia's position on the Istanbul draft, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In Washington, we have also heard statements that this could become a basis, a starting point for negotiations. And, of course, President (Vladimir) Putin said that the negotiations could have the Istanbul Agreements as a starting point." Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said last week that Kyiv had not received any proposals from the U.S. to use the Istanbul documents as a basis for peace negotiations. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as recently as December rejected the Istanbul approach, describing it as an ultimatum requiring his country's surrender. UKRAINIAN FEARS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fast-moving push by President Donald Trump to mend U.S. ties with Russia and bring a swift end to the three-year war has raised fears in Kyiv and among its European allies that Ukraine's interests could be sacrificed. Those fears have intensified in the past week, after Trump berated Zelenskiy in a bitter clash at the White House, and then paused U.S. military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv. Among other points of disagreement in the 2022 negotiations was Russia's demand for deep cuts to the size of Ukraine's armed forces and the number of its tanks, missiles, warplanes and other weapons. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War wrote in an analysis last month that the terms of the Istanbul protocol draft would have left Ukraine helpless to defend itself against any future threat from Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is thus entirely incompatible with the current stated U.S. policy and cannot be the basis or guidepost for negotiations that amount to anything other than capitulation to Russias pre-war demands," it said. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov in Moscow, Mark Trevelyan in London and Yuliia Dysa in Gdansk; Editing by Gareth Jones) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has accepted an invitation to the celebrations in Moscow for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Russia announced on Friday. Vucic also plans to send a formation from the Serbian armed forces to participate in the military parade on Moscow's Red Square, the Kremlin said after a telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vucic. Russia celebrates May 9 as Victory Day in World War II, which it refers to as the "Great Patriotic War." Numerous heads of state are expected at this year's event, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Vucic pursues a rather Russia-friendly policy and has not participated in the Western sanctions on Moscow. He has attended the parade in the Russian capital in previous years. Fridays Top Stories Fridays Five Facts [1] Powerful wind gusts leave damage throughout Albuquerque Metro area Yesterday residents and businesses in the East Mountains prepared for a possible preemptive safety power shut off, before PNM decided it wasnt needed. In the metro, wind gusts tore down a 30-foot yucca tree in Rio Rancho and prompted a health alert in Bernalillo County because of blowing dust. The highest winds were seen just south of Red River, reaching 79 mph. [2] Animal Humane New Mexico Thrift Shop burglarized multiple times in one week The Animal Humane New Mexico Thrift Shop wasnt targeted just once this week, but multiple times. Animal Humane New Mexico said on Monday a man and woman broke into their thrift store on Menaul Blvd., and stole $4,000 worth of jewelry. Then on Thursday morning, they said a man broke through a window by the entrance, crawled inside and stole a safe and jewelry. The thrift shop said they are looking at $12,000 worth of stolen goods and damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [3] Late week storm moves into New Mexico A low pressure system continues to make its way towards New Mexico today. This storm system will be bringing widespread precipitation to New Mexico. Along with the winds, the low pressure will also be bringing wintry precipitation to nearly the entire state. The bulk of this precipitation will be falling this afternoon and through the evening. Heavy snowfall along mountain passes and interstates could lead to road closures across northern New Mexico. [4] NM Supreme Court makes ruling on governors ban on guns in some areas The New Mexico Supreme Court has ruled the governor was in the right when she temporarily banned guns from Albuquerque parks and playgrounds. The ruling comes in response to the public health emergencies Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared in 2023 in an effort to curb gun violence in the metro. [5] Albuquerque Route 66 motel to undergo major renovation The El Don Motel is a 1950s motor lodge along historic Route 66 and is about to take on a major transformation. Owned by Albuquerque native Randy Bowen, the plans are for the property to be completely renovated into a boutique motel. He says the plan is to have 20 high-end chic boutique hotel rooms along with a cocktail lounge. Bowen hopes to get started on the project in about two months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- Kentucky Emergency Management officials will conduct the Annual Kentucky Tornado Drill this morning as part of Kentuckys Severe Weather Awareness Week. Kentucky bill aims to limit the governors ability to issue pardons The drill will take place 10:07 AM EST/9:07 AM CST. The drill was originally set for Wednesday, but was changed due to severe weather. National Weather Service officials warn that the drill will set off the emergency alert system which includes NOAA weather radios, television and radio stations, and cable overrides. County Emergency Management Officials will make decisions about activating outdoor warning sirens locally throughout the Commonwealth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service also says this is a great time for residents to practice tornado safety plans to help prepare for the event of severe weather. Tornadoes in the region typically take place in April and May, but can happen during any month of the year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Then-Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis celebrates her release from the Carter County Detention Center on Sept. 8, 2015. With her are her attorney, Mat Staver, right, and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, then a candidate for the Republican nomination for president. Davis was ordered to jail the previous week for contempt of court after refusing a federal judge's order to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. (Photo by Ty Wright/Getty Images) FRANKFORT The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has denied a request from former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis to strike down a federal jurys judgment against her, which came with a $100,000 price tag. The opinion came down Thursday, a little more than a month after a three-judge panel heard oral arguments on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior Judge Helene N. White, appointed by President George W. Bush, delivered the opinion. Judge Andre B. Mathis, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, concurred. Judge Chad A. Readler, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, concurred in part. Davis lawyer has argued that when she refused to issue a marriage license to same-sex couple David Ermold and David Moore a decade ago, she was protected by the First Amendment, which promises freedom of speech, religion and the press. The judges did not agree, writing in their Thursday opinion that Davis cannot raise a Free Exercise Clause defense because she is being held liable for state action, which the First Amendment does not protect. The judges furthermore called Davis actions while a county clerk a quintessential state action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The First Amendment shields Davis where she functioned as a private citizen, but not where she engaged in state action, the opinion states. Davis lawyer, Liberty Counsel founder and chairman Mat Staver, also argued the $100,000 Davis was ordered to pay was arbitrary because one could not quantify emotional damage. The judges rejected that, pointing to case law as a basis and citing testimony from the men about feeling frightened and humiliated. Staver also argued that Ermold and Moore could have gotten their license elsewhere, which the judges said only compounded the stigma. Staver previously told the Lantern that his teams goal is for the appeal to reach the U.S. Supreme Court and that, should the appeals panel rule against him, he would appeal to the higher court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case would then provide the justices an opportunity to re-evaluate Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 decision that guaranteed same-sex couples marriage rights, on the same grounds that the court in 2022 used to overturn the federal right to abortion, Staver said. In a press release following the ruling, Liberty Counsel said it intends to seek further review before the full appeals court. The full Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will have a chance to give Kim Davis justice in this case since the emotional distress damage award against her in her individual capacity is barred by the First Amendment, Staver said in a statement. This case underscores why the U.S. Supreme Court should overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, because that decision threatens the religious liberty of many Americans who believe that marriage is a sacred institution between one man and one woman. The First Amendment precludes making the choice between your faith and your livelihood. Judge Readler wrote in his partial concurrence that right or wrong, the fact remains that we all must follow Obergefell, the law of the land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also addressed the First Amendment argument, writing that Davis denial of the marriage license exceeded the scope of any personal right. The appeals panel ruling affirmed a decision by U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning. Chris Hartman, the executive director of Kentuckys Fairness Campaign, which works to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, criticized Davis ongoing case. Kim Davis couldnt stop marriage equality ten years ago, he said in a statement, and she cant stop it now. Read the ruling 24-5524_Documents (WKBN) A northern Kentucky man was sentenced Friday to 30 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material in the Philippines and bringing images into the United States. Investigators said Robert Maxwell Werner, 46, of Walton, Kentucky, traveled to the Philippines and paid for access to children from a Filipino individual who provided Werner with custom-made child sexual abuse material to include live-streamed, recorded and in-person sexual acts. For several months, Werner paid the individual to sexually abuse the minors and force them to engage in sexual acts together for foreign customers like Werner. Werner also paid the individual for five inperson meetings with minors at hotels and rental properties in the Philippines. In exchange, Werner would then provide money, food, clothing and basic necessities to the minors, who lived in desperate circumstances, investigators said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crimes happened between February and November 2021. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors said Werner admitted to the sexual abuse with at least one minor and recorded it while in the Philippines, then brought the material back to the United States. Once back in the U.S., prosecutors said Werner continued to solicit child sexual abuse material from the same Filipino for at least another month. On Thursday, former Tampa, Florida attorney Rugh James Cline, 44, was sentenced to nine years in prison for traveling to Cambodia and paying for Cambodian children to engage in sex acts with him on multiple occasions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cline was arrested in Cambodia and was found to be in possession of a laptop containing hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun (2nd R), on behalf of China's General Administration of Customs, inks the documents with Serhii Tkachuk (2nd L), head of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, in Kiev, Ukraine, on March 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Dongxu) KIEV, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China and Ukraine have signed two agreements, paving the way for Ukrainian peas and wild aquatic products to enter the Chinese market, said the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine late Thursday. On behalf of China's General Administration of Customs, Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun inked the documents on Thursday with Serhii Tkachuk, head of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. China-Ukraine agricultural cooperation potential is huge as the two countries are highly complementary in this sector, said Ma at the signing ceremony, adding that China is willing to further strengthen collaboration with Ukraine for the benefit of both nations. The two agreements, he said, will further expand farm product trade and cooperation, contributing to the China-Ukraine strategic partnership. Vitaliy Koval, Ukraine's agrarian policy and food minister, who also attended the signing ceremony, underscored China's role as the world's largest importer of agricultural products, Ukraine's top trading partner, and a key market for its agricultural exports. He expressed his confidence that the agreements would help expand agricultural trade between the two countries. Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, listens as Sen. David Yates, D-Louisville, explains his opposition to the current version of Senate Bill 202. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer) The Kentucky Senate advanced a bill Friday that would regulate intoxicating hemp-derived beverages but without banning their sales as first proposed. The bills sponsor, Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, amended Senate Bill 202 after Republicans and Democrats alike expressed skepticism about the ban when the measure was approved by a committee earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adamss floor amendment removed the temporary sales ban and would instead impose a cap of 5 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, on cannabis-derived drinks. The bill adds regulation of the intoxicating beverages to state laws that regulate alcoholic beverages, giving the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control the authority to oversee their distribution and sale. Raque Adams said her floor amendment provided a really solid starting point to put guardrails around this product so it doesnt get in the hands of our children, guardrails for public health and guardrails for safety while maintaining the small business interests that we have seen across the commonwealth. We are treating cannabis-infused beverages exactly like were treating alcohol, Adams said. A line of THC-infused beverages on a desk before state lawmakers during a committee meeting earlier this week. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer) As canned hemp-derived beverages containing THC have been gaining popularity across the country and popping up in convenience stores, state governments have increasingly sought to regulate them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 202 passed the Senate by a vote of 29-6 with the minority of Democrats opposing the legislation, arguing that, while they agreed with regulating the beverages, the legislation was rushed and that senators and the public were not given enough time to understand the changes. Sen. David Yates, D-Louisville, said he worried about trying to digest large changes to the bill, noting some hemp-derived beverages have mixtures of various cannabinoids. Sen. Karen Berg, D-Louisville, questioned the 5 milligram THC limit because she didnt know how the THC in the beverages is absorbed compared to gummies or cannabis flower. I think when were dealing with something that is regulating an industry that is currently legal, we have to be able to hear from that industry to make sure that were getting these regulations correct and that there arent any unintended consequences, said. Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville. She said Adams bill might be the perfect place for us to land for regulation but that she did not have the information to know for sure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raque Adams used a shell bill as a vehicle for addressing hemp-derived beverages after the deadline for filing bills had passed. The original SB 202 made minor technical changes in the law before Raque Adams replaced its contents with her bill. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX KYIV (Reuters) - Kyiv said on Friday it was asking Italy for more information about a proposal by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to extend NATO's mutual defence umbrella to Ukraine without offering it alliance membership or sending peacekeeping troops. Ukraine is seeking security guarantees from its Western allies ahead of any peace talks to end Russia's invasion. It wants NATO membership but the United States under President Donald Trump has rejected this. Britain, France and other countries are also drawing up plans to deploy European troops to safeguard a potential ceasefire under a future peace deal. Russia opposes such plans but Trump has said he believes Moscow might agree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meloni, leader of a far-right nationalist party in Italy, is an ally of Trump but has remained a strong public supporter of Ukraine. On the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, she said extending NATO's Article 5 collective security agreement would be a more "lasting solution" than sending European peacekeepers or granting Kyiv full membership. Article 5 of NATO's founding treaty requires all alliance members to consider an attack on any of them to be an attack on all. "We welcome this statement as part of the discussion on providing Ukraine with long-term security guarantees and ensuring security and peace in general," Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said at a briefing in Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As for this proposal specifically, we are in contact with our Italian colleagues to clarify the specifics of this proposal," Tykhyi said, adding that Ukraine still wants its partners to send troop contingents as part of any peace effort. Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna told Ukrainian television on Friday that Meloni's idea was "very pragmatic". Following a massive Russian air strike on Ukraine's energy system on Friday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy repeated a call made earlier this week for a truce covering air and sea, though not ground troops, as a first step toward peace. (This story has been refiled to correct the day to Friday from Wednesday in paragraph 1) (Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Additional reporting by Yuliia Dysa and Angelo Amante in Rome) U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to pause sharing intelligence with Kyiv has raised fears in major Ukrainian cities that Russian missile attacks could now occur without any warning. "It will be a catastrophe," Oleh Yeremenov, a fourth-year film directing student, told the Kyiv Independent on the streets of Kyiv on March 6. "If missiles just start hitting out of nowhere people will panic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the New York Times (NYT) on March 6, the intelligence-sharing freeze could affect crucial warnings about incoming Russian drones and missiles. Trump announced the move amid sharply deteriorating relations between Kyiv and Washington, as he strong-arms Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into acquiescing to his plans for peace talks with Russia. Compounding the problem, the U.S. has also frozen military aid to Ukraine, meaning crucial air defense interceptor missiles could be in short supply until it resumes. Oleh Yeremenov, a fourth-year film directing student in Kyiv, Ukraine on March 6, 2025. (The Kyiv Independent) Shortly after the freeze on March 5, a Russian Iskander ballistic missile struck a hotel in Kryvyi Rih, killing four people and injuring at least 30, hammering home what's at stake when Russian missiles are not intercepted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They don't think about the consequences this will have," Stanislav Khmel, a Kyiv resident who is currently unemployed, said. "I think this will result in more casualties for us, for our people." In the early hours of March 7, Russia launched a mass aerial attack at civilian energy infrastructure in cities across the country, firing cruise missiles from bomber aircraft, ballistic missiles, as well as nearly 200 kamikaze drones. Ukraine's air raid alert system, as well as Telegram monitoring channels that the public rely on to know what has been launched and where it is headed, all worked as normal, suggesting Kyiv still has access to intelligence on missiles launched from Russian aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But several successful hits were recorded, with explosions reported in Poltava, Kharkiv, Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Odesa oblasts. With both the military and intelligence freezes still in place, concerns are rising that the death and destruction caused by Russian strikes could worsen significantly. People interviewed by the Kyiv Independent said their lives hinge on accurate air raid threat data, and the timely sounding of alerts. "Maybe I will be the one who won't have time to react, and a drone will hit me, my building, or the building of my family or friends," barista Andrii Horbulia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Zelensky calling the now infamous Oval Office clash with Trump "regrettable" on March 4, and talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials scheduled for next week, there have been no clear signals from the White House about when the intelligence and aid freezes will be lifted. Those who spoke to the Kyiv Independent questioned why the U.S. has made a move that potentially harms civilians so much. Yan Nikuliak, student at Taras Shevchenko University, in Kyiv, Ukraine on March 6, 2025. (The Kyiv Independent) "We just are saving civilian lives (with this intelligence). And if we lose that, then we lose more lives," Yan Nikuliak, a student at Taras Shevchenko University, said. "Peace will not be attained this way. Never." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nikuliak's comments reflect a widespread dismay in Ukraine currently, that they are being punished and bullied into a peace process while nothing is being asked of Moscow. In such a difficult time, this is an incredibly terrible decision that will only lead to a greater genocide of the Ukrainian people," Daria Pravdyva, a student, said. Daria Pravdyva, a student in Kyiv, Ukraine on March 6, 2025. (The Kyiv Independent) Nikuliak addressed Trump directly, saying he thought the U.S. president had made "a big mistake." "You should reconsider. You will not attain any semblance of peace in such a way," he said, adding: " You need to change your ways now, or there will be no people left to actually enjoy the peace you want in Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of those interviewed expressed hope that European allies would step up in the short term. Khalida Bakhtiyarova, a professor at the National Transport University in Kyiv, Ukraine on March 6, 2025. (The Kyiv Independent) "I hope maybe our friends in the European Union will help us, maybe they will offer alternative ways to replace these capabilities," Khalida Bakhtiyarova, a professor at the National Transport University, said. But others interviewed were more fatalistic about the threat. "It has been a long time since I came to live with the thought that I might die at any moment. It's just a thought that is always in the back of my mind," student Yan Nikuliak said. Read also: A nightmare we want to wake up from How Europe is gearing up for a new world order Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. L.A. "renovictions" are done at least for now. On Friday, the Los Angeles City Council voted 12 to 0 to temporarily block landlords from evicting tenants in order to remodel their properties. The interim ordinance , which lasts until Aug. 1, was designed as a stopgap while the city explores permanent legislation for renters to keep their tenancies when landlords implement substantial remodels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under previous rules, substantial remodels including structural, mechanical or plumbing work were a "just cause" for evicting a tenant. The ordinance also applies retroactively, barring renovation-based evictions that were pending before the vote took place. It's a win for tenant advocates, who argued Friday that the substantial-renovation clause is a loophole that allows landlords to kick out long-term renters to raise rents under the guise of property improvements. "There are tenants here today who will be evicted if this does not pass as amended," Chelsea Kirk, policy director at the nonprofit Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, said on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a blow for landlords and developers, who claim the ordinance ties the hands of homeowners and prohibits them from upgrading the city's aging housing stock. "This ordinance is a result of a witch hunt by extremists that want to force mom-and-pop owners out of business," David Kaishchyan, of the Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles, said at the meeting on Friday. The ban was put into motion after a unanimous City Council vote in October 2024, when the council ordered the Housing Department and city attorney to draft recommendations to remove substantial remodels as a just cause for eviction. 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. Three years ago, Chief Kristin Crowley made history when she was appointed the first female leader of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). For the people who stood beside her on the line firefighter parlance for working together in the unrelenting war the department wages on the streets of L.A. against not only fires but medical emergencies, drug overdoses and arsonists the pick was anything but a diversity hire. Crowley made her bones in Fire Station 11 which is so action-packed, Firehouse magazine dubbed the 7th Street station, located in the heart of the hardscrabble neighborhood of MacArthur Park, the busiest in the nation. When Crowley was a rookie more than two decades ago, the neighborhood pulsed with gang violence. The truck company of Fire Station 11 was in around-the-clock motion responding to the ugly aftermath of shootings and stabbings along with kitchen fires and heart attacks. Crowley, her fellow firefighter remembers, was a hard-charging truckie in a firehouse that, back then, was all men. Related: 'CHAOS: The Manson Murders' Examines Attempts to Explain the Mystery Around Charlie Manson She wasnt a girl firefighter, one of her former Fire Station 11 alum told Los Angeles on the condition of anonymity. She was a badass firefighter. Always ready when the alarm sounded. When the alarm sounded on Jan. 7, no one not even someone with Crowleys solid experience in virtually every LAFD role could have been ready. The Santa Ana winds were ferocious. Dozens of rigs were awaiting repairs, which meant some firefighters who showed up to the battle (after the LAFD made a highly unusual call for off-duty members to report for duty) couldnt get a ride up to the neighborhoods being devoured by fast-moving flames. To make matters worse, firefighters confronting the monstrous Palisades Fire were out of ammunition: a reservoir that supplied water to fire hydrants in Pacific Palisades was closed for repairs, so hydrants were tapped dry. The Chief was seemingly everywhere in the desperate hours her members spent working to contain a ceaseless run of fires that raged across the city for weeks. She wasnt just up against the deadly wildfires, but Crowley was also pulled from the chaos for a heated meeting at City Hall after she spoke out regarding a $17 million budget cut to the LAFD. Related: Ten Million Dollar Man: State Department Offers Colossal Reward For Former Olympian's Arrest Mayor Karen Bass wasnt happy about her remarks, but firefighters were. This was a once in a lifetime fire, completely unprecedented in so many ways, said LAFD Captain Frank Lima, an L.A. representative for the International Association of Fire Fighters. We stand by the Chief. Crowley responded to all the chaos swirling around her with the same grace she displayed at her swearing-in ceremony where she was flanked by her wife, retired firefighter Hollyn Bullock, and their three daughters. Beaming, she shared with those assembled that she was attracted to her work in the LAFD because of what she called the goodness of what everybody brings to work each and every day. It was a sentiment she repeated every chance she got as the LAFDs 3,400 members remained unwavering in their fight against an uncontrollable force of nature for the four million residents in the City of Angels. Related: Officers Charged in "Gladiator Fights" at L.A. County Juvenile Hall On Jan. 21, Mayor Bass, the first female mayor of L.A., fired Crowley claiming she didnt alert her to how dangerous the red flag warning could prove. Crowley has not spoken since, other than to release a statement saying her actions were based on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities. Crowley has exercised her right to stay on the LAFD at a lower rank which was announced after she lost her appeal with the Los Angeles City Council in early March. Crowley said she was "disappointed" that the City Council voted 13-2 to back the mayor's decision to remove her, she had no regrets. "My heart is full of gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that I received. Standing up, speaking out, and advocating for our LAFD firefighters, their families, and the communities that we serve will always be the right thing to do." She added, "It has been an absolute honor of a lifetime to serve and represent the incredible men and women of the LAFD for nearly three years. The LAFD deserves to be properly funded, staffed, and resourced so we can meet the ever-changing needs of our communities. We owe that to the LAFD and to those we serve. Crowley is now the Assistant Chief in the LAFD's Operations Valley Bureau. Stay in the Know! Get the top news from Los Angeles Magazine sent to your inbox every day. Sign up for The Daily Brief below or by clicking here. For most of her life, Yenni Rivera found it difficult to ask for help. Raised in a working-class, Salvadoran, immigrant family in South Los Angeles, she often juggled three jobs and worked seven days a week. She never considered using public assistance programs like food stamps, and she rarely voiced her struggles, even to family. That changed nine months after her son was born, when she fled an abusive husband and had nowhere else to go. With a black eye and a swollen lip, she remembers walking into an LA County Department of Public Social Services office in 2014. She remembers an exhausted employee informing her there were no appointments available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She remembers being told she would have to wait eight hours to speak with a social worker about the possibility of getting into a domestic violence shelter or temporary hotel room. She remembers there were no domestic violence shelter spaces available for her and her baby that day. Instead, the countys social services department supplied her with a six-week voucher for a hotel room in Jefferson Park. After the voucher expired, she and her son spent the next five years sleeping on a sofa and loveseat in the living room of her parents home. Thats how homelessness and DV interlaps, said Rivera. If you dont have a family member that can take you in, if you dont have a friend that can take you in, youre going to end up part of the [homeless services] system. After she left a domestic violence situation, Yenni Rivera and her son, Luke, lived at her parents home throughout Lukes childhood. She is now a family system coordinator at Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. It makes me excited to see that little things can change, she said. I can look back and see the little things that didnt work for me. (Alisha Jucevic for Blue Shield of California Foundation) Riveras story illustrates an often overlooked crisis in LA: domestic violence as a major driver of homelessness. Across California, one in five women who become homeless fled their homes to escape violence and escalating abuse by an intimate partner. In LA, the numbers are starker: 44 percent of unhoused women surveyed in 2023 by the Urban Institute reported domestic violence as the primary cause of their homelessness. LAs survivor services system has been underfunded and disconnected from other mainstream services for decades, said LA City Councilmember Katy Yarovslavsky. The fact that, in a city of nearly 4 million people, only 10 percent of survivors who call seeking shelter can get a bed is unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mental health, substance abuse, and economic hardship dominate discussions about homelessness. But state and local policymakers are beginning to understand that to solve the homeless crisis, they must incorporate domestic violence support into the homeless services system and, vice versa, permanent housing into the services systems for domestic violence survivors. If you are living in a domestic violence situation, you are homeless because you dont have a safe and secure place to live, said Jennifer Gaeta, executive director at nonprofit LA House of Ruth. Its a crisis. We should be ashamed. The statistics only hint at the complex relationship between domestic violence and homelessness. For many survivors, the path from abuse to housing instability is paved with impossible choices and bureaucratic obstacles. Those who flee often face a cruel irony. Escaping violence can lead to living situations that make survivors vulnerable to further abuse. And while both domestic violence services and homeless services exist in LA, the systems rarely work together effectively to help survivors find stability and safety. These intertwined crises exact a staggering toll on individual survivors and society. A recent Tulane University study found that intimate partner violence costs California nearly $74 billion a year in health care, criminal justice, and lost productivity and income equal to about 2 percent of the states GDP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now working to help others, Rivera sees her experience as evidence that anyone can be blindsided by domestic violence and housing insecurity. Suddenly you realize I need to escape. Im not safe here anymore, Rivera said. What do you do when that happens? If we dont care and we dont change and improve the system, when we need the system, its going to be broken. 4,000 survivors and only 567 shelter beds Natasha Collisson was displaced from her interim housing, a city-owned converted HomeKey hotel in Reseda, because the facility was being converted into permanent housing. Collisson says she often sees women who have undergone abuse targeted by men on the street and that these men often try to coerce them into not accepting housing resources. (Alisha Jucevic for Blue Shield of California Foundation) Survivors seeking help often encounter a system ill-equipped to meet their needs. There are only 104 domestic violence shelters in California. In a recent one-year period spanning 2021-2022, these institutions served 13,000 people but had to turn down another 15,000 requests for shelter, according to the California Governors Office of Emergency Services. Just 5 percent of unhoused Californians who fled domestic violence spent most of their nights in a domestic violence shelter, according to a statewide study. Those who do stay in shelters are more likely to use the mainstream homeless shelter system. In the city of LA, there are about 4,000 people who are homeless because they fled domestic violence, but only 17 domestic violence shelters which provide a total of only 567 beds, according to LAs Community Investment for Families Department. Of the nearly 16,000 people in LA who called domestic violence hotlines last year looking for shelter, only 10 percent were able to access a safe bed, according to the department. The unmet need is tremendously high, said Krista Colon with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. The DV shelters work as hard as they can to serve as many people as they can, but they cannot do it alone. And for survivors reaching out for housing and services, there should be no wrong door. Credit scores and child care After years of physical, emotional and financial abuse from her now ex-husband, Stephanie Grudberg now works as the housing coordinator at a domestic violence intervention agency called the Jenesse Center in LA, where she is able to help others who have had similar experiences to her own. (Alisha Jucevic for Blue Shield of California Foundation) Financial conditions also often prevent domestic violence survivors from getting help. At Jenesse Center, Stephanie Grudberg was able to offer permanent housing to just one quarter of the families seeking it last year. Many clients dont meet eligibility requirements for apartment units due to previous evictions, unstable income, or poor credit history, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The median monthly household income of unhoused Californians who experienced domestic violence in the months prior to homelessness was $1,000, according to the UC San Francisco study well below the states median rent for a one-bedroom apartment. Every client I deal with has credit issues, whether they realize it or not, said Grudberg. Whether its a result of intentional financial manipulation by their abuser or because the system has abused them after the fact. Grudberg fled an abusive marriage after enduring a miscarriage in 2014. She had already lined up resources for herself and her child, but those services were unavailable to her once she lost the baby. I see that sort of thing now with clients, Grudberg said. We have pregnant moms who cant get funding for a two-bedroom house that theyre going to need in four months after they give birth because the babys not born yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While sleeping in her parents living room, Rivera tried to return to her job as a sales associate for a major hotel chain, but the cost of child care complicated her plans. LA Countys Department of Social Services offered monthly subsidies of more than $800, but it would take 10 months for the department to issue the money. Without the savings to pay for child care, Rivera quit her job to care for her son. When you fall into poverty, when you fall into homelessness, when you fall into DV, youre not just at zero, but you end up at less than zero because you start owing people money, said Rivera. Ten months later, when the subsidy came through, she started looking for a new job, but soon learned that if she became employed full-time, she would no longer qualify for that child care assistance. LA County Department of Public Social Services assistant director Nick Ippolito said confidentiality laws prevent the department from commenting on the specifics of Yennis story, but he noted that the departments policies related to domestic violence victims have changed since 2014 to include new screening tools and referrals to domestic violence service providers. He also said the CalWorks child care program has been updated and now allows subsidy assistance to continue for up to two years after a participant stops receiving cash aid. Higher barriers for immigrants The barriers are even higher for immigrant and asylum-seeking survivors coming to LA. Barbara Kappos, executive director of the East LA Womens Center, said many of these survivors never come forward at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre afraid to access services, she said. Theyre afraid of deportation. Theyre afraid their children are going to be taken away. There are also language barriers and obstacles to securing work and steady income. Most basic public assistance is out of reach. Many survivors born outside of the US dont have access to welfare funds like CalWORKs, which provides temporary financial assistance for housing, food, utilities, clothing, and medical care, according to Kappos. So that means no income at all, she said. Women are opting to go unsheltered on the street As a survivor of sexual assault and domestic abuse Kassie Brutto says its been difficult to find housing where she feels comfortable. Ive tried once or twice going to a shelter. I dont like it because the people were not understanding, and I didnt feel like they were really trying to help. I got tired. Ive never tried to be in a DV shelter, mainly because I was too scared, because Id already tried homeless shelters and that didnt work out. She has lived in shelters and a tiny home village, but ultimately went back to the abandoned house so she could stay with her dog, Luna, and her boyfriend whom she says she feels safe with. (Alisha Jucevic for Blue Shield of California Foundation) Even for those who can access the shelter system, safety concerns create yet another hurdle. In a 2022 needs assessment conducted by the Downtown Womens Center, more than half of all women surveyed said they felt unsafe accessing or using shelters. And only 5 percent reported facing no obstacles when trying to use shelters. Cisgender women were significantly more likely to report no barriers than transgender women or nonbinary people. Sometimes the shelter options that are available are not at all safe, said DWCs Emily Goodburn. So women are opting to be unsheltered on the street as opposed to going to congregate shelter or someplace else they might be in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the UCSF statewide study, 60 percent of unhoused survivors who fled domestic violence spent most nights sleeping in cars, tents, or makeshift shelters outside where they remain vulnerable to violence. Fifteen percent of all cisgender women experienced violence while homeless. Among those who had reported violence prior to becoming homeless, that rate jumped to 40 percent. Of the eight survivors interviewed for this story, most said they would prefer to have their own hotel room or subsidized private apartment. But the programs that provide these resources are limited and elusive. Ruth (a pseudonym used to protect her safety) prefers to live in a converted plastic childrens playhouse by the LA River rather than enter the shelter system. She escaped an abusive spouse in another state and has spent the past eight years trying to navigate LAs maze-like homeless services system in search of permanent housing. At first, Ruth slept for a while on the floor of the chapel at the Union Rescue Mission, alongside dozens of other people. She said hygiene was a problem and illnesses spread easily. A spokesperson for Union Rescue Mission said all guests are provided with clean clothing and hygiene kits and the organization stopped using its chapel as an overflow space several years after Ruths experience. During that time, we had so many families and individuals coming to our doors for shelter. We provided blow-up mattresses because we ran out of cots and space. We had to use our chapel as the overflow from the overflow, said spokesperson Kitty Davis-Walker. Our mission model at the time and still is to this today: We will never turn away a mom with children, a dad with children, two parent families and single ladies. Ruth then found her way to a womens bridge housing program at the Midnight Mission shelter. For a month, she slept in a crowded dorm with 39 other women, most of them also survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault. After graduating from that program, she got a spot in a shared housing facility in South LA with 19 roommates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruth says she was threatened with eviction, panicked, and moved under a bridge in the San Fernando Valley, not far from where she stays today. I knocked on every door, called every phone number, and followed through, because I felt like my life depended on it, Ruth said. And then I started realizing that I gotta figure something else out, and I ended up coming out here. For safety, Ruth has added a metal deadbolt to the doorframe of her 25-square foot plastic dwelling. Two canisters of pepper spray hang from her right wrist, attached by velcro straps. In her first year living outside, Ruths living space was swept three times by sanitation workers and local authorities. Each time, she was forced to move temporarily, many of her belongings were taken, and she was charged a $237 fine. Today, Ruth says shes amassed $3,000 in debt from those citations, which were sent to collections. For some survivors of domestic violence, that lack of control associated with living outside mirrors the dynamics of an abusive relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweeps are domestic violence, said Ruth. I mean, someones coming to you and taking everything that you own. Its just like what happens in relationships where theres a money imbalance or a power imbalance. Every disagreement is potential displacement. Six solutions to break the cycle Jaton Cato received help from the Downtown Womens Center and the Housing First program, which ultimately led to a Section 8 housing voucher and finding her current home in Long Beach. The DWC also provided counseling during her time of housing insecurity and after experiencing domestic violence. (Alisha Jucevic for Blue Shield of California Foundation) While the challenges are complex, advocates and survivors have identified clear paths forward. Below are six key strategies they say could help break the cycle between domestic violence and homelessness. 1. Immediate housing without any preconditions Through a service-delivery model known as Domestic Violence Housing First, organizations like the Downtown Womens Center are providing survivors with immediate housing without any preconditions. California service providers first piloted the approach in 2016, and 93% of clients surveyed said they were able to either remain in their home or secure safe housing. Last year, state grants for the initiative provided about $50 million to 90 organizations across California, which in turn provided permanent housing to nearly 7,000 people. A recent study found that the survivors receiving Housing First services in Washington State experienced significantly greater improvements in housing stability, safety, and mental health over two years than those receiving traditional domestic violence services like support groups, counseling, legal advocacy, and referrals. The city of LA began operating its own Survivors First housing initiative in 2021, administered by the Community Investment for Families Department. Its designed for unhoused women with children. The program served 1,087 people last budget year and had a 96% success rate in keeping clients safely housed, according to the department. This month, LA City Council voted to expand the program, add $3 million in funding for domestic violence services, increase domestic violence shelter capacity by 13%, and create a task force to remove firearms from abusers and strengthen restraining order enforcement By expanding shelter capacity and funding programs like Survivors First which pairs housing services with financial assistance were making sure fewer survivors have to choose between an abusive home and the streets, said council member Yarovslavsky, who proposed the measures. These efforts will help more unhoused survivors transition into stable housing and rebuild their lives. 2. Cash for rent, car repairs, childcare and whatever else survivors needs Organizations using Domestic Violence Housing First funding can offer flexible financial assistance directly to clients. Unlike most housing assistance programs, this one goes well beyond just helping with rent payments. It can include security deposits, car repairs, childcare costs, job training anything that might help clients stay in their homes or move into new ones. It is so comprehensive, said Krista Colon with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. One of the things Ive heard over and over from advocates is that this is the money that lets them say yes, where so often their funding is restricted and narrowly-tailored. This is the money where when survivors have a need, they can say yes. In a recent statewide study by UC San Francisco, more than 80% of women victimized by intimate partner violence in the six months prior to homelessness believed that a lump-sum payment would have helped them avoid becoming homeless. One of the things thats missing is that most of the public funding sources have time limits and the human psyche needs to heal in a timeframe that fits them, said Jennifer Gaeta of LA House of Ruth. We need to be allowed to make more individual choices about how long a person can stay in shelter or stay in permanent housing with assistance. So, the flexible funding is essential and I dont see a lot of it. 3. Meeting survivors where they are A key aspect of the Domestic Violence Housing First approach is mobile advocacy. Instead of requiring clients to come into an office, advocates work out in the community, meeting survivors where they are. This could be at the survivors home, at a park, in a coffee shop whatever place is safe and convenient for them. The method helps survivors seeking help to encounter fewer barriers things like finding transportation, hiring childcare, or simply finding time to reach out for assistance. This kind of collaborative advocacy requires more time and effort on the part of providers, and it often includes accompanying survivors to housing, employment, and child welfare appointments. These efforts aim to be trauma-informed, an approach that seeks to recognize how survivors are affected by trauma and to avoid retraumatization. Rather than asking, Whats wrong with you? its about understanding what happened, and creating a safe space for people to heal from that trauma, said Emily Goodburn, Downtown Womens Centers director of DV Housing. That needs to be informed based on conversations with that individual, because it is such a unique experience. 4. Protecting VOCA funding Funding remains a persistent challenge. Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) dollars that support Domestic Violence Housing First have fluctuated, plummeting from $397 million in 2018 to $87 million last year in California. State officials provided stop-gap funding last year, but the long-term sustainability of promising programs is uncertain. The federal VOCA fund has received some significant deposits in recent months and is in a much stronger place. But Congressional budget negotiations are ongoing and the amount of funding to be allocated to VOCA hasnt been decided yet. Advocates worry the new administration and Republican congressional leaderships focus on cutting government spending could result in cuts to domestic violence services. While we continue to advocate for this critical funding and wait to see what budget decisions will be made, we know that any reductions in funding will leave survivors with fewer resources and support during the time when they need it most, said Colon. 5. Better coordination between systems Today, the homeless services system and domestic violence services operate largely in silos, speaking different languages and operating under different rules. As long as silos exist, this system will not work, said Rivera, who now works as a family system coordinator for the LA Homeless Services Authority. You will keep encountering greater numbers of homeless individuals on the street, and were not going to fix the problem. One major difference between the two systems is their approach to collecting and managing big data. LAs homeless service providers use a massive database to track clients and refer them to services, but federal law prevents domestic violence organizations from putting survivors personally-identifying information into any kind of centralized database. While this privacy requirement protects survivors from abusers, it has contributed to their needs being underreported and neglected in policy decisions. In 2022, California passed the HELP Act, legislation that, for the first time, requires cities receiving state homelessness funding to develop services and programs tailored to the unique needs of domestic violence survivors. The law, which proponents say will make the state a national leader in supporting unhoused women, also requires the California Interagency Council on Homelessness to measure progress toward those goals. We need to make sure that homeless service providers know how to refer people to domestic violence shelters, and that domestic violence programs know how to work within the rest of the homelessness system, said Krista Colon of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. 6. Involving survivors in creating solutions Perhaps most importantly, survivors themselves are increasingly shaping policy solutions. Riveras advocacy with Parent Voices of California led to changes in childcare subsidy policies. Ruth publishes original reporting on homeless issues and regularly testifies at public meetings. Cato now works as a survivor advocate in Skid Row. Survivors are probably the best advocates because they lived it firsthand and they know everything that youre going through, said Cato. Some things are just unspoken. To truly help people in her situation get the help they need wherever they are, Ruth also suggests doing away with so-called good neighbor policies for homeless shelters operating agreements that ban someone in need from simply walking up to a shelter door and receiving services. Ruth is especially nervous about the US Supreme Courts Grants Pass ruling this summer, which effectively criminalizes sleeping outside. Following the ruling, the National Network to End Domestic Violence warned of its likely impact on survivors. Gender-based violence is a cause and consequence of homelessness, and this ruling will further trap people who are homeless, including survivors, in cycles of poverty and housing insecurity, the nonprofit wrote in a statement. Handcuffs and fines will not protect survivors and their families from violence, trauma, or their perpetrators. This reporting was supported by the Blue Shield of California Foundation. Additional reporting by Claudia Boyd-Barrett. Photography by Alisha Jucevic for Blue Shield of California Foundation. Some sources were compensated for the time they spent being interviewed or photographed. The post LAs housing crisis is trapping domestic violence survivors appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. WASHINGTON (AP) Giving a new meaning to the phrase mad scientists, angry researchers, doctors, their patients and supporters ventured out of labs, hospitals and offices Friday to fight against what they call a blitz on life-saving science by the Trump administration. In the nation's capital, a couple thousand gathered at the Stand Up for Science rally. Organizers said similar rallies were planned in more than 30 U.S. cities. Politicians, scientists, musicians, doctors and their patients made the case that firings, budget and grant cuts in health, climate, science and other research government agencies in the Trump administration's first 47 days in office are endangering not just the future but the present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the most challenging moment I can recall, University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann told the crowd full of signs belittling the intelligence of President Donald Trump, his cost-cutting aide Elon Musk and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Science is under siege. Astronomer Phil Plait told a booing crowd, Were looking at the most aggressively anti-science government the United States has ever had. Rally co-organizer Colette Delawalla, a doctoral student in clinical psychology, said, We're not just going to stand here and take it. Science communicator, entertainer and one-time engineer Bill Nye the Science Guy challenged the forces in government that want to cut and censor science. What are you afraid of? he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen challenged the crowd, some in white lab coats if only for show, to live up to the mad scientist moniker: Everybody in America should be mad about what we are witnessing. The crowd was. Signs being waved said, Edit Elon out of USAs DNA, Delete DOGE not data, the only good evidence against evolution is the existence of Trump and ticked off epidemiologist. Health and science advances are happening faster than ever, making this a key moment in making people's lives better, said former National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins, who helped map the human genome. The funding cuts put at risk progress on Alzheimer's Disease, diabetes and cancer, he said. It's a very bad time with all the promise and momentum," said Collins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm very worried about my country right now, Collins said before breaking out into an original song on his guitar. Emily Whitehead, the first patient to get a certain new type of treatment for a rare cancer, told the crowd that at age 5 she was sent hospice to die, but CAR T-cell therapy taught my immune system to beat cancer and she's been disease free for nearly 13 years. I stand up for science because science saved my life, Whitehead said. Friday's rally in Washington was at the Lincoln Memorial, in the shadow of a statue of the president who created the nearby National Academy of Sciences in 1863. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 7 million miles away from Earth, NASA proved science could divert potentially planet-killing asteroids, former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said. On his space shuttle flight nearly 40 years ago, he looked down to Earth and had a sense of awe that you want to be a better steward of what weve been given, he said. The rallies were organized mostly by graduate students and early career scientists. Dozens of other protests were also planned around the world, including more than 30 in France, Delawalla said. Protesters gathered around City Hall in Philadelphia, home to prestigious, internationally-recognized health care institutions and where 1 in 6 doctors in the U.S. has received medical training. As a doctor, Im standing up for all of my transgender, nonbinary patients who are also being targeted, said Cedric Bien-Gund, an infectious disease doctor at the University of Pennsylvania. Theres been a lot of fear and silencing, both among our patients and among all our staff. And its really disheartening to see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Isabella O'Malley contributed from Philadelphia. ___ Follow Seth Borenstein on X at @borenbears ___ Read more of APs climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. LABETTE COUNTY, Kan. The search for a missing Labette County man entered day three today as officials refuse to give up hope. With all the help weve had, we have about 32 of these task force members out here to assist us with this, said Labette County Sheriff Darren Eichinger. The Labette County Sheriffs Office and area agency crews met near County Road 7000 and Ness Road in rural Edna, Kansas, on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was day three in the search for 82-year-old Lynn Gregory. We got a report Tuesday afternoon of an individual who came up missing from the property or had been on this road in the southern part of the county, said Sheriff Eichinger. According to the report, Gregory may have been in a tractor at a low-water crossingtrapped. When officials arrived, the tractor was on the edge of the low-water crossing, but still no sign of Gregory. Search underway for man who fell into creek on Labette County farm We initiated a search using us and called Wildlife and Parks. And at that time, the water was still pretty high and unable to locate anybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats when they asked for more help in searching efforts. By combining forces, the Kansas State Fire Marshals Office offered up its resources and helped to map out the area to plan their next moves. We created a plan with both teams, people in the water and the K-9s searching along the banks and through the creek system, said Gregg Bollella, Kansas State Fire Marshal Emergency Response Chief. With these resources and more volunteers on Wednesday and Thursday, they were able to cover two and a half miles of land, water, and air. Three or four people takes forever. Now were covering a lot more territory and ground, and just having dogs available and the airplanes helps our search dramatically, said Sheriff Eichinger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added they plan to continue their search until Gregory is found. We will use all resources available to us to help find the gentleman, and we will keep searching until weve exhausted that, said Sheriff Eichinger. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. FARMINGTON, Utah (ABC4) The zoo featured in the Wild Kingdom Train ride at Lagoon Amusement Park will soon be shutting down. Adam Leishman, a spokesperson for the theme park, said the big cats in the zoo have already been rehomed to a facility in the west as of late 2024. The rest of the animals will soon also be moved, and the zoo will be phased out slowly over the next year, Leishman said. Leishman said the decision was made with the parks development in mind and the space will be used to bring new experiences and attractions to guests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leishman said that Lagoon will open on March 22, with more big changes in store for guests to look forward to. Since its opening in 1967, guests could see a range of animals on the Wild Kingdom Train ride, including tigers, zebras, camels, lions, and a golden eagle. The amusement parks zoo has been a source of controversy for decades, with groups questioning the conditions and welfare of the animals. Leishman said that the animals at Lagoon have received excellent care from dedicated staff members. The Utah Animal Rights Coalition said in a post online that it has hosted dozens of protests and filed federal complaints regarding the animals at the zoo, calling its closure a win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the first time in years perhaps ever these big cats will be able to engage in their natural instinctual behaviors & live a life where their home is measured in square acres, not square feet, the UARC wrote. Sorina Trauntvein contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. BELGRADE, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on Friday, exchanging views on key bilateral issues, economic cooperation, and regional developments, Vucic revealed in an Instagram post. Vucic said in a video statement that the discussion covered political and economic ties, including the work of government commissions aimed at restoring trade and enhancing cooperation. Particular focus was given to energy, with talks on securing a gas arrangement before May 31 and addressing the status of the Russian-owned oil company NIS amid U.S. sanctions. The two leaders also discussed regional issues. Vucic confirmed that he will lead a Serbian delegation to Russia in early May and attend the 80th Victory Day celebration in Moscow. Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest fugitives as part of Operation Cross Check in Dallas, Texas in 2019. (Photo courtesy Immigration and Customs Enforcement) The Moore-Miller Administration has announced its budget proposal for fiscal year 2025, which includes $5 million in additional funds to local law enforcement, totaling $127 million. With the $457 million allocated to Maryland State Police, the total law enforcement expenditure from Annapolis is $584 million. While the increase in police funding is welcome, it is not nearly enough to comply with the newly passed Laken Riley Act. Under this new federal law, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is now required to detain any undocumented person who has been charged, arrested, convicted or admitted to committing acts constituting burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, assault of a law enforcement officer, or bodily harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most immediate effect of this legislation will be a surge in the number of individuals held in pretrial detention. Maryland is no stranger to this: Under the 1994 Crime Bill, the number of individuals held in pretrial detention skyrocketed across the state, especially in Baltimore. Holding individuals in local jails indefinitely without due process is a costly procedure that spreads thin law enforcement officers when efforts could be instead used on targeting felons. The federal government contracts local jails to hold ICE detainees under the 287(g) program, which in Maryland only includes Harford, Cecil and Frederick counties. The remaining counties will be responsible for financing the expected surge in arrests under Laken Riley. Your opinion matters Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org. We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines. Views of writers are their own. While this figure has gone down in recent years, the Laken Riley Act overrides the right to due process for all offenses, resulting in the number of individuals held in pretrial detention rising. While ostensibly aimed to increase public safety, previously enacted legislation on policing that targeted misdemeanor offenders in order to reduce violent crimes has been largely ineffective. The New York City Broken Windows policy is one such project. Through enforcing this policy, NYC police officers frisked 2.3 million people but found weapons in just 1.5% of stops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This misuse of police funds will not only continue under the Laken Riley Act, but be exacerbated by the further removal of hundreds of thousands of undocumented people living in Maryland. The Laken Riley Act will sharply reverse the downward trend of pretrial detention in Marylands urban and suburban counties. Furthermore, local and state law enforcement will be compelled to divert manpower toward the arrest and detention of undocumented immigrants merely accused of a misdemeanor offense. While not excusing illegal immigration or diminishing the the tragic case of Laken Riley, data from the Cato Institute demonstrates that undocumented immigrants are far less likely to commit homicide than American citizens. Furthermore, under the recently reinstated Remain in Mexico policy, the amount of Department of Homeland Security encounters with convicted felons who had been deported back to Mexico skyrocketed, as DHS resources were diverted toward otherwise innocent immigrants seeking asylum. This precedent demonstrates that an austere crackdown on illegal immigration does not accomplish its stated goal. The Laken Riley Act includes zero funding provisions, leaving it to the states to pick up the slack. The increase in police spending from Annapolis in 2025 will not be enough to bridge the gap; implementation of the law is estimated to cost $83 billion over three years, which if applied to each state proportional to population, will cost Marylanders an additional $498 million, more than the entire law enforcement expenditure, with the whole efforts of local and state police now directed toward an immigration crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Justice has ordered the prosecution of local and state law enforcement deemed to be an impediment to the execution of the Laken Riley Act, leaving Marylands police little choice but to follow through with this immense commitment of resources. Nobody wants to have someone they love become the next Laken Riley. Unfortunately, the law named for her does not lower the likelihood of such tragedies; rather, it makes them more likely, all at an immense cost to the taxpayer that Marylanders cannot afford. Furthermore, the consequence of removing every undocumented immigrant from the state would be the loss of $476.3 million in state and local taxes. This is a further fiscal hazard not only to implementation of immigration law, but also to promoting the level of shared prosperity that gives Maryland the third-best public school system in the nation. This crackdown will expensively disrupt communities and quality of life across the state, with no evidence that it will make Marylanders and other Americans any safer. The Arizona Department of Transportation has scheduled several freeway improvement projects that will affect drivers on Interstate 10, Interstate 17 and State Route 143. These projects require multiple closures and lane restrictions. Some will last several days while others just hours. Two of the weekend restrictions are related to work on the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project. To stay up to date on road conditions and closures, motorists can use a free mobile app, TheCurve or visit the alerts section of the project website before traveling. Drivers can also use az511.gov or the az511 app to keep updated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ADOT recommended motorists allow for extra time and follow any detours while driving through closures and construction. Schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors, according to ADOT. Here's what to know about road closures from March 7 through March 10. Southbound I-17 lane restrictions and ramp closures Southbound I-17 will go down to two lanes between Loop 303 and Happy Valley Road in north Phoenix from 9 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Sunday due to lane striping as part of a pavement improvement project. The southbound I-17 on-ramps at Loop 303 and Dixileta Drive and the southbound off- and on-ramps at Jomax Road will also be closed. Northbound I-17 lane restrictions and ramp closures Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to two lanes between Dove Valley Road and State Route 74/Carefree Highway from 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday for lane striping as part of the pavement improvement project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northbound I-17 on-ramps at Loop 303 and Dove Valley Road will be closed as well as the northbound I-17 off-ramps at SR 74. The northbound I-17 frontage road between Loop 303 and SR 74 will be closed to motorists as well. I-10 narrowed to three lanes between I-17 Split interchange and US 60 I-10 will be down to three lanes in both directions between the I-17 Split interchange near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and U.S. 60 (Superstition Freeway) from 8 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday. The restrictions are due to work on the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project. Note: The westbound I-10 lane restrictions are scheduled to end by 10 a.m. Sunday. The westbound I-10 on-ramp at Baseline Road will also be closed this weekend. Southbound SR 143 closed between Loop 202 and I-10 Southbound SR 143 (Hohokam Expressway) will be closed between Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and I-10 near Sky Harbor Airport from 10 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Sunday for a traffic shift as part of the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The westbound Loop 202 exit ramp to Sky Harbor Airport will also be closed from 8 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Sunday. ADOT said to consider using southbound 44th Street to enter the airport. Detour: Alternate routes include westbound Loop 202 to eastbound I-10 at the State Route 51 Mini-Stack. Note: Guadalupe Road will be closed between Pointe Parkway and Calle Sahuaro over the I-10 from 8 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. March 24 for construction. Plan on using alternative routes, including Elliot Road. Slow freeway drivers, beware: You could face hefty fine under this proposed Arizona bill This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix-area freeway closures, lane restrictions this weekend Police flew into action to save a large swan that was causing traffic issues near downtown Orlando. Officials said they received several calls Friday morning about a swan that ended up on State Road 408 near Bumby Avenue. The runaway waterfowl was spotted waddling along the road and was later relocated for its safety. Officials said the swan was taken to Lake Eola for further evaluation. Police said its a good reminder for drivers that they should always use caution and eye an eye out for any possible dangers on the highway. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) When homeless camps get out of control, local governments send teams to clean up. That can be a disaster, costing people what few possessions they have. But trash and unsanitary conditions are becoming a bigger priority as residents go to elected officials demanding action. The problem exists all over the valley, and one state lawmaker is drawing attention to east Las Vegas. Democratic Assem. Erica Mosca lives on the east side, and her passion on the subject showed on Thursday as she presented a bill that would eliminate one barrier thats holding up progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mosca fought back tears as she called the east side a forgotten community. Clark County homeless census shows 20% increase in a single year But I live on the eastside because it reminds me of how I grew up and is a place where Im comfortable with my identity and where I could build a home, Mosca said. She is sponsoring Assembly Bill 263 (AB263), and she picked up some co-sponsors at the hearing who dont just appreciate her efforts they see some of the same problems in their districts. Democratic Assem. Erica Mosca presents AB263 on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Courtesy: Nevada State Legislature) Mosca worked with Clark County Commission Chair Tick Segerblom on AB263, a bill with a simple goal: allow outreach teams to cross lines on a map. When outreach teams arrive, the camps sometimes just move to an area thats out of the countys jurisdiction. At that point, the outreach team cant do anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The camps go over or through fences, often into land controlled by the Nevada Department of Transportation. In Moscas district, that means tents and makeshift shelters along Interstate 11/U.S. 95. between Charleston Boulevard and Boulder Highway. But it happens throughout the valley. The bill would allow county teams to go into NDOT rights-of-way to finish the job. It would also direct resources to help in areas like the one she represents, Assembly District 14, which runs along East Charleston. More generally, near schools, parks and senior housing in areas of the county in which pervasive poverty, unemployment or economic distress exist. Segerblom emphasized that its about more than simply busting up homeless camps. We are bending over backwards to provide resources, rehabilitation, anything that people need. But at the end of the day, these camps become just so large that they become very unsafe and very unsanitary, Segerblom said. Clark County Commission Chair Tick Segerblom helps present AB263 on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Courtesy: Nevada State Legislature) Mosca said constituents arent just alarmed by the homeless problem. They dont think government is doing enough to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mosca showed a photo that her husband took on Tuesday along with a personal video of cleanup efforts. She said she took part in the work over the past year and a half with 20 volunteers. They did more than a dozen cleanups. She also took part in two town hall meetings, two ride-alongs with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and meetings with nonprofits. She toured several city and county facilities that work to help homeless individuals. Residents want change after increase in homeless encampments in east Las Vegas valley community She proudly talked about how they are involved in working alongside constituents and outreach teams. She described her husbands effort to help a homeless man who had overdosed at Winterwood Park next to Wengert Elementary School. And she showed more photos from the cleanup efforts. A slide from Assem. Erica Moscas presentation for AB263. (Courtesy: Nevada State Legislature) The one on the right, I cleaned up all of that because its the number one thing that my constituents talk to me about, Mosca said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a very political statement to make, but I know in places like Summerlin, maybe Damonte Ranch, I dont know, but higher income places dont look like this. And thats really what this bill is about. AB263 would only affect Clark County. Segerblom said the county already has outreach teams so theres really no additional funding required. Las Vegas homeless count moves to every-other-year schedule after population hits 10-year high Lawmakers asked if the bill might be the start of more cooperative efforts to address homelessness, citing the limited effectiveness of each city working in silos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than a dozen people testified in support of the bill. Notably, the City of Las Vegas was neutral, a spokesperson saying the city has spent millions on efforts similar to the countys, supporting five outreach teams. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Nearly 48 hours after a crash that took her life, a Las Vegas mothers story was displayed using two photo frames: one held by her fiance, the other by her four children. Las Vegas police responded Wednesday to a crash just before 9 a.m. at South University Center Drive and East Twain Avenue. According to police, video evidence showed a driver in a Chevrolet running a red light when a woman crossing the sidewalk was hit. The woman identified by family as Jessica Fodge, 31, was walking back home after dropping her children off at their school, according to family members who spoke with 8 News Now. A woman died following a crash on March 5, 2025, along South University Center Drive and East Twain Avenue. (KLAS) The car came and hit her and pinned her up and killed her right here, Devon Mayers, the victims fiance, said. So, we are all out here now showing our respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 dead after suspected DUI crash in east Las Vegas near UNLV; driver arrested Fodge was described by the family as a devoted mother of four children, ages ranging from six to ninewho are now left without a mom. The site of the crash in the south Las Vegas valley, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. (KLAS) Mommy, I did not want you to die, Fodges daughter said. I just didnt want you to die because I wanted you to be here and I also love you every day. 8 News Now spoke with several members of the family and verified the gofundme account, titled: Aid Devon & His 4 Children After DUI Tragedy, which has been organized by Mayers sister, Chanell Dudley, set to help support Fodges four children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just want to pay for her funeral, Mayers said. I dont want to cremate her because her kids want to see her again. According to the police, the crash involved a 2025 Chevrolet Trax and a woman walking on foot. Evidence at the scene showed the Chevrolet driver ran a red light while making a wide turn, hitting a woman who was crossing on the sidewalk, police said. (LVMPD) The driver, identified by police as Gerardo Lopez, was arrested and faces charges of suspicion of impairment and reckless driving and is being held on a $250,000 bail; a court date has been set for Mar. 11, according to court records. Love of outdoors, hairdressing, kids Surrounded by family at a Central Las Vegas Valley apartment, Mayers remembered the moment he met Fodge through Instagram. We end up talking on there for a little about little while, and then we end up meeting, and we end up moving in, and thats when we had our first baby, Mayers said. Right when we met each other, we clicked, and its been going good ever since, and thats why we had all these little guys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four children said their mother would spoil them with visits to Chuck E. Cheese. Fodges six-year-old daughter said she missed her mom as she kissed her photo again and again. If we cant bring the kids, we cant go, period, Mayers said. She wants to do things with the kids. She likes museums. She likes going out. Shes the outdoorsman. Fodge had an interest in medicine and was planning on receiving her education to become a registered nurse, according to Mayers. She really wanted to do she really wanted to complete nursing school and become a doctor, he said. Because she really loved saving people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Mark your calendars we're springing forward on Sunday. Daylight saving time is this weekend, with Florida residents and other participating states turning their clocks forward an hour. According to timeanddate.com, "daylight saving time is the practice of setting the clocks one hour ahead of standard time to make use of more sunlight in the spring, summer, and fall evenings. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is used to save energy and make better use of daylight. It was first used in 1908 in Thunder Bay, Canada." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know from when DST starts and ends in 2015 to why it exists and if President Donald Trump is actually ending it. When does daylight saving time start? European daylight saving time end. Alarm clock on wooden desk, blur spring nature background, copy space. 3d illustration Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9 at 2 a.m. local time. When does daylight saving time end? Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 2. Did Daylight Saving Time start because of farmers? No, according to almanac.com. "Many Americans wrongly point to farmers as the driving force behind Daylight Saving Time. In fact, farmers were its strongest opponents and, as a group, stubbornly resisted the change from the beginning," Catherine Boeckmann wrote for almanac.com. "When the war ended, the farmers and working-class people who had held their tongues began speaking out. They demanded an end to Daylight Saving Time, claiming it benefited only office workers and the leisure class. The controversy spotlighted the growing gap between rural and urban dwellers." Is US getting rid of daylight saving time? Is Donald Trump going to end daylight saving time in 2025? President Donald Trump did not set a date but declared through social media platform Truth Social that he would eliminate daylight saving time which would also require approval from Congress: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldnt! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation." Polling suggests Americans favor Trump's idea of getting rid of daylight saving time. About 43% want year-round standard time, 32% want permanent daylight saving time and 25% want to stick with the status quo, an October 2021 Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found. Has Florida tried to get rid of daylight saving time? In 2018, while governor of Florida, Sen. Rick Scott signed legislation that would exempt Florida from the time change practice and allow the state to remain on daylight saving time year-round. The legislation requires federal approval, which has not happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in 2018, Florida became the first state to enact legislation to permanently observe daylight saving time. The Florida Legislature approved HB 1013 on Daylight Saving Time. It was approved by the Florida House with a vote of 103 to 11 and by the Florida Senate with a vote of 33 to 2. What is the Sunshine Protection Act? Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) react during a campaign event at Dorton Arena, in Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. November 4, 2024. The Sunshine Protection Act would permanently extend daylight saving time from eight months of the year to the full 12 months. The bill was first introduced in March 2018 by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida and Rep. Vern Buchanan. The pair reintroduced the bill, along with other sponsors, in 2019, 2021 and 2023. It was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate in 2022 but it was not passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. There is currently no news on when it will be readdressed and then signed into law. Has the US ever gotten rid of daylight saving time? According to USA TODAY, the country tried year-round daylight saving time once before in 1974 under President Richard Nixon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a few months into the experiment, Congress voted to go back to standard time after complaints of children going to school in the dark on winter mornings. Which states already don't observe daylight saving time? As of July 25, 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation noted that only Hawaii and parts of Arizona do not participate in daylight saving time. The Navajo Nation is the lone exception in Arizona. The territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands also do not participate. According to the website, states may exempt themselves from observing daylight saving time by state law in accordance with the Uniform Time Act, as amended. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daylight saving time: Will President Trump actually get rid of it? On second thought ... School start and end times might not be pushed back to later in the day in 2026 after all. Two years after state legislators approved a change pushing school start times back, some who supported that change are now backing a bill to scrap the idea. Senate Bill 296 moved through the Education Pre-K-12 Committee on Monday, March 3 on a vote of 6-1. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, would repeal the 2023 school start times law, which moved high school start times to no earlier than 8:30 a.m. and middle school start times to no earlier than 8 a.m. State Rep. Anne Gerwig, a Republican who previously served as mayor of Wellington, has introduced a companion bill in the state House, House Bill 261. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the 2023 bill into law; he has given no indication about how he feels about its possible repeal. The later start times were thought to be a good way to help students get more sleep. But as school districts contemplated the changes, they worried about their impact on transportation, extracurricular activities, before- and after-school care as well as on student after-school jobs. The Palm Beach County School District has been among many across the state urging legislators to reconsider. "The school district is also requesting flexibility from the state legislature regarding the new start and end times," the district said in a statement regarding the repeal legislation. "This may result in the school district receiving legislative relief that will allow us to maintain our current start and end times." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton, supported the 2023 bill pushing back start times. The School District of Palm Beach County school bus drivers are in short supply and the new start times could require more of them, according to the district. "I thought it was a great idea," Berman said of the notion of giving students an opportunity for more sleep. But Berman was among those on the Education Pre-K-12 Committee who voted to repeal the 2023 law. "I voted to reverse the original bill," she said, adding that she did so after district officials told her pushing start and end times back would be impractical. "I did say I would like to see them try to address (more sleep for students) as best as they can." Berman said she believes the repeal legislation will pass the full Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm happy to see it reversed," she said. The school district held hearings and put together a survey to relay to state officials what they saw as the impracticalities of the new start and end times. It also posted a Q&A for parents on the school start change that suggested the biggest hurdle for the district would be the impact on transportation and not just for middle and high school students. "Our buses run tiered routes, meaning most buses transport students for all three levels (elementary, middle, and high) at varied times," the district's Q&A information states. "If the start and end times for one level change, it will impact the transportation time for all levels." The district has been considering a trio of new schedules that would radically alter the school day for students, parents and teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One scheduling option, which the district outlined in its Q&A, would have elementary school students start their day at 7:30 a.m. and end at 1:35 p.m. Middle schoolers would start at 10:45 a.m. and go to 4:50 p.m., and high school students would begin at 8:45 a.m. and end their day at 3:45 p.m. District officials say having the existing fleet of buses handle the work isn't simply to avoid the cost of buying more vehicles, though that won't be inexpensive. "Buying more buses will not solve the problem because we currently have a bus driver shortage," the district Q&A information states. "We are actively recruiting bus drivers. This is a nationwide problem." Wayne Washington is a journalist covering education for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Later school start times: Senators say repeal of law is poised to pass Rihards Kozlovskis, Minister of Internal Affairs of Latvia, has called on European Union countries at a meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussels to completely stop issuing Schengen tourist visas to Russian citizens. Source: Minister of Internal Affairs of Latvia Details: Kozlovskis justified his initiative by stating that Russia is waging a "hybrid war" against Europe. He cited several examples of dangerous activities, including illegal border crossings, acts of sabotage, the use of drones and information warfare campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Under the current circumstances, we cannot continue with business as usual. We must acknowledge that we are in a state of hybrid war. In Latvia, this affects the daily work of security authorities both at the border and within the country. We are facing both illegal border crossings and acts of sabotage, such as the burning of the Museum of the Occupation, drones crossing the border, propaganda attempts to influence public opinion, etc. I therefore urge all member states to take this threat seriously. It is our moral duty to deny such a service." Details: Following the European Commission data, 565,069 Schengen visas were issued to Russian citizens in 2024, which is 25% more than in 2023, with 90% of these visas being for tourism purposes. The total share of visas issued to Russian citizens was 5.7% of all Schengen visas issued during the year. Kozlovskis reiterated that Latvia had stopped issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens in 2022 after the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The country only issues visas for humanitarian reasons now. Similar measures were taken by Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and Czechia. Background: The National Security Committee of the Latvian Saeima [parliament] has prepared a draft law that includes a ban on travel to Russia and Belarus for certain government employees. The ban on travel will also extend to transit through Russia and Belarus. On 20 February, members of the Saeima supported the first reading of a bill that prohibits Russian and Belarusian citizens or legal entities owned by them from purchasing property in the country. Latvia is also preparing changes to legislation that will prevent Russian and Belarusian citizens from holding managerial and other positions in critical infrastructure which provide access to sensitive information. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Republicans have censured Representative Al Green and petitioned to strip him of his committee assignments for interrupting Donald Trumps speech to Congress. But by Friday, Representative Lauren Boebert had decided to sling some mud on the situation for good measure. For him to go and shake his pimp cane at President Trump was absolutely abhorrent, Boebert, who was caught on surveillance footage fondling her date during a showing of Beetlejuice in 2023, told Real Americas Voice. Boebert was referring to the 77-year-old Texas Democrats walking cane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Trump claimed during his Tuesday night speech that he had been given a mandate by the American people to radically reimagine the federal government, Green interrupted the president by yelling, You have no mandate to cut Medicaid! That got Green ousted by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who called on the sergeant of arms to remove the 77-year-old from the chamber against a backdrop of jeers from Republicans. I did it from my heart, and I will suffer whatever the consequences are, Green told reporters the next day. But truthfully, I would do it again. Senate Republicans are working to pass a budget that even party members have recently admitted will result in a $880 billion cut to Medicaid, much to the chagrin of their own constituents. The multibillion-dollar cut is a trade-off for conservatives who were tasked by Donald Trump to extend his 2017 tax plan, which will overwhelmingly benefit corporations and is projected to add as much as $15 trillion to the national deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greens protest was practically the only noticeable rejection of Trumps agenda that Democrats could muster Tuesday night. Other liberal lawmakers were torched for flipping paddles that read False, Musk Steals, and Save Medicaid in a silent protest in the face of the administrations apparent oligarchy and its systemic dismantling of the federal government. And viewers watching live at home would never have known that a handful of Democrats stood up and walked out of the chamber in protest, as TV cameras never bothered to pan to their mute, dignified spectacle. Others, such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Patty Murray, opted to not show up at all. AUSTIN (KXAN) As the state of Texas looks to crack down on wasteful spending, one area thats under the microscope is real estate. During the first Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency, committee members discussed cost savings from rental and government-owned properties. We have tried to eliminate unnecessary contracts, said Brian Guthrie, director of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. We have also eliminated lease space. We have purchased new headquarters outside of the downtown area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some committee members questioned why some buildings couldnt be moved outside of Austin though. Is there any reason yall did not look any further outside of Austin? In Waco, or Huntsville, Houston? said State Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park. These same questions have crossed Sen. Mayes Middletons mind as well and that is why he filed SB 1004 to move state agencies out of Austin. Change is coming: Texas DOGE hosts first meeting For a long time I have had this idea, Middleton said. Why not move them to lower-cost real estate around the state? Middleton said the move could save taxpayers millions and create opportunities for people living in different regions of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would create jobs in rural Texas that are not there right now, he said. Middleton said lawmakers would determine if the agency needs to move when the agency comes before the Sunset Advisory Commission for review. And as they come up we would determine how much they are spending either in rent or the value of the office building they are in here near the capitol, he said. Then compare that to moving them outside of Austin and what that rent, or buying real estate in a lower cost area would be. At the end of the day he said its all about cutting costs and saving taxpayers money, but also giving more opportunities to those living outside the Capital city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have had an incredible difficulty attracting state workers to work for our state agencies and I think it would resolve that issue, Middleton said. The bill will now be reviewed by the Business & Commerce committee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. WARSAW, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Polish President Andrzej Duda submitted a constitutional amendment proposal to the speaker of the Sejm on Friday, aiming to establish a mandatory defense spending threshold of at least 4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Speaking after his meeting with Szymon Holownia, speaker of the Sejm, the lower house of the parliament, Duda emphasized the importance of legal guarantees to ensure the country's security policies remain consistent regardless of political changes. "The most important thing is that our security is constantly strengthened. Since we currently have a political consensus on this issue, I believe it must also be reinforced legally," he said. He underlined that any attempt to reduce this spending would require a two-thirds majority in the Sejm, ensuring that only a broad political consensus could alter Poland's defense policy. Duda expressed hope that the amendment would be swiftly adopted by parliament, stressing the urgency of securing Poland's defense commitments amid current global uncertainties. Duda said on Thursday at a joint press conference in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that all NATO countries should raise defence spending to at least 3 percent of GDP immediately. According to the Polish government budget, the country's defense expenditure will reach 4.7 percent of GDP in 2025. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) State lawmakers have once again introduced legislation that would increase Rhode Islands tipped minimum wage and then eventually phase it out. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Leonela Felix, D-Pawtucket, who put forward a similar bill last year. RELATED: Lawmakers look to end tipped minimum wage in RI If signed into law, the current figure of $3.89 an hour would increase to $14.95 by 2030 and then starting in 2031, would have to be the exact same as the states minimum wage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The R.I. House Labor Committee discussed the legislation on Wednesday. It was ultimately held for further study. Greggs Restaurants and Taverns owner Bob Bacon testified during the hearing, stating that the math doesnt work. If I raise prices, I always get a little bit of a decrease, he said. Not because somebodys mad. They understand the cost of goods goes up. Its because they cant afford to come in as often. They might have been coming in three times a week, so they cut it to two. The last time tipped minimum wage was increased in Rhode Island was in 2017, when it went from $3.39 an hour to $3.89. That change was led by former state lawmakers Gayle Goldin and Aaron Regunberg in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amber Holmes, a server at The Patio on Broadway, described the legislation as a really awesome move. Theres a lot of days where youre relying just on tips and maybe you dont have a lot of customers coming in, she said. That really is a bummer to our wages and it would be really nice if we could also rely on an hourly [wage]. Bacon said without the tipped minimum wage figure, his servers are making between $22 and $28 an hour. So with that, some of them are over $30, he explained. Youre going to hear that its a business model thats worked for years because its a business model thats worked for years. It really has. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holmes said an increase is needed due to the cost of living skyrocketing over the last few years. Since its so low, whatever we make hourly, automatically, we dont really see that in our paychecks, she said. Itd be nice, [to make] even just like a couple more dollars. Maybe wed be able to see a little bit of that in our paychecks, which would be a huge difference from what it is now. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi said hell be reviewing the testimony provided last night and will talk about the bill with members of the Labor Committee and its chairman to gain further perspective. In the Senate, Sen. Tiara Mack, D-Providence, introduced legislation that would increase the wage from $3.89 to $6.75 an hour starting in 2026. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. A newly filed lawsuit alleges a woman died after waiting 10 hours to see a doctor at Des Moines' Iowa Methodist Medical Center. (Photo via Google Earth)for The owner of two central Iowa hospitals and two of its physicians are now facing lawsuits over patient deaths and the alleged violation of federal laws governing emergency room treatment. Two of the lawsuits are tied to patient care involving a man who allegedly died after twice being discharged from the emergency room at Central Iowa Hospital Corp.s Methodist West Hospital, located in West Des Moines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third lawsuit stems from the death of a woman who allegedly waited 10 hours to see a physician at Central Iowa Hospital Corp.s Iowa Methodist Medical Center, located in Des Moines, before going into cardiac arrest. In two of the cases, the family of the late David Cibert alleges that on the evening of Jan. 11, 2023, Cibert went to the emergency room at Methodist West complaining of pain that he rated as a 13 on a scale of 1 to 10. Although he allegedly had a fever and low oxygen-saturation levels, and his pain did not respond to fentanyl, Dr. Rachael Sokol and others allegedly failed to provide a full and complete screening examination in order to determine whether Cibert had an emergency medical condition, and also ordered no labs or imaging. Sokol allegedly discharged David from the emergency department shortly before midnight, writing that his condition was good despite, one of the lawsuits claims, that he was still in severe pain, the cause of which hadnt been determined. Less than 12 hours later, Cibert allegedly returned to Methodist Wests emergency room, still in pain and with an accelerated heart rate. Emergency room physician Dr. Chase Deobald evaluated Cibert and ordered a test that allegedly showed an elevated white blood cell count. Deobald discharged Cibert at about 2:20 p.m., the lawsuit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cibert returned home, still in excruciating pain, his family alleges in court filings. A few days later, on Jan. 16, 2023, he went to MercyOnes West Des Moines Medical Center with the same complaints and symptoms while stating that he had not been able to move his arms or legs for six days. While there, he was diagnosed with acute polyarticular arthritis and the potentially life-threatening condition of septic arthritis. He died on Jan. 19, 2023, allegedly from bacteremia bacteria in the bloodstream caused by sepsis and polyarticular septic arthritis. Had David received competent timely medical treatment, he likely would have survived, his family claims in court filings. A state-court lawsuit, which alleges medical malpractice in Ciberts treatment, is scheduled for trial on Jan. 12, 2026. In that case, Methodist West, Sokol and Deobald have denied any wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate, federal lawsuit alleges that in treating Cibert, Methodist West violated the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, which requires hospitals to ensure that patients are stabilized before discharging them. The hospital has yet to file a response to that lawsuit and declined to comment on the case. Lawsuit: Woman died after 10-hour wait in ER Sokol and Central Iowa Hospital Corp.s Iowa Methodist Medical Center are also defendants in a wrongful death claim recently filed by the estate of another patient, Amanda Kuhlman. That lawsuit claims Kuhlman came to the Des Moines hospital on Aug. 23, 2023, where she was diagnosed with weakness, difficulty swallowing, incontinence and an elevated heart rate. Despite the severity of her symptoms, the lawsuit claims, Kuhlman would not be seen by a physician for nearly 10 hours, and only after she went into cardiac arrest while attempting to use the restroom with the assistance of the staff. She died several days later on Sept. 3, 2023. According to the lawsuit, Central Iowa Hospital Corp. was cited several times for EMTALA violations in the years leading up to Kuhlmans death. The first such violation was on Feb. 28, 2017, at which time the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notified the corporation that hospital patients had been placed in immediate jeopardy, the lawsuit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 6, 2022, Nov. 29, 2023, and June 5, 2024, the hospital was cited for additional violations that resulted from EMTALA investigations, the lawsuit claims. Central Iowa Hospital Corp. has engaged in a persistent pattern of conduct of failing to provide medical screening examinations and stabilizing treatment for emergency room patients in its hospitals without unnecessary delay, the lawsuit claims. That lawsuit was recently moved from state to federal court. A trial date has yet to be set. Central Iowa Hospital Corp. said it does not comment on pending litigation. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Join the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library for a program about the warning signs of Alzheimers disease on Tuesday, March 11. According to a release from the library, more than 122,000 Missourians have been diagnosed with Alzheimers or dementia and over 200,000 family members, friends and loved ones serve as caregivers. In Greene County, an estimated 5,500 people (about 11%) above the age of 65 have been diagnosed. The 10 Warning Signs program will be given at 10 a.m. at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library (2214 S. Brentwood Blvd., Springfield). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Greater Missouri Alzheimers Association is also hosting a virtual program at 7 p.m. on March 11. Program information, including how to register, can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) On Friday, Congressman Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) released a statement announcing the federal Department of Government Efficiency has reversed their previous plans to end the leases for three federal facilities in Oklahoma. According to Cole, the National Weather Center in Norman, the Social Security Administration Office in Lawton and the Indian Health Services Office in Oklahoma City will retain their leases after initial reports indicated they would be terminated as part of DOGE cuts. Congressman Tom Cole weighs in on NWS, NOAA firings Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After working closely with DOGE and the Administration, I am thrilled to announce that common sense has prevailed, as the National Weather Center in Norman, the Social Security Administration Office in Lawton, and the Indian Health Services Office in Oklahoma City will remain operational in Oklahoma. All three of these places provide vital and valuable services to Oklahomans and I am so proud to have advocated for them, Cole said. As the Representative for Oklahomas Fourth District, I will always fight for Oklahomans and my constituents! There is currently no indication that DOGE and the Trump administration are planning to change course on their decision to fire hundreds federal workers within these offices. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. March 7 (UPI) -- At least 70 people have died in armed clashes between Syria's security forces and forces still loyal to deposed dictator Bashir al-Assad, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The group said Friday 71 people had died, including 35 government forces, 32 pro-Assad gunmen and four civilians. Government security convoys patrolled the roads Friday in Latakia and Tartus along the Mediterranean shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency, Syrian defense ministry spokesman Col. Hassan Abdul Ghani warned Assad loyalists in Latakia to surrender. "Thousands have chosen to surrender their weapons and return to their families, while some insist on fleeing and dying in defense of murderers and criminals," he said. "The choice is clear: lay down your weapons or face your inevitable fate." The fighting came after 16 people serving as government security forces were killed by pro-Assad gunmen Thursday evening in the countryside near Latakia. They died in an ambush as they left the village of Beit Aana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The confrontations included thousands of anti-government protesters who demanded that government forces leave the countryside in Latakia and Tartus Provinces. It's the worst violence since Syrian rebels brought down al-Assad's dictatorship in December. The Syrian government sent reinforcements to the coast in an effort to assert authority over a few towns and villages occupied by anti-government gunmen. Syria's coastal region was a stronghold for the pro-Assad Alawite minority Syria. The now-exiled Assad family are Alawite. Drums containing Aqueous Film Forming Foam, also known as AFFF. (Photo by Brendan Bullock) Two legislative committees advanced bills this week that would continue the states pioneering efforts to address the spread of and contamination by so-called forever chemicals. The legislation will now go before the Maine House of Representatives and Senate to be voted on for passage. The proposals build on the Legislatures work in the last five years to address the impact of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, which has been linked to serious long-term health problems including cancer. These efforts include a phased-in ban on most goods and products with intentionally added PFAS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Awareness of the toxic chemicals has increased as the state has worked to remediate agricultural land contaminated by the state-sanctioned spreading of PFAS-laden sludge. The high level of exposure among the firefighting community has also recently become more apparent, particularly after 1,600 gallons of firefighting foam concentrate containing PFAS spilled in Brunswick last summer. Cleaning up AFFF The Legislatures Environment and Natural Resources Committee held a work session Wednesday to discuss a suite of proposals from Rep. Dan Anekeles (D-Brunswick) about the prevalence of Aqueous Film Forming Foam, also known as AFFF, across the state. Two of the three bills received unanimous support from the committee members who were present, with two members absent for the votes. The committee backed LD 400, which calls for a statewide inventory of AFFF, with some changes to ensure it would be publicly accessible on the Office of the Maine State Fire Marshal website. The state does not currently know how much AFFF remains in storage throughout the state, or where it is held, but during the public hearing on the bill, Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim said there is an estimated 50,000 gallons of foam remaining in the state; however, that is based on limited data the department attempted to gather a handful of years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler said he would like to start as soon as possible, the start date for the inventory was moved up to begin on or before Nov. 1, 2025. However, the bill does not have an emergency preamble so it wouldnt officially take effect until 90 days after the Legislature adjourns. Though he supports the intent of the bill, Esler testified against the legislation during the public hearing. But he told the committee Wednesday that his concerns were rooted in the timelines for conducting the inventory and starting the takeback program outlined in LD 222, which would help local fire departments that dont have the budgets to properly dispose of the foam. The committee also moved up dates for the inventory to be completed to Nov. 1, 2026 for public entities and one year after that for private entities. The inventory would need to be submitted to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2028. Those changes will help with concerns over the logistics of conducting an inventory as well as developing and implementing a foam take-back program by July 2027, which also passed the committee by unanimous vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ankeles package of PFAS bills also included a ban on AFFF from all properties owned, leased or managed by the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, a quasi-governmental agency that manages the former naval base where the Brunswick spill occurred. The bill proposes the ban start on Jan. 1, 2026. However, the committee tabled LD 407 until next week. On his third day in the job, the new MRRA Executive Director Daniel Stevenson told the committee he would need more time to raise the money needed to remove the foam concentrate still on site. Though MRRA would also like to see it removed, Stevenson worries the agency couldnt raise the necessary funds to meet the deadline outlined in the bill. Since MRRA is quasi-governmental, lawmakers questioned whether the state would be responsible for the funding to remove the existing foam, which the committee analyst is planning to look into ahead of the next meeting. Codifying the response to PFAS in farmland The Legislatures Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee also voted to advance a bill from Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-York) to enshrine in statute Maines existing response program for PFAS contamination on farmland, which has been touted as a national leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PFAS Response program currently has seven full-time staff members who provide technical and financial assistance to more than 80 farms with varying levels of contamination. There is also a three-person PFAS Fund team that provides financial support, research and access to health services. The legislation revises the fund to make it more efficient and effective. As part of a state buyback program to give farmers an option to move off contaminated land, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry recently purchased more than 100 acres in Palermo for $333,000 using relief fund dollars, the Portland Press Herald reported. Most committee members voted in favor of LD 130, but Rep. Caldwell Jackson (R-Oxford) opposed the bill out of fear it would put Maine farmers at a disadvantage over those in other states who may not be subject to the PFAS product limits that are outlined in the legislation. Other PFAS legislation heard this week Legislative committees also held public hearings for other PFAS-related proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee heard from Sen. Stacy Brenner (D-Cumberland) about her proposal to require health insurance carriers to cover blood tests for PFAS when they are deemed medically necessary. And Rep. Reagan Paul (R-Winterport) introduced a bill to the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee seeking to require an operator of a solar or wind energy development to test for PFAS contamination at the development site. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Having led the British military, I know first-hand that national security is built on more than just military strength. Our Armed Forces must be adequately funded to meet the threats of todays world, and increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP is a welcome and necessary move. However, I dont agree with cutting aid to fund it. Defence and aid are not competing priorities they are complementary pillars of a coherent security strategy. The notion that we must weaken one to strengthen the other is not just misleading but dangerous. A lack of investment in aid and development will only fuel greater instability, increase security threats, and place a heavier burden on our Armed Forces. Britain should be leading the way in demonstrating that security is about more than just military might. It requires a comprehensive approach one that integrates diplomacy, development, and defence. We have seen time and again that failing to invest in stability abroad only leads to greater costs down the line, both in financial terms and in British lives. If we do not learn from past mistakes, we will continue to repeat them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lessons of history are clear: where we fail to act decisively and comprehensively, chaos follows. And yet, the government is now compounding these failures by cutting aid at precisely the moment when it is most needed. Sufficient force and political will are the foundation of any successful intervention. Without both, failure is inevitable, and it would be better not to intervene at all. But beyond direct military action, a well-funded development and diplomatic strategy is essential to prevent conflict in the first place. This is why the recent cuts to the UKs aid budget are so deeply misguided not only from a moral standpoint but from a hard-headed security perspective. As Parliament responds to these cuts it is vital to recognise the long-term consequences of the governments decision. We are already seeing the devastating impact of instability across the globe. From the Sahel to the Middle East, weak governance, poverty, and climate pressures are driving conflict and mass displacement. The logical response should be to invest more in stabilisation efforts, not less. Yet, inexplicably, we are choosing to do the opposite. A crucial tool in Britains strategic arsenal During my tenure as commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan from 2006 to 2007, I implemented the Afghan Development Zones initiative. This strategy aimed to establish secure areas where development and governance could flourish, thereby addressing the root causes of instability. By focusing on both security and development, we sought to create conditions where military interventions would be less necessary. This experience reinforced my belief that development aid is not a luxury but a crucial component of national security strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consider the ongoing war in Ukraine. While the West has provided significant support, there remains a gap between the support supplied and what is needed for a decisive outcome. As the conflict grinds on with no clear resolution in sight, it serves as a stark reminder that prolonged instability carries immense costs both in human lives and in broader global security. This half-hearted approach is symptomatic of a broader trend in British foreign policy: a reluctance to fully commit to the actions necessary to achieve our stated objectives. We cannot afford to repeat this mistake elsewhere by failing to invest in long-term conflict prevention. Aid is not just charity it is a crucial tool in Britains strategic arsenal. By helping to stabilise fragile states, reduce the drivers of extremism, and support economic development, aid directly enhances our national security. Cutting it now is not just short-sighted; it actively increases the likelihood that Britain will be drawn into future conflicts at far greater human and financial cost. We are also losing our moral authority, and with it, our global influence. Britain has long prided itself on being a leader in international affairs, a country that stands up for what is right and takes responsibility on the world stage. But by slashing aid, we send a clear message that we are turning our backs on those in need. This retreat diminishes our standing and weakens our ability to shape global events in our favour. The government must also recognise the domestic implications of these cuts. Migration is a pressing issue, and one that rightly concerns the British public. But if we are serious about addressing the root causes of irregular migration, we must invest in the stability and prosperity of countries where these movements originate. If we fail to do so, we will only see greater numbers of people risking their lives to reach our shores. Spending money over there means fewer people feeling forced to come over here. It is that simple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not about choosing between defence and aid both are essential components of a coherent national security strategy. The idea that we must cut one to fund the other is a false and dangerous choice. Without investment in aid and development, we will inevitably face greater instability, increased threats to our national security, and a higher burden on our Armed Forces. Britain should be leading the way in demonstrating that security is about more than just military might. It requires a holistic approach one that integrates diplomacy, development, and defence. If we fail to recognise this, we will continue to repeat the same mistakes that have plagued our interventions for decades. Parliament must not let this moment pass without challenge. The decision to cut aid is a decision to accept greater global instability, weakened British influence, and an increased risk of conflict. We cannot afford to take that risk. It is time for a rethink before we find ourselves paying a far higher price in the years to come. General Lord Richards is former Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of the British Armed Forces Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) After several substitutes, and debate regarding its measures, a bill seeking to reform Utahs mail in voting system has passed the Legislature. Sen. Michael McKell (R-Utah County) took the Senate floor Thursday afternoon to make the case for the bill, saying that the bill has improved much since its original draft. We have good elections in Utah, we have high confidence in our election process, we have high confidence in vote by mail, Mckell began. But we also have concern of security, and what were trying to balance in this bill is how do we enhance security, at the same time making voting easy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: New Utah election bill requires last 4 digits of ID and phases in opt-in to vote by mail H.B. 300 or Amendments to Election Law passed the Senate 19-10-0 after amendment and was concurred by the House in a largely party line vote of 56-15-4 late Thursday evening. If signed by the Governor, it would require voters to opt in to receive a mail-in ballot, and to write the last 4 digits of their state ID or social security number on the ballot envelope to return it. These provisions would take effect by 2029. The reforms would also do away with the postmark deadline, which allowed ballots to be counted even after election day as long as they were postmarked a day before election. Instead, the bill mandates that ballots must be received by election officers on or before 8 p.m. on election day. The bill also assigns the Lt. Governor to several actions to identify potential anomalies in Utahs voter rolls. It would also mandate the Lt. Governor to seek an agreement with the federal court to receive notification when someone is disqualified from jury lists due to criminal convictions or non-citizen status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Utahs county clerks oppose bill that seeks to make several changes to elections During debate on the Senate floor, concerns were brought up regarding the system of opting in for mail in ballots and opposition of county clerks to the bill. An emotional Sen. Daniel Thatcher (R-Tooele County) voiced his opposition to the bill, relating it to a pattern of the legislature imposing its will on unpopular measures. Saying that the Legislature expects submission on these issues. I have received word this morning from the clerks that they have removed their opposition and moved to neutral, and I wish I took that as a victory, I wish I thought that this was good legislation, Thatcher said on the floor of the Senate. Instead of just the realization that this is the best deal they are going to get. I dont thats how we should be doing things. Thatcher, although saying the bill is now better than when it started, he still has concerns that the bill doesnt improve security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are so many things in this bill that do not increase security that do not improve access. Infact, I would argue, that this bill does in fact impair both, Thatcher argued. He argued that ID numbers would be easier to manipulate than signatures. Mckell responded indirectly to Thatchers comments saying, I have nothing but appreciation for the clerks work. That idea that we have pressured [the clerks] into a deal, theres no deal. I think the clerks want the same thing we want, we want elections that are fair, that are fast. The bill will now go to the Governor for final approval, ABC4.com has reached out to the Governor to see where he stands on the bill, ABC4.com is still waiting for a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent holds an immigration detainer form in a detention facility. (Photo from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) In an attempt to help the Trump administration accomplish its immigration goals, the Utah Legislature passed a bill on Thursday that repeals a 2019 law shielding migrants from being deported if they commit a misdemeanor offense. But as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, ramp up deportations, critics worry the bill will disproportionately impact immigrants with lawful status, like visa holders or refugees, while doing nothing to actually facilitate the removal of people in the country without authorization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, HB226 increases the maximum sentence for class A misdemeanors from 364 days, to 365. Per federal law, if an immigrant spends one year in jail or prison, it automatically initiates deportation proceedings. The 2019 law lowered the maximum sentence by one day, which the bills sponsor, former Rep. Eric Hutchings, at the time said was an attempt to reduce deportations. People with misdemeanors are getting caught up in that net, and there are automatic deportation proceedings as a result, said Hutchings, R-Kearns, in 2019. The law passed unanimously. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with the Trump administration vowing to carry out mass deportations, lawmakers have reversed course. Although its an incremental change, the one-day increase in sentencing would make it easier to deport migrants who commit crimes, regardless of their legal status. In 2019, we asked ICE agents why has Utah been such a magnet for illegal immigration, said the Senate sponsor, Dan McCay, a Riverton Republican. Their response was, this change in policy. The 365-day sentence in this years bill only applies to crimes against a person that mostly includes violent offenses, like assault, stalking, sex crimes, child abuse or violation of a protective order. Driving under the influence was also included in the list of crimes. The bill passed out of the Senate Thursday morning after a 21-8 vote, with Sens. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley, and Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, joining Democrats in opposition. Its now headed to the governors desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote came after a contentious debate. Thatcher said it might be the worst bill Ive seen this year. Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, who accused McCay of grandstanding, said the bill robs people of due process. McCay said that idea was foolish. Both Thatcher and Escamilla worry the bill will disproportionately target legal immigrants, since people without lawful status are already being deported. ICE doesnt need a migrant in the country illegally to serve a one-year sentence to deport them they can deport them for the lack of documentation alone. Right now, ICE is placing detainers on anyone with allegations. Anyone whos undocumented. So if they are arrested and they get put in jail and its just an allegation, that starts deportation proceedings, and it doesnt matter if theyre convicted or not, said Adam Crayk, a Salt Lake City-based immigration attorney. You dont even need to break the law and youre deportable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crayk called it a messaging bill. It shows the state is behind the Trump administration, but doesnt actually help federal immigration officials in their goal to deport people here unlawfully, he said. It does not really do much, but target those that are potentially already here legally, he said. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Lawmakers acknowledge that HB226 could impact all immigrants. Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Calvin Musselman, R-West Haven, told his colleagues it does affect those who are legally here working. But pointing to the list of crimes outlined in the bill, which include sex crimes, violent offenses and more, he said: These individuals who are causing these circumstances, maybe it is best that they be deported. These are very serious crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escamilla offered a counterargument. An immigrant with a protective order might run into their ex-spouse at a grocery store on accident, receive a stalking conviction, spend one year in jail under the new sentencing guidelines, and automatically face deportation upon release. Instead of being able to plead their case to an immigration judge, which they would be able to do had they spent 364 days in jail, the one-year sentence removes the discretion of the courts. Youre not even going through due process in the immigration court, she said. In addition to the enhanced penalty, the bill also seeks to facilitate deportations in several other ways. It would: Direct local law enforcement to hand over immigrants to ICE after they serve one year in jail or prison, so their deportation proceedings can begin. Require judges to consider immigrants a flight risk during criminal proceedings. Require jail employees to provide courts and federal immigration authorities with an individuals immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latter point also gave Crayk, and other immigration attorneys, some heartburn. Immigration law is complex, he said, and he worried that jail employees or other law enforcement officials might misrepresent a persons status. They have to figure out that theyre unlawful, whos going to do that? Crayk said. Youre dealing with the most vulnerable population, then you have jail employees trying to figure out what their status is, then coordinate with ICE? SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) There was a long line inside the Saint Michaels Recreation Center in Binghamton today as a Lenten tradition returned in full force. The orthodox church on Clinton Street hosted its 62nd annual Lenten pirohi sale. Last year, it resumed in person lunches following a multi-year pandemic pause and the crowds appear to have returned to near pre-pandemic levels. Saint Mikes sells both potato and cabbage pirohi for eat-in or take-out. Theres also soup and haluske, as well as homemade desserts, crafts and wooden Ukrainian Easter eggs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Susan Fabian grew up in the church and wants to keep the tradition going for future generations. Im a grandmother of two little girls and I want my grandchildren to learn everything there is to learn about our faith, our religion, and the ethnicity as well. So, it is extremely important, said Fabian. In person lunches continue on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 18. Takeout is also available on Thursdays from 11 to 1 and Fridays from 10 to 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. WASHINGTON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Thursday to grant a one-month exemption from tariffs on Mexico and Canada under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). "No tariffs on those goods from Canada and Mexico that claim and qualify for USMCA preference," the White House said in a fact sheet, while noting that 25-percent tariffs remain on goods that do not satisfy USMCA rules of origin. "A lower 10-percent tariff on those energy products imported from Canada that fall outside the USMCA preference. A lower 10-percent tariff on any potash imported from Canada and Mexico that falls outside the USMCA preference," the White House said. About half of goods coming into the United States from Mexico would fall under the exemption and around 38 percent of goods from Canada would qualify, the NBC News quoted a senior administration official as saying. When signing the executive orders at the White House, Trump told reporters that the policy adjustments would help U.S. automakers during the "short-term transition" from now until April 2, when wide-ranging "reciprocal tariffs" will be announced. The day before, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump had decided to grant a one-month tariff exemption to the three major automakers -- Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, temporarily waiving the 25-percent tariff on autos imported from Mexico and Canada under the USMCA. Earlier on Thursday, Trump said on social media that tariffs on Mexico will be paused until April 2, applying to anything covered under the USMCA, a trade agreement negotiated, signed, and ultimately enacted during Trump's first term to replace the former North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). On Feb. 1, Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25-percent tariff on products imported from Mexico and Canada, with a 10-percent tariff increase on Canadian energy products. On Feb. 3, Trump announced a 30-day delay in implementing the tariffs on both countries and continued negotiations. According to this decision, the relevant tariff measures were set to take effect on March 4. Economists and observers have expressed deep concerns about the potential impact of the tariffs on the U.S. economy. In a report released Tuesday, the Tax Foundation, a Washington-based think tank focused on U.S. tax policies, estimated that, without considering retaliatory measures, Trump's 25-percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico will reduce long-term GDP by 0.2 percent, reduce hours worked by 223,000 full-time equivalent jobs, and reduce after-tax incomes by an average of 0.6 percent. For Mexico and Canada, the impact could also be significant. "If sustained the impact of the U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico can be expected to have a significant adverse economic impact on those countries given their very strong integration and exposure to the U.S. market," IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said at a press briefing Thursday. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier that day that Canada will continue to be in a trade war with the United States for the foreseeable future. Right now, Florida Republicans are super-stoked about DOGE. After Elon Musk revved a chainsaw before a cheering crowd of MAGA enthusiasts, Florida Republicans vowed to take the same kind of chainsaw to the waste they say exists in Florida government which theyve controlled for the past quarter century. Obviously, some of this is just political theater. Like when Musks Department of Government Efficiency mistook an $8 million contract at ICE for an $8 billion contract. Or when the Trump administration had to immediately rehire some of the federal employees theyd fired because it turned out those employees did important stuff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Florida Republicans still wanna get their DOGE on. And Im here today to applaud one of their ideas eliminating the entire office of lieutenant governor. Not only do I like that idea, Ive been suggesting it for the better part of two decades with subtle columns like Lets ax lieutenant governor post way back in 2009. Thats right, I was all DOGEd up long before these modern-day mini-Musks were. Still, if they want to start trimming Floridas political fat now, I say better late than never. State wants cuts? Lets ax lieutenant-governor post | Commentary Why ax the LG post? Because the position is pointless. The person literally has no specific duties or obligations outlined in the state constitution other than remaining alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My daughters cat, Mildred, does that. Come to think of it, Lt. Governor Millie would probably waste a lot less money than some of our actual LGs have. See, thats one of the biggest problems with lieutenant governors: Since they have so little to do, they sometimes just get into trouble. Pretty much the only time LGs make headlines in this state is when theyre creating scandals. (Like when Charlie Crists lieutenant Jeff Kottkamp racked up $425,000 worth of travel bills or Rick Scotts lieutenant, Jennifer Carroll, had to resign when she was caught up in accusations connected to a gambling ring.) Taxpayers spend a lot of money for such nonsense. Florida LGs are usually assigned chiefs of staff, program analysts, multiple assistants, a personal aide and body guards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a lot of money to spend on somebody whose primary function is to nod at the governors press conferences and attend chamber-of-commerce luncheons. At least five other states manage fine without LGs, assigning succession duties to people like the attorney general or senate president. In Florida, the succession duties would go to the Attorney General and then the CFO if there isnt a lieutenant governor. In Tallahassee, insiders refer to the lieutenant governor as the person down the hall who has little or nothing to do. You know which insider said that? Former Lt. Gov. Frank Brogan. Brogan used that description when explaining why he left the post alongside Jeb Bush to take a job running Florida Atlantic University. Our most recent lieutenant governor, Jeanette Nunez, also recently left the post to run a university, Florida International. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why get paid $125,000 a year to be a nobody when you can make four or five times as much to be a somebody? With Nunez having left the office, this is the perfect time to ax it. Nobody gets indignant about losing their job. And we know Florida will get along fine without an LG because Florida got along fine without one for most of a century. The Sunshine State was lieutenant-less from 1889 until 1968 when the states constitution was re-written. Politicians really like political posts. But I think this state has too many of them. For instance, Florida would be better served by having an appointed agriculture commissioner than an elected one. As politicians, ag commissioners take campaign money from Big Sugar, fertilizer companies and grocery stores to run for an office that regulates (wait for it) sugar, fertilizer companies and, in part, grocery stores. You can guess how that works out. We dont need an elected commissioner of agriculture any more than we need an elected commissioner of theme parks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cut the fat! Florida can save tax dollars by axing useless Lt. Gov and elected agriculture commissioner posts The same goes for local tax collectors. It doesnt take a politician to collect taxes. It takes a competent office administrator. You know what happens when you invite politicians into positions where they arent needed? Joel Greenberg, thats what happens. Joel Greenberg sentenced to 11 years in prison for sex trafficking, other crimes There are of course politicians who have held these posts and done respectable jobs. Most of Central Floridas current tax collectors seem to be doing fine. And as Jeb Bushs second lieutenant governor, Toni Jennings was savvy and a class act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But unless Florida wants to assign some official duties to the lieutenant governor, its just a lot of pomp, circumstance and tax dollars for an unnecessary position. Should Florida do away with lieutenant governors office? Voters may decide The proposal to do away with the LG post was filed by House Majority Leader Tyler Sirois, R-Merritt Island, and Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart. Sadly, HJR 1325 is not as simple as it should be. Instead of simply asking voters to ax the post and re-assigning succession duties, the bill also proposes creating another elected position, the commissioner of government efficiency and elevating that person to a Cabinet-level position. Politicians just cant seem to stop themselves from creating more political bureaucracy, even when theyre supposedly cutting it. This is why political positions like these stay in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, its been my experience that many of the politicians who get chainsaw-loud about supposed waste when demonizing frontline workers cant bring themselves to trim the political fat for themselves and their buddies. But Id love for them to prove me wrong. smaxwell@orlandosentinel.com It was terrible to watch a supposedly great leader from a supposedly great country humiliate the leader of a country that is fighting for survival. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has thanked this countrys people and leaders many times for their support. We have a president who will not acknowledge that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a dictator even though when someone opposes him they likely wind up in prison or dead. Our president will not acknowledge that Russia wrongly invaded Ukraine because Ukraine wants to remain a free country. It is true that without America supplying military equipment and money the Ukrainians probably wouldnt have been able to accomplish what they have. Until President Donald Trump acknowledges that Putin is a dictator and the aggressor, I will not consider him a great leader. Trump has also ridiculed the prime minister of Canada. We should be putting our allies and friends interests before bowing to a dictator. Trumps love of Putin is a disgrace. Brian Ritz South Heidelberg Township Watching President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance gang up on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House made me sick to my stomach and ashamed to be an American. Watching Vance demand Zelenskyy to say thank you to Trump after the president called Zelenskyy a dictator made me shake my head in disgust. How has America gone from a nation that supports democratic allies to a country that has succumbed to a Russian war criminal? The Republicans are no longer the party of Abraham Lincoln. Even Ronald Reagan wouldnt recognize the current GOP. The Evil Empire has become Trumps buddy. He and his Republican bootlickers are a disgrace to this nation and every ideal it once held dear. His second term as president will make the million plus COVID-19 deaths and the Depression-style economic crash and job loss of his first term look like the good old days. Michael P. Pardo Havre de Grace, Md. Pardo is formerly of Lower Alsace Township. Willow Run Farmstead LLC is a grass-fed beef operation in Fleetwood providing meat to local customers while implementing practices that mitigate severe weather in our neighborhood. Our farm was working on a Climate Smart Commodities project to fund planting 12 acres of silvopasture and other practices to support rotational grazing. Our work is on hold due to the Department of Government Efficiencys cancellation of the contractor who performs environmental reviews for these programs. These practices not only support my farm business, but are part of building businesses that are resilient to climate change impacts. In the past, we participated in projects funded through the National Resource Conservation Service, which is seeing significant cuts in funding and staffing by the current administration. As a small farm these continued cuts will have a severe impact on our business in both loss of funding and loss of technical support from NRCS. Right now small farms across Pennsylvania are at risk. Already facing low pay, we simply cannot sustain our budgets as supports are being ripped out from under us. Deanne Boyer Maidencreek Township To the editor: I attended elementary, middle and high school in the Los Angeles Unified School District ("New test score labels seek positivity, ditching the term standard not met for below basic," March 4). The old category of Standard Not Met is now being replaced by basic and "below basic" to convey an appropriate sense of urgency and to improve student morale. Perhaps the state Board of Education should worry less about labels and more about how to actually improve the dismal test scores in reading and math. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ann C. Hayman, Westwood .. To the editor: Contrary to the minuscule gains being lauded, the real story was 67.2% of LAUSD students were not grade proficient in math; 57% were not grade-proficient in English; and 76% were not in science. All below still-dismal state numbers. Is the state Board of Education worried about mass failure? No, its worried about parent morale. If at first you dont succeed, try, try again, is an extinct maxim, replaced by, Dont worry about it, youre OK; its our fault anyway. The obsession with using euphemisms in the bottom two categories changed now from standard nearly met and standard not met to the misleading and marginally opaque developing and minimal is a disservice to everyone involved, particularly students of color who make up the overwhelming majority in the non-proficient categories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitch Paradise, Los Angeles .. As a retired teacher, let me suggest a set of better morale-boosting labels for tests: Best ever since the beginning of time. Best anyone has ever seen. Just excellently magnificent (for the lowest achievers) Simply wonderful. With these labels, the state could reinforce a false reality so that no one would be forced to acknowledge any need for improvement. Goal achieved! Dan Hennessy, Arcadia This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Mar. 6MITCHELL LifeQuest has requested the city of Mitchell be the sponsoring agency for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to build four to six tiny houses. The houses, to be built on Eighth Avenue at North Gamble Street, will be independent living quarters for people with developmental disabilities and have remote overnight staff support. "It's going to provide an option for people (with developmental disabilities) to actually do something that they've never done before, and that's to have a home of their own," LifeQuest Executive Director Pam Hanna said during a regular Mitchell City Council meeting on Monday, March 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inquiry on Monday was only a discussion item for the council, but there will be a formal request by LifeQuest for the city to sponsor the community block grant on Monday, March 17 during the regular meeting of the city council. The project is estimated to cost somewhere between $1.5 million to $2 million, according to LifeQuest Development Director Brian Loken. The CDBG program will pay for an estimated half of the project, with the mini homes project competing against other applications for funding. LifeQuest will seek local fundraising for the project. "I think it's just having the same things in life that everybody else has," Hanna told the Mitchell Republic. "Most people have goals and dreams and desires, one of those is to have our own home. There's quite a sense of pride that goes with that, and you decorate in the way you want, and your personality shines through your own home." The project, if the grant application is approved, will break ground in the summer and house interiors would get finishing touches in the fall, according to Loken. Residents would be able to move in by Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'll try to match that home environment with the person, and take whoever in terms of the best fit, as well as who is the most interested," Loken said. LifeQuest plans to use remote monitoring technology to address overnight staffing shortages, with staff presence on hand at a village community office during waking hours. Remote technology is used in nursing homes, community support providers, and the homes of the elderly, according to Hanna. "It helps people to stay in their homes more independently," Hanna said. "Remote technology can do anything from making sure people's doors are locked to their stoves are off, or it may sense if somebody falls or has a seizure." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cameras would not be in bedrooms or bathrooms, according to Hanna. "We'd have protocols in place that, within seconds, somebody locally will be notified, and we've got a group home just north of there to take the emergency burden before other staff can make it there," Loken said. Each tiny home will be about 650 to 750 square feet, and include a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and an area outside for entertaining visitors. Plans include a small office with a community area and a garage for a LifeQuest vehicle. "Not all structures will have a garage, because people rely on us to drive them to shopping or to the Corn Palace to a game, or wherever they're going," Hanna said. "They're going to have their own refrigerator, their own stove, their own couch, and even their own remote control." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Monday's meeting, Hanna and Loken shared with the council about the tiny home project. "We believe that this project will be unique to Mitchell, but also to the state of South Dakota specifically for helping people with developmental disabilities," Loken told the council. Hanna expressed that the mini homes project has support from the South Dakota Division of Developmental Disabilities. "What we hope to do is to provide people who have never actually had their own front door an opportunity to do that," Hanna said. LifeQuest has operated in Mitchell since 1959, and has about 200 people on staff to serve 160 individuals. LifeQuest has about a dozen housing options for adults with developmental disabilities, according to Loken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDBG program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development. The CDBG program requires a percentage of the total project cost to be paid through local funds. Applications for the CDBG program are handled by one of the state's six planning districts, and would run through Planning and Development District III, of which Davison County is included. A representative from the District III planning office will be at City Hall during the Monday, March 17 council meeting to answer questions. If the grant is approved, the city will pass through the grant funds to LifeQuest. The city has also acted as a sponsoring agency for Safe Place of Eastern South Dakota's $2.2 million CDBG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The application deadline is April 1, and the architectural design and estimate will be ready before then. "I go to meetings with my counterparts of directors across the state of South Dakota, and I brag all the time about the good-hearted people in Mitchell and our connections and our partnerships, and how you guys embrace us, and you walk with us in many areas of life, and we're blessed to live here," Hanna said. HONOLULU (KHON2) The menu at Lilikoi Kitchen features a variety of options, including breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, acai bowls and lunch/dinner plates that highlight fresh, local produce and ingredients. Owner and Chef, Bianca Alsip-Freeny, joined Brittni Friedlander on Wake Up 2Day to share details on her new dine-in restaurant experience. The first Taste of Aloha Night Market is coming to the Waterfront Plaza Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bianca talked about her journey in the culinary industry, We started Tailor Made Custom Catering, a wedding & special events company and we wanted a brick-and-mortar business to continue to connect to our clients and community after their special event! Our name came from our lifelong love for Lilikoi, and we are known for our Lilikoi dressing! We sell artisanal paninis, salads, scratch made desserts and hand-crafted espresso-based drinks. We offer catering as well through both of our companies. Besides their lovely sidewalk cafe on Uluniu, this will be their first sit-down and dine-in restaurant featuring an extended lunch and dinner menu. Their iconic staples are Biancas family recipe, Chicken Dumpling Soup and many local favorites along with her freshly made and bottled Lilikoi dressing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii The new location opens at March 8, and is located at 539 Kailua Rd. To see a preview of their menu visit Explore Our Delicious Menus | Kailua Oahu | Lilikoi Kitchen and find them on Instagram (@lilikoikitchenhawaii). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Mar. 6LIMA A jury found a Lima man guilty of felonious assault Wednesday after the man's wife suffered serious injuries in an incident between the two in September. Allen County Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Reed set sentencing for Christopher Compton for April 10 and ordered a pre-sentence investigation. The jury heard from both sides of the argument during the two-day trial: Compton, and Compton's wife, Mandy Dutkiewicz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dutkiewicz said on Sept. 20, she and Compton donated plasma then had some drinks at the bar. When they got home, they took turns riding their go-kart around the block. While Compton was riding the go-kart, it broke down. He tried calling Dutkiewicz on the phone but she didn't answer, so he had to push the go-kart back to the house. She said Compton, 43, got mad at her for not answering her phone and punched her, causing her to have a broken nose and ribs and a punctured lung. She was in the intensive care unit at the hospital for five days and needed a chest tube for four days to help her breathe. She then had to be transferred to a different hospital because she developed pneumonia in her punctured lung. She initially told responding Lima police officers that she hit the kitchen counter after tripping over their cat because she said that's what Compton told her to say. She said Compton made her clean the blood off her face. After Compton was arrested, she told cops what really happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was just trying to cover for him. I was scared, yeah. He just hurt me pretty bad," Dutkiewicz said. She maintained she wasn't drunk despite Compton's attorney, Ross Finke, saying she tested at twice the legal limit at the hospital. Finke also said she tested positive for marijuana. "I was intoxicated but not drunk. I can recall everything that happened clearly," she said. Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Carp emphasized throughout the trial that the legal limit of .08 is only for driving. "The legal limit has nothing to do with this case," he said. Dutkiewicz said she was planning on going home after giving plasma, but Compton wanted to go to the bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lima Police Detective Jesse Harrod's interview with Compton at the Lima Police Department was played for the jury before Compton testified. Compton told Harrod he was in the living room lying on the couch facing away from the kitchen after pushing the go-kart home when he heard a thud in the kitchen and believed Dutkiewicz tripped over the cat. He said Dutkiewicz came into the living room saying "I think I broke a rib," and when Compton mentioned they shouldn't go bowling which was the initial plan Dutkiewicz got mad because she wanted to keep drinking, so she threw her wedding rings at Compton and said he always tries to control everything and "Don't forget if you go to jail you'll lose your benefits." It was mentioned that the couple's only source of income was Compton's veteran benefits. A previously filed court document mentioned Compton is an Army combat veteran. Compton maintained the same story when he testified Wednesday and included that he and Dutkiewicz didn't have anything to eat that day leading up to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She did all of that so you would lose your only income that supported both of you?" Carp asked, to which Compton answered in the affirmative. In the body camera footage of the officers who responded to the scene, Compton could be seen telling officers he wasn't in the house yet when Dutkiewicz fell. Dutkiewicz could also be seen on the video and didn't appear to be stumbling. "She couldn't stand up," Compton told Harrod, inferring she was drunk. "I had to catch her from falling backwards on the porch." Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451. Featured Local Savings Mar. 6LIMA A Lima man was sentenced to a minimum of three years in prison Thursday after being found guilty by a jury last month of a second-degree felony burglary charge. The prison time given to Lewis Miller, 33, is not mandatory, so he will eventually be eligible to request judicial release. He must also pay a $617.99 restitution to the victim, Miller's former girlfriend Tori Folk. When Judge Terri Kohlrieser reviewed the factors indicating the likelihood Miller would commit future crimes, she found Miller has a criminal record and has demonstrated a pattern of alcohol abuse that contributed to the offense. She also found he showed genuine remorse for the incident that occurred on June 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Folk, with whom Miller shares a 6-year-old daughter, testified last month she had spent the majority of her time during the two or three weeks leading up to the incident at Miller's residence as they attempted to rekindle a previous relationship. After staying with Miller for several weeks, "it didn't work out," she told jurors of the relationship. On June 10, after asking Miller to take her back to her home on East Market Street, Folk testified that she texted the defendant "and said I didn't want to be with him any longer." She said she asked Miller to return some of her belongings and told jurors that he did so, leaving the items on her porch. Later that evening, while at a friend's house, Folk received a call from police asking her to come to her home, and she found items in disarray inside. She was informed by police that Miller had been located inside the home earlier that evening and was arrested after a neighbor reported seeing a man forcibly enter the dwelling. A police interview played at the trial showed the defendant admitting to breaking into Folk's residence while she wasn't home and drinking beforehand. He said he was mad that Folk intended to break off the relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At that point I wanted to destroy something ... so I did," Miller told the detective. "I grabbed a jack handle from my car, broke the window [of Folk's residence], crawled through and started throwing [stuff] around inside. I was being stupid and an [expletive]." Featured Local Savings This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. Seven & i Holdings, parent company of international c-store giant 7-Eleven, has named Stephen Dacus, currently lead independent outside director, as its next CEO. This move is part of a larger restructuring plan that will see 7-Eleven Inc. issue an initial public offering in the U.S., the company announced after a board meeting on Thursday. Dacus will replace Ryuichi Isaka, who has been CEO of the company since 2016 and has worked in various roles with Seven & i since 1980, according to the company website. This change will become official after Seven & is annual shareholders meeting on May 27. The IPO is currently planned for the second half of 2026, assuming favorable market conditions. The move is expected to leverage the chains ubiquity in the U.S. where it has over 9,000 c-stores and help it grow faster by giving it more flexibility and responsiveness to its customers while still taking advantage of synergies with Seven & i, according to the meeting presentation. Seven & i is expected to be a majority shareholder of the new company. Seven & is plan also includes selling its superstore business to private investment firm Bain Capital for about $5.4 billion and allotting $13 billion toward stock buybacks by 2030. Dacus, who will helm the company through most of these changes, brings decades of experience to the role. He has served in leadership roles across multiple industries, including his first CEO role in 2001 with condiment maker MasterFoods Ltd., according to his bio on the Seven & i website. He also spent more than eight years in a variety of leadership roles with Walmart, including senior vice president and CEO of Walmart Japan Holdings. Additionally, Dacus has served as CEO of pan-Asian foods company Hana Group SAS. Dacus years of experience leading food-focused companies will likely be relied upon as 7-Eleven continues to promote and innovate around its foodservice program. The incoming CEO joined Seven & is board as an outside director in 2022. He will be the companys third CEO since it was founded in 2005, and the first from outside Japan. Toshifumi Suzuki served in that role from the companys founding until 2016, when he was forced out after a clash with shareholders, according to reporting at the time. Dacus appointment comes as Seven & i weighs a takeover bid from fellow international c-store company Alimentation Couche-Tard. A competing bid from a group led by Seven & i vice president Junro Ito and major shareholder Ito-Kogyo failed in February after it could not secure enough funding to take the company private. RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) A man who formerly worked at Lincolns Challenge Academy in Rantoul has been fired from his job and is facing battery charges for allegedly attacking two cadets in January. Court records show Connor Rijkse, a 22-year-old from Thomasboro, was charged with three counts of aggravated battery shortly after the alleged assault occurred. Following his arraignment, Rijkse was released from custody on conditions and he later pleaded not guilty. Decatur man sentenced to more than five years in prison for child pornography possession Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lincolns Challenge Academy is affiliated with the Illinois National Guard and has been in operation since 1993. Lieutenant Colonel Brad Leighton told WCIA that it is a tough program, and they often deal with cadets who come from rough backgrounds. But this is the first time Leighton knows of an employee being fired for allegedly assaulting cadets. A police report provided by the Rantoul Police Department said the battery happened the night of Jan. 9. Speaking with the academys Commandant, the two cadets who were allegedly attacked, two other cadets who witnessed the attack, Rijkse and other sergeants, officers Kyle Schlorff and Rathen Todd laid out the following sequence of events. Rijkse told Schlorff that as he was making his rounds, he heard cadets talking loudly and disrespecting one of his coworkers; he walked into their room and told them that if they did not quiet down, Im going to make you quiet. Rijkse said he was referring to physical training and that he did not intend to harm anyone. The cadets, however, said Rijkse made a punching motion with his fist and then said that the first person he saw was going to get it. One of the cadets also said they got into an argument with Rijkse two days prior over Rijkse cursing at a friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another sergeant told Schlorff these cadets were always being loud and that in the past, employees would either make them do physical training or sit with them in the room with the lights on at night. That sergeant said Rijkse left the room and briefly walked down the hall, but turned around, walked back to the cadets room and waited for them to make another noise. The sergeant said that when they did a few minutes later, Rijkse entered the cadets room; the sergeant entered behind Rijkse along with a third sergeant. The cadets said Rijkse turned the lights off as he entered the room and the other two sergeants guarded the door, by standing with their backs to the door. The sergeants said they were unable to see inside the room with the lights being off and they assumed Rijkse was going to make the cadets do physical training. Rijkse said the other two sergeants had no prior knowledge of what he did next. Decatur siblings sentenced to decades in federal prison for 2022 kidnapping Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After entering the room, Rijkse allegedly punched two of the four cadets multiple times and choked one of them. The choked cadet said he got light-headed and when he said that he couldnt breathe, Rijkse allegedly said Thats the point. Schlorff said that upon hearing banging and movement, one of the other two sergeants turned the lights on. The lights revealed Rijkse on top of one cadet, another cadet crying and the other two frozen in their beds. One of the sergeants took one cadet out of the room while the other got Rijkse off of the other cadet. One of the sergeants told Schlorff that he didnt hear Rijkse make any threats toward the cadets, but Todd said the cadets told him they heard Rijkse say he had permission to beat them up before attacking. The cadets also said they heard Rijkse say during the altercation that he would make it so nobody could hear them again and that by the time he was done, they wouldnt feel any more pain. Speaking with a sergeant who wasnt in the cadets room, Todd said she told him Rijkse told her I messed up and admitted to her that he entered the room intending to fight them. The academys Commandant said that after being made aware of the altercation, he found Rijkse in a common area for employees and Rijkse admitted to hitting a cadet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commandant sent him home immediately. Thats where Schlorff and a Champaign County Sheriffs deputy found him and interviewed him. Charleston PD arrest man for failing to register as sex offender, meth possession Schlorff said Rijkse told him he was upset about a fight that occurred earlier in the day and a sergeant he was close with was hit in the back of the head. That sergeant, who was in the cadets room when the attack happened, said he could see Rijkse was visibly upset and that he had a weird feeling as he followed him into the cadets room. The sergeant said he suspected it was because of that fight that Rijkse was upset. Coming back to the cadets room after warning them, Rijkse said he lost his temper upon hearing them talking again. He admitted to hitting a cadet in the arm and the back but was unsure if he hit a cadet in the face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Schlorff asked Rijkse if he put his hands on a cadets throat and squeezed, Rijkse said his hand landed on one cadets throat as they were falling off a bed, something he admitted looked pretty bad. When asked if he applied pressure, Rijkse admitted to doing so because he was falling forward and trying to push himself back up. He claimed he didnt have any intent of grabbing a throat in an aggressive manner. After interviewing Rijkse, Schlorff said he placed Rijkse under arrest and took him to the Champaign County Jail. Rijkse is due back in court March 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. (NewsNation) Newly confirmed Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon believes student loans, Pell Grants and other federal aid might best be served in another department, though its unclear which that would be. Were looking at them all across the board, and how can they be best handled if the Department of Education, you know, does not exist, McMahon told NewsNation Live on Friday. Linda McMahon gives Education staffers their final mission Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon reiterated that her mission of dissolving the department shes tasked with leading has not changed but even if the department shutters, she said federal funding isnt expected to end. This is not a turn off the lights and walk out of the department, McMahon said. Its with close consultation with Congress and looking how the needs of students can best be serviced. Linda McMahon: Executive order doesnt change Education Department mission Trump on Thursday was expected to sign an executive order asking McMahon to dissolve the agency shes tasked with leading, though the White House later reversed course. An official told NewsNation the administration will continue to review the department in the meantime. The President campaigned on this. Hes been crystal clear that he wants to see the Department of Education closed, and hed like to see it done sooner rather than later, McMahon said. But he understands that we need to work with Congress. There are certain things that are in statute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement List of Social Security Administration offices DOGE is closing McMahon said she feels her job is to secure the administration the 60 necessary Senate votes and Congressional approval to dissolve the department. I think my job is to convince Congress that the steps that we are taking are in the best interest of the kids, McMahon said. The department has been on the chopping block since Trumps presidential campaign, when he advocated for giving education power to the states. Linda McMahon on why Department of Education should close McMahon pointed to declining test scores and rising departmental costs as the main reasons for closing the department. We cannot direct these things from Washington. They have to be done on a local basis, and thats why the challenge at all schools is to make sure that each child has the ability to be educated to their level, McMahon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon and Trump are staunch advocates of school choice and state-run education. McMahon decried the bureaucracy surrounding schooling. Let the teachers be innovative. Let them teach. I think youre going to see scores come up, she told NewsNation. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., believes the federal government does an abysmal job of handling all programs, including public education. Far better to be controlled at the state and local level than having any federal government involvement whatsoever, Johnson told NewsNation. While its true that Americas children have consistently fallen behind in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, some education advocates fear a shift to state-run education could actually leave students with fewer resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association union, said downsizing the department or dissolving it altogether is counterproductive to raising national test scores. Our students need those additional one-on-one supports. They need smaller class sizes. They need technology that allows them to be competitive in this world. They need more support, not less, Pringle said. Education Dept. shutdown needs to be priority: Jonathan Butcher 300+ workers took Education Department buyout: Linda McMahon The Education Department sent an email to employees Feb. 28 offering a $25,000 cash payout if they resigned by Monday, March 3, at midnight. McMahon told NewsNation on Friday that over 300 people accepted the payout during the four-day window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The buyouts are part of what McMahon called an audit from the Department of Government Efficiency. The Elon Musk-led task force has been examining federal agencies for alleged waste and has enacted sweeping layoffs. Theyve certainly shown us that some of the programs that we were looking at, we could do without and save money, McMahon said. She also confirmed that agency heads, not Musk, hold the ultimate power to determine whether to move forward on DOGEs recommendations Education Department investigating 5 universities over protests The president has threatened to pull federal funding from five college campuses over what he called illegal pro-Palestinian protests. He also vowed to permanently expel or arrest any agitators participating in the protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The schools include Columbia University, Northwestern University, Portland State University, the University of Minnesota and the University of California, Berkeley, the Associated Press reported. Trump has called for aggressive action to fight antisemitism on campuses, including the deportation of foreign students who have participated in the rallies. Hamas disregards Trumps last warning over hostage release McMahon backed Trumps stance on the issue, telling NewsNation, This is not a question of free speech. This is a question of violence on campus, she said. This is a question of students being afraid to go to class or to walk around campus Jewish students who are just really being discriminated against. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon said the administration is going to be very strong in our policies to withhold federal funding from implicated colleges and universities. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Lindsay Lohan's dad, Michael Lohan's Texas arrest digs a deeper hole for him in his existing Florida case. The actress's father was picked up by the cops for allegedly assaulting his estranged wife, Kate Major, thus boomeranging into a more complex case for him in Florida. Lindsay Lohan's dad, Michael Lohan, was arrested last month on a felony assault charge called "continuous violence against the family." Officers say one of their deputies saw bruising on his ex-wife's body. Lindsay Lohan's Dad's Recent Arrest Violated Terms Of His Ongoing Probation HSCO/MEGA The star's father is facing a new warrant for his arrest in Florida, stemming from the incident in Texas where he attacked Kate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This warrant is linked to a previous case in Palm Beach, where he pled guilty to five counts of patient brokering in 2022, resulting in four years of probation. However, the arrest in Texas appears to have violated those probation terms. Michael claims that Kate has been threatening to have him violated for a long time and asserts that the charges against him in Texas are fabricated and connected to their ongoing custody battle. He is determined to fight the allegations and clear his name. On the other hand, a source close to Kate indicates that she is fearful for her safety and is taking measures to protect herself and the children. Per TMZ, Kate believes the truth will come out, and justice will ultimately be served. Kate Major Won A Protective Order Against Michael In Court BSA/ZOJ/WENN/Newscom/The Mega Agency Responding to Kate's allegations against Michael, The Blast shared that a judge issued a protective order to ensure the safety of his estranged wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This order prohibited Michael from assaulting or communicating with her in a threatening manner and mandated that he stay at least 200 feet away from her workplace. Michael and his attorney, Andino Reynal, strongly contested the allegations, asserting that Kate had a history of alcoholism and a criminal record, which included multiple DUI arrests. The attorney claimed that Michael had consistently attempted to help his former wife achieve sobriety for the benefit of their two young children, but despite his efforts, she struggled with her addiction. Ultimately, Reynal explained that when it became evident that Kate would not stop drinking, Michael requested that she move out of the residence. Her numerous accusations against him soon followed Lindsay's dad's decision. The Father-Of-Seven Accused His Estranged Wife Of Emotional And Verbal Abuse MWB/BSB/ZOJ/WENN/Newscom/The Mega Agency Michael's attorney has raised concerns about the timing of Major's allegations, describing it as "suspicious." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He expressed confidence that a grand jury would exonerate Michael by finding no probable cause for charges against him. Following his arrest for "continuous violence against the family," Michael also reiterated his innocence, sharing his attorney's point of view. Michael, the TV personality, vehemently denied all allegations against him, asserting that he was the actual victim in the situation. He stated, "I've shut up long enough about Kate's physical, emotional, and verbal abuse," claiming that she had orchestrated a setup against him. Initially, she accused him of stalking, which he found ludicrous, and when that claim fell flat, she alleged that he had pushed her over a chair, a point he firmly refuted as a total fabrication. Michael mentioned that he possesses video evidence to support his narrative and the backing of his children. Despite his challenges, including a protective order and a $30,000 bond following his arrest, he remains resolute in his defense. Michael And Kate's Marriage Was Laced With Violence And Altercations DCA/WENN/Newscom/The Mega Agency Kate contacted authorities after encountering her estranged husband, Michael, in a parking lot while she was at a mammogram appointment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her conversation with law enforcement, she accused Michael of forcefully removing her from a chair at their home, which resulted in pain and discomfort. A female deputy who responded to the scene reportedly noted visible bruising on Kate's body, leading to Michael's arrest on a felony assault charge. This incident is part of a troubling pattern in their relationship, which a history of physical violence and domestic disputes has marked. Michael's estranged wife was previously arrested for violating a protection order following a public confrontation with him. Four years earlier, he faced arrest for allegedly choking and harassing her. Their tumultuous relationship has also attracted attention due to Kate's DUI incidents. Michael Lohan Debunked Speculations Of Lindsay Lohan Going Under The Knife MEGA Shortly before the claims of the alleged assault dropped, Michael vocally defended his daughter against speculation surrounding her appearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He firmly denied that she had undergone any cosmetic procedure, asserting that her transformation was purely natural. Michael described Lindsay's beauty as a point of pride and urged fans to dismiss the "false narratives" circulated in the media. He described the rumors about the celebrity's cosmetic procedures as "disgusting" and praised Lindsay's looks. However, he admitted that she had some cosmetic treatments, including peels, fillers, and Botox, but nothing like surgical procedures in her beauty regimen. Michael's claim was backed by Dr. Ari Hoschander of KH Plastic Surgery in New York City, who confirmed that Lindsay had not undergone a facelift and suggested her changes resulted from weight loss. Will Michael Lohan receive any punishment for defaulting his probationary terms? (WPRI) St. Patricks Day is around the corner, and there will be no shortage of green in Southern New England. If you want to get in the Irish spirit, take a look at these local St. Patricks Day events: Rhode Island Bristol Aidans Pub: This traditional Irish pub will have live music starting at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16, from Paddy Purcell and Johnny Forrest. Cumberland St. Patricks Day Festival: Phantom Farms Brewing at 30 Martin St. is hosting a festival from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. The event will feature live music, food and brews. Little Compton Worlds Shortest St. Paddys Day Parade: At 89 feet long, organizers say this Adamsville tradition is the worlds shortest St. Patricks Day Parade. The event raises money for food banks in Little Compton, Tiverton, Westport and Fall River. The parade will kickoff on Main Street at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. Newport Newport Saint Patricks Day Parade: The 69th annual parade will be held on March 15. The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. from Newport City Hall. The parade will run through Washington Square, down Thames Street and end at St. Augustines Church. Pawtucket Saint Patricks Day Zero K and Leprechaun Costume Contest: No running necessary for this celebration. From 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, White Dog Distilling on Mineral Spring Avenue will have special cocktails, live Celtic music and a Leprechaun Costume Contest. The winner of the contest will get a prize. Providence St. Pats 5K: Run or walk this festive 5K at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8. There is also a kids race at 10:30 a.m. Both races start at the Rhode Island Statehouse at 82 Smith St. You can register for the event here. Smith Hill St. Patricks Day Parade: The parade will start at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, at 373 Smith St. The event is being hosted by Bodega on Smith and will feature a live DJ. Smithfield St. Patricks Day Party: The Trap North will be hosting a St. Patricks Day celebration from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. There will be live music and Irish food specials including a boiled dinner. West Warwick St. Patricks Day Parade: The 64th Annual Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Pawtuxet Valley parade will run from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. The parade route starts at the Coventry/West Warwick town line at the intersection of Washington Street and West Warwick Avenue and ends at Columbus Circle. Road closures will begin around 11 a.m. Massachusetts Boston South Boston St. Patricks Day Parade: Bostons Irish history runs deep with festivities dating back to 1737. This years parade will kick off at 11:30 a.m. on March 16. Fall River St. Patricks Day Celebration: Fall River Lodge of Elks #118 will be offering up corned beef sandwiches on from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 15. Sandwiches are $8 each. Foxboro 14th Annual Irish Festival: Patriot Place is carrying on its St. Patricks Day tradition. The Annual Irish Festival will feature live musical performances, step dancing and a scavenger hunt on Saturday, March 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did we miss an event? Let us know via ReportIt! Slainte! Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) After 45 days of debates, committees and lawmaking, the 2025 Utah Legislative General Session is wrapping up and coming to an end. Utahs lawmakers have until the end of the day Friday, March 7, to pass any last-minute bills for Gov. Spencer Cox to consider signing into law. ABC4s Chief Political Correspondent Lindsay Aerts will be following the legislatures final day as it happens and will update this story with any updates. A live blog with updates can be found below. A look back at the session so far This session has brought forth several controversial bills, including legislation banning pride flags in schools, reforming Utahs mail-in voting system, and pitching changes to alcohol laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most notably, a public union bill stripping public unions of their bargaining abilities passed earlier in the session, leading to intense public backlash. A coalition of public labor union groups is currently seeking ways to repeal the law. Several bills sought to make changes to the judiciary, leading to protests from legal professionals in the state, and others proposed amendments to Utahs Constitution. One proposal in particular received national attention after Jimmy Kimmel aired a skit mocking Utahs proposed bill to remove fluoride from the states water. With one day left of the session, ABC4 is at the Capitol Building reporting on the last-minute changes and events taking place. Check back in for the latest information. Latest events Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Llano County has agreed to settle a lawsuit over its firing of librarian Suzette Baker amid a pressure campaign to remove several books from its public libraries, according to a Thursday court filing. While the county and Baker have tentatively agreed to the "material terms" of the settlement, details will not be made public until they are finalized, Baker's attorney told the American-Statesman. "We are pleased that defendants were willing to resolve this matter relatively early on in the litigation," said attorney Iris Halpern of Rathod Mohamedbhai, a firm based in Colorado, in response to an inquiry from the Statesman. Former librarian Suzette Baker and Llano County have tentatively agreed to settle a lawsuit over the county's 2022 firing of her amid a push to pull books from Llano County public libraries. The tentative agreement signals the end of a yearlong legal battle in U.S. District Court between Baker and Llano County officials, whom she accused of firing her in 2022 because she refused to pull library materials that a group of conservative activists had deemed inappropriate for children, some of which focused on race and LGBTQ+ experiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county eventually removed 17 books, ranging from the childrens book I Broke My Butt! to the nonfiction work Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent. Outside of Baker's lawsuit, the county is still facing a federal First Amendment lawsuit over the book removals. The book removal campaign and resulting litigation have drawn national attention to Llano, a rural Texas community in the Hill Country about 80 miles northwest of Austin. The settlement announcement comes a day before a documentary film about Baker's story will be featured at the South by Southwest festival. Showings will be held Saturday and Sunday in Austin. More: How a national dispute over library books is fracturing a small Texas town Baker, a 57-year-old veteran and mother of five adult children, has worked as a cashier at a hardware store for the past year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman found that she had plausible claims for First Amendment retaliation, wrongful termination and employment discrimination in an order denying the county's motion to dismiss. The ruling made clear that officials would have to settle or take the case to trial. Llano County did not immediately respond to the Statesman's request for comment. The defendants in the case Llano County's Commissioners Court, the county's library director and several community activists who were appointed to the Library Advisory Board during the push for book removals had categorically rejected Baker's claims for legal relief in their June 4 motion to dismiss. Baker's lawsuit was seeking back pay, attorney's fees and an injunction ordering the county to cease behavior that discriminates against minorities and suppresses residents' First Amendment rights. The parties will notify the court of a final settlement and ask for the case to be dismissed within 45 days, according to Thursday's filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate First Amendment case over the book removals, Llano County and seven library patrons who sued it are still waiting on a ruling from the federal 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court's full bench will decide whether to strike down a 30-year-old precedent that bars government officials and librarians in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana from removing books simply because they dislike the ideas within them. Led by attorney Jonathan Mitchell, the county has argued that the precedent lets federal courts meddle too much in local public libraries' book purchases and removals. Mitchell has also argued those curation decisions are government speech, immune from First Amendment scrutiny. While the case is pending, officials have frozen book purchases at the county's three public libraries. According to Mitchell, the dispute could eventually make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. More: A conservative nonprofit got $80k for a Texas book-ban battle. Llano County hasnt seen it Former librarian Suzette Baker prepares to load her belongings into her car. In the wake of her ouster from Llano County's libraries, she has worked as a cashier at a hardware store in Kingsland for the past year. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas county settles with librarian who sued over book-removal firing JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Missouri House Bill 810 passed the House of Representatives. The bill, sponsored by Representative Ben Baker, establishes the Lloyd Memorial Highway on a portion of U.S. Highway 60 from Kodiak Road, east to Cemetery Road in Newton County. Baker, a Republican who has served as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 160th district since 2019, filed the legislation in honor of his daughter and son-in-law Natalie and Davy Lloyd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lloyds were murdered in 2024 by Haitian gangs while serving as full time missionaries in Haiti. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)- Two local Advance Auto Parts stores have closed, according to store employees. Store employees said that the locations on 3454 Youngstown Warren Road and 2727 Parkman Road NW in Warren closed in January. The Advance Auto Parts location in Niles at 5828 Youngstown Warren Rd. remains open. Read next: Hundreds of Advance Auto Parts stores in US closing, according to reports WKBN reached out to the media contact for Advance Auto Parts but has not yet gotten a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A Springfield church has announced that their congregation will be boycotting the retailer Target in response to the companys change in diversity policy. Bishop Talbert Swan, National Director of Social Justice for the Church Of God In Christ, the largest Pentecostal denomination in America, and President of the Greater Springfield NAACP, said that his congregation at Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ are participating in a national call to boycott the stores for 40 days. A 40-day Target boycott began this week. What to know about the protest and its potential impact Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The retail giant announced in a statement that after several years of supporting efforts to increase its Black workforce they are not going to continue with their three year diversity, equity and inclusion goals, among other changes in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. As Black consumers, we wield significant economic power, and it is time we leverage that power to demand accountability, said Bishop Swan. Target built its reputation as a company committed to DEI, especially after the murder of George Floyd. To now dismantle those commitments under political pressure is a betrayal of Black and marginalized communities. We will not reward corporations that pander to us in times of crisis but abandon us when it is no longer convenient. Some opponents fear that the boycott will impact minority owned businesses that sell their products in the national chain. Swan encourages people to seek out Black-owned businesses and socially responsible companies that continue to practice DEI principles. We stand with Black entrepreneurs and will continue to support them directly, Swan remarked. However, we cannot allow corporations to weaponize Black businesses as a shield while dismantling the very policies that create opportunities for our people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. By Makiko Yamazaki and Ritsuko Shimizu TOKYO (Reuters) - Bain Capital aims to list Seven & i Holdings' supermarket and retail business in around three years after boosting synergies within the group, an executive of the U.S. private equity firm said on Thursday. Bain also plans to scale up the business, potentially through acquisitions of rival retail chains as well as technology companies to digitize operations, Bain partner Naofumi Nishi said in an interview with Reuters. "The food supermarket industry is still fragmented and prone to economies of scale," Nishi said. "If the opportunity arises, we would like to actively consider acquisitions of other companies," he said. Seven & i agreed on Thursday to sell York Holdings, its non-core businesses including its sprawling supermarket operations, to Bain for 814.7 billion yen ($5.50 billion). Seven & i and its founder families will reinvest to take 40% of York. The York business houses 29 units including the Ito-Yokado chain, one of Japan's best-known grocery store businesses, as well as baby goods store Akachan Honpo and the company that operates Denny's restaurants in Japan. Nishi said Bain was not considering management and business reshuffles. The York business "has stores in premium locations and has ample room for growth," he said. Bain is stepping up investment in Japanese retail and consumer goods sectors, including recent buyouts of outdoor goods maker Snow Peak and Gelato Pique brand pajama maker Mash Holdings. Dealmaking has ramped up in Japan, as global funds such as Bain, KKR and Blackstone are increasingly seeking out Japanese investments viewed as having poor corporate governance or underutilised assets that could be reformed to increase shareholder value. Bain competed with KKR and Japanese buyout firm Japan Industrial Partners in the second round of bidding for the York business. ($1 = 148.2600 yen) (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Tom Hogue and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Its a historic event for the city of Pottsville. Its two oldest fire departments will soon be under the same roof. The Humane and Phoenix Fire Companies will soon merge to be known as the Pottsville Fire Company Number One. Both departments were founded in 1829, and they are both almost entirely volunteer. Firefighters we spoke with say the merger will help speed up response times, and make the city safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Humane and Phoenix Fire Companies in Pottsville are just minutes apart from one another. Soon, theyll merge to form the Pottsville Fire Company Number One. Were going back to the original Humane name which was the Pottsville Fire Company, said Rob Lynn, Lieutenant, Humane Fire Co. #1. The new department will be housed at the Humane Fire Headquarters in just a few months. The Phoenix buildings fate will soon be determined. Firefighters say consolidation of departments is becoming increasingly common. Its the future. Companies merging together being under the same roof, stated Jack Carey, Captain, Phoenix Fire Co. #2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phoenix Fire Company Captain Jack Carey has been a volunteer with the department for 25 years. His father was also a volunteer firefighter. Carey says statewide and within his company, volunteer firefighters have been struggling to recruit members. Phoenix currently has 15 active members. Humane has 27. We have a good working history with humane here over the years and getting together under the same roof there will be more membership, cross training, financially it makes sense, explained Carey. Firefighters say the consolidation will make more manpower on scene, speed up response times, make a safer city for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all comes to in the end, getting the truck off the floor, quick response time, and serve the city of Pottsville, added Carey. As a part of the merger process, they will need to expand the humane station to fit the truck from Phoenix. To do this, they are looking for some help from the community. If youre interested in attending their fundraising campaign kickoff, you can learn more at Humane Fire Company-Phoenix Fire Company. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Environmental activists are concerned about how federal cuts could impact efforts to combat climate change, to build out the clean energy jobs economy and the future of a battery research and manufacturing hub in Greater Binghamton. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and State Senator Lea Webb joined the national organization Climate Action Campaign for a news conference in Binghamton yesterday. Lupardo and Webb say federal investments and tax incentives have helped create good paying jobs in manufacturing related to clean energy. They specifically cited the money that has helped to create the New Energy New York initiative that is working to build out a lithium-ion battery ecosystem in our area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Flint, Director of Clean Energy Programs at the Network for a Sustainable Tomorrow says the cuts are short-sighted. We need the demand to increase by building out the market, building out batteries and, as has been said, for this country to take back in many ways technologies that we initiated many decades ago and unfortunately ceded to China and other places, said Flint. Flint says his organization had been hoping to receive a $450,000 grant from the EPA to launch a program educating kids in K-12 schools about careers in the clean energy sector, but that funding has been put on hold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Since 2016, the Firefighters and Company Federal Credit Union has donated over $75,000 worth of carbon monoxide detectors. The organization recently announced it is donating 750 carbon monoxide detectors to various fire departments in the Miami Valley. Donations will be distributed to the departments in the coming weeks. Some of the funding comes from the credit unions holiday skip-a-payment program, which allows members to skip their loan payments for the holidays. For every skip-a-pay fee the credit union receives, the credit union donates a CO detector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, we even had one department mention the program and partnership with the credit union while recognizing a local firefighter who received a commendation for saving lives with a CO detector that the firefighter installed days earlier, said Shannon ONeill, the marketing manager for the credit union. We value these partnerships with the fire departments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Farmers throughout Frederick County are bracing for the impacts of President Donald Trumps trade war with the United States three biggest trade partners. Mark Townsend, associate agriculture extension educator for Frederick County through the University of Maryland, said farmers and exporters are freaked the hell out. On Tuesday, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada and raised the tariff on imports from China to 20%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, the Chinese finance ministry announced a 15% tariff on corn, among other items, and 10% tariff on soybeans, among other items, coming from the U.S. The Canadian government announced a 25% tariff on unspecified American goods. The Mexican government said it would impose its own retaliatory tariff, with details to come Sunday. Agricultural goods are priced on global markets, said Townsend, with the specifics of these trade wars impacting major agricultural products locally. Soybeans and corn accounted for over 80,000 acres of farmland in the county, according to the USDA, the two largest crops by land use in Frederick County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the $24.5 billion in total U.S. export of soybeans, $12.8 billion went to China in 2024 and $2.3 billion went to Mexico, according to the USDA. Mexico was the largest importer of U.S. corn, $5.6 billion, with Canada, at $449 million, and China, at $328 million, also major importers, according to the USDA. Townsend said he worries the trade war will hurt Frederick County farmers, particularly given the rise of Brazils competing soybean production. On a global side of things, this makes us non-competitive, he said. Brazil is going to eat our lunch. David Burrier, a farmer in Union Bridge and a vice president of the Frederick County Board of Directors for the Maryland Farm Bureau, said China has invested heavily in Brazil and other South American countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We absolutely dont want to lose our number-one buyer, Burrier said. MARKETS The markets for corn and soybeans reacted even before Tuesdays news. The money we are losing in the market was ahead of this tariff, Burrier said. A look at the futures markets for both corn and soybeans on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange paint the picture. Feb. 4 marked the high-water mark for soybean futures. The March and May markets closed at $10.75 and $10.88 per bushel, respectively, according to the CME Group. Those markets closed at $9.84 and $9.99, respectively, per bushel on Tuesday, before rebounding slightly Wednesday to $9.97 and $10.11, respectively, according to the CME Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Townsend said on Wednesday morning that it was a pretty nasty, dramatic decline. Corn markets experienced similar trends. Corn markets Corn markets have been down since the end of February. Futures markets exist for different months and are priced per bushel here. Farmers throughout the county worry that this trend may lead to thin or negative margins on their crops this year. Another concern is how avian flu could impact the grain markets, according to both Burrier and Townsend. Both added that such concerns had not been reflected in markets yet. Townsend said agricultural imports from Canada could create further issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fertilizer Institute estimates that 85% of potash imports come from Canada. Additionally, nearly 10% of U.S. nitrogen fertilizer needs are met by Canadian suppliers. Increased input costs and soft markets led Townsend to say he worried this season will bring razor-thin margins, if not negative ones. We sure would hope this brings everyone to the table, Burrier said. PRECEDENT Trump implemented a similar trade war with China during his first term as president. The president initiated talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2017, before announcing plans to impose tariffs on more than $550 billion of Chinese products, according to reporting at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese government retaliated with tariffs on U.S. goods. In 2017, the U.S. exported $12.2 billion in soybeans to China, according to the USDA. That figure fell to $3.1 billion in 2018. Burrier said a difference between then and now is the lack of a buffer in the broader agricultural market. Our concern right now is that we are on a razor-thin margin, he said. Richard Wilkins, a Delaware farmer and executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association, agreed. The agricultural economy is not as healthy as it was in 2018, Wilkins said. THE CASE FOR TARIFFS Belinda Burrier, Davids wife and a former member on the national United Soybean Board, said that while the trade war was tough at first, as time went on, it actually benefited us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilkins said that as a humble farmer, he has long felt international markets were inaccessible to U.S. farmers due to both tariffs and other economic barriers. Thats been something thats troubled me as a farmer for quite some time, he said. Wilkins added that he felt tariffs could provide an economic tool as outlined in the Trade Act of 1974. He said that such a mechanism could generate income to make whole those who were hurt by foreign actions, as well as create incentives for other countries to negotiate trade agreements with the U.S. Wilkins pointed to India as an example. The second most populous country in the world, he said, has historically banned imports of genetically modified soybeans and soy products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basically, India shuts us out of their marketplace entirely, Wilkins said. However, in 2021, India allowed shipments of genetically modified soymeal in response to poultry feed prices, according to reporting at the time. Wilkins said tariffs can help facilitate conversations between countries to open markets for U.S. farmers. It doesnt sound like a bad tactic to me, he said. But Wilkins said the soybean market in the region is experiencing lots of apprehension in the meantime. Addressing Congress on Tuesday, Trump said agricultural imports hurt American farmers. As the trade war develops, he asked farmers to bear with me again as he looks to protect them through better trade deals. I love the farmer, Trump said. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) After 60 days in office, El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson took the stage for his first State of the City address on Thursday, March 6. Johnson updated the community on his plans for the Borderland with a big goal being addressing the Citys infrastructure needs. Our infrastructure is in bad shape. So, we need to find funding sources to fix our roads, whether its from the state or its from the federal government. So, were going to look at funding all sources of money to try to get our roads in better shape, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another point the mayor addressed were some of the recent national narratives about immigration and the border. Johnson said that its impacting economic development, something he hopes to change. I met with a company thats going to be relocating some warehouse space here to El Paso. They were from Dallas. I think what were going to do is were going to bring them here. Were going to show them how credible we are as a community. Were going to show them our workforce, our labor, and were going to do that. And Im going to meet with anyone that wants to come and put their business here, El Paso, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) March is National Kidney Awareness Month and in Georgia. Roughly 35,000 people live with kidney disease. While the average 10-year-old spends their days having fun, days as a 10-year-old for Douglas Flournoy looked completely different after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Then they found out that I had some small holes in my kidneys, so I was leaking protein in my urine. And then they found out that I had some type of kidney disorder, donor recipient Douglas Flournoy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, at 36 years old, Flournoy had two cadaver kidneys both of which were rejected by his body after several years. At 16 I got my first kidney transplant, and then after that the kidney lasted for about five years. It was a cadaver kidney, which means I got a kidney from a deceased donor, and after that I got my first rejection my kidney rejection which means my kidney eventually was killed off by my own body 21 years old I had my second kidney transplant around that time, about months later, and that lasted about five years Flournoy said. In the state of Georgia, there may be people, like Flournoy, living with the highest cases of the disease, but there are also the fewest registered as donors. There is a great need for people to be signed up to be donor, theres a great need. Over a hundred thousand people waiting for a transplant in the United States, and close to three thousand here in Georgia, but we dont have as many people donating as there are a need. So, its kind of a supply and demand thing Tracy Ide LifeLink of Georgia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Augusta native has been on a kidney transplant list for the past 11 years and is currently seeking a living donor which he says will give the kidney more life expectancy. A living donor would last a lot longer, a cadaver lasts about five to eight years, and a living kidney lasts about 10 to 15 years. So, thats why I made that post just trying to get a living donor, Flournoy said. Like Flournoy, the wait for a kidney transplant can take several years, so if youre someone recently diagnosed and in need of a transplant, youll want to learn more about the United Network for Organ Sharing waiting list. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Editors Note: Police said the missing alert was canceled just before 8 a.m. Friday. Police say the teen was found safe. MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW) Police in Maple Heights are asking for the publics help finding a missing 13-year-old girl. According to police, Abigail McCully was last seen wearing a purple long sleeve shirt, dark pants, and could possibly be wearing a dark blue coat. FOX 8s Wayne Dawson shares update on cancer journey: Still fighting day by day Credit: Maple Heights Police Department McCully is described as having long and curly dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. She is approximately 50 and weights about 110lbs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German shepherd found dead at local dog park Police did not specify when or where the teen was last seen. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Maple Heights Police Department at 216-662-1234. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Nina Otero Community School Principal Valerie Apodaca works with middle school students. (Photo courtesy Santa Fe Public Schools) As lawmakers work to pass a bill clarifying school districts control over their academic calendars, scheduling for next year is underway. House Bill 65 proposes making changes to the Public School Code to clarify that local school districts have the flexibility to create their school calendars, as long as they meet the state required minimum of 1,140 instructional hours per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The instructional hour minimum was raised to its current level in 2023 in response to the landmark Yazzie-Martinez education lawsuit, which found that at-risk students were not receiving equitable educational opportunities from the state. In March 2024, the Public Education Department, under former Secretary Arsenio Romero, created a rule requiring K-12 schools adopt a 180-day school calendar in an effort to meet the instructional hour requirement. Opponents quickly sued PED over the rule due and said it conflicted with state law and also pointed to the added expenses Native and rural school districts would incur for adding instructional days such as transportation and meals. Ninth Judicial District Court Judge Dustin K. Hunter initially issued an injunction against the rule and then in early February 2025 decreed that the education department lacks the authority to mandate a minimum number of instructional days. Now, school districts are back to making their own decisions about their calendars, while a proposed law that would codify their right to do so makes its way through the legislative process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont believe that the number of school days determines success, Penasco Independent School District Superintendent Michelle Gonzales told Source NM. I think that what really makes a difference is having teachers that are dedicated and invested in the students and the community. Gonzales said in her district, which operates on a four-day week, making room in the budget for an extended calendar required cuts to security, cafeteria and maintenance personnel. And to meet the 180-day requirement for the current school year, class started earlier in the year and will end later. School officials also cut the lengths of the winter and Thanksgiving Day breaks. She added that the school calendar committee is moving forward with next years calendar now that a decision has been made regarding the 180-day rule. Gonzales said the calendar will likely be similar to this years, but with a start date in August rather than in July. Veronica Garcia, interim superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools and a former Public Education Department cabinet secretary, told Source that SFPS developed two calendars last year one with 180 days and one with 175 days. She said because of the injunction granted by the court in the PED lawsuit, SFPS went with the 175-day calendar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district, which is on a five-day week schedule, conducted a poll of the community, Garcia said, and found that [in] Santa Fe by and large, the community likes to have the calendar end before Memorial Day. If the longer calendar year had been adopted, she said school would have likely started in late July. She said next school years calendar will be made public in April and will also include 175 days. Garcia added that because a large portion of the students in New Mexico attend schools in urban areas, policy is often based on an urban model, overlooking rural schools. I think that the best approach would be to bring superintendents to the table representing large, medium-sized and smaller-sized school districts to work with the PED in collaboration, to work together, she said. I think both sides want the best for the kids and I think its a matter of understanding each others perspective and understanding the nuances here, because I dont think its really a black and white answer. Editors note: This story was updated following publication to clarify Garcias statements that policy making is based on an urban model. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) With a proposed 80,000 job cuts across the Department of Veterans Affairs, local veterans spoke with WNCT about their concerns. Some say while the department does need to be more efficient, it has to be done in a strategic way. I support government efficiencies. I support strategic removals across the government, Veterans Advocate Liz Hartman said. However, it must be done with a scalpel, not a big old chainsaw and we must consider performance metrics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hartman recently sent an open letter to local lawmakers and government officials about possible issues that would come with reductions. One is keeping up with the demand of veterans now receiving care under the PACT Act, which in 2022 expanded benefits to those exposed to toxic chemicals. The Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly the VHA, the hospitals and the clinics are now flooded with these veterans, Hartman said. Others said the VA is already difficult to navigate so cuts should be made. I think its a good idea because when I see a guy in a three-piece suit and leg pants too short and hes telling me that I dont qualify for this or that or whatever, and I got the scars to prove it, buddy you need to go. Veteran Richard Mahler said. Youre not in here for the veterans youre in here for the freakin paycheck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Congressman Greg Murphy said: I spoke with Secretary Collins this morning on this matter. As a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I am committed to protecting our veterans and ensuring our nations promises to them are delivered. I do not support mission-critical individuals being terminated and encourage those impacted to utilize the appeals process. Additionally, I am working closely with Chairman Bost who has made it clear to all VSOs that any veteran impacted is encouraged to contact the committee for assistance. One, what is a mission critical employee. Is that only a surgeon or is it the scheduler that I must call to be seen by the surgeon? Hartman said. Second, even the Congressman himself encourages us to go through the appeals process, if we experience a lapse in care, what happens if all of the appeals processors are terminated? Who are we to go to about that? Theres also questions about how cuts will impact new VA clinics coming to MCAS Cherry Point and Jacksonville. You cant be seen by a doctor or nurse without a scheduler. If you want to access community care, you need your care consultant. If you want to not receive any infections while in the hospital, you need janitors, Hartman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hartman encourages the veteran community to reach out to their local lawmakers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Area women are tightening their tool belts for a great cause. Habitat for Humanity kicked off its three-day Girls play, women build fundraiser in Callaway Thursday morning. This is the second year for the event. Participants are building Bay Countys first-ever habitat village, consisting of 15 single-family homes. Over a dozen volunteers showed up for the first day for framing, siding, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of vintage cars gather in Panama City Beach for car show We can get to know each other in other capacities, and that allows us to move into other organizations and charitable causes and to look after each other in more ways than one. We found more than one need, and we can fill it through just getting to know one another, Habitat for Humanity PR and Resources Chair Natalie Thomas said. You can still volunteer on Friday and Saturday. Work takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with lunch provided. Habitat for Humanity accepts volunteers year-round, regardless of experience. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. A multi-day extreme fear reading in a widely-followed sentiment index could be indicative of bitcoin prices setting a bottom before moving higher in the coming weeks with a previously similar setup preceding a 200% rise in BTC. The Fear and Greed Index, which measures investor emotions in markets like bitcoin, ranging from 0 (lowest sentiment) to 100 (highest sentiment), has shown an extended extreme fear reading in the past several days as prices whipsawed between the $83,000 and $95,000 levels. The index helps identify whether investors are too scared (potential buying opportunity) or too greedy (possible market correction), tending to act as a contrarian indicator in the short term. It is based on price volatility and momentum, social media sentiment, Google trends data and bitcoins overall market share. Bitcoins plunge into 'Extreme Fear' on the Fear & Greed Index, its first since September 2024, when BTC traded at $53K, echoes a pivotal historical low, Vincent Liu, CIO at trading firm Kronos Research, told CoinDesk in a Telegram message. Back then, Bitcoins value doubled over the next three months, hinting at a potential buying opportunity for savvy investors. Amid todays market volatility, fueled by trade tariffs and broader macroeconomic uncertainties, this moment could emerge as a golden entry point, provided global trade tensions ease and overall economic sentiment strengthens, Liu added. Bitcoin and several major tokens, including Cardanos ADA, Solanas SOL and xrp (XRP), surged Sunday following President Trump's announcement of a U.S. crypto strategic reserve. But the initial excitement was short-lived due to profit-taking amid the lack of concrete plans and a risk-off mood in broader equity markets. Trump's tariff announcements on Canada, Mexico, and China further impacted markets, and traders are now awaiting more clarity from the upcoming White House Crypto Summit for cues on future positioning. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Robert G. Clark, who was elected in 1967 as Mississippis first Black lawmaker of the 20th century and rose to the second-highest leadership role in the state House of Representatives, will lie in repose at the Mississippi State Capitol. According to the Mississippi House of Representatives, Clark will lie in repose on Sunday, March 9. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Robert Clark, Mississippis first Black lawmaker after Civil Rights era, dies at 96 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark died Tuesday at age 96, his son said. Rep. Bryant Clark, who succeeded Robert Clark, said his father died of natural causes at home in Holmes County. Elected in 1967, Clark shattered racial barriers and served 36 years in the Mississippi House, rising to House Speaker Pro Tempore in 1992. A lifelong advocate for education and Black representation in government, he played a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for all Mississippians. Honored at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in 2018, Clarks legacy is one of resilience and progress. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. March 7 (UPI) -- Sheriff's deputies in Georgia rushed into action when a jail break-in was perpetrated by a "white female" suspect: a duck. The Polk County Sheriff's Office said on social media that "a white female was discovered inside the perimeter fence at the Polk County Jail" about 7:43 a.m. Wednesday. The suspect, a duck, "attempted to go over the perimeter fence in an attempt to escape capture," the sheriff's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies cornered the duck to keep her from being injured by the razor wire on the perimeter fence. "She could not tell us where she came from or how she got here, but we did notice she had an injured foot," the post said. "We were able to call for backup and after a lengthy standoff involving two agencies, we were able to take her into custody." A duck was apprehended after trespassing at the Polk County Jail in Georgia. Photo courtesy of the Polk County Georgia Sheriff's Office/Facebook Polk County Animal Control assisted with the capture of the jail trespasser. The ducked, dubbed Bernice, was transported to a new home on Derek Tilley's farm, the sheriff's office said. DES MOINES, Iowa This winter we had the opportunity to ride along with employees of Primary Health Care in Des Moines. Outreach workers took us to visit the people they serve every day. Most have very personal stories about how they ended up homeless. My mom died and lost everything, and I ended up here, says Julie. Shes been living in the homeless camp for two years and says she never dreamed this would be her life. No. never. I used to be on the other side. When I would see somebody with a sign I would give them a couple bucks and just drive on home and thank my lucky stars that I wasnt out there living like them. Josh Wittenberg, Jenna Schuck and Scott Sithonnorath have been working with the homeless for years. They say many of the people they serve are surprised to get help, and that it feels good to know theyre providing all the resources they can. The physical items are important, but PHC is also the central point for homeless people to get healthcare and supportive services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant pull yourself up by your bootstraps if you dont have any boots, right? says Scott. We need spaces for people coming from homelessness to address all of their needs. City leaders have repeatedly pointed to part of the new homeless ordinance that increases the number of outreach workers from one to four, as a solution. Tiny Homes possible solution to Des Moines homelessness crisis; what are they? Its hard to hear that were going to save the day, Jenna says. I think that we will help keep people safer. We will help give people the resources that we need. But this is truly about housing. I just hope were going to paint a more serious picture about the need, and the need is housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to PHC, right now about 1,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Polk County. In recent months there have been as many as 850 people on housing waitlists and as many as 150 families waiting to get into shelters. The apartments that are available are great, Julie says, but theres not enough of those either. Shes right. According to the organization Homeward, for extremely low income renters in Polk County which is classified as individuals who make less than $14,000 a year, and families making less than $25,000 a year there is a shortage of more than 11,000 units. A common misconception is that most of the people living out here dont want to be part of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just we dont got an address, one of the men explains. Ive applied to live in one of those places! Julie adds. Unfortunately, in order for us to get a job, you have to have an address. And most people dont realize that we dont have an address out here. It becomes a vicious cycle. As a case manager at Bethel Mission, Nick Kearns sees the cycle every day. We serve people who are homeless, he explains, that means zero financials, zero insurance, no medications, no diagnosis. Nothing. Ground floor. WHO 13s Erin Kiernan asked how someone ends up there. Well, I can personally speak to that because I wound up there myself, Nick says. Nicks mom died when he was 14. He spent the next two decades living on the streets. I was living out of a laundry basket, 96 lbs., and it took 20 years to get there. Twenty years. I was 35 when I came in here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forgetting to Remember: Norwalk family shares Alzheimers experience Bethel Mission is part of Hope Ministries, a non-profit, privately funded, Christian organization. It has seven centers around Des Moines. Every location is always full, serving 230 men, women and children every day. Leaders wanted to take over the former Orchard Place child mental health facility on the southeast side to create 12 supportive housing units for men who are already part of Hope Ministries life recovery programs. Neighbors overwhelmingly spoke out against the project, saying they were scared to have homeless men in their neighborhood and that the facility didnt belong there. The city council voted against it and in the same meeting members voted yes on the homeless ordinance. Nick says he felt frustrated during the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it was your son or your daughter, you would say yes, but you have a misconception about who it is that needs this housing. I dont understand it. Its like Im not a human being. I dont deserve the same things that other people deserve. Which isnt true. Nick has gone from being homeless, to being a homeowner. But he says housing is just one chapter in his success story. It took community. It took support. It took all that stuff to get me there. I didnt get me there. Everyone else got me there. I participated in it. It was a group effort. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Mar. 6Jeffer Lorenzo, the man convicted in the DWI crash that severely injured Austin teen Wyatt Hamlin has finally been sentenced nearly two and a half years after the incident. Convicted in April of 2024, Lorenzo was sentenced to five years supervised probation by Judge Kevin Siefken Thursday afternoon in Mower County District Court. He has a wide range of conditions he must follow as well as a $1,000 fine as well as $5,417.96 in restitution. He was also sentenced to a staggered sentence that will have him serve 45 days in jail over the course of the next five years starting this year. A violation of these terms of the sentence could result in 18 months in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentence comes nine months after a warrant was issued for his arrest for not showing up to his original sentencing date in June of 2024. Lorenzo initially agreed to plead guilty to felony criminal vehicular operation-great bodily harm while under the influence of alcohol, but then later fled the state before the sentence could officially be handed down. Months went by before Lorenzo was arrested on Dec. 15 by the Cleveland Police Department in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he was facing domestic assault and prohibited weapons charges. A hold was placed on Lorenzo at the time and a month later he was back in the Mower County Jail where he has been held ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was also in court Thursday for a separate charge of felony failure to appear on a felony charge, of which he pleaded guilty to. The crash that injured Hamlin took place on July 28, 2023, when Austin police were dispatched to the intersection of Second Avenue and Fourth Street SW at around 8:47 p.m. Several injuries were reported to occupants in two separate vehicles, one of which Hamlin was driving. During the investigation, it had been determined that the SUV driven by Lorenzo had been traveling east on Second Avenue SW at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the intersection of Fourth Street SW where it collided with Hamlin's vehicle. The SUV was pushed an estimated 200 feet into a backyard. Witnesses at the scene told police that passengers in the Lorenzo-driven vehicle fled the scene. An officer eventually apprehended Lorenzo laying down next to a house in the area. He admitted to being the driver of the gray SUV and according to the court complaint later told police at the hospital that he had been traveling approximately 50 mph and stated that he had "12 Budweiser" prior to the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary test indicated a .20 blood alcohol content. A passenger in the gray SUV, was discovered lying on the boulevard, appearing to be in pain and struggling to talk, but reportedly said "Jeffer" when asked who was driving the vehicle. He was also taken to Mayo Clinic. A third passenger from the gray SUV was later found passed out due to being intoxicated and unconscious. Police were later able to talk with the third passenger, who told them that they had been drinking since that afternoon, though he didn't remember anything from the crash. In total, Lorenzo had been charged with seven counts related to the crash, six of which were dropped when he initially agreed to plead guilty to the criminal vehicular operation charge. Those lucky state-sector-educated kids. What did the pesky Gen Alphas do to deserve it, being let off Latin? Having been introduced by the Conservative government in 2022, a four-year project to have Latin taught in state schools has now been brought to an abrupt halt by Labour. It means that the number of schools offering Latin in the state sector will remain at 3 per cent, and will doubtless shrink, while the figure in the independent sector is at 50 per cent and growing. Labour MP Rachael Maskell has described it as a tragedy, while I would say its a lucky escape. Even now, the very word Latin sees a flutter of dreaded butterfly wings in the pit of my stomach. It was up there, or rather down there, with things such as physics, a lesson as fearful as a teatime beating at my prep school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Maidwell Hall, I found it hard enough applying my brain to the likes of English and thus regarded Latin, which seemed to be about as futile as games (I still have no regrets at my lacklustre performance on the rugger pitch), as even less worthy of my attention. Indeed, my teacher when I was 10, Mr Scott, wrote in my report in April 1980: If only he could understand the concept of hard work, he would do very well in Latin. I, however, realised it wasnt worth the effort. And a few months later, it seems Id convinced him I was actually physically incapable: He lacks the stamina required to untangle Latin grammar, he wrote. These foreign words, of no use in any foreign country, remained alien. Of course, no adult at the time took the trouble to explain why we were studying Latin any more than we were told why two old ladies came to the school each Monday evening to teach us to dance. Indeed, having to waltz round the hall with another boy to the clanking din of an old piano did a pretty good job of putting me off both dance and human contact. Having scraped into Eton, the mental torture endured. My natural reluctance to embrace the language was also encouraged by the quite hideous task of having to translate the works of a man called Erasmus. He was a gloomy Dutchman with a propensity to contract lumbago, as well as most other available diseases, who penned his lugubrious works from his sickbed before succumbing to dysentery. Erasmuss use of Latin meant many generations of schoolchildren had to translate his works - Print Collector In my teenage years, our Latin teachers finally thought it might be helpful to extol the benefits of Latin. Its useful for subjects such as biology, they declared, or law or medicine, or for understanding science, or when learning Spanish. All of which reassured me of its complete pointlessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then I was finally stirred having come last in my Latin class for several weeks running. A growing rumour that I was thick pained me to such an extent that one evening, I properly learnt my Latin vocab. I came first out of 20 in the test the day after, at which news everyone, including the teacher, assumed I had cheated. So with this subject and its tutors, I quickly reverted to my usual safe territory of recalcitrance. And to this day, I have no regrets. Nothing I do, say, see, observe or experience ever bears any relation to, or could possibly be enhanced by, an appreciation of Latin. Its never helped me order a beer in Spain, have a sea urchin removed from my foot in Greece nor brought me any closer to understanding the constitutions, cultures or history of the West. But what those Latin classes did do was fill my childhood with countless hours of pointless education when I should instead have been forced to study the likes of economics, business, entrepreneurialism, spreadsheets and profit and loss. Now that, believe me, I really do regret. Or as Erasmus probably wouldnt have put it: Me paenitet. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) The Allentown community is still in shock trying to process the loss of two prominent artists who were tragically killed in their home. Now, friends are speaking out making sure everyone remembers Michael Harmon and Jordan Celotto. Flowers and candles now line the Stonewall mural on Allen Street, a piece of artwork that Harmon helped create. On top of being an artist, Harmon was a board member of the Buffalo-Niagara LGBTQ History Project, an organization that aims to preserve local LGBTQ history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mickey wasnt the type of gay person who would make himself smaller and more palatable in order to be acceptable to the community and society at large, said Ana Grujic, one of the founders of the project. He celebrated all the complex, amazing parts of queer history and LGBTQ culture. Grujic went on to say Harmon always took the time to stop and give people attention, showing how deeply he cared about every person he connected with. Community shares condolences after two Allentown artists found dead in home Friends of Mickey and Jordan said the two had an incomparable bond. They described Mickey as the light of every room he walked into. They said Jordan kept more to himself but had a personality like no other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan and Mickey would just show up and show out and always show love and support, said Jay Aquarious, who met Harmon over 10 years ago. Wed praise each other, tell each other that were doing good, support each other. We were truly there for each other. Aquarious said both men were committed to making sure all of the events they put on were inclusive to everyone. He said there was never a moment he felt left out or looked at differently when he was around the couple. They didnt care about how anybody felt about them, Aquarious said. They didnt deserve to go out like that. None of them deserved it. Harmon would often collaborate with the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, where he was a part of the Public Art Initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mickey was a pillar of our community in every sense. We were honored to collaborate with him many times throughout the last ten years, the Buffalo AKG Museum said in a statement. Mickey was always himself, and he was beautiful. The work of his life permeates the fabric of Buffalo and Buffalo is better for it. An event called Queertopia, a performance of art, music, and dancing all by queer artists was supposed to be taking place this weekend. Instead, the event will be a night of remembrance for the two men taken too soon. You can find more information on the event here. GoFundMe pages have also been created to help pay for funeral expenses. You can find Jordans GoFundMe here and Michaels GoFundMe here. Latest Local News Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Lawyers for Jessie Hoffman, a Louisiana death row inmate scheduled for execution on March 18, are asking a federal judge to halt his execution, arguing that the secrecy surrounding the states use of nitrogen hypoxia violates his constitutional rights. On Thursday, attorneys for the state and Hoffman reached an agreement to unseal a redacted version of Louisianas new execution protocol for nitrogen hypoxia, shedding public light on how the state plans to put him to death. The documents release comes as Hoffmans legal team challenges the states 2024 law shielding details about execution procedures and seeks an injunction to delay or prevent his execution. Louisiana First News has obtained the redacted execution protocol. Heres our report on the key takeaways from the unsealed document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoffmans attorneys argue that the secrecy surrounding Louisianas execution process prevented them from fully challenging whether nitrogen hypoxia constitutes cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. They also claim the law violates his First, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights, depriving him of crucial information about how he will be put to death. The state, however, contends that Hoffman has not demonstrated that nitrogen hypoxia is cruel and unusual and has failed to propose a viable alternative method of execution, as required by U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Louisiana officials argue that its nitrogen hypoxia protocol will be similar to the method used in Alabama, where four death row inmates have been executed since the state carried out the nations first nitrogen gas execution last year. The legal battle over the execution method comes ahead of a Friday hearing before U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick, where both sides will argue whether Hoffmans execution should proceed as scheduled or be postponed. Worst of the worst: Louisiana death row inmates execution backed by AG Liz Murrill Hoffmans legal history and execution timeline Hoffman, 45, has been on Louisianas death row since 1998 for the rape and murder of Mary Molly Elliot, a New Orleans hotel executive. In November 1996, Hoffman kidnapped Elliot at gunpoint in the French Quarter, raped her, and forced her to march down a dirt path along the Middle Pearl River before executing her with a gunshot to the head. He was convicted in 1998 and sentenced to death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If executed, Hoffman would be the first Louisiana inmate put to death in nearly 15 years and the fifth person in the U.S. to be executed by nitrogen hypoxia. This is not Hoffmans first legal challenge to Louisianas execution protocols. In 2012, he and other death row inmates sued the state, alleging that Louisiana refused to disclose how it planned to carry out executions and that the secrecy violated their constitutional rights. The case was dismissed in 2022 when the state admitted it was unable to obtain lethal injection drugs. Hoffmans latest lawsuit argues that Louisianas secrecy law shielding execution detailsincluding the chemicals and procedures usedcreates the same constitutional issues as his previous challenge. Additionally, Hoffman, who practices Buddhism, claims that execution by nitrogen gas would prevent him from using meditative breathing techniques, violating his religious rights. The state argues that accommodations can be made for religious practices, but they do not justify halting an execution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lethal injection, electrocution and now firing squads. A look at US execution methods Secrecy and controversy over nitrogen hypoxia Louisiana is one of four statesAlabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Louisianathat have approved nitrogen hypoxia for executions, but only Alabama has carried out executions using the method. Arkansas lawmakers are currently considering legislation to allow nitrogen executions, while Mississippi and Oklahoma have yet to implement the method. In January and February, Alabama executed Kenneth Smith and Alan Miller using nitrogen gas, both of whom shook and gasped for extended periods before dying. Witnesses, including a medical doctor, described the executions as prolonged and disturbing, raising concerns that Louisianas execution could result in similar suffering. Gov. Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill have strongly supported resuming executions in Louisiana, arguing that death row inmates have exhausted all legal appeals and that the state has an obligation to carry out sentences imposed by the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family and friends of people who have been brutally murdered in our state should get the justice the law has promised them, Murrill said in a statement. Critics, including the Promise of Justice Initiative, argue that the state is rushing to execute inmates using an untested and potentially inhumane method. Whats next? With the newly unsealed execution protocol, Fridays court hearing before Judge Shelly Dick will be critical in determining whether Hoffmans execution proceeds as scheduled on March 18. The judge could issue a ruling on the preliminary injunction, allowing the execution to move forward or delaying it while further legal challenges are reviewed. This development also raises broader questions about the timeline for future executions in Louisiana. Christopher Sepulvado, another death row inmate who was scheduled for execution on March 17the day before Hoffmandied of natural causes on Feb. 22, less than two weeks after receiving his execution order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murrill has indicated that Louisiana could move forward with multiple executions this year, depending on how Hoffmans case unfolds. Louisiana First News will continue to provide updates on the case as new information develops. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Louisiana execution protocol unsealed: Heres how the state plans to use nitrogen gas Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. The University of New Orleans sign sits in front of the University Center on Dec. 15, 2022. (Matthew Perschall for Louisiana Illuminator) Louisianas top two state lawmakers have asked the Board of Regents to study the possibility of moving the financially-embattled University of New Orleans back into the LSU System. UNO, the only public research institution in New Orleans, was moved from the LSU System to the University of Louisiana System in 2011. The campus was founded as Louisiana State University in New Orleans, with classes starting in 1958. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, and Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, jointly signed the letter to Regents Chairwoman Misti Cordell, asking the state education oversight board to present its findings on the possibility. State law gives Regents one year to conduct the study. Read the full letter below. In an interview, DeVillier said the study is being done to see if moving the university to another system could help its budget and enrollment problems. Henry has not yet responded to a request for comment. University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot, reached by telephone Friday afternoon, said he was not consulted before lawmakers sent the request. UNO was moved to the UL System 14 years ago. Gallot said his system would provide whatever information is necessary for the Regents report. I certainly respect the president of the Senate and the speaker of the house to do what they think is appropriate, Gallot said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LSU spokesman Todd Woodward and LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott Ballard have not yet responded to requests for comment for this report. The proposal comes as UNO experiences an acute budget crisis. The school faces a $10 million budget shortfall and has implemented a spending freeze, layoffs and staff furloughs in an attempt to make ends meet. University officials have kept open the possibility of further layoffs and furloughs. UNOs budget crisis is largely tied to enrollment. The school had an enrollment of around 17,000 before Katrina, with an immediate drop to around 6,000. For the fall 2024 semester, its total student body was 6,488. At the time of the system switch in 2011, UNO alumni and boosters applauded the plan, as many felt the university was overshadowed in the LSU System. Moving UNO to the UL System came after lawmakers failed to pass legislation to merge the school with Southern University New Orleans, a historically Black university. Fears of a similar proposal being put forward again have popped back up again amid UNOs contemporary crisis, though no official plan or legislation has been put forward. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Louisiana has moved the location of Central Louisiana State Hospital to a new site in Pineville. (Photo by Julie O'Donoghue/Illuminator) Louisiana has moved more than 100 mental health patients to a new medical facility a few miles away from the old Central Louisiana State Hospital campus that closed earlier this year after more than 100 years of operation. The state transferred patients to the new $33 million Central Louisiana State Hospital in June but celebrated its official opening Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Officials purposefully put the hospital next to the state-run Pinecrest Supports and Services Center, which houses people with intellectual disabilities. The two facilities share janitorial staff and other services with each other to cut down on their administrative costs, though the patients and clients are kept separate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Central, as locals call it, is one of only two public mental health facilities remaining in the state. The other facility, Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System in Jackson, focuses on people who have been deemed incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity. In the face of large budget deficits, former Gov. Bobby Jindal sold off and closed other state mental health hospitals over a decade ago. The move dramatically cut the number of inpatient treatment beds available in the state. Even before Jindal was in office, Central had been in a decades-long decline on its old campus. By the early 2000s, there were fewer than 200 people on the 400-plus acre property, down from 3,000 patients at its height in the middle of the 20th century. The United States, in general, had started to shift away from big, institutional care for mental health to smaller, group home and outpatient services. Now Louisiana has a shortage of mental health capacity, according to several elected officials. Central has capacity for just 116 patients at its new building. Theres just a complete lack of mental health facilities, said state Sen. Jay Luneau, D-Alexandria, whose district includes the new hospital. Luneau hopes to see the new hospital which he said has a wait list of approximately 200 people expand. He authored a law a few years ago that requires all the money the state makes from the selling parcels of the old Central hospital campus, which sits on prime real estate in downtown Pineville, to go toward putting an addition on the new site. He hopes to see it eventually reach 200 beds. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Correction: The location of the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System has been updated. By Dan Catchpole SEATTLE (Reuters) - Boeing (BA) CEO Kelly Ortberg told employees on Wednesday the company needs a more open culture where employees are encouraged to speak up and communicate across divisions, according to a partial transcript of a company-wide meeting seen by Reuters. "We're very insular" and "we don't communicate across boundaries," he said during the all-hands meeting webcast from St. Louis, Missouri, the headquarters of its defense and space division. Teams within the sprawling company, which also includes commercial airplanes and global services divisions, "don't work with each other as well as we could," he said. "And the power of the Boeing Company is in us all kind of rowing the boat together." Ortberg said a cultural change would boost morale for the company, which has more than 160,000 employees globally, and "the results will show in the marketplace." Boeing declined to comment on his remarks. The company lost nearly $12 billion in 2024, and it has struggled to stabilize production of its best-selling 737 MAX, its 787 and several fixed-price defense programs, including two replacements for the U.S. presidential jet, Air Force One. Previously, Ortberg, who came on as CEO in August, has said the company has lost its "iconic" status and that resolving its safety and quality problems requires changing Boeing's culture. Ortberg said on Wednesday his diagnosis of Boeing's issues was informed in part by a culture working group composed of employees from across the company that was looking at its values and "probably more importantly" the company's behaviors. FILE - Boeing workers wave picket signs as they strike after union members voted to reject a contract offer near the company's factory in Everett, Washington, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) ASSOCIATED PRESS He said he planned to put together an action plan based in part on an employee survey conducted in February that received responses from 82% of staff. Of the results, he said: "I think they're going to be brutal to leadership, quite frankly." Asked by an employee about developing better managers, Ortberg said the company was "going to step up the leadership development activity" and urged managers to listen to and care about their staff. In October, Ortberg announced plans to reduce the company's workforce, then about 170,000, by 10%. The company issued at least 5,000 layoff notices in the U.S., mostly in November and December, based on publicly available records. Ortberg on Wednesday praised Boeing employees' commitment to the company through its years-long struggles. "You know, to be honest with you, the fact that we don't have huge attrition in the company, given what we've been through, is shocking," he said. "But it's because people are like, I want to be a part of turning the company around, I want to be a part of getting Boeing back to the reason I joined the company." LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO) Loves Park Police arrested Alexandria Thompson, 30, and Branden Crane, 35, for allegedly striking an 11-year-old child several times. On Jan. 1, officers received reports the 11-year-old was battered and had visible injuries. The incident happened on Dec. 29, 2024, in the 5000 block of Flagstone Drive. The child was battered because of how he was cleaning the bathroom, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crane told authorities he had seen Thompson hit two children on about six different occasions. Thompson used multiple different household items to batter the children in the past, according to court documents. Thompson is charged with unlawful restraint, two counts of aggravated battery of a child, domestic battery causing bodily harm and domestic battery causing physical contact. Crane is charged with two counts of aggravated battery of a child and two counts of unlawful restraint. If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, visit our Stateline Strong page for resources. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Being caught with a small amount of marijuana in North Dakota may get you a fine but not a day in court if a bill being considered by the Legislature passes. The North Dakota House this week passed a bill that would treat possession of marijuana under a half ounce like a speeding ticket, with a $150 fine but not a criminal charge. Bill sponsor Rep. Liz Conmy, D-Fargo, said in written testimony that over the last four years, there have been an average of 2,169 marijuana cases in North Dakota courts each year. In 2024, 94% of the marijuana cases were of the lowest level, possessing less than half an ounce, but each case involved three court appearances, requiring the time of judges and attorney and clogging up court dockets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the cases end up with a $150 fine, which is the fine imposed by House Bill 1596. The bill passed the House on a 76-17 vote and moved on to the Senate. The bill also reduces penalties for marijuana possession for the next two levels above a half-ounce, but possession of more than 500 grams of marijuana remains a Class A misdemeanor. A person who feels wrongly accused of possession can still make their case to a judge, if they so choose. The bill received positive testimony from North Dakota states attorneys and the North Dakota Legal Counsel for Indigents. Stark County States Attorney Amanda Engelstad said in written testimony that the cases involving small amounts of marijuana often involve people from out-of-state, leading to missed court dates and more work for the court system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill will free up prosecutors time, law enforcements time, and the court dockets, Engelstad said. Deputy editor Jeff Beach is based in the Fargo area. North Dakota Monitor is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: North Dakota bill looks to decriminalize marijuana BEAUFORT, S.C. (WSAV) Beaufort Port Royal firefighters have taken their colling almost four hours north, where they are providing much-needed relief to those battling the wildfire in Horry County. Horry County, City of Beaufort, and Town of Port Royal. We know that sacrifice. We know from being away from home for X amount of time and have an understanding of the sacrifices that we make for our family and kids, said Adiran Villalon, a firefighter with the Beaufort-Port Royal department. These dedicated firefighters have dropped everything to assist their colleagues in Horry County, where a 2,000-acre wildfire has burned for four days. With a 44% contamination rate, firefighters who have been working on the front lines since the start are exhausted and in need of a break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beaufort Port Royal Firefighters, along with teams from Bluffton Township Fire, Hilton Head Fire Rescue, and Jasper County Fire Rescue, have stepped in to handle the task at hand. The fire service is a brotherhood, said Curtis Yockey, firefighter with Beaufort-Port Royal department. And I know that if we had a similar situation here, they would do the same for us. Crew mate Adam Jordan added, Its nice to be able to do that for each other and have each others back. This collaboration is part of South Carolinas Firefighter Mobilization Program, which allows crews from across the state to come together and provide resources and relief in times of need. In the case of the Horry County wildfire, firefighters from all over South Carolina load supplies, heading to the affected area and giving much needed rest to those whove been working tirelessly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For us to be the resource, for them to get a break, thats really fortunate for us. And I feel like anybody in our department would easily step in, said Villalon. Chief Tim Ogden of the Beaufort Port Royal Fire Department expressed pride in seeing the dedication of the firefighters, both locally and across the state, coming together in times of crisis. You know, everybody wants to go help. I mean, this is the job we do. We love doing it. Theyre passionate about their job. So, its great to have those kinds of people dedicated, thats not willing to just help our community but help anybody else in need, said Ogden. The Beaufort Port Royal Fire Department sent a crew of three firefighters on Monday to assist. A new crew departed this morning to relieve them, allowing the first team to return home this evening for some urgent rest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. ENCINITAS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) A luxury resort in northern San Diego County recently began banning guests under the age of 18 from staying overnight to create a tranquil experience for adults. The move by the Alila Marea Beach Resort, located in the city of Encinitas, has called into question whether making a hotel adult-only potentially violates California civil rights laws that ensure equal access to businesses and public accommodations. The hotel said on its website that the policy, which went into effect on Feb. 14, aims to create an experience tailored to adult travelers seeking relaxation, exploration and a peaceful stay by the beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disneyland to update attractions, add new entertainment for 70th anniversary celebration It mirrors other Alila Marea properties across the world, including two in California, that only accommodate adults on site. However, a spokesperson for the resort said kids are still welcome to attend events on-site or dine at its restaurants. The policy is also not unique among short-term accommodations in San Diego County. Countless hostels have age restrictions in place, as well as other major resorts like a Vista health spa hotel and the two major casino resorts Sycuan and Viejas. So is Alila Marea Beach Resorts policy legal? Experts say it depends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether or not these kinds of rules barring kids from their hotels are above board largely depends on the why. California has rather broad protections against discrimination by businesses under a 1959 law called the Unruh Civil Rights Act. The law prevents enterprises from implementing policies that arbitrarily deny equal access to their services based on a persons characteristics, like race or sex. According to the states Civil Rights Department, unlawful policies could be akin to a doctor refusing to treat a patient who has been diagnosed as HIV positive, hosting ladies night discounts at a bar, or preventing someone with a service dog from entering a store. Thats not to say businesses have to serve everyone. Legal experts explain there needs to be a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason or compelling social interest to restrict its business to a subset of the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Examples offered by California officials include rental car agencies not renting to people under 25 years old, a funeral home excluding uninvited guests from a private service, or a restaurant refusing to serve a customer with a history of disruptive behavior. As for hotels, there can be sound reasons for implementing age-restrictive policies, notably if allowing kids would violate other state laws as in the case of San Diegos casino resorts due to the states minimum gambling age of 21. Bay Area lottery player wins $30 million But beyond that, businesses like hotels are generally not allowed to adopt blanket policies prohibiting guests under a certain age, even if they are nosier, rowdier, more mischievous and more boisterous than adults, as the California Supreme Court wrote in a 1983 opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether Alila Marea Beach Resorts policy would hold up against legal snuff remains an open question, because its unclear if maintaining a peaceful environment for adults is a compelling enough reason to exempt the civil rights law. Violations of the law could hit the hotel with a $4,000 fine for each instance. FOX 5/KUSI reached out to the hotel and Hyatt for comment but did not hear back prior to publication. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. It breaks my heart to end a cherished friendship, but Donald Trump has left me no choice. As a Canadian, Im reeling from the unraveling of a relationship I once believed to be unshakeable a bond between our two nations that felt secure and enduring. Its not just me many Canadians are feeling this way. Since Trump took office for his second term as president, Ive felt a betrayal I never anticipated. The trade war he ignited between Canada and the U.S. threatens to hamstring my country with tariffs so high that not only will prices soar on both sides of the border, but, according to one official, up to a million Canadian jobs could vanish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any close union whether between couples or friends or countries goes through moments of strain. But this? This feels like a public flogging. The love is gone. Trump destroyed it and now rubs his cruelty and ignorance in our faces with every new threat of a tariff. Trump wants us to pay dearly for something we didnt even do. He says his tariffs are justified, payback for Canada allowing fentanyl to come into our country at levels never seen before, killing hundreds of thousands of our citizens. Its a flat-out lie. A sucker-punch rooted in a crude calculation: wreck our economy, and then steal our sovereignty. His threat to make Canada the 51st state might be laughable if it werent so chilling. But the most painful part? His claim that America doesnt need us for anything and that weve been nothing but abusive toward our southern neighbor. Abusive? Excuse me?! Hes completely gaslighting us and the American people by twisting facts to fit his absurd narrative and attempting to erase our shared history to gain power and control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Prime Minister not governor Justin Trudeau recently noted, We dont want this. Were Canadian polite, considerate, maddeningly the first to apologize. But right now, I dont know a single Canadian saying, Im sorry. Trumps vicious, catastrophic, and destructive words and actions maim. My head is still spinning from how quickly hes upended what always seemed like a stable, reliable friendship. But one thing is crystal clear: I wont be visiting the United States anytime soon. And thats painful to say. I have family in Boston, Hartford, Connecticut, and New York City. No summer has been complete without a road trip through Vermonts rolling hills, Massachusetts idyllic countryside, and on to South Tamworth, New Hampshire, where I visit my aunt, uncle and cousins on Mountain Road. I also have friends scattered across various other states. Most Canadians do. And Ive always felt a rush of joy from being in their cities. Forty-eight hours in the U.S. felt like a vacation much further abroad minus the stressful logistics. I can take off from Torontos island airport on a Saturday morning and land in downtown Manhattan by lunch. Ive been traveling with my three sisters on girls weekends to places like Chicago, Boston, San Diego and New York City for what feels like forever. One perfect, warm day last summer, as we wove through the electric frenzy of Times Square, my oldest and wisest sister turned to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This might be our last visit for a long time, she said. If Trump wins, thats it. The author (second from right) on a trip to Times Square with her three sisters. Courtesy of Angela Yazbek Hell never win, I replied, fully in denial that Trump was well-positioned to beat Kamala Harris despite all his mounting legal entanglements not to mention recent convictions. I couldnt imagine letting one man keep me from visiting some of my favorite cities. Even a weak currency never stopped us before. With the abysmal exchange rate of 65 Canadian cents to one U.S. dollar, we crossed the border and happily spent. Our mantra was, Just dont do the math. We pretended we were on par. We always felt we were at least when it came to supporting each other. But Trump isnt just any man. He stands for everything Im against. As the daughter of immigrants, a proponent of diversity, equity and inclusion, and a believer that trans rights must be protected, it was already hard to neatly box up my outrage and ignore it. But now that Trumps reach has extended beyond American soil, Canadians like me arent feeling so friendly anymore. Were insulted and angry. Were turning our backs on our favorite California Chardonnay. Were swearing off cross-border shopping as if we were cutting ties with a narcissistic ex. Some snowbirds, who once flocked to Florida and Arizona to escape Canadas long, punishing winters, are staying put this year. Were taking care of our own and embracing the mantra of buy Canadian, bye America. Our gloves are off. The day the tariffs went into effect I panicked, remembering we were planning to replace four large windows in our house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I guess its too late to order windows? I texted my husband. Im just connecting the dots now! My friend, Joe, gave me the name of his window guy, he wrote back. 100% made in Canada. I cheered. Even though Trump has now paused tariffs on some products until April, were still not about to spend a nickel to prop up the U.S. economy when its president has pledged to destroy ours. We dont want to be doing any of this, and we know so many Americans who also wish none of this were happening. But this is our reality now. As we wait to see how this trade war plays out with non-neighborly tariffs on both sides of the divide, my stomach is a tight knot. With Trump in charge, I know we cant expect a reasoned, coherent discussion. What Im certain we can count on, however, are more outrageous, reckless and self-serving lies. We are bracing ourselves, but with Trump, its impossible to know what were bracing for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our countries alliance has been built on a history of trust. Trust is something you do not say. Its always felt like weve been in this together weve fought wars side by side and been there during each others times of need. But Trump has demolished that trust, and weve become adversaries instead of allies. They need to feel the pain. They want to come at us hard, were going to come back twice as hard, as one Canadian government official recently said. It wasnt very Canadian-like, but here we are. America, I hope to see you again. Id love to meander down the Miracle Mile, breathe in the energy of 5th Avenue, and stroll Newbury Street. But not now. Im not ready to cross that border just yet, and I dont think you are, either. We both need space time to get through this, each in our own way. For now, Im counting down the days until 2029, when I hope someone who understands and respects the power and potential of our once beautiful relationship becomes president and ends this nightmare. Until then, take care, my old friend. Angela Yazbek is a first-generation Arab-Canadian writer and former CBC-TV journalist based in Toronto. Her essays have appeared in Newsweek and The Globe and Mail. She is currently querying her debut memoir, Collapsed: A Life Broken Open, which breaks the silence often expected in Arab culture, revealing the isolated and often brutal struggle for belonging that many children of immigrants experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have a compelling personal story youd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what were looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com. Related... UPDATE (March 7, 2025, 6:43 p.m. ET): A South Carolina official said Brad Sigmon was pronounced dead at 6:08 p.m. ET on Friday, in South Carolinas first execution by firing squad. UPDATE (March 7, 2025, 5:25 p.m. ET): On Friday, the Supreme Court denied Brag Sigmons application to stay his execution. No justices noted any dissent from the order. Why is Brad Sigmon set to be executed by firing squad in South Carolina on Friday? Technically, because he chose that rare, seemingly outdated method. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as Sigmon told the Supreme Court in his bid to avoid that fate, it wasnt much of a choice. Thats not due to the obvious desire to dodge a state-sanctioned death entirely. Rather, the way the state has handled the matter has made it impossible for the prisoner to assess which method is the more inhumane; to avoid the electric chair, he chose firing squad, his lawyers told the high court. Guilt isnt at issue for Sigmon, who in 2002 was convicted and sentenced to death for murdering Gladys and David Larke, his ex-girlfriends parents. As is often the case in death penalty appeals, he challenged the procedures behind how the state wants to kill him. The Supreme Courts Republican-appointed majority has been broadly skeptical of death row claims, making it a difficult, though not impossible, task for prisoners like Sigmon to win such challenges. South Carolinas execution law says inmates will be killed by electrocution unless they choose the firing squad or lethal injection. But when Sigmon faced the choice last month, he says he couldnt make an informed one. Citing potentially problematic lethal injections in past executions, he said officials didnt disclose enough information to confirm that injection drugs arent expired, sub-potent, or spoiled. Against that backdrop, he wanted the justices to take up this legal question and to stay his execution in the meantime: Does South Carolinas compressed timeline and arbitrary denial of information necessary for a condemned prisoner to exercise his statutory right never [to] be subjected to execution by a method he contends is more inhumane than another method that is available violate Due Process? Sigmons execution is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Friday, and he has also sought clemency from South Carolinas Republican Gov. Henry McMaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press reported that the execution would proceed with Sigmon being strapped to a chair with a target placed over his heart as three volunteers armed with rifles simultaneously fire bullets designed to shatter on impact with his chest. An NPR report raised concerns about the shooting taking place indoors, citing experts who questioned whether its safe for the workers who will shoot the prisoner and the people who will watch. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in Donald Trumps legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com By Michel Rose BRUSSELS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday hit back at Russia, after the Kremlin warned him not to threaten it with nuclear rhetoric and drew comparisons with Napoleon's failed conquest of Russia. In a solemn address on Wednesday, Macron warned the French nation Russia was rearming quickly on the back of its invasion of Ukraine and could attack more countries if it was not firmly deterred, including with the French nuclear umbrella. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I know President Putin well. If he's reacting like that, it's because he knows what I said is true," Macron told reporters at an EU summit in Brussels. "He's making a historical error: Napoleon waged conquests. The only imperialistic power I see in Europe right now is Russia," he said, responding to a question posed by a Russian journalist in exile in France. Macron said he knew Putin could betray his word, because he had done just that when it did not respect the Minsk agreements signed with France, Germany and Ukraine after the invasion of Crimea in 2014. He also said the reactions in Moscow on Thursday were probably so vociferous because Russia's intentions to continue waging war with Europe eventually, if a rushed peace treaty in Ukraine is signed, had been uncovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He was probably piqued by the fact we're exposing his game," Macron said. Responding to a question on U.S. President Donald Trump's comments questioning whether France would come to the U.S.'s rescue if it was attacked, Macron said France and other European countries had joined U.S. troops in fighting in Afghanistan after 9/11. "Not only the French, but the Europeans were there when we were called for Afghanistan. And by the way, they weren't politely warned when (the U.S. left Afghanistan)," Macron said. "We are loyal and faithful allies." Macron also said he had been approached by other leaders all day during an EU summit in Brussels about his offer to extend French nuclear deterrence to the rest of Europe and hopes to see cooperation by the end of the first half of 2025, after technical talks with other leaders. He has invited other EU leaders to a meeting of European army chiefs in Paris on Tuesday, he said. (Reporting by Michel Rose; Editing by Chris Reese and Lincoln Feast.) Todays edition of quick hits. * Litigation appears likely: The Trump administration on Friday announced that it would cancel approximately $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University due to the schools continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students. * One of these days, maybe hell make up his mind: President Donald Trump warned that he may implement tariffs on Canadian dairy and lumber as early as Friday, in what amounts to the latest broadside by his administration in the brewing trade war between the United States and Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * I guess hell blame globalists for this? The stock market suffered its worst week in many months, after a series of dizzying policy shifts on tariffs from the White House and simmering concerns about the health of the economy. * Adding to the list of Elon Musks many unfortunate mishaps: After SpaceXs Starship megarocket exploded during a test flight in January, the company had hoped for a better outcome when it attempted a launch on Thursday. But once more, the mission was cut short after controllers lost contact with the upper-stage vehicle. * This is very easy to believe: A day after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called new U.S. tariffs a very dumb thing to do, Trump struck an abusive tone in his call with Trudeau, according to a Western government official. * Remember when the United States had good relations with Panama? The president of Panama accused Trump of lying again after he told Congress that the U.S. is reclaiming the Panama Canal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Trumps explanation for this strategic reserve still needs work: President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday creating a strategic bitcoin reserve, marking a major shift in U.S. digital asset policy. * There are multiple important angles to this: Employees of the U.S. DOGE Service, the organization overseen by Elon Musk that is tasked with slashing the size of the federal government, successfully gained access to the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) headquarters in downtown Washington on Thursday, a day after the small aid agency blocked the group from entering. * The unwelcome return of Republican-imposed, medically unnecessary ultrasounds: Wyoming Republican lawmakers on Wednesday voted a bill into law that will require women seeking medication abortions to undergo an ultrasound first, overriding the GOP governors veto. Have a safe weekend. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The more the White House loses court fights, the more Elon Musk targets federal judges who dare to rule in ways he doesnt like. As Jay Willis summarized at Balls and Strikes, the Republican megadonor has been posting incessantly, calling for the impeachment of fake, corrupt, activist judges for violating the will of the people. His timeline ... is littered with conspiratorial screeds about the dastardly ulterior motives that these judges must have had for preventing an unelected billionaire from assuming the power of the legislative and executive branches all for himself. But while Donald Trumps top campaign donor can apparently do quite a bit through his DOGE endeavor, he cant launch impeachment campaigns against members of the judiciary. At least for now, that power still rests in the hands of Congress. The trouble, of course, is that Musks ideas are finding favor among some Republicans on Capitol Hill. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, for example, last week published a message to social media that read, Corrupt judges should be impeached. And removed. It came on the heels of a similar message Lee published that read, This has the feel of a coup not a military coup, but a judicial one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, in the House, there are now four separate pending impeachment resolutions targeting sitting federal judges, including two sponsored by Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee. The list is likely to grow: Ogles hosted an online impeachathon event last week, displaying a poster of 11 judges he and his far-right colleagues are focused on. Ogles appeared alongside a caption that read Woke Judge Hunter. A clip of the event was promoted soon after by Musk himself. Its difficult to say with confidence what these lawmakers hope to achieve, since the odds of the House actually approving an impeachment resolution are effectively nonexistent, but if Republican proponents of the campaign are trying to intimidate judges into submission, theyre apparently failing. My MSNBC colleague Jordan Rubin highlighted a brutal judicial smackdown: An American President is not a king, a federal judge wrote in ruling against President Donald Trump on Thursday. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington, D.C., made the stark statement in rejecting Trumps bid to fire Gwynne Wilcox from the National Labor Relations Board. It was quite a ruling. The President does not have the authority to terminate members of the National Labor Relations Board at will, and his attempt to fire plaintiff from her position on the Board was a blatant violation of the law, Howell wrote. She added, The Framers, anticipating such a power grab, vested in Article III, not Article II, the power to interpret the law, including resolving conflicts about congressional checks on presidential authority. The Presidents interpretation of the scope of his constitutional power or, more aptly, his aspiration is flat wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a message that appeared designed specifically for the Oval Office, the jurist concluded, An American President is not a king not even an elected one and his power to remove federal officers and honest civil servants like plaintiff is not absolute, but may be constrained in appropriate circumstances, as are present here. ... A President who touts an image of himself as a king or a dictator, perhaps as his vision of effective leadership, fundamentally misapprehends the role under Article II of the U.S. Constitution. Ouch. This came on the heels of a ruling from last month in which U.S. District Judge John Coughenour named to the federal bench by Ronald Reagan not only rejected Trumps executive order on birthright citizenship, he also took aim at the presidents twisted approach to the law. It has become ever more apparent that to our president, the rule of law is but an impediment to his policy goals, Coughenour wrote. The rule of law is, according to him, something to navigate around or simply ignore, whether that be for political or personal gain. Nevertheless, in this courtroom and under my watch, the rule of law is a bright beacon which I intend to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Constitution, the judge added, is not something the government can play policy games with. These are hardly the only recent examples of Trump facing judicial eloquence in the midst of a legal setback some of the rulings in Jan. 6 cases are especially notable and given the scope of the lawsuits surrounding the White Houses agenda, it probably wont be the last. Ogles might very well add to his impeachathon list, but theres little to suggest members of the judiciary are feeling intimidated. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com As this week got underway, a weird conspiracy theory, which was made up out of whole cloth, started making the rounds in far-right circles. The details were a little murky the details of weird conspiracy theory usually are but the public was apparently supposed to believe that former Obama administration officials and some congressional Democrats quietly sabotaged a minerals deal between the White House and Ukraine. This wouldve been easy to overlook, were it not for one unsettling detail: Ed Martin, the acting U.S. attorney in the nations capital, apparently took it seriously. Indeed, the hyper-partisan prosecutor and former Stop the Steal organizer, even made veiled threats related to the made-up allegations. As this week neared its end, the controversial prosecutor was finding new ways to tarnish his already dismal reputation. The Washington Post reported: Interim D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin demanded that the dean of Georgetown Law School end all diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the school, asserting in a letter that his office will not consider hiring anyone affiliated with a university that utilizes DEI. The warning was delivered in a letter dated Feb. 17 to William M. Treanor, a constitutional law scholar and one of the longest-serving deans of the largest law school in the nations capital. Ordinarily, federal prosecutors focus their time on matters of law enforcement, since that is their job, but in this instance, Martin decided to use his office to lean on Georgetown a private university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his correspondence, the acting U.S. attorney told the dean of Georgetown Law School that its graduates would be locked out of his office if the university teaches or utilizes DEI which went undefined in the letter. According to the Posts report, which has not been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News, Martin added two questions: First, have you eliminated all DEI from your school and its curriculum? Second, if DEI is found in your courses or teaching in any way, will you move swiftly to remove it? He reportedly went on to explain that hed begun an inquiry into the schools practices. It was a bizarre attack on academic freedom, targeting a private Catholic institution for reasons unknown. Why Martin believes hes positioned to make demands of Georgetown Law about how it teaches students about inclusivity was also unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The absurd circumstances did, however, offer the prosecutors target an opportunity to offer a reminder about facts Martin ought to understand. NBC News reported: The dean of Georgetown Law wrote in a letter today that the conservative activist whom Trump named as Washingtons top federal prosecutor had launched an attack on the Universitys mission as a Jesuit and Catholic institution by demanding explanations about Georgetowns DEI policies. William M. Treanor, the dean and executive vice president of Georgetown Law, confirmed to NBC News that he wrote to Martin, explaining that the acting U.S. attorneys outreach challenges Georgetowns ability to define our mission as an educational institution and violated a bedrock principle of constitutional law. Treanor also wrote that the principle that sustained discourse among people of different faiths, cultures, and beliefs promotes intellectual, ethical, and spiritual understanding was a moral and educational imperative that defines our mission as a Catholic and Jesuit institution. The First Amendment, Treanor added, guarantees that the government cannot direct what Georgetown and its faculty teach and how to teach it, noting that the Supreme Court has continually affirmed that among the freedoms central to a universitys First Amendment rights are its abilities to determine, on academic grounds, who may teach, what to teach, and how to teach it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin, Treanor went on to explain, was threatening to deny students and graduates of Georgetown opportunities until Martin approved its curriculum, and he said the school looked forward to confirming that applicants for employment would receive full and fair consideration in the future, adding that the Constitution was clearly on Georgetowns side. Given the First Amendments protection of a universitys freedom to determine its own curriculum and how to deliver it, the constitutional violation behind this threat is clear, as is the attack on the Universitys mission as a Jesuit and Catholic institution, Treanor concluded. The New York Times reported that Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have asked the D.C. Bars disciplinary counsel to investigate Martin, arguing that the Trump-appointed Republican has abused his prosecutorial powers. If members of the bar association agree to open such an inquiry, theyll have an overwhelming amount of evidence to review. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Two weeks before Election Day 2020, Donald Trump and Joe Biden met for their final presidential debate, and the then-incumbent made a provocative prediction. If hes elected, the stock market will crash, the Republican claimed, pointing at his Democratic rival. That obviously didnt happen. In fact, markets soared during Bidens presidency. Instead of explaining why he had the story backwards, Trump repeatedly insisted that the major indexes were only up during Bidens term because investors expected Trump to return to the White House. That was laughable at the time, but its vastly worse now that he is back in the White House, and Wall Street has slid sharply, especially this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the recent selloff, the Republican initially told reporters, Im not even looking at the market, which mightve been easier to believe were it not for the fact that Trump has spent the last decade or so pointing obsessively at the major Wall Street indexes. He soon after pointed in the opposite direction, saying he was paying attention to the stock market, but the recent downturn should be blamed on globalists. NBC News reported: Trump on Thursday blamed globalist countries and companies that wont be doing as well for the sell-off, and also said he wasnt paying attention to the stock market. I think its globalists that see how rich our countrys going to be and they dont like it. Big market out there. But again, theyve been ripping off this country for years. And theyre going to do great everyones going to do great. But we cant let this continue to happen to America. Otherwise were not going to have a country any longer. He didnt appear to be kidding. Its difficult to speculate as to how, exactly, Trump defines the word globalist, but by any fair measure, the presidents excuse was gibberish. Investors are selling stocks because they think the United States will soon become rich? When the market goes up, he wants credit, but when it goes down, Trump sees nefarious and unnamed globalists countries as the culprit? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These were the best talking points he could come up with? The truth is far easier to understand. Trumps economic and trade policies have injected new uncertainty into the marketplace, and Wall Street is reacting accordingly. If the president is looking for someone to blame for the latest downturn, he should be looking in a mirror. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Earlier this week, Matt Whitaker, Donald Trumps highly controversial nominee to serve as the U.S. ambassador to NATO, arrived on Capitol Hill for a confirmation hearing. His goal, evidently, was to set senators minds at ease. The presidents commitment to the military alliance, Whitaker testified, was ironclad. When the former acting attorney general made the comments on Tuesday, it was difficult to take his rhetoric at face value. After all, during the 2024 campaign, Trump publicly declared that he was prepared to let Russia do whatever the hell it wants to U.S. allies who dont pay [their] bills. It followed a first term in which he reportedly expressed an interest in abandoning NATO altogether. More recently, Trump made veiled threats toward a NATO ally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironclad is not the first word that comes to mind. Two days after Whitakers testimony, the Republican president made matters considerably worse. Politico reported: President Donald Trump cast doubt Thursday on a core tenet of the NATO security alliance that an attack on one member is an attack on all and must draw a response. Trump, speaking to reporters during a bill signing in the Oval Office, said he would reconsider the U.S. commitment to the security pact if members in the 32-nation alliance do not increase defense spending as he has repeatedly demanded. The Republican was not especially subtle about his position, saying that the United States wouldn't defend NATO member nations against an attack if those countries had not met defense-spending benchmarks. In fact, he characterized his approach as common sense. Complicating matters, the president added, in reference to our international NATO partners, If the United States was in trouble and we called them ... you think theyre going to come and protect us? Theyre supposed to. Im not so sure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether Trump knows this or not, the only time Article V of the NATO charter was used was after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It was difficult to imagine the Republican finding new ways to make Vladimir Putins Russia happy, but this ought to do the trick. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com MADISON - Madison voters are suing city and county election officials over their failure to count 193 absentee ballots cast during the 2024 presidential election. Represented by liberal law firm Law Forward, the voters are accusing the Madison clerk of disenfranchising their right to vote in a class-action lawsuit the group is preparing. "Many of these uncounted votes belonged to University of Wisconsin students in downtown Madison. The students were voting in their very first presidential election and perhaps one of the most consequential elections of their lives," Jeff Mandell, general counsel of Law Forward, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Some of them had worked hard to turn out the vote during this election cycle. Although their votes were all cast diligently and properly, none of their votes were counted. The harm they suffered is significant and cannot be repaired." On Dec. 26, the Madison clerk's office issued a public statement disclosing that 193 ballots hadn't been processed from three wards. The ballots were discovered Nov. 12 and Dec. 3 during post-election cleanup and reconciliation. The number of ballots wasn't enough to affect the outcome of any races on the ballot in those areas, the clerk's office said. The clerk's office emailed the commission Dec. 18 to inform it of the uncounted ballots and ask for guidance. The commission certified the results of the election Nov. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clerk's office said it would contact each affected voter to notify them and apologize. For future elections, the office also said every polling location will receive a list of the seal numbers for absentee ballot envelopes, so they can be verified as ballots are counted. The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission voted in January to use its investigative authority for the first time in its eight-year history to understand how the ballots went uncounted in the Nov. 5 election. Commissioners will discuss the review's findings at a future meeting. Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Madison voters to sue over uncounted absentee ballots in 2024 election I can tell you point-blank who Im voting for: Donald Trump, a scallop fisherman last fall told The New Bedford Light, which reported the proliferation of Trump flags on fishing vessels in the coastal Massachusetts town. The Democratic Party is not the fishermans friend, he said. The fishing industry has generally been pro-Trump because hes anti-regulation and opposed to offshore wind farms. Many are also hoping Trump might reopen commercial fishing in protected federal waters, as he did during his first administration. But if Trump continues on his current course, he could jeopardize some of these supporters livelihoods. After all, he just started a trade war with Americas two top seafood trade partners. The United States imports much more seafood than it exportsto the tune of a roughly $25 billion trade deficit, according to government data from 2022. But it does export quite a bit of its catch to Canada, serving as Canadas top supplier for both salmon and lobster. And it exports even more to China. In fact, the Agriculture Department reported last year that seafood exports to China were actually increasing, unlike many other commodities. Both countries quickly retaliated against Trumps tariffs on Tuesday. Canadas two-phase tariff announcement included only a very limited list of seafood products in the first, immediate round of tariffs; almost all U.S. seafood seems to be in the firing line for a second round of tariffs scheduled for later this month. China, meanwhile, simply matched Trumps extra 10 percent tariff increase with its own 10 percent increase, effectively immediatelyseafood included. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its possible that Trump, despite the support of New Bedford residents, may not be all that concerned about alienating voters in Maine and Massachusettsstates that account for 99 percent of Canadas lobster imports. (He is, after all, unusually explicit in his punitive and vengeful attitude toward blue states.) But youd think hed be a little more concerned about Alaska, where he bested Kamala Harris by 13 points last year. Alaska is Americas top producer of Pacific salmon, and China is the top export destination for it. (Chinas imports of U.S. salmon nearly tripled between 2020 and 2023, according to the USDAs Foreign Agricultural Service.) China processes and reexports some of that salmon, which complicates things further. When Trump started a trade war with China in 2017, Alaskas two senators and one congressmanall Republicanslobbied the administration to exempt seafood harvested in Alaska and processed in China from the tariffs, since a lot of American seafood gets deboned in China and then returned to the U.S. These products were included anyway. The lawmakers wrote a letter expressing their displeasure. But the damage from Chinas retaliation to Trumps trade war persisted into the Biden administration, with Alaskan pollock affected as well. There are other ways Trumps policies could wreak havoc on the industry. In theory, the tariffs could help some businesses by encouraging Americans to eat more domestic seafood, as it becomes more affordable relative to seafood impacted by the tariffs. On the other hand, its always a little tricky to predict how consumers are going to respond, and given the likelihood that tariffs will spike prices throughout the supply chain, its possible consumers will just decrease their seafood consumption. The tariffs on steel and aluminum are inevitably going to affect the cost of fishing equipment, for example. And Trumps targeting of immigrant workers could also cause problems, given that a majority of the seafood-processing workforce is foreign-born. Then there are the cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While many in the seafood industry resent what they see as heavy-handed regulationanother fisherman told The New Bedford Light that NOAA Fisheries is the first one that should be cutNOAA also provides a lot of direct and indirect support to the industry via training and grants, ecosystem restoration, and climate monitoring. This last one is a huge deal in an industry that is already being hit by climate change. (Read more in Audrey Grays report for TNR several years ago on global warming in the Gulf of Maine and The New York Times report this week on how climate change is affecting plankton and the entire oceanic ecosystem with it.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TNRs Kate Aronoff also writes, this week, about NOAAs monitoring program for toxic algal blooms, which is being jeopardized by DOGE cuts, potentially threatening both municipal water quality and fishing. Its not hard to imagine that Trumps and Elon Musks indiscriminate slashing of government programs will harm the fishing industry more than it helps. Stat of the Week $50 million Thats the estimated annual cost in the U.S. of toxic algal blooms, the monitoring and science of which is now threatened due to the Trump administrations cuts to NOAA. What Im Reading As Tariffs Slam Maple Syrup, Sugarmakers Branch Out The U.S. maple syrup industry is already dealing with the upheaval of climate change, given that its business depends on a single product harvested in a window of just a few weeks every spring, with that window depending on a freeze-thaw cycle. Tariffs are now making the business harder. As a result, reports Callie Radke Stevens, some are now turning to Indigenous practices of tapping birch and other trees: A stiff tariff from the Trump administration on Canadian goods, including the equipment used to make syrup, has unsettled the industry and could drive up the price of U.S. syrup. This has coincided with a slow syrup run in February. Such short-term woes are combining with longer-term concerns, as a changing climate alters both production and the business model. So the Wheelers and other sugarmakers are expanding into other tree syrups, to fortify their businesses in the face of changing weather (political and actual) and in hopes of keeping forests healthy. Researchers and farmers alike are investigating species like beech, sycamore, walnut, and even other species of maple. Read Callie Radke Stevenss full report at Civil Eats. This article first appeared in Life in a Warming World, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by deputy editor Heather Souvaine Horn. Sign up here. MAGA Republicans are taking aim at Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett after she ruled against President Donald Trump in a case concerning the administrations requirement to unfreeze federal funds. In a 5-4 decision on Wednesday, Barrett and Chief Justice John Roberts joined liberal justices Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson to uphold a lower court ruling mandating the Trump administration to pay out nearly $2 billion in payments to U.S. Agency for International Development contractors. When she was first nominated, conservative groups praised Trumps pick to replace the late liberal justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Now, shes become persona non grata among Trumps allies, who have branded the former law professor and circuit judge as evil and a diversity, equity, and inclusion hire. The Independent has reached out to the Supreme Court for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is evil, chosen solely because she checked identity politics boxes, conservative media personality Mike Cernovich posted on X. Another DEI hire. It always ends badly. When confirmed, she became the fifth woman to ever serve on the bench. Mike Davis, a former law clerk to fellow Trump nominee Justice Neil Gorsuch, told Steve Bannons War Room show on Wednesday: Shes a rattled law professor with her head up her a**. Bannon also played a now-viral clip of her glaring at Trump as the president shakes the justices hands. He described Barrett as giving Trump the stink eye. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett ruled against the Trump administration in a ruling this week, making her persona non grata among some of Trumps MAGA allies (Getty Images) Rightwing internet personality Eric Daugherty also chimed in: Democrats are loving Amy Coney Barrett lately. Tells you everything. Conservative activist Kylie Jane Kremer remarked that she had shifted her opinion of the justice, writing on X: I advocated hard for Amy Coney Barrett & was even at her official ceremony at the White House during COVID. I admit I was very wrong about her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others on social media called to impeach the Trump-appointed justice. These calls come just over a week after Elon Musk, a senior adviser to the president, expressed his outrage at the Trump administration's three consecutive losses in courts nationwide by advocating for impeaching judges. The only way to restore rule of the people in America is to impeach judges. No one is above the law, including judges, Musk wrote on the platform he owns on February 27. An hour after his first post, he tweeted: If ANY judge ANYWHERE can block EVERY Presidential order EVERYWHERE, we do NOT have democracy, we have TYRANNY of the JUDICIARY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several House Republicans have even gone so far as to introduce resolutions to impeach three federal judges who have ruled against the Trump administration in recent weeks. On Monday, the American Bar Associations president William R. Bay released a statement condemning the recent calls for impeachment and attacks against the judiciary. There have now been statements by officials criticizing judges for not following the will of the people. Judges swear oaths to follow the law, not public opinion polling or political chatter or what someone contends is the will of the people, Bay wrote. We may disagree with interpretation of case law, but it is unacceptable to personally target judges just because we disagree with their ruling. We cannot have a judicial system where the government seeks to remove judges simply because they do not rule as the government desires, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the first time in recent memory that Barrett has sided with the liberals on the bench. Trump in January asked the Supreme Court to delay the sentencing in his hush money trial, in which a New York jury convicted him of 34 counts of falsifying business records. Barrett and Roberts ruled against the president. During his first term, Bannon, Trumps White House chief strategist at the time, denounced the ruling and urged Barrett to leave the bench. "Barrett is a disgrace. A total disgrace," he told Newsweek. The honorable thing for her to do would be to "step down, take another job and open that slot up for President Trump to...appoint a true MAGA judge to the Supreme Court, he added. WASHINGTON MAGA activists have turned against one of President Donald Trump's own appointees to the Supreme Court: Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Appointed by Trump in 2020, Barrett is a staunch conservative who has joined major rulings in which the court has moved U.S. law to the right, including on abortion and affirmative action. But that's not enough for some of Trump's most aggressive supporters, who think the former Notre Dame Law School professor has been a disappointment. MAGA supporters see what some call an independent streak as a sign she isn't sufficiently aligned with or loyal to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She is a rattled law professor with her head up her a--," said Mike Davis, who once clerked at the Supreme Court for Justice Neil Gorsuch and described Barrett as "weak and timid." Barrett defenders have dismissed the attacks, scoffing at the idea that the justices conservatism is defined by how her decisions align with Trump and insisting Barrett wont be affected by outside criticism. Barrett, reached via the Supreme Court, did not respond to a request for comment. The anger from Davis and other right-wing personalities with large online followings stems mostly from a couple of recent high-profile, 5-4 decisions in which Barrett has been the deciding vote against Trump's side. Swift and vicious reviews poured in from right-wing, Trump-allied figures this week when Barrett and other justices rejected a Trump administration attempt to avoid paying U.S. Agency for International Development contractors as ordered to by a federal judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "DEI judge," influencer Jack Posobiec posted on X, suggesting that Barrett was a "diversity, equity and inclusion" hire, presumably because she is a woman. Trump at the time promised to pick a woman to replace liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. "Amy Coney Barrett was a DEI appointee," another far-right influencer, Laura Loomer, wrote. Her X post featured a photo of Barrett's family. Barrett and her husband have seven children, including two they adopted from Haiti, who are Black. Even Barrett's brief interaction with Trump earlier this week, when he delivered an address to Congress, has been scrutinized by the online MAGA set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Look at how Justice Amy Coney Barrett looks at our duly elected President, the man who put her on the Supreme Court. She looks very bitter," Rogan O'Handley, an influential MAGA figure on X known by his handle DC_Draino, wrote in a post containing a video of the encounter. Photo Composition: Posts about Amy Coney Barrett on X (NBC News; X) One law professor, Josh Blackman at South Texas College of Law Houston, suggested that Barrett should step down from her lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court so that Trump can pick a replacement. The White House did not respond to a message seeking comment. Barrett defenders have fought back, with Derek Muller, a Notre Dame law professor who studied under Barrett, saying in an interview he doubted she would be affected by the negative reactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She has the resolve to be on the court just like the other justices do," he said. The justices know that "unpopularity is not a measure of what a judge is doing," he added. The conservative National Review also weighed in, posting a column Thursday titled In Defense of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, deriding the criticism as nonsense. Barrett's USAID vote followed a decision in January when the court, once again split 5-4, rejected Trump's request to block a sentencing hearing in his criminal hush money case in New York. The decision prompted angry reactions from pro-Trump voices including Davis. In both cases, Barrett joined fellow conservative Chief Justice John Roberts in the majority, aligned with the three liberal justices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before those cases, Barrett has increasingly shown a willingness to separate herself from the right flank of the court with a considered and cautious approach. What the online critics fail to address is that Barrett has consistently cast key votes in favor of conservative causes, including when the court overturned abortion rights landmark Roe v. Wade, ended affirmative action, expanded gun rights and undermined the power of federal agencies. "It seems to me there is this impulse where personal loyalty to Donald Trump in an unquestioned way is seen as a requirement for a sitting justice on the Supreme Court. It doesnt matter how conservative that person might be," said Anthony Kreis, a professor at Georgia State University College of Law. The harsh criticism of Barrett comes amid a stream of similar and sometimes more violent rhetoric aimed at judges who have stymied Trump's agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts recently warned that threats of violence and intimidation against judges have been increasing in recent years. Barrett has spoken previously about how her appointment to the Supreme Court and the security concerns that go with it has affected her and her family. Like all justices, she has protection not just at the court but also at her home in Virginia. At a judicial conference last year, she recalled one of her sons asking her why she owned a bulletproof vest. Security of the justices was in the spotlight three years ago following the leak of an early draft of the abortion ruling. Then, it was activists on the left who were angered by the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An armed man was arrested outside the home of Justice Brett Kavanaugh and charged with attempted murder. Protesters also gathered outside several justices' homes, including Barrett's. "After the attempted assassination of Justice Kavanaugh, we need to be vigilant about potential threats," Blackman said in an email. But he stood by his criticism of Barrett, saying that some conservatives feel like they were misled about what kind of justice she would be. "I think conservatives feel like there was a bait and switch," he added. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Democratic Congressman Seth Magaziner has put forward a bill that would stop the president from taking over Greenland, Canada and/or Panama without Congress approval. Magaziners office said the No Invading Allies Act is in response to President Trumps repeated threats to take territory from allies and refusal to rule out the use of military force for territorial expansion. BACKGROUND: Rubio says Trumps interest in Greenland and Panama Canal is legit and driven by China concerns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation bans funding from being used to take land from those countries unless Congress approves. President Trump should not be allowed to put American servicemembers into harms way by starting unnecessary wars with our allies, Magaziner said. My bill, the No Invading Allies Act, makes clear that Congress will not allow the President to unilaterally drag us into unnecessary conflicts that do nothing to make Americans safer. Several House members have signed on as cosponsors: U.S. Reps. Shri Thanedar, D-Michigan, Brendan Boyle, D-Pennsylvania, Dwight Evans, D-Pennsylvania, Dina Titus, D-Nevada, Eric Swalwell, D-California, Pramila Jayapa, D-Washington, and LaMonica McIver, D-New Jersey. At this time, its unclear if the bill will pass the Republican-led House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEXT: RI judge extends block of Trump funding freeze Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. A mail carrier and neighbors helped two people escape a house fire near the Indiana and Ohio border Friday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7s Malik Patterson speaks with the mail carrier LIVE on News Center 7 at 11. USPS postal worker Annette Smith drives past this home on her mail route. When she was driving past today, there was smoke pouring from the house. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the neighbors suggested Smith should drive her truck up to the house, and let the woman stuck on the second story jump down onto it. I literally just used my mail truck to let a lady jump from the top story of this house to save her life, Smith said. She cant see us, we cant hardly see her. So I back up and the next thing I know I hear a thud on the top of the mail truck to know she safely got out. News Center 7 is looking into the condition of the woman who escaped the fire and reaching out to local fire departments for information on their investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A man who helped deliver the fatal fentanyl doses to two Hawaii men who died in a Waikiki hotel in June 2023 was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison. Jeffrey P. Waz, 65, was sentenced to 24 months for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury, and 24 months for distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury, according to federal court records. Wazs sentences will run concurrently, and Senior U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi also placed Waz on three years of supervised release for each count, also to run concurrently, after he gets out of federal prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waz was one of four people charged by federal prosecutors in connection with the overdose deaths of Steven Berengue, 53, and Joseph Iseke, 44. The two men died after overdosing at a hotel party in Waikiki on June 3, 2023. Iseke, of Kailua, was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency personnel responded to a call at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Be rengue, of Kailua-Kona, was taken to a hospital, where he died within 24 hours of being found. This tragedy underscores the deadly nature of fentanyl, even in small amounts. Mr. Waz is deeply remorseful and extends his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the departed, Wazs attorney, Andrew M. Kennedy told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Unfortunately, Mr. Wazs story is all too common : Someone suffering from physical pain turns to opioids. We hope this case brings awareness to the dangers of fentanyl and serves as a deterrent to others. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Waz, who is free on bond, entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice on Jan. 5, 2024. He must self-report to federal prison June 25. The investigation was done by the Honolulu Police Department, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Federal law enforcement investigated the deaths and charged people throughout the supply chain who helped Iseke and Berengue get their fatal doses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keina Breit Drageset, 28, and Avery James Garrard, 33, are accused of smuggling drugs bought off the dark web into Hawaii through the mail and giving them to Waz to market. Waz gave the drugs to, 59, the street dealer of the drug trafficking organization allegedly led by Drageset, an ex-model who was allegedly caught with fentanyl in her white Tesla and apartment and more than $150, 000 in a safe. Drageset is scheduled to be sentenced April 24, Garrad on Tuesday and Hamil on May 1. Hamil allegedly gave Iseke and Berengue fentanyl by mistake. Three other victims, who survived, told authorities they thought Iseke was chopping up cocaine and /or molly and all three snorted the substances allegedly not knowing they contained fentanyl, according to federal court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The term molly refers to the powdered form of MDMA, a stimulant that alters mood and perception. Waz, Garrard and Drageset were originally accused of a controlled -substance conspiracy resulting in death and serious bodily injury, according to an eight-count indictment secured by federal prosecutors in July 2023. On May 10 and 18, 2023, Waz allegedly sold one to five ounces of fentanyl that he obtained from Garrard. On June 3, Hamil allegedly planned to sell a ball of meth, or 3.5 grams, to Iseke but mistakenly gave him one gram of fentanyl that he allegedly got from Waz, and one gram of heroin, according to federal court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Waz, Garrard and Hamil are charged with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury. Waz and Drageset are also accused of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. On June 4, 2023, at about 6 :22 a.m., HPD and Emergency Medical Services responded to a 911 call from one of the surviving victims, who woke up at the resort after blacking out. HPD found five victims in a hotel room who were either unresponsive or needed medical attention. Authorities said substances found at the scene tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. Police said multiple types of drugs were found at the scene, including a small baggie with a white crystalline substance, along with a glass pipe, and black-tar heroin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another victim, who described Berengue as an old friend, said the group had run into him coming back to the hotel from a concert. Berengue told them he drank and may have used methamphetamine that day, but could not recall. Berengue claimed that Iseke brought crystal methamphetamine to the room but was not sure what the other drugs were. The victim who had described Berengue as an old friend said he snorted a white powder in the hotel room, which he allegedly got from Iseke, and within a few minutes blacked out. Investigators found text message exchanges on Isekes phone that occurred between June 3 and 4, 2023. Iseke allegedly texted Hamil asking about the pinkish purple powder that was included in his drug order, according to federal court documents. Hamil allegedly replied, Exactly what Ive been looking for all night. Hope you still have it. Should be a bag with brown and one with purple. I have to return that stuff. Call me in the morning please ? Big, big mistake. Running around like an idiot today and went all different directions at once. Anyways call me in the morning if can so I can run by. Thanks bro. Italian spirits major Campari Group has warned of a potential impact from tariffs on its EBIT this year. The Aperol maker said it expected a possible 90-100m ($96-107m) hit from the 25% tariffs on Canadian, Mexican and EU imports for the 12 months of 2025. The US has levied tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico. President Trump has yet to announce tariffs on EU imports and it is unclear what would be included in any measures. However, last week, the US President said he is lining up a tariff of 25% on EU goods to be announced very soon. Campari's 90m-100m estimate does not account for any "potential mitigation actions" that may be taken by the business, that "are currently under assessment", the Espolon Tequila maker said. From March, the Wild Turkey distiller added it "expected" a possible 35m impact for the year from tariffs for Canadian and Mexican imports into the US. Campari's net sales grew 2.4% organically and 5.4% on a reported basis in 2024 to 3.07bn. Gross profit, corresponding to 57.6% of net sales, increased 3.9% on a reported basis and was up 2.4% organically to 1.8bn. Profit before taxation slid a significant 45.2% to 256m, while, in adjusted terms, it dipped 3.9% to 523m. Group net profit slumped 39% to 202m. Reported group adjusted net profit declined 3.7% to 376m. EBITDA dropped 20% to 520m, while adjusted EBITDA grew a meagre 0.5% to 732.6m. Campari booked net sales growth in all but one of its markets APAC. The region, which makes up 7% of group sales, saw a 5.9% reported decline and 5.8% organic dip in total net sales in the 12 months. The group's Americas market, which accounts for 45% of group sales, and EMEA, which makes up 47.7%, saw net sales increase 8.3% and 4.2% respectively. In terms of categories, the Grand Marnier brand owner also reported a 6.6% net sales decline in its House of Whiskeys & Rum division for the full-year. In its results presentation, the group said the business unit saw "ongoing soft performance" in the US and Australia for Wild Turkey and Russell's Reserve. Campari also pointed to a "decline in Q4" in its Jamaican rum portfolio "across all core markets due to supply constraints" and a "pressure across all other whiskey". Fourth-quarter net sales beat consensus coming in at 793m, which Stifel analysts described as "a relief after the huge 3Q24 miss". The business announced it would be grouping together its spirits under the Houses of Brands model in October. At the time, Campari also revealed it would be implementing a new cost containment plan, which looks to improve margins by 200 basis points. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A man accused of a deadly double shooting in Baton Rouge was taken into custody in another parish. Keante Burton, 26, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of illegal use of weapon. He was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Concordia Parish on Feb. 21. He was extradited to Baton Rouge and booked into the jail on March 6. Officers responded to the 3300 block of Mission Drive around 7 p.m. on Jan. 26, 2023, and found Rajanee Williams, 21, shot to death. Dejonta Williams, 18, was taken to a hospital in critical condition, but later died from his injuries. Both victims were reportedly found behind a vacant home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Southern University student charged in hazing death case Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. What was originally going to be the sentencing of a man accused of fatally shooting an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper and injuring another turned into legal turmoil after the man requested his plea be withdrawn the day before. The sentencing was supposed to take place on Thursday afternoon. Isaac Damon King, 27, was arrested on July 25, 2018, after authorities said he shot and killed 24-year-old DPS Trooper Tyler Edenhofer in Avondale using another trooper's firearm. Edenhofer was hired in September 2017 after serving in the U.S. Navy and was in his final days of training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King signed two plea agreements in February 2025 admitting his guilt to second-degree murder and aggravated assault at the time. The agreements would have had him serve 25 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge the maximum length allowed for such a charge under most circumstances, and 10 and a half years for the assault charge to be served consecutively for a total of 35 and a half years with a credit of over six years for the time he has spent in jail. King says he was coerced to sign plea deals However, Kings attorney filed a motion to withdraw from the plea agreements on Wednesday afternoon after King indicated he felt as though he had been coerced to sign them by previous counsel. King sat before the court wearing an orange jumpsuit as friends and family of Edenhofer filled the right side of the room meant for victims while a woman sat immediately behind King. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Joseph Kreamer said he was in the middle of a settlement conference for a different case when he received the surprise motion, and after reviewing it, felt it was necessary to continue the sentencing and make Thursdays hearing a status conference to determine how the court can resolve the issue rather than make a ruling on the motion. I believe that if I simply went forward today or tried to decide this motion today, there was a great risk that I would be making a legal error that would result in this case in some way, shape or form coming back in another time, Kreamer said. Kreamer apologized to family and friends of the victims, along with Kings family, while declaring that the Thursday hearing was not the sentencing they had shown up for. I know a lot of people must be incredibly frustrated and likely angry, Kreamer said. And I understand why that would be the case. But from my perspective, my job is to get it right legally. 'I don't want this to linger' Kreamer explained that he felt he couldnt determine whether Kings previous attorneys had coerced him into signing the plea agreement without holding an evidentiary hearing and reviewing testimonies from witnesses that would likely include Kings prior counsel, his current lawyer and King himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kreamer added that such a process would be legally complex as it would likely involve a limited waiver of attorney-client privilege, and he would also have to appoint King another attorney to represent him during the evidentiary hearing as his current attorney would be a witness. That being said, the judge stressed that he wanted to expedite the process in determining whether or not to grant Kings motion. I do not want this to linger, Kreamer said. I want to resolve it as soon as we can. I will make this a priority, and Ill move other cases if I need to including trial days or whatever I need to to get this done. Were not going to set this six months out. Kreamer acknowledged that the person he appointed to represent King during the evidentiary hearing would likely request time to review the case and how that attorney would need to make this case a priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think it would take too very long to get up to speed on this issue, Kreamer said. Its a discrete set of facts or alleged facts. So, I dont think someone will come in and tell me they need three months to get up to speed. Or at least if they do, I doubt Ill accept that. Defense and prosecution argue that hearing is unnecessary Kings attorney, Seth Apfel, told Kreamer he did not believe an evidentiary hearing was necessary as the facts he laid out in the motion were substantial, though he did redact items in emails between King and his previous legal defenders attached to the motion that he felt were related to defense strategy or were not relevant. Apfel also requested Kreamer to make a ruling that nothing said during the evidentiary hearing could be used against him if the case goes to trial. A prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorneys Office argued that Kreamer could deny Kings motion to withdraw from the plea agreement outright while viewing the matter as an unverified complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor argued that the State should be allowed to interview Kings current and prior attorneys during the evidentiary hearing and review the transcript of Kings legal defenders motion to withdraw. The State should not be required to fight this only on the things Mr. Apfel thinks that we should be able to have, the prosecutor said. The prosecutor also said he had been asked to highlight to the court how six people flew in from out of state before the court received the motion to withdraw at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. The prosecutor added that he was moving out of state May 6 and that victims had the right to have the lawyer who was involved in the case represent the case at trial. You talk about no more than three months, the prosecutor said. I tell you, I think Im unavailable. New hearing to decide how case moves forward Kreamer said he disagreed with both parties about how he could rule on the motion in one way or another without an evidentiary hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parties eventually agreed to meet again for a status conference on March 13 at 1:30 p.m. with Kings newly appointed attorney present. Kreamer said he planned to schedule the evidentiary hearing and its respective parameters during the status conference. The hearing concluded with Kreamer repeating his apologies to the hearings attendees. For the victims, Im sorry, Kreamer said. I really cant say anything else. Im sorry. Well resolve this as soon as we can. Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at perry.vandell@gannett.com or at 602-444-2474. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man accused of murdering a DPS trooper tries to withdraw guilty plea Copperas Cove, Tx (FOX 44) A friend of the family of the victim has been accused of molesting a young girl from the ages of 12 till 14. El-Shaylem Bethel Israel has been charged with continuous sexual abuse of a young child after being arrested by Copperas Cove police. An arrest affidavit stated that the victim made an outcry to a school resource officer at her school when she was 18, telling about the abuse that had taken place in the earlier years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home video leads to capture of suspected burglar The affidavit stated that the suspect was someone well known to the family and that the abuse would occur when the victims mother was in another room or not at home. The affidavit stated that the alleged abuse began when she was twelve and went on up until she was fourteen, occurring an estimated fifteen times, from 2019 through 2021. Officers obtained a warrant and Israel was arrested Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The man accused of throwing a baby in a dumpster behind a Whitehaven business has now been indicted on new charges, the Shelby County District Attorneys Office announced. The new charges are two counts of trafficking for commercial sex act, promoting prostitution between the age of 12 and 18, continuous sexual abuse of a child and aggravated statutory rape. He is being held on a $1.25 million bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Boothe was originally charged with Abuse of a Corpse. On Friday morning, it was dismissed due to lack of prosecution, but he is still in custody and will face five additional charges. Man charged with placing infant in dumpster behind Whitehaven business The D.A.s Office released the following statements, Although probable cause was not found today in General Sessions Court, this investigation is not over, and Mr. Booth remains in custody. Our office has indicted Mr. Booth on five additional charges based on evidence from this case and continues to review the abuse of a corpse allegation for potential indictment along with the additional charges. Keep in mind that when charges are dismissed in general sessions, it does not preclude us from still pursuing an indictment and moving forward as more evidence becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in January, police say a 16-year-old gave birth while she was on her way to the hospital. That is when they say Boothe took the baby and placed the baby in a dumpster behind a Shell gas station at 1312 East Shelby Drive. After searching the area, officers said they found the baby dead. Boothe was arrested the next day and held in jail on a $250,000 bond. He appeared in court on January 30, where a judge told him he could spend 1 to 6 years in prison if convicted. Man accused of putting infant in dumpster appears in court Court records also say the 16-year-old admitted to being in a relationship with 45-year-old Boothe for three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A Keystone Heights man was arrested Thursday after investigators said he set multiple fires in Bradford County this week. John Rabe, 37, is charged with Willful/Reckless Burning of Lands. Clay County authorities took him into custody in Keystone Heights after Clay and Bradford deputies spent the day searching for him there and in Melrose. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Rabe was named a person of interest after a witness reported seeing a male on a blue bike in the area of a small fire that quickly spread. The fires prompted road closures on a portion of County Road 18 between State Road 100 and Hampton in the Theressa area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you to the Bradford County Fire Rescue, Florida Forest Service, Clay County Fire Rescue, Clay County Sheriffs Office and all who came forward with information to help assist in the investigation and keep our communities safe, a Bradford County Sheriffs Office Facebook post states. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Read: Flagler paramedic arrested for molesting unconscious patient faces new charges Read: SpaceXs latest Starship test flight ends with another explosion Read: Alleged thief swallows $800K of jewelry from Tiffany & Co. [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. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A man accused of shooting into another vehicle during a road rage incident while a child was in his car in Abilene has been indicted. Kaleb Jones was indicted by a Taylor County Grand Jury Thursday for Aggravated Assault and Deadly Conduct in connection to the allegations. Court documents state a victim called police in December 2024 to report his vehicle was struck by gunfire during a road rage incident on I-20 in Abilene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were able to locate Jones driving a vehicle that matched the description given by the victim a short time later, according to the documents. The documents reveal Jones was in possession of a firearm and admitting to discharging it three times into the victims vehicle during a road rage incident. A passenger in Jones vehicle also spoke to police, and the documents state she said she urged Jones to slow down and exit to avoid a confrontation, but he ignored her and initiated the shooting while she and her 2-year-old child were in the car. It was discovered that Jones discharged the firearm out of the rear passenger window, which was where the child was seated, according to the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims vehicle did have three different bullet hole entry points, and investigators did determine the rounds were fired in his direction. Jones was booked into the Taylor County Jail in December, where he has remained held on bonds totaling more than $530,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) A man accused of firing several shots into a residence, resulting in the death of a woman, was arrested by state agents and deputies on Thursday. The Williamsburg County Sheriffs Office charged Tyrese Jamir Bateman, 24, of Pamplico, with murder, two counts of attempted murder, discharging a firearm into a dwelling, malicious injury to personal property, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Investigators believe Bateman fired multiple shots into a home on Washington in Hemingway on Feb. 13. Nikita Shontay Douglas died in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After identifying Bateman as the suspect, Williamsburg County Sheriffs deputies obtained warrants for his arrest. Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Florence County Sheriffs Office, and Pamplico Police Department arrested Bateman Thursday. He was then transported to the Williamsburg County Detention Center for booking. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) A man was arrested and placed under a hold for Immigration and Customs Enforcement under an ICE detainer. Cain Manuel Garate Heredia, a Mexican national, was arrested on Monday for operating a motor vehicle with no operators license and was transported to the Carteret County jail. There, he was placed under the ICE hold. Before his arrest by the Carteret County Sheriffs Office, Garate Heredia was involved in an incident where he was arrested by Morehead City Police for assault by strangulation. He posted bond and was not booked into the jail, therefore there was no means to hold him for ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE had previously contacted the Sheriffs Office requesting assistance in locating Garate Heredia as they were attempting to find him and take him into custody for deportation proceedings. He had a previous record of criminal activity, being charged with sexual battery resulting in a conviction for Assault on a Female in Pitt County as well as being charged with numerous motor vehicle and other criminal violations in several counites throughout eastern North Carolina. According to ICE, Garate Heredia was previously deported and illegally returned to The United States. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Police have arrested a suspect in connection with an arson attack on a Jewish community center in Casa Grande. Thirty-year-old Everardo Gregorio was arrested on Wednesday after Casa Grande police identified "significant evidence" linking him to the fire, according to a Facebook post. Gregorio was found by police near Khal Chasidim, a Jewish community center located on Eighth Street off Florence Boulevard, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. Though they were able to extinguish the fire, the structure sustained "significant damage," according to police. "The building was burned down the core," said Abraham Breier, a member of Khal Chasidim. He said that the Torah scrolls, the sacred biblical scrolls used during Jewish prayer services, were luckily not in the building at the time of the fire. Breier said he and his fellow community members have been "overwhelmed" by the outpouring of kindness from other faith communities in the conflagration's aftermath. "People have been calling, reaching out, volunteering to help us clean up," he said. Lisa Fitzgibbons, the newly elected mayor of Casa Grande, reached out to offer her condolences, he said. "We were apprehensive until they caught the arsonist, now things are calmer," he said. "We are grateful for the support we have received from community leaders Casa Grande is a very tolerant, family-friendly and inclusive place to be." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Casa Grande Fire Department posted on Facebook that the fire occurred on March 3 and promoted a joint investigation by local and federal authorities including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Our office takes fire investigations seriously, especially when they impact places of worship and community gathering, said Casa Grande fire Marshal Frank Ricci. We appreciate the collaborative efforts of the Casa Grande Police Department and ATF in bringing this case to a resolution. Gregorio, who was booked into a Pinal County Adult Detention Center shortly after being taken into custody, faces charges of arson of an occupied structure. The charges will be submitted to the Pinal County Attorney's Office for review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation was ongoing, and anyone with information was encouraged to contact the Casa Grande Police Department or the Casa Grande Fire Marshals Office. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Casa Grande police arrest man accused in Jewish community center fire DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) A man was arrested in Danville after police found a loaded firearm in his car. Danville Police said their officers stopped 34-year-old John Forman of Danville on North Bowman Avenue near East Harrison Street for both equipment and moving violations on Thursday morning. House, garage in Sidell total loss after fire Upon investigating, police found a loaded firearm in Formans car. As a convicted felon, Forman is not allowed to carry a firearm under Illinois law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forman was taken the Vermilion County Public Safety Building, where he was charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon. Anyone with information on the incident should contact the Danville Police Department at 217-431-2250 or Vermilion County Crime Stoppers online at vccrimestoppers.org, by using the mobile app., P3TIPS, or by calling anonymously at 217-446-TIPS (8477). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. By Promit Mukherjee OTTAWA (Reuters) -Canada's trade surplus in January exceeded expectations by a wide margin posting a 32-month record as fears of tariffs from the U.S. pushed exports of cars and energy products higher, especially south of its border, data showed on Thursday. The trade surplus rose to C$3.97 billion ($2.78 billion), more than double the upwardly revised C$1.69 billion seen in December, Statistics Canada said, including a record surplus with top trading partner the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump slapped a 25% tariff on almost all Canadian imports and after retaliation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he has threatened to stack up more tariffs on them. On Thursday, Trump agreed to suspend the tariffs for a month provided the products imported into the U.S. comply with the terms of the Canada-U.S.- Mexico free trade agreement. Canada also rolled back a plan to slap a second round of retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. Its 25% tariff on C$30 billion of goods imported from the U.S. are still in place. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast Canada's trade surplus to be at C$1.28 billion and have said that trade balances would benefit from companies front-loading orders in January. "This uncertainty is creating major swings in the data, and we are just getting started," Andrew DiCapua, Principal Economist, Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Total exports increased 5.5% in January to a record of C$74.5 billion, following a 6% increase in December. A 1% decline in the value of the Canadian dollar to its U.S. counterpart in January also led to an increase in export value, it said. In volume terms, total exports rose 4.5% in January, following an increase of 2.6% in December. The jump in exports was led by an over 12% jump in motor vehicles and parts, followed by a 4.8% increase in exports of energy products, data showed. The Canadian dollar was largely stable after the data with the local currency trading weaker by 0.18% to 1.4361 to the U.S. dollar, or 69.63 U.S. cents. Yields on the two-year government bond dropped by 1.1 basis points to 2.544%. U.S. TRADE Canada's trade surplus with the U.S. clocked a record of C$14.4 billion in January, from C$12.3 billion in December. This was led by historically high exports of C$58.2 billion to the U.S. Imports from the United States increased 4.7%, Statscan said. The trade surplus with the U.S. increased for the third month in a row. Trump has often indicated that he is unhappy that his country imports more from Canada than it exports and analysts have said that tariffs are also a tool for Trump to reverse this deficit. *NOTE: This story contains graphic content* TYLER, Texas (KETK) A man was arrested for injury to an elderly individual on Thursday after an elderly woman was brought into a Longview emergency room with serious injuries, according to a press release. Adult Protective Services partners with local assisted living facility, raising awareness on elderly abuse Smith County Sheriffs Office deputies started an investigation after an elderly woman who lives in Smith County was brought into a Longview emergency room on Feb. 4, following a hospice referral. Mugshot of Alvin Ray Riggs, courtesy of the Gregg County Jail. Officials said the woman had been sitting in a chair with her own waste for two weeks and that her clothing had to be removed from her skin, injuring her even more. The woman has been put under the care of Adult Protective Services and is being treated for several serious medical conditions resulting from this neglect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After several interviews, investigators obtained an arrest warrant for a relative of the woman, Alvin Ray Riggs, 53 of Kilgore. The woman reportedly lived with Riggs at a home on County Road 3185 in Smith County. Riggs was arrested for injury to an elderly individual in Longview on Thursday. Hes being held in the Gregg County Jail on a $2.5 million bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. A wanted Ohio pilot who was arrested at a Boston Airport fatally shot himself in the parking lot of an MBTA station on Friday morning, our sister station, WFXT in Boston reported. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Troopers with the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section found 33-year-old Jeremy Gudorf of Ohio in his parked car at the Wonderland Station in Revere. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When troopers approached him, state police said Gudorf pulled out a gun and abruptly shot himself. Troopers rendered aid to Gudorf before he was rushed to the hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. Pending official identification by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, state police believe the identity of the individual to be Jeremy Gudorf, a state police spokesperson told WFXT. News Center 7 previously reported that Gudorf was arrested at Bostons Logan International Airport on Feb. 20, moments before taking off on a flight to Paris. Massachusetts State Police troopers learned he was wanted on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor for services in Huntersville, North Carolina just before 9 p.m. when U.S. Customs and Border Protection were reviewing the manifest of the Boston-to-Paris flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gudorf was arraigned on Feb. 21 in the East Boston District Court on a fugitive-from-justice charge. In a statement provided to WFXT, a JetBlue spokesperson said that Gudorf has been placed on indefinite leave. We are aware of and closely reviewing the arrest of one of our pilots upon reporting for work at Bostons Logan Airport Thursday evening due to an outstanding warrant, the spokesperson said. The pilot has been placed on indefinite leave as law enforcement proceeds with the matter. The Huntersville Police Department confirmed to WFXT that it launched an investigation into Gudorf in October 2024 after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, the police department said detectives obtained a search warrant for Google, leading to the identification of the source of the reported sexual exploitation images. At the time the crime was committed, records indicate he resided in Huntersville, NC. However, during the investigation, and before he was identified as a suspect, he relocated out of state, the police department said in a statement. Gudorf, who was allowed to hide his face in court, was ordered held on $10,000 bail under the condition he immediately report to North Carolina within a week of his court appearance, WFXT reported. Fridays incident remains under investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) A man was arrested and charged with murder after a deadly stabbing behind a Greenville gas station. On February 20, the Greenville Police Department responded to reports of a stabbing that occurred behind the QT gas station off of Verdae Boulevard and Woodruff Road. Upon arrival, officers found a man who had been stabbed multiple times. The victim was transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital, and succumbed to his injuries on February 22. Authorities identified the suspect as Benjamin Ternes. Ternes was arrested Friday at a Days Inn hotel on Roper Mountain Road, a block away from where the incident happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ternes was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. You can watch the full update from the Erie County District Attorneys Office and Buffalo police in the media player above. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A man has been charged with multiple counts of murder in the killings of two prominent Allentown artists earlier this week. Bryan M. Chiclana, 34, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder, according to the Erie County District Attorneys Office. He was arraigned on the charges on Friday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prominent Allentown artists found dead in their home Chiclana is officially charged with the killings of 40-year-old Michael Mickey Harmon, the co-owner of The Good Stuff on Allen Street, and his partner, 37-year-old Jordan Celotto, at their residence on St. Louis Place on Tuesday afternoon. Police said the cause of death for both was blunt force trauma. Mugshot courtesy of Erie County District Attorneys Office The nature of these crimes is truly horrific, Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon said Friday. The senseless and violent nature of them is something we cannot and will not stand for. Police were dispatched to the residence around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday after a friend had called police after one of them didnt show up for work. Police said the friend spotted the person, now known as Chiclana, at the residence cutting himself. He dropped the knife when police arrived. He was taken to ECMC and remained there under police supervision as a person of interest. He was discharged Friday morning and taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is believed that the murders happened on Tuesday morning, several hours before police were called. Buffalo Police Chief of Detectives Craig Macy said Chiclana attempted to enter at least three residences and vehicles in a short time period before the murders took place. He got into Harmon and Celottos home by entering through a basement window, authorities said. Its an example of an incident that is everyones worst nightmare, Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski said. That someone breaks into your home and murders you. That is what people are really reeling with, because its everyones worst trauma and fear. The loss of Mickey and Jordan hits too close: Friends react to death of Allentown artists Harmon and Celotto were a couple but officials said they have no reason to suspect it was a hate crime or that the man charged was known to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Harmon and Celotto were artists in the Allentown community. Harmon was known for his drawings of historic Buffalo homes and landmarks, as well as murals with LGBTQ themes and themes of giving. Latest Local News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) A man has been charged in a reported hatchet attack at a motel that sent a man to the hospital Monday. Dennis-Ivanov Baker, 57, was charged Thursday with a count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and a count of assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Portage Department of Public Safety. He is being held at the Kalamazoo County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond, police say. The attack was first reported to police around 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Holiday Motel on S. Westnedge Avenue near I-94 in Portage. A 32-year-old man was found with multiple lacerations on his arms and body, police told News 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man injured in possible hatchet attack at Portage motel While the initial report of the assault said it involved a hatchet, police on Tuesday described it simply a cutting tool. The victim was still in the hospital as of Thursday afternoon and is in stable condition, according to police. Officers say it seems there was an argument before the alleged assault, but said it has been difficult to get a lot of details. We are having some difficulty getting cooperation on scene and some conflicting reports about who was involved and what the argument was over, Portage DPS Deputy Director Jeff VanderWiere said Tuesday. We know individuals left the scene prior to our arrival. We would appreciate if they would reach out to us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information should contact PDPS at 269.329.4567 or Silent Observer at 269.343.2100. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) On Thursday, authorities said the man fatally shot by another man at a Mission Valley hotel Monday knew the suspected shooter. The San Diego Police Department stated the victim, the shooter and a second man, who was also shot but survived, were in San Diego on a work trip. Police responded to reports of the shooting at the Handlery Hotel at 950 Hotel Cir. N. around 8:20 p.m. Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, one man was found dead in a hallway with at least one gunshot to his upper torso. The man was identified as 19-year-old Damian Martinez of El Monte, according to a statement released by SDPD Thursday. Suspect arrested after deadly Mission Valley shooting Meanwhile, a second man was found outside the lobby of the hotel with at least one gunshot wound to his upper body. He was treated at a local hospital for injuries not believed to be life threatening, according to the police department. In a statement Thursday, SDPD did not release the name of the second victim but described him as a 23-year-old Hispanic man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found the suspected shooter in a dark colored F-150 truck in the hotel parking lot and took him into custody without incident, SDPD said. The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Kevin Larin of Northridge. He was booked into the San Diego County Jail on suspicion of murder. Larin has chosen to retain his own attorney rather than move forward with a public defender, so he will now be arraigned on March 20. FOX 5/KUSIs Juliette Vara contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Zakhar Palii, a veterinarian and fighter from the 95th Separate Air Assault Polissia Brigade, has been killed in action. Source: Ukrainian Small Animal Veterinary Association (USAVA) on Facebook Details: "Zakhar wasnt just a top-class professional, he was also a man of great heart. He dedicated his life to caring for animals. He worked at the Druh veterinary clinic and had a passion for mountain hiking," USAVA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zakhar joined Ukraines defence forces in the early days of the full-scale war. As a member of the 95th Separate Air Assault Polissia Brigade, he carried out combat missions in areas with some of the most intense fighting, including Sumy, Kherson, Donetsk and Kursk oblasts. Zakhar was just 35 when he was killed. He had been awarded several state honours for his heroism, including the Golden Cross and the Silver Cross honorary badges from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Order For Courage, Third Class. "His comrades remember him as a man of honour, a devoted friend, and a leader who always boosted morale and understood everyone around him," USAVA emphasised. "This loss is an immense sorrow for his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire veterinary community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zakhars colleagues from the Druh veterinary clinic said he did more than just treat animals he saved lives and made the world a better place. "His contribution to our clinics development was invaluable, and we will always be grateful for the knowledge, warmth and support he gave, which remain in our hearts," his colleagues wrote. "He remained true to his calling to save lives until the very end first at his workplace and then on the front line." Halyna Lazurchuk, director of the White Angel charity, shared that Zakhar saved the lives of many of the animals under her care. "He rescued hundreds of animals from near-certain death," she wrote in a Facebook post. "He was an extremely intelligent, talented and principled person who was always learning and improving. His expertise in differential diagnosis was unparalleled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you for saving Borets when he was on the brink of death and giving him five more years of life and love. Thank you for Theodore, whom other vets would have put down when he was one month old; thanks to Zakhar, he has been bringing joy to his owners for the past eight years. Thank you for... I could go on and on." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A Grand Rapids man has been found guilty of manslaughter for a deadly stabbing on the citys Southeast side that investigators say stemmed from a domestic dispute. Robert Marion, 68, went to trial on a charge of second-degree murder, a potential life offense. His defense attorney argued that Marion acted in self-defense. Police: Woman stabbed to death at home in Grand Rapids Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kent County jurors on Wednesday convicted Marion of a lesser offense. Although voluntary manslaughter is a 15-year felony, Marion faces additional time because of prior felony convictions. The stabbing occurred in October of 2023. Police were sent to a home on Oakhill Street SE between Eastern and Kalamazoo avenues on a report of a dispute. The victim, 58-year-old Esther Claxton, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police earlier said she and Marion had been in a domestic relationship. Marion remains in the Kent County Jail; hell return for sentencing in late April. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A man who police said led officers on a chase received a sentence in his case earlier this week. Tramaine Davis, 21, was sentenced to 24 months in prison in Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas on Tuesday, according to court records. He was also ordered to pay fines and court costs. Davis pleaded guilty in September to a charge of failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis was part of a police chase in Champion Township last April. Police were chasing a stolen U-Haul when they said they spotted an SUV following the U-Haul. Police said officers also chased the SUV, ending in the arrests of Davis, who was the driver, and the passenger, who had a warrant for his arrest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. China has banned the import of Illuminas next-generation sequencing (NGS) sequencers as part of retaliatory measures against fresh tariffs imposed on the country by the Trump administration on 4 March. Chinas Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced the ban hours after the White House said it would impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports into the US, bringing the total to 20% following the first 10% tariff imposed last month. Illuminas NGS sequencers are used to sequence DNA or RNA samples and use a technology known as sequencing by synthesis (SBS) to enhance DNA short-read sequence generation. According to a GlobalData market model, the top three NGS companies by global market share in 2024 were Illumina, Pacific Biosciences, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Illumina holds a 34.5% market share in China, so tariffs will have a significant impact, according to GlobalDatas director of therapy research and analysis in medical devices Dr Andrew S Thompson. However, Selena Yu, senior medical analyst at GlobalData, notes that it is sequencers that are banned and not consumables. Typically, sequencers are not sold and bought frequently compared to the actual tests, said Yu. Most of Illuminas revenue in 2024 was in consumable sales (72%) compared to instrument sales (12%). $438m was in Greater China (China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong) out of $4.37bn of revenue. The Chinese market contributed to around 7% of Illuminas 2024 revenues at $300m, although China-associated revenues for the company have fallen in consecutive years, with declines of 20%, 18% and 6% in 2024, 2023, and 2022 respectively. Yu concluded: Existing Illumina sequencers in China can continue to be used because consumables are still being soldthis ban on the instruments just pushes this downward motion of Illumina in the Chinese market. Illumina told Reuters it would continue to serve its customers in China, and that it was "committed to operating in compliance with the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Commerce". The company also told the news agency it was assessing MOFCOMs announcement in detail to more fully understand the impact it would have on its China operations. Following MOFCOMs announcement, Illuminas stock price fell around 4% in overnight trading, yet recovered this morning to a loss of around 1.5% from 4 March. The import ban on Illuminas sequencers follows the San Diego biotechs placement on the MOFCOMs Unreliable Entity List on 4 February in response to the initial 10% tariffs imposed on China. In Illuminas case, MOFCOM stated that its induction onto the list, which currently includes more than 20 companies, including Calvin Kleins parent company PHV, may open it up to sanctions, including the prohibition on exporting gene sequencing instruments to China. GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A Wisconsin man has been sentenced after kidnapping a Greenville County teen and taking her to Florida in 2024. 36-year-old Tyler Michael Berlick, of Mukwonago, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to the production of child sexual abuse materials. 7NEWS previously reported that in Feb. 2024, Berlick was arrested at a shopping center in Key Largo, Florida. A 13-year-old girl reported missing from Greenville County was found with him in his vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evidence presented to the court showed that Berlick met the teen on an online game. The defendant sent the child sexually explicit messages and produced sexual abuse materials of the child over the internet. Investigators learned that Berlick also traveled from Wisconsin to South Carolina where he engaged in sexual activity with the child. He then traveled with the child to Florida and continued to engage in sexual activity. Berlick was sentenced to 360 months imprisonment which will be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision according to officials. There is no parole in the federal system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A man was sentenced to life in prison for invading a home and attempting to kill one of the occupants. On December 30, 2021, authorities say that 29-year-old Wardarious Donquiese Brown of York County had knocked on the door of a house on North Calles Street in Blacksburg. When a resident of the home answered, Brown grabbed their arm and forcefully entered the home. He threatened to kill everyone and proceeded to ransack the house. One of the residents of the house tried to run, and Brown chased and shot them. Brown then fled the scene. Brown was arrested by the Blacksburg Police Department after witnesses identified him, and items were found in his apartment linking him to the crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say that Brown has a prior criminal history, including attempted armed robbery and grand larceny. Brown was tried and found guilty of armed robbery, first degree burglary, and attempted murder on Thursday. Brown was also sentenced to five years in prison for two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm, and five years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 20-year-old man is facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he allegedly shot a bystander at a park in East El Paso, according to court documents obtained by KTSM. Court documents say Raul Chavez, 20, from Mesquite, New Mexico, is facing the charge after he allegedly shot a 62-year-old woman in the back who was passing by Ranchos Del Sol Park in a vehicle with her husband on Saturday evening, Feb. 15. A 16-year-old girl who was at the scene told police that she was taken to Ranchos Del Sol Park by her mother so that she could fight another 16-year-old girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teenage girl told police that while at the park, she saw a blue Dodge Charger arrive and was doing a burnout. The driver of the Dodge Charger was later identified as Chavez, according to court documents. The teenage girl told police that the girl she was going to fight was also in the Dodge Charger. The teenage girl told police that the front passenger of the car, another teenage girl, rolled down the window and started bad-mouthing her, according to court documents. The teenage girl told police that she then heard something that sounded like a firecracker and started running. The teenage girl then ran away and saw Chavez drive off as he started shooting a gun, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other witnesses who were present during the incident also told police that Chavez opened the sunroof of the vehicle and shot a gun through the sunroof while he drove off towards Joe Battle. Chavez was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on Saturday, March 1, under a $100,000 split bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Video above: This Nexstar Media video explains what to do if you witness a crime. LA MESA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) A 35-year-old man was fatally shot during a memorial event in La Mesa on Thursday and a suspect remains on the loose, authorities said. According to the La Mesa Police Department, a call came in shortly after 8:30 p.m. reporting that someone had been shot at 8705 Echo Dr. Officers quickly arrived on the scene and found the victim, a Black man from San Diego, with a gunshot wound to the head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pedestrian struck by BMW in Bankers Hills First responders immediately began providing first aid until paramedics arrived and transported the victim to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The victims identity is being withheld pending notification of next of family. According to police, initial investigations indicate the victim had been attending a memorial event at the location when the shooting occurred. The event was nearing its conclusion when gunshots rang out, causing many attendees to flee the scene. Authorities have not yet identified the shooter and investigators are working to gather more details, including a description of the suspect and the suspects escape route following the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are urging anyone who may have been in the area during the time of the shooting or anyone with information about the case to come forward. Those with tips can contact the La Mesa Police Department at 619-667-1400, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case. An investigation into the deadly shooting remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) A man accused of armed robbery and kidnapping is in custody at the Williamsburg County Detention Center, the sheriffs office said Friday. Tyrese Jamir Bateman, 24, of Pamplico, is charged with armed robbery with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, grand larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. On Mar. 2, Williamsburg County deputies responded to a report of vehicle theft. The victim told deputies that while he was on King Street on Feb. 28, a suspect, later identified as Bateman, approached them with a firearm and removed the victims car keys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim confronted Bateman, asking for their keys, and Bateman then threatened to shoot the victim. He ordered the victim to get in the car and then drove off with them toward Kingsburg in Florence County. Bateman let the victim exit the car unharmed. He was arrested by agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Florence County Sheriffs Office, and Pamplico Police Department on Mar. 6 before being transported to the Williamsburg County Detention Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside other miffed agency heads, laid into billionaire bureaucrat Elon Musk during Thursdays meeting of Donald Trumps Cabinet, according to The New York Times. During the meeting, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency complained that Rubio had fired nobody, despite the sweeping government layoffs recommended by his organization. The secretary of state, who was already seething after Musk had axed USAID, an agency within Rubios purview, unleashed onto Musk in front of the presidents entire Cabinet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio claimed that Musk was lying, conveniently forgetting the 1,500 officials who had taken the governments offer for deferred resignation. Rubio even asked whether Musk wanted him to hire all of them back, just so he could fire them in a more outrageous fashion, according to the Times. Rubio then tried to lay out his plans to reorganize his agency, which didnt impress the DOGE czar, either. Musk remarked that it was a good thing Rubio was so good on TV. In the end, Trump defended Rubio, who he said was doing a great job and was incredibly busy implementing Trumps agenda. About 700 State Department employees, including 450 career diplomats, have resigned in the last two months. The Times reported Friday that senior officials at the State Department have drawn up plans to close a dozen consulates overseas by the summer, and are considering wider shutdownsa move that will likely undermine U.S. soft power around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio wasnt the only one who got into it with the DOGE czar. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy also got heated over Musks efforts to shrink the federal workforce, and accused him of trying to fire air traffic controllers. His accusation comes amid a national shortage of the highly essential workers, and following several high-profile plane crashes. Musk said that Duffys claim was a lie, and the two went back and forth. When Musk demanded names, Duffy said there were none because he had stepped in before the positions could actually be terminated. Musk then baselessly claimed that the Federal Aviation Authority had staffed air traffic control towers with so-called DEI hires, which Duffy denied. Trump ended that argument by demanding Duffy hire air traffic controllers who were geniuses from MIT, the Times reported. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently boasted about President Donald Trumps moral clarity and his remarks did not land well with many on social media. During an appearance on Fox News Hannity on Wednesday, Rubio and host Sean Hannity had discussed Trumps extraordinarily partisan joint address to Congress on Tuesday night, in which the president faced several forms of protest from Democratic lawmakers who were in attendance at the House chamber. Some Democratic women in Congress wore pink in solidarity to protest Trumps policies impacting women and families. Other Democrats held signs up in acts of dissent as Trump spoke. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was escorted from the chamber after he rose from his seat and yelled during Trumps speech: You have no mandate to cut Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannity called the Democratic protests a temper tantrum, despite the fact that Republicans have notoriously heckled and caused other disturbances during past addresses led by Democratic presidents. While criticizing the Democrats behavior, Rubio then appeared to reference Trumps pledge to end the war in Ukraine during his speech. The secretary of state complained that Democratic lawmakers didnt cheer Trump on during that moment. These are bizarre things, we live in bizarre times, he said. But Im glad we have a president with moral clarity in Donald J. Trump. People on X, formerly Twitter, blasted Rubio, strongly disagreeing with his assessment of Trumps moral clarity as a political leader. Some called out the fact that the president was impeached for incitement of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, and that he berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a disastrous Oval Office meeting last week. Others called attention to Trumps recent decision to pause U.S. military aid to Ukraine, and his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, among other points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio is deeply compromised as a human being, one X user wrote about the Hannity segment. So, what does moral clarity mean anyway? The phrase moral clarity has been used in politics for decades and in many cases its been a popular slogan for conservatives. Literary critic Frank Guan pointed out in a 2019 article for The New York Times that while the term had appeared decades prior, it saw a revival during the Ronald Reagan era in the 1980s due to the former presidents rhetoric about an unrelenting struggle against the evil empire of the Soviet Union. The idea of moral clarity functioned during that time as an efficient means of discovering, then assailing, anyone too weak-willed to wage war against Americas ideological foes or incipient spiritual collapse, Guan wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The phrase was further popularized by conservatives who used it in discussions relating to foreign affairs and war after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) notably gave a different spin to the phrase after her successful progressive grassroots campaign in 2018, when she won her first Democratic congressional primary. She told CNN in an interview at the time: There is nothing radical about moral clarity. Chandler James, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Oregon, told HuffPost that he believes moral clarity pertains to values, ethics, whats right and wrong. Moral clarity in the context of politics is trying to describe or speak to how the policy-making process and ones role in the policy-making process aligns with moral conviction, he said. Notions of right and wrong that ... transcend the political process. The backlash to Rubios praise of Trumps morals is not surprising, according to an expert. James, an academic expert in American politics, the U.S. presidency and public opinion, said it was not surprising to him that Rubio received such criticism for saying Trump has moral clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people vehemently disagree with the values that Trump espouses, even though there are millions of Americans who agreed with Trump enough to vote for him over former Vice President Kamala Harris, he said. There are a lot of people who are very concerned about Trump and his moral compass, he later added. Speaking about Rubios praise of Trump on Fox News, James said that he thinks the secretary of state is doing what he believes is necessary to stay in Trumps good graces. Part of being an effective member in the Trump administration is maintaining his confidence and loyalty, he said. TV is an effective way to demonstrate the kind of loyalty that Trump seems to expect from the people that work for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as it relates to wide concerns about Republican lawmakers loyalty to Trump, James said hes most concerned about Congress role as a check on the executive branch, given Trumps efforts to expand executive power. How does Trump fit into conversations of moral clarity? James said that whether or not one believes the slogan is reflective of Trumps leadership has to do with what your values are. If you think that Ukraine is responsible for the carnage of the war with Russia, if you believe... that federal employees should be laid off carte blanche without congressional approval, if you think that tariffs are a good thing... then you might like Trump, he said, adding that you might think that he has moral clarity. But if you dont agree with his rhetoric or actions, such as his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, You might think that he lacks moral clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a question of your own values, he said. And everyone values different things. Some people really value wealth and power and money and control; some people value new experiences and treating people with respect and dignity and [they] believe that every human has value, he said. When I think about politics, I think about whose values align with me most, he later continued. Thats the question: What do you believe? he added. Related... Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched into a heated argument with Elon Musk during a Cabinet meeting, according to a new report. Musk and Rubio went at it in a back-and-forth on Thursday in front of President Donald Trump and nearly two dozen others, The New York Times reported. Rubio has been privately furious at Musk for weeks over his role in dismantling USAID, which the secretary believed should have been under his control, according to The Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conflict began when Musk accused Rubio of not firing State Department workers despite mandates from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Rubio reportedly shot back, pointing out that 1,500 State Department employees had taken early buyouts, which should be tallied as a reduction in the workforce. He then sarcastically asked Musk if he should rehire those employees just so they could be fired again, mocking DOGEs stumbles in firing workers they had to rehire soon after because of bad decisions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Elon Musk got into a heated argument at Thursday's cabinet meeting, according to a new report (AFP via Getty Images) Then, Musk accused Rubio of being just good on TV, The Times reported. The argument stretched on for an uncomfortable time before Trump finally intervened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump after silently watching the exchange said Rubio is doing a great job and said he has a lot to deal with, according to The Times. He added that everyone needs to work together. Appearing to recognize some of the growing anger with Musk, Trump reduced some of Musks power at the meeting. The president made it clear that while he supports Musks work, he also noted that only the Cabinet members would be in charge of any firings, and the billionaires team would only advise, The Times reported. Trump reportedly initially sat back and listened as Rubio and Musk exchanged heated words (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called it a great and productive meeting. Everyone is working as one team to help President Trump deliver on his promise to make our government more efficient, she said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio similarly said it was an open and productive discussion with a dynamic team, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told The Times. In a statement on X, Musk similarly labeled the meeting very productive. The reported argument comes amid Musks continued efforts to shrink federal spending by slashing jobs and terminating contracts through DOGE. The efforts have prompted multiple legal challenges, including a lawsuit from 20 attorneys general who accused the administration of terminating tens of thousands of probationary employees without following federal regulations, including a 60-day advance notice to affected employees and states. DOGE staffers are also making headlines, with Politico reporting some have transformed at least four rooms on the 6th floor of the General Services Administrations building to sleep in, equipping them with beds from IKEA, lamps and dressers. Some are making six-figure salaries working for DOGE. FAIRMONT In a world filled with smartphones, gadgets and devices, the Marion County Family Resource and Support Network wants to get kids to touch grass. Until theyre five years old, theyre allowed to play video games, do whatever, and then they have to sit quietly in school, Jan Smith, Family Support Center director, said. Were setting them up for failure. Smith showed up to Wednesdays Marion County Commission meeting with a $25,000 request from the countys opioid funds. The money will be used to develop a program that will allow the FRSN to go into local schools and teach young people as an alternative to vaping or drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith sees electronic devices as responsible for having created an overwhelming demand for mental stimulation among young people. A review of studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that most studies found an association between screen time and attention spans in children, with excessive exposure linked to attention problems. An article published on the American Psychology Associations website found there was a correlation among 8-11 year-olds who exceeded screen time recommendations and lower scores on cognitive assessments. Larry Rosen, a professor at California State University, found that heavy smartphone users experience anxiety after 10 minutes of not having access to a smartphone. Smiths own experience with her grandchildren bear this out. She said anytime their phones are taken away, its comes off as the worst punishment in the world. Smith believes the smartphone induced need for inflated mental stimulation opens a gateway to risky, but stimulating behaviors, such as vaping or drug seeking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Very young kids say vaping relaxes me, and its like, no you need natural things to relax, Smith said. You teach them to go into nature and sit quietly. Young people dont sit quietly. Theres no meditation. Theres no mindfulness about what theyre doing. Theyre just scattered running from one place to the other. Smith said the goal of the new initiative is to introduce students to meditation and mindfulness techniques that will reduce the need to seek stimulation through vaping or drug seeking. The whole idea is prevention, she said. Commissioners approved the funding request. Smith hopes to have the program ready to launch in the 2025-26 school year. Commissioners also awarded a $31,000 contract for work to Carpet One for a project replacing the carpets of the second floor of the J. Harper Meredith Building. County Administrator Kris Cinalli said its been at least 25 years since those carpets have been replaced. Commissioner Ernie VanGilder opened competing bids at the public meeting, assigning the award to the lowest bid according to West Virginia State Code. The next competing bid came in at roughly $34,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, commissioners also approved a cost reimbursement subaward for the Appalachian Regional Energy Hub initiative. Marion Regional Development Corp. Executive Director Bruce McDaniel said Brian Redmond, principal owner of Hog Lick Aggregates and also the regional hydrogen organization, applied for a grant to help develop hydrogen infrastructure in Marion County. Basically, theyve hired a consultant thats going to coordinate a training aspect for hydrogen vehicles, how to work on them, how to service them, how to drive them, McDaniel said. The whole thing is going to be a collaboration between WVU and Pierpont, and the County Commission has passed the necessary resolutions to make that go forward. The next commission meeting is scheduled for March 19. (Reuters) -Logitech International will buy back $2 billion worth of shares over the next three years, and will increase its current buyback program by $600 million, the computer parts maker said on Wednesday as it confirmed its 2025 outlook. The company also forecast fiscal year 2026 sales to range from $4.53 billion to $4.71 billion, indicating potential growth in the range of 1% to 3% in U.S. dollars. The Swiss-American company, which enjoyed a sales surge during the pandemic lockdown, previously said it expected its 2025 sales to grow by 5.4% to 6.4% to reach $4.54 to $4.57 billion. Logitech raised its full-year forecast in late January, boosted by higher sales and profit for its important pre-holiday quarter. Logitech announced the figures at its investor day in San Jose, California, where it said that it aims for long-term annual sales growth of 7% to 10%, with a non-GAAP gross margin above 40% and operating margin of 15% to 18%. "We are market leaders in our core categories with a clear strategy to extend that leadership, a credible plan to enter new verticals and adjacencies, and AI as a force multiplier," said CEO Hanneke Faber. The company has returned to sales growth after a pandemic-driven boom was followed by a downturn. Logitech now aims to sell its products in areas such as education and healthcare to expand its traditional consumer base among home computer users, gamers and businesses. Logitech wants to sell more of its products directly to businesses in future. Its recent products include a computer mouse with a prompt builder button which connects the user to artificial intelligence platforms such as ChatGPT. (Reporting by John Revill and Bipasha Dey; Editing by Varun H K) Austin's most eclectic and arguably most iconic festival, the South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW), has arrived, with the Tech Industry Track leading the way. With options for any interest from buzzy artificial intelligence advancements and quantum computing to bringing extinct species back to life (no, really) SXSW offers an overwhelming array of choices. But fear not! Here are eight must-see talks and conversations that we believe will be highlights of the festival: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Former First Lady Michelle Obama to speak at SXSW 2025 in Austin next week IBM's Arvind Krishna to discuss advancements in quantum computing AI is now at the center of countless industries and the keynote programming for SXSW will reflect that as Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM, will discuss the next era of AI and quantum computing. His presentation will take place 1-2 p.m. Tuesday in the Austin Convention Center's Ballroom D. Krishna will use his perspective to comment on the ever-changing dynamic of AI in the industry and how it can be leveraged. "Exploring the benefits of new advances in technology, while addressing their potential challenges, represents a core part of the SXSW experience we curate each year, said Hugh Forrest, SXSW co-president and chief programming officer. We are excited to announce Arvind Krishna as our first keynote speaker of the 2025 season. His session on the convergence of AI and quantum computing will cover what this monumental shift in technology will bring to humanity." Mark Cuban cements legacy as Texas business legend Mark Cuban's inclusion is unique as he will be a 2025 inductee into the SXSW Hall of Fame. The Texas titan of industry has been a fixture at SXSW for many years and was one of the event's first keynote speakers in 1999. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Cuban led a chat titled, "Daring Disruption: Embracing Innovative Solutions in HealthCare." In 2023, he led a panel titled, "Unleashing the Entrepreneur in Everybody," and, in 2022, he spoke in a session titled, "Accidental Entrepreneurs: Embracing Imperfection to Unlock Scale." The Hall of Fame induction occurs within the SXSW Innovation Awards Ceremony 6-8 p.m. Monday in Ballroom D at the Austin Convention Center. BlueSky's Jay Graber details the future of social media The CEO of social media platform Bluesky, Jay Graber, will lead a keynote session that will delve into the future of social media, a fitting topic with Elon Musk's X coming to Texas. She has been the CEO of Bluesky, a social media platform created in 2019 by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, since 2021. Bluesky publicly launched in February 2024 and now has 31 million users, positioning itself as a foil to X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graber has spoken in the past about "returning choice to users" and "billionaire-proofing" social media. The tech CEO is set to speak 1-2 p.m. Monday in Ballroom D of the Austin Convention Center. Austin-based Bumble and how AI can help you date better Bumble Chief Product Officer Michael Affronti is set to talk with NBC's Savannah Sellers about the company's vision for incorporating AI into its app, as some dating apps have already done. Affronti is expected to outline Bumble's path forward as it hopes to ethically use AI and to create a world where all relationships are healthy and equitable, "powered by technology that makes the world feel less alone." This session is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Salon H section of the Hilton Austin Downtown. Ben Lamm of Colossal talks de-extinction technology Austin entrepreneur and CEO of Colossal, Ben Lamm, is set to be joined byJoe Manganiello for a session 1-2 p.m. Sunday in Ballroom D of the Austin Convention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lamm, head of the Texas-based de-extinction company, and Manganiello will discuss how real-world de-extinction technology, like the methods Colossal is using to try to bring back the woolly mammoth, dodo bird and Tasmanian tiger, compares with fictional technology, such as "Jurassic Park." Arm CEO will keep the AI trend going Arm CEO Rene Haas will discuss this transformative era of artificial intelligence, where AI continues to unleash unprecedented opportunities for society. Haas joined Arm in October 2013 as vice president of strategic alliances and two years later was appointed to the Executive Committee and named Arms chief commercial officer in charge of global sales and marketing. Haas was appointed chief executive officer and to the Arm board in February 2022. His fireside chat will take place 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Salon H area of the Hilton Austin Downtown from SXSW and NASA Artemis team to the moon, literally The NASA Artemis II team, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman, will take the stage to talk about their upcoming flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASAs Artemis II mission will be the first crewed mission to deep space in over half a century. After the successful Artemis I flight test in 2022, Artemis II will test the deep exploration systems needed to establish long-term infrastructure for human lunar exploration. The team's talk will take place in Ballroom EF of the Austin Convention Center from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Friday. 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: SXSW's 2025 Tech Industry Track lineup: 8 must-see speakers and more MARYLAND (DC News Now) Maryland and D.C.s Attorney General Anthony Brown and Brian Schwalb announced Thursday that they, along with 18 other states, filed a lawsuit against multiple federal agencies challenging the mass firings of federal probationary employees. Brown said the layoffs are not only harmful to the federal workforce but are also straining state resources. He added that the firing would cause irreparable burdens and expenses on Maryland to support recently unemployed workers. Schwalb stated that Washington, D.C. is home to thousands of federal workers who are now struggling to find their footing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC launches hub with resources for federal workers impacted by sweeping layoffs D.C. is home to tens of thousands of federal workers, including many who were fired with no notice or chance to plan and now find themselves struggling to pay rent, afford groceries, and take care of their families. These large-scale, indiscriminate layoffs are unlawful and are causing chaos not only hurting D.C. residents and our economy, but also placing increased demands on District resources, shared Schwalb in a post on X. These mass firings came under the Trump administrations efforts to reduce the size of the government. This led to the termination of thousands of federal employees, including probationary workers. According to officials, probationary employees can either be new hires or someone who was recently promoted or changed offices. They are generally subjected to a probationary period of one or two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to public reports, the Trump administration has fired roughly 23,000 probationary employees over the past three weeks. Not because they were bad at their jobs or because they didnt do important work. But simply because the president will do anything to eliminate federal workers even if it means breaking the law and forcing thousands of families into financial ruin and insecurity, said Brown in a post on X. Takoma Park bookstore hosts Fed Fridays with free coffee, books for fired federal workers In the lawsuit, the coalition of attorneys asserts the Trump administration was required to follow federal laws and regulations that adhere to Reductions in Force (RIF). According to Brown, when a RIF results in a layoff of 50 or more employees, the agency must generally give a notice of at least 60 days to state governments so a proper response is provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit emphasized that several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of Education and Department of Homeland Security, failed to give an advance notice to Maryland, leaving the state scrambling in response. Instead of following the law and notifying states, his administration blindsided Maryland, forcing us to deal with the devastating economic fallout and social consequences. We wont stand by while he disrupts lives and undermines our State, which is why Ive taken legal action to stop these unjustified terminations and protect Marylanders, said Brown. DC Public Schools investigated by US Department of Education after disability discrimination reported According to Brown, since the mass layoffs, over 800 fired federal employees have applied to the state for unemployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit asks the federal court to rule the mass firings of probationary employees as illegal, reinstate fired employees, stop forthcoming terminations and identify affected employees. Maryland Governor Wes Moore commended Brown and the other attorneys, saying in part: The draconian actions of the Trump-Vance Administration could lead to tens of thousands of jobs lost, hundreds of thousands of lives disrupted, and the cratering of tens of millions of dollars in income here in Maryland. As our state navigates the worst fiscal crisis in two decades, we cannot retreat from our principles, and we cannot afford to let these actions stand. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Attorney Generals from other states that joined the lawsuit include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. 030625_Maryland_v_USDA_complaintDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. BALTIMORE Maryland Democrats have asked the State Board of Elections to sanction what they are calling a shadowy and illegal campaign against Gov. Wes Moore ahead of his reelection bid next year. The campaign, which has identified itself only as No Moore since its launch in early February, has targeted the Democratic governor over his handling of the states $3 billion-and-growing state budget deficit. Daily posts that evoke Moore and sometimes refer to his election prospects are likely a violation of state campaign finance law because the group behind those messages has not registered with the state as a campaign entity, the Maryland Democratic Party argued in a complaint filed Feb. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whoever is behind No Moore may claim that their activities are issue advocacy not regulated under campaign finance law, the complaint reads. However, the selection of their slogan No Moore especially when they state their true intent to keep the governor to one term (to oppose re-election) makes that argument hollow. The complaint does not identify any individuals, though the partys chairman previously said the website raises the question of whether former Gov. Larry Hogan and his allies are running No Moore. The groups website and social media posts have echoed some of the language in Hogans own public comments about the budget deficit. Other top Maryland Republicans have similarly targeted Moore since he proposed a budget that would reform the states tax code and cut state spending by $2 billion, though many of those Republicans have said they are not associated with No Moore. Described only as a grassroots uprising on its website, No Moore is not registered as a political action committee, business or charity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its website discloses that it is paid for by NoMoore.org, though Democrats argue that falls far short of what is required under a state law mandating disclosures on campaign messages. In addition to the belief that no such organization exists called NoMoore.org, the disclosure is missing its address and whether its work is authorized by a candidate or ballot issue committee, according to the complaint. Proper disclosures and registration with the state would trigger the group to file independent expenditure reports, requiring it to describe its organizers, spending and donors. Registration should have occurred under the law within 48 hours of when No Moore spent more than $5,000, which the Democratic Party claims it very likely exceeded. The complaint does not call for specific penalties but instead asks for the elections board to investigate and impose civil penalties if violations occurred. If the violations were knowing and willful, the party requested the issue be referred to the state prosecutor. Anonymous targeting of Moore has led to a civil citation from the state prosecutor in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2022 Democratic primary, Moore filed a complaint about a dossier sent to members of the states teachers union before their endorsement vote. The document of lies, as Moore called it, claimed he encouraged a false perception of his upbringing in Baltimore in his 2010 bestseller, The Other Wes Moore. Two years later, State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard III said in April 2024 that it had issued a $2,000 fine to John Kings campaign for sending the document and not disclosing its source. It was not immediately clear how long the latest complaint would take to investigate. Karen Dukes, the Democratic Partys executive director, said in a statement, Marylanders deserve to know whos behind this shadowy group thats spreading falsehoods about Gov. Moore and his plans to cut taxes for a majority of Marylanders, grow our economy, and invest in our people. Its one thing to lie to Marylanders; its another to skirt the law and do it behind anonymous social media accounts, Dukes said. ----------- Maryland filed suit Thursday against a host of U.S. government agencies accusing the Trump administration of illegally laying off federal probationary workers. The state joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general from 19 states and the District of Columbia seeking to halt the dismissal of tens of thousands of federal employees as part of President Donald Trumps efforts to eliminate various pillars of the federal government and significantly reduce its workforce. President Trumps unlawful mass firings of federal workers are a blatant attack on the civil service, throwing thousands of hardworking families into financial turmoil, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a news release announcing the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court. Instead of following the law and notifying states, his administration blindsided Maryland, forcing us to deal with the devastating economic fallout and social consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Probationary federal employees are either new hires or those who have been promoted to a new position or a new agency, Brown said in a news release. He called the firings unlawful and said they would create a burden on states, which could see increased unemployment claims, greater demands for social services and reduced tax revenue. The lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of failing to follow federal regulations for mass firings or reductions in force (RIFs). Although the probationary workers were sent termination letters that said they were fired for unsatisfactory performance or conduct, the state attorneys general claim the dismissals were part of a restructuring or downsizing effort. The rules for such layoffs require at least 60 days notice to state governments. Brown said the federal agencies named in the lawsuit, including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education and Health and Human Services, did not provide any advance notice of the firings to Maryland, causing significant injury and burden on the state as it scrambles to respond to the sudden mass layoffs of its residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the Trump administration has fired roughly 23,000 probationary employees over the past three weeks. Some 800 terminiated federal employees in Maryland have already filed for unemployment benefits, he said. These indiscriminate firings dont just jeopardize peoples livelihoods, theyre also a serious threat to our state, Brown said in a video accompanying the news release. Earlier Thursday, Maryland officials said they expected the state to lose about 29,000 jobs under Trumps effort to reshape the federal government, opening a $280 million hole in the states already dwindling budget. The lawsuit asks the court to rule that the Trump administrations terminations of probationary federal employees is illegal and to reinstate those workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These federal employees are not elected officials. They are dedicated civil servants whom the president has turned into political pawns as he seeks to dismantle and extinguish the federal government, Brown said in a video accompanying the news release. Members of the lawsuit coalition include the attorneys general of Minnesota, the District of Columbia, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Have a news tip? Send it to nzimmerman@baltsun.com. Earlier this month, Kerry Doyle sat in a Boston-area courtroom to observe a routine deportation hearing -- one of thousands of similar proceedings that take place in immigration courts across the country each day. It was the final step before Doyle, 59, would herself join the ranks of America's roughly 700 immigration judges. She was badly needed -- the immigration court system has a backlog of some 3.7 million cases, with more piling up each day. As the hearing got underway, Doyle glanced down at her email and spotted a message in her inbox with an attachment called "Termination." Days before she was to be sworn in at one of the busiest immigration courts in the country, Doyle was fired as part of the Trump's administration's first wave of mass layoffs to reduce the size of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: White House formally instructs agencies to prepare for 'large-scale' layoffs and reorganization "The reality is that you've got a really broken system, and firing judges is not the way to fix it," Doyle, a longtime immigration attorney who previously led the Department of Homeland Security's legal office, told ABC News in an interview. Doyle is one of more than 100 immigration officials who have either been dismissed or voluntarily departed since President Donald Trump's inauguration, according to Matt Biggs, the president of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, a union that represents immigration judges. The latest dismissals and voluntary exits bring the total sum of departures to 43 immigration judges and 85 administrative staff -- legal assistants, clerks and translators -- employed by the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), the agency that oversees immigration courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biggs said that more than half of those are leaving as part of the administration's deferred resignation program, which offered full pay and benefits until September for any federal employee who agreed to resign by Feb. 6. PHOTO: Migrants/immigrants assemble outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices in lower Manhattan's Federal Plaza for their ongoing appointment and court dates for their legal status on Nov. 20, 2024. (Andrea Renault/STAR MAX/IPx via AP, FILE) Several of those who were dismissed outright, like Doyle, were part of a new class of judges hired during the Biden administration to help mitigate the overwhelming backlog of cases. Critics are warning that the mass exodus of judges could undermine one of Trump's core campaign pledges -- to clean up the legal immigration process and deport millions of immigrants who gained access to the country unlawfully. "How do you deport people without immigration judges?" Biggs told ABC News. "It's highly hypocritical. It runs contrary to what he campaigned on. He's making it more difficult to deport people from this country. It makes no sense at all." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The departure of immigration judges is just one way the Trump administration has potentially set back efforts to reinvigorate the immigration court system. The Justice Department has in recent weeks removed multiple judges and officials within the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the office within DOJ that oversees the immigration courts. And last week, the acting director of that office, Sirce Owen, wrote to colleagues that the Justice Department had withdrawn "multiple layers of removal restrictions shielding administrative law judges," which also applies to immigration judges. Collectively, these moves are "simply going to reduce the capability of the courts to review cases in an expeditious and fair manner," said Greg Chen of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, a nonpartisan bar association. MORE: 3 migrants beat the Trump administration in court. They got deported the next day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of a broader effort to reduce the backlog of pending immigration cases, the Biden administration hired more judges and officials in EOIR and opened new courtrooms across the country. Beyond its overhaul of the immigration court system, the Trump administration has also taken steps to make it more difficult for vulnerable immigrants to secure legal representation, a move that could potentially inflict even more of a burden on the immigration court system. Last month, the DOJ told legal service providers who receive federal funding to stop providing legal orientation and other work intended to support immigrants at immigration courts. The Trump administration also briefly halted the funding to organizations that provide pro-bono legal representations to unaccompanied migrant children. "What we are seeing is a wholly counterproductive plan that the new administration is ushering in that will make the immigration courts less effective and certainly less fair," Chen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the judges who remain, some fear that the administration's squeeze will continue. Immigration judges were among those who received an email from the Office of Personnel Management asking federal employees to provide five bullet points listing what they had accomplished during the previous week. The Trump administration has not yet articulated a plan of its own to reduce the backlog of immigration cases. Mass exodus of immigration officials could delay millions of deportations originally appeared on abcnews.go.com SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Members of the Massachusetts Mayors Association have sent a letter to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regarding the sudden increase in utility bills. The letter signed by 26 mayors, including several from western Massachusetts, asks the DPU to use every tool available to immediately reduce energy costs beyond the baseline 5% reduction and establish reasonable rates that can be maintained within a sensible range in the coming years. DPU cuts $500 million from Mass Save budget Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter expresses their concern for residents, especially those who are struggling financially. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno signed the letter. As the letter, sent to James Van Nostrand, Chair of the Commonwealth Utilities Commission within the DPU explains, throughout Massachusetts there are working families who are struggling to keep up with exorbitant energy costs, in addition to rising costs in food, housing, and transportation, said Sarno. Not only should every tool in the tool box be utilized to offer some relief to our residents, proper and timely information and education for energy ratepayers is a must. I appreciate my fellow Massachusetts Mayors coming together to voice our concerns and encourage bold action. Read the mayors letter to the DPU: MA-Mayors-Letter-to-DPU-re_-Energy-CostsDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, March 18, Springfield is partnering with Eversource to hold an information session from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Raymond Jordan Senior Center, 1476 Roosevelt Avenue. This is an opportunity for Springfield residents to learn about programs to help with managing their energy bills, and should bring their bills, account information and proof of income and benefits. In Massachusetts, there are protections in place from having gas and/ electric utilities shut off for non-payment. They include: If all residents of your home are age 65 and over, your electricity or gas cannot be shut off without permission from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). If you are experiencing financial hardship and one of the following applies, your electric or gas cannot be shut off without permission from the DPU: You, or someone in your home, is seriously ill; You have an infant under 12 months in your home; All adults in the home are age 65 or older and a minor child resides in the home; It is between November 15 and March 15 and the utility service is needed to heat your home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If, after speaking with your utility company, your electric or gas service is not restored, you should contact the Department of Public Utilities at (617) 737-2836 or 1-877-886-5066 (toll-free) or complete their online complaint form. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Militarnyi, a Ukrainian military news outlet, has cited sources as saying that the US aerospace company Maxar Technologies has denied Ukraine access to its satellite images. Source: Militarnyi with reference to several unnamed users of the commercial service Quote: "The official explanation provided by Maxars administration to users was that the restriction was made in response to an administrative request. In fact, the disconnection was due to a US government ban on sharing intelligence data with Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Militarnyi noted that the Trump administration, through the Department of State, has thus banned American companies from providing Ukraine with satellite data and commercial services. Militarnyi stressed that the ban applies to both government and private users. It was reported that the Ukrainian cyber community Cyberboroshno had published a post on its Telegram channel about the closure of access to satellite intelligence. It was not specified which services they were talking about. However, in the comments, they wrote about the withdrawal of access to the leading Maxar Technologies service which they used in their work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Militarnyi pointed out, Maxar Technologies is perhaps the main supplier of commercial satellite imagery for Ukrainian users, showing the movement of Russian troops and the damage to important facilities, both in the temporarily occupied territories and in Russia itself. Maxar satellite imagery has also been used by the global media to illustrate and analyse the course of hostilities between Ukraine and Russia. Background: A number of reputable foreign media outlets, citing sources, reported that the US had stopped exchanging intelligence information with Ukraine, including data on military targets and warnings of Russian missiles and drones being launched at Ukrainian territory. Experts at the Institute for the Study of War believe that the suspension of intelligence sharing between the US and Ukraine could significantly strengthen Russian air power, which has been severely limited by Ukrainian strikes on military targets in Russia's rear. This could affect the course of combat actions by increasing the frequency and effectiveness of Russian air attacks. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov said that Ukraine had not yet received detailed information about the US restrictions on intelligence sharing, but that the authorities are already working on alternatives. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect a statement by Maxar Technologies provided to the Kyiv Independent. U.S. aerospace company Maxar Technologies has restricted Ukraine's access to its satellite imagery, the Ukrainian media outlet Militarnyi reported on March 7, citing unnamed users of the service. Kyiv has relied on high-resolution satellite images for defense and strategic planning, tracking Russian troop movements, assessing battlefield conditions, and monitoring Russian infrastructure damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged move follows the U.S. decision to halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a shift confirmed by CIA Director John Ratcliffe on March 5. According to Militarnyi, the restriction was imposed under an order from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, with the State Department allegedly prohibiting U.S. companies from providing satellite data to Ukraine. In a statement to the Kyiv Independent, Maxar Technologies confirmed the implemented restrictions, while noting that they are "specific to imagery shared through U.S. government programs." "The specific program in question is GEGD (the Global Enhanced GEOINT Delivery program), a U.S. government program that provides access to commercial satellite imagery that has been tasked and collected by the U.S. government. The U.S. government has decided to temporarily suspend Ukrainian accounts in GEGD," a statement to the Kyiv Independent read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Each customer makes their own decisions on how they use and share that data," the statement added, noting that the company has contracts with "dozens of allied and partner nations around the world." Ukraine's cyber community Cyberboroshno also reported the restriction, claiming that free access to satellite reconnaissance had been cut off. "According to our information, at least private companies can buy already ordered (satellite) images through the provider," Cyberboroshno wrote on Telegram. Washington has also frozen military aid to Kyiv as part of a broader effort to pressure President Volodymyr Zelensky into peace talks with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on March 6 that Kyiv is working on alternatives to counter the loss of U.S. intelligence, including potential cooperation with European partners. Read also: French-made Mirage 2000 jets join Ukraines defense against Russian strike for the first time Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Jason: In the last five to six years, Portugal has essentially become a Latin Switzerland. Theres been a real evolution of wealth moving into the country, along with growing entrepreneurship. And that's to do with there being a restructuring of the economy post economic crisis, in which the government brought in all these new tax reforms and made it tax-free for people for ten years on certain overseas income, and made investments like crypto completely tax-free in many instances. So there's a huge migration of wealth going on globally and Portugal is one of those main hubs, in addition to Dubai. We partnered with the CoinDesk 20 index because that gives you a nice diverse spread. There's a huge demand now for Portuguese residency via such an investment product, and the U.S. is the number one market in the world for Portuguese Golden Visas. And there's also synergies with that in terms of the growth in crypto, especially with what's been going on politically in America. Also in Asia, you've got China, which is the second-biggest market for Portuguese Golden Visas. Hong Kong also just officially embraced crypto with the massively attended CoinDesk Consensus event there. The financial secretary did an opening speech welcoming crypto businesses into the city, and in his new budget just announced, brought in new policies to achieve this. Hong Kong is expected to be a major hub for crypto assets over the next few years. Jason: We realized that there's this big evolution going on in Portugal around fintech and crypto and our fund also is eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa, which grants residency rights to people who invest at least 500,000 euros in the country. So we thought, wouldn't it be great if somebody could actually marry the two together and be able to appeal to this new market thats emerging? So if you want to invest in bitcoin and the CoinDesk 20 index, we combined it into a unique fund where you put in the minimum amount for a Golden Visa, and then because it's 100 percent invested through a Portuguese company, it is Golden Visa eligible. Here, Jason Dominic, the co-founder of KvarnPortugal, and Anders Bjorkman, an asset manager at the fund, discuss why many high-net worth individuals are flocking to Portugal now, and how their new fund makes it simple for them to create a back-up plan for todays unpredictable world. Lisbon-based investment firm FundBox together with trading platform Kvarn X is launching the KvarnPortugal Fund, a first-of-its-kind crypto product based on the CoinDesk 20 index that helps people who invest at least 500,000 euros in the fund easily establish residency there. Story continues Anders: Theres also a thriving crypto community here a lot of Meetups, projects, etc and a lot of people involved in crypto around the Lisbon area. Its the best place for crypto in all of Europe, if you ask me. Jason: The thing about ultra high net worth folks is they tend to need mobility. And if you look at how this product works, they only have to actually be in Portugal for 35 days over the course of five years, and then they'll be eligible for permanent residency or a passport. It's all blended into one product and it's tax free, which is what they always look for. Its for people who want to have a Plan B, or they want to have another residency without too many strings. Question: Why are many affluent people looking to establish residency elsewhere these days? Jason: This year is shaping up to be a record year for wealth migration. The latest studies expect about 142,000 ultra high net worth individuals to relocate out of mainly the U.S., China, the U.K., Brazil, India, South Africa and Vietnam. The reasons why are a mixture of things. One, theres all this global instability, and it's similar to how wealthy people used to have holiday homes; now they want to have a second passport option for the family. Also, maybe their governments are becoming very tax heavy, like what's just happened in the U.K. In the last few months, for example, over 10,000 multi-millionaires have left the U.K. mainly because of the tax regime changes with the Labour government. In China, it has to do with geopolitical shifts and the desire to diversify into other assets. With Covid and the lockdown that went on there for almost two years, a lot of ultra high net worth individuals in China want to have the option, if it happens again, to be able to get on a plane and go to Europe and not have to worry about getting a visa. In the U.S., it's to do with what's been going on politically because things have become so polarized. People just want to have a safe exit strategy if they need one. So it's basically to do with what's going on globally the world's just become way more unpredictable and unstable. Portugal is now a well established safe haven. Question: How does FundBox, the manager of the KvarnPortugal Fund, differentiate itself from its rival asset managers?We're very careful with onboarding clients. We make sure that everything's done properly with due diligence, following all the regulations of the Portuguese regulator. It doesn't matter where you're from and how much money you've got if you don't fit the legal criteria, then you're simply not allowed to invest. There is a big team. There's about 33 people in the office and it's a multidisciplinary company. So we have lawyers, compliance officers, the onboarding team, etc. in addition to the investment managers. Question: Do you have to be a Golden Visa candidate to invest in your fund?No, the fund is not just open to ultra high net worth individuals. The minimum investment is 100,000 euros. So it's run similar to an ETF like BlackRocks, for example, where you can put in lower amounts. And if you want to just sit there and have your crypto investment fully managed, then it's an easy way to do that. For more information visit: https://www.kvarnportugal.com/. Authors' views and opinions are their own and not associated with CoinDesk Indices. The interview was conducted by CoinDesk Indices and is not associated with CoinDesk editorial. Manuel Castro, commissioner of the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs, said on Thursday his office has been kept in the dark on the mayors promised executive order allowing ICE to operate on Rikers Island. The commissioner, under questioning during a City Council budget hearing, said that he has not seen a draft order and doesnt know its status. MOIA has not been part of any of these conversations to change these laws, the commissioner said, emphasizing that no parts of the citys sanctuary laws have yet been changed and that he didnt want to opine on the laws so as not to confuse our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Adams last month announced he was working on an action that would allow federal immigration authorities into the jail complex to target violent criminals and gangs, although in the weeks since he has not provided a timeline or status update, simply saying his lawyers were handling it. Brooklyn Councilmember Lincoln Restler said it was disrespectful that Castro and his team showed up unable to provide further information about the order, which he said would be deeply disruptive and harmful. Molly Shaeffer, the administrations asylum-seeker affairs director, also said she has not been consulted on the Rikers executive order. Alexa Aviles, the chairperson of the City Councils immigration committee, later called the lack of details Castro could provide utterly disappointing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castro said after the hearing that sometimes we weigh in, sometimes we dont on new legislation. City elected officials and advocates have slammed the plan to allow U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement back on Rikers Island, saying it raises significant due process issues and may run against the citys sanctuary policies. The announcement of the pending executive order followed Adams meeting with President Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, on Feb. 13. The mayor has been accused of entering into a corrupt agreement with the Trump administration to get his federal corruption indictment dismissed in exchange for helping the presidents immigration agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he doesnt come through, Ill be back in New York City, and we wont be sitting on the couch. Ill be in his office, up his butt, saying, Where the hell is the agreement we came to? Homan said during a joint appearance with the mayor on Fox & Friends a day later. Kayla Mamelak, a spokesperson for the mayor, said that she did not have any update of the timing of the potential order, and that the citys Law Department is evaluating all options. Not sure why MOIA would be looped on an EO about public safety, she responded in a text. With Graham Rayman Mar. 6KENTON A McGuffey man charged with the death of his father pleaded guilty to the crime Wednesday in Hardin County Common Pleas Court. Dustin Bolen, 43, pleaded guilty to murder, a first-degree felony; tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; and gross abuse of a corpse, a fifth-degree felony. Judge Steve Christopher ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for April 2. Other charges included in Dustin Bolen's indictment were having weapons under disability, fentanyl trafficking, theft from a person in a protected class and possessing criminal tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional information about the case was provided Thursday in a news release from the Hardin County Sheriff's Office. Since March of last year, the department has looked into the disappearance of Dustin Bolen's father, 66-year-old Michael Bolen. The release said Dustin Bolen was a person of interest in the case around that time, and on April 5 he was arrested for violating a no contact order after a previous domestic violence incident with his dad. He was later transferred to a community-based correctional facility, then the jail once a grand jury indicted him. From April to November, searches with cadaver dogs were conducted at Michael Bolen's residence and other areas in Hardin County to no avail. "On December 16, 2024, Dustin Bolen confessed to family members that he had indeed killed his father, Michael Bolen, and buried him in the crawl space of their residence," the release said. "On December 17, 2024, a search warrant was served on the Bolen residence on Hunsicker Street. Michael Bolen's remains were discovered in a portion of the crawl space that had very limited access. It was discovered that a section of floor had been cut out by Dustin Bolen so Michael Bolen's body could be hidden. After burying the remains, Dustin Bolen replaced the flooring to hide his crime. Michael Bolen's remains were exhumed and sent to Montgomery County for autopsy and identification." Featured Local Savings HARDEEVILLE, Ga. (WSAV) Governor Henry McMaster spoke to WSAV News 3 on the abortion ban that is being debated in South Carolina Statehouse with no exceptions for rape or incest. Under South Carolinas current law, the Fetal Heartbeat Bill, abortions are permitted up to six weeks of pregnancy. It also has exceptions, including rape, incest, fatal fetal anomaly and if puts the life of the mother at risk. A fatal fetal anomaly is a condition that would likely lead to the death of a fetus in utero or within 28 days of being born. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new proposed bill, House Bill 3457 or the Human Life Protection Act, would ban abortion in all cases except if the mothers life is at risk. HB 3457 is in committee now and would still need to be passed by the House and Senate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Madison County Sheriffs Office are asking for the publics help in identifying two people caught on video. A landowner told authorities they caught two people on their property, possibly hunting, without their permission. Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video caught them in the area of Haysland Road near Grissom High School. If you have any information about their identities, MCSO asks that you reach out to Officer Luke Lemley of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries at (256) 261-9021. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Big changes are in store for the McClellan Development Authority. Originally created to develop and sell land from the former Fort McClellan, the authoritys board voted Wednesday to transfer all of its assets, including real property, debts and obligations to the city of Anniston. The MDA will continue overseeing Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement funds that allow the environmental cleanup of the former forts property. The vote came after a whirlwind of legal maneuvers that included the reformation of the long-dormant McClellan Development Oversight Committee, which made a request to dissolve the MDA in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boards attorney, Jason Odom read the resolution which made the following points: The MDA will continue the environmental cleanup with funds from the U.S. Army. The Army responded positively to the idea of keeping the cleanup moving without needing to introduce a new authority, according to Odom. The Board of Directors of The McClellan Development Authority has explored all options for continued funding to support the property development purposes for which the authority was formed. The authority has determined that it is not possible to achieve the following defined purposes for which it was formed to improve, install, construct, own, lease, develop, sell and otherwise dispose of the real and personal property within its operational area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authority finds that the city of Anniston has the tools, abilities and necessary powers and authority to continue the improving, installing, constructing, owning, leasing, developing, selling and otherwise disposing of the real and personal property within the operational area of the authority, also being wholly within the corporate limits of the city of Anniston. The authority also finds that it remains fully possible to continue the performance of environmental restoration and remediation of the real and personal property within its operational arca, and that it is the best and most appropriate entity to continue to do so The authority needs to continue existing in its current form as the approved Local Reuse Authority in order to continue its management and administration of the environmental restoration and remediation of the property pursuant to the Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement between the authority and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, with funds allocated for such activities by the Department of the Army. Certain documentation will have to be prepared to transfer assets, debts and obligations of the authority to the city of Anniston, less those needed for the continued environmental cleanup, pursuant to an appropriate plan of distribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the desire and intent of the Board of Directors of The McClellan Development Authority to recommend the transfer of all assets, debts and obligations of the authority to the city of Anniston, less those needed for the continued environmental cleanup, while also continuing to exist for the express purpose of continuing the performance of environmental restoration and remediation of the real and personal property within its operational area. MDA Executive Director Julie Moss was disappointed with the closure of the MDA office she oversaw, but expressed appreciation for the opportunities she has had. McClellan is truly a beautiful place, and it is my hope that the city will continue to maintain the McClellan grounds at the standard that we set and also move forward with all the projects the MDA was in the process of developing. Calhoun County Commission Attorney Julie Borelli thanked Moss and all others, past and present, for all that the board has accomplished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much has happened through the years, she said. We are not in the same place but better. I believe everyone involved has the community at heart. Anniston Mayor Jack Draper said the new solution is best. The city will receive the transferred property, he said. The MDA will remain existent for the purpose of administering these federal ESCA cleanup funds. The MDA has expertise there; the city does not. The fact that it was a unanimous vote is significant, and I think its evidence that everyone is on the same page. But again, this is a good day, not only for Anniston, but the county and the whole region. This is the solution that needed to be reached today. A timeline of the history of McClellan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From its origins as a World War I training camp to its current role as a hub for economic development and community life, the transformation of McClellan exemplifies resilience, adaptation and growth. Since the establishment of the McClellan Development Authority on March 3, 2010, the site has been steadily redefined, paving the way for its future. Fort McClellan, once a cornerstone of military training and operations, closed 26 years ago in 1999 following a 1995 decision by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission. The transition of this 22,000-acre site to civilian use was no small feat. The Joint Powers Authority, formed as the Local Reuse Authority, took charge of planning, environmental remediation and property transfers necessary to repurpose the former military installation. One of the JPAs most challenging tasks was addressing environmental hazards from decades of military use. Through Environmental Services Cooperative Agreements initiated in 2003 and expanded in 2007, more than $200 million was invested in remediation efforts. By 2014, over 2,700 acres of unexploded ordnance were cleared, making large portions of the land safe for development. The MDA took over from the JPA in 2010, expanding the vision for McClellan to include economic growth, property sales and community engagement. This effort has brought in new tenants, including FEMAs Center for Domestic Preparedness, the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy and a range of recreational facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A military legacy Established in 1917 as Camp McClellan, the site was initially used to train soldiers for World War I. Renamed in honor of Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, a Civil War general, it became a permanent installation in 1929. During World War II, Fort McClellan played a pivotal role in training nearly 500,000 soldiers. For more than 80 years, the fort hosted some of the Armys most renowned units and schools, including the Army Chemical School, the Military Police School and the Womens Army Corps Center. During the Vietnam War, its Advanced Individual Training Infantry Brigade trained more than 30,000 soldiers. The forts closure in 1999 marked the end of its military service and the beginning of a civilian-focused transformation. Star Staff Writer Bill Wilson contributed to this article. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) A local physician is urging people to take the spread of measles seriously as it has surfaced and is moving through the U.S. rapidly during flu season. Measles is a very highly contagious viral infection, said Dr. Hyeon Choi with Sentara Pediatric Physicians. It starts usually with high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis. You may get some white spots inside your mouth. And then, the sort of the classic, or hallmark, is that you get this rash that starts about day three to five. It starts from your face, head down, and then moves all the way down to cover the rest of your body. In the United States, a lot of attention is on a major outbreak in Texas. According to the Department of State Health Services, that one has now climbed to more than 150 cases, including the death of an unvaccinated child. And now, there are new cases spouting up in New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You are actually contagious from four days prior to the onset of the rash, Choi said. So four days after the rash has started, most will recover within one to two weeks. However, many people can get complications from the measles infection, which is very serious 10% will get ear infection, 5% will get pneumonia, and one out of every 1,000 will get encephalitis. Up to 20% of people with measles will end up being hospitalized due to the complications. And unfortunately, one to three out of every 1,000 will die from measles. Many in the health industry, including Choi, point to lower vaccination rates. Those not vaccinated or who have comprised immune systems and younger patient populations are cited to be most a risk. For the 2023-2024 school year in Hampton Roads, the vaccination rate was 94.2%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We want the level to be at 95%, Choi said. So we are just under where we would see herd immunity. Whats interesting is, the previous year, we were at 95.8%. So we have dropped a little bit now nationally. In all of us for the previous school year, we were only at 92.7%. So thats where we have to be careful as we become more complacent about vaccine preventable diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among medical and religious exemptions, theres another reason as to why parents may be pulling back on vaccinating their kids, Choi said. Unfortunately, there has been an increased sort of vaccine hesitancy recently, she said. I think its gotten worse since COVID, and theres a lot of information and misinformation in the media. She recommends talking to someone you trust, such as a doctor or a pediatrician, and avoid getting information from social media. Most importantly, Choi strongly advises to get vaccinated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. A little-known potential side effect of measles called immune amnesia is getting attention amid the outbreak of the viral illness. As of March 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a total of 222 measles cases in 12 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington. Thats considerably more than was reported the week before. But one of the possible consequences of measles hasnt received as much attention as public health officials would like. The name says it all. Immune amnesia is damage to the immune system that causes it to forget someone has previously had other illnesses. That raises the risk of being reinfected with something to which the body should actually have antibodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the American Society for Microbiology reports, Without memory of past infections, the immune system is less able to fight off pathogens. The problem is that sometimes pathogens are responsible for the immune amnesia. Measles virus an incredibly contagious virus that is currently spreading in the U.S. and other regions can trigger immune amnesia." Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Womens Hospital found several years ago that measles can wipe out between 11% and 73% of a persons antibodies. Those are protective when it comes to getting the same illness again. Or, as BBC put it, Scientists have known for years that measles can alter the immune system but the latest evidence suggests its less of a mild tweaking and more of a total reset." Outbreaks and growing concern Measles is a resurging worldwide issue. The BBC reported that the number of measles cases reported in Europe in 2023, for instance, was 45 times higher than in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The viral illness is very contagious. People can be infected two hours after someone who has the illness leaves the area after coughing or sneezing or contaminating surfaces. Symptoms range from high fever, runny eyes and nose and general misery to serious complications and even death. The CDC says 20% of those in the U.S. who get infected need to be hospitalized. And lasting consequences, including brain damage and vision and hearing loss, among others, are possible. The public health agency said that there have now been two deaths believed to be connected to measles. One case of a child in Texas has been directly linked to measles and the other, in New Mexico, is being investigated, though it is known that the individual tested positive for measles. Previously infected? Forget about it Dr. Celine Gounder, CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, told CBS Mornings that the ability of measles to block the immune systems memory can last months to a couple of years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It really does set a child back, she said. Before kids were being vaccinated for measles, its estimated that half of the deaths were actually from other infections they got later because of that weakened immune system. While measles infection eventually loses its power to wipe immune memory, the lost memory is simply gone. Colds, flu, COVID-19 and even vaccinations youve had before contracting measles may disappear. Per the BBC, The loss is near-total and permanent. Once the measles infection is over, current evidence suggests your body has to re-learn whats good and whats bad almost from scratch. Matt Caldwell, left, a Lubbock Fire Department official, administers a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to Clair May, 61, at the Lubbock Health Department, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. | Mary Conlon In a way, infection of the measles virus basically sets the immune system to default mode, Mansour Haeryfar, a professor of immunology at Western University, Canada, said in the article, as if it has never encountered any microbes in the past. Research says measles does not wipe out memory of its own visit, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard researchers explained how the memory wipe works: If a person had 100 different antibodies against chicken pox before contracting measles, they might emerge from having measles with only 50, cutting their chicken pox protection in half. That protection could dip even lower if some of the antibodies lost are potent defenses known as neutralizing antibodies. One of the Harvard scientists, Michael Mina, an assistant professor of epidemiology, created an analogy to explain the effect. Picture immunity from pathogens as a book full of photos of criminals youd like to locate. But someone punched holes in those pictures. It would then be much harder to recognize that criminal if you saw them, especially if the holes are punched over important features for recognition, like the eyes or mouth, he said. Immune amnesia is of global concern. For instance, last August, Sri Lankas Epidemiology Unit in the Ministry of Health called it a form of extended immunosuppression. Per that bulletin, measles virus primarily targets alveolar macrophages in the lungs and a type of receptor that makes it easier for the virus to get into cells, where it releases viral genetic material into the cell. The infection is carried to the lymph nodes where it infects and destroys T-cells and B-cells to obliterate memory of preexisting immunity to illness. For two or three years, that memory-suppressing work continues, creating risk for infections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The article said that after a child is infected with measles and recovers, routine childhood vaccines should be done over to be sure that they will protect the child. Advice to vaccinate The Sri Lanka bulletins conclusion contains a plea: The fight against measles is not merely a battle against a single disease; it is a fight to maintain the integrity of our immune systems and, by extension, the health of future generations. Health experts are urging people to be vaccinated against measles if they are not already. The World Health Organization reports that measles killed an average of 2.6 million people each year before a vaccine was created. Even now, amid a decrease in access worldwide and lower uptake in some communities, 7 million people are infected and more than 100,000 die worldwide. Utah is among states that have no case of measles this year, but both Utah state and Salt Lake County health officials have issued news releases encouraging people to take precautions against measles, including ensuring that children are current on their mumps, measles and rubella vaccination. Utah is among states that allow exemptions. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services reports that Utah kindergartners are below the 95% vaccination rate needed to confer herd immunity and make it harder for the virus to spread to those who are not vaccinated. Private First Class Lewis Albanese was a member of the United States Army, who received a posthumous Purple Heart and the prestigious Medal of Honor for his courageous service during the Vietnam War. PFC Lewis Albanese Background Born in Vincenza, Italy in 1946, Albaneses family immigrated to Washington State when he was a child. He spent his young adult years in the Seattle metropolitan area and worked at Boeing Aircraft Company. But in 1965, Albanese felt a calling to serve his country, and he enlisted in the Army. He completed BCT at Fort Carson, Colorado. Then he joined Company B, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Division, Airmobile. In 1966, Albanese shipped out to Vietnam, where he would valiantly serve his country. Tragically, Albanese lost his life while serving his country. Medal of Honor Action In early 1965, Operation Rolling Thunder began, and the conflict in Vietnam escalated. The U.S. engaged in steady aerial bombardments of North Vietnam, and the north launched numerous counterattacks. To expand U.S. military efforts and slow the spread of communism in the south, President Johnson ordered a surge of troops into the region. Among them was Private First Class Albanese, who arrived in Southeast Asia the following year. A U.S. Navy strike photograph from Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21) showing burning supply barges in North Vietnam. As 1966 drew to a close, Albanese and his fellow soldiers were living in constant danger. In the dense Vietnamese jungle, hidden enemy snipers posed a constant threat, and the Americans had to remain vigilant at all times. On December 1st, Albanese and his comrades came under heavy sniper fire, and soon insurgents began to encircle their camp, firing automatic weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the face of the enemy, Albanese took decisive action, attaching a bayonet to his rifle and charging into the fray. He quickly engaged the snipers and killed at least eight of them, even as he ran out of ammunition. Undeterred, he engaged in hand-to-hand combat and killed two more insurgents. But the enemy was numerous and well-armed. Albanese was fatally wounded while fighting in the trench. Despite his sacrifice, he had successfully slowed the enemys fire, enabling his platoon mates to advance and take down more of the enemy. Valor ceremony Private First Class Lewis Albanese was a fearless soldier who went above and beyond the call of duty during his time in Vietnam. His courageous actions on December 1st, 1966, in the middle of a firefight, earned him the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for valor in combat. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, he killed at least ten insurgents His actions caused the enemy to slow their fire. This allowed his unit to advance. Even after being fatally wounded, Albanese continued to fight until his last breath. On February 16, 1968, Secretary of the Army Stanley Rogers Resor presented Albaneses family with his Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the Pentagon. How to support the Medal of Honor mission Learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society at cmohs.org or find them on Instagram |Facebook Participate in Medal of Honor Day on March 25 by sharing a recipients story Support veteran hiring and transition programs in your workplace Teach younger generations about the values of courage, sacrifice, and service Medal of Honor Month isnt just about recognizing history. Its about keeping the mission alive for the future. Observe Medal of Honor March on We Are The Mighty here. The Utah Legislature passed a bill that would help set protections for physicians in medical malpractice lawsuits while still seeking to cover the needs of victims. After multiple changes were made to HB503, it passed through the final vote in the House on Thursday by a vote of 47-27. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Katy Hall, R-South Ogden, will now go to the governors desk for his signature. The original bill capped damages that could be awarded in medical malpractice cases that didnt result in death. This provision proved controversial and was eventually taken out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think what weve come up with is really good, because weve protected those who are legitimately harmed by malpractice. We want them to be taken care of, Hall said. Despite the changes, there are still people who believe this bill will limit the amount of money victims can receive. Hall started working on this bill after she was approached by a constituent who works in a clinic in Davis County who had concerns about frivolous malpractice lawsuits. Hes worried about losing physicians because of the cost of medical malpractice, and not only the costs in money, but also the costs in just what it costs to the people who are being sued, Hall said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall said they worked through this bill to make sure that they were protecting the victims as well as the doctors in medical malpractice cases. So if they have a catastrophic, heaven forbid, a catastrophic event that is life altering, they can still sue the malpractice insurance for hospitals or physicians wherever, whoever was involved to get what they need, so that still is protected, Hall said. Hall, whose husband is a physician, shared that because of the high cost of liability insurance, the state is losing doctors, especially in small town areas where the number of physicians is more limited. Because of this she wanted to set protections for these doctors so that they could stay in their jobs. Im a nurse, and I understand both sides, I mean, we need our physicians to stay in practice, right? Hall said. Because even if someone gets hurt, someone still has to help them along the way too, other physicians. And I believe that most of our physicians are really, really good at their jobs. What the bill does HB503 would require plaintiffs to pay the defendants attorney fees if the court finds that their claim doesnt have merit, in an effort to decrease frivolous lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall shared that sometimes when a lawsuit is brought up, defense lawyers will say that theyre going to go after the doctors home and other assets so doctors get scared and decide to settle. The bill would prevent this from happening by no longer allowing lawyers to go after the physicians assets. It would create a framework for determining economic damages based on payments made for medical expenses. The bill would require the Division of Professional Licensing to put together yearly reports to summarize malpractice claims and outcomes around Utah. Under HB503, physicians would be required to hold an insurance policy of at least $1 million. Controversy over medical malpractice bill The bill originally had a $1 million cap for malpractice cases that did not result in death, but that portion of the bill was removed after victims testified about the high cost of medical care that can be incurred by those who live after a botched medical procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Nielson, a medical malpractice lawyer who has been practicing in Utah for 40 years, is opposed to the bill and the idea of capping how much money people can receive in damages after being injured during a medical procedure. Because its blatantly unconstitutional and its anti-American, he said. Though the bill sponsor removed the specific language about a cap, Nielson said the bill would still limit how much plaintiffs can receive in their cases. They just dont want to call it a cap. It has the net effect of creating a cap. And just think about how unfair this is, Nielson said. Nielson sees a cap resulting from those suing not being able to go after a doctors assets and because of the required $1 million insurance policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nielson said he believes the bill is meant to benefit insurance companies. But Hall denied those claims, saying, I run bills for constituents. I dont run bills for lobbyists or for big groups like that. Tracy Moore[/caption] The energy industry is starting to catch wind of the turning tides. As the energy and commodities sectors become increasingly complex, with stricter regulations and multi-layered transactions, energy firms are recognizing the importance of robust KYC and AML capabilities. According to Fenergos KYC & Onboarding Trends in Energy & Commodities 2024 research report, more than 78% of respondents agreed that the burden of managing and analyzing counterparty data significantly impact their ability to meet sanctions obligations. This aligns with the increasing need for energy companies, particularly those operating in oil and gas, to adhere to complex sanctions regulations and prevent inadvertent dealings with restricted entities. Additionally, almost 70% of respondents indicated that inefficient onboarding processes have directly led to lost trading opportunities, underscoring the critical need for fast, seamless integration of counterparties into business networks. Energy firms are starting to see gaps in their capabilities to marshal this activity. But the challenges that face them seem to get more complex by the day. Until recently, regulators have primarily focused on the financial services industry for sanctions evasion, KYC, and AML non-compliance. Enforcement actions and fines reaching hundreds of millions to even billions of dollars have become routine for financial institutions. Historically, the energy sector remained largely outside the regulatory spotlight. However, as financial criminals increasingly exploit energy trading firms for money laundering through shell companies and opaque transactions, regulatory scrutiny has intensified. Authorities are now actively investigating and penalizing illicit activities within the sector. Early in February, the Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned an international network for facilitating the shipment of millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil to the Peoples Republic of China, signaling a tougher stance on financial crime in energy trading. [caption id="attachment_230364" align="alignleft" width="233"] The energy market is the newest frontier for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance risk. This sector is highly complex; it is dynamic, volatile, and under mounting regulatory pressures. With billions of dollars flowing through the energy industry daily, firms often operate across multiple jurisdictions, engaging in cross-border transactions with a vast network of clients, suppliers and partners. These global operations create heightened exposure to illicit financial activities, including sanctioned entities, politically exposed persons (PEPs) and high-risk intermediaries. Now more than ever, energy firms must implement more sophisticated AML and KYC controls to safeguard their operations, mitigate compliance risk, and avoid being the target of regulatory scrutiny. Story continues Rising Geo-Political Uncertainty The world is becoming increasingly volatile. The Russia-Ukraine war is now entering its third year while conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate. Meanwhile, a new U.S. administration is driving shifts in trade policy with new sanctions and tariffs being rapidly introduced. Energy firms face a heightened risk of inadvertently violating sanctions due to the complexity and difficulty of keeping abreast of rapidly evolving rules, especially in regions with high geo-political uncertainty. The energy industry is global in nature. Energy trading often involves multiple parties with multiple regulatory jurisdictions and frameworks. This can lead to regulatory arbitrage, where bad actors exploit differences in laws to launder money. The complexity increases with the involvement of shell companies or intermediaries in high-risk jurisdictions. Oil and gas payments can be disguised through complex supply chains, intermediaries, and offshore trading hubs. Tracing the origin of funds through a web of global intermediaries and parties is similar to navigating a maze, blindfolded. These highly complex and opaque supply chains make it incredibly difficult to identify high-risk counterparties and ensure ethical sourcing. TechnologyThe Double-Edged Sword The energy industry has been known to be slow to adopt new technologies. Manual, paper based-processes, legacy systems and data silos in energy trading make it difficult to implement effective KYC processes. Poor data quality and outdated technology only perpetuate onboarding inefficiencies and compliance gaps. Additionally, the shift toward digital platforms in energy introduces new avenues for money laundering. Inherently, the global reach of energy firms is vast, and firms rely on digital platforms to streamline trading processes, complete transactions, and reduce costs. The advantages of operational efficiency are numerous. Nevertheless, a significant risk must also be acknowledged. By relying heavily on digital platforms, without proper AML and KYC guardrails in place, it becomes easier for criminals to move illicit funds through accounts globally, further complicating the AML challenges compliance teams need to navigate. On the flip side, while technology can enable illicit activity, it can also be a powerful tool in combat it. Firms must adopt technology to help them effectively manage counterparty and supply chain risk, to avoid significant fines and reputational damage. The right technology solution can not only ensure compliance but also deliver efficiencies when it comes to counterparty onboarding and ongoing risk monitoring. Firms will ultimately benefit from adopting such technology through greater risk management and quicker time to onboard, providing an enhanced counterparty experienceall of which is limited without technology. Ultimately, technology can reenergize traditional, manual processes and provide an antidote to AML and KYC challenges for energy firms. Digital platforms offer a standardization of the request submission operations that feed into KYC workflows, ensuring speed but also removing the bottleneck of manual processes. Additionally, tools can present more visibility to internal teams by connecting the front and middle offices, meaning that traders and operations teams are aligned on request statuses, which can then effectively be communicated to counterparties. This helps deliver on the counterparty expectation of speed and provides firms with a tool to help fight against financial crime and stay out of regulators' agenda, supporting in building trust and driving business growth. Technology and Looking Ahead For energy firms looking to gain efficiencies, artificial intelligence (AI) is a topic that is taking center stage. AI is commonly viewed as a tool for trading execution and algorithmic trading, but its benefits also extend to AML and KYC processes. Not only does it offer better fraud detection measures, enhanced due diligence, and streamlined onboarding, but it also provides scalability. Firms can take in large quantities of data without burdening the compliance teams. Moreover, the ability to offer better illicit finance detection allows teams to use their time for more strategic and personalized investor relations insights, cross-selling, and beyond. The energy trading landscape is constantly evolving, with new risks emerging on a daily basis. As it becomes more intertwined with global finance, the risks of sanctions and AML and KYC non-compliance grow. However, by adopting a proactive approach, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and fostering a culture of compliance, firms can not only mitigate these risks but also transform regulatory adherence into a strategic advantage. AML and KYC can no longer be treated as a mere check-the-box activity. Energy firms must critically assess existing compliance frameworks, strengthen their risk management capabilities, and invest in technology to stay ahead of evolving threats. Those that take compliance seriously today will be better positioned to navigate the complexities of tomorrow. Tracy Moore is Director of Thought Leadership at Fenergo. The cockpit voice recorder was not working on a medical transport plane that killed seven people when it plummeted into a Philadelphia neighborhood in January and likely had not been functioning for several years, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a preliminary report Thursday. The NTSB also confirmed the crew made no distress calls to air traffic control. A ground warning system that may contain flight data memory is still being evaluated by the manufacturer, the agency said. The plane plummeted into a residential and commercial area within a minute of taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and erupted into a fireball on Jan. 31. Officials said the crash killed all six people aboard the Learjet 55 and a seventh person who was in a vehicle on the ground. At least two dozen others were injured, including a 10-year-old boy in a vehicle who was hit by debris while trying to protect his sister. Former NTSB Chairman Jim Hall called the finding about the cockpit recording disturbing because that and the whole flight data recorder are important to find out what went wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a significant loss of important information that should have been there, Hall said. He noted that the lack of any distress call shows the emergency occurred too quickly for the crew to communicate with the tower. Those on the plane included an 11-year-old girl who had received medical treatment at Shriners Childrens Philadelphia hospital. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said the plane was taking Valentina Guzman Murillo and her 31-year-old mother, Lizeth Murillo Osuna, home to Mexico. Messages seeking comment were left Thursday with Jet Rescue. The company previously identified its team aboard as Dr. Raul Meza Arredondo, 41; the captain, Alan Montoya Perales, 46; copilot Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez, 43; and paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla, 41. All four were from Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, the recorder was recovered 8 feet (2.4 meters) underground after the crash and had significant damage, including exposure to liquids. After extensive cleaning and repairs, the agency discovered the 30-minute tape didnt have audio of the flight. The high-impact crash destroyed or badly damaged more than a dozen homes and business, leaving debris from the plane scattered across a wide area nearly 500 yards (457 meters) long and 300 yards (274 meters) wide. Former NTSB investigator Jeff Guzzetti said the loss of any cockpit recordings makes the agencys work more difficult, but not impossible. He hoped the ground warning system can provide some data, and wondered why the voice recorder hadnt been inspected regularly. I really think that puts a black mark on this Mexican operator, for not ensuring that their cockpit voice recorder was operating, Guzzetti said. The NTSB, I think, will still be able to come to a probable cause, just because theyre really good at extracting circumstantial evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Mexican regulations, owners are supposed to include the voice and flight data recorders in the maintenance plans for aircraft, and the government authority where aircraft are registered is responsible for supervising those plans and checking aircraft to make sure that whats in the documents is true at least once a year, said Rogelio Rodriguez Garduno, a professor of aviation law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Civil aviation authorities in Mexico have not responded to an Associated Press request for documents about Jet Rescues maintenance. Guzzetti, a lead NTSB investigator on John F. Kennedy Jr.s fatal crash near Marthas Vineyard, believes the Philadelphia crash has some of the same hallmarks of a pilot suffering from spatial disorientation in dark or cloudy skies. That occurs, he said, when pilots lose their bearings, dont trust their instruments and turn, sometimes repeatedly, in a misguided attempt to correct course. The Learjet in Philadelphia, he noted, came screaming out of the sky and it did some turns too -- and again you see those same types of turns in the JFK Jr. accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The human body can play tricks on you, and thats why you have to be incredibly vigilant as a pilot and trust your instruments, he said. But, you know, its not to say that there couldnt have been some sort of distraction in the cockpit too that occurred during that time. Several victims on the ground retained law firms to represent them in potential lawsuits, including a man badly burned after his SUV became engulfed in jet fuel. The crash was among recent aviation disasters and close calls that left some people worried about the safety of flying. It happened two days after an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter collided in midair in Washington, D.C. the deadliest U.S. air disaster in a generation. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reporters Maria Verza in Mexico City and Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) An Indivisible meeting left only standing room in the Fellowship Presbyterian Church Thursday night. Hundreds filled the parking lot and lined the walls of the church to take part in the progressive groups kickoff meeting. The Indivisible Alabama 5th District group hosted the meeting in hopes of giving attendees a platform for advocacy and a community that shares similar beliefs. Indictments name 3 additional men charged in 2023 deadly shooting at birthday party Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indivisible Leadership Team Member Susan Griffin said the group intends to resist and impact the agenda of the Trump administration and its actions in Washington. Various advocacy groups spoke at the meeting, sparking cheers from the audience. One attendee became so passionate he was even removed from the meeting. Griffin said the event tonight allowed folks to express frustrations and concerns over what is happening in Washington, in hopes to eventually express those same feelings to Congressman Dale Strong. Wed love to see Dale Strong come back to the district and do an in-person town hall and allow his constituents to speak to him about all of the things that are going on, Griffin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Strong has not hosted a town hall meeting recently, despite people requesting him to do so. News 19 reached out to Strongs office and it said it was not made aware nor invited to the meeting tonight. The office then referred News 19 to a statement provided two days ago. It reads: Representative Strong has prioritized making himself accessible to constituents since he came into office. He has had hundreds of public appearances and roundtables, over 40 mobile office hours across the district, and regularly conducts telephone town halls to hear directly from constituents. Outside of these engagements, he and his staff remain available either through the website Strong.House.gov or by calling the office. Congressman Strongs Office The Associated Press reported Tuesday U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is advising his Republican House colleagues to avoid town hall meetings, saying paid protesters are showing up and theres no reason to give them a platform. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Mar. 6VAN WERT A hastily-called hearing in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Thursday culminated with the conviction of a Mercer County man on a charge of murder. Van Wert County Prosecuting Attorney Eva Yarger said she received a phone call earlier that morning from Kenneth Rexford, attorney for Ryan Houser, indicating his client was ready to accept a previously-offered plea deal. The deal called for Houser, 39, to plead no contest to a charge of murder, an unclassified felony. Judge Martin Burchfield accepted the plea and found Houser guilty. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing was set for May 7. Houser faces a minimum sentence of 15 years to life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was charged by a Van Wert County grand jury in November 2023 with aggravated murder, an unclassified felony; murder, an unclassified felony; possessing a weapon under disability, a third degree felony, and tampering with evidence, a third degree felony. In exchange for Houser's plea the three remaining counts were dismissed. The charges were related with the September 2023 shooting death of Barbara Ganger, 43, at a residence on West Main Street in Van Wert. Two bullets were recovered from the body of Ganger during the autopsy performed in Toledo. Court records indicate the woman died as a result of gunshots to the eye and heart. Two firearms were discovered during a search of Houser's residence in Mercer County following Ganger's death but were not linked to her death. Houser was on probation in an unrelated case at the time and was not legally allowed to be in the possession of a firearm, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rexford in earlier courtroom hearings said he intended to present evidence that Houser was in or near Rockford, Ohio, at the time of death as determined by medical experts. Yarger said prosecutors were surprised to learn Houser was prepared to enter a plea in the case on Thursday. "We had talked to the victim's family about our offer and I think this (plea) is a good resolution. It gives closure to the family," Yarger said. Featured Local Savings (Bloomberg) -- German conservative leader Friedrich Merz has begun the heavy lifting required to shore up the parliamentary super-majority hell need to drive through his plan to unleash limitless defense spending. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chancellor-to-be will have two weeks to approve legislation detaching most defense expenditure from borrowing limits and setting up a 500 billion ($543 billion) infrastructure fund. So far nobody has cast serious doubt on his chances to shepherd the package through Germanys legislative machinery. But to secure the two-thirds support necessary to overcome constitutional barriers, Merz will need to keep his conservative faction on side in addition to the Social Democrats, win over the Greens and hold his Bavarian allies in check. If all goes to plan, the upper house of parliament, or Bundesrat, will finalize the package on March 21. I hope that we will find the necessary majorities in both chambers, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who will vacate his office for Merz as soon as a new majority is assembled, told reporters after a European Union summit in Brussels on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz was also in the Belgian capital, where he won resounding plaudits as he showcased the debt plan to conservative leaders. Merz and his Christian Democratic-led bloc have started the weeks-long process of forging a coalition with the Social Democrats after the conservatives won the Feb. 23 election. In the meantime, the two parties came to a rapid agreement to unshackle spending from Germanys so-called debt brake, a sea-change in German policy that European leaders say is essential to counter President Donald Trumps lurch away from Europe and questioning NATO. But the billions in debt financed spending has put off some members of Merzs CDU/CSU bloc who had campaigned on standing by Germanys fiscal probity. Long a disciplined group, none has put the legislation in question but pressure is building on Merz to hold the line on other issues, above all migration. Those talks could be far more complicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Old Parliament Convenes Merz has called for things to move quickly. Hes drawn fire for agreeing to push the debt legislation through the outgoing legislature, since a surge in support for the far right and far left in the election has given them a potential blocking minority in the new parliament, which convenes March 25. The lower house, or Bundestag, will be called together next week to begin moving the legislation through committees and initial readings. A final vote is scheduled for March 18 before sending the bill to the Bundesrat. For a super-majority, the CDU-led bloc and SPD will need more support. The far-right Alternative of Germany and the Left party have ruled out any backing in addition to the Free Democrats, whose adherence to the debt brake contributed to the collapse of Scholzs government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That leaves the Greens, who have the votes to bring the package across the line. The environmental party has called for both an easing of the debt brake and more defense spending. But the Greens, whose leaders held a meeting with the CDU/CSU and SPD on Friday, have complained that theyve been kept out of the picture so far. Were ready to negotiate, but the incoming coalition must move significantly so that we can support this in the end, Sven-Christian Kindler, a Green lawmaker on the budget committee, said in an interview. The party will demand a bigger emphasis on climate protection, he said. If part of the strategy is to open a door to the Greens, the Bavarians arent helping. Markus Soeder, the state premier and leader of the CSU the CSUs sister part in Bavaria has yet to let up on his campaign rhetoric, which hes brandished to ridicule the Greens as an obsolete political force. The Greens are out, Soeder told a party rally Wednesday in the southern city of Passau. The Greens, who lost nearly three percentage points to get 11% in the Feb. 23 vote, were punished by voters for their climate mission, he said. Its over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bavarian leader didnt stop there. He also hit out at the Free Voters, a populist faction with which he has a coalition majority in the southern German state. Its leader, Hubert Aiwanger, has harangued the conservatives for going back on their promise to preserve the debt brake. That has the credibility of a marriage swindler, Aiwanger said. The attack could have implications for the Bundesrat, which is comprised of government representative from Germanys 16 states. While there is no such indication yet, a Bavarian split between Soeder and Aiwanger could cost the states support for the debt legislation, potentially imperiling final passage. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 Bloomberg L.P. By Sarah Morland and Natalia Siniawski MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - As women across Mexico prepare to take to the streets for International Women's Day on Saturday, activists warn of fragile advances and mounting challenges five months into the presidency of the Latin American nation's first female president. Claudia Sheinbaum took office in October, and soon after passed a broad constitutional reform introducing mechanisms to fight the gender pay gap, increase political representation and boost criminal justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Saturday's march comes as the United States threatens on-again, off-again tariffs that are expected to deal a significant blow to Mexico's economy, Sheinbaum's popularity has risen in the face of perceived bullying from her northern neighbor. Wendy Figueroa, director at the National Shelter Network (RNR), which brings together 74 shelters for domestic abuse victims around the country, however warned that budget cuts were threatening the safety of women and children. Despite a 17% annual increase in people seeking support from September through January this year - up to nearly 11,000 people - the RNR reported a 4% cut in state funding for 2025. "We need to turn words into action," Figueroa told Reuters, adding it was still early in Sheinbaum term. "Cutting budgets for these services risks the safety and recovery of women who are victims of violence." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 500 women were killed in Mexico in the first month of 2025, according to government data, around half in manslaughter and the remainder due to murder or gender-based killings, known as femicides. According to RNR, a fifth of abusive men forcing women into their shelters have criminal records. Claudia Morales, projects director at Impunidad Cero, a rights group specializing in criminal justice, warned a planned judicial reform that would see judges elected by popular vote by in June also threatens to undo much recent progress. She pointed to judges' knowledge of a "huge amount of protocols" for specialized femicide investigations that could be lost in the transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We must remain vigilant so all this is not lost, and we must keep demanding these good principles are maintained," she said. The United States' dismantling of its foreign aid agency, USAID, has also put on pause Con Justicia, a program that worked with many local prosecutors' offices to better investigate gender-based crimes, Morales added. Saturday's march, which typically draws vast crowds in Mexico City, is set to end in the capital's main square a day before Sheinbaum holds a rally there to present her country's response to U.S. tariff policies. (Reporting by Sarah Morland and Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) A 61-year-old man arrested by ICE agents using an armored vehicle in February during the start of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of illegally re-entering the U.S. after previously being deported, court records show. Alfonso Garcia Vega was arrested Feb. 2 after a large contingent of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers showed up in a quiet residential neighborhood in north Phoenix and used an armored vehicle and stun grenades to get him to surrender when he refused to come out of his home. Garcia Vega's arrest was among a number of attention-grabbing arrests by ICE officers around the country as the Trump administration ramped up an immigration crackdown within days of Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE's use of force to arrest Garcia Vega was condemned as excessive by a family member who downplayed his criminal history and by immigrant advocates. Garcia Vega faces a sentence of up to two years in prison after he pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to a felony charge of re-entering the U.S. after previously being deported, according to court documents. Garcia Vega remains in custody. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 22, according to the Office of the U.S. Attorney for Arizona. Garcia Vega previously had been removed from the United States on Sept. 11, 2020, after he was convicted in June 2019 of a felony charge of re-entering the U.S. after he was deported, court documents show. Garcia Vega was sentenced to 24 months in prison for that conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2023, ICE received information through the agency's Law Enforcement Support Center that Garcia Vega was unlawfully present in the U.S. after he attempted to buy a gun but was denied, court records show. It is unclear why ICE officers waited two years to arrest him. Vegas criminal history includes seven convictions for various offenses, including felony illegal reentry, assault, weapons offenses, and failure to appear, ICE officials have said. Vega has entered the United States multiple times on unknown dates and from various locations, according to ICE. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ICE agents used an armored vehicle to arrest a man. Here's the latest EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A Mexican national was recently arrested in El Paso on criminal charges related to his alleged illegal re-entry, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas. The U.S. Attorneys Office says Clemente Galvez-Alapisco, 47, of Sinaloa, has been deported twice before, most recently in June 2022, after he was convicted of indecency with a child. He was also convicted of illegal re-entry in July 2019 and sentenced to five months and 11 days in confinement, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. If convicted, Galvez-Alapisco faces up to 10 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Border Patrol is investigating the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. NEW MEXICO (KMID/KPEJ)- The New Mexico Department of Health has confirmed that a deceased resident of Lea County, who was unvaccinated, tested positive for measles. The official cause of death is still under investigation by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. However, NMDOH Scientific Laboratory has confirmed the presence of the measles virus. The deceased did not seek medical care before passing. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe complications. One in five cases requires hospitalization, and approximately three in every 1,000 cases result in death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only prevention for the highly contagious respiratory illness is vaccination. With ongoing exposures in Lea County, NMDOH urges residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families. We dont want to see New Mexicans getting sick or dying from measles, said Dr. Chad Smelser, NMDOH Deputy State Epidemiologist. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease. This new case brings the total number of cases in the measles outbreak to 10. All cases have been residents of Lea County. Cases have included six adults and four children under the age of 17. Seven of the cases were unvaccinated, while the remaining three have unknown vaccination histories. To support community protection, NMDOH has scheduled free measles vaccination clinics in Lea County on Tuesday, March 11: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9 a.m. 3 p.m. at the Hobbs Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso. 9 a.m. 3 p.m. at the Lovington Public Health Office, 302 N. 5th Street. If you have symptoms, call before visiting. Staff will provide guidance based on symptom severity: Hobbs Office (575) 397-2463. Lovington Office (575) 396-2853. Anyone with measles-related questions such as about symptoms or vaccinations is asked to call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773. The Helpline is staffed by nurses able to provide guidance in English and in Spanish. More information is available on the NMDOH website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) A New Mexico state district judge who presided over the widely publicized trial of actor Alec Baldwin for a fatal movie set shooting is getting ready to retire from the bench. Court administrators announced Mary Marlowe Sommers upcoming retirement on Thursday. She will step down at the end of May after serving 15 years on the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She served as the district's chief judge from 2019 to 2022. Her decades-long career also includes work as a law clerk, a defense attorney, an assistant attorney general and a hearing officer who has handled thousands of cases involving domestic violence and family matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marlowe Sommer said it's been an honor and privilege to serve but that it's time to step away from what she called "the hectic schedule of court business." "During my time on the bench, I have admired and deeply appreciated those who work so hard each day to ensure the court delivers the fair and timely justice that people are entitled to in our legal system, she said in a statement. Last summer, Marlowe Sommer dismissed a charge of involuntary manslaughter against Baldwin in the October 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal for the movie Rust at a film-set ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer, was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when it fired, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has said he pulled back the hammer but not the trigger and the revolver fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial was upended by revelations that ammunition was brought into the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office by a man who said it could be related to Hutchins killing. Prosecutors said they deemed the ammo unrelated and unimportant, while Baldwins lawyers say investigators buried the evidence in a separate case folder and filed a successful motion to dismiss the case. Baldwin then filed a civil lawsuit for malicious prosecution and civil rights violation. Separately, the shooting led to an involuntary manslaughter conviction against movie weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. Marlowe Sommer also presided over that case. Current Chief Judge Bryan Biedscheid said Marlowe Sommer has served with distinction, integrity and an unswerving commitment to the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all, court administrators say Marlowe Sommer has presided over about 21,600 cases during her tenure, starting with family, abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency cases. She began taking on criminal cases in 2012, with the most notable being that of Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed. She also presided over the child molestation cases of former teacher Gary Gregor, and the trial of Jeannine Jaramillo, who killed a police officer and retired firefighter during a wrong-way crash while attempting to evade law enforcement. Marlowe Sommer's term was set to expire in 2028. A judicial nominating commission will consider applicants for the vacancy and recommend to the governor for an appointment to serve the remainder of the term. By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Europe's new tech rule aims to keep digital markets open and is not targeted at U.S. tech giants, EU antitrust and tech chiefs told U.S. congressmen, reminding them that U.S. enforcers have in recent years also cracked down on these companies. The comments by EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera and EU tech chief Henna Virkkunnen came after U.S. House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan and Scott Fitzgerald, chairman of the subcommittee on the administrative state, regulatory reform and antitrust demanded clarifications on the Digital Markets Act (DMA). "The DMA does not target U.S. companies," Ribera and Virkkunnen wrote in a joint letter dated March 6 to Jordan and Fitzgerald seen by Reuters. "It applies to all companies which fulfil the clearly defined criteria for being designated as a gatekeeper in the European Union irrespective of where they are headquartered," they said. Ribera and Virkkunnen also dismissed criticism that the DMA hinders innovation. "By preventing gatekeepers from engaging in unfair practices vis-a-vis smaller companies, the DMA keeps the door open to the next wave of innovation in vital digital markets," they said. They pointed to similar concerns of unfair practices that led to U.S. antitrust investigations and lawsuits filed under the first Trump administration and other recent actions against Alphabet's Google, Amazon, Apple and Meta Platforms. Ribera and Virkkunnen also rejected claims that EU antitrust fines are a form of European tax on American companies. U.S. President Donald Trump in a memorandum last month threatened to impose tariffs against countries which impose fines on U.S. companies. "The objective of DMA enforcement, as in any other piece of EU law, is to ensure compliance not to issue fines. Possible sanctions, also common to U.S. laws and regulations, are not an end in themselves but a prerequisite for credible engagement," they said. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee, Editing by Louise Heavens) (Bloomberg) -- Supply Lines is a daily newsletter that tracks global trade. Sign up here. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country would review tariffs on Chinese shipments, a move that could give the Trump administration a win in its push to build a Fortress North America that blocks shipments from the Asian nation. We have to review the tariffs that we have with China, Sheinbaum said at a press conference Thursday. She pointed to Mexicos problems in textile and shoe production, saying: Much of the entry of Chinese products into Mexico caused this industry to fall in our country. The comments come after President Donald Trump offered major reprieves to Mexico and Canada, the USs two largest trading partners, by exempting goods from those nations that are covered by the North American trade agreement known as USMCA from his 25% tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps decision marked a significant reversal. On Tuesday he had announced the largest tariff increase in a century only to back down 48 hours later as stocks were hammered and Republicans expressed concern about the economic consequences. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Daybreak podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen. Trump decided to pare back the tariffs after speaking to Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and auto company executives. Chinese companies have shifted production to Mexico and routed shipments through the nation since Trump hit the Asian country with tariffs back in his first term. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently said Mexico has proposed matching Washingtons tariffs on China and urged Canada to do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it would be a nice gesture if the Canadians did it also, so in a way we could have Fortress North America from the flood of Chinese imports, he said. Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said certain countries are wielding the tariff stick, disrupting the international trade order and affecting the stability of the global industrial and supply chains. Beijing would make all efforts to support foreign trade in these circumstances, he said. --With assistance from Crayton Harrison. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. The News Mexico said it would review tariffs on Chinese imports following pressure from the US, which sees the country as a backdoor for China-made goods. President Claudia Sheinbaums announcement came after US President Donald Trump announced tariff reprieves for Mexico following an excellent call in which he called for a Fortress North America against Chinese goods. Sheinbaums handling of Trump has won praise at home, boosting her approval rating above 80%. Mexico stands to lose more from an acrimonious relationship with its northern neighbour tariffs could wipe as much as 2% off the countrys GDP. But Sheinbaums popularity and her partys controversial judicial reforms put her in a strong position to handle the tariff crisis. Is it hyperbole to say Sheinbaum is the most powerful woman on Earth right now? a Bloomberg columnist asked. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) A New Mexico State Police officer who was arrested on DWI charges resigned from her position, State Police Chief Troy Weisler announced Thursday. Rachel Hall, 32, was booked into the McKinley County Adult Detention Center early Friday morning, and NMSP initially placed her on administrative leave. Police Chief Weisler issued the following statement in a news release: VIDEO: New Mexico State Police officer charged with driving drunk Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was extremely disappointed to learn one of my officers had been arrested. Officer Hall was immediately placed on administrative leave. She chose to resign before an internal investigation could be completed. I remain committed to holding all my officers accountable for their actions. Her conduct does not reflect the values and integrity that define a New Mexico State Police officer, and I am deeply troubled by her conduct and this breach of public trust. The actions of Officer Hall betray the professionalism and dedication shown by members of our agency daily. NMSP remains steadfast in our mission to serve and protect the State of New Mexico with honor and integrity. Those who dishonor this badge have no place in the State Police. According to the criminal complaint, an on-duty deputy with the McKinley County Sheriffs Office first took note of Halls vehicle around 11 p.m. on Feb. 27 when she turned onto Highway 66, coming northbound from southbound one-way South Third Street. While the deputy was following Halls vehicle, they noted that she nearly rear-ended another car at a red light, drove over a sidewalk, almost struck a light pole, and hit multiple curbs, popping both of her cars right-side tires. The deputy later found an open bottle of vodka in Halls vehicle. Hall was arrested and refused to take a breath test. She has since pleaded not guilty to five charges, including aggravated DWI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NMSP confirmed that Hall was with the department for four years and eight months; Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) The New Mexico Supreme Court said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham was in the right when she temporarily banned guns from Albuquerque parks and playgrounds. The ruling comes in response to the public health emergencies the governor declared back in September 2023 in an effort to curb gun violence in the metro. Initially, she banned guns from all public spaces, but she later changed the ban, limiting it to parks and playgrounds after a federal judge struck it down. New Mexico Supreme Court rules Victoria Martens grandparents properly notified city of possible lawsuit Republican lawmakers and gun rights advocates continued their legal challenge in state court arguing public health emergencies must be sudden or unforeseen, and the order infringes on the legislatures lawmaking role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a split decision, justices rejected those arguments. The order expired last October but the New Mexico Supreme Court still ruled on the case, saying similar issues could come up in the future. To read the courts decision, click this link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The New Mexico Supreme Court on Nov. 20, 2023 in Santa Fe. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM) The New Mexico Supreme Court on Thursday upheld Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams public health orders from the fall of 2023, rejecting an attempt by Republican state lawmakers and gun groups to limit her power to declare public health emergencies. Lujan Grisham and then-Health Secretary Patrick Allen issued three executive orders that declared gun violence and drug use to be public health emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gun restrictions quickly faced numerous legal challenges and a federal court blocked them within a week. The next day, Allen amended the orders to drastically reduce them. Still, the following day, a coalition of 39 current and former Republican state lawmakers; gun owners and dealers in Bernalillo County; the state Republican and Libertarian parties; retired police officers; and a national advocacy group asked the New Mexico Supreme Court to overturn the orders. The governors orders also suspended the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative program, a juvenile justice reform initiative within the Children Youth and Families Department that includes risk assessment for young people referred to incarceration. In a split decision published on Thursday, the justices ruled that while Lujan Grishams orders were lawful and constitutional, the suspension of JDAI exceeded her authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They concluded that gun violence and substance use disorder are legitimate issues for the state government to try to address using its police power, meaning its authority to preserve and promote public health and safety, but said Lujan Grisham had failed to explain how suspending the JDAI had anything to do with reducing gun violence or substance use disorder, and wrote they will bar its enforcement pursuant to the emergency orders. The governors Communications Director Michael Coleman told Source NM via written statement the ruling affirms that the administration acted within its legal authority when declaring gun violence and drug abuse public health emergencies and provides important clarity on the executive branchs responsibilities during public health crises. Even though the governors orders expired on Oct. 14, 2024, the justices wrote that the case involves matters of great public importance that could come up again under any future governor. While our emergency orders have since expired, this decision establishes that when faced with serious threats to public safety and health, state government can and should respond decisively, Coleman said. We appreciate the Courts thorough consideration of these important constitutional questions. We remain focused on building safer, healthier communities across New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Senate Republican Leadership Office declined to comment on the ruling and forwarded Source NMs inquiry to the Republican Party of New Mexico, which said in a news release the ruling sets a dangerous precedent as the Legislature debates new gun rights legislation. The Courts majority rubber-stamped the Governors expansive interpretation of the Public Health Emergency Response Act (PHERA), granting her near-unlimited power to declare emergencies and impose restrictions on New Mexicans freedoms, the release said. The GOP news release also noted the dissenting opinions by Justices Michael Vigil and Briana Zamora. Vigil wrote that the majoritys analysis of the law leaves it totally in the discretion of any governor to assume sweeping emergency powers for any reason the governor chooses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unconstrained exercise of emergency executive powers the majority has approved in this instance could readily be misused, Zamora wrote. Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela in a statement called the dissents courageous and said they confirm what Republicans have been saying all along: Democrats are setting the stage to go even further to threaten every New Mexicans constitutional freedoms. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rhianan Rudd was only 14 when she was charged with terror offences. She was found dead months after the charges were dropped - Central News/Web Collect MI5 pushed ahead with a terrorist inquiry into a teenager later found dead in a suspected suicide, despite knowing she was vulnerable, an inquest has heard. Officers raised concerns about the risk of Rhianan Rudd harming herself after the security services opened an investigation into her obsession with committing a far-Right terrorist attack. But they were told that no exception could be made in investigating her activities because of the threat she posed to national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intelligence chiefs concluded the case had to be pursued, as deradicalisation work with Rhianan could not be carried out under the Governments Prevent scheme while she was being actively investigated for suspected terror offences. The inquest has previously been told that Rhianan was 14 when she was charged with terror offences in April 2021 after downloading a guide to making a pipe bomb. She had told school friends of her desire to blow up a synagogue and slash peoples throats. The teenager, from Chesterfield in Derbyshire, was found dead in a Nottinghamshire childrens home in May 2022, five months after the charges against her were dropped. The Home Office had ruled she was the victim of grooming and radicalisation by adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inquest was told on Friday that officers raised concerns that there was a lack of national guidance for them in dealing with cases of vulnerable minors who also posed a terror threat. In internal MI5 emails read to the inquest, one officer said: Were seeing more and more of these cases and it doesnt sit comfortably. Another email read: Opening an investigation is sometimes the only way of understanding the threat and the necessity to investigate them in the interests of national security. No exception can be made in Rhianans case. A senior MI5 officer in charge of its counter-terrorism investigations at the time, named only as Witness A, told the inquest on Friday: Its entirely possible for someone to be a victim or have mental health problems or be at risk of being radicalised that does not mean they cant also be a potential perpetrator who we need to investigate to mitigate the threat that they pose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witness A said that MI5s duty to prevent harm was not removed if the suspect was a vulnerable minor who had been exploited by adults. Emily Carter, Rhianans mother, arrives at an earlier hearing with members of her legal team - Roger Moody/Guzelian Emily Carter, Rhianans mother, maintains that the authorities, including MI5, counter-terrorism police and social services, failed to treat her daughter as a victim of exploitation by extremists. Chesterfield coroners court, sitting in London, heard evidence from Witness A that the services guidelines had now changed to allow officers to recommend through the counter-terror police that an individual should be referred to the Home Offices national referral mechanism as a potential victim of grooming, coercion or human trafficking. In a rare example of an MI5 officer giving evidence in open court, Witness A, who gave evidence from behind a screen, told the inquest that officers were being faced with a growing number of cases of young people involved in extremism and posing a potential terror threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inquest heard that 13 per cent of individuals investigated for involvement in UK terror plots were under 18, a significant increase over the past few years. Witness A told Judge Alexia Durran, the chief coroner, that this presented the intelligence service with added problems in safeguarding children while at the same time protecting national security. The officer said: Theres a tension between safeguarding and managing the threat. Rhianan had been groomed by her mothers boyfriend, an American neo-Nazi, and online by another far-Right extremist - Handout The inquest has previously heard Rhianan began to show disturbing signs of far-Right radicalisation after being groomed by her mothers boyfriend Dax Mallaburn, a US neo-Nazi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the teenager was in contact online with Chris Cook, another US white supremacist, who supplied her with instructions for making homemade bombs and weapons. Rhianan became obsessed with Adolf Hitler and Nazi politics, and at one point carved a swastika on her forehead. The inquest heard that during a meeting in April 2022, the month before Rhianans death, police updated MI5 and said the girl had recently started speaking with a German accent, and dressed in camouflage on Hitlers birthday. Rhianan Rudd had appeared to be making progress immediately before she was found dead, witnesses said - Handout Witnesses have said that before being found dead by staff at her care home, Rhianans mood had appeared to be improving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Witness A said that even at that stage it had still not been possible for MI5 to conclude that the teenager no longer presented a threat to others. The inquest continues. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at March 6, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from March 6 drawing Midday: 1-3-0 Evening: 6-9-1 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from March 6 drawing Midday: 8-1-3-7 Evening: 6-4-0-6 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from March 6 drawing 20-28-30-31-38, Lucky Ball: 10 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from March 6 drawing KC-KH-9C-6H-10H Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from March 6 drawing 11-25-26-34-35 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 06-23-25-31-36 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from March 6 drawing 03-04-05-10-11-12-17-28-29-30-41-45-54-57-62-63-65-66-68-71-73-76 Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices. To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Lottery Attn: Claim Center 101 E. Hillsdale P.O. Box 30023 Lansing, MI 48909 For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2. If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325 Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325 Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325 Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325 Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325 Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325 For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page. When are Michigan Lottery drawings held? Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m. Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for March 6, 2025 Mar. 7MIDLAND Midland College has announced that its Natural Gas Compression Program has been awarded the prestigious TACTE Program of Excellence Award. The program was recognized for its innovation, dedication, and significant impact on both education and industry in the Permian Basin Region. The Texas Association of Career and Technical Education (TACTE), an organization dedicated to advancing career and technical education throughout Texas, presents this award annually to recognize outstanding education programs that exemplify excellence and innovation. The Midland College Natural Gas Compression Program was selected for its remarkable achievements, including its strong industry partnerships, exceptional program outcomes, and commitment to improving student success. "Winning the TACTE Program of Excellence Award is an incredible honor, and we are grateful for the recognition of our work," Pete Avalos, MC's Dean of Applied Technology, said in a news release. "The Natural Gas Compression Program at Midland College has significantly fostered collaboration between MC, the diesel industry, and the natural gas industry, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the educational institution and the industry at large. It has also strengthened the bond between the community, industry, and Midland College, helping to fill the employment gap in the Permian Basin Region." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program's unique approach to education has not only provided high-quality training and workforce development opportunities but also served as a model of innovation that addresses the needs of both students and employers in the region. The TACTE selection committee highlighted the program's tireless efforts to provide students with relevant, hands-on training that aligns with the current needs of the energy sector. These efforts have resulted in improved student outcomes and a stronger partnership between Midland College and the industries that drive the region's economy. The TACTE Program of Excellence Award will be presented at the Spring TACTE Conference, where Midland College will be celebrated for its exceptional contributions to career and technical education. For more information on Midland College's Natural Gas Compression Program, visit the MC website. The News Mike Lawler, eyeing a New York gubernatorial run, is deep in a critical calculation: Exactly how close to Donald Trump can he afford to get? Trump ran stronger in New York than any GOP presidential candidate since 1988, but Lawler is one of only three House Republicans who represent districts that Kamala Harris won in November. And 65% of his states voters disapprove of the president. So does he want Trumps endorsement? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An endorsement would be fine, Lawler told Semafor during a wide-ranging interview in his congressional office this week. But ultimately, it is a function of New Yorkers making the determination as to who the next governor is. Asked if Trump would be a drag on his candidacy, Lawler replied, I have shown myself to be extremely independent and certainly bipartisan, and added that the president, obviously, you know, has his supporters. He also has his detractors, as we all do. Lawler has not decided on a gubernatorial run, but the relative unpopularity of incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul gives him a big opportunity. While Hochul styles herself as a leader of the anti-Trump resistance, Lawler is showing little appetite for breaking from the president for now as he prepares to possibly build on Trumps gains in the state. Trumps tariffs, for example, are causing friction for New York. The threat of the levies prompted Ontario premier Doug Ford to vow a 25% tax on power it sends to three states, including Lawlers. But the congressman is still inclined to support Trumps decision-making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tariffs play a role insofar as forcing fairer economic trade, as well as changing behavior, Lawler said. The president has put tariffs in place on Mexico and Canada in large measure because of the deadly flow of fentanyl and illegal immigration, and their economies are very reliant on the US economy. Meanwhile, Lawler is showing clear signs of interest in the governorship. He was the keynote speaker at the Erie County Republican Partys Lincoln Dinner last month which just happens to be in Hochuls backyard. He did a great job, Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., told Semafor of his performance at the dinner. Hes out there kind of testing the waters. And if he decides to run, hell have an opportunity to exploit Democratic divisions. Hochul faces potential primary threats from both her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, and Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawler called it very telling that Delgado thinks she is so incompetent that he needs to consider primary[ing] her. Know More As soon as you enter Lawlers office, you get a hint of his aspirations in the form of a framed poster of the Tappan Zee Bridge. In 2017, it was renamed the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, after a Democrat who previously held the seat Lawler is now eyeing. Whether he or any other Republican can win a statewide election in New York is an unanswered question, though. Lawler hopes his self-styled bipartisan image and cratering perceptions of New Yorks governance under Democrats gives him the space to do the seemingly impossible. The challenges in New York still persist because of incompetent leadership and one-party Democratic rule that has forced the state in a downward spiral, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another wild card: Lawlers relationships with Cuomos son, Andrew, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams who may end up running against each other in the mayoral primary. Lawler is putting distance between himself and Adams, a former Republican. Look, his policy decisions as mayor run counter to Republicans on many issues, Lawler said of Adams. Obviously, he talked a good game on crime. He talked a good game on immigration. But, you know, he did not effectuate that change. Lawler also bashed Cuomo freely in the interview: Hes the one who signed cashless bail into law. Hes the one who signed congestion pricing into law. Hes the one who made New York a sanctuary state. Lawler gained prominence by flipping a Biden district in 2022 to take out Sean Patrick Maloney, the then-chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He won due to redistricting, his own shrewd political acumen and Maloneys dual role representing a suddenly competitive district while leading the campaign arm of the caucus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawler is very politically savvy. He knows how to run campaigns, Democratic New York State Sen. James Skoufis, who served with him in the state legislature, told Semafor. His tactics, as underhanded as they may be at times, have proven to be effective. Former Rep. Mondaire Jones, who challenged Lawler in 2024 and remains friendly with him, deemed him by far the most cunning of the House freshmen who ran for reelection last cycle. Once in Washington representing the Westchester suburbs of New York City, he swiftly made a name for himself. In his first term, he and fellow New York Republican lawmakers pushed for an expulsion vote to remove ex-Rep. George Santos from office. By the end of his freshman year, his priorities shifted to raising the cap on the state and local tax deduction passed in Trumps 2017 tax bill. That issue is back on the table in 2025, but not in isolation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Republicans tax cuts are now setting up potential cuts to Medicaid a major political risk for some GOP members, especially those in Biden-won districts. Lawler is trying to thread the needle; he opposes a conservative suggestion to lower the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage from 50% to 45%, but backs work requirements. I dont know why anybody would be opposed to work requirements for able-bodied people, he said. Well continue to make sure that we preserve these programs for those who need them and are entitled to them. The View From Republican Colleagues Republicans privately grouse that Lawler is too often in the limelight, with long floor speeches and frequent TV appearances. But his colleagues also see him as a rising star. Mike is an ambitious guy, Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., told Semafor. Hes articulate on policy issues, and hes not shy that he might have rubbed a couple of people the wrong way every now then no big deal. Kadias view No matter what Lawler chooses, hell face a difficult 2026. Its been nearly 20 years since a Republican won a governors race in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if he decides to stay put, hell be one of the most vulnerable House Republicans. Hes already facing a well-connected Democratic opponent, Beth Davidson, who announced her candidacy last month. Notable While it has long been a world-ending threat in science fiction, U.S. Air Force and Space Force officials see artificial intelligence (AI) playing important, if not critical roles in the command and control enterprise at the heart of Americas nuclear deterrent capabilities. AI has the potential to help speed up decision making cycles and ensure that orders get where they need to go as fast and securely as possible. It could also be used to assist personnel charged with other duties from intelligence processing to managing maintenance and logistics. The same officials stress that humans will always need to be in or at least on the loop, and that a machine alone will never be in a position to decide to employ nuclear weapons. A group of officers from the Air Force and Space Force talked about how AI could be used to support what is formally called the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) architecture during a panel discussion at the Air & Space Forces Associations 2025 Warfare Symposium, at which TWZ was in attendance. The current NC3 enterprise consists of a wide array of communications and other systems on the surface, in the air, and in space designed to ensure that a U.S. nuclear strike can be carried out at any time regardless of the circumstances. A now dated unclassified graphic showing just a portion of the elements that the NC3 enterprise consists of, giving a good sense of its scale and scope. USAF If we dont think about AI, and we dont consider AI, then were going to lose, and Im not interested in losing, Maj. Gen. Ty Neuman, Director of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements at Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), said yesterday. So we absolutely have to figure this out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI has to be part of what the next generation NC3 [architecture] is going to look like. We have to be smart about how we use that technology, Neuman continued. Certainly the speed is probably the most critical thing. Theres going to be so much data out there, and with digital architectures, resilient architectures, and things like that, we have to take advantage of the speed at which we can process data. Neuman also outlined a role for AI to help with secure communications. The way I would envision this actually being in the comm world, would be using AI to if a message is being sent or a communication is being sent from the National Command Authority to a shooter, AI should be able to determine what is the fastest and most secure pathway for me to get that message from the decision maker to the shooter, the general explained. As a human operator on a comm system in todays world, I will not have the ability to determine what is the most secure and safest pathway, because theres going to be, you know, signals going in 100 different directions. Some may be compromised. Some may not be compromised. I will not be able to determine that, so AI has to be part of that. The National Command Authority is the mechanism through which the president of the United States would order a nuclear strike, a process you can read more about in detail here. America currently has a nuclear triad of shooters consisting of B-2 and B-52 bombers, silo-based Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), and Ohio class ballistic missile submarines. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle combat jets, as well as at least some F-35A Joint Strike Fighter and F-16 Viper fighters, can also carry B61 tactical nuclear bombs. A graphic offering a very basic look at the elements of the NC3 architecture, as well as the shooters of the current nuclear triad. DOD AI could be valuable in the NC3 enterprise beyond helping with decision making and communications, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can analyze historical data and identify trends, and those AI tools could be used in a predictive manner. We could use it on our systems to proactively manage just like our system maintenance, be able to plan the upgrades to the system, and reducing the risks to unexpected interruptions or disruptions, Space Force Col. Ryan Rose, Deputy Director for Military Communications and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) at Space Systems Command, another one of the panelists, said. Additionally, the data or trends related to cybersecurity, or being able to see what our adversaries are up to, could also be useful for decision makers. Though made just in passing, Roses comment about cybersecurity offers a notable point about how AI could be useful for helping to defend networks like the NC3 architecture, both within the cyber domain and across the radiofrequency (RF) spectrum. The nuclear decision-making space has always been one with short timetables, including when it comes to securely disseminating nuclear strike orders. For decades now, it has been understood that the president will have at best tens of minutes, if not substantially less, to explore available courses of action and pick one or more to execute once an incoming nuclear threat has been spotted and positively identified. Many of those courses of action would only be viable within certain time windows and any disruption in the decision-making process would have devastating consequences. There are also already efforts to integrate AI-driven capabilities into other decision-making spaces, including at the tactical level, across the Department of Defense. AI tools are already being used to help monitor domestic airspace and processing intelligence, as well as assist with maintenance, logistics, and other sustainment-related functions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, there have been concerns about the accuracy of the models that underpin existing AI-driven capabilities and the idea of automating anything to do with nuclear weapons is particularly sensitive. Science fiction and other ends of popular culture are also full of stories where turning over aspects of Americas nuclear deterrent arsenal to a machine leads to an apocalypse or risks doing so. The 1983 movie WarGames and the Terminator franchise starting with the eponymous film in 1984, but better emphasized by the opening scene to the 1991 sequel Terminator 2: Judgment Day 2 are prime examples. The panelists yesterday acknowledged the concerns about integrating AI into the NC3 architecture specifically. When we think about nuclear enterprise and our nuclear capabilities, as well as the assured comm[unications] that we absolutely have to have, we have to have a human in the loop. As good as AI is, as good as computer process and things like that could be, its really only as good as the data that is fed into it, Neuman said. Therefore, if the data is corrupted, then we have no way of actually determining whether the data or the output is actually there. So, therefore, we absolutely have to have the human in the loop there. The human, the loop should really just be, you know, there to inform and make sure that the data thats being transmitted is exactly right, he also said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its important to push the boundaries of AI, and deliver innovative solutions that are reliable and trustworthy, but I also recognize that the integration of AI, specifically in NC3 systems, presents some challenges and risks, Rose added. I think that with robust testing, validation, and implementing oversight mechanisms, I think we can find a way to mitigate some of those risks and challenges, and ultimately deliver AI systems that operate as theyre intended. I would just foot stomp to those people that are maybe not as familiar with this mission space: while we do need everything we just talked about, there will always be a human making the decision on whether to employ this weapon, and that human will be the president [of the] United States, Air Force Lt. Gen. Andrew Gebara, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, who was also on yesterdays panel, stressed. So for those of you that are concerned out there, dont be concerned about that. There will always be that human in the loop. It is worth noting that yesterdays panel was hardly the first time U.S. military officials have publicly advocated for integrating AI into nuclear operations. We are also developing artificial intelligence or AI-enabled human-led decision support tools to ensure our leaders are able to respond to complex, time-sensitive scenarios, Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton, head of U.S. Strategic Command (STRACOM), said in a keynote address at the 2024 Department of Defense Intelligence Information System worldwide conference last October. By processing vast amounts of data, providing actionable insights and enabling better informed and more timely decisions, AI will enhance our decision-making capabilities, but we must never allow artificial intelligence to make those decisions for us. Advanced systems can inform us faster and more efficiently, but we must always maintain a human decision in the loop. Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton, head of U.S. Strategic Command (STRACOM). DOD Staff Sgt. Eugene Oliver Cotton elaborated further on this during a talk at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank hosted in November 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we think that United States Strategic Command cant take advantage of artificial intelligence to preserve the terabytes of data that would otherwise hit the floor, and still do things the old fashioned way, as far as, not decision making, but planning efforts, efficiencies, then we might as well move out of the beautiful building we have and just go into something that has rotary phones, he said. I [would] much rather have an opportunity, if asked for the, you know, by the president for example, the president says, well, heres what I want you to do I [would] much rather say, well, Mr. President, hold on. Ill get back to you in a couple of hours, and well talk about how we can execute that, Cotton continued. You know, it would be much nicer for me to be able to kind of go, Yes, Mr. President, give me a couple of minutes, and well come back to you with some options. Thats what Im talking about, right? You know, in WarGames, it has this machine called the WOPR [War Operation Plan Response, pronounced whopper]. So, the WOPR actually was that AI machine that everyone is scared about. And guess what? We do not have, you know, a WOPR in STRATCOM headquarters. Nor would we ever have a WOPR in STRATCOM headquarters, Cotton added. Thats not what Im talking about. What Im talking about is, how do I, you know, how do I get and become efficient on ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] products, you know? How do I get, you know, efficient on understanding whats the status of my forces? You know, those are things that AI and machine learning can absolutely help us [with] and really shave a lot of time off on being able to do those type of things. Whether or not the assurances like this, or those from Gebara, Neuman, and Rose yesterday, about a human always being in the loop will allay concerns about the use of AI in the NC3 architecture remains to be seen. What is clear is that this discussion is not going away any time soon. Contact the author: joe@twz.com By Adriana Barrera and Stefanie Eschenbacher MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican state company Pemex is in talks with potential buyers in Asia, including China, and Europe, as it seeks alternative markets for its crude after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imports, a senior Mexican government official said. Trump this week implemented 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada. While Canadian crude won an exception of a 10% levy, Mexican crude is to be taxed at 25%. Last year, Pemex exported 806,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude, of which 57% went to the United States. In January, exports slumped 44% year-on-year to 532,404 bpd, the lowest level in decades. While Mexico does send some crude to Europe and Asia - in particular to India and South Korea, according to Kpler data - its northern neighbor receives the lion's share of exports of the flagship heavy sour Maya. The government official said Pemex had been talking to potential new buyers in non-U.S. markets, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the talks are commercially sensitive. "The good thing is that there's appetite for Mexican crude in Europe, in India, in Asia," they said. "There's demand for heavy crude and Pemex crude." The official said potential Chinese buyers were "very interested" in initial conversations, adding that "demand will decide how these flows are redirected." Two sources at PMI Comercio Internacional, Pemex's trading arm, confirmed to Reuters that China, India, South Korea and even Japan would be suitable markets for what Pemex produces in the face of tariffs, despite higher shipping costs. One of those traders said that "only Asia" could take the volume that was not sent to the U.S., given the type of refineries operating there since they must be capable of processing the specific type of crude oil. Neither Pemex nor its trading arm immediately responded to a request for comment. NO DISCOUNTS Traders have for weeks speculated on whether the world's most indebted energy company would give a discount to its U.S. clients as it seeks to retain them in the face of tariffs. The government official, however, categorically ruled out such a concession and said that once the current contracts with U.S. clients expire this month, vessels would likely head to Asia and Europe. Buyers in the U.S. have not discussed terminating contracts, the source added. The two sources at the trading arm also confirmed that there were no plans to apply discounts to make its exports more competitive. TOKYO (AP) Economy and foreign ministers of Japan and Britain agreed Friday to promote free and open international trade at their first two-plus-two dialogue on economy held in Tokyo amid growing concern about U.S. President Donald Trump 's tariff threats. Britains Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds who joined his colleague Foreign Secretary David Lammy and their Japanese counterparts, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said all four ministers agreed that its crucial to counter the increasing trade fragmentation that is damaging the global economy, and that we stand up for fair, rules-based international trade. None of them directly mentioned Trump, but the talks come amid Trumps tariff threats against Canada, Mexico and China and their vows of retaliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four ministers also confirmed that they will work closely together in discussions on the World Trade Organization, including addressing contemporary trade-related issues such as nonmarket policies and practices, as well as climate change, according to a U.K. statement. They affirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration on WTO reforms and supporting the clean energy transition in developing countries. The ministers emphasized the importance of developing robust international rules and norms and effectively utilizing existing tools to ensure a global level playing field. Japan and Britain, the worlds fourth- and sixth-largest economies, have stepped up their economic cooperation in recent years. Protesters rally outside of the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building headquarters of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management on Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit with 19 other attorneys general on Thursday challenging the Trump administrations mass layoffs of federal probationary employees those hired or promoted in the past year or two. The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Maryland, names 20 of Trumps cabinet members and department leaders and argues the firings violated rules governing mass layoffs. The lawsuit says the terminations have inflicted immense harm on the workers and state governments, which will have to review and pay unemployment benefits to thousands of recently fired employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether Donald Trump likes it or not, there are laws governing large-scale reductions in the federal governments workforce that his administration must abide by, Ellison said in a news release announcing the lawsuit. Trumps unlawful mass firings have been needlessly cruel, chaotic, and harmful to many people, including the state of Minnesota. The attorneys general are asking a judge to reinstate tens of thousands of fired employees and halt similar terminations. The Trump administration has not released exact figures of how many employees have been fired and from which agencies there are more than 18,000 federal civilian employees in Minnesota. Out placement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas tallied up more than 60,000 from 17 different government agencies. That makes up more than one-third of the more than 170,000 layoffs in February, the highest number since July 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was roiling the job market. The layoffs threaten to send shock waves through the greater economy as laid off federal workers cut down on spending and struggle to make mortgage and rent payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration and its so-called Department of Government Efficiency, led by worlds richest man Elon Musk, have attacked the size of the federal workforce with Musk wielding a chainsaw for dramatic effect at a recent right-wing conference as they aim to privatize government services and use any cost-cutting savings for tax cuts that will mostly benefit the wealthy. Agency leaders told probationary workers they were being terminated for unsatisfactory performance, even those with stellar reviews and no record of discipline or poor performance. Ellison and the attorney generals argue the firings were clearly not for performance reasons but rather an effort to hack down the size of the federal workforce. Therefore, they argue, the Trump administration should have followed rules governing large scale reductions in force that require 60 days notice and offer protections to personnel such as military veterans. A federal judges ruling in a separate case brought by labor unions and civic groups led the Trump administration to revise its directive that kicked off the firings but not reinstate the fired workers. The Jan. 20 memo now says that the Office of Personnel Management, which is the federal governments human resources department, is not directing agencies to take any specific action regarding probationary employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the ruling, the head of the union representing some 800,000 federal workers called on agency heads to rescind the terminations. Some agencies did reinstate some workers, including the National Science Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to NPR. Joining Attorney General Ellison in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. HARRISON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) Authorities in Harrison County, Missouri arrested a man in connection to a stabbing in Faribault, Minnesota. According to a media release from the Faribault Police Department, police were dispatched to a stabbing in the 600 block of Third Avenue NW in Faribault, Minnesota. Officers arrived on the scene and made contact with a 50-year-old victim who had been stabbed multiple times in his torso and arm by a known suspect while inside his residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, 46-year-old Ricardo Ortiz, was wanted on multiple counts of felony assault and burglary was taken into custody by the the Harrison County, Mo. Sheriffs Office on Tuesday, March 4. Ortiz was taken into custody in cooperation with the Bethany, Mo. Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol. (FOX40.COM) A minor was arrested Wednesday night in Sutter County after using dating apps to meet with male victims and demand money from them, according to the Sutter County Sheriffs Office. The sheriffs office said the suspect would threaten the victims with a gun. Two men arrested for drug possession with the intent to sell in Tuolumne County During an undercover operation, Deputies said the suspect was lured to a pre-arranged meeting location in Live Oak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the suspect was confronted, he attempted to run away on foot but was arrested after a small pursuit. Deputies said a replica firearm was recovered. The minor was booked in Juvenile Hall on multiple charges, including resisting arrest, criminal threats, hate crime, and robbery. The sheriffs office is still investigating. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Montgomery, Ohio SHANE DIGIOVANNA IS WORRIED. Like so many other Americans, the 26-year-old relatively recent college graduate is concerned about what Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and RFK Jr. are doing to the government.1 For him, its not just a matter of effective government, or even democracy vs. oligarchy or autocracy. For Shane, the dismantling of the government could be a matter of life and death. Shane has a severe form of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, or RDEB, a genetic condition that many parents and even most medical providers dont initially notice because it is so rare, affecting an estimated 3.3 out of every million people. Basically, I am missing a protein that acts as the glue between the different layers of the skin, DiGiovanna explains. So that means my skin shears very easily, comes off very easily, and blisters very easily. . . . Im bandaged pretty much everywhere. . . . Im missing the majority of my skin, basically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most people take their skin for granted or even resent it for blemishes or imperfections. Living without much of his, DiGiovanna suffers from anemiaa side effect of constant bleedingas well as gastrointestinal complications from the dermal lining of his mouth and esophagus. I love eating, he says, but literally, Ill have a nice meal, then wipe my mouth, and itll be blood. Patsy McCormick, Shanes mother, adds, When he was a baby, before I could feed him, I had to take long needles and pop blisters in the back of his mouth, which you can imagine with a newborn, because they would fill up with fluid and he couldnt eat. There are several gene therapies and other treatments in trials right now, Shane told The Bulwark, and Im very worried about the future of RDEB patients. RFK Jr. and Musk could devastate the next decade of research and development of a cure for RDEBmy holy grail. . . . Just keep in mind that the weak and marginalized include infants and children who are missing most of their skin and suffering through extreme and utterly pointless pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I met up with Shane and Patsy at their home near Cincinnati. Shanes first comment on my tape recorder was: I started reading the Economist when I was 12 or 13. Hes a big reader, a news junkyhes been part of the Bulwark subscriber community for half a decadeand a lover of all things space: I read Cosmos by Carl Sagan when I was 7. Patsy shares, proudly, He was reading at a college level in second grade. She adds that the news business and love of reading runs in the blood: Her father headed up the ABC affiliate in Boston when she was a child. Freshly bandaged and in good spirits, Shane tells me hes already picked out some outfits for photos. I love having photos taken of myself. I love myself. I love my face. Planning ahead is common for Shane: On his beloved iPad, he has an agenda typed out that appears to be a page and a half long, which he did one letter at a time through a small connection to his skin through a bandage. He has to be a meticulous planner: If you dont pay attention, RDEB can easily kill you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it doesnt help that Shane is profoundly deaf, completely unrelated to RDEB. Hes had cochlear implants since he was a child. Depending on how you look at it, I either won or lost the genetic lottery. SHANES LIFE SO FAR ISNT SO MUCH a miracle as a series of miracles. His family moved to Cincinnati from North Carolina when he was a toddler for his fathers work. It was just a coincidence that their new home boasted the top pediatric hospital in the country, Cincinnati Childrens. Patsy recalls spending two and a half years in Charlotte telling doctors I think hes deaf to no availand then, visiting the ENT department Cincinnati Childrens, mentioning what I was thinking about Shanes hearing loss and the doctors immediately keying in to it being auditory neuropathy. Then I was like, That worked out well, let me try dermatology. Little did I know the worlds biggest expert on Shanes condition is here. That expert, with a name out of Dickens, is Dr. Anne Lucky, who, before her recent retirement, built the interdisciplinary epidermolysis bullosa center at Cincinnati Childrens, one of only three such centers in the country. It now serves 250 patients, 80 of whom, like Shane, have RDEB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hospital also connected Shanes family with Ohio Valley Voices, a school for the deaf. Its an oral deaf school, so no sign language, Shane explains. Instead, it trains children with cochlear implants. Its not like you can just put the implant on the child or the person and expect them to hear completely all of a sudden. He says when he got his first implant, he scarcely knew what language was. The education that helped him become a member of the hearing world began at not even square one, with much of the early instruction focused on what language is . . . how to listen, how to interpret . . . how to speak. The school is a magical place. Patsy says. Shane agrees. It was some of the best years of my life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within a month of starting at Ohio Valley Voices, Shane was using three syllable words, Patsy says. Shane chimes in: My first word was airplane. Join now School was tough for Shanestarting with the mere physical realities of being in a classroom and doing schoolwork. The idea was, you know, that I could hold a pencil at school and participate in school. Hold a cup. Shanes condition has made his fingers essentially useless, an inevitability that became apparent only after a series of painful surgeries. They would . . . basically take [each hand] apart and put it back together. Patsy adds, with a visible sense of shared pain, The healing process was a complete nightmare. And then, as we discovered, Oh, youre just gonna go back to where they were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, Shane has had about 150 surgeries in his lifean average of more than five per year. But some years are worse than others. In 2023, he had surgery nearly every month. That didnt stop him from achieving some remarkable things. In high school, Shane gave a TEDx talk about his condition (and his love of space). While his dream of being an astronaut is out of reach, Shane has lived out a few star-gazers fantasies. Hes met famous astronauts, been given VIP tours of NASA, seen various Mars-program vehicles, and he even got to take a special weightless flight thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Shane was also able to earn a degree from Rice University in economics, even attending classes in person until the pandemic hit. He is one of the first people with severe EB to go to college, and as Shane observes, likely one of the first to go away to college. Share The Bulwark Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was able to be relatively independent, Shane beams. Go to classes, went to a lot of parties. I was quite the party animal. I found a love of jello shots, Shane explains, giving me a knowing glance. Patty interjects that a series of nurses and emergency backups and last-minute plane tickets made this all possible. My health has declined drastically since that, but for a few short years, I got something that very few people with severe EB have, which is freedom. But it wasnt long after this sun-lit period that Shane got his first cancer diagnosis. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually highly treatable, but for someone with Shanes skin condition, its far more serious. A 2023 study found that by midadulthood up to 90% of patients with this subtype of EB will have died of metastatic SCC, despite aggressive surgical resection. Shane underwent invasive surgery to remove the cancer just as the world shut down and Rice switched to online classes, which allowed him to recuperate and study from home. While he was on immunotherapy for the first cancer, another developed on his foot. Seven more surgeries followed. It almost killed him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After graduating, Shane held an internship at Procter and Gamble, and he worked for Cincinnati Childrens in donor relations. But the first cancer hit me like a truck Shane said, and ever since then, its like every time I get another cancer, its another truck hitting me at full speed. Now Shane is homebound, where he receives round-the-clock care from his mom and a dedicated nursing team. If Im feeling really good, guess what I might do? Shane asks. I might go to the grocery store. Wow, that might be big! he jokes with gentle sarcasm. Jungle Jims, a regional specialty grocer, is probably the peak of a really good-feeling day. I ask Shane what he would say to our former neighbor, Vice President JD Vance, if he were to run into him at the Jungle Jims, which Vance is known to frequent. Shanes mind immediately goes to one of his nurses, an immigrant whos now an American citizen. He describes him as a wonderful man, heart of gold, total family man. Loves his family. Loves his kids. Incredible nurse, great all-American man. But, Im so worried . . . because of what JD Vance did in Springfield, Shane says, referring to the thenvice presidential candidates defense of the lie that immigrants were stealing and eating dogs and cats in the Ohio town. His concern is that Vance will target [this community] in Cincinnati, and there is one, enough for there to be a couple of churches that cater towards people from [there]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So maybe thats what I would say to JD Vance is: What you did in SpringfieldIm terrified that youre going to do that to one of my nurses . . . whos just a simple, good man. You know, you destroyed these peoples lives for no good reason. And Im worried youre going to do that to people I know. And I cant trust you because of that. Weve been talking for a few hours by this point, and Patsy explains that Shane has probably been more active today to see us than he would be on a normal day. My life is very challenging these days, Im on heavy narcotics, and Im still sitting here in pain right now, Shane says. But he wants to talk a little more about Trump and Musk and RFK Jr. and helping more kids like him. Shanes medical care costs about $3.5 million every year, according to Patsy. His family pays what they can. Insurance covers a lot of it. Medicaid covers the rest. One of his medicines, the gene therapy Vyjuvek, costs $24,000 per weekthe price of a used car, Shane deadpans. Shane participated in the open label extended study for this drug for a year, and the FDA approved it in 2023. But RDEB is an orphan disease: Its so rare that theres very little research into it or its possible treatments. Theres no way drug companies will make money on RDEB treatments; there just arent enough patients. Each study, each trial is a gem. Which is one of the things that makes the prospect of Trump, Musk, and RFK Jr. so dangerous for people like Shane. I would say theres a lot of trepidation about what Musk is going to do next. I do worry about, you know, Medicaid and Medicare being targeted, or the medical trials being messed up because RFK is a kook. I would say, you know, so nothings been negatively impacted yet, but I would say its one more concern, one more worry thats affecting a community that has far too many worries already. I love Big Pharma. It keeps me alive, Shane proclaims. Im worried that [RFK] is going to disrupt all of these trials in the FDA. Im worried that funding from the NIH is going to be cut, into basic EB research. And grants that go to researchers across the country who are working on EBnot for the money, because once again, theres no money in this. EB is so rare. Hes not just thinking of patients. He also mentions the poor people at Stanford, one of the major drivers of EB research, who have been working on this for decades, in part because the science is really, really hard, but also because theres no money. SHANE IS TOO INTELLIGENT, resourceful, and energetic just to earn his degree and rest on his laurels. Acutely grateful for the miraclesand the people and money and hard workthat have made his life possible, hes paying it forward. When Shane was little, his aunt gave him a stuffed dog, which he named Doggie. Doggie accompanied him for his first surgeryand every one sinceand is now the mascot for Shanes charity, Doggies Friends, an endowment at Cincinnati Childrens to provide stuffed animals to kids undergoing surgery. In a fundraising appeal, Shane writes: My body is declining, and Doggie is more than half made of patches now, but he still gives me just as much love and comfort as he did when I was a child. When I hold Doggie, I know that Im okay, even when nothing is okay. As Winnie-the-Pooh once said, Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart. I created Doggies Friends because I want every child at Cincinnati Childrens whose journey is similar to my own to have a companion who can give them as much strength and love as Doggie has for me. This is what I want to leave behind. So far, Doggies Friends has raised more than $100,000 in just over a year, ensuring many years of future Doggies. And Shane is still looking to raise more. Leaving behind an endowed Doggies Friends is a legacy goal for Shane, who despite needing constant help from concentric rings of peopleor perhaps because he needs so much helpis constantly thinking of others. Of his family. Of his fellow patients. Of his nurses and doctors. Of medical researchers thousands of miles away whose names hell never know. Im alive, Shane says. I would like to continue staying alive . . . but it takes an enormous network of peopledoctors, nurses, insurance, whateverto keep me alive. Share Want to make a difference for those with Epidermolysis Bullosa? 1 Correction (March 7, 2025, 3:15 p.m. EST): As originally published, this article misstated Shane DiGiovannas age as 27 rather than 26, and misstated his mothers name as Patsy DiGiovanna rather than Patsy McCormick. At least one person is facing charges after investigators determined that a 16-year-old Gulfport girl who went missing last month was killed and her body dismembered and dumped in a Ruskin trash bin, police said. Steven Gress, 35, has been charged with kidnapping and first-degree murder in the disappearance of Miranda Corsette, and more charges against him and possibly other suspects are expected, St. Petersburg police Chief Anthony Holloway said Friday. This is a horrific crime, Holloway said at a news conference. We want to ensure that we bring justice to Miranda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corsette, who lived with her grandmother in Gulfport, was reported missing Feb. 24. Her disappearance turned into a homicide investigation Thursday, when a witness contacted police to provide information in the case, Holloway said. Detectives learned that Gress contacted Corsette through a dating app on Feb. 14, went to her home in Gulfport, where she lives with her grandmother, and picked her up, Holloway said. The two spent the day together at Gress home, a duplex in the 2700 block of 27th Avenue North. Corsette then returned to the home on her own the next day and remained there with Gress and his domestic partner, Michelle Ayleen Brandes, 36, according to police. On Feb. 20, there was some sort of dispute over missing jewelry, Holloway said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So from the 20th through the 24th, she was beaten and tortured because they could not find this piece of jewelry, Holloway said. Sometime within those five days, Corsette was killed. Gress then put Corsettes body in his car and drove to a home in the 12000 block of Mallory Drive in Largo, Holloway said. Detectives found evidence that Corsette was dismembered there. Gress and Brandes then drove the body to Ruskin, where they dumped the remains in a dumpster in the 2800 block of 14th Avenue Southeast, Holloway said. Investigators believe Corsettes body may now be in a Hillsborough County landfill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gress was already in the county jail when the witness came forward Thursday. He was arrested Wednesday on charges of aggravated assault and drug possession. Holloway said Gress pointed a harpoon at Brandes in that case. Police were still looking for Brandes as of Friday afternoon. Michelle, if youre out there, were trying to tell you to turn yourself in, because we will find you sooner or later, Holloway said. If anybody out there is trying to help Michelle, if we can, we will charge you with the charges we can charge you with." Gulfport police Cmdr. Mary Farrand, who is the departments acting chief, said the department was very familiar with Corsette because she frequently ran away from home and had mental health and drug abuse issues. The teens grandmother was her primary caregiver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that she normally comes home so she doesnt report her missing every time she leaves, she just didnt come back in a timely manner this time, Farrand said. Police asked anyone with information on Brandes whereabouts or the case to call 727-893-7780 or text SPPD and your tip to TIP411. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Authorities on the Pine Ridge Reservation are asking for your help in finding a missing man. The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety says Calvin Red Owl was last seen on Tuesday wearing a grey jacket and blue jeans. Local economists weigh in on federal policies Authorities say he was seen walking toward Kyle from Yellow Bear Canyon. If you have any information, you are asked to call law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma Highway Patrol announced on Friday, that 2-year-old Anthony Stroder has been found and is set to be reunited with his father. OHP says Stroder was located at 10:30 a.m. on Friday while crossing into the United States from Mexico with his mother, Katelyn Thornton. Previously, Stroder was the subject of an Endangered Missing Advisory issued on February 8. According to OHP, 2-year-old Anthony Stroder was with his non-custodial mother, Katelyn Thornton, and her boyfriend, Aurelio Cardenas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Endangered Missing Advisory issued for missing 2-year-old boy OHP says missing 2-year-old Anthony Stroder is safe, Image from OHP Thornton and the child were stopped by Customs and Border Patrol at a border crossing station in El Paso, says OHP officials. Thornton is currently detained by the El Paso Police Department. The childs father is headed to El Paso to reconnect with his son. Authorities say Cardenas is a registered sex offender according to the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry. Cardenas, who was also included in the advisory, is wanted out of Potter County, Texas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) A teenager who went missing last week is now considered endangered, the St. Petersburg Police Department said Friday. 17-year-old Allister Samer Nasr was last seen leaving his home on Bayou Grande Blvd. N.E. at 10 a.m. Credit: St. Petersburg Police Department Credit: St. Petersburg Police Department He was wearing blue shorts, a gray sweatshirt and white shoes. He was riding a white Beach Cruiser bicycle. Allisters family found a note from him on Friday which raised concerns about his safety, according to St. Pete police. He is now considered endangered due to concerns he may harm himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) The St. Petersburg Police Department announced that a teenage girl was killed by a man who lured her through social media. During a Friday press conference, Chief Anthony Holloway said a witness came forward on Thursday with information about the victim, 16-year-old Miranda Corsette. Oldsmar mother charged with murdering her own baby, detectives say In their investigation, detectives learned that Miranda was met with Steven Gress, 35, through a social media app on Feb. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just want to remind all the parents out there please, please, Im begging you, please, make sure you know what your kids are doing on social media, said Chief Holloway. and to the kids also, if someone is contacting you who is not a family member please let your parents know. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News After meeting Gress at his home located at 27th Avenue North, police said Miranda returned to his home the following day. 8 on your side went to Gress home and spoke to neighbors who knew him. I never thought this guy has the capabilities to do what they allegedly say he did, Neighbor Kathy Rue said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miranda remained with Gress and his domestic partner, Michelle Brandes, 37, at the home until an alleged dispute on Feb. 20 over some missing jewelry, in which the teenager was beaten. According to detectives, Miranda was killed sometime between Feb. 20 and Feb. 24. Homicide victim Miranda Corsette (WFLA) Miranda was homeschooled and lived with her grandmother. She was reported missing to Gulfport Police on Feb. 24. Detectives said Gress loaded Mirandas body into a car, he drove to a house at Mallory Drive in Largo where evidence suggests her body was dismembered. Steven Gress, 35 (St. Petersburg Police Department) The body was then driven to Hillsborough County and placed in a dumpster at 2893 14th Avenue SE in Ruskin. Detectives are still trying to locate Mirandas remains as of this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPPD said that Gress is currently in custody and was arrested on March 5 for possession of drugs and pointing a harpoon at Brandes. Michelle Brandes (Credit: St. Petersburg Police Department) As of Thursday, police have also charged Gress in the kidnapping and disappearance of Miranda Corsette. Police are still searching for Brandes. If anyone has information about her whereabouts, please contact the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. A new wave of consumer activism is sweeping the nation, with protests and boycotts targeting companies in a fraught political environment. Is Wall Street bracing for the impact, if any? For more than a month now, for example, Michael Galvez, a leading figure in the Latino Freeze Movement, has been calling on consumers to boycott brands going along with President Donald Trump's anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. We cant keep spending our money on companies that may not value our community, Galvez told Yahoo Finance. Meanwhile, demonstrators are gathering outside Tesla (TSLA) stores nationwide to protest CEO Elon Musks involvement with the Trump administration and his push to cut government spending. Some Wall Street analysts argue that Musks political involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has potential consequences. Even some Wall Street Tesla bulls are acknowledging the turmoil. "While the DOGE/Trump Musk iron clad partnership has created major brand worries for Tesla, we estimate less than 5% of Tesla sales globally are at risk from these issues despite the global draconian narrative for Musk," Tesla bull Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities wrote to clients this week. In the media sector, the Washington Post lost 75,000 digital subscriptions after its owner, Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezos, said its opinion section would exclusively align with libertarian priorities. Prior to this, the newspaper reportedly lost 250,000 readers or 10% of its customer base after Bezos blocked its editorial board from publishing an endorsement of former Vice President Kamala Harris. This ongoing chain of boycotts, including the Latino Freeze Movement, has set off some alarm bells. RBC Capital Markets managing director Nik Modi warned clients in a note that the potential ramifications of this backlash should not be downplayed. Companies like Target (TGT), Walmart (WMT), Bezos's Amazon (AMZN), and Coca-Cola (KO) are among those that recently reversed their stances on diversity, along with Google (GOOG), Meta (META), and Tractor Supply (TSCO). Joe Feldman, senior managing director and assistant director of research with Telsey Advisory Group, told Yahoo Finance that the impact on sales and profit is a concern as an investor." Target, in particular, has become a focus point of the consumer activist movement as it dialed back its pro-diversity, equity, and inclusion policies earlier this year, including ending its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives. A woman's ex-boyfriend is in police custody after she was found dead in a suitcase on Thursday in Yonkers, New York, law enforcement sources said. Pamela Alcantara, 26, was found dead in a marshy area by the side of Saw Mill River Parkway after going missing over the weekend, according to law enforcement sources. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, the NYPD said. PHOTO: Pamela Alcantara was reported missing on Sunday. (WABC) While her 46-year-old ex-boyfriend remains in custody, no one has been charged yet in her death. He is not cooperating with police, sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple had been dating for three years before she recently broke it off, her family told New York ABC station WABC. Alcantara lived with the man in her Bronx apartment. Detectives were looking to talk to him this week in connection to her disappearance, according to sources. MORE: Suspect charged with manslaughter after Southern University student dies in alleged hazing incident Her ex-boyfriend's license plate pinged near the location the body was found at 9:50 a.m. on Thursday, according to WABC. The NYPD searched an area along the roadway where his vehicle stopped and a drone spotted the red suitcase containing her body in the water, according to law enforcement sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was taken into custody soon after. He initially told detectives Alcantara left her apartment in a hurry, wearing pajamas and carrying the red suitcase, sources sad. Evidence recovered by detectives later revealed that was not accurate, and he requested a lawyer, according to sources. PHOTO: Pamela Alcantara was reported missing on Sunday. (WABC) The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, according to the NYPD. Alcantara was reported missing on Sunday after she did not show up to church. The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation, according to law enforcement sources. Alcantara was last seen on surveillance video early Sunday at her residence, according to the NYPD. ABC News' CeFaan Kim, Mark Crudele and Omar Rodriguez contributed to this report. Missing woman found dead in suitcase, ex-boyfriend in custody originally appeared on abcnews.go.com JACKSON, Miss (WJTV) A Mississippi House bill that would prohibit hospitals in Mississippi from reusing a rape kit or treatment for sexual assault victims has died. House Bill 928 would have required hospitals to administer a rape kit to all sexual assault victims. It died in the Senate Public Health Committee. We are trying to keep the issue alive. Were hopeful that we can put this language in another bill and hopefully keep it at the forefront, said State Rep. Dana McLean (R-District 39). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was introduced after McClean learned about several reports of victims being turned away from hospitals without a test. Some were asked to drive hours to another facility. Mississippi to allow direct wine shipments to residents We are hearing from victims that have gone to three different medical facilities, three different emergency rooms and still not received treatment, or they were told to drive to another city in another state such as Memphis, where there is a Rape Crisis Center, McLean stated. The bill would have mandated all hospitals to have enough tests and require qualified staff to administer a rape kit on duty at all times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres at least a nurse there, a registered nurse or a physicians assistant there. So, thats really the staff that is needed to perform a kit, said McLean. She said proper rape kits are key to prosecuting rape cases. How can we prosecute an offender if we dont have a rape kit from the victim? So, this is really the first step in a prosecution. And if this doesnt happen, then that perpetrator gets away with a sexual assault, McLean stated. She hopes to draft another piece of legislation regarding rape test availability by the end of the Legislative Session. Under the U.S. Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, a hospital should not turn away a rape victim without providing at least an initial medical screening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. COVINGTON COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) A pastor and a church deacon in Mississippi have been charged with embezzling church funds. Stricjavvar Strickland, the pastor of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Mt. Olive, and Deacon Armond Barnes were both charged with one count of embezzlement of more than $500. Columbia police officer suspended, investigation underway According to the Covington County Sheriffs Office, Strickland and Barnes stole nearly $90,000 in church funds. Authorities said the investigation began in October 2024 after they were notified by the finance committee from the church about discrepancies in the books and bank account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man turned themselves in to authorities on Tuesday, March 4. Stricklands bond was set at $150,000. Barnes received a $75,000 bond. Stricjavvar Strickland (Courtesy: Covington Co. Sheriffs Office) Armond Barnes (Courtesy: Covington Co. Sheriffs Office) This is not Stricklands first run-in with law enforcement. According to WJTV 12 News sister station, WOODTV, Strickland was sentenced to one year in Kalamazoo County Jail in 2023 for one count of knowingly offering to sell transportation services for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. In 2020, Strickland was charged with 11 felony counts after a Michigan State Police investigation alleged he and his wife used their positions within their church and Kalamazoo Public Schools to coerce four teen boys into sex between 2015 and 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laurel police investigate suspicious death at hotel In August 2022, Strickland entered into a plea deal, pleading guilty to a count of knowingly offering to sell transportation services for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. Stricklands wife was also charged in connection to the allegations, but the case against her was later dismissed. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Democrat from Columbia, speaks at a news conference March 5 with other members of the Legislative Black Caucus (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications). A Missouri Republican congressman and a Democratic state legislator with overlapping districts are engaged in a social media battle over a staff visit to the state Capitol Building this week. State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat, hit first, accusing U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, a Raymore Republican, of sending three staff members to his office to intimidate his legislative assistant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The staff, Smith said, demanded his office stop giving out contact information for Alfords official offices to people upset with federal policies since President Donald Trump resumed office. They said he was getting inundated with calls and was cornered in a coffee shop by angry people, Smith wrote Thursday afternoon in his social media post. A VA employee came to my office and we sent her over as well. The staffers said the congressman doesnt want to talk about the VA. U.S. Rep Mark Alford is interviewed in August outside the governors ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). On Friday morning, Alford posted his response, saying the visit was not just to Smiths office but to several lawmakers who have constituencies in the 4th District in order to build a better relationship. The subject of referring constituents never came up, he said, noting addresses and telephone numbers for his offices are posted online. It is extremely unfortunate that an elected official feels the need to make up politically motivated lies about our team, who work tirelessly for the constituents of the Fourth District, Alford wrote. They do not deserve this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with The Independent, Smith said Alford was the liar, and he checked with other Democrats who represent the area and none received visits. If they were just making house calls why didnt they visit the other Democrats? Smith said. You know, were the ones that are sending people to his office. William Barry, Alfords communication director, said staff visited the offices of six lawmakers, including state Rep. Adrian Plank, a Columbia Democrat. Alford is in his second term representing the 4th Congressional District, which covers all or part of 24 counties along and south of the Missouri River from Boone County southwest to the Kansas border. Smith is in his third term, and represents areas of Columbia generally north of Interstate 70 in the 46th Missouri House District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coffee shop incident Smith referred to occurred Feb. 25, when Alford encountered a large, angry crowd at a Belton coffee shop who were upset with federal job losses since Trump took office. Throughout the event, Alford defended the administrations actions, saying at one point that not all chaos is bad and that God has a plan for federal workers who lost their jobs, KSHB reported. In response to that angry crowd and others, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is advising Republican members of Congress to skip town halls, calling the people who attend professional protesters. Smith said he thinks the visit by Alfords staff was prompted by the referral of the Department of Veterans Affairs employee. The worker had been performing duties remotely and feared being told there was no space and no job upon returning to the office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His legislative assistant helped set up an appointment with Alfords staff, Smith said. Hes not certain whether that person has kept her job, Smith said. The federal job cuts being implemented by Trump are creating anxiety among 30,000 employees in Kansas City, IRS agents in St. Louis and several federal employees have reported losing their jobs in Columbia. Obviously, we have federal offices all over the state, Smith said. But even bigger than that, its going to affect small businesses, because if people dont have jobs, theyre not going to patronize small businesses. And so everyone is going to feel this. Alford included a photo of Smiths legislative assistant in the social media post, standing next to his staffer. He is smiling broadly, while her mouth is closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said his legislative assistant grumbled about the photo. Thats a form of intimidation, he said. She shouldnt be thrown into the middle of this. They shouldnt have taken her photo. They shouldnt be posting on her website. Theyre trying to intimidate her, and theyre trying to intimidate my staff, and they showed up to complain. In his social media post, Alford said the legislative assistant willingly posed for the photo. The truth is that Rep. David Tyson Smiths legislative assistant welcomed my team with open arms, smiles and pleasant conversations, Alford wrote. The meeting was full of professionalism and constructive conversations, and nobody ever discussed our public phone number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The photo was not going to be published or posted until Rep. Smith made baseless accusations on social media, Barry said. Our team has zero knowledge of any comments made to them about her being uncomfortable with the picture. Smith is seeking attention with the post, Alford wrote. Misleading voters for partisan political points is abhorrent, Alford wrote. But this is what radical progressive politics is about no agenda, no vision, no leadership. Just performative outrage and shameless grandstanding. Missouri deserves better than this. Alford should have the courage to call him if he has a complaint, instead of sending the message through staff, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Congressman Alford has an issue with what were doing, Smith said, he needs to pick up the phone and call me or come and see me, not come and complain to my staff. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Most areas in Siouxland to the west and to the east saw generally snow through the overnight hours of Thursday, March 6 into Friday, March 7. But in Sioux City and areas near the Iowa/Nebraska border saw mostly rain. Why is that? Most likely, it is related to the Missouri River. Satellite and radar showed most of the night of Thursday into Friday morning that the rain was nearly parallel on either side of the Missouri River, but as you head any more than 10 miles on either side of the Missouri River, it was primarily snow for the entirety of the event. Below is an example of what satellite and radar looked like at 6:35 a.m. Friday morning. Areas like Storm Lake, Iowa in eastern Siouxland, or Neligh, Nebraska in western Siouxland saw a lot more snow and the highest totals remained well far from the Missouri River where as much as 3-6 fell in some locations away from the Missouri River. Jodee from Neligh, Nebraska and Christine M. Carlson from Storm Lake, Iowa sent in some photos of the snow. Friday Mornings Snow courtesy of Jodee from Neligh, NE, Friday, March 7th Friday Mornings Snow courtesy of Christine M. Carlson of Storm Lake, IA, Friday, March 7th However, as you get within about 10 miles from the Missouri River, in places like Sioux City or Onawa, this is where it stayed primarily rain for most of the night into early Friday morning, before snow got mixed in at times into Friday morning. However, roads were just wet in these areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Runoff into Missouri River below average for February, forecast to remain below average for 2025 Since there has been a lack of both snow and rain over the past several months, we would need to have a lot of snowpack to create a lot of runoff. Despite the Missouri River freezing over, leading to rising river levels climbing from about 6.0 feet on the morning of Feb. 18 and climbing to around 13.0 feet the evening of Feb. 19, the Missouri River stayed between about 12.0 feet and 14.5 feet through February 27 before falling to about 6.0 feet again not even 24 hours later when all the ice melted away. Now that the Missouri River has dropped back to around 5.5 feet as of the morning of Friday, we are near or slightly below average, and with lower river levels, that can mean warmer air near the Missouri River. As of March 6, Sioux City was only at about half of the average for snowfall for the 2024-25 season. Sioux City should normally be at almost 30 inches, but is only at about 13.6 inches. Most areas saw low temperatures on Friday morning fall into the upper 20s and low 30s, away from the river where more snow fell. However, areas right along the Missouri River were closer to 34-36 through much of the night, keeping these areas in the form of rain. That has limited snowfall totals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest weather any time in Siouxland, visit the KCAU 9 weather page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) After years of advocacy and the approval of a resolution by Metro Council, the Metro Nashville Police Department has revised its sexual misconduct and harassment policy. In August 2024, the Nashville Community Review Board approved a zero-tolerance sexual misconduct policy proposal and hoped the department would adopt the policy. The MNPD repeatedly stated it already had a zero-tolerance policy in place, but in September, Metro Council approved a resolution asking the MNPD to adopt and enforce the CRBs policy proposal. Read the policy revision in full here Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We owe it, as citizens of Nashville, to ensure the safety of those who risk their lives every day to keep us and our families safe, said Greta McClain, the Founder and Director of Silent No Longer TN. And failure to do that not only, of course, puts those officers in jeopardy, but it also puts the rest of us in danger as well. Silent No Longer TN an organization of sexual assault victims, survivors and allies has advocated for the policy proposals adoption for years. In a Thursday press release, Silent No Longer TN laid out the history of the zero-tolerance policy and noted that McClain had introduced the policy to the Police Policy Commission in Sept. 2020. The process toward this policys implementation has been filled with resistance, a Thursday press release from Silent No Longer TN reads, in part. However, Silent No Longer TN noted within the same press release that the MNPD chose not to accept the full policy regarding oversight and accountability. The organization called the choice concerning, yet not surprising. The MNPD has faced multiple allegations within the past few years, including a lawsuit for sexual harassment that resulted in a $300,000 settlement awarded in Aug. 2023 Silent No Longer TN added the policy should have been adopted and enforced years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had an ethical and a moral responsibility to help those victims that had come to us and to make sure that we could do everything that we could to prevent it from continuing to happen, McClain explained. In a shift briefing obtained by News 2, the policy change includes the introduction of a sexual misconduct definition in the Harassment and Discrimination policy and provides more guidance when addressing sexual harassment or discrimination complaints. Additionally, the MNPD said language was added to clarify the policy is zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual discrimination. The CRB also recommended a draft policy section about victims rights that includes resources and assistance for survivors. Metro HR extends resources and assistance information to both the victim and the respondent and will ensure information about resources is documented in investigative procedures. CRB executive director Jill Fitcheard said she recognizes the policy revision as a commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and equitable environment for everyone within MNPD. The adoption of this policy represents a crucial step in ensuring that all members of the MNPD and our community feel protected and valued, Fitcheard said. We are confident that this policy, with its clear guidelines and robust enforcement mechanisms, will contribute significantly to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct and are eager to collaborate with MNPD in the implementation and ongoing evaluation of this policy to ensure its effectiveness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MNPD Chief John Drake said the policy was also supported by documents from the International Association of Chiefs of Police and End Violence Against Women International as well as a review from Metros HR department. We regularly review our policies and procedures and appreciate any opportunity to appropriately strengthen them, especially as it relates to prohibitions concerning harassment and sexual misconduct, Drake added. Nashville mayor Freddie OConnell said in a Thursday press release he was grateful for the cooperation between the MNPD and the CRB. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com I am grateful to the leadership at MNPD for the way theyve received and implemented the recommendations from the Community Review Boards report and to our Departments of Law and Human Resources who reviewed the recommendations and are also strengthening broader Metro policies around harassment and discrimination, OConnell said. I believe our work can always be made stronger and appreciate the proposal, review, and now implementation of changes to strengthen our existing policies and procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy change became effective Tuesday; Silent No Longer said the organization was made aware of the change Wednesday. OConnells press release added the CRBs policy recommendation with respect to early warning signs of sexual harassment and discrimination has applications for Metros entire workforce. As of publication, Metro HR has started to take steps to incorporate early warning signs into Metros Sexual Harassment and Prevention training for all Metro departments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. GRAND BAY, Ala. (WKRG) The Mobile County Sheriffs Office is conducting a criminal investigation after a person left a dog barely alive in a garbage bag on the side of the road. The sheriffs office is now offering a $2,500 reward for whoever provides information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the dog found on Henderson Camp Road. Loxley man accused of sexually abusing 2 girls: BCSO Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday, a video was posted on Facebook by the original person who found the dog. In the video, the man said he didnt know what to do. Moments after posting, Brooke Whitehurst saw the video. As a dog foster mom, she immediately sprang into action, asking the volunteer company, Wags for Whiskers, if they could help fund medical expenses for the dog. Just pure God putting me in the right place at the right time, Whitehurst said. When Whitehurst gathered the dog, he had bloodshot eyes, manged skin from sitting in his own feces and a bullet through his head. (Photo courtesy of Brooke Whitehurst) She took him to the Semmes Animal Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That brain swelling was causing him to be immobile from the top half of his body, Whitehurst said. Whitehurst and her husband came up with the name Chance for the dog, saying he was given a second chance once he was found. His injuries, however, were too extensive, and he passed away on Tuesday. Honestly, its not just about Chance; its about all dogs that are in this shape, Whitehurst said. Mobile shoot-out leads to life-threatening injuries Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said he hopes that he can help change animal cruelty laws, strengthening penalties in Alabama. Those types of people who can just harm an animal for no reason whatsoever wouldnt hesitate to do that to a human being either, Burch said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The future of a grocery store on wheels is in danger. The Eat Well Sioux Falls Mobile Market makes stops in the city five days a week. The stops include a senior living community and schools. DOGE having an impact in South Dakota But now the nonprofit operating the pilot project is trying to figure out whats next after the news about a federal grant. The Eat Well Sioux Falls Mobile Market is grappling with a tough question right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now were in that phase of What the heck are we going to do?' Sioux Falls Thrive President Michelle Erpenbach said. Last year, Sioux Falls Thrive was awarded a USDA Business Builder Grant for $50,000. The money would be used to pay one salary of the mobile markets two-person staff. It was coming in three payments, and we have used the first payment which was $20,000, Erpenbach said. Recently, Erpenbach got some unexpected news from an organization that assists with the USDA grant, alerting Thrive of a funding freeze. I got an email from a contractor is Minnesota saying dont spend anymore money, Erpenbach said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SFPD: Kidnapping arrest in Michigan, baby appears unharmed The news puts the mobile market in a tricky situation. This project is in danger, Erpenbach said. eat well truck from Sioux Falls Thrive The mobile market opened in 2023. The goal was to make food more accessible and affordable. Erpenbach says today about 60 percent of the shoppers are returning customers. People are really figuring out that this is something that works for them, Erpenbach said. Sioux Falls Thrive took on the mobile market as a pilot project with the hopes the grocery store would change hands someday. The greatest ending to this story would be someone to raise their hand and say, You know what? Well support this and make it happen. Weve been working toward that for three years on this project that it would go on to either be its own nonprofit or supported by another nonprofit. So far that hasnt happened, Erpenbach said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recent Facebook post, Fruit of the Coop in Brandon announced its USDA Business Builder grant had been frozen. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Mobile Police Department officials have provided more information regarding a shooting that happened Monday night near the Popeyes on Government Street. According to MPD officials, two groups of people began firing shots at each other around 10:40 p.m., leading to two men being injured one with life-threatening injuries. Chickasaw man arrested after stepsister overdoses, dies: MCSO Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Mobile police said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. By Yuka Obayashi TOKYO (Reuters) - A global aluminium producer has sought a premium of $260 per metric ton from Japanese buyers for April-June primary metal shipments, up 14% from the current quarter, two sources directly involved in pricing talks said this week. Japan is a major Asian importer of the metal and the premiums for primary metal shipments it agrees to pay each quarter over the London Metal Exchange cash price set the benchmark for the region. For the January-March quarter, Japanese buyers agreed to pay a premium of $228 per ton, the highest in nearly a decade and up 30% from the prior quarter. The increase in proposed premium reflected concerns that fresh U.S. tariffs on Canadian aluminium could divert supply from the Middle East, Australia or other regions that typically serve Asia to North America, tightening availability in Asia, a source at a Japanese trading house said. U.S. President Donald Trump's new 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada took effect on Tuesday. Trump also announced plans last month to impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States, effective from March 12. "The jump in the offer was surprising as spot premiums in Japan hover around $180 per ton due to sluggish demand and efforts to reduce inventories by the fiscal year-end in March," the source said, adding that the talks might drag on due to the wide gap between buyer and supplier expectations. The last round of quarterly negotiations took about a month longer than usual to conclude. The sources declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. Japan's influence in the price negotiations has waned as primary aluminium imports have nearly halved over the past two decades amid weakening domestic demand, causing producers to prioritise the interests of higher-volume buyers. (Reporting by Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Kim Coghill and Subhranshu Sahu) Fierce clashes between government security forces and insurgents loyal to ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad have left 130 people dead over the past 24 hours in the coastal province of Latakia, a war monitor said on Friday. The head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahman, told dpa that the fatalities included seven civilians. He told dpa that "60 executions from both sides" had been documented. The fighting in Latakia, a stronghold of the Alawite religious minority to which al-Assad belongs, is the bloodiest since his overthrow in early December. Anas Khattab, the head of the General Intelligence Service in Syria, wrote on X that "initial investgations showed former military and security leaders affiliated with the defunct regime are behind the planning of these crimes." Around three months after the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, heavy clashes have erupted in Syria between his supporters and fighters from the transitional government. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Friday that 147 people have been killed in the fighting so far. Where are the clashes taking place? The fighting is concentrated mainly along the Mediterranean coast, a region considered a stronghold of the Alawite religious minority, to which al-Assad also belongs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intense battles have reportedly occurred in the city of Jableh, about 25 kilometres south of Latakia, the capital of the province of the same name. Curfews have been imposed in Latakia and the coastal city of Tartus, further south, until Saturday morning. Reports indicate that clashes have also broken out in Aleppo, Syrias largest northern city, and in Homs, the countrys third-largest city. What is behind the clashes? The head of the Syrian intelligence service, Anas Khatab, blamed key figures from the military and security apparatus of al-Assad for the attacks. He stated via the social media platform X that they had launched a treacherous operation in which dozens of army and police personnel had been killed. He also claimed that these forces were being directed from abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a report from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 16 government security personnel were killed in attacks on Thursday. How is the transitional government in Damascus responding? According to an officer, the government deployed larger troop contingents to the coastal region on Friday, leading to heavy fighting. Government forces reportedly used artillery, tanks, and rocket launchers. By Friday afternoon, the death toll had risen to 147, according to the UK-based observatory. Among the dead were seven civilians and 60 fighters from both sides, who were reportedly executed after being captured. Dozens of others were injured. Intelligence chief Khatab urged his own fighters to show restraint. How is the population reacting? Thousands of people gathered in Damascus and several other cities to protest against the armed supporters of the ousted ex-president al-Assad. Many demonstrators called for the attacks to be repelled and those responsible to justice. Fiercest fighting since al-Assad's overthrow Armed groups with ties to the former government, which was ousted in December, are still partially active in the mountainous coastal region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrian Defence Ministry spokesman Hassan Abdel-Ghani warned that anyone who does not lay down their weapons must face an "inevitable fate." Al-Assad ruled Syria for over two decades. Following a lightning offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (Organization for the Liberation of the Levant, HTS) late last year, he fled to Russia. Since then, the new transitional government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been working to restore security and revive the economy. The latest fighting is considered the most intense since the overthrow. Syrian army forces prepare a missile to fight against the fighters linked to Syria's ousted leader Bashar al-Assad. Around three months after the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, heavy clashes have erupted in Syria between his supporters and fighters from the transitional government. Moawia Atrash/dpa Dozens of people, belonging to a religious minority community in Syria have been executed amid clashes between supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad and the security forces of the new government, a monitoring group has reported. The head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel-Rahman, said his UK-based monitor had documented the execution of at least 90 civilians from the Alawite sect,to which al-Assad belongs, by government forces in Syria's coastal area. "Massacres have been perpetrated against the Alawite sect," Abdel-Rahman told dpa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government. Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who commanded an Islamist-led rebel alliance that toppled al-Assad in December, has pledged to respect human rights in the war-shattered country. Syrian army forces head to the villages of the Latakia countryside and the Syrian coast with heavy weapons to fight against the fighters linked to Syria's ousted leader Bashar al-Assad. Around three months after the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, heavy clashes have erupted in Syria between his supporters and fighters from the transitional government. Moawia Atrash/dpa Dozens of people belonging to a religious minority community in Syria have been executed amid clashes between supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad and the security forces of the new government, a monitoring group reported on Friday. The head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel-Rahman, said his UK-based monitor had documented the execution of at least 90 civilians from the Alawite sect, to which al-Assad belongs, by government forces in Syria's coastal area. "Massacres have been perpetrated against the Alawite sect," Abdel-Rahman told dpa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government. Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who commanded an Islamist-led rebel alliance that toppled al-Assad in December, has pledged to respect human rights in the war-shattered country. The fighting in the coastal province of Latakia, a stronghold of the Alawite sect, is the deadliest since al-Assad's overthrow. The violence erupted after a string of attacks and ambushes blamed on al-Assad's armed supporters targeted forces of the transitional government on Thursday. A field commander in the government forces stated that major confrontations began early Friday following the arrival of large military convoys in Latakia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anas Khattab, the head of Syria's General Intelligence Service, wrote on X that "initial investigations showed former military and security leaders affiliated with the defunct regime are behind the planning of these crimes." Spokesman for the Defence Ministry Hassan Abdel-Ghani said the government troops had made swift progress on the ground and reimposed control in the areas where the attacks against security forces had taken place. He warned that anyone who refuse to hand over arms to the state authorities will face a "firm and uncompromising response." Armed groups linked to the former regime remain active in several towns and villages in the mountainous coastal region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state-run Syrian News Agency SANA said in response to the escalating violence, authorities in the coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia have extended an ongoing curfew until Saturday morning. A power outage on Friday hit most parts of the Latakia province due to sabotage attacks unleashed by al-Assad's loyalists, according to SANA. Syria's new leadership has been endeavouring to re-establish security in the country ruined by civil war that broke out following a 2011 pro-democracy uprising against al-Assad's rule. Syrian army forces head to the villages of the Latakia countryside and the Syrian coast with heavy weapons to fight against the fighters linked to Syria's ousted leader Bashar al-Assad. Around three months after the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, heavy clashes have erupted in Syria between his supporters and fighters from the transitional government. Moawia Atrash/dpa Dozens of people belonging to a religious minority community in Syria have been executed amid clashes between supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad and the security forces of the new government, a monitoring group reported on Friday. The head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel-Rahman, said his UK-based monitor had documented the execution of at least 90 civilians from the Alawite sect, to which al-Assad belongs, by government forces in Syria's coastal area. Abdel-Rahman told dpa "horrific massacres" have been committed in the Syrian coastal region against the Alawites. In the town of Baniyas alone, 60 were killed, including 10 women and five children, he said. An eyewitness in Baniyas told dpa there was total chaos, with people scared and confined to their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are all terrified," he said on condition of anonymity. Speaking in a shaky voice, he said, "Innocent people who were not armed were shot dead either in their homes or outside their homes in front of their families." He added that a prominent sheikh who was 90 years old was also shot dead. Since Thursday, some 50 fighters from the new Syrian forces were killed and 45 from the Alawite militant forces, Abdel-Rahman said. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani vowed punishment for those involved "in this great betrayal" in a post on X. Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who commanded an Islamist-led rebel alliance that toppled al-Assad in December, called for unity in a televised address on Friday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He reaffirmed the countrys resilience, declaring that Syria has moved forward and will not take a single step backwards. He called on the militants "to fully obey the military and security leaders, and to immediately evacuate the sites ... so that the military and security forces can complete their work to the fullest extent," he said. He called on the forces still loyal to al-Assad to surrender their weapons "before it is too late." The fighting in the coastal province of Latakia, a stronghold of the Alawite sect, is the deadliest since al-Assad's overthrow. The violence erupted after a string of attacks and ambushes blamed on al-Assad's armed supporters targeted forces of the transitional government on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A field commander in the government forces stated that major confrontations began early Friday following the arrival of large military convoys in Latakia. Anas Khattab, the head of Syria's General Intelligence Service, wrote on X that "initial investigations showed former military and security leaders affiliated with the defunct regime are behind the planning of these crimes." Spokesman for the Defence Ministry Hassan Abdel-Ghani said the government troops had made swift progress on the ground and reimposed control in the areas where the attacks against security forces had taken place. He warned that anyone who refuse to hand over arms to the state authorities will face a "firm and uncompromising response." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armed groups linked to the former regime remain active in several towns and villages in the mountainous coastal region. The state-run Syrian News Agency SANA said in response to the escalating violence, authorities in the coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia have extended an ongoing curfew until Saturday morning. A power outage on Friday hit most parts of the Latakia province due to sabotage attacks unleashed by al-Assad's loyalists, according to SANA. Syria's new leadership has been endeavouring to re-establish security in the country ruined by civil war that broke out following a 2011 pro-democracy uprising against al-Assad's rule. Syrian army forces head to the villages of the Latakia countryside and the Syrian coast with heavy weapons to fight against the fighters linked to Syria's ousted leader Bashar al-Assad. Around three months after the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, heavy clashes have erupted in Syria between his supporters and fighters from the transitional government. Moawia Atrash/dpa The Monroe Police Department has arrested Raquan Neal, 28, for felony death by distribution in connection with an overdose death investigation. The investigation began in September 2024 when police responded to a death at the Relax Inn on W. Roosevelt Blvd., where 41-year-old Minnie Ledbetter died from an overdose. ALSO READ: Lenoir woman jailed under $500K bond, charged with death by distribution Over the past seven months, detectives have diligently worked to trace the source of the narcotics that led to Ledbetters death, ultimately identifying Neal as the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neal is currently being held at the Union County Detention Center, with his conditions of release yet to be determined. In 2019, North Carolina enacted the death-by-distribution law to combat illicit drug distribution and hold dealers accountable for overdose deaths. The Monroe Police Department remains committed to enforcing this law and seeking justice for victims of drug overdoses. VIDEO: Lenoir woman jailed under $500K bond, charged with death by distribution The Veach-Baley Federal complex in Asheville has appeared on a list of government facilities slated for sale or closure. (Photo: National Centers for Environmental Information) As the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) works to slash contracts, grants, and leases around the country, North Carolina is set to lose more than 20 U.S. government facilities. Those losses largely in the form of leases DOGE says it has terminated include Social Security Administration and Internal Revenue Service offices, court buildings, and environmental and agricultural posts around the state. While the agency lists some as transferred to federal spaces, others are described as permanently closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Elon Musk-led advisory group lists the properties on a public savings tracker, where it takes credit for 748 lease terminations around the U.S., amounting to an estimated $468 million in government funding. It lists 20 offices in North Carolina to be shuttered, totaling $376,920 in savings. Separately, the General Services Administration previously identified three North Carolina federal buildings for disposal in a list of properties that has since been taken down a federal courthouse in Greenville, the Veach-Baley Federal Complex in Asheville, and a U.S. Postal Service vehicle maintenance facility in Raleigh. Whether those properties are still set to be sold remains unclear, as the webpage now states a list is coming soon. The DOGE website shows four Social Security Administration offices set for closure around the state, in Roanoke Rapids, Elizabeth City, Franklin, and Greenville as the agency sheds thousands of employees and Republican lawmakers battle accusations that benefits are under threat. Also set to be terminated are leases for IRS offices in Wilmington and Fayetteville, Equal Opportunity Commission offices in Greensboro and Raleigh, and National Resource Conservation Service facilities in Greensboro and Goldsboro. Disaster relief efforts could also be impacted by DOGE closures. According to the website, a warehouse operated by the Wilmington branch of the U.S. Civil Corps of Engineers is set to be shuttered the agency has played a major role in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, removing millions of cubic yards of storm debris from roads, waterways, and private properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wilmington Star-News reported that the warehouse lease was set to be terminated prior to DOGEs involvement, however, raising questions about how much of a role Musks agency has played in the other closures. According to the New York Times, DOGE has repeatedly revised its website to correct errors stemming from inflated claims about billions in government savings from cut contracts. Also playing a role in relief is the Farm Service Agency, which is losing offices in Hendersonville and Wilkesboro as it works to disburse billions in recovery funds to farmers in the western part of the state. In a statement to the Asheville Citizen-Times, Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) said the office may move to a new location and indicated the current facility would remain in operation until August. The cuts come amid legal challenges and public outcry over Musks extensive role in the Trump administration, with opponents arguing DOGE wields unconstitutional authority. In a cabinet meeting Thursday, President Donald Trump told cabinet officials that Musk does not have the power to unilaterally fire their employees, Politico reported. DOGE has been an incredible success, and now that we have my Cabinet in place, I have instructed the Secretaries and Leadership to work with DOGE on Cost Cutting measures and Staffing, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post after the meeting. Its very important that we cut levels down to where they should be, but its also important to keep the best and most productive people. WAXHAW, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) More charges could be coming against more people related to school threats earlier this week in Union County. Deputies say a 15-year-old Cuthbertson High School student made the threats because she didnt want to go to the Waxhaw school. Not only is she now facing felonies, but others could be too. It happened so fast: Union County residents recall moments after EF1 tornado touched down Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies say just because one student at Cuthbertson didnt want to go to school, thousands of people were affected. We had parents taking off of work, we had kids pulled out of school, kept from school, we had hundreds of manhours of law enforcement deployment to investigate this, said Lt. James Maye with the Union County Sheriffs Office. Investigators got hundreds of calls from students and parents starting Tuesday night about texts and social media messages threatening violence at several high schools across Union County Cuthbertson, Weddington, Sun Valley and Parkwood. Within eight to 12 hours, deputies say they figured out that a 15-year-old Cuthbertson student was responsible for most, but not all, of the threats. Cuthbertson High School was one of the targeted schools Tuesday. If you wake up and you dont want to school, plead your case with your mom and dad but do not send threatening messages to our schools, said Maye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The student was arrested and charged with felonies. We dont want to charge your kid with a felony offense, we dont want to ruin the life of a teenager, however if they commit this type of offense in Union County, we are going to hold them accountable, said Maye. Now the investigation turns to copycat messages and tracking down who sent those. A lot of times people think what they do on the internet is hidden, sometimes it is difficult to trace but its never truly hidden, said Maye. The financial cost, the mental strain that it put on our community, it warranted this type of offense. Union County Public Schools say within about an hour of school administration and staff finding out about each of the threats, they informed parents about what was going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Veterans are speaking out as the federal government fires them by the thousands and plans new layoffs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Trump administration says theyre only cutting waste, fraud and abuse, but some veterans see the dismissals as a betrayal to those who served. Iraq War veteran Eric Rodriguez works at a VA in Illinois. He joined Democratic lawmakers at a press conference to criticize the recent layoffs. Veterans, we are under attack, Rodriguez said. Theyre slashing staff, crushing unions, and selling out the VA, for what? So billionaires can make more money while veterans sit on a wait list or worse, get no treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers say around 6,000 veterans have lost their jobs in the Trump administrations mass firings so far. And more layoffs are looming at the VA, which is a major employer of veterans. In a video statement this week, VA Secretary Doug Collins says his departments goal is to cut their workforce by about 15%, which is around 70,000 workers. Its extraordinarily difficult for me especially as a VA leader and your secretary to make these types of decisions but the federal government does not exist to employ people it exists to serve people, Collins said. He insists the cuts are essential to eliminating waste and bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The days of kicking the can down the road and measuring VAs progress by how much money it spends and how many people it employs rather than how many veterans it helps are over, Collins said. Secretary Collins promises it wont impact healthcare or benefits for veterans. Republican Congressman Andy Harris says Collins emphasized that point in a meeting with lawmakers on Thursday morning. No patient, no veteran facing employee is being let go, thats the bottom line, Harris said. Army veteran Michael Slater was among those laid off at a Massachusetts VA center. He argues cutting workers like front desk or support staff could slow down critical care for veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are putting veteran lives at risk. The longer that this goes a chainsaw is not the way to fix the VA, it has issues but it needs to be done surgically, Slater said. Congresswoman Katherine Clark says Democrats plan to push back. We will not allow our veterans to be defined as government waste, Clark said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WKRN) More soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division have been deployed to the U.S. southern border. About 300 soldiers assigned to the 101st Division Sustainment Brigade will join military forces already at the southern border specifically in Fort Huachuca, AZ; Fort Bliss, TX and Joint Base San Antonio, TX and work with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to protect the territorial integrity of the United States, according to a Thursday press release. JANUARY: Fort Campbell soldiers sent to southern border after Trump executive order Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, an unspecified number of Fort Campbell soldiers were deployed following an executive order from President Donald Trump declaring a national emergency. The Soldiers of the 101st Division Sustainment Brigade are always ready to answer the call, and this mission is no different, Col. Josh Porter, 101 DSB commander, said. Their expertise in logistics and support operations will be critical in ensuring the success of border security efforts. I have full confidence in their professionalism, dedication, and ability to execute this mission with the highest standards of excellence in service to the American people. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com These soldiers will provide sustainment support for the Joint Task Force for southern border operations, including command and control of sustainment units, field feeding support sites and control of logistical movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Viridian Asset Management made an estimated 6% in its best month since it started trading in August, buying shares in follow-on offerings of Chinese technology companies raising capital to finance expansion, according to CIO Pascal Guttieres. Triata, with more than $1 billion in assets, holds AI software companies including those involved in cloud computing and turning text into short videos, said the person. The sale of a minority stake last year valued GDSs international business at around $3.86 per ADR, implying the market hadnt taken into account much of the potential extra demand from the mainland Chinese AI software and infrastructure industries, the person said. GDS surged above $40 in February. Using alternative data such as company hiring activities, Triata started buying American depositary receipts of data center operator GDS Holdings Ltd. in the first quarter of 2024 when they were trading between $5 and $6, said a person with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. The firm declined to comment. Chief Investment Officer Sean Ho started his career at global quant trading firm Susquehanna International Group, and built the initial alternative data system at Hong Kong-based asset manager Tybourne Capital Management before starting his own firm. Triata Capital Ltd.s China hedge fund returned 39% during the month, helped by bullish bets on AI software and data center stocks, said a person with knowledge of the matter. Returns and strategies of Keywise and four other firms that benefited from the rebound are listed below. Chinese equities may see a re-rating this year, said Zheng Fang, founder of Hong Kong-based Keywise Capital Management Ltd. DeepSeek and Unitree have prompted a re-evaluation of Chinas technology development. DeepSeeks unveiling of a lower-cost, open-source artificial intelligence model and Unitrees showcase of its robotics technology captured investors imagination. The MSCI China Index surged almost 12% in February and has extended gains this month by 3%, led by stocks expected to benefit from the wider adoption of the technologies. (Bloomberg) -- A rally in Chinese stocks tied to excitement over DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics lifted returns of several hedge and long-only funds last month. Story Continues In February, Viridian participated in share offerings of Hong Kong-listed RoboSense Technology Co., drug discovery firm XtalPi Holdings Ltd., vehicle chipmaker Black Sesame International Holding Ltd. and AI stock Beijing Fourth Paradigm Technology Co. These offerings are usually priced at discounts to prevailing market values, providing opportunities for equity capital markets funds like Viridian to make money when shares trade higher. There is a market now for companies in China that want to raise money, which we hadnt had since 2021, said Guttieres. His firm oversees $130 million, and has signed a deal to start managing up to $200 million for a US investor from later this month, putting it on course to reach $400 million around its one-year anniversary, he said. Aspoon Aspoon Capital Ltd., which already had investments in Chinese AI-related stocks last year, saw its hedge fund gain 4.8% for the month, a person familiar with the matter said. It posted a 58% return for 2024, according to a December newsletter. The firm declared a China ChatGPT moment, noting the resemblance between Chinese companies embrace of AI and mobile internet adoption 10 years ago, it wrote in its December and January newsletters. We think this rally is more sustainable and unlikely to fade as dramatically as last October, the Hong Kong-based firm led by Ryan Yin, a Tiger Pacific Capital alumnus, wrote in the January letter. The MSCI China Index soared 23% in September, only to drop in the next two months as investors anticipating bold economic stimulus were disappointed. The company declined to comment via email. TikTok parent ByteDance Ltd. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. are set to debut new versions of their own large-language models that are at least as competitive as DeepSeeks, Aspoon said in the letter. While DeepSeek wont be able to monetize all the traffic and attention it has received, the two giants have abundant resources to do so, kicking off a fresh AI expenditure and infrastructure cycle like in the US two years ago, it added. Alibaba has soared more than 70% in Hong Kong this year. Red Gate The long-only Red Gate China Growth Fund finished the month up 8%, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Returns were driven mainly by advanced manufacturing and information technology stocks, Red Gate Asset Management Co. told Bloomberg. Demand for robots will surpass that of electric vehicles and mobile phones combined, potentially reaching trillions of dollars, Red Gates research team said in an email. Chinese and international robot makers will gradually start mass production this year. The team envisions an investment strategy revolving around robotics parts and components makers. Suppliers that can make large quantities at low prices will win out. Investor excitement about humanoid robotics stocks may abate a bit in the coming quarters, as they realize the market values of related companies have run ahead of actual application and order sizes, the research team said. In the early days, the focus should be on identifying future winners and the entrepreneurs and technology behind them, instead of valuation. In the AI space, Tencent Holdings Ltd.s WeChat app is conducting tests to integrate DeepSeeks model into its search engine. Red Gates analysis shows it can be extended to e-commerce and lifestyle services functions. Alibaba recently announced plans to spend more on AI over the next three years than it did in the past decade, a move that showcases a shift in managements mindset, the team wrote. It indicates a cohort of private enterprises transitioning from an economic winter to actively engaging in business. Red Gate counts Norges Bank Investment Management as a client, according to information posted on the $1.8 trillion Norwegian sovereign wealth funds website. Keywise Keywise Penguin Development Fund was up an estimated 5.9% in February, with most of that coming from Chinese tech companies. Keywise, which oversees about $2.5 billion, added to existing holdings of Hong Kong-listed shares of Alibaba, Chinas leading cloud services provider, and Tencent. It also bought more shares of Trip.com Group Ltd., which can use AI to enhance travel planning and customer services, Zheng said. Xiaomi Corp. and BYD Co. are also well-positioned for AI-driven transformation, according to Keywise. Zheng was secretary to Rong Yiren, founder of Chinese conglomerate Citic Group who later became a vice president of the republic. Zheng went on to analyze investments at the Rockefeller family trust, help manage emerging markets funds at JPMorgan Asset Management, and co-found a New York-based emerging markets fund firm before setting up Keywise in 2006. About a decade ago, Keywise made the shift from a China-focused fund manager to one centered on mega trends such as new energy, electric vehicles, AI and robotics. Like Red Gate and Triata, it counts Norges as a client. Most of Keywises investments are in US and Chinese stocks. Its regular commentaries to clients and potential investors were met with silence in the past few years, as appetite for Chinese stocks plunged, Zheng said. That changed with DeepSeeks AI breakthrough. More than five potential clients requested meetings, among them endowment funds from the US, the Middle East and Europe, after Keywises latest letter, Zheng said. (Updates with MSCI China Index performance and shows that China Tower had a reverse stock split in the chart.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Rep. Carl Albrecht, R-Richfield, works at his desk on the House floor at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) After a tense conference and behind-the-scenes negotiations, a resolution was reached on whether a new Utah Energy Council will be mandated to collaborate with cities and counties on new nuclear energy development zones. Initially, the Senate fought to keep some flexibility in those collaborations, but that was a hard line for municipalities. Now, after four versions of HB249, sponsored by Rep. Carl Albrecht, R-Richfield, consensus was reached on the second-to-last day of the Utah legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the final version, the energy council shall negotiate with counties or municipalities on the tax distribution in the new zones, ending debate that hinged on the choice of a single word. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Local governments will now have a say in the bill. They were concerned as we discussed it last night, Albrecht said after the Thursday conference. I will say, staff just informed me that we have not had a conference committee that ended in adjournment without a decision since 1998. After the changes, the bill passed on Thursday afternoon with most Democrats voting in opposition. It will now go to Gov. Spencer Coxs desk for a final consideration which is highly likely since this bill has sat on top of his priority list, especially after he announced Operation Gigawatt, an effort to double energy production in Utah. The issue of whether the state would be mandated to collaborate with municipalities had raised concerns for cities and counties, which were smarting from a recent debate over what could have been a powerful state entity with the authority to supersede some local decisions, the Beehive Development Agency which ended up not moving forward this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brandy Grace, chief executive officer of the Utah Association of Counties, one of the groups that was most concerned about the potential of removing local control over these nuclear energy zones, said during the conference that she was grateful for the change. We recognize that these baseload projects that the fourth amendment addresses will more than likely be developed in unincorporated areas of the counties, Grace said, so we appreciate the response to our request to be at the table when those negotiations are happening. The changes werent enough for four Senate and 10 House Democrats to sign on to the law, however. Some of the concerns the minority caucus brought up werent addressed in the final version. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Nate Blouin, D-Millcreek, who is also a renewable energy advocate, said that his position didnt really depend on the word change. This iteration, he still believes, will lead to top-down decisions and a lack of community input. Sure, there needs to be a way to streamline how to develop that energy infrastructure in the state, he said. However, eliminating the only two minority party appointees from the authoritys composition takes away some of the balanced representation on the committee. Let us know what you think... I think thats the wrong move. We have a supermajority here in Utah. Theyre going to have their way with things, but to just totally steamroll political opposition is not the way forward, Blouin said, especially projects that are going to require local input. After initially including a combined $2.6 million for HB249 and nuclear energy for Operation Gigawatt, legislative leaders on Thursday agreed to fund $8.25 million more for nuclear Operation Gigawatt projects. The initial request from the governor was $20 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, even those $20 million wouldnt go a long way for nuclear energy, Blouin said, so he worries the vast majority of the cost for these projects would have to be paid by local communities. Were looking at these tax increments on these big development projects that are going to be diverted from local communities and back into these new entities that were creating, he said. And weve seen that all over the place these little carve-outs for favorite industries and favorite people, and takes money out of the local counties and takes oversight and input out of the local stakeholders. What about renewables? Another change introduced in the latest iteration of the bill makes another single-word distinction: baseload. The projects that would be possible because of the bill would be those involving energy sources that could be turned on and off as needed. That means coal, natural gas, geothermal, and anything that could provide power 24/7, Albrecht said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wind and solar are intermittent, but well still take them when the wind blows and the sun shines, he added. Many aspects of this legislation may change in the future, as Utah may see its first small modular reactor in a matter of decades. But, for now, Albrecht seems satisfied with being able to pass such a big bill after major hurdles. Weve come to the party, we made a good decision, he told the House before the last vote. Its a great bill, were gonna enter the nuclear generation. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Anna Vlasits never thought she would be organizing a protest, let alone putting one together in a few weeks thats expected to draw hundreds of people Friday. But with uncertainty surrounding federal funding for labs across the country, the University of Illinois Chicago scientist and mother of two felt she had no choice. I think its more urgent now, I think because of the way that the government is enacting changes in policies, which is fast and furious, said Vlasits, who covered a similar protest during the first Trump presidency when she worked as a journalist for Wired. One main difference, Vlasits said, was that the 2017 March for Science had about a four-month lead time, whereas this time around, organizers did not feel like they could wait four months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were working on a shorter time scale and feeling that urgency to get out as soon as possible, said Vlasits, who is helping lead a Stand up for Science rally in Chicago one of nearly a hundred pro-science protests set to take place this Friday across the U.S. She is not the only one feeling that urgency. Since Trump took office in January for his second term, numerous protests have taken place across the city, state and country. Some of them have been born out of movements that started in response to the second Trump administration, while others have been organized by veteran activist organizations or a combination of both newer and older organizers. I think that in the beginning, the media, especially the national media, was very much like, Activism isnt happening. Its disorganized and people dont know what theyre doing, and that is not what we were experiencing or seeing here in Chicago, said Denise Poloyac, a board member of Indivisible Chicago, a volunteer-led progressive activist group with chapters throughout the area. Just this week, Chicago is set to see at least six protests throughout the city, from a rally for Ukraine last Sunday to a march for International Womens Day this Saturday. While the focus of each protest has varied, a common theme appears to unite them all: a rejection of Trump, Elon Musk and the administrations attacks on constitutional and federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tribune spoke with organizers from protests that took place this week and are planned for this weekendand in the near future about why there are so many, what is the intended effect and how these protests differ from those in the first Trump presidency. Indivisible Chicago Since Jan. 20, Indivisible Chicago has seen over 5,000 people sign up for its mailing lists, most of them wanting the organizations Daily Action email, which goes out five times a week and lists three actions people can take And I think sometimes in the past, its, you know, when things were not like they are right now, it would be like, OK, maybe we only have two actions or one action, Poloyac said. But right now, the organization has so many actions to choose from that it is struggling to figure out each day which ones it should highlight. Additionally, the organization has had nearly 1,000 people reach out and say they are interested in taking on greater leadership roles or joining one of Indivisibles teams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the overwhelming number of actions people are taking, Poloyac said Indivisible Chicago so far has found a way to support nearly every organization that has reached out and said it wants to hold a protest, some of which include organizations founded either after Trump won his second term or after his inauguration. Trans Up Front Illinois Weve never had a president in history try to make so many rash changes so quick, said Asher McMaher, executive director of Trans Up Front Illinois. For McMaher, who uses they/them pronouns, the actions of the second Trump administration are felt deeply for them, their family and their community. Soon after Trump won his second presidency, McMaher said, they started Trans Up Front Illinois to provide a platform for the trans community during a time when Trump has signed numerous executive orders that seek to both limit recognition of trans people and the ability of health centers to provide gender-affirming care to trans people younger than 19. We know that trans health care, we know that affirming individuals is lifesaving, McMaher said. Our family knows over a dozen families who have lost a loved one to suicide because of these executive orders, and its devastating for our community, especially our trans teens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first protest their organization held was on Feb. 15 in front of Lurie Childrens Hospital, shortly after the hospital announced it was suspending gender-affirming care for patients under 19. That protest was really two people who ran that entire thing, which was my spouse and I, McMaher said, but thanks to support from organizations like Indivisible Chicago, McMaher said about hundreds of people showed up to stand in the snow for over an hour outside the of hospital. It was very powerful. We had teens who were just crying because they had people fighting for them. Most had their appointments canceled, not just once, but twice in a week, McMaher said. We wanted to make sure that regardless of what happens, they also see that there are adults and other teens and people around who will stand up for them. Trans Up Front Illinois is set to hold another protest March 30 at Federal Plaza, the day before International Trans Day of Visibility. Beyond protesting, the organization is also conducting anti-bias training, working one-on-one with families who need help with gender support plans and legal representation and posting on social media. McMaher also hopes to hold more fundraisers for those struggling to pay for certain types of care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sense of urgency is not the only thing different about this moment, organizers said. How people are choosing to organize, where the protests are happening and what kinds of actions people are taking also looks different. Other organizers Becky Simon, president for the League of Women Voters of Illinois, said that compared with the first Trump presidency, the protests are more spread out and less concentrated in big cities. On Tuesday, multiple chapters of the League of Women Voters of Illinois held protests during Trumps address to Congress. Were hoping that it will get people engaged in their local community, in their local government. So theyre not focused exclusively on large-scale federal issues, but theyre also looking more carefully at their local government, their townships, their school boards, Simon said. That is where an individual has the most opportunity to make a change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poloyac echoed a similar sentiment. Weve certainly seen, I think, a real uptick in organizing in some of the near suburban areas, for example, where people feel like they really need to get their voices out in those communities and be really visible, Poloyac said. In addition to protests, Poloyac said Indivisible Chicago has been focused on canvassing for the supreme court race in Wisconsin, organizing meetings in congressional district offices and writing letters to members of Congress urging them to take more bold actions against Trumps administration. Amid the sense of urgency, some organizations are also prioritizing joy and fun in their actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make activism fun and creative, and that can look like hosting a Drag Bingo Night and raising money for an abortion fund, said Maggie OKeefe, 40th Ward Democratic Committeewoman and voting-rights activist. In early January, after Trump won his second term, OKeefe co-founded a Chicago-based feminist collective called Gemmes for Femmes, which is dedicated toward building community among women and other gender-marginalized groups while helping people take action and navigate the current administration. For OKeefe, making that activism fun is a crucial part of Gemmes for Femmes. These are really hard times for women, for marginalized communities, for the LGBTQ community, for federal workers, the list goes on and on, OKeefe said. In order to make sense of it sometimes, it has to be organized fun. It has to feel like it is not doomsday every day, and it has to feel like you are not alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gemmes for Femmes will sponsor its first protest this Saturday afternoon for International Womens Day. OKeefe believes it will bring a sense of joy for people. Were gonna be playing great music We have incredible speakers who will speak directly to the work that they do on the ground for women, womens rights and gender-affirming care. I think that you will see some insanely creative signs, OKeefe said. So I believe that you will see more smiles than screaming, and when we are screaming, were doing it with passion. DES ALLEMANDS, La. (KLFY) A Morgan City man has died after the ATV on which he was a pasenger crashed into a parked vehicle Sunday in St. Charles Parish, authorities said. The crash claimed the life of 22-year-old Bret Flowers of Morgan City. Louisiana State Police Troop B were notified Sunday afternoon of a two-vehicle crash on La. 631 near St. Gertrude Lane in St. Charles Parish. Investigators said 28-year-old Tammy Flowers of Morgan City was driving a 2008 Can-Am Outlander ATV east on La. 631 with Bret Flowers as a passenger. For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Can-Am attempted to overtake another eastbound vehicle, crossed the centerline and traveled off the roadway. It then struck an unoccupied Jeep Cherokee parked on the westbound grassy shoulder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Bret Flowers suffered critical injuries while Tammy Flowers suffered minor to moderate injuries and were taken to a local hospital. On Wednesday, troopers were notified that Bret Flowers had died. Routine toxicology samples were obtained from Tammy Flowers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation. Troopers wish to remind the public that the use of ATVs and UTVs on roadways is illegal unless directly related to farming or other duties. Additionally, properly utilizing safety equipment, such as DOT-approved helmets while on motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs and seatbelts when riding in UTVs can decrease the risk of serious injury or death. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. WAUKESHA - Morgan Geyser has retained her planned conditional release from a mental health institute to which she has been committed for the last seven years in connection with the 2014 Slender Man-inspired stabbing of a friend. Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael Bohren on Thursday set aside concerns about the Geyser's release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute and reaffirmed his January decision to allow the 22-year-old to create a plan for her transition into the community, likely beginning in a group home in the near future. In doing so, he set aside an 11th-hour petition by state officials who had asked he revoke her conditional release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, Geyser was found not guilty by reason of mental defect in the stabbing of her 12-year-old friend Payton Leutner in 2014. Leutner was stabbed 19 times by Geyser, who was aided by Anissa Weier, in a wooded area near David's Park in Waukesha. All three girls were 12 years old at the time. Geyser and Weier said they believed they were doing the bidding of Slender Man, a fictional online character. As part of the post-trial proceedings in 2018 involving Geyser, Bohren issued a four-decade commitment order for treatment, though that order allowed her to petition every six months for conditional release. Her most recent petition was approved by Bohren in January and was expected to result in the court's review of a plan to move her into a group home under electronic monitoring. But that changed just days before the corresponding March 4 review hearing. Thursday's motion hearing was set after Bohren determined Feb. 28 probable cause existed to consider revoking Geyser's conditional release. Wisconsin Department of Health Services, in charge of monitoring her treatment progress at the Oshkosh facility, had raised concerns recently, citing the violent nature about a book Geyser has been recently reading as well as a problematic relationship she has had with a man fixated on her violent past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The details of those concerns, listed in the DHS petition to revoke her release, were not made public ahead of Thursday's hearing. But they were revealed in detail during testimony from state officials. Officials cite concerns about violent imagery in book and artwork Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie used the testimony of three individuals who have been involved with Geyser's conditional release plan to shine a light on concerns she felt could endanger the community if Geyser was allowed to interact more freely with people. Nicole Whiteaker, a conditional release program supervisor with Wisconsin Community Services, said her team members became concerned about one book Geyser was reading. The book, "Rent Boy," dealt with "dark" themes that were "related to the index offense," the 2014 stabbing incident, she said. "It was a dark novel that revolved around murder involving the selling of body parts along the black market," Whiteaker said, who added that Geyser push backed against officials' efforts to monitor her reading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second concern involved an older man whom Geyser had corresponded with, and then met with at Winnebago at one point, during her treatment there. Among other correspondence, the man claimed he had received some of her artwork drawings depicting what Whiteaker also described as disturbing. "They were very dark in nature," Whiteaker said, noting the man was offering these materials for sale on Facebook. "I would describe (one of them) as a horror-type picture." Geyser's attorney, Tony Cotton, noted it was Geyser who cut off visits from the man after he had visited her at Winnebago three times in June 2023. Whiteaker concurred, acknowledging Geyser subsequently requested a no-contact order, and also agreed the man, who was named in court, seemed intent on focusing on her notorious case regardless of Geyser's feelings. "It appears he is fixated as true crime, as a whole," she said, and also had expressed getting sexual gratification from violent imagery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In cross examination, Cotton pushed the point that the Winnebago doctors, including those who supported her conditional release, were aware of her dark artwork. "So this wasn't something new," he said, adding Geyser was forthcoming with the information they sought. "Morgan should be commended for her honesty, ... don't you agree?" Cotton asked. But under additional questioning from Nickolie, Whiteaker said such details were enough to raise concerns of risk to the community if Geyser's conditional release moved forward. Kathleen Martinez, a DHS forensics mental health manager, voiced similar concerns over Geyser's choice of reading materials. Those concerns were shared with Geyser's doctors to get their perspective, she said. Those treating her were not fully aware of these details, she added. "The social worker indicated she had not told the treatment team about the (Facebook) posts, the content of the drawings and about the specific content of 'Rent Boy,'" Martinez said, adding later, "You can't write a treatment for problems of which you are unaware." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Health Services found such details enough reason to ask for revocation of her conditional release. "It's based on safety to the community and Miss Geyser," Martinez said. But in response to Cotton's questions, she also acknowledged that Geyser had broken no rules, "as far as I know," that directly warranted revocation of her conditional release. Lisa Portmann, a therapist at Winnebago who is currently working with Geyser, said she was unaware of Geyser's interest in reading material depicting "sexual sadism" or some of her violent artwork, including one of a decapitated figure with blood spewing from the neck. But Portmann said she has no current concerns about Geyser's behavior or therapy, or any heightened risk after reading about the recent DHS concerns. State doctors who recommended conditional release address revocation Geyser had petitioned three previous times for conditional release, citing her progress in treatment at the Oshkosh facility. In December 2024, Geyser gained support from ongoing caregivers in a reversal of earlier mental health evaluations. Those doctors were also asked to address the recent concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Kenneth Robbins, who earlier testified on behalf of Geyser in two previous hearings, said he talked with a medical director at Winnebago, who in turn said the staff was previously aware of the "Rent Boy" book and her drawings. Any claims to the contrary surprised him, he said. Regardless, he reiterated his support, as he testified in April 2024 and again in January, for Geyser's move outside of Winnebago, saying the elements stated in the revocation petition carried little weight. "It doesn't change my opinion about her suitability for conditional release," Robbins said. He dismissed concerns about the contents of "Rent Boy," which he dismissed as comedic, not gruesome, and merely was part of Geyser's broader reading interests, including the Bible and books about Vincent Van Gogh and the Vietnam War. "It was very clear she doesn't take pleasure in gore and in violence," Robbins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to questions from Cotton, Robbins also acknowledged that state doctors had earlier referenced Geyser's artwork, including the one referenced in the revocation hearing. Dr. Brooke Lundbohm, one of those doctors, supported her conditional release in January despite knowledge of the drawing, he said. Lundbohm was asked by Bohren to offer her opinion, especially of whether she still supports conditional release. She did, adding that doctors were aware of Geyser's reading materials and her relationship with the man who sold her artwork all along. Dr. Deborah Collins, the other medical expert, also concurred. Attorneys disagree on testimony's weight, but Bohren rules for Geyser Nickolie and Cotton, not surprisingly, voiced competing opinions about what the information the court heard, with each insisting Geyser was being misrepresented by the facts at hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nickolie said the testimony raised "red flags" concerning the community's safety. She said that's why she strongly supported the petition of revocation. But Cotton said DHS officials ignored their responsibility by raising issues without talking to any of the doctors who had filed reports and testified in January that she could safely be conditionally released under a negotiated plan. "All of this is really a hit job on her," Cotton said. "The time has passed for the plan to be brought to this court," he said, adding, "Morgan is not more dangerous today." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bohren sided with the doctors who supported Geyser's conditional release, stating that none of the testimony he heard Thursday changes his earlier decision. He could not find "lying or subterfuge" by Geyser to manipulate the process. "I don't see a risk to the public, I don't see a risk to her," Bohren said. "I'm satisfied the state has not met its burden." The conditional release plan can advance, but the date the court could review that plan is not certain. It could happen as early as March 21, the date Bohren set Thursday. But it could happen as late as April 28 if the plan isn't ready for review this month. Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at james.riccioli@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Slender Man defendant Geyser again gets court support for release Considering a Republican candidate won the United States presidential election in November 2024, it's easy to assume most Americans identify as Republicans. The data, however, tells a different story. According to Gallup, 28% of Americans considered themselves Democrats in 2024, the same percentage who identified as Republicans. A far greater number (43%) identified as Independents. When choosing between the two major parties, Gallup's data shows that 45% of Americans lean toward Democratic values. Still, those values look far different from the party's initial tenets when it was created over 175 years ago. America's longest-running political party formally took shape with the founding of the Democratic National Committee in 1848, when early Democrats fought to limit federal government oversight and stood against the abolition of slavery. Today, the Democratic Party tends to advocate for an active federal government and champions progressive causes like resisting voter suppression and advocating for gun reform and reproductive rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An April 2024 analysis from the Pew Research Center showed that certain groups are more inclined to lean Democratic, including Black and Asian Americans, those without a religious affiliation, and those born in the 1990s. Still, the Democratic Party isn't a united front. Opinions differ on issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict, which led to protests throughout the U.S. in 2024. To see where Democrats are most prominent in the U.S. today, Stacker ranked each state by the percentage of residents who voted for then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, using data from The American Presidency Project. Voting data is as of Dec. 31, 2024. Supplementary data on voting patterns from the past 16 presidential elections is also included but did not impact the ranking. Though many of the states in the top 25 are in the Northeast or on the West Coast, as one may expect, the list also has a few unexpected outliers. Read on to see where your state ranks. You may also like: Texas elections officials shoulder new burdens to appease ballot-security skeptics Sulae // Shutterstock #50. Wyoming - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 69,527 (25.8%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 1 time Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #49. West Virginia - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 214,309 (28.1%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 7 times Charles Knowles // Shutterstock #48. Idaho - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 274,972 (30.4%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 2 times Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement #47. North Dakota - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 112,327 (30.5%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 1 time Natalia Bratslavsky // Shutterstock #46. Oklahoma - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 499,599 (31.9%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 2 times You may also like: Yes, politics is worsening people's mental healthHere's what the data shows shuttersv // Shutterstock #45. Arkansas - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 396,905 (33.6%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 4 times hw22 // Shutterstock #44. Kentucky - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 704,043 (33.9%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 4 times Talmon Murphy Jr // Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement #43. Alabama - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 772,412 (34.1%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 1 time Bo Shen // Shutterstock #42. South Dakota - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 146,859 (34.2%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 1 time Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #41. Tennessee - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 1,056,265 (34.5%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 4 times You may also like: 5 biggest US presidential election upsets since 1872 Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #40. Utah - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 562,566 (37.8%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 1 time Katherine Welles // Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement #39. Mississippi - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 466,668 (38.0%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 2 times Kevin Ruck // Shutterstock #38. Louisiana - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 766,870 (38.2%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 3 times NayaDadara // Shutterstock #37. Montana - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 231,906 (38.5%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 3 times Kristopher Kettner // Shutterstock #36. Nebraska - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 369,995 (39.1%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 1 time You may also like: Under Wisconsin's 'drawdown' election law, legitimate votes get tossed Roberto Galan // Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement #35. Indiana - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 1,163,603 (39.6%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 3 times Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #34. Missouri - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 1,200,599 (40.1%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 4 times Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #33. South Carolina - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 1,028,452 (40.4%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 1 time Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #32. Kansas - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 544,853 (41.0%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 1 time Alexandre.ROSA // Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement #31. Alaska - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 140,026 (41.4%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 1 time You may also like: What is a Conservative? Understanding how the term works in American politics Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #30. Texas - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 4,835,250 (42.5%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 4 times Rudy Balasko // Shutterstock #29. Iowa - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 707,278 (42.5%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 7 times Gianfranco Vivi // Shutterstock #28. Florida - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 4,683,038 (43.0%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 6 times Rudy Balasko // Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement #27. Ohio - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 2,533,699 (43.9%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 7 times Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #26. Arizona - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 1,582,860 (46.7%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 2 times You may also like: Arizonans left off voter rolls just before primary because of problems with their forms Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #25. Nevada - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 705,197 (47.5%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 7 times digidreamgrafix // Shutterstock #24. North Carolina - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 2,715,375 (47.7%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 3 times Sean Pavone // Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement #23. Michigan - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 2,736,533 (48.3%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 9 times Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #22. Georgia - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 2,548,017 (48.5%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 4 times Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #21. Pennsylvania - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 3,423,042 (48.7%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 11 times You may also like: Texas lawmakers are mostly silent on addressing threats to ballot secrecy Sandra Foyt // Shutterstock #20. Wisconsin - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 1,668,229 (48.8%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 10 times Sean Pavone // Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement #19. New Hampshire - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 418,488 (50.7%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 8 times photo.ua // Shutterstock #18. Minnesota - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 1,656,979 (50.9%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 15 times Sherry V Smith // Shutterstock #17. Virginia - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 2,335,395 (51.8%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 5 times turtix // Shutterstock #16. New Mexico - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 478,802 (51.9%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 8 times You may also like: Tim Walz on criminal justice: 5 things to know FotosForTheFuture // Shutterstock #15. New Jersey - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 2,220,713 (52.0%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 9 times Mihai_Andritoiu // Shutterstock #14. Maine - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 435,652 (52.4%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 10 times Andrew Zarivny // Shutterstock #13. Colorado - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 1,728,159 (54.1%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 7 times Kamil Zelezik // Shutterstock #12. Illinois - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 3,062,863 (54.4%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 9 times Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #11. Oregon - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 1,240,600 (55.3%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 11 times You may also like: How Pennsylvania secures mail ballots, prevents fraud, and makes sure votes count Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #10. Rhode Island - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 285,156 (55.5%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 13 times Ryan DeBerardinis // Shutterstock #9. New York - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 4,619,195 (55.9%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 13 times Allan Wood Photography // Shutterstock #8. Connecticut - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 992,053 (56.4%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 11 times Jon Bilous // Shutterstock #7. Delaware - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 289,758 (56.6%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 11 times emperorcosar // Shutterstock #6. Washington - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 2,245,849 (57.2%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 11 times You may also like: What are 'inauthentic influencers,' and what's their role in an election where democracy is on the ballot? Juancat // Shutterstock #5. California - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 9,276,179 (58.5%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 10 times Wolfgang Hauke // Shutterstock #4. Hawai'i - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 313,044 (60.6%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 13 times Travellaggio // Shutterstock #3. Massachusetts - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 2,126,518 (61.2%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 14 times Real Window Creative // Shutterstock #2. Maryland - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 1,902,577 (62.6%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 13 times Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #1. Vermont - Votes cast for Kamala Harris in 2024: 235,791 (63.8%) - Presidential elections between 1964-2024: voted Democratic 10 times Data reporting by Wade Zhou. Story editing by Jaimie Etkin. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Jaimie Etkin. You may also like: Pivot counties in the 2024 presidential election Pete Hegseths Department of Defense has marked an image of the USAAF B29 bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima for deletionand its reason may be the perfect illustration of why right now really isnt a good time to be closing the Department of Education. That historical image was among 26,000 that were marked for deletion as part of the DODs rushed efforts to weed out any traces of so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion by Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. The photograph was marked for removal because it prominently features the name of the aircraft: Enola Gay, named for the pilot Colonel Paul Tibbettss mother. The Associated Press published a database Thursday of thousands of images marked for deletion. While some of the photographs were still visible Thursday, its not clear if they will remain so. One official told the AP that close to 100,000 files could be deleted as part of the Pentagons latest purge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not surprising that the sweep for DEI has consequently targeted the records and achievements of women and minorities in the military, removing mentions of Womens History Month and Black History Month. One collection of images titled Womens History Month: All-female crew supports warfighters saw its main page removed, though one photograph of an all-female C-17 crew remained. Another photograph titled Engineering pioneer remembered during Black History Month was deleted, as well. Other photographs swept up in the purge included those of service members with the last name Gay, war heroes such as Marine Corps World War II Medal of Honor recipient Private First Class Harold Gonsalves, and a photograph of a group of Army Corps biologists, who appeared to have earned their spot on the chopping block because they were collecting data about fish including, among other things, their gender. Online, people werent at all impressed by the Pentagons thoughtless CTRL-F style of searching for woke. Former Pentagon spokesperson Chris Meagher called the report bonkers in a post on X Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rick Pearson, a political reporter for the Chicago Tribune, called the Pentagons purge complete lunacy and literally an attempt to whitewash history in a post on X. Republicans spent years complaining about cancel culture and then took office and banned photos of the Enola Gay because it has the word gay in it, posted Skyler Johnson, a candidate for New York State Senate. These fuckers are bigots and fucking idiots too, wrote Army veteran Fred Wellman, who hosts the podcast On Democracy. What a piece of shit you are @SecDef, he added in a second post. SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) A mother and her son were shopping on Story Road in San Jose when they were robbed and assaulted by a group of suspected gang members, police said. The violent assault happened in broad daylight on January 18. Two suspects Emiliano Jimenez, 20, and Tommy Gonzalez, 19 were found this week and arrested, police said. Three additional suspects were also arrested in connection to the assault. The mother and son were shopping at stores on the 3000 block of Story Road at 1:33 p.m. January 18 when the son was attacked, the San Jose Police Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects violently assaulted the juvenile victim, causing him to lose consciousness, SJPD spokesperson Stacie Shih wrote. When the victims mother tried to intervene and protect her unconscious son, she was also assaulted by the gang members, police said. The group fled from the scene before police officers arrived. SJPD Gang Investigations Unit detectives began a comprehensive investigation and identified the five suspects as Jimenez, Gonzalez, and 18-year-old Mario Perez, and two boys who are younger than 18, Shih said. All of the suspects live in San Jose and police described the attack as gang-motivated. Surveillance images show what happened before Santana Row Valentines Day killing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives arrested Perez and the two boys on February 12. During the arrest and search warrant execution for the two juvenile suspects, SJPD located two illegal firearms. The juvenile suspects were booked into Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall for robbery, assault, and various firearm-related crimes, Shih wrote. San Jose police seized guns and ammunition while serving search warrants at the suspects homes. (SJPD Photo) On March 4, Jimenez and Gonzalez were booked into a Santa Clara County jail for gang-motivated robbery and assault. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Editors Note: This story contains graphic content. SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Mountain Home man accused of kidnapping and murder has been arrested for rape in Benton County, according to court documents. Skylar Brazil, 41, was arrested by the Benton County Sheriffs Office on March 3 on one count of rape. Skylar Brazil, 41 (Courtesy: Benton County Detention Center) A probable cause affidavit said that on Sept. 11, 2020, an officer with the Siloam Springs Police Department spoke with a person who said they had unwilling sexual contact with Brazil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged victim told police that on July 25, 2020, Brazile drove to Siloam Springs from Mountain Home to drop off something. Brazil reportedly showed the victim inappropriate photos and raped her while she was asleep, according to the affidavit. Human remains found in wooded area in Rogers The victim was interviewed and said that she was uncomfortable talking about what else happened because he was like a father to her. They said they froze during the alleged incident and Brazil left the home after receiving a phone call, leaving a $100 bill. Brazil also reportedly told the victim to never say anything about what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records say at least one alleged victim reported instances of inappropriate touching while Brazil was in Siloam Springs. The heavily redacted affidavit also discusses multiple incidents that took place in Mountain Home in July 2020. Those reports were referred to the Mountain Home Police Department. Brazil is being held in the Benton County Detention Center on a $1 million bond. He is set to appear in court for his rape charge on April 14. Murder case Brazil is also facing charges in Baxter County in relation to a murder case. He was charged with to first-degree murder, kidnapping, battery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brazil is also charged as a habitual offender. He has pleaded not guilty on those charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winslow man sentenced to federal prison for making poisonous biological weapon On Dec. 9, 2020, the Baxter County Sheriffs Office received a report about a missing person from Cody Stratford, who had not been seen since Dec. 4, 2020. The family told BCSO that they heard Stratford was killed by Brazil and accomplice Ryan Lindsey. Law enforcement found a burned vehicle in a wooded area a week after receiving the missing persons report. Witnesses spoke with law enforcement and said they saw Brazil and Lindsey physically attack Stratford and point a gun at him. Brazil reportedly attempted to flee from authorities but was caught. He admitted to assaulting Stratford and said Lindsey admitted to shooting and burning him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lindsey, along with two other co-defendants in the case, Allison Cunningham and Ashley Hendricks, face murder, kidnapping and multiple other charges. Brazils trial in the Baxter County case is set for July 14. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. A wild west of motor vehicle racing is getting plenty of attention from state lawmakers this session. From the race track to a tract of legislation. Both are asking where to accelerate or put on the brakes. Currently, there are at least three bills that would regulate it. Track owners have gotten one withdrawn, asked for anothers removal, and praised the third. Malvern motocross complex aims to become national hub for sport Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jerry Bradley owns The Ridge Off-Road Park in Bradford. He convinced Rep. Wayne Long (Bradford-R) to withdraw House Bill 1564 Wednesday. The legislation would have added a noise restriction, quiet hours, and liability insurance requirement to include all motocross, ATV tracks, truck or automobile racing tracks. ATV side-by-side motocross cycles I mean they use is just becoming extremely popular after Covid you know and I think thats why theres so many bills concerning the regulation of them, Bradley said. Homeowners around Diamond State Moto Complex near Malvern have been asking for restrictions for months. In December, many, including Raymond Tanner, said it is unfair the business can disrupt their lives so easily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tell me when do the people of the community not have the rights? Why do the people moving in making all the noise have a say so over us? Tanner asked. House Bill 1567 sponsored by Representative Rick McClure (Malvern (R)) is still in committee. It would apply the existing rural truck and automobile racing facilities code to ATV and motocross race facilities. New permits would need to be issued with public notifications and hearings. That permit would need renewal each year, and the county judge would weigh the benefits of the facility and the impact it has on the property around it. Sheridan 6-year-old taking passion for motocross racing nationwide, competing in amateur nationals Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bradley and Diamond State Moto Complex have come out against 1564 and 1567. The complex stated in part: A renewal processcould subject us to license revocation each year. If passed, these Bills will render operation of our facility and similar facilities across the state unfeasible and our investment in this community a total loss. The complex is in favor of House Bill 1465 sponsored by Representative Justin Gonzalez (Okolona (R)). It would recognize the inherent risk of participating in motocross and remove liability from the track owners in most cases of injury or death. Bradford would like to his that extend to parks like his. I think it all should be grouped into one you know one term that covers all of those that would that would simplify the law, Bradford said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully making the twists and turns more navigable for owners, racers, and neighbors. Because right now the way the laws are written is pretty complicated honestly, Bradford explained. Hot Spring County locals raise complaints with motocross complex KARK 4 News contacted Long and McClure for comment. Neither responded as of the time of this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. (Reuters) -Informa, a British events and academic publishing group, said on Thursday 2025 would be another year of double-digit percentage growth, after reporting an 11.6% rise in 2024 underlying revenue and agreeing a partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The events sector has experienced a rebound in the last two years, with a notable resurgence in in-person business conferences and exhibitions, after the pandemic-induced disruptions. Chief Executive Stephen Carter said Informa provided a range of services connected to its exhibitions and events, such as data analysis, accreditation and learning services, which were increasingly underpinned by AI. "We're in about 27 markets, and we have a big industry or market-leading trade show, which is the place where everybody in the industry connects, and we put other things around that," he said. Informa said it had agreed a partnership with DWTC to pursue opportunities in exhibitions and event management, targeting revenues of more than $700 million. The deal will bring together leading brands in healthcare, energy, aviation, food and IT, Carter said, adding that the joint venture would also drive growth into adjacent markets. Shares in the group, which hit an all-time high last month, fell by 4% to 784 pence. Informa, the world's largest exhibition group, said it expects double-digit percentage growth in group revenue and adjusted diluted earnings per share, including reported revenues of more than 4.1 billion pounds ($5.29 billion) in 2025. For 2024, revenue came in at 3.55 billion pounds and it logged an adjusted operating profit of 995 million pounds, higher than the 975 million pounds it had forecast. Informa also said it is restarting share buybacks with an initial minimum target of more than 200 million pounds in 2025. ($1 = 0.7744 pounds) (Reporting by Raechel Thankam Job and Chandini Monnappa in Bengaluru and Paul Sandle in London; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala, Eileen Soreng and Louise Heavens) BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore said the investigation into the death of Southern University Student Caleb Wilson could be a long one. With new details emerging, Southern University is now saying they see this as a potential hazing investigation. Moore said that the Baton Rouge Police have been working around the clock to piece everything together. Hazing can be a misdemeanor. Hazing can be felony hazing. When theres a death thats involved, said Moore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore tells Louisiana First News that around 15 to 20 people were at the warehouse where Wilson had collapsed. That includes fraternity members and pledges for Omega Psi Phi. Now he and the Baton Rouge Police say their working to put the pieces together. Moore said the coroner came to a dead end on his cause of death and has to run even more tests. But in his opinion, the answer is clear. There was no outward sign of physical damage or injury. All the indications are to us that the person died as a result of the activities that were going on that night, he said. Southern University begins student judiciary process after Caleb Wilsons death Wilson was in the process of pledging into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Moore said its unfortunate that the same ones who put him through the process could be responsible for his death. Moore said witnesses are being interviewed. Its unclear how many could potentially face charges in Wilsons death. But what is clear is how many they can be hit with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the state of Louisiana, hazing is considered illegal. The Max Gruver Act makes hazing a felony following the hazing-related death of LSU student Max Gruver in 2017. Other potential charges are like negligent homicide, manslaughter, obstruction of justice, just a few different charges that assume that the police are considering that we would potentially consider as well, said Moore. Moore said he feels for the Wilson family. Wilson was just a junior majoring in mechanical engineering. Now, all thats left is his memory and unanswered questions. To have your son come home, not with cap and gown, but in a black bag is very difficult to accept, said Moore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore said Southern University has been relieving the stress by providing names and information. He said that with everything still new and interviews still happening, this case may take a while. If police determine probable cause, they can go forward and present warrants to a judge and possibly take this case to a grand jury. Moore said theyre still waiting for the final results of the autopsy. Candlelight vigil honors Southern University student Caleb Wilson Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. TWO RIVERS, Wis. (WFRV) Multiple pets are missing in Two Rivers after a residential fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damages on Thursday afternoon, displacing the residents. According to a Two Rivers Fire Department release, crews were dispatched to a fire at 2308 Monroe Street around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Green Bay Metro Fire Department reminding residents to check smoke alarms ahead of Daylight Savings Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire crews found a significant outer fire at a duplex residence, and were able to quickly extinguish flames before they extended further into the building. Two Rivers Fire Department Two Rivers Fire Department Two Rivers Fire Department Two Rivers Fire Department The Two Rivers Police Department assisted residents in evacuating the building. While no injuries were reported, the residents were left displaced as a result. Firefighters searched the premises, and were unable to find pets that were reportedly inside the building at the time of the fire, and their current status isnt known. Officials say escaped Dodge County inmate from Green Bay taken into custody The fire reportedly caused an estimated $50,000 in damages, and is still under investigation for the cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional details were provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Elon Musk and Texas Governor Greg Abbott are cheering the firing of a state employee who dared to include his pronouns in his work email signature. Abbott went on X to brag about the firing, writing A Texas state employee refused to remove pronouns from email signature. He was fired before noon. Musk hyped up the firing with two fire emojis. The billionaire has himself laid off thousands of federal employees through the Department of Government Efficiency in recent weeks. A Texas state employee refused to remove pronouns from email signature. He was fired before noon. https://t.co/qKQ2q2af9o via @statesman Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 6, 2025 The employee, Frank Zamora, was booted from his job as a program manager at the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) after refusing to comply with a new rule banning pronouns in email signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TREC instated the rule after Abbott ordered state agencies to purge woke gender ideologies, his version of Donald Trumps executive order to restore biological truth to the federal government. In response to his firing, Zamora told The Guardian, I felt that this order was strictly passed down to appease a certain political movement, and that it was strictly done, essentially, to win a culture war. He pointed out that pronouns are grammar and a function of almost every sentence that we speak. Greg Abbott speaks at the 2024 Republican National Convention. / Callaghan O'hare/REUTERS Zamora tried to communicate the same point when he announced to TREC that he would refuse to comply with the new rule, writing in a letter that, in the grand scheme of things, the layout of an email signature block is a fairly innocuous and inconsequential piece of our daily duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is clear that this latest directive is part of a broader effort to wipe out the acknowledgement of non-binary, intersex and transgender persons throughout Texas as well as sending the societal message that these individuals are not accepted in this state, Zamora wrote. TREC declined to compromise, giving him a choice between removing the pronouns, resigning, or being terminated. He was let go in the first week of February. Asked about Abbott and Musks glee over his firing, Zamora saw it as nothing more than self-serving opportunism. They are doing what they must to appease the groups that have kept them in power, Zamora said. Earlier this year, unelected White House advisor and billionaire Elon Musk made a splashy appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference, wielding a golden chainsaw gifted to him by Argentina's president and self-described anarcho-capitalist Javier Milei. Photos show the richest man in the world brandishing the chainsaw a particularly unsubtle symbol for the ruthless cutting of government spending and hoisting it above his head with a gleeful rictus. The striking appearance served as a strained metaphor for Musk's efforts to systematically gut the US government from the inside out with the help of his so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which he for all intents and purposes leads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper," he boasted even earlier in February, referring to the organization responsible for supplying aid around the world. "Could [have] gone to some great parties. Did that instead." In other words, it seems crystal clear that Musk has been behind the cuts; he's repeatedly bragged about his role in them. Yet in a bewildering change of tune, the billionaire is now trying to distance himself from the dumpster fire, as CNN reports, blaming the agencies his DOGE has been targeting for mass layoffs. DOGE has been singling out a long list of government agencies, forcing them to make brutal cuts to their budgets and come up with plans for future layoffs. Musk has even personally threatened federal workers with being fired if they didn't successfully justify their jobs. A now-infamous email sent to government employees last month asked them to explain what work they did over the last week, with "failure to respond," as Musk tweeted, "taken as a resignation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE has overseen massive amounts of government job cullings, pushing the overall number of layoffs to the highest level in the country since the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent report. Musk has also personally singled out the aforementioned US International Development Agency, accusing it of being "evil." The department, which oversees lifesaving research and humanitarian efforts, was gutted by DOGE earlier this year. And the cuts just keep on coming. Earlier this week, news emerged that DOGE would be culling more than 70,000 employees as part of a restructuring at the Department of Veterans Affairs. But Musk all of a sudden wants nothing to do with the disastrous dismantling. Republican representative Derrick Van Orden told CNN that Musk informed a group of GOP lawmakers that the Veterans Affairs cut "wasn't a DOGE decision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to CNN's sources, Musk also tried to distance himself more broadly from widespread firings across agencies, blaming them on federal department heads instead. It's a puzzling new stance considering Musk's well-documented, personal involvement. Musk has previously attempted to distance himself by claiming that DOGE only recommends agencies to make job cuts and that it's not inherently responsible for those cuts, as The New Republic reports. Yet considering Musk has personally threatened to fire government workers who don't fall in line, that line of argumentation comes off as disingenuous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What's currently motivating the billionaire to distance himself from DOGE and its unscrupulous cuts? Is it the risk of a massive economic downturn, triggered by a tidal wave of unemployment and tariffs? Or is he simply growing aware of the overwhelmingly negative optics surrounding his bull-in-a-china-shop approach? Another possibility is that Musk is trying to unravel himself from the chaos to rescue his ailing carmaker. Tesla has been in dire straits, with sales numbers falling precipitously worldwide. A huge proportion of the mercurial entrepreneur's net worth is tied up with the EV maker. As Forbes reports, Tesla's massive stock nosedive has caused Musk's net worth to drop a stunning $121 billion from its latest record of $464 billion, set in mid-December, roughly three weeks before Trump was inaugurated. Besides blaming agency heads, Musk also admitted that he's prone to making "mistakes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He said, like, you know, theres going to be mistakes along the way," a GOP lawmaker told CNN. "He has said that publicly before too. And then when those are identified, they will be corrected." To be clear, there's very little room for error. This isn't a microblogging website that Musk is running into the ground it's the US government. Making "mistakes" doesn't just run the risk of hurting a private company's stock; it could quite literally cost thousands of people's lives. The latest report could also be an indication that Republicans, who have largely watched from the sidelines as Musk plowed through the government with abandon, are ready to reassert their power. "It is time for the White House now to go on offense," said senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), as quoted by CNN. "We are losing altitude here." More on DOGE: Bernie Sanders Issues Warning About AI: "You Will Be Out on the Street" A group of Department of Government Efficiency agents repeatedly pressured a federal official to open a large water pump system in California and then flew there to do it themselves, according to a new report. DOGE staffers attempted to pressure the acting head of the Bureau of Reclamation to open a water pump system, CNN reports. The staffers wanted to send the water to Los Angeles amid the devastating wildfires in January even though the system wouldnt have allowed it to reach the scorched city, CNN reports. Despite this, they still decided to take matters into their own hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, DOGE staffers called the Bureau of Reclamation claiming President Donald Trump wanted water pumps turned on at the Jones Pumping Plant, which sends water to the states Central Valley, CNN reports. But when the official didnt give in, staffers Tyler Hassen and Bryton Shang flew to California to open the pumps themselves and get a photo while doing so, CNN reports. But two issues stopped them. DOGE staffers Bryton Shang (left) and Tyler Hassen flew to California to turn on a major water pump system themselves in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires, according to a new report (Department of Government Efficiency) First, the power was off due to planned maintenance. Second, Shang wasnt an official federal employee yet, meaning he couldnt access the pump. Hassen couldnt do it either, CNN reports, because he had to fly back before the power would be restored. They didnt get their photo op, an unnamed source with knowledge of the incident told CNN, adding it represented what DOGE has been this entire time this slapstick operation of 20-somethings theyre seeing as whiz kids but have zero knowledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the DOGE X account posted a photo of Shang and Hassen in front of a map, along with other pictures of the plant. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told The Independent that the administration wanted to turn on the water to prevent another tragedy like the recent California wildfires. However, experts say there is no evidence that a water shortage caused the California wildfires, CNN reports. He will continue to protect Americas abundant natural resources while streamlining federal agencies to better serve the American people, Kelly said. A White House official also told The Independent Hassen and Shang are Department of Interior employees. Hassen has been previously identified as a DOGE staffer by The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after the visit, Trump ordered the US Army Corps to open up two Southern California dams at the end of January. This release sent water rushing toward farmland in the San Joaquin Valley, the Los Angeles Times reports, prompting concern from farmers. This is going to hurt farmers, water consultant Dan Vink told the outlet. This takes water out of their summer irrigation portfolio. Trump ordered the release after claiming that water access issues caused the wildfires that killed nearly 30 people. Trump falsely claimed the LA fires were a result of the states water policies. Photo of beautiful water flow that I just opened in California, Trump said in January 31 post on X. Today, 1.6 billion gallons and, in 3 days, it will be 5.2 billion gallons. Everybody should be happy about this long fought Victory! I only wish they listened to me six years ago There would have been no fire! The Independent has contacted Hassen and Shang for comment. The explosion of the SpaceX craft Starship minutes after launching Thursday night caused flight diversions and the interruption of arrivals at several Florida airports as images of the fiery wreckage falling from the sky trended on social media. After taking off just after 6:30 p.m. EST from a SpaceX site near Brownsville, Texas, several engines on the rocket malfunctioned. Videos posted online showed incredible scenes of the Starships debris across Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands. As a result, the Federal Aviation Administration paused flights into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Orlando until at least 8 p.m., CNN transportation correspondent Pete Muntean reported. Just saw Starship 8 blow up in the Bahamas @SpaceX @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/rTMJu23oVx Jonathon Norcross (@NorcrossUSA) March 6, 2025 An FAA spokesperson told Axios: During the event, the FAA activated a Debris Response Area and briefly slowed aircraft outside the area where space vehicle debris was falling or stopped aircraft at their departure location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 9 p.m., the FAA said departures from Miami International were delayed by an average of 30 minutes due to space launch debris. It warned wait times were increasing. Just saw the most insane #spacedebris #meteorshower right now in Turks and Caicos @elonmusk what is it?? pic.twitter.com/a7f4MbEB8Q Dean Olson (@deankolson87) January 16, 2025 Air traffic maps showed diversions being made shortly after the rockets breakup, with those flights later reorienting toward their original destinations. In a statement, SpaceX described what occurred: During Starships ascent burn, the vehicle experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly and contact was lost. Our team immediately began coordination with safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency responses, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will review the data from todays flight test to better understand root cause. As always, success comes from what we learn, and todays flight will offer additional lessons to improve Starships reliability. I am in Turks and Caicos and the Starship exploded right over our heads @elonmusk @SpaceX pic.twitter.com/fixWsd3Uye Greg Munch (@GregMunch1) January 16, 2025 Thursdays launch was the eighth for Starship. During its seventh in January, part of the rocket disintegrated over the Caribbean. In November, Donald Trump joined SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for a Starship launch. While successful, the initial plan of having a rocket booster be caught while coming back down to Earth was scrapped. Instead, four minutes into the launch, the mission director ordered the booster to crash into the Gulf of Mexico. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), founded by billionaire Elon Musk, has dismissed journalist Ostap Yarysh from the Ukrainian service of Voice of America (VoA). Source: Nataliia Lyhachova, editor-in-chief of Detector Media, a Ukrainian media outlet Quote: "Ostap Yarysh has been fired from the Ukrainian service of the Voice of America. During an inspection by the DOGE department. This is only the first wave of dismissals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Lyhachova noted that this is just the first wave of dismissals. The New York Times previously reported that the US Agency for Global Media, the parent organisation of Voice of America, had launched an investigation into journalists who criticised President Donald Trump's policies. In particular, Steve Herman, a leading journalist at Voice of America, was placed on extended leave. Herman confirmed to the NYT that he had received a letter stating the investigation was focused on whether his "social media activity has undermined VoAs audiences perceptions of the objectivity and/or credibility of VoA and its news operations". Anonymous sources also told the NYT that, in recent months, VoA had either not published or toned down some stories critical of the president and his administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, journalists reported that Patsy Widakuswara, a longtime White House bureau chief at VoA, had been forcibly reassigned to another position. Some journalists suggest that such actions are intended to reduce conflicts with the Trump administration. Notably, VoA is funded by the US federal budget. Background: On 4 March, Trump threatened to cut off federal funding to any college, school or university that allows "illegal protests". Trump stated that "agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came". American students, depending on the severity of the offence, face either expulsion from the institution or arrest. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Nashville police have arrested a man after his roommate was shot and killed in an Antioch home. A call came to 911 at about 9 p.m. Wednesday reporting a shooting at a home in the 900 block of Birchmill Point South. Police found Johnia Ishan Wilson, 33, dead inside the home at the top of the stairs, police said in a news release Thursday afternoon. Davis Owolo, Jr., 24, was booked at the Downtown Detention Center Thursday morning on a charge of criminal homicide in connection with the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Owolo was reportedly upset that Wilson may have attempted to enter his room when he wasnt home, which Wilson denied," the police statement said. "Witnesses present attempted to deescalate the situation before shots were fired." Owolo fled the home with his girlfriend after the shooting, police said. He self-surrendered to police and is being held without bond. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Police: Man charged after roommate killed in Antioch NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Louisiana Workforce Commission hosted a job fair for those soon to be laid off at the Red River Mill in Campti in Natchitoches Parish. The International Paper announced that four mills in the United States will close by April 2025. Its really good, really reassuring, given you know the circumstances of the IP closing. Im really you know happy and proud that I live in a community where people come together in a quick way, in a very compassionate way, said Mayor Ronnie Williams, Mayor of Natchitoches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana Workforce Commission Rapid Response Unit said the job fair had 45 employers, with over 16 training providers and community service representatives. Hundreds of layoffs coming as International Paper announces closure in Campti, La. Were here just to help the workers find resources, look at getting some retraining if its needed, as well as finding them connections to the community, our employers and any services they are wishing to obtain, said Steve Posey, the Louisiana Workforce Rapid Response Area Coordinator. Caleb Vining, an employee at International Paper Red River Mill said, everybody seems willing to help and come together as a community to really show support for the mill. Theres a lot of families here, people that you know losing their jobs, and people understand that, and I really do see the character of this community and how affected it is by it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vining says he will be looking to God as he works towards his future. He says the job fair has shown him fresh opportunities. More local news I was thankful to be at IP. Its been a great experience. I dont think I would have been able to step forward into another career or I dont know even possibly at IP without the experience I had there. Ive been very thankful at Red River, said Vining. Posey adds that commission has been supported by the Governors office as well as local leadership like Mayor Williams and Mayor Katrina Evans, mayor of Campti. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. By Ritsuko Shimizu and Rocky Swift TOKYO (Reuters) -Seven & i Holdings, the Japanese operator of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain, appointed its first foreign CEO and handed him the task of overhauling its business to fend off a $47 billion overseas takeover bid and engineer a recovery. After a tumultous six months that began when it received a buyout offer from Canadian Circle-K operator Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT), Seven & i announced its most far-reaching leadership and business restructuring on Thursday. Lead outside director Stephen Dacus will succeed Ryuichi Isaka as chief executive on May 27, the company said. Addressing reporters in Japanese and English, Dacus said talks would continue with Couche-Tard, but significant regulatory hurdles stood in the way of a merger. "What I do not think our shareholders would want is for us to spend two plus years in limbo just for that to be rejected by the U.S. courts," he said. Seven & i, which has more than 80,000 7-Eleven stores in 20 countries and regions, also said it agreed to sell its superstore unit to Bain Capital for 814.7 billion yen ($5.50 billion) and that it would sell down its ownership of Seven Bank to below 40%. Additionally, the retail conglomerate said it will buy back about 2 trillion yen worth of shares through fiscal year 2030, and pursue a listing of its North American convenience store subsidiary by the second half of 2026. Seven & i has been the target of investor criticism over its capital allocation for years, and in August received the ACT buyout offer that was later raised to $47 billion. In response, a group led by Seven & i's founding Ito family mounted its own buyout offer, while the company's management said they could chart an independent path to recovery. Dacus told reporters he could identify with 7-Eleven franchisees as his father had been one, and that he'd worked the midnight shift in the store as a teenager. The incoming CEO, who previously held executive roles with Walmart and Fast Retailing, also led a special committee vetting the takeover bids. The Ito family group failed to secure a reported $58 billion in funding for its offer, scuttling the deal late last month. Dacus was replaced as head of the special committee by another outside director, Paul Yonamine, the company said on Thursday. Seven & i shares surged 6.1% on Thursday after Bloomberg News first reported the share buyback plan. The buyback looked like an attempt to "try to lift market value and fend off" Couche-Tard, said Lorraine Tan, a regional director at Morningstar. (NEXSTAR) The National Park Service served a record number of visits in 2024, and while that may seem like an amazing feat, your favorite park may not talk about it too much. Traditionally, individual parks and the National Park Service have touted how successful the previous year was. That has been especially true since a spike in attendance during the COVID pandemic. Last year was extra special, data shows, with more than 331.8 million visits reported across National Park Service sites. That surpasses the previous record of 330.9 million set in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trails, bathrooms, wait times: How National Park staffing cuts could impact your next visit While you can find the data on the NPS website, the agency and its parks will likely not be sharing much of the good news. Park staff told not to proactively share data A National Park Service memo said the agency will not proactively release information regarding the numbers, according to The New York Times. Parks have been instructed not to issue a press release or other proactive communications, including social media posts, unless that is its standard process, the memo continued, per reporting from SFGate. Thats a break from years past when parks would proudly share how much attendance theyve attracted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also comes as the Trump administration has fired roughly 1,000 National Park Service employees and more than 700 have reportedly resigned as part of Elon Musks fork in the road offer. Hundreds of seasonal job offers were reinstated, however. Plans have also been unveiled to close centers, museums, and other facilities at national parks, according to the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). Is Social Security money going to millions of people listed as old as 149? These changes threaten to disrupt visitors this summer, experts have warned. Which parks were the most visited and which broke records? Considering all park types NPS uses park to describe even non-parks, like monuments, historic sites, beaches, and any other property type that falls under their purview it was the Golden Gate National Recreation Area that recorded the most visits in 2024 at more than 17.1 million. That pushed it past Blue Ridge National Parkway, which has been the most-visited park in recent years but was partially shuttered by Hurricane Helene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not normal: Who held up the protest sign before Trumps speech? When it comes to national parks in particular, the Great Smoky Mountains saw the most visits at 12.2 million followed by Zion (4.9 million), the Grand Canyon (4.9 million), Yellowstone (4.7 million), and Rocky Mountain (4.2 million). More than 75 NPS sites recorded more than 1 million recreational visits in 2024, data shows. Two dozen NPS sites saw record visitation in 2024: Alagnak Wild River National Wild & Scenic River Capitol Reef National Park Cesar E. Chavez National Monument Coronado National Memorial Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve Dry Tortugas National Park First State National Historical Park Gauley River National Recreation Area Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park Kenai Fjords National Park Keweenaw National Historical Park Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Korean War Veterans Memorial Lincoln Memorial Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument Minidoka National Historic Site New River Gorge National Park & Preserve Piscataway Park Pullman National Historical Park Sequoia National Park Stones River National Battlefield Stonewall National Monument Tule Lake National Monument Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Valles Caldera National Preserve Waco Mammoth National Monument Wilsons Creek National Battleground Alagnak Wild River and Tule Springs Fossil Beds only began record visits in 2021 and First State, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, Mill Springs, Pullman, and Tule Lake started in 2023. Last year marked the first time Amache, Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, the Ice Age Trail, and Ste. Genevieve tracked visitation. How National Park staffing cuts could impact your next visit While national parks have been able to hire seasonal staff, other cuts made this year will have devastating consequences for parks and communities, Theresa Pierno, president and CEO for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), said last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without adequate staffing, parks will have a difficult time providing the kind of service and protection that we need, Phil Francis, the executive director for the Coalition to Protect Americas National Parks, previously told Nexstar. Francis warned that cutting staffing could lead to visitor centers closing, lines becoming longer, and a reduction in regular maintenance, like cleaning restrooms. Trump signs tariff exemptions for certain imports from Canada, Mexico Guides, trail maintenance workers, and those who perform daring searches and rescues may also be impacted by the job cuts, Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of government affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some national parks were already in a bind following the hiring freeze put on federal departments in January. Yosemite National Park announced many of its campgrounds would be unavailable for several weeks across June and July, the peak season for one of the most visited NPS sites. Zion National Park is also feeling the impacts of limited staffing. The park which has been understaffed for years, according to local authorities could spiral into chaos without enough rangers, the mayor of Springdale, located just outside the parks south entrance, told local outlet KSTU. In 2023, visitors to NPS sites spent roughly $26.4 billion in the gateway communities around the national parks, data from NPS shows. That, in turn, supported 415,000 thousand jobs, $19.4 billion in labor income, $32.0 billion in value-added, and $55.6 billion in economic output in the national economy, the agency said last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. As Native language programs flourish in classrooms, Indian centers, tribal meeting rooms and online, President Donald Trump issued an executive order over the weekend declaring English would be the official language of the U.S. Trump also rescinded a 25-year-old order that increased services to people with limited English proficiency and further enforced Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which among other provisions, forbids discrimination against people whose English skills aren't proficient. What's unclear is if Trump can enforce his order in Indian Country, where federally recognized tribes have a government-to-government relationship and federal law protects Native language use and instruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faced with the risk that Native languages could fade as elders pass on, tribes are trying to preserve their words to keep their tongues alive. The significance of preserving Indigenous languages often goes beyond culture or history, such as when a group of Navajo speakers played a role in helping the U.S. win World War II. For many Native people, the order created confusion, said Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly. "It is taking a stance without really any teeth behind it," she said. "So it's essentially saying this is optional for people, which is not how our government operates or should operate." The order also revived memories of failed federal policies when Indigenous languages were banned and children caught speaking their mother tongues in federal boarding schools were punished and often beaten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Services in the city: Phoenix Indian Center moves to bigger quarters after selling its longtime building How the US government tried to erase Native languages Native languages within the U.S. border account for about 245 out of more than 500 languages spoken on the North American continent, according to the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. The federal government attempted to eradicate Native languages by instituting English-only instruction in government- and religious-run schools, including boarding schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, beginning in 1887. That directive also banned any tribe's language from being spoken on school grounds. The Government has entered upon the great work of educating and citizenizing the Indians and establishing them upon homesteads, said Commissioner of Indian Affairs J. D. C. Atkins, who issued the language order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than 100 years beginning in the late 19th century, Native children as young as four were removed from their homes and sent to government- or religious-run boarding schools designed to extinguish their languages, cultures and tribal identities. The goal: assimilate tribes into mainstream society and eliminate the government's trust responsibilities to tribes as listed in treaties, executive orders and legislation. An Interior Department investigation, with support from the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, identified 417 federal Indian boarding schools operating on 451 sites across 37 states, or then-territories, between 1819 and 1969. That included 22 schools in Alaska and seven in Hawaii. The investigation didn't include the estimated 1,025 religious or private schools. The 1887 order, which was in effect for about 50 years, resulted in tribal kids being punished, sometimes brutally, for the "infraction" of speaking their native tongues. During a fact-finding meeting in the Gila River Indian Community in 2023 held by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, one woman said her aunt's tongue had been split after a clothespin was put on it for being caught speaking O'odham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, then-President Joe Biden formally apologized to tribes for the boarding school program and the intergenerational abuses, including language suppression, that they caused in Indian Country. Fact-finding tour: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland hears from Indian boarding school survivors in Arizona Federal, state laws in place to protect Native languages In 2015, the Administration for Native Americans, an agency housed within the Department of Health and Human Services, reported 65 Native languages were extinct and another 75 were under threat in the nation. Federal laws affirm the right of tribal member students to receive education in their Native languages and of Indigenous peoples to use their languages without fear of punishment. The Native American Languages Act protects the rights and freedom of Native people to use, practice and develop Native languages. It also enables tribal language instruction in federally funded schools and recognizes the rights of states, territories and other U.S. lands to make Native languages official as well as other such provisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006 authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make three-year grants for educational Native American language nests such as immersion schools, survival schools and restoration programs. Cazares-Kelly is a citizen of the Tohono O'odham Nation and works with a group, Democracy Rising, to empower women of color leaders and officials. She said she will conduct business as usual, based on federal law. "The people are protected by certain laws protecting your voting rights and ensuring that you can understand the ballot process," she said. "The voter registration forms and other voting materials are protected by law." That law is particularly needed in Pima County, she said, a "border county," where at least 26% of the population are Hispanic speakers, as well as O'odham and Yaqui speakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although recent censuses found few Native people need translation services, Cazares-Kelly said she keeps tribal and Spanish language interpreters on hand to help voters exercise what she called the fundamental rights of citizens. At least three states Hawai'i, Alaska and South Dakota have made one or more Native languages official. Hawai'i enshrined the Hawaiian language as one of its two official languages in its constitution in 1978. Arizona voters approved a proposition mandating English only in public school education, with English learners placed into immersion programs in 2000. Then-Arizona Attorney General Janet Napolitano said Native kids attending public schools on "the Reservation or elsewhere" could be taught Native languages and cultures, citing tribal sovereignty and federal law. Code Talkers, local Indian center: 'Language is part of who we are' Fortunately for the nation, some Native people had never lost their languages. During World War II, members from 15 tribes joined special units using their native tongue to confound enemy troops. The most famous of them: Navajo Code Talkers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 300 young Navajo men created special terms in Dine Bizaad, or the Navajo language, to relay military equipment or troop movements. Their communications, never broken by the Japanese in the Pacific Theater, were acknowledged to play a pivotal role in winning the war. Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima, Marine Division signal officer Major Howard Connor said. Tribes and organizations serving Indigenous peoples have taken advantage of funding from the Administration for Native Americans to open or sustain language instruction both on and off tribal lands. To keep that part of tribal heritage alive, the Phoenix Indian Center offers free language classes in both Dine and O'odham, funded by federal grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our language is an important part of who we are," said Phoenix Indian Center's CEO Jolyana Begay-Kroupa, a Navajo Nation member. "Just speaking my four clans in Navajo is beautiful." And, she said, many terms delineated in Indigenous languages, including Navajo, aren't translatable into English. Preserving languages is also an important part of tribal resilience even in the face of barriers to preserving languages and cultures, said Begay-Kroupa, who called the executive order "divisive." "It's a way to maintain our cultures," she said. "Our languages provide storytelling lessons given to us. It's beautiful." The Administration for Native Americans told The Arizona Republic there are no interruptions to funding for the agency's language programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'Dine bizaad': After council vote, Navajo is now the official language of the Navajo Nation Navajo Nation president: 'Dine Bizaad is power' The leader of the nation's largest Indigenous tribe affirmed the value of using and preserving Native languages. "Dine Bizaad is power. Our language is more than words it is our connection to our ancestors, our teachings, and our future," Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said. In December, Nygren signed legislation and an executive order officially reaffirming Dine Bizaad as the official language of the Navajo Nation. "As a sovereign nation within the United States, we have the right to pass laws that protect and strengthen our identity, culture, and language," Nygren said. Nygren and the Navajo Division for Children and Family Services launched a Dine Bizaad literacy campaign. The program will focus on preserving family stories through books written in Dine. And, Nygren said, the nation holds free online lessons in Navajo on Facebook and YouTube every Wednesday at noon, featuring Dine language expert Peter Thomas. Begay-Kroupa also said that technology is increasingly used for teaching Indigenous languages. The Indian center uses online tools like Zoom to support language learning. In the Verde Valley, the Yavapai-Apache Nation went a few steps further. The 2,700-member tribe created a comprehensive language program in 2023 to preserve and sustain its two languages. Elders worked with The Language Conservancy, a nonprofit that works to preserve the world's endangered languages, to create a mobile database, picture books and a phone app that features words in the Wipupka-Tolkapaya Yavapai and Dilzhee Apache dialects common to the two peoples of the region. "What a boring place it would be if we all spoke, ate and did the same things," Begay-Kroupa said. "There's no one language that supersedes all on Turtle Island." "Our words carry the wisdom of our ancestors, and through them, we are building a stronger future," Nygren said. "We will continue to defend and promote Dine Bizaad's use for generations to come." Debra Krol reports on Indigenous communities at the confluence of climate, culture and commerce in Arizona and the Intermountain West. Reach Krol at debra.krol@azcentral.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @debkrol. Coverage of Indigenous issues at the intersection of climate, culture and commerce is supported by the Catena Foundation. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tribes say Native languages should be spoken despite Trump's English order Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suggested on March 6 that NATO could extend Article 5 protections to Ukraine without granting Kyiv membership in the alliance. The collective defense principle enshrined in NATO's Article 5 commits member nations to come to the defense of any other member state in the event of an attack. "We need to think about more durable solutions" than just sending European peacekeepers to Ukraine, Meloni said on the sidelines of the EU leaders' meeting in Brussels. "Its a different thing than entering NATO, but it implies extending the coverage that NATO countries have also to Ukraine," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European countries, led mainly by the U.K. and France, are developing a coalition of the willing to monitor a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Various countries outside Europe, including Canada and Australia, have voiced their openness to partake in such a mission. NATO allies reaffirmed Ukraine's "irreversible" path toward NATO membership in July 2024, although member states have yet to provide Ukraine with a formal invitiation, despite numerous calls to do so. Meloni's comments come as the clearest indication of her position on Ukraine's potential security guarantees. The Italian prime minister, who has served as a potential conduit between European allies and the Trump administration, will not likely find support for the proposal in the United States. The U.S. has thus far welcomed the idea of European peacekeeping troops monitoring a potential ceasefire in Ukraine but has fallen short of offering concrete security guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meloni's comments in Brussels comes as European leaders have failed to say how Europe would provide lasting security guarantees without U.S. backing, amid steps taken by the U.S. to distance itself from Ukraine. When asked how Europe might provide security guarantees to Ukraine without a U.S. backstop, both European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen dodged specifics and pivoted to praising the Ukrainian military. "The best security guarantee are the Ukrainians themselves," Costa said, highlighting the fact that Ukraine has been fighting Russia's full-scale invasion for over three years. Read also: Best security guarantee is the Ukrainian army EU leaders dodge specifics on long-term peace plan Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NATO is turning to the ongoing war in Ukraine for lessons as the alliance works to shift its strategy going forward. Tom Goffus, NATOs Assistant Secretary General for Operations, presented five such lessons during a panel this week at the Air and Space Forces (AFA) Air Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado. I got to NATO one month before the invasion, so [I had a] front row seat watching the whole thing, Goffus told the audience. I think its a critical topic. Prior to that, Goffus, a former U.S. Air Force F-15 pilot, served as Policy Director on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, National Security Staff Director for Strategic and Eastern European Affairs, and Senior Military Advisor for European and Eurasian Affairs at the State Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before unveiling his own takeaways, Goffus talked about the value of Ukraines acoustic sensor network for the detection of low-altitude detection of drones and cruise missiles. Essentially, Ukraine is covering its entire nation, 1,000 meters and below, with acoustic sensors for less than 50 million euros (nearly $54 million), Goffus gushed. Its crazy what theyre doing with this. The Zvook acoustic detection system was showcased during the Ukrainian Brave1 tech platform on April 26, 2023. (Brave1) @Dankihot / (dankihot.com) That system is among many things being examined by NATOs new lessons learned center, called the Joint Analysis Training and Education Center (JATEC). We just opened the lessons learned center in Bydgoszcz, Poland, Goffus explained. Its the first NATO and Ukraine-run organization that we have. We dont have any other partners that run an organization like this. It will be under [Supreme Allied Commander Transformation] (SACT), but there will also be a civilian element to it. Ill have some of my people there working for the commander on the ground for unity of command, but thats going to be a vehicle for more of these. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goffus then offered up five lessons learned from this war. Lesson 1: Collective action rests on the foundation of shared awareness, and it takes real work to achieve that shared awareness, he said. And unlike in 2014, where ambassadors were arguing, theyre looking at pictures, saying, see the Russians are in Crimea, and the next ambassador would say, No, that looks like 100 to me. And as a result, we didnt do anything because we didnt have shared awareness of what was going on. Our 2022 response could not have more been more different than the 2014 response, in primary part, due to shared intelligence among allies, especially from the U.S. A man looks at a Russian T-72 tank destroyed during Russias invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images) A man looks at a Russian T-72 tank destroyed during Russias invasion of Uktaine, Ivanivka village, Chernihiv area, Ukraine, April 20, 2022 (Photo by Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Lesson 2: Its not what we do that provokes Putin. Its what we dont do. We should have learned that in 2014, and [that takes us to] lesson number three. Lesson 3: Putin is not a strategist. Hes an opportunist. He pushes on some doors, and when nobody pushes back, he walks in. What 2014 taught him was that there was no significant consequence for using force. It invited Putins 2022 invasion, in my opinion. In his own words, Putin believes that, quote, a serious, irreconcilable struggle is unfolding for the formation of a new world order. And [that takes us to] lesson number four. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the parade on the 79th anniversary of the Victory Day in Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2024. (Photo by Kremlin Press Service/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu Lesson 4: We are in a strategic confrontation. I believe our Australian friends are [seeing] the same [Chinese Premier] Xi [Jingping] dynamic in the Indo-Pacific. Putin explicitly said hell use crisis and conflict during peace to win the strategic confrontation. Peace, crisis, conflict used to be a sequence, part of our model. Now, its a spectrum. As NATO Secretary General [Mark] Rutte said, we are not at war, but we are certainly not at peace either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lesson 5: We are woefully under-invested in our transatlantic defense industrial base to produce the capabilities we need at pace and at scale. Russia, with an economy 5% the size of NATO, produces in three months many critical munitions that it takes 32 allies an entire year to produce. I know Im not making friends amongst the industry at this point, but something is very wrong here, and we must fix it. Goffus expanded on that last lesson. The defense industrial base has not been this important in a long time, he explained, adding that the U.S. has to step up its capacity to produce weapons. Lithuania wants to buy AMRAAMS for their NASAMS, he stated. Five-year wait. I talked to the Bulgarian CHOD [Chief of Defense]. They want to buy Javelins for their Strykers. Seven-year wait. I talked to some of the big allies who want to buy Patriots. 10-year wait. That needs to get fixed. NASAMS firing an AIM-120. (Kongsberg Defense) Its one thing to learn lessons. Its something else entirely to change the 32-nation alliances strategic approach. This may become more of a challenge in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trumps growing relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the chilling relations between some NATO members and the United States. On the other hand, new opportunities for breakthroughs on some of these items could be had in the wake of the current sea change in cross-Atlantic relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless, Ukraine has served as a stress test for the alliance and the military thinking and industrial base that underpins it, and clearly the major takeaways are being taken to heart by those at the top of NATOs command hierarchy. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Europe is staring down the barrel of a stark new reality where the United States being the backbone of NATO the alliance that has guaranteed the continents security for almost 80 years is no longer a given. President Donald Trumps public animosity towards Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, his willingness to embrace Russias Vladimir Putin and recent comments casting doubt over whether he would defend NATO allies if they dont pay have all forced European leaders to start thinking the previously unthinkable - is the US a reliable security partner at a time when the continent is being rocked by its biggest war since the 1940s? But NATO without the US is far from impotent, with more than a million troops and modern weaponry at its disposal from the 31 other countries in the alliance. It also has the wealth and technological knowhow to defend itself without the US, analysts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US and Germany are the biggest contributors to NATOs military budget, civil budget and security investment program, at almost 16% each, followed by the UK at 11% and France at 10%, a NATO fact sheet says. Analysts say it wouldnt take much for Europe to make up for the loss of Washingtons contribution. If European countries unite and buy the right equipment, Europe could pose a serious conventional and nuclear deterrent to Russia, Ben Schreer, Europe executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), said in a Zoom call with CNN and other journalists in late February. A NATO flag flies in the wind during the "National Guardian 2024" exercise as part of the "Quadriga" series of Bundeswehr exercises at the Oberlausitz military training area in Saxony, Weikeiel on April 30, 2024. - Robert Michael/dpa/picture alliance/Getty Images Europe alone (still has) a capacity to muster the resources it would need to defend itself, its just a question of whether (it is) willing to, Schreer said. And thats the key question. Over more than 75 years and the administrations of 14 different US presidents, including the first Trump administration, the US has been the sinew that has kept the alliance together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Cold War, US troops on the continent were there as a deterrent to any Soviet ambitions to expand the Warsaw Pact alliance and eventually saw out its end when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. NATO campaigns in the Balkans in the 1990s were conducted with US troops and airpower. And, until the second Trump administration took office on January 20, Washington spearheaded aid for Ukraine. Those decades of trans-Atlantic solidarity may have come to an end in recent days, analysts say. Trumps Oval Office blow-up with Zelensky - after which he halted US aid to Kyiv - felt like a deeper rupture, not just with Ukraine, but with the US free world strategy from Truman through Reagan, Dan Fried, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and former US assistant secretary of state for Europe, said on the councils website. John Lough, a former NATO official who is now an associate fellow at the Chatham House think tank in London, sees an even more profound split in the alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It simply feels that the United States sees Europe more as a competitor, a rival, than an ally, Lough told CNN, adding that because of that the commitment for Washington to defend NATO allies is somewhat in doubt. Its a fracture that Lough sees as unrepairable. Once you start to lose part of that commitment, you effectively lose it all, Lough said. Some people in European circles are starting to ask whether Washington should be described in some ways as an enemy, he said. But some analysts say a NATO without the US is not a bad idea. As soon as US allies become convinced that they can no longer trust in US capabilities to defend them when push comes to shove, they will rush to pick up the slack and work towards growing their own capabilities, Moritz Graefrath, a postdoctoral fellow in security and foreign policy at William & Marys Global Research Institute, wrote in War on the Rocks last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is in this sense that perhaps counterintuitively a withdrawal of US forces will create an even stronger, not weaker, Europe, Graefrath wrote. Prime Minister of NATO member Poland, Donald Tusk, thinks this process has started already. Europe as a whole is truly capable of winning any military, financial, economic confrontation with Russia - we are simply stronger, he said ahead of a European Union summit this week. We just had to start believing in it. And today it seems to be happening. What does Europe have? In concept, a European military could be formidable. Turkey has NATOs largest armed forces after the United States, with 355,200 active military personnel, according to the Military Balance 2025, compiled by the IISS. Its followed by France (202,200), Germany (179,850), Poland (164,100), Italy (161,850), the United Kingdom (141,100), Greece (132,000) and Spain (122,200). US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in the Oval Office on Friday. - Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images Turkey also has the most army personnel, which make up of the majority of frontline ground troops, with 260,200, France (113,800), Italy (94,000), Greece (93,000), Poland (90,600) the UK (78,800), Spain (70,200) and Germany (60,650), according to the IISS report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, there were about 80,000 US troops assigned or deployed to bases in NATO countries as of June 2024, a July 2024 report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) says. Most of those US troops are in Germany (35,000), Italy (12,000) and the UK (10,000), the CRS says. Some of the larger NATO nations also have weapons equal to or many times better than what Russia has. Take aircraft carriers for instance. While Russia has a single, antiquated aircraft carrier, the UK alone has two modern carriers capable of launching F-35B stealth fighters. France, Italy and Spain field aircraft carriers or amphibious ships capable of launching fighter jets, according to the Military Balance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from the US, France and the UK maintain nuclear forces, with both deploying ballistic missile submarines. The NATO allies besides the US have about 2,000 fighter and ground-attack jets among them, with dozens of new F-35 stealth jets included in that number. Ground forces include modern tanks, including German Leopards and British Challengers, donated units of which are now serving in the Ukrainian military. European NATO countries can field powerful cruise missiles, like the joint Franco-British SCALP/Storm Shadow, which has also proven itself on the Ukrainian battlefield. The Military Balance 2025 report notes that Europe is taking steps to improve its military forces without US help. In 2024, six European countries united in a project to develop ground-launched cruise missiles, made moves to increase munitions production capacity and to diversify their supplier base, looking to countries like Brazil, Israel and South Korea as new sources for military hardware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts say even if the US were to completely pull out of Europe, it would leave important infrastructure behind. The US has 31 permanent bases in Europe, according to the Congressional Research Service - naval, air, ground and command-and-control facilities that would be available to the countries where they are located if the US were to leave. And Graefrath notes, that infrastructure would not be lost to Washington if there is regret after a possible US withdrawal. It leaves much of the US military infrastructure intact for an extended period (ensuring) that the United States retains the ability to make a military return if Europe were to fail to respond as predicted, he wrote. What comes next? Some hope that the talk of a US withdrawal from NATO is just Trump bluster aimed at pushing allies to cough up and spend more on defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say the world, and another key US alliance, have been here before during Trumps first administration, when he reportedly asked the Pentagon to look at options for drawing down US troops stationed in South Korea as protection against nuclear-armed North Korea. That came as Trump prepared for meetings with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un at which he hoped to persuade Kim to commit to giving up his nuclear arsenal. US President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un stand on North Korean soil while walking to South Korea in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019, in Panmunjom, Korea. - Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images A source close to the White House told CNN at the time that a US troop pullout was viewed as something that could possibly happen in the future but not until long after (North Koreas) nukes are verifiably gone. But Kim rejected all entreaties for him to give up his nuclear weapons program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump-Kim meeting was sold as a big success despite that fact that it wasnt, said Schreer. Afterward, the US returned to business as usual on the Korean Peninsula, Schreer said. The US with tens of thousands of troops in South Korea kept them there. Bilateral exercises with Seouls forces resumed, US warships visited South Korean ports and US Air Force bombers flew over the region. The same could occur in Europe if Trump doesnt get what he wants from Putin, analysts said. NATO could go on, with the recent threats to depart just a small bump in the road. If Putin tries to screw Donald too much, even Donald Trump might recognize that, Schreer said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CORRECTION: A previous version of this story indicated the RTA Hub in downtown Dayton will be closed during the NATO conference in May. However, that information is inaccurate and the RTA Hub will be open during the conference. A scout team with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly spent the past week in Dayton, making plans for the summit at the end of May. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As previously reported on News Center 7 at 6, the summit will close large parts of downtown Dayton to build a NATO Village that will house hundreds of representatives. City Hall will be closed at this time. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scout team toured Dayton this week, and say they are impressed. Weve seen a lot of improvement from our first visit, this is going to be great, NATO PA Head of Operational Management Sebastien Botella said. This NATO Summit comes on the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords, which marked the end of the Bosnian War. The summit will bring an estimated 700 representatives and their families to Dayton. Homeland Security has been in Dayton, making sure the city is safe for the visitors. Mayor Jeff Mims is confident that the housing and security situations will be handled by the summit, and says it will have short and long-term economic benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be changes to the look and feel of downtown Dayton, with remade buildings and artwork in storefronts. However, there will be fencing and limited access to the NATO Village, which will affect big sections of downtown. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) North Carolina senators advanced the Eliminating DEI in Public Schools Act this week, prompting a passionate response from a member of the State Board of Education. Senate Bill 227 aims to prevent schools from promoting or endorsing divisive concepts and discriminatory practices. The legislation defines divisive concepts as claiming individuals are inherently racist or oppressive because of their race or sex, or that people of a certain race or sex bear responsibility for past actions of their race or sex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump slashed teacher training, citing DEI. Educators say the grants fought staff shortages Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham County) and Gaston County Republican Sen. Brad Overcash are two of the bills primary sponsors. The bill advanced Wednesday to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the State. Geoff Coltrane, senior director of Department of Public Educations Government Affairs and Strategy, presented a collection of bills relating to public education on the first day of the two-day meeting. When he reviewed SB 227, Vice Chairman Alan Duncan voiced his concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We celebrated diversity in this country as part of American Excellence with the melting pot. We came together with people from all parts of the world, he said. This was a place that was a beacon of freedom where we could celebrate our diverse backgrounds and yet come together. Why would we not still be doing that? Why would that be some kind of problem for anyone? He went on to say equality is an integral part of education and that teachers meet our children where they are in order to serve their interests and make them valuable members of society. Finally with respect to inclusion, the last item, one of the basic tenets of American life is follow the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule is do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Thats inclusion, Duncan said. Why would we not support the Golden Rule, which has been a major tenet of American culture my entire life and well beyond? There is a similar bill in the House, HB 171, titled Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. FOX VALLEY, Wis. (WFRV) Local Veterans tell Local 5 News they have major concerns about recently announced personnel cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs. In a video posted on the departments Facebook page, Secretary Doug Collins laid out the plan to eliminate about 15 percent of their current workforce (over 70,000 people). He said this could be done without cutting healthcare or benefits for Veterans. Vietnam Veteran John Koehler knows a thing or two about VA clinics. Hes not only a Veteran himself, but he also volunteers his time to drive other Veterans to their appointments at VA clinics in other parts of the state. Hes been doing this since 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin Timber Rattlers host Food Fight taste testing event to decide best of five bacon-themed recipes You felt like you really did something worthwhile because those guys wouldnt have gotten to their appointments without the service that we provide, said Koehler. He told Local 5 News that VA services have improved tremendously since he got out of the military after the Vietnam War. He said most employees at the VA work extremely hard to help out Veterans and the services these clinics provide are a lifeline for many veterans. The Dish on Wisconsin Supper Clubs: Village Limits in Little Chute Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also knows what can happen when care falls short. He said his brother Kent, who was also a Veteran of the Vietnam War, died by suicide in 2005. Koehler said his brother struggled with his mental health after his service. At the time he couldnt get the help he needed, he couldnt get through the VA system, Koehler said about his brother. Veterans struggle getting through the telephone system and scheduling, going through six or seven different prompts and then the phone dies. Koehler said he worries that cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs will only exacerbate these issues. He said hes not buying the departments claims that workforce cuts wont also mean cuts to the healthcare and benefits they can provide their clients. I think its absolutely shameful, Koehler said. I dont think that people at the top, especially those who are non-vets really understand what is happening especially at the lower levels where it meets the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins sees the cuts very differently. For many years, Veterans have been asking for a more efficient, accountable, and transparent VA, he said in the video message posted to Facebook. This administration is finally going to give the Veterans what they want. Packers Hall of Famer Mark Tauscher kicks off 8-week Green Bay cooking camp to combat hunger Collins said theyre also looking to unload many of the VAs contracts which he said will save them millions of dollars. He said theyll redirect that money to programs that can directly benefit Veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VA will always fulfill its duty to provide Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors the healthcare and benefits they have earned, he said. Thats a promise. Koehler said he isnt buying it and says the vast majority of Veterans hes talked to also said they dont like what the Department of Veterans Affairs is doing right now in regards to the personnel cuts. Veterans are livid, I think youre going to see demonstrations, a lot of letters to Congress, he said. Then theyll (the federal government) tout all the savings that they had, meanwhile Veterans arent going to get the type of services they need. Local 5 News reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs and asked how the changes will impact VA clinics in Wisconsin. We did get a return email, but a spokeswoman said that she couldnt answer that question at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local 5 News also called the VA clinics in Appleton and Green Bay. They deferred our questions to the Milwaukee facility, but spokespeople there never returned our phone call. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. CAIRO (AP) Nearly 100 people died of cholera in two weeks since the waterborne disease outbreak began in Sudans White Nile State, an international aid group said. Doctors Without Borders also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres or MSF said Thursday that 2,700 people have contracted the disease since Feb. 20, including 92 people who died. Of the admitted cholera patients who died, 18 were children, including five children who are no older than 5, and five others who were no older than 9, Marta Cazarola, MSF emergency coordinator for Sudan, told The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudan plunged into war nearly two years ago when tensions simmered between the Sudanese army and its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces group, or RSF, with battles in Khartoum and across the country. RSF launched intense attacks last month in the White Nile State that killed hundreds of civilians, including infants. The Sudanese military announced at the time that it made advances there, cutting crucial supply routes to RSF. During the RSF attacks in the state on Feb. 16, the group fired a projectile that hit the Rabak power plant, causing a mass power outage and triggering the latest wave of cholera, according to MSF. Subsequently, people in the area had to rely mainly on water obtained from donkey carts, because water pumps were no longer operational. Attacks on critical infrastructure have long-term detrimental effects on the health of vulnerable communities, said Marta Cazorla, MSF emergency coordinator for Sudan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cholera outbreak in the state peaked between Feb. 20-24, when patients and their families rushed to Kosti Teaching Hospital, overwhelming the facility beyond its capacity, according to MSF. Most patients were severely dehydrated. MSF provided 25 tons of logistical items such as beds and tents to Kosti to help absorb more cholera patients. Cazarola said that numbers in the cholera treatment center were declining and at low levels until this latest outbreak. The White Nile State Health Ministry responded to the outbreak by providing the community access to clean water and banning the use of donkey carts to transport water. Health officials also administered a vaccination campaign when the outbreak began. Sudans health ministry said Tuesday that there were 57,135 cholera cases, including 1,506 deaths, across 12 of the 18 states in Sudan. Cholera was officially declared an outbreak on Aug. 12 last year by the health ministry after a new wave of cases was reported starting July 22. The war in Sudan has killed at least 20,000 people, though the number is likely far higher. The war has driven more than 14 million people from their homes, pushed parts of the country into famine, and caused disease outbreaks. For the second time within a couple of months, Fort Campbell soldiers have been deployed to the U.S. Southern border. On Thursday, March 6, about 300 Fort Campbell soldiers assigned to the 101st Division Sustainment Brigade were deployed to the southern border as a part of the U.S. Northern Command's mission. The soldiers were deployed to three locations: Fort Huachuca, AZ, Fort Bliss, TX and Joint Base San Antonio, TX. On Saturday, Jan. 25, the 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) were deployed to California following President Donald Trump's executive order declaring a national border emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. More: Fort Campbell soldiers deploy to southern border Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soldiers will support the Joint Task Force for southern border operations by managing sustainment units, coordinating logistics, providing field feeding and controlling logistical movement. "The Soldiers of the 101st Division Sustainment Brigade are always ready to answer the call, and this mission is no different, said Col. Josh Porter, 101 DSB Commander. Their expertise in logistics and support operations will be critical in ensuring the success of border security efforts. I have full confidence in their professionalism, dedication, and ability to execute this mission with the highest standards of excellence in service to the American people." In February, soldiers assigned to the 716th Military Police Battalion and 101st Airborne Division deployed to the U.S. southern border in California, following President Donald Trump's executive order and deportation plan. Those soldiers are working with the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection and military forces already present at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are trained and ready to support this important mission, said Lt. Col. Phillip Mason, 716th Military Police Battalion commander in February. Our Soldiers are committed to protecting all Americans and supporting our civilian partners in defending the territorial integrity of the United States. Were also proud to mobilize for this mission wearing the Screaming Eagle patch, which has historical significance to the 716th. This follows Trump's executive order declaring a national border emergency and ordering U.S. armed forces to repel "forms of invasion" at the U.S.-Mexico border. Kenya Anderson is a reporter for The Leaf-Chronicle. She can be contacted at kanderson@gannett.com or on X at kenyaanderson32. Sign up for the Leaf-Chronicle to support local journalism at www.theleafchronicle.com. This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Nearly 300 Fort Campbell soldiers deploy to Southern border in March Japans Seven & i Holdings, the parent company of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain, has named a new CEO and plans to sell billions in assets as it tries to fend off a takeover bid from a Canadian rival. On Thursday, Seven & i named its board chairman, Stephen Dacus, as its new president and CEO. Dacus, the former head of Walmart in Japan, will succeed Ryuichi Isaka in May. Dacus, who is fluent in Japanese, is Seven & i's first non-Japanese CEO. Seven & i said Thursday it plans to sell some non-convenience store assets, including supermarkets and other retail stores, to Bain Capital for $5.4 billion. The transaction is scheduled to close in September. The company also said it plans an initial public offering of shares in its North American 7-Eleven operations by the end of 2026. That business, based in Irving, Texas, operates and franchises 13,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada. Seven and i said it would use the proceeds from the IPO and the sale to Bain Capital to fund share buybacks. We have been on a journey to explore opportunities that create the most value for our shareholders and enhance our customers experiences around the world," Isaka said in a statement. This is the right time to move these initiatives forward. Seven & i's share price jumped 6.1% in Tokyo. The restructuring follows Seven & i's rejection of a takeover bid by Canadas Alimentation Couche-Tard, which owns Circle K and other convenience chains. Dacus said earlier that the offer had undervalued the potential of the convenience store business and failed to fully address U.S. regulatory concerns. The company's 7-Eleven holdings include 86,000 stores in the U.S., Japan and other Asian nations. In contrast to the 7-Elevens in the U.S. mainland, the stores in Japan are known for their variety of food, and have replaced many mom and pop shops. Seven & i says 22 million people visit its 22,800 7-Elevens in Japan each day. Last year, Seven & i announced a restructuring plan to strengthen its U.S. operations and streamline operations, which included closing some Ito-Yokado supermarkets in Japan. In 2022, Seven & i sold its Sogo & Seibu department stores in Japan to Fortress Investment Group, a U.S. fund, for $1.5 billion. It said it also plans to reduce its share in Seven Bank VERSAILLES, Ohio (WJW) Nearly one-third of Ohios egg-laying birds have been killed amid the states bird flu outbreak, according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has affected millions of commercial egg and meat birds in Ohio since 2022. About 15.5 million birds have been destroyed since Dec. 24 due to illnesses detected in their flocks, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge said Thursday. About 30% of the states egg-laying birds have been killed amid the outbreak, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geese found dead at Wade Lagoon, believed to have bird flu: ODNR Most of the affected birds were in Darke County, which is the center of egg production in Ohio, and whose farmers have faced tremendous losses, Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday. DeWine and Baldridge spoke Thursday afternoon on the outbreak at the Versailles Fire Department in Darke County. Watch that briefing in the player above. This is continuing to be an ongoing problem, DeWine said. The federal government is going to have to become much more active in regard to research. One of the messages I heard today was Please do everything you can to speed that up.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeWine said he has a meeting with new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins set for Friday. I think, frankly, what we need is a real sense of urgency, and that will be my message when I talk to the secretary, he said. The department is now working to identify an HPAI vaccine, and figure out how to implement it, said Dr. Dennis Summers, ODAs state veterinarian. Ohio has seen the most new cases of poultry affected by bird flu nationwide in the past 30 days, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The infection rate has been slowing, however, said Summers. Since the outbreak began in 2022, more than 25 million birds have been affected in Ohio from 75 commercial flocks and 14 backyard flocks more than in California, but fewer than in Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes than 8 million egg-laying hens and turkey meat birds killed in Darke County just this year, according to the USDA. Ohio exports eggs across the country, and also to Canada and Mexico, said Jim Chakeres, executive vice president of the Ohio Poultry Association. He said its unclear when grocery shoppers could see relief from high prices. The challenge we have is its all supply and demand. As were decreasing and the demand has remained the same, its very difficult for that to happen until we get back into production, he said. Farmers are now working to clean and disinfect their facilities so they can start back up. But even then, it can take several weeks before one batch of eggs can reach store shelves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The farms are prepared. They are resilient. They will survive. We know that everyone is affected by this and we will get beyond it, Chakeres said. Ohio reports first probable human case of bird flu The first probable human case of bird flu was detected in mid-February in Mercer County. The person was a farm worker who had contact with infected birds that had died. While the risk to Ohioans is low, the best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid unprotected exposures to sick or dead birds or to their environment, Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff was quoted in a news release that month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People should avoid direct contact with poultry or wild birds and take proper precautions, including reaching out for guidance regarding personal protection and safe handling, if you must be around sick or dead birds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The boyfriend of a Bronx woman who was found dead on Thursday, her body stuffed in a suitcase in a shallow creek off the Saw Mill River Parkway days after she went missing, has been arrested in her death. Junior Perez Diaz, 46, was arrested Friday and charged with the murder and kidnapping of his girlfriend, Pamela Alcantara, 26. He already had been taken into custody Thursday but not immediately charged. My little girl was so devout, Alcantaras bereaved mother, Sunilda Rubiera, said at a vigil for her daughter on Friday evening. She wanted to save souls. She wanted to serve God. She wanted to help people find salvation. She just wanted to live a life of service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcantara had recently told Rubiera she was a victim of domestic violence and was planning to leave Perez Diaz, Rubiera said. She said she didnt tell her mother sooner because she didnt want to trouble her. There was nothing alarming in their last FaceTime conversation the day before Alcantara went missing, during which Alcantara showed off a new dress she planned to wear on an upcoming trip, Rubiera said. Rubiera shared a message for other women experiencing domestic abuse: Dont be silent. Dont be intimidated. Speak out. Dont be fooled by empty promises. When they say theyre going to change, this is what they do, she said. It was not immediately clear how Alcantara died, but a police source said it looked like she had been strangled. The Westchester County Medical Examiners Office on Friday was tasked with performing an autopsy. Meanwhile, on Friday neighbors were stunned by the grisly news, with many saying they never expected that such a spiritual woman would come to such a horrific end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcantara was last seen around 2 a.m. on Sunday in her apartment that she shared with Diaz on Morris Ave. near E. 179th St. in Morris Heights, police said. The boyfriend quickly became a person of interest in Alcantaras disappearance. When detectives learned that he had been in the area of Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers, they searched the area and found Alcantaras body Thursday morning inside a suitcase in a creek about 100 feet off the Saw Mill River Parkway, law enforcement sources said. Neighbors of Alcantaras Morris Ave. apartment building banded together to look for Alcantara after she disappeared. A relative at the vigil on Friday told the News that Perez Diaz even pretended to help with the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He helped put up flyers in the neighborhood when she went missing, said the relative, who did not give their name. It was a lot of people [in the search], one 62-year-old neighbor told the Daily News Friday. Residents searched the building and scoured neighboring blocks in every direction. It was surprising and sad, the neighbor said about Alcantaras death. She was real quiet, real nice. Everybody loved her. Neighbors knew something was wrong on Sunday when she left her apartment to go to her church, the Concilio Cristiano Dios en Medio de la Familia on White Plains Road in Wakefield, but never showed up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcantara was very spiritual and often ministered at the church. When she learned Alcantara didnt show up for service, her mother flew in from the Dominican Republic to assist in the search. She would go from work to church and from church to the house, the neighbor said. Her brother, Isacc Lopez, remembered his sister as a churchgoing girl, who worked at a Bronx homeless shelter. She always had the heart to work with the less fortunate, Lopez told The News Thursday. She preached on the street, and she worked with the homeless. Alcantara and her boyfriend had been together for about five years, but the woman recently told family she needed to move out of the apartment, her brother said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt working out, said Lopez. She wanted to leave. He described the boyfriend as obsessed with Alcantara. Family and friends helped Alcantara find an apartment. She was planning to move in to her new home next Wednesday, according to relatives. Perez Diaz initially told police officers that he did not know where Alcantara was, said a police source. He told cops she left in pajamas in the middle of the night, said the source. She wasnt supposed to leave until the next day, but he said she left in the middle of the night with a large red suitcase, the relative at the vigil said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In surveillance video from the building viewed by The News, Alcantara can be seen carrying a bag of takeout food into her apartment Sunday morning, but she never leaves. On Friday, the walls of the apartment building were still plastered with Alcantaras missing person posters offering a $5,000 reward for information about her whereabouts. Domestic abuse is a serious thing, said Lopez. This shouldnt happen to anybody. Not her, not anybody. We want justice. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A shooting investigation along the I-11 led to more than 40 pounds of cannabis being recovered. The shooting took place on Feb. 25 in the northwest Las Vegas area near I-11 and the 215. Nevada State Police identified the suspect as Christopher Christman, and took him into custody on March 5 without incident. As detectives searched for a weapon, they said they found 41 pounds of illicit cannabis in the suspects possession, according to NSP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christman was then taken to the Clark County Detention Center and faces several charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, aiming a gun at a person, and possession of marijuana less than 50 pounds, police said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Gov. Andy Beshear places a white rose at the COVID-19 Memorial on the Capitol grounds on the fifth anniversary of the virus hitting Kentucky. March 6, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) FRANKFORT Prisha Hedau was in fourth grade when Kentucky got its first case of COVID-19. She recalls laughing with her friends at school one moment and being whisked away by her mother the next back in March 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really regret the fact that I wasnt even able to say a proper goodbye to so many of my childhood friends that Id grown up with, said Hedau, who went on to write the book PANDEMIC 2020 A 9 Year Olds Perspective from note cards she kept during lockdown. Hedau was one of the Kentuckians gathered in the Capitol rotunda Thursday to mark the fifth anniversary of the states first reported case of COVID-19. Several donned green clothes and compassion pins. In division there is unity, in chaos there is community, said Hedau in an impassioned speech. Despite isolation, we are never alone. Gov. Andy Beshear promised to always push back on disinformation and misinformation we continue to see about public health and vaccines following the COVID-related deaths of about 20,450 Kentuckians. Prisha Hedau was in fourth grade when Kentucky reported its first case of COVID-19. Rachel Morgan Kincaid, to her left, interprets in sign language. March 6, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) You dont suffer that level of loss and not feel it deeply, Beshear said, urging people to not let the politics of the day change the sacrifice that was made yesterday and in the years that we had to battle this virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we mark this fifth anniversary of COVID-19 in Kentucky, let us commit to honoring it on the sixth anniversary and the seventh and the eight not letting people rewrite our history not letting people forget what actually happened during this time, Beshear said. Before the ceremony, in keeping with tradition, Kandie Adkinson rang a bell to honor the people who died from the virus, as she did during the pandemic lockdowns. Sandra Williams voice filled the rotunda as she sang Amazing Grace and selections of other songs, letting each word hang in the air. Rabbi David Wirtschafter of Temple Adath Israel, in a benediction near the close of the hour-long ceremony, said that remembering those lost to COVID-19 is our sacred obligation; forgetting is not an option. The poet warned us long ago that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, said Wirtschafter. For the sake of those whose names we bear, those who perished and those who survived the last pandemic, let us insist on leadership that declares vaccination to be a matter of personal duty and that health care is a human right. After the ceremony, attendees including the Beshears placed white roses, symbols of unity, before the COVID-19 Memorial on the Capitol grounds. Panicked conversations between two surviving roommates in the off-campus home where four University of Idaho students were murdered in 2022 were revealed in newly released text messages Thursday, shedding more light on the timeline that prosecutors aim to lean on in their case against the suspect. The brutal killings of the four University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin took place in November 2022 at an off-campus residence in Moscow, a town of about 25,000 people. Im freaking out, one roommate, Dylan Mortensen, wrote to the other, Bethany Funke, according to the newly unsealed court filings. Mortensen and Funke, identified by their initials in the court documents, were texting about a masked man dressed in black in their house around the time police believe the victims were being murdered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exchange took place nearly eight hours before the roommates called 911 to report Kernodle unconscious at the residence. The group of friends had gone out in the college town and returned to their shared home late. The next day, police found the four students slaughtered inside, and there were no signs of forced entry or damage. The slayings led to weeks of investigation from police, frustrations from the victims families about the pace of the policework and fear in the local community of a mass killer on the loose. Nearly two months later, Moscow Police arrested Bryan Kohberger, a then 28-year-old man in Pennsylvania, on a murder warrant in the killings of the students. Kohberger, a graduate student in criminal justice who lived in Pullman, Washington, is set to face trial in August. A not guilty plea has been entered on his behalf and he faces the death penalty if convicted. No one is answering, roommate texts the other Mortensen told law enforcement she went to sleep in her first-floor bedroom and was awakened around 4 a.m. by what she thought sounded like Goncalves playing with her dog in one of the upstairs bedrooms on the third floor, previously released documents have shown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement also determined Kernodle received a DoorDash order at approximately 4 a.m. and was still up using TikTok at approximately 4:12 a.m. In the new court filing, phone records show Mortensen tried calling the other four roommates but got no response around the time when security camera from a residence close to the home picked up at 4:17 a.m. distorted audio of voices, a whimper, followed by a loud thud, and a barking dog. Mortensen texted Goncalves: Kaylee and Whats going on. Funke, the other surviving roommate, however, answered her messages, while they were both in their bedrooms, according to the filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mortensen and Funke sent the following text messages to one another around 4:22 a.m.: DM to BF: No one is answering. DM to BF: Im really confused rn. BF to DM: Ya dude wtf BF to DM: Xana was wearing all black DM to BF: Im freaking out rn Mortenson then tells Funke about seeing what looked like a man with a ski mask in the house. Previously released court filings described Mortensens grand jury testimony recalling noises she heard and a masked man wearing black in the residence. Mortensen then said to Funke: No its like a ski mask almost BF to DM: Stfu DM to BF: Like he had [something] over is for head and little nd mouth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DM to BF: Im not kidding [I] am so freaked out BF to DM: So am I Then, Funke tried to convince Mortensen to go to Funkes room so theyd be together: Run Something happened in our house, 911 call transcript says Prosecutors have indicated they expect both surviving roommates to testify at trial and want to use their text messages to illustrate the timeline of the night. Defense attorney Anne Taylor has pointed to what she described as inconsistencies during their multiple interviews with law enforcement. Before calling 911, another newly unsealed court filing shows, Mortensen tried again to reach Goncalves and Mogen starting at 10:23 a.m., asking them if they are awake: Ru up?? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A transcript of the surviving roommates 911 call made more than an hour after that was also released with the filing Thursday. The transcript shows the chaos as Mortensen and Funke pass the phone between them answering the dispatcher in fragmented responses. The filing describes heaving-like breathing and crying throughout the call. The transcript does not identify the speakers by name but shows another unnamed friend with them also spoke to the dispatcher. On the call they reported 20-year-old Kernodle unconscious, telling the dispatcher she had come home drunk the night before. The roommates struggled to tell the dispatcher their address and phone number, then saying Kernodle is unresponsive and they saw some man in their house last night. The transcript reveals the students unfinished thoughts and panic over finding Kernodles unconscious body. It appears the dispatcher ends the call when first responders arrive on scene without getting a full account of the night or the current situation, the filing shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge in Latah County who previously presided over the case had ruled the messages and 911 transcript were permissible evidence before the case was moved to Ada County, but the order and associated filings were sealed at the time. Kohberger defense asks to axe his death penalty option A recently unsealed defense motion in Kohbergers capital murder case offers the most detailed picture of the suspects personality to emerge since his arrest, citing an evaluation by a neuropsychologist who found Kohberger continues to exhibit all the core diagnostic features of ASD currently, with significant impact on his daily life. Its unclear if or when Kohberger was previously diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The newly unsealed filing is the latest in a flurry of defense motions aimed at taking the death penalty off the table for the only suspect in the fatal stabbings that horrified the small college community. The lurid case has riveted the public, but police have not released a potential motive, and a sweeping gag order has kept the parties from speaking publicly or revealing further details. The prosecutions most important piece of evidence is a DNA sample taken from a knife sheath left at the crime scene. Investigators then used investigative genetic genealogy, a forensic field combining DNA analysis with genealogical research, to connect that sample to Kohbergers family, according to prosecutors. Subsequent DNA testing found Kohberger was a statistical match to the sample, leading to his arrest, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohbergers attorneys have argued in a defense motion released Thursday that the death penalty should be taken off the table because they cannot possibly review the enormous amount of discovery in time for the August trial. They say removing the death penalty would cut down the needed discovery considerably. Trash recovered from the Kohberger family residence by Pennsylvania law enforcement and sent to the Idaho State Lab for DNA testing was used to help investigators narrow down Kohberger as the suspect in the killings, according to court documents released in January 2023. To combat that evidence, his defense team has repeatedly questioned the use, legality and accuracy of the DNA testing done in each step of the process. In a closed hearing last month, testimony from several witnesses raised questions about how investigators had used the DNA sample from the knife sheath to identify Kohberger as a suspect. CNNs Eric Levenson and Alaa Elassar contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) Newport News police ask for the publics help with identifying a suspect in connection to a bank robbery. At approximately 12:30 p.m., officers responded to the Langley Federal Credit Union in the 12600 block of Jefferson Ave in reference to a report of a robbery. A preliminary investigation determined that the suspect entered the bank around 12:25 p.m. and approached the counter while displaying a firearm before passing a bag to the teller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect exited the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash heading north on Jefferson Ave. He was last seen heading east toward Patrick Henry Drive. The suspect wore a red hoodie, camouflage pants, gray and white New Balance shoes with a gray knit cap and a black mask pulled to his nose. Courtesy: Newport News Police Department Courtesy: Newport News Police Department Courtesy: Newport News Police Department Kivinie Johnson, an employee at Goodluck Menswear, located directly across the street from the bank, said bank robberies are starting to become more common in the area. Maybe they just feel like its a soft target, Johnson said, If you see something, say something. It takes a team to make our community better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newport News police are continuing to investigate, while local businesses and residents remain vigilant. If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. CAROLINA FOREST, S.C. (WBTW) News13 went behind the scenes of the Carolina Forest wildfire with the South Carolina Forestry Commission on Thursday and spoke to Horry County officials about how drones are helping them fight the 2,000-plus acre blaze. As of Thursday, crews had been working on the wildfire for six days with about 150 firefighting apparatus. Officials said it was 55% contained. Russell Hubright of the South Carolina Forestry Commission said bulldozer operators patrol at night, putting water on anything that glows. Many dangers are lurking in the woods. It can be hard for the operators to see at night, and they are also not used to fighting large fires in the darkness, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday night was an exception, Hubright said, referring to the first night of the wildfire. Usually, the fires die down a lot at night because the humidity comes up. Usually, the wind calms down. Authorities have also used airplanes and helicopters to drop water on the Carolina Forest fire. He said they have been very helpful in containing the fire, but he said its something his team does not have available for most fires. Hell fly over our tractor plow operators, the bulldozer operators, and let them know, Hey, its looking pretty rough there on the east side of the fire. You might want to catch that quick,' Hubright said. Or, if the fire is moving fast toward that bulldozer operator, hell tell me, You might want to back off, and move out, and get further out away from it so you dont get hurt.' Drones are another aerial asset that have helped crews fight the wildfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horry County Fire Rescue uses them to track burn patterns and help keep first responders safe. The only limit to drones, within fire rescue and emergency services, is your imagination, Horry County Fire Rescue Capt. Matt Rice said. If we can come up with something to use it for, like a [hazardous materials] incident, if we can put a drone where we dont have to put a person, thats a win. Then, we dont have to put lives in danger. Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and 7th District Congressman Russell Fry will be in Horry County Friday morning to attend a briefing on the wildfire. * * * Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday issued an executive order extending protections for wildfire victims in Los Angeles County. Under the executive order: Price gouging protections on rental housing, hotels, and motels will be active until July 1, 2025. The protections prohibit landlords from evicting tenants to relist rentals at a higher rate, among other things. Continues the suspension of laws that would classify occupants of hotels, motels, and temporary housing as tenants after 30 days, providing individuals with more time to secure alternative housing. Extends protections for fire survivors experiencing homelessness by prioritizing them on waiting lists for state-funded housing programs for which they qualify. Supports the rebuilding of two commercial corridors in Altadena, aiming to restore small businesses and create vibrant, walkable community spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HUD extends foreclosure moratorium for L.A. County wildfire victims As the Los Angeles community continues to recover and rebuild, the state remains steadfast in its commitment to providing targeted relief and assistance. Today, I am issuing an executive order to further ensure that survivors are protected from exploitation and can access the housing they need, Newsom said in a statement. The full executive order can be viewed here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The NHS is overspending on expensive foreign IT systems and should buy British instead, a former health secretary has said. Steve Barclay said health service bosses could save money, cut waiting lists and improve clinical outcomes by contracting with local suppliers, rather than overseas providers typically from the US who charge higher fees. He told The Telegraph: A government that claims to want to drive UK growth needs to stop spending money on overseas companies that are not committed to the NHS, and prioritise British business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A government that claims to want to cut wastage needs to ensure value for money for the taxpayer. He singled out the health services vast expenditure on electronic patient records (EPR), which offer digital versions of peoples medical history. A Freedom of Information request has revealed that some NHS trusts are spending up to 4.3m a year on EPR contracts with overseas suppliers. Many hospitals award contracts to US tech giants such as Larry Ellisons Oracle. Larry Ellisons Oracle is among the US tech giants that have been awarded contracts by NHS hospitals - Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters The NHSs reliance on overseas tech comes despite alternative offers from UK-based tech companies. System C, a software company based in Stratford-upon-Avon, last year launched legal action against Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust over its decision to award a 65m EPR contract to US-based Altera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trust subsequently reversed its decision after System C claimed there had been favouritism during the procurement process. Nick Wilson, the chief executive of System C, told The Telegraph: The Government has stated that of its six missions, growth is the most important and one of the easiest ways to promote that growth is to spend hard-earned taxpayers money right here in the UK. We have an amazing and vibrant health-tech industry, supporting UK job creation, R&D, exports and of course providing hundreds of millions in tax revenues to the Chancellor. It is a complete no-brainer to prioritise and actively support British tech which is built with the NHS and UK social care in mind from the ground up most of the time at a fraction of the cost of overseas competitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guys and St Thomas Foundation Trust (GSTT) and Kings College Hospitals Foundation Trust announced a deal worth 450m with US-based company Epic in February 2022 to roll out an EPR software across six hospitals. Ian Abbs, the GSTT chief executive, described the cost as chicken feed in comparison to the NHSs pool of resources. We [the NHS] are running a 150bn industry, and the percentage spent on tech is relatively small, he told the Health Service Journal, adding: I think the headline number looks big, but I actually think its small. However, Mr Barclay, who served as health secretary under Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, said the NHS needed to overhaul its procurement to ensure the right technology was being bought at a fair price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: Harnessing technology and deploying it swiftly and effectively across the NHS could transform the service, cut waiting lists, and improve clinical outcomes. However, we can do this whilst getting more bang for the taxpayer buck. It needs to be the right technology, at the right price, designed with the specific needs of our NHS in mind. Amanda Pritchard recently resigned as NHS Englands chief executive - Jordan Pettitt/ Pool/Getty Images Mr Barclays intervention comes shortly after Amanda Pritchard resigned as NHS Englands chief executive. He has urged her eventual successor to make cost-effective digitisation at the right price a top priority. James McMurdock, the Reform MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has also called for greater transparency over the NHS procurement process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need a deep and transparent discussion around how the NHS functions operationally and what contracts it signs, he wrote on X, adding: The NHS should not be paying s for things that can be bought off the shelf for pennies. An NHS spokesman said: While the NHS prioritises British businesses when appropriate, it is right we offer contracts based on what offers the best value for the taxpayer in line with Cabinet Office procurement regulations. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The National Institutes of Health is the largest federal funder of medical research in the U.S. NIH funds drive research and innovation, leading to better understanding and treatment of diseases and improved health outcomes. The NIH provided more than US$35 billion in grants to over 2,500 universities and other institutions in 2023 to support biomedical research. Thus, it came as a shock to these institutions when the NIH, based on a new Trump administration policy, announced on Feb. 7, 2025, that it intends to cut the funding used to support the grantee institutions by $5.5 billion annually. On March 5, a U.S. district judge in Boston issued a nationwide injunction blocking the administration from implementing the proposed cuts to NIH funding, arguing that the planned cuts were unlawful. However, the White House will almost certainly appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are a husband-and-wife team of immunologists who have been funded by the NIH for several decades. We believe our research has led to a better understanding of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In addition, one of us (Prakash Nagarkatti) served as vice president for research at the University of South Carolina for over a decade, managing all NIH grants awarded to the university. While we believe such cuts will be detrimental to the entire country, they will disproportionately hurt states that traditionally have received very low levels of NIH funding, the majority of which are red states that supported Trumps election to a second term. This is because such states lack resources to develop advanced research infrastructure necessary to compete nationally for NIH funding. Several Republican senators have vocally opposed the funding cuts, including Susan Collins of Maine, who said they would be devastating, stopping vital biomedical research and leading to the loss of jobs. Support for cancer, Alzheimers research NIH funding is crucial for advancing biomedical research, improving public health and fostering innovation. It has a broad impact on different facets of society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency funds biomedical research leading to the development of vaccines or new drugs to prevent and treat infectious diseases and clinical disorders. The NIH played a crucial role in funding research on pandemics and global health crises caused by HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. In addition, the NIH supports advanced research in focused areas such as cancer, through the establishment of designated centers that offer cancer prevention, diagnosis, clinical trials and advanced treatment. Each year, approximately 400,000 patients receive cancer diagnoses and treatment at such centers. Similarly, the NIH supports research in other focused areas, such as Alzheimers disease, through the establishment of specialized research centers. The NIH also supports Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer opportunities. These programs stimulate technological innovation by funding small businesses to commercialize new research ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, the agency provides funding to train the next generation of biomedical scientists, clinicians and public health professionals. Thus, the NIH awards create jobs at universities, biotechnology companies and related industries. Together, such NIH programs promote local and national economies. In 2024, NIH funding generated an estimated US$92 billion in economic activity. Every $100 million in NIH funding generates 76 patents, which creates $598 million in further research and development, as reported by NIH. Therefore, any cuts to the agencys budget will have far-reaching and significant consequences on health outcomes and the economy. Caps on indirect costs When the NIH awards grants, it is divided into two separate categories: the direct costs, which include expenses that are necessary to pursue the proposed work and that are provided to the scientists, and the indirect costs. These cover expenses such as maintenance of lab space, utilities, grant management, federal regulatory compliance, security and other miscellaneous needs. These funds are provided directly to the institution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indirect costs are negotiated between the institution and the federal agency and expressed as a percentage of the direct costs. Because each institution has unique operational expenses, the indirect cost rates vary from 30% to 70%. The new policy rolled out by the NIH capped the indirect costs for all institutions at a fixed rate of 15%. In 2023, NIH spent $35 billion to support research at various institutions, of which $9 billion was used to cover indirect costs. Thus, NIH estimates it could save $4 billion by capping indirect costs at 15%. Inside an NIH lab in Bethesda, Md., where researchers work on treatments and cures for disease, including cancer. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images How red states get hurt the most There is a significant geographic disparity in NIH funding that most people are unaware of. There are 27 states in the U.S. that receive 94% of NIH funding, while the other 23 states receive only 6%. Moreover, the NIH funding received by the 23 states has remained relatively unchanged for the past 20 years. There are many reasons why the latter states are less competitive. These include: lack of large medical centers, hospitals and research-intensive universities; thin and more rural populations; less robust economies; and lack of cutting-edge research infrastructure driven by less investment by the states in research and development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is for these reasons that Congress in 1993 authorized the NIH to start a new program called the Institutional Development Award, or IDeA, to support the 23 states plus Puerto Rico that have traditionally received low levels of NIH funding. Such states are commonly called IDeA states and contain predominantly rural and medically underserved communities. These awards, which constitute less than 1% of the total NIH budget, are expected to help these states grow their research infrastructure and make them more competitive nationally. The IDeA states are: Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming, plus Puerto Rico. All the states but Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont voted for Trump in the 2024 election. Indirect costs pay for cutting-edge technologies Indirect costs, in addition to supporting the management of specific grants, are also helpful in promoting the institutions research infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indirect costs help purchase and upgrade state-of-the-art research equipment and technologies. They help institutions develop high-performance computing facilities that are critical for research missions and provide access to journals and books through the library facilities. These costs also renovate old labs and help create new cutting-edge facilities such as germ-free facilities for microbiome research. Thus, the indirect costs are critical for IDeA states that have limited resources such as state support for pursuing research. According to the Higher Education Research and Development Survey, in 2023, non-IDeA states like California invested $548 million and New York over $303 million in R&D. In contrast, IDeA states Kentucky and West Virginia invested $49 million and $15 million, respectively, in R&D. Such data clearly demonstrates how challenging it would be for IDeA states to face cuts in NIH funding and advance research infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our view, it is critical that all states have access to NIH research funding to enable the states to solve the unique challenges they face, such as environmental issues and population health disparities. For example, biomedical scientists and clinicians trained by NIH grants are addressing locally relevant issues such as coal workers pneumoconiosis, commonly known as black lung disease, which occurs when coal dust is inhaled. This is an occupational hazard linked to the coal industry in West Virginia and Kentucky. Similarly, Hawaii, with its tropical climate, has mosquitoes that can carry dengue virus, so dengue infection can pose a unique health and economic problem for this state when compared with the others in the U.S. Training the biomedical workforce and physicians in IDeA states also helps with retaining health providers in the state to further address these local challenges and prevents brain-drain to other non-IDeA states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IDeA states heavily rely on NIH funds to pursue and advance their research capabilities and address local and general health challenges. For such states, already struggling to receive NIH funding, reducing indirect costs would further exacerbate their disadvantages, increasing the risk of falling behind in medical research, patient care and regional economic growth. 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: Prakash Nagarkatti, University of South Carolina and Mitzi Nagarkatti, University of South Carolina Read more: Prakash Nagarkatti receives funding from NIH. Mitzi Nagarkatti receives funding from NIH. If you were affected by the 2021 data breach that exposed 20 million ParkMobile users' data, Wednesday is the last day to file a claim. In January, the digital parking app agreed to a $32.8 million settlement after the data breach exposed millions of users' information, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting. The breach happened in March 2021, and a class action lawsuit was filed in Georgia federal court two months later on behalf of Tyler Baker and "all others similarly situated." As with any settlement, ParkMobile's agreement to pay does not mean they admitted to wrongdoing, but rather that involved parties decided this was a better course of action than a lengthy trial process. Even so, millions are now up for grabs. Here's everything to know, including how to file a claim. A parking pay station operated by ParkMobile for city owned spaces along West Romona Street in downtown Pensacola on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. What is ParkMobile? ParkMobile is an app that allows users to park for parking in the moment or reserve a spot for later. The app acts as a digital parking meter, but instead of a meter in front of the spot that requires people to pay with coins, it's app can be downloaded on a smartphone and allows users to pay for parking straight from the app. What was ParkMobile accused of? The suit alleged that Baker experienced "abnormal activity" in his PayPal account linked to ParkMobile and was forced to spend "valuable time" mitigating these activities, changing passwords and monitoring the account. ParkMobile was accused of harming impacted consumers long-term by failing to secure their data and therefore exposing them to identity theft, fraud and the need to spend time securing related accounts. What's in the ParkMobile settlement? In total, the settlement adds up to about $32.8 million. ParkMobile will provide $9 million in funds for class members claiming payments, as well as $300,000 for administration fees. $21 million has also been made available to supply class members with in-app credits if they do not claim a cash payment. An additional $2.5 million will also be allocated to ParkMobile to implement improved security measures. An approval hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on March 13, 2025, to officially greenlight the settlement. Who's entitled to payment in the ParkMobile settlement? If you received a notification from ParkMobile about the "2021 Data Security Incident," you are considered a settlement class member. Members were also sent notice of this class action settlement via email. If you received either notice, you are eligible to submit a claim and are automatically considered a class member in the settlement. By Mohamed Ezz FAYOUM, Egypt - Nine Egyptians freed after being held for 19 months by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces arrived in Egypt to celebrations on Thursday morning as the Sudanese army advanced in Khartoum. "Praise be to God. A new age begins for us today. Our life starts anew from today," said Ahmed Aziz Masry surrounded by dozens of people who came to congratulate him on his return to the village of Abo Shanab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents flooded the streets of the village, 110 km (70 miles) southwest of Cairo, home to seven of the freed captives. Sudan has been at war since fighting broke out in April 2023 between the army and the RSF over disagreements ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule. The war has caused a humanitarian disaster, with mass displacement and widespread hunger. A UN report published on Thursday found "a widespread pattern of arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment of detainees" by both the RSF and the Sudanese army. The freed Egyptian captives had been working in Khartoum for years importing household goods and small electric appliances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One, Emad Moawad, told Reuters he had a plane ticket to return to Egypt after the fighting started, but the airport was closed. "Sixty-five days later, the RSF raided our house and held us captive for over 19 months." Masry said the RSF falsely accused them of spying for the Egyptian intelligence service. "Every few months, they would tell us they are releasing us but then put a blindfold on our heads and send us to another prison," Masry said. At their fifth prison, the warden summoned Masry to his office to answer a phone call, and the voice on the other end said the situation had been resolved. "A few weeks ago, they drove us to the last point controlled by the RSF and from there to the Sudanese Army, which took us to the Egyptian embassy then to Cairo." The war has drawn in multiple foreign powers, with the RSF accusing Egypt of aiding the army while the army accuses the United Arab Emirates of arming the RSF. (Reporting by Mohamed Ezz) AG Raul Torrez continues challenging WNMU's payout to its former president. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez on Thursday filed a motion opposing former Western New Mexico University President Joseph Shepards motion to dismiss the states case against him. Torrez filed a civil suit against Shepard and the WNMU Board of Regents in January in response to the boards decision to award Shepard a $1.9 million severance package. That complaint alleges Shepard and the board violated fiduciary duties, the states anti-donation clause and the Open Meetings Act, as well as laws relating to unjust enrichment, parties not fulfilling their contractual obligations and acting on an unenforceable contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university has been under scrutiny over the past year and a half for lavish spending by leadership and misuse of funds, as detailed in a report published in November by the New Mexico Office of the State Auditor. The board unanimously voted to terminate Shepards contract in December, then approved what Torrez has frequently referred to as a golden parachute severance payment. The school released the payment to Shepard in early January. Shepard filed a motion to dismiss the case against him on Feb. 19, arguing Torrez does not have the authority to bring claims of breach of fiduciary duty, lack of consideration, unconscionable contract and unjust enrichment against him. According to court documents, Shepard claims he did not owe a fiduciary duty to WNMU when negotiating his termination from the university and the severance payment was made in exchange for valid consideration, to which the anti-donation clause does not apply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A New Mexico Department of Justice news release Friday characterized Shepards motion as an attempt to avoid legal scrutiny. The Board of Regents does not have unlimited power to approve unlawful expenditures of public funds, and Dr. Shepard should not be allowed to profit from an invalid and unjust agreement, Torrez said in a statement. Our lawsuit seeks to protect taxpayers and hold public officials accountable. Torrezs response to the motion maintains that the board acted unlawfully, without public transparency, in violation of state law and encourages the court to deny Shepards motion and continue the lawsuit. The court has not scheduled a motion hearing as of press time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torrez and several lawmakers back a constitutional amendment introduced this legislative session, which, if approved by voters, would add regent fiduciary duties to the law; reasons for removal from their position; and clarify who has authority to seek the removal of regents from the board. House Joint Resolution 12 passed by a vote of 64-1 on the House Floor on March 1 and was referred to Senate committees. Senate Bill 19 proposes establishing training requirements for new regents and Senate Joint Resolution 7 proposes creating a regent nominating committee that would screen potential regent candidates and make a list for the governor to choose from. The attorney generals response is filed below. 2025-03-06 Resp to Shepard MTD SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In this handout provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Customs and Border Protection security agents guide immigrants onboard a removal flight at Fort Bliss, Texas, on Jan. 23, 2025. (Dept. of Defense photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas J. De La Pena) New Mexicos all Democratic congressional delegation on Thursday wrote a letter to President Donald Trump objecting to reported plans by the Department of Defense to use Fort Bliss and Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico for immigrant detention by Homeland Security. NPR obtained an internal memo that described how Fort Bliss would first detain up to 1,000 immigrants during an interim evaluation period, but eventually hold as many as 10,000 immigrants and serve as central hub for deportation operations, and a model for other facilities around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using our military installations for these purposes threatens to divert DoDs resources away from unit readiness and our national security enterprise, the letter said. This is a direct contradiction to your Administrations statement earlier this year that one of your top priorities is to have a ready, able, and lethal military.' In addition to the numerous missions Kirtland hosts, it also is the home of Sandia National Laboratories, which is integral to the maintenance and modernization of our nuclear stockpile and develops technologies that support energy resilience for civilian and military applications, the letter said. Newly appointed Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently visited both Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratory. In addition to detailing the strain holding immigrants in military installations places on the defense departments resources, the letter noted that detaining children on military installations violates the principal purpose of a settlement of a class action lawsuit, as well as New Mexico law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leveraging legal loopholes to bypass state oversight of the well-being of detained undocumented children, who are often fleeing violence in their home countries, is entirely unacceptable, the letter said. The administrations callous indifference toward federal and state law is especially concerning, given that the last time migrant children were detained at Fort Bliss staff described the facility as filthy, overly loud, and prone to flooding and dust storms.' Read the full letter below letter_nmdelegationopposeplanstousekirtlandfortblissforimmigrationrelatedoperations (1) WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) The Northern New York Community Foundation has announced a number of funding opportunities available to nonprofit organizations serving at least seven communities in Jefferson and Lewis counties. $5K Up for Grabs: NNYCF encourages participation in Scholarship Programs The deadline to apply for each of the following grant opportunities is Friday, April 18: Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund Up to $60,000 available. Support programs, projects, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages in the Boonville, Constableville, and Westernville communities. Orchestral Fund Up to $25,000 available. Support for live orchestral performances in the Watertown area. Applicants are required to have at least 20 performers in the group with an instrumental component. George R. Davis Fund for Lowville Up to $20,000 available. Support programs, projects, and initiatives that impact the quality of life for residents in the Village and Town of Lowville. Carolyn Whitney Fund Up to $5,000 available. Support for tree planting projects in the City of Watertown. The Lighthouse Fund Up to $2,500 available. Support nonprofit organizations providing services to disadvantaged and vulnerable populations in the Cape Vincent and Clayton communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund is also accepting applications for second-quarter grant support. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 25. Up to $100,000 in funding is available. The CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund is designed to support community programs, projects, and initiatives with specific focus areas, which will vary from time to time. This year, applications must focus on educational initiatives, including but not limited to libraries, childcare and preschool programs, career training, vocational and technical education, and similar projects that enhance educational opportunities within Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Eligible nonprofit organizations may submit one application per year. Local arts organizations unite to establish David Simmons Scholarship Fund Applications for each grant opportunity are available via the Community Foundations Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) system, which may be found on NNYCFs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonprofits can use the web portal to set up an organizations user profile and apply for active grant opportunities. The Foundation advises nonprofits to create a single user account for their organization. The portal has an easy-to-use interface that walks users through the application process step by step. To understand more about the procedure, visit the Foundations website and log in to the portal. To be eligible for Community Foundation funds, nonprofits must be IRS-classified as 501(c)(3) organizations. Other entities may be eligible depending on the request. Other open grant options include the Community Foundations general grant program and the Jefferson Economic Development Fund. Applications for each are being taken on a rolling basis. Any organization interested in receiving assistance from either of these initiatives should contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation vice president, at max@nnycf.org before starting an application through the GLM portal. In addition to its general grant program, the Community Foundation oversees around 20 different funding options for nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. For more information on these opportunities, you can visit the Foundations website or call 315-782-7110. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) A Syracuse police officer will not face charges after hitting and killing a person on an e-bike back on Dec. 11, 2023, the New York State Attorney Generals Office announced on Thursday, March 6. Man on electric bike hit and killed by patrol car identified Shortly after midnight on Dec. 11, an SPD officer turned onto Liberty Street from West Bear Street and hit and killed 25-year-old Qian Adams, who was wearing dark clothing while on an e-bike, the NY AGs Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer was responding to a report of a theft in progress when the accident happened. Evidence in the case establishes that the officer did not act recklessly while responding to the call and was following the speed limit at the time of the accident, driving somewhere between 29 to 35 MPH in a 40 MPH zone. The officer was never given a Portable Breath Test, but the NY AGs Office says there is no reason to believe the officer was impaired. All deadly incidents involving police officers are required to be investigated by the state attorney generals office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) No more mail for Denmark: PostNord will stop delivering letters to the Nordic nation at the end of 2025, though package distribution will remain. PostNord, a state-run agency that services Denmark and Sweden, announced the change Thursday. Roughly 1,500 mailboxes throughout Denmark will be taken down in the second half of the year, and Danes can seek refunds for stamps. An estimated 1,500 of PostNords 4,600 employees will be laid off this year. Swedens letter delivery will not be affected, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PostNord said the number of letters in Denmark has decreased by 90% since 2000, and by more than 30% in 2024 compared with the year before. The agency blamed an increasingly digital atmosphere in Denmark and worldwide, and 2024 Danish legislation that drove the cost of postage up. We have been the Danes' postal service for 400 years and therefore it is a difficult decision to put a bow on that part of our story," PostNord Denmark chief executive Kim Pedersen said in a news release. "The Danes have become more and more digital which means that there are very few letters left for us to handle today, and the downturn continues so clearly that the market for letters is no longer profitable. Pedersen said the heart of PostNord's business is parcel delivery, which it will focus on in 2026. Pelle Dragsted, a member of the Danish parliament, wrote on social platform X that the cessation of letter delivery will unfairly affect Danes who live in remote areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Letters can still be sent through private companies, Danish public broadcaster DR reported. The state will ensure that infrastructure remains for mail to be delivered to Denmarks remote areas, including smaller island communities. Pedersen also told DR that people can send their letters as packages through PostNords parcel shops. Germany's Deutsche Post also announced layoffs on Thursday, with plans to cut 8,000 jobs Thanks to its victory at the Oscars and a passionate acceptance speech from its filmmakers, the searing documentary No Other Land has drawn more attention than ever both to itself and to the ongoing crisis between Palestinians and Israelis in the West Bank. And that has made it a political lightning rod that has drawn criticism from Israel and, perhaps unexpectedly, from some pro-Palestinian activist organizations. Filmed from 2019 to just days after the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, No Other Land documents the destruction of Palestinian homes in Masafer Yatta, a collection of West Bank hamlets which was declared a closed military training zone in 1980 and which in recent years has been targeted by Israeli military and settlers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The film focuses on Palestinian co-director Basel Adras efforts to document the destruction, as well as his relationship with Israeli co-director Yuval Abraham, who enjoys a far greater degree of freedom than Adra. At the Oscars, Abraham highlighted this difference. We live in a regime where I am free under civilian law and Basel is under military laws that destroy his life, Abraham said. About two months ago, I became a father, and my hope to my daughter is that she will not have to live the same life I am living now, always fearing violence, home demolitions, and forced displacement that my community, Masafer Yatta, is facing every day, Adra said in his own speech. The response from Israeli officials to the film was swift condemnation, with culture minister Miki Zohar calling it it a sad moment for the world of cinema and calling for the films boycott. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of presenting the complexity of Israeli reality, the filmmakers chose to amplify narratives that distort Israels image vis-a-vis international audiences. Freedom of expression is an important value, but turning the defamation of Israel into a tool for international promotion is not artit is sabotage against the State of Israel, especially in the wake of the October 7th massacre and the ongoing war, Zohar said in a statement posted on social media. Meanwhile more than 100 Israeli filmmakers pushed back this week against the call not to screen the film, saying in a joint letter that they are opposed to the attempts at silencing and incitement on the part of the culture minister and other officials, and call on the public to watch the film and to judge it independently. Israel Bachar, consul general to Israel in Los Angeles, had sharper words against the film in his social media response: If Hollywood is eager to see the truth, I suggest they binge watch the countless hours of footage Palestinians themselves recordedslaughtering entire families, kidnapping the elderly and infants, and committing every crime against humanity. That is the real documentary! But a different angle of criticism came on Wednesday from the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), also known as the BDS (Boycott Divest and Sanction) movement, which called to boycott the film, saying said it violates its principles of anti-normalization, which calls for any project or initiative that brings Israelis and Palestinians on the same platform to publicly recognize the UN-affirmed inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and must constitute a form of co-resistance against the Israeli regime of occupation, settler-colonialism, and apartheid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement posted on the BDS Movement website, PACBI claimed that some of the Israeli members of the No Other Land team failed to acknowledge that Israel is perpetrating a genocide. In an update to that post, PACBI acknowledged that the filmmakers had sent out an updated version of their statement on the films website which says that the film is not only proof of Israeli settler-colonial war crimes taking place in the present, but also a proposal for the future, a search for a path towards justice and equality. Of course, No Other Land also has earned praise and defense since its Oscar win. In a guest column for TheWrap, Palestinian-American writer Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib hailed the film as part of a broader trajectory of a shift in global public opinion to acknowledge the plight of Palestinians and push for their cause to be front and center in the western world. Alkhatib also dismissed the criticisms leveled at the film on both pro-Israel and anti-normalization grounds, saying the former comes in part from a fair amount of bigotry while the latter is reductionist. There is a fervent attitude that anything Israeli automatically means colonizer and oppressor even when it entails expressions of allyship and solidarity and even when Israeli partners help elevate otherwise neglected and overlooked Palestinian stories, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And beyond the internet discourse, theres no doubt that the Oscars have elevated global awareness of No Other Land, which is the first documentary to win an Oscar without a U.S. distributor. As of Oscar Sunday, the film had grossed approximately $600,000 from 80 screens and is set to expand to 120 this weekend as part of its self-distributed theatrical run. The film also made its network television premiere in the United Kingdom on Channel 4 this past Tuesday. The post No Other Land Becomes Political Lightning Rod After Oscar Best Doc Win appeared first on TheWrap. A clock stands in front of the former train depot in downtown Fargo on March 6, 2025. A bill in the state Legislature could eliminate changing clocks for Daylight Saving Time. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) What if North Dakotans quit changing their clocks twice a year? Chaos might be too strong a word, said Charley Johnson, president and CEO of the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau. But certainly confusing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As most Americans prepare to spring forward into daylight saving time this weekend, the North Dakota Legislature is considering a bill that would end the time changes, operating on standard time all year long. Johnson, whose organization operates in Fargo and Moorhead, Minnesota, promoting tourism and events, said its a really bad idea. He noted that roughly one-third of North Dakota residents live in Fargo, Grand Forks and Wahpeton, cities with strong ties to neighboring towns across the Red River in Minnesota. The one-hour difference with neighboring states would be for about eight months of the year, while those states are an hour ahead on daylight saving time. I cant imagine how confusing and difficult it might be, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 1259 was passed by the North Dakota House and awaits a hearing in the state Senate. The bill was introduced by Rep. Roger Maki, R-Watford City. Its an idea that has been proposed in previous sessions but getting approval in the House has people taking notice. We will be much more active now that it actually has traction, said Shannon Full, president and CEO of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. Full said 100 businesses, large and small, have signed onto a letter in opposition to the bill. We know that businesses already face challenges attracting and retaining talent. We just really dont need any more barriers to that, Full said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Derrick LaPoint is president and CEO of Downtown Moorhead Inc. People didnt take it that seriously, LaPoint said, knowing that North Dakota lawmakers have shot down the idea before. But passing the House takes it a bit more into reality. While he represents business, he said he thinks of the effect on families like his, with elementary-aged children and a spouse who works in Fargo while they live in Moorhead. The hour difference could throw off schedules for school or child care drop-offs and pick-ups and getting to events in the evening. Its such a unified region, LaPoint said. More 2025 legislative session coverage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An organization called Save Standard Time provided testimony on the North Dakota bill. It also tracks efforts in states considering similar legislation. The groups chart shows Nebraska and North Dakota as the closest to ending the time-change Maki said he worked with the group and brought the bill at the request of a constituent. Farmers, especially those with livestock, have often been critics of daylight saving time. Some health professionals say it is bad for peoples sleep patterns. Hawaii and Arizona already do not observe daylight saving time. In 2021, the North Dakota Senate passed a bill that would have put the state on daylight saving time all year, but it failed in the House. Similar bills have been proposed in other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson said he wouldnt mind getting rid of daylight saving time, but North Dakota shouldnt do it on its own. If the country decides to pick one and stick with it, thats fine, Johnson said. The bill has been referred to the Senate State and Local Government Committee. A committee hearing has not yet been scheduled. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE As Elon Musk's political activities and Tesla Inc.'s (TSLA) sales slump drive the electric-vehicle maker's stock down nearly 30% year to date, a surprising trend has emerged: Investors are aggressively buying the dip through a leveraged Tesla ETF. Despite a punishing 54% year-to-date loss for the Direxion Daily TSLA Bull 2X Shares (TSLL), the leveraged Tesla bull fund continues to attract billions in new funds, revealing traders likely believe that the company's current challenges are temporary rather than structural. The exchange-traded fund has lost nearly half its value in just the past month, reflecting Tesla's 28.7% stock decline in the same period. Yet, investors can't seem to stop pouring money into it. TSLL, which aims to deliver twice the daily performance of Tesla stock, has attracted $1.3 billion in inflows over the past month and $2 billion year to date, even as the ETF has suffered a crushing 47.1% monthly loss and nearly 54% decline year to date, according to etf.com data. "We tend to see inflows with our 2x daily TSLA Bull (TSLL) when we get pullbacks in the stock like we are experiencing currently with Tesla," according to Ed Egilinsky, managing director at Direxion. "Our Leveraged and Inverse ETFs are designed for short term/active trading, and some traders believe that TSLA will reverse higher." The continued inflows come as Tesla faces multiple headwinds. The company is dealing with slowing sales globally, with European deliveries falling 50% year over year in January, Politico reported. In Germany, Tesla's sales crashed by 60% while overall EV sales surged by more than 50%. Short-Term Traders Seek Opportunity Amid Volatility "Since TSLL had inflows and TSDD had outflows last week, the data indicate that some traders are trying to buy the dip," according to Aniket Ullal, senior vice president and head of ETF research and analytics at CFRA. "They may believe TSLA is oversold." While TSLL attracts billions, the GraniteShares 2x Short TSLA Daily ETF (TSDD), which bets against Tesla's stock, has seen $13.1 million in outflows over the past month despite posting strong gains of 69.2% in that period and 74.2% year to date. "Investors are betting on a TSLL rebound after a sharp 30% decline in Tesla stock," said Noah Damsky, principal at Marina Wealth Advisors. "Investors have been conditioned to bet on a bounce back in stock prices, especially mega-cap tech stocks, given how well the market has performed over the last 10+ years." Sen. Justin Gerhardt, R-Mandan, speaks during a committee hearing on March 6, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) A Senate committee heard a resolution Thursday that attempts to change lawmaker term limits approved by North Dakota voters in 2022. Senate Concurrent Resolution 4028, sponsored by Sen. Justin Gerhardt, R-Mandan, would allow lawmakers to serve three terms, or 12 years, in either the House or the Senate chamber. The resolution would also limit statewide elected office-holders to three terms in office, but the governor and lieutenant governor would be limited to two terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three terms allows leaders to serve long enough to gain institutional knowledge and contribute effectively without making public office a lifetime position, Gerhardt said. It (the resolution) ensures we dont force out good leaders too soon, while still keeping fresh voices in the mix. Under the proposal, a lawmaker could potentially serve up to 24 years if elected in each chamber. In 2022, 63% of voters approved a citizen-initiated constitutional ballot measure that limits lawmakers to serving up to eight years in each chamber, or a total of 16 years. It also limits the governor to serving two terms. Gerhardt told the Senate State and Local Government Committee he doesnt believe his resolution overrules the will of North Dakota voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When North Dakotans voted for term limits, they voted for limits on the governor and Legislature, he said. They werent asked about other statewide offices. This resolution doesnt undo what voters approved. It expands it to term limits consistent across all offices and gives the voters a better option for legislative term limits. Sen. Judy Lee, R-West Fargo, said the executive branch will become more powerful with uniform term limits for all statewide and legislative office holders because the employees for those agencies will remain with consistent institutional knowledge. She also called the 2022 term limits ballot initiative a mess. I think the ballot box is the final choice, Lee said. If they dont like the people that are representing them, they wont vote for them. Ultimately, Gerhardt said voters will decide the fate of his resolution on an Election Day vote, if it makes it through both legislative chambers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the hearing, Kevin Hermann of Beulah said he opposes Gerhardts bill because it circumvents the will of the voters. Senate Concurrent Resolution 4028 tells the citizens of North Dakota that legislators will not honor the wishes of the outcome of the 2022 general election, Hermann said. This resolution is a way for legislators to get back their legislative power over the citizens of North Dakota in proposing a new article to the North Dakota constitution. Gerhardts bill would also clarify that appointments to finish the term of a lawmaker would not count against the three-term limit. He said he takes this section personally because he was appointed to fill the last year of the term for the late-Rep. Doug Larsen, R-Mandan, who was killed in an airplane crash in October 2023. Gerhardt told lawmakers that under the current law, he would only be allowed to serve in the Legislature for a total of five years and participate in two legislative sessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee took no immediate action Thursday. The resolution is similar to House Concurrent Resolution 3034 sponsored by Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo. Kaspers measure would allow lawmakers to serve for 12 consecutive years in office before being required to leave office for at least four years. Then, they could potentially run again for another three consecutive terms. Kaspers resolution also would limit other statewide elected officials to 12 years, except the governor and lieutenant governor, who would be limited to eight years. The resolution is scheduled to have a public hearing at 10 a.m. Friday before the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another term limit measure, Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008, received a do-pass recommendation from the Senate State and Local Government Committee last month, though lawmakers acknowledged during a hearing that it could be challenged in court. As amended by the committee, that resolution would allow lawmakers to serve four complete terms, or a total of 16 years, in the Legislature without requiring them to switch chambers. It also proposes that a partial term would not count against a lawmakers limit. It does not address term limits for the governor or other officials. Another possible term limit tweak was passed by the House in January.That measure, House Bill 1300, proposes that the clock on term limits doesnt start until after the November 2022 general election. It aims to clear up some confusion about how term limits affect lawmakers elected in 2020 and reelected in 2024. That bill now advances to the Senate. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SEOUL, March 7 (UPI) -- North Korea condemned an upcoming U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise Friday, saying that "counteraction is inevitable" and warning that the allies would "pay dearly." The threat came one day after the United States and South Korea announced that their annual springtime Freedom Shield exercise would run from Monday through March 20, involving computer-simulated drills and on-field training. Freedom Shield will reflect "realistic threats, lessons learned from recent armed conflicts and evolving challenges, including the DPRK's military strategy, tactics and capabilities, as well as its growing partnership with Russia," U.S. Forces Korea spokesman Col. Ryan Donald said at a press briefing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea. While Washington and Seoul say their joint military drills are defensive in nature, Pyongyang regularly condemns them as rehearsals for an invasion. Friday's unsigned commentary by state-run Korean Central News Agency said the upcoming exercise would be held "under the simulated conditions of an all-out war against the DPRK." "No matter how frequently the enemy states describe the said large-scale war rehearsal targeting a sovereign state as 'annual' and 'defensive' one, they can never cover up its habitual, offensive and confrontational nature," the KCNA commentary said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement also highlighted the recent visit of the nuclear-powered USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to the southeastern port of Busan and a large-scale live-fire drill held Thursday by U.S. and South Korean forces near the DMZ. There was no mention of the accidental bombing of a residential area in the city of Pocheon by two South Korean KF-16 fighter jets during the drill, however. South Korea's Ministry of Defense on Friday announced that the injury toll from the accident had risen to 29, including 15 civilians and 14 soldiers. The ministry has suspended all live-fire drills until the exact cause of the accident is determined but said that Freedom Shield will continue as planned. Freedom Shield will "soon bring a storm of aggravated situation to the Korean Peninsula," the KCNA commentary said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Counteraction is inevitable," the statement said. "We have already made it clear that if the U.S. continues to renew its record of military muscle-flexing, we will have no option but to renew our record of displaying strategic deterrent." "The enemy states will have to pay dearly for their stupid and reckless war drills," it added. South Korea's Unification Ministry, which oversees relations between the two Koreas, on Friday dismissed the North's claims that the joint drills were the cause of rising tensions on the Peninsula. "Whenever there is a joint South Korea-U.S. military exercise, North Korea shifts responsibility for heightened tensions and repeats unreasonable claims that threaten us instead," ministry spokesman Koo Byung-sam said at a press briefing. "Our training is a defensive exercise to protect freedom, as the name Freedom Shield suggests." ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) The Northern Illinois Food Bank, which relocated to the former K-Mart on Sandy Hollow Road in February, is seeking volunteers. The food bank moved to a larger space to serve more people in the area. The food bank needs more help so it can expand the hours it can be open. An official said they need more volunteers urgently so more residents can have access to basic necessities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We feel like, you know, everyone at one time in their life needs help in one way or another. So I also feel like everyone has an hour or two that they could give to help others, said Northern Illinois Food Bank Director of Volunteers Shannon Thompson. Theres so much happening in our world right now where sometimes it feels like its difficult to know what you can do. Volunteering is one of those things. To volunteer at the food bank visit its website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Norway's parliamentary leaders agreed on March 6 to increase aid for Ukraine by 50 billion Norwegian krone ($4.6 billion) to a total of 85 billion Norwegian krone ($7.8 billion) in 2025. "We are increasing support because there is a need for it, and it is a solid contribution to peace and stability in Europe," Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said following the agreement. "It is a very, very high amount. It is needed in the defense struggle that Ukraine is in." Norway initially planned to allocate $2.1 billion for military aid to Ukraine in 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although it was not immediately clear as to where the additional funds would be disbursed, Norwegian media outlet NRK reported that where the aid will be dictated by Ukraine's need. Norway has been one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters in Europe. Previously, Stre announced on in December 2024 that the Nordic country will provide 2.7 billion Norwegian kroner ($242 million) to bolster Ukraine's navy and help it deter Russian threats in the Black Sea. Speaking to reporters about the new aid on March 6, Stre also criticized actions taken by the Trump administration over the last week, including halting U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine. "Ukraine is in a dramatic defensive battle against a sustained Russian attack. The changes in the United States have weakened support for Ukraine," Stre said, adding that the situation was "very sad." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Nordic country's support for Ukraine continue, Norway previously pledged a new funding mechanism for Ukraine, the "Norwegian model," meant to complement an existing "Danish model" of defense spending. The Danish model aims to purchase arms from Ukrainian manufacturers rather than providing materiel shipments. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine, US delegations to meet next week, Zelensky announces Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) He served as an Albuquerque police officer before running the department. And now a federal investigation uncovered that officers were involved in a scheme to help get DWI cases dismissed throughout Chief Harold Medinas tenure. With some community members questioning if the chief could have been involved, he sat down with KRQE Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret to address the speculation. Im extremely transparent, Im extremely honest, and I have nothing to hide. And I will hit these allegations head-on with the truth, Medina said. Related Coverage The chief said he had heard the talk that he worked in or oversaw the DWI unit before he became Albuquerques police chief, even though he never did. I was not over the traffic section. I was the commander of the special operations division, which included the swat team, K9, EOD, which is bombs, horses, and the prisoner transport unit. So any personnel record of mine would reflect that, Medina explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to that, the chief told KRQE Investigates that as a sergeant and lieutenant in the late 2000s, his focus was the party patrolan effort to crack down on underage drinking. We shared a grant with the Department of Transportation where I did underage drinking and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers recognized me for my work with underage drinking, not DWI. So people go through paperwork and they make incorrect assumptions, and the rumors spread and they spread. So I just want the public to know that is my background, said Medina. The awards from MADD on the chiefs resume caught peoples attention because, as KRQE Investigates previously reported, the organization honored other APD officers implicated in the DWI dismissal scheme. One of the officers who was honored was Honorio Alba Jr. He confessed to his role in the scheme and told federal investigators that he funneled suspected drunk drivers to now-former Albuquerque Defense Attorney Thomas Clear III and his Paralegal Ricardo Rick Mendez. The two then paid Alba Jr. in cash or other bribes to not show up to court hearings or to not file charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KRQE Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret asked Medina if he knew Mendez or Clear III. Medina: Have no clue who Rick Mendez was. Never dealt with him. Pierret: Did you know Thomas Clear at all? Medina: No. I remember him from court. Court records show that Attorney Clear III handled six cases in which Medina was involved from 1999 to 2004. Of those six cases, two were dismissed. KRQE Investigates looked through the court dockets and saw that they did not contain explanations for the two dismissed cases, likely because theyre two decades old. Theres nothing there. Keep looking. And I just have nothing to hide, and I will asking them to find everything, my team, to find everything they can on my cases. And I will publicly release that. I have nothing to hide, Medina said. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to APD, Medina is one of more than 635 law enforcement members who investigated or were witness officers in dismissed cases involving Tom Clear III. The department added that the cases could have been dismissed for a number of reasons and that they are working to get KRQE Investigates the case files involving Medina. The chief added that since he didnt serve in the DWI unit, he was never the arresting officer in those cases. Pierret: So youre just the first on scene? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medina: Yes. Pierrett: Or the, okay, the holding officer? Medina: And I did. I used to at one point in my career. We used to, I used to get asked upon to do Spanish-speaking DWI quite frequently early in my career. In one of the chiefs first interviews, when the details of the public corruption scandal were revealed, he told KRQE Investigates he didnt believe that he lost the trust of the community. Recently he acknowledged there are sections that dont trust APD. The chief said the departments been working on a way to regain that trust by creating a dashboard that is going to track every single DWI officer, their arrest, their conviction rate, their failure to appear rate, and the reasons why they failed to appear into categories, Medina explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medina said dismantling the DWI scheme prompted this new tool, saying the department has been working on it for some time and met with community advocates to get their feedback. Weve been extremely proactive, and I havent come out and just said, Oh, were doing this, this and this. It comes out in bits and pieces because it is a lot of work. But Im confident were close, and I think this dashboard, public-facing is going to help the public understand that we are watching better than ever, said Medina. Albuquerque Police Department Dismissed Court Dashboard. March 6, 2025 The dashboard is now live; you can find it on the Albuquerque Police Departments website here. So far, APD has named 13 officers in connection to the DWI dismissal scandal. Three officers who all recently served in the DWI unit took plea deals in February. Medina said this is just the tip of the iceberg and that he expects more officers will be implicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Over 2,600 trucks weighing at least 80,000 pounds have crossed the eastbound Washington Bridge over the past seven weeks, according to new Rhode Island Department of Transportation data.(Photo by Rhode Island PBS Producer David Lawlor) More than 2,600 overweight trucks have crossed the eastbound Washington Bridge over the past seven weeks, according to newly released data from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). The data comes from RIDOTs newly installed weigh-in-motion system, part of a larger technical package designed to monitor the structural health of the highway over the Seekonk River. RIDOT plans to update the online dashboard on truck weights every Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state paid $2.8 million last May to Swiss-based technology company Kistler to install sensors meant to monitor traffic volumes, vehicle weights and axle loads, vehicle distances, and vehicle classes that cross the bridge. The eastbound bridge has a weight limit of 80,000 pounds, but vehicles weighing up to 96,000 pounds can cross if they are given a permit. Trucks weighing 140,000 pounds or more will trigger a visual inspection by crews to assess any potential impacts to the highway connecting East Providence to Providence. The heaviest vehicle to cross the eastbound bridge since the new monitors were installed weighed 135,225 pounds on Jan. 15, according to RIDOTs data. Feb. 7 saw the highest number of overweight trucks, with 170 crossing in both directions. RIDOT plans to close portions of Waterfront Drive in East Providence on March 17 and 18 in order to install sensors for the structural health monitoring system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eastbound span, constructed in 2008, was converted to take on traffic heading west days after the state closed the westbound side of the bridge in December 2023 upon the discovery of broken anchor rods that put it at risk of collapse. Safety is RIDOTs highest priority, RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. said in a statement. As part of our comprehensive efforts for maintenance and inspection of the eastbound bridge, we installed this state-of-the-art system which will allow RIDOT to have its finger on the pulse of the bridge in real time, every day, around the clock. RIDOTs new data comes as contractors begin to tear down the substructure of the westbound bridge, which is expected to wrap up by the end of the year. The state plans to award the contract to rebuild the westbound bridge by June 6, 2025. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEW YORK Regrets, Andrew Cuomo has a few and he believes theyre not too few to mention. Fresh off of announcing hes running for mayor this year, Cuomo acknowledged Thursday that he wishes he wouldve done some things differently while serving as governor, including as it relates to police funding. But Cuomo who has emerged as the front-runner in Junes Democratic primary to replace the beleaguered Mayor Eric Adams had no qualms about other candidates in the race accusing him of trying to carpetbag the election by moving to New York City only a few months ago in order to mount a campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When youre governor, youre still a New Yorker. New York City is in New York State, and I was obviously very, very involved with New York City, Cuomo, who lived at his brother-in-laws ritzy Westchester County home before his recent registration in the city, said after a campaign rally in Manhattan when asked by The New York Daily News about the carpetbagging accusations. So Im a New Yorker 100% through and through. When it came to his actual regrets, Cuomo, speaking during his first question-and-answer session with reporters since launching his mayoral campaign last weekend, said he should have as governor added more police to the MTA if I knew New York City was going to be cutting police, which obviously I didnt know. Cuomo was referencing how the city, under Mayor Bill de Blasio, shifted about $850 million in funding away from the New York Police Department in 2020 amid calls for defunding the department in the wake of George Floyds murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year before that city budget passed, Cuomo added 500 new officers to the MTAs police force in 2019 that he at the time argued were needed to address fare-beating and homelessness in the subways. The move nearly doubled the MTA police force and drew controversy at the time from some Democrats who argued the policy was counterintuitive. After Cuomos news conference, though, his spokesman Rich Azzopardi clarified Cuomo actually wishes he wouldve hired even more MTA cops in 2019 to hedge against the NYPD cuts a year later. Police funding is a thorny topic for Cuomo. Although he said Thursday that calling for law enforcement cuts is dumb, Cuomo argued in 2020 that the defund-the-police movement was a legitimate issue, and as governor he threatened to withhold state funding from departments in New York that didnt enact certain civil rights reforms. Besides the police funding issue, Cuomo said he wishes he wouldve as governor done much more preparatory work in the years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, which killed tens of thousands of New Yorkers in 2020 and 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He cut himself some slack on the pandemic front, too, though, saying no governor in the country couldve predicted COVID-19. Cuomo didnt mention regrets about a controversial policy he instituted at the outset of the pandemic barring nursing homes from refusing admission to guests diagnosed with COVID-19, a practice studies say resulted in many deaths. He also didnt express regret about findings that he downplayed the number of such COVID-19 deaths in official tallies. On a more philosophical level, Cuomo finally said he regrets as governor taking things too seriously. I wanted to do so much and was at times impatient with the process and the bureaucracy and everything is so slow, said Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 after being accused of sexual misconduct by 11 women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo, who has denied any sexual wrongdoing, didnt speak Thursday about those accusations. When he stepped down, he said he wanted to deeply apologize to anyone he might have made feel uncomfortable. Lindsey Boylan, an ex-Cuomo staffer who in February 2021 became the first woman to accuse him of sexually harassing her, blasted her former boss for not bringing up his alleged improprieties when asked about regrets. Cuomo has never taken accountability for his actions and he never will, Boylan told the Daily News. He is a corrupt monster unfit for office and he will never change. French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that he aims to determine by mid-year what forms of cooperation are possible among European countries regarding nuclear deterrence. Source: Le Figaro, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "We will begin a phase in which our technical experts will engage with each other This will be both a strategic and technical dialogue, followed by interactions at the level of heads of state and government, so that by the middle of the year we can see whether a new form of cooperation can emerge." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Macron noted that during the summit, many leaders, including those of Lithuania, Poland and Denmark, had expressed interest in this topic during discussions with him. Background: Last weekend, Macron first raised the possibility of offering its "nuclear umbrella" to European allies in a strategic speech on 5 March, also reaffirming Frances readiness to do so. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described Macrons proposal as a threat to Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (Bloomberg) -- The Fordow Fuel Enrichment plant is buried underneath a mountain just south of Irans Holy City of Qom. When Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, visited in November, he emerged with an acute sense of urgency. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 64-year-old Argentinian has spent more than a decade trying to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon. At Fordow, Iranian engineers began enriching uranium to just below the level needed for a bomb, after US President Donald Trump withdrew from a key arms-control agreement in 2018. Now, Grossi says, there is a growing debate between different factions in Iran over whether the country may finally need to go further, and build a nuclear deterrent to guarantee its security. Iran isnt the only one. The rules-based international order looks more fragile, as the US government eschews multilateralism and diplomatic norms. On March 5, French President Emmanuel Macron announced in a televised address that France would open talks with its European allies on extending its nuclear umbrella over the continent, on fears that the US would withdraw its protection. In an increasingly insecure world more countries are asking themselves whether they, too, need a deterrent of their own. A few years ago this discussion about nuclear weapons would have been taboo, Grossi said in an interview. But now these conversations are taking place in some countries. Its a constant erosion of norms. The bedrock deal in atomic diplomacy is the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which entered into force in 1970, during the Nixon administration. The deal, which now includes 190 countries, bestowed legitimacy over the nuclear arsenals of China, France, Russia, the UK and US. Other signatories, including Iran, are banned from developing a bomb in return for access to peaceful nuclear technologies, and must be open to IAEA inspectors who are tasked with keeping track of every gram of fissile material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other armed countries, including India, North Korea and Pakistan arent signatories to the treaty. Arms-control experts believe Israel has a bomb, but the country hasnt officially tested a device, and maintains an approach of neither confirming nor denying it. The nine countries that currently possess nuclear weapons spend a combined $91 billion annually on stockpile maintenance, equivalent to about $3,000 a second, according to data compiled by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. The US has been critical in making the NPT hold. It has obviated its allies need to build their own arsenals by extending security protection over them. And for countries that have threatened to break their commitments, its imposed trade sanctions. In 2015, Iran signed a deal with the US, China, Russia, the UK, Germany and France, in which it agreed to limit its nuclear work in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran has always denied seeking weapons. The first Trump administration pulled out of the deal in 2018, claiming that it wasnt working to stop Iran developing a bomb, even as the IAEA verified the country was in compliance with the accord. Since then, the Iranian nuclear program has accelerated. In late February, the IAEA said that Iran had increased its stockpile of near-bomb-grade uranium by 50% in just three months. Irans engineers are currently producing the equivalent of one bombs worth of highly-enriched uranium every 30 days. It would only take days to turn that into fuel for a warhead. IAEA monitors, who conduct daily inspections in Iran, say they can detect any potential diversion of uranium before it could be turned into a weapon, but their margin of error is narrowing, both because of the scale of program and the lack of an agreement that would give them wider access to sites beyond those Tehran has officially declared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his government consultations, Grossi said he was assured by Iranian leaders that theyve insulated their nuclear work from sanctions by retooling domestic production and creating alternative supply chains. As an example of Irans continued progress, the IAEA chief pointed to five new models of advanced centrifuge machines that spin at supersonic speeds to separate uranium isotopes that Iran has developed since Trump abrogated the nuclear agreement. Sanctions arent working, Grossi said. Quite obviously, the country has learned to circumvent them. The program has grown enormously, especially since 2018. The problem with sanctions, experts say, is that their effectiveness falls off over time, as countries find ways to circumvent them. Any tool risks becoming dull with overuse and that's the case with sanctions, said Laura Holgate, whose term as US ambassador to the IAEA lapsed when Trump took office in January. Sanctions can also become a useful scapegoat for regimes to blame for the immiseration of their people, she added. Thats not to say they shouldn't be used. But the rot at the heart of Irans or Russias economy has nothing to do with sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prolonged sanctions could even create an incentive for countries to go all the way and build nuclear weapons, whose utility in conventional combat is limited. Their real value is in giving governments leverage to force their foes to come to the negotiating table. While Trump said in February that the US is open to talking about a new deal, Iranian leaders have ruled out negotiations as long as the US maintains its harsh sanctions regime. UN sanctions lifted since 2016 could also be snapped back by October under a European plan to punish Iran for its intransigence with IAEA inspectors. Iranian government officials have warned that re-imposing UN sanctions or attacking its nuclear sites could compel Iran to exercise its right to leave the NPT, just as North Korea did in 2003, three years before testing its first bomb. Russia has reportedly agreed to help the administration negotiate with Iran on nuclear issues. Should Iran finally cross the line and complete a weapon, it could lead to proliferation cascades, Holgate said. If Iran goes nuclear, then others could follow. That could pierce the non-proliferation taboo and lower the barrier for other countries, even outside the region, to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arms control experts say the Trump administrations preference for threats and economic coercion over multilateralism and diplomacy risks amplifying global insecurity and prompting more countries to consider the bomb. Officials in Germany, Japan, Poland, Saudi Arabia and South Korea, have all publicly contemplated nuclear deterrents in recent years. Ukraine gave back Soviet weapons stationed there after the Cold War in return for territorial guarantees, which were then not honored. Despite the gloom among arms control experts, however, Trump has offered a small glimmer of hope. In February, the president suggested that he might be willing to reduce Americas own nuclear stockpile as part of deep cuts to defense spending, and said that he wanted to hold talks with Russia and China over disarmament. The triggering factor may be the money but presidential diplomacy is indispensable, Grossi said, noting that Trumps embryonic plan to rejuvenate arms-control diplomacy should be welcomed. We saw that with Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, he said, referring to the US and Soviet leaders 1987 summit that eliminated a class of nuclear-tipped intermediate-range warheads. We might see it with Trump and others. Arms control is top down, not bottom up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. SEOUL, South Korea The number of people injured when South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped bombs on a civilian area has increased to 29 from 15, the National Defense Ministry said Friday. Those injured include 15 civilians and 14 military personnel, the ministry said. Seven civilians and two soldiers remain hospitalized, including two civilians classified as seriously injured, while 20 other people have been treated and discharged, it said. The accident occurred Thursday during military training in Pocheon, a northeastern city of about 140,000 people near the heavily fortified border with North Korea. U.S. and South Korean forces were conducting a live-fire drill in preparation for Freedom Shield, an annual U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise that is set to get underway Monday. A South Korean soldier near the site of the incident in Pocheon on Thursday. A total of eight 500-pound MK-82 bombs were abnormally released by two South Korean air force KF-16s, landing outside the designated firing range. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Freedom Shield exercise is going ahead as planned, Col. Ryan Donald, spokesperson for U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), said Friday that the U.S. and South Korean militaries had agreed to pause all live-fire training until further notice. USFK said earlier that no U.S. Air Force aircraft participated in the exercise. A 2015 photo shows South Korean KF-16 fighter jets dropping bombs on a mountain target in Pocheon, South Korea. South Korea, a U.S. treaty ally, hosts almost 30,000 U.S. service members. The Freedom Shield exercise, which runs for 10 days from March 10, is designed to strengthen the alliances combined defense posture in the face of growing threats from nuclear-armed North Korea. North Korea criticized the Freedom Shield exercise Friday, saying it would worsen the situation on the Korean Peninsula and violate its "sovereignty, security and interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the U.S. continues to renew its record of military muscle-flexing, we will have no option but to renew our record of displaying strategic deterrent, the state-run KCNA news agency said in a commentary. Stella Kim reported from Seoul, and Julia Zhong reported from Hong Kong. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By James Davey LONDON (Reuters) -European discounter Pepco Group has received interest from potential buyers of its struggling 825-store Poundland business in Britain, its boss said on Thursday. "There are definitely interested parties for this business," CEO Stephan Borchert told Reuters after Pepco Group said it was evaluating all strategic options to separate Poundland from the Warsaw-listed group, including a potential sale. He declined to comment on the type of interest, what stage talks had reached, or what Poundland was worth, but said he was confident its future would be decided by September this year. Shares in Pepco Group were up 7.2%. Ahead of its Capital Markets Day, the group, which also owns the Pepco and Dealz brands, said although Poundland had turnover of over 2 billion euros ($2.16 billion) last year, it was operating in an "increasingly challenging" UK retail landscape "that is only intensifying". It said higher employer taxes announced in the Labour government's October budget will add further pressure to Poundland's cost base. Pepco said in December it was considering options for the chain after it booked a 775 million euro impairment charge. The group said it would focus on the Pepco brand "as the single future format and engine driver of group earnings". It will also consider the separation of the well-performing Dealz Poland business over the medium term and the future of its 63-store Pepco Germany business. The group said it was moving away from fast-moving consumer goods to focus on Pepco's higher-margin clothing and general merchandise business and "white space" opportunities in Central, Eastern and Western Europe. It sees scope for a further 1,800 stores in Central and Eastern Europe. Borchert will assume responsibility for running Pepco, while Barry Williams has been made the permanent managing director of Poundland. Group like-for-like sales were up 1.5% in the eight weeks to March 2, with growth at Pepco and Dealz offset by negative like-for-like sales at Poundland. It forecast profitable growth in its 2024/25 year, though it said Poundland's EBITDA would dip to 50-70 million euros from 153 million euros in 2023/24. The board has authorised a share buyback capability of up to 200 million euros. ($1 = 0.9258 euros) (Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Kim Coghill and Jan Harvey) The Indiana Department of Transportation has awarded more than $200 million in Community Crossings matching grants to 245 Indiana towns, cities and counties, including several in Northwest Indiana. The communities generally use the funding for paving projects and bridge maintenance. Funding for Community Crossings comes from the states local road and bridge matching grant fund. Community Crossings has provided more than $2 billion for local road improvement projects since its inception in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grant winners include: Cedar Lake: $342,000 DeMotte: $1,282,927.50 Dyer: $1,500,000 Gary: $1,500,000 Griffith: $534,863.50 Hebron: $1,500,000 Highland: $753,271.70 Jasper County: $1,500,000 Lake Station: $1,013,740.50 Lowell: $602,788.13 Michigan City: $1,500,000 Munster: $1,500,000 New Chicago: $421,428.75 Ogden Dunes: $259,693.12 Portage: $1,500,000 Porter: $541,331.25 Porter County: $1,500,000 Schererville: $1,172,053.49 Town of Pines: $159,817.50 Valparaiso: $1,500,000 Wanatah: $121,264.50 Winfield: $1,500,000 HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History in Hartford is celebrating its 200th anniversary. Nyberg: 2 authors tell the story of foster care The museum is one of the oldest historical societies in the country. The Deputy Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer Eileen Frank sat down with Ann Nyberg to talk about what has happened over the course of two centuries and whats next for the society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full video in the player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. By Jonathan Stempel and Luc Cohen NEW YORK (Reuters) -A lawyer asked to offer independent arguments on whether to end the U.S. Department of Justice's corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams recommended on Friday that the case be dismissed. But the lawyer, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, urged that the case be dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought again, rather than leave open a possibility for renewal as the Justice Department requested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics of the Justice Department and Adams said a dismissal without prejudice would make the Democratic mayor beholden to Republican U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, especially in advancing its crackdown on immigration. "A dismissal without prejudice creates a palpable sense that the prosecution outlined in the indictment and approved by a grand jury could be renewed, a prospect that hangs like the proverbial Sword of Damocles over the accused," Clement wrote. "The prospect of reindictment could create the appearance, if not the reality, that the actions of a public official are being driven by concerns about staying in the good graces of the federal executive, rather than the best interests of his constituents," he added. In a court filing later on Friday, lawyers for Adams said U.S. District Judge Dale Ho must dismiss the case, but had the option of doing so with prejudice. Adams had initially consented to the Justice Department's request to dismiss the charges without prejudice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ho appointed Clement, a conservative who was solicitor general under Republican President George W. Bush, for an independent view of the unusual joint dismissal request by Adams and the Justice Department. Adams had pleaded not guilty to accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish officials in exchange for favors, including pressuring fire officials to let Turkey open a new consulate in Manhattan despite safety concerns. The mayor had long viewed the case as retribution for his criticism of surging migration during the administration of Democrat Joe Biden, which brought the case last September. QUID PRO QUO Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove said a dismissal was appropriate because the case interfered with Adams' ability to help Trump enforce immigration laws, not because the case was weak or Adams was not guilty. He left open the possibility of refiling the charges after the city's November mayoral election. In the filing later on Friday, Bove and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, whom the U.S. Senate confirmed two days earlier, urged Ho to swiftly dismiss the case without prejudice, in part because it could impact New Yorks November mayoral election. This prosecution reflects an improper weaponization of the justice system," wrote Bove and Blanche, who previously served as Trumps personal criminal defense lawyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bove took charge after several senior prosecutors resigned rather than carry out his order to dismiss the charges, which they viewed as political interference. Danielle Sassoon, the interim Manhattan U.S. Attorney at the time, criticized what she viewed as a quid pro quo between Adams and her superiors. Adams and Bove have denied any quid pro quo. Ho, a Biden appointee, has acknowledged he may have little choice but to grant a dismissal, but said an outside voice would help him resolve what "everyone would agree is a somewhat unusual situation."The judge may consider the dismissal request at a March 14 hearing in Manhattan. He delayed Adams' April 21 trial indefinitely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fifty-six percent of New York City voters, and 72% of Democrats, believe Adams should resign, and just 20% of overall voters approve of his job performance, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday. Adams, 64, faces an uphill battle should he seek reelection in November, as several Democratic challengers including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo try to unseat him. Cuomo drew support from 31% of registered Democrats in the Quinnipiac poll. Adams received 11% support, and the other candidates were in single digits. U.S. Senate Democrats filed a professional misconduct complaint against Bove with the New York State Bar on Tuesday, seeking a review of whether he improperly used prosecutorial power to coerce Adams into Trump's camp. (Reporting by Luc Cohen and Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Chizu Nomiyama, Cynthia Osterman and Kim Coghill) Probation Commissioner Juanita Holmes denied she wrote or authorized an op-ed that appeared under her name in the Amsterdam News in October during a contentious City Council hearing Friday on her two-year tenure. Holmes, a former NYPD chief appointed by Mayor Adams to the probation post in March 2023, claimed in a City Council budget hearing the op-ed was written by Mercury Public Affairs and submitted without her knowledge or approval and she said her agency lawyer is aware. The firm quickly disputed her claim. In the hearing, Council Member Amanda Farias quoted from the Oct. 10, 2024 op-ed, which was about her plans to reduce recidivism, at length in which she asserted the agency was somewhat behind the times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What policies were found to be outmoded and how is that to be determined? Farias asked. That is not my op-ed, replied Homes. That is an op-ed that was written by Mercury, a vendor. It was never approved by me, never edited by me and released without my permission. My general counsel is aware of it and the Law Department is aware of it. Amsterdam News Managing Editor Damaso Reyes told The News the op-ed was received from Mercury managing director Michael Nitzky, who told them Holmes had written it. Mercury is a large public affairs and political consulting firm with offices in New York, Washington, D.C. and 12 other cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We worked closely with the commissioner and her team to help craft and submit the op-ed in question, a Mercury spokesperson said. The op-ed was the product of weeks of interaction between Holmes, her staff and Mercury, a source familiar with the op-ed said. Probation even provided the picture of Holmes that accompanied the op-ed, the source said. That odd exchange was followed by sharp questioning from Council Member Lincoln Restler over Holmes broader record and the contents of a Daily News article published Friday about the large-scale turnover throughout the agency and several hiring decisions. Under your leadership, since youve joined the agency, the Department of Probation is in dire straits, Restler said. Since youve come into office, six of the 32 most senior staff remain. That is a level of brain drain that has huge negative impacts on the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The News reported there was an inquiry into Holmes role in the hiring of a doctor she knew and that she had hired a gynecologist as an assistant director and three members of a single family within 11 months. There is no nepotism, Holmes said, denying any wrongdoing and saying she does not do the hiring. Holmes could be seen scoffing and shaking her head as Restler told her he is deeply concerned about your management of the DOP, citing high attrition rates, staff shortages and other trends. At one point, Farias had to remind Holmes to answer the questions yes or no as Restler had requested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just six of the top 32 officials on the agencys organizational chart remain from early in her tenure, The News reported. The article also reported that 288 people had quit the agency under her tenure out of 394 who had left. Of the 213 she hired, just 46 were probation officers. The rest were in administrative posts. Meanwhile, Restler said there has been a 30% drop in the number of probation officers from 949 in 2020 to 658 to date. The decline in staff has been cited by the probation officers union as a major problem facing the agency. Holding up a thick stack of papers, Restler also told Holmes he receives letters from anonymous DOP employees every week who are raising concern about the job shes doing. She was also asked why she pushed for all probation officers to carry guns on the job. We have to keep our probation officers safe, she replied. Ellen Moynihan contributed to this story NEW YORK (PIX11) New York City will be giving out baby boxes, full of free products, to parents of newborns at four public hospitals, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Thursday. The products included in the boxes are diapers, wipes, clothing, bathing and feeding supplies, a Made in NYC onesie, the NYC New Family Resource Guide and a book, according to Adams. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boxes will be handed out to families at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi and NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst in Queens and NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County in Brooklyn later this year, officials said. The Kings County hospital delivers more than 7,000 babies a year, according to city data. The city is investing $2.6 million in the program. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. STAR-ADVERTISER / MAY 11 Home sales fell 6.7 % in February from 2024. 1 /2 STAR-ADVERTISER / MAY 11 Home sales fell 6.7 % in February from 2024. STAR-ADVERTISER / MARCH 29 The inventory of single-family homes remains low and flat. 2 /2 STAR-ADVERTISER / MARCH 29 The inventory of single-family homes remains low and flat. STAR-ADVERTISER / MAY 11 Home sales fell 6.7 % in February from 2024. STAR-ADVERTISER / MARCH 29 The inventory of single-family homes remains low and flat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oahu single-family home prices in February hit a rec ord high for the first time in nearly three years while condominium activity softened as the housing market diverged. The median price of $1, 185, 000 rose 10.2 % from $1, 075, 000 a year ago and topped the previous peak for home prices at $1, 153, 500 set in May 2022, according to data released Thursday from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Sales, though, fell 6.7 % to 167 from 179 a year earlier. Condos showed decreases in the two primary metrics with the median sales price of $494, 000 in February down 3.6 % from $512, 500 a year earlier and sales off 12.3 % to 293 from 334. A median price means half the prices were above and half below the given price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the single-family home median price reaching a record high and condo inventory expanding across the island, market conditions are shifting, creating different opportunities for buyers and sellers, Honolulu Board of Realtors President Trevor Benn said in a statement. Single-family home inventory remained low and flat, with 770 homes for sale by the end of February, according to real estate brokerage Locations. In contrast, condo inventory saw a significant increase, rising by 54 % from the previous year to 2, 231 condos available for purchase. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. The supply-demand measure, known as months of remaining inventory, showed that the single-family home market remained tight, with 3.3 months of inventory. In comparison, MRI for condos increased to 6.0 months, signaling a shift from a sellers market to a balanced market. A balance in condo inventory has led to more opportunities for local buyers, though increased maintenance fees remain an issue for some. Single-family homes were on the market for a median of 23 days, consistent with the typical seasonal trends. Condos, however, lingered on the market longer, with a median of 48 daysmarking a 12-year high. In February, 1 in 4 single-family homes and 1 in 7 condos sold for more than the asking price, although competition in the condo market appeared to ease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oahu real estate market showed more signs of diverging home and condo markets in February, Locations Chief Sales Officer Chad Takesue said in a statement. The single-family home market remains steady and strong, with rising prices and several indicators of competitive demand. The condo resale market, on the other hand, continues to show more signs of softening. Oahus housing market continues to face significant challenges, especially in terms of affordability, according to Locations. The median price for single-family homes has risen dramatically, and the availability of homes considered affordable for median-income families is primarily confined to certain areas of Leeward Oahu, including Waianae and Makaha. Additionally, more than half of Oahus resale condos are still considered affordable for median-income families, offering some opportunities for buyers in this price range. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these opportunities, mainland and international investors have been particularly active in markets like Waikiki, Kakaako and oceanfront properties. The investors are mainly focused on the luxury and high-end segments of the market, while local buyers are more prevalent in midmarket condo segments, particularly in Kakaako. The lack of available supply, which has been a significant issue for decades, continues to put upward pressure on prices for single-family homes. While there are signs of opportunity in the condo market, inventory levels for condos surged in February, reaching a 15-year high. Increased supply in the condo market has shifted the balance from a sellers market to a buyers market, especially as condos remain on the market longer and competition eases. In contrast, the inventory of single-family homes remains low and flat, with West Oahu continuing to show some of the most competitive markets, particularly in areas like Pearl City-Aiea, where the supply-demand ratio is extremely tight, at just 1.5 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The condo market continues to be affected by recent challenges to insurance and maintenance costs, Takesue said. Condos are staying on the market longer, and competition has eased. As a result, condo supply has increased significantly from a year ago, and prices have flattened. Many local condo resale markets now favor buyers. Takesue also noted that the condo inventory is particularly high in urban areas like Ala Moana and Kakaako, where continued new condo development has contributed to increased supply, with 8.9 months of inventory in the area. Other parts of Oahu, like Leeward Oahu, have seen similar increases in condo inventory. However, condo markets in areas such as Kailua, Mili lani and Kaneohe continue to experience tight supply, with just 3.1, 3.3 and 3.5 months of remaining inventory, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the single-family home market, the West Oahu region is also experiencing high demand, with areas like Waipahu and Mililani showing tight supply, at around 2 months of inventory. Rural markets, such as the North Shore and Leeward Oahu, have higher inventory levels, but demand remains softer in these areas. As single-family home prices continue to rise, the rental market in Oahu is also experiencing pressure, with rents typically increasing alongside home prices. As a result, many potential homebuyers are opting to remain in the rental market, as homeownership becomes increasingly out of reach. However, with more condo inventory and declining prices in some segments, the market could present more opportunities for first-time buyers, especially as the condo market continues to shift toward a buyers market. The mortgage rate environment is improving, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate declining from above 7 % at the start of the year to 6.76 % in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts predict that rates could continue to fall to around 6.5 %, which might make homeownership more affordable for some buyers. However, increased sales activity could be tempered by reduced consumer confidence due to ongoing economic and political uncertainties. HOME SALES The number of homes sold on Oahu in February with the median price and percentage change from the same month last year : HOMES SALES MEDIAN PRICE 2025 167 $1, 185, 000 2024 179 $1, 075, 000 Change-6.7 % 10.2 % CONDOS SALES MEDIAN PRICE 2025 293 $494, 000 2024 334 512, 500 Change-12.3 %-3.6 % Source : Honolulu Board of Realtors Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald speaks at a news conference announcing a commission's gun violence prevention findings on June 11, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonalds office is asking for sanctions against the attorney representing the mother of the Oxford High School shooter, alleging he has engaged in an irresponsible abuse of the court system in seeking to overturn her conviction. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Marc A. Keast said the assertion made by Jennifer Crumbleys attorney Michael Dezsi that the hiring of crisis communication firms to handle the media response to the Nov. 30, 2021 fatal shooting was done in secret was blatantly false . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crisis communications firms were not hired in secretthey were known to every media outlet that covered the Oxford cases. The funds to pay them were allocated by the Board of Commissioners with the support of the County Executive, and their fees were paid by Oakland County, not the Prosecutors Office. None of that was secret, Keast wrote in a brief filed Thursday in Oakland County Circuit Court. Included in the filing was an article from Crains Business Detroit dated May 17, 2022, detailing the hiring of Identity PR to handle the media onslaught that was sure to follow, the shooting, which killed four students and injured seven others, including a teacher. As our brief makes clear, the defenses motion was filed for an improper purpose, said McDonald in a press release. Our argument shows their motion is less a legal maneuver and more a cheap publicity stunt. Jennifer Crumbley, along with her husband James Crumbley, were sentenced last year to at least 10 years in prison after they were found criminally responsible for the shooting by their son Ethan, who was 15 at the time. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. James Crumbley (left) speaks before he is sentenced on involuntary manslaughter charges in Oakland County Circuit Court, as his wife Jennifer Crumbley (right) listens on April 9, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) McDonalds office successfully led the first-in-the-nation prosecution of parents for a school shooting after they convinced juries in separate trials that the actions of James and Jennifer Crumbley made the killings possible, including failing to secure the firearm that was purchased for their son only four days before the shooting that took the lives of Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; Justin Shilling, 17, and Madisyn Baldwin, 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deszi, who initially filed in December to overturn Jennifer Crumbleys conviction as a sham prosecution grounded in prosecutorial overreach, followed that up with an additional motion on Wednesday to remove McDonald from the case alleging she had unethically engaged two public relations firms to run a smear campaign against the Crumbleys in an effort to sway public opinion and taint the jury pool. But in its counter-motion, the prosecutors office contends that the negative portrayals of Jennifer Crumbley in the media were based on facts. For example, her social media posts about buying her son a gun as an early Christmas present and taking him to the shooting range three days before the shooting, the drawing school officials texted to her and showed her on the day of the shooting, her decision not to take her son home, and her flight to a warehouse in Detroit instead of turning herself in, it stated. The prosecutors office further noted that Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews is currently considering or has already considered the exact issues brought up by Dezsi on an appeal, which is still pending, and that bringing them up again is a violation of court rules, alleging their true purpose was to generate headlines, personally attack the Prosecutor and the prosecution team, and divert attention from the defendants gross negligence that resulted in four deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As that was not a proper purpose under court rules, McDonald says Deszi should be sanctioned. I respect the defendants right to an appeal and due process, said McDonald. However, this motion is outside the bounds of the normal adversarial process. Its exploitative and disrespectful to the memories of Hana St. Juliana, Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, and Justin Shilling and to the trauma of all the Oxford victims. Dezsi, in a response statement, pushed back against the claims by the prosecutors office, saying he has yet to receive all of the details about the crisis communication effort. The prosecution got caught cheating, and their response is to say that their use of the PR firms wasnt a secret. If it wasnt a secret, then why are they refusing to disclose all of the files, documents, and reports that were prepared by the PR firms? Certainly, whatever those PR firms did on behalf of the prosecution, that information was kept secret from the defense. The defense never knew the nature of their work or the costs associated with the PR firms, and they have refused to produce the files and documents from the PR firms, he said. McDonald says if sanctions are granted, her office will request any payments be made to charities supported by the Oxford shooting victims. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A new state law meant to ensure that more Texans recovering from substance abuse in residential facilities have uniform standards of care and living conditions may not have the effect lawmakers intended. The 2023 law, which goes into effect in September, requires recovery homes to be accredited to receive state funding. That accreditation requires them to meet specific health standards, adhere to an established code of ethics and agree to inspections. But there arent enough people to inspect the nearly 600 recovery homes, the cost of becoming accredited can be cost prohibitive for some facilities and legislators havent earmarked enough money to subsidize the number of homes advocates say are needed. I dont think theres enough incentive for them to get accredited, said Ralph Fabrizio, a certified recovery support peer specialist and owner of the accredited House of Extra Measures facilities in Houston. There is just not a lot of money in recovery housing, and this is another expense some good providers cant take on financially because they are already battling unlicensed recovery homes, setting the price point so low that it's running them out of business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 299, which the Texas Legislature passed in 2023, prohibits a recovery house from receiving state money if it has not participated in the voluntary accreditation process. Texas Health and Human Services Commission adopted the standards established by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) and the nonprofit Oxford House Incorporated. These accreditation organizations' standards require a community-based approach to recovery and set the bar for resident safety while educating providers on what is legally required in health care. A lot of people come into recovery housing from other industries with not a full understanding of the rules in health care, said Elizabeth Henry, director of policy for RecoveryPeople, a substance use recovery nonprofit based in Texas. Things like referral fees and bonuses and things like that are not welcomed in health care, but we have people trying to get discounts on drug testing. One of the great things that happens when they go through accreditation is they learn these things. In addition to Oxford House, Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network accredits recovery houses in Texas. To start the certification process, a recovery house must pay $500 per application and $10 per bed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help categorize recovery residences into more specific groups, NARR distinguishes these residences based on four levels of care. The first level is peer-run recovery residences, where residents operate the facility. Level two is for monitored recovery residences, with an administrative director overseeing operations. A level three home is a supervised recovery residence, which has more intense oversight than monitored residences and includes 24/7 support for residents. The fourth and final level is for service provider recovery residences, which are typically operated by organizations or corporations that offer clinical and administrative supervision and credentialed staff. A House of Extra Measures home in Houston on Feb. 27. Credit: Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune Each level has standards that must be met before being certified by NARR, including requirements for administrative operations, recovery support, physical environment, and even how to be a good neighbor. It also includes a rule that makes paid work agreements completely voluntary so residents dont suffer consequences for declining work, a costly concept for recovery home providers. Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network is the only accreditation agency in the state that can certify all levels, as Oxford House Incorporated deals mainly with level 1 homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While these standards are meant to improve residents' recovery, they saddle housing providers with additional costs. Providers make most of their money from residents rent. Henry said House Bill 299 was initially meant to include funding, but lawmakers removed this portion during committee hearings. We dont know why, she said. Residents private or public health insurance usually does not cover housing costs for recovery residences, leading to recovery homes closing or switching to more profitable care facilities.. Currently, the conundrum that we face is that the higher the severity of illness, the lower the resources the person has available. This is because the higher the severity, the higher the care they need, which is more expensive, and insurance doesnt pay for it, Henry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exact number of recovery homes in Texas is unknown because accreditation is voluntary. Still, advocates believe 600 to 700 recovery homes are operating in a given year. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission reports that 407 are accredited or chartered homes, with 326 of those being low-intensity resident-run homes. Henry estimates around 300 homes lack accreditation and risk being cut off from all state funding. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission could not provide an exact number of recovery homes that lack accreditation because no agency gathers information on every recovery home that exists. To meet the current demand from Texans seeking to recover from substance abuse, the state needs at least 300 more dwellings and 200 more high-intensity managed care homes to be accredited, said Jason Pullin, the director of the Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Study of Treatment and Addiction Recovery Residences, the state currently ranks 33rd in the nation for recovery homes per capita. Most Texas counties 218 have no identified recovery housing, and 86% have fewer than five. The Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network has accredited 81 recovery homes, with 23 residences becoming newly certified through the voluntary process in fiscal year 2024. Even if the demand for accreditation increases, the Texas affiliate of the national accreditation organization will likely not meet it due to a lack of staff. We currently have one paid employee, myself, but we operate from El Paso to Beaumont, Amarillo to South Texas. These homes must be physically walked through as part of the accreditation process. We just dont have the bandwidth, said Pullin, the organizations director. Decorations at a House of Extra Measures home in Houston. Credit: Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune Texas Health and Human Services Commission identified the single issue concerning accreditation is providers dont find it financially feasible or worthwhile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exact amount of money a recovery home receives from the state can vary depending on the level of substance use it is meant to address, as higher-intensity programs might need medicine programs and clinical support. State funds usually cover rent for specific residents in a recovery home, ranging from $300 to $2,000 monthly. However, this is not a reliable source of funding for most providers. The vast majority of recovery homes in Texas do not receive state funding, Henry said. Currently, approximately 15 homes under PROJECT HOMES and those supported by BeWell Texas receive state funds, and both programs require NARR accreditation. However, BeWell Texas only covers costs of residents who meet specific criteria, making the funding highly limited and inconsistent. In fiscal year 2024, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission spent $10 million on substance-use housing, with $4 million going to the Texas Targeted Opioid Response recovery housing program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of state funding for recovery housing goes to Oxford House, which has had a decade-long contract with the Texas health agency, with the current one being $1.6 million annually. Oxford House has accredited 326 homes, with 20 residences newly chartered in 2024. While this funding has provided stable support for Oxford Houses, it has also contributed to a significant gap in recovery housing options, as other recovery homes remain largely unfunded, Henry said. Additionally, some recovery homes occasionally receive housing vouchers from local mental health authorities, but these payments can take months to process, making them impractical options for many homes and residents. From left: Mindy Anderson and Charlotte Loving, house managers of House of Extra Measures homes, work in the office on Feb. 27. Loving was also a previous resident of the home. Credit: Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune The federal Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Block Grant covers 70% of all substance use services in Texas, something advocates say needs to be switched to state funds soon as federal funding can be unreliable, and the accreditation process is already a financial burden for recovery housing providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pullin said the costs a recovery home can incur annually vary widely depending on whether the provider rents or owns the homes, whether transportation is provided, what programming is offered, and more. In my estimate as a former operator, the average budget for a recovery home would range from $50,000 on the low end to over $100,000 on the upper end, he said. Every provider has a unique program. There is no way to get an accurate average with a multitude of differences among providers. The current situation in Texas has led many recovery homes to look for other funding sources, either by leaving the industry altogether or switching to programs that have more consistent federal and state funding. This is why recovery housing advocates and managers have asked lawmakers to send $4.3 million to level two or three accredited homes during the next two-year state budget cycle. Most level one homes already receive consistent funding, and a clinic or hospital usually supports level-four dwellings, so they dont need additional funding, Henry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recovery home industry warned lawmakers in a hearing that without rental assistance, facilities with expensive programs will continue to close or move to more profitable outpatient programs, and more dangerous, unregulated facilities will replace them. We are hopeful that this funding proposal will successfully move through the appropriations process and become part of the state budget, expanding access to quality recovery housing for more Texans in need, Henry said. What is a recovery home? Lyndsi Taylor, a 35-year-old Pearland resident, began a downward spiral into drug abuse seven years ago when her youngest daughter died. Shes bounced around from couches to rehab programs to the streets, but this year, she is ready for a change. Lyndsi Taylor, 35, works on writing at a House of Extra Measures home. "I'm working really hard to do it this time and I'm scared to death but everybody keeps telling me it's a healthy fear. Because I don't want to go back. I don't want to and I just pray that I never do," Taylor said about her recovery. Credit: Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune Its a full-time job just worrying about how youre going to get pills. And its so exhausting, and Im just so tired of that; Im so tired of that same old worrying about something that doesnt even do anything for me and causes nothing but trouble in my life, Taylor said. For people like Taylor, a recovery home is a community of like-minded individuals who are there to pick you up at your lowest moments. The girls are great. Theres a sisterhood and a bond because were all going through the same thing, Taylor, who is currently staying in a recovery home in Houston, said. We hold each other accountable. But were there for each other when you need it, too. You need that community because you cant do it alone. For many Texans, leaving rehab is just the start of the recovery journey, not the end. You are pretty much going from the street to 30 days in treatment and then right back home, said Sarah Saidock, who was a resident of a recovery home in 2021. Those addictive behaviors are still going to be engraved in you. Saidock said her time at a recovery home allowed her to regulate her emotions again after years of numbing them with drugs. If I hadnt been sent to that recovery home, I wouldnt have had that time to heal and grow and be a responsible parent for my daughter that I still am today; that made a world of difference for me, said Saidock, who has worked at House of Extra Measures, a recovery housing program in Houston since her treatment. Recovery housing benefits individuals by reinforcing a substance-free lifestyle and providing direct connections via support groups, participating in house meetings, peer support, job training, and more. Recovery house resident Kimberly Ham, 39, reads during a meeting on March 2. Credit: Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune You must learn many little things, like keeping the house clean and pushing in your chair. At first, I thought that was stupid, and then I started to like taking care of the house, taking care of myself, and being respectful, said Kimberly Ham, who has been a Hoskins House for Women resident in Houston for the past three months. However, for many who are searching for help with their addiction, finding a quality recovery home can be a challenging task. Ive been to awful places. I mean roach infestations, people still doing drugs all the time and stealing, said Taylor. There are a lot of places like that, but this place is completely different. Why is accreditation important? Studies show that recovery homes with enforced standards are a key step in recovery and preventing relapses. Still, the quality can vary from place to place since the accreditation process is voluntary in Texas. Anybody can open up a recovery home, put some beds in it, put utilities on it, market it, and put some bodies in there, said Fabrizio. This has led to a problem where tracking what recovery home is open or closed can be challenging. Since undergoing accreditation is a voluntary process, HHSC cannot confirm the total number of operating recovery homes in Texas, said James Rivera, spokesperson for the state health agency. States cannot simply close down unlicensed houses because doing so would violate the Federal Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. Other recovery homes will say they will give you grace but want their money immediately. They want their money, and its almost impossible to focus on recovery when stressed about finding a job just to get a bed, said Stephanie Paris, who had been abusing opioids and heroin since the age of 11. Paris, 46, decided she was ready for a change after being released from rehab in early 2024. However, she knew the grim options that awaited someone with her financial means. Its virtually impossible, especially in todays economy, to start from scratch all over again without some kind of support and assistance, she said. You are pretty much homeless once you leave a rehab program. A framed affirmation at a House of Extra Measures home. Credit: Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune When Paris thought she had no other options and would have to continue her court mandated probation on her own, she learned about the House of Extra Measures. This accredited recovery housing organization offered services to people with little to no income. It was a game changer. It allowed me to make my recovery the most important thing in my life, and that set a routine and foundation for me. All of this can be hard to do when you have to worry about paying rent or end up back on the street, she said. What is the solution? Recovery housing advocates say more money from the state will save taxpayer dollars. We are currently spending a bunch of money on people with some pieces of addiction. Were spending on the justice system. We are spending it on child removals and spending it on human trafficking prevention. It touches every area that we taxpayers pay for, said Cynthia Humphrey, executive director of the Texas Association of Substance Abuse Programs. Advocates want $2 million of the $4.3 million requested from the state to be used on implementing and administering accreditation programs. Additional funds would allow us to increase staff and our ability to develop more training materials for providers who want to get into operating a recovery home, Pullin said. There is not a lack of interest in this purpose. Its a lack of resources. Advocates also propose using some of these funds to create rental assistance programs for accredited providers, easing some of the financial burden created by trying to provide quality service. My husband is one of the do-gooders who started a recovery home in the early 2000s, and it lasted about two years after pouring so much money into the home, Humphrey said. We need to do something for our providers and those seeking help. Danielle Villasana contributed to this story. We cant wait to welcome you to the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin. Step inside the conversations shaping the future of education, the economy, health care, energy, technology, public safety, culture, the arts and so much more. Hear from our CEO, Sonal Shah, on TribFest 2025. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) Funding freezes and cuts on the federal level are even trickling into South Dakotas state budget. White House says Elon Musk is not in charge at DOGE, but is advising the president Republican legislative leaders say this year is already tight and that is raising concerns for the future. As we turn our attention to wrapping up this year and look to next year, I think a big issue is whats happening with DOGE, and with the percentage of South Dakotas budget that comes from federal dollars, its huge, Republican Rep. Scott Odenbach said Thursday. We were talking about this with some of the governors staff (Wednesday). You know, 50% depending on how you look at the numbers or more, comes from federal payments and theres going to be a drawback in that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Odenbach, of Spearfish, serves as the House Majority Leader. He says the uncertainty with federal funding could specifically impact efforts to provide property tax relief in South Dakota. He said everyone will have to wrestle with the possibilities of less federal funding in South Dakota. Democratic legislative leaders say they are also keeping an eye on the federal cuts and how they are impacting agencies and programs in the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- An Odessa man was arrested earlier this week after investigators said he allegedly used wire and a baby crate to hold a woman captive and threatened to kill her while wielding a blade. Joseph Keith Yates, II, has been charged with Unlawful Restraint and Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon. According to an Odessa Police Department report, on March 5, officers were called to a home on to investigate a disturbance after someone called 911 and said a woman was locked in her bedroom amid a lot of screaming. At the scene, a woman told investigators that her fiance, identified as Yates, had locked her in their bedroom using wire and a baby crate. The woman said that Yates, while holding a machete and a knife, threatened her and yelled, anyone try to take this baby, Im going to kill them. The woman said she yelled for help and that her parents had to kick down the bedroom door in order to gain entry and intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yates was arrested at the scene and booked into the Ector County Law Enforcement Center where he remained as of Friday afternoon. His bond has been set at a combined $52,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. Playa Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Located on the Uvero Alto Beach, the hotel features 620 rooms and offers a range of family-friendly amenities and diverse dining options. The property also represents the second Wyndham Alltra property on the island. The Wyndham Alltra brand is a collaborative venture between Playa Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Playa Hotels & Resorts executive vice president and chief investment officer Fernando Mulet said: The Dominican Republic has long been a key destination for Playa Hotels & Resorts, and we are thrilled to expand our footprint with the grand opening of Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana. This addition reinforces our commitment to the islands thriving tourism sector, offering guests another opportunity to experience our award-winning, all-inclusive hospitality. We look forward to welcoming travelers to this stunning destination and continuing to support the growth of tourism in the region. Each room at Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana is equipped with a furnished patio and a daily restocked minibar. Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana includes a free-form pool, a fitness centre, a full-service spa, and a kids club. The hotel offers nine dining options that range from five a la carte restaurants to a buffet, a casual pizzeria, and a cafe, along with nine bars. This opening follows the brand's introduction to the Dominican Republic in April 2024 with Wyndham Alltra Samana on the Samana Peninsula coast. "Playa launches second Wyndham Alltra property in Dominican Republic" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Mar. 6By Kim Smith [email protected] The adoptive father of an 8-year-old girl who died after being forced to jump on a trampoline for hours on a 97-degree day five years ago pleaded guilty to manslaughter Thursday and was sentenced to 18 years in the Texas Department of Corrections. Daniel Schwarz and his wife, Ashley Schwarz, were indicted in October 2020 in the death of Jaylin Schwarz, whose mother had given up her parental rights to her and her younger sister three years earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Ector County jury convicted Ashley Schwarz of capital murder and two counts of injury to a child in April 2023 and she's serving three concurrent life sentences. During Ashley Schwarz's trial, Jayde, who was 7 at the time of her sister's death, told jurors she and Jaylin were sent out to jump on the trampoline the morning her sister died as a punishment. She could not recall, however, why they were being punished. Jayde testified they were given two cups of water, about the size they used to get during church services. The girl also testifed Ashley and Daniel never checked on them or offered them more water and they'd been locked out of the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other witnesses testified police and fire personnel were summoned to the Schwarz home on Locust Avenue shortly before 2 p.m. Aug. 29, 2020, about an unresponsive child. Ashley Schwarz testified Daniel, now 48, found Jaylin unresponsive in the backyard. When Daniel brought her in, she said Jaylin was wheezing and they stripped her and sprayed her with water to cool her down. Daniel began CPR after they realized she no longer had a pulse and she immediately called 911, Ashley told jurors. However, several first responders testified Jaylin was already showing signs of rigor mortis and lividity when they arrived and a forensic pathologist testified pictures taken at the scene show the child suffered a sunburn after death and was already starting to decompose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple was indicted on three charges: capital murder of a person under 10, injury to a child intentionally causing serious bodily injury and injury to a child intentionally causing serious bodily injury by omission. It took jurors 3.5 hours to convict Ashley Schwarz and slightly less than two hours to determine her sentence. Jayde and Jaylin's biological mother relinquished her parental rights and designated the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as managing conservator on Aug. 16, 2017, when Jaylin was 5 and Jayde 4. The department agreed to pursue adoption of the girls by the Schwarzs and the couple was named permanent managing conservators in November 2017. At the time of Jaylin's death, the couple were in the process of adopting the girls. GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) Greenville Police officers are being honored for saving the lives of two women while on scene at a deadly shooting. Over the weekend Greenville Police said that two women were shot at the Shops at Greenridge off of Woodruff Road. Nearly thirty officers responded. We all automatically assumed we were responding to an active shooter, Caroline Flavell, Greenville Police Officer, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say that, upon arrival, they found one man dead and two women who had been shot. Both women were reported to have been hit approximately ten times each They didnt do first aid, said Dr. Tom Blackwell, the Executive Director of Greenville County EMS. They almost did maximum trauma care. I am an officer in the United States Army Medical Corps and I can tell you what these folks did, we do out on the battle field. Officers say the shooting was believed to have stemmed from a domestic argument, and was an isolated incident but people were crowed around everywhere. Officer Caroline Flavell called it absolute chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crowd being there definitely added to some of the stress and pressures because there were so many people and we werent sure if there were any additional victims at first, Flavell said. By the time paramedics arrived on scene, Greenville County EMS Director Tom Blackwell said that officers had already controlled bleeding and protected the womens vital organs. I am telling you from 35 years of academic medicine under my belt, these were fatal injuries. Because of their actions, both of these individuals are expected to be discharged, alive and normal from the hospital. Six responding officers were recognized for their heroic acts on March 1st, saving the lives of the two women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to thank them for their service, Chief Thompson said. I am proud of them. I am very lucky as the police chief, that I get to see the good work our officers here in the city do everyday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) New officers took their oaths Thursday, set to join two Las Vegas valley police departments. The North Las Vegas Police Department (NLVPD) and Clark County School District Police Department (CCSDPD) welcomed their newest recruiting class Thursday at CSNs Horn Theatre. More than a dozen new officers earned their badge and took the oath to protect and serve. Its really a huge accomplishment, said Ucia Alfaro, a new NLVPD officer. Weve been waiting for 6 months, you know. Its paid off. Were here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of us werent sure if we were going to get here because of how tough it is, but we all pulled through, and were here now, said Ernest Campos, another new officer. After six months of excruciating work, its great. It all paid off in the end. It was hard, but right now, standing here, it feels great. Ucia Alfaro was the only woman in her recruiting class. An 11-year Army reservist serving the country, Alfaro will now serve her community. They tell me Youre one of the boys now, so its really nice to hear that from them, said Alfaro. They definitely accepted me and invited me into their group. The new recruits went through 24 weeks of training that they say pushed them to their limits physically and mentally, including training involving tasers and OC or oleoresin capsicum, also known as pepper spray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would rather get OC sprayed than get tasered again, said Officer Campos. The taser really put me out. I was on the floor, and it hurt for a few days. They also completed more than 1,000 hours of instruction in the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a police officer, as well as advanced subjects such as tactics, use of firearms, and emergency vehicle operations. Officials say the recruits include Spanish speakers, veterans, and Las Vegas natives. Those recruits say they strive to reflect the community they serve and strengthen trust in law enforcement. I know a lot of us really want to change the way people see police officers, said Campos. Give us a chance. Let us prove ourselves to you guys that we do mean to help people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newly minted police officers will go on to complete anywhere from 17 to 23 weeks of field training. The hiring process will begin again for NLVPD in September, with the academy beginning Oct. 6. More on that process is available on the Join NLVPD website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. If you find yourself in the city or county of Milwaukee on Friday or anywhere in Wisconsin, for that matter you'll officially be celebrating Friday Fish Fry Day. Gov. Tony Evers, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley have all issued proclamations designating March 7, 2025, as a day to honor the signature Wisconsin tradition. "Often comprised of beer-battered and deep-fried fish, fries, coleslaw, rye bread, tartar sauce and a lemon wedge, Friday night fish fries bring together family, friends and neighbors to share in an iconic Wisconsin meal and tradition and to support local businesses and industries," the governor's proclamation reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Evers' proclamation, which he has issued in previous years, the fish fry tradition developed when a large population of Catholic European immigrants settled in Wisconsin in the 19th century. The state had an abundance of lakes and rivers filled with freshwater fish, like perch, cod and bluegill. March 7 is the first Friday of Lent, the 40-day season during which Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays. Volunteers at area churches and other organizations will serve the traditional baked or fried cod dinner from March 7 through April 18. "The state of Wisconsin joins fish fry enthusiasts across the state in celebrating this cherished Friday night tradition," Evers said. Looking for a fish fry to hit up Friday in the Milwaukee area? We've got you covered: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: From classic to unconventional, these 6 Milwaukee-area fish fries reel in the flavor More: Church and other nonprofit fish fries in the Milwaukee area during Lent in 2025 This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: It's Friday Fish Fry Day in Wisconsin, Milwaukee County, Milwaukee VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK) An East Texas man was arrested after being pulled over twice in three months where authorities reportedly found illegal drugs. The Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office pulled over a vehicle on Jan. 9 for alleged equipment and moving violations. The driver was identified as Jerrick Munns, of Wills Point. When officers spoke to Munns, he reportedly admitted to having illegal drugs ensuing a search of the vehicle. SHERIFF: Tree falls on RV, killing woman in Van Zandt County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials found suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and a large sum of money. Courtesy of Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office Criminal Interdiction Team. He was arrested and taken to the Van Zandt County detention center, where he had a medical episode that required attention, officials said. As a result of Munns condition, he was released to medical personnel and a warrant was requested and issued for his arrest for the methamphetamine, the sheriffs office. Mugshot of Jerrick Munns, courtesy of Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office. Munns was arrested again on March 3, after he was pulled over for equipment and moving violations. The warrant from the previous encounter was implemented and the Interdiction Team`s K9 arrived to search the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man arrested following police pursuit in Van Zandt County, drugs recovered The Interdiction Team`s K9 arrived and alerted to the presence of illegal items in the vehicle, the sheriffs office said. A subsequent search located, suspected methamphetamine, scales, as well as pills suspected of being Trazadone. Marijuana and additional drug paraphernalia were also located. Munns was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and manufacturing/delivering of a controlled substance. He is being held at the Van Zandt County Jail on a $200,000 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. (NEXSTAR) The causes of death for actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were released Friday after days of mystery and speculation. At a media conference Friday, Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner for New Mexicos medical investigator office, identified Hackmans cause of death as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiac disease, with Alzheimers disease as a significant contributory factor. Arakawas cause of death was said to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Gene Hackmans wife Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus. But what is it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hantaviruses are found throughout New Mexico and primarily in deer mice. Human infections are rare but serious. There have been 136 such cases in the past 50 years in the state, and 42% of those cases were fatal, said Erin Phipps, New Mexico State Veterinarian. Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26. Hackman was found on the floor of the homes mudroom alongside a walking cane and sunglasses, and Arakawa was found on a bathroom floor near a space heater. One of their dogs was discovered dead nearby. An open prescription bottle was also found near Arakawas body, with pills scattered on the bathroom countertop. The medical examiner clarified Friday the pills were thyroid medications, which were being taken as prescribed and not believed to have contributed to her death. Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa arrive for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, in January 2003. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File) A responding deputy had previously said he believed Hackman and Arakawa may have both fallen abruptly based on the position of the items found near their bodies, according to an affidavit. He observed no immediate signs of trauma, the document indicated. The medical examiner confirmed both Hackman and Arakawa had no signs of internal or external trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bodies did, however, show signs of decomposition, bloating and, at least in Arakawas case, mummification of her hands, the deputy said. Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza and Jarrell shared evidence that suggested Arakawa may have died several days before her husband. Email activity and surveillance footage show she was alive on Feb. 11, communicating with others and running errands. However, there was no additional communication or comings and goings after that day. Gas company shares findings from Santa Fe home of Hackman, Arakawa Hackmans pacemaker had registered cardiac activity on Feb. 17 with some abnormal activity on Feb. 18 the last on record for the device. Based on the evidence, Jarrell said it was reasonable to conclude Arakawa died first and Hackman died about a week later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if Hackman was possibly not aware that Arakawa had died, an official on Friday said it was difficult to answer, but that it was quite possible. An autopsy revealed Hackman had very extensive heart disease, including multiple prior heart procedures and prior heart attacks. A look at his brain also showed advanced Alzheimers, Jarrell said. When asked if starvation may have killed Hackman, the medical examiner shared there was no food in his stomach, so he hadnt eaten recently, but he also wasnt showing signs of dehydration. The couple was not discovered until Feb. 26. Santa Fe County deputies are pictured on Feb. 27, 2025, outside of the Santa Fe house where Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead the day before. (AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales) The cause of death for the dog found dead inside the home is unknown. The sheriff said necropsy results for the pet were still pending. Dogs do not get sick from hantaviruses, Phipps said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials initially noted in the search warrant affidavit that there were no issues with the gas pipes and no signs of a carbon monoxide leak at the home. Sheriff Mendoza later said at a Feb. 28 news conference that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning. The New Mexico Gas Company, earlier this week, said its investigators had identified five red tags (i.e., safety concerns) at Hackman and Arakawas home, though none were believed to be a factor in the deaths, the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office said. One of those red tags was issued due to a minuscule gas leak stemming from a stove burner, but it was not a lethal amount, officials said. Legend: Voice actor behind Space Ghost dead at 67 Hackman, a Hollywood icon, won two Oscars during a storied career in films including The French Connection, Hoosiers and Superman from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arakawa, born in Hawaii, studied as a concert pianist, attended the University of Southern California and met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a California gym. Hackman dedicated much of his time in retirement to painting and writing novels far from Hollywoods social circuit. He served for several years on the board of trustees at the Georgia OKeeffe Museum in Santa Fe, and he and his wife were investors in local businesses. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Gene Hackman's wife died from a virus found in rodents, and the actor, who was in an advanced state of Alzheimers," likely died a week later, officials in Santa Fe, New Mexico, said Friday. Betsy Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and the Oscar-winning actor, who was in very poor health, died seven days later, said Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator for the New Mexico office of the medical investigator. His cause of death was determined to be "hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributory factor," she said, based on autopsy findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can tell you that he was in an advanced state of Alzheimers, and its quite possible he was not aware" his wife was dead in their home, Jarrell added. Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in 1989. Hantaviruses are spread by rodents, primarily through droppings, urine and saliva and can cause serious illness and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The viruses can cause diseases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Symptoms of the virus include fever, aches and cough and can sometimes include vomiting and diarrhea that progress into shortness of breath and heart and lung failure, Jarrell said. Hackman tested negative for hantavirus, Jarrell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Jarrell acknowledged "there is no reliable scientific method to accurately determine the exact time or date of death," she said it is likely Hackman died around Feb. 18 the day after his pacemaker last recorded an "event." Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza offered a timeline of Arakawa's whereabouts in the lead-up to their deaths, and Jarrell noted that Arakawa was last known to be alive on Feb. 11. Their bodies were found Feb. 26 in separate rooms of their 9,000-square-foot Santa Fe residence. Police were called after a maintenance worker discovered the bodies. Hackman was found collapsed in a mudroom. Arakawa was found in a bathroom, where an open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills were found on the counter. One of their dogs was also found dead in a closet in a bathroom near Arakawa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jerell said Friday the pills were found to be a thyroid medication that was being taken as directed and are not considered a contributing factor in Arakawa's death. The Sheriffs Office has described the deaths as suspicious, and said that there are no obvious signs of foul play and that no signs of external trauma were found on the bodies. Officials initially said the dog that was found dead in a closet in the bathroom was a German shepherd. But the dead dog is now believed to be their Australian kelpie mix, Joey Padilla, owner of the Santa Fe Tails pet care facility which is involved in the surviving dogs care, said to The Associated Press. Mendoza said Friday the dead dog, named Xena, is now undergoing a necropsy and results are pending. Officials said it is possible Xena died from starvation, given the timeline of Hackman and Arakawas deaths, and that dogs dont get sick from hantavirus. Two other dogs were also found alive on the property, according to the search arrant affidavit in the case. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Ohio Senators have introduced legislation that would eliminate sales tax for guns and ammunition, while establishing a tax credit for firearm manufacturers in the state. The sponsors of Senate Bill 59, Sens. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) and Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster), claim Ohio is losing out on gun sales due to buyers traveling to neighboring tax-free states. Competing bills seek to change Ohio marijuana law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, similar language was adopted into law in the state of West Virginia, highlighting the necessity of this legislation; to ensure that Ohioans support Ohio businesses, Schaffer said at an introductory hearing for the bill. Currently, West Virginia is the only state neighboring Ohio that has adopted a sales tax exemption for gun and ammunition purchases. Guns in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon are also sales tax free since these states do not collect sales tax at all. It is legal to buy a gun in one state and take it to another, as long as the transaction is legal in both states, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. If the bill were to pass, Ohios sales tax exemption would specifically apply to any non-shotgun firearm that is .50 caliber or smaller, and any shotgun that is 10 gauge or smaller, according to Schaffer. Ammunition for such firearms would also qualify. The measure, introduced in January, would also establish a tax credit capped at $10 million per fiscal year for firearms and ammunition manufacturers that either plan on moving to Ohio or are expanding an existing facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intent behind this bill is to protect our Second Amendment and remove the burdensome nature of taxes, Cutrona said. Additionally, this is a jobs bill and will create more opportunities for Ohioans. Ohio is open for business and I look forward to the positive impact this legislation will have on our economy. Father behind Laurens Law in Ohio sues care facility after eviction The tax credit, called the Constitutional Commerce Credit, would be administered by the state Department of Development, and awarded to businesses that make a capital investment of at least $2 million. Companies would be eligible to receive the refundable tax credit for up to 15 years. Businesses receiving tax incentives would have to maintain operations in the state for the greater part of seven years or the term of the credit plus three years. If a business fails to comply with the rules, the Department of Development could intervene and recapture up to the full amount of the credit awarded, Cutrona said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair introduced a similar bill in the last General Assembly, but it only received one hearing and did not pass by the end of the legislative session. A spokesperson with the Ohio Council of Churches, a Christian organization fighting against gun violence, told NBC4 the group is against the bill, calling it morally and ethically irresponsible. Waverly, Ohio teenager on life support after getting the flu According to the New England Journal of Medicine, firearms are the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in America, a spokesperson said. Yet our state legislature apparently is bent on not only removing the tax on firearms sales but actually seeks to encourage the manufacture and distribution of firearms, by bestowing tax incentives on the manufacturers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 59 was assigned to the Senates Ways and Means Committee. It has had one introductory hearing and awaits proponent and opponent testimony. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Flowers of hemp plants that contain less that 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the primary psychoactive substance in marijuana, to be used for student instruction at the Cleveland School of Cannabis, October 30, 2023, in Independence, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original article.) A pair of Ohio Republican state senators want intoxicating hemp products to only be sold at adult-use dispensaries not convenience stores, smoke shops, or gas stations. Ohio state Sens. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, and Shane Wilkin, R-Hillsboro, introduced Senate Bill 86, which would also impose a 15% tax on intoxicating hemp products sold at dispensaries and ban the sale of intoxicating hemp products to anyone under 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, intoxicating hemp products are untested, unregulated psychoactive products that can be just as intoxicating, if not more intoxicating than marijuana, Wilkin said in his sponsor testimony to the Senate General Government Committee on Tuesday. The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill says hemp can be grown legally if it contains less than 0.3% THC. Ohio is one of about 20 states that does not have any regulations around intoxicating hemp products, according to an Ohio State University Drug Enforcement and Policy Center study from November 2024. Fifteen states ban these products. Seven states, including Michigan, regulate it like cannabis, while seven other states regulate it like consumer goods, according to the study. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the lack of regulations, the intoxicating hemp industry has been able to confuse Ohio consumers and law enforcement by marketing themselves as dispensaries with recreational marijuana, Huffman said in his testimony. Under the bill, intoxicating hemp products would only be sold at dispensaries if the products have been tested and comply with standards for packaging, labeling, and advertising. The bill would only apply to products that can be ingested or inhaled. To suppress the illicit market, this bill prohibits hemp products that are not sold in dispensaries from marketing the products as marijuana, using any terms associated with the sale of the product that would cause a consumer to infer the product is marijuana, or that the entity selling the product is a marijuana dispensary, Huffman said in his testimony. He had a bill in the last General Assembly that would have banned the sale of all intoxicating hemp products, but it wasnt able to make it out of committee. Hemp business owners testified against the bill since it would end their livelihood, but they spoke in favor of regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement S.B. 86 would also regulate drinkable cannabinoid products. The bill also authorizes the manufacture and sale of low-dose drinkable cannabinoid products in Ohios dispensaries, craft breweries, bars and restaurants, and carry-outs, and imposes a $3.50 per gallon excise tax on manufacturers, similar to how we tax alcohol, Huffman said in his testimony. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has repeatedly asked lawmakers to regulate or ban delta-8 THC products and Wilkin thanked DeWine for calling attention to this issue. The administration has been a consistent voice in warning of the dangers of this unregulated, untested, and dangerous market, and were thankful for their efforts once again on this issue, Wilkin said. Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Children in child care. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent) Child care must be a priority in the next Ohio state operating budget, advocates told a legislative committee considering the states spending on child wellbeing, saying that a proper system would bring benefits not only for the kids, but for the state as a whole. Child care is the industry that allows all other work to happen, said Chris Angellatta, CEO of the Child Care Resource and Referral Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders of coalitions and organizations across the state pushed the Ohio House Children & Human Services Committee to keep parts of Gov. Mike DeWines executive budget proposal related to child care, and some even brought their own ideas on how the budget could work better for children, and the parents who could reenter the workforce if they had affordable, accessible quality child care. Weve heard a range of challenges, said Stephanie Keinath, executive vice president of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. The chamber collaborated with the Montgomery County kindergarten readiness advocacy group Preschool Promise, holding meetings with local employers about their child care needs. The challenges it heard ranged from a lack of backup child care, confusion on how employees can navigate eligibility for benefits and the bigger challenge of how to increase capacity in parts of our community that lack the infrastructure, Keinath said. The chamber of commerce also partnered with child advocacy group Groundwork Ohio and Wright State University for a summit on the impact of child care on the workforce, and interacted with more than 300 business leaders as part of the summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What has become clear, through all our conversations with employers, is that there is no single solution that will work for all businesses, Keinath told the committee. What may be feasible for some of our large employers will likely not be feasible for the over 48% of small businesses who cite lack of child care as a major obstacle for staffing. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Keinath was among the many advocates who urged the committee to continue the Child Care Choice Voucher Program, which is maintained in the newest House budget proposal, and would allow subsidies for households whose annual income is up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Thats $62,400 for a family of four. This expansion of eligibility is a key factor in ensuring that an important part of our workforce can return to work or remain working, Keinath said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the other budget items the child care supporters pushed for was an expansion to the states Publicly Funded Child Care program eligibility, which could rise to 160% of the federal poverty line if legislators move it forward. We know that this is a step in the right direction, but increasing eligibility to 300% could make an even greater impact on Ohios children and families, said Brianna Booker, policy associate with the Childrens Defense Fund Ohio. That would be $93,600 for a family of four. The County Commissioners Association of Ohio joined advocates in supporting the child care changes that could make it into the budget. Montgomery County Commissioner and CCAO member Carolyn Rice said the counties, which administer public assistance programs like the publicly funded child care system, are uniquely positioned to recognize both the current challenges many families have accessing child care and the positive impact that child care can have on a familys journey toward economic prosperity. But more could be done, particularly to help those who take care of children in those quality child care facilities, Angellatta said. He pitched a pilot program to the House committee that would create categorical eligibility, to give early childhood educators full-time child care for their own children. The pilot program Angellatta proposed would start with a voucher for 1,000 children of child care workers in Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program would not only help a sector of the workforce that is driven by low wages and high turnover rates, with 43% of early childhood educators earning $11.60 per hour or less, according to Angellatta but provide a strategy to bolster the workforce that faces a critical shortage. This is also a recruitment activity, in which, regardless of someones income, we want them to be able to come to the child care workforce, Angellatta told the committee. Kentucky passed a similar categorical eligibility law in 2022, and other states are already supporting child care workers in similar ways, the association leader said. Ohios economic competitiveness really depends on our ability to outperform our neighbors, and child care is an important part of that infrastructure, Angellatta said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside of budgetary changes, the state has also looked into a cost-sharing model that would split child care into thirds, with the state, employers and employees all paying an equal share. A Republican-led effort to implement the measure is currently being considered in both the House and Senate. State Rep. Andrea White, R-Kettering, chair of the Children & Human Services Committee, said members will go into next week discussing recommendations for the budget document, as the House prepares to pass its version of the spending bill. The Ohio Senate has also begun budget discussions, on its way to a draft document of its own. The state budget is due to be finalized and ready for the governors signature by July 1. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Sergio Goncalves LISBON (Reuters) -Novo Banco, Portugal's fourth-largest lender, reported a record net profit of 744.6 million euros ($804 million) on Thursday, ahead of a planned initial public offering, and said it would begin distributing 60% of earnings in dividends. CEO Mark Bourke said the bank's performance positioned it for an IPO and told Reuters it would likely be "at the upper limit of the 25%-30%" range, but the exact stake would depend on market conditions and shareholders. U.S. private equity fund Lone Star, Novo Banco's biggest stakeholder, had been considering an IPO or a full sale, sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters in September. Bourke said, for Lone Star, "it is rational to keep all options on the table", but that he has always advocated an IPO. The good performance, the bank's medium-term prospects, and that it has set targets and met them "are all building blocks" for the IPO's success. Net profit was up 0.2% last year, attributable in part to an increase in interest margins and commissions that offset higher provisions, the lender said. Authorities blocked Novo Banco from making dividend payouts from 2017 until the end of 2025, but, in December, its stakeholders reached an agreement to lift that ban. On Thursday, it said it expected to have "more than 3.3 billion euros of available capital for distribution over the next three years". It will propose a dividend of 224.6 million euros, or 60% of the earnings it booked in the second half of 2024, adding additional payouts could be adopted in future, subject to approvals. Novo Banco's core Tier-1 (CET1) capital ratio stood at 20.8% at the end of 2024, more than double the central bank's minimum requirement, but the medium-term target is now between 13% and 13.5%, it said. Novo Banco was carved out of the collapsed Portuguese bank BES in 2014. Since 2017, it has been 75%-owned by Lone Star, with the remainder held jointly by the Portuguese banking resolution fund and the state. ($1 = 0.9261 euros) (Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; Editing by Jan Harvey, Rachna Uppal and Barbara Lewis) A Fayette County Sheriffs Office Deputy was arrested amid a child pornography investigation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Justin Bennett, 34, of Washington Court House, was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with nine fourth-degree felony counts of Pandering Obscenity involving a Minor. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation started on Feb. 18 when the Fayette County Sheriffs Office was alerted by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for Alleged criminal activity at a residence that was identified as Bennets residence, according to a Facebook post from the department. Bennett was relieved of duty and placed on administrative leave during the course of the investigation. The Madison County Sheriffs Office was asked to conduct the criminal investigation. Madison County Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant on Bennets home and seized electronic devices for analysis. After detectives investigated the devices, they determined there was probable cause for Bennetts arrest, according to the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bennett resigned his position with the Sheriffs office effective immediately. The matter remains under investigation by the Madison County Sheriffs Office and the Fayette County Prosecutors Office to determine if additional charges will be filed. A Fayette County Sheriffs Office deputy was arrested on Thursday, March 06, 2025 following an investigation into... Posted by Fayette County OH Sheriffs Office on Thursday, March 6, 2025 [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] An Ohio father is speaking out about the serious dangers of the flu after his 4-year-old daughter was hospitalized with the virus. Now, he said her life will never be the same. The Boler familys nightmare started a week ago. Brad Boler said, Its a nightmare. Its like every day I wake up to the nightmare. We were doing everything that the doctor had said to do. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locklynn Bolers life changed in an instant when she became sick with the flu. She jumps up out of bed and runs toward the bathroom door, and next thing, I know I hear a thud. So, I grabbed my flashlight on my phone, and I looked over and she was lying on the ground. Brad said. They rushed her to a hospital in Chillicothe, Ohio. They had to do three rounds of CPR on her before they finally got a pulse. Took roughly, I dont know the exact amount of time, but I think it was almost 20 minutes that she was gone, Brad said. >> PREVIOUS STORY: 4-year-old Ohio girl in coma after serious flu complications Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then a crew flew her to Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus. They came in and told us that she had massive amounts of brain injuries. Shell never be able to walk again, probably wont be able to even. She can make noises, but not talk again, Brad said. Locklynn spent more than two days in a coma. However, shes aware now and off the ventilator. The fact that shes alive makes me hopeful. But, when I just sit down and think about it, I get really angry. But, I think thats just one of those emotions Im still processing through, he said. Dr. Jason Newland, who oversees Infectious Diseases at Nationwide Childrens Hospital, said, Influenza season has reminded us how severe influenza can be. This year, unlike the previous three years, its come after the winter holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said, flu season is starting to wind down but we need to get through March. Parents and caregivers, grandparents, and others who are around their children know when things are different. Trust yourself, Newland said. Take them to the hospital. It isnt going to hurt, just take them. A perfectly healthy baby just dropped. I dont want that to happen to anyone else, Brad said [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Stock photo of a marijuana dispensary from Getty Images. A week after Ohio Senate Republicans passed a bill that would overhaul the states marijuana law, Ohio House Republicans introduced their own proposal. Their version would keep home grow and tax levels the same, but reduce THC levels and redirect most of the tax revenue. State Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, introduced Ohio House Bill 160 during a press conference Thursday. Similar to the Senates bill, the Houses bill would reduce the THC levels in marijuana extracts from a maximum of 90% down to a maximum of 70% and caps the number of marijuana dispensaries to 350. The bill, however, would keep the 10% tax on marijuana and keep Ohios home grow at 12 plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our bill preserves the core of Issue Two, while also adding important protections for Ohios minors and addressing the issue of intoxicating hemp, Stewart said, noting his goal is to pass a marijuana bill before the lawmakers go on summer break. Ohioans passed a citizen-initiated law to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023 with 57% of the vote, and sales started in August 2024. Ohio lawmakers can change the law since it passed as a citizen initiative. The states total recreational marijuana sales were $361,994,872 as of Saturday, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Every product that is legal today will remain legal under this bill, Stewart said. I think we are making very, very few changes here. Were not touching any of the core parts of Issue Two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill deals directly with intoxicating hemp by requiring every THC product to be treated like marijuana and only be sold at the states regulated marijuana dispensaries. Simply put, if it gets you high, it goes through a dispensary, Stewart said. I dont think Ohioans are excited about the fact that you get essentially the same thing thats less safe from a local gas station. I dont want my kids to go walk into your local gas station chain and buy marijuana. The bill would change how the marijuana tax revenue is directed, sending a bulk of tax revenue to Ohios general fund, Stewart said, mentioning he worked closely with House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, on drafting the bill. Even though legal weed sales started last year, Ohioans could start legally growing marijuana at home shortly after Issue Two passed in 2023. Ohio state Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville. Official photo. I think the longer you wait, the harder it is to make substitute changes, Stewart said. I think in the real world, folks who are growing 12 plants today are not likely to grow less than 12 plants just because we passed a law at the Statehouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement H.B. 160 prohibits using marijuana in public spaces, but allows for smoking inside a privately owned property, including outside on a residential front porch. Its legal to use these products at your home, Stewart said. The bill would also offer expungement for prior convictions for marijuana related offenses. As the views of Ohioans have shifted on the issue of marijuana, our laws should reflect that, and allowing people to remove these offenses from their criminal record is good policy, Stewart said. Even though the Senate recently passed their own bill, Stewart doesnt think his bill will create a possible standstill where nothing gets passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im going to leave it to the two gentlemen that hold the gavel as to which bill is moving, but its one or the other, Stewart said. The Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN) is still digesting this latest piece of legislation, but Deputy Executive Director Adrienne Robbins seemed optimistic about H.B 160. We do think this is a really positive step forward, she said. When you look at the Senate bill and the different iterations of it that came out, I think this is another step forward, and it does make us feel like lawmakers are one, listening to us, but then, maybe more importantly, listening to consumers concerns as well. Whats in the Senate marijuana bill? Senate Bill 56 would significantly change Ohios weed laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would limit Ohios home grow from 12 plants down to six, reduce the THC levels from a maximum of 90% to a maximum of 70%, and mandates that marijuana can only be used in a private residence. S.B. 56 allows someone to apply to the sentencing court to have their record expunged if they were convicted or plead guilty to possessing 2.5 ounces of marijuana before the state law went into effect. Under the bill, the applicant must pay a $50 filing fee. The bill would combine the states medical and recreational marijuana programs under the Division of Cannabis Control, require marijuana be transported in the trunk of a car when traveling, and would limit the number of active dispensaries to 350. It would also ban Ohioans from using marijuana that is not either from a licensed Ohio dispensary or cultivated at a consumers home. This would make it illegal for Ohioans to drive up to Michigan to purchase marijuana and bring it back over state lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill originally dealt with taxes and how funds were distributed, but those provisions were removed during committee. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWines proposed budget, which is currently being heard in the Ohio House, increases the tax on marijuana from 10% to 20%. The budget is due July 1. Potential deja vu? This is not the first time both chambers have tried to pass their own legislation in attempts to change the states marijuana law. Shortly after Ohioans voted to legalize marijuana, the Ohio Senate quickly passed a bill that would have made major changes to the law that would have affected taxes and home grow, but the Ohio House never brought the bill to the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, state Rep. Jamie Callender, R-Concord, introduced a bill that would have clarified some of Issue 2s language, but it never made it out of committee. Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) While an increasing number of Ohio cities are banning anti-LGBTQ+ practices known as conversion therapy, Statehouse lawmakers have revived a bill to prohibit the practices statewide. Senate Bill 71, proposed in February by Sens. Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Beth Liston (D-Dublin), would prohibit healthcare professionals in Ohio from engaging in conversion therapy with minors. The practices falsely claim to change a persons sexual orientation or gender identity and have been discredited by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association. Ohio leaders turn to Intel promises after President Donald Trumps call to repeal CHIPS Act Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Practitioners of conversion therapy often employ aversive conditioning, which includes the use of electric shock, deprivation of food and liquid, smelling salts and chemical-induced nausea, according to the American Medical Association. A 2021 The Trevor Project survey found that 13% of LGBTQ+ youth nationwide reported being subjected to conversion therapy, with 83% saying it occurred when they were under the age of 18. If passed, S.B. 71 would require state licensing boards to suspend, revoke or refuse to issue or renew the license of the healthcare professional who was practicing conversion therapy with a minor. Antonio and Liston reintroduced the bill after Westerville voted in February to become the 13th city in Ohio to can conversion therapy. While some argued the measure infringes on parental rights, many residents spoke in support of the ban, including a former Presbyterian pastor who said during the ordinances second hearing that her daughter was a victim of conversion therapy. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Westervilles ban in the video player above. Westerville joined 12 other Ohio municipalities, including Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and Reynoldsburg, that have banned the practices. Brandon West, a 23-year-old Lorain resident, championed his home city last year to become the 12th to ban conversion therapy, and has since begun advocating for Cuyahoga County to do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jim Tressel on his interest in running for Ohio governor in 2026 Those Ohio cities passed conversion therapy ordinances because the Statehouse didnt advance previous proposals to implement a statewide ban. Although former Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville) introduced the Anti-Conversion Therapy Act last year in the General Assembly, which would make law in Ohio the same parameters as S.B. 71, the legislation didnt receive a committee hearing. While Lightbodys proposal, then House Bill 220, received bipartisan allyship, Antonios and Listons S.B. 71 has yet to gain Republican support and is only co-sponsored by other members of the Senate Democratic Caucus. Antonio, who was Ohios first openly gay Statehouse lawmaker, also lost Republican support earlier this year for a bill to ban discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Named the Ohio Fairness Act, the legislation was reintroduced for the 12th time and would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The act has also never passed the Statehouse to be signed into law, but has traditionally garnered bipartisan support. Every member of the Senate Democratic Caucus and two Republican senators co-sponsored the bill when it was reintroduced for the 11th time during the summer of 2023. Now, the Fairness Act is also only co-sponsored by members of the Senate Democratic Caucus. Cold case suspect extradited to Columbus after DNA links him to 1992 rape, murder Along with failing to ban conversion therapy, Ohio lawmakers have yet to repeal Ohios dormant same-sex marriage ban and remove antiquated HIV criminalization laws passed in the 1980s. Instead, the Statehouse has passed a bill to ban certain healthcare for transgender youth and education legislation that opponents say will result in the outing of students, which caused an increased number of LGBTQ+ youth to call a crisis hotline. S.B. 71 has been assigned to the Senate Health Committee, where it could receive hearings open for public testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. PERMIAN BASIN (KMID/KPEJ) The economic landscape of Texas could see a significant shake-up if tariffs are ultimately imposed by President Donald Trump, with projections estimating a potential loss of $46 billion in annual gross product and 370,000 jobs statewide. But what does that mean for the Permian Basin? According to Ray Perryman, President of The Perryman Group, an economic research firm, no region will be spared from the impact of these tariffs, and the Permian Basin, a key player in the oil and gas industry, will feel the ripple affects. As families in the Permian Basin brace for potential economic impacts, Perryman highlighted one of the most immediate concerns: rising prices on essential goods like food and vehicles. In this clip, Perryman breaks down exactly how much more the average family could end up paying if the tariffs remain in place: Like every area, no ones going to escape this completely, Perryman said. Some of the major things that will affect the Permian Basin include the cost of steel because of the oil and gas industry, transportation costs, and the cost of trucks and equipment. All of those involve a lot of imported parts or entire pieces of equipment, so you will see a fair amount of impact here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steel plays a crucial role in oil production, from drilling rigs to pipelines, and the new tariffs could drive up costs for energy companies across the region. In addition, imported crude oil from Canada and Mexico will become more expensive, which could increase local production but at an overall higher cost. Beyond the energy sector, everyday expenses for Permian Basin residents could rise. Produce prices will go up, car prices will go up, those are the types of things that will have an effect here, just like everywhere else, Perryman explained. While the rising costs are concerning, the Permian Basins job market could also take a hit. Although the oil and gas industry will feel some of the biggest effects, the impact wont stop there. Retailers, restaurants, and transportation companies will also face challenges, which could result in job losses across multiple sectors. If you have companies making less money, theyre going to hire fewer people. Fewer goods will be transported, fewer investments will make sense, and as a result, jobs will be lost, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the economic concerns are mounting, President Trump has stood firm on his decision to implement these tariffs. He argues that they are necessary to combat trade imbalances, protect American industries, and address issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking. However, Perryman disputes the idea that tariffs will generate economic benefits. He often says that other countries are paying us money through these tariffs, but thats simply not the case, Perryman explained. When a good comes into the U.S., the person or company receiving it is the one paying the tariff. That cost gets passed along to the consumer. WATCH: Trumps affinity for tariffs and how they work: The administration has also suggested that tariffs could encourage more manufacturing in the United States, but Perryman warns that this is unrealistic. We estimate that only about 13% of these products could realistically be made in the U.S. The rest will simply be subject to higher costs, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Permian Basin continues to be a dominant force in U.S. energy production, the question remains whether the tariffs will impact crude oil pricing and supply chains. We import crude from Canada and Mexico, and the cost of that will increase, Perryman said. You could see a little more oil and gas production in the Permian Basin, but we already have an ample supply. I dont expect major immediate effects, but if the tariffs stay in effect for a long time, the cost impacts on the oil and gas industry will be significant. In this video, Perryman discusses how the workforce shortage will impact the press for all-American manufacturing, how tariffs work, and the strain on foreign relationships: Much of the equipment and parts used in the oil and gas industry originate in Canada and Mexico, meaning higher prices on pipelines, drilling components, and even transportation costs. Steel for pipelines, for example, is largely made in Canada, Perryman said. If tariffs remain in place, those costs will rise, and companies will have to adjust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the average Texas family, the financial toll of these tariffs could be steep. Perryman estimates that, if sustained, the tariffs could cost households an extra $1,500 annually. Food prices will rise first, especially produce, since we get a lot of it from Mexico, he said. Car prices will also increase significantly, with the cost of an average vehicle potentially going up by $10,000 due to tariffs on imported parts. Electronics, clothing, and a wide range of consumer goods will also see price hikes due to tariffs on Chinese imports. Beyond the direct impact of the tariffs, uncertainty in the business world is creating further instability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses cant make major investments when policies could change tomorrow, Perryman said. Uncertainty slows down the economy because companies hesitate to build new facilities, hire new workers, or release new products. Thats another factor we have to consider. The stock market has already shown negative reactions to the tariff announcements, further pressuring the administration to reconsider its stance. Trump has delayed some tariffs in response to stock market dips, indicating that economic pressures could influence future policy decisions. Here, Perryman explains how these job losses could unfold and why uncertainty is already slowing down business investments. While the tariffs have strong support among some voters, Texas business leaders are expressing concerns about long-term economic consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas energy sector, one of the states largest economic drivers, depends on a global supply chain, and increased costs on imported goods could slow down production and job growth. Meanwhile, industries like agriculture and retail are bracing for price hikes and potential supply chain disruptions. The unpredictability of the administrations tariff policies has made it difficult for businesses to plan for the future. The uncertainty itself is going to make this very difficult, Perryman said. Most companies, when faced with uncertainty, will wait to make major investments. That waiting slows down the entire economy. As of the latest update, President Trump has partially rolled back tariffs on a range of goods from Mexico and Canada for one month. The Latest: Trump considering pressure on Russia and seeking deal with Iran Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About half of goods from Mexico and more than one-third from Canada will no longer face the 25% tariff on imports that Trump ordered on Tuesday. The President issued exemptions for a variety of goods coming into the U.S. just two days after implementing the sweeping tariffs, leaving investors and businesses grappling with the whiplash of his back-and-forth trade policy. According to a senior administration official, the exemptions will apply to about 50% of goods from Mexico and 38% from Canada that comply with the North American trade deal reached during Trumps first term. While the temporary tariff exemptions may offer some short-term relief, the Permian Basins economy remains in a precarious position. The oil and gas industry, a major economic driver for the region, still faces potential long-term cost increases due to tariffs on steel, imported equipment, and crude oil from Canada and Mexico. These rising costs could slow down energy investments, impacting job growth and wages in the local workforce. For now, industry leaders and local businesses will continue to monitor the situation, hoping for a more stable trade environment. But as the back-and-forth on tariffs continues, one thing remains clear: whether its in oil fields, grocery stores, or car dealerships, Perryman said the Permian Basin will feel the economic ripple effects of these policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. ATLANTA (WSAV) Two bills proposed to protect the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge from mining did not advance through the House Thursday. The bills were aimed at Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals plan to strip mine for titanium dioxide, staurolite and zircon around three miles from the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuges Trail Ridge. The Trail Ridge is the ancient sand dune that serves as an earthen dam for the swamp, GRN said, and is essential for hydrology in the Okefenokee and surrounding areas like the St. Mary River. House Bill 561 would have prohibited future mining along the Okefenokees Trail Ridge, a GRN spokesperson said. If passed, it wouldve prohibited the director of the EPD from issuing, modifying, or renewing any permit or accepting any bond to conduct surface mining operations on Trail Ridge for future permit applications and amendments, the bill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second bill, HB 562, wouldve place a five-year moratorium, or hold, on mining along the Okefenokees Trail Ridge. GRN said that this hold wouldve provide state regulators and independent scientists time to evaluate how mining at the Twin Pines site could impact groundwater levels under and near the swamp. The five-year timeline wouldve aligned with the Twin Pines demo mine duration, which includes four years of active mining plus one year groundwater recovery monitoring. The Okefenokee mining bills were sponsored by several Republicans in Georgias coastal areas, including Thomasvilles Darlene Taylor, Savannahs Ron Stephens and St. Marys Rep. Steven Sainz. Gerald Greene (R) of Cuthbert, Debbie Buckner (D) of Junction City and Carolyn Hugley (D) of Columbus also sponsored the bills. Proposals that didnt pass Thursday could still be brought up again later, but it can be more difficult to advance them. They could also be considered next year since this 2025 is the first year of a two-year session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. The U.S. Supreme Court is pictured on Oct. 9. Justices were hearing oral arguments about a due process death penalty case involving Oklahoma defendant Richard Glossip. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom) The U.S. Supreme Courts method for selecting cases to hear is a competitive process, as on average more than 7,000 cases are requested to be reviewed, and through a meticulous process, the justices choose roughly 100 to 150 to hear in any given term. However, in more recent years, there has been a waning in how many cases the nations highest court is choosing to review. In 2022-23 term, for example, the Court agreed to hear 60 cases, and issued decisions in 58. In the 2023-24 term, the Supreme Court heard 62 cases and issued 60 opinions. For 2024-25 docket, the Court has agreed to hear 65 cases and has scheduled 41 for argument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite a smaller docket, the Great State of Oklahoma surprisingly looms large this term with three cases on the docket. Basically, decisions made in a state with about 1% of the nations population make up nearly 10% of the Supreme Courts cases this term. (The court in January also quietly ordered a new trial for Oklahoma death row inmate Brenda Andrews, finding that prosecutors presented evidence in a prejudicial manner.) It is a clear trend that the Court is being more discriminating in its choices. Some scholars attribute the diminished docket phenomenon to factors including increased partisanship and the fluctuation of ideological composition. It is extremely unusual for a state like Oklahoma to have three cases accepted at once. And, unfortunately, two of the three cases highlight infighting among Oklahoma Republicans, and have already, or will, air our political dirty laundry in front of the entire country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Attorney General Getner Drummond faced off against Gov. Kevin Stitt in Glossip v. Oklahoma. It marked the second time that the 62-year-old had a case before our nations highest court. Glossip lost the first, which dealt with the constitutionality of lethal injection. The latest examined whether the state had continued to prosecute and uphold a tremendously flawed death penalty sentence. Drummond took the unusual step of disputing the soundness of the conviction in defiance of both the Court of Criminal Appeals and the Pardon and Parole Board. The Supreme Court actually sided with Drummond Feb. 25 when it overturned his conviction. Although Governor Stitt had repeatedly granted temporary delays of execution, in April 2023, Stitt noted that he would follow the law in allowing the execution of Glossip to go forward. Next month, state Superintendent Ryan Walters will face off against Drummond in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond. More commonly known as St. Isidore, this case tells a more familiar Oklahoma story. In 2023, with the support of Walters and Stitt, the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board approved St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, potentially creating the first taxpayer-funded religious charter school in the nation. The creation of this school is most certainly a violation of the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution and would put federal funding for education in jeopardy should Oklahoma proceed with this plan. Drummond sued to put a stop to the school, and the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in his favor. Supporters of the proposed school appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 25, the high court will consider Oklahoma v. EPA a case involving the federal agencys 2015 promulgation of air quality standards that our state doesnt agree with. Oklahoma sued along with other states and industry groups. The EPA didnt want to defend itself in federal circuits all across the country so it transferred all the cases into one big case in the D.C. court. Oklahoma sued, arguing that the D.C. circuit doesnt have jurisdiction and the case should be heard in the 10th Circuit. Interestingly, this case is just one of five that was granted certiorari from the high court, the process of seeking judicial review on a lower court or government agency decision. The good news is that with Oklahoma on both sides in two of these cases, we cant lose. Someone from our state is going to emerge victorious. The bad news is this highlights that some of our officials are behaving in obviously illegal and unconstitutional ways. We have leaders who want to push the envelope. They want to make a Hail Mary forgive us St. Isidore to try to change constitutional interpretation. The creation of St. Isidore will most likely be squelched by the Supreme Court with some highly critical language toward the state, much like it did in its rulings in Craig v. Boren and even McGirt v. Oklahoma. The latter dealt with tribal sovereignty while the former overturned Oklahomas law that established different drinking ages for men and women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cases also beg the question: are these political winners or losers for Drummond? Surely as he prepares his run for governor in 2026 he will want to appear as conservative as possible for the Republican primary. Throwing in with a person accused of murder and opposing a publicly funded religious virtual charter school presumably will not win him many points. However, he is distinguishing himself from Walters and Stitt. Perhaps Republican voters will like that. The question is will Oklahomans emerge winners in these high profile judicial fights? The answer is seemingly no, as we expend taxpayer money on litigating established precedent such as in the St. Isidore case, or to highlight the misconduct of prosecutors in the Glossip and Andrews cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many Oklahomans may not be aware that we are the subject of this number of consequential cases, it is our hope going forward that more citizens will pay attention to what their state and local governments are doing, how those decisions can reach the highest levels of justice, and for what reasons. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) On Friday, the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Division reported the release of more than 200 episodes of the Clara Luper Radio Show debuting on OHS Audio Archives YouTube channel. OHS leaders say, Luper was a teacher and Civil Rights leader. Lupers activism in the late 1950s sit-ins helped to end segregation in public places across Oklahoma. Bill locking the clock on standard time in OK passes committee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clara Luper Radio Show ran for more than four decades. Most of the episodes that the OHS Research Division have digitized are from the 1980s and 1990s. The show gives first-hand accounts and experiences of the community by discussing the Civil Rights Movement, community events, and educational topics. Mural of Clara Luper at The Clara Luper Center for Educational Services in Oklahoma City Additionally, the Clara Luper archives can be found on The Gateway to Oklahoma History. The Clara Luper Collection has more than 220 digitized items available to the public, including campaign flyers, letters, brochures, and reports. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. State Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks during a meeting Feb. 27 at the Oklahoma State Department of Education in Oklahoma City. Walters on Thursday alleged there was "political interference" in the scoring of state reading and math tests in 2024. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahomas top education official has called into question the integrity of the states test scores for reading and math, seven months after his administration released students test results to families and three months after including the scores in report cards of school performance. After months of reticence on the topic, state Superintendent Ryan Walters on Thursday accused Gov. Kevin Stitt and another state agency of political interference in the test results. Walters called for the scores to be recalibrated immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma students could score worse on state reading and math assessments in 2024 and still be considered proficient because of a change to performance expectations, state records show. This is because the state lowered the bar to reach a proficient score on annual exams, a process known as resetting cut scores. When Oklahoma Voice uncovered the change in August, Walters at the time called media reports fan fiction but acknowledged the new test results would be very different. Walters news release on Thursday represents a major change in rhetoric on the issue. He alleged for the first time that the process of setting new cut scores did not proceed in the way it should have. Until this point, Walters hasnt alerted to anything unusual taking place. Instead, his administration sought to distance itself from the matter, referring questions to the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability (CEQA), which had approved the cut scores in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Changing standards and proficiency targets is a routine process for many states, including Oklahoma, and the processes employed this year are no different from the previous year, Walters office said in a statement in October. In December, he released the Oklahoma School Report Cards, which evaluate schools based on their test results and other metrics, without mentioning the cut score change. Gov. Kevin Stitt, pictured Wednesday, faced an accusation from state Superintendent Ryan Walters of political interference in student test results. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Walters celebrated the report cards as having the most comprehensive and most transparent data in state history. He said the report cards demonstrated that schools had turned a corner toward improvement, though a month later national test results would find Oklahoma failed to make any significant academic progress. But on Thursday, Walters said the governor and the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, a small state agency that the CEQA directs, had a blatant disregard for the integrity of Oklahomas education system and the release of the cut scores in July was premature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents, teachers, and students deserve accurate, carefully reviewed results, not a political stunt, Walters said. The governors spokesperson, Abegail Cave, said the cut scores are months old and no new information has emerged recently. She said releasing the cut scores is the responsibility of the state Education Department. Walters is trying to rewrite history because he has nothing of substance (to) campaign on, Cave said. While Walters continues to play games, the governor is going to continue to make Oklahoma top 10 in everything we do. OEQA director Megan Oftedal declined to comment on Walters remarks. OEQA answers to the commission and carries out its policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cave said the small agency plays only an advisory role in the cut score process. Walters office did not return a request for comment on why he made the allegations months after the cut scores were finalized and included in state report cards. His administration has faced criticism over the scoring change, particularly because it released test results over the summer without acknowledging that the scoring method had changed significantly. Proficiency rates spiked statewide, giving the impression that student performance had dramatically improved, but agency records later showed the uptick was the result of lowered expectations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, noticed the change through her own childs test scores. She said many suspected something squirrely was going on after results drastically increased. Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, speaks at a Senate Democrats news conference Jan. 13 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) I really feel like our superintendent needs to take responsibility for the data and for the processes in his agency that hes in charge of, Kirt said Thursday. While acknowledging his own agency was involved in the process of setting new cut scores, Walters said the governor and the CEQA are to blame for undermining the final test results. He said CEQA failed to review how the cut scores compare to those in other states. Walters claimed the cut scores were released prematurely because of that lack of review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma law calls for the commission to conduct an ongoing review of the states cut scores, but it doesnt specify that the review must be completed before commissioners can approve new ones. The law allows the commission to adjust the cut scores as necessary after finishing the review. The OEQA, which answers to the commission, is preparing to conduct the legally required review and has chosen a vendor to carry out the study, Oftedal said. Over the summer, the state Education Department initiated the process of establishing new cut scores after the state Legislature approved new academic standards for reading and math in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency and a testing vendor gathered committees of Oklahoma teachers who developed the new performance expectations that define what knowledge students should be able to demonstrate at each grade level to be considered proficient in reading and math. The Education Department and the testing vendor presented the final cut scores to the CEQA in July, and the commission approved them, records show. The governor appoints each member of the commission, and his education secretary leads the board. Walters urged the Legislature to update state laws to require the commission to confirm it followed statutory requirements. The governor and (the commission) have undermined public trust, and our kids are the ones who will pay the price, Walters said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX One-day summit to lead critical market discussions on data center energy demand and power sector solutions, kicking off POWERs long-standing Experience POWER conference this October in Denver. Rockville, Maryland (March 5, 2025) POWER, the trusted authority in global energy markets since 1882, today announced the launch of Data Center POWER eXchange (DPX), a new market-defining event focused on bridging the gap between the energy sector and the rapidly growing data center industry. The single-day summit will take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Denver, one day before POWERs flagship Experience POWER (EP) conference, scheduled for October 29-31 in the same venue. DPX will focus exclusively on the urgent power demands of data centers, serving as a high-impact precursor to EPs broader agenda, which will explore industry-wide power trends, including gas power, distributed energy, nuclear, renewables, and emerging power generation technologies. More than a typical industry summit, DPX is a solutions-driven platform bringing together key stakeholders from the energy and data center sectors. Discussions will focus on the evolving power landscape, investment strategies, regulatory challenges, and the infrastructure needed to support growing data center demand. The agenda will feature leaders from utilities, grid operators, power providers, major technology firms, and data center owners, along with developers and policymakers. "The rapid expansion of data centers marks a defining moment for the power industryone that presents immense opportunity but demands urgent action. Incremental adjustments wont be enough to meet surging electricity demand. Bold, forward-thinking solutions that modernize infrastructure, attract investment, and align regulatory frameworks will be critical," said POWER magazine Senior Editor Sonal Patel. "Over the next five years, collaboration between power providers, grid operators, technology leaders, and policymakers will be crucial. Data Center POWER eXchange is designed to be that essential forum for both industriesconfronting power constraints that could stifle innovation and economic growth while driving strategies that enhance efficiency, fortify grid stability, and ensure sustainable progress." The urgency to integrate power and digital infrastructure has never been greater. A 2024 POWER analysis of industry estimates suggests that U.S. data center electricity consumption is projected to grow from 176 TWh in 2023 to between 214 TWh and 675 TWh annually by 2030. Data centers could account for 4.6% to 12% of total U.S. electricity consumption within five years, up from approximately 4% in 2024. A more recent Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) report found that data center load growth has tripled over the past decade and could double or triple again by 2028. For weeks, the U.S. African Development Foundation says in a new lawsuit, its managed to do one thing that many federal agencies have not: beat back DOGE and other members of the Trump administrations wrecking crew. It came to a head on Wednesday, when DOGE officials and a Trump appointee attempted to muscle their way in to the agencys DC headquarters, according to a complaint filed by USADFs president on Thursday in federal court in Washington. At one point, an appointee even threatened to sue a security guard blocking his way. So far USADF has succeeded in keeping DOGE from dismantling it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 26-page complaint by USADF President Ward Brehm alleges that DOGE claimed that USAID appointee Pete Marocco had been named as acting chair of the USADF board of directors a legally baseless claim. From there, the complaint alleges, Marocco and DOGE sought to muscle their way in to USADF in various ways so as to dismantle it. With DOGE in the process of working its way through dozens of agencies across the federal government, conducting illegal firings and unlawfully ordering money frozen, the story of USADF marks a rare example of a federal agency fighting back and, for now, holding DOGE off. Its now asking a D.C. federal judge to order a halt to DOGEs attempts to interfere with the agency and its effort to install Marocco as its board chairman. Without this Courts immediate intervention, Defendants will continue their tactics and strongarm their way into USADF, no matter that USADF has a legally constituted Board and President, the complaint alleges. USADF embodies the kind of target that Trump has seized upon in his second administration. It mainly exists to invest in African economic development projects. But unlike USAID or other agencies, it has a layer of protection. As the complaint notes, USADF lacks political leadership or appointees that could squire DOGE representatives into the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wrecking began on Feb. 20, according to the complaint. A DOGE employee named Chris Young told USADF leaders that two engineers Ethan Shaotran and Nate Cavanaugh would be detailed to provide software expertise to modernize architecture, system design, and improve government efficiency, the complaint says. The next day, a DOGE attorney named Jake Altik appeared, the complaint alleges. Altik revealed what the complaint describes as DOGEs true aim: to dismantle the agency by reducing it to its minimum function. That would mean firing everyone except its board and president while leaving one or two grants in place funded by private partnerships. From there, USADF leadership started to fight back, the complaint says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It asked DOGE for an assessment of the legal basis of Altiks vision for the agency and said that DOGE staffers would need security clearances to access agency data. That set off a back-and-forth that culminated in a showdown at USADF headquarters, the complaint says. Altik purportedly said that if the board didnt provide waivers for security clearances, he would have the board fired, the complaint alleges. At one point, DOGE staffers allegedly approached a GOP appointee on the USADF board, incorrectly told him that everyone else had been fired, and asked him to implement their vision. He refused. After all that, on Feb. 24, the complaint says that the Presidential Personnel Office told Brehm that he had been fired from the board. PPO told the agency days later that it had appointed Pete Marocco, by that time well-known for putting a stranglehold on USAID, as board chairman. In the meantime, the original board had named fellow board member Brehm, a George W. Bush appointee, as president of USADF. Brehm appears to have stepped down from the board to accept the position of president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But USADF continued to fight through this week. At a Monday emergency meeting, USADF board members determined that Marocco had been illegally appointed he was an imposter as board chairman. The board also appointed Brehm as President, and notified Congress of the same. Theres no law that authorizes an acting chairman for USADF, they determined, and the President needs to nominate a replacement for Senate confirmation. It all came to a head on Wednesday, when Marocco appeared at USADF headquarters with DOGE staffers. Brehm and others denied him access. Marocco and DOGE purportedly replied with threats to call the U.S. Marshals Service or Secret Service agents to force their way in. At one point, the complaint says, the group threatened to sue a security guard. Marocco and DOGE werent able to make it into the building, the complaint says. They never followed through on their threats, as of this writing. Now, its up to a judge. Read the complaint here: PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) One man is dead and a 19-year-old man is in custody after an early Friday morning shooting in Pickerington. The Pickerington Police Department said it received a 911 call at 3:43 a.m. on a reported shooting that took place on Montmorency Drive in the Cherry Hill subdivision. The 911 caller stated the victim, later identified as 23-year-old Kamal Walters from Columbus, had been shot multiple times and the suspected shooter fled the scene. Whitehall mother pleads guilty to fatally abusing 9-month-old daughter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers located a vehicle matching the description on Hill Road, just north of Diley Road and conducted a traffic stop. The suspect complied with police and was arrested without incident. In a Friday afternoon update, police said the suspect is 19-year-old Samuel Stallworth from Pickerington. Two firearms were recovered in the vehicle by police. Stallworth is being held in Fairfield County jail and faces numerous charges. Police said a dispute is the likely cause of the shooting, according to a preliminary investigation. Responding medics attempted life-saving measures on the victim and took him to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported and police said that because the suspect and the victim were acquaintances, there is no other danger to the public. The shooting remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The Crozer-Chester Nurses Association and local lawmakers picket outside Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pa., last May, to protest actions by the hospitals owner, the for-profit chain Prospect Medical Holdings. Private equity firms have been buying up hospitals in recent years; cutbacks and closures sometimes follow. (Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Professionals) *This story was updated at 8:08 p.m. with comments from the state Attorney General.* Prospect Medical Holdings Inc. might close two hospitals in Delaware County in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The corporation will reportedly start closure proceedings for Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital, according to the Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County has set up a page on its website for people to check for the latest developments. State Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny), chairperson of the Pennsylvania House Health Committee, issued a statement condemning the closure of the hospital system and pledging to promote legislation intending to prevent similar situations from happening across the commonwealth in the future. These hospitals were ransacked, robbed and plundered for profit, and now their private equity owner gets to ride out of town, leaving communities with diminished access to health care and employment, Frankel said. Its devastating, and we have the power to make sure it doesnt happen again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, Prospect Medical Holdings purchased the healthcare system in Delaware County. Since then it closed and ceased operations on two separate hospitals in the county, according to Frankels office. In January, Prospect filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for many properties across the country, including Crozer Health system, according to the Delaware County Daily Times. If those two hospitals close, Delaware County, the fifth most populous county in Pennsylvania, would have just two hospitals left open, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital and Riddle Hospital. At an unrelated press conference earlier, prior to the reports on the hospitals potentially closing in March, Gov. Josh Shapiro expressed his frustrations with Crozer Health. I want you to know the Commonwealth has done a whole lot to try and address this challenge at Crozer. The Commonwealth, together with our county partners, have invested over $20 million to help keep that hospital open and continue to serve the people of Delco and the surrounding areas, Shapiro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the problem we have with Crozer, Shapiro continued. Its owned by a for-profit entity that is a private equity firm. And I have called for the elimination of private equity, or dramatic reform for private equity in our healthcare space. Shapiro said it is damn wrong for private equity to purchase healthcare institutions and run them into the ground while they put a profit in their pocket and called for legislative action to remove the industry from Pennsylvanias health care system. Last year, the House Health Committee advanced a proposal sponsored by state Rep. Lisa Borowski (D-Delaware) that would have provided the Pennsylvania Attorney General power to review health care acquisitions to determine they are in the best interest of the public before theyre finalized. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frankel said the panel will once again vote on Borokowskis measure in the current session and fast-track it through the General Assembly. Medical facilities are too important to our communities for their fates to be left to corporate wheeling and dealing. Someone has to represent the interests of Pennsylvanians in these transactions long before something bad happens, Frankel said. But Shapiro also called on the foundation that profited from the original sale of Crozer to step up, as well as other healthcare institutions in the Philadelphia area. We also need our health care institutions in the Philadelphia area to step up and do more. (University of Pennsylvania) Penn has to do more. Main Line has to do more. Theyre going to have to shoulder the burden of where these patients are going to go if Prospect does, in fact, shut down Crozer, Shapiro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro said his office will continue to work closely with the state Attorney Generals Office to ensure people in Delaware County have access to healthcare. It wont look like it does now, but were going to do everything in our power to ensure that they continue to have access, Shapiro said. Its critically important. Attorney General Dave Sunday called the closing, an avoidable travesty. Our office remains fully engaged in doing what it takes to save this healthcare system, and we hope all parties are considerate of the immense harm inflicted by a closure, he said in a statement. I encourage the parties to attend the meeting focused on finding a solution, without posturing or grandstanding the impacted communities that depend on Crozer Health System deserve good faith efforts to keep care and services in their backyard. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) One person was taken to the hospital after a crash in Virginia Beach on Friday morning, according to police. At approximately 10:55 a.m., Virginia Beach police were dispatched to Holland Road and Windsor Oaks Boulevard in reference to the crash. The victim suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. Traffic continues to flow at the intersection. There are no additional details at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. DANRDIGE, Tenn. (WATE) Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Coffey has released what is believed to have caused an explosion and fire at a resort near Dandridge Thursday afternoon that left one person injured. According to a spokesperson with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, the fire at Lake Cove Resort was reported at 4:06 p.m., Thursday. The spokesperson added that a 62-year-old man had just laid down in his camper when there was an explosion. 2 arrested after investigation in Dandridge helps recover $28,000 of stolen baby formula Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Coffey said preliminary reports show the cause of the fire to be a gas leak that caused a propane tank to explode. At least two campers were involved in the fire. The sheriffs office said a man was injured. The man reportedly was found a few feet away from his camper. Coffey said the man rolled out of the camper after the explosion. He was taken by a helicopter to Vanderbilt Hospital for treatment, where he was in stable condition Friday afternoon. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations arson unit is investigating the cause of the explosion. This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates. The resort is located along Oak Grove Road, east of the city of Dandridge. According to its website, the resort specializes in renting cabins and RVs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Hardly a day passes without a woman being injured or killed in the European Union because of her gender. The vast majority of perpetrators of physical or psychological violence are the women's current or former partners, statistics show. "Violence against women is rooted in control, dominance and inequality," Carlien Scheele, the director of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), said when presenting the organization's latest report in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU has made the fight against gender-based and domestic violence part of its policies. The European Commission, under the EU Gender Equality Strategy, has committed itself to helping prevent and combat violence, as well as supporting those affected and holding perpetrators accountable. Its goal is to make "significant progress" towards a gender-equal Europe. On Friday, Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib presented the commission's new roadmap to strengthen women's rights, with freedom from gender-based violence as the first step on this path. The EU has taken several steps in recent years, among others completing its accession to the Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention the first legally binding international instrument on the topic. It defines four key forms of violence against women: physical, sexual, psychological and economic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2024, the EU adopted its first directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence. It criminalizes certain forms of violence against women at EU level, such as female genital mutilation, forced marriage and online violence. The latter includes non-consensual sharing of intimate images, cyberstalking, cyberharassment and incitement to hatred and violence on the ground of gender. The directive was hailed as a big step forward, but also came under fire as member states failed to agree on the criminalization of rape, due to disagreements on a consent-based definition of rape. Widespread violence Member states have until June 2027 to implement the directive in their national laws and policies. However, progress is uneven and the scale of the endeavour is vast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EIGE's 2024 index of violence, measuring levels in 12 member states, gave an average score of 31.9 points, in a spectrum where 1 indicates no violence and 100 means that violence against women is widespread and severe. At opposite ends of the spectrum, Greece scored 24.6 points and Finland stood at 41.7 points. According to the statistics and EU-wide survey data used for the index, 31% of women aged over 15 in the EU have experienced physical and/or sexual violence and 57% of the victims have suffered health consequences. In a recent German survey, 92% of women between 18 and 35 said they had experienced harassment or assault. Blurred picture on femicide According to EIGE, counting rates of femicide the murder of a woman or girl because of her gender is difficult across EU due to differing definitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not all member states have specific femicide laws, although countries including Malta, Cyprus and Croatia have inclued it in their criminal codes. But across Europe, women are being murdered due to their gender, as these examples show: In France, the interior ministry said 96 women were victims of "conjugal femicide" in 2023. In Spain, 48 women were murdered due to "gender violence" in a relationship or family situation in 2024. In the same year, 9 minors were killed in crimes perpetrated by their father or their mother's spouse. There were also at least six femicides committed by someone who was not a current or former partner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was Spain's lowest number of murders due to gender violence recorded since 2003. Since that year, the country has recorded 1,293 women as being murdered by their partners or ex-partners. Italy reported more than 90 femicides in 2024. At least 48 of the victims were killed by their partner or ex-partner, according to the country's Interior Ministry. About one in five victims were aged over 70. In Germany, a femicide is reported almost every day. In 2023, some 938 girls and women were victims of attempted or completed femicides. 360 of these women died. "Every day around 400 women are victims of violence in their relationships," Women's Affairs Minister Lisa Paus said in November, as she presented a report on the issue. Progress delayed and threatened Advancements are uneven across the EU. Five member states Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania and Slovakia have not yet ratified the Istanbul Convention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the EU has taken firm legislative steps, the fight for real progress requires urgent action by policymakers, civil society and citizens, according to EIGE. Its latest report reveals worrying levels of tolerance of violence against women, with 17% of those surveyed believing that reports of sexual abuse or rape are often exaggerated. 46% of men and 26% of women believe financial control in relationships is acceptable, while 27% of men and 15% of women think that sexual harassment in the workplace is acceptable. Political opposition to gender equality is also on the rise. A report by UN Women warned this week that in a quarter of countries around the world, women's rights had regressed due to factors ranging from climate change to democratic backsliding. "The weakening of democratic institutions has gone hand in hand with [a] backlash on gender equality," the report said, adding that "anti-rights actors are actively undermining long-standing consensus on key women's rights issues." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Questioning gender equality is questioning progress," Lahbib said on Friday when presenting the EU roadmap. "It is at the heart of our European way of life." According to the EU commissioner, the roadmap aims to address structural discriminatory norms in European societies. This includes improving health standards for women, achieving equal pay, work-life balance, equal employment opportunities and equal representation. Gender-based violence not only causes untold suffering, but also carries significant economic costs. An EU-wide EIGE estimate from 2021 says it amounts to about 366 billion ($398 billion) annually, with violence against women making up 79% of this amount. The costs come from the physical and emotional impact of the violence, the cost of criminal and civil justice services and lost economic output. The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, ANSA, APA, BTA, dpa, EFE, FENA, MIA, PAP and STA as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project. President Trump has been widely criticized for his economic America First agenda focusing on tariffs and manufacturing. While waging a trade war with friends and enemies alike, he is investing at home which the administration is betting will pay off for America. The investment deals with Apple and Open AI for tech manufacturing will continue American greatness. Manufacturing helps the economy by creating jobs, spurring innovation and creating wealth, but it also helps keep us safe during global disruptions like war or a pandemic, when supply lines are disrupted. Using tariffs to protect American interests goes all the way back to the founding era. Thomas Jefferson in 1809 said that the establishment of useful manufacturers in our country would help simplify our foreign concerns. After the War of 1812, Congress passed the Tariff of 1816, designed to protect American interests in agriculture manufactures, trade, and navigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The self-reliance of the American economy, an abundance of resources, and the natural barriers on either side helped lift America to greatness. In the 1890s, Congress passed the McKinley tariff, on domestic manufacturing, steel and textiles. While the tariffs were high, the protection of U.S. manufacturing would benefit America in the coming generation. The U.S. economy expanded significantly in the 1900s, and the tariffs helped American businesses maintain a competitive edge. The market boom created jobs and increased wages. When the United States was drawn into World War II, manufacturing helped secure victory. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, speaking to Congress shortly after entering the war, said, We must out-produce them overwhelmingly, so that there can be no question of our ability to provide a crushing superiority of equipment in any theatre of the world war. In the Senate, Harry Truman chaired the Truman Committee, which provided oversight of wartime production. He traveled the country, ensuring contracts were fulfilled and taxpayer funds were spent efficiently. American manufacturing supplied our soldiers with war supplies, mass-producing tanks, planes and building the largest navy in the world. American innovation gave us the technological advancements needed to stay one step ahead. Some Americans were shipped across the world to fight, others worked in factories, and some worked behind the scenes in research. It was a united effort, and America was uniquely suited to pull off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administrations ideas today are not as radical as they seem. Since entering office in his second term, President Trump has made manufacturing one of his top priorities, aggressively threatening tariffs while luring U.S. business back to America. Apple recently announced a $500 billion investment, including building an advanced AI server manufacturing factory near Houston and another project in Detroit estimated to create 20,000 jobs. This follows an investment in Open AI from January, which is said to be the largest AI infrastructure project in history. Together, the deals put America on a path to self-sufficiency and one step closer to winning the technological war being fought in cyberspace. In his new book, The Technological Republic, Alex Karp says that Americas loss of cultural ambition has led to diminishing demands in the tech sector; the same is valid for manufacturing. Following the war in the 1950s, manufacturing in America accounted for about 21 percent to 25 percent of GDP; since then, it has dropped to around 10 percent. Meanwhile, Chinas manufacturing sector rose to 27.5 percent. Apple CEO Tim Cook says they are bullish on the future of American innovation. We need Apples ambition; we need to build at home. We need to invest in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not that we need to make everything in America, of course. Rather, we should maintain a balance in manufacturing to secure the needs and interests of our citizens while protecting our sovereignty, instead of outsourcing first and putting America second. While America blossomed during the Industrial Revolution, we have become stagnant during the Tech Age, and China is nipping at our heels. China has a large manufacturing base and has established international relationships securing resources and markets to feed it. In the Industrial Age, America was built on steel and powered by oil. Today, in the Tech Age, the economy is driven in cyber space and fueled by rare earth metals. A strong manufacturing base is essential to maintaining economic balance, creating jobs and generating wealth. To stay ahead in the global tech race, the U.S. must safeguard its competitive edge and ensure its industries remain at the forefront of innovation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Mayhugh is the founding editor of Politics and Parenting and vice president at No Cap Fund. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Emily Green, Jarrett Renshaw and David Ljunggren MEXICO CITY/WASHINGTON/OTTAWA (Reuters) -Mexican and Canadian officials are increasingly frustrated by tariff negotiations with the Trump administration, with a lack of clarity over exactly what the U.S. wants making any resolution seem impossible, sources from both countries told Reuters. After implementing across-the-board 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico earlier this week, President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a one-month reprieve for both countries on goods compliant under a North American trade pact. The on-again, off-again tariffs and the high-level discussions surrounding them have exasperated negotiating teams, according to three Mexican officials and two Canadian sources familiar with negotiations. It's like "dealing with an angry partner and you dont know what they're mad about," one Mexican official. "It's not clear what they want." The press person for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to a request for comment by directing Reuters to Sheinbaum's public comment on Thursday. In a post on X, Sheinbaum said: "We had an excellent and respectful call," that respected the "sovereignties" of both countries. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office and the White House both did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump based the legal justification for the tariffs on combating fentanyl and illegal immigration, but he and others in his administration often expand the justification to include trade deficits and protecting U.S. industries like autos and lumber. Despite the shared frustration of Mexico and Canada, the two countries have taken distinct tones in public. Sheinbaum has stressed her respect for Trump and the close cooperation with the U.S. Canada has bluntly criticized the chaos. Trudeau on Thursday, before Trump announced a reprieve, said Canada will be in a trade war with the United States for "the foreseeable future." U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Trudeau "a numbskull." Trudeau's foreign minister has been even franker. "We won't get through this, another psychodrama every 30 days," Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told business leaders in Toronto earlier this week. "The problem we've had is it's not clear what the American president wants," she added. "I've had conversations with colleagues in Washington saying, 'Okay, but at the end of the day, what do you guys want?' And I got the answer, 'We're about to know.' There's one decision maker in the system. He's the only one to know." After two election losses featuring a woman topping the ticket, Democrats are wary of nominating a third. But what about a woman who champions opportunities for boys and men? Michigans Governor Gretchen Whitmer is wildly popular among Democrats for the progressive strides she has made in her state standing up to the extreme right and protecting abortion rights. She would be the hands down favorite for 2028 if it werent for the gains made by the testosterone-fueled GOP. Recognizing their side has legitimate beefs, Whitmer pledged in her state of the state address to sign an executive order that will boost opportunities for men in higher education and the skills-based training that leads to good jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What shes doing has merit on its own with data showing more young men forgoing college and falling behind. This is no country for young men with a widening economic gap. Standing up for them opens a unique lane for Whitmer to confront a political barrier and position herself for what will likely be a crowded field on the Democratic side. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would be a heavy favorite for 2028, if not for the testosterone-fueled resurrection of Trump's GOP. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Its not too soon to be talking about 2028, if only to keep hope alive. First out of the gate to claim pole position is Illinois Governor JB Pritzker with his vow to stand in the way of any deportations in his state that affect law-abiding citizens even if they are in the country illegally. With California Governor Newsom sidelined for now by what he calls his hierarchy of needs, meaning his reliance on federal assistance, Pritzker has emerged as the fearless leader of the resistance and a favorite of Obama-era Democrats. Asked who he favored for 2028, a former Obama White House aide responded with four cheers for Pritzker: most vocal critic of Donald Trump for some time, successful progressive governor, has thick skin, Convention was seen as a success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also helps that he has money. Like Elon Musk and the tech billionaires who have adopted Trumpism, Pritzker is a billionaire. It takes one to know one. Who better to make the case that what Musk and his cronies are doing is to drain the federal budget to insure more tax breaks for the wealthy? The Pritzker family has been among the top 10 wealthiest families as ranked by Forbes since the list was first compiled in 1982. Even better for Democrats, Pritzker is willing to put his money where his political ambitions take him. Gov. JB Pritzker is a battle-tested Democrat known for his thick skin and bloated bank account. / Chicago Tribune / TNS Democrats desperately need a voice to lead them out of the wilderness, and governors are the best positioned to speak up, show real results and break through the cynicism around government that Trump and his allies have exploited. Governors can actually do stuff. Its not just message, I carethey have real power, says Jonah Blank, a former Senate Democratic aide. Trump won the White House twice on the now widely accepted premise that the government and its institutions dont work, says Blank. Are the Democrats going to be using the next four years to do the kind of serious reformulation of the party they need to be relevant for the future? Why is it that what Trump is selling is so attractive? Several Democratic governors will be vying among themselves to demonstrate they have what it takes. Who will be the next Bill Clinton who attracts notice for real 21st century improvements in his or her state with communications skills to match? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marylands Wes Moore has a solid approval rating, but he has to navigate budget challenges worsened by Trump and Musk taking a chainsaw to 160,000 federal workers living in the state. And that doesnt even include government contractors. A lot of Dems think Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro should have gotten the nod to be Kamala Harris running mate last year. Turns out that was fortuitous. Hes up for reelection in 2026 so the timing is right for him to use his governorship in a swing state as a springboard to the presidency. Josh Shapiro would have a springboard as Pennsylvania Governor to seek the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. / ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images Other gubernatorial possibilities are Andy Beshear, whose conciliatory manner backed by strong policy positions won him reelection in the red state of Kentucky. North Carolinas Josh Stein is another one to watch. Newly elected last year, he has to navigate a Republican-controlled legislature emboldened by Trumps victory. Comedian Bill Maher offers this Dem ticket: the anti-woke Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and Pete Buttigieg, who appears to have taken down his pronouns after leaving the Biden administration where he served ably as Transportation Secretary. The ticket reflects Mahers particular animus to excessive wokeness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fetterman hasnt shown any interest in the presidency, and Buttigieg is more likely to run for the Senate now that a seat will be available when Democrat Gary Peters retires in Democrat-friendly Michigan next year. Democrats are still figuring out what to dowait for Trump to crash the economy and pick up the pieces? Or be proactive and reclaim the party as a vehicle to make peoples lives better? These goals are not mutually exclusive, and Sherrod Brown, the former longtime senator from Ohio, embodies them in his piece in the New Republic, where he declares: Democrats must become the workers party again. It is an electoral and a moral imperative, and it will be my mission for the rest of my life. To win the White House and governing majorities again, Democrats must reckon with how far our party has strayed from our New Deal roots, in terms of both our philosophy toward the economy, and the makeup of our coalition. President Joe Biden was faulted for being too FDR when the voters wanted normal. Trump is risking massive overreach with tariffs. Its never wrong to go back to the basics. Voters like it when youre seen as fighting for them. Its not enough to simply be less bad than Trump. Democrats need a positive agenda. And while most Democrats appreciate what Kamala Harris and Tim Walz did to salvage the party in 2024, theres no groundswell for either to return to presidential politics. Comedy is a powerful tool in politics, used to engage audiences and make complex issues more relatable. But in this long history, President Trumps address to Congress Tuesday night was remarkably different. I have reviewed in depth the last 30 presidential addresses to joint sessions of Congress for their use of humor and found major shifts in how Trumps speech used humor and comedy. Trumps rhetorical style in this weeks joint address blended dire warnings about life in America with a strikingly high number of jokes. He made jabs at Democrats, sarcastic comments on the economy and foreign policy and self-aggrandizing remarks about his accomplishments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While humor has been present in Trumps prior speeches, Tuesday nights address underscored a distinct contrast: Despite framing the current state of the nation as one of unprecedented crisis, he injected humor at a rate far exceeding not only his own history but also that of other past presidents, especially those facing national emergencies. In total, Trump made 21 obvious jokes throughout his speech, compared to 24 jokes across all four addresses he gave in his first term. He made 2.2 jokes per thousand words, the highest rate of any president in the last 29 years. He doubled his own previous record from his first term, in which he averaged 1.1 jokes per thousand words. This contrast between Trumps message and his comedic approach raises questions about the seriousness of his dire warnings. His speech painted a grim picture of the nations present course, warning that Over the past four years, 21 million people poured into the United States many of them were murderers, human traffickers, gang members and other criminals from the streets of dangerous cities all throughout the world. Despite this portrayal, he found ample space for humor; referring to a bill to fund deportation efforts he quipped, Ill sign it so fast you wont even believe it. His levity is at odds with past presidential behavior during national crises. In President George W. Bushs 2002 State of the Union, just months after 9/11, there were only three attempted jokes, and in President Obamas 2009 address during the height of that eras financial crisis, there were only six. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens 2021 address, while the country was still in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, included just eight jokes. Historically, when times are truly dire, presidents forgo humor in favor of solemnity and resolve. The fact that Trump delivered his most humor-packed joint address to Congress while simultaneously warning of an existential crisis suggests that either his warnings are exaggerated, or he does not feel the weight of the moment in the way he claims. What also stood out was the prevalence of unabashed insults within Trumps jokes. A whopping 23.8 percent of his humorous statements came at Democrats expense. For example, when discussing Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the newly-confirmed head of the Department of Health and Human Services, Trump joked, With the name Kennedy, you would have thought everybody over here [pointing at the Democrats] would be cheering. How quickly they forget. Trumps confidence was evident in his willingness to mock opponents more directly than ever, suggesting that he sees little risk in alienating those who do not already support him. One of his sharpest barbs came when he referred to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) as Pocahontas, while Warren sarcastically applauded. Where past presidents have used broad jokes in an effort to unify other politicians around their goals, Trumps jokes communicated a lack of interest in such a strategy. A third major difference between Trumps joint address and past State of the Unions was in the reception of Trumps humor. It reflected an increasingly partisan audience, in which the chasm between supporters and detractors was vast. Nearly all 90.5 percent of Trumps attempts at humor were met with laughter from Republicans. Not one drew a positive reaction from Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of his biggest laugh lines came when he joked, I just happened to go [to Butler County, Pa.] last July 13 for a rally. And that was not pleasant. This drew laughter from Republicans, but Democrats remained stone-faced. This skewed response marks a departure from past addresses, where the overall laugh rate was much lower (61.4 percent) but laughter rose more frequently from both sides of the aisle. In fact, Trumps line that got the broadest laughs was not an attempt at humor at all, it was his claim that the days of rule by unelected bureaucrats is over juxtaposed on video with billionaire Elon Musk in the gallery, who appears to wielding great power at the Department of Government Efficiency. Trumps humor played directly to his base rather than attempting to win over skeptics. The laughter in the chamber served as an epitome of the consistent Republican adherence to Trumps policy goals and the countrys broader political climate one in which humor has become a partisan weapon, reinforcing the ideological divide rather than bridging it. Trumps joint address to Congress was a study in contradictions: It was a speech filled with warnings of impending doom, yet packed with jokes. It was a moment of supposed crisis, delivered with a tone of confidence. It was a national address that deepened the partisan divide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps use of humor, more aggressive and more frequent than ever, will likely energize his supporters but further alienate everyone else. If the president makes a joke, what does it say about our future if only half the country laughs? Max Kesselheim is a student at the Roxbury Latin School in Boston. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump unleashed Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, which was created to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity. Unknown to most Americans, there is an existing instrumentality of the U.S. government, the Government Accountability Office. The office is headed by the Comptroller General, which shall investigate all matters related to the receipt, disbursement and use of public money and analyze expenditures of each executive agency that it believes will help Congress decide whether public money has been used and expended economically and efficiently. The question people should be asking is: Where is Comptroller General Gene Dorado, amid all this chaos? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redundancy aside, DOGE seems to be violating countless laws and doing serious damage to our country. Much of what DOGE is doing is shrouded in secrecy. The lack of information has been a stumbling block in the spate of litigation challenging various DOGE-inspired actions, but GAO has the clear authority to obtain the records from the agencies that DOGE has invaded to find out what has happened and on what basis. It also could assess the legality of Trumps wholesale cancellation of contracts and grants, as well as determine whether his Fork in the Road buyout of federal employees is legal, since he appears to be offering to pay them for six months for doing no work. Of the many laws the president has violated, the most prominent and most significant is the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. It was enacted by Congress in response to the claims by President Richard Nixon, similar to claims by Trump, that the president has inherent authority to refuse to spend money Congress has appropriated. The Supreme Court ruled that the president had no such power with respect to water pollution control funds, but the Impoundment Control Act expressly forbids refusal to spend appropriated funds, with two exceptions. The president may defer spending money for a brief period, as long as he makes clear that he plans to spend it during the current fiscal year. But if the president wishes to rescind some spending entirely, he may hold back the spending for no more than 45 days, at which point Congress must amend the law allowing him to rescind appropriated funds Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The act mandates that presidents send Congress a detailed message when seeking such recissions, including the amount to be rescinded, the policy or other reasons for doing so, and the estimated fiscal, economic, and budgetary effect of the rescission. To the surprise of no one, Trump has sent no such message to Congress, despite his orders to cancel contracts, halt payments for foreign aid and other programs and fire employees with no plans to replace them immediately. Not only is the Impoundment Control Act the law of the land, but two decades after it was passed, the Supreme Court held that the Line Item Veto Act, which purported to give the president a limited power not to spend money that Congress had voted to spend, was unconstitutional. Changes in laws providing for spending of federal funds, the court held, could only be made by a new law, passed by both Houses and signed by the president, and Congress could not authorize the president to make such changes unilaterally, even in a statute duly enacted into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conclusion is clear: If the president cannot impound funds with the permission of Congress, he cannot possibly have the authority to do so when Congress has expressly denied him that power under the Impoundment Control Act. Congress did not trust the president to follow the act without oversight, and so it directed the comptroller general to monitor the rescission reports filed (or not filed) by the president. Subject to certain requirements, it also authorized the comptroller general to sue the president and others if they failed to make available money that Congress had appropriated. Many victims of the presidents unlawful withholding of funds have sued to restore them. But where is the comptroller general? Unlike many federal officials, the comptroller general does not have to fear that President Trump can fire him, because he works for Congress. The law gives the office a single 15-year term. He can be removed only for a limited set of reasons, after an opportunity for a hearing, and then only with the affirmative vote of both Houses of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the comptroller general actually started to enforce the Impoundment Control Act, President Trump might demand that Congress go through the statutory removal process. But since the term of the current comptroller general expires on Dec. 22, he has almost nothing to lose, and a great deal to gain, by carrying out his statutory duties to prevent the wholesale violations of the act that are in plain sight for all to see. Alan B. Morrison is an associate dean at George Washington University Law School. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Dont be distracted by his cartoonishly adorned suits or slavish focus on imaginary enemies like DEI. President Trumps choice of Pete Hegseth as secretary of Defense represents a dangerous precedent, and not only because Hegseth is uniquely inexperienced for the job. He is weak by design. His opening acts prove it: Hegseth orchestrated unprecedented removals of top military leaders, including the first-ever firing of a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the militarys two most senior women. Perhaps even more alarming is his purge of the military services senior lawyers general officers who understand their oath is to the Constitution, not to any individual. Unlike Hegseth, Gen. C.Q. Brown and Admirals Lisa Franchetti and Linda Fagan rose to the highest-ranking jobs in the military our nations most meritocratic institution based on their accomplishments, competence and character. The fact that Brown is Black and Franchetti and Fagan female is a powerful symbol that our military leadership fully represents our modern fighting force, as well as a testament to their grit in aspiring to leadership with few, if any, role models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their service and accomplishments should serve as an inspiration to every American, sending the message that merit, courage and dedication matter, in stark contrast to the bitterness of cable news pundits and divisive social media voices. Trump and Hegseths selection of retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine to replace Brown as chairman is equally extraordinary. Caine lacks the four-star leadership experience not just traditionally expected but legally required for the role. Although Trump can waive these requirements and recall Caine to active duty, this would send a clear message: Decades of distinguished service and competency-based advancement mean nothing compared to political loyalty. Was there really no capable currently serving four-star? And what does it mean for Americas most revered meritocracy when wearing a MAGA hat in violation of military regulations becomes the primary qualification for its highest position? What I know from nearly a decade of working in the Pentagon alongside leaders, both civilians and military, is that meritocratic-based leadership actually does matter. Seasoned leaders arrive in senior positions with enough confidence in their experiences to encourage and embrace dissenting views. They intentionally seek out diverse opinions and identify equally accomplished peers to inform high-stakes deliberations. They make tough calls based on evidence. And they recognize that when a decision comes to their desk, if it were easy, someone far lower down would have already made it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the months ahead, Hegseths weakness will become glaring on the global stage, where hell likely continue to stumble through engagements with foreign partners. Here at home, service members who have dedicated their lives and careers to their country will see right through him. This creates a deeper threat: By installing a deliberately weak civilian leader, Hegseths paranoia imperils the very principle of civilian control of the military a cornerstone of American democracy. The most effective civilian oversight comes from leaders who complement military expertise, not undermine it. Together, civilian and military leadership should evaluate risks and make decisions that serve the nations interests. Hegseths purge of the militarys most accomplished generals and admirals betrays this vital partnership. On full display in front of todays officers and enlisted troops, it degrades this essential partnership for a generation. Finally, Hegseths planned cuts to the Department of Defenses civilian workforce wont make it more efficient either. Rather, it will shift many of these vital responsibilities to military members in the reserve components, who will be detailed to replace civilians in staff jobs. That assumes the money will be available to fund these backfills, as the current budget continuing resolution does not fund such replacements. The remaining gaps would almost certainly be sourced from defense contractors, who also would need to be funded and would lack the deep familiarity with the complex policies and programs Department of Defense civilians currently have. The end result will be nothing less than a massive shift from tooth to tail, undermining operational military readiness of the reserves and national guard to replace todays expert civilian workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseths impact will certainly outlast his tenure. By gutting the credibility of civilian oversight, he is shattering the militarys trust that civilian leaders of any party can rise above and put the nations security first. While these wounds could be reversed under a different secretary with the temperament to engage experienced advisers on high-risk changes, thats not why Hegseth was chosen. He wasnt selected for courage, but for compliance. Alex Wagner was assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs during the Biden administration. He was chief of staff to the secretary of the Army and served in multiple roles in the Office of the Secretary of Defense during the Obama administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Before he served as President Trumps first secretary of defense, Gen. James Mattis, as head of U.S. Central Command, testified before Congress in 2013 that If you dont fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition. He was right then, and he is right now. Mattis recognized that a peace through strength foreign policy centered on deterrence demands the most lethal and formidable military in the world. He, like so many of our military leaders, also understands that this strength must go hand-in-glove with the critical tools of international assistance and diplomacy, which help prevent conflict and insecurity from escalating to costly wars that can require American troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump inherited a complex diplomatic battlefield, with an axis of rivals and competitors China, Russia, Iran and North Korea working to undermine U.S. influence, security and economic interests around the world. Its no secret that the Chinese Communist Party is on the march, looking to replace America as the preeminent economic driver of the international order. In fact, Beijing has been ramping up its Belt and Road Initiative by 525 percent over the past decade and a half, a long-range strategy focused on influencing countries through non-military development, humanitarian support, financing and political influence. From exploiting critical minerals in Africa and South America to cultivating relationships in southeast Asia, the race is on for partnerships and export markets that will define this century. When one of us led U.S. Southern Command, we witnessed Beijings bold diplomatic maneuvering: Panama signed 47 bilateral agreements with China at a time when the U.S. lacked an ambassador on the ground joining 22 other Central and South American nations signing on to the Belt-and-Road Initiative. The outcome? Increased revenue and jobs for Chinese workers and state-owned enterprises, while our neighbors fell into debt traps. American influence waned. Gutting U.S. international assistance infrastructure will not help the American people win the battle for the 21st century. Instead, we are seeing significant unintended damage from the abrupt and chaotic dismantling of programs, which will ultimately put America at a disadvantage to our rivals. These actions undermine Secretary of State Marco Rubios doctrine that every dollar we spend should make America safer, stronger and more prosperous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to play both offense and defense to advance a peace through strength agenda to outcompete rivals like China; prevent costly wars; and stop disease, drugs and terror from reaching our borders. Withdrawing from Americas leadership role on the global playing field risks leaving a void for our adversaries to fill. What do we lose by stepping back from our counterterror assistance programs? When one of us led U.S. Central Command and spent decades rooting out terror infrastructure across the Middle East, we were most effective in our mission when our civilian aid implementers were empowered. It is far preferable to strengthen the capacity of partner nations to fight Al Qaeda and ISIS themselves, so Americans dont have to. But now we are seeing programs from Syria to the Sahel that work alongside the U.S. military abruptly terminated. Security guards at the Al Hol and Al Roj camps in Syria which house close to 10,000 captured ISIS fighters were cut off, jeopardizing hard-fought progress in the campaign to defeat the terror group. And across the Sahel the new epicenter of jihadist activity and Russian mercenaries exploiting power vacuums counterterror programs that improve local law enforcement capacity to prepare, respond, apprehend and prosecute terrorists have been paused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long before Sept. 11, many military leaders warned of the acute risk of terrorism that our absence from diplomacy and development in Afghanistan would invite. Imagine how many trillions of dollars and lives couldve been saved if we had invested back then in what Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has called national security insurance. Americas competitors and rivals are seizing on the opportunity to fill the vacuum we are leaving behind. In Cambodia, China has stepped into the void we created, subsidizing de-mining programs, once funded by the U.S. government. What will China demand in return when U.S. freedom of navigation is threatened in Southeast Asia? In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Kremlin is now supporting disease specialists to help detect and stop outbreaks where U.S. programs have been suspended. Congo is home to one of the largest supplies of critical minerals in the world, needed for everything from smart phones to AI chips. What will Moscow expect in return as supply-chain competition intensifies? There is still time to send a clear message that America intends to use all instruments of national power to safeguard our economic and security interests. If Americans want to win and avoid losing influence around the world, then we need international development, global health and humanitarian assistance programs to support our allies, deter our adversaries and ultimately protect our homeland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anthony Zinni is a retired four-star U.S. Marine Corps general. Gen. Laura Richardson served as the commander of U.S. Southern Command until her retirement earlier this year. They now serve as co-chairs of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalitions National Security Advisory Council. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Trumps address to a joint session of Congress covered a wide range of policy pronouncements. He noted with pride that he had withdrawn from the unfair Paris climate accord from the corrupt World Health Organization from the anti-American U.N. Human Rights Council. He spoke of his proposed gigantic natural gas pipeline in Alaska, among the largest in the world, where Japan, South Korea and other nations want to be our partner with investments of trillions of dollars each. He mentioned a host of aid programs that, he asserted, were not only wasteful expenditures scams as he put it but also, in his view, ludicrous. He even identified a program for the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of, much to the chagrin of the government of that country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also identified the major targets of his tariff policies: the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, Canada and South Korea. He proudly asserted that by designating as foreign terrorist organizations the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs and the bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartels They are now officially in the same category as ISIS, and that is not good for them. Trump announced that his administration had begun reclaiming the Panama Canal and twice emphasized that were going to get Greenland. He asserted that Im also working tirelessly to end the savage conflict in Ukraine and rightly took credit for the Abraham Accords. He also mentioned Israels Iron Dome in making the case for his own Golden Dome proposal. Yet despite covering these and so many other issues in his hour and 39-minute speech the longest of its kind before a joint congressional session Trump never once mentioned NATO. That was a major surprise for many Europeans, who had been expecting the worst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, as late as the afternoon of the speech, European officials were still worrying over rumors that the president would at minimum castigate the NATO allies for being free riders a term first employed by President Barack Obama. In the worst case, they feared some degree of American pullback from the alliance. Yet it did not happen. As Sherlock Holmes might have observed, the dog didnt bark. One could hear Europes sigh of relief across the Atlantic. The president had reportedly considered including NATO in his speech. He would likely not have had much positive to say about the alliance. But Trump ultimately chose not to say anything. Nor did he speak of withdrawing U.S. troops from Europe, though that is likely still on his agenda. Perhaps his silence resulted from his meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and especially British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. As a result of those discussions, Trump may have decided to give the allies added time to take concrete steps to meet his demands that Europe share more of the burden that he feels America has inordinately shouldered for far too long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump identified South Korea as a target for tariffs, he was silent regarding Japan. Other than his reference to Japan while outlining his plan for a transpacific pipeline, he did not mention Japan at all. Perhaps that was because Japan has taken major steps not only to strengthen its Self Defense Forces, but increasingly to incorporate into its military posture offensive capabilities that are targeted against China. Moreover, Tokyo covers a significant majority of the costs of Americas presence in that country, totaling as much as $3 billion annually. Perhaps that is why the president has not accused Japan of failing to cover its fair share of the common defense. Trump also omitted any mention of AUKUS the agreement between the U.S., U.K. and Australia both to produce submarines for Australia and to pool their advances in cutting-edge technologies, the so-called Pillar Two of the agreement. The omission may again have been the result of the presidents sense that the tripartite venture is one in which Americas allies, perhaps its closest allies, are not free riders but instead nations whose contributions would equally benefit the U.S. Trump is widely viewed as a transactional individual. In the eyes of many analysts, he could change his position on any issue at any time, for better or for worse. Moreover, the immediate focus of many observers has been on the disruptive nature of his administration. Yet they have tended to overlook the degree of continuity that the speech embodied, if only by omission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In matters of national security and foreign policy, what the president did not say was as important as what he did. Dov S. Zakheim is a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and vice chairman of the board for the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He was undersecretary of Defense (comptroller) and chief financial officer for the Department of Defense from 2001 to 2004 and a deputy undersecretary of Defense from 1985 to 1987. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Given the volume and magnitude of actions taken by the White House since Inauguration Day, it is understandable that most of Americas attention has been focused on the executive branch. What should not be lost in this flurry of activity, however, is legislation being advanced by the 119th Congress that could be just as consequential to the institution most fundamental in a representative democracy: the vote. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or the SAVE Act, would require individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. It passed in the House in July of 2024 but did not advance in the Senate. Recently reintroduced by Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, the bill now has a heightened chance of success given partisan unity within government. The consequences of the SAVE Act belie its name by compromising access to the ballot for large swaths of the populace and complicating an already overly complicated process. Moreover, the act undermines the ideals of the democratic experiment begun nearly 250 years ago of a republican form of government an experiment that, until recently, has trended toward expanding rather than restricting suffrage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ostensible purpose of the SAVE Act is to curb voting in our federal elections by those who do not hold American citizenship. It would do so by prohibiting states from accepting and processing applications to register to vote unless the applicant presents proof of U.S. citizenship. These forms of proof include military IDs, birth certificates, passports and state-issued Enhanced Drivers Licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship (the latter of which is available in only five states). Those who present a birth certificate face the additional requirement of showing a photo ID matching the information contained on a birth certificate. Requirements safeguarding the voting process and ensuring that only those eligible to vote in federal elections are understandable and necessary. In fact, there already is law in place barring those without citizenship status from voting in federal elections. In truth, the proposed legislation is tantamount to a solution in search of a problem research conducted by the Bipartisan Policy Council found only 77 instances of noncitizens voting between 1999 and 2023. The impact of the SAVE Act stands to lessen the likelihood of voting for those who already are burdened by voter registration requirements. Rates of voting in the United States consistently lag comparable democracies, and a vast body of scholarship attributes the gap to the manner in which Americans hold elections. Voting in the United States takes resources including time, education, skill and stability; political science research consistently has concluded that the nations voting infrastructure unequally burdens those lacking such resources. The Campaign Legal Center argues that the act would exclude millions of eligible Americans from registering and voting simply because they lack the necessary paperwork to satisfy its extreme documentation requirements. Even licenses that satisfy the Real ID requirement dont meet the citizenship requirement, meaning most Americans will not be able to register to vote using their drivers license alone. The act also stands to upend such facilitative registration systems as online and mail-in voter registration that have played a meaningful role in recent upticks in youth voter registration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An additional group unequally burdened would be women. As PolitiFact points out, the requirement that those who present a birth certificate must also show a photo ID matching the information contained on their birth certificate could make voter registration harder for people who change their names when getting married. The overwhelming majority of people who change their names after marriage are women. The power to determine who represents us in office is the hallmark of a republic, making fair and equal access to voting essential. Throughout the nations history, constitutional amendments and landmark legislation ranging from the Voting Rights Act to the Americans with Disabilities Act have broadened the franchise making the promise of American democracy a reality for we the people. As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it seems an unfortunate moment to undermine this promise. Elizabeth C. Matto, Ph.D., is director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics and a research professor at Rutgers University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In New York City, thousands of students deemed gifted by the Department of Educations own assessment standards are denied access to gifted and talented public school programs due to the lack of available seats. Their parents are desperate for options when it comes to accommodating children capable of doing above grade-level work. In a city of close to 1 million students, where, in some neighborhoods, half are scoring in the top 10th percentile on IQ tests, that equals thousands of underserved kids. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Several states, including Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia, offer an Individualized Education Plan for gifted students. A few more, like Arizona, Florida and Kentucky, have a variation, like an Individual Service Plan or a Gifted Student Service Plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I asked subscribers to my NYC School Secrets mailing list whether they would support a situation like the one currently available in Kansas, where giftedness is bundled under special education and all students who qualify receive an IEP. Provisions of this law include: Special education means the following: Specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of an exceptional child Each gifted child shall be permitted to test out of, or work at an individual rate, and receive credit for required or prerequisite courses, or both, at all grade levels, if so specified in that childs individualized education program. Any gifted child may receive credit for college study at the college or high school level, or both. If a gifted child chooses to receive college credit, however, the student shall be responsible for the college tuition costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This arrangement would have been particularly useful for my family and might have kept my middle child from dropping out of high school when he wasnt allowed to take the higher-level classes he wanted. I tried to enroll him in college but hit a bureaucratic wall when they wouldnt accept him without a high school diploma, even though he scored higher on standardized tests than the average student the college accepted. Related Adams: Whatever You Do For Your Child, Youll Be Wrong Why I Gave My Son Permission to Drop Out of High School The majority of my fellow NYC parents were in favor of a similar statute for New York state. Absolutely! This is so necessary, cheered mother of three Laura B. Gifted children definitely have special needs and they should be educated at the level they deserve. I fully support a bill like this for NYC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be amazing if public school could provide material at [gifted kids] level, sighed A.K. a mother of two, instead of the cookie-cutter curriculum they shove down the throats of all students. Elaine Daly, parent, social worker and school counselor, did express concerns about how these children would be identified. Would [the IEP assessment] be designed with the understanding that traditional tests are not the only standard of gifted? A lack of qualified teachers is what worries mom Iona Baldini. Im concerned that schools dont have teachers who can work with gifted kids. There are very few teachers that can meet gifted kids at their level. I think we need infrastructure and a different mindset to teach gifted students. Gayle Doyle, a one-time gifted child herself, isnt concerned. Part of being gifted means that you are challenging and learning yourself. In fourth grade, our class implemented a test out for math. You took the test before the unit, and if you scored above a certain level, you didnt have to go through that lesson and were given more advanced work to do independently. I tested out of all the units. I was able to go into the hallway during math lessons where I worked on more challenging math problems. It was completely self-led, the teachers only had to provide problems for me to work on, but there was no instruction. I found it better this way, and this was done a while ago without IEPs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, a parent who asked to be identified as KC sees another bright side to offering IEPs for gifted kids. There is a lot of prejudice against kids with an IEP by other parents. The number of times Ive heard them complain about having their gen ed kid being in a class with an IEP kid (like mine) is too disappointing to list. Thats because theres an assumption that IEP always means my kids have a negative trait that will hold their [kid] back. A law like this *might* help these parents realize that there are equally deserving IEP students who should have their skills nurtured. Related Students with Disabilities Often Overlooked in Gifted Programming Assessing students and implementing individualized education plans is an expense few school districts, especially NYC, which is losing enrollment and thus funding can afford. An obvious, cost-effective solution would be to offer a higher-level curriculum for all. This across the board upgrade should be enough for most of those currently considered advanced. But pleas to that effect have fallen on deaf ears for decades. The curriculum is, instead, dumbed down, most recently with the removal of Regents exams as a graduation requirement. If the only way parents can get an appropriate education for their academically gifted child is by demanding the same free and appropriate public education currently only available to those classified as handicapped by the U.S. Department of Education, then thats what they may need to resort to. I realize it would put extra strain on an already overtaxed system, and it would cost more. I would rather not go that route. Its the worst possible option for everyone, families and schools, in terms of expense and effort. But it feels like NYC parents have been left with no alternatives. President Trump announced a new immigration program last month under which prospective immigrants will be able to buy a gold card for $5 million to immigrate legally to the U.S. The new visa would replace the current EB-5 visa, known as the investor visa, and provide a path to citizenship. The president wants to use the revenue to pay off the countrys deficit. The concept of a gold card is a good idea that could help streamline this countrys Kafkaesque immigration system and provide a source of revenue, along with boosting the many widely known benefits of immigration. But to be a true win for America, the price tag needs to change to open up the program to a larger number of productive newcomers. Legal considerations aside Trump claims he doesnt need Congress to enact this change, which is questionable a gold card program could potentially remove some of the many bureaucratic barriers to immigration. The current investor visa, which among other things requires a minimum investment in American companies of between $800,000 and $1.05 million, is complex, slow and inefficient. This program grants around 10,000 visas every year to investors and their families. While many aspects of the new gold card program remain unclear, it would likely be much more straightforward, potentially requiring only the initial payment and the thorough background check already conducted on all prospective immigrants. It would also purportedly be uncapped, so theoretically more than 10,000 beneficiaries could use the program each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $5 million price tag, however, is unrealistic. Few people are going to be able to afford it, and the cost makes the program less attractive even to wealthy individuals. David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, explained in an interview that the new program would be significantly less attractive to highly wealthy individuals than the [investor visa], under which not only is the amount lower, but investors get back their investment once a green card is approved. Furthermore, Bier said that the presidents expectations that companies would pay $5 million to bring in top talent is also unrealistic. No company would pay $5 million for a green card for any worker. They cant make $5 million on many, if any, workers. He highlighted that green card holders, and likely potential gold card holders, can go to a different company whenever they want, as legal residency is not tied to a specific job offer. With a $5 million cost, its unlikely that many individuals would take up the offer. Thus, replacing the investor visa with the less affordable gold card may, in turn, have the effect of reducing legal immigration instead of expanding it. The roughly 10,000 yearly beneficiaries of the investor visa may not be able to afford the new price and thus stop coming. The Trump administration should improve on their idea, adjusting the cost of the gold card according to factors such as age and level of education and skill. In a 2019 policy analysis, Catos Alex Nowrasteh detailed the many options to set the rate of such a program, including considerations like the forgoing of government benefits. Many of those options could be considered when setting a more realistic and reasonable cost that would allow more productive workers to come to America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As conceived right now, the gold card program does not address border security. But it could. If the cost of the visa is adjusted, many of the people who cross the border illegally would stop doing so in favor of purchasing a legal way into the country. Such people already spend a lot of money to come to America the cartel-controlled immigration black market forces them to pay tens of thousands of dollars to human smugglers and other such characters to cross the border. If immigrants could use that money to pay the U.S. government instead, they would likely opt to enter legally. These people would be thoroughly vetted, just like any other legal immigrant, in the process. This approach would lead to fewer migrants massing at the border, more security vetting of those coming in, more revenue and fewer cartel victims. A streamlined program would also attract highly specialized professionals such as scientists, engineers and doctors who currently dont move to the U.S. due to restrictive immigration rules. More specialized workers would boost innovation and fill crucial jobs that keep Americans healthy and safe, while providing new opportunities to the beneficiaries as well. Details of the gold card program remain unclear, and it is yet to be seen if it will actually be implemented. As the concept stands now, David Bier predicts that it will be a little used part of the U.S. immigration system. But the administration has the kernel of a good idea. If modified, the gold card is an easy sell to the American public, as it would allow well-meaning, productive people to pay to come here and work, increase revenue and benefit American employers, all while reducing illegal immigration and undermining the cartels. It would be a win for everybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, Americas entire immigration system needs to be reconceived, but a carefully structured gold card program could be a way to improve the current system for Americans and immigrants alike. Agustina Vergara Cid, LL.B. and LL.M, is a Young Voices contributor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Supporters of Ukraine had three major criticisms of former President Joe Biden. First, he supplied Ukraine with weapons, but it was always too little, too late. Second, he lacked a strategy beyond supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. Third, as much as he wanted Ukraine to survive, he didnt actually want Russia to lose, fearing that a collapsed Russian state would cause even more chaos and misery. These criticisms were justified. But compared to what his successor in the Oval Office is doing, he now looks like pure genius. Biden achieved three important goals. First, Ukraine survived Putins invasion. Second, it won back a good portion of the territory Russia had seized in the first weeks of the war. And third, by helping Ukraine stave off Russia, Biden degraded the Russian armed forces and thereby undermined Russias ability to project power in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those were no small achievements, but they were made to look picayune by Bidens critics, especially President Trump. Trump has often claimed that there never would have been a war if he had been in charge. The beauty of such a counterfactual is that a false premise can logically entail any and every possible outcome. So, yes, the Russians might not have invaded if Trump had been president in 2022, but they could have just as well have, say, dropped an atomic bomb on the White House. Counterfactuals are useful for analysis only if they are underpinned by some kind of theory. Perhaps Putin might not have invaded because Trump is tough. But perhaps Putin would have invaded, because Trump obviously admires him and his desire to divide the world into spheres of great-power influence. Seen in this light, Trumps counterfactual actually undermines his claim. His consistent accommodationist behavior toward Russia and its dictator seems to be a far more plausible and consequential starting point than his alleged toughness. Indeed, one could go further and argue that Trumps pro-Putin line will not only prolong the current war after all, the Ukrainians have no choice but to fight but also make a world war more likely by encouraging Putin to test NATOs resolve by invading the Baltic states. Given Trumps Putinophilia, it is perfectly plausible that he would cheer Vlad on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, that dreadful scenario is unlikely, thanks to one of the unintended consequences of Bidens Ukraine policy: Ukraine may actually be winning, and Russia is definitely losing. The distinguished military historian Phillips P. OBrien puts it well: Trump has adopted the Russian talking point that Ukraine is on the ropes and cant win. Now, admittedly that has been a huge part of the western reporting over the past year. However, that narrative is finally being challenged. Russian advances have slowed markedly, their casualties are enormous, and the Ukrainian military seems to be making some better choices on how to fight attritional warfare against the less efficient Russian military. The facts speak for themselves. The Ukrainians have transformed what was once the second-most-powerful army in the world into merely the second-most-powerful army in Ukraine. Russias dead and wounded exceed 800,000, and daily losses are in the range of 1,000 to 1,500. This has forced Putin to seek help from the North Koreans. Ukraine has neutralized the Black Sea Fleet and is degrading Russias energy infrastructure. Russias economy is in free fall. Political and economic elites are increasingly dissatisfied with Putins disastrous war, while the aging Putin is incapable of generating new ideas. And yes, Ukraine also has many problems, but it will fight on because there is no other alternative. The Russians, in contrast, know they need not die for the megalomaniac in the Kremlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OBrien concludes that the Ukrainians are in better shape than certainly Trump and Vance are saying and the media let on in 2024. Are they in great shape? No. They need weapons and support but the Ukrainians are holding well for now and its the Russians who are suffering casualties at a rate that is damaging their operations. Ukraine can win the war as always the question is whether we want it to. Biden was not sure he wanted Ukraine to win. Trump looks like hes sure he wants Ukraine to lose. So, two-and-a-half cheers for Bidens Ukraine policy, and three loud boos for Trumps. Alexander J. Motyl is a professor of political science at Rutgers University-Newark. A specialist on Ukraine, Russia and the USSR, and on nationalism, revolutions, empires and theory, he is the author of 10 books of nonfiction, as well as Imperial Ends: The Decay, Collapse, and Revival of Empires and Why Empires Reemerge: Imperial Collapse and Imperial Revival in Comparative Perspective. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Richa Naidu LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of Strepsils throat lozenges and Dettol cleaning products, missed expectations for fourth-quarter like-for-like net sales as a late flu and cold season dented demand for its over-the-counter medicines. The firm's shares, however, rebounded after an initial slide, rising as much as 3.5% as it reported lower fixed costs, which analysts said had come through faster than expected. Reckitt, whose products include Nurofen tablets, cold remedy Lemsip and Durex condoms, forecast full-year like-for-like net sales growth of 2% to 4%, and that it has so far this year seen a boost from sales in emerging markets India and China. The firm expects low-single digit sales growth in North America in the first quarter of the year, however, as U.S. pharmacies stock fewer products. "Pharmacies in the U.S. are under some pressure in terms of having less traffic," CEO Kris Licht told Reuters in an interview. "Other retailers, large retailers that we work with, are doing quite well." Reckitt has had a mixed year, with its stock falling sharply early on in 2024 over an internal investigation into its Middle Eastern business and its involvement in litigation surrounding an infant nutrition product made by its U.S.-based Mead Johnson business. A lawsuit had accused the company of failing to warn of the medical risks of some premature baby formulas, but a jury found in November Mead Johnson was not responsible for a young boy's debilitating intestinal disease. The company said in July it was considering options for the nutrition business and that it would offload a portfolio of homecare brands by the end of 2025, planning to refocus on healthcare and hygiene. Reckitt's fourth-quarter like-for-like net sales rose 4.6%, behind the 5.3% growth analysts had expected in a company-supplied poll. The company said sales from its hygiene business rose 5.5%, beating analysts' estimates of 4.1% growth. However, Reckitt sold fewer of its seasonal cold products during the quarter, and sales in its health unit rose only 2.4%. Analysts had expected growth of 6.9%. For the full year to December 31, Reckitt's operating profit rose 3% to 3.48 billion pounds ($4.49 billion). ($1 = 0.7753 pounds) (Reporting by Richa Naidu; Editing by David Goodman, Jan Harvey and Tomasz Janowski) President Trump is off to a manic start, carpet bombing Washington with executive orders of dubious legality, firing hundreds of thousands of federal workers and souring relations with Americas neighbors and allies. I get that Trump was elected to shake up a status quo that working-class voters believe stacks the odds against them. But Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was right: Trump has no mandate to inflict ruinous trade wars on Americas friends, disable the federal government rather than reform it and throw Ukraine to the Russian wolves. Greens protest got him ejected from the presidents stemwinder in Congress Tuesday night, during which Trump served up his usual smorgasbord of self-congratulatory fantasies to rapt Republicans and dejected Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We shouldnt forget that half the country didnt vote for Trump and endorses neither his brazen power grabs nor his embrace of old ideas high trade barriers and isolationism that failed our country badly in the past. At 45 percent, Trumps personal approval rating is the lowest for any newly elected president since he set the record low of 44 percent in 2017. Republicans no doubt are thrilled their hero is owning the libs. But what matters now is whether Trump can deliver tangible benefits to the swing voters who put him narrowly over the top independents, moderate Republicans and Democratic defectors, especially noncollege Blacks and Latinos. They voted for economic policies that lower the cost of living and create better opportunities for non-college workers, a fiscally disciplined government that delivers public services more quickly and efficiently, major reforms in our broken immigration system, greater public safety and a break from identity group tribalism. Trump isnt delivering on any of these fronts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, he is launching a global trade war: massive tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China and reciprocal tariffs on any country that has higher tariffs than ours. His rationale is murky. Sometimes he says its to punish our neighbors for not sufficiently policing their borders, at others Trump oversells tariffs as a miraculous tool for raising revenues and reviving manufacturing. What they really do is raise prices. Slapping tariffs on everything Americans buy from Canada, Mexico and China will mean higher prices on groceries, gas and cars, with fewer jobs and lower pay when our closest trading partners respond to Trumps trade war by buying fewer American products, notes Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans trust Trump on tariffs, but other voters have qualms. A recent Public First poll finds that only 28 percent of Americans support tariffs on Canada, while 43 percent are opposed. Consumer confidence and the stock markets also are plummeting. High living costs were by far the voters top concern last year and the main reason Democrats lost. Trump promised to start bringing down prices on day one, but his signature economic policy points in the opposite direction. Almost as perverse is Trumps indiscriminate mauling of the federal government in the name of efficiency and cost-cutting. Americans dont need to be convinced that the federal government has become too big, slow and rule-bound. They want fixes but worry that Trump and Elon Musk have no coherent plan for making government work better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk and his minions have summarily fired over 200,000 workers and are eviscerating whole agencies they dont like the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Education Department and, oddly, the National Weather Service. Musks Department of Government Efficiency briefly sacked over 350 nuclear engineers, then hastily hired them back when told the government couldnt guarantee the security and safety of Americas nuclear arsenal without them. Trump evinces no empathy for government workers whose lives have been abruptly turned upside down by Musks slash-and-burn assaults. The billionaires couldnt care less about the millions of destitute and vulnerable people who rely on U.S. foreign aid which costs all of 0.7 percent of the federal budget. Compare Trumps chainsaw massacre to President Bill Clintons skillful reinventing government push. Working with public employees, REGO managed to eliminate more than 400,000 jobs and boost productivity without the humiliating and cruel tactics that Trump and Musk seem to relish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent polls find that Americans oppose shutting down U.S. foreign aid by 21 points (59-38) and that 56 percent of voters including 60 percent of independents think the Trump-Musk cuts are doing more harm than good. Finally, Trumps abandonment of Ukraine and disrespect for U.S. allies also seem to be giving many voters buyers remorse. Last week, the world watched the sickening spectacle of the president and vice president parroting Kremlin talking points while trying to bully their guest, Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky, into agreeing to a Munich-style peace deal. An irate Trump preposterously blamed Ukraine for starting the conflict but could not find a cross word for the real culprit, Russian strongman Vladimir Putin. Trumps reputation as an artful dealmaker is unlikely to survive his one-sided negotiations with the wily Putin. Neither Zelensky nor our European allies are invited to the talks, which envision Ukraine ceding more than 20 percent of its territory and any hope of NATO membership in return for a cease-fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week a petulant Trump made good his threat to cut off U.S. aid to Ukraine. This is a shameful betrayal of Ukraines fight for freedom as well as Americas finest tradition of standing up to tyranny and oppression. Trump is extinguishing Americas beacon of liberty and democracy at the worst possible moment, as the world backslides into the same belligerent ethno-nationalism that sparked two calamitous wars in the last century. Is this what most Americans voted for? Democrats should be confident in answering with an emphatic no. Will Marshall is the founder and president of Progressive Policy Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon and Stitcher . The majority of Democratic lawmakers who protested President Donald Trumps speech to Congress on Tuesday nightwhether by raising signs or walking outwere largely people of color. Texas Rep. Al Green led the charge by yelling at Trump that he had no mandate to cut Medicaid funding, which got him kicked out of the chamber and eventually censured . For The New Abnormal s Danielle Moodie and Andy Levy, white people in the Democratic Party need to be better at pushing back against the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a disproportionately high percentage of the time that it is people of color leading the charge and that s--t has to stop, Levy said. Obviously, by that I dont mean people of color need to stop. I mean, white people need to stand up. White people need to stand up and start realizing that first of all, its the right thing to do. And second of all, its not fair to place this burden on people of color. It just isnt. Subscribe to The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcasts , Stitcher , Amazon Music , or Overcast . Decorum is not gonna save Democrats in this moment, Moodie added, referencing orders by House Speaker Mike Johnson for protesters to maintain decorum during Trumps speech. Plus! Actor and filmmaker Alex Winter talks about Tesla Takedown, a movement targeting financial support for Elon Musk and his popular electric vehicle brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, Deirdre Schifeling and Alexa Kolbi-Molinas from the American Civil Liberties Union discuss how the organization is pushing back against the administration, from legal battles to grassroots organizing. Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon and Stitcher . Over the last month or so, Elon Musks Department of Governmental Efficiency has dominated the headlines. Sometimes its for cutting good programs that leave people incensed. Sometimes it is for cutting programs that are clearly outrageous governmental waste. And sometimes it is for cutting rather irrelevant and small amounts of money compared to the overall U.S. debt and budget deficit. So where lies the truth? Is DOGE really doing anything relevant? Even worse, is it hurting Americas future and standing? So far, DOGE claims that is has saved about $65 billion in federal funds. So far, I have seen people make every argument from DOGE is revolutionizing the government on the one side to These cuts are basically just a rounding error on the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What people dont realize is that both can be true at the same time. Lets start with the $65 billion. How much is that? Its enough to cut a $450 check to every taxpayer every year. Thats actually quite a significant amount of money if you look at it that way. But lets take the flipside. We pay more than $900 billion every year just on interest on the governments $36 trillion debt. In that sense, DOGE naysayers are not wrong when they say the savings constitute a drop in the bucket. Even so, what DOGE is doing is important, even if it is having a negligible effect on the national debt. For example, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was DOGEs first victim as Musk put it, he fed it into the woodchipper. USAID manages (managed?) about $40 billion each year. To put that in perspective, it is about $300 per year, per taxpayer. Again, that is not an insignificant amount of money. You might already be waiting for a tax refund of that amount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And man, with some of the stories we have heard about USAID, that money is being spent on some pretty outrageous things. Millions have gone to entities controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, including research for COVID in Wuhan. But I have to say, as someone who is all for cutting government waste, USAID does some seriously important and valuable things for example, supplying clean water to more than 1.6 million people in Sudan, a country where a terrible genocide is occurring and people are starving to death every day. So I do understand the upset of many that some very good programs could be cut, even as some very bad programs are being cut. But probably the most frustrating argument I have heard against DOGEs cuts is that government workers are losing their jobs. Of course, I feel for anyone who loses a job it is a scary moment for anyone, causing huge upset for themselves and their families. But this isnt new. Under President Obama, multiple regulations led to tens of thousands of job losses people with no other training and who had been coal miners or worked in factories their entire lives lost their jobs with just a few days notice. Entire communities were devastated by Obama and Biden-era policies, and in some cases they were quite proud of it. Those who say USAID is less than 1 percent of the U.S. budget and therefore irrelevant have clearly never lived from paycheck to paycheck. Any family that has lived on a budget knows how fast those one-percents add up. Moreover, if DOGE is finding this many outrageous and unworthy programs in just 1 percent of the budget, just imagine what it will find at the Pentagon. If we really want to tackle Americas debt, DOGEs current mandates are clearly insufficient. In the end, the only way to attack Americas $36 trillion debt is to cut Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security all things that Trump has repeatedly promised not to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I still believe DOGE is doing important work, because it goes to the ethos of America. It goes to the idea that our hard-earned tax dollars should not fund absurdly excessive subscriptions to magazines and $10,000 newsletters, or to fund Hamas in Gaza or Chinese Communist Party-controlled entities. For too long, we have let our tax dollars be funneled to embarrassing and anti-American causes. So, whether or not DOGE is actually going to balance or nearly balance the U.S. budget is immaterial rather, its the principle of the thing. That is why 76 percent of Americans stand behind what DOGE is doing. Liberty Vittert is a professor of data science at Washington University in St. Louis and the resident on-air statistician for NewsNation, a sister company of The Hill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Hungary will poll its citizens on Ukraine's potential future membership in the European Union, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday, a day after he refused to endorse an EU statement on support for Kyiv that was backed by the bloc's 26 other leaders. In statements to state radio, Orban said EU plans to fill the gap left by apparent cuts to American support for Kyiv by the administration of President Donald Trump would damage the bloc's economy. He reiterated his position that EU membership for Ukraine would come down to whether Hungary approves it or not. EU membership for Ukraine would mean that Europe will be destroyed, including the Hungarian economy," he said. "This process must be stopped in time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a way of shoring up support for Orban's stance, the government will issue a national consultation, a form of political campaign conducted periodically by Orban's right-wing populist government in the form of an informal questionnaire sent to every adult in the country. Such surveys have been widely criticized by pollsters and opposition parties as propaganda tools that are manipulative in their phrasing and highly suggestive of desired answers. "Everyone will give their opinion" on Ukraine's potential EU membership, Orban said. The question is simple: yes or no. The results of the survey will not be legally binding. He did not say when the survey would be conducted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orbans government has said the surveys strengthen its bargaining position on the European level by demonstrating a national consensus on political issues. Orban, a staunch supporter of Trump and considered to be Russian President Vladimir Putins closest EU partner, refused Thursday to endorse part of a statement supporting Ukraine at an emergency summit convened in Brussels. At the summit, EU leaders committed to working together to bolster the continents defenses and to free up hundreds of billions of euros for security after Trumps repeated warnings that he would cut them adrift to face the threat of Russia alone. All 26 other EU leaders approved the blocs stance that there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine, and that the Europeans must be involved in any talks involving their security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban has repeatedly warned that his country could exercise a veto on allowing Ukraine into the EU, a decision which would require unanimity among all the bloc's leaders. Kyiv considers EU membership a crucial part of safeguarding Ukraine's future security against potential renewed Russian attacks after an eventual end to the current war. (Bloomberg) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban plans to hold a domestic campaign against Ukraines European Union accession in a bid to reverse a pre-election slide in the polls. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orbans plan to hold a non-binding national consultation on the issue comes after he was the sole leader to refuse to sign a statement at an emergency EU summit on Thursday pledging support for Hungarys war-torn neighbor. Ukraine would pose an economic threat to Hungary as an EU member, harming its agricultural sector and taking away jobs, Orban told state radio on Friday. He also said admitting Ukraine would be a security threat to the bloc as a whole, warning against Europe granting free movement to a country that had 800,000 armed people. Orbans position stands in stark contrast to the rest of the EU, which invited Ukraine to start accession talks in late 2023 after sending the Hungarian premier out of the leaders room ahead of a vote that required unanimity. On Thursday, all member states except Hungary firmly supported a pledge to provide further support to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The planned national consultation could whip up anti-Ukrainian sentiment as Orbans Fidesz party falls behind in polls ahead of an election in about a years time. The Tisza party of former ruling party insider Peter Magyar has capitalized on a cost-of-living crisis to win over voters. A public campaign on the risks of Ukraines EU accession would play to Hungarians sense of insecurity at a time when economic concerns are foremost on voters minds. That would mirror the approach Orban took three years ago, when he won the last election in a landslide partly by pledging to keep Hungary from being dragged into the war in Ukraine. Unlike a referendum, where results are binding and questions have to be approved by electoral authorities, so-called national consultations are non-binding and have featured leading questions. Orban has resorted to these mail-in questionnaires as a political tool, which invariably produce results in line with his policies. Previous ones have been held on topics from migration to LGBTQ rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magyar, the opposition leader, accused Orban of exploiting the issue of Ukraine, saying in a Facebook post on Friday that itd take decades for the country to become an EU member. Hell announce his own consultation at a rally on the March 15 national holiday, on an issue affecting all of our lives, he said without elaboarting. (Update recasts Orbans plan with domestic context throughout.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner outside the Treasury building along Mill Creek in Salem on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (Photo by Laura Tesler/ Oregon Capital Chronicle) Oregon Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner and other Democratic treasurers from around the country warned Thursday that President Donald Trumps now-paused tariffs would lead to unaffordable price hikes for Americans and uncertainty for businesses. Steiner, Democratic treasurers from Illinois, Colorado and Nevada and Minnesotas state auditor called on Trump to end an escalating trade war with Canada and Mexico after he announced and then walked back 25% tariffs this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How are families and businesses supposed to plan if draconian tariffs keep getting announced and delayed, theyre reimposed then delayed, and maybe theyre on some things and maybe not on others? This lack of predictability is not what government is supposed to do, Steiner said. Her comments during a press call Thursday followed more than a month of uncertainty surrounding tariffs and plunging U.S. stocks. Trump ordered 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico on Feb. 1, then announced a one-month pause on Feb. 3, the day before those tariffs were set to take effect. He went ahead with 10% tariffs on goods from China that took effect Feb. 4. Anybody who thinks you can build a manufacturing plant in 30 days has never operated in the real world. I can't even build one out of Lego in 30 days. Oregon Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner A few weeks later, on Feb. 27, Trump said 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods would take effect March 4. The stock market fell and as soon as those tariffs went into place; China and Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs. On Thursday, Trump signed executive orders temporarily pausing tariffs on Mexico and Canada, but stocks have continued to fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has described the tariffs as a way to bring lost manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., but the treasurers said that wasnt borne out by the tariffs he imposed during his first administration. And even if some tariffs do result in more domestic manufacturing, companies need time to build facilities and hire workers. Anybody who thinks you can build a manufacturing plant in 30 days has never operated in the real world, Steiner said. I cant even build one out of Lego in 30 days. She pointed to Oregons semiconductor industry, which lawmakers invested hundreds of millions to grow in recent years. Companies including Intel have also spent billions to build semiconductor plants in Oregon, but it takes a decade to build those plants, Steiner said. Oregon is the nations 19th largest exporter, according to the federal office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and exports support about 103,000 jobs in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico, China and Canada are Oregons first, second and fourth largest export markets, respectively, accounting for slightly less than half of the more than $34 billion in goods the state exported in 2024. The state exported $6.3 billion of goods to Mexico, $5.9 billion to China and $3.3 billion to Canada. Economists have projected that tariffs on goods from Canada, China and Mexico will cost each American household an extra $1,200 per year. Steiners office recently released an Oregon State University analysis that found nearly half of Oregonians cant afford an emergency expense of $500. When people choose not to spend money because prices are too high, because they cant afford to buy their kid a new outfit for school or something like that, that results in layoffs in our retail stores, Steiner said. When those layoffs happen, those people arent spending money and there are more layoffs. And furthermore, if theyre not earning money, then tax revenues arent flowing into our states that pay for critical services like public education, health care, public safety and so much more. The Trump trade wars are like a kid who stole a pickup and is doing donuts on your lawn. You know even if he eventually gets that thing turned in the right direction, he still has wrecked your yard by the time he gets out. Minnesota Auditor Julie Blaha The treasurers said that uncertainty is already affecting state economies and consumers, even if tariffs havent been fully implemented yet. Minnesota state Auditor Julie Blaha, who oversees that states investments and financial activity, said people and businesses are delaying buying equipment or hiring workers, and that that economic paralysis will drag the wider economy down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And tariffs will have a multiplying effect on goods that are grown or processed in different places, she said. Minneapolis-based General Mills, for instance, buys oats from Canada, processes them in Minnesota and sells some of the resulting cereal and waffles back to Canada. It would end up paying tariffs each time those ingredients and products cross a border. The Trump trade wars are like a kid who stole a pickup and is doing donuts on your lawn, Blaha said. You know even if he eventually gets that thing turned in the right direction, he still has wrecked your yard by the time he gets out. And thats whats happening here. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Orlando Fire Department (OFD) and the Florida Division of Forestry have fully contained a brush fire east of MetroWest that burned approximately 70 acres, officials said Friday. Although the fire is under control, crews remain on the scene to monitor for potential flare-ups. Because the fire is smoldering, it will cause smoke-laden conditions in that area possibly for a number of days, OFD stated in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Motorists should use caution when traversing this area, as the smoke may at times cause decreased visibility for drivers the release cautioned. Those with respiratory concerns or sensitives in the Metro West, Caver Shores, Richmond Heights, and adjacent communities are advised to limit their time outside until the conditions improve. The smoke can cause irritation of the eyes and throat and worsen issues for those with respiratory problems, OFD said in a statement. Fire officials will continue to provide updates on the situation via social media. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The MSP Film Society has called "action" on the 44th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF). The festival will return in 2025, with the bulk of programming taking place at The Main Cinema from April 213. Highlights from the announcement include an appearance from Oscar-winning director Ang Lee and an opening-night screening of Free Leonard Peltier. The opening-night documentary recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, arriving there just a week after Peltier was granted clemency after a nearly 50-year imprisonment. 'Free Leonard Peltier'Courtesy of MSP Film Society The presentation of Free Leonard Peltier will include appearances from director Jesse Short Bull and producer Jhane Meyers. It'll be followed by a party at Sean Sherman's Owamni. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festival will also welcome Lee for the MSPIFF44 Milgrom Tribute, a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Brokeback Mountain, the film that saw him become the first Asian director to win an Academy Award for Best Director. Lee's appearance will include a conversation on Sunday, April 6, which will be followed by a screening of Brokeback Mountain, introduced by the director. The Milgrom Tribute, named for MSPIFF and MSP Film Society founder Al Milgrom, honors "artists whose talents put a distinctive stamp on every one of their films, who have been instrumental in promoting a higher regard for the art of cinema, and who have consistently made and continue to make critical waves at a global level." Lee has embodied those attributes in his more than 40-year career with moving, personal films like The Wedding Banquet and The Ice Storm, as well as big-budget productions like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hulk, Life of Pi, and Gemini Man. 'Folktales'Courtesy of MSP Film Society The fest will again include a slate of Minnesota-made and Minnesota-connected films, including Folktales and Speak, both of which appeared at Sundance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other films on the MSPIFF calendar include Sundance award winners DJ Ahmet, Seeds, Sally, and 2000 Meters to Andriivka; Kim A. Snyder's The Librarians; and Julie Delpy's satire, Meet the Barbarians, among others. As usual, films will also be screened at other Twin Cities area theaters, including the Capri Theater and Landmark Center, as well as the Edina Mann Theatres, a new partner for the 44th installment. The full lineup of films can be viewed on the MSPIFF website. The schedule and presale for those events will be unveiled later this month. Related: Movies to see this week: 'Thelma & Louise,' 'Snowpiercer,' 'Purple Rain' A New York company is looking to fill a transportation gap left by the recent decision by Amtrak to discontinue bus service between Reading and Philadelphia later this month. OurBus, a business that specializes in providing intercity bus routes, announced this week that it is considering launching a bus route between the two cities. Officials said they are actively studying the possibility of establishing a replacement service that would include stops in Reading, Pottstown and 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OurBus is currently assessing travel patterns and customer input before making a final decision to launch the service, Axel Hellman, one of the two founders of the company, said in a press release. Hellman encouraged community members to provide their feedback and suggestions through an online survey at tinyurl.com/bdzjjntn. He said the information they gather from the survey will help determine departure times, days of operation and ticket prices. Hellman said OurBus is considering replacing the route and extending the service to another destination like Philadelphia International Airport, so that the service appeals to a larger audience. Hellman said a final decision about whether to launch the service will be announced by March 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement from OurBus comes after officials from Amtrak said last week that the company did an extensive evaluation of the route and found that ridership was too low to warrant continuing it. The service will end effective March 18. Amtrak launched the bus service between Reading and Philadelphia, with a stop in Pottstown, in June 2022. The service featured two daily round trips. Reading Mayor Eddie Moran said the potential service is a positive development. Were grateful to hear that OurBus is considering restoring the bus route between Reading and Philadelphia following the cancellation of Amtraks Thruway service, he said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cancellation of the Amtrak bus service came as officials in Berks, Montgomery and Chester counties continue to work on a plan to restore passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia. The line would include stops in Reading, Pottstown and Phoenixville. Despite finding a possible solution to the bus service issue, Moran said he remains fully supportive of the return of rail service to Reading in the future. The Russian troops launched a large-scale combined attack against Ukraine on the night of 6-7 March, with Ukrainian air defences destroying 34 Russian missiles and 100 drones, while 86 drones disappeared from radar. Source: Ukrainian Air Force on Facebook Quote from Air Force: "Anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare assets and mobile fire groups from the Air Force and the defence forces of Ukraine repelled the enemy's airstrike. Fighter aircraft, including F-16 and Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft, were also involved. It is worth noting that French fighter jets, which arrived in Ukraine only a month ago, repelled an enemy attack for the first time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Russian occupiers launched a combined attack with various types of air-, land- and sea-based missiles against Ukraine's critical infrastructure. The main focus of the attack was on gas production facilities. Early reports indicate that the Air Force's air surveillance troops detected and tracked 261 Russian drones and missiles 67 missiles and 194 attack UAVs and decoy drones of various types, including: - 35 Kh-101/Kh-55 cruise missiles; - 8 Kalibr cruise missiles; - 3 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles; - 4 S-300 anti-aircraft surface-to-air missiles; - 8 Kh-59/69 cruise missiles; Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - 194 Shahed-type attack UAVs and other types of decoy drones. As of 10:00, 134 air targets were confirmed to have been shot down: - 25 Kh-101/Kh-55 cruise missiles; - 8 Kalibr cruise missiles; - 1 Kh-59/69 cruise missile; - 100 Shahed-type attack UAVs (other types of drones). Additionally, up to ten Russian missiles (not included in the statistics of those shot down) disappeared from radar. Eight-six Russian decoy drones disappeared from radar (without adverse effects). Background: Naftogaz Group, Ukraine's largest national oil and gas company, reported that overnight on 6-7 March, Russia launched a large-scale attack on gas infrastructure facilities, causing damage. This is the seventeenth such attack on gas production facilities since the start of Russias full-scale invasion. Russian troops hit a critical industrial facility in Ternopil Oblast without causing any casualties, but people were warned that the gas supply may be restricted. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The financial institution that commissioned the popular Fearless Girl statue is seemingly backing off its diversity requirements. State Street will no longer require companies in its index fund to have women make up 30% of the board. Its the latest of many companies walking back DEI programs. The company behind a popular statue that came to stand for gender diversity in the workplace has seemingly retreated from its previous diversity requirements. State Street, which commissioned the Fearless Girl statue eight years ago, has updated its proxy voting and engagement policy. A year ago, the company said it expected boards of directors on companies it held in its index fund to have at least 30% of those directors be women. An updated policy, released earlier this month, has now done away with that requirement. In its place, the company now says nominating committees are best placed to determining the most effective board composition and we encourage companies to ensure that there are sufficient levels of diverse experiences and perspectives represented in the boardroom. State Street is also no longer requiring companies to have DEI goals, nor disclose the gender and racial makeup of their board. State Street, in a statement to Fortune, said: "We annually review our proxy voting and engagement policy to ensure alignment with global protocols and local laws and regulations, guided by our core principles of effective board oversight, disclosure, and shareholder protection and a singular focus on value creation." Fearless Girl, with her hands on her hips and ponytail flowing in the breeze, quickly became an icon when she first appeared in 2017. Initially placed in a stare-off with the well-known Charging Bull statue in Manhattan's Financial District, she was later moved to outside of the New York Stock Exchange, and remains popular with visitors today. State Street is hardly alone. Several firms have dropped DEI programs and requirements following Donald Trumps order for government agencies to do away with the programs. A limited number of companies, including Apple and Costco, have reaffirmed their plans to continue with policies to ensure diversity and inclusion in their workforce and executive makeup. State Street, though, did not always back gender diversity. A 2019 report from Morningstar showed that on eight out of 10 shareholder resolutions related to gender diversity that State Streets Gender Diversity Index ETF, known as SHE, faced between July 2015 and June 2018, it either voted no or abstained. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com WEST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A day after an undercover sting operation caught the clerk at a West Peoria liquor store selling alcohol to a minor, West Peoria Mayor James Dillon said its time to do something more than a slap on the wrist. The store, West Peoria Liquors, is the newest incarnation of a business which has been there for decades and one that has long been known as the place to go within the Tri-County area to buy liquor or beer if you are under 21. The old name, Express Liquors, made the news last year after a lawsuit was filed by the family of a 15-year-old girl killed in a drunk-driving crash. The beer involved was allegedly bought at that store, and resulting court records listed dozens of prior infractions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hearing for Liquor Commission to decide fate of Express Liquors owner moved It was sold in January to new owners from Chicago who met with West Peoria officials. Dillon said the message was clear no underage sales and abide by the citys rules. We were very serious with them when we met with them, and so I think that we need to hammer home the point right off the bat, he said. Yet, within a month or so of the sale, Dillon said he heard through the grapevine of underage sales. He told the Peoria County Sheriffs Office and then did an undercover sting operation this week where the clerk allegedly didnt ask the minor for identification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clerk has given a citation and is to appear in court next month. As for the store, that might be more serious. Dillon and others on the citys liquor commission will meet next week to lay out new fines and punishments for such violations. A hearing with the owners of West Peoria Liquors could come within the next two weeks. To him, a fine is not enough as he thinks that anyone who sells liquor to minors is in it for the money. Rather, the mayor said, he believed that shuttering the windows on the place, even if only for a few days, would hit the owners in their pocketbooks more than a fine and thus, possibly get the point across more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They knew going into it the problems that they have caused for the community, he said. Thats why they wanted to change the name. They wanted a fresh start. The other issue is how it reflects upon the community, Dillon said. It creates a problem for the rest of our businesses, and its not good for the community or the neighborhood. I think that we owe it to some people to have a hearing and do whats right. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Pakistan's interior ministry on Friday asked all "illegal foreigners" and Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave the country before March 31, warning they would otherwise be deported from April 1. Islamabad has in the past blamed militant attacks and crimes on Afghan citizens, who form the largest portion of migrants in the country. Kabul has rejected the accusations. "Pakistan has been a gracious host and continues to fulfil its commitments and obligations as a responsible state," the country's interior ministry said in a statement. "It is reiterated that individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfil all legal formalities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan launched its repatriation drive of foreign citizens, most of whom are Afghan, in 2023, but had said they were first focusing on foreigners with no legal documentation. More than 800,000 Afghans hold an Afghan Citizen Card in Pakistan, according to U.N. data. Another roughly 1.3 million are formally registered with the Pakistan government and hold a separate Proof of Residence card. The statement did not specify how PoR holders would be affected. The U.N. says that more than 800,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan since the repatriation drive began and that in total Pakistan hosted around 2.8 million Afghan refugees who crossed the border during 40 years of conflict in their homeland. Among those are tens of thousands of Afghans in the process for resettlement to the United States and other Western nations following their withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 as the Taliban took over. (Reporting by Islamabad bureau; Writing by Sakshi Dayal and Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Alex Richardson) Palantir Technologies announced Friday it has delivered the first two Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node systems to the U.S. Army a next-generation ground system meant to strengthen the link between data-gathering sensors and weapons in the field. The Army awarded the firm a $178 million contract in March 2024 to build 10 next-generation, AI-defined ground systems, known as TITAN. One year after being granted a prime agreement for TITANs development and delivery, the first TITAN systems of this phase are complete on time and on budget, a significant milestone for the Armys modernization priorities, the company said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TITAN is designed to help the Army strengthen the connection between its data-collecting sensors and the weapons and decision-makers on the ground, improving the accuracy and speed of its long-range targeting capabilities. Palantir declined to confirm when its next delivery is scheduled, but the company expects to complete all 10 systems by 2026, after which the Army will decide whether to carry TITAN into full-rate production. Although the service hasnt said how many systems it will buy, officials have estimated between 100 and 150 units. Of the TITAN systems Palantir is delivering in this initial contract, five will be advanced variants that can integrate with tactical trucks and receive data from space sensors. The other five will be basic variants that will be installed on the Armys Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. Although it wont have a direct space downlink, the basic version will be able to access some data from space sensors. The company told Defense News it handed over one of each variant as part of its initial delivery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company is partnering with several other firms on the effort, including Anduril Industries, Northrop Grumman, Pacific Defense, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Strategic Technology Consulting, World Wide Technology and L3Harris. The team has been working closely with Army units, and a Palantir spokesman said the company has integrated a wide range of soldier feedback over the last year to improve TITANs baseline hardware and software. Elon Musk's SpaceX spacecraft Starship broke up during its uncrewed test flight Thursday, March 6 and burning debris could be seen from much of Florida's east coast including Palm Beach County. The debris field over the skies above Florida was vast enough to delay flights at Palm Beach International Airport, Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. A PBIA spokesperson said there was a ground stop at the airport Thursday that lasted until 7:30 p.m. It was unclear how many flights were affected. The airport ran normally Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tim Lewis of West Palm Beach on Thursday caught the Starship's break up about a half mile south of Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach. It was SpaceX's eighth flight test of its Starship spacecraft. Starship's January flight exploded in the sky. Musk called January and Thursday's break-ups a "rapid unscheduled disassembly." Robert Cardona shot a video of Starship breaking apart as seen over Bryant Park in Lake Worth Beach on Thursday. SpaceX on Thursday lost communication with the rocket just over nine minutes after the launch. The 400-foot spacecraft, composed of both the Starship vehicle and Super Heavy rocket, launched just after 6:30 p.m. Thursday from SpaceX's Starbase in Boca Chica near Brownsville, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement to USA TODAY Thursday that it activated a debris response area and "briefly slowed aircraft outside the area where space vehicle debris was falling or stopped aircraft at their departure location." Greg Chin, a spokesman with the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, said that "some flights" were delayed at Miami International Airport between 7 and 7:30 p.m. "due to falling debris from the SpaceX launch over the Atlantic Ocean." This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: SpaceX's Starship breaks apart and can be seen from South Florida PANAMA CITY (AP) Panama announced Friday that it will allow 112 migrants deported from the United States who have been held in a remote camp in the Darien region since last month to move about the country freely until they decide on their next course of action. The government cited humanitarian reasons for the decision but rights lawyers promptly expressed concerns that this could be a tactic to absolve the authorities of international scrutiny for their treatment of migrants while also putting them in more danger. Panamas Security Minister Frank Abrego said the migrants from a number of mostly Asian nations would be granted temporary humanitarian passes as documents. They would find their own places to stay while they decide where they are going next, Abrego said, without elaborating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The passes would last for an initial 30 days but could be renewed, he added. They have exactly 30 days to figure out how to leave Panama, because they refused ... to accept help from the (International Organization for Migration) and (the U.N. Refugee Agency) and said that they wanted to do it themselves, Abrego said, speaking to reporters outside a security conference Friday. Panama has decided to respect this, he also said. Panama has come under pressure from human rights groups for holding the migrants without their passports or cell phones in harsh conditions. Lawyers had petitioned the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on their behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the migrants had been moved to the camp in San Vicente on Feb. 19, from a hotel in Panama City where they had initially been held under police guard. Migrants who agreed to voluntarily return to their countries remained at the hotel and those who didnt were sent to the camp in the Darien. Alvaro Botero, one of the lawyers who filed the petition, said his legal team was concerned the humanitarian permits are a way for Panamanian authorities to wash their hands of the deportees, many who fear for their safety in their own countries. Many of these people have legitimate claims to seek and receive asylum, Boteros said. The option of deporting them is not the protection that these people deserve." While deportees were stripped of their phones by Panamanian authorities, a handful of people, including one who has spoken with The Associated Press, have been able to communicate secretly with hidden phones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Botero's team was informed by one of the migrants in the camp that they were given papers to sign for the 30-day permit. Signing the document apparently implied the migrants would accept the 30-day permit on the condition that they leave Panama after that period of time. Botero's team asked the client not to sign the document because the lawyers were unable to look into the text. He also warned the permits may be an attempt by authorities to influence the outcome of the human rights petition next week. They want to report, You know what, we already granted humanitarian permits to the people that were detained and they are no longer detained,' he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The camp had originally been established for the hundreds of thousands of migrants crossing the treacherous Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama in recent years as they made their way toward the U.S. border. President Donald Trump's shutting down of access to asylum and other legal routes at the U.S. southern border in January forced many migrants already in transit to reconsider their options. Panama and Costa Rica have reported seeing a reverse flow of migration as migrants began moving south. The U.S. had sent 299 migrants to Panama as the Trump administration tried to accelerate deportations as part of a deal in which countries like Panama and Costa Rica act as bridges, temporarily detaining deportees while they await return to their countries of origin or third countries. Some of the migrants held in the hotel had held up handmade signs in their windows, asking for help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the camp, a migrant who had a hidden cell phone told an AP reporter they were sweltering, fighting ants and receiving no information about what would happen with them next. Panamanian authorities have not responded to requests for comment about the conditions and have denied journalists access to the camps. The migrant, who requested anonymity fearing for her safety, said last week that a small riot broke out because guards blocked a migrant from accessing their phone, information that was verified by lawyers speaking to another individual inside the camp. Authorities sent armed guards to suppress the riot, she said, and another migrant in the camp went on a days-long hunger strike. We are treated like prisoners here, she said. ___ Janetsky reported from Mexico City. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Over 30 different artists from all across the country will transform the streets of Downtown Panama City into an art gallery this weekend for the 5th annual FFLUXE Arts Festival. Throughout this two-day free festival, attendees can enjoy live music, yoga on the lawn, line dancing performances, and more. Despite the ongoing construction downtown, this family-friendly festival is easily accessible and will go on no matter the weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FFLUXE continues to grow in both popularity and recognition every year and has become a festival that even attracts artists who do not live in the United States. Support local animal rescue at luncheon this weekend To watch it grow the way it has over these past five years, big thanks to the community for constantly supporting this event and our partners, we couldnt do it without them, said Bay Arts Alliance Executive Director Jayson Kretzer Its just been really special to watch this kind of turn into, I mean, its becoming an international festival. We have artists from all over the country and even out of the country applying to be in this event. Live performances are expected to begin around 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7th, and last until about 8:30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then all the action resumes around 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 8th, and the festival will wrap up around 8:30 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. PANAMA CITY (Reuters) -Panama will issue temporary permits for some migrants recently sent from the U.S. allowing them to stay in the Central American nation for up to 90 days if they do not wish to return to their home countries for security reasons, an official said on Friday. The measure may apply to 112 of the 299 migrants recently sent by the U.S. to Panama who are from other nations, and were transferred to a migrant center in the jungle area of the Darien Gap, Security Minister Frank Abrego told journalists. These migrants, including nationals from Iran and China, will receive a 30-day humanitarian permit, which has to possibility of a 90-day extension, in order to begin legal processes for resettlement or voluntary return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will also be interviewed by authorities and placed under the protection of Panamas National Office for Refugee Assistance (ONPAR). The group of migrants had been moved to the Darien, a dangerous jungle region near the Colombian border and key transit route for many migrants crossing from South America on foot, in mid February, raising concerns from lawyers. They had earlier been in a hotel in Panama City, where local media reported they were not allowed to leave. Panama has an arrangement with the United States under which it accepts to receive third-country migrants deported from the U.S., and is then responsible for their repatriation of resettlement. This is part of the U.S. administration's policy of ramping up migrant deportations. (Reporting by Elida Moreno; Writing by Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Kylie Madry and Sarah Morland) By Elida Moreno and Marianna Parraga PANAMA CITY (Reuters) -The Panama Maritime Authority, which oversees shipping and port infrastructure in the country, will request all legal and financial documents from a key transaction between CK Hutchison and a consortium backed by BlackRock , minister to presidency Juan Carlos Orillac said on Friday. U.S. BlackRock announced this week that a group of investors, including Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment, agreed to buy most of the port business of Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison, including its 90% stake in Panama Ports Company, which operates the Balboa and Cristobal terminals under a 25-year concession. The maritime authority is expected to analyze the transaction, which gives control of the two ports strategically located near the Panama Canal to the BlackRock-backed group, at the cabinet's request, to ensure that public interest in the terminals will be protected, Orillac added in a release. A separate audit of CK Hutchison's port concession, which was renewed in 2021, is yet to be completed by Panama's Comptroller General office. The CK Hutchison-BlackRock broad deal involves the Hong-Kong firm's 80% stake in Hutchison Ports with an equity value of $14.21 billion. However, the conglomerate will receive more than $19 billion following repayment of some shareholder loans. Some U.S. lawmakers have said that CK Hutchison's control of the Panama ports represents a security risk that might jeopardize the Panama Canal's operations, backing up President Donald Trump's threat on taking over the waterway, which was returned by the U.S. to Panama in 1999 under a neutrality treaty. The ports are not part of the canal nor needed for vessels to pass through the interoceanic way, which is mostly used by ships departing from or heading to the U.S. The Panama-owned canal is operated by an autonomous entity, while Panama's Maritime Authority oversees the ports and Panama's vessel registry. "My administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we've already started doing it," Trump told the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, following the deal. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said Trump was "once again lying" in a social media post on Wednesday. "The Panama Canal is not in the process of being reclaimed ... the Canal is Panamanian and will continue to be Panamanian!" The head of Panama's business chamber Consejo Empresarial Logistico, Daniel Isaza, said the CK Hutchison-BlackRock deal might encourage the expansion of port infrastructure in Panama. Amid a global supply chain wracked by geopolitical strife, trade wars and parochial upheavals, the prospective return of the worlds largest container operators to the Red Sea-Suez Canal route is good news for most of the Middle East, but could signal leaner times for ocean transport providers, an analyst says. The opening of the Red Sea will lead to a drop in container [purchase] prices and freight rates and a massive surge in container availability, putting pressure on NVOCC [non-vessel operating common carriers] in that region, said Christian Roeloffs, chief executive of marketplace Container XChange, in a March forecast. The biggest container carriers have diverted services away from the Suez Canal-Red Sea-Gulf of Aden route since early 2024. That was shortly after the start of the Gaza war, when Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen attacked merchant shipping they claimed was linked to Israel. While Israel and Hamas work through a multiphase ceasefire agreement, shipping executives have said the region is still too unstable to guarantee the safety of ships and their crews. The United States on Wednesday sanctioned Houthi leaders they say conspired with Russia to import arms into Yemen and supplied Yemeni fighters for the war with Ukraine. The U.S. also said the Houthis provided safe passage for Russian and Chinese ships through the Red Sea. The sanctions came one day after the U.S. re-declared the rebels a foreign terrorist organization. Roeloffs said the return of one carrier to the Red Sea is likely to set off a domino effect, with other carriers to follow. Notably, CMA CGM of France continued to operate scheduled Red Sea services throughout the attacks often under military escort. Until then, Roeloffs said logistics providers will play a guessing game with rates and capacity, though not without some new opportunity. As supply continues to rise while cargo demand softens, downward pressure on prices is becoming a major challenge, he said. Freight rate instability could further increase financial risks for smaller operators. However, shifting trade patterns are also creating new container leasing opportunities, particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America, where demand is rising amid evolving global supply chains. As of Tuesday, average prices for 40-foot high-cube cargo-worthy containers on the Container xChange platform had increased in Europe, Central and Southeast Asia, Latin America west, and Southern Africa. Prices have generally declined across North America, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, northeast Asia and East Africa. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) One parent has pleaded guilty to manslaughter after a 3-month-old baby boy died following a dog attack in Rochester. In August 2024, a 3-month-old was attacked by dogs at a home on Bidwell Terrace. Rochester police found the boy suffering from severe trauma to his body. He was taken to a nearby hospital but died from his injuries. RPD said Animal Control members secured two pit-bull type dogs from the home. They believe those dogs were involved in the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that same month, Anastasia Weaver and Sulamain Hawkins Sr., both 19, were arrested and charged with manslaughter. Prosecutors Thursday in court said they had been staying there for a few months, further describing the conditions in the attic as deplorable. Its alleged that on Aug. 3, the two left the baby alone in the attic alongside two pitbulls while they went downstairs to smoke marijuana. In court, prosecutors said the child was left alone for up to an hour. Hawkins pleaded guilty to Manslaughter (2nd) with a sentence promise offered by the court. The plea comes with a 1-to-3-year prison sentencing agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weaver is still on for trial scheduled for March 31. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) A bill aimed at holding parents accountable for student-led terroristic threats against schools is advancing through the Kentucky legislature. House Bill 621 would fine parents of students who made threats against a school in the Commonwealth even if there was no intent to follow through with them. FBI responds after multiple threats to Kentucky schools The bill would effectively be used to compensate local law enforcement agencies for the costs of responding to school threats. In addition to the fine, the bill reportedly requires mental health services for the student involved in making the threat. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 621 was passed in a committee vote on Wednesday and will be voted on next in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. All Eurostar services between London and Paris were cancelled on Friday after an unexploded Second World War bomb was found in the middle of the tracks in France overnight. Thousands of passengers are facing disruption as police work to disable the ordnance, which was discovered by engineers a mile and a half away from the station. Gare du Nord station was closed and Eurostar asked passengers to change their travel plans. It remains unclear exactly how long disruption is expected to last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Philippe Tabarot, the French transport minister, said normal services were expected to resume on Saturday. Eurostar said it expects normal traffic between Paris and London on Saturday, and will run one extra service in each direction in addition to its usual timetable. The first Eurostar train to run from London St Pancras to Gare du Nord on Saturday is scheduled to depart at 6.31am. Fridays are often the busiest day of the week on the Eurostar, as holidaymakers head on weekend breaks and workers return home. The first six trains departing Paris bound for London were cancelled - Samuel Petrequin/AP Large queues formed at St Pancras as passengers tried to work out how to continue their journeys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five of the six flights that British Airways was operating from Heathrow to Paris Charles de Gaulle on Friday afternoon were full. A ticket for the one with spare seats, which departs at 6.20pm, was being sold for 264. Some passengers opted to travel to Lille instead, where services were unaffected. From there, Paris is a three-hour bus ride. Eurostar said affected passengers can exchange their ticket for free to travel at a different time or date in the same travel class. It added that it sincerely apologises for the disruption and understands the inconvenience this may cause.. Officers sealed off the bomb site in the northern Paris suburb of Saint-Denis - AFP Mr Tarabot told Sud Radio that local residents should have no fear about an explosion occurring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The device was found by track workers at around 4am by workers moving earth near the tracks in Saint-Denis, around 1.5 miles from the station. Gare du Nord also connects Paris with other international destinations such as in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, as well as being used for domestic services. It is considered the worlds busiest railway station outside of Japan. It is not uncommon to discover unexploded wartime bombs along railway lines in France, though they are rarely found in such densely populated areas. British and American armies targeted rail-yards in Paris during the Second World War in a bid to disrupt German supply lines. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A World War II-era bomb was discovered in a rail station in Europe. Train service halted on March 7, 2025, at Paris' Gare du Nord Rail Station. Travelers are advised to re-book for another day or consider a refund. Travelers are on alert and facing delays at the busiest train station in Europe. Paris' Gare du Nord rail station suspended all train traffic, both arrivals and departures, after the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb. The 1,100-pound bomb was found during overnight track maintenance in the middle of the train tracks about 1.5 miles north of the station, according to France 24. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot reportedly told Sud Radio there was "no fear" of an explosion. The bomb has since been successfully diffused, according to reports. An estimated 500 trains were cancelled, impacting 600,000 travelers. On social media, masses of passengers were seen waiting for updates after train service was suspended. Importante file d'attente a Gare du Nord pour esperer prendre un Eurostar. Le trafic des trains est entierement interrompu apres la decouverte d'une bombe de la Seconde Guerre mondiale au milieu des voies. pic.twitter.com/o0mzzOxmAO Luc Auffret (@LucAuffret) March 7, 2025 Eurostar said all of its trains to and from the stationLondon-Paris, Paris-London, Brussels-Paris and Paris-Brusselsare suspended for March 7. The train operator told Travel + Leisure it expects "normal traffic" between Paris and Brussels, and Paris and London on Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, it plans to run two extra trains on March 8; "one leaving London to Paris in the morning, one leaving Paris to London in the afternoon." The European train operator is offering passengers to change their journey for a different day, or cancel and receive an e-voucher or cash refund. The exchange process will be completed within 28 days. Gare du Nord provides service for over 700,000 passengers a day, and nearly 100,000 per hour during rush hour peak. The station is ranked as the largest in Europe by passenger traffic, according to Railway Technology. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure A part-time employee with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office was arrested by his own coworkers Thursday afternoon after officers say he crashed while driving under the influence of alcohol. Community Service Officers with JSO responded to the scene of the crash on Coralberry Lane around 1:30 P.M. Upon arrival, they observed that a white Ford had crashed into a John Deere Excavator that was parked on the side of the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say the driver, 54-year-old Thomas Turbeville, was still sitting in the vehicle, which smelled strongly of alcohol. After he refused to provide a statement or cooperate with the responding officers, patrol officers were called in. When officers approached a second time, they said Turbeville appeared to be asleep at the wheel. Once he woke, he was observed with bloodshot eyes, slow movements and was slurring his words. Officials said Turbeville repeatedly refused to exit the vehicle for the DUI unit and had to be forcibly escorted out. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Turberville was identified as a non-sworn civilian employee working in the Services Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say he was in a personal vehicle and not on duty at the time of the crash. Turbeville was arrested on multiple counts of DUI and Resisting an Officer Without Violence and was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. The announcement called this the first arrest of an employee with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office in 2025. However, a correctional officer was arrested in January for alleged crimes that happened during his employment last year. Action News Jax is working to clear up this confusion with JSO. [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. Virgin Atlantic passengers spent eight hours on a flight that returned to the UK. The flight turned around about 330 miles off the coast of Canada. A Manchester Airport spokesperson said the Airbus A350 might have had a problem with its hydraulics. A Virgin Atlantic flight had almost reached North America before it turned back to the UK in an eight-hour ordeal for passengers. Flight 3 was heading from London Heathrow Airport to New York's JFK Airport on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly four hours after departing, it was about 330 miles off the Canadian coast when it U-turned over the Atlantic, according to data from Flightradar24. It then squawked 7700, an emergency signal. The Airbus A350 landed in Manchester, in northern England, about eight hours after taking off from London. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said in a statement that the flight returned "as a precautionary measure," citing a "technical issue." Images shared on social media showed the A350 landing at Manchester with its landing-gear doors open a sign of a problem with the plane's hydraulics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Manchester Airport told Business Insider they understood that the aircraft had a hydraulics issue. They added that the flight was met by the airport fire service, which was protocol for a technical issue and "very much precautionary in this instance." #BREAKING: Watch as Virgin Atlantic #VS3 from London Heathrow to New York, JFK lands at Manchester Airport with landing gear doors deployed due to a hydraulic failure. The Airbus A350-1000 (G-VPOP) had earlier squawked emergency code 7700. Emergency vehicles on standby. #AvGeek pic.twitter.com/SScipRjVlR Antony Ochieng,KE (@Turbinetraveler) March 6, 2025 Flights turning back over such long distances can be highly irritating for passengers and costly for airlines with knock-on effects on flight schedules. But it's typically easier for airlines to reroute passengers and repair planes at a hub airport. Manchester is Virgin Atlantic's secondary hub, after Heathrow Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BI understands that Flight 3 requested a priority landing at Heathrow, but that didn't happen for unknown reasons. Passengers were given overnight accommodation in Manchester and scheduled on alternative flights on Friday. "The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority and our teams are working hard to ensure our customers can continue on their journey as soon as possible," the Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said. "We sincerely apologize for the delay and any inconvenience caused." Read the original article on Business Insider Mar. 6Shaquila Mathews, a Hamilton minister best known as Pastor Shaq, wanted to be a neurosurgeon early in her life. Thousands of Hamilton teens are likely thankful Mathews instead dedicated her life to the youth of the community when she returned to her hometown nearly a decade ago. Mathews is the founder and CEO of HYPE (Hamilton Young People Empowered), which celebrates its 10th anniversary this summer, came about because a cousin invited her to a community meeting to address the violence that was happening in Hamilton at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the program started, it served 25 kids with $5,500. It now serves more than 500 youth in the summer programs, and between 350 and 400 for an open gym on a given Friday night. "Youth have always gravitated toward me," said Mathews. "I always had a knack to be able to work with youth, and when I moved back home, there was a lot of violence going on with young people." Mathews wanted to be a part of anything and everything to change her hometown, and provide a voice and platform for young people. "Our young people needed an opportunity to be great," she said. "And I appreciate being able to be a forerunner for that in the city and creating that platform." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Pastor Shaq isn't as busy as she once was, she's still focused on youth. In addition to HYPE, she's president of the Hamilton City School Board, a member of the Butler Tech school board, serves on the Character Council of Hamilton, and is in civic groups Rotary and Kiwanis, both of which focuses on children and the community. "God's allowed me to be successful in it and be a blessing to others because my life has very much so been about being a servant leader," Mathews said. "And it gets tough a lot of the time." That philosophy has caused her to fall down more than once, but whenever she has hitch in the plan, Mathews said it's her strong will that pushes her to get back up time after time. Her tenacity was part of why she was named Hamilton Citizen of the Year in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyler McCleary, director of operations at Tano Bistro, has worked with Pastor Shaq since 2020. They had a Thanksgiving dinner takeout promotion and made too much food. Within an hour of reaching out to Mathews, she picked up the dinners at the restaurant and had them delivered to families she knew were in need. "From the first moment I met her, I could tell that she was an extremely genuine person who had a passion for taking care of the community," said McCleary, who said that act was the seed that led to the Hamil-Turkey, which provides meals to families in need. "Her passion is infectious, and she's someone I've looked up to since I met her. She's also had a huge impact on this small business by just being her caring self." The future is to focus on what she's involved with today, because she cannot be as effective and impactful if she's spread too thin. "I feel my life has given me a lot to share with young people about life and resiliency and getting back up," she said, wanting to explore public speaking opportunities to use her voice in helping, encouraging and inspiring youth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ------ LEADING LADIES OF BUTLER COUNTY This is part of a series of stories featuring women in Butler County who shape their communities. These stories will feature women who are leading small, business and large businesses, institutions, and organizations. By Giulio Piovaccari MILAN (Reuters) -European automakers' shares jumped on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump gave carmakers a one-month reprieve from his punishing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, with Chrysler-to-Fiat maker Stellantis pledging more American-made cars. Stellantis, whose shares popped 1.5%, thanked Trump for the tariff pause, and pledged to help the U.S. president's America First aim of building more cars in the United States. "We share the President's objective to build more American cars and create lasting American jobs. We look forward to working with him and his team," Stellantis said in a statement. The Trump administration, which slapped tariffs on its North American neighbors this week, eased the measures for carmakers after one of the steepest skids in nearly three months on Wall Street as the trade tensions spread worries among markets and investors. The European automakers and components index was up around 1.5% on Thursday, with Porsche Volkswagen, BMW and Volvo Cars up between 2.5-3.5%. Mercedes jumped over 4%. Earlier this week Stellantis shares had slumped to 10.84 euros, their lowest since the firm was created in early 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot owner PSA. European carmakers including Volvo have said they may move production of some models to the United States depending on the U.S. tariffs. Trump has also floated potential "reciprocal" tariffs on Europe that could hit next month. "The short-term problem for the automotive industry is that supply chains cannot be relocated domestically or new plants cannot be built in a month," said Commerzbank economists Bernd Weidensteiner and Christoph Balz in a note. "It's therefore foreseeable that the pain in the automotive industry will increase significantly in the coming months when many important preliminary products become more expensive. Consumers face the threat of significantly higher prices." SHIFTING PRODUCTION Besides its U.S. plants, Stellantis operates facilities in Mexico and Canada. The company imports from Mexico and Canada around 40% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S., according to analyst estimates. According to Stifel Research, the tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports could impact around 16 billion euros ($17.3 billion) of Stellantis revenue in 2025 and the group would lose around 40% of its operating profit in a worst case scenario if it was forced to bear the full tariff impact. The U.S. is traditionally the most profitable market for Stellantis, but falling sales and bloating inventories there cost the group a 64% operating profit drop and a 6 billion euro cash burn last year. FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency is working to zero out the number of American hostages held captive overseas. My singular promise to you in this community is that I will do everything as the director of the FBI to marshal the resources necessary to make sure that no other American family feels that pain, Patel said Thursday at a State Department ceremony that honored hostages and their families. Patel said the Trump administration is working to bring home Americans from various countries, including Russia and Venezuela, as well as the remaining hostages held captive by Hamas in Gaza, The Associated Press reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We still dont have everybody back, he said. Whatever lawful authorities we have at the FBI, we are going to give 24/7, 365 days to make sure that we zero out this number and to make sure we prevent others from going into situations that you are now all too familiar with. Last month American Marc Fogel was released from Russian detention after the Trump administration made a deal for a Russian citizen held in U.S. prison. Part of the FBIs responsibility is handling hostage cases with American citizens. Adam Boehler, President Trumps nominee to be special envoy for hostage affairs under the State Department, was also at the event, as he would be leading negotiations with foreign countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the president asked me if there was any job that I thought I wanted to focus on, Boehler said at the event, I told him that this was the only one I would look at because I think theres nothing more important for this country than for everyone to know that if theyre abroad and theyre taken, that the country has their back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. AUSTIN (Nexstar) On Thursday afternoon, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced Texas House financial records relating to the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton are now in the hands of the State Auditor. Patrick said House records indicate over $4.4 million was spent on the impeachment proceedings. It has been 1 year, 5 months, and 16 days since I called for an audit of all impeachment spending by the Texas House and Senate, Patrick said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Speaker Dade Phelan failed to comply with the audit and refused to release the Houses expenses to the State Auditor despite multiple calls for him to do so on behalf of taxpayers. Taxpayers have a right to know how their money was spent on an impeachment and trial that should never have taken place. Dade officially left the speakers office 2 months ago and still had not released the records. I asked the new Speaker (Dustin Burrows) to release the documents. Yesterday, he handed me 2 boxes of detailed expenditures, which I turned over to the State Auditor today. Patrick accused Phelan of hiding the records to help his re-election campaign. We reached out to Phelans office for comment after regular business hours. As of publication, his team has not yet gotten back to us. The Senate spent taxpayer funds as prudently as possible, only spending roughly $435,000 on the entire impeachment trial. That included $135,000 spent to print every word in the journal, which was required of the Senate, Patrick wrote. We will await the State Auditors final report, but by the Houses own count in the documents, Speaker Phelan spent over $4.4 million. That is 10 times more than what the Senate had to spend on the Houses failed impeachment of our attorney general. What a total waste of taxpayer money! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a quote post to Patrick, Paxton weighed in. The sham impeachment will be remembered as one of the most corrupt political scandals in Texas history. Today, we are one step closer to learning how much unethical Speaker Dade Phelan and his cronies cost Texas taxpayers, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The new interim Tacoma police chief has officially stepped into the role, following a delayed start. Patti Jackson was originally set to take over the department on February 24, but the administrative processes held up her start date, according to a news release from Tacoma City Manager Elizabeth Pauli. The city of Tacoma released a statement last month highlighting Jacksons 35 years of law enforcement and noting her extensive leadership with the Pierce County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement. She served as the Basic Law Enforcement Academy Corrections Commander at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and was a former candidate for Pierce County Sheriff. Jackson will lead the department until the City Manager identifies and the City Council confirms a permanent Police Chief. The recruitment process will begin later this month. The announcement comes after former Tacoma Police Chief Avery Moore resigned. He started with the department in 2022 and said that after 35 years of working in law enforcement, he decided to retire. War is a numbers game. Each side involved must marshal the supplies, troops and firepower needed to sustain the fight, thwart advancing armies and, hopefully, prevail. But its also a game of uncertainty. For the past three years, Ukraines military planners have had to approach every battle with a series of cold calculations: How much ammunition is left? How many air defense interceptors can be fired today, without running short tomorrow? Do we have the men and equipment needed to advance or hold position? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now, with U.S. military assistance on hold and European support constrained by economic realities, that uncertainty is growing. As an expert on warfare, I know this isnt just a logistical problem; its a strategic one. When commanders cant predict their future resource base, they are forced to take fewer risks, prioritize defense over offense and hedge against worst-case scenarios. In war, uncertainty doesnt just limit options. It shapes the entire battlefield and fate of nations. Trump orders a pause On March 3, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a suspension to all U.S. military aid to Ukraine. It followed a fractious Oval Office meeting between the U.S. president and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after which Trump declared the Ukrainian leader not ready for peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days later, Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe announced Washington was also pausing all intelligence sharing and ordered key allies such as the United Kingdom to limit the information they give Kyiv. National security adviser Michael Waltz has linked the pause to ongoing U.S.-Ukrainian negotiations, stating that weapons supplies and intelligence sharing will resume once Ukraine agrees to a date for peace talks with Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argue in the Oval Office on Feb. 28, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images A critical supplier of weapons Any pause, no matter how long, will hurt Ukraine. The U.S. has been the largest provider of military assistance to Kyiv since Russias 2022 invasion, followed by the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the level of support is debated it is often skewed by how one calculates equipment donations using presidential drawdown authority, through which the president can dip into the Department of Defenses inventory the U.S. has undoubtedly delivered critical weapons systems and a wide range of ammunition. Though this assistance has decreased U.S. military stockpiles, it has helped Washington invest in its domestic defense industry and expand weapons production. In addition, while Europe is starting to increase its own defense expenditures, EU members are stuck with flat economic growth and limits on how much they can borrow to invest in their own militaries, much less Ukraine. This makes the U.S. a critical partner for Ukraine for at least another two years while Europe expands its military capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These conditions affect the design of Ukraines military campaigns. Planners in Kyiv have to balance predictions about the enemys strengths and possible courses of action with assessments of their own resources. This war ledger helps evaluate where to attack and where to defend. Uncertainty skews such calculation. The less certain a military command is about its resource base, the more precarious bold military maneuvers become. It is through this fog of uncertainty that any pause in assistance shapes the course of the war in Ukraine and the bargaining leverage of all parties at the negotiating table. A new uncertain world The White House has indicated that the pause in military aid and intelligence sharing will be lifted once a date for peace talks is set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even if U.S. weapons and intel begin to flow again, Ukrainian generals will have to fight the duration of the war under the knowledge that its greatest backer is willing to turn off the taps when it suits them. And the consequences of this new uncertain world will be felt on the battlefield. Ukraine now faces a brutal trade-off: stretch limited resources to maintain an active defense across the front, or consolidate forces, cede ground and absorb the political costs of trading space for time. Material supply has shaped operational tempo over the course of the war. When Moscow expects Kyiv to be low on ammunition, it presses the attack. In fact, key Russian gains in eastern Ukraine in 2024 coincided with periods of critical supply shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia used its advantage in artillery shells, which at times saw Moscow firing 20 artillery shells to every Ukrainian artillery shell fired, and air superiority to make advances north and west of the strategic city of Avdiivka. Looking to the front lines in 2025, Russia could use any pause in supplies to support its ongoing offensive operations that stretch from Kherson in southern Ukraine to Kharkiv in the north and efforts to dislodge Ukrainian units in the Russian Kursk region. This means Ukraine will have to decide where to hold the line and where to conduct a series of delaying actions designed to wear down Russian forces. Trading space for time is an old military tactic, but it produces tremendous political costs when the terrain is your sovereign territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As such, the military logic of delaying actions creates political risks in Ukraine sapping civilian morale and undermining support for the governments war management. A horrible choice This dilemma will drive where and how Ukraine weights its efforts on the battlefield. First, long-range strike operations against Russia will become increasingly less attractive. Every drone that hits an oil refinery in Russia is one less warhead stopping a Russian breakthrough in the Donbas or counterattack in Kursk. Ukraine will have to reduce the complexity of its defensive campaign and fall back along lines deeper within its own territory. Second, Russia doesnt fight just on the battlefield it uses a coercive air campaign to gain leverage at the negotiating table. With U.S. military aid on hold, Moscow has a prime opportunity to escalate its strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, forcing Kyiv into painful choices about whether to defend its front lines or its political center of gravity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Vietnam to Ukraine, airpower has historically been a key bargaining tool in negotiations. President Richard Nixon bombed North Vietnam to force concessions. Russia may now do the same to Ukraine. Seen in this light, Russia could intensify its missile and drone campaign against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure both to weaken defenses and to apply psychological and economic pressure. And because Kyiv relies on Western assistance, including intelligence and systems such as U.S.-built Patriot surface-to-air missiles to defend its skies, this coercive campaign could become effective. As a result, Ukraine could be faced with a horrible choice. It may have to concentrate dwindling air defenses around either key military assets required to defend the front or its political center of gravity in Kyiv. Interception rates of Russian drones and missiles could drop, leading to either opportunities for a Russian breakout along the front or increased civilian deaths that put domestic pressure on Ukrainian negotiators. Uncertainty reigns supreme The real problem for Ukraine going forward is that even if the U.S. resumes support and intelligence sharing, the damage is done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uncertainty, once introduced, is hard to remove. It increases the likelihood that Ukraines leaders will stockpile munitions to reduce the risk of future pauses, rather than use them to take the fight to Russia. And with battlefield decision-making now limited, Ukraines military strategists will increasingly look toward the least worst option to hold the line until a lasting peace is negotiated. 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: Benjamin Jensen, American University School of International Service Read more: Benjamin Jensen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. CHICAGO Former Homeland Security Director Alejandro Majorkas designated Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) back in 2022 and more than a quarter of a million Ukrainian refugees came to the United States. Now, they are worried about their future. For 20 days, Ukrainian refugee Angela Savenko and her young boys lived in an underground bunker in Kyiv. The missiles came every night, so you have only two minutes just to grab your kids and go to bomb shelter, Savenko said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Savenko is one of 50,000 refugees from Ukraine who have settled in the Chicago area, either under temporary protected status or on humanitarian parole, since the war began. I dont want to watch the news I dread watching the news in the morning. Its because of not knowing what could happen, what could be the announcement, Self Reliance Association Program Director Olena Levko-Sandeha said. According to Routers, on Thursday, a senior Trump official reported that the president was potentially planning to revoke temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainian refugees, meaning they could face deportation as soon as April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rollback of protections is part of a broader effort to strip nearly two million migrants of their legal status under former President Bidens humanitarian parole programs. Ukrainian refugees had hoped this month to file for an extension that would allow them to stay in the US until at least October of 2026. Its not only playing, playing with peoples emotions, its playing with peoples lives, because the war is still going on, Levko-Sandeha said. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fired back, saying no decision has been made at this time, and the head of the Department of Homeland Security said there were no new announcements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all comes after the US halted military aid to Ukraine. Refugees who have made Chicago their home, say they are not ready to go back. Its kind of feeling when the war started, you just, Okay what should I do, what the next step? Where are my safe place? And this is a very similar feelings like, Okay, what? Whats next?' Savenko said. Currently, there are more than 5 million Ukrainian refugees living outside the country, most receiving protection in Europe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Locals joined local law enforcement officers Friday morning for coffee and conversation. Panama City Police held their first Coffee with a Cop event of 2025. Residents met with officers at the press in Downtown Panama City. The events goals are to strengthen the bonds between local law enforcement and the community. It provides residents an opportunity to ask questions and relay problems in a relaxed environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic disruptions in Holmes and Washington counties due to roadwork We like to reach out to the businesses and the residents in the area and have them come out and meet us in an informal environment where its not something thats so stressful for them. They feel like maybe they can talk to us about issues or concerns that they have in the neighborhoods, PCPD Sgt. Becky Thore said. Police hope to host at least one Coffee with a Cop event per quarter. One each in Downtown Panama City, St. Andrews, Millville, and Panama City North. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. The Teamsters union told former Yellow Corp. union employees that it will file an appeal on their behalf after a federal bankruptcy court in Delaware last week denied their claims that the company had failed to provide adequate notice ahead of layoffs. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act claims from approximately 22,000 members accused the company of failing to provide 60 days notice prior to mass layoffs in 2023. In its Feb. 26 ruling, the court decided that Yellow (OTC: YELLQ) was a liquidating fiduciary winding down affairs and no longer an employer subject to WARN liability when the terminations occurred. The court also said that if its determination of Yellows operating status at the time of the layoffs is incorrect, then the claims should be reduced to just 14 days pay and benefits, not the 60 days allowed under the law, as Yellow acted in good faith planning and preparing the WARN notices. The union takes several issues with the ruling that will require appeals to higher courts, a Tuesday memo from John Murphy, Teamsters national freight director, explained to the rank and file. The union also believes Yellow was still a business enterprise on July 30, 2023, and that the Court lacked the discretion to reduce Yellows WARN liability. The notice said the Delaware courts decision to allow Yellow to shut down and then fire employees without any liability renders the WARN Act meaningless. Yellow showed at a January hearing that its last shipment to a customer was made on July 29, 2023, at 11:30 p.m. EDT. While it was still making linehaul moves between facilities and prepping freight for customer pickup at its terminals when employees were notified of the layoffs on July 30, it was not engaged in ordinary course activities, the court ruled. The courts ruling on the timing of the last shipment means nonunion employees, who were terminated on July 28, 2023, while Yellow was still making deliveries to customers, fall under the WARN Act. The unions memo made clear that the outcome of its WARN litigation against Yellow does not impact its ongoing efforts to reconcile member claims related to unpaid vacation or sick time with Yellow, nor the timing of Yellows payment to members of their contract-based claims. No timeline for the appeals process was provided. The union will continue to pursue and advocate for members claims to ensure that members receive the compensation they are owed under contract and under law, the notice concluded. Friday court filings showed Yellow agreed to settle two WARN claim class actions representing approximately 3,700 former employees for $12.3 million. Former Vice President Mike Pence is breaking with his former boss, criticizing the Trump administrations tariffs strategy and calling for free trade to lower the cost of goods. Pence responded to comments from Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent defending the tariff policy despite the possibility of it causing economic disruptions. Access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American Dream, Bessent said in a speech from New York on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pence responded on Friday in a post on X, saying tariffs work when used as a means to bring nations like China to the table. But the former vice president added that free trade lowers the costs of goods and improves the quality of life for every American. The comments come as President Donald Trump has both levied and walked back tariffs on Canada and Mexico in the last week, with the White House saying they plan to move forward on reciprocal tariffs on imports beginning in April. This is not the first time that Pence has broken with the Trump, after he fell out of favor with the president for not helping him overturn the results of the 2020 election. He came out against the nomination of Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with both him and his organization, Advancing American Freedom, criticizing Kennedys flip-flopping on abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pence has also sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for starting the war in Ukraine, and called for Trump who touts his friendly relationship with the Russian strongman to do the same. But Pence still highlights where he agrees with the president. Hes supported many of Trumps policies, including the Trump-Pence tax cuts. Anesthesiologist adjusting anesthesia machine during surgery in operating room of hospital. (Photo by Thomas Barwick/Getty Images) Ricky Miller would like to come home to Virginia. Hes been in Indiana practicing as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and finished his schooling to do so there because he couldnt in Virginia. This type of medical worker is involved in placing patients under anesthesia for surgeries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Virginia Beach natives passion for the work first formed when he was earning his bachelors degree at Radford University in Southwest Virginia because it fused his interest in physiology and chemistry. Though hes enjoyed his time in the Midwest, he said he misses his home state with its mountains and beaches. When his grandfather became ill and needed surgery, he longed to be closer to home and more easily able to see family. A bill now under review by Gov. Glenn Youngkin could make it possible for Miller, and other health care professionals like him, to live and work in Virginia. When hospitals conduct surgery, two key positions other than anesthesiologist doctors can be involved: CAAs like Miller or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. Both workers have medical knowledge and training specific to anesthesiology; VCU Healths program for CRNAs, for instance, touts its decade of ranking high in the U.S. World and Report. While CRNAs need doctoral degrees to practice, CAAs can practice in other states with masters degrees, but they are not able to practice in Virginia due to a lack of licensure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 882 by Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, would establish criteria for professionals like Miller to be licensed in Virginia and would direct the Board of Medicine to adopt regulations to govern the practice. The workforce is in demand and bolstering it was a recommendation from Virginias Joint Commission on Health Care. Lockes bill cleared the legislature with bipartisan support and now awaits action from Youngkin. Between the governors expressed support of bringing jobs into the state and his history of supporting licensure bills, advocates for Lockes bill are hopeful he might sign it. Im just happy and just really grateful that, you know, it seems to be something I can go back to, Miller said of Youngkins potential to sign the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Medical Society of Virginia threw their support behind the bill and wrote a letter to Youngkin recently to explain how CAAs operate under the supervision of anesthesiologists to monitor patients before, during and after surgery. By handling routine but critical tasks, including preoperative evaluations, patient monitoring, and postoperative care, anesthesiologist assistants allow physician anesthesiologists to serve more patients, and dedicate more time to high-risk patients, ensuring expert attention is available where it is most needed, MSV president Joel Bundy wrote in the letter. Bundy noted that 20 states, Washington D.C. and Guam license anesthesiologist assistants and that the Joint Commission on Healthcare found the supply of anesthesia providers is not keeping pace with demand. Some factors to increasing demand include aging populations that could require more surgeries, increasing numbers of elective outpatient procedures and more non-operating room procedures that still require someone to be placed under anesthesia. Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists director Dr. Jeffrey Green concurs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anesthesiologists are the only medical physician group that doesnt have multiple choices of advanced practice providers, he said. CRNAs are the only ones, and so this would essentially be a second group of advanced practice providers for us to have so that we can extend our reach. For Miller, he said he would come back to Virginia eventually if he would be able to do his job here. While hes enjoyed Indiana, its a little cold for him in the winters and hes appreciated his home state more since leaving it. I just think its a great opportunity, not only for people who want to come home to Virginia, Miller said, but people who are not even from here to be like this is a good place to practice and good place to live. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) With St. Patricks Day celebrations approaching, Pennsylvania officials are reinforcing a clear message: dont drink and drive. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania DUI Association, the Highway Safety Network, and law enforcement officials will hold a press conference Wednesday, March 12, at 10 a.m. in State College to discuss DUI enforcement efforts during the holiday. Officials will outline the legal and social consequences of impaired driving, highlight law enforcements role in DUI detection, and detail the training officers undergo to identify impaired drivers. Representatives from multiple agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police and Ferguson Township Police, will speak at the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities warn that DUI patrols and checkpoints will be in place throughout the region as part of a statewide effort to prevent impaired driving. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. The press conference will be held at the Ferguson Township Municipal Building at 3147 Research Drive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. An election worker hands a sticker to a voter after she dropped off a mail-in ballot outside the Chester County Government Center on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Capital-Star/Peter Hall) After 22 years and one false start, Pennsylvania is taking the next step in modernizing the computer systems that officials across the commonwealth use to keep track of voters, their ballots and other election-related services. When its in place sometime before the next presidential election in 2028, the average voter may not notice much difference. But, the county workers who administer elections should have a modern, user-friendly and more secure system, election watchdogs say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Josh Shapiros administration announced a $10.6 million contract with government technology provider Civix to replace the states aging Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors system, which the Department of State has maintained since 2003. Civix, which has provided election systems to more than 20 states with leaders from both parties, will also modernize Pennsylvanias election night results reporting, campaign finance reporting and lobbyist registration systems. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said t it was clear when the Shapiro administration came into office the voter registration system needed to be replaced. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a replacement contract awarded under the Wolf administration was faltering. With the next presidential election less than two years away, the Department of State took steps to ensure the existing system would remain reliable for the 2024 election and beyond. We made the decision to replace all of the hardware and upgrade the connectivity at the county level, Schmidt told the Capital-Star, noting the upgrades ensured counties would be able to process an avalanche of voter registration and mail-in ballot applications. Jeff Greenburg, senior election administration advisor for the nonprofit good government group Committee of Seventy, said hes encouraged the replacement project is moving forward again after a hiccup that set the process back by five years. I have the utmost confidence that officials at the Department of State did their due diligence in selecting a company that can do the work that needs to be done, Greenburg, who was director of elections in Mercer County from 2007 until 2020. My hope is that where we end up is with a system that is going to be light years beyond a system that was created two decades ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2023, the Department of State cancelled its contract with KNOWiNK after it became clear the election technology company could not deliver. The department awarded the $10.7 million contract in 2020 to a company that was later acquired by KNOWiNK. It agreed to return about $720,000 the state had paid since the start of Shapiros term, but not $1.5 million paid under the previous administration. To ensure the procurement is successful this time, the department hired a chief modernization officer to ensure the new systems meet the requirements of state and county election officials. Its important for me as a former county elections director that the new system provides what our counties ask for, Schmidt said. Theyre the ones who interact with the system every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, the department issued its specifications and received seven bids. Four were considered by a team of Department of State elections staff, county elections officials, and information technology experts who spent months reviewing and testing the proposed systems. Former Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said Civix has a strong reputation in the election technology industry. Theyre very committed to the strongest technology, while having the strongest security in every system they have, Boockvar said. And, Boockvar said, the departments timing in launching the new effort just after the 2024 presidential election is wise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anything to do with elections, you dont make any major changes right before an election where you expect very high turnout, Boockvar said. Its really important to get it done in a year thats not right before a general or presidential election. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The SURE system allows the state and counties to manage voter registration records across the commonwealth to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date. Aside from being able to confirm their registration and polling places, voters dont interact much with SURE. Two other systems included in the modernization project, campaign finance reporting and lobbying disclosure registration, are more public-facing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those are really a matter of making it more user friendly, more searchable, both for the candidates who have to file and the public to make it more transparent, Schmidt said. The states election night reporting system is probably the most visible for Pennsylvania voters and election watchers around the country, since the commonwealthholds on to its presidential swing-state status, Boockvar said. She noted the site does not provide the number of ballots that remain to be counted, leading to uncertainty over whether a candidates lead might be temporary or whether its safe to declare victory. Greenburg said the new system will roll out in an environment where elections are intensely scrutinized and irregularities fuel conspiracy theories rather than being chalked up to human error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a sad place and a difficult place to be, he said, noting county election officials are on the front-line working kinks out of the system. No one should expect perfection, even with the roll out of this new system. Its just not realistic. And Boockvar noted one of the most needed improvements to Pennsylvanias election system is in the hands of state lawmakers. Since Act 77 gave voters the option of voting by mail, counties have struggled to prepare mail ballots to be counted. The process can only begin when polls open on Election Day, but the General Assembly could easily pass a law to allow more time, she said. The earlier they start doing it the earlier people can get results, Boockvar said, noting last years narrow U.S. Senate race, which wasnt decided until late November, shows how slow the process can be. The only reason that it seemed so fast was the presidential race was so far apart that the remaining ballots didnt make a difference. (WHTM) A Pennsylvania lawmaker will soon propose a bill to make masked intimidation illegal. Pennsylvania Senator David Argall (R-29) said he is introducing legislation that would make masked individuals guilty if they intentionally harass, intimidate, or threaten any person or group. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest Senator Argall created the bill in response to masked attacks against individuals from different walks of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He specifically referenced anti-Semitic incidents in cities and college campuses across Pennsylvania and the incident last summer when a masked neo-Nazi group marched through Harrisburg with flags featuring swastikas. Argall said the legislation is being carefully crafted to ensure perpetrators accountability while also allowing others to continue to wear masks for health, safety, and religious reasons. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. This article has been updated with State Senator Scott Martins correct name (WHTM) A Pennsylvania lawmaker will soon reintroduce a resolution encouraging the United States Congress to establish a year-round time system. State Senator Scott Martin said he plans to reintroduce a resolution urging Congress to put an end to the biannual time change and establish a set year-round time. Martin said the resolution would call for a stable, predictable year-round time system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter Martin argues that while Daylight Saving Time intends to benefit farmers, research has linked time shifts to increased car accidents, workplace injuries, strokes, and an estimated $400 million in lost productivity. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, at least 31 states have considered or are considering bills or resolutions related to daylight saving in 2025. The federal legislation would make Daylight Saving Time the new, permanent standard time. Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 9, and ends Sunday, November 2, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Amid mass firings, the Pentagon has effectively put a halt on the use of travel and purchasing credit cards by its civilian employees and ordered any workers currently traveling to return as soon as possible, according to a pair of memos issued this week. One memo puts a $1 limit on the government cards, which renders them mostly useless and will likely bar employees from making a wide range of purchases related to work with the Defense Department. The restrictions come as the Pentagon is firing 5,400 civilian employees -- with plans to reduce its workforce by 5% to 8% as part of the Trump administration's ongoing effort to dramatically remake the government. Workers at agencies across the federal government have been hit with the government charge card cap at the behest of billionaire Elon Musk, who is also firing tens of thousands of other federal employees and slashing agencies through his so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with the blessing of President Donald Trump. The president ordered cost-cutting measures for government employees in an executive order on Feb. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Pentagon's No. 2 Spokesperson Has Long History of Antisemitic, Bigoted Social Media Posts The Pentagon's acting head of acquisition and sustainment, Steven Morani, issued the memo ordering the virtual halt in the use of government purchase cards by civilian employees. In that memo, the Pentagon temporarily reduced the spending limit to $1 on all government purchase cards, which are normally used to streamline purchasing things as basic as office supplies to items as expensive as $10,000. "The use of government-issued [government purchase card] accounts to fund activities initiated on or before Feb. 26, 2025, will cease as soon as feasible within the bounds of law," the memo read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not immediately clear what impact the cap on charges will have on Pentagon operations. The purchase card memo does make exemptions for "disaster relief or natural disaster response benefits or operations, or other critical services," or on existing contracts that remain active until April 9. Another memo -- this time from Darin Selnick, who is performing the duties of under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness -- restricting travel for civilian workers came a day after the restriction on government charge cards. "Effective immediately, the use of all government-issued travel charge cards by DoD civilian employees is suspended for all travel that is not exempted," Selnick's memos says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only exemption, according to that memo, is for "direct support of military operations or a permanent change of station," known as a PCS move. It is not clear what the broader impact of the new travel ban will be or how much money it would save the department. Musk's DOGE has claimed widespread savings as it hacks its way through the federal government, but many of the claims have been inaccurate or unsupported. On Monday, the Pentagon's top spokesman said that Musk's team of aides, who were recently granted access to the department, had made cuts that "probably" saved $80 million but only provided examples that support $13 million in cuts -- a minuscule fraction of the department's roughly $840 billion annual budget. Some effects of Musk cuts have already been seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military.com has learned that civilian workers in at least four agencies -- the Defense Health Agency, Defense Logistics Agency, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and the Navy -- were fired this week. "Gosh, it was insanely impersonal. We were not allowed the opportunity to ask questions, nothing. It was basically, 'Here it is. You have questions? Ask your supervisors,' who were also in the dark, by the way," said one DHA employee, who requested anonymity out of hope that she may be reinstated. In another example, Hill Air Force Base in Utah is scaling back its child development centers due to the Trump and Musk job cuts, meaning Gold Star spouses and other defense employees were expected to lose child care as soon as this week. Military.com reported Tuesday that the Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado -- one of just two major professional development conferences for the two services -- had noticeably lower attendance than in previous years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials confirmed to Military.com that Trump's order was behind the decreased numbers and that they limited attendance to only people who had a "direct role" in the conference in order to comply with "the spirit of the president's executive order." Related: Firings Begin at the Pentagon: Veterans, Civil Servants Caught in the Crosshairs When the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed the world, the U.S. military was forced to conduct hundreds of emergency medical evacuations out of combat zones, pause critical training evolutions, and redirect vast amounts of medical and logistics resources toward fighting the mysterious and deadly disease. Today, with COVID-related panic in the rearview, researchers are focused on Pathogen X a hypothetical next pandemic-causing disease that might be mitigated or contained with better preparation. Rapidly diagnosing and categorizing Pathogen X is one of the use cases officials at the Pentagons Chemical and Biological Defense Program reportedly see for GeneCapture, a developmental technology that creators and funders say can diagnose infections and pathogen families within an hour for about $20 per test compared with 72 hours and around $160 for more conventional broad-edged testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To date, the military has invested nearly $12 million to support the development of GeneCapture as a deployable diagnostic tool, with the bulk of that funding coming from the Chemical Biological Defense Program, or CBDP, and the Defense Health Agency. The development team, out of the HudsonAlpha Institute in Huntsville, Alabama, is also raising funds to begin clinical trials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, whose certification is a pre-requisite for any military fielding or deployment. Retired Army Col. Dave Zimmerman, a 29-year medical officer who commanded the 65th Medical Brigade in Korea and served as a director at the Office of the Surgeon General, told Military Times he could have used the GeneCapture device in his younger years as a medevac pilot. Having a capability on board for your flight medics, where we get a Nine Line [medevac request], we fly to a location, the medic gets out and starts assessing the more tools the medic has, the better hes going to be able to treat the patient, said Zimmerman, who now acts as an independent advisor and consultant for GeneCapture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And theres been many instances in Afghanistan where we would fly and someone would be injured and have some kind of illness and we wouldnt be able to know until we got back to the hospital. Ive been deployed six times, so Ive seen a lot of things in many different countries. And this is what I would want for my soldiers now. Zimmerman added that the size of the diagnosis device, which is portable and handheld, and its ability to test blood or fluid samples without needing refrigeration or temperature control are also conducive to battlefield uses worldwide. A built-in nano-library of billions of germ-matching probes identify the pathogen(s) in an hour without a lab. The goal is to provide easy to use, affordable, rapid bioweapon surveillance in remote applications. (Courtesy of GeneCapture) If GeneCapture sounds a little bit like Theranos, a blood-testing startup that made headlines and attracted supporters including former defense secretary Jim Mattis before imploding amid revelations of fraud and bad science, the team has heard it all before. When that scandal became public, according to GeneCapture CEO Peggy Sammon, the surrounding suspicion and cynicism had a bad ripple effect on all technology development in the space. Were so different from Theranos. They were trying to determine, fraudulently, whats the chemistry in a small sample of blood, she told Military Times. Were saying, What living organism is colonizing your body? Whats living in the sample? Were totally different setups and a comment Ive made to a lot of people is [that] you cant win eight [military technology development] contracts without showing actual data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials with the CBDP said they couldnt comment on the technology or their plans for it, but did confirm the offices involvement with GeneCapture. The technology that enables this novel medical capability is what the development team calls direct RNA capture, which uses an array of probes within the diagnosis device to determine the unique genetic signature for each pathogen by the presence of its RNA, an identifying molecule for living organisms. If that RNA is in the sample, it attaches and lights up, and thats how we know what it is, Sammon said, noting that conventional PCR disease testing requires a testing solution and depends on a reaction that takes time to develop to determine the presence of a specific pathogen. According to GeneCapture materials, internal testing is ongoing for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections an application the FDA has shown particular interest in as well as bacterial and fungal wound infections; animal and plant toxins; and biothreats such as dengue fever, coronavirus, influenza, typhus, lassa fever and Pathogen X, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The technologys inventor, Dr. Krishnan Chittur, was motivated to find a better diagnosis method after his infant daughter was diagnosed with an infection and placed on antibiotics for three days while doctors waited for lab results to determine what exactly was making her sick. Sammon, who met Chittur in 2009 and has helped the team raise some $7 million in private funding in addition to government grants, said working with the military on its needs has helped to ruggedize the platform they worked to develop a cartridge-reading device about the size of a toaster that does not require laptops, delicate pipettes or test tubes. Weve tried to look at this as, How can this be more rugged? she said. If you get so focused on it, you come up with something that works. And I think others have not looked at it this way. Zimmerman said hes currently working with GeneCapture to help coordinate a private test in Kansas City, where, though the military wouldnt be formally involved, soldiers would be able to put their hands on the prototype and provide feedback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said hes particularly enthusiastic about the promise of GeneCapture for the yet-to-be-determined conflict of the future, which may involve new weapons and mystery threats and variables. When you go into a war in the future, theres a lot of unknown, right? Because the enemy always gets a vote. And you never know how youre going to be attacked or what youre going to be exposed to, Zimmerman said. Having the best and simplest equipment for your medical professionals to help diagnose whats wrong with the patients is critical. Im all about giving the soldier the advantage when it comes to saving others lives. Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, Lan Fo'an, minister of finance, Wang Wentao, minister of commerce, Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People's Bank of China, and Wu Qing, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, attend a press conference on economy for the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] China is fully confident in achieving the economic growth target of around 5 percent this year as there is solid foundation, support and guarantee, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference on Thursday. Describing last year's economic performance as satisfactory, Zheng said that the Chinese economy has shown strong resilience and vitality, laying a solid foundation for this year's development. In 2025, China will step up efforts to boost consumer spending, Zheng said. The country will allocate 300 billion yuan (about 41.8 billion U.S. dollars) to support the consumer goods trade-in program this year, up from 150 billion yuan in 2024, with the scope of the program to be expanded. According to Zheng, a special action plan aimed at boosting consumption has recently been formulated by multiple departments and will be made public soon. Effective investment will also be expanded this year, he said, noting that the country will support investment by private enterprises in emerging industries and industries of the future. China last year recommended over 8,000 projects to private investors to encourage their investment, he said, noting that the country will introduce a number of major projects that will be attractive to private capital in sectors including railways, nuclear power, water conservancy, major scientific and technological infrastructure this year. The head of logistics for the United States armed forces is calling for the purchase of 10 used cargo ships to bolster the aging fleet that supports American military operations overseas. Air Force Gen. Randall Reed, commander of United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), made the request in a prepared statement at a hearing Thursday of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He expressed concern about the advanced age and declining readiness of the Ready Reserve Force, which is critical for positioning equipment and supplies from the U.S. during conflicts or crises. According to Reed, the median age of the fleets 46 roll-on/roll-off ships is 47 years, with 14 ships being 50 years or older, some steam-powered. This aging fleet poses risks to USTRANSCOMs ability to rapidly deploy forces and equipment globally when needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To address this issue, USTRANSCOM is supporting a Navy strategy to recapitalize the government-owned sealift fleet by acquiring used ships from the commercial market. So far, seven used vessels have been purchased, with two more expected in fiscal year 2025. This will add over 1.5 million square feet of useful capacity, Reed said in prepared remarks. However, Reed emphasized that more ships are urgently needed, as 30 existing vessels are scheduled for retirement between 2026 and 2034. He called the ability to purchase 10 used ships vital to maintain credible deterrence globally. The general framed the recapitalization as part of a broader effort to preserve USTRANSCOMs unique capabilities in projecting American military power worldwide. He noted that no other nation or combination of nations can match the U.S. global airlift and sealift capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reed tied the need for fleet modernization to increasing challenges from adversaries like China, which he said is actively seeking to compromise foreign infrastructure and hinder U.S. mobility. He warned that aging transportation assets, in the face of more capable adversaries, underscore the need for recapitalization across air, sea and land mobility forces. Beyond sealift, Reed also highlighted readiness concerns with the Air Forces aging KC-135 air refueling tankers and called for accelerated fielding of new KC-46 tankers. He described the air refueling fleet as USTRANSCOMs most stressed capability. The USTRANSCOM commanders push for 10 additional cargo ships comes as part of a comprehensive effort to modernize Americas military logistics capabilities. Reed emphasized that maintaining robust sealift capacity is crucial for deterring adversaries, reassuring allies and giving national leaders strategic flexibility in responding to global crises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Related coverage: Container volumes post third-best January at Port of NY-NJ US shipyard for first time 3D printing parts for new aircraft carriers Stay flexible in a convoluted market, experts tell ocean shippers CMA CGM to invest $20B in US shipping, supply chain capabilities The post Pentagon wants to buy 10 cargo ships to bolster aging logistics fleet appeared first on FreightWaves. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) A man has died after a stabbing in Greensboro, police said. At around 10:10 p.m. on Thursday, officers came to the 1200 block of Ashe Street after getting a report of an aggravated assault. At the scene, police found Keaundre Devon Lash, 29, who was suffering from life-threatening stab wounds. He went to the hospital but died just before midnight, according to the police. GPD says the investigation is ongoing but there is no threat to the public and all parties have been identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is Greensboros 9th homicide of 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines and Canada are set to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) after negotiations aimed at enhancing defence and security cooperation between the two nations, Manila's defence ministry said on Friday. The agreement would establish a framework for increased military and defence cooperation and collaboration between the two nations and improve interoperability between their forces, the Philippines' defence ministry said in a statement. "The Philippines looks forward to the positive impact of the SOVFA, which is expected to contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region," the ministry said, calling it a milestone in bilateral defence relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada has supported the Philippines' stance in the South China Sea, backing a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that said China's vast South China Sea claims had no legal basis. China rejects that finding. In 2023, the Philippines and Canada signed an arrangement for the use of Ottawa's Dark Vessel Detection system to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by vessels that have switched off their location transmitters to evade detection. Amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the Philippines has broadened its security partnerships while maintaining its long-standing alliance with treaty ally the United States. Last month, it concluded similar negotiations with New Zealand and the two countries expect to sign an official agreement in the second quarter of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the Philippines ratified a reciprocal access agreement with Japan, the first of its kind that Tokyo has signed in Asia, that would allow their militaries to deploy on each other's soil. (Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by John Mair) DENVER (KDVR) Three men were arrested by the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office SWAT team on Tuesday after officers served a warrant in Centennial. The law enforcement officers were serving the warrant in the 5500 block of South Ouray Street and were looking for a suspect wanted for felony menacing and assault. The agency said they believed the suspect also had numerous stolen cars on the property. 1 dead, 1 arrested after shooting on Speer Boulevard, Denver police pursuit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SWAT team surrounded the house and made announcements until one suspect eventually surrendered. The sheriffs office said a second suspect was arrested during a traffic stop after fleeing from the home, and a third suspect was found hiding inside the home, where SWAT took him into custody. That third suspect was found to have eight warrants issued for his arrest, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office. FOX31 reached out for additional details, such as the suspects identities and charges, but was told officers are actively working this case, so the information will not be released. The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office SWAT team arrested three people after serving a warrant at a Centennial home on Tuesday. (Courtesy the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office) The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office SWAT team arrested three people after serving a warrant at a Centennial home on Tuesday. (Courtesy the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office) The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office SWAT team arrested three people after serving a warrant at a Centennial home on Tuesday. (Courtesy the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office) The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office SWAT team arrested three people after serving a warrant at a Centennial home on Tuesday. (Courtesy the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office) Deputies said they located numerous items of evidence in the home, and obtained a warrant to seize items that included handguns, rifles, at least one muzzle suppressor (or silencer), ammunition, methamphetamine, car titles, scales and fraud and identity theft documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. FAIRMONT Milan Hayward is out as president of Pierpont Community and Technical College. The school confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Provost Michael Waide has been named interim president. The updated information is also present on the schools website. Its not clear under what circumstances Hayward left the school, or what impact the revolving door of presidents has on the schools faculty and staff. According to the Board of Governors meeting minutes from a special session on Jan. 9, the board discussed approving a separation agreement as well as the need to name an interim president before Jan. 21. The meeting took place behind closed doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephanie Moore, the schools new marketing director, said the board of governors has officially approved Waide as interim president, and that the school is grateful for Haywards service to Pierpont. She added the school was in the midst of making preparations to formally announce Waide as the interim president. David Hinkle, chair of the schools board of governors, did not return a phone call requesting comment on the change by press time. The Pierpont Board of Governors unanimously agreed to hire Hayward in April 2023. [Haywards] experience in workforce development, grant development, community outreach and building partnerships with K-12 school systems fits perfectly with Pierponts vision for its future, Hinkle said in 2023. We look forward to working with Dr. Hayward as he begins his presidential leadership of Pierpont Community and Technical College. After Haywards predecessor, Johnny M. Moore, stepped down in 2021, the board spent two years looking for a replacement. During that period the school went through two interim presidents, Anthony Hancock and Kathleen Nelson. The school faced the threat of dissolution in 2022, when a bill in the West Virginia State Legislature sought to re-merge Fairmont State University and Pierpont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dissolution episode led to poor relations between both schools which Hayward made a point to fix during his presidency. His mission gained new currency after Fairmont States new president, Mike Davis, also signaled his desire to bring both institutions together in cooperation rather than rivalry. Hayward and Davis hosted a luncheon in August 2023 at the Marion County Chamber of Commerce where both men made it clear rivalry was not the way forward, and that a better Fairmont first requires breaking bread. At the event, Hayward said he intended to meet with Davis at least once a quarter. Hayward also had the task of carving out an individual identity for Pierpont. The college held regular Experience Pierpont days to introduce the community to the school and get the word out about the opportunities it offered. The community college is all about meeting folks where they are, Hayward said. And helping them realize their interests, strengths and develop those talents and come away with skill sets that they can put to work right away and make a difference in their family and their community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waide began his administrative career at Pierpont in 2016, when according to his LinkedIn account, the school hired him as a chief judicial officer. Waides job was to investigate complaints of violations of the student code of conduct and impose sanctions. From there, Waide became academic dean of the School of Health Sciences, as well as interim provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Waide is also a tenured professor in the Medical Laboratory Technology program and is a licensed medical laboratory scientist. In 2022, Waide spoke in support of a plan to allow Pierpont students who complete a health science degree to qualify for credit hours at Fairmont State University. According to his bio on the schools website, Waide has two masters degrees as well as a doctorate in education. Waides research focused on the relationship between the resilience and persistence of nontraditional-aged community college students and academic success. By AJ Vicens and Raphael Satter DETROIT (Reuters) - U.S. authorities have in recent weeks begun releasing seized Chinese-made equipment used for cryptocurrency mining, two industry executives told Reuters. Cryptocurrency miners basically souped-up computers with advanced chips compete with one another to solve mathematical puzzles, a process which helps build the blockchains underpinning the cryptocurrency world and earn rewards in the form of new digital currency. Thousands of units have been released, said Taras Kulyk, CEO and co-founder of Synteq Digital, a cryptocurrency mining equipment broker. At one point as many as 10,000 units had been stuck at various ports of entry, Kulyk told Reuters. Apparently there were some folks in the CBP that really didnt like bitcoin mining so they wanted to give the entire sector a headache, which they did quite well, he said. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Communications Commission began seizing certain bitcoin mining equipment late last year, industry publication Blockspace reported in November. The publication said at least some of the machines may have been detained because they carried chips from the trade-restricted Chinese chip company Sophgo. The release of an undetermined amount of equipment comes amid the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China as well as security concerns raised by U.S. authorities dating to the waning months of the Biden administration. Ethan Vera, chief operating officer of Luxor Technology, told Reuters that some held shipments are being released, but right now that is still a minority of them. Both Vera and Kulyk said authorities raised concerns around radio frequency emissions from the machines, which they said were groundless. A spokesperson for the CBP acknowledged Reuters request for comment Wednesday but did not provide an immediate response. The FCC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sophgo was punished in the waning days of the Biden administration for allegedly serving as a middleman between high-end Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC and blacklisted Chinese telecom company Huawei, Reuters reported in October. (Editing by Leslie Adler) A JetBlue pilot who was arrested on sex charges last month at Bostons Logan Airport fatally shot himself outside of an MBTA station on Friday morning, officials said. The Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section found 33-year-old Jeremy Gudorf, of Ohio, in his parked car at the Wonderland station garage in Revere, according to a state police spokesperson. When troopers approached him, state police say Gudorf pulled out a gun and abruptly shot himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers entered Gudorfs vehicle and rendered aid before he was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pending official identification by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, state police believe the identity of the individual to be Jeremy Gudorf, the spokesman added. Gudorf was nabbed at Logan moments before taking off on a flight to Paris on the evening of Feb. 20, authorities said. He was later arraigned in East Boston District Court on a fugitive from justice charge. Suffolk Assistant District Attorney Kyle Neyman said during the arraignment that Gudorf was wanted in Huntersville, North Carolina, on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor for service. U.S. Customs and Border Protection learned of the warrant for Gudorfs arrest while conducting a standard review of the manifest of a Boston-to-Paris flight and requested help from troopers assigned to the airport, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is a commercial pilot, the warrant is obviously out of North Carolina and he resides in the state of Ohio. So for those reasons, we ask that he be held without bail and surrender his passport, Neyman told the court. In a statement provided to Boston 25 News after his arrest, a JetBlue spokesperson said that Gudorf had been placed on indefinite leave. We are aware of and closely reviewing the arrest of one of our pilots upon reporting for work at Bostons Logan Airport Thursday evening due to an outstanding warrant, the spokesperson said. The pilot has been placed on indefinite leave as law enforcement proceeds with the matter. The Huntersville Police Department said it launched an investigation into Gudorf in October 2024 after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, the police department said detectives obtained a search warrant for Google, leading to the identification of the source of the reported sexual exploitation images. At the time the crime was committed, records indicate he resided in Huntersville, NC. However, during the investigation, and before he was identified as a suspect, he relocated out of state, the police department said in a statement. Gudorf was ordered held on $10,000 bail under the condition he immediately report to North Carolina within a week of his court appearance. Gudorf had been out on bail but apparently failed to adhere to the condition of his release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fridays incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW For several days, excitement has grown around the two new hatchlings of Jackie and Shadow, Big Bear's celebrity bald eagles. On Thursday, a pip or the first sign of hatching was seen in the third egg in the avian couple's clutch. Triplets would be unprecedented for the eagles in a decade of observation. "Earlier this morning, we saw the pip in the third egg, and the hole has gotten bigger," said Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, the conservation group behind the webcam that livestreams the aerie overlooking Big Bear Lake. The eaglet is "actively working on getting out of the egg." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The process could take several days, as it did for the other two chicks when they hatched earlier this week. Read more: The (baby) eagles have landed! Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow welcome two hatchlings Those chicks are doing well and have both been eating, though sometimes they are too busy pecking at each other to get their food, Steers said. That kind of sibling rivalry is normal, and though fans may become concerned with the eaglets' welfare, the biologist reminds that this is "just part of watching nature." Jackie and Shadow have not had three chicks at the same time since Friends of Big Bear Valley started observing their behavior in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, they had two chicks. In 2022, they had one hatchling and another egg, which did not hatch. Last year, they had a trio of eggs, stirring excitement among fans, but none hatched. Steers said of the three eaglets and their parents, "We'll get to learn how they treat each other, how they behave." More chicks mean more feeding, and Shadow brought three fish to the nest Wednesday, so the chicks should have plenty to eat. The two already hatched chicks, who will be named by the public in the days to come, are "looking much stronger than they were even yesterday," according to Steers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can't even describe how thrilled I am," she said. The livestream is seeing record viewership. "It just fills my heart that people are so open to connecting with nature and appreciating it." Watchers who worry about the effects of winter weather should be confident in Jackie and Shadow's ability to care for the chicks, Steers said. Rain and snow may cause the parents to do fewer feedings in order to limit the chicks' exposure to the elements. But all three chicks will be small enough to fit underneath whichever parent is guarding them, she said. "Jackie and Shadow are insulated and waterproof," Steers said, and their body temperature of 105 degrees will keep their offspring plenty warm. When chicks get bigger, there can be issues fitting under parents and staying warm, but that is not a present concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steers cautioned viewers, however, that they are getting an unfiltered look at nature, where things can go wrong: "We just have to let them live and appreciate that we get to watch the magic." 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. SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) The Pittman Center fire has reached 1,087 acres in size and is 65% contained according to Sevier County Emergency Management Agency. The EMA released an update on the brush fires in the county Friday. The agency said the Pittman Center Fire is not actively growing, but there may still be some large stumps smoldering. The Tennessee Division of Forestry is continuing to monitor and work on containing the fire. One person injured after explosion at resort near Dandridge Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the brush fires that began on Tuesday in Sevier County, the EMA said two structures had minor damage because of the fires. Along with the fires, Sevier County was also impacted by high winds. The EMA reported that four structures were damaged because of high wind and fallen trees, and one camper was overturned. New Ober Mountain upgrades allow for longer snow sports season in 2025 No significant injures were reported because of the fire or winds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. A kidnapping suspect from Pittsburgh was arrested in West Virginia on Wednesday. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriffs Department said they were called on Jan. 23 for a reported kidnapping that involved a woman brought to the area from Pittsburgh. Detectives launched an investigation and identified the suspect as Rashaad S. Hairston, 28, of Pittsburgh. An arrest warrant was issued. On Wednesday, the sheriffs department and U.S. Marshals located Hairston and took him into custody in the Weston, West Virginia, area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities ask anyone with further information related to this case to contact law enforcement. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW The Dor Hadash Congregation of Pittsburgh issued a statement on Thursday regarding President Trumps administrations policies on refugees and immigration. The statement expresses concern for thousands of people, the United States economy and the fabric of our country. The Dor Hadash Board of Directors of Congregation said Jewish people know how it feels to be strangers in strange lands and said it is deeply rooted in their tradition, faith and values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh organization working with refugees impacted by President Trumps executive orders We at Dor Hadash have experienced directly the harm that comes from hateful mischaracterization of people seeking refuge. On October 27, 2018, a cherished member of our congregation was one of 11 Jews murdered by a gunman who was led to believe that Jews support an invasion of our country by immigrants. Those hateful words are being used again and will inspire violence, the statement read. In response to the executive orders, the congregation called for local, state and federal leaders to do the following: Restore funding of resettlement agencies Allow refugees who have been approved for resettlement to come to the United States Continue humanitarian parole and temporary protective status for Afghans, Ukrainians, Cubans, Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Venezuelans Oppose mass deportation Pass comprehensive immigration reform Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump has argued the United States does not have the ability to accept migrants or refugees into communities at this time. Trump argued local communities, like Charleroi, have seen a significant influx of migrants and sought federal aid in response. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW This is an edition of the Books Briefing, our editors weekly guide to the best in books. Sign up for it here. Novelists are an opinionated lot. They often say things, write essays, and sign petitions reflecting political positions that many of their biggest fans might not like. One of the best things about fiction is that it can convey higher (or at least more complicated) truths than even the author knows. A reader doesnt have to sign on to V. S. Naipauls sometimes odious beliefs about postcolonial societies to take pleasure in his language and characters, or support a boycott of Israel, as Rachel Kushner publicly has, to find in her novel Creation Lake a nuanced but withering portrayal of both extractive capitalists and callow activists. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie self-consciously embodies this split between the novelist and polemicist. Her new novel, Dream Count, is her first in a dozen yearsa period during which she wrote and spoke frequently about feminism, grief, and political dogmas. In a conversation this week with the Atlantic staff writer Gal Beckerman, Adichie explained how her novel departs from her beliefs, and why thats a good thing. She also made clear that compartmentalizing her ideas of what the world should be is not as easy as it might seem. First, here are four new stories from The Atlantics Books Section: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Beckerman and Tyler Austin Harper, who also wrote about Dream Count this week, cite an offhand, possibly facetious statement that Adichie made in 2016: We women should spend about 20 percent of our time on men, because its fun, but otherwise we should be talking about other stuff. Why, in defiance of this feminist assertion, are men so prominent in her new book, they wonder? Because I dont want to write about womens lives as I wish they were, she told Beckerman. Instead, the novel tries to imagine actual women interacting with actual men. In fact, Adichie has strong opinions on the question of politics in fiction; as she told Beckerman, she believes that many writers are prone to ideological conformity, which can hobble their work. Perhaps shed support this modest proposal: Fiction should spend about 20 percent of its time imagining the world as the author would like it to be. But thats easier said than done. We dont live in a time when politics can be cordoned off from art; it permeates the world, and a novel without much of it would be difficult to believe. In an authors note at the end of the book, Adichie confirms that the story of her character Kadiatou bears a close resemblance to the 2011 case of Nafissatou Diallo, the Guinean immigrant who alleged that Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, assaulted her in a New York City hotel suite. (All criminal charges against Strauss-Kahn were dismissed; he settled Diallos civil suit against him for an undisclosed sum.) Adichie told Beckerman that she had struggled to write honestly about Kadiatou, because I had unconscious noble ideas for her. And in the note, she admits to creating a fictional character as a gesture of returned dignity. Clear-eyed realism, but touched by tenderness. So this characters journey is undeniably political, elevating the perspective of a person whose allegations against a very powerful man were shut down in the courts. But, Adichie adds, the goal is to be relentlessly human, not ideological: Kadiatou has lost her husband, struggles with American sexual mores, longs for home. To render her carefully, Adichie tells Beckerman, she did prodigious research and watched hours of videos of Guinean women cooking. Her portrait reflects the world as Adichie wishes it were, but also shows a deep recognition of the world as it is. For a novelist, that is more than enough. Chimamanda Adichie Is a Hopeless Romantic By Gal Beckerman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discussing Dream Count, her first novel in 12 years, the Nigerian author shares her thoughts on masculinity, political chaos, and the future of fiction. Read the full article. What to Read Twilight Sleep, by Edith Wharton Mrs. Wharton, reads a line in The Atlantics review of her 1927 novel, Twilight Sleep, has never really descended from that plane of excellence which since its beginning has characterized her work. Implicit in this observation: until now. Although contemporary reviewers might not have appreciated Twilight Sleep as much as they did Whartons previous books, her 17th novel offers an updated, Jazz Agevariation on a familiar, Wharton-esque theme: social ruin. In Roaring 20s New York, Pauline Manford, the books heroine, inoculates herself from lifes unpleasantriesincluding her second husbands affair with his stepsons wife, Litawith a busy social calendar, but when disaster strikes and the affair is discovered, not even Paulines unblinking devotion to rationality, truth, and progress can soothe her emotional reaction. Named after the drug cocktail given to women in the 20th century to ward off the pains of childbirth, which brings to mind the anesthetized attitude of some of its characters, Twilight Sleep was republished in late 2024. Rhian Sasseen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From our list: Six older books that deserve to be popular today Out Next Week The Antidote, by Karen Russell Murder the Truth: Fear, the First Amendment, and a Secret Campaign to Protect the Powerful, by David Enrich Goddess Complex, by Sanjena Sathian Your Weekend Read Nina Westervelt / Redux Cling to Your Disgust By Spencer Kornhaber It was inauguration weekend, and Id been sitting in a restaurant where the bartender was blasting a playlist of songs by the rapper once known as Kanye West. The music sounded, frankly, awesome. Most of the songs were from when I considered myself a fan of his, long before he rebranded as the worlds most famous Hitler admirer. I hadnt heard this much Ye music played in public in years; privately, Id mostly avoided it. But as I nodded along, I thought it might be time to redownload Yeezus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full article. When you buy a book using a link in this newsletter, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic. Sign up for The Wonder Reader, a Saturday newsletter in which our editors recommend stories to spark your curiosity and fill you with delight. Explore all of our newsletters. Article originally published at The Atlantic A proposed legal ban on mobile phones in schools has been dropped from a backbench Bill to secure Government support. Former teacher Josh MacAlister, the MP for Whitehaven and Workington, has ditched proposals for a legal requirement for all schools to be mobile-free zones in his Private Members Bill after the Government signalled that it was unlikely to back the plan. Peter Kyle, the Technology Secretary, has said that such a ban is unnecessary as headteachers have already introduced their own measures to ban or restrict use of phones in schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move has, however, disappointed some campaigners and schools who argue that tougher action is needed to curb childrens use of smartphones and access to social media. Mr MacAlister has also shelved Australian-style proposals in his Bill which would have restricted children under 16 from social media without parental consent unless the platforms ditched their addictive features. Australia is introducing similar legislation to ban children under 16 from having access to social media His redrafted Bill, to be debated on Friday in the House of Commons, instead says that the Government should come back within a year to say whether it will raise the digital age of consent from 13 to 16 meaning online companies could not receive childrens data without parental permission until that age. The Bill also requires the chief medical officers in England, Wales and Scotland to put out guidance on the use of smartphones and social media use by children within 12 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Education Secretary will also have to come up with a plan for research into the impact of use of social media on children within 12 months. However, dropped from the Bill are proposals to strengthen Ofcoms powers to crackdown on apps and services that addict children to the technology and further regulation of the design, supply, marketing and use of mobile phones by under 16s. After watering down his Bill, Mr MacAlister said he was now focused on the areas where we can get Government support so that we actually get some action in this area. If the Government supports the measures that are in the Bill then it will be the most serious engagement that the UK Government has had with these wider issues about smartphone and social media use beyond the Online Safety Act and that will be progress, he said. Some campaigners have argued that nowhere near enough is being done to protect children from the perils of social media - Yui Mok/PA However, Joe Ryrie, co-founder and director of Smartphone Free Childhood, said: Josh MacAlister has worked hard to push for legislation that finally starts to protect children from addictive algorithms in the Safer Phones Bill, whilst ensuring the final draft has Government backing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So while its good news that it appears hes got Government support for some measures, lets be honest: the final provisions included are nowhere near enough. He added: Other countries are already taking bold action, while the UK lags behind. The public are demanding change, and sooner or later, politicians will have to catch up. Andy Burrows, chief executive of Molly Rose Foundation, which was set up by the family of Molly Russell, 14, who took her life after being bombarded with self-harm content, said: Announcing further reviews is no substitute for decisive urgent action to tackle preventable harm, which can only mean a strengthened Online Safety Act. A reworked Act is the best vehicle to deliver both child safety and wellbeing objectives by design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our polling shows overwhelming public support for stronger legislation so its clear that parents would cheer the Prime Minister on if he chooses bold and necessary action over inaction and further delay. A Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) spokesperson said: We are committed to keeping young people safe online whilst also ensuring they can benefit from the latest technology. By the summer robust new protections for children will be in force through the Online Safety Act to protect them from harmful content and ensure they have an age-appropriate experience online. The Governments response to the Private Members bill will follow during the second reading of the Bill, as per parliamentary process. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. PLAQUEMINES PARISH, La. (WGNO) A liquefied natural gas export facility in Plaquemines Parish is getting an $18 billion expansion. Former 911 director Tyrell Morris announces run for New Orleans Mayor Venture Globals facility was the first to come online since President Donald Trump reversed former President Joe Bidens ban on LNG exports. On Thursday, March 6, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright toured the facility. (WGNO/Patrick Thomas) (WGNO/Patrick Thomas) (WGNO/Patrick Thomas) (WGNO/Patrick Thomas) (WGNO/Patrick Thomas) Wright says the facility plays a big role in the countrys energy industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana is the largest exporter of LNG of any state in our country, and before long, it will export more LNG from Louisiana than any country on the planet, Wright said. This industry, LNG, is the fastest growing export industry in our country, and before long, will be the largest export industry from our country. Rescheduled New Orleans parades to roll, wag March 9 Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry addressed the facilitys workers, noting their part in adding to the state and national energy industry. Im here to say thank you to you because Ive always believed that the greatest natural resource that we have in this country is the people, as Americans and as Louisianians, Landry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facility was initially approved by Trump in 2019 during his first presidential term. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. March 7 (UPI) -- Citing "geopolitical uncertainty," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed on Friday the country is aiming to have all men undergo some manner of military training. "By the end of the year, we want to have a model ready so that every adult male in Poland is trained for war, and so that this reserve is adequate for possible threats," Tusk told the Sejm, the lower house of Poland's parliament Friday. The prime minister made the comments as tensions escalate between European allies and Russia, following a European Union announcement earlier in the week of a multi-billion-dollar spending package to protect itself and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $841 billion "ReArm Europe Plan" is meant to shield EU members and Ukraine from Russian aggression through the remainder of the 2020s. Tusk told Poland's parliament his government plans to "prepare large-scale military training for every adult male in Poland." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday he hopes every adult male in Poland is able to be 'trained for war' by the end of this year. Photo by Tom Brenner/UPI Polands' military currently stands at around 200,000, behind only Turkey and the United States in size among members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO. Tusk said he hopes to increase the size of his country's military to around a half-million. Tensions continue to escalate between European allies and Russia, following a European Union announcement earlier in the week of a multi-billion-dollar spending package to protect itself and Ukraine. File Photo courtesy of the Kremlin Ukraine's army has approximately 800,000 personnel while Russia's military is thought to be around 1.3 million strong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tusk on Thursday called the current situation an "arms race." "The war, the geopolitical uncertainty and the new arms race started by Putin have left Europe with no choice," Tusk said on X. "Europe must be ready for this race, and Russia will lose it like the Soviet Union 40 years ago. From today, Europe will arm itself more wisely and faster than Russia." Among European NATO members, Poland spends the largest percentage of its Gross Domestic Product on its military. U.S. President Donald Trump has said Poland should increase that percentage from 4.7% to 5%. Approximately 10,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed in Poland and the country does routinely purchase American weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's lack of clarity on his position with Russia also played a role in Friday's announcement. "We are seeing a deep correction in U.S. policy with regard to Ukraine but we can't turn our backs to it only because we don't like it. We must be precise and honest in assessing what it means and what serves our interest and what doesn't," Tusk told the Polish parliament. "Our deficit has been the lack of the will to act, having no confidence, and sometimes even cowardice. But Russia will be helpless against united Europe. It's striking but it's true. Right now, 500 million Europeans are begging 300 million Americans for protection from 140 million Russians who have been unable to overcome 50 million Ukrainians for three years." By Arathy Somasekhar HOUSTON (Reuters) - U.S. exports of crude oil to India last month climbed to their highest in over two years, ship tracking data showed, as refiners in the country sought alternative supplies following tighter U.S. sanctions on Russian producers and tankers. The U.S. exported about 357,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude to India, the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer, in February, ship tracking data from Kpler showed. That compared with exports of about 221,000 bpd last year. The jump in exports to India underscores how multiple rounds of sanctions imposed by Washington on ships and entities dealing with oil from Iran and Russia since October are disrupting trade with major importers of their oil. India said last month its energy purchases from the U.S. could go up to $25 billion in the near future from $15 billion last year. "Indian refiners are trying to diversify their crude supplies, especially light-sweet barrels," said Rohit Rathod, a senior analyst with ship tracking firm Vortexa. "Sanctions on Russian vessels that came in recently only pushed Indian buyers to look elsewhere," he added. About 80% of the crude exported to India was light sweet West Texas Intermediate-Midland crude, according to the data. Top buyers included Indian Oil Corp, Reliance Industries and Bharat Petroleum Corp, according to the data, while top sellers in the U.S. included oil producer Occidental Petroleum, majors Equinor and Exxon Mobil and trading house Gunvor. The companies did not immediately reply to requests for comments or declined to comment. The U.S. also exported a record 656,000 bpd of crude to South Korea in February, as a 10% tariff on U.S. oil by China rerouted flows. Exports to China from the United States eased to 76,000 barrels per day, among the lowest volumes in the last five years. (Reporting by Arathy Somasekhar in Houston; Editing by Liz Hampton and Marguerita Choy) Poland plans to introduce military training for all men in view of Russia's war against Ukraine, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Friday. "We will try to have a ready-made model by the end of the year so that every adult man in Poland is trained for war," Tusk said in a speech to parliament. The aim is to create a reserve that corresponds to the level of potential threats, he said. Tusk did not provide further details on the planned military training, but emphasized that it does not constitute a return to compulsory military service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Women should also have the opportunity to take part in military training, the prime minister said, although war is still a male-dominated domain. A member of the European Union and NATO, Poland shares a border with Ukraine, as well as with Russia's ally Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The government in Warsaw spent an estimated 4.2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence in 2024 - more than any other EU or NATO country relative to GDP. Tusk spoke in parliament about the need to increase the size of Poland's army, including reservists, to 500,000 men. He also said the country's defence spending should be increased to 5% of GDP. Polish President Andrzej Duda has also called for greater investments in security. He has submitted a draft constitutional amendment to parliament that would set a minimum level for defence spending of 4% of GDP. The Polish prime minister announced Friday that his government is preparing to require every adult male to undergo "large-scale military training" to more than double the size of the army in the event of a war with Russia. Donald Tusk added that Poland would also drastically expand its arsenal, saying the country must pursue the most advanced capabilities, including nuclear and modern unconventional weapons." Tusk unveiled the plans in a speech to the Polish Parliament on the same day that President Donald Trump, after weeks of weakening U.S. support for Ukraine and traditional European allies, threatened to impose expanded large scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia until it reaches a peace agreement with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. We will try to have a model ready by the end of this year so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war, so that this reserve is comparable and adequate to the potential threats," Tusk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of Poland's leaders were shocked when Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago. Once behind the so-called Iron Curtain under Communism and controlled by the Soviet Union, Poland is a longtime enemy of Russia. Tusk told lawmakers he also wants to increase the size of the Polish army to 500,000, from its current level of around 200,000. Polish soldiers at the first part of the East Shield at the border with Russia, in Dabrowka, Poland, in November. Were talking about the need to have an army of half-a-million in Poland, including the reservists, he said. Polish women may also be required to undergo military training, Tusk said, but war is still to a greater extent the domain of men." That said, there are more than 7,000 women currently on active duty in the Polish army, according to government figures. And there is a long history of Polish women fighting for their country on the front lines, including as guerrilla fighters during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Germans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the Ukrainian army has 800,000 soldiers and is fighting a Russian force that numbers around 1.3 million, Tusk said. As a member of NATO, which was set up after World War II to counter the threat posed by the Soviet Union, Poland has been one of the most dependable U.S. allies as well as a stalwart supporter of Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. Russian troops occupying the Polish city of Vilno in 1939. But the Polish government has become increasingly worried about the countrys security since Trump made the false claim that the Ukrainians had started the war with Russia and then halted U.S. military aid and intelligence help to Ukraine. Trump also has a history of questioning the U.S.'s traditional responsibilities as a member of the U.S.-led alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as Trump was threatening Moscow with sanctions Friday, he complained that he was finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. A demonstrator holds a sign that reads "Russia is a terrorist state" as she stands between national flags of Ukraine and Poland in Warsaw. More than 7 million Ukrainians fled across the border into Poland in the early days of the war. And, as of February, nearly a million Ukrainian refugees remained in Poland, according to the latest statistics. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Poland will train all adult men for war, the countrys prime minister said on Friday, as Warsaw seeks to shore up its defences against Russia. Donald Tusk told the Polish parliament that his government would prepare large-scale military training for every adult male in Poland, as well as some women. We will try to have a model ready by the end of this year so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war, so that this reserve is comparable and adequate to the potential threats, Mr Tusk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new training regimen would not amount to conscription, with Mr Tusk stressing that [we will] prepare it in such a way that it will not be a burden on people. Donald Trusk aims to have a model ready by the end of this year - PAWEL SUPERNAK/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Women would also be able to take part, but war is still, to a greater extent, the domain of men, he said. He made the remarks as Europe looks to step up its own defences, amid concerns that Donald Trump is no longer committed to US security guarantees for Europe. Mr Tusk also cautiously welcomed a recent offer by Emmanuel Macron, the French president, to share his nuclear umbrella with other Nato allies in Europe. I would like to know first of all in detail what it means in terms of the authority over these weapons, he said of the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to suggest that Poland would be safer if it had its own nuclear arsenal, but said the prospect of acquiring one remained far away. Today, it is clear that we would be safer if we had our own nuclear arsenal, that is beyond doubt. In any case, the road to that would be very long and there would have to be a consensus too, he said. Polish soldiers training in the Tatra National Park in February. The Law and Justice leader said men should be able to expose themselves... to death - SERGEI GAPON/AFP/Getty Images Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the head of Polands largest opposition party, the conservative Law and Justice, said that a mental shift in society would also be needed in addition to the military training of men. We will have a return to the chivalric ethos and to the fact that men should also be soldiers, that is, be able to expose themselves, even to death, Kaczynski said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrzej Duda, the Polish president, said on Friday that he was submitting an amendment to the Polish Constitution for consideration which would oblige the country to spend at least 4 per cent of its gross domestic product each year on defence. Poland ended conscription in 2008, but the debate over military service for Europes civilians has become an issue since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, particularly those nearer to the Russian frontier. The incoming German government, the centre-Right Christian Democratic Union, led by Friedrich Merz, is said to be considering a return to conscription of some form. Mr Merz, who swept to victory in last months elections, has also called for the French and British nuclear umbrella to be extended to his country, as the United States has become indifferent to the fate of Europe. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Evansville Police arrested a man accused of causing an accident with injuries during a street race on Riverside Drive back in October. According to an affidavit, James Ramos, 23, admitted to racing another vehicle on October 12, 2024. Ramos reportedly told the authorities that the driver of the other car cut him off, forcing him to swerve out of the way and strike the curb, rendering his vehicle immobile. Second person arrested in street racing accident Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After this, police say three other vehicles a gray Dodge Charger driven by Taron Coats, a maroon Dodge Charger driven by Lorenzo McRath, and a white Camaro driven by Raveion Quarles had also begun racing down North Fulton Drive and turning onto Riverside Drive. Video surveillance reviewed by authorities showed the gray Charger crashing into Ramos vehicle and landing upside down. Quarles attempted to avoid striking the vehicle, however police say Quarles struck Jumani Williams, who was attempting to push Ramos vehicle out of the way. All drivers were transported to a nearby hospital for blood draws. Police say Coats had a blood alcohol content of 0.176 g/100mL; McRath had 0.123 g/100mL; Quarles had 0.049 g/100mL; and Ramos had 0.097 g/100mL. Police say Williams suffered fractures to his right femur, left arm, shoulders, hips and his upper spine. He also reported multiple facial fractures, and said his left eye was knocked out of the socket. He reported having to relearn how to walk and talk and undergoing extensive physical therapy. Ramos was arrested on Thursday and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury, criminal recklessness, aggressive driving and driving at unreasonable speed. He is being held in the Vanderburgh County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). RIFLE, Colo. (KREX) What started as a routine traffic stop, ended in the arrest of a Texas man wanted on multiple felony warrants. According to the Rifle Police Department, an officer conducted the stop around 10:50 a.m., Thursday. Authorities learned the driver, 42-year-old Donovan Sanders, had two felony warrants out of Texas. He allegedly had a warrant for felony possession of controlled substances and another warrant for felony possession of a weapon, felony possession of controlled substances, parole violation and unauthorized use of a vehicle. The second warrant said Sanders was allegedly armed and dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanders was taken into custody without incident. The police department said both warrants had no bond and were extraditable. The Rifle Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of our community by holding offenders accountable. We thank our officers for their diligence in apprehending individuals wanted for serious crimes, the news release said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) Police used batons and stun grenades on Friday to disperse thousands of members of the banned Hizbut Tahrir group as they marched near Bangladeshs main Baitul Mokarram Mosque in the countrys capital. Police said that many people were injured and several protesters were arrested during the violence which came after weekly prayers. Masud Alam, a deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said that attempts were made to disperse the rally after marchers broke away from the police barricade. Witnesses said that scores of people were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clashes happened as between 3,000 and 5,000 protesters joined the procession, chanting slogans such as Freedom has one path, Khilafat, Khilafat, or caliphate, and Naraye Taqbir, Allahu akbar, meaning Cry, God is the greatest. The Islamist group had mounted a social media campaign in recent days and distributed leaflets and used posters across Dhaka urging people to join the procession, dubbed March for Khilafat. Hizbut Tahrir says it wants unification of all Muslim countries over time in a unitary Islamic state or caliphate, headed by a caliph elected by Muslims. Its supporters believe this is an obligation decreed by Allah, warning that Allah will punish those Muslims who would overlook this duty. It also wants the introduction of Sharia law. The group was banned in 2009 as a threat to public security by the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina under an anti-terrorism law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasina was forced to flee last August after weeks of protests over a quota system for allocating government jobs turned into a broader challenge to her 15-year rule and an interim government was established under Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus. Hasina has been in exile in India since her ouster. Bangladesh, a nation of about 170 million people, is largely Muslim-majority and is governed by mostly secular laws based on British common law. But many Islamist groups and hard-line political parties want to establish tough Sharia law in the country, which has experienced extremist attacks in the past. TITUSVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) A missing persons case out of Brevard County turned into a homicide investigation after the womans remains were found amid a set of circumstances detectives are calling highly suspicious. Jesse Kirk, 72, was reported missing on Tuesday, March 4, by her friend after she failed to show up for their morning walk around 9 a.m., according to NBC affiliate WESH. Kirks friend told Titusville police that it was highly unusual for her to not show up. Oldsmar mother charged with murdering her own baby, detectives say Jesse Kirk (Credit: Titusville Police Department) Investigators said multiple surveillance cameras around the city captured Kirks movements in the hours leading up to her disappearance. Her white Lincoln SUV was seen moving around the city between 9 p.m. on Monday and 4:15 a.m. on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kirks niece showed up to her condo on South Washington Avenue Tuesday and recognized a red Honda parked in the area, WESH reported. According to police, the vehicle belonged to 35-year-old David Barber, the estranged boyfriend of one of Kirks relatives. (Credit: Titusville Police Department) (Credit: Titusville Police Department) Detectives said they found Barber loitering in the area and noticed that he appeared to have significant and what seemed to be recent burns. Police came across Kirks vehicle around the same time frame in Orange County. Officers said her white Lincoln had been set on fire. Barber was arrested for loitering and prowling and is considered a person of interest in Kirks murder, according to authorities. Her remains were found on March 6 near the Haulover Canal Bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives are asking anyone with information related to the case to call 321-567-3900. To remain anonymous and possibly receive a reward, contact CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Police have named the woman who was found dead in the East Columbia neighborhood following a shooting on Tuesday, March 4. Shaude Leigh Hutchison, 31, was discovered in the area of NE Gertz Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. when officers responded to reports of shots fired in the early afternoon. How did they find the Martin Family station wagon? Diver explains A medical examiner determined her cause of death was homicide by gunshot wound, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, authorities announced the arrest of 42-year-old Aaron Rene Garza, who now faces charges of second-degree murder, according to the Portland Police Bureau. Anyone with information about this shooting is encouraged to contact Portland police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) Police are asking the public for help finding the man who assaulted two Battle Creek students on Tuesday. On Tuesday morning, officers with the Battle Creek Police Department were sent to the area near Battle Creek Central High School for an assault. Responding officers learned that a man went up to two students who were walking to school and attempted to pick one of them up. When he was unsuccessful, he slapped the other student and took off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police department said officers initially found a suspect based on information from multiple sources and arrested him on separate charges. They later determined that the suspect was not the man involved. The man whom officers are looking for is described as a white man in his early 20s. He is taller than 5 feet 9 inches and was wearing a distinctive two-tone hoodie. A photo of the man police say assaulted two Battle Creek students on March 4, 2025. (Courtesy of the Battle Creek Police Department) A photo of the man police say assaulted two Battle Creek students on March 4, 2025. (Courtesy of the Battle Creek Police Department) A photo of the man police say assaulted two Battle Creek students on March 4, 2025. (Courtesy of the Battle Creek Police Department) A photo of the man police say assaulted two Battle Creek students on March 4, 2025. (Courtesy of the Battle Creek Police Department) Anyone with information is asked to call BCPD at 269.966.3322 or Silent Observer at 269.964.3888. While officers look for the man, they will continue to canvass the neighborhood and have extra patrols at local schools. The police department said surrounding districts have also been notified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monica Harrington is a parent of a sophomore at Battle Creek Central High School. She said she found out about the incident from an email that the school district sent to parents on Friday. When she saw the email, she said she did not know what to do. I couldnt do anything, because I was at work and knowing my kid was at school. So that part was not cool at all, she said. Harrington said she is happy with the schools response, but it still leaves her on edge. Schools arent really keeping our kids safe. They are trying, I guess, but not too well, she said. There was some guy just wondering around the school, and child trafficking is a big problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her son Donovan said the incident hits too close to home. Now, he feels like he has to be extra cautious going to the place he goes every day. Doing normal schoolwork is kind of difficult because I have to stay on alert of multiple other things other than schoolwork, he said. Things like this are kind of common around here. Its just concerning because someone could be, like, walking alone and then that happens. No one is going to notice until its too late. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. BROOKLINE, Mass. (WPRI) Police have arrested a man accused of defacing numerous Tesla vehicles in Brookline over the weekend. Harrison Grant Randall, 39, of Roslindale, has been charged with six counts of defacing property. The investigation began Sunday after several Tesla owners reported that a man riding a bicycle had placed stickers on their vehicles, which were parked in Brookline Village. The stickers featured Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is spearheading President Donald Trumps push to slash government spending, extending his arm in a way that appears to mimic a Nazi salute. The controversial photograph of Musk was taken as he was celebrating Trumps inauguration earlier this year. (Musk has since brushed off the accusations, emphasizing that the gesture was made in a positive spirit and had nothing to do with Nazis.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said when the suspect, later identified as Randall, was confronted by one of the victims, he claimed he had a right to do so based on freedom of speech. (Courtesy: Brookline Police Department) (Courtesy: Brookline Police Department) The victim recorded the interaction on his cell phone, which the Brookline Police Department later shared on social media Tuesday afternoon. I guess we have a difference in opinion, Randall was heard telling the Tesla owner after suggesting he remove the sticker if he didnt like it. Musk himself responded to one of the Brookline Police Departments posts, which had been shared on his social media platform X: Damaging the property of others, aka vandalism, is not free speech! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Randall was taken into custody Wednesday evening in Roslindale after someone reported seeing him riding his bicycle down the street. His bail was set at $2,500. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Police in Anne Arundel County said a 90-year-old man who went missing on Thursday was found safe. In a post on X on March 6, the Anne Arundel County Police Department said officers were looking for Eugene Relias George, who was last seen around 2:30 p.m. in the 7800 block of Bastille Place in Severn. Multiple families displaced after townhouse fire in Montgomery Village Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police noted that George has early-onset dementia. The next day, on the night of Friday, March 7, police announced on social media that George had been located. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Update: Chesapeake Police said Ronnie Jones has been found safe. CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) The Chesapeake Police Department is requesting the assistance finding a missing 67-year-old man. Ronnie Jones was last seen on March 6 around 6 p.m. driving from his residence in the 1200block of Wingfield Avenue in Chesapeake. Jones reportedly has memory issues and requires daily medication that he does not have with him, prompting concern for his safety. Courtesy: Chesapeake Police Department Courtesy: Chesapeake Police Department Jones is 6 foot 3 inches and around 175 pounds with a small beard. The vehicle he was driving is a light blue Chrysler two door convertible with VA tags, DEB040. The vehicle was last around 7:30 a.m. this morning traveling westbound from the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge in the Outer Banks area of North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Authorities are searching for a man who was able to cash checks totaling over $7,000 at two OKC banks. According to police, the individual (shown above) walked with a cane, but officials are not sure if the cane was part of the scheme. Man sought after abandoning cat at Animal Welfare, says Mustang police Police seek to identify man in check cashing investigation totaling over $7,000 dollars, Image courtesy Oklahoma City Police Department Police seek to identify man in check cashing investigation totaling over $7,000 dollars, Image courtesy Oklahoma City Police Department If you recognize this individual, contact Crime Stoppers 405.235.7300 or okccrimetips.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. A portion of the Black Hills National Forest after an overstory removal northwest of Custer, along the Custer Limestone Road. In an overstory removal, the Forest Service contracts with loggers to remove mature trees, while leaving younger trees to grow. (Courtesy of Dave Mertz) Does the Black Hills need a viable timber industry to help manage its forests? Absolutely. Recently, U.S. Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden have been pressuring U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to increase timber harvesting in the Black Hills National Forest. Paradoxically, this may lead to the demise of the Black Hills timber industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The quantity of trees suitable for logging known as the standing timber inventory in the Black Hills National Forest has been in contention for at least 10 years. The forest has been heavily impacted by the mountain pine beetle, wildfires and overlogging, leading to a significant reduction of the standing inventory of trees. Larger trees were particularly hard hit. The mountain pine beetle and loggers both like larger trees. Several studies have been conducted to determine how many trees are left in the forest. Timber industry representatives have never accepted the results. To finally address this issue, in 2023, the Black Hills National Forest undertook an intensive Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) project. This project was supported by both of the states with land in the Black Hills National Forest, Wyoming and South Dakota. LiDAR uses lasers deployed from aircraft to provide an extremely accurate representation of the forest. Concurrent to the LiDAR flights, over 1,600 field plots were studied on the ground. This field data collection was accomplished in partnership with the Wyoming State Forestry Division, South Dakota State Forestry and Pennington County staff. The plots are used to ground truth the LiDAR data. In January, the ground-level field plot data was released after an external audit by the University of Wyoming. The field plot data included some interesting statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It showed that for pine trees greater than 5 inches in diameter, there were an average of 90 trees per acre. This indicates that the forest is very open. The average spacing of 90 trees per acre is about 22 feet between trees. For reference, when the Forest Service plants trees, it plants about 430 per acre at a spacing of 10 feet between trees. Yes, there are still some dense stands out there, but on average, it is a very open forest. The field plot data also revealed that the average diameter of pine trees greater than 5 inches is 9.8 inches. For reference, the lower cutoff for sawtimber (trees suitable to cut into lumber) is 9 inches. This shows that the forest is now, on average, a very young forest. It will take decades to turn this around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the timber industry want to return to the higher harvest levels of the past so they can run at full capacity. For those sawmills that rely on sawtimber-size trees, there are simply not enough left in the forest for them to do that sustainably. The Forest Service is required by the National Forest Management Act to manage its timber for long-term sustainability. Forest Service employees are offering lower levels of timber for sale, but not because theyre lazy or mismanaging the forest. Theyre simply following the law. In response to a commentary I wrote last year, Rep. Johnson did a Q&A with South Dakota Searchlight, which asked him to explain his statement that roadblocks were standing in the way of bigger timber harvests. Johnson mentioned his conversations with the Forest Service and the timber industry regarding 75 open positions in the Black Hills National Forest. We talked about what can be done to streamline that bureaucracy, Johnson said. It takes more than six months to go from an open position to a field spot. That is clearly a bureaucracy problem. The Trump administration and its new Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, recently fired at least 2,000 Forest Service employees nationwide, reportedly including some in the Black Hills National Forest. None of our high-ranking South Dakota politicians have yet expressed any concern about this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the amount of timber harvested in the Black Hills returns to levels that are not sustainable, the timber industry could cut itself out of business. The forest already has few options for finding more timber. Widespread clear-cutting may not be that far down the road. I suggest you take a drive in the forest and get off the paved roads. Look closely at the spacing between the larger trees. There are many dense thickets of small trees (which are a fire hazard), but they arent considered part of the timber inventory. It will take up to 100 years for them to grow into sawtimber. Look at the diameter of the larger trees. There arent many of them anymore. They are, for the most part, gone. Republican politicians will likely be successful in demanding more timber harvesting from the Trump administration, but they cannot make trees grow faster. If you visit the forest and dont like what you see, consider contacting your elected officials. Read more about Black Hills logging March 6 (UPI) -- Support for Israel among Americans has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter century, according to the latest Gallup poll released Thursday. The poll shows that 46% of respondents said they support Israel rather than Palestine in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the lowest rating in the 25 years that Gallup has been conducting the poll, with the previous low of 51% having been recorded twice: last year and in 2001. Meanwhile, support of Palestinians has skyrocketed. Thirty-three percent of respondents said they support Palestinians, which is up 6% from last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans lean toward supporting Israel while more Democrats support Palestinians. Most of the Americans surveyed report favoring a two-state solution to the conflict, the poll said. Gallup has been measuring opinions on the ongoing strife between Israel and the Palestinians since 1999. "Since then, more Americans have supported than opposed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and that continues today. Currently, 55% are in favor and 31% opposed, while 14% do not have an opinion," the poll said. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have died in the latest war between Israel and the Palestinians, which erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise terror attack on Israel. The fighting only came to a halt in January with a fragile cease-fire. One of the more impressive stock price pops on Wednesday belonged to a somewhat under-the-radar company for American investors, Siemens (OTC: SIEGY). The European industrial conglomerate's shares closed the day more than 8% higher on news of a potentially significant new infrastructure program in Germany. That gain compared very favorably to the S&P 500's (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) 1.2% rise. A time to spend In the wake of elections in Germany, the European Union's largest economy in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), political deals are being cut among potential governing coalition partners. Late Tuesday, the likely chancellor of the country, Friedrich Merz, and other top politicians announced several potential top-down economic measures that will be introduced once they sweep into power. A major one is the easing of the country's so-called "debt brake"; as the name implies, this is a set of limits on how much the federal government can borrow. The move would allow the country to spend more on defense, an item that has become more of a priority in light of the current U.S. administration's stance on the war in Ukraine. The politicians also announced a new initiative, specifically a 500 billion euro ($527 billion) infrastructure fund. If these programs are introduced, it's probable that their introductions will come soon. The current, outgoing government coalition has a better chance of securing the two-thirds majority in parliament required to pass them than any incoming political line-up. The go-to German company Even if only one of the measures passes into law, or if one or both survive in only diluted form, a company like Siemens stands to benefit handsomely. The company is active in both the defense and infrastructure segments, and as a German business of long standing, it is certain to win contracts in any program covering these fields. Dont miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then youll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a Double Down stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If youre worried youve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before its too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: The Utah Senate voted with the House on Thursday to partially reverse a 2019 criminal sentencing law that some Republicans said has made the state a magnet for illegal immigration. The bill, HB226, would remove impediments for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to immediately deport immigrants convicted of dangerous crimes, according to the bills proponents. But it would target immigrants who are otherwise legally present in the state, the bills critics said during a contentious floor debate on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By increasing the maximum jail time for certain class A misdemeanors back to 365 days from 364 days, HB226 would enable judges to trigger a federal policy that makes noncitizens regardless of residency status immediately deportable if they are convicted of crimes with a sentence of at least one year. Increased enforcement of this deportation policy under President Donald Trump appears broadly popular among Utahns, according to a new Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll. Do Utahns support the deportation of criminals? The poll, conducted in late February by HarrisX among 805 registered voters, found that 89% of Utahns, including 95% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats, support the deportation of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. who have committed crimes. A majority, or 57%, of Utah voters said they support the deportation of all unauthorized immigrants in the U.S., whether or not they committed a crime after entering the country, while 38% were opposed. DN-supportdeport The mass deportation of unauthorized immigrants was supported by 7 out of 10 Republicans and opposed by 7 out of 10 Democrats in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Survey data and immigration court filings suggest there are at least 145,000 unauthorized immigrants in Utah. The poll found that Utahns are much more hesitant to support the deportation of unauthorized immigrants when they consider their likely family connections. When asked whether there should be exceptions to deportation policies, 69% of Utahns said unauthorized immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens should be exempt, 45% said that unauthorized immigrant mothers of citizens should be exempt and 45% said unauthorized immigrants who are children under the age of 18 should be exempt. DN-deportexceptions While debating HB226, floor sponsor Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, and Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, disputed whether the bill marked a departure from the Utah Compact on Immigration, an agreement that immigration policy must promote the rule of law and avoid separating families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a huge policy change that I dont think matches what the Utah Compact said about Utah welcoming the world, Escamilla said. My biggest concern is, whats going to happen to a family that has been here they own property, a home, theyre working, theyre legally here. Should Utah law enforcement aid ICE with deportations? Central to Thursday mornings debate was whether HB226 violated the due process of legal immigrants by making them subject to immediate ICE deportation, while not changing the policy for immigrants who entered the country illegally and who are already eligible for deportation proceedings. Defenders of the bill made the case that if noncitizens are committing serious crimes then they should not remain in the country. I recognize as well that it does affect those that are legally here working but thats why we went and narrowed it like we did, Sen. Calvin Musselman, R-West Haven, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Riverton, would increase the maximum class A misdemeanor sentence to 365 days only for offenses against an individual, which include child abuse, sexual misconduct and threats against law enforcement. Pieruccis bill would codify law enforcement practices of coordinating with federal immigration authorities before releasing an unauthorized immigrant convicted of these crimes to ensure they are not returned to Utah communities after their sentence is complete. The Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll found that 80% of Utah voters, including 91% of Republicans and 54% of Democrats, think local law enforcement should help deport immigrants who have committed crimes in addition to crossing the border illegally. Another 56% said local law enforcement should help ICE deport immigrants who are in the country illegally, but who have committed no additional crime. This broader mandate was supported by 71% of Republicans and opposed by 71% of Democrats. DN-helpdeport In addition to outlining coordination requirements between police and ICE, HB226 would also require law enforcement to submit the immigration status of arrested individuals to courts and would give judges the presumption that individuals are considered a flight risk for bail if they are not lawfully present in the country. We know that federal policy is broken, McCay said. The question is, is there a way that we can take this magnet status away for illegal immigration to avoid some of the cost? DENVER (KDVR) A 15-year-old male high school student in Douglas County is now facing multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, after he allegedly brought a suspicious device in his backpack to school. The matter closed Ponderosa High School on Tuesday, March 4, and led to an evacuation of the building. Students were let back into the school at about 11:40 a.m. The juvenile was detained by law enforcement that evening. Denver police pursue suspect after shooting on Speer Boulevard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Douglas County Sheriffs Office said that after investigating, the device was found to be explosive, but detectives were waiting on final confirmation from the experts. On Thursday, the agency announced that a 15-year-old male was being held with no bond and deputies were recommending charges to the district attorneys office of: Attempted first-degree murder Possession, use or removal of explosives or incendiary devices Interference with staff, faculty or students of educational institutions The threat was reported through Safe2Tell, according to the Douglas County Sheriffs Office. James Allbee, a law enforcement procedural expert, told FOX31s Kasia Kerridge that the sheriffs office jumped into action quickly, and the Safe2Tell report potentially saved a lot of lives, noting a similar crisis in Golden earlier this week that ultimately was pinned on a cardboard prop gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This one obviously is a little more serious and something that required all the resources to be utilized that had already been implemented, which is great, Allbee said. Theres a reason why this is all set up, theres a reason we have Safe2Tells, theres a reason why we have school resource officers and other resources quickly available to law enforcement that allows and enables them to move quickly and to be able to prevent mass casualty type of situations. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Denver Field Division also responded to the threat, as did the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. The Douglas County School District shared a letter sent by Ponderosa High School Principal Ryan Hollingshead to the school community after the boys arrest and recommended charges were announced. The letter said that the sheriffs office determined there was no further concern to the school, and that counseling staff is available to support students who may need it. Our most important job is to keep everyone in our school safe, Hollingshead wrote. We cannot always share information as we are trying to make decisions quickly. Our students and staff did a great job on Tuesday following our protocol when evacuating the school and moving to a safe location, then reoccupying the building once DCSO determined it was safe to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hollingshead said he cant share any further information about the investigation, but said appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Always follow your instincts when you think you need to report something, he wrote. Im grateful and proud of the students who reported their concern in person and on Safe2Tell which allowed us to act quickly. Allbee called the device an improvised explosive device while speaking to Kerridge. With it being an improvised explosive device, an IED, these types of things are typically going to be homemade and are probably going to be able to get a search warrant for the house, and go through the web history and search history on computers and other devices to try to figure out exactly how this was manufactured, Allbee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, FOX31s Nicole Fierro spoke to Ponderosa High School students about the incident. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox We walk out to cop cars, like bomb squad, and then like, everyone was evacuated, Ponderosa High School junior Cooper Norman said. I think everyone was just freaked out. You know, this was crazy. It was a shock to everybody. Allbee called the incident heartbreaking. I think its heartbreaking for our community to see a 15-year-old, or any high school, junior high, elementary school student is that distraught with life that they think thats their only avenue to pursue, trying to create some mass casualty situation, Allbee said. Unfortunately hes gotten himself into something thats going to live with him the rest of his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ponderosa High School is in unincorporated Douglas County in a community called The Pinery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Originally appeared on E! Online Pope Francis health is showing some improvements. Nearly three weeks after being admitted to the hospital with double pneumonia, the pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church spoke publicly for the first time in an audio message expressing his gratitude for all the support hes received. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square, Pope Francis said in the March 6 voice note. I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One week before the audio message update, the 88-year-oldwho was in critical condition at the time after suffering an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen, per the Vaticanshared a written thank you to his supporters. "I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children," read the Feb. 23 post shared to his X (formerly Twitter) account. "Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!" More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after, Pope Francis shared another message, this time providing a glimmer of hope for his followers. "I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, as the #GospelOfTheDay suggests," the second post on his X read. "May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!" Pope Franciswho was elected in 2013has been prone to respiratory infections, having undergone surgery to remove part of one of his lungs in 1957 following a severe infection. In 2023, he spent another three days in a hospital undergoing treatment for pneumonia. And while his health has fluctuated over the years, the Vatican echoed the religious leaders hopeful sentiment, sharing that he has remained stable compared to previous days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement

#PopeFrancis sends audio message of thanks to people who are praying for his health. It was played at the beginning of the rosary in St. Peter's Square. pic.twitter.com/7CDbme1gni

Catholic News Service Rome (@CatholicNewsSvc) March 6, 2025
Again today, he has not experienced any episodes of respiratory insufficiency, read a March 6 statement from the church. Doctors are still maintaining a reserved prognosis. Given the stability of his clinical condition, the next medical bulletin will be issued on Saturday. And the Vatican added that Pope Francis improved condition had already allowed him to ease back into his work. Today, the Holy Father dedicated himself to some work activities in the morning and afternoon, alternating between rest and prayer, the Vatican stated. Before lunch, he received the Eucharist. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Good morning. Amid its turnaround push, Starbucks Corporation has poached one of the best CFOs in retail. The coffee house chain, (No. 116) in the Fortune 500, announced on Tuesday that Cathy R. Smith, currently CFO at retailer Nordstrom Inc., will succeed Rachel Ruggeri, finance chief since 2021, and an almost 20-year Starbucks veteran, who is leaving the company. Ruggeri's separation from the company is without cause, Starbucks said in an SEC filing, and she will stay on to assist with the transition. Smith will join Starbucks in the next month, CEO Brian Niccol said in a letter to Starbucks staff. In May 2023, Smith joined Nordstrom as finance chief, after working for health insurer Bright Health Group as CFO and chief administrative officer, which has since rebranded as NeueHealth Inc. Smith previously served as CFO of retailers Target Corp., Walmart International, and GameStop Corp. But now Niccol and Smith are tasked with returning Starbucks to its former glory. Niccols Back to Starbucks is a plan to counter falling sales and improve customer experiences. Cathy brings incredible knowledge and extensive experience in retail, global operations, and turnaround success, he said in Tuesdays letter. I asked Dan Su, an equity analyst for Morningstar, for his thoughts on Starbucks new hire. We see Smith as a strong finance leader to partner with CEO Brian Niccol and steer the coffee chain through turnaround efforts to revive store traffic growth and reinforce its competitive edge, Su told me. Its expected that Smith will leverage her experience as the CFO of large retail companies to help shape and implement investment strategies to fuel growth and long-term value creation, he said. Moreover, as Starbucks reviews its growth prospects in international markets, including in China where the firm is rumored to be evaluating refranchising options amid intense local competition, Smiths international experience could prove helpful, Su noted. From the lens of an executive search firm, I asked Tony Morales, vice chairman of N2Growth, why he thinks Smith was Starbucks boards top choice. Morales leads Fortune 500 CFO searches for the firm. Smith may be the singular most seasoned CFO with runway left in her career on the market today, Morales told me. For example, she roughly doubled Target's enterprise value in her tenure that started just after the sale of their pharmacy business to CVS, he said. But any board knows that Smith brings more than just retail experience, Morales said. She's led through every climate: the industry-defining merger of Centex and Pulte in 2009, the boom and bust of Bright Health, and just months ago landed a deal to take Nordstrom back to private ownership led by the Nordstrom family. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Trump Administration, along with Elon Musk, are calling for major cuts to the Social Security workforce. There is at least one Social Security office in Oklahoma that is on the list to close down, with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) calling for even more closures. The Director of AARP Oklahoma says they are in communication with the Trump Administration, asking specifics of what these cuts could look like, so they can inform Oklahomans as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social Security Administration could cut up to 50% of its workforce Our members and Oklahomans want to hear and make sure that Social Security is protected and saved not only for them, but their children, grandchildren, Sean Voskuhl, AARP Oklahoma State Director said. For more than 800,000 Oklahomans, Social Security is a lifeline. More than 22% of Oklahomans rely on Social Security as their primary source of retirement income, said Voskuhl. Massive cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA), proposed by the Trump Administration, are prompting a lot of questions. Is Social Security going to be fully funded? Are people going to get their payments on time? And will there be people, the Social Security Administration offices, to answer questions if people have them? asked Voskuhl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SSA says it expects to slash around 7,000 jobs, and added that there could also be abolishment of organizations and positions. Corie Colliton, with Senior Living, says theyve surveyed millions of Americans on Social Security about potential cuts. About 51% of Americans of all ages said that they thought the new Trump Administrations policies would have a negative impact on Social Security, and around 30% were hopeful for a positive change in the policies on Social Security, said Colliton. Stitt, Colorado governor issue statement on potential Medicaid cuts In his congressional address on Tuesday, President Trump claimed there was probable fraud in the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3.5 million people from ages 140 to 149. And money is being paid to many of them, said President Trump. However, the Social Security Administration stops payments to most people at age 115 and began doing so in 2015. Only about 89,000 people who are 99 and older received benefits as of last December. Democrats were quick to push back on the presidents claims. In order to pay for his plan, he very well could come after your retirement, said Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan). The Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits you worked your whole life to earn. The president claims he wont but Elon Musk just called Social Security the biggest Ponzi Scheme of all time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who see both sides point to the amount of recipients now, and how that number is only expected to grow. The baby boomer generation was the largest generation that our country had saw coming out of World War II, So, a lot of those people in this decade are reaching retirement age or will be over the retirement age. If nothing is done currently, benefits will be cut about 20% in about ten years, Voskuhl said. The last time any adjustments were made to Social Security, Ronald Reagan was president. Voskuhl says the only solution is for lawmakers to reach a bipartisan deal, just like they did in the 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They came together, Republicans and Democrats, and thats what were urging folks to do right now, said Voskuhl. The Social Security Administration also said Thursday that it is working to correct records of beneficiaries 100 years or older, and reiterated many of those people may not be receiving benefits. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump Thursday paused the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico that started earlier this week, with plans to restart them in April. Canada had threatened retaliating against U.S. tariffs with tariffs of their own, and in some provinces, pulling American alcohol off liquor market shelves. Totally unfortunate and really over the top, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. and Responsiblity.org Chris Swonger said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swonger says Americans like U.S.-made alcohol, but he says: They also relish and appreciate tequila, and you can only make tequila in Mexico, and you can only make Canadian whisky in Canada. According to the Council, in 2024 the U.S. imported more than $5 billion of tequila and more than $600 million of Canadian spirits. Swonger says he doesnt want to see U.S. spirits embroiled in a trade war. It would be of significant pain. Wed see significant export declines of American distilled spirits products to Canada and Mexico, and theyre one of our two or three largest markets, Swonger said. The president announced Thursday hes pausing the tariffs on most goods from Mexico and Canada covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would embrace that, Swonger said. President Trump wrote on Truth Social, I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum. He said Mexicos president is working with the U.S. to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigration. What hes calling on is to secure our borders to protect American families, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) said. Some Republicans in Congress have embraced tariffs as a negotiating tool. Congressman Troy Nehls (R-Texas) says its about fairness. Why are we letting countries take advantage of America? Nehls asked. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump pushed Elon Musk and Cabinet secretaries to be more careful in cuts to the federal workforce. He directed them to use a scalpel not a hatchet. I dont want to see a big cut where a lot of good people are cut, President Trump said. President Trump put Musk in charge of DOGE or the Department of Government Efficiency. Last month, Musk boasted about taking a chainsaw to the federal government. However, on Wednesday he got pushback in meetings with Congressional Republicans, and senators told Musk he needed to bring cuts to Congress for a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, President Trump says he wants his Senate confirmed Cabinet secretaries to take the lead. If they dont cut, then Elon will do the cutting, Trump said. Still, President Trump says hes committed to dismantling the Department of Education. I want to just do it. I mean, were starting the process, he said. He called for the departments work to be moved to other agencies in the federal government or back to the states. If they run their own education, theyre going to do a lot better than somebody sitting in Washington, D.C., Trump said. However, Democrats say that would hurt the most vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting rid of the Department of Education gets rid of, you know, services for disabled students, Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) said. The Department of Education distributes money for students with disabilities and to low-income schools. It also investigates civil rights complaints and administers student loans. The Department of Education says it doesnt determine school curriculum. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump indicated Thursday he may not push to end daylight saving time as Americans get ready to spring forward this weekend. Its a 50/50 issue. And if somethings a 50/50 issue, its hard to get excited about it, President Trump said from the Oval Office. I assume people would like to have more light later, but some people wanna have more light earlier because they dont want to take their kids to school in the dark. In December, he indicated that his party would get rid of the practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldnt! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation, he wrote. Setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall is intended to maximize daylight during the summer. President Trump emphasized that the public was evenly split on the issue. Its something I can do but a lot of people like it one way, a lot of people like it the other way, Trump said on Thursday. Its very even. And usually, I find when thats the case, what else do we have to do? There has been plenty of debate in the United States about the practice, including in Congress. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have discussed making daylight saving time permanent or getting rid of it altogether, but legislation has yet to pass both chambers of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) spoke on the floor about the benefits of making daylight saving time permanent at the federal level. Out of all the legislative efforts Ive been part of in my four years here in Congress, the thing I hear about the most from my people in Alabama is their desire to lock the clock, Sen. Tuberville said. Its a simple way we could positively impact the day-to-day life of all Americans. Tuberville is one of several lawmakers backing the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent. The bipartisan bill was reintroduced earlier this year. In the United States, every state except Hawaii and Arizona observes daylight saving time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Editors Note: This story has been updated to reflect that Freed was suspended without pay in July of 2022. WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A former principal has been found not guilty of the charges of sexual assault after being accused of having a relationship with a student. According to court officials, after a four-day trial, Roger Weaver Freed, of Cogan Station, was found not guilty on the following charges: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corruption of a minor School intercourse and sexual contact with a student Furnishing liquor to a minor Sexual assault Aggravated assault without consent As stated in the affidavit, in June 2022, the student informed police of a relationship with Freed, claiming it had turned sexual when they were a junior in high school and continued for seven years until April 2022. 28 dogs seized during animal fighting investigation Freed was a principal at Williamsport Area School District (WASD). When the allegations came out, the school district had suspended Freed from his position without pay. A spokesperson for the WASD stated the following to 28/22 News; The Williamsport Area School District acknowledges the courts decision to acquit former Williamsport Area High School principal Dr. Roger Freed of all charges. We recognize that this situation has been a long, difficult and emotional process to endure and has deeply affected many members of our school community. While the court has rendered its decision, the district must now complete its own internal review and due diligence in accordance with our established policies and procedures. At this time, Dr. Freed will not be returning to the district. This process ensures that we carefully and thoughtfully assess all relevant factors before making any final personnel decisions. Williamsport Area School District Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) Governor JB Pritzker thinks a new bill that bans cell phones in classrooms will help students succeed more in school. Pritzker was in Champaign on Thursday calling for a change. He said the devices are a big distraction and had stats to back it up. IL Governor addresses Trumps vision for Dept. of Education in Champaign Its imperative that our state set our young people up to achieve their full potential, Pritzker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Pew research study found more than 70% of high school teachers in the U.S. say cell phones are a major problem. Pritzkers plan to help fix the problem is a classroom cell phone ban bill. Most of them are just a distraction, said Centennial High School Teacher Mark Sikora. Sikora has been teaching social science at Champaigns Centennial High School for nearly 30 years. In that time, hes noticed a big shift in his students. Their brain just isnt firing where it should be, Sikora said. If theyre in that area on their phone, kind of swiping between apps and everything else. U of I students create website to track meal deals Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said its hard as a teacher to develop lesson plans that are more engaging than whats on a phone. Pritzker said Sikora is not the only one having a hard time. In conversations with educators from around the state, there is one thing most commonly cited as an impediment to classroom learning: cell phones, Pritzker said. Thats why hes supporting the classroom cell phone ban bill. It would require all Illinois school districts to have a policy limiting their use in classrooms, with certain exceptions. Laws like this one have already been passed in Florida, Indiana and five other states. Other independent evaluations have shown phones increase harm to social and mental health, foster academic dishonesty and create distractions during instruction, Pritzker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Champaign Unit 4 School District is already ahead of the curve. They make students keep phones in their pockets or backpacks when in class. The devices also must be either off or on silent and they cannot be used unless the teacher allows them to. Federal funding cuts impact Central Illinois food banks, farmers Youre never going to get 100%, Sikora said. The longtime teacher said hes had to get more creative in his approach to phone usage and discipline. He said this policy has made a difference in his classroom. Yeah. Without one? Absolutely, Sikora said. Pritzker emphasized that this bill will only cover time in the classroom, it will not stop kids from bringing their phones to school at all. Some of the exceptions include students who monitor health conditions through an app and students who are learning English. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The earliest the bill could take effect, if passed, is at the beginning of 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) A private lunar lander is no longer working after landing sideways in a crater near the moons south pole and its mission is over, officials said Friday. The news came less than 24 hours after the botched landing attempt by Texas-based Intuitive Machines. Launched last week, the lander named Athena missed its mark by more than 800 feet (250 meters) and ended up in a frigid crater, the company said in declaring it dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Athena managed to send back pictures confirming its position and activate a few experiments before going silent. NASA and other customers had packed the lander with tens of millions of dollars' worth of experiments including an ice drill, drone and pair of rovers to roam the unexplored terrain ahead of astronauts' planned arrival later this decade. It's unlikely Athena's batteries can be recharged given the way the lander's solar panels are pointed and the extreme cold in the crater. The mission has concluded and teams are continuing to assess the data collected throughout the mission, the company said in a statement. The bigger, four-wheeled rover never made it off the fallen lander, but data beamed back indicates it survived and could have driven away had everything gone well, said Lunar Outpost, the Colorado company that owns it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the second landing attempt for Intuitive Machines. The first, a year ago, also ended with a sideways landing, but the company was able to keep it going for longer than this time. Despite all the problems, the company's first lander managed to put the U.S. back on the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. Earlier in the week, another Texas company scored a successful landing under NASAs commercial lunar delivery program, intended to jumpstart business on the moon while preparing for astronauts' return. Firefly Aerospace put its Blue Ghost lander down in the far northern latitudes of the moons near side. Firefly CEO Jason Kim reported Friday that eight of the 10 NASA experiments on Blue Ghost already have met their mission objectives. It's expected to operate for another week until lunar daytime ends and solar power is no longer available. The south polar region of the moon is particularly difficult to reach and operate on given the harsh sun angles, limited communications with Earth and uncharted, rugged terrain. Athena's landing was the closest a spacecraft has come to the south pole, just 100 miles (160 kilometers) away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's where NASA is targeting for its first landing by astronauts since the 1960s and 1970s Apollo program, no earlier than 2027. The craters are believed to hold tons of frozen water that could be used by future crews to drink and turn into rocket fuel. Intuitive Machines has contracts with NASA for two more moon landing deliveries. The company said it will need to determine exactly what went wrong this time before launching the next mission. After the 15-foot (4.7-meter) Athena landed, controllers rushed to turn off some of the landers equipment to conserve power while trying to salvage what they could. In both landings by Intuitive Machines, problems arose at the last minute with the prime laser navigation system. Intuitive Machines' rocket-propelled drone, Grace, was supposed to hop across the lunar surface before jumping into a crater to look for frozen water. The two rovers from two other companies, one American and one Japanese, were going to scout around the area as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA's ice drill was activated before the lander's batteries died, but was unable to penetrate the lunar surface as planned, given the lander's prone position. Flight controllers did manage to rotate the drill to prove it worked, and a companion science instrument collected some data, NASA said. Several other mission objectives were accelerated, according to Intuitive Machines. NASA paid $62 million to Intuitive Machines to get its three experiments to the moon. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. A program to connect college students from urban and rural communities to learn about civic leadership will take place in Shoreview, St. Paul and Stillwater throughout next week. Hosted by St. Paul-based Civic Bridgers, the Campus Bridging Initiative will connect students from eight universities around the state and out-of-state for several days of programming. Students will learn about stereotypes, bridging divides, meet community leaders and take part in a cultural exchange, according to the organization. The program will be facilitated by Harry Boyte, former director of the Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship at Augsburg University, and democracy scholar Marie Strom, according to Civic Bridgers founder Libby Stegger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students will meet with civic leaders to learn about their roles and their work to address community challenges, according to Stegger. This will include Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski and Stillwater city council member Lindsay Belland, St. Paul city council president Rebecca Noecker and St. Paul city council member Cheniqua Johnson. The program will take place in Stillwater on Tuesday and in St. Paul on Wednesday. Student workshops will take place Thursday and Friday, with a final showcase and reflection on Friday. Applications are being accepted through Sunday. Free meals and hotel accommodations, plus a travel stipend, for students are provided. Civic Bridgers is funded in part by Minnesota Humanities Center, with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, as well as by the Laura Jane Musser Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information is available at civicbridgers.org/campus-bridging-initiative. Related Articles A couple comprised of two artists was found slain inside their Buffalo, N.Y., home on Tuesday, March 4. Michael "Mickey" Harmon, 40, and his partner Jordan Celotto, 37, were identified as the victims, acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon announced during a press conference on Wednesday. According to Deputy Buffalo Police Commissioner Patrick Overdorf, their bodies were found when officers arrived at the property after receiving a call about a "person with a knife." The 911 call was made by a friend who showed up at their home, concerned when one of them had not been to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Upon arrival, the officers did encounter a male with a knife. The male did drop the knife but only after cutting himself," said Overdorf. The 35-year-old man, whose name was not publicly revealed, was transported to the hospital, where he remained as of Wednesday, March 5, under police supervision. He is being considered a "person of interest." The bodies of Harmon and Celotto were found after officers did a subsequent search of the home. Overdorf said the medical examiner's office determined their cause of death to be blunt force trauma. While their death remains under investigation by the Buffalo Police homicide squad, Overdorf said "There is no indication at this point in the investigation that it is related to a hate crime. But obviously, we are early in the investigation and continue to investigate all leads." Council member Mitch Nowakowski, who said Harmon and Celotto had been "partners for quite some time," referred to them as his "personal friends" during the press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: What We Know About Chilling Case of Dismembered Students Found in Mexico Mickey Harmon/Instagram Michael "Mickey" Harmon Michael "Mickey" Harmon "As district council member and as a member of the LGBTQ community, there is nothing that suspects that this was a hate crime, so I want to put those tensions at ease," he said. "The larger Community does not have to be fearful that somebody that could be in connection of these homicides is at large." While taking questions from reporters, Scanlon said that authorities "don't have an answer" yet as to whether the person of interest had any connection to Harmon and Celotto. Nowakowski said Harmon was a "prolific artist" who had an art gallery that he owned with a few people called "The Pineapple" on Allen Street. He said art was the "mutual connection" between Harmon and Celotto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Suspect's Texts Reveal Possible Motive for Killing of Cal Fire Chief: 'I Hurt Her' Mickey Harmon/Instagram Jordan Celotto Jordan Celotto "Not only did they have to do different jobs to pay the bills, but they set performances and really garnered the artist community to work together," said Nowakowski, who they were also involved in various community events. Multiple community members have paid their respects online, including the Pride Center of Western New York, North Park Theatre, Elmwood Village Association, Remedy House and Explore Buffalo. 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. GoFundMe campaigns to help cover funeral costs for Harmon and to help Celotto's family have been set up by their loved ones. Read the original article on People Large numbers of people across Slovakia have again taken part in protests against the pro-Russian policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico. Source: AP, as reported by European Pravda Details: Organisers of the protests said crowds gathered in more than 40 cities across the country and abroad. The protesters called Fico a traitor and declared that "Slovakia is Europe". "Shame, shame," people chanted in Bratislava's Freedom Square. The protest in Bratislava. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: TSAR Fico, who survived an assassination attempt in May 2024, has faced calls for resignation due to his comments about Slovakia's future membership in the EU and NATO, as well as statements suggesting that Russia had security reasons for invading Ukraine. The protesters also condemned the recent pro-Russian activities of Fico's close associates. In particular, statements made by Erik Kalinak, who claimed that Slovakia "would finally have a reliable neighbour" if Russian forces captured Ukraine. Lubos Blaha, a prominent member of Fico's party, met this week with Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service. During one of his trips to Moscow, Blaha stated that "the West is losing and Russia is winning". Background: Fico's views on Russia sharply contrast with the European mainstream. He halted Slovakia's military aid to Ukraine, criticised EU sanctions against Russia and promised to block Ukraine's NATO membership. He called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy an enemy after Ukraine ceased the supply of Russian gas to Slovakia and some other European consumers. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! On Monday, amid a measles outbreak, a bird-flu epidemic, and a disturbing report of poor safety precautions at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a surprising new area of focus for his agency: fighting anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitismlike racismis a spiritual and moral malady that sickens societies and kills people with lethalities comparable to historys most deadly plagues, he wrote on X, linking to a Department of Health and Human Services press release. In it, the Trump administration accuses Columbia University of ongoing inaction in the face of relentless harassment of Jewish students. It is more accurate to say that Columbia has reacted to anti-Semitism in ways that some find insufficient and others find excessive, but regardless, HHS, along with the Department of Education and the General Services Administration, is undertaking a comprehensive review of Columbias $51.4 million in federal contracts and $5 billion in federal grant commitments. In Kennedys telling, censorship and false narratives of woke cancel culture have transformed our great universities into greenhouses for this deadly and virulent pestilence. I hate anti-Semitism. Columbia has struggled to protect both the Title VI rights of its Jewish students and the free-speech rights of its Palestine-aligned activists. And federal bureaucrats in the Department of Education who enforce civil-rights laws arguably have an obligation to monitor campuses that get federal funds to ensure that both of those rights are adequately protected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Michael Powell: The unreality of Columbias liberated zone] Public-health officials, however, neednt get near debates about campus anti-Semitism. They are charged with stopping literal plagues and pestilence, and perhaps with mitigating chronic illnesses at scale, not with eradicating social ills that they metaphorically liken to a disease. Watching Americas highest-ranking health official opine on an issue so far beyond his ambit reminds me of an infamous moment from the coronavirus pandemic: when public-health workers signed a letter stating that, despite months of vilifying in-person gatherings, they were now encouraging mass assemblies to protest the killing of George Floyd. As public health advocates, their open letter stated, we do not condemn these gatherings as risky for COVID-19 transmission. We support them as vital to the national public health and to the threatened health specifically of Black people. Like many Americans, I objected: I hate police abuses too, but public-health workers, who have no expertise in policing or activism, shouldve stayed in their lane. Anytime public-health officials veer into matters beyond their core expertise, they risk undermining their most sound, scientifically grounded pronouncements. Officials on the left and right have spent years stretching the meaning of public-health emergency to include things as varied as vaping, racism, and campus sexual assault. In recent months, officials have invoked the concept to include immigration at the U.S. border and a lack of affordable housing in Little Rock, Arkansas. These issues might be tangentially related to health or, as in the case of vaping, might have an effect on public health over time and warrant some interventionstudies of lung health, say, or addiction-prevention programs. But they dont qualify as acute public-health emergencies. In a 2021 essay arguing for a more scrupulousand sensibleapproach, Lindsay F. Wiley, who leads the health law and policy program at UCLAs law school, argued that the designation public-health emergency should be reserved for a demonstrated threat of a serious communicable disease with epidemic potentialone that is believed to be caused by a novel or previously controlled infectious agent that is readily transmissible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Shadi Hamid: Race-based rationing is realand dangerous] Health officials should apply a similar restraint to their nonemergency work. Its true that some acts of bigotry can cause stress in victims, and that chronic stress can have cumulative health consequences. But HHS sensibly refrains from policing the many other stressors that college students might experiencefinal exams, romantic breakupsand it shouldnt make exceptions for stressors that are morally repugnant. Kennedy is right that anti-Semitismlike racismis a spiritual and moral malady. But its awfulness does not imply that HHS should fight it any more than cancers awfulness implies that civil-rights bureaucrats at the Department of Education should spend part of their workday shrinking tumors. Institutions are optimized for their own mission. The widespread demand, circa 2020, that schools, businesses, and more reorient themselves as centers of anti-racist activism produced only ineffectual statements and dysfunction. Enlisting the nations health department to fight anti-Semitism is a similarly flawed proposition. If HHS in particular gets even a little worse at pandemic preparedness due to its work on campus life, people could die. Meanwhile, the health secretary should be advocating for grants and contracts that help fight disease; pulling such funding for reasons unrelated to their efficacy would be a setback for Americans health. Researchers at Columbia have made formidable discoveries on health matters as diverse as stomach cancer, tumor-targeting vaccines, and how to treat hereditary breast cancer, and they run clinical research trials on most diseases you could name. Members of Congress, Department of Education bureaucrats, Jewish civil-society organizations, plaintiffs lawyers, and more are all pressuring Columbia in various ways to address campus anti-Semitism. America in general benefits from institutions and people who fight anti-Semitism. But this does not require the participation of leaders who should be busy fighting disease and death. Article originally published at The Atlantic LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- A 62-year-old Pulaski County woman has been missing for almost five months. Her family said they are growing more concerned as each day passes. Theresa Chwastek of Roland was last seen in early November. I just got a really bad gut feeling. I called my grandma and uncle, who both live on the property, and said, can someone just go over there, Chwasteks daughter Crystal Baker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pulaski County family asking for help in finding loved who has been missing for more than a week The family determined that the last time they had seen her was Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. At the time, she was walking the family property back toward her home. When they went to check, Chwastek was not there. They then called the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office and filed a missing persons report on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Baker then hopped on a flight back home and hoped for the best. This isnt like her; she is a very, very kind, warm, and just super generous person, Baker said. Family of 95-year-old missing Mountain Home woman reacts to authorities finding her car Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baker left to head back to Georgia, feeling left in the dark about what had happened to her mom. As of today, there have been no new developments on the active case. We have gotten some leads, thats really about it, nothing has really panned out, Baker said. Its hard to stay positive but we are trying as best we can. Anyone with information or a sighting of Chwastek is urged to contact the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. MOSCOW (Reuters) - The speaker of Russia's lower house of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, said on Friday that Britain would have to return Moscow money that London had decided to illegally gift to Ukraine to fund Kyiv's military. Volodin, an ally of President Vladimir Putin, was speaking after Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Ukraine had received a first tranche of funds worth about $1 billion from Britain, secured by the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. "England's transfer of funds belonging to Russia to Ukraine is a gross violation of international law. They will have to give back to Russia what they are now so generously giving away," Volodin said, according to parliament's press service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This will undermine confidence in Britain's financial system forever, because what happened destroys the principle of the inviolability of property, on which the entire global financial system is based." (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Andrew Osborn) Bakeries across the Quad Cities are continuing to push through the ongoing egg shortage and price increase. If the bird population is having a problem, then, ya know, we are having a bigger problem as a whole we feel like, said Brandon Carleton, a baker at Blue Spruce General Store in downtown Davenport. We kind of just take it in stride and kind of understand that things are going to fluctuate. Carleton estimated that nearly 75% of Blue Spruce General Stores baked goods include eggs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You gog to order eggs, got to have them to do a lot of what we do, Carleton said. We carry local eggs from a farm out in Orion, and even those eggs we have a very hard time getting those in because they are in such high demand right now. For Addie Corby, owner of Little Sweets Cake Design in Milan, Illinois, she and her staff are getting ready for their busiest time of the year, wedding season, and how egg prices could impact them. I feel like every week [eggs are] going up another dollar, Corby said. For weddings, they are still booking weddings, but they are changing the amount that they are ordering, or the size of the cake to fit their budget, too. So thats been hurting everybody, all wedding vendors, not just us. Corby said she offers quote prices early in the year, and that the cost of supplies can affect that. Shes found a cost-effective substitute to traditional eggs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do use the liquid egg whites in the carton a lot, though, Corby said. Those have not increased in price as much, so I use that in about half of our recipes. For Blue Spruce General Store, the plan moving forward is to not raise its prices. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Deborah Goddard is shown in the Rhode Island Senate chamber on March 6, 2025, after her confirmation as secretary of the Department of Housing. She had been acting secretary since Dec. 2, 2024. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) Deborah Goddard can officially and permanently lead the department shes headed for the last three months, the Rhode Island Senate affirmed in a vote on Thursday. The Senates confirmation was unanimous by those in attendance, with 32 votes in favor of letting Goddard direct the states Department of Housing. Sen. Robert Britto, an East Providence Democrat, abstained from the vote because he works for design and construction for RIHousing where the secretary of housing serves as chair of the board of directors. Gov. Dan McKee appointed Goddard last November to be the fourth leader in three years at the department established in June 2022, succeeding interim director Daniel Connors who replaced Stefan Pryor in July. Goddard has served in an acting capacity since Dec. 2, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rhode Island Housing website still listed Pryor as its chair as of Thursday. Five senators were absent Thursday, including Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who was recently hospitalized with pneumonia. Also absent were Democratic Sens. Victoria Gu of Westerly and Lammis Vargas of Cranston and Republicans Sen. Elaine Morgan of Hopkinton and Thomas Paolino of Lincoln. In his motion to move for advice and consent, Sen. Jacob Bissaillon, a Providence Democrat, called Goddard the ideal candidate to permanently lead the agency responsible for housing, homelessness, and community development. She has made housing and public policy her lifes work, Bissaillon said. And Ill note that Secretary Goddard has more experience in housing than her three male predecessors combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goddard brings more than 40 years of private and public-sector housing experience to Rhode Island, having previously oversaw public housing projects in Massachusetts and New York City. She also served as a consultant to the Rhode Island Department of Housing under the states first housing secretary, Joshua Saal, who resigned in January 2023 after about a year on the job. And she wants to continue that work and commitment here in Rhode Island, Bissaillon. Bissaillon also lauded Goddard for charting a bold course for the housing department since taking on the job in December. He highlighted a report submitted at the end of 2024 to reorganize the department in order to streamline housing governance across the state, along with her commitment to see the state permit 15,000 new homes by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not just a vision for the state, it is a road map reversing the course of Rhode Islands housing crisis, Bissaillon said. Goddard has also received praise from housing advocates, which Sen. Tiara Mack, a Providence Democrat, cited before casting her vote in favor. Her colleagues say that she listens, she learns, she listens, and builds consensus, Mack said. As we continue to build the department in its capacity, its leadership must have a vision, a track record, and a necessary approach for success Secretary Goddard is that leader. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The Rochester City School District has named a new Superintendent Dr. Eric Rosser, the Board of Education voted in a meeting Thursday. Rosser most recently served as the Superintendent of the Poughkeepsie City School District. Within his more than 24 years of experience, Rosser was an Associate Superintendent of Buffalo public schools and also worked with schools in Atlanta and Washington D.C. where he led reform efforts and developed strategic initiatives that resulted in improvements in student achievement and district performance, according to RCSD. In a 4-2 vote, the Rochester City School District Board of Education votes in Dr. Eric Rosser as superintendent of RCSD. @News_8 pic.twitter.com/8MdG4x132X Gio Battaglia (@giobattaglia_) March 6, 2025 I firmly believe that a strong partnership between school, home, and the community is essential to ensuring that every Rochester child has access to high-quality education experiences. I am committed to working alongside the entire community to turn this vision into a reality for every student in the Rochester City School District, Rosser stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout his career, Dr. Rosser has dedicated his time to designing and implementing transformative strategies that drive student success, improve instrumental outcomes, and support educators across districts. Dr. Rossers leadership aligns with the districts ongoing commitment to excellence, equity, and student success. The Board of Education invites students, families, educators, and community members to join in welcoming him to Rochester and supporting his vision for the district, statement from RCSD reads. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. It may not feel like the end of winter is near, but, rest assured, spring is just around the corner, even in South Dakota. In March, millions of Americans turn their clocks forward, marking the start of daylight saving time in 2025. The controversial practice of "springing forward" and "falling back" has been observed in most states for decades. Under the current daylight saving period, most Americans lose an hour of sleep on the second Sunday of March and gain an hour on the first Sunday of November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ballotpedia, there was a referendum to get rid of daylight saving time on the November 1968 ballot in South Dakota. The Referendum was known as the South Dakota Daylight Saving Time Referendum, also known as Referendum 1. The ballot was defeated. If passed, South Dakota would not have had to daylight saving time. Another bill that would have altered the way South Dakotans observed daylight savings time, which was defeated, was on the table last year as well. Here's what to know about the annual practice and why we observe it. In March, millions of Americans will turn their clocks forward, marking the start of daylight saving time in 2025. When does daylight saving time start in 2025? Daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the spring, participating states turn clocks forward one hour on the second Sunday of March, causing us to spring forward and lose an hour of sleep. When does daylight saving time end in 2025? Clocks "fall back" on Sunday, Nov. 2. Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday of November each year. Is it daylight saving time now? No, daylight saving time ended Nov. 3, 2024, and will not start again until March. When daylight saving time ends, clocks are set back one hour to standard time. Why do we lose an hour in March? We spring forward, losing an hour, in March to add more hours of daylight in summer evenings. Which states don't have daylight saving time? Hawaii and parts of Arizona do not participate in daylight saving time. The Navajo Nation which spans across Arizona, Utah and New Mexico does observe the time change, making it the lone participant in Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands do not observe daylight saving time. What's the point of daylight saving time? Daylight saving time was introduced in the United States in 1918 with the Standard Time Act, which was meant to lower fuel costs during the First World War. The law also established a standard time and allowed the federal government to create five time zones. The government stopped observing daylight saving time after World War I ended but reimplemented it during World War II. Congress decided to make daylight saving time permanent for two years from 1973 to 1975, extending the hours of daily sunlight year-round to conserve energy during the oil embargo crisis. However, the law was repealed in 1974 for being unpopular and ineffective. In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, standardizing the length of daylight saving time. The dates we use to observe daylight saving time today starting on the second Sunday of March and ending on the first Sunday of November were established in 2005 when Congress amended the Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time saves energy, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime. Is it daylight savings time or daylight saving time? While it's common to hear "daylight savings" with an "s," the correct term is "daylight saving time," since the practice saves daylight. Is daylight saving time ending permanently? Not yet. According to The Arizona Republic, there have been discussions about abolishing the semiannual time changes, and President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk and others support it. But any permanent change would require congressional approval. While several states have passed bills to establish year-round daylight saving time, any changes require federal action. Until the Uniform Time Act is repealed or a new federal bill is passed, the time changes will still occur in 2025. Is Ohio considering getting rid of daylight savings time? No state can adopt permanent daylight saving time unless the U.S. Congress passes a law to authorize it first, USA TODAY reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Ohio's House State and Local Government Committee passed House Concurrent Resolution 7 in October 2023, urging Congress to enact the Sunshine Uniformity Act. This act would make daylight saving time permanent and end the bi-annual tradition of changing the clocks. State representatives Rodney Creech, R-West Alexandria, and Bob Peterson, R-Sabina, sponsored the bill. Under this resolution, passed by the Ohio House, switching to permanent daylight saving time would increase the hours of sunlight in the evenings during the winter months, which helps combat mental health issues, Creech said. The bill was adopted by the House and referred to a Senate committee in December 2023. What states are considering getting rid of daylight saving time? Ohio is one of at least 30 states considering legislation related to daylight saving time as of 2024. Here are the other states that are considering getting rid of daylight saving time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaska California Georgia Idaho Indiana Illinois Kentucky Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi New Jersey New York North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Washington Contributing: Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic. Alice Mannette, USA Today Network. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Spring forward: When daylight saving time starts in South Dakota President Donald Trumps efforts to significantly restrict immigration have extended the presence of immigration enforcement officers to schools, churches and hospitals. The administration is also rolling back funding for organizations that provide services for immigrants, as well as states and cities with legal protections. These policies have raised the risks that immigration restrictions and limited abortion access present to the health and well-being of pregnant undocumented people. As a result, people in fear of deportation may avoid hospitals when they face pregnancy complications, or they may attempt to move to another state with protections for reproductive care, which could further put them in the crosshairs of immigration or law enforcement officials. The 19th spoke to Paula Avila-Guillen, a Colombian human rights lawyer and executive director at the Womens Equality Center, about the intersections between abortion access and immigration, the effect of the second Trump administration so far and how national abortion groups can elevate the perspectives of immigrants. Her group, which is based in New York, focuses on supporting reproductive justice work and messaging in Latin America and the Caribbean work that also affects people in the United States. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Candice Norwood: Its been almost three years since federal abortion protections were overturned. What are some of the ways that you have seen state abortion restrictions affecting undocumented pregnant people? Paula Avila-Guillen: There are multiple layers. We are already seeing data thats coming out of Texas that there is a spike in sepsis, which is a condition that starts creating an infection in your entire body and is one of the main causes of maternal mortality across the world. Sepsis is something that unfortunately we see often in countries that have total abortion bans and significant restrictions. So, one consequence is death from sepsis, or maybe you dont die, but you can develop other health issues because you are afraid to go to the doctor for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then theres the threat of family separation. Most people who have abortions have children already, so if you are in a situation where you are forced to go to a hospital because of pregnancy complications, and if the hospital happens to have an immigration officer, you might get deported and your family is separated. In other cases, you might not be able to access abortion and could be afraid to order abortion pills online because you think that will reveal your immigration status. Your only solution might be to travel out of the state to be able to get that care. But you might not have a drivers license if you are undocumented and live in a state with strict immigration laws, so you might not be able to drive or take a plane. If youre lucky enough that you have a community that helps you to leave the state, you are also going to have economic and legal consequences of having to travel undocumented and find another job in another state. Were finding a lot of immigrants right now are relocating, going from very hostile states to states that might be more welcoming, but there are all these extra barriers if you dont have proper documents. Theres been a lot of discussion about government surveillance as it relates to reproductive care. How is the monitoring we see in the criminal legal system converging with patients health care when it comes to undocumented people? This is something we are seeing a big shift with in the Trump administration. The moment that the Trump administration is allowing immigration officers to enter hospitals, to enter health care centers, the administration is immediately converting emergency waiting rooms into possible interrogation rooms. This is something that is going to make a person who is already afraid and doesnt have documents to not seek health care. Paula Avila-Guillen (Courtesy Womens Equality Center) Something we have seen in the case of El Salvador, which has a total abortion ban, is that at one point there were over 165 women in prison, the large majority because of miscarriages. At the moment that they were being interrogated by a cop in the hospital bed, they were not giving the perfect answers to the police and therefore, immediately that made them suspects. The police opened a case that didnt allow the women to go anywhere. They would go from the hospital to prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, for immigrants in the United States who fear this, the response is Well, I am not going to seek health care because the risk is I may be deported and separated from my family. In 2017 there were court battles over the Trump administrations attempt to restrict abortion access for pregnant people in federal custody. Do you know if the current administration has made any changes to how it will treat pregnant people who are detained? I dont have any specifics on that, but regardless of whether theres a policy or not, because of the level of pressure that the administration is putting onto ICE agents in terms of numbers, I am certain that the reality is that theyre going to do whatever is necessary to reach a quota. They have a certain number of people they want to detain per day. Theres a lot of talk about President Obama detaining a lot of people, but the narrative that was coming out at the time was not a narrative that was necessarily anti-immigrant. It was not a narrative to say that immigrants were bad people, that we needed to take them out of this country, that immigrants are the reason why the economy is not working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That narrative from the Trump administration makes a big shift because it creates the hostile conditions in which abuse usually happens, abuse by officers who feel encouraged and protected by the administration to do whatever they think is necessary to fulfill their needs. But it also creates a level of fear that brings immigrants to say, I am not going to a hospital right now. I also think its relevant to highlight that with the [attempted] cuts of U.S. aid and all the funding in Latin America and Africa, what theyre going to do is theyre going to create an exacerbation of migration. And if thats the case, I imagine that a number of those migrants could be pregnant. As scary as the journey across the border could be, many women try to travel pregnant because there is a belief that if they are pregnant they will avoid being raped. This is one of those tales sold to immigrant people. Theres also the thought that if you have a baby in the United States then the baby is going to be a citizen, right? So that adds an extra layer. Are there any other things you are going to be paying attention to during the Trump administration when it comes to immigration policies and reproductive rights? One is that even people who are undocumented have different levels of privilege depending on where they live. And I think that thats going to have a direct impact on those who live in some states versus others, and thats going to cause a bit of internal migration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another thing is that abortion access right now is popular across public opinion polls and support has increased. That is not the case for immigration. So I think its important for us as an abortion movement, as a reproductive justice movement, to work alongside our immigrant communities and use our voices to highlight how these policies are having a disproportionate impact on immigrant communities. I think that the movement has a duty to use its growing popularity to also advocate for those who maybe dont feel in the same situation. The post The reality of navigating immigration enforcement and abortion bans as a pregnant migrant appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. A bill banning public sector collective bargaining was one of the most controversial bills of the 2025 session, but the bill sponsor, Rep. Jordan Teuscher shared that this bill has been a work in progress for years. HB267 was signed by Gov. Spencer Cox on Feb. 14, and last week Teuscher, R-South Jordan, had an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal which described what his negotiations with public labor unions, specifically the Utah Education Association, looked like. After the op-ed ran, Teuscher offered context and background on HB267 and his thoughts on public labor unions to the Deseret News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the op-ed, Teuscher specifically called out certain actions of the Utah Education Association, one of the biggest advocates against HB267. He said the union went back on promises made and was difficult to work with. In response to what Teuscher wrote, the UEA told the Deseret News they disagreed with Teuschers characterizations of the negotiations, adding they didnt make the promises he said they did. What led to HB267 Teuscher said the path to introducing HB267 started after he worked with the UEA and other unions while running a bill on curriculum transparency in schools. During that time he said he recognized issues with the public labor unions that he wanted to address. As I dived into it, learned more about how collective bargaining worked and how you have some districts that have 25% of members of the union that get to speak for 100% of everyone, and they have this monopoly in collective bargaining, I thought, this is wrong, Teuscher said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 2023 session, he introduced HB241, which focused on the financial side of public labor unions. Teuscher said he introduced that bill late in the session to gauge reactions and to see how he could move forward with similar legislation in the future. Teuscher returned in 2024 with HB285, which addressed collective bargaining as well as payroll deductions. It had the recertification provision in it that said, in order to collective bargain, you have to have at least 50% of the members of the employee class be members of the union, Teuscher said. Chelsie Acosta, Salt Lake Education Association vice president, cheers with other educators and union members in opposition to HB267: Public Sector Labor Union Amendments, at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Many unions were against the bill. Teuscher said he had the votes to pass the bill a year ago but after feedback from stakeholders and conversations with leadership, he decided to pull the bill as a measure of good faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with negotiations for pulling HB285, Teuscher said the UEA agreed to stay neutral on Amendment A a constitutional amendment that would have expanded how the income tax could be used and he believed collaboration would be better than confrontation. We were wrong. The moment the legislative session ended, the UEA reneged. Not only did it oppose the amendment, it also filed a lawsuit to remove it from the November ballot. The union exploited our good faith, Teuscher wrote for The Wall Street Journal. In a statement to the Deseret News the UEA said they never agreed to be neutral on Amendment A. Over the interim, he worked on preparing a new bill focused on public labor unions and collective bargaining, which became HB267. Teuscher said he told the unions he would be putting together a new bill for 2025, but that it had nothing to do with Amendment A and what happened in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said one reason he chose to address public sector collective bargaining completely with HB267 is because he heard from teachers who said that even with unions who have a majority of employees as members, there were still people who werent able to have their voices heard. He said he also decided during the interim that he didnt believe he could work well with the UEA. Ive tried working with the UEA. ...It doesnt get me anywhere. Theyre not a good faith actor. We saw what they did at the end of the session. They made promises during the session on Amendment A and completely reneged on that promise, Teuscher said. In the statement sent to the Deseret News the UEA responded to claims made by Teuscher in his Wall Street Journal piece. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was disheartening to see Rep. Jordan Teuscher use a national platform to misrepresent the Utah Education Associations (UEA) positions on Constitutional Amendment A and the 2025 labor bill. Utahns deserve honest discussions, not misleading claims that attempt to undermine those who serve our communities every day, read the statement from the UEA. As the bill made its way through the Legislature, some referred to HB267 as Teuschers revenge bill against the UEA. But, Teuscher said, Ive been working on this issue for a really long time, and trying to get the right policy in place. Just because theyve been a bad actor isnt the reason that were running this bill now. What the negotiations over HB267 looked like When HB267 was first introduced at the start of the session there was immediate backlash. Hundreds of public employees opposed to the bill filled multiple overflow rooms. Other lawmakers said they had heard more about HB267 from their constituents than any other bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of this reaction, Teuscher said he worked with the unions to try to come to a compromise. The original version of the bill completely banned collective bargaining, and after negotiations, Teuscher published a substitute to the bill that would allow collective bargaining if a majority of employees were members of the bargaining unit. You know, no one worked harder to try to get to that compromise. And I truly believe that. I mean, how many meetings, late night meetings we had with labor unions in this room trying to get to somewhere or phone calls or whatever, Teuscher said. When the substitute was first decided on, Teuscher said he had eight major public labor unions in the state neutral on the bill, but then after the substitute was introduced some of the unions took back their support. He said he heard some of them reneged because their national parent organizations asked them to. The bill was sitting in the Senate while Teuscher and others were working towards a compromise. After the compromise did not work out, the Senate decided to go ahead and pass the original version of the bill to completely ban public sector collective bargaining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UEA told the Deseret News that they believe they honored their commitment to be neutral on the changes made to HB267. Teuschers message to the Republican Party In his interview with the Deseret News, Teuscher expressed concern that the Republican Party is becoming friendlier with public sector unions, referencing Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, working on legislation to expand unions powers and the Teamsters speaking at the Republican Convention. This concern is what led him write the piece for The Wall Street Journal. Im like, guys, this is not the direction that we should be going as a party, and so I felt like it was important to share that message nationally, Teuscher said. What does HB267 do? HB267 will prohibit public sector collective bargaining. Collective bargaining is when an employer and a union come together to negotiate a contract for employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also provides professional liability insurance that teachers would be able to opt into. Teuscher also submitted a Request for Appropriations that would give the state government the option to pay for part of these insurance policies for teachers. Now that the bill has been signed it will go into effect on July 1, 2025. What it doesnt do is it doesnt affect the relationship between any employer or employee in the state that wants to identify with a union, join a union, pay union dues, participate in a union, do union activity, Teuscher said. (WTAJ) As clocks spring forward this weekend, the American Red Cross is reminding residents to check a critical safety device in their homes: smoke alarms. Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 9, and the Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms when they turn their clocks forward. Properly working alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half, according to the organization. Over the past year, Red Cross volunteers responded to more than 1,500 home fires in Pennsylvania, assisting over 6,100 people. Nationwide, home fires make up the majority of the 65,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents are advised to install smoke alarms on every level of their home and inside bedrooms, replace alarms older than 10 years, and practice a two-minute home fire escape plan with all household members. The Red Cross also provides free smoke alarms and installation assistance to those in need through its Home Fire Campaign. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. For more information or to request assistance, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/GreaterPA. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, and the American Red Cross is urging everyone to test their smoke alarms as they set their clocks forward. According to the disaster relief organization, having working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by half. When you adjust your clocks, take the time to test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if necessary. Fire damages two homes in north Wichita Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every second counts when theres a home fire. The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can reach a safer place, Shannon Wedge, Executive Director of the Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Kansas, said in a news release. According to the release, in the past three months, local volunteers helped 233 people affected by 81 home fires in the South Central and Southeast Kansas Chapter area. The Red Cross offered the following safety tips: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Ensure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes. Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbors home or a landmark, like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for help. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. STILLWATER A member of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents said Friday the kernels that led to an Oklahoma State University internal audit which appears to have led to former President Kayse Shrums surprise resignation were planted in June with a whistleblowers tip from an OSU employee. Regent Jennifer Callahan, who led a regents task force investigating governance issues at OSU, spoke with reporters after a regularly scheduled board meeting, two days after the audit, which OSU said showed misspending by the OSU Innovation Foundation of money that was legislatively appropriated for other purposes. Callahan said the audit speaks for itself as far as who bore responsibility for what happened and that the Innovation Foundation is working on it right now to reimburse the entities to which the money originally had been appropriated. What to know about the OSU audit findings Among the findings of the audit were that the university did not properly account for $41 million in legislatively appropriated funds between July 1, 2022, through Jan. 15, 2025, a time during which Shrum was serving as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scope of the audit was limited to an amount of about $55.5 million for fiscal years 2023 to 2025, and sought to try and understand the specific restrictions and intended uses of the appropriated funds. It did not include all legislative appropriations during that time. In investigating the alleged misspending, Callahan said, The system worked board oversight, independent internal audit functions, independent external audit functions, as well as state laws that were in place to manage this, all showed that the system worked. According to the audits executive summary, the $41 million in funds were not properly restricted and in some instances were co-mingled with other funds, leading to expenditures that were not aligned with the restricted purposes. The improper handling of funds, the audit said, included unauthorized transfers to the OSU Innovation Foundation, one of Shrums favored projects, which was rebranded in 2023 from its former name, the Oklahoma State University Research Foundation. Such actions in some cases violated state laws and policies, thereby posing financial and reputational risks to the institution, the audit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be the first to know: Sign up for breaking news email alerts Callahan said the university is willing to work with other state agencies, including the state auditors office, if its determined that will fulfill the regents goal of transparency. The report speaks specifically to the state laws that were violated, Callahan said. There are specific relations as it relates to, if you want to call them auxiliary or affiliated entities. There is a heightened level of scrutiny, and I think for good reason, that when taxpayer dollars are transferred to an entity, that even if its a 501(c)3 (nonprofit), its a private entity. Former Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum has disputed the findings of an internal audit that showed alleged misspending of legislatively appropriated funds at OSU. Kayse Shrum disputes findings of OSU audits Shrum hasnt responded to multiple messages left by The Oklahoman since her resignation, but in a statement issued to the Tulsa World, she disputed the findings of the audit, saying regents and attorneys were aware of the transfers of money between entities and did not raise any concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do not have any knowledge that any laws were broken," Shrum told the newspaper. "To my knowledge, absolutely nothing was done that was wrong or inappropriate. My training is as a physician, I am not a lawyer, and I relied upon the same legal advice that the Board of Regents were given. There is absolutely no money missing. No state money has been taken. All of the money is still in OSU accounts and was spent on delivering education and research per the mission of the university." Asked for a response, Callahan said, Youd probably have to see what was actually communicated to the regents before you decide responsibility. Callahan apparently spearheaded the investigation after the Oklahoma Senate confirmed her to a seat on the OSU/A&M board in July. She joined the board about a month after the initial whistleblower complaint, she said, and was briefed in August about the issue. At the same time, she said, she was asked to replace a former regent on the board of the Innovation Foundation. Callahan, an attorney, said she observed an August meeting of the Innovation Foundation board and became concerned about its governance structure and its failure to comply with the Open Meeting Act. She said that due to her concerns, she never formally attended a meeting as a board member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, she received a briefing concerning the issues with spending of state funds and soon formed a Governance Task Force with two other regents, Joe Hall and Chris Franklin. That task force found serious issues and eventually presented the findings during an executive session during a January meeting, after which Callahan made a motion to freeze funds associated with the Innovation Foundation, which passed unanimously. Shrum officially resigned from OSU on Feb. 2, but OSU officials kept the situation so secret the regents didnt officially announce Shrums resignation until two days later, neglecting to give a heads-up to key state higher education officials, including Chancellor Sean Burrage and Dennis Casey, the chair of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Less than a week after Shrum resigned, regents named Jim Hess as OSUs interim president. Board Chair Jimmy Harrel opened the OSU portion of Fridays meeting by expressing the boards confidence in Hess. Later in the meeting, the board approved an annual salary for Hess of $650,000. Harrel said the board would determine the timeline for the OSU presidential search at a later date. What the audit found about the Innovation Foundation According to its website, the Innovation Foundation's mission is to maximize the impact of OSUs excellence in aerospace and advanced mobility, energy, agriculture, and One Health by translating innovative applied research into products and services, facilitating strong partnerships with aligned industry and regional partners, and investing in the development of emerging companies all for the benefit of society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A key finding in the audit was the Innovation Foundation lacked independent funding and is not operating with financial independence and has inappropriately utilized legislative appropriations intended for OSU. The audit found the foundation relied on inappropriately transferred legislatively appropriated funds intended for OSU special projects to support 96% of (its) operating costs. Callahan confirmed that number Friday. More: What is OSU's Innovation Foundation? Funding in spotlight as Kayse Shrum, another resigns The Innovation Foundations executive director, Elizabeth Pollard, resigned soon after Shrum. Pollard told the Tulsa World, The Innovation Foundation followed University policy and procedures, including financial reporting into University systems. Asked how much responsibility Pollard had in the situation, Callahan paused a moment before responding, We know what her title was, right? I think, again, the audit report speaks for itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audit also found that between 2023 and 2025, $55.5 million in legislatively appropriated funds from the OSU Medical Authority were not fully presented to the OSU/A&M regents board for budgetary approval, something required by both the board and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The audit said $41 million of that amount had been transferred from the Medical Authority to OSU. It also said OSU transferred $11.5 million in legislatively appropriated funds to the Innovation Foundation money provided through OSUMA and intended for the University. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Regent: OSU audit on alleged misspending sparked by employee complaint The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District Inc. and its partner agencies in Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie and Lewis counties will host a "dynamic in-person opportunity to network, explore, and invest in brownfield rebirth," according to a news release from the agency. The fourth annual Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit will be held April 29-30 at Herkimer College in Herkimer. This years summit will feature a keynote address from Spencer Levy, global client strategist and senior economic advisor at CBRE, who will provide insights into real estate investment and redevelopment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Brownfields Developer Summit continues to be a driving force in the transformation of underutilized properties into vibrant economic assets, said Stephen Smith, executive director of MVEDD. We are thrilled to welcome Spencer Levy as our keynote speaker and look forward to another impactful event. According to the release, regional organizations of the Mohawk Valley area "have joined forces through a grassroots movement aimed at improving communities." Since the inaugural summit, the event has seen growth and the Mohawk Valley Region has seen a range of economic development and funding opportunities, including state Downtown Revitalization Initiatives, NY Forward and Brownfield Opportunity Areas being awarded across the region. Workforce development resources have been channeled through Brownfield Job Training by the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Oneida, and Madison Counties through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funding, and the newest NYS ON-RAMP center on the Mohawk Valley Community College campus in Utica. Visit https://mvedd.org/brownfield-event to register for the event, check out prioritized sites and join this years summit. Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, speaks in favor of reversing the state school board's decision to cap enrollment in a controversial virtual school, March 6, 2025. (LRC Public Information) FRANKFORT A bill that began as relief for Kentucky schools from weather-related closings was transformed by the Senate Thursday into relief for a controversial virtual school. After the Senate overhauled House Bill 241, its sponsor, Rep. Timmy Truett, an elementary school principal, said he would recommend that the House now kill it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kentucky Board of Education recently limited enrollment at the Kentucky Virtual School based out of the Cloverport Independent Schools in response to concerns about poor student performance and failure to meet staffing requirements. The bill that emerged from the Republican-controlled Senate Thursday on a 23-14 vote would block the Department of Education from enforcing the enrollment cap on the privately-operated virtual school which has students statewide. Some Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the bill. Supporters of the virtual school attached their provision to a bill described by Senate President Pro Tem David Givens as vitally important for school districts affected by recent flooding. Rep. Timmy Truett, R-McKee (LRC Public Information) State law requires districts to provide 170 student attendance days. The original bill would allow districts to have five of the required days waived and to lengthen the school day. It also granted them additional days in which students could be taught at home via virtual learning. Some schools in Eastern Kentucky have yet to reopen following floods in mid-February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Thursday morning committee meeting, language from Senate Bill 268 was added to the House bill. Truett, R-McKee, told senators it was the first time he had seen the new version of his legislation. This bill started off as a really good bill for all the districts in the state of Kentucky, especially the districts in Eastern Kentucky where I live, Truett said. But you can take a good bill and make it bad. And Im afraid that with the amendment that may be on this bill that I would have to encourage my colleagues to be against this bill. The move could mean the bill doesnt pass at all this session, Truett warned. Concerns about the Kentucky Virtual School have been reported by the Louisville Courier Journal and Lexington Herald-Leader, which highlighted numerous accusations and lawsuits raised against Stride, a for-profit company that has a contract to run the virtual academy. While it serves students across the state through online instruction, the academy is attached to Cloverport Independent Schools in Breckinridge County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the media reports, the school has rapidly increased its enrollment over the past two years but state education officials say it has failed to meet staff and testing requirements. The Kentucky Board of Education recently took action to limit enrollment through a new statewide policy. Senators debated not only the contents of the bill, but the legislative process behind it, for more than an hour Thursday afternoon. Democrats futilely attempted to argue the bill was out of order under Senate rules because it had emerged from the committee just hours earlier with significant changes. Sen. Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, questioned the process by which a House bill was transformed. (LRC Public Information) Democratic Caucus Chair Sen. Reggie Thomas, of Lexington, cited the newspapers reports on the floor and emphasized the legislation is a matter of public interest. The public, I feel, does have a right to know about what were about to do, Thomas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, who was the original sponsor of the bill revoking the enrollment cap on the virtual school, cited emotional testimony from parents of students enrolled at the academy. What I heard from parents made one thing very clear this decision (to cap enrollment) was made without fully considering the impact on students and families who had built their education around this model. To me, thats not right. Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, said she disagreed with the original House bill providing schools with additional options for making up days lost to weather. (LRC Public Information) Truett heard some of the Senate debate, watching from the side of the chamber. While he was present, Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, said that she wasnt happy with Truetts original bill, but was supportive of Reeds bill, and added that her family used Strides curriculum for homeschooling in the past. Im going to encourage the House sponsor to support this bill, because House Bill 241 didnt change the way that I want to see it change, she said before voting in favor of the bill. Tichenor had filed four floor amendments to the original version of the bill. Truett quickly left after the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Givens said he was a supporter of the new language and also supports the original provisions for making up school days missed because of weather. This door provides relief for those districts, he said. This is vitally important that we do this. The House must concur with the Senates version of HB 241. Its not the first time in recent sessions a bill has been drastically changed in one chamber. Last year, the House overhauled Senate Bill 6, which became a bill to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. The measure died at the end of the session because the Senate and House couldnt agree. The Cloverport districts superintendent, Keith Haynes, said in an email to the Kentucky Lantern that while he couldnt speak to the merits of the legislative process, he was supportive of the contents of SB 268 as it affords us the opportunity to continue operating and improving the Kentucky Virtual Academy, which has provided so many students and families with the kind of school environment that best suits them. Our experience with Stride has been great, Haynes added. They have been highly professional and laser focused on ensuring that KYVA is the kind of school that all involved can be proud of. This is on you, my Republican friends. For years I listened to your passionate commitments to freedom and democracy. I made hundreds of commercials laced with the iconography of the robust patriotism of America as the last, best hope. I watched you tear up to Ronald Reagan demanding, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall. I heard your Kiwanis club speeches, your high school commencement speeches, always proclaiming without a hint of doubt that America was the leader of the free world. I was there. I heard you. And you lied. Not just any typical politicians mendacity about cutting taxes or reducing the deficit. You lied about what it meant to be an American. You lied about being patriots, for no patriot would stand quietly by and allow America to become a Russian ally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America executed the Rosenbergs for far less. Their crime was helping the Soviet Union acquire a nuclear weapon, which was an inevitability. You inherited the legacy of the Greatest Generation only to ally with a mass-murdering tyrant invading a European democracy. That was not inevitable. It was unthinkable. I know you. I know your vanities, your need for approval, your desperate craving to be accepted by your tribe. Today you take comfort that almost all of you have remained silent in the Great Betrayal. This is the mentality of the mob. You know you are doing something morally grotesque, but you look around and convince yourself that it cant be that bad if your peers are with you. But its worse. Cowardice is contagious, just as is courage. Many of you have fathers or grandfathers who left their homes for Europe to fight and die in places they never knew existed and couldnt pronounce. They did it because they knew that if a bully goes unchallenged, he will only become more vicious. They did it because the sight of women and children slaughtered by a genocidal dictator made them want to fight, not look away. They did it because they were Americans, and America is more than a place on the map with a flag. They did it because they were driven by a basic sense of decency and fairness that you buried deep within your focused-group souls because acknowledging it fills you with shame. Like spoiled children, you have squandered this legacy, forgetting the blood and sacrifice that forged the greatest gift one generation can pass to another: freedom. I know what you are telling each other because its what you tell me when I engage in the self-flagellation of asking, Why? Why are you doing this? Your defense is that the American people voted for Trump, and while you dont agree with the United States joining a reconfigured Warsaw Pact, its Trumps decision, not yours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is like a murderer claiming he didnt kill his victim, the bullet did; I just pulled the trigger. It is the most childish of get-out-of-moral-crisis cards. You campaigned for Trump knowing he was elected in 2016 with the help of the Russians. Marco Rubio knows that, because he was chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee investigation that included specific intelligence reporting to support the assessment that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and the Russian government demonstrated a preference for candidate Trump. But there Marco sits in the Oval Office, never looking more little, nodding dutifully when an American president delivers for Vladimir Putin in ways not even the most optimistic Russian intelligence officer could have imagined. I was part of the Republican Party when we attacked Michael Dukakis for inadequately expressing outrage when CNNs Bernard Shaw asked him in a 1988 presidential debate, Governor, if Kitty Dukakis were raped and murdered, would you favor an irrevocable death penalty for the killer? Yours is the same party that now nods and smiles while Donald Trump rapes the Statue of Liberty and murders Americas moral standing in the world. These Republicans are giddy over control of the House, Senate, White House, and Supreme Court. So were the Prussian aristocrats who supported Hitler in 1938. Expecting them to stumble over some red line that will move them to choose America over Donald Trump is like believing that noted chef Jeffrey Dahmer planned to open a vegan restaurant. Once you continue to support a man who mobilized a mob to break into your workplace to kill you and your colleagues, what line is left to cross? Will Donald Trumps position on the Law of the Sea Treaty finally be enough to stir your conscience? What will happen to this Worst Generation of Republican elected officials? Id like to think they will be around to see the evil of their weakness destroy their careers, just as the German industrialists who grew fat on Hitlers war machine saw their empires in ruins. Alas, most will probably stumble along and, when Trump is gone, plead for heroic status for their behind-the-scenes efforts to blunt the worst of Trumps madness. If it wasnt for me, the battle for Greenland would have been far more bloody. But I doubt they can escape historys judgment of their weakness. The victors write history, and while American political evil looks like a booming growth stock, betting against America has always proven foolhardy. In the meantime, let us not pretend that those who have failed this moment are still good men and women. They are about the business of committing one of the most despicable acts of public perfidy in modern history. Their lack of shame should only shame them more. Hold them accountable. If not all traitors, they are betrayers of a sacred trust. Do not forget, do not forgive. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) Kayla Hamilton never graduated from Norview High School, but that never stopped her from dreaming of a future that would include a decent job, a nice car and an apartment large enough for her, her boyfriend and her treasured JoJo Siwa merchandise collection. After a heart-to-heart talk with her mother, Hamilton, at 19, packed her bags and said goodbye to her family and the strangely comforting sounds of frequent jet noise near the worlds largest naval base. She had experience in retail and warehouse operations and she hoped her work history in Hampton Roads would look impressive on job applications in larger cities near Aberdeen, Maryland. Hamilton and her boyfriend settled in a single room in a trailer home. The owner rented rooms to others, including a teenager from El Salvador. Hamiltons mother, Tammy Nobles, would call or text daily just to check on her only daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 24, 2022, Kayla Hamilton celebrated her 20th birthday in Aberdeen. Her mother sent well wishes via Facebook. Nobles read the message to 10 on Your Side in a recent interview. Happy birthday, baby girl. I am so proud of the woman that you were becoming. I hope you have a great day. Facebook message from July 24, 2022 My baby girl did not know that her life was going to be ending three days later while she was sleeping, Nobles said. On July 27, Hamilton was killed by a fellow tenant from El Salvador who had entered the United States months earlier. He broke into her room, Nobles said. And of course, it woke her up. She was sleeping in her bed and woke up, grabbing her phone and dialed her boyfriend. Hamiltons last phone call went to voicemail while her boyfriend was at his place of employment, where phones were not allowed inside the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The voicemail, I never listen to it, but it was two minutes and 30 seconds long of him struggling, Nobles said. It showed a struggle. And him strangling her in her last moments. Nobles has shared details of those last moments with national newscasters and a talk show personality. She said her tearful interview with 10 On Your Side was the first for a news organization in Kaylas hometown. Three days [after her birthday], while she was sleeping, that monster broke into her room and strangled her, Nobles said. And Kayla fought for her life that day, and she fought hard because of all the defensive wounds she had on her. And an open phone line captured those tragic last moments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a struggle going on, Nobles said, and her boyfriend didnt answer the phone because it was in the truck because he was working and it was caught on voice mail. And then after he [fellow tenant] killed her, he sexually assaulted her and just left her on the floor like trash and robbed her of $6, and then went to lunch with his half-brother and to Walmart and Target and bought a couple of earrings. Before her daughter died, Nobles was not politically involved in the U.S. immigration debate, saying, I thought they were doing the right thing and checking and vetting those that are coming here. Walter Javier Martinez Attorneys for Nobles said the killer, Walter Javier Martinez, 16, was a known MS-13 gang member and confessed to killing Hamilton. Martinez was arrested in Edgewood, Maryland on Jan. 15, 2023. Aberdeen police determined Martinez was an undocumented immigrant. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 70 years behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobles testified last September before the House Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security and Enforcement, saying the then-Biden administration was not putting American citizens safety first while putting her own daughters life at risk by allowing a known gang member into the country. HHRG-118-JU00-Wstate-NoblesT-20240910-U5Download The first bill President Trump signed in his second term, the Laken Riley Act, mandates the federal detention of illegal immigrants who are accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer and any crime that causes death or serious bodily injury. In a first, Nobles is suing the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services for wrongful death. The suit cites negligence and flagrant failures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Svanorof1pr25030617330Download The lawsuit alleges that, had agents at the border simply lifted Martinezs shirt, they would have seen MS-13 gang tattoos. The lawsuit maintains that Martinez would have been denied entry and Hamilton would be alive today. The lawsuit also states that the Department of Health and Human Services allowed Martinez to roam the country until he murdered Hamilton. Nobles is seeking $100 million in damages for the death of her daughter, whose remains were laid to rest near loved ones at Rosewood Memorial Park in Virginia Beach. Nobles said she will not rest until justice for Kayla is served. She has established a GoFundMe to help with legal and other expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No parent should ever have to go through what I have, Nobles said. Thats why Im making a change so no parent will have to go through what Im going through. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The House voted to censure Rep. Al Green (D-Texas.) after he interrupted President Donald Trump during his joint address to Congress. Ten Democrats joined Republicans in voting to condemn him. Oh, deep in my heart, Green, joined by other Democrats, sang the civil rights anthem We Shall Overcome moments after the House formally censured him. The yeas are 224. The nays are 198, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson ordered Green to be escorted out of the chamber after he interrupted President Trumps speech. I was prepared to suffer the consequences, Green said in a one-on-one interview. Green said he protested over concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid but does not regret his actions. It is important for some of us to take a stand for people who dont have the health insurance we have, he said. Ten Democrats voted with Republicans to censure Green, but he said he was not disappointed, as he encouraged lawmakers to vote freely. What I have done was a question of conscience for me. Vote your conscience, Green said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) who shouted You lie! during President Barack Obamas 2009 address and was reprimanded, said respect should be shown to the president. I had a town hall moment. That, indeed, I apologized for. And the president accepted, Wilson said. If people intentionally disrupt a presidential speech, that is just wrong. Since then, more interruptions have occurred, though not all resulted in punishment. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas.) expressed outrage, pointing to past instances. We know that. Weve seen Marjorie yell at Joe Biden. There was no outrage. None. So there shouldnt be any outrage today, Crockett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the House Freedom Caucus are now pushing to strip Green of his committee assignments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Green told reporters afterward that it was worth disrupting Trumps address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol on Tuesday. - Photo: Win McNamee/Pool Photo (AP) Welp, its time to add to the long list of politicians taking a stand against President Donald J. Trump. Texas Rep. Al Green sent off groaning boos from republicans and mild cheers from democrats following a shocking demonstration at the Capitol last night (March 4). - Phenix S Halley Read More Photo: Andrew Harnik (Getty Images) If its one thing to know about President Donald J. Trump its that you can never really predict what will come out of his mouth. But with the president set to address Congress for the first time tonight, The Root is prepping for any unexpected madness. - Phenix S Halley Read More Photo: Andrew Harnik (Getty Images) The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, has wreaked havoc ever since forming under President Donald Trumps second presidential term. The agencys extensive layoffs within the federal government had have damning consequences. - Candace McDuffie Read More Candace Owens - Photo: Getty Images (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative commentator Candace Owens has spent years spewing inflammatory rhetoric. From essentially blaming George Floyd for his own death to labeling Black Lives Matter a terrorist organization to befriending Kanye West and endorsing his antisemitic mumblings, the pundit knows what keeps her name in headlines. - Candace McDuffie Read More Photo: WAFB Last month, Southern University student Caleb Wilson tragically died after an off-campus fraternity event. Wilson was just 20 years old at the time of his death. It was initially reported that he suddenly collapsed but now, a local Louisiana news outlet has reported a shocking development in the case. - Candace McDuffie Read More Photo: Win McNamee (Getty Images) Weve all heard it before: President Donald Trumps second term is all about completing his mandate, and to his credit, hes off to a pretty good start. From enacting mass deportations and signing executive orders to undo constitutional rights all the way down to gutting DEI at the federal level and firing thousands of vetted employees, things seem to be working in his favor, and they have been since he first launched his 2016 bid for presidency. - Phenix S Halley Read More Photo: Andrew Harnik (Getty Images) Once upon a time, the mere mention of war with the United States could throw the entire world into chaos. But now, the threat of war has found a comfortable place in the everyday lives of Americans as President Donald J. Trump continues to dangle his power over anyone, including our closest allies, that even thinks about questioning him. - Phenix S Halley Read More Photo: Arturo Holmes (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Houston Mayor and U.S. Texas Rep. Sylvester Turner has died at the age of 70. According to his Instagram, Turner was inside the Capitol just before President Donald Trump took the stage for his first joint address to Congress. - Phenix S Halley Read More kinjavideo-197496 Bakari Sellers Talks To The Root On Why Elon Musk and His Doings Should Worry America kinjavideo-197493 Tatsha Robertson, The Roots Editor-In-Chief, asks the Texas Congresswoman should Black people protest or focus on our own families and communities? For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., is seen while visiting small businesses after at a news conference in Bellevue, Pa., on August 29, 2023. Credit - Tom WilliamsCQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox. Rep. Chris Deluzio, a 40-year-old Iraq war veteran and father of four, has represented Pittsburgh's northwest suburbs since 2023. Pegged as one of the most vulnerable incumbents in a quintessential swing state last year, Deluzio defied a red wave that swept out fellow House Democrats and outran Kamala Harris across his district. Part of a new generation of frontline Democrats, Deluzio talked to TIME about where his party went wrong with his voters and how to win them back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Why did Democrats do so badly last year, and what needs to change? I think there's a tendency for Democrats to always want this 'win-win' framing. But sometimes there's a villain, and you got to take them on. I think a lot of the Democrats who over-performed and won in tough places like the Rust Belt, we know how to take on a fight. We know how to take on a bad guy. I also think that you've got to be principally seen and spend your time worrying about jobs and people's pay and health care, economic issues. And I think folks see too many Democrats as not caring principally about the economy. And that's a mistake. I want our party to be fighting like hell for people's economic dignity, for jobs, for housing, for health care, for cost of living. That's got to be front and center for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My version of that in Western Pennsylvania is I want to make more stuff in America. I want to have solid union jobs. I'm not a guy who's afraid to say, sometimes tariffs make sense. Sometimes they're crazy, the way the President has approached tariffs. Tariffs have to be part of a broader industrial policy, but let's make stuff in America. Let's have solid union jobs in the mill towns that I represent. All of that goes into an economic populism that should be grounded in patriotism, and that's where the party ought to go. I want to focus on a word you just used: principally. Because Harris was talking a lot about economic policy, particularly in Pennsylvania. And it didnt seem to land with people. People did not seem to see her candidacy as principally about that. So how can Democrats execute on this, when they're talking about the economy but voters don't seem to be hearing them? It's got to be front and center to what we're doing. And it is not to say that we should be selling out people to defend their dignity and civil rights. Absolutely not. But we have to be principally seen as fighting on those economic issues, and it comes to repetition. What bills are we pushing? What are you hearing from us? What are you seeing us talk about when we're in our districts, at home and we're in Washington? What kinds of messaging fights are we taking on? It is a choice to say you prioritize the concerns of people who work hard, whether they're at a hospital, a school, a steel mill, or a coffee shop. It is a choice to say that work has dignity. And so I just think it's an emphasis. A lot of Democrats in places like the Rust Belt get this and have done this, but we got to have a cohesive party. I think it's got to be front and center. So what policies should Democrats unite around to put these economic issues front and center? I'll give you the PRO Act as an example, which is maybe the top priority of organized labor. And I think nearly every House Democrat co-sponsors it, but that should be front and center for us, right? And yes, the PRO Act matters, but so does an industrial policy is going to bring jobs back home. Part of that is trade enforcement. Part of that is tariffs. Part of that is incentivizing companies to make stuff in America. So Senator Fetterman and I have this Make Stuff Here agenda that is a mix of all those things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I talk to people in my district. They'd like a tax cut. They'd like our government to not betray the promises of Medicare and Social Security. They don't think Medicaid should get slashed to funnel money to robber barons and huge corporations. That's all very popular, and by the way, it's good policy. And you also layer in anti-monopoly work. Our main streets should have small businesses that are people in our community who aren't getting crushed by big corporate monopolies. All of those are pieces of a far more you can call it populist if you want economic program that is about workers, that's about communities, about small business, and would be better for growth. Why did so many voters you represent vote for you and Trump? I turned 40 over the summer. My generation and people younger than us have essentially lived in America where the idea that you'd be better off than your parents isn't backed up by evidence anymore. We've seen governmentfor decades, across both partiesfail in that regard, and there's a distrust of institutions in government because of that. I talk about the American dream, because people who are younger than me have a hard time thinking that that's just going to happen for them. And the evidence suggests that it might not, it probably wont, and thats a problem. I think you [need to have] candidates who you see as saying that's a problem, but also being willing to talk about who the bad guys are. For me, it's the Wall Street-driven corporate mindset that outsourced our jobs, that push for bad trade deals, that gouges people, that crushes unions, that kills small businesses. That's a big villain that I talk about all the time. President Trump has his other villains. I don't agree with him most of the time. But people saw him as [being willing] to shake things up. He's shaking things up in a dangerous way, as I think we're seeing right now. But it doesn't surprise me that some people who see our government having failed across decades to deliver on the basic bargain of the American Dream are willing to look at candidates who will shake things up. Why is it that Republicans have become the party of the working class when theyre also the party that's more hostile to organized labor, more cozy with big donors, and pushes tax cuts for billionaires? I think the coziness in both parties with corporate America and Wall Street is a very real problem, and I think on the Democratic side led to an unwillingness to call out the kind of trickle-down economics and outsourcing and anti-worker, anti-small business stuff that so much of the traditional Republican Party has been defined by. If you don't call out the villain there, then you're not seen as fighting against that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm in western Pennsylvania and steel country, and we certainly saw a lot of manufacturing and steel jobs go away because of lousy trade deals. People hear tariffs and they think, correctly, 'Hey, it's a tool that we should use to stand up for American workers and industry.' Yet I hear so many in my party reflexively, because Donald Trump is talking about tariffs, then say, Oh, it must be bad, and I think that's a mistake. Using tariffs in a strategic way as part of industrial policy and as part of trade enforcement absolutely can be patriotic. Whats one big policy idea that isnt at the center of the Democratic agenda right now but should be? Corruption. I have not been so animated about Elon Musk as a person. I don't care that he's a rich guy. I care that he's a walking conflict of interest to his massive contracts with the federal government. I think that's corrupt. I think members of Congress trading stocks when we have access to unbelievably sensitive information is corrupt. I think there's a lot of distrust from our government that comes from corruption. I think battling corruption should be a pretty central part of what we do, and I think it ties into that point I led with, that we have to be fighters. It's not fighting in the abstract. It's fighting for our people, against those who are going to hurt them. Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the D.C. Brief newsletter. Write to Charlotte Alter at charlotte.alter@time.com. Mar. 6WASHINGTON Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Republican from Central Washington, introduced the resolution to rebuke a Texas congressman who was removed from the House chamber after repeatedly interrupting President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress earlier in the week. The House of Representatives voted 224 to 198 on Thursday in support of the resolution. Ten Democrats joined all Republicans to pass a resolution to censure Rep. Al Green, a 77-year-old Democrat from Houston who brandished his cane while shouting at Trump, "You don't have a mandate to cut Medicaid," as the president boasted about his election victory. Newhouse, a Republican from Sunnyside who called for "respect for each other and respect for the responsibility that each one of us has been given." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are the building blocks, the most important facets of our system, that truly separate us the United States of America from the rest of the world," Newhouse said on Wednesday. "Checking our emotion, checking our energy, checking our rhetoric and prioritizing decency between each other sends the message not only to our colleagues, but to the rest of the country and to the rest of the world that we are working for the people and not against each other." Over his decade in Congress, Newhouse has built a reputation as a staunch conservative on issues like taxation, abortion and gun regulations who nevertheless has good relationships with many Democrats. His commitment to civility led him to vote in January 2021 to impeach Trump for inciting the Capitol riot. Of the 10 House Republicans who voted for impeachment, Newhouse is one of just two who remain in Congress. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who represents southwestern Washington, was among the 10 House Democrats who voted to censure Green on Thursday. In a statement posted on X, she described her decision as a straightforward one. "When you knowingly break House rules, as Rep. Green did, it shouldn't be surprising to face consequences," she wrote on the social media platform. "Congress should respect the co-equal office of the Presidency, regardless of who holds the job, do our constitutional duty, and stop with the theatrics at these events." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's joint address on Tuesday was a raucous scene, with Republicans jumping in the air, pumping their fists and whooping as the president touted his administration's actions in a nearly 100-minute speech that resembled a campaign rally. Democrats, meanwhile, held small signs and shouted their objections throughout the televised event. High-profile GOP lawmakers like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia who wore a pro-Trump hat during the address, in violation of House rules had taken to interrupting State of the Union addresses delivered by former President Joe Biden, but Tuesday's spectacle was unlike any speech delivered to a joint session of the House and Senate. Unlike past interrupters, Green, the Texas congressman, refused to sit down or stop shouting and was eventually removed by security at the direction of House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. "We must maintain a standard in the House of Representatives, and any member's refusal to adhere to the speaker's direction to cease such behavior regardless of their political party, regardless of who's at the lectern giving a speech this has to and must continue to be reprimanded," Newhouse said on Wednesday. "We cannot afford to let it go by. Mr. Speaker, we can do better. Mr. Speaker, we must do better for ourselves, for the institution and for the people that sent us here." Orion Donovan Smith's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor. Chinese artificial intelligence firm Manus AI launched a general AI agent, Manus, on Thursday, and it quickly went viral on social media, with many referring to it as "the second disruptor after DeepSeek" and calling it "the GPT moment" for AI agents. AI agents are autonomous intelligent systems performing specific tasks without human intervention. Manus said that based on the GAIA Benchmark, a standard for general AI assistants, its tool has achieved state-of-the-art performance across all three difficulty levels, surpassing OpenAI's models. "This isn't just another chatbot or workflow tool," said Ji Yichao, co-founder and chief scientist at Manus AI. "It's a truly autonomous agent that bridges the gap between conception and execution." "Where other AI stop at generating ideas, Manus delivers results," he said, adding that the team has been quietly building what it believes is the next evolution in AI. As of Thursday, the so-called Manus invitation codes were being resold for nearly 100,000 yuan$13,797on the second-hand trading platform Xianyu. According to database firm Tianyancha, Manus' founder, Xiao Hong, established the company in 2015 but exited as a shareholder in December 2024. Following his departure, shareholders including Tencent's venture capital firm increased their registered capital contributions. Additionally, Monica.im, the operator Manus, and a related company linked to tech firm Beijing Butterfly Effect Technology Co Ltd secured a seeding round of investment from ZhenFund in July 2022. Industry experts believed that the significance of the Manus ecosystem strategy lies in introducing a new business model to the industrybuilding a general AI agent ecosystem. This could emerge as the second-largest AI application scenario after AI-powered search. Tech sector consultancy and research firm Gartner reported in January 2024 that 21 percent of enterprises had already integrated AI agents into their production workflows. By 2026, this figure is projected to exceed 80 percent. The News Heres the reality facing President Donald Trumps tax and border agenda: Senate Republicans could take a month or more before even beginning to advance his party-line megabill dealing with tax cuts and national security. Though the House approved a budget setting up Trumps one big, beautiful bill late last month, the Senate may not take it up until mid-April or beyond, according to interviews with multiple Republican senators and aides. Senators say theyre not slow-walking it but they want a blueprint for what theyre ultimately hoping to achieve before moving forward. And lots of tough decisions remain: whether expiring tax cuts need to be paid for, whether Republicans can try to lift the debt ceiling as part of the bill, how deep to cut spending and how to accommodate Trumps proposed new tax breaks on tips, overtime and Social Security. Senate Republicans need 50 or more votes to take up the Houses budget, and theyll only go to the floor when they know they have those votes secured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That clearly hasnt happened yet. We need to have the framework first. My suggestion is we take the House budget and we do a red-line strikeout and figure out what we need to get to 51 votes, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a former party whip, told Semafor. People are just sort of brainstorming about what theyd like to see in it. But theres some practical constraints on that, which is: How do you get to 51? Trump wants quick action, of course, an outcome that the partys slim House and Senate majorities arent quite prepared to accommodate. The president is calling for urgent border security funding, with his administration warning of an imminent funding crunch. The Senate originally plotted to send him that border money first and then turn to tax. The Houses February breakthrough on its budget derailed that plan for most senators, at least. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should do it now. In about three weeks theyre going to run out of money. If you do a year-long CR, theres no money for the wall, theres no money for additional bed space. And ICE gets cut, said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the Budget Committee chair. Most other Republicans think that one huge bill is the only viable approach at this point. After the House and Senate agree on a budget vision, theyd then turn to the task of writing the legislation to enact its priorities. That will take even more time. By delaying another round of budget votes until theres more clarity on the still-unwritten tax-and-border bill, Senate Republicans can preserve the option of passing a border and defense bill without tax cuts. They could still do that if Trump decides to shift gears and say Hey, lets get that Senate bill passed now and get it into place, as Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., put it this week. Know More Until Trump flashes that impatience, though, senators have little choice but to plunge ahead and try to marry their views with the Houses. Whatever the Senate passes will differ from the House, meaning Speaker Mike Johnsons threadbare majority will have to endure yet another difficult unity test after the Senate acts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were still hashing through what we think we have to have in the Senate, said Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D. We need to know going in that weve got the support for it. Some Republicans think that the debt ceiling must be removed from the House budget in order to get it through the Senate, on top of revisions to more easily make the 2017 tax cuts permanent. But if you talk to Republicans, they appear short of an agreement on both of those issues. Hoeven said that I dont think we have a timeline yet because we havent figured out the exact package. And Republicans are currently focused on avoiding a government shutdown by March 14. They may have to pivot to the debt ceiling in the spring if the party-line debate over Trumps agenda keeps dragging out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked when the Senate might take its next budgetary steps, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said hopefully, before Easter. We have to have a pretty good idea of what we want to have in it before we actually go to the floor if were going to change the House approach, said Capito, the No. 4 GOP leader. This will come together. Because it has to. I dont think well have a second bite at this apple. Notable The debt ceiling might need to be raised in just two months, according to Bloomberg. The Congressional Budget Office found that House Republicans would need to cut Medicaid or Medicare to hit their spending targets. Republican lawmakers are starting to urge President Trump to reverse his decisions to pause U.S. military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, warning that a prolonged stoppage of U.S. help for the war effort would have a seriously detrimental effect. They acknowledge Trump has the right to temporarily halt weapons shipments to Ukraine to assess the war, pressure NATO allies to step up their contributions and to create a window to negotiate a peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. But they warn that stopping the flow of weapons and munitions to Ukraine for too long could have a devastating effect on Ukraines warfighting ability, which would undercut its leverage in talks with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And GOP lawmakers say that sharing intelligence should resume immediately, wondering what the United States has to gain from depriving Ukraine from critical battlefield intelligence. Its a concern for the Ukrainian people. I worry more about how people on the battlefield feel about it, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a leading advocate for supporting Ukraine, said of the pause on U.S. military shipments. Tillis warned the pause in aid, which was announced Monday, could be helpful to Putin. I think its bad optics, he said. I know its hard for the people in Ukraine. I was just there two weeks ago, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillis said Ukraine has enough weapons and munitions to hold the front line for now but expressed his hope that the pause in military aid wouldnt last long. He said hes OK with a pause as long as its a short-term negotiation tactic. Im hoping and praying that its short-lived, he said. I think it will be. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she opposed the stoppage of military aid. I do not think we should be pausing our efforts. Its the Ukrainians who are shedding blood, she said, calling the current moment a critical time for Ukraine. Some Republican senators expressed shock Thursday over Trumps statement that he would make a decision on revoking the temporary legal status for an estimated 240,000 Ukrainians living in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Republican senator who requested anonymity called the threat to deport thousands of Ukrainian refugees excessively punitive. Weve given them everything from jobs to housing until they get legal status and now revoke legal status? the lawmaker asked incredulously. The moves to limit assistance to Ukraine and Ukrainians comes after Trump, Vice President Vance and Zelensky got into a heated argument in the Oval Office last week. Zelensky had come to the U.S. to sign a minerals deal but left the White House after the public blowup. Trump announced at his address to Congress on Tuesday that he had received a letter from Zelensky pledging Ukraine is ready to sign an agreement on minerals and security at any time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) said he hoped that Trump and Zelensky would be able to regroup and come together and close the gap on a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal. Ukraine has managed to keep Russian forces in check along the front line despite having fewer munitions and troops. But analysts warn that Ukraines forces could begin to splinter in the face of Russian pressure beginning in four to six months unless European allies mobilize quickly to make up for a shortfall in U.S.-provided weapons. Fedir Venislavsky, a member of the Ukrainian parliaments defense committee, estimated that his countrys supply of weapons would last only six months without new American aid, according to the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) emphasized that the pause on military aid to Ukraine will be temporary. Its a pause, importantly, not a stop. I think its part of a negotiation. And Im hopeful that in the end, that well get folks to the table and be able to negotiate a deal that will bring a peaceful resolution to this three years-long conflict, and one hopefully that will respect the sovereignty of the Ukrainian people, he said. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who has worked hard behind the scenes to put together the minerals deal, said he was dismayed by Trumps announced pause on sharing intelligence with Ukraine. Im very worried about that long-term, he said. It gives Ukraine an edge. Hopefully, all this will clear up pretty soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the intelligence that we provided the Ukrainians has been essential for them to be able to stay in the fight. I hope the pause would be lifted at some point, he said. The Texas senator said Trump is trying to exert leverage over Zelensky to agree to a deal. Its a pause, and I understand why, until theres some agreement with the Ukrainians, that wed want to do that, he said. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Armed Services Committee, said he doesnt support the decision to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I disagree with it, he said. And he hopes the pause in military aid to Ukraine will only be temporary. Im hopeful that with everything going on right now, that will end up being a short-term issue and that well end up with a longer-term agreement providing military resources as part of a longer-term agreement, he said. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), another member of the Armed Services panel, said the pause on intelligence sharing is a decision thats been made by the commander in chief. I would hope that if theres intel out there that would be very worthwhile for the Ukrainians, that it would be passed on, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said he was looking into the decision to stop intelligence sharing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Georgia Democrats celebrated late Thursday night after state Senate Republicans tabled a bill that wouldve pulled government funding from public schools and colleges that maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Senate Bill 120 made headlines earlier this week after it advanced out of committee, sparking fears among some that initiatives aimed at increasing and promoting Black representation and tolerance in Georgia could be impacted. Failing to get passed in the state Senate or the state House by Thursdays Crossover Day deadline means SB 120 wont be signed into law as a standalone bill this year, but it could still be added as an amendment to another bill that has advanced before this years legislative session ends on April 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Harold Jones, D-Augusta, said he was happy when the chamber adjourned around 10 p.m. Thursday without bringing SB 120 to the full Senate floor. He said he and members of his party are cautiously optimistic that the legislation wont be signed into law this year, but hes not letting his guard down yet. In the General Assembly, nothing truly goes away until Sine Die at midnight, Jones told Capital B Atlanta on Friday, using the Latin term for the last day of the years 40-day legislative session. State Sen. Sonya Halpern, D-Atlanta, said the failure of SB 120 to advance was a win for Georgia students, educators, and businesses. This bill was never about fairness it was about fear, Halpern said via text message Thursday night. It sought to censor honest discussions, dismantle programs that create opportunity, and undermine our ability to compete in a diverse, global economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills author, state Sen. Marty Harbin, R-Tyrone, told reporters inside the Gold Dome Thursday night that he thinks the legislation had enough support to pass, but he and his GOP colleagues decided against putting it up for a full Senate vote at the last minute due to concerns over the language. We had some concerns, and we want to do it right, Harbin said after the Senate ended its session. In its present form, the legislation would bar local schools, members of the Technical College System of Georgia, and members of the University System of Georgia which includes most public colleges and universities from promoting, supporting, or maintaining DEI programs. Supporters of SB 120 have echoed talking points championed by President Donald Trump and members of his administration in their efforts to dismantle DEI programs at the federal level. Harbin told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution earlier this week that SB 120 would restore academic excellence and fairness at Georgias colleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, DEI initiatives have moved beyond their original intent and have become ideological filters that stifle free speech, enforcement of group identity over individual merit and promote a culture of division rather than unity, he said. Critics have argued the SB 120s language is too vague and could unintentionally impact programs it wasnt meant to address, such as scholarships, internships, training programs, and student organizations that promote inclusion of marginalized groups, which includes white women, members of the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities. These spaces bring students of all backgrounds together in community, Georgia Tech student Raine Rinehart, who serves as an organizer with the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition, said in a statement cited by the ACLU of Georgia. On a campus full of people from countless backgrounds and countries, how can we thrive without programs that advocate for diversity? Harbin noted that other states, including Indiana and Iowa, have advanced bills seeking to ban DEI in schools this year. He didnt rule out adding SB 120 as an amendment to another bill that made the Crossover Day deadline, pointing out that state lawmakers get two years to secure passage of bills once theyre introduced. He also didnt rule out presenting SB 120 again during next years legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a biennial [legislative session], Harbin noted. Wed rather do it right than do it halfway. Jones acknowledged that white women have benefited the most from DEI programs, but noted that initiatives like affirmative action have also benefited Black Americans. He pushed back on the notion that Black people shouldnt care about DEI programs, calling it ahistorical. He said the reason DEI hasnt been more effective in the advancement of African Americans is because those who oppose DEI programs have been undermining them since the Civil Rights Movement. Ever since the inception of affirmative action, people have taken affirmative action to court to actually gut its principles, Jones said. The better way to do it is actually enforce it instead of fighting against it. The post Republicans Pull the Plug on Senate Bill Banning DEI in Georgia Schools for Now appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. Republican lawmakers are calling on US President Donald Trump to reverse his decision to suspend military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine. Source: The Hill, as reported by European Pravda Details: Republicans warn that a prolonged halt in US military assistance could have serious consequences. They acknowledge Trumps right to temporarily pause arms deliveries to assess the wars progress, pressure NATO allies and create an opportunity for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the politicians warn that an extended suspension of weapons and ammunition supplies could weaken Ukraines military capabilities and undermine its negotiating position with Russia. They also stress the urgent need to restore intelligence sharing, arguing that depriving Ukraine of battlefield intelligence does not benefit the US. "Its a concern for the Ukrainian people. I worry more about how people on the battlefield feel about it," Senator Thom Tillis said, commenting on the pause in US military aid. He warned that the suspension, announced on Monday, "could be helpful to Putin". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillis noted that Ukraine currently has enough weapons and ammunition to hold the front line but expressed hope that the pause would be short-lived. He said hes "ok" with a pause as long as its a short-term "negotiation tactic". "Im hoping and praying that its short-lived. I think it will be," Tllis added. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins opposed halting military aid. "I do not think we should be pausing our efforts. Its the Ukrainians who are shedding blood," she said, calling this a "critical time for Ukraine". Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasised that the pause in military aid would be temporary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Thune: "Its a pause, importantly, not a stop. I think its part of a negotiation. And Im hopeful that in the end that well get folks to the table and be able to negotiate a deal that will bring a peaceful resolution to this three years-long conflict, and one hopefully that will respect the sovereignty of the Ukrainian people." Details: Senator Lindsey Graham voiced concern over Trumps decision to halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine. "Im very worried about that long-term," he said. Senator John Cornyn, a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said "the intelligence that we provided the Ukrainians has been essential for them to be able to stay in the fight". "I hope the pause would be lifted at some point," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Mike Rounds, a member of the Armed Services Committee, also opposed suspending intelligence sharing and expressed hope that the pause in military aid would be only temporary. Background: On 4 March, Bloomberg learned that Trump had ordered the suspension of all military aid to Ukraine. The decision also applies to weapons that had left US territory and were en route to the Ukrainian border. On 5 March, several reputable international media outlets, citing sources, reported that the US had ceased intelligence sharing with Ukraine, including data on military targets and early warnings about Russian missile and drone launches targeting Ukrainian territory. The Wall Street Journal previously stated that the suspension of US military aid to Ukraine could remain in effect until Donald Trump deems that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supports peace talks with Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Republican lawmakers are calling on President Donald Trump to resume U.S. military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, the Hill reported on March 7. The Trump administration halted U.S. military aid to Ukraine and intelligence sharing with Kyiv earlier this week following a heated exchange between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 28. The decision is intended to put pressure on Zelensky in peace talks with Russia. Shortly after U.S. halted intelligence-sharing, Russia launched another large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine overnight on March 7, launching 67 missiles of various types and 194 drones. Ukraine's air defenses intercepted 34 missiles and 100 drones, the Air Force said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans say that Trump had the right to temporarily suspend weapons supplies to Kyiv in order to assess the war, put pressure on NATO allies, and to create a window for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, according to the Hill. But some warned that an excessively long pause in military aid could have a devastating effect on Ukraine's combat capabilities and undermine its leverage in talks with Moscow. "I do not think we should be pausing our efforts. Its the Ukrainians who are shedding blood," said Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. She called the suspension of U.S. military aid a "critical time for Ukraine." Some Republicans also urged Trump to immediately resume intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Cornyn, a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said that the intelligence that Ukrainians received from the U.S. "has been essential for them to be able to stay in the fight." Senator Thom Tillis warned that a pause in aid to Ukraine "could be helpful to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin," but he didn't oppose the stoppage if it was a short-term "negotiating tactic." Senate Majority Leader John Thune also suggested that a pause in U.S. military aid would be temporary and could be part of talks. The halt in military aid leaves over $1 billion in weapons and ammunition undelivered to Kyiv, while the pause in intelligence sharing affects warnings against Russian drones and missiles striking Ukrainian military and civilian targets, Ukrainian and U.S. officials told the New York Times. Read also: Trumps increasing support for Russia leaves Zelensky with fewer options to secure U.S. backing Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A new report from the global nonprofit International Fund for Animal Welfare revealed that illegal wildlife trafficking has skyrocketed across Latin America in recent years. Researchers warn that the worrying trend could threaten biodiversity in the region, which has already seen declining animal numbers due to rampant deforestation and development. What's happening? According to Mongabay, the report found that nearly 2,000 wildlife seizures and poaching incidents occurred between 2017 and 2022 in Hispanic America which includes Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean and South and Central America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 100,000 reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians were trafficked, with the latter accounting for over half of the rescued wildlife. Polen Cisneros, project manager for IFAW's wildlife crime program, said it was "eye-opening" that nearly 93% of wildlife trafficking in the region involved live animals, meaning they would likely end up in the exotic pet trade. More than half of the species weren't protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora a global treaty that regulates international trade in endangered plants and animals. Mongabay said that, according to the Red List from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, 40 of the seized animals were classified as endangered and 13 as critically endangered. "Wildlife trafficking in Hispanic America hasn't really gotten the same level of coverage and attention as wildlife trafficking in Africa, which is likely driven by Africa having more iconic species being trafficked," Faith Hornor, program director of wildlife crimes at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies, told Mongabay. "But that doesn't mean that wildlife crime in Latin America doesn't exist in fact, the numbers are quite alarming." Why is wildlife trafficking concerning? Latin America is considered one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, boasting a staggering 40% of Earth's plant and animal species. These include exotic animals such as green iguanas, poison dart frogs, mud turtles, blue macaws, parrots, jaguars, and pumas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owning wild pets has long been practiced in the region, but removing them from their natural habitats disrupts ecosystems and pushes endangered animals closer to extinction. According to IFAW, it's also a serious animal welfare concern. Many are transported in horrific conditions and often don't survive the journey. If they do reach their destination, owners may realize they don't have the time or resources to care for wild pets and release them into ecosystems where they don't belong. When this happens, the species is considered invasive in that new area and may throw the ecosystem there out of balance. For example, invasive Burmese pythons have taken over the Florida Everglades. The situation has gotten so bad that the state is holding competitions with cash prizes to kill them. Exotic pets may also carry diseases and parasites that are dangerous or fatal to humans. What's being done about the illegal pet trade? The IFAW urges Latin American countries to adopt stricter laws regarding the illegal wildlife trade, raise public awareness about the dangers of owning exotic pets, and more closely monitor wildlife crimes in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hornor also said imposing more severe consequences for traffickers may discourage them from taking part in the illegal wildlife trade. "If you make the costs high, whether that's the actual cost to traffic, paying someone off becomes higher or harder, or the risk of getting caught or the jail time going up, the benefit of whatever they're receiving back in terms of profit is not going to be worth it at some point," she said. Officials around the world have been cracking down on illegal wildlife poaching and smuggling, and we can help by staying informed about how it harms ecosystems and therefore humans too. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. As sea levels continue to rise due to rising global temperatures, California residents are facing a tough decision about whether to abandon their coastal homes. What's happening? As explained by the Santa Cruz Local, local governments across the California coast are required by state law to prepare for sea-level rise in the coming decades. Unfortunately, "the process has not been easy" in Santa Cruz County, where coastal residents and business owners must consider the possibility of leaving the area. A potential retreat strategy was described by the outlet as "controversial," pointing to the "wide-scale backlash against the Coastal Commission and the ouster of a city mayor" after the town of Pacifica proposed plans to draw back from the ocean gradually. It was noted that Santa Cruz "may get its first taste of managed retreat within the next five years," as there are plans to relocate a stretch of road about 50 feet inland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, preparing for the change has proved difficult, as proposals for state bills that would have provided local governments low-interest loans to buy coastal property from private landowners were vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021 and 2023 over funding concerns. While Tiffany Wise-West, sustainability and resiliency officer for the city of Santa Cruz, said there are no new immediate plans for the city to explore a buyout program that would influence residents to retreat, she noted that things could change quickly. "Truly, there are big and challenging discussions ahead," Wise-West told the Santa Cruz Local. Why is this important? A warming climate has created an untenable situation for coastal communities and ecosystems around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The burning of dirty energy sources produces heat-trapping pollution that causes temperatures to rise and oceans to warm at rapid rates. This can lead to the melting of ice sheets and glaciers, leading sea levels to rise exponentially. The warmer climate also creates favorable conditions for storms and floods to become more frequent and intense. The Santa Cruz Local cited a warning from the Ocean Protection Council to plan for "an estimated 3-7 feet of sea-level rise by 2100." However, it would take just five feet of sea-level rise to completely submerge several of the city's beaches. What's being done about this? In addition to the potential retreat strategy, Santa Cruz County will also have to explore ways to defend the coast with seawalls or other structures and fortify homes and buildings against rising tides. However, climate change analyst Kelsey Ducklow noted that it's not easy to find a balance between all the strategies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The question of this planning process is, what set of strategies from those categories make sense right now? What is going to make sense over time? How does it shift over time?" Ducklow said to the Santa Cruz Local. "There's no single answer or silver bullet." It's important to stay informed about critical climate issues to help reduce your contributions to rising global temperatures. Efforts to reduce pollution and switch to clean, renewable energy sources are crucial in slowing down the rise of sea levels and in protecting coastal communities. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. In a recent article, Mother Jones highlighted a chilling resurgence of fear among LGBTQ+ federal employees , reminiscent of the oppressive Lavender Scare of the 1950s. The Trump administration's recent policies, including a memorandum from the Office of Personnel Management prohibiting employee resource groups that promote diversity initiatives, have instilled anxiety among LGBTQ+ workers. Reports of mass terminations and demands for the names of LGBTQ+ employee resource group leaders have only heightened these concerns. This hostile environment has forced many LGBTQ+ resource groups to go underground, as employees fear being targeted or fired based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. Then, as The Advocate reported , the Trump Administration announced earlier this month the launch of EndDEI.ed.gov, which allows anyone to report "divisive ideologies and indoctrination," dubbing it "illegal discriminatory practices at institutions of learning." Thankfully, its getting hit with tons of spam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This wont be a one-off. More than likely, the Trump Administration is returning to the era of snitching on LGBTQ+ people and other so-called deviants. Reflecting on my own experiences working on Capitol Hill during the late 1980s and 1990s, I am struck by the haunting parallels between then and now. Back then, the federal government was a treacherous landscape for queer individuals. The fear of being outed was pervasive, and the consequences were dire. I was constantly looking over my shoulder. To navigate this perilous environment, I and other gay Hill staffers developed covert methods to connect. When I had dates, for example, we would arrange clandestine meetings on street corners. And when I dated a Marine, we slipped into movie theaters only after the lights dimmed and the film had begun. This ensured our interactions remained shrouded in darkness. Thats the way he wanted it, and I didnt mind, because I too, felt like I was doing something wrong. I remember being in the hallways of the Canon, Longworth, and Rayburn congressional buildings, and I would occasionally pass other gay men I recognized from bars. Our eyes would avoid contact, and we would walk past each other without a hint of acknowledgment, each encounter a silent pact of mutual protection at least thats what I assumed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The specter of HIV/AIDS also loomed large during this era. I recall instances where two colleagues were present in the office one day and then vanished the next, never to return. Whispers would circulate, hinting that they had succumbed to the disease that society stigmatized and feared. These losses were profound, yet mourning was a solitary act, as openly expressing grief could inadvertently reveal your own hidden identity. The constant pressure to conceal your true self inevitably led to moments of personal turmoil. For example, one night, after consuming more alcohol than I should have, which was a near nightly occurrence, I made an ill-advised advance toward a straight friend. The following day, he confronted me, directly asking if I was gay. Panic surged through me, and I vehemently denied it. I was so ashamed. I remember after I walked away just wanting to go hide somewhere and never come back. Seeking refuge and a sense of community, I would occasionally escape to places like Rehoboth Beach, Delaware . It was a literal escape, since I was in a beach house in Dewey Beach, which is where all the straight D.C. crowd partied. I usually got wasted with my friends, snuck away at some point, and jumped on the Jolley Trolley which took you back and forth from Dewey to Rehoboth. I would slip off in the dark, and drunkenly hit the gay bars trying to hook up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was during one such visit in the late 80s that I met a guy and went home with him after the bars closed. To my horror, the house was filled with individuals who identified as Reagan Republicans , all deeply closeted. I recognized some of them because they were prominent. I was quite surprised. The dissonance between their public personas and their private lives was glaring, underscoring the pervasive fear that drove so many of us to live dual existences. The Showtime series Fellow Travelers , which aired last year, poignantly depicted the harrowing reality of hiding one's sexuality within the corridors of power. The show illuminated the devastating consequences of exposure, mirroring the very real dangers that many of us faced. In conversations with James Kirchick , author of Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington, I found a profound resonance with my own experiences. Kirchick's meticulous chronicle of the clandestine lives led by gay individuals in D.C. sheds light on the systemic discrimination that was rampant in the federal government. His work delves into how, for decades, policies explicitly barred homosexuals from federal employment, branding them as security risks and moral deviants. This institutionalized bigotry not only deprived countless talented individuals of careers but also perpetuated a culture of fear and secrecy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it shocks and deeply saddens me that we might be returning to this unacceptable misery. The recent developments reported by Mother Jones are a stark reminder of a past many hoped was long buried, including me. The revival of policies that marginalize and endanger LGBTQ individuals in federal service is not just a regression but a profound injustice. If youre someone of a certain age like me, its enormously difficult to believe that this might be happening again. And if you are from a younger generation, you need to do everything you can to fight back. It is imperative that all of us recognize these patterns and advocate fiercely for an environment where no one is compelled to hide their true self in fear of retribution. The lessons of the past demand that we strive for a future where authenticity is met with acceptance, and where diversity is celebrated as the strength it truly is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trust me, you dont want to meet on street corners or dark theaters again. If those days are truly behind us, then we must be more visible than ever. Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit Advocate.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of The Advocate or our parent company, equalpride. Multiple groups led protests across the country to demand the closure of inhumane immigrant detention centers that subject children and families to horrific conditions. Shown here: July 02, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tom Cooper/Getty Images for MoveOn.org Civic Action) Around a decade ago, when I was a young lawyer, I hopped in my little truck and drove across the stormy summer desert to see about a family detention center. Even though five years earlier, President Obama had made a show of closing the T. Don Hutto Detention Center and ending our countrys shameful legacy of detaining immigrant families, he had quietly started detaining families again during the summer of 2014 at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia. I was invited to come participate in a rapid legal response for the detained families. What I saw and experienced there broke my heart. Family detention is the practice of holding adults, mostly women, with their minor children, in prison conditions while they go through the process of removal proceedings. Its understood to be a border deterrence strategy, meaning its meant to impose a level of suffering as an attempt to keep people from migrating. At the time, that family detention strategy was President Obamas response to high numbers of Central American families fleeing violence in the Northern Triangle and arriving in the United States to seek asylum. The summer when I worked there, approximately 800 women and children were detained on any given night. It was a deportation mill. The plan was to send families from the border to a remote facility and quickly put them through deportation proceedings and send them back to their countries. The average age of the children inside was 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing prepares you for the first time you see a toddler in a jail. The media can desensitize some of us to seeing men, especially brown men, in prison scrubs and behind bars. But seeing a kid in that setting truly shocks the system. They dont manufacture prison clothing for people that small, so the little ones arent in standard issue jumpsuits and scrubs. They wear plain sweat suits and little Keds or Croc shoes. Like all people in detention centers, they become hard to distinguish without their own little style choices: T-shirts and leggings and hair clips and light-up sneakers that make their personalities shine. Again, like all people, they seem physically diminished by incarceration and with such little bodies that can be really jarring. The facility in Artesia only stayed open for six months or so while the Obama administration prepared two ICE detention facilities in South Texas as more permanent sites for family detention: The South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley and the Karnes County Residential Center. Between those two facilities, both run by private corporations, there were over 3,000 beds for mothers and their children. I continued to make the long drive across the desert to South Texas when I had the chance to lend a hand in the legal efforts and use my access as a lawyer to bear witness to the violence our government was doing to those families. It made me physically ill to be there. Just the sounds while you are there make a symphony of sadness. There is sniffling and whimpering and outright wailing happening at all times. It is the cry of hundreds of kids suffering in unison. The kids also all seem to be sick at the same time, so the sound of coughing and sniffling is an ever-present addition to the miserable chorus. And of course they were sick. They werent eating and sleeping properly. I met kids who lost 30% of their body weight. I held them on my lap in court and felt their ribs. My efforts to help stop family detention tapered off after a couple years. I simply couldnt sustain the work psychologically. I was suffering from depression and having panic attacks. There was so much evidence piling up of human rights abuses and unspeakable trauma happening to mothers and their children. Passionate human rights advocates threw themselves at the project of shutting family detention down again. And yet it persisted for eight terrible years. The last family detention center of the era would close in 2021 amid the grim pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mention this all today because now, in 2025, our country is fixing to add another chapter to our dark legacy of family detention, again, right in New Mexicos backyard. There are plans to reopen the South Texas facilities in Dilley and Karnes City, and there are rumors that immigrant families will be detained at Fort Bliss in Southern New Mexico. Curiously, this decision comes at a time when the border is as closed and quiet as it has been at any point in modern history. We must speculate that the families detained there will not be recently arrived asylum seekers but, rather, families picked up in the interior not a deterrence strategy but one borne of pure cruelty. We are told that the Trump administration is detaining and deporting the most heinous criminals. Does this malicious label include the little ones too? I saw Americans swiftly shut down the Trump administrations deeply unpopular family separation policy in 2018. We can similarly decide that we do not stand for the incarceration of children and raise up our voices to force our community and congressional leaders to let us know where they stand too. We still have a choice. And I, for one, am going to fight. An unvaccinated adult in New Mexico with measles has died, local health department officials reported Thursday. The cause of death has not yet been identified, though this would be the second death so far from the (until recently) rare disease. The individualwhose name, age, and sex were not released by local authoritiesis the second person to die from the virus amid a growing outbreak along the New Mexico-Texas border, sparking widespread concern among doctors that the federal governments response is simply not enough to halt the spread of measles. Last week, an unvaccinated 6-year-old child in west Texas died of measles. It was the first instance in which someone has died from the viral illness in the U.S. in a decade. At least 159 infections have been reported in the Lone Star State in the current outbreak, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. The vast majority of those infectednearly 80 percentare under the age of 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy has placed an emphasis on treating the disease with vitamin A supplements, rather than encouraging the local unvaccinated population to receive an immunization against the disease. In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Kennedy claimed that local Texas doctors were getting very, very good results by treating their measles patients with steroids and cod liver oil. But while health officials agree that vitamin A and other treatments can add a slight boost to ones immune system, they stress that its not a replacement for a vaccine that has practically erased the highly contagious, incurable disease from public consciousness for more than a half century. Mentions of cod liver oil and vitamins [are] just distracting people away from what the single message should be, which is to increase the vaccination rate, Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician and senior scholar with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told NPR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other medical professionals argued that advising childrenwho, again, are the bulk of those infectedto maintain high doses of vitamin A for extended periods of time isnt just misguided but also potentially dangerous. Vitamin A can accumulate in the body, Dr. Adam Ratner, a member of the infectious disease committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics, told NPR. It can be toxic to the liver. It can have effects that you dont want for your child. That could include liver damage, fatigue, hair loss, and headaches. Before last week, the last person to succumb to the disease died in 2015, during a less severe outbreak in Clallam County, Washington, in which a couple dozen people were infected. Measles was identified as the cause of death for the unidentified woman during an autopsy, which found that she had several other health conditions and was on medications that contributed to a suppressed immune system, the state health department said at the time. It wouldnt be the first measles response that Kennedy has bungled, however. Childrens Health Defenseunder Kennedys stewardshiphad its own questionable history with the disease. Preceding a deadly measles outbreak on Samoa in 2019, the nonprofit spread rampant misinformation about the efficacy of vaccines throughout the nation, sending the islands vaccination rate plummeting from the 6070 percent range to just 31 percent, according to Mother Jones. That year, the country reported 5,707 cases of measles as well as 83 measles-related deaths, the majority of which were children under the age of 5. As a reminder: Since their invention, vaccines have proven to be one of the greatest accomplishments of modern medicine. The medical shots are so effective at preventing illness that they have effectively eradicated some of the worst diseases from our collective culture, from rabies to polio and smallpoxa fact that has possibly fooled some into believing that the viruses and their complications arent a significant threat for the average, health-conscious individual. DENVER (KDVR) A passenger was not allowed on his flight after security at the Denver International Airport discovered a bag filled with an assortment of marijuana products. A spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration told FOX31 that the items were found in a checked bag on Feb. 24 around 5 p.m. Flying with marijuana: Will TSA stop you for edibles, CBD products in your luggage? TSA said the passenger was not allowed to get on his flight and was referred to the Denver Police Department to be questioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any (Federal) illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to the local police. Our screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers, a TSA spokesperson said in a statement to FOX31. Transportation Security Administration officers discovered various marijuana products in a passengers checked bag at the Denver International Airport on Feb. 24, 2025. (Transportation Security Administration) The police department told FOX31 that a 31-year-old man was arrested. What happens to drugs confiscated by law enforcement in Colorado? The Denver District Attorneys Office said he is facing one count of possession of marijuana concentrate with intent to distribute. He is due in court on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. BEDFORD, Va. (WFXR) The Bedford Police Department has announced the arrest of a man in connection to a multi-state credit card skimming investigation. Bedford Police said that a Romanian citizen, Florin Doroiman, has been arrested with charges currently pending in the Town of Bedford. Police said the investigation started on February 26, after a CC skimming device was found at the Bedford Wal-Mart on East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike by an Asset Protection employee. The employee was actively checking sale terminals when they found the skimmer and then contacted the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation that followed, Bedford Police learned that a man who matched the description of the suspect had allegedly also placed skimming devices at several other Wal-Mart locations throughout the Commonwealth and other states along the east coast. RELATED STORY | Law enforcement addresses card skimming in Central Virginia The investigation expanded to several other law enforcement agencies who collaborated and shared intelligence that was gathered from separate events. With the assistance of Wal-Mart Global Investigations and the United States Secret Service, the suspect was found and taken into custody in the Richmond area without incident. The Bedford Police Department would like to make the public aware that the time frame for possible compromised cardholders at the Wal-Mart location in the Town of Bedford is 2/25/25 5:30 pm 2/26/25 9 a.m. The skimming device was located in register 11, which is the register where tobacco products can be purchased. If you believe that you visited register 11 during this time frame at this specific store and utilized a form of payment other than cash, you are encouraged to contact Det. Lawhorne at 540-587-6116. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the investigation is ongoing. WFXR News will update this story when more information becomes available. The Bedford Police Department would like to thank the United States Secret Service, Wal-Mart Global Investigations, Lynchburg Police Department, Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office, and multiple other agencies for their teamwork and collaboration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. (Bloomberg) -- Romanias far-right presidential frontrunner Calin Georgescu submitted his candidacy for Mays election, as uncertainty lingers around whether hell be allowed to run due to recent criminal charges. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone is watching Romania and how the corrupt system acted, said Georgescu on Friday. They cant afford to repeat the mistake that destroyed democracy. Georgescu was referring to the decision of Romanias top court in December to annul the outcome of last years presidential vote, which cited suspicions of Russian meddling in his campaign. The 62-year-old politician had emerged from obscurity to win the first round, shocking Romanias establishment. When the court demanded a re-run of that vote in May, it threw the Black Sea country into its biggest political crisis since the collapse of communism. The decision has also buoyed the success of Romanias extremist parties, in a country already disillusioned with the political mainstream. While Georgescu plans to run as an independent, he is backed by two far-right opposition parties. Recent polls show hed get about 40% of the vote in the first round of the May ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if the countrys electoral bureau clears his candidacy, Georgescu could still be barred from competing if a potential challenge is accepted by the constitutional court. One challenge to Georgescus bid has already been announced. Remus Pricopie, an academic at Romanias National University of Political Studies, told news channel Digi 24 that hed appealed against Georgescus bid to the electoral bureau, saying the candidate had made fascist statements. Last week, Romanian prosecutors brought six criminal charges against Georgescu, accusing him of forming a fascist group and providing false information about campaign financing. The authorities also placed restrictions on his movements and online campaigning. If hes found guilty, Georgescu could be imprisoned or barred from running again. The far-right candidate denies any wrongdoing and continues to claim that he received no funding for his campaign last year, which he says was exclusively volunteer-run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Romanian people will always win, Georgescu said in front of his supporters at the electoral bureau in Bucharest. Democracy was killed in December but we are reviving it today. The unprecedented move to annul last years election result is still viewed as controversial by most Romanians and was criticized by the administration of President Donald Trump. Bloomberg News also reported that US officials have recently urged Bucharest to allow Georgescu to run. Georgescu has welcomed the US interest in Romanias political turbulence, recently giving an interview to a right-wing influencer close to Elon Musk. We embrace the same values as the Trump administration, he said on Friday. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 Bloomberg L.P. The night four college students were fatally stabbed, their surviving roommates at the Idaho home expressed worry about not being able to reach their friends and referred to someone in a ski mask, court documents unsealed Thursday show. No one is answering, Dylan Mortensen texted to Bethany Funke at 4:22 a.m. the day the bodies were found. Im rlly confused rn. The texts were included in a motion, which identifies them only by their initials, from prosecutors who argue that the messages are not hearsay and that they should be included as evidence in the trial of Bryan Kohberger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger, 30, is accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus home in the town of Moscow in November 2022. Latah County prosecutors have not detailed a motive for the attack, and a gag order prevents many involved in the case from speaking publicly. But the unsealing of documents in recent days has provided a glimpse into the strategies of the prosecution and defense going into trial and pieces together additional details of the timeline on the early morning of the killings. Authorities have indicated the students were killed after 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2022, and their bodies were found later that morning in various rooms of the three-level home. A person not identified in court documents told Funke and Mortensen to call 911 after discovering Goncalves body. Something happened in our house. We dont know what, the 911 caller says, according to a transcript of the call. Police previously said a 911 call was placed at 11:58 a.m. Police tap surrounds the home where four University of Idaho students were found dead in Moscow, Idaho on Nov. 13, 2022. One of the roommates whos passed out and she was drunk last night and shes not waking up, the caller said. Oh, and they saw some man in their house last night." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the texts in the prosecutors motion, from Mortensen, refers to something like a ski mask and says he had something on his head. The motion says Mortensen gave grand jury testimony where she indicates she just witnessed a startling event (i.e. heard noises in residence and saw an unknown male in the residence). Police have previously said Mortensen provided the most detailed eyewitness account from the time of the killings, describing that she saw a figure clad in black clothing and a mask and that she stood in a frozen shock phase when she noticed the person walking toward a back sliding glass door. She then locked herself in her room after seeing the male, according to a probable cause affidavit. The texts between the surviving roommates from 4:22 a.m. to 4:24 a.m. show increasing panic as they failed to reach their housemates by phone, according to the unsealed filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not kidding o I'm so freaked out," Mortensen wrote to Funke. "So am I," Funke replied. "My phone is going to die f---," Mortensen wrote. "Come to my room," texted Funke, who resided in a first-floor bedroom. She also texted: "Run" and "Down here." At 4:32 a.m., Mortensen texted Goncalves twice to Pls answer, and then again at 10:23 a.m.: R u up?? Mogen, Kernodle, Goncalves and the two other women who survived lived at the off-campus home on King Road. Goncalves had recently moved out but returned to attend a nearby party, her family has said. Chapin was Kernodles boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goncalves' family wrote on their Facebook page that the release of unsealed transcripts and documents in recent days "has been exceptionally hard" to read. "We need this to be over. God help us all," they posted. Kohberger, who was a doctoral student of criminal justice at nearby Washington State University, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. A judge has entered a plea of not guilty on Kohberger's behalf. A trial has been set for Aug. 11. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty. Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania on Dec. 30, 2022, more than six weeks after the killings, on a fugitive from justice warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is being held without bond in jail in Ada County, Idaho. The killings happened in Latah County, but the Idaho Supreme Court granted the requests of Kohberger's defense to move the trial to Ada County over fears that he would not be able to get a fair trial where the slayings occurred. In another motion unsealed this week, the defense indicated they would like to argue Kohberger should not be put to death if found guilty because he has autism spectrum disorder and it would violate his constitutional rights. The defense had request for the filing and others to be sealed. But District Court Judge Steven Hippler also voiced frustration that too many sealed motions were being filed and warned attorneys on both sides to take the least restrictive actions, such as using initials or redacting certain information, rather than expecting content to be shielded from the public. This runs counter to the publics First Amendment rights to know what is going on in its courts, Hippler wrote in an order this week. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Evanescent crowns bursting with hues of yellow and blue were captured on National Weather Service radar this week in South Florida as flocks of birds took to the air at first light. The so-called roost rings," which resemble the random eruptions of a grand finale fireworks show, were captured by meteorologists in the Miami office of the NWS on one of the most powerful weather-detection machines in the world, the WSR-88D radar. Meteorologist Sammy Hadi said its not unusual to see the roost rings on radar, especially this time of year when birds may be leaving wintertime homes to migrate north. The astronomical first day of spring is March 20, but meteorological spring began March 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is quite common to pick up migration patterns, Hadi said. But its also possible the birds seen the morning of March 5 are full-time residents of the Everglades just out for their daily meal. Our radar is picking up not only showers this morning, but multiple areas of birds leaving their roost in the Everglades to forage for food! After being out all day, many of these birds will return to the same locations this evening to rest and sleep. #flwx pic.twitter.com/r06lh1ciXl NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) March 5, 2025 Birds are most often seen on radar during morning hours because that's when a temperature inversion when temperatures warm with height is more likely to suppress the radar beam. More: After a season of death by starvation, wading birds are on the rebound if rains stay away Radar works by sending out microwaves that bounce off objects and are reflected back to the radar antenna. When birds leave their nests, they interact with the pulses of energy emitted by the radar. Those pulses fade or disappear as the birds fly above or below the radar beam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advances in radar technology have allowed researchers and meteorologists to more easily tell the difference between weather, such as rain showers, and critters, including bats, bugs and migrating birds. The National Weather Service's radar in Miami picked up birds from multiple rookeries leaving their nests early Wednesday, March 5, 2025 to forage in the Everglades. Its fascinating stuff, Hadi said. Weather radars are amazing, and they can pick up everything. Scientists from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology used 143 weather radars to study bird migration patterns nationwide between 2013 and 2017. Their research found fall migrations bring 4 billion birds into the skies over the United States. They could also estimate bird survival rates between autumn and spring migrations, finding that long-distance fliers that cross into Central America had a 76% rate of return, compared to 64% of those with shorter migrations such as from Canada into the contiguous United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study says that birds who stay in the U.S. may have a higher number of hazards to deal with, such as buildings to crash into and habitat disturbance. Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami National Weather Service radar picks up roost rings in Everglades TOPEKA (KSNT) A road project being funded with a county-wide half cent sales tax will start next week in Topeka. Shawnee County announced in a press release that on Friday, March 14, Northwest 46th Street will be closed to traffic for the construction of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Green Hills Road and Green Hills Place. The project will close Northwest 46th Street between Northwest Camden Lane and Green Hill Road/Green Hills Place. The intersection of Northwest 46th Street and NW Camden Lane will remain open. Starting on Wednesday, March 12, Shawnee County Public Works will start working to clear trees and construct a new access road for Northwest Green Hills Place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county will work to: Widen Northwest 46th Street Construct a three-foot paved shoulder Construct a center turn lane Add right-turn lanes Construct a roundabout at NW Green Hills Road/Place Install culvert extensions Construct five-foot concrete sidewalk (south side) Construct Ten-foot concrete shared-use path (north side) Construct a new pedestrian bridge over Halfday Creek Make bridge repairs The first phase of the project is expected to be finished in early July, 2025. The project is being funded by a county-wide half cent sales tax that runs from 2017 to 2031. Dive team helps recover vehicle after Geary Co. crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These projects aim to improve road safety, traffic flow, and infrastructure quality, Curt Niehaus, Director of Public Works. We recognize that construction projects can be disruptive and appreciate your patience and cooperation. Residents north of Topeka raised their voices over the new road improvement project earlier this week. One of the chief issues brought up was the impact on traffic for people who live and work in the area. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Apart from Lurpak, Lego and Kierkegaard, Denmark, for all its admirable qualities, hasnt been much of a trendsetter for Britain. But now it might, and in a really bad way. Its state postal service, PostNord, is to stop delivering letters from next year to focus on parcels. So, after 400 years, there wont be any more letter deliveries and Denmarks 1,500 post boxes will start to disappear. The number of letters Danes send has fallen from 1.4 billion in 2000 to 110 million last year. Thats a 90 per cent fall in a quarter of a century; quite a big deal. Denmark is one of the most digitised countries on earth; most communication happens over a smartphone. But there is another factor, which may strike you as familiar. In Denmark, the introduction of a new Postal Act in 2024 opened up the letter market to competition from private firms and stamps are no longer exempt from VAT, resulting in higher postage costs: 3.35. When a letter costs 29 Danish krone (3.35) there will be fewer letters, PostNord Denmarks Managing Director, Kim Pedersen, observed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is at this point that we should all sit up and start bothering. Because the PostNord man has summed up the problem. Its cause and effect: if you make a service unaffordable, fewer people will use it, and if fewer people use it, that becomes the rationale for making the service unavailable. The same genius argument has been used in Britain. Royal Mail wants to persuade Ofcom, the industry regulator, to allow it to reduce postal services drastically. Under the plans, there wouldnt be Saturday second class deliveries only on alternate weekdays. Well, thats just great, isnt it? And did you realise that next month the price of a first class stamp is going up to an unbelievable 1.70; that of a second class stamp to 87p. Not so long ago it was shocking when the price broke the pound barrier, but the increases since have been fast and inexorable. And yes, it is all, as in Denmark, down to privatisation. The latest brilliant plan for a worse and more expensive service follows the Governments go-ahead for a Czech billionaire, Daniel Kretinsky, to take over the service for 3.57 billion. The Tories started the rot by separating the Post Office from Royal Mail before privatising both, and presided over the astonishing increases in the cost of the service. Labour doesnt seem any more bothered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second class post should not mean this much of a second class service. You expect a second class delivery to take a day or two longer, not three days a week. And any idiot can see that it wont be long before Royal Mail can make another Danish-style efficiency by closing its post boxes, or retaining them, as with old telephone boxes, for picturesque effect. Tried to use one lately? Youll find, if youre not an early bird, that the collection has been and gone at 9am, unless youre unlucky and it goes at 7am, Monday to Fridays. Stand by for the next big reveal, that the number of letters being dropped off in postboxes has gone into decline. Do they think were stupid? Well, yes, of course they do. But lets point out now that if a letter dropped off in a postbox wont go anywhere until the following day, of course youre probably going to make your way to the nearest post office instead. Its way less convenient than a post box, with postmen doing the collecting, but tough; your convenience doesnt matter. Well really miss the postal service if it goes the way of Denmark, and letters become a forgotten medium along with handwriting, displaced by emails. But we can do something meanwhile. Ofcom would really love to hear from you: let them have it. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. KENTUCKY (FOX 56) A federal appeals court upheld a ruling on Thursday that a former Rowan County clerk owes a same-sex couple $100,000 after denying the pair a marriage license in 2015. Changes coming to Rowan County school day: What we know The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals reportedly overruled a request from Kim Davis to overturn the ruling. Davis made headlines in 2015 when she refused to issue marriage licenses to gay couples despite the Supreme Court opinion that legalized same-sex marriage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news The appeals court also dismissed Davis claims of religious freedom, saying public officials cant use their personal beliefs to violate the constitutional rights of others. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. March 7 (UPI) -- Russia attacked Ukraine Friday with dozens of missiles and more than a hundred drones on a mission to destroy infrastructure. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine posted to Telegram that the assault included "67 missiles of various types and 194 strike UAVs and simulator drones." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted to X that the attack was aimed at energy facilities in the Chernihiv, Odesa, Poltava and Ternopil regions. The nation's military said the targeted facilities were part of Ukraine's gas production industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky also stated that residential buildings were also damaged, and that a Russian missile stuck near an apartment building in the city of Kharkiv. That incident reportedly injured eight people and damaged nine apartment buildings. The strike in Poltava left an adult and a child injured when a missile hit two housing blocks. Ternopil Oblast Regional Governor Viacheslav Nehoda announced that an industrial facility in the Ternopil region was struck by missiles, which may interrupt gas supplies. Ukraine's military claims to have shot down 134 airborne targets, while 10 Russian missiles missed their targets, as did 86 drones. Zelensky said aircraft supplied by France were able to successfully intercept Russian cruise missiles. The attack follows the Wednesday stoppage by the United States of sharing military intelligence with Ukraine. Zelensky is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where his team will then remain to work with U.S. officials. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russia attacked Ukrainian energy facilities with dozens of missiles and drones during the night, officials said Friday, hobbling the countrys ability to deliver heat and light to its citizens and to power weapons factories vital to its defenses. The overnight barrage which also pounded residences and wounded at least 10 people came days after the U.S. suspended military aid and intelligence to Ukraine to pressure it into accepting a peace deal being pushed by the Trump administration. Without U.S. intelligence, Ukraines ability to strike inside Russia and defend itself from bombardment is significantly diminished. The U.S. government said Friday it halted Ukrainian access to unclassified satellite images that had been used to help it fight back against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency told The Associated Press the decision reflected the Administrations directive on support to Ukraine, without elaborating. The satellite imagery provider Maxar Technologies confirmed the U.S. government decision to temporarily suspend Ukrainian access. Air-defense systems supplied by the West are crucial for Ukraine, but further U.S. help is uncertain under President Donald Trump, who held a tempestuous and televised White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week in which he questioned Ukraine's determination to end the war. Zelenskyy has since said the blowup with the Trump administration was regrettable. European Union leaders, mindful they may need to shoulder more of the burden for arming Ukraine and strengthen their own defenses, agreed on a plan Thursday to significantly build up their military spending. Ukraine is having a tough time on the battlefield. An onslaught by Russias bigger army is straining short-handed Ukrainian forces at places along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials from the U.S. and Ukraine will meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss ending the war, which began more than three years ago when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. On Friday, President Trump said on social media he was strongly considering additional sanctions on Russia to force it into peace talks with Ukraine. Later, when asked by a reporter during an Oval Office exchange if Russian President Vladimir Putin was taking advantage of the U.S. pause on intelligence-sharing to attack Ukraine, Trump responded: I think hes doing what anybody else would. Ukraine's energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, described the overnight attack on Facebook as massive. Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by striking energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without light and heat, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens, Halushchenko wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraines power grid during the war. The attacks have depleted electricity generation capacity and disrupted critical heating and water supplies. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of weaponizing winter in an effort to erode civilian morale. Zelenskyy on Friday won the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Ukraine's proposals to take some first steps toward stopping the war, including a halt on firing missiles, drones and bombs at energy and other civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy has also proposed ceasing combat operations in the Black Sea to allow safe shipping. Erdogan said that he also wants the shooting to stop without delay. We support the idea of an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of attacks in the air and at sea as a confidence-building measure between the parties, he said in a video call with European leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy first suggested those initial steps in a post on X on Tuesday, when he said that he was ready to work under President Trumps strong leadership to get a lasting peace. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that the energy supply is a legitimate target in the war, because it's linked with Ukraines military industrial complex and weapons production. Russian air defenses downed 39 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Ukraines largest private gas producer, DTEK, said that the overnight bombardment in the Odesa region was Russias sixth attack in the past two and a half weeks on its facilities. Its plants in two other regions were also struck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia fired 67 missiles from air, land and sea, and launched 194 strike and decoy drones, Ukraines air force said. Their primary target was Ukraines natural gas extraction facilities, it said. For the first time, Ukraine deployed French Mirage-2000 warplanes delivered a month ago to help repel the attack, according to the air force. Ukraine also has Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets to shoot down Russian missiles. Ukrainian defenses downed 34 missiles and 100 drones, the air force said, while up to 10 missiles didnt reach their targets and 86 drones were lost from radars, presumably jammed by electronic warfare. The Maxar Technologies system that Ukraine previously had access to allows the U.S. government to order commercial images that can be shared freely, as opposed to the highly classified images taken by its top-secret satellites. A Ukrainian website associated with its military, Militarnyi, first reported the satellite image service had been blocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the war, Ukraine has used those images to plan attacks, see the results of their strikes and monitor the movement of Russian forces. Even before the war began in February 2022, commercial satellite imagery allowed the Biden administration to share otherwise classified information about what it knew. Maxar has contracts with the U.S. government and dozens of allied and partner nations around the world to provide satellite imagery and other geospatial data, said Gia DeHart, a spokesperson for Maxar Intelligences U.S. government business. Each customer makes their own decisions on how they use and share that data. ___ Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press reporter Aamer Madhani contributed to this report from Washington. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine The Colorado Springs Pioneers museum celebrated its grand reopening Saturday with a bustling display of community on the lawn outside the newl U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet is "strongly considering" running for Colorado governor in next year's election, two of the Democrat's top aides told Colorado Politics Friday. Latest: Ukrainian troops' logistics in Kursk Oblast destroyed, face risk of encirclement, sources say. Russian forces have made a breakthrough south of the Ukrainian-held town of Sudzha, potentially threatening to cut off some of the Ukrainian positions in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Agentstvo and Ukrainska Pravda reported on March 7. An undisclosed military source deployed in Kursk Oblast told the Ukrainska Pravda outlet that Russian forces have broken through Ukrainian defenses south of Sudzha and that the defenders are trying to stabilize the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian forces are trying to contain the Russian advance to prevent a partial or complete encirclement, the source claimed. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims. The spokesperson of the Ukrainian group of forces in Kursk Oblast declined to comment. Russian forces have recently intensified efforts to break through to Sumy Oblast and cut off logistical routes of the Ukrainian salient in bordering Kursk Oblast. Kyiv has sought to maintain its position in the Russian border region as leverage for possible peace talks. Moscow's troops have almost reached the Ukrainian border south of Ukrainian positions in Sudzha, meaning that at least some areas have been cut off from the main salient, the independent Russian outlet Agentstvo reported, citing an expert from the Conflict Intelligence Team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Difficult battles continue in the border area of Sumy Oblast; Russian assault units are attempting to break through and move toward a highway from Yunakivka (in Sumy Oblast) to Sudzha in Kursk Oblast," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. "The Defense Forces are fighting and dealing significant casualties to Russian troops," Kovalenko claimed, without confirming a Russian breakthrough. The estimated Russian advance in Kursk Oblast as of March 7, 2025, according to DeepState. Ukrainian positions in Kursk Oblast marked in blue. (DeepState/OpenStreetMaps) Ukrainska Pravda's source claimed that the breakthrough occurred between March 5 and 6 and was the result of a gradual and systematic Russian campaign in the area. The Ukrainian battlefield monitoring group DeepState seems to confirm a Russian advance, indicating a push deep into Ukrainian positions toward the Ukrainian state border in Sumy Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeepState marked the village of Kurilovka, lying some 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Sudzha, as a contested area as of March 6. The monitoring service reported further advances the following day. The prominent Russian pro-war channel Tw Majors also reported on the advance, claiming that Moscow's troops have penetrated up to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) deep into Ukrainian positions. Ukraine launched a surprise cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024. After six months of fighting in the region, Russian troops have regained control of about 64% of the territory in the region, the Russian military claimed. Russian casualties have reached nearly 40,000 in Kursk Oblast, including over 16,000 killed, Ukraine's General Staff reported on Feb. 6. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said last November that the incursion thwarted Russia's plans to invade Sumy Oblast in an attempt to create a "buffer zone" in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Regardless of Trumps Ukraine peace deal, war with West is foundational to Putins rule, experts say Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, has responded to US President Donald Trumps threat to impose new sanctions on Russia, claiming that multiple sanctions have not deterred Moscow from "realising its goals" in Ukraine. Source: Zakharova on CNN, as reported by European Pravda Details: Zakharova believes that the first line of Trump's message, in which he threatened to impose new sanctions, is "the most important". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For many months, the US has been focused on the victory of Ukraine. Now there is recognition of the reality [that] the Ukrainian position on the battlefield is bad," Zakharova said in response to a Truth Social post by Trump which began with the assertion that Russia is supposedly "pounding" Ukraine on the battlefield. "The truth is, Ukraine has lost, because they trusted and relied on the previous White House. In terms of new sanctions, we have faced so many sanctions already and they have not stopped from realising our goals," Zakharova declared. Background: In his Truth Social post on 7 March, Trump said he was seriously considering imposing "large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED". On 4 March, it was reported that Trump had ordered the suspension of all military aid to Ukraine. The decision also applies to weapons that had left US territory and were en route to the Ukrainian border. On 5 March, several reputable international media outlets reported, citing sources, that the US had ceased intelligence sharing with Ukraine, including data on military targets and early warnings about Russian missile and drone launches targeting Ukrainian territory. The Wall Street Journal previously stated that the suspension of US military aid to Ukraine could remain in effect until Donald Trump deems that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supports peace talks with Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov discussed international efforts to resolve the situation around Iran's nuclear programme with Iranian ambassador Kazem Jalali, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday. Their meeting took place on Thursday, it said. Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that Russia has agreed to assist U.S. President Donald Trumps administration in communicating with Iran on various issues, including on Tehran's nuclear programme and its support for regional anti-U.S. proxies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin said on Wednesday that future talks between Russia and the United States would include discussions on Iran's nuclear programme, a subject it said had been "touched upon" in an initial round of U.S.-Russia talks last month. Trump last month restored his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran which includes efforts to drive its oil exports down to zero in order to stop Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran denies any such intention. Russia has deepened its ties with the Islamic Republic since the start of the Ukraine war, and signed a strategic cooperation treaty with Iran in January. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Anastasia Teterevleva; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) The Russians struck a civilian infrastructure facility in the city of Kharkiv on the morning of 7 March, injuring eight people. A woman has been rescued from under the rubble. Source: Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov; Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration Quote from Terekhov: "A strike was recorded in the Kyivskyi district of the city. The attack targeted a civilian infrastructure facility. A fire broke out at the scene." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Terekhov said the woman rescued from under the rubble is being examined by doctors. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. A nearby apartment building was also damaged in the attack. All residents are being evacuated. Syniehubov added that cars caught fire as a result of the strike. "A 65-year-old woman and a 61-year-old man have been hospitalised," he reported. Updated: Terekhov reported that, in addition to the critical infrastructure and residential buildings, other facilities were also affected. Currently, 10 garages and 5 cars are on fire. Six people have been rescued. Background: Earlier, Ukraines Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko reported that on the night of 7 March, Russia carried out a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraines energy and gas infrastructure. Facilities in various oblasts of the country were hit. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Eleonora Mitrofanova, Russias ambassador to Bulgaria, was forced to leave the National Gallery Kvadrat 500 in Sofia as attendees chanted "Murderer!" and "This is not Moscow". Source: Radio Free Europes Bulgarian Service, as reported by European Pravda Details: The incident occurred on Thursday evening during the opening of an exhibition by the New York activist group Guerrilla Girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A video obtained by Radio Free Europe from journalist Iva Roudnikova shows Mitrofanova entering one of the halls at Kvadrat 500. Initially, she was met with silence, but then a young woman began shouting "This is not Moscow. This is Europe", and Mitrofanova responded in Russian. As Mitrofanova moved to the next hall, the young woman, who identified herself as Natalia Todorova, continued following her, calling her a "murderer". In the next hall, where a larger crowd had gathered, more people joined in chanting "This is not Moscow". Guerrilla Girls is a group of visual artists who remain anonymous by wearing gorilla masks. On Thursday evening, two of its founding members, using the pseudonyms Frida Kahlo and Kathe Kollwitz, were present in Sofia to introduce the exhibition The Art of Behaving Badly. The activists are visiting Bulgaria at the invitation of the Bulgarian Fund for Women in partnership with the National Gallery/Kvadrat 500. Notably, former Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov directly accused Mitrofanova of bribing Bulgarian MPs and engaging in subversive activities against the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Bulgarias Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Mitrofanova of spreading disinformation after she claimed that sending Bulgarian troops to Ukraine would negatively impact Sofia-Moscow relations. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A 58-year-old Russian man who murdered two Ukrainian soldiers in Germany has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Munich. Source: German TV news channel n-tv, as reported by European Pravda Details: The court spokesperson said the severity of the crime is such that the 58-year-old convict is virtually ineligible for early release. Both the Ukrainian soldiers had been receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the war against Russia at a clinic in the Bavarian city of Murnau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the start of the trial in February, the Russian admitted to killing the Ukrainians, who were aged 36 and 23. The three men knew each other well and often met up to drink together, including on the day of the murder, when they had met in Murnaus town centre. The court heard that an argument broke out, in the course of which the 36-year-old man insulted the Russian. The Russian took a knife and stabbed the older Ukrainian several times in the neck from behind. He then inflicted five stab wounds on the 23-year-old soldier. Background: Reports of two men with serious injuries in Murnau were received around 17:20 on 27 April 2024. One of the men died before paramedics arrived. The second man, who was also seriously injured, died in hospital shortly afterwards. A 57-year-old Russian man suspected of the murder was remanded in custody in Murnau. The German news magazine Spiegel reported that he was in a state of intoxication. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Russian forces have broken through the Ukrainian defensive line south of Sudzha in Russias Kursk Oblast. The Ukrainian defence forces are working to stabilise the situation. Source: analytical project DeepState; a source in one of the Ukrainian units operating in this area of Kursk Oblast, speaking to Ukrainska Pravda Quote: "There was a breach of the [Ukrainian] blockade area. In short, this is an area where our units are trying to hold back the enemy to avoid the risk of partial or complete encirclement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This did not happen suddenly but rather gradually and systematically. Even before the New Year, the Russians had entered Kurilovka (a village south of Sudzha), where one of our brigades withdrew from its positions. After that, the enemy built up its forces and systematically launched assault operations. Yesterday and the day before [6 and 5 March], they made a breakthrough this is the result." Details: A source from one of the units operating in the area of Kursk Oblast reported that the Ukrainian defence forces are currently trying to stabilise the situation. Quote: "Right now, we are working to stabilise the situation so that the enemy cannot fully cut off our supply routes." Context: The likely reason for the Russian breakthrough near Sudzha is to secure another access route to a key Ukrainian supply road in Kursk Oblast the Sumy-Yunakivka-Sudzha road from the south. Since January 2025, Russian forces have been attempting to take control of this road. At the end of February, they made their first attempt to approach the road from the north via the village of Novenke. Background: On 2 March, DeepState reported that the situation in Russias Kursk Oblast remained critical for Ukrainian defence forces. Russian troops were focussing their efforts on maintaining fire control over Ukraines supply routes, while insufficient countermeasures had been taken on the Ukrainian side. On the night of 7 March, DeepState reported further Russian advances in both Kharkiv Oblast and Kursk Oblast in Russia. According to their data, Russian forces had moved forward near Kurilovka in Kursk Oblast and Fyholivka in Kharkiv Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces shelled the village of Mykilske in Kherson Oblast with artillery on 7 March, killing a 65-year-old man. Source: Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office Quote: "The investigators reported that on 7 March, at around 11:00, the Russian army attacked Mykilske in the Kherson district with artillery." Details: A man, 65, was reported to have been killed in the attack. Law enforcement officers have launched a pre-trial investigation in a criminal case over a war crime involving the death of a person (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Video: Mother of man killed amid police chase hopes Arkansas State Police crackdown will save lives BENTON, Ark. A Saline County man will spend decades in the Arkansas Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to multiple criminal charges. According to Arkansas State Police officials, 50-year-old Shannon Barnett of Alexander pleaded guilty on Monday. His pleas are guilty of failure to appear and firearm possession by a prohibited person, leading to an extension of the prison term he is currently held under. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mother of man killed amid police chase hopes Arkansas State Police crackdown will save lives Barnett has a long criminal history of theft, drug offenses, and gun charges, officials said, adding that the man was placed on probation for drug possession, forgery and firearm possession by a prohibited person in June of 2020. While on probation, officials continued, Barnett fled from Saline County deputies in March 2023 and crashed into a house, then ran on foot. Officials added that in February 2024, Barnett fled from deputies again, nearly hitting other cars and running a red light. Officials said an ASP trooper had to use Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) in order to arrest Barnett for the 2024 incident. This led to him receiving a 30-year prison sentence in May 2024, and he is currently being held in the DOC Cummins Unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas State Police, prosecutors announce state-wide crackdown to end vehicle pursuits Officials said that after pleading guilty on Monday to the two additional charges, Barnett received a further 20 years for a total sentence of 50 years. This recent conviction follows closely on the heels of a commitment from state prosecutors to rigorously pursue those who attempt to evade law enforcement, ASP Col. Mike Hagar said. I commend the Saline County Prosecuting Attorneys Office and the Saline County courts for ensuring that Barnett is held responsible for his dangerous and irresponsible conduct. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Its been 17 years since a fire started at the Salisbury Millwork, taking the lives of two firefighters. Victor Isler and Justin Monroe were killed on March 7, 2008 when part of the building collapsed around them as they fought the massive blaze. On Friday morning, first responders and community members are gathering to pay their respects. Channel 9 was at the Salisbury Fire Departments service for Isler and Monroe two years ago, as a wreath of honor was laid at a memorial wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PAST COVERAGE: 2 firefighters killed in Salisbury Millwork fire 15 years ago honored with memorial Over the radio, the deputy chief ordered all Salisbury fire stations to lower their flags to half-staff. There was also a moment of silence. Over the past decade, many new members have joined the Salisbury Fire Department. In 2023, Channel 9 asked them why it was so important for them to honor Isler and Monroe, despite not knowing them. I think being on the job, this is family, and its always going to be family whether youre at Salisbury, youre at Concord, youre at Charlotte they are always going to be brothers from another mother, said Capt. Curtis Summers. Thats how it is in this job, so thats how it connects me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a service for the fallen firefighters in 2022, Channel 9 spoke with Monroes mother, Lisa, who said, The pain has gotten easier in some ways. She added, Knowing my son is in heaven, thats the most peace I have. I know where hes at and Im going to see him one day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Salisbury Fire Department escorts the bodies of Victor Isler and Justin Monroe, at their funeral Thursday, March 13, 2008, in Salisbury, N.C. Firefighters Monroe and Isler lost their lives in a five-alarm fire in Salisbury, N.C. , earlier this week. (AP Photo/The Salisbury Post, Sean Meyers) The Salisbury Fire Department escorts the bodies of Victor Isler and Justin Monroe on Thursday, March 13, 2008, in Salisbury, N.C. Firefighters Monroe and Isler lost their lives in a five-alarm fire in Salisbury, N.C. (AP Photo/Salisbury Post, Jon C. Lakey) The Salisbury Fire Department escorts the bodies of Victor Isler and Justin Monroe Thursday, March 13, 2008, in Salisbury, N.C. Firefighters Monroe and Isler lost their lives in a five-alarm fire in Salisbury, N.C. (AP Photo/Salisbury Post, Jon C. Lakey) Isler was a veteran firefighter who worked as an EMT at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. Monroe was just 19 years old when he died. Hed been working as a junior firefighter since the age of 14. Islers brother, Kevin, previously told Channel 9 that the two were inseparable: Justin was Victors partner and wherever Victor went, Justin went. MORE COVERAGE: Salisbury remembers 2 firefighters 14 years after deadly Millwork blaze In 2021, the Salisbury Fire Department also named a new fire station after Monroe and Isler. We certainly miss our all-star brothers. Victor and Justin were all-star firefighters. They were growing in their role and they were going to be leaders within our organization, said Salisbury Fire Chief Robert Parnell. WATCH PAST COVERAGE: Fire chief defends procedures after deadly Millwork fire Former senior Trump advisor Steve Bannon is slated to headline the Colorado Republican Party's annual fundraising dinner in March, five months after the popular podcaster's release from federal prison, the state GOP announced Thursday. A student picks up her belongings at a school. The U.S. Department of Education has terminated funding for K-12 teacher prep programs, including NxtGEN, which received a five-year grant of $6.5 million, of which $2.8 million has not yet been spent. ATLANTA (WSAV) WSAV has told you about new bills proposed in the Georgia General Assembly, including the proposed ban on cellphones in schools, bills on school speed zone camera and the possibility of librarians facing penalties for loaning certain material. WSAV brought you information on House Bill 340 or the Distraction-Free Education Act on Thursday. It will require all public schools K-8 to remove electronic devices from children during school hours. House Bill 225 could completely ban the automated speed zone cameras in school zones. Another option is regulation which would come with House Bill 651. Both advanced on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Senate Bill 74, librarians in public libraries, K-12 schools and colleges could face prosecution or penalties if they loan obscene material to minors. According to Georgia code, obscene means the material is shameful or morbid. Thursday marked the last day for legislation to pass either the House or Senate and be advanced to the other legislative chamber for consideration this session. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Inclement weather and hazardous road conditions have rolled into Friday in San Diego Countys backcountry, prompting another round of school closures for some districts. The Office of Education announced that the Mountain Empire Unified School District and the Spencer Valley School District will both remain closed on March 7, 2025. Rainfall totals across San Diego County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes amid a winter weather advisory that went into effect at 4 a.m. Thursday for the regions mountain areas, including places like Julian and Pine Valley. During this kind of advisory, the National Weather Service warns that travel could be difficult and the strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. Additionally, snow accumulations up to two inches are possible. The safety of students and school staff is of the utmost importance to San Diego County school districts, officials with the Office of Education noted in a press release announcing the closures. For more real-time updates on school closures, follow @SanDiegoCOE on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The winter weather advisory is set to expire at 10 a.m. Friday morning. In the meantime, officials with the National Weather Service are encouraging motorist in the mountain areas to slow down and use caution while traveling during their morning commute. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. NORTH ANDOVER The School Committee will push forward a recommended $68.2 million budget for fiscal year 2026, after narrowing its decision down from multiple options. The vote on the budget was recommended 4-1-0 by the School Committee at its meeting on Tuesday. The budget still needs to go through the Finance Committees recommendation for a vote at Town Meeting. The decision comes after the School Committee met with the Finance Committee and Select Board early this month on how to approach four budget proposals ranging from a guidance budget of $64.9 million to a $71.8 million level-services budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each budget had different ramifications from staff cuts, reducing programming and increasing class sizes along with temporarily closing the Kittredge Elementary School. School Committee Vice Chair Joseph Hicks was the sole dissenter, arguing for a $69 million budget instead. The $68.2 million is a compromise of two alternative budgets presented in the middle of the town managers recommended guidance budget and a level service budget. The new, meet-in-the-middle budget would leave a $1.8 million levy capacity. Whatever the budget number is, Im going to make the appropriate adjustments in order to live within those means, Lathrop said. Now that we know what it costs, what we are spending on all the salaries and expenses in our district, we would make those cuts or adjustments and live within those means. It would just mean living with less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board members supported adding about $1 million to what has been labeled as the blue budget of $67.6 million. Lathrop said with the increase, she can see class sizes remaining at the ideal 25 students per class. The initial blue budget had class up to 27 students. Lathrop said her goal is to start the 2025-2026 school year at the ideal 25-student classroom size. She added though, her team may have to look at some reduction, whether staff cuts or to extracurricular activities, based on the new proposed budget. School Committee Chair Alissa Koenig said the $68.2 million budget works to keep class sizes down and around 25 students per class. Under the proposal, Kittredge school kids would be distributed to other schools. Committee member Dave Brown said what had weighed on him making his decision on the recommended budget was possibly losing the states help on the Kittredge Elementary School project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kittredge School Building Committee has worked with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) on a feasibility module for a new school. Thats not easily recovered, Brown said. We will ultimately need a new facility and the town would have to absorb the entirety of that and make things much worse five years from now when we say we cant repair Franklin (Elementary School) anymore, we cant replace Kittredge anymore. In October 2020, Francis Collins, then the director of the National Institutes of Health, sent an email that maligned a colleague. A few days before, Jay Bhattacharya, a professor of health policy at Stanford University, had, with two others, put out a statementthe Great Barrington Declarationcalling for looser public-health restrictions in the face of the pandemic. In place of lockdowns, the statement contended, the nation could simply let infections spread among most of the population while the old and infirm remained in relative isolation. Collins, like many other scientists, thought this was a dangerous idea. Bhattacharya and his co-authors were fringe epidemiologists whose proposal needed a quick and devastating rebuttal, Collins wrote in an email that later came to light through a public-records request. Collins doubled down on this dismissal in a media interview a week later: This is a fringe component of epidemiology, he told The Washington Post. This is not mainstream science. So where are these two now? Collins abruptly ended his 32-year career at the NIH last week, while Bhattacharya is Donald Trumps pick to take over the agency. The turnabout has created a pleasing narrative for those aggrieved at scientific governance. Its remarkable to see that youre nominated to be the head of the very institution whose leaders persecuted you because of what you believed, Jim Banks, a Republican senator from Indiana, said at Bhattacharyas confirmation hearing yesterday. For Bhattacharya, a man who has described himself as the victim of a propaganda attack perpetrated by the nations $48 billion biomedical-research establishment, Collinss insult has become a badge of pride, even a leading qualification for employment in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The fringe is now in charge. Last year, when Collins was asked by a House committee about his comments on the Great Barrington Declaration, he said he was alarmed that the proposal had so quickly made its way to his boss, Alex Azar, who was then the secretary of Health and Human Services. Now that role is filled by another figure from the fringe, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and presumably, outsider scholars such as Bhattacharyaa health economist and a nonpracticing physician with a predilection for contrary viewswill have greater sway than ever. (Bhattacharya declined to be interviewed for this story. Collins did not respond to a request for comment.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Science, to succeed, needs free speech, Bhattacharya told the committee during the hearing. It needs an environment where theres tolerance to dissent. This has long been his messageand warningto the scientific community. In Bhattacharyas view, Collins helped coordinate an effort to discredit his and others calls for an alternative approach to the pandemic; Collinss role at an institution that disperses billions of dollars in research funding gave him a frightening power to cast out heretics, as Bhattacharya put it in 2023, just like the medieval Catholic Church did. Now he means to use the same authority to rectify that wrong. In his opening remarks yesterday, Bhattacharya vowed to create an environment where scientists, including early-career scientists and scientists that disagree with me, can express disagreement respectfully. What this means in practice isnt yet clear, but The Wall Street Journal has reported that he might try to prioritize funding for universities that score high on to-be-determined measures of campus-wide academic freedom. In other words, Bhattacharya may attempt to use the agencys billion-dollar leverage in reverse, to bully academics into being tolerant. These aspirations match up with those of his allies who are riding into Washington as champions of the underheard in science. Last month, Kennedy promised in his first speech to his staff that he would foster debate and convene representatives of all viewpoints to study chronic disease. Nothing is going to be off-limits, he said. Marty Makary, the nominee for FDA commissioner, has talked about his experience of the censorship complex and bemoaned an atmosphere of total intolerance in public health. Consensus thinking is oppressive, these men suggest. Alternative ideas, whatever those might be, have intrinsic value. [Read: Revenge of the COVID contrarians] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surely we can all agree that groupthink is a drag. But a curious pattern is emerging among the fringe-ocrats who are coming into power. Their dissenting views, strewn across the outskirts of conventional belief, appear to be curling toward a new and fringe consensus of its own. On the subject of vaccines, for instance, there used to be some space between the positions of Kennedy, the nations leading figure casting doubt on the safety and benefits of inoculations, and Bhattacharya. Kennedy has made false claims about the dangers of the mRNA-based COVID shots. Bhattacharya, meanwhile, once called the same vaccines a medical miracleextremely valuable for protecting the vulnerable against severe COVID-19 disease. (He even criticized Anthony Fauci for downplaying the benefits of COVID shots by continuing to wear a mask after being immunized.) Bhattacharya has in the past been tolerant of others more outrageous claims about vaccines. But that neutrality has lately drifted into a gentle posture of acceptance, like a one-armed hug. Under questioning from senators, he said that he is convinced that there is no link between autism and the MMR vaccine (and that he fully supports vaccinating children against measles). But he also floated the idea that Kennedys goal of doing further research on the topic would be worthwhile just the same. Last July, despite his past enthusiasm for mRNA-based COVID-19 shots, Bhattacharya said that he was planning to sign on to a statement calling for their de-authorization, because they are contributing to an alarming rise in disability and excess deaths. Kennedy has petitioned for the same, on the same grounds. (There is, in fact, no meaningful evidence that the vaccines have caused a spate of excess deaths.) In a post on X, Bhattacharya explained that hed been hesitant to take this step at first, because some groups might still benefit from the vaccines, but then he came to realize that pulling the vaccine will create the conditions necessary for testing whether it still has any value. [Read: The inflated risk of vaccine-induced cardiac arrest] On this and other issues, the dissenting voices have started to combine into a chorus. The lab-leak theory of COVIDs origin provides another case in point. In yesterdays hearing, Bhattacharya described scientific experts early dismissal of the possibility that the coronavirus spread from a lab in Wuhan, China, as a low point in the history of science. Thats an overstatement, but the criticism is fair: Dissenting views were stifled and ignored. But here again, what started as mere endorsement of debate has evolved into a countervailing sense of certainty. Although theres still plenty of reason to believe that the pandemic did, in fact, begin with the natural passage of the virus from an animal host, the most important details about the pandemics origin remain unknown. Yet the fringe is nearly settled on the alternative interpretation. Bhattacharya has said that the pandemic likely started in a lab (a position that has been endorsed, albeit with low or moderate confidence, by almost half of the government agencies that have looked into it). Makary called the theory a no-brainer. And RFK Jr. published a 600-page book, The Wuhan Cover-Up, in support of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on the Senates Republican majority and the precedent of Kennedys confirmation, Bhattacharya is almost certain to sail through his Senate vote, and in short order. His prospects of delivering on his mission, though, are hazier. Some of his positions are already being undermined by the Trump administrations prior actions. According to a new report in Nature, the agency is terminating hundreds of active research grants that may be construed to have a focus on gender or diversity, among other topics. Some work may be permitted to continue as long as any DEI language has been stripped from associated documents. This is hardly the culture of respect for free speech that Bhattacharya promised yesterday. Other, basic workings of the NIH have been dismantled under the second Trump administration: Approximately 1,200 employees have been fired, grant reviews have been frozen, and policies have been declared that would squeeze research funding for the nations universities. Bhattacharya is about to take the levers of power, but those levers have been ripped from their housing, and the springs removed and sold as scrap. [Read: Inside the collapse at the NIH] When pressed on these developments yesterday, Bhattacharya kept returning to a single line: I fully commit to making sure that all the scientists at the NIH, and the scientists that the NIH supports, have the resources they need. Whether hed have the authority or know-how to do so remains in doubt. Dr. Bhattacharya doesnt really understand how NIH works, and he doesnt understand how decisions are made, Harold Varmus, who ran the agency in the 1990s, told me shortly after the hearing ended. As for Bhattacharyas goals of promoting free speech among scientists and nurturing cutting-edge ideas for research, Varmus said that the problem has been misdiagnosed: Whatever conservatism exists doesnt really come from the top, he said, but from the grant-review committees and the scientists themselves. Its exasperating for me to see what is about to happen, he told me, because this guy should not be in my old office. For what its worth, Bhattacharya has also shared other ambitious plans. He aims, for instance, to make science more reliable by incorporating into NIH-funded research the dreary work of replicating findings. Replication is the heart and soul of what truth is in science, he said during the hearing. That might help solve a pressing problem in the sciences, but it would also be a very costly project, started at a time when research costs are being cut. Under current conditions, even just the basic job of running the NIH seems pretty stressful on its own. Bhattacharya has, by his account, experienced lots of stress in recent years due to the many efforts to discredit him. His confirmation may not bring him full relief. Article originally published at The Atlantic Stand up: Scientists launch major protest against devastating attacks by Trump administration Scientists are banding together for a major rally in the face of the Trump administrations mass layoffs and the dismantling of research and federal institutions. Following weeks of demonstrations against devastating cuts at the National Park Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, theyre gathering for a major protest Friday in the nations capital and at state capitals around the nation, which is expected to draw thousands of participants. The goal is to Stand up for Science, and speakers at the event include prominent figures across several disciplines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If ever there were a time to stand up for science, it is now, Dr. Michael E. Mann, the director of the Center for Science, Sustainability, & the Media at the University of Pennsylvania, told The Independent in an email. We have never witnessed an assault on the basic infrastructure for science in America like the one were experiencing now, thanks to Trump, Musk and complicit congressional Republicans, he added. History will judge as to whether we sat idly by or spoke out at this defining moment. A rally to Stand up for Science and against the actions of the Trump administration is expected to draw a crowd of thousands on Friday. It includes dozens of prominent members of the field (Getty Images) Mann is one of 30 speakers slated to sound the alarm. He will be joined at the U.S. capital by Science Guy Bill Nye, human genome project leader Francis Collins, and Dr. Gretchen Goldman, the President of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Were seeing devastating attacks on the federal science enterprise, and those are harming people across the country and the world, said Goldman, who previously served in the Biden White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Department of Transportation. In the first Trump administration, there also was a lot of disruption to federal science, but now those efforts are on steroids, she told The Independent on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Goldman and Mann are established in their fields and already prominent voices in the scientific community, the event was created by students. One leader is biologist Emma Courtney, a Ph.D. student at New Yorks Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory who is working on breast cancer research. My research is somewhat directly impacted by a lot of these things because Im at the beginning of the Ph.D. and Im looking at what I want to accomplish over the next few years, she said. Im currently on an National Science Foundation fellowship and I dont really know what thats going to look like next year, said Courtney. I was hoping to apply for a National Institutes of Health grant within the next year or two, and Im not sure if that mechanism will exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rally started as an idea spread on social media, as well as in response to feelings of hopelessness in the face of the administrations unprecedented threats against science, Courtney explained. Dr. Michael E. Mann, the director of the Center for Science, Sustainability, & the Media at the University of Pennsylvania, says that rallies are just the beginning. He called this a defining moment in history (Getty Images for HBO) Since early February, Courtney says the movement has been organic. Science drives a lot of hope and thats something that is currently being taken away from a lot of people who really need it, she noted. The rally marks the first step of what organizers hope will be a growing movement to protect science and empower people. From here, were seeing what pathways are effective in pushing back, in preserving everything we can, said Goldman, noting theyre looking to new ways of moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need people to show up, to stand up, and keep pushing on this, she added. Mann, who got into science because he was fascinated by how the world works, says science unpolluted by ideology is fundamental to the human species and key to ensuring we meet the challenges of the moment. Rallies are just the beginning, said Mann. Black and Latino communities are bearing the brunt of E. coli-contaminated waters due to extreme rainfall in Texas, according to a new study. What happened? The University of Michigan-led research looked at Escherichia coli, climate, environmental, and socioeconomic data available for the state between 2001 and 2021 and used computational models to explore where extreme rainfall had the greatest impact on E. coli levels. News Medical Life Sciences summarized the paper, explaining that the impact varied by season. For instance, communities in the northern and eastern parts of the state with greater percentages of Black residents had higher concentrations of E. coli entering their recreational waters due to extreme rain during the winter. Predominantly Latino communities in South and West Texas feel these effects in September. "This is a complicated issue," lead author Xiaofeng Liu told the publication. "The communities live in these places all the time, but the rainfall impact is different in different seasons." Why is this research important? Exposure to E. coli bacteria can cause symptoms including mild to severe diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea, and vomiting, according to the Mayo Clinic. While healthy adults usually recover within a week, seniors and young children are at greater risk of developing a life-threatening form of kidney failure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But E. coli is just one public health concern for communities of color across the United States. For instance, rising seas and frequent bouts of torrential rain are causing septic tanks across the South to fail, flooding streets and backyards with waste and putting communities at risk for gastrointestinal diseases and other health hazards. In Alabama's majority-Black Lowndes County, where septic systems are becoming increasingly overwhelmed, at least a third of people have tested positive for hookworm, a disease normally found in developing countries. What's being done about E. coli in our waters? Liu told News Medical Life Sciences that the study can help guide local governments and environmental agencies to develop targeted policies and water management practices that can assist impacted communities. But such public health hazards are driven by intense precipitation, which is one outcome of the overheating planet, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That's why it's imperative that we all work to curb the amount of planet-heating pollution that we produce. For instance, towns in rural Virginia are adding over 1 million new jobs by focusing on clean energy instead of coal. You can help by voting for eco-friendly political candidates during the next election cycle. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (WHNT) Scottsboro City Schools is implementing a new security measure, part of an ongoing effort to make sure staff and local law enforcement are prepared to handle potential school threats. Next week, students and school visitors will begin walking through a weapons detection system that sits inside the entrances of Scottsboro High School. Huntsville Museum of Art temporarily closed for renovations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scottsboro City Schools Superintendent Amy Childress said she wants students to be as safe as possible when theyre at school. She said adding the weapons detection system is a part of a larger push in the district for preventative security measures. We identify areas where we want to improve, so weve talked about adding these metal detection systems for a while, Childress said. So, the first thing I would want people to know is that there has not been a direct threat issued against our high school. This is simply another layer of security that we want to bring to the high school. Increasing security has been a collaborative effort between the school board, city council, mayors office and the Scottsboro Police Department, which provides school resource officers. The SROs receive specialized training in a school environment, said Scottsboro Police Chief Ron Latimer. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App If the weapons detection system identifies a possible threat, the SROs will respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SROs would, in conjunction with the staff, would take emergency procedures in place, Latimer said. We would contact additional officers patrol officers or investigators there are available to respond in any type of emergency. Jason Arnold, the districts Director of Operations, has worked to make sure the system is ready. Hes also a parent to students in the school system. Anything we can do that allows us as parents to realize theres another obstacle, theres another layer of safety, is something thats definitely worth having, Arnold said. He said he believes the system will be effective and not too disruptive to the start of the school day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre also meant for large groups like youll see in Tuscaloosa and Auburn, you know, large groups of people passing through, which is great for the school environment, Arnold said. Alabama service member comes home and surprises his kids Staff is undergoing training next week, and Scottsboro High School Principal Jeff Tubbs is asking everyone to be patient as the school begins using the system. Its going to be a little bit of an adjustment from what were used to, but its also a means of trying to add an extra degree of protection for our students and our staff and our community and at any events we host, Tubbs said. With this system in place, visitors to the school are being asked to enter through the door that faces the main road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. After 37-year-old Laura Hern was found dead last month in the Highland Heights apartment she shared with her husband, investigators quickly deduced the circumstances surrounding her death were suspicious, court records show. More than a month after the arrest of her husband, 42-year-old Tyler Hern, authorities have yet to present evidence that the womans death was the result of foul play. During a bond hearing on Thursday, Campbell County District Judge Cameron Blau ruled that Hern can be released from jail by paying $5,000, a small percentage of the $500,000 bond that he was initially required to pay in full. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hern is charged with abuse of a corpse, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. His bond was set unusually high for such a low-level felony in anticipation of a forthcoming murder charge, Blau said. However, prosecutors said they have yet to receive the results of a toxicology report that could shed light on the cause of Laura Herns death. The medical examiner who performed her autopsy did not find external signs of foul play. Investigators say Hern waited to contact authorities after his wife died and lived in the home with her body for seven to 10 days. According to a criminal citation, Laura Herns body showed "obvious signs of decomposition" when police found her lying on a bed inside the Grey Stable Lane apartment on Feb. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyler Hern initially told police he hadnt spoken with his wife in person for days when he found her unresponsive in the bedroom, investigators said in court filings. The apartment building on Grey Stable Lane in Highland Heights where police found 37-year-old Laura Hern's body on Feb. 3. Investigators say Hern then changed his story to say he found his wifes body days earlier and attempted CPR but didnt call 911, telling police that he needed to get sober before calling for help. 'Tyler is taking care of me' Laura Hern's friends and family attempted to reach her with little success, court records said. A friend called 911 on Jan. 26, asking police to perform a welfare check at the Herns apartment because they hadnt heard from her. Around the same time, Laura Herns mother sent texts checking in on her daughter, who she described in messages as being radio silent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said Tyler Hern admitted to sending texts from his wifes phone after she died, pretending to be her. Im fine. Im just sick, Hern wrote in messages to his wifes family. Tyler is taking care of me. Laura Herns mom even traveled to Kentucky from Michigan to check on her daughter, but Tyler Hern didnt open the door, according to court records. Hern told police that his wife had been sick with pancreatitis, a condition caused by inflammation in the pancreas which can be fatal in severe cases. However, the revelation of the womans illness did not clear Hern from suspicions that he caused her death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hern admitted to Googling whether drinking antifreeze is fatal, although he told police that he drank the antifreeze to harm himself, investigators said. According to Sheena Baylon, Hern's attorney, those statements made obtaining toxicology results more pressing. Court records also show Hern was charged with domestic violence assault last year after Laura Hern reported to police that her husband pushed and hit her. The case was dismissed without prejudice in July, meaning prosecutors can refile if additional evidence emerges. Attorney seeks treatment for Hern, says he wants to 'get better' Baylon filed a motion last month seeking to have Hern be released to an inpatient bed at an addiction treatment center in Winchester, Kentucky. My client is amenable to treatment, is wanting to try to get better and move on from what is a tragic event, Baylon said, adding that all signs point to there being no further charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of his ruling on Thursday, Blau said Hern must be released into the treatment program after posting bond. The judge said Herns bond will be reconsidered once the toxicology results are finalized, meaning it could go up if the results show Laura Hern was poisoned or down if suspicions of foul play are ruled out. Regardless of whether the evidence shows Hern was responsible for his wife's death, Blau told Hern that he is "a screwed up individual that allowed your wife to practically melt in bed for several days, pointing to Hern's admissions to police. A grand jury has yet to decide whether Herns case will be prosecuted in Campbell County Circuit Court, where felonies are tried. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Highland Heights man accused of hiding wife's death gets lower bond By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -U.S. prosecutors on Thursday unveiled a new indictment against Sean "Diddy" Combs, accusing the hip-hop mogul of forcing employees to work long hours and threatening to punish those who did not assist in his two-decade sex trafficking scheme. Combs, 55, still faces a scheduled May 5 trial in Manhattan on federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mr. Combs has said it before and will say it again: he vehemently denies the accusations" made by federal prosecutors, his lawyer Marc Agnifilo said in a statement. "He looks forward to his day in court when it will become clear that he has never forced anyone to engage in sexual acts against their will." Combs has also denied all wrongdoing in dozens of civil lawsuits by women and men who accused him of sexual assault and other misconduct. While the new indictment added no new charges, it described what prosecutors called the "forced labor" that Combs demanded in connection with the racketeering conspiracy. It said Combs and his associates "maintained control" over some employees by forcing them to work long hours with little sleep, through the use of or threats to use physical force, financial harm, psychological harm and reputational harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In doing so, Combs, assisted by members and associates of the enterprise, caused these employees to believe they would be harmed--including by losing their jobs--if they did not comply with his demands," the indictment said. Such pressure caused one unnamed employee "to engage in sex acts with Combs," the indictment added. In a letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who oversees the case, prosecutors said they expect to provide Combs' lawyers with additional details by March 10. They asked that Combs be arraigned on the new indictment on March 14. In his statement, Agnifilo said many of Combs' former employees "stand by his side, prepared to attest to the dedication, hard work and inspiration they experienced while helping build groundbreaking, award-winning businesses." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Combs' sex trafficking scheme ran from 2004 to 2024. Many of the civil lawsuits were filed under a 2022 New York City law giving alleged victims of gender-motivated violence a window to sue even if statutes of limitations had expired. The deadline to sue expired at the end of February. Combs is in a Brooklyn jail awaiting trial. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by David Gregorio) A federal judge concluded last month that a former University of Colorado medical student failed to establish the school unlawfully retaliated against her, as the evidence instead showed faculty raised numerous concerns about her conduct over the years. CHICAGO Police in Chicago are have found a woman that had been missing for nearly three weeks. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Colorado's second-highest court ruled last week that a Jefferson County judge subjected a man to a harsher sentence following a successful appeal because the parole eligibility date was pushed back by multiple years, but that fact alone did not mean the judge acted "vindictively." SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) On the final day of the 2025 Legislative Session, Utah Senator Dan Thatcher announced he was switching parties leaving the GOP for Utah Forward. Thatcher, who ran unopposed in 2022, has served in the state legislature since 2011. He currently represents District 11 which covers Tooele County and a portion of West Valley. His current term runs through 2026 when he is up for re-election. During a press conference, Thatcher explained that it was his frustrations with the disconnect between the public and legislators that led to his decision. He argued that the Utah legislature has gone away from the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre not imagining it, youre not crazy we dont listen to you. We dont have to listen to you because you dont elect us, said Thatcher. The system in Utah is set up so that very very few people actually make that decision and its probably not you. And I think that is the core of the disconnect between the actions of the legislature and the needs and the values of the public that were supposed to represent. Earlier in the 2025 General Session, Thatcher gave an emotional speech against the controversial public union bill where he said more and more that his constituents email him telling him they do not feel heard. He is now the only third-party lawmaker in both the Utah Senate and Utah House of Representatives. What is the Utah Forward Party? The Utah Forward Party is a local chapter of the national Forward Party, founded by former presidential candidate Andrew Yang. Adam Teuscher, the Utah Forward Party State Chair, previously told ABC4 the party started its efforts in 2023 and put its first candidates on the ballot in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the partys website, Utah Foward runs on doing, not dividing, which they say means rejecting political extremes and working together to take real action. Were not building a copy of the current parties, which are dragging our country backward, the Utah Foward Partys website reads. Were moving American politics forward, with a party focused on innovative, collaborative, and common-sense solutions that work for the majority. Their priorities include environmental sustainability, preservation of the Great Salt Lake, housing availability, and addressing homelessness. The Utah Forward Party says it welcomes diverse thinking and new ideas and will approach colleagues with grace and tolerance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) Sharply rising property values in some fast-growing areas of South Dakota have become the top problem for many state legislators and the governor, too. Thats why theyre spending the closing days of the 2025 legislative session considering possible ways to provide short-term relief, while at the same time getting ready to take a deeper look for a lasting solution. State senators on Thursday voted 34-0 to conduct a comprehensive review of South Dakotas property tax policies. The House of Representatives had adopted the resolution 64-6 last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It calls for the Legislatures Executive Board to appoint a group of 16 legislators, who along with two members of Gov. Larry Rhodens administration, will attempt to identify impactful, substantive measures to provide significant and lasting tax relief for the homeowners of this state. The measures prime sponsor, House Speaker Jon Hansen, and its lead Senate sponsor, Republican Chris Karr, serve as the Executive Boards chair and vice chair. Karrs remarks Thursday acknowledged there are shorter-term steps still being considered. The study would look beyond them. Theres more work to be completed, he said. Democratic Sen. Jamie Smith, a co-sponsor of the resolution, said that the sales tax should be studied, too. He compared the property-tax problem to an arcade game that cant be won. We play Whack-a-mole with it all the time, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sen. John Carley urged the study panel to study agriculture property and commercial property in addition to owner-occupied. Carley also said the panel should consider ways to reduce spending. The Legislature meanwhile is scheduled look at three property-tax measures on Monday, the final day for legislation to clear its second chamber. The Senate will consider House Bill 1235, sponsored by Republican Rep. Greg Jamison. It proposes to allow local taxing districts including public school boards to raise the property-tax funded parts of their budgets by no more than 2.5% a year. State law currently says 3%. The House will consider Senate Bill 216, the product of work by the Rhoden administration and a 10-legislator working group. It would limit all counties assessments on owner-occupied homes to increase by no more than 3% a year for taxes payable in 2027 through 2031. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 216 would also place a 2% annual limit on additional tax revenue generated from improvements or other changes and only if those increased the propertys value by more than 40%. The third leg of SB 216 calls for increasing the income thresholds for people age 65 and older to qualify for assessment freezes on owner-occupied homes. A single person could have household income up to $55,000 and a multi-person household up to $65,000; those upper thresholds currently are $35,000 and $45,000. Rhoden, responding to a question from KELOLAND News, said at his weekly news conference on Thursday that he had been approached about folding Jamisons 2.5% growth limit into the proposal from the governor and legislators group. He said the offer came too late in the process. But, he noted, the two measures would be compatible if both win approval. The House also will consider Senate Bill 191. Its prime sponsor is Republican Sen. Amber Hulse, while Republican Rep. Jack Kolbeck is lead House sponsor. It calls for rolling owner-occupied assessments back to 2021 levels for people who have lived in their homes at least that long, while owner-occupied properties purchased after 2021 would be assessed at the fair-market value at the time of purchase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hulse-Kolbeck bill came out of the Senate on a 35-0 vote, but it barely survived the House State Affairs Committee hearing Wednesday night 7-6. Wendy Semmler, director for the property tax division in the state Department of Revenue, said the rollback would wipe out $16 billion of assessed value. SB 191 was amended in the House committee at its sponsors request, so that only owner-occupied property would be responsible for generating enough tax revenue to offset that $16 billion difference. Semmler said that tax levies to make up the difference would have to be higher and would hit harder those homeowners who bought their properties after 2021. All of South Dakotas agricultural groups testified against SB 191 on Wednesday, as did business groups, county commissioners, municipalities, towns and townships, several county directors of equalization and a representative of a business that assists local governments with debt service and helped state government gain its current AAA bond rating. Hulse said people who have been in their homes for some time would benefit while newer owners would pay more. Hansen asked for clarity: So the intent is not to decrease the revenue? That is the intent, Hulse said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the parade of opponents, Republican Rep. Spencer Gosch called for SB 191 to go down to the House floor. You got four days, Gosch told her. Youll have the weekend to work with some of the opponents and maybe pull a rabbit out of the hat. Republican Rep. Marty Overweg, an agricultural businessman and farmer, said he couldnt vote for the governor-legislators plan or Hulse-Kolbeck plan. He doesnt trust that providing owner-occupied relief wont put a heavier tax burden on agricultural property. I think its dangerous. I really do think its dangerous. You want corporate farming in South Dakota, just let taxes go crazy on the property, Overweg said. The House committees chair, Republican Rep. Scott Odenbach, on the other hand voted to send both of them out. I hope one of these measures, the best measure for relief, can make it out of the House, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden on Thursday pointed out another hurdle that the Hulse-Kolbeck plan would need to clear. The Legislature sets statewide tax levies for K-12 school districts as part of providing state aid to the districts. School districts as a whole are the largest recipients of property taxes in South Dakota. Rhoden said school levies have gone down almost every year because property values as a whole have risen. Having to raise the school levies would require a two-thirds majority vote, and Rhoden sounded doubtful that the Legislature would want to do that right now. Hes raised the question with some lawmakers. Ive asked them what do you think the chances of getting two-thirds of the legislators in both chambers to pass a bill, a two-thirds majority vote bill that increases property tax statewide on all classes of property. That would give the indication of where I stand on Senate Bill 191, Rhoden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have filed a formal complaint against District of Columbia U.S. attorney Ed Martin with the D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel, accusing him of dismissing criminal charges against his own clients and threatening prosecution against government employees to intimidate them. We write to express our grave concern about actions taken by Edward Robert Martin, Jr. that may constitute professional misconduct under the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct, wrote Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The letter, signed by all 10 Democrats on the Judiciary panel, asks for the disciplinary counsel, which is overseen by the D.C. Court of Appeals, to investigate whether Martin, a member of the D.C. Bar, violated rules of professional conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a government lawyer, particularly one entrusted with a leadership role in the nations foremost law enforcement agency, commits serious violations of professional conduct, it undermines the integrity of our justice system and erodes public confidence in it, they wrote. Specifically, the lawmakers say Martin, while in private practice, served as defense counsel in several cases related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, before personally submitting a motion to dismiss felony and misdemeanor counts against Joseph Padilla and failing to recuse himself from the case as acting U.S. attorney, creating an impermissible conflict of interest and the appearance of impropriety by using his new government office to favor his client. They say Martin also appeared as defense counsel for another Jan. 6 defendant, William Chrestman, a member of the Proud Boyss Kansas City chapter, who was sentenced to more than four years in prison after pleading guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and threatening a federal officer. Democrats say Martin only moved to withdraw his representation of Chrestman after initiating an internal review of the charges against his client, creating an appearance of impropriety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats say there is also evidence Martin communicated directly with Jan. 6 defendants who were not his clients after his appointment as interim U.S. attorney, including William Pope, who was charged with a felony and four misdemeanors related to the attack on the Capitol. They say that if Martin communicated directly with Pope, he created the appearance of impropriety because he may be called as a witness for the defendant in a matter involving the office he currently leads. They argue Martin has violated the D.C. Bars prohibition on representing a client if the client may be adversely affected by the lawyers responsibilities to or interests in a third party. Under this rule, Mr. Martin cannot effectively represent the United States in taking any investigative or prosecutorial steps against Mr. Padilla, including steps favorable to Mr. Padilla, in the same matter in which he defended and still represented Mr. Padilla, they wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say Martin potentially violated the prohibition of any conduct that interferes with the administration of justice and that his representation of Padilla and Chrestman creates an appearance of impropriety in any review or prosecutorial steps related to his offices handling of obstruction charges against Jan. 6 defendants. And his alleged communications with Pope likely prohibits an attorneys involvement in a case in which they are likely to be a necessary witness, they argued. In addition, Democratic senators are raising alarm over what they say are the numerous extrajudicial statements Martin has made threatening prosecution with the apparent intent of intimidating government employees and chilling the speech of private citizens. They cite a Feb. 3 social media post and letter to Elon Musk, the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, threatening to pursue any and all legal action against anyone who impedes your work or threatens your people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also point to a Feb. 14 post threatening former special counsel Jack Smith, who handled two criminal cases against President Trump before he won the 2024 election. And they note a Feb. 19 announcement that the U.S. attorneys office would investigate Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) as part of a crackdown on those responsible for threats to government officials, citing his March 2020 statement at a rally in front of the Supreme Court that conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh would pay the price for voting against abortion rights. Martin has since dropped plans to investigate Schumer after concluding his statements did not present a true threat that could be prosecuted. Mr. Martins conduct not only speaks to his fitness as a lawyer; his activities are part of a broader course of conduct by President Trump and his allies to undermine the traditional independence of Department of Justice Investigations and prosecutions and the rule of law, the Democrats wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They asked the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to initiate an investigation and take appropriate disciplinary proceedings and said they would appreciate prompt attention to this sensitive matter. Martins office did not respond to a request for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Senate Democrats have a fast-approaching dilemma: Vote for a spending bill unilaterally drafted by House Republicans or engage in the kind of shutdown brinkmanship theyve long opposed. It isnt a decision theyll be able to put off for much longer. House GOP leaders are poised early next week to send a bill to the floor that would largely hold current spending levels in place through the end of September. Democrats dont like this approach, arguing it would only further empower President Donald Trump and Elon Musk to continue to act beyond their authority in clawing back congressionally approved dollars. In the House, Democrats are vowing to hold back support, arguing that Republicans are responsible for finding the votes for a continuing resolution, or CR, after walking away from negotiations with the minority party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Republicans decide to take that approach, as Speaker [Mike] Johnson indicated it's his expectation, then Republicans are going it alone," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters Thursday. Its not so simple in the Senate, where Democratic leaders are being more careful to avoid promising blanket opposition to a relatively clean stopgap bill ahead of the March 14 shutdown deadline. Privately, leaders have urged their members to stay silent and force Republicans to come up with a palatable plan. Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, said in a brief interview Thursday he didnt sense there were enough Democratic senators yet willing to clear a seven-month stopgap Republicans need at least eight, assuming more GOP lawmakers dont join Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has pledged to vote no. Still, when pressed if he would oppose that bill if it was the only option on the table just hours before the shutdown deadline, Durbin hedged, saying that it was premature until he saw what gets through the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ask me after that, he added. While a handful of Democrats indicated in interviews that they are a no, so far Republicans have at least one Democrat on their side: Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who said in a brief interview Thursday that I'm never going to be a part of any vote that shuts the government down. The fact that anyone on our side would even rattle those sabers, that's bullshit, Fetterman said. To think I'm going to burn the village down to save it, thats bonkers. Roughly a dozen other Senate Democrats declined in interviews this week to say explicitly they would vote against a shutdown-averting bill. Several lawmakers said they want to know for sure that this bill would be the only way to avoid a lapse in federal funding before committing to supporting it. They also said they want to see proof that Speaker Mike Johnson can actually get it through the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's enough Senate Republicans who have told us that they support the idea of a short-term CR and completing all the bills, said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), adding that before he makes a decision on a House bill, I want to make sure that play is not available." Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) described himself as anti-shutdown and that Musks ascension makes it even more perilous to shut down because it would only further embolden him. But Kaine who, like Van Hollen, has a large share of federal workers in his state also declined to say how he would vote on a September funding patch if one comes to the Senate floor. A group of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate have been quietly talking about a back-up option if the House isnt able to pass its stopgap bill not an unthinkable scenario, given the GOPs razor-thin majority. Several of those Democrats emphasized their preference is to pursue a government funding path that gives space to senior appropriators who still insist theyre close to an agreement on updated agency funding levels. We're real close to a deal, said Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), an Appropriations Committee member. We should get that done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One option being floated by Democrats is a four- to five-week stopgap to give appropriators more time to land that deal. But Republicans involved in the bicameral negotiations warned that they dont believe their House counterparts are ready to accept anything other than an extension of current funding levels through the end of the fiscal year. My best guess right now is that the House will pass or attempt to pass a full-year CR, Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) told reporters. Asked about the possibility of a shorter stopgap, she added, I do not think the House is interested in that. Mia McCarthy, Lisa Kashinsky, Nicholas Wu and Jennifer Scholtes contributed to this report. Mar. 6COLUMBUS The Ohio Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 sponsored by Ohio Sen. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott, by a unanimous vote of 32-0, urging Congress to pass legislation designating illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is used legitimately to treat severe pain but illicit fentanyl has become the number one cause of death for Americans eighteen to 45 years of age. "While tragic, this crisis is no accident," explained Johnson. "Drug cartels and enemy nations of the United States like the People's Republic of China profit directly from the distribution of fentanyl. China financially rewards companies that manufacture fentanyl and its precursors through tax incentives and special economic designations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid fifty times more potent than heroin and one hundred times more potent than morphine, and is frequently laced into street drugs such as counterfeit opioid pills, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Fentanyl was involved in seventy-eight per cent of Ohio's unintentional drug overdose deaths in 2023. Fentanyl's popularity in the illicit drug market has exploded due to its potency, cheapness to manufacture, overall profitability, ease of smuggling, and for the exponential damage that it does to citizens of nations other than the People's Republic of China. Former Acting CIA Director Michael Morell described carfentanil, an even more potent derivative of fentanyl (100 times more deadly than fentanyl and 10,000 times more deadly than morphine) as "a significant threat to national security" and "a weapon of mass destruction." Johnson says nationally designating illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction would be a meaningful step towards protecting American life and national security. Senator Johnson is a retired physician who served as the State Surgeon for the Ohio Army National Guard, had a family practice in southern Ohio for three decades, and was the Scioto County Coroner from 2002-2010. Photo by Jim Small | Arizona Mirror Arizonas Republican legislators are taking another crack at voting law changes, after the Democratic governor vetoed their recent attempt to make the states elections more like Floridas. But the bills the Arizona Senate approved along party lines, with only Republicans in favor, are almost certainly headed for a veto from Gov. Katie Hobbs as well. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the proposals, Senate Bill 1097 and Senate Bill 1098, were sponsored by Sen. Jake Hoffman, leader of the far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus. One bill, SB1097, would force every public school operated by a school district to close on each primary and general election day and requires schools that have gymnasiums to act as a polling location, at the countys request. The proposal would get rid of a provision in state law currently that allows school superintendents to refuse to serve as polling places because of safety concerns or lack of space. It would also require all other government offices to serve as polling places, at the countys request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Hoffmans proposal would force schools to close to students on Election Day, it would bar teachers from taking time off that day, something that Sen. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, described as a slap in the face to educators. It sounds like this law would imply that a teacher is less than other people who do work, Epstein said. I cannot fathom why, just because youre a teacher, you cannot take leave. Senate Bill 1097 would also take a less extreme approach to requiring counties to use precinct-based voting than a bill sponsored by another Freedom Caucus member that already passed through the House and the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee. A precinct-based voting model requires each voter to cast a ballot at their designated location, and if they vote at the wrong location, it wont be counted. In contrast, any registered voter in the county can cast a ballot at any voting center in the county. Most Arizona counties use voting centers or a mix of precincts and voting centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike Rep. Rachel Keshels House Bill 2017, Hoffmans SB1097 would still allow the use of voting centers, but would give priority to precinct-based locations, only allowing voting centers to supplement precinct polling places. Maricopa and Pima counties, where nearly 75% of the states voters live, both use voting centers exclusively. Before voting against the bill on March 5, Democratic Sens. Theresa Hatathlie, Lauren Kuby and Priya Sundareshan all said they were concerned that, due to an ongoing difficulty finding poll workers, SB1097 would result in a de facto ban on voting centers since staffing precinct locations would take priority. There are 935 precincts in Maricopa County alone, according to voter registration information posted by the county recorders office in January. The county opened 246 voting centers during the November 2024 election. Its impossible to do all of it at once, Sundareshan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kuby and Sundareshan both pointed out that the use of voting centers makes voting easier for people who work far away from home or who recently moved, and eliminates provisional ballots that wont be counted because they were cast at the wrong location. Hoffman accused the Democrats of not reading SB1097, which he said would make voting more convenient by forcing schools to provide more polling location options to counties. Hoffman told Epstein that if the requirement for teachers to work on Election Day made her so angry, she should take it up with all the school districts that already have blackout days for time off in their teaching contracts, like the days following fall and winter break or, in some cases, Election Day. Sundareshan pointed out that those blackout days were negotiated with the teachers and their unions, not mandated by the state. Hoffmans Senate Bill 1098 would require voters who drop off early ballots at a polling place to show identification and sign an affidavit promising that theyre legally allowed to drop off those ballots. In Arizona, voters can only return their own ballot, ballots from family members or housemates or from a person for whom they are a caregiver. Those who violate that law could face a felony charge and more than a year in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, voters can drop off their early ballots in drop boxes or at polling locations without having to provide identification, and the ballots are validated by election workers verifying the ballot envelope signatures. Republicans lawmakers have been pushing this year to cut down on signature verifications for late-earlies, or early ballots dropped off on Election Day, saying that voters demand quicker election results. The signature verification process slows down the reporting of election results when hundreds of thousands of voters drop off their early ballots on Election Day. On Feb. 19, Hoffman told lawmakers on the Judiciary and Elections Committee that SB1098 gets rid of the honor system in which those dropping off early ballots dont have to prove theyre legally allowed to do so. He claimed that the process would only take an extra 30 seconds at the polling location to provide ID or sign an affidavit when dropping off ballots. Hatathlie said she was concerned that SB1098 included such a serious penalty but included no funding to educate voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maricopa County is not a state, so we have to look past that and beyond that to the rural counties as well, Hatathlie said. Both of Hoffmans bills will next head to the House of Representatives for consideration. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (COLORADO) On Thursday, March 6, Senator John Hickenlooper led a virtual discussion on the impacts of the Trump administrations freeze on federal funding in Colorado. The majority of speakers focused on how potential Medicaid cuts would impact Colorado. Last month, a late-night memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget ordered a freeze on all federal grants and loans, threatening hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. The freeze posed a major risk to thousands of Colorado organizations and the individuals they serve. While federal cuts have temporarily halted the freeze, many groups across the state still face challenges accessing essential federal funds. This virtual discussion on Thursday featured leaders from a wide range of Colorado organizations, shedding light on the impact of the freeze, including potential cuts to Medicaid, and what it means for local communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the deadline to avoid a government shutdown nears, Congress is trying to determine whether Medicaid cuts will be part of the budget they need to pass to keep everything running. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has until Friday, March 14 to bring the House GOP together, who are currently divided over spending and tax cuts. Democrats say they are not going to help unless Republicans can prove their budget would protect government programs like Social Security and Medicaid. Were going to fight tooth and nail to try and make sure we preserve every bit of funding that we can for Colorado and Colorado organizations, Sen. John Hickenlooper said. The Center for Health Progress in Colorado is one of those groups at risk. Many of our communities are so fearful of losing Medicaid, Yesenia Beasochea, Center for Health Progress explained. Grace is a young mom, shes involved in the work that we do at the Center for Health Progress. She is seven months pregnant and she did not want to go to the doctor. She canceled her OBGYN appointment and she has a green card and even with legal status, she did not want to go get that critical care that she needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, about a quarter of Colorados population is enrolled in Medicaid. The majority live in Congressional District 3 which makes up Pueblo, Trinidad, the San Luis Valley, and the Western Slope. Any cuts to Medicaid funding would further impact the health care safety net and would result in a reduction in services and programs and would threaten the availability of health care for people across the state, Romana Hasnain-Wynia, Chief of Academic Affairs for Denver Health said. A new report shows Republicans cannot achieve their goal of cutting $2 trillion in federal spending over the next decade without cutting Medicaid. President Trump and other Republican leaders continue to say they are not targeting Medicaid, arguing the savings will come largely from weeding out waste, fraud, and abuse. A lot of whats being done right now is to preserve these programs for the beneficiaries who truly deserve them and I think we all ought to welcome that exercise in getting rid of as they say, waste, fraud, and abuse, Congressman Jeff Crank, Colorados 5th Congressional District said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats argue the proposed Medicaid cuts would have widespread effects, impacting state budgets, rural hospitals, and health care providers. If you really want to look seriously at how the government spends the money and how we can cut the fraud, waste, and abuse, Im all for it, Sen. Hickenlooper explained. If you really want to look at it, there are ways to go about it, but you dont want to throw working families or critical services under the bus. To buy more time ahead of a potential government shutdown, President Trump and Speaker Johnson are pitching a short-term deal that freezes current spending levels until September. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said negotiations will continue in the Capitol on Tuesday, March 11, as lawmakers have gone home for the weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. BELGRADE (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people marched through Belgrade on Friday to mark the deaths of 15 victims in a railway station disaster and to support a student-led call for a general strike aimed at challenging Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's hold on power. Daily protests led by students have spread over the past four months to most of the country, following a collapse of an awning in a newly renovated train station in Novi Sad, Serbias second-largest city, in which 15 people were killed. Some businesses, artists, union activists and civic groups answered the students' call to strike Friday. But public services, state institutions, most companies and shops across Serbia remained operational. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Belgrade, demonstrators marched through the city centre, blowing whistles and horns and carrying banners with slogans reading Corruption kills and Blood is on your hands. "This corrupt monster of a regime, this corrupt blob, must be forced to operate as it should or be brought down," said Bane Nikolic, 29, a software developer. Nikolic said his firm's director told employees they were free to join the strike if they wish. On Friday, Vucic said he spoke by phone with Russia's leader Vladimir Putin about what he described as "a coloured revolution", a reference to popular uprisings in former Soviet states, and that he received Putin's backing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Serbians attribute the Novi Sad disaster to rampant corruption, which they tie to the decade-long leadership of Vucic and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). They also accuse Vucic and SNS of ties with organised crime, stifling media freedoms and violence against political opponents. Vucic and his allies deny that. The government has said it launched an anti-corruption drive following the train station disaster, arresting dozens on graft charges. Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two ministers also resigned amid the unrest, while prosecutors have charged 13 people over the train station collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following large protests in three major cities - Novi Sad, Kragujevac, and Nis - students announced a mass demonstration in Belgrade for March 15. Student demands include releasing documents related to the train station disaster and accountability for those responsible. (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Alex Richardson) A 34-year-old Oregon man was sentenced late last month for a flurry of game violations that included poaching a trophy-class bull elk and a trophy-class buck in Grant County. Prosectors say Travis Alexander Palmer killed both animals with a rifle during archery season. He also happened to be spotlighting from his vehicle on a public road at night, and he definitely didnt have the proper tags. Thats because the Mount Vernon man is no longer eligible to purchase a hunting license thanks to a lifetime ban handed down in 2015 and 2024. Those sentences followed lighter revocations of hunting privileges which began when Palmer was a teen. The most recent violations secured yet another lifetime ban. This is the third time in a decade the man received such a sentence, and the fifth overall revocation of his hunting privileges reports the Rogue Valley Times, a local newspaper. According to court records, Palmer had three warrants issued in March of last year that detail a number of wildlife offenses he committed in September 2023. Two were felony violations of wildlife law with culpable mental state, which means that Palmer was knowingly breaking the law. Five other charges included taking, angling, hunting or trapping in violation of a wildlife law or rule, and a sixth involved hunting with a revoked license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate warrant for Palmer details 31 additional offenses, reportedly fishing violations. On Feb 25 he was sentenced to 55 days in jail, ordered to perform 260 hours of community service, and fined $22,500. He was also placed on probation and forfeited a rifle, bow, and other gear. A few years ago Oregon doubled down on fines for poachers, with penalties up to $6,500 for each animal. In 2023, an Oregon man was fined $75,000 for poaching multiple game animals. The district attorney who prosecuted Palmers case wasnt immediately available for comment, but he did secure harsher penalties for Palmer this time around. Palmer is a habitual offender who does not care what restrictions are placed on him, DA Jim Carpenter told the RV Times. He is going to trophy-hunt or fish as he wishes without regard for the law or other people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carpenter noted that actions by poachers like Palmer make it more difficult for the law-abiding hunter and wildlife enthusiast to pursue hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities, respectively. Read Next: Texas Wardens Uncover Black-Market Whitetail Breeding Ring that Smuggled Ghost Deer You can read more about the case over at the RV Times. Oregon is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, which ensures that hunting and fishing bans issued in one state are recognized across the U.S. U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank spent a day in Colorado Springs riding along with firefighters, touring an Air Force unit and working at a convenience store. Crank said the experience gave him a deeper understanding of his constituents' challenges and will help guide his work in Congress. Syrias new rulers have been accused of carrying out massacres after a major uprising against their authority. On Thursday night, more than 90 people were reported killed and dozens more wounded in fierce fighting in the north-west of the country, areas associated with support for the former regime of Bashar al-Assad. The violence was said to have started following a well-planned and premeditated attack on government forces. It was the fiercest fighting seen inside Syria since the rebels ousted Assad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based organisation, reported that retaliatory attacks by government forces had occurred in the coastal town of Jableh and adjacent villages in the governate of Latakia. Government forces are being sent from Damascus to Latakia to counter the violence - BILAL AL HAMMOUD/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Video also appeared to show government forces clashing with pro-Assad militia in the city of Homs. On Friday, reports emerged of the new Syrian government, which is led by Islamist armed group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), sending substantial numbers of reinforcements to the area. At the same time, videos and pictures appeared online seeming to show a number of different mass killings allegedly committed by government forces or fighters allied with the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, tens of bloodied bodies were seen, some with bound hands. The new regime has for months been plagued by online misinformation emanating from former Assad allies, such as Russia, alleging atrocities. However, late on Friday, Syrias interior ministry acknowledged individual crimes by gunmen entering the Latakia area who were not under government control. It said efforts were under way to prevent this and reassert control. Ahmed al-Sharaas regime, which ousted the Assad dynasty after more than 50 years in power in December 2024, is struggling to stabilise the country and convince the outside world to help in the countrys reconstruction. The Syrian army sends reinforcements, including tanks, armoured vehicles, and rocket launchers, to Latakia and Tartus - Izettin Kasim/Anadolu via Getty Images The new Syrian government said efforts were under way to reassert control - Bilal Al Hammoud/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Although some European countries have shown a willingness to engage, the UK and US have only taken tentative steps to engage, wary that HTS remains a designated terror group because of its past affiliation with al-Qaeda and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts have said that the pro-Assad insurgency, which is made up mainly of people from his Alawite sect, has been building for weeks, particularly in the west of the country. An injured member of the HTS-led forces holds a machinegun in a hospital in Jableh, Latakia Charles Lister, who leads the MEI Syria programme, said on X: The actions of pro-Assad gunmen yesterday were clearly designed to provoke a sectarian spiral. At least two groups of government forces were rounded up and executed in Jableh; snipers targeted pro-Damascus protesters; and ambulances were systematically targeted. During the operation, security forces captured and arrested a former head of air force intelligence, one of the Assad familys most trusted security agencies, state news agency SANA reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our forces in the city of Jableh managed to arrest the criminal General Ibrahim Huweija, SANA said. He is accused of hundreds of assassinations during the era of the criminal Hafez al-Assad, Bashar al-Assads father and predecessor. There is heightened security in the capital - Ghaith Alsayed/AP Gen Huweija, who headed air force intelligence from 1987 to 2002, has long been a suspect in the 1977 murder of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Bek Jumblatt. Walid Jumblatt, his son and successor, retweeted the news of his arrest with the comment: Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest). The provincial security director said security forces clashed with gunmen loyal to an Assad-era special forces commander in another village in Latakia, after authorities reportedly launched helicopter strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The armed groups that our security forces were clashing with in the Latakia countryside were affiliated with the war criminal Suhail al-Hassan, the security director told SANA. Nicknamed The Tiger, Mr Hassan led the countrys special forces and was frequently described as Assads favourite soldier. He was responsible for key military advances by the Assad government in 2015. A defence ministry source told SANA that large military reinforcements were being deployed to the Jableh area. Alawite leaders later called on Facebook for peaceful protests in response to the helicopter strikes, which they said had targeted the homes of civilians. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. 32 Zimbabwean students to study mechatronics in China under joint training program Xinhua) 08:51, March 07, 2025 Students pose for a group photo with Zimbabwean and Chinese officials during a send-off ceremony at the Harare Polytechnic in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 6, 2025. Thirty-two Zimbabwean students will go to China to study mechatronics engineering under a joint training program between two vocational colleges. (Photo by Shaun Jusa/Xinhua) HARARE, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-two Zimbabwean students will go to China to study mechatronics engineering under a joint training program between two vocational colleges. Students from Zimbabwe's Harare Polytechnic will study for 18 months at the Ningbo Polytechnic in east China's Zhejiang Province. Under the program, they have completed their first year of studying in Zimbabwe. Speaking at a send-off ceremony held at the Harare Polytechnic on Thursday in the capital, Harare, Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Simelisizwe Sibanda said the initiative marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe's international education collaboration efforts. "The long-standing partnership between Zimbabwe and China rooted in historical ties has evolved into a dynamic collaboration across multiple sectors, including education," Sibanda said. So far, 58 students from two groups have embarked on the same fully funded program, which offers dual certification from both the Harare Polytechnic and Ningbo Polytechnic, he said. The collaboration has already yielded positive results, Sibanda said, adding that 30 students who traveled to China under the same program in 2023 have completed their training and already secured job opportunities. "This demonstrates the program's effectiveness in bridging the critical skills gap and ensuring that graduates contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe's industrialization agenda," said Sibanda. Panashe Mudondo, one of the beneficiaries of the program, said it will equip students with the necessary skills to promote national development. "We are thankful for our government's vision and commitment to investing in our education and development. This opportunity is going to make our career path special. I hope and trust that we will bring back new ideas in different ways and become an integral part of Zimbabwe's industrialization and modernization agenda," he said. A Zimbabwean official speaks to students during a send-off ceremony at the Harare Polytechnic in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 6, 2025. Thirty-two Zimbabwean students will go to China to study mechatronics engineering under a joint training program between two vocational colleges. (Photo by Shaun Jusa/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Cao Tianlan, a deputy to the 14th NPC, poses for a photo outside the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, March 5, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] Cao Tianlan, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), stressed during the "two sessions" that China must leverage collaborative innovation across industrial chains, digital transformation and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partnerships to propel its equipment manufacturing industry toward higher-end, greener and smarter development. "China has maintained its position as the world's largest manufacturing hub for many years, but there remains a gap in transitioning from a manufacturing giant to a manufacturing powerhouse," Cao explained to China.org.cn. She called for technological innovation and industrial upgrading to drive this critical leap. In Cao's view, collaborative innovation along industrial chains is pivotal for China's equipment manufacturing sector to achieve leapfrog development. It strengthens cooperation among upstream and downstream enterprises, expands production scale, enhances efficiency and bolsters risk resilience and global competitiveness. She cited the development of China's first self-developed F-class 50 MW heavy-duty gas turbine (G50) as a prime example. This breakthrough involved collaboration between over 300 upstream and downstream enterprises. Cao highlighted that the G50's journey from R&D to deployment exemplifies the success of China's new system for mobilizing resources nationwide to make key technological breakthroughs. She further noted that in 2024, China established its first small and medium-sized gas turbine industrial chain alliance to jointly explore "Chinese solutions" to gas turbine development. Cao also emphasized that manufacturing digitization is integral to building a modern industrial system. At Dongfang Electric Corp, where she serves as deputy chief engineer, milestones include China's first unmanned blade processing workshop, a green high-efficiency welding digital workshop, and an industrial internet platform with intellectual property rights enabling full data interconnectivity. "Moving forward, we will deepen the integration of the digital and real economies through smart technologies and digital upgrades, as well as AI Plus initiatives," she added. Regarding international expansion, Cao acknowledged the achievements of China's high-end equipment in global markets while underscoring that BRI partner countries have become a focal point for global manufacturing competition. She highlighted landmark projects by Dongfang Electric, cooperated with a power plant in Belarus, and Jirau hydropower station in Brazil, and PV projects in Uzbekistan. These projects have not only upgraded local energy infrastructure but also generated employment and stimulated economic growth. "They have enhanced the global competitiveness of 'Made in China' while strengthening mutual trust and cooperation with BRI countries," she remarked. In addition, Cao proposed a standardization strengthening initiative for high-end equipment manufacturing, advocating for a comprehensive industrial chain standards system to promote the global adoption of Chinese standards. She urged active participation in international standardization organizations to boost the competitiveness of China's high-end energy equipment on the world stage. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Sioux Falls Police Department spokesperson Sam Clemens says a fugitive task force, which integrates the Sioux Falls Police Department and Minnehaha County Sheriffs Office into one team, played an integral role in locating two Sioux Falls women: 20-year-old Taylor Marie Edwards, whose alleged involvement in a kidnapping was announced Thursday, and 38-year-old Betty Jewel Cross. Cross and Edwards are accused of kidnapping a seven-month-old child. The City of Sioux Falls announced in a Wednesday afternoon news release that the states Department of Social Services would work to bring the baby back to South Dakota, saying the alleged victim appeared unharmed. Mobile market in danger after federal grant freeze Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clemens says the fugitive task force, which was trying to find Cross, had information pointing them to Michigan. Theyre very good at what they do, Clemens said Thursday. This case, they learned that she had left the state. They passed that information on to the detective, and then he was the one that got in touch with the Detroit Police Department. Court papers say Child Protection Services temporarily placed the alleged victim with Cross back in August. However, court documents also say CPS informed Cross in late February that the child would be placed with another family. Per Clemens, the Detroit Police Department found and arrested Cross and Edwards together in that city Wednesday, with Edwards allegedly having helped take the baby. Clemens explains that with kidnappings, the victim and suspect nearly always share a connection. This one involving a child, we see that time to time, usually it starts off under the guise of some type of child custody dispute, could be an ex-spouse or a boyfriend/girlfriend, different situations, he said. This one had a little different nuance to it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Socorro Independent School Districts (SISD) Board of Trustees approved a proposal to offer a $2,500 incentive payment to 100 teachers and campus-based contracted staff who will voluntarily leave their positions at the end of the school year. The measure was unanimously approved at a special board meeting on Thursday, March 6, at the districts headquarters. We feel that if we offer this incentive, itll not only help us reduce the staff, but it also may prevent some of our employees from receiving a non-renewal contract for next year, Interim Superintendent James Vasquez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been hearing from a lot of our employees that they want to resign or retire anyway, just if its going to save a job. And theyve been extremely, extremely generous, Vasquez added. This comes on the heels of the district approving a measure to lay off approximately 300 teachers and staff at the end of the school year to address a projected $38 million budget shortfall that threatens to bankrupt the district. Socorro ISD board approves hundreds of layoffs to deal with budget shortfall Vasquez said if they are able to reduce their workforce by 100 employees through this means, it could save the district over $7 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would help the district almost completely clear the $8 million gap still left to be addressed after the district decided to move forward with the proposed layoffs, which district officials estimate would only save the district $30 million. Socorro ISD layoffs shock teachers, students Teachers and select staffers looking to part ways with the district will have the option to submit the notice of voluntary separation to SISD by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 7. The payment will be distributed to the first 100 eligible employees to submit their notice. Eligible employees must meet the listed criteria: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employed under a probationary, non-certified, or term contract Hold the proper certifications and credentials for their position Located at a campus Currently not under investigation with the district or proposed for non-renewal Already planning to resign or retire at the end of the school year District officials said they would make the option available to more than the proposed 100 select staffers if the number of submissions exceeds that desired target. Historically, we have not received more than 50, 75 employees saying they want to separate (resign or retire). However, back then, (the incentives) were around $500 and $750. Now, were looking at a $2,500 incentive. So, the possibility is there that it could go over 100 employees. So, if thats the case, we will provide a status update to the board at our next board meeting on March the 26th. If at that point weve already hit 100, we may ask for authorization to go for another hundred, Vasquez said. Veronica Hernandez, union president of the Socorro American Federation of Teachers, said the measure would be a welcome relief for teachers, but that it wouldnt do much to improve their situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The morale, its just really low right now, extremely low. So yeah, this is a little bit of help, but I mean, thats nothing for 100 people. What about the other 200-300 that (SISD) is going to let go? By the time unemployment kicks in, youre already going to be late on several bills, Hernandez said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) The sister-in-law of the cannibal victim Angel Gonzalez shared her emotional response following the release of the cannibal killer in February. Talitha Frazier, Gonzalezs sister-in-law, says she cant forget. Tyree Smith killed Gonzalez with an axe in Bridgeport on Dec. 15, 2011. He then proceeded to remove an eyeball and part of the mans brain and ate them. Smith was found not guilty by reason of insanity and given a sentence of 60 years. After about 10 years in a state institution, Smith was released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board approves conditional release of Bridgeport cannibal killer I wish he would have stayed in my house that night and never left and that he stayed in my house because his life wouldve been different, Frazier said. News 8 has discovered that Gonzalez was trying to help Smith and brought him in out of the cold on the day he was murdered. Some of the details are disturbing. Blood everywhere on the walls, pieces of brain there, thats just something you cant get rid of, Frazier said. Frazier says she worries the cannibal killer will strike again and says Smith shouldve stayed inside for the full 60 years he was given. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think he will do it again, and I hope that he doesnt, but like Jeffrey Dahmer said once, you start eating flesh, youll do it again, Frazier said. Connecticut attorney Ryan McGuigan, a former prosecutor, says the not guilty by insanity verdict is the key to why the killer was released. He doesnt have any criminal culpability for it because they couldnt understand what they are doing was wrong or if they could, but they understood it but couldnt stop themselves from doing it, McGuigan said. Digital Extra: Former prosecutor weighs in on Bridgeport cannibal case The Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board released the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expert testimony reflected that Mr. Smith was safe to be conditionally released under the terms reviewed at the hearing. We assert that his ability to be in the community and remain in the community is under strict and well monitored guidelines that the experts have determined well control his modifiable risk factors. Frazier says releasing balloons into the air for her brother-in-laws upcoming birthday where he took his last breath brings some solace, but she added her heart is forever broken. Smith, as part of his release, will not be allowed in Bridgeport or go near the victims family, and hell have to wear an ankle bracelet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Morgan Geyser - Credit: Morry Gash/AP In January, Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren ordered Morgan Geysers release from Winnebago Mental Health Institute. The 22-year-old was sentenced to 40 years in a mental institution in 2018 after pleading guilty to attempted murder for the 2014 attack she carried out with her friend Anissa Weier. After seven years, Bohren decided Geyser was no longer a safety risk. However, Geysers discharge was halted after state health officials raised concerns about books she read at the facility and a recurring visitor. But Bohren has since decided her supervised release can proceed. State Department of Health Services officials flagged that Geyser read Rent Boy a novel about sex, murder, and an organ theft ring and failed to disclose this to her therapy team. The state has real concerns these things are, frankly, just red flags at this point, Waukesha County Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie said on Thursday, per Associated Press. Officials also claimed Geyser was in contact with a murder memorabilia collector, sending him sketches of decapitated bodies and expressing interest in being intimate with him. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geysers attorney pushed back at the concerns. Morgan is not more dangerous today, Tony Cotton said. He claims that staff at the facility knowingly allowed patients access to Rent Boy, as well as biographies that Geyser enjoyed reading. He also noted that Geyser stopped communicating with the memorabilia collector when she learned that he was selling the items she sent him. He previously visited her three times in June 2023. Cotton suggested that the department wanted to keep her in the hospital as a hit job. In January, Bohren ruled that Wisconsins Department of Health Services would determine the conditions of Geysers release as it was decided that she would be placed in a group home and supervised within her release within 60 days. Geysers release was initially denied in April 2024. She petitioned for release once again in October 2024. Her first two requests, issued in 2022, were denied on the grounds that she might harm herself or others. Geyser allegedly attempted to hang herself in October 2021 and decided to stop taking antipsychotic medications in 2022. Shes done what shes supposed to do, Bohren said in agreement with three experts who stated that Geyser has made progress in addressing mental illness. She appears to have a good attitude. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Sloss Tech is returning for a seventh year with an expanded three-day format in Birmingham. The three-day event will take place from June 25-27. Innovate Alabama returns as the sponsor for Sloss Tech 2025, continuing their investment into Alabamas innovation ecosystem. Kentuck Art Center hosting March Art Night Alabamas tech community stands out for being genuinely supportive and collaborative, said Maria Underwood, Chief Operating Officer at Moxi and current board chair for TechBirmingham. What founders discover when they come to Sloss Tech is an enthusiastic community ready to help them succeed. This welcoming community spirit is the driving force behind our continued growth as a tech hub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) Large crowds again took to the streets across Slovakia on Friday to voice their opposition to populist Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian policies. The wave of protests is fueled by Ficos recent trip to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a rare visit to the Kremlin by a European Union leader since Moscows all-out invasion of Ukraine began more than three years ago and his recent remarks that Slovakia might consider leaving the 27-nation EU and NATO. Shame, Shame, people at the Freedom Square in Bratislava chanted. The crowds rallied in over 40 towns and cities at home and abroad, organizers said. The protesters called Fico a traitor. Slovakia is Europe, they repeated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fico, who survived an assassination attempt in May 2024, has faced calls to resign over his comments about future EU and NATO membership and his claim that Russia had security reasons to invade Ukraine. The crowd condemned recent pro-Russian activities of Ficos close associates. They include remarks by Erik Kalinak who said that Slovakia would finally have a reliable neighbor, if the Russian troops conquered Ukraine, Slovakias neighbour. Kalinak is the chief advisor of Ficos government, a member of the European Parliament and Ficos deputy in the leftist Smer (Direction) party. Lubos Blaha, a prominent member of Ficos party who is known for his extreme leftist rhetoric, met this week Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russias SVR spy agency, on one of his trips to Moscow, and said that its a fact that the West is losing and Russia is winning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ficos views on Russia have sharply differed from the European mainstream. He returned to power last his party won a parliamentary election in 2023. He has since ended Slovakias military aid for Ukraine, criticized EU sanctions on Russia and vowed to block Ukraine from joining NATO. He declared Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an enemy after Ukraine halted on Russian gas supplies to Slovakia and some other European customers. CHICAGO (WGN) The Small Business Administration plans to close its Chicago office and those in five other sanctuary cities. Administrator Kelly Loeffler, who was born in Bloomington and attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said in a Thursday announcement that offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City and Seattle would be closed. The work would resume in municipalities the administration deems less costly, more accessible and that better serve the small business community and comply with federal immigration law. Under President Trump, the SBA is committed to putting American citizens first again starting by ensuring that zero taxpayer dollars go to fund illegal aliens, Lofflers statement said. Illinois follows the law: Pritzker responds after Trump administration sues Illinois, Chicago over sanctuary status Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Brandon Johnson defends Chicagos sanctuary city status at congressional hearing on Capitol Hill Additionally, the agency on Thursday said it would be instituting a new citizenship verification policy for SBA programs. Lenders would need to confirm that applying business are not owned in whole or in part by someone in the country illegally. We will return our focus to empowering legal, eligible business owners across the United States in partnership with the municipalities who share this Administrations commitment to secure borders and safe communities, Loffler said. The announcement comes just one day after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, New York Mayor Eric Adams, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston answered questions about sanctuary status in their respective cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Chicago, city ordinance and state law prevent police officers from questioning people about their immigration status and limits their ability to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The policy has been in place, in some form, for 40 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. NEW YORK (AP) The Small Business Administration said it will relocate six of its regional offices in so-called sanctuary cities, part of a broader Trump administration effort to crack down on cities that it deems have immigrant-friendly policies. In a statement Thursday, SBA administrator Kelly Loeffler said offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City and Seattle will be relocated to less costly, more accessible locations that better serve the small business community and comply with federal immigration law. No details were given about where the offices might be moving to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no legal definition for sanctuary city policies, but they generally limit cooperation by local law enforcement with federal immigration officers. Courts have repeatedly upheld the legality of sanctuary laws. The announcement came a day after Republican members of Congress hammered four Democratic mayors Wednesday about their so-called sanctuary city policies, accusing them of endangering Americans and threatening to prosecute local officials. The SBA was established in 1953 to offer resources to small businesses and helps administer small business and disaster recovery loans. It played a crucial role during the pandemic, helping distribute small business aid. It has at least one district office in each state, and some larger states, like California and Texas, have several. Offices provide counseling, training, and other resources that provide support for small business owners. Separately, the Loeffler said SBA loans won't be eligible to businesses that have owners in whole or in part who aren't U.S. citizens. The SBA said in an email response to a query that it would make more details about that policy known in coming days. The SBA doesnt give out direct loans, except when theyre related to disasters, but it works with lenders to distribute loans to small businesses. The loans typically have better rates than traditional loans. The Small Business Administration said it will relocate six of its regional offices in so-called sanctuary cities, part of a broader Trump administration effort to crack down on cities that it deems have immigrant-friendly policies. In a statement Thursday, SBA administrator Kelly Loeffler said offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City and Seattle will be relocated to less costly, more accessible locations that better serve the small business community and comply with federal immigration law. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] No details were given about where the offices might be moving to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no legal definition for sanctuary city policies, but they generally limit cooperation by local law enforcement with federal immigration officers. Courts have repeatedly upheld the legality of sanctuary laws. The announcement came a day after Republican members of Congress hammered four Democratic mayors Wednesday about their so-called sanctuary city policies, accusing them of endangering Americans and threatening to prosecute local officials. The SBA was established in 1953 to offer resources to small businesses and helps administer small business and disaster recovery loans. It played a crucial role during the pandemic, helping distribute small business aid. It has at least one district office in each state, and some larger states, like California and Texas, have several. Offices provide counseling, training, and other resources that provide support for small business owners. Separately, Loeffler said SBA loans wont be eligible to businesses that have owners in whole or in part who arent U.S. citizens. The SBA doesnt give out direct loans, except when theyre related to disasters, but it works with lenders to distribute loans to small businesses. The loans typically have better rates than traditional loans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SBA did not respond to a request for comment for more details. TRENDING STORIES: EDITORIAL: Another agency obstructs the public's right to know Return to Nature co-owner Carie Hallford is set to go to trial next month after withdrawing her guilty plea in federal court this week. Carie Hallford, who along with husband, Jon Hallford, was originally headed to prison after taking a plea deal for crimes involving nearly 190 bodies at a southern Colorado funeral home, will instead stand trial in federal court starting on April 14. The funeral home in Penrose, about 35 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, came under a multiagency investigation in October 2023 after complaints about a foul odor in the area. Investigators said they found about 190 bodies in various states of decomposition that were not properly stored. Last year, the Hallfords pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of wire fraud and were expected to receive a prison sentence of 78 months to 15 years. However, according to court records, at a hearing last week Judge Nina Wang informed both defendants that after review she found the plea agreements were not in the publics best interest. According to court records, Wang informed the Hallfords they would need to return to court to be prepared to either withdraw from the plea agreement or proceed under new terms. According to court records, Jon Hallford opted to keep his guilty plea, with the only change being an understanding that Wang could go above the originally expected maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and that Jon Hallford is not able to withdraw his plea of guilty. Featured Local Savings Carie Hallford opted to withdraw her plea and is set for trial, according to court records. Due to Carie Hallfords plea withdrawal, she is now set to begin a 10-day trial on April 14 in federal court. Jon Hallford was originally set to be sentenced March 20, but the court Thursday vacated the hearing and set for sentencing on June 27. Kate Singh, a spokeswoman for the 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office, said this week there is a possibility that the Hallfords sentencing date in state court could be delayed by Carie Hallfords plea withdrawal. Jon and Carie Hallford are still set to appear in Colorados 4th Judicial District court for sentencing on April 18. In January, the Hallfords pleaded guilty in state court to 190 counts of abuse of a corpse. The state plea agreements, if accepted by Judge Eric Bentley, would see Jon Hallford sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Carie Hallford faces 15-20 years in prison. On the state level, if the plea agreement is accepted, other charges will be dismissed. WASHINGTON (AP) Son of Jalisco New Generation cartel boss is sentenced to life in prison for helping him traffic narcotics from Mexico. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Sonic employee wanted in Las Cruces for shooting and killing another employee earlier this week was identified as the same fugitive who was shot during an officer-involved shooting on Wednesday, March 5, in El Pasos Lower Valley, the El Paso Police Department (EPPD) said. US Marshals: Fugitive hurt after officer-involved shooting in El Pasos Lower Valley As we previously reported, U.S. Marshals said a fugitive, later identified as Luciano Roman Valente Frias, exchanged gunfire with Lone Star Fugitive Task Force members and was injured before being arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident happened shortly before 2:20 p.m. at the 9400 block of Alameda Ave, EPPD said. Frias had been wanted in Las Cruces for shooting and killing another employee, Benjamin Hernandez, 20, on Tuesday evening, March 4, at the Sonic Drive-In located at 3471 Foothills Road. UPDATE: Sonic employee wanted for alleged murder arrested in El Paso Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. By Tannur Anders and Sfundo Parakozov JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa on Friday rejected a claim by multibillionaire Elon Musk that his Starlink satellite company could not operate in the country because he is not Black, and its telecoms regulator said Starlink had not applied for a licence. In his latest rebuke of the country where he was born and went to school, Musk wrote on X, which he also owns: "Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I'm not black". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clayson Monyela, a senior official at the foreign affairs department, responded emphatically on the social media platform. "Sir, that's NOT true & you know it! It's got nothing to do with your skin colour. Starlink is welcome to operate in South Africa provided there's compliance with local laws," Monyela wrote. "This is a global international trade & investment principle." Musk appeared to be taking a swipe at local Black Economic Empowerment rules that foreign-owned telecommunications licensees sell 30% of the equity in their local subsidiaries to historically disadvantaged groups. South African technology news website TechCentral has reported that Starlink's parent company SpaceX wrote to telecommunications regulator ICASA telling it that it should rethink the 30% ownership requirement for licensees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An ICASA spokesperson said without elaborating: "ICASA has not received any application from Starlink or SpaceX." Communications minister Solly Malatsi did not answer a phone call seeking comment. TechCentral has reported that Malatsi has asked ICASA to consider "equity equivalents" like skills development to allow companies like SpaceX to operate locally. Starlink operates in many African countries, but in addition to South Africa it has faced obstacles in places like Cameroon and Namibia due to licensing disputes. Musk attended school in the South African capital Pretoria before emigrating to the United States, where he is now a top adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump as well as the world's richest person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within weeks of taking office Trump has suspended U.S. aid to South Africa over its land reform policies and its genocide case against Washington's ally Israel at the World Court. (Additional reporting by Nqobile Dludla and Tim Cocks; Writing by Alexander Winning; Editing by Hugh Lawson) (Bloomberg) -- South Africas rand weakened after US President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of the country. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The currency fell as much as 1.1% and traded 0.7% weaker at 18.2563 rand per dollar as of 5:45 p.m. in Johannesburg, after Trump repeated on his Truth Social account that South Africa is confiscating farmers land and farms. The nation hasnt seized any private land since the end of White-minority rule in 1994. Trump also said hes halting all federal funding to South Africa, and reiterated his offer of sanctuary to farmers he claimed are fleeing the country fearing for their safety. Trump on Feb. 7 signed an executive order halting all assistance to South Africa and offering to promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored, race-based discrimination. South Africa isnt going to partake in megaphone diplomacy, Agence France-Presse said, citing presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. The country remains committed to building a mutually beneficial bilateral trade, political and diplomatic relationship with the US. Trumps latest salvo followed a statement posted earlier on X by his billionaire ally, Elon Musk, who said that his Starlink satellite-internet business is unable to operate in South Africa because of his race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has previously cited legislation that requires significant Black ownership a policy implemented to redress the impact of apartheid on the nations Black majority as the reason he wont bring his business to South Africa. This week, South Africa said the US notified it about withdrawing from a coal-transition pact to which it had committed $1 billion. Trump has also terminated thousands of health-care programs on the continent, including in South Africa. We are not daunted to navigate our path through this world, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a speech on Feb. 6, without mentioning Trump by name. We will not be deterred. We are, as South Africans, a resilient people, and we will not be bullied. Its unclear what other US federal funding to South Africa Trump seeks to end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for the twice-weekly Next Africa newsletter for the latest business and economic news from the continent. (Updates with comment from presidency in fourth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's defence minister said there was a need to "relook at" a Southern African mission in Democratic Republic of Congo, where troops from several countries including South Africa are deployed to help the country fight Rwanda-backed rebels. "There is an evaluation process underway," Minister Angie Motshekga told Reuters on Friday, in response to a question about whether South Africa was considering withdrawing its troops. She said that heads of state from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community would be meeting soon to pronounce on the topic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "South Africa works under the leadership of these bodies and its decision to withdraw or not will be informed by processes and decisions of these bodies," she said in a text message. South Africa's intervention in Congo has drawn heavy criticism at home after the fall of Goma in January left South African soldiers surrounded and with no clear exit strategy. (Reporting by Nellie Peyton; Additional reporting by Tannur Anders; Editing by Alexander Winning) A convicted double murderer has been executed by firing squad the first such execution in the United States since 2010, according to the South Carolina Department of Corrections. The execution of Brad Sigmon, 67, by the South Carolina Department of Corrections on Friday is only the fourth firing squad execution in the US since capital punishment was reinstated in 1976, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Sigmon chose firing squad over the two other state-approved methods of execution, lethal injection or the electric chair. He was pronounced dead by a physician at 6:08 p.m. ET, officials said at a news conference Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sigmon was convicted of the 2001 bludgeoning deaths of his ex-girlfriends parents. After their murders, Sigmon kidnapped his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint, but she managed to escape. In a final statement shared by his lawyer, Sigmon said, I want my closing statement to be one of love and a calling to my fellow Christians to help us end the death penalty. He quoted several Bible passages that emphasize forgiveness and the law. Nowhere does God in the New Testament give man the authority to kill another man, he said. One of Sigmons attorneys, Gerald Bo King, said shortly after the execution that his clients death was horrifying and violent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He chose the firing squad knowing that three bullets would shatter his bones and destroy his heart, King said in a statement. But that was the only choice he had, after the states three executions by lethal injection inflicted prolonged and potentially torturous deaths on men he loved like brothers. King described Sigmon as a man who has devoted himself to his faith, and to ministry and service to all around him who committed no acts of violence during his 23 years in prison. King said the state had failed to provide information about drugs used in the lethal injection. Brad only wanted assurances that these drugs were not expired, or diluted, or spoiled what any of us would want to know about the medication we take, or the food we eat, much less the means of our death, he said. Sigmon became the oldest person executed by the state, according to King. Protests outside the scheduled execution of South Carolina inmate Brad Sigmon on March 7 in Columbia, South Carolina. - Chris Carlson/AP In the hours ahead of Sigmons scheduled execution, several protesters gathered outside the prison where hes incarcerated, calling for an end to capital punishment. They held banners proclaiming All Life is Precious and No More Killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster declined a bid for clemency from Sigmon Friday evening. Attorneys for Sigmon filed a petition for executive clemency with the governor, asking to commute his death sentence to life imprisonment without parole, saying in a news release, Sigmon committed his crimes and stood trial while in the grip of an undiagnosed, inherited mental illness. The US Supreme Court likewise declined to halt Sigmons execution Friday. As is often the case on its emergency docket, the court did not explain its reasoning. There were no noted dissents. In a Wednesday filing to the Supreme Court, Sigmons attorneys had sought a stay of his execution, asking the high court to consider whether South Carolinas compressed election timeline and arbitrary denial of information relating to the South Carolina Department of Corrections lethal injection drugs violate Due Process. Attorneys for Sigmon say they have tried to obtain more information about the drugs used during lethal injection, but they have been blocked at every turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the state department of corrections, Sigmons attorneys were provided a copy of the lethal injection protocols under seal. When asked, King said that though they received some information from the department, they have asked for basic facts regarding the expiration date of the drugs, test results and storage conditions. None of that information, none of those basic facts, are in the protocols, he said. How firing squad executions work Sigmons execution took place at the Broad River Correctional Institution, in Columbia, South Carolina, where all executions in the state are carried out. Sigmon received his special requested meal Wednesday night, King said. He was given an individual meal from Kentucky Fried Chicken that included mashed potatoes and green beans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, the South Carolina Department of Corrections detailed the room setup and protocols for how a firing squad execution would be carried out. The rifles used by the three-member firing squad would not be visible to witnesses, the department said at the time. All three rifles will be loaded with live rounds. The firing squad is thought to cause nearly instant unconsciousness and death from exsanguinating hemorrhage follows shortly thereafter, Dr. Jonathan Groner, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine told CNN Sunday. The three or four executioners firing large caliber bullets at the heart would instantly stop the blood flow to the brain, which, like a cardiac arrest, causes rapid loss of brain function. Jeffrey Collins, a reporter for The Associated Press and one of the witnesses to the execution, said at a news conference that Sigmon wore a black jumpsuit and was completely strapped into a chair. King read Sigmons final statement before a hood was placed over his head. His arms were bare but no other skin was visible, said Collins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shots rang out at 6:05 p.m., Collins said. Witnesses involuntarily flinched when the shooting began. A small red stain appeared on Sigmons chest, he said. A doctor performed an examination for about 90 seconds and Sigmon was declared dead at 6:08 p.m., according to Collins and the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Witnesses were unable to see the guns, according to Anna Dobbins, a reporter for WYFF who also acted as a witness for the execution. The three shots rang out at the same time, she said. Collins, who has witnessed all three methods of execution, said that the firing squad was much quicker than other methods. The time from the shots being fired to the time death was declared was a little over two minutes, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described a very somber, quiet environment inside the execution chamber. Each of the three executioners is an employee of the Department of Corrections and volunteered to be part of the team, Chrysti Shain, a spokesperson for the department told CNN. The firing squad fired from 15 feet away, and witnesses could see the right-side profile of the condemned inmate, according to the DOCs protocol. Each of the executioners fired once from their rifles using .308a Winchester TAP Urban bullets, Shain said at the news conference. The bullet provides rapid expansion and fragmentation, Shain said previously. History of execution by firing squad Over 1,600 executions have taken place in the United States since the 1970s, and the vast majority have been carried out by lethal injection, according to the Death Penalty Information Center (DPI), a nonprofit resource for data on the practice of executions. More than 160 inmates have died by electrocution and 15 by gas, according to the groups data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only three other inmates have been executed by firing squad since 1977, all of them in Utah. The last firing squad execution was Ronnie Gardner, who chose the method in June of 2010. Utah uses a five-member firing squad, according to the state department of corrections. Armed with .30 caliber rifles loaded with two round, the five shooters, who are not DOC employees, stand 20 to 25 feet away from the inmate. One of the rifles is loaded with blank rounds, the department added. Five states Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah allow execution by firing squad, according to DPI. In Mississippi and Oklahoma, the firing squad option is available if nitrogen hypoxia, lethal injection, and electrocution are held unconstitutional or otherwise unavailable, they state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho could become the only state that allows firing squad as its primary form of execution, after a bill passed the state legislature this week. The bill heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Brad Little for his signature. Currently, the state allows for a firing squad execution as a backup method if lethal injection drugs are not available. The bill comes after one attempt to execute an inmate via lethal injection failed, with officials unable to set an intravenous line. In 2021, South Carolina passed a law allowing execution by firing squad in the state but named the electric chair the states primary means of execution. The law allows inmates the option to instead choose firing squad or lethal injection, if available. The change was made as states around the country hit barriers finding the required drugs for lethal injection, which caused many to pause executions at the time. In South Carolina, the inmate must opt for their method of execution in writing, two weeks before their scheduled death, according to the DPI. In Utah, if a person was sentenced to death before May 3, 2004, they could choose firing squad as an execution option. The method can also be authorized in the state if lethal-injection drugs are unavailable, the group says. States are looking for a way to carry out executions that appear to be as peaceful as possible, but its not, Robert Dunham of the Death Penalty Policy Project told CNN. And when they cant do that, if theyre desperate to carry out executions, they will blow a hole in a prisoner with rifles to carry them out. That takes the death penalty optically to a new level, because capital punishment has always been brutal. But when we resort to visibly brutal methods, that may have a further impact and to accelerate public opinion away from the death penalty. South Carolina has 28 other inmates on death row, according to state records. CNNs John Fritze, Shawn Nottingham and Jessica Jordan contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com For the first time in nearly 15 years, a death row inmate was killed by firing squad in the U.S. Brad Sigmon is now the fourth prisoner nationwide to die this way. Channel 9s Glenn Counts spent the day in Columbia, South Carolina, as dozens of protesters hoped Gov. Henry McMaster would grant clemency. READ MORE: South Carolina man to be executed by firing squad, first in 15 years Sigmon was pronounced deceased at 6:08 p.m. Friday. He was on death row for more than 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was sentenced for killing his ex-girlfriends parents with a baseball bat. Despite the nature of this crime, there was a crowd of people outside the Broad River Correctional Facility hoping that McMaster would give him a last-minute reprieve. Our minister Sunday was talking about how God is the ultimate authority, and I dont believe God is done with Brad Sigmon yet, said protester Patt Kleckley. One of the last people Sigmon was able to talk to was Reverend Hilary Taylor of South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. Typical Brad, hes thinking about everybody else but himself. I saw him today for about an hour and a half. It was a huge privilege, and Im grateful for that opportunity. He just said, I just want everybody to know that Im ok, and I want to make sure you all are ok, Taylor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, McMaster decided not to grant Sigmon clemency, and a lot of people told Channel 9 they agreed with that decision. If its beyond a shadow of a doubt or an admission of guilt, said protester Brendan Canon. However, Taylor said while Sigmon was a different man from the one who committed the crime, she understands how victims feel. Are not here to tell victims of violence how to feel about violence and trauma. Our job is to support them and support peoples healing journey wherever they are, Taylor explained. By choosing to die by firing squad, Sigmon became the first man in South Carolina history to be executed that way. VIDEO: SC man who requested execution by firing squad is fighting to stay alive The federal government has terminated the leases of nearly 750 federal offices across the country, including 18 in Colorado. The word came down from the General Services Administration (GSA) on Feb. 25. In a section called the "Wall of Receipts" on the Department of Government Efficiency website, nearly 10 million square feet of government real estate properties are listed as canceled or modified. President Donald Trump has tasked DOGE and his Cabinet with rooting out what the White House described as "waste, bloat and insularity in the federal bureaucracy. In particular, the White House is targeting positions that perform functions "not mandated by statute or other law," with specific emphasis on dismantling "diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives." On its website, DOGE said the country is projected to save $105 billion from the combination of asset sales, contract or lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions. DOGE said this translates to a savings of around $652 to the average taxpayer. Trumps administration earlier released then retracted a list of federal buildings across the U.S. that could be put up for sale, as it looks to fulfill the campaign promise of downsizing the federal government. The General Services Administration (GSA) released a list of hundreds of properties it is considering selling but retracted it less than a day later. The webpage, which previously contained a non-core property list of 433 buildings, now said a list is coming soon. We are identifying buildings and facilities that are not core to government operations, or non-core properties, for disposal, the page now said. The now-defunct list has hundreds of federal government buildings that the Trump administration appears to be open to selling. Most of the federal buildings listed are in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area, including large buildings and agency headquarters of the justice department, the FBI, and the agriculture department. Colorado leases The Denver Gazette attempted to contact most of the Colorado federal offices destined for lease-cutting, which ranged from secure work sites in high-rise city buildings to workplaces tucked away in remote locations. At least one small office on the Western Slope that regulates mine inspections and training programs to ensure safe working conditions for miners may be on the chopping block. A law enforcement branch of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service based in Littleton is among the offices on DOGE's list. Special agents who answered the phone in the office declined comment. A follow-up visit to the one-story beige brick building on the north end of Chatfield Reservoir revealed little because the doors were locked and the lights were off. Cars were parked outside and a there was a note with a place to leave any packages. The office is akin to a "CSI" for wildlife, responsible for investigating international and domestic crimes against imperiled animals and game birds, such as trafficking and illegal hunting. Specifically, the latest federal wildlife investigation in Colorado involves the illegal killing of a gray wolf in Grand County, according to the Littleton Fish and Wildlife website. With federal employees advised not to talk to reporters and offices scattered throughout the state with only automated messages, information on what the terminations mean remained hard to come by. In the case of the U.S. Attorney's offices at 205 N. 4th Street in downtown Grand Junction, the decision to end the lease for the entire fourth floor was rescinded, records showed. As of today, we dont expect any changes to our Grand Junction facility, said Colorado U.S. Attorney spokesperson Melissa Brand. She would not comment further as to how the decision was reversed. In downtown Denver, the lease for the office of the International Trade Commission housed in a skyscraper in the North tower of 999 18th Street is also on DOGE's list for lease termination. Though it's impossible to reach the office without an appointment, building security said that it is the only office on the 7th floor. Calls to LBA Realty were not returned, but according to the Denver Business Journal, the office connects Colorado and Wyoming businesses to other countries. DOGEs latest list shows about 10% of the active number of leases on the GSA list had been terminated. The GSA leases from seven buildings in Colorado, about 4.08 million square feet of space. The agency owns another 89 buildings in the state, with about 6.79 million square feet of space, according to the GSA website. Featured Local Savings No one answered phone calls or emails at the Craig branch of the Mine Safety Health Administration, or MSHA. The DOGE website listed it as a True Termination-Agency Closed Office for a facility which, according to the office, costs the government $184,283 per year in rent. Calls were being rerouted to the MSHA Delta branch, which is a three-hour drive away. A source who was granted anonymity in order to talk freely said people expect the Craig MSHA office to be eliminated but that they have not been officially informed yet. Email inquiries and phone calls to the Washington, D.C. office of the Department of Labor, which oversees MSHA, were rerouted to the General Services Administration. Acting Administrator (Stephen) Ehikians vision for GSA includes reducing our deferred maintenance liabilities, supporting the return to office of federal employees, and taking advantage of a stronger private/government partnership in managing the workforce of the future," GSA said in a statement. "GSA is reviewing all options to optimize our footprint and building utilization. A component of our space consolidation plan will be the termination of many soft-term leases. To the extent these terminations affect public-facing facilities and/or existing tenants, we are working with our agency partners to secure suitable alternative space," the agency added. Ehikian, described on the GSA website as a serial entrepreneur in the software industry, was appointed as acting administrator of the GSA the day after Trump was sworn in. The Yale and Stanford University graduate said that it is his mission is to make government work smarter and faster. According to the GSA Facebook page, Ehikian oversees $110 billion in contracts and 360 million square feet of real estate and tech services. IRS and Social Security offices on the list Among the federal facilities whose leases are being eliminated are 61 national Internal Revenue Service offices from Bend, Oregon to Beaumont, Texas to Fredericksburg, Tennessee. None of Colorado's IRS office leases is scheduled to be terminated. Leases for 48 Social Security office leases across the U.S. are being cut, including one in Grand Junction. Examples of government agencies on the "Wall of Receipts" are facilities for natural resource conservation services, a Department of Education office in Kansas City, Missouri, and a small border patrol office in Shelby, Montana, which is scheduled to be shut down entirely, according to the DOGE website. The list of properties to be sold, and leases to be terminated, also comes after Trump signed an executive order to terminate, "as soon as practicable," remote work. The order emphasized that agency heads should "make exemptions they deem necessary." Not much is known about the lease terminations to Colorados other targeted federal offices. Among the 18 are the U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, Fort Collins National Forest Service facility, and the 1,245-square foot Civil Corps of Engineers office in Durango, which pays just over $35,000 per year to lease. Some are in remote locations and others are in downtown Denver, like the Office of the Secretary in downtown, whose annual lease, according to DOGE, costs nearly $3 million. Also on the list is U.S. Geological Survey facility housed in Boulders Marine Street Science Center, whose lease does not expire until August 2025. The phone number to the USGS office at 3215 Marine appeared to be disconnected. The floor plan located on the building's website shows that the Boulder USGS occupies a good part of the first level. The University of Colorado Boulder received a notice from the GSA on Feb. 25 to terminate leased USGS office space in the Marine Street Science Center effective Aug. 31, 2025, said spokesperson Nicole Mueksch. She added that the USGS has had offices in the building for more than 30 years. Termination via Mass Mod is the explanation given by DOGE for most of the Colorado cuts. The Washington Examiner contributed to this story. El Paso County officials and consultants presented options this week to the public to solve worsening traffic issues along Woodmoor Drive, a major artery near Colorado 105 in Monument that funnels traffic to and from Palmer Ridge High School, Lewis-Palmer Middle School, a park-n-ride and other locations with high commuter volume. The biggest issue the county has identified is a left-turn lane out of Lake Woodmoor Drive onto Woodmoor Drive, which takes traffic onto Colorado 105. The turn lane already has an "F" grade for serving traffic and has been associated with multiple accidents as drivers attempt to navigate the busy intersection. Traffic projections for 2045 estimate the wait time for the turn at well over 10 minutes at rush hour, a wait engineers say is unworkable and may funnel traffic through neighborhoods seeking an alternative. "As a whole, the intersection is starting to break down," said Michael Romero, an assistant project manager with Denver-based engineering consultant firm Benesch, at an open house on the project on Wednesday. The intersection has seen seven crashes in the most recent five years of data, according to the team. Romero said the data, which included some broadside crashes, suggests the left turn is contributing to the most dangerous crashes. Broadside or T-bone crashes are more severe than other types of crashes like a side swipe. "That's one of the worst crashes you can have," said Benesch project manager John Moschovich. The solution the county and the firm has come up with to relieve traffic and prevent serious accidents is a roundabout, but where to put it is still under consideration. Major Colorado Springs road to close overnight next week for lane realignment Marksheffel Road south of Dublin Boulevard and north of Stetson Hills Boulevard will be closed overnight for two nights next week as crews rea The team said a traffic light was also considered, but the Lake Woodmoor intersection is too close to where Woodmoor intersects with Colorado 105 about 250 feet away. "If you put a traffic signal right next to another one, it does not operate well," said Moschovich. Featured Local Savings The engineers presented three options to the public Wednesday, each with pros and cons. The first would put the roundabout at the Lake Woodmoor intersection, solving the left turning issue but creating the potential for backed up traffic. A roundabout has a similar issue as a traffic light so close to Colorado 105 in projections a few decades out. "You can't go around the circle if a car is blocking one of the entrances," said Moschovich. The next option, recommended by the team, would put a roundabout farther down Woodmoor at the entrance of the park-and-ride. That option would require left turners from Lake Woodmoor to travel right to the roundabout, but would sustain projected traffic increases until the end of the 21st century. "In this scenario, there's absolutely no back up concerns," said Moschovich. The Benesch team said that option could interfere with wetlands, which border the area where the roadway would need to be expanded. The last option would put the roundabout even farther past Lake Woodmoor at the intersection of Monument Hill Road. The option, while sustainable for traffic, would increase travel time for drivers hoping to eventually go south out of Woodmoor onto Colorado 105. "It's a full half a mile away," said Moschovich. Attendees at the open house had mixed reactions to the plan, with some expressing concerns about how increased traffic would navigate a roundabout as the area develops. One attendee said they would prefer stronger options for pedestrians trying to cross Lake Woodmoor Drive, which currently does not have a pedestrian crossing or a continuous sidewalk. The current proposal has provisions to put in pedestrian sidewalks on just Woodmoor. "You're taking your life in your hands to go get a cup of coffee at (Wesley Owens Coffee and Cafe)," said the attendee. The planning and design phase of the project is expected to take a year to 18 months before construction begins. People can send comments on the proposed designs to woodmoorintersectionstudy@gmail.com. SpaceX launched its huge Starship rocket on the program's eighth test flight Thursday, but a malfunction of some sort triggered multiple upper stage engine shutdowns and the vehicle failed to reach its planned sub-orbital altitude, breaking apart in a spectacular shower of debris. It was the second failure in a row for a Starship upper stage, a vehicle critical to NASA's plans to return astronauts to the moon in the next few years. "During Starship's ascent burn, the vehicle experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly and contact was lost. Our team immediately began coordination with safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency responses," SpaceX said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will review the data from today's flight test to better understand root cause. As always, success comes from what we learn, and today's flight will offer additional lessons to improve Starship's reliability." Debris streaks through the sky after SpaceX's Starship spacecraft exploded in space, seen from Big Sampson Kay, Bahamas, March 6, 2025, in this screen grab obtained from social media video. / Credit: @_ericloosen_/via REUTERS "Obviously, a lot to go through, a lot to dig through. We're going to go right at it," said SpaceX launch commentator Dan Huot. "The primary reason we do these flight tests is to learn. We have some more to learn about this vehicle, but we're going to be right back here in the not-too-distant future, and we're going to get a ship to space." The Federal Aviation Administration said it has ordered a mishap investigation into the loss of the Starship. Flights at several Florida airports were temporarily grounded due to the risk of falling debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ground stops have now been lifted, but the FAA reported Miami International Airport and Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport both had departure delays of about 45 minutes, with the cause listed as "space launch debris." Flights at Palm Beach International Airport and Orlando International Airport were also affected. "During the event, the FAA activated a Debris Response Area and briefly slowed aircraft outside the area where space vehicle debris was falling or stopped aircraft at their departure location. Normal operations have resumed," the agency said. Social media users across South Florida and the Caribbean posted videos showing the remnants of the spacecraft falling back to Earth. Ship 34 reentering just north of Miami pic.twitter.com/847pwmHYLq david (@davidaj_fh) March 6, 2025 We just saw the SpaceX Starship 8 blow up. Seen from Turks and Caicos. pic.twitter.com/1AyGANrBfE Mark OHenly (@SeeClickFlash) March 6, 2025 Launch began according to plan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three days after a last-minute scrub due to unspecified technical issues, SpaceX fired up the Super Heavy first stage's 33 methane-fueled Raptor engines at 6:30 p.m. EST. Two seconds later, the tallest, most powerful rocket in the world lifted off from the company's launch site on the Texas Gulf Coast. Capable of generating up to 16 million pounds of thrust more than twice the power as NASA's Saturn 5 moon rocket the Super Heavy-Starship arced away to the east atop of long jet of bluish flame. After boosting the Starship upper stage out of the dense lower atmosphere, the 230-foot-tall, 30-foot-wide Super Heavy first stage booster flew itself back to the launch site and into the grasp of two giant mechanical arms known as "chopsticks" mounted on the side of the launch tower. The booster of SpaceX's mega rocket Starship is recaptured during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on March 6, 2025. / Credit: Eric Gay / AP The chopsticks closed around the slowly descending booster, locking onto structural capture fixtures on both sides of the rocket. The dramatic launch pad capture, SpaceX's third, is a key element in the company's plan to enable rapid refurbishment and reuse. / Credit: SpaceX The Super Heavy booster successfully flew itself back to the launch pad for capture by two giant mechanical arms. It was SpaceX's third successful booster catch in a row. / Credit: SpaceX The 160-foot-tall Starship upper stage, meanwhile, climbed toward space as planned on the power of six Raptor engines, appearing to work flawlessly as it soared skyward toward the planned sub-orbital trajectory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trouble 8 minutes after liftoff But a little more than eight minutes after liftoff, telemetry shown on SpaceX's live webcast indicated four of the six engines had prematurely shut down. A camera on the Starship showed the spacecraft starting to spin about and several seconds later contact was lost. Multiple videos posted on social media showed a dramatic shower of debris arcing back toward Earth after the vehicle broke up. It wasn't immediately clear if the breakup was triggered by the Starship's self-destruct system or by extreme structural loads as it fell back into the lower atmosphere. While SpaceX will no doubt attempt its usual rapid recovery, the Federal Aviation Administration will almost certainly order another failure investigation. Given two destructive breakups in a row, it could take longer to return to flight status this time around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flight plan called for a battery of tests, including the deployment of four simulated Starlink satellites to test the Starship's payload release system, the in-space restart of one of the rocket's Raptor engines and tests of new heat shield materials and components needed for the eventual pad capture of returning Starships. At the conclusion of the sub-orbital flight, the Starship was expected fall back into the atmosphere belly first. Once past the region of maximum atmospheric heating, the rocket was programmed to flip into a vertical orientation before settling to a tail-first rocket-powered "soft landing" in the Indian Ocean near Australia. But it was not to be. January launch ended in self-destruct Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the program's seventh integrated flight test, or IFT, in January, a fire developed just above the Super Heavy first stage engines and contact was lost eight minutes and 20 seconds after launch. Three minutes after that, the rocket's self-destruct system triggered an explosion that broke the Starship apart, producing a spectacular shower of flaming debris that rained down along the flight path. Telemetry indicated the fire broke out after propellant lines leading to one of the Raptors ruptured due to unexpected harmonic vibrations. SpaceX carried out a 60-second engine test firing of the Starship launched Monday, studying responses to various thrust levels. Based on the test results, propellant feed lines were modified, fuel temperatures were changed and thrust levels were adjusted to avoid any such harmonic responses. Additional vents were installed in the area where the fire broke out and a nitrogen purge system was added to minimize the chance of fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately known what went wrong Thursday. Starship program aiming for the moon Working the bugs out of the Super Heavy-Starship is critical to both SpaceX and NASA. SpaceX is under contract to NASA to supply a modified Starship to carry astronauts to landings near the moon's south pole in the agency's Artemis program. To get a Starship lander to the moon, SpaceX must first get it into low-Earth orbit, then launch multiple Super Heavy-Starship "tankers" to refuel the moon-bound Starship for the trip to lunar orbit. The astronauts will launch atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket and fly to the moon aboard a Lockheed Martin-built Orion capsule. The crew will transfer to the waiting Starship for the descent to the lunar surface. NASA hopes to send the first woman and the next man to the moon in the 2027-28 timeframe, after an unpiloted Starship moon landing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rapid reusability is a key element of the program given the number of Super Heavy-Starships that will be required for a single moon landing. Multiple successful test flights will be needed to perfect the system and demonstrate the reliability required to carry astronauts. The latest mishap comes amid ambitious SpaceX plans for major upgrades to the company's facilities at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, building a 380-foot-tall building where Super Heavy boosters and Starships can be refurbished and processed for launch from one and possibly two Florida launch pads. The towering "Gigabay" facility will provide 46.5 million cubic space for processing with 815,000 square feet of work space. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Another facility is planned where Starships can be built from scratch in Florida, similar to a facility already in place at Boca Chica. "To enable initial Starship flights from Florida while our Space Coast Starship manufacturing, integration, and refurbishment facilities are being completed, we will first transport completed Super Heavy boosters and Starship upper stage ships from Starbase via barge to build up a Starship fleet in Florida," SpaceX said in a statement Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With production, integration, refurbishment, and launch facilities in Florida as well as Texas, we will be in a position to quickly ramp Starship's launch rate via rapid reusability." Ex-Army recruiter flees state with 17-year-old girlfriend after estranged wife's murder Why Trump wants to eliminate the Education Department Changes to Trump tariffs confuse stock market investors A SpaceX launch test went awry on Thursday when the companys Starship dramatically exploded on the crafts eighth test flight. "Space launch debris" led the Federal Aviation Administration to temporarily halt flights at four of Floridas busiest airports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Orlando on Thursday. The FAA announced that it was requiring SpaceX to perform a mishap investigation in a Thursday night statement. The agency, a target of SpaceX owner Elon Musk's federal government-slashing DOGE, will keep SpaceX Starship flights grounded until the investigation wraps. It was the second failure in a row for the company, following a Starship explosion in January during the probes seventh test flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX acknowledged the failed launch in a post to X. "During Starship's ascent burn, the vehicle experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly and contact was lost. Our team immediately began coordination with safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency responses," the company wrote. "We will review the data from today's flight test to better understand root cause. As always, success comes from what we learn, and todays flight will offer additional lessons to improve Starship's reliability." Musk, who posts to his social media platform X nearly 100 times per day, has remained silent on the failed launch. By David Shepardson (Reuters) - The failure of a SpaceX Starship test flight on Thursday scattered debris over parts of the Caribbean, prompting numerous flight diversions around Turks and Caicos and temporary ground stops at four Florida airports. The Federal Aviation Administration issued ground stops for flights departing for Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Palm Beach airports for more than an hour before resuming normal operations at around 8 p.m. ET (0100 GMT on Friday). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Departures at those airports were delayed by an average of 45 minutes due to the SpaceX incident, the FAA said. During the event, the FAA activated a debris response area "and briefly slowed aircraft outside the area where space vehicle debris was falling or stopped aircraft at their departure location. Normal operations have resumed." The FAA also said it is requiring SpaceX to perform a mishap investigation into the loss of the Starship vehicle. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Sandra Maler) Another SpaceX spacecraft failed its mission after an explosion within minutes of its launch on Thursday. Fiery debris was visible from Florida to the Caribbean. The mishap marked the second consecutive failure for the giant spacecraft this year, which is being developed for future crewed missions to both the moon and Mars. Here's what we know about the blown SpaceX spacecraft. Where did SpaceX launch from? Following a delay from Monday, the uncrewed Starship launched from SpaceXs Starbase facility in South Texas, followed by the 165-foot vehicle separating from the 232-foot Super Heavy rocket booster. Timeline: See SpaceX explosion video, photos Just before sunset, a 403-foot rocket launched from Texas. SpaceX successfully captured the first-stage booster back at the pad using giant mechanical arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, as the spacecraft on top soared eastward towards a planned controlled entry over the Indian Ocean, engine failures began to occur. The spacecraft subsequently spiraled out of control, leading to the loss of contact. People capture SpaceX debris on video, share on social media Someone said SpaceX is the best fireworks company. pic.twitter.com/YyHrbfp6aU Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) March 7, 2025 If NASA had the failure rate SpaceX does, Elon Musk would be firing everyone and Congress would be demanding to know where the money is going. pic.twitter.com/FnRTNQCE6S _ (@SundaeDivine) March 7, 2025 Who owns SpaceX? Multi-billionaire Elon Musk owns an estimated 42% stake in SpaceX, according to Forbes. SpaceX, founded in 2002, is worth $350 billion. With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and todays flight will help us improve Starships reliability. We will conduct a thorough investigation, in coordination with the FAA, and implement corrective actions to make improvements on future Starship flight tests pic.twitter.com/3ThPm0Yzky SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 7, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where is Starbase located? Starbase, a rocket facility owned by SpaceX, is located just outside of Brownsville, Texas. The construction of this facility began in 2014. Originally known as Boca Chica, Texas, Starbase is an area surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, the Rio Grande, and Mexico.-USA TODAY Network Eric Lagatta contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: SpaceX rocket explodes mid-flight after launch from Starbase, Texas On Thursday, two high-profile rocket launches ended up with very different outcomes. For SpaceX, its South Texas launch of a Starship rocket as part of its ongoing mission to Mars project ended with an explosion in space minutes after liftoff. Meanwhile, the EU celebrated a successful satellite deployment on the second launch of its Ariane 6 rocket from French Guiana. The project had cost overruns and years of delays, but the successful mission on Thursday was a huge victory for Europe as it seeks to become more independent from the United States on space missions. SpaceX posted a message to X about the Starship mission, saying, "With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today's flight will help us improve Starship's reliability. We will conduct a thorough investigation, in coordination with the FAA, and implement corrective actions to make improvements on future Starship flight tests." The post pointed to a SpaceX webpage about the mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Intuitive Machines Lander Lands Wonky on Moon, Mission Ends The French government said there were explicitly political reasons for pushing forward on missions such as Ariane 6. Philippe Baptiste, the country's minister for research, said the presence of Donald Trump and Elon Musk in the US White House is already affecting research and commercial partnerships internationally, according to the website Ars Technica. "If we want to maintain our independence, ensure our security, and preserve our sovereignty, we must equip ourselves with the means for strategic autonomy, and space is an essential part of this," Baptiste said. One expert, however, said that space watchers shouldn't view the two launches as a simple case of winner versus loser. Chris Boshuizen, Australian astronaut and founder of the space sector venture capital company Interplanetary Capital LLC, said that SpaceX is still very much the leading company in rocket technologies, specifically with its Falcon 9 division, which he calls, "probably one of the best rocket companies every built." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They totally transformed access to space with the reusable Falcon 9 rocket," Boshuizen said. "If SpaceX never did anything else after that, it would still be a tremendous success and one for the history books." Read more: Blue Ghost Lunar Mission Sticks Its Landing on the Moon Boshuizen says that government projects such as Ariane 6 and SpaceX's methods for getting rockets into space are two very different models, with the EU adopting a "design design design design design" approach toward a destination launch, which he described as "a vestige of the traditional way of doing business." SpaceX, on the other hand, discovers flaws through launches, even if it risks losing assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They're moving very fast," he said. "(The Starship launch) was exciting to watch, maybe a little disappointing, but not surprising. SpaceX has been able to get ahead by taking risks." Boshuizen says that if SpaceX's faster innovations lead to fewer rockets landing in the ocean in the long run, that's ultimately a good thing. "It is a faster way to get to a finished product. The best simulation of space is actually space," he said. SpaceX crews are reviewing the data from Thursday nights launch of its Starship mega-rocket, which ended in a midair explosion. It was the second time in a row that a Starship launch ended in destroying the spacecraft. Video shows a shower of rocket debris burning up in the lower atmosphere over the Caribbean after launching from Texas. The 403-foot rocket spun out of control 90 miles up, sending flaming debris streaking across skies in South Florida and the Bahamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of that, the FAA issued a temporary ground stop at several airports, including Orlando International Airport. This was the 8th test flight for Starship, and the same thing happened during the 7th flight. NASA is counting on Starship to land astronauts on the Moon. SpaceX called the explosion a learning opportunity, but experts warn safety fixes are critical. The company plans to bring Starship launches to Floridas Space Coast eventually. See more in the video above. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Relive the SpaceX Starship flight test as it happened. A SpaceX Starship spacecraft, the upper portion of the most powerful launch system ever built, exploded during its eighth test flight Thursday, disrupting air traffic and marking the second consecutive failure for the vehicle this year. The uncrewed Starship mission lifted off at 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET) from SpaceXs Starbase facility in South Texas, with the spacecraft riding atop a 232-foot-tall (71-meter-tall) Super Heavy rocket booster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After about 2 minutes of firing, the Super Heavy booster separated as planned from the Starships upper stage, setting itself up for a successful landing within the chopstick arms of Mechazilla, or SpaceXs launch tower near Brownsville, Texas. Its the third time SpaceX has successfully executed the chopsticks booster catch. But less than 10 minutes into the flight, the Starship craft, which had continued on toward space, began to experience issues. Several of the vehicles engines visibly cut out during the livestream, and the ship began to tumble before SpaceX lost contact with it. Once you lose enough of those center engines, youre going to lose attitude control, said Dan Huot, SpaceX communications manager, on the livestream. And so we did see the ship start to go into a spin, and at this point, we have lost contact with the ship. The loss of signal occurred at roughly the same point during this mission as with Flight 7 in January, when Starship exploded over populated islands in Turks and Caicos, littering the islands with debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has not been confirmed where exactly the vehicle exploded during Thursdays mission. But the explosion was visible from parts of Florida and over the Caribbean, according to reports from residents of those locations that were shared with CNN. The Federal Aviation Administration halted flights into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Orlando airports Thursday evening for falling space debris until 8 p.m. ET. The FAA also temporarily kept flights from departing from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport. Flights leaving those airports were still delayed on average by 30 and 45 minutes, respectively, as of Thursday night. Weve got a lot of measures in place, like debris response areas, where we coordinate very closely with air traffic control, Huot said on the livestream. We have a lot of measures put (in place) before we ever launch a rocket to make sure that were keeping the public safe. Those worked last time and theyre actively in work right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX shared an update with a few details on the incident several hours after the flight. Prior to the end of the ascent burn, an energetic event in the aft portion of Starship resulted in the loss of several Raptor engines, according to a statement from SpaceX. This in turn led to a loss of attitude control and ultimately a loss of communications with Starship. Final contact with Starship came approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff. SpaceX said that Starship flew within a designated launch corridor. Any surviving debris would have fallen within the pre-planned Debris Response Area, according to the statement. There are no toxic materials present in the debris and no significant impacts expected to occur to marine species or water quality. If you believe you have identified a piece of debris, please contact your local authorities or the SpaceX Debris Hotline at 1-866-623-0234 or at recovery@spacex.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the FAA is requiring SpaceX to perform a mishap investigation into the loss of the Starship vehicle, according to a statement released by the agency. A mishap investigation is designed to enhance public safety, determine the root cause of the event, and identify corrective actions to avoid it from happening again, according to the statement. The FAA will be involved in every step of the SpaceX-led mishap investigation process and must approve SpaceXs final report, including any corrective actions. A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety. Thursdays launch was SpaceXs second go at getting Flight 8 off the ground. The company waved off a Monday attempt due to too many question marks, according to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Flight 7s fiery mishap Thursdays launch occured seven weeks after an explosive mishap prematurely ended Starships seventh test flight, raining debris over the islands of Turks and Caicos on January 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA which licenses commercial rocket launches is still overseeing an investigation into the incident, but the agency gave SpaceX the green light February 28 to launch Flight 8. The agency noted that the probe into the Flight 7 mishap was ongoing, but the FAA determined SpaceX had met all safety, environmental and other licensing requirements for the suborbital test flight, according to a statement. In its statement to CNN given after the January Flight 7 mishap, the FAA said that it told the Turks and Caicos government that the archipelago was located within a potential hazard area related to the Starship launch. The agency also said that, before the test flight launched, it required SpaceX to map out hazard areas sufficient to ensure that the probability of casualty to a member of the public on land or on board a maritime vessel does not exceed one in one million. No Caribbean islands, including Turks and Caicos, exceeded this threshold, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seventh test flight also exploded less than 10 minutes into flight. The company believes the root cause was a leak that occurred in the rear section of the vehicle near a tank containing superchilled liquid oxygen, or a form of rocket propellant. While no property damage or injuries were reported, one vehicle was struck on the island of South Caicos, and debris caused brief flight disruptions as air traffic controllers rushed to reroute planes away from the site of the explosion. However, residents of the archipelago of Turks and Caicos told CNN they are still finding debris from the spacecraft littering beaches and roadways. The local government worked with SpaceX to craft a debris recovery plan. However, the contents of the plan have not been made public and its not clear who is paying for the cleanup effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither SpaceX nor the Turks and Caicos government responded to requests for comment on the plan. A Turks and Caicos government account on Instagram shared an advisory to the public Thursday regarding the Flight 8 incident. We wish to advise the public that this evenings SpaceX launch appears to have broken up in flight, the advisory read. We are in contact with the US FAA, SpaceX and UK agency leads to confirm the position. Post incident protocols have been engaged. The National Security Secretariat will continue to keep the public apprised as we work to ensure the safety and security of our Islands. Why these incidents are different SpaceX has long embraced an engineering and development philosophy it calls rapid iterative development. The goal has been to rapidly build Starship prototypes and put them on the launchpad with a willingness to blow them up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats different about the last Starship mission in January and Thursdays flight is where and how the debris fell. SpaceX Starship Flight 8 takes off from the Starbase facility's launchpad near Brownsville, Texas, on Thursday. - Brandon Bell/Getty Images While the first test flight of Starship and Super Heavy blew up a launchpad at SpaceXs Starbase facilities in 2023, Januarys Flight 7 and Thursdays Flight 8 both allowed Starship to travel out over the Atlantic and Caribbean before exploding near populated islands. Thursdays mishap raises questions about why the FAA allowed Starship to launch before the agencys investigation into the Flight 7 mishap was completed and whether experimental rockets should be allowed to fly over populated areas. A series of upgrades Thursdays flight test was intended to put Starship through its paces so mission teams could zero in on weak points. Engineers have removed a large number of heat shield tiles from Starship to test vulnerable areas across the spacecraft. The black hexagonal tiles are designed to protect the vehicle as it experiences temperatures exceeding 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit (1,427 degrees Celsius) when reentering Earths atmosphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The failed test flight in January spurred SpaceX to make other upgrades and changes, including new vents and a purge system designed to prevent a fire, according to the company. SpaceX said what mission teams learned from the Flight 7 mishap prompted them to alter lines that feed fuel to some of Starships engines and tweak propellant temperatures. Another change adjusted the vehicles operating thrust target or how much power SpaceX aims for the engines to generate during flight. Meanwhile, the Super Heavy booster has some upgrades of its own, including a more powerful flight computer. About 17 minutes after lifting off, Starship was planning to attempt to deploy a batch of mock Starlink satellites for the first time. Like the spacecraft, the demo satellites werent intended to reach orbit. But similar to the seventh flight test, Flight 8s objectives were not tested before the incident occurred. CNNs Pete Muntean contributed to this report. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. This story has been updated with additional context on airspace disruptions that occurred as a result of the explosion. Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated when SpaceX stood down on an earlier attempt at Flight 8. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com STARKVILLE, Miss. (WJTV) An investigation into a man accused of distributing child sexual abuse materials in Mississippi led to the arrest of six people by agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Starkville police said they received a cyber tip on February 18, 2025, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Two arrested for Mississippi ATM burglary On Wednesday, March 5, police announced Alexis Jimenez Balan, 30, of Mexico, was arrested in Clay County. He was arrested for the distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Alexis Jimenez Balan (Courtesy: Starkville Police Dept.) ICE placed a detainer on Balan. During the operation, authorities said six people were arrested by ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) The Outdoor Campus East building in Sioux Falls is about to get bigger. Regional wildlife supervisor Kip Rounds briefed the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission on Friday about the expansion project. He said Peska Construction is ready to go. We expect them to get started in the next week or two, Rounds said. Sunday Funday for Summit League Championships The buildings footprint will be expanded to add space for 12 archery lanes for year-round shooting, as well as three classrooms that can be converted into a single area for larger meetings, and more storage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 18-month construction plan points to completion in fall 2026. Rounds said the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks regional office at the campus will remain open. The expansion is the second phase of new work at the campus, which opened in 1997. A July 2024 groundbreaking marked the start of phase ones 12 outdoor archery lanes. Rounds said that part will be completed on March 12 and will open to the public very soon, as soon as the spring weather breaks. Archers will face west, and the outdoor lanes include a baffle to deal with errant arrows and provide a sun shade for shooters. He noted that Harrisburg High Schools construction class built the target holders. You can view a rendering of the building here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were extremely happy about the way it turned out, Rounds said. A 2023 document issued by the Office of the State Engineer stated, The estimated construction budget is $800,000.00 for Phase 1 and $7,000,000.00 for Phase 2 but be advised that these numbers are subject to change. Bids were received from eight companies for the second phase. They were opened on Jan. 9, 2025. Of the seven responsive bids, Sioux Falls-based Peska Construction was lowest at $4,953,500. The six others all exceeded $5 million. State Wildlife Division director Tom Kirschenmann said the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation reached its $3 million goal of donations for the overall project. Federal Pittman-Robertson funds also will be used, he said, along with some department revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State lawmakers are considering requiring GFP to get authority from the Legislature for any projects exceeding $2.5 million. Republican Sen. Chris Karr has specifically referred to projects such as the Outdoor East Campus expansion and the shooting range complex being built east of Rapid City as examples. The Senate voted 35-0 to add the requirement. The House is scheduled to debate it Monday. GFP Commission chair Stephanie Rissler, who often works in Sioux Falls, said Friday that she frequently visits Outdoor Campus East. Its full of people. Its full of families, Rissler said. They do great work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. After public pushback from new Utah Auditor Tina Cannon over what she called a disrespectful move to push her office out of the state Capitol building, the state lawmaker behind the last-minute legislation said it wont go forward this session. Were going to keep working on the issue, but tonight, Im not going to run the bill, Senate Majority Assistant Whip Mike McKell, the sponsor of SB143, told reporters on the final evening of the 2025 Legislature. Both McKell, R-Spanish Fork, and Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, criticized the auditors response to the relocation intended to make more room in the historic building for lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got more important things to do. This is over office space and the rhetoric over it, I think, has been totally inappropriate and Im very disappointed in the auditor, Adams said, adding that lawmakers will start again on the issue. McKell said it was unfortunate where this dialog has gone today. I think Im still very, very concerned with whats happened. Cannon, the states first female auditor, said in a statement she is grateful to so many people, organizations and members of the Legislature who were willing to stand up and speak out for what is right. The Capitol, she said, should always and forever be a place to showcase the balance of power enshrined in the constitution and forever be a place for all branches and officers of state government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cannon said she is thrilled to be returning to the original language of the statute. It was a strange initiation, but my desire now is to work in cooperation with the other constitutional officers and legislative leadership, to determine the best use of space in the state Capitol. Earlier Friday, Cannon, who is one of five statewide elected officials along with the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and treasurer, told KSL NewsRadios Dave and Dujanavic that the legislation had come as a surprise. It felt very last-minute and very rushed through the process. I cant speak to why that happened that way. Ive only been here 60 days. I find it a little shocking, frustrating, disrespectful of the process in general, the Republican said. Utah Auditor Tina Cannon speaks to the media at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday, March 7, 2025. Cannon said that on the final day of the 2025 Legislature on Friday, last-minute changes to a bill would push her office out of the state Capitol, a move shes calling disrespectful. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News The lengthy bill dealing with a variety of legislative activities was substituted on the House floor Thursday night to add language turning over control of Suite 260 in the Capitol to the Legislature once a substantially similar space on Capitol Hill is assigned to the state auditor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, McKell said on the radio program it is important the auditor have a presence in the Capitol building. He also said his priority is to get as many elected officials in the Capitol building as possible, noting that eight of the 29 state senators did not have offices there. Space allocations in the Capitol building as well as the adjacent House and Senate buildings are being reevaluated in light of a fourth Capitol Hill building set for completion in the coming year, he said. Cannon said the Capitol building was envisioned as an illustration of the balance of power between the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Her major initiative since taking office in January was to open up part of the office to the public. It hadnt been opened. We found a doorknob and opened the door to the public, said Cannon, who is responsible for auditing state and local governments. We invite the public in and we teach them how to search the records of the state of Utah that we have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKell said theres no reason that service couldnt be made accessible to the public from one of the other buildings on Capitol Hill. He said any suggestion the office space has to do with the auditors transparency efforts is unfortunate. We want that office to be successful, he said. We want it to be accessible to the public. Carolyn Phippen, second from left, speaks to supporters of Utah state Auditor Tina Cannon at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday, March 7, 2025. Cannon said that on the final day of the 2025 Legislature on Friday, last-minute changes to a bill would push her office out of the state Capitol, a move shes calling disrespectful. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Cannon also held a news conference in her office Friday, saying she expected lawmakers to follow the process theyd previously approved for studying space allocations but that was shoved aside during a meeting with the Senate president earlier in the week. He said, ignore the code, ignore the statute, Cannon told reporters. She expressed concern that publicly opposing the move could affect funding for her office, which had asked for an additional $1.5 million this session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres always a balance up here. I have a request for a budget increase thats out there. If I make people angry, will I not get my budget increase? Cannon asked. But when the change surfaced, she said she had to speak out. Senate leaders responded to Cannon midday, saying they were direct with her about the need for her office space, but that she was the one who tied the move to her budget, not them. I was in the room. There was no bullying. We have vigorous debate on Capitol Hill. Thats what we do, McKell said of Cannons meeting with the Senate president. McKell said he was concerned that Cannon was trying to leverage her budget. His bill, he said, would have given the auditor shared reception space in the Capitol building with the attorney general as suggested by Cannons predecessor. But he said Cannon also had been guaranteed an office in the Capitol even though her staff will be moved out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The auditors office distributed another proposed substitute to SB143, from Sen. Heidi Balderree, R-Saratoga Sprngs, that spelled out that Suite 260 would go to the Legislature only after substantially similar space in the state Capitol is assigned to the state auditor. Contributing: Caitlin Keith HATFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A Massachusetts State Police K-9 assisted in locating two firearms and narcotics during a traffic stop on I-91 in Hatfield. In a news release from Massachusetts State Police this week, a traffic stop was conducted at around midnight when a trooper suspected there may be a firearm inside the vehicle. During the investigation, two occupants were removed from the vehicle and a K-9 team was called to assist. State Police: Arizona man arrested on I-91 in Northampton for driving erratically Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A trooper and his partner, K-9 Davor, inspected inside of the vehicle when a handgun was found on the back seat under the arm rest. Both occupants were then arrested and the trooper located a second handgun hidden in the passengers waistbands. In addition, K-9 Davor alerted his partner of possible narcotics in a fanny pack found on the passengers side floor. Inside the fanny pack, troopers found 35 grams of cocaine and 10 grams of heroin. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. BOSTON (WWLP) The Healey administration launched a new website Friday to connect fired federal workers with job opportunities and training resources in Massachusetts. More than 46,000 Massachusetts residents work for the federal government, across sectors like public administration, education, transportation, warehousing and the postal service, Healeys office said. The new portal comes as the Trump administration, particularly the Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk, fires droves of federal workers. Donald Trump and Elon Musk have been recklessly firing essential public servants who care for our veterans, support our fishing industry, protect consumers, maintain our parks and more. The good news is that Massachusetts is home to world class talent and employers who are eager to hire, and we know members of our federal workforce have the skills to make a difference here, Healey said in a statement Friday afternoon. To all of our federal workers if youre fed up with the damaging tactics of Trump and Musk, we want you to consider continuing your career here in Massachusetts, whether thats in state or local government or in one of our many thriving industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials did not immediately specify how many federal workers in Massachusetts have been fired or laid off since the start of the new Trump administration. The states new website, dubbed by the administration as Fed Up, features more than 160,000 job postings across the private and public sectors, Healeys office said. It pulls together resources and openings from other websites, including the states MassCareers and MassTalent portals, plus the Massachusetts Municipal Associations job board. With the Trump administration planning to lay off 80,000 workers at the Department Veterans Affairs, Healeys office said the state website also offers veteran-specific employment resources. Veterans are essential to the federal workforce, and these layoffs threaten both their livelihoods and the critical services they provide, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago said. Massachusetts is stepping up to ensure they have opportunities to continue their mission. We encourage every affected worker to explore opportunities in Massachusetts, where their dedication and expertise are valued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Officials with the Stillwater Area School District have deemed that two books recently acquired by the district can be checked out only by elementary-age students who have their parents permission. Funding for the purchase of the books, Grandads Pride by Harry Woodgate and Call Me Max by Kyle Lukoff, was recently donated to the district by a community member, district officials said in a statement posted on the districts website. Grandads Pride is about a mans memories of attending Pride events and the importance of LGBTQ+ history; Call Me Max is about a transgender boy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community member donated funding for the purchase of more than 30 books to elementary media centers across the school district, officials said. As the books were being unpacked, district staff reported that one of the books contained an adult image that may be inappropriate for elementary school students, according to the statement. Staff also raised concerns about two other donated books, officials said. District administration pulled the books for review and determined that Granddads Pride contains an adult image (that) is inappropriate for elementary school students, according to the statement. Call Me Max also raises concerns given the age and maturity of the intended audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District officials have decided that both books will be made available only to students with parental permission. This approach allows for informed decision-making while ensuring continued availability, officials said. The process of adopting these books failed to meet district expectations, Superintendent Mike Funk said Friday. The books are restricted so that the families of our youngest students can make an informed decision while ensuring continued availability. Later this spring, the school board will consider a new policy that specifically addresses media center resources and includes standards for determining the selection of materials for the media center and for determining when materials should be removed from the media center, district officials said. Related Articles OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) On Thursday, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a joint statement about the recently proposed Medicaid funding cuts. Polis and Stitt serve in their respective roles as the chair and vice chair of the National Governors Association, a bipartisan organization consisting of 55 governors across the United States. As Governors representing the 55 states and territories, we are committed to advocating for a robust and efficient health and human services system, including Medicaid. NGA supports flexibility and waiver opportunities and funding for state and territory designed Medicaid, SNAP and TANF programs. Without consultation and proper planning, Congressionally proposed reductions to Medicaid would impact state budgets, rural hospitals and health care service providers. It is necessary for Governors to have a seat at the table when discussing any reforms and cuts to Medicaid funding. States and territories should be afforded more flexibility when it comes to administering these programs in a manner that best suits the needs of our citizens. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (R) and Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) The statement comes after a budget proposal from U.S. House Republicans that could include billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, federal dollars pay 90% of the cost for Medicaid coverage while the state pays 10%. Under the proposed plan, however, the Trump administration would increase the amount of Medicaid funding that comes from the states to as much as 40%, while federal funding contributions would decrease to 60%. Democrats warn of potential Medicaid cuts in House GOP budget bill That means Oklahoma might have to pay an additional $550 million to $700 million. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 22% of Oklahomans rely on Medicaid for health coverage. Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) also spoke with the media about the proposed cuts on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there are going to be cuts that maybe its phased in, maybe drop a few percentage points every year that its not, Paxton said. That its not hit right in the middle of the time were not in session and cant respond to it easy. Paxton also said theres a lot of uncertainty with what happens on a federal level, so the state is trying to prepare for all possibilities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. A faction supported by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson of Franklin narrowly lost a bid for control of the Williamson County Republican Party to one spearheaded by his former opponent, Gary Humble. (Photo: John Partipilo) In a potential preview of Williamson Countys 2026 state Senate race, Elevate 2025 candidates eased past Williamson County Conservatives this week in a battle to run the Republican Party from the right. Though they werent on the ballot, the contest pitted Gary Humble of Tennessee Stands against Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, whose candidate, Brian Clifford, fell short of the Humble groups Steve Hickey for the party chairmanship despite heavy spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williamson County residents Gov. Bill Lee and his wife were among those sitting next to Johnson, who has spent the last two years burnishing his conservative bona fides after a close contest with Humble. The atmosphere at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, an appropriate setting for wealth, was described as tense as Hickey captured 796 votes to Cliffords 751. The rest of the candidate slate proved to be a replay of 2023, setting up a possible race of Johnson vs. Humble as the Senate leader seeks re-election and the post of Senate speaker, which would make him lieutenant governor and one of the states most powerful politicians. Humble, who was ill and couldnt attend the event, said he was blown away by the turnout which brought more than 1,500 votes for the chairmanship. Opponents cast his group as backers of a Republican Party caucus, instead of a primary, something they apparently broached but that he denied. Humble said theyre more interested in closing Republican primaries statewide to keep Democrats from watering down outcomes. A bill by Republican Rep. Chris Todd of Jackson would do the trick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The win for Elevate 2025 marks a continuation from the last two years and sounds hauntingly similar to Project 2025, the national movement to reshape the federal government and give the president more power. Humble wouldnt say whether the groups win gives him a victory over Johnson, though he acknowledged some people might categorize it that way. Thats not what we were trying to accomplish here, he said. Johnson, though, spearheaded the Williamson County Conservatives PAC and asked the first few donors to give money in an effort to remove the Williamson County Republican Party board, according to Humble. Its sad that Jack stole all those peoples money and pissed it down the drain, Humble said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nashville businessman Baxter Lee gave $5,000 to the group in December 2024, and former congressional candidate Kurt Winstead kicked in $1,000 in January. The rest of the financials havent been filed. State Rep. Todd Warner, a Chapel Hill Republican whose district includes part of Williamson, said it was clear Johnson was backing the Williamson County Conservatives. More than 1,500 people packed into the Marriott Cool Springs Tuesday for the Williamson County Republican Party reorganization. (Photo: Submitted) It was very interesting to see the governor and the first lady there in Williamson County, Warner said. Republican Rep. Jake McCalmon of Franklin called the outcome tremendous but said he would never support caucuses to select party candidates. He said he tried to stay out of the chairman race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson acknowledged he voted for Clifford, director of outdoor recreation for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, because he has grave concerns about moving to a caucus selection for local races. (Oddly enough, an effort to require primaries in local elections fell flat last year.) Im just happy we set a new record for a county party convention. It was a huge turnout, and it was great, Johnson said. The Senate leader scoffed at the notion hes concerned that the outcome could be seen as a victory for Humble over him, though he is starting to run for another four years already. Humble isnt willing to commit to a state Senate campaign just yet. But you can feel a collision coming, one way or another. Crowded house Opponents of the bill allowing Tennessee school districts to turn away immigrant students without legal documentation packed the hallway outside the Senates main meeting room Wednesday after the Education Committee approved the bill 5-4. Three Republicans voted against the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the biggest and loudest crowd in memory at the Cordell Hull Building as tiny children with parents and screaming teens vented their frustration with lawmakers. Amid the claustrophobia, a moment of clarity arose: Tennessee is preparing to block immigrant children from going to K-12 public schools (because of the expense?) but pay for kids to go to private schools, including those already enrolled. Is this a conundrum? Or is it a hypocritical hypothetical? Maybe its both. Either way, this was far from one of Tennessees shining moments. Now that Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti doesnt have to spend resources fighting President Joe Bidens policies, he can turn that team of attorneys toward defending President Donald Trumps Tennessee policies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sen. Ferrell Haile of Gallatin was among the four who voted against the measure. He said Thursday he didnt believe the state should punish children for the mistakes of their parents or the governments poor immigration policies. The bill by Sen. Bo Watson, a Hixson Republican who chairs the finance committee, and House Majority Leader William Lamberth of Portland, puts the onus on school districts to determine whether theyll require kids to show documentation before allowing them into classrooms. They make no bones about wanting a legal case that will go to the U.S. Supreme Court and overturn Plyler v. Doe, the 1982 decision requiring public schools to take all children regardless of immigration status. So gear up for another legal battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the semi-bright side, now that Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti doesnt have to spend resources fighting President Joe Bidens policies, he can turn that team of attorneys toward defending President Donald Trumps Tennessee policies. It could be a wash. Just above rock bottom The House Public Service Subcommittee this week killed Rep. Bob Freemans bill that would have required lobbyists to identify each bill and legislature measure theyre being paid to oppose or support. Freeman, a Nashville Democrat, said afterward its disappointing that lobbyists and special interest groups have more power than the public or lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tennessee, I believe we have an uneven advantage for lobbyists, Freeman said. Thats mainly because lawmakers have little, if any, staff to research bills. Lawmakers rely on lobbyists to provide them with information, but sometimes they take advantage of that and hide the bills benefactor, he said. I think the people of Tennessee should know who is paying people to fight for bills and to propose bills and fight to have them passed, Freeman said. Lobbyists are required to disclose whom theyre working for but not where they stand on those matters. Freeman rejects the notion that disclosing that type of information would be too difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the people of Tennessee should know who is paying people to fight for bills and to propose bills and fight to have them passed. Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Nashville Lobbyist Mark Greene, who represents lobbyists, said afterward the bill would increase workloads dramatically. Other lobbyists said they would have to disclose the legislatures entire slate of bills because they move from one to another. We think it represents quite a bit more paperwork, quite a bit more exposure in terms of the potential for making an error, said Greene, who shouldnt be confused with U.S. Rep. Mark Green. Were going faster and faster every year, and we think providing this is of marginal utility. The only question for Freeman in committee came from Rep. Warner, who asked whether government-paid lobbyists would be included in the bill, meaning those who work for the governor and state departments. The committees attorney told him those people dont qualify as lobbyists. Regardless, this matter reminds me of something former Rep. Bob Ramsey used to say when referring to the lobbyist for lobbyists. That makes you the mayor of rock bottom. He probably softened the blow by handing out candy. On the outs? A group of 12 Democratic lawmakers who walked out of the governors State of the State address in February say theyre being blocked from passing any bills this session. With only 24 members in the House, Democrats usually dont pass many bills anyway. But this year, things appear to be worse. Democratic Rep. Yusuf Hakeem of Chattanooga said it became clear to him this week when Republican lawmakers killed his bill that would have had security workers statewide wear matching patches to let people know theyre security, not law enforcement. He said it was backed by the Peace Officer Standards & Training Commission, in addition to Hamilton County law enforcement. Hakeem said afterward he has the feeling it would be extremely difficult for those of us who walked out to get a bill through. Its very unfortunate. A group of Democrats walked out of Gov. Bill Lees State of the State address on February 13. From left: Reps. Justin Jones, Gabby Salinas, Gloria Johnson, Joe Towns, Antonio Parkinson, Vincent Dixie, Shaundelle Brooks, Jason Powell and Yusuf Hakeem. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) Democratic Rep. Sam McKenzie of Knoxville said hes getting the same idea about repercussions against boycotters. He walked out of the State of the State in protest of Lees private-school voucher bill that passed in a February special session. Were all here representing 70,000 people, and what I would say to (Republican leadership) is members of their party do things I find very inflammatory, very disrespectful, McKenzie said. Asked about the matter Thursday, House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison said he wasnt aware of any concerted effort to block those members bills, but he added if they were going to act like knuckleheads, then they deserve it. I got a Nikon camera / I love to take a photograph / So mama dont take my Kodachome away. * *Kodachrome, Paul Simon SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A new study projects that dengue fever, a disease carried by mosquitoes, will become more deadly in one Indian city as global temperatures continue to rise. What's happening? The research, summarized by Mongabay India, projects that dengue mortality could rise by 13% in the Indian city of Pune by 2040, even in low-emissions scenarios. Meanwhile, high-emissions scenarios could push dengue-related mortalities up by 23% to 40% by midcentury and by 30% to 112% as we near the end of the century. The authors attribute these possible outcomes to changes in rainfall and increased temperatures. Why is this study important? This is one of the first regional analyses of the climate-dengue connection and can help serve as a framework for future studies, according to the research team. "The climate-dengue relation is region specific," lead author Sophia Yacob told Mongabay. "However, the methodology and model framework used in this study can be adapted to develop region-specific dengue models for other areas, as long as the city or district shares the local health data with us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and malaria are expected to rise as conditions become more favorable for mosquitoes in a warmer, wetter world. For instance, dengue fever was reported in record numbers in 2024, doubling over the previous year. Los Angeles County even issued a warning after four locally acquired dengue cases popped up. What's being done about vector-borne diseases? Amid the rising threat of mosquito-spread illnesses, scientists are looking for new ways to cull mosquito populations. For instance, Djibouti deployed a controversial method that involves releasing genetically modified mosquitoes to kill the disease-spreading ones. A team of Spanish scientists is sterilizing an invasive mosquito species to help combat dengue fever in Europe. And when San Diego County discovered its first-ever locally acquired case of dengue in the fall of 2024, it quickly sprayed 170 homes for mosquitoes in an attempt to halt the potential spread of the virus. Meanwhile, vaccines offer hope. For instance, a $70 million pilot program testing malaria vaccines in Africa decreased deaths by 13% among young children over a period of four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A new study, conducted by BetMGM, has named Detroit one of the nations best cities for karaoke. Detroit ranked #6 for best karaoke bars, based on over 3,500 karaoke bar reviews on Yelp across 100 U.S. cities. Detroits love for music extends beyond Motown to its karaoke bars, read the study results, which boast high praise from locals and visitors alike. More: Free Press readers share their favorite dive bars throughout Wayne County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Free Press readers share their favorite dive bars throughout Oakland County The top-ranked city was Syracuse, New York, followed by Baltimore, Maryland; Des Moines, Iowa; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Riverside, California. Sprader's on the Lake has been a family-owned and operated dive bar since 2007. The study also found that metro Detroits top-ranked karaoke bar is Spraders on the Lake, located in White Lake, about an hour from the center city and boasting a 4.4 star rating out of 20+ reviews. More: Cheap drinks, shabby decor and good times: A list of metro Detroit dive bars More: Free Press readers share their favorite dive bars throughout Macomb County On Oct. 23, 2023, Austin S. of White Lake Twp. wrote in a Yelp review, "Great atmosphere, good beer, seating on the lake, karaoke, hot dogs ... a perfect spot." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have a favorite metro Detroit karaoke bar? Let me know at the email address below, and it may be featured in an upcoming piece. Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Study names Detroit one of the best cities for karaoke A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that privately owned forests make removing invasive species much more difficult, though economic incentives could encourage landowners to get rid of pests. What's happening? According to a news release from the university's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, many forests in the United States are privately owned, meaning invasive plants can easily grow uncontrollably if landowners don't coordinate efforts to manage them. The study, published in Land Economics, found that forest landowners' willingness to control invasive species depends on how they use the land and, in some cases, how much money they're offered to eliminate pests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Some own the land for recreational purposes, some own it because they want to produce timber, and some are a combination of both," study author and associate professor Shadi Atallah told ACES News. "If one landowner controls invasive species but their neighbor does not for some reason, that could be problematic because the bioinvasion will spread over space and time." While conservation cost-share programs compensate landowners for up to 75% of the cost of controlling invasive species, Atallah said the funds could be allocated more efficiently by reimbursing landowners who wouldn't otherwise manage invasives. "The idea is to consider any two different motivations to own the resource and how that could lead to different decisions in terms of controlling bioinvasion spread, and thinking about prioritizing those who would not control without subsidies," Atallah explained. Why is it important to control invasive species? Whether in a privately owned forest or someone's backyard, invasive species outcompete native plants for resources, making it harder for them to survive. In a forest, this can cause tree die-offs, reduce biodiversity and habitat for native species, and disrupt the ecosystem. The U.S. Forest Service said invasive forest plants can also make the land less valuable and impact recreational opportunities in public forests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Controlling invasive species ensures that native animals and plants have a healthy habitat and plenty of resources and that people can enjoy the land without worrying about invasives blocking hiking trails or wildlife viewing areas. When forest owners collaborate to manage invasive species, even if one isn't subsidized, they both benefit in the long run. Atallah used the theoretical example of a recreationist and a timber producer coordinating efforts to control glossy buckthorn an aggressive shrub that forms dense thickets in Eastern U.S. white pine forests. He theorized that the hiking enthusiast would be less willing to pay for invasive species control and should receive government subsidies. However, the timber producer would end up paying less to manage invasives on their land since the recreationist would contain them earlier and prevent them from spreading into neighboring forests. Therefore, the timber owner could earn greater profits from having more trees grow to maturity. What's being done to improve invasive species management? Government agencies and scientists have come up with genius ways to combat destructive invasive plants. The Forest Service invested $16 million to monitor and restore ecosystems in 37 states and two territories, and scientists have used drones to drop "bug bombs" on invasive plants in West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to keep your backyard free of invasive plants, consider upgrading to a natural lawn or planting low-maintenance native species, such as clover or buffalo grass. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Downtown Battle Creek | Photo by Anna Gustafson On a warm day in 1968 a young Bob Seger rocked a crowd of 20,000 in front of a Hudsons department store, a highlight of the grand opening ceremonies for the sprawling Oakland Mall in Troy. Troy was a booming, relatively new Oakland County suburb that had been incorporated as a city just 13 years before the 1.5 million-square-foot super-regional mall opened. Its motto was The City of Tomorrow . . . Today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But today, the city of tomorrow is trying to look a bit more like the city of yesterday. Troy, Warren and Livonia are among numerous cookie-cutter suburbs across the country trying to build downtowns from scratch. The appeal of suburbs was long centered on the availability of land for spacious homes with large yards and huge shopping malls with plenty of parking. Newly built freeways made it easy for suburbanites to commute to jobs in the city. Racial tensions resulted in massive white flight from Detroit and other large cities. About 120,000 white people fled Detroit for the suburbs in just the first two years after the 1967 riots, according to the Detroit Historical Society. But today, the suburbs have lost much of their retail mojo. The Hudsons (now Macys) store Bob Seger played in front of, is closing this month. Oakland and many other malls are struggling to survive. About 1,800 U.S. malls have closed since the 1980s. Only about 700 are left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Online shopping has crippled brick-and-mortar retail, especially since the Covid pandemic. And many younger residents want to live in places with a more urban vibe. The whole way people acquire stuff is changing significantly, Robin Boyle, a retired Wayne State University urban planning professor, told me. They want to go somewhere to eat and drink and have some fun. Thats whats driving this. Officials in Livonia cite the need for new, younger residents at the heart of plans to build a downtown, formally known as a city center, on 27 acres of property that is currently occupied by city offices. Livonia, which had a population of nearly 101,000 in 1990, has lost almost 9,000 residents in the past 35 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys proposal calls for a mixed-use, open-air development containing retail shops, restaurants and housing. The center would feature a network of sidewalks and bike paths that would connect to the larger community. Mayor Maureen Bosnan told the Detroit News that if we do this right, this is the way to make sure that Livonia is the place that our kids want to come home to. She said a downtown is a missing piece in the city. Warren, a Macomb County suburb thats also the states third-largest city, is trying for a second time to create a downtown from scratch. Its working on resurrecting most of a $170 million plan that called for housing, retail and a hotel adjacent to Warrens city hall and library. That development proposal died in 2022 when the Warren City Council voted against financial support for the project. Troy has built an expansive city center featuring luxury apartments, and mostly chain retail stores, restaurants and hotels at the busy intersection of Big Beaver Road and I-75. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boyle, a longtime member of the Birmingham planning commission, said one problem with these new city centers is that they lack the diversity and authenticity of long-established downtowns. Most of the successful ones are where there are old buildings, he said. These include older suburbs such as Royal Oak, Ferndale and Clawson that have revitalized walkable downtowns where the tenants are overwhelmingly food and drinking establishments. Robert Gibbs, a Birmingham-based planner who has designed city centers around the country, said about 75% of them either underperform financially or fail. The successful ones usually have strong anchor stores, including grocery stores and convenient parking, but also mimic the feel of a traditional downtown, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One example is the Village of Rochester Hills, a Gibbs-designed shopping center thats anchored by an upscale Von Maur department store and a Whole Foods grocery. Most of the retail and restaurants in the Village are national brands. But it also has city-like streets and sidewalks. Major retailers are attracted to such centers, which also provide healthy tax revenues to local governments, Gibbs said. Many of these centers are in what Gibbs calls edge cities, such as Troy, that are located in the outer ring of metro areas. Overall, the suburbs are still growing, particularly those farthest away from urban cores. Experts say that may be attributable to lower housing costs in those areas and more people working from home since the Covid pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some bedroom communities are trying to attract younger residents who want something more than look-alike housing and big-box retailers. Building downtowns is one strategy. Edge cities are just plain boring, Gibbs said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The News Sudan has launched a legal case against the United Arab Emirates, blaming the Gulf nation for arming the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in the countrys ongoing civil war, as experts warn of an escalating proxy conflict. The case, filed to the International Court of Justice, claims the UAE armed the group responsible for ethnic-based attacks in Darfur that the US said amounted to genocide. Two years of conflict have led to the gravest displacement crisis in the world and prompted the first global declaration of famine in decades. A chart showing the cross-border movement of Sudanese migrants in the region. SIGNALS Sudan has become a proxy war for Middle East rivals Sources: Foreign Policy, The Africa Report, The New York Times Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gulf nations see the conflict in Sudan as an opportunity to cement their hegemonic status in the Middle East, turning it into a proxy war, a geopolitics analyst wrote in Foreign Policy in 2023. Sudans strategic location has led to it being seen as a bridge that links the Middle East and Africa, with its Red Sea coastline and proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb strait a key transit route for oil and gas exports making it a crucial player in regional geopolitics, a Middle East consultant told The Africa Report. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have invested heavily in the country as they compete for regional primacy. Saudi Arabia has attempted to brand itself as peacemaker which still backing the Sudanese army while the UAE has been accused of smuggling weapons into Sudan to support the Rapid Support Forces under the guise of aid, a New York Times investigation found. US aid freeze is huge setback as worlds worst hunger crisis rages Sources: BBC, CNN, Semafor The Trump administrations freeze on US aid has resulted in the closure of almost 80% of the emergency food kitchens set up to tackle the famine in Sudan, the BBC reported. Though the US Supreme Court rejected the Trump administrations request to keep billions of aid frozen Wednesday, as it has been since January, it is unclear when the money will be released. Meanwhile, in Sudan, people are screaming from hunger in the streets, an emergency aid worker told the BBC. Despite speculation that China may step in to absorb the soft power lost by the US retreat, Chinas relationship with Africa has never focused on aid, but instead dealmaking, transactional partnerships, and win-win agreements, Semafors Yinka Adegoke wrote. GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) Sumner Countys Register of Deeds is warning residents about a letter being sent around the county that looks like a check if you dont read the fine print. The registrar said she even received one herself and believed it might be real at first. Im used to seeing checks, so I noticed there was no signature, said Holly Hemmrich, Sumner Countys Register of Deeds. When I noticed there was no signature, I thought okay wait a minute, and then I turned it around [it] says endorse here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can you spot a credit card skimmer? What to look for Neighboring counties have also reported residents receiving the same type of letter, according to Hemmrich. It is thorough and includes a number to call. It comes to you like it is just a check for you to cash and it has your mortgage company listed on there, it has my lender information on here, my address, everything, detailed Hemmrich. If you call somebody and then they start asking you questions, and you think youre talking to your mortgage company, youre potentially giving a scam artist your personal information. Hemmrich has been with the county deeds office for nearly two decades. She said scams that get her office involved are rare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beware of text messages about unpaid tolls, FBI and state authorities warn She will send off any scams that she discovers, including her phony check, to the state attorney general. Thankfully, this scam check has one big tell. Down below, it says not affiliated with my mortgage company, and this is not a check, said Hemmrich with a chuckle. What really has Hemmrichs attention right now: property fraud; people trying to get your land in their name. She said shes working with state legislators across Tennessee to address the problem. Weve seen things in Shelby County, of course, with the Graceland property, said Hemmrich. They dont want your property, they dont want your home, they dont want to live there. They just want it for financial gain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouri woman accused in plot to sell Graceland says shell plead guilty Because of this, there now exists a free fraud-alert system for property owners. Ours here in Sumner County is called MyLandAlert.com. And you can sign up for this, it will send you a notification if anything is recorded in your name, in our office, said Hemmrich. Hemmrichs advice to Sumner County residents: always read your mail carefully, and never sign a document youre unsure of. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A Sun Country Airlines flight departing from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was diverted to El Paso, Texas due to a threatening note found on the aircraft, the FBI said. Officials ultimately determined that there was "no threat" upon discovering the note on Flight SY593, which was initially heading to Mazatlan International Airport in Mexico before it was diverted "out of an abundance of caution in response to a security concern." The note in question read, "You are all going to die, help me." It was determined it was a hoax by two children on the flight, the FBI said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No charges are expected to be filed. A Sun Country spokesperson provided a statement to Bring Me The News, mentioning that everyone on the flight 150 passengers, two pilots and four flight attendants was able to exit safely after landing. "We apologize to our passengers and all those affected by this situation, but safety and security are our highest priorities. We will do everything to minimize this disruption and get travelers to their destination as quickly and safely as possible." The Minnesota-based airline added that passengers were provided with overnight accommodation. You are here: China Female executives from various countries and industries convened in Beijing for a networking event on March 5 ahead of International Women's Day. International business executives share insights and discuss opportunities during the event, March 5, 2025. [Photo by China.org.cn] Themed "Gathering the Wisdom and Strength of Women Through Discussion of Practical International Cooperation," the event was hosted by the China Economic Cooperation Center. During the event, attendees shared their insights and discussed emerging opportunities, highlighting the importance of the Chinese market and its potential. International business executives tour an exhibition in Beijing, March 5, 2025. [Photo by China.org.cn] "If you look at this year's 'two sessions,' China has achieved its 5% growth target. Very few countries can reach this level, especially considering China's massive economic scale," said Aya Shimizu, assistant general manager of the Japan-China Economic Association Beijing Office. Li Ye, vice president of Merck China, referenced recent remarks by a female CEO from Merck in a major publication, stating that the Chinese market is the most important among the company's high-growth markets. Executives take part in a craft activity, March 5, 2025. [Photo by China.org.cn] As prominent figures in the business community, these executives offered unique perspectives on female leadership. "Women are playing an increasingly vital role in the business world," said Phan Thi Tra My, chairwoman of the Business Association of Vietnam in China. "As society places greater emphasis on gender equality, women's influence in the workplace will continue to expand." Meanwhile, Cui Haixian, vice president of government affairs of IBM China, expressed hopes for creating a more equitable workplace environment for women in the AI era. A networking event for women executives of international businesses in China is hosted ahead of International Women's Day in Beijing, March 5, 2025. [Photo by China.org.cn] As International Women's Day approaches, these female leaders also shared empowering messages for women everywhere. "Let's continue to break barriers, shatter the ceilings and inspire the coming generation," said Li Yiran, chief representative of Berlin Business Desk China. "No matter how great the challenges, women's power and wisdom know no bounds. Each of us can achieve our own brilliance in our respective fields, and make the world more equal and beautiful," Phan emphasized. In the worst outbreak of unrest since Syrias transitional government took power, hundreds of people have been killed or wounded in clashes between the security forces and supporters of former President Bashar al Assad. The clashes broke out Thursday in the Latakia and Tartous regions on the Mediterranean coast, areas where support among Syrian Alawites for Assad was strong and which has seen outbreaks of sectarian violence over the past three months. More than 225 people have been killed since Thursday in the clashes, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) said on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK-based organization said that among the dead were 125 civilians, with the SNHR alleging government forces committed widespread field executions of young men and adult males without clear distinction between civilians and others. CNN cannot independently verify SNHRs figures and is reaching out to the Syrian government for comment regarding the death toll. The Syrian government said an emergency committee is monitoring violations and will refer those who exceeded command instructions during the recent military and security operation to the military court. A Syrian security source told the state run news agency SANA Friday that individual violations had been perpetrated after large, unorganized crowds travelled to the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Syrian government told CNN that at least 150 of their security forces were killed since Thursday and 300 were captured. The Assad family, members of the minority Alawite sect, ruled Syria for over half a century until Assad was ousted late last year by Sunni Islamist militants who sought to reshape the countrys political and sectarian order. Syrias Alawites some 10% of the population were prominent in the Assad regime, and while many Alawites have surrendered their weapons since December, many others have not. The latest surge in violence highlights the challenges Syrias new regime faces in appeasing disenfranchised groups, especially those that remain heavily armed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrias transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, vowed in a televised speech on Friday to pursue those responsible for killing dozens of Syrian security personnel. He also urged security forces to ensure no excessive or unjustified responses occur following reports of many civilian casualties during clashes. The official Syrian news agency SANA said that after several police and security personnel had been killed, large, unorganized crowds moved toward the coast, citing an official with Syrias Ministry of Interior. Anas Khattab, head of Syrian intelligence, said that former military and security leaders affiliated with the defunct regime were behind the planning and execution of these crimes. He said that the treacherous operation had claimed the lives of dozens of our finest men in the army, security, and police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media videos published since Thursday apparently show extensive casualties among both Syrian security forces and young men in civilian clothing. Syrian government fighters line a roadway in Baniyas, Syria, on Friday. - Ali Haj Suleiman/Getty Images One video showed several men lying dead beside a police vehicle. Another video geolocated by CNN showed women mourning among the bodies of at least 20 men in civilian clothes who appear to have been shot dead in a village near the town of al Jinderiyah. Another still showed security forces firing intensively at night towards a source of incoming fire. Defense Ministry spokesman Colonel Hassan Abdel Ghani said Friday that senior war criminals were scattered in the mountains with no refuge except the courts, where you will face justice. Do not become fuel for a lost war The choice is clear: surrender your weapons or face your inevitable fate, he said, addressing other Assad supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other social media footage from Friday showed substantial military reinforcements converging on the area. The city of Tartous has been placed under curfew until Saturday. The videos indicate that the security forces reached the coastal city of Jableh, near the Russian airbase at Hmeimim, and showed clashes and columns of smoke rising from near the base. Other videos showed government forces entering Al-Qardaha, the home town of the Assad family, amid explosions and columns of smoke. An official with the defense ministry confirmed later on Friday that security forces carried out operations against the remnants of the former regime, in Al-Qardaha, according to SANA. And one video geolocated to the coast near Jableh showed improvised bombs being dropped from a military helicopter. Syrian military vehicles block a road between Tartus and Latakia, Syria, on Friday. - Ali Haj Suleiman/Getty Images The Syrian Interior ministry issued a statement Friday urging all civilians to stay away from military and security operation zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said all military and security units had been ordered to strictly adhere to established procedures and laws to safeguard civilians. Syrias Health Ministry said that six hospitals in the rural areas of Latakia and Tartous had come under attack on Thursday night by pro-Assad elements, resulting in several deaths. Abdul Rahman Taleb, a Latakia-based activist and journalist, said he was attacked by Assad loyalists on Thursday while he was covering clashes with the Syrian security forces. We were besieged for about 12 hours in one of Latakias neighborhoods, with remnants of militants spreading all around us. I didnt expect wed make it out alive, Taleb said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added he had been sheltered by other Alawites in the area until the first reinforcements arrived and evacuated us. The violence has sparked pro- and anti-government demonstrations in several Syrian cities. Saudi Arabia, a strong backer of the new government, condemned what it called crimes committed by outlaw groups in Syria. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Khalil Ashawi, Timour Azhari and Tom Perry DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Syrian security forces battled for a second day on Friday to crush a nascent insurgency by fighters from Bashar al-Assad's Alawite sect, with scores reported killed as the Islamist-led government faced the biggest challenge yet to its authority. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that more than 180 people had been killed in two days of violence in the coastal region of western Syria, which is heavily populated by members of the Alawite minority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They included at least two dozen male residents of the Alawite town of Al Mukhtareyah killed by gunmen on Friday, the Observatory and two Alawite activists said, citing contacts in the region and video footage from the scene. In his first comments on the violence, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said government forces would pursue "remnants" of the ousted Bashar al Assad government and bring them to trial. He also said those who assault civilians would be held accountable. "We will continue to pursue the remnants of the fallen regime .. . We will bring them to a fair court, and we will continue to restrict weapons to the state, and no loose weapons will remain in Syria," Sharaa added in a pre-recorded speech. Syrian authorities said the violence began when remnants loyal to Assad launched a deadly and well-planned attack on their forces on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The violence has shaken Sharaa's efforts to consolidate control as his administration struggles to get U.S. sanctions lifted and grapples with wider security challenges, notably in the southwest, where Israel has said it will prevent Damascus from deploying forces. The oil-rich northeast of the country also remains outside state control, held by a U.S.-backed Kurdish-led group. Syrians took to the streets on Friday to rally in support of the government in Damascus and other cities. Saudi Arabia and Turkey, both allies of the government, also signalled their backing, while the U.N. envoy to Syria said he was alarmed by the clashes and killings, including of civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia, which was a major backer of Assad but has sought to build ties with the new government, called on all leaders of the country to stop the bloodshed. Iran, formerly Assad's closest ally, said it "strongly opposes insecurity, violence, killing and harming innocent Syrians from every group and tribe." Images from Al Mukhtareyah showed at least 20 men lying in close proximity - some bloodied - by the side of a road in the town centre. Reuters was able to verify the location in the video, but not when it was filmed or by whom. Alawite activists, speaking on condition of anonymity, blamed the killings on gunmen affiliated with the Islamist ruling authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrian state news agency SANA, citing a security source, said "individual violations" had been perpetrated after unorganized crowds had headed to the coastal region following the attacks on government security personnel. "We are working to stop these violations," the source said. A prominent Alawite cleric, Sheikh Shabaan Mansour, 86, was killed on Friday with his son in the village of Sahlab in western Syria, according to two Alawite sources. Residents there accused fighters aligned with Damascus of killing them. CURFEWS The violence spiralled on Thursday when the authorities said groups of Assad-aligned militias targeted security patrols and checkpoints in the Jableh area and surrounding countryside, before spreading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moussa al-Omar, a Syrian media figure close to the country's new leadership, told Reuters that tens of thousands of fighters in Syria's newly constituted security forces had been deployed to the coast in the operation and order had been largely restored as of Friday night. He said the crackdown was "a message to anyone in the south or east of Syria that the state ... is capable of a military resolution at any time even as it seeks peaceful solutions." Curfews were declared on Friday in the coastal cities of Tartous and Latakia, SANA said. Security forces mounted combing operations in both cities and nearby mountains. Alawite activists say their community has been subjected to violence and attacks, particularly in rural Homs and Latakia, since Assad was overthrown in December after decades of repressive family rule and civil war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Sharaa has pledged to run Syria in an inclusive way, no meetings have been declared between him and senior Alawite figures, in contrast to members of other minority groups. ESCALATION RISK "The chaos and paroxysm of killings will undermine the confidence of both foreign states and Syrians in his government and its ability to steer Syria out of this difficult phase," said Joshua Landis, head of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma. A group of Alawite clerics, the Alawite Islamic Council, blamed the violence on the government, saying fighters had been sent to the coast "with the pretext of (combating) 'regime remnants,' to terrorise and kill Syrians." It called for the region to be put under U.N. protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Arabia condemned "crimes being undertaken by outlaw groups" in Syria and their targeting of security forces. Turkey, a close ally of Syria's new government, also stated its support for Damascus, saying, "The tension in and around Latakia, as well as the targeting of security forces, could undermine the efforts to lead Syria into the future in unity and solidarity." (Reporting by the Damascus bureau; Additional reporting by Hatem Maher, Ahmed Tolba and Yomna Ehab in Cairo, Tala Ramadan in Dubai, Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman, Timour Azhari and Tom Perry in Beirut and Tuvan Gumrukcu and Huseyin Hayatseve in Ankara; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Timothy Heritage, Aidan Lewis, Angus MacSwan, Mark Porter and Daniel Wallis) The News Violent clashes between Syrian security forces and supporters of deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad killed more than 70 people and wounded dozens overnight Thursday, in an indication of the challenges facing interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa as he seeks to unify the battered country. Fighting broke out in Syrias coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartous, traditional strongholds of Assad and the Alawite minority Shiite sect he belongs to, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The government has since imposed curfews in both cities. The clashes mark the worst violence in Syria since rebels toppled Assad in early December and installed an transitional Islamist government led by former al-Qaeda member al-Sharaa. A chart comparing Syrias life expectancy to the world average. SIGNALS Al-Sharaa struggles to unite Syrias many factions Sources: The Financial Times, The Economist, The Guardian, The New York Times Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The violent outbreak is a crucial test for al-Sharaa, who has dismantled Syrias security forces, including its army and police, in favour of allied rebel factions. The self-declared president, a supposedly reformed jihadist, appears to be wrestling with the dilemma of whether to appease his Islamist followers by tightening his grip or to share power with Syrias many sects and ethnicities, The Economist wrote. Al-Sharaa, who presides over an all-male, all-Sunni administration, is yet to announce a long-promised unity government. Meanwhile, many members of the former ruling Alawite sect fear reprisals. If individual fighters or rogue units [aligned with the government] engage in revenge attacks against locals, the situation could spiral into sectarian clashes, Ibrahim Al-Assil, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, told the New York Times. Easing of sanctions seen as crucial to Syrias economic recovery Sources: Atlantic Council, Human Rights Watch, Bloomberg Rebuilding an economy shattered by war and sanctions will be critical for Syrias new leaders to maintain order, analysts say. Syrians are watching closely, expecting swift and meaningful action to restore stability and improve livelihoods, wrote the Atlantic Council. Western governments are starting to roll back their sanctions on Syria, though the gradual nature of the process may suggest a lingering wariness [over al-Sharaas regime], Bloomberg wrote: Many countries continue to classify al-Sharaas Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham group as a terrorist organisation. Human rights groups have urged them to move quicker: The continued enforcement of sanctions brought against the now-collapsed Assad regime is hindering reconstruction efforts and exacerbating the suffering of millions of Syrians struggling to access critical rights, Human Rights Watch argued. System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan has shared more insights into his fondness for U.S. President Donald Trump, despite the notably progressive views espoused by his band. Dolmayan, who joined System of a Down in 1997, shared his recent opinions in a recent discussion with Australian YouTuber Lilian Tahmasian. Throughout the lengthy conversation, the drummer turned his attention to the ever-present topic of politics, addressing his support for the President and confirming that he voted for Trump during his 2024 campaign. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im glad he won, because it brings a little sanity back, Dolmayan explained. Irrespective of what you hear out there, its much more sane with him than it was without him. As he continued, Dolmayan who moved from Beirut to California as a two-year-old amidst the Lebanese Civil War agreed with Trumps border policy, explaining that while the U.S. thrives on immigration, he believes it must be done a certain way. We need law and order, he continued. Just like you lock your door at night, you dont want somebody coming to your house when you have secure borders. We need people coming to this country. We all came to this country. And we need more people coming in. And the United States should always be a bastion for people that need it. Maybe they get oppression one way or the other in their countries and they need to leave. Or maybe they just want a fresh start. Or maybe they wanna be part of something thats unique and interesting like the United States. And they should be allowed to do that, but do it a certain way pay taxes, whatever you need to do, and live your life. Dolmayans outspoken support for Trump has been notable in recent years. In 2023, he took to social media to reveal he had lost friends and hundreds of thousands of followers due to his support for the President and his unwillingness to accept the narratives [his followers] are now questioning the validity of. Speaking to Tahmasian, however, Dolmayan explained that the left or right side of politics makes no difference to him, instead claiming hes against whos doing wrong at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the conservatives go way off on the right and become too religious or whatever the case may be, where theyre infringing on people, then Im gonna be with the Democrats at that point, because Im not a politician and I dont give a shit about the political parties. Im a realist, he explained. And whatevers good for people, thats what Im gonna fight for. So Ill always be the enemy. I can never win. System of a Down released five albums between 1998 and 2005, with 2001s Toxicity, and Hypnotize and Mezmerize (both 2005) all hitting No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The group embarked on a four-year hiatus in 2006, later reforming in 2010 and continuing to perform live sporadically since. In 2020, System of a Down released the singles Protect the Land and Genocidal Humanoidz, though the band have shown no indication of recording a further studio album, with Dolmayan claiming that hes felt frustration with the groups lack of musical progress. Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BRUSSELS (AP) European Union leaders are trumpeting their endorsement of a plan to free up hundreds of billions of euros to inject into their defense budgets after the Trump administration warned that the continent must look after its own security, including Ukraine, in future. After more than 12 hours of talks on Thursday, the 27 leaders signed off on a scheme that would ease budget restrictions for defense spending, funnel some of the EUs unused funds toward security priorities and provide 150 billion euros ($162 billion) in loans for military purchases. As a priority, the funds would be spent on air and missile defense, artillery systems, ammunition, drones and air transport, as well as cyber systems, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-year war in Ukraine was also top of the agenda, but no obvious short-term solutions were found to keep the country in the fight, after the U.S. halted military support and intelligence sharing. No new weapons were pledged, no ready cash identified. Hungary also vetoed a joint statement on support to Ukraine, notably the stance of the 26 other member countries that their war-ravaged partner can only achieve peace through strength. Taking the budget brakes off All 27 leaders agreed that the EUs executive branch, the European Commission, should loosen budget restrictions so countries that are willing can increase their military spending. The commission monitors whether members are keeping their debt under control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It estimates that around 650 billion euros ($702 billion) could be freed up that way, and could allow each country to spend at least 3% of their gross domestic product on defense. NATOs current guideline is that allies should spend at least 2%. Seven EU countries fall short of that figure, including heavyweights Italy and Spain. It remains to be seen whether countries that pledged to hit 2% more than a decade ago and still havent are now willing, or even able, to dig deeper into their pockets. A new defense loan program The commission also tabled a proposal for an offer of loans worth 150 billion euros ($162 billion) to buy new military equipment, with material priorities to be based on lessons learned from the battlefield in Ukraine. Air and missile defenses are right up there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Commission said it would raise the money on financial markets, and that around 20 member countries would benefit from the more favorable rates that it could generate. But the leaders did not welcome the idea with open arms. Instead, they invited EU headquarters staff to examine this proposal as a matter of urgency. France believes the pot is too small. Heavily indebted Spain is demanding free grants rather than loans. Hungary. Together, alone Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putins closest ally in Europe, refused to endorse part of the summit statement in favor of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not the first time that Orban has tried to block proceedings, nor the first time that Hungarys EU partners have moved forward without it. Hungary is isolated among the 27, and we respect Hungarys position, European Council President Antonio Costa told reporters after the meeting. But its one out of 27, and 26 are more than one. Orban appears to relish his isolationist role and is intent on turning the tables. The European Union has isolated itself from the United States now, isolated itself from China because of the trade war, and isolated itself from Russia because of the sanction policy. So if somebody is isolated here it is the European Union, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungarys population totals around 9.5 million, a fraction of the EUs 450 million people. It's high on European minds but Ukraine needs more President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dined with the leaders. He welcomed their security plans and expressed hope that some new spending could strengthen Ukraines defense industry. Ukraine can make weapons more cheaply than elsewhere in Europe, and closer to the battlefields where they are needed. We are very thankful that we are not alone, and these are not just words. We feel it. Its very important, Zelenskyy said, looking more relaxed among Europes leaders in Brussels than when he received a verbal lashing from Trump in Washington last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the EU offered no new weapons, a day after Zelenskyys hometown was bombed again, even though the leaders might argue that this was not the main goal of their summit. No discussion was held on whether to unblock the estimated 183 billion euros ($196 billion) in frozen Russian assets held in a Belgian clearing house, a pot of ready cash that could be seized if Europe was willing. Some countries feel it is wiser to use the interest generated from the assets to help Ukraine, rather than use the funds themselves. Others worry that confiscating the money, with its tricky legal implications, could undermine confidence in the euro. TAKOMA PARK, Md. (DC News Now) Businesses across the DMV are providing support to the thousands of laid-off federal workers by offering free meals and classes. At Peoples Book in Takoma Park, theyre giving away free coffee, a book and a listening ear. Im, disappointed that our community has to face this challenge right now. Its totally unnecessary and, insulting to people who have put their lives, in the public service. Its nice to be able to do a little bit of something for them, said Matt Bormet, Co-Owner of Peoples Book. Since the start of the layoffs for federal workers under the Trump administration, as they aim to reduce the size and cost of government, its been a difficult time for many families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump pushes for DC to clear more homeless encampments through social media post Despite this, many former federal workers are navigating the transition, and local businesses like Peoples Book are giving away free or discounted perks to be a beacon of light during a difficult time. Free coffee and free book, seemed like a thing we could do. Well be here to lend a sympathetic ear and maybe put you into a book that you can help sort of escape the world with, said Bormet. Bormet added that so far theyve seen many formal federal workers trickle in for Fed Fridays, share their experiences and some even ask for a job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC Public Schools investigated by US Department of Education after disability discrimination reported I think people are frustrated, but try to stay optimistic. Im glad they see us as a place they want to work. At the same time, you know, Id rather have these folks working on behalf of the United States of America rather than on behalf of the bookstore. I think thats what theyre very good at. So my hope is that they get back to doing that work soon, he said. Over the past few weeks, Bormet said its been a joy for him, along with his wife and employees to be able to be there for former federal workers just needing a positive encounter. When people are walking in and hearing that someone cares about them and values their work and wants them to, succeed. Thats been really its been a nice sort of, wrinkle in a very difficult time, shared Bormet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bladensburg police officer pulls injured man from burning car Other businesses like Nandos are giving away free chicken and fries to federal workers to show appreciation on March 7th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with proof of federal employment current or past within 6 months. MIVIA Stress Relief Spa in Herndon, Va. is offering complimentary head spa sessions on March 14, 15, and 16. Sessions can be booked online. El Chucho in NW, Quarry House Tavern in Silver Spring, and Charley in Gaithersburg are offering 10% off purchases with ID or proof of termination for current and former federal workers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Lawyers will be on-call all day for the 4 All Lawyers On Call Phone Bank Friday. From ten until seven you can talk to a lawyer for free by calling 252-969-0606. This annual event is sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Utah Auditor Tina Cannon speaks to reporters at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday, March 7, 2025. (Kyle Dunphey/Utah News Dispatch) This story has been updated. Tension is brewing between the Legislature and newly elected Auditor Tina Cannon, who, just 60 days into her tenure, accused lawmakers of trying to push her out of her office at in Utah Capitol building. Lawmakers say that isnt true instead, her staff may have been required to move under a now-abandoned bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB143 would have made a number of changes to policies, procedures and office space at the states Capitol. It passed with unanimous approval in the Senate but after a late amendment that included language about the auditors office was adopted on Thursday night, a bipartisan group of 18 lawmakers voted against it. The bill went back to the Senate, where lawmakers were prepared to finalize the changes made in the House. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX But after a day of drama, harsh words and accusations, McKell told reporters on Friday evening that he was not going to pursue his bill, SB143. I want to continue to work on it, McKell said. Its unfortunate where this dialogue has gone today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Friday evening, Cannon said she was thrilled to hear lawmakers reversed course. It was a strange initiation, but my desire now is to work in cooperation with the other constitutional officers and legislative leadership, to determine the best use of space in the State Capitol, Cannon said. The provision in question states that, beginning on Jan. 1, 2025 (meaning the bill is retroactive) the auditors office space would be placed under control of the Utah State Procurement Policy Board until a similar space on Capitol hill is assigned to the state auditor. After that, the bill states the office Cannon has been occupying is under the direction and control of the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By McKells interpretation, Cannon could still have had an office in the main Capitol Building, although she might have needed to share a reception area with the Attorney Generals Office. And although the bill appears to be dead, the relationship between Senate leadership and Cannon, who is tasked with ensuring taxpayer funded programs and agencies are compliant and efficient, appeared fraught on the final day of the legislative session. This is over office space and the rhetoric I think has been totally inappropriate, said Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton. Im very disappointed in the auditor. It is disturbing to me that in my plea to follow the legal process, I was told to ignore the legal process, said Cannon, referring to previous legislation aimed at studying how office space is allocated at the Capitol. Utah Auditor Tina Cannons office in the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday, March 7, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) Cannon viewed the now-abandoned bill as an eviction notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was told that senators would like additional space in the capitol and that I needed to make room for them. And my response was Im a statewide constitutional officer, Im also elected, please respect the position that I hold. And they said that doesnt matter, well just sweep you out, she said on Friday. When asked about how her conversations have been between Legislative leaders, Cannon said, not calm. She has accused Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, of bullying and hinted to Utah News Dispatch on Friday that she had concerns that the dispute could impact funding for her office, which is controlled by the Legislature. I was trying to walk a very fine line, because they control my budget. And Im sure there will be an impact. I will be watching closely for that impact, she said on Friday. Senators pushed back on just about everything Cannon said on Friday. McKell said her comments were unfortunate and inappropriate, while Adams said the suggestion that legislators were using funding as leverage was absolutely false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honestly, I felt like it was really inappropriate for the auditor to try to leverage that into the conversation. It was not part of the conversation, said McKell. To say that she was leveraged into this, that just was absolutely false, added Adams. Lawmakers say the conversations around office space have been going on for years, stemming from the construction of a new building on Utahs Capitol Hill. McKell pointed out other statewide offices the governor, attorney general and legislature all have staff with offices in other buildings. We have a new building thats being built, were going to reshuffle office space, and we do want to look at office space on Capitol Hill, McKell said. It doesnt say that shes being removed from the Capitol. I think we read that differently. But you know, were going to continue to work on it. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Terri Cornett, a prominent Oklahoma civic leader and advocate for the arts, died Thursday after a year-long battle with cancer. Cornett, 65, had been a prominent television executive in Tulsa when she married then-Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett in 2014. While in Oklahoma City, she worked as a consultant for the Allied Arts nonprofit organization for the past decade, raising millions of dollars for over 100 arts organizations throughout Oklahoma. "We had the great pleasure of working closely with Terri over the course of nearly 10 years," Allied Arts said in a statement late Thursday afternoon. "As Development Consultant for Allied Arts, Terri brought her sales and marketing acumen along with her positive and kind spirit to our fundraising efforts, elevating our donor management, prospecting and stewardship practices." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among other achievements, Allied Arts credits Cornett with winning the national nonprofit fundraising challenge, Brackets for Good, and securing public art in downtown Oklahoma City to commemorate the Allied Arts' 50th anniversary. Over the years, Cornett served on the board of directors for Prevent Blindness Oklahoma, American Women in Radio and Television, the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. She spent most of her adult life in Tulsa, working in the cell phone industry before beginning her sales career at KTUL-TV. Terri Cornett, 65, was a prominent Tulsa television executive before her marriage to former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett in 2014. A major champion of the arts, Terri Cornett died Thursday, March 6, 2025, of cancer. Current Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, who served as former Mayor Mick Cornett's chief of staff from 2006 to 2010, remembered that Terri Cornett moved to OKC for the first time as the former mayor's wife. That could have been "potentially a rather intimidating scenario," but Holt said she wasn't daunted by the challenge at all. "She stepped right into the role, and her passion for OKC was immediate and evident," Holt recalled in a statement from a news release Thursday. "She also quickly established her own reputation as a champion for the arts, leaving a tremendous legacy at Allied Arts. Most of all, she was a kind and thoughtful person and was beloved by everyone who had the good fortune to know her." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff at Allied Arts echoed Holt's sentiments, adding that they were "joining community, civic and cultural leaders across the state" in mourning the "profound" loss of Cornett. "We have sadly lost one of the most resolute and effective advocates for the arts in Oklahoma," Allied Arts continued in its statement Thursday. "In addition to her unrelenting passion and energy to champion on behalf of cultural, health and education causes, Terri was a friend to all always sharing a genuine smile and her generous heart to anyone she encountered. We will miss Terri; the grace and compassion that she brought to Allied Arts cannot be replaced." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Terri Cornett, arts advocate, wife of former OKC mayor Mick, dies AUSTIN (KXAN) Newly filed legislation by a state senator could shore up the states collection of truancy court information and provide lawmakers and education leaders with a clearer picture of how the civil penalty system is affecting students. State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, filed Senate Bill 1850 Tuesday. The bill would add numerous data related to truancy cases to be collected by the Office of Court Administration from justice of the peace and municipal courts where the cases are handled. Zaffirinis district stretches from Laredo to South Austin. Her legislation follows a KXAN investigation that found over 86,000 students were sent to court for truancy since 2016. Meanwhile, no state agency has been watching what ultimately happens to them in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State lawmakers reformed the truancy system in 2015 by shifting the repercussions from criminal to civil court. Back then, lawmakers and policy experts were concerned about the severity of using criminal charges on students who missed too much class. 12,000+ Texas kids sent to court for missing class, no one tracks what happens next Ten years later, it isnt clear how students are faring under the civil truancy regime, since nobody is monitoring outcomes across the state. But that could change with Zaffirinis bill, which followed a KXAN investigation of Texas truancy. Digging into truancy KXAN filed over 200 requests to local courts and school districts to get an understanding of the scope of truancy cases and the variety of remedial orders judges issued which range from tutorial hours to requiring a student to get a G.E.D. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no uniform standard for tracking that information, court responses left more questions than answers. Some courts keep track, some dont, some refused to say. KXAN also found school districts are sending special education students to court. Furthermore, since the pandemic the number of truancy cases has risen steadily, with 2025 on pace to have the highest number of cases filed since 2015. KXAN spoke with judges handling truancy conduct cases in Central Texas. We gained access to truancy court proceedings and watched numerous parents and their kids navigate the system. We also spoke with families affected by the truancy, including Rosa Yharte and her son Nathaniel Karle. Rosa explained how her family struggled with attendance after Nathaniels dad was charged with a sex crime but not yet jailed and Nathaniel feared he might encounter him at school. Nathaniels absences mounted and, in April 2024, a constable arrived on the familys doorstep to serve Nathaniel papers referring him to court for truancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire ordeal put extreme stress on the family. Nathaniel was ultimately disenrolled from his Georgetown ISD high school and enrolled in a homeschool program. Williamson County constable body camera footage shows Rosa Yharte standing next to her 17-year-old son Nathaniel Karle on their front porch in April 2024 as they are served papers referring Nathaniel to court for truant conduct. (KXAN/Williamson County Constable Precinct 4 body camera footage) What about sending somebody out to the home to make sure the family is OK, to see whats going on in their situation? Instead of just OK heres a paper, go to court, Yharte said. Bill breakdown The Office of Court Administration currently tracks basic information on truancy cases, showing the number of cases filed each year in counties and cities. Zaffirinis bill would add layers of data to give lawmakers, and the public, a clearer picture of how and where truancy cases occur. The bill would break down data by the district referring the student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KXAN found the number of students referred to courts varies widely from one district to the next and from year to year. For example, one Williamson County school district had nearly a thousand percent increase in truancy referrals in one year from 38 in 2022 to 408 in 2023. KXAN had to request that data from a local court to find the increase. JPs dont drive the docket. The docket gets driven by the schools, and then it has to go through the county attorney before we actually get it on our desk, said Williamson County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Judge Rhonda Redden previously said to KXAN. Zaffirinis bill would require OCA to publish the information online for the public. The data would break down truancy information demographically to show numbers by age, sex, race, eligibility for special education services, homelessness status and more. In addition, the bill would show how truancy case dismissal rates, reasons for dismissals, and how often different types of remedial orders are used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Appleseed Senior Staff Attorney Renuka Rege said collecting more information will help the state better understand the risk factors facing students who are referred to truancy court. We know that kids are being referred to truancy court and then, unfortunately, oftentimes being ordered by the court to drop out of school and get their GED, Rege said. Im very curious to see what those numbers look like, and you know, which parts of the state might be doing it more, which groups of students might be more affected by this. Paige Duggins-Clay, an attorney and legal analyst with the Intercultural Development Research Association, says there is no monitoring without statewide data on truancy court, which could lead to students and families ending up in court when they should not be. It makes sense to me that things are slipping through the cracks, and it makes sense to me that schools feel overwhelmed and frustrated with the challenge of getting young people to school, Duggins-Clay said. We [have] got to support the staffing at schools to help do those interventions so they dont feel compelled to push the student into the court system and sort of pass the buck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State records show the truancy system has been misused. Last February, several advocacy organizations, including Disability Rights Texas and Texas Appleseed, filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency against Corpus Christi ISD, alleging the district violated students civil rights. The groups found CCISD used truancy referrals far more often than neighboring districts, and 13% of the kids sent to court were in special education programs, according to a news release. A TEA investigation later confirmed the allegations, according to Disability Rights. In response, CCISD said it made a number of revisions to its truancy policy. Its kind of a mystery that once these students are referred to court, what is the court actually doing, what action is the court taking, and whether this is helping students, Rege said. I think that it could get bipartisan support because its simply collecting more information. Were just trying to see the data around whats happening, to find out if what were doing is effective or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. This coverage is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Texas free newsletters here. What happened? Texas state senators Thursday held a public hearing on legislation crafted to update a 2023 law requiring certain counties to drastically increase the number of polling locations if they use vote centers for countywide voting. Last year, Votebeat reported that election officials in several counties said they were struggling to comply with the law as written. What is the legislation called? Senate Bill 985. Its awaiting a vote in the Senate Committee for State Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who supports the current legislation? State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, is championing the bill, and its also supported by the Texas Association of Election Officials and the Texas Association of County and District Clerks. Most election administrators and county clerks will tell you they're struggling to find workers on Election Day, Bettencourt said during the hearing Thursday. He cited an example reported by Votebeat last year of election officials in Brazos County who said they were struggling to comply with the law. How would it work? The bill would modify a 2023 law that made it harder for counties using the countywide voting program where voters can cast a ballot anywhere in their county on Election Day from combining small voting precincts with few voters into larger ones. The bill would effectively remove a late amendment to the law that ended up raising the minimum number of polling places that counties had to offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why does it matter? Before the change, counties using the countywide program had flexibility to combine polling sites to save money or make voting more convenient. Counties have struggled to comply with the new requirements. For example, in Harris County, the states largest, the county clerk told party leaders that for the 2024 primary, she had to offer more than 100 more polling locations than in 2020 and 2022. Because of that, Republicans and Democrats had to run their primaries jointly and share voting equipment, because there wouldnt have been enough for all the locations. In other counties, election officials said they were not able to fully comply with the law. Brazos County Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock said the county did not have available funds to staff locations and purchase additional equipment. In addition, in some areas of the county there arent buildings available to set up the required number of polling locations. In such cases, state officials told county election officials to carefully document their efforts to comply. What are the key arguments against the bill? No arguments against the proposed bill were presented during the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happens next? The bill is now awaiting approval from the committee before it can be voted on by the state Senate. Read more of Votebeats coverage here: Natalia Contreras covers election administration and voting access for Votebeat in partnership with the Texas Tribune. She is based in Corpus Christi. Contact Natalia at ncontreras@votebeat.org We cant wait to welcome you to the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin. Step inside the conversations shaping the future of education, the economy, health care, energy, technology, public safety, culture, the arts and so much more. Hear from our CEO, Sonal Shah, on TribFest 2025. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will be the next chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, overseeing 11 universities that educate more than 157,000 students and eight state agencies, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The Board of Regents selected Hegar as sole finalist on March 7 to succeed Chancellor John Sharp, who has held the job since 2011 and is slated to retire in June. The vote was unanimous. State law requires the board wait 21 days before voting to confirm such an appointment, which the board did unanimously on Friday. Hegar is inheriting the systems reins at an inflection point as Republican leaders scrutinize what they see as progressive policies and curriculum in higher education. Hell have to contend with continued accusations that public universities are violating the states ban on diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and navigate intensifying threats to academic freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board is confident that Glenn Hegar is ready to usher in the next era of excellence at The Texas A&M University System, Board Chair Bill Mahomes wrote in a March 7 statement. Hegar grasps the unique breadth and depth of the Systems impact on every corner of Texas through its eight state agencies and 11 universities. We, as members of the Board of Regents, are eager to see what he will accomplish. In a statement of his own, Hegar thanked the regents for their confidence. "Texas A&M will remain focused on our core values, increasing and improving student experiences, and expanding economic opportunities and services across our system and our state," he said,."Gig 'em!" Hegar, a Republican from Katy, was first elected comptroller in 2014. He previously served as a state representative and then as a state senator, from 2003 to 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comptroller serves as the states chief financial officer, accountant, revenue estimator and treasurer. As comptroller, Hegar has brought attention to problems that have plagued other states like infrastructure maintenance and state employee pensions. He worked with the Texas Legislature to pay down pension debt. He also helped create the first state-administered precious metals depository and the Texas Bullion Depository. The Texas Broadband Development Office and the settlement funds from a lawsuit stemming from the opioid crisis are under the comptrollers purview. If a school voucher proposal to let families use public funds for their childrens private schooling passes this session, the office could also be responsible for overseeing how the program works. Hegar infused some conservative politicking into the role when he ran for reelection in 2022 as a true conservative defending the values of faith, family and freedom. At the time, his office released a list of financial companies that Hegar said were anti-oil and gas. He also threatened to sanction Harris County for cutting its budget for law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Legislature, Hegar chaired the Sunset Advisory Commission and has said he eliminated inefficiencies in government and abolished six state agencies, saving taxpayers more than $160 million. During his last session in the Senate, he chaired the finance subcommittee on state and local revenue matters and has said he helped cut $1 billion worth of taxes. That year he also sponsored a bill in 2013 that placed additional restrictions on abortion before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. (That bill was the one that launched Democrat Wendy Davis into fame for her 11-hour filibuster). He also authored a bill that allowed students with concealed handgun licenses to store firearms in their vehicles on campus. Now, Texans dont have to have a concealed handgun license to carry. Hegar is himself an Aggie, graduating from Texas A&M University in 1993. He later got his masters and law degrees from St. Marys University, a private school in San Antonio, and a master of laws degree from the University of Arkansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has three children with his wife, Dara, who also earned a bachelor's degree at Texas A&M. She is an attorney at the Lanier Law Firm and was the 2022 chair of the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University System Board of Regents also considered other candidates for chancellor, according to a source familiar with the process: Texas A&M Foundation President Tyson Voelkel; University of Alabama President Stuart Bell; State Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin; and U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin. A second source confirmed four of the five names. Regents met all day on Feb. 24 in Houston to interview the candidates, mostly behind closed doors. "The board members were pleased to see its search for chancellor yield so much interest and so many qualified candidates. We thank everyone who was involved in this extensive search and selection process," Mahomes added on March 7. Hegars political trajectory is similar to Sharps, who also served as comptroller before he became chancellor in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharp, who ran as a Democrat, also served stints as a state representative, state senator and railroad commissioner. As chancellor, he ushered in an era of prosperity for the system while navigating the changing environment in higher education as campuses became increasingly polarized. He secured an all-time high of $1 billion in new funding for the system during the same session lawmakers banned diversity, equity and inclusion offices, programs and training and threatened to eliminate tenure. He is credited with proposing that lawmakers codify the practice instead. Tenure, which offers faculty employment and academic freedom protections, has been instrumental in the states rise in the ranks of research. Sharp congratulated Hegar when he became sole finalist and noted their similar careers in public service, pointing out that they had even represented the same district in the Texas Senate. "He became comptroller of public accounts several years after I held the office. Now, he is set to take over as chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Seems like destiny to me!" Sharp said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh III should lose his job if he continued allowing faculty to recruit doctoral students at a conference that limited participation to people who are Black, Hispanic or Native American. Welsh was named president after his predecessor, Katherine Banks, resigned over the botched hiring of Kathleen McElroy, a Black journalism professor who some of the university systems regents worried had a liberal bias. The university also came under fire at that time from faculty and alumni after The Texas Tribune reported a professor was suspended with pay after she was accused by a politically connected student of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during a lecture. Abbott, Patrick and other conservatives have criticized professors for pushing "woke agendas." Several bills filed this legislative session would limit faculty's input on curriculum and hiring, challenging longstanding higher education practices. "I wish Mr. Hegar the best in this very important position," said Danny Braaten, secretary of the Texas A&M-San Antonio Chapter of the American Association of University Professors, said after Hegar was named sole finalist. "I hope he remembers that faculty working conditions are student learning conditions and I also hope he remembers to center academic freedom and shared governance in all his decisions as those are the principles that have made the American system of higher education the envy of the world." Leonard Bright, vice president of the Texas A&M University-College Station Chapter of AAUP, said he was concerned by Hegar's association with lawmakers who he believed were trying to reshape higher education without fully understanding how it works. Bright said he hopes Hegar is open to learning and hearing faculty's point of view like Sharp did. Neither Sharp nor Hegar had backgrounds in academia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're in a tough environment and now we're going to have someone who is basically going to have to learn on their feet," said Bright, who has taught at the university for 14 years. "I hope he can rise above his politics and protect us because that's what it is going to take." Abbott can appoint a comptroller who would serve until the next general election in 2026. Disclosure: Texas A&M Foundation, Texas A&M University and Texas A&M University System have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. We cant wait to welcome you to the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin. Step inside the conversations shaping the future of education, the economy, health care, energy, technology, public safety, culture, the arts and so much more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hear from our CEO, Sonal Shah, on TribFest 2025. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. Correction, March 7, 2025 at 12:42 p.m. : An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated when Glenn Hegar was elected Texas comptroller. It was in 2014. AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will be the next chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, overseeing 11 universities that educate more than 157,000 students and eight state agencies, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The Board of Regents selected Hegar on Friday to succeed Chancellor John Sharp, who has held the job since 2011 and is slated to retire in June. The vote was unanimous. Hegar is inheriting the systems reins at an inflection point as Republican leaders scrutinize what they see as progressive policies and curriculum in higher education. Hell have to contend with continued accusations that public universities are violating the states ban on diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and navigate intensifying threats to academic freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegar, a Republican from Katy, was first elected comptroller in 2015. He previously served as a state representative and then as a state senator, from 2003 to 2014. The comptroller serves as the states chief financial officer, accountant, revenue estimator and treasurer. As comptroller, Hegar has brought attention to problems that have plagued other states like infrastructure maintenance and state employee pensions. He worked with the Texas Legislature to pay down pension debt. He also helped create the first state-administered precious metals depository and the Texas Bullion Depository. The Texas Broadband Development Office and how the settlement funds from a lawsuit stemming from the opioid crisis are under the comptrollers purview. If a school voucher proposal to let families use public funds for their childrens private schooling passes this session, the office could also be responsible for overseeing how the program works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegar infused some conservative politicking into the role when he ran for reelection in 2022 as a true conservative defending the values of faith, family and freedom. At the time, his office released a list of financial companies that Hegar said were anti-oil and gas. He also threatened to sanction Harris County for cutting its budget for law enforcement. In the Legislature, Hegar chaired the Sunset Advisory Commission and has said he eliminated inefficiencies in government and abolished six state agencies, saving taxpayers more than $160 million. During his last session in the Senate, he chaired the finance subcommittee on state and local revenue matters and has said he helped cut $1 billion worth of taxes. That year he also sponsored a bill in 2013 that placed additional restrictions on abortion before the Supreme Court outlawed it entirely in 2022. (That bill was the one that launched Democrat Wendy Davis into fame for her 11-hour filibuster). He also authored a bill that allowed students with concealed handgun licenses to store firearms in their vehicles on campus. Now, Texans dont have to have a concealed handgun license to carry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegar is himself an Aggie, graduating from Texas A&M University in 1993. He later got his masters and law degrees from St. Marys University, a private school in San Antonio, and a master of laws degree from the University of Arkansas. He has three children with his wife, Dara. Texas A&M University System Board of Regents also considered other candidates for chancellor, according to a source familiar with the process: Texas A&M Foundation President Tyson Voelkel; University of Alabama President Stuart Bell; State Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin; and U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin. A second source confirmed four of the five names. Regents met all day Monday in Houston to interview the candidates, mostly behind closed doors. Hegars political trajectory is similar to Sharps, who also served as comptroller before he became chancellor in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharp, who ran as a Democrat, also served stints as a state representative, state senator and railroad commissioner. As chancellor, he ushered in an era of prosperity for the system while navigating the changing environment in higher education as campuses became increasingly polarized. He secured an all-time high of $1 billion in new funding for the system during the same session lawmakers banned diversity, equity and inclusion offices, programs and training and threatened to eliminate tenure. He is credited with proposing that lawmakers codify the practice instead. Tenure, which offers faculty employment and academic freedom protections, has been instrumental in the states rise in the ranks of research. Earlier this year, Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh III should lose his job if he continued allowing faculty to recruit doctoral students at a conference that limited participation to people who are Black, Hispanic or Native American. Welsh was named president after his predecessor, Katherine Banks, resigned over the botched hiring of Kathleen McElroy, a Black journalism professor who some of the university systems regents worried had a liberal bias. The university also came under fire at that time from faculty and alumni after The Texas Tribune reported a professor was suspended with pay after she was accused by a politically connected student of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during a lecture. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune.org. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans and engages with them about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Three dogs were killed during a fire at a multi-family home in New Britain early Friday. Fire crews responded to a three-family home at 182 Broad St. at 12:30 a.m. where initial reports indicated there was some kind of an electrical problem before firefighters learned the home was on fire, according to the New Britain Fire Department. The first firefighters on the scene found a kitchen on the third floor was ablaze. The fire extended to another unit in the home before it was knocked down after about 20 minutes, fire officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three dogs were killed in the blaze. None of the residents or responding firefighters reported injuries. The American Red Cross is assisting the families who were displaced. The fire is being investigated by the New Britain Fire Marshals Office. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A three-year-old boy has been hospitalized after being shot in what police say is under suspicious circumstances. According to Columbus Division of Police Sgt. Joe Albert, a three-year-old was shot once in the 700 block of Walnut Grove Court in the far east side of the city, near Blacklick. The child was taken to Nationwide Childrens Hospital in stable condition at around 2 a.m. Police reported that the childs mother said the boy shot himself and that a man was also at the residence at the time but left the scene. Police could not find a firearm and have not yet confirmed the nature of the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No other injuries were reported and no one has been named a suspect at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Top of the Ticker: Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst was honored at the Radio Television Digital News Associations 34th annual First Amendment Awards on Thursday night. In his acceptance speech, Yingst thanked the Palestinian journalists reporting on the situation in Gaza, calling them brave, and adding: [They have] risked, and often given their lives, to practice our craft. Yingst also talked about the challenges that journalists face in the current political era, with President Donald Trumps administration taking a combative stance with many media outlets. Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott, president and executive editor Jay Wallace, and Fox News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream were among the colleagues joining Yingst at the event. Journalists are not the enemy of the people, Yingst emphasized. Let me say that again: Journalists are not the enemy of the people. Quite the opposite. Journalists are the voice of the people. May you continue to use that voice in a way that is unafraid, unwavering and unflinching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Newsers honored at the RTDNA event were ABC News' Rachel Scott, CBS News' Lesley Stahl, and CNN's Omar Jimenez . What a night! The First Amendment Awards brought together journalists, advocates and industry leaders to celebrate press freedom and honor those who champion the truth. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and to all who support the mission of a free press! pic.twitter.com/ttL9sn5CBs RTDNA (@RTDNA) March 7, 2025 In other awards news, CNBC's David Faber received the New York Financial Writers Associations Elliott V. Bell award on Tuesday night. The event was held at the New York University School of Journalism and honors journalists who have made a significant contribution to financial journalism. Fox Nation Grows: During the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference held in New York earlier this week, Fox Corporation CEO Lachlan Murdoch offered a positive outlook on Fox News' streaming service, Fox Nation. Despite modest investment, Murdoch said the platform has done incredibly well. He also noted that Fox Nation's subscriber numbers are between the 2-2.5 million subscriber range. Contract Reached: NBC News' digital editorial staff are in line to receive pay increases of nine to 17% as part of a three-year contract deal between its union and the news organization. The yet-to-be-ratified agreement ends an over four-year negotiation period between the two sides. According to The Hollywood Reporter, union members will also be alerted to layoffs in advance, given preferential treatment for rehiring, and a minimum of eight weeks of severance pay. New Title: CNN's new dayside schedule will be complete on Monday with the launch of Early Start with Rahel Solomon at 5 p.m. ET. When the networked announced its new weekday schedule in January, Solomon's show was originally titled 5 Things, which aligned it with CNN's morning newsletter as well as the Max show hosted by Kate Bouldain. The network has provided an explanation for the title switch; the Early Start brand was last used in February 2024. Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.) unveiled legislation Thursday taking aim at debanking. Debanking the closure of accounts that banks consider risky, often with little notice or explanation has become a key issue for Republicans, particularly as the cryptocurrency industry argues it has been unfairly targeted. Scotts Financial Integrity and Regulation Management Act seeks to remove references to reputational risk as a measure for determining the safety and soundness of depository institutions, like banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its clear that federal regulators have abused reputational risk by carrying out a political agenda against federally legal businesses, Scott said in a statement. This legislation, which eliminates all references to reputational risk in regulatory supervision, is the first step in ending debanking once and for all. The legislation would also bar federal agencies from making new rules or guidance that utilize reputational risk. Scott was joined on the bill by his fellow Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee, including Sen. Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.). Americans deserve a transparent regulatory framework that fosters innovation in digital assets instead of smothering it with government overreach, said Lummis, who chairs the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets. Were putting these rogue regulators on noticetheir days of unchecked power are over, she added in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have long voiced concerns about debanking, going back to the Obama administrations Operation Choke Point. The controversial Justice Department initiative, which officially ended in 2017, discouraged banks from working with certain high-risk businesses. Amid cryptos rise in recent years, several individuals and firms associated with the industry say theyve been debanked, a trend theyve labeled Operation Choke Point 2.0. Crypto has found a key ally in the GOP, particularly as President Trump has embraced the industry. Trump has also taken aim at debanking in the more traditional sense, accusing banks in January of refusing to work with conservatives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The president of the U.S. African Development Foundation, one of the federal governments smallest agencies, filed a lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency on Thursday afternoon after DOGE operatives and other government officials successfully gained access to the foundations building and moved to shut it down. The actions of DOGE and Pete Marocco, a State Department official and DOGE ally, on Thursday followed a days-long standoff with the African Development Foundation after its president, Ward Brehm, refused them access to the building. DOGE and Marocco deployed U.S. Marshals to force their way into the building on Thursday and began to dismantle the agency, which provides grants and loans to organizations in Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit filed by Brehm on behalf of the foundation provides the clearest details about how DOGE operates, including evidence that it is exercising powers far beyond its mandate or what is legally or constitutionally permitted. What Brehm details about how DOGE aimed to dismantle both his agency and the Inter-American Foundation may help other plaintiffs challenging the constitutionality and legality of billionaire Elon Musks appointment to lead DOGE and its actions across the federal government. It may also be the lawsuit with the highest likelihood of a judge granting a temporary order restraining Musk and DOGE, as the facts presented match what a judge in another case against Musk and DOGE said plaintiffs lacked. This is a very clear inside account from a plaintiff with first hand knowledge of DOGEs actions from the inside of the government and shows exactly the pattern that we discussed in our lawsuit of lawless actions like seeking to take over and dismantle federal agencies, said Kate Huddleston, a lawyer with the Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit watchdog that separately brought suit against Musk and DOGE on behalf of four other nonprofit groups. A district court judge imposed a brief administrative stay in the case on Thursday night to allow the parties to brief the court ahead of an initial hearing. That stay denied the Trump administration the ability to remove Brehm and appoint Marocco in his place as acting USADF presidentuntil at least 5 p.m. on March 11. The plaintiffs are seeking a temporary restraining order to extend the stay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is now the seventh case challenging Musks appointment as unlawful and unconstitutional and the actions of DOGE as similarly unlawful and unconstitutional. All the cases allege that Musk is exercising the powers of a principal officer and, therefore, must be confirmed by the Senate, as required by the Constitutions Appointments Clause. (Brehms lawsuit also alleges violations of numerous laws.) They also argue that DOGE is an unconstitutionally created agency exercising powers it does not constitutionally have, under the direction of an unconstitutionally appointed director, and that therefore, all of its actions are unlawful. In the case of the African Development Foundation, or USADF, the plaintiffs also argue that the African Development Foundation Act does not allow the U.S. president to appoint an acting USADF board member or president without Senate confirmation, nor does the Federal Vacancies Reform Act allow the U.S. president to appoint acting heads to multimember agencies. Elon Musk's DOGE faces numerous lawsuits challenging its constitutionality and his appointment to lead it. Samuel Corum via Getty Images The Trump administration claims Musk does not lead DOGE and insists DOGE is not actually taking actions, merely recommending them to relevant government leaders. However, both Trump and Musk have provided copious evidence, in various public forums like the presidents joint speech to Congress and Musks voluminous social media posts, that the administrations claims are false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint filed in USADFs case adds to this record, with the most detailed firsthand account of how DOGE is not just making recommendations but also taking unlawful actions, often through deception and by dismissing laws as mere roadblocks to be moved aside. The Standoff The standoff between DOGE and the U.S. African Development Foundation began on Feb. 19 when President Donald Trump signed an executive order purporting to shut down certain government agencies. The executive orders list of agencies to shut down included both USADF and the Inter-American Foundation. The two small agencies were both created and funded by Congress to make grants and loans in Africa and Latin America, respectively. They are led by boards headed by presidential appointees who require Senate confirmation. Those boards then appoint a president to direct their operations. The laws creating them do not allow for the appointment of an acting or interim board member outside of the Senate confirmation process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the Feb. 19 executive order, DOGE operative Chris Young arrived at the African Development Foundations headquarters on Feb. 20 purporting to modernize architecture, system design, and improve government efficiency, according to the complaint, which described this as a ruse. The next day, DOGE employees Ethan Shaotran and Nate Cavanaugh and DOGE lawyer Jake Altik arrived and informed USADF leadership that they were actually there to reduce the functions of the Foundation to the minimum presence and function, according to the complaint. The DOGE employees demanded immediate access to USADF systems including financial records, payment and human resources systems to include staff job descriptions, personnel files, salaries, and organizational structure, which agency leaders denied because the DOGE operatives did not have proper security clearances or waivers of federal privacy laws. The U.S. DOGE Service representatives responded by noting that they would seek waivers to avoid the clearance process from the USADF Board, the complaint states. Altik stated that if the Board was unable to provide immediate clearance, they would issue a notice of dismissal to all members of the Board. This request was also denied. However, DOGE operatives called board member John Agwunobi on Feb. 22 and falsely informed him that all the other members of the Board had been terminated, and asked Agwunobi to implement the U.S. DOGE Services vision of the minimum statutory functions of USADF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agwunobi declined to do this. A person walks outside the U.S. African Development Foundation's headquarters in Washington. Several employees of Elon Musk's DOGE organization accessed the building on March 6, 2024. Alex Wroblewski/The Washington Post via Getty Images On Feb. 24, the White House told Brehm they were kicking him off the board. A Feb. 28 letter to Brehm and the board purported to name Marocco as the acting president and sole member of the board, despite the law creating the agency not allowing for acting presidents and the board members not receiving any notice of their dismissal. After the agency board met on March 4 and ruled Maroccos appointment was illegal and that Brehm remained the board chair, Marocco and DOGE operatives attempted to access the building but were denied entry. They threatened security officers with lawsuits and said they would return with U.S. Marshals and the Secret Service to force entry. They did just that on Thursday, when Marocco and DOGE operatives took control of the agencys headquarters with the support of U.S. Marshals and commenced dismantling its operations. Brehms lawsuit followed shortly thereafter. The Inter-American Foundation The exact same series of events, minus the standoff, occurred at the Inter-American Foundation just days before the attempt to destroy the African Development Foundation, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE operatives Shaotran and Cavanaugh also met with Inter-American Foundation leadership on Feb. 20 to discuss technological upgrades, per the complaint. And similarly, the two then reportedly demanded that the agencys board convene immediately to authorize a reduction in force and a dismantling of the agency or else be fired. IAF leadership also said this was not possible and that there were legal requirements to call a board meeting. The DOGE representatives stated that they were not concerned with these legal requirements and that they needed an immediate yes-or-no answer from the Board, the complaint states. On Feb. 28, the IAF board received notice that Trump had named Marocco as acting board chair and sole board member. As with the African Development Foundation, board positions at the Inter-American Foundation are Senate-approved positions and the law that created the agency does not provide for an acting member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marocco then purported to hold an impromptu board meeting, with just himself in attendance, outside of the Inter-American Foundations headquarters to appoint himself as the agencys president, according to the complaint, and then directed the Bureau of Fiscal Service at the Treasury Department to halt all but a handful of funds connected to the agency. State Department official Pete Marocco purported to appoint himself the head of both the U.S. African Development Foundation and the Inter-American Foundation. J. Scott Applewhite via Associated Press What This Shows About DOGE Brehms complaint provides evidence that DOGE is not just making recommendations, but directly taking actions it is not legally or constitutionally allowed to make. These actions include the direction or suspension of agency funding, the dismantling of agency operations and the firing of agency personnel. DOGE operatives Shaotran, Cavanaugh and Altik came to the African Development Foundation and the Inter-American Foundation to demand access to begin dismantling the agencies. They are also the ones who personally threatened the boards with termination and placed deceptive phone calls to try and trick or coerce board members into doing their bidding. In the case of the Inter-American Foundation, they even stated that they were not concerned with legal requirements needed to call for a board meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dismantling of the Inter-American Foundation also shows how DOGEs access to the Bureau of Fiscal Service, which houses the Treasury payment systems that serve as the central nervous system for all federal government funding inputs and outputs, allows it to control agency spending. The foundations grants and contracts were all stopped via the Bureau of Fiscal Service a direct act by DOGE to direct or suspend agency spending. These facts, detailed in the complaint, are something that almost all of the other cases brought against Musk and DOGE have lacked. They provide a firsthand account of DOGEs actions in a legal setting without simply relying on publicly available news reports. They also show a direct and immediate injury to the plaintiff through Brehms purported removal and Maroccos purported self-appointment. These are the necessary elements Judge Tanya Chutkan said were missing in a separate case 14 states brought against Musk and DOGE when she denied the plaintiffs a temporary restraining order. [News] reports cannot substitute for specific facts in an affidavit or a verified complaint that clearly show that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result, Chutkan wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that she would deny the temporary restraining order as litigants have failed to show imminent harm. However, When litigants have identified specific individuals or programs imminently targeted by Defendants, courts have issued appropriately tailored TROs. This really points to the importance of folks who have first hand knowledge speaking out and sharing info about the lawless actions that are occurring throughout the federal government, Huddleston said. Brehms lawsuit fits these requirements. It also provides further evidence that DOGE is operating as an unlawful government agency. Judge Richard Leon will hold the first hearing on the case on March 11. Related... DES MOINES, Iowa Theres been a lot of talk about Tiny Homes being one way to help the homeless in Des Moines. Last fall WHO 13s Erin Kiernan had the opportunity to interview Alan Graham, the founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes, a non-profit based in Austin, Texas. What started in the late 90s as an effort to feed the homeless with a food truck, led to the creation of the first Tiny Home Village in the country. Well, to us, the single greatest cause to homelessness is a profound catastrophic loss of family, Alan said. So, when you think of community, family is the nuclear center of that, that whole deal. But ever since the advent of man, disaster has struck families over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erin asked Alan why should the rest of us care. Well, these are our brothers and sisters, and when I think about your family, I dont know your family. Weve never met before. We shook hands for the first time five minutes ago. But, I know in your family right now theres a drug addict, an alcoholic, or somebody battling a behavioral health issue, and theres no one watching this broadcast that doesnt have exactly that in their family and somehow we managed to come up underneath our family members in order to help them out. So, from the same place in your heart that guides you to supporting your family or those close to you, thats what we need to do as America to help our neighbors that dont, that dont have that capability right now. What is the Tiny Home Village? Below is a conversation between Alan Graham and Erin Kiernan, they are differentiated by their last names. GRAHAM: Well, the dream, the seed of the dream started in 2004, and we opened the village in 2015, and here we are approaching 2025. So, thats 21 years to get to the place that we are today. You know, look at it. It takes time to get things done. Im an entrepreneur. Capitalist, have ADD. Very impatient. Uh, thought I had this done in 2008, but we didnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a slow process, and it should be a slow process, and it gives everybody an opportunity to kind of get their fingerprints on it. But, ultimately, we have collectively, as a society, zero choice in this matter. It is going to happen. Otherwise the calamity of this pandemic is going to continue to grow on our street corners and up underneath our bridges. KIERNAN: So when I, I watched a number of the videos on the website, and what I was most struck by was just the human contact in all of it. How how critical is that to the mission, no matter where its happening or whos doing it? GRAHAM: That is completely the essence of what we do. People come down and they get enamored with the tiny houses, the 3D printed houses or whatever, but theyre missing the point. The point is really all about community and creating the banquet table that allows people to connect human to human, heart to heart as if there is a family and as if there is a forged family in that environment. What are the requirements for living in the Tiny Home Village? GRAHAM: The process for us is, first of all, you have to be chronically homeless, and that definition weve modified it a minor amount. HUD definition is an unaccompanied male or female. We modified to having lived on the streets of Austin for at least a year, are episodically homeless adding up to a year over a three year period of time with a disability. That disability could be addiction, mental or physical health disability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They go through kind of a coordinated entry process in our city and through a number of different agencies that will refer them into Mobile Loaves and Fishes. They have to do a tour because they hold a lot of the same biases and stereotypes that you and I hold about their own selves. So, they have to come and do a tour of the village and we share with them what its like to live in the village, what the rules of the village are. They have to make a decision. When they do that, they fill out an application when that application is complete they end up getting on our list, and then it will take whatever time it takes for them to kind of move up that list. KIERNAN: You have a wait list? GRAHAM: Oh, definitely. Yeah, 150 people for sure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KIERNAN: And all the time, I imagine. GRAHAM: All the time. KIERNAN: What are the rules? GRAHAM: Well, the rules are, you know, theres an Alan Graham set of two rules and then theres the Mobile Loaves and Fishes set of rules. KIERNAN: Give me both. GRAHAM: So, the Alan Graham rule and the Mobile Loaves and Fishes rule number one, above all, says you must pay rent. We believe very powerfully that when you are invested in something that youre going to take care of that something better, and that has proven out for us. Rule number two, how do I say this? Dont be an a**hole. So, within that rule number two or number of rules, if you have a dog and the dog poos on the yard, bend over and pick up the poo, okay. Theres behavioral expectations that we have. Were not a drug free or an alcohol free environment, but you cant allow those things to negatively impact the community. And so we just, we deal with those. We want to create an environment, just like the environment that you live in, in your neighborhood. I have no idea what you do behind your closed doors, its your business, okay. But if you come out, you know, raising cane, thats when the homeowners association is going to get a little funky on you. Addressing the misconceptions around the Tiny Home Village GRAHAM: The negative naysayers are going to center around two fundamental issues. One is crime. Youre going to be bringing crime into my neighborhood. My kids are going to be at risk. My property is going to be at risk and as a result of you being here, youre going to lower my property value and my property happens to be the largest piece in my portfolio. Okay, and none of that is true. Its never happened anywhere at any time, but it becomes our, our guttural instinct. At the community first village, in ten years there has not been one single crime and we share a property line with a 650 unit, single family housing development and theres all kinds of residential going up around us now. There has not been one single crime reported by anybody from our community, in that community next door, and 13 crimes committed, committed by people that live in that community inside of our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then in 2012, when I closed, when we closed, on that property you could buy homes in that neighborhood for around $140,000, some a little more, but around $140,000. Today that price tags about 450. No impact on that deal. Um, and so what I would say to the political leadership is, uh, this is not only a risk that you should take, its actually not a risk and you will be a hero for it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A bill from an East Tennessee Republican would require law enforcement to collect a DNA sample for all those arrested for felony offenses in the state. State Rep. John Crawford (R-Bristol-Kingsport) filed House Bill 473, which would establish procedures for DNA collection and the management of biological samples by law enforcement. If passed, anyone arrested for a felony offense in Tennessee would have a biological specimen collected before being released from custody. The arresting agency would use a buccal swaba swab from the inside of the cheekto collect the DNA. Then, that DNA would be sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) for analysis. The DNA information would be securely stored, according to a release from the representatives office, and could aid in criminal investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom Our criminal justice system depends on having a strong forensic infrastructure so that we can increase efficiency and expedite justice for victims, Crawford said of the bill. This bill will help us solve cold cases but also prevent extremely dangerous individuals from committing more crimes. According to Crawford, the inspiration for the bill comes from a Kingsport mother who was sexually assaulted and whose 17-year-old son, James Huston, was stabbed to death in 1997. At the time of Hustons death and his mothers assault, DNA was collected when the scene was processed, but analysis technology wasnt readily available. Nearly 30 years later, the Sullivan County Sheriffs Office was able to reexamine the case in such a way that resulted in the indictment of George Scott Robinson on three counts of first-degree murder in 2024 thanks to genetic DNA testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 27 years, a man got away with murder and rape, Crawford said. This legislation provides a critical tool that equips Tennessees criminal justice system with the ability to get violent people off our streets. The bill stipulates the TBI will establish formal procedures for the DNA collection, which law enforcement agencies must follow. If a defendant is granted bond or released on their own recognizance, providing a DNA sample will be a condition of release. TN Supreme Court: Personalized license plates are government speech Further, the bill requires the TBI to destroy the DNA samples and related records if charges are dismissed or a defendant is acquitted, provided there are no other charges or warrants pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Crawfords office, all 50 states collect DNA samples from certain people convicted of crimes; at least 27 states collect DNA samples when an individual is arrested for a felony or a subset of felony crimes. If passed, Crawfords bill is estimated to cost the state more than $3 million annually, with $3.3 million required in the first fiscal year. The fiscal note on the bill from the Tennessee General Assembly Fiscal Review Committee states the bill would require nine additional positions be staffed in order to comply with the proposed law. DNA sample testing done by the TBI takes place at the TBI Jackson Lab, according to the fiscal note. The cost of each collection kit is $9.14. The cost of running the analysis on the collection kit is $25.41/sample. Estimates from the Fiscal Review Committee show the number of samples collected would increase by an average of 60,000 annually. Additionally, RapidDNA verification is estimated to cost $22,500 per 15,000 samples, per the fiscal note. That increase in costs is estimated to be $2,163,000, according to the Fiscal Review Committee. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Additionally, the committee said the bill would lead to an increase in the incarcerated population in the state, which would also increase state costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Increasing DNA sample testing will result in an increase in the total number of individuals incarcerated in state and local facilities, as well as the length of time an individual is housed within a state or local facility, the note reads. The extent and timing of any increases in state or local expenditures cannot reasonably be determined with any certainty, but could be significant. Crawfords bill is set for discussion in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 12. The Senate companion legislation was recommended to the Senate Judiciary Committee in late February, though it does not yet have a date set. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) A Greensboro teen is doing his part to raise money for an organization as western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene. Tripps Ties specialty black bear socks and ties can be purchased at Sam Howards Mens Clothier and Polliwogs Childrens Boutique in Greensboro. The socks and ties are also available online. 100% of the proceeds go to the Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donations can also be made directly to the shelter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Troopers seized nearly $1 million in drugs during a traffic stop in Clark County last month, authorities said. On Feb. 27, the Washington State Police said troopers seized about 160 pounds of marijuana and found 11 grams of ketamine powder in the car after the traffic stop was conducted. 1 dead, 5 displaced after fire torches Kelso home At around 10:30 a.m., troopers arrested two men for the alleged drug trafficking. Authorities said they were from New York and traveling from northern Washington to central California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers observed a red Dodge Hornet traveling at a high rate of speed southbound [on] Interstate 5 near milepost 6. The vehicle was traveling 19 miles faster than the posted speed limit, Washington State Police police said in a release. While making contact with the vehicle occupants, troopers observed two large black trash bags that were full in the rear seat and an overwhelming odor of marijuana emanating from the passenger area. Ritz-Carlton building in Portland may be in trouble After asking some investigating questions, troopers then arrested both men and booked them into the Clark County Jail. They both face charges of marijuana possession with intent to deliver and ketamine possession with intent to deliver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The combined street value of the drugs is estimated to be between $800,000 and $900,000, authorities said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) Two loaded firearms were recovered during an investigation after a driver evaded police from a traffic stop on Main Street in Holyoke. In a news release from Massachusetts State Police this week, a trooper attempted to stop a driver for failing to stop for a red traffic signal on Main Street in Holyoke. They initially slowed down to pull over, however, the driver continued onto I-391 where State Police initiated a pursuit. Due to safety reasons, the police chase was called off. Three suspects arrested in Holyoke in connection to stolen car, drug dealing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, State Police Troopers obtained the vehicles registered owners address and traveled to the area. Upon arrival, they observed the vehicle pulling into the parking lot. The troopers surrounded the vehicle and removed the occupants. State Police say that the passenger had a loaded firearm and a search inside the vehicle, they also located another loaded firearm and a small amount of cocaine. Both men were arrested. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Note: Whether its health care, retirement benefits, family support and child care, VA benefits or other programs, getting smart about the rewards you have earned is worth your time. Although it is not yet clear to what extent federal cuts will affect DOD programs including quality-of-life initiatives these benefits were in place as of this writing. Visit this page for all of our latest coverage surrounding military and veteran pay and benefits. All military members saw a significant pay raise in January 2025, but some troops will get even more this spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress approved a massive pay raise for junior enlisted service members in late 2024, which is set to go into effect April. The move will bring paychecks for nearly all troops to more than $30,000 annually. Basic pay is determined by a persons rank and length of service, with automatic raises when troops meet certain time and promotion markers. Congress also determines how large of a pay raise all troops should receive each year. The figure is tied by law to the anticipated increase in private-sector pay, but lawmakers in the past have approved bigger raises to help with recruitment and retention, or smaller raises to save money for other military priorities. Currently, the most junior enlisted service members make around $24,000 a year in basic pay (not including allowances, special pay and other benefits), while enlisted troops nearing retirement typically earn about $70,000 annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officer pay is significantly higher. Junior officers earn close to $40,000 a year, while senior officers nearing 20 years of service can make in excess of $170,000. That means that even a small change in the anticipated pay raise calculations can make a big difference for military families. The annual military pay increase takes effect in January each year. In 2025, that pay raise was 4.5% for all troops, the third consecutive year of across-the-board paycheck boosts of more than 4% for the military. For an E-7 with 10 years military experience, or an O-2 with two years experience, the 4.5% raise means about $200 more each month and roughly $2,600 a year in extra salary. Targeted pay raises In a normal year, that January pay boost is the only salary increase troops see. But because of legislation passed last year, junior enlisted troops (those ranked E-4 and below) will see an additional 10% pay increase this spring, giving their paychecks a welcome mid-year raise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The junior enlisted boost is expected to benefit tens of thousands of young troops. Those ranked E-2 with two years service would see their base salary rise from about $27,000 now to $31,000 a year. Troops ranked E-4 with three years in the armed forces would see their pay rise from $35,000 a year to more than $40,000 annually. The White House issues its target for the hike each August, either going along with the projected rise in private-sector wages, known as the Employment Cost Index, or offering justification for proposing a different rate. Congress has the final say. In the past, lawmakers have overridden attempts by the White House to submit lower pay raises that would save money for other priorities. But in recent years, the executive and legislative branches have been in sync on the annual pay raise. Congress has not adopted a raise below the ECI calculation since 2015. 2026 pay boost Since the start of the all-volunteer military force in 1973, Congress has authorized a pay raise of at least 1% for troops every year, even during budget cycles where other civilian wages held steady. Those increases have grown to 2.5% or more since 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2024 pay increase, which took effect Jan. 1 of that year, was 5.2% the largest bump since 2002 and the second-biggest boost in 40 years. The 2025 raise of 4.5% was not quite as generous, but still means that military pay grew by nearly 10% over the last two years. Both of those pay boosts matched the federal formula based on the annual Employment Cost Index calculation, and somewhat offset concerns about covering increased living costs over the last few years. The ECI calculation for 2026 sits at 3.8%. If approved, it would be the lowest pay raise since 2022 which was 2.7% but would still be higher than any of the raises military members received between 2010 and 2022. For junior enlisted troops, that proposed 2026 raise would mean about $1,200 more in take-home pay next year. For senior enlisted and junior officers, the raise would add about $2,500 more. An O-4 with 12 years of service would see almost $4,300 more over 2025 pay levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers are expected to debate the pay raise level along with the rest of the defense budget over the spring and summer. Congress typically fails to approve the federal budget until late in the calendar year, after each fiscal year begins Oct. 1. But the new pay raise still goes into effect on Jan. 1 annually. The Scottish Government-owned ferry operator CalMac faces a fresh crisis just weeks after the delivery of a long-delayed vessel that the SNP claimed would put the company back on track. A second ship due to arrive this month will now not be delivered until June, depriving remote islands of vital connections going into the tourist season upon which their economies depend. News of the delay to the 450-passenger Isle of Islay, under construction in Turkey, emerged in a letter to the Scottish Parliaments transport committee from the company that procures CalMac vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third of CalMacs large ships already out of action or operating at reduced capacity owing to annual maintenance or mechanical faults, including problems with one ship that have left it limited to just 45 passengers instead of the usual 900. The latest delay represents a blow for the SNP, which had hoped to put years of upheaval at CalMac behind it after the fleet was expanded with the arrival of the Glen Sannox on the busy Arran route in January, six years late and more than 250m over budget. The Glen Sannox ferry was due to enter service in 2018 but a litany of problems has caused years of delays - Andrew Milligan/PA The scandal around the Glen Sannox and sister vessel the Glen Rosa led the then first minister Nicola Sturgeon to nationalise Ferguson Marine, the local shipbuilder responsible for the delays in 2019, with the SNP subsequently turning to the Cemre shipyard in Turkey for its next big order. An original delivery date of last October for the Isle of Islay had already been put back amid a shortage of steel from Ukraine and reduced staffing after Turkeys 2023 earthquake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transport Scotland called the latest delay disappointing but said the Turkish yard had been hit by supply chain and labour challenges afflicting similar sites around the world. In its letter, Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL) said that the yard south of Istanbul lacks sufficient commissioning engineers to sign off on the vessels various systems. Painting of the ships hull has also been delayed by freezing conditions in Turkey, with sea trials not now expected to begin until May, pushing back delivery until June at the earliest. CMAL said: We fully appreciate this is not the news the island communities, or indeed anyone, wants to hear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 3,200 residents of Islay together with whisky and seafood exports worth tens of millions of pounds a week are reliant on the ferry service, while 45,000 tourists use it to visit the island each year. Duncan Mackison, the CalMac chief executive, said the delay to Isle of Islay was disappointing news and that everyone involved in the build is aware of how desperately shes needed in the CalMac fleet. The delivery of three more vessels the Loch Indaal, which is slated to serve neighbouring Jura, the Lochmor and the Claymore will now follow at six-month intervals, rather than the four months previously anticipated, CMAL said. Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish transport secretary, revealed last month that she was considering nationalising Ardrossan Harbour in Ayrshire in order to fund its enlargement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Glen Sannox is too big to dock at the primary port for Arran and is currently having to sail from Troon, adding 20 minutes to the crossing. South Uist in the Outer Hebrides has meanwhile seen sailings cut to three a week with a journey time that is two hours longer after its usual vessel was diverted elsewhere. The replacement can currently take just 45 passengers due to a fault in its evacuation system. Mr Mackison said problems with several vessels had presented CalMac with difficult choices in terms of service provision. He said passenger volumes would be monitored but that the South Uist service was currently sufficient to meet demand. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. NEW YORK The Trump administration has canceled $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University over its alleged failure to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests, it announced Friday. Columbia became the epicenter of protest activity last school year when students pitched tents in support of Gaza on the campus lawns, launching a wave of encampments across American colleges. The canceled contracts represent about 8% of Columbias more than $5 billion in federal grant commitments and have the potential to severely disrupt campus operations. Since October 7, Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation, and antisemitic harassment on their campuses only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Universities must comply with all federal anti-discrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus. Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer. Columbia said it was reviewing the communication and pledged to work with the Trump administration to restore the universitys federal funding. We take Columbias legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff, read the statement. The announcement marked the first round of canceled federal contracts, as the Trump administration warned additional cancellations are expected to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from schools with high protest activity, starting with Columbia on Monday. A federal task force against antisemitism accused Columbia of not responding to its warning. This is only the beginning, said Leo Terrell, head of the Justice Departments Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. _______ President Donald Trumps administration is reportedly planning to close five federal facilities across New Hampshire and Maine. In a statement released Tuesday, the U.S. General Services Administration announced that they are planning to put over 440 underutilized federal properties across the United States up for sale or otherwise dispose of to save money. A complete list of properties initially provided on the GSAs website includes one building in New Hampshire, the Social Security Administration building in Littleton, as well as four buildings in Maine. (The list has since been replaced with a site saying the list is coming soon, but is available as a web archive through third parties.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan comes at the same time as the Trump administration is also requiring employees to return to the office full time. Littleton is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States, situated at the northern edge of the White Mountains. Why is GSA selling federal buildings? The GSA claimed in a statement that getting rid of these so-called non-core assets could potentially save the government over $430 million in annual operating costs. Decades of funding deficiencies have resulted in many of these buildings becoming functionally obsolete and unsuitable for use by our federal workforce, read the letter. GSA will consider non-core assets for divestment from government ownership in an orderly fashion to ensure taxpayers no longer pay for empty and underutilized federal office space, or the significant maintenance costs associated with long-term building ownership. The move is in line with efforts by Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency to slash costs by gutting government departments and laying off thousands of federal workers. What to know about the Social Security Administration building in Littleton The Social Security Administration building in Littleton is the only federal building in New Hampshire being targeted for disposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People visit this office, located on Main St. in Littleton, for assistance with questions related to Social Security. This building contains about 4,774 square feet of office space, according to the GSA. List of "non-core" buildings targeted in Maine Edmund S Muskie Federal Building in Augusta Parking Facility in Portland Social Security Administration in Preque Isle U.S. Custom House in Portland Will these buildings definitely be sold? The building may be sold but not necessarily. According to the GSA, the Public Buildings Service will engage in market research and customer agency feedback for each property, considering current use, occupancy, cost of agency relocation, and local market conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the agency is looking to get properties off the governments books, its also looking at sale-lease backs, ground leases and other forms of public/private partnerships. It's also unclear if the list of buildings will be changed when is reposted to the GSA's website. Contributing: Dan Medeiros This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Trump considers closing 5 federal facilities in NH, ME: What to know President Donald Trumps administration is reportedly planning to close four federal facilities in Vermont. In a statement released Tuesday, the U.S. General Services Administration announced that they are planning to put 440 underutilized federal properties across the United States up for sale or otherwise dispose of to save money. A complete list of properties initially provided on the GSAs website includes four buildings in Vermont, including the states only U.S. passport center in St. Albans. (The list has since been replaced with a site saying the list is coming soon, but is available as a web archive through third parties.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan comes at the same time as the Trump administration is also requiring employees to return to the office full time. The U.S. Passport Agency building in St. Albans, as seen on March 6, 2025. List of non-core buildings in Vermont Aphis Shed in Derby Line U.S. Post Office and Customs Federal Building in St. Albans Social Security Administration in Montpelier Winston Prouty Federal Building in Essex Junction Why is GSA selling federal buildings? The GSA claimed in a statement that getting rid of these so-called non-core assets could potentially save the government over $430 million in annual operating costs. Decades of funding deficiencies have resulted in many of these buildings becoming functionally obsolete and unsuitable for use by our federal workforce, read the letter. GSA will consider non-core assets for divestment from government ownership in an orderly fashion to ensure taxpayers no longer pay for empty and underutilized federal office space, or the significant maintenance costs associated with long-term building ownership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move is in line with efforts by Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency to slash costs by gutting government departments and laying off thousands of federal workers. Will these buildings definitely be sold? The buildings might be sold, but not necessarily. According to the GSA, the Public Buildings Service will engage in market research and customer agency feedback for each property, considering current use, occupancy, cost of agency relocation, and local market conditions. While the agency is looking to get properties off the governments books, its also looking at sale-lease backs, ground leases and other forms of public/private partnerships. It's also unclear if the list of buildings will be changed when is reposted to the GSA's website. Contributing: Dan Medeiros This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Trump's GSA considers closing 4 federal facilities in VT: See list President Donald Trumps administration is reportedly planning to dispose of nine federal facilities in Massachusetts. In a statement released Tuesday, the U.S. General Services Administration announced that they are planning to put 440 underutilized federal properties across the United States up for sale or otherwise dispose of to save money. A complete list of properties initially provided on the GSAs website includes nine buildings across Massachusetts. (The list has since been replaced with a site saying the list is coming soon, but is available as a web archive through third parties.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They include the JFK Federal Building and Thomas P. O Neill Jr. Federal Buildins in Boston, the Social Security Administration building in Fall River, and the National Archives at Boston located at the Frederick C. Murphy Building in Waltham. The plan comes at the same time as the Trump administration is requiring employees to return to the office full time. The Social Security Administration building in Fall River is at 400 N. Main St. List of buildings to be potentially cut in Massachusetts Frederick C. Murphy Building in Waltham IRS Center in Andover JFK Federal Building in Boston John A. Volpe Transportation Systems Center in Cambridge Philip J. Philbin Federal Office Building in Fitchburg Silvio O. Conte Federal Building in Pittsfield Social Security Administration in Fall River Thomas P. ONeill Federal Building in Boston U.S. Customs House in New Bedford Why is GSA selling federal buildings? The GSA claimed in a statement that getting rid of these so-called non-core assets could potentially save the government over $430 million in annual operating costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decades of funding deficiencies have resulted in many of these buildings becoming functionally obsolete and unsuitable for use by our federal workforce, read the letter. GSA will consider non-core assets for divestment from government ownership in an orderly fashion to ensure taxpayers no longer pay for empty and underutilized federal office space, or the significant maintenance costs associated with long-term building ownership. The move is in line with efforts by Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency to slash costs by gutting government departments and laying off thousands of federal workers. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey respond Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who has an office in the JFK Federal Building slated for closure or disposal, said that the plan to close these buildings raises serious concerns. Which Trump-friendly billionaires could profit from the sale of these federal assets while working people spend more time and money to access critical services no longer in their communities? she asked in a statement. As Donald Trump and Elon Musk dismantle our government, piece by piece, and sell it for parts, its the seniors relying on Social Security, the veterans looking for health care, and entrepreneurs applying for small business loans that are paying the price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., has an office in that building too, and its also home to offices for the Drug Enforcement Administration, Social Security Administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the IRS. The Thomas P. O'Neill Federal Building in Boston has offices for the U.S. Department of State, Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service and the Boston Passport Agency, among others. Will these buildings definitely be sold? Maybe, but not necessarily. According to the GSA, the Public Buildings Service will engage in market research and customer agency feedback for each property, considering current use, occupancy, cost of agency relocation, and local market conditions. While the agency is looking to get properties off the governments books, its also looking at sale-lease backs, ground leases and other forms of public/private partnerships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's also unclear if the list of buildings will be changed when is reposted to the GSA's website. Contributing: Dan Medeiros This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Trump's GSA considers closing 9 federal facilities in MA: What to know Editor's note: This story was updated with a new estimate for the number of cranes that have died in Indiana. So far, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has not seen any evidence of the bird flu, known formally as HPIA, or highly pathogenic avian influenza, that's been seen in Indiana. Before the sun illuminated the San Luis Valley, the quiet of the pre-dawn stillness was broken by a symphony of calls. As the stars faded into the first hints of light, thousands of sandhill cranes took their place in the sky, silhouetted by hues of pink, orange and gold. The birds emerged from barley fields and steaming wetlands at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. It's a spectacle that's a bit rare in Colorado and as yet untouched by the bird flu. "So many migrations you dont get to go out and see them as they are happening," said John Livingston, a spokesman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The cranes' spring arrival will be celebrated at the Monte Vista Crane Festival at the refuge this weekend and in a turn of good luck, the tourists and the height of the migration should arrive at roughly the same time, he said. So far, CPW has not seen any evidence of the bird flu, known formally as HPIA, or highly pathogenic avian influenza, that's been seen in Indiana. Eli Fleace, a biologist for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, said an estimated 2,000 sandhill cranes have died across the state, although it's likely an underestimate. The birds started dying in January as they migrated north from states such as Tennessee, Florida and Alabama, the Chicago Tribune reported. The more than 18,000 greater sandhill cranes coming north through Colorado are traveling a different path than birds farther east, Livingston said. Featured Local Savings These birds are traveling up from New Mexico, northern Mexico and areas along the Gulf of America, formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico, to spend the summer in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. The last documented case of bird flu among this population was in 2022 in Wyoming, Livingston said. So far this year, the agency has had a few ducks and a hawk test positive. Livingston said the peak of the migration should arrive during the Monte Vista Crane Festival that runs Friday through Sunday. The cranes will spread out across wetlands to sleep and loaf in the grain fields. While birders gather around spotting scopes, likely with warm clothes because the forecast calls for snow. For those who cannot make the festival, the birds will be passing through for the next few weeks and return in the fall. While the festival is hosted at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, many residents in the San Luis Valley also host the cranes twice a year, and the town celebrates the birds with sculptures that line First Avenue in its downtown corridor. "Monte Vista takes the crane festival up as part of its identity," he said. While the agency is optimistic about not finding any evidence of bird flu, it is also on guard for it, Livingston said. Anyone who finds three or more dead cranes on their property should call Parks and Wildlife so that the agency can send them off to a lab for testing to determine if bird flu is a factor. Contact information for CPW offices across the state can be found at cpw.state.cu.us/contact-us. The Gazette's Parker Seibold contributed to this story. China is stepping up efforts to expand employment while addressing structural employment problems, as part of a broader push to boost employment, an official said. China has set targets of keeping the surveyed urban unemployment rate at around 5.5 percent in 2025, and creating over 12 million new urban jobs, according to a government work report unveiled Wednesday. Despite steady economic recovery, China's job market remains under pressure, particularly with 12 million college graduates this year, Huang Lianghao, an official with the Research Office of the State Council, said on the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency. To expand employment opportunities, Huang highlighted key measures outlined in the government work report, including fully leveraging employment-related policies, supporting labor-intensive industries in creating jobs and stabilizing employment, and striking a balance between the application of new technologies and job relocation for employees. Beyond job availability, more should be done to address structural employment mismatches, he said. "Many individuals struggle to find suitable positions, while businesses grapple with hiring the right talent," Huang noted, emphasizing the need to solve the problem. He highlighted large-scale vocational skills training, saying that this will not only enhance the job-seekers' competence but also generate new jobs, boost labor productivity, and drive industrial upgrading. US President Donald Trump has stated that he is considering imposing large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs against Russia until a ceasefire is achieved. Source: Trump on Truth Social Quote: "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely pounding Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!" Background: On the night of 6-7 March, the Russian troops launched a large-scale combined attack against Ukraine, with Ukrainian air defences destroying 34 Russian missiles and 100 drones, while 86 drones disappeared from radar. The US has suspended military aid to Ukraine, arguing that this is meant to push Kyiv toward a peaceful settlement. No public steps have been announced regarding US pressure on Russia. On 6 March, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US would not hesitate to go "all in" on sanctions against Russian energy if it helps secure a ceasefire in Ukraine. On 6 March, Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump's special envoy on Ukraine and Russia, stated that the Trump administration is taking a new approach towards Russia, which involves resetting relations between the two nations. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! In the face of a tumbling economy, president Donald Trump has finally put his foot down. As Politico reports, Trump made it clear that government agency heads are in charge of personnel decisions in their departments rather than Elon Musk during an in-person Cabinet meeting on Thursday, which was attended by both. Musk has spent the last two months plundering the government with the help of his henchmen at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. The shadowy pseudo-department has overseen massive government job cullings, pushing the number of layoffs in the US to a record high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cuts, seen by many as outright illegal and unconstitutional, have ruffled countless feathers, particularly among Democratic lawmakers. Even a growing Republican contingency has voiced discontent with DOGE fundamentally undermining the Congressional approval process. It's a major inflection point, with Trump drawing something approaching a clear line in the sand for the first time. Until now, the president has largely watched from the sidelines and even cheered Musk on as he plowed through government agencies like a bull in a china shop. Still, the attempt to put Musk in his place appears lukewarm at best, with Trump using characteristically muddy and contradictory language to suggest that the mercurial CEO isn't going anywhere soon. "If [Cabinet members] can cut, its better," he told reporters, as quoted by Politico. "And if they dont cut, then Elon will do the cutting." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest news comes after senate majority leader John Thune (R-SD) told CNN on Tuesday that Cabinet secretaries shouldn't hand over control over the hiring and firing process to Musk and DOGE. "They are going to be better attuned to the individual programs," he said. Meanwhile, Musk appears to have taken Trump's assertion well at least publicly tweeting that the Cabinet meeting was "very productive." As CNN reported earlier this week, Musk has already been trying to disentangle himself from the situation, with Republican representative Derrick Van Orden telling the broadcaster that Musk informed a group of GOP lawmakers that a massive 70,000-employee Veterans Affairs cut "wasn't a DOGE decision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it remains unclear what exactly motivated Trump to remind government heads that they're ultimately the ones in charge not his number one henchman. DOGE has racked up a number of high-profile lawsuits that are starting to reach a new fact-finding phase, Politico reports, which could implicate Musk and his gargantuan conflict of interest. Could Trump be getting cold feet and readying himself to throw Musk under the bus? The billionaire certainly wouldn't be the first to land in the president's crosshairs. The optics of a possible economic downturn, sparked by a huge spike in unemployment, certainly aren't great. Markets are already reeling from a bizarre, on-and-off-again trade war with trading partners including Canada, Mexico and China. More on Musk and Trump: Musk Changes Tune, Says He's Not Behind Government Firings A firing squad chair, left, was added to South Carolina's execution chamber in 2021 after state law mandated the method as an option. The state's electric chair sits under a cover. More than a dozen states are considering bills on capital punishment. (South Carolina Department of Corrections) Even as President Donald Trump and other national Republican leaders push to expand the use of capital punishment, some GOP-led states are moving in the opposite direction. In an executive order he signed his first day in office, Trump directed the U.S. attorney general to seek the death penalty for all crimes of a severity demanding its use. In two specific circumstances when a law enforcement officer is murdered or when the defendant accused of a capital crime is an immigrant in the country without legal status the government will pursue the death penalty regardless of other factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration in 2021 had imposed a moratorium on federal executions. Additionally, Trumps order directs the U.S. Department of Justice to help states obtain lethal injection drugs, though it remains unclear how it will do so. The order also instructs the attorney general to encourage state attorneys general and district attorneys to pursue capital charges for all eligible crimes. Trumps order applies only to federal crimes. Each state has its own death penalty laws for state crimes. But growing anti-death penalty sentiment in the states may limit the impact of Trumps directive. From proposed moratoriums to repeal efforts, state lawmakers are debating the future of capital punishment amid concerns over wrongful convictions, racial disparities and high costs. Crime experts question the death penaltys effectiveness as a deterrent, while some religious lawmakers say it is inconsistent with their opposition to abortion. The death penalty in this country is dying for reasons that an executive order cannot fix, Corinna Lain, a law professor at the University of Richmond, told Stateline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Trumps] executive order will be a mirror revealing where the American people stand on the death penalty. People that want to go there anyway will be emboldened, and in other places, it will inspire resistance, said Lain, who also is the author of the upcoming book Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection. In conservative Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky and Ohio, Republican lawmakers have introduced bills to abolish the death penalty. In Georgia, the House earlier this month approved a bill that would prevent the execution of people who have intellectual disabilities. The measure, which lowers the burden of proof for intellectual disability claims and introduces a pretrial hearing on whether a defendant is intellectually disabled, now moves to the Senate for consideration. And a GOP-sponsored bill in Oklahoma would pause all pending executions and prevent new execution dates from being scheduled. However, another bill in Oklahoma would make people living illegally in the U.S. who are convicted of first-degree murder eligible for the death penalty. And some states, including Iowa and New Mexico, are considering bills that would expand capital punishment by making the murder of a police officer eligible for the death penalty. Both states have abolished capital punishment, but there have been multiple attempts over the years to reinstate it for specific crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Iowa, state Sen. Dennis Guth, a Republican, said the bill was introduced at the request of the family of Algona police Officer Kevin Cram, who was shot and killed in 2023 while trying to serve an arrest warrant. Guth, one of the bills sponsors, argued that reinstating the death penalty for certain crimes could provide closure for a victims family and close friends, and that in this case it might keep others safe in the long run. Its good to have a deterrent that makes people pause and consider their actions before committing a crime, Guth said. Florida also enacted a law earlier this year mandating the automatic imposition of capital punishment for people living illegally in the U.S. convicted of capital crimes, including first-degree murder and child rape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death penalty in this country is dying for reasons that an executive order cannot fix. Corinna Lain, death penalty expert and law professor Meanwhile, other states are focusing on execution methods. Lawmakers in Idaho approved a bill that could make it the first state to use the firing squad as its primary execution method. Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill to allow execution by firing squad, and legislators in Arkansas, Nebraska and Ohio are weighing bills that would add nitrogen gas hypoxia as an execution method. So long as capital punishment remains the law in Ohio, it should be followed, and duly enacted sentences should be carried out to provide victims families with the justice and finality they deserve, Ohio state Rep. Brian Stewart, a Republican who sponsored the bill to add nitrogen gas as an execution method in the state, said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Gallup poll conducted in October found that 53% of Americans support the death penalty for convicted murderers the lowest level of support since the early 1970s. Young adults also are significantly less likely than older generations to favor capital punishment, the poll found. However, in a Gallup poll conducted in October 2023, 81% of Republicans said they supported the death penalty, a percentage that has remained fairly constant for 25 years. Only 32% of Democrats said they supported capital punishment. Sixty-eight percent of Republicans said they believe the death penalty is applied fairly, while only 28% of Democrats did. Since 2009, seven states Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Virginia have legislatively abolished the death penalty, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Twenty-seven states allow the death penalty, but four California, Ohio, Oregon and Pennsylvania have paused executions, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, a nonprofit that studies capital punishment. The group does not take a position on the death penalty, but it is critical of how it is carried out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some states have struggled to carry out executions, with delays ranging from difficulties obtaining lethal injection drugs to pauses put into place after botched executions. In response, some states have turned to alternative methods, including nitrogen hypoxia and firing squads. There are 14 remaining executions scheduled for this year, although two are in Ohio, where there is a pause. They include South Carolinas upcoming execution by firing squad the states first and the first in the United States in 15 years. Since the mid-1990s, the number of new death sentences imposed in the United States also has dropped dramatically, from 316 in 1996 to 26 in 2024, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. This drop in death sentencing speaks volumes of the future of the death penalty because today's death sentences are tomorrow's executions, Lain said. Proposals in Indiana and Oklahoma In Indiana, a Republican-authored House bill, which garnered bipartisan support, would have abolished the death penalty and commuted all existing death sentences to life without parole. It included a provision allowing defendants facing life without parole to petition for a review of intellectual disability. But the bill did not receive a committee hearing, which is what happened to a similar Democratic-sponsored bill in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the current measure argued that capital punishment fails to deliver justice. Thats all capital punishment is it's the transferring of pain. It's not the completion of healing, said Demetrius Minor, the national manager of Conservatives Concerned, a group advocating for a reexamination of capital punishment. Minor advocated for the bill. Meanwhile, a GOP-authored bill in Indiana that would expand death penalty eligibility also failed to advance. Under that bill, obtaining or performing an abortion would be first-degree murder, punishable by death. In Oklahoma, a Republican-authored Senate bill would temporarily halt executions while a task force reviews the states death penalty practices. The bill has been sent to committee but has yet to receive a hearing. Last year, a similar proposal stalled on the House floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would pause all pending executions, prevent new execution dates from being set and establish a five-member task force to assess whether the state has implemented the changes recommended in a 2017 review. The bill also would suspend all statutes related to the death penalty until it is repealed, though it would not vacate existing death sentences. We can't prevent the execution of innocents, and we know for a fact in other states that we have executed innocent people, Brett Farley, the state coordinator of Oklahoma Conservatives Concerned, told Stateline. Farley also is the executive director for the Catholic Conference of Oklahoma. If we believe that all life is sacred, as conservatives, then how can we justify executing someone that might be innocent or perhaps even is 100% guilty? Do they not have an opportunity for redemption? Farley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 1973, 200 former death row prisoners have been exonerated nationwide, including 11 from Oklahoma, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. It remains unclear how Trumps executive order urging states to impose the death penalty will influence state leaders, particularly as some Republican lawmakers have called for a more cautious approach. A lot of the rhetoric were seeing out of the Trump administration is mostly political because its what folks think the Republican base wants to hear, Farley said. But at the same time, we're seeing Republican legislators in a number of states push back on that and say, No, we need to hit the pause button here. Future of capital punishment Even in states that still allow the death penalty, logistical and legal challenges persist. Lethal injection is beset by a number of problems, and those problems are actually insurmountable, Lain told Stateline. States cant get the drugs, while the pharmaceutical companies dont want to sell them the drugs. States also cannot get qualified medical people to carry this out. Legal battles over execution protocols and wrongful convictions also continue to influence policy decisions and public perception. Trumps order came just days after former U.S Attorney General Merrick Garland withdrew the federal Department of Justices protocol for federal executions, which permitted single-drug lethal injections using pentobarbital. Garlands review raised concerns about the drugs potential to cause unnecessary pain and suffering, particularly lung damage that creates the sensation of drowning. The first Trump administration carried out 13 federal executions the most under any modern president. Since then, Trump has repeatedly advocated for expanding capital punishment, particularly for drug traffickers. His new administration could reinstate the pentobarbital protocol. In December, Tennessee announced it would begin using pentobarbital but initially refused to release its new execution manual. The Tennessee Department of Correction eventually released a redacted version in January, revealing plans to administer a single 5-gram dose. The new manual contains only a single page on lethal injection chemicals, with no specific instructions for testing, storing and administering the drugs. It also removes the requirement that the drugs come from a licensed pharmacist. The departments commissioner also now has the authority to deviate from the protocol whenever deemed necessary. Fifteen states, including Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Texas, have previously used pentobarbital in executions, while at least four others Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana and North Carolina have plans to use it, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Although executions in the U.S. are at a historic low, the states that still carry them out have increasingly shrouded the process in secrecy particularly how and where they obtain lethal injection drugs. Many states, including Tennessee, argue that this secrecy is necessary to protect those involved in the execution process. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE March is not the only month when the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum celebrates the history of local women. But it does provide a reason for events that highlight the history. The museum is rolling out its celebration of Women's History Month on Saturday with a panel discussion on 2 p.m. about Women in the Arts, including a selection of the artists on display in the "50% of the Story" exhibit. The exhibit opened last June when the museum completed renovations. It features art made entirely by Colorado women with a heavy focus on Colorado Springs. The room includes dozens of paintings and art pieces that jump across time periods, including an embroidery made for Colorado's centennial in 1976 and a modern oil painting of Mary "Queen" Palmer, the wife of city founder Gen. William Jackson Palmer. Other events include a March 15 talk on Katy Hessels book The Story of Art Without Men and a March 20 Jazz Happy Hour dedicated to womens history. Museum director Matt Mayberry said that women's role in Colorado Springs history has been part of the Pioneers Museum for over a century. Maude McFerran Price was the driving force behind the creation of the museum in the 1890s and was named its Curator for Life. "Oftentimes, women play a very important role in the museum world. They are leaders in museum efforts, and that was certainly true here," Mayberry said. Mayberry said the museum uses markers like Women's History Month and Black History Month to organize the calendar for public events. According to city spokesperson Cassie Melvin, the Black History Month events in February led to 201 people attending programs and around 2,900 total museum visits. Featured Local Savings On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to officially proclaim Womens History Month at a federal level. There were questions earlier in the year about whether the president would continue such dedications, given the administrations opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. In January, the Defense Department announced it would stop celebrating months dedicated to minority groups or specific demographics. At the Pioneers Museum, decisions about upcoming exhibits and events run through the events committee or the museum board, but Mayberry said he ultimately makes the final call. Mayberry said he saw no reason to change how the museum handled those months. "We reflect our community. We have a population of stories from women, from African Americans. I don't see us changing that approach. We have a pluralistic view of our history," Mayberry said. Pioneers Museum exhibits are generally planned out years ahead of time and designed to be in place for several years. Mayberry said the museum has been working on the next major addition, a display about the Ute history in the area, since 2020 with the Ute Tribe, and it has another exhibit in the works on race and social justice fights in the Pikes Peak region. In a court case that could very well define the limits of Donald Trump's presidential power, a federal judge Thursday reinstated a member of a federal labor agency, warning of the damage to the country if Trump continues to rule as if he were a king. U.S District Judge Beryl Howell reinstated Gwynne Wilcox to the National Labor Relations Board after Trump removed her without providing any cause, issuing an opinion that suggests the case could be a broader test of the "unitary executive theory." "An American President is not a king -- not even an 'elected' one -- and his power to remove federal officers and honest civil servants like plaintiff is not absolute," Howell wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump administration hit with over 100 lawsuits since inauguration Wilcox brought her case last month to challenge her late-night firing from the National Labor Relations Board and she seemingly acknowledged that her lawsuit -- following a "string of openly illegal firings" -- might become a "test case" for the limits of presidential power. Howell's 36-page ruling seemingly took the cue, offering a broad criticism that Trump's interpretation of his scope of power flatly violates the Constitution and risks lasting damage to the country. PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks as he prepares to sign executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Mar. 6, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) "The President's interpretation of the scope of his constitutional power -- or, more aptly, his aspiration -- is flat wrong," Howell wrote. Citing the White House's Feb. 19 "Long Live the King" post of Trump wearing a crown, Howell suggested that the president is attempting to govern like a monarch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A President who touts an image of himself as a 'king' or a 'dictator,' perhaps as his vision of effective leadership, fundamentally misapprehends the role under Article II of the U.S. Constitution," she wrote. Rather than being a "conscientious custodian of the law," Trump has been testing the limits of his power before courts stop him, according to Howell. "The President seems intent on pushing the bounds of his office and exercising his power in a manner violative of clear statutory law to test how much the courts will accept the notion of a presidency that is supreme," Judge Howell wrote. Notably, Howell's decision invoked the "unitary executive" -- a theory that the president can exercise complete control over the executive branch -- and suggested the case could become a way to materialize what has long been an "academic exercise" about the president's power into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To start, the Framers made clear that no one in our system of government was meant to be king -- the President included -- and not just in name only," she wrote. Trump is not a king, judge says in reinstating fired federal labor board member originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Hitler regretted the deal he made with Neville Chamberlain at Munich in 1938. What he actually wanted was warhis goal was to conquer all of Czechoslovakia by force as a first step toward the conquest of all of Europe. He didnt imagine that the British and French governments would be so craven as to give him everything he publicly asked for, including the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia and the occupation of the Sudetenland by the German army. When they did, Hitler found himself trapped into accepting, but he was unhappy. Within five months he ordered the military occupation of all Czechoslovakia, in violation of the Munich Agreement, and six months after that, he invaded Poland. Today the Trump administration is offering Vladimir Putin a Munich-like settlement for Ukraine. Trumps negotiators have offered Putin almost everything he has publicly asked for without demanding anything in return. They may assume that if they give him everything up front, he will agree to a cease-fire and some kind of deal that will save face for President Donald Trump, allowing him to claim the mantle of peacemaker, just as Chamberlain did, albeit for only a few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will Putin accept? At the moment, thanks to Trumps anti-Ukraine maneuvers, he has the luxury of watching Washington and Kyiv wrangle over terms while he pummels Ukraines population and energy grid and brings the country closer to collapse. But so far, Putin has been clear about the terms he is willing to accept to achieve peace. Like Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II, his offer is this: nothing. No security guarantee; no independent, sovereign Ukraine; perhaps not even a cease-fire. Putins goal, as it has been from the beginning, is the incorporation of Ukraine into Russia and the complete erasure of the Ukrainian nation, language, and culture. He will gladly accept Ukraines surrender whenever Kyiv is ready to concede, but short of that he is going to keep the war going until he takes everything. [Read: Putin is loving this] Lets start with security guarantees. Putin has never agreed to them for Ukrainein any form. Putin and his spokesmen have stated repeatedly that Moscow will never accept European troops on Ukrainian soil as part of a peace deal. To accept European troops in Ukraine is no different in Putins mind than to accept NATO presence there, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said as recently as last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nor is Putins refusal hard to understand. Any deal that put Western troops on Ukrainian soil would leave Russia in an objectively worse strategic situation than before the invasion. After three years of conflict, as many as 1 million casualties, and widespread economic suffering, Putin would have succeeded only in tightening the circle of containment around Russia, including the admission to NATO of Sweden and Finland; bringing hostile forces closer to Russias border; and substantially increasing even peacetime defense requirements. His broader ambitions in Europe would be blocked, perhaps forever. If Trump could see past the aura of his own dealmaking genius, he would see that for Putin to end the war with European troops on Ukrainian soil for any purpose would be a colossal strategic failure. Putin has also rejected the idea of an international guarantee of Ukraines security even without troops on the ground. Early negotiations in 2022 broke down precisely over that point. Ukraine wanted an international commitment to come to Ukraines aid in the event that Russia launched another attacksomething equivalent to the Article 5 guarantee in the NATO treaty. This would not have meant foreign troops on Ukrainian soilor even any official relationship between Ukraine and NATObut rather a commitment by signatory states to come to a neutral Ukraines aid if it was invaded. Putin rejected this, insisting on a Russian veto over any such action. Putin has even insisted that Ukraine should not be permitted to maintain a military capable of resisting another Russian invasion. He has demanded strict limits on the number of Ukrainian forces and rejected any notion of allowing the U.S. or Europe to continue providing weapons to help Ukraine defend itself against future attack. In short, Putins unwavering demand in any peace settlement has been to leave Ukraine essentially defenseless. Further, Putin has from the beginning demanded an end to the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a prior condition before any agreement. That he ever expected this demand to be met is doubtful: What nation agrees to the toppling of its government as the price for peace, except as terms of surrender? Yet hes sticking to this demand. According to reports, Trump officials are right now working to force Zelensky from power and replace him with someone presumably friendlier to Moscow. Judging by the reaction of most Ukrainians to the ambush of their president in the Oval Office, this effort will not succeed. But the fact that Trump officials are trying shows that Putin has not budged an inch in response to Trumps many concessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has also not budged from his broader demand for de-Nazification, by which he means the suppression of Ukrainian as the official language of Ukraine, to be replaced by Russian, and of Ukrainian culture and nationalism, which Putin sees as tantamount to resistance to Moscows domination. If anyone wants to know what Putin hopes to do with Ukraine once he has control, they have only to look at what he is already doing in the territories Russia occupies, where Ukrainians are being forced to become Russian citizens, and any resistance leads to imprisonment, torture, and execution. Everyone in the West seems to agree that there will be a cease-fire in Ukraine at some point. But one person who never talks about a cease-fire is Vladimir Putin. He does not talk about a cease-fire with his own people. He has at no time offered a cease-fire to the Ukrainians or the Americans. People assume he wants a cease-fire because his losses are staggering and his economy is suffering. But, as I and others have argued, Putin has to believe only that Ukraine is closer to collapse than he is, and that though he is suffering, the Ukrainians are suffering more. Trumps latest moves to paralyze Ukraines defenses against missile and drone attacks by denying vital U.S. intelligence sharing can only bolster that assessment. Putin might be tempted to strike a Munich-like deal with Trump just to strengthen an American president who seems determined to give Putin what he may never have imagined possiblea complete American capitulation in the global struggle, the destruction of the NATO alliance, the isolation of a weak Europe, and an open field for further actions to fulfill Putins overarching goal, which is the reconstitution of the Soviet Union and its empire in Eastern and Central Europe. This is where the Munich analogy breaks down, because whatever else Chamberlains appeasement was, it did not include changing sides in the ongoing European crisis and joining Hitler to carve up the continent. [Read: The oligarchs who came to regret supporting Hitler] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Putin may calculate that he is getting that for free already. The damage Trump has done to NATO is probably irreparable. The alliance relied on an American guarantee that is no longer reliable, to say the least. But Trump is mercurial and could reverse course, at least partially, at any time. Thats a reason for Putin to seek victory as quickly as possible. He may never have a chance as good as this one to complete the task he set out to achieve when he launched his invasion three years ago. One thing is certain: Trump is no poker player. Thanks to his actions so far, Putin hasnt had to reveal any of his cards. Trump claims to know what Putin wants, but his own actions show that he actually has no clue. One day Trump says Russia wants peace for reasons only I know. The next, he warns Putin that hell impose more sanctions. Putin must be laughing up his sleeve. Hes weathered American sanctions for the better part of three years now; more of the same is not much of a threat. If thats the only card Trump intends to play, Putin will soon be cashing in, and Ukraine will soon be doomed. Neville Chamberlain believed that Hitler wouldnt violate the Munich deal because Hitler respected him. Trump shares that delusion about Putin. We may all pay the price. Article originally published at The Atlantic President Trump is offering an expedited pathway to U.S. citizenship to some South African farmers, calling their treatment in the country terrible. They are confiscating their LAND and FARMS, and MUCH WORSE THAN THAT, he wrote in a Friday morning post on Truth Social. Trump signed an executive order last month halting federal aid to South Africa over property laws he said impose unjust racial discrimination against white Afrikaner farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To go a step further, any Farmer (with family!) from South Africa, seeking to flee that country for reasons of safety, will be invited into the United States of America with a rapid pathway to Citizenship, he wrote Friday. This process will begin immediately! He didnt provide additional details about the immediate plan, but Trump wrote in his February order that the U.S. would promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination, including racially discriminatory property confiscation and directed his Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to prioritize their resettlement through the United States Refugee Admissions Program. Afrikaners are a white predominantly Dutch ethnic group that makes up less than 7 percent of South Africas total population. The South African government has rejected claims of racial discrimination and accused Trump of having a distorted take on its land law that went into effect in January. The majority Black countrys Parliament passed the law to to redress the results of past racial discriminatory laws or practices, including apartheid and European colonialism. Its currently being challenged in court, and no land has been taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tech billionaire Elon Musk, a top adviser to Trump, hails from South Africa. Musk, who is white, has lambasted the land law on social media and claimed on his social platform X on Friday that his company Starklink cant operate in his home country because Im not black. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has spoken with Musk amid the dispute, alluded to Trumps attack on the law during a speech to Parliament last month. We will not be bullied, he said. We will stand together as a united nation and we will speak with one voice in defense of our national interests, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A day after President Donald Trump gave his the first formal address to Congress of his second term, Colorado Springs U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank bac (NewsNation) President Donald Trump said Friday he may put a 250% tariff on Canadian dairy products, a day after postponing some tariffs for the country as well as Mexico on Thursday. Canada also has a 250% tariff on American dairy and lumber products. They will be met with the exact same tariff unless they drop it. Thats what reciprocal means, Trump said. We may do it as early as today or we may wait until Monday or Tuesday. Were going to charge the same thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump to sign executive order on student loan forgiveness program Trumps tariff plans, which hes said hes imposing to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States, have caused the stock market to sink and sparked concerns about a trade war. While he announced he delayed many imports from Mexico and some imports from Canada for a month, Trump said he still plans to put reciprocal tariffs in place starting April 2. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. President Donald Trumps reaction to seeing the now infamous pictures of the shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania has been revealed in an excerpt from a new book. Trump, by that point in hospital shortly after the shooting, had just watched then-President Joe Biden address the nation regarding the attempted assassination via a CNN feed while on the phone of an aide. After watching the speech, Trump asked to see some pictures of the attack, Alex Isenstadt writes in an excerpt of his book Revenge published in Vanity Fair. Evan Vucci of the Associated Press had captured the moment Trump raised his fist to the sky with blood trickling down his face and the American flag flying behind him on July 13 last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wow, that's iconic, said Trump. That's the most American picture I've ever seen. Trump had opened his speech in Butler by bragging about his big beautiful crowd. After a few minutes, he began speaking about how the number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. had increased under Biden, who was being urged to step back from the race at the time following his disastrous debate performance on June 27. We have millions and millions of people in our country that shouldn't be here, dangerous people. Criminals, we have criminals. We have drug dealers, said Trump before turning to point to a big screen over his right shoulder showing a graph revealing the increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was at that point that the shots rang out. Communications Director Stephen Cheung had been reading emails and texts and thought it was the sound of firecrackers before seeing a monitor showing a bloodied Trump grabbing his ear. Trump said the post-shooting image of himself was the most American picture I've ever seen (AP) Chief of Staff Susie Wiles yelled. Everyone get down! Had Trump not turned to look at the screen, the bullet would likely have killed him. Secret Service agents piled on top of the then-former president, shielding him. The agents tried to decide their next move. What are we doing? What are we doing? On three, on you. Move! Move! Shooters down, one agent said about 40 seconds after the shots rang out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are we good to move? Were clear! Were clear! Donald Trump wore a bandage on his ear at the RNC just days after the attempt on his life. (Getty Images) The agents started to lift Trump, whose shoes had slipped off in the chaos. Trump had been wearing shoes by Bally, a Swiss company. They were designed to be tied on, but Trump used them as slip-ons, Isenstadt notes. As he stood up, Trump looked out between the agents at the crowd, pushing himself to the fore and pumping his fist three times. Fight, fight, fight, he said as the audience cheered. Trump was quickly taken to the Butler Memorial Hospital, eight miles from the rally site. The hospital went into lockdown, with Secret Service agents with their long guns out and nurses moving patients out of units to make room for Trump and his entourage, Isenstadt writes in Revenge. As Trump was taken into the emergency room, he was only in an undershirt and suit pants. This is going to make some news, said Trump. U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 7 that he is considering imposing sweeping banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until there is a ceasefire and peace agreement. According to Trump, his statement is based on the fact that Russia "is absolutely pounding Ukraine on the battlefield" - a possible reference to Russia's recent advances in Kursk Oblast or Russia's large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine on March 7. "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached," Trump wrote on the Truth Social media platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!" Russian forces have reportedly made a breakthrough south of the Ukrainian-held town of Sudzha in Russia's Kursk Oblast, potentially threatening to cut off some of the Ukrainian positions in the region. A Ukrainian soldier and a medic deployed in Kursk Oblast, who spoke to the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity, confirmed the Russian breakthrough in the embattled region on March 7. Russia is also pushing in the Pokrovsk and Toretsk sectors in Donetsk Oblast, with a total of 146 clashes recorded across the front line over the past day, Ukraine's General Staff said on March 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Russia launched another large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine overnight on March 7, launching 67 missiles of various types and 194 drones. Ukraine's air defenses intercepted 34 missiles and 100 drones, the Air Force said. Shortly after his inauguration, Trump threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions on Russia to force their hand in negotiations, saying "we can do it the easy way or the hard way." In the following weeks, Trump instead lashed out at Ukraine, claiming President Volodymyr Zelensky was "not ready for peace" and halting military aid to Ukraine and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Washington is preparing a proposal to potentially ease sanctions on Moscow as Trump works to restore diplomatic ties and negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. U.S. and Ukrainian delegations are planning to meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 11 to discuss the framework for a potential peace agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky has proposed a "truce in the sky" banning missiles, long-range drones, and bombs targeting civilian infrastructure, as well as a "truce at sea" as the first steps towards the de-escalation. Read also: Trumps cryptic Russia comment probably just bluster, experts say Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. US President Donald Trump has stated that he believes Russian ruler Vladimir Putin wants "peace" in Ukraine and claimed it is easier for him to "deal with" Russia in resolving the war. Source: Trump during remarks in the Oval Office, as reported by European Pravda Details: Asked whether he believes that Putin wants peace given Russias bombing of Ukraine, Trump responded: "You know, I believe him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump reiterated his earlier statement on Truth Social in which he claimed that Russia is "pounding" Ukraine on the battlefield. The US president then said that he finds it easier to "deal with" Russia rather than Ukraine in resolving the conflict. Quote: "Im finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. And they dont have the cards. As you know, were meeting in Saudi Arabia sometime next week. We find that in terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia, which is surprising because they have all the cards." Details: Trump repeated several times that Russia wants to end the war and that he believes Ukraine also wants to bring the war to an end. He said he had a "good relationship" with Putin despite the Russian "hoax" and that Putin "wants to end the war". Background: Trump also explained his decision to halt military aid deliveries to Ukraine. On 4 March, it was reported that Trump had decided to suspend all military aid to Ukraine, including supplies that were already en route. On 5 March, it was revealed that intelligence sharing with Ukraine, including information on Russian missile launches, had ceased. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump ordered his administration to take action against a top law firm linked to the infamous Steele Dossier, a now-discredited intelligence report alleging then-candidate Trump colluded with Russia during the 2016 presidential election. The report also made the salaciousand unprovenallegation that Trump watched a pair of prostitutes urinate on a bed at the Moscow Ritz-Carlton hotel that Barack and Michelle Obama had previously slept in. Trumps executive order , signed Thursday, is the culmination of a years-long grudge against the reports authors and backers, including Perkins Coie, a white-shoe international law firm targeted by name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It officially revoked security clearances for Perkins Coie employees and limited their access to federal buildings. He also instructed agencies not to hire Perkins Coie staff and terminated any contracts between the government and the law firm. The president accused Perkins Coie of dishonest and dangerous activity and unfair hiring practices. He also ordered a review of the diversity, equity, and inclusion practices of top law firms. This is an absolute honor to sign, Trump said at the White House as he signed the order. What theyve done is just terrible. Its weaponization, you could say weaponization against a political opponent, and it should never be allowed to happen again. Perkins Coie said in a statement that the order is patently unlawful, and we intend to challenge it, according to The New York Times . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Trump signed a similar order targeting Covington & Burling, the law firm representing former special counsel Jack Smith, who investigated the presidents role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riots and his handling of classified documents at the end of his first term. Trumps disdain for the Democratic Party-linked Perkins Coie dates back to the 2016 presidential election, when lawyers Marc Elias and Michael Sussmannwho are no longer employed by the firmhired the research company Fusion GPS to investigate Trumps business relationships overseas. Fusion GPS produced the Steele Dossier, a sketchy document assembled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele which accused Trump of colluding with Russia to win the 2016 election over Hillary Clinton. It was later revealed that Clintons 2016 presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee funded the Steele Dossier. Federal elections regulators fined Democrats in 2022 over their failure to disclose the money they spent on the opposition research. TOPSHOT - Republican nominee Donald Trump (L) looks on as Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York on September 26, 2016. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP) (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images) / AFP via Getty Images One of the dossiers most explosive allegationsmore commonly known as the pee tape or golden showers tapeclaimed that Trump hired Moscow prostitutes in 2013 to urinate on a hotel bed once slept in by the Obamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The allegations have since been seared into the public consciousness, as well as Trumps. During the presidential campaign last year, Trump told supporters in Iowa that he had denied having a golden showers kink to his wife, Melania. Actually that one she didnt believe because she said, Hes a germaphobe, hes not into that, Trump said in November. Hes not into golden showers, as they say they called it. I dont like that idea. No, I didnt. I thought that would be a big problem, I was going to have a rough night, but that one she was very good on. (Bloomberg) -- Supply Lines is a daily newsletter that tracks global trade. Sign up here. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Columbia will introduce legislation letting it charge tolls on commercial vehicles heading to Alaska in retaliation against President Donald Trumps tariffs. This is about sending a message to the President, to the Republican Congress representative in Alaska, to the Republican governor in Alaska, David Eby, premier of the Canadian west coast province, said Thursday. He said he wouldnt use the power immediately and the number of trucks is relatively small. Still, the move is another sign of the expanding rupture between longtime allies as Canadian politicians try to pressure Trump to drop his tariff plan. After the White House imposed 25% tariffs against most Canadian goods on Tuesday, Eby said provincial liquor stores would pull alcohol made in Republican states off the shelves, with other provinces making similar moves. Government entities in BC have been directed to buy Canadian first, Eby said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the national level, Canada put counter-tariffs on C$30 billion ($21 billion) of US products and announced a second phase that would hit another C$125 billion. The latter has now been delayed until April 2. The toll legislation would also allow BC to mandate that low-carbon fuels added to gasoline and diesel be produced in Canada, and give the province additional ways to dissolve trade barriers within Canada as the country tries to reduce its reliance on the US. Eby said Canada shouldnt withdraw retaliatory measures even though Trump pared back the tariffs against the USs North American trading partners on Thursday. We are not going to accept these continual threats, this continued uncertainty. Were going to stand up for Canadians. This is unacceptable. And were going to ensure that the Americans understand how pissed off we are, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I say we dont let up until the president takes the threat off the table. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Supply Lines is a daily newsletter that tracks global trade. Sign up here. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trumps trade war is causing chaos for farmers and food producers on both sides of the US-Canada border, as businesses grapple with how to disentangle supply chains that have been interconnected for decades. The US president slapped 25% tariffs on most Canadian and Mexican goods on Tuesday, prompting Canada to respond with its own 25% levies on C$30 billion ($20.9 billion) worth of products, including on orange juice, coffee and fruit. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also threatened to expand that to cover an additional C$125 billion in goods next month, including US beef, pork and more fresh produce. While Trump delayed the new duties on many products on Thursday, theres still the specter they will return in April along with, perhaps, sweeping reciprocal tariffs and other levies on agriculture that he has previously talked about. North Americas food industry now faces the overwhelming task of adapting to a turbulent situation of ever-changing rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the biggest challenge weve ever faced and Ive been doing this for over 20 years, said John Nickel, a Manitoba hog producer who sells exclusively to the US. His first of two weekly shipments of piglets crossed the border tariff-free on Monday, but he doesnt know whether a 25% markup will appear on the invoice for the animals he sent Thursday morning. With harsh winters and short growing seasons, Canada must rely on the US for many of its fresh fruits and vegetables. At the same time, its farmers and fishers raise and catch more animals than 41 million Canadians need, so they sell to American consumers, who also represent a market thats more than eight times larger. The agricultural supply chain underscores Canadas dependency on the US for exports, as well as its role in feeding Americans. But while Canada send 76% of its exports to the US, Americans rely on their northern neighbor for less than a fifth of theirs. That means Canadian businesses and farmers will face greater challenges in finding a replacement for US demand. Meanwhile, consumers protesting Trump through a Buy Canadian campaign will have a hard time trying to find substitutes for all of the foodstuffs they want. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pork supply chain involving Nickel is one example of a deeply integrated network that crosses the Canada-US border. To go from piglets to supermarket aisles, Nickels breeding facilities in rural Manitoba start with the purchase of swine genetics from suppliers, allowing thousands of sows to reproduce. Every week, he exports some 3,000 piglets from two facilities near the border to be raised in Iowa and Minnesota, the top two states for US hog production. At about six months, pigs are market-ready and shipped to processing facilities before being sold to American shoppers. Feed suppliers, equipment dealers and workers are involved throughout the process in both countries. The US remains the only viable market for him and other Canadian producers in Manitoba, a top hog-selling province. In the billion-dollar pork supply chain, exports of live pigs are primarily done by trucks, and that limits the market reach to nearby regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over time, things can change. But it would take a long time to adjust if the US market wasnt there. It would take years to find a different model, Nickel said. Manitoba lacks raising and processing capacity, and farms in the US Midwest rely on facilities like Nickels to supply piglets. It also makes more economic sense for those farms to be in the Midwest, which is closer to major planting areas for corn, a key ingredient for feed. Among the most popular produce, the US supplies 67% of Canadas vegetable imports and 36% of its fruit imports, according to data from Canada Food Flows. We really significantly depend on the US, and that reliance made sense for the longest time because of our relationships, said Kushank Bajaj, who co-created the website as part of his research at the University of British Columbia. Theres very little diversification in our supply chains. Nearly 95% of Albertas imported spinach came from California and Arizona in 2022, with Mexico supplying less than 3% and neighboring British Columbia providing just 1.5%. Three-quarters of its imported lettuce came from those two US states. Trying to buy only local produce would drastically reduce options for many consumers, Bajaj said, and shifting away from US imports toward other countries would take time. For perishable foods, shipment duration and costs are some of the biggest challenges to sourcing from other countries rather than the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George Pitsikoulis, a Montreal-based produce wholesaler, brings in fruits and vegetables from 46 countries. If he were to call California on a Friday afternoon to arrange a shipment, two drivers taking turns driving the truck could make the delivery at his door by Monday. But if he were to order citrus from Spain, it may take three to four weeks to arrive. For some fruit like strawberries, Florida remains the only practical source for his company because the color and look of Mexican imports arent as attractive to consumers. And because strawberries wont survive container rides, buying from other countries would require air freight, which adds to costs. Were right next door to this huge source for us, said Pitsikoulis, chief executive officer of Canadawide Fruit Wholesalers Inc. Everything is available from outside the US but theres some sort of compromise whether its quality, pricing or freshness if we want to source from any other parts of the world. Since Pitsikoulis started working in the 1980s, his company became less US-reliant over the years as logistics networks grew, more countries made advancements in farming and local seasons lengthened. But the US remains the companys biggest source of imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canadas retaliatory tariffs are already being applied to US-grown produce including citrus, peaches and tomatoes. But even if Pitsikoulis wanted to import only Mexican-grown lemons, nearly all the produce from that country would still have to travel through US warehouses before heading to Canada by trucks. That means those lemons would face 25% duties entering the US, making it 25% more expensive even without any tariffs Canadian applied at the Canadian border, Pitsikoulis said. Trade between Canada and the US enjoys a proximity advantage and severing ties will raise prices, said Sunderesh Heragu, an Oklahoma State University professor whose research focus includes supply chain management. Its easier said than done because you have to build supply chains that didnt exist and partner with companies youve never worked with. The more integrated the network, the harder it is to decouple from it, according to Igor Rikalo, president of o9 Solutions Inc., a Texas-based supply chain planning firm. And while relocating facilities from one country to another can be capital intensive, skills and labor might be an even bigger problem, Rikalo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took us years to globalize, extend and integrate these very long supply chains. Itll probably take years to shrink them down. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. About 50 years ago, Harold Haraway first donated a pint of blood. It started because of a friend. His friends mother just about bled to death and she needed a lot of blood, the 80-year-old Haraway told the Register & Bee in an interview last month at his Danville home. And I thought to myself, if it were my mother, he would be the first person in line to give blood, he said of his friend. He now holds the record for giving whats often called the gift of life. He donates at the Sovah Blood Donor Center. Haraway was honored in January at an annual dinner for all of the blood donors for achieving the diamond level. His total is 242 pints, although it could be a little higher than that since when records first started being kept, they were on 3-by-5 cards. The digital introduction with computers came later. At this time, he is the only blood donor that has achieved this level and given this many units of blood, Tonya Martin, the coordinator at the blood donor center, told the newspaper. If you really look at it, my giving blood really started over 60 years ago, he explained of his first introduction to the process. It would be 10 years later, however, before he officially rolled up his sleeves. He started working at the local hospital in 1964 while going to school to become a pharmacist. My job was delivery, so I would deliver products to all of the departments in the hospital, he explained. One stop was the blood donor center, which at the time was inside the hospital on South Main Street. And I got to know the people, he said. They kept urging him to give blood. But he had a phobia of needles. Still today, even though Ive given that much, I still have a small phobia, he said. Its such a big needle when you are donating blood. After he got out of pharmacy school in June 1969, he was drafted three months later. I spent a year at Fort Bragg and a year at Vietnam, he said. Being out of the country for a year, rules stipulated back then that he couldnt give blood for a few years, so the folks at the donor center didnt bother him as much when hed come to make his rounds then. It just worked out where when that boys mother needed the blood, I went ahead and gave, he said of the first time donating in the mid-1970s. Things were also different back during that time. He said that insurance companies didnt pay for blood transfusions. If someone needed blood, they had to replace one pint with two pints donated. If not, you had to pay for it, he said. They didnt cover everything like they do now. Combined with wanting to help his friends mother, Haraway got over his so-called phobia and started what would become a routine. After the first time, he thought to himself, Well, its not too bad. So, he kept giving. At the time, once someone gave eight pints and they ever needed blood, they didnt have to worry about replacing it. You were called a lifetime donor, he explained. Even after reaching that milestone, he didnt stop and kept going back every eight weeks to donate. Why he does it Its beneficial to the end person who gets it, he explained to the newspaper of why he keeps donating. It makes you feel good, he continued. You are directly helping somebody else. He said when the hospital was sold to LifePoint in 2005, there may have been a dip in blood donors. He reasoned that some people felt their donations for a company werent the same as when the hospital was operated as a nonprofit. I never stopped because I didnt give the blood for the hospital; I gave the blood for the patient, he said. He also believes its helped him stay in good health, since essentially his body is replacing blood every year and a half. Since he has O negative blood, his blood can go to anyone. The blood donated at the Sovah Blood Donor Center stays in the community to help local residents, Martin said. It supplies 99% of the blood and blood products used at Sovah Health, which has hospitals in Danville and Martinsville. If needed, we would get additional blood from American Red Cross, she said. The Danville hospital is one of the few hospitals that has a blood donor center unless you are affiliated with a university or something like that, Haraway said. Otherwise, the local American Red Cross hosts blood drives throughout the area. The process After all of his donations, Haraway knows the process inside and out. He prefers to donate in the mornings, but appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, according to Martin. The ladies in the blood bank are super nice, they are really nice and they guide you right through it, he said of the process that normally takes less than 30 minutes. There are a few questions donors have to answer, and then temperatures and blood pressures are taken. Its like a minute physical when you are giving blood, he said of the process. There are some safeguards to it. He suggests that donors have a good breakfast or lunch, depending on the appointment. There are rewards, like umbrellas, T-shirts and hats for donors. Plus they have juices, soft drinks and nabs to help you recover, he said, using the mostly Southern term for the peanut butter crackers. He used to be able to donate and then come back home to work in the yard, but given his age hell be 81 in April it takes him a few days to recover now. I think Im getting down to the end, he said of being able to donate blood. Thats age-related. Other than just feeling tired, hes had no ill effects of donating over his life. Retired life In all, Haraway worked for the hospital for 33 years, leaving for a stint with Revco for seven years, but he came back. As a pharmacist, things were different during his time at the hospital than now. There was certain things you could do and certain things you couldnt do, he said of the technicians who helped. Now all of those people have to have a license. Among his duties, he delivered intravenous fluid known as IV to all of the floors before the mechanisms in place now. Everyone had to give a list of what they wanted. We had this big cart, and Id fill that cart up and go all over the hospital with it, he said. That was a long time ago. While going to school, he worked for the hospital during the summer and on holidays, allowing for other employees to have time off. I was like a little kid, he explained of how people would treat him. The nurses were like mothers in some respects. Now, he enjoys the simpler things like cutting grass at the home hes lived in for 53 years in Danville. But he also loves to fish at the beach. Im a flounder fisherman, he said. Thats my favorite thing to do. Having a place at Emerald Isle for 29 years, he would sometimes go to the beach once a month. With that house sold, its more of a yearly trek down there now. His story Haraway hopes that his achievement will help more people get involved with donating blood. I would just encourage people to do it, he told the newspaper. Its a charity, but its a different type of charity. It can be scheduled whenever it works for the donor, and it doesnt cost anything to give. Its a great benefit to the person who receives it, he said. The Sovah Blood Donor Center is located at 159 Executive Drive, Suite K in Danville. To learn more, visit sovahhealth.com/blood-donor-center or call 434-799-3743. President Donald Trump for more than a month has given Elon Musk free rein to drastically remake the federal bureaucracy. This week, the president publicly lauded those efforts while privately trying to strike harmony between Musk and his Cabinet, which has been growing increasingly frustrated by the tech moguls incursions into their agencies. The consternation reached a crescendo during a contentious Cabinet meeting on Thursday where Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins came for Musk, said a person with knowledge of the meeting who was granted anonymity to share private details. During the meeting, which was first reported Thursday by POLITICO, Trump made clear that it was his Cabinet secretaries, and not Musk, who are responsible for their departments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person said Rubio jumped his shit at Musk, while Duffy and Collins raised specific concerns about cuts within their agencies. Details of the confrontation between Rubio, Duffy and Collins and Musk were first reported by the New York Times. Rubio was incensed that Musk had distanced himself from the mass firings during a previous meeting with lawmakers, the person said. Trump liked the show of toughness from his secretaries, the person said. Trump was very impressed. These guys who are pretty quiet got in [Musks] face and called him a liar in front of the president, the person said, adding that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also raised concerns to Trump about Musk prior to the Cabinet meeting. He told Trump, this is out of control, with these emails hes sending, these are real people, were not doing this. Anger over Musks power has been boiling for weeks in Washington as the billionaire tech mogul made blunt cuts to federal agency programs, slashed staff and threatened remaining employees into sending weekly emails with five things they accomplished, moves reminiscent of his approach when he took over Twitter, now called X. While Republicans on Capitol Hill and Trumps Cabinet broadly support trimming what they view as a bloated federal bureaucracy and polling shows that the majority of Americans agree with them many have raised concerns about the way that Musk has gone about it. And even Musk has acknowledged he will make mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Friday, insisted that Rubio and Musk get along fantastic and that there was no clash between the two. Marco has done unbelievably as secretary of State, he said. And Elon is a unique guy and has done a fantastic job. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that "everyone is working as one team to help President Trump deliver on his promise to make our government more efficient. "As President Trump said, this was a great and productive meeting amongst members of his team to discuss cost cutting measures and staffing across the federal government," Leavitt added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Veterans Affairs spokesperson said the department is working with DOGE and the rest of the administration to increase efficiency and reduce bureaucracy while keeping in place the best and most productive federal employees, while a Transportation Department spokesperson pointed to Duffys post on X calling the meeting productive. The President's approach of a scalpel versus a hatchet and better coordination between Secretaries and DOGE is the right approach to revolutionizing the way our government is run, Duffy wrote. A spokesperson for the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Congressional Republicans have been under growing pressure as the cuts have started to hit their districts, and some have faced demands from their constituents at town halls to explain, or stop, the cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP senators' complaints about DOGE had been percolating since at least Feb. 25, when Senate Majority Leader John Thune signaled to reporters that he wanted Cabinet officials, not Musk, in charge of their departments: I think thats why we worked so hard to get these folks confirmed and theyre now in a position to make those decisions," Thune said. The next day, several senators gave Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles an earful about DOGE at a private lunch in the Capitol. Wiles told senators to contact her directly if they were struggling to get answers, and many did. Several other senators were in communication with the White House, according to two people granted anonymity to describe the conversations These guys were bitching, Why have we done all this heavy lifting on these confirmations, and this guy's running the thing? It's a black box. Nobody knows what's going on, the person with knowledge of the situation added.. Publicly, some members of Congress are taking a more conciliatory approach to Musk, acknowledging that they agree with his goals of slashing federal bureaucracy even if he has made mistakes along the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Mike Johnson praised Musks pure motives on Fox News on Friday and said he was among many lawmakers who have spoken with the billionaire. In Elon's defense, there is no playbook for what he's doing, he added. So as he acknowledged, there are gonna be some mishaps and mistakes along the way, but we will do course correction immediately. Johnson described the Thursday Musk-Cabinet meeting as a recalibration that will formalize his efforts. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) told reporters after the Senate meeting Wednesday that Musk walked them through the process of the cuts and clarified that agencies are the ones who make the actual decisions, similar to the message Musk shared with House Republicans on Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was very consistent with what he's saying, Scott said. He has a team of people who really understand technology. They're going through and looking for anomalies where they can say, Hey, does this make sense? Should we be spending money? And then the agency head makes the decision. Some Trump allies see the Thursday meeting as a natural evolution of a process that started when many Cabinet officials had yet to be confirmed. Now that Cabinet members are officially confirmed, having DOGE and Cabinet members work together is more great progress towards President Trumps goal of cutting waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government, said Jessica Anderson, president of the formerly Heritage Action-linked Sentinel Action Fund. Trumps effort to minimize Musks role came just two days after the president built him up, in a primetime address to Congress, as the mastermind of a new era of bureaucratic slashing. The shift in message also seems aimed at defusing the increasingly threatening legal challenges to DOGEs operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear that Trumps comments have caused any change to Musks role in practice. Indeed, for weeks, Justice Department lawyers have been downplaying Musks role in court, telling judges that he is merely an employee with no formal decision-making power. But federal employee unions and organizations suing to stop DOGE say those efforts at minimization are a sleight of hand meant to obscure the reality of Musks work. Judges have mounted increasingly pointed questions about the administrations inability to characterize DOGEs leadership. And the dozens of lawsuits challenging DOGE are nearing a new phase, known as discovery, in which administration officials or DOGE operatives may have to testify under oath about what, precisely, DOGE is up to and on what authority. Answers could be required soon. One federal judge in San Francisco ordered the federal government's top personnel officer to appear in court next week to discuss who ordered tens of thousands of firings of probationary federal employees. But the Trump administration has said it may fight the judge's order. Norm Eisen, a lawyer who represents groups suing DOGE and Musk, believes Trumps comments Thursday will carry little weight. "The president is clearly feeling the heat after accidentally speaking the truth to Congress the other night: that Musk and DOGE have been calling the shots. Thats unconstitutional, Eisen said. Closing the barn door after the horse has bolted does no good. In fact, this attempted backtrack is an admission that the vast chaos that Mr. Musk and DOGE have wrought without proper approval and documentation is illegal." CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) As President Donald Trump seems poised to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education, advocates in South Carolina are concerned about the potential fallout. Trump is expected to sign an order directing new Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the department, according to a draft obtained by the Wall Street Journal. The timing of when he will do so is unclear, however. Initial reports indicated he could sign the order as early as this week, but an official told News Nation on Thursday that the White House is continuing to review the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The draft order reportedly recognizes that the president cannot unilaterally shutter the agency as it would require congressional approval. That would likely take a supermajority (60 votes) in the Senate, where Republicans currently hold 53 seats. Still, it would represent the first steps toward Trumps campaign promise to abolish the department, which he recently called a big con job. The experiment of controlling American education through Federal programs and dollarsand the unaccountable bureaucrats those programs and dollars support has failed our children, our teachers, and our families, the order reportedly reads. Already, the Trump administration has started overhauling much of the departments work as part of its larger effort to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How small can the Education Department get without Congress changing the law? Created in 1979, the Department of Education does not have control over curriculum or academic standards, as some suggest. Instead, those tasks are left to state and local governments. The agencys main role is actually financial. Annually, it distributes billions in federal money to colleges and schools and manages the federal student loan portfolio. Closing the department would mean redistributing each of those duties to another agency. The agency also plays an important regulatory role in services for students, ranging from those with disabilities to low-income and homeless kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Estimates from the South Carolina Department of Education show that federal funding accounts for more than $905 million of the $13.4 billion expected to be spent in public schools in the 2024-2025 school year. Much of that money for K-12 schools is distributed through large programs, such as Title I for low-income schools and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Those programs support services for students with disabilities, lower class sizes with additional teaching positions, and pay for social workers and other non-teaching roles in schools. Losing that funding, advocates warned, could have widespread consequences, impacting everything from staffing to afterschool programs. You may have schoolteachers lose their jobs over Title I positions, said Sherry East, president of the South Carolina Education Association. You could have special ed funding cut. You could have afterschool care thats dependent on some federal money cut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While federal dollars represent a small portion of the states overall education funding, about 7%, they often make up a larger percentage of the budget for small and rural districts. Take the Williamsburg County School District, for example. The district, which serves around 3,000 students, is set to receive roughly 14.5% of its total revenue from federal programs in the current school year. In nearby Charleston County School District, which serves about 50,000 students, only about 5.5% of its revenue comes from federal funding. I think it would devastate some of our districts, East said about potentially losing federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has offered no clear details on how the agencys dissolution might look, but McMahon offered a preview in a final mission message to staffers shortly after her confirmation on Monday. The message said the department will work with Congress and other federal agencies to determine the best path forward to eliminate bureaucratic bloat and turn over the agencys authority to states. This restoration will profoundly impact staff, budgets, and agency operations here at the Department, McMahon said, calling a review of the agencys programs long overdue. Removing red tape and bureaucratic barriers will empower parents to make the best educational choices for their children, the message continued. An effective transfer of educational oversight to the states will mean more autonomy for local communities. Teachers, too, will benefit from less micromanagement in the classroomenabling them to get back to basics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shifting some of the departments functions to the states raises other concerns for East, who questioned whether the state is adequately prepared to manage the additional funds. The best case scenario is they take the federal money, they send it down to the state, the state figures out what to do with it, she said. But do we even have that set up? The Heritage Foundations Project 2025, a far-right blueprint for the country, suggested sending oversight of programs for kids with disabilities and low-income children first to the Department of Health and Human Services before eventually phasing out the funding and converting it to no-strings-attached grants to states. Education chiefs from a dozen Republican-led states backed the block grant idea in a Jan. 28 letter to McMahon, pushing for greater control over federal funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By prioritizing state leadership and flexibility, the Trump administration can unleash the full potential of Americas schools and students, the leaders, including South Carolina Superintendent Ellen Weaver, wrote. They acknowledged that large-scale changes would require an act of Congress but asked the department to please defer to state and local decision making as much as possible in the meantime. As Republicans look for ways to make good on the administrations promises to cut spending and root out government waste, East cautioned against moving too fast. We want wasteful spending gone just as much as the next person, but what one person sees as wasteful, might be the lifeline to a family to have after-school care, she said. So we need to be sure of what were cutting and is it important to keep those programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press contributed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. President Donald Trump announced a proposal to extend citizenship to white South African farmers on Friday, citing what he claims is mistreatment at the hands of their government. Any Farmer (with family!) from South Africa, seeking to flee that country for reasons of safety, will be invited into the United States of America with a rapid pathway to Citizenship. This process will begin immediately! Trump wrote in a post to Truth Social. But legal experts say Trump alone has no ability to extend citizenship to favored groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This administration has become fixated on using executive orders to try to replace the function of Congress, Rosanna Berardi, managing partner of an immigration law firm, said in an interview. To create any type of visa classification that falls squarely on the shoulders of Congress. Berardi said the announcement is just another example of the Trump administration relying on executive orders that surpass the power of the president. He does not have the authority to do this. Executive orders can change policies, they cannot change law, she said, adding that the plan would very likely face immediate legal challenges. That view was echoed by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council. "One important thing to understand is that there is no such thing as a 'rapid pathway to citizenship," he wrote on Bluesky. "The quickest one is through marriage to a US citizen, where you only have to have a green card for 3 years (rather than 5) before you can apply. Trump can't create a new pathway without Congress." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Africa proposal is but one of several Trump has made that appear to run afoul of the law. Last month, immigration attorneys sounded the alarm over Trump's plan to sell Gold Card pathways to citizenship to ultrawealthy foreign investors, seemingly without congressional backing. Berardi said that, too, was an overstep, claiming that only Congress holds the power to create new visa programs. There's there's a lot of case law that backs up the facts he doesn't have the authority to do that, Berardi told Salon. On top of that, the proposal also makes it clear that the Trump campaigns promise to broadly shut down immigration wont be so clean-cut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, they want to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans. They're talking about terminating it for Ukrainians, but then at the same time they're saying, well, now we want South Africans in and now we want high-worth individuals, the gold cards, which I think is a really dangerous precedent for any country, she said. Berardi added that TPS also appears to be a stretch with regard to white South Africans. Typically TPS is reserved for countries where it's just egregious and obvious that it's not safe to be there. My understanding of the South African quote-unquote crisis is it only applies to a certain population, if you will, she told Salon. Farmers who Trump suggests are having their LAND and FARMS confiscated by the state, are generally land owners who amassed control over the agricultural sector during apartheid and have found a new ally in the second Trump administration. Many prominent Trump backers like billionaires Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, as well as David Sacks, have deep roots in apartheid South Africa. The president went so far as to sign an executive order condemning the egregious actions to counteract racial inequity and defend ethnic minority Afrikaners last month. That order directed his administration to start a refugee program for Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination. A national political advisor has proposed visa-free entry for degree-seeking foreign students to study in China as a way to attract global talent and strengthen the country's education sector. Professor Charles W. W. Ng, vice president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), speaks to China.org.cn in Beijing, March 5, 2025. [Photo by Zhang Rui/China.org.cn] Professor Charles W. W. Ng, vice president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), shared his vision while attending the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) as a member. The session is being held from March 4 to 10. Ng believes attracting foreign students to study in China has strategic importance. It spreads Chinese culture, philosophy and values through education while developing international talent who understand China, enhancing its cultural soft power and global influence. Additionally, it helps build a global talent pool that supports China's innovation-driven development. "As a key pillar of the national talent strategy, opening up education is essential for building a strong education and technology sector and a strategic move in global talent competition," the national political advisor stressed. The 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education, jointly issued by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council on Jan. 19, aims to enhance the nation's capacity to train and attract global talent. The plan calls for expanded youth exchanges between China and other countries and the implementation of international summer school programs while supporting Chinese universities in initiating and joining international scientific programs. "The deepening of international educational exchanges relies on convenient entry and exit policies," Ng said. "To realize the 2024-2035 master plan, we need to open our arms to welcome outstanding talent." Currently, foreigners studying in China receive either X1 or X2 visas, depending on whether their programs exceed 180 days. While applicants must submit standard documentation for both, Ng identified several issues with the system. The 180-day threshold fails to accommodate short-term exchanges, and the X1 visa application process isn't more streamlined than the X2 procedure. The inconvenient procedures discourage participation in short-term programs such as summer schools and camps that introduce international students to Chinese culture. Without an emergency visa channel, urgent academic exchanges face delays. Additionally, innovative programs like modular credit courses and cross-border training don't fit existing visa categories, potentially causing China to miss opportunities to attract international students. In recent years, the National Immigration Administration has implemented reforms to streamline entry for foreigners, particularly through visa-free policies that have improved customs efficiency. This inspired Ng to suggest a "one-year entry study permit" for degree-seeking students from the 25 countries with full visa exemption. This system would allow them to enter China visa-free with a university admission notice and later convert to a long-term study visa before the permit expires. Additionally, the approval service mechanism should be optimized by simplifying routine application materials, establishing a collaborative pre-approval channel between universities and embassies, and piloting a commitment-based approval model, Ng said. For non-degree study visas, Ng proposed that students from the 25 visa-exempt countries attending short-term programs under 180 days receive visas upon arrival. For programs exceeding 180 days, these students could enter China visa-free with program documentation and later convert to long-term visas. He also suggested expedited approvals for institutions on an approved whitelist. "I hope this can build a more flexible and convenient study visa service system," he said. "After piloting the program in the 25 fully visa-exempt countries and summarizing the experience, the initiative can be gradually expanded to attract more international students to China. This will provide strong support for advancing the opening up of education and contributing to building China into a leading country in education." Additionally, Ng proposed leveraging Hong Kong's role as a national window for international exchange. He suggested creating an influential academic conference system similar to the Gordon Research Conferences and establishing special research funds for international scholars in Hong Kong and Macao to support talent development. LANCASTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The Lancaster Police Department arrested two more suspects involved in the fatal drive-by shooting that occurred in September 2024. Police say both of the new suspects are juveniles, both charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. They have previously reported that the death of 18-year-old Jelani Jackson and other shootings that followed are gang-related. Second suspect arrested, charged in drive-by shooting that killed teen: Lancaster Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other suspects previously arrested are: Lamonte Roberts, 31, of Lancaster, Nov. 20, 2024 Kenyan Blair, 19, of Lancaster, Nov. 21, 2024, who was already in custody for an unrelated charge Preventing and addressing violent crime remains the top priority for the Lancaster Police Department, said Lancaster Police Chief Don Roper. Our committed officers and law enforcement partners have dedicated countless hours to resolving this violent incident. According to police, on Sept. 4, Jackson was killed in a drive-by shooting on Clinton Avenue. Between Sept. 5-11, there were five more related shootings, some leading to non-fatal injuries. The investigation into the incidents remains ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Stepan, 22, who endured Russian captivity has been rescued from the temporarily occupied left bank of Kherson Oblast. Source: Roman Mrochko, Head of Kherson City Military Administration Details: Mrochko reported that Stepans family reached out to him with a request to evacuate their son. During the occupation of Kherson, Russian forces detained and tortured Stepan before transporting him to the left bank, where he remained for the past two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stepan was unable to leave on his own due to constant surveillance by Russias FSB and occupying forces. Quote: "We know how the Russians unlawfully detain, interrogate and subject our citizens to physical and psychological torture. That is why I took on this case. Thanks to coordinated efforts, we were able to reunite not just one but two Kherson families this time: along with Stepan, the Angels unit evacuated a woman who was finally able to embrace her son, a serviceman." Details: Stepan's mother revealed that their entire family had been imprisoned by the Russians. Quote: "We were all civilian prisoners. My child was constantly tortured. We were held in the same torture chamber and I was forced to listen to them torturing my child. Then they separated us, and we didnt see each other for more than two and a half years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More details: Mrochko emphasised that Stepan's rescue was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Ukrainian Navys special reconnaissance unit Angels, the command of the Ukrainian Naval Forces, the United24 initiative and the Office of the President of Ukraine. Background: Recently, seven children were also brought back to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Among them was Stanislav, 16, who openly expressed his pro-Ukrainian stance by tearing down Russian flags, as well as Nastia, 11, who witnessed Russian troops abusing her parents. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggested on March 6 that Ukraine was to blame for the U.S. halting military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, saying that the embattled nation "brought it on themselves." The Trump administration halted U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine this week following a heated exchange between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 28. The decision are likely intended to put pressure on Zelensky in peace talks The halt in military aid leaves over $1 billion in weapons and ammunition undelivered to Kyiv, while the pause in intelligence sharing affects warnings against Russian drones and missiles striking Ukrainian military and civilian targets, Ukrainian and U.S. officials told the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The best way I can describe it is sort of like hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose," Kellogg said during a panel at the Council on Foreign Relations. "You got their attention." Zelensky issued a statement on March 4 in which he called the Oval Office clash "regrettable" and affirmed commitment to work toward peace under Trump's leadership, after the White House questioned Zelensky's commitment to peace. Trump had a real question about whether President Zelensky was committed to the peace process, and he said lets pause, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said on March 5. Kellogg's comments come following his visit Kyiv on Feb. 20 where he lauded the "positive discussions" he held with Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Extensive and positive discussions with (Zelensky), the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war, and his talented national security team," Kellogg wrote on X following the meeting. Earlier in the day on March 6, Kellogg said that the Istanbul talks can't serve as the basis for a Ukraine-Russia peace deal. The Istanbul agreements refer to negotiations between Ukraine and Russia held in Turkey in late March 2022, which outlined potential terms for a peace deal. Read also: He betrayed every one of us US soldiers in Ukraine speak out after Trumps military aid halt Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre has reported successful Ukrainian counterattacks on the Pokrovsk front, while Russian troops have made some progress in Russia's Kursk Oblast, where Ukrainian forces are conducting an operation. Source: Estonian public broadcaster ERR, citing Ants Kiviselg, Head of Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre, as reported by European Pravda Details: Kiviselg noted that Russian troops still hold the initiative, with the number of daily attacks remaining consistent with last week, averaging 109 attacks per day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "However, the Russian Federation has not managed to occupy as much of the Ukrainian territory as in December and January. The pace of advance has slowed down. Nevertheless, [Russian forces] are, unfortunately, still making gains at a tactical level," he said. Commenting on the situation in Kursk Oblast, Kiviselg noted that North Korean troops are again actively involved in hostilities. "Although Ukraine is conducting active defensive and offensive operations in Kursk Oblast and still holds 350-380 sq km, the Russian Federation has managed to recapture some territories, approximately 20-40 sq km, over the past week," he added. Kiviselg also highlighted that Russian troops have become more active in Ukraine's Sumy Oblast, likely aiming to weaken the Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He explained that Russia has intensified its efforts to advance towards the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast, attempting to break through Ukrainian defence lines. "Some tactical success has been achieved [by Russian forces], though in general, Ukrainian defensive lines are holding," Kiviselg said. In addition, Ukrainian troops carried out successful counterattacks near the city of Pokrovsk, stabilising the front line and liberating several villages in the area. Background: Earlier, UK Defence Intelligence reported that Russian forces in Ukraine have suffered 90,000 casualties killed and wounded since the beginning of 2025. UK intelligence also assessed the state of the Russian Armed Forces as of the third year of the full-scale war against Ukraine, detailing Moscow's losses. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! DECATUR The candidates for Decatur Public Schools Board of Education all agree that transparency and support for teachers and students are important issues. Six candidates are running for the four seats that will be up for election on April 1, with only one incumbent, Jason Dion, choosing to run for re-election. Alana Banks, Kevin Collins and Al Scheider all decided against running again. Joining Dion on the ballot are Karen Lauritzen, Tony Albertina, Kevin Hale, Christina Tyus and Devon Joyner. Early voting is underway at the new Macon County Annex Building, 151 W. Wood St., Decatur. With the search for a new superintendent coming up soon, as Rochelle Clark has announced her intention to retire in 2026; the new Dansby Magnet School opening in August; the Roadmap 2030 strategic plan for the next five years under development; approximately 90 teaching positions vacant, though many are covered by long-term substitutes; and reading and math achievement on state tests in need of improvement, the district has its share of challenges. Albertina is relatively new to the area. A Collinsville native, Albertina moved to Decatur 12 years ago and works for Decatur Park District. He served on the Collinsville school board, elected to that board at the age of 21. That district, he said, was on the state's financial watch list when he was elected, but during his two terms, had moved up two categories to financial recognition, and the board there had to make some tough decisions to accomplish that. (Being a school board member) is a thankless job, Albertina said. He wants it anyway, he said, because he loves Decatur and is disturbed by how few board members have run for re-election over the last several years. Having good schools, good places to play, all working together, makes it a great place to live, he said. It helps attract people to the community. Dion had a rough childhood. A Decatur native, Dion was pulled from school in sixth grade and said he understands students who have behavior issues and difficulty in traditional classroom settings. I don't think that just because you make a bad decision in life, we give up on you, which is the issue with some of our students today. They don't see a path post high school, Dion said. So I think that on the school board we have the opportunity to create programs to provide hope to students. It goes back to how do we improve, increase jobs, how do we make Decatur better. Dion said due to his childhood, he developed mental health issues that still affect him today, and he wants to find ways to offer a helping hand to Decatur kids in the same position. Hale, a teacher who plans to retire at the end of this school year, said it's also one of his priorities to create more options for alternative education for students who don't thrive in traditional classrooms. He was one of those students. We need a true alternative school that deals with social and psychological issues, and if need be, the spiritual issues of our students because right now we are moving to where we just eliminate kids, Hale said. We're not afraid to remove them from the schools and put them on the streets and push our problems down the line. They could have done that to me because of all the social issues I had, but they didn't. They invested in me and because of that, I'm standing here right now. He is a proponent of the cell phone ban and said he believes there is too much reliance on technology. One thing I'm never going to give up on is Decatur's children, he said. I see their gifts every day. I see their talents every day. We need to follow all state guidelines, and push all things through, and make sure we're budgetarily transparent and make sure we love and care for each child that walks through our doors. As executive director of Old Kings Orchard Community Center, Joyner works with kids every day who face daunting challenges. My biggest priority is listening, Joyner said. Everyone has a plan, and sometimes if you don't have all of the tools, and know the barriers or information to come to a solution, then you're just kind of tossing things at a board and hoping that it sticks. My thing right now is I have a general concept of what teachers and administrators do, but I don't know their jobs, struggles, and challenges. When kids are acting out at school, Joyner said, it means something is going on and he hopes the district can provide the help those kids need to be successful. We have to find common ground, he said. We have to work as a community, as neighbors or friends or family, and that's why listening is priority for me. Lauritzen is also an educator who was a classroom teacher for 21 years in other states before moving to Decatur and joining the Millikin University faculty, where she teaches future teachers. Her husband teaches at Dennis Lab School and their son is a student at MacArthur High School. She was named the 2023 Idaho Teacher of the Year. I was the first person in my family to go to college, she said. I graduated in Alaska, and got my master's degree in special education so I could understand the children in my classroom better. I got my Ph.D so I could help grow the next generation of teachers and I'm really excited I get to do that. I believe that kids can do anything. Decatur's kids are capable of amazing things, and I think we can do a lot better for our kids here in Decatur. I have a lot of great ideas and a lot of ways I think we can do that. As a military veteran, Tyus knows the importance of organization and strong leadership. She grew up in Decatur and attended Decatur schools, and credits the district with providing her opportunities to excel. Every child deserves the same transformative opportunities I received, said Tyus, who is president of the Illinois Central Jurisdictional Youth Department and creates programs for young leaders. She also serves as a foster parent. Through my work as a youth leader, I've seen how one caring adult and the right resources can change a child's life trajectory, she said. I want to support teachers through robust recruitment and retention. My military service has taught me that strong leadership means providing your team with strong support and resources to succeed. Teachers are overwhelmed with class sizes and administrative burdens. I will create dedicated mentor programs, partnering veteran educators with new teachers for professional development programs. When we invest in our teachers, and we truly listen to their needs, we can focus entirely on what matters most, our children's education. PARIS (AP) The disposal of what Paris police called an excessively dangerous unexploded World War II bomb caused hours of transportation chaos Friday on rail and road networks in the French capital, including the suspension of high-speed train links with London and Brussels. Having moved the bomb into a hole, disposal experts managed to unscrew and then destroy its fuse, like you see in the movies, said Christophe Pezron, who heads the Paris police laboratory that includes bomb disposal services. He said that the half-ton British-made bomb could have caused major damage had it exploded after workers inadvertently dug it up with an earthmover. But the police operation that made the bomb safe before it was then taken away triggered major disruption for hundreds of thousands of rail travelers and motorists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bomb was dug up near train tracks north of Paris, forcing a shutdown of the rail network serving Gare du Nord, France's busiest station. A portion of the A1 highway a major road artery into northern Paris and sections of the capitals always-busy beltway were also closed while police disposal officers worked. Were delighted and relieved that all this has come to an end, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot was able to finally declare Friday afternoon 12 hours after the bomb-disposal police were first called as roads reopened and rail services were progressively being restored. The minister said that almost 500 trains had been canceled, impacting around 600,000 people at Gare du Nord that serves not only Paris' northern suburbs and northern France, but also international destinations in the U.K., Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. All of the northern part of our country was paralyzed, Tabarot said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eurostar, the operator of high-speed trains through the Channel Tunnel that joins England with the European continent, said that normal traffic would resume Saturday between Paris and Brussels and Paris and London, after Friday's full day of cancellations. Hundreds of commuter, regional and high-speed train services between Paris and its suburbs and towns and cities in northern France were also canceled. Travel plans thrown into disarray Gabrielle Cotton, a tourist from the U.S. state of Missouri, was traveling by train from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Paris, but got no further than Brussels. I heard the girl next to me her parents called her and said that there was a World War II bomb found in the train station, she said. They told us we had to get off in Brussels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retired Parisian Michel Garrot also found himself stranded with his wife in the Belgian capital. Theres no solution. Were going to call the hotel and stay one more day. And change our train ticket, he said. At Eurostars hub in London, St. Pancras International station, passengers scrambled for alternatives. Fridays are invariably busy with thousands of weekend travelers. Paris-bound passengers were advised to try taking trains to Lille in northern France, or fly. Bride-to-be Charlotte Liddell had a bachelorette party her own to get to in Paris and wanted to join friends already in the French capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the hen do without the hen! she said. Were very upset, but its so out of our control. Eurostar said that it sincerely apologizes for the disruption and understands the inconvenience this may cause." The bomb was dug up overnight Workers laboring overnight on a bridge-replacement project spotted the rust-eaten, dirt-covered bomb before dawn Friday, after it was found by an earth-moving machine at a depth of about two meters (six feet), between train tracks to the north of Gare du Nord, national rail operator SNCF said. Bomb disposal services arrived within the hour and set up a 200-meter security perimeter, later extended to 500 meters. Pezron, the police lab director, said that the bomb could have exploded had it been struck accidentally with workers' tools or shaken too vigorously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morning rush-hour travelers arriving at Gare du Nord to catch trains were greeted by bright-red signs warning of disruptions, lines of passengers seeking information and ticket exchanges, and barriers blocking access to the Eurostar terminal. The Gare du Nord habitually hosts 700,000 travelers per day, making it the busiest rail hub in both France and Europe, the SNCF says. Deadly legacies of World War I and II Bombs left over from the battles fought in France and its skies in both world wars are regularly unearthed, even more than a century later, although it's rare that they cause such widespread disruption in people-packed Paris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's the fourth one we've found in this area since 2019, Pezron said. In World War II, Allied forces' bombing raids flattened towns and cities in the Normandy region northwest of Paris, but didn't wreak destruction on the same scale on the French capital. Still, factories, train lines and other targets in and around Paris were bombed repeatedly, killing more than 3,600 people and wounding thousands more, according to city archives. The Interior Ministry says that since World War II's end in 1945, disposal teams have defused 700,000 air-dropped bombs and made safe nearly 50 million mines, shells and other explosive devices. ___ Alex Turnbull in Paris, Sylvie Corbet in Brussels, and Jill Lawless in London, contributed to this report. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration is weighing a ban on Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek from U.S. government devices over national-security concerns, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday. U.S. officials are worried about DeepSeek's handling of user data, which the company says it stores in servers located in China, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news. Administration officials are also considering banning the chatbot from app stores and putting limits on how U.S.-based cloud service providers could offer DeepSeek's AI models to their customers, the Journal said, adding that those discussions are still at an early stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeepSeek's low-cost AI models triggered a major sell-off in global equity markets in January, as investors worried that its arrival could threaten current AI market leaders. A group of 21 state attorneys general urged Congress on Thursday to pass a bill to bar government devices from downloading and using DeepSeek artificial intelligence software on government devices. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper and David Shepardson in Washington and Harshita Meenaktshi in Bengaluru; Editing by Mark Porter) Trump has paused US aid to Ukraine, sparking concerns for the future of US weapons there. Ukraine is particularly worried about the Patriot systems that protect Kyiv from Russian missiles. Europe doesn't have a direct replacement to offer, and its arsenals aren't deep. Ukraine's US-made Patriot air defense systems have protected its capital, Kyiv, and other cities from Russian attacks. But President Donald Trump's recent moves threaten its future in Ukraine, and Ukraine's allies in Europe have little to replace it with if they need to make up a Patriot deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That puts Kyiv and its millions of residents under serious threat. For Ukraine, the Patriot is "the most-capable, longest-range air defense system they have," Justin Bronk, a leading airpower expert at the UK's Royal United Services Institute, told Business Insider. It's been "absolutely critical," he said, and if US aid stops, "Europe has no direct equivalent to Patriot" to give. Europe's options The MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system, primarily manufactured by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, has taken down missiles and planes over Ukraine, and has helped keep Russia's devastating air force at bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine now reportedly operates six Patriot systems at undisclosed locations around the country. Patriots have been seen as a huge success, despite Ukraine and warfare experts repeatedly stating it never got enough. Ukraine also suffered missile shortages for the systems it did receive. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Ukraine's president, told BI earlier this week that losing access to Patriots is a particular concern for his country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy standing in front of a Patriot during a visit to Germany. Jens Buttner/Pool via Getty Images And Europe doesn't have its own direct replacement it can offer. Bronk said the "closest thing" is the SAMP/T, developed by France's Thales and multi-national European MBDA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it lacks the "absolutely critical" Patriot feature: Its ability to shoot down fast-moving ballistic missiles. He said it "has a degree of ballistic missile capability, but it's not as capable as Patriot." The West, generally short on air defenses, has rushed to make new systems, like the UK-designed Gravehawk. But the Gravehawk was designed for slower targets like cruise missiles, and far fewer have been made compared to Patriots. Ukraine's booming defense industry is also making a Patriot rival, but having it operational and in big enough numbers would take years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine had some of its own anti-ballistic missile capabilities at the start of the war, but they have run out. George Barros, a Russia expert at the Institute for the Study of War, told BI that Ukraine has no "easy replacement system that can fill the shoes of the Patriot system, and neither do the Europeans have a commensurate system that they can deploy at scale." That is also demonstrated by how much Europe and other US allies rely on Patriots for their own defenses. The US, Barros said, "has a monopoly on European air defense." Few to spare Other Ukraine allies have Patriots they could give it in fact, Ukraine has previously identified many Patriot systems it said its allies could spare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the US can block the sharing of US-made weapons going forward. The missiles used by the Patriot are also made in the US, heightening that fear. German and Ukrainian soldiers stand in front of Patriot systems in Germany. Jens Buttner/Pool/Getty Images Retired Australian Army Maj. Gen. Mick Ryan, now a warfare strategist, told BI that Europe is building different air defense systems, but will "find it hard to plug the gap of Patriots unless they send their own Patriot systems." For his part, Barros said Europe has to consider how many Patriots it could send without degrading its own air defenses, given other countries are increasingly afraid Russia could attack. Ryan described Europe as already "at the limit" of how many Patriots it could send. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Ukraine thinks its European allies can spare more, it remains to be seen how Trump's actions will shift their thinking. Mark Cancian, a senior advisor on defense and security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told BI that Europe has a spectrum of equipment that could be put together to largely do the job of the Patriot but the problem is how much equipment Europe feels it can give. A hero in Ukraine Patriot missiles have stopped Russian attacks, including ballistic missiles the Kremlin bragged were unstoppable. They also took down a Russian A-50 spy plane, something a senior US Army officer at the time called "historic." A Patriot system firing. SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images Ukraine has received Patriot systems from the Netherlands, Germany, and the US, with the first ones arriving in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They're known to be stationed near the capital, and Barros described them as "incredibly important for protecting Ukraine's decision-making nerve center in Kyiv." The city has been largely protected both by Ukraine's military pushing Russian forces back early in the war and its air defenses stopping Russian attacks. Ukraine's future Ukraine's European allies have vowed to keep supporting it, and many countries are now giving their largest-ever aid packages and pledging to make up any gaps left by the US. But there are obstacles: Europe has manufacturing problems, and creating new pieces of weaponry takes years. In short, the will to spend is not the only issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, Trump's moves could push the continent closer together. Europe is already contributing more aid to Ukraine than the US roughly $143 billion to date compared to about $124 from the US, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and Europe has committed billions more that's still to be allocated. But if access to US-made Patriot air defenses becomes harder, Ukraine will likely experience a lot more pain. Read the original article on Business Insider On Wednesday night, the Utah Legislature passed a bill establishing a precedent between Big Tech and its users in Utah. HB418 grants users the right to own, control and manage their data, ultimately changing the business dynamic between users, advertisers and platform owners. It ensures that users can permanently delete their information, the bills floor sponsor, Majority Assistant Whip Sen. Michael Mckell, R-Spanish Fork, said during the Senate vote on Wednesday. This turns users into customers instead of products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKell noted that social media companies have prioritized monetizing personal data by designing their platforms to maximize ad revenue rather than enhance user experience. He argued that when users can move their data freely, platforms must compete for ad dollars and user trust, safety and satisfaction. Though the bill passed, Sen. John Johnson, R-North Ogden, opposed HB418, arguing against government-impose regulations, emphasizing a concern in harming business by limiting data access and potentially pushing social media companies away from Utah. Utah actually prides itself on being friendly to business, but now we want to put up barriers, he said. Heres what I believe is going to happen with this, and that is that that all of a sudden, Facebook and others are going to decide just to firewall off Utah because they cannot meet this interoperability requirement that youre setting up for them. I think thats a barrier to business. I think its bad business. However, the bills sponsor, Rep. Doug Fiefia, R-Herriman, told the Deseret News that six states are closely watching what becomes of this bill. Utah is leading the nation with this legislation, he said. As more people demand transparency and control over their data, we hope to see this movement grow nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was a bipartisan effort because ensuring individuals not corporations have the final say over their personal information is not a partisan issue, he added. Im proud of the work weve done, and I appreciate the overwhelming support from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. This is about protecting Utahns and ensuring that they not big tech companies decide how their data is used. Protecting against online harms The legislature isnt the only government body advocating against the harm social media poses to users, particularly minors. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and the Attorney Generals Office, led by Derek Brown, have remained vigilant in holding social media platforms like TikTok accountable. Last year, the Utah Division of Consumer Protection filed a complaint against the video-sharing platform, accusing them of knowingly allowing minors to be sexually exploited on their live stream feature. TikToks design tactics encourage and allow it to profit from crime and the sexual exploitation of children, the suit states. These deceptive and unconscionable practices violate Utahs Consumer Sales Practices Act and harm Utahs consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, the United States Supreme Court cleared the path for a ban on TikTok, deciding that a policy mandating the apps ownership change does not violate free speech rights. The app, owned by ByteDance, a private Chinese company, was banned in the country for less than 24 hours on Jan. 18. In a recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll conducted by HarrisX, 805 Uthans were asked whether or not they support the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the congressional ban on TikTok. DN-TikTok More supported it than opposed it. Republican voters (30%) were also slightly more likely than Democrat voters (24%) to strongly support the decision. The poll, conducted from Feb. 18 to 25, has a margin of error of +/3.5 percentage points. Although the app is available for download again across all platforms in the U.S., the Trump administration continues to advocate for a deal that would put the platform under U.S. control, preventing foreign entities from accessing American user data. J. Robert Oppenheimer was born in New York City on April 22, 1904. Oppenheimer graduated with a chemistry degree from Harvard University and a doctorate in physics from the University of Gottingen in Germany by the age of 23. Oppenheimer traveled around Europe between 1927 and 1936, meeting and working with some of the greatest minds in the 20th-century scientific community, including such prominent physicists as Albert Einstein, Neils Bohr, Ernest Lawrence, Edward Teller and Enrico Fermi. Advertisement In 1936, Oppenheimer began teaching at the University of California Institute of Technology, where "Oppie" and his students pushed the field of quantum physics into unknown territory. As war broke out across Europe and the United States was being pulled into the fray, the U.S. military appointed Oppenheimer to oversee a secret project in the deserts of New Mexico that would alter the course of human history forever. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attends a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force at the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2025. Xi delivered an important speech at the meeting. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called for reaching a successful conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for military development. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force at the third session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's national legislature. Xi called for efforts to strengthen confidence, face challenges head-on, and implement the requirements for high-quality development to achieve the established goals and tasks on schedule. Over the past four-plus years since the implementation of the plan, a series of significant achievements have been made, while there are also many challenges and issues that need to be addressed, he said. Xi called for pursuing a high-quality, highly efficient, cost-effective and sustainable path of military development to ensure that its outcomes withstand the test of time and real combat. Xi highlighted the importance of using modern management concepts and methods, and continuously improving strategic management systems and mechanisms to implement the plan in a more systematic, holistic and coordinated manner. Stressing intensified joint civil-military endeavors, Xi urged efforts to effectively leverage the strengths and resources of civilian sectors to enhance the quality and efficiency of military development. Calling for the accelerated development of new quality combat capabilities, Xi urged efforts to improve a swift response and rapid transformation mechanism for advanced technologies. He also demanded the establishment of a sound and effective oversight system to thoroughly investigate and address corruption. European leaders, still reeling from vice-president JD Vances frank but cautionary speech at the Munich Security Conference, seemed stunned by last weeks White House meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. But even before he was re-elected, Trump had made it clear that some old certainties of trans-Atlantic relations no longer hold. Most obviously, Americans are less willing to subsidise Western Europes low defence spending while they go into increasing debt pursuing impossible green energy targets and maintaining unsustainable social benefits. Europeans appear surprised that Trump is holding them more accountable for their own policy priorities while putting American interests first. Yet thats what he said hed do. But this is about more than differences on matters of policy. Many have read Trumps best-selling Art of the Deal for insight into his unique negotiating style. To help understand what really happened during the Trump-Zelensky dust-up, however, there is another book they should read: JD Vances autobiographical Hillbilly Elegy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hillbilly is slang for the people who settled in and around the southern Appalachian mountains. Many descended from the Protestant Scots who were sent to settle Ireland after Oliver Cromwell ruthlessly pacified it. These Scots-Irish were of necessity a tough people, and violent when provoked. In a time when no one shuts up about their trauma, reading Vance plainly discuss a childhood that truly qualifies as traumatic, while drawing lessons from it and emerging stronger, is a model of American stoicism. Vances sympathetic but honest portrayal of his origins shows hes proud of his culture, yet has been able to overcome its limiting aspects. JD Vance discusses his childhood in his book Hillbilly Elegy Vances father was out of the picture for much of his life. His mother was afflicted by drug addiction and poor relationships. The strongest figures in young JDs life were his maternal grandparents, Mamaw and Papaw. Mamaw was a singular Appalachian matriarch: profane, tough as nails, armed to the teeth, and ready to go through hell for her family. Hillbillies are known to be fiercely loyal to family and suspicious of strangers. Their inhospitable mountains, foothills, valleys, and hollers (hollows), once peopled, were not then re-settled by later waves of migrants like the rest of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hillbillies propensity for generational strife is exemplified by the Hatfields and McCoys, a legendary 19th century family feud that is still part of American folklore. As Vance describes it, in hillbilly culture, no perceived slight to family honour is easily let go. One American president who would have understood this is Andrew Jackson (1828-1836), who grew up in the Carolina foothills, and to whom Trump is sometimes compared. As a 13-year-old, Jackson was beaten by a British soldier during the American Revolution, an insult he never forgot. Jackson was later a successful general in the War of 1812, where he led the United States to victory in the Battle of New Orleans. He once killed a man in a duel to protect his reputation and that of his beloved wife, Rachel. Like Jackson, Vance took the best from his upbringing and overcame the worst. Barely 40, Vance has had a meteoric career from the Marines, to Yale Law School, the Senate, and now the vice-presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watching his irritation when Zelensky aired grievances inside the Oval Office was a reminder of Americas, and particularly Appalachias, honour culture and what happens when guests are judged to breach the code. Zelensky failed to read the room, as CNNs Scott Jennings explained. His hosts felt insulted. Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump and JD Vance in the Oval Office last Friday - Brian Snyder/REUTERS There are some hard truths about Ukraine that Americans instinctively understand, but our elites, and European elites, seem determined not to get. Ukraine is not Czechoslovakia or Cuba or Vietnam. It is a unique 21st century conflict that requires a tailored solution and not tired appeals to support Zelensky for as long as it takes, which as Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts has written, hardly amounted to a real strategy. No one thinks that Ukraine can reclaim all of the land that Russia took since 2014. Other than outright defeat, then, the only option remaining is a truce like that which froze the Korean War, leaving no one happy but ending the fighting before Ukraine runs out of men, weapons, and allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Heritages Victoria Coates recently explained on Fox News, after two years were now in a math situation where Putin simply has more soldiers and material, so we need to get to a negotiated settlement before were fighting to the last Ukrainian. To make this a moral question is pointless. Putin was wrong to invade, but he did. If Europe expected the US to keep footing the bill with no plausible end in sight, they must think again. Unless the Europeans are willing to put up the means and men to keep him tilting at the windmill, a deal has to be struck with Russia. And Zelenskys public intemperance cost his country some bargaining capital. Simon Hankinson is a former US diplomat who served in Africa, Asia, and Europe Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Star scientist Bill Nye and others in the field held a rally Friday afternoon at the Lincoln Memorial. Former National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) were expected to join the scientists for the Stand Up for Science event on the National Mall. The protest is centered around President Trumps attempts to cut government spending, particularly drastic cuts in funding for research institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fridays event, according to The Washington Post, was something of a revival of the 2017 March for Science during Trumps first term. The rally was scheduled to begin at noon EST. Watch a replay of the coverage above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The damaged remains of a home in Bayou Dularge on Sept. 12, 2024, one day after Hurricane Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) Some 138,000 Louisiana customers of Liberty Mutual can expect a small refund on their homeowners insurance after the company overcharged them for the past four years, according to the state insurance department. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said the policyholders were billed too much for an assessment that every homeowner pays to fund the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which covers property owners who cannot get policies on the private market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overcharges total approximately $4 million. The error occurred because Liberty Mutual has failed to make annual adjustments to the assessment since 2021, when it charged policyholders 2.49% of their premium to support Louisiana Citizens. The surcharge should have decreased every year, bringing the rate to 1.36% for this year, Deputy Insurance Commissioner John Ford said. The mistake came to light in February when the Louisiana Department of Insurance said it received a consumer complaint about the Louisiana Citizens assessment charged on their Liberty Mutual renewal notice. Temple said the company has acknowledged its error, and his agency will monitor repayments to ensure customers are refunded. We regret the error, and we are working closely with the Louisiana Department of Insurance on a plan to refund impacted customers as quickly as possible, a Liberty Mutual spokesperson said in an email to the Illuminator. The amount of refunds will depend on the customers total premium and the difference between 2.49% and what they should have been assessed on their bills. For example, a customer paying a $4,000 homeowners insurance premium paid a $100 Citizens assessment last year based on the 2.49% rate, when they should have been charged $68 for a 1.7% rate. Their refund for 2024 would be $32. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The correct assessment rates for 2022 and 2023 were 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively. The insurance department is determining whether any regulatory action against Liberty Mutual is warranted and whether any other insurers have made a similar mistake, though its news release said the overcharge appears to be an isolated incident. The Louisiana Citizens assessment has been placed on homeowners insurance bills since 2005 to help the state pay off borrowing to cover damage claims that followed hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The assessment rate has been gradually lowered over the years and will end entirely next month. Liberty Mutual will adjust its assessment charge to 0% effective April 1, according to the insurance department. State officials are directing policyholders with questions to contact the company or their agent. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Todays Friday Five includes a new ABC Store, Chick-fil-As delayed opening, the Democrats meeting, Old Courthouse Theatre celebrating 50 years, the war on litter, and a rant. No. 1 A new southside ABC Store in Concord. The Concord ABC Board bought the former Badcock Furniture location on Warren C. Coleman Boulevard. The plan is to build a new store on an out parcel nearest the QuikTrip Convenience Store. The building and the surrounding property, except the out parcel, will be sold since the ABC Board no longer needs it. The building was a Harris-Teeter many years ago and a couple of other things, including a Troutman Barbecue before Badcock. Troutman Land Investment owned the property and sold it to the ABC Board. Tax records indicate the sales price was $2.4 million. No. 2 The opening of Chick-fil-A has been delayed. The new Chick-fil-A at The Village off Concord Parkway was supposed to open on Thursday, March 6, but issues with permitting from the city of Concord have pushed back the opening. The owners say they are about 90 percent sure that the new opening will be next Thursday, March 13. I cant wait to see inside. The old location at Concord Commons in front of Walmart closed on March 25. No. 3 Democrats planning sessions. The Cabarrus County Democratic Party will hold the annual precinct organizing meeting from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 22, at Concord High School, 481 Burrage Road, Concord. It is open to registered Democrats who live in Cabarrus County. Get more information online at https://www.cabarrusdems.org. No. 4 Its the Golden Anniversary of the Old Courthouse Theatre. The latest newsletter for OCT went out recently, and it announced the primary lineup for the coming season. As many of you know, Mary Snead Boger had a vision to start a community theatre in Concord in 1976. Today, we celebrate her vision by announcing Old Courthouse Theatres 50th Season: Our Golden Season. Each play chosen has been a prize winner in its history, the newsletter said. Season tickets, flex passes, and individual show tickets go on sale on May 1. Season tickets include the five main stage shows. Youth productions are not included in the package. There is an announcement video that can be seen online here: The main stage programs are: The Foreigner by Larry Shue, with auditions June 8-9, and performances Aug. 7-17. Company, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, from the book by George Furth, with auditions Aug. 3-4 and performance Oct. 9-19. A Christmas Carol adapted by Michael Paller and based on the story by Charles Dickens, with auditions Sept. 28-29, and performances Dec. 7-14. A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, with auditions Dec. 7-8 and performances Feb. 12-22, 2026. Kiss me, Kate from the book by Samuel and Bella Spewackl and music and lyrics by Cole Porter, with auditions Feb. 22 and 23, 2026, and performances April 30 to May 10, 2026. For ticket information or more on other productions at the OCT, visit https://octconcord.com. No. 5 The war on litter is cranking back up. E.L.K (Eliminating Litter in Kannapolis) announced its spring clean-up schedule, with the first on Saturday, March 29, on West 8th Street from 10 a.m. to noon. We are very excited about the future of E.L.K., said Rita Bliven, the leader of E.L.K. We are officially a 501c3 and looking to expand our impact. We are currently working on fundraising and are hopeful that we will be able to offer our volunteers a scholarship opportunity. The other clean-up dates will be April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon and May 24 and June 14 from 9-11 a.m. The winter was rough, and I see a lot of litter out there, Bliven said. I know many Kannapolis citizens want to help clean things up. We met a hard-working couple who took matters into their own hands to clean up Centergrove Road. It was in bad shape but much better now, thanks to some good Samaritans. Get more information about E.L.K.s efforts at elk21.org. No. 5A Time for a rant. Downtown Concord looks great after all the construction, but I have a few complaints. Would you expect anything else? The square at Union and Cabarrus looks sharp, with the compass in the middle of the street signifying the city quadrants: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest. You know, those things Concord has added to the end of your street address. I like the nice crosswalks, too, but theres the rub. Mash the button to cross the street, and you get Wait! Wait! Wait to cross Ca-BAR-us. Thats right, Ca (maybe it should be ka) BAR us. All that money the city spent, and you cant pronounce our name right! Somebody down at Concord City Hall needs to get this fixed. They got it right at Corban and Union. The speaker doesnt say, un-yun and Corban. And while were at it those who say Conquered stop it. And if you say Mid-lun, say it right. Its Mid-LAND. L-A-N-D is not pronounced L-U-N. The other complaint I have is smoking and vaping outside Lil Roberts. I hate smoking, and we shouldnt have to walk through it to get to Cabarrus Creamery (if its ever open) or to get down the street. I appreciate all the hard work Lil Robert does, but dang, man, can your folks puff their poison somewhere beside the public sidewalk? Before, it was just in the area right outside the door. Now, with the extended sidewalk, Lil Roberts has seating and standing near the street. The walkway is between the two areas where folks drink and smoke. If you have a Friday Five, story suggestion or something I can rant about, email mplemmons@independenttribune.com or call or text 704-786-0001. Survey reveals urgent need for prioritisation of network and security architecture transformation and adoption of a Zero Trust Resilient by Design approach for cyber resilience strategies in the face of inevitable future attacks COMPANY NEWS: A global survey from Zscaler, the leader in cloud security, has revealed a critical disconnect between IT leader confidence in their organisations ability to weather upcoming failure scenarios like cyberattacks and the effectiveness of current security approaches. According to the survey conducted by Sapio, which incorporated responses from 1,700 IT decision makers across 12 countries, almost half (47%) of Australian IT decision makers believe their IT infrastructure is highly resilient and 97% think their current cyber resilience measures are effective. Contradicting this confidence, almost one-third (32%) of Australian IT leaders havent reviewed their cyber resilience strategy in over six months, and only 32% report their strategy is up-to-date in preparation for modern attacks in response to the rise of AIshowing a disconnect between the level of confidence and taking action. The threat landscape evolving and the devastating impact of ransomware attacks, with Australia ranking as the seventh most targeted country, organisations must evaluate their ability to respond to and plan for attacks making it crucial to transition to a zero trust architecture. Cyber resilience requires greater prioritisation and urgency from leadership Examining the disconnect between confidence levels and current strategies highlights a lack of investment from organisational leadership as a key friction point. Australian respondents indicate that a majority of leaders understand the growing importance of having a robust cyber resilience approach, but only a minority (35%) believe it is one of their leaders top priorities. This prioritisation is reflected in the amount of budget assigned to cyber resilience strategies, with over half (52%) agreeing that the level of investment doesnt meet the escalating need. From a total cost of ownership perspective, this suggests that spending additional funds on a legacy security model that isnt working requires a new approach which can be accomplished with zero trust. It is also evidenced by the lack of cyber resilience involvement from leadership. For most organisations, the burden of cyber resilience planning falls to IT leaders and their teams. Only 39% of Australian IT leaders say they have the CISO, for example, actively participating in any resilience planning. Further evidence of cyber resilience being siloed is the fact that only 33% of IT leaders say their cyber resilience strategy is included within their organisations overall resilience strategy. The possibility of a major failure scenario for organisations is not an if but when, as the statistics in our report show, said Jay Chaudhry, CEO, Chairman and Founder, Zscaler. It proves the need for proactive resilience to combat and mitigate inevitable incidents before they become a significant issue for business continuity. Proactive resilience is essential to address incidents before they threaten business continuity. Cyber resilience is foundational to overall business resilience, and outdated firewalls and VPNs allow persistent attacks, making a zero trust architecture crucial for defending against advanced threats. Leadership must collaborate with IT teams to develop a strong cyber resilience strategy based on Zero Trust, preparing for and mitigating the impact of sophisticated AI-driven attacks. We call this becoming Resilient by Design. Prevention is overprioritised compared to response & recovery Over half (53%) of Australian IT leaders believe their organisation overly prioritises prevention with splits showing that over two fifths (43%) of cyber security strategies and budgets are focused on prevention, at the expense of response or recovery. This suggests that most organisations are not prepared for what would happen if a failure occurred and would struggle to recover business operations as quickly as needed. Even among those organisations focusing their efforts on prevention, fewer than half are deploying each of the following proactive security tools to contain the blast radius of cyberattacks and mitigate further damage: risk hunting (41%), Zero Trust micro segmentation (32%,) and deception technologies (34%). With the evolving threat landscape and our report finding 48% of Australian organisations experienced a significant failure scenario in the past six months, a robust and proactive resilience strategy is now more critical than ever, said Eric Swift, Vice President and Managing Director, ANZ at Zscaler. Were regularly identifying Australia among the top targeted countries for ransomware, phishing, and encrypted attacks, and with the report showing 75% of organisations are anticipating a breach, the Resilience Factor is crucial. The Australian governments recent direction to prevent installation and use of DeepSeek from all government devices, citing security concerns, underscores the importance placed on national resilience. This decisive action reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding against emerging threats and highlights the necessity for organisations to align their security frameworks with evolving regulations to enhance resilience in an increasingly complex threat landscape. A Zero Trust architecture enables a Resilient by Design approach To mitigate cyber resilience risk, organisations should embed visibility and control into their security strategy. Understanding failure scenarios more quickly and thoroughly based on the insights from an AI-powered cloud security platform to mitigate the blast radius of an incident strengthens the resilience posture. This outcome is what Zscaler enables with a Resilient by Design approach. Because cyber threats evolve and advance so quickly, Zscaler leverages AI to dynamically adjust access based on changing risk. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange reduces risk across all four stages of the attack chain and supports a Resilient by Design approach: Minimise the attack surface Prevent initial compromise Eliminate lateral movement Stop data loss The full survey report, Unlock the Resilience Factor: Why Resilient by Design is the Next Cyber Security Imperative can be downloaded via this link. Zscaler Cyber Resilience Report Methodology In December 2024, Zscaler commissioned Sapio Research to conduct a survey of 1,700 IT decision makers (IT leaders) across 12 markets (Australia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, UK & Ireland, US). These IT leaders work at companies with 500+ employees and across industries. About Zscaler Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across more than 150 data centers globally, the SSE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the worlds largest in-line cloud security platform. Attention to detail is crucial when maintaining cybersecurity within an organisation. Security controls must be consistent and robust and extend to every aspect of the system. However, it must be noted that adversaries only need to identify one or two vulnerabilities to breach an enterprises defences, making it clear why they continue to find ways to infiltrate systems. This issue is particularly pronounced in cloud environments, where the vast amounts of data and numerous users interacting with it can create opportunities for misconfigurations. Malicious actors can exploit such lapses, leading to unauthorised access to sensitive information. These security oversights can result in significant financial losses, reputational harm, and other collateral damage if not addressed. Over the past year, several high-profile data breaches linked to insufficient enforcement of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) have cost companies tens of millions in ransomware payments and have exposed the personal information of over 100 million customers to the dark web. Recent statistics from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) indicate that the frequency of reported data breaches in the first half of 2024 reached its highest level since 2021. From January to June 2024, there were 527 breach notifications, reflecting a 9% increase compared to the latter half of 2023. While some of these breaches were significant in scale, their underlying causes are alarmingly typical. According to the 2024 Elastic Global Threat Report from Elastic Security Labs, nearly 50% of the security failures in Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud environments stemmed from encryption and account misconfiguration issues. Many of these problems can be remedied with straightforward configuration adjustments. In contrast, others highlight the need for more rigorous policies and monitoring to prevent user actions that could inadvertently elevate the risk of successful attacks. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Customer-Managed Encryption Keys (CMEK) for BigQuery The primary risk of data exposure for organisations utilising Google Cloud Platform (GCP) arises from incorrectly configuring encryption in BigQuery, a cloud service designed for storing and searching data across various scenarios. Companies frequently rely on BigQuery to handle their most crucial datasets, particularly for tasks such as large-scale data analysis, report generation, and the integration of data into machine learning models. Due to its extensive usage and the sensitive information it manages, BigQuery is an appealing target for cyber attackers. Most security lapses related to this service are associated with users operating BigQuery tables without implementing Customer-Managed Encryption Keys (CMEK). CMEK is essential because it allows organisations to maintain greater control over the encryption keys used within their cloud environment, tailored specifically to their datasets. Customers can use CMEK to decide when to rotate, destroy, or disable their encryption keys, which adds an additional layer of security and helps maintain the confidentiality of key materials beyond the control of cloud providers. The first step to effectively secure data in GCP involves regulating access policies for BigQuery datasets to block anonymous or public access. To further minimise the risk of exposing these datasets, it's essential to implement stringent organisational policies that require the use of CMEK across as many supported services as feasible. Google Cloud Platform Customer-Supplied Encryption Keys (CSEK) for Virtual Machines (VM) The second most common security misconfiguration in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) relates to virtual machines (VMs), which are becoming increasingly vital in todays computing infrastructure. As organisations increasingly migrate their workloads to the cloud, the popularity of VMs continues to rise due to their ability to scale resources flexibly and provide distinct environments for code development and testing. Nonetheless, improper configurations in VM security and host policies can leave critical workloads vulnerable to various attacks, including unauthorised access. A prevalent oversight is the failure to enable Customer-Supplied Encryption Keys (CSEK), which accounts for nearly half of the security failures within GCP virtual machines. Like Customer-Managed Encryption Keys (CMEK), CSEKs are essential for ensuring data privacy, as they grant customers complete control over the encryption of their data. Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) must be diligent in their policies to mandate the use of CSEK and ensure that virtual machines are secured through regular patching, updates, and the implementation of features such as shielded VMs and disk encryption. Amazon Web Services (AWS) MFA Delete in Simple Storage System (S3) Organisations often misconfigure the Simple Storage System (S3) component of Amazon Web Services (AWS). The SS3 is an AWS object storage service that lets users store and retrieve data. S3 is used for a myriad of applications, including backup and restore, disaster recovery, archiving, data lakes and big data analytics, hybrid cloud storage and content distribution. Failure to enable MFA for delete privileges is one of the most common security lapses in S3 configuration, allowing bad actors to gain access to valid credentials to delete or modify content stored within the service. Many companies also overlook the configuration of S3 buckets to block public access, which leaves them vulnerable to unauthorised access. Networking issues are the second most prevalent security failure in AWS environments after S3 misconfigurations. The primary issue is often the misconfiguration of ingress access to networks within AWS. In these cases, the policies associated with resources may allow traffic from any IP address or portboth administrative and otherwiseinto Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) networks. This can leave applications hosted on Amazon's EC2 virtual servers vulnerable. To safeguard against this, CISOs must implement strict controls on network access, limiting it to trusted IP addresses and necessary ports. This step is crucial in preventing threat actors from performing vulnerability scans and fingerprinting web servers, which could lead to unauthorised remote access breaches. Microsoft Azure Storage Account Misconfigurations Similar to AWS S3, one of the most prevalent security misconfigurations in Microsoft Azure is associated with storage accounts. These accounts play a crucial role in many enterprises' cloud infrastructures, offering scalable storage solutions for various types of data. Unlike Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and AWS, however, there isn't a standout misconfiguration primarily responsible for exposing vulnerabilities in Azure. Instead, attackers can gain unauthorised access by exploiting several frequently misconfigured settings within Azure. A major issue is the failure to activate infrastructure encryption for each storage account and the lack of restrictions on storage account access via private endpoints. For this reason, CISOs managing Azure environments should prioritise the protection of sensitive data at rest by implementing an additional layer of encryption. This acts as a crucial safeguard against potential intrusions and data theft, especially if other security measures are compromised. Additionally, they should restrict access to Azure virtual networks, allowing only private and trusted endpoints. Ultimately, these security oversights can be traced back to a lack of policy enforcement. Top cloud service providers offer the necessary tools to limit storage and network access and empower users to encrypt and decrypt their data. CISOs are responsible for prioritising safety over convenience and implementing the strictest policies possible for their platforms and users. NEC Australia has appointed Mike Sellars as its new Vice President Chief Technology Office (CTO). NEC says the newly created role reinforces its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for government and enterprise clients, as the company continues to accelerate its focus on ushering in a new era of innovation and technology leadership. Based in Perth home to NECs Australian Centre of Excellence (CoE) in digital government Sellars appointment reflects NECs continued investment in the region, strengthening national capability while deepening engagement with customers and partners in Western Australia, notes NEC. NEC says Sellars is a senior IT executive with over 25 years of experience leading in technology strategy, innovation and business transformation. He returns to NEC after previously holding senior roles within the company, including key contributions to NECs GovNext program. Most recently, Sellars served as Chief Technology Officer at Datacom, leading national strategic initiatives, digital solutions, and technology-led service evolution. With deep expertise in technology strategy, commercial management, architecture, and IT service innovation, Sellars is well-positioned to lead NECs technology direction into the future. Keith Morrison, Senior Vice President Digital Government | Digital Finance at NEC Australia, said Sellars appointment is a key step in NECs broader strategy to strengthen its technology strategy and innovation capabilities. The appointment of Mike Sellars as Vice President of our newly created Chief Technology Office underscores NECs commitment to our next era of technology leadership and innovation in Australia, says Morrison. With his extensive expertise, industry knowledge, and proven track record, Mike will be instrumental in shaping NECs technology direction and delivering high-value, future-ready solutions for our clients. As Vice President Chief Technology Office, Sellars will oversee solution development, advance NECs architecture practice and drive the evolution of NECs digital and managed services offerings. Sellars said: NEC has a strong legacy of delivering innovative, high-impact technology solutions, and Im excited to build on that foundation. With a focus on driving technology strategy and enhancing NECs digital and managed services, I look forward to working with the team on transformative solutions for our customers. NEC said Sellars appointment is part of the companys broader strategy to strengthen its senior leadership team, positioning the company for its next phase of growth and innovation. In recent months, NEC has welcomed several senior leaders, including Godwin Chai as Head of Sales Australia and Lynne Barry as Vice President of Legal & Compliance, following the retirement of Paul Reed. These appointments underscore NECs commitment to building a world-class leadership team to meet the evolving needs of its clients, NEC concluded.. Construction workers close a lane of Fred Redmon bridge on interstate 82 as they work to redeck the road on Sept. 12, 2018 near Selah, Wash. Traffic was reduced to one lane on the eastbound side of the bridge. Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. Flash Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives at the European Union headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Feb. 9, 2023 for the EU member states' special summit. [Photo/Xinhua] European Union (EU) leaders on Thursday greenlighted plans to enhance the bloc's defense capabilities and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. At a one-day special summit here, the leaders endorsed the ReArm Europe plan introduced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday. The EU leaders agreed to activate the national escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact in a coordinated manner, which allows for increased defense spending and provides immediate budgetary flexibility across EU member states, according to a statement released after the meeting. They called on the Commission to explore further measures, while ensuring debt sustainability, to facilitate significant defense spending at the national level in all member states. The leaders also acknowledged the Commission's proposal for a new EU instrument that would offer member states up to 150 billion euros (161.8 billion U.S. dollars) in loans backed by the EU budget, according to the statement. They urged the European Council to "examine this proposal as a matter of urgency." Trump has been pressing European partners to take more responsibility for their own defense, warning that the U.S. may not protect its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies who fail to meet spending targets. His remarks have raised concerns in the EU, prompting calls for stronger collective defense efforts. In a separate statement, 26 EU leaders expressed their support for Ukraine, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban notably absent from the agreement. The leaders approved the bloc's stance that there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine and that the Europeans must be involved in any talks involving their security. The EU has recently found itself sidelined in the peace talks, while the U.S. takes center stage in the negotiations. They also vowed to continue financial support for Ukraine, committing 30.6 billion euros in 2025. Of this, 12.5 billion euros will be disbursed through the Ukraine Facility, while 18.1 billion euros will come from profits generated from immobilized Russian assets, according to the statement. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollar) President Donald Trumps drive to slash diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts misinterprets their intent and could hinder the very merit-based advancement he claims to favor, observers in the Triad with varying perspectives on the issue say. That disconnect is evident in attacks by Trump and other DEI opponents whose narrow perspective misrepresents the actual objectives of such programs, critics argue. DEI has become a misunderstood term subject to various interpretations in part because it captures a large and varying basket of programs and initiatives, explained Wade Maki, a UNC Greensboro instructor who serves as a faculty leader for the entire UNC system. In the early days of his second administration, Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating what he called illegal and immoral DEI programs within the federal government and discouraging the use of such initiatives in the private sector. The presidents Jan. 22 order protects the civil rights of all Americans and expands individual opportunity and fulfills the Constitutions promise of colorblind equality before the law, the White House declared at the time. Corporate stalwarts such as Amazon, Google, McDonald's, Meta, Target and Walmart are among companies that have dropped programs aimed at creating and maintaining a diverse workforce and offering equitable opportunities for advancement. But supporters counter that DEI initiatives are what truly expands individual opportunity by leveling an organizational playing field traditionally tipped toward white males. The objective should always be to advance merit by eliminating barriers and biases that, too often, leave talent on the table, said Maki, who was careful to note he was speaking in his role as a faculty member and chair of the UNC System Faculty Assembly, and not on behalf of UNCG and its leadership. When this is done right, we will eliminate barriers and biases and enhance merit. This benefits both individuals and organizations. 'Strategic consequences' Like several of the presidents recent executive actions, his DEI order is being challenged in court. But rhetoric alone from Trump and other critics regarding inclusive policies can be damaging, warned Stephen Smulowitz, a business professor at Wake Forest University who studies corporate governance and diversity. One concern is the pushback against DEI initiatives can create the perception that employees who have excelled on their own merits were hired only as DEI candidates, Smulowitz said. For organizations, this shift has strategic consequences. For example, research has shown that diverse leadership teams and boards of directors contribute to improved decision-making, enhanced stakeholder engagement and, in many cases, increased innovation. If organizations create an environment where certain employees feel their achievements are questioned, they risk losing key talent and weakening the very governance and strategic advantages that diversity helps build, Smulowitz said. Maki pointed to Trumps unsubstantiated assertions that diversity initiatives within the Federal Aviation Administration and the military may have been a factor in the Jan. 29 collision in Washington between an Army helicopter and American Airlines flight that killed 67 people. The president made his comments while the investigation into the incident was in its early stages and victims were still being pulled from the Potomac River. If we value (merit-based advancement), this questioning of competence needs to end and we as individuals and within organizations should support proven methods of broadening our talent pool to talented people of all backgrounds, Maki said. 'We have to do 10 times more' It's increasingly common for local governments, particularly in larger urban areas with diverse populations, to count minorities among their upper management. However, diversity or a perceived lack thereof also can become a source of tension at the municipal level. Carrboro Town Manager Patrice Toney, a Winston-Salem native, split the first quarter-century of her career in stints with the city and Forsyth County governments before assuming her current role in May Toney moved on from her hometown after being passed over in the search for a new city manager in the summer of 2023 following the retirement of longtime leader Lee Garrity. The hiring process took on racial overtones as a divided city council settled on Pat Pate, then city manager in Manassas, Virginia, for the top job. Pate and another finalist, Ben Rowe (also a Winston-Salem assistant city manager) are white. Toney was the sole Black finalist. Pates selection touched off objections from the local chapter of the NAACP and the Ministers Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity, a group made up mostly of Black clergy, who saw the city councils action as a snub to Toney. Three of the councils four Black members backed Toney, who expressed her own frustration after councils 5-3 vote for Pate. As a woman, and a Black woman, we have to do 10 times more to prove ourselves and show that we are capable of leading, Toney told the Winston-Salem Journal at the time. This decision reflected that they are just not ready for a woman leader. I am qualified and I have proven myself. In December, however, Toney referred to her experience in Carrboro as "thrilling" and Mayor Barbara Foushee called the manager's early work "amazing." Thought we were past that On the federal level, Stan Meiburg, who spent nearly four decades at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, including three as acting deputy administrator, noted that he is particularly troubled about the potential impact of anti-DEI rhetoric on individuals within the EPA and other agencies. I'm neither a woman nor a minority, so I'm not really in a good position to comment from any kind of personal perspective, but it does make me think about all the extraordinary people whom I worked with who were in those categories and were extraordinarily competent and had achieved the things they'd done because they worked like crazy and were tremendously talented, said Meiburg, now executive director at Wake Forests Sabin Family Center for Environment and Sustainability. The fact that anybody would have license to discount that just by saying, Oh, well, really, the world only works best when white men run it, I mean, I thought we were past that, he concluded. The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ordered five member states, Hungary among them, to pay financial penalties for failing to fully comply with the European Union's directive on the protection of whistle-blowers, the CJEU said. Hungary was ordered to pay 1.75 million euros. Germany will have to pay 34 million, the Czech Republic 2.3 million and Luxembourg and Estonia 500,000 euros each in one lump sum, the statement said. The European Commission tabled the draft legislation on the protection of whistleblowers on breaches of EU law in 2018. The proposal included an obligation of confidentiality and a prohibition of penalising whistleblowers, as well as outlining concrete measures to protect them. Member states adopted the proposal in October 2019, the deadline for transposing it into national law expired at the end of 2021. Source: MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881. ********************************* 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. Explore the enchanting capital of Hungary, Budapest, and beyond with unparalleled freedom and flexibility by choosing the car rental company that suits you best. This guide aims to equip travelers with all the essential information needed to smoothly navigate through Budapests historic streets and breathtaking landscapes by car. Key Considerations for Renting a Car in Budapest Embarking on a journey through Budapest with a rental car requires some planning. Essential considerations include having a valid driver's license (held for at least one year), possessing a credit card for security deposits, and adhering to age restrictions (typically 21 years and above). To ensure a seamless car hire experience in Budapest, it's advised to consult with your chosen rental agency regarding their specific terms and requirements. How to Secure Your Ideal Car Hire in Budapest Securing a car rental in Budapest is a seamless process. With an array of reputable car rental agencies offering convenient online booking, availability at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, and various locations throughout the city center, finding your ideal vehicle, specifying rental duration, and arranging suitable pickup/drop-off locations is straightforward. Agencies often provide the flexibility of different pickup and return locations, accommodating your unique travel itinerary. Minimum Age Requirement for Car Rentals in Budapest The standard minimum age requirement to rent a car in Budapest is 21 years. However, some agencies might set higher age limits for specific car models or charge additional fees for drivers under a certain age. It's important to confirm these details directly with your car rental provider. Choosing from Popular Rental Car Options in Budapest Budapest offers a diverse range of rental cars to suit every preference, from compact city cars perfect for navigating narrow streets, to spacious midsize vehicles for family comfort, and sturdy SUVs for adventurous outings. Those seeking a touch of luxury or a unique driving experience can opt for premium and specialty vehicles available for rent. Flexible Rental Durations to Match Your Itinerary Car rentals in Budapest are designed to cater to your schedule, whether you need a vehicle for a day trip, a week-long exploration, or even longer. This flexibility allows you to discover Budapest and its surroundings at your own pace, without the constraints of public transport schedules. Budget-Friendly Car Rental Options in Budapest Budget Car Rental in Budapest stands out for offering a wide selection of vehicles that cater to every taste and budget, from cost-effective models to high-end luxury cars. Their competitive pricing and strategically located offices make Budget Car Rental a favored choice among savvy travelers. Why Budget Car Rental is Your Go-To Option in Budapest Choosing Budget Car Rental in Budapest means opting for a service that combines affordability with quality. Their reputation is built on providing excellent customer service, a diverse vehicle selection, and competitive pricing. They are dedicated to making your car rental experience in Budapest as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Who is Budget Car Rental? Budget Car Rental is a renowned global car hire brand with a strong presence in over 120 countries, boasting more than 3,900 locations worldwide. In Hungary, Budget has been offering its services since 2015 through Otokoc Otomotiv, part of the prestigious Koc Holding. Known for its exceptional customer service, Budget Car Rental merges global reach with local expertise. What Recognitions Has Budget Hungary Achieved? Budget Hungary's dedication to excellence is widely acknowledged, earning it the "Car Rental Company of the Year" award multiple times, in addition to the prestigious "Superbrands" award. These accolades highlight our commitment to delivering top-notch service and value to our customers. What Services Does Budget Hungary Provide? Serving both private and corporate clients, Budget Hungary offers a spectrum of rental options ranging from short to long-term hires. Our mission is to ensure driving pleasure with a wide array of additional services and a frequently updated fleet, guaranteeing the best value and service at reasonable prices. What Sets Budget Hungary Apart from the Rest? Choosing Budget Hungary for your car rental needs means opting for a company that prioritizes value, customer satisfaction, and quality service. Our industry accolades, commitment to innovation, and focus on delivering a premium car rental experience solidify Budget as the premier choice for car rentals in Budapest and beyond. You can find more information on their website here. This food park is set to become a major center for fruit and vegetable processing in India. It will use modern technology to produce juice, juice concentrate, pulp, and paste. The processing unit will be especially important for Nagpurs famous oranges and other citrus fruits. In addition to citrus fruits, the park will also process mango, guava, pomegranate, papaya, strawberry, tomato, and carrot. There will also be a state-of-the-art packaging unit to maintain global quality standards. This investment will not only increase production capacity but also help develop regional infrastructure. Farmers will benefit as Patanjali will buy directly from them and encourage them to adopt organic farming. This mega food park will strengthen agriculture and turn Vidarbha into a major industrial hub, giving a new boost to the regions economy. (This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.) The Patanjali Mega Food & Herbal Park, located in the Multi-Modal International Cargo Hub and Airport area in Nagpur, is set to begin operations on March 9, 2025. The foundation for this food park was laid in September 2016, and it is now ready to become a major center for fruit and vegetable processing. This food park is specially designed for processing citrus fruits like oranges, sweet limes, and lemons. Every day, it will process 800 tons of fruits to produce juice, juice concentrate, pulp, paste, and puree. Additionally, tropical fruits like mango, guava, papaya, pomegranate, strawberry, apple, pear, tomato, and carrot will also be processed. Modern technology will be used in this park to ensure that all products are natural and free from preservatives. Moreover, the leftover parts of citrus fruits will be used to produce oil-based and water-based aroma products. The food park will purchase crops directly from farmers, helping them increase their income. (This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.) Holi, often referred to as the "Festival of Colors," is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India and across the world. It marks the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and the celebration of love and unity. Holi 2025 is expected to take place on March 14th, and it will once again bring people together in joyous revelry, symbolizing the triumph of positivity and togetherness. But what exactly is the significance of Holi, and why do we celebrate it every year? Lets dive into the history, cultural importance, and customs of this exciting festival:- What is Holi? Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. Known as the "Festival of Colors," it involves people throwing vibrant colors at each other, dancing to traditional music, and celebrating with food, sweets, and festive drinks. While it is a time for revelry, Holi also carries deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, making it more than just a colorful celebration. History of Holi: The Story Behind the Festival The origins of Holi date back to ancient Hindu mythology. The most popular story associated with Holi is that of Holika and Prahlad. The Legend of Prahlad and Holika The story is rooted in the Bhagavata Purana and revolves around a demon king named Hiranyakashipu, who ruled with cruelty and tyranny. He considered himself to be invincible and demanded that everyone worship him as a god. However, his son Prahlad, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, refused to worship his father and instead continued to worship Lord Vishnu. Enraged by his sons devotion, Hiranyakashipu sought to kill Prahlad. He enlisted the help of his sister, Holika, who was immune to fire. Holika lured Prahlad into a burning pyre, hoping to kill him. However, due to his devotion to Lord Vishnu, Prahlad was unharmed, and Holika, who tried to harm him, was consumed by the fire instead. This story symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is one of the key reasons why Holi is celebrated with bonfires, known as Holika Dahan, to signify the burning away of evil and the victory of righteousness. The Significance of Holi 1. The Victory of Good Over Evil At its core, Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil. The legend of Prahlad and Holika is a reminder that faith, devotion, and goodness will always triumph over hatred and evil. By celebrating Holi, people remember that justice and righteousness will ultimately prevail. 2. The Arrival of Spring Holi is celebrated at the onset of spring, a season of renewal and vibrancy. The festival marks the end of the harsh winter months and the beginning of the warmer, more pleasant spring season. The throwing of colorful powders symbolizes the blossoming of flowers, representing the joy and beauty of life that comes with the change of season. 3. The Celebration of Love and Unity Holi also has a romantic aspect. It commemorates the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha. In various regions, Holi is celebrated as a symbol of their eternal love. The festival also promotes unity, as it encourages people to come together regardless of caste, creed, or social status. The act of smearing colors on each other is a symbol of equality, where everyone is covered in the same vibrant hues, signifying the breaking down of societal barriers. 4. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Holi is a time to let go of past grievances and start afresh. People use the occasion to forgive others and seek forgiveness, making amends with friends, family, and loved ones. The festival fosters a sense of togetherness and healing, creating an atmosphere of goodwill. How is Holi Celebrated? Holi is marked by a series of customs, rituals, and festivities that vary across different regions in India. Here are the key celebrations that take place: 1. Holika Dahan The evening before Holi, people gather around a bonfire to celebrate Holika Dahan. This ritual symbolizes the burning away of evil and the victory of good. People often perform prayers around the fire, singing traditional songs, and celebrating with their communities. 2. Playing with Colors The main event of Holi is the playful throwing of colored powders, known as gulal, on friends, family, and even strangers. The colors represent joy, vitality, and the colorful beauty of life. Its common to see people covered head to toe in bright hues, laughing, dancing, and celebrating together. 3. Traditional Foods and Drinks Holi is also a festival of food. People prepare special sweets and treats, such as gujiya (sweet dumplings filled with dry fruits and khoya), mathri (crispy fried snacks), and thandai (a traditional spiced drink, often made with milk, nuts, and herbs). 4. Music and Dance Holi is incomplete without music and dance. Traditional folk songs and bhajans (devotional songs) are sung, and people dance to the rhythm of the drum. In modern celebrations, Bollywood music also adds to the vibrant atmosphere, with people dancing freely in the streets. 5. Regional Variations While Holi is celebrated all over India, there are some regional variations: - In Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm, often spanning several days. The "Lathmar Holi" in Barsana is a famous tradition where women playfully beat men with sticks during the celebrations. - In Bengal, Holi is called "Dolyatra," and it is celebrated by swinging idols of Radha and Krishna on decorated swings. - In Punjab, the festival is celebrated with the "Hola Mohalla" procession, where people engage in mock battles and display their strength. Why is Holi Celebrated in 2025? Holi in 2025 will continue to be celebrated for the same reasons it has been for centuries: to mark the arrival of spring, celebrate the triumph of good over evil, promote love and unity, and provide an opportunity for forgiveness and reconciliation. As we approach Holi 2025, it will serve as a reminder of the importance of spreading love, joy, and positivity, while also embracing diversity and inclusivity in our communities. Holi is more than just a colorful festival; it is a celebration of life, love, and hope. It carries rich historical and cultural significance that goes beyond the fun of throwing colors and dancing in the streets. The story of Holi teaches us the power of devotion, the importance of kindness and love, and the need to forgive and reconcile. As you prepare for Holi 2025, remember to embrace the joy and unity that come with the festival, and spread happiness and positivity wherever you go. Celebrate Holi with your friends and family, enjoy the festivities, and, most importantly, celebrate the spirit of togetherness and love that this beautiful festival represents. Following her arrest at Bengaluru Airport in a gold smuggling case, Kannada actress Ranya Rao informed the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) that she had not only travelled to Dubai but also to Europe, America, and the Middle East. While confessing to the crime in her first official statement given to the DRI, she admitted that authorities recovered 17 gold bars from her possession. However, the actor did not share further information with authorities and sought time to "take some rest, according to an India Today report. Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of Director General of Police (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, is under the radar of authorities due to her frequent trips to Dubai. According to media reports, the Kannada actor has travelled to the city 30 times in the past year, four times within just 15 days, allegedly smuggling kilos of gold on each trip. In the statement, Rao said, "I accept that 17 pieces of gold bars were recovered from my possession. I would request you to keep the proceedings as private as possible," as quoted by India Today. During the questioning, she also revealed that she had travelled to several countries. "I have travelled to Europe, America, and the Middle East and have visited Dubai and Saudi Arabia. I wish to state that I am tired at present as I did not get enough rest," she stated. Furthermore, Ranya Rao reiterated that she is ready to fully cooperate with the DRI in the ongoing investigation. She also clarified that she faced no coercion and that her testimony was given voluntarily. Ranya, known for her roles in Kannada films like 'Maanikya' and 'Pataki,' was detained earlier this week by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in her alleged connection to a gold smuggling case after returning from Dubai on March 3. Authorities allege that Ranya was carrying 14.8 kilograms of gold, which she intended to smuggle into the country, according to ANI. Searches were carried out at her residence, and gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore were also recovered. Ranipet: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to commence engineering and medical education in Tamil in the state. Targeting the chief minister on the language issue, especially given Stalin's opposition to Hindi, Shah said the Narendra Modi government effected changes and now ensured that the CISF aspirants could write the exam in their respective regional languages. "Now the PM Narendra Modi government has ensured that the exam can be written in Tamil too," the home minister said, speaking at the 56th Raising Day of the CISF at RTC Thakkolam in Ranipet, about 70 km from Chennai. He further said, "I appeal to the Tamil Nadu chief minister to start the engineering and medical education in Tamil in the state for the benefit of students." He said Tamil Nadu's culture played a vital role in strengthening India's cultural stream. "Be it administrative reforms, attaining spiritual heights, education or the unity and integrity of the nation - Tamil Nadu has reinforced Indian culture in every sphere," Shah said at the event, which was marked by a spectacular march-past of continents, yoga display and commando operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a swipe at the Congress, saying those who have zero seats may not be able to count the zeros in Rs 32 lakh crore loans disbursed by the Centre under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana targeted at micro enterprises. Notably, the Congress failed to open its account in the February 5 assembly polls in Delhi, where the BJP emerged victorious. In the process, the Grand Old Party earned the dubious distinction of scoring a hat-trick of zeros in Delhi assembly polls. The PM, addressing a gathering in Surat city of Gujarat, noted there was a time when the poor were not even allowed to enter a bank if he wanted to take a loan for his small business. "Banks used to ask for a guarantee against loans. From where a poor person would arrange his guarantee? Thus, a poor mother's son, Modi, decided to become the guarantor of every poor," said the PM. "We have disbursed Rs 32 lakh crore to poor citizens under MUDRA so far. Those who abuse us, those with zero seats may not be able to count the zeros in Rs 32 lakh crore," said the BJP stalwart, taking potshots at the Congress. Launched in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is a flagship scheme of the Centre to extend affordable credit to micro and small enterprises. Modi was addressing the gathering after launching a food security saturation campaign in Surat city. He said the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign will serve as an inspiration for other districts to achieve the goal of 100 percent saturation of various government schemes. "No one will be unhappy when no one is left behind (in journey of growth). We want to leave behind the system of appeasement and achieve satisfaction. In Surat, nearly 2.25 lakh new beneficiaries have been identified by the administration. Now, they will get free ration under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana," averred Modi. The PM said he can very well understand the pain of the poor when it comes to securing food. Modi pointed out his government has streamlined the public distribution system (PDS) by weeding out five crore bogus ration cards. The Centre's goal is to provide proper nutrition to every family of the country to fight problems like malnutrition and anemia, he emphasised. Targeting past Congress governments, the PM asserted the people of India were tired of hearing the "garibi hatao (remove poverty)" slogan for nearly 50 years. "People were tired of hearing garibi hatao slogan for nearly 50 years. This slogan was raised in every election campaign, but no one was able to remove poverty. My government succeeded in lifting 25 crore people out of poverty in the last 10 years," he highlighted. The PM maintained the income tax exemption up to Rs 12 lakh, announced in the Union budget for 2025-26, will benefit salaried class, small businesspersons and workers. "We took several steps for the middle class too. The latest relief in income tax will benefit salaried employees, shopkeepers and entrepreneurs. Now, they have to pay zero tax on an annual income up to Rs 12 lakh. We did something which others never thought of," observed the PM. On the eve of International Women's Day on March 8 (Saturday), the PM announced he will hand over the operation of his social media account to women to mark the occasion. He maintained countless women had shared their success stories on NaMo app on his appeal. "Tomorrow, on the occasion of Women's Day, I will handover my social media handles to some of these inspirational women who have played an important role in the development of society as well as the nation. This initiative will inspire other women," noted Modi. The PM is on a two-day visit to his home state. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress in Karnataka after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented his record 16th Budget. The BJP said that appeasement is at its peak in the Congress regime. Taking to X, BJP listed out measures announced in the budget, especially for the Muslim community including reservations for Muslim contractors. "Reservation for Muslims in government contracts; Rs 50,000 assistance for Muslim simple marriages; Rs 150 crore for infrastructure development of Waqf properties & graveyards; Rs 50 lakh for Muslim cultural programs; New ITI college to be set up in Muslim-dominated areas; 50% fee concession for Muslim students under KEA; Residential PU college for Muslim girls in Ullal town; Increase in National & Foreign Scholarships for Muslim students; Expansion of Bengalurus Haj Bhavan with additional buildings; Self-defense training for Muslim girl students," the BJP listed out the pro-Muslim schemes while adding, "What about SCs, STs, and OBCs? Absolutely nothing!" Scam CM @siddaramaiah in Karnataka presents a Halal Budgetappeasement at its peak! Reservation for Muslims in government contracts 50,000 assistance for Muslim simple marriages 150 crore for infrastructure development of Waqf properties & graveyards 50 lakh pic.twitter.com/Ts3ZrnYai1 BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) March 7, 2025 BJP state president Vijayendra Yediyurappa said that the 'appeasement budget' lacks real growth initiatives. "Karnataka Budget 2025-26: A Congress Blueprint for Appeasement, Not Progress! While farmers struggle with debts & crop losses, rural Karnataka suffers from a lack of roads, power & irrigation, SC/ST hostels remain underfunded, youth are deprived of skill development & jobs, and Congress has prioritized appeasement over real development," he said. Karnataka Budget 2025-26: A Congress Blueprint for Appeasement, Not Progress! While farmers struggle with debts & crop losses, rural Karnataka suffers from lack of roads, power & irrigation, SC/ST hostels remain underfunded, youth are deprived of skill development & jobs, Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) March 7, 2025 The BJP state president further added, "Where is the budget for real growth? Farmers, youth & rural Karnataka are left behind while Congress focuses only on its vote bank. This is not governance, this is a betrayal of Karnatakas future!" He further slammed the Budget for not having proposals for major investment in rural employment and alleged that job creation has been sidelined while vote bank politics took center stage. The Ministry of Defence said on Friday that it has signed a contract with Rosoboronexport (RoE) of the Russian Federation for T-72 Tank engines. In a statement, the Defence Ministry said that the deal is worth $248 million and involves the transfer of technology. "The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with. Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russian Federation worth $ 248 million for procurement of 1000 HP Engines for T-72 Tanks in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi-knocked down conditions. The deal also includes the Transfer of Technology (ToT) from M/s RoE to M/s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai, for integration and subsequent licensed production of engines under ToT to boost the "Make in India' initiative in Defence Sector," said the ministry. T-72 is the mainstay of the tank fleet of the Indian Army which is at present fitted with a 780 HP Engine. Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1000 HP engines will enhance the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Indian Army. Earlier in January this year, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory, a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, for the procurement of 47 Tank-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLT) for the Indian Army at a total cost of Rs 1,560.52 crore. The BLT is a critical equipment which is employed to launch bridges during offensive/defensive operations by Mechanised Forces. It provides integral bridging capability to the Tank and Armoured Vehicle fleet enhancing the battlefield mobility and offensive capability. The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, on Friday presented the state budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the Legislative Assembly and stated that the government launched a new Industrial Policy 2025-30 that aims to create 20 lakh jobs by 2030. Karnataka is poised to achieve a GSDP growth rate of 7.4 percent, outpacing the national growth rate of 6.4 percent, Siddaramaiah stated. He further said, Karnataka is one of the fastest-growing states in India, contributing 8.4 percent to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Key Decisions In Budget 2025-26 1. Guarantee Schemes: The Karnataka government allocated Rs. 51,034 crores for the implementation of various guarantee schemes in the current fiscal year. Siddaramaiah also mentioned that the government has managed these guarantees while maintaining fiscal discipline, adhering to the fiscal deficit norm of 3 percent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and a debt-to-GSDP ratio of 25 percent over the past two budgets. 2. Agriculture Sector's Boom: The Karnataka CM said that the agriculture sector has registered a positive growth of 4 percent in 2024-25 after registering a growth rate of -4.9 percent in the previous year. Furthermore, he emphasised that this growth has also outpaced this years all-India agricultural growth rate of 3.8 percent. He also credited the growth of the agriculture sector to the governments proactive interventions to encourage Kharif sowing, normal monsoon, and adequate reservoir levels. According to IANS, Rs 44,000 crores was allocated to various departments for farmer welfare schemes in the previous year. This year, the state government has allocated Rs 51,339 crores for the farming sector. 3. Infrastructure Development: The state government has also launched the Chief Minister's Infrastructure Development Program (CMIDP) with an investment of Rs 8,000 crores and will focus on enhancing minor irrigation, road networks, and urban infrastructure across all legislative assembly constituencies, ANI stated. 4. Industrial Policy 2025-30: The government has launched an Industrial Policy 2025-30 that aims for industrial growth at 12 percent and to create 20 lakh jobs by 2030. Commending the industrial sector, CM Siddaramaiah said that it has achieved 5.8 percent growth in the current year, and to attract large investments, the government has committed financial assistance and subsidies of Rs 13,692 crores. 5. Tackle Corruption and Boost Citizens' Trust in the Government: The government will introduce a new counseling-based transfer system for Group-B and Group-C posts across key revenue-generating departments. These departments will include Commercial Tax, Excise, Stamps and Registration, Transport, and Mines and Geology. Furthermore, as per ANI, technology-driven governance measures will be implemented. Over Rs 1 lakh crore has already been directly transferred to beneficiaries' bank accounts, eliminating intermediaries. Also, Rs 233 crores, on average, have been disbursed per assembly constituency under the government's guarantee schemes to strengthen citizens' trust in the administration. 6. Service Sector's Dominance: CM Siddaramaiah, in the budget presentation, also stated that the service sector is the dominant component of the economy of the state, accounting for 66 percent of Karnataka's Gross Value Added (GVA). The sector has achieved a growth rate of 8.9 percent in the year 2024-25, exceeding the national average growth rate of 7.2 percent, CM Siddaramaiah said. According to ANI, policies in tourism, IT, and biotechnology are expected to bring in investments worth Rs 1 lakh crores, with Rs 13,500 crores committed toward subsidies and financial assistance. 7. Revenue-Sharing Between State and Centre: Karnataka has advocated for a fairer revenue-sharing mechanism with the central government, proposing a 50 percent share of the divisible pool for states, ANI reported. Karnataka has also called for capping cesses and surcharges at 5 percent of gross tax revenue, with excess funds being part of the divisible pool. Moreover, state revenue is expected to grow by 10.3 percent year-on-year in 2024-25, with non-tax revenue projected at Rs 14,500 crores, reflecting a 10.5 percent increase from the previous year. To further enhance non-tax revenue, the government has formed a Resource Mobilization Committee, which has submitted its interim recommendations. On the other hand, the Karnataka BJP launched an attack on the Congress budget of the state and posted on X, Scam CM @siddaramaiah in Karnataka presents a Halal Budgetappeasement at its peak! Scam CM @siddaramaiah in Karnataka presents a Halal Budgetappeasement at its peak! Reservation for Muslims in government contracts 50,000 assistance for Muslim simple marriages 150 crore for infrastructure development of Waqf properties & graveyards 50 lakh pic.twitter.com/Ts3ZrnYai1 BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) March 7, 2025 (with agencies' inputs) BENGALURU: Karnataka's Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) will be disbanded as the state has become 'free' of the outlawed members, state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday. He made the announcement while presenting the state budget for FY 2025-26. He also announced strengthening of the Cyber Crime Division. Law and order plays an important role in the economic development of the state, he said, adding zero tolerance policy has been adopted against those who disrupt social harmony and strict and decisive action is being taken. "Six underground naxals have surrendered before the naxal surrender and rehabilitation programme committee during our government tenure. With this, Karnataka has become naxal-free and hence the anti-naxal force will be disbanded," Siddaramaiah said. He said the surrendered naxals will be brought to the social mainstream and to provide basic facilities in the affected areas, a special package of Rs 10 crore will be formulated. Further, the Bengaluru Safe City project has been implemented at a cost of Rs 667 crore, the CM said. As part of the project, 7,500 cameras have been installed across the city, while 10 drones and 560 body-worn cameras have been provided. A total of 60 women outposts have been set up across the city to foster a public sense of security among women and ensure prompt police assistance for women and children who are victims of crime, he said. Seven police station buildings will be completed and dedicated to the public. With an aim to increase mobility, the budget proposed Rs 50 crore under the Police Mobility Scheme for the procurement of 1000 new vehicles, benefiting the Home Department. The government is committed towards taking stringent action against the growing cyber-crimes and narcotic drugs consumption and peddling. In this regard, Siddaramaiah said, the Cyber Crime Division will be strengthened with a grant of Rs 5 crore. Two Indian Reserve Battalions will be established at Kudugurki near Nandi Hills and in KGF, he said, adding a grant of Rs 80 crore has been provided for this purpose. For effective policing of Bengaluru city the number of police divisions will be increased from 8 to 11. Four more bomb detection and disposal squads will be set up at Bellary, Davanagere, Mysuru and Bengaluru Central Zones. An allocation of Rs 100 crore will be provided for development of basic infrastructure under Prison Department, the CM announced. Also, expansion and modernization of Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Department will be taken up at a cost of Rs 330 crore under the 15th Finance Commission grants, he said. Kerala Lottery Results Friday 07-03-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Nirmal NR-422" Lucky Draw Result today Nirmal NR-422, March 07, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2025 for "Nirmal NR-422" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Nirmal NR-422 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Nirmal NR-422 results today. Kerala Lottery Result 07-03-2025 March: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR NIRMAL NR-422 Draw LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKHS IS: NL 789821 LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 10 LAKHS IS: NB 316340 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: 1) NA 459073 2) NB 295401 3) NC 262882 4) ND 935254 5) NE 625452 6) NF 958743 7) NG 720582 8) NH 380685 9) NJ 858941 10) NK 597451 11) NL 635106 12) NM 903665 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: NA 789821 NB 789821 NC 789821 ND 789821 NE 789821 NF 789821 NG 789821 NH 789821 NJ 789821 NK 789821 NM 789821 (For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below) LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0016 0234 0692 0815 0829 2428 3757 3820 3901 4101 5108 5445 6030 6439 7371 7859 9635 9880 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 5174 9225 9548 7535 5437 1336 9825 1872 9044 2859 2554 7975 1982 3754 0732 7567 0461 8957 2568 8549 8016 6504 0943 9239 3582 0026 6130 6784 7406 4015 3000 1371 1239 6944 8768 0025 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0127 0158 0265 0329 0338 0376 0514 0559 0604 0709 0814 0984 1017 1106 1220 1345 1531 1694 1697 1908 2060 2097 2194 2562 2606 2912 3635 3646 3740 3786 3935 3963 4276 4338 4348 4661 5098 5254 5494 5596 5816 6136 6281 6412 6574 6590 6662 6709 6806 6888 7018 7208 7397 7501 7531 7607 7801 7864 7931 8006 8075 8087 8275 8512 8604 8693 8746 8962 9114 9135 9263 9380 9393 9778 9820 9864 9916 9940 9999 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0092 0185 0205 0222 0227 0255 0316 0378 0504 0515 0674 0679 0705 0780 0823 0908 1044 1059 1062 1372 1392 1406 1473 1512 1597 1823 1984 1986 1999 2127 2470 2583 2615 2721 2749 2804 2827 2839 2915 2924 3061 3175 3502 3538 3668 3794 3864 4060 4136 4157 4233 4236 4361 4797 4930 4985 5023 5136 5246 5310 5330 5390 5430 5509 5588 5669 5747 5919 6151 6226 6292 6300 6323 6385 6473 6527 6532 6634 6643 6669 6730 6731 7082 7173 7203 7217 7280 7551 7643 7666 7672 7695 7708 7839 7934 7944 8011 8146 8223 8366 8471 8483 8557 8606 8635 8679 8711 8792 8913 8946 9094 9166 9267 9375 9392 9460 9543 9618 9845 9926 9967 9981 KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY 07-03-2025 March: NIRMAL NR-422 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS 1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakhs 2nd Prize: Rs. 10 lakhs 3rd Prize: Rs. 5,000 4th Prize: Rs. 2,000 5th Prize: Rs. 1,000 6th Prize: Rs. 500 7th Prize: Rs. 200 8th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.) Speaking in the Bihar Legislative Council on Friday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a scathing attack at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) party and its leaders, including former CMs Rabri Devi and Lalu Prasad Yadav, over women's safety. When questioned about the states education system and women's safety, CM Kumar said that the situation is much better under the NDA government. According to IANS, the Bihar CM lashed out in the assembly when RJD MLC Urmila Thakur inquired about a Girls High School in her constituency and stated that in Garhara village, there was no high school for girls. She went on to explain that the girls could not attend the schools in Barauni as they were four to five kilometers away. Thakur brought up the inadequate number of girls' schools in her constituency and expressed her dissatisfaction over the reply given by Sunil Kumar, the Education Minister, to a question she had raised before the House, as per PTI. CM Kumar, while still sitting down, then slammed the RJD government and said, Do you people even know what we have done for girls' education? Village girls hardly went to schools in Bihar until we came to power. In reply to his comment, Thakur stated that she, too, comes from a village and is from an older generation and yet completed her schooling. Another RJD MLC, Munni Devi Rajak, stood up and asserted that they had a right to ask questions and that it was the government's duty to answer them. Kumar then rose from his seat and said, "You have no idea what has been done by us for women. You may be women yourselves but what has been your contribution?" He then lashed out and attacked Rabri Devi, leader of Opposition in the Upper House and wife of Lalu Yadav, and stated, When her husband began to sink, he installed his wife (in the CM's post). Continuing his scathing remarks on the RJD, CM Nitish Kumar said, Your party (RJD) did nothing. You people know nothing. Whatever has been done for women, it has been done by me. Now women have no problems. Patna, Bihar: During the Bihar Legislative Assembly session, in response to RJD leader Urmila Thakur's question, CM Nitish Kumar says, "We have done work for women...You belong to a party that has never done anything for women..." pic.twitter.com/ryJLEXUG3D IANS (@ians_india) March 7, 2025 (with agencies' inputs) The debate over the alleged imposition of a third language under the National Education Policy (NEP) in Tamil Nadu has escalated into a political clash between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). BJP Tamil Nadu Chief K Annamalai on Friday said that the partys pro-NEP signature campaign had received a strong response from the public. Thiru MK Stalin, our online signature campaign through http://puthiyakalvi.in is supported by over 2 lakh people within 36 hours, and our on-ground signature campaign continues to receive an overwhelming reception across TN. As the TN CM, you seem visibly rattled, and your rants against the signature campaign mean nothing to us, Annamalai posted on X. He also criticized Stalin and the DMK, stating that the ruling party could not conduct a successful signature campaign against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Despite being in power, you couldn't carry out a signature campaign against NEET, and remember that your cadres had to throw the pamphlets in the dustbin after realising where they truly belonged. Thiru MK Stalin, stop swinging your paper word against the delusional Hindi imposition. Your fake Hindi imposition drama has already been exposed. It's unfortunate that you haven't realised it yet, he added. Annamalais remarks came in response to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who had earlier mocked the BJPs campaign, calling it a circus. Now the BJP's circus-like signature campaign for the three-language formula has become a laughing stock in Tamil Nadu. I challenge them to make this their core agenda in the 2026 Assembly elections and let it be a referendum on Hindi imposition. History is clear. Those who tried to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu have either been defeated or later changed their stance and aligned with DMK. Tamil Nadu will not tolerate Hindi colonialism replacing British colonialism, Stalin wrote on X. He also accused the BJP-led central government of imposing Hindi at multiple levels. From the names of schemes to awards to Union government institutions, Hindi has been imposed to a nauseating extent, suffocating non-Hindi speakers, who are the majority in India. Men may come, men may go. But even long after the dominance of Hindi is shattered in India, history will remember that it was DMK that stood as the vanguard, he said. Kathmandu: A domestic aircraft of Nepal's Buddha Air landed safely at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Thursday despite losing its front wheel (nose landing gear) during takeoff from Janakpur. According to officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the aircraft, with the call sign 9N-ANH, took off from Janakpur Airport at around 4.45 pm (NST) and landed safely at 5.10 pm (NST). "The pilots of the plane that took off from Janakpur Airport at 4:45 pm on Thursday were not aware of the wheel falling off during the takeoff, nor did the plane's indicators show any unusual activities during the flight," Gyanendra Bhul, deputy spokesperson at CAAN, told ANI over the phone. After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, a routine technical inspection was conducted. During the inspection, the nose landing gear was found to be missing, prompting an immediate search. The missing wheel was later found near the runway at Janakpur Airport. "The wheel was later found at the turning point of the runway at Janakpur Airport. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident," the official added. All 62 passengers on board were safe, and the aircraft has been grounded as CAAN conducts a detailed investigation. This is not the first incident involving Buddha Air. On January 6, another aircraft operated by the airline made an emergency landing at Tribhuvan International Airport after reporting a "flame out" in its left engine while en route to Bhadrapur. Nepal has a history of aviation safety concerns due to poor air-safety regulations. The European Union has blacklisted Nepali airlines due to their poor safety records. Washington: American actor Pamela Bach, best known for her roles in Baywatch and other television shows, passed away on Wednesday at her home in Los Angeles, Variety reported. The actress was 62. According to the publication, her death was due to suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as confirmed by the county medical examiner. Hours after her death, her ex-husband, actor David Hasselhoff, took to his X account to share a statement that read, "Our family is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Pamela Hasselhoff. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult period but kindly request privacy as we grieve and navigate through this challenging time." Pamela Bach's final Instagram post, dated December 31, 2024, featured a New Year's message to her fans "As we step into 2025, my heart is full of gratitude, especially for my precious grandbaby, London," David Hasselhoff's ex-wife captioned a photo of herself standing in front of a Christmas tree, as well as sweet footage of the little one", read her last post on Instagram. Bach started her career as a child actor in 1973 with a guest role on The Young and the Restless. She gained popularity in the 1990s after appearing in Baywatch, where she played multiple roles across 14 episodes. Her connection to Baywatch became more significant after she married the show's lead actor, David Hasselhoff, in 1989. The two met in the mid-1980s when Bach made a guest appearance on Knight Rider. They were married for 16 years before divorcing in 2006. The couple had two daughters, Taylor and Hayley. Apart from Baywatch, Bach also made guest appearances on popular shows like Cheers, Baywatch Nights, Castle Rock, and The Fall Guy. Born on October 16, 1963, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bach began her career as a model before attending Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. She later gained international attention by competing on the U.K. reality show Celebrity Big Brother. The actress is survived by her daughters, Taylor and Hayley. New Delhi: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is bringing a major upgrade with EPFO 3.0. This will make PF withdrawals easier, Subscribers will soon be able to withdraw their provident fund directly from ATMs, just like a regular bank transaction. Announced by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, this new system will introduce several digital features to enhance convenience and simplify transactions for EPFO members. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that EPFO is set to introduce EPFO 3.0, bringing banking-like convenience to its subscribers. "In the coming days, the EPFO 3.0 version will come. This means the EPFO will become equivalent to a bank. Like transactions are carried out in a bank, you (EPFO subscribers) have your Universal Account Number (UAN), and you will be able to do all your work," Mandaviya said. EPFO 3.0 is an improved version of the current system, designed to make the withdrawal process faster and more user-friendly. With this upgrade, EPFO members will no longer have to visit government offices or get approvals from their employers to access their PF money. Instead, they will be able to withdraw their funds through ATMs, just like withdrawing cash from a bank account. The subscribers will be able to manage their accounts using their Universal Account Number (UAN). It is not clear yet what limit will be set for PF withdrawals from ATMs. Currently, withdrawing PF money involves paperwork and takes a long time to process. EPFO 3.0 aims to change this by making fund withdrawals, claim settlements, and pension transfers much simpler and quicker. The EPFO has been making several reforms to improve user experience. Complaints about EPFO services have decreased, and new features like faster claim processing, name correction options, and pension withdrawals from any bank have already been introduced. The government plans to launch the EPFO 3.0 app by May or June this year. This app will allow users to check their PF balance, track transactions, and make withdrawals easily. The minister emphasised that since the money in these accounts belongs to the employees, they should have the freedom to access it anytime and anywhere without unnecessary delays. (With IANS Inputs) It's part of almost every household to do pooja, which keeps you calm and pious. Whatever you might need, pure perfumes to relax during meditation, havan cups for a ceremony, age-old pooja thalis, or handmade incense stands, your devotional ritual is sure to be intensified by the presence of the required pooja needs. With a minimum 50% discount ensured in the upcoming Amazon Holi Sale (1st14th March), purchasing quality pooja needs is just the best decision you'll make at current low prices. Let us discuss these required items and how they differ. 1. HEM Madhur Champa Incense Sticks Image Source- Amazon.in Order Now The HEM Madhur Champa Incense Sticks function perfectly for both meditation and spiritual rites and ceremonial rituals. These incense sticks produce a calming atmosphere because of their profound Champa flower aroma. Key Features: Exotic Champa Aroma Long-lasting and relaxing perfume. Ideal for Meditation & Pooja Evokes spirituality. 135g Zip Pouch Keeps the fragrance and aroma fresh. Approx. 90 Sticks An economical pack. Handmade with Natural Ingredients Chemical-free. The pungent fragrance might not be so appealing for those with a sensitive nose. 2. PHOOL Luxury Incense Sandalwood Havan Cups Image Source- Amazon.in Order Now The PHOOL Sandalwood Havan Cups are to be used during Navratri and other ceremonial occasions only. They contain natural and organic ingredients and the divine sandalwood aroma for purification and spirituality. Key Features: Pure Sandalwood Aroma Rich, soothing scent for ceremonies. EcoCert Certified Natural No synthetic ingredients with harsh chemicals. Pack Includes 16 Havan Cups + 1 Free Stand Conveniently ready-to-use. Best for Dhuni & Havan Ceremonies Purifies the environment. Organic and Sustainable Eco-friendly materials are used. The Havana cups have a very short burning time, thus requiring multiple refills for longer ceremonies. 3. PANCA Wooden Dhoop Dhup Cup Cone Batti Stand Image Source- Amazon.in Order Now A tastefully handcrafted PANCA Wooden Dhoop Stand to put incense cones, dhoop sticks, and batti, keeping the pooja area free from clutter and mess. Its classic design imparts a sacred touch to any prayer room. Key Features: Handcrafted Wooden Stand Classic and beautiful design. Multi-Purpose Holder Ideal for dhoop, cones, and sticks. Ash Catcher Maintains the environment clean and mess-free. Durable & Sturdy Made of superior quality wood. Enhances Aromatic Rituals Beautifies pooja rituals. Slightly smaller in dimensions, which may not hold large dhoop sticks conveniently. 4. Two Moustaches Brass Pooja Thali Set (5-Piece Set) Image Source- Amazon.in Order Now The Two Moustaches Brass Pooja Thali Set is a complete set for performing traditional rituals. Made of quality brass, it includes a thali, katori, glass, and spoon, and it makes a good gift during festive seasons. Key Features: Premium Brass Material Long-lasting and strong. Full Set for Pooja Comprises all needed items. Classic Round Thali Design Enriches devotional ceremonies. Ideal for Bhog & Offerings Suitable for all religious ceremonies. Excellent Gift for Special Events A thoughtful and beautiful gift. Needs to be polished often so that it keeps shining and does not get tarnished. These pooja essentials elevate the divine experience and bring peace to your abode. If you need soothing incense, havan cups, a beautiful dhoop stand, or a brass pooja thali, these items should be part of your spiritual arrangements. The Amazon Holi Sale (1st14th March) is here now, offering at least 50% off pooja essentials. It's the perfect chance to enhance your spiritual collection at the best rates. Shop now and bring divine blessings home. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article. People require comfortable temperatures to manage during the hottest parts of summer months. Air coolers function as an affordable alternative to air conditioners that operate without harming the planet. This article provides recommendations for the best air coolers available on Flipkart. Four cost-effective products will ensure your comfort during hot days without wasting money. 1. Orient Electric 46 L Room/Personal Air Cooler (White, Aeroquid) Image Source: Flipkart Order Now Orient Electric 46 L Aeroquid air cooler is meant for those who want a high-powered and space-saving cooling system. With its slender profile and efficient cooling system, it's the perfect option for small and medium-sized rooms. Key Features Capacity: 46 Liters Cooling Technology: With honeycomb cooling pads for improved water retention and increased cooling Air Throw Distance: Long throw air for enhanced cooling coverage Speed Control: Multiple speed modes to control airflow according to requirement Portability: Lightweight and easy to maneuver with castor wheels Not suitable for gigantic rooms as it lacks a good cooling ability. 2. Hindware Smart Appliances 45 L Room/Personal Air Cooler (White, Black, XENO) Image Source: Flipkart Order Now Hindware is one company that has gained the trust of people as far as household appliances are concerned, and their XENO 45 L air cooler is an energy-saving device meant for small rooms and personal cooling. Key Features Capacity: 45 Liters Cooling Efficiency: High-efficiency honeycomb pads for better cooling Air Delivery: Powerful fan for consistent air delivery Inverter Compatibility: Inverter compatible for continuous cooling during power outages Water Level Indicator: Assistance in monitoring water level to prevent dry runs No ice chamber, which will further increase cooling. 3. Crompton 88 L Desert Air Cooler with Honeycomb Cooling Pad (White, Teal, ACGC-DAC881) Image Source: Flipkart Order Now If youre looking for a powerful cooling machine that can handle larger spaces, the Crompton 88 L Desert Air Cooler is a solid choice. With its high capacity and robust air throw, it ensures consistent cooling even in bigger rooms. Key Features Capacity: 88 Liters Cooling Mechanism: Honeycomb cooling pads for maximum cooling efficiency Air Throw Distance: Strong airflow reaches every corner of the room Motorized Louvers: Automatic movement for better air distribution Large Water Tank: Minimizes the frequency of recharges Bulkier and heavier than the others, it is not too convenient to shift. 4. Voltas 55 L Desert Air Cooler (White, Victor55 DX) Image Source: Flipkart Order Now Voltas, a popular brand name for coolers, offers the Victor55 DX air cooler. Its desert cooling technology with high-power fans provides instant and efficient cooling, even in hot weather and dryness. Key Features Capacity: 55 Liters Cooling Technology: Enhanced cooling pads to allow maximum airflow and cooling High Air Throw: Throws air to distant points of the room for better cooling coverage Ice Chamber: Ensures maximum cooling performance Dust Filter: Allows clean and fresh airflow Quite noisy on high-speed settings. On the front of value for money and performance level of cooling, these air coolers on Flipkart are a sure purchase. Whether you require a personal air cooler for small rooms or a desert cooler of high capacity for bigger rooms, there is something for all. The Orient Electric Aeroquid is ideal for small cooling, the Hindware XENO is inverter compatible, the Crompton 88 L Desert Cooler is ideal for big rooms, and the Voltas Victor55 DX is high power cooling with an additional ice chamber. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article. Myntra Birthday Blast: Top Wall Clocks for a Chic HomeA chic-designed wall clock does not only show timeit adds sophistication to your home. Myntra's Birthday Blast Sale(March 1 to March 11) features an impressive range of chic, sophisticated, and high-end clocks at pocket-friendly prices. 1. Nautica Navy Blue & Silver Toned Contemporary Analogue Round Shaped Wall Clock Image source: Myntra.com Order Now For a contemporary and stylish appearance, the Nautica Navy Blue & Silver Toned Wall Clock is the ideal choice. It comes with a modern style that would perfectly fit any modern interior, making it a wonderful addition to bedrooms, living rooms, or offices. Key Features: Durable Material: Long-lasting plastic constructed with reflective navy blue and silver-toned finish. Classic Appearance: Solid design in round shape for a classic appearance. Easy to Clean: Wipe with a dry, clean cloth to minimize dust. Small Size: 30cm x 30cm x 4cm, for a functional decoration that will accompany you. Note: Plastic material may be inferior to metal or wood. 2. OLIVE TREE Copper-Toned & Beige Modern Wall Clock Image source: Myntra.com Order Now If you prefer a combination of vintage and modern looks, then the OLIVE TREE Copper-Toned & Beige Wall Clock is your ideal choice. Hand-painted finish not only makes this wall clock functional but also a work of art. Key Features: Classic Copper-Toned & Beige Color: Suitable for any interior design. Lightweight & Long-Lasting: Production has utilized good-quality plastic to ensure it lasts for long periods. Ideal Gift Option: Elegant and sophisticated, perfect to be given as a gift. Note: Hand-painted design may be handled with care not to get damaged. 3. Ajanta Brown & White Textured Round Analogue Wall Clock Image source: Myntra.com Order Now For the textured and glass lovers, Ajanta Brown & White Wall Clock is a premium choice. Made from plastic and glass, it is both robust and attractive. Key Features: Textured Brown & White Finish: Provides ultra-contemporary but timeless appearance to interiors. Perfect Size: 36 cm x 36 cm, perfect to create a remarkable impression. Modern Theme: Ideal for new residential and business buildings. Note: Glass face may need wiping from time to time to keep dust from forming. 4. RANDOM Brown Round Printed 30.48 cm Analogue Wall Clock Image source: Myntra.com Order Now Alternatively, if printed designs are more to your taste, the RANDOM Brown Printed Wall Clock adds an interesting and sophisticated touch to your decor. This is ideal for someone who is used to the traditional type in nature. Key Features: Printed Design: Sleek and attractive design to go with the dcor. Lightweight Durable Construction: Slight yet tough construction. Portable & Functional: 30.48 cm height and width, 5.08 cm deep. Dirt-Resistant: Dry-cleaning cloth only to avoid dusting. Note: Printed designs can be a wrong fit with home decor designs done in minimalists' styles. With Myntra's Birthday Blast Sale providing humongous discounts of up to March 1 to 11, now is the time to grab that stylish wall clock for your home. From simple and modern to old prints, textures, or graphic prints, something will find its match in all. Don't let this golden chance slip awayspice up your home decor now! Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article. The United States Supreme Court rejected a plea of 26/11 Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Rana, seeking stay on his extradition to India. He opposed his extradition to India claiming he will be tortured there as he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, had filed an "Emergency Application For Stay" with the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the US and Circuit Justice for the Ninth Circuit. US Supreme Court rejects plea of 26/11 Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Rana, seeking stay on his extradition to India. March 7, 2025 Rana, 64, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. A note dated March 6 on the Supreme Court website said that Application denied by Justice Kagan." Rana has now renewed his "Emergency Application for Stay Pending Litigation of Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus" previously addressed to Justice Kagan, and requests that the renewed application be directed to Chief Justice Roberts, according to the submission by Rana's lawyers on Thursday posted on the courts website. In his emergency application, Rana had sought a stay of his extradition and surrender to India pending litigation (including exhaustion of all appeals) on the merits of his February 13 petition. In that petition, Rana argued that his extradition to India violates United States law and the United Nations Convention Against Torture "because there are substantial grounds for believing that, if extradited to India, the petitioner will be in danger of being subjected to torture." The likelihood of torture in this case is even higher though as petitioner faces acute risk as a Muslim of Pakistani origin charged in the Mumbai attacks, the application said. The application also said that his severe medical conditions render extradition to Indian detention facilities a de facto" death sentence in this case. It cited medical records from July 2024 that confirm Rana has multiple acute and life-threatening diagnoses, including multiple documented heart attacks, Parkinsons disease with cognitive decline, a mass suggestive of bladder cancer, stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and a history of chronic asthma, and multiple COVID-19 infections. Accordingly, petitioner certainly has raised a credible, if not compelling, factual case that there are indeed substantial grounds for believing he would be in danger of torture if surrendered to Indian authorities. Further, because of his Muslim religion, his Pakistani origin, his status as a former member of the Pakistani Army, the relation of the putative charges to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and his chronic health conditions he is even more likely to be tortured than otherwise would be the case, and that torture is very likely to kill him in short order. The US Supreme Court denied Ranas petition for a writ of certiorari relating to his original habeas petition on January 21, 2025. The application notes that on that same day, newly-confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio had met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington on February 12 to meet with Trump, Ranas counsel received a letter from the Department of State, stating that on February 11, 2025, the Secretary of State decided to authorise Ranas "surrender to India, pursuant to the Extradition Treaty between the United States and India. Ranas Counsel requested from the State Department the complete administrative record on which Secretary Rubio based his decision to authorise Ranas surrender to India. The Counsel also requested immediate information on any commitment the United States has obtained from India with respect to Ranas treatment. (With agencies' Inputs) As Russia intensified its attack on Ukraine, US President Donald Trump warned that he is considering large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs against the Kremlin to push for a ceasefire. Russia on Thursday targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure in a large-scale missile and drone bombardment during the night. The attack came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv would enter talks with the US next week to end the 3-year-long war. Taking to social media, Trump said, "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late." The US under Trump has been pushing the Russia and Ukraine to sit on the negotiations table and resolve the war at the earliest. Trump has also pushed Ukraine for 'mineral to aid' deal while it pushed Russia to get ready for talks. Ukraine faced a massive missile and drone assault, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko wrote on Facebook. Authorities reported at least 10 injuries, including a child. Throughout the war, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraines power grid, crippling electricity generation and disrupting essential heating and water supplies. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of weaponizing winter to break civilian morale. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov defended the strikes, calling energy infrastructure a legitimate military target due to its ties to Ukraines defense industry. Meanwhile, Russia claimed its air defenses downed 39 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. In response, Ukraine deployed French Mirage-2000 warplanes for the first time since their delivery a month ago, alongside Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets to counter the attack. Ukraines air force reported shooting down 34 missiles and 100 drones, while up to 10 missiles failed to reach their targets, and 86 drones disappeared from radars, likely due to electronic warfare jamming. Former US President Donald Trump has accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of leveraging the ongoing tariff dispute with the United States to strengthen his bid for re-election, despite what he described as Trudeaus terrible job leading Canada. "Believe it or not, despite the terrible job he's done for Canada, I think that Justin Trudeau is using the Tariff problem, which he has largely caused, in order to run again for Prime Minister. So much fun to watch!" Trump stated in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Thursday. Trumps remarks come amid a shift in US trade policy, with his administration pausing tariff hikes on imports from Mexico and delaying certain tariffs on Canadian goods. In response, Ottawa has also suspended several countermeasures. The trade tensions escalated after the US imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports, accusing Trudeau of failing to curb the flow of the synthetic opioid fentanyl into the country. Canada retaliated with equivalent tariffs on US imports. Trump also claimed that Trudeau had personally called him to discuss the tariff situation. "Justin Trudeau, of Canada, called me to ask what could be done about Tariffs. I told him that many people have died from Fentanyl that came through the Borders of Canada and Mexico, and nothing has convinced me that it has stopped," he said. According to Trump, the conversation ended in a "somewhat" friendly manner, but he found it unusual that Trudeau "was unable" to confirm the date of Canada's next election. "For anyone who is interested, I also told Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada that he largely caused the problems we have with them because of his Weak Border Policies, which allowed tremendous amounts of Fentanyl, and Illegal Aliens, to pour into the United States. These Policies are responsible for the death of many people!" Trump added. The remarks are the latest in a series of sharp exchanges between the two leaders, highlighting ongoing tensions over trade and border security. (With ANI inputs) Brussels: European Union leaders have convened for an emergency summit in Brussels to address escalating security concerns after the suspension of US military aid to Ukraine. During the summit held on Thursday, European leaders have primarily focused on strengthening their defence commitments and ensuring continued support for Ukraine. European Union leaders also committed to working together to bolster the continent's defences and to free up hundreds of billions of euros for security after US President Donald Trump's repeated warnings that he would cut them adrift to face the threat of Russia alone. With the growing conviction that they will now have to fend for themselves, countries that have faltered on defence spending for decades held emergency talks in Brussels to explore new ways to beef up their security and ensure future protection for Ukraine. The gathering is the first summit of the 27 nations since an explosive meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, last week between US President Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky. The Trump administration has since announced a freeze on military aid and suspended intelligence-sharing with Ukraine -- decisions that could have dire consequences for Ukraine's war efforts. Among the attendees in Brussels were President Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa and French President Emmanuel Macron, who in remarks on Wednesday said Russia is no longer just threatening Ukraine but is also potentially now a serious threat to Europe. The 27 EU leaders signed off on a move to loosen budget restrictions so that willing EU countries can increase their military spending. They also urged the European Commission to seek new ways "to facilitate significant defence spending" at the national level in all member states, a statement said. The EU's executive branch estimates that around 650 billion euros ($702 billion) could be freed up that way. The leaders also took note of a commission offer of a loan package worth 150 billion euros ($162 billion) to buy new military equipment and invited EU headquarters staff "to examine this proposal as a matter of urgency". Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch supporter of Trump and considered to be Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in Europe, refused to endorse part of the summit statement in favour of Ukraine. But all 26 other EU leaders approved the bloc's stance that there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine and that the Europeans must be involved in any talks involving their security. The Europeans have so far been sidelined in the US-led negotiations with Russia. One of the primary outcomes of the summit is a renewed commitment from European leaders to boost their defence budgets. With the war in Ukraine continuing and the EU seeking to rely less on US support, leaders discussed ways to enhance Europe's military capabilities. The European Commission proposed measures such as fiscal flexibility and even joint borrowing to help member states increase their defence spending. Von der Leyen warned that Ukraine -- and Europe as a whole -- have arrived at a "watershed moment". "Europe faces a clear and present danger, and therefore, Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself. We have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for lasting and just peace," she said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also called for strengthening European nations' defence capabilities. After a meeting with Macron in France on Wednesday, Orban took to X and said: "My meetings in France confirmed that while we may disagree on the modalities of peace, we do agree that we must strengthen the defence capabilities of European nations." Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, reiterated the need for Europe to enhance its defence capabilities, saying it should happen even if some member states disagree. "We need more European defence, and if one or two countries do not want to share that view, I think that the others should go ahead as much as they can. And that is what I am advocating for," Frieden said before the meeting in Brussels. Zelensky has continued to receive firm backing from European leaders, who also discussed the expansion of military aid and potential security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky thanked European leaders for their continued support, saying it meant Ukraine was not "alone" in its fight to repel Russia's invasion. "It's very important you made a strong signal to the Ukrainian people," he said. Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated a rejection of any "dictated peace" in Ukraine as talks between Washington and Moscow fuel fears of an unfavourable settlement being imposed on Kyiv. "It is very important that we make sure that Ukraine does not have to accept a dictated peace but that it is a just and fair peace that guarantees (Ukraine's) sovereignty and independence," Scholz said. At least 20 countries, mostly European and Commonwealth nations, have expressed interest in joining a "coalition of the willing" proposed this week by the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support Ukraine. Starmer said the UK, France and other nations would form this coalition to draw up plans to offer Ukraine support in the event of a peace deal to end Russia's war. Countries that have publicly indicated they would consider sending peacekeepers to enforce a deal include Australia, Ireland, Luxembourg, Belgium and Turkey, which has the second largest army in NATO after the US. A number of other countries have not ruled out sending soldiers, including Canada, Denmark and Sweden. While details remain under discussion, the message was clear: Europe remains united in supporting Kyiv in the face of Russia. "Europe as a whole is truly capable of winning any military, financial, economic confrontation with Russia. We are simply stronger," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said. "We just had to start believing in it. And today it seems to be happening." During the summit, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said his country expects to deliver F-16 fighter jets for battle in Ukraine in 2026. He said the promised delivery of the jets had been delayed because Belgium is awaiting delivery of new F-35s to replace them. For its part, Sweden said it will send up to eight Gripen fighter jets to take part in a NATO mission to police the airspace of Poland, which borders Ukraine. The move comes after Sweden suspended plans to send its domestically developed Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine last year. A particularly notable moment in the summit came from Macron, who proposed extending France's nuclear deterrence umbrella to other EU countries. Such a move aims to strengthen Europe's defence position. However, it was met with mixed reactions. While some leaders welcomed the idea, others expressed concerns about nuclear policy complexities within the EU. Poland and the Baltic nations welcomed Macron's proposal. Scholz expressed reservations, emphasising NATO's existing deterrence system and advocating for increased defence spending across Europe instead. Asked to comment on France's offer, Scholz said: "What we have in terms of nuclear involvement, I don't think that should be given up." Despite the strong support for ramping up defence capabilities, divisions remained over how to fund Europe's increased defence efforts. Some countries, including Hungary, have voiced scepticism about joint financing plans and proposed defence commitments. Russia, meanwhile, said it would not accept the presence of European peacekeepers in Ukraine, claiming that would signal direct NATO involvement in the war. The Kremlin also strongly decried as "extremely confrontational" Macron's warning on Wednesday about what he called Russia's "threat to Europe" and the need for unity. His speech indicated that France is thinking about "continuing the war", Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. In remarks on Wednesday to women who lost relatives in the war, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his country should choose a peace in Ukraine that will ensure the long-term security of Russia and its sustainable development. "We must choose for ourselves a peace option that will suit us and that will ensure peace for our country in the long term," Putin said. "We don't need anything else, but we won't give up our own," he added. While the summit underscored Europe's determination to support Ukraine and boost its defence capabilities, it also revealed ongoing debates over funding and strategic direction. The coming months will be vital as EU leaders work to move these discussions into concrete actions, ensuring Europe can sustain its role in supporting Ukraine while reinforcing its own security, experts said. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that Beijing's relations with India had made positive strides in the past year and the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan last year provided strategic guidance for the improvement and development of the bilateral ties. Yi said it's in the best interest of the two nations to work together. "Both sides have earnestly followed through on the important common understandings of our leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes. China and India are each others largest neighbours. China always believes that the two should be partners that contribute to each others success. A cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for both sides," said Wang Yi. China's statement comes amid Beijing's ongoing trade war with the United States. Both, China and the US are now looking to build greater ties with India, just to counter each other. "As important members of the Global South, we have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics. We must not only safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of our countries but also uphold the basic norms governing international relations. When China and India join hands, the prospects for greater democracy in international relations and a stronger Global South will improve greatly," said Yi. In a lengthy press note, Yi said that as the two largest developing countries, China and India have a shared task to accelerate their countries development and revitalization. "There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undercut each other, work with each other rather than guard against each other. This is the path that truly serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples," said Yi. Yi said that India and China are two ancient civilizations and the two countries have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas 'pending a fair and reasonable solution'. "We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question, or let specific differences affect the overall picture of our bilateral ties," said the Chinese foreign minister. Wang Yi said this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations. "China stands ready to work with India to sum up past experience, forge a path forward, and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development," he said. India has also been working to improve its ties with China. On February 21, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar expressed satisfaction after meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. Additionally, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited China, engaging in discussions on various aspects of the bilateral relationship, including border management and other key areas. Washington: President Donald Trump has suggested that the US may not defend NATO allies that have not contributed enough to defence spending, casting doubt on a core aspect of the alliance. "Well, I've said that to them," Trump told reporters on Thursday in the Oval Office when asked about the potential change in approach. "I said, 'If you're not going to pay, we're not going to defend.' I said that seven years ago, and because of that, they paid hundreds of billions of dollars." Article 5 of the NATO alliance charter states that an attack on one member is an attack on all. The only time it has been invoked was after the September 11, 2001, attacks on US soil. Asked if he intended to make that official US policy, Trump called it a "commonsense approach," and he expressed skepticism that other NATO allies would defend the US if it got attacked. "I think it's common sense. If they don't pay, I'm not going to defend them," Trump said. "I got into a lot of heat when I said that. You said, 'Oh, he's violating NATO.' And you know, the biggest problem I have with NATO I know the guys very well. They're friends of mine, but if the United States was in trouble, and we called them, we said, 'We got a problem. France, we got a problem.' Couple of others, I won't mention. Do you think they're going to come and protect us? They're supposed to. I'm not so sure." Asked why the US would stay in the alliance at all, Trump said he viewed the alliance as "potentially good" but "very unfair". The comments echo similar remarks Trump made on the campaign trail last year, which became fodder for Democratic attacks. Trump's nominee for NATO ambassador, Matthew Whitaker, told Senators at a confirmation hearing this week that the US commitment to the alliance would be "ironclad". Trump has long pushed for NATO allies to spend more on defence, arguing the US takes on a heavier burden than other members. NATO members are each expected to spend two per cent of their GDP on defence, but Trump has pushed for that target to be increased to five per cent. The US, which spends around three per cent on defence, would also have to significantly increase the Pentagon budget to reach Trump's target. As of last year, 23 out of 32 countries in the alliance had met the two per cent threshold. NBC News first reported that Trump was considering a change to how the US approaches the NATO alliance that would favour members that spend more on defence. NATO has been in the spotlight amid the war in Ukraine, which began more than three years ago when Russian forces invaded their neighbour. Proponents of the alliance have argued that the mutual defence pact is what would prevent further Russian aggression against NATO members like Poland. Sweden and Finland officially joined NATO last year. Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ahead of diplomatic-level talks later in the week with US officials. "Next week, on Monday, my visit to Saudi Arabia is planned to meet the Crown Prince. After that, my team will remain in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace," Zelenskyy said. US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said earlier on Thursday that a meeting with the Ukrainians was planned for next week in Saudi Arabia. He also said discussions were underway with Kyiv for a peace agreement framework and an initial ceasefire. Witkoff said that Trump was pleased by Zelenskyy's letter after last Friday's disastrous meeting in the White House. "He felt that Zelenskyy's letter was a very positive first step. There was an apology. There was an acknowledgement that the United States has done so much for the country of Ukraine and a sense of gratitude," he added. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others are expected to depart for Riyadh on Tuesday to attend the meeting, which will include Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski, media reported. Donald Trump said he would visit the Kingdom probably over the next month and a half but did not mention a date. "I'm going to Saudi Arabia. I said, I'll go if you pay a trillion dollars, $1 trillion to American companies, (spreading) the purchase over a four-year period, of a trillion dollars. They've agreed to do that, so I'm going to be going there," Trump said, suggesting a major investment deal with Saudi Arabia. The meeting signals a warming in US and Ukraine relations since the Oval Office blow-up between Trump and Zelenskyy last week. Following the row, the US cut off military aid for Ukraine and shut down intelligence sharing with the Ukrainian armed forces. The announcement came as Zelenskyy met European Union leaders for an emergency summit in Brussels on the Russia-Ukraine war and security in Europe. The European Union leaders backed new defence spending plans aimed at freeing up billions of euros for the continent's security after the Trump administration signalled that Europe would have to fend for itself in future. The 27 leaders signed off on a move to loosen budget restrictions so that willing EU countries can increase their military spending . They also urged the European Commission to explore new ways "to facilitate significant defence spending at national level in all Member States," a statement said. The EU's executive branch estimates that around 650 billion euros ($AUS1.1 billion) could be freed up in this way. Several East European leaders at the summit also welcomed French President Emmanueal Macron's plan of sharing his country's nuclear force to deter attacks. But it was dismissed by the Russian government as "extremely confrontational". The EU's 27 leaders on Thursday greenlit a plan drawn up by the European Commission that aims to mobilize 800 billion to "rearm Europe" against the perceived threat from Russia. At the EU summit, Zelenskyy told EU leaders that Ukrainian and American negotiators had "resumed work," and that "we hope that next week we will have a meaningful meeting". He thanked EU leaders for standing by Kyiv, with America's outreach to Russia raising fears Ukraine could be forced into an unfavourable deal. "We are very thankful that we are not alone," said the Ukrainian leader. Thursday's European summit comes a week after a White House blow-up between Trump and Zelenskyy led Washington to cut the military aid and intelligence sharing that has helped Kyiv fight off Russia's invasion. US President Donald Trump on Friday again reiterated that India imposes huge tariffs on the US and stated that New Delhi has agreed to cut tariffs to improve trade relations. Hours before Trump's statement, India said that it was working on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, "India charges us massive tariffs. Massive. You can't even sell anything in India. It is almost restrictive, we do every little business inside. They have agreed, by the way; they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done." Trump had earlier targeted India's import duties in a speech to a joint session of Congress. Trump specifically targeted India's tariffs on automobile imports, saying, "India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100%." Speaking to the media earlier on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India and the US are gearing up to negotiate a landmark Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) that could potentially boost trade between the two nations. Jaiswal said that the agreement aims to strengthen and deepen India-US two-way trade in goods and services, increase market access, and reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers. "The two governments are in the process of advancing discussions on a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement. Through the BTA, our objective is to strengthen and deepen India-US two-way trade in the goods and services sector, increase market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepen supply chain integration between the two countries," said Jaiswal. The announcement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in February 2025, where both sides expressed interest in negotiating a mutually beneficial, multi-sector BTA. Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal also recently met his US counterparts to advance discussions on the agreement. Flash U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media Thursday that tariffs on Mexico will be paused until April 2, applying to anything covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). "After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement. This Agreement is until April 2nd," Trump said in a post on "Truth Social." "I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum," Trump said, noting that "our relationship has been a very good one." Earlier that day, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC that more one-month tariff exemptions under USMCA are "likely." "It's likely that it will cover all USMCA compliant goods and services, so that which is part of President Trump's deal with Canada and Mexico are likely to get an exemption from these tariffs," Lutnick said. Trump's latest announcement on Mexico tariffs came one day after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the president is granting a one-month exemption to three major automakers from the newly imposed 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a trade agreement negotiated, signed, and ultimately enacted during Trump's first term, aimed at replacing the former North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). On Feb. 1, Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25 percent tariff on products imported from Mexico and Canada, with a 10 percent tariff increase on Canadian energy products. On Feb. 3, Trump announced a 30-day delay in implementing the tariffs on both countries and continued negotiations. According to this decision, the relevant tariff measures took effect on March 4. Canada has announced retaliatory measures, while Mexico has signaled its intent to implement tariffs and other economic countermeasures. Businesses are increasingly concerned about the rising costs due to these tariffs, which could drive up consumer prices and contribute to an economic slowdown. The stock market has shown significant volatility in response to the new tariffs, with investor uncertainty mounting as fears of potential economic repercussions grow. The escalating tensions and economic uncertainties might have prompted Trump to reassess his trade policies. Trump has yet to make announcement on an overall pause on Canada tariffs. In a post on Truth Social Thursday, he accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of using the tariff problem to further his reelection bid. Trudeau, meanwhile, said on Thursday that Canada will continue to be in a trade war with the United States for the foreseeable future. The spread of a highly infectious form of bird flu has wreaked havoc on the poultry industry and led egg prices to soar in grocery stores across the country. The H5N1 avian influenza virus has not stopped with chickens, however. The disease has spread to other species over the last year, including humans, cats and dairy cattle. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a total of 977 dairy cattle herds across 17 states have been affected by H5N1 over the past year. There have been no reported cases of bird flu in dairy herds in Nebraska, but the virus has been detected in cattle in the surrounding states of Iowa, Missouri, Colorado and Wyoming. Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences have been narrowing in on a potential vaccine that could protect dairy herds if the virus continues to spread. Scott McVey, the school's director, said the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center was tapped by an industry partner to study the efficacy of several potential vaccines earlier this year. Promising candidates have emerged, McVey said, though several major hurdles remain before a vaccine could be manufactured at a large scale and widely distributed. Animals at the UNL center are given an injection of one of several formulations of the vaccine, McVey explained. Researchers draw blood from the cows and examine it for the formation of antibodies against the H5N1 virus, while also inspecting the animals for side effects like skin irritation. "It's one study, but we're testing a couple different formulations of vaccine, so we'll be able to assess in a comparative way how they work and if there is potential there," McVey said. "These candidates in earlier research have a pretty good proof of concept." Developing a vaccine to inoculate dairy herds is right in the wheelhouse of the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, McVey said. Funded by $45 million in state tax dollars, the facility that opened on UNL's East Campus in 2017 to replace an out-of-date laboratory was built with the capacity to support the state's largest industry. The center has classroom space to train future veterinarians, microbiologists, pathologists and parasitologists to work in the field, as well as examination rooms to begin to diagnose diseases in cattle and other meat animals. Dustin Loy, the director of the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, said the staff of 35 has been on the front lines of the avian influenza outbreak since it began two years ago. "We've run thousands of tests over the last couple of years on everything from poultry to wildlife," Loy said. That work has continued alongside the center's normal activities working with producers in the livestock and poultry industries, local veterinarians and even pet owners, he said: "If something new comes along, we're usually the first to find it and we can help try to find solutions." For the vaccine trial, UNL contracted with an unnamed private partner to do the work at the vet diagnostic center. The private company has supplied the experimental vaccines, testing material and know-how, McVey said, while the full-service lab brings its expertise in animal diseases and preparing serum from the animals. The indirect cost reimbursements provided through other federal grants received by the Veterinary Diagnostic Center the same expenses the Trump administration has proposed reducing from roughly 50% to 15% has covered much of the overhead on the project. "It's been a very collaborative approach," McVey said. McVey said while new cases have been trending downward a positive development the potential vaccine could come in handy if H5N1 continues to spread. "It's hard to know what might happen in the future, especially with influenza," he said. "It never sits still, it always changes, and always does something to surprise you." But, McVey said he was confident in the work that's been done so far, as well as the potential for a dairy cattle vaccine developed with the help of UNL researchers to be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the near future. "We believe it will work, but how well it will work and whether it will control things in the field are things we won't know until it's tested further and put to use," McVey said. "One thing I feel good about is they had a chance to work with the world's best and they came to Nebraska to do it," he added. "We appreciate the opportunity." Nearly a year after Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced plans to eliminate the states waiting list for individuals seeking intellectual and developmental disability services, state officials say they have whittled the list by nearly two-thirds. The state, Pillen said last March, was taking a new approach to reimagine how services are offered to individuals with IDD in Nebraska and save taxpayer dollars. As of mid-February, the number of individuals on the list stood at about 940, down from just more than 2,700 at the time the governor made his announcement, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Recently, Tony Green, NDHHS developmental disabilities director, said the agency now expects to eliminate the list by July, three months ahead of schedule. That, he said, would mean everyone on the list had been offered some type of specialized support through what are known as Medicaid waiver programs. The waivers allow states to use federal Medicaid funds for home- and community-based services that allow people with developmental disabilities to live in and participate in their communities, rather than in institutions. Access concerns remain But while families, providers and advocates say the state is making progress, the transition has raised ongoing concerns that some might lose services or not be able to access them when they need them, particularly as the state seeks to adopt a new tool for assessing needs. Adding to their unease are discussions of budget cuts in Congress, which raise the specter of cuts to Medicaid. Nebraska also is party to a lawsuit that developmental disabilities advocates say could limit disability rights and protections. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, however, has said he would reevaluate the states involvement in the suit if legal protections or funding become threatened. But Green said the intent of the states new approach is to provide people on the list with some services when they need them, rather than keeping them on a list with none until their turn comes to receive an offer, which typically has taken up to eight years. Under the previous system, he said, families with a member eligible for services signed up and waited for whats known as a comprehensive waiver, the most extensive and expensive package available, one that came with some out-of-home residential services. But some families on the list dont need that that level of services right away, he said. Knowing of the extended wait, some added their names because they might need it later, such as when they or their child aged. So the state in March 2024 launched a new family support waiver, which is seen as key to the new approach and to ending the waiting list. It provides up to $10,000 a year worth of at-home services to up to 850 children ages birth to 21 who are still living at home. The services can include such things as specialized child care, independent living skills, respite care and home and vehicle modifications. As of Jan. 31, the state made a total of 1,929 waiver offers since last March. Most more than 1,400 were family support waivers, according to the agencys website. Some 639 families had accepted, 479 had declined and 312 were pending. The agency offered 443 adult day waivers, another type of waiver, and 56 comprehensive ones. The state also expanded a program that allows children whose families earn more than a pre-set income limit to access Medicaid for medical care. Eighty-seven families had accepted by late January. When we get done and then ongoing, what we will have created now is a whole continuum of care for folks in Nebraska with developmental disabilities, Green said. Weve eliminated the fear of families of, when can I get support. Youre going to get support right away. And weve really built ... an array of services and waivers that will grow with you as your needs grow. The bottom line is, weve made a pretty bold statement to just say, Folks who are determined eligible for developmental disabilities services dont have to wait for support. New estimates see end to wait list Using the new approach, DHHS officials now estimate they can eliminate the waiting list with only $18 million in state funds and $26 million in federal dollars. Their budget estimate allows for 2% increases each year to boost provider rates, according to the agencys website. Meanwhile, however, the state currently is only offering the comprehensive waiver to people identified as having an emergency need, namely, becoming homeless, losing a caregiver to death or posing a risk to themselves. Some who had spent years on the list have not been offered the waiver. Edison McDonald, executive director for the Arc of Nebraska, which advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said the state has made progress in addressing needs in recent years. The organization proposed the family support waiver, which was championed by Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha. The family support waivers are huge, he said. Thats a big piece of it. But the organization is concerned because members dont know whether people who get access to Medicaid also will get access to long-term supports and services, he said. Agency officials, he said, have repeatedly pledged that people who are receiving services wont lose them. But that will depend on the formulas behind the new assessment tool. Our fear is its going to say people dont need as large a budget as they have, which could end up kicking them out of services or to lower-tier supports, he said. The organization, he noted, is seeing a number families being encouraged to accept lower levels of support. That comes at a time when the state faces a shortage of providers to deliver those services. New assessment starts in July But Green said that under the previous system, those on the waiting list automatically received a comprehensive waiver when their turn came. That led to some people being overserved, namely, living in a 24-hour residential setting when they may have the skills to be more independent, such as living in an apartment or apartment with roommates with intermittent support. In fact, 24% of the offers the state has made to people on the list through January have been declined, which he said demonstrated that they had only gotten on it because of the long wait. The new needs assessment, which the state expects to implement in July, will drive when people need increased services, he said. People will still be able to get the comprehensive waiver and access the residential services they need. It will just be based on a needs assessment as opposed to, I choose it because its there, he said. The new tool, he said, is more reliable and nationally validated, and is being tested against the states existing assessment tool. A team of state staff trained in the new assessment are conducting both the old and new assessments side by side and submitting both to a contractor. The contractors are making sure, as the state develops algorithms for the new method, that they still have the same number of eligible clients and that we dont unintentionally cause any harm. As of late January, about 700 clients had gone through the pilot program for the new tool, with some still to be completed. The new tool is included with proposed wavier amendments, which would have to be approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The new assessment already is in use in the DHHSs programs for the aged. Assessments will be done once a year, he said, but it will be available any time upon request if a team the client, family members, providers and state service coordinators feel the clients needs have changed and arent reflected in their service plan. The agency also has an appeals process. Alana Schriver, a parent and executive director of the Nebraska Association of Service Providers, said the new tool is better than the one the state is currently using, as long as the people administering it are properly qualified. She also noted that intermittent services are the hardest to staff for a number of reasons, including that many people seek help for evening and weekend hours. But Kim Bainbridge, an Omaha mother, said she worries about the annual new assessment because she doesnt know the metrics behind it or how it will be applied. Her 35-year-old son, who shares an apartment with a friend and has workers come in to help him, sometimes oversells his abilities, she said. He may say he can feed himself, for instance, but he doesnt have the dexterity to cut up meat by himself. Meanwhile, more measures advocates say would help to improve the continuum of care are pending in the Nebraska Legislature. LB239, sponsored by Cavanaugh, would require the DHHS to publish the assessment formula on its website and make it subject to approval by a stakeholder group. It also would specify that it cant decrease an individuals budget for services to the point that they are removed from a setting. LB268, introduced by Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue, would address staffing concerns. It would require the DHHS to increase reimbursement rates paid to providers of developmental disabilities services to 150% of the states minimum wage. Both bills had public hearings on March 5. Im choosing optimism, Schriver said. Theres a lot of good in this plan, theres a lot of good intentions in this plan. And when we run into issues, I hope we can work in partnership to iron them out. Etched on the wall of our medical school gym was a quote by Marcel Proust: The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. At first glance, it seemed like an unusual choice for a gymmore philosophy than motivation. But over time, as we pushed ourselves on the treadmill, lifted weights, or found solace in a quiet stretch after a grueling day, the meaning of those words became clear. Medical school is a systema relentless, structured path filled with long hours, constant exams, and expectations that can leave students feeling like mere cogs in a machine. Its easy to fall into the trap of seeing each day as another hurdle, each lecture as another obligation, each clinical rotation as another test of endurance. But stepping into that gym, we were reminded that perspective is everything. For my husband and me, exercise wasnt just about fitness; it was about maintaining a sense of self. It was a rebellion against burnout, a way to ensure that we didnt lose sight of who we were beyond the white coats and textbooks. It still is. The gym wasnt a place we visited simply to stay in shapeit was a space where we reclaimed control over our own well-being. Prousts words challenged us to reframe how we saw our journey. The rigors of medical school werent something to escape from, nor were they an endless grind to endure. They were an opportunity: To grow, to transform, to find purpose not by changing our environment but by shifting our perspective. Those rigors didnt stop as residents and beyond as attendings. Though the Medical University of Ohio (MCO) became the Medical University of Ohio as we graduated and then the University of Toledo College of Medicine (UTCOM), to us, it will always be MCO. The name may have changed, but the memories remainof long nights studying, of friendships forged in shared struggle, and of that gym, where we learned to see the demands of medical training not as a burden but as a privilege. In that gym, we learned that discovery wasnt about waiting for some future where things would be easier or more fulfilling. It was about recognizing that, even in the midst of chaos, we had the power to see things differentlyto approach challenges with resilience, to embrace growth instead of struggle, to choose presence over mere survival. As our careers shift and we head toward PGY-20, we go to our own gym, yet Prousts words remain with us. Medicine is still demanding, the system is still rigid, but we have new eyes. And with them, the real voyage of discovery continues. Maureen Gibbons has transitioned from a fulfilling career in emergency medicine to one where her skills, training, and passion for teaching yield unparalleled returnsphysically, emotionally, and financially. With over 25 years of mentoring experience across her roles as an athletic trainer, triathlon coach, sports nutritionist, and physician, Maureen founded Active Medical Solutions, a lifestyle medical practice. She also developed a simple yet powerful EMR designed for asynchronous care. Dr. Moes own journeymarked by both successes and setbackshas created a space for her to guide physicians and other high-level professionals toward improved health and transformative career paths. She can be reached on TikTok, X @DrMoeGibbons, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and her website, Dr. Moe Coaching. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Physician and author Kate Dee discusses her article, Medspa madness: How illegal practices are putting patients in peril and book, Med Spa Mayhem: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly Secrets of the Aesthetics Industry, exposing the alarming rise of unregulated med spas operating without proper medical oversight. Kate highlights cases of illegal Botox and filler injections, unlicensed individuals performing medical procedures, and the increasing use of counterfeit products leading to serious injuries and even death. She details shocking incidents, including arrests in Texas and California and the tragic case of Jennifer Cleveland, who died after receiving an improperly administered IV infusion. Kate advocates for stronger enforcement, public awareness, and the need for a national certification system to ensure patient safety. Listeners will gain insights into the risks of unregulated med spas and what they can do to protect themselves from dangerous practices in the aesthetics industry. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, its backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertiseand its built on a foundation of trust. Its time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE https://www.kevinmd.com/cme Im partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus Transcript ADVERTISEMENT Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Kate Dee. Shes a physician, and shes the author of the book, Med spa mayhem, the good, the bad, and the ugly secrets of the aesthetics industry. Theres an excerpt from that book on KevinMD titled Med spa madness. How illegal practices are putting patients in peril. Kevin Pho: Kate, welcome to the show. Kate Dee: Oh, well, thanks so much for having me today. Kevin Pho: All right, so lets start by briefly sharing your story and journey. Kate Dee: Yeah, well, I landed in aesthetics a little over 10 years ago, kind of serendipitously. I had friends who were OB-GYNs who had been doing it for a long time, and they encouraged me to check it out. And long story short, it was really fun and positive in a way that my old career in breast cancer kind of was not so much. And it was very procedure-based and talking to women all day, but you made them happy. So, one thing led to another, and I kind of put up a shingle and started my own aesthetics practice, which has turned into, you know, like a pretty thrivingwe have two sites now in the Seattle area. But one thing that has been just incredibly disturbing, and Im really happy to be reaching a greater medical audience here, is that over the last 10 years, the industry I found myself in has just exploded. Its a 20 billion industry, just to put that in perspective. Thats like as big as the NFL. OK. And whats spurred that growth is more and more people doing the procedures. So, there are all these non-medical people practicing medicine without a license. There are all these people who maybe have some kind of license, like an esthetician or a nurses license, but theyre practicing independently, which is illegal in every state. So, there are people ordering fake product off the internet. Theyre just cutting corners. There are just more and more headlines about people being injured and, weirdly, killed by these unethical, illegal practices. So, I justI started writing about it. I ended up writing the book, and I have my own podcast too now. And Im just trying to get the word out. Because I feel that the more consumers know, and hopefully the more other physicians know, we can kind of tamp down the illegal practices, because there really has been no enforcement on the prosecutors side, and there just hasnt beenthere are no consequences for these people. We as physicians, we worry about losing our license if we do something wrong, but if you dont have a license, you dont have one to lose, you know? And the attitude on the enforcement side is like, well, you went to that place of your own volition, you get what you deserve. And I just think that with so many people going to get Botox and laser and other treatments, the consumers just need to be educatedlike, where to go, how to know what place is legit, what place is practicing safely. Kevin Pho: So, before talking further, lets get everyone on the same page. For people who arent familiar with the aesthetics industry and these clinics that are popping up, what are some common procedures? What are some common things that one would hear about that would make them go to these clinics? So, what are some common things that you do there? Kate Dee: Yeah, well, I mean, probably the most common thing is Botox. And you know, if you were paying attention to the headlines this last year, there were people in 11 different states who ended up in hospitals from fake Botox that people ordered off the internet. But other procedures: laser treatments for the skin, either laser hair removal or laser resurfacing. Theres a lot of RF treatments. There is a big one in treatments with PRP. So, you know, we do a lot of PRP injections in orthopedics and stuff, but PRP is used for facial rejuvenation and volume replacement. There are places doing, you know, blood draws and stuff without any kind of medical training at all. As a matter of fact, a few years ago, there were a whole bunch of HIV cases from an unlicensed spa in New Mexico. So, yeah, I mean, its crazy. Oh, and the other huge thing is IV treatments. So, we know that, you know, IVs are important to treat sick people, but there are IV bars now popping up all over the country where people are sort of ordering up an IV like its a martini. And there was a pretty prominent case that was written about in the summer of 2023 where a lady in Texas died from going to one of these places, and the person who killed her was completely unlicensed and unsupervised and just basically hung potassium and executed this lady. So, yeah, I mean, its crazy, and there are so many laws that regulate medicineand we all know about thatbut nobody is going to enforce these in these outpatient, you know, cash-only businesses. And its crazy, so Imyou know, its important for consumers to understand what theyre getting. And people walk into a medical office, they think that its regulated, and we are highly regulated. But nobody is regulating these, you know, pseudo-legal or illegal practices. Kevin Pho: So, tell me a little bit about your transition from being a physician to your aesthetic clinic now. What kind of preparation, what kind of training did you undergo in order to open up your own aesthetic clinic? Kate Dee: Yeah, well, you know, as you probably know, theres no residency in aesthetics, right? So, I was in practice at a breast center for 16 years. I was a board-certified radiologistI still amand did, you know, breast biopsies, wire localizations, MRI, ultrasound, mammograms. And so, I looked around for a good training course. There are lots and lots of training courses; theyre kind of everywhere, and there are actually new ones popping up all over the place. The first one I did was all physicians, and it was, you know, less than a week, and we learned how to inject Botox, how to inject filler, laser physicsactually, that was the most fun part for me because, you know, radiologists are physics geeksbut, you know, chemical peels, skin care, and all that. And the way these courses work is, you know, you take a course and youre supposed to go back and practice on family and friends and then come back and do a more advanced course, which is what I did. Then you learn a little more advanced techniques, and basically you have to kind of learn it on your own. Theres really no residency, and if you look atI mean, I dont know exactly how old you are; I am 57. I graduated from med school in 1994. You know, none of my colleagues who went into plastic surgery or derm did any aesthetics in their residency because it didnt really exist back then. Theres reconstruction, you know, butand cosmetic surgery basically, but there was really no Botox cosmetic; it wasnt FDA approved till 2003, and everything else has come along since then. So, the industry is, you know, just over 20 years old. But even now, if you look at derm and plastics residencies, theres very little of that, if any, in those residencies. So, how do you get training? You know, like everything else we do, back in residency, see one, do one, teach one. So, I mean, I went through all of that in 2013, 2014, and, you know, just kind of practiced on friends and family and then, you know, slowly kind of got more experience. And unfortunately, there really isnt any other, you know, kind of formal training. As a physician, at least we are extremely well trained in anatomy and physiology and all of that. If you look out there, though, and just Google, you know, Botox course near me or injectables course, there are courses all over the country that offer a weekend, two-day course to anyone. You dont have to have a license. So, you can be an unlicensed person. This is really common in several states where there are laws allowing non-licensed providers to practice under a physician as long as they have a medical director. So, the one thats the most commonly cited is Texas. So, Texasyou know, its not legal to practice independently as a non-medical person without a medical director, but there are these courses where you go for a weekend, and they teach you basically how to inject Botox, right? Then they say they guarantee that they will find you a medical director. So, there are people who are completely unlicensed, learn over a weekend, get some person on paper to be their medical director so they can order Botox, and now theyre practicing completely independently. And its not legal, but those courses are popping uptheyre everywhere. And the people who pay for the course and go through that training think that theyre allowed to do this, but theyre not, right? And so that is kind of rampant and spreading all over the country. So, theres actuallytheres not a state that doesnt have illegal people injecting things in people. And they may or may not even know that what theyre doing is practicing medicine without a license, but, you know, thats a felony as far as I know in every state. And there was a young woman who I interviewed on my podcast, and shes got her own YouTube channel after what happened to her, but she went to an unlicensed medical spa in California about four or five years ago. And long story short, this person had no medical training, had ordered fake deoxycolic acid off Alibaba, and injected this girl all over her body with tainted product that had mycobacterium in it. So, she almost died; she was in the hospital for over three months. So, the problem is that there is nobody, you know, regulating. I mean, there are all the laws, regulations, right? But theres nobody looking to actually enforce those laws in this kind of wild west of aesthetics. So, there are some really fantastic med spasI dont want to take down the whole med spa industry; Im in it. What we do is, I think, pretty amazing. And Im not a typical beauty consumer at all, never worn makeup in my entire life; I probably wouldnt have ever had Botox had I not kind of stumbled into the industry myself. But we really do so many great things, but for every really high-quality, you know, doctor-run and doctor-led med spa, there are so many of these shoddy places that are cutting corners. So, Im actually really interestedand this is just in my brain idea stagebut Im really hoping to found a national nonprofit that would certify med spas, not rate them or anything, but be able to look at, you know, their qualifications, their licensure, their medical directorship, and their corporate structure, and make sure that theyre actually operating legally. But that doesnt exist yet, so Im working on that. Kevin Pho: So, for those consumers that are researching med spas, the fact that a med spa is founded and run by a physician, is that a crude measure of quality? Can we be sure that just because a med spa is run by a physician, theyre not ordering things from Alibaba, like you said? Kate Dee: Its probably the best proxy we have because, you know, as a physician, I mean, you just do not want to lose your license, and the chances of losing a license or being sued for malpractice are so high if youre a physician. You know thisfor instance, this lady who almost killed this girl in California, right? She had no license. She had no malpractice insurance. She never got prosecuted because the prosecutor told this girl, well, you went there on your own, and what do you expect? And did she say she was a doctor? You know, no. But also, she couldnt get sued. She tried to sue this woman, and no lawyer would take her case because there was no money to be had. She didnt have any money. She had no insurance. So, you know, I would say 99 percent of physicians really want to operate legally and take care of patients and actually care about those things. But yeah, its a crude proxy. Could there be some very corrupt physicians out there? Sure. Kevin Pho: So, in general, when were talking about these med spas, what percentage approximately are, in fact, run by physicians? Kate Dee: Its actually pretty small. I dont have an exact number. I know that AMSPA, which is the American Medical Spa Association, points to at least 15 percent having no medical director at all, but that doesnt address ownership. So, legally, in most states, a non-doctor cant own a medical practice, right? There are corporate practice of medicine laws. But very few people know that when they get into the business. So, there are a lot of new entries into this space where its illegal ownership and also just illegal practice. But its really hard to know what that total number is. Kevin Pho: So, for those consumers, again, researching med spas, what are some of the things that they should look out for to make sure that its being run by a physician, or any red flags they should be looking out for? Kate Dee: Right. Well, the first thing is to find out who am I seeing and what is their license, and actually look them up. So, if theyre a nurse, at least make sure they actually have a nursing license, OK? And then always ask who is the medical director, and look them up, and find out if they know anything about aesthetics. So, if that is, you know, an anesthesiologist who works in a hospital 100 miles away, chances are theyre not there at the clinic, right? The other thing you can do is ask to get an appointment with the medical director because if they actually have a presence in the clinic, you will at least be able to get an appointment with them eventually. They might be really booked outI mean, Im kind of booked out, right? But you can get an appointment with me at my place. So, those are like the top two questions. And always, you know, a good faith exam has to be done. So, a doctor can do that, but also a nurse practitioner or a PA working under a doctor can do a good faith exam. But if youre walking into a place and its just an RN, they cant make medical decisions or do a good faith exam or make an assessment and plan. So, you know, just walk out. And if its not even an RN, like if its an unlicensed person or an esthetician, thats completely illegal. They cant do that, right, on their own at all. So those are the top questions, really. As far as ownership, thats really hard to tell, OK? I think thats beyond the scope of peoples sleuthing. But thats why I think that trying to create this med spa board that would certify, like, yep, this is all legitat least it would slap a label on it that would be identifiable, like this place is legal. You know, kind of like how Certified Organic popped up years ago when organic became a thing. You know, in the beginning, people didnt really know what it meant, but now you know what youre buying, and youll actually pay more for a certified organic vegetable. It has that meaning, and Im sort of hoping to create this kind of label because I dont think that any change is going to happen from the regulatory side. Kevin Pho: In general, med spas that are run by physicians, is there a price disparity compared to clinics that arent run by physicians? Kate Dee: Right now, not a lot, because prices are being undercut by all these people cutting corners. And so, if your prices are a lot higher than that, then its hard to compete because people cant tell the difference. Yes, there definitely is a little bit. There should be, honestly, right? But I think that hopefully with education, people will be able to see that and know that theyre going to a legit place. And I dont think that identifying these corner cutters is going to eliminatetheres always going to be someone whos going to go for, like, the cheapest thing possible, you know, the people who fly to other countries to have surgery because its cheaper there. But if youre a knowledgeable consumer, most people dont want to go to those places that are dangerous. But I just had a patient a few months ago now who is a lawyer who was coming to me for the first time, and I was like, oh, whered you go before? And hes like, oh, theres this girl down the street from my office. And I was like, oh, you know, a girllike, what was she, a nurse, or what was her credential? And this lawyer had no idea. So, Im like, oh, I didnt even realize I had to ask that. So even lawyers dont realize that there are people doing this illegally. Kevin Pho: Now, if you were to create this certification board, how would you certify practitioners to be legitimate? Would you have them pass exams? Or what basis would you certify them on? Kate Dee: I think itsno, I mean, this is really not certification on their education or their training. Its really just are they operating legally? So, it would be voluntary. It would be some kind of nominal fee that would make sense to everybody who is operating legally and would want to get certified so they could advertise, yes, certified legal or whatever, and it would be documenting that everybody is licensed, theres a good faith exam done by somebody whos qualified to do that, the medical director has some kind of expertise in aesthetics, and that they have a presence theretheres actual medical directing going on. And then its legally owned. And hopefully, yes, that they have contracts to get legal products with the major companies. And so it really isnt about rating them or, you know, proving that one place is better than another. Its really just being certified as operating legally and ethically. And, you know, I mean, I came from the breast cancer world. We had to go through annual certification. Every place you can get a mammogram in America has to certify every year. That was a lot of hoops to jump through. Im sort of hoping to make it very simple and straightforward so people will want to get certified so they can just advertise that on their website and all the things, and just to publicize also that it matters because I think that most people whooh, they go to their hair salon, and theyve got some RN who comes there once a month to do Botoxyou know, so many things are wrong with that. And I just think people have no idea that thats a problem. Kevin Pho: Were talking to Kate Dee. Shes a physician, and shes the author of the book, Med spa mayhem, the good, the bad, and the ugly secrets of the aesthetics industry. Kate, lets talk about your book. So, what are the main messages? What are some of the audience targeting that you want people to read your book about? Kate Dee: Well, you know, I originally wrote that book with the target audience of consumers of aesthetics. So anybody whos ever had Botox or laser hair removal or a facial even. But what Ive found since I published it is that its had a pretty broad appeal. So even peopleso a lot of people in medicineare just astounded by it. I mean, all my friends in, you know, traditional medicine just cant believe this stuff is going on. There are a few doctors who are kind of crusaders for this movement, even having nothing to do with aesthetics. But theres a doctor I know in Texas who, you know, is very interested in changing the way all these non-medical people are practicing. Then also, amazingly, people who are in law, and in a lot ofyou know, I have to say most of the aesthetics industry is women. I mean, most of the consumers; its 90 to 95 percent women. But a lot of men and a lot of people who are non-consumers are just kind of like, you know, astounded by it, and their reactions are like, well, you know, see, I told you so; this stuff is crazy. But Im really trying to make it so that the industry self-corrects, because I really see a lot of value in it. And its not just for people who are vain. Its not about that, right? Its not just Hollywood stars. And I think that its become more and more just accepted in mainstream. A lot of people consider their skin care and stuff as kind of like a haircut. You know, its just part of their maintenance routine of their skin and their body and their hair. So, I really want the danger to be kind of taken away from it. But, you know, honestly, I think that its a pretty quick read and pretty entertaining for just about anybody. Kevin Pho: And finally, lets end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Kate Dee: Yeah, well, I really encourage people to check the book out and the podcastthe podcast has the same name, Med Spa Mayhem. And anybody who has ever consumed these things, ask those questions. If your best friend asks you, you know, where do you go for Botox, make sure they ask all these same questions. And, you know, reach out to me if you have any interest in helping me with this or if you have questions about the industry or you want to hear something on the show. Im really, really interested in talking to other physicians who actually care about these issues as well. Kevin Pho: The book is called Med spa mayhem, the good, the bad, and the ugly secrets of the aesthetics industry. Kate, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight, and thanks again for coming on the show. Kate Dee: Oh, thanks so much for having me today. I was recently asked what I thought were some of the biggest evolving obstacles to physicians and health care in 2024 and beyond. My answer: Health care has become Americas most dangerous profession due to workplace violence, with health care workers now being five times more likely to be assaulted on the job than in any other type of workplace in this country. This is one of the most critical obstacles that must be immediately addressed. But as dangerous as this explosion in health care workplace violence is, in reality, it is just one of multiple deep critical disruptors within, and one red flag warning of rampant and escalating consumer dissatisfaction toward our whole health care system. This surging level of dissatisfaction, distrust, and increasing hostility, now at an all-time high and reaching a tipping point, is further highlighted by the huge public outpouring of sympathy and support for the alleged shooter of a health care insurance company executive, with multiple copycat threats being reported. To further grasp the anguish of consumers, consider that we now have the most expensive but worst-performing health care system in all the industrialized world. Also, the most common cause of personal bankruptcy filings in the U.S. is overwhelming medical debt. In addition, consumer trust in doctors and the health care system as a whole has now reached an all-time low. One result is increasing violence directed toward the health care system. It is, in some ways, understandable that health care consumers, increasingly frustrated by a seemingly impenetrable, increasingly unaffordable, and perceptibly denial-inclined, inaccessible system will strike out at the few accessible targets. In clinical situations, this will be doctors, nurses, and other hands-on health care workers. But targeting hands-on health care workers is particularly unfortunate and misdirected, as physicianswho have been reduced to employee statusnow join other hands-on health care worker-employees in having no input into or seat at management tables on the issues that so outrage health care consumers. Trapped between these steadily worsening, system-abusive, assault-prone workplaces and increasingly discontented, more frequently hostile patient-consumersand with no voice or meaningful way to effect changeone result of this escalating workplace violence and disruption is accelerating departures of doctors (nurses and other workers) out of hands-on health care into safer, less abusive professions. This in turn further aggravates the already critical shortage of hands-on health care workers, thus further worsening patient access to timely and needed health care. This accelerating worker exodus also paradoxically further contributes to consumer perception of an inaccessible and denial-based system. To further add to the shortage and access problems, we are now seeing fewer and fewer bright young minds seeking hands-on health care careers due to these increasingly abusive and violent conditions. It is also important to note that in our current society, violence as a means to address perceived wrongs is becoming a more and more utilized pathway to express dissatisfaction and seek change, now even advocated among some within our political leaderships. This trend has ominous implications for the safety of doctors and other health care workers, for patients, and for the timely and safe delivery of patient care. ADVERTISEMENT Thus, with this level of consumer distrust, hostility, and aggression toward the whole health care system, and with workers increasingly leaving the system, the only real way to stop the increasing violence is to repair the system and return it to one that is more responsive to patient needs and more affordable. There is, even at this tipping point juncture, still some time left and pathways available to reverse this dangerous violence trend, these crippling worker exits, and to address other critical issues that so outrage health care consumers, disrupt physician (and other worker) clinical efforts, degrade workplace conditions, and further impede health care delivery. Failure to do so will lead rapidly to a totally broken system and one increasingly without physicians and other hands-on workers. Harry Severance is an emergency physician. Flash People try to receive food relief during Ramadan in Gaza City, on March 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] The Israeli army on Thursday killed three Palestinians in the east of Gaza City, according to Palestinian sources and eyewitnesses. "The attack targeted a group of people near the Al-Tawfiq Mosque in the Al-Shuja'iyya neighborhood, in the northern Gaza Strip," the sources told Xinhua. "One person was killed instantly, while three others were critically wounded. They were taken to the Baptist Hospital in central Gaza City, where two later died from their injuries," the sources added. Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee confirmed the strike, saying that the army had identified individuals "attempting to plant an explosive device" near its forces in northern Gaza and launched an airstrike to eliminate the threat. Palestinian sources rejected the Israeli claims, saying the victims were civilians returning to check on and repair their homes, which had been damaged during the war. The incident came amid ongoing tensions in Gaza as negotiations for the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas remain stalled. According to Gaza-based health authorities, since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, the reported death toll has reached 48,446, with 111,852 injured. A Chinese PhD student was found guilty yesterday [Macau time] in a London court of drugging and raping 10 women in England and China, as police warned there could be more than 50 other victims. Zhenhao Zou, 28, was convicted of the attacks between 2019 and 2023 following a monthlong trial at the Inner London Crown Court. He was convicted of 11 counts of rape, with two of the offenses relating to one victim. After more than 19 hours of deliberations, jurors concluded Zou raped three of the women in London and seven in China. Police have only been able to identify two of the victims and said after the verdict that more than 50 other women may have fallen victim to Zou, which would make him one of the worst sex offenders in U.K. history. Using hidden or handheld cameras to record the attacks, Zou filmed nine of the attacks as souvenirs and often kept a trophy box of womens belongings. Zou, a mechanical engineering student who was doing his PhD at University College London, claimed that the sexual interactions were consensual. He will be sentenced on June 19. Jurors, who had to watch footage of the attacks during the trial, were given regular breaks. Judge Rosina Cottage described the defendant as a dangerous and predatory sexual offender and that his sentence will be very long. Zou, who showed no emotion as the verdicts were read out in court, was also convicted of three counts of voyeurism, 10 of possession of an extreme pornographic image, one of false imprisonment and three of possession of a controlled drug with intent to commit a sexual offense, namely butanediol. He was cleared of two further counts of possession of an extreme pornographic image and one of possession of MDMA with intent to commit a sexual offense. Zou, who also used the name Pakho online, befriended fellow students of Chinese heritage on WeChat and dating apps, before inviting them for drinks and drugging them at his apartments in London or an unknown location in China. He has done all that he can in these offenses to incapacitate his victims to the point where they could not resist his attack, and in many instances may not even remember what has occurred to them, said Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Southworth. MDT/AP On the Agenda The countrys top political advisory body signaled strong support for deepening ties among cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and pledged to help Hong Kong and Macau achieve better development by integrating them into the overall national strategy. Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks at a news conference earlier this week. 2024 marked the 25th anniversary of Macaus return to the motherland, and the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin achieved new progress, Liu said. Hong Kongs integration into the countrys overall development continues to deepen and becomes more substantial. The high-quality development of the Greater Bay Area is constantly enriching the practice of one country, two systems (guiding principle), he said. During the Spring Festival, Macau and Hong Kong residents made more than 2.6 million visits to the mainland. Last year, mainland visitors made 34 million trips to Hong Kong and nearly 24.5 million trips to Macau, representing a year-on-year growth of about 27 percent and 29 percent respectively, he said. He also said the passenger and vehicle flow through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge set new records in 2024, while the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link and the Huangmao Sea Channel Bridge were completed and opened to traffic. A series of measures benefiting residents and businesses have been carried out, making the flow of personnel, goods, capital, data, and other factors more efficient and convenient, Liu said. Cross-border direct ambulances in the Greater Bay Area are now transporting patients on a point-to-point basis, he added. Liu highlighted the contributions of CPPCC National Committee members from the two special administrative regions, saying, More than 230 Hong Kong and Macau members have played an active role in the countrys economic and social development and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao. They visited businesses, associations and universities, conducted research in mainland provinces and cities, while engaging in in-depth discussions on topics such as leveraging the role of Hong Kong and Macao in building a new open economic system at a higher level. They have offered advice in areas including financial trade, technological innovation, and business environment, Liu said. He said the CPPCC National Committee has conducted in-depth work to promote Hong Kong and Macaus integration into the national development. The top political advisory body has provided suggestions on building the Greater Bay Area into an international technology and innovation hub, helping to promote technological cooperation, innovation resource flow, and international talent recruitment across the region. According to the Guangdong provincial government website, the Greater Bay Areas total economic output surpassed 14 trillion yuan ($1.92 trillion) in 2023, continuing its steady growth after exceeding 13 trillion yuan in 2022. MDT/China Daily This March, Four Seasons Hotel Macao presents the Four-Hands Culinary Extravaganza, an exclusive dining experience featuring two esteemed chefs: Chef Wang Yong, Senior Executive Chinese Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, and Chef Anthony Ho Yam To, Executive Chinese Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Macao. Taking place on March 28 and 29, this collaboration brings together the expertise behind four Black Pearl diamonds and two Michelin stars, offering an exceptional gastronomic experience. Chef Wang Yong, a specialist in Zhejiang cuisine, has led Jin Sha at Four Seasons Hangzhou to great acclaim, earning three Black Pearl diamonds for eight consecutive years and a Michelin star. For this event, he will showcase Jiangzhe cuisine with signature dishes such as Braised Pork Belly with Fresh Abalone and Coddled Egg with Sea Urchin. At Zi Yat Heen, Chef Anthony Ho will present Cantonese specialties, including Kristal Caviar with Chilled South Australian Lobster and Double-Boiled Canadian Geoduck Soup with Italian Basil. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are warning of a deteriorating business environment, stating that the region has lost competitiveness largely due to the slowdown in the gaming market. Lawmaker Jose Maria Pereira Coutinho expressed concerns over the citys diminishing competitiveness, citing a wave of bankruptcies as one of the most pressing issues. The current situation is deeply concerning, Coutinho said in a statement to the press. The slowdown in the gaming industry has created a domino effect, impacting not just casinos but businesses that rely on the sector. We need effective measures to improve the business environment and strengthen the fight against corrupt practices. One of the most immediate concerns remains the employment crisis among satellite casino workers. In the statement, the lawmaker recalled that in October 2024, the association had formally inquired about the fate of thousands of employees who lost their jobs due to the closure of satellite casinos, which also had a significant impact on surrounding businesses. In response, the director of the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) assured that the government remained attentive to the possible impact on workers resulting from changes in company activities. We have made available various support measures, including consultations on employment rights, career advice, vocational training information, and job application assistance, the DSAL director noted in a written statement on November 21, 2024. Additionally, we continue to organize pairing sessions with integrated tourism and leisure companies to help job seekers reintegrate into the labor market. Despite these assurances, many affected workers remain uncertain about their future. There are growing concerns over employees being reassigned to roles that may not suit their physical abilities or skill sets, such as hotel housekeeping, security, or catering. Coutinho has called for more concrete measures to ensure these workers are placed in suitable employment without long periods of joblessness. Coutinho is urging the government to amend current unemployment benefit legislation, extending the eligibility period from 90 to 360 days to provide better financial security for displaced workers. Both young and middle-aged employees are facing significant employment difficulties, the lawmaker emphasized. An extension of unemployment benefits is necessary to prevent a worsening social crisis. Another issue under scrutiny is the disparity in benefits between different sectors. Cleaning, security, and construction workers employed by some casino concessionaires currently have access to an early retirement program, enabling them to spend more time with their families. Calls have been made for this program to be extended to casino workers, including croupiers, who face similar working conditions. Additionally, labor representatives are advocating for improved shift and night allowances, as well as a more humane scheduling system to combat stress, burnout, and health issues such as insomnia and cardiovascular diseases. The well-being of workers should be a priority, said the lawmaker. We need better working conditions in casinos, where employees often face long and irregular hours. The government should take action to ensure shift work environments are healthier and more sustainable. Beyond the gaming sector, the rising number of non-resident workers (TNRs) has also drawn scrutiny. In 2009, Macau had 75,000 non-resident workers; by 2024, this number had surged to nearly 221,000a staggering increase of 180%. Questions have been raised about how this rise has affected employment opportunities for local workers and whether stricter supervision and penalties should be implemented to ensure non-resident employees only perform the jobs for which they were originally hired. So, what are the main reasons for this increase, and what impact has it had on the reduction of local workers? What concrete measures will be implemented to reduce the high number of TNRs and improve the supervision of TNRs who perform functions other than those for which they were authorized to work in the SAR? Coutinho questioned. For the lawmaker, the increase in non-resident workers has undoubtedly influenced the job market. We need to understand the reasons behind this surge and ensure that local workers are not being displaced. Additionally, oversight needs to improve to prevent violations, particularly in sectors like transportation, where non-resident drivers are often found operating heavy vehicles without proper authorization, he added. Staff Reporter Macau and Thailand have announced an expanded collaboration to increase employment opportunities for Thai workers in the SARs hospitality, gaming, and wellness sectors. Recently, the Minister of Labour, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, held discussions with Secretary of Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, to address the growing demand for Thai workers in various industries, including hotels, casinos, restaurants, and spas. Currently, Macau employs approximately 1,040 Thai workers. Thailands Ministry of Labour is enhancing training programmes focused on language proficiency and industry-specific skills. These initiatives aim to prepare Thai workers before deployment to Macau. Related Hong Kongs top court yesterday overturned the convictions of three former organizers of an annual vigil in remembrance of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown over their refusal to provide information to police, marking a rare victory for the citys pro-democracy activists. Chow Hang-tung, Tang Ngok-kwan and Tsui Hon-kwong core members of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China were convicted in 2023 during Beijings crackdown on the citys pro-democracy movement. They received a sentence of 4 1/2 months and have already served their terms. The alliance was long known for organizing candlelight vigils in the city on the anniversary of the Chinese militarys crushing of the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Beijing. But it voted to disband in 2021 under the shadow of a sweeping national security law. Before the group dissolved, police had sought details about its operations and finances in connection with alleged links to pro-democracy groups overseas, accusing it of being a foreign agent. But the group refused to cooperate, insisting it was not. Yesterday, judges at the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal unanimously ruled in the trios favor. Chief Justice Andrew Cheung announced the decision in court. The prosecution needed to prove that the alliance was a foreign agent, the judges wrote, adding that the lower courts fell into error in holding that it was sufficient merely that the police commissioner said he had reasonable grounds to believe the alliance was a foreign agent. In their appeal, the appellants also took issue with crucial details that were redacted, including the names of groups that were alleged to have links with the alliance. The top courts judges ruled that by redacting the only potential evidential basis for establishing that the alliance was a foreign agent, the prosecution disabled itself from proving its case. Nondisclosure of the redacted facts in any event deprived the appellants of a fair trial so that their convictions involved a miscarriage of justice, they wrote. After the ruling, Tang told reporters outside the court that he hoped the top courts ruling proved that the alliance was not a foreign agent and that in the future they could prove that the 1989 movement was not a counter-revolutionary riot. Justice lives in peoples hearts. Regardless of the outcome, everyone knows the truth in their hearts, he said. During an earlier hearing at the top court in January, Chow, who represented herself and prepared the appeal in prison, said her case highlighted what a police state is. A police state is created by the complicity of the court in endorsing such abuses. This kind of complicity must stop now, she said. Since the security law was introduced in 2020, several non-permanent overseas judges have quit the top court, raising questions over confidence in the citys judicial system. In 2024, Jonathan Sumption quit his position and said the rule of law was profoundly compromised. But Cheung in January said the judges premature departures did not mean the judiciarys independence was weakening. The annual vigil at Hong Kongs Victoria Park was, along Macaus, was one of the two public commemoration of the June 4 crackdown on Chinese soil for decades. After COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, the park was occupied instead by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups. Those who tried to commemorate the event near the site were detained. Chow and two other former alliance leaders, Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho, were charged with subversion in a separate case under the security law. They remain in custody, awaiting the beginning of their trial. In a separate yesterday, judges at the top court dismissed jailed pro-democracy activist Tam Tak-chis bid to overturn his sedition convictions in a landmark case brought under a colonial-era law that was used to crush dissent. Tam Tak-chi was the first person tried under the sedition law since the 1997 handover and was found guilty of 11 charges in 2022, including seven counts of uttering seditious words. The judges ruled that the prosecution was not required to establish that the words uttered by the appellant were intended to incite violence or public disorder. The colonial-era law was repealed last year after the government introduced a new, home-grown security law that it said was necessary for stability. Critics worry the law will further curtail freedoms. KANIS LEUNG, HONG KONG, MDT/AP Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the importance of Macau and Hong Kong in Chinas broader development strategy, describing them as diamonds during a meeting with delegates from the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) yesterday. The session, held in Beijing as part of the Two Sessions political gathering, focused on strengthening the two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) economic integration with the mainland. Attended by key officials, including Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, and CPPCC vice chairmen Leung Chun-ying and Edmund Ho Hau-wah, the meeting provided a platform for delegates to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the SARs. Ho, who hosted the session, noted that Dings participation underscored Beijings commitment to the One country, two systems framework and its continued support for the regions. Ding also called for strong backing of Macaus new Chief Executive, stressing the importance of a stable and effective administration as the city navigates a crucial phase of economic development. Speaking at the joint meeting, Ding outlined national achievements in 2024 despite global and domestic challenges. He also emphasized future expectations for both Special Administrative Regions. Macau delegate Ho Ion Sang, who attended the session, said Ding acknowledged the countrys resilience in driving economic growth and meeting key development targets. He highlighted the need for Macau to capitalize on opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and Hengqin to accelerate economic diversification. Following the meeting, CPPCC member Peter Douglas Koon Ho-ming shared Dings remarks, emphasizing that Hong Kong and Macau serve as vital connectors between China and the global community. The Vice Premier described us not only as a pearl but also as a diamond, symbolizing our importance in bridging East and West, Koon said. Beyond economic growth, Ding urged delegates to remain vigilant in the face of external pressures and geopolitical risks. According to CPPCC standing committee member Ko Wing-man, Ding stressed that while stability has been maintained, national security threats persist. There are still internal and external forces seeking to challenge our one country, two systems principle, Ko warned. Ding outlined three key expectations for delegates: promoting the Two Sessions policy agenda, supporting the leadership of the Chief Executive and SAR governments, and fostering regional unity for economic and social advancement. He also encouraged the business sector to invest in long-term innovation and technology development to enhance Hong Kong and Macaus competitiveness. CPPCC standing committee member Pansy Ho noted that Ding commended Hong Kongs efforts in economic advancement. During the discussion, CPPCC delegate Yiu Chi-shing proposed that Hong Kong should work toward surpassing London as the worlds second-largest international financial center, aligning itself more closely with Chinas status as the worlds second-largest economy. He called for the development of a structured reform plan to enhance the citys financial infrastructure and ensure it meets the highest global standards. Ding responded by reaffirming Hong Kongs distinctive position as a financial hub, citing its strong ties to both the mainland and international markets. He expressed support for expanding the citys professional service industries and further integrating its economy with national development goals. Staff Reporter On several occasions since 2020, Tyler Wintermute has taken the stage at Madisons monthly Nerd Nite to speak on topics such as the Indiana gas boom, why mangroves are cool, and how the 1993 Super Mario Brothers movie is superior to the 2023 version. On Wednesday, hell give a talk ranking Wisconsin fish fries in a decidedly brainy way. Ill be taking a data-driven approach, said Wintermute, who is a few months from earning a Ph.D. in Botany at UW-Madison. Ive been to, like, 85 fish fries, and Ive kept a spreadsheet of how many fish are in each one, the quality and size, all that stuff. Im working right now to parameterize that data, using some of the bioinformatics methods that I have from my Ph.D. stuff, plugging in that fish fry data and trying to figure out what makes a good fish fry. Hell reveal his findings and his Top 3 pick of Dane County fish fries at the next Nerd Nite, a meeting of minds that happens almost monthly at High Noon Saloon. Despite the data charts, the free-admission gathering can be anything but dry. Think TED Talks, but one where beer-drinking, cheering from the audience and free prizes from the host during the Q&A are all part of the party. The Nerd Nite slogan: Be there and be square. We keep it fairly low tech. This is a volunteer thing we do, said Nerd Nite co-host Haley Briel. But it is an international thing. There are Nerd Nites all over the world. At the February Nerd Nite at High Noon Saloon, enrapt audience members sat at bar tables or in folding chairs lined up at the foot of the stage. The three speakers of the night had signed up well in advance of their time slots. Nerd Nite presenters often use a PowerPoint presentation, but not always. Some try a little humor, but not all. Theyre asked to keep their well-researched, fact-based talks on whatever quirky subject that excites them to about 20 minutes. But I will admit we dont strongly enforce that, said Briel, who cautions that Nerd Nite talks arent necessarily PG-13. I think the beauty of this is that someone is invited to talk about something they really love. And if theyre excited, Im not here to make that stop, she said. Its just about providing people with a free space for learning and to remember that learning is fun. Thats the whole point. Founded in Boston in 2003 by a Ph.D. student in evolutionary biology, Nerd Nites have spread to some 100 cities worldwide. More information on the global phenomenon is available via the Madison Nerd Nite website, madison.nerdnite.com. I really appreciate that this is free, said Briel, who came to her first Nerd Nite as a graduate student and now works in teaching and learning at the universitys College of Engineering. Just to have a place for people to develop community that isnt a cash-grab is really special to me. Its a low-pressure way for you to feel like youre doing something good for your brain. Though grad students might dominate the audience, the February crowd included personal friends of the speakers, as well as other community members. Briels parents, for example, rarely miss a Nerd Nite. Adam Smith and Dan Duffy, along with their 15-year-old sons Finn and Ellis, are regulars. Its great seeing people get so passionate about the minutiae, Adam Smith said during a brief intermission at Februarys Nerd Nite. Smith and his group had just heard a talk on mushroom foraging and were awaiting a presentation on the presidential election of 1884. Some of their favorite Nerd Nite topics of the past: The origins of the Rubiks Cube; the politics of Star Wars; and defenestration, or the art of throwing someone out a window in a movie. If you go What: Madison Nerd Nite Where: High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. When: Wednesdays. The next events are March 12 and April 9, followed by a break. Doors open at 7 p.m.; talks begin at 8 p.m. Admission: Free Website: madison.nerdnite.com The next Nerd Nite, which is coming up on Wednesday, will include talks on love letters written in German during World War II; how remote sensing technology can serve as a powerful tool in wildlife conservation; and, of course, Wintermutes deconstruction of the Wisconsin Fish Fry, titled In Cod We Trust: A Fish Fry Story. Wintermute witnessed his first Nerd Nite about five years ago, shortly after arriving in Madison for grad school. I was hooked immediately by the enthusiasm of all the presenters and the variety of things people were talking about, he said. Theres something about the format of it. Sure, theres graduate students there, because were always thinking of things in super-hyper-specific ways. But I also think its a fantastic way for people who have a hobby that theyre super into to share their knowledge. And because its a shortened, 20-minute presentation format, you get sort of the best bits, he said. You get in as deep into it as you can before things start to go over your head, and I think that makes it super accessible. I strongly suggest people try it out and share their joy of stuff with others.(tncms-asset)147bc712-f933-11ef-900e-bbc7d20c74f0[3](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)88a54d16-efc9-11ef-951b-4bea361b5f58[4](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)8c71d84c-efc9-11ef-9285-1f20ae42bbd4[5](/tncms-asset) UW-Madison and Universities of Wisconsin leaders are urging the states congressional representatives to protect access to funding through the National Institutes of Health after President Donald Trump targeted the agencys research contracts as part of a series of slashing spending cuts. Joined by nearly three dozen Wisconsin-based health care systems, technology companies and other universities, the UW system leaders Wednesday signed a letter to Wisconsins eight House representatives and two U.S. senators to maintain the federal governments commitment to medical research, especially as lawmakers start to implement many of Trumps policy priorities through the budget. Wisconsin and 21 other states sued the NIH in February after the agency announced plans to reduce reimbursements for so-called indirect costs to 15% for research it helps underwrite at all public and private universities. The reduction threatened big losses in funding for institutions that had negotiated much higher percentages, but the NIH said the lower figure is in line with what private foundations offer researchers. The states quickly won a reprieve from U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley, who temporarily blocked the order from taking effect. On Wednesday, Kelley extended her ruling as the lawsuit proceeds But that stay offers only temporary relief, with Trumps promised cuts jeopardizing future medical innovation, cures and the states emerging dominance in biomedical research, UW system President Jay Rothman said Thursday. This goes to who we are as a society, Rothman said. Are we going to invest in our future? The change in NIH funding would cost UW-Madison $65 million a year in already-pledged funds for indirect costs such as building and lab maintenance, utilities and administrative costs. UW-Madison has negotiated a 55.5% indirect cost reimbursement rate with the NIH, meaning for every dollar of a research grant, an additional 55 cents is added on top to cover indirect costs. Of UW-Madisons indirect costs, 29.5% goes toward facility costs and the remaining 26% goes to administrative costs. UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said Thursday those indirect costs pay for necessary equipment as well as costs to ensure compliance with medical standards. In one of the universitys Alzheimers studies, for example, those big pieces of medical equipment that were using to study people ... those are indirects. Those are absolutely critical, Mnookin said. So I think its easy to sort of say, Gee, are they just overhead? Mnookin said. But theyre actually very real costs. And so if you took those away, even if you put (the money) back into research, it would reduce the research, because unless we could find other ways we could pay for those very real costs, we couldnt do the research were talking about. Millions on table Across Wisconsin, NIH research translates into tangible improvements in patient care, medical breakthroughs, and technological advancements, the coalition of health professionals wrote in their letter. Each year, more than 20,000 patients at UW Madison and UW Health participate in clinical trials, accessing life-saving and life-changing treatments for diseases such as Alzheimers, cancer, and degenerative neurologic conditions. The threatened reduction in funding could slow ongoing research into several medical conditions including cancer and diabetes, with Alzheimers disease and dementia research taking the brunt of the blow, university officials said. Of UW-Madisons top 10 NIH grants, five of those involve dementia. Those grants include: A $150 million study of Alzheimers brain scans being led by UW-Madison involving 37 Alzheimers disease research centers nationally; $13.8 million to study vascular dementia, a genetically inherited disorder caused by gene mutations; and a $11.5 million study on risk factors for Alzheimers disease of people who graduated high school in 1957 and what factors or behaviors might have risen or decreased their chances for developing the cognitive diseases. One other study, the Midlife in the United States study, has been underway for 30 years examining what biomedical, psychological and social factors promote good health in adults. Other significant NIH-funded grant research includes investigating gene-editing therapies for two diseases causing blindness; childhood asthma research, especially for children in lower-income urban areas; developing treatments for drug-resistant infections; and combating obesity and Alzheimers disease risk for people with Down syndrome. The funding also fosters collaboration across institutions, said Sterling Johnson, whose lab is researching treatments for Alzheimers disease. Its a testament to these NIH-funded entities doing this, to work together and create solutions faster, he said. Scaling back the funding on projects already underway not only threatens current research but could have a long-lasting impact, officials said, by hampering the ability of universities to train the next generation of scientists. Many of those are hoping their generation will be the last to suffer from a particular disease, they said. Close to home Sigrid Knuti, who has been a participant in a nearly 20-year Alzheimers disease study at UW-Madison, has a lengthy medical history with Alzheimers: Her mother died of Alzheimers, as did a cousin. Knuti suspects her grandmother had Alzheimers disease, too, as her death certificate states she died of hardened arteries but notes her cognitive state was that of a child. Alzheimers disease continues to touch Knutis family. In recent weeks, an extended-family member had an aunt and an uncle die in a murder-suicide after one could not continue serving as the others sole caregiver. The disease, Knuti said, is what ultimately led to the end of a 60-year love story. Im a mother, and Im also a grandmother. ... I want this generation to end Alzheimers, Knuti said. And for that, Im counting on Sterling and University of Wisconsin to get it done. State Journal reporter David Wahlberg contributed to this report. Republicans are taking a huge political gamble as they try to find money for tax cuts by threatening to slash Medicaid. As Congress has learned repeatedly, most recently in 2018, when the party in power messes with Americans health care, things dont go well for them in midterm elections. Medicaid covers more than 72 million people across the country about 1 in 4 Americans overall, and about half of all children. It disproportionately covers people with disabilities, the low-income elderly and anyone needing long-term care. And it fills in the gaps for millions of people who need mental-health and nursing-home services that arent otherwise covered by health insurance. A recent KFF poll suggests the public health insurance program is viewed favorably by 77% of all Americans, and 84% of those on the program. Yet under pressure from President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, all but one House Republican voted for a budget framework that could remove as much as $880 billion from Medicaid over the next 10 years. Johnson denied there would be deep cuts. Were going to take care of those who are rightful beneficiaries of the programs, he confidently told CNN. He vowed instead to carve out fraud, waste and abuse and find efficiencies. Johnson knows that $880 billion in savings is impossible to achieve by only targeting fraud, waste and abuse. And even if it were possible, its only about 19% of the $4.6 trillion needed to renew the tax cuts passed during the first Trump administration. But talk is cheap, and Johnson may have offered a clue when he spoke of rightful beneficiaries. Tightening eligibility, imposing funding caps on recipients and cutting Medicaid payments to states are some of the cutbacks floated by Project 2025 now gaining traction with Republicans. Johnson also suggested that imposing a work requirement for most recipients polls well with voters. But work requirements dont work. Ask Georgia and Arkansas, the only two states that have imposed a work requirement for Medicaid beneficiaries. In both cases, work requirements have ramped up administrative costs while reducing access to health care. Arkansas work requirement, which started during Trumps first administration, lasted about eight months before a federal judge threw it out. Subsequent research found that more than 95% of people targeted by the policy had already met the work requirement or should have been exempt. Yet nearly 18,000 people lost coverage, and most of the people who were removed from the system stayed uninsured. In Georgia, the only state now requiring Medicaid enrollees to work in exchange for their health care, its also been a fiasco. The state requires recipients to work at least 80 hours per month, attend a technical college or perform another state-approved activity. But the administrative rollout has been so fraught with technical glitches and confusion that people have been unable to report their work hours. America can save trillions on Medicaid | Martin Hoyt The American people voted for government reform in November, and we have seen actions taken by President Donald Trump aiming to accomplish that. At the end of its first full year in 2024, Georgia reported the program was insuring only 4,231 people, out of about 240,000 who were eligible. Georgia saw little increase in labor force participation among the group and, of the $40 million the state spent on the program, only about 10% went to recipients. The rest went to consultants and vendors. Expanding this administrative burden to every state will undoubtedly be equally wasteful. Nationwide, 92% of able-bodied Medicaid enrollees already work either full-time or part-time, are in school or have caregiving responsibilities, according to KFF, a health research nonprofit. The Congressional Budget Office estimated in 2023 that a federal Medicaid work requirement would result in 1.5 million people losing eligibility, leave 600,000 without insurance, and abandon thousands of caregivers and people with disabilities because they cant work. There would be savings, they said, of about $109 billion over 10 years but that doesnt account for the increase in uncompensated care at hospitals and health care centers that would see a spike in uninsured patients. The programs broad reach is another reason that targeting Medicaid comes with mega risks for the MAGA crowd. The areas of the country that could be most harmed by cutting Medicaid payments to states are disproportionately communities that voted in large numbers for Trump. Even Steve Bannon said the quiet part out loud when he told his podcast listeners: Medicaids going to be a complicated one A lot of MAGAs on Medicaid. A look at data in rural areas, where Trump voters are concentrated, bears this out. According to a 2023 study by Georgetown University, in 20202021, Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program provided coverage for a larger share of both adults and children in small towns and rural areas than in metropolitan counties nationwide and in every state. In the last few weeks, members of Congress have heard an earful from voters critical of the proposed cuts in purple states like Wisconsin, Georgia and Pennsylvania and in red states like Arkansas, Ohio and Iowa. And remember what happened in 2018, after Trump tried to eviscerate Obamacare? Even though he ultimately failed by a single vote in the Senate Democrats defeated 36 House Republicans and regained control of the chamber. Today, House Republicans have a three-vote margin and the Cook Political Report estimates 18 seats in 2026 are toss-ups. Trump campaigned on promises to lower prices, reduce immigration and cut taxes. He never mentioned gutting Medicaid. If Republicans dont abandon this idea, voters will punish them for the bait and switch. We publish below a joint statement by the US, Canadian and Mexican sections of the Revolutionary Communist International, explaining the need for internationalism and workers unity in response to the Trump administration's recent tariffs on Mexico and Canada. [Leer en espanol] The decision of the Trump administration to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico, amongst others, has caused a major political shock. It is important for revolutionary communists to explain what is behind this decision and to adopt a position based on the defence of the interests of the working class. In Canada, bourgeois politicians and business leaders have called on the whole of the population to rally behind Team Canada and have announced retaliatory tariffs. In Mexico, the government of Claudia Sheinbaum has announced it will respond with dignity to defend the countrys sovereignty and independence. Trumps tariffs represent an escalation of a policy of economic protectionism which has been developing for some time. It was present during the first Trump presidency and was continued under Biden. It represents a departure from the enormous expansion of world trade after World War Two, which became known as globalisation. Under capitalism, the two main barriers to the development of the productive forces are the private ownership of the means of production and the nation state. The creation of the nation state in the period of the bourgeois revolution played an enormously progressive role, in breaking down feudal particularism, creating a national market and providing an impulse to the development of the productive forces. That period came to an end over 100 years ago with the rise of imperialism. The economic forces conjured by capitalism could no longer be contained within the limits of the national state, which have been transformed into a reactionary fetter. The spiralling crisis and increased antagonism among the imperialist states led to decades of instability and two world wars. Only through unspeakable suffering and immense destruction did world capitalism reach a prolonged phase of growth with the post-WW2 boom, ending up in the crisis of the 1970s. After the collapse of Stalinism in Russia and with the restoration of capitalism in China, we saw a new period of development of the world market and further economic integration. The availability of a large supply of cheap labour and the opening of new markets gave a temporary boost to world capitalism. That led to the rise of new imperialist countries, China and Russia, which are now competing with the US for world domination. In the present period of capitalist crisis, there is increased competition for markets. Globalisation has come to a halt and the world is increasingly divided into warring economic blocs. The main powers are reverting to economic nationalism, which in essence means the attempt to export unemployment. This is the meaning of Trumps America First policy. If America is to be first, it means the other countries must come after. Trumps message is simple: if you want to avoid tariffs, bring your production to the US. To the workers in the US he says: tariffs will bring back well-paid industrial jobs. The problem is that they wont. This policy, in fact, is a recognition of the inability of US capitalism to compete on the world market. Protectionism is a symptom of the crisis of capitalism and in this particular case, it is a symptom of the relative decline of US imperialism on the world arena and an attempt to stop that process and partially revert it. Protectionism and trade wars cannot solve the crisis of capitalism. They will in fact aggravate it. After the 1929 crash in the stock exchange, it was the policy of competitive devaluations and tariffs that tipped the world economy into a depression. The economies of Canada, Mexico and the US have become deeply integrated, particularly since the signing of NAFTA in 1994. Supply lines straddle the national borders. Any disruption to these will cause economic pain which the capitalists will make workers pay for through higher prices, redundancies, intensified exploitation and factory closures. We must be clear: the era of free trade has brought misery upon the working class, with stagnating wages, factory closures and harsher working conditions. But trade wars will bring no solution. Trump is attempting to pit workers against workers, and union leaders like those of UAW are shamefully lending their support to this programme. Laying off thousands of workers in Mexico or Canada will do nothing to help US workers. What is needed is a joint struggle against the bosses who are earning billions while workers conditions are being eroded. We support Mexican workers and poor peasants in their struggle against US imperialist bullying. Claudia Sheinbaum has called for mobilisations in defence of Mexicos independence and sovereignty. As revolutionary communists we say that the only way to carry out a consistent anti-imperialist struggle is by expropriating US multinationals without compensation and under workers control. Follow the example of Lazaro Cardenas when he nationalised British oil companies! If companies shut down production using tariffs as an argument, workers must occupy the plants and demand nationalisation under workers control. Supporting the national bourgeoisie by financing investments and giving them subsidies will not solve the underlying problem of Mexican society. We do not have to change masters we have to end capitalism. To the Canadian workers we say: no trust in the bosses or the capitalist politicians. No to the false idea of national unity with the capitalists! We stand for class struggle to defend jobs and conditions, including factory occupations! Instead of subsidies to the capitalists we stand for nationalisation under workers control with planning for the needs of the people. Of course many of the industries affected are integral part of supply lines linked to the US. Canadian workers defending their jobs should issue an internationalist appeal to their class brothers and sisters across the border. Companies nationalised under workers control could be retooled and repurposed to serve the needs of working people (making ambulances, public transport vehicles, etc). To the US workers we say: No to partnership with the bosses! Trumps tariffs will solve nothing. Only unionization and class-struggle methods can protect jobs and conditions. We need to go back to the proud traditions of the sit-in strikes which gave rise to the UAW in the 1930s. In the last instance, tariffs and trade wars are a manifestation of the crisis of capitalism. There is no lasting solution for the working class within the limits of this rotten system. It is time for working people to take their future into their own hands and brush aside wage slavery once and for all. For working-class unity across borders! For a Socialist Federation of North America as part of a World Socialist Federation! Revolutionary Communists of America (US section of the RCI) Revolutionary Communist Party / Parti Communiste Revolutionnaire (Canadian section of the RCI) Organizacion Comunista Revolucionaria (Mexican section of the RCI) Trump says tariffs on Mexico paused until April 2 Xinhua) 08:54, March 07, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) Trump's latest announcement on Mexico tariffs came one day after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the president is granting a one-month exemption to three major automakers from the newly imposed 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada. WASHINGTON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media Thursday that tariffs on Mexico will be paused until April 2, applying to anything covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). "After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement. This Agreement is until April 2nd," Trump said in a post on "Truth Social." "I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum," Trump said, noting that "our relationship has been a very good one." Earlier that day, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC that more one-month tariff exemptions under USMCA are "likely." "It's likely that it will cover all USMCA compliant goods and services, so that which is part of President Trump's deal with Canada and Mexico are likely to get an exemption from these tariffs," Lutnick said. Trump's latest announcement on Mexico tariffs came one day after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the president is granting a one-month exemption to three major automakers from the newly imposed 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during a press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, March 4, 2025. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua) The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a trade agreement negotiated, signed, and ultimately enacted during Trump's first term, aimed at replacing the former North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). On Feb. 1, Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25 percent tariff on products imported from Mexico and Canada, with a 10 percent tariff increase on Canadian energy products. On Feb. 3, Trump announced a 30-day delay in implementing the tariffs on both countries and continued negotiations. According to this decision, the relevant tariff measures took effect on March 4. Canada has announced retaliatory measures, while Mexico has signaled its intent to implement tariffs and other economic countermeasures. Businesses are increasingly concerned about the rising costs due to these tariffs, which could drive up consumer prices and contribute to an economic slowdown. The stock market has shown significant volatility in response to the new tariffs, with investor uncertainty mounting as fears of potential economic repercussions grow. The escalating tensions and economic uncertainties might have prompted Trump to reassess his trade policies. Trump has yet to make announcement on an overall pause on Canada tariffs. In a post on Truth Social Thursday, he accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of using the tariff problem to further his reelection bid. Trudeau, meanwhile, said on Thursday that Canada will continue to be in a trade war with the United States for the foreseeable future. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Most of the worlds women today are very far from achieving equality, let alone liberation. The wage gap between men and women is one thing, but inequality and oppression are about so much more than that. From the fear of leaving our drinks unattended when we are on a night out; to the anxiety of walking home alone, having to put up with constant sexist comments and stares; to doing the majority of housework; to doctors not taking womens diseases seriously and generally being treated as of lesser worth, the list goes on and on [To mark International Working Women's Day, which takes place tomorrow 8 March, we republish the following long read by Marie Frederiksen of the Revolutionrt Kommunistisk Parti the Danish section of the Revolutionary Communist International] Inequality and oppression are so ingrained in societys structures that they permeate a womans entire life, regardless of where in the world she lives. They take on their own disgusting expression under capitalism, but they have been passed down through thousands of years of class society. The alleged solutions we are offered by politicians and the tops of society are anything but satisfactory. They are imbued with an individualistic perspective that rejects class struggle and system change, in favour of promoting a girl boss ideology, where sexism and oppression are presented as something that can be overcome by individuals within the framework of capitalism. But the greatest advances for womens liberation have not come through independent enlightenment or individual struggles against a systemic evil. They have come through collective, revolutionary struggle to fundamentally change society. Therefore, it would be difficult to name another person who has had a greater impact on womens liberation than Lenin. That claim will probably make quite a few feminists cringe. What does a dead white Russian man have to say about the fight for womens liberation today? But the Russian Revolution, led by Lenin, showed that it is possible to do away with the capitalist system that we live under, and to begin building a society without inequality and oppression. Finally, real womens liberation was on the agenda. It was not just left up to the individual, however, but was part of a collective struggle of all oppressed layers of society. Russia before 1917 was a society with an extremely oppressive patriarchal culture. The October Revolution was an earthquake that shook the very foundations of that culture. In one fell swoop, all laws that placed women in an inferior position to men were removed, and homosexuality was decriminalised. That was just the beginning. The Russian Revolution showed that it is possible to do away with the capitalist system that we live under, and to begin building a society without inequality and oppression / Image: public domain The 100th anniversary of Lenins death has naturally been met with a smear campaign on the part of the capitalist press. But Lenin is also written off by many feminists who, on paper, claim to be progressive. They write off Lenin, along with Marx and Engels, as old white men. But those who jump on that bandwagon are, in reality, politically assisting the ruling class. They write off the revolutionary idea that, to do away with the oppression of women, you have to do away with class society. And that serves only the richest, those whose power and privilege depend on oppression and inequality as a built-in part of their system. The women's struggle and the revolution Lenins entire political struggle was directed towards one goal: the revolutionary overthrow of class society and the construction of an entirely new society, without inequality and oppression: a communist society. The reason the capitalist class has such extreme hate for this man is that he led the only successful workers revolution in world history: a revolution where the working class took power, and which showed that it is possible to organise society in accordance with peoples needs rather than profit. The Russian Revolution went further than any other event in human history in freeing women from the slavery of class society. The Bolsheviks took giant steps towards real womens emancipation, sending shockwaves through the world, shaking those in power to their core, and inspiring working women (and men) globally. It is no coincidence, therefore, that women in many parts of the world received the right to vote (along with many other rights) in the years immediately following the revolution. The Russian Revolution remains the most important contribution to the fight against womens oppression in world history. More than 100 years on, the measures that Lenin, and the rest of the Bolshevik Party, took after the revolution remain the most progressive in world history. The Bolsheviks removed all laws enforcing inequality between the sexes. Women were given the right to abortion and divorce, and the distinction between children born in or out of wedlock was abolished. In comparison, the right to divorce was only introduced in Denmark in 1925, and the right to abortion in 1973! Danish schoolchildren are taught that the social democrat Nina Bang was the worlds first female minister. However, she didnt become a minister until 1924, seven years after Alexandra Kollontai was appointed Peoples Commissar (i.e. Minister) in the Soviet Union. One of Kollontais first decrees dealt with maternity, and introduced, among other things, 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, and restricted the working week of breastfeeding women to just four days. Again, one must remember that at that time, maternity leave was utterly non-existent in most of the world. In Denmark, a law on maternity leave to include all female wage workers was only introduced in 1960. And that was only for 14 weeks, and not with full pay, but at the level of unemployment benefits. 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, to this day, exceeds the amount women are entitled to even in the worlds richest country, the USA, where women are entitled to just 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. But equality before the law was just the first step taken by the Bolsheviks. This is just the formal prerequisite for eradicating inequality. In order to achieve real equality, it is not enough to have new laws written down on paper. It requires radical changes in the social and economic conditions of society. Here is where the real work of the Bolsheviks began for the emancipation of women: the work of altering the material conditions, doing away with the root of inequality, namely, class division. It required an end to the private ownership of the means of production, i.e. the capitalists and landlords ownership of factories, businesses and the land. In its place, they began constructing a democratic plan of production directed towards solving the social needs of the great majority, the working class and the poorest farmers. One of Kollontais first decrees dealt with maternity, and introduced, among other things, 16 weeks of paid maternity leave / Image: public domain After the first step of equality before the law had been achieved, Lenin described the next tasks: The second and most important step is the abolition of the private ownership of land and the factories. This and this alone opens up the way towards a complete and actual emancipation of woman, her liberation from household bondage through transition from petty individual housekeeping to large-scale socialised domestic services. This transition is a difficult one, because it involves the remoulding of the most deep-rooted, inveterate, hidebound and rigid order (indecency and barbarity would be nearer the truth). But the transition has been started, the thing has been set in motion, we have taken the new path. (Lenin, International Working Womens Day, 1921) If women were to be free, it required an end to housework, which, in Lenins words, keeps women in domestic slavery. Housework had to be socialised, which concretely meant the creation of nurseries, kindergartens, community kitchens, public laundries, etc., etc. Women have since the rise of class society, that is, for thousands of years been chained to the home. Capitalism has played an important role in pulling women out into broader society as workers, and thus as participants in the class struggle. But it has failed to eliminate womens domestic slavery, which means that working women under capitalism suffer a double burden: both as workers and as women. Even in developed capitalist countries, the majority of housework falls on women. Today in Denmark, where womens employment share is almost the same as mens, women do an average of one hour more housework per day than men. When children are born, it has a significant impact on womens salaries, pensions and, not least, time for things other than the family, such as involvement in culture or participation in political activity. Limited by the material conditions However, the ambitions of the Bolsheviks could not go beyond the material reality of the Soviet Republic. Lenin had made it clear from day one that the revolution needed to spread to the more developed capitalist countries if socialism was to be built. Unfortunately, the Russian Revolution remained isolated, and in the first years after 1917, the young Soviet state was struggling to survive through the civil war that the most powerful capitalist states had fomented in Russia and to avert famine. Resources were extremely limited, and thus also the possibility of realising the plans to socialise housework. Seen in this context, that the Soviet state achieved anything at all was impressive. But with Stalins dictatorial takeover, a large part of the progress women had achieved after the revolution was rolled back, for instance, in relation to the right to abortion and divorce. Despite the degeneration and retrogression under Stalin and his successors, the planned economy did bring huge progress for women. Life expectancy for women more than doubled, from 30 years in the Tsars time to 74 years in the 1970s. In 1971, there were more than 5 million kindergarten places, and 49 percent of students in higher education were women. The only other countries where women made up over 40 percent of higher education were Finland, France, Sweden and the USA. Lenins political ideas were based on a materialist philosophical foundation / Image: public domain Lenins political ideas were based on a materialist philosophical foundation, i.e. the understanding that it is the material conditions that determine consciousness, thoughts, ideology, culture, etc. The prerequisite for doing away with the sexist and misogynistic culture that for thousands of years has devalued women compared to men, and kept them out of public life, is therefore a change in the material conditions. That means the abolition of the private ownership of the means of production. But the Bolsheviks didnt just sit back after they nationalised the economy, they set about extensive work to counter Russias chauvinistic culture. Special programmes were launched to eradicate illiteracy among women and involve them actively in leading the state and the party. At the same time, the Bolsheviks did a great job in raising the cultural level in general, thereby doing away with religious prejudices and other forms of chauvinism. Lenin led a fight for womens equality not just before the law, but in all areas. That is why we as communists consider ourselves the most consistent champions of womens emancipation. In contrast to liberal feminists, Lenin did not stay within the framework of capitalism. The most that can be achieved within this system is equality before the law. And as all of us in Scandinavia can tell you, where equality before the law has long been achieved, this remains a far cry from doing away with the oppression of women. Liberal feminists have acquired formal equality, and at the same time help to maintain the social and cultural inequality that still predominates. For Lenin, the focal point of the womens struggle was class. It is class alone that cuts across all other forms of oppression, and the one around which they all revolve. The ruling class is a negligible minority in society and does what it can to divide the working class along lines of gender, ethnicity, religion, etc., to try to play off different groups of workers against each other. Communists and the women's struggle For Lenin, not only is the revolution necessary for womens liberation, but the participation of women is decisive if we are to have a successful revolution. This is not a secondary question. It was working women who ignited the Russian Revolution when they went on strike on International Women's Day in 1917. Throughout the revolution leading up to October, Lenin insisted again and again on the need to organise women in the struggle. In one of his Letters from Afar written before his return from exile in 1917 he wrote: If women are not drawn into public service, into the militia, into political life, if women are not torn out of their stupefying house and kitchen environment, it will be impossible to guarantee real freedom, it will be impossible to build even democracy let alone socialism. (Lenin, Letters from Afar, third letter, Concerning a Proletarian Militia) Without the participation of women, the revolution could not win. And the question of organising working-class women in the fight for communism was not only regarded as critical by Lenin in the run-up to the October Revolution, but also afterwards, and in the building of the Third International as a tool for spreading the revolution worldwide. However, the oppression of women under capitalism also means that there are generally fewer women than men organised in the struggle. This too was a problem that Lenin tackled: Why are there nowhere as many women in the Party as men, not even in Soviet Russia? Why is the number of women in the trade unions so small? These facts give one food for thought. [] We cannot exercise the dictatorship of the proletariat without having millions of women on our side. Nor can we engage in communist construction without them. We must find a way to reach them. We must study and search in order to find this way. It is therefore perfectly right for us to put forward demands for the benefit of women. [] The rights and social measures we demand of bourgeois society for women are proof that we understand the position and interests of women and that we will take note of them under the proletarian dictatorship. Naturally, not as soporific and patronising reformists. No, by no means. But as revolutionaries who call upon the women to take a hand as equals in the reconstruction of the economy and of the ideological superstructure. (Clara Zetkin, Lenin on the Womens Question) Lenin repeatedly stressed that the fight for working womens liberation cannot be separated from the fight for socialist revolution. Inequality and oppression cannot be ended without ending class society. However, that does not mean that he therefore rejected the fight for womens demands before the revolution. Communists are sometimes wrongly accused of neglecting the womens struggle as something that will be solved by the revolution. But that is clearly not true. It is correct that we think revolution is the only way to end womens oppression, but that does not mean we reject the fight for democratic demands here and now. We communists do not sit down and wait for the revolution, but throw ourselves into the daily struggle. As Lenin explained, workers can be mobilised through the daily struggle for reforms and democratic demands, and through this struggle the limitations of capitalist democracy become clear. The task of the Communists is to use the daily struggles to raise the need to fight for a revolution. Lenin explained that the more free and democratic a society is, the more it becomes obvious that the problem is not merely this or that law, but capitalism itself: In most cases the right to divorce is not exercised under capitalism, because the oppressed sex is crushed economically; because, no matter how democratic the state may be, the woman remains a domestic slave under capitalism, a slave of the bedroom, nursery and kitchen. [] Only those who are totally incapable of thinking, or those who are entirely unfamiliar with Marxism, will conclude that, therefore, a republic is of no use, that freedom of divorce is of no use, that democracy is of no use, that self-determination of nations is of no use! Marxists know that democracy does not abolish class oppression, but only makes the class struggle clearer, broader, more open and sharper; and this is what we want. The more complete freedom of divorce is, the clearer will it be to the woman that the source of her domestic slavery is not the lack of rights, but capitalism. The more democratic the system of government is, the clearer it will be to the workers that the root of the evil is not the lack of rights, but capitalism. [...] And so on. (Lenin, From A Caricature of Marxism and Imperialist Economism) The more comprehensive the democracy, the clearer it becomes that it is not merely the lack of democracy that is to blame for oppression, but that oppression is rooted much deeper: in capitalism and the very structures of class society. As mentioned earlier, womens oppression has far from disappeared from countries in Scandinavia, despite equal democratic rights for men and women. It is becoming clearer to more and more women that the solution to sexism, violence against women, and their status as second-class citizens does not lie in parliament, but in a deeper overhaul of the structure of society. Our task as communists is to throw ourselves into these daily womens struggles, and at the same time use them to show how they are connected to class oppression and the need to fight capitalism. Lenin was clear that this vital work, of drawing class-conscious women into the revolutionary movement, was not just the job of women, and he was against a separate communist womens movement. It was the job of the whole party. It was necessary to educate and draw in all communists on the question of womens oppression and the importance of revolutionary work among women, including male comrades, if the work was to be conducted at all successfully. That even sometimes meant overcoming the resistance of male comrades, as the German Marxist Clara Zetkin recalled Lenin saying: They regard agitation and propaganda among women and the task of rousing and revolutionising them as of secondary importance, as the job of just the women-Communists. None but the latter are rebuked because the matter does not move ahead more quickly and strongly. This is wrong, fundamentally wrong! It is outright separatism. It is equality of women a rebours, as the French say, i.e., equality reversed. [...] Very few husbands, not even the proletarians, think of how much they could lighten the burdens and worries of their wives, or relieve them entirely, if they lent a hand in this womens work. But no, that would go against the privilege and dignity of the husband. He demands that he have rest and comfort. The domestic life of the woman is a daily sacrifice of self to a thousand insignificant trifles. The ancient rights of her husband, her lord and master, survive unnoticed. Objectively, his slave takes her revenge. Also in concealed form. Her backwardness and her lack of understanding for her husbands revolutionary ideals act as a drag on his fighting spirit, on his determination to fight. They are like tiny worms, gnawing and undermining imperceptibly, slowly but surely. I know the life of the workers, and not only from books. Our communist work among the masses of women, and our political work in general, involves considerable educational work among the men. We must root out the old slave-owners point of view, both in the Party and among the masses. That is one of our political tasks, a task just as urgently necessary as the formation of a staff composed of comrades, men and women, with thorough theoretical and practical training for Party work among working women. (Clara Zetkin, Lenin on the Womens Question) The womens struggle and communism The alternative to pessimism and individual solutions is to be found in Lenin and the Bolsheviks / Image: public domain Capitalism is in a deep crisis. It is not just an economic crisis, but a historical crisis permeating every pore of society. Everywhere you look, the world seems to be descending into wars and climate disasters. Sexism, racism, transphobia and other forms of discrimination and oppression are rampant. This crisis is felt particularly acutely among young people, who experience it in all areas of life. It means a deterioration of culture, human relationships and our psyche, as we see with the mental health crisis. The only thing young people and workers are offered is abysmal pessimism and individual solutions. But the crisis of capitalism isnt just leading to pessimism. The dead end of the system is causing a qualitative shift in consciousness among more and more people who are unsatisfied with individual solutions. They are looking for ideas that can provide a way out of this crisis. Millions of women and men worldwide are mobilising in the fight against inequality and oppression. The alternative to pessimism and individual solutions is to be found in Lenin and the Bolsheviks. Their response was a collective fight against the entire system. They did not stop within the framework of capitalism. They uprooted the very cause of oppression and inequality. This is the tradition we communists build on today. We throw ourselves into the womens struggle, but armed with the clear perspective that it cannot be separated from the struggle for communism, and that anyone who wants to fight seriously against the oppression of women must organise themselves in the struggle for communism. Lenin and the Bolsheviks began the struggle. It is up to us to complete it once and for all, and create a society where women and men can live a human existence, without inequality and oppression. Nigeria has unveiled on Thursday March 6 a set of comprehensive standards and guidelines for organ and tissue transplants, aimed at regulating a sector that has long been marred by ethical concerns and exploitation, according to the countrys Health minister. Despite advancements in medical expertise, Nigerias organ transplant system has been hindered by donor shortages, cultural issues, and weak laws, which have led to an increase in trafficking and exploitation. The new guidelines are designed to ensure transparency and adherence to international best practices in organ transplantation, in Africas most populous nation. They explicitly ban the sale of organs and establish regulations for kidney, liver, bone marrow, cornea, gamete, and embryo donations, as well as surrogacy. Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, highlighted that these regulations aim to foster a system grounded in voluntary donations and transparent allocation, protecting vulnerable groups from exploitation. Jimoh Salaudeen, Director of Hospital Services at the Ministry of Health, expressed concern over recent troubling incidents involving organ transplants. These incidents, he explained, often involve victims from impoverished backgrounds who are exploited by criminal cartels, lured with money or false promises of a better life. The new guidelines are intended to address these issues and create a safer, more ethical framework for organ transplants in Nigeria. The United Nations has called on March 6 for accountability in the Central African Republic (CAR) after uncovering evidence of serious human rights violations committed by armed groups in the country. A report from the UNs Human Rights Office and its peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, highlighted two deadly attacks in the Mbomou and Haut-Mbomou prefectures in October 2024 and January 2025. At least 24 people were killed in these assaults, including victims who were summarily executed. The attacks were allegedly coordinated by elements of the Wagner Ti Azande (WTA) group, which has ties to the national army, along with members of a previously affiliated armed group. The UN report documented several grave violations, including sexual violence, forced labour, torture, and looting, with a significant focus on attacks against Muslim communities and Sudanese refugees. Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stressed that these horrible crimes must not go unpunished. He emphasised the need for accountability to ensure such atrocities do not occur again, adding that the UN was prepared to collaborate with CAR authorities to protect human rights and fight against impunity. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for clarification of the links between the WTA and the national army, demanding full transparency regarding the groups actions. He also stated that if such transparency could not be achieved, the WTA should be disarmed. CAR has faced years of instability, with one in five people displaced by the ongoing conflict. In response to the violence, MINUSCA has increased its efforts to protect civilians and help restore state authority in the affected regions. The gas pipeline that will connect Nigeria to Morocco is a real way to transform the African continent, head of Moroccos mining and hydrocarbons development agency ONHYM said. Speaking at a conference in the Washington-based Atlantic Council, Amina Benkhadra said the first phase of the pipeline is underway and that a final investment decision is forthcoming. The project will enhance security in the region and Europe, Benkhadra told the conference dubbed Powering Africa Summit. Talks are ongoing with US operators and financial institutions to materialize the pipeline that will stretch over 6000 kilometres and serve some 400 million pepple, she said. The pipeline is part of Morocos Atlantic Initiative which aims to promote regional economic integration and help landlocked countries in the region access global trade through the Atlantic. The pipeline, which has the backing of Nigeria and the regional grouping ECOWAS, has a potential to boost economic integration across 13 African states, boost energy supply in West Africa and power the regions economies. In December, the project reached the land acquisition stage, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) said in December. Surveys are currently underway for Environmental and Social Impact Assessments of the project that will cost some 25 billion dollars and benefit 13 countries in West Africa. The first phase of the pipeline will connect the existing Nigeria-Ghana pipeline to Cote DIvoire, while the second phase will link Moroccos Maghreb- Europe pipeline to Senegal. The final step consists in linking Senegal to Cote DIvoire. 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 High levels of ammonia kill liver cells by damaging the mitochondria that power the cells. But this can be prevented using an existing drug due to start clinical trials, finds a new study in mice led by researchers from UCL. The study, published in Science Advances, is the first to observe that the buildup of ammonia (hyperammonemia) can harm liver cells, and the first to describe how this damage occurs in mouse models that are clinically relevant for humans. Hyperammonemia is known to cause brain dysfunction in those with liver disease, but a lack of effective treatments for the condition has meant the prognosis for patients is often poor. Professor Rajiv Jalan, senior author of the study from the UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, said, "Ammonia is a toxin that is usually cleared from the body via the urea cycle, which takes place in the liver. We know that liver disease patients accumulate ammonia and that this can lead to problems, including in the brain. But until now we didn't understand exactly how this occurred. "In this study we've demonstrated that ammonia kills liver cells by damaging the mitochondria, whichapart from their role in clearing ammonia from the bodyalso act as the powerhouse of cells. It's a vicious cycle where the more the mitochondria are damaged, the more ammonia builds up, which snowballs into complete system breakdown." Of the 100 million people in the world with cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), about three million are hospitalized with an episode of confusion or coma that is associated with elevated ammonia levels in blood and brain tissues, with 1015% of these expected to die within three months of the episode. In promising news for these patients, the research demonstrated that an existing drug, called YAQ-005 (previously known as TAK-242), can halt damage to the mitochondria in liver cells, allowing them to do their job of converting ammonia into urea so that it can be excreted as urine (a process called the urea cycle). YAQ-005, which has been patented by UCL Business (UCLB), the commercialization company for UCL, and licensed to UCL spinout company Yaqrit, is currently in a phase II clinical trial for acute-on-chronic liver failure, a condition related to cirrhosis. The authors believe that the drug may also be effective for children with urea-cycle disorders and other genetic diseases that lead to increased levels of ammonia by causing mitochondrial dysfunction (hepatic mitochondriopathies). In the study, the researchers observed that in two mouse models, elevated levels of ammonia caused an increase in two proteins, called RIPK1 and RIPK3, which leads to mitochondrial damage and a dangerous form of cell death that not only harms the liver but also other organs, including the immune system. There was also increased activity in the TLR4 signaling pathway, which alerts the immune system when pathogens are detected and is known to induce the production of RIPK1 proteins. Increases in RIPK1 and RIPK3 corresponded to increased liver scarring and liver cell death, proving that ammonia directly causes liver injury for the first time. The team then administered two drugs, RIPA-56 to block the RIPK1 pathway and YAQ-005 to prevent the activation of the TLR4 pathway, which led to significant reduction in liver injury and cell death in the mice. Dr. Annarein Kerbert, first author of the study from UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health and Leiden University Medical Centre, said, "Targeted drugs to prevent chronic liver disease progression currently do not exist. In this study, we have shown the potential of the drug YAQ-005 in protecting the liver from the toxic effects of hyperammonemia. We therefore believe that this could be a potential novel therapy for disease progression in cirrhosis. Our aim is to investigate this further in proof-of-concept clinical studies." A phase II clinical trial for YAQ-005 is due to begin recruiting patients with liver failure in mid-2025, which will provide the first proof of concept for this treatment in human patients. Troels Jordansen, CEO of Yaqrit, added, "We are looking forward to advancing this innovative drug, licensed from UCL, into phase II trials in acute-on-chronic liver failure. This is a complicated life-threatening condition and there is an urgent need for new approaches." More information: Annarein Kerbert et al, Hyperammonemia induces programmed liver cell death, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado1648. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado1648 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: Representative example of spine dynamics during longitudinal imaging showing clustering of new spines following linked memory formation. Credit: Nature Neuroscience (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-01876-8 Past neuroscience studies suggest that memories of events that occurred at short time intervals from one another are often connected, via a process referred to as memory linking. While memory linking is now a well-documented phenomenon, its neural underpinnings have not been fully elucidated. Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) recently carried out a study aimed at better understanding the neural processes that contribute to memory linking in the mouse brain. Their findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggest that dendritic plasticity, the adaptation of dendrites (i.e., branch-like extensions of neurons) over time, plays a key role in the linking of memories. "A few years back, in a landmark study published in Nature in 2016, we demonstrated that memories formed a few hours apart are linked because they are stored in a common set of neurons in the hippocampus," Alcino Silva, senior author of the paper, told Medical Xpress. "We wanted to know: Where within these neurons are these memories stored and linked? What was causing these neurons to be recruited?" While answering these research questions in an experimental setting was unfeasible a few years ago, since then Silva and his colleagues have developed new tools and technologies to probe subcellular mechanisms. In collaboration with Yiota Poirazi's laboratory at the Foundation for Research and Technology in Crete, they then set out to investigate how dendritic and synaptic dynamics could contribute to memory linking, employing modeling techniques. "In an earlier theoretical study also published in 2016, we predicted that in addition to being stored in common neuronal populations, linked memories should also reside within common dendrites within these neurons," said Poirazi. "Inspired by these findings and with the help of our multidisciplinary team, we set out to reveal whether and how dendritic mechanisms may allow the linking of memories across time in rodent brains," added Silva. As part of their recent study, the researchers employed three different but complementary imaging techniques. Using these techniques, they visualized three distinct subcellular compartments in living mice, namely the soma, dendrites and spines from neurons. "We showed that when mice form two memories close in time, we can see that many of the same somas, dendritic branches, and spines are involved in forming these two memories," explained Megha Sehgal, the first author and a co-corresponding author of the paper. "In a second class of experiments, we used sophisticated genetic tagging techniques to manipulate these neuronal somas and dendrites. When we forced independent memories to be stored in the same neuronal somas or even the dendrites and found just this simple intervention in one brain region, the retrosplenial cortex, was enough to link these memories!" Silva, Sehgal and their colleagues found that, following their experimental intervention, mice became scared of a box that was previously unimportant to them, simply because the memory of this box was stored in the same dendrites that stored memories of a box in which they experienced an electric shock. In collaboration with Poirazi and her lab, they then used computational modeling techniques to explain their observations. "By simulating a bio-realistic network of neurons with dendrites and localized plasticity, the model showed that localized dendritic plasticity mechanisms are necessary for replicating key properties of linked memories, such as their recruitment of the same dendrites, clustering of synapses, and stability over time," said Sehgal. Representative RSC images of cFos-tTa mice injected with TRE-hChR2-mCherry-DTE and TRE-hChR2-mCherry showing selective expression of Channelrhodopsin in dendritic segments in the presence of DTE. Credit: Nature Neuroscience (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-01876-8 The findings gathered by this research team suggest that the linking of memories in the mouse brain is supported by highly localized changes (i.e., within a few micrometers) on neuronal dendrites. Silva, Sehgal and their colleagues hypothesize that similar localized dendritic changes could also play a role in other types of memory processes. "Although such localized changes have been reported in previous studies in cell cultures and brain slices, we did not know their function," said Sehgal. "To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of their usefulness in animal behavior." This recent study could soon pave the way for further research exploring the contribution of dendritic plasticity to specific well-documented memory processes. In addition, it could help to better understand disorders associated with an impaired ability to link memories. "Our findings are important for understanding how memories are linked across time to form memory episodes as well as for addressing memory deficits whereby memory linking is impaired, such as those linked to Alzheimer's disease," explained Poirazi. "By providing a mechanistic understanding of memory linking, our work serves as a first step towards the development of new treatments that may target such mechanisms in order to remedy respective memory deficits." In their future research, Sehgal and her lab at The Ohio State University will continue exploring the underpinnings of dendritic plasticity that contributes to the linking and encoding of memories. In addition, they plan to further investigate the memory-related plasticity patterns that they observed as part of their recent study. "We discovered that compartmentalized plasticity plays a critical role in dictating how memories are stored in the future, but we do not know the underlying mechanisms," said Sehgal. "My lab is now digging deeper into the circuit and molecular processes that allow this plasticity." Poirazi and her collaborators at the Foundation for Research and Technology are now working to extend their computational models to simulate other brain areas and their contribution to different cognitive tasks. They hope that these models will help them to better understand the role of dendritic mechanisms in learning and memory functions, while also unveiling some of their most important features. "In parallel, given the key role of dendrites in biological learning and memory, we initiated a new research line whereby we adopt dendritic mechanisms in artificial neural network systems (e.g., Chavlis and Poirazi, Nature Communications 2025), with the aim of making machine learning and artificial intelligence systems more robust, intelligent and efficient, like the brain." 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Mayo Clinic In May of 2024, Mayo Clinic launched a new prion test, RT-QuIC Prion, CSF, which can distinguish prion disease from other causes of rapidly progressive dementiaparticularly autoimmune forms of dementia and rapidly progressive forms of Alzheimer's disease. "Rapidly progressive dementias are forms of dementia where the patient goes from the first symptom onset to loss of functional independence, usually in less than two years," says John Mills, Ph.D., co-director of Mayo Clinic's Clinical Neuroimmunology Laboratory. In the early stages of rapidly progressive dementias, patients often exhibit nonspecific symptoms that make reaching a definitive diagnosis challenging. However, it's crucial to identify the correct cause as soon as possible, because some formssuch as those driven by autoimmune processesmay be treatable, while others are not. "It's really important to be able to give the patient a quick diagnosis and an accurate diagnosis," says Dr. Mills. "Because if it's treatable, you're going to want to treat it right away." Human prion disease, also called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), results from the misfolding of a normal prion proteinan essential protein present in everyone. The misfolded form of the protein, the cause of CJD, can emerge due to an underlying genetic mutation that predisposes the protein to misfold or spontaneous errors in protein folding. The misfolded protein can trigger a self-perpetuating cycle by causing correctly folded prion proteins to adopt the pathogenic form. Over time, this process leads to the death of neurons. Unfortunately, there is no cure. Until recently, lab testing for CJD has been limited to nonspecific neuronal degeneration markers. These tests can detect and confirm rapid destruction of the brain tissues is occurring, but they cannot confidently tell clinicians the underlying cause. With the development of an RT-QuIC (or "real-time quaking-induced conversion") assay for prion disease, clinicians were able to, for the first time, get a diagnostic test result specific for prion disease with very high diagnostic accuracy. Before this test was available, it wouldn't be until an autopsy was complete that the cause could be confidently identified. Making a dangerous agent safe to work with RT-QuIC Prion, CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) is the only definitive antemortem clinical test of its kind that doesn't involve a brain biopsy. "A lot of the labs that originally did this testing started with brain homogenates, and so when you talk about directly working with brain tissues, there's a clear risk of transmission in instances of needlesticks, for instance," says Dr. Mills. Fortunately, RT-QuIC for prion disease was proven sensitive using CSF specimens, which is a low-risk specimen and can be manipulated in a standard clinical laboratory that operates at biosafety level 2 (BSL-2). But to ensure an additional layer of safety, the goal at Mayo Clinic was to perform this testing in a BSL-2+ laboratory, which meant a special lab space had to be built from the ground up. "Creating the right space for this test was a tricky bit of doing," says Ellen Lexvold, technical specialist coordinator in the Neuroimmunology Lab, who helped build out the new test lab. "It was like building an airplane as you're flying it. We had to tailor the workflow to special considerations, like engineered safety controls, seamless floor tiles, corrosion-resistant steel tables (bleach is one of the few substances that can inactivate pathogenic prion proteins), negative pressure airflow, and a lock-restricted area." Grizzly bear country Prion testing is so unique that, prior to Mayo's development of the RT-QuIC clinical assay, there was only one other lab in the U.S. offering the test and only a handful of laboratories performing the test worldwide. The birthplace of RT-QuIC is Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML), a research facility situated in the tiny Montana town of Hamilton, wedged between the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountain ranges on a picturesque landscape. "In 2010, the RML reported the use of a test called RT-QuIC in a landmark paper," says Dr. Mills. "They demonstrated how this assay was able to detect very small amounts of pathogenic prion protein, and they could amplify those prion proteins in vitro, and detect them with very high sensitivity. This was the first time an assay that was specific to prion disease had enough sensitivity to be considered as a potential diagnostic test for prion disease." In 2018, Dr. Mills, Lexvold, and Matt Roforth, a senior developer for Mayo Clinic's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, traveled to Hamilton to learn how to perform the test. The team spent a week at RML, which, because of its research specialization in vector-borne diseases and emerging infectious diseases, is one of the few labs in the U.S. that has a BSL-4 rating, a requirement to house things like Ebola. RML is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) biomedical research facility. "The facility is encircled in barbed-wire fencing, security gates, and before you can enter you have to have a background check," says Dr. Mills. "Every morning when we walked in, we had to go through a security checkpoint. They inspect your belongings, you walk through a metal detector. There was very tight security for good reason as it houses highly contagious, dangerous pathogens." RML is quite particular about the use of the RT-QuIC technology and will only teach it onsite. Dr. Mills continues, "They want to know that whoever is doing the testing is doing it right. They walk you through their protocols, they want to watch you perform some of the testing so they're sure you know how to do it." Right out of a movie During the mornings and early afternoons at RML, the team learned cutting-edge technologies and established connections that would help them launch this test at Mayo. "Then there wasn't much to do with our free time," says Dr. Mills. "So we'd go hiking up the Bitterroot Mountains to check things out." They also often ended up at a local diner, where everyone knew everyone and the owner doubled as the cook. The whole experience was "right out of a movie," according to Dr. Mills. In fact, parts of the TV series "Yellowstone" were filmed in Hamilton and the surrounding area. Dr. Mills also recounts, "We met some renowned and well-regarded researchers who moved to Hamilton to work at RML, often from around the world. Not exactly the type of people you'd expect to be handy with a shotgun, but they had bears and all sorts of wild animals coming into their homes." When the team returned to Rochester, they had to wait for a new lab space to be built before they could develop the testa space they coined the "Bitterroot Lab" in honor of their Montana experience. It took more than two years (thanks to the pandemic interruption) to develop a clinically validated version of the prion test. "We had to take something that was really meant for research and we had to update it, we had to scale it up to keep pace with the throughput workflow of a clinical space," says Lexvold. "At the Rocky Mountain Labs, everything is done manually. So somebody is directly pipetting the sample. They're adding their agents into each well. It's a very manual assay. We did something different. We looked at different robotic, automated instrumentation that we maybe could use to do all that pipetting so it didn't have to be manual." Dr. Mills adds, "We wanted a system that was small so that it could actually fit into a biosafety cabinet because we didn't want those samples being manipulated and mixed with all the reagents outside of the biosafety cabinet. So that was a challenge. But our lab staff really stepped up and embraced the challenge and believed in the vision of offering the test at Mayo Clinic." Staff worked with a vendor that had a piece of equipment with a small footprint that, after some modifications, would work inside of a biosafety cabinet. Jack Wu, Ph.D., now a clinical chemistry fellow, developed and validated the test. "Basically, you take the patient's CSF, mix it with a recombinant substrate prion protein that was made in-house at Mayo Clinic, and a fluorescent dye that labels the protein aggregates generated in the reaction," he says. "You incubate this plate at a temperature of 55 degrees Celsius while shaking it with certain reagents. It measures for the fluorescence every 45 minutes and does this for 36 hours. "The most critical component of this test is the production of high-quality substrate proteins, which sets the basis for the assay's superior performance in detecting some rare subtypes of human prion diseases. The RT-QuIC methodology is the first of its kind at Mayo." Turnaround time for a test result is less than a week, which is no small feat considering how specialized the RT-QuIC is. "The laughing joke was that RT-QuIC wasn't so quick," says Dr. Mills. "But I think we are changing attitudes about this." A definitive answer in place of a cure Part of the reason Mayo went through all this trouble to get this test is, heretofore, there was only one other lab in the U.S. that performed a clinical version of the test: The National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center (NPDPSC), a lab in Cleveland, Ohio, also trained by RML. The NPDPSC was founded by the CDC as a result of the mad cow disease scare that happened many years ago, to monitor this disease threat in the future. "The problem is they're not a traditional reference lab," says Dr. Mills. "They offer a prion test, but one of our concerns was that their turnaround time (for a test result) is long. They're not operating in the normal reference lab industry standards where you have 24/7 lab coverage, including holidays. "We knew we could provide a faster turnaround time, innovate around the technology, and increase accessibility of this testing through Mayo Clinic Laboratories." Dr. Mills continues, "In addition, Mayo Clinic strives to offer a one-stop shop for diagnostic testing. This test fits in nicely with that philosophy. Our patients were waiting a long time for diagnostic answers. And having to wait has a huge impact on them and their family." Now, patients showing symptoms of a rapidly progressive form of dementia can get a definitive answer, quickly, with a highly sensitive test. This small comfort is what drove Mayo Clinic to send a team to Montana, build an entirely new lab space, and automate a complex research test for clinical use. "There was a lot of heavy lifting that had to happen in the clinical lab, because this test is very unique from everything else we do," says Dr. Mills. "But Mayo Clinic and our people have a history of supporting complex projects, even when they seem daunting to do, especially if there is an opportunity to improve patient care." 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: FEGA nodes. Credit: Karen Arnott/EMBL-EBI The Federated European Genome-phenome Archive (FEGA) is transforming how sensitive human genomic data is shared and accessed. Building on the longstanding European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA)a database for human genetic, phenotypic, and clinical dataFEGA enables researchers to securely discover and analyze human genomic data while ensuring compliance with national and international data protection regulations. By decentralizing data storage across national nodes, FEGA ensures data remains secure within its country of origin while also being accessible to researchers worldwide. FEGA's paper has been published in Nature Genetics. From centralization to federation In the last two decades, as the volume of human genomic datasets grew larger and legal requirements to access the data were tightened, it became clear that a single repository like the EGA could no longer meet the global community's needs. The EGA team proposed adopting a federated model, in line with local legal and ethical frameworks, while also allowing access to these data globally. What is a federated model? A federated model is a distributed network in which multiple entities operate under a common framework. Each node or entity retains control over its own data and processes, while agreed-upon standards and protocols allow them to collaborate and share data globally. This approach enables secure and coordinated data sharing across different countries, ensuring that local legal and ethical requirements are met. EMBL-EBI and the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Spain have co-managed the EGA since 2008. Together, they helped shape the federated data-sharing model now used by FEGA. Two major projects also helped make FEGA's federated model possible. The ELIXIR-EXCELERATE initiativea program supporting international data sharinghelped lay the early groundwork with proof-of-concept studies. ELIXIR-CONVERGE a project to standardize data management across Europehas accelerated the development of the first national FEGA nodes. "In the early days of setting up FEGA, we were grappling with the limitations of a centralized system. It felt like we were facing enormous challenges," said Mallory Freeberg, Human Genomics Team Leader at EMBL-EBI. "Through collaboration, we overcame those obstacles to build the foundations of FEGA. I'm immensely proud to have been part of this endeavor. It's an exciting time for this network, and there is so much more to achieve as we continue pushing the boundaries." By 2020, the foundation for FEGA's federated model was set, leading to the official launch of the resource in September 2022. The first collaboration agreements were signed by nodes in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, and Spain. Impact through global collaboration "Global health challenges like pandemics and rare diseases do not respect national borders," said Arcadi Navarro, ICREA Research Professor at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra and Director of the EGA team at the Center for Genomic Regulation. "By expanding beyond Europe and adding the Canadian node, we consolidate the Federated EGA as the world's most comprehensive, secure, and diverse resource for genomic and health data to tackle these urgent questions." The first datasets were submitted to FEGA by late 2023, proving the federated model in practice. These data have since continued to grow, with FEGA now holding nearly 40 datasets. The network has also expanded with nodes in Portugal and Poland joining in 2023, and Canada in December 2024. Discussions are also ongoing with many other collaborators, including a Swiss node who are currently "Observers' of FEGA. "This milestone partnership provides Canadian researchers with a swift, secure connection to global collaborators, fostering scientific and clinical innovation while continuing to uphold our commitment to privacy and compliance," said Steven Jones, lead for the CGA node and Co-Director of Canada's Michael Smith Center for Genome Sciences at BC Cancer. FEGA aims to support global research in disease diagnosis and personalized treatment. The following are a few examples. FEGA data from the Swedish Childhood Tumor Biobank will help drive pediatric cancer studies. Circulating small RNA sequencing data have been made available from the node in Norway; these can be used to identify biomarkers for endometrial cancer. The first dataset shared from Poland is being used by researchers at the University of Vilnius to investigate the genetic basis of overgrowth syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes excessive growth in children. A federated future Looking ahead, FEGA will also continue to refine its metadata standards, including those developed as part of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH), to increase data discoverability and interoperability. This will support future integration of multi-omics datasets, as well as clinical health records for a more complete picture of disease biology. Efforts to support more data submissions are also underway, including the development of training materials and the establishment of FEGA node-specific help desks to assist local users. Federated analytics are also in the works, which will enable secure, multi-node analyses without the need to download sensitive data. As FEGA evolves, it sets a high standard for global human genomics data sharing. By integrating multi-omics and clinical data, FEGA will support research towards improved personalized medicine and help inform public health strategies to ultimately improve patient outcomes. More information: Teresa D'Altri et al, The Federated European GenomePhenome Archive as a global network for sharing human genomics data, Nature Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02101-9 Journal information: Nature Genetics 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 Teenagers who do not get the recommended amount of sleep may be at an increased risk for high blood pressure, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025. The meeting is being held in New Orleans, March 69, 2025, and features the latest science on population-based health and wellness and implications for lifestyle. Poor sleep is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which claims more lives each year in the U.S. than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined, according to the American Heart Association's 2025 Statistical Update. Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, yet the average high school student is estimated to sleep only 6.5 hours per weeknight. Researchers studied a diverse group of more than 400 teenagers from the Penn State Child Cohort. Participants in the study self-reported insomnia on a questionnaire prior to enrolling in the lab-based sleep study. In the nine-hour overnight sleep study, called a polysomnography, sensors were attached to each participant's head, face and body to measure their sleep duration objectively. The study also included three consecutive blood pressure measurements taken on the night of the sleep study, about two to three hours before lights were turned off in the lab. "We know that disturbed and insufficient sleep is associated with high blood pressure in adults, particularly in adults who report insomnia and sleep objectively less than six hours, but we do not yet know if these associations exist in adolescents," said senior study author Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry, neuroscience and public health sciences and director of behavioral sleep medicine at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The researchers defined insomnia as reporting difficulty falling and/or staying asleep and defined objective short sleep duration as less than 7.7 hours, based on the median total time asleep in the lab-based sleep study. Teenagers in the study were considered to have elevated blood pressure if they had a systolic (top number) measurement of 120 mm Hg or higher and a diastolic (bottom number) measurement of 80 mm Hg or higher. They were considered to have stage 2 hypertension if they had an average systolic blood pressure measurement of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or an average diastolic measure of 90 mm Hg or higher, which aligns with the Association's 2017 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. The researchers found: Teenagers who self-reported insomnia and slept less than 7.7 hours in the lab were five times more likely to have clinical hypertension than "good sleepers" (participants who did not report insomnia and obtained sufficient sleep in the lab, defined as 7.7 hours or more). Teenagers who slept less than 7.7 hours in the lab but did not report insomnia had nearly three times the risk of elevated blood pressure compared to good sleepers. Teens who self-reported insomnia but obtained sufficient sleep in the lab did not appear to be at higher risk for elevated blood pressure or stage 2 hypertension. These findings suggest the combination of insomnia and inadequate hours of sleep likely contributes to more severe conditions than lack of sleep alone, the researchers noted. "While we need to explore this association in larger studies on teens, it is safe to say that sleep health matters for heart health, and we should not wait until adulthood to address it," Fernandez-Mendoza said. "Not all teens who complain of insomnia symptoms are at risk for cardiovascular issues. However, monitoring their sleep duration objectively can help us identify those who have a more severe form of insomnia and are at-risk for heart problems." Improving one's sleep health is something everyone can do to improve their cardiovascular health and is a key component of the Association's Life's Essential 8. The key components of Life's Essential 8 include eating healthy food, being physically active, not smoking, getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy weight and controlling cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels. "Our findings are important because they call attention to the need to listen to teens who complain of disturbed sleep, to monitor and assess their sleep objectively and help them improve it in order to prevent heart problems early," said the study's first author, Axel Robinson, a 17-year-old senior at Pelham Memorial High School in Pelham, New York. Robinson, whose high school offers a four-year science research program, read one of Fernandez-Mendoza's scientific articles when he was in ninth grade and reached out to Fernandez-Mendoza, asking him to become his research mentor. "I have always been personally interested in insomnia, so I pursued two internships with Dr. Fernandez-Mendoza with the goal of learning more about the disorder. Insomnia had bothered me my entire life and I was able to overcome it thanks to what I learned and a therapist he recommended," he said. Study details, background and design: The study group included 421 participants (54% boys and 46% girls, average age 16.5 years) from three school districts in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, metropolitan area. 77% of participants self-identified as white; 13% self-identified as Black; 7% self-identified as Hispanic; and 3% selected "Other." The overnight sleep study and blood pressure measurements occurred between 2010 and 2013, and data analyses were conducted between 2023 and 2024. Of the participants, 35% reported difficulty falling and/or staying asleep (insomnia symptoms) and 50% slept less than 7.7 hours in the lab (objective short sleep duration). Data was collected between 2010 and 2013 through self-reported questionnaires, a polysomnography (a sleep study conducted in a lab) and seated blood pressure measurements collected in the lab the same evening as the sleep studies. The Penn State Child Cohort is ongoing and collecting data from the same participants, now ages 20 to 33 years old. The study's limitations include that it was conducted in a sleep lab, so participants might not have slept as well as if they were at home. Additionally, because all data collection took place between 2010 and 2013, "It is uncertain whether there may be post-COVID increases in adolescent insomnia, depression and anxiety that could impact the results of other studies when replicated now," Fernandez-Mendoza noted. "This study adds to the limited knowledge base about the relation between poor sleep and risk of hypertension during a crucial life stage of development," said Brooke Aggarwal, Ed.D., M.S., FAHA, an assistant professor of medical sciences in the department of medicine's division of cardiology at Columbia University Medical Center and a member of the Association's Lifestyle Sleep Health Science Committee. "Prevention of heart disease is key, and it begins with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle in childhood and adolescence, including optimal sleep. Setting healthy sleep patterns during the teenage years could carry over into adulthood. Similarly, sleep problems that occur during the teen years tend to persist over time and could predispose individuals to increased cardiovascular risk later in life," said Aggarwal, who was not involved in the study. "Besides treatment for any clinical sleep disorders, teens can also practice good sleep hygiene, including creating relaxing bedtime routines, limiting electronics use in the hours before bedtime, avoiding heavy meals before bed, restricting caffeine and participating in daily physical activity." This year, daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9. Daylight saving time is the practice of setting the clocks an hour ahead of standard time to achieve longer evening daylight in the summer months. Following good sleep hygiene, as well as getting as much natural light as possible each day and winding down earlier in the evenings ahead, can help people to get ahead of the time change. "Many people, including teens, struggle to adjust and their sleep suffers. Before we all spring ahead, I'd encourage parents and teens to talk about the importance of sleep and make a plan to adjust schedules to ensure everyone gets adequate sleep," Aggarwal said. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: With measles reported across nine states, doctors are urging people to ensure they are vaccinated. Credit: John DiJulio, University Communications More than 160 measles cases have been reported across nine states this year, with one death and more than 30 patients needing hospitalization, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracker. Of those cases, 95% have occurred in patients either not vaccinated for the disease or who have an unknown vaccination status. Only 5% of cases were people with one or two doses of the vaccine that defends against measles, mumps and rubella. What's worrying is that "outbreaks are happening in the context of increased rates of vaccine hesitancy and decreased rates of immunity," said Dr. Patrick Jackson, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine who specializes in infectious diseases. "It's an incredibly contagious virus, so we rely on high levels of vaccination to contain the spread," he said. "That makes me worry about when we'll have a lower vaccine level and see more sustained transmission of measles." First introduced in 1963, the vaccine virtually eliminated the disease in the U.S. by 2000. There have been occasional case clusters since, usually involving an unvaccinated person being exposed to measles while traveling, Jackson said. In 2019, 649 cases were confirmed in New York's Williamsburg neighborhood. An estimated 93% of the cases were in the Orthodox Jewish community after an unvaccinated child was exposed to measles while traveling abroad. The overwhelming number of cases were in young, unvaccinated people, with 81.2% of patients under 18. "If people have received appropriate measles vaccination, we believe immunity is lifelong and there is no need to pursue additional protection," Jackson said. Measles, an airborne illness, is extremely infectious. Before the measles vaccine became available, the illness killed between 400 and 500 people in the United States each year and hospitalized an estimated 48,000 every year, according to CDC data. The World Health Organization declared measles eliminated in the U.S. in 2000; both North and South America were declared free from the virus in 2016. But, with the new outbreaks across the country, the Pan-American Health Organization warns the eliminated status may be at risk. "This is a disease that should not be a thing anymore in this country," Dr. Taison Bell, UVA's acting chair of medicine, said. "We have a vaccine that prevents it and the ability to eradicate it." The recommended protection is two doses of the vaccine, which is 97% effective at preventing measles. The Pan-American Health Organization recommends that 95% of the population should be vaccinated, with a focus on children and young adults. Roughly a third of cases reported this year by the CDC were in children under 5, and almost half of cases were in children 5 to 19 years old. Others at risk are health care workers, immunocompromised people, pregnant women and unvaccinated children. Infants are at higher risk because they cannot get vaccinated before their first birthday. "There are some higher risk categories but, for most people, if you're fully vaccinated, you should have nothing to worry about," Bell said. "Even though measles is highly infectious, it doesn't mutate much like COVID or the flu, so the vaccine is very effective and gives lifelong immunity." UVA requires incoming students to show proof of vaccination against measles, with few exemptions, including a religious exemption, Bell said. "We're a reasonably well-vaccinated population," he said. Doctors began recommending two doses of the vaccine in 1989, according to Bell. He said anyone vaccinated before that year should check to see if they should go back in for their second dose. "I was actually in this category," he said. "It's never too late to get vaccinated." 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 Cynthia Williams is furious with the U.S. House Republicans' willing to slash Medicaid, the government-run insurance program for people with low incomes or disabilities. The 61-year-old Anaheim resident cares for her adult daughter, who is blind, and for her sister, a military veteran with severe post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions. Medi-Cal, the state's version of Medicaid, pays Williams to care for them, and she relies on that income, just as her sister and daughter depend on her. "Let's be real. We shouldn't have to be here tonight," Williams told a raucous standing-room crowd of over 200 people at a recent town hall. "We should be home, spending time with our loved ones and our families, but we're here. And we're here to fight, because when politicians try to take away our health care, we don't have the option to sit back and let it happen." The House last week approved a Republican budget plan that could shrink Medicaid spending by $880 billion over 10 years, only partially paying for an extension of expiring tax cuts from President Donald Trump's first term, plus some new ones he has promised, totaling as much as $4.5 trillion. A spending cut of that magnitude would have a huge impact in California, with nearly 15 million peoplemore than a third of the populationon Medi-Cal. Over 60% of Medi-Cal's $161 billion budget comes from Washington. Williams was among about a dozen providers, patient advocates, disabled people, and family members who stood up one after the other to tell their stories. Rep. Young Kim, a Republican whose district includes this relatively affluent Orange County city, declined an invitation for her or a staff member to attend. But her constituents delivered their message loud and clear to her and the other Republicans in Congress: Hands off Medicaid. Josephine Rios, a certified nursing assistant at a Kaiser Permanente surgical center in Irvine, said her 7-year-old grandson, Elijah, has received indispensable treatments through Medi-Cal, including a $5,000-a-month medication that controls his seizures, which can be life-threatening. Elijah, who has cerebral palsy, is among the more than 50% of California children covered by Medi-Cal. "To cut Medicaid, Medi-Cal, that's like saying he can't live. He can't thrive. He's going to lie in bed and do nothing," Rios said. "Who are they to judge who lives and who doesn't?" Two-thirds of Californians across party lines oppose cuts to Medi-Cal, according to a new survey by the California Health Care Foundation and NORC at the University of Chicago. The town hall here was one of three organized late last month by "Fight for Our Health," a coalition of health advocacy groups and unions, to target Republican House members whose California districts are considered politically competitive. The other two were in Bakersfield, part of which is represented by Rep. David Valadao, and Corona, home to Rep. Ken Calvert. Multiple other town halls and protests have sprung up across the country in recent weeks. The coalition has reprized a campaignpart of a broader national movementthat fought against the GOP's unsuccessful 2017 effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The Republicans' loss of House control in the 2018 midterm elections has been widely attributed to their stance on health care. Valadao was among the GOP members who lost their seats in 2018, though he took his back two years later. Still, he voted for the House budget proposal last week, despite the fact that about two-thirds of the population in his district is on Medicaidthe highest in the stateand even though he is one of eight GOP House members who sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson warning about the "serious consequences" of deep cuts to Medicaid. Valadao's office did not respond to requests for comment. Calvert, who's been in the House for 32 years and eked out reelection last November, also voted for the budget, as did Kim. All nine GOP members of California's congressional delegation supported it, as did all House Republicans except one. Critics of the budget plan say it helps the rich at the expense of society's most vulnerablean argument that was vigorously repeated at the Tustin town hall. But supporters of the plan say that extending the tax cuts, key provisions of which are set to expire at the end of this year, would avoid a large tax hike for average Americans and benefit low-income families the most. "American families are facing a massive tax increase unless Congress acts by the end of the year," Calvert said in a statement to KFF Health News before the vote. He vowed the GOP would not touch Social Security or Medicare. He did not offer similar assurances on Medicaid, but said, "We are not interested in cutting the social and health care safety net for children, disabled, and low-income Americans. We are focused on eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse." The document greenlit last Tuesday does not specify spending cut details, though it instructs the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid and Medicare spending, to cut $880 billiona large chunk of the up to $2 trillion in total cuts. The GOP's razor-thin majority means Johnson will have a narrow path to get a more detailed budget passed. Republican support, whether from fiscal hawks who want deeper spending cuts or House members worried about slashing Medicaid, could ebb and flow as the details are hashed out. Moreover, the House must reach a compromise with the Senate, which has passed a much narrower budget resolution that leaves the big tax cuts out for now. Like Kim, Valadao and Calvert declined invitations to attend or send staffers to the town hall meetings in their regions. At the Tustin meeting, multiple speakers chided Kim for her absence. At one point, the large screen behind the podium flashed a picture of an empty chair with the words, in large block letters, "Congresswoman Kim, we saved you a seat." Kim spokesperson Callie Strock said in an email that Kim and her local staff had preexisting commitments that night. She added that Kim is "committed to protecting and strengthening our health care system." But those in attendance were clearly worried. "It's a moral obligation for all of us to look at the most disadvantaged people in our country and take good care of them," said Beth Martinko, whose 33-year-old son, Josh, has autism and relies on Medi-Cal for his care. "This has no place in politics." 2025 KFF Health News. 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: People gather to collect water in Khartoum, Sudan, May 28, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marwan Ali, File Nearly 100 people died of cholera in two weeks since the waterborne disease outbreak began in Sudan's White Nile State, an international aid group said. Doctors Without Bordersalso known as Medecins Sans Frontieres or MSFsaid Thursday that 2,700 people have contracted the disease since Feb. 20, including 92 people who died. Of the admitted cholera patients who died, 18 were children, including five children who are no older than 5, and five others who were no older than 9, Marta Cazarola, MSF emergency coordinator for Sudan, told The Associated Press. Sudan plunged into war nearly two years ago when tensions simmered between the Sudanese army and its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces group, or RSF, with battles in Khartoum and across the country. RSF launched intense attacks last month in the White Nile State that killed hundreds of civilians, including infants. The Sudanese military announced at the time that it made advances there, cutting crucial supply routes to RSF. During the RSF attacks in the state on Feb. 16, the group fired a projectile that hit the Rabak power plant, causing a mass power outage and triggering the latest wave of cholera, according to MSF. Subsequently, people in the area had to rely mainly on water obtained from donkey carts, because water pumps were no longer operational. "Attacks on critical infrastructure have long-term detrimental effects on the health of vulnerable communities," said Marta Cazorla, MSF emergency coordinator for Sudan. The cholera outbreak in the state peaked between Feb. 20-24, when patients and their families rushed to Kosti Teaching Hospital, overwhelming the facility beyond its capacity, according to MSF. Most patients were severely dehydrated. MSF provided 25 tons of logistical items such as beds and tents to Kosti to help absorb more cholera patients. Cazarola said that numbers in the cholera treatment center were declining and at low levels until this latest outbreak. The White Nile State Health Ministry responded to the outbreak by providing the community access to clean water and banning the use of donkey carts to transport water. Health officials also administered a vaccination campaign when the outbreak began. Sudan's health ministry said Tuesday that there were 57,135 cholera cases, including 1,506 deaths, across 12 of the 18 states in Sudan. Cholera was officially declared an outbreak on Aug. 12 last year by the health ministry after a new wave of cases was reported starting July 22. The war in Sudan has killed at least 20,000 people, though the number is likely far higher. The war has driven more than 14 million people from their homes, pushed parts of the country into famine, and caused disease outbreaks. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The top horizontal panel displays mouse brain section examples from the Allen Institute for Brain Science's reference atlas. The bottom panel shows the results of Bell Jar image registration. Credit: University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz UC Santa Cruz neuroscientists aiming to better understand how specific brain connectivity contributes to perception, thoughts, and behavior are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance their study of brain function. By integrating AI, they are streamlining the process of aligning thin slices of mouse brain tissue with a reference atlas, helping to identify key details such as the brain region of origin more efficiently. The cutting-edge technology was developed by Alec Soronow while he was a student at UC Santa Cruz. He began the project as an undergraduate in the lab of Euiseok Kim, a professor of molecular, cell, and developmental biology, and he continued to work with Kim until the digital tool was built and ready for use. Soronow named the desktop application Bell Jar, after the semi-autobiographical novel by Sylvia Plath about a young woman's mental breakdown and recovery, which Soronow was reading while working on the initial version of the software. He and Kim have shared Bell Jar with their peers through an article published in the open-access journal eNeuro. In academia, undergraduates occasionally see research projects through from inception to a notable publication that contributes to the broader scientific community. But it is nonetheless inspiring when that does happen, Kim said. "I am a biologist. I don't know how to code, but I understand the problems in the field," Kim explained. "Alec, on the other hand, was fearless in addressing these challenges, communicating effectively with both myself and other senior lab members. His work has made a significant impact." Addressing a long-standing challenge Bell Jar offers a valuable tool for neuroscientists, making neuroanatomy analysis more accessible and efficient. For years, researchers have struggled with the limitations of existing tools designed to analyze neural connectivitymany of them developed in MATLAB or other specialized software environments that eventually became outdated or inaccessible due to software updates. Moreover, previous methods faced challenges in effectively integrating machine learning (ML), restricting their flexibility and accuracy. Bell Jar differentiates itself by leveraging ML techniques to improve accuracy and efficiency. Unlike many predecessors, it is also designed to be highly user-friendly and openly accessible. By sharing the code on Soronow's GitHub, the team has ensured that researchers worldwide can contribute to its development, customize it for their own projects, and continuously refine its capabilities. Tedium of traditional brain mapping Bell Jar was born of necessity. In the Kim Neuroscience Lab's ongoing research into brain connectivity, analyzing an entire mouse brain manually was at times tedious. To prepare brain samples for analysis, researchers perform a process known as histology. This involves slicing the brain into incredibly thin sections, much like a deli slicer cuts thin slices of meat. However, human error is inevitable: sections may be slightly too thick, too thin, or damaged in some way. When analyzing these slices, researchers must then compare them to a reference atlas, often making subjective decisions about how to align and interpret the data. Bell Jar helps solve these challenges by using ML to detect and match neurons across brain sections. "In the past, we had to rely heavily on human intervention, which introduced subjectivity," Kim said. "Now, Bell Jar can make these determinations more efficiently and with greater accuracy." To fully appreciate the importance of Bell Jar, Kim said it is essential to understand the painstaking nature of traditional brain mapping. For a single research project leading to a publication, researchers must process over 100 thin sections from just one brain. Within each of these sections, multiple brain regions need to be identified and analyzed. This process must be repeated across numerous samples, making it an incredibly time-intensive task. Training new students to perform these analyses can also be difficult, as it requires a deep understanding of neuroanatomy. But with Bell Jar, many of these burdens are lightened. "It enables far more efficient analysis of large experimental datasets that would otherwise have to be looked over extensively by hand," Soronow said. "Also, reducing the time to results lets a lab more quickly assess if the experiments being conducted are working and if adjustments are neededenabling higher throughput science." To drive this point home, Soronow said, "For a standard experiment in our lab, it saves us about three weeks of manual alignment and counting time per brain." Personal connection to brain circuitry Soronow's grandmother suffered from dementia and often took care of him when he was young. So his curiosity about the malfunction of the brain's circuits started at an early age. It was when he took his first developmental biology class in college that it clicked. The quarter after he took that class, Soronow attended a seminar by Euiseok that spoke to his burning desire to better understand the brain. Soronow won a Dean's Award from the Baskin School of Engineering in 2022 for the Bell Jar project and graduated that year with a B.S. in biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics, then earned an M.S. in molecular, cell, and developmental biology in 2024. He has since started his own company, PlusTen Intelligence, which is trying to bring the power of neurons to industrial applications by combining AI and engineered neuron-like cells to be powerful sensors for specific molecular targets that fit into a handheld device. "I'm able to use the unique skill set cultivated in the Kim lab," Soronow said, "combining wet lab, genetic engineering, innovative software design, and hardware design." Kim said the creation of Bell Jar aligns perfectly with the broader research objectives of his lab. By improving efficiency and accuracy, researchers can focus on the bigger picture: understanding brain connectivity and neural function. "This tool allows us to conduct research more quickly and effectively," Kim said. "That is the main point here." More information: Alec L. R. Soronow et al, Bell Jar: A Semiautomated Registration and Cell Counting Tool for Mouse Neurohistology Analysis, eneuro (2025). DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0036-23.2025 Journal information: eNeuro This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels Pneumonia infects millions of people every year. Cases of this highly contagious lung infection surged across all age groups in 2024, but young children were hit particularly hard. Infection rates in children 2 to 4 years old increased from 1.0% to 7.2% between March and October of last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pneumonia can start from more than 300 different kinds of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but a specific bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae was responsible for much of last year's surge. This bacteria has not historically been a leading cause of pneumonia in young children, the rise of which could be due to a drop in vaccination rates and less-exposed immune systems since the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeffrey Griffiths, a professor in the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, explains the different kinds of pneumonia, how to treat it, and, most importantly, how to prevent infection in the first place. The many causes of pneumonia M. pneumoniae is one of the most common bacterial causes of what is often referred to as "walking pneumonia," a milder form of the disease. Walking pneumonia symptoms are typically not severe enough to keep people laid up at home, so they may be walking around with the disease, hence the name. The most common cause of more severe cases of pneumonia around the world is a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, a type of strep. The most vulnerable populations include the very young and very old, anyone who is malnourished, and those who are immunocompromised. There are several other less common bacterial causes of pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia often develops after a milder viral lung infection, such as those caused by common viruses we are all too familiar with. "We have had an immense surge of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 going on in the U.S.," Griffiths says. "Each of these has its own season. COVID-19 peaked in the Boston area this winter in January 2025, while influenza really ramped up in December 2024 and is still at very high levels nationally." Mask up and wash your hands All of these viruses, and more, can cause pneumonia on their own and open the door for bacteria to set up a second infection. Following common-sense guidelines for preventing these illnesses is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting a lung infection on top of it. Pneumonia can be very contagious. Every cough presents an opportunity for someone nearby to breathe it in or touch an infected surface. Without taking precautions, we can transport pneumonia into our own lungs. Griffiths recommends wearing a mask, at least in crowded indoor spaces such as airports, and washing our hands more often and more thoroughly. These two measures can prevent spreading or getting infected with the organisms that cause pneumonia. He also emphasizes that these behaviors are more important during the cold winter months when we spend more time inside. Notice the signs: Green and yellow phlegm Because pneumonia causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, it compromises our ability to get oxygen from the air and through our bloodstream to support the rest of our body's functions. "It's low oxygen that gets you in trouble," Griffiths says. Unlike a head cold, pneumonia comes with a lot of coughing. Adults with pneumonia usually have a fever, cough up green and yellow phlegm, and become winded much easier, even from simple movements like walking or going up stairs. Coughing excessively can lead to its own issues. When we breathe, the lining on the outside of our lungs rubs against the lining on the inside of our ribs. Coughing with already inflamed lungs further irritates that movement and can be painful or even strain an intercostal muscle. But pneumonia presents differently in children. Griffiths says that while adult symptoms are more clearly lung-related, children may only show fast breathing rates with other symptoms like stomach aches, a refusal to drink fluids, or vomiting. Young children also tend to swallow phlegm, unlike adults who spit it out. If prevention measures fail and symptoms arise, it's important to seek medical treatment as early as possible. Antibiotics, vaccines, and at-home oxygen monitors The treatment options for pneumonia vary based on its source. Bacterial pneumonia can often be treated with antibiotics, but overuse of these medications can lead to antibiotic resistance. The sooner we get antibiotics, the sooner we feel better and the less likely we are to have further complications. The most common kind of bacterial pneumonia (S. pneumoniae) also has a set of vaccines which train the immune system to fight them off. The CDC recommends the pneumonia vaccine for children under 5 and adults aged 50 or older. According to the CDC, only 24.9% of adults had ever received a pneumococcal vaccination as of 2023. "When you get a vaccine, you're not only protecting yourself, but you may also be protecting your immunocompromised relative or your grandparents," Griffiths says. "There are secondary benefits to the people around. It's a social good." Pneumonia caused by viruses, on the other hand, has far fewer treatment options than those caused by bacteria. There are some treatments that can help influenza if started in the first 48 hours of symptoms and some oral treatments are available for COVID-19. Other than getting vaccinated for common viruses like the flu, RSV, or COVID-19, we are left with symptom management. Griffiths recommends staying hydrated and taking Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain management while keeping a close eye on oxygen levels. "There are little portable finger monitors, called pulse oximeters, that monitor your oxygen," Griffiths says. "You can buy them now for roughly $20 online. They are quite helpful in terms of assessing your oxygen levels at home." For self-monitoring, oxygen levels should be 94% or higher. Smokers or others with compromised lungs might have slightly lower oxygen levels, around 92%. "You never know. If you've got a thermometer in the house, you might as well have an oxygen monitor," Griffiths says. "These are common infections." 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: Gardasil vaccine and box. Image: Wikipedia Cervical cancer is a devastating disease that can strike down women in the prime of their lives. Amazingly, this disease is now almost entirely preventable through vaccination and screening. But this success means that every case that does happen represents a failure to provide and make accessible (and acceptable) the prevention programs that we know work. It's a failure of political will, of government, and of society's commitment to the rights of girls and women and people with a cervix. So why is this still happening? Just a single vaccination Cervical cancer (cancer of the neck of the womb) is almost always caused by long-term infection with certain types of human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV. Infection with HPV is incredibly commonit's nearly universaland has been called 'the common cold of sexually transmitted infections'. In fact, it's estimated that around 80 to 90% of us will have at least one HPV infection in our lifetimes. Fortunately, in most cases, infection has no symptoms (although it's worth noting some low-risk HPV types can cause genital warts) and is controlled by the immune system without us ever knowing we had it. But there are 12 types of HPV that are high risk. It's only when someone is infected with these HPV types and infection remains uncontrolled for a long time that cancer can eventually result. We now have remarkable vaccines developed in Australia that prevent HPV from entering our cells and causing infection in the first place. These vaccines are nearly 100% effective if they're given prior to exposure to the HPV types they cover. And this is why the World Health Organization recommends them as a routine vaccination for girls aged between nine and 14 around the world. Vaccinating this age group means it's done before the age at which most people become sexually activewhich is when they are likely to encounter HPV for the first time. Research in multiple countries has now shown that these vaccines do indeed prevent cervical cancer in the population when given routinely. They are also very safe. These vaccines have been closely monitored in routine use for almost 20 years, in which time more than 500 million doses have been given around the world. The latest evidence has also shown that just a single dose of HPV vaccine is effective and already 45% of countries have moved to one dose from the previously recommended two doses. This is very exciting. It means that the vaccine supply can reach more people while making administration easier and it costs less for countries to vaccinate. Easier testing at home Meanwhile, a similar technological revolution has taken place in cervical screening. Gone is the Pap smear, which required sampling of the cells from the cervix by a doctor or nurse, staining them and reading of the slide in the laboratory to find any abnormal cells. While Pap smears were effective at preventing cervical cancer, they required very frequent screening (every two years in Australia) because they were not always able to find cell changes. These days, cervical screening programs use a molecular test that looks for DNA from the 12 HPV types, called HPV-based screening. It's a lot more sensitive than Pap smears because only those people who have HPV detected then need to be examined and people with no HPV found do not need to screen again for five years. If HPV is present in the cervix, its DNA will be shed down into the vagina, making HPV-based screening just as accurate using a sample from the vagina as it is from the cervix. This means many people can take their own sample using a simple swab from the low to mid-vagina. This self-sampling method (often called self-collection) not only makes cervical screening easier, but also more accessible to people who may have barriers or issues that make traditional, more invasive cervical screening collection harder for them. This could include a history of sexual trauma, a previous negative experience, fear, anxiety or lack of access to a female provider. The tools we have to prevent cervical cancer are now so effective that the World Health Organization has urged all countries to work towards the global elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. The ambition is that within the next 100 years cervical cancer becomes a very rare disease in every country. Prioritizing the health of women and girls A University of Melbourne team recently reviewed how socioeconomic status (or the resources available to people in their lives like education and income) influences the occurrence of cervical cancer as well as access to HPV vaccination, cervical screening and treatment. We found that there is still a long way to go. A country's wealth is a direct predictor of the rate of cervical cancerpoorer countries having much higher rates. We also found that there is a strong link between socioeconomic status and the likelihood of HPV vaccination, screening and getting treatment, both at an individual and societal level. So, what can we do about this unfair access to cancer prevention for women? Globally, governments need to prioritize the health of girls and women, making a firm commitment to ending cervical cancer. We need systems in place to ensure everyone with a cervix can access the HPV vaccine, cervical screening and cancer treatment. This will benefit wider society by increasing the accessibility of health care, ensuring it is free and all about the person, scaling up community-based health care systems, increasing vaccine confidence and developing infrastructure for cancer treatment and palliative care. We must ensure equal, culturally safe access to vaccines, screening and treatment in Australia for everyone, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other priority populations. In Australia, boys and girls can get vaccinated. For males, this not only protects any future partners from HPV and cervical cancer, but can also provide direct protection against other HPV-related cancers, including anal cancer and cancers of the oropharynx (throat), which have seen a recent steep increase. If the HPV vaccine was missed at school, young people can get a free catch-up vaccine before age 26 at the GP, community health center, Aboriginal Medical Service or pharmacy. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus P.Utyupin meets with the Ambassador of Tajikistan On March 7, 2025 the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Pavel Utyupin, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Republic of Belarus, Bakhtovar Safarzoda. The parties discussed issues of cooperation between Belarus and Tajikistan in the political, trade, economic and investment spheres. Taking into account Tajikistan's chairmanship of the CIS this year, the schedule of upcoming bilateral visits at various levels was negotiated. print version A permit to demolish the Old Post Hospital in Fort Missoula was denied by the city's Historic Preservation Commission, which ruled the owners neglected the property despite meeting the main guidelines for removing the building. The commission voted 5-0 against the permit Wednesday night, the latest development in an ongoing standoff between the city of Missoula and the owners of the land, who wish to redevelop the property in the future. "Generally this application checks the boxes, however I just do not feel that the evidence is sufficient, and I do not feel it is competent or credible," Historic Preservation Commission Vice Chair Crystal Herzog said. The historic hospital and the land it sits on has been owned by developers Ken and Max Wolf since 2018. Much of the structure has been uninhabitable for decades. One of the owners told the Missoulian in a Thursday phone call that they believed the commission members operated a "rigged system" to make their decision and considered the denial an attack on private property rights. "We checked all of the boxes and they looked to find anything they could to deny it," owner Ken Wolf said. "As far as I'm concerned, they gave us no options." The developers could appeal the decision to city council, or file a lawsuit against the city. Commission member and University of Montana history professor Leif Fredrickson recused himself from the vote. Development efforts The Old Post Hospital, built in 1911, was owned by the U.S. Army before being sold shortly after World War II. The building shifted hands multiple times before the current developers purchased it for about $900,000. In 2023 the owners of the Old Post Hospital attempted to build 16 townhomes and two commercial buildings adjacent to the historic structure, proposing to use the revenue generated from the new construction to rehabilitate the deteriorating building. The Historic Preservation Commission denied that permit, citing incompatibility with the rest of the Fort Missoula Historic District. The developers appealed the decision to the Missoula City Council, which upheld the commission's original decision, with the exception of a small garage on the property. The developers then filed a request to demolish the three-story hospital, arguing that restoring the building without additional funds would be impossible. Restoring the building would cost at least $9.1 million, according to estimates provided in the demolition application and reviewed by a third party. In return, the restored building would be worth about $4 million. In general getting a historic demolition permit requires proving that restoring the building would cause unreasonable economic harm and an effort was made to relocate or preserve the structure. Missoula Historic Preservation Officer Elizabeth Johnson agreed with the application and recommended approving the permit in her report to the commission. "The cost of adaptive reuse of the post hospital remains prohibitive given the buildings current state and Missoula's market conditions," Johnson said on Wednesday. Despite the historic preservation officer's recommendation, members of the public and the board criticized the developers for not seeking grant applications and alleged they neglected the building. 'Demolition by neglect' In denying the permit, the Historic Preservation Commission cited city code that says property owners cannot demolish a historic building because they purposefully neglected the structure. If a historic building owner "permit(s) such structure or landmark to fall into a state of disrepair which may result in the deterioration of any exterior ... or architectural feature so as to produce or tend to produce a detrimental effect," then it is classified as "demolition by neglect," city code reads. The commission members said the developers of the Old Post Hospital neglected the building after they purchased it in 2018 because they did not take any action to limit further damage to the structure, such as fixing a longtime leak in the building's roof. Much of the building's property has been damaged by vandalism and was also further damaged in the powerful windstorm in July 2024. "If I bought a property and there were leaks in the roof or previous evidence of leaks in the roof, I would ensure that would not continue," Herzog said. "I am having a difficult time with that piece." "It seems like the definition of neglect," Commission member Ezra Williams said. The developers pushed back on the idea of neglect, telling the commission there is no proof the building was further damaged since they took ownership in 2018. Before the Wolfs took ownership, the hospital was owned by the Western Montana Mental Health Center, which only used the first floor because of widespread damage in the building, according to the developer's architect David Gray. "While the Old Post Hospital holds a special place in many people's memory, it is important to consider the practical aspects as well," Gray told the commission. "The building has unfortunately become economically infeasible to preserve and has surpassed its functional lifespan." Gray told the commission that he believes the building is a safety hazard. He said people have broken into the building so often that the owners boarded the front doors and windows and erected a fence around the property. Ken Wolf told the Missoulian that any damage done to the property since his group took ownership is nothing compared to the decades of neglect the property has faced, which in part is why restoring the building would be so expensive. "If we had been neglectful, it would be just a drop in the bucket," he said. Ken Wolf said that none of the Historic Preservation Commission members have toured the site since the new owners took over. The commission also criticized the proposal for not considering grant opportunities and federal tax credits to help pay for restoration, although a Missoula real estate broker told the commission that neither of those avenues would be enough to cover the costs of rehabilitation. Members of the public were split on the proposal at the Wednesday night meeting, which lasted for more than three hours. Groups like Preserve Historic Missoula criticized the lack of action by the landowners. "Anyone's first step after purchasing a fixer upper would be to fix a hole in the roof, right?" Preserve Historic Missoula member Jared Schmitz said. "That's not something you need a permit to do. This is a clear case of demolition by neglect." Others told the commission that by denying the developer's previous plans, which included building residences adjacent to the structure, was a main reason why the landowners have no avenue to restore the hospital. Steve Lokan, who owns Lokan Builders and said he has worked on several historic Missoula buildings, said the commission should have worked more with the owners to find a compromise. It is unclear what happens next. Ken Wolf told the Missoulian he is not interested in continuing work with the Missoula Historic Preservation Commission and said he is considering taking legal action. A bill to block Montanas National Guard from being deployed into combat without a congressional declaration of war suffered a fatal blow in the state House of Representatives on Wednesday amid a rolling sequence of debates. Montana Legislature transmittal deadline: What it is and why it's important This week, the 100-member House of Representatives is planning to debate more than 80 bills per day. Some bills draw protracted debates that can run up to an hour. House Bill 404, sponsored by Rep. Lee Deming, R-Laurel, carried the "Defend the Guard Act," a proposal working its way through state legislatures across the country. Supporters argue the guard's deployments have been unconstitutional absent a congressional declaration that despite engagement in conflicts across the Middle East hasn't been issued since World War II. Opponents contend the acts passage would hobble the Montana National Guards funding and, by extension, its operations within the state. But more pointedly, they contended on Wednesday that HB 404 ignores the reasons why people sign up for the National Guard, and why service members are deployed to dangerous parts of the world. "Our enemies are looking for signs of weakness," said Rep. David Bedey, a Hamilton Republican and retired U.S. Army colonel. "This bill is a sign of weakness." National Guard soldiers are deployed into combat zones under what's known as Title 10, authority that gives the president the ability to order soldiers into active duty. The bill to block that authority from the state angle has itself had a precarious path through the Montana Legislature but has been growing roots into mainstream politics in recent years. Supporters during the bills hearing last month before the House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee raised previous statements of support from Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host recently confirmed as President Donald Trumps Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, since being installed, has not reiterated that support or signaled publicly on any action toward internally advancing the proposals effects. They also slammed Adjutant General for the State of Montana, Major General John Hronek, for lobbying legislators against HB 404 ahead of its committee hearing. Several people referenced a tour of Fort Harrison and helicopter rides Hronek offered to lawmakers before its hearing. "I dont have helicopters to give you rides to convince you to vote against this bill," Deming told the committee during his muted but searing testimony. "All I have is the constitution." Proponents emerged from around the country, including some standard bearers of the Defend the Guard movement, like Dan McKnight, a retired member of the Idaho National Guard. "Its now in 30 states moving through the legislatures as we speak right at this moment," McKnight told the committee. "And there hasnt been any loss of funding." A fiscal note prepared for HB 404 suggests Montana would lose $132 million in federal funding if the bill were to be signed into law. McKnight and other Defend the Guard supporters said no other state has seen such a threat to cut funding when considering the same proposal. Hronek, for his part, defended his efforts to kill the bill early in the process. He also said the debate over the president's Title 10 authority would be better hosted on a federal level. "It will have catastrophic impact on our members and our national security," he said. "If there is a conflict with the constitution, I really believe it should be held at the national level, at the Supreme Court." The committee initially rejected the bill. Deming attempted a procedural maneuver that would have lifted the bill from the committee to the House floor for a full debate, but that effort likewise failed. Demings bill got new life on Tuesday when, in the final hours ahead of a deadline that would have otherwise meant the bill died, Rep. Shelly Fyant, D-Arlee, flipped her vote on the House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee, sending the bill into the House chamber for a full vote in what may be the busiest week of the legislative session. Deming objected when, during the traffic controlling of bills between the chamber and the appropriations committee, legislative leadership opted to send HB 404 back to a budget committee. "I suppose I should take it as a compliment," he said. "To be honest, I feel a little targeted when all Im trying to do is preserve the constitutional order and save Montana State Guard lives in undeclared and unconstitutional wars. I would like an explanation. What are you so afraid of?" House Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick then called for the bill to be debated next. It was in that environment the debate over HB 404 veered from solemn objections to blistering condemnation. "I dont think Ive seen a bill come through the Legislature that hurts the people of Montana more than this one," Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Great Falls, said after noting how the Montana Air National Guard aids his community, particularly the fire department at the Great Falls International Airport. "Its no different than saying, 'Im going to defund. That was not a winner for anybody,'" Fitzpatrick said. "Defunding the National Guard is not a winner either." Active or retired service members who are also lawmakers were far greater in numbers on the opponents' side of the debate. Rep. Brad Barker, a 20-year veteran who was of the U.S. Army as an attack helicopter pilot and aviation commander, pushed back on the suggestion that any conflict U.S. troops have engaged in were done so through "choice and adventurism." "It completely disregards the blood and sacrifice of very close friends, loved ones, who went to defend our freedoms and respond to the call when our nation was attacked on 9/11," he said. "Has it been too long that we forgot 9/11? Has it been too long that we forgot why we went and fought that conflict? I certainly hope not, because the consequences could be grave." Deming, in his closing statements on the bill, urged lawmakers to think of the National Guard troops who would not suffer PTSD, but ultimately brought his demands back to fealty to the constitution. "You and I swore an oath to defend the constitution, not federal funding," he said. The bill ultimately died on a 41-58 vote. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted Adani Cementation Limited permission to cut 158 mangrove trees for its jetty project along the Amba River in Raigad district (Adani Cementation v. Union of India). A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre added that while the project serves the companys commercial interests, it must not result in significant depletion of natural resources. The Court further stressed the need for compensatory measures to address the environmental consequences of the project. By ensuring that any activity though aimed as a commercial activity do not deplete the available natural resources and even if it does so, in any minimised way, by ensuring that its loss is compensated, by considering that all the statutory permissions have been secured by the Petitioner and with the requisite compliances to be ensured at every level, when the necessary permissions were granted, we are convinced that the Project propounded by the Petitioner deserve our approval, but it shall be subject to the condition that the Petitioner shall ensure compliance of the conditions imposed upon it by various statutory authorities," the Court said. Adani Cementation Limited, part of the Adani Group, filed the petition seeking directions to the concerned authorities to approve its construction of a captive berthing jetty, a conveyor corridor and an approach road along the Amba River in Raigad. The execution of the 172 crore project would affect 158 mangrove trees and shrubs, the Court was told. The project aims to address the growing demand for cement in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with the jetty facilitating the transportation of cement, clinker and other raw materials through waterways. The company had already obtained several clearances for the project, including a Letter of Intent from the Maharashtra Maritime Board, CRZ clearance from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and environmental and forest clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC). The Court noted that the company had adhered to the conditions imposed by these authorities, including a commitment to minimising mangrove cutting, using enclosed belt conveyors to prevent spillage and ensuring sustainable development. However, the Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) opposed the project. They argued that the proposed jetty was primarily for industrial use, with public benefits being secondary. BEAG contended that the project would cause significant harm to the CRZ-IA areas (ecologically sensitive coastal zones), especially given the mangrove habitats at the site. The Group further argued that the project was a private, profit-driven venture which should not proceed at the expense of the environment, particularly the destruction of mangroves. The Court found that although the project was primarily aimed at industrial use, it could benefit the public by reducing road traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions. It acknowledged that the company had committed to compensatory afforestation, including the replanting of mangroves at a higher ratio than the number destroyed, and had received in-principle approval for the diversion of forest land. It also highlighted the detailed environmental studies submitted by Adani, including an assessment of the hydrological conditions in the area and their impact on mangrove growth. In light of the aforesaid, by keeping in mind the goal of sustainable development of striking a balance between the necessity of the Project, which aims at meeting the every increasing need of cement, but at the same time, by not compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, it is necessary to ensure that the Project results into minimum damage to the environment/ecology, and, the natural resources, particularly when the entire planet is coping up with the crisis of climate change, bio-diversity and pollution." The Court concluded that the environmental and regulatory clearances obtained by Adani Cementation were comprehensive and included provisions to minimise harm to the mangrove ecosystems and other environmental resources. It, therefore, allowed the company's plea, provided its representative files an affidavit within two weeks undertaking to comply with all conditions set by various regulatory authorities. CitiCorp Investment Bank (Singapore) Ltd paid Rs36 lakh to settle a case with market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) related to alleged violations of Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) Regulations. According to an order issued by SEBI, CitiCorp Investment Bank issued an offshore derivative instrument (ODI) to Symmetry Master Fund Ltd (SMFL) on 19 December 2023 without completing the necessary know-your-customer (KYC) checks and failing to deposit the regulatory fee on time. The KYC process for SMFL was completed only on 10 January 2024, after the ODI was issued. Additionally, CitiCorp delayed the deposit of the regulatory fee by 69 days, further violating Regulation 21(4) of the FPI Regulations. In response to the violations, CitiCorp Investment Bank filed a suo-motu settlement application under SEBI Settlement Regulations, 2018, seeking to resolve the matter by neither admitting nor denying the findings of fact and legal conclusions. As part of the settlement discussions, CitiCorp Investment Bank agreed to pay Rs36 lakh to settle the proceedings and also submitted an undertaking to ensure that necessary systems, controls and procedures are implemented to prevent future violations. The settlement terms were reviewed and recommended by the high-powered advisory committee (HPAC) during its meeting on 18 November 2024. The committee proposed that CitiCorp Investment Bank pay Rs36 lakh as a settlement amount, which was accepted by SEBI panel of whole-time members (WTM) on 27 January 2025. The settlement was finalised when CitiCorp confirmed the remittance of the settlement amount on 12 February 2025. SEBI has now confirmed the receipt of the Rs36 lakh settlement amount and has closed the proceedings related to the violations. However, SEBI retains the right to take further action if any of the representations made by CitiCorp Investment Bank are false or if the bank breaches any of the settlement terms. Nearly 25 years ago, I was complaining to the late FC Kohli, a pioneer who put India on the software map of the world; and was vice-chairman of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), about the lack of social skills among many of our people in India. There is spitting on roads, on the pavement, at stairway corners in buildings and in washbasins in toilets. Over a period of time, the once white-washed basins take on a mild pink colour. There are children and even adults, lining the main roads of Mumbai (even the highway leading from the airport to downtown) and they are comfortable using the pavement kerb as a public toilet. There are adolescents and even adults who take great pleasure in throwing stones at passing trains (happened to my daughter). And they secretly hope that some of those who travel may get seriously injured so that they can join their own ranks of the unemployed or unemployable. And there is nearly everyone who will litter the streets, the building compounds and the buses and trains and railway platforms and the railway tracks. They will refuse to use the waste basket. And if a socially concerned citizen complains, the prompt will be the reply: Aap ka baap ka hai kya? and in those few words, there is both a question and a threat! Mr Kohlis response to my questionWhy is this so?was short and to the point. He said that until we invest in reorienting our primary education in municipal and government schools, social norms in this country will not change. The private schools will have the wherewithal to impart social skills to their students. They will grow up as socially conscious and well-behaved citizens (generally). But those who have attended the municipal schools have not had a chance to know better. The foundation is weak and not aligned with what we have in mind as community-centred behaviour. How will this be done? Who will invest in bringing about this change? How long will this take? These are difficult questions to which there are no ready answersneither by the government nor by the citizens. Therefore, for me, it was very heartening to remember a headline from December 2001 which said, Big leap forward: Municipal students are college bound . This quantum leap was all thanks to a municipal school project taken up by the Times Foundation, under which 1,000 municipal school students get to make use of college campuses as much-needed finishing schools. The project had kicked off a month earlier at Sophia College on Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai - aiming to improve the learning and communication skills of municipal school children. As part of the project, colleges would provide space, facilities, teachers and NSS volunteers to students in nearby municipal schools. The aim was to enable school students to communicate well in English and help them grasp various subjects, including computers, while also working on their personality development. There were also plans to train teachers at municipal schools. This is a movement and we are expecting it to grow, said Ashoke K Maitra, director, Times Foundation. We want donors, volunteers, and more college principals to undertake this cause. Spurred by the success of the Sophia College pilot project, many principals and college officials were offering to pitch in. As many as 10 colleges had pledged their support. The project, however, was not just banking on NSS workers to do the job. Plans were also afoot to train these volunteers to ensure that they are adept in the role of teachers. Sophia College and British Institutes Pvt Ltd offered to train NSS volunteers. Educationists pointed out that municipal school teachers needed to be trained as well, considering that they would be reaching out to a larger student body. In their case, there needs to be an attitude change as well, a participant stated. At least four colleges offered help. St Johns School, Goregaon, St. Xaviers Institute of Education, New Marine Lines, and Khalsa College agreed to train municipal school teachers. The foundations efforts need to be supplemented with policy changes as well an educationist pointed out. There is a municipal school adoption programme, but not many private trusts and industries are coming forward due to various restrictions, said the director of St Johns School. Deregulation was needed to make the adoption programme more effective, he added. Ram Keswani, a trustee of Vivekanand Education Society, said, In my time, Municipal schools were the only places where you got a credible form of education. To bring back lost glory, the government would have to be motivated to introduce policy changes. These are all right changes, coming, perhaps at a late stage. But its better late than never. If this philosophy is implemented in municipal schools in Mumbai and in government and municipal schools all over the country, the face of India will change considerablyand all for the better. All these are notes of nearly 25 years ago, based on newspaper reports. Has all this happened? We are still a long way from Chinas literacy level of 98%! We have thus lost a long period of time, with small allocations in the Budget for education, combined with poor administration of the system. Over a 75-year period since independence, we have come to a situation where political parties are shifting to an electoral model that prioritises private benefit over-delivering public good. The recent Delhi elections campaigning saw various political parties offering the following: autowallahs wards tuition fees for civil service aspirants; money for daughters weddings; monthly dole to women, temple priests, and Gurdwara granthis; to the elderly; pregnant women and jobless youth for one year. Where will the funds for this largesse come from when we never seem to have enough for the national and state education budget? In this context, it is heartening to read about KPR Mill Ltd , a large company from Coimbatore, where the owner and chairman took the initiative to open the doors for women. They were hired as workers in his factories and given the offer to work four hours more after an eight-hour work schedule. During the additional four hours, they attend classes organised by the company, from high school to professional (all paid for by the company). They have trained over 27,000 women who have graduated, and the company has helped them find appropriate jobs with their new qualifications! Twenty-seven of KPRs employees went on to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). And to read that Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai were named the most influential global Indians! All is not lost! Its only that it could have been better! Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs3.50 lakh on two cooperative banks and a non-banking financial company (NBFC) for non-compliance with the directions issued by the banking regulator. The highest penalty of Rs2 lakh has been imposed on Karnataka-based Sri Basaveshwar Sahakar Bank Niyamitha. The other entities penalised by RBI are AP Raja Rajeswari Mahila Cooperative Urban Bank Ltd from Hyderabad and Vanchinad Finance Pvt Ltd, an NBFC from Kerala. Sri Basaveshwar Sahakar Bank has been penalised for failing to comply with several directions issued by RBI. These include violations related to exposure norms, statutory and other restrictions for urban cooperative banks (UCBs), donations or contributions from UCB profits for public or charitable purposes and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements. RBI's statutory inspection revealed that Sri Basaveshwar Sahakar Bank had violated several regulations. These included exceeding the prudential inter-bank (gross) and inter-bank counterparty exposure limits, making donations beyond the prescribed regulatory limit and failing to upload customer KYC records to the Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the required timeline. Vanchinad Finance has been fined Rs1 lakh for failing to comply with certain provisions of the RBI 2016 directions for NBFC non-systemically important non-deposit-taking companies, as well as the 2023 master direction on RBI NBFC Scale-Based Regulation. RBI found that the company had declared a dividend in excess of the prescribed dividend payout ratio. AP Raja Rajeswari Mahila Cooperative Urban Bank has been fined Rs50,000 for failing to comply with RBI's directions on the management of advances for UCBs. The lender sanctioned gold loans under a bullet repayment scheme that exceeded the prescribed regulatory limit. RBI says its action against these two cooperative banks and the NBFC is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce on the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the banks with their customers. The Supreme Court on Friday stayed a recent order of the Bombay High Court restraining a Pune-based restaurant from using the name 'Burger King'. (Anahita Irani v. Burger King.) The stay means that the Pune eatery can continue to operate under the name until the matter is decided by the High Court. A Bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma said, "The impugned order shall remain stayed. However, the Bombay High Court can continue to hear the appeal." The Bombay High Court had stayed a Pune court's order which dismissed a trademark infringement suit filed by United States (US) fast-food giant Burger King Corporation against a Pune-based burger joint of the same name. The dispute revolves around Burger King Corporation, which entered the Indian market in 2014, and a Pune-based restaurant that has been using the "Burger King" name since 2008. The US fast-food giant argued that the local eaterys use of the name harmed its brand reputation. Burger King thus sought a permanent injunction to stop it from using the trademark. In July 2024, a Pune court ruled in favour of the local restaurant, citing its prior use of the name. The court noted that the Pune establishment had been operating since the early 1990s, while Burger King Corporation only registered its trademark for restaurant services in India in 2006. Declaring the Pune restaurant a "prior and honest user" of the name, the court dismissed the US companys suit. Burger King challenged this decision in the Bombay High Court, contending that it had registered the trademark in India as early as 1979, even though it entered the market much later. Meanwhile, the local restaurants legal team argued that it had been using the name since 1992, well before the US chain launched in India. The owner of the Pune eatery was represented by Senior Advocates Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi and K Parameshwar, assisted by Advocates Abhijit Sarwate and Anand Dilip Landge. They argued that Pune joint had been using the mark much prior to the US corporation's entry to India. They further contended that the US corporation was 'squatting' on their mark, citing that Burger King had only applied for registration of the mark for paper products and not restaurants. It was also argued that granting an interim stay against a decree of a trial court would have ripple effects as it would take a significantly long time for the appeal to be decided. Advocate Raunaq Kamath, who appeared for the US corporation, argued that the appeal was progressing fast in the Bombay High Court. Thus, there was no case for staying the High Court's order, he said. He also contended that operating another restaurant under the Burger King name would create confusion in the minds of the people. The Court, however, granted relief to the Indian joint, noting that it only had two joints in Pune while Burger King is a global corporation with multiple outlets. The Court also noted that an interim stay against the decree of a trial court could affect the party suffering the stay adversely. It thus stayed the High Court's order. By his own accounts, as he grew up in Butte, Frank Gardners folks implored him to shake three generations of family legacy and stay out of the mines. It didnt take, but during a 48-year career in the mining industry, Gardner carved out his own legacy. More than anyone, friends, family and former colleagues say, he led Butte out of an old era of mining in the late 1970s and early '80s and into a new one thats still going strong. It was Gardner, they say, who persuaded Dennis Washington to buy the shuttered mine from Atlantic Richfield and Gardner who helped turn it into a profitable, lasting venture called Montana Resources. John Francis Frank Gardner died peacefully on Feb. 14 in Missoula, surrounded by family, at age 89. His mining legacy is endless. Frank was a Butte guy from humble beginnings, and even though he tried his best to stay out of the mines, he ended up being one of the most influential and important miners in the long storied history of Butte a true Butte legend, Tim McHugh, a vice president at MR and longtime friend, said at a celebration of life service for Gardner at the Front Street Station in Butte last week. About 200 people attended the service, including Dennis Washingtons son, Kevin Washington. Gardner was MRs first president, he noted, and was his favorite to this day. He was an amazing guy and a tremendous friend to my dad, as well as obviously an incredible, dedicated employee, Kevin Washington said. Gardner was manager of operations for Atlantic Richfield at its Butte mine when the pumps in the Berkeley Pit were turned off in 1982. The mine was in financial ruins and ARCO closed it the next year. Don Peoples, who was chief executive of Butte-Silver Bow County at the time, formed a committee in hopes of saving the industry in Butte. Gardner was on it. We still had a core group of people who believed we could get the mine going again, Gardner said in a 2014 interview with the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program. We knew that the mine had value and could be operable. When Dennis Washington visited Butte in 1985, looking only at purchasing some of the equipment, Gardner more than anyone had his ear and persuaded him to go further. He was instrumental in getting Denny Washington to buy the mine, Peoples told The Montana Standard last week. His personal attributes had a lot to do with that. He word was his bond, Peoples said. He was well-respected by everybody. I dont know anybody who had a bad word to say about Frank Gardner the man. At the celebration of life service, and in interviews with the Standard, there was as much said about Frank Gardner the man as there was Frank Gardner the miner. Many descriptions of Gardener were repeated at the service. Butte tough. Stubborn but patient. Witty and sarcastic. Unbelievable negotiator. Natural leader. Integrity. Steel-trap memory. Wicked smart. His work ethic was also cited often, but so was his love for fishing and hunting, his love for dogs, his love for his wife, Arlis, and their family, and time spent at his cabin on the Big Hole River. Arlis was at last weeks service, as were daughters Lisa, Lynda and Leslie, sons-in-law, grandchildren and other relatives. He and Arlis enjoyed hosting friends and family at the cabin with good food, too many drinks and a lot of dogs! his obituary says. A LIFE IN MINING Gardner started down a different path after graduating from Butte High in 1954, seeking a petroleum engineering degree at Rice University in Houston, but it didnt last long. He returned to Butte when his father was terminally ill with cancer, enrolled at the Montana School of Mines, earned a geological engineering degree in 1961 and alas went to work in the underground mines to help support his family, his obituary states. It was clear mining truly was in his blood as it would come to define much of his life, it says. Gardner ultimately found a management position with the Anaconda Co. at a copper mine in Iran, worked for Lornex in British Columbia, then returned to Butte in 1979 as manager of operations for Atlantic Richfield. Gardners legacy as a bridge between an old era of mining and a new one was set over the next several years. He talked about them in a 2014 interview with Rayelynn Brandl, who led the Clark Fork Watershed Program at the time and still does, though it has expanded and is now called Ripple, the Center for Education & Ecosystem Studies. He provided more details in a memoir titled "Deep Enough," which Brandl helped him author. Gardner recalled crushing financial hardships and growing debt that rocked mining operations, layoffs, wildcat strikes in the industry, and the decision by ARCO leadership to turn off the water pumps at the mine in Butte. The decision to turn off the pumps was a long time coming and was a thoughtful one, he said in the 2014 interview. We had done our studies, we had considered the options, and we gave our recommendations. Gardner was still with ARCO when it closed the mine in 1983 and in 1985 when Dennis Washington visited looking for salvage. In an interview with The Standard this week, Brandl recounted Gardners recollections. Theyre walking through and his job is to show Dennis all the things they have for sale and Frank starts kind of putting a bug in his ear, saying the whole mine is for sale and it can be profitable, and he just worked on him. He kept talking to him and talking to him and I think he invited Dennis back for a couple more meetings, Brandl said. Frank shows Dennis what the path forward would be like, how the mine could be profitable, the way he would open it, how he would cut workers to make it profitable, how he would make it safer. It worked, because Washington bought the mine and soon began new mining operations under Montana Resources. It did so as a union-free workforce, which many thought unthinkable in a labor haven like Butte. Taking it to a non-union organization was probably the biggest hurdle that he had but he saw that as really important, Brandl said. He said, The people will understand why we have to do it this way. It was done through a dialogue between management and labor. We had to make changes, which are never easy, Gardner recalled. However, these changes allowed us to keep mining in Butte. Washington tapped Gardner to lead MR, which he did until he retired in 1998. He came back in 2003 after another mine closure and got operations started again before passing the torch as president to Rolin Erickson in 2004. LASTING LEGACY Mike McGivern, now MRs vice president of human resources, joined the company in 2005. Gardner was still a pretty frequent presence at the time. He was stopping by the office, Im going so say once a month, to see how things were going, McGivern told The Standard. He wanted his finger on the pulse and to make sure the mine was running and being successful. He definitely believed in Butte and he believed there could be a prosperous mine here, and that is fortunate for all of us still working here, McGivern said. Todd Tregidga, an associate professor in the Department of Business and Information Technology at Montana Tech, was only 12 when the mine shut down in the early 80s. But he knows the history of what happened and says Gardner had a major role in saving Butte at a time when most people were talking about Butte in the context of being a ghost town. He brings Dennis Washington into the fold, and I mean lets face it, Dennis Washington was just a road contractor back in the day before he bought the mine, Tregidga said. He had the resources. I mean obviously he was a successful businessman at that point in time. But the investment he made in the mine I think thats really the catalyst that turned him into the billionaire he is today and Frank Gardner was absolutely instrumental in making that happen. There were moments of sadness at last weeks service at Front Street Station but overall, it was indeed a celebration of life. There were stories and lots of laughter, and a lone bagpiper played from the balcony. McHugh said Gardner was stubborn but patient, always honest and fair, had an incredible work ethic and an incredibly supportive family. Son-in-law Keith Fichtner emceed the upbeat event. But the thing I admired and appreciated the most about Frank was his sense of community and unrelenting drive to keep mining operations going in Butte, McHugh said. If Gardner was there that day, McHugh said, he would tell everyone to not get your dauber down, to enjoy the celebration of life and then get back to work. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty Thursday that NATO would come to the United States' defense if the country were attacked though the alliance did just that after Sept. 11, the only time in its history that the defense guarantee was invoked. Trump also suggested the U.S. might abandon its commitments to the alliance if member countries don't meet defense spending targets, a day after his pick for NATO ambassador assured senators that the administration's commitment to the military alliance was "ironclad." Trump's comments denigrating NATO, which was formed to counter Soviet aggression during the Cold War, are largely in line with his yearslong criticism of the alliance, which he accused of not paying its fair share toward the cost of defense. They come at a time of heightened concern in the Western world over Trump's cozy relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, long seen NATO as a threat, and as the U.S. president seeks to pressure Ukraine into agreeing to a peace deal with the country that invaded it three years ago. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent the alliance into upheaval last month when he said in a speech that the U.S. would not participate in any peacekeeping force in Ukraine, which is not a NATO member, and would not defend any country that participated in it if attacked by Russia. Trump said Thursday in the Oval Office that other countries would not come to the defense of the U.S. though they did exactly that in the only instance that the Article 5 defense guarantee was invoked. "You know the biggest problem I have with NATO? I really, I mean, I know the guys very well. They're friends of mine. But if the United States was in trouble, and we called them, we said, 'We got a problem, France. We got a problem, couple of others I won't mention.' Do you think they're going to come and protect us? They're supposed to. I'm not so sure." Article 5 was invoked after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, leading to NATO's largest operation in Afghanistan. France's military participated in the operation. "We are loyal and faithful allies," French President Emmanuel Macron responded Thursday, expressing "respect and friendship" toward U.S. leaders. "I think we're entitled to expect the same," he said. Macron invoked "centuries-old history," namechecking the Marquis de Lafayette, a 19-year-old French nobleman who was a major general in the American Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and Gen. John Pershing, commander of the American army in France during World War I. Macron added that a few days ago, he met American World War II veterans who landed on Omaha Beach as part of the D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France. France and the U.S. "have always been there for each other," Macron said. Trump, when asked Thursday if it he was making it U.S. policy that the U.S. would not defend NATO countries that don't meet military spending targets, said: "Well, I think it's common sense, right? If they don't pay, I'm not going to defend them. No, I'm not going to defend them." Trump suggested since his 2016 presidential campaign that the U.S. under his leadership might not comply with the alliance's mutual defense guarantees and would only defend countries that met targets to commit 2% of their gross domestic products on military spending. The U.S. is the most powerful nation of the seven-decade alliance, has the largest economy among members and spends more on defense than any other member. The U.S. was one of 12 nations that formed NATO following World War II to counter the threat posed by the Soviet Union to Western Europe during the Cold War. Its membership since grew to 32 countries, and its bedrock mutual defense guarantee, known as Article 5, states an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Trump also seemed to suggest Thursday that the U.S. commitment to NATO might be leveraged in his trade war as he seeks to target what he says are unfair trade policies with other nations, including the European Union. "I view NATO as potentially good, but you've got to get, you've got to get some good thinking in NATO. It's very unfair, what's been happening," Trump said. "Until I came along, we were paying close to 100% of NATO. So think of it, we're paying 100% of their military, and they're screwing us on trade." On Wednesday, Trump's choice for NATO ambassador, Matt Whitaker, said at his confirmation hearing that in regards to the U.S. commitment to the NATO alliance and specifically Article 5, "it will be ironclad." Last year, then-NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said a record 23 of NATO's 32 member nations hit the military alliance's defense spending target. Trump took credit for countries meeting those targets because of his threats, and Stoltenberg himself said Trump was responsible for getting other nations to increase their spending. The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has urged politicians to focus on helping struggling Kenyans rather than making hefty donations to churches. Speaking in Nakuru during Ash Wednesday celebrationsmarking the start of Lent, a period of prayer, fasting, and almsgivingBishop Cleophas Oseso advised leaders against turning churches into donation platforms. Let the church not be seen as a beneficiary while schools lack books, hospitals run out of medicine, and doctors and teachers remain unpaid, Oseso said. He stressed that the church must safeguard its integrity by ensuring that unaccounted donations do not tarnish its reputation. We do not know where the huge sum of money donated to churches by politicians comes from and we should be worried, he cautioned. Oseso also called on politicians to stop publicizing their church donations, arguing that genuine giving should not be about public recognition. The Bible states that when you donate with your right hand, your left hand should not know the amount donated, he said. He insisted that true donations should be made in secret, without being used as a tool for political campaigns or self-promotion. Let donations be done in secret to ensure the same is genuine and not a form for campaign or show-off. The bishops remarks come amid heightened public debate following President William Rutos Ksh20 million donation to the Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Roysambu last Sunday. On Thursday, the church held a press conference to clarify the matter, revealing that the donation was made after a request from the churchs overseer, Reverend Edward Mwai. Church officials also addressed confusion surrounding land ownership in Roysambu, explaining that they own only three acres, while the Ministry of Defence controls the remaining 17 acres. Later that day, President Ruto met with Rev. Mwai at State House to discuss the progress of the churchs ongoing construction. Senior clerics from Jesus Winner Ministry also attended the meeting. Ruto thanked Bishop Mwai for allowing the church to host thousands of job-seeking youth who participated in the governments Kazi Majuu recruitment drive on Tuesday. Jesus Winner Ministry Church has responded to the growing debate surrounding President William Rutos Ksh20 million donation pledge, clarifying that it followed a request from the churchs overseer, Reverend Edward Mwai. On Sunday, President Ruto pledged to personally contribute Ksh20 million to the church and vowed to mobilize his friends to raise an additional Ksh100 million for its construction, which is estimated to cost Ksh1 billion. However, the donation has triggered backlash, with some Kenyans questioning the source of the funds and even threatening legal action if the church does not surrender the contribution to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Amid the controversy, the churchs Board of Management stood by Ruto, emphasizing his long-standing connection to the church. On the issue of His Excellency the President of Kenya, Hon. William Rutos donation to the church, we wish to clarify to the whole nation that he has been our faithful worshipper since the year 2009, Secretary General Raphael Mwiti said in a statement. Hon. President Ruto pledged his support of Ksh20 million upon request from our church general overseer, Rev Edward Mwai. The board explained that the donation is intended to support the churchs expansion, which is part of a 10-year strategic plan designed to accommodate its growing congregation. By Gods grace, the current church cannot hold all its members, and our strategic plan is to build a bigger sanctuary on the land we purchased from Uchumi Supermarkets, the board stated. Church Addresses Roysambu Land Dispute The church also sought to clarify confusion surrounding the ownership of land in Roysambu, revealing that it owns only 3 acres, while the Ministry of Defence holds the remaining 17 acres. Mwiti explained that the church raised Ksh450 million to purchase the land from Uchumi Supermarkets through contributions from its members and a bank loan. Its important to note that our faithful members raised the funds, and we secured additional financing through a bank loan, he said, adding that the land transfer was completed after the church made the payment to Kasarani Mall Limiteds lawyers. In response to concerns about its funding sources, the church emphasized that it operates independently and does not rely on public donations. We are a self-sustaining church and do not depend on donations, Mwiti reiterated. He also urged Kenyans to remain calm following threats from some youths planning to storm the church on Sunday. Ruto Hosts Jesus Winner Ministry Bishop Mwai at State House Later in the day, President William Ruto met with Bishop Edward Mwai at State House to discuss the progress of the ongoing church construction. Senior clerics from Jesus Winner Ministry also attended the meeting. President Ruto thanked Bishop Mwai for allowing the church to host thousands of job-seeking youth who participated in the governments Kazi Majuu recruitment drive on Tuesday. We appreciate Jesus Winner Ministry Church for complementing our Labour Mobility Programme by hosting a recruitment drive aimed at securing jobs for our youth abroad, Ruto wrote on X. At the Peoples Dialogue Festival held in Uhuru Park, key opposition figures Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa voiced their strong disapproval of the recent partnership between Raila Odingas ODM and President William Rutos UDA. The event, which took place on March 7, 2025, was a platform for these leaders to express their belief that this alliance represents a significant betrayal of the Kenyan people. Kalonzo and Wamalwa were particularly concerned with Railas perceived abandonment of a cause that many Kenyans have passionately supported, even at great personal cost. They reminded attendees of the protests in 2023 and 2024, where citizens stood against rising living costs, high taxes, and governance issues, often facing severe repercussions. During his speech, Kalonzo made a poignant remark: If there is no formula at KICC today showing how Kenyans are going to compensate their families and the loss of lives because of police brutality, then nothing will come out of KICC other than betrayal of the Kenyan people, His words resonated with many who feel let down by the political shift. Echoing Kalonzos sentiments, Wamalwa assured the crowd that the opposition remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the concerns of citizens. He criticized Railas move to align with the current administration, suggesting that such decisions will be judged harshly by history. We stand with the Gen Zs and the people of Kenya, Wamalwa declared. Today, weve made a conscious choice about where we stand, and its with the opposition. He further commented on those who have changed sides: For those who left the opposition to join Zakayos government, history will be a stern judge. On the same day, President Ruto and Raila Odinga held a meeting at KICC, pledging to work together, signaling a new phase in Kenyan politics. Savings and credit cooperatives (Saccos) caught in the Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives (KUSCCO) scandal will not recover all their lost funds, the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) has warned. This development comes months after the Ministry of Cooperatives disbanded KUSCCOs board following a damning audit that exposed widespread financial mismanagement, including falsified records and irregular withdrawals. Speaking this week, SASRA CEO Peter Njuguna confirmed that the financial losses were too severe to be fully recovered, even if assets were liquidated. They can recover something but not 100 per cent. I dont think that will be possible because we are talking about billions here. The assets that are being talked about are Sh5 billion, so that tells you, Njuguna explained. He cast doubt on whether the available assets could generate enough revenue to offset the losses. Those assets where would they invest to earn enough? I think they will recover something else but not everything, he added. How KUSCCOs Expansion Led to Financial Disaster Njuguna emphasized that KUSCCOs downfall was linked to its decision to venture into financial services, straying from its original mandate. KUSCCO is very key, and remember it was founded as an advocacy body to do training and lobby for its members. Its venture into financial services is where it failedit should not have happened, he noted. Founded in 1973 as an umbrella body for Saccos, KUSCCO later expanded into deposit-taking operations, a move that ultimately led to its financial crisis. To investigate the extent of mismanagement, the Ministry of Cooperatives appointed audit firm Grant Thornton to conduct a forensic audit. The findings, released under former Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui, revealed irregular withdrawals totaling Ksh5.46 billion between February 2013 and April 2024. Saccos Among the Biggest Losers As a result, several Saccos and their depositors are now facing massive financial losses. The hardest hit include: Mhasibu Sacco, which risks losing over Ksh480 million Kimisitu Sacco, with potential losses exceeding Ksh353 million The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Sacco, which expects to lose at least Ksh19 million, despite efforts to withdraw its investments from KUSCCO Meanwhile, Nyati Sacco Society Limited has filed a lawsuit against SASRA, challenging its directive that requires KUSCCO-affiliated Saccos to absorb the financial losses caused by the mismanagement at the umbrella body. A man from Merti, Isiolo North, is recovering in the hospital after amputating his own genitals while battling depression linked to drug abuse. According to a Citizen Digital report, the 30-year-old man resorted to self-mutilation after his genitals began decomposing due to an injury he had inflicted using a metallic object. His condition worsened because he delayed seeking medical attention. Muslima Abdi, a well-wisher who rushed him to the hospital, shed light on his difficult background, highlighting the lack of support he faced in overcoming addiction. She noted that his struggles with substance abuse ultimately took a toll on his mental health. Doctors first admitted him to Merti Sub-County Hospital before transferring him to Isiolo Level 4 Hospital. He was later moved to Meru Referral Hospital for specialized treatment. Currently, he is receiving mental health care at a private rehabilitation center in Camp Garba, Isiolo. Psychologists Raise Drug Abuse Alarm Collins Shaban, the lead psychologist at the facility, reported that he is responding well to treatment. However, he expressed concerns that once his mental health stabilizes, he may experience renewed depression as he fully comes to terms with the life-altering loss. Shaban emphasized the importance of ongoing psychological support and counseling to help him cope. He also urged medical specialists to explore advanced treatment options, suggesting that plastic surgery could aid in his recovery. Records from the rehabilitation center reveal that this is the second reported case of self-amputation of genitals linked to drug abuse. This individual abused substances including bhang, chabesi, tobacco, and antipsychotic medications, Shaban stated. The incident has fueled growing calls from parents and advocacy groups urging security agencies to crack down on the rampant drug use in Isiolo. During a recent visit to the county, President William Ruto vowed to take decisive action against drug lords, sparking a widespread crackdown on dealers and users. Former Chief Justice David Maraga has strongly condemned the push to remove Supreme Court judges, calling it a dishonest scheme driven by political motives. Speaking on Thursday at the Peoples Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park, Maraga dismissed the petitions seeking the judges removal, arguing that they are built on baseless claims meant to serve selfish interests. The problem is that we have people coming up with false allegations which are not there. You need to read the petitions that have been filed against the judges of the Supreme Court and see where the problem is, Maraga stated. He insisted that if the petitions had been handled through the proper legal channels, the issue would have already been resolved. If the petitions would have been solved by those authorities where those petitions are supposed to be addressed, then the problem would have been solved. It is a question of dishonesty for personal gain or to assist others to achieve a political end, he added. Maraga: Corruption Is Kenyas Biggest Problem Turning to governance, Maraga stated that if he were president, his top priority would be eliminating corruption and ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law. If I was given the opportunity to govern this country, I would get everyone to obey the law. Everything would fall in place. The problem we have is corruption, he asserted. When asked whether he would consider running for president, the former CJ responded with a thought-provoking question. I want to ask you: what kind of leader do you want? The state of the country is dire Its clear to everyone that resources are being looted left, right, and center. The leadership we need is one that is accountable to the people. A true leader understands that holding office is about being a trustee of the people, he stated. Backing Gen Zs Push for Change Maraga also threw his support behind the Gen Z-led movement for change, acknowledging their growing influence in Kenyas political landscape. He recalled last years demonstrations, where young protesters sent a clear message that they were fed up with political infighting, broken promises, and leadership that serves personal interests over national progress. We should heed that and see how we should cooperate and nurture them to come up and take over the leadership of this country, he urged. They showed us that they are fearless and tribe-less. Maraga emphasized that leaders must focus on real issues to prevent further political unrest. Kenyas Constitution: A Global Benchmark Despite the countrys challenges, Maraga insisted that Kenya is far from hopeless. He described its constitution as one of the most progressive in the world. Our country is not a hopeless nation; we have one of the best constitutions in the worldone which has elaborate provisions for human rights, social rights, and one that is the envy or the benchmark of other countries, he stated. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has commissioned 10 additional armored vehicles to support police operations in crime-prone areas, particularly in North Rift and Northern Kenya. Speaking during the event at the General Service Unit (GSU) headquarters in Nairobi, Murkomen highlighted that the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles are part of an ongoing effort to modernize police equipment and enhance officers ability to combat insecurity. Modern Equipment Slashes Banditry by 70% Murkomen noted that introducing MRAPs and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) has already made a significant impact in reducing banditry. We have reduced the problem of banditry by 70 percent, largely due to this investment in protective equipment. We are also investing in training resources to enhance officers skills, he said. To further boost security operations, Murkomen stated that the government will continue training police officers to ensure they stay up to date with global law enforcement standards. Government to Improve Officers Welfare & Insurance Beyond equipment upgrades, the CS assured police officers that their welfare remains a top priority. We will also improve the welfare of our officers. Their salaries will be increased, and I assure you that the government will allocate more resources to enhance their insurance coverage, he added. His remarks came in response to concerns that some police officers have been struggling to access medical services due to challenges with their insurance coverage. Murkomen confirmed that he had engaged with the affected insurance firms to ensure officers continue receiving medical care while the government works on increasing funding. Emphasis on Discipline & Mental Health Support Murkomen also called on law enforcement agencies to maintain discipline and swiftly address cases of misconduct within the force. He reaffirmed the governments commitment to police reforms, ensuring that Kenyas security forces operate as a disciplined and modernized unit. Recognizing the mental health struggles faced by some officers, Murkomen emphasized the need for proactive support. We are going to identify and treat officers struggling with mental health issues. Those nearing retirement should be stationed closer to their homes for better support and management, he said. He also assured that the newly acquired armored vehicles come with spare parts, guaranteeing their continued operation in all regions where they are deployed. Springbuck Vehicles: Advanced Protection & Firepower The newly acquired Springbuck armored personnel carriers offer cutting-edge protection and mobility, making them an essential addition to Kenyas security operations. Manufactured in South Africa, the Springbuck is built for durability and resilience in combat zones. It runs on a 6-cylinder MWM 6.12 TCA turbo diesel intercooled engine, delivering 286 horsepower and 782 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 5-speed Allison 3000SP automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case, the vehicle can easily maneuver across different terrains. It accelerates from 0 to 48 km/h in just 15 seconds and can handle steep inclines of up to 35 degrees. With the capability to navigate side slopes of up to 22 degrees and cover 600 kilometers without refueling, the Springbuck is well-suited for long-distance security missions. It can also operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -8C to 50C, ensuring reliability in harsh environments. One of its standout features is its V-shaped hull, designed to deflect explosions, significantly improving crew safety during ambushes. According to the manufacturer, the Springbuck can also be upgraded with additional armor to meet STANAG Level 3 ballistic protection standards. For combat effectiveness, the vehicle serves as a weapons platform, capable of supporting both remote and manual weapon stations. With a payload capacity of 2,000 kilograms and a gross vehicle weight of 13,500 kilograms, the Springbuck is designed to transport personnel and heavy equipment with ease. Its 14.00R20 wheels with steel rims and run-flat inserts further enhance mobility, allowing it to operate even in the toughest conditions. The photos; Private hospitals across Kenya have resumed offering services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme after the government pledged to clear outstanding arrears owed to healthcare providers. The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) announced the decision on Thursday, following extensive discussions on the governments commitment to settling debts left by the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). After extensive deliberations, we have reached a decision to call off the boycott of SHA services, effective immediately, RUPHA chairman Brian Lishenga stated. The move comes after State House confirmed that hospitals with NHIF claims of Ksh10 million or less would receive full payment, a decision that affects 91 percent of all previously contracted facilities. For hospitals with claims exceeding Ksh10 million, the government has proposed a verification process that will be completed within 90 days, after which a structured payment plan will be implemented. Concerns Remain Over Unsettled Bills While welcoming the governments directive as a step in the right direction, RUPHA stressed that it does not fully resolve the financial strain hospitals have been facing. The association made it clear that it will be closely monitoring the governments actions to ensure full compliance with its promises. At the same time, RUPHA announced that the suspension of services under Medical Administrator Kenya Limited (MAKL) will remain in effect. Lishenga attributed this to MAKLs failure to address critical concerns raised by healthcare providers, including the lack of reconciliation of outstanding debts. He noted that without proper records, hospitals cannot track payments or verify pending balances. Additionally, he criticized MAKL for failing to issue remittance advice for payments made, making financial accountability even more challenging. RUPHA Threatens Further Action if Payments Stall RUPHA has warned that if the government fails to fulfill its promises, the association will immediately reassess its position and convene its members to deliberate on the next steps, including the possible reinstatement of SHA service suspensions. If facilities owed over Sh10 million do not receive at least Sh10 million in upfront payments, we will escalate our engagement with Parliament to ensure that budgetary allocations are structured fairly, Lishenga stated. He also cautioned that if the claim verification process exceeds the promised 90-day period, RUPHA will demand an urgent review and may consider industrial action to push for a speedy resolution. Lishenga further warned that unless MAKL and its underwriters, Minet and CIC, take immediate steps to resolve the outstanding financial issues, RUPHA will escalate the matter to regulatory authorities and pursue legal action. If MAKL and its underwriters do not take immediate action to resolve the issues raised, RUPHA will escalate the matter to regulatory authorities and pursue legal action to protect healthcare providers from exploitative financial practices, he added. Rigathi Gachaguas infamous State House traps to protect President William Ruto from access by Raila Odinga have come back to haunt him, with the former Prime Minister now ruling out the possibility of working with the ousted Deputy President. Recently, Gachagua extended an olive branch to Raila, urging him to join forces with the Opposition Coalition to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. However, Raila dismissed the proposal, making it clear that he could never align with someone who once actively sought to bring him down. While addressing supporters during his consultative tour of Wajir County, Odinga mocked Gachagua over his past political maneuvers. Yule jamaa mwingine alikuwa akisema ati ameweka mitego. Si alikuwa ameweka mitego kila mahali na hakuna pahali pa kupita, he quipped, ridiculing Gachaguas so-called traps. (That other guy was saying he had set traps. Didnt he claim to have placed traps everywhere, leaving no way through?) He further questioned why he would consider working with someone who had previously ruled out any political handshake. Akasema hakuna mambo ya handshake na nusu mkate. Mnataka tuende kwa jamaa mwenye mitego? he asked the crowd. (He said there would be no handshake or power-sharing. Do you want us to go to the man who sets traps?) I told him that is impossible!Raila added, drawing a thunderous support from the audience. Raila pointed out that despite Gachaguas past attacks, the former Deputy President now finds himself isolated from the very government he once staunchly defended and is struggling to remain politically relevant. Mliona kule kwa State House wakati ambayo Ruto ameleta maraisi, Museveni yuko pale. Suluhu yuko hapo, Salva Kiir iko pale watu wote walifika State House. Mimi nilialikwa pale niende niongee na wao. Na ule ambaye anaambiwa atoe salamu mwisho ilikua ni ule ambaye mwenye mtego. Alikua amesema ameweka mtego ati Baba hawezi kuingia huko, si Baba aliingia, Raila said. (You saw at State House when Ruto hosted presidentsMuseveni was there, Suluhu was there, Salva Kiir was there all the leaders were present. I was invited to go and speak with them. And the one who was supposed to give closing remarks was the same person who set the trap. He had said he had set a trap so that Baba couldnt enter. But didnt Baba enter?) Odingas visit to Wajir is part of a broader tour aimed at engaging the public and gathering opinions on his partys political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. During his speech, he also called for the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report and the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He argued that these reforms are critical in preventing a repeat of the issues witnessed during the 2022 General Election. The NADCO report should be implemented so that we can have a conversation about critical issues, Odinga emphasized, underscoring the need for a credible electoral body to ensure free and fair elections. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Raila arrived in Kisii County to consult with ODM party delegates from Nyamira and Kisii counties. The discussions focused on his future political direction following his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position. Church leaders in Nakuru have strongly opposed an upcoming protest against Jesus Winner Church, calling it an unjustified attack on places of worship. Led by Reverend James Njeru, the clergy denounced the planned demonstration by a group of youths, labeling it blasphemous and a direct assault on religious institutions. Njeru stressed that the church remains a neutral ground and a sanctuary for all, regardless of their background or beliefs. Addressing concerns over donations from politicians, Njeru argued that it is unfair to scrutinize or reject offerings given in thanksgiving, whether from ordinary worshippers or political figures. We do not know where they get the money, and peoples offerings, tithes, and thanksgiving cannot be calculated based on ones salary because some have multiple sources of income, he stated. Njerus remarks came in response to an online movement by Gen Zs, who have been mobilizing through social media to stage a protest at Jesus Winner Church on Sunday, February 9. The planned demonstration follows President William Rutos recent Ksh20 million donation to the church. The group has not only questioned the source of the money but also accused the church of misleading Kenyans ahead of the 2022 General Elections. Reverend Njeru urged the youth to express their frustrations constructively and respect the church, emphasizing the need to uphold biblical values in their actions. Meanwhile, Bishop Edward Kioko reassured congregants that the church remains steadfast in prayer for the nation, regardless of the challenges it faces. Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Church does not have money issues, he is not greedy, he just received the offering on behalf of the church and God, he said. Kioko further highlighted that Reverend Edward Mwai had previously prayed for former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto when they faced cases at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. He suggested that this history might explain why Ruto returned to Jesus Winner Church for thanksgiving. Urging calm, Kioko reminded Kenyans that the offering was given willingly and not under coercion. The Indian chemical industry is set to gain from the United States recent decision to impose strict tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico, according to a report by Prabhudas Lilladher. The report highlighted that Indian chemical exports to the US could see a rise as American companies seek alternative suppliers to replace Chinese imports. It said "We believe that USA levying severe tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China may benefit export to USA market for Indian chemical companies as they may seek alternative to China". The US has levied a 20 per cent tariff on Chinese chemicals, making Indian companies a more attractive option. Since India faces only a 10 per cent retaliatory tariff, it enjoys a 10 per cent cost advantage over China in the US market. This could significantly boost India's chemical exports, particularly in segments such as dyes and intermediates, agrochemicals, inorganic and organic chemicals. The US is India's largest importer of chemicals, accounting for 14 per cent of the country's total chemical exports. In the financial year 2022-23 (FY23), India exported USD 3.85 billion worth of chemicals to the US. However, in FY24, exports dropped by 26 per cent, although the US still remained the top destination for Indian chemicals. The report also draws a parallel with the 2018 US-China trade war, which had also benefited India. During that period, India's total exports to the US increased from USD 57 billion to USD 73 billion as American companies shifted their sourcing away from China. A similar trend is expected now, with the latest tariffs prompting US firms to look at India as a reliable alternative. India exports chemicals to over 175 countries, including major markets like China, the US, Brazil, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, the UAE, Japan, and Germany. While the increased tariffs on China could open up opportunities for Indian exporters in the US, the report also warns that India and other non-US markets could see an influx of cheap Chinese chemical imports, as China looks for alternative buyers. With the US looking to reduce its dependence on China, Indian chemical exporters have a strong opportunity to expand their footprint in the global market. The coming months will determine the extent to which Indian companies can capitalize on this shifting trade dynamic. (ANI) More than half of India's small business owners that are females are using their personal savings to fuel their businesses, highlighting their financial independence and self-reliance, according to a recent survey conducted by NeoINSIGHTS. The survey, which covered over 3,000 women business owners across 20 cities, sheds light on the financial strategies, challenges, and support systems that shape their entrepreneurial journeys. The survey found that 51 per cent of women entrepreneurs rely on personal savings or emergency funds to meet their business needs. Apart from personal savings, 25 per cent of women turn to their families, including spouses and other family members, for financial support. This is especially common in industries that require higher capital investments. Meanwhile, 24 per cent use other sources of funding, such as loans, grants, or investors. Women entrepreneurs are not only managing their businesses independently but are also taking proactive steps to ensure financial stability. The survey pointed out that around 93 per cent women actively manage their finances, ensuring they meet their EMI payments on time and avoid excessive borrowing. This focus on financial discipline helps them build creditworthiness and sustain long-term growth. Despite growing confidence and financial awareness, young women entrepreneurs aged 20-30 face significant challenges, with 17 per cent experiencing resistance in their early years. Gender biases, limited financial knowledge, fluctuating market conditions, and a lack of mentorship networks for women are some of the key barriers they encounter. However, the survey also highlighted positive trends in support and respect for women entrepreneurs. An encouraging 88.47 per cent of women who are key decision-makers feel supported and respected in their roles, indicating a shift towards greater acceptance of women in business leadership. While women business owners are becoming more financially independent, balancing their professional and personal lives remains a challenge. Many entrepreneurs acknowledge the crucial role of family support in enabling them to manage both aspects effectively. The findings of this survey reflect a growing ecosystem where women entrepreneurs are taking charge of their financial future while navigating challenges. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], March 7: Whether it's an unexpected illness, an accident, or a sudden hospitalisation, the financial burden that follows can be overwhelming. With rising healthcare costs, a single medical emergency can drain years of savings. Thus, medical insurance for families is of utmost importance. A well-structured health insurance plan ensures that your loved ones receive the best medical care without financial stress. It provides coverage for hospitalisation, pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, maternity benefits, and more. Among the top providers in India, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company's health insurance offers comprehensive policies that cater to the diverse medical needs of families. However, understanding the coverage and exclusions of a policy is just as important as purchasing one. This post breaks down the key inclusions and exclusions to help you make an informed decision. What Does a Family Medical Insurance Plan Include? A good medical insurance for family is designed to provide financial protection against various healthcare expenses. Here are the key coverage benefits offered by family health insurance plans by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company: 1. In-Patient Hospitalisation Coverage This is the core benefit of any Bajaj Allianz health insurance plan. It covers: * Room Rent & ICU Charges - Expenses related to hospital stays, including general ward, semi-private, and ICU admissions. * Doctor's Fees & Surgeon's Fees - Costs related to specialist consultations, surgeon, anaesthetist, and medical practitioner charges. * Medical Procedures & Surgery Costs - Charges for surgeries and other medical procedures. 2. Pre and Post-Hospitalisation Expenses Medical insurance for family doesn't just cover hospital stays, it extends financial assistance for expenses before and after hospitalisation. This includes: * Pre-Hospitalisation: Diagnostic tests, consultations, and lab work conducted 60 days before hospitalisation. * Post-Hospitalisation: Follow-up treatments, medicines, and therapy costs incurred 90 days after discharge. 3. Cashless Hospitalisation at Network Hospitals Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company provide cashless treatment at 18,400+ network hospitals. This allows policyholders to receive medical care without paying out of pocket, as the insurer settles the bill directly with the hospital. 4. Daycare Procedures Coverage Certain treatments do not require 24-hour hospitalisation, such as eye surgery, chemotherapy, or oncological procedures. Medical insurance for family covers these daycare procedures, ensuring that policyholders receive necessary treatments without additional costs. 5. Ambulance Charges Emergency transportation is covered under most family health plans. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company reimburse or cover ambulance expenses incurred during medical emergencies. 6. Maternity and Newborn Coverage For families planning to expand, maternity benefits are crucial. Many family insurance plans by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company offer: * Maternity coverage - Covers expenses related to delivery (both normal and C-section). * Newborn coverage - Provides financial support for newborn baby care, vaccinations, and initial medical check-ups. 7. Organ Donor Expenses If an insured member requires an organ transplant, the policy covers the medical costs associated with organ donation, including the donor's hospitalisation and surgery. 8. AYUSH Treatment Coverage Alternative treatments, such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, and Siddha, are gaining popularity. A Bajaj Allianz health insurance includes coverage for AYUSH treatments, provided they are conducted at recognised hospitals. 9. No-Claim Bonus & Restoration Benefit No-Claim Bonus (NCB): If no claims are made during the policy year, the sum insured is increased in the following year at no extra cost. Restoration Benefit: If the sum insured is exhausted due to multiple claims, some policies restore 100% of the insured amount for future claims within the policy year. What is Not Covered in Family Medical Insurance? While medical insurance for family offers broad coverage, certain exclusions apply. Understanding these can help avoid surprises when making a claim. 1. Pre-Existing Diseases (Waiting Period Applies) Most insurers, like Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, have a waiting period (typically 3 years) before covering pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases. 2. Disease 30 Days After Purchasing the policy Generally, any illness contracted within the first 30 days of the policy's start date is excluded. Accidental injuries are an exception and are typically covered immediately. 3. Treatments Related to War, Nuclear Exposure, or Terrorism Medical conditions caused by war, nuclear exposure, or terrorist attacks are not covered. 4. Substance Abuse Treatment related to the use of intoxicating or addictive substances like alcohol and drugs is explicitly excluded. How to Choose the Right Family Medical Insurance Plan? With multiple Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company's health insurance plans available, selecting the best policy requires careful consideration. Here's how to make an informed choice: 1. Assess Your Family's Medical History Consider the existing health conditions of all family members before selecting a medical insurance for family plan. 2. Choose an Adequate Sum Insured Opt for a higher sum insured if you have senior citizens or individuals with chronic illnesses in your family. 3. Compare Waiting Periods for Pre-Existing Conditions Select a plan with the shortest waiting period for pre-existing diseases to ensure faster coverage. 4. Check the Cashless Hospital Network Ensure your chosen insurer has a large network of cashless hospitals near your residence. Bajaj Allianz General Health Insurance Company has 18,400+ network hospitals to take care of your needs cash-free. 5. Look for Additional Benefits Consider maternity coverage, AYUSH treatment benefits, and OPD consultation coverage based on your family's need. Final Thoughts: Ensuring the Best Protection for Your Family A well-chosen medical insurance for family plans provides financial security, peace of mind, and access to quality healthcare. However, to truly benefit, policyholders must understand both the coverage and exclusions before purchasing a plan. By carefully evaluating your family's healthcare needs and selecting a Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company's health insurance policy that aligns with those requirements, you can ensure comprehensive protection against medical uncertainties. *Standard T&C Apply **Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions. ***Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. ****Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under the health insurance policy. (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) HT Syndication New Delhi [India], March 7: Nandeep Queen of Jewellery, a name that has become synonymous with elegance, heritage, and craftsmanship, celebrated a dual milestone this week. The brand marked 24 successful years in the jewellery industry while also commemorating the first anniversary of its flagship store in Lajpat Nagar, Delhi. The event was a grand affair, reflecting the brand's journey of passion, perseverance, and innovation. The celebration was not just about looking back at the brand's achievements but also about honoring the vision of its founder, who broke barriers in a male-dominated industry 24 years ago. At a time when women were rarely seen in the jewellery trade, the founder's determination and creativity paved the way for a brand that today stands as a beacon of empowerment and excellence. A Daughter's Tribute to Her Mother's Legacy The event took an emotional turn as the founder's daughter ( Jessina ) took the stage to share her thoughts. "It's a proud moment for me to talk about my mother's incredible journey. Starting 24 years ago, when women had little to no presence in the jewellery business, to now celebrating the first anniversary of our flagship store in Lajpat Nagar, the milestones we've achieved are truly inspiring," she said. She also highlighted how the jewellery trade has evolved over the years, with more women now taking center stage. "When my mother started, she was one of the few women in the industry. Today, we see so many women leading and excelling in this field. It's a testament to how far we've come," she added. Specializations That Set the Brand Apart Nandeep Queen of Jewellery has carved a niche for itself with its unique offerings. The brand specializes in: * Polki, Diamond, and Kundan Jewellery: Known for its intricate designs, the brand celebrates India's rich jewellery heritage with pieces that are both traditional and contemporary. * Repurposing and Refurbishing: One of the brand's most loved services is transforming heirloom jewellery into modern masterpieces. Customers can bring in old pieces, which are then reimagined into stunning designs while retaining their original essence. * Gold and Diamond Jewellery: From timeless classics to modern trends, the brand offers a wide range of gold and diamond jewellery to suit every occasion. The brand has also embraced the challenge of repurposing jewellery, a service that has gained immense popularity among customers looking to preserve their family legacy while adapting to modern styles. Flagship Store in Lajpat Nagar - A Year of Success The flagship store in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, has become a hub for jewellery lovers over the past year. Designed to reflect the brand's ethos, the store offers a luxurious shopping experience, showcasing a curated collection of jewellery that blends tradition with modernity. Located in one of Delhi's most vibrant neighborhoods, the store has attracted customers from across the city and beyond, becoming a favorite destination for those seeking exquisite designs and personalized service. A Celebration of Women and Heritage Nandeep Queen of Jewellery's journey is not just about creating beautiful jewellery but also about breaking stereotypes and empowering women. The founder's story is an inspiration to many, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can achieve greatness. As the brand steps into its 25th year, it remains committed to its core values of craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation. The flagship store in Lajpat Nagar stands as a symbol of this commitment, offering customers a space where history is honored, and the future is crafted with care. About Nandeep Queen of Jewellery: Founded 24 years ago, Nandeep Queen of Jewellery is a luxury jewellery brand known for its exquisite designs and commitment to preserving heritage. Specializing in polki, diamond, kundan, and gold jewellery, as well as refurbishing heirloom pieces, the brand has become a favorite among those who seek to celebrate their legacy with elegance and style. INSTAGRAM (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL New Delhi [India], March 7: Times BPO offering a complete business solution to startups looking to establish their own call center anywhere in India. Without charging a business consulting fee, Times BPO provides everything needed to turn a small startup into a thriving BPO company with market recognition. In a world where business process outsourcing (BPO) is booming, entrepreneurs across India are seeking ways to tap into this high-demand industry. However, launching a BPO call center from scratch can be overwhelming--finding the right projects, setting up infrastructure, hiring and training employees, and most importantly, generating revenue. Starting a BPO call center may sound like a complex task, but the reality is that almost anyone with the right mindset and willingness to learn can launch a successful BPO business. Times BPO makes it accessible to a wide range of individuals and businesses by eliminating barriers like experience, high capital investment, and technical expertise. Why the BPO Industry is a Lucrative Business? India has long been a global BPO hub, serving clients from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. With rapid digitalization and the rise of customer support services, BPO centers are in high demand, making it an ideal business for entrepreneurs seeking long-term profits. With the right support, even first-time business owners can build a successful call center. Times BPO ensures that the journey from startup to a recognized BPO brand is smooth, profitable, and sustainable. Who Can Start a BPO? Aspiring Entrepreneurs - If you're looking to start your own profitable business with minimal risk, BPO is a great option. Times BPO provides the projects and setup guidance needed to launch successfully. Existing Business Owners - Whether you run a small business, a digital marketing agency, or a consultancy, adding a BPO division can bring in additional revenue. Times BPO helps you expand into this sector without any hassle. Job Seekers Wanting to Be Their Own Boss - If you're tired of the traditional 9-to-5 job and want to become your own boss, Times BPO offers a structured business model to help you establish a successful BPO venture. IT & Telecom Professionals - If you have experience in IT, telecom, or customer service, you already have a strong foundation for running a BPO. Times BPO helps you set up and scale your operations with pre-approved projects. Call Center Employees Looking to Start Their Own Firm - If you've worked in a call center before and want to take the next step by launching your own BPO, Times BPO provides all the necessary resources, training, and support to help you succeed. Investors Looking for a High-Return Business - The BPO industry offers stable income and high ROI. Investors looking for long-term, scalable business opportunities can partner with Times BPO to set up and manage a call center efficiently. Freelancers & Work-from-Home Professionals - With cloud-based BPO solutions, you don't always need a physical office to start. Times BPO provides remote call center projects, making it ideal for freelancers and professionals looking for a business they can run from home. Startups with Limited Capital - Unlike other businesses that require huge upfront investments, a BPO can be started with a low-cost setup. Times BPO offers zero franchise fees and no consulting charges, making it easy for startups with limited capital to get started. What Do You Need to Get Started? Basic Investment for Infrastructure - A small office space, computers, headsets, and internet connectivity. (Times BPO provides guidance on setting this up.) A Team of Employees - Times BPO provides training programs to upskill your workforce. Commitment to Business Growth - A willingness to follow the success blueprint and scale operations over time. With Times BPO's guidance, you don't need prior experience--just the right approach and a willingness to grow! How To Launch a Successful Call Center? 1. Pre-Approved Call Center Projects One of the biggest challenges for new BPO startups is getting client projects. Times BPO eliminates this hurdle by providing genuine, pre-approved projects that guarantee revenue from day one. Domestic & International Call Center Projects, Inbound & Outbound Services, Telemarketing, Customer Support, and Technical Support Projects. With assured projects, entrepreneurs don't have to struggle to find work--they can focus on delivering quality service and scaling their business. 2. Training & Workforce Development A well-trained workforce is the backbone of a successful BPO. Times BPO provides employee training programs to ensure that new agents are equipped with: Communication & Accent Training, Sales & Customer Handling Skills, Process & Compliance Training. By helping businesses build a skilled and professional team, Times BPO enhances efficiency and customer satisfaction, leading to long-term client retention. 3. Guidance in Setting Up Infrastructure Setting up a fully functional call center requires proper infrastructure, software, and technology. Times BPO provides: Guidance in choosing the right location, Setup for VoIP & Cloud-Based Calling Systems, CRM & Data Management Solutions, Call Monitoring & Reporting Tools. With expert assistance, even a small business can set up a professional-grade call center without the usual technical struggles. 4. Revenue Generation & Business Growth Strategies Many startups struggle with profitability in the initial phase. Times BPO provides customized revenue models to ensure businesses start earning within the first few months. Performance-Based Incentives for Higher Profit Margins, Effective Cost Management Strategies, Expansion Planning for Future Growth. Through smart revenue strategies, a startup can quickly scale operations and increase profitability--transforming from a small call center into a recognized BPO company. 5. Market Recognition & Business Expansion Growth is key in the BPO industry. Times BPO not only helps businesses start but also supports them in scaling up operations. Brand Positioning in the Competitive BPO Market. Access to High-Value Clients & Premium Contracts. Guidance in Expanding to International BPO Markets. With the right approach, a small call center startup can grow into a multi-city or even multinational BPO company under the guidance of Times BPO. Why Choose Times BPO Over Others? Unlike traditional business consultants, Times BPO stands out because: 1. Zero Business Consulting Fee - No hidden charges or upfront fees. 2. Guaranteed Call Center Projects - No need to hunt for clients. 3. End-to-End Setup Support - Infrastructure, technology, and training. 4. Revenue Growth Strategies - Ensuring a profitable business. 5. Long-Term Business Expansion Support - From startup to a big BPO brand. How to Get Started with Times BPO? Starting a BPO call center is now easier than ever! Follow these simple steps: Step 1: Contact Times BPO for an initial consultation. Step 2: Choose the type of call center project (Domestic/International, Inbound/Outbound). Step 3: Set up the required infrastructure with Times BPO's guidance. Step 4: Hire and train employees with Times BPO's training programs. Step 5: Start operations and generate revenue! With the demand for outsourcing services skyrocketing, the BPO industry presents a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs. Whether you are a new startup or an existing business looking to expand, Times BPO's Success Blueprint provides everything you need to launch, operate, and grow a profitable call center business. A Leader in Business Process Outsourcing Solutions Times BPO is a leading business consulting and outsourcing firm that specializes in helping entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses launch and grow their own BPO call centers. With years of industry expertise, Times BPO has successfully partnered with thousands of individuals and businesses across India, providing them with high-quality call center projects, expert guidance, and revenue-generating opportunities. To empower individuals and businesses by providing reliable, scalable, and profitable BPO solutions that create employment opportunities, generate revenue, and contribute to India's growing outsourcing industry. To become India's most trusted BPO business enabler, bridging the gap between business seekers and high-value outsourcing projects, ensuring sustainable success for entrepreneurs and enterprises. (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) PNN New Delhi [India], March 7: Anecdote Publishing, a fast-growing publishing house dedicated to fostering a love for reading and writing, announced that it was launching HistoByte, India's first historical fiction writing contest for teenage school students. The contest is the brainchild of sixteen-year-old Aaditya Sengupta Dhar, a bestselling teen author, who is curating this contest in collaboration with Anecdote Publishing. This innovative contest invites students from any school in India who are between the ages of 13-18 to submit 'byte-sized' fiction (of less than 500 words), written in the first person to give voice to any character from Indian history. Sagar Azad, CEO of Anecdote Publishing, commenting on this announcement, said, "At Anecdote, we want to not just publish books but encourage the younger generation to develop a love for writing. This contest is a fantastic and innovative way of doing that. When Aaditya shared this idea with us, we were very excited to be part of it and to build it together with him." Aaditya Sengupta Dhar, who studies in Class XI at Mumbai's Ecole Mondiale World School, has long had a passion for storytelling and using his writing to make a difference and is the published author of six books. His fantasy novel, Kaalchakra, was an Amazon bestseller and aimed to bring Indian teens closer to their cultural roots and heritage while his non-fiction book, The Teens Guide to Saving the World, inspired teenagers to make a positive difference, winning accolades at three international awards, including The Teen Reader's Choice Awards in the US, the only national literary award in the US decided through voting by teens. For his role in creating a positive impact through his writing, Aaditya won the Young Achievers Award in 2024, a national recognition for young changemakers. Aaditya says that the idea for such a contest came to him when he was helping fellow students prepare for essay and writing competitions as part of his school's Literary Club, which he founded. "It struck me that there aren't too many writing contests for teens in India. I thought of combining my passion for history and writing to create this as a way to encourage teens from schools across India to explore creative writing while learning more about our nation's history." Aaditya hopes that this contest serves a larger purpose than just inspiring creativity. "I am a passionate student of history, and I know many school students feel history is just memorising facts and dates. I hope HistoByte helps more of them understand and be inspired by our rich history through the realisation that history is, at its core, the story of people's lives." The interesting combination of history and literature in a contest aimed at teens makes Histobyte an exciting prospect for budding writers and history buffs alike. HistoByte is open to entries till April 1, with contestants competing in two categories, Junior (ages 13-15) and Senior (ages 16-18), with final results on April 14. Contestants can register online for Histobyte at https://forms.gle/aeKze9iA6dxXWH7T8 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Women's employment in urban India rose by 10 per cent in six years starting 2017-18 till 2023-24, reaching 28 per cent among working age women (15-64 years), according to a white paper launched by Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, on the eve of International Women's Day. Women's employment in urban India is at its highest level in a quarter of a century.This change happened because of significant social shifts: gender parity in education, delayed marriages, and smaller family sizes. Nonetheless, India is still far from closing the gender gap in paid work. However, the report also mentions that despite women's employment in urban India jumping firmly in these years, over 89 million (8.9 crore) urban Indian women remained out of the labour market in 2023-2024. In 2023-24, India failed to utilise the skills of over 19 million graduate-educated urban women due to personal choices or constraints from social norms such as childcare, commuting, or because of demanding jobs. Apart from household and care work, relatively unseen barriers to women's employment in urban areas include those such as residence relocations after marriage and lower access to faster and more convenient commuting modes, even among highly educated women, the white paper noted. In the 30-49 age group, a staggering 97 per cent of urban men were employed in 2023-24, reflecting a stark inequity. The report highlighted the evolving landscape of women's unemployment in urban India and also warned of pressing challenges, including the under-utilisation of educated women skills and the looming risk of a diversity backlash. The report noted that urban women in their forties have the highest employment rate among women in urban India--38.3 percent in 2023-24. Suresh Ramanathan, Dean at Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, said, " There is a risk of diversity backlash if quality job creation doesn't accelerate to accommodate both genders." "The report cautions that if quality job creation remains sluggish, rising female employment alongside male joblessness may trigger societal resistance to workplace diversity since men must earn as per the existing social norm," the Dean said, as per a statement from the Institute. Another important aspect highlighted in the report is that gender gaps persist even in highly educated households. Even among dual-income, highly educated couples, gender disparities remain stark. Against this backdrop, the Institute suggested that scaling job creation and continuous skilling are key to supporting women's employment of all ages. It also sought behavioural interventions to promote the 'sharing' of family responsibilities so that women can take up jobs, behavioural and legal Interventions to lower domestic violence, inclusive policies for all employees, and fair recruitment and career progression, among other things. Vidya Mahambare, Professor of Economics and Director (Research and Fellow Program in Management), Great Lakes Institute of Management, noted: "While women's workforce participation in urban India is rising, it is not yet translating into true gender parity in earnings, career growth, and domestic responsibilities." "To drive real change, first, we need more employment opportunities for all. Second, we need structural reforms in childcare policies, flexible work arrangements, and a shift in societal norms that continue to burden women disproportionately," Mahambare added. (ANI) PNN New Delhi [India], March 7: Empfly, a transformative AI-powered cloud and automation platform, has successfully secured its seed funding from Pontaq Ventures through the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). This strategic investment will enable empfly to accelerate innovation in AI-driven workforce optimization, expand its market presence, and enhance automation solutions for industries such as telecom, logistics, healthcare, and life sciences. Empfly is redefining enterprise automation by combining advanced analytics, intelligent automation, and structured workflows. Its cloud-based solutions enable businesses to maximize productivity, transparency, and ROI, fostering operational excellence and unlocking workforce potential. With a vision to be the first choice for businesses seeking intelligent automation and technology enhancement. Empfly helps organizations streamline operations, boost productivity, and drive data-driven decision-making, enabling them to simplify processes, reduce costs, and foster sustainable growth. Committed to creating customer-centric, innovative solutions that drive operational efficiency, empower employees, and add measurable value to businesses, empfly continues to lead the way in building seamless, technology-enhanced ecosystems. Empfly has also onboarded Dr. Ravi Gaur as Chief Advisor, a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the healthcare industry. With over 35 years of expertise in pathology, molecular diagnostics, and healthcare management, Dr. Gaur has been instrumental in setting up 100+ labs and multiple corporate chains. His deep knowledge in AI-driven diagnostics, precision medicine, and digital pathology will play a key role in shaping empfly's healthcare automation solutions, enabling smarter, more efficient healthcare operations. The company is led by a dynamic leadership team comprising Basudha Shrivastav (CEO), K Manoj Kumar (CTO), and Himanshu Narula (CMO), who collectively drive its relentless focus on continuous innovation and excellence. "This funding marks a pivotal moment for empfly. We are deeply grateful to Pontaq Ventures for their trust in our vision and to STPI for their continued support. With this backing, we will scale faster, strengthen our AI capabilities, and drive efficiency for businesses leveraging automation and AI-powered operations," said Basudha Shrivastav Narula, Founder & CEO of Empfly. Pontaq Ventures, a prominent cross-border innovation fund, has been instrumental in supporting startups that drive digital transformation. STPI, a key initiative fostering India's tech ecosystem, has played a crucial role in providing the right platform and support for empfly to amplify its impact. For more information, visit: https://www.empfly.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 7: Star Health and Allied Insurance Limited (Star Health Insurance) is marking International Women's Day with the launch of 'SheTARA', a large-scale women's health initiative designed to provide free and accessible healthcare to women across Tamil Nadu through 40+ health camps, including a flagship event in Chennai's Anna Nagar branch. The initiative will provide essential medical screenings and raise awareness about preventive healthcare. Additionally, Star Health Insurance is encouraging women to join as insurance agents. The company highlights its success in Tamil Nadu with 16,000+ women agents who have generated over Rs. 420 crore in business volume and helped settle almost Rs. 250 crore in health claims during FY25 (Apr-Jan'25). The Company also has a very successful exclusive Women's 'Pink Branch' in Chennai, the first in Tamil Nadu which is entirely operated by 12 women and services over 300 agents. In a world where women often prioritize their families over their own well-being, access to preventive healthcare remains a challenge. Speaking on the initiative Anand Roy, MD & CEO, Star Health Insurance said, "Women's health is not just a personal concern, it is a fundamental pillar of a thriving society. When women are healthier, families, communities, and economies prosper. Through 'SheTARA', we are reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that every woman--regardless of her background--has access to quality preventive healthcare. Beyond check-ups, it is about creating a movement that places women's well-being at the centre of our collective priorities." The 'SheTARA' Women's Health Camp will offer comprehensive medical screenings, including BMI calculation, blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar tests, haemoglobin tests, thyroid function tests, bone mineral density screenings, and subsidized USG screenings if recommended by the doctor. The initiative will also feature a special webinar titled 'Navigating Gynecological Health and Work-Life Balance in the Age of AI', led by a renowned gynaecologist, providing valuable insights into women's health. Star Health Insurance's 'SheTARA' initiative aims to recruit more women as insurance agents, beyond the current 2,00,000+, representing nearly 30% of total agents by offering flexibility, work-life balance, strong earning potential, and a supportive work culture. The Company will provide comprehensive training to help women succeed professionally while creating opportunities for financial independence. This Women's Day, the company reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that every woman has access to quality healthcare, financial security, and the empowerment she deserves--because a healthier future begins with healthier women. About Star Health and Allied Insurance: Star Health Insurance (BSE: 543412) (NSE: STARHEALTH) is India's leading standalone health insurer, operating since 2006. The Company offers Health, Personal Accident and Travel Insurance, with specialized products for cancer, diabetes, cardiac illnesses, senior citizens, women and children. Star Health has a strong distribution network, including 910 offices, 14000+ network hospitals, ~17000 employees, 7.6 lac+ agents, and robust bancassurance partnerships. The Company is also among the first in India to settle over 1.2 crore claims amounting to INR 54000 crores. In FY24, Star Health reported a gross written premium of Rs 15,254 Cr and a net worth of Rs 6,339 Cr. For more information, visit: http://www.starhealth.in Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636680/SheTARA_Star_Health_Insurance.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2401495/Star_Allied_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL New Delhi [India], March 7: Ashoka School of Business, in association with the All India Management Association (AIMA), successfully hosted the 28th Student Management Games (SMG 2024-25)- Chanakya, a prestigious National-Level Business Simulation Competition. The event brought together management students from across South India, offering them a unique opportunity to experience real-world business challenges. The evented witnessed intense competition among the brightest minds from undergraduate students from commerce and business management across south India. It allowed participants to step into the roles of business leaders and make critical strategic decisions using simulation tools. This competition showcased overwhelming response by the participants with 80 teams competing over two days for prelims. 20 teams advanced for regional finale for third day. All the teams engaged in simulated business decision-making, tackling market dynamics and corporate challenges using AIMA's advanced simulation game 'CHANAKYA'. The following teams were winners @ Regional Round * Winner: - Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women's University (Koti)* 1st Runner-Up: - ST. Anns College (Mehdipatnam)* 2nd Runner-Up: - Avinash Collge of Commerce (Basheerbagh) The winners were recognized with trophies, medals, certificates, and gift hampers from AIMA & ASB and they also received accolades for their outstanding performances, showcasing exceptional analytical and decision-making skills. These Teams will be advanced for National Finale which will be held at Coimbatore, on 26th March, 2025. Speeches & Remarks: 1. Sri Surya Jeedigunta, Chief Guest, Member of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS-CCI): In today's VUCA world, professionals must be prepared to tackle unexpected disruptions with confidence. Events like SMG help students build essential skills such as adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving, which are critical for success in dynamic business landscapes. I am impressed by the use of the Chanakya simulation, as it provides a realistic experience. I wish all the participants the very best for their future endeavours." 2. Sri Arjun Nomula, Secretary, Ashoka School of Business: Ashoka School of Business is proud to host this prestigious event, reinforcing our commitment to providing industry-relevant education. It was a pleasure to see so many institutions participate, and we would like to thank AIMA for their continued support. 3. Dr. Y. Lakshman Kumar, Director, Ashoka School of Business: The competition displayed remarkable strategy and problem-solving skills. The realistic Chanakya simulation, pitting teams from different cities against each other, truly tested their abilities. Ashoka School of Business provided an exceptional platform, preparing them for the future. We're confident they'll excel. 4. Dr. Swathi, Dean, Ashoka School of Business: Experiential learning, and the SMG competition has provided an ideal platform for students to apply their management knowledge in a competitive setting. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the participants were truly inspiring. 5. Sri Ashu Sikri, Asst. Director, AIMA: Through platforms like SMG, we aim to create a pipeline of future industry leaders who are ready to tackle real-world business challenges. Appreciated ASB for hospitality and seamless execution of the event. 6. Sri Pradeep Kumar, Manager, AIMA: Such competitions not only build analytical capabilities but also encourage students to think creatively and make data-driven decisions. It is the best institute they have experienced from all over India for their meticulous and continuous support. Even mentioned that ASB created a bench mark for organising such a prestigious event. At the end, AIMA and ASB reaffirmed their commitment to bridging academic learning with practical business applications. (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) BusinessWire India Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 7: Federal Bank just made history by welcoming Bollywood powerhouse Vidya Balan as its first-ever brand ambassador. This move sets progressive growth narratives for Banking in India. Vidya, who is known for breaking stereotypes and choosing substance over glamour, brings authenticity that resonates with modern Indian consumers. As younger consumers increasingly demand both digital convenience and meaningful brand values, Federal Bank's choice of Balan speaks volumes. She appeals across generations and geographies, from metro cities to smaller towns where the Bank is expanding its footprint. Vidya in a recent interaction with media, said, "Federal Bank in my own personal experience is a Bank that inspires trust and hence they enjoy multigenerational customers." She also added, "I believe we are telling the India Story to the World and Federal Bank, makes the cut, in terms of powering our economy from down South to up North. They have a very broad brush when it comes to having a generationally loyal franchise, being the leading employer for Women in the country, and creating a work culture where people stay and contribute to all-round growth. I am deeply appreciative of their efforts in supporting communities and causes, while continuing to build a very robust business." The Bank's bold ambassador choice may just be the perfect formula for standing out in India's crowded banking landscape. M V S Murthy, Chief Marketing Officer of the Bank, said, "Ms. Balan was a very strategic choice to capture the attention across geographies, genders and generations." He further added, "We are super-stoked to have Ms. Vidya Balan champion Federal Bank. She is versatile, appeals across demographics and gender, has a pan-India fan following, and is multi-faceted. An actor's actor, she becomes the character on camera while continuing to charm us in her interpersonal interactions off-screen. Her preparation, desire to understand nuances, and consideration of various scenarios all contribute to her ability to bring out the essence of every role she plays. We have experienced this as we sought to bring her on board. At Federal Bank, too, empathy is our segue to understanding and servicing our customers. It's a universal trait that transcends geographies, generations, and customer demographics. Our NPS scores and Peer Comparison in the Nielsen studies, clearly indicate the stripes we have earned by being a Human at The Core, Digital at The ForeTM Franchise. Much like Vidya, we too make light of our chores and celebrate the wins created through the collective effort of our teams. I am sure Vidya will power prosperity for everyone associated with Federal Bank. Character, Culture and Customers are how we celebrate ourselves and the Brand." As Federal Bank gears itself for the breakthrough journey, the first brand ambassador will help tell the brand's Kahani to the world and deepen the Rishta with its stakeholders. Just as Vidya has redefined female leadership in Indian cinema through her powerful performances and meaningful choices, Federal Bank, at this juncture is pursuing breakthroughs across product propositions, service lines and geographies. Watch the onboarding event where Vidya interacts with the media and a fireside chat between K V S Manian, MD & CEO, Federal Bank and Vidya Balan, moderated by M V S Murthy, CMO, Federal Bank. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opt8NX7ZYS8&list=PLZj4xZ-8Qfp9nWVm4E9rr6lIIOcOn1BBu&index=3 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Union Information and Technology Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday challenged the technology giants such as TCS, Infosys, and Wipro to develop an operating system for mobile phones. Participating at 32nd ICT Business Awards & DQ Digital Leadership Conclave, an event organised by Dataquest India, " Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "From this stage I would like to give this challenge to our big tech companies like Infosys, TCS and Wipro take up this challenge and develop the operating system for mobile, develop and operating system for our country." Urging the tech giants to develop an operating system for mobile phones, he further added, "Yes, you have been doing very well in providing the services, time has come when we must become a product nation. And we will support from the government and " Addressing the event, the Union Minister outlined the government's priority to become a prudent nation in the area of technology. He said, "Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given us that vision, has given us that inspiration, and has given us that confidence and resources to really think big. Come up with new solutions. Look at not only solving today's problems, but also lay the foundation for solving future problems. Develop technologies, not just be a service provider to the world, but develop technologies, develop products, and be in that top 5 nations which are maybe someday like G7 and G20 people will start talking of T5. So technology 5, top 5 technology nations, be a part of that. That's the inspiration we keep on getting from him." The Union Minister spoke about the government's efforts to lead and democratise the landscape of the Artificial Intelligence (AI). He added that five units are being constructed, and this year the country "should see the first made in India chip roll out." Going further, he highlighted the launch of AI Compute Portal which will be available to researchers, startups, and government agencies, to access highly valued GPUs and high-powered computing resources specifically designed for artificial intelligence (AI) tasks. He said, "Only yesterday we rolled out the first common compute facility for 14,000 GPUs. These 14,000 GPUs will now be available to all our researchers, students and startups so that they can test their own AI models, algorithms, and create applications which will win the world. That is the vision with which we are moving and hopefully another 12 months from now we should have our own foundational models also" In response to a question from ANI, the Union Minister stated that the government has established a number of technology-related goals in order to meet the 2047 targets. He also mentioned that the government's third term will be devoted to the development of several autonomous AI models. According to him, the second goal is to create problem-focused tiny models; the third is to create graphics processing units (GPUs); the fourth is to support startups and fifth is to support the talents. (ANI) American actor Pamela Bach, best known for her roles in Baywatch and other television shows, passed away on Wednesday at her home in Los Angeles, Variety reported. The actress was 62. According to the publication, her death was due to suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as confirmed by the county medical examiner. Hours after her death, her ex-husband, actor David Hasselhoff, took to his X account to share a statement that read, "Our family is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Pamela Hasselhoff. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult period but kindly request privacy as we grieve and navigate through this challenging time." https://x.com/DavidHasselhoff/status/1897695833434231069 Pamela Bach''s final Instagram post, dated December 31, 2024, featured a New Year''s message to her fans "As we step into 2025, my heart is full of gratitude, especially for my precious grandbaby, London," David Hasselhoff''s ex-wife captioned a photo of herself standing in front of a Christmas tree, as well as sweet footage of the little one", read her last post on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DERFIl_Jpgo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Bach started her career as a child actor in 1973 with a guest role on The Young and the Restless. She gained popularity in the 1990s after appearing in Baywatch, where she played multiple roles across 14 episodes. Her connection to Baywatch became more significant after she married the show''s lead actor, David Hasselhoff, in 1989. The two met in the mid-1980s when Bach made a guest appearance on Knight Rider. They were married for 16 years before divorcing in 2006. The couple had two daughters, Taylor and Hayley. Apart from Baywatch, Bach also made guest appearances on popular shows like Cheers, Baywatch Nights, Castle Rock, and The Fall Guy. Born on October 16, 1963, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bach began her career as a model before attending Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. She later gained international attention by competing on the U.K. reality show Celebrity Big Brother. The actress is survived by her daughters, Taylor and Hayley. (ANI) YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia arrived at the office of the Crime Branch, Guwahati Police Commissionerate, on Friday. His visit comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the controversial 'India's Got Latent' show, which has sparked legal and public backlash due to its explicit content. The controversy began when an FIR was filed by the Guwahati Police on February 10, accusing several prominent influencers and YouTubers, including Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, Apoorva Makhija, Ranveer Allahabadia, and Samay Raina, of promoting obscenity through their participation in the show. The FIR references charges under various sections, including the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Cinematograph Act, specifically highlighting the inappropriate and vulgar discussions that took place during the episode in question. Earlier, on February 27, Ashish Chanchlani appeared before the Guwahati Crime Branch along with his advocate, where police officials recorded his statement as part of the investigation. The police had registered a case under Cyber PS case no. 03/2025, which involved charges of promoting indecent representation of women and engaging in obscene conduct. On March 6, the legal proceedings surrounding the 'India's Got Latent' show escalated with the influencers appearing before the National Commission for Women (NCW) in Delhi. Among those present were YouTubers Ashish Chanchlani and Ranveer Allahabadia, influencer Apoorva Makhija, and the show's producers, Saurabh Bothra and Tushar Poojari. The group provided statements to the NCW Chairperson and legal team in connection with the controversial remarks made during the show. The controversy began when a viral incident from the show drew sharp criticism from the public and netizens, leading to calls for stricter regulation of online content. The show featured inappropriate comments from its guests, which led to widespread outrage. In response, Ranveer Allahabadia and Apoorva Makhija recorded their statements before the NCW to address the issue. In the midst of the ongoing legal battle, YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani took to social media to express his gratitude for the overwhelming support from his fans. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, he acknowledged the messages he had received and reflected on the difficult times he was facing. "Hello doston, kaise ho aap log? I know, maine aapke messages padhe hain, chal raha hai. Maine socha story pe aapse baat kar lun, lekin ab samajh nahi aa raha kya kahun. Lad lenge situation se, dekhe hain aise tough times, isse bhi kuch naya seekh lenge," Chanchlani said in the video. He further asked for his followers' continued support when he resumes posting content. "Main aap sabse bas yahi request karta hoon ki meri family aur mujhe apni prayers mein rakhna. Jab bhi main wapas aaun, mera kaam thoda idhar-udhar ho gaya hoga, lekin tab bhi support karna. I will work hard, as I have always worked hard. Bas dhyan rakhiye sab log apna," he added. Meanwhile, Ranveer Allahabadia, who was also involved in the controversy, addressed the issue on social media. Allahabadia had made a highly inappropriate comment during an episode of 'India's Got Latent', which drew considerable backlash. In response to the criticism, Allahabadia issued a public apology on his X (formerly Twitter) account. "My comment wasn't just inappropriate, it wasn't even funny. Comedy is not my forte. I am just here to say sorry," Allahabadia said in his video. He further emphasized his commitment to using his platform more responsibly, particularly given his influence over younger audiences. "Family is the last thing that I would ever disrespect," Allahabadia said. In a related development, the Supreme Court has granted Ranveer Allahabadia permission to resume his podcast, 'The Ranveer Show,' albeit with specific conditions regarding decency and morality. (ANI) Nayanthara, along with actor-politician Khushbu Sundar, Regina Cassandra, Abhinaya, and Cool Suresh, attended the event with the film's entire cast and crew. Regina, on Friday, took to her Instagram account to give fans a glimpse of the puja ceremony that took place on Thursday. One of the pictures showed the cast holding a trident and posing for the photographers. Another photo captured Regina hugging Nayanthara while the female cast members took a selfie together. Along with the pictures, Regina expressed her excitement in the caption, writing, "Lights, camera aaaaaand - MOOKUTHI AMMAN 2! Witnessed a true pinch-me moment today as I was on stage amidst the most talented company, kickstarting our new journey. Quite rare these moments have been for me, especially on stage where I look around & see that I'm surrounded by fierce feminine energy and stalwarts of the industry. Blessed and yet again immensely grateful for your love! See you on the big screen." Take a look https://www.instagram.com/p/DG3JkFgy8xm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link The first Mookuthi Amman, a fantasy-comedy released in 2020 on Disney+ Hotstar, received a positive response from fans and critics. Directed by RJ Balaji and NJ Saravanan, it featured RJ Balaji, Urvashi, Smruthi Venkat, Madhu Mailankody, and Abi Nakshatra in key roles. Apart from Mookuthi Amman 2, Nayanthara is also gearing up for Test, a thriller co-starring R. Madhavan and Siddharth, which will be released soon on Netflix. (ANI) Veteran Japanese actor Yakusho Koji will be honoured with the prestigious lifetime achievement award at the 18th Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong, Japan, reported Variety. The 'Perfect Days' actor Yakusho, becomes the third Japanese recipient of the AFA's highest accolade, following director Yamada Yoji (2008) and actress Kiki Kirin (2016). The actor has previously won the Best Actor Award at Cannes 2023 for his performance in the film 'Perfect Days'. It was directed by Wim Wenders. As per the Outlet, Yakusho Koji is a civil servant who first ventured into Taiga drama (a long-running TV series broadcast by NHK) and then played in several films by Kurosawa Akira. He became a major 1990s star in Asia as a result of "Shall We Dance?" in which he portrayed a ballroom dancer, and "Lost Paradise." He also starred in Itami Juzo's "Tampopo.", Variety reported. The honor recognizes Yakusho's four decades of contributions to cinema. The acclaimed performer was nominated four times and has previously nabbed the AFA Best Actor trophy twice -- for "The Blood of Wolves" (2018) and "Perfect Days" (2023). Yakusho expressed his happiness on receiving the prestigious lifetime achievement honor at the 18th Asian Film Awards and said that this award serves as a motivation for him to work even better in the remaining years of his acting career. "I was truly humbled to hear the names of the past recipients and found myself in awe of such distinguished figures," Yakusho said. "Receiving this award motivates me to strive for even better work in the remaining years of my acting career." quoted Variety. The 18th Asian Film Awards is set for March 16 at Hong Kong's Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District. In addition to the awards ceremony, Yakusho will participate in a screening of "Perfect Days" on March 15, where he'll engage with Hong Kong fans, reported Variety. Apart from 'Perfect Days, the actor has garnered international fame with films' Shall We Dance?, Cure, 13 Assassins, The Third Murder, The Blood of Wolves, Under the Open Sky and The Days'. (ANI) Kannada actress Ranya Rao, accused of gold smuggling, was remanded to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) custody until March 10. The Economic Offences Court in Bengaluru allowed the actress to meet her advocate for half an hour each day during her 3-day DRI custody. The court, presided over by Justice Vishwanath C Gowdar, directed the DRI to provide Rao with essentials like food and a bed during her custody and cautioned the DRI against harsh treatment during the investigation. The actress was also spotted leaving the court in a black SUV. Ranya, known for her roles in Kannada films like Maanikya and Pataki, was detained earlier this week by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) after returning from Dubai on March 3 in connection with an alleged gold smuggling case. Authorities allege that Ranya was carrying 14.8 kilograms of gold, which she intended to smuggle into the country. On March 4, Ranya Rao was produced before a special court for financial offences and was remanded to judicial custody until March 18. Prior to her transfer to custody, she underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru. During her questioning, Rao claimed that her trip to Dubai was for business purposes. However, authorities suspect that her visit was linked to the illegal importation of gold Meanwhile, soon after the Kannada actress was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport, an image of her with swollen eyes and bruises began circulating on social media, leading to speculation that the actress might have been allegedly assaulted during or after her arrest at the airport. The Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women, Nagalakshmi Chaudhary, responded to the viral image while speaking to ANI on Firday and stated that the commission cannot conduct an investigation unless a formal complaint is filed. "Actually, someone has to file a complaint with us. The Women's Commission is not an authority to conduct an investigation," she said. Condemning any act of violence against Ranya, Chaudhary stated, "Whoever has committed the assault should not have done so. That's for sure. No one should take the law into their hands. We must allow the investigation, and the law will take its own course. No one has the right to assault anybody, whether it's a woman or anyone else, but I'm totally against that." Chaudhary also added that if Ranya files a complaint, the commission would act accordingly. "Unless she writes to the commissioner or sends a letter to me asking us to look into the matter, we will write to the concerned authorities to help her, support her, conduct a proper investigation, and submit a report. That's all the commission can do. Since she has not asked or filed a complaint, I can't comment further," she said. (ANI) Director Emerald Fennell has cast new actors in her movie 'Wuthering Heights', which stars Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie in the lead roles, reported Variety. The film is an all-star adaptation of Emily Bronte's novel of the same name. Margot Robbie will reportedly portray Catherine Earnshaw, the fierce and complex heroine at the heart of the story. Jacob Elordi will take on the iconic role of Heathcliff, the brooding, vengeful foster son of the Earnshaw family in the film, as per the outlet. As per Variety, Owen Cooper, the British actor who is already making waves for his debut performance in Netflix's limited series 'Adolescence' even before its launch, is to play the teenage Heathcliff, the tortured antihero and one of the literary world's most famous characters. Meanwhile, Charlotte Mellington, who recently starred as Lavender in the hit West End production of 'Matilda the Musical,' will play the teenage Catherine Earnshaw, whose passionate and dysfunctional relationship with Heathcliff ends in tragedy, reported Variety. Vy Nguyen, who will play the younger Nelly Dean, the main narrator in the original novel, will also join the cast. 'Wuthering Heights' will mark the film debuts for Cooper, Mellington, and Nguyen. As per the outlet, Wuthering Heights will mark the next step in a dramatic entry into the industry for the still-in-school youngster. From his very first audition tape, he was cast by 'Boiling Point' director Philip Barantini for the key lead role in Adolescence despite having zero previous acting experience. 'Adolescence' launches on Netflix on March 13. Wuthering Heights currently has a release date with Warner Bros of February 13, 2026. Fennell, best known for her Academy Award-winning 'Promising Young Woman' and the recent hit 'Saltburn', returns to the director's chair for 'Wuthering Heights'. Her collaboration with MRC and Robbie's production company, LuckyChap, marks their second joint venture after the success of Saltburn. The film will also feature performances by Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, and Shazad Latif. Fennell's take on 'Wuthering Heights' is one of the most highly anticipated releases in the coming years. The filmmaker has long expressed her passion for the gothic genre, explaining her connection to it in an interview, as per Variety. "I've always been obsessed with the gothic," Fennell expressed, adding, "It's a genre where comedy and horror, revulsion and desire, sex and death are forever entwined, where every exchange is heavy with the threat of violence, or sex or both." Her fascination with the gothic, she notes, spans beyond Bronte's work to authors like Daphne du Maurier and Angela Carter, whose stories are characterized by "disturbing erotic power." With this perspective, Fennell is expected to bring a unique, contemporary touch to the timeless themes of obsession, passion, and tragedy that define 'Wuthering Heights'. (ANI) Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio presented the state budget for the year 2025-26 in the Nagaland Assembly and called it a budget for new initiatives. Rio, who also holds the finance portfolio presented the deficit budget of Rs 843.21 crore for the year 2025-26, a release said. Addressing the media after his budget speech at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Rio said that the budget for 2025-26 was a budget for new initiatives. He described the budget as balanced, with expenditure and receipts being equal; while demand remains high, the receipts and balance are positive. The budget benefits from a strong financial position and introduces new initiatives, the release said. In his budget statement, he estimated the gross receipts at Rs 25,849.01 crore and gross expenditures at Rs 24,699.01 for the financial year 2025-26. However, he said, due to the negative opening balance, the year 2025-26 is estimated to close with a negative balance of Rs 843.21 crore. The state budget also introduced new initiatives of the state government. Rio said that the state government would launch a special initiative under the Nagaland Skill Mission to train and provide employment opportunities for at least 5,000 youth in sectors of hospitality, tourism, banking and insurance, construction, healthcare, logistics and drone sector, and added that the Naga entrepreneurs must lead in job creation for which Rs 5 crore has been allocated. He further said that the state government is also launching the Nagaland Tourism, Hospitality and Transport Scheme facilitating concessional loans to entrepreneurs to set up 500 homestays and 200 tourist Transport vehicles. Rio also added that the state government will launch the Drone Training and Logistics Program where an amount of Rs 2.50 crore has been earmarked. The state government will also launch the Chief Minister's Fellowship Programme with Rs 2.50 crore earmarked under it. The CM further said that to revitalize and preserve the culture, tradition and knowledge systems of Nagaland, the Living Morung Initiative by the Department of Art and Culture will be implemented with Rs 5 crore. Adding to the initiatives, Rio said that the Nagaland Solar Power Mission with an outlay of Rs 10 crore had been earmarked which would encourage rooftop installations under PM Surya 'Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.' Further, Rio said that the total developmental outlay including CSS is Rs 5819.24 crore, the state development outlay from the state's own resources is Rs 1,200 crore, which is an increase of Rs 190 crore, constituting a growth of 18. 81 per cent over the financial year 2024-2025. The CM also said that the Konyak Heritage Complex was all set to be inaugurated on April 5th and would coincide with the Aoleang festival of the Konyak tribe at Mon district, Nagaland. He said that the heritage complex is a multi-disciplinary complex aimed at boosting the tourism, culture and livelihood sector, where all the nine MLAs of the constituency were building traditional Morungs each using traditional designs and materials. The major components under the project are Nine Morungs, Angh House (museum), Amphitheatre and indoor stadium administrative and residential facilities, hanging bridge and lake, helipad and public park, multi-Purpose hall and open air ground along with rostrum. The project is considered a permanent heritage site, though similar developments for other tribes may not be feasible, the proximity to town makes it an accessible cultural landmark, Rio remarked. (ANI) Ahead of the second phase of the Parliament Budget Session commencing on March 10, former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy convened a meeting with the party's Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members and asked them to raise Andhra Pradesh's issues in both the Houses "vociferously." During the meeting at his Tadepalli Camp Office on Thursday, Jagan provided clear directives to the party MPs on the strategy to adopt and the key issues to raise in both Houses of Parliament, a release said. He emphasized that there should be no compromise on matters concerning the state's interests and instructed the MPs to address Andhra Pradesh's issues in Parliament vociferously. The meeting focused on several critical topics, including the Polavaram Project's height, the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, support prices for chili farmers, the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, the privatisation of new medical colleges in the state, and constituency delimitation. YS Jagan directed the MPs to fight relentlessly on these issues without any compromise. Regarding the Polavaram Project, which is also deemed the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh, he stressed that its height was a critical factor and criticised the central government's decision to reduce it, calling it detrimental to the state's interests. He pointed out the failure of the two TDP ministers in the Union Cabinet to oppose this decision, and labelled it deplorable. YSRCP MPs claimed that despite injustices to the state, TDP MPs have remained silent, acting as mere spectators. They said that YSRCP had proposed a joint effort with TDP MPs, transcending political differences, to meet the Prime Minister and relevant Union Ministers, but TDP MPs "declined" to participate. YS Jagan instructed the MPs to strongly oppose the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, a hard-earned asset of Andhra Pradesh achieved through significant sacrifices, and to exert pressure on the central government to prevent it. On constituency delimitation, he urged the MPs to seek clarity from the Centre in Parliament, given the ongoing discussions and concerns that southern states might not gain seats proportionally compared to northern states. Regarding 'One Nation, One Election,' he directed the MPs to demand elections through the ballot system instead of EVMs if simultaneous polls are implemented, citing examples of developed nations reverting to ballots after initially using EVMs. The MPs raised concerns over the Chandrababu Naidu-led state government's attempts to privatize newly established medical colleges, originally initiated by the YSRCP government to make medical education accessible to the poor and provide advanced healthcare in every district. YS Jagan instructed the MPs to strongly raise this issue in Parliament, emphasizing that these colleges were built with significant effort to serve the underprivileged, and privatization undermines that objective. Additionally, the MPs condemned the state government's failure to provide adequate security to YS Jagan, a former Chief Minister with Z+ category protection, citing the lack of police arrangements during his recent visit to the Guntur chili yard as an example. They informed the meeting that this issue had already been brought to the Centre's attention and vowed to pursue it further in Parliament, alleging deliberate attempts to hinder YS Jagan's public interactions. The meeting was attended by YSRCP Parliamentary Party leader Y.V. Subba Reddy, Lok Sabha party leader Peddireddy Mithun Reddy, Rajya Sabha leader Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, MPs Gollu Baburao, Alla Ayodhya Rami Reddy, M. Gurumoorthy, Tanuja Rani, Raghunatha Reddy, and party state coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy. (ANI) Ahead of the upcoming Holi on March 14, which coincides with the Friday prayers held during the month of Ramzan, Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Kumar Chaudhary on Thursday said those uncomfortable with colours should remain indoors as the Hindu festival comes once a year. A peace committee meeting was held on Thursday at the Sambhal Kotwali police station in view of the upcoming Holi festival on Friday. Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Chaudhary said that since Holi came once a year and there were 52 Jummas (Fridays) in a year, people from the Muslim community had been requested to stay indoors if they could not accept being coloured. "We have requested to the Muslim community that if they cannot accept being coloured, then they should not come to the place where Holi is being celebrated. There are 52 'Jumma' (Fridays) in a year, but only one day for Holi. Hindus wait for Holi the whole year, just like Muslims wait for Eid... We have given a direct message that when people play Holi and if they (Muslims) don't want colours to fall on them, then they should stay at home. And if they want to go out of their house, then they should be big-hearted enough not to object if colour falls on them..." Chaudhary told reporters after the meeting. Further, he stated that both the Hindus and Muslims will celebrate their festivals in their own way. "We had a meeting with people of all communities... It is a festival of harmony. Both Hindus and Muslims will celebrate in their own way..." the CO further said. Holi, a Hindu festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna. People play with colours with friends and family. Earlier, on February 27, security was tightened in the Shahi Jama Masjid area of Sambhal after the Allahabad High Court directed a three-member committee to oversee the mosque's painting ahead of Ramzan, as per officials. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the 56th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in Arakkonam, Ranipet, on Friday. He participated as the event's Chief Guest, marking the force's contributions to national security. Union Minister Amit Shah laid a wreath to pay tribute to the CISF personnel as part of the commemorations. The event was held with full ceremonial honours, highlighting the force's role in safeguarding critical infrastructure across the country. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai claimed on Thursday that over one lakh people across the state have supported the Bharatiya Janata Party's online campaign on the three-language policy. In a post on X, Annamalai said that while Tamil Nadu CM spends his day spreading "Hallucinatory fears," BJP4TamilNadu wishes to constructively engage with our people and "break the disparity in education offered to Government school students in the state." "As we speak, over one Lakh people across Tamil Nadu have overwhelmingly supported the online signature campaign through http://puthiyakalvi.in. Our hardworking cadres & leaders have commenced the door-to-door campaign in every district today despite your efforts to stop them," he added. Attacking CM Stalin on the issue, Annamalai said, "Having realised that the Opposition to the three-language policy hasn't yielded support from the common people, Thiru MK Stalin has now jumped to the imaginary Hindi imposition." The Tamil Nadu BJP Chief further claimed that Tamil language is not being taught compulsorily in the matriculation schools. "Thiru MK Stalin, do you know that in the matriculation schools run by your partymen, Tamil is not even taught compulsorily and is a language of choice for children? You cannot fool people anymore, Thiru Stalin! MK Stalin, never forget that the 16th amendment of the Indian Constitution, popularly known as the Anti-Secession Bill, was introduced only to keep your party's secessionist ideas in check. It was passed by the party with whom you are in alliance today," Annamalai said. "In his response to Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last September, your part-time School Education Minister said that Tamil Nadu is already implementing many aspects of NEP, and today, you call NEP 'Poiso' Do you really have any idea what is going on around you, Thiru MK Stalin?" he added. (ANI) Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited Strike One Corps and attended the capability development conference. He also reviewed the operational preparedness of the formation for developments along the Northern Borders. In a post on X Additional Directorate General of Public Information in the Indian Army said, "General Upendra Dwivedi visited StrikeOne Corps on 06 March 2025 and attended the capability development conference. He also reviewed the operational preparedness of the formation for developments along the Northern Borders." "COAS, while interacting with senior commanders from the three services, urged them to embrace innovation and proactively adapt to the changing face of modern warfare. COAS also witnessed an equipment display aimed at leveraging emerging technologies to address complex security challenges. COAS felicitated selected personnel for professional excellence and dedication to duty," ADG PI further added. Last week, General Upendra Dwivedi delivered a keynote address on India's Strategic Overview and Regional Geo-Political Situation at Ecole De Guerre to the French Joint Staff College Course in France. He provided a comprehensive overview of India's strategic landscape and the regional geopolitical dynamics to the audience which included 98 international officers from 68 nations. In a post on X, Additional Directorate General of Public Information wrote, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS delivered a keynote address on India's Strategic Overview and Regional Geo-Political Situation at Ecole De Guerre, to the prestigious French Joint Staff College course." "He provided a comprehensive overview of India's strategic landscape and regional geopolitical dynamics to the audience, which included 98 international officers from 68 countries. The session emphasised the evolving security environment, the vital role of modern armies in addressing emerging challenges and the imperative for enhanced global cooperation to ensure collective security," it added. Indian Army Chief also laid a wreath at the Indian War Memorial in Neuve-Chapelle, France, honouring the brave Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during World War I. During his visit, General Dwivedi also visited the French Army's 3rd Division at Fort Ganteaume, where he was briefed on its role and plans for joint training between India and France, including Exercise SHAKTI, which is scheduled to take place in France later this year. (ANI) The Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed seven Amendment Bills related to the autonomous councils. These bills allow the Governor of the state to take charge of the autonomous councils if holding elections in these councils becomes impracticable after the term or extended term. The amendment bills were passed on Mising, Rabha Hasong, Tiwa, Sonowal Kachari, Thengal Kachari, Deuri and Bodo Kachari Autonomous Councils. If holding elections for these councils becomes impracticable after the term or extended term, the amendment empowers the Governor to assume all or some powers of the General and Executive Councils and appoint a person, Interim Committee, or Authority to carry out their functions and duties. "If the Governor is satisfied that circumstances so exist which render holding of the elections impracticable, after completion of the term of office or the extended term, he may assume to himself all or any of the powers and functions of the General Council and the Executive Council, and appoint such person or Interim Committee or any Authority as he may specify, who shall exercise of powers, functions and duties of the Council," said in the amendment bills. On the other hand, Assam Tribal Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu said, "The process of holding elections to the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council has already been initiated. The Tribal Affairs department has also written to the State Election Commission to hold elections to the Mising and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council as soon as possible." Meanwhile, the Assam government has secured investment commitments worth approximately Rs 5 lakh crore through multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the recently concluded Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Borah announced on Wednesday. "Advantage Assam 2.0 was held on February 25-26 very successfully. Around Rs 5 lakh crore MoUs were signed in different sectors. Now, we will scrutinise all the MoUs, department-wise. We will form a committee; after the scrutiny, discussions will be held on which all projects can be implemented here," Borah told ANI. (ANI) After Delhi Police conducted a verification drive to identify illegal immigrants, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said that the double-engine government is doing its job. "...The Delhi government is doing its job. There has been a change in Delhi. There is a new double-engine government..." Gupta told ANI. On Thursday, the Delhi Police conducted a verification drive to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants living in the Sangam Vihar area of Delhi. In January this year, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena directed the police to launch a special mission to identify Bangladeshi immigrants living in the national capital. A resident of the Sangam Vihar told ANI that the police personnel had asked her when she had moved to the area. "I am from Kolkata and have lived in Delhi for the last year. The police asked me when I moved here...They checked my Aadhar card," she said. Earlier this week, at a meeting of the top officials of the Delhi Police, it was decided to intensify the measures to identify and deport illegal immigrants from Bangladesh as part of a drive against those staying illegally in the country. The LG had directed the Delhi police to launch an outreach programme through print and social media to generate public awareness on the importance of verifying employees/domestic help and workers, including construction labour, in the interest of their own security. "Resident Welfare Associations/Shopkeeper Associations may also be sensitized about the need for antecedent verification before employment. For those employers who are providing employment, accommodation or shelter to such illegal immigrants without antecedent verification, suitable legal action may also be initiated," the LG's letter in January to the Delhi Police Commissioner read. In February this year, Delhi Police apprehended 16 people suspected of staying in India illegally. The officials said that the people were found overstaying in India without a valid Visa. They were produced before the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which ordered their deportation. Accordingly, they were sent to a Detention Centre. (ANI) Colonel Kirti Pratap Singh, Secretary of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, visited the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel on Thursday to assess the ongoing rescue operations for eight workers trapped following a roof collapse on February 22. On Thursday, two cadaver dogs from the Kerala Police and their handlers were deployed to assist in the ongoing rescue operations at the site of the SLBC tunnel collapse in Telangana. According to the Kerala Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the deployment comes in response to a request from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to the State Disaster Management Authority, as efforts intensify to locate survivors and recover victims trapped in the rubble. Meanwhile, NDRF Commandant VVN Prasanna Kumar said on Monday that the operation to save eight workers trapped following the collapse of the SLBC tunnel was underway and at full capacity. "Actually, the operation is going on in full swing. Approximately twelve agencies are working around the clock to find the victims. Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate them so far," said the National Disaster Response Force Commandant. He further stated that both the Telangana and Central governments have deployed top experts from across the country to assist in the complex tunnel operation. "Due to the complexity of the tunnel operation, we could not achieve success so far. However, maximum manpower is engaged in a planned manner, and hopefully, we will get success in a short time," Kumar said. According to the NDRF Commandant, approximately 300 personnel, including 100 NDRF members, along with SDRF, Indian Army, and Singareni teams, are actively involved in the rescue efforts. "The main hurdle for us is the TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine), which is a 1,500-ton machine that got damaged inside the tunnel, causing a major problem for us," he said. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy visited the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel site on Sunday to assess the ongoing rescue operation. The rescue operation to save eight workers trapped inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool entered its 13th day on Thursday. (ANI) Amid the delimitation row, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar claimed that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will raise all kinds of bogies to try and distract the people of Tamil Nadu from the "last nine years of misgovernance" and "corruption" He also claimed that CM Stalin is not confident about the 2026 State Assembly elections. "...We all know that the DMK in Tamil Nadu is worried about the 2026 elections. So this is not the only thing. They will raise all kinds of bogies to try and distract the people of Tamil Nadu from the last nine years of misgovernance, corruption, and the rampant betrayal of the trust of the people of Tamil Nadu. So they will do everything. And it is our duty to make sure that they do not succeed...," Chandrasekhar told ANI here. "...If it is not drama, and politics to distract people, what is it? This is the same game they do, Rahul Gandhi does it, before every Lok Sabha election, Stalin will do it before assembly election," he said. Replying to a query, he said, " They are afraid of our leaders, because our leaders are public servants, our leaders want to serve the people to bring development to the people". The all-party meeting presided over by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin passed a resolution requesting PM Modi to give assurance in the parliament that if delimitation is done, it should be based on the 1971 population census from 2026 to the next 30 years. 64 parties were called for March 5th all-party meeting on Constituency Delimitation, in which 58 parties (including organisations) participated. The BJP, Tamil Maanila Congress, Pudhiya Tamilagam, Pudhiya Needhi Katchi, and Naam Tamilar Katchi did not participate in the all-party meeting. As per the resolution, "This all-party meeting unanimously strongly opposes Delimitation based on population, which is seen as a big threat to India's federal structure and Tamil Nadu and other Southern States representation." (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant on Friday said that Azmi's membership from the Legislative Assembly should be cancelled over his statement on Aurangzeb Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said, "His membership from the Legislative Assembly should be cancelled. You should understand that glorifying Aurangzeb means insulting Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. What could have been the reason for this statement?..." Further, he said, "In Maharashtra, there was a demand for the resignation of those ministers who were involved in corruption and misconduct... Someone must have told him (Abu Azmi) to make such a statement to divert attention. BJP is an expert in misleading. It is a conspiracy of BJP..." He also accused Azmi that to divert the attention he had made such a statement, and this is all a conspiracy by the BJP. While everyone criticised Azmi's statement, he received the support of Samajwadi Party Chief and former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, who claimed that the suspension violated freedom of expression. "If the basis of suspension starts getting influenced by ideology, then what difference will there be between freedom of expression and subjection? Whether it is our MLAs or MPs, their fearless wisdom is unmatched. If some people think that by 'suspension' one can rein them in, then this is the childishness of their negative thinking," Akhilesh Yadav said. Earlier on Wednesday, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar suspended Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for the entire duration of the ongoing budget session on Wednesday over his remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. A proposal was brought in the Maharashtra Assembly today against Azmi's remarks. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil said in the House that Azmi's objectionable statement had hurt the dignity of the House, leading to the proposal to suspend his membership for this session, which the Speaker passed. Azmi had reportedly said that Aurangzeb was not a "cruel administrator" and "built many temples". He added that the battle between the Mughal emperor and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was for state administration and not about Hindu and Muslim. (ANI) Three workers died after the roof of a coal mine collapsed in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district, an official said. The incident occurred on Thursday evening in Chhatarpur mine located in the Pathakhera area of Sarni town in Betul district. Speaking to ANI, Nishchal N Jhariya, Superintendent of Police of Betul, stated that soon after receiving the information, the rescue operation teams immediately went to the spot of incident, and around 7.00 pm, they recovered the bodies of the three workers. The families of the victims have been informed, and their bodies will be handed over to them after all legal procedures are done, the official added. "In a sad incident, we received information that the roof of a coal mine of the WCL has collapsed, and several people were trapped under it. The incident took place in the underground 'Chhatarpur' mine in the Pathakhera area of Sarni town. We immediately started rescue operations, and at around 7.00 - 7.15 pm, we recovered the bodies of three workers. Their families have been informed about the incident and the body will be handed over to them after all legal procedures," the SP told ANI. The reason behind the incident is yet to be ascertained. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Amid the ongoing holy month of Ramzan, traditional drummers -- known as Sehar Khans in Kashmir have been carrying on with the ritual of waking people up by beating drums for Sehri, the pre-dawn meal before the fasting day. A traditional drum beater in Bhaderwah spoke to ANI and said, "This is a ritual of worship. This has been going on for centuries. Hindus also used to participate in it. Today there are mobiles, TV, alarm, but people say that without Sehar Khans rituals are incomplete. This is a month of worship. This is a tradition of brotherhood and extending greetings. We have been doing it for 30 to 35 years. There is a maximum of 4 people." In the era of technology, when many people rely on alarm features on various gadgets, these traditional drum beaters make it a point to continue the legacy. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on March 1 held a meeting with officials of the different departments in view of the holy month of Ramzan. During the meeting, CM Omar Abdullah instructed officials to ensure the proper supply of electricity and other basic services throughout the month. "It is the responsibility of the government to provide facilities to the people. In this connection, a meeting was held today during which a review was taken of every department. Everyone was clearly instructed that there should be no shortcomings in the supply of electricity, especially during the Sehri (pre-dawn meals) and Iftaar (fast-breaking evening meal) timings, water supply, ration, cleanliness, sanitation, and traffic," Omar told reporter. The Holy month of Ramzan, a period of 30 days of fasting, started on March 2. It is followed by Eid-Ul-Fitr, marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramzan. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJP leader Sunil Sharma has expressed his concerns over remarks made by some of the members related to engaging in talks with Pakistan, comparing development situations in POJK and our Union Territory, and "glorifying" Pakistan. In a written letter to J-K Legislative Assembly speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on March 6, LoP Sharma says, "I write to you in my capacity as the Leader of Opposition, deeply concerned about certain remarks being made on the floor of this august House. It has been observed that discussions within the Assembly are increasingly veering towards subjects such as engaging in talks with Pakistan, comparing the development situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) with that of our Union Territory, and, in some instances, even making remarks that could be construed as glorifying Pakistan." The Leader of Opposition stated that such statements pose a serious challenge to the sovereignty, integrity, and security of our nation and are detrimental to the broader interests of Jammu and Kashmir and the country. LoP Sharma urged the Speaker to take action and ensure discussions that undermine national interests are curtailed. He further appealed the Speaker to expunge any words or remarks from the Assembly's official records if they are deemed unparliamentary, inflammatory, or prejudicial to national integrity. The BJP leader further claimed that "patriotic statements" made in the interest of the nation are being expunged from the records and certain narratives that "favour or glorify Pakistan" are being allowed to remain on record. This came after J-K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday took potshots at the BJP members in assembly over some of the decisions of the party-led government at the Centre, saying it had divided Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, which is not how the then Maharaja Hari Singh shaped it. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also referred to a recent remark of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and asked who is stopping the BJP government from "bringing back" Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. "If we look at the legacy of Maharaja Sahab, what were the biggest things - Jammu and Kashmir state, what have you done to this...He gave it shape... one portion is in Pakistan occupation. On this, the Foreign Minister said that we will bring it back. Who stopped...have we ever said don't bring it back...Congress was targeted in speeches here (by BJP members) that you left this, that...tell us what was brought back during the Kargil War. That was an opportunity you should have brought back. You had a reason, Pakistan had attacked...should have done at that time...okay bring it back now," Omar Abdullah said. The National Conference leader said that in the map of Jammu and Kashmir, one portion is under Pakistan occupation, but there is a portion under the illegal occupation of China as well. "Why is not talked of, when you bring back from that side, bring back that what is with China also," he said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at an event at Chatham House in London as part of his visit to the United Kingdom, referred to steps taken by the BJP-led government to usher speedy development including abrogation of Article 370, restoring growth and economic and holding elections which saw high turnout. "In Kashmir, we have done a good job solving most of it. I think removing Article 370 was one step. Then, restoring growth, economic activity and social justice in Kashmir was step number two. Holding elections, which were done with a very high turnout, was step number three. I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is on the illegal Pakistani occupation. When that's done, I assure you, Kashmir solved," he said in sharp response to a question. Pakistan has been in illegal occupation of approximately 78,000 sq km of Indian territory in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 sq km. of Indian territory in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Pakistan had illegally ceded 5,180 sq km of Indian territory in Shaksgam Valley from areas illegally occupied by Pakistan in Union Territory of Ladakh to China. (ANI) The debate on the alleged third language imposition as part of the National Education Policy in Tamil Nadu has snowballed into an all out battle between the BJP and the ruling DMK alliance in the state. BJP State Chief K Annamlai on Friday claimed that the BJP's pro NEP signature campaign had received a positive response from the people of the state. "Thiru MK Stalin, our online signature campaign through http://puthiyakalvi.in is supported by over 2 lakh people within 36 hours, and our on-ground signature campaign continues to receive an overwhelming reception across TN. As the TN CM, you seem visibly rattled, and your rants against the signature campaign mean nothing to us," Annamalai posted on X. he further hit out at the Tamil Nadu CM alleging that the DMK could not carry out a signature campaign despite being in power. "Despite being in power, you couldn't carry out a signature campaign against NEET, and remember that your cadres had to throw the pamphlets in the dustbin after realising where they truly belonged. Thiru MK Stalin, stop swinging your paper word against the delusional Hindi imposition. Your fake Hindi imposition drama has already been exposed. It's unfortunate that you haven't realised it yet," he further said. Annamalai's post was in response to MK Stalin's earlier post which mocked the BJP's campaign calling it a circus. In a post on X Stalin wrote, "Now the BJP's circus-like signature campaign for the three-language formula has become a laughing stock in Tamil Nadu. I challenge them to make this their core agenda in the 2026 Assembly elections and let it be a referendum on Hindi imposition. History is clear. Those who tried to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu have either been defeated or later changed their stance and aligned with DMK. Tamil Nadu will not tolerate Hindi colonialism replacing British colonialism." "From the names of schemes to awards to Union government institutions, Hindi has been imposed to a nauseating extent, suffocating non-Hindi speakers, who are the majority in India. Men may come, men may go. But even long after the dominance of Hindi is shattered in India, history will remember that it was DMK that stood as the vanguard," he further added. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday strongly criticised the BJP ahead of the state's Budget presentation in the assembly. Shivakumar asked the BJP, which is in power in the Central government, about the announcements made for Karnataka, stating, "BJP should answer what they have given to Karnataka. They don't have the guts, voice, strength, and moral right to save Karnataka. In the central budget, nothing was given to Karnataka." Shivakumar further stated that the Congress government of Karnataka will protect people and they have fulfilled all the promises. The Deputy CM said, "Let them do whatever they want. It is the will of the people and we are there to protect the people of Karnataka. It is not like their budget and their tenure. Whatever promises we made have been fulfilled." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is presenting the state budget in the Legislative Assembly. CM Siddaramaiah arrived at the Vidhan Soudha with the Budget document ahead of the Budget presentation. He was accompanied by his cabinet members. Meanwhile, Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka claimed that this is last Budget of CM Siddaramaiah as he is the outgoing Chief Minister. Speaking on the expectations from this Budget, R Ashoka stated that the state government hasn't worked on the development from the past two years, and this year, they expect some announcements which can bring development in the state. "It is the last budget of Siddaramaiah. He is an outgoing CM. In the past two years, they have not done anything... There are no medicines in the hospital. There is a hike in everything, whether petrol, diesel, milk... At least in this Budget, they should made announcements for the development. That is our demand," the LoP told reporters. Karnataka minister and Congress leader MC Sudhakar criticised BJP and JDS for carrying out protest today stating that the BJP "unnecessarily" wants to divert the attention of the people. Speaking to ANI, MC Sudharkar said, "BJP as an opposition, they have to do something to make their presence felt. People of the state know that all the guarantees have been implemented. Whatever Budgetary announcement we have done, in my department, whatever Budgetary allocation we received, we have implemented all of them. We have released all the funds... BJP unnecessarily wants to divert the attention of the people." Before the presentation of the Budget, JDS MLC SL Bhojegowda stated that the Budget should have some "credibility." "He is presenting the 16th Budget, he is a very senior person. We appreciate CM Siddaramaiah, but at the same time, the budget should have some credibility... Do something for people..." Bhojegowda told ANI. Earlier, the Karnataka Assembly passed the Bangalore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Bill 2025. This Bill enables the state government to drop portions of land required for a road-widening project after the Supreme Court directed it to issue transferable development rights (TDR) worth Rs 3,400 crore to the erstwhile Mysuru royal family. The official notice submitted by Chief Minister and Finance Minister Siddaramaiah reads, "I hereby give notice of my intention to move the following amendment to the Bangalore Palace (Utilization and Regulation of Land) Bill, 2025 (LA Bill No.5 of 2025), namely - Clause-3. In the said Bill, in clause 3, after sub-clause (5), the following shall be inserted, namely:- "(6) Notwithstanding anything in the Act, if any compensation has been paid in respect of any portion of Bangalore Palace land pursuant to any order or judgement of any court, the action of the State Government shall remain protected." The Budget Session of the Karnataka Assembly commenced on March 3. Earlier on March 4, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Business Advisory Committee gave its nod to hike the salary of state legislators. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said that the government will expand the network of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras across the city as per the applicable regulations. She made the statement while interacting with people at her residence. Speaking to the reporters, Gupta said, "The government before us did not implement the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. Maybe because the word 'Pradhan Mantri' was attached to the name of this public welfare scheme." She further asserted, "Today, on the occasion of the seventh Jan Aushadhi Diwas, I want to congratulate the people of Delhi on the decision to open Janaushadhi Kendra everywhere the rules allow in Delhi... We will follow the decision of the High Court, which says that there should be a Janaushadhi Kendra within 500 meters of every hospital." Meanwhile, on Thursday, CM Gupta held an interactive session with traders, business people, and business organizations for their suggestions for the upcoming Delhi Budget 2025. Business representatives from across the national capital participated in the discussion, highlighting key issues the business community faces. Speaking to the media, CM Gupta acknowledged the challenges raised during the session and outlined the government's plans to resolve them. "As part of the Viksit Delhi Budget 2025-26 consultation series, we invited representatives from all business organizations, industrial bodies, and people from the business community across Delhi. Today, I received very valuable suggestions from them. From what I understood, years of past governments' rule have left them with pain and suffering. They are afflicted--both by bureaucracy and impractical policies. In the name of development, there has been zero performance," said CM Gupta. She further emphasized infrastructure challenges, saying, "Even Today, industrial areas remain neglected. Streets, drains, and basic infrastructure are still in poor condition. The necessary updates and improvements that should have taken place in industrial areas have not been done. Even small market complexes and large commercial hubs like Lajpat Nagar face numerous issues, including a lack of public toilets and other essential facilities." She further said the government aims to include all sections of society and wishes to provide a Budget that brings Delhi closer to PM Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Delhi. Praveen Khandelwal, National Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and Member of Parliament, lauded the Delhi government's initiative. "Traders play a crucial role in the development of Delhi, and we are pleased that the government is prioritizing their needs and concerns. We are confident that under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi is moving in the right direction towards development," said Khandelwal. The Delhi Budget 2025-26 is expected to be tabled between March 24 and 26. (ANI) Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge alleged that the media is debating about Aurangzeb to appease the Centre, but are were no debates on the current crisis the nation is facing. This comes amid row over suspension of Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi for his remarks. In a post on X, Priyank Kharge said, "The media debates about Aurangzeb, who died centuries ago, while there are no debates on the current crisis the nation faces. The economy is in distress, with high unemployment, a weakening rupee, declining purchasing power and the alarming erosion of the middle and lower income groups. These issues directly impact millions of lives, yet the media chooses to ignore these to appease their political masters." "Regardless of their religious affiliations, monarchs throughout history have primarily been driven by a desire to expand their empires and amass wealth, either through conquests or strategic alliances. Their actions were dictated by power and ambition, not by the concerns of common people. As India remains entangled in ideological battles over the past, the youth, who should be shaping the country's future are losing out on opportunities in the present and future. Wake Up India!" he added. After being suspended for the entire duration of the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly's Budget session over his remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi called the suspension "arbitrary" and alleged threats to his life and his family. Azmi took to X to express his concerns: "My suspension is arbitrary on the part of the government, there is a threat to my life and that of my family. Two laws are in force in Maharashtra, if democracy has ended in Maharashtra then the government can do anything to the public and the elected representatives of the public." He has expressed his disappointment over the suspension and had said, "To ensure that the House functions, I spoke about withdrawing my statement. I did not say anything wrong. Still, there is a controversy and proceedings of the House are being stalled. To ensure that the House functions and some work is done during the Budget session. I withdrew the statement that I made outside the Assembly, not in the House. Still, I have been suspended." Azmi has also received the support of Samjawadi Party Chief and former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, who claimed that the suspension violated freedom of expression. Azmi had reportedly said that Aurangzeb was not a "cruel administrator" and "built many temples". He added that the battle between the Mughal emperor and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was for state administration and not about Hindu and Muslim. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party MP Dinesh Sharma and Union Minister Krishan Pal Gujar on Friday changed the nameplates of their respective Tughlak Lane residences to Swami Vivekanand Marg. In his recently allotted home in Tughlaq Lane in Delhi, Sharma on Thursday conducted the house warming. Taking to X, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma, wrote on Thursday, "Today, along with my family, I performed the housewarming ceremony of my new residence at Swami Vivekanand Marg (Tughlaq Lane) in New Delhi, as per the rituals and prayers." https://x.com/drdineshbjp/status/1897694033385848893 Both the leaders, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma and Union Minister Krishan Pal Gujar, declared Tughlaq Lane in the national capital as Swami Vivekananda Marg in the nameplates of their respective official residences. This move aligns with the newly formed BJP government in Delhi, which has proposed renaming various areas of the city, including Najafgarh Assembly constituency to Nahargarh, Mohammadpur village to Madhavpuram, and Mustafabad to Shivpuri. Recently BJP MLA Anil Sharma assured residents that he will push to rename Mohammadpur village in the RK Puram constituency as Madhavpuram. Speaking to ANI, BJP MLA Anil Sharma said, "The corporation had passed a proposal to change the name of Madhavpuram village long ago. That proposal has been pending in the Assembly for a long time. Till now there was a government of the Aam Aadmi Party, they must have kept it buried somewhere. Now, I will get time for this issue tomorrow as I get time from the respected Speaker. I will raise this issue." When asked about the reason behind renaming the village, he said, "People demand that this village should be named Madhavpuram village instead of Mohammadpur. This government of Delhi is formed. People's government is in the same manner as the demand of the people. Work will be done," Sharma said. (ANI) Shimla Police has ramped up its efforts to tackle the growing drug menace in Himachal Pradesh. Over the past two years, the district police arrested more than 1,800 individuals involved in drug trafficking and consumption. In just first two months of 2025, nearly 175 people have been taken into custody, and 76 separate cases have been registered. Shimla Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, in an exclusive interview with ANI, detailed the severity of the drug problem in the region and how the police force is combating it. "The impact of drug abuse is being felt across the country, and Himachal Pradesh has not remained untouched. Over the past two years, we have been running an aggressive campaign against drug trafficking and peddling activities. We have registered around 800 cases and arrested over 1,800 people," SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi said that focus is on. Shimla Police has successfully dismantled several high-profile drug syndicates operating across multiple states. The police recently cracked a Kolkata-based drug network run by Sandeep Shah, a key figure in interstate drug trafficking. This syndicate had links across Punjab, West Bengal, and even international smuggling routes. The police have also arrested individuals from Punjab, including Gurmeet and Vijay Soni, who were actively involved in smuggling synthetic drugs like Chitta (a potent form of heroin). In a significant breakthrough, a Nigerian national involved in large-scale drug smuggling was also arrested. Police investigations revealed that this individual frequently moved between Agartala and Firozpur, operating within a larger trafficking network. "By breaking such syndicates, we set a strong example for others. Organised drug crime is a serious threat, and we are determined to dismantle these networks completely," said SP Gandhi. One of the biggest challenges facing law enforcement at present is the increasing use of digital platforms in drug transactions. Drug peddlers are exploiting online payment methods, UPI transactions, and digital banking to move illicit money undetected. "We have detected financial transactions worth nearly Rs 5 crore linked to drug trafficking. This is just the tip of the iceberg; ongoing investigations suggest the actual amount could be three to four times higher," SP Gandhi revealed. SP Gandhi said there is a call for stronger laws. Highlighting the loopholes in India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, SP Gandhi pointed out how drug traffickers manipulated the system. "The existing law is quantity-based, meaning the severity of punishment depends on the amount of drugs seized. Traffickers exploit this by carrying only small quantities to avoid harsh legal consequences. This needs to be addressed at a policy level," he added. He further explained that drug peddlers often transport 5-10 grams per trip, making it difficult to prosecute them under strict trafficking laws. This loophole has turned into a well-established modus operandi, making law enforcement efforts more challenging. The police investigation has revealed a disturbing trend, a significant number of those caught in drug-related cases are young people, including students, professionals, and even government employees, including policemen. Shockingly, nearly 100 women have also been arrested in drug cases over the past two years. "Many young people try drugs for recreational purposes but quickly become addicted. These substances impact the nervous system, leading to dependency, depression, and in some cases, criminal behaviour. Families, especially mothers, are the ones who suffer the most," said SP Gandhi. Recognising the importance of public cooperation in fighting drug abuse, Shimla Police has launched a public awareness and intelligence-gathering initiative called 'Bharosa' (Trust). The campaign encourages citizens, youth groups, traders, and local organisations to actively report drug-related activities. "Our fight against drugs is not just a police operation; it is a social movement. With the support of our community, we have been able to reduce the supply of heroin and Chitta by nearly 60-70 per cent in Shimla district," he claimed. Shimla Police has also developed a Social Intelligence Integrated Network to strengthen community-police collaboration. The goal is to instill both 'respect for the law' and 'fear of the law' among offenders. With the aim of eradicating synthetic drugs from the region, the police's efforts have already made a noticeable impact, with drug supplies in Shimla reducing significantly. However, SP Gandhi acknowledged that the fight is far from over. "I am confident that with continued efforts, we will successfully eliminate synthetic drug trafficking from Shimla district," he added. Shimla Police, under the leadership of SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, is determined to make the district and state a safer place by taking relentless action against drug networks and working closely with the community. The fight against drugs is ongoing, but with strict enforcement, community participation, and legal reforms, the state hopes to see a drug-free future soon. (ANI) Karnataka minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday slammed BJP after BJP and JD(S) staged protest against state government amid presentation of Budget in Karnataka assembly. State Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao told ANI, "BJP's allegations are baseless. We do what we say..." BJP leaders gathered at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in front of Vidhana Soudha and staged a protest ahead of the Karnataka Budget 2025 presentation. The protest was part of a broader opposition to the state government's policies. The JD(S) also joined the BJP in criticizing the government's budgetary decisions. Congress MLA Sharath Bachegowda also hit out at the BJP and accused them of creating "unnecessary" distractions and disturbances. Hitting out further, Bachegowda said that BJP is jealous of all the pro-people programmes by the state government and have nothing to talk about in this budget. "BJP is jealous of all the pro-people programmes by the state government... They have nothing to talk about in this budget so they are creating unnecessary distraction and disturbance... Congress' ideology will be followed and implemented..." Bachegowda told ANI. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar strongly criticized the BJP ahead of the state's Budget presentation in the assembly. Shivakumar asked the BJP, which is in power in the Central government, about the announcements made for Karnataka, stating, "BJP should answer what they have given to Karnataka. They don't have the guts, voice, strength, and moral right to save Karnataka. In the central budget, nothing was given to Karnataka." Shivakumar further stated that the Congress government of Karnataka will protect people and they have fulfilled all the promises. The Deputy CM said, "Let them do whatever they want. It is the will of the people and we are there to protect the people of Karnataka. It is not like their budget and their tenure. Whatever promises we made have been fulfilled." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the state budget in the Legislative Assembly. While presenting the Budget claimed that the state government has maintained fiscal deficit of the state for the financial year 2025-26. The total expenditure estimated for the financial year 2025-26 is Rs.4,09,549 crores which includes revenue expenditure of Rs. 3,11,739 crores, capital botem expenditure of Rs. 71,336 crores and loan repayment of Rs. 26,474 crores. According to the Karnataka government's Budget, for the financial year 2025-26, revenue deficit is estimated to be Rs. 19,262 crores, which is 0.63 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Fiscal Deficit is estimated to be Rs. 90,428 crores, which is 2.95 per cent of GSDP. Total liabilities at the end of 2025-26 is estimated to be Rs. 7,64,655 crores, which is 24.91 per cent of GSDP. "By keeping fiscal deficit and total outstanding liabilities within the limits mandated under Karnataka Fiscal Responsibility Act, we have maintained fiscal discipline in the financial year 2025-26," said the Chief Minister. The Karnataka government in this Budget has given priority to basic infrastructure in Bengaluru city and announced measures to battle traffic congestion in the city. In this budget, the yearly grant of Rs. 3,000 crores which was being provided to Bengaluru city, has been enhanced to Rs. 7,000 crores in the current year. The state Budget 2025-26 has also given specific focus to minorities. To provide formal education along with religious education in madrasas, computers, smart boards and other necessary basic facilities will be provided to the students to prepare them for writing SSLC examination through NIOS. (ANI) Expressing his dissatisfaction over the recent discussions in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Friday said that is "unfortunate" that some members from the last three days have been trying to hold discussions on Pakistan. The LoP further stated that some MLAs tried to compare our infrastructure to that of Pakistan and advocate for talks with Pakistan. Speaking to ANI, Sharma said, "It is very unfortunate that some members from the last three days have been trying to hold discussions on Pakistan in the assembly. They compare our infrastructure to that of Pakistan and advocate for talks with Pakistan. This is unfortunate. I have presented my party's point of view to the speaker in writing that this domain is not of the assembly..." Taking dig at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remarks on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Sharma stated that he needs to be a Member of Parliament to reply on his remarks. Targeting CM Abdullah and his party, LoP Sharma said that Kashmir-based political parties have a problem of stretching and equating their comments with Delhi. "Kashmir-based political parties have one problem. They stretch and try to equate their comments with Delhi. You are sitting in a legislative assembly, and you are the CM of a union territory, not even a state; you should talk about local issues. Who has asked you for your opinion? You stood up to talk about the LG's address but didn't speak on it... They can not stand at the same level as Delhi from here. For that, you need to be an MP, and once you sit in the Parliament, then you can reply to S Jaishankar on his remarks," the LoP said. Earlier, Sunil Sharma has expressed his concerns over remarks made by some of the members related to engaging in talks with Pakistan, comparing development situations in POJK and our Union Territory, and "glorifying" Pakistan. In a written letter to J-K Legislative Assembly speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on March 6, LoP Sharma says, "I write to you in my capacity as the Leader of Opposition, deeply concerned about certain remarks being made on the floor of this august House. It has been observed that discussions within the Assembly are increasingly veering towards subjects such as engaging in talks with Pakistan, comparing the development situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) with that of our Union Territory, and, in some instances, even making remarks that could be construed as glorifying Pakistan." (ANI) Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said on Friday that they will hold an all-party meeting to protest against the injustice caused by the delimitation. Telangana Minister for Transport and BC Welfare Ponnam Prabhakar spoke to ANI after the Telangana state Cabinet meeting and said, "Several issues were discussed, including the injustice done to the Southern states through delimitation. We are going to hold an all-party meeting under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and senior leader Kunduru Jana Reddy to fight this injustice. We won't allow injustice to be done to Telangana. We will take along all South Indian states and fight against the central government which is thinking of doing this injustice." He added, "On SC categorisation, after getting 71 recommendations, the one-man Judicial Commission, the High Court retired judge, Justice Shameem Akhtar gave a report to us. We put the report in the Cabinet and permitted to proceed further." Further he added, "For the backward classes, a bill for 42% reservation in political, education and employment sectors will be put in the Assembly and then it will be proposed to the Centre. Many other issues like future cities, Gram Pal officer in every village were discussed. We will take forward all the promises of the Congress party in the coming days." "We have prepared a tourism policy. Soon the Miss World competition will take place in Hyderabad. We are making all the preparations for this in the city. Taking forward our vision of making every woman a millionaire, we have given them free buses, introduced them in the power sector. We are also planning to bring in more schemes. All these days, we did not have a tourism policy, we have introduced a new Tourism policy aiming to attract Rs 15,000 crore investments and create three lakhs jobs," Prabhakar said. BJP leader N Ramchander Rao said that the Congress and other Non-BJP governements in the South are trying to mislead the people on the issue. "The non-BJP governments, especially from South India, are trying to mislead the people with regards to delimitation and the language policy. The BJP government in the centre made it very clear that the language policy would respect all the regional languages and that there would be no thrust of any language on any state. Despite this, non-BJP-ruled states are trying to create confusion among people... The delimitation would not reduce any seats of any state. In yesterday's cabinet meeting, the Telangana government again tried to mislead the people of the state." he said. The issue of delimitation was first raised by Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin who claimed that the state would lose representation in the Lok Sabha if population based delimitation was carried out. (ANI) The Odisha Assembly on Friday witnessed chaotic scenes as legislators from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress staged separate protests over key issues concerning the state. BJD MLAs strongly objected to the state government's decision to shift the observance of Panchayati Raj Diwas from March 5 to April 24. Simultaneously, Congress MLAs registered their protest against the alleged rise in crimes against women in the state. The state BJP government on Monday said it will observe March 5 as the former CM's birth anniversary and not as 'Panchayati Raj Day,' as has been celebrated for decades. Further, there would be no Government holiday on March 5, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. Though March 5 has been celebrated as 'Panchayati Raj Divas' in Odisha every year, this time, the day will be observed on April 24, in alignment with the national observance, it said. "Odisha Govt will no more observe Panchayati Raj Divas on 5th March, Which Is Biju Babu's Birthday . Instead, Panchayati Raj Divas will be observed on April 24. The new date was approved by the CM today. March 5 is the birth anniversary of Odisha's legendary leader, Biju Patnaik. The state BJP government has decided to celebrate March 5 as the birth anniversary of former chief minister Biju Patnaik and not as 'Panchayati Raj Day'. Besides that, the Odisha government has also canceled the holiday on that day," said the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in a statement. The move was criticised by former CM Naveen Patnaik who said that the BJP could not take away the love that the people had for Biju Babu. "You can change the names of awards, deface his statues, change the dates, but you cannot take away the love and affection that the people of Odisha have for Biju Babu. He lives in the people's hearts. These incidents have only increased people's love and respect for Biju Babu. Now, they are trying to change the name of Biju Patnaik International Airport. Can you erase the history that Biju Babu is a freedom fighter and was in jail for India's independence? From how many projects will you erase his legacy?" Naveen Patnaik said. The Congress had also criticised the Odisha government after it announced to change the date of Panchayati Raj Day from March 5 to April 24. Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das accused the state's BJP government of "disrespecting" Odisha's founder Madhu Babu and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary hit out at the opposition BJP and alleged that they do not talk about the issues of the Union Territory and their only aim was to divert the attention from real issues. He was reacting to the statement of Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJP leader Sunil Sharma that some MLAs advocated for talks with Pakistan. Surinder Choudhary said, "Elections were held in J&K after six years. In 10 years, the six years mentioned plus the tenure of the BJP and the PDP, the people of J&K were ruined. They (BJP) don't talk about the issues of J&K. Their only aim is to keep the people confused and divert their attention from real issues. What did J&K get after scrapping Article 370? They should answer to that. I would appeal to the smaller media organisations not to change the narrative." He further said that the budget would live up to the expectations of the people. He further said, "The budget will come according to the intentions with which the people of J&K voted for the leaders of the National Conference. We will live up to the expectations of the people." Earlier, BJP leader Sunil Sharma expressed his concerns over remarks made by some of the members related to engaging in talks with Pakistan, comparing development situations in POJK and our Union Territory, and "glorifying" Pakistan. In a written letter to J-K Legislative Assembly speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on March 6, LoP Sharma said, "I write to you in my capacity as the Leader of Opposition, deeply concerned about certain remarks being made on the floor of this August House. It has been observed that discussions within the Assembly are increasingly veering towards subjects such as engaging in talks with Pakistan, comparing the development situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) with that of our Union Territory, and, in some instances, even making remarks that could be construed as glorifying Pakistan." The Leader of Opposition stated that such statements pose a serious challenge to the sovereignty, integrity, and security of our nation and are detrimental to the broader interests of Jammu and Kashmir and the country. LoP Sharma urged the Speaker to take action and ensure discussions that undermine national interests are curtailed. He further appealed the Speaker to expunge any words or remarks from the Assembly's official records if they are deemed unparliamentary, inflammatory, or prejudicial to national integrity. The BJP leader further claimed that "patriotic statements" made in the interest of the nation are being expunged from the records and certain narratives that "favour or glorify Pakistan" are being allowed to remain on record. (ANI) BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government over the Budget presented today. Stepping up his attacks, Bhandari called the today's presented budget a "modern Muslim League" Budget claiming that Karnataka government is running the government exactly similar to how Muhammad Ali Jinnah had ran the government in Pakistan. The BJP spokesperson accused the Congress government of "taking back" the Constitutional values and implementing statements and policies which are only in the interest of minority communities. Speaking to ANI, Pradeep Bhandari said, "In Karnataka, Congress party has passed a modern Muslim League Budget. In this modern Muslim League Budget, Congress party is increasing the honorarium of Imams to Rs 6000. Waqf is being given Rs 150 Crores. Money for self-defence training is being given only to minority girls...Over Rs 1000 Crores is being used for the benefit of minority...Yesterday, Karnataka Government spoke about withdrawing cases against Hubballi rioters. So, the Congress party in Karnataka is running the government exactly similar to how Muhammad Ali Jinnah ran the government in Pakistan. It is taking back the Constitutional values and it is only implementing statements, policies which are in the interest of minority communities..." Criticising the Budget, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council N Swamy Chalavadi called it a "debt-based" Budget. Hitting out at the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Chalavadi stated that he played a key role in "rolling back" the state's financial discipline and making it the government with the highest debt in history. "This is a "debt-based" budget! The Honorable Chief Minister, is presenting his 16th Budget. He played a key role in rolling back the state's financial discipline and making it the government with the highest debt in history. 27% debt of income, 18% interest on cost! Congress government - "0" government," Chalavadi posted on X. https://x.com/NswamyChalavadi/status/1897894827598995857 Meanwhile, the BJP and JD(S) leaders from Karnataka including Legislative Assembly LoP R Ashoka, BY Vijayendra and Legislative Council LoP N Swamy Chalavadi staged protest against the state government and its policies. They demanded to not to use the money allocated for SCSP-TSP for guarantees and Rs 150 crore should be provided to each MLA's constituency. Taking to social media post on X, R Ashoka wrote, "The BJP and JDS parties participated in a joint protest in front of the Gandhi statue at the Vidhana Soudha, demanding that the money allocated for SCSP-TSP should not be used for guarantees and that Rs 150 crore should be provided to each MLA's constituency. " https://x.com/RAshokaBJP/status/1897895556594512362 Earlier today, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah presented the state budget in the Legislative Assembly. While presenting the Budget claimed that the state government has maintained fiscal deficit of the state for the financial year 2025-26. "By keeping fiscal deficit and total outstanding liabilities within the limits mandated under Karnataka Fiscal Responsibility Act, we have maintained fiscal discipline in the financial year 2025-26," said the Chief Minister. The state Budget 2025-26 has also given specific focus to minorities. To provide formal education along with religious education in madrasas, computers, smart boards and other necessary basic facilities will be provided to the students to prepare them for writing SSLC examination through NIOS. Minority youth will be encouraged to launch new start-ups through Karnataka Minority Development Corporation. For repair and renovation of Waqf properties and for providing infrastructure and protection of Muslim burial grounds an amount of Rs. 150 crores has been provided. The Chief Minister further stated, "An Action Plan for Rs. 1,000 crores has been prepared under 'Chief Minister's Minority Colony Development Programme'. Works will be implemented in the FY 2025-26." The government also announced construction of an additional building in Haj Bhavan at Bengaluru to provide with facilities and amenities to Haj pilgrims and their relatives. Grants worth Rs.100 crores have been earmarked for the Comprehensive development of Jain, Buddhist and Sikh communities. Rs.250 crores will be provided for the development of Christian community. (ANI) Members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a protest outside the Odisha Assembly on Friday against the state government's decision to change the date of Panchayati Raj Diwas from March 5 to April 24. The state's BJP government on Monday said that it will observe March 5 as the former CM's birth anniversary and not as 'Panchayati Raj Day,' as has been celebrated for decades. Further, there would be no government holiday on March 5, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Though March 5 has been celebrated as 'Panchayati Raj Divas' in Odisha every year, this time, the day will be observed on April 24, in alignment with the national observance, it said. "Odisha Government will no more observe Panchayati Raj Divas on March 5, Which Is Biju Babu's Birthday. Instead, Panchayati Raj Divas will be observed on April 24. The new date was approved by the CM today. March 5 is the birth anniversary of Odisha's legendary leader Biju Patnaik. The state BJP government has decided to celebrate March 5 as the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik and not as 'Panchayati Raj Day'. Besides that, the Odisha government has also cancelled the holiday on that day," said the CMO in a statement. The move was criticised by former CM Naveen Patnaik who said that BJP could not take away the love that the people have for Biju Babu. "You can change the names of awards, deface his statues, change the dates, but you cannot take away the love and affection that the people of Odisha have for Biju Babu. He lives in the people's hearts. These incidents have only increased people's love and respect for Biju Babu. Now, they are trying to change the name of Biju Patnaik International Airport. Can you erase the history that Biju Babu is a freedom fighter and was in jail for India's Independence? From how many projects will you erase his legacy?" Naveen Patnaik said. The Congress had also criticised the Odisha government after it announced to change the date of Panchayati Raj Day from March 5 to April 24. Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das accused the state's BJP government of "disrespecting" Odisha's founder Madhu Babu and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. (ANI) The Indian passenger vehicle (PV) sector is unlikely to see significant disruption from fresh competition in the medium term, according to a report by Anand Rathi. The report highlights that global players like Tesla and BYD face multiple challenges in penetrating the Indian market, while new entrants like VinFast and JSW MG have limited competitive impact. The report cites four key reasons for restricted competition: a stringent electric vehicle (EV) policy, challenges in securing investment approvals for Chinese firms, a small EV market with just two per cent penetration, and the long product localisation cycle of two-four years for global automakers. Tesla, a major EV player globally, lacks an affordable product lineup suitable for the Indian market. Its cheapest model, the Model 3, starts at USD 30,000 (~Rs2.5 million) in the US, while most Indian PV sales occur below the Rs2 million price point. Other Tesla models like the Model Y, Model S, and Model X are priced even higher, making their widespread adoption in India unlikely. Moreover, Tesla has not yet launched a low-cost model to cater to emerging markets. Competition from Chinese automakers remains minimal due to India's strict foreign direct investment (FDI) restrictions. Companies like BYD and MG (now JSW MG) have struggled to gain a foothold. MG's market share in India remains low at just 1.5 per cent in FY25, primarily due to investment restrictions and its limited focus on EVs, which still account for a small fraction of the market. Vietnamese automaker VinFast plans to enter India with an initial $500 million investment in a Tamil Nadu plant, targeting 50,000 units annually by late 2025. The company is set to introduce electric SUVs VF6 and VF7 ahead of the festival season, but its global presence remains small, with financial struggles and a stock price decline of 80 per cent since its listing. India's new EV policy permits the import of only premium vehicles priced above $35,000 (~Rs3 million) at a reduced 15 per cent duty, with a cap of 8,000 vehicles per year. However, the Indian market for premium cars above Rs3 million is just 45,000 units annually, with Toyota dominating over 80 per cent of this segment. Additionally, Chinese FDI in India is subject to strict approvals (PN3 clearance), allowing only limited joint ventures. This regulatory hurdle has largely kept Chinese automakers from entering India in a significant way. The Anand Rathi report notes that the top four PV makers control over 75 per cent of the market, making it difficult for new entrants to establish a strong presence. Given these dynamics, Maruti Suzuki remains the preferred stock pick, as the company continues to dominate the Indian passenger vehicle segment. (ANI) The efforts made by Chhattisgarh's health department in creating awareness among primitive tribal community 'Birhor'-a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in the state's Jashpur district, is now bearing fruitful results as the people belonging to this community are now opting institutional deliveries and other healthcare facilities being provided by the government. Birhor, a very backward tribe, initially avoided institutional deliveries, vaccination, medicines and other healthcare facilities; instead, they believe in traditional healing methods, said Jashpur's Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr G S Jatra. "Our health department worked hard by conducting medical camps in villages of Birhor tribes wherein each individual was explained and informed about the benefits of institutional deliveries, medicines, government and other. As a result of constant efforts, Birhor people are now coming to get vaccinated, undergoing ENT checkups, opting institutional deliveries and visiting hospitals for all types of health tests," said the CMHO. Initially, they were very scared, particularly about injections, but the situation gradually changed and now they have developed trust in doctors, said the CMHO. According to the district administration, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has given clear instructions that the Birhor tribe should receive health benefits. As per the Chief Minister's vision, these people are receiving the necessary facilities. The Birhor tribe resides in the Kunwari and Bagicha blocks of Jashpur district. According to the 2011 census, the Birhor tribe lives in 10 villages across 5 development blocks in the district, with 97 families. As per their tradition, women of the Birhor tribe give birth to their child in small huts called 'Kudiya' or 'Kurma', with the help of a traditional attendant called 'Kuserdai' or 'Suinadai'. On the seventh day of the delivery, the mother-child duo are given a bath and exposed to the sun. On the same day, the hut is also dismantled. Notably, this was the traditional practice in the past, but due to the continuous effort of healthcare workers, Mitanin Didis, Anganwadi workers, and helpers, significant improvements have been marked. Today, Birhor women go to health centres for delivery. Not only that, but a tribe that once fled to the forests when seeing doctors and nurses now visits hospitals for immunizations, polio drops, COVID-19 vaccines, and medications for colds and fever. After massive efforts, the government established a settlement for the Birhor community in Beharakhar village and named it as Shankar Nagar. It's worth mentioning that the Birhor people are referred to as adopted children of the President of India. "As many as 24 families of the Birhor tribe residing at the village Beharakhar and I have been serving them for the last 22 years. The state government wants to link them with the mainstream of development. Earlier, when the team visited their settlements to undertake vaccination campaigns, these people used to hide. With constant efforts, the situation changed significantly, and now they are availing the healthcare facilities in hospitals," said Kunkuri ANM Prabha Ekka. Now, the situation significantly changed, and as soon as women get pregnant, they inform Mitanin about it and also visit the hospital for checkups as well as vaccination, she added. Extending gratitude to the Chhattisgarh Government, Anita, a woman belonging to the Birhor community, informed that their tribe is now availing the benefit of healthcare facilities being offered at health centres. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated the Sri Vishweshathirtha Memorial Hospital built by Sri Krishna Sevashrama Trust in Marathahalli in Bengaluru. Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Shah said that the Vishweshathirtha Memorial Hospital inaugurated here will be the new centre of "affordable healthcare." This hospital has 150 beds with 60 per cent of its beds reserved for the poor class people with multispecialty facilities like CT Scan, MRI, Dialysis and Ultrasound. The Union Minister said, "Today the world famous Udupi Mutt, related to Madhavacharya is moving forward in its way to serve people by inaugurating this Vishweshathirtha Memorial Hospital. I am happy that this modern center of free treatment for the poor, in the heart of Bengaluru, the central part of Karnataka, will serve the people for years." Shah also congratulated all the people associated with the mutt after inauguration of Vishweshathirtha Memorial Hospital. "For this, I want to congratulate all the people of the mutt. Today, the inauguration of Vishweshathirtha Memorial Hospital made on 2-acre land with the help of funds of Rs 60 crores, with 150 beds of multispecialty hospital will become the centre of 'affordable healthcare'. In this hospital, 60 per cent beds have been reserved for poor. This project of serving poor patients with a cross subsidization has been combined with many facilities like CT Scan, MRI, Dialysis, Ultrasound. So, a very good service will be given to poor patients under the same roof," he stated. Hailing the trust for its welfare works, the Union Minister expressed his faith that they would always work for the welfare of the poor people. Shah said, "Sri Krishna Seva Ashram Trust has always worked for the welfare of poor people. This trust was established by Shraddhe Vishwe Swami Ji and now it's been carried forward by his successor Vishwa Prasang Tirth Swami Ji. I have faith that this trust will always work for the welfare of the poor." (ANI) After Karnataka government presented its budget, Congress MLA Ajay Singh on Friday called it the "pro-people, pro-poor, pro-farmer" and "historical" budget, adding that this budget focuses not just on one community rather it aims for overall development. Speaking to reporters, the Congress MLA stated that for the first time ever the budget has crossed the amount of Rs 4 lakh crores. Hailing the state's contribution towards the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Singh asserted that Karnataka contributes around 8.4 per cent in the national GDP. "This is the historical budget. CM Siddaramaiah has presented 16th Budget. It's almost Rs Rs 4,09,549 crores. So, this is the first time it has ever crossed Rs 4 lakh crores. The contribution towards the country's GDP is 8.4 per cent. The growth of the national GDP is 6.4 per cent whereas our state's growth is 7.4 per cent. We have implemented all the guarantees and we are ensuring there is development," Ajay Singh told reporters. The Congress MLA also pointed out that in this financial year, the government's revenue would focus on infrastructure, education, health and development of the state, with focus on Kalyan Karnataka region. He said, "This time there is enough money for the roads, where you are looking at Kalyana Patha and Kalyan Karnataka region whereas Pragati Patha also for the entire state... If you are looking at the PWD, Education Department, Health Department or when you are talking about Kalyan Karnataka region, this time we have almost Rs 5,000 crores. In the past 21 months, the Karnataka government has given a contribution of almost Rs 13,000 crores... When we are talking about schools, roads, buildings..." Reacting to the BJP's allegations of "minority appeasement," Singh highlighted the amount of funds allocated for the development of SCs and STs community claiming that it's been "highest" and asserted that the state government focuses on overall development. Singh stated, "This time the amount of money, outlaid for SC/ST has highest been ever, it's almost Rs 42,000 crores. Rs 29, 992 crores have been outlaid for the SC department while almost Rs 12, 016 crores have outlaid. It has also previously done by Siddaramaiah government. It is not about one community; we are looking for an overall development. This is pro-people, pro-poor, pro-farmer budget." Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge also praised the Budget saying the state government has adopted a people centered development model. "Karnataka has demonstrated its position as one of the progressive states of the country by being at the forefront in many fields, This budget for 2025-26 has emerged as a compass for the glorious future of Karnataka, Our government, which has adopted a people-centered development model, is making strides in achieving economic sustainability through social empowerment. The Karnataka model of promoting social and economic progress has gained recognition not only in the country but also globally. This budget, which emphasizes comprehensive development that includes everyone and all sectors, will lead to a surge in Karnataka's progress," he said Earlier today, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah presented the state budget in the Legislative Assembly. While presenting the Budget, CM Siddaramaiah claimed that the state government has maintained fiscal deficit of the state for the financial year 2025-26. The state Budget 2025-26 has also given specific focus to minorities. To provide formal education along with religious education in madrasas, computers, smart boards and other necessary basic facilities will be provided to the students to prepare them for writing SSLC examination through NIOS. (ANI) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday confirmed that 4 per cent of public works contracts will now be reserved for Muslims under a category called Category-II B, while presenting Karnataka government's Budget. Reservation will be provided in the procurement of goods and services under various government departments, corporations, and institutions for suppliers belonging to SC, ST, Category-I, Category-II A, and Category-II B, up to Rs 1 crore, in which Category-II B refers to Muslims. BJP leader Amit Malviya strongly opposed the decision, saying it undermines the rights of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) as laid out in the Indian Constitution by Ambedkar. Malviya argued that providing reservations based on religion is unconstitutional and that such measures should not be allowed. He added that the Congress party's actions were a part of their broader strategy to undermine the rights of these communities, as enshrined in India's Constitution. BJP has accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of presenting a "Halal Budget," labelling it as a form of appeasement at its peak. The party criticised the Budget for focusing heavily on provisions aimed at benefiting the Muslim community, while overlooking the needs of other marginalised groups such as SCs, STs, and OBCs. The BJP has termed it a "scam" and accused the Congress of playing vote-bank politics with the state's resources. https://x.com/BJP4Karnataka/status/1897912768931729854 Taking to X BJP Karnataka mentioned the benefits given to the Muslim community: "The Budget includes, reservation for Muslims in government contracts, Rs 50,000 assistance for Muslim simple weddings, Rs 150 crore for infrastructure development of Waqf properties and graveyards, Rs 50 lakh for Muslim cultural programmes, New ITI college to be set up in Muslim-dominated areas, 50 per cent fee concession for Muslim students under KEA, Residential PU college for Muslim girls in Ullal town, Increase in national and foreign scholarships for Muslim student, expansion of Bengaluru's Haj Bhavan with additional buildings, self-defense training for Muslim girl students." "What about SCs, STs, and OBCs? Absolutely nothing!" they added. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government over the Budget presented on Friday. Bhandari called this Budget a "modern Muslim League" Budget, claiming that the Karnataka government is running the government similar to how Muhammad Ali Jinnah had run the government in Pakistan. Congress leader Ajay Singh praised the Karnataka Budget, calling it a "historical Budget." He noted that this was Siddaramaiah's 16th Budget, with an impressive allocation of Rs. 4,09,549 crore, the first time the Budget crossed the 4 lakh mark. Singh emphasised that all the guarantees made by the government are being implemented, ensuring growth and development. "We have the funds, and we are focusing on infrastructure, particularly roads." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the Budget claiming that the state government has maintained fiscal deficit of the state for the financial year 2025-26. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth Rs 2,587 crore for the UT at Silvassa of Dadra and Nagar Haveli on Friday. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the first phase of the NAMO Hospital. Meanwhile, UT Dadra-Nagar Haveli administrator Praful K Patel felicitated PM Modi at the event to mark the inauguration and foundation-laying of several development projects. Thereafter, he will travel to Surat and at around 5 pm, he will launch the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign. According to the PMO statement, the Prime Minister will travel to Navsari on March 8. At around 11:30 am, he will interact with Lakhpati Didis, followed by a public function that will witness the launch of various schemes. The Prime Minister has been focusing on boosting healthcare facilities in all corners of the country in the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. In line with this, he will inaugurate NAMO Hospital (Phase I) in Silvassa. This 450-bed hospital, built at a cost of over Rs 460 crore, will significantly strengthen healthcare services in the Union Territory and provide state-of-the-art medical care to the region's people, especially the tribal communities. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects for the UT worth over Rs 2580 crore at Silvassa. These include various village roads and other road infrastructure, schools, health and wellness centres, Panchayat and administrative buildings, Anganwadi centres, water supply and sewage infrastructure. These projects aim to improve connectivity, promote industrial growth, encourage tourism, create employment opportunities and enhance regional public welfare initiatives. As per the statement, the Prime Minister will distribute appointment letters under Rozgar Mela and benefits to the beneficiaries under PM Awas Yojana- Urban, Gir Adarsh Aajeevika Yojana, and Sylvan Didi scheme. Gir Adarsh Aajeevika Yojana aims to boost the economic empowerment of women belonging to scheduled castes (SCs), scheduled tribes (STs), other backward classes (OBCs), minorities and divyangjan in the region by setting up small dairy farms and bringing social and economic changes in their lives. The Sylvan Didi scheme is an initiative to uplift women street vendors by providing them with aesthetically designed carts, with co-funding from the PM SVANIDHI scheme. Similarly, on March 7th, he will inaugurate the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme in Limbayat, Gujarat, and disburse benefits under the National Food Security Act to approximately 2.3 lakh beneficiaries. The statement said the Prime Minister will launch the Gujarat scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods (G-SAFAL) and the G-MAITRI (Gujarat Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income) program of the Government of Gujarat. The G-MAITRI scheme will provide financial assistance and handholding support to Startups that are working to create a conducive environment for rural livelihoods. G-SAFAL will provide financial assistance and entrepreneurial training to SHG women of Antyodaya families in two Aspirational districts and thirteen Aspirational Blocks of Gujarat. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Friday refused to impose the status quo on the Dharavi Redevelopment project on Friday while hearing a plea filed by Dubai-based SecLink Technologies challenging the Maharashtra government's award of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project to the Adani Group. A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar noted that the project has already commenced after Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Adani Group, submitted that significant funds have been invested and over 2,000 workers have been employed in the Asiad project. However, the Court agreed to examine SecLinks' plea and issued notices to the Maharashtra government and the Adani Group. In December 2024, the Bombay High Court upheld the project awarded to the Adani Group under a new tender, asserting that the state authority responsible for issuing the tender was best suited to assess its requirements. The High Court also dismissed SecLink's claims, noting that the company's grounds presented lacked merit. The initial tender, awarded to SecLink, was later cancelled, and in October 2022, a new tender was issued, in which the Adani Group was allegedly selected as the highest bidder. SecLink argues that the 2022 tender was designed to exclude its participation. The Maharashtra government issued a fresh tender in 2022 in view of its decision to incorporate railway land in the project. Today, the Supreme Court agreed with the Bombay High Court that the development of railway land has now been included in the project. The top court, however, noted SecLink's submission that certain conditions in the new tender were tweaked to exclude their participation and stated that it would examine the matter. SecLink Technologies contends that it was unfairly excluded from the bidding process, despite being the highest bidder in the original 2019 tender issued by the Maharashtra government. Today, when the matter came up before the top bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, the counsel representing Seclink stated that it would increase its Rs 7,200 crores offer by 20 pc, increasing it to Rs 8,640 crores. The Court asked SecLink to file an affidavit in this regard and listed the matter to be heard next on May 25. Further, the Court noted that SecLink should also fulfill all other obligations besides the bidding amount while participating in the offer. The Court also directed Adani Group to ensure that all payments for the development of the project are made through a single escrow account with all formalities. Senior Advocate Aryama Sundaram appeared for SecLink Technologies, meanwhile Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for Adani Group. Solicitor General of India (SGI) Tushar Mehta represented the State of Maharashtra. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned the hearing adjourned for for April 4, of the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) plea, seeking to transfer the trial against separatist leader Yasin Malik and other co-accused in two cases from Jammu and Kashmir to Delhi. Yasin Malik, lodged in Tihar Jail, was present before the Supreme Court through video-conferencing. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan deferred the hearing after the CBI sought adjournment as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was not available. During the hearing, Malik appeared before the bench through videoconferencing and requested that the court postpone the matter until after Ramzan, which the apex court agreed to. The bench said Malik was to remain present before it through video-conferencing on April 4. The top court, on the last date of hearing, had directed Malik to appear before it via videoconferencing on March 7, the last day of the hearing. Earlier, the apex court had directed the Registrar General of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court to ensure proper videoconferencing facilities at a special court in Jammu where Malik's trial will take place. It had also directed the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court to ensure proper video conferencing facilities at Tihar jail, where Malik is lodged in connection with another case. The apex court was hearing a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking the transfer of the trials in the 1989 Rubaiya Sayeed kidnapping and the 1990 Srinagar shootout cases from Jammu to New Delhi. CBI also challenged the order of the Additional Sessions Judge, Jammu (TADA/POTA), passed on September 20 and September 21, issuing a production warrant against Malik in two different cases. A Jammu Court had sought Malik's physical appearance for the cross-examination of witnesses in relation to the killing of four IAF personnel and the abduction of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, in 1989. The apex court had stayed the order of the Jammu court in April 2023. Last December 18, the apex court gave the six accused two weeks' time to respond to the CBI's plea to transfer the trials of the cases. The apex court had said that all the accused had to be heard if the trial was to be transferred. It had earlier suggested setting up a makeshift courtroom in jail to conduct trials against terror convict Malik in two cases and remarked that Ajmal Kasab was also given an opportunity for a fair trial. The Jammu court has been hearing the 1989 Rubaiya Sayeed kidnapping and the 1990 Srinagar shootout cases involving jailed JKLF chief Yasin Malik and others. He has been lodged in Tihar jail after a special NIA court sentenced him in May 2023 in a terror-funding case. (ANI) ED said its Gurugram office arrested Bhalla a day ago for custodial interrogation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) provisions. Bhalla was produced before a special PMLA court in Gurugram, which granted his six-day ED custody. During investigations, ED said, it was revealed that after promising assured returns in exchange for their investment against plot and commercial space, the funds were diverted and siphoned off to several shell companies to acquire lands at various locations. "Investigations have also revealed that hundreds of crores were also diverted abroad to suspicious entities in Singapore whose beneficial ownership is with family members of Ashish Bhalla," claimed the ED. Further, the ED said that its investigation has revealed that WTC group had collected more than Rs 3,000 crore from various investors across several states, such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Ahmadabad, and Punjab. Earlier, ED had conducted search operations on February 27, 2024, during which Bhalla remained absconding and induced key persons against cooperating with the investigation. "Bhalla remained absconding for several days in an attempt to frustrate proceedings under PMLA." "It was revealed that he is a key beneficiary and mastermind of the fraudulent activities of the group and has made unlawful gains through the scheme," said the federal agency. (ANI) The opposition BJP has protested the State budget presented on Friday by CM Siddaramaih dubbing it a ' Halal' budget and accusing the state of appeasemnt, Now, Karnataka, minister Priyank Kharge has hit back and said that the BJP has run out of ideas and its leadership is incompetent. Kharge said that the state is currently number two in forex direct investment, so is that also the so-called 'halal budget'? Furthermore, Priyank Kharge stated that the BJP people are talking nonsense, due to which they are incompetent. He added that the opposition is unable to decipher the budget themselves due to which they are doing such things. "The (BJP) are running out of ideas. This leadership of BJP is incompetent, and that's why they're saying that. Karnataka is number two in forex direct investment. So, that's also the 'halal budget' that is coming in. What nonsense are these people doing? They're incompetent. They are unable to decipher the budget for themselves. So, they are doing all these things...", Priyank Kharge said while speaking to ANI on Friday. Congress leader Ajay Singh praised the Karnataka Budget, calling it a "historical Budget." He noted that this was Siddaramaiah's 16th Budget, with an impressive allocation of Rs. 4,09,549 crore, the first time the Budget crossed the 4 lakh mark. Singh emphasised that all the guarantees made by the government are being implemented, ensuring growth and development. "We have the funds, and we are focusing on infrastructure, particularly roads." The BJP has termed the budget a "scam" and accused the Congress of playing vote-bank politics with the state's resources. Taking to X BJP Karnataka mentioned the benefits given to the Muslim community: "The Budget includes, reservation for Muslims in government contracts, Rs 50,000 assistance for Muslim simple weddings, Rs 150 crore for infrastructure development of Waqf properties and graveyards, Rs 50 lakh for Muslim cultural programmes, New ITI college to be set up in Muslim-dominated areas, 50 per cent fee concession for Muslim students under KEA, Residential PU college for Muslim girls in Ullal town, Increase in national and foreign scholarships for Muslim student, expansion of Bengaluru's Haj Bhavan with additional buildings, self-defense training for Muslim girl students." Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the Budget claiming that the state government has maintained fiscal deficit of the state for the financial year 2025-26. (ANI) Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday defended his government's budget, saying that the opposition BJP is willfully ignoring the good work being done. Rao said that the budget was "very balanced" and highlighted the attention given to all departments, with a special focus on healthcare. "They (BJP) cannot look at the good work that we are doing, and it's a very balanced budget... We have done everything possible. Development is also being looked into. All departments have received attention, and my health department has received tremendous attention. We are building new hospitals. We are coming out with a program for maternal deaths, and so many other important issues have been addressed," Rao told reporters. The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised the Karnataka government Budget presented today, calling it a "Halal Budget" and claiming that it was for the "appeasement" of minorities. The BJP highlighted the provisions of the Budget, which "mainly" focus on the welfare of the minorities. "Scam CM @siddaramaiah in Karnataka presents a Halal Budget--appeasement at its peak! Reservation for Muslims in government contracts. Rs50,000 assistance for Muslim simple marriages. Rs150 crore for infrastructure development of Waqf properties & graveyards. Rs 50 lakh for Muslim cultural programs. New ITI college to be set up in Muslim-dominated areas. 50% fee concession for Muslim students under KEA. Residential PU college for Muslim girls in Ullal town. Increase in National & Foreign Scholarships for Muslim students. Expansion of Bengaluru's Haj Bhavan with additional buildings. Self-defense training for Muslim girl students. What about SCs, STs, and OBCs? Absolutely nothing!" BJP Karnataka posted on X. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while presenting the Budget, claimed that the state government maintained its fiscal deficit for the financial year 2025-26. The total expenditure estimated for the financial year 2025-26 is Rs.4,09,549 crores, which includes revenue expenditure of Rs. 3,11,739 crores, capital botem expenditure of Rs. 71,336 crores and loan repayment of Rs. 26,474 crores. According to the Karnataka government's Budget, for the financial year 2025-26, revenue deficit is estimated to be Rs. 19,262 crores, which is 0.63 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Fiscal Deficit is estimated to be Rs. 90,428 crores, which is 2.95 per cent of GSDP. Total liabilities at the end of 2025-26 are estimated to be Rs. 7,64,655 crores, which is 24.91 per cent of GSDP. The Karnataka government has given priority to basic infrastructure in Bengaluru city in this budget and announced measures to battle traffic congestion in the city. In this budget, the yearly grant of Rs. 3,000 crores that was being provided to Bengaluru City has been enhanced to Rs 7,000 crores in the current year. Additionally, a new Special Purpose Vehicle will be established to utilise these grants and implement major developmental works on priority. According to the Budget, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has yielded an additional revenue of Rs. 4,556 crores through various reforms and substantially increasing property tax collection. The government has guaranteed Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Rs. 19,000 crores for undertaking the North-South and East-West Corridors (tunnels) at a cost of Rs. 40,000 crores. To mitigate vehicular congestion and ensure the smooth movement of traffic on Bengaluru's major roads, a 40.5 km double-decker flyover will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 8,916 crores along with the Namma Metro Phase 3 Project. The state Budget 2025-26 has also given specific focus to minorities. To provide formal education along with religious education in madrasas, computers, smart boards, and other necessary basic facilities will be provided to the students to prepare them for writing the SSLC examination through NIOS. Minority youth will be encouraged to launch new start-ups through the Karnataka Minority Development Corporation. For the repair and renovation of Waqf properties and for providing infrastructure and protection of Muslim burial grounds, an amount of Rs. 150 crores has been provided. The Karnataka CM also confirmed that 4 per cent of public works contracts will now be reserved for Muslims under a category called Category-II B while presenting the Karnataka government's Budget. Reservation will be provided in the procurement of goods and services under various government departments, corporations, and institutions for suppliers belonging to SC, ST, Category-I, Category-II A, and Category-II B, up to Rs 1 crore, in which Category-II B refers to Muslims. A Sannati Development Authority will be established in the ancient Buddhist centre of Sannati in the Chittapura taluka of the Kalaburgi district. The honorarium given to Jain priests, Chief Grantis of Sikhs and Pesh-Imams of mosques will be enhanced to Rs 6,000 per month. The honorarium given to Assistant Granti and Muezzin has been increased to Rs 5,000 per month. The Budget Session of the Karnataka Assembly commenced on March 3. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Friday posted for hearing on April 22 a batch of pleas seeking inquiry into the allegations of the government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus for snooping. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Centre, told a bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotishwar Singh that the matter came after a long time and urged to hear it in April. The bench then posted the case for hearing on April 22. The top court had constituted technical committee and overseeing committee, on the alleged use of Pegasus spyware to snoop on phones of politicians, activists and journalists. The apex court had appointed a committee headed by a former top court judge to look into Pegasus's snooping allegations. The committee, headed by Justice (retd.) Raveendran was tasked to oversee the functioning of the technical committee and was assisted by Alok Joshi, former IPS officer and Dr. Sundeep Oberoi, Chairman, Sub-Committee in (International Organisation of Standardisation/International Electro-Technical Commission/Joint Technical Committee). The three members of the technical committee consisted Dr Naveen Kumar Chaudhary, Professor (Cyber Security and Digital Forensics) and Dean, National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat; Dr Prabaharan P, Professor (School of Engineering), Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Kerala; and Dr Ashwin Anil Gumaste, Institute Chair Associate Professor (Computer Science and Engineering), Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Maharashtra. In its report, the committee concluded that spyware was not found in the 29 mobile phones it examined, but malware was found in five mobile phones. The three-member technical committee stated that malware was found in five out of 29 mobile phones, but there is no conclusive proof of Pegasus spyware. The technical committee and overseeing committee had informed the bench that the government of India did not cooperate in its probe. Reports contain information about malware, information of public research material, and material extracted from private mobile instruments, which may contain confidential information, the Committee said. The top court had said that in a democratic country governed by the rule of law, "indiscriminate spying on individuals cannot be allowed" and ordered the three-member committee, headed by former top court judge RV Raveendran. Several pleas were filed before the top court on the snooping row by senior journalists N Ram and Sashi Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas of the Communist Marxist Party of India (Marxist), advocate ML Sharma, former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, and RSS ideologue KN Govindacharya. Journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, SNM Abdi, Prem Shankar Jha, Rupesh Kumar Singh and Ipsa Shatakshi, who are reported to be on the potential list of snoop targets of Pegasus spyware, had also approached the top court along with The Editors Guild of India (EGI), among others. The pleas had sought inquiry headed by a sitting or retired judge of top court to investigate into the alleged snooping. The petition had said that the targeted surveillance using military-grade spyware is an unacceptable violation of the right to privacy, which has been held to be a fundamental right under Articles 14, 19 and 21 by the Supreme Court in the KS Puttaswamy case. (ANI) Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday criticised the handling of the Waqf Amendment Bill and alleged that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) process failed to uphold democratic norms. Jairam Ramesh accused the committee of bypassing a clause-by-clause discussion and ignoring dissenting voices from opposition MPs and alleged that the Waqf Amendment Bill was "bulldozed" through the JPC. Speaking to ANI, the Congress leader said, "Usually, the budget session is fairly well-structured. In the first part of the budget session, we have the presentation of the budget, of course, and the President's address, the motion of thanks, all that is over. Now, we come to the second phase. In the second phase, we usually take up four to five ministries and discuss demands for grants. We identified a couple of ministries in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha--education, social justice empowerment, railways, and health. They will be discussed in both the houses." "The biggest controversy in the budget session, the second part, is going to be the Waqf Amendment Bill, which was bulldozed through the JPC. The JPC ignored all the comments made by the opposition members of Parliament in the JPC. They selectively invited people to give evidence to the JPC," said Jairam Ramesh. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh further criticised the handling of the Waqf Amendment Bill, alleging that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) process failed to uphold democratic norms. He accused the committee of bypassing a clause-by-clause discussion and ignoring dissenting voices from opposition MPs. "The JPC was conducted in a manner that did not do justice to the democratic processes. Usually when a bill is referred to a Standing Committee, the Select Committee or the JPC, there is a clause-by-clause discussion on the bill. The report is also presented clause-by-clause. That didn't happen. There was no clause-by clause discussion on the JPC," he said. He further alleged that dissent notes and suggestions from opposition members were completely disregarded. "I don't think in the last 70-75 years of the parliament, including its provision, I don't think any bill has been passed without going through a clause-by-clause analysis in the JPC. The dissent notes were ignored, and the comments and suggestions made by the opposition MPs were ignored. The Congress and all other parties that make the INDIA alliance will oppose this bill. There is no question of supporting this bill. The content of the bill is separate but the manner in which the bill was bulldozed through the JPC," said Ramesh. The Congress leader also slammed the BJP-led Centre for avoiding discussions on key foreign policy challenges, including Indo-US relations, China's border tensions, and the treatment of Indian citizens abroad. He accused the ruling party of refusing to engage in a serious parliamentary debate on these pressing matters. "There are important issues in Indo-US relations that we raised in the last session. The way Indian citizens were handcuffed, chained, and deported from America, and the threats President Trump is making against his so-called 'great friend'--if you see the reality, we are being threatened," Ramesh said. He also highlighted concerns over China, stating that Parliament has not held a meaningful discussion on Indo-China relations or the ongoing border challenges and said, "We have been demanding an all-party meeting on China. There were one or two such meetings, including one in Bangladesh, but they were not led by the Prime Minister. Instead, they were handled by the Home Minister and the External Affairs Minister." Ramesh further alleged that these ministers were acting under the influence of a "master puppeteer," suggesting centralised control over key decisions. (ANI) Hong Kong sees 'super connector' in China's fisheries modernization, global cooperation: CPPCC member 09:49, March 07, 2025 By Chen Qingrui ( Global Times An aerial photo taken on Oct. 19, 2024, shows a fishing port in Lingao County, south China's Hainan Province. Fishermen here are busy unloading and processing seafood in harvest season. These fresh catches, apart from meeting local demand, will also be marketed nationwide via cold-chain logistics. (Photo/Xinhua) "What our country needs is exactly what Hong Kong excels at," Dr. Henry Tan, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said to the Global Times on Thursday when discussing Hong Kong's strengths in the fisheries sector. He highlighted that Hong Kong is confident in leveraging its unique strengths in fisheries modernization, industrial upgrading, and international cooperation as a "super connector," driving sustainable fisheries development and contributing to China's national fisheries strategy. Tan, who is also a vice Chairman and CEO of Luen Thai Group, made these remarks during the "two sessions," emphasizing that the passage of China's Fisheries Law amendment will enhance the regulation of Hong Kong and Macao SARs' fisheries sector while allowing Hong Kong to fully leverage its international advantages. Proposals to strengthen fisheries' cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong have been a recurring topic at recent years' "two sessions," highlighting ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize the industry. Both sides have continued to enhance collaboration, seeking policy support and new growth opportunities to drive the sector's sustainable development. Tan's proposal seeks to expand the applicability of China's Fisheries Law and the Regulations on the Administration of Distant-Water Fisheries to include Hong Kong and Macao residents holding Chinese nationality and legal entities wholly owned by them, enabling these residents to legally participate in China's distant-water fisheries. The proposals also seek central government support for Hong Kong's fisheries' upgrading and transformation, fostering new growth drivers for the sector and integrating it into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, encouraging Hong Kong fishermen to expand into distant-water fisheries. Tan said that Hong Kong's extensive international networks in the fisheries sector give it a natural advantage in advancing China's global fisheries cooperation. Integrating Hong Kong's and Macao's fishing vessels and fishermen into the national fisheries management system would not only support the industry's internationalization but also offer new perspectives and channels for marine economic development and fisheries governance, according to Tan. Tan highlighted Hong Kong's role as one of China's most internationalized cities, maintaining strong global connections. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong has forged enduring partnerships with Southeast Asia and Pacific Island nations, further strengthening its position in global trade and cooperation. With extensive experience in distant-water fisheries, Hong Kong also benefits from its fishermen's strong language skills, strengthening China's global presence, Tan said. "This global adaptability gives Hong Kong a competitive edge in fisheries cooperation, resource development and market expansion." He expressed his hope that Hong Kong would leverage national support to deepen its integration into the international fisheries management system and support global sustainable fisheries development. Under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, Hong Kong will continue to benefit from its close ties with the Chinese mainland. The expansion of national fisheries strategies will create new opportunities that require Hong Kong's active participation. He said that closer Hong Kong- Chinese mainland fisheries cooperation would create more opportunities for fishermen and expand industry chains, such as cultivating new aquatic species. With China's rapid advances in aquaculture and breeding technology, Hong Kong enterprises and research institutions can support resource development and industrial upgrading, fostering industry wide innovation, Tan noted. Tan highlighted the role of Hong Kong and Macao fishermen in China's fisheries modernization, emphasizing that joining the national distant-water fishing fleet offers greater security and reduces risks. He noted that Hong Kong can contribute to fisheries technology, regulation, and sustainability. The Hong Kong Productivity Council is developing an intelligent vessel monitoring system with tracking and surveillance features to enhance safety, potentially benefiting mainland fisheries, according to Tan. "For deep-sea fishing, stronger lines are needed for operations at 300-400 meters," Tan said, noting that Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel is working with mainland firms. While Hong Kong excels in research, its lack of manufacturing hinders practical application. "Closer integration with the mainland will drive fisheries innovation," Tan added. In 2024, China's total aquatic product output reached 73.66 million tons, marking a 3.5 percent year-on-year increase. Aquaculture production made up 60.62 million tons, up 4.3 percent, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted the significance of healthcare projects and emphasised that Jan Aushadhi ensured affordable treatment. "Jan Aushadhi ensures affordable treatment. Under this initiative, the government is providing quality hospitals, free treatment under Ayushman Bharat, and affordable medicines through Jan Aushadhi centers. More than 15,000 Jan Aushadhi centers across the country offer medicines at up to 80 per cent lower prices. Around 40 Jan Aushadhi centers are benefiting the people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu," PM Modi said, addressing the gathering in Silvassa. PM Modi said that the government aims to open 25,000 Jan Aushadhi centers nationwide in the future. "Since the launch of this initiative, nearly Rs 6,500 crore worth of affordable medicines have been provided to the needy, saving over Rs 30,000 crore for the poor and middle class. This initiative has made the treatment of several critical diseases more affordable, demonstrating the government's sensitivity to the needs of ordinary citizens," he added. PM Modi highlighted the rapid industrial growth in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu over the past decade. "With the launch of the Mission Manufacturing initiative in the recent budget, the region is poised to benefit significantly," he said. The Prime Minister said that hundreds of new industries have started, and several existing industries have expanded, attracting thousands of crores in investment. "These industries are providing large-scale employment opportunities, especially for the tribal community, women, and marginalized groups. The Gir Adarsh Jeevika Yojana has been implemented to empower SC, ST, OBC, and women, while new self-employment opportunities have been created with the establishment of small dairy farms," PM Modi added. He further underscored that tourism has also emerged as a major source of employment. "The region's beaches and rich heritage are attracting tourists from both India and abroad. Developments like the Ram Setu, Namo Path, Tent City in Daman, and the popular Night Market are enhancing the region's appeal," he said. PM Modi stated that a large bird sanctuary has been established and that plans for an eco-resort in Dudhani are underway. Coastal promenade and beach development work is being carried out in Diu. "The Diu Beach Games in 2024 boosted interest in beach sports, and the Blue Flag certification has made the Ghoghla Beach in Diu a popular tourist destination. Additionally, a cable car project is being developed in Diu, offering spectacular views of the Arabian Sea, making the region one of India's top tourist destinations", he said. Highlighting the significant connectivity improvements in Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Daman, and Diu, PM Modi said a bullet train station is being built near Dadra, and the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway passes through Silvassa. "Over the past few years, several kilometers of new roads have been constructed, with over 500 kilometers of road work currently underway, involving investments worth thousands of crores. The region is also benefiting from the UDAN scheme, and the local airport is being upgraded to enhance connectivity. The government is committed to ensuring comprehensive development and improving infrastructure in the region", PM Modi said. The Prime Minister expressed his happiness that Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu are becoming models of development, good governance, and ease of living. He pointed out that in the past, people had to visit government offices repeatedly to resolve their issues, but now, most government-related tasks can be completed with just one click on their mobile phones. "This new approach has greatly benefited the tribal areas that were neglected for decades. Special camps are being organized in villages to listen to people's problems and resolve them on the spot," he said. The Prime Minister congratulated Praful Patel and his team on their efforts and assured the people that the government would continue working towards the region's development. "I congratulate the people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu for the successful development projects launched today. I express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome, affection, and respect shown by the citizens of the Union Territory", the Prime Minister said. He highlighted the progress the region has made since his government came to power in 2014, transforming the potential of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu into a modern and progressive identity. "The natural beauty of Silvassa and the love of its people, as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, you all know how long my connection with you has been. This decades-old bond, the joy I feel when I come here, only you and I understand it", PM Modi added. PM Modi launched various development works worth over Rs 2580 crore in Silvassa, Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu today. He also inaugurated the Namo Hospital in Silvassa earlier to the event. (ANI) The Supreme Court granted interim bail to MLA Abbas Ansari in the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986, case on Friday, while also imposing certain conditions on the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party leader. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh directed that Ansari must stay at his official accommodation in Lucknow and seek prior permission from the District Administration and the trial court (Chitrakoot Sessions Court) before visiting his constituency. Further, the Court directed that Ansari cannot leave Uttar Pradesh without the trial court's permission. Moreover, the Court also directed that Ansari must not make any public statements about ongoing cases before the Court. However, the Court clarified that Ansari's right to defend himself in these cases should remain unaffected. The top court also directed that Ansari must appear before the trial court whenever required. After hearing the parties, the SC listed the matter after six weeks and directed that a status report be filed on the UP police's conduct with Ansari. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for Ansari, submitted that his client has been in jail for one reason or another and has been granted bail in other cases registered against him. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Nataraj opposed Ansari's bail plea and submitted that if released on bail, Ansari would influence witnesses and tamper with the evidence. After considering the submissions and noting the prosecution's apprehension that Ansari could threaten witnesses, the Court released him on interim bail with certain restrictions. The Court also noted that Ansari's conduct while he was on bail could be evaluated. Last month, the Supreme Court asked the UP Police to submit a status report on Ansari's probe and directed it to expedite it. Ansari, an MLA from UP's Mau constituency, was booked in August last year under the provisions of the UP Gangsters Act for allegedly forming a gang to extort money from people and for other unlawful financial gains. In December, the Allahabad High Court refused to grant bail to Ansari by observing that there were various cases registered against him and there were chances of him tampering with the evidence. He had moved the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court's decision. (ANI) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan paid a courtesy visit to Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Friday. The Union Minister was in the city to inaugurate a new student residence at Xavier Institute of Management (XIM) University. "Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, called on me at the Raj Bhavan. @dpradhanbjp," Governor Kambhampati wrote in a post on X. https://x.com/DrHariBabuK/status/1897912133343474026 While inaugurating the student residence at XIM University, Union Minister Pradhan praised the institution's "illustrious legacy" and expressed confidence that the new facility would further enhance it. "Delighted to inaugurate a new Student Residence at XIM, Bhubaneswar. Congratulate the @ximb_official family, particularly my dear students on the addition of a significant facility in their pursuit of knowledge," Pradhan wrote in a post on X. "XIMB has an illustrious legacy. I am confident that the Student Residence inaugurated today will further add to the enduring legacy of the institute," he added. While addressing the programme for the inauguration of the Students Residence at the University, Pradhan expressed the need for the National Education Policy 2020. "We must implement the National Education Policy in letter and spirit in total, because this NEP is going to create global leaders. This document is not only for India. When Prime Minister Modi presided over G20 last year, he envisioned a new forum of Global South, what does global south mean? It means that all other emerging economies of the world, PM Modi brought them to a common platform, that is global south. We have to take care of it, we have to think about their future, livelihood, food security, status," Pradhan told during his speech. Mentioning that there is a need to push education towards a multi-disciplinary approach, he added, "Then, we have to implement NEP, this NEP document, education has to be multi-disciplinary, has to be more and flexible." (ANI) Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday interacted with the crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama II on the eve of International Women's Day and said that their courageous journey aboard INSV Tarini, tackling the immense challenge of circumnavigating the globe, "stands as a beacon of Nari Shakti." "On the eve of International Women's Day, I interacted with the amazing Navika Sagar Parikrama II crew. Their courageous journey aboard INSV Tarini, tackling the immense challenge of circumnavigating the globe, stands as a beacon of Nari Shakti. Their unwavering resilience, calm demeanor, and meticulous approach during extended periods of harsh maritime conditions while traversing thousands of nautical miles exemplify the exceptional capabilities of women today," Rajnath Singh posted on X. "As a proud Nation, we celebrate their unparalleled achievements and extend our heartfelt wishes for the successful completion of this remarkable expedition," he added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat and will travel to the Navsari district on March 8, coinciding with International Women's Day. Under the Prime Minister's leadership, 'Lakhpati Didi Sammelan' will be held at Vansi-Borsi in Navsari. During the event, he will disburse over Rs 450 crore in financial assistance to more than 2.5 lakh women from over 25,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state, according to an official release. To promote women's entrepreneurship and financial empowerment across the country, PM Modi launched the 'Lakhpati Didi Yojana' on August 15, 2023. Under this initiative, women members of self-help groups who earn Rs 10,000 or more per month and have an annual income of at least Rs 1 lakh through various sources, such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and small industries, are recognized as 'Lakhpati Didis.' International Women's Day is celebrated worldwide every year on March 8 to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe. (ANI) The Delhi cabinet is likely to meet on March 8 regarding the proposed Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, which would provide financial assistance worth Rs 2,5000 to women residing in the national capital, sources said on Friday. According to sources, the government is expected to announce the scheme at an event tomorrow. This comes after Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi MLA Gopal Rai criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday for not fulfilling the promises made prior to Assembly elections and urging the Delhi government to implement the financial aid scheme of giving Rs 2,500 per month to the women of Delhi, also called the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana. "Before elections, BJP had promised, so the people of Delhi want the budget to be prepared based on that. The first guarantee was to give women of Delhi Rs 2,500, and they had said that by 8th March, women would get the financial aid in their accounts," Gopal Rai told ANI. Addressing Women Power for Viksit Bharat 2047 on the occasion of International Women's Day celebrations, CM Rekha Gupta says, "Our nation has progressed in 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'... We are on the third phase - 'Beti Badhao' and we all need to work on this... Today, symbolism does not work, but women actually are representatives, present the budget, handle foreign departments, protect the nation, and have made a major space in every field for themselves..." Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the budget of Delhi will fulfil the expectations of people and for this purpose, she will meet women, families, youth and professionals from different sectors. "We will fulfil all the promises we have mentioned in our manifesto, whether it is the scheme for all women or a cylinder. Nobody has to remind us that our agenda will carry on, not theirs (AAP)" CM Gupta said. Meanwhile, Gupta on Friday said that the government will expand the network of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras across the city as per the applicable regulations. She made the statement while interacting with people at her residence. Speaking to the reporters, Gupta said, "The government before us did not implement the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. Maybe because the word 'Pradhan Mantri' was attached to the name of this public welfare scheme." She further asserted, "Today, on the occasion of the seventh Jan Aushadhi Diwas, I want to congratulate the people of Delhi on the decision to open Jan Aushadhi Kendra everywhere the rules allow in Delhi... We will follow the decision of the High Court, which says that there should be a Janaushadhi Kendra within 500 meters of every hospital." (ANI) The Karnataka High Court on Friday quashed the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to CM Siddaramiah's wife, Parvathi, and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh in connection with the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. The judgement pronounced by High Court Justice M Nagaprasanna comes as a huge relief to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Parvathi and Minister Byrathi Suresh had approached the High Court to appeal for cancelling ED summons in connection with the MUDA scam. The petition demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe was also dismissed by the High Court, saying that it was not required given that another agency (Lokayukta) was conducting an enquiry. This development follows after Karnataka Lokayukta SP Udesh submitted an interim 8,000-page B Report on Thursday in connection with the MUDA scam case. The notice, issued by Udesh, declares the case "not actionable," leading to the submission of a final report to the competent court. The Lokayukta concluded that the allegations against the four accused individuals were either civil in nature, outside the scope of a criminal investigation, or based on misinterpretations of legal provisions. Earlier, the Karnataka Lokayukta Police had issued a notice to complainant Snehamayi Krishna stating that the allegations in the MUDA scam case could not be substantiated due to a lack of evidence. On February 20, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar lashed out at the BJP and JDS for conspiring on the MUDA issue and said that their conspiracy can't go on forever. Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said, "I had said long back when BJP and JDS took out a padayatra from Bengaluru to Mysuru that it is a politically motivated ploy. When there is no signature of CM Siddaramaiah in any of the documents, where is the question of his involvement?" Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge had said, "Lokayukta is an independent investigative agency...if they have given a clean chit to CM, I welcome that. CM has already said that there was no scam and no involvement of any family members, which has been proved in the investigation...we are not here to satisfy the BJP, the same Lokayukta gave clean chit to the BJP in many cases and that time, Lokayukta was fine for them..." (ANI) The Namami Gange Programme, launched by the Union Government in 2014, has emerged as a pioneering initiative aimed at restoring the health of the River Ganga. This ambitious and holistic programme integrates pollution abatement, ecological restoration, capacity building, and community engagement to safeguard the river's environmental integrity and the livelihoods of millions dependent on it. According to a press statement by the National Mission for Clean Ganga, "The implementation of projects under Namami Gange gained momentum following the establishment of a robust monitoring and financial approval mechanism." It added, "The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has disbursed Rs 16,648.49 crore out of the available Rs 20,424.82 crore for the period 2014-15 to 2023-24, accounting for 82% of the allocated funds." The programme's overall financial outlay of Rs 42,500 crore includes current expenditures as well as future commitments, such as annuity payments and operation and maintenance (O&M) costs for pollution abatement infrastructure over a 17-year period. A significant feature of the initiative is the adoption of the Hybrid Annuity Model, ensuring the efficient operation and maintenance of sewage treatment plants (STPs) over a 15-year period after construction. As a result, 127 projects and 152 STPs have been completed, creating 3,446 MLD of sewage treatment capacity--a figure that surpasses the pre-2014 capacity by over 30 times. "The Clean Ganga Fund (CGF) has played a crucial role in mobilizing financial contributions from residents, NRIs, and corporate entities. Notably, 95 pc of the contributors to CGF are individual citizens, while private and public sector companies contribute the remaining 5 pc. These funds are utilized through a rigorous sanctioning process for unique projects contributing to the National Mission for Clean Ganga," said the NMCG statement. It added, "The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported notable improvements in water quality in key stretches of the Ganga. In Uttar Pradesh, the stretch from Kannauj to Varanasi improved from PRS III (BOD 10-20 mg/l) in 2015 to PRS V (BOD 3-6 mg/l) in 2022, with over 90% of the 135 operational STPs meeting compliance standards." "Similarly, Bihar's Buxar to Bhagalpur stretch improved from PRS II (BOD 20-30 mg/l) in 2015 to PRS IV (BOD 6-10 mg/l) in 2022, with 13 out of 14 STPs now operational. In West Bengal, the Triveni to Diamond Harbour stretch improved from PRS III (BOD 10-20 mg/l) in 2018 to PRS IV (BOD 6-10 mg/l) in 2022, with 53 out of 55 STPs functioning effectively," said the statement. The NMCG stated that cities like Prayagraj and Varanasi have witnessed remarkable transformations. Prayagraj's treatment capacity rose from 268 MLD in 2017 to 348 MLD in 2024, with river water quality improving from PRS IV to PRS V. The number of untapped drains reduced from 60 in 2017 to zero in 2024. In Varanasi, treatment capacity increased from 100 MLD to 420 MLD, with untapped drains decreasing from eight to just one partially tapped drain, and water quality improving from PRS IV to PRS V. The ecological impact of Namami Gange is also evident in the growing population of Gangetic dolphins. The NMCG statement said that a Wildlife Institute of India (WII) study reported an increase in the dolphin population from 3,330 (+/- 630) in 2018 to 3,936 (+/- 763) in recent surveys. Dolphins have been recorded in previously unreported river stretches, including Bithura to Rasula Ghat (Prayagraj) and, for the first time, in the Babai and Bagmati rivers in India. The success of the Namami Gange Programme has received international acclaim. The NMCG stated that in December 2022, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration recognized it as one of the Top 10 World Restoration Flagship Initiatives. Furthermore, the International Water Association awarded NMCG the title of 'Climate Smart Utility,' reinforcing the programme's commitment to sustainable water management. With its multifaceted approach, efficient implementation, and global recognition, the Namami Gange Programme continues to set a benchmark in river rejuvenation and environmental sustainability, ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for the sacred River Ganga. (ANI) After the US Supreme Court denied Tahawwur Rana's request to stay his extradition to India in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, legal experts on Friday hailed the decision as a significant step toward justice and a diplomatic victory for India, saying that "justice takes its course." Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian businessman, is accused of providing support to the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He sought to prevent his extradition by presenting his minority status as a defense. However, the court found no merit in his plea and decided that he must face justice in India. Experts said that this ruling eliminates a major legal obstacle, bringing India closer to ensuring that Rana stands trial for his alleged role in one of the country's deadliest terror attacks. Senior Advocate Ujjwal Nikam called this a major win for Indian diplomacy, saying that Rana's attempt to use the "minority card" to avoid extradition had failed. "This is a win of Indian diplomacy. Tahawwur Rana tried to play the minority card to save himself. The US Supreme Court has rejected Tahawwur Rana's plea to stay his extradition to India. Ajmal Amir Kasab, another Pakistani national, was tried in an open court. Two lawyers were assigned to him by the court, and the world lauded the transparency of the process," he said. Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa said with the US Supreme Court's decision, Rana's legal options within the US are now extremely limited. "Generally, Supreme Court rulings are final, and there are no further appeals within the US judiciary. While he may attempt to file a motion for reconsideration, such petitions are rarely granted. Alternatively, he could seek administrative relief through the US State Department, but such an appeal is highly unlikely to succeed," he explained. Pahwa further said that the Supreme Court ruling is a major breakthrough, and extradition is not necessarily immediate. The US State Department plays a role in implementing the decision. There may be logistical and diplomatic formalities, including coordination with Indian authorities. However, given the gravity of the charges and the US-India extradition treaty, his transfer to India could take place soon unless unexpected legal or administrative delays arise. Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra said that barring any extraordinary last-minute intervention, Rana's extradition to India is now imminent. She mentioned that the legal framework for his defense has been exhausted, and the remaining process is largely administrative and procedural. While the ruling removes the main judicial roadblock, some legal and administrative considerations remain. Concerns over potential torture or ill-treatment in India, raised under international human rights law, may be reviewed but are unlikely to prevent his extradition, Luthra added. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday chaired a high-level meeting with officials on the Delhi budget. State Environment and Industry Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa was also present at the meeting. Gupta earlier said that the budget session will begin on March 24 and the budget will be tabled by the newly formed government between March 24 and 26, in which the government will strive to take suggestions from all sections of society. Addressing a press conference in the national capital earlier, Chief Minister Gupta emphasised that the budget will be a 'Viksit Delhi' budget, prioritising Delhi's development. "The Viksit Delhi Budget 2025-26 will be presented between March 24 and March 26. The government will strive to take all sections of society along for the development of Delhi, incorporating their suggestions," the Chief Minister said. The Delhi cabinet is likely to meet on March 8 regarding the proposed Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, which would provide financial assistance worth Rs 2,500 to women residing in the national capital, sources said on Friday. According to sources, the government is expected to announce the scheme at an event tomorrow. Earlier, Gupta said that the budget of Delhi will fulfil the expectations of people and for this purpose, she will meet women, families, youth and professionals from different sectors. "We will fulfil all the promises we have mentioned in our manifesto, whether it is the scheme for all women or a cylinder. Nobody has to remind us that our agenda will carry on, not theirs (AAP)" CM Gupta said. Meanwhile, Gupta on Friday said that the government will expand the network of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras across the city as per the applicable regulations. She made the statement while interacting with people at her residence. Speaking to the reporters, Gupta said, "The government before us did not implement the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. Maybe because the word 'Pradhan Mantri' was attached to the name of this public welfare scheme." She further asserted, "Today, on the occasion of the seventh Jan Aushadhi Diwas, I want to congratulate the people of Delhi on the decision to open Jan Aushadhi Kendra everywhere the rules allow in Delhi... We will follow the decision of the High Court, which says that there should be a Janaushadhi Kendra within 500 meters of every hospital." (ANI) The NeVA team was led by Dr. Satya Prakash, Additional Secretary and Mission Leader (NeVA). During the meeting, the NeVA team provided a comprehensive presentation highlighting the application's key features. "E-Vidhan application will accelerate the availability and management of documents and will also help in making the proceedings of the Assembly more smooth and modern," Vijender Gupta posted on X. This initiative aligns with the vision of a modern, transparent, and efficient legislative system. Emphasizing the urgency of the project, Speaker Vijender Gupta directed that the implementation be completed within 100 days. "Inspired by the Digital India vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, important steps are being taken towards making the entire assembly paperless through NeVA App. The use of digital technology will make the working system more transparent, efficient and environment-friendly," he added. He reaffirmed the commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "One India, One Application", advocating for digital governance across all legislatures to enhance accessibility and accountability. "Prime Minister, while emphasizing on the digitization of Legislative Assemblies across the country, had said that all the Houses should move towards digital transition by adopting technological solutions available in the form of NeVA," Delhi Assembly Speaker said. During the meeting, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Mohan Singh Bisht was also present. (ANI) Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Friday directed Christian Michel James, an accused in the VVIP chopper deal case, to furnish a bond of Rs 5 lakh with one surety of the same amount as part of his bail conditions. James has also expressed concern regarding his safety outside the jail. He said that he wants to remain in custody due to his safety. The court also directed Michel to surrender his passport. Since his passport has already expired, the court directed him to apply for a new passport with the British High Commission as per the prescribed rules. The court further said that he will provide his residential address in Delhi. Michel was granted bail by the Supreme Court in the CBI case and by the Delhi High Court in the money laundering case linked to the VVIP chopper deal. Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal framed the conditions for Michel's release as per the apex court's order. The court directed that the accused shall furnish a personal bond in the sum of Rs 5 Lakhs with one surety of like amount; and further directed that accused shall surrender his passport before this Court. Since his passport has already expired, he will immediately apply for the renewal of the passport with the British High Commission, as per rules. Till such time, the passport is made or is under process to be made by the British High Commission, then the British High Commission, if it considers fit at its own sole discretion only may issue an emergency certificate to him, if they think it proper and if permissible as per their rules, the court said. He shall not leave India without the permission of this Court, the court added. The accused is directed to mark his attendance physically in the office of CBI/Investigating Officer once every 15 days after his release. Additionally, the accused shall provide his mobile phone/E-mail to the IO and the Court immediately after his release, on which he shall always be available, the court directed. The accused shall also provide his residential address in Delhi, where he will be residing after his release and shall immediately communicate to the Court and the IO, in case of change of his residential address, the court directed. The court also imposed conditions like accused shall not temper with the evidence, shall not try or contact or influence any of the witnesses of this case, he shall not interact with respect to the present case with media nor shall communicate regarding this case at any forum, during the trial of this case. The accused shall extend all cooperation in further investigations, if any required and during the trial, the court directed. The court also directed the IO/CBI to immediately inform the concerned Registration Officer appointed under Rule 3 of The Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992 about the grant of bail to this accused, so that the Registration Officer can bring the fact of grant of bail to the notice of the concerned civil authorities constituted as per Section 3 of the Foreigners Order 1948. During the hearing, the court had said that the bail condition to deposit a valid passport is with the CBI. The court had also asked, "If a person in jail for 6 years how can he produce a local surety", the court added. Christian Michel James also interacted with the court, where he was asked about his condition, with the accused saying that there is a "larger issue" related to his safety, "I want to be in custody due to my safety," James said. The court said the accused cannot be in custody after grant of bail and suggested to find a guest house in Delhi. "Then I will have to arrange my own security. I am not safe even with police," James said. The accused had alleged that there was an attempt on his life, telling the court in private. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) DP appeared for the CBI and SPP Naveen Kumar Matta appeared for the Enforcement Directorate. Defence counsel Aljo K Joseph submitted that section 21 of Extradition Act should be considered while imposing conditions. "He has spent six years 7 months. He may be granted remission," counsel argued. The counsel agreed when the court had asked whether they would prefer the accused to be released on a personal bond. "In terms of passport Act a foreigner can be arrested if he doesn't have passport and visa," counsel said. Special Public Prosecutor for ED said that High court imposed a condition of furnishing a bail bond of Rs 5 lakh. Other conditions may be imposed by the trial court. The CBI produced the old passport of James to the court. The agency said that photo copy can be given to accused and passport can be kept in seal cover. The court has issued a warrant to the CBI to produce him on March 11 for the hearing in the matter. (ANI) On the eve of International Women's Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with the crew members of Navika Sagar Parikrama II. The Defence Minister spoke to Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A of the Indian Navy, through video conferencing in New Delhi. The sailing vessel of the officers, INSV Tarini, is currently on a sailing expedition to circumnavigate the globe. The ship is currently in the South Atlantic Ocean at a distance of 450 nautical miles from the previous port of call Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, and is heading to Cape Town, South Africa. During the interaction, Singh lauded the courage, dedication, and resilience of the NSP II crew, who have embarked on a challenging voyage of circumnavigating the globe, as part of India's continued efforts to showcase Nari Shakti in high-endurance missions. "I congratulate both of you for this expedition... Every Indian feels proud of both of you. You both are like my children, my daughter. The PM has conveyed his best wishes. When you are back, he will meet you. I am waiting for you to return, I will welcome you personally," the Defence Minister said. The crew is presently on the fourth leg and would reach Cape Town, South Africa on April 1, 2025 and finally complete their voyage of 23400 Nm (43,300 Km) at Goa by end May 25. He congratulated the crew for the remarkable milestones of crossing Point Nemo, the world's most isolated waters and sailing through the Drake Passage, one of the most treacherous water bodies. The Defence Minister reiterated the government's vision of a gender-inclusive armed force, encouraging more young women to aspire for careers in defence and adventure sports. He acknowledged the invaluable role of women in bolstering national security and reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding opportunities for women in the defence sector. Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP II) is a flagship initiative of the Indian Navy, aimed at circumnavigating the globe through a two-women crew on board. NSP II symbolises India's resolve to encourage women's participation in maritime and defence sectors, fostering leadership and self-reliance. The crew, comprising two women officers of the Indian Navy, underwent rigorous training in navigation, weather management, and ocean survival techniques before undertaking this prestigious journey, which was flagged off on October 2, 2024 at Goa by the Chief of the Naval Staff. The Ministry of Defence has been at the forefront of ensuring greater representation of women in the Indian Defence Forces. Various initiatives, including permanent commission opportunities, increased intake in the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA), and leadership roles in combat and aviation branches, have significantly contributed to a more inclusive force. (ANI) The Karnataka High Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by BJP MLA Munirathna seeking to quash an FIR registered against him in a caste atrocity case. Munirathna, a former minister and Rajarajeshwari Nagar MLA, had moved the court to cancel the case related to caste abuse, which was registered at Vyalikaval police station, Bengaluru. He was arrested earlier in connection with the case. Meanwhile, the High Court on Friday quashed the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to CM Siddaramiah's wife, Parvathi, and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh in connection with the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. The judgment pronounced by High Court Justice M Nagaprasanna comes as a huge relief to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Parvathi and Minister Byrathi Suresh had approached the High Court to appeal for cancelling ED summons in connection with the MUDA scam. The petition demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe was also dismissed by the High Court, saying that it was not required given that another agency (Lokayukta) was conducting an enquiry. Earlier in December, Munirathna was booked in another case for allegedly planning to murder a former JD(S) Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) contractor and her husband, among other offences, including voyeurism and outraging the modesty of a woman. Bengaluru police filed the first information report (FIR) on November 30 against Munirathna, Sunandamma, Venkatesh, Laxmamma, Jayamma, Latha, and others. They took him into custody on September 14 this year for allegedly threatening a BBMP contractor. According to Kolar Superintendent of Police (SP) B Nikhil, the MLA was taken into custody by Bengaluru police with the help of Kolar Police while he was travelling to Andhra Pradesh. The case was registered against Munirathna and six others, including Vijay Kumar, Sudhakara, Kiran Kumar, Lohit Gowda, Manjunath and Loki, under IPC Sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354C (voyeurism), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 120(b) (Concealing design to commit offence), 149 (Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 384 (extortion), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide). (ANI) Amid the delimitation row, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri attacked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin over his "give birth to child immediately" remarks and said that producing more kids will not benefit during delimitation. "It doesn't work like that; those states who produce more kids will benefit more during delimitation. We are not only the world's largest democracy but also the world's most mature governance system," Puri said while interacting with women journalists on the eve of International Women's Day. Earlier, on March 3, MK Stalin urged the couples of Tamil Nadu to "give birth to a child immediately" to ensure greater representation in Parliament. This move is a direct response to the Centre's plans for constituency delimitation on a 'pro-rata' basis, which Stalin believes will unfairly limit southern states' representation. Addressing the marriage ceremony of a party worker's son, Stalin said that MPs count depends on population, adding that now he won't say don't rush to give birth to child. "Before it is used to say don't give birth to child immediately, no need to rush. But now it is not necessary, we shouldn't say that also..Because it is being said that the number of MPs would be decided based on population. The situation created is more population, more MPs. But we have achieved success by focusing on family planning. Now I won't say don't rush to give birth to child, give birth to child immediately." Tamil Nadu CM also wrote a letter to other Chief Ministers and former Chief Ministers expressing concern over the Union Government's proposed delimitation exercise. He warned that the exercise could diminish the influence of states like Tamil Nadu, which have successfully controlled their population, in shaping the nation's future. (ANI) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Delhi, Vijender Gupta convened a crucial meeting today with officers from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to discuss the implementation of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in the Delhi Assembly. The NeVA team was led by Satya Prakash, Additional Secretary & Mission Leader (NeVA). During the meeting, the NeVA team provided a comprehensive presentation highlighting the key features of the application, an official statement from the Assembly said. "NeVA aims to serve as a unified digital platform for all legislative functions, including the submission of notices, ministerial replies, legislative business, discussions, committee reports, and access to a digital library. This initiative aligns with the vision of a modern, transparent, and efficient legislative system," the statement added. Emphasising the urgency of the project, Speaker Gupta directed that the implementation be completed within 100 days. He reaffirmed the commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "One India, One Application", advocating for digital governance across all legislatures to enhance accessibility and accountability. Expressing concern over the decade-long delay in implementing the e-Vidhan Project, the Speaker pointed out that the previous administration's reluctance, along with unsuccessful attempts to engage private consultants and vendors, had hindered progress. However, he assured full commitment to expediting the project, ensuring that the Delhi Assembly transitions into an efficient, transparent, and environmentally sustainable legislative institution. With NeVA's implementation, Delhi Assembly will take a significant step towards a fully digitised and paperless governance model, enhancing operational efficiency and public access to legislative proceedings. Earlier today, the Assembly speaker praised the verification drive of the Delhi Police to identify illegal immigrants in the national capital, saying that the double-engine government is doing its job. "...The Delhi government is doing its job. There has been a change in Delhi. There is a new double-engine government..." Gupta told ANI. On Thursday, the Delhi Police conducted a verification drive to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants living in the Sangam Vihar area of Delhi. (ANI) The Indian Army has extended medical assistance to residents of Thanalla village, situated at the foothills of the Ashpati Glacier, under Doda district as part of 'Operation Sadbhavna'. The initiative aims to support the local population, especially the elderly, who face health challenges during the harsh winter months. Expressing gratitude, a resident said, "During winter, the elderly people face many health problems and the Indian Army is providing us health facilities...This is the last village of Jammu and Kashmir...The Indian Army is providing us medicines for free..." "...We are grateful to the Indian Army for providing us medicines and proper health care...," said another resident. Another local said, "...The Indian Army has set up a camp and the locals are getting proper medical treatment...We are grateful to the Indian Army" On February 10, Indian Army personnel conducted patrolling operations in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Doda district, ensuring the region's security. The Army's vigilant presence has been instrumental in monitoring and preventing terrorist activities, ensuring the safety of the local population. In response to past militant attacks, security forces have intensified surveillance, adopting a proactive approach to locate and neutralize foreign terrorists. The Army's counter-terrorism operations in Doda have yielded positive results, further reinforcing security in the region. Meanwhile in Kupwara on March 2, the District Administration airlifted critically ill patients from the snowbound border area of Karnah in Jammu and Kashmir, a statement said on March 2. The statement added that the officer and file staff undertook an evacuation operation on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan. During this operation, Rohail Mir (15), a resident of Kharwapra, and Bibi Sana (18 months old), a resident of Kona Gabra, both of whom required immediate medical intervention, were airlifted from Karnah. It added that after their safe evacuation to Kupwara, both patients boarded an ambulance to reach Srinagar for advanced medical care. After recent snowfall across the district, which resulted in the closure of various border roads of Karnah, Machill and Keran, the District Administration Kupwara had made adequate arrangements for a helicopter service for these snow-bound border areas to carry any medical exigency and evacuation operation, it said. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday welcomed the High Court's decision to quash summons issued by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi, and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh in connection with the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, calling the land allotment case "politically motivated." "We have been fighting for justice and will accept whatever the law states. I have been saying from the beginning that this is politically motivated," Shivakumar said. Speaking on the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Supply Project, the Deputy CM stated that he plans to visit Delhi on March 18 to secure the necessary approvals for bringing water to districts in the state. "The Forest Department is not allowing the work to proceed, but we have provided an alternative location. Now, we have conducted a meeting with the Irrigation and Forest Departments. On March 18, I will be going to Delhi to get the necessary approvals. We will definitely bring water to Tumakuru district and from there to Chikkaballapur and Kolar," Shivakumar added. Earlier in the day, the Karnataka High Court quashed the summons issued by the ED to CM Siddaramiah's wife, Parvathi, and Minister Suresh in connection with the MUDA case. The judgement pronounced by High Court Justice M Nagaprasanna comes as a huge relief to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Parvathi and Minister Byrathi Suresh had approached the High Court to appeal for cancelling ED summons in connection with the MUDA scam. The petition demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe was also dismissed by the High Court, saying that it was not required given that another agency (Lokayukta) was conducting an enquiry. Earlier, Karnataka Lokayukta SP Udesh submitted an interim 8,000-page B Report on Thursday in connection with the MUDA scam case. The notice, issued by Udesh, declares the case "not actionable," leading to the submission of a final report to the competent court. The Lokayukta concluded that the allegations against the four accused individuals were either civil in nature, outside the scope of a criminal investigation, or based on misinterpretations of legal provisions. The Karnataka Lokayukta Police had issued a notice to complainant Snehamayi Krishna stating that the allegations in the MUDA scam case could not be substantiated due to a lack of evidence. (ANI) The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, participated in ITB Berlin 2025, held from March 4 to 6 at Messe Berlin. ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Borse Berlin) is a major meeting point for the global industry, including tour operators, travel agencies, hoteliers, transport companies, destinations, and tech companies, the ministry said in a release on Friday. It offers unparalleled networking opportunities, facilitating partnerships and collaborations that help businesses grow and expand into new markets. The Ambassador of India in the Federal Republic of Germany, HE. Ajit Gupte, inaugurated the India pavilion in the presence of Kandula Durgesh, Minister of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, and Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of Tourism, Madhya Pradesh. Germany continues to be one of the top ten source markets for inbound tourists to India, with 0.20 million Germans visiting India in 2023. The State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala, amongst others, are participating at ITB to showcase their new destinations and products for the global market. The Ministry of Tourism is leading a delegation of almost 40 stakeholders from the Indian travel industry to showcase India's vibrant cultural diversity and the vast range of tourism products and immersive experiences. This initiative aligns with India's strategic goal to enhance inbound tourism and position the country as a premier 365-day global travel destination. The Ministry of Tourism's participation at ITB Berlin provides a significant opportunity for private stakeholders to reconnect and establish business connections with their counterparts and also promote new itineraries and immersive experiences. The India Pavilion at ITB 2025 showcased India's rich kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and traditions, each contributing to its rich tourism landscape. It also featured a gamut of niche tourism experiences such as spiritual and wellness, weddings, adventure and ecotourism, and gourmet. The pavilion's theme revolved around sustainable tourism. The co-exhibitors at the India Pavilion included travel Agents, State Tourism departments from Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh, IRCTC, and other Tourism service providers. Recently, a gratis tourist visa for foreigners travelling to India under the Chalo India initiative was announced, which is valid until 31 March 2025. The Chalo India initiative was launched by the Prime Minister of India to engage the Indian diaspora in promoting India to their non-Indian friends. As part of this initiative, the Indian diaspora can invite their non-Indian friends to explore Incredible India's grandeur and visit the country on a gratis e-tourist visa. A revamped Incredible India digital portal, www.incredibelindia.gov.in, was also launched recently, along with the Incredible India Content Hub. The Incredible India Content Hub is a comprehensive digital repository for the use of a diverse range of stakeholders and travellers. The Incredible India Digital Portal is a tourist-centric, one-stop digital solution designed to enhance the travel experience for visitors to India. The Mahakumbh, one of the largest and most breathtaking religious congregations in the world, recently concluded at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The sacred event, which lasted about 44 days, reaffirmed India's stature as a global spiritual destination. (ANI) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju jibed at the Congress on Friday and said that what the party failed to do in 65 years, the BJP did within a decade. Speaking at the India Today Conclave on Friday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the reason the BJP has flourished in the Northeast in the past decade is that everyone is "attracted to what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to offer for the future of the region." Rijiju swiped at the Congress, asserting that what the Congress could not do in 65 years, the BJP has done in 10. While speaking at the India Today Conclave on Friday, Kiren Rijiju said that the regional parties have trust and faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Speaking about the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) with India Today TV Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, the Union Minister said that the BJP doesn't gobble up the regional parties and instead gives them space to grow. "When I got elected as a Member of Parliament, there were no BJP MLA, barring a few in Assam, in Northeast. They have trust and faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. That is how the politics of the Northeast revolve around Modi and the BJP-led NEDA. This alliance is where we basically take a lead role, but we don't want to demolish the ideologies of the regional party," Rijiju said. "They (the regional parties) will never feel being under any kind of pressure or threat that we will gobble up the smaller parties. It's a working system where the BJP has to be in the forefront because we are in power here (Centre) and Prime Minister Modi is the leader, but all regional parties are extremely comfortable with the BJP," the Union Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister said at the Conclave," he added. Rijiju slammed the Congress for failing the region for 65 years, saying connectivity development has been noticed in a decade. The Tamang-led Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) won 31 of 32 Assembly seats in the 2024 elections. He became the Chief Minister of the northeastern state for the second time. During the conversation with Sardesai, he ensured that the coherence between Sikkim and the NDA-led Centre is seamless. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also addressed the India Today conclave and said, "I am the BJP's brother. They (the BJP) are my big brother." He also took a barb at the Opposition while showering praise on PM Modi. Talking about the infrastructural work that has happened in the state since Modi became the Prime Minister, Tamang said that prior to 2014, "the Northeast was a political platform," but now, the region has been a "developmental platform" Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said an alternative road to NH10 will soon be built to improve connectivity in the state. He also said a rail line that would connect Sikkim directly to the major cities and slash any need for a stopover in Assam would be ready by 2027. "Since Modi has been in power, there has been no problem with connectivity in Sikkim," the Chief Minister said, highlighting that Sikkim got its first airport since PM Modi came to power. However, with the advent of tourism comes the challenge of deforestation. Tamang assured that his government is working on preserving the forest cover of the hill state, and it has been increasing. Rijiju, meanwhile, emphasised that development cannot only be done by the government. "We often make the mistake that everything has to be done by the government. The government is a catalyst, a responsible stakeholder, but the whole issue is of the people. If people are aware of the responsibilities, of the obligations, then all issues can be solved," the Union Minister said. He also praised the Sikkim Chief Minister, appreciating his efforts to stop deforestation and preserve the greenery of his state. Rijiju also said that despite having larger forest cover than Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh has seen its resources degrade faster because people have misused them. Calling the nearly two-year-long Manipur violence an "unfortunate incident", Rijiju stressed that PM Modi has been taking cognisance of the same and, along with his ministers, has been diligent in bringing forth peace in the state. "This Prime Minister is the only Prime Minister who has gone to the root and to ensure that the problems being faced by the people of Manipur will be settled and solved for years to come," Rijiju said at the India Today Conclave. The Union Minister, giving an example, said that in the past, when there was a civil war-like situation in Manipur due to ethnic violence, not only did the ministers at the time provide a short reply in Parliament when asked about the same, but the Home Minister did not even visit the state. "Home Minister Amit Shah went and stayed in Manipur for four days and appealed to the warring factions to surrender their arms. Without dialogue, you cannot bring in peace. Now, when the presidential rule was imposed, the Governor made an appeal to surrender arms. (Accordingly), arms are being surrendered, and good news (from Manipur) is coming," he said. Rijiju, however, cautioned not to "extrapolate things into different situations". "This is not the fight of people against the state. The government of India cannot use arms or force to bring peace. You have to appeal. In the past, it was a struggle against the Indian state. But I am very hopeful that with the hands-on approach by the Prime Minister, the Home Minister is driving, and with the support of all factions of the state of Manipur, we will bring peace and normalcy back," he said. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the immense love and admiration he receives from the people of India. In a heartfelt post on X, Dhami described the PM as the "winner of countless hearts" and emphasized that his dedication to serving the nation has earned him the people's affection. "An incredible scene of boundless love... When serving the people becomes the sole objective and one dedicates their life to serving Mother India, then an endless stream of affection and love spontaneously flows from the hearts of the people towards their leader," posted Dhami on X. Dhami's praise comes at a time when PM Modi has been widely recognized for his leadership and popularity, both domestically and internationally. The PM's approval ratings have consistently been high, and he has been hailed as one of the most popular leaders globally. "The unparalleled love of the people of the country towards the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi reflects that he is not only the most popular leader in the world but also the winner of countless hearts," Dhami added. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a road show in Surat, launched the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign, and distributed benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to eligible beneficiaries. Before launching various welfare schemes, PM Narendra Modi shared an emotional moment with an ordinary man who was standing with a portrait of PM Modi and his late mother. The individual was crying as he saw PM Modi. After noticing this, PM Modi stopped his car and gave the individual in the portrait an autograph. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami shared the video on his official 'X' handle and praised PM Modi's gesture. PM Modi inaugurated several welfare projects in Surat, including the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign, and distributed benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to eligible beneficiaries. According to a press release, the Prime Minister distributed benefits to approximately 2 lakh eligible beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) as part of the initiative. The initiative aims to ensure comprehensive food security coverage, reinforcing the government's commitment to providing essential food grains to the underprivileged. (ANI) The IAF added that the aircraft is being recovered from the site and confirmed that its crew is safe. "An accident involving an AN-32 transport aircraft at Bagdogra airport has come to light today. The aircraft is being recovered from the site. The crew of the aircraft is safe," IAF said in a statement. Further details are awaited. Earlier in the day, a Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed in Ambala, Haryana, due to a system malfunction. The Air Force confirmed that the pilot manoeuvred away from any habitation before he ejected safely. According to officials, the aircraft had taken off from the Ambala Air Force base for a routine evening sortie when it encountered a system malfunction and crashed. "The pilot manoeuvred the aircraft away from any habitation on the ground before ejecting safely. An inquiry has been ordered by the IAF to ascertain the cause of the accident," the IAF added. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday expressed confidence that his government will turn the state into a USD one trillion economy by 2030, noting that it was the only state to surpass the half-trillion-dollar economy milestone in India. Fadnavis was speaking at the Moneycontrol Global Wealth Summit 2025 in Mumbai. While discussing the state's economic growth, he said, "In 2016-17, we mooted the idea of a one trillion-dollar economy. Maharashtra is the only state that has chased the half-trillion path. By 2030, we will be able to make Maharashtra a one trillion-dollar economy." He further said that his government is committed to ensuring that social welfare schemes' pressure on the Budget does not result in shortcomings in capital investment in the state. Admitting that the annual cost of Rs 60,000 crore for schemes launched by the government "has put some pressure on the state's budget", the Chief Minister said that the government is trying to facilitate the development of business models among the beneficiaries. "We started the Laadli Bahin Yojana last year, where women receive a grant of Rs 1,500 per month. In Nagpur, a group of women developed a finance society. They drew deposits to the tune of Rs 30 lakh through small investments and developed a business model out of it. So, we are trying to facilitate and develop business models among the beneficiaries," the Chief Minister said. "Maharashtra has the power to attract investments; we are trying to leverage that," Fadnavis said at the event. He underpinned Maharashtra's dominance in attracting capital and its growing role as a fintech and startup hub. "This year has been good for us in terms of FDI," he said, underlining the state's investment momentum. Speaking about Maharashtra's growing startup ecosystem, he asserted that the state leads in both the number of startups and total investments. He highlighted a shift in entrepreneurial trends, with Mumbai emerging as a preferred base for startups over Bengaluru. "There was a time when entrepreneurs founded their startups in Mumbai and then moved to Bangalore. Now we are seeing reverse migration happening," he said. He also said that we will soon see Industry 4.0 in Mumbai. When asked about what had changed during his second term as the Chief Minister, he said, "There is no anxiety now. I am more calm and composed." Speaking about the growth of Mumbai, he praised the state's leadership in the fintech and data industries. "Maharashtra is the de facto fintech and data capital. NPCI is setting up their headquarters in BKC, strengthening Mumbai's position as a financial hub," he noted. "Mumbai has become the startup capital," he said, adding that Maharashtra now leads both in absolute numbers and investments. Fadnavis expressed optimism about Tesla entering India, stating that Maharashtra would be the ideal destination for the electric vehicle giant. "We also hope Tesla will come. If they ask us, then we will say the best case is Maharashtra for investment," Fadnavis said. While acknowledging competition among Indian states for investment, Fadnavis maintained a broad national perspective. "If Gujarat develops, then I am happy. If Karnataka develops, then I am also happy. After all, investment is coming into India," he said. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday highlighted the state's growing influence in the global supply chain that has attracted global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to the state. Further, due to its business-friendly environment, policy-driven governance, and easy access to a skilled workforce, major companies in the engineering, automotive, and aerospace sectors have established units in the state. The Chief Minister was addressing the inauguration of the India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2025 held at GIFT City. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, GIFT City Chairman Hasmukh Adhia, IFSCA Chairman K Rajaraman, and prominent leaders from the aviation and aircraft sectors participated in the summit's inaugural session, according to the Gujarat government's statement. Highlighting that GIFT City, developed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has now gained recognition as the country's fintech hub, CM Bhupendra Patel stated that hosting this summit at such a location will open new opportunities for the aviation sector. He further added that, led by PM Modi, the aviation sector has witnessed significant transformations over the past decade, making India a strong pillar of the aviation ecosystem. A key policy has also been formulated to develop the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry in the country. CM Patel stated that PM Modi launched the UDAN scheme to make air travel accessible to the common man. He further said that the number of airports in the country has now doubled. Moreover, even tier-2 and tier-3 cities are connected through air connectivity. The Chief Minister further added that Gujarat has benefited from the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister for the past two and a half decades. Under his vision, the state government is accelerating airport infrastructure development. He highlighted that Gujarat currently has 19 operational airports, including two international airports, and above that, an airport with state-of-the-art infrastructure is set to be constructed in Dholera, India's first greenfield smart city. He also mentioned the IFSCA at GIFT City, which is capable of providing aircraft leasing and financing facilities in one place. He expressed confidence that this facility will be largely beneficial for global aviation leaders investing in India. Speaking at the event, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu described the summit as a significant event, highlighting Gujarat as India's growth engine and an emerging economic powerhouse. He said that GIFT City, developed under PM Modi's leadership, has now reached the level of international financial centers like Singapore and Dubai. With its business-friendly environment and exemplary ease of doing business, GIFT City stands out as a model. He lauded CM Patel's dedicated efforts for this achievement. The Union Aviation Minister reiterated his commitment to advancing the Prime Minister's vision for GIFT City through a bright future for the Indian aviation sector. The Union Minister further added that aircraft leasing is a key factor for financial innovation in the country's growing aviation sector. He highlighted the number of operational aircraft in India, which has increased from 395 in 2014 to 829 today. Furthermore, Indian airlines have placed orders for more than 2,000 aircraft, which reflects the sector's rapid expansion. Referring to the projected demand in this sector by 2047, Naidu said that India is expected to have 350 operational airports handling two crore passengers annually. He further added that 50 new aviation hubs will be developed in the next five years. Highlighting the immense growth potential in the aircraft and financial sectors, the Union Minister mentioned that IFSCA became an on-shoring hub for financial and leasing activities five years back. He said that, with a commitment to further progress in this direction, the Government of India has introduced various tax, regulatory, and policy initiatives to support the sector's growth. The Union Minister stated that the state's Government has strengthened this sector by announcing stamp duty exemptions for units established in IFSCA and the acquisition of movable properties like aircraft. Expressing gratitude to CM Patel, he stated that such incentive measures have led to progress in aircraft leasing, with the number of aircraft leasing companies increasing from 20 in 2020 to 67 in 2023-24. Furthermore, 33 aircraft and financing companies have registered with IFSCA till January 2025. The Union Minister clearly stated that the Prime Minister's vision for the development of GIFT City is committed to shaping a bright future for the Indian aviation sector. He expressed joy over the recent event in which PM Modi inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara. The production of the C-295 military aircraft marked a historic step in India's aviation sector. The Union Minister anticipated that, with the seamless integration of production, financing, and leasing capabilities, India will soon be capable of manufacturing civil aviation aircraft. Hasmukh Adhia, Chairman of GIFT City, provided a detailed overview of the best infrastructure available at GIFT City, the opportunities for financial services, and emerging fields such as AI, blockchain, and others. V Vumlunmang, Secretary of Civil Aviation, Government of India, highlighted the significant changes in the aircraft and financing sector, as well as in aviation operations and passenger services in the country. He added that this summit will serve as a global platform bringing together policy makers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders in the aircraft leasing sector. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday lauded the 2025 state budget as a gift to the people of Karnataka. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, he said, "The budget has a lot for Bengaluru City-specific projects. It has an allocation of Rs 1 lakh crore capex for development projects besides guarantee schemes. The budget gives priority to all sectors, including irrigation and public works. If you say the State has a lot of debt, the Centre has debt too. This is a budget which has kept its word." "I have been in public life for 36 years, and I can tell you this is a far-sighted and historic budget that provides justice to all segments of society," he added. When pointed to the BJP leader's criticism that this was a budget appeasing the Muslim community, he said, "All segments need to be taken care of." Asked if his dream of Brand Bengaluru is being realised with this budget, he said, "This is not my dream alone; it fulfills the dream of the entire state. The Centre did not provide any funds for Bengaluru; our State has to take care of it, right?" Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi says, "There are seven to eight sub-castes in the minorities - Parsi, Jain. We want to provide benefits to all..." Ahead of this, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while presenting the Budget, claimed that the state government has maintained the fiscal deficit of the state for the financial year 2025-26. The total expenditure estimated for the financial year 2025-26 is Rs 4,09,549 crores, which includes revenue expenditure of Rs 3,11,739 crores, capital botem expenditure of Rs 71,336 crores and loan repayment of Rs. 26,474 crores. According to the Karnataka government's Budget for the financial year 2025-26, the revenue deficit is estimated to be Rs. 19,262 crores, which is 0.63 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The Fiscal Deficit is estimated to be Rs 90,428 crores, which is 2.95 per cent of the GSDP. Total liabilities at the end of 2025-26 are estimated to be Rs. 7,64,655 crores, which is 24.91 per cent of GSDP. "By keeping fiscal deficit and total outstanding liabilities within the limits mandated under the Karnataka Fiscal Responsibility Act, we have maintained fiscal discipline in the financial year 2025-26," said the Chief Minister. The Karnataka government, in this Budget, has given priority to basic infrastructure in Bengaluru city and announced measures to battle traffic congestion in the city. In this budget, the yearly grant of Rs. 3,000 crores that was being provided to Bengaluru City has been enhanced to Rs 7,000 crores in the current year. Additionally, a new Special Purpose Vehicle will be established to utilise these grants and implement major developmental works on priority. According to the Budget, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has yielded an additional revenue of Rs 4,556 crores through various reforms and substantially increasing property tax collection. The government has stood as a guarantee to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for an amount of Rs. 19,000 crores for undertaking the North-South and the East-West corridors (tunnels) at a cost of Rs. 40,000 crores. To mitigate vehicular congestion and to intended to make major roads of Bengaluru ensure smooth movement of traffic, a 40.5 km double decker flyover will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 8,916 crores along with Namma Metro Phase - 3 Project. (ANI) Troops found approximately 100 pipe bombs, eight larger bombs, and an explosives activation system. Several buildings used for terror infrastructure were demolished. The army launched an ongoing counterterror raid in the Jenin refugee camp on January 19. It has since expanded to the Palestinian city Tulkarem and an area of Samaria known as "the Five Villages." The raids come on the heels of the Palestinian Authority's failed crackdown in the Jenin refugee camp in January. Since Hamas's October 7 attack, Israeli forces have arrested 6,000 wanted Palestinians in counterterror operations in Judea and Samaria. Around 40 percent were affiliated with Hamas. (ANI/TPS) This educational initiative named "Gaining Attention" was introduced by Mayor Huldai at a school principals conference, to minimize smartphone presence in schools until their full removal from the school environment. "We won't let technology control us - we are removing smartphones from schools," said Huldai. (ANI/TPS) President Donald Trump said the French-based CMA CGM, one of the largest shipping companies in the world, will invest USD 20 billion into America's shipping and logistics sector thereby creating approximately "10,000 new jobs in the US." This massive investment will go toward building out shipping, logistics, infrastructure, and terminal expansion, which will create an "estimated 10,000 new jobs in America," he told the reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday. "Today we're delighted to be joined by Rudolf Saade, the chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, one of the largest shipping companies in the world, probably number two in the world. Probably going to be number one in the not-too-distant future, knowing him. They employ over 160,000 employees. They have 750 major container vessels worldwide and I'm thrilled to announce that he's going to be investing USD 20 billion into the United States because of the election results, which comes along with a lot of other things, like great protections and other things," Trump said. He said the US used to build a ship a day, but "we lost our way," and said that soon a massive new program for building very larger ships in the world will be announced. "It's so important because it's about shipping. You know, we lost our way. Many years we haven't done anything. We used to build a ship a day, and now we essentially don't build ships. We're going to start that, and we're going to be announcing next week or the week after a massive new program for building very larger, larger ships in the world", Trump added. The US President also expressed intent on the TikTok deal for which he said, "We have a lot of interest in TikTok. China is going to play a role, so hopefully China will approve of the deal." Trump also signed a proclamation to declare March 2025 as Women's History Month. (ANI) In a post on X, BYC said that Qurash Ahmed, who worked as a labourer, was forcibly disappeared from Kech in Balochistan and another youth, Sajjad, who is a law student, was abducted from Islamabad. The two youths were 22 years old. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1897724669299769563 Enforced disappearances in Balochistan remain a critical human rights issue, with numerous individuals, particularly activists, journalists, and political leaders, being abducted by state forces or unidentified groups. These disappearances are often linked to the Baloch nationalist movement, as people demand greater autonomy and rights. Earlier on Thursday, a Baloch youth working as a security guard at a law college in Balochistan's Turbat, was reportedly detained and disappeared by Pakistani forces, Balochistan Post reported. The missing individual, identified as Saeed Baloch, a resident of Sangabad, worked at the college for several years. According to the Balochistan Post, eyewitnesses claim that Saeed Baloch was detained by Pakistani forces in the western part of Turbat before his disappearance. His current whereabouts remain unknown, causing distress among his family and the local community. This incident is part of a worrying trend of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, where activists and human rights organisations have raised concerns about state-led abductions. Families of the disappeared face immense struggles for justice, while the government often denies involvement, exacerbating fears of further repression and violence. The situation has sparked widespread domestic and international condemnation. Enforced disappearances of Baloch people in Pakistan have been a longstanding and alarming issue, particularly in Balochistan. The Baloch population, seeking greater autonomy and rights, has been targeted by state security forces, including the military and intelligence agencies. (ANI) President Donald Trump delayed tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a short-term period for certain products before the "big one" from April 2. He said he agreed after having "fruitful conversations" with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum while he slammed Canada for being a "high tariff nation". As per an official, the modifications in tariffs against Canada and Mexico are being brought in to "protect American car manufacturers and American farmers". It was noted that this will thus exclude the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)-eligible goods from existing tariffs. As per CNN, the USMCA was negotiated by Trump during his first term, which makes the three North American countries a free trade zone. Explaining the modifications, Trump said, "During this interim period, between now and April 2nd, this makes it much more favourable for our American car manufacturers." Speaking about his conversation with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, he said, "I spoke to the president of Mexico, a wonderful woman, today, and we helped them out with a problem they were having to do with the short-term tariffs. We had a very good conversation. Also, we discussed drugs, and they've been working much harder lately. We've made tremendous progress on both." Trump also shared the details of the conversation in a post on Truth Social. He wrote, "After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement. This Agreement is until April 2nd. I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl. Thank you to President Sheinbaum for your hard work and cooperation!" Speaking about tariffs and Canada, Trump added, "Those are happening next week, and the big one will be on April 2nd. Canada is a high-tariff nation. Canada charges us 250 per cent for our milk products and other products and a tremendous tariff on lumber and things as such. We don't need their lumber. We have more lumber than they do. We don't need Canada's lumber. So what I'm doing is I'll be signing an executive order freeing up our forests so that we're allowed to take down trees and make a lot of money and then re-harvest trees...We don't need trees from Canada. We don't need cars from Canada. We don't need energy from Canada. We don't need anything from Canada...We can be self-sustaining, which is in most things... I'm going to be freeing that up very shortly so that we don't have to go to other countries to buy lumber. You know, why should we be buying lumber from other countries? Paying tariffs, paying big prices, extraordinary prices. And we have lumber. We have the best lumber..." Earlier on Thursday, President Donald Trump had accused Justin Trudeau of "using the tariff problem" with the US to run again for Prime Minister despite the "terrible job he has done for Canada." (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his visit to Ireland from the iconic General Post Office Museum which has a special "meaning for so many who fought for freedom from colonialism." He also visited the Trinity College and interacted with Irish leaders such as former PM Leo Varadkar. In a series of posts on X, EAM said, "Started my visit to Ireland going to the iconic General Post Office Museum in Dublin. The 1916 Easter Rising has a special meaning for so many who fought for freedom from colonialism." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1897786389569147302 He also visited the Trinity College where he saw the Old Library. EAM wrote on X, "Fascinating to see the Book of Kells and the Old Library at the Trinity College in Dublin. Indeed a proud celebration of Irish heritage and culture." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1897788546301264176 He also spoke to Irish leaders such as Indian-origin former Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, and also interacted with Ministers James Lawless, Robert Troy, and Member of Parliament Malcolm Byrne. "A good conversation with former PM @LeoVaradkar, Minister @lawlessj, MoS @RobertTroyTD and MP @malcolmbyrne this afternoon. Appreciate their warm sentiments and steadfast support for India-Ireland ties", he wrote on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1897787800298438826 Jaishankar on Thursday called upon Ireland President Michael D Higgins and conveyed the regards of President Droupadi Murmu to him. The two leaders discussed about the role of culture in strengthening the nationhood. Sharing the details of the meeting on X, Jaishankar said, "Honored to call on President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin this evening. Conveyed the warm regards of President Droupadi Murmu. Value his insights on the contemporary world and its development debates. Spoke of the role of culture in strengthening nationhood." S Jaishankar is on an official visit to the United Kingdom & Ireland from March 4 to March 9. India and Ireland share friendly bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural ties and growing economic engagements. India-Ireland interactions date back to the 19th century when a significant number of Irishmen joined the British Civil Service, medical, engineering and army services, the MEA observed. Ireland had supported and assisted India during the COVID-19 pandemic under EU-ECHO mechanism, Ireland sent emergency medical assistance of 1248 oxygen concentrators, 425 ventilators and 2 oxygen generators in two consignments. Notably, Ireland has consistently supported India in its fight against terror. In the aftermath of the Pulwama cross-border terrorist incident on February 14, 2019, resulting in the killing of 40 CRPF personnel, then Irish Deputy PM and FM Simon Coveney issued a statement, strongly condemning the suicide bombing, expressing concern at the increasing levels of violence in the region and maintaining that Ireland will continue to work with India and the international community to support a comprehensive international response to preventing and countering terrorism. As per the MEA, Indian Embassy has been encouraging Irish companies to engage in major flagship programmes like "Make in India", "Digital India", "Clean India" and "Smart Cities". (ANI) The US Supreme Court has rejected the plea of the 26/11 Mumbai attack accused, Tahawwur Rana, seeking a stay on his extradition to India. Justice Elena Kagan on Thursday (local time) denied Rana's application, requesting a stay on his extradition to India. Tahawwur Rana had approached the United States Supreme Court seeking an emergency stay on his extradition to India. In his application, Rana argued that he would not survive long enough to be tried in India due to various reasons. Rana, through an appeal, stated, "If a stay is not entered, there will be no review at all, and the US courts will lose jurisdiction, and the petitioner will soon be dead." The accused in the 26/11 terror attacks claimed that if extradited to India, the likelihood is very high that he will be subjected to torture as he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin. He stated that because of his Muslim religion, his Pakistani origin, his status as a former member of the Pakistani Army, the relation of the putative charges to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and his chronic health conditions, he is even more likely to be tortured than otherwise would be the case, and that torture is very likely to kill him in short order. He cited the Human Rights Watch 2023 World Report, which documents the BJP-led government's systematic discrimination and stigmatization of religious minorities, particularly Muslims. Rana further argued that the Government in India is increasingly autocratic, and there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of torture if he surrendered to Indian authorities. In addition to these concerns, Rana highlighted his deteriorating health. He suffers from a 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm at immediate risk of rupture, Parkinson's disease with cognitive decline, and a mass suggestive of bladder cancer. He asserts that he cannot be sent into a "hornet's nest" where he will be targeted due to national, religious, and cultural animosity. Earlier in February, US President Donald Trump announced the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India and said he would face justice. He made the announcement during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their bilateral meeting. Tahawwur Rana is a known associate of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the November 26 attacks in Mumbai in 2008. A Pakistani-origin businessman, physician, and immigration entrepreneur, Rana has alleged connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Rana's alleged role in facilitating the attacks has remained a point of contention between India and the United States for years. (ANI) The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 14 fishermen from the Pamban area for fishing across the border and took them to the Mannar Naval Base for investigation, according to the Rameswaram Fishermen Association. The Sri Lankan Navy patrolling the area arrested the fishermen belonging to Salalanga and the 14 fishermen on board for fishing across the border. They have been taken to the Mannar Naval Base for investigation. Earlier on February 27, a group of 25 Indian fishermen who were sent back from Sri Lanka arrived at the Chennai International Airport. Visuals showed the fishermen arriving at the Chennai Airport. The fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and were released from prison. A total of 32 fishermen were arrested on February 23, and their boats were seized. On February 23, fishermen in 440 boats went to sea from Rameswaram. While they were fishing in the Palk Bay sea area, Sri Lankan marines came to the area in a patrol boat. They caught 5 boats and apprehended 32 fishermen claiming that they were fishing across the border. On February 23, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed concern over the increase in the capture of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, urging the Centre to convene a Joint Working Group (JWG) to find a permanent solution to the issue. Highlighting the recent arrest of 32 fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities, Stalin had written to the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and said that the JWG would ensure the secure release of all the arrested fishermen and their boats.The Tamil Nadu CM pointed out that arrests of fishermen from the state are on the rise despite repeated requests to the Sri Lankan government to prevent these arrests. He apprised about the arrests of fishermen in eight separate incidents in 2025, saying that 119 fishermen and 16 boats have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Barbados for conferring him with the 'Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados Award'. He dedicated the award to 1.4 billion Indians and the close ties between India and Barbados. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Grateful to the Government and the people of Barbados for this honour. Dedicate the 'Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados' Award to the 1.4 billion Indians and to the close relations between India and Barbados. " https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1897859646133502351 He made the statement on X in response to a post shared by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, where he mentioned that he received 'Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados' Award on behalf of PM Modi from Barbados President Dame Sandra Mason. He shared the pictures and video from the ceremony held in Bridgetown. Margherita said the award was bestowed upon PM Modi in acknowledgment of his strategic leadership and significant assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a post on X, he said, "Honoured to receive, on behalf of PM Narendra Modi the 'Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados' Award from the President of Barbados, H.E Dame Sandra Mason, at the Government House in Bridgetown, in the presence of PM H.E Mia Amor Mottley, FM H.E Kerrie Symmonds and other dignitaries. The award was bestowed upon PM in acknowledgment of his strategic leadership & significant assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic." A statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "In a ceremony held in Bridgetown, Barbados, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita received the prestigious 'Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados' Award bestowed upon Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in recognition of his strategic leadership and valuable assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic." As per the ministry's statement, Barbados PM Mia Amor Mottley made the announcement during a meeting with PM Modi in Guyana on November 20. Mottley had acknowledged the role played by PM Modi in strengthening international cooperation and support during the COVID19 pandemic "The award announcement was made by Mia Amor Mottley, SC, M.P., the Prime Minister of Barbados, during a meeting with Prime Minister Modi on November 20, 2024, held on the sidelines of the 2nd India-CARICOM Leaders' Summit in Georgetown, Guyana. Prime Minister Mottley acknowledged the vital role played by Prime Minister Modi in strengthening international cooperation and support during the unprecedented situation during COVID19 pandemic," the statement said. While receiving the award on behalf of PM Modi, Margherita expressed his gratitude for the recognition.As per the statement, Margherita said, "It is a profound honour to represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accept this prestigious award on his behalf. This recognition underscores the deepening ties between India and Barbados, as well as our shared commitment to collaboration and development, especially in times of crisis." "Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966, India and Barbados have fostered a robust partnership characterized by continuous engagement and development initiatives. This award symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two nations," the statement added. (ANI) Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party have sent a letter to US Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging them to take further action against China's illegal trade practices, according to a report from the Select Committee on CCP (SCCCP). They called for a Section 301 investigation into China's transshipment schemes. In the letter, the US lawmakers urged the three officials to conduct investigations and implement appropriate enforcement measures against companies that evade US trade laws by unlawfully routing products through third countries. It underscored the significant damage these practices have caused to various US industries, including automotive parts, textiles, and apparel support, as well as the trafficking of precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl by China, SCCCP said in a press release. "The PRC's systematic abuse of US trade laws and protective mechanisms through transshipment, forced labor, and other illicit trade practices represents a clear and urgent threat to American industry and workers. The Select Committee's bipartisan investigative and oversight work has exposed many examples of relevant concerns. Given such evidence of systemic fraud, we urge your agencies to strengthen enforcement against the PRC's unlawful trade practices, including by criminally prosecuting trade criminals, stepping up civil enforcement, and self-initiating a Section 301 investigation into PRC transshipment schemes", the letter read "We are reaching out today to urge your agencies to take further actions to enforce US. trade regulations and to address the unlawful practices of the People's Republic of China (PRC) that hinder US commerce. The Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has revealed multiple instances of actors based in the PRC violating U.S. trade laws, including the illegal transshipment of products through third countries," SCCCP press release said. The US lawmakers noted that failure to hold China accountable for these "unlawful practices" would lead to actors "continuing to inflict severe harm on American industries and workers." In the letter, the lawmakers stated, "Failure to swiftly hold the PRC accountable for these unlawful practices will result in these actors continuing to inflict severe harm on American industries and workers. We urge your respective agencies to increase their enforcement to curb transshipment. Specifically, we request that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) launch an investigation of these practices under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974." "In the 118th Congress, the Select Committee uncovered numerous cases of blatant trade fraud that undermine American manufacturers and force American consumers into unwitting complicity in the CCP's ongoing genocide of the Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang", the letter stated. John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi said that China's transshipment practices give its companies an unfair advantage, enabling them to flood the US market with artificially cheap goods while bypassing trade enforcement mechanisms "The PRC's transshipment practices give its companies an unfair advantage, allowing them to flood the US market with artificially cheap goods while bypassing trade enforcement mechanisms. The consequences for American companies are severe; they are frequently burdened with significant debt, forced to lay off workforce, and pressured to shift production overseas", the letter said, as stated by SCCCP report. In the letter, Krishnamoorthi and Moolenaar concluded by asserting that China's ongoing misuse of US trade regulations and protective measures via transshipment, forced labor, and other illegal trade activities poses a significant and pressing threat to American industries and employees. The bipartisan investigative and oversight efforts of the Select Committee have revealed numerous pertinent issues, according to the SCCCP. (ANI) Mahrang Baloch, a prominent human rights activist and organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), has confirmed her nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, as reported by the Balochistan Post. While expressing gratitude, Baloch emphasised that the recognition is not for her but for the victims of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. In a post on X, she remarked, "I am deeply honored by this nomination, but it is not about me. It is about the thousands of Baloch who have been forcibly disappeared and the families demanding justice. The fight for human rights in Balochistan must not be ignored by global civil society and civilised nations." According to the Balochistan Post, the news of her nomination was first revealed by Norway-based Baloch journalist Kiyya Baloch, who shared that Baloch's name is among the 338 2025 Nobel Peace Prize candidates, including 244 individuals and 94 organisations. While the Nobel Foundation traditionally keeps nominations confidential for 50 years, those who submit them can choose to disclose them. Kiyya Baloch confirmed learning of Mahrang Baloch's candidacy through sources involved in the nomination process, as reported by the Balochistan Post. Mahrang Baloch is internationally known for her advocacy against enforced disappearances and other human rights abuses in Balochistan. Through her leadership in marches and protests, she has brought global attention to the families of the disappeared, calling for justice, the Balochistan Post reported. Her advocacy has earned her a spot on BBC's 100 Most Influential Women list and recognition from TIME magazine as one of the world's top emerging leaders, the Balochistan Post reported. While some observers see her Nobel nomination as an important recognition of her tireless efforts, Mahrang Baloch insists that the honor should serve as a platform to amplify the voices of those she fights for rather than focusing on her own recognition. (ANI) Political activist and senior advocate Zahoor Karim has strongly condemned the ongoing harassment of young traders at the Pakistan-China border and warned to launch a protest movement in the Hunza region of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan(PoGB), Pamir Times reported. In a statement, Advocate Zahoor highlighted the severe limitations imposed on border pass issuance, particularly the controversial 5 million transaction requirement, which he called unconstitutional, as reported by Pamir Times. Zahoor Karim described these conditions as a deliberate attempt to create unrest among the youth and undermine peace in the region. The imposition of unnecessary taxes and barriers for legitimate trade, he argued, is unfairly affecting the local youth who depend on cross-border commerce for their livelihoods, Pamir Times reported. Karim demanded immediate intervention from the federal and provincial governments, as well as the other relevant authorities, to revoke the unconstitutional conditions and establish a sub-office in the district to streamline the issuance of border passes. He also called for the protection of the youth's rights under international laws. According to Pamir Times, he criticized the authorities for focusing on harassing legitimate traders instead of addressing illegal activities. Advocate Zahoor warned that continued harassment would provoke a strong reaction from the local community. The protest movement, according to the lawyer, will serve as a powerful reminder to authorities that the rights of the district's youth must be respected. If not addressed, the movement will press the federal and provincial governments to make critical decisions regarding border trade and guarantee the youth's legitimate rights to participate in it, Pamir Times reported. Advocate Zahoor Karim's call for action highlights the growing dissatisfaction among local youth in Hunza over unfair border trade restrictions. If their demands are not met, the impending protest movement aims to pressure authorities to grant rightful access to border trade and ensure the protection of their economic interests. (ANI) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed China's readiness to work with India to sum up past experience, forge a path forward and advance bilateral ties on the track of sound and stable development. He noted that India and China mark 75 years of diplomatic ties this year. While addressing a press conference on Friday, Wang Yi said, "This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations. China stands ready to work with India to sum up past experience, forge a path forward, and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development." He noted that the ties between India and China have made positive strides over the past year and recalled the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia's Kazan in October last year. He said, "China-India relations have made positive strides over the past year. The successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan last October provided strategic guidance for the improvement and development of the bilateral ties. Both sides have earnestly followed through on the important common understandings of our leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes." Calling India and China "each other's largest neighbours", Wang Yi stated, "Wang Yi said, China and India are each other's largest neighbors. China always believes that the two should be partners that contribute to each other's success. A cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for both sides." He stated that China and India have a shared task to accelerate the development and revitalization of the two nations and stressed that there is every reason that two nations support each other. "As the two largest developing countries, China and India have a shared task to accelerate our countries' development and revitalization. There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undercut each other, work with each other rather than guard against each other. This is the path that truly serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples," Wang Yi said. He noted that India and China have enough wisdom to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution. Calling India and China "important members" of the Global South, Wang said that the two nations have responsibility to take lead in opposing "hegemonism and power politics." Wang Yi said, "As two ancient civilizations, we have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution. We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question, or let specific differences affect the overall picture of our bilateral ties." "As important members of the Global South, we have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics. We must not only safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of our countries, but also uphold the basic norms governing international relations. When China and India join hands, the prospects for greater democracy in international relations and a stronger Global South will improve greatly," he added. Earlier on February 21, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday expressed satisfaction over meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. "I am glad that we could meet today on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Johannesburg. Such gatherings have provided an opportunity for our interaction even when our ties were going through a difficult phase," EAM said in his opening remarks during a meeting with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi. Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage in dialogue, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in a polarised global landscape. He acknowledged the efforts made by both countries to preserve the G20 as a vital institution, demonstrating their commitment to collaborative governance. "We should also recognize that in a polarised global situation, our two countries have worked hard to preserve and protect the G20 as an institution. This in itself testifies to the importance of international cooperation," he added. This meeting marked a crucial step in strengthening India-China relations, which have experienced a challenging phase in recent times. Since their last meeting in Rio during the G20 Summit in November 2024, there have been notable developments in India - China relations. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have visited China and engaged in discussions on various aspects of their relationship, including border management and other key areas. (ANI) Organisers of the Women's March held a press conference at the National Press Club on Thursday, urging the government to recognise International Women's Day, marked on March 8, as a national public holiday in Pakistan, Dawn reported. During the press conference, prominent social activists, including Farzana Bari, Huda Burghari, Nishat Maryam, Zainab Jamil, and Jiya Jaggi, outlined a series of urgent demands aimed at addressing human rights, social justice, and environmental issues in the country. They emphasised the need for immediate action on gender-based violence, calling for a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of patriarchal violence, as well as the eradication of child marriages. The activists also demanded the strict enforcement of laws against violence and full implementation of the Transgender Rights Protection Act. They highlighted the importance of ensuring equal rights for religious minorities, specifically calling for measures to provide them with better access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, Dawn reported. In addition, the Women's March organisers expressed concerns over the misuse of blasphemy laws, urging immediate amendments to prevent their exploitation. They also condemned the persecution of Christian, Hindu, Shia, and Ahmadi communities, demanding the protection of their social, political, and economic rights. A significant portion of the press conference focused on the organisers' ongoing struggle for the right to peaceful assembly. The activists criticised the government for obstructing their efforts to hold gatherings, especially pointing out the repeated difficulties in obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for their events since 2020, Dawn reported. The activists also drew attention to the alarming rise in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings targeting Baloch, Pashtun, and Sindhi human rights activists, journalists, and political dissenters. They demanded immediate government action to address these grave human rights violations. On environmental issues, the Women's March organisers called for an end to environmentally harmful projects such as "Green Pakistan," urging the government to prioritise sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to the country's environmental crisis, as per the report. The call for a national holiday on International Women's Day, alongside the demand for urgent social reforms, highlights the growing momentum for gender equality and human rights activism in Pakistan. (ANI) The Australian Navy has deployed three ships and surveillance aircraft to "closely monitor" a Chinese task group operating "near Australia" since mid-February, according to a report by Radio Free Asia (RFA). Richard Marles, also serving as deputy Prime Minister, stated on Thursday that the three Anzac-class frigates - HMAS Stuart, HMAS Warramunga, and HMAS Toowoomba - were tracking the Chinese warships, which were located approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) northwest of Perth, as reported by RFA. "From the moment this task force entered the vicinity of Australia, in an unprecedented manner, we have been observing their movements," Marles mentioned. "We intend to continue monitoring them as long as they remain in the vicinity of Australia," he added, as cited by RFA. The Chinese task group consists of the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu, according to RFA. A report from RFA indicated that on February 21, they conducted a live-fire drill in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand on very short notice, leading airlines to reroute flights to avoid potential accidents. In response to Canberra's concerns, Chinese officials stated that the warships' operations "have consistently been conducted safely, in a standardized and professional manner, and in line with relevant international laws and practices," as reported by RFA. (ANI) While the Chinese vessels have the right to freedom of navigation under international law, analysts noted that China was signaling its capacity to project military power, as highlighted in the RFA report. "It is evident that China is utilizing this naval deployment of three ships to convey a strategic message to Australia and the wider region that China intends to extend its naval capabilities beyond its coastal waters and into the maritime zones of other countries," remarked Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, according to RFA. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday interacted with the Indian community in Dublin during his visit to Ireland. The Minister said that in recent times India has gained a better reputation for defending its interests. "We want today's Indians going abroad, whether they are tourists, whether they are students, whether they are professionals, whether they are people who live abroad, to have that confidence that the government thinks about you, the government has your back. If you are in a jam, we are there. This is not just a statement. It is a commitment that is backed by a system that is, as I said, based on applications of technology and the creation of a certain structure of action" the EAM said He added, "There is also, of course, we live in a world where countries depend on each other. I think again we have in many ways in recent years, gained a better reputation, not only for defending our interests, but also for standing by others." Speaking about 'India's reputation' EAM S Jaishankar said that all over the world people say good things about Indians. "I always tell others that when we speak of the image of India. They don't look at a map to have an image of India. They remember a person. They remember somebody they know, some experience with them, a face, relationship, a feeling. And while I have experienced this across the world, I must tell you. I felt it very strongly, so I can fully understand what the ambassador was trying to convey. I've just come a little while ago from a meeting with President Higgins. Earlier in the day, I met a collection of people who were very interested in the Prime Minister and some of the ministers in the cabinet. Tomorrow, I will be meeting my counterpart, Foreign Minister and Prime Minister Simon Harris. But in all the meetings, for me, it was a great, I would say, sense of pride." Speaking about India and Ireland's deep connection and Ireland's indigenous history, he said, "Ireland, in many ways, was an exception because it was itself occupied. So we've always had a special connection with Ireland. When we look at how the Irish themselves have built their nation, their freedom struggle, how they have revived their culture because the colonial period, you know, colonial power tries to erase the culture. There is so much that is worth knowing, worth learning, and worth thinking about. And so even though, you know, I had official meetings, I still did two things today, which I'm sure many of you have done, but if you have not, I would recommend it." "One, I went to the general post office, which was the centre of the Easter Rising in 1916, where I would say in the 20th century, if there was one symbol anywhere in the world of people rising against the colonial power, the most potent one was the General Post Office in Dublin. As a country that fought for its freedom, for me, that was an important first stop. And then somewhere in my programs, I found time for one other thing which I had promised myself I would do, which is to visit a site or a place which for them in terms of their cultural revival was very important because here is a country whose actually language was under threat, not just culture. And I went to see the book of Kells, which is a UNESCO World Heritage," he added. (ANI) Three individuals, including two active-duty US Army soldiers, Jian Zhao and Li Tian, and one former US Army soldier, Ruoyu Duan, have been arrested and charged with various crimes related to national security, read a press release of US State Department. Zhao, a Supply Sergeant stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, was charged with conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to individuals in China, as well as bribery and theft of government property, the US State Department said on Friday. The indictment alleged that Zhao conspired with others to collect and transmit classified hard drives, including those marked "SECRET" and "TOP SECRET", to individuals in China. The indictment in the Western District of Washington alleged that beginning in or about July 2024 and continuing to the date of the arrest, Jian Zhao, an active-duty US Army Supply Sergeant, conspired with others known and unknown to the grand jury to obtain and transmit national defense information to individuals based in China. Zhao is further alleged to have committed bribery and theft of government property. "Zhao was charged in the Western District of Washington for conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to an individual not authorized to receive it and also for bribery and theft of government property," the statement added. He reportedly received at least USD 10,000 in exchange for selling the classified hard drives. Additionally, Zhao is accused of conspiring to sell stolen US government property, including an encryption-capable computer and sensitive US military documents and information. According to a US State Department statement, Tian and Duan were charged in the District of Oregon for conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. Tian and Duan, on the other hand, were charged with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. The indictment alleged that they conspired to gather sensitive military information related to US Army operational capabilities and transmit it to each other in exchange for money. "The indictment in the District of Oregon alleges that beginning on or about November 28, 2021, and continuing to at least on or about December 19, 2024, Duan and Tian along with others, known and unknown to the grand jury conspired with each other to surreptitiously gather sensitive military information related to the United States Army's operational capabilities, including technical manuals and other sensitive information, and that Tian transmitted this information to Duan in return for money, in violation of his official duties as an active-duty US Army officer," as per the US State Department. "The defendants arrested on Friday are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America's defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China," said Attorney General Pamela J Bondi. "They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice," he added. Specifically, Tian was tasked with gathering information on US military weapon systems, including information on the Bradley and Stryker US Army fighting vehicles, and transmitting them to Duan. "While bribery and corruption have thrived under China's Communist Party, this behavior cannot be tolerated with our service members who are entrusted with sensitive military information, including national defense information," said FBI Director Kash Patel. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasised that the FBI will continue to work to uncover attempts by individuals in China to steal sensitive US military information and hold accountable those who betray national defense. "The FBI and our partners will continue to work to uncover attempts by those in China to steal sensitive US military information and hold all accountable who play a role in betraying our national defense. The FBI would like to thank US Army Counterintelligence for their close partnership during this investigation." "We thank the FBI and US Army Counterintelligence Command for their hard work on this investigation and commitment to protecting our national security," said Acting US Attorney William M Narus for the District of Oregon. "These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation," said Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General, Army Counterintelligence Command. "Along with the Department of Justice and FBI, Army Counterintelligence Command will continue to work tirelessly to hold those accountable who irresponsibly and selfishly abandon the Army values and choose personal gain over duty to our nation. We remind all members of the Army team to increase their vigilance and protect our Army by reporting suspicious activity." The FBI and the US Army Counterintelligence Command investigated the case, according to US State Department. Assistant US Attorneys Geoffrey Barrow and Katherine Rykken for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorneys Christopher Cook and Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. (ANI) The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) shared glimpses of his visit in a post on social media platform X on Friday. "Strengthening Defence Collaboration!" the HQ IDS post read. "General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff CDS India, toured the historic Victoria Barracks, a landmark military facility known for its rich heritage and role in shaping strategic military planning and defence administration. CDS was briefed by Brigadier Sean Parkes, Deputy G7 Army, on key strategic aspects of the Australian Army. The visit provided insights into the Australian Army's operational framework and command structures." Earlier, Australia's Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston AC RAN, hosted CDS General Chauhan in Canberra on Wednesday. Welcoming him to Australia, Admiral David Johnston reaffirmed Australia's commitment to working closely with India to enhance interoperability, strengthen people-to-people ties, and further cooperation with key partners to promote regional stability and security. According to the Australian government's statement, CDS Chauhan's visit included meetings with senior Defence leaders. During General Chauhan's visit, discussions focused on practical ideas to realise both nations' long-term vision of a defence and security collaboration that enhances collective strength and contributes to the security of the two nations. This was the first visit of India's Chief of Defence Staff to Australia. The Australian government called India a "top-tier security partner" for Australia. He said, "It was a pleasure to welcome General Chauhan on his first official visit to Canberra. General Chauhan's visit underlines the value of our defence partnership with India." "We are committed to working closely with our Indian partners to enhance our interoperability, strengthen people-to-people links, and further cooperation with key partners to promote regional stability and security," he added. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a state visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Naveen Chandra Ramgoolam. He will be attending the National Day celebrations of Mauritius as the chief guest on March 12. Addressing a weekly briefing on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "This is in regard to the visit of Prime Minister to Mauritius on the invitation of the prime minister of Mauritius, Doctor Naveen Chandra ran Gulam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be a state visit to Mauritius on March 11 and 12th, 2025 to attend the National Day celebrations of Mauritius, which falls on 12th of March, as the chief guest, a contingent of Indian Defence Forces will participate in the celebrations, along with the ship from the Indian Navy." During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will call on the President of Mauritius and hold discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam. "The Prime Minister last visited Mauritius in 2015. During the visit, the Prime Minister will call on the president of Mauritius to meet with the Prime Minister of Mauritius and hold several other meetings with important dignitaries and senior leaders from the country," Jaiswal stated. "More in regard to the recipient showing the press release, you will get more details from this document," he added. Last month, Mauritius PM Ramgoolam said while addressing the country's Parliament said, "I have great pleasure to inform the House that following my invitation, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, has kindly agreed to be the Guest of Honour for our National Day celebrations. It is indeed a singular privilege for our country to host such a distinguished personality who is doing us this honour, despite his very tight schedule and his recent visits to Paris and the United States." Ramgoolam further said that the visit serves as a testament to the strong and enduring relationship between the two countries. Notably, the country will celebrate its National Day next month. (ANI) India has conveyed "deep concern" to the UK authorities over the breach of security arrangements by Khalistani separatist during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's UK visit, urging action against the culprits on this and previous occasions. Speaking at the weekly briefing on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We have conveyed our deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during EAM's visit." Further, Jaiswal stated that the incident highlights the "license accorded to such forces" and the "indifference to their intimidation, threats, and other actions aimed at impeding our legitimate diplomatic activities in the UK". "There is a larger context to the incident. It brings out both the license accorded to such forces, as well as indifference to their intimidation, threats, and other actions aimed at impeding our legitimate diplomatic activities in the UK," he said. "While we have noted the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office on the matter, our view of its sincerity would depend on the action taken against culprits on this and previous occasions," he added. On Thursday, Jaiswal said that the Ministry had seen footage of a breach of security during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to the UK and strongly condemned the "provocative activities" of these separatists and extremists. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said that India deplores the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements and expects the host government to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations in such cases. "We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of EAM to the UK. We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations," an MEA spokesperson said. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) later condemned the protests staged by pro-Khalistan elements outside Chatham House during the External Affairs Minister's visit to the UK. The Foreign Office said that any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable. " On March 6, Khalistan protestors staged a demonstration outside the venue where Jaishankar participated in a discussion held by Chatham House on Wednesday (UK local time). (ANI) In a significant development, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday confirmed that 10 Indian workers were found in the West Bank and have been brought back to Israel. In a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Israeli government authorities discovered the Indian workers in the construction sector in the West Bank. Following their discovery, the Israeli authorities facilitated their return to Israel. Jaiswal assured that the matter is currently under investigation, and the Indian Embassy is in close touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the workers' well-being. "10 Indian workers in the construction sector were found in the West Bank. Israeli government authorities brought them back to Israel. The matter is being investigated, and the embassy is in touch with Israeli authorities. They are in Israel and being looked after," said Jaiswal. Earlier, according to the Israeli authorities, Palestinians had lured Indian workers to the al-Zaayem village of the West Bank with promises to provide work and then seized their passports and attempted to use them to enter Israel. The Times of Israel reported earlier that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Justice Ministry led an overnight operation to rescue workers who had come to Israel to work in construction. The workers have been taken to a safe location until their employment status is determined. The IDF detected the illicit use of the passports and later returned them to their owners. As per the report, some 16,000 labourers have arrived in Israel from India in 2024 as part of an Israeli government initiative to fill a void after tens of thousands of Palestinian construction workers were banned from entering Israel after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. (ANI) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned FIRs against protesting students in Jamshoro and urged the Sindh government to withdraw charges and release detainees. https://x.com/HRCP87/status/1897938156793549177 According to a post shared by HRCP on X, "HRCP is concerned by the FIR lodged against nearly 100 students in Jamshoro, Sindh, who were participating in a protest on 4 March against the development of new canals on the Indus River for purposes of additional irrigation in Punjab. We also deplore the use of disproportionate force against the protestors after the police attempted to prevent them from gathering on the Indus Highway." "We remind the Sindh government that under international best practices, nonviolent assemblies that obstruct public roads should not be dispersed with force solely on the basis of the disruption they cause. The FIR must be withdrawn and those still in custody released" read the post. On Tuesday, law enforcement used batons and deployed tear gas against students at Sindh University in Jamshoro, Pakistan, who were demonstrating against the building of water channels aimed at irrigating vast areas of Punjab using water from the Indus River. Numerous students involved in the protests were injured and detained as a result of police violence. The demonstrators were affiliated with the Jeay Sindh Students Federation (JSSF) and the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) Bashir and Arisar factions, alongside other nationalist groups. As reported by Dawn, "The police attempted to forcefully disperse the crowd, but the students fought back." Subsequently, law enforcement utilized tear gas and baton charges, arresting approximately 8-10 students who were protesting, including Nazeer Khoso, Mansoor Buledi, Wazir Leghari, Asghar, Yousuf Jakhrani, Nasem Memon, and Yasir Burfat, the report added. Sohail Abro, chairman of the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM), has vehemently condemned the violent response to students at Sindh University who were protesting the unlawful construction of canals on the Indus River, as stated by Voice of Sindh News. (ANI) India and the US are gearing up to negotiate a landmark Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) that could potentially boost trade between the two nations amid US President Donald Trump's plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on US trading partners, including India. In a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the agreement aims to strengthen and deepen India-US two-way trade in goods and services, increase market access, and reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers. "The two governments are in the process of advancing discussions on a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement. Through the BTA, our objective is to strengthen and deepen India-US two-way trade in the goods and services sector, increase market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepen supply chain integration between the two countries," said Jaiswal. The announcement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in February 2025, where both sides expressed interest in negotiating a mutually beneficial, multi-sector BTA. Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal also recently met his US counterparts to advance discussions on the agreement. "During PM's visit to the US in February 2025, both sides announced plans to negotiate a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The Commerce and Industries Minister was in the US and met his counterparts," said Jaiswal. A key aspect of the BTA is its focus on supply chain integration between India and the US. The agreement could pave the way for increased trade in goods and services by reducing barriers and increasing market access, benefiting both economies. While India has trade agreements with over 50 countries, including the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement and the South Asia Free Trade Agreement, a BTA with the US could have significant implications for India's economy. As negotiations progress, India will likely push for greater market access for its goods and services, while the US may seek increased agricultural exports to India. The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched, as it could set the tone for India-US trade relations in the years to come. US President Donald Trump had earlier targeted India's import duties in a speech to a joint session of Congress. Trump specifically targeted India's tariffs on automobile imports, saying, "India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100%." While addressing a joint session of the US Congress, Trump said that the reciprocal tax will kick in on April 2. He had said that the US has been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on earth and vowed not to "let that happen any longer." Trump had said, "Under the Trump administration, you will pay a tariff and in some cases a rather large one. Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it's our turn to start using them against those other countries. On average, the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, Canada, and countless other nations charge us tremendously higher tariffs than we charge them. It's very unfair. India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100 percent." He had also spoken about the tariffs imposed by the European Union, China, Brazil and Mexico and had announced that the US will impose tariffs on other nations based on what they do to the US. (ANI) Holi festivities kicked off in Nepal on Friday with the ancient Chir tradition -sacred bamboo Chir was upraised at the Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kathmandu. The Manandhars within the Newa community have been raising the Chir at Basantapur Durbar Square, which symbolises the arrival of Holi in the Himalayan Nation. This group is referred to as Dhaalasiko Manandhars, and their working committee is also called Sana: gu Khala. This group of Manandhars, who has been given the identity of Dhaalasiko for residing near a Dhaale (Newari word for pomegranate) tree that was previously present in the area, gears up to work on bringing the Chir. "It symbolises victory of truth over falsehood. The upraising of Chir gives the message that Holi has formally started in Nepal," Gajendra Prasad Manandhar, Secretary of the working committee told ANI. The working committee follows the auspicious time on Asthami (8th day of the Waxing moon in the month of Falgun) to raise the bamboo pole, which is said to be awarded to the particular ethnic group of Nepal by King Gunakamadev during the Malla regime in Nepal's ancient history. Legends say that the tradition has been running since the Malla period and was later modified at the time of Prithivi Narayan Shah (Modern Nepal's unifier). During the Malla period, which ran from the 10th to the 18th Century, the 'Chir's' used to be erected at Mohan Chowk or Nasal Chowk. After King Gyanendra exited the palace in 2008, the number of Chirs raised in Basantapur Durbar Square, a World Heritage Site, fell by half to two from four. Before kings exited the palace, similar Chirs were raised at four places: one at Hanumandhoka Gate, another at Mohan Chowk inside the Hanumandhoka Premises, another at Gaddhi Baithak, and one at Narayanhiti Palace. These days, Chir poles are upraised only at Hanumandhoka and Basantapur. Though the number of places has declined, the basic features have remained the same since the project was initiated. "The three layers that are seen on the Chir symbolize the three loks- Paatal, Prithivi and Sworga Lok. Along with it comes the distinctive significances. While preparing it, we only used the bamboo and twine. Metals or nails aren't used to prepare it. It is solely made using clothes and bamboo," Manandhar added. The bamboo that is 32 feet long and six inches thick is suitable to be raised as Chir with pieces of cloth tied on its three layers of umbrella-like structure, which symbolises Nepali gods and goddesses. The umbrella-like structure with pieces of cloth tied onto it is cut and sewn by seamstresses. The Manandhar Community uses wires to tie the pieces onto Chir. The branch of the Dhaale (pomegranate) tree is tied onto the top of the umbrella-like structure, which is brought from a forest near Guhyeshwari in Kathmandu and taken back to the Guhyeshwari Temple for puja after a salute by the Gurjuko Paltan (Ancient Nepal's Army). Another part of the Pomegranate is taken to the Gorakhnath temple in Mrigasthali near Pashupatinath temple, whereas another is brought to Basantapur Durbar Square and tied on top of Chir by a priest at an auspicious time. "Chir," which stands tall in Basantapur Durbar Square, not only signals the arrival of the festival of colors but also conveys the message of harmony and cooperation. The state has supported it financially since its inception. The tradition of erecting the "Chir" is believed to have its historical roots in the story of Prahlad in the medieval period. Prahlad's aunt, "Holika," sits on fire with Prahlad on his lap to kill him, but she gets burnt down instead, leaving Prahlad unaffected, which is also related to the erection of the Chir as its symbol. In order to mark the death of Holika, who had the boon to remain unaffected by fire, it was burned down. In order to mark the victory of godliness over evil forces, Holi is believed to have started, and the burning of Chir is based on it. This traditional culture of playing the Holi is marked on two separate days in Nepal. The Hilly and Himalayan districts of Nepal mark the day of holi on Thursday (13 March) this year, whereas the Terai districts will be celebrating Holi on Friday (14 March) this year. (ANI) Mirzoyan will arrive in New Delhi on March 9 at New Delhi Airport. The Armenian Foreign Minister is scheduled to deliver a lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) at Sapru House, New Delhi, on March 10. Later in the day, he will hold a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. According to MEA, FM Ararat Mirzoyan visited India from 24 to 27 April 2022 to participate in the Raisina Dialogue. He met EAM Jaishankar and also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Armenian FM was accompanied by a big business delegation and had detailed meetings with the representatives of CII in Delhi and Mumbai. Jaishankar also met with Mirzoyan in September 2021 in Dushanbe on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Shortly thereafter, EAM visited Armenia from 12 to 13 October 2021. This was EAM's first-ever visit to independent Armenia. India and Armenia share friendly relations rooted in historical ties between the people ofthe two countries. In 2022, the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Armenia was celebrated. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], March 7 (ANI/TPS): For the first time since the war in northern Israel began, the IDF allowed civilians to visit the tomb of Rabbi Ashi, part of which lies in Lebanese territory. Early Friday morning, around 800 Orthodox worshippers, including Breslov Hasidim, arrived at the site under military escort. In recent weeks, hundreds of worshippers attempted to reach the tomb without coordination, leading to clashes with soldiers and police. Some even crossed the border into Lebanon and were detained by the IDF. (ANI/TPS) Nepali Muslims gathered at mosques across the country to offer prayers on the first Friday of Ramzan, the holiest month in Islam. In Kathmandu, a large number of worshippers congregated at the Kashmiri Mosque near Ghantaghar to perform 'Namaz'. Similar gatherings took place in mosques nationwide as devotees observed the religious occasion. During Ramzan, Muslims observe a month-long fast, refraining from food and water from sunrise to sunset while dedicating time to prayers. The holy month of Ramzan is believed to be the period when the Quran was revealed. Observing the fast (roza) is considered an act of devotion that brings blessings from Allah. "During Ramzan, we observe Roza (fast), followed by timely held Namaz, Quran as well as give Jakat. During this time, we are supposed to only do noble works. This time demands full dedication to noble works, other tasks are deemed to be kept aside and continue the Roza. For the entire month, we have been focusing on Namaz, Quran recitation and do noble works as we continue the Roza," Mohammad Razwi, one of the attendees of first Friday prayers of Ramzan told ANI. Ramzan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is one of the most sacred times as the month is believed to be when the Quran came down to the earth from heaven for the very first time. The holy Quran is regarded "as a guidance for men and women, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation." For an entire month, Islam followers follow a schedule of waking up early, which they call 'Sheheri'. By 4:45 (AM), they have food, and then they fast for the whole day--not even drinking a drop of water. They perform Namaz five times a day. The early morning is known as Fazar, followed by Zohar in second, Ashar in third, Magrit in fourth, and Isha in the final one. The day-long fast (Roza) ends after Magrit, which usually falls after 6 PM or later in the evening. For a month, Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn until sunset. According to the religion, fasting is a private act of worship that brings about nearness to God, a form of spiritual discipline, and a means of empathizing with those less fortunate. The evening meal, or dinner, which is taken late in the evening after Magrit is called Iftar. It is mandatory to visit family and friends. On the evening of the 27th day of Ramadan, Muslims observe a special night called Layat al-Qadr, sometimes referred to as the Night of Power. It is believed that Muhammad first received the Holy Qur'an on this night. At the end of Ramzan, Eid al-Fitr celebrates the breaking of the fast. Friends and families gather for festive meals and exchange gifts. Special gifts are also given to the poor. It is also believed that fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. (ANI) Zamir expressed deep appreciation for Hagari's years of dedicated service, highlighting his leadership as IDF Spokesperson during one of the most complex wars in Israel's history. Reports indicate that Zamir is expected to appoint a combat officer from the Ground Forces as the next IDF Spokesperson. Among the leading candidates is Col. Beni Aharon, commander of the 401st Armored Brigade. (ANI/TPS) The two sides discussed the potential for technological and capacity-building collaboration relating to survey and boundary-related work, as per the priorities of both the nations, the MEA said in a release on Friday Both sides expressed satisfaction with the work completed by the respective field survey teams and other stakeholders on boundary-related field matters. They also finalised the work plan for the next three field seasons. The Indian side was led by Surveyor General of India, Hitesh Kumar S Makwana, and the Bhutanese side was led by Dasho Letho T Tangbi, Secretary, International Boundaries, Royal Government of Bhutan. As per the MEA, the meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and is in keeping with the tradition of regular dialogues in all sectors of bilateral cooperation. Earlier in February, Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay concluded his official visit to India from February 20-21. During this visit, he participated in the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) conclave, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As per the statement by the MEA, during the visit, PM Tobgay had a meeting with Prime Minister Modi and other senior ministers and officials of the Government of India. "The visit of the Prime Minister of Bhutan is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, a hallmark of the special partnership}", the MEA had observed. India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation underpinned by mutual trust, shared values, and utmost goodwill at all levels. (ANI) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Moscow to hold bilateral Foreign Office Consultations with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement. During the consultations, the two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties and also shared perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest. As per the MEA, India and Russia took stock of progress on implementation of decisions taken at the 22nd Annual Summit held in Moscow in July 2024, the meeting in Kazan on the side-lines of the 16th BRICS Summit between PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the 25th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation held in New Delhi in November 2024, and other high level engagements. Notably, during the visit, Foreign Secretary also held meetings with Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Executive Office; Yury Ushakov, Aide to the Russian President; and Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade. As per the MEA, the last round of Foreign Office Consultations was held in New Delhi in November 2023. Russia has been a longstanding and time-tested partner for India. The development of India- Russia relations has been a key pillar of India's foreign policy. As per the MEA, since the signing of the "Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership" in October 2000 (during the visit of President Putin), India-Russia ties have acquired a qualitatively new character with enhanced levels of cooperation in almost all areas, including political, security, defence, trade and economy, science & technology, culture, and people-to-people ties. The bilateral relationship has remained strong and stable over 75 years. The India-Russia partnership has been among the steadiest in the contemporary era with a shared commitment to a multipolar world as well to expand the engagement beyond the traditional military, nuclear and space cooperation. According to the MEA, in the past two years, the bilateral trade has expanded significantly, doubling the target of USD 30 billion set earlier for 2025. There are discussions on ways to increase exports from India as well as on developing new models of cooperation. Both countries also look to strengthen inter-regional cooperation, especially with the Russian Far East and connectivity initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor and the Northern Sea Route. There is a synergy between Russia's pivot to the East, its resource and technology and India's own flagship initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, the MEA said. (ANI) India and Singapore held the 18th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Singapore on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement. As per the MEA, the Indian delegation was led by Jaideep Muzumdar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, and the Singapore side was headed by Luke Goh, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The MEA noted that the co-chairs reviewed the entire gamut of India-Singapore bilateral and multilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global matters of mutual interest. "The discussion focused on the six pillars of cooperation (Digitalization, Skills Development, Sustainability, Healthcare & Medicine, Advanced Manufacturing and Connectivity), which were identified during the two rounds of India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable for further strengthening bilateral cooperation", the MEA said. Notably, the discussion also covered bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence, trade, investments, culture and people-to-people exchanges. India and Singapore discussed the roadmap for implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore, which was announced during the visit of PM Modi to Singapore in September 2024. As India and Singapore celebrate the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year, the MEA noted that the 18th meeting of this dialogue mechanism was timely for reviewing the progress of outcomes of recent high-level exchanges and to set the agenda of exchanges and cooperation for this special year. It was noted that both the sides agreed to convene the next round of India-Singapore Foreign Office Consultations in India at mutually convenient dates. MEA said that during the visit to Singapore, Secretary (East) called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, had a meeting with Beh Swan Gin, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry and also interacted with scholars and academics at an interaction organised by the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. (ANI) OSAKA, Mar 07 (News On Japan) - A 28-year-old unemployed man has been arrested for attacking a man from behind with a jump kick and stealing his bag on a street in Takatsuki, Osaka. A security camera captured the entire incident. Footage from a nearby security camera shows the victim standing on the street when the suspect suddenly delivers a jump kick from behind. The assailant initially flees the scene but then returns, takes the victims bag, and runs away. The suspect, identified as Kazuma Nagaya, 28, was arrested on suspicion of robbery resulting in injury. The incident occurred in the early hours of March 2 in Tenjincho, Takatsuki City, where he allegedly attacked a man in his 50s with a jump kick, causing him to fall and stealing his bag. The victim sustained serious injuries, including fractures to his head and lower back, and is expected to take a month to recover. On the night of March 6, Nagaya turned himself in, accompanied by a relative. However, police have not disclosed whether he has admitted to the charges. Investigators have confirmed that there was no prior acquaintance between Nagaya and the victim and are looking into the details of the incident. Source: YOMIURI The Moroccan government said it has selected 6 projects led by 5 national and international firms to launch green hydrogen projects in the southern provinces, the Sahara, to produce ammonia, fuel, and steel, as part of its offer to investors. The companies that were selected by the Morocco Offer committee are: The ORNX consortium made up of the US-based Ortus, Spains Acciona, and Germanys Nordex, who teamed up to produce green ammonia; A consortium composed of the UAEs Taqa and Spains CESPA who will be producing green ammonia and industrial fuel; Moroccos Nareva which submitted a bid to produce green ammonia, industrial fuel, and green steel; Saudi Arabias Acwa power which will produce steel; A consortium made up of Chinas UEG and China Three Gorges that will produce ammonia. King Mohammed VI had urged the government to speed up Moroccos green hydrogen offer, which was unveiled last year, identifying 1 million hectares with 300,000 to be made available at a first stage. Morocco would offer a maximum of 30,000 hectares to each project after the signature of relevant agreement with the above-mentioned firms, the head of the governments office said. During the French Presidents visit to Morocco in October, the government signed an agreement to develop green hydrogen industries with Total energies. Phosphates and fertilizers producer, OCP, which is Moroccos top ammonia importer also signed a deal with Engie to develop industries relating to green hydrogen including ammonia production. Germany has manifested interest in Moroccos hydrogen potential, signing an alliance with the country that is poised to be a key supplier of hydrogen-based fuel to the EU. Nigeria and China have announced a joint effort to combat the rising involvement of Chinese nationals in financial crimes across Nigeria and also fighting fake news. This follows a recent visit by Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai to Nigerias Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja. In a statement, Ambassador Dunhai expressed regret over the situation, pledging Chinas support to work alongside Nigerian law enforcement. He assured that Chinese delegates would collaborate with the EFCC to address issues such as cybercrime, telecom fraud, and illegal mining, all of which have led to the arrest of over 400 Chinese nationals since November. However, concerns have emerged about the potential influence of China over the process. Critics, including Nigerian political analysts, worry that Chinas close ties with Nigeria especially due to trade relations and significant debt exceeding $5 billion could undermine the rule of law, potentially leading to politically motivated releases. While Nigeria seeks Chinas support in international affairs, including securing a spot in the G20, analysts urge that these criminal cases should remain unaffected by political or economic pressures, stressing the importance of transparency and upholding Nigerias sovereignty in legal matters. Nigeria has also announced its commitment to work with China in tackling the growing issue of fake news and misinformation. During a meeting with Ambassador Dunhai, Nigerian minister of information Alhaji Mohammed Idris emphasized the dangers of false information and stressed the importance of promoting accurate, reliable content. The Chinese ambassador said he looked forward to the implementation of the Memoranda of Understanding signed between the China Media Group and Nigerias two foremost public broadcasters the NTA and FRCN, because the media plays an important role in shaping views in the society. Egypt is set to establish a new trade entity aimed at strengthening exports across Arab markets, as part of a broader strategy to drive economic growth. The Arab Alliance for Industrial Investment, comprising 41 private Egyptian companies, is expected to be fully operational by next week, according to a report by Ashraq Business released on March 6. The initiative is designed to enhance Egypts trade presence in the region, with dedicated offices in Libya, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. Beyond boosting exports, the alliance will offer a range of services to investors, including promotional activities, construction projects, and liaising with government bodies. The move comes as Egypt seeks to counter a sharp drop in Suez Canal revenues, which declined by 60 percent, or $7 billion, in 2024. The government aims to enhance total foreign exchange inflows to $145 billion by 2030, with investments from Arab nations playing a significant role. In the last quarter of the 2023-24 fiscal year, foreign direct investment from Arab countries reached $39.5 billion, led by the UAE. The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced plans to invite foreign investment into the countrys oil and gas sector, offering 22 onshore and offshore exploration areas in 2025. This move, the first public bidding round in over 18 years, has raised debates regarding whether it is a genuine attempt to develop the sector or an irresponsible exploitation of the nations resources. The decision has faced significant opposition from both the parliamentary Energy Committee and the High Council of State. The Energy Committee has argued that the initiative is unlawful, as it requires parliamentary approval before proceeding. They have called for further transparency from the NOC, demanding detailed information about the bidding process to ensure that Libyas interests are properly protected. Meanwhile, the National Consensus Bloc in the High Council of State has condemned the move as a reckless waste of the countrys oil wealth, labelling it a serious threat to Libyas energy security and accusing the government of violating national laws. Despite the criticism, Khalifa Abdul Sadiq, Libyas Minister of Oil and Gas in the Government of National Unity, has defended the decision. He emphasized that it represents the governments commitment to revitalizing the oil sector and boosting the national economy. He reassured that the bidding process signals Libyas return to the global oil market with a stable environment and a transparent framework aimed at attracting major international companies to the country. Algeria has summoned the French ambassador to Algiers to complain about an upcoming French-Moroccan military exercises east of the Kingdom, issuing a strong-worded statement that comes in a series of provocative moves against Paris amid a worsening bilateral crisis. Algerias foreign ministry said in a statement that the French ambassador heard Algiers complaints regarding the exercise, which it described as dangerous and provocative. The military exercise in question, Chergui 2025, is not the first of its kind. Previous editions were held within the Moroccan territory in the region of Errachidia as part of Moroccos and Frances sovereign decision to enhance their military capabilities. Morocco, with whom Algeria cut ties, has on multiple occasions reassured Algeria of its intention to restore normal relations to the best interests of the two peoples. But all calls fell on deaf Algerian ears. Algeria singled out France and the Chergui drills in particular but could never criticize the African Lion drills which is ten times bigger and brings together US, African, European, and Israeli soldiers. The summoning of the French ambassador takes place at a context Algeria doubles down on diplomatically manipulative and mischievous acts of a disillusioned Algerian regime that is punching above its weight by attempting to retaliate from France after it expressed outright support for Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara. Such Algerian provocative moves that worsened the crisis with France included the rejection of Algerian nationals violating French laws, the arrest of dual national Boualem Sansal, and uncorroborated accusations against Paris. The worsening crisis has forced the French executive to issue a six-week ultimatum to Algeria to take its nationals in an illegal situation or face a commensurate French response. French interior minister Bruo Retailleau has said that Paris should use the visa weapon, review the agreements offering Algerian nomenklatura visa-free entry, and edit the 1968 agreements offering Algerians preferential treatment in settling in France. He also urged a ban of Algerian airlines. Meanwhile, the statement issued by Algerias foreign ministry is rather intended to feed the propaganda served to the Algerian disenchanted people to try to portray France and Morocco as aggressors in a manipulative act that fails to hide the reality of Algerias constant warmongering against its western and northern neighbors. Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images Every six hours or so, it seems, some federal judge blocks or unblocks or reblocks some action taken by Elon Musk, DOGE, and the Trump administration: mass firings of government employees, billions of dollars in frozen funding, near-dissolution of an entire government agency, targeted dismissals of departmental leaders and internal watchdogs, emails demanding that federal workers list five accomplishments or else risk either resignation, being semi-fired, or nothing at all, depending on the day. Whenever one judge greenlights some DOGE gambit, another court moments later slaps a temporary pause on some other cost-cutting measure. Dont worry; if youre confused, that just means youre paying attention. How, then, can we understand these dozens of legal disputes as they play out across our federal courts? Theres no magic decoder ring here, no unifying field theory that explains or predicts the decisions as some coherent whole. But its not total chaos. (Not in the courts, at least; the executive branch is a tad disheveled at the moment.) We can largely understand the judicial rulings weve seen so far, and those that lie ahead, by applying three basic principles. 1. Eyes glaze when we talk about legalistic formalities like standing (does the plaintiff have a dog in the fight?) or jurisdiction (can this court hear this case now?). But technicalities can turn outcomes, with massive consequences. For example, many of Trumps attempts to challenge the 2020 election failed because the plaintiffs lacked standing meaning they had no direct, tangible stake in the matter. And the abortion medication mifepristone remains widely available because the Supreme Court in 2023 rejected a challenge by anti-abortion medical associations based on lack of standing. Similarly, some legal challenges to Musk and DOGE have failed because of technical (but fatal) defects. One federal judge, John Bates (a George W. Bush appointee), noted that the Court harbors concerns about defendants alleged conduct but temporarily rejected a challenge by labor unions seeking to deny DOGE access to sensitive data because the plaintiffs lacked standing. (A labor union is no substitute for an aggrieved employee and is too far removed from the dispute, the judge found.) Another federal judge in Washington, D.C., the Obama-nominated Christopher Cooper, declined to temporarily block DOGE from firing probationary employees because the law requires certain federal workers first to contest adverse employment actions through administrative hearings. Thus, the judge found, the federal courts lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. Keep these threshold questions in mind as we move ahead. The bar is low, but if challengers cant clear it, theyre cooked. 2. To this point, virtually all the cases filed against Musk and DOGE have sought emergency relief typically a temporary restraining order from a court that somebody must stop doing something. But plaintiffs in these cases bear a heavy burden. They must show, even before the case has gotten into fact-specific discovery, that if the disputed action is not blocked, they will suffer irreparable harm. Its an uphill climb. Two Obama-nominated D.C. federal judges Randy Moss (not the wide receiver) and Tanya Chutkan (the one and same who presided over the Trump January 6 prosecution, plainly no fan of the president) rejected challenges to DOGE actions because the plaintiffs could not meet this requirement. Judge Chutkan stressed that the party seeking the extraordinary remedy of a restraining order must show some injury that is both certain and great, actual and not theoretical, beyond remediation, and of such imminence that there is a clear and present need for equitable relief. Despite these setbacks, the majority of challenges to Musk and DOGE have met with early success. Weve seen judges across the country temporarily block the Trump administration from accessing private data, withholding federal funding, and firing certain executive branch employees. But these wins are temporary; its been only 46 days since Trump took office, after all. (I know.) The larger disputes on the merits still lie ahead, and they raise fundamental questions that could shift the foundations of our government. Which brings us to our third and final principle: 3. Take, for example, Trumps firing of 17 inspectors general. Some have sued because, under a law passed by Congress in 2022, the president must first provide 30 days notice to Congress and a substantive rationale for any such termination. Trump characteristically skipped the formalities and just straight-up canned them no notice provided, no reasons given. Similarly, Trump fired Hampton Dellinger, an official in charge of a whistleblower agency, for no particular reason other than he wanted the guy gone. But a law provides that that official can be fired only for performance-related issues. These might seem like easy cases at first glance. The law actual statutes passed by Congress says the president must do certain things before he can fire certain employees, and the president did not do those things. Hence the president broke the law and the employees should win right? Now weve come to the crux. The Trump administration maintains broadly that these laws are unconstitutional incursions on the executive branch by Congress and therefore violate separation-of-powers principles. All due respect to the esteemed gentlemen and women up on the Hill, but you simply cant tell the president what to do inside the executive branch, the argument goes. Indeed, conservatives and weve got six of them on the Supreme Court at the moment typically view executive-branch power expansively, and the presidents power within that branch as absolute, or near-absolute. Take, for example, last summers criminal-immunity ruling, in which the Courts conservative majority granted the president astonishingly broad protections against prosecution based on a sweeping view of executive authority. Indeed, according to the unitary executive theory popularized in the Federalist Society and other conservative strongholds, the president not only leads the executive branch he is the executive branch unto himself. Put it this way. Which five justices do you see ruling that Congress can micromanage how the president handles his business within the executive branch that he was elected to lead? Jon Stewart no conservative (and, yes, I will cite him for serious legal propositions when he cuts to the heart of the matter) isnt buying it. He mocked the technocratic argument against the presidents power to run his own branch of government: Im sorry, what? Oh, apparently, you can fire them [inspectors general], but you have to give them 30 days notice. Oh, so thats what were upset about? No! You can do it but not in that font! Thats not to suggest that all the legal challenges to Trump, Musk, and DOGE will fail. Congress (and plaintiffs) stand on stronger constitutional footing in the funding-freeze cases given the Constitutions explicit grant of the power to tax and spend to the legislative branch. Indeed, on Wednesday, the Supreme Court rejected the Trump administrations effort to withhold $2 billion in foreign aid that had already been allocated by Congress. The decision was largely procedural, but the practical result, as the four dissenting conservatives noted, is that the disputed money almost certainly will be paid out. Ultimately, these lawsuits the ones that clear our aforementioned technical barriers are about far more than whether the president can fire one particular official or whether a certain pot of money must be spent. As they move through the courts, these cases will test and reshape our constitutional balance of powers. And while the Supreme Court wont take up every matter, when it does, the smart money is on executive power. Prepare for the ground to shift. This article will also appear in the free CAFE Brief newsletter. You can find more analysis of law and politics from Elie Honig, Preet Bharara, Joyce Vance, and other CAFE contributors at cafe.com. A Hispanic Trump backer who is regretting his vote after a horrific encounter with ICE. Photo: NBC News4 A local Washington, D.C., TV news reporter has a story that we are almost certainly going to hear often once the Trump administrations mass-deportation initiative intensifies: A naturalized Hispanic man says he was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who were looking for another person on a deportation order, and now the man is questioning his vote for President Donald Trump. [Jensy] Machado said he was driving to work Wednesday with two other men when he was stopped by ICE agents on Lomond Drive in Manassas, a short distance from his home. He said he was confused by what was happening, why agents surrounded the pickup truck. And they just got out of the car with the guns in their hands and say, turn off the car, give me the keys, open the window, you know, Machado told Telemundo 44s Rosbelis Quinonez, who first reported his story. Everything was really fast. They didnt ask me for any ID, Machado said. I was telling the officer, if I can give him ID, but he said just keep my hands up, not moving. After that, he told me to get out of the car and put the handcuffs on me. And then he went to me and said how did I get into this country and if I was waiting for a court date or if I have any case. And I told him I was an American citizen, and he looked at his other partner like, you know, smiling, like saying, can you believe this guy? Because he asked the other guy, Do you believe him? Turns out the ICE agents had erroneously been given this American citizens address, but since he looked Hispanic, they figured theyd act and ask questions later. He was released after finally being allowed to show his drivers license, but the two men with him were taken into custody. He does not know why. The conclusion he reached isnt surprising: I voted for Trump last election, but, because I thought it was going to be the things, you know, like just go against criminals, not every Hispanic-looking, like, that they will assume that we are all illegals. If this happened with trained ICE agents, its going to happen a lot more often when local law enforcement officers are pulled into the mass-deportation effort. At that point, the big and much-discussed improvements Republicans made among Hispanic voters in 2024 could begin melting away in the heat of widespread ethnic profiling. But the possibility of buyers remorse among Trump voters isnt limited to Hispanic voters who didnt believe the rabid hostility of Republicans toward illegal immigrants might affect them. After a campaign that so very successfully divided Americans into an aggrieved and deserving us battling an privileged and undeserving them, its going to become apparent that the line between us and them isnt so clear and can be shifted as quickly as a DOGE raid on a federal agency. For example, exit polls showed military veterans favoring Trump over Kamala Harris by a 65 percent to 34 percent margin, and Trump made an even more conspicuous display than ever of his alleged super-patriotism and love for those wearing the countrys uniform. But these pro-Trump voters probably werent expecting the administration to instantly fire thousands of veterans who have previously been given a preference in federal hiring, or to demand that the Veterans Administration dismiss 80,000 workers engaged in providing veterans with health care and other benefits. On the campaign trail, Trump promised not to touch Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid, which likely reassured seniors (representing 28 percent of the 2024 electorate) that his attacks on the deep state wouldnt affect them personally. But now Elon Musks DOGE is massively reducing the administrative staff required to ensure Social Security and related benefits can be accessed smoothly, and its very clear Trumps congressional Republican allies cannot implement his budgetary plans without major savings from Medicaid. Those who voted for Trump may feel deceived or betrayed. Trump did conspicuously well among self-identified Catholic voters in 2024. Almost immediately, the new administration picked a nasty fight with Catholic bishops over the services the church provides to undocumented immigrants and its insistence on treating them with dignity. At least some Catholic Trump voters may realize that immigrants arent the only targets of MAGA rage. Above all, millions of Americans voted for Trump at least in part because they were concerned about grocery and gasoline prices and believed his promises that hed act quickly to reduce them to pre-pandemic levels. Instead, his economic policies have focused on imposing broad-based tariffs sure to raise consumer prices while inviting retaliation that could blight the lives of many producers of American goods and services (notably farmers). All these potential developments are worth watching closely as Trumps agenda unfolds and begins stimulating a public backlash. At present, Americans are split right down the middle on the 47th presidents job performance with a steady downward trend since his inauguration. For the most part, the country is divided precisely as it was on Election Day. But with every day that passes, memories of Joe Bidens or Kamala Harriss shortcomings will fade and Donald Trump will be vulnerable to the unhappiness of Americans about their government and conditions of life. It wont take that many 2024 Trump voters deciding they made a mistake to tilt the balance of public opinion decisively against him. Even if the president himself no longer cares about popularity (and his ego probably requires that he imagine himself as revered), his Republican allies, particularly in the U.S. House with its fragile GOP majority, probably do. They know voters who feel betrayed tend to be highly motivated to make their anger known at the ballot box. Elon Musk with Trumps Cabinet. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Donald Trump famously deploys a confusing and borderline incoherent style of discourse that he assures us is deliberate: He calls it the weave, which my colleague Margaret Hartmann defines as a free association word salad. Aficionados of Trumps rhetoric have probably noticed that the weave gets more impenetrable when he is asked to address difficult subjects like his position on abortion. Language aside, the 47th president also sometimes sows deliberate confusion about his position on highly controversial issues. Thats important to keep in mind when trying to understand his most recent statements about Elon Musks DOGE and its power to ravage and remake the federal government. Amid public protests and private complaints from members of Congress about the chaos and errors surrounding DOGEs go fast and break things assault on federal employees and programs, Trump held a Cabinet meeting that, according to the New York Times, produced heated interchanges between Musk and at least two department heads (Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy). What Trump did to resolve these disputes is much less clear. Politico suggests the president laid down the law: President Donald Trump convened his Cabinet in person on Thursday to deliver a message: Youre in charge of your departments, not Elon Musk. According to two administration officials, Trump told top members of his administration that Musk was empowered to make recommendations to the departments but not to issue unilateral decisions on staffing and policy. The presidents message represents the first significant move to narrow Musks mandate. According to Trumps new guidance, DOGE and its staff should play an advisory role but Cabinet secretaries should make final decisions on personnel, policy and the pacing of implementation. If true, that would be a major development. But Trump did the functional equivalent of the weave in a subsequent Truth Social post: The Golden Age of America has just begun! Over the past six weeks, our Administration has delivered on promises like no Administration before it, always putting America First! DOGE has been an incredible success, and now that we have my Cabinet in place, I have instructed the Secretaries and Leadership to work with DOGE on Cost Cutting measures and Staffing. As the Secretaries learn about, and understand, the people working for the various Departments, they can be very precise as to who will remain, and who will go. We say the scalpel rather than the hatchet. The combination of them, Elon, DOGE, and other great people will be able to do things at a historic level. We just had a meeting with most of the Secretaries, Elon, and others, and it was a very positive one. Its very important that we cut levels down to where they should be, but its also important to keep the best and most productive people. Were going to have these meetings every two weeks until that aspect of this very necessary job is done. The relationships between everybody in that room are extraordinary. They all want to get to the exact same place, which is, simply, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! All one big happy team, right? Actually, it looks more like Trump will rein in Musk only if his appointees do what DOGE tells them to do. After the Cabinet meeting, Trump told reporters he wanted cuts, and that Musk would remain a power center: If they can cut, its better. And if they dont cut, then Elon will do the cutting. That doesnt sound to me like a definitive brushback pitch aimed at Musks head. What may actually be going on is an effort to regularize DOGEs activities legally by treating them not as decision-makers but as advisers to both the president and to agency heads. Multiple federal judges have signaled that DOGE has no authority beyond a very general executive order from Trump to intervene in agency personnel and policy decisions. Indeed, one judge halted the peremptory firing of probationary employees by the DOGE-dominated Office of Personnel Management as having exceeded that entitys powers. So masking DOGE actions by channeling them through individual agency heads could be the play, creating the impression Musk is on a leash without diminishing his authority in any meaningful way. In view of Trumps famous mob-boss management style, suffused with paranoia and incessant demands for personal loyalty, he may have also been subtly reminding Musk that his authority flows entirely from the Oval Office and can be withheld if he gets too big for his britches. But barring further clarification, its likely that DOGE personnel will operate as extremely powerful commissars throughout the federal bureaucracy, manipulating the formal decision-makers to act in accordance with Musks vision of a radically diminished, MAGA-compliant, and AI-driven workforce. It would be naive to assume the Trump-Musk partnership that helped create the 47th presidency is at any sort of an end or has even achieved a sustainable balance of power. These are two very complicated and dangerous men. . After Canada responded to Trumps initial steel and electricity tariffs by levying a 25 percent tax on electricity to U.S. homes, Trump struck back. In a Truth Social post on Tuesday morning, the president announced that he would boost the steel and aluminum tariffs to 50 percent and threatened to place tariffs on automobiles imported from Canada. Trump also returned to an old standard, writing that the tariffs could disappear if Canada officially joined as Americas 51st state. The president appeared to echo his own words from early January when he told a reporter that he would use economic force rather than military force to annex Canada and make it the 51st state: The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty First State. This would make all Tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear. Canadians taxes will be very substantially reduced, they will be more secure, militarily and otherwise, than ever before, there would no longer be a Northern Border problem, and the greatest and most powerful nation in the World will be bigger, better and stronger than ever And Canada will be a big part of that. The artificial line of separation drawn many years ago will finally disappear, and we will have the safest and most beautiful Nation anywhere in the World And your brilliant anthem, O Canada, will continue to play, but now representing a GREAT and POWERFUL STATE within the greatest Nation that the World has ever seen! White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Trumps words during a briefing later that day. The president has made it clear he believes Canadians would be better served economically, militarily if they were to become the 51st state of the United States of America, she said. Doug Ford, Ontarios premier, has since walked back the proposed electricity tariff and announced plans to meet with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington. However, the Associated Press reported Wednesday that Canada intends to institute $20.6 billion worth of tariffs on steel, aluminum and other imported goods in retaliation for Trumps metal tariffs. Trudeau, the lame-duck Canadian prime minister, previously voiced concerns about this potential strategy. In February, the Toronto Star reported on a series of comments from Trudeau talking about his conversations with Trump that were captured on a hot mic. Per the outlet, Trudeau told a room full of Canadian business leaders at the Canada-U.S. Economic Summit that Trumps words stem from a desire to obtain Canadas critical minerals. Theyre very aware of our resources, of what we have, and they very much want to be able to benefit from those, he said. But Mr. Trump has it in mind that one of the easiest ways of doing that is absorbing our country, and it is a real thing. Just last week, Trudeau drew a connection between Trumps previously announced 25 percent tariffs against Canada and his ongoing mantra about making Canada the 51st state. What he wants is to see a total collapse of the Canadian economy because thatll make it easier to annex us, he told reporters at a press conference. Mark Carney, the newly-elected Canadian prime minister who is set to be sworn in, has said that he is prepared to meet with Trump, but only under the right circumstances. I am ready to sit down with President Trump at the appropriate time under a position where there is respect for Canadian sovereignty and we are working for a common approach, a much more comprehensive approach for trade, he said. 11 items in this article 4 items on sale! Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Savion Washington, Joe McKendry If youre like us, youve probably wondered what everyday stuff famous people add to their carts like hair spray or an electric toothbrush. We asked June Squibb about the calming candy, red lipstick, and laundry basket she cant live without. Saved View New! You can now save this product for later. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation $30 $30 Now that Im older, I hate thick base makeup. Also, I have to be made up so much of the time for different events, so I dont want that much makeup on for my day to day. My assistant actually found this for me. I told her I wanted a lightweight foundation, and she brought this back. Its just a little thicker than a toner, so I get nice coverage, but its lightweight. Its perfect. This is what I use for myself if Im going out to dinner or if I dont want to go out without makeup. $30 at Sephora Buy Saved View New! You can now save this product for later. BESAME Fairest Red Lipstick 1937 $32 $32 I love this lipstick because they have the most wonderful reds. They have all the red shades from the 40s and 30s that you cant find anywhere else. They categorize them by years and are very retro. Theyre also non-drying, which helps. I used to only buy them in their stores, but since their brick-and-mortar shut down, I repurchase them online. $32 at Amazon Buy $32 at Amazon Buy Saved View New! You can now save this product for later. Jockey Elance Brief 3 Pack Underwear $24 $24 I always get mine at Macys. I suppose I found them just by trial and error over the years, but I wont wear anything else anymore. Theyre wonderful and comfortable. I could have the most gorgeous event clothes on and underneath is a pair of Cotton Jockey underpants. $24 at Macy's Buy Saved View New! You can now save this product for later. Buster Brown Womens Ankle Socks - 3 Pack $15 $15 I cant wear thin socks. I have a narrow heel, so I need a sock that has some heft to it. These are perfect. I wear them with sneakers and everything. Again, like the Jockey underwear, theyre the only socks I wear now. I found them at the Vermont Country Store many years ago when I was shopping their catalogue. I dont know anywhere else that has them. I get mine in black beige, and white, and I think they even have a pink and a blue that you could get. $15 at Vermont Country Store Buy Saved View New! You can now save this product for later. The Container Store Laundry Cart with Wheels $70 $70 This is so wonderful. Before I had this, I was just using a cloth bag for my laundry. As Ive gotten older, that was impossible for me to use. My assistant gave it to me as a gift, and I thought, Oh, a hamper. Thats not great. But I love it. Its one of my favorite things in the whole world. I can roll it from room to room full of dirty clothes, all the way to the laundry room. It holds a lot of clothes, too. Its not a small thing. $70 at The Container Store Buy Saved View New! You can now save this product for later. Filofax Calipso Organizer $172 I have always written lists to myself through the years. I cant remember a time I havent done that. I start my days writing down everything I have to do. Now I have a very fancy leather Filofax that I love. Its a purple leather and very good looking. Ive had it for two or three years now, and I just buy new pages to fill up the book every year. $172 at Amazon Buy $172 at Amazon Buy Even when I was a kid, I read constantly, and Im still an avid reader. For the last few years, Ive been really into Scandinavian mysteries. I wont pretend Ive read most of them, but Ive read an awful lot of them. Jo Nesb and Henning Mankel are the ones everybody knows, but there are some new ones like Asa Larsson. I just found out about her actually, and Im reading all of her books now. I know there are other people who love them too, and we all say we dont know what it is about them, but we love them. While I was on set shooting Eleanor, I was talking to the first AD and brought up Scandinavian mysteries. Turns out, we both live on these books. But it felt like uncovering a dirty secret. I have no idea what it is about them. Saved View New! You can now save this product for later. Werthers Original Hard Caramel Candy $13 $13 I love caramel candy, but specifically Werthers. My assistant has them on set for me all the time. If I get a little panicky on set or something, shell come up with one of these. It helps tremendously. Its awful because now, everybody on set knows, oh, just give June her candy and shell calm down. $13 at Walmart Buy Saved View New! You can now save this product for later. Musso and Franks Martini I still remember my first martini in Cleveland, Ohio. I left Illinois and went to the Cleveland Playhouse. That was the first time I had ever ordered a martini and loved it. I still do. One of my favorite things to do is go to a restaurant and have a martini with a wonderful dinner. In L.A., Musso & Franks is really the best. In New York, I think its Joe Allens. They both do it right. They dont play around with it, but make it just like the originals with plenty of gin. Buy At Musso and Frank's 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 useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. ASSP Safety 2025 Early Bird Registration Register by March 13 for the best rate at Safety 2025, the premier workplace safety conference in Orlando this July. Early Registration Deadline Approaching for Safety 2025 Conference in Orlando Time Running Out for Early Registration at Safety 2025 Conference Time is running out for workplace safety and health professionals to secure the best rate for the Safety 2025 Professional Development Conference and Exposition, hosted by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). The discounted early registration rate is available only through March 13 for ASSPs signature annual event. Scheduled for July 22-24 at the Orange County Convention Center, Safety 2025 will provide attendees with an extensive networking experience, in-depth learning opportunities, and access to the latest safety industry trends and product innovations. The conference will feature more than 200 continuing education sessions, offering practical insights that safety professionals can immediately apply in their workplaces. Now in its 64th year, the conference draws thousands of safety and health professionals looking to advance their careers and gain expertise from industry leaders. Attendees will also experience engaging general sessions designed to inspire, inform, and entertain. A major highlight of the event is the expansive exposition, featuring more than 600 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge safety products and solutions. The expo floor will also include an interactive Career Advancement Center, offering resources and guidance for all attendees, not just those seeking new job opportunities. Safety professionals attending the conference can earn 1.5 continuing education units (CEUs) to support career growth. Registration Information: Early registration deadline: March 13 Event dates: July 22-24, 2025 Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla. Group discounts available Contact Andy Kraft at 847.768.3469 or [email protected] for details. Expo-only passes offered. To stay updated on Safety 2025 or to register, visit safety.assp.org. The Importance of Womens PPE How to advance the availability of PPE that properly fits women workers and the #MyBodyMyPPE campaign. Properly fitting PPE is critical for ensuring comfort, effectiveness, and safety on the job, but for women in the workforce, sourcing PPE that is designed with their dimensions in mind isnt always easy. Thats why womens PPE advocacy organization The Safety Rack and the Alliance of Womens Safety Apparel Manufacturers (AWSAM) partnered with other womens groups to launch the #MyBodyMyPPE campaign last year to raise awareness about the issue. The co-founders of #MyBodyMyPPE, Amy Roosa, the founder of The Safety Rack, and Emily Soloby, founder and CEO of Juno Jones Safety Boots, join the SafetyPod to discuss why women-specific PPE is essential, how to ensure women workers PPE needs are addressed, and whats coming up for the campaign this year. Download or stream this episode today from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and more. A consortium led by BlackRock has bought two ports on either side of the Panama Canal just a few weeks after President Trump threatened to use force to restore U.S. control over the energy chokepoint. The deal was worth $22.8 billion and also involved a few dozen ports around the world. According to a Bloomberg report, it was the head of the banking giant who pitched the idea to the president. Citing unnamed sources familiar with the developments, Larry Fink offered Trump to buy the ports, whose Chinese-linked ownership had concerned the U.S. president. That concern happened to coincide with BlackRocks ambition to expand globally in search of fresh profit opportunities and the perception that port ownership could present such an opportunity. The finance major paid $19 billion for the ports of Balboa and Cristobal to CK Hutchinson, which is owned by one of Asias wealthiest individuals, Hong Kong billionaire investor Li Ka-Shing. Along with the Panama ports, CK Hutchinson will also sell its controlling stakes in 43 other ports in 23 countries, the Wall Street Journal said, quoting an unnamed source close to the seller as saying, It was a very elegant solution. Li does not like leaving things lingering. Trump has had his sights on the Panama Canal ever since he won the November vote. Has anyone ever heard of the Panama Canal? Trump said in December. Because we're being ripped off at the Panama Canal like we're being ripped off everywhere else. It was given to Panama and the people of Panama, but it has provisions, the then president-elect went on to say of the Panama Canal. If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question. Later, the presidents rhetoric toughened further, with him saying he would not exclude the use of force to reclaim U.S. control over the critical waterway that handles U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas to one of its key markets: Asia. The Panama Canal was built by the United States in the early 20th century. Panama granted the U.S. the right to build and operate the canal in exchange for annual payments. Ownership over the infrastructure was passed to the Panamanian government in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. The deal granted control over the Panama Canal to the local government under the obligation of maintaining its neutrality. However, port ownership by a company with links to the Chinese government sparked concern about this neutrality in the new federal government, which is where BlackRock stepped in with a potential solution, according to media reports. Per Bloomberg, KKR and Blackstone were also bidders for the ports. The Panama Canal is the shortest route for U.S. LNG sold in Asia. However, it is not always the cheapest route or the fastest. The Canal authorities charge a fee for passage through the chokepoint, and weather conditions sometimes make it impossible to use it. That happened recently when a two-year drought made navigation through the Canal challenging and led to extended delays in goods delivery. Even so, the Panama Canal remains a key piece of infrastructure for U.S. energy exports, and there have even been discussions in recent years of boosting its capacity to handle an even greater volume of LNG exports. It is not without alternatives, however, which LNG exporters use whenever the economics of using the Panama Canal do not make sense. As Cheniere Energys chief operating officer put it last year, during the worst of the drought, We use the canal when it is economical to do so, right now it is not. Right now the market in the Far East is not supporting it, and the waiting time, with us not being a priority customer, is just not worth us using it right now. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com After what has been a rollercoaster of a week for oil markets, oil prices started to recover some of their losses on Friday morning. Friday, March 7th, 2025 Canadian tariff drama, fears of OPEC+ production returning to markets, Trumps maximum pressure on Iran, and a US-China trade war this week seemed to have it all. Oil prices tumbled through the week but then started to recover early on Friday morning. With flattening backwardation prompting the Saudis to cut prices, the initial shock of Trumps first month is giving way to a more nuanced approach with ICE Brent futures trading around the $71 per barrel mark. Trump Delays Mexico Tariffs for A Month. In contrast to worsening US-Canada relations, the White House has postponed tariffs on most imports from Mexico until 2 April following President Trumps call with his Mexican peer Claudia Sheinbaum, allowing US refiners to continue their heavy crude imports. Iraqs Kurdish Dream Has Failed Again. Baghdads political push to restart pipeline flows from Kurdish-controlled regions to Turkeys port of Ceyhan has run aground again, after Iraqs $16 per barrel price offered to oil companies currently drilling in Kurdistan failed to entice sufficient interest. BlackRock Buys the Panama Canal. US investment giant BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) agreed to buy two major ports on the Panama Canal and ancillary infrastructure from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison for $22.8 billion, in line with President Trumps demands that Panama cut Chinese influence at the canal. Chinese Oil Imports Slump as Sanctions Affect Buying. Chinese crude oil imports averaged 10.38 million b/d in January-February 2025, marking a 5% year-over-year decrease, as recent US sanctions on Iranian and Russian tankers disrupted deliveries to the northeastern Shandong province. Venture Global Doubles Down on Plaquemines. US LNG developer Venture Global (NYSE:VG) said it would expand the aggregate production capacity of its 27 mtpa Plaquemines LNG plant in Louisiana to 45 mtpa, eyeing additional 24 trains in the projects third expansion phase at a cost of 18 billion. Saudi Arabia Drops April Oil Prices. Saudi Aramco (TADAWUL:2222), the worlds largest oil exporter, cut its formula prices for April-loading cargoes into Asia with Arab Light now priced at $3.50 per barrel above Dubai, the first downward move in three months as the market anticipates the unwinding of OPEC+ cuts. US Withdraws from Coal Divestment Alliance. As announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the United States will withdraw from the International Partners Group, a global coal divestment initiative, leaving South Africa with a more than $1 billion financing gap to decommission coal plants. Copper Soars to 4-Month High. Copper prices gained this week after US President Trump waived carmakers from tariffs and Chinas National Congress doubled down on stimulus measures, sending the LME three-month contract to its highest since early November 2024, above $9,700 per metric tonne. Ireland Eyes First LNG Terminal. The government of Ireland has approved a plan to develop an emergency LNG import facility, to be used as a floating strategic gas reserve, less than two years after Dublin rejected an application to build an LNG terminal on climate grounds. Trump Administration Flags $20 Billion SPR Spree. Whilst touring the Plaquemines LNG facility in Louisiana, US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated that he plans to seek up to $20 billion in congressional funding to refill the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, equivalent to 295 million barrels. Defying Trump Fears, Canada Wants More US Pipes. Canadas midstream giant Enbridge (NYSE:ENB) has allocated $1.4 billion to boost the throughput capacity of its main US-bound oil conduit Mainline by an additional 300,000 b/d over the next three years, with 2024 flows averaging 3.1 million b/d. Indonesia Dreams Up Refining Boost. The government of Indonesia announced its plan to build a new 530,000 b/d refinery at a cost of $12.5 billion, seeking to end a protracted period of import dependence as Jakarta is not being able to cover roughly 40% of oil and 42% of products demand. Russia Plays Down OPEC+ Expectations. Mondays OPEC+ meeting where output-cutting members reiterated their plans to unwind production curbs from April shed some $3/bbl from oil prices this week, prompting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Novak to state that OPEC+ could reverse the unwinding after April. East African Nations Crave More Drilling. Tanzania announced it would launch its 5th oil and gas licensing round in May, offering 26 exploration blocks most of which would be located offshore in the Indian Ocean, seeking to build on past discoveries that built some 57 Tcf of natural gas reserves. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com At the time of writing, it was the 11th hour for Gaza, where Trumps occupational peace plan has fallen by the wayside for the time being. Even so, the plan to turn Gaza into a sort of Western Trump resort was perhaps never intended to be genuine. Perhaps it was intended to get the ball rolling by inspiring the Arabs to come up with somethingfast. So far, if that is the strategy, it has worked only in part. Yes, the Arabs have come up with a plan, but one that Israel and the U.S. have rejected. The Arab summit in Cairo this week ended in an Arab endorsement of an Egyptian plan to place Gaza under technocratic control (no Hamas), and a deal to pump $53 billion into its reconstruction. It would also mean that the Palestinians would remain in Gaza (2.3 million people). This is all against the backdrop of a ceasefire deal whose first phase expired last weekend, and whose second phase hangs in the balance. Israel is trying to force Hamas to extend the ceasefire, but Hamas wants phase 2 of the ceasefire, which would be a total Israeli withdrawal. What happens as a result of Cairo will impact what happens on the ground. Peace remains just as elusive on the Russia-Ukraine war front. Quick fixes are for campaign slogans, not real life. Far more entertaining for the masses, though, the Putin-Zelensky show distracts from the Middle East. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has not been resolved, and now is further from a potential resolution than ever before. Nor has it - Chinas northern regions experienced their first cold snap only in early January, leading to high natural gas inventories which limited any additional buying into the 2024-2025 heating season. - Chinas LNG imports totalled only 4.5 million tonnes in February, the weakest monthly reading since March 2020 as a warm winter and anaemic manufacturing performance hinder purchasing activity. - Mexico imports 99% of its fuel oil exports to the Gulf Coast and imports almost 600,000 b/d of US clean products as its refining industry is still not meeting domestic needs, restricting President Sheinbaums manoeuvering space vis-a-vis Trumps tariffs. - Prices of Canadian oil have remained relatively stable this week, with the WCS Cushing differential to WTI consistently trading around -$3 per barrel, suggesting that the oil industry never really fell for the tariff threat. - Allowing US Gulf Coast refiners to maximize their purchases of Canadian oil this month, Trump has alluded to both Canada and Mexico having their respective tariffs delayed until 2 April, coinciding with the target date for US reciprocal tariffs vis-a-vis the EU, Japan and India. - Less than four days after US President Trump imposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, the White House has made a 180-degree turn again and repealed most of energy levies on 7 March. US Tariffs on Canada and Mexico See Another Delay US Tariffs on Canada and Mexico See Another Delay - Less than four days after US President Trump imposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, the White House has made a 180-degree turn again and repealed most of energy levies on 7 March. - Allowing US Gulf Coast refiners to maximize their purchases of Canadian oil this month, Trump has alluded to both Canada and Mexico having their respective tariffs delayed until 2 April, coinciding with the target date for US reciprocal tariffs vis-a-vis the EU, Japan and India. - Prices of Canadian oil have remained relatively stable this week, with the WCS Cushing differential to WTI consistently trading around -$3 per barrel, suggesting that the oil industry never really fell for the tariff threat. - Mexico imports 99% of its fuel oil exports to the Gulf Coast and imports almost 600,000 b/d of US clean products as its refining industry is still not meeting domestic needs, restricting President Sheinbaums manoeuvering space vis-a-vis Trumps tariffs. Warm Winter, Weak Economy Weigh on Chinas LNG Buying - Chinas LNG imports totalled only 4.5 million tonnes in February, the weakest monthly reading since March 2020 as a warm winter and anaemic manufacturing performance hinder purchasing activity. - Chinas northern regions experienced their first cold snap only in early January, leading to high natural gas inventories which limited any additional buying into the 2024-2025 heating season. - The US-China trade war has also affected Chinese LNG imports as now US LNG comes with a 15% tariff, prompting several term holders to resell their cargoes into Europe for lack of a better outlet. - Importing 5.8 million tonnes last month, Japan has for the second month in a row become the worlds largest importer of liquefied gas, with South Korea coming in third place. Soaring US Gas Prices Bring Profit Boon to Gassy Shale Drillers - Donald Trumps on-and-off tariff threats have boosted US natural gas prices, with Henry Hub futures climbing to their highest since December 2022 and closing the week firmly above 4 per mmBtu, double of what they were a year ago. - US shale producers that have seen their liquids output become increasingly gassy over the past five years have welcomed the gas price spike with open arms, as their gas exposure turned profitable. - Devon Energy claimed in its Q4 results call that it expects gas revenue to double year-over-year in 2025, following average realized gas prices of $1.30 per MCf in Q4 last year, with EOG Resources sharing the upbeat sentiment. - Even Texas Waha gas trading hub saw prices average $2.67 per mmBtu in January-February 2025, a stark contrast to sub-zero pricing for most of 2024, leading to much more robust shale gas profitability in Q1 2025 despite some price weakening this week. The Sun Is Up, European Consumers Rejoice - March marked the end of cold, grey weather across Europe, with overwhelmingly sunny weather leading to the highest solar generation on record across the Old Continent this past week. - France has beaten its previous solar generation records for this month by 16%, reaching 15-16 GW per day, whilst Germany witnessed intra-day prices falling below zero and trading as low as -17 per MWh. - German wholesale daily electricity prices have now finally dipped below the psychological 100 per MWh (currently around 80/MWh), having averaged 120/MWh and 130/MWh in January and February, respectively. - Up until now, low renewable generation has been a worry for consumers as power prices were notably above the 5-year average, however now its the investor community that is concerned with the prospect of negative intra-day prices. US Butane Exports Soar to Unprecedented Highs - As liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) overtake gasoline and diesel in terms of global demand growth, the US is unleashing record volumes of butane on the international markets, alongside soaring propane outflows. - US butane exports averaged 491,000 b/d in 2024, a 12% increase year-over-year as global butane consumption keeps on rising, either as gasoline blending component or as a petrochemical feedstock. - Butane exports out of the US have been rising every single year since 2006 and have been greatly boosted in recent years by higher LPG by-product flows from liquids-rich producing basins such as Eagle Ford or Marcellus. - Crude oil exports have been stagnant in 2024, remaining at around 4.1 million b/d, lifting natural gas liquids as the quickest-growing export commodity, effectively doubling between 2016 and 2024. Offshore Wind Plants See Rebound in 2025, Headwinds Abound - The offshore wind industry is poised to see a much-needed recovery in capacity additions this year, adding 19 GW over the course of 2025, with China accounting for two-thirds of all newbuilds. - Whilst many offshore wind projects are nearing the commissioning stage, also partly thanks to a record 55 GW lease offering last year, interest in new wind projects will falter, as the market expects global auctions to drop back to 30-40 GW. - Of Chinas 520 GW of total installed wind capacity, only 8% is located offshore, nevertheless the Asian powerhouse accounts for more than 50% of all offshore wind generation, seeing an eightfold increase over the past six years. - Europe is finally expected to step up its offshore wind game this year, with 9.5 GW capacity expected to see an FID, led surprisingly by Poland as Germany and UK struggle to entice investors. Tin Is No Longer Everyones Favourite Metal - The great tin bull run seems to be nearing its end after the giant Man Maw mine, once 7-8% of global supply, could be gradually resuming operations after a politically driven closure in August 2023. - Myanmars semi-autonomous Wa State announced this week that itd be ready to accept applications for mining and processing licences, triggering the interest of Chinese smelters. - There are no tin smelters in Wa State, meaning all its production is routinely shipped to China for further refining, with the reopening of Man Maw potentially adding 70-80,000 metric tonnes per year of global tin supply. - Tin prices have lost almost $3,000 per metric tonne this week alone, falling back to $31,000/mt, whilst record bullish positioning by hedge funds (long by some 5,200 contracts) is set to see a drastic downward correction. Iraq-Iraqi Kurdistan export talks ended this week without any resolution, leaving Kurdish oil stranded indefinitely. The three parties to the talksIraq, Iraqi Kurdistan (KRG) and Turkeywere quick to say that a new round of talks was expected next week, but no ones holding their breath. The talks were to finally restart crude exports from Iraqi Kurdistan, which had been offline over disputes about export rights and the federal budget, as well as over Turkeys receipt of Kurdish oil that bypassed the Iraqi federal government. Baghdad has won this war, but its getting greedy now. The talks failed because Baghdad suddenly suggested it might export Basra oil from southern Iraq through the Turkey Ceyhan port. This will be seen as a major insult to The U.S. is said to be considering (according to Reuters sources) a plan to ask its allies to stop and inspect Iranian oil tankers. The U.S. plan would have allies stop Iranian tankers passing through key chokepoints such as the Malacca Strait off Malaysia. The enactment of this plan would likely result in Iranian retaliation in the Persian Gulf. We can expect any movement on this to lead to significant (but brief) volatility, as it has in the past. Syria remains fragile. Now that the dust has settled, various armed groups (including Assad regime loyalists) have risen from the ashes after regrouping. For now, these are fairly isolated armed engagements, but are worth monitoring. Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict Syria remains fragile. Now that the dust has settled, various armed groups (including Assad regime loyalists) have risen from the ashes after regrouping. For now, these are fairly isolated armed engagements, but are worth monitoring. The U.S. is said to be considering (according to Reuters sources) a plan to ask its allies to stop and inspect Iranian oil tankers. The U.S. plan would have allies stop Iranian tankers passing through key chokepoints such as the Malacca Strait off Malaysia. The enactment of this plan would likely result in Iranian retaliation in the Persian Gulf. We can expect any movement on this to lead to significant (but brief) volatility, as it has in the past. Iraq-Iraqi Kurdistan export talks ended this week without any resolution, leaving Kurdish oil stranded indefinitely. The three parties to the talksIraq, Iraqi Kurdistan (KRG) and Turkeywere quick to say that a new round of talks was expected next week, but no ones holding their breath. The talks were to finally restart crude exports from Iraqi Kurdistan, which had been offline over disputes about export rights and the federal budget, as well as over Turkeys receipt of Kurdish oil that bypassed the Iraqi federal government. Baghdad has won this war, but its getting greedy now. The talks failed because Baghdad suddenly suggested it might export Basra oil from southern Iraq through the Turkey Ceyhan port. This will be seen as a major insult to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The KRG was exporting its oil via pipeline to Turkeys Ceyhan port. While it remains unclear, it appears that Baghdad is now suggesting it will make nice with the Turks by giving them Basra oil and cutting the Kurds out. Discovery & Development VAALCO Energy (NYSE: EGY) has secured a 70% operating stake in Cote dIvoires offshore CI-705 block, marking an aggressive push into the prolific Tano Basin. The company is committing $3M for entry, with a 100% paying interest through a commercial carry structure, partnering with Ivory Coast Exploration Oil & Gas SAS and PETROCI. The 2,300 km block sits west of VAALCOs existing CI-40 acreage and ENIs Calao discovery, with initial studies targeting both oil and gas prospects. VAALCO plans seismic reprocessing and up to two exploration wells, banking on favorable geology, existing infrastructure, and strong regional demand to drive future returns. Equinor (NYSE: EQNR) and partners Okea and Pandion Energy have uncovered a 19-44 MMboe gas and condensate discovery at the Mistral Sr exploration well in the Norwegian Sea. The find, located near the Asgard and Kristin fields, sits in a well-developed area with existing gas infrastructure, making commercialization more viable. With European gas demand remaining strong, Equinor continues prioritizing high-return oil and gas projects over renewables, reinforcing Norways role as a key supplier post-Russian supply disruptions. Gassco reports Norways 2024 gas exports hit record levels, with volumes expected to stay near historic highs. CNOOC (HKG: 0883) has made a major gas discovery at the Weizhou 10-5 oil and gas field in the Beibu Gulf basin, central Bohai Sea, at 30 meters water depth. The WZ10-5-1Sa exploration well, drilled to 4,840 meters TD, encountered a 283-meter oil and gas pay zone, yielding 13.2 MMscfd of gas and 800 b/d of oil during testing. The prospect further strengthens CNOOC's South China Sea resource base. Union Jack Oils Moccasin 1-13 well in Oklahoma is officially a commercial discovery, flowing oil with no formation water and minimal gasexactly what investors want to hear. The company has locked in permanent production facilities and is already selling crude, setting the stage for steady cash flow. With a 45% working interest, Union Jack sees this as just the beginning, eyeing more drilling in the region. Libyas National Oil Corporation (NOC) has officially launched a major oil and gas exploration tender, the first since 2008, covering both onshore and offshore blocks. The bid round spans a massive 235,247 km, with 128,714 km on land and 106,533 km offshore, attracting participation from key international players, including Turkiyes TPAO. With abundant hydrocarbon reserves and renewed interest from foreign firms, this round could be a turning point for Libyas upstream sector. Mergers & Acquisitions ADNOC and Austrias OMV are merging their polyolefin businesses, Borouge and Borealis, to create Borouge Group International, a new $60 billion petrochemical powerhouse. The combined entity, which will be headquartered in Vienna and listed in Abu Dhabi, will also acquire Canadas Nova Chemicals for $13.4 billion, expanding its North American footprint. ADNOC and OMV will each hold 47% stakes, with the rest in free float, and expect $500 million in annual cost savings from the deal. The merger cements Abu Dhabis ambitions in the global chemicals sector and positions Borouge Group as the worlds fourth-largest polyolefins producer. Petro-Victory Energy has struck a $17.5 million deal to acquire Capixaba Energia, gaining four oil fields in the Espirito Santo basin and two exploration blocks near major producers. The acquisition, backed entirely by Blue Oak Investments, positions Petro-Victory as the operator, with its equity stake growing to 50% upon reaching production milestones. Capixaba currently produces 400 boe/d (88% oil), with a workover and drilling campaign planned to boost output significantly over the next 12-18 months. This move solidifies Espirito Santo as a strategic growth hub, complementing Petro-Victorys existing assets across 257,604 acres in Brazil. Evolution Petroleum (NYSE American: EPM) has announced a $9 million acquisition of non-operated oil and natural gas assets across New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana, adding 440 BOEPD to its production base. The deal, set to close by Q3 2025, aligns with the companys strategy of stable, low-decline production, with a 60% oil and 40% natural gas mix. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive, with a multiple of ~2.8x adjusted EBITDA over the next 12 months. As the first proper winter in Europe in three years is drawing to an end, the continent faces a race against time and prices to restock with natural gas for next winter. With gas in storage levels well below the stockpiles left at the end of the previous two winters, Europe will need extra efforts and money to refill inventories ahead of the 2025/2026 winter. Europe will now need many more cargoes to arrive during the summer compared to 2023 and 2024, as current gas inventory levels are just 37% full, per data from Gas Infrastructure Europe. This compares with storage full at over 60% in March 2024 and March 2023. Europe was lucky enough to go through two mild winters right after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the halt to most Russian pipeline gas supply to Europe. This winter, it wasnt so lucky in terms of winter temperatures. Also, due to the end of the Russian gas transit via Ukraine from January 1, 2025, and low wind power output, Europe depleted its gas stockpiles at the fastest pace in seven years. As the winter heating season ends, Europe now needs to start stockpiling gas for the summer. Summer Refill The summer refill season, however, presents several challenges in availability, prices, and the money that Europe will have to spend on additional LNG. Europe could need as many as 250 additional LNG cargoes to arrive in the summer to refill its inventories back up to 90% by November 1, as the current EU regulation stipulates, per Reuters calculations reported by columnist Ron Bousso. Thats assuming the EU doesnt ease the 90% refill target and gas storage levels end up at 35% full as of March 31. The LNG market appears to be tightening, with supply not rising fast enough in early 2025 to meet demand. The IEA warned last month of a tighter LNG market in 2025 as low EU gas inventory levels at the end of this winter will require much bigger inflows of gas than in the previous two years, increasing Europes call on global LNG markets and tightening market fundamentals. Global LNG supply growth is expected to accelerate from just 1.5% last year to 5% in 2025, driven by the ramping up of North American LNG facilities. But this supply growth is being partially offset by the halt of Russian gas transit via Ukraine, the IEA said. Overall, European demand for natural gas has declined since 2022 due to the rise in renewable energy capacity and weak industrial gas demand amid volatile gas markets with price spikes. While LNG continued to play a vital role in European energy security in 2024, imports fell by 23 million tonnes, or 19%, due to strong renewable energy generation and a limited recovery in industrial gas demand, Shell, the worlds top LNG trader, said in its annual LNG Outlook 2025 last month. However, the cold winter temperatures and spells of low wind power generation drove strong gas storage withdrawals which, combined with the expiry of Russian pipeline gas flows through Ukraine, drove up prices, Shell added. Europe is expected to increase imports of LNG in 2025 to refill its gas storage, Shell noted. Price Hikes in Tightening LNG Market Europe needs to significantly increase refilling efforts and rates this summer to have adequate supply in storage ahead of next winter. The good news for Europe is that it has been beating on price Asia, where sufficient inventories and tepid demand have prevented price spikes in spot LNG prices for delivery into northeast Asia. LNG exporters have for months been incentivized to send LNG cargoes to Europe, where the price equivalent of the imported gas has been higher than in Asia, allowing the U.S.-Europe arbitrage trade. More than 80% of U.S. LNG exports went to Europe in January and February this year, as European prices have remained stronger than in Asia and even hit a two-year high in February amid the first proper winter with prolonged periods of cold snaps since the 2022 energy crisis. Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures, the benchmark for Europes gas trading, have dropped in recent weeks, but the US-Europe arbitrage is still pointing to Europe, Spark Commodities said earlier this week. The bad news for Europe is that due to the need to replenish inventories from much lower levels than in previous years, the summer 2025 forward TTF prices have been trading at a premium to the winter 2026 prices, which typically discourages stocking up on a commodity. In the usual market conditions, prices for the winter months would be higher than those in the summer. But the gas markets in Europe and elsewhere have been anything but normal in recent years. Amid the summer price premiums that make stockpiling uneconomical, utilities and market operators in key European economies, including Germany, have called for government support to help replenish inventories ahead of the 2025/2026 winter. Reports have also emerged that the EU could be discussing an easing of the EU-wide targets for refilling gas levels. Stronger than usual demand in Europe to refill inventories is expected to support LNG and Europes natural gas prices throughout the summer and extend the current tightness in the market. Global gas markets are unlikely to start to ease significantly until well into 2026 when a huge wave of new LNG supply is set to start hitting international markets, the IEA said last month. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Indias state-owned refiner Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) prepares to issue a tender to buy U.S. WTI crude in four consecutive months this summer, a source with knowledge of the plans told Reuters on Friday. Indian refiners are looking to boost U.S. crude imports to diversify purchases, as the availability of non-sanctioned Russian supply has diminished in recent weeks. India also aims to increase its imports of energy from the United States as it wants to avoid tariffs which President Donald Trump is announcing or suspending every other day. BPCL will now seek to buy 1 million barrels of WTI Crude every month for four months for arrival starting from May or June, according to the Reuters source. The four-month tender is expected to be issued next week. BPCL and other Indian refiners regularly buy U.S. crude oil. Last year, BPCL awarded a similar deal to BP for delivery of U.S. crude. After a meeting between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington in February, Indias Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that his country could raise its imports of U.S. energy to $25 billion annually, from around $15 billion last year. India imported a lot of American crude in 2021, but its imports dropped in the 2022-2024 period as Indian refiners turned to the cheap Russian oil which no one in the West wanted or was allowed to buy. This dynamic has recently changed. India is set to receive U.S. oil volumes at a two-year high, while Russian volumes have slumped to a two-year low, following the January U.S. sanctions on Russias oil trade. The United States is estimated to have exported in February the highest crude oil volumes to India in more than two years, at 357,000 barrels per day (bpd), as Indian refiners scramble for alternative supply. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Indonesia has started replacing diesel as a fuel in dozens of power plants with LNG, which is set to boost demand for natural gas in one of the worlds top LNG exporters. Following a decade of delays, Indonesia finally launched a $1.5 billion project to distribute LNG on a small scale to power dozens of plants that currently run on diesel, Reuters reports. PLN EPI, a fuel procurement and transportation operator for Indonesias largest power company, PLN, is leading the project. Last year, Japans JERA signed a collaboration agreement with PLN EPI to collaborate in LNG procurement, optimization, and the development and operation of LNG receiving terminals in anticipation of growing demand for LNG in Indonesia. By utilizing JERAs LNG expertise, JERA and PLN EPI will establish an LNG value chain for the power segment in Indonesia, the companies said. The project will need more LNG supply in the future, and could lead to Indonesia turning to LNG imports later this decade, according to estimates reported by Reuters. We are obliged to provide the LNG ... And we are keen on securing more domestic LNG for the project, Rakhmad Dewanto, director of fuels and gas at PLN EPI, told Reuters. Early this year, Indonesia reportedly asked its buyers to accept delays to Indonesian LNG cargo exports this year, as the Southeast Asian country looks to meet rising domestic energy and gas demand. Indonesia has one major LNG project planned for later this decade. Japans oil and gas producer Inpex owns 65% of the Abadi gas project and plans a final investment decision (FID) for the $20-billion Abadi LNG project by 2027. Abadi LNG has seen years of delays as it has had to change design concepts and then reorganize after supermajor Shell withdrew from the project nearly two years ago. The Abadi LNG project in Indonesia has received interest from potential buyers to purchase gas from the facility in volumes exceeding the facilitys design capacity, according to Inpex. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Problems with the salt content in Pemex oil have been solved, the countrys president Claudia Sheinbaum said, after multiple reports about trouble with salt and water content in Pemex crude. The problem of salt in crude has been solved, Sheinbaum said during a regular press conference, as quoted by Reuters. The president added that the new Pemex refinery in Dos Bokas was making progress, too. In February, reports emerged that Gulf Coast refiners were shunning Mexican crude because of excessive water content. Instead, refiners were buying more Colombian and Canadian crude, or asking for discounts on the Pemex cargos, unnamed industry sources told the publication at the time. According to them, Mexicos flagship Maya crude had a water content of as much as 6%, which is six times higher than the industry standard. Pemex chief executive Victor Rodriguez acknowledged the problem, saying complaints have been made by buyers, citing high water content and also high salt content in the crude. We don't have problems in Pemex or with oil production, these are situations that occur and have occurred historically, Rodriguez told Reuters. Mexican crude imports into the U.S. in January fell to the lowest in 35 years, at 321,000 barrels daily. According to Rodriguez, some platforms operated by Pemex have been extracting oil with higher salt and water content. Separately, the Mexican state energy company has been looking for alternative buyers for its crude because of the U.S. tariffs. According to a Reuters report from earlier this week, Pemex was in talks with potential clients in Asia and Europe. Historically, the United States is Mexicos biggest oil client. The good thing is that there's appetite for Mexican crude in Europe, in India, in Asia, a Mexican government official told Reuters, adding There's demand for heavy crude and Pemex crude. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Higher exports and increased demand from the huge new African refinery, Dangote, pushed Nigerias oil production in February 70,000 barrels per day (bpd) above its OPEC+ quota of 1.5 million bpd, a Reuters survey showed. Last month, Nigerian production exceeded its quota in the OPEC+ agreement by the most among all participants. The rise in Nigerian oil production and an increase in Irans output despite U.S. attempts to curb Iranian flows pushed up the total OPEC production in February, according to the Reuters survey. Nigerias overproduction last month comes after years during which the top African oil-producing country consistently failed to pump to its OPEC+ quota due to oil theft and vandalism and struggles to launch new projects. But in recent months, Nigerian authorities have been clamping down on oil theft and have been supportive of an increase in oil and gas output. The Nigerian government aims to boost the countrys oil production by 1 million bpd by December 2026, from the current 1.75 million bpd, the head of the upstream regulator of Africas top crude producer said last month. Thanks to a government crackdown on oil theft, losses have declined by 5,000 bpd and current oil output in the country is at about 1.75 million bpd, Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), said at a town hall conference in February. Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long plagued Nigerias upstream oil and gas industry, driving majors out of the biggest OPEC producer in Africa and often resulting in force majeure at the key crude oil export terminals. Looking ahead, he said the government aims to increase production by 1 million BOPD by December 2026 under the Project 1 MMBOPD initiative, leveraging collaboration among operators, service providers, financiers, and host communities, NUPRC said. Nigeria is more ready for business than ever, the executive said, adding that the federal government is committed to regulatory certainty, investment-friendly policies, and global competitiveness. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as signals about comfortable supply levels have combined to pressure oil into ending the week with a substantial loss, which, according to Reuters, was the biggest one since last October. At the time of writing Brent crude was trading at $69.48 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate was changing hands for $66.33 per barrel even as President Trump temporarily suspended the 25% tariff rate he imposed on Canada and Mexico earlier in the week. The suspension is in effect until April 4. Canadian oil exports were not covered by the suspension. It looks like the financial markets are in full panic mode, no longer easily pacified by Trumps one-month postponements and exemptions on import tariffs, energy analyst Vandana Hari told Reuters, adding that That leaves crude stuck around four-month lows, albeit vulnerable to further slides. Earlier in the week, media reported that OPEC+ had decided to go ahead with its planned partial reversal of oil production cuts at its next meeting, in early April. The rollback is minor, at less than 200,000 barrels daily, but it seems that oil traders are so nervous about supply right now even that small change in OPEC+ output is enough to tank prices. A robust state of U.S. oil inventories contributed to the price slide this week, with the Energy Information Administration reporting a weekly build of some 3.6 million barrels, although it was accompanied by inventory dips in both gasoline and middle distillates. ING analysts noted that crude oil price trends were going to interfere with production growth in the United States, saying in a note this week that The calendar 2026 price is trading around $63/bbl, reducing incentives for producers to increase drilling activity. If anything, were likely to see a bigger pullback in activity. Per the Dallas Fed Energy Survey, shale drillers need at least $64 per barrel to drill more. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russia attacked energy and gas infrastructure in Ukraine early on Friday, the Ukrainian energy minister and national gas firm Naftogaz said. Naftogaz Groups gas production infrastructure has come under attack for the seventeenth time, causing damage to critical gas production sites, acting Naftogaz chairman of the board, Roman Chumak, said in a statement on Friday. No casualties have been reported, but damage has been done to the facilities, the Ukrainian firm said. We are working to mitigate the aftermath of the strikes and assess the damage. Naftogaz Group is taking all necessary steps to restore operations at the facilities damaged in the attack, Chumak said. We are doing, and will continue to do, everything possible to ensure the country's gas supply despite ongoing threats. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko posted on Facebook today that Energy and gas infrastructure in different regions of Ukraine is again under massive rocket and drone fire. Power crews are working to fix whatever possible and Ukraine is taking all necessary measures to stabilize its energy and gas supply, the minister said, accusing Russia of trying to harm ordinary Ukrainians by cutting off power and gas supply. Fridays Russian attack on Ukrainian gas infrastructure comes days ahead of planned talks in Saudi Arabia next week between Ukrainian and U.S. officials on possible pathways to ending the war. In recent months, Russia has intensified attacks on gas production and gas storage infrastructure in Ukraine. Kyiv, for its part, has been targeting Russian refineries with drones and has damaged several major facilities in southern and southwestern Russia over the past year, some of these multiple times. Just this week, a fire at the Ufa refinery in the Republic of Bashkiria in Russia was extinguished, local authorities reported, with early reports suggesting the facility may have become the latest target of Ukrainian drone attacks. A later update, however, had authorities report that the fire was caused by technical problems at the facility. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Over the course of about a month in 2017, about a half-dozen mothers whod gone home after delivering babies at Methodist Womens Hospital in Omaha were readmitted with complications of high blood pressure. Recommendations at the time indicated that it was OK for mothers to go home with high blood pressure and called for treating them with a drug called labetalol. To figure out what had led to the unusual cluster, Drs. Todd Lovgren and Joshua Dahlke, maternal-fetal medicine specialists with the Methodist Hospital Perinatal Center, and their colleagues began digging into hospital records. They first found that moms who had been hypertensive within 12 hours of discharge and gone home on a blood pressure medication were almost three times more likely to be readmitted to the hospital than those with normal blood pressure. A second study indicated that the risk of readmission was up to six times higher for hypertensive moms who took the first-line drug compared with another. Those findings led to a clinical trial that found that new moms assigned to take the second drug, called nifedipine, were 88% less likely to be readmitted than those taking the first-line drug. The teams findings, the doctors say, have already begun helping to impact care for postpartum moms with high blood pressure in the Omaha area, including spurring closer monitoring after those moms go home. The work has the potential to influence practice on a larger scale if it helps spark changes in the standard of care for postpartum hypertension. What this means for moms, is we really have found a safer medication to take care of them postpartum when they have high blood pressure, Lovgren said. Weve shown that having high blood pressure postpartum is not safe for moms. They should have normal blood pressure. These are otherwise normal, healthy young women. Weve always been kind of permissive of them being safe in the postpartum period. The babys out, youre supposed to be cured. ... The reality is those moms who are hypertensive walking out of the hospital are potentially walking into the most dangerous period of their pregnancy. With the changes were proposing, we can change that most dangerous period of pregnancy to a much safer period of pregnancy. A period less researched The work comes as researchers and clinicians nationwide seek to address U.S. maternal mortality rates that rank among the highest for high-income nations. Hypertension accounts for about 7% of maternal mortality, with about 70% of those deaths occurring postpartum, or during the roughly six weeks after a woman gives birth. Less research, however, has been done on the postpartum period than on other periods in pregnancy, Lovgren said. And no one had studied the safety of the two drugs, both of which have been prescribed for decades. The teams work began as an internal project focused on improving the quality of care. The first two studies were what are known as retrospective ones based on reviews of patient charts. The first was published in January 2022 in the American Journal of Obstetric Gynecology MFM. The second, a review that sorted patients by the medication they took, was published in February 2023 in the Journal of Hypertension. Also involved in the studies were Drs. Brendan Connealy and Ruofan Yao. After seeing the results of the second study, Dahlke said, the team decided it warranted a randomized clinical trial comparing the two medications head-to-head. Software flagged patients who met specific criteria, and team members then approached them to gauge their interest in participating. The trial was open-label, meaning the enrolled patients knew which medication labetalol or nifedipine they were being prescribed and that one might be more effective than the other. That study was conducted by Lovgren, Dahlke and a specialized group of nurses: Teresa Minarich, Alex Fadell and Jodi Gute. The researchers initially had planned to have 300 women in each arm of the study, Lovgren said. But because some research has shown a correlation between hospital readmission and mortality, a monitoring group that reviewed results periodically determined that they should stop the study early for safety reasons. The team ultimately enrolled a total of 323 women, half of whom got labetalol and the other half nifedipine. Presenting the trials results The team presented their results last month at the annual Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Meeting in Denver. At the meeting, they were honored with the 2025 Norman F. Gant Award for best research in maternal medicine. Lovgren said the team stressed during their presentation that most of the women in the study were White and had health insurance. That population has the lowest risk of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. Applying the work to more vulnerable populations might produce even greater impacts. Dahlke said being able to present the results of the study at an international meeting is a huge step toward disseminating the results. The team has gotten good feedback so far, and the study recently has been accepted for publication in a medical journal. Part of our goal with this research is to get as many eyeballs on it as possible (among) those who are taking care of pregnant and postpartum moms, he said. Locally, a shift already has begun. Doctors at Methodist began changing their practices when the team started reporting its early observational data, Lovgren said. Theyre preferentially prescribing nifedipine, the drug associated with the lower rate of readmission. When moms are discharged with hypertension, doctors are bringing them back in for a blood pressure check within two or three days. Those mothers also are provided a checklist of warning signs of hypertension in pregnancy and most go home with a blood pressure cuff to monitor their pressures. Theres no more, See you in six weeks, he said. Although he acknowledged that he doesnt have data to back it, Lovgren estimated that the health system already has seen a reduction in readmissions due to hypertension of between 30% and 50%, even without a formal protocol in place. And because doctors from all over Omaha deliver babies at the hospital, such practices already have begun to filter out to other area hospitals. Dahlke said Methodist also gives such moms the opportunity to pick up their medication at the hospital pharmacy at discharge, which saves them a trip to an outside pharmacy and reduces barriers to care. Dr. William Kuyper, an obstetrician-gynecologist with Mid-City OB-GYN in Omaha, said the research helps providers ensure theyre sending patients home on the most effective medication to minimize any problems at home. Thats information he can share not only with his colleagues at Mid-City OB-GYN but also those within CHI Health, for which he serves as co-medical director for the womens service line. Its not that the first-line drug, labetalol, is bad. But its nice to know that theres some literature out there that would support the choice of one medication over the other, especially since were trying not to have to readmit people to the hospital for an exacerbation of their blood pressure in the postpartum period, Kuyper said. And in their studies it does (appear) that nifedipine is a better choice for that. Lovgren and Dahlke say theyre proud that theyve been able to complete such research at a community hospital that doesnt have an extensive research infrastructure. They plan to continue their research, and the hospital foundation has committed to supporting it for three more years. They also want to delve into additional areas, such as pregnancies with multiple babies, pre-term birth and surgical outcomes. This has just been a foot in the door for us from a research standpoint, Lovgren said. China aims to carry out Mars sample return mission around 2030: NPC deputy 09:54, March 07, 2025 By Fan Anqi, Deng Xiaoci ( Global Times Computer graphic image of China's Mars sample return mission (Photo/CCTV) A lawmaker from China's leading space contractor, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), revealed on Thursday on the sidelines of the ongoing two sessions that China aims to carry out a Mars sample return mission around 2030. Meanwhile, a political adviser from CASC told the Global Times that this year is expected to see a variety of reusable rockets being unveiled or making their maiden flights, including one of the country's new-generation manned launch vehicle series. Sun Zezhou, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) and a senior engineer at CASC, said the purpose of the Mars sample return mission is to search for water. If accessible water resources are found, it would provide valuable support for future interstellar exploration. "Not only would human settlement on Mars no longer be a science fiction, but there would also be hope of discovering traces of life on the planet," Sun explained, reported Xinhua News Agency. Additionally, since Mars has evolved ahead of Earth, it serves as a mirror - studying it may provide warnings about Earth's future, Sun noted. Previously, China successfully achieved orbiting, landing, and rover exploration of Mars through the Tianwen-1 mission. In the future, the Tianwen-3 mission will focus on sample retrieval, which could take place around 2030. When reaching Mars, it will be approximately fall or winter on the planet, Sun said, reported state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) on Thursday. Although China has accumulated some experience in deep space exploration, Mars is much farther from Earth and differs significantly from the Moon. Taking off from the Moon requires overcoming one-sixth of Earth's gravity, whereas Mars requires overcoming one-third. Additionally, the aerodynamic effects of Mars' atmosphere must be taken into consideration, including the resistance it exerts on the probe and the constraints on aerodynamic design. More energy is needed to transport the same mass of payload from the Martian surface to Mars' orbit, introducing many new constraints and challenges, the deputy explained. In 2025, China plans to launch the Tianwen-2 asteroid exploration mission, aiming to conduct a close flyby of a near-Earth asteroid and return samples. Tianwen-3 will carry out a Mars sample return mission, exploring the Martian environment, while Tianwen-4 will study Jupiter and its moons, investigating Jupiter's space environment and internal structure, according to a statement from CASC obtained by the Global Times. Also on Thursday, Rong Yi, another representative from the state-owned space giant and also a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), told the Global Times that this year, China will unveil and conduct maiden flights of multiple reusable rockets. "With rocket recovery and reuse, we can expect faster launch frequencies and lower costs, making large-scale, rapid, and flexible access to space increasingly feasible," Rong said. China has been actively pushing for breakthroughs in reusable rocket technology. Last year, both CASC and commercial space developer LandSpace successfully completed 10-kilometer vertical takeoff and landing tests for reusable rockets. This year, a number of reusable launch vehicles, including the Zhuque-3 and Tianlong-3, will undergo maiden flights or related tests. Additionally, China's next-generation crewed rocket will also include a reusable version, Rong disclosed to the Global Times. Rong further explained that the new-generation crewed launch vehicles make up a series with at least two configurations - one is the Long March-10 designed for lunar missions, while the other is a smaller rocket intended for transporting crew and cargo to the space station. The latter is well-suited for reuse and recovery, making it a key focus for future development. Both configurations are progressing smoothly and will be released as soon as possible, Rong said. As the country's major rocket developer, CASC successfully completed 51 space missions in 2024, sending more than 190 spacecraft into orbit, per the company statement. This year's government work report submitted Wednesday to the national legislature for deliberation again brought up the promotion of "safe and sound development of commercial space," noting that China will advance the integrated and clustered development of such strategic emerging industries along with other efforts to foster emerging and future industries. Actively responding to the national call, CASC has been leveraging its advantages in technology, products, talent, and infrastructure in recent years to coordinate resources and drive innovation and development in commercial spaceflight. In 2024, the Long March-6C and Long March-12 launch vehicles completed their maiden flights, while the Jielong-3 solid fuel commercial rocket carried out two successful sea-based launches. Significant breakthroughs have also been made in reusable rocket technology, including the independent development of a 130-ton reusable liquid oxygen-kerosene engine, which completed two ground ignition tests and a total of 15 repeat tests. CASC also achieved its first 10-kilometer vertical takeoff and landing test with a reusable launch vehicle last year, according to the statement. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) BLOOMINGTON Two Central Illinois state lawmakers pledged support for pro-LGBTQ+ legislation at a town hall Thursday that also drew a range of organizations supporting that community in the face of the current U.S. political climate. "We know what's happening across the country with this hostile administration because we know that they're attacking LGBTQ people, specifically trans individuals," said Jose Wilson, director of civic engagement at Equality Illinois. His organization and the Prairie Pride Coalition hosted the event at Heartland Community College's Astroth Community Education Center in Normal. Local and state officials and advocates were invited to talk about the LGBTQ+ community's rights and safety as well as upcoming legislation. "Town halls like these are important because not only do they bring resources to folks and create community, but they have people staying informed and active to take action to make sure that we remain a safe haven for LGBTQ people here in Illinois," Wilson added. State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, and state Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, spoke at the event. "It has been fiery these past couple weeks since Trump was in office and has been doing all these sorts of things that have really affected and endangered a lot of people in our community," Chung said. "I'm proud of how we're standing up all in solidarity together and really trying to stand up for you all." Others who were invited but did not attend included state Sens. Chris Balkema of Channahon and Sally Turner of Beason, and state Reps. Bill Hauter of Morton, Dennis Tipsword of Metamora and Regan Deering of Decatur. All are Republicans. A tabling fair in the auditorium's lobby featured candidates for local races. The April 1 election will include the offices of Bloomington and Normal mayor and council, Normal Township supervisor and Heartland trustee. "These town halls are important so that we can educate you and then you can also talk to your elected officials and hold your elected officials accountable, the ones that are present and the ones that are not," Wilson said. As part of the discussion, Wilson shared three pieces of legislation working their way through the General Assembly: The Keeping Sex Workers Safe Act (SB 2391), which would protect sex workers from criminal prosecution for engaging in consensual sex work. The Equality for Every Family Act (SB 2507), which would ensure that children have the same rights to be with parents regardless of marital status, gender or age. The Health Care Transparency Act (SB 1679), which would improve patient rights and prevent discrimination by increasing transparency in health care. Both Chung and Koehler said they are committed to protecting LGBTQ+ rights in Illinois and back all three bills. Calling Illinois the "blue island in the midst of red," Koehler said the state has already put together a range of laws that help to protect people, especially people in the LGBGTQ+ community. He pointed out his daughter, Maggie Koehler, in the audience and talked about how she helped him and his wife recognize that the rights of all people include those in the LGBTQ+ community when she came out as gay. This later inspired him to take on more causes and become Senate sponsor of the Civil Union Bill in 2010 and the Marriage Equality Act in 2016. "We have really put together in this state all kinds of laws that help to protect people, especially the LGBTQ+, but that doesn't just happen by accident," Koehler said. "It happens because the people who organize it are committed to it, and I've been committed to the right of all people, but especially LGBTQ+ people, because that's who I am." Chung added that with Democrats holding supermajorities in the Illinois House and Senate, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation will not be advanced. Local faith, spiritual and service organizations also were represented, including First Christian, First Presbyterian, First United Methodist and Mennonite churches, Insight Meditation Community of Bloomington-Normal, and New Covenant Community, all of Normal; and Gender Expansive Resource Center of Bloomington. "We have heard from a lot of people who are really stressed and who are really struggling for a lot of reasons, most obviously the new administration has members of our transgender and nonbinary communities in a terrible situation where they don't feel safe, they don't feel honored, they don't feel like they have help, and their rights are being taking away from them," said Dave Bentlin, president of the Prairie Pride Coalition. Following the discussion, a mother shared that her child was attacked in school because the child identifies as trans. A local school social worker and a faculty member from Illinois State University told the lawmakers they have seen an increase in trans, nonbinary and gender fluid students feeling scared and anxious about their rights and asked what state officials are doing to protect those rights. Chung said it breaks her heart to hear that, and she has talked with students from locals schools and even during the Illinois Safe School Alliance's yearly Youth Leadership Summit at Bloomington High School. "I think just encouraging the students to keep doing what they're doing and that we all will support them too," Chung said, in response to the social worker. Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket, is set to host a sizzling summer event with the Jungceylon Beach Body Competition 2025, a contest to find individuals with the most well-proportioned, fit, and firm Beach Body physique. The competition aims to promote health awareness and encourage people to exercise for better overall well-being. Participants will compete for a total prize pool of over 100,000 THB, taking place on March 21-22, 2025, at The Bay Arena activity zone. The competition is divided into male and female categories, as follows: Male Category (3 classes): Class A: Height 170 cm or below Class B: Height 171 175 cm Class C: Height 176 cm and above Female Category (3 classes): Class A: Height 160 cm or below Class B: Height 161 165 cm Class C: Height 166 cm and above The competition welcomes participants from across the country, both Thai and international, with no age restrictions. Applications are now open until March 17, 2025. Interested participants can fill out the application form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1tcGg9lPlFT6RYln1DKgPn7BJiFAWY_eDmwnIaStEtHPrnA/viewform or collect a form at local gyms and fitness centers. Tourist Privilege Booth, The Bay Arena Zone, Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket. For more information, contact 085-122-8041 or 076-000-111 ext. 300. 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: Flagstones enclosure seen shortly after construction in the middle Neolithic period. Credit: Jennie Anderson Archaeological research conducted on the prehistoric Dorset burial site known as Flagstones has revealed that it is the earliest known large circular enclosure in Britain. The monument, located near Dorchester, has been redated to about 3,200 years BCapproximately two centuries earlier than previously thoughtthanks to advanced radiocarbon analysis of some of the finds discovered there, including human remains, red deer antlers and charcoal. The analysis suggests that Flagstones may have served as a prototype for later monuments like Stonehenge. Findings from this collaborative research by the University of Exeter and Historic England have been published in Antiquity in a paper titled "Beginning of the circle? Revised chronologies for Flagstones and Alington Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset." "Flagstones is an unusual monument; a perfectly circular ditched enclosure, with burials and cremations associated with it," says Dr. Susan Greaney, a specialist in Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, in Exeter's Department of Archaeology and History. "In some respects, it looks like monuments that came earlier, which we call causewayed enclosures, and in others, it looks a bit like things that come later that we call henges. But we didn't know where it sat between these types of monumentsand the revised chronology places it in an earlier period than we expected." Aerial shot of excavation of Flagstones. Credit: Dorset Museum Flagstones was discovered in the 1980s during the construction of the Dorchester bypass, with excavations revealing it was formed of a 100m diameter circular ditch made of intersecting pits, probably an earthwork bank. Today, half of the site lies beneath the bypass, with the remainder located beneath Max Gate, Thomas Hardy's former home, now bequeathed to the National Trust. Flagstones is a scheduled monument with finds and excavation archives preserved at Dorset Museum. At least four burials were found to have been placed in the enclosure pitsa cremated adult and three children who had not been crematedand there were three further partial cremations of adults elsewhere. The similarity of this site to the first phase of Stonehenge, dated to around 2900 BC, led to the assumption that Flagstones must be of a similar date. The new scientific dating program, led by Dr. Greaney and Dr. Peter Marshall, formerly Scientific Dating Co-Ordinator at Historic England, involved collaboration with laboratories at ETH Zurich and the University of Groningen, who provided 23 new radiocarbon measurements. Credit: University of Exeter Credit: University of Exeter Combining the radiocarbon dates with archaeological information revealed that early Neolithic activity, including the digging of pits, took place around 3650 BC. After a gap of many centuries, the circular ditched enclosure was created around 3200 BC, with burials placed within it immediately afterwards. Intriguingly, a later burial of a young adult male under a large sarsen stone at the center of the enclosure occurred around 1,000 years or so after its initial use. "The chronology of Flagstones is essential for understanding the changing sequence of ceremonial and funeral monuments in Britain," said Dr. Greaney. "The 'sister' monument to Flagstones is Stonehenge, whose first phase is almost identical, but it dates to around 2900 BC. Could Stonehenge have been a copy of Flagstones? Or do these findings suggest our current dating of Stonehenge might need revision?" Flagstones also reveals connections to other significant sites, including Llandygai Henge A in Gwynedd, Wales, and even locations in Ireland, as implied by artifacts and burial practices. The findings highlight the interconnectedness of Neolithic communities across Britain and beyond. More information: Susan Greaney et al, Beginning of the circle? Revised chronologies for Flagstones and Alington Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.28 Journal information: Antiquity 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: Infographic map showing track and forecast map of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with accumulated rainfall data. Violent winds toppled power lines Friday as a tropical cyclone inched towards Australia's eastern coast, swelling rivers, sparking evacuation orders and leaving 80,000 homes without electricity. Tropical Cyclone Alfred was 125 kilometers (80 miles) east of Brisbane by Friday afternoon, crawling towards the densely populated coastline at "walking speed," government forecasts said. Some four million people were in the firing line along a 400-kilometer (250-mile) stretch of coastline straddling the state border of Queensland and New South Wales. It is a region rarely troubled by typhoonsit has been more than 50 years since a tropical cyclone made landfall in that stretch of coast. No deaths have been reported, but police said one man was missing after his four-wheel drive vehicle was swept from a bridge into fast-running river water south of the cyclone. "The male driver was able to exit the vehicle and secure himself to a tree branch," New South Wales police said in a statement. But later, "the man was swept from the tree and seen to go beneath the water where he has not been sighted since." Heavy rains associated with the cyclone had already prompted flood warnings in the area. Packing a "punch" Around 80,000 homes were left in the dark across the two states as winds uprooted trees and brought down power lines, officials and utility companies said, as repair crews raced to restore electricity. Young men play in sea foam created by record-breaking waves in Coolangatta. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the storm already "packed a punch," warning conditions would get worse as it approached land on Saturday morning. AFP images showed a white yacht blown into the rocks after snapping its moorings at Point Danger on the Gold Coast. Two people made "a lucky escape" after a large gum tree crashed through the roof of a house in rural Currumbin Valley, the Queensland Ambulance Service said. Emergency response officials said they had issued evacuation orders for some 10,000 people in the flood-prone northern rivers region of New South Wales. There was particular concern for the town of Lismore, which was engulfed by record 14-meter (45-feet) floodwaters after heavy rains in 2022. Many residents have spent the past three days fortifying their homes with sandbags, tying down loose furniture and stocking up on food and water. "A lot of people are feeling a bit anxious, for sure, because we don't know what's going to happen," said Paul Farrow from Coolangatta, a coastal suburb better known for its sun-splashed beaches. "Yeah, we could all lose our houses. Who knows," the 62-year-old told AFP. A deserted street in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. "The pubs might be shut for a week or two. Who knows." Farrow said he had stashed a "couple of peaches," a "couple of cartons of beer," and "a bag of grapes" to get him through. "So I'll be right," he said. Destructive winds, high tides Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the region should "hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." "When nature does its worst, Australians are at our best. We rally. We lift each other up. We look out for our neighbors," he told reporters. Tropical Cyclone Alfred would likely cross the coast on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology said, although its path has proven increasingly difficult to track. It was forecast to make landfall somewhere north of Brisbane. Drenching rains, "destructive" wind gusts, and "abnormally high tides" would pummel the coast as it crept nearer, the bureau said. A yacht swept away by the waves rests at Point Danger on the southern end of the Gold Coast. More than 900 schools across Queensland state and neighboring parts of northern New South Wales were closed on Friday, education department officials said. While cyclones are common in the warm tropical waters lapping Australia's northern flank, it is rarer for them to form in cooler waters further south. Alfred would be the first to make landfall in that part of Australia since 1974, the Bureau of Meteorology said. Researchers have repeatedly warned that climate change amplifies the risk of natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and cyclones. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: University of Warwick A research collaboration between The University of Warwick, the Smithsonian Institution and Embrapa (Brazilian agricultural research), has shown that thousands of years of farming myths and cultural traditions have been key to the survival of the cassava crop (the source of tapioca). Cassava (also called Yuca or Manioc) is a root vegetable that feeds around a billion people worldwide. It thrives in poor soil, drought conditions and pest-prone environments, making it an essential crop in difficult climates. It is grown worldwide via stem cuttings, a method that produces new cassava plants that are genetic clones of the original. Clonal planting is expected to result in low genetic diversity, which leads to plants becoming vulnerable to diseases. In the article published in Science, analysis of the genomes of more than 500 modern, herbarium and archaeological cassava plants found the cassava genome to be extraordinarily diverse for a clonal crop. To understand how this genetic diversity arose, researchers looked to Indigenous Brazilian farmers for answers. Through interviews, they found that local cultural practices and traditions have been responsible for creating and maintaining the varied cassava gene pool. Senior author of this paper, Professor Robin Allaby of the University of Warwick, said, "This study really shows the importance of small-scale Indigenous farming to our global food security." Credit: University of Warwick For example, Indigenous farmers discussed their belief in Kukurro, the caterpillar god with whom they decorate their farming implements. In Kukurro's honor, farmers occasionally plant stems of high-yielding and resilient cassava plants in close proximity in special "Kukurro houses." This enables seed-based sexual reproduction, resulting in "cassava from the sky," rescuing genetic diversity to the system. Dr. Logan Kistler from the Smithsonian Institution and first author, said, "We wondered if this practice of cloning stem cuttings would keep diversity low, since reproducing by seed is a way of reshuffling the genetic deck and folding in new variation. We saw the total opposite: cassava has even more diversity than its wild relatives because of how people have prioritized and maintained diverse varieties." Similar patterns of cassava diversity were found across the different areas of the Amazon region and Caribbean; this is unusual as regional genetic variation is common in widespread crops. This was explained by the farmers' reports of exchanging and trading cuttings of different cassava varieties, resulting in regional distribution of resilient and diverse crops. This cultural practice is so ingrained that, as part of the marriage custom of the Brazilian Waura people, new brides bring Cassava cuttings to their husband's village. Dr. Fabio de Oliveira Freitas, EMBRAPA researcher, said, "Stories and myths linked with crops are a strong part of Indigenous cultures. This kind of work shows how some myths can impact crop evolution, why it is so important to support those people and how much we still have to learn." Developing our understanding of these Indigenous biodiversity practices could inform future breeding strategies, and bolster efforts in crop conservation and food security in difficult environments. More information: Logan Kistler et al, Historic manioc genomes illuminate maintenance of diversity under long-lived clonal cultivation, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adq0018 Journal information: Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A Monarch butterfly rests near a stream at Piedra Herrada sanctuary in the mountains near Valle de Bravo, Mexico, Jan. 4, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File The number of monarch butterflies wintering in the mountains west of Mexico City rebounded this year, doubling the area they covered in 2024 despite the stresses of climate change and habitat loss, experts said Thursday. The annual butterfly count doesn't calculate the individual number of butterflies, but rather the number of acres they cover as they gather on tree branches in the mountain pine and fir forests. Monarchs from east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada overwinter there. Mexico's Commission for National Protected Areas (CONANP) said that this year, butterflies covered 4.4 acres (1.79 hectares) compared to only 2.2 acres (0.9 hectares) the year before. Last year's figure represented a 59% drop from 2023, the second lowest level since record keeping began. After wintering in Mexico, the iconic butterflies with black and orange wings fly north, breeding multiple generations along the way for thousands of miles. The offspring that reach southern Canada begin the trip back to Mexico at the end of summer. Gloria Tavera Alonso, the Mexican agency's director general of conservation, said the improved numbers owed to better climatic factors and humidity. Drought along the butterflies' migratory route had been listed as a factor in last year's decline. Monarch butterflies cling to branches in their winter nesting grounds in El Rosario Sanctuary, near Ocampo, Michoacan state, Mexico, Jan. 31, 2020. Credit: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File The impact of changes in weather year after year mean fluctuations are expected. For that, Jorge Rickards, Mexico director general for the World Wildlife Fund, said "you can't let down your guard" and must continue to expand conservation efforts. Tavera Alonso credited ongoing efforts to increase the number of plants the butterflies rely on for sustenance and reproduction along their flyway. Butterflies have not been faring well north of the border. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation has been counting western overwinter populations of monarch butterfliesa separate population from those that winter in central Mexicoalong the California coast, northern Baja California and inland sites in California and Arizona for the last 28 years. The highest number recorded was 1.2 million in 1997. The organization announced in February that it counted just 9,119 monarchs in 2024, a decrease of 96% from 233,394 in 2023. The total was the second-lowest since the survey began in 1997. Monarch butterflies from Canada stop to rest in Wendy Park on their way to Mexico, Sept. 12, 2023, in Cleveland. Credit: AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File And the first countrywide systematic analysis of butterfly abundance in the United States found that the number of butterflies in the Lower 48 states has been falling on average 1.3% a year since the turn of the century, with 114 species showing significant declines and only nine increasing, according to a study in Thursday's journal Science. Experts say that monarchs face risks across North America in large part due to the reduction in milkweed where the monarchs lay their eggs. The plant has been disappearing due to drought, wildfires, herbicides and urbanization. In December, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed that monarch butterflies receive protection as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The global illicit drugs trade is estimated to be worth at least half a trillion US dollars each year. Drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin generate large revenues all along their supply chains, from where the products (and precursor materials) are grown or madeprincipally Colombia and Bolivia, China, Afghanistan, and the "golden triangle" of Myanmar, Laos and Thailandto wherever the finished drugs are consumed. Earnings in the illicit drug trade are variable. Few people will make the kind of money that once put the Mexican former cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman on the Forbes list of global billionaires. But while drug "kingpins" are the industry's biggest individual earners, they do not hold the majority of the drug money that is generated throughout the global supply chain. Despite their frequent glamorization in film and TV portrayals, drug cartels are basically international logistics companies. They work with distributors in different countries who deliver the drugs to regional wholesalers, who in turn supply the local retailers (dealers) who sell drugs to individuals. Everyone along the supply chain takes their cut, with most people making much more modest incomes than the millionaire drug traffickers of "narcocorrido" lore. In our interviews with illicit drug entrepreneurs in the US and UK, we routinely spoke to sellers whose incomes ranged from pocket money to providing a moderately comfortable life. Around 70% to 80% of the overall revenue generated by illicit drugs is shared among the many wholesale and street-level dealers in destination countries such as the UK and US, where the price per gram is at its highest. How this money moves and is used to sustain the illicit drug trade should be an important part of any worthwhile counter-narcotics strategy. But it rarely is. Professional money launderers The people and organizations responsible for laundering drug revenuesthat is, transforming them into untraceable money that can easily be spent, or into assets that can be held or soldoften exist under the radar of law enforcement and the media. Yet the ways illicit drug money is laundered are hardly a mystery. Techniques include wire transfers to offshore bank accounts, investments in shell companies or deposits in cash businesses, and buying foreign currencies or (to a small extent) cryptocurrencies. In addition, the straightforward physical transportation of cash across national borders is an often-used method known as a "bulk cash transfer." The largest players in the illicit drugs industry, such as international cartels, national distributors and large-scale wholesalers, often use professional money laundererssome of whom have seemingly reputable jobs in the financial sector. In one recent case, US financial regulators fined TD Bank US$3 billion (2.4 billion)a record penalty for a bankfor facilitating the laundering of millions of dollars of drug cartel money. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Over six years, more than 90% of the bank's transactions went unmonitored, enabling "three money laundering networks to collectively transfer more than US$670 million through TD Bank accounts." Then-US attorney general Merrick Garland commented: "By making its services convenient for criminals, [TD Bank] became one." Some money laundering networks are as global as the drug supply chains they service. In June 2024, the US Department of Justice's (DoJ) multi-year "Operation Fortune Runner" investigation saw LA-based associates of Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel charged with conspiring with money-laundering groups linked to a Chinese underground banking network. According to the IRS's head of criminal investigation, Guy Ficco: Drug traffickers generate immense amounts of cash through their illicit operations. This case is a prime example of Chinese money launderers working hand-in-hand with drug traffickers to try to legitimize profits generated by drug activities. According to the DoJ, "many wealthy Chinese nationals" barred from transferring large amounts to the US by the Chinese government's capital flight restrictions seek informal alternatives to the conventional banking systemincluding via schemes to launder illicit drug money. The DoJ explained how this works: "The China-based investor contacts an individual who has US dollars available to sell in the United States. This seller of US dollars provides identifying information for a bank account in China, with instructions for the investor to deposit Chinese currency (renminbi) in that account. Once the owner of the account sees the deposit, an equivalent amount of US dollars is released to the buyer in the United States." These arrangements are not unique to Chinese actors. Similar arrangements occur throughout the world, including schemes to leverage the black market peso exchange and the Hawala international money transfer system. Credit: CBC News Professional launderers are both creating and exploiting vulnerabilities in the global financial system. Such corruption allows suspicious transactions to occur without proper checks or oversight. This not only reduces transparency in the financial system but erodes public trust in it. How cartels launder their money International drug cartels and national wholesalers have a smaller markup on their transactions, compared with retailers. But because they are responsible for moving enormous quantities of illicit drugs, they still generate millions of dollars worth of revenue. The most prolific known drug distributors in US history, Margarito Flores Jr and his twin brother Pedro, delivered billions of dollars worth of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines to their US and Canadian wholesale clients between 1998 and 2009. They were working for Guzman and Ismeal "El Mayo" Zambada Garcia, then leaders of the Sinaloa cartel, as well as the Mexican Beltran Leyva brothers whose cartel bore their surname. Today, Margarito Flores Jr trains law enforcement across the US in the methods he and his brother used to traffic drugs and run their business. In January 2015, both men were sentenced to 14 years for drug traffickingMargarito Flores Jr would later reach out to one of this article's authors (R.V. Gundur) after reading his book, Trying to Make It: The Enterprises, Gangs, and People of the American Drug Trade, which includes a comprehensive account of the Flores crew's activities. In a subsequent interview, he told us: "My brother and I estimate that, if we added up all of the money we sent back to Mexico over the decade we sold drugs, it was probably more than US$3.5 billion." The billions they remitted to Mexico were used by Guzman, Zambada and the Beltran Levya brothers not only to expand their drug businesses, but to corrupt powerful figures such as Mexico's former secretary of public security, Genaro Garcia Luna. Garcia Luna, who was Mexico's highest-ranking law enforcement official from 2006 to 2012, was sentenced to nearly 40 years in prison in October 2024 after being found guilty of taking millions of dollars in bribes from the Sinaloa cartel, as well as enabling the trafficking of more than a million kilograms of cocaine into the US. Flores explained to us: "It's important to understand that corruption impacts people at all levels of government. Our payoffs included local police and other people in the community, up to higher-positioned people in government. Lots of that money ended up funding the violent conflicts between cartels." While there has been widespread coverage of cartel drug money being laundered through high-profile businesses and banks such as Wachovia and HSBC, Flores suggested that "the money involved in the drug trade is a lot more than anybody really can understand." The reason for this, he said, is that it's very hard to track the flow of hard cash via lorries, boats, planes and even drones. Flores told us: "It's a misconception that everyone who makes a lot of money in drugs or other illegal business makes an effort to launder their money. My brother and I held much of what we earned in cash. We knew the government could eventually take everything [else]." The twins were right: in time, that's exactly what the US government did. 'Everyday' money laundering In our study of money laundering strategies used by people involved in the illicit drug trade in the UK and US, we found that street dealers do not typically undertake sophisticated laundering processes. Rather, they spend their cash on food and other routine living expenses. One independent UK drug dealer, whose experience was typical of many, used the money earned from his cocaine sales to buy groceries and pay bills for himself and his daughter. Spending money, even small amounts, gained through illegal activities is a money laundering offensealbeit one that is seldom prosecuted. As a result, these everyday activities that return illicit drug money to the legal economy are not well accounted foreven though the street value of drugs drives global market value estimates. Business-savvy street dealers can earn gross revenues that approach the earnings of high-paid white-collar workers. But they must disguise their earnings' origins before they can spend them, of course, and various tactics are used to do this. Some dealers solicit close friends or family members to act as "strawmen." These are people willing to put assets paid for by illicit drug moneysuch as cars, properties or even businessesin their names on behalf of the dealer. Idris Elba's character Stringer Bell in HBO's "The Wire" was an accurate portrayal of someone investing in legal enterprises using illicit drug money. A guide to Stringer Bells character in The Wire. Credit: Just an Observation These strategies occur wherever illegal enterprise exists, and have done for well over a century. In the US, we interviewed wholesalers who had used family members to own houses and other properties on their behalf. This is done to mitigate against the risk of asset forfeiture should they be convicted of a crime. If an illicit enterprise can create a plausible beneficial owner who is not involved in crime, then the asset is harder to seize. This is why the Donald Trump administration's recent suspension of beneficial owner oversight is problematic from a drug enforcement perspective. In liberal democracies, governments cannot investigate someone's finances simply because they are related to criminals. The dirty money that is put into their accounts can also be disguised as legitimate income, making it difficult to identify, although thorough investigations may uncover it. In the UK, we also talked to successful drug retailers who had set up local businesses in their own names. The EU's law enforcement agency, Europol, has reported similar activities throughout Europe. Legal businesses are a commonand often hard-to-detectvehicle to launder drug money. Bars, clubs, gyms, and hair, nail and tanning salons can be readily set up with drug money, as large cash infusions to establish a business are often not well scrutinized. These businesses are comparatively easy to run with significant cash flows, providing suitable cover for dirty money. For example, a beauty salon, especially one that offers high-value boutique services, could easily incorporate drug revenue into its financial accounts by reporting sales that do not occur. Tanning salons can be set up with little expense since they require only sunbeds and the rental of a property. Along with bars, clubs and salons, construction companies and restaurants stand out as other cash-intensive businesses with high volumes of transactionscharacteristics that make good fronts for laundering money. It's hard to spot a 'dirty' business There is no surefire way to tell whether a business is a laundering front. While some may look like enterprises struggling to stay afloat, others develop into viable operations that eventually no longer need dirty money to sustain them. Some drug dealers incorporate laundering practices within their legitimate jobs. Tradespeople such as electricians or plumbers, for example, can launder money by generating invoices for fake jobs, then reporting the income on their tax returns. In both the UK and US, tax authorities are not charged with evaluating the veracity of the funds reported, and are generally satisfied once tax is paid. In other words, they generally trust declared income as proof of legal business activity. Moreover, they, along with the police, lack the resources to investigate these businesses for money laundering. Through their legal businesses, many drug dealers pay significant taxes on their illegal revenue, and thus contribute to the economy. Paying income tax effectively renders this income laundered. It can be invested and used to set up other businesses, or to purchase cars and properties without suspicion. It can also bolster credit ratings, and improve access to legal financial services such as bank loans. Many small-time drug dealers start legal businesses in order to exit the illicit drug trade. We interviewed one cocaine dealer who had used his drug money to set up a retail electronics store; once it was successful, he stopped dealing. Similarly, the person behind a semi-legitimate nitrous oxide enterprise used his proceeds to set up a legitimate alcohol delivery service. Through self-laundering, these modest drug dealers transform their proceeds of crime into spendable cashand may eventually leave criminality behind altogether. The (losing) battle against laundered money Across the world, anti-money laundering efforts against organized criminal gangs are notoriously ineffective. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF)an intergovernmental organization formed in 1999 to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorismassesses financial regulators' anti-money laundering controls all over the world. Countries designated as a risk that require monitoring are placed on the task force's "gray list", while severe, high-risk countries go on its "black list". Being put on these lists can result in the withdrawal of international investment and implementation of sanctions by other countries. Credit: The Financial Action Task Force Although developing countries have often scored badly in their assessments, there has been some progress. While Kenya remained on the gray list in 2024, for example, it was found to have strengthened its measures to tackle both money laundering and terrorist financing. In the same year, though, Lebanon was added to the gray list over concerns on both counts. The FATF's evaluation processes are designed to provide an objective assessment of whether a country has implemented its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing recommendations. However, the success of the FATF's anti-money laundering controls remains unclear. Often lost in the criminal financing narrative is the role of bulk cash transfers. Even in a world that is moving to cashless transactions, cash generally remains the primary currency of both the illicit drug trade and corruption. The biggest and most successful drug traffickers have significant cash reserves which are used to pay workers, replace drugs that are lost or seized, accrue assets, and bribe key officials. Reflecting on his former illicit enterprise, Margarito Flores observed: "For every kilo of cocaine or heroin or methamphetamine we sold in the US, at least a kilo of cash went back to Mexico." For deals in Europe, Flores said, "Given the markup the further away you trade, the amount of cash sent back could be even higherI would estimate it to be a kilo and a half." Flores described the ineptitude of law enforcement in policing cash that was leaving the US: "No matter how careful we were, my brother and I lost a handful of loads of drugs heading north [from Mexico into the US]. Heading south was different: we just had the money put on tractor trailers and had it driven it across the border. We never lost a dollar. That's where politicians don't pay enough attention. That cash lets traffickers keep doing business." Focus on the money as well as the drugs So long as demand for illicit drugs exists, the industry will continueand the revenue it generates will be laundered. We believe that to curb the drugs trade, enforcement strategies need to go beyond simply capturing drugs and focus much more on capturing the money. Governments should go after reserves held not only by drug cartels but by high-level distributors, such as those who replaced the Flores twins, and also wholesalers. People like thesecomparatively high earners in destination countriesare the backbone of the illicit drugs trade. Transnational law enforcement should prioritize detecting and seizing bulk cash transfers. These high-volume proceeds underwrite the well-being of drug trafficking organizations. Digital tools, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, can be developed to create new techniques to track and trace suspicious transactions, although they alone won't solve all laundering problems. Corruption of officials also remains a problem. Governments need to ensure their officials are well-paid and sufficiently monitored in their rolesbe they working in government, border control, banks, police departments or prisons. Unfortunately, the US has shirked its leadership in global anti-corruption efforts with the recent halting of the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which bans the bribing of foreign officials. Anti-money laundering efforts need to be consistently supported and required. Lamentably, the US has undermined its anti-money laundering toolkit by suspending the enforcement of beneficial ownership information reporting requirements. Establishing beneficial ownership helps financial institutions to identify parties that are hiding their financial interests, which can be an indication of money laundering or other criminal activity. Similarly, foreign investment in producer countries can strengthen their capacity to counter laundering by supporting intelligence infrastructure and improved training. Recent cuts to USAid and the reduction of US State Department efforts in these areas is another indication that the US will no longer lead in these domains. As cash businesses provide an easy mechanism for clearing money, moving to a cashless society that uses digital transactions may help ensure that money is traceable. At the same time, cryptomarkets provide a minor, but potentially increasing, pathway to hiding dirty money digitally. Ultimately, we should recognize the decades-long "war on drugs" for what it is: a policy costing trillions of dollars that combined mass incarceration with insufficient public health investment, and which has harmed the very communities the illicit drug trade affects the most. It is a difficult balance, but the pathway forward needs to reorient the objectives regarding drugs: invest in people, then go after the money that keeps the cartels, distributors and wholesalers afloat. 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: In the roots of Japanese birdsfoot trifoil (Lotus japonicus), the accumulation of the SMAX1 protein, colored yellow here, was observed after the addition of ethylene. Credit: Kartikye Varshney, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology How do symbioses between plants and fungi develop? How do plants decide whether or not to enter into a partnership with fungi? The team of Prof. Dr. Caroline Gutjahr, director at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam, is shedding light on the underground partnership of plants. The work is published in the journal Nature Communications. In particular, her team discovered what happens to a symbiosis when the plant produces stress hormones. Their research could contribute to a new agriculture in which plants and fungi are considered as partners. A harmonious team Right under our feet, hidden in the ground, there is a complex network of relationships: almost all plants live in close symbiosis with fungi. These fungi do not form the classic mushroom fruiting bodies that we know from forests and in some cases like to eat. They form an extensive network of fine threads, also known as hyphae, that permeate the soil. In just one cubic centimeter of soil, the hyphae of the fungi can reach a length of up to 100 meters. While many fungi break down dead material in the soil, there are specialized species that live closely with plants and depend on photosynthesis products from living plants. In return, they supply the plants with water and mineral nutrients. This exchange system has existed for hundreds of millions of years and is essential for many land plants. One plant hormone suppresses the symbiosis, another promotes it Arbuscular mycorrhiza is a particularly intimate form of symbiosis in which the plant allows the hyphae of the fungus access into its roots and even its cells. Over the course of evolution, it has developed into one of the most intimate interactions between living beings. The close partnership between plants and fungi, in which water and nutrients are exchanged, is already pre-programmed in their genetic code. But under certain conditions, plants reject the symbiosis with fungi. Lotus japonicus flowers. Credit: Kartikye Varshney, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology Prof. Caroline Gutjahr and her team at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam are investigating what exactly happens in the roots of a plant when it enters or rejects symbiosis with a fungus. Their finding: in plants, hormones play an important role when entering into a partnership. "For about 40 years, we have known that the gaseous plant hormone ethylene, which is produced when plants are under stress, such as being flooded, inhibits the symbiosis between plants and fungi," explains Gutjahr. "Now we have learned which processes take place in the plants and how various plant hormones interact. Finally, we know what happens when plants decide for or against this partnership." Experiments by the two first authors, Debatosh Das and Kartikye Varshney, showed that, contrary to common belief, ethylene does not trigger a defense response by the plant immune system against the fungus. Instead, the plant hormone boosts the accumulation of a central regulatory protein called SMAX1. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. This is able to suppress a number of plant genes that are responsible for the formation of the symbiosis. Thus, when environmental conditions are unsuitable, the plant produces a hormone that inhibits its symbiosis genes. The formation of the symbiosis is reduced or no longer allowed. If conditions change, other hormones gain control over the protein, initiate its degradation and thus switch the symbiosis genes back on. The plant is open to the partnership. In collaboration with David C. Nelson's team at the UC Riverside in California, the authors were also able to show that ethylene also promotes the accumulation of SMAX1 in plants that have lost the ability to form symbioses with fungi. The significance of this discovery thus extends beyond plant-fungus symbiosis. It will be exciting to explore the role of this phenomenon outside of symbiosis in the future. Understanding how plants regulate their symbiosis with fungi under stress conditions could provide information on how to breed crops that form beneficial partnerships with fungi even under changing stress or climate conditions. In the future, this knowledge could help to ensure that plants continue to be supplied with sufficient water and nutrients under new climatic conditions and that harvests are secured. More information: Debatosh Das et al, Ethylene promotes SMAX1 accumulation to inhibit arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57222-w Journal information: Nature Communications 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: 'Shadowgraphy' allows scientists to visualise the density variations in the plasma, and measure the filament instabilities. Credit: Imperial College London For the first time, scientists have 'photographed' a rare plasma instability, where high-energy electron beams form into spaghetti-like filaments. A new study, published in Physical Review Letters, outlines how a high-intensity infrared laser was used to generate filamentation instabilitya phenomenon that affects applications in plasma-based particle accelerators and fusion energy methods. Plasma is a super-hot mixture of charged particles, such as ions and electrons, which can conduct electricity and are influenced by magnetic fields. Instabilities in plasmas can occur because the flow of particles in one direction or within a specific region can be different from the rest, causing some particles to group up into thin spaghetti-like filaments. Known as a Weibel-like current instability, these filaments can generate their own magnetic field that further destabilizes the rest of the plasma. "The reason we are particularly interested in instabilities is because they tend to mess up the applications, like injecting energy into plasma to trigger fusion," said Dr. Nicholas Dover, a research fellow at Imperial College London's Department of Physics and the John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science. "Normally, we want to avoid instabilities, but to do that we need to understand them in the first place," he said. Creating spaghetti-like filaments in plasma In this experiment, researchers fired a high-intensity laser into an initially stationary plasma to create a high-energy electron beam. The photons in the laser can give an energy boost to the electrons in the plasma, kicking them in the direction of the laser. If the plasma was perfectly stable and uniform, this electron beam would be able to pass through smoothly, like fast cars weaving between a smooth flow of traffic. Instead, researchers saw that it disrupted the plasma, triggering small fluctuations that caused some areas to have more or fewer electrons than others. As the electrons clumped together and generated thin filaments, which then further destabilized the rest of the plasma. "The more magnetic fields you generate, the more the instability grows and then the more the magnetic field generates," said Dr. Dover, "It's kind of like a snowball effect." Creating the perfect snapshot Scientists have long inferred this instability from indirect effects, but observing it directly has been a challenge. This study marks the first time it has been captured in a laboratory. Researchers from Imperial's John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science collaborated with the Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York. The laboratory utilized two synchronized lasers with different wavelengths: a one-of-a-kind high-intensity, long-wave infrared laser (housed at Brookhaven's Accelerator Test Facility) and a shorter-wavelength optical probe laser. The first created the electron beam which drove the instability, while the second captured images of it. Typically, standard lasers struggle to penetrate plasma up to a certain density, making it difficult to observe inside its structure. However, Brookhaven's long-wave infrared CO 2 laser enabled the researchers to control where energy was deposited in the plasma, allowing the electrons to travel into regions where they could still be observed with a visible laser probe. By synchronizing the optical laser, researchers captured detailed images of the instability. Scientists generated the plasma using gas targetsshort bursts of gas released into a vacuum chamberwhich allowed them to precisely tune the density of the plasma they created by adjusting the gas pressure in the chamber. By adjusting the density, the researchers could also study how the size of the filaments changed. These fine adjustments resulted in unprecedented close-up images of the instability. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "We were really amazed by how good the photographs were because, with optical lasers, it's really hard to take nice photographs of the plasma," said Dr. Dover. In the future, Brookhaven's Accelerator Test Facility plans to upgrade the optical laser, allowing the researchers to capture clearer, more precise pictures in shorter time intervals. This will let them observe laser-plasma interactions in real time rather than only analyzing the aftermath. Professor Zulfikar Najmudin, Deputy Director of the John Adams Institute, highlighted the potential applications of this research, "[Brookhaven] are keen to demonstrate particle beams energetic enough for radiobiology experiments." He explains that achieving 10 MeV energy levels in such a small gas target of just a few hundred microns is virtually unheard of in other interactions. "If we can actually crack that, then it can have really big applications, especially in radiotherapy." More information: N. P. Dover et al, Optical Imaging of Laser-Driven Fast Electron Weibel-like Filamentation in Overcritical Density Plasma, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.025102 Journal information: Physical Review Letters 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 photo provided by Intuitive Machines on Friday, March 7, 2025, shows the Athena, a private lunar lander, after landing sideways in a crater near the moon's south pole. Credit: Intuitive Machines via AP A private lunar lander is no longer working after landing sideways in a crater near the moon's south pole and its mission is over, officials said Friday. The news came less than 24 hours after the botched landing attempt by Texas-based Intuitive Machines. Launched last week, the lander named Athena missed its mark by more than 800 feet (250 meters) and ended up in a frigid crater, the company said in declaring it dead. Athena managed to send back pictures confirming its position and activate a few experiments before going silent. NASA and other customers had packed the lander with tens of millions of dollars' worth of experiments including an ice drill, drone and pair of rovers to roam the unexplored terrain ahead of astronauts' planned arrival later this decade. It's unlikely Athena's batteries can be recharged given the way the lander's solar panels are pointed and the extreme cold in the crater. "The mission has concluded and teams are continuing to assess the data collected throughout the mission," the company said in a statement. The bigger, four-wheeled rover never made it off the fallen lander, but data beamed back indicates it survived and could have driven away had everything gone well, said Lunar Outpost, the Colorado company that owns it. This was the second landing attempt for Intuitive Machines. The first, a year ago, also ended with a sideways landing, but the company was able to keep it going for longer than this time. Despite all the problems, the company's first lander managed to put the U.S. back on the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. This photo provided by NASA shows the Intuitive Machines' Athena lander approaching the surface of the moon on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Credit: NASA via AP Earlier in the week, another Texas company scored a successful landing under NASA's commercial lunar delivery program, intended to jumpstart business on the moon while preparing for astronauts' return. Firefly Aerospace put its Blue Ghost lander down in the far northern latitudes of the moon's near side. Firefly CEO Jason Kim reported Friday that eight of the 10 NASA experiments on Blue Ghost already have met their mission objectives. It's expected to operate for another week until lunar daytime ends and solar power is no longer available. The south polar region of the moon is particularly difficult to reach and operate on given the harsh sun angles, limited communications with Earth and uncharted, rugged terrain. Athena's landing was the closest a spacecraft has come to the south pole, just 100 miles (160 kilometers) away. That's where NASA is targeting for its first landing by astronauts since the 1960s and 1970s Apollo program, no earlier than 2027. The craters are believed to hold tons of frozen water that could be used by future crews to drink and turn into rocket fuel. Intuitive Machines has contracts with NASA for two more moon landing deliveries. The company said it will need to determine exactly what went wrong this time before launching the next mission. After the 15-foot (4.7-meter) Athena landed, controllers rushed to turn off some of the lander's equipment to conserve power while trying to salvage what they could. In both landings by Intuitive Machines, problems arose at the last minute with the prime laser navigation system. Intuitive Machines' rocket-propelled drone, Grace, was supposed to hop across the lunar surface before jumping into a crater to look for frozen water. The two rovers from two other companies, one American and one Japanese, were going to scout around the area as well. NASA's ice drill was activated before the lander's batteries died, but was unable to penetrate the lunar surface as planned, given the lander's prone position. Flight controllers did manage to rotate the drill to prove it worked, and a companion science instrument collected some data, NASA said. Several other mission objectives were accelerated, according to Intuitive Machines. NASA paid $62 million to Intuitive Machines to get its three experiments to the moon. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A hybrid deep learning model integrating CNN-BiLSTM architecture with Pareto-Mordukhovich optimized Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) for robust forest sound classification. Credit: IEEE Access (2025). DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3535796 KTU researchers are proposing an innovative forest regeneration model and a sound analysis system that can predict forest conditions and detect environmental changes in real time. "Forests are among the most important ecosystems in nature, constantly evolving, yet their monitoring is often delayed," says Rytis Maskeliunas, a professor at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). Climate change, pests, and human activity are transforming forests faster than we can track themsome changes become apparent only when the damage is already irreversible. Forest management today is increasingly challenged by environmental changes that have intensified in recent years. "Forests, especially in regions like Lithuania, are highly sensitive to rising winter temperatures. A combination of factors is causing trees to weaken, making them more vulnerable to pests," says Maskeliunas. According to the scientist, traditional monitoring methods such as foresters' visual inspections or trap-based monitoring are no longer sufficient. "We will never have enough people to continuously observe what is happening in forests," he explains. To improve forest protection, KTU researchers have employed artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis. These technologies enable not only real-time forest monitoring but also predictive analysis, allowing early intervention in response to environmental changes. Spruce trees are particularly affected by climate change One key solution is the forest regeneration dynamics model, which forecasts how forests will grow and change over time. The model tracks tree age groups and calculates probabilities for tree transitions from one age group to another by analyzing growth and mortality rates. Details of this model are published in the journal Forests. Head of the Real time computer center (RLKSC), data analysis expert, Prof. Robertas Damasevicius, identifies core advantages of the model: it can identify which tree species are best suited to different environments and where they should be planted. "It can assist in planning mixed forest replanting to enhance resilience against climate change, as well as predict where and when certain species might become more vulnerable to pests, enabling preventive measures. This tool supports forest conservation, biodiversity maintenance, and ecosystem services by optimizing funding allocation and compensation for forest owners," says Maskeliunas. The model is based on advanced statistical methods. The Markov chain model calculates how a forest transitions from one state to another, based on current conditions and probabilistic growth and mortality rates. "This allows us to predict how many young trees will survive or die due to diseases or pests, helping to make more informed forest management decisions," explains KTU's Faculty of Informatics professor. Additionally, a multidirectional time series decomposition distinguishes long-term trends in forest growth from seasonal changes or unexpected environmental factors such as droughts or pest outbreaks. Combining these methods provides a more comprehensive view of forest ecosystems, allowing for more accurate forecasting under different environmental conditions. The model has also been applied to assess Lithuania's forest situation, revealing that spruce trees are particularly affected by climate change, becoming increasingly vulnerable due to longer dry periods in summer and warmer winters. "Spruce trees, although they grow rapidly in young forests, experience higher mortality rates in later life stages. This is linked to reduced resistance to environmental stress," says Maskeliunas. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Forest sounds reveal ecosystem health Another tool developed by the researchers is a sound analysis system that can identify natural forest sounds and detect anomalies that may indicate ecosystem disturbances or human activity. This work has been published in IEEE Access. Sound analysis is becoming an important part of forest digitization, allowing real-time environmental monitoring and faster response to potential threats. KTU Ph.D. student Ahmad Qurthobi. Credit: Kaunas University of Technology The model, proposed by KTU RLKSC Ph.D. student Ahmad Qurthobi, is innovative in combining a convolutional neural network (CNN) with a bi-directional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) model. "CNN recognizes and provides features that describe sound, yet it is not enough to understand how sounds change over time. That's why we use BiLSTM, which analyzes temporal sequences," explains Maskeliunas. This hybrid model not only accurately detects static sounds, such as the constant chirping of birds, but also identifies dynamic changes, such as sudden deforestation noises or shifts in wind intensity. "For example, bird songs help monitor their activity, species diversity and seasonal changes in migration. A sudden decrease or significant increase in bird sounds can signal ecological problems," says Maskeliunas. Even tree-generated sounds, such as those caused by wind, leaf movement, or breaking branches, can indicate wind strength or structural changes in trees due to drought or other stressors. Researchers agree that the model could also be adapted for monitoring other environmental changes: "Our model could detect animal sounds such as wolf howls, deer mating calls, or wild boar activity, helping to monitor their movement and behavior patterns. In urban areas, it could be used to track noise pollution or intensity." The solution itself is not just an innovation on paper. The sound analysis system easily integrates into the KTU-developed smart forest Internet of Things (IoT)Forest 4.0. "The Forest 4.0 IoT devices are like silent guardians of tomorrow's ecosystems, analyzing the heartbeat of our forests in real time and fostering a world where technology listens to nature," KTU IoT expert Prof. Egidijus Kazanavicius explains. Currently, some of the models used by foresters tend to oversimplify complex ecological dynamics and fail to consider species competition, environmental feedback loops, and climate variability. As a result, accurately predicting how forests will respond to different factors remains a challenge. "This is why these advanced technologies represent the future of forest management," concludes Prof. Maskeliunas. More information: Robertas Damasevicius et al, Modeling Forest Regeneration Dynamics: Estimating Regeneration, Growth, and Mortality Rates in Lithuanian Forests, Forests (2025). DOI: 10.3390/f16020192 Ahmad Qurthobi et al, Robust Forest Sound Classification Using Pareto-Mordukhovich Optimized MFCC in Environmental Monitoring, IEEE Access (2025). DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3535796 Journal information: IEEE Access 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: SpaceX's mega rocket Starship makes a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay Nearly two months after an explosion sent flaming debris raining down on the Turks and Caicos, SpaceX launched another mammoth Starship rocket on Thursday, but lost contact minutes into the test flight as the spacecraft came tumbling down and broke apart. This time, wreckage from the latest explosion was seen streaming from the skies over Florida. It was not immediately known whether the spacecraft's self-destruct system had kicked in to blow it up. The 403-foot (123-meter) rocket blasted off from Texas. SpaceX caught the first-stage booster back at the pad with giant mechanical arms, but engines on the spacecraft on top started shutting down as it streaked eastward for what was supposed to be a controlled entry over the Indian Ocean, half a world away. Contact was lost less than 10 minutes into the flight as the spacecraft went into an out-of-control spin. Starship reached nearly 90 miles (150 kilometers) in altitude before trouble struck and before four mock satellites could be deployed. It was not immediately clear where it came down, but images of flaming debris were captured from Florida, including near Cape Canaveral, and posted online. The space-skimming flight was supposed to last an hour. The Federal Aviation Administration said it would require SpaceX to investigate the accident. The booster of SpaceX's mega rocket Starship is recaptured during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay "Unfortunately this happened last time too, so we have some practice at this now," SpaceX flight commentator Dan Huot said from the launch site. SpaceX later confirmed that the spacecraft experienced "a rapid unscheduled disassembly" during the ascent engine firing and said it alerted safety officials. Flights were briefly grounded at Orlando International Airport "due to space launch debris in the area," the airport posted on X. Starship didn't make it quite as high or as far as last time. NASA has booked Starship to land its astronauts on the moon later this decade. SpaceX's Elon Musk is aiming for Mars with Starship, the world's biggest and most powerful rocket. Like last time, Starship had mock satellites to release once the craft reached space on this eighth test flight as a practice for future missions. They resembled SpaceX's Starlink internet satellites, thousands of which currently orbit Earth, and were meant to fall back down following their brief taste of space. SpaceX's mega rocket Starship makes a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay SpaceX's mega rocket Starship lifts off for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay The booster of SpaceX's mega rocket Starship is recaptured during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay SpaceX's mega rocket Starship lifts off for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay SpaceX's mega rocket Starship makes a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay The booster of SpaceX's mega rocket Starship is recaptured during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay The booster of SpaceX's mega rocket Starship is recaptured during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay SpaceX's mega rocket Starship is prepared for a test flight in stiff winds from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay Starship's flaps, computers and fuel system were redesigned in preparation for the next big step: returning the spacecraft to the launch site just like the booster. During the last demo, SpaceX captured the booster at the launch pad, but the spacecraft blew up several minutes later over the Atlantic. No injuries or major damage were reported. According to an investigation that remains ongoing, leaking fuel triggered a series of fires that shut down the spacecraft's engines. The on-board self-destruct system kicked in as planned. SpaceX said it made several improvements to the spacecraft following the accident, and the Federal Aviation Administration recently cleared Starship once more for launch. Starships soar out of the southernmost tip of Texas near the Mexican border. SpaceX is building another Starship complex at Cape Canaveral, home to the company's smaller Falcon rockets that ferry astronauts and satellites to orbit. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Scientists said women and girls were most affected by the changes in temperature. Man-made climate change increased the likelihood of the heat wave gripping South Sudan, a study said Friday, saying soaring temperatures were disproportionately affecting women and girls. The impoverished nation has been plagued by insecurity and instability since declaring independence in 2011, and is ill-equipped to counter increasing environmental disasters. The heat wave comes as South Sudan endures yet another bout of political turmoil, provoking fears that a 2018 agreementwhich ended the vicious five-year civil warmight be unraveling. A February heat wave has seen temperatures hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in parts of the country, according to a recent report from IGAD (the Intergovernmental Authority on Development). The heat wave prompted the government to close the capital's schools, noting that an "average of 12 students had been collapsing in Juba city every day", and order citizens to remain at home. Climate change "made the extreme heat at least 2C hotter and at least 10 times more likely", according to a new study from the World Weather Attribution, a network of researchers examining links between environmental change and extreme weather events. "Climate change is clearly making life even more difficult in South Sudan, a country already facing economic challenges and periods of instability," Kiswendsida Guigma, a climate scientist for the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Burkina Faso and one of the study's authors. 'New normal' Significant numbers of people work outdoors in South Sudan, where many houses have tin roofs and no air conditioningconditions that make it difficult to follow government directives to remain inside, the study said. Drinking water remains in short supply, while access to electricity was 8.4 percent in 2022, according to the World Bank. It said women and girls were disproportionately affected because daily taskssuch as collecting water, cooking, and other household choresare usually carried out by women. Elizabeth Lodou Lochapio told AFP from the southeastern town of Kapoeta that women were bearing the brunt of the burden. "They have to go out there to make a living despite the heat wave," she said. When the sun was at its hottest, between midday and 3:00 pm, she said, "I don't move, I make sure that I stay in one place." "Climate change means that dangerous heat waves exceeding 40 degrees are becoming the new normal in South Sudan," said Sarah Kew, a researcher at the Netherlands Meteorological Institute and one of the study's authors. "Once rare, these high temperature events are occurring every two years, posing enormous challenges for the people of South Sudan." The heat is expected to persist throughout March, according to the projections noted in the study. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Ethnic minority graduates from a low socio-economic background are 45% less likely to be offered entry-level professional roles compared to more advantaged white applicants, finds a new report led by UCL researchers. Graduates who are from a low socio-economic background (SEB) and / or are from an ethnic minority group are well represented in applicant pools to professional occupations. However, low SEB graduates are 32% less likely to receive a job offer than those from more wealthy backgrounds. For low SEB candidates, the researchers attribute half of these job offer gaps to applicants not passing the initial online application sift and psychometric testing, with the other half emerging during face-to-face stages of the recruitment process. In contrast, Black applicants were more likely not to pass beyond the initial online stage. These findings indicate that employer decision-making is partly responsible for these gaps. The report, led by UCL researchers with Oxford Brookes University and published by the UCL Center for Education Policy & Equalizing Opportunities (CEPEO), analyzed application data for entry-level roles from 17 large employers in the UK across the public and private sectors, including large law and accounting firms. The research team received information on almost two million young people applying for these roles over the last decade and focused on graduate, internship and school leaver / apprenticeship entry routes for the most recent year of recruitment for this report (for over 250,000 applicants). Lead author Professor Lindsey Macmillan (Director of CEPEO, IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education & Society) said, "Promoting diversity in the workplace is hugely beneficial to the UK economy, as previous research shows that countries that are more inclusive are more productive. Professional occupations also offer more job security together with better salary prospects. "While previous work has shown that working class and ethnic minority young people are underrepresented in these occupations, it has not been clear to date whether this is because they are not applying to these roles, or if they are applying but just not being recruited. "This report provides the first clear evidence that underrepresented groups are applying for these roles, yet they're being recruited at a much lower rate even when they have attained the same level of education." The team considered key diversity characteristics, including socio-economic background, basing advantage on whether the main earning parent of the applicant worked in a professional occupation, gender and ethnicity, as well as university ranking, subject choice, region of origin, office location, access to professional networks, work experience and the type of role chosen to compare recruitment likelihood among similar candidates. Lower SEB and ethnic minority candidates faced large unexplained disadvantages even when accounting for these factors. For example, low SEB applicants were 18% less likely to receive a job offer than 'like-for-like' candidates from a professional background. Black applicants were 33% less likely to receive a job offer than 'like-for-like' white candidates. The report is the first large-scale analysis to investigate the role of application and recruitment processes across sectors in driving inequality in access to professional roles. Co-author Dr. Claire Tyler (CEPEO, IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education & Society) said, "The employers in our sample have proactive social mobility strategies, are strong performers in the Social Mobility Employer Index and are open and generous with their data for research purposes, yet still barriers for working class and ethnic minority applicants remain. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "These barriers may be even larger for employers who are at the beginning of their social mobility journey. Employers who can access untapped talent pools to attract, hire and retain the best UK talent will be better prepared for skills shortages, longer-term declining birth rates and the forecast growth in professional jobs over the coming decade." When analyzing recruitment for apprenticeships or school leaver roles, low SEB applicants are 17% less likely to be recruited than wealthier peers. Black and Asian applicants are overrepresented in applications but are 43% and 35% respectively less likely to receive offers. White low SEB applicants are 20% less likely to be recruited than white professional applicants. However, ethnic minority applicants from any socio-economic background face the highest disadvantage, being 35% less likely to be recruited than white applicants from a professional background. The researchers found when analyzing recruitment for internships taken up before graduation that Black applicants are 20% more likely to receive offers than their white or Asian peers, reflecting the use of internships to build more diverse talent pipelines. Internship applicants are more likely to be from advantaged backgrounds, from London or southern England and / or attend a Russell Group university. Privately-educated applicants are twice as prominent in applications compared to the graduate population and are offered internships at a similar rate to state-educated applicants, meaning a high proportion of internships go to privately-educated graduates. This also means that state-educated applicants are just as likely to be offered internships but are less likely to apply. Across all three entry routes, women were underrepresented in applications but those who do apply are more likely to receive offers than men, including when accounting for socioeconomic background and ethnicity. The researchers have made several policy recommendations for employers and universities. Employers should track socio-economic background alongside gender and ethnicity data for applicants, review recruitment processes for potential bias, consider monitoring and maintaining diverse applicant pools throughout the recruitment process and account for socio-economic and cultural differences when designing face-to-face assessments. They should also expand outreach work to attract women and state-educated applicants to internships. Universities should support disadvantaged students to be better prepared for the careers market, encouraging them to apply early to graduate schemes to improve success rates and provide more guidance on internship schedules. Institutions and employers should build stronger connections and collaborate to support career guidance and recruitment strategies. Dr. Emily Tanner, Program Head at the Nuffield Foundation said, "This important research shows that closing education attainment gaps is not enough to improve social mobility. By identifying where in the recruitment process disparities occur for different groups of young people, this novel research is an important first step for designing more equitable approaches." Data and statistics explained For the graduate entry route only, out of 117,043 applicants, just 4,625 received offers for entry-level professional roles. Of these: 2,531 of these offers were to applicants from the 'most advantaged' background. Researchers divided the offers made, 2,531, by the total number of most advantaged applicants who hadn't voluntarily withdrawn from the recruitment process, 42,080, which represents an offer rate of 6.01% 1,770 of these offers were white applicants from advantaged backgrounds. Researchers divided the offers made, 1770, by the total number of white advantaged applicants who hadn't voluntarily withdrawn from the recruitment process, 25,787, which represents an offer rate of 6.86%. 729 were low-SEB applicants out 18,467 who hadn't voluntarily withdrawn from the recruitment process, equating to an offer rate of 3.95%. 370 were low-SEB ethnic minority applicants out of 10,096 who hadn't voluntarily withdrawn from the recruitment process, equating to an offer rate of 3.53%. Black applicants received 256 offers out of 7297 who hadn't voluntarily withdrawn, equating to an offer rate of 3.51%. Asian applicants received 1,185 offers out of 27,586 who hadn't voluntarily withdrawn, equating to an offer rate of 4.30%. white applicants 2,802 offers out of 34,000 who hadn't voluntarily withdrawn, equating to an offer rate of 6.37%. Most advantaged white applicant offer rate of 6.86% vs. 3.53% offer rate for low SEB ethnic minority = ethnic minority graduates from a low SEB are 45% less likely to get an offer than white applicants. Most advantaged applicant offer rate of 6.01% vs. 3.95% offer rate for low SEB = low SEB graduate are 32% less likely to get an offer than most advantaged applicants. Using the same calculations, Black and Asian applicants are 45% and 29% respectively less likely to receive an offer than white applicants. More information: Inequalities in Access to Professional Occupations. repec-cepeo.ucl.ac.uk/cepeow/cepeowp25-01.pdf 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 When El Salvador President Nayib Bukele implemented a controversial crime crackdown three years ago, he inadvertently helped answer one of the key questions in U.S. immigration policy: How much do crime and violence really drive Central American emigration to the United States? Quite a bit, according to a new study from the Bush School's Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy. The study found that the crackdown, which significantly reduced killings in El Salvador, also reduced the number of apprehensions/expulsions at the U.S. border by 45% to 67%. Simply put, a country with less violent crime produced fewer migrants. The research was published in the Journal of Development Economics. The Mosbacher Institute also recently published a companion piece in The Takeaway, a series of articles that translate Mosbacher's research for the general public. Previous research suggested that safety concerns were a key contributor to Central American emigration. But definitive conclusions were difficult to reach because safety considerations were usually entangled with the prospect of migrants seeking jobs and material prosperity. Bukele removed that hurdle when he ordered a roundup of suspected gang members. The dramatic step did not change economic conditions in El Salvador, leaving the corresponding drop in crime as the only explanation for the drop in migration, according to the study. The authors say they are not endorsing such crackdowns. Bukele's order drew international condemnation for allegedly trampling civil liberties with steps such as indiscriminately jailing people without due process. Countering organized crime is important, according to the authors, but such efforts should respect human rights. "Migration and organized crime are common challenges that demand regional collaboration, including revising the restrictive provisions of U.S. trade agreements with the region," said Raymond Robertson, one of the study authors and director of the Mosbacher Institute. Killing spree, mass incarceration Immigration is an issue woven into the fabric of the United States. It is perhaps the most potent political question not only here but in many industrialized nations wrestling with questions of identity, opportunity, justice and security. There were more than 280 million international migrants worldwide in 2020, according to the Mosbacher study: 86 million in Europe and 50 million in the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows that more than 2 million border encounters happened annually from 2021 to 2023, most of them along the southwestern border of the United States. "The 'border crisis' brought migration to the forefront of (U.S.) policy debates, was a leading issue in the 2024 election, and motivated a search for the 'root causes,'" according to the study. Many assumed that violent crime plays a part. A few studies suggested as much, though on a limited basis. One study linked rising homicides in Central American countries to more arrests of unaccompanied minors at the U.S. border. Another study found that a 2012-13 gang truce in El Salvador, which reduced homicides by 53%, also reduced the probability of Salvadoran migration to the United States. Beyond those studies, "Separating the contributions of economic factors and security concerns is difficult because they are often conflated and there are few 'natural experiments' that only affect one and not the other," according to the Mosbacher study. It presents a broader, clearer picture by examining the aftermath of Bukele's "state of exception" declaration in March 2022. Bukele, elected in 2019, had already enacted a violence-reduction plan that increased security forces and prison sanctions while also introducing social programs intended to hinder gang recruitment by aiding vulnerable populations. Then came a March 2022 killing spree. It left 87 dead over three days. In response, "security forces arrested most, if not all, of those suspected of being connected to gangs or organized crime," an estimated 75,163 people, according to The Takeaway article accompanying the study. Following Bukele's declaration, homicide rates in El Salvador dropped from 18 per 100,000 people in 2021 to 2.4 per 100,000 in 2023, "one of the lowest levels in recent history." The drop in homicides corresponded with the drop in migration to the U.S. border, according to the study. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Policy implications U.S. presidential administrations have taken notably different approaches to handling the challenges of immigration. In 2021, former President Joe Biden's administration focused on reducing migration by improving economic conditions in Central American countries. The general premise was that more opportunities and better jobs would result in more Central Americans choosing not to risk the arduous, dangerous multi-country trek to the United States. More recently, President Donald Trump's administration has focused on punishing Latin American drug cartels and increasing deportations. The Trump administration has also reportedly agreed to a deal to pay El Salvador to house migrants and imprisoned U.S. citizens. The Mosbacher Institute researchers are recommending a multipronged approach to Central American migration. They suggest a policy mix "that balances security measures with economic and social reforms designed to help communities thrive." The Takeaway article proposes five general steps: promoting regional collaboration to curb gang activity and enhance economic cooperation; upgrading trade agreements to support job creation and income growth in Central American countries; helping Central American countries strengthen their civic institutions by implementing, among other measures, judicial and law-enforcement accountability reforms to curb abuses and enhance public trust; investing in social programs such as health care and education to address economic inequalities and social vulnerabilities that underlie crime; and partnering with stakeholders, particularly local groups, to ensure policies reflect local needs. El Salvador may have reduced both violent crime and emigration, but the United States should not encourage other countries to adopt Bukele's approach, the Mosbacher researchers say. "We do not intend to downplay the human rights issues and related legal and ethical concerns of the crackdown," the authors write in the study, "but a rigorous analysis of these issues is beyond the scope of this study." More information: Kaleb Abreha et al, Is crime a "root cause" of Central American emigration? Evidence from El Salvador, Journal of Development Economics (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2025.103456 Kaleb Abreha, Raymond Robertson. Addressing Crime as a Root Cause of Migration, The Takeaway (2025). bush.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploa away-el-salvador.pdf 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: Molecular model of hCoV-229E spike (S) protein in complex with its receptor hAPN based on cryo-EM and MS glycosylation analyses. a The atomic model is colored by a chain and enclosed in a transparent cryo-EM map. The ectodomains (ECDs) of 229E S and hAPN, cell membrane, and virus membrane, are labeled. b The fully glycosylated model (left) with the site-specific glycan ensemble colored by respective high-mannose content, as described in the legend. The S protein surface on the right is colored by a glycan shielding effect ranging from 0 to 100%. Credit: National Taiwan University Coronavirus 229E is the earliest reported human coronavirus (hCoV-229E). Researchers used cryo-EM, glycoproteomics, and modeling to generate the atomic structure of a fully glycosylated and membrane-bound hCoV-229E spike protein bound to its host receptor, human aminopeptidase N (hAPN). The research was published in Nature Communications. Human coronavirus 229E (hCoV-229E) was discovered by scientists in 1965 and is the first reported of the seven coronavirus species that infect humans. It recognizes human amino peptidase N (hAPN) as the key to infect humans. Infection with hCoV-229E can cause respiratory symptoms of a cold, such as headache, runny nose, and sore throat. hCoV-229E infection often occurs simultaneously with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, which has a greater impact on newborns. Prof. Shang-Te Danny Hsu's research team at Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), mass spectrometry (MS), and a recently developed computational tool, known as GlycoSHIELD (published in Cell in 2024 by Prof. Hsu in partnership with European scientists) to analyze how the hCoV-229E surface spike protein recognizes hAPN, as well as the details of post-translational glycosylation modifications of viral and host proteins. Finally, they established a molecular model of the binding of hCoV-229E spike protein to hAPN. This allowed them to directly see for the first time how hCoV-229E recognizes the hAPN protein in our body through its spike protein to achieve the task of infection, six decades after its discovery. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57359-8 Through decades of genetic evolution information, Prof. Hsu also found that the hCoV-229E spike protein will increase surface glycosylation modification over time, increasing the shielding effect, which may help immune escape. The same glycosylation masking phenomenon also occurs in the hemagglutinin protein (HA) of the influenza virus, which makes an important contribution to the design of seasonal influenza vaccines. "The main research content is based on the thesis of my master student, Ms. Yu-Xi Tsai, at the Institute of Biochemical Sciences at National Taiwan University. Yu-Xi is also the first author of GlycoSHIELD that we published in Cell last year. She will also go to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany this summer to pursue a doctorate," said Prof. Shang-Te Danny Hsu. "Thanks to her creative thinking and perseverance, we have finally seen in atomic detail how this oldest human coronavirus recognizes our protein, hAPN, as the target for infection. This work also illustrates how the camouflaging glycan shielding contributes to pathogen-host recognition." "Our special thanks to the cutting-edge technological support from the Academia Sinica Core Facilities of Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, and Biophysics Core Facility, that helped us accomplish this challenging task." More information: Yu-Xi Tsai et al, Molecular basis of host recognition of human coronavirus 229E, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57359-8 Journal information: Nature Communications , Cell 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 The United States plays a critical role in predicting global weather extremes, the UN stressed Friday, as mass layoffs at a renowned US science agency raised concerns that such life-saving forecasting services could be in peril. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)the leading US agency responsible for weather forecasting, climate analysis and marine conservationhas become a target since President Donald Trump returned to power in January, with hundreds of scientists and experts already let go. The Trump administration is also reportedly considering terminating leases for properties housing vital weather service operations, in what could upend the US ability to provide accurate weather forecasts. The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Friday highlighted how essential NOAA and the United States are to a vast system put in place decades ago to monitor weather and the climate globally. "WMO values US leadership in meteorology, climate, hydrology, oceanography and atmospheric science," WMO spokeswoman Clare Nullis told reporters in Geneva. "It provides vital weather, climate and water data and expertise which are vital to national and global well-being in our interconnected world." The United States on average provides up to a quarter of the flow of meteorological satellite information used in operations globally. It also provides three percent of globally-shared land surface meteorological observations and 12 percent of so-called upper air radiosonde profiles, which are the basic ground-based observations needed for global weather prediction. Combined with data provided by other countries, this "is the basis for accurate global weather predictions, which in turn are the basis for protecting people and livelihoods everywhere", Nullis said. She also highlighted the critical work done by the US National Hurricane Center in Miami, which provides forecasting data that has "saved thousands and thousands of lives". Nullis pointed for instance to the impact of Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 storm that tore through the Caribbean before hitting the southern US states of Texas and Louisiana last year. "The economic losses were big, but the loss of life from that was quite minimal," she said, stressing that that "was because of those advanced forecasts". While the US contribution to global forecasting is immense, Nullis said that it too was reliant on international cooperation, which she described as "a win-win". "The US benefits. The world benefits," she said. "There is no way for a single country to protect its people without a global effort to manage data from local to regional to global platforms," she insisted. "Weather, climate and water don't respect geopolitical boundaries, they don't respect electoral cycles." 2025 AFP Federal workers and supporters gathered outside of Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks' Davenport office Thursday evening to protest cuts to the federal workforce and programs. Labor unions in the Quad-Cities and Iowa City organized the rally. The unions estimate about 7,000 federal employees reside in Miller-Meeks' congressional district and about 20,000 reside statewide. A bulk of the federal workers in the congressional district, the unions estimate, are employed through the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Rock Island Arsenal. Union representatives said six people were laid off from the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center and warned more may be coming. In the Quad-Cities, six National Weather Service employees were laid off from the Davenport office, according to Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen. Chad Finch, the vice president for the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2119, which represents workers at the Rock Island Arsenal, said the work of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency group, which is working aggressively to shrink the size and spending of the federal government, will have ripple effects beyond federal workers. "Everybody knows someone who gets (Veterans Affairs) benefits. Everyone knows someone who gets a Social Security check. Everybody knows somebody who is on food stamps. Everybody knows somebody that's going to be affected by this," Finch said. Trump on Thursday told reporters in the Oval Office that he'd instructed his cabinet members that they were in charge of agency cuts, not Elon Musk, according to reporting from the National Public Radio. The Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus reached out to Miller-Meeks' office for comment, and to ask if she supported the Department of Government Efficiency's work and the terminations of federal workers and funding freezes in Iowa. In an emailed statement, Miller-Meeks spokesperson Anthony Cruz wrote to the Quad-City Times: "Losing a job can be an incredibly tough and emotional experience. Earlier today, President Trump made it clear that Secretaries are responsible for workforce changes, and we will actively press them to ensure every decision is carefully reviewed before being finalized." Union worried by potential of cuts at Rock Island Arsenal The arsenal houses the only government-owned foundry, and the Local 2119 represents about 650 workers who do heat treatment, plating, assembly, fabrication, painting, maintenance and crane operation or who are millwrights at the arsenal. "We do a lot of work over there to make equipment that help the soldiers out in the field ... and keep them alive," Finch said. Finch said so far no union members have been let go. But the administration has frozen hiring, ordered employees to return to the office and placed a one-dollar spending limit for government credit cards, which Finch said are used for buying emergency supplies or job-related travel. Finch is a painter and has worked for the arsenal for 17 years. He's concerned about the impact drastic cuts to the arsenal's workforce would have on the Quad-Cities. The arsenal is among the top employers in the Quad-Cities region along with John Deere, hospital systems and grocery chains. "We've lost a large amount of jobs in the Quad-Cities due to the Deere layoffs," Finch said. "If anything happens to the Rock Island Arsenal, that will devastate this community." VA workers, veterans concerned about impacts to services Pat Kearns is the president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 2547. He's a registered nurse at the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center and represents about 2,000 employees in eastern Iowa, including about 100 employees in the Davenport VA outpatient clinic. Six employees at the Iowa City VA location have been let go who were in the first two years of their jobs, called the probationary period. Kearns said that has already impacted the VA's operations, though Kearns said he's even more concerned about reports that the Trump administration wants to cut more than 80,000 people from the VA. Kearns said to his knowledge, none of the roughly 100 Quad Cities VA employees have yet been let go, but recent reporting by the Associated Press on an internal memo indicates that the Trump administration is planning to reorganize Veterans Affairs and cut more than 80,000 jobs across the agency. That's about 16% of Veterans Affairs employees, Kearns said, so if cuts are across the board that would be about 300 people out of 2,000 employees in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. "That would crush the system," Kearns said. "We would cut services, we would have to cut inpatient beds. We wouldn't be able to carry out the truly cutting edge medicine that veterans have access to because of the VA." Kearns said he's heard Republicans say "go get more productive jobs. Well I can't think of anything more productive than the mission of the VA and delivering care to veterans." Kearns said already, two of the people let go were in unique jobs in safety and logistics with specialized training. Their jobs included buying supplies, such as BandAids, syringes, and other tools, and making sure they're sterile and arrive on time. For a hospital the size of the Iowa City VA, Kearns called it a huge task. Kearns said the first round of cuts at the Iowa City VA was Feb. 14 and the most recent was Feb. 24, where people showed up to work, found an email saying they were no longer employed and their computer access shut off. "It told them they were fired for reasons of performance despite having glowing recommendations from their supervisors," Kearns said. Kearns said they want Miller-Meeks to "step up to the plate and advocate for veterans and other employees that do critical missions." "Faceless bureaucrats, I've never met one of those," Kearns said. "People are very passionate about delivering their mission for their agencies." Jim VeDepo traveled from West Liberty to Thursday's rally. A lifelong Iowan, VeDepo is a Vietnam veteran, serving from 1970-71. He worked for JM Manufacturing in Wilton and retired from a custodial job at the West Liberty School District. His daughter works for the Iowa City VA and he receives care there as a veteran. VeDepo said he's happy with the quality of care and worries services will suffer if the Trump administration carries out its plan of cutting 80,000 jobs for the VA. "Trump says he's for the veterans," VeDepo said. "Well, he's sure as hell not showing it." By the end of the protest, rally-goers signed and delivered a large brown-paper poster urging Miller-Meeks to "stand up for Iowans." A bigger and better Salvation Army Thrift Store is coming to Spearfish. The new location is tentatively set to open in May. The Salvation Army of the Black Hills has purchased property at 125 Industrial Drive that includes a 59,000-square-foot building on six acres with 99 parking spots. The new location will provide a more convenient experience for donors and shoppers, and it lends itself to potential partnerships with other Northern Hills organizations. The Salvation Armys Spearfish thrift store has been at 320 Ryan Road since about 1992. The building has about 6,500 square feet and sits on one acre of property with almost no space for parking. Major Jerry ONeil, Black Hills Area coordinator for The Salvation Army, is excited about all the bigger store will offer the community. Buying a new location was more cost-efficient than trying to renovate the Ryan Road property, ONeil said. The Ryan Road property has been sold. The Salvation Army Thrift Store will be open at 320 Ryan Road until March 15, and donations can be dropped off there through March 29. Beginning April 8, donations can be dropped off at 125 Industrial Drive. The Industrial Drive building requires some construction, including a new double door and changes to the sprinkler system, ONeil said. The opening date of the new thrift store will depend on when construction is completed, and ONeil said there will be a grand opening for the store. The new stores business hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The current Spearfish thrift store attracts shoppers from the Black Hills and as far as Gillette, Wyo., ONeil said. The new store will give the public a more convenient, accessible place to shop and donate items. The new thrift store will be about 18,000 square feet and will be fully handicapped accessible, ONeil said. Indoors, the larger space means the store can carry more products and larger items, such as furniture. The store also will have more room for sorting and organizing donated items. There will be a dedicated workshop, too, for making minor repairs to donated furniture so it can be sold in the thrift store. We want to add more bigger items like furniture. (The new store) will give us the ability hopefully to have a much better display area. Theres things weve had to turn away (previously) because we dont have capacity in the current store, ONeil said. Outdoors, a new drive-in donation area at the front of the building will have a convenient turn-around area where people can drop off items and exit easily, ONeil said, and the store has a loading dock. Folks have been kind and generous (at the current thrift store location). This will be a much better shopping experience and a much better donation experience, he said. Customers are very excited. Theyve been great supporters, ONeil said. Its a huge team effort. The Salvation Army of the Black Hills thrift store hopes to partner with organizations such as the Northern Hills Training Center that provide job training. The rest of the building contains 7,700 square feet of office space that holds huge possibilities, ONeil said. Right now, we have a social worker who goes out to Spearfish one day a week for social services and they have a tiny little office in the back of the building, he said. Eventually were going to have a full-time case worker in the office in Spearfish five days a week. The Industrial Drive building has a conference room ONeil hopes other agencies will use if theyre looking for meeting space. ONeil hopes other social services agencies such as United Way could potentially use some of the extra office space in the Industrial Drive building. Theres room on the property for events such as Feeding South Dakota food distribution, as well. Organizations that may be interested in office space can contact Salvation Army of the Black Hills main office in Rapid City at 605-342-0982. One of the things that weve talked about for this office area is the possibility of a multi-agency service center where a lot of different agencies had office space. Thats a great opportunity, ONeil said. The larger building and property gives Salvation Army of the Black Hills more room for its own programs, too, such as annual distribution of Christmas food boxes and toys. Every year, the Salvation Army thrift stores in Spearfish and Rapid City also donate between $40,000 and $50,000 worth of clothing, kitchen wares and bedding to families and individuals in need. Funds raised by the Rapid City and Spearfish thrift stores help the Salvation of the Black Hills carry out its mission of providing Black Hills residents with food, utilities and clothing vouchers throughout the year. Baylee Dittman is channeling her passions for theater, pageants, sewing and costume construction to launch Rapid Citys newest bridal boutique. Pure Bridal elevates wedding dress shopping into a personalized celebration. Dittman will open Pure Bridal at 7201 Mount Rushmore Road in Rapid City. Shell begin taking appointments with brides on March 19. Pure Bridal also will carry formal attire and accessories suitable for prom, mothers of the bride and military functions. Dittman hopes to host a grand opening in late spring or early summer shortly before her own wedding in June. She said the boutique will offer an ultra-tailored experience and excellent customer service for brides and their friends and families. Shopping for a dress really is the first celebration of becoming a bride. It is a first experience as a bride, Dittman said. Well really make it about your personality and what you desire from this experience. To schedule appointments, call 605-791-1900. For more information, follow Pure Bridal on Instagram and Facebook or visit purebridalsd.com. Setting the stage for brides Growing up in Spearfish, Dittman got involved in community theater programs when she was about 10 years old. On stage and behind the scenes, she was involved in theater at Spearfish High School and while in college. She completed her freshman and sophomore years at South Dakota State University on a theater scholarship, though she eventually earned a degree in marketing and journalism. Dittman understands the value of setting the stage for a memorable experience, and she chose a location with a bit of dramatic ambiance for Pure Bridal a historic building with sweeping views. The building formerly housed the Stamper Gold Factory and retains some original architectural details. An archway frames the entrance to portion of the boutique dedicated to bridal wear, with two dressing rooms for brides. Its next to big windows with so much natural light. Its an awesome Instagram area where youll be able to take pictures. It puts you into a more bridal space when youre imagining your big day in these dresses, Dittman said. Upstairs, a VIP suite provides a private space for brides who want a cozy area to host family and friends. Its an older building so its got so much natural light and wood, and we close the VIP suite off. It has a private entrance, a private dressing room, a bar top table for charcuterie and mimosas and sparkling beverages. It is an intimate atmosphere where we focus completely on you, Dittman said. If you want to turn up the music or have a mellow brunch setting, were ready to tailor the experience to you." A full celebratory experience in the VIP suite includes charcuterie or snacks from local businesses, plus complimentary beverages. Brides also will have access to exclusive wedding gowns and trunk shows. Customized couture Classes, mentors and hands-on experience with theater costumes taught Dittman sewing and alteration skills that translate seamlessly to bridal wear. She plans to offer dress alterations some of which she will do herself as part of Pure Bridals services. Costume construction for theater melds design, sewing and the psychology of clothing. All that knowledge was a plus for Dittman during the eight years she competed in local and Miss South Dakota pageants. She altered her own pageant evening gowns. I loved everything involved in pageantry how women can excel and lift up other women, and one of my favorite parts was evening gown because you get to show off a lot of your personality in an elegant setting, Dittman said. Pageants helped give me a foundation about different ways women choose to dress themselves and insight to that in helping match dresses (to womens personalities), she said. Shes continued to develop her clothing construction knowledge through online courses, and she plans to take advanced workshops in Chicago to further hone her skills. Shes also learning from local expert seamstresses to gain the skills needed to alter wedding dresses. Im fully confident in my ability to hem a fully sequined prom dress, but if it was a fully sequined wedding dress, it is a completely different construction, Dittman said. Were only offering very basic alterations at the start. We will refer out to expert seamstresses (as needed). Dittman and her on-staff private stylist have a goal to help each bride find the dress that best fits her figure and personality. The pageant world taught Dittman the value of wearing dresses that are figure-flattering and, most importantly, made her feel confident and authentic. I really want to encourage brides. Mom might want this dress, grandma might want this, your best friend might want this, but at the end of the day its your wedding and youre in this dress. Speaking from (pageant) experience, I can guarantee youre going to want to wear the dress you want and not the dress the world wants, Dittman said. We can really make some magic happen when it comes to styling for a brides big day, she said. Pure Bridal will carry an array of dresses equal to what brides can find in metropolitan areas such as Denver, Chicago and Minneapolis. I want to have options for that fashion-forward bride, for that bride that wants to take a risk and do something unique, Dittman said. I also wanted to have (options) for the bride that is more traditional and walking the line between modest or having a more simple, elegant personality and wanting pared down and timeless. Im being meticulous about the designers Im working with and the range of budgets. Im trying to make it the best for the Black Hills, she said. My goal is to have a wide enough network that we can get pretty clothes, and we really want that experience to be that if we cant get a dress, no one within a 300-mile radius can. Opening Pure Bridal is a perfect melting pot of my whole life experiences, Dittman said. Combining her skills and passions into a new venture was possible with the support of her fiance and her parents, who have mentored her through the process of launching Pure Bridal. Dittmans father is a retired business owner, and Dittmans mother owns Pure Tan in Spearfish. Pure Bridal aims to complement the local wedding industry, Dittman said. Shes talked to other wedding professionals to find out what they believe is missing in the Black Hills. Im really excited to be part of the bridal community in the Black Hills, Dittman said. We all want to help each other succeed and not at the cost of anybody else. It really is uplifting each other. Having that community behind me has been amazing. In April of last year, an emergency room doctor gave Lone Rock Superintendent Robert DoBell 11 days to live. After a nearly year-long fight with leukemia, DoBell is officially in remission and back in school. Every day is a gift from God being able to pass that eleventh day mark, DoBell told the Ravalli Republic. DoBell returned to Lone Rock after a six-month hiatus on Jan. 6 with gratitude for the community support he received during his battle with cancer and staff grateful that DoBell was able to return to his post in leadership. As DoBell walked around Lone Rocks 25-acre campus on a sunny late-February morning, a tear hit his cheek as he talked about the words of encouragement, text messages, approximately 500 cards from students, meals and hospital visits the Lone Rock community made for him while he was in recovery. When you're in education, you make so many friends, he said. It's awesome when people can surround you and help you out and come through something like that. DoBell described fighting cancer as the hardest thing hes ever done. He went into an appointment with his primary care physician, after nearly a week of symptoms, thinking hed be able to go to work after. But his doctor immediately sent him to the emergency room and he started chemotherapy that afternoon. They said if you don't start [chemotherapy] the likelihood of you making 11 days is not very good, DoBell said. DoBell stayed in the hospital until May, and he stayed working for the district through the end of the fiscal year with a laptop in his hospital room. He was sent home, only to return to the hospital in mid-June with sepsis nearly dying after nine days in the intensive care unit. DoBell decided before going back to the hospital it was time to hand over the district reins until he could get better. The district hired former Loyola Sacred Heart High School Principal Kathy Schneider as an interim superintendent. She was a recent finalist for the superintendent position in Stevensville. Lone Rock counselor Tania Jensen, who helped with leadership during the transition, told the Ravalli Republic the district was lucky to have Schneider in the interim, but everyone was happy to see DoBell back on campus. Jensen said it was amazing to see the community rally around him. Thats one of the things I love about Lone Rock. Its such a small rural community and everyone treats it like a family, she said. When a family member is sick everyone comes together. On DoBells birthday in September the whole school surprised him, lined up outside the building with signs of support. It was the first time DoBell got to see the kids since April. I was able to walk, slowly, but walk through and say hello, he said. In that moment he said he was overrun with emotion and gratitude. In times of turmoil, we all kind of rally together and help support one another, he said. DoBells previously considered taking a leadership position in Stevensville, and was a finalist for superintendent in 2022 before Dave Thennis took the job, but DoBell says hes happy at Lone Rock. There's something special here, he said. They supported me during this whole process, and I consider them all family. Why would somebody want to leave something like that? Lone Rock is one of the oldest continuously operating school districts in the state of Montana, DoBell would tell you. The infamous rock that sits at the entrance of the school property was at the original one-room school house by the highway until it reunited with the school in the '70s. Teaching runs in the family for DoBell. His grandmother taught physical education and so did his father, who later worked as a principal. His mother taught special education and his sister works as a teacher now too. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, DoBell moved to Stevensville in 2001 and spent four years there teaching town government, social studies and foreign language, and another eight as principal of the high school. He moved to Three Forks for the next six years two as the high school principal and the next four as district superintendent. After his fathers death he moved home and took a year to get his life back in order before returning to Stevensville and getting back in front of students. I taught back in the same classroom and same subject, he said. It kind of re-grounded me. Teaching kids again made him a better administrator, he thought. He started at Lone Rock in 2020, right after COVID-19 hit a weird period for everyone, he said but was glad to get back to normal after a year. DoBell still teaches, now as an adjunct at the University of Montana, guiding aspiring school leaders in how to be principals or superintendents. Empowering teachers to lead is crucial in small schools, he said, which helped the school run smoothly when DoBell was sick. One person you cant do it all, he said. So that's why we empower teachers to kind of take over. And they did so thankful. DoBell said he was grateful to Providence St. Patrick Hospital and the Montana Cancer Center for caring for him during eight months of battling cancer which included getting 12 shots in his spine to kill residual cancer in his back and brain. Hes had three negative blood tests to indicate hes in remission for leukemia and theyll monitor him for five years to make sure theres no sign of the cancer returning. It was important to him to be transparent with the district about what he was going through, emphasizing the importance of reaching out when you need help. I got calls from every part of the state wishing me well and support, he said. You don't have to be in a leadership position to have those connections. Ive dedicated most of my life here to Stevensville, he said. And they showed up when I needed them. The Montana Senate on Thursday kickstarted an investigation into another one of its members, an extraordinary turn in a chamber thats been deeply divided and suspicious through the first half of the session. Republican Senate President Matt Regier on Thursday became the subject of an ethics probe spurred by Republicans who have allied this session with Democrats, a coalition whose members include Sen. Jason Ellsworth another GOP lawmaker embroiled in his own alleged ethics violations. Sen. Shelley Vance, a Belgrade Republican, called on the Senate to send Regiers contract for a special counsel over the past biennium, an arrangement he allegedly did not have authority to sign onto. Vance first attempted to send the matter to the Senate Rules Committee, but another senator successfully brought a substitute motion to refer a waste, fraud and abuse complaint over the allegations to the Legislative Audit Division to investigate. Vance staked her action on reporting this week by the Montana Free Press on Regiers hiring of an attorney during the last legislative session using state dollars, which the article stated was not permitted under state law. I am greatly troubled about what I read and I believe we need to engage in further investigation, Vance said Thursday, reading from a prepared statement. When Regier was still speaker of the House in 2023, he carried a bill to allow each chambers leader to obtain counsel. That bill failed in the final hours of the 2023 Legislature, but Abby Moscatel, the attorney hired as Regiers special counsel, had been working for months and continued performing legal work for him over the next year, according to the report. Regier said his contract was 100% legal and business as normal, adding that he expects 100% exoneration following the Audit Divisions findings. I got nothing to hide, Regier said. These developments come as a Senate Ethics Committee has been investigating Ellsworth for roughly a month, diving into a state-funded contract that he attempted to enter into with a longtime friend. The Legislative Audit Division also investigated that contract and found that the attempt was unlawful, an abuse of Ellsworths government position and a waste of state resources. Ellsworth is additionally under criminal investigation by the Department of Justice for that attempted business deal. Ellsworths hearing before the Senate Ethics Committee is slated to begin Friday morning. The question into Regiers contract dealings will now follow the same path that Ellsworths ethics investigation trod: from a legislative audit probe and presumably back to the Senate floor for further consideration. Since we referred Sen. Ellsworth to ethics, it only makes sense we begin a similar investigation into the current president of the Senate as well, Vance said on the Senate floor. Before the Legislature gaveled in in January, the Republican majority denied Ellsworth a second session as Senate president, and instead elected Regier to lead the chamber. Ellsworth has since claimed the motivations behind his own ethics investigation are simply political retribution for his alignment with Democrats since losing the Senates top post. The Montana Senate is split into two factions, one which consists of all Democrats and nine Republicans, including Ellsworth and Vance. The other is the rest of the Republicans and includes Regier. These voting blocs were created in the first few days of the legislative session, putting most Republicans on defense and creating a divide between Regier and the majority of the chamber he leads. Tensions in the Senate have risen repeatedly between the two factions, resulting in multiple bouts of crying and threats being lobbed at each other. Regier on Thursday labeled Ellsworths contract attempt as corruption, and called the action taken against him Thursday evening a witch hunt. Im worried about corruption in this building and how do we root that out? And if theres a cost to standing up to corruption, then Im ready to pay, Regier said. Senate Democrats, who have been working with the group of Republicans unofficially dubbed The Nine, issued a statement Thursday shortly after the vote to send Regiers matter to the Legislative Audit Division. The allegations of activities of President Matt Regier are serious, Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers said in a statement. We must have accountability in this matter and stay on track to deliver results for Montanans. Ellsworth, meanwhile, began participating remotely this week. He declined to comment when reached by text on Wednesday about that decision, although the Senates secretary and the director of the Legislative Services Division both confirmed their understanding that he will do so for the remainder of the legislative session. His attorney, Joan Mell, indicated in a written document that he is taking leave for health issues that she says were caused by the ethics probe. When reached by phone Thursday night, Ellsworth expressed concern that the matter was being sent to the Audit Division. He voted against the motion to send the matter there. "I don't think bringing this to audit would be appropriate," he said. "It should go through the regular process of rules, and then from rules, if they felt it was needed it would go to ethics." When reached by phone, Moscatel declined to comment for this story through her husband. The ethics committee investigating Ellsworth is scheduled to convene Friday and start interviewing witnesses, which will mark the groups most substantive meeting to date. The full Senate adjourned Thursday evening for a weeklong break which marks the midway point of the legislative session. A Colonial Heights nursing home, where 18 staffers were arrested in an elder abuse investigation, was understaffed, infested with centipedes and roaches, and unable to provide for residents basic needs, a health department investigation determined. In December, police swarmed the Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at 831 Ellerslie Ave. The 18 staffers were charged with either felony abuse or misdemeanors of falsifying patient records or resisting execution of the legal process. On Thursday, the Virginia Department of Health released a 341-page inspection report. Investigators responded to 10 complaints and found that all 10 could be substantiated and required corrections. The nursing home said it has corrected or will correct all deficiencies. The health department, which inspects nursing homes and hospitals on behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, began its unannounced investigation on Dec. 18, the same day police arrested employees at the 196-bed facility. Understaffed The home failed to hire sufficient staff, especially on weekends, according to the report. With a low number of staff, nurses and nursing assistants were slow to respond to call bells and struggled to check on residents every two to three hours. Employees frequently called out or failed to show up, and those who reported for duty often worked double shifts or extended shifts. Low staffing levels led to bad attitudes from employees. During the day shift, the facility needs about seven nurses and about eight certified nursing assistants to care for nearly 200 residents. Other employees are needed for the evening shift and night shift. One nursing assistant said she routinely cared for 32 residents, which was overwhelming and prevented her from helping the other nursing assistants. The center said it has since brought in additional staff to cover shifts and meet residents needs. The homes administrator said it would audit the staffing levels and, if more are needed, the home will bring in short-term agency workers to assist. When the center was short-staffed, employees had a saying. The goal of patient care was to keep them alive, off the floor, clean and dry, the report said. Deteriorating building Colonial Heights failed to maintain a home-like environment on two of three units, called Tyler and Monroe, the report noted. In Room 132, a 3-inch-long bug with tentacles and legs too numerous to count crawled near a damaged wall in view of an investigator. An administrator from another sister facility, present during the inspection, stepped on the bug, killing it. I have never seen anything like that, the administrator said. It looks like a centipede, but we got it. The rooms resident added that he had seen roaches, too. And bugs werent the only problem in his room. The molding between the floor and wall had detached, and crumbled pieces of sheetrock had fallen on the floor. That wall has been like that for a while, and no one has bothered to fix it, the resident told the investigator. But a vice president for the home disputed that claim, saying the crumbling wall and detached molding were probably recent events, because staffers check rooms daily. Days later, the nursing home moved the resident out of Room 132 and dismantled the whole room for renovation. The wall was repaired and the molding replaced, but the molding was still uneven and not flush with the corners. Elsewhere, the halls smelled musty, and staffers left debris and food on the floor, the report said. There was old, worn duct tape holding together pieces of the floor at each doorway. Inside bathrooms, there were dark stains on sinks, toilets and walls. Soap dispensers leaked, causing soap to build up on the floor. Privacy curtains were smeared with some dark substance. A staffer told a resident there were not enough employees to clean every room. On the other unit, the smell of bleach was so strong, a nurse reported getting a headache. Leaderships for the nursing home said it would review the condition of rooms and determine what needs to be replaced. The nursing center plans to renovate rooms by the end of this year. The remaining floors and building repairs will be a continual focus to get all room remodels completed by 12/2025, the nursing home wrote to investigators. Poor patient care The staff failed to meet patients medical needs, including administering medication on schedule or caring for a patients incontinence, the report said. When a nursing assistant turned an incontinent patient, she found a urine-soaked towel wadded up under the resident, smelling strongly of urine. Another resident said she received only three showers in three months, despite asking for them. The nursing home said it implemented a plan to provide timely care for the incontinent resident and would provide staff training for incontinence care, showers and other elements of care. In another finding, the report said the staff failed to complete an investigation when a patient suffered a fractured ankle. Staff noticed a resident had an injured ankle, and a scan later determined the bone was broken. The resident said that two weeks earlier, when two aides picked her up to her power chair, her foot got caught on or beneath the chair. The home said it would instruct the director of nursing to audit clinical records for injuries of unknown origin. Investigators also noted inappropriate sexual encounters between residents, sometimes between residents too cognitively impaired to consent. In one instance, a female resident touched a male residents groin, leading the man to push the womans hand away. She hit him, and a fight began. Staff said they separated and distanced all residents who engaged in inappropriate sexual encounters. American considered a Most Wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service found hiding in Mexico Cuernavaca, Morelos An American man was taken into custody in the state of Morelos Thursday. The man police identified as 38 year old Roberto N, was considered a fugitive wanted by U.S. Marshals. Roberto N had an arrest warrant in the United States for conspiracy of corrupt organizations influenced by organized crime and conspiracy to distribute cocaine base in the form of crack, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. He was taken into custody Thursday by Mexican agents of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) in collaboration with National Defense, the Navy and National Guard. Following up on lines of investigation, the mobility area of Roberto N was obtained in the Paraiso neighborhood, in the municipality of Cuernavaca where after carrying out fixed and mobile surveillance, a subject was located who matched the characteristics of the reports, the SSPC (Secretaria de Seguridad y Proteccion Ciudadana) said in a statement. The officers identified the man, approached him, corroborated his identity and executed the arrest warrant for extradition purposes, they added. According to the SSPC, the detainee is one of the most wanted by the United States Marshals Service. Mexican authorities arrest Most Wanted on Texas top 10 criminal list Poanas, Durango Elements of the Navy, SSPC, National Defense, FGR and GN participated in the arrest of a man found to be wanted in the state of Texas. The man taken into custody with two others Thursday. Two of the three were wanted in both Mexico and the U.S. on drug and human trafficking charges. Leonel N was arrested in the Mexican state of Durango Thursday. According to Mexican authorities, he is identified as one of the 10 most wanted dangerous criminals in Texas. He was also wanted by Mexican authorities in the state of Chihuahua. According to Omar Garcia Harfuch, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection of Mexico, in the town of Los Angeles, Durango, personnel arrested Leonel N, leader of a criminal cell that operates in the north of the country. He was wanted by Mexican and United States authorities for his involvement in drug trafficking and undocumented persons. He has an arrest warrant for aggravated kidnapping. Security agents, while developing lines of investigation on people who are wanted on both sides of the border, located one of the wanted subjects. Mexican police found Leonel N in the company of another man and a woman who were carrying a firearm. Security agents stopped them, carried out a security inspection where they found doses of drugs and a firearm. Leonel N aged 34, Tereso N aged 57 and Alicia N aged 30 were arrested. Based on investigative work, Leonel N belongs to a criminal group that operates in the north of the country, where he is dedicated to drug trafficking and human trafficking in the Juarez Valley, Chihuahua. In addition, he has an arrest warrant for the crime of aggravated kidnapping, while Alicia N coordinates the sale of drugs in the border area, the SSPC (Secretaria de Seguridad y Proteccion Ciudadana) reported Thursday. President Sheinbaum thanks Trump for delaying export tariffs during respectful call Mexico City, Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo thanked Donald Trump Thursday for delaying the implementation of export tariffs. She made the public comment after a phone conversation with the U.S. president. Many thanks to President Donald Trump. We had an excellent and respectful call in which we agreed that our work and collaboration have yielded unprecedented results, within the framework of respect for our sovereignties. We will continue to work together, particularly on migration and security issues, which include reducing the illegal crossing of fentanyl into the United States, as well as weapons into Mexico. As mentioned by President Trump, Mexico will not be required to pay tariffs on all those products within the USMCA. This agreement is until April 2, when the United States will announce reciprocal tariffs for all countries, she said. During the call, Sheinbaum said she explained to Trump that in the month of February there was a 41.5 percent reduction in fentanyl seizures in the United States. President Sheinbaum said that Mexico was treated with great respect in the call with whom she agreed that our country will not be required to pay tariffs on products that are within the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC), which will be in effect until April 2, a date on which the United States will announce reciprocal tariffs for all countries. Mexico was treated with great respect. And we reached this agreement that really benefits both nations: to continue collaborating, cooperating on different issues and at the same time, within the framework of respect between us, to maintain this cooperation, he said. She explained that during the call he showed President Trump a graph showing that the results that the Mexican government has had, particularly in February, are reflected in a 41.5 percent reduction in fentanyl seizures at the border, according to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). I told him: We are getting results, President Trump. Now that you have imposed the tariffs, why are we going to continue cooperating, collaborating, with something that harms the people of Mexico? And it was not a threat, nothing, nothing, nothing, simply: Please understand that, for me, the most important thing is my people. And I need to continue collaborating and cooperating with you, but we need equality of circumstances, she said. Sheinbaum said that the decrease in fentanyl seizures is largely due to security actions that have been promoted, such as the dispatch of 10,000 National Guard members to the border between Mexico and the United States since February 3. If we are seizing more fentanyl in Mexico, then less fentanyl will be entering the United States, something we have been reporting every 15 days, Sheinbaum detailed. She also said that during the conversation they discussed the agreements that the teams of both governments reached during meetings in Washington in recent days, in which they agreed to work on reducing illegal drug trafficking from Mexico to the United States and reducing illegal arms trafficking from the United States to Mexico. Sheinbaum stressed that it is not only an achievement of the President of Mexico, but of all Mexicans. I really want to say that we were treated with a lot of respect. I say we were, because yes, it is the President of Mexico, but it is the people of Mexico because I represent the people of Mexico. Sheinbaum said that on March 9, she will hold a public meeting at the Zocalo in Mexico City where she will explain the agreement reached with President Trump. This year, a Shawsville Middle School science teacher is one of just a few dozen teachers across the country to receive a national Milken Educator Award which comes with a cash prize of $25,000. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons joined Stephanie Bishop, vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, on Friday at the Shawsville school to present seventh grade science teacher Anna Drew with the award. Drew, a two-time graduate of Virginia Tech and a third-generation educator, has been teaching for nine years. Anna Drew is a dedicated educator who creates a positive learning environment and empowers her students to reach their fullest potential, Coons said. Her commitment to both her students and her community truly distinguishes her. Staff and students were surprised with the announcement during a school assembly Friday. Drew was under the impression that the assembly was to announce some sort of schoolwide grant award, she said. Educators cannot apply for the Milken Educator Award and are unaware of their candidacy until theyre announced as recipients, a news release from the Milken Family Foundation said. The Milken Family Foundation seeks out candidates that show strong leadership, talent and accomplishments in education. When Bishop called Drews name, the gymnasium erupted into cheers. She sat in the bleachers for a few moments, looking stunned. Flabbergasted is the word of the day, Drew told her students when they returned to class after the announcement. Forty-one other educators nationwide received an award from the Milken Family Foundation this year, but Drew is the only recipient in Virginia for the 2024-25 cycle. The Milken Educator Awards have been called the Oscars of Teaching, according to the news release. When teachers are recognized, it reminds the kids what they are working for, and really doubles down their want, their desire to engage in the classroom and set themselves up for success in the future, Drew said. Members of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors and School Board and staff from the Virginia Department of Education attended the assembly. Del. Chris Obenshain, R-Montgomery, came to hear the announcement as well. The Milken Educator Award was created in 1987 by Lowell Milken. The $25,000 prize is unrestricted, meaning that educators can use the funds however they see fit. In the past, recipients have used the money to establish scholarships, fund field trips, pay for continuing education and even to adopt children, according to the Milken Family Foundations website. Since Drew was not expecting to receive the money, she said Friday she doesnt have a plan for what shell do with it just yet, other than an obligatory pizza party for her students. I really wouldnt be here without my kids, so I would like to take a minute to really shout them out, because its the students that matter here, she said as she accepted the award. She also thanked her co-workers at Shawsville Middle School. We are incredibly proud of the work she does here each and every day, Principal Brandon Keith said. She makes Shawsville Middle School a better place, and we cant wait to see what the future holds. Recipients such as Drew are able to attend an all-expenses-paid awards forum in Los Angeles this April, where they can meet and learn from their colleagues, past Milken Educators and other education leaders, the news release said. New recipients are also paired with a veteran Milken Educator for mentorship. Recipients are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award, an October news release from the Milken Family Foundation reads. LE MARS, Iowa Jurors have begun their deliberations to determine if Reese Harms is responsible for the death of Mike Gomez during an altercation in a Le Mars apartment. Jurors left the Plymouth County District Courtroom just after 11 a.m. Among the issues they must decide: if Harms acted with malice when he put Gomez in a choke hold during the Jan. 19, 2024, altercation and intended to severely injure him or cause his death, or if his actions were justified because he was acting in self-defense. Harms, 25, of Le Mars, has pleaded not guilty of second-degree murder and attempted murder for the death of Gomez, 44, of Merrill, Iowa, who died in a Sioux Falls hospital four days after the incident at 1120 Second St. SE. That Harms choked Gomez was not disputed. Harms himself told police he choked Gomez after Gomez approached him in a bedroom and told him to leave. Harms told police during at least four separate statements that Gomez had punched him and he placed him in a choke hold to protect himself. "Self-defense does not play a role in this case. Reese was not punched to start this altercation," Assistant Plymouth County Attorney Jason Bring said in his closing argument. Bring said Harms had no physical signs of being punched. Amanda Farmer, who witnessed the incident, also testified Gomez did not punch Harms prior to the choking. Farmer, who had dated Gomez for five years and had a son with him before she began seeing Harms and living with him about two months prior to the incident, said they all had drank a couple beers in her apartment. She and Gomez sat in the living room with their son and Harms went into a bedroom, where he stayed all afternoon until he began making trips to the bathroom and "talking crap" to Gomez. She and Gomez decided Harms should leave because they didn't want their son hearing his comments. When they went to the bedroom, Gomez told Harms to leave, Farmer said, and Harms approached him, wrapped his right arm around Gomez' neck and began choking him. Harms was upset by that time, Bring said, telling police he was jealous and irritated that Gomez was sharing a couch with his girlfriend. Bring said Harms wanted to teach Gomez a lesson. "He wanted to choke him until he stopped breathing. He wanted to kill him, that was his intent," Bring said. Defense attorney Michael Jacobsma pointed out inconsistencies in Farmer's trial testimony from statements she made to police and in her deposition in which she said Gomez had punched Harms. She was also inconsistent saying at trial Gomez had only two beers but saying earlier he'd drank seven. She also testified Gomez was not high, but said during her deposition that he was. "You just really can't believe Amanda Farmer's version," Jacobsma said. "Clearly, she's trying to minimize the role of her son's father and blame Reese." The forensic pathologist who performed Gomez' autopsy confirmed the presence of meth in his system and that it played a factor in his death. The cause of death was cardiac arrest caused by loss of blood and oxygen to the brain, and the death was caused by the altercation. "He told you if Reese had not choked Mike Gomez, Mr. Gomez would have been alive at the end of the day," Bring told jurors. The pathologist also said Gomez was intoxicated on meth and that it contributed to his death, Jacobsma said, and the autopsy revealed no injuries to Gomez' neck or trachea or hemorrhaging in his eyes, all signs of strangulation. "He said if Mr. Gomez was not intoxicated on meth, he could have survived the altercation," Jacobsma said. After his arrest, Harms was evaluated by a psychologist who determined he had post traumatic stress disorder, the result of child abuse years earlier. When confronted by Gomez, Harms' PTSD triggered him, Jacobsma said. "When faced with the situation of being attacked, he's going to fight," Jacobsma said. If jurors believe Harms did cause Gomez' death, they should find him guilty of involuntary manslaughter or assault rather than murder, Jacobsma said, because there was no malice, no intention to cause Gomez' death. In his rebuttal, Bring set a timer for three minutes, the amount of time Harms told police he choked Gomez. As the seconds ticked away, Bring told jurors it's a long time to continue to squeeze, to have Farmer unsuccessfully try to pry Harms' arm off Gomez' neck until, finally, Gomez stopped breathing. "To choke someone for three minutes really shows malice," Bring said. On last weeks episode of The Pitt, Maxs hit hospital show about a single day in a crowded Pittsburgh emergency room, a young medical student, Dr. Javadi (Shabana Azeez), awkwardly asks Nurse Mateo (the bedimpled cutie Jalen Thomas Brooks) if he wants to have coffee. Theyre stitching up a patient, Earl, who watches their interaction avidly, eating a sandwich. I dont date people in the workplace, Mateo says, gently. Nothing personal, its just never a good idea. The beloved Nurse Dana (Katherine LaNasa) rescues Javadi from her embarrassment by coming in and asking Earl if hes being treated right. Feel like Im watching a rom-com, Earl says. This encounter shows off one of the best things about The Pitt: its extremely light touch when it comes to workplace romance. On Reddit, the shows fans split their posting between two genres: dissecting the accuracy of the medical practices depicted on the show and debating whether any of the maybe-couples will actually get together. Will we see Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) and Dr. Collins (Tracy Ifeachor), flagged in Episode 5 as having a romantic history, kiss again? (Maybe Dr. Collins secret pregnancy is actually Dr. Robbys?) Will the workplace friendship between Dr. King (Taylor Dearden) and the very TV-handsome Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) develop into something more? What about Dr. Garcia (Alexandra Metz) and the preferential treatment shes been giving Dr. Santos (Isa Briones)? Did that scalpel Santos dropped on Garcias foot in Episode 6 end that flirtation for good, or no? The show drops a little bit of grist for this mill in almost every episode. In Episode 10, which aired on Thursday, the ex of Dr. McKay (Fiona Dourif) comes into the ER for treatment, and gets jealous of Nurse Mateo, whos gotten close to McKays kid. Might the ex have a point? More fuel for the posting fire! But: A large part of me thinks yall are trying too hard to Greys-ify this show, wrote one Reddit poster, referring to the long-running Greys Anatomy, king of the hospital dramas when it comes to romantic plotlines. Advertisement I like to see romance on my TV as much asand probably more thanthe next person. But Im happy to say, I think The Pitt is un-Greys-ifiable, and thats fine. First, and most importantly, the structure forbids it. Sure, TV writers do love to take some liberties in the name of drama, and its not like the day depicted on The Pitt is totally typical, even when it comes to non-romantic events. But the beats of the slow burn that another type of show would develop for a will-they-wont-they couple in a workplace dramasay, for example, George Clooneys Doug and Julianna Margulies Carol on ERare impossible to deliver in the one day, one shift format. Those couples need years to come close, then spring apart, then, in the course of events, come close again. Thats where the longest-running ships come from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secondly, The Pitt is not about lust, but about a different range of feelingsexhaustion, hunger, overstimulation. Just take a look at the difference between how Noah Wyle looked when he played Dr. Carter on ERwhat a gorgeous baby, the Mateo of his time!and the haggard, exhausted, fully adult Dr. Robby. (Comparing the two is a real looks like I, too, am mortal moment for people who watched ER in real time back in the 1990s.) Most people on The Pitt, especially as the day wears on, have the worn-out look of Dr. Robbylike theyve been wearing the same clothes for hours, eating only turkey sandwiches, failing again and again to find the time to pee. Dr. Robbys central internal struggle gets established in flashbacks to his experiences during the COVID pandemic, when he treated his own mentor, who ended up dying right there in the ERs brightly painted pediatrics room. His day-to-day problems, as we hear mentioned in multiple conversations with the hospitals chief medical officer (Michael Hyatt), are material: long wait times, low patient satisfaction, the hospitals practice of boarding, a guy who just hit Nurse Dana in the parking lot at the end of Episode 8 because he got mad about the wait. Sex, and romance, get crowded out in the face of all that. Advertisement Advertisement I went back to watch some ER, while thinking about the lack of sex on The Pitt, and picked an episode randomly from a list of best ER eps. It didnt take long for me to remember how ER used to be. In Season 5, Episode 14, young Wyles Dr. Carter goes into an X-ray room with Kellie Martins Dr. Knight, and they get it on. Martin comes out with her cardigan backwards; Wyle has a hickey. On The Pitt, this would not happen, because there would not be an empty room available, and if there were, colleagues would be knocking on the door of that room almost immediately, to find the missing hands that are necessary to keep the ER running. Advertisement The people on The Pitt arent robots, of course. In Episode 9, right after she fails to make a coffee date with Nurse Mateo, Dr. Javadi tells Nurse Dana that being around him makes her feel the way she did when her parents took her to Utah to ski and the altitude put her off-balance the entire time. Hes a human Utah, she says. Ive worked with a few Utahs, Dana says. I wish you many Utahs in your life. As so often happens on The Pitt, Dana gets the best last word: Workplace attraction happens, but that doesnt mean its fated to turn into romance. The creators of The Pitt are engaged in a legal battle with the estate of Michael Crichton, the creator of ER, which is arguing that this show is an unauthorized reboot. A humble suggestion from me, who is far from a lawyer? The Pitts team should just point out a simple difference: The people on this show keep their clothes on. And those clothes get dirty. Access is important. Slate is offering 6 months of Slate Plus to current and recently laid-off federal government employees. If you, or someone you know, have been affected, click here to get 6 months of Slate Plus free. This week, a conflict between one of the nations most unqualified federal prosecutors and one of its most celebrated constitutional scholars spilled into public view. The Washington Post reported that Ed Martin, the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, opened an investigation into Georgetown Law in February over its supposed promotion of DEI (which is not illegal). Martin accused the school of teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom as well as promoting those principles as an institution; he declared that his office would refuse to hire anyone affiliated with Georgetown Law until it halted this practice. In response, the schools dean, William Treanor, sent a response on Thursday schooling Martin on the First Amendment and flatly declining to comply with his attempted censorship. On this weeks Slate Plus bonus episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed the spat and Dean Treanors refusal to back down from the fight. A preview of their conversation, below, has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: Lets start with this fight at your alma mater, Mark. And I just want to remind everyone: Ed Martin has no business being an interim U.S. attorney. He really should be cleaning ashtrays at the U.S. Attorneys Office. His career has been devoted to helping out Jan. 6 insurrectionists, and now he is in charge of law and order in your fair city. He sent a letter to Georgetown Laws dean, William Treanor, saying it is unacceptable that the school continues to teach and promote DEI, whatever that means. And then he urges Treanor to swiftly remove DEI from all courses and curriculum or, apparently, face some unspecified future penalties. And in the meantime, he says that until you do this, the D.C. U.S. Attorneys Office will simply not be hiring any student or graduate of the law school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have so many questions about this, but I think we just start with: Im sorry, does the federal prosecutor in the District of Columbia somehow get to tell private law schools what can be taught, uh, in the classroom? Mark Joseph Stern: No, they do not. And I am so gratified to say that on Thursday, Dean Treanor responded to Ed Martin with an extraordinary and courageous letter, which Ill just quote: As a Catholic and Jesuit institution, Georgetown University was founded on the principle that serious and sustained discourse among people of different faiths, cultures, and beliefs promotes intellectual, ethical, and spiritual understanding. For us at Georgetown, this principle is a moral and educational imperative. He then writes: Your letter challenges Georgetowns ability to define our mission as an educational institution. It inquires about Georgetown Laws curriculum and classroom teaching. The First Amendment, however, guarantees that the government cannot direct what Georgetown and its faculty teach and how to teach it. The Supreme Court has continually affirmed that among the freedoms central to a universitys First Amendment rights are its abilities to determine, on academic grounds, who may teach, what to teach, and how to teach it. Advertisement Advertisement I certainly could not put it more eloquently. This is an extraordinary letter that everyone should read. And I think its so important that Dean Treanor captures both parts of the First Amendment violation here. Its not just that Ed Martin is trying to censor what professors say in the classroom. Hes also going after Georgetown Law itselfwhich, as a private institution, has its own First Amendment rights to promote and advocate for a particular mission. Dean Treanor is essentially saying: Yeah, that mission might include DEI. Too bad. None of your business. Well keep doing it. Thats free speech in action. Advertisement Related From Slate That Oval Office Shouting Match Was a Setup Read More Weve been talking a lot on this show about how corporate America seems to be failing to meet the moment. A lot of Big Law is failing to meet the moment, and in fact surging into the abyss. Here we have a law school dean writing in the most fulsome yet understandable prose. Its like hes been training for this his entire lifelike, I am gonna fight you, you big, stupid bully. Advertisement I just wanna read another passage, because the letter in its entirety is fantastic: Your letter informs me that your office will deny our students and graduates government employment opportunities until you, as Interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, approve of our curriculum. Given the First Amendments protection of a universitys freedom to determine its own curriculum and how to deliver it, the constitutional violation behind this threat is clear, as is the attack on the Universitys mission as a Jesuit and Catholic institution. He goes on to say: Advertisement Advertisement Georgetown-educated attorneys have, for decades, served this country capably and selflessly in offices such as yours, and we have confidence that tradition will continue. We look forward to your confirming that any Georgetown-affiliated candidates for employment with your office will receive full and fair consideration. Advertisement That is such a deft deconstruction, in really crisp terms, of every single First Amendment value that is being violated here. And theres also the dripping condescension of: You clearly dont understand the law, dum-dum. I could praise this all day, but I want to make three final points. The first is that I love how Ed Martin signs every letter as the U.S. Attorney, and Dean Treanor responds by addressing him as Interim U.S. Attorney. And he mentions the interim part again later, just to remind everybody that he has not been confirmed by the Senate. Second, to pick up on what you said about the tone, I wouldnt even say its condescension; its more like total certitude by the dean that the law is entirely on his side. He doesnt even say we might file a lawsuit or we demand that you retract your letter or anything like that. He just says that he looks forward to Martin complying with the First Amendment, because, obviously, he must. What happens if he doesnt? I dont know, but Id put all my chips on Dean Treanor over Ed Martin. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, to that point, it is almost unfair to see Ed Martin, this utter mediocrity of a lawyerthis interim U.S. attorney who got this patronage post for defending Jan. 6 insurrectionists, who includes multiple egregious typos in every single communicationgo up against one of the preeminent constitutional scholars in the nation. I mean, talk about an unfair fight, right? It is truly glorious not just to see Dean Treanor stand up to a bully, but to do so with a lesson that I think all of us need on how you vindicate constitutional liberties on behalf of yourself, your institution, and your students. And make no mistake: He is standing up for his students, his faculty, his staff, everyone. This is an act of great courage. Because Im here for the beatdown, I need to read a tiny snippet of Martins letter so the legal research and writing professors across the nation can hear it. Because I swear to you, if I had turned this in as a 1L in my first week of law school, they would have dumped me. As United States Attorney for the District of Columbiaand again, thats not his real jobI receive requests for information and clarification. I take these requests seriously and act on them with letters like this one you are receiving. Um, what? This administration is trying to make English the official language of America, but it seems like theres some question about their mastery of it over there at the U.S. Attorneys Office. Access is important. Slate is offering 6 months of Slate Plus to current and recently laid off federal government employees. If you, or someone you know, has been impacted, click here to get 6 months of Slate Plus free. Donald Trump entered his second term as president with a demand to release all the Israeli hostages in Gaza and end the war, effectively forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into a ceasefire. But his call to empty Gaza of its 2 million residents and eventually build an American-controlled riviera there has become the centerpiece around which the flurry of ceasefire and day after diplomacy in Gaza is now revolving. Israel has since endorsed the idea, announcing plans to facilitate what it calls the voluntary migration of Palestinians from Gazathough no country has agreed to take them. On the face of it, Trumps Gaza plan, which is about as realistic as the A.I. video he posted about it, has been politically useful to Netanyahus government: It has distracted from Israels failure to defeat Hamas over the past 15 months, and it ostensibly keeps the option of further, bloodier kinetic action open. At the same time, Trumps push to complete the first phase of the hostage and ceasefire deal is a direct indictment of Netanyahu and his far-right coalitions promise: that only military might will deliver total victory, an inherently amorphous and unattainable concept. Advertisement But the subtext of the presidents rhetoric is even more damning. It is an admission that Israel has failed to achieve its own declared war objectives of deposing Hamas and freeing the hostages. And the fact that the U.S. has been secretly speaking to Hamas directly makes Israel look like an obstacle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has debilitated Hamas military, but it has not extracted surrendernot in optics, nor on the ground. While Trump has emboldened the Israeli right by putting this extreme idea of America taking over Gaza and emptying it of Palestinians front and center, the reality in the territory remains stark: There are still 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, Hamas is still standing and still holding Israeli hostages, and no amount of military operations are likely to change that. Israelis have watched with horror and joy over the past few weeks as hostages, old and young, soldiers and civilians, men and women, Arab and Jew, have emerged from the underground in Gaza and been put on Hamas stages before returning home. Most alive, some dead. It has become increasingly difficult to imagine Israel derailing the hostage deal now. As the entire country mourned for the Bibas children, it became clear most Israelis are clamoring for closure, healing, and introspection. A majority of Israelis not only want the hostage deal completed; they want the remaining hostages to be released all in one go, as Hamas has offered, in exchange for ending the war and full IDF withdrawal from the Strip. But if theres something else most Israelis seem to agree on, its that you cannot leave Hamas in power in Gaza. At some point, they believe, Israel has to fight Hamas and win. But nobody in Israel seems to have a good answer for how to do that. Advertisement Advertisement This is something Netanyahu and Israeli leadership cannot admit. Their approachas articulated most explicity by far-right politicians Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir (the latter quit the coalition in protest when the ceasefire went into effect)is rooted in the zero-sum use of force. Smotrich, who has threatened to leave Netanyahus government if Israel does not resume the war to destroy Hamas, suggests that Hamas can be defeated if Israel fully reoccupies the Strip, imposes military rule, and witholds all aid, arguing that aid is what keeps Hamas afloat. Netanyahu continues to promise the war goals will be achieved and recently reiterated that neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority will rule Gaza after the war. But he has said nothing about what could come in their stead. The U.S. is aligned with the Israeli position that Hamas cannot remain in power in Gaza, as both Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have reiterated. The question is what exactly that means, and how it will be achieved. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate The Menace in Gaza Thats Still Terrifying All of Us Here Read More Critics of Netanyahus war approach, primarily in Israels security establishment, blame his coalition for not creating conditions for an alternative to Hamas rule in Gaza. They want the military achievements to be followed by a political, diplomatic process to replace Hamas governance of Gaza. Some politicians in the opposition, like Yair Lapid or Democratic Party head Yair Golan (the inheritor of the remnants of the left-wing Labor and Meretz parties), have articulated a vision that relies entirely on Arab states taking ownership over the issueas Trump has also implored themby putting not just money but people on the ground. The idea is to secure reconstruction and administration of the Strip and see to it that Hamas does not govern or build itself back up in Gaza, while also ensuring that Israel does not attack Gaza. Egypts proposal for Gaza, endorsed by the Arab League in Cairo on March 4, attempts to do much of that, but it is thin on the issue of security and makes no mention of Hamas at all (which can be interpreted as either excluding Hamas or shirking the issue, specifically on Hamas arms). The proposal does clearly rebuff Trumps transfer plan and Israels rejection of Palestinian statehood, by framing the plan within a path to a two-state solution. It also requires three actors to buy in: Hamas, Palestinian Authority President Abu Mazen, and the Israeli government. The latter has outright rejected the plan already and will only be compelled by outside pressure to go that course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel is now threatening to resume the war if Hamas doesnt agree to fully surrender or to extend the ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange without taking any further steps that the initial agreement required in Phase 2. Israel could fully occupy Gaza, as the far right demands, or it could conduct routine raids and strikes, as is its norm in the West Bank. The military would presumably be able to send in more troops now than previously, because it is not as bogged down in Lebanon (though hundreds of troops remain in several outposts on the border inside Lebanon, as well as in a new buffer zone in Syria). But those troops will be vulnerable to the same, and likely intensified, guerrilla warfare that Hamas has engaged in from the start of the warthe kind of fighting that claimed the lives of 16 soldiers in northern Gaza in just one week before the Jan. 19 ceasefire went into effect. Hamas will continue to hide in tunnels, of which around 50 percent are still Intact. The group isnt fighting to win, just to survive another day. There is no reason to believe more of the same Israeli actions, even if stronger, will produce a different result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So Israels position right now is weaker than it appears. The price for resuming its war in Gaza is high, and the benefits unclear. The reality on the ground in the West Bank, one of the most heavily surveilled places on earth, where Israel has ruled militarily for more than 50 years and is conducting its largest military campaign since the Second Intifada, is further evidence that Israeli actions have not worked beyond mowing the grass (a term the military has used to describe degrading armed groups in order to buy time and maintain the status quo between rounds of conflict). While the second phase of the ceasefire/hostage deal only calls for an end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza along with completed hostage-prisoner exchanges, Israel is additionally demanding Hamas disarmament and exile, and demilitarization of Gaza. For now this seems unrealistic, but parts of it might not be impossible. Hamas leaders actually are willing to give up governance of Gaza, and some officials have said they are open to negotiation over their weapons. But if Israel is serious about achieving that, it logically will have to make some tangible concessions of its own. It would have to provide something to the other side, which has been able to fight for its interests and engage in negotiations because it dealt Israel the worst military blow in its history. In the short term, this should entail a commitment to ending strikes on Gaza and enabling reconstruction. But the only way Israel can stem Palestinian militancy over time is to show its willingness to structurally curb Israels system of control over Palestinians in all the occupied territories and provide a political horizon for a Palestinian state. Of course, this appears unimaginable for Israel to do. But the alternative is even more unpalatable. Trumps Gaza fantasy has exposed Israels: that Palestinians in Gaza will just disappear. (A February poll shows a majority of Israelis support Palestinian transfer from Gaza). It conveniently gives the illusion that Israel can do away with its conflict with the Palestinians, instead of finding ways to resolve it. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. On Feb. 4the same day that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s nomination for secretary of Health and Human Services advanced out of the Senate finance committeethe New York Times published a story with the headline How a Leftist Activist Group Helped Torpedo a Psychedelic Therapy. The story claims that Psymposia, a psychedelic-science and harm-reduction nonprofit consisting of five members with no paid employees, used baseless and misleading accusations to thwart Food and Drug Administration approval of MDMA-assisted therapy, or MDMA-AT. Without the efforts of this small band of anticapitalist activists, the authors argue, Lykos Therapeutics $250 million investment in MDMA-AT may have paid off by being the first psychedelic therapy to get federal approvalpotentially establishing the company as a multibillion-dollar enterprise. As a journalist who has followed the psychedelics movement for years and attended hearings during the FDA approval process to write about them for Slate, the story was stunning. It was largely divorced from the events as I witnessed them, misleading in crucial ways, and journalistically bewildering. But what the story lacks in fully recounting why Lykos application tanked, it makes up for in fostering outrage, scapegoating a fringe group, and establishing a useful narrative should the new HHS secretary want to reverse the FDAs decision. The core argument about Psymposia outlined in the New York Times articlethat individuals from the organization deliberately raised baseless, inflammatory allegations in a vendetta against Lykos and veteransisnt new. Its an allegation initially posited by the Heroic Hearts Project, an organization that advocates for veterans access to psychedelic therapy. RFK Jr. retweeted that statement, and proponents of Lykos therapy later echoed the narrative in a video posted on the social media accounts of Lykos parent company, MAPSthe Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans speak out on FDA advisory committee's rejection of MDMA therapy on spurious grounds. Not surprised that drug industry funding is behind the anti-MDMA campaign. https://t.co/VPzOUe4Iwa Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) June 25, 2024 To understand how we got here, though, its worth stepping back. The first domino fell in March 2024 when the Institute for Clinical and Economic Reviewan independent group that evaluates the value of new medical treatmentspublished a draft review of the Lykos trials. The authors of the report said they had substantial concerns about the validity of the results, noting poor experimental design choices and potential misconduct. Advertisement The FDAs Psychopharmacologic Advisory Committeewhich reviews drug applications for safety and efficacy, voting on whether they should recommend approval to the FDAmet on June 4 and lamented that Lykos failed to collect important patient safety information, like liver and heart function; declined to record elevated mood and euphoria as theyd explicitly been instructed to do; and neglected to use an active placebo per department recommendation. The list goes on and has expanded considerably with further reporting in the wake of the FDAs decision. The NYT story glosses over these data collection missteps, failing to mention mishaps like Lykos failure to take study participants lab work or EKG data. Advertisement The article and advocates for Lykos are quick to note that the FDA approved the study design. But Michael Ostacher, a professor of psychiatry behavioral sciences at Stanford University who has worked on esketamine studies, told me thats misleading. Just because the FDA accepts a trial design doesnt mean they approve the application if the trial gets positive results, he said. Plus, Lykos ignored things the FDA had asked them to do. Advertisement Advertisement The NYT story also begins with a strange and misleading characterization of Psymposias role at the public comment period of the advisory committee meeting, claiming that seven members connected to Psymposia presented themselves as experts in the field of psychedelics, but none had expertise in medicine or therapy. It goes on to assert that none of these speakers disclosed their connection to Psymposia, a leftist advocacy group with a vendetta against MAPS. Only three of Psymposias five members spoke during the public comment period, and none presented themselves as having expertise in medicine or therapy or suggested that expertise in psychedelics translated to expertise in medicine or therapy. First to speak was Nese Devenot, who the story refers to as a self-described expert in psychedelic bioethics who uses gender neutral pronouns. Indeed, Devenot introduced themself as an expert in psychedelic bioethics, but their credentials arent merely self-described. Devenot completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the department of Bioethics at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and is an affiliate researcher with the Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation at Harvard Law Schools Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other speakers included Brian Pace, who introduced himself as a lecturer teaching psychedelic studies in the Department of Plant Pathology at Ohio State University, and Russell Hausfeld, who stated that he was there in his capacity as a journalist who reports on psychedelics and never claimed expertise in the psychedelic field. While its true that none of the members of Psymposia disclosed their affiliation to the organization during the public comment portion of the hearing, they didnt have to. The FDA guidelines given to all speakers during the public comment period were to advise the committee of any financial relationship that you may have with the applicant, which Devenot, Hausfeld, and Pace do not have. Advertisement The day before the hearing, the three speakers published a press release stating their affiliation with Psymposia, and Hausfeld had previously disclosed his affiliation with Psymposia in a May 30 email to the advisory committee, clarifying that he would be speaking on behalf of himself, not the organization. Advertisement When the advisory committee declined to recommend acceptance of Lykos application, the Heroic Hearts Project veterans group published a statement claiming ICER relied on Devenot and Psymposia while drafting the report. However, Devenot told me that neither theynor, to their knowledge, anyone from Psymposiawas even aware that ICER was working on a draft report before its publication. In a transcript I reviewed of an interview between the reporters and Devenot, they said, We found out about the draft the same time the rest of the field found out about it.* Advertisement The published story seems to suggest otherwise, arguing that Psymposia ramped up efforts to thwart Lykoss application, adding that the group eventually found an audience with ICER, resulting in the report echoing many of Psymposias ethical concerns. Perhaps one of the most egregious parts of the story, though, occurs when describing a documented case of a MAPS facilitator sexually assaulting a patient during and after the Phase 2 trials. The NYT authors write of an ethical violation that occurred in an early Lykos trial that was not part of the companys F.D.A. application, when a husband-wife therapy team in Canada spooned and cuddled a participant, Meaghan Buisson, during her MDMA session. Advertisement The story neglects to mention that Buisson, who was there in part to address sexual trauma shed previously experienced, immediately started crying and curled into a ball when the male facilitator, Richard Yensen, asked her if she wanted to lie down and spread her arms and legs. When Yensen tries to put a hand on her shoulder, she shakes it off. Later in the video, shes sobbing and saying Stop as Yensen lays on top of her, restraining her movement. Advertisement The article continues to minimize the sexual assault by pointing out that Yensen began a sexual relationship with Buisson after the trial concluded. Several crucial facts are left out of this description. Most obviously: Legally, and ethically, a patient cannot consent to a sexual relationship with their therapist, which MAPS notes in a statement it made about the incident in 2019. (Yensens defense in the civil suit Buisson brought against him? He was an unlicensed therapist and thus had no duty of care to her.) Additionally, the trial was not over when the sexual abuse began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I contacted the journalists who wrote the NYT story with detailed questions about these exclusions. A spokesperson for the publication responded with the following statement: This piece of independent journalism was thoroughly reported and fact-checked, and The Times stands behind its publication. RFK Jr. has a long history of ignoring the minutiae and nuances of clinical data in favor of a zealous belief in unproven remedies with dramatic anecdotal evidence. The NYT story hints at this connection. After mentioning the FDAs ongoing review of Lykos data, the authors write, Some advocates hope that the Trump administration will take a friendlier approach, specifically noting Elon Musk and RFK Jr. as vocal supporters of psychedelic medicine. Kennedy made his position clear. In October, after Trump announced that he would nominate the anti-vaccine activist for the position, Kennedy tweeted, FDAs war on public health is about to end. This includes its aggressive suppression of psychedelics and anything else that advances human health and cant be patented by Pharma. Advertisement FDAs war on public health is about to end. This includes its aggressive suppression of psychedelics, peptides, stem cells, raw milk, hyperbaric therapies, chelating compounds, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, vitamins, clean foods, sunshine, exercise, nutraceuticals and anything Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) October 25, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Lykos is a pharmaceutical company and has filed several patents related to MDMA formulation. Investors know this even if the new HHS secretary doesntafter Kennedys nomination advanced out of committee on Feb. 4, shares in biotech companies making psychedelic therapies soared. Advertisement Now a newly confirmed Health and Human Services secretary, Kennedy has the power to reverse what he calls the FDAs scandalous decision or otherwise influence the ongoing FDA review of Lykos Phase 3 data. When vague accusations of DEI and wokeness are already being used to gut government programs, it might not be a bad time to blame the FDAs decision on a small band of anticapitalist activists. Michael Abrams, a senior researcher in Public Citizens Health Research Group, told me he thinks its unlikely that Kennedy would completely reverse the decision, but its possible that the next time it goes through review, we might see the standards lowered, and the process goes a bit smoother for the sponsor. Kennedy is already implementing changes at HHS that limit public input. On Feb. 28, he placed a statement in the Federal Register rescinding the public comment period where members of the public can argue for or against proposed HHS plans. Although the mandate doesnt necessarily affect FDA decisions, its a troubling sign for transparency from the agency that oversees the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control, among other federal health bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public narrative about what happened with MDMA-AT is important, as more potential psychedelic therapies are certainly in the pipeline. Painting the final stages of the FDA approval process as unnecessary and easily corruptibleas the NYT article didmay serve a larger MAHA agenda of eliminating or severely restricting vital oversight. Kennedyperhaps best known for his anti-vaccine advocacyhas spent decades suggesting that the decisions of federal oversight committees and medical associations cant be trusted due to conflicts of interest and corruption, an assertion some advocates for MDMA-AT also made after the FDAs decision. The NYT story seems to underscore this narrative by claiming Psymposia derail[ed] the approval of MDMA-assisted therapy by committees like ICER that would otherwise have supported the application. Advertisement In lieu of rigorously conducted clinical trials, Kennedy often cherry-picks dramatic and heart-wrenching anecdotal evidence to support his claims. For example, last year, he reposted an image of school shooters with the antidepressants they were allegedly taking. There is no evidence to suggest that SSRI drugs are a cause of school shootings. Advertisement There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support the efficacy of MDMA-AT on post-traumatic stress disorder. It has undeniably helped people who were struggling, many of whom are veterans and spoke at the FDA advisory committee. The unmet need for PTSD treatment has made psychedelic-assisted therapy a more bipartisan subject than it might be otherwise. (In 2024, Kennedy said that veterans are the most deserving of benefiting from psychedelic therapy.) The NYT story highlights this angle as well. It quotes Jonathan Lubecky, a retired U.S. Army sergeant and a psychedelic medicine policy advocate, who notes that many of his friends have fallen into despair since the FDAs decision and that Some, quite frankly, are trying to decide whether they should stick around long enough to see it happen. Its a heartbreaking quote. Given the reporters emphasis on Psymposias disclosures, however, it is curious that the story doesnt mention that Lubecky was employed by MAPS from 2018 to 2023. Public health experts largely disagree that Psymposia could have such a dramatic effect on the FDA approval process. Its absurd, absolutely silly to say that five or six people undermined the success of Lykos application, said Ostacher. Im really concerned that the true believers are driving the narrative about [psychedelic-assisted therapy] in a way that will make it very difficult for people not to believe the results of flawed trials. Abrams agreed, adding that the committee didnt need to be experts in psychedelics to understand the application before them. The committee is smart, they understand things like bias, they understand things like liver toxicity, and reporting adverse events, he said. But thats more nuanced than the rather provocative Leftist anticapitalist activists torpedoed multimillion-dollar case for veterans and cops narrative. But if anyone likes a provocative theory that contradicts the medical establishment and paints the FDA as easily corruptible, its RFK Jr.and he doesnt need help from the Gray Lady to do it. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250304/russia-myanmar-intend-to-jointly-oppose-destructive-role-of-icc---statement-1121622906.html Russia, Myanmar Intend to Jointly Oppose Destructive Role of ICC - Statement Russia, Myanmar Intend to Jointly Oppose Destructive Role of ICC - Statement Sputnik International Russia and Myanmar have expressed their intention to work together to counteract the destructive role of the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to a statement issued on Tuesday following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing in Moscow. 2025-03-04T18:36+0000 2025-03-04T18:36+0000 2025-03-07T09:48+0000 world min aung hlaing russia myanmar international criminal court (icc) destructive work https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107960/31/1079603173_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_d7226ffa9240835a0dddf9eda690679c.jpg "The parties expressed deep concern about attempts by a number of Western countries to exert political pressure on the International Court of Justice, their desire to politicize the international justice system, abusing its mechanisms to fabricate accusations against countries of the multipolar world and shield their supporters. Russia and Myanmar are determined to work together to counter the destructive role of the so-called ICC. We believe that international justice should be based on the principles of neutrality, fairness and equidistance to ensure the peaceful resolution of international disputes," the statement read.The ICC jurisdiction is not recognized by countries that are home to more than half of the world's population. Among them are Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Turkey. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250227/whos-criticizing-the-icc-and-why-1121606620.html russia myanmar Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia and myanmar, russian president vladimir putin, myanmar prime minister min aung hlaing, international criminal court https://sputnikglobe.com/20250307/germany-doesnt-have-money-for-merzs-defense-boost--ex-afd-mep-1121623076.html Germany Doesn't Have Money for Merz's Defense Boost Ex-AfD MEP Germany Doesn't Have Money for Merz's Defense Boost Ex-AfD MEP Sputnik International Berlin plans to change its fiscal rules and invest 500 billion ($543 billion) in infrastructure and defense, as explained by the chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz. 2025-03-07T11:30+0000 2025-03-07T11:30+0000 2025-03-07T11:30+0000 analysis europe friedrich merz germany ukraine berlin bundeswehr european union (eu) us ursula von der leyen https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/0f/1116168334_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_06bd8ca034b1279caa101a2c823b680b.jpg It's alarming that Merz is prioritizing military spending because of the mythical Russian threat, especially amid efforts for peace in Ukraine, Gunnar Beck, a legal academic and former AfD MEP, tells Sputnik. Merz has long pushed for higher defense spending. Last December, he stated the Bundeswehr would need at least $87 billion annually, up from the current $57 billion. German media also reported a proposed $433 billion defense fund. "Germany hasn't got the money," Beck stresses. "It's got to borrow the money. It's at the expense of social spending and badly needed investments in infrastructure and research and development." https://sputnikglobe.com/20250306/macrons-nuclear-threats-against-russia-could-turn-france-into-a-giant-chernobyl-heres-why-1121620862.html germany ukraine berlin Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International germany, friedrich merz, german army, german defense spending, war in ukraine, ukraine peace effort, ursula von der leyen, recession in germany, german economy is stagnating 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: Cadillac have received final approval to become the 11th team in Formula One from the 2026 season. Cadillac have received final approval to become the 11th team in Formula One from the 2026 season, motorsport's governing body the FIA and F1 announced on Friday. The US team, backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors (GM), achieved the green light just over two months after the company reached an agreement in principle with Formula 1. F1 had previously turned down a bid from the US team Andretti, which was linked to Cadillac, but GM's increased commitments about their involvement in the venture swayed F1 and the FIA. The team's engines will initially be supplied by Ferrari but GM have agreed to build its own engine in the future. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said, "As we said in November, the commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to Formula 1 was an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport. "I want to thank GM and TWG Motorsports for their constructive engagement over many months and look forward to welcoming the team on the grid from 2026 for what will be another exciting year for Formula 1." The new team will be a joint venture between GM with Dan Towriss, owner of US team Andretti Global, a key investor. Former F1 driver Michael Andretti is no longer involved with the team he founded but his father Mario, the 1978 F1 world champion, will take up an advisory role. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Home Depot has rolled out an online concierge, powered by generative artificial intelligence, to help answer customers' questions about millions of products and even how to get projects done. The Georgia-based home improvement giant said Magic Apron is powered by advanced large language model tools and can provide real-time answers online like its associates can in stores. Home Depot started rolling out Magic Apron to its main website, homedepot.com, and its app in recent months. The AI concierge can be found in a chat bar on millions of product pages. Home Depot has used AI at scale on its website for a decade, said Jordan Broggi, executive vice president of customer experience and president of the company's online operations. The company now uses generative AI to produce text and visual content. Magic Apron goes further. It can answer detailed questions about hardware and other merchandise, summarize product reviews and give project recommendations. "Magic Apron is a subset of generative AI, and for us it is our version of bringing that aproned associate experience that customers love in the aisles of our store into the digital aisles," Broggi said in an interview Wednesday. Home Depot joins the ranks of companies rolling out AI-powered tools to help assist customers. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has also used AI as part of its website for years. In January, the carrier announced its Delta Concierge chatbot to help enhance and further personalize online customer service. Broggi said Magic Apron's model has been trained using Home Depot's proprietary knowledge and its product catalog. He said company experts and Home Depot data scientists have helped teach the model to refine its answers. In stores, conversations between customers and Home Depot associates often start with merchandise. With some questioning by associates, those conversations evolve into project discussions. Broggi said that's the intent with Magic Apron. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter inquired with the chatbot about staining a deck, including the types of stains one might use and how many coats to apply. The chatbot provided a listing of stains by type and information about the preferred frequency of application by product. It also displayed information about how to prepare the work site and steps for applying different types of stains. "It has a contextual understanding of where you are," Broggi said. Home Depot will soon roll out the AI tool to its website for professionals, with guidance tailored to contractors and other business customers. In a news release, Home Depot said additional functions will be added, including "project inspiration, design ideas, product comparison and recommendations." Ultimately, the Home Depot concierge will gain the capability of remembering past discussions and order histories to better understand customers' needs, Broggi said. 2025 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 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: Solar cell structure with varying c-MOFs as HTL. Credit: Dr. Latha Marasamy A study led by Dr. Latha Marasamy, a research professor at the Autonomous University of Queretaro, Mexico, is setting the stage for advancements in solar energy technology. The research team has made a significant breakthrough by exploring the capabilities of SrZrS 3 absorbers in cutting-edge chalcogenide perovskite solar cells, marking the first time such potential has been theoretically predicted. The integration of SrZrS 3 with conductive metal-organic frameworks (c-MOFs) as hole transport layers (HTLs) has led to impressive solar cell performance. Utilizing the SCAPS-1D simulation tool developed by the University of Ghent, the researchers assessed various c-MOFs, including notable candidates like Cu-MOF ({[Cu 2 (6-mercapto nicotinate)]NH 4 }n), NTU-9, Fe 2 (DSBDC), Sr-MOF ({[Sr(ntca)(H 2 O) 2 ]H 2 O}n), Mn 2 (DSBDC), and Cu 3 (HHTP) 2 . Their efforts culminated in remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), with the Cu-MOF-based solar cell achieving an astounding 30.60%. "These results are groundbreaking," said Dr. Aruna-Devi Rasu Chettiar. The team ran extensive simulations across 193 configurations, highlighting the importance of optimizing crucial parameters such as carrier concentration and layer thickness. This optimization is essential for enhancing charge carrier lifetime, diffusion length, and light absorption capabilities. They also underscored the significance of fine-tuning interfacial properties and minimizing parasitic resistances to achieve superior device performance. The newly optimized devices demonstrated significant improvements, including elevated quasi-Fermi levels, enhanced conductivity, and a remarkable 35% increase in spectral response in the near-infrared region, said Dr. Latha Marasamy. Notably, the devices exhibited a high recombination resistance of 1.4107 cm2 and a built-in potential of approximately 0.99 V, further contributing to their impressive efficiencies. This research was published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells under the title "Emerging Class of SrZrS 3 Chalcogenide Perovskite Solar Cells: Conductive MOFs as HTLsA Game Changer?" Doctoral researcher Evangeline Linda highlighted the potential implications of this work, stating, "Our research could pave the way for the photovoltaic community to develop highly efficient thin-film solar cells by integrating novel SrZrS 3 absorbers and c-MOFs as HTLs." In conclusion, this innovative study showcases the transformative potential of combining SrZrS 3 absorbers with advanced c-MOF materials. Such integration holds great promise for ushering in a new era of sustainable and highly efficient photovoltaic technologies, significantly propelling solar energy towards a more impactful and viable future. This story is part of Science X Dialog, where researchers can report findings from their published research articles. Visit this page for information about Science X Dialog and how to participate. More information: Evangeline Linda et al, Emerging class of SrZrS3 chalcogenide perovskite solar cells: Conductive MOFs as HTLs - A game changer?, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113204 Journal information: Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells Dr. Latha Marasamy is a Research Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry at UAQ, where she leads an innovative team of international students and researchers. Her diverse research interests encompass carbon and graphene, chalcogenide semiconductors, metal oxides, MOFs, as well as plasmonic metal nitrides and phosphides, all aimed at energy and environmental applications. Additionally, her team provides theoretical insights into solar cells through the use of SCAPS-1D simulation. 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: President Trump paused new tariffs on car imports from Mexico and Canada for one month, but the threat of levies on autos still looms. After an outcry from Detroit, President Donald Trump has granted one-month tariff exemptions on most auto imports from Canada and Mexico, underscoring the continued clout of US carmakers. The "Big Three" automakersFord, General Motors and Chrysler-owner Stellantisoperate their businesses on an integrated basis throughout North America, leaving them badly exposed to the proposed tariffs. Trump, who won hotly-contested Michigan during the 2024 presidential campaign, halted the auto tariffs on Wednesday, just a day after they took effect. The announcement represents relief "but not a cure" since the same tariffs could kick in next month, said Bank of America. Diminished 'Big 3' still a force While much diminished from their heyday, General Motors, Ford and Stellantis remain giant players in the United States in terms of jobs and economic impact. Automakers in the United States employ 436,000 workers, with the Big Three accounting for about 55 percent of that number. The trio also accounts for half of the US assembly plants and nearly half of the 10 million vehicles assembled annually in the United States, according to a report by the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC). By comparison, foreign automakers like Honda, BMW and Nissan each account for five percent or less of total US auto jobs, while electric vehicle maker Teslaled by close Trump ally Elon Muskaccounts for 14 percent, according to the AAPC. Integrated throughout North America The Big Three also produce cars in overseas factories, but most of their imports come from Mexico and Canada under the terms of a free trade pact inked during Trump's first term, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Popular vehicles imported from Mexico in 2024 included the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford Maverick, while the Chrysler Pacifica and the Lincoln Nautilus were imported from Canada, according to figures from GlobalData. Foreign automakers like Toyota and Honda also make use of the USMCA to produce cars in Canada and Mexico sold in the United States, and in organizing sophisticated supply chains in which parts and technology move seamlessly throughout the region. The auto supply industry employs 932,000 people across the 50 US states, according to MEMA, the Vehicle Suppliers Association. The US auto supply industry procures about 27 percent of its manufacturing sourcing from Mexico and 10 percent from Canada, according to MEMA. Other car tariffs coming The auto industry's regional integration has made it among the sectors most exposed to Trump's hefty 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Ford CEO Jim Farley warned in February that enactment of the tariffs "would blow a hole in the US industry that we have never seen." While greeting Trump's tariff reprieve for USMCA-covered auto imports, automakers recognized the pause is only for one month. The Trump administration has depicted the tariffs as a tool to encourage more manufacturing capacity in the United States, but such decisions are not taken overnight. "The reality is that a month is nowhere near enough time for automakers to relocate factories or reconfigure supply chains," said Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at Edmunds. "In the short term, manufacturers may need to ramp up production and stockpile inventory as a hedge against potential tariffsan expensive and risky move that could lead to bloated inventories if the tariffs don't take effect." Trump has broadly discussed a desire for 25 percent tariffs on imported cars but has offered few details. If the administration maintains protection for USMCA imports, automakers from Germany, Japan and South Korea that import to the United States would seem to be the most exposed to such a policy. About 50 percent of the cars sold in the United States are manufactured within the country. Among imports, about half come from Mexico and Canada, with Japan, South Korea and Germany, also major suppliers. 2025 AFP HOUSTON Most Make-A-Wish events are emotional experiences, but the one that happened Thursday at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was a very moo-ving event. Brady Barton, 17, of Cameron, battled Stage 3 lymphoma, and rather than wish for a trip to Disney World, he asked for a cow. Specifically, he wanted a Brahman cow. Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana made it happen. So today, we are doing what we do best, and that is making magic happen, Shelly Millwee, president and CEO, said before the event. We are going to be surprising a teenager, one of our wish kids, who has had one of the most incredible wishes. Hes wished for a cow. So today, were gonna partner with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR), and guess what? Were gonna give him a cow, and he doesnt know it. Brady, the son of Clay and Rebecca Barton, was invited to the HLSR to have a special lunch and to watch the Class 15 Brahman Heifer Show. As the heifers were being led out, judge Chris Mullinix invited Brady down to be a special guest judge, announcing to the crowd that he had battled lymphoma and was here today through Make-A-Wish. The lanky teen in a gray button-down shirt and white cowboy hat was grinning big as he made his way into the arena. Mullinix took him around the ring and they talked cattle while Mullinix discussed what he liked and didnt like about each of the heifers they were judging. After announcing the winners and dismissing the contestants, a late entry was announced, and a gray Brahman heifer was led out. This heifer is really special, Mullinix said. Its even more special when its yours! Bradys eyes widened as a look of disbelief spread across his face, followed by his wide smile. Im really kind of speechless right now, he said. Clay Barton said it was a thrilling moment and said the heifer will significantly improve the breeding stock of Bradys herd of 15 Brahmans. Hopefully I can keep her genetics going good in my herd, Brady said. The teenager said he was very thankful for Make-A-Wish and everyone involved in making his dream come true. But the gifts didnt stop there. Brady was given an official judges jacket to wear and HLSR President and CEO Chris Boldman, a Texas A&M University graduate, presented him with an official judges badge. Chris guarantees it will get you admission anywhere you want to get on the grounds, the arena announcer said. Folks, just to tell you a little bit about the heifer, her mother was the grand champion here in this ring in 2018, the famous BRC Sweetie Cow. Her sister was grand champion here two years ago, BRC Lady Glitter Sparkle. I got to announce her as a class winner at the TJPA state show in Bryan last summer. The 18-month-old heifer was donated by Brandon and Rachel Cutrer, owners of Ranch House Designs. They will help transport the heifer to the Barton's 65-acre farm in Cameron. Millwee said she sees all kinds of wish requests, but noted this one stands out. You know, we get all types of wishes," she said. "Obviously, we do travel wishes. We do Disney. Amazingly, we get wishes for kids that want to give back. Many of our kids want to give their wishes away, and its just so heartwarming that they would be so selfless. And then we get really fun wishes like this, where, you know, I wish to have a cow, and you double check, and you look and re-look at that, you know, when you see it in writing, and say, Does he know what that means? Mullinix said the heifer is, a beautiful creature that helps to develop relationships." Ive developed a relationship today," he said. "Brady is going to develop a relationship with these breeders as they help him to make sure this female is an integral part of his breeding program moving forward. And most importantly, I hope every one of you around here today is inspired by this young man and that he makes you think about what your day is, what your life is, and how important all the things are that that we oftentimes take for granted.